Assyrians Are Not a Minority

(AINA) -- The use of the term "minority" to describe Assyrians in Turkey and later in Iraq is deeply tied to the political and nationalist agendas of these nations, particularly in the 20th century. While Assyrians are undoubtedly the indigenous people of the land of the two rivers (Mesopotamia), the term "minority" was used to undermine their presence, deny their historical rights, and marginalize their influence in the political and social development of the modern Middle East. The historical and political forces that shaped the creation of these nation-states directly impacted how Assyrians were viewed -- and how they were labelled -- as "minorities."

The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of Modern Turkey

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, the new Turkish Republic, under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, embarked on an aggressive program of nation-building. Ataturk and other nationalist leaders were eager to define a cohesive Turkish identity that would unify the population under the banner of a modern, secular, and homogenous nation-state. In this process, non-Turkish ethnic and religious groups, including the Assyrians, were often relegated to the status of "minorities" or even "outsiders" despite their historical presence in the region.

For the Assyrians, the term "minority" became a tool used to both simplify and erase their complex, multi-millennial identity. The rise of Turkish nationalism sought to align the identity of the new nation with Turkish ethnic and linguistic supremacy. This political agenda required the systematic exclusion of indigenous groups like the Assyrians who had deep-rooted historical connections to the land long before the establishment of the Turkish Republic. By labelling Assyrians as "minorities," the new state effectively erased their importance as one of the region's foundational peoples.

Moreover, this label was often coupled with aggressive policies of forced assimilation, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. Assyrians, along with Armenians and Greeks, were subjected to persecution, massacres, and displacement--events that culminated in the Assyrian Genocide (also known as the Seyfo) during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. The use of the term "minority" in the Turkish context was thus a way to silence any potential claim the Assyrians might have had to their ancestral lands and their role in the shaping of the region's history.

The Birth of Iraq and the "Minority" Label

The establishment of modern Iraq in the aftermath of World War I, under British mandate, also contributed to the framing of Assyrians as "minorities" within their own homeland. Iraq was a multi-ethnic state, home to Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians, but the formation of a new Arab-majority nation-state left little room for indigenous groups like the Assyrians to assert their political, cultural, or territorial rights.

After Iraq gained independence in 1932, Assyrians -- who had been crucial in the development of Iraq's modern political and social systems -- were increasingly pushed to the margins of Iraqi identity. In the early 20th century, Assyrians were integral to the development of Iraqi infrastructure, education, and the military. However, the emergence of Arab nationalism in the 1920s and 1930s saw a concerted effort to consolidate the Arab identity at the expense of other groups.

By the 1940s and 1950s, Assyrians found themselves categorized as a "minority," a term that was used to diminish their role in Iraq's state-building process. This was part of a broader trend in the Middle East, where the creation of national borders in the post-colonial period often marginalized indigenous peoples in favor of new, dominant ethnic or religious groups. The term "minority" was used to obscure Assyrians' ancient connection to Mesopotamia and instead cast them as a subordinate and secondary group.

The Iraqi government, especially under Saddam Hussein, further entrenched the marginalization of Assyrians by using the term "minority" to justify discriminatory laws, policies, and state violence. The Assyrian community was not only physically displaced from their ancestral homes due to Arabization policies, but their cultural identity was also undermined through a systematic push for assimilation into Arab identity.

The Term "Minority" as a Tool of Political Control

In both Turkey and Iraq, the use of the term "minority" had a strategic purpose: it served to limit the political power, rights, and recognition of Assyrians. The term was part of a broader effort to centralize authority in the hands of the majority population and create a more uniform national identity. It was not simply a reflection of Assyrians' numerical size but a deliberate political manoeuvre to reduce their influence and legitimacy.

By labelling Assyrians as "minorities," both Turkey and Iraq reinforced the idea that these groups were secondary to the dominant national narrative. They were framed as something less than full participants in the cultural, political, and economic life of the nation. This perception was compounded by laws and policies that further marginalized Assyrians, denying them access to education in their language, the right to self-govern, and the ability to preserve their cultural heritage.

The term "minority" was particularly damaging in this context because it ignored the Assyrian people's deep historical and cultural connection to the land of Mesopotamia. It also rendered invisible the critical role Assyrians had played in the region's ancient civilizations and contemporary development. In essence, it cast them as interlopers in their own homeland.

Reclaiming the Narrative

The use of the term "minority" to describe Assyrians in Turkey and Iraq not only reduces their significance but also perpetuates the erasure of their rightful place in the history of Mesopotamia. Assyrians are not simply a smaller group living in a larger nation; they are the indigenous people of the land, with a profound cultural, religious, and historical legacy that spans millennia.

As Assyrians continue to fight for their rights, recognition, and survival, it is crucial to challenge the use of the term "minority" in this context. While it may have been a convenient label for nationalist agendas, it fails to reflect the true complexity of Assyrians' identity. Reclaiming the narrative surrounding the Assyrian people means acknowledging their contributions to world civilization and their role as one of the foundational peoples of the Middle East.

Rather than being cast as a "minority," Assyrians should be recognized for what they truly are: the indigenous, people of the land of two rivers.
China's top legislator meets ROK president

Xinhua) 09:22, January 07, 2026

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao noted that over the past three decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, friendly cooperation has been a distinctive feature of China-ROK ties. He added that the two countries' leaders held talks on Monday, setting the course and mapped out a new blueprint for further developing ties.

China is willing to work with the ROK to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate good-neighborly friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, shore up the foundation of public opinion, and promote the stable and long-term development of China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership, Zhao said.

China's NPC is willing to maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges with the ROK National Assembly, strengthen communication and cooperation on multiple levels and in various fields, and provide legal guarantee for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, Zhao added.

For his part, Lee said the ROK is willing to deepen cooperation with China in economy, culture and other fields, step up exchanges between legislative bodies and political parties, and enhance non-governmental exchanges to promote the development of bilateral relations.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
by Austin Bay January 6, 2026

The Pentagon's special operations arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro rates as a legend-making commando snatch raid. No U.S. fatalities. Zero. The dictator-drug lord and his criminal consort were seized and brought to U.S. soil for trial. Reportedly, scores of Maduro's trusted bodyguards died defending him, which suggests several Cuban mercenaries and maybe a Russian intel hireling or two no longer blight Planet Earth.

In the carefully planned and executed combat chaos of the U.S. assault, a legally credentialed official (DEA agent?) gave Maduro his Miranda rights. Yes, Maduro's a Venezuelan dictator, but in 2020 a U.S. federal court indicted him for money laundering (on a massive scale) and directing the systemic smuggling of deadly drugs that kill U.S. citizens by the hundreds of thousands. So Maduro got Mirandaed. Even he has the right to silence and an attorney.

The 2024 Midnight Hammer B-2 bomber raid on Iranian nuclear weapons production facilities is an act of Raid War. Midnight Hammer demonstrated rogue weapons and logistics facilities (including drug smuggling facilities) can and will be destroyed and the bad actors can do little to prevent it.

By removing the threat of Iranian nuclear destruction, the Midnight Hammer raid forwarded U.S. peace and economic diplomacy in the Middle East. Ayatollah nukes threatened both Israel and Gulf Arabs. Moreover, the raid demonstrated American deep-penetrating bombs can reach the ayatollahs hiding in underground bunkers. Yes, the robes are also vulnerable to Israeli covert action. That's the penalty for waging war on Israel.

However, the ayatollahs' biggest enemy is the Iranian people. The ayatollahs have routinely arrested, tortured or shot them in the streets. However, Midnight Hammer showed the ayatollahs can't defend their precious nukes. Now we hear high-quality rumors. Senior regime thugs are moving money to safer havens. A sign they are preparing to flee?

These rumors predate the Venezuelan raid, but the Maduro snatch will only intensify ayatollah fears.

Together the Maduro arrest and Midnight Hammer demonstrate rogue and criminal leaders and rogue weapons and logistics facilities (including drug smuggling facilities) can and will be destroyed. Moreover, the bad actors can do little about it.

Indeed. Raid War is definitely central to Trump Era international diplomacy. Very specifically targeted Raid War strikes demonstrate that the Trump administration has the political will to use unique U.S. military and police capabilities that, when employed, hold kingpin cartelistas, warlord killers and other megalomaniacal bad actors personally and physically responsible for their crimes.

The goals of Raid War strikes depend on the target's crimes, capabilities, location and degree of threat.

In the case of Venezuela, the immediate and intermediate goal is to curtail and ultimately stop bad actors from exporting crime, drug poison, criminals and potential terrorists to U.S. territory for their own enrichment. The intermediate goal is to stop the thugs from aiding an enemy power who wishes to culturally, economically and psychologically weaken the U.S. For Venezuela, that enemy power is China. Maduro's regime was a proxy army in the "disintegrative war" Beijing wages on America.

Ultimately, Washington's goal (no matter which party is in charge) should be restoring Venezuelan democracy and economic vitality. Before Maduro's socialist predecessor, Hugo Chavez, came to power, Venezuela was the wealthiest country in South America.

The Iranian case isn't all that different. Iran is another Chinese sewer ally -- a dark actor undermining American economic and political interests and capabilities to the advantage of Beijing. However, stabilizing the Middle East and promoting regional economic integration also serves a global interest.

Is Trump's Raid War legal? Yes. The Constitution gives the president the power to strike at American enemies and to defend U.S. interests. Woodrow Wilson did it (Pershing Punitive Expedition). Barack Obama killed hundreds of terrorists using air and drone strikes. And I applauded. In January 2020, (Trump Administration One) American missiles killed Iranian terror kingpin Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani was the chief architect of Iran's proxy terror and militia organizations throughout the world. He provided operational direction to violent Iranian proxies operating in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Africa. The Pentagon concluded Soleimani was responsible for killing over 600 U.S. military personnel in Iraq.

Justice served.
7 January 2026 13:35 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

History does not always take the side of those who are right, nor does it consistently stand with the oppressed. At times, the victim is recast as the villain, while the aggressor cloaks itself in the language of grievance. This distortion is especially pronounced in regions where the geopolitical ambitions of great powers collide, and where conflicts are endlessly reshaped to suit shifting strategic narratives. The South Caucasus is one such arena, and the case of Azerbaijan, more precisely, the injustice it endured in the context of the Garabagh conflict, offers a stark illustration.

For more than three decades, this injustice was etched onto Azerbaijans political identity like a scar, reinforced by selective narratives and institutionalised bias. Yet through the assertion of its sovereign will and the full mobilisation of its national capacity, Azerbaijan ultimately broke free from this circle of injustice and made its rightful voice heard on the international stage. Even so, there remain actors who either resist the restoration of justice or lack the political will to acknowledge it.

This reality was underscored only days ago when President Ilham Aliyev, speaking in an interview with local television channels, addressed a range of pressing issues, including a particularly sensitive and long-standing one: Section 907 of the United States Freedom Support Act, adopted by the US Congress in 1992 and widely regarded in Baku as a punitive and discriminatory measure against Azerbaijan.

In his remarks, President Aliyev referred to Azerbaijan-US relations and noted that constructive discussions had taken place with Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, resulting in positive momentum towards the repeal of Section 907. At the same time, he drew attention to the conspicuous inertia of the US Congress, criticising its sluggishness and apparent indifference towards abolishing a provision that has long outlived both its political rationale and moral legitimacy.

The picture that emerges is one of institutional dissonance: a Congress seemingly unwilling to align itself with the stated position of the sitting President, or perhaps constrained by the lingering influence of Armenian lobby groups with which many lawmakers have cultivated close ties over decades. By preserving this amendment, such actors appear reluctant to disappoint old allies, even at the expense of fairness, credibility, and strategic coherence.

Commenting on the issue, Hungarian political analyst Laszlo Vasa highlighted the paradox at the heart of the US political system, namely, the growing disconnect between the White House and Capitol Hill. He characterised Congresss silence as a move that undermines diplomatic engagement and erodes trust, warning that such contradictions do not merely stall progress but actively weaken the foundations of effective diplomacy.

"For more than thirty years, Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act has lingered in US policy toward Azerbaijan like a relic from another era. It was born in the emotional and chaotic aftermath of the early 1990s, when the South Caucasus was poorly understood in Washington, and moral shortcuts were politically convenient. Today, however, its continued existence has little to do with realities on the ground  and a great deal to do with how Congress actually works.

However, in recent years, Azerbaijan-US relations have entered a more pragmatic phase. The tone has improved. Dialogue has deepened. The tripartite meeting in Washington last year sent a clear signal that diplomacy, not punitive symbolism, is now the preferred path. President Donald Trump even went so far as to express openness to repealing Section 907 altogether: an acknowledgement, at the highest level, that the amendment no longer makes strategic sense. Yet Congress has done what it does best in such situations: nothing," he added.

The expert further described Congresss indifference to the issue as an attempt to evade additional responsibility and political complications. He noted that divisions within Congress during the voting process can carry personal consequences for lawmakers, at times even damaging individual political careers. According to him, certain members of Congress with closer ties to the Armenian lobby have, on occasion, intensified their hostility towards colleagues who advocate for the repeal of this provision.

"Keeping Section 907 costs nothing. The choice, for many members of the United States Congress, is obvious. Armenian-American advocacy groups have also played a decisive role in freezing the issue in place. Over time, Section 907 has been transformed from a situational response into a moral symbol. Challenging it, even quietly, can invite criticism that few lawmakers are eager to face. Supporting repeal does not win elections. Opposing it does not either. But inaction avoids controversy, and in Congress, avoiding controversy is often the primary objective," he said.

Vasa Laszlo also observed that Section 907 functions as a strategic reserve lever in the hands of Congress. According to him, the provision is kept in abeyance as a tool that can be activated or restrained depending on changing presidential administrations, as well as the shifting diplomatic climate between Baku and Washington. In this sense, Section 907 serves less as a relic of past conflicts and more as a flexible instrument of political pressure, deployed in line with evolving geopolitical calculations rather than principled policy.

"There is also a certain convenience in keeping Section 907 on the books. Even though its practical impact has been largely neutralised through presidential waivers, it remains a ready-made talking point. Whenever tensions rise, or whenever Azerbaijan falls out of favour in Washington debates, the amendment can be dusted off and cited as evidence of congressional concern. It requires no new votes, no new bills, and no real engagement with the region. Symbolic leverage, in this context, is easier than real policy.

More broadly, Section 907 is a classic example of legislative inertia. Congress is very good at creating laws and remarkably bad at revisiting them. Outdated provisions accumulate over time, especially when removing them might be framed  fairly or not  as a retreat from principles. Few politicians are eager to spend political capital explaining why an old law no longer serves its purpose. It is far simpler to let it sit, untouched and unquestioned.

Some lawmakers also worry about precedent. If Section 907 is repealed, why not revisit other long-standing restrictions elsewhere? Why open the door to debates that could weaken Congresss broader system of conditionality and sanctions? These concerns may be overstated, but they reinforce a deeply conservative instinct within the institution: better to preserve an imperfect tool than to risk losing leverage altogether."

Taken together, these considerations make it clear that the United States long-standing posture as a diplomatic partner sits uneasily with the pursuit of full justice. Rather than reinforcing fairness, this approach has generated contradictions that undermine credibility. As the Hungarian expert Laszlo aptly put it, all of this shatters the United States standing as a reliable partner.

"The result is a familiar Washington paradox. Everyone knows Section 907 is outdated. Many acknowledge it is unfair. Some even admit it undermines US credibility as an honest broker in the region. Yet it survives  not because it works, but because it fits neatly into congressional logic. It allows lawmakers to appear principled without acting, engaged without investing, and influential without responsibility.

Until repeal becomes politically safer than inaction, or until Azerbaijan moves higher on Congresss list of priorities, Section 907 will likely remain where it is: a symbolic leftover from the past, quietly shaping perceptions while doing little to advance peace, stability, or genuine partnership in the South Caucasus."
7 January 2026 17:07 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

There are moments when documents speak louder than statements, and moments when they speak instead of them. The recently surfaced letter attributed to Russias Investigative Committee regarding the crash of an AZAL aircraft belongs firmly to the second category. Its tone is restrained, almost clinical. Clouds, failed landing attempts, and an unfortunate impact with the ground. A tragedy without an author. A case without responsibility.

At first glance, everything appears orderly. Time stamps are precise, the sequence of events neatly arranged, the language deliberately neutral. The disaster is reduced to a chain of impersonal circumstances, where nature intervenes, and institutions merely observe. Yet the real problem with such narratives is never what they contain, but what they carefully avoid naming.

Because memory, inconveniently, has not been grounded.

A year ago, the airspace near Grozny was not simply overcast; it was militarised. The airport was operating amid what Russian officials later described as a drone threat. Airspace was not closed. Civilian crews were not warned. Communications were disrupted. Shortly afterwards, a civilian aircraft fell from the sky. These are not speculative interpretations or emotional accusations; they are elements acknowledged in different forms during the first days after the tragedy, supported by physical evidence and expert assessments.

This is where the newly published explanation begins to resemble less an investigation and more a curtain. Weather, after all, is an ideal witness: it cannot testify, it cannot contradict, and it cannot demand accountability. Clouds do not ask why air defence systems were active near civilian flight paths, nor why standard aviation safety protocols were quietly set aside.

Recently, photos of an official document sent to Azerbaijan by the Russian authorities regarding the termination of the criminal case into the AZAL plane crash have been made public. According to the document, the Azerbaijani airliner was unable to land in Russia due to unfavourable weather conditions, and the aircraft ultimately crashed during its attempted landing. Based on this explanation, the Russian Investigative Committee declared the criminal case closed.

With the appearance of a letter on the Telegram channel BT News, reportedly signed by Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Russian Investigative Committee, and addressed to Azerbaijans Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev. How the document reached the channel remains unclear, but such leaks rarely happen by chance; there is likely a calculated political motive behind its disclosure. In the letter, Bastrykin presents an account that seems to exist in its own detached reality: the AZAL flight left Baku for Grozny, encountered adverse weather, failed to land twice, and eventually crashed near Aktau while diverting.

What makes this version particularly fragile is not only what it claims, but how sharply it contradicts what was previously said, publicly, directly, and at the highest political level. At the CIS summit in Dushanbe, Vladimir Putin did not hide behind meteorology. He acknowledged that Russian air defence systems were involved and expressed readiness to take responsibility, including compensation and further steps. These words were not whispered; they were delivered openly and received as a rare moment of clarity in an otherwise evasive process.

Yet clarity, it seems, has a short lifespan once it encounters institutional paperwork.

The investigative conclusion now suggests that no one is to blame. No chain of command requires scrutiny. No decisions demand review. Responsibility quietly shifts to circumstances, and, by extension, to pilots who can no longer speak for themselves. It is a familiar mechanism: when accountability becomes politically inconvenient, gravity is invited to take the stand.

This logic does not emerge in isolation. The figure behind the letter represents an institution known for its ability to close sensitive cases with procedural efficiency. Files disappear into formal conclusions; contradictions are resolved through silence rather than explanation. In that context, the revival of alternative theories feels less like a discovery of truth and more like a reflex.

But there is a broader question hovering over this entire episode, one that extends beyond the AZAL tragedy itself. If Russia, and Vladimir Putin personally, are convinced of the correctness of their position, why the persistent avoidance? Why the selective presence on international platforms? Why the noticeable absence from key meetings, discussions, and formats where difficult questions might require direct answers rather than written explanations?

Confidence, after all, usually seeks the spotlight. Avoidance suggests something else.

This pattern is not unfamiliar to the international community. The same logic of denial, reframing, and procedural deflection has long accompanied Russias actions in Ukraine. Civilian infrastructure destroyed becomes a military necessity. Documented atrocities turn into provocations. Independent investigations are dismissed, while alternative narratives are produced at speed and scale. In that sense, the AZAL case does not stand apart; it fits. The tools are the same, only the context differs.

Here, too, responsibility is diluted. Facts are reclassified. Timelines are reshaped. And when contradictions become too visible, the solution is not engagement, but withdrawal, from meetings, from dialogue, from accountability itself.

Meanwhile, the political consequences ripple outward. After the crash, instead of transparent cooperation, bilateral relations deteriorated. Explanations multiplied, each weaker than the last. Pressure on the Azerbaijani community in Russia intensified, as if unresolved responsibility needed a social outlet. These developments did not occur by accident; they followed the familiar arc of evasion turning into resentment.

For a brief moment last autumn, it seemed that a different path was possible. Presidential dialogue reopened space for resolution. Apologies were issued. Compensation was mentioned. Expectations were raised, not excessively, but reasonably. What followed, however, was not progress, but procedural closure.

Now the issue is no longer confined to a single investigation. It touches on credibility itself. If presidential assurances can be quietly neutralised by institutional letters, then where exactly does decision-making power reside? In public commitments made before international partners, or in internal conclusions that never face independent scrutiny?

Azerbaijans position has been consistent from the outset: acknowledgement, accountability, compensation, and justice. These are not political demands; they are the standard language of international aviation responsibility. Attempts to reduce the tragedy to unfavourable weather do not merely fail to satisfy these demands; they implicitly deny that they were ever warranted.

At this stage, official clarification is not a diplomatic courtesy but an obligation. The authenticity and legal status of the published document must be confirmed or denied. More importantly, the reasoning behind the termination of the case must be explained, not through abstractions, but through facts that withstand scrutiny.

And beneath all technicalities, one question continues to surface, quietly but persistently: if Russia is right, as it so often insists, why does it keep stepping away when it is time to defend that rightness in the open?

Between clouds, silence, and selective absence, responsibility has a habit of disappearing. But silence, unlike weather, does not absolve.
7 January 2026 14:18 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

From January 5, 2026, new services have become available at the Khachmaz Small and Medium Enterprises House (SME House), Azernews reports, citing the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (KOBIA).

The services are provided by the State Employment Agency (SEA) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population and include registration of jobseekers and unemployed citizens, temporary removal from or cancellation of registration, participation in vocational training programs, applications for self-employment programs, organisation of job fairs, and the assignment of unemployment insurance payments. Individuals seeking these employment-related services can now apply directly at the SEA service window within the Khachmaz SME Houses.

SME Houses serve as a single point of access for both government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) services. Nearly 50 state and private institutions provide over 400 essential G2B and B2B services for entrepreneurs at SME Houses. Currently, SME Houses operate in Baku, Khachmaz, Shusha, and Yevlakh, with a service centre in Khudat under the Khachmaz branch. Entrepreneurs can access services including business registration, preparation of necessary documents and business plans, access to concessional financing, tax, customs, utilities, banking, and insurance services.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) occupy a central place in Azerbaijans economic transformation, serving as both an engine of diversification and a stabilising force beyond the oil and gas sector. Over the past decade, Baku has increasingly recognised that sustainable growth cannot be built solely on hydrocarbons, and SMEs have become the cornerstone of this recalibration.

At their core, SMEs are the primary drivers of employment and entrepreneurship across Azerbaijans regions. They provide jobs where large corporations and state-led projects often cannot, particularly in rural and non-oil-producing areas. In doing so, they help reduce regional economic disparities and limit excessive dependence on the capital. For a country seeking balanced development, this decentralising function is as politically important as it is economically necessary.

The Azerbaijani government has backed this shift with targeted institutional reforms. The establishment of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) marked a turning point, offering SMEs advisory services, legal support, access to training, and assistance in navigating bureaucracy. Complementary tax incentives, preferential credit lines, and simplified licensing procedures have further lowered entry barriers, making entrepreneurship a more realistic option for a wider segment of society.
7 January 2026 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

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From January to November 2025, Azerbaijan exported $68.5 million worth of non-oil products to Uzbekistan, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

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7 January 2026 18:31 (UTC+04:00)

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The growth in non-oil exports to Ukraine highlights Azerbaijans ongoing efforts to diversify its export markets and strengthen trade ties in the region, particularly in sectors beyond oil and gas.

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.

By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.

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7 January 2026 11:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijans Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mutallim Mirzayev, has discussed bilateral relations between Baku and Riyadh at the Kingdoms Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Azernews reports that Saudi Arabias foreign policy body said that the ambassador was received by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and Deputy Foreign Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi.

The deputy ministers welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new post. The parties also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993, with bilateral trade reaching $310 million in 2024, according to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy. The two countries cooperate in energy, investment, and cultural sectors, with Saudi firms participating in infrastructure and construction projects in Azerbaijan.

Moreover, in recent years, Baku and Riyadh have strengthened ties through high-level visits, including meetings between foreign ministers and heads of state. The countries also collaborate in international organisations such as the UN and OIC, promoting regional stability and economic development. Trade and investment initiatives remain a priority for both sides.

Further to the cooperation between the two countries, both sides are strengthening cooperation in the field of green energy as part of their broader efforts to diversify energy portfolios and support the global transition to clean power. Both countries, traditionally known as major hydrocarbon producers, are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to ensure long-term energy security and sustainable economic growth.

The partnership focuses on exchanging expertise, exploring joint investment opportunities, and developing renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan, particularly in solar and wind power generation. This cooperation aligns with Azerbaijans goal of expanding renewable capacity and Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, which prioritises clean energy development and reduced reliance on oil revenues. By deepening collaboration in green energy, Baku and Riyadh aim to position themselves as proactive players in the regional and global energy transition.
7 January 2026 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On January 7, 2026, Colonel Salauat Khayrushev, the newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, was officially presented to Azerbaijans Minister of Defence, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Defence.

During the meeting, Minister Hasanov congratulated the Kazakh officer on the start of his mission in Azerbaijan. He emphasised that Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations are founded on friendship, brotherhood, and rich historical traditions, and wished Colonel Khayrushev success in advancing military cooperation between the two countries.

In response, Colonel Khayrushev expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and assured that he would devote his efforts to further strengthening military ties throughout his tenure.

The discussion also covered the current state of cooperation in military, military-technical, and military-educational fields, explored new prospects, and included exchanges of views on several other issues of mutual interest.
7 January 2026 16:03 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

As part of the Baku White City road infrastructure redevelopment project, a modern, metal-structured pedestrian bridge has been constructed over 8 November Avenue, connecting the Fountains Square Park with the White City Boulevard, Azernews reports, citing the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads (AAYDA).

The bridge spans 234 meters in length and varies from 7 to 13 meters in width, featuring a single-span metal truss design. It is supported by one pylon, with suspension cables ensuring stability. The project was commissioned by the Azerbaijan State Agency for Automobile Roads and utilized high-quality construction materials and innovative design solutions.

The bridges unique architecture combines pedestrian safety, attractive lighting, spacious walkways, and a welcoming atmosphere, while the thoughtfully designed landscape creates an enjoyable walking experience. This infrastructure is expected to play a key role in ensuring pedestrian comfort and accessibility in Bakus White City.

Pedestrians can now easily move between Zaman Square, Fountains Square, and the White City Boulevard. Escalators and elevators installed on the bridge will also provide access to the future White City metro station, further enhancing connectivity.

With its modern design and strategic location, the bridge is set to become a favorite spot for both residents and tourists visiting Baku.
7 January 2026 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) reported that a landmine incident occurred on January 7, 2026, in the village of Mehdili in the liberated Jabrayil district, Azernews reports.

The incident involved Rashad Nariman oglu Mammadov, born in 1985, an employee of a private company engaged in humanitarian demining operations. While performing his official duties, he triggered an anti-personnel mine, sustaining minor injuries to his leg.

The injured worker was immediately evacuated to the district central hospital, where his condition was described as satisfactory, and his life is not in danger.

ANAMA continues to emphasize the risks associated with landmines in liberated territories and calls for strict adherence to safety protocols during demining operations.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan faces one of the most severe landmine contamination problems in the world as a result of the decades-long Garabagh conflict. Vast areas of the countrys liberated territories remain polluted with landmines and unexploded ordnance, posing serious risks to civilians and delaying large-scale reconstruction. According to official data, thousands of mines are detected and neutralized each year during humanitarian demining operations. The mine threat continues to hinder infrastructure development, agricultural activity, and the safe return of internally displaced persons. Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) leads clearance efforts, working with both local and international partners.
7 January 2026 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov met with Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in the energy sector, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.

During the meeting, ACWA Power was recognized as an important partner in Azerbaijans energy development, reflecting the strong fraternal relations between the two countries.

The discussions highlighted the strategic significance of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant and joint seawater desalination projects, noting the successful construction of the wind power plant and its connection to the national grid as a key milestone in bilateral cooperation.

The meeting also covered the progress of electricity interconnector projects along the Black Sea, Europe, Central Asia, and Nakhchivan routes.

Both sides assessed prospects for cooperation in the development and transmission of green energy, including partnerships between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia. Beyond electricity production, discussions explored potential collaboration in power transmission, further strengthening regional energy integration and sustainable development initiatives.
by Derek Neal

The town had only one grocery store, and Steve wondered where the locals did their shopping. Certainly not here, but perhaps in a supermarket outside of town, one that required a car. Along with Julia, he picked up some Italian cheese, prosciutto, grapes, and a bottle of local wine, and they made their way up the hill to the house theyd rented for the week.

The two friends from college were proud of themselves. They werent staying next to the sea with the rest of the tourists, but in a different village altogether, one that required a short bus ride and where no other passengers got off. In the village, the few streets that existed were carved into the hillside, each one so narrow that they were forced to walk behind one another, instead of side by side.

It had been a long day, and they felt they deserved to indulge. Theyd gone hiking high above the town, starting early and rising with the sun. The trail followed the curve of the hills, the open sea to one side, vineyards to the other. What lay before them not visible beyond a few yards. They heard fellow hikers before seeing them, but rarely was any Italian heard. When two groups passed each other, each group always smiled and let out a garbled Buongiorno, before reverting to their respective languages. Steve complied and mumbled Ciao a few times, but soon he began to feel like an imposter, playing at being Italian, or playing at being whatever it was people thought being Italian meant, and he resigned himself to nodding politely in response to the other travelers.

Back at the house, they opened the windows to let the late afternoon sunshine in, and realized they could access a small platform via their own bedroom window. It seemed to be a sort of roof, but instead of a house below, there was a suspended passageway that you could pass beneath. Steve climbed through the open window, and from inside Julia passed him a plastic table, two chairs, and what theyd bought at the store. Once everything had been arranged, it was a sight to behold: on one side, the hills bathed in light from the low hanging sun, on the other, the pink and yellow hued town perched atop the blue sea; then there were the two of them, and a plate of rich, sumptuous food in the middle.

They touched their wine glasses together, looked each other in the eye, and made a toast: To Italy!

They continued to eat and drink, and before long daylight faded away. Steve found himself alone on the roof. Suddenly, he heard a loud sound from somewhere below, and he looked down to see an older man clapping his hands at him.

Hey! You cant be up there! Get down from there! the man yelled in Italian.

Steve stared back at him, dumbfounded; but the man, now in the company of an old woman, continued to yell. Slowly, the words arranged themselves in Steves brain, and he realized what was happening.

Ok, ok, he stammered. Dont worry, Im going inside, he said in his best Italian.

He took everything and began to pass it through the window to Julia, who had appeared from inside. They sat down on the couch together, staring at each other. Had they done anything so wrong? Before they could make sense of the situation, more noises came to them from outside. Now five or six people were gathered there, all exclaiming in disbelief.

They listened, waiting for things to settle down, but the voices only grew louder. Then, as they struggled to understand, the voices subsided, and Steve breathed a sigh of relief.

Julia smiled, This is just so Italian! The whole village coming outside to yell and throw their hands in the airover nothing! She laughed, but was cut short by a new voice coming to them, this time in accented English.

Ehitourist! Come! Come!

They looked at each other again, and realized that one of them would have to go and face these people. Steve would do it, since he spoke better Italian. As he left the house and walked down the narrow steps, what had seemed so quaint before now took on a sinister character, and he felt as if he were walking down a blind alley to his execution. When he arrived, the townspeople appeared to be dispersing, and he was able to approach one of them who was alone, a middle aged woman with a kind face.

Excuse me, he said. It was me who was up there, and he gestured towards the roof. We didnt want to cause any trouble.

She looked back at him with her kind, benevolent face. It was good of you to come down. But its not me to whom you must beg forgiveness, but her, and she pointed to a doorway below the roof, where an old woman was bent over, leaning on a walking cane.

He hurried over to the old woman, wanting nothing more than to have everything be as it was before. As he approached her, she lifted her grey head and stared at him.

II just wanted to apologize. We didnt mean any harm. We didnt know we couldnt be up there.

At this, her face changed, and the hand holding the cane began to shake. But one does not do that, she said in disbelief. One does not exit from a window to go onto a roofits not done. She was picking up speed now, and he had to focus to keep up with everything she was saying, You peopleyou people who travel the world, coming and going as you pleaseYou people with no concern for anyone but yourselves!

He averted his eyes and began to mumble another apology, but she had already turned her back and gone inside, shutting the door on him forever.

***

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7 January 2026 17:30 (UTC+04:00)

Religious organizations in Azerbaijan have been allocated financial assistance, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree.

Pursuant to the decree, the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026 provides for financial support to religious organizations from the Reserve Fund of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In particular, 3.5 million manat ($2.06 million) have been allocated to the Caucasian Muslim Board, 400,000 manat ($235,259) to the Spiritual Organization of the Russian Orthodox Church in Baku and the Azerbaijani Diocese, 400,000 manat ($235,259) to the Spiritual Community of Mountain Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of European Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of Sephardic Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, and 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of Albanian-Udi Christians in Azerbaijan. In addition, 400,000 manat ($235,259) have been allocated to the Fund for the Promotion of Spiritual Values, which is subordinate to the State Committee for Work with Religious Institutions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to provide material support to other non-Islamic religious communities in Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan should provide funding in the amount specified in part 1 of this decree.
7 January 2026 19:35 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to allocate financial assistance to religious institutions across Azerbaijan.

The order aims to support the activities of existing religious denominations, promote interfaith solidarity, organize religious education in line with modern requirements, and strengthen initiatives that advance progressive spiritual and moral values.

Under the order, AZN 3.5 million from the 2026 Presidents Reserve Fund will be allocated to the Caucasus Muslims Office. Additional financial support of AZN 400,000 each will be provided to several other religious communities, including the Russian Orthodox Churchs Baku and Azerbaijan Diocese, the Religious Community of Mountain Jews in Baku, the Baku Religious Community of European Jews, the Baku Religious Community of Sephardic Jews, the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, and the Albanian-Udi Christian Community in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, AZN 400,000 will be allocated to the Moral Values Promotion Fund under the State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions to support non-Islamic religious communities.
7 January 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

Egypt and Syria signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The agreements, which were finalized in Cairo, focus on the supply of Egyptian natural gas to Syria for electricity generation, as well as the provision of petroleum products to meet Syrias energy needs.

The MoUs were signed during a meeting between Karim Badawi, Egypts Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and a high-level Syrian delegation led by Ghiath Diab, the Deputy Chief of Syrias Energy Authorities.

Minister Badawi emphasized Egypts commitment to providing technical expertise and support to help Syria rebuild its energy infrastructure, which has been severely impacted by years of conflict. The agreements mark a significant step toward regional energy cooperation and economic recovery for Syria.

This collaboration is seen as part of a broader effort by Egypt to enhance its role as a key energy supplier in the region, while also supporting neighboring countries in overcoming their energy challenges. Experts suggest that the partnership could have long-term benefits for both nations, especially in terms of stabilizing Syrias energy supply and fostering economic ties.
7 January 2026 18:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

IKEA announced on Wednesday that, following a comprehensive review of its customer touchpoints in China, it will close seven of its large-format blue-box stores, effective February 2, 2026, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The closures will affect the following locations: IKEA Shanghai Baoshan, IKEA Guangzhou Panyu, IKEA Tianjin Zhongbei, IKEA Nantong, IKEA Xuzhou, IKEA Ningbo, and IKEA Harbin.

The Swedish retail giant explained that, over the next two years, it plans to focus on smaller, more flexible store formats, opening around a dozen compact locations in major cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen.

The move reflects a broader shift in retail toward agile, experience-focused stores that integrate online and offline shopping. IKEAs smaller stores are expected to emphasize digital ordering, quick pick-up, and interactive customer experiences, signaling a transformation in how the brand engages with Chinese consumers.

This strategy could serve as a model for IKEAs expansion in other markets, blending convenience, local adaptability, and immersive brand experiencesall while reducing the costs and complexities associated with large-format stores.
Beginning about the time Tim Walz took office as governor, there has been a steady stream of ethnic Somalis leaving the US through the Minneapolis airport carrying bundles of US cash in their luggage. In total, it is calculated that $700 Million was involved. Federal agents have belatedly begun an investigation of the matter.

The Somali couriers flew a route of Minneapolis to Amsterdam to Dubai with the money. While it was reported during the Biden administration, they had no interest in looking into the matter.

https://justthenews.com/government/security/wedfeds-probing-hundreds-millions-suspected-somali-cash-luggage-leaving

Meanwhile federal Medicaid authorities have announced that they will claw back from Minnesota the federal Medicaid funds that sloppy Minnesota authorities lost to fraud in these schemes by Somalis.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/medicaid-will-claw-back-fraud-funds-minnesota-agency-head
Parents and teachers given serious food for thought as cost of school dinner rises by around 50p a day

Fears 19.25% hike in prices will adversely impact children from low income homes

Children line up to be served in school canteen

Mark Bain Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 07:20

The humble school dinner has come a long way since the days many parents will remember  the hard chips, the crunchy chicken nuggets, apple crumble with lumpy custard you had to peel the skin off.
A body has been discovered in the search for missing man Taylor Stewart.

A body has been discovered in the search for a missing Co Tyrone man who was last seen on New Years Day.

Taylor Stewart (21) was last seen at approximately 5.30am on 1 January in the Church Heights area of the Cookstown.

A body has been discovered in the search for Taylor Stewart.

The father-of-ones family, alongside police made extensive appeals for information which may lead to his whereabouts, however a body has now been discovered.

In a statement, PSNI spokesperson said: Police can confirm that the body of a man has been located in Cookstown this afternoon, Wednesday 7 January.

Whilst formal identification has not taken place, the family of Taylor Stewart, who has been missing since the early hours of New Year's Day, has been informed.

Community Rescue Service Belfast District also released a statement sending their sympathies following the bodys discovery.

From early hours on Thursday 1st January 2026, the Community Rescue Service volunteers have been searching for a high-risk missing person believed to be within the Cookstown area, they said.

We regret to inform you that early this afternoon Community Rescue Service volunteers along with the Police Service of Northern Ireland located a body in the Cookstown area.

The management and volunteers of the Community Rescue Service extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

On Tuesday his older sister, Paige, said: Me and mummy would fight to our deaths for you to come home, we are not whole without you.

She also told this newspaper yesterday: I have no further information, apart from [that] someone somewhere knows something, and if they have any sort of conscience, they would leave a note or tell someone where he is. We are all slowly fading away without him.

A body has been discovered in the search for missing man Taylor Stewart.

News Catch Up - Wednesday 7 January
Handout photo issued by MCE pr of digging under a mountainous area of Co Tyrone as Dalradian Gold plans to mine gold in the area.

The lengthy delay over an application to mine gold in Co Tyrone is a total disgrace, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.

Mr Robinson criticised the outrageous hold ups around the Dalradian gold mine project as he expressed concerns that planning regulations in Northern Ireland were restricting opportunities for economic growth.

The East Belfast MP made the comments during a Northern Ireland Affairs Committee meeting focused on new and emerging economic sectors in the region.

The planning application sparked protests last year (PA)

Late last year, the US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens warned that unnecessary delays over the mining application were harming Northern Irelands reputation.

The senior diplomat said bureaucracy must not become a barrier to progress in the region as he voiced concerns about the speed of planning decisions.

Dalradian, which is supported by US investment, wants to develop an underground gold, silver and copper mine on its Curraghinalt site near Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains, where it has been working since 2009.

It says the proposed underground mine could create and support up to 1,000 jobs and add five billion dollars (4.1 billion) to the Northern Ireland economy.

However, some opponents have raised concerns about the impact of the proposed mine on the environment and health.

A planning application was submitted in 2017 and a Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) inquiry was ordered by then infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon in 2020.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson criticised the delay (PA)

The probe opened for public hearings in Omagh last year, but on the third day of evidence it was suspended.

On Wednesday morning the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee heard evidence from Steven Norris, the deputy director of Regeneration and Infrastructure at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon councillor Tim McClelland, who was representing the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA); and Alison McCullagh, the chief executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Local councils deal with the majority of planning applications in Northern Ireland, but major projects of regional significance are handled by Stormonts Department for Infrastructure.

During the meeting, Mr Robinson asked the witnesses what changes were needed to planning processes to ensure they were not inhibiting economic growth.

If were going to talk about economic growth, I think its impossible to avoid planning as an inhibitor to growth, he said.

The DUP leader referenced the comments of Ambassador Stephens in November and said he shared the diplomats concerns on Dalradian.

I think its outrageous at 17 years on theres still no progress for Dalradian as but one example, he said.

The MP added: Seventeen years on, its a total disgrace that a decision hasnt been made thus far.

Alison McCullagh gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (Parliament TV/PA)

Mr Robinson claimed that a large salt mine near Carrickfergus, which currently provides salt for the whole of Northern Ireland, the western side of Scotland and the north-west of England, would not secure planning approval if an application was to be made in the present day.

Responding, Ms McCullagh said she did not want to go into the details of the Dalradian application, but said it was important to note that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was officially opposed to the development.

She agreed with Mr Robinson that a decision needed to be made one way or the other.

This is at a public inquiry stage (and) a decision needs to be taken obviously as a matter of urgency, to provide clarity for all views in relation to the project, she said.

Ms McCullagh, who also leads on planning issues in her role at Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE NI), insisted improvements in the system were helping to speed up application processes across Northern Ireland.

That work included a number of streamlining initiatives, a particular focus on statutory consultees and also around what we would call front loading of quality applications, she told the committee.

And it is making a difference. And certainly the most recent evidence that came out just prior to Christmas on these statistics would show that there has been some demonstrable improvement.

Ms McCullagh said there were concerns about the length of time some statutory consultees took to respond to applications, citing particular issues with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

So I think if a greater focus perhaps within NIEA could come to their responses that would very significantly address the backlog, she said.
Two women, aged 79 and 68 were arrested on suspicion of helping the couple but have since been released on bail

A Holocaust survivor and her Belfast-born husband, who died at a Swiss clinic, had spoken about their plan for assisted dying for the past two or three years, a friend has said.

Ruth Posner (96) and her husband Michael (97) are believed to have died last September in the Pegasos clinic near Basel.

Mrs Posner had escaped a Ghetto in Warsaw and arrived in the UK as a teenager, having lost most of her family in a concentration camp during the Second World War.

She met her husband, Michael, a Jewish chemist who was born in Belfast, at a dance in London when she was 18 years old.

After the death of the Posners was reported in September last year, one friend raised concerns that Mrs Posner may have been coerced by her husband.

Two women have since been arrested on suspicion of helping the couple.

But according to The Times, friends and family said the couple made the decision together and dismissed claims of coercion.

Vera Peck, a friend who first met Mrs Posner at a talk about assisted dying, said she had long known about the couples plan.

Speaking to The Times, she said the couple had spoken about their plan for the past two or three years.

The couple, who did not have terminal illnesses, needed help because of their ailing health. Mrs Posner struggled to walk and her husbands eyesight had severely deteriorated.

It was difficult, Ms Peck said. [Ruth] was getting more and more frail and thats what made them decide and make a date.

Ruth had been on to it first. Michael was in favour. They were interdependent. Life wouldnt have been anything at all to them separately. Hed been in hospital earlier in the year and she absolutely was beside herself  They had a good life, so why spoil it? she added.

The couple only told family and friends about their decision through an email after attending the clinic.

In the email first reported by The Times, they told the recipients: When you receive this email we will have shuffled off this mortal coil.

The decision was mutual... We had lived a long life and together for almost 75 years. There came a point when failing senses of sight and hearing and lack of energy was not living but existing, that no care would improve.

The Posners, who lived in north London, spent almost 75 years together.

Ruth Posner was born in Warsaw in 1929. Like many Jewish families, they were sent to live in the Warsaw Ghetto. She managed to escape to the UK, though most of her family, including her parents, were believed to have been murdered in the Treblinka death camp.

She married Michael in 1950 and became a dancer and choreographer with the London Contemporary Dance School. Michael worked for UNICEF in the early 1970s in New York. Ruth was also an actress, appearing in Making News (1990) and Bramwell (1997).

She shouldnt have had to make those arrangements.

The couple had a son, Jeremy, who died when he was 37. They are survived by a grandson, Zac, who is now in his 30s.

After news of their death was reported, a friend of the couple, Julia Pascal, claimed in an interview with The Times that Mrs Posner may have been coerced by her husband.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that two women, aged 79 and 68, were arrested on October 24 on suspicion of aiding and abetting a suicide. They were later bailed pending investigations.

The Suicide Act 1961 makes it a serious offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure anothers suicide. It is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

A draft law is being considered at Westminster for terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live.

Sonja Linden, a longtime friend of Mrs Posner who worked with her during her acting career, said that the actress was an advocate for changing the law in relation to assisted dying in England.

She felt increasingly, every time I visited her over the last year, she said weve had enough, were ready to go, we dont want to just exist. And thats what were doing, were just existing at the moment, said Ms Linden.

She wouldnt have had to make those arrangements, had to travel, she couldve said goodbye more publicly.

Another longtime friend of Mrs Posner, Tusse Silberg, said the coercion claim was absolute nonsense  shocking, outrageous, I feel Ruths rage.

Polish Holocaust survivor Ruth Posner

News Catch Up - Monday 5 January

Also speaking about the claim, Ms Peck said: When I read that, it kept me awake all night, it really did.

A marriage like that, they were so bonded, to have it rubbished, awful. He was a gentle soul. If you wanted a good example of a lovely marriage, that was it.

A nephew of the couple, who The Times reported was asked not to be named, said he had been given their ashes at their request.

He said that he was aware of their plans to end their lives in Switzerland and said any suggestion of coercion was totally wrong.
L-R Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI and Anne Stewart, Senior Curator of Art at the Ulster Museum

Works by two of Irelands most celebrated artists  Sir John Lavery and Sir William Orpen  have been unveiled in new display at the Ulster Museum as they celebrate the major acquisition.

Belfast-born painter Sir John Laverys small study, Sketch of the House of Lords in Session, 15 December 1921, is one of the works featured in A Time of Gifts, which showcases the enhancement to the Ulster Museums renowned Irish art collection.

From early in his career, Lavery (18561941) perfected the oil sketch as a means of rapidly recording a scene or event. This painting records the packed chamber of the House of Lords during the debate which followed the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, on 6th December 1921, establishing the Irish Free State. Lavery donated thirty-four paintings to the newly opened Belfast Art Gallery in 1929 - now the Ulster Museum.

Meanwhile, there are six other works by Sir William Orpen including the oil painting German Bomb-fire at Picardy. Orpen, born in Dublin, maintained close ties with Ireland and returned to teach in Dublin, influencing a younger generation of Irish painters, many of whom were women and are represented in the Ulster Museums collection.

The works have been accepted by HM Government in Lieu of Inheritance Tax from the estate of Mary Hobart, part of the collection of Alan and Mary Hobart, and were allocated to the Ulster Museum in 2025. The offer in lieu was negotiated with the support of the Heritage and Taxation team at Christies.

Mary Hobart, together with her husband Alan, founded the Pyms Gallery, London, which specialised in Irish art.

L-R Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI and Anne Stewart, Senior Curator of Art at the Ulster Museum

Watch - Actor Anthony Boyle reads to children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said: It is always a cause of celebration when new acquisitions are unveiled. This gift greatly enhances the Ulster Museum collection of Irish art. We are very grateful to Arts Council England for this allocation from the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

The Governments Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme enables pre-eminent works of art to be accepted in lieu of inheritance tax and allocated to UK museums and galleries, ensuring their preservation for public benefit. The Acceptance in Lieu Scheme is administered by Arts Council England.

A Time of Gifts is on show at the Ulster Museum until May 3 2026. Admission is free.
A 59-year old man has been arrested after a man was allegedly assaulted with a hammer in Newtownards.

The PSNI said it received a report at around 12.35pm on Wednesday that a man in his 60s had been attacked in the Blenheim Drive area.

Sergeant McLaughlin said it is understood the suspect assaulted the victim outside a block of flats using a hammer.

As a result of the attack, the man sustained injuries to his head, he said.

They said the victim was taken to hospital for treatment and remains there at this time.

A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

A police spokesperson added: He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101, quoting reference number 520 of 07/01/26.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stock image. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph.

News Catch Up - Wednesday 7 January

Reports can also be made online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A former British politician, who was the only MP to criticise Margaret Thatcher over her stance on IRA hunger strikers during the Troubles, has been remembered for living a life brimming with achievement.

Tributes have been paid to Sir Patrick Duffy who died at the age of 105 on January 2.

Mr Duffy first ran for parliament in 1950 and was elected MP in 1963 after winning the Colne Valley by-election.

He held a seat in Sheffield Attercliffe from 1970 to his retirement in 1992.

Writer Kevin Meagher, who helped Duffy pen his second book, said family and friends will miss his kindness, humour and incredible acuity in recalling personalities and events from a century ago.

Paying tribute in Labour Uncut, Meagher added: His was a life well-lived, brimming with achievement, the admiration of colleagues and the love and affection of so many. He will be greatly missed.

Mr Duffy was born in 1920 and was the eldest son of James and Margaret  both Irish immigrants from Mayo.

His mother was keen to raise her children as Irish Catholics.

His father, a miner, fought for Britain in the First World War, as Duffy did in the Second.

Themes that emerged in his life early were said to be justice for the poor and Irish nationalism, marked by a childhood where anti-Catholicism was never far away while growing up.

He claimed his political feelings first emerged with the General Strike, the month before his sixth birthday and he never missed a political rally or meeting afterwards.

Duffys Irish political instincts were heightened in 1944 when, having enlisted with the Fleet Air Arm, he joined HMS Formidable alongside the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

As officer of the watch he was given a confidential note to brief shorebound sailors.

He was informed much of the city was off limits. A guard told Duffy: Things are not as they appear on the surface. Catholics are trampled on.

That impression was confirmed when Duffy was posted to a Royal Navy air station near Londonderry.

That such a thing could be happening in a British city astounded me, he said. Such disclosures moved me to question for the first time the Britishness in which I had been nurtured.

A plane crash during a training exercise left Duffy lying overnight on a Scottish mountain.

He was given the last rites and even after surgery experienced periodic pain for the rest of his life.

When Duffy returned to the Doncaster Labour Party after the Second World War, he was said to be disappointed to find no interest in Irish issues.

He once said it was the first of many reminders of how selective the left was in relation to human rights, especially when it came to Ireland.

While Duffy did not support the IRA, he publicly criticised the convictions of the Birmingham Six and the 1988 SAS killings of the IRA bomb team in Gibraltar.

He also opposed the Anglo-Irish agreement on the grounds that it legitimised partition.

The late Sir Patrick Duffy.

News Catch Up - Monday 5 January

Following the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands in May 1981, Duffy was the only MP to condemn Margaret Thatcher in the House of Commons.

He faced a barrage of outraged Tory jeers and insults of pig.

A flying accident kept Duffy on full Navy pay while he studied for a doctorate at the London School of Economics.

While there, then at Columbia University in New York and lecturing at Leeds University, he fought and lost the solid Tory seat of Tiverton in Devon at the 1950, 1951 and 1955 general elections.

In 1963 Duffy was rewarded with a by-election in Colne Valley, West Yorkshire, a rural constituency with a strong Liberal Party tradition.

He won and retained the seat the following year, but in the 1966 general election, he was the only sitting Labour MP to lose his seat, to the Liberal Richard Wainwright.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson ensured his return to parliament in 1970 by entering him for a solid Labour seat in Sheffield Attercliffe.

He held it until his retirement in 1992.
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious ongoing incident in east Belfast.

Ambulance, police and the fire service were called to reports of an explosion at a property on the Lower Braniel Road at 12:30pm on Wednesday.

Several fire appliances, police, the air ambulance and ambulance are at the scene.

Firefighters at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Belfast Telegraph understands a gas explosion happened inside the property shortly before 12:30pm

Two people have been taken to hospital after being treated at the scene.

At the property, smashed windows can be seen with roof tiles blown off during the incident.

Several local residents have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed the two people transferred for treatment were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

A NIAS spokesperson added: NIAS has dispatched two emergency ambulances, one HART Team, one ambulance officer, one emergency planning officer and the charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the scene.

A police spokesperson said: Emergency Services are currently in attendance at a suspected gas explosion at a house on the Lower Braniel Road in east Belfast.

"The Lower Braniel Road has been closed in both directions and local diversions are in place.

Emergency services at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were tasked to the incident at around 12.30pm.

Two appliances from Knock Fire Station and a hazmat unit for Whitla Fire Station were dispatched and remain at the scene.

They added Firefighters are currently in attendance at an incident involving an explosion at a mid-terraced house on the Lower Braniel Road in Belfast.

"The incident is ongoing.

Translink number 4 bus services in the area have also been disrupted.

The transport operator confirmed a re-route is in place for the 4e service. The bus will head out as normal to St Patricks Gilnahirk, taking a left into the carpark.

Services will then wait on Gilnahirk Road for their departure. On the way into Belfast the service will route via Braniel Estate, Whincroft Road, Knock Road and then Clarawood as normal.

In a post on social media, local east Belfast MP and DUP leader Gavin Robinson wrote: "Lower Braniel Road is currently closed in both directions, following a gas explosion at a home.

My thoughts are with anyone who may be affected by this incident.

Firefighters at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Kevin Scott at the scene:

Firefighters in breathing apparatus isolated the gas supply on arrival.

A short time later, the Air Ambulance landed at a nearby school, where the doctors onboard were picked up by police and brought to the scene.

Two people were treated at the roadside before being taken from the scene by ambulance.

Gas engineers and the Housing Executive are at the property here as of 1:15pm.

Firefighters have began to wrap down the bulk of their operation, as they are removing loose roof tiles from the property.

At around 1:45pm emergency crews at the scene have confirmed to me that the house has been made safe for engineers to go inside, they tell me that the gas supplies for properties joining the houses were turned off at the box within minutes of the incident occuring.
Exclusive | SF man says he proposed IRA cyber operation to hack into huge British bank in 1980s  but Army Council member vetoed proposal

Dublin Sinn Fein member says he made proposal to hack Barclays Bank, stealing money from Apartheid South Africa, but IRA leader blocked the idea

A proposal to hack into the systems of one of Britains biggest banks to steal vast sums was blocked by Brian Keenan, it has been claimed Image: Belfast Telegraph graphics

Sam McBride Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 07:17

One of the IRAs most feared commanders blocked a proposal to hack into the systems of one of Britains biggest banks to steal vast sums, the Sinn Fein man behind the plan has claimed.
A prohibited hormone was found in beef, originating in Brazil, which had been imported into Ireland (Alamy/PA)

The discovery of a prohibited growth hormone in beef originating in Brazil that entered Ireland should be a wake-up call for the Government, according to farmers.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has called on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU vote on Friday.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it was notified by the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland on December 12 that a consignment of beef, with an expiry date of October 31 2025, from animals that had been treated with oestradiol, had been distributed to three businesses in the Republic in September.

The beef was from Brazil  part of the Mercosur trading bloc which also includes Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as full members and other South American countries as associate members.

The administration of oestradiol, which can be used as a growth-promoting hormone, is not allowed in animals intended for the food chain in the EU.

The EU conducted an audit in relation to the matter and Brazilian officials informed authorities that carcasses from animals treated with oestradiol were mixed into consignments of beef destined for the bloc.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: This shows that the undertaking from Brazil about the processes they have in place are completely flawed and wholly ineffective.

He added: This EU audit which uncovered these hormones is getting worse and worse, with more EU countries being embroiled. The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal.

In 2024, another EU audit found that the Brazilian system to stop hormones entering the EU food chain could not be relied upon. We were told by the EU that Brazil implemented an action plan to address this.

Yet, hormones have now entered the EU and Irish food chain. This has to be a red line for the Irish Government on Mercosur.

The question is are Brazil misleading the EU or are the EU misleading their citizens. We need full disclosure immediately.
The Irish foreign minister will visit Belfast to meet party leaders and representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Helen McEntee will meet with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, DUP MLA Edwin Poots, on her visit to the region on Wednesday, which she says has been a priority for her since taking up her current role in November 2025.

Ms McEntee, who is also deputy leader of Fine Gael, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the reshuffle that occurred after Paschal Donohoe resigned as Finance minister to take up a position at the World Bank.

She will also meet with Alliance Party leader and Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, and SDLP leader of the opposition at Stormont, Matthew OToole.

Irish foreign minister Helen McEntee will visit Belfast on Wednesday.

The minister will go on to visit St Malachys College, which has received funding through the Governments Reconciliation Fund.

Ms McEntee said the engagements in Northern Ireland are an important opportunity to discuss current priorities and shared challenges.

Those include our ongoing work to address the legacy of the Troubles, the Shared Island Initiative, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island, she said.

Northern Ireland was a focus for me as Minister for Justice, including legacy issues. That is why one of my immediate priorities upon taking up office is to hear from victims and survivors groups.

Their views are vital as we work to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, holds a picture of him, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (PA)

The Irish government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

Irish Foreign Affairs minister Helen McEntee spoke to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Irish government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow Bridie to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Londonderry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
British armed forces provided support to the USs seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.

The Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, was captured by US forces on Wednesday as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.

RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval supply ship, the RFA Tideforce, were among the British military assets which took part in the operation, according to the MoD.

The capture of the Marinera, which appeared bound for a Russian Arctic port, could prove a new flashpoint in relations between the West and Moscow, whose transport ministry appeared to suggest the international law of the sea had been breached.

Donald Trump appeared to take a swipe at Americas Nato partners following the operation, suggesting America was always there for the alliance but the opposite was not true, despite British involvement.

We will always be there for Nato, even if they wont be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT (Donald J Trump) REBUILT USA. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! he wrote on social media.

RFA Tideforce was among the British military assets which took part in the operation (Ministry of Defence/PA)

The sanctioned tanker has been pursued by the US over several weeks, after it apparently escaped what Mr Trump described as the total naval blockade of Venezuela put in place in December.

Another Venezuela-linked tanker, the Sophia, was also seized by the US during a pre-dawn raid in the Caribbean on Wednesday, according to the US Southern Command.

The MoD insisted Britains support in capturing the Marinera was in full compliance with international law.

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Defence Secretary John Healey said: Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Arguing the seizure was legally justified, Mr Healey told MPs on Wednesday evening the tanker had been stateless and falsely flying the flag of Guyana when it was first intercepted, before changing its name and attempting to adopt the Russian flag.

He said: A stateless vessel may be lawfully intercepted and subjected to the law of the interdicting state.

Over a four-year period, reports suggest that this vessel moved some 7.3 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, the proceeds of which have been used to finance terrorism, threat and instability across the world, he added.

(PA Graphics)

Russias transport ministry said it had granted the Marinera, previously flagged in Guyana, a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag on Christmas eve.

It added that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.

Ahead of the Marineras seizure, Kremlin adviser and former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov warned such a move would be considered as (an) attack on Russia, and it could lead to very critical or maybe even crisis situation in relations between Russia and US.

The Venezuela-linked oil tanker was travelling off British waters (@US_EUCOM/PA)

He also told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme Russian submarines, which have been speeding towards the tanker to escort it, would not fire on the US forces but could cause technical difficulties such as a slight collision.

American and British surveillance aircraft could be seen flying over the path of the Marinera in recent days, as it made its way northwards through the Atlantic.

Among the latest were US special operations aircraft, which landed at a Scottish airport, Wick John OGroats, before flying further north towards Iceland on Wednesday, according to flight tracking websites.
Jessie Buckley is the frontrunner for the best actress Oscar this year (Ian West/PA Wire)

Jessie Buckley has said she was brutalised on Andrew Lloyd Webbers BBC reality series Id Do Anything.

The Irish actor, 36, said she faced unfair objectification when she was a contestant on the 2008 show, which searched for an unknown to play Nancy in a West End production of Oliver.

Buckley is an Oscar frontrunner for her role in Hamnet, the film adapted from the novel by NI author Maggie OFarrell.

The actor said she was bodyshamed when appearing on the reality series at 17, and also called out the show for sending her to femininity school, which she described as messed up.

I really hope that a 15, 17, whatever-age woman never has to be brutalised quite like what happened on that show, the Hamnet star told Vogue in a new interview.

But I didnt recognise it fully at the time. I just felt it, which was difficult.

She continued: I was depressed and I just wasnt well. I was growing into my body. I was in a moment of discovery. As women, its such unfair objectification. I dont know, I can only speak for myself, but at that point I was just trying to move into a space for myself.

The Independent has approached Lloyd Webber and the BBC for comment.

Buckley finished in second place on the series, with Samantha Barks, who starred in the 2012 film version of Les Miserables, finishing in third place. The role ultimately went to Jodie Prenger.

After the show ended, Buckley turned down an offer from theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh  who had supported her throughout the series  to be Prengers understudy.

I walked to his office, rang the bell and said: Is Cameron Mackintosh here? Thank you, but I wont be taking that job, she said.

Id Do Anything was one of several reality shows searching for new talent to star in West End productions, with others including Any Dream Will Do and Over the Rainbow.

Eighteen years on, Buckley is an Oscar frontrunner for her lead role in Chloe Zhaos adaptation of Hamnet. The film explores the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, in the aftermath of their 11-year-old sons death.

Jessie Buckley is the frontrunner for the best actress Oscar this year (Ian West/PA Wire)

Watch - Actor Anthony Boyle reads to children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children

After winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress earlier this week, Buckley praised her co-star Paul Mescal, who grew emotional after her triumph.

Paul, I bloody love you, man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough s***, she joked. I could drink you like water, working with you every single day. Youre a giant of the heart and thank you so much for making me a little bit more human.

She was previously nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Maggie Gyllenhaals The Lost Daughter, and has received three Bafta nominations in total, including Leading Actress for her role in musical drama Wild Rose.
UK government policy says it does talk to terrorists - but it was directly meeting loyalist brigadiers

While the Government claimed not be talking to terrorists, they were happy to meet the UDAs leadership, declassified files reveal

Every year files that were formerly closely guarded secrets within government are declassified and become available to the public.

These records provide a unique insight into what was happening in the past and can revise our understanding of it.

Among the revelations that this years batch of files has revealed are while the Government claimed not be talking to terrorists, they were happy to meet the UDAs leadership in their capacity as so-called 'brigadiers.

Also covered were how continuing IRA activity held back the peace process and who the DUP wanted elevated to the Lords.

Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride inspected the latest batch of declassified material, and joined Ciaran Dunbar to discuss some of the findings.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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BENNINGTON  The Select Board and department heads drilled down on the towns fiscal year 2027 budget proposal during the first of two Saturday budget workshop sessions.

The proposed $18,794,620 spending plan, submitted by Town Manager Dan Monks, reflects a $933,580, or 5.17 percent increase over the current budget year.

After another workshop meeting on Saturday morning, the board is expected to take a final vote on January 26 on the July-to-June budget that will go before voters during the annual March town meeting.

Among budget items that prompted the most discussion during presentations by the police, fire and highway department heads were an increase in the police salary line, a proposed new roof for the Bennington Firehouse and a shrinking level of funding for street paving compared to past years.

New roof needed

Public Safety Director and Police Chief Paul Doucette and Fire Chief Nathan Berres said a new roof on the firehouse on River Street, which also includes town board meeting space, is estimated to cost $145,000  well above a $25,000 reserve fund the town has been adding to annually.

As time has gone by, we have had some issues with the roof, Doucette said. The roof has been patched several times. At this point in time there is no more patching the roof.

He added that the firehouse roof is more than 20 years old, and a newly acquired estimated cost from a contractor following an inspection showed the need for action sooner rather than later.

Doucette added, We are looking for all of you to support the $95,000 we are going to need to repair the roof. I think that is essential. This building gets a lot of use.

At that point, Monks said he wanted to clarify that he learned the roof is actually more than 30 years past the last replacement. So it has outlived its useful life, he said.

Town Director of Facilities and Buildings Paul Dansereau said a roof project would include adding additional ridged foam insulation to bring the insulation value up to R-49 from a level in the 30s.

He said a new roof would have an expected lifespan of 25 to 30 years.

Police budget

Doucette said that, as part of an effort to increase police salaries to help recruit new officers, he agreed to reduce the overtime line item in anticipation of three new hires completing training and expected to start on patrol duty this year.

Im a little nervous about that, Doucette said of the reduced overtime line item.

But he added that three people have been hired, two of which will go to the Vermont Police Academy in February and a third who has been a certified officer in Massachusetts and will complete a certification waiver program in Vermont.

Contract agreement

The departments working agreement with the officer union expires in June, Doucette said, but he added that he expects a new contract will be agreed upon by that time.

Concerning the police salary line of $2,952,500  which was increased for fiscal 2027 in anticipation of a new police union contract by July 1  Doucette said higher salaries will help the BPD to recruit officers by offering pay rates in line with other police agencies in the region.

I am trying to ensure that we are not only able to recruit but to retain our officers, he said.

He said the proposed salary levels for a trained officer joining the force would rise from about $60,000 to $68,000 under the next budget, which he said is competitive with other departments in the area.

Road budget

Town Director of Public Works RJ Joly said he is urging a boost in funding for road paving and related maintenance work, which he said has fallen behind a schedule based on the expected useful lifespan of road surfaces.

In 2017, he said, the department had a paving budget of $735,000, which would allow paving eight to ten miles of Benningtons 120 miles of paved road. But that line item has been reduced over the years to $354,000 in the proposed fiscal 2027 budget, while the cost for paving materials has increased.

At this point, with just $354,000, it is going to catch up with us quick, Joly said.

He said the average lifespan of paving is 10 to 15 years, with the cost to maintain increasing dramatically if the surface is allowed to go too long without repaving.

Ballot request?

Joly said he has proposed putting a boost in the paving budget on the March town ballot as a separate request to allow voters to decide.

So I would like to put it at no less than $670,000 total [for a paving budget], which is still under what we used to have, he said.

That idea and the need to increase the paving budget to avoid more expensive repairs in the future was discussed at length by board members.

If the board doesnt do what Joly proposed to increase paving levels, the cost of the maintenance and repairs is going to go up a lot more than if we keep up with the paving said Jim Sullivan, adding, and we will also get into a situation where Bennington will get a reputation as a town that has bad roads, which we dont want.

Sullivan also said he might be more comfortable spreading the budget increase over two years and maintaining higher levels in subsequent years.

Joly said it is a question of timing, as some roads could deteriorate to the point at which more than paving is required, at a much higher cost.

Sullivan said he agrees on the need but the town also has to commit to a plan to sustain road maintenance every year going forward.

Clark Adams, Sarah Perrin and Ed Woods said they would favor the board increasing the paving budget line item to cover the work, rather than making that a separate ballot request.

I think we should just bite the bullet and approve that budget increase, Adams said.

Perrin and Woods agreed that the decision should be made by the board.

Woods said he wouldnt want to split the increase over two years, adding, I think it should go in fully loaded.

Joly said the longer the town waits to increase paving funding, it becomes a snowball effect.

He added, I did give you the bare bones; $670,000 will barely keep our head above water.

What I am hearing, Chair Tom Haley said, is weve been kicking the can down the road for a while and were out of road.

Jackie Matts asked whether increases in the towns grand list because of ongoing or planned development projects might boost property tax revenue to cover some of the cost.

Monks said the budget figures are conservatively based on what we believe is absolutely going to happen, in terms of new construction and redevelopment to increase the grand list.

He added, We dont want to overpromise when it comes to the tax rate.

The entire budget workshop session on January 3 was recorded and can be viewed on the Catamount Access Television YouTube channel.
The early January thaw didnt live up to expectations, but a replay of Decembers extreme cold is not in the cards so far.
The man who was shot Wednesday during a confrontation with police has died, according to a family member. Meanwhile, well wishes continued to circulate on social media for the two wounded officers  the Hinsdale police chief and a sergeant.
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GREAT BARRINGTON  Seventeen years after he first hauled boxes of ice cream around for SoCo Creamery, Matt Scott is back to doing it twice a week.

But now he's the boss. Matt and his wife, Caitlin, are the new owners of the Railroad Street business.

After months, if not years, of conversations with longtime owner and mentor Erik Bruun, the couple purchased the shop last April. Bruun stayed on as a consultant through October to help guide them through their first busy summer season.

Matt started at SoCo Creamery in 2009 as a part-time truck driver during a transitional period where he just needed a job. But it quickly evolved into a passion as he learned the rhythms of the business and discovered a love for ice cream-making.

It was just one of those situations where everything aligned, Matt said.

He left the Berkshires for an ice cream shop in Brooklyn, a large dairy plant and later a creamery in Red Hook, N.Y.

When the New York operation went bankrupt two years ago, he and Caitlin returned to the Berkshires, and Scott began consulting for other ice cream businesses.

Featuring over 30 flavors of ice cream, in addition to sorbets, SoCo is a longtime favorite for locals and summer tourists alike, and a sponsor of community events. All the dairy used is from a family farm in Vermont, and SoCo makes all its own inclusions from scratch.

When Bruun first joined SoCo in 2015, Matt was considered the "flavor master," responsible for developing over 100 different ice cream recipes.

Matt was the person who made the ice cream when I first got involved, and he has a strong belief in the brand and all that sort of thing, Bruun said in August.

He said he loved his decade at the ice cream shop because he enjoyed brightening people's days.

We all impact this community with what we do, he said. SoCo makes people's day.

Bruun had been thinking about moving on for a long time, but wanted to make sure the business would not only survive but would remain a contributor to the community.

Erik has a sage-like quality about him where he's just a very well-spoken, thoughtful person, and we just stayed in touch and it just aligned in a way, Matt said. He wanted to move on, but he also really values SoCos position in the community.

Caitlin, however, had no connection to the ice cream world when they met in 2010, though she loved to help him work. The couple agreed her version of helping out meant stirring the occasional batch and sitting and trying ice cream.

When Matt and I started dating, he was working at SoCo and would bring me pints of ice cream when we were going out instead of flowers, she said. Im only in the ice cream industry because Matt is, but I used to come help out at the factory back then because it was something fun to do.

An unexpected benefit of the shop was inheriting a crew of exceptional young people that Bruun had trained well.

Its been really fulfilling to interact with people's first experience with employment and to take on that role as their first employer, Caitlin said. To be able to teach kids what it means to be a responsible employee, were very lucky that the staff that we have is incredibly intelligent and hard working and naturally exceptional and charismatic.

The company has a year-round staff of seven to nine, which balloons to 16 to 20 during the summer months. During the high season, staffers work to power through the line that is typically out the door; the winter slowdown provides time to make improvements on the business.

The most surprising thing for the couple has been how much opportunity for community involvement there is. Its more than just interacting with customers  there are lots of opportunities to contribute to nonprofits, cultural events and school activities.

I didnt expect it to be so much, Caitlin said. But it's a really nice thing to be able to give to the community through ice cream."

Running the shop has been a lot harder than Matt had anticipated  he assumed he could use his knowledge of making ice cream and his network to figure out how the rest worked.

I really underestimated how complicated and consuming this was going to be, he said. In my head, it was extremely simple, like a part-time job, and I immediately was like, Oh man, totally miscalculated.

The pair has gotten into a good rhythm and feel good about how everything is going.

When I was envisioning this, I was like Oh, I know how to make ice cream, but all the other things, like payroll and taxes, I totally just glossed over, Matt said. Thankfully, Caitlin has filled the gap.

Caitlin, who works in a school district, is grateful to have summers off because that is when the shop is the busiest and she is able to help out behind the counter.

Its just a really joyful business, she said.

As a family, the store means a lot to them, and its not just because their two kids have access to lots of ice cream. Their daughter, who is now 9, had her first taste of ice cream in the shop. Though working together was a new thing for the family, they have loved having a common project to work on.

Working through this with her has been really good for our relationship and it has been fun, Matt said.

SoCo lovers shouldnt expect many changes to the store, aside from a few improvements for the staff, like new equipment and eventually an improved space, but because the business is working, there is no reason to make dramatic changes.

This store has been here for like, a really long time, and it is like a fixture in the community. And because of that, like, there is some community ownership with places like that, Matt said. Its a great little business and a really nice town and we are just going to keep doing what weve been doing."
Residents wrote down ideas and added stars to the concepts on large pieces of paper as a way of contributing to the input that will go into the towns open space plan, which is due in June.
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The character and nature of God is so incredible that it will take us an eternity to understand Him fully. It will be a perfect relationship. During our time on earth, we only have a glimpse into Him, what we are capable of understanding.

Some of the traits of God that we do know about include how different He is from us. In order to sustain the universe, be working on the hearts of people, and indwell each believer, God cannot be limited to one location. He simply could not get the work done that He does every day otherwise.

The word for Gods ability to be everywhere, all at once, all the time is omnipresence. Understanding Gods omnipresent nature, and how He works through it to sustain us and implement His will, can help people remember their awe and wonder for the Lord and give insight into how He is working now.

Does God Say He Is Omnipresent?

Nowhere in the Bible does God say, I am omnipresent, but He does make many direct statements about His state of being that demonstrate He is everywhere. One of the most powerful and direct statements is Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? (Jeremiah 23:23-24). He made it clear that He is everywhere, and there is no place outside of His presence.

There are other times where God states that He has seen or done something that He would only have knowledge of if He were able to be in multiple places at the same time. For example, the Exodus account records Moses' interaction with God through the burning bush, Then the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings (Exodus 3:7).

In the previous chapter, Moses fled to Midian, located in current day Saudi Arabia, where he met a man named Jethro  the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:7a). God was present with the people of Midian while also seeing the suffering of His people in Egypt, meaning He was in both locations.

While God would send His spirit to rest upon select people and places before the ascension of Christ, He was still everywhere, proving His power. At other times, He gives prophetic word about different nations, showing that He sees what each nation is doing at any given time, and that He can see and influence their future, such as the ones against Babylon in chapters 13, 14, 21, of 47 of Isaiah.

How Is God Omnipresent?

It can be hard to imagine, as a person limited to time and space, being able to be in all places while experiencing time differently. One of the ways God is capable of being omnipresent in His nature is because He is spirit; God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). While Jesus, the Son and the second person of the Godhead, did take on the limitations of a man and live life as a human in a physical body, God exists in a state outside of the physical. He existed before time because He is eternal, and He existed before the creation of the physical parts of the universe.

Another unique feature that makes God capable of being in many places at once is that He is Triune, three persons in one. Jesus Christ said during His earthly ministry, If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-17).

This Helper, this Spirit of Truth, is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the person who hovered over the waters before Creation, who rested on Gods anointed at various times in history before Jesus came, and who indwells each believer. As the Holy Spirit, God can be truly walking alongside each believer and working on the hearts of those who are not yet saved.

Why Is It Necessary for God to Be Omnipresent?

In mythology, many false gods are constrained, limited. They look human and are limited like humans. They have specific dominions, but cannot extend beyond them.

The one true God upholds all things in His own power. He must ensure the stars hang in their proper sphere, that the tides roll appropriately, that His plan for humanity continues correctly, and so much more. For God to be able to do everything He does according to His word, He must be spirit, capable of being in all places.

Bible Verses Supporting Gods Omnipresence

God not only affirmed His omnipresence through direct statement, He used the writers of the Old and New Testaments to state His unique ability to be everywhere at the same time.

Some of the verses that support this belief in Gods omnipresence include, but are not limited to:

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! (1 Kings 8:27).

For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps (Job 34:21).

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me (Psalm 139:7-10).

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3).

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you (Isaiah 43:2).

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities  all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17).

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).

Gods Omnipotence: Hopeful or Fearful?

For the believer who has put their faith in Jesus Christ, believing that His death atoned for our sins, that we are free from the punishment for our sins, and that we will have eternal life through the power of His resurrection, Gods omnipresence is a comfort. He is always with us. He is always available when we need Him and is never far away.

He is not a God who sits on high looking down at the mortals as if they were mere insects. He loves humanity and is with us at all times. If someone does not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Gods omnipresence can be a source of fear or hope. It means He is everywhere, seeing each sinful action and hearing each wicked thought. But it also means the moment someone is willing to cry out to Him, repent of that sin, and accept the free gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus, He is right there waiting to embrace them with open arms.

Sources

Andrews, Edward. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY The Christian's Ultimate Guide to Learning from the Bible. eBook: Christian Publishing House, 2024.

MacArthur, John. The God Who Loves. Nashville: W. Publishing Group, 2001.

Pink, Arthur. The Nature of God. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1999.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Marisa9

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.


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Box-office hit The Housemaid will return for a sequel  with production set to kick off later this year, film company Lionsgate has announced.

The studio also confirmed that US actress Sydney Sweeney and filmmaker Paul Feig are set to return as producers for the second instalment of the franchise.

The film was adapted from Freida McFaddens 2022 bestselling novel, and has seen major box-office success since its release last month  grossing $133 million worldwide.

The sequel, The Housemaids Secret, will be based on the second book in McFaddens bestselling trilogy.

Amanda Seyfried starred alongside Sydney Sweeney in The Housemaid (Jeff Moore/PA)

Sweeney, who rose to fame in HBO hit teen drama Euphoria, stars alongside Mamma Mia! actress Amanda Seyfried in the psychological thriller.

The film sees her take on the role of Millie Calloway, a young woman trying to escape her past, who is recruited to work as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Skelnar), who have dangerous secrets.

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The new project is under development, and Lionsgate said Sweeney, 28, is set to return as an executive producer, and is being eyed to reprise her role as Millie.

The studio also said it hopes to see Michelle Morrone return as mysterious Italian groundskeeper Enzo for the sequel.

Paul Feig will return to produce The Housemaids Secret (Ian West/PA)

US filmmaker Feig said: Its been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid and the incredible work of our talented cast and crew.

The Primetime Emmy-award winner, 63, is best known for directing films including Another Simple Favour (2025), The Heat (2013) and Bridesmaids (2011).

It has been confirmed he will return as a producer, and Lionsgate said it is keen for him to also return to the new project as director.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said the studio is beyond excited to work on the sequel.

He said: The Housemaids Secret is another wildly thrilling book in Freidas series that has captivated readers worldwide, and we look forward to translating it into a similarly rousing and riotous movie-going experience.
A man is in hospital after an alleged assault in Co. Carlow on Wednesday.

The incident happened on the Stapelstown Road at midday.

A man in his 50s was brought to St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation.

The scene is currently being held for technical examination.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
The discovery of a prohibited growth hormone in beef originating in Brazil that entered Ireland should be a wake-up call for the Government, according to farmers.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has called on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU vote on Friday.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it was notified by the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland on December 12th that a consignment of beef, with an expiry date of October 31st 2025, from animals that had been treated with oestradiol, had been distributed to three businesses in the Republic in September.

The beef was from Brazil  part of the Mercosur trading bloc, which also includes Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as full members and other South American countries as associate members.

The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal Francie Gorman, IFA

The administration of oestradiol, which can be used as a growth-promoting hormone, is not allowed in animals intended for the food chain in the EU.

The EU conducted an audit in relation to the matter, and Brazilian officials informed authorities that carcasses from animals treated with oestradiol were mixed into consignments of beef destined for the bloc.

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IFA president Francie Gorman said: This shows that the undertaking from Brazil about the processes they have in place are completely flawed and wholly ineffective.

He added: This EU audit, which uncovered these hormone,s is getting worse and worse, with more EU countries being embroiled. The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal.

Ireland Up to 10,000 expected at 'No to Mercosur' protest in Athlone on Saturday Read more

In 2024, another EU audit found that the Brazilian system to stop hormones entering the EU food chain could not be relied upon. We were told by the EU that Brazil implemented an action plan to address this.

Yet, hormones have now entered the EU and Irish food chain. This has to be a red line for the Irish Government on Mercosur.

The question is are Brazil misleading the EU or are the EU misleading their citizens. We need full disclosure immediately.
An addiction counsellor has had her life significantly derailed by the actions of an Ennis man who sent her lewd images of himself, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court today, Judge Alec Gabbett asked how does he know that Shane McCarthy is not going to offend again and destroy another ladys life?

After reading the victim impact statement provided to court by the addiction counsellor, Judge Gabbett said that it was very strong and it shows that this lady has had a very significant derailment of her life because of what has happened.

Mr McCarthy told the court today: I am sorry for all of that.

In the case, Shane McCarthy (30) of Shanballa, Lahinch Road, Ennis pleaded guilty to sending four lewd images of himself to his then addiction counsellor on May 5th last year.

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A cocaine addict, Mr McCarthy told the court that he has been clean since December 18th and I am living at home and my wife is keeping a good eye on me.

In reply Judge Gabbett said: If there are prizes going for patience she would be getting it.

Solicitor for Mr McCarthy, Daragh Hassett said that it is all very well hearing that Mr McCarthy's wife "is keeping a keen eye on him but that cant go on forever".

Psychologist report

Mr Hassett said that it was very important to get a forensic psychologist to carry out a report on Mr McCarthy.

Sgt John Burke told the court that two of the grossly offensive communications to the addiction counsellor concerned one second videos of Mr McCarthys penis.

Sgt Burke said that four grossly offensive images consisted of two videos and two still images of Mr McCarthys penis.

Judge Gabbett said that he has concerns for the public over the behaviour of Shane McCarthy who he said has also effectively pleaded guilty to masturbating in public at two locations in Ennis in recent months.

Mr McCarthy has pleaded guilty to masturbating in a public place at Silvergrove, Ballybeg, Ennis on August 31st last year and the possession of cocaine on the same date at Ennis Garda Station.

Mr McCarthy is also before the court where he is charged with masturbating in a public place on December 18th last at Ballyalla Lake on the northern outskirts of Ennis.

Judge Gabbett that prior to sending explicit images of himself to his counsellor he had engaged with a female Probation Officer in a similar unwanted sexually explicit manner.

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Evidence

Judge Gabbett said that based on the evidence before him including the counsellors victim impact statement he would be imposing a headline sentence of nine months in prison.

However, Judge Gabbett said that he would give Mr McCarthy the benefit of the report by the forensic psychologist. The court also heard that Mr McCarthy is due to be assessed by a treatment centre later this month to treat his cocaine addiction.

Judge Gabbett said: I dont know if he is sexually disinhibited by the cocaine or he is just sexually disinhibited.

Judge Gabbett said that he accepted that Mr McCarthy is remorseful after reading a letter of apology from him over his actions. He said that Mr McCarthy "has apologised to everyone".

Mr Hassett confirmed to the court that he has been in contact with a male forensic psychologist on behalf of Mr McCarthy.

Judge Gabbett asked Mr McCarthy how he was going to interact with any other professional employed to help him. He said: You have been sexually explicit with all of them.

Bail conditions

In response Mr McCarthy said: I am drug free at the moment. It wont be an issue.

Making the case for Mr McCarthy not to be remanded in custody, Mr Hassett said that his client has adhered to his bail conditions since December 17th to the letter of the law.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr McCarthy reoffends again he will be going straight into custody.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr McCarthy on bail to appear in court on January 21st.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) warned it was falling way behind its competitors in Great Britain and that shortfalls in funding were no longer sustainable.

In a pre-budget presentation, HRI said it was struggling to keep pace just as British racing was about to receive an extra levy to increase prize money.

The document said three-quarters of all the most valuable and prestigious Group 1 races were staged across the Irish Sea.

It noted there were 43 Group 2 races in Britain that were worth at least GB115,000, compared to just four in Ireland.

The submission said the 23 most valuable Group 3 races were all in Britain. It also noted there were 99 Listed races worth at least 50,000 over there, compared to just three in this country.

It described how industry sentiment was openly critical in both the domestic and international press with headlines about unacceptable prize money.

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Cash reserves

HRI warned that its income was not at a level to fund current expenditure requirements and that it was eating into its cash reserves.

It said its reserves at the end of 2024 were just 2.9 million and that after 2026, it could no longer rely on them.

The submission added: As advised repeatedly to the department, HRI is unable to sustain funding of a shortfall going forward.

It said there had been stagnation in how much funding it received through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund even as costs rose.

Without the requested increase in the current allocation, HRI cannot deliver on strategic objectives, and, in reality, further cutbacks will be required, the presentation explained.

It detailed some of the areas likely to be hit, which included industry education and welfare, integrity services, and incentive schemes.

The document also said HRI might have to look at cutting the number of race meetings that take place each year.

It argued the lack of growth in prize money was a critical factor as there were increasing cost pressures across the industry.

Prize money is vital in ensuring that Ireland maintains its position as a world leader in thoroughbred breeding and racing, the presentation said.

With prize money levels increasing in the UK and France, HRI must focus on not only growing but maintaining base values and the average contribution per race.

Three-year plan

It suggested a three-year plan for raising prizes, with increases for higher-graded races to compete with other countries.

It said: The recent prize money strategy for 2026 to 2028 has been fully endorsed by the HRI board and many key stakeholders who are demanding HRI act with urgency.

The exact amount of extra money sought by Horse Racing Ireland was redacted from the documents, which were released under FOI.

In December, HRI approved its budget for 2026 with an increase of 4.2 million in prize money as well as funding boosts for animal welfare and industry integrity.

However, its CEO Suzanne Eade said that its allocation from the governments Horse and Greyhound Fund remained static.

Asked about the records, HRI said they had no comment to make.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs will visit Belfast to meet party leaders and representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Helen McEntee will meet with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, DUP MLA Edwin Poots, on her visit to the region on Wednesday, which she says has been a priority for her since taking up her current role in November 2025.

Ms McEntee, who is also deputy leader of Fine Gael, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the reshuffle that occurred after Paschal Donohoe resigned as Finance Minister to take up a position at the World Bank.

She will also meet with Alliance Party leader and Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, and SDLP leader of the opposition at Stormont, Matthew OToole.

Minister for Foreign minister Helen McEntee will visit Belfast on Wednesday.

The Minister will go on to visit St Malachys College, which has received funding through the Governments Reconciliation Fund.

Ms McEntee said the engagements in Northern Ireland are an important opportunity to discuss current priorities and shared challenges.

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Ireland Tanaiste says fact Maduro is gone is 'good thing' as he had no 'democratic legitimacy' Read more

Those include our ongoing work to address the legacy of the Troubles, the Shared Island Initiative, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island, she said.

Northern Ireland was a focus for me as Minister for Justice, including legacy issues. That is why one of my immediate priorities upon taking up office is to hear from victims and survivors groups.

Their views are vital as we work to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
A man with profound mental health problems walked into the public office of a Dublin Garda station with four knives, saying "he wished to harm Caucasian males and himself," it has been alleged.

The incident in Blanchardstown, early on Tuesday morning, triggered a five-hour "stand-off" with armed gardai and negotiators, a late sitting of Dublin District Court heard.

Former landscaping foreman, Simon Naidu, 30, with an address at Delhurst, Ongar, and lately residing at a charity-provided apartment in Dublin 15, was charged with four counts of possessing offensive weapons.

He was refused bail when he appeared before Judge Karen Dowling on Wednesday evening. She remanded him in custody and requested that he receive urgent medical and psychiatric attention in prison.

Garda Daniel Reardon opposed bail, telling Judge Dowling that the accused entered the station at 3.45 am with four kitchen knives.

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"The accused stated to gardai that he wished to harm Caucasian males and also harm himself," Garda Reardon said. There was also a significant number of witnesses.

He added that Mr Naidu kept the knives in his possession for five hours during the stand-off with armed gardai and negotiators.

Initially detained under the Mental Health Act, Mr Naidu was released from Connolly Memorial Hospital on Tuesday night following a medical evaluation.

Mr Naidu was then rearrested and made no reply when charged.

Defence counsel, Kevin McCrave, said his client had profound mental health difficulties, which the garda agreed was the case.

Twice last year, he was sectioned in a hospital and a care centre under the mental health laws, but was released on each occasion.

The barrister said he had no close family in Ireland.

"I am here a long time," Mr Naidu told the court, adding that he came to Ireland 26 years ago and had gone to primary and secondary school here.

Asked by the judge if he understood what was going on, Mr Naidu replied, "No, not really to be honest."

"I am a refugee," he said, and when pointed out the length of time he has been in the State, he followed up saying, "I am still a refugee."

He also informed the judge that he was fired from his job following a crash while driving a company vehicle on the M50.

Counsel informed the judge that the man received help from another family but had no other support.

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It also emerged that after the hospital released him, he was contacted by phone and went back to the station, where he was arrested.

The barrister said he did not know why the hospital did not keep the man, and the diagnosis of his suffering was unknown.

Judge Dowling noted that he was welcome to return to his accommodation, but also recognised the seriousness of the case and held that the threshold for denying bail had been met.

Mr Naidu, dressed in a purple top, blue jeans and runners, has yet to enter a plea.

Legal aid was granted, and he has been remanded in custody to appear again.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions must be obtained.
The Government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

Foreign Affairs minister Helen McEntee spoke to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

The Government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow, Bridie, to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

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Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Derry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

I think it's absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think it's absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point Helen McEntee

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

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I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
The reintroduction of wolves, a national bounty for hunting feral cats, and giving contraceptives to deer were among hundreds of proposals received by the Government following a public consultation on wildlife legislation.

An ecologist also complained that social media influencers were disturbing nesting birds by using drones in conservation areas, as well as stressing out puffins by walking on their burrows.

Were in a biodiversity crisis and folks like these are shown to disrupt breeding species. We need more modern legislation for these modern problems, they wrote, providing examples on TikTok and Instagram.

One individual called on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to stop being silly stick in the muds and introduce the beaver to Irelands natural habitats. Those obstructing this need to be given one hell of a good kick up the backside.

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Many of the submissions called for foxhunting, hare coursing and snaring badgers to be banned, while others argued for these activities to be protected in any forthcoming legislation.

There were calls for electronic fox callers, night-vision rifle sights, and semi-automatic rifles to be permitted in order to facilitate the humane dispatch of vermin. One correspondent also endorsed the use of bows and arrows to hunt deer.

One submission expressing support for the continuation of hare coursing also called for a national bounty for the control of mink, foxes and feral cats. However, they endorsed a ban on the killing of salmon and sea trout by anglers.

Several submissions called for a ban on harecoursing, describing it as an indefensible practice. Hares feel pain like us and have a right to live their lives as nature intended. They are not here for morons to entertain themselves, one person wrote.

Another individual called for foxhunting to be banned, and claimed to have witnessed toffeenose prats laughing as a fox was ripped apart by hounds after trying to rescue its cub.

One submission complained that the current system for applying for licences to shoot seals was too cumbersome, and several called for the removal of restrictions on the hunting of sika deer.

The Irish Air Corps and Cork Airport made similar submissions, calling for new legislation to allow for disturbing, displacing or killing wildlife where there is an immediate threat to air safety.

Swans could be caught up and transported outside of the airport to a suitable location. If capture was not possible, then lethal methods may have to be used to clear the way for safe air operation to continue, they wrote.

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One submission called for the reintroduction of wolves in Ireland, arguing that this would have positive effects on tree growth and biodiversity. They said similar projects had been successful in the US and in the Alps.

There was a call for bait laced with contraceptives to be used as an alternative to culling deer in response to over-population, and for badgers to be vaccinated against TB.

The submissions, which were published by the NPWS this week, will be used to inform and shape the development of Irelands wildlife legislation, which is currently under review.
A protest against the EU-Mercosur deal will take place this Saturday in Athlone, after an EU vote on the deal on Friday.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town. All 14 Irish MEPs have been formally invited.

The EU-Mercosur deal has been more than 25 years in the making, and would lower trade barriers between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, opening up large markets on both sides.

On Friday, the EUs 27 member states will vote in Brussels on whether to back or reject the Mercosur trade agreement, which, according to the Irish Times, is leaning in the direction of being approved.

Mercosur - which stands for Mercado Comun del Sur (common market of the south) - is a South American trade bloc established to provide free trade, or a common market, among some South American nations.

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Irish beef farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur deal because they fear being undercut by cheaper South American beef.

President of the Irish Farmers Association Francie Gorman said: "This deal is bad for Irish farmers and very damaging for public health, based on the findings of the IFA/Farmers Journal investigation two months ago and the recent Brazilian beef recall due to the presence of hormones. The Government cannot countenance any position that would offer any sign of support for this deal.

The IFAFarmers Journal investigation found evidence of significant differences in animal health and traceability standards between EU producers and some Mercosur countries, reigniting concerns among farming groups about the robustness of food safety controls on imported meat and the enforcement of bans on growth hormones in beef production.

MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the upcoming vote represents one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.

Mr Mullooly warned that unresolved questions remain about how the European Commission intends to protect European consumers from hormone-treated beef and the widespread misuse of antibiotics across Mercosur countries.

But even if EU members vote on Friday in favour of the deal, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament. This vote will take place in two weeks time in Strasbourg.

Speaking about the vote in Strasbourg, Mr Mullooly said: This is not a procedural formality. Parliaments decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.

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Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.

Ireland has been among a group of EU countries opposing the deal, and the programme for government commits the Coalition to work with like-minded countries to oppose the deal, according to the Irish Times.

But Government sources have told the Irish Times that Italy's vote is the crucial vote that the deal hinges on.

Ireland is therefore also wary of burning political capital in Brussels with a vote that would be purely symbolic.

Independents in the Government say they want Ireland to vote against the deal, with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Healy-Rae saying on Tuesday they are resolute in our strong opposition to any talk or any such thing as voting for it.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Hayden also travelled to Rome on Tuesday for discussions with his Italian counterpart ahead of Friday's vote.

On Wednesday, the Taoiseach indicated that a lot of progress has been made, with the Government expected to make a decision on the deal towards the end of the week. Mr Martin made the comments while on a diplomatic visit to China, the Irish Times reported.

The protest on Saturday will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town, crossing the River Shannon and ending in a rally at the Technological University of The Shannon.

The protest will be attended by the Irish Farmer's Association, Sinn Fein, and various farming organisations, among others.
The White House said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is discussing options for acquiring Greenland, including potential use of the US military, in a revival of his ambition to control the strategic island despite European objections.

Trump sees acquiring Greenland as a US national security priority necessary to "deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," the White House said in a statement.

"The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal," the White House said.

Greenland has repeatedly said it does not want to be part of the United States. Leaders from major European powers and Canada rallied behind the Arctic territory on Tuesday, saying it belongs to its people.

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A US military seizure of Greenland from a longtime ally, Denmark, would send shock waves through the NATO alliance and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders.

The strong opposition has not deterred Trump from reviewing how to make Greenland a US hub in an area where there is growing interest from Russia and China. Trump's interest, initially voiced in 2019 during his first term in office, has been rekindled in recent days in the wake of the US arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Emboldened by Maduro's capture last weekend, Trump has voiced his belief that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again, and has put pressure on both Colombia and Cuba.

He has also started talking about Greenland again after putting it on the back burner for months.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said Trump and his advisers are discussing a variety of ways to acquire Greenland.

Those options include the outright US purchase of Greenland or forming a Compact of Free Association with the territory, the official said. A COFA agreement would stop short of Trump's ambition to make the island of 57,000 people a part of the United States.

The official did not provide a potential purchase price.

"Diplomacy is always the presidents first option with anything, and dealmaking. He loves deals. So if a good deal can be struck to acquire Greenland, that would definitely be his first instinct," the official said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that recent administration threats against Greenland did not signal an imminent invasion and that the goal is to buy the island from Denmark during a classified briefing late on Monday for congressional leaders, two sources familiar with the briefing said.

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The Wall Street Journal first reported Rubio's comment.

Members of Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans, pushed back against the administration's comments on Greenland, noting that NATO member Denmark has been a loyal US ally.

"When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, the co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, said in a statement.

Administration officials say the island is crucial to the US due to its deposits of minerals important for high-tech and military applications. These resources remain untapped due to labor shortages, scarce infrastructure and other challenges.

Its not going away, the official said about the president's drive to acquire Greenland during his remaining three years in office.
The US has seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling in north Atlantic, an official has said.

US forces boarded the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, on Wednesday, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.

The vessel was said to have escaped Donald Trumps total naval blockade of Venezuela, put in place in December.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of

the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X  U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

Photos shared by the USs European military command on social media as it confirmed the seizure showed the Marinera at a distance off the prow of an American vessel.

Several US military planes and British surveillance aircraft have been seen patrolling the skies in the vicinity of the oil tanker in recent days as it travelled through the North Atlantic.

A US official said that American law enforcement officials are now aboard the Marinera, supported by the nations armed forces.

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There are no indications so far of gunfire during the seizure of the vessel.

The US European Command said the tanker had been seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.

It continued: This seizure supports (Mr Trumps) Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.

Pete Hegseth, the US war secretary, wrote on social media site X: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT  anywhere in the world.

The British government earlier said it would not comment on speculation, or the uses of British military bases by third parties.

We dont comment on the operational activity by other nations, including third-party use of UK bases, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said.

A member of the US Coast Guard observing a Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling off British waters (@US_EUCOM/X/PA)

Asked if there was any involvement by UK forces, a British spokesman said: Im not going to comment on speculation.

The tanker appeared to be sailing north-east between Iceland and the Ireland on Wednesday.

Flight tracking websites showed US special operations aircraft landing at a Scottish airport, Wick John OGroats, before flying further north towards Iceland on Wednesday.

The U-28A aircraft are used by the US Air Forces special operations command and are used for intelligence-gathering and co-ordinating other aircraft.

P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refuelling planes have also been seen on flight tracking websites, heading to the area near the tanker.

A British military transport aircraft, an Atlas A400M, could also be seen in the vicinity of the vessel, having left Brize Norton on Wednesday.

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Earlier on Tuesday, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was seen flying over the path of the tanker.

US special operations aircraft were tracked at Wick John OGroats Airport in Wick, Caithness (Jane Barlow/PA)

The end to the weeks-long US pursuit of the tanker comes after the Trump administrations weekend raid on Venezuela, which led to the removal and capture of its then president Nicolas Maduro.

Ahead of the Marineras seizure, Kremlin adviser and former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov warned such a move would be considered an attack on Russia.

For Russia, its a very important thing, because if there will be attack from US, it will be considered as attack on Russia, and it could lead to very critical or maybe even crisis situation in relations between Russia and US, he told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme.

Mr Fedorov said Russian submarines speeding towards the tanker would not fire on the US forces but could cause technical difficulties such as a slight collision.

He said the Marinera was registered in Sochi within hours after it painted a Russian flag on its side to change flags from Venezuelan to Russian.
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BusinessMarketsOil Opinion Trump now has his very own oil empire

Javier Blas January 7, 2026  10:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Lets do the maths. Start with the oil production of the US and add Canada. Then include Venezuela and the rest of Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina and everywhere else in between: Brazil, Guyana, Colombia. Like it or not, all of them are living under the Donroe Doctrine  an increasingly belligerent Washingtons sphere of influence over the Americas. Together, they account for nearly 40 per cent of the worlds oil output. Then its a choice of language to describe what the US administration will do with all those barrels. It may try to exert direct control as in Venezuela, or oversee, influence and simply enjoy the benefits of whats produced. Whatever the word, President Donald Trump now has his very own oil empire. With Venezuela, Donald Trump now has an economic and geopolitical lever no US president has had since the 1940s. AP And Im talking about actual barrels already flowing into the market, not underground reserves that would take time and money to be developed. With such resources Trump has an economic and geopolitical lever no US president has had since Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940s. At home and nearby, his country can tap a vast sea of oil.

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The implications of getting unfettered access to Venezuelas reserves, the worlds largest, were immediately apparent to anyone in the energy and commodities business, particularly American foes. Oleg Deripaska, a US-sanctioned Russian oligarch, put it well on Saturday: Washington would have the means to keep the oil price close to $US50 a barrel  giving it a winning hand in the future against anyone threatening to push the price higher by curbing supply. The Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev said seizing power in Venezuela offered huge leverage over the global energy market. Having de facto control of the Western Hemispheres petroleum wealth is a geopolitical game changer. Having de facto control of the Western Hemispheres petroleum wealth is a geopolitical game changer. For decades, US military adventurism was constrained by the impact of any war on energy costs. Today the White House has primacy over oil-producing allies and adversaries alike  whether its Saudi Arabia or Iran, Nigeria or Russia. Related Article Opinion

Venezuela crisis Trump takes out Maduro. But can the Democrats take out Trump? Bruce Wolpe Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer The past 18 months have already shown what these new hydrocarbon riches mean for US foreign policy. Trumps administration has taken once unthinkable steps: from bombing Iranian nuclear facilities to helping Ukraine target Russian oil refineries. Grabbing Nicolas Maduro from his safe house in the outskirts of Caracas was the most shocking example yet of what happens when oil doesnt constrain the Pentagon anymore.

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And seizing Venezuelas oil gives the US another card: the ability to decline offers for access to petroleum riches. For months the Kremlin has dangled its own reserves as a carrot in talks with the White House. Trump can now tell Vladimir Putin he doesnt need his Siberian fields. He has more than enough. Dont give Trump all the credit, or even most of it. Hes in power at the right time. American oil would be booming without him thanks to the riches of US shale, Canadian heavy oil and discoveries in places like Brazil and Guyana. Ex-presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama benefited, too. What Trump has done is pull all of that petroleum under Washingtons security umbrella. More than 200 years after US President James Monroe declared Latin America a sphere of influence for the White House, creating the Monroe Doctrine, Trump is updating it for the 21st century, hence the half-joking Donroe label. This time much of it is to do with natural resources. Loading For the new US foreign policy, every oil-rich nation in Latin America is important, but the prize of Venezuela is enormous. This isnt because of its current production: At about 1 million barrels a day it pumps significantly less than Brazil. Its because of what it once produced  more than 3.7 million barrels a day at its 1970 peak  and could pump once more.

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The geology is there. All thats needed to unlock the nations oil wealth is capital, time and effort. At one point in the 1990s, Caracas had a plan to boost output first to 5 million barrels a day and then to 6.5 million. The arrival of Hugo Chavez, followed by Maduro, put an end to that. Can Venezuela once again target those levels? Sure. Would they be achieved soon? A hard no. Can it be achieved in the next five years? Also unlikely. Related Article Opinion

Venezuela crisis This is a warning to all world leaders who antagonise Trump Geoffrey Robertson Human rights barrister and author But the world doesnt need the extra Venezuelan oil today, or next year or even in 2027 and 2028. It would be needed in the early 2030s. And by then, if Trump is right that Caracas will play ball, Venezuelan oil production can be far higher. In many ways, the post-Maduro order that Trump appears to be aiming for  letting the regimes former number two Delcy Rodriguez assume power for now in a soft dictatorship, or dictablanda  works fine for US oil companies. She has already stabilised her countrys economy by applying some market orthodoxy. For now, ignore her protests about the American attack. Much of thats for a domestic audience.

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Trump, clearly, has high expectations of her. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies  the biggest anywhere in the world  go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure  the oil infrastructure  and start making money for the country, Trump said in a Saturday press conference. Hours earlier in an interview with Fox News he said the US was going to be very strongly involved in the Venezuelan oil industry. Over the years, weve learned to treat Trump pronouncements with caution. But in his second term, hes done plenty of what he threatened to do. If he says the US will be involved in Venezuelan oil, take him at his word. Perhaps the venture wont be as grandiose, or as profitable, as he declares. That doesnt mean it wont happen. The countrys oil is now part of a petroleum empire stretching from Alaska to Patagonia  all under Washingtons tutelage. Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. He is coauthor of The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources. Bloomberg
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America ICE officer shoots woman dead in dramatic escalation of Trump crackdown Tim Sullivan and Giovanna Dell'Orto Updated January 8, 2026  11:32am ,first published January 8, 2026  5:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Minneapolis: A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot and killed a 37-year-old mother in Minneapolis, in a dramatic escalation of the Trump administrations latest immigration crackdown in a major American city. Federal officials and local leaders clashed over their differing characterisations of the fatal shooting on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), with the Trump administration describing it as an act of self-defence while Minneapolis officials disputed that narrative. Renee Nicole Good has been identified as the victim of the fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Facebook Renee Nicole Good, who city police said was not a target of an immigration operation, was shot in the head in her car in front of a family member during a traffic stop in a snowy residential neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis. Good, a US citizen, had a six-year-old child, her mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Soft toys could be seen in photographs from the scene.

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In social media accounts, Good said she was a poet and writer and wife and mom, originally from Colorado but experiencing Minnesota. A profile picture shows her smiling and holding a young child against her cheek. Emergency workers try to help Renee Nicole Good after the shooting in Minneapolis. AP In a video from the scene of the shooting posted to social media, a distraught woman is seen sitting near the vehicle crying, describing Good as her spouse. Thats my wife, I dont know what to do! wailed the woman, who wasnt identified. The deadly incident has fuelled a national debate over Trumps efforts to send heavily armed federal agents into US cities in his push for mass deportations, with operations ramping up last year from Chicago to Los Angeles. Within hours, the Minneapolis killing  at least the fifth linked to immigration crackdowns  ignited protests as far away as New York. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE officers by a woman who attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.

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In a social media post, US President Donald Trump made similar accusations against the woman and defended ICEs work. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks to land owners and other officials in Texas on Wednesday. AP A bullet hole is seen in the windshield of a car at the scene of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis. AP The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis, Trump wrote. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. Hours later, Noem didnt back down, claiming the woman was part of a mob of agitators and had followed agents around all day. Good blocked their vehicle and refused orders to move out of the way, Noem said, and then proceeded to weaponise her vehicle.

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Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable, Noem said, adding that the FBI would investigate. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT Loading But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted the Trump administrations characterisation as garbage and told ICE officers to get the f--- out of Minneapolis. Theyre already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence, a visibly angry Frey said. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bullshit.

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What they are doing is not to provide safety in America  Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people. Loading Protesters gather at a vigil for the woman shot in Minneapolis. AP Videos taken by bystanders with different vantage points and posted to social media show an officer approaching an SUV stopped across the middle of the road, demanding the driver open the door and grabbing the handle. It begins to pull forward and a different ICE officer standing in front of the Honda Pilot immediately fires at least two shots into the car at close range, jumping back as it moves towards him. It was not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with the officer. The SUV then sped into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop.

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She was driving away and they killed her, said resident Lynette Reini-Grandell, who was outdoors recording video on her phone. Emergency workers try to help the woman fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. AP Goods mother, Donna Ganger, told the paper her daughter was one of the kindest people Ive ever known and was probably terrified at the time of the shooting, just a few blocks from some of the citys oldest immigrant markets and 1.6 kilometres from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara gave no indication that the woman was trying to harm anyone at the time of the shooting. Preliminary investigations indicated her vehicle was blocking traffic when a federal officer approached on foot, he said. The vehicle began to drive off, he said. At least two shots were fired. The vehicle then crashed on the side of the roadway.

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A dark-coloured SUV with a bullet hole through its windshield and blood splattered across the headrest was seen rammed into a pole on a snowy street after the shooting. Venus de Mars, who lives near the site of the shooting, described seeing paramedics perform CPR on a woman collapsed next to a snowbank near the crashed car. Shortly afterwards, they loaded her into an ambulance that drove away without its sirens on. Theres been lots of ICE activity, but nothing like this, Mars said. Im so angry. Im so angry, and I feel helpless. The area has been on edge since the Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that it was deploying more than 2000 officers to Minneapolis and St Paul in an operation that is at least partly tied to allegations of welfare fraud involving Somali residents. Noem said they had already made hundreds and hundreds of arrests.

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The shooting has drawn hundreds of protesters into the streets near the scene, some of whom were met by heavily armed federal agents wearing gas masks who fired chemical irritants at the demonstrators. In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations. A federal agent sprays a protester with a chemical agent at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis. AP Photographer King Demetrius Pendleton has his eyes flushed after being hit with chemical irritants in Minneapolis. AP Shame! Shame! Shame! and ICE out of Minnesota! they loudly chanted from behind the police tape. Frey urged residents to remain calm, as did state Governor Tim Walz, who criticised the immigration crackdown but called on people to protest peacefully.

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Do not take the bait, he said. Do not allow them to deploy federal troops into here. Do not allow them to invoke the Insurrection Act. Do not allow them to declare martial law. He said the shooting was totally predictable and totally avoidable. Immigration agents have been involved in other similar shootings during the Trump administrations crackdown. During Operation Midway Blitz, Trumps immigration enforcement surge in Chicago last year, ICE agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, a 38-year-old Mexican national. Gonzalez, a cook and father of two with no criminal record, was shot in his car after agents attempted to arrest him. Law enforcement agents at the scene of the shooting. AP

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A DHS statement said Gonzalez had steered his car at agents, dragging one officer and causing him to fire out of fear for his life. Police bodycam footage obtained by Reuters complicated that narrative, with the ICE agent saying his injuries were nothing major. Border Patrol agents also shot a woman in Chicago in October. DHS said the shooting was in self-defence after the woman, Marimar Martinez, rammed into the agents vehicle. But her lawyer said video footage showed the agents hit her car before opening fire. In December, ICE agents fired at a van carrying two men they were targeting for arrest, leaving one with bullet wounds. A DHS statement said the men drove the van at ICE officers, prompting them to fire in self-defence. Related Article World politics US forces seize Russian oil tanker, risking military clash For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighbourhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilise in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to caravan parks, they have set up active online networks, scanned licence plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noise-making devices to alert neighbourhoods of any enforcement presence.

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On Tuesday night, the Immigration Defence Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session for about 100 people who were willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement operation. I feel like Im an ordinary person, and I have the ability to something, so I need to do it, Mary Moran told KMSP-TV. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
The White House is serious about its desire to claim and control Greenland. European officials believe the threat of a unilateral move is all too real.

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A year ago, it may have seemed a passing storm, another bit of bluster in the whirring maelstrom of President Donald Trumps first months back in office. But now, no one sees it as a joke. The White House is serious about its desire to claim and control Greenland, the self-governing Arctic island that is part of the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally. And European officials believe the threat of some unilateral move is all too real. Danish forces join NATO troops in exercises in Greenland in September. AP Over the weekend, after a brazen raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump and his lieutenants asserted their view that the Western hemisphere is ours  a zone where US security interests are paramount. That included, Trump insisted without prompting, the need for Greenland to be under American control. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, Trump said. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it. In a Monday interview on CNN, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller didnt back away from that message. The United States ought to have Greenland as part of our overall security apparatus, he insisted, while questioning the basis of Denmarks sovereignty over the territory. He mocked the idea of the European nation putting up any resistance. Nobody is going to fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland, Miller said. So far, European resistance has come in the form it usually does: Carefully worded statements in public and hand-wringing in private. The threat to Europes west hung over proceedings on Tuesday as European officials tried to mobilise efforts to safeguard the continents east, ironing out details over future security guarantees to Ukraine. Most of Europes prominent leaders put out messages pushing back against the idea of an American takeover of Greenland. Greenland belongs to its people, a joint statement from the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Britain said. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

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And yet theres the creeping realisation that the White House doesnt care. The United States under Trump could try to leverage its role in anchoring Ukraine peace talks with concessions from Europe and Denmark on Greenland, suggested The Atlantic. According to Reuters, Trump and his team are intent on acquiring Greenland sometime this term, and are exploring options ranging from a purchase of the territory to directly forming a free association agreement with the island, similar to what it has with Palau, where the United States guarantees the tiny Pacific island nations defence. If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. Mette Frederiksen, prime minister of Denmark Polls show that an overwhelming majority of Greenlanders, whatever their complicated feelings about centuries of Danish rule, have no interest in joining the United States, and the political dispensation in charge of the island has been clear about rejecting Washingtons overtures. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies about annexation, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a social media post on Monday. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was stark about whats at stake. If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War. Related Article Updated

Trump diplomacy Military is always an option: White House escalates Greenland clash with NATO allies Thats an unravelling of the transatlantic alliance many in Trumps far-right camp seek. Taking Greenland would go down well with MAGA ideologues, since it would kill NATO in one swoop, wrote Financial Times columnist Edward Luce. Denmark could invoke Article 5, in which an attack on one is an attack on all. Since America leads NATO, the treaty would be void. No ally would come to Denmarks defence. Were Denmark to accept the fait accompli, the result would be the same.

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Loading In an interview during a visit to Washington this week, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot urged caution. We all need this NATO alliance, certainly in such troubled times worldwide, but we also need respect for all the allies within this alliance, he told me, adding that he hoped that, in the coming weeks, it will be possible to have a frank dialogue and to address those fears with the respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Denmark. Belgium is host to both NATO and the executive offices of the European Union, two foundational institutions of the geopolitical West that have fallen in Trumps crosshairs. The White Houses National Security Strategy document, released late last year, effectively cast the project of European integration as anathema to American interests, warned that the EUs liberal establishment was leading Europe to civilisational erasure, and allied Trumps agenda to the campaigns of the continents ascendant and oft-Eurosceptic far right. The Trump administration also lashed out at Brussels and a number of EU former officials for designing digital regulations that ended up penalising US tech companies. Maybe we have a migration issue that we need to better manage collectively, Prevot said. Thats true, but undermining our sovereignty, sanctioning some of our citizens, threatening our companies if they promote, for instance, gender equality, threatening our territorial integrity, like with Greenland, or interfering in our democratic process  this is not understood by the Europeans, and it is not acceptable. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday. Bloomberg The question is whether theres any influence to rein Trump in. In Congress, the bipartisan Friends of Denmark caucus issued a statement condemning Trumps sabre-rattling, warning that these expansionist impulses were playing into the hands of adversaries in Russia and China. If the message is that we need Greenland, the truth is that we already have access to everything we could need from Greenland, the statement read. If we want to deploy more forces or build additional missile defence infrastructure in Greenland, Denmark has given us a green light to do so. Our ally has always accommodated us. Threatening to annex Greenland needlessly undermines that co-operation for no gain.

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Physical activity offers plenty of benefits for people with cancer. For example, it can help with managing certain side effects of treatment, such as fatigue. But research shows exercise can have an impact on improving your mental health during cancer, too.

A new study looked at data from past clinical trials and found that aerobic exercise can help reduce depression in people with cancer. Aerobic exercise, also called cardiovascular exercise or cardio, is physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing. It includes activities like walking, running, biking, and swimming. Based on the previous clinical trials, the study found that people who did aerobic exercise reported having fewer symptoms of depression. This decrease was seen in both the short term (within 1 month) and the long term (6 to 12 months later). The study was published in JAMA Open Network.

The bottom line of this analysis is that aerobic exercise may improve depression for patients living with and beyond cancer. However, exercise likely needs to be continued to sustain these benefits, said Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and the clinical director of Internal Medicine for Cancer Survivors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The signs of depression during cancer

If you have cancer, its normal to feel sad, angry, or numb at times. But if these feelings arent going away or start interfering with your daily life, they could be a sign of depression. Depression is common during cancer. In fact, 1 in 4 people with cancer experiences depression at some point.

Its important to recognize the symptoms of depression so it can be managed. But people can experience depression in different ways. One person may feel sad or may seem withdrawn. Another might feel angry and exhausted. Thats because depression can affect all aspects of your well-being, including:

Your mood and emotions. Depression can make you feel sad, hopeless, angry, or irritable. Often, you may not know why youre feeling a certain way. Depression may also cause you to feel numb or worthless.

Depression can make you feel sad, hopeless, angry, or irritable. Often, you may not know why youre feeling a certain way. Depression may also cause you to feel numb or worthless. Your behavior. People with depression may lose motivation to do their daily activities. They may also lose interest in the things they used to enjoy or withdraw from their loved ones.

People with depression may lose motivation to do their daily activities. They may also lose interest in the things they used to enjoy or withdraw from their loved ones. Your thinking. When youre depressed, you may have difficulty focusing or making decisions. You may also have trouble remembering things.

When youre depressed, you may have difficulty focusing or making decisions. You may also have trouble remembering things. Your physical health. Depression can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and a lower sex drive.

If you experience any of these signs of depression, talk with your doctor. They can help you address the cause of the symptoms. They can also refer you to a mental health professional if needed.

Working out and cancer: The benefits of exercise on mental health

Exercise and mental health can be directly linked. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are substances that help relieve pain and increase pleasure. The endorphins released during exercise can help improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Aerobic exercise, in particular, may be helpful during cancer. Aside from reducing depression, it could help prevent other health conditions, too. Keep in mind that in addition to depression, aerobic exercise has other health benefits, including reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, said Dr. Nekhlyudov.

Research shows that, for most people, exercise is safe and helpful before, during, and after cancer treatment. If you are looking to get started with aerobic exercise, first talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. If its not safe for you to do aerobic exercise, talk to your doctor about other physical activity. A referral to physical or occupational therapy may help. Cancer rehabilitation (rehab) may also be an option.

Remember that any amount of physical activity can have health benefits. Even taking a short walk will help get your body moving. As you become more comfortable with movement, you may try going for longer walks. Or, you may prefer trying a different activity. For example, you may try biking or swimming. Whatever activity you decide to do, remember to start slowly and go at a pace that feels right for you.

Dr. Nekhlyudov is a member of ASCOs Patient Information Editorial Board. Read more about the collaboration between the American Cancer Society and ASCO on ASCO Patient Resources.
THE controversial Mercosur trade deal has been described as a serious threat to the beef industry in Ireland by Carlows representatives in both the European Parliament and Leinster House.

The comments come ahead of President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyens proposed trip to Paraguay on 12 January, where it is believed she will sign the deal with representatives from the South American countries.

The Nationalist spoke with a number of Carlow politicians, who stated they were all opposed to the deal in its current form.

European Parliament:

Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South Cynthia Ni Mhurcu said that, despite supporting free and fair trade and the benefits that deeper economic ties with South America could bring, she could not support the deal in its current form.

It presents a direct and serious threat to Irish farmers, particularly our beef sector, she said.

She also stated that she is not satisfied with the current safeguard mechanisms that have been drawn up by the EU Commission, which would allow member states or industry representatives to request an investigation if they think there is evidence of serious injury to an industry.

The safeguards proposed as part of the Mercosur trade deal will not meaningfully elevate the quality or reliability of products entering the EU from Mercosur countries, particularly Brazil. That raises public health questions for EU and Irish consumers, she explained.

Her colleague in Brussels, Sinn Fein MEP Kathleen Funchion, also told The Nationalist that she would be voting against the deal but was concerned the EUs announcement this week to extend the nitrates derogation for Ireland by another three years was a potential incentive to try and pressure the government into supporting Mercosur.

I do think there is the potential for the EU to tell the government Look, you have got your deal on nitrates; you cant have everything, said Funchion.

I really do think that, especially when you look at the timing of it. It might be a little cynical to think it, but when you are in politics a long time, you get like that, she added.

Leinster House:

Back in Leinster House, members of the Oireachtas committee on Agriculture and Food heard in early December from representatives from the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Farmers Association about their recent joint investigation into the unregulated use of antibiotics and growth hormones in Brazils beef industry.

Funchions party colleague Natasha Newsome Drennan TD, who is a member of the agriculture committee and a suckler farmer, said that she was really concerned about the results of the investigation and compared the practice of buying antibiotics in Brazil to a child in a sweet shop.

I was surprised to see how you can go into a shop or a merchant over in Brazil and literally, like a child in a sweet shop, go Ill have one of those and one of those, and thats it, when these drugs are meant to be banned. Fianna Fails spokesperson for agriculture Peter Cleere said that farmers in his constituency are genuinely worried that the deal could impact on the viability of their farms and have deep concerns about the standard of South American beef.

I spoke with a lot of people who are genuinely worried about how this deal could impact on the viability of their family farm, he said.

And the biggest issue that I am hearing on the ground is around standards. We have high standards in terms of the quality of our beef and agriculture products. The worry is that our farmers are going to have to compete with products that dont meet those regulations, he added.

Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan, who is also a farmer, said that beef farmers in her locality are irate about the deal, with the public health concerns of unregulated beef a particular concern.

What is particularly concerning for me is the public health implications of having hormone-filled beef on the European and Irish market at a cheaper rate, she told The Nationalist. People are on budgets naturally enough and if they are given the option of a cheaper cut of meat, they are probably going to go for the cheaper one instead of the Irish one that is hormone-free and raised to a much better standard.
Chinese researchers achieve storm forecast 4 hours in advance

Xinhua) 09:31, January 07, 2026

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers recently presented a storm nowcasting system based on satellite data and AI techniques, achieving effective convection nowcasting up to 4 hours in advance.

This breakthrough, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was jointly achieved by Wang Jingsong of the National Satellite Meteorological Center, together with researchers from various universities and research institutes.

Nowcasting is the process of obtaining current observations of the atmosphere and using them to generate rapid, short-term predictions of the future atmospheric state. The speed and practicality of nowcasting means that it plays a crucial role in early warning systems of natural hazards around the world.

"Severe convective weather is characterized by strong suddenness, rapid evolution and great destructive power," said Wang Jingsong. The lead time and coverage of it still leave much to be desired and hardly meet the needs of disaster emergency response.

The research team leverages the advantages of the Fengyun-4 series in large-scale, seamless monitoring to obtain long-duration data, enabling the extraction and prediction of the complex and random movements of convective cloud clusters.

The team proposes a deep diffusion model for satellite data (DDMS) to establish an AI-based convection nowcasting system. The system achieves broad coverage of about 20,000,000 square kilometers, remarkable accuracy, and high-resolution convective forecast every 15 minutes within 4 hours.

Its performance reaches a new height in convection nowcasting compared to the existing models, according to the research.

With the newly launched Fengyun-4 03 satellite -- which enables inter-satellite coordination, high-speed data transmission, and broadcast functions -- the three Fengyun-4 satellites will now form an integrated and coordinated observation network.

This enhanced network will significantly improve China's capabilities in weather forecasting, meteorological disaster prevention, space-weather monitoring, and ecological-environment observation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
CHILDRENS charity Barnardos has called on people in Carlow with any unwanted or leftover Christmas gifts to donate them to their shop in Carlow town.

Any donated gifts will help generate funds so that Barnardos can continue to support children and families in need across Ireland.

We all know the feeling of receiving Christmas presents that we dont really want or need and end up stuck with them lying around the house, said Barnardos retail shops manager Colette Miller.

Instead of leaving them clogging our cupboards, take them down to your local Barnardos shop in Carlow, where we will happily find someone to put them to good use. The funds raised from these donations go directly towards our work in 56 service locations, where we can help children when they need it most. Because childhood lasts a lifetime. Barnardos provides support to over 35,000 children and families across Ireland.

The Barnardos store in Carlow town is located at 48 Dublin Street and is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
EVEN after working at Visual in Carlow for 16 years, latterly as CEO, Emma Lucy OBrien said that her mother has never fully understood exactly what she does for a living.

Maybe the most difficult conversation Ive ever had is about what I do and the value of these things with my mum, Ms OBrien said. My family didnt talk about art at the kitchen table, that wasnt something that happened.

Over the past 15 years, Emma Lucy has struggled to get her mother to attend any of the art exhibitions that she has curated.

If I brought my mum to an art exhibition here, its probably the biggest challenge ever, she said.

Emma Lucy is originally from Cashel, Co Tipperary. Growing up, she said that she was labelled as artistic because she was creative. She studied art history, philosophy, English literature and economics at UCC before completing a masters in art in the contemporary world at NCAD. Her masters thesis was about art centres in Ireland.

It was a ridiculous thing to do a thesis on  but not ridiculous, I suppose, in the long-term, Ms OBrien said.

Her first job out of university was a curatorial intern at Visual.

I saw that advertised and I was, like, jeepers  Carlow. I wonder if I could apply for that, she said.

What was supposed to be a six-month internship turned into a 16-year career trajectory, which saw Emma Lucy rise from intern to CEO. Before leaving that position on 3 December, she had spent her entire working life at Visual.

When she started at Visual, it had only been open a year and she was one of a few members of staff.

Visual opened at the height of the recession in 2009. All the big ambitions they had for this place were curtailed a bit. If they thought there was national funding coming, it wasnt coming. If they thought there was lots of money coming from other stakeholders, it didnt come. It was exciting, but also really challenging, as there were not many staff and the weight of ambition and expectation of what was to happen here was immense.

Although her early years at Visual were lean in terms of funding, and difficult in many ways, Emma Lucy feels lucky to have started there when she did. She said that, at the time, there was room to experiment and to pilot different projects.

The project that shes most proud of? Voice Box.

Voice Box invited people from all walks of life to come into Visual and speak for five minutes about whatever they were passionate about. Ms OBrien, herself, is passionate about reaching out to the community and making it clear that Visual is there to serve the community.

It was a kind of push on what an art centre could do, that it wasnt just about the art in the space and this very austere understanding of art in a pristine gallery. That it is much more to do with the people in the place and how the place could be for the people, Ms OBrien explained.

Emma Lucy O'Brien, who has retired as CEO and artistic director at Visual, Carlow Photos: Michael O'Rourke Photography

Although not originally from Carlow, Emma Lucy talks of the place with the pride of a local. She spoke of the tour that she would give visitors to the town and extolled fact after fact about famous people and inventions from Carlow. How Elvis Presleys family were from Carlow, how the calculation for the angle of the hangmans drop was done in Carlow and so on.

Carlows a really, really, good county. A really good town, she said.

Her pride in Carlow extends to Visual  she is completely serious when she tells me that Visual is the best gallery in the country.

So why, then, has she decided to leave?

She was certainly not pushed to leave. At Novembers Carlow Co Council meeting, councillors from across the political spectrum extolled Emma Lucy OBriens virtues. A few councillors even asked her if she would stay on.

Im so upset, and Ive cried loads. I dont mind saying that either, because I have just loved it. I came in here and I took every opportunity that I got, as I was just so delighted. I feel so privileged, Emma Lucy said.

In the end, her decision to leave was the culmination of a variety of factors. It was primarily because she has recently moved back to her hometown of Cashel and now commutes to Carlow each day, struggling to balance a job in the arts, which, she said, often means working seven days a week, with motherhood, as she has a three-year-old son. It definitely was not a decision she took lightly, however.

Ms OBrien does not have another job lined up, though she said that she has been receiving job offers since announcing her departure. In terms of the future, she is very interested in returning to research on arts centres but wouldnt rule anything out.

When asked about Visuals future, she admitted that future-proofing such an organisation was very challenging.

It goes between local and national politics and how arts and culture fits within politics at any given time. In Ireland, were relatively lucky that we live within a liberal democracy. Places like Visual were built in recent times by recent governments, so theres a sense of responsibility towards them, Emma Lucy said.

Looking across the pond or towards other democracies that have taken a more right-ward shift politically fills Ms OBrien with trepidation. She called whats happening in certain places around the world terrifying.

When you look around the world at whats happening in different places, you have to evaluate those situations and consider your own circumstances and how near or far you are to that kind of situation, Emma Lucy said.

And the key to ensuring Visuals future? Explaining to people the important ways in which Visual serves the local community and for the organisation to be open to new ideas.
Ottoline Spearman

The Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence has urged the Government to fast-track a bill to address the problem of AI deepfakes and nudification.

Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne said that the Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025 "anticipated the problems that around the weaponisation for AI for sexual purposes that have become apparent this week".

AI chatbot Grok, developed by Elon Musk, has recently come under fire over its generation of nude deepfake images of people.

Mr Byrne introduced the Bill in the Dail along with Deputy Naoise OCearuil last April.

The misuse of someones image or voice without their consent for malign purposes should be a criminal offence," Mr Byrne said.

This Bill provides a strong framework to do that, and I hope the Government will consider it as a practical starting point for urgently needed legislation.

Mr Byrne also suggested that the Attorney Generals office could play a valuable role in exploring the use of AI to support the legislative drafting process, highlighting its potential to deliver significant efficiencies and enable the Government to respond more quickly to emerging trends that require urgent action.

We need to embrace the benefits of AI across Government and within the legislative process. Used responsibly, it can help us be more agile in how we develop legislation for rapidly evolving challenges.

By leveraging new technologies appropriately, we can strengthen our ability to respond swiftly to emerging risks while ensuring that legislation remains robust, proportionate, and carefully considered.

He also urged a public information campaign, similar to that on the misuse of intimate images, to ensure general awareness of the problem.
Ottoline Spearman

A protest against the EU-Mercosur deal will take place this Saturday in Athlone, after an EU vote on the deal on Friday.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town. All 14 Irish MEPs have been formally invited.

The EU-Mercosur deal has been more than 25 years in the making, and would lower trade barriers between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, opening up large markets on both sides.

On Friday, the EUs 27 member states will vote in Brussels on whether to back or reject the Mercosur trade agreement, which, according to the Irish Times, is leaning in the direction of being approved.

Mercosur - which stands for Mercado Comun del Sur (common market of the south) - is a South American trade bloc established to provide free trade, or a common market, among some South American nations.

Irish beef farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur deal because they fear being undercut by cheaper South American beef.

President of the Irish Farmers Association Francie Gorman said: "This deal is bad for Irish farmers and very damaging for public health, based on the findings of the IFA/Farmers Journal investigation two months ago and the recent Brazilian beef recall due to the presence of hormones. The Government cannot countenance any position that would offer any sign of support for this deal.

The IFAFarmers Journal investigation found evidence of significant differences in animal health and traceability standards between EU producers and some Mercosur countries, reigniting concerns among farming groups about the robustness of food safety controls on imported meat and the enforcement of bans on growth hormones in beef production.

MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the upcoming vote represents one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.

Mr Mullooly warned that unresolved questions remain about how the European Commission intends to protect European consumers from hormone-treated beef and the widespread misuse of antibiotics across Mercosur countries.

But even if EU members vote on Friday in favour of the deal, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament. This vote will take place in two weeks time in Strasbourg.

Speaking about the vote in Strasbourg, Mr Mullooly said: This is not a procedural formality. Parliaments decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.

Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.

Ireland has been among a group of EU countries opposing the deal, and the programme for government commits the Coalition to work with like-minded countries to oppose the deal, according to the Irish Times.

But Government sources have told the Irish Times that Italy's vote is the crucial vote that the deal hinges on.

Ireland is therefore also wary of burning political capital in Brussels with a vote that would be purely symbolic.

Independents in the Government say they want Ireland to vote against the deal, with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Healy-Rae saying on Tuesday they are resolute in our strong opposition to any talk or any such thing as voting for it.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Hayden also travelled to Rome on Tuesday for discussions with his Italian counterpart ahead of Friday's vote.

On Wednesday, the Taoiseach indicated that a lot of progress has been made, with the Government expected to make a decision on the deal towards the end of the week. Mr Martin made the comments while on a diplomatic visit to China, the Irish Times reported.

The protest on Saturday will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town, crossing the River Shannon and ending in a rally at the Technological University of The Shannon.

The protest will be attended by the Irish Farmer's Association, Sinn Fein, and various farming organisations, among others.
The City of Red Bank has been awarded $4,156,198 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportations Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program to support its Bike Lane and Roundabout Demonstration Project, a major initiative aimed at improving roadway safety across the community.

In 2025, the Red Bank City Commission adopted a Vision Zero resolution affirming the Citys commitment to safer streets for all users. One key goal of the resolution is the establishment of priorities that enhance safe streets citywide. This grant advances that goal by supporting supplemental planning efforts and temporary safety demonstrations, including protected bike lanes and roundabouts along Dayton Boulevard and Morrison Springs Road, as well as targeted safety studies focused on sidewalks, mid-block crossings, and roadway markings.

"We are absolutely thrilled and so very grateful to receive this SS4A grant award, said Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton. Over the past five years, we have made great strides toward safer streets for all through roadway reconfigurations, updated infrastructure, and Red Banks first-ever dedicated bike lane along south Dayton Boulevard. These SS4A grant-funded demonstration projects will help us take that next step by providing us with real-time data and user experiences that will guide us as we work toward achieving Vision Zero in Red Bank.

This will be a years-long process but one that we are committed to wholeheartedly. Because at the end of the day, our number one priority is not to get you to where you want to go the fastest  its to get all of us where we want to go, through whichever mode of transit were using, as safely as possible."

The project will include:

 Three safety studies focused on sidewalk maintenance, mid-block pedestrian crossings, and faded roadway markings;

 Three temporary roundabout demonstrations; and

 Three protected bike lane demonstrations on key corridors.

The grant was announced publicly by USDOT on Dec. 23, 2025, following a competitive national selection process. The total estimated cost of the project is $5.2 million, with the city providing the required local match.

The City of Red Bank recognizes Southeast Tennessee Development for applying its expertise to successfully develop and submit the federal grant application. The City also extends its gratitude to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization for its ongoing leadership and support of municipalities throughout the region. Red Bank relied on the MPOs regional Comprehensive Safety Action Plan as key supporting documentation for the grant.

The SS4A program is a nationwide effort to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries by helping communities plan and implement data-driven safety improvements.

For more information, visit the City of Red Banks website at https://www.redbanktn.gov or contact Greg Tate, Red Bank Public Works director, at publicworks@redbanktn.gov.
Lori Anne Maughon, 67, went to be with her Lord and Savior late in the evening of January 2, 2026. She passed away at home in Ooltewah after a two-year battle with ALS. She will be a dearly missed wife, mother, sister, teacher, and grandmother.

She was the sort of person who brightened the room upon entry. Lori loved to express herself creatively and was singing as often as not, whether in church or just around the house, where many of her old paintings still hang. But the defining feature of her life was her desire to model the love of Christ, which could be seen in every aspect of her life.

In the community where she lived, she served neighbors and touched the lives of many. Her passion for helping others was especially evident in the love and attention she showed teaching K-4th graders for over 25 years with an extra focus on children with special needs at numerous schools, including Silverdale Academy, Chattanooga Christian School, Brown Academy, and through the Tennessee Early Intervention System. She was often one of the first to arrive at school and the last to leave, despite arthritis and other ailments; she never gave less than her best.

She shared an even greater love with her family -- her husband of nearly 48 years, Felton, her children, Joshua (Julie) and Joseph (Virginia) and two precious granddaughters, one from each son, as well as her sister, Karen, and two step-parents, all of whom survive her. She truly showed what the ideal of a Proverbs 31 woman could be. Lori was preceded in death by her father, Richard Buffington, and mother, Wanda Hawes.

The family will receive friends 46 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at New Shepherd Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Felton Maughon officiating. She will lie in state at the church from 12 p.m. until service time.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
Chattanooga Airport and United Airlines will celebrate the launch of new nonstop service from Chattanooga (CHA) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with an inaugural flight, marking another direct connection between Chattanooga and Uniteds Newark global hub.

The inaugural flight will be on Wednesday. Those in attendance a the event will be:



State Senator Bo Watson

Kristen Behm, vice president Air Service Development + PR, Chattanooga Airport

Jim Hall Chairman - Chattanooga Airport Board of Commissioners

Adam Myers, vice president of Economic and Talent Development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Barry White, CEO, Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Jennifer Romeo, senior regional manager, Airport Operations - Regional Lines Stations, United Airlines

The new route expands nonstop travel options for Chattanooga passengers, offering convenient access to the New York City area and one of the most connected international gateways in the world. The inaugural flight highlights continued growth at CHA, strengthens Uniteds partnership with the airport, and underscores rising demand for both business and international travel from the Chattanooga region.

United continues to be a great partner, and Newark has long been one of the most sought-after destinations for business and leisure travelers with convenient access to New York City and a broad network of global destinations, said April Cameron, president and CEO of Chattanooga Airport. In fact, Newark offers more European destinations than any other U.S. airport.



The Newark (EWR) global hub offers flights to approximately 176 destinations across 56 countries, including 40 destinations in Europe, giving Chattanooga travelers exceptional onward access to Europe and beyond, officials said.



Chattanoogas new Newark flight continues our airports steady ascent, said Mayor Tim Kelly. "Residents and business travelers will have easy access to New York and connecting locations across the United States and the world. I want to thank United Airlines for their continued investment in our city.
The Collegedale Commissioners and nearby residents of a group home at 5791 Sundown Court are empathetic for the people who live there, but they all feel like the presence of a facility such as this in a residential neighborhood is inappropriate. Several neighbors who live on that street came to the citys commission meeting Monday night for help.

What they were told is that group homes do not require a permit, and the city did not have a say about where this or any other such home is allowed. State law prevents the prohibition of these homes in a residential district; they were told it is the homeowner who is responsible for allowing the facility to operate in their house. This one on Sundown Court cares for people with mental, medical and developmental conditions. And they have presented problems in the neighborhood surrounding the house, speakers said.

Neighboring homeowners said they have experienced residents from the home peering into their windows at all hours of the day and night and attempting to get into their doors. Flashing lights awaken people when law enforcement shows up in the middle of the night to look for an unsupervised resident who has gone missing or when an ambulance comes in response to a crisis. Another incident recounted was a resident in the group home exposing himself in a window, it was stated. And one neighbor said he smells marijuana coming from the group house every day. The commissioners were told that it is estimated that since August, there have been between 22 and 25 responses from police to the home. Residents in the single-family homes on Sundown Court do not feel safe and do not let their children play outside alone, speakers said.

The city is limited in what it can do because mental health is protected by federal and state law, said City Attorney Sam Elliott. There are various agencies that might offer some help or advice, such as requesting a social worker from the department of family services, or the department of mental health. Another suggestion was to charge the business that runs the home for the excessive number of calls and time that has been required of the Collegedale Police services. Police Chief Jack Sapp will meet with the director of the house to learn more about what takes place and who lives there to help find a solution for the neighborhood. The residents were told to call the Collegedale Police every time there is an incident to ensure there is a record. And, the people looking for help were told to call the owner of that property and let them know what has been taking place.

In agenda business, the commissioners approved an amendment to the citys contract with Library Systems and Services. It will extend the current contract for day-to-day administration and operation of the Katie Lamb Public Library for six months. Then when these services are put out to bid, the non-compete clause in the contract will be eliminated and that will allow for the current employees to be rehired.

The improvements that are taking place at the Collegedale Airport are ongoing and needed approval from the commission. Approval was given for change order #3 for SkyBoss. This addition will correct the roof and sidewalk drainage because there had been no place in the original design for gutters to empty. The original estimate to fix this problem was $100,000, but a modified plan was found that will correct the problem for less. The new change order will cost the city an additional amount of $42,000.

Approval was also given for a memo of understanding with SkyBossHQ for operating a fuel truck and related fuel sales at the airport for two years. SkyBoss will use its staff to operate the truck for refueling planes with Jet A fuel during normal business hours. This new service is intended to make the airport more attractive to new users. SkyBoss will be responsible for the cost of insurance.

A contract for professional airport engineering services was also approved. The commissioners were told that a new agreement was needed every five years for this service at the airport. The new contract will be with Allen & Hoshell, which provides engineering for several other airports in the area.

As the result of a finding in the citys last audit regarding the use of city credit cards, a new policy has been added for the proper use when a card is used to purchase food. Receipts will also now be required at the request of Commissioner Tim Johnson.

An interlocal agreement has been made with the city of Chattanooga that will adjust the boundaries of property located at 8883 Old Lee Highway, Ooltewah. Since 2017, the property has been in Chattanoogas city limits. It is a parking lot which is adjacent to a Chick-Fil-A restaurant that is in the Collegedale city limits. The property owners want both the restaurant and parking lot to be in the same municipality and under the same authority and requested the change. Under the agreement, Chattanooga will deannex the lot which will be placed within the boundary of Collegedale.

Other action that was taken includes approving the purchase of a new Toyota Corolla Cross AWD to be used by new City Manager Jon Holmes. The cost for the vehicle is $26,991.

A contract for software to monitor short term vacation rentals in the city was also approved. And several months ago, the city decided to retire two old trash trailers used by public works. Two new ones have now been received and put into service and Monday night the commissioners gave approval to auction off the old ones.

For the last five or six years, Collegedale has had a contract with the state of Tennessee Department of Agriculture-Forestry division to provide new trees for the city. This year, the grant for $5,455 will supply Collegedale with 35 trees at that will be planted at Veterans Park for the purpose of increasing shade. It is a 50/50 grant so the city will be responsible for half of the cost for the trees.
Ellis Smith of the mayor's staff told members of the City Council on Tuesday that, if all the money was in place, a passenger rail system connecting Chattanooga with Atlanta, Nashville and Memphis could be in place in 5-7 years.

Mr. Smith said the cash needed would be in the several hundred million dollars, and those planning the line will seek the states of Tennessee and Georgia to make key contributions.

Mr. Smith said earlier plans had focused on a MagLev high-speed train built in the middle of I-75 between Chattanooga and Atlanta. But he said that would have been extremely expensive. He said California worked on a MagLev and finally gave up due to escalating costs.

The new effort saves much money by focusing on utilitizing railroad lines that are already in place. The aim is to bolster these lines by adding double tracks as well as side tracks where needed so passenger lines on a schedule could veer past freights.

Mr. Smith said the railroads are willing to cooperate on the project, "but they say they are using most of the rail capacity with freight service right now."

The rail enthusiast said phase 1 of the project - drawing up a business plan - was just completed. Phase 2 will focus on deciding where additiional trackage is needed and drawing up engineering plans. The third phase would be getting the tracks in shape to handle passenger lines so that there are no annoying backups due to freight lines being in the way.

Mr. Smith said the routes would likely have stops for cities like Dalton, Calhoun and Murfreesboro, but there may also be express routes. He said many small towns dried up when the passenger trains stopped running in the early 1970s, and this could help bring some of them back.

He said the trains would also bring a lot of visitors to Chattanooga, which he said the Chattanooga Tourism Company is excited about.

As far as a Chattanooga depot, he said there are a number of possibilities, including across from the Chattanooga Airport, along South Broad Street, along Amnicola Highway, or even at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. He said the location of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum may be too difficult to reach for some potential train riders.

He said CARTA is interested in cooperating with the endeavor for a multi-modal center that would also include buses, taxis and other transportation forms..

Mr. Smith said Amtrak would be the logical operator of the lines, though he said a private operator is a possibility. He said Amtrak officials have been closely following the movement and are excited about the possibility of expanding its network.

Chattanooga is the lead agency on the project and Mayor Tim Kelly is the chairman. Mr. Smith said steps are being taken to compensate for the fact that Mayor Kelly and several other current mayors will be leaving office in a couple of years.

Mr. Smith said, "It's weird that now you can't get from one side of Tennessee to the other on a train."

The state of North Carolina "is 10 years ahead of us" on setting up passenger lines, and Virginia has also made great progress, he said.

There are no estimates yet on the ticket cost.

Mr. Smith said a passenger train going up to 70 mph from Chattanooga to Atlanta or Nashville might be faster or slower than driving - depending on the traffic.

He said, "But you wouldn't have white knuckles on the steering wheel. You could enjoy the beautiful scenery, use your cell phone or computer, or even just take a nap."
Today, I want to write to you about the western media role in the Genocide in Gaza:

About how an entire peoples suffering can be hidden in plain sight.

About how silence is manufactured.

About how genocide can unfold while the world looks away - not accidentally, but by design.

For over two years now, Gaza has been flattened. Families buried under their homes. Children pulled from rubble. Hospitals bombed. Journalists targeted. Entire neighborhoods erased.

And yet, many of you were told this was a conflict.

You were told it was complex.

Worse yet, you were told both sides were equal.

Let me be clear:

This is not a war between two equal powers.

This is not a cycle of violence.

This is not chaos.

This is an occupation decades long.

This is a siege of Gaza city for 20 years with four wars against its people before October 7

This is ethnic cleansing in slow motion that has now accelerated into open genocide.

And Western media - the very institutions that claim to stand for truth - have helped conceal it.

They did not show you the full reality.

They did not center Palestinian voices.

They did not show you the daily terror of living trapped in a strip of flat land the size of Chattanooga holding 2.5 million people with no escape, no safe water, no electricity, no sovereignty, no army, no protection.

Instead, they showed you selective images, sanitized language, and narratives built around the power of the occupier - not the pain of the occupied.

They named Israeli victims.

They counted Palestinian dead.

They showed you fear on one side. The Israeli!

They reduced mass death on the other side (the Palestinian) to background noise.

They removed history.

They removed context.

They removed responsibility.

And when Palestinian journalists tried to show the truth - many of them were killed.

Not died. Killed

But even their deaths were reported without naming who killed them.

That is not journalism.

That is erasure.

And when truth is erased, conscience dies with it.

Now lets talk about the word no one wants you to use: Genocide.

Because genocide is not only mass killing.

Genocide is the destruction of a peoples ability to live - physically, socially, culturally, economically.

Over 100,000 Palestinians killed by the Israelis,

10,000 still buried beneath the ruins of their own homes.

170,000 injured with no access to anesthesia, surgery, or even clean bandages.

Ninety-two percent of all homes destroyed - 436,000 units

Ninety-five percent of hospitals destroyed - 36 places of healing turned into graves.

The food system wiped out.

Food warehouses bombed.

Bakeries leveled.

Hunger Engineered.

Most schools completely destroyed.

Every single university erased

An entire generations future annihilated.

Water cut.

Sewage shattered.

Power grids ripped apart.

Roads plowed into rubble.

Neighborhoods turned into dust fields.

240 Palestinian journalists killed -

Not by accident.

Not by chance.

But to silence the truth.

This is not collateral damage.

This is the systematic destruction of every condition required for human survival.

And while people are being exterminated, they are told they do not even have the right to resist.

Lets be absolutely clear about this:

Resistance to occupation is a basic human right.

It is recognized in international law.

It is recognized in every anti-colonial struggle in history.

It is the same right exercised by every people who refused to be erased.

October 7 was a resistance to 67 years of occupation and 20 years of killings, siege and starvation and slow genocide.

Resistance does not mean civilians should ever be targeted.

But resistance does mean that an occupied people is not required to accept extinction quietly.

Silencing that truth - while condemning only the oppressed  is not moral neutrality.

It is moral collapse.

So how did we get here?

We got here because power bought the narrative.

Because lobbying captured media institutions.

Because access was traded for silence.

Because careers were protected while children were buried.

We got here because many newsrooms stopped asking:

Who holds power?

And started asking:

What will we be punished for saying?

That is not journalism.

That is obedience.

And the result is this:

A generation taught to fear the word Palestine.

But silence is not neutral.

Silence is a position.

Silence always serves the powerful.

And history is merciless with those who choose silence.

Every genocide is followed by the same question:

How did the world let this happen?

The answer is always the same:

Because truth was buried before bodies were.

Tonight, you can choose differently.

You can reject the filtered version of reality.

You can seek Palestinian voices directly.

You can demand that genocide be named.

You can refuse to let resistance be criminalized while extermination is normalized.

Because in the end, this is not only about Palestine.

It is about whether truth still matters.

Whether human life still matters.

Whether oppression is still wrong when its backed by power.

If your morality only works when its convenient, then it is not morality at all

And one day - when the smoke clears - people will not ask:

What did the politicians do?

They will ask:

What did the people do when they knew?

Now you know.

Bassam Issa

* * *

In response to Bassam Issa's letter, rather than correcting each of his inaccuracies individually, I'll just say this: if Gaza didn't want a war with Israel, it shouldn't have started a war with Israel.

Just imagine how different the history of the Middle East would be if the Arabs of the region had accepted the nation of Israel peacefully, instead of attacking it in 1948, 1967, 1973, 2006, and most recently in 2023. And those are just the major conflicts and don't include the constant skirmishes and terrorist attacks - and against Jews all over the world, not just Israel.

I propose a thought experiment in the style of Albert Einstein, a Jew himself. What would happen if every weapon of every kind in Arab or Muslim hands magically disappeared? The answer: nothing. Peace would break out in the Middle East.

Now, what would happen if every weapon of every kind in Israeli or Jewish hands magically disappeared? The answer: a slaughter the likes of which the world has never seen, with every non-Arab in Israel dead when it was over.

It takes both sides to make peace. It only takes one side to start a war. Anyone with eyes and a working brain can see which side is driving this horrible violence. It isn't Israel.

Andy Walker

* * *

W ar does not include the slaughter of innocent civilians including women, children, journalists and aid workers, Please do not try and make the American people look stupid because we are waking up to what is happening in Gaza and the lie that has been perpetrated on us about this so called war. I cannot sit by and watch this genocide another minute without speaking out, no matter what the consequences.

Beware because what is happening in Gaza can happen anywhere. We can no longer stay silent.



And, yes, I do have a functioning brain and that is why I need to write this letter. I hope that others come to the defense of Issa Bassam and the poor souls in Gaza,



Karen Biles

* * *

History teaches us the tragedy of what war accomplishes and the devastation that it produces. War is a last resort typically for a nation's survival as such is the case of Israel. However, that is not the case with Russia invading Ukraine.



The genocide referred by this post has been solely created and perpetuated by the Palestinian terror group Hamas which has enslaved the Palestinian people who would want to live peacefully with their Israeli neighbors.



The Palestinian people cannot accomplish this peace due to Hamas who openly murder any and all citizens who they deem as interfering, dissenting, disobeying or even trying to leave Gaza because of their radical governance and ideology. All of their atrocities are widely distributed on video and in newsrooms and publications around the world.



Hamas has stolen the majority of food, supplies, and other forms of aid that has been delivered to Gaza. They have hoarded tons of supplies and baby food and formula to starve the very children and people of their origin.



Hamas is the true enemy of Palestine and have used the supplies for their own selfish survival and care not for the people and children of Palestine.



Let it be clear: Israel has done tremendous work to avoid casualties and destruction to the people of Gaza. Hamas has utilized everything in its power within Gaza for their radical empire to be difficult to eradicate such as using schools, hospitals and places of worship as centers for operations and control.



There were miles of tunnels under all of Gaza that they have built over decades to carry out their terror and create havoc. These tunnels is where they starved hostages and raped Israeli women before they murdered them.



The Palestinian people are nothing more than human shields for them. The genocide is of Hamas and no one else.



Hamas militants did unspeakable horror and atrocities to Israeli citizens on October 7th and that was the last straw for the Israeli government and Mr. Netanyahu. This after decades of continued attacks and killing of Jewish civilians at will whenever possible.



The radical Hamas Palestinian fighters will never live in peace and must be defeated if the Middle East ever achieves peace. Many of the neighboring countries will not even accept these Palestinian refugees due to their radicalization. Their kids are taught from birth to hate Israel and the USA so no wonder they cant accept peace.



War is a terrible thing. That is just one of the things President Trump has worked tirelessly on is to end wars. As of this posting If I am correct his administration has ended eight wars since he took office in his second term and is seeking to end the Ukraine and Russian war if possible. It was the Trump administration that successfully negotiated and stopped the ongoing war in Gaza and was able to get the living and dead hostages bodies back from the Hamas terrorists.



Time will tell if Hamas lives up to its agreement. I dont believe that they will as they do not want peace in my opinion.



The decision Hamas must now make is will they disarm or will the fighting resume. Israel will destroy Hamas one way or another.



Only when Hamas is gone will the genocide stop and the Palestinian people be free to rebuild their nation and lives.



Arch R. Tinker

* * *

The Palestinians have been offered a state of their own six times  but each time, rejected it because it would have come with one condition: Recognizing a Jewish state next door.



They figured they would get rid of the Jews, but they were wrong. It turns out the Jews were tougher than the Palestinians ever thought.



But the Palestinians havent been content to just be wrong. Theyve waged one genocidal war after another against their Jewish neighbors.



The most recent was launched on Oct. 7, 2023, when the Palestinians of Hamas launched a surprise attack, murdered more than 1,200 people and took more than 250 Israelis hostage into the tunnels of Gaza, where they were physically and sexually assaulted for months on end. The scale of these crimes is overwhelming; it takes a monster to deny the evidence.



The goal of that attack  which Palestinian supporters call resistance  was to deliberately target Israeli Jews for being Jewish and for being alive on that day, in that place. Theres a term for that, and its called genocide.



Now comes Bassam Issa of the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga and An-Noor Academy to tell the world that the opposite is true, that the Palestinians are the victims here. He concludes that everyone would be better off if Israel would just cease to exist. He says some other things that are fanciful, to put it mildly.



I know Bassam; weve broken bread together and I know he has strong views on this issue. We may never agree on them.



But while he is entitled to his own opinion, he is not entitled to his own facts. The war was started by the Palestinians of Hamas. Even now, if you ask Palestinians if they supported the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, despite all the losses in Gaza that came as a result, a majority says yes.



It takes a fool to believe that a group of people would want to continue a conflict in which they say they are the victims of a genocide. In fact, theres not a single instance of a genocide in human history in which the victims wanted the conflict to continue. Not one.



And thats why Bassam is either lying to himself or to the rest of us. If the cause of the Palestinians were so urgent, so deserving of sympathy, or so in need of restorative justice, there is one thing that the Palestinians could do: Stop trying to kill Jews. That would be a good first step. But Bassam cant bring himself to say even that.

Instead, Bassam pretends not to know that Gaza could be rebuilt and given a bright future if Hamas would simply do what it promised: Stop holding onto Israelis living and dead, put down their weapons and give up their power over the Gaza Strip. Even other Arab nations sympathetic to the Palestinians are frustrated with Hamas and its lies.



The facts here are beyond question: If the Palestinians wanted a nation of their own and a future of peace and prosperity, they could have had it long ago. Bassam could be a citizen of such a nation.



But they couldnt put up with sharing the land with Jews, so they started one war after the next, hoping to clear Jews out of the way. It takes gall  some might call it chutzpah  to start and lose all these wars and then complain about the results.



Thats a pattern, and it goes way back. In 1937, the leader of the Palestinians was the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Amin Al-Husseini and the land was ruled by the British, who were trying to keep peace between its Arab and Jewish citizens.



Al-Husseini decided to support Hitler and collaborate with the Nazis, who were murdering Jews on an industrial scale in Europe. He expected the Nazis would win the war, finish off the Jews in Palestine and hand him the country as a gift.



America had other plans for the Nazis and Al-Husseini spent the rest of his days a war criminal on the run. But it was part of a pattern.



The Palestinians not only start wars to kill Jews. They lose those wars and then blame the Jews for winning. Its a tired act, and worst of all, the only people who are fooled by it are people like Bassam Issa.



Michael Dzik, president & CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga
25-000130- 6300 BLK Ringgold Road- Assault

An unidentified male entered a restaurant and caused a disorder by going behind the counter and yelling. During the disorder, the male sexually assaulted a female employee. After being asked to leave, the male punched the store manager. Warrants for Sexual Battery and Simple Assault are

pending identification of the male.

Day Shift January 2: B Squad



26-000004  5300 BLK Haisten Court - Supplemental

The resident of this location reported she found the projectile that struck her home from New Year's Eve.

The item was secured in property and inventory.26-000051  1400 BLK North Smith Street - Found PropertyPolice responded to the hotel after employees reported a guest left behind a handgun in the room. The firearm was secured and placed into property and inventory for safekeeping.26-000052- 6700 BLK Ringgold Road- ArrestA man was found intoxicated next to the business. He told police he was related to a celebrity and that he wished to go to the house of an individual from the Amazing Race television show. He was arrested and charged with public intoxication.26-000054  4300 BLK Esterbrook Drive - Assist EMSERPD responded to assist EMS with an intoxicated patient experiencing body pains and soreness. On scene, EMS transported the patient without police assistance.No Number- 6600 BLK Ringgold Road- Broken Down AutoPolice were flagged down by a man after his Ford Ranger was observed to be leaking gas from the bottom. Police stayed at this location and provided traffic control while waiting for a tow.26-000057  1000 BLK Wynnwood Drive  MiscellaneousThe caller reported that while she was cleaning out the van that was stolen by her estranged husband and recovered by Chattanooga Police, she found what she thought was a black handgun as part of the property left in the vehicle. The item was a BB gun and she was advised that she could dispose of it.26-000059/26-000066- 5300 BLK Bennett Rd- Unknown 911Police responded to this address multiple times because of a juvenile playing on the phone. The residents at this location advised they would remove the phone from the child to prevent further unnecessary phone calls for police response.26-000061-3500 BLK Bennet Road-Assault in progressPolice were dispatched to the listed address for two parties fighting in the roadway. When officers arrived on scene and detained the subjects, neither party would cooperate or advise officers on scene if they wanted to prosecute for assault. The two subjects were released and sent on their way.26-000062- 900 BLK South Seminole- Arrest/ SupplementalA man was arrested on three outstanding warrants out of Hamilton County Sessions Court. He had been the victim in an aggravated assault that occurred on New Year's Eve (25-013431). Following an investigation, warrants for aggravated assault are pending against a female suspect.Night Shift January 2: D Squad26-000070- 5300 BLK Clemons Road- Delayed AssaultIt was reported to the police that on Tuesday, the victim was assaulted at her apartment by her half-sister. The victim stated that the suspect entered her residence after her boyfriend let her in and began attacking her. The subject kicked and punched the victim, leaving visible injuries. Warrants will be sought for Domestic Assault.26-000075-5300 BLK Matthews Drive- Civil MatterRP stated that he and the mother of his son have a custody agreement in place and that he returned the juvenile on the evening of January 1 as per the agreement. He then said that he received a phone call from his ex-girlfriend to pick up his son from her house at this address, per her demand. He had already picked up her son and was taking him to her when he got the call to pick up his son. After he picked up their son, she then messaged the son to come back home. Police advised the RP to return their son to her so as not to violate the custody agreement and to avoid a criminal charge of custodial interference. He stated that he was going to get both juveniles some food, then return them to their mother. The mother contacted the RP and denied demanding that he picks up the son. The party was in fear that the mother would call the police, so he was trying to get out in front of the situation by calling first. Police explained that it is a civil matter for the juvenile court to resolve.26-00083- 700 BLK Brookfield Avenue- Burglary in progressOfficers were dispatched to this address after the resident called stating that he and his sick wife heard noises from inside the house. Upon arrival, the RP asked the police to check the inside of the house. Officers did not locate anything; all doors and windows were secure.Day Shift January 3: B Squad26-000086  1600 BLK Heather St  Unknown 911Police responded to this address for unknown 911. Officers contacted the homeowner who advised their child dialed 911 but all was well.26-000088  75 North On Ramp  Traffic StopPolice initiated a traffic stop for traffic violations and found the driver to be operating with a suspended license and in possession of 4.5 grams of suspected marijuana. The party was cited for both offenses and found a licensed driver to take possession of her vehicle.26-000091-3700 BLK Fountain Avenue-Domestic DisorderA resident reported that their neighbors were in a disorder. Upon further investigation, the disorder was found to be verbal only, both parties agreed to separate for the day.26-000093- 3900 BLK Ringgold Road- Traffic Stop/ ArrestFollowing a traffic stop, a man was taken into custody and charged with driving on a license revoked for DUI and failure to comply with financial responsibility. He was transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.26-000094  900 BLK South Seminole Drive - Property DamageA resident reported an unknown vehicle struck his mailbox and trees at approximately 2000hrs on 12/30/2025 and required a report to file with his homeowners.

26-000096-3400 BLK Navajo Drive-Burglar Alarm

Police responded to the listed address for a backdoor motion burglar alarm; the business was found to be secure.



26-000097- 323 Camp Jordan Parkway- Back EMS

Police assisted EMS and ERFD with an unconscious party at the Camp Jordan Arena.



Night Shift January 3: D Squad



26-000102- 6500 BLK Ringgold Road Disorder

The restaurant called 911 to report that a female became very upset at her for making her sandwich too slow and saying she was not giving her enough meat. The employee stated that the female then threw the cookie dispenser, breaking it and all the cookies on the floor. The suspect fled in a white Nissan Kick, with an unknown registration, towards the interstate. The manager wanted a report filed for the damage, and if the suspect is identified, to have them trespassed.



26-000104  800 BLK Belvoir Hills Drive  Shots Fired

Officers responded to the above address for a report of shots fired. ERPD checked the surrounding area and did not locate any property damage or persons in distress.



26-000106- 5300 BLK Ringgold Road- Disorder

Police were called to the residence above because a guest was overstaying their welcome. When the officers arrived, the reporting party and the person extending their stay both admitted that this party had been residing at the address above for well over six months. ERPD advised the leaseholder on how to evict the party, as this was a civil matter. The parties separated for the

time being to diffuse the tension.



26-000107- 2000 BLK Lee Street- Threats of Self Harm

Police were forwarded this call from Chattanooga Police on a subject who is known to suffer from mental health issues. The man had called a crisis line and made direct threats of self-harm. CPD made contact at the partys old address and found it vacant. CPD then requested a phone locate, which was granted and started showing the man on Lazard Street. ERPD found that address vacant

as well. A secondary locate put his phone near Greenbriar. Police saturated the area to find him. Investigator Resendiz contacted the man on the phone. He stated that he wished for the police to kill him and would make sure the police shot him if they came out to his residence. As police were saturating the area, a call came in on Lee Street with the same phone number as the subject. Officers contained the house and attempted to have the man come outside. He finally went to the front door and was taken into protective custody and transported for treatment.



26-000110- 5300 BLK Clemons Road- Mentally Disturbed

Police were called out by a woman who stated that at night she tends to become more disturbed and wished to receive medical treatment before she harmed herself. She stated to police that she was not considering injury at this time and only wanted to be transported to the hospital. She was transported to the hospital.



26-000116  Belvoir Avenue @ Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity



An officer on routine patrol observed two males wearing all black walking Southbound on Belvoir Avenue near Ringgold Road. Upon noticing the officer, the males stopped walking until the officer continued onto Ringgold Road. The officer made a U-turn at East Ridge Elementary to continue observing the males. When the officer turned around, the two males engaged in unprovoked

flight by running Eastbound behind an auto dealer. Other officers responded due to the suspicious activity, but the subjects were not located.



Day Shift January 4: B Squad



26-000117- 2100 BLK McBrien Road- Miscellaneous Complaint

The party requested police to clarify information regarding Tn. state laws for the display of his Florida tag. He stated he was a resident in Ga. but wanted to be informed on the T.C.A.s for proper display of his registration if he is pulled over in the future.



26-000118-3500 BLK Bennet Road-Unknown Trouble

Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of Bennet Road for a 911 hangup. The call taker could hear arguing in the background before the call disconnected. Police checked the area, but no signs of distress could be located.



26-000119  200 BLK Ead Street - Domestic Disorder

A woman called 9-1-1 after she and her now ex-boyfriend were involved in a verbal domestic disorder that escalated into a shoving match. She stated the altercation started when the man was watching tv at a high volume, causing her to raise her voice, which he did not appreciate. Both parties stated they were yelling at each other and eventually began pushing each other. Both

parties claimed they were not in fear for their safety and agreed to separate.



26-000120- 3600 BLK Ringgold Road- Traffic Stop/ Arrest

Following a traffic stop, a man was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for a probation violation out of Catoosa County. He was transported to Hamilton County Jail.



26-000121- 5300 BLK Clemons Road- Property Damage

A party called to file a report on her sister alleging damage to her boyfriend's Jeep Grand Cherokee. The boyfriend alleged that the suspect was retaliating due to incidents related to OCN: 26-000070. No video/photographic evidence or eyewitness testimony was available at this time.



26-000126-5300 Bennet Road-Suspicious Person

Police were dispatched on a report of a male subject who appeared to be staking out properties in the area. The individual was gone upon police arrival.



25-000127  Altamaha at Anderson  Park and Walk

Police checked a tent that was visible from the roadway. The tent showed signs of recent occupancy, however, no one was present at the time.



26-000128  6500 BLK Ringgold Road - Assist Other Agency

ERPD arrested a man for a warrant through Ft. Oglethorpe Police Department following a traffic stop at this location. He was transported to the Hamilton County Jail to await extradition without incident.



Night Shift January 4: D Squad



26-000132- 900 BLK Belvoir Hills Circle- Open Door/ Window

Police were called by a passerby who reported that the residence at the above address had its front door open, and the caller could not see anyone inside the home. Officers contacted the homeowners who stated they had left the door open, and nothing was wrong.



26-000133- 6300 BLK Ringgold Road- Assault PD Only

Police were called back out as the suspect had returned to the property. Officers located the suspect, who appeared intoxicated, in the parking lot. He was detained until police could get statements of what happened, as the alleged assault took place during shift change. Officers then gathered

statements from the victims and placed the man in custody for Sexual Battery, Assault, and Public Intoxication.



26-000139- 1500 BLK Karwill Lane- Disorder

Police called out to a report that a delivery driver had allegedly threatened the resident at this apartment. When the resident advised that a phone conversation had taken place between him and the driver, the police tried to have him elaborate on what happened during this conversation. The resident instead told police to go F themselves and walked back inside his residence. The alleged threats from the driver suddenly made sense.



26-000140- 500 BLK Camp Jordon Parkway- Disorder

Police were called about a party that was refusing to leave the property, had taken a whiskey from the bar, and began drinking it without paying for it. The on-duty manager stated that if the party was removed from the property, they would not charge him. The party was removed from the property.



Day Shift January 5: A Squad

26-000145  3900 BLK Ringgold Road - Alarm

Upon police arrival, police observed a fallen case of vodka that may have triggered the alarm. No signs of forced entry were visible, and all doors were secured.



26-000153  6500 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder/Trespass

Police were requested by hotel staff to remove and trespass the occupants of a room. The parties were informed of them being trespassed and were to move out of the room in a timely manner. All of them understood and left without further incident.



Trespass warnings-26-000001, 26-000002, 26-000003



26-000148  3200 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder with a Weapon

Police spoke with the complainant who stated she was being followed by an unknown individual who brandished a weapon. The vehicle was described to be a red Ford F-350, bearing a Tennessee tag.



26-000147- 6400 BLK Dharma Loop- Suspicious Activity

Police were called to the above address to view Ring camera footage from when the caller was out of town at a Christmas party. Her Ring camera captured two individuals at her home attempting to enter the front door. They tried another code which did not work and left the area. No malicious activity was observed.



26-000157 - 4214 Ringgold Road - Warrant Service

A man was taken into custody on out outstanding East Ridge warrant and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.



Night Shift January 5: C Squad



26-000162  1400 BLK Springvale Road  Suspicious Person

A passerby reported a suspicious male was standing near the bridge on Springvale Road, staring at the creek. Police Officers responded to the location and immediately identified the suspicious person as a known homeless man. Police checked on his well-being and departed the area.



26-000165  6700 BLK Ringgold Road  Assist Other Agency

Police Officers responded to the report of a missing person sitting in a stolen white sedan in the parking lot. Officers located the stolen 2022 Hyundai Sonata and found it was occupied. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the partys grandfather reported her missing and the car as

stolen earlier in the day through the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office. Police contacted the owner and found he did not want to prosecute for the theft, he just wanted the driver to come home. The Catoosa County Sheriffs Office was updated on the situation. The driver and the vehicle were released from the scene, and both were removed from NCIC.



26-000168  1200 BLK Spring Creek Road  Attempted Burglary

The caller reported an unknown suspect attempted to open the back window of her home. She added that the suspect ran away when her children realized someone was at the window and began yelling for her. She was unable to get a physical description of the suspect and had no leads on the persons identity. Police searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect.



26-000169  1100 BLK Spring Creek Road  Suspicious Activity / Assist Other Agency

While patrolling the area, Police Officers located three people sitting in a vehicle behind the Spring Creek Elementary School. Police approached the vehicle and identified the driver. Police found that he had an arrest warrant through the Hamilton County Sessions Court for domestic assault. The man

was taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident. A licensed driver responded to the location and took the car and remaining passengers to their respective homes.
District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett, of Tennessees 10th Judicial District, announced on Wednesday that Kenterrius McGuffie, 29, has been sentenced to 10 consecutive life sentences without parole, with an additional 16 years in prison by District Judge Sandra Donaghy, one of the longest criminal sentences handed down in the State of Tennessee.

McGuffie pleaded guilty to a total of 27 charges: 13 counts of aggravated rape of a child, 12 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of continual sexual abuse of a child, and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.



There are few crimes, if any, that destroy lives like sexual abuse of children. Innocence is killed in these children, and had this crime occurred after the law changed, I would have sought the death penalty, said Gen. Hatchett. This case involved horrific sexual abuse that was not only committed, but also filmed, and the sentence imposed reflects the horrible nature of the crime. Sexual predators in the 10th Judicial District will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible, and this case should stand as a warning to anyone who would harm children in our community.

McGuffie was arrested in 2024, after agents first received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, concerning child sexual abuse material being uploaded by a Snapchat user. That user was later identified as McGuffie. These charges are based on videos that were collected on the defendants electronic devices and on Snapchat. They were submitted as evidence and reviewed by Judge Donaghy for the sentencing hearing.

This case involved multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Athens Police Department, McMinn County Sheriffs Office, Metro Nashville Police Department and the 10th Judicial Childrens Advocacy Center.
Home News 'Unfolding siege': Watchdog group sounds alarm as CCP authorities surround church

A watchdog group that monitors Christian persecution in China is pleading for international attention as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities appear poised to destroy a prominent church in Wenzhou, a port and industrial city in China's Zhejiang province.

CCP authorities dispatched hundreds of armed police to surround Yayang Christian Church on Monday after forcibly dispersing or arresting Christian residents near the church and prohibiting individuals from recording, according to sources on the ground who spoke to ChinaAid, a U.S.-based non-governmental Christian nonprofit.

Cranes, bulldozers and other large equipment have reportedly shown up outside the church in what the watchdog group described as an "extremely tense" situation. Authorities have reportedly remained tight-lipped about the government's intentions, though the fear is that they intend to remove the large cross atop the church or demolish the entire building.

"Believers are facing intimidation, isolation, and the imminent threat of violent enforcement. This unfolding siege represents a serious escalation in the CCP's systematic campaign of religious persecution under the policy of so-called 'Sinicization of religion,'" ChinaAid said in a press release, referring to the CCP's coercive policy of bringing all religious doctrines, practices and institutions in China under its control.

A photo posted Tuesday on X by ChinaAid founder Bob Fu, who escaped China in 1996 after being imprisoned for leading unregistered house churches in the country, shows that scaffolding had been erected around the church's cross, and Fu claimed "part of the church building is being destroyed forcefully by the CCP [government]."

Update on Yayang Church:

Part of the church building is being destroyed forcefully by the CCP govt on January 6. pic.twitter.com/wnduGjespA  Bob Fu ??? (@BobFu4China) January 6, 2026

"The mobilization of hundreds of armed police and heavy demolition equipment against a peaceful Christian church is not law enforcement  it is state-sponsored religious persecution. Wenzhou, long known as 'China's Jerusalem,' is once again under siege," Fu said in a statement.

Fu expressed hope despite the alleged government persecution, but urged other nations to stand up to the CCP and its ongoing mistreatment of Christians.

"History has shown repeatedly that no regime can extinguish faith through force. If the world remains silent at this critical moment, it will only embolden the CCP to destroy more churches and trample fundamental human dignity," he added.

ChinaAid's entreaty for international attention regarding Yayang Christian Church comes weeks after the group reported that more than 1,000 police, SWAT and paramilitary units spent days cracking down on Christian churches across at least 12 congregations in Yayang Town. Christian groups in the town have resisted government surveillance and church demolition since Zhejiang province first began removing crosses from churches in 2014.

Last month, local church leaders Lin Enzhao, 58, and Lin Enci, 54, were taken into custody and accused of being "principal suspects of a criminal organization" suspected of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," a charge commonly used in political cases.

Multiple residents said information and communication about the crackdown were promptly censored from online platforms.

During a 2023 interview with Fox News, Fu said Christian persecution in China has worsened to a point not seen since the Cultural Revolution under Mao Zedong.

According to a ChinaAid report released that year, Chinese Christians are imprisoned and tortured routinely, and the government has used the practice of tithes and offerings to trump up fraud charges against house churches to "financially suffocate" them.
Home News Colo. pays over $6M to settle legal challenge to abortion pill reversal ban

Colorado has agreed to pay more than $6 million in legal fees to settle litigation against a state law barring pro-life groups from providing the abortion pill reversal treatment for women seeking to save their babies' lives by stopping a chemically-induced miscarriage that has already been initiated.

Bella Health and Wellness, a pro-life Catholic clinic based in Denver, sued Colorado over a law that prohibited it from counseling women not to complete an abortion pill regimen.

The religious liberty law firm Becket, which helped represent Bella Health, announced Tuesday that Colorado agreed to pay $5.4 million in attorneys' fees to settle the lawsuit.

At least 18 moms who received abortion pill reversal care at Bella just celebrated Christmas with babies born during this case, said Rebekah Ricketts, senior counsel at Becket, in a statement provided to The Christian Post.

All Coloradans should celebrate those little miracles and the brave medical team at Bella that helped their moms when no one else would, she added.

Colorado also agreed on Tuesday to pay $700,000 in legal fees to settle a challenge by nurse practitioner Chelsea Mynyk, who joined the Bella Health lawsuit in 2024.

Kevin Theriot, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented Mynyk, said in a statement released Tuesday that he was pleased with the settlement.

Many women regret their chemical abortions, and some choose to reverse the effects of the first abortion drug, which can save their babys life, he stated.

But Colorados law wrongly attempted to deny women the freedom to make that choice. Were pleased Chelsea and the other pro-life plaintiffs in this suit are allowed to get back to their life-saving work of helping women and children.

An abortion pill reversal treatment occurs when a pregnant woman undergoing a medication abortion (also known as chemical abortion) changes her mind and takes progesterone, a natural hormone, to counteract the effects of the first pill.

The treatment is controversial in certain circles, with pro-life groups insisting that it has saved thousands of lives while establishment groups, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, argue that the evidence is still lacking.

In April 2023, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a law that labeled any effort to provide or recommend abortion pill reversal as unprofessional conduct and subject to discipline in this state.

The law soon became the subject of a legal challenge, as Bella Health and Mynyk argued that the measure violated their constitutional rights and their sincerely held religious beliefs.

In August 2025, United States District Judge Daniel Domenico for the District of Colorado issued a permanent injunction against enforcing the state law.

[W]hile the clinical efficacy of abortion pill reversal remains debatable, nobody has been injured by the treatment and a number of women have successfully given birth after receiving it, wrote Domenico.

The Defendants have thus failed to show that they have a compelling interest in regulating this practice, and Plaintiffs motion must therefore be granted to the extent it seeks a permanent injunction allowing them to continue offering the treatment.
Home News Court dismisses defamation lawsuit of Pastor Micahn Carter against woman who accused him of rape

The Court of Appeals in Washington state has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former megachurch pastor Micahn Carter against his former assistant, who alleges he raped her in her office at Together Church in Yakima in 2019.

In a ruling dated Dec. 30, 2025, Court of Appeals Judge George B. Fearing, joined by Judges John Cooney and Megan Murphy, dismissed Carters lawsuit, citing the state's Uniform Public Expression Protection Act.

The UPEPA is an "anti-SLAPP" (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, enacted in 2021, to protect individuals and groups from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence their free speech, press, assembly, or petitioning on matters of public interest. It also provides mandatory attorney fees for successful defendants.

We dismiss Micahn Carters defamation cause of action as a matter of law. In doing so, we grant [redacteds] motion to dismiss, under the UPEPA, Carters complaint, Fearing wrote. We award Jones reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred at both the superior court and the Court of Appeals levels.

Theo Lesczynski, an attorney at Davis Wright Tremaine in Seattle, who represented and argued at the appellate court on behalf of Carters former assistant, called the decision of the court groundbreaking and a boon for survivors.

Our client stood up for her right to be heard and fought back against this vindictive lawsuit. As a result of her courage, we have received a groundbreaking decision that will protect survivors everywhere, Lesczynski said in a statement to The Christian Post. The opinion advances the law of defamation to ensure that survivors can speak freely about their experiences and bring public attention to these extraordinarily important issues.

Carter and his wife previously led Together Church in Yakima, Washington, for 13 years until he resigned in June 2019 following what was described as an inappropriate incident. Carter has since described the incident as "consensual sex," but the woman claimed the sexual encounter was "not consensual."

According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, Carter blamed the incident on previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder, for which he later sought treatment.

He later went to the Church of the Highlands in Alabama to participate in a ministerial restoration program in July 2020. During his time there, the woman sent a letter to Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges, accusing Carter of raping her. She also published her allegations in a blog post on Medium titled Moving Forward. Carter resigned from Church of the Highlands due to the allegations.

In the post, the woman alleged that Carter raped me in my office while most of our staff, teams and my family stood just outside the door on April 29, 2019.

"We were talking about what glasses I was going to buy for petes sake. What was happening didnt make sense to me and my 'please stop' whispers didnt throw him off in the slightest," she added.

This nonconsensual and horribly traumatic event left me unable to function, the young woman, who describes herself as a single mother, claimed. I remember feeling so disoriented and like my skin was crawling.

She said she was too afraid to report the alleged rape to police or church officials or even go to a hospital.

Carter has maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual and sued the woman in Alabama for at least $500,000 in damages. That lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice because the alleged assault happened in Washington.

Carter later sued the woman in Washington in 2023. The woman sought to have the case dismissed, but Yakima County Superior Court Judge Kevin Naugh denied that request in February 2024. Carter has continued to preach at churches around the country, and he and his wife recently announced plans to launch a new church in Indianapolis, Indiana, this fall.

In their decision to dismiss Carters lawsuit, the judges found that the womans letter to the Church of the Highlands pastor, warning him about her experience with Carter, is protected by the common interest privilege.

Any church would want to know whether a married pastor engaged in sexual intercourse with his assistant on church property, the judges note.

The court also explained that the extensive context and background provided by Carters former assistant in her blog post made the allegation of rape in the post  nonactionable opinion, which means it could not be the subject of a defamation claim. Carter was also qualified as a limited public figure, which requires him to prove that his former assistant made her statements with actual malice. The judges concluded she did not.

In their decision, the judges also wrote that victims of workplace sexual harassment sometimes first blame themselves but may eventually come to understand the difference in power and lack of consent in an employer-employee relationship.

We acknowledge a lack of direct evidence of consent by [redacted] to the sexual encounter. We underscore Carters role as a minister and his announcement in church of engaging in wrong behavior because of a mental illness. We observe that Carter brings this suit in part to restore his public standing as an important internet evangelist and book author. We stress the employment and pastoral relationship between Carter and [redacted], the judges stated. Finally, we note a long history of predatory sexual behavior toward women in the workplace and the abuse of trust when a pastor pursues sex with a parishioner.

During a recent sermon at Revere Church in Placentia, California, Carter framed the sexual encounter as infidelity.

In 2019, I made the biggest mistake of my life. Through infidelity, I was unfaithful to my wife. I lost an amazing church that I built an amazing group of people that I got to pastor, he said. I lost the city I was born and raised in. We lost the house we were building. I lost my reputation. I lost trust. I lost longtime friends.
Home News Jamal Bryant slammed for buying wife flesh-colored gala dress: 'Lowering of standards'

Christian leaders and influencers are speaking out about the dress that megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant bought for his wife to wear to a gala event last month, sparking debate about how Christians should present themselves in public.

Bryant, an outspoken progressive activist who leads the New Birth Missionary Baptist church in Georgia, defended the dress in a New Year's Eve sermon.

But during his sermon on Sunday, Bishop Patrick Wooden, who leads the Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina, weighed in on the debate over the dress Karri Bryant wore at the 42nd Annual United Negro College Fund Mayor's Masked Ball on Dec. 20 and Bryant's unapologetic response.

A video and photo montage of the gala that Karri Bryant shared on her Instagram on Dec. 21 shows her wearing a flesh-colored gown with a black lace overlay, which critics argue gave the illusion that the pastors wife was nearly nude.

Wooden began by thanking the Lord for his wife, Pamela Wooden, adding that she dresses like a first lady [of the church]. The pastor declared that the lowering of standards is amazing."

A preacher presented his wife the other day, in what you could call a flesh-colored dress, Wooden said during his sermon. Its a black dress and flesh-colored. It gives the illusion that shes not wearing anything underneath.

I heard the preacher when he defended her dress by saying, first of all, he bought the dress. And then he said, I want to address people who dont know anything, who havent been anywhere, who dont know anything, the Upper Room Church leader stated.

So I guess our objection to a man of the cloth presenting his wife in public looking like a two-dollar whore  two, at least two, the bishop added.

Wooden clarified that his statement was not about Karri Bryant, but about Jamal Bryants claim that he had purchased the gown for his wife. Jamal Bryant made the statement about buying the gown for his wife during a Dec. 31 service at the New Birth.

Jamal Bryant said his wife's dress "was not see-through" but rather "flesh color."

"But insecure, jealous, petty, small-minded people got in their feelings and set up a false barometer of holiness based off of a dress," Jamal Bryant declared.

"I bought the dress, and I like it," Bryant added. "I don't care whether you like it or not. She ain't married to you all. She married to me."

Wooden, however, argues that he does not know of a greater way to demean ones wife than buying an outfit for her like the one that Karri Bryant wore to the fundraising gala.

You get a husband, the husband don't want his wife to look like she's on display, the bishop declared. No, he wants his wife to be  respected.

Rock Leach, a Bible teacher and host of the Social Fire eChurch YouTube channel, discussed the issue on his channel earlier this week, emphasizing that optics are important, especially for a pastor and his wife.

Because whether we like it or not, people watch before they listen. That hasn't changed. People going to watch you before they listen, Leach stated. Scripture tells us to be above reproach. And that doesn't stop at the pulpit or the platform. It extends to presentation, posture, and how you dress.

Modesty isn't about being outdated or boring. It's about not distracting from the message with the messenger, he continued.

Leach asserts that a pastors wife wearing a dress like Karri Bryant's could shift attention from Christ to the flesh. He warned that such a distraction not only undermines the credibility of a pastors wife but also that of the ministry.

When you represent the Gospel publicly, how you show up visually should point people to holiness, not confusion, Leach argued.

Sherri Shepherd, the host of the daytime talk show SHERRI, also devoted time to discussing the controversy during an episode of her show. While the host noted that Karri Bryants dress at the gala was flesh-colored, not see-through, she questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for a pastors wife.

Shepherd complimented Karri Bryant, calling her brilliant, and noted that she follows the pastors wife on social media.

I just don't know where the illusion of nudity fits in with being a first lady, the talk show host said. I mean, I, you know, for me, I feel like there's certain things that you don't expect from certain people.

Shepherd said she would expect to see celebrities like Cardi B, Jennifer Lawrence or Lizzo wear a dress like Bryant's, not a pastors wife.

The host likened the situation to a time when she went everywhere braless after having undergone a breast reduction, which she stopped after friends reminded her that, as a daytime talk show host, she shouldnt appear in public like that.

And when I thought about it,  I have a responsibility, Shepherd explained. I'm a talk show host. I got it.
Home News Karoline Leavitt pledges 'all-hands-on-deck' approach to cracking down on state fraud

WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pledged Wednesday that the Trump administration is taking an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to cracking down on alleged widespread fraud in states such as Minnesota, saying prosecutors have already issued over 1,700 subpoenas.

"When it comes to Minnesota, the fraud that we have seen, the wide scale of fraud, is really remarkable. It's egregious," Leavitt said during the first White House press briefing of the new year, which took place before news spread that a woman was fatally shot by immigration enforcement officers on Wednesday morning in Minneapolis.

Leavitt noted that Trump administration officials and federal law enforcement are "on the ground" in Minnesota to investigate reports of fraud and other illegal activity in the Democrat-run state.

"[DHS] Secretary Noem was there yesterday," she said. "[Treasury] Secretary Bessent [is] traveling there later this week to talk about the fraud and to do a roundtable on this very topic."

To date, Leavitt shared that the U.S. Department of Justice has charged 98 defendants in Minnesota fraud-related cases, 85 of whom are of Somali descent and 64 of whom have been convicted.

"The DOJ has also issued over 1,700 subpoenas, executed over 130 search warrants, and they have now added more attorneys to their office there to absorb the case flow," Leavitt said. "DHS is on the ground, going door-to-door, conducting large-scale criminal and [homeland security investigations.] They have also sent approximately 2,000 agents to Minneapolis to assist with law enforcement and immigration enforcement."

She also noted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) froze around $185 million in federal childcare payments to Minnesota in response to the fraud allegations last month, launching a national policy requiring justification and a receipt or photo evidence before receiving payments from the HHS' Administration for Children & Families (ACF).

Further actions are also being taken by the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Small Business Administration to investigate and prevent fraudulent activity, Leavitt said.

"Rest assured, this is an all-hands-on-deck effort from the entire administration to get to the bottom of this and to ensure that the ripping off of taxpayers in the state of Minnesota  and it won't just be Minnesota, it will be any state across this country where fraud has taken place, and we are protecting law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens," she said.

Leavitt's comments come days after Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who served as his party's vice presidential nominee in 2024, announced he is stepping back from seeking reelection to a historic third term as governor.

Walz's administration recently drew scrutiny for what critics consider an inadequate response to widespread fraud among childcare centers, many of which are run by Somali immigrants.

Last month, independent journalist Nick Shirley went viral for a video in which he visited licensed daycare centers in the Minneapolis area that appeared vacant despite receiving millions in taxpayer funds  such as $1.9 million to "Quality Learing [sic] Center."

Other independent journalists have since begun investigating what they believe to be similar fraudulent schemes in other cities such as Seattle, Washington and Columbus, Ohio.

Leavitt speculated that Walz "probably dropped out of the race because he realizes he no longer has the support of the people of his own state, which is a remarkable downfall considering he was the No. 2 on the Democrat Party's ticket just about a year ago."

The White House briefing took place as tensions boiled over in Minneapolis, with Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey telling U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to "get the f out" of the city after a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by law enforcement.

DHS claims the ICE agent fired his weapon in self-defense after the woman allegedly attempted to "weaponize her vehicle" by running him over.

"We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety, and you are doing exactly the opposite. People are being hurt, families are being ripped apart," Frey said during a press conference.

Walz accused DHS of "propaganda," promising Minnesota would conduct "a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice."
Home News Historic Texas UMC church gets OK to keep LGBT rainbow-color steps painted to defy governor

A historic Dallas church will keep its LGBT rainbow-painted front steps as a temporary art installation after getting approval from city planners.

The Dallas Landmark Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness on Monday, allowing the LGBT-inclusive Oak Lawn United Methodist Church to retain its rainbow-painted front steps for the next three years.

A task force subcommittee had recommended denial, citing Dallas Development Code provisions requiring painting to match existing material colors, according to an agenda from Mondays meeting.

The church's front steps were painted last October in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's directive ordering cities to remove political or activist symbols and artwork from public spaces, such as those on crosswalks and public streets.

Designated a Dallas Landmark in 1984, Oak Lawn UMC was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, and recognized with a State Historic Marker in 1974 for its large brick structure, Gothic-influenced architecture and significant art glass windows and brick terra cotta detailing in the contemporary style of affluent 1920s Dallas.

With more than 100 years of worship at its current site, the churchs website identifies Oak Lawn UMC as a Reconciling congregation of the United Methodist Church, affirms LGBT-identified people and their families, and is welcoming to all "just as you are. No exceptions, no fine print  just open arms and open hearts." According to its website, Oak Lawn UMC is a spiritually curious community that promotes values of love, diversity, and social justice through its Sacred Resistance ministry.

Because the church is located within a designated historic district, any exterior alterations, including the painting, require review and approval from the Landmark Commission. City staff recommended approval with conditions, noting the work is temporary, reversible and represents a source of community pride.

Silence is not neutral, said Oak Lawn UMCs Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison in a statement released ahead of Mondays hearing. Painting our steps in the colors of the rainbow is a visible witness to the gospel we preach  that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of safety, dignity, and belonging.

In October, the church defiantly shared an image on social media of the brightly painted steps and specifically criticized Abbotts executive order: The governor may remove a rainbow from a roadway  but he cannot erase the image of God in Gods people. We are painting our steps because faith is not silent in the face of harm.

Led by three LGBT-identified pastors, Oak Lawn UMC says it provides community outreach and support services, including meals for the homeless community, food pantry access and clothing closet ministries that provide free clothing, including for individuals who identify as the opposite sex and are seeking or exchanging" so-called "gender-affirming" clothing.

In 2022, Oak Lawn UMC self-appointed two LGBT-identified pastors after UMC leadership refused to grant their request for appointments. The Rev. Rachel Baughman appointed Isabel Marquez and Ryan Wager, who identify as lesbian and gay, respectively, without the authorization from the North Texas Conference of the UMC.
Home News Philip Yancey admits extramarital affair, will step away from ministry work to focus on marriage

Philip Yancey has admitted to having an extramarital affair with a married woman for eight years, with the bestselling Christian author announcing that he's stepping away from ministry.

In an emailed statement to Christianity Today, where he was editor-at-large, the 76-year-old Yancey stated that I confess that for eight years I willfully engaged in a sinful affair with a married woman.

My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage. It was also totally inconsistent with my faith and my writings and caused deep pain for her husband and both of our families, he added in the statement published by the outlet on Tuesday.

I have confessed my sin before God and my wife, and have committed myself to a professional counseling and accountability program. I have failed morally and spiritually, and I grieve over the devastation I have caused.

Calling the affair my great shame, Yancey added that he was now focused on rebuilding trust and restoring my marriage of 55 years.

Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring from writing, speaking, and social media, he continued. Instead, I need to spend my remaining years living up to the words I have already written.

I pray for Gods grace and forgiveness  as well as yours  and for healing in the lives of those Ive wounded.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Yanceys website described his upbringing as being in a strict, fundamentalist church in the southern USA that led him to conclude that God was a scowling Supercop, searching for anyone who might be having a good time  in order to squash them.

Yancey was the author of several notable Christian books, including Disappointment with God, Where is God When it Hurts?, The Jesus I Never Knew, Whats So Amazing About Grace?, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? and Where the Light Fell.

A journalist by profession, Yancey wrote for Campus Life and later for Christianity Today, eventually becoming the editor-at-large for the Evangelical publication.

In a 2010 interview with The Christian Post, Yancey said his Christian books were different from others, in part because I approach any topic as a journalist.

Whereas a lot of the Christian books you would see in a bookstore are written by authority figures of some sort, like maybe a pastor like a Rick Warren, or a personality like Chuck Colson or a theologian like a John Stott  people who do have a platform of authority and they are educating the rest of us, he said at the time.

I'm very much like my readers; most of them don't know anything about it either. I keep them in mind and say, 'How does this work?'  I interview the experts, then gradually, hopefully, I come away with some helpful picture.

In 2016, Yancey garnered controversy when, while in Madrid, Spain, he told the European publication Evangelical Focus that he was "staggered" by the Evangelical support for Donald Trump.

"I am staggered that so many conservative or Evangelical Christians would see a man who is a bully, who made his money by casinos, who has had several wives and several affairs  That they would somehow paint him as a hero, as someone that we could stand behind," Yancey said.

Later, in response to backlash, Yancey clarified that he was not endorsing Trumps 2016 election opponent, Hillary Clinton, and added that I acknowledged that some issues are so important (for example, abortion) that a Christian may decide to vote for a badly flawed candidate because of those issues.

In 2023, Yancey was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, yet continued to hold speaking engagements across the United States while battling the illness.
Home News Reformed convict asks why adult-themed books denied to Texas inmates are available in school libraries 'Just didn't make sense,' says Houston-based evangelist

Why are explicit books and other materials denied to prisoners available to children in school libraries?

Thats the question asked by David Stokely, a former Texas inmate who is highlighting what he calls a glaring hypocrisy in access to reading materials in public institutions.

Stokely, who served 10 years in prison before undergoing a profound personal transformation through faith, now leads a Houston-area Christian ministry called WREKTIFIED focused on mentoring at-risk youth and steering them away from the paths that led to his own incarceration.

In a Jan. 4 interview with Real Texans host Michael Quinn Sullivan of conservative nonprofit Texas Scorecard, Stokely expressed shock upon discovering the content in certain school library books he says are far more graphic than items routinely rejected for inmates under Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) policies.

Stokely explained that while incarcerated, he and fellow inmates had books rejected for even minor sexually suggestive content, such as "just a woman in her underwear, not even sexually."

In contrast, he said the school books in question contain detailed descriptions inappropriate for children. His ministry team cross-referenced lists of challenged school books with TDCJ's prohibited materials list  reported to include over 10,000 titles denied to prisoners for violating rules on graphic sexual content  and found that "pretty much all of them wouldn't be allowed."

When you read these books that they have in these schools, it goes into detail that kids shouldn't be reading. So I pointed out, I said, Listen, these books would not be allowed in prison, he said. So we began to send our list of books to TDCJ and say, Alright, show us which ones would not be allowed. Well, pretty much all of them wouldn't be allowed.

This comparison, Stokely argues, exposed an illogical double standard: adults convicted of serious crimes are shielded from such content, while young students are not.

"So you're saying that it's not OK for these inmates, right, that are adults that committed all these horrible crimes, right, to not read this stuff. But it's OK for this 8-year-old to read it? And that just didn't make sense, he said. And so, that's why you're seeing a lot of wins now from that being pointed out, with these books being removed.

House Bill 900, also known as the READER Act, was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 to regulate the library materials sold to or included in public school libraries, including any content identified as "sexually explicit material. A federal judge in October 2025 ruled the READER Act unconstitutional.

Stokely recounted how the issue came to his attention through videos of parents and advocates challenging school boards, drawing him in because of what he called his "heart for kids." As a father of two adult daughters, Stokely said he would demand answers if either of them had brought home one of these books from school.

... I was just thinking about when they were young and had one of them brought one of these books home, my blood pressure would have been through the roof and somebody would have been answering for that, he said.

After sharing his testimony in the interview, Stokely talked about his upbringing in the southeast Houston area amid challenging circumstances  a young single mother, absent father, cultural pressures and early involvement in drug dealing  which he says statistically stacked the odds against him. After a decade in prison, he credits true change not to the system itself, but to personal exhaustion with his old life paired with "a divine appointment with Jesus."

Inspired by Romans 5:10 and symbolizing a life "wrecked" before Christ finished the work, Stokely said he founded WREKTIFIED while still incarcerated, and now partners with Eyes on Me, Inc. to offer at-risk youth practical skills in plumbing, electrical, auto repair and other trades, along with creative outlets and mentorship rooted in the Christian faith.
Home Opinion 10 principles for revival that lead to a changed society

Throughout church history, God has moved in distinct ways that must be properly understood if we are going to posture ourselves for genuine transformation. We often use words like revival, awakening, renewal, and reformation interchangeably, but Scripture and history show that these realities are not the same. Each expresses a unique dimension of the Spirits work.

Revival literally means to live again, which implies that something once alive has declined into spiritual dormancy. Therefore, revival always concerns the church, never the unsaved. When we pray for revival, we must understand what we are confessing: that spiritual life has diminished, love has grown cold, and the people of God must be awakened to their first love.

Awakening, on the other hand, describes a move of the Spirit upon the unconverted masses. Once the Church is revived, spiritual power is released that awakens those living in darkness (Acts 26;18-19).

Renewal movements often refresh exhausted pastors and leaders, imparting new zeal for ministry. While renewal may or may not produce widespread repentance, it can re-energize a generation of ministers who then catalyze fresh works of God. The Pensacola Revival stands as a classic example of leaders returning wholeheartedly to the Lord, igniting a local church that became a hub for renewal.

Reformation occurs when a revived Church influences the structures of society  its laws, institutions, and cultural norms. It alters the moral ecosystem of a region. Revival touches the church; awakening touches the lost; reformation reshapes civilization. This was the pattern of the early churchs effect on The Roman Empire, Protestant Reformation on Europe, the Wesleyan Revival on the UK and USA, and the abolitionist movements from the 2nd Great Awakening.

What, then, are the enduring biblical principles that lead from revival to awakening, and ultimately to the reformation of society?

1. Revival is not a miracle  it follows spiritual laws

Revival is not an unpredictable heavenly explosion but the natural result of the Church meeting Gods conditions. Just as crops grow when the soil is properly cultivated, revival comes when Gods people pray, repent, humble themselves and obey. At the same time, revival cannot be manufactured by human enthusiasm. It is always a sovereign move of God, breaking forth at the moment He determines. Isaiah exhorts us, Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa. 55:6). There are divine windows of opportunity that must be seized.

2. When we pray for revival, God often first appears in judgment

Scripture reveals a sobering pattern: before the Spirit falls in power, God purifies His house. In Acts 5, revival was preceded by the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. Malachi 3:13 shows the Lord suddenly coming to His temple as a refiners fire. Jesus warned the church of Sardis in Revelation 3:1 that though they had a reputation of being alive, they were spiritually dead. Revival begins when God confronts hidden sin  exposing, purging, and cleansing His people so His glory may dwell among them.

3. Revival is preceded by repentance, confession, and the fear of the Lord

Hosea 10:12 commands us to break up the fallow ground, describing a painful but necessary heart-work. Pride, coldness, bitterness, neglect of prayer, and lack of love must be confessed and forsaken. Revival cannot coexist with unrepented sin. The fear of the Lord returns when Gods people take His holiness seriously, humble themselves, and allow His Spirit to search their hearts. Every major revival in history has been marked by deep confession and brokenness among believers.

4. Revival and awakening are born through travail and persistent intercession

Isaiah 62 describes God setting watchmen on the walls who will give Him no rest until He establishes His purposes. Revival is birthed through the prayers of saints who refuse to quit until heaven transforms earth. Prayer transforms  agonizing, specific, united intercession that lays claim to Gods promises. Where prevailing prayer is absent, revival will not come. The Church must travail before she gives birth.

5. Moves of God flourish where there is oneness of heart and spirit

Spiritual oneness is a magnet for the Spirits activity. Acts 2:1, 4246, and 4:32 describe believers in one accord  sharing life, resources, and purpose as the precursor to extraordinary moves of the Spirit. Division, rivalry, and isolation are enemies of revival. Cities where pastors unite in prayer often see the Spirit break out in unexpected ways. Jesus prayed that we would be one so that the world would believe (John 17). Oneness creates a spiritual atmosphere where God delights to dwell.

6. Revival requires Spirit-led, practical obedience

Revival is not emotional excitement; it is obedience to conviction. Whenever God reveals a step  confession, restitution, forgiveness, reconciliation  this must be acted upon immediately. Revival breaks where people respond rapidly to the Spirit. Obedience opens the floodgates of grace. Disobedience quenches the Spirit and halts the move of God.

7. Revival requires direct, compelling, Christ-exalting preaching

Revival depends on preaching that pierces the conscience. Sermons must expose sin, exalt Christ, and call people to decisive action. Revival preaching is not vague inspiration; it is prophetic proclamation that demands obedience and faith. Historically, whenever preaching loses its clarity and urgency, revival wanes.

8. Revival is sustained when the Church partners actively with God

The Church must reject the passive mindset that says, sit back and watch God move. Revival thrives when believers labor for souls  visiting the awakened, discipling the newly converted, and evangelizing their communities. Revival dies when Christians become spectators. God works, but He works through His people (2 Cor. 6:2). The revived Church becomes the engine of awakening.

9. The Holy Spirit convicts, but people must respond

Conviction is not conversion. The Church must help individuals cross the line of surrender  to repent, believe, confess Christ, and follow Him. Revival preaching and ministry should always press toward decision, not mere emotion. When the Church shepherds conviction toward conversion, awakening spreads.

10. Revival should lead to social and moral reformation

If revival does not transform culture, it is incomplete. True revival leads to justice, compassion, moral purity, missionary expansion, and societal transformation. It changes families, laws, institutions, and public morality. The Gospel becomes salt and light at every level of society. Revival awakens the Church; reformation rebuilds the world around her.

When these 10 principles converge, history shows that revival moves beyond the walls of the church and reshapes entire civilizations.
consumers, I think it comes back to the culture and and also the the learning agility that we we we want everyone in the organizations to have Right And interestingly, AI is probably a lot more, a lot easier than most other technology that came before it okay, because suddenly everyone, because of chat, GPT and and, you know, generative AI and the many different tools that comes up just in The last two and a half years, right?

Everyone got excited about it. In fact, I would say that, you know, trying to create that learning pathway and get people systematically upskill to be able to approach AI the right way leverage AI The right way is how we are doing across the organizations.

So the way that we see it is like there are three different types of AI that we grapple with right one is productivity tools like chat GPT, that we give to individual to allow them to be able to do what they need to do, right?

The second is what comes with all the software that you have right? Every major software, many of them sitting here right, comes with their AI component, right.

And then last, but not the least are the things that my team would develop and build in accordance to what we want to drive the company forward and how we transform the company so the first one, we have more than enough tools that we allow the the organization to leverage, and we have a governance process to to get them to request to the time, to the point that they can use it, or we give them alternative, because we already have the tools.

Alternative to that does the same thing, right? The second one we're like, all right, if it comes with the with the software that we own, if we already have the license, go for it.

You know that, because that is embedded, it will help us better leverage the software, the focus that we have then is that here are some of the things that we are doing to try to transform the way that we work, the workforce, the work itself, and in some cases, the business and how we can better serve our customers as.

Well as employee moving forward through AI. And one of the way that we approach that is reimagining some key end to end processes. And if and ask the question, Can these be fully autonomous, right? And if it can be, what would it look like?

And we have subject matter experts getting together, bringing their knowledge and experience and draw that out. And the only criteria is that it has to be fully autonomous.

And once that is done, right, we bring people back in the loop to augment that and make it even more powerful for our
tippapatt / Adobe Stock

The Charity Commission has said it is actively engaging with City & Guilds parent charity after concerns were reported following the sale of most of its assets to a private company last year.

In October, the City & Guilds London Institute (CGLI) completed the sale of its training and awards operation to Greek language certification company PeopleCert.

All of CGLIs awarding, assessment and training businesses have transferred to PeopleCert, which will run the operations under the name City & Guilds Limited.

Some 1,400 staff were to be transferred out of the charity  which will operate under the City & Guilds Foundation name  to leave 10 to 15 employees, it was announced in October.

The charity said at the time that it expected to have 180 to 200m in assets post-sale and that it would largely rely on the annual earnings from its reserves, with plans to form a strategy on its future activities.

Since then, concerns have been reported over the sale including a rumoured restructure and bonuses awarded to transferred employees.

The commission said it had received assurances as to CGLI trustees decision-making but that its permission was not required for the sale.

We are aware of recent media reports about factors relating to the sale of assets by City and Guilds of London Institute and are engaging actively with the charity to obtain more information to assess any next steps for us as regulator, a spokesperson said.

Reports of cost savings plans

Last month, the Guardian reported that two senior transferred CGLI directors were paid bonus payments of more than 1m.

The paper also referenced a PeopleCert restructuring presentation in early December in which the firm identified 22m of savings at City & Guilds Limited.

Of the savings, 13m were personal cost synergies largely achieved by not replacing staff leaving the organisation with UK hires, it reported.

Tom Bewick, technical education historian, wrote in a Substack article that about a third of roles could be offshored to Greece.

Bewick added that the bonus awards raised serious ethical and governance concerns.

Late last year, a petition to keep the City and Guilds Institute public was launched to oppose the sale.

PeopleCert did not respond to a request for comment around potential UK staff cuts and relocations.

Charitys response

The charity has dismissed what is has said are a number of inaccurate claims around its sale of training and awards operations to PeopleCert.

In a public statement from its trustees on 2 January, it said: CGLI was not created as a public sector body, it is an independent charitable organisation.

Until the sale, it achieved its charitable goals through a combination of charitable and commercial activities.

The commercial activities always had to compete in an open market to be able to stand alone.

CGLI trustees said the sale was necessary to protect its future interests.

They said: Responsibly divesting the commercial awarding organisation and skills training business was the most effective way to protect the organisations long-term health.

The charity also sought to address concerns raised around bonus awards.

It said: Trustees were not involved in any pre or post-deal conversations regarding remuneration matters for CGL [City & Guilds Limited] executives that would apply after the sale.

Bonuses for eligible employees reflecting performance in 2025 are payable in line with CGLIs remuneration policy.

No payments outside CGLIs existing bonus schemes have been paid.

When asked if the bonus payments quoted in the Guardian were correct, a CGLI spokesperson said it had nothing further to add from its public statement.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said a group of major banks have agreed to extend mortgage relief for Los Angeles wildfire victims, as the area struggles to rebuild one year after the devastating blazes.

Wells Fargo & Co., JPMorgan Chase & Co., U.S. Bancorp and Citigroup Inc. will streamline requests for an additional 90-day forbearance period, allowing borrowers to apply verbally without paperwork, Newsom said on a press release Tuesday. Bank of America Corp. announced in November that it will offer qualifying borrowers up to two additional years of forbearance.

Related: Morningstar: A Year Later, LA Wildfires Were Significant Stress Event for Insurance

Most lenders limit forbearance to 12 months under a California law that expanded an emergency agreement the state had reached with banks in January 2025. Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Citi and U.S. Bancorp didnt immediately reply tor a request for further comment.

Last year, the Intercontinental Exchange Inc. estimated that there was $11 billion in outstanding mortgage debt in the path of the fires.

Newsom, a termed out governor whos considering a presidential run, has faced renewed criticism from the White House and other political adversaries for his handling of the catastrophic wildfires, which tore through large swaths of Southern California last year and killed at least 31 people. Newsom, in turn, has blasted the White House for failing to send Californias disaster aid request to Congress.

Related: Insurance Payments Now at $22.4B From LA Wildfires One Year Ago

On Tuesday, Newsom also announced he will work with banks, philanthropic partners and lawmakers on a new financing fund that would complement private construction loans and help close insurance shortfalls that have stalled rebuilding. Hes also expanding eligibility for its CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program, which provides grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments. The state has so far paid $5.98 million to 732 households, mostly fire survivors.

Im deeply grateful to our financial partners who are stepping up to help provide financial relief to those who have lost so much, Newsom said. This disaster was unprecedented, and its created challenges unlike anything weve seen before.
Bayers Monsanto sued COVID-19 vaccine makers Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna in Delaware federal court on Tuesday for allegedly misusing its messenger RNA technology in manufacturing their vaccines, a Bayer spokesperson confirmed.

The patent infringement lawsuits said the companies copied technology developed by Monsanto in the 1980s for strengthening mRNA in crops in order to stabilize the genetic material used in their vaccines.

Bayer separately filed a similar lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey federal court on Tuesday, arguing that a DNA-based process J&J used in manufacturing its shots infringed the patent.

Bayers complaints add to a web of patent lawsuits over the blockbuster COVID shots, which include an ongoing lawsuit filed by Moderna against Pfizer in 2022.

Bayer was not involved in developing COVID vaccines and does not make or sell any version of them. It asked the courts for an unspecified amount of monetary damages and said it was not seeking to block the companies from manufacturing their vaccines.

Pfizer and BioNTech earned more than $3.3 billion in revenue from global sales of their vaccine Comirnaty in 2024, while Moderna earned $3.2 billion from its Spikevax, according to company reports, a fraction of their sales at the height of the pandemic.

Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its COVID vaccine in the United States in 2023.

Bayers lawsuits said Monsanto scientists pioneered technology in the 1980s for reducing mRNA instability to make more pest-resistant crops. Bayer alleged that Pfizer and Moderna utilized technology for improving the stability of mRNA that infringes one of its patents.

(Reporting by Brittain in WashingtonEditing by Bill Berkrot)
A U.S. lawmaker introduced legislation to require that new motor vehicles be equipped with manual door releases, a move to address safety concerns with the type of electrically powered handles popularized by Tesla Inc.

The measure from Representative Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat, calls for automobiles with electric door systems to include a mechanical latch that is intuitive to use and readily accessible for the occupant. It would also require means for first responders to gain access to vehicles when power is lost. The bill was introduced on Tuesday, a Kelly representative said.

The proposal is the first indication that safety risks posed by electrically powered vehicle doors have drawn the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. It adds to the growing scrutiny of electric vehicle doors following a series of incidents in which people were severely injured or died when they were unable to escape. Bloomberg News has reported extensively on problems with the modern door systems, which can lose power unexpectedly, particularly after crashes.

Related: US Auto Safety Agency Probes Tesla Model 3 Emergency Door Release

Elon Musk and his Tesla designs are not safe, nor efficient, and it has cost people their lives, Kelly said in a statement, referring to Teslas chief executive officer. When crashes or power loss leave drivers and passengers trapped inside their own cars, that is not innovation  its a safety failure.

Tesla representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Days after Bloombergs initial report in September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into whether the doors are defective in certain Tesla Model Y SUVs. The auto safety regulator last month opened a probe into the emergency releases in certain Model 3 vehicles in response to claims from a Tesla owner that they are hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive to locate during an emergency.

In China, transport authorities have proposed new safety standards to address risks posed by electrically powered door handles that sit flush against a vehicles body. The designs were pioneered by Tesla but have become commonplace in modern cars. The handles have also attracted growing concerns in the country following high-profile fatal crashes involving EVs made by Xiaomi Corp.

Related: Tesla Drivers Are Buying Escape Tools and Cars to Avoid Getting Trapped Inside

Last month, Tesla updated its website to say that after a serious collision is detected, hazard lights will turn on to increase visibility and doors will automatically unlock for emergency access.

The so-called Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act  or SAFE Exit Act  is set to be discussed along with several other measures during a legislative hearing Jan. 13 before a House Energy & Commerce committee panel, which has oversight of auto industry issues.

The proposed legislation would require rule changes within two years if it becomes law.

Top photo: A Tesla Inc. Model Y electric vehicle at the companys Experience and Service Center in Gurugram, India, on Nov. 26, 2025. Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Number One Pho is one of the first signs on Superior Avenue that youre entering Clevelands AsiaTown neighborhood.

Its been around for nearly 30 years, helping to establish the block as Pho Row for folks seeking out a warm, comforting bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup. Although Number One Pho has a couple decades under its belt, the restaurant quietly underwent a tasty transition at the end of last year.

Now, thanks to the sister duo of Maya and Heidi Mai, Number One Pho is truly authentic taste of Vietnam and should be a destination for local foodies, especially when seeking soul-warming food on cold winter days.

Aside from some bright new decor, Number One Pho, 3120 Superior Avenue, looks like how its always been. Its a cozy corner spot with wooden tables that are perfect for an above-average lunch experience. Its the restaurants updated menu that got the real makeover, and you must taste the changes to truly understand.

Maya and Heidi took over Number One Pho last August and basically changed every recipe on the menu. They did not purchase the building, but the restaurant entity and its name. Come for the pho, which also got a delicious upgrade, and stay to try everything else.

Banh xeo, a Vietnamese savory crepe with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and more, a specialty from Number One Pho in Cleveland. Alex Darus

The sisters added a huge variety of traditional Vietnamese items that arent found at other local spots  like banh xeo, a crispy, savory crepe with fillings like pork, shrimp and bean sprouts.

We try to make it how it was in Vietnam, Maya said of the recipes.

The best way to experience the new Number One Pho is with a group and order a bit of everything. For soups like pho and Bun bo Hue, or spicy beef noodle soup, a variety of broths simmer for hours to develop a deep flavor and clear appearance. Each dish features a distinct style of noodle that is anything but an afterthought  with every style perfectly complementing accompanying ingredients.

Bun thit nuong cha gio, or grilled pork and spring rolls with cold rice noodles, from Number One Pho in Cleveland. Alex Darus

Bites of fragrant lemongrass, tangy fish sauce, crunchy vegetables like daikon and carrots and surprise quail eggs make eating at Number One Pho a sensory experience. Texture is as important as flavor in dishes like bun thit nuong cha gio, or grilled pork and spring rolls over cold rice noodles. It might sound simple, but each dish is perfectly balanced and loaded with fresh, interesting ingredients.

So far everythings good and many people love our food now, Maya said. We have more choices.

The sisters grew up in Vietnam and, thanks to previous restaurant experience, are passionate about serving authentic, delicious food to customers who are either looking for a taste of home or to try something new. Maya has been in Cleveland for four years and has scoured local Vietnamese restaurants trying to find the dishes she missed from home. When she couldnt, she and her sister started making them at Number One Pho.

Com tam ac biet is a special broken rice dish with a grilled pork chop, steamed pork and egg patty, fried egg, salad and shredded pork skin. Alex Darus

Dishes like com tam ac biet, or a special broken rice dish, arent found at any average pho restaurant. The plate features a grilled pork chop, a pork and egg patty, fried egg, shredded pork skin and a salad.

Or hu tieu kho, a dry noodle dish with shrimp, quail egg, pork and more, served with a side of clear broth. Pro tip: get a freshly-made sugarcane drink to accompany whatever you order from the menu.

Maya and Heidi want locals to let go of any misconceptions they may have about Number One Pho. It has been the somewhat forgotten anchor of pho row, with the buzz-worthy (and also delicious) Superior Pho next door. Now, the duo behind Number One Pho encourages all Clevelanders to come in and give their recipes a try.

When they eat our food, they feel like theyre at home in Vietnam, Maya said of her customers.
Mali and Burkina Faso have barred U.S. citizens from entering their territories, retaliating against Washingtons decision to expand its travel ban to include the two West African nations, Reuters reports.

The reciprocal measures took effect immediately after the White House added both countries to its restricted travel list in late December. Officials from Mali and Burkina Faso said they are responding in kind to American policy.

In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that, with immediate effect, the Government of the Republic of Mali will apply the same conditions and requirements to U.S. nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens, the Malian ministry said in a statement.

Burkina Fasos government issued a similar statement.

The U.S. travel restrictions, which cite security concerns, now affect citizens from 38 countries. The policy includes exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, and special cases such as diplomats or athletes.

According to AL.com, other countries facing partial or complete travel restrictions to the U.S. include:
New data on the shadow fleet shows an increasing number of tankers are seeking the protection of Moscow by changing their flag of registration to Russia.

That trend has been further accelerated by the United States' seizures of vessels carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil.

President Donald Trump has said U.S. oil companies will invest billions of dollars in Venezuela's energy sector, after the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro. Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil are reportedly planning to meet with the Trump administration later this week. Trump also said the big oil companies will either "get reimbursed by us or through revenue."

"We have seen an accelerated shift of vessels changing to the Russian flag over the past month," said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd's List. "Seventeen shadow fleet tankers changed fraudulent flags to join the Russian flag in the past few weeks alone."

One of the latest high-profile sanctioned vessels to be newly registered under the Russian flag is the Bella 1, the tanker the United States stopped Dec. 20 during the ship's transit to Venezuela to be filled with the sanctioned crude.

During that time, the Bella 1 was registered under a fraudulent Guyana flag. On Dec. 31, Russia notified the U.S. that the ship had changed its name to Marinera and switched its registration to Russia, according to Lloyd's List. The vessel left the Caribbean.

According to Automatic Identification System data  real-time information transmitted by ships  that Lloyd's List is tracking, the vessel is now near Iceland, bound for Russia.

"This mid-voyage flag change appears to have been an attempt by the vessel's operators to seek protection from a U.S. boarding and seizure," said Meade.

Lloyd's List research shows another sanctioned vessel was reflagged under Russia four days after the reflagging of the Marinera.

The vessel, now called Hyperion, was originally a U.S.-sanctioned tanker that delivered Russian naphtha to Venezuela's Amuay Bay under a false flag in December. Naphtha is the key ingredient for thinning out the thick Venezuelan crude so it can flow through the pipelines for export. The Hyperion was also able to leave Venezuela untouched by the U.S. blockade.

"No doubt the Venezuela risk accelerates Russian intake of shadow fleet vessels," Meade said.

"This all points to a more permanent evolution of the shadow fleet, with direct oversight and protection from Moscow," he said.

"But what remains to be seen is how far Russia will be willing to go to protect these ships that are all operating in sanctioned trades," Meade said.

"We are all now waiting to see whether the U.S. will be prepared to challenge Russia directly by intercepting a Russian-flagged tanker," he said.

Not all newly Russian-flagged tankers have been able to leave Venezuela.

The Premier, which was reflagged from Gambia to Russia on Dec. 22, remains empty outside the Jose terminal in Venezuela, according to Lloyd's List vessel tracking.

"Intelligence tells us several other ships currently attempting to leave Venezuela are similarly using fraudulent flags and may follow others in joining the Russian register to continue trading," said Meade.

More than 40 shadow fleet ships have been registered under the Russian flag registry since June, according to Lloyd's List.

"The shadow fleet is highly flexible," Meade said. "Ships that have been engaged in Venezuelan trades will now likely move into Iran or Russia trades. There is a ready supply of vessels able to switch between these trades."

Lloyd's List data shows that more than 12% of the global tanker fleet is operating in the shadow fleet today.

"Dozens of shadow fleet tankers, many of them flagged by entirely fraudulent ship registers, are regularly passing under the noses of NATO when they enter and exit the Baltic Sea," said Meade.

"Just like we saw in the Red Sea, where there are disruptions in trade routes, it takes time for vessel reshuffling," said Meade. "At some point, we will see how the shadow fleet reshuffles as a result of this latest U.S. enforcement in Venezuela. We could see more of these vessels go to the Russian and Iranian trades."

Meade said many of the tankers shifting flags to Russia are empty at the point they switch, suggesting that they are seeking protection from Russia in advance of their next loading operation.

Vessel tracking by energy consulting firm Kpler shows changes in Russia's trade with Venezuela. Since late November, multiple Russian-origin cargoes of naptha have diverted, loitered in Venezuelan waters, or reversed course.

Shadow fleet tankers operate outside established insurance arrangements.

"There is no evidence that many of these vessels have insurance," Meade said. "This is all untested. If there is a big spill with one of these vessels, which are very old, there is no way of knowing who would pay for the cleanup."
An oil tanker is docked at a pier at the El Palito refinery of the state oil company PDVSA.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday evening that the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States on the heels of the U.S.'s dramatic ouster of the South American country's authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump, in a social media post, said the oil will be sold at its market price, "and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!"

"I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately," Trump wrote. "It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States."

Trump said that the oil being turned over the U.S. was "high quality" and "sanctioned."

U.S. crude futures fell 1.3% to $56.39 per barrel on the heels of Trump's announcement.

The announcement came three days after U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife in Caracas and took them to New York, where they are charged in a federal drug-trafficking conspiracy indictment.
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Alaska Airlines is ordering more than 100 Boeing jets, a purchase that the carrier's fleet chief said will ensure it has locked in sought-after order slots through the middle of the next decade to expand. The order, Alaska's largest ever, which was announced Wednesday, includes 105 yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 Max 10 jets. Alaska is also buying five 787-10 Dreamliners, using its previous purchase options for those long-haul jets as it charts an international expansion with nonstops to Italy, South Korea and elsewhere. Shane Jones, who oversees Alaska Airlines' fleet, revenue products and real estate, told CNBC that the airline expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries beginning in 2027. Alaska, which acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, said it has 413 aircraft in its fleet and plans to grow that to 475 in 2030 and 550 by 2035, with this and previous orders.

The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s. Fifty-three of the planes in Wednesday's order are new, and 52 are from options the airline is exercising. Boeing has more than 6,000 aircraft on backorder, but Alaska's purchase plans are a vote of confidence in airplane maker, whose 737 factory 10 miles away from the carrier's headquarters handed Alaska a 737 Max 9 two years ago without key bolts installed in a door plug. That panel blew out of the plane on Jan. 5, 2024, as it climbed out of Portland, Oregon, stunning travelers, though there were no serious physical injuries. The accident briefly grounded the 737 Max 9 and set Boeing back in production as it waded through another safety crisis during what was supposed to be its turnaround year in the wake of two deadly Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft with Alaska Airlines' new aircraft livery during a media event at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
 This is the script of CNBC's financial news report for China's CCTV on Jan 07, 2026.

According to data from commodity analytics firm Kpler, nearly a dozen oil tankers chartered by U.S. energy companies are either en route to Venezuela or have already arrived at local ports, ready to load crude oil stranded in the country.

This latest move comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's export ban on Venezuela. The embargo has prevented crude from the Orinoco belt from being shipped out, leaving it stranded in aging, nearly full storage facilities.

According to the Financial Times, multiple sources familiar with Venezuela's energy industry say that if the oil cannot be exported in time, Venezuela's crude production could drop by about one-third over the next four weeks, potentially falling to around 600,000 barrels per day.

Analysts also note that if forced to cut output further, the difficulty and cost of restoring production later would increase significantly.

Since Trump announced a full maritime blockade last December on all sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, the country's crude exports have already fallen by more than 30%.

On Tuesday evening local time, Trump posted on social media that Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of high-quality, currently sanctioned crude to the U.S.

The Financial Times cited sources saying that Chevron, which operates in Venezuela, is negotiating with the Venezuelan state oil company and the U.S. government to ship some of the stranded crude to U.S. refineries.

In addition, sources said Trump plans to meet with major U.S. oil companies later this week to discuss reviving Venezuela's oil industry.

According to Reuters, sources said the meeting could take place on Friday local time. U.S. Politico reported that besides Trump, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are also expected to attend.

Trump has previously said that U.S. oil companies could expand operations in Venezuela in less than 18 months, with potential subsidies from the U.S. government.

However, industry insiders have questioned Trump's optimistic expectations. Experts warn that restoring Venezuela's oil production could be more difficult than anticipated.

Amrita Sen

Founder

Energy Aspect

"Our analysis shows just to increase production by half a million barrels per day would take at least two years and $10 billion."
Japan's foreign ministry said it strongly protested the measures and demanded that China withdraw them. It called the move "absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable." It said the measures targeted only Japan and that they "deviate significantly from international practice."

Exports of such items to military users or for any purposes that contribute to Japan's military strength are banned, effective immediately, the statement said, adding that organisations or individuals from any country or region that violated the ban would be held legally liable.

Dual-use items are goods, software or technologies that have both civilian and military applications, including certain rare earth elements that are essential for making drones and chips.

China has banned exports of dual-use items to Japan that can be used for military purposes, according to a commerce ministry statement on Tuesday, Beijing's latest move in reaction to an early November remark by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan.

Ties between Beijing and Tokyo have deteriorated since Takaichi said a Chinese attack on the democratically governed island of Taiwan could be deemed an existential threat to Japan, in a remark that Beijing said was "provocative." China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, a claim that Taipei rejects.

The Chinese foreign ministry later questioned Japan's motives around Taiwan, saying its "provocations" could be a pretext for building up its military forces and overseas missions.

In late December, the Japanese cabinet approved a record spending package for the fiscal year starting in April, including a 3.8% increase in the annual military budget to 9 trillion yen ($58 billion).

In a commentary in December, China's state-run Xinhua news agency said it had been "alarming" in recent years that Japan had "drastically" readjusted its security policy, increased its defence spending year after year, relaxed restrictions on arms exports, sought to develop offensive weapons and planned to abandon its three non-nuclear principles. China's own annual defence budget has more than doubled over the last decade. Japan reaffirmed its non-nuclear pledge in mid-December.

Beijing's statement on Tuesday did not specify which items fall under its new curbs. Around 1,100 items are on China's export control list for dual-use goods and technologies, covering at least seven categories of medium and heavy rare earths such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and lutetium.

Despite Japan's efforts to diversify, China still supplies around 60% of its imports of rare earths, macroeconomic research firm Capital Economics estimates.

"China has not provided a list of restricted items so at this stage it is impossible to say what impact the export curbs will have," an official at the Japan External Trade Organization told Reuters, asking not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media.

A Japanese government source who spoke on condition that they were not identified called the move "symbolic," adding: "Until now, China has avoided doing things that would seriously hurt Japan's business community. By taking this step and causing trouble for Japanese industry, they may be aiming to fuel domestic criticism of Takaichi."

China throttled exports of rare earths to Japan during a previous diplomatic dispute more than a decade ago. So far, China Customs data has shown no sign of a decline in rare earth exports to Japan, though the data is released with some delay. In November, the latest month for which there was data, exports grew 35% to 305 metric tons, the highest tally last year.
This report is from this week's CNBC's The China Connection newsletter, which brings you insights and analysis on what's driving the world's second-largest economy. You can subscribe here.

Fast forward a decade, and U.S. businesses have endured everything from the pandemic to escalating tariffs. But the past decade of what Zimmerman calls "experimenting with competition" could now give way to something new, with Trump expected to visit China in April.

This year, he's back for a fifth term as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, whose members include Boeing and Cargill. His first stint came in 2007 and 2008, when Beijing hosted its first Olympic Games, and the financial crisis hit much of the world. He later served again in 2015 and 2016, as populist movements rose globally and gave Donald Trump his first term as U.S. President.

For someone who's witnessed the ups and downs of U.S.-China tensions since the 1990s, James Zimmerman is unexpectedly hopeful about 2026.

This picture taken on November 6, 2018 shows a Chinese and US flag at a booth during the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Here are the highlights of our conversation, with responses condensed for clarity:

Why are you staying engaged at such a high level, after nearly 30 years in China?

The reason I'm involved is because I think this is a very important year.

2026 is important, not just because [it's] the 250th anniversary of the U.S., but the U.S. and China have had 10 years of experimenting with competition, experimenting with calls for decoupling and de-risking.

Has that worked? Not really. So it's now time to go back and, in a way that may be visionary, to get us back on track to have ongoing dialogues, ongoing engagement, because I think, at the end of the day, that will be in the best interest of the U.S. and China.

Are many U.S. companies decoupling from China?

No. We're seeing an evolution. People are starting to adjust. For many sectors, China continues to be a critical market. But it's also an essential part of the global supply chain.

American companies are adjusting to this new normal within the U.S.-China relationship. But there has been some diversifying, and that's a healthy strategy that companies are looking at, but we are not seeing wholesale decoupling at all.

It's important that we have senior-level meetings that bring some clarity, some certainty, some continuity to the relationship.

Dialogue matters  even the smallest, positive signals, at the presidential level, on engagement are very, very important. Regular, ongoing engagement helps reduce any potential misunderstandings and lowers the risk of unexpected policy shocks, like the back-and-forth over tariffs.

What kind of opportunity do U.S. businesses have in China as domestic competition rises?

We have our white paper, which, in a way, allows us to engage with the Chinese government to seek changes that are positive.

Protection of intellectual property is not just an issue for foreign companies. It's also an issue for Chinese companies.

Both sides need to tone down the national security issues and not view every slight as a national security matter.

We can't have an environment where every foreigner is targeted as a potential threat. And that goes both ways: when Chinese companies go to the U.S., we can't take the view that it's a threat to the communities they want to operate in.

Is the CEO of the China operations losing influence on headquarters in the U.S.?

It's something that needs further attention post-pandemic. But that's something that is just a circumstance, especially given what took place during the pandemic, when travel came to a halt.

But when you look at AmCham, the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee for U.S.-China Relations, there's now increased interest in making sure CEOs, academic leaders, as well as congressional leaders, travel to [China to] understand what the environment is all about.

We try to encourage more people-to-people exchanges. I'm going to be out and about in the community, emphasizing the importance of education as well as the arts. For example, I'm going to a concert at the Juilliard School in Tianjin.

What's on your agenda at AmCham China for 2026?

In some respects, we're focused on April when President Trump is planning to come to China. We're hopeful that AmCham will be able to play a role in that. There is a focus on that, and I'm sure there's going to be a lot of work leading up to that visit.

There'll be some agreements, some understanding, maybe a memorandum of understanding that may come out of that.

We're not expecting a grand bargain. There just isn't enough time. It was last summer, and we were in the middle of a trade war. And only since October, President Xi, as well as President Trump, met in South Korea, have we started a process [around] let's meet, let's talk, let's keep engaging.

So I think we're on the right track, but we'll just have to see the progress between now and April. But we're optimistic the signals will come out positive. And again, any level of confidence that can be received from those meetings, I think, is very important to the business community.

A lot of President Trump's predecessors were very visionary about what they viewed as the future of U.S.-China relations.

And so, this year, we're hoping that President Trump will also be visionary and seek to move the relationship forward in a way that mutually benefits both the United States and China, its companies, consumers, workers and farmers.
A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.

Historically, Americans moved in order to find better economic opportunities. But the driver has now shifted from the "Go West, young man" mentality, where free and open land presented that opportunity, to much more personal incentives of family and affordability, according to an annual migration report from United Van Lines.

It found Americans are not only choosing to live closer to family, but that they want smaller markets rather than urban cores as they seek cheaper housing and better quality of life. This shift will have a significant impact on commercial real estate investors and the choices they make going forward.

Oregon was the most popular moving destination for the first time ever in 2025, while Florida and Texas, which had seen huge influxes in the Covid and early post-Covid years, are now seeing more balanced migration.

Six of the top 10 inbound states were in the South and South Atlantic: West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama and Delaware.

"The data reveals Americans are seeking a different pace of life, and destinations like Oregon, the Carolinas and the south are delivering it," Eily Cummings, vice president of corporate communications at United Van Lines, said in a release. "While our total number of residential moves is similar to 2024, we're seeing much greater complexity in why people move and increasingly divergent migration patterns across age groups."

Younger millennials and Gen Z are favoring New Jersey, meanwhile, since it's more affordable than New York City. But retirees are moving out of the state, making it the top state for outbound migration, according to the report.

As the migration rationale shifts to basic affordability and easier lifestyle, the commercial real estate needed to support that is probably somewhat different than if the main driver of those migration patterns was more robust economic opportunity, according to Ryan Severino, chief economist at BGO, a global real estate investment, lending and services firm.

He said the need for more affordable housing, more modest office parks and more middle- to lower-income retail spaces are better bets for investors. Even the industrial real estate that supports that factors in. For example, if people are living in smaller workforce housing, they need to have self-storage nearby.

Demographic shifts also play into that thesis. Population growth is slowing down, the household formation rate is slowing down and the migration rate is slowing down over time, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"I think what it suggests to me, especially working for a private equity investor, is that we do need to be smarter and pick our spots more carefully from a commercial real estate perspective going forward, than I think a lot of the last however many decades where people have operated under this blanket assumption that, oh, you know, these migration patterns are durable and they're accelerating over time, when the reverse is probably true," Severino said.
This aerial view shows icebergs floating in the waters beaten down by the sun with buildings in the background off Nuuk, Greenland, on March 11, 2025, on the day of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory, legislative elections. Odd Andersen | Afp | Getty Images

LONDON  European stocks preliminarily closed in negative territory on Wednesday as regional market jitters grow over U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to annex Greenland. The pan-European Stoxx 600 edged below the flatline at the closing bell in London, with sectors and major regional bourses in mixed territory.





European defense stocks moved higher, with the Stoxx Europe Aerospace and Defense index adding 3% through the session, learning it its fourth consecutive day of gains. Global market attention is turning to President Trump's intention regarding Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture and arrest of Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro. The president and his team are considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland  including "utilizing the U.S. Military," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNBC on Tuesday. Trump has insisted that the U.S. needs the Arctic island for national security purposes and, this week, pointed to Russian and Chinese activities in the region.

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Greenland and Denmark have both repeatedly said that the country is not up for grabs, and European leaders on Tuesday issued a statement that said, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." In a separate statement on Tuesday evening, Danish Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark would spend 88 billion Danish kroner ($13.8 billion) on rearming Greenland given "the serious security situation we find ourselves in." "I hope that the United States also recognizes that fact and is ready to cooperate on our common interest in Arctic security," he said. "Because Denmark would like to continue to be an ally of the United States. But that requires a mutual willingness to show respect and cooperation."
The debts that Venezuela owes ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil are not an immediate priority for the Trump administration after the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC on Wednesday.

"The huge debts that are owed Conoco and Exxon, those are very real and need to be recompensed in the future," Wright told CNBC's Brian Sullivan. "But that's a longer-term issue. That's not a short-term issue."

Conoco and Exxon filed arbitration cases against Venezuela after former President Hugo Chavez nationalized the oil industry in 2007. Venezuela owes Conoco about $10 billion and Exxon about $2 billion, according to a JPMorgan note published on Monday.

The Trump administration's immediate priority is stabilizing Venezuela, Wright said.

"What we need to do with the revenue from those oil sales is stabilize the economy in Venezuela, stop the collapse of the bolivar, prevent Venezuela from becoming a failed state," the energy secretary said.

Conoco and Exxon exited Venezuela after the Chavez nationalization. Chevron remained and is the only U.S. oil major operating in the country through a special license issued by the Trump administration.

It will take time for U.S. oil majors to invest the billions of dollars needed to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure, Wright said.

"If you're Exxon or Conoco and you've exited the country, you just need normal, commercial business conditions, rule of law and some security to go back in. That will take some time," he said.

The Trump administration will work with Chevron on "incremental tweaks or changes" to enable their production to grow, he said.

Venezuelan production could grow by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the short to medium term, Wright said earlier at Goldman Sachs' annual energy conference in Miami.

The energy secretary said the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely.

"We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela  first this backed up stored oil, and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright said at the Goldman conference.

"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," the energy secretary said.

Trump will meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday, sources told CNBC's Sullivan. The CEOs of ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips as well as a representative from Chevron are expected to attend the meeting.
In the current business environment of constant uncertainty  from tariff demands to geopolitical threats  finding a strategy to navigate crises is more valuable than ever. Executives across a range of industries  from companies including Uber , YouTube, General Motors and Airbnb  have faced their share of unique tests and, in some cases, turned around their companies. They shared their lessons learned with CNBC for the new prime-time series "Leaders Playbook," premiering Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. From Ted Sarandos at Netflix to Mary Barra at GM and Dara Khosrowshahi at Uber, each executive offers a case study in managing people, driving change and unlocking opportunity even in unexpected situations. Here's how eight top corporate leaders navigated change to reinvent their companies.

1. Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO

For Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, the biggest challenge came when film and TV studios pulled back on the content they licensed to the streaming service. In response, Sarandos made a big bet to move into original content. "We were kind of at an inflection point in the business. It was actually probably an existential decision," Sarandos said of his decision to greenlight a $100 million investment in "House of Cards." "I worried if we started small that we would never really get a good enough read if we made a good choice or not, because it would have so little impact on the business," he said.

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Now Sarandos is making an even bigger swing, with Netflix's plan to buy Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming business in a $72 billion deal. It would be Netflix's first major acquisition, but it isn't the first time Netflix has made a big shift. In recent years the streamer has pivoted to embrace ads, live content and some sports. "Things change," Sarandos said in an interview before the WBD deal was announced. "Either the conditions change or your insights change." Sarandos said he leads with an approach of "never say never" to foster experimentation. "It's farming for dissent, which is part of the original culture that is alive and well at Netflix," he said. "Meaning you have to create an environment where people can say, 'There are no sacred cows here,' and that, 'I know how you feel about this, Ted, but how about this?'"

2. Danny Meyer, Shake Shack founder

For restaurateur Danny Meyer, the Covid pandemic posed an existential threat to his commitment to always put employees first. In March 2020, after Meyer was forced to lay off 95% of his employees across the company, he responded by creating a fund to help his staff cover urgent expenses and establishing a system to help them find jobs at companies such as Whole Foods. The crisis forced him to abandon his vision of eliminating tipping at his high-end restaurants and replacing it with higher prices to more equitably pay kitchen staff higher salaries. Meyer said he realized that to achieve his mission of putting employees first, he had to shift strategy.

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"After two weeks of telling our staff, 'Wait, you can't accept tips,' I said, 'Danny, you're not being on their side.' So we brought back tipping," Meyer said. "In addition to bringing back tipping, we instituted a new policy where we pay a percentage of sales to all of our kitchen workers and all of our non-tip eligible workers, so that they too have an incentive on a busy night." Now as Meyer and Shake Shack CEO Rob Lynch tackle the challenge of scaling the burger chain, they're focused on keeping employees at the center while operating at a massive scale. "The folks who have been here for a long time, who have built this place and are amazing, have to believe that big isn't bad," Meyer said.

3. Mary Barra, General Motors CEO

Mary Barra was named CEO of GM just a few years after its restructuring and bankruptcy. Then, just as she was focusing on rebuilding, she inherited a crisis. Faulty ignition switches in the Chevy Cobalt and other vehicles led to at least 54 frontal impact crashes involving the deaths of more than a dozen people. Barra, just two weeks into being named CEO, started "peeling the onion back," as she told CNBC, to understand how things had gone so wrong. The process, she said, helped establish a priority around safety and communication.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra and CNBC Senior Media & Tech Correspondent Julia Boorstin tour a factory in Flint, Michigan, for CNBC Leaders Playbook, a new primetime series on leadership. Series premiere January 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CNBC. CNBC

"Very early on we said, 'We're going to be transparent. We're going to do everything we can to support the customer. And we're going to do everything in our power to make sure we never let this happen again,'" Barra said. Now, Barra said, she fosters an environment that encourages workers to nip issues in the bud. "I'll ask employees, I'll say, 'When's the best time to solve a problem?' They'll kind of look at me and go, 'The minute you know you have one,'" Barra said.

4. Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi inherited a company struggling with serious and very public trust issues. His predecessor, Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, was investigated following allegations of a toxic work culture, and the company faced the threat of a boycott amid concerns about inadequate background checks and sexual misconduct. "Gaining back trust is really difficult," Khosrowshahi said. "One of the most important moments when I came to Uber was when we have these all-hands meetings. One of the employees asked me about our PR problem, the trust problem. ... And I say, you know what? If we treat it as a 'PR problem,' we're never going to solve it. The problem is us. The way to win trust back is act differently."

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The fact that Uber had undeniable problems, Khosrowshahi said, actually presented an opportunity to drive lasting change.



"If I'd taken over and everything was going great, the question would be, why are you trying to change something that is perfect," he said. "The fact is that we were in a crisis moment. We had a change in leadership, so I had the right to come in as the new leader and change where we wanted to change, but also keep consistent that entrepreneurial spirit, the great talent that we had at the company, really combining the two."

5. Neal Mohan, YouTube CEO

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan's crisis came in 2017. Some of the world's largest brands pulled their advertising spending from the platform following reports that ads were appearing next to controversial and extremist content. The boycott was projected to cost YouTube $750 million in lost revenue that year if it continued. "This was an existential crisis for YouTube," Mohan said. He led the charge to hire thousands of human reviewers to make important judgment calls and also to invest in technology to detect harmful content at scale before it spreads. This experience, before he took the helm as CEO, helped Mohan establish what he calls his core North Star principle: "We stand for freedom of expression but that doesn't mean that sort of anything goes. We've always had rules of the road, which are called our community guidelines. And I would argue that those two competing principles of free expression, rules of the road, actually end up being self-reinforcing."

6. Brian Chesky, Airbnb founder and CEO

Airbnb founder and CEO Brian Chesky also suffered a crisis of confidence in his company around trust and safety when in 2011 a woman's Airbnb-listed apartment was trashed. "Everyone was outraged," Chesky said. "There was a hashtag on Twitter trending, 'RIP Airbnb.' People thought this was the demise of the company. And that moment, I think, was our moment of truth. We stood up, and I wrote an open letter to the community. I apologized to the woman who this happened to. We took a lot of responsibility, but we also came up with what was at the time a $50,000 guarantee against property damage. That is now a $3 million guarantee against property damage for anything that incurs during your stay." Chesky said the experience helped him realize what it means to be a leader. "A leader steps up in times of crisis; they're decisive," Chesky said. "You have to have the courage to make a defining decision that's going to chart your way forward."

7. Barry Diller, IAC and Expedia chairman and senior executive

Barry Diller faced a career-defining threat in the tragedy of 9/11. The terrorist attack struck just as he was working on a deal to acquire 75% of Expedia for about $1 billion. Diller said he debated internally about what to do; many advocated that the company back off from doing the deal as the attack brought travel to a screeching halt and eliminated virtually all revenue for Expedia. At the height of the argument, Diller said, he recalls hearing someone say, "If there's life, there's travel."

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"As soon as I heard it, I said, 'Close. I'm betting on that.' If there isn't life, then who cares anyway?" Diller told CNBC. He stayed the course and ultimately consolidated Expedia, Hotels.com, Hotwire, TripAdvisor and other travel brands under IAC, where he grew them and in 2005 spun them off as the publicly traded Expedia . Diller said that as a leader he embraces "creative conflict." "Hearing as many disparate voices, hopefully all argued passionately. That cauldron if you make it last long enough ... that brew makes the decision," Diller said.

8. Marvin Ellison, Lowe's CEO
Washington's push to tap Greenland's rare-earth deposits is an "absurd" solution to reduce its dependence on Beijing, industry experts said, citing low-grade deposits, harsh weather and the reality that any mined material would still need to be processed in China. Markets have nonetheless piled into rare-earth stocks with exposure to Greenland after U.S. President Donald Trump revived rhetoric about acquiring the territory on national security grounds, pointing to Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic. Shares of rare earth companies with projects in Greenland surged on news that Trump was considering a range of options" to acquire Greenland , including "utilizing the U.S. Military." Critical Metals Corp , which is developing the Tanbreez rare earth project in southern Greenland, jumped about 25% on Tuesday, while Energy Transition Minerals , the owner of the Kvanefjeld rare earth project , climbed more than 30%. Sitting between the U.S. and Russia, Greenland has long been regarded as strategically important , particularly for Arctic security. Home to about 57,000 people, the territory sits close to emerging Arctic shipping lanes, where melting ice is opening routes that could sharply cut Asia-Europe transit times compared with the Suez Canal. The White House also views Greenland's resources as a potential way to break China's stranglehold on rare earths, said Brendan Clark, CEO of Victory Metals. Michael Waltz, then the incoming national security adviser in the Trump administration, was unequivocal about Trump's interest in Greenland. "This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources," Waltz told Fox News in an interview a year ago. If the U.S. were to gain control, markets would assume mining approvals would follow, creating short-term optimism, echoed Mathan Somasundaram, founder and CEO of Deep Data Analytics. However, experts noted that the enthusiasm ignores fundamental bottlenecks in extracting and processing the rare earths. "The reality is that with weather, it is very hard to do and not very economical. Even if you mined it, then you have to send it to China for processing In the medium to long term, it makes nearly no difference," he added. Greenland's unforgiving climate, isolated terrain and limited infrastructure are widely seen as major obstacles to unlocking its strategic value. Low grades, long odds At the core of the skepticism is ore quality. While Greenland hosts vast volumes of rare-earth-bearing rock, concentrations are far below those found at existing mines elsewhere. Additionally, while some of the Greenland projects are significant, they generally lack high concentrations of the more strategically valuable heavy rare earths, such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium. "Although these are very large volumes of rock that are enriched in rare earths, their grades are very low," said John Mavrogenes, Professor of Economic Geology at the Australian National University. Greenland resources do not change the dynamics, as rare earth is not that rare. Founder and CEO of Deep Data Analytics Mathan Somasundaram In some of the world's main producing mines, such as the U.S., China and Australia, rare earths typically make up roughly 5% to 10% or more of the ore, Mavrogenes said, which allows more usable material to be recovered for every ton mined. In Greenland, that figure is less than 1%. Low grades significantly raise costs. "When the grades are so low, it means you have to move a hell of a lot of rock," Mavrogenes said. "Imagine comparing 1% rare earths to 10% rare earths. It means 10 times the volume of rock you need to move in a place with no infrastructure, with no existing equipment, with no workforce." Even under optimistic assumptions, Mavrogenes said Greenland production would be years away. "It would be at least a decade before they'd be doing anything," he said. "So the idea that these are going to be successful in the short term is absurd." That is not the only hurdle. If mining were to proceed, processing remains the industry's central bottleneck and China's strongest lever, warned industry veterans. Rare earths must be separated and refined before they can be turned into metals or magnets, and China has a near-monopoly on rare earth processing . Beijing controls around 90% of global refining, giving it a strategic leverage over supply chains, especially for electric vehicles, renewable energy and defense systems. "It is all about processing outside China. Greenland resources do not change the dynamics, as rare earth is not that rare. It is everywhere Anyone who can do processing at scale outside China will get a premium," Somasundaram said. If Washington wanted supply, it already has it, said Jon Hykawy, president and director of Stormcrow Capital. U.S. rare earth reserves are estimated at 1.9 million tonnes, compared with Greenland's estimated 1.5 million tonnes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. "If the U.S. wants rare earths, they could simply dig them up in the continental USA." Victory Metals' Clark also pointed to environmental and political risks, noting strong opposition to mining on the Arctic island. Investors could be left exposed if the U.S. does not strike a deal to appease these risks, he added. Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global said that there was a disconnect between politics and economics. "Securing new rare earths in the ground, in Greenland, will have zero impact on this area of supply chain insecurity," Jones said. "The problem, as we see it, is that political rhetoric has far outrun commercial reality."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, next to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for the House of Representatives on the situation in Venezuela, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., Jan. 7, 2026

Rubio was asked by a reporter if he would withdraw the option of using the U.S. military to take over Greenland.

"I'll be meeting with them next week," Rubio replied.

He was asked why the administration had not accepted Denmark's request for a discussion about the island.

Rubio's comments on Capitol Hill came as the Trump administration has amped up rhetoric about taking over Greenland , which is a self-governing territory of Denmark.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that he will meet with officials from Denmark next week about Greenland .

"I'm not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention," Rubio said, before reiterating his plans to meet with Danish officials next week.

"We'll have conversations with them then, but I'm not adding things further ... to that today."

On Tuesday evening, Danish Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark would spend 88 billion Danish kroner ($13.8 billion) on rearming Greenland given "the serious security situation we find ourselves in."

"I hope that the United States also recognizes that fact and is ready to cooperate on our common interest in Arctic security," Poulsen said in a statement.

"Because Denmark would like to continue to be an ally of the United States," he said. "But that requires a mutual willingness to show respect and cooperation."

Poulsen's comments came hours after the White House told CNBC that President Donald Trump and his advisors were considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, which potentially included a military option.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNBC in an email Tuesday.

"The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Leavitt said.
An oil refinery, operated by Bharat Petroleum Corp., in Mumbai, India.

State-owned refiners in India are still buying Russian oil, even as New Delhi seeks relief from U.S. tariffs imposed for those purchases, according to energy analysts.

The U.S. imposed a "secondary" 25% tariff on Indian goods in August, citing New Delhi's continued imports of Russian crude. Washington also sanctioned Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft in late November.

On Sunday, U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham claimed that India's U.S. ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, had asked him to urge President Donald Trump to lift these tariffs, arguing that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil.

While India's overall demand for Russian crude fell in December, analysts said the decline was largely driven by reduced buying from Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries , which had been a major importer before the U.S. sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft took effect in late November.

State-owned refiners, known as public sector undertakings (PSUs), have offset part of that drop for Russian oil, analysts added.

State-owned Indian firms like the IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) and BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation) "have continued to buy Russian crude for future delivery, through non-sanctioned suppliers," said Muyu Xu, senior crude oil analyst at tanker tracker firm Kpler.

BPCL declined to comment, while IOC and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation , as well as the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas did not respond to requests for comment from CNBC.

India has faced sustained pressure from the U.S. to cut back on Russian oil imports, an economic lifeline that enables Moscow to withstand Western economic sanctions over its war against Ukraine.

"Despite declining aggregate imports, PSU refinery intake of Russian crude has remained resilient, highlighting a redistribution rather than a collapse in demand," said Rystad Energy's Pankaj Srivastava.

Rystad estimates India's Russian crude imports fell by about 300,000 barrels a day since November to 1.7 million barrels on a sequential basis.

However, a "modest recovery" to 1.8 million barrels a day is expected in January, it said.

"Public sector refiners continue to process Russian crude with a slight upward trend, driven by domestic fuel demand and pricing economics," said Srivastava, the senior vice president of commodity markets at Rystad Energy.

Kpler's data also showed a decline in India's import of Russian oil.

"India's imports of Russian crude fell by 595 kbpd month-on-month in December, dropping to 1.24 mbpdthe lowest level since December 2022," according to Kpler.

On Sunday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi fails to curb purchases of Russian oil.
China unveils regulation on commercial mediation to improve business environment

Xinhua) 09:34, January 07, 2026

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree promulgating a regulation on commercial mediation to improve the country's business environment.

The new regulation, which will take effect on May 1, 2026, comprises 33 articles. It aims to regulate commercial mediation activities, resolve commercial disputes effectively, protect the legitimate rights and interests of parties involved, as well as promote the development of the commercial mediation industry.

It stipulates that commercial disputes that arise between parties in fields such as trade, investment, finance, transportation, real estate, engineering construction, and intellectual property rights shall be subject to commercial mediation.

The regulation clarifies the management system for commercial mediation work, with the judicial administrative department of the State Council guiding and regulating the work nationwide and formulating overall plans for the development of the sector.

Local governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for guiding and regulating commercial mediation work within their respective administrative regions through their judicial administrative departments, according to the regulation.

It also stresses that the country shall cultivate internationally influential commercial mediation organizations to enhance their international competitiveness and support them in carrying out cross-border commercial mediation activities, and encourage them to conduct international exchanges and cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
JPMorgan Chase has reached a deal to take over the Apple credit card from its original issuer, Goldman Sachs , the two banks said Wednesday in separate releases.

The arrangement, completed after a year of negotiations between the parties, means that a giant in credit cards and retail banking overall will grow even larger. JPMorgan will take over more than $20 billion in card loans from Goldman, which began to pivot away from consumer finance in 2022.

JPMorgan said that the deal will take about 24 months to close and that it will book a $2.2 billion provision for credit losses when it reports fourth-quarter 2025 earnings next week.

Customers will continue to tap the card's existing perks and it will continue to run on Mastercard's network, the bank said.

"Chase shares our commitment to innovation and delivering products and services that enhance consumers' lives," Jennifer Bailey, an Apple executive in charge of payments, said in the release. "We look forward to working together to continue to provide a best-in-class experience."

The contract, further enmeshing JPMorgan with a dominant tech player, burnishes the bank's reputation as a leader in American finance. Even before this deal, it was already the country's largest credit card issuer by purchase volume.

For Goldman, offloading the Apple Card business helps it move past a rocky chapter for CEO David Solomon. Goldman entered the credit card business with great fanfare in 2019 by beating out other issuers for the Apple Card.

"This transaction substantially completes the narrowing of our focus in our consumer business," Solomon said in his bank's release. "We look forward to continuing to support our customers during the transition to a new issuer as we focus on advancing the strategy we laid out for our core franchises."

Goldman said that the transaction will boost its earnings by 46 cents per share when it posts results next week.
Jensen Huang seems unfazed by the prospect of a potential $7.75 billion tax bill.

That's how much the Nvidia CEO could end up owing the state of California if a proposed ballot measure succeeds in implementing a one-time 5% wealth tax on the state's billionaires. Huang, whose $155 billion net worth makes him the world's ninth-wealthiest person  according to a Jan. 6 Bloomberg estimate  would be "perfectly fine" with that outcome, he told Bloomberg Television on Tuesday.

"I've got to tell you, I have not even thought about it once," said Huang, 62, when asked if the proposed tax concerns him. "We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes they would like to apply, so be it. I'm perfectly fine with it."

The ballot initiative, proposed in November by a healthcare workers' union and championed by lawmakers including Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., would levy a 5% tax on the total assets of anyone with a net worth exceeding $1.1 billion who resided in California as of the start of 2026. The initiative would direct the tax funds to California's health care budget  which faces a significant shortfall following federal spending cuts  and public school and food assistance programs.

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The initiative needs to obtain more than 870,000 signatures to land on the state's November 2026 ballot, at which point California voters would decide whether or not to put it into effect. If it were to succeed, billionaires currently residing in California would be taxed on all assets of value, including any stocks or businesses they own, regardless of whether they move out of the state in 2026.

Real estate assets would be excluded from the tax, because residents already pay property taxes, according to an analysis by California's nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office. Billionaires would be allowed to spread their payments over five years under the proposal.

Proponents say the tax could ultimately raise roughly $100 billion from the state's 200 wealthiest individuals, including Huang. While the Nvidia CEO has never released a full breakdown of his assets, Forbes estimates that the vast majority of his wealth comes from his ownership of roughly 3% of Nvidia, a company currently valued at more than $4.6 trillion.

An Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment beyond Huang's Tuesday remarks when contacted by CNBC Make It.
Nvidia (NVDA) continues to redefine the pace of innovation in AI infrastructure just as investors were beginning to debate the durability of the current cycle. While the market has largely absorbed the Blackwell ramp, management has once again moved the goalposts with the unveiling of the Rubin (R100) architecture, reinforcing Nvidia's position at the center of global AI investment through at least 2027. With demand now expanding beyond hyperscalers to include governments and enterprise AI deployments, Nvidia's growth appears more resilient than prior cycles. As momentum improves and the stock reclaims key resistance levels, NVDA offers renewed upside potential despite its already substantial run. Trade timing & outlook NVDA recently started a new bullish trend after consolidating for the past 5 months above its $185 resistance level, a zone that had capped multiple rallies in the 2nd half of 2025. The subsequent pullback and consolidation above this level suggest a constructive base for further upside. Breakout & retest: Reclaiming $185 and holding it as support signals renewed institutional accumulation. Relative strength: NVDA continues to outperform the S & P 500, reinforcing leadership within the semiconductor and AI complex. Trend continuation setup: Higher lows and stabilizing momentum indicators point toward a continuation move back toward  and potentially above  prior all-time highs. If the current base resolves higher, the setup supports a move toward the $220$250 range over the coming quarters. Fundamentals: Growth at scale with exceptional profitability Despite its size, Nvidia continues to grow at a pace that far exceeds industry norms while maintaining best-in-class margins: Forward P/E ratio: ~25x vs. Industry Average ~27x Expected EPS growth: ~50% vs. Industry Average ~18% Expected revenue growth: ~48% vs. Industry Average ~12% Net margins: ~53% vs. Industry Average ~14% Nvidia's growth and profitability suggests the multiple remains substantially discounted relative to peers, particularly given its dominant position across the AI hardware and software stack. Bullish thesis The Rubin architecture: The introduction of Rubin (R100) effectively locks in NVIDIA's roadmap leadership. Sovereign AI creates new demand: Governments across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are investing in sovereign AI capabilities, creating a price-insensitive and politically strategic source of demand. Software monetization enhances margin durability: NVIDIA AI Enterprise is emerging as a recurring, high-margin revenue stream layered on top of an expanding installed base. Supply constraints still favor the leader: While concerns around power availability and data center buildouts persist, demand continues to exceed supply. Options trade To express a bullish view while maintaining defined risk, I prefer to buy the Mar 185/220 Call Vertical @ $12.00 Debit: Buy to Open: Mar 185 Call @ $16.35 Sell to Open: Mar 220 Call @ $4.35 Trade characteristics: Maximum Risk: $1,200 (premium paid) if NVDA is below $185 at expiration Maximum Reward: $2,300 if NVDA is at or above $220 at expiration Breakeven @ $197 View this Trade on OptionsPlay for Updated Prices . Summary Nvidia remains the backbone of global AI infrastructure with its technological lead reinforced by the transition from Blackwell to Rubin. While near-term volatility is inevitable given its size and visibility, the combination of improving momentum, expanding demand sources, and sustained margin leadership supports a bullish outlook. For investors seeking exposure to the next leg of the AI supercycle with defined risk, NVDA continues to offer an attractive asymmetric opportunity. DISCLOSURES: Zhang has a position in NVDA. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
Venezuela will ship sanctioned oil to the U.S. indefinitely, sources close to the White House told CNBC on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil, which will be sold at market prices.

"That money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States," Trump said in a social media post.

The 50 million barrels are only the first tranche and shipments will continue indefinitely, the sources said. U.S. sanctions against Venezuela will be selectively rolled back to enable the transportation and sale of the oil on global markets, the sources said.

Proceeds from the oil sales will settle in U.S. controlled accounts, the sources said, with the money released back to Venezuela at the discretion of the U.S., they said.
The U.S. has announced the seizure of the Bella-1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel, known as the Marinera after recently reflagging to Russia, was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.

The U.S. said Wednesday that in its attempt to blockade sanctioned oil exports from Venezuela, it seized two tanker ships, one of which was newly registered under the Russian flag.

In a post on X, the U.S. European Command said the tanker  which it called Bella 1, the ship's former name  had been seized in the North Atlantic for violations of U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil.

The ship, now named Marinera, is just one that Russia has reflagged to join its "dark" fleet.

"This has moved beyond a sanctions case into a real-time jurisdictional challenge, where the key question is what legal basis exists for enforcement on the high seas," Dimitris Ampatzidis, senior risk and compliance analyst at energy consulting firm Kpler, told CNBC. "The vessel's identity and history remain constant, but its flag status can significantly raise the diplomatic stakes."

According to maritime lawyers who spoke with CNBC, a vessel is essentially considered a floating island of the country whose flag it bears.

Automatic Identification System tracking data by Kpler shows the path of the vessel and the diversion the vessel made.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Venezuela will purchase American products with revenue from its oil sales.

"I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

The president said the purchases will include agricultural products, medicine, medical devices and equipment to improve Venezuela's grid and energy facilities.

Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. after the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro. The oil will be sold at market prices, Trump said. The sales, if executed, would total more than $2 billion at oil's Wednesday closing price.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely.

"We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela  first this backed up stored oil and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright said at Goldman Sachs' annual energy conference in Miami.

"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," the energy secretary said. The funds from the sales will be deposited in U.S. controlled accounts, Wright said.

"We're not taking their oil," the energy secretary told CNBC in an interview. The funds from the sales will be brought back to Venezuela, he said.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, US President Donald Trump, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte gather and chat with each other in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, United States on August 18, 2025. Ukrainian Presidency | Anadolu | Getty Images

As 2026 kicks off with several unexpected geopolitical earthquakes, Europe looks woefully unprepared to deal with the upending of old rules  and the new world order  being created by U.S. President Donald Trump. Less than a week into the new year and not only has the U.S. deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and threatened Colombia, Iran, Cuba and Mexico, but has also turned its sights on taking over Danish territory Greenland, potentially using military force, and threatening the very fabric and future of NATO. Then there's Ukraine, with European leaders' efforts this week to cement security guarantees in a potential peace deal to end the war looking like small fry as other potential territorial takeovers garner global attention. Largely seen as the "Old World" by the rest of the globe, Europe appears to have fallen far behind other power blocs on a number of levels, with its economy in the slow lane and its geopolitical isolation  and apparent impotence  in stark contrast with bullish regional superpowers like the U.S., Russia and China. It's a dangerous moment for Europe and the existing international order, analysts say, as the established rules-based international order is torn up. "What happened in Venezuela and now talk about Greenland, Cuba or Colombia, we are really into getting into uncharted territory, and we have to be really extremely careful," Wang Huiyao, founder and president at the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, told CNBC Wednesday.

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"The international community has to work together now and probably stop this kind of unilateral approach. It's a wake-up call for the European countries so closely allied with the U.S. who have suddenly realized now that its fundamental basis has been eroded and has been really challenged."

Europe senses danger

There's no doubt that Europe knows the trouble it's in as it confronts both the dangers of ongoing war in Ukraine, and an elusive peace deal, as well as the real possibility of a confrontation with the U.S. over Greenland, which belongs to EU and NATO member Denmark. European leaders met on Tuesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, but also issued a statement pushing back against any American territorial ambitions over the Arctic island, insisting: "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." A flurry of fraught diplomacy ensued on Wednesday morning, with France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating that he had spoken to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The French politician said Rubio had "ruled out the possibility of what happened in Venezuela happening in Greenland."

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Rubio reportedly told lawmakers at a closed briefing on Capitol Hill on Monday that the Trump administration did not plan to invade Greenland, but aimed to buy it from Denmark, the Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNBC on Tuesday that the administration was considering "a range of options" in order to acquire Greenland  including "utilizing the U.S. Military."

Greenland and Denmark have requested a meeting with Rubio to discuss the U.S.' intentions. On Monday, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that "if the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country, everything will stop."

Existential crisis?

It's not the first time that the transatlantic partnership has looked shaky under Trump's leadership, with the president barely containing his disdain for Europe's perceived shortfalls in recent years, particularly when it comes to defense spending, investment, and economic prowess. In December, the U.S. warned in its new national security strategy (NSS) that the region faced oblivion. Trump then called Europe's leaders "weak" and said the region was "decaying." European officials responded to Trump's comments with irritation, but the uncomfortable question was whether the U.S. had a point. In its NSS, the U.S. listed Europe's waning economy, migration policies, and "loss of national identities and self-confidence" as reasons to worry for the continent. It then warned that European countries faced "civilizational erasure" and questioned whether they can "remain reliable allies."

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Ian Bremmer, founder and president of the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, told CNBC that Washington was essentially telling Europe not only what it already knew, but what it was already trying to fix. "Civilizational erasure' sounds offensive, but many European leaders  in France, Germany, Italy  have been raising similar concerns for years. In fact, EU migration policy has tightened considerably since [former Chancellor Angela] Merkel's open-door approach," he told CNBC.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets with U.S. President Donald Trump during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., Sept. 23, 2025. Alexander Drago | Reuters
President Donald Trump prepares to depart for the Army/Navy football game in Baltimore, at the White House in Washington, Dec. 13, 2025.

President Donald Trump reserves the right to use military force to secure oil interests in Venezuela, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.

"The president, of course, reserves the right to use the United States military if necessary," Leavitt told reporters at a press conference.

Trump has called for U.S. oil majors to invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela's energy sector. When asked whether the president would deploy troops to protect U.S. oil workers, Leavitt said Trump would do what is in the best interests of the American people and the energy industry.

"It's not something he wants to do, diplomacy is always the first option," Leavitt said. The U.S. does not currently have troops on the ground in Venezuela, she said.

Trump will meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday, sources told CNBC's Brian Sullivan. The CEOs of ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips as well as a representative from Chevron are expected to attend the meeting.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright will speak with oil executives at Goldman Sachs' annual energy conference in Miami on Wednesday, a Department of Energy spokesperson told CNBC.

Chevron is the only U.S. oil major operating in Venezuela, under a special license issued by the U.S.

The U.S. ousted President Nicolas Maduro in a military raid over the weekend and took him to New York where he faces charges in a federal drug-trafficking conspiracy indictment.

The Trump administration has built up military forces in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its carrier strike group. The president told NBC News on Monday that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.

Energy analysts say U.S. oil companies will need certainty about the security situation and stability of the government in Venezuela to invest in the country.

Venezuela has the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The South American country was recently producing about 800,000 barrels per day, according to data from energy consulting firm Kpler.

Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela will send 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S., which will be sold at market prices. The energy secretary said Wednesday that the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely.

"We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela  first this backed up stored oil and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright said at Goldman Sachs' energy conference.

"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," the energy secretary said.
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images

President Donald Trump's allies on Capitol Hill are downplaying his threats to take over Greenland by force. To them it's just the art of the deal -- hinting back to his popular 1987 book. Republicans largely fell in line after Trump over the weekend ordered a strike that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro without congressional approval. Now, as Trump refuses to rule out military action to annex Greenland, some members of the GOP say his aggressive posturing is a bluff to secure a deal that gives the U.S. more influence over the Arctic island. "He's from New York, he's one of the best negotiators and how he negotiates sometimes is everything is on the table," Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., who was Trump's Secretary of the Interior in his first term, said in an interview with CNBC. "I think [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio is correct in that he's downplaying that we're gonna land the Marines on Greenland," Zinke said. "I'd be supportive of negotiating a deal with Denmark to make sure that it stays influenced in the West." Trump has long coveted Greenland, a self-governing island territory of NATO ally Denmark. He has argued U.S. influence over the island is critical to national security for deterring Russian and Chinese aggression. The president has doubled down on his efforts to make the island part of the U.S. after the Venezuela raid that captured Maduro and hauled him to New York to face criminal drug charges.

"The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CNBC on Tuesday of the Greenland plan. The effort has rattled European leaders and enraged Denmark, which, along with Greenland, has repeatedly denied Trump's overtures. "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," wrote Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the leaders of Italy, Spain and Poland in a joint statement earlier this week. Moderate Republicans have taken solace in the idea that Trump is only negotiating, as Zinke argued. Maintaining the NATO alliance remains paramount on Capitol Hill. "Obviously there is strategic national security importance to it with respect to the Arctic, with respect to NATO, with respect to combating Russia," said Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. "If you can enter into negotiations with Denmark, with Greenland, great. The idea of taking it by force, no  there is strong bipartisan opposition to any use of force with respect to Greenland," Lawler said.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) speaks to reporters ahead of a vote to pass the American Relief Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., Dec. 19, 2024. Anna Rose Layden | Reuters
Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents as they make their way into an armored car en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 2026 in New York City.

More than 100 people were killed during the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, the country's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Wednesday.

It was the first time a Venezuelan government official publicly provided a death toll from the operation, as additional details emerged about the mission, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as "perfectly executed."

"So far  and I say so far  there are 100 dead. One hundred. And a similar number injured," Cabello said. Two senior Venezuelan officials had previously told MS Now that more than 70 people were killed in the raid.

Cabello also said both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were injured during the operation. MS Now earlier reported that Maduro was hurt after falling while attempting to flee. Two U.S. sources told the outlet that Flores was struck in the head during the raid.
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright is scheduled to speak publicly for the first time since the U.S. removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Wright will be interviewed by Goldman Sachs Wednesday at the bank's annual energy conference in Miami. He will likely answer questions about President Donald Trump's call for U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela.

Wright will also speak with oil executives at the conference about the situation in Venezuela. Executives from Chevron and ConocoPhillips are attending. Chevron is the only U.S. oil major operating in Venezuela.

"Secretary Wright remains in close contact with U.S. oil companies and plans to meet with several of them at the Goldman Sachs Energy Conference in Miami on Wednesday," a Department of Energy spokesperson told CNBC.

Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, but it is unclear whether U.S. oil majors are prepared to invest due to instability in the South American nation.
U.S. President Donald Trump is fixated on taking control of Greenland, a vast, sparsely populated and mineral-rich island situated between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean.

"It's so strategic," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on Sunday. "Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security."

His comments, which came hot on the heels of an audacious military operation in Venezuela, sounded the alarm across Europe, with Denmark warning that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of the NATO military alliance.

The U.S. president, however, is yet to waver. Indeed, the White House ramped up trans-Atlantic tensions even further on Tuesday, saying that Trump and his team are considering "a range of options" to make the self-governing Danish territory a part of the United States  including "utilizing the U.S. Military."

Positioned between the U.S. and Russia, Greenland has long been viewed as an area of high strategic importance, particularly when it comes to Arctic security.

The territory of nearly 57,000 people is in close proximity to emerging Arctic shipping routes, with the rapid melting of ice creating opportunities to substantially reduce Asia-Europe travel time when compared with the Suez Canal.

Greenland also sits astride the so-called GIUK Gap, a naval choke point between Greenland, Iceland and the U.K. that links the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean.

Alongside its strategic geopolitical position, Greenland is known for an abundance of untapped raw materials, from oil and gas reserves to critical mineral deposits and a treasure trove of rare earth elements.
The Qatar Investment Authority, Valour Equity Partners, Nvidia Corp., and other investors concluded a $20 billion investment round for Elon Musk's artificial intelligence business, xAI.Nvidia had intended to contribute up to $2 billion for the venture, which has been in the works for months. Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Co., MGX, and Baron Capital Group are among the investors, according to XAI, which did not detail individual investment amounts or split out debt or equity elements of the transaction.According to the firm, the other strategic investor was the investment group of Cisco Systems Inc.According to persons familiar with the situation, XAI had intended for the funding to be divided between roughly $7.5 billion in stock and up to $12.5 billion in debt in a special purpose vehicle. Wall Street bankers will be able to recover their investment by using the vehicle to purchase Nvidia processors, which xAI will then rent out for five years.The distinctive deal structure, supported by the GPUs rather than the company, might provide as a model for tech companies trying to reduce their debt exposure.Although some have questioned how much processing power can advance the technology, data centre capacity is seen to be essential for creating the best AI models. Musk's xAI is particularly in need of funding.According to those familiar with the situation, the corporation, which has already raised roughly $10 billion in corporate equity and debt in 2025, still needs billions more because it has been spending $1 billion a month.According to Musk, xAI intends to expand its enormous data centre complex in Memphis by acquiring a third building nearby. This will increase the company's artificial intelligence computing capacity to nearly two gigawatts.The entrepreneur has also sought support for xAI from his network of businesses, which includes SpaceX. In November, the notion of investing in Tesla Inc. was put to a vote by its shareholders.xAI highlighted the potential of Grok, its AI chatbot that is linked with its social media platform, X, in its announcement. Recently, that product has alarmed regulators by enabling users to share photos of peopleincluding childrenundressed by AI without their permission.


        ,    -  ( Pre - University )       18         2   Basic Military Training     ..

 ..   ,        ,     pic.twitter.com/itVx1DPQWi



 Rohini Acharya (@RohiniAcharya2) January 5, 2026

Aditya, the grandson of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, is all set to undergo the Basic Military Training (BMT) in Singapore. Aditya is the son of Rohini Acharya, the second-oldest child of Lalu and Rabri Devi. She is married to Samaresh Singh, and the couple lives in Singapore. Rohini Acharya took to X to announce the news and expressed pride at her sons commencement of BMT.Today, my heart is filled with pride. Today, after completing his pre-university studies, our 18-year-old son Aditya has left for the two-year Basic Military Training Aditya, you are someone who is brave, courageous and disciplined. Go, do wonders. Always remember that the toughest battles of life alone create warriors. The love and encouragement of all of us is always with you, Acharya wrote.The Basic Military Training (BMT) is the initial training program for Singapores citizens as part of their mandatory national service. According to the official website of the government, the BMT is the initiation into Army life and a rite of passage that is compulsory for every Full-Time National Serviceman (NSF).The nature of the training an individual goes through depends on the assessments carried out through the Physical Employment Standard (PES) and the pre-enlistee Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPTT).The individual receives an Enlistment Notice two months before his enlistment for National Service. Individuals can be enlisted for National Service in any of these three forces  Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF).Those who are deemed combat-fit undergo training of various types, such as weapon handling and presentation, IPPT training, strength training, standard obstacle course, battle inoculation course, swimming, route marches, basic trainfire course, individual field craft, field camp, urban operations, grenade throwing and National Education.The official website of the Singapore Government says that the training is meant not only to provide soldiering skills to the recruits but also to introduce them to the military way of life. It is seen as a way to get youngsters used to living and working in a disciplined organisation.Following the completion of BMT, recruits are assigned to a vocation based on their performance and the assessment of their commanders. The vocation training are divided into three distinct groups of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)  combat, combat support and combat service support.Those selected as officer cadets are sent to Officer Cadet School (OCS), where they undergo a 38-week training to become an SAF officer.Some are assigned to the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), where they undergo training to become Army Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSpecs). This training lasts for around 22 weeks.The other specialisations to which BMT trainees could be assigned are the Transport Specialist Cadet Course (TSCC), Supply Specialist Cadet Course (SSCC) or the Administration Specialist Cadet Course (ASCC) at various institutions.Those who are chosen to be technician, transport operator, supply assistant or administration support assistant might become commanders if they show leadership qualities after their deployment.


Dhaka, Bangladesh | In the northern district of Naogaon in Bangladesh, in an area called Mohadevpur, a Hindu young man named Mithun Sarkar was chased by a mob accusing him of theft. He jumped into the water and after he jumped in, he died. The police were informed and they

 ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Another Hindu man was killed in Bangladesh as incidents of atrocities on minorities continued to rise in the country.On the night of Sunday, January 11, Hindu auto driver Samir Das was beaten to death in Chittagong's Daganbhuiyan, according to local media reports.The attackers reportedly stabbed and thrashed Das and stole his battery-operated auto-rickshaw and fled the scene. According to Daganbhuiyan, it appeared to be a pre-planned murder. The police has initiated the probe in the matter.Earlier, a 25-year-old Hindu man died in Bangladesh on January 6 after he jumped into a canal while trying to escape a mob that accused him of theft. Mithun Sarkar, a resident of Bhandarpur village, was chased by locals who suspected him of stealing, news agency ANI reported.In panic, he ran through the area and eventually jumped into a nearby canal. He drowned before help could arrive.Police said they were informed soon after the incident and recovered the body with the help of the fire service. A post-mortem has been ordered and an investigation is underway.People who witnessed the incident said Sarkar was not a swimmer. By the time rescue teams reached the spot, it was too late.At least six Hindu men have been killed in Bangladesh since December.On January 5, Rana Pratap Bairagi, a Hindu businessman and acting editor of a newspaper was shot dead in Jessore district.On the same day, 40-year-old Hindu grocery shop owner Sarat Mani Chakraborty was hacked to death in Narsingdi.Earlier on January 3, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, died after he was brutally attacked and set on fire in Shariatpur district.On December 24, Amrit Mondal, a Hindu man, was lynched in Rajbari town following allegations of extortion.On December 18, a 25-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and his body set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh s Mymensingh district amid protests following the death of Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi.Bangladesh is home to about 13.13 million Hindus, who make up roughly 7.95% of the countrys population, as per the 2022 census. The country is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. Voting is scheduled for February 12.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last month that attacks on minorities have continued under the interim Muhammad Yunus administration.The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists at the hands of extremists, is a matter of grave concern, he said. He added that independent sources have recorded over 2,900 incidents of violence, including killings, arson and land grabs, during the interim governments tenure.
Cyprus assumed the European Unions rotating presidency on Wednesday, January 7, starting its term with a meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.A ceremony later in Nicosia marking the start of its six-month term will include Middle Eastern leaders, including Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, highlighting the ambition of the east Mediterranean island to serve as a bridge between Europe and the region.Zelenskiy was welcomed at the presidential palace by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. We hope that during your presidency a lot of steps (can be taken) forward, closer to membership in the EU, Zelenskiy told Christodoulides in a brief chat before television cameras.The meeting, he added, would provide an opportunity to discuss details of a meeting in Paris on Tuesday, where the United States backed a broad coalition of Ukraines allies in vowing to provide security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire to support the country if Russia attacks again.Cyprus, which traditionally had close political and cultural ties with Russia, has fully backed sanctions on Moscow, with many on the island drawing parallels between Russias invasion of Ukraine to Turkeys invasion of north Cyprus in 1974 after a brief coup engineered by the military then ruling Greece.Zelenskiys presence was seen as a political sign of continued EU backing for Kyiv as its war with Russia enters a fifth year.Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a country that still lives with the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing military occupation, we fully understand what is at stake, Christodoulides wrote in a post on X after meeting Zelenskiy.Ukraine will be a central priority of our Presidency, and will work to ensure sustained support at all levels, he said.Zelenskiy later met Cyprus Greek Orthodox Archbishop Georgios, who heads one of the oldest independent Christian churches worldwide. Despite internal dissent, Georgios church has voiced support for the independence of the Church of Ukraine away from the sphere of Moscow.
As an international student from Austria studying International Political Economy, Kathrin Burger 27 was determined to attend the 80th European Forum Alpbach (EFA25), which took place in Tyrolean Alps, Austria, last August.

It was inspiring to connect with fellow participants from diverse fields and to expand my professional network through the Forums unique design, which actively fostered dialogue with decision-makers, Burger says. The Forum has also sharpened my critical thinking skills and enhanced my ability to identify key indicators of change when analyzing current events. This proves useful for understanding how developments might influence Europes trajectory and in anticipating the direction in which Europe might be heading. I am grateful that this Forum fostered dialogue between experts and the public, bringing together EU citizens and international perspectives to shape the future of Europe.

Every year since 1945, the European Forum Alpbach brings together leaders from different businesses and civil societies, and students, academics, and visionaries to discuss the future of a strong, united, and democratic Europe. EFA was founded at the end of World War II, and surrounds a central question: What kind of Europe do we want?

Last years theme was Recharge Europe, where participants discussed European governance challenges like democratic backsliding and increases in polarization.

Europe is currently experiencing more simultaneous crises than at any other time since 1945, EFA President Othmar Karas said in a January 2025 press release. That is why we need a bold vision to make Europe more competitive, capable and innovative. According to the motto Recharge Europe, we want to provide Europe with new energy for the challenges ahead so that the EU can once again take on a leading role globally.

Burger says the increase in populism and democratic backsliding across Europe can be explained by a variety of factors.

Among them is the growing disconnect between politicians and the public, as political leaders often fail to resonate with citizens concerns and demands, she says. This disconnect is evident in electoral patterns that show a pronounced urban-rural divide. Under this year's theme, discussions also revolved around ways to strengthen and unify Europe from within. This can be achieved not only through more efficient engagement with electorates, thereby reducing internal fragmentation, but also through strengthened multilateral collaboration throughout Europe.

Burger says she learned that Europe needs to work towards a higher readiness of cross-European collaboration and pinpoint strategic areas for specialization, such as investing more heavily in the technology sector.

EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren described the process of investing in common causes such as technology as essential to combat continued fragmentation and perhaps European disintegration, Burger adds.

Burgers goal at the Forum was to explore the intricacies of the challenges facing European countries and the EU and to consider how Europe can grow stronger, more united, and anticipate future issues.

I aimed to understand decision-makers analyses and learn how faster, more informed decisions can be supported through enhanced cross-sector collaboration, she says. As a European citizen I feel a strong responsibility for addressing our continents most pressing challenges. EFA provided me with a space to test my ideas and develop new approaches to address these challenges collaboratively with fellow participants from different fields as well as EU Diplomats, UN Representatives, Nobel Laureates, and Research Fellows.

During a hike in Alpbach, Burger was able to talk to Former Prime Minister of Sweden, EU Special Envoy and Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations Carl Bildt about the drivers of political radicalizations within Europe and the continuous fracturing of electorates.

On the topic of political radicalization and the increase of populism in Europe, we discussed potential EU-specific regulations on digital extremism, including rules on algorithmic transparency and evaluated the ideas developed during our brainstorming session, Burger says. Through the Forum, I have gained a deeper understanding of the EUs complex infrastructure, clarified the direction I want to take in the future and emphasized the importance of anticipating emerging challenges.

EFA25 programming focused on income inequality, climate change, innovation, finances, education, and more.

During the first week, Burger participated in the Geoeconomics - The New Balance of Power seminar, where they analyzed economic tools and their impact on global trade flows including, tariffs, embargoes, foreign direct investment, sanctions, trade restrictions, export controls and foreign aid.

One of Burgers favorite parts of the experience was the Europe in the World Days, where she got to talk with Nobel Laureates, policymakers, and CEOs on Europes repositioning within the shifting global landscape.

Over 4,700 participants from 127 countries participated in EFA25. There were over 550 sessions at EPA25, where participants discussed how Europe can renew its economic, social and institutional strengths in order to remain capable of action and prepared for the future.

Burger applied for a Political Science Research Grant and was able to attend EFA25 with funding from the Political Science Department. Mathematical Economics major Emmet Shuman 26 also attended the Forum.

From the first time she stepped on campus, Burger has been an engaged student, always trying to help others and to make a difference. As an International Student, Burger knows what it is like adjusting to a new country, so, last year she worked as an International Student Mentor and served on the International Student Advisory Board. She was also the president of the Model United Nations Club on campus and now serves as the Assistant Secretary General for Academics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Burger is spending the year studying abroad and attending LSE, where she takes classes in the International Relations Department. She says the valuable conversations with fellow attendees at EFA25 inspired her to take a Government, Politics, and Public Policy in the European Union class at LSE. Burger will resume her positions as an International Student Mentor and on the Advisory Board this semester.

I am interested in pursuing a career within international organizations or the foreign service and EFA provided me with deep insights into how supranational institutions such as the EU operate and the factors that inform their decision-making, by learning from leading experts first-hand, Burger says. I have a strong interest in global affairs and passion for understanding how trans-national institutions, state and non-state actors such as international organizations and Multi-National Cooperation shape current politics and I am thankful to the Political Science Department for the opportunity to attend the Forum.
Hello and welcome to your 2-Minute Tech Briefing from Computerworld. I'm your host, Arnold Davick, reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Here are the top IT stories you need to know for Wednesday, January 7th. Europe's banks could be heading for job cuts.

Over 200,000 banking jobs in Europe could disappear by 2030 as banks invest in AI and closed branches. That's according to a Morgan Stanley analysis cited by the Financial Times, that would be about 10% of the workforce at 35 major banks.

The biggest reductions are expected in back office, work, risk management and compliance. Some banks project a 30% efficiency boost. Leaders, however, warn banks not to lose sight of the basics and the fundamentals as they adopt AI. Nvidia just made a big AI chip move without buying anyone.

Nvidia says it's taken a non exclusive license to Groq IP and hired talent from Groq and clarified it did not acquire Groq. Groq makes AI inferencing chips LP use and runs Groq cloud.

Its SRAM based design could ease supply limits since Nvidia chips are sold out or fully utilized. TechCrunch reported the deal could be worth up to $20 billion it's a license and hiring deal, not an acquisition.

And finally, have you ever wished you could change your Gmail address without starting over? Google may soon offer a feature to do just that.

According to telegram group Google Pixel hub via nine to five Google a Hindi version of Gmail support page says the feature is being rolled out gradually to all users.

Your old address would remain an alias and you could log in with both addresses, you wouldn't be able to create another new Gmail, however, linked to the account for 12 months. It's unclear when users might gain access to that feature.

For more enterprise tech news, visit Computerworld, CIO, Network World, and CSO online, and don't forget to like and subscribe on the TechTalk YouTube channel.
Microsofts Threat Intelligence team has disclosed that threat actors are increasingly exploiting complex email routing and misconfigured domain spoof protection to make phishing messages appear as if they were sent from inside the organizations theyre targeting.

These campaigns are relying on configuration gaps, specifically scenarios where mail exchanger (MX) DNS records dont point directly to Microsoft 365 and where Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) policies are permissive or misconfigured.

Threat actors have leveraged this vector to deliver a wide variety of phishing messages related to various phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platforms such as Tycoon 2FA, Microsoft said in a security blog post.
The Christmas dust has settled, the New Year has been rung in and with it a couple of changes have already taken place with your local newspaper. For the past couple of years, readers have had the opportunity to read about Toole, Glacier, Pondera and Liberty counties, all in one publication. The owner of this newspaper conglomerate, Jesse Mullen, also owns the Havre Weekly Chronicle and The Independent Observer in Conrad.

It's no secret that small, local newspapers have been struggling over the years with so much immediate information available online, with many of them no longer publishing. In an effort to ensure the newspaper continues in all the smaller communities along the Hi-Line, the Havre and Conrad newspapers will now be a part of the Cut Bank Pioneer Press publication.

"This wasn't my first choice, but the situation was dire when I took over the Havre Weekly Chronicle and The Independent Observer," owner Jesse Mullen said. "To ensure local news is covered for Havre, Conrad and the surrounding region, this is the best path forward. We plan to minimize the amount of canned and non-local news. I appreciate the work done by organizations like the Montana Free Press and Associated Press, but that news is available anywhere. Stories unique to the communities we serve will appear in our newspaper first and foremost. The same local news will appear in the paper as Chronicle and IO readers are used to, but readers will notice additional content for other Hi Line communities in a larger publication.

"This newspaper will feature a newsroom more than twice that of the Great Falls Tribune," Mullen added. "Advertisers in both the Havre Weekly Chronicle and The Independent Observer will benefit from having their marketing shown to thousands of additional subscribers."

Obituaries, news articles and upcoming activities will continue to be featured each week.

Adding the Conrad IO only made sense considering The Valierian has been a part of the Cut Bank Pioneer Press publication for years. The addition of the IO will allow subscribers in Pondera County to receive all of their county news in one convenient publication.

Because there will be only one newspaper, there may be some subscribers who will now receive a duplicate copy of the newspaper. If you currently have a Havre Weekly Chronicle or Independent Observer subscription and you also have a subscription to the Cut Bank Pioneer Press/Shelby Promoter/Glacier Reporter/The Valierian/Liberty Chronicle, please contact the main office in Cut Bank at (406) 873-2201, to get those subscriptions combined so you will only receive one issue. Your subscription will be extended to include whatever time you have left on the subscription that is stopped.

As with anything new, merging the Havre Weekly Chronicle and The Independent Observer into one publication with the existing Cut Bank Pioneer Press newspaper is going to come with a few challenges. We appreciate our subscribers' patience and understanding while we work through whatever bumps in the road that may lie ahead. While the newspaper is changing, one thing remains the same - our dedication to provide local news and photos from around the area. The main office will remain the Cut Bank Pioneer Press in Cut Bank. For any questions, to update your subscription, or more information contact General Manager Dawn Texidor at (406) 873-2201.
Mayor David Cates made the following statement on January 2:

"It is with regret I have to announce the resignation of Chief Cory Smith as Chief of Police of the Conrad Police Department. His resignation was effective as of 8:45 p.m. on December 31, 2025.

In the short-term Sgt. Andy Lund will assume the administrative and command duties of the Chief of Police until an interim Chief can be appointed."

Smith has served on the City of Conrad's Police Department for over four years. He joined the department in December 2021 as a patrol officer. He was promoted from Sergeant/Interim Chief to Chief of Police by unanimous decision of the City Council, effective July 1, 2024 and sworn in to his new position at a regular city council meeting on July 2.

Smith moved to Conrad from Georgia where he served as deputy sheriff in Catoosa County from 2019  2021, and was formerly a police officer in Pensacola, Florida.

Before moving into the private sector, Smith served in the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine in Norfolk, Virginia, then as a Rifleman assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 8, where he conducted security operations for high value assets in various locations.

"On behalf of the City of Conrad, I wish Cory all the best in his future endeavors," said Mayor Cates.
Monday, Jan. 6, arrived with officials from the Two Medicine Water Company asking folks in Browning to conserve water and limit its use.

Browning residents - at this time Two Medicine Water Company is requesting all to conserve water at this time until further notice, read the notice. Officials at Glacier County said they were told the tanks in Browning werent holding pressure while schools and other entities announced closures.

The Two Medicine Water Company has an unresolved water issue in the town of Browning with a very low water supply, said the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. To ease the strain on the water system and minimize our districts water use until they are able to find and resolve the problem, The Blackfeet Tribe will be closed today, January 5, 2026.

Browning Schools followed suit, saying, The Two Medicine Water Company has an unresolved water issue in the town of Browning with a very low water supply. To ease the strain on the water system and minimize our districts water use until they are able to find and resolve the problem, we will have no school today, followed by De La Salle Blackfeet School declaring their closure was due to a community-wide boil order.

Cuts Wood School and Blackfeet Community College also canceled classes.

The office is closed today, BCC announced. All testing and adult hearings are excused. Please do not come to campus while repairs are underway. We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as information becomes available.

No further information on the issue was available at press time, but it follows in the heels of another break in December. Social media posts on Monday questioned how funds from the water compact were spent in light of Brownings situation, noting its passage was intended to solve issues of water supply.
The following are the dispositions settled in Toole County Justice Court from Dec. 18, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026, by the Honorable Judge Donna Whitt.

Brenda L. Redhead, driving a motor vehicle while privilege to do so is suspended or revoked, second offense, guilty; operating without liability insurance in effect, first offense, guilty; speeding on non-interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 92/70, guilty.

John E.A. Day, operating with expired registration, failure to re-register, pled not guilty, dismissed by prosecution; speeding on non-interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 83/65, pled not guilty, dismissed by prosecution.

Dylan R. Kunz, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 84/70, $70 fine.

Abdinasser S. Jama, false log, $285 fine.

Daniel S. Mayer, failure to follow conditions and requirements of special permit, $135 fine.

Corey L. Schick, failure to follow conditions and requirements of special permit, $135 fine.

Jaxon T. Layden, exceeding the 53 maximum semi-trailer length, $85 fine.

Harwinder Singh, TV screen in view of driver, pled not guilty, dismissed by prosecution.

Heinrich N. Fehr, failure to follow conditions and requirements of special permit, $135 fine.

Veergaganpreet Singh, false log, $285 fine.

Lillian L. Griffin-Duncan, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 80/70, $20 fine.

Amandeep Singh, failure to obey direction to be weighed, $235 fine.

Christian A. Perez, operating without liability insurance in effect, first offense, dismissed by court.

Joey R. Peters, failure to purchase trip permit immediately upon arrival in state, $85 fine.

Paul E. Ramirez, no DOT/MVI number/name of company on vehicle, $135 fine.

Ryan D. Clark, failure to follow conditions and requirements of special permit, $135 fine.

Eric B. Ludeman, exceeding 34,000 lbs. tandem axle weight limit, $285 fine.

Sumeet Sumeet, no DOT/MVI number/name of company on vehicle, $135 fine.

Jason S. Miller, speeding on interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 101/80, $120 fine.

Omar B. Ruiz, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 80/65, $70 fine.

Cooper E. Weikal, speeding on interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 90/80, $40 fine.

Joseph M. Surechief, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 75/65, $20 fine.

Arunvir S. Khattra, driver failing to use seatbelt, $60 fine.

Michael C. Schmidt, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 81/65, $70 fine.

Carter K. Keller, speeding on non-interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 77/65, $70 fine.

Scott H. Wilson, basic rule, reasonable and prudent, first offense, $120 fine.

Brooke E. Leavitt, speeding on interstate, exceeding daytime limit, 90/80, $40 fine.

Darrell K. Christensen, speeding on interstate, exceeding nighttime limit, 97/80, $70 fine.
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Since the Middle Ages, two nations have been constantly involved in deciding the fate of the world: Britain and France.

But as a senior French civil servant told me this week, the global power structure is now being changed without any real say from either London or Paris. We are on the sidelines for the first time in centuries, effectively powerless and watching as greater actors make decisions without us.

The US, China and to some extent Russia have the military might to act. Western Europe, for so long the worlds dominant international force, has squandered its strength.

Our naive confidence that America would always defend us, and pay for the privilege, has left us impotent.

In the 17th century, the Sun King Louis XIV ordered a Latin phrase to be embossed on his armys cannons. Ultima ratio regum: This is the kings final argument. The deadly ordinance was the last word in diplomacy.

Whatever treaties and agreements are struck, in the end sheer brute strength has always been the deciding factor in international relations. The balance of power, whether between Neolithic tribes or modern empires, is controlled by the strongest side. The kings final argument always wins.

Donald Trump appears to understand this. He and his MAGA team are revelling in Americas superior force. By overthrowing Nicolas Maduro, Trump has demonstrated his conviction that the US shall do as it chooses across the American continents  a truism that every emperor in history would have understood before him.

Sir Keir Starmer has, at the time of writing, not even been granted the basic courtesy of a phone call to the US President. He is being kept humiliatingly on hold

Donald Trump and his MAGA team are revelling in Americas superior force

These two vast landmasses, bisected by the Panama Canal, are Trumps sphere of influence, a phrase from 19th century power politics that sums up his foreign policy thinking. He averred in recent days that Colombias president had better watch his a**, lest he find himself spirited in the dead of night to some jail cell in Colorado.

Trump makes it plain, too, that he includes Greenland in his sphere of influence  and perhaps Canada. One is historically part of the kingdom of Denmark, the other is a Commonwealth country whose head of state is our own King.

Trumps homeland security adviser Stephen Miller crudely declared on Monday: Nobodys going to fight the US over the future of Greenland, reflecting the White Houses confidence that no other country, and especially no European country, would dare challenge Americas military dominance.

This may be uncomfortable for European leaders, but the facts are inarguable. The rules-based international order had one rule, or perhaps two. America set the rules. And, by and large, it made them up as it went along.

Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, revealed on Monday that Whitehall, too, understands this new, highly volatile international order. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We see, essentially, the world now governed by the idea that might is right and that strong men presiding over spheres of influence  and tolerating each others activities within that sphere but dominating their own back yard  is the basic operating unit of the world. And I think Donald Trump embodies that.

Quite so. History, by some readings, is nothing but an endless seesaw between outbreaks of war and efforts at peace. As the Greek historian and general Thucydides famously put it: The strong do as they can, while the weak suffer as they must.

The Roman empire expanded with overwhelming military might, enforced, often for centuries, by peace treaties. The Treaty of Westphalia in the 17th century created the conditions for modern European nation states after the Thirty Years War.

After the Napoleonic wars, in 1815, the Second Treaty of Paris lasted for nearly a century until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. And following that apocalyptic slaughter, the League of Nations was established to prevent a second global war. It failed. After 1945 came the United Nations and Nato.

All efforts at establishing international peace have one thing in common: eventually they fell apart. Nato is still intact on paper, but it has been gravely damaged by Trumps vacillations over Ukraine and many observers believe it cannot continue in its present form.

This recurring breakdown of order appears to be a historical inevitability and, as a general rule of thumb, the time it takes to happen is between one and two human lifetimes. During that period, peace is usually underpinned by fear as much as by altruism. Both the governing elite and the population at large appreciate how terrifying and costly war is.

But in the 21st century, most British people have forgotten that visceral fear of war. Anyone who remembers the Second World War in any detail is likely to be in their 90s. Certainly our leaders, who have allowed our military defences to dwindle to a dangerously low ebb, are far too young. They dont really believe the worst could happen, despite the experiences of our ancestors.

After all, doesnt international law mean that disputes are decided by sober-minded judges in clean, modern capitals? Dont the flags fluttering outside the United Nations building in New York mean that countries have turned their spears into ploughshares?

Some world leaders do understand the cold currency of power. Vladimir Putin calculated that he could invade Ukraine in 2022 because he anticipated a quick and easy victory, whatever rules America had supposedly set.

Trumps negotiating position with the Kremlin, four years into that conflict, has been seriously undermined by his actions in Venezuela. Putin will now reason that he was right: the White House has no real moral objection to Russian warmongering, and the rules-based international order was a fiction.

In the same way, whether or not China one day attacks Taiwan will not depend on some post-1945 liberal order. China routinely breaks international law  it lies, steals and enslaves at will.

The only factor that will determine whether China mounts an invasion is whether China believes it can succeed in doing so at reasonable cost. In ousting Venezuelas president, I suspect that Trump has only reminded President Xi that the strongest actor makes the rules  and thus made any future invasion more likely.

Global powers, then, are less constrained by the rule of law today than at any time since the end of the Second World War. But what makes matters far worse is that Britain and France have less leverage than at any time in the past 500 years.

The UK appears to have no say at all. Sir Keir Starmer has, at the time of writing, not even been granted the basic courtesy of a phone call to the US President. He is being kept humiliatingly on hold. There could be no more pungent proof of our weakness. And make no mistake, this is weakness of our leaders own creation.

As a lawyer long before he was a politician, Starmer regards international law as the ultimate safeguard. It is his fundamental worldview  the basis of his entire philosophy, in so far as he has one. This blinking individual cannot grasp one eternal truth: that rules and treaties mean nothing when powerful men decide to break them.
Jittery. That was Sir Keir Starmer as PMQs began. He blew into the Commons half an hour after the Russian supertanker Marinera changed course in the North Atlantic following its seizure by US forces.

Sir Keir chose not to mention the dramatic maritime grab. Hard to say why not. The news would have gripped the Commons. It would have brought a touch of glamour to our potatoey PM. Perhaps the Americans had bound him to secrecy.

Instead, he made a lame joke at Reforms expense  something to do with the Russian Orthodox Christmas  and touched briefly on Ukraine. He also bragged about his breakfast clubs and a rise in the minimum wage that employers must pay. Theres much more to come this year as we turn the corner, quacked Sir Keir.

Speaker Hoyle was already fidgety. He hates it when Sir Keir does a long preamble to PMQs.

Kemi Badenoch was more direct. She pole-vaulted straight into Ukraine, Greenland and Venezuela. It was astonishing Sir Keir was not making a full statement about Ukraine. None of his predecessors would have behaved in such a manner.

Over the past few months, Kemi Badenoch has earned Sir Keir's attention, writes Quentin Letts. The momentum was all with this tiny, deep-voiced, punctilious woman at the Opposition box

Also: Had he spoken to Donald Trump? What leverage did he have to stop the White House going (more) mad on Greenland? How many troops would Sir Keir be sending to Ukraine? What were the terms of engagement to be?

The House fell utterly still. Over the past few months Mrs Badenoch has earned its attention. Cabinet ministers watched in a sullen grump. As the exchanges between Mrs B and Sir Keir continued, and as the Speaker added his own criticism of Sir Keir for not doing a proper Commons statement, the momentum was all with this tiny, deep-voiced, punctilious woman at the Opposition box, nowadays quite comfortable presenting herself as Sir Keirs equal.

The nasal knight was irked. It niggled him, her tone of knowing scepticism as she claimed he wouldnt come to the Commons because he was scared of us being able to ask him questions. Mrs Badenoch added that he would have skipped PMQs, too, had he only been able. One of her questions to Sir Keir included the word surrender three times. She was, in the spirit of drill, baby, drill, gouging into the Prime Ministers character, and on his supposedly safe topics of foreign and military affairs.

When a premier cant upstage his challenger on war, you can only gawp.

Sir Keir started fluffing his words. He boggled at the briefing file in his hand and was soon in such a fluster that pieces of paper nearly slipped to the table. Speaker Hoyle barged in once more to make the PMs life no easier.

Sir Keir at PMQs yesterday. He chose not to mention the dramatic maritime grab, writes Quentin Letts. Hard to say why not. The news would have gripped the Commons

Sir Keirs new parliamentary aide, Abena Oppong-Asare, hurriedly passed Rachel Reeves a hand-scribbled note for the PM. Ms Reeves held it upside down at first, then the wrong way round. Sir Keir snatched at the document but thrust it back at Ms Reeves after a glance. The last thing you need, when in trouble at PMQs, is some half-wit aide making dud suggestions.

Matters went a little better for Sir Keir when he managed to drag Mrs Badenoch on to party-political matters and the old 14 wasted years routine. Soon he was slagging off the shadow Attorney General  hardly a household name  and accusing the Conservatives of being soft on the IRA. Heck, anything would do to try to neutralise this Badenoch attack.

And it was partly successful. Labour MPs, who had earlier been so quiet, roused themselves to cheer their leader. Even Wes Streeting and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, who earlier had been gossiping and laughing to one another, felt obliged to make a show of support for their beleaguered helmsman.

In all, therefore, a difficult session for Sir Keir. He seemed to sense his inadequacies. After parting words with the Speaker he fled back to his office for more news of that tanker, a Prime Minister bothered and moth-eaten by self-doubt.
Everyone take a deep breath then four more.

If you thought the fallout of the death of George Floyd was complex, brace yourself for another law enforcement-related killing about to divide America.

Amateur video out of Minneapolis showing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shooting a female driver as she accelerated toward the agent exploded across social media and cable news on Wednesday.

There is no other story being covered. This has supplanted any discussion of Venezuela, Greenland, or anything else, at least for now.

I've spoken to multiple sophisticated people of good faith who have analyzed various footage of the shooting and reached diametrically opposite conclusions.

Self-defense or murder?

An act of domestic terrorism or principled protest?

So far, it appears that where many stand on those questions is untethered from fact, and instead, depends on which political tribe they call their own.

Amateur video out of Minneapolis showing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shooting a female driver as she accelerated toward the agent exploded across social media and cable news on Wednesday

To Red America, Trump's deployment of ICE officers into Minneapolis, one of America's classic liberal places and other deep-blue cities, is the long-delayed arrival of the sheriff to a frontier town overrun by outlaws.

To them, Trump is restoring order where, in their view, progressive mayors have turned bustling metropolises into theme parks for illegal immigrants - equal parts virtue signaling and chaos.

Minneapolis, of course, stands apart from other places where federal agents have been deployed, because of the recent revelations of a $9 billion fraud scandal linked to the local Somali American community.

In this telling, the ICE convoys aren't instruments of intimidation but rescue vehicles, finally enforcing laws that liberal elites would rather pretend don't exist.

Mark Halperin is the editor-in-chief and host of the interactive live video platform 2WAY and the host of the video podcast 'Next Up' on the Megyn Kelly network

So, it's no surprise that the administration is declaring this incident an act of 'domestic terrorism'.

'Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them,' tweeted Tricia McLaughlin, assistant DHS secretary. There is, of course, no way for the federal government to claim this with any certainty.

Meanwhile, Blue America sees something entirely different: an occupying force rolling across municipal borders with all the subtlety of a drum line in steel boots.

They see a vivid, unsettling spectaclefederal agents sweeping into immigrant neighborhoods, siren lights strobing across murals and bodegas, the whole scene feeling less like a constitutional government at work and more like a strongman flexing on the skyline.

To them, Trump isn't restoring order but staging a televised power play meant to thrill the faithful while rattling families, destroying communities, humiliating local officials and turning city blocks into props in a national-security melodrama.

'ICE get the f**k out of Minneapolis' declared city mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday as he dismissed any suggestion that ICE officers acted in self-defense.

'I can tell you that is bull****,' he said.

So far, it appears that where many stand on those questions is untethered from fact, and instead, depends on which political tribe they call their own

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed the major on X, writing, 'I've seen the video. Don't believe this propaganda machine.'

They, too, can't be so sure.

And struck in the middle of these tribes, seemingly locked in perpetual rhetorical warfare, is the rest of America  the majority, in fact.

Their reaction is a kind of weary squint, a mix of anxiety, resignation and a nagging suspicion that everyone involved is performing for cameras rather than solving problems.

They see cities grappling with real disorder but also fear the erosion of local control; they crave safety but hear the sound of heavy federal boots on neighborhood pavements.

To them, both sides seem locked in a color-war pageant with no thought for the aftercare: Red cheering the cavalry charge, Blue decrying the invasion.

In the coming hours and days, new information will likely raise the temperature higher.

We'll learn much more about the identity and background of the victim. Same for the ICE agent.

What form will protests take tonight, tomorrow and in the day ahead?

It remains to be seen whether Mayor Frey will seek to expel ICE from his city.

Perhaps the biggest question of all is: Will the state of Minnesota try to arrest the officer? And, if they do, how will Donald Trump respond?

A person places flowers on the site of Wednesday's shooting. Both sides seem locked in a color-war pageant with no thought for the aftercare: Red cheering the cavalry charge, Blue decrying the invasion

If you are one of the tens of millions of Americans who tend to blame Trump for almost everything, it is easy to lay all of this at the White House doorstep. After all, the shooting would not have happened if ICE had not been sent in.

If you are one of the tens of millions of Americans who are grateful that the border has been closed and support the White House's immigration policies, you likely wonder what kind of person accelerates their car when prompted by law enforcement to exit their vehicle.

Of course, there is a possibility that national leaders find it in themselves to tamp down the wild passions of both sides and America will seek calm and clarity, while an investigation determines the truth.

Based on these early responses, we all need to be prepared for the opposite.
Thousands of women are now suing pharmaceutical giant Pfizer over claims its popular birth control injection left them with 'life-changing' brain tumors.

Lawyers told the Daily Mail exclusively that Pfizer will have to stand trial on December 7, 2026, as more than 2,100 women across the US claim in publicly filed lawsuits that they were not warned that the birth control shot Depo-Provera had been linked to debilitating and potentially incurable, benign brain tumors.

Taken by 2million women every year, Depo-Provera is a decades-old contraceptive method that is injected into the arm or buttocks once every three months, delivering the synthetic hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy.

Recent studies done in the past two years, however, have found that the shot comes with than a 500 percent increased risk of developing brain tumors long after users stop taking the medication.

Last month, Pfizer added a warning label to Depo-Provera about the risk of meningiomas, benign tumors that can grow in the brain and spine for decades undetected. Though they are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, they can still lead to blindness, seizures and memory loss.

Virginia Buchanan, partner at law firm Levin Papantonio, which filed a purported class-action lawsuit against Pfizer last year, and court-appointed co-chair of the Plaintiffs Executive Committee and member of the Trial Committee, told the Daily Mail that the new label 'has been a long time coming' and is 'long overdue.'

She urged women who have been diagnosed with a meningioma and who have taken Depo-Provera to contact a lawyer in their area working on the case 'sooner rather than later' to be included in the litigation.

She told the Daily Mail: 'It's a critical women's health issue since birth control is something that millions of women rely upon for making their family planning decisions, and it's critical to have something that is safe.'

Thousands of women are suing Pfizer over claims its Depo-Provera birth control (pictured here) caused them to develop brain tumors

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The number of women signing on to sue Pfizer has surged five-fold since May, and Buchanan estimates more are expected to come forward.

'We have had a significant uptick in the filings, and I hope that with a greater reach, with more information coming out about the FDA warning and about this risk, that more women will come forward,' Buchanan said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pfizer for comment but has not received a response.

CDC data estimates nearly one in four sexually active women, roughly 40 million, in the US have used Depo-Provera at least once in their lifetime.

Depo-Provera contains progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thinning the lining of the uterus. This makes it difficult for an egg to implant itself.

Experts believe progestin overstimulates receptors in the meninges, membranes lining the skull and spine, where meningiomas grow. This could lead to cells mutating and forming tumors.

A landmark 2024 study in the British Medical Journal compared over 18,000 women who underwent meningioma surgery to healthy control subjects.

The team found use of Depo-Provera for 12 or more months was associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing a meningioma.

Another study published in 2025 in the journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety found that the use of Depo-Provera by women of childbearing age for more than one year was associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma compared to the use of birth control pills.

Meningiomas grow in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and strike 170,000 Americans every year.

Nine in 10 are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, they can still lead to frightening side effects. Buchanan told the Daily Mail that plaintiffs facing off against Pfizer have reported impaired hearing, vision and smell, along with seizure disorders.

Andrea Faulks, a 55-year-old from Alabama, is one of more than 2,100 women suing Pfizer over claims her Depo-Provera birth control gave her a brain tumor

Sherry Brown, of Louisiana, was diagnosed with two meningiomas nearly two decades after she stopped taking Depo-Provera. If her treatments are unsuccessful, she will need brain surgery

The tumors grow slowly, so common symptoms like headaches and coordination issues may take years or even decades to be linked, Buchanan said. Many women also experience cognitive and behavioral shifts that lead family members to take notice first.

'We have family members saying [the plaintiffs] are not who they used to be, or our client will say, "My children are telling me, 'Mom, you don't act like you used to act,'" Buchanan told the Daily Mail.

'We are seeing some some real and life-changing issues occurring,' she added. 'We're continuing to get an education about just how traumatic this is to people and how life-changing it can be.'

The lawsuits allege that Pfizer was aware of the link between these birth control injections and brain tumors and that they failed to adequately warn of the risk and promote safer alternatives.

'The basis of this lawsuit is there should have been a warning,' Buchanan said. 'These women who have now been diagnosed, they can't go back and undo or redo what they've been exposed to, but certainly women going forward can.'

She also notes that awareness about the lawsuit can help women who may have a meningioma be diagnosed faster and avoid lasting disabilities.

'It encourages at least a more rapid diagnosis so women don't have to undergo a significant surgery or have a growth of a size that just can't be removed,' she added.

'We've had a number of clients who had partial removal and surgeons couldn't get it all. It's a scary thing to think you have an inoperable brain tumor, because even if it's benign, if it's compressing on critical nerves or something that controls an important bodily function, that's a very scary thing.'

Faulks is seen here ringing a bell after completing radiation treatment for her meningioma. She is now waiting to see if she will need surgery to remove the tumor

Buchanan told the Daily Mail that the number of women suing Pfizer has surged five-fold and is expected to continue growing

Law firms are also investigating potential class actions in other jurisdictions, including in Europe, Australia, South Africa and Canada.

Buchanan told the Daily Mail that while Pfizer sought Depo-Provera's safety label change from the FDA, the company has largely denied wrongdoing and has maintained that the product is safe enough to keep on the market.

'Given that there are already thousands of cases filed and vetted that now with the FDA warning, we are going to continue to see additional growth with that.'

The trial currently scheduled for December will be for one plaintiff who alleges she developed a meningioma from Depo-Provera, and trials for four other plaintiffs will occur every 60 days after. Pfizer can choose to settle at any point or could move to resolve the claims before trial.

Buchanan said: 'This case brings about the opportunity to have a trial, have the experts, have the documents, all of the things that a well-informed jury would need to know to corroborate what we've been contending all along, that this is a product that carries with it a significant risk, and that women should have the choice in choosing something that has less of that.

'People should be talking to attorneys sooner rather than later.'
One in eight Americans turn to ChatGPT every day for medical advice, leaving them prone to potentially dangerous misinformation, experts have warned.

A new report released by OpenAI, the AI research giant that created ChatGPT, revealed 40 million Americans use the service every day to ask about their symptoms or explore new treatments.

And one in four Americans feed their medical queries into ChatGPT once a week, while one in 20 messages sent to the service across the globe are related to healthcare.

Additionally, users ask up to 2 million questions every week about health insurance, including queries about comparing options, handling claims and billing.

OpenAI noted people in rural areas that have limited access to healthcare facilities are more likely to use ChatGPT, with 600,000 messages coming out of these areas each week.

And about seven in 10 health-related chat messages are sent outside of normal clinic hours, highlighting a need for health guidance in the evenings and on weekends.

The report also found two in three American doctors have used ChatGPT in at least one case, while nearly half of nurses use AI weekly.

Doctors who were not involved in the report told the Daily Mail that while ChatGPT has become more advanced and can help break down complex medical topics, it should not be a substitute for regular care.

A new report found 40 million Americans use ChatGPT every day for health information and advice (stock image)

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Dr Anil Shah, a facial plastic surgeon at Shah Facial Plastics in Chicago, told the Daily Mail: 'Used responsibly, AI has the potential to support patient education, improve visualization, and create more informed consultations.

'The problem is, were just not there yet.'

The findings come as OpenAI faces multiple lawsuits from people who claim they or their loved ones were harmed after using the technology.

In California, 19-year-old college student Sam Nelson died of an overdose after asking ChatGPT for advice on taking drugs, his mother claims.

SF Gate reported that, based on chat logs it reviewed, the service would first give a formal response insisting it could not help, but then if Nelson asked certain questions or phrased prompts a certain way, the tool was manipulated into providing answers.

In another case, in April 2025, 16-year-old Adam Raine used ChatGPT to explore methods of ending his life, including what materials would be best for creating a noose. He later died by suicide.

Raine's parents are involved in an ongoing lawsuit and seek 'both damages for their son's death and injunctive relief to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.'

The new report, published by OpenAI this week, found that three in five Americans view the healthcare system as 'broken' based on high costs, quality of care and a lack of nurses and other vital staff.

Join the debate What risks or benefits do you see in millions turning to AI for health advice instead of doctors?

Doctors warned that while ChatGPT can help break down complex medical topics, it is not a substitute for real medical care (stock image)

Dr Kathering Eisenberg, pictured above, said that while AI can make complex medical terms more accessible, she would 'use it as a brainstorming tool' instead of relying solely on it

In a ranking of the share of healthcare messages from hospital deserts, or areas that are at least 30 minutes from a hospital, Wyoming had the most messages at four percent, followed by Oregon and Montana with three percent.

The team cited a survey of 1,042 adults who used the AI survey tool Knit in December 2025. They found 55 percent of those adults use AI to check or explore their symptoms, while 52 percent use it to ask questions at any time of day.

Additionally, 48 percent turned to ChatGPT to understand medical terms or instructions, while 44 percent used it to learn about treatment options.

The OpenAI team cited several case studies in the report. Ayrin Santoso, from San Francisco, told the company she used ChatGPT to help coordinate care for her mother in Indonesia after she suffered sudden vision loss.

And Dr Margie Albers, a family physician in rural Montana, said she uses Oracle Clinical Assist, which relies on OpenAI models, to help take notes and save time on clerical work.

Samantha Marxen, a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and clinical director at Cliffside Recovery in New Jersey, told the Daily Mail: 'One of the services that ChatGPT can provide is to make medical language clearer that is sometimes difficult to decipher or even overwhelming.'

Dr Melissa Perry, Dean of George Mason University's College of Public Health who has studied AI usage in the medical setting, told the Daily Mail: 'When used appropriately, AI can improve health literacy and support more informed conversations with clinicians.'

Ayrin Santoso (left), from San Francisco, told the company she used ChatGPT to help coordinate care for her mother (right) in Indonesia after she suffered sudden vision loss

Dr Margie Albers (pictured here), a family physician in rural Montana, said she uses Oracle Clinical Assist, which relies on OpenAI models, to help take notes and save time on clerical work

However, Marxen warned that the 'main problem is misdiagnosis.'

'The AI could give generic information that does not fit one's particular case, thus leading the person to misjudging the severity of the symptom,' she said.

On the flip side, AI could make a user think they are experiencing 'the worst-case scenario,' Marxen said.

Dr Katherine Eisenberg, senior medical director of Dyna AI, told the Daily Mail: 'I do think ChatGPT opens up access to more types of medical information to patients, but people have to understand that ChatGPT is trying to serve every need for every user and is not specifically built or optimized for medicine.

'I would suggest treating it as a brainstorming tool that is not a definitive opinion.'

She added: 'I actually dont think people need to stop using ChatGPT for medical information entirely. I think were beyond that point, with the amount of use its getting today.'

Instead, she suggested double checking all information from a reliable source like an academic center and avoid putting in sensitive personal information. 'Most importantly, patients should feel comfortable telling their care team where information came from, so it can be discussed openly and put in context,' she said.
The world's most infectious disease struck four major airports in the US this holiday season.

In December, state health officials reported passengers infected with measles at Denver International Airport, the third busiest airport in the US, Newark Liberty International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

In each case, the passengers had traveled through the airport while infectious, raising the risk that they could spread the disease to others.

Officials are warning those in the airports at the same time as patients that they could be infected, and warning them to keep an eye out for symptoms, including a high fever and red blotchy rash.

Vaccines are up to 97 percent effective against a measles infection, but, among unvaccinated people, nine in 10 of those exposed to the virus become infected.

Doctors warn that children and babies are particularly at risk from the infection. One in every 20 children infected with measles develops pneumonia, while nearly one to three in every 1,000 die from the disease.

Dr Zack Moore, the state epidemiologist in North Carolina, warned in a statement: 'Measles is a highly contagious disease and it spreads quickly in children and adults who are not vaccinated.

'All... should ensure that they and their families are up to date on their MMR vaccine.'

Four US airports reported passengers infected with measles had traveled through them last month, in a warning to passengers (Image of travelers at Denver International Airport)

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At Denver International Airport, which sees about 82million passengers every year, officials raised concerns over a potential measles exposure just before Christmas Day.

The patient, who was not named, had traveled through the airport on December 12 between 7:24 and 9:41 pm. It was not clear what flights they were on.

Officials said the individual arrived at gate B45 in concourse B and then departed from gate B84 in the same concourse.

They were reported to have been fully vaccinated against the virus and to have had only mild symptoms. Officials said there was a low risk that they had passed the disease to others.

At Newark Liberty International Airport, a measles patient was reported to have been in Terminals B and C on December 12 between 7am and 7pm.

No further details on the patient were revealed, and it was not immediately clear where they had been in the airport during their 12-hour visit.

At Boston Logan International Airport, officials said a passenger infected with measles had been at the airport on December 11 from 2:39 to 4:45 pm.

No further details on the patient were revealed, but officials said they had arrived on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth.

The four passengers were infectious while they were in the airports, officials said (stock image)

Shown above is a plane at Denver International Airport, Colorado, the third busiest airport in the US (stock image)

On the night of December 11, the individual had stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Boston-Westborough, a 42-minute drive from the airport, before returning at 6pm to catch the 9:19 pm JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas, Nevada.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, a person infected with measles arrived at Terminal 2 on December 10, officials said, and remained there from 4 to 8 am.

In each case, there are currently no reports that the patients had transmitted measles to other passengers.

In each case, passengers who sat near the infected individual on the plane, and who could have been infected, are being contacted by officials and being warned to watch for signs of infection.

Measles is transmitted via droplets released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes.

The reports come amid concerns the US could lose its measles elimination status this month over escalating cases of the disease.

The World Health Organization only considers a country to be measles-free if it has had no locally transmitted cases of the same strain of the disease for 12 months or longer.

A major measles outbreak began in West Texas last year, largely among a mostly unvaccinated religious community, before, officials say, it spread to South Carolina and other states.

US officials are currently building an argument that the outbreaks in South Carolina and other states are separate, however, and not the same outbreak, in a bid to keep the elimination status.

In 2025, a total of 2,065 cases of measles were recorded in the US, the most in three decades.

In less than two weeks, 107 new cases of measles were recorded, according to the CDC, including Connecticut's first case of the disease since 2021.
Blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may lower the risk of colon cancer more than preventive aspirin regimen and reduce the chance of death, a pair of studies suggests.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is growing in prevalence, particularly among younger Americans under 50 and as low as their 20s, and younger patients are often being diagnosed in later, harder to treat stages after showing few symptoms.

At the same time, more Americans are taking GLP-1s than ever. An estimated 12 percent of adults, have taken them or currently take them, an estimated 31 million people.

Now, two new studies from a team at the University of Texas San Antonio detailed at the American Society of Clinical Oncologys 2026 symposium revealed compelling evidence that the drugs go well beyond helping people manage their diabetes and lose weight.

One study revealed that GLP-1 drugs were associated with a dramatically lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those taking aspirin to prevent the disease.

Those taking GLP-1 drugs were also less likely to suffer side effects like kidney damage, stomach ulcers or GI bleeding than those on aspirin, researchers said.

In patients who already have colorectal cancer, the use of GLP-1 drugs was linked to a greater than 50 percent reduced lower risk of death over 10 years compared to non-users.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is growing in prevalence, particularly among younger Americans under 50 and as low as their 20s (stock)

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Dr Joel Saltzman, vice chair of regional oncology at Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, who reviewed the findings of the first study involving aspirin, said in a statement: 'GLP-1 receptor agonists may have benefits far beyond the waistline.

For decades, low-dose aspirin has been recognized for its potential to prevent colorectal cancer. It works primarily by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of precancerous polyps in the colon.

However, its use comes with significant risks, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding in the brain, which rise sharply with as people get older and, simultaneously, become more vulnerable to cancer.

The first study analyzed health records for over 280,000 people at risk for CRC.

The researchers discovered that people taking a GLP-1 drug, particularly Ozempic or Wegovy, were 26 percent less likely to develop the cancer than people taking aspirin. The overall risk of getting cancer was low in both groups.

For the average person, the absolute benefit is small; over 2,000 people would need to take a GLP-1 to prevent one case of cancer.

But importantly, GLP-1 drugs showed a better safety profile than aspirin, with lower rates of serious issues like kidney injury and stomach bleeding.

Dr Colton Jones, an oncology fellow at the University of Texas San Antonio and lead study author, said: While aspirin has been studied for colorectal cancer prevention, its modest benefit and bleeding risks limit its use.

CrossFit enthusiast Chris Rodriguez was diagnosed with cancer at 35 years old, despite also eating clean foods high in protein and fiber

TikTok star Bailey Hutchins has died at the age of 26 after a two-year battle with colon cancer

GLP-1 receptor agonists, now widely prescribed for diabetes and obesity, may offer a safer option for both metabolic control and cancer prevention. This study is important because it provides the first large-scale, real-world evidence comparing aspirin and GLP-1 receptor agonists directly.

The second study, also out of the University of Texas San Antonio in Texas, sought to verify early evidence that GLP-1s can slow mortality from CRC.

The researchers analyzed anonymous medical records of more than 10,000 patients with CRC. They compared two matching cohorts of 5,170 patients with CRC; one group was taking a GLP-1 while the other was not.

They found that patients taking a GLP-1 drug had a 53 percent lower risk of dying from any cause over a 10-year period compared to those not taking the drug.

This major survival benefit was observed consistently across patient types, regardless of age, weight or diabetes status.

While the survival benefit was clear, the study did not find that these drugs reduced the risk of the colon cancer spreading to other organs.

University of California San Diego researchers found last year that CRC patients taking GLP-1s were less than half as likely to die within five years compared to those who werent on the drugs.

The survival benefit was greatest in obese patients. Researchers point to several possible reasons.

Patients taking a GLP-1 drug had a 53 percent lower risk of dying from any cause over a 10-year period compared to those not taking the drug

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In addition to lowering blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs reduce systemic inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and cause weight loss, all changes that can interfere with cancer growth.

While GLP-1s have shown promise in preventing disease and mortality due to CRC, heart disease, dementia and metabolic disorders, they are accompanied by side effects; some temporary, like nausea, and others more serious, such as rare but severe gastrointestinal complications.

Because the studies are observational, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm the promising links.
Five children have died from a new strain of 'super flu' that leaves sufferers gasping for air and battling sky-high fevers.

Health officials in Massachusetts announced this week that four children in the state have died of the flu so far this season.

Two of the children lived in Boston and were under two years old, an age when children are particularly vulnerable to severe illness due to underdeveloped immune systems.

The Illinois Department of Public Health also announced Tuesday that one child has died of the flu this season amid 'very high' activity in the state.

No further details were released about any of the children.

The deaths come as the latest CDC figures show 'very high' flu activity in 32 states, with hospitalizations up 54 percent compared to the week before.

During the week of December 27, the latest data available, one in three flu tests came back positive, up from one in four the previous week. This is also a 76 percent surge from this time last year.

While symptoms are the same as other flu strains, experts warn variant H3N2 subclade K, or 'super flu,' is leading to more severe illness, especially in children, with signs including week-long fevers and a cough that leads to trouble breathing.

Four children in Massachusetts and one in Illinois have died of the flu this season, health officials announced this week (stock image)

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Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr Robbie Goldstein said in a statement: 'These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain.'

Flu activity is 'very high' in 32 states, the latest CDC data shows.

The agency's highest classification, level 13, given to Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York City, New York state, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico and Idaho.

The number of states reporting 'low' and 'minimal' flu activity has also drastically diminished. There are no longer any states with 'minimal' activity, and only two have 'low' activity: Montana and Vermont.

This is down from 10 'low' and four 'minimal' activity states the previous week.

The hospitalization rate is now 28 per 100,000 people, up 54 percent from 18 per 100,000 the previous week.

The CDC estimates there have been at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths this season.

One of the pediatric deaths was 16-year-old Ryleigh Spurlock of Ohio, who went to the doctor with 'ordinary flu symptoms' on December 23, Cleveland 19 News reported.

Her condition quickly deteriorated, and she died on December 28.

Ryleigh Smothers (pictured above), 16, died on December 28 from influenza just five days after visiting her doctor with 'ordinary flu symptoms'

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Spurlock's stepmother told local news: 'She went from a 98.5 temperature to a 105, she went septic, she had double pneumonia, all within 24 hours, all from the flu, and it doesnt make sense.'

The teen had not received a flu shot this season, according to Cleveland 19 News.

The week before, 14-year-old Noah Smothers from Alabama lost his life to flu complications, as well as an unidentified child from Kentucky.

This years dominant flu strain is brand new to peoples immune systems, making them highly vulnerable and at an increased risk of severe, hospitalizing illness.

Dr Mark Loafman, chair of Family and Community Medicine at Cook County Health in Illinois, told NBC Chicago that there has been 'more fever with the flu this year than people are accustomed to,' which can last for five to seven days.

'And that's worrisome,' he said. 'You feel ill, you feel sick, and you worry that you're not getting better.'

Dr Juanita Mora, national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, told the outlet that these fevers also may not respond to usual over-the-counter treatments like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Excessive fevers can kill cells throughout the body and weaken vital organs like the brain, as well as lead to severe dehydration.

Noah Smothers is pictured here in the center. He died last month from influenza-related complications at just 14 years old

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'This new strain has symptoms of really high fevers,' Dr Mora said. 'It has a really bad cough that won't go away, very phlegmy, and also vomiting and diarrhea and lots of joint aches as well as muscle aches.'

Dr Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, previously told Daily Mail it is important to recognize the symptoms that ring alarm bells so you know when to seek expert help.

'If your symptoms worsen quickly, or you have trouble breathing, weakness, dehydration or symptoms that dont improve after a few days, you should find your nearest urgent care,' he said.

Influenza A, which includes subclade K and accounts for three in four flu cases, can best be prevented with an annual vaccine, which is 30 to 75 percent effective.

As of mid December, 42 percent of American adults have received this season's flu shot, which is in line with last year's figures.
A French tourist has revealed the biggest culture shocks she experienced while travelling in Australia - and her observations have struck a chord with locals who say it perfectly captures the local way of life.

The visitor said she was surprised by how different everyday interactions felt compared to those in France, from the way strangers speak to each other to what time people eat dinner.

'One of the first things I noticed is that Australians smile at you,' she wrote on Reddit.

'People make comments and start conversations without hesitation. In France, I'm used to strangers avoiding eye contact.'

That openness was something many Australians immediately recognised in themselves.

Several pointed out the national habit of chatting to complete strangers - whether it's commenting on the weather, a long queue, or a shared inconvenience.

'If we're in a long line we'll just turn to the person next to us and say, 'Bit of a line, ay?' one said.

'Ever since someone pointed it out to me, I notice it everywhere.'

A French tourist has revealed the biggest culture shocks she experienced while travelling in Australia

The tourist also said she felt safer while travelling around Australia, explaining she did not constantly check her bag or surroundings - something she said was second nature in parts of France, particularly Paris.

In the comments, Australians who had travelled overseas agreed the contrast was real.

One said a Parisian waitress once gently warned them not to leave their phone on the table at an outdoor cafe, joking she 'didn't have the energy to chase after a thief today'.

Another major shock was Australians' relaxed attitude toward time.

'Things feel less rushed. Being a little late doesn't carry the same stress as in France.'

Australians were quick to tease that point, with some saying the French reputation for lateness was well-earned.

'I have never met a nation so unbothered by being late as the French,' one joked.

Dinner time, however, was where the cultural divide became impossible to ignore.

The visitor said she was surprised by how different everyday interactions felt compared to back home in France, from the way strangers speak to each other to when people eat dinner

'Australians tend to eat dinner quite early, around 6 or 7pm. In France, we usually have dinner around 9, sometimes even 10pm,' she wrote.

Australians were unapologetic.

'10pm? We'd be less kind if we waited until then for dinner,' one person replied.

'If someone invited me to dinner at 9pm I just wouldn't show up. That's my bedtime,' another added.

Others explained that early dinners fit neatly into Australia's lifestyle, which often starts early in the morning.

'Wake up at 5 or 6am to go to the beach, work out, and have a sit-down coffee before work. There's no point eating at 9pm if you're going to bed at 10.'

The tourist also noticed how freely Australian women dress, saying very short shorts and low-cut tops felt normal and widely accepted - something she said would attract more judgement in France.

She was equally struck by the casual fashion overall, admitting she was surprised to see people wearing activewear everywhere, including supermarkets and restaurants.

'At first it felt unusual, but I later understood it as part of the relaxed lifestyle,' she wrote.

The country's natural environment left a lasting impression too. Australia's beaches, she said, felt 'clean, wide and peaceful', with an openness that made them feel less crowded and more accessible.

But she did note what Australia lacks compared to Europe.

'I noticed less history and art. Australia is a young country, while in France almost every street has history and culture.'

Dinner time, however, was where the cultural divide became impossible to ignore

The climate, however, was a trade-off she was more than happy to accept.

'The heat is no joke,' she admitted.

'It took me about three days to adjust, but the sunshine is beautiful. In France, the weather often feels quite gloomy.'

Perhaps most surprising of all was how patient Australians were with her accent.

'My English accent isn't very strong, but people were very patient. They spoke more slowly, tried to help, and made sure I understood. In France, people are very protective of the language and don't like words being pronounced incorrectly.'

At the end of her post, the tourist asked Australians whether her impressions rang true - or whether she'd simply experienced the country through a tourist's lens.

Many locals reassured her it wasn't just a holiday illusion.

'As an Australian who's been to France,' one wrote, 'the majority of this is spot on.'

Others noted that while every country has its quirks, Australia's early dinners, casual clothes and chatty nature are all part of a lifestyle built around sunshine, outdoor living, and a slightly more relaxed approach to daily life.

And if there was one takeaway Australians seemed happiest to stand by, it was this: dinner will never be at 10pm - and activewear is absolutely acceptable, anywhere.
He plays the aristocratic CEO Henry Muck in Industry, but according to Kit Harington dressing like a member of the upper classes is less a matter of money, and more about following the sartorial 'hidden rules'.

Speaking to GQ ahead of the highly-anticipated fourth season of the banking industry drama, he explained the style cues that signal wealth, which have nothing to do with the brands you're wearing.

Kit - whose father, Sir David Harington is a baronet, and related to 16th century Scottish politician Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville - said that even socks can indicate whether you 'belong' in rarefied circles.

Suggesting that only those imbued with the confidence of attending Britain's top public school, can pull off mismatched socks and make it work, he explained: 'If you are from Eton, you can wear odd socks, but if you're from Winchester, you have to wear the same type of socks.

'Or no one wears new Barbour jackets, it has to be battered, because you wouldn't buy something new, because that's showing off, and also it's nouveau.

'It shows you haven't been shooting your whole life. All of these very specific rules in clothing and appearance that signal to someone else that you're part of the gang or you're not.'

He added that if you get it wrong, people will be perfectly polite, but they will know 'you're not one of us'.

His character Henry, a more recent addition to the programme, encapsulates such a world with what Kit has himself described as tinged with poshness and self-depreciation alike - although, telling Vulture that 'on the surface, hes such a p**ck'.

The star, who plays the aristocratic Henry Muck in Industry spoke to GQ about how dressing like a member of the upper classes is less a matter of money, and more about following the sartorial 'hidden rules'. Pictured in the show

'In the UK, we've all met someone like Henry,' he said. 'My task, my major objective with him, is how do you make that guy sympathetic?'

Part of that, he continued, is understanding the world he comes from, which is 'entrenched into who he is'.

'The British class system is designed to be eternal - and he can't escape it,' the actor concluded.

Kit - who also shared that he had found himself beginning to dress like Henry in his personal life - has had a hectic beginning to the year, as he and wife Rose Leslie have suffered a breakin at their 2million country estate in Suffolk.

The disturbing incident comes after extra security measures including 6ft high oak gates were installed at the rambling Grade IIlisted 15th Century property following previous incidents of intruders.

The Hollywood Alisters, who are said to have settled well into the local community, apparently fell victim to burglars amid a string of breakins across Suffolk in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

It is believed the raiders targeted an outbuilding at the couple's stunning partmoated Tudor farmhouse, and also struck at another property in their village at around the same time.

Suffolk Police announced a stepping up of patrols in nearby rural areas after a spate of burglaries in midDecember and appealed to householders to take precautions against thieves and prowlers.

We may all remember him sporting rugged cloaks and furs as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, but off-screen, actor Kit Harington has impeccable taste, being the face of designers like Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana. Pictured last year

The 'hidden rules' of dressing like an aristocrat If you are from Eton, you can wear odd socks, but if you are from Winchester, you have to wear the same type of socks

Do not wear new Barbour jackets as it shows you haven't been shooting your whole life Advertisement

It is not known whether anything was stolen in the burglary, nor whether the family were in residence at the time.

One villager said that the couple and their two young children had made friends in the area and impressed neighbours with their friendliness.

'Everyone knows Kit and Rose are here and we're proud that they chose our little bit of the countryside to live in,' she said.

'But we're also very protective of their privacy, so it was upsetting when we heard that they'd been broken into, along with some other local people.

'Unfortunately, rural crime is just a part of life out here these days and everyone is much more on their guard than they used to be.'

The couple, who have a son aged four and a twoyearold daughter, split their time between Suffolk, London and Los Angeles, where their acting careers, particularly Kit's, have taken off since Game of Thrones ended in 2019.

Having captivated GoT viewers with his portrayal of warrior Jon Snow, heartthrob Kit thrilled fans when his and Leslie's character, fierce wildling Ygritte, fell in love, around the same time as the actors themselves became a couple.

He bought the thatched mediaeval home in Suffolk in 2017, and married Scotsborn aristocrat Rose, granddaughter of a Baron, the following year. The nuptials took place near her family seat at Wardhill Castle, Aberdeenshire, with many of their GoT costars in attendance.
Teen Mom star Ryan Edwards and wife Amanda Conner have been fiercely slammed online after she uploaded a video that showed their ten-month-old daughter, Presley, putting a vape in her mouth.

Amanda posted a clip of the youngster taking her first steps to Facebook earlier this week.

But what should have been a heartwarming video sparked immense backlash for the pair after many social media users noticed that the toddler was holding what appeared to be a vape or a vape battery in the video.

Presley and even started chewing on it at one point, leaving viewers horrified.

Many people rushed to the comment section to bash the pair, branding it as 'dangerous' and accusing them of 'bad parenting.'

'Kind of gross to let her chew on anything that has to do with smoking,' one raged.

'She's definitely holding a vape... wtf letting your baby play with it? Great parenting,' another sarcastically penned.

'So dangerous, I've had one explode,' someone else alleged.

Teen Mom star Ryan Edwards and his wife, Amanda Conner, have been fiercely slammed after she uploaded a video that showed their daughter, Presley, putting a vape in her mouth

Amanda posted a clip of the ten-month-old taking her first steps to Facebook earlier this week, but many social media users noticed that the toddler was holding what appeared to be a vape

'Shouldn't be in reach of a baby,' read a fourth angry comment, while a fifth said, 'We teach our kids it's not a toy... that's bad parenting.'

'I vape and my kids have never touched mine. Why? 'Cause it's put up when I'm not using it or in my pocket. She's 10 months old it's not that hard to keep things "up,"' scathed a different user.

'Take the s**t away instead of recording her with it in her mouth?' slammed someone else.

The couple previously came under fire in June after Conner shared a clip to TikTok that showed Edwards vaping in bed next to their daughter.

'Imagine thinking it's okay to vape next to a baby,' one outraged fan wrote on Instagram alongside a screenshot from the clip.

Conner also sparked fury in September when she posted a video of herself pretending to shoot Presley while mouthing along to a Cardi B song.

Edwards and Conner first began dating in the summer of 2023 after meeting in rehab.

The couple announced their engagement in January 2025 and welcomed Presley one month later. They went on to tie the knot in September.

Edwards and Conner first began dating in the summer of 2023 after meeting in rehab. The couple announced their engagement in January 2025 and welcomed Presley one month later

The troubled Teen Mom alum, seen with Conner, has made headlines over the years for his continuous run-ins with the law

While Presley was the couple's first baby together, she was Edwards' fourth child and Conner's second.

Edwards shares son Bentley, 17, with ex Maci Bookout McKinney, as well as son Jagger, 11, and daughter Stella, six, with ex MacKenzie Standifer.

Conner has an older son, whose identity is not public, from a prior relationship.

The troubled Teen Mom alum has made headlines over the years for his continuous run-ins with the law.

In March 2017, he faced his first major legal hurdle when he was arrested in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for possession of a controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

Then in 2023, the reality star was put back behind bars for not following the terms of his probation for driving under the influence and simple possession. Afterwards, he spent time in halfway homes for substance abuse rehabilitation.

And in January 2024, his probation was revoked following a series of legal infractions, resulting in yet another stint of jail time.
Donald Trump's leading ladies are all flocking to one particular clothing store - and it's Washington, D.C., boutique Tuckernuck, which has quickly become the hottest shopping spot in town for political stars.

It's proved to be a hit with many of the MAGA women, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Second Lady Usha Vance, and United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

The store, which carries a variety of designer in addition to their own private labels, like Pomander Place and Hyacinth House, was launched in 2012 by sisters Madeline Grayson and Jocelyn Gailliot, along with cofounder September Votta.

Tuckernuck leans into a preppy style, with many dresses, tops, and sweaters that are appropriate for the office or a day out at the country club.

Now, over a decade later, the ladies have a booming online brand and large New York City store on star-studded Madison Avenue, dressing sophisticated elites and everyday working women alike.

'Tuckernuck hits a very specific sweet spot for this audience,' personal stylist Lana Ashby Rowder, founder of lookingGlass Lifestyle, told Daily Mail.

'It projects polish, success, and tradition without feeling stuffy or outdated. For many women in conservative politics, appearance is part of the message,' Ashby Rowder continued.

Ashby Rowder explained that the look that Tuckernuck sells to customers is something that's never too 'flashy.'

During an April press conference, Karoline Leavitt wore a Black Metallic Boucle Mini Dress by designer Self-Portrait, which was available for purchase at Tuckernuck

In May, Second Lady Usha Vance wore the brand's Black Jacquard Puff Sleeve Midi Darcy Dress to meet Pope Leo XIV, alongside her husband, Vice President JD Vance

The tea-length dress that Usha wore, which is no longer available on the website, retailed for $218 at the time, and featured a fitted bodice and puff sleeves

'They want to look authoritative, feminine, and put-together, but never flashy or provocative,' she said.

'Tuckernuck communicates "I belong here" in elite political and social spaces, while still feeling approachable and American. It is aspirational but not experimental.'

And although the store has always been well-known in some DC circles, the brand has seemingly exploded in popularity over the past few years, especially among the ladies of MAGA.

'The aesthetic definitely reads Southern a-la Palm Beach, Dallas, and Little Rock,' Dr. David Loranger, Assistant Professor of Fashion Marketing and Merchandising at Sacred Heart University, told Daily Mail.

In May, Second Lady Usha Vance wore the brand's Black Jacquard Puff Sleeve Midi Darcy Dress to meet Pope Leo XIV, alongside her husband, Vice President JD Vance.

The tea-length dress, which is no longer available on the website, retailed for $218 at the time, and featured a fitted bodice and puff sleeves.

Trump Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is also quite fond of the brand, as sources recently told The Daily Beast that the 28-year-old has purchased 'loungewear and activewear' from the store.

During an April press conference, Leavitt wore a Black Metallic Boucle Mini Dress by designer Self-Portrait, which was available for purchase at Tuckernuck.

The store, which carries a variety of designer in addition to their own private labels, like Pomander Place and Hyacinth House, was launched in 2012 by sisters Madeline Grayson and Jocelyn Gailliot, along with cofounder September Votta (above)

And last Easter, the Arkansas Governor sported the blue-and-yellow floral print Marlowe Dress made by Pomander Place

'The aesthetic definitely reads Southern a-la Palm Beach, Dallas, and Little Rock,' Dr. David Loranger, Assistant Professor of Fashion Marketing and Merchandising at Sacred Heart University, told Daily Mail

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is seemingly a Tuckernuck fan, too, as she has been spotted wearing their clothes on multiple occasions.

'My read on the brand's appeal to Leavitt, Noem, and Huckabee is that they want to fit in with the Trump universe but also want to come off as authentic to people in the above geographies who watch QVC,' Loranger explained to Daily Mail.

For a Christmas party this year, Sanders was spotted in the brand's $400 Ice Blue Embellished Nicola Dress.

And last Easter, the Arkansas Governor sported the blue-and-yellow floral print Marlowe Dress made by Pomander Place.

'DC has a very specific fashion lane, especially for women,' Ashby Rowder explained to Daily Mail.

'You have to look credible and likable at the same time, which is harder than it sounds. Tuckernuck nails that,' she said.

'The clothes photograph well, move easily from day to night, and feel right for the DC social scene.'

But not only that, Ashby Rowder says that the brand also 'signals something culturally.'

During the 2024 Republican National Convention, the brand also went viral for its $268 Jackie Tweed Dress, which was a popular frock worn by Capitol Hill staffers and political figures during the week

The dress has also been worn by anchors on Fox News, like Dana Perino

'Traditional, American, polished. For conservative women in power, that alignment matters,' she said.

During the 2024 Republican National Convention, the brand also went viral for its $268 Jackie Tweed Dress, which was a popular frock worn by Capitol Hill staffers and political figures during the week.

The short-sleeved dress, named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, features a conservative, braided neckline and boxy cut, with braided pockets and sailor-style buttons at the waist.

However, despite the popularity of Tuckernuck in some DC circles, founder Madeline Grayson told Axios in October that they were not at all a 'political' brand.

She also rejects the idea that only one side can wear the items, or shops there - and vice versa.

'We're obviously not at all a political brand,' Grayson told the outlet at the time.

'People [of] all ages, all political affiliations, all parts of the country are wearing [the Jackie] dress.'

In August, Inc. called the store one of the only bipartisan places left in DC.
The beach town community of Bonny Hills on the NSW coast was rocked in July 2024 when local surfer Kai McKenzie was bitten by a 15-foot great white shark.

The horrific incident lit a fire under his close friend Danny Schouten, who became determined to do something to help others unlucky enough to find themselves in the same situation... and give them a drastically improved chance of survival.

On July 23, Kai was attacked while surfing at the isolated North Shore Beach near Port Macquarie.

The young surfer bravely fought off the three-metre shark by kicking it repeatedly before managing to paddle ashore.

At the precise moment that Kai emerged screaming on the beach, fate was at play - an off-duty police officer had just that moment arrived to take his dog for a walk on the almost empty stretch of sand.

This combination of luck, timing and a knowledgeable passer-by would eventually be what saved Kai's life.

'Kai was saved by a retired police officer who was the only man on the beach that day,' Danny recounts.

'This retired police officer was trained in how to control life-threatening bleeds, and just so happened to get to the beach just as Kai was hitting the shore and ran down to help.'

Recalling the attack, Kai McKenzie (pictured) said he repeatedly trying to kick the shark away before finally catching a wave to shore where a former police officer raced to help him

The shocking chewed-up remains of Kai McKenzie's surfboard after the shark attack on the mid North Coast in July 2024

The quick thinking former officer proceeded to fashion the dog leash he was holding into a makeshift tourniquet. This effectively stemmed the bleeding until emergency services arrived.

Kai lost his leg, but his life was saved by the retired officer. Kai previously told Stab magazine: 'I would 100 per cent not be here if it wasn't for him. Thank f*** he had a dog lead.'

Danny added: 'The chances of that guy being there at that precise moment were unbelievable - like winning Powerball.'

The road to recovery saw Kai spend two months in Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital.

His severed leg - which had washed up onto the beach - was unfortunately unable to be reattached.

But even after the traumatic shark encounter, Kai remained doggedly determined to once again return to the water once he'd recovered.

'Looking forward to the day I get back to here, I'm gonna push everything I have to get there, I know it's gonna be a long journey but it's going to happen and all your support has fired me up. So let's get it,' he wrote in a social media post a couple of months after the incident.

Sure enough, Kai made good on this promise. In October 2024 - just a few months after the attack - he and a close group of friends joined him in returning to the ocean.

Join the debate Should every Australian beach be required to install shark bite kits after recent attacks?

Kai was set upon by the predator at North Shore Beach near Port Macquarie

Despite almost losing his life in the harrowing ordeal, Kai remained determined to return to the water

Danny was among the group who were there for Kai's monumental return.

But watching what his friend had been through had given Danny pause for thought.

'It just made me think, how is it that we don't have these resources available when so many Australians are in the ocean every day,' Danny said.

'We know there's a chance this can happen. Why are we not prepared? Why don't we have life-saving equipment at the beach ready to go?'

Seeing his friend saved by the quick-acting retired officer 'hit home' for Danny.

It also echoed a similar event that had happened only a year earlier in nearby Port Macquarie, when another local surfer Toby Begg was similarly saved after a great white shark bite thanks to a makeshift tourniquet made from surfboard leg ropes.

These incidents inspired Danny to embark on a personal mission to make meaningful change.

After his close mate Kai (right) was bitten by a shark in 2024, Danny Schouten (left) embarked on a personal mission to make change

Danny's biggest realisation was how being able to access a tourniquet within seconds is crucial to saving someone's life after a shark bite.

'The chances of survival are much greater because you're prolonging their life until emergency services arrive,' he explained.

And so the early seeds were sown for what would eventually become the creation of Community SBK shark bite kits.

The high school woodwork teacher started by simply wanting to make a difference in the small town beach community that he'd lived in all his life - and came up with the idea of putting together emergency kits to install at beaches in his area.

Danny, who also has experience as a surf lifeguard, reached out to knowledgeable members of the local lifeguard community for intel on what a kit should ideally contain. From those conversations, he devised a list of essential items.

'I didn't want there to be heaps of parts, because that's going to confuse someone in that situation,' he explained.

'I just wanted it to be really simple, just the things you'd need to stem the bleeding, because that's the most crucial part after a shark attack.

Each kit has a tourniquet, compression bandages, dressings, an emergency thermal blanket, emergency whistle and gloves. There's also an easy-to-read instruction card.

'Kai was fortunate because the person who saved him was trained in trauma wounds,' Danny said.

'The goal with these kits and the instructions is that hopefully anyone can use them to save a life, even if they aren't trained.'

Wanting to help his local community in the event of any future shark bite incidents, Danny set about creating a shark bite kit that would be readily accessible on the beach to anyone who needed it

Danny reached out to knowledgeable members of the local lifeguard community and devised a list of essential items to include in the kits

The high school teacher designed the kits with minimal parts, and each is accompanied by an easy-to-read instruction card explaining how to use the kit in the event of a shark bite

In October 2024 Kai made his return to the ocean - but there was another important event that also happened that day.

Together, Kai and Danny ceremoniously installed the very first Community SBK at North Shore Beach - the exact site of Kai's shark attack three months earlier.

It became the first of several shark bite kits that they personally created, donated and installed in the local area.

Producing the kits isn't cheap - so to supplement the process, Danny reached out for donations and created a GoFundMe campaign to help offset some of the costs.

As the kits started popping up around mid north coast beaches, awareness and interest from other beach locations Australia-wide began to grow.

Danny started to receive increasing numbers of requests to purchase the not-for-profit Community SBK shark bite kits - with interest coming from community groups in beachside suburbs, surf clubs, organisations wanting to donate them to their local beach, and private individuals who frequent the beach and wanted one to carry with them.

Up until recently, Danny was a one-man-band personally handmaking and distributing each kit.

In recent months, he called out for the assistance of local volunteers to help him keep up with demand. Even Kai's parents volunteered to assist.

Just recently, Danny had even had preliminary discussions with a NSW government department about obtaining 150 kits to roll out at beaches around the state. It's among several potential bulk orders on the horizon.

The school teacher, who has also just welcomed his first baby, admitted with a laugh that he's unsure how he can possibly keep up with growing demand, but knows the purpose behind them is important enough that he'll find a way to ensure anyone who wants a kit can access one.

In late 2024, Danny (left) personally handmade and installed Community SBK shark bite kits in the mid north coast area. As requests for the kits steadily increased, Danny enlisted the assistance of local volunteers to help him keep up with demand. He's pictured here installing a kit alongside friend Jye Kelly

'Doing the kits takes up most of my spare time now. But it's all for a good cause,' Danny said.

'Ultimately, I really do pray these kits never need to be used. But if they are needed, I hope it makes the difference that saves somebody's life.'

For now, he continues to rely on donation support via GoFundMe so he can keep producing the non-profit kits without passing unnecessary costs on to those who want to buy them.

And if you're wondering where to locate a Community SBK at your local beach, Danny has always insisted that every single one of them is located as near as possible to the shore in a highly visible and accessible spot.

According to the Australian Shark Incident Database, maintained by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, over the last 10 years there have been, on average, 20 shark incidents each year where people are injured, with an average of 2.8 fatalities annually.

Although it may feel like there are an increasing number of shark bite reports in Australia in recent years, Rob Harcourt, emeritus professor of marine ecology at Macquarie University, told The Guardian that fatalities from shark bites today are likely to be the same or lower per capita than they were a hundred years ago.

The reason? Largely due to faster emergency responses, tourniquet kits at every surf lifesaving club and first aid training.

As a lifelong surfer, Danny understands as well as anyone that being in the ocean always comes with a risk of shark attacks.

'It's part of Australian culture to swim at the beach, and many of us are never going to stop doing that, regardless of the risks.'

Danny (left) had the opportunity to share his potentially life saving idea with GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan (right)

Danny (back right) was joined by fellow local surfers and shark attack survivors Kai McKenzie (left) and Toby Begg (right) to meet with GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan (back left) and discuss the continued development of Community SBK shark bite kits

Community SBK shark bite kits are always placed as near as possible to the shore in a highly visible and accessible spot

'I often have people comment to me online, "If you don't want to get bit, stay out of the water". But let's say one of your close friends lost his leg in a car accident. Would that stop you from driving again?

'So many things we do in our lives come with risks every day - but that doesn't mean we don't do them.'

'No one goes into the water wanting to get eaten. Just like no one hops in their car wanting to crash.

'The only thing you can do, in my opinion, is have respect for sharks in the ocean and be prepared to act if it does happen,' he continued.

'In a car, you put your seat belt on. In the ocean, you can prepare by having your own personal shark bite kit on your towel, or have one installed for the community at the local beach.'
An Australian woman has been shocked to discover that several of the chocolates in her box of Cadbury Favourites contained private documents instead of chocolate.

The female, who goes by the name of Poppy online, was on a camping trip with friends when she opened the $14 assortment, expecting the usual mix of Cherry Ripe, Boost and Dairy Milk.

Instead, the campers were stunned when they unwrapped five consecutive chocolates which held random printed documents.

The bizarre story quickly amassed 2.2 million views, as others shared theories ranging from factory mishaps to elaborate secret messages.

In a follow-up video, Poppy explained exactly what happened and shut down speculation that it was all staged.

'If you haven't seen my last video, I'll give a quick brief update on what's happened. Basically, I open a box of Favourites while camping, five of them were filled with various bits of paper instead of chocolate,' she said.

She was adamant the box had been purchased normally and brought on the trip untouched.

'To address some of the comments: No, this wasn't a gift,' she continued.

An Australian woman who goes by the name Poppy (pictured), has been left shocked after opening a box of Cadbury Favourites only to discover that several of the chocolates contained paper instead of chocolate

'This was bought from the shops. I brought it camping. No one was pulling a prank, like, genuinely, this was [all] filled with paper.

Despite some viewers suggesting she should have noticed the box felt lighter than usual, Poppy said she had no suspicions beforehand.

Even more puzzling, she said the wrappers appeared completely intact.

As the video gained traction, viewers became increasingly curious about what the papers actually were - and Poppy revealed the contents were as random as they were confusing.

'I have two copies of the same house floor plan, one with more edits than the other. I have a Pilates exercise routine,' she said

'So if anyone wants a Pilates exercise routine, I can share that with you guys.'

Another was an Excel spreadsheet printout of dates to pay bills, and another bit of paper contained instructions to something unknown.

The bizarre discovery sparked a wave of reactions in the comments, with many leaning into humour and conspiracy.

Poppy and her friends were camping when they opened a $14 Cadbury Favourites box - only to be stunned after five chocolates were found filled with random printed 'cryptic' documents instead of chocolate

'You just know someone's out there wondering why their house is just a giant chocolate bar,' one viewer joked.

'Someone is trying to send a message! Put the puzzle pieces together. This is amazing,' another said.

Others floated darker theories, with one saying: 'I work in a factory that produces similar products and cannot fathom how this could have possibly happened. It had to have been done on purpose.'

'Cadbury missed a genius marketing play here to launch a Willy Wonka style TikTok treasure hunt to sell a lot of chocolate,' another quipped.

As speculation swirled, Poppy confirmed she had contacted Cadbury directly and provided them with full details of the box.

As the video went viral, Poppy revealed the bizarre contents inside the wrappers, including two copies of a house floor plan, a Pilates exercise routine, an Excel spreadsheet of bill dates and other random instructions - prompting a flood of conspiracy theories from viewers

'They asked a bunch of questions, so I gave them all the details of the actual box and everything, and emailed them through photos of all the paper,' she said.

Despite the confusion, Poppy said she has enjoyed watching the internet run wild with ideas as to how it had happened.

'You guys have been hilarious, the conspiracy theories, the heist floor plans. The comments are genuinely so funny, it has been the best reading them,' she said.

'I actually don't think this is some underground, criminal organisation vibe, even though that would be kind of crazy.'

'I don't know what's going on. But Cadbury has been really amazing, and they are addressing the issue as we speak.'

A spokesperson for Mondelez International, which owns Cadbury, confirmed the company is investigating.

'We're in contact with the consumer and are currently investigating this case,' the spokesperson told Daily Mail.

'Favourites pieces are made, wrapped and quality-checked at three of our manufacturing sites across Australia.'

They explained that Cadbury Dairy Milk pieces are made in Tasmania, while bars including Twirl Crispy, Cherry Ripe and Boost are produced in Victoria at Ringwood and Scoresby, before being automatically packed into Favourites boxes at the Ringwood site.

'At this stage, there's no evidence of a broader quality issue, but we're looking into all possibilities across our supply chain, and we will follow up directly with the consumer once our investigation is complete.'

For now, the mystery remains unsolved, and for one Australian camper, the Forrest Gump line about a box of chocolates has proven correct - you never know what you're going to get.
An Aussie woman has unlocked yet another oddly specific 'shared experience' on TikTok after revealing she sometimes tastes onion when she takes the first sip of her morning coffee.

Love Island's Cassidy McGill said the strange flavour hits only in the opening mouthfuls, describing it as a 'savoury twang every now and then' that disappears almost as quickly as it arrives.

'I don't know what's going on with my tastebuds but I need to know if anyone else experiences this?' she asked, adding the flavour doesn't 'infiltrate through the whole coffee'.

'Every time this happens I do immediately panic and think "am I pregnant?" but unless I'm carrying a phantom pregnancy it's physically impossible.

'Maybe it's a universal experience? Let me know if this happens to anyone else.'

But Cassidy quickly learned she wasn't alone.

'I have never felt so seen. YES this is a thing and it wigs me out so bad,' one replied.

'This has happened to me it's apparently something our bodies can do whilst we sleep something about the bacteria that builds up in our mouths overnight,' another theorised.

An Aussie woman has unlocked yet another oddly specific 'shared experience' on TikTok after revealing she sometimes tastes onion when she takes the first sip of her morning coffee

Love Island's Cassidy McGillsaid the strange flavour hits only in the opening mouthfuls, describing it as a 'savoury twang every now and then' that disappears almost as quickly as it arrives

There is even a Reddit thread devoted to the mysterious 'onion taste', with many saying it strikes 'randomly' in both homemade and takeaway coffee and is 'not lasting nor consistent'.

'I've noticed it from several different places so I'm not sure what it would be,' a woman said.

'I do like onion flavour in food and can tolerate it but not when it's a weird random flavour in my coffee.

'I can taste it toward the end or sometimes halfway through my drink. If it's at the end it kind of lingers in every sip until i finish it or throw it out.'

'[It tastes like this] EVERY TIME and I thought it was my taste palate destroying the coffee experience for me,' another replied.

As for why it happens, theories range widely.

Some likened it to genetic quirks, similar to people who taste 'soap' when eating coriander. Others floated synesthesia, a neurological condition where one sense triggers another.

'It might not be the coffee though - it might be something else that you are experiencing. Have you heard of synesthesia?' one user suggested.

Baristas, however, have offered a more grounded explanation. Coffee that cools too slowly can develop unusual flavour compounds, sometimes described as oniony or even barbecue-like

'It's an experience that some people get where something they encounter in the world (e.g. a sound, a word) triggers an experience in one of their other senses (e.g., colours, flavours).'

Baristas, however, have offered a more grounded explanation. Coffee that cools too slowly can develop unusual flavour compounds, sometimes described as oniony or even barbecue-like.

This is considered the most likely cause, with chemical compounds in coffee capable of producing a surprising range of flavours depending on temperature changes, over-fermentation and even the origin of the beans.

Those are most often described as 'oniony', 'sulfur-like', 'vinegary', 'mushroomy' and 'earthy'.

Comforting? Maybe not. But at least now anyone grimacing into their flat white knows they're not imagining it.
Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

This week, it was Mirka and Peter's turn to wine and dine.

Read on to find out what happened...

Mirka, 74

Mirka, 74, hopes to meet a dog lover who enjoys travel and will respect her adult special needs child who lives with her

Dating past?

I was married for 15 years before he left me to raise our three children by myself. My middle daughter, Emma, 41, lives with me. She has Downs syndrome and all of my attention has focused on her.

Ive had no male companions since my husband walked out.

Pre-date nerves?

I wasnt nervous, even though the last date I went on was in 1995. I was apprehensive that my match was 84, though. Usually men that age arent exactly with it, are they?

First impressions?

Vital Statistics Single for 35 years, three adult children Current role Retired therapist Would like to meet A dog lover who enjoys travel and volcanology. He must also respect that my adult special needs child lives with me. Advertisement

A big  if pleasant  surprise. Peter is a well-groomed, well-spoken, relaxed gentleman. He was flamboyantly dressed in a colourful shirt and stood up to greet me, ensuring I was seated before taking his seat again.

He could easily pass for a chap my age.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, Peter was such a gent. He guided me around the menu, advising me on what to order.

We both had fish and he gently persuaded me to have a few drops of his wine as a spritzer.

We bonded over our love of volcanoes and I was intrigued to discover that, after graduation, Peter began his career as a scientist studying atomic energy.

I had to confess to him that in the 1980s, I was one of those protesters with my CND placard campaigning against his industry. Peter joked: You nearly did me out of a job!

Embarrassing moments?

No, although our table was in the middle of the dining room and at times it was hard to hear each other.

Did sparks fly?

Yes, youd never put Peter in his 80s. Hes got a lovely personality and is a calm and approachable man. Im not sure if either of us were flirting but Peter was very polite and attentive towards me.

Mirka said she wasn't nervous to meet Peter even though the last date she went on was in 1995

It was a real pleasure to spend two hours with such a gentle individual.

As for physical attraction, its not something I look for at this stage in life, but I did feel comfortable with Peter.

See him again?

Oh yes, I felt good in his company. Peter gave me his business card, which told me: I want to see you again, Mirka. Watch this space.

What do you think he thought of you?

I think Peter liked me. He was very smiley and there was lots of eye contact. We arrived as strangers and it was a real delight to take such a risk meeting a potential romantic partner because we discovered we had so much in common.

Would your family like him?

Yes. Peter is civilised company.

Peter, 84

Peter, 84, is widowed and would like to meet a woman who takes pride in her appearance and is not an excessive drinker or smoker

Dating past?

I was with my late partner for 28 years. She died from cancer six years ago.

Before that I was married for 18 years, and we had our daughters. They want me to be happy and are amused Im taking part in a blind date.

They are 63 and 62 and their one proviso was that I couldnt date someone their age. Apparently I would be cradle-snatching.

Pre-date nerves?

Vital Statistics Widowed, two daughters and six grandchildren Current role Retired salesman Would like to meet A slim lady who takes pride in her appearance and is open to holidays in the sun. No excessive drinkers or smokers. Advertisement

Not at all. During my career Id stand in front of hundreds of people and give lectures in countries such as France, Italy and the US.

First impressions?

I arrived first and ensured my match had the more comfortable seat with a view of the restaurant.

When Mirka arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at how elegant she was. I stood up to shake her hand.

We dont do hugs and kisses on first dates in England  I appreciate its European but you might get a slap for doing so!

Easy to talk to?

Yes, Mirka is interested in volcanology and she has climbed Mount Etna.

I once worked for a company based at the foot of the volcano and got to visit it as part of my job. I also took my family to Pompeii and we saw Vesuvius.

We joked that shes only done one Italian volcano whereas Ive done two.

Mirka has been a speech therapist for most of her career and she still maintains an interest in it.

She left Poland in 1973 and has lived all over the world since then.

Embarrassing moments?

No, although I did struggle to catch Mirkas name correctly.

Peter said he found Mirka very interesting and said there was a lot of eye contact between the two of them on their date

Did sparks fly?

Yes, I found her a very interesting, intelligent woman. There was a lot of eye contact between us, too. Mirka was adorable to two babies on adjacent tables, really cooing over them. It was a delight to watch her she has an infectious charm.

See her again?

Yes, I would like to. Shes a fascinating woman and very easy to talk to.

What do you think she thought of you?

Well, she wasnt in a hurry to leave. So that must be a good sign!

I think she appreciated my help in planning her route back to the train station and my reassurance that she was fine to leave and Id settle the bill.

She needed to get home to her daughter and I understood that.

Would your family like her?

Yes, my daughters would like Mirkas curiosity about life.

Peter's verdict: 10/10 Liked? Mirkas intelligence. Regrets? No hiccups  no. Coffee or cab? Coffee. Advertisement
CBS News has undergone a massive leadership change, and some staffers are reportedly up in arms, calling the new 'MAGA-friendly' editorial decisions a 'total disaster.'

The network has been at the forefront of criticism since its parent company, Paramount, was purchased by billionaire David Ellison, a Trump ally, last year.

Since then, CBS has experienced an upheaval, including the hiring of Bari Weiss as the news division's editor-in-chief.

The network's flagship program, CBS Evening News, now has a new face. Tony Dokoupil took over the position this week from previous anchors, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois.

Dokoupil launched his tenure on the evening broadcast with features on high-ranking officials in the Trump administration, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Millions watched Dokoupil anchor the refreshed broadcast with 4.4 million viewers tuning in according to Nielsen figures, with 596,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic.

The number reflects an increase of about 500,000 viewers over what the program had been averaging under Dickerson and DuBois.

It marks a 9% increase in total viewers and a 20% gain in the demographic compared to the current-season average for the program.

Compared to the previous Monday, which was a holiday week, the newscast was up 6% in viewers and 26% in the key demographic demo.

Nonetheless, Dokoupil's debut still came third among the evening newscasts and fell way behind both ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News.

Dokoupil's debut even fell short of Dickerson and DuBois' debut last January by 19% and 24%, respectively.

But the changes in the network have some staffers skeptical of CBS's direction, with one insider telling independent journalist Oliver Darcy of Status News that the company is a 'total disaster.'

A new report has claimed that insiders at CBS News are frustrated with the network's direction, including anchor Tony Dokoupil's promotion to the Evening News

CBS has undergone massive changes in the past year, with new ownership and a new editor-in-chief

The network drew criticism this week for a feature on Secretary of State Marco Rubio that critics said was 'a glowing tribute.' Pictured above is a still from the broadcast

Darcy said that multiple insiders painted a picture at CBS where the network was 'led by unserious people who are hellbent on taking it into far friendlier waters for the Trump administration.'

CBS News historically leaned left, with a 2014 Pew Research survey finding that over half of the network's viewers identified as 'consistently liberal.'

However, the network has appeared to move right under new leadership, with Dokoupil reportedly a part of the transition.

He anchored Tuesday's broadcast from Miami and devoted time to spotlighting Rubio, calling the secretary the 'ultimate Florida man.'

'Marco Rubio, we salute you,' Dokoupil added.

Darcy called the portfolio on Rubio 'a glowing tribute' and an 'extraordinary editorial decision.'

As the newly installed evening anchor, Dokoupil has launched a segment called Live from America.

The tour includes 10 stops in cities across the US to connect with viewers outside of the media hubs in New York and Washington DC.

Evening News Anchor Tony Dokoupil (pictured) has put patriotism at the forefront of his values and launched his tenure with a Live from America tour

CBS News featured a segment on Rubio, which included AI generated images of the secretary

CBS News leased a private jet for the tour, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, the plan was delayed due to the invasion of Venezuela.

Insiders told Darcy that Dokoupil's Live from America tour was 'deeply inauthentic' in light of the anchor's introductory statement, which railed against the mainstream media for catering to 'academics or elites.'

Dokoupil has made it clear that patriotism is one of his values. He unveiled five principles to guide his broadcast, which included: 'We love America.'

His other four principles were, 'We work for you,' 'We report on the world as it is,' 'We respect you,' and 'We respect tradition.'

Although Dokoupil has only just assumed the position on the Evening News, he's already been widely criticized.

During his first broadcast, he suffered technical difficulties when it appeared his teleprompter was set to the wrong segment.

Producers projected an image of Senator Mark Kelly onto the screen, but Dokoupil began reading a script about Governor Tim Walz.

'First day, first day, big problems here. Uh, are we going to Kelly here or are we gonna go to Jonah Kaplan?' he said.

The telecast went viral on social media, with some speculating that a liberal staffer sabotaged the program.

'Welcome to the resistance, teleprompter person,' NYT bestselling author Shannon Watts wrote on X.

Bari Weiss (pictured) took over as the network's editor-in-chief last year

David Ellison (right), pictured above with his father, billionaire Larry Ellison (left) purchased CBS's parent company, Paramount, last year

Former NBC Universal Senior Executive Mike Sington said the broadcast was 'embarrassing,' writing on X: 'The inexperience of new CBS News chief Bari Weiss is on full display.'

Insiders previously told the Daily Mail that Weiss 'made a fool of herself' by chasing big-name broadcasters only to promote Dokoupil as the Evening News heir.

'Big league ambitions, little league talent,' the source added.

'Looks like she is now rummaging through the bargain bin of personalities in tapping Dokoupil as the new face of the Evening News,' another said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to CBS News and Paramount for comment.
As temperatures plummet, energy bills are set to rise for households trying to keep warm  but not for tens of thousands who live in so-called zero bills homes.

Such households are so well equipped with energy-efficiency measures that they dont need to pay a penny for gas or electricity  even in extreme weather.

The idea of having no gas or electric bills to pay each month is, on the face of it, very appealing. But is it really more cost-effective to kit out your property with the latest technology rather than simply pay standard energy bills?

We have crunched the numbers with the help of leading energy experts to see how much you could save on your energy bills and if its really worth the cost. You may even be pushed into taking such measures  whether you would choose to or not.

The Labour Government is once again ramping up its efforts to turn Britain into a nation of heat pump and solar panel users.

This month, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, is expected to announce a 15billion Warm Homes Plan.

Plans: Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, is expected to announce a 15bn Warm Homes Plan this month

Around 2billion is expected to be earmarked to subsidise the purchase of solar panels, heat pumps and batteries.

The ambition among ministers is to transform many properties into zero bills homes, with owners paying little to nothing for power.

Soon, households with traditional gas boilers could be hit with a new 30 green levy on their energy bills to subsidise heat-pump owners, under plans allegedly being considered by Miliband. A spokesman has denied this but details have yet to be revealed.

We discovered that a household that installs a heat pump and solar panels and battery would have to wait 20 years before they are better off, due to astronomical upfront costs.

Heres everything you need to know.

What is a zero bills home?

A zero bills home is a property with no or very low energy bills.

It is possible to either buy a new-build property that is already a zero bills home, or turn your existing home into one by making it more eco-friendly.

Energy provider Octopus Energy has propelled the trend with its Zero Bills tariff, which launched in 2022.

Under the scheme, customers living in homes equipped with green technology are guaranteed to face no energy bills for a minimum of five years.

Octopus Energy is aiming to deliver 100,000 zero bills homes by 2030.

Much of Britains housing stock is old and poorly insulated, so advocates of zero bills homes claim that making your home more energy-efficient can save money in the long run. However, it often requires a heavy initial outlay.

Installing a heat pump, solar panels and a battery would reduce a typical households energy bills by around 600 a year

How much does it all cost?

It costs between 5,000 and 20,000 on average to make your home a zero bills one, depending on the size of the property, according to Octopus Energy.

Installing a heat pump, solar panels and a battery would reduce a typical households energy bills by around 600 a year.

The solar panels generate your own electricity so you dont have to buy it from the grid. The battery stores what you dont use upfront so you can draw on it when the panels are not generating.

The heat pump keeps your home warm without the need for a gas boiler, by extracting heat from the outside air or ground and transferring it inside. Installing all three costs in the region of 11,623.

A heat pump typically costs 11,000, according to price comparison site Uswitch. However, homeowners can get a 7,500 rebate via the Governments Boiler Upgrade Scheme, taking the net cost to around 3,500.

Solar panels and a battery will set you back 8,123 on average.

Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch, says: Domestic solar panel systems typically cost around 6,100 and battery storage tends to cost between 5,000 and 8,000.

Many providers offer a combined solar panel and home battery package, which costs just over 8,000, based on one supplier.

However, even these three items combined may not bring your bills to zero. To do so could require additional modifications, such as improved insulation or new windows and doors, which could bring the total closer to 20,000.

A heat pump keeps your home warm without the need for a gas boiler, by extracting heat from the outside air or ground and transferring it inside

What can you save on bills?

Traditional households on a typical standard variable energy tariff (SVT) pay 1,758 a year on average at current rates, according to Octopus Energy.

Those who have locked in the cheapest available fixed tariff (currently a 13-month fix from Fuse Energy) pay 1,502 a year.

Those going all the way to make their house a zero bills home could save the full 1,758 per year, Octopus Energy says.

A new heat pump and solar panels on your roof will shave 600 off your energy bills, calculations from Uswitch show.

Mathie says: With energy costs remaining stubbornly high, many households will be looking into whether they can save money by investing in heat pumps, solar panels and batteries.

Installing all three measures would give the greatest benefit to a household, but the investment could take a couple of decades to pay for itself.

A typical three-bed semi with 4kW of solar and a 5kWh battery might be able to trim 400 to 600 a year off energy bills, and some high-use households may save even more.

She adds: Installing a heat pump is a big change for households, and the pros and cons should be carefully weighed up, even if you are eligible for an installation grant.

Heat pumps have other downsides to be considered, such as the noise they make.

Some households find they are insufficient to heat their homes, too.

Does it take time for it to pay off?

In the first year of installing, you would spend around 12,781, if you combine the cost of a new heat pump, solar panels and battery, as well as ongoing energy bills, according to Uswitch.

After five years, the total cost combined with ongoing energy bills would add up to 17,413, rising to 23,203 over ten years. This accounts for homes paying 1,158 a year  600 less than traditional gas boiler homes.

Meanwhile, a household on a standard energy tariff with no heat pump or solar panels would spend around 8,790 on bills over five years.

That is 8,623 less than they would have paid by making their property eco-friendly. Over ten years, they would have spent 17,580  5,623 less than if they had made the improvements.

The numbers described are approximate, but highlight that it can take a long time for an eco-friendly home to start paying off.

Based on our calculations, which use current energy prices, it would take 20 years to offset the upfront cost of installing a heat pump, solar panels and a battery with cheaper energy bills.

If you go the full distance and spend 20,000 to make your home a zero bill property, it would take 11-and-a-half years to recoup the initial outlay at current energy rates.

Based on our calculations it would take 20 years to offset the upfront cost of installing a heat pump, solar panels and a battery with cheaper energy bills

Is a new zero bills home worth it?

Last month, Octopus Energy partnered with Barratt Redrow to build 54 zero bill homes.

The properties will be located in Wixams, in Bedfordshire, and Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire. Residents are guaranteed to pay no energy bills for at least a decade, though electric vehicle charging is not included in the calculations.

Octopus Energy wants to roll out 100,000 homes on its Zero Bills tariff by 2030, and recently invested 100 million to fund the initiative. To date, more than 5,000 zero bill properties have been approved for several developers.

In December, Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, said a sustainable housing development in Essex promising zero energy bills should be the blueprint for new homes across Britain.

The 113-home site at Carpenters Yard in Epping, Essex, has been built by private developer gs8 and financed by Octopus Capital.

The full price of a two-bedroom property on the development has been set at 525,000, but some shared-ownership options are available.

At Tilia Homes Landimore Park development in Northamptonshire, a two-bedroom, semi-detached, zero bills house is available for 287,000, though cheaper shared options are available.

A new-build zero bills home is typically more expensive than a standard new-build or existing property, though exact costs will depend on the size and location of the home.

This means it may take a while before any savings you make on energy bills outweigh the premium price tag.
We booked a two-bedroom apartment in Birkenhead for a few days in June using Booking.com.

Despite several attempts to contact the property owner and ask how to access the flat, we never received those details. All calls went to voicemail, and a text was ignored.

When we arrived, we could not gain access and were forced to make alternative arrangements.

Now Booking.com wont refund us the extra we had to pay. Please help.

M.C., Cardiff.

Barred: A reader and their friend, both in their 70s, were denied access to the flat they'd booked and paid for through Booking.com

Sally Hamilton replies: What a nightmare, turning up at a booked property and not being able to get in.

You tried the doorbells of three other flats in the same building but did not manage to raise a soul. You phoned the owners number yet again, but were met with silence. This was clearly a dodgy host.

You and your friend  you are both in your 70s  were not amused at having to decamp to a nearby Travelodge for the night and then to a Premier Inn for the remainder of your trip.

You paid a total of 563 over the period. You made at least ten calls to Booking.com and were promised a refund of 293 for the apartment, and 270 for the alternative accommodation.

When no money was credited, you raised a chargeback on your Lloyds Bank credit card.

Chargeback is a consumer protection offered voluntarily by banks that allows customers who pay for a product or service they didnt receive to dispute the payment.

Lloyds reimbursed you, but to your shock, Booking.com challenged the chargeback and demanded you provide evidence that you couldnt get into the property.

You forwarded photos of the closed-up property, plus screenshot evidence of the calls and text to the owner.

This seemed to do the trick and in early October you were told you could keep the 293 booking refund. But you heard nothing about the extra 270 for the alternative accommodation.

A few days after I contacted Booking.com on your behalf, the money finally arrived in your account.

A spokesman says: We apologise for the delay in issuing the refund for the price difference. We can confirm that the property is no longer listed on our platform.

It is good news that this accommodation is no longer advertised. But another frustrated Booking.com customer says the apartment where he had a ghastly stay in Rome last year is still advertised, albeit under a new name.

Let Me Know Many will find themselves in debt this January after all the Christmas spending. Have you managed to climb out of debt in the past? Let me know how you did it by sending an email to: sally@dailymail.co.uk

He and his partner arrived there for a long weekend last summer, only to be allocated a different property in the building than the one advertised.

Arriving late at night, they were too tired to make a fuss. But a noisy water pump on their balcony kept them awake for hours.

Issues continued the next day, with the shower gel giving off a smell of rotten eggs  a stench that penetrated the whole apartment. They tried to report their issues to the host over the weekend but got no response.

The final straw came on their last day. Returning to their apartment at around 8pm, they found the host had let herself in and taken their pillows and blanket, leaving them with only a sheet on the bed.

They phoned Booking.com customer service to complain. Staff said theyd sort things out when the couple returned to the UK.

However, as they were checking out, the owner (who turned out to have lived next door in the same building) appeared, and said she never looked at the Booking.com website over the weekend and so hadnt seen their messages. Really? Not very professional.

On their return to the UK, they demanded their money back from Booking.com, providing videos and photos to back up the claim.

After much toing and froing, the company ended up offering a measly 30 goodwill payment. I felt Booking.com should do more to compensate them.

I asked it to think again. It came back with some good news. A spokesman says: While the host is responsible for ensuring that the stay meets the expectations of the customer and declined to offer a refund when asked, we have made an exception and offered a gesture of goodwill. We will also be giving the host feedback for future stays.

Nationwide blocked my payment to the Philippines

After typhoons struck the Philippines recently, I offered to help my friends there by making a payment from my Nationwide account to the international money transfer service Western Union.

I received a call from Nationwide asking for some intrusive details as to my reasons for making the transfer.

I stated that I had known these friends for about 30 years, and that I had offered them help rather than them requesting it.

Despite this, the building society blocked the payment, restricted my account and sent a form for me to complete.

This was even more intrusive, asking for a photo of the recipients holding their identification documents, and copies of email exchanges between us.

A.B., Birmingham.

Sally Hamilton replies: You were astounded that Nationwide refused to lift the restriction until you supplied reams of information.

What irritated you most was that you had been making payments to these friends at least once a year for many years, without any issue.

You also make transfers to other countries relatively routinely, so your payment was not unusual.

In the end, you gave up on Nationwide and made the transfer another way, but you asked me to intervene as you needed the restriction lifted.

I asked Nationwide to get it sorted, which it quickly did, although you had to provide less-probing information. Once the money was freed up, you switched your account.

A spokesman says: It is our duty to protect our customers and part of this process is asking about the nature of flagged or unusual payments.

It is frustrating to face such hurdles, but banks and building societies are legally obliged to meet strict money laundering regulations and protect their customers against fraud risk.

I suspect Nationwide was particularly vigilant with you because of its own past failings.

Watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority only last month fined Nationwide 44 million for providing inadequate anti-financial crime systems and controls between October 2016 and July 2021.

When this was announced Nationwide said it had spotted the issues and brought them to the attention of the FCA.

Straight to the point

Someone fraudulently ordered four new SIM cards linked to my O2 mobile phone account. O2 said they were cancelled, but I keep getting bills for them, including one for 577.22. Im also being chased by debt collectors. Please help. C.C., Tyne and Wear. O2 says the person who defrauded you was able to pass the security checks on your account, meaning they probably had access to either your password or email account. It has investigated, confirmed that fraud had taken place, and has now written off the charges in full. *** My wife and I went on a Mediterranean cruise with P&O Cruises in November. We paid 468 in advance for six twohour spa sessions with the sauna and steam room. But it was a major disappointment as the rooms were barely warm. The spa team said it would instead give us three massage sessions each for slightly more than the original amount. We had to pay for this, and then the 468 would be refunded by the time we got home. But we still havent received the money. T.T., via email. P&O Cruises apologises and says you will be refunded 468. *** In August, I applied to the DVLA to renew my driving licence as my old one expired on November 18. I keep monitoring the application via my online account, but it simply states In progress. I have returned the expired licence. All Ive been told is that my application is with the medical department. I have a pacemaker. There has been no contact regarding any problems, medical or otherwise. J.B., Somerset. The DVLA says a member of staff has now spoken to you about your application. It says the time taken to make a licensing decision can depend on the medical condition in question.
Two years ago, I paid a local jeweller 150 to replace the clasp on my 18-carat gold necklace.

They replaced the 18ct clasp with a much cheaper 9ct gold one, but I only found this out recently when it broke again and I took it to a different jeweller.

Is there anything I can do after such a long time? I still have the receipt.

J.T., Surrey.

Dean Dunham replies: Yes, you may still have a remedy and the fact that this happened two years ago does not automatically mean its too late.

When you paid the jeweller to replace the clasp on your 18-carat gold necklace, you entered into a contract for a service.

Tarnished: A jeweller replaced a reader's 18ct gold necklace clasp with a cheaper 9ct gold one

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, that service had to be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and any parts used should have been as described and fit for purpose.

If you specifically asked, or it was implied, that the replacement clasp would also be 18ct gold, then fitting a cheaper 9ct clasp without telling you is potentially a breach of contract and could even amount to misrepresentation.

Consumers have up to six years from the date of purchase, or five in Scotland, to bring a claim for breach of contract, so you are well within the legal time limit.

Your first step should be to write to the original jeweller, enclosing a copy of the receipt and explaining what youve discovered.

Ask for a remedy: a refund of the cost of the clasp, or the cost of replacing it with a correct 18ct clasp.

Give them a clear but reasonable deadline to respond. If the jeweller refuses or ignores you, you can escalate the matter.

If they are a member of a trade association, such as the National Association of Jewellers, they may have an alternative dispute-resolution scheme.

Failing that, you could pursue the matter through the small-claims court, which is designed for situations exactly like this.

Alternatively, if you paid for the replacement clasp with a credit card, you can make a Section 75 claim, telling your card provider there has been a breach of

contract and as the trader has failed to provide you with a remedy, you now want your money back.

Cookery course cancelled but refund's off the menu

For my 60th birthday, a friend bought me a 100 gift voucher for a course at a local cookery school.

I chose a course and paid using my voucher and 15 in cash. But a few days before the course, I was told the director of the company had died and no courses would be going ahead.

It is a sad situation, but that was six months ago, and I still havent received a refund. What can I do?

S.K., Lincolnshire.

Dean Dunham replies: When you paid for the course, a contract was formed between you and the business. That the director sadly passed away does not cancel that contract.

As the course was never provided, you are legally entitled to a full refund, including the 100 voucher value and the 15 cash top-up.

Six months is far longer than any reasonable period to wait for your money back.

At this point, the business is failing in its obligations under the Consumer Rights Act, which requires services to be delivered with reasonable care and within a reasonable time, or for your money to be returned.

The key issue is whether the company is still trading or has gone into insolvency. If it is still operating, you should write a formal letter or email  not just an informal message  clearly stating that the service was not provided and requesting a full refund within 14 days.

If the company has ceased trading or entered insolvency, your position is more difficult, but not hopeless.

If your friend bought the voucher using a credit card, they could claim the money back under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

You may find that the card provider rejects the claim because you received the gift card that was paid for, and that the actual course is a separate transaction paid for with the gift card.

Technically for Section 75 to engage, there has to be a direct payment from the card provider to the trader for the service or goods being complained about, and the gift card therefore potentially breaks this chain.

However, you should argue that they are one and the same transaction, and if the card provider disagrees, take the matter to the Financial Ombudsman.
The FTSE 100 roared to a record high yesterday as it enjoyed its best session in six months, extending its sparkling start to the new year.

Londons leading stock index rose by 1.2 per cent, or 118.2 points, to 10,122.73, the biggest rise since July.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said: Londons blue-chip index is surfing a wave of investor optimism.

Yet some investors are missing out. UK-focused equity funds saw an exodus of 9.55billion in 2025  the tenth year of outflows in a row, according to funds network Calastone.

Ryan Hughes, AJ Bell Investments managing director, said it appeared that while domestic investors were pulling out of UK funds, foreign money was rushing in the other direction.

Overseas buyers are seeing attractive valuations in UK equities, which in turn has boosted the FTSE 100 over the past year, he said.

Rally: The FTSE 100 rose by 1.2%, or 118.2 points to 10,122.7, the biggest rise since July. It has now risen for three sessions in a row since New Year

The FTSE 100 has now risen for three sessions in a row since New Year.

The promising start to 2026 has taken the index above the 10,000 mark for the first time and builds on an increase of nearly 22 per cent over the course of 2025  the biggest annual gain for 16 years.

Londons top flight had struggled in previous years as it missed out on the artificial intelligence (AI) driven US tech rally which has lifted New York shares to stratospheric heights.

But with concerns growing about an AI bubble and an undercurrent of anxiety about Donald Trumps erratic policy- making, investors are increasingly seeking value in the FTSE.

Yesterdays rally was led by precious metals miner Fresnillo, buoyed by rising gold and silver prices.

It had surged by 450 per cent in 2025 and added 5.2 per cent, or 182p, to 3678p yesterday. It is already up 10.3 per cent for the year to date after just three days of trading.

High Street stalwart Next climbed 5 per cent, or 675p, to 14,265p on a well-received trading update, while at the luxury end of the market, fashion brand Burberry gained 4.6 per cent, or 60p, to 1360p.

Pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca, the FTSEs biggest member, surged 4.9 per cent, or 654p, to 14,038p after a positive drugs trial update while rival GSK added 4.3 per cent, or 79p, to 1899.5p.

Classy and classic sectors like finance, pharma, big oil and High Street retail stalwarts are back in fashion, with investors looking for consistent, income-driving stocks as a companion to the jam tomorrow tech titans which have dominated US markets over the past couple of years, said Hewson.
Rapid advances in modern medicine mean people are living longer than ever before - with new cures and treatments being discovered every day.

But the journey to unravel the secrets of the human body has been anything but straightforward.

For centuries, people across the world have turned to weird and wonderful cures in the name of healing.

From live fish swallowed whole to 'treat' asthma in India, to fermented baby mice wine in China, some of these age-old remedies are still around - and remain as bizarre as ever.

A few traditions, like Ireland's centuries-old seaweed baths, are enjoying modern revival. Others survive only in pockets of remote communities, fiercely defended by those who swear by them.

But, long before antibiotics and modern science, these were the treatments people relied on - however strange, slimy, or stomach-churning.

Here we look at some of the strangest remedies once used around the world.

Germany's Snail Syrup

To the surprise - and occasional horror - of many outsiders, snail syrup is still used in Germany as a traditional remedy for sore throats and stubborn coughs.

The thick, glossy liquid was once made by crushing live snails with sugar, creating a mucous-rich concoction believed to coat and soothe irritated throats.

Today's versions are thankfully more refined, usually produced commercially using snail extract rather than whole crushed animals.

To the surprise - and occasional horror - of many outsiders, snail syrup is still used in Germany as a traditional remedy for sore throats and stubborn coughs (stock image)

But the principle remains the same: advocates believe compounds in snail mucus help thin phlegm, calm inflammation and reduce coughing.

For many German families, a spoonful of snail syrup remains as familiar as honey and lemon elsewhere - a relic of folk medicine that has quietly survived into the modern age, despite lingering scepticism from doctors.

Italy's Hay Baths

In South Tyrol, northern Italy, hay baths have been part of local life since Tyrolean farmers first discovered the warming, soothing effects of fresh-cut alpine hay.

After long days working in the mountains, farmers would bury themselves in piles of freshly harvested grass, noticing it eased aching muscles, stiff joints and exhaustion.

Over time, the practice evolved into a recognised local therapy.

In South Tyrol, northern Italy, hay baths have been part of local life since Tyrolean farmers first discovered the warming, soothing effects of fresh-cut alpine hay. Pictured: A Man having hay bath with female therapist

Modern hay baths are far more luxurious than their origins, with guests wrapped in warm, damp, herb-scented hay that releases essential oils from alpine plants such as thyme, arnica and wildflowers as it heats up.

Supporters say the treatment helps relieve rheumatic pain, stimulate circulation and promote deep relaxation - a rustic spa ritual that has been refined over centuries and is now marketed to tourists seeking natural wellness therapies rooted in tradition.

Egypt's Mummy Medicine

For centuries in Europe and the Middle East, powdered human remains were considered a legitimate medical treatment - with Egyptian mummies at the centre of the gruesome trade.

From the Middle Ages through to the 18th century, doctors prescribed 'mumia' - a dark powder made by grinding up embalmed bodies - as a cure for everything from headaches and stomach pains to internal bleeding and plague.

The belief stemmed from a mistranslation: medieval physicians confused mummiya, a natural bitumen used in medicine, with actual mummified flesh.

For centuries in Europe and the Middle East, powdered human remains were considered a legitimate medical treatment - with Egyptian mummies at the centre of the gruesome trade. Pictured: An Egyptian mummy in a tomb in the Draa Abul-Naga burial site for noblemen on the left bank of the Nile

Demand soon exploded, leading to widespread tomb-raiding and even the creation of fake mummies made from recently deceased bodies.

Patients were told the ancient remains carried healing powers preserved through the embalming process.

The practice eventually fell out of favour as medical science advanced - but not before countless ancient bodies were consumed in the name of health.

England's Mustard Bath

In England, the humble mustard bath remains one of the nation's most longstanding home remedies.

Traditionally made by mixing powdered mustard with hot water, the bath creates a warming, tingling sensation said to draw blood to the surface of the skin.

Believers claim it helps detoxify the body, ease cold and flu symptoms, soothe sore muscles and revive tired limbs - the Victorian answer to modern-day cold remedies.

In England, the humble mustard bath remains one of the nation's most longstanding home remedies. Pictured: A child taking a healing warming foot bath with mustard powder

Even today, many swear a mustard bath before bed can 'sweat out' a winter illness and leave you feeling reborn by morning.

Bolivias Llama Fat Cure

In parts of rural Bolivia, llama fat has long been used as a traditional remedy believed to protect against illness and misfortune.

Rendered llama fat is rubbed onto the chest or back to treat colds, joint pain and respiratory problems, while small amounts are sometimes consumed during traditional rituals.

Locals believe the animals strength and endurance are transferred to the person using it.

The fat is also burned as an offering to Pachamama - Mother Earth - during ceremonies intended to bring good health, fertility and protection from harm.

In parts of rural Bolivia, llama fat has long been used as a traditional remedy believed to protect against illness and misfortune. Pictured: Grazing llamas at a farm in the municipality of Turco, Oruro Department, Bolivia

Though dismissed by modern medicine, the practice remains deeply rooted in Andean culture, passed down through generations as both a physical remedy and a spiritual safeguard.

Hong Kong's Dried Lizard Soup

Hong Kong's dried lizard soup is widely regarded as one of the region's most unusual medicinal broths.

Whole lizards are dried until crisp, then simmered with yams, red dates and onions to create a savoury, slightly sweet soup thought to boost energy and restore the body.

Those who support the remedy say it helps soothe sore throats, ease chesty coughs and strengthen the immune system - making it a popular winter tonic for families who grew up with traditional Chinese medicine.

Hong Kong's dried lizard soup (pictured) is widely regarded as one of the region's most unusual medicinal broths

For the full effect, some insist a male and female lizard must both be added to the pot.

Turkey's Doctor Fish

The use of red garra - better known as 'doctor fish' - began in Turkey's Kangal region in the 19th century, where locals noticed the fish gently nibbling at damaged skin.

Before long, travellers with psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions flocked to mountain pools in hopes of relief.

The use of red garra - better known as 'doctor fish' - began in Turkey's Kangal region in the 19th century, where locals noticed the fish gently nibbling at damaged skin. Pictured: A Fish Therapy Spa in Kangal, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Today, the treatment has gone global. As the fish eat away only dead skin, they leave healthy skin untouched, offering a natural exfoliation that many spa-goers find surprisingly relaxing.

Fans claim it improves circulation, softens the skin and, for some, even relieves chronic itching.

Peru's Frog Juice

High in the Andean mountains, some Peruvian villagers still swear by a blended frog tonic as the answer to a host of health complaints.

High in the Andean mountains, some Peruvian villagers still swear by a blended frog tonic as the answer to a host of health complaints. Pictured: A waiter serves frog juice at a juice bar in Lima, Peru

The mixture - often made with fresh frogs, maca root, honey and local herbs - is believed to revitalise the body, boost energy levels and strengthen the immune system.

Supporters claim frog juice can help with everything from anemia and bronchitis to low libido and brittle bones.

It's sold in local markets as a kind of all-purpose health shot - though with the Titicaca water frog now endangered, conservationists strongly advise against its continued use.
The Trump administration's frantic push to hire 10,000 new deportation officers by year's end has spiraled into what insiders describe as a national embarrassment - with lax vetting and a signing bonus of up to $50,000 luring in a wave of woefully unfit recruits.

An exhaustive Daily Mail investigation exposed how Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lowered standards so dramatically that the new cohort now included recent high school graduates and applicants who can 'barely read or write' as well as those who lack basic physical fitness and even have pending criminal charges.

Most of the new hires in the $30 billion initiative are retired law enforcement who are receiving virtual training and being repurposed for desk duty.

Meanwhile, total novices are being fast-tracked into the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, where instructors have been left astounded at the levels of incompetence.

'We have people failing open-book tests and we have folks that can barely read or write English,' one Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official told the Daily Mail.

'We even had a 469-lb man sent to the academy whose own doctor certified him not at all fit for any physical activity.'

Insiders say the vetting process has been so rushed that officials didn't even wait for drug test results to come back before hiring recruits and flying them off to Georgia, only to discover afterward that tests came back positive.

ICE's rush to hire 10,000 new recruits by the end of December has devolved into chaos after the agency drastically lowered its standards to meet its goal, insiders tell the Daily Mail. Pictured: ICE trainees practice at a shooting range in Georgia

The scrambled effort to more than double the size of its deportation force come as a bid to fulfill Trump's campaign promise to supercharge deportations

A department spokesman said the hiring surge is advancing 'while maintaining its high fitness and training standards'.

They added: 'ICE has received more than 200,000 applications from patriotic Americans who want to join ICE law enforcement to help us remove murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists from our country.

'The vast majority of new officers  more than 85 percent  brought on during the hiring surge are experienced law enforcement officers who have already successfully completed a law enforcement academy.

But staff at the Georgia academy tell a different story.

In one shocking incident, they were left shaking their heads when one student asked to be excused from class so he could attend a court date on a gun charge.

Other recruits were even discovered to have tattoos associated with gangs and white supremacists when they stripped off their shirts during workouts.

Reports from FLETC include incidents of violence, disruptive behavior, and allegations of sexual misconduct on campus, most handled internally.

One recruit, 29-year-old Darien Coleman, was arrested by county police for allegedly exploding at a FLETC bus driver and smashing his phone, according to records obtained by the Daily Mail.

He was described as a 'known problem' on campus who had just resigned when he demanded a ride from the driver.

Sources say another male recruit, after hitting the bars, was caught barging into a female dorm and hitting on the occupants. Another groped a woman in class.

'It wasn't like, 'oops, I touched your boob',' one source said. 'Nope, he went full on to predator mode while he was doing the defensive tactics training.'

Since the recruitment campaign began in July, 584 recruits have failed out of the academy as of December 1, according to records reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Over the same period, the figures show that 558 had graduated, and another 620 were still in training.

In August, DHS invited the media to tour the academy, a sprawling facility near the coast in Brunswick, Georgia. An instructor was seen demonstrating getting a 170lb dummy into a position to be handcuffed

ICE Special Response Team members are pictured demonstrating how to enter a residence in the pursuit of a wanted subject at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia

Sources say applicants with no experience are being fast-tracked into the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia, where instructors have been astounded at the levels of incompetence

However, ICE still appears on track to meet its target of 10,000 new hires, an outcome insiders attribute to the lowering of standards.

Sources tell the Daily Mail that many of these recruits won't be street-ready or even trained to fully process arrests.

'Even those who identify as former law enforcement, they're not being properly vetted and require basic training,' one official said.

'We're getting folks that are not going to be truly operational because they can't be placed on at large teams to make arrests.

'People are also coming from other law enforcement agencies where they don't have the experience to do detailed immigration work,' the source added.

But those older recruits, often returning after years of absence, do serve a greater purpose as far as the leadership is concerned.

'They can come on board without the training or the check so that we can say that we're getting close to meeting the goal,' the source said.

Applicant age is both older and younger than ever before, after ICE decided to widen the range to meet this year's hiring goals. The minimum age has been lowered from 21 to 18 and capped at 65 from 40.

Those lacking prior experience can start collecting salaries in a matter of days, rubber-stamped by an overstretched HR department that clears applicants to 'Enter on Duty' status with little to no screening.

Some of these new hires do not even have to report to field offices before they get sent to the academy, where they are given free room and board for six weeks of training  shortened from the standard 16 weeks.

'A lot of these background checks aren't being done till after these people have reported for duty,' one DHS official told the Daily Mail.

'They're just trying to process them in as quickly as possible to say that we have people operational. Anything that they think may have a pulse, they're moving through.'

The DHS official called the rushed hiring process 'willful blindness' and said this will continue until the department meets its goal by the end of December.

'We are bringing in people with the understanding that many of these people are not going to make it,' the source explained.

'They only care about how many unique individuals 'Enter on Duty.' What happens after that is irrelevant to them.'

Similar shady math was applied in October, when DHS leaders announced that a staggering 175,000 Americans had applied for the positions.

One recruit, 29-year-old Darien Coleman, was arrested by county police for allegedly exploding at a FLETC bus driver and smashing his phone, according to records obtained by the Daily Mail

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly called on newcomers to help 'get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country'

However, the Daily Mail can now reveal that many of the candidates were counted more than once because they applied for multiple job announcements.

Meanwhile, many other 'applicants' were suspected to be AI bots and pranksters, providing addresses such as '123 Sesame Street' and their job experience as 'f**king your mother.'

'The number they're giving is already inflated because we have a number who aren't even qualified but because the system they're using is so poor, nobody's vetting this,' the DHS source said.

One man was initially declared eligible after citing his wife as a reference and claiming to be an Egyptian police officer but ultimately got flagged.

Other misfits have skated through, with HR staff facing more pressure to be efficient than thorough.

'The headquarters folks in the department and at the White House have threatened people's jobs if they don't make the numbers they're expected to meet,' the DHS official told the Daily Mail.

A source said ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan, at a recent meeting, chewed out staff about the purportedly slow pace of hiring, allegedly threatening them saying: 'if you can't meet this number, send me an email now and I'll have you reassigned to FEMA.'

Tyshawn Thomas, the HR chief with ICE, was transferred out of his position last month, purportedly due to pressures of the job.

Federal agents including ICE officers are seen dragging a man away after an immigration court hearing in July

Despite the hiring spree, sources say many of these recruits won't be street ready or even trained to fully process arrests. Here ICE Homeland Security Special Investigations (HSI) agents arrest alleged immigration violators

Sources say he recently had to be taken out of the building in an ambulance after a stress-related 'fainting episode.'

'The Human Resources side of the house is just a pass-through entity that is doing zero vetting,' the source told the Daily Mail.

As a result, the administration is making good on a pledge to more than double the size of its deportation force in keeping with Trump's campaign promise to supercharge deportations.

In August, DHS invited the media to tour the academy, a sprawling facility near the coast in Brunswick, Georgia.

The department showcased a small group of recruits learning how to draw and fire weapons, and pull a wounded partner out of danger, and a classroom stacked with books on the Fourth Amendment and immigration law, the Associated Press reported at the time.

Officials there announced that ICE was able to shorten training, in part, by cutting Spanish-language requirements and letting field offices around the country provide whatever follow-up training is necessary.

The floodgates of recruits into the academy opened soon after the media left town.

Some instructors have privately griped to HQ staff, while recruits have vented to their families about what they were experiencing.

One young recruit, a college grad who is seeking to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a deportation officer, likened it to a 'circus.'

'My son called and told me that in the middle of class, officers came in and removed two of his classmates for 'stolen valor,'' the father told the Daily Mail, referring to individuals who falsely claim to have military experience.

One source claimed ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan ordered staff to pick up the hiring pace or to send her an email 'to have you reassigned to FEMA'

Noem is seen participating in ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Phoenix, Arizona, in April

He said his son also complained about the training seeming rushed.

'There's a lot of frustration,' he said. 'You've got kids there that don't have aptitude to pass the basic tests and are flunking.

'And on the other side, you have students failing PT (physical training) because they couldn't run or do sit-ups.'

The academy recently eliminated the sit-up requirement because so many students couldn't handle them  and subbed in a sprint challenge, the Daily Mail has learned.

The former instructor said his greatest concern is that the modifications to training will produce less experienced officers.

'Stephen Miller and Corey Lewandowski want what they want and are going to do whatever they have to do to get people through,' the father said, referring, respectively, to the DHS adviser and Noem's 'de-facto' chief of staff.

'But once you've prostituted your hiring standard, you've prostituted everything,' he added.

'Everyone from ICE sees what's coming into the field and they're f**king petrified.'

The DHS official sounded a similar alarm.

'We do have some new recruits that are fantastic, but we're now bringing people in who shouldn't be hired at all into any federal government job, definitely not one that has a badge and a gun,' the official said.

'We have kids who graduated from high school in June and are at the basic academy now,' the source added.

'And even these older folks that we're hiring, they're not people who need to be out on the street with a badge and a gun anymore.

'This isn't the department of baking cookies,' the source said. 'This is the Department of Homeland Security, where you can be deported from the country.

'And we're now employing people who are not equipped to tie their own shoelaces.

'This whole thing is a complete disaster from beginning to end.'
The Ministry of Defence has been accused of blocking the development of a footpath for a new school in Scotland and putting up a fence to prevent members of the public from using it.

The pathway is set to surround a school which is due to open in Rosyth, Fife, next August.

More than 100 metres of the shared pedestrian and cycle path was built before the Ministry of Defence (MOD) halted contractors from completing the final 15 metres.

The Government body owns a small stretch of land which connects the final part of the path, but officials have said its completion could affect any 'future development opportunities' on its land.

They also argued the development could be detrimental to local people, which locals labelled 'nonsense'.

Councillors and residents have been left perplexed by the bizarre situation, as the new path now leads to a dead end in a recreational ground.

Local councillor David Barratt said the dispute has become 'ridiculous' with two government agencies fighting each other over a tiny patch of land.

He said the MOD's position was 'obstructive' and 'at odds' with the local community.

The pathway surrounding the new Caledonia High School in Rosyth, Fife, Scotland has been left incomplete for its final 15 metres

Cllr David Barratt (left) pictured at the end of the new pathway with fellow councillors Brian Goodall (centre) and Andy Jackson (right)

Cllr Barratt said: 'This is one branch of government obstructing another and it is entirely nonsensical.

'I spoke to council officers and they confirmed that they had exhausted all dialogue with the MOD and were at an impasse. That would be the end of the line.

'They will not accept the path crossing their land and so now the whole pathway leads to a dead end.

'They argue that they could use the recreational grounds for potential future development.

'Where the path is crossing would interfere with land they could use for access.

'In my mind, this could be very easily resolved through a legal agreement. It is bureaucracy between two government agencies who are unable to resolve a basic matter.'

Council officers warned the MOD that if they aren't allowed to continue construction, residents were likely to use the path informally anyway, with just 15 metres separating the two paths.

However, the MOD responded by threatening to fence off their land and block the pathway permanently.

A temporary barrier has currently been erected on the land following the dispute.

Cllr Barratt measuring the length left incomplete after the Ministry of Justice refused to allow development

Councillors said they spoke to local residents who were also bemused by the decision of the MOD

Cllr Barratt added: 'They were not cooperative in the slightest.

'They cited concerns on behalf of residents. Well I knocked on every single door nearby and everyone I spoke to said it was ridiculous and wanted us to get on and finish it.

'It is unclear whether they intend to follow through with that threat.'

Cllr Barratt said the MOD is not entirely to blame for the situation and said questions will need to be answered by Fife Council.

He added: 'This is undoubtedly a failure on the Council's part as well. Fife Council were clear in the site selection process that the school could be built in this location without reliance on MOD land and have spent significant sums on this path without having necessary agreements in place to actually allow it to go anywhere.

'That arguable incompetence, however, pales into insignificance compared to the pettiness of the MOD. It is a level of pettiness the Council could not have reasonably anticipated.'

Local resident Lou Blair added: 'For well over 30 years the lower west end of the school playing fields, formerly the Fleet Grounds, has been a public throughway for pedestrians.

'This allowed access to the Fife Coastal Path as well as a more direct route into Rosyth.

'Given that Fife Council have already laid footpath the full length of the school playing fields it makes sense and would be beneficial to complete the remainder of the path and continue to provide pedestrian access to Rosyth, the new school and new facilities'

The pathway is supposed to link the school to the wider dockyard area of the town

The MOD has now put up a temporary fence covering their land to prevent members of the public using it

Another local resident, Suzanne Simpson lives just in front of the new pathway.

She claimed the MOD has left the land in a state of disrepair for many years.

Suzanne Simpson added: 'This path is directly behind my house. I have lived here in this house nearly 30 years and that 15 metre strip of waste ground has never been serviced, grass cut of anything by the MOD for 30 years.

'It's always been a massive wild tangle of brambles and waist-high grass. It is not used or ever has been by MOD for access to the running track.

'I agree this should have been sorted before the school plans were finalised, however common sense is needed here.

'That piece of overgrown waste ground would never be able to be used for access to any planned building by MOD, since it runs between what is now two private housing developments, and unless the MOD are planning to dig up the running track and their designated helipad, then that land will stay like it always has.'

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: 'After careful consideration and discussions with Fife Council, in January 2024 the decision was made to refuse permission to build a path on MOD land and Fife Council was advised of this in writing.

'The reasoning was that construction of a footpath across this strip of MOD property could potentially make future access to adjacent MOD land difficult and could result in significant intensification of use, with subsequent impact on the local area.

'However, we would be willing to reopen discussions with Fife Council to try to find a mutually agreeable solution.'
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou was just 27 when he had the idea for the airline that would become easyJet.

More than three decades on, his easy family of brands now includes not only Britain's biggest budget carrier but more than 200 other businesses spanning a vast range of industries, from easyHotel.com to easyStorage.com

Along the way, the serial entrepreneur has created tens of thousands of jobs - a legacy he wants to continue by backing the next generation of business innovators with an incredible 300,000 worth of cash prizes.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is offering 300,000 worth of prizes as part of the Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in the UK

The third annual Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs launches today and is open to young owners of start-ups generating at least 500,000 of revenue.

The challenge? To impress Sir Stelios and be in with the chance of winning the top prize of 150,000 to plough into your business. There are also prizes of 100,000 and 50,000.

'This is part of my way of giving back to society,' Sir Stelios explains. 'I want to encourage young entrepreneurs aged 34 or under to create and grow start-ups in the UK, which to my mind is the best way to generate new jobs and spread prosperity.'

The Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in the UK are being run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which launched in 2011 and is funded by the majority of profits from easyGroup - owner of the easy family of brands. The total cumulative giving by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and easyGroup to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation since 2010 amounts to over 106 million.

Just like the charity's long-running competition for disabled entrepreneurs, and recent addition of the North South Ireland Business Cooperation Awards, the aim is to identify the owners of this generation's most promising start-ups and give them the support they need to scale up.

Explaining what he'll be looking for, Sir Stelios says: 'It will be the numbers - is it a good profitable business, is it growing and does it employ lots of people?

'Due to my own background, I would rather reward consumer-facing businesses because they are more relatable and better known.

'These young entrepreneur awards have been so successful in the two years we have run them I have had to increase the threshold from 200k a year to 500k this year!'

The brand guru cites the example of last year's first prize winner Ayan Mohamed as a perfect example of the kind of initiative and drive he is looking for in a young entrepreneur. She created her company Digitech Oasis, which provides autonomous robotic solutions, having learned to code in her spare time while studying business at university.

Stelios added: 'Last year we saw an amazing reaction from UK young entrepreneurs, with a total of 180 entries  more than double the year before. The competition was so popular we had to bring the deadline forward and raise the bar for revenues to 500k a year.

'Once again there have been some astonishing and inspiring success stories that we have uncovered, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is alive and well in the UK among the young generation.

Winners of the Stelios Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Awards UK 2025 (Left to right: Andy Evangelou, Ayan Mohamed, Dorian Payne)

'Each of the winners are very good at promoting themselves and their businesses in the marketplace, and I think they would make great ambassadors for our awards going forward and great role models for others to start their own business! That is how new jobs are created in the real economy!'

Last year's winner Ayan Mohamed said: 'These awards are so useful to a young British entrepreneur like me. The prize money has been so vital to my company Digitech Oasis this past year, but the recognition and publicity from being associated with Sir Stelios has also been such a big boost for us.

'The prize money has been put to very good use, helping us scale up and grow  bringing much needed jobs to Manchester where we make robots for logistics factories.'

The payments are cash grants rather than a loan or investment in return for shares.

Alongside a handy lump sum to invest in their businesses, the winners will also benefit from a boost to their brand's profile as well as something no money can buy - mentoring and support from Sir Stelios himself.

'I am available to them and happy to help - I talk a lot with last year's winners and give advice,' he says.

'It is very rewarding to go back to start-up owners and see what they have done with the money and how their business is going.

'It's a two-way learning process, as young people know things I don't - especially about social media.'

The awards are open to owners of start-ups aged 34 or under, born in 1992 or later.

The closing date for entries is 23 February 2026. Businesses must have been registered at UK Companies House in the last five years, registered in 2021 or later, with accounts showing revenues of at least 500,000 per annum for the latest financial year. This threshold has been increased from the 200,000 in previous years due to the high popularity and success of these awards - last year 180 applications were received.

Applicant entrepreneurs must be a director of the company and own shares of more than 50%. The overall winner will win a prize of 150,000 to invest in their business, with a second prize of 100,000 and third prize of 50,000.

Sir Stelios is excited to begin reading through the applications.

'The quality of the entries and winners last year proves once again that in the UK today entrepreneurship is very much alive and kicking!' he says.

'I look forward to seeing another batch of inspiring applications again this year from that great pool of UK entrepreneurial talent.'

Asked for his message to potential applicants, he adds: 'You should apply. It's not just a medal, this is real money which will help in your business.'

To take part, head to www.stelios.foundation to download the entry form which must be emailed to Maya.Turnbull@stelios.com by 5pm on February 23, 2026. The winners being announced by Sir Stelios at a hybrid ceremony on March 31 2026 at the Foundation's London HQ 34 Thurloe Square, SW7.
The Government has launched a 'secret' advert for its controversial new digital ID programme - despite some three million Brits signing a petition against the scheme.

Every working adult in Britain will require the virtual identification card under a 'dystopian' plan announced by Keir Starmer in September.

Thousands of protesters have already marched through the streets in opposition, with the petition proving one of the most popular in British history.

It has now emerged the Government is on the lookout for a Deputy Director to oversee the digital ID scheme's operational policy.

A leaked advert, confirmed to the Daily Mail as legitimate by the Cabinet Office, is seeking an 'exceptional and highly motivated leader' to spearhead the programme.

The position, circulated internally, pays 81,000 and is a temporary 18-month contract.

The successful candidate will be tasked with 'progressing impactful Digital ID use cases' that 'maximise citizen benefit'.

Working under the Policy Director, they will also 'identify the specifications and capabilities for Digital ID' and 'maintain technical compliance with existing regulatory standards'.

A leaked advert, confirmed to the Daily Mail as legitimate by the Cabinet Office, is seeking an 'exceptional and highly motivated leader' to spearhead the programme

The position, circulated internally, pays 81,000 and is a temporary 18-month contract

The Daily Mail yesterday revealed newborns could also be allocated the digital identification - in a 'sinister' expansion of the policy. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pictured on July 14, 2025

The 'leaked' advert was circulated internally - rather than publicly on the civil service jobs website - as a short-term secondment opportunity.

It comes as the Daily Mail last week revealed newborns could also be allocated the digital identification - in a 'sinister' expansion of the policy.

Critics of the programme have accused the Government of 'secretly' publicising the new role.

Independent MP Rupert Lowe this week said the Government was 'refusing to say' whether the internal Digital ID job role was 'real or not'.

The Cabinet Office has now confirmed the advert as legitimate to the Daily Mail.

A spokesman said: 'This is not a secret, it's been advertised to over half a million people, and we announced the policy over three months ago.

'It is perfectly normal in any organisation for short-term secondment opportunities to be advertised internally, they are used to avoid hiring more permanent staff to deliver new policies.'

But Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice told the Daily Mail the Government was 'sneaking through job adverts'.

Campaigners protesting outside Parliament last month ahead of a debate on Digital ID

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He said: 'The Government knows full well that the British public overwhelmingly rejects digital IDs, so they're sneaking through job adverts for this toxic scheme in secret, dodging any real scrutiny.

'This lavish 80,000 salary, complete with a gold-plated civil service pension, is damning evidence that the digital ID scheme - which will do little more than impinge on the freedom of law-abiding Brits - risks being yet another vast Government IT project with spiralling costs.'

One person said on X: 'I see they ignored the majority of people who despised the plan, and they still went along with it anyway.'

Another added: 'Temporary contract, length of employment 18 months. Planned to be all ready at top speed.'

The Government is yet to confirm the programme's time frame.

Meanwhile, ministers have privately raised the prospect of issuing the new technology to children at birth, along with the 'red book' of health records given to new parents.

It would mark a major expansion of the scheme, announced by Starmer to tackle illegal immigration by making all job candidates prove they have the right to work in the UK.

The idea has already been discussed in secret meetings held recently by Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons.

Mr Simons told civil society groups that other countries issue lifelong digital identities to babies.

Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice told the Daily Mail the Government was 'sneaking through job adverts' (file image)

Estonia, whose own scheme is seen by Labour figures as a blueprint, creates a unique number for each infant when their birth is registered. Later on, it gives them access to public services.

Mr Simons also suggested digital ID could be a way for teenagers to sign in to social media, following Australia's ban on under-16s using addictive apps such as TikTok.

Since announcing the scheme, which is due to be introduced by the end of this Parliament in 2028-29, Sir Keir has tried to highlight the ways in which the technology could make everyday tasks easier  such as childcare or applying for a bank account  in the face of a backlash from the public and many of his MPs.

But the Government has refused to set out exactly what its plans for ID cards involve or how the scheme will be paid for. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates it will cost 1.8billion.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said on Wednesday night: 'Labour said their plan for mandatory digital ID was about tackling illegal immigration.

'But now we hear they are secretly considering forcing it on newborns.

'What do babies have to do with stopping the boats?

'This would be a deeply sinister overreach by Labour  and all without any proper national debate.

Mr Farage said the 'Brit card' was in reality 'un-British' and would become a 'means of controlling the population, of telling us what we can do or say, or even tracking where we go and what we spend' (file image)

'This policy is just another distraction from the Government's total inability to deal with the crisis in the Channel.'

A long-running poll found that support for the policy has plummeted since the Prime Minister announced mandatory Digital ID would be brought in for right-to-work checks.

In June last year 57 per cent of those asked by YouGov said they supported 'the introduction of a system of national identity cards', similar to figures reported in the previous five years, while only 25 per cent were against it.

However when the same question was posed of 1,700 Britons in December, two months after Sir Keir proposed his policy as a way of tackling illegal immigration, support had plummeted to 38 per cent while opposition had jumped to 47 per cent.

Of those against the idea, 31 per per cent said they were 'strongly opposed' - up from just 12 per cent six months earlier.

And among backers only 14 per cent said they now 'strongly support' a nationwide ID system, compared with 24 per cent in the summer.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage previously compared the situation to 'our European neighbours' like Germany and France, saying ID cards and 'strict checks' had 'made no difference at all to the immigration crisis there, and nor will it here'.

He said there were already digital IDs to ensure migrants had the right to work in the UK before referencing a 'serious issue of democracy'.

Under the plans, all workers would store a digital ID on their smartphones which they could be asked to provide.

It would be the authoritative proof of identity and residency status in the UK, and would include name, date of birth, and a photo as well as information on nationality and residency status.
The manager of the doomed ski bar in which 40 people died and 119 suffered severe burns on New Year's Day was at the centre of a 'Hot Rabbit' sex worker case which saw him recruiting prostitutes to a Geneva massage parlour.

The owner Jacques Moretti, 49, is now at the centre of a criminal manslaughter investigation alongside his wife Jessica, 40.

Mr Moretti, it has emerged, was convicted of pimping by a criminal court in Annecy, southern France in 2008 in a case which involved the recruitment of young French women as sex workers for an erotic massage parlour in Geneva called the 'Hot Rabbit Rendezvous'.

Both he and his wife, Jessica Moretti, 40, face prison for 'manslaughter by negligence', and for 'causing bodily harm and arson' after partygoers were overcome by flames and toxic smoke when the ceiling was torched by sparklers stuffed into champagne bottles.

Le Parisien has claimed that the bar owner is a known pimp who has also served time in prison in the southeast of France for other cases.

It stated: 'He is known for pimping cases dating back some twenty years, as well as for a kidnapping and confinement case.'

Quoting its own legal source, RTL, a national radio network, said: 'The Corsican-born manwas imprisoned in Savoie in 2005, for involvement in cases of pimping, fraud, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.'

The 'Hot Rabbit' massage parlour in Geneva's Rue du Lievre (which translates as 'hare'), was raided by Swiss police after a tip-off from their French colleagues in 2008.

Jacques Moretti, 49, who is one of the owners of a Swiss nightclub where dozens of people were killed in a horrific blaze on New Year's Eve, was at the centre of a 'Hot Rabbit' sex worker case which saw him recruiting prostitutes to a Geneva massage parlour

Jacques and Jessica Moretti who owned the Swiss ski bar, Le Constellation

A photo appears to show the moment champagne sparklers set fire to material on the ceiling of the Swiss nightclub

Moretti, then 32, categorically denied the charges when arrested, admitting only to having managed the massage parlour for three months under the name of a Swiss pimpwhich is not illegal under Swiss law.

But for his recruitment activities in France, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, eight of which were suspended, for inciting prostitution.

According to newspaper L'Est Republican, that meant four months' imprisonment for offences dating back to 2005.

Moretti was one of a trio identified, along with two other men aged 38, and placed under surveillance. Conversations between the three men, led to their arrest.

The prosecution requested an 18-month prison sentence, with 12 months suspended, for Moretti, but the court was more lenient.

His lawyer, Annick Hingrez, told L'Est Republican she recalled her client as a 'courteous and affable' man. Until the horrific news broke about Le Constellation, she thought he still lived in Bonifacio, Corsica.

In court the lawyer described the case against him as weak and claimed it 'didn't hold water'.

She highlighted the 'voluntary participation of the young women recruited'.

Jessica Moretti, 40, (pictured) was inside the bar when the blaze broke out and suffered burns to her arm

She also stressed the legal differences between the two countries.

She told the court: 'According to the conventions between France and Switzerland, acts committed in Switzerland by a French national can only be prosecuted by the French judicial authorities to the extent that they constitute a crime in Switzerland Which is not the case for either prostitution or pimping.'

Moretti's sentence included a ban on managing a company in France, but that still left him free to do so in Switzerland, where, according to the Valais cantonal commercial register, he and his French-born wife Jessica also owns two other establishments: Le Senso, a bar-restaurant specializing in hamburgers in the Crans-Montana resort, and the more up-market Le Vieux-Chalet, in the neighbouring village of Lens, which describes itself as a 'Corsican inn'.

He was questioned by Swiss prosecutors last Friday, along with his wife, who suffered a burned arm in the fire.

Both are currently at liberty, as they assist the judicial authorities with their enquiries, but face trial.

Swiss attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said: 'Everything suggests that the fire started with incandescent candles placed in champagne bottles, which were brought too close to the ceiling, causing a rapid and widespread conflagration.'

Mr Moretti has claimed that Le Constellation 'followed all safety regulations,' despite only being inspected only 'three times in ten years' by health and safety officials.

Article 8 of the local fire prevention code states that inspections must take place 'every year in buildings open to the public or presenting special risks'.

A signboard of Le Constellation bar, after a fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party where several people died and others were injured

A woman lights a candle at a makeshift memorial outside 'Le Constellation' bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 5, 2026

Mr Moretti, who owns three businesses around Crans-Montana, was not in Le Constellation on the night of the fire.

The couple took over Le Constellation in 2015, and own a home nearby, as well as one on the French Riviera.

The news came as the Mayor of Crans-Montana admitted that the party venue had not had any safety checks for five years.

Speaking to a press conference Nicolas Feraud said that no periodic safety inspections had been carried out since 2019 at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort, despite a legal requirement that checks were carried out annually.

'We are profoundly sorry. We did not have an indication that the checks had not been done', he said.

'We regret that - we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility.'

The mayor also confirmed he would not be resigning, telling reporters that he and his officials were elected by the people of Crans-Montana and that they have to be there to help residents.

Firefighters cry as they attend a memorial march in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

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'I'm not resigning, no, and I don't want to.'

'We're not departing the ship right now'.

Authorities have said they believe the fire started when people celebrating New Year raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached, setting light to sound insulating foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement.

Swiss police on Monday said they had identified all the people who were injured in the fire.

They put the total at 116, more than two-thirds still in hospital.

The injured include 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French nationals, 10 Italians, four Serbs, two Poles and one person each from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Republic of Congo, according to a police statement.

There were also four dual nationals: of France and Finland, France and Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, and Italy and the Philippines.

Police said 83 of the injured were still in hospitals. They didn't give further details or specify their ages.

Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said that no safety inspections had been carried out since 2019 at Le Constellation bar

Flowers and candles are pictured in tribute to the victims of the fire at 'Le Constellation' bar and lounge in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 05 January 2026

Laetitia Brodard-Sitre the mother of Arthur Brodard, who died during the fire and explosion at 'Le Constellation' bar, mourns at a makeshift memorial. Crans-Montana, Switzerland, January 4, 2026

The severity of burns made it difficult to identify some victims of the fire that broke out at about 1:30a.m. on New Year's Day, requiring families to supply authorities with DNA samples.

Authorities announced on Sunday evening that they had completed the identification of the 40 people who died, the youngest of them aged 14.

On Monday, Italian authorities flew home the bodies of five victims from the airport in Sion, the regional capital.
MPs have blasted a 'catastrophic failure' by the Ministry of Justice which could land the taxpayer with a 100million bill for an 'unusable' prison.

The Government must pay 4million a year to lease Dartmoor prison from the Duchy of Cornwall even though the building is uninhabitable due to contamination by radon gas.

Additional 'improvement costs' of 68million will also have to be covered by the public purse over the first decade of the lease.

The contract was signed by HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) in 2022 as the jail overcrowding crisis intensified and it commenced on Christmas Day 2023.

The first break clause in the contract cannot be exercised until 2033, meaning the taxpayer could be lumbered with 10 years of costs for an empty jail.

It means the total cost to the taxpayer would be more than 104million between HMP Dartmoor's closure in August 2024, eight months after the new contract came into force, and the break clause.

Chairman of the Commons' cross-party Public Accounts Committee, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, branded the affair an 'absolute disgrace'.

In a new report focusing on the Dartmoor contract, the committee said: 'We do not accept that the prison capacity crisis excuses such poor commercial decisions, which have resulted in this needless waste of taxpayer's money.

HMP Dartmoor is 'unusable' due to radon gas contamination and closed in August 2024

The Ministry of Justice's handling of the new lease for HMP Dartmoor, pictured, has been branded an 'absolute disgrace' by the chairman of the Commons' Public Accounts Committee

Chairman of the Commons' Public Accounts Committee Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, pictured, said the government's handling of the contract had been a 'catastrophic failure'

'Overall, HMPPS is currently paying around 4million per year for an unusable prison.

'This includes rent, business rates and security costs.

'Additionally government must pay additional costs (around 68 million) on fabric improvements to the Dartmoor site over the period of the lease.'

Sir Geoffrey said: 'The issue of HMP Dartmoor is an absolute disgrace, from top to bottom.

'We heard claims that the leasing of this unusable building, known for years by HMPPS to be choked with radon gas with all the health risks that entailed, was sensible, driven by the need for prison places.

'Our committee rejects this excuse outright.

'Dartmoor appears to the committee a perfect example of a department reaching for a solution, any solution, in a blind panic and under pressure.

'This is, obviously, not how policy should be delivered.'

He added: 'Government must now respond to us on what it has learned from this catastrophic failure, and how nothing like it will ever be allowed to happen again.'

The report, published today, set out how the MoJ 'signed the lease before carrying out further comprehensive radon testing'

'HMPPS claims that its decision to renew the lease when it did was sensible, given the context of the urgent need for prison places.

'However, despite its knowledge that radon was present at the site, it failed to negotiate a reduction to the annual rent of 1.5million a year, or to negotiate safeguards to mitigate the financial risks associated with radon levels increasing,' it said.

The Duchy of Cornwall, which owns the jail, is a private estate that provides income for the heir to the British throne and is used to support himself, his family and his charitable work.

The Prince of Wales, pictured at the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in June, receives an income from the Duchy of Cornwall, which owns HMP Dartmoor

HMP Dartmoor closed in 2024 and the MoJ and HMPPS 'still do not have clear plans' about whether it can re-open.

'HMPPS is waiting for the outcome of a Health and Safety Executive review of current workplace regulations on radon before it assesses what work it would need to do to the site and by when,' the report said.

'Once the review is complete, MoJ and HMPPS plan to base their decision about whether or not to reopen on whether continuing with the works represents the best value for money for taxpayers.'

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that comes from decaying uranium in rocks such as granite.

The MoJ initially admitted there were elevated levels of the gas, which can cause lung cancer, at the site in 2020.

Last October it emerged the department had been aware of levels at higher than recommended rates in 2007.

After initial partial closures of the jail it was completely shut after radon levels were detected at 10 times the recommended limit.

Hundreds of people who were potentially affected at Dartmoor - including former prisoners and staff - are taking legal action against the government.

The new report urged the government to look at whether it 'should continue to spend money on an unoccupied prison; or whether they should try to negotiate an early exit from the lease' after taking 'proper professional advice'.

HMP Dartmoor is one of Britain's oldest jails opened in 1809 to lock up prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.

Last October a separate report by the Commons' home affairs committee found the Home Office had 'squandered' billions of pounds on asylum hotel contracts.

It condemned the department's 'incompetence' over its handling of a 'failed, chaotic and expensive' system and warned that private suppliers had been allowed make 'excessive profits' from the Channel crisis.

The MoJ was approached for comment.
This is the moment a former solider who helped two people kill themselves by selling 100 packages of poison online was arrested by police in an early morning raid.

Miles Cross, 33, who was today jailed for 14 years, appeared stunned when officers broke down the door of his flat, in Wrexham, North Wales, on January 13 last year.

Officers told the Mail that tattooed Cross, likely thought he was 'safe' having covered his tracks by hiding his name and identity from victims he met on an online suicide forum.

But when the 53-year-old father of one of his 'customers' used the substance to kill himself, police began investigating and analysis of bank accounts linked Cross to the 100 sale.

Cross, who previously admitted four counts of assisting suicide, set up an internet business selling the lethal substance, which the Mail is not naming, before targeting vulnerable people online.

In July 2024, using the name 'hiddenpain' to keep his identity a secret, Cross posted a picture of a tub of the poison on the forum with the message: 'Finally acquired everything for (poison) method, everything was readily available to me in the UK, other than the (poison) itself which took some legwork to source as we live in a f***** nanny state.

'Safe to say that finally having everything to hand and things being on my terms now is the only bit of relief I have had for a long time.'

Over the space of five weeks, between August and September 2024, he used Royal Mail to send packages of poison to four victims across the UK, who each paid him just 100.

Miles Cross (right) is seen being arrested at his house in Wrexham, North Wales, in January last year

Cross, 33, admitted four counts of encouraging or assisting suicide

Cross, 33, set up an internet business selling the lethal substance, before targeting vulnerable 'customers' in an online forum

In the footage released by police today, a bare-chested and shocked Cross can be seen being detained by police, but he initially denied any wrongdoing.

Officers were then given permission to speak to him immediately without a solicitor to try and determine whether the lives of other members of the public were at risk.

Footage of the interview shows an arrogant looking Cross, sat with his arms folded opposite two detectives, defiantly and repeatedly denying selling any poison or 'kits' to anyone.

Asked for a list of his customers and their addresses, Cross tells the officers: 'I'm telling you I can't assist with thatI will not be able to do that.

'I don't know who these people are, I can't answer any of these questions.

'I haven't put any kits together and I haven't distributed these kits to anyone, so I don't have names and addresses for you.'

At that stage police were unsure exactly how many people Cross had sent the lethal substance to.

But their inquiries soon established that, over a period of five weeks, in August and September 2024, Cross sold four packages to vulnerable people he met online, who each paid him 100 for the poison.

Cross posted the drug to 26-year-old Shubhreet Singh, of Leeds, on August 22 last year.

It was delivered two days later and she was found dead in an Air BnB in the city, having ingested the substance, on September 3.

Police discovered messages between her and Cross that she had screenshotted on her phone, in which he asked whether she needed 'help sourcing' the poison in the UK.

She replied: 'Yes.'

A screenshot of a 100 payment to Miles Cross was also found.

Mr Johnson said the Crown does not accept Cross' claims that he joined the chat forum because he was feeling suicidal himself.

The barrister said the chronology proved this was 'demonstrably untrue' and Cross' actions were an attempt to make money.

'He set up an e-mail, bank account and phone number all before he joined (the forum) and before he obtained (the poison),' Mr Johnson said.

On August 28, the worried parents of another 20-year-old man, who was suffering mental health problems and who cannot be named for legal reasons, intercepted another parcel sent from Cross.

But, in a tragic twist, his 53-year-old father, who was also experiencing depression, went missing days later and used it to kill himself.

The other two recipients  a man and a woman - did not take the poison and survived.

Cross showed no reaction as he was sentenced and led to the cells this morning.

Judge Rhys Rowland told him: 'Yours is a worrying case, you took it upon yourself to sell (the poison) to people who you didn't know, people plainly suffering with their mental health and so were vulnerable.

'To repeat, you were selling to complete strangers in the knowledge for (the poison) to be used to end another's life.'

The judge said it was a 'serious aggravating feature' that the people Cross had no idea of his 'customers' vulnerability or how determined or settled they were to harm themselves.

Police managed to track sales of the poison to Miles Cross' bank account

A screenshot of the Royal Mail app used to track the lethal substance taken by one of Cross' victims

When Cross was arrested two tubs of the poison were discovered in a suitcase in the spare bedroom, the court previously heard

Cross' DNA was also discovered on the lid of one of the tubs.

A photo and video of the substance, taken in August 2024, was also found on an iPad found at the flat.

When questioned Cross denied any involvement and refused to offer any assistance to the officers, who were worried other members of the public could be at risk.

In a powerful victim impact statement, the widow of the 53-year-old man who died said she had suffered 'total devastation and ongoing trauma' following the death of her husband.

The mother-of-three, who had been with her husband for 30 years, said had since begun suffering from insomnia and nightmares, saying: 'I can get to sleep but having any more than three hours is rare.

'The lack of sleep leaves me unable to grieve or heal or function. I am not the person I was.

'I have horrific vivid nightmares that stay with me during the day.

'I am anxious in a way that is hard to explain. Days that were once special, like Father's Day or our anniversary, just remind me of my loss.'

She said her sons 'blamed themselves' and were suffering because of the loss of their father.

The woman added: 'I have withdrawn from my friends and family because they can't understand what I'm experiencing. I can't just put on a brave face, every aspect of my life has changed forever.'

A special episode of the Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast, featuring interviews with police and prosecutors who investigated Miles Cross, will be published on Friday

Another woman who bought the substance said in her statement that Cross had made it 'easy' for her to buy the substance and had 'preyed' on her when she was at her most vulnerable.

'At the time I made the decision to purchase the substance I felt vulnerable, overwhelmed and struggled silently,' she said.

'This experience caused me significant emotional pain. I'm no longer in that state of mind, but I've had to work hard to heal and move forward in a healthier direction.

'The fact this was so easy makes me think, had I not come to my senses, I wouldn't be where I am today. This personpreyed on vulnerable people like me. The substance he advertised, sold and sent me could have ended my life and seriously impacted on my family.'

The court heard that Cross, who spent six years in the Army, has previous convictions for drug possession, failure to provide a specimen of breath and battery.

Duncan Bould, defending, said that, while Cross does not dispute the prosecution's chronology of events, he claimed he suffered mental health problems because of trauma in his childhood and things he had witnessed during a tour of Afghanistan, which caused him to try to kill himself at least once.

The barrister said that Cross previously used 'large quantities of alcohol' and sedatives to self-medicate his anxiety.

Mr Bould said he had also lost his job in June 2024 and soon after he received his final pay packet tried to kill himself as a result.

He said his girlfriend, who had been with Cross for 10 years, discovered him in the bedroom with a gas cannister, having taken an overdose of pills and whisky.

'She offered to take him to hospital, but he refused any medical assistance,' Mr Bould said.

Cross set up the business selling poison the following day.

Mr Bould also claimed Cross felt guilty and was 'genuinely remorseful' for his offending.

Cross' case is similar to that of Kenneth Law, a chef who is awaiting trial in his native Canada, accused of 28 offences  14 of murder and 14 of aiding or counselling suicide

At a court hearing in November, Cross admitted four counts of encouraging or assisting suicide.

It is understood to be the first time in UK legal history that someone has been prosecuted for selling poison to a stranger to encourage them to take their own life.

Alison Storey, a specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, told the Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast that Cross' motivation appeared to have been 'to make money out of other people's misery.'

He was unemployed at the time of his offending.

'Over the summer of 2024 Cross set up a small business  he opened a bank account, got a new phone, a new email address and then he ordered the product in bulk from abroad,' she said.

'Having done all that he went onto a forum to find 'customers' - people who were suffering with their mental health, who had suicidal ideation and then offered to supply the drug to them in order for them to end their own lives.

'He didn't know these people. There was no reason for him to be offering to sell this drug to people, other than to make a profit, small as it was.'

Ms Storey described the 100 Cross charged for the poison as 'a very small amount for a life.'

'In this case, the drug was supplied to four different people,' she added. 'One of those people took her life directly, as a result of receiving it.

'In the other three cases, the three people supplied are all alive and have got a different outlook now. And that is the danger of this. It's not people with a settled intention to die (that are targeted). It's not people who are suffering from a terminal illness and unable to face life.

'They are younger people who were just not able to cope at that time, but given time might get their lives back on track.'

Born in Basildon, Essex, in 1992, Cross joined the Army after leaving school.

But six years ago, in February 2020, he was banned from driving for 17 months by magistrates in Ipswich for refusing a breath test.

Police who stopped the then 27-year-old, in Brandon, Suffolk, where he was living, suspected him of drink driving. He was also fined 800.

It is unclear when Cross moved to North Wales but by the time he committed his crimes, in August 2024, he was living in Wrexham with his girlfriend.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said the force had worked with Internet regulator, Ofcom, and used powers under the new Online Safety Act to block UK users from accessing the American-based forum Cross used to find his victims.

'From the start, a large part of our strategy was around trying to prevent further harm,' Mr Evans said.

'We worked closely with the National Crime Agency and, using some of the powers in the new Online Safety Act, Ofcom managed to make the specific forum in the United States one that you can't access from the UK, and that remains the case at this time.

'We have been able to prevent other people stumbling onto that forum and being subject to behaviour like Cross displayed. He basically sought out really vulnerable people at their lowest ebb with suicidal thoughts, sold them a product and tried to encourage them to take it.'

The case mirrors that of Canadian chef Kenneth Law, 60, who is awaiting trial in Ontario, Canada, on similar charges.

He is accused of 28 offences  14 of murder and 14 of aiding or counselling suicide.

All of the charges are linked to the deaths of people from across Ontario, aged 16 to 36.

Canadian detectives allege Law ran a number of websites offering equipment and substances to help people end their lives.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has also accused Law, who denies wrongdoing, of sending packages to more than 270 Brits.

The NCA claim 98 of those recipients later died, although they have not confirmed that a toxic substance was the direct cause of each death.

No charges have been brought against Law in the UK.
American voters believe President Donald Trump's main motivation for military action in Venezuela is to grab the country's oil, a new Daily Mail poll found.

That was the top answer in a J.L. Partners online poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday of this week among 999 registered voters.

Overall, 39 percent said Trump green-lit a military operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to get access to the South American country's vast oil reserves.

Another 30 percent said the move was to stop the flow of illicit drugs, while 17 percent of registered voters said it was to remove an illegitimate leader.

The United States recognized Maduro's opponent Edmundo Gonzalez as the president-elect of the country in November 2024, during President Joe Biden's administration, yet Maduro stayed in power until his Saturday arrest.

Democrats were more likely to pick 'oil' as Trump's motivation than their Republican counterparts, the survey found.

When the responses were divided by party preference, 59 percent of Democrats said Trump did it for the oil, compared to 17 percent of Republicans and 38 percent of independents.

Republicans were most likely to believe the White House's explanation that Maduro needed to go due to his widespread drug trafficking.

President Donald Trump (right) held a press conference Saturday at Mar-a-Lago and took questions on the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and future leadership of the country. The biggest swath of American voters believe it was due to the country's oil riches

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48 percent of Republicans named drugs as the top reason for the military action, with just 14 percent of Democrats agreeing.

30 percent of independents also named drugs.

After drugs, the second biggest group of Republicans said Trump was motivated to remove an illegitimate ruler.

26 percent of GOP voters believed this to be the case, versus 16 percent of independents and just 9 percent of Democrats.

Republicans were the least likely to believe Trump deposed Maduro over oil.

When respondents were asked if they were OK with the idea that the military action was motivated by oil, a majority - 52 percent - said they weren't.

Another 29 percent said it is OK if the U.S. involvement in Venezuela was over oil, while 20 percent answered that they were unsure.

When that question was broken down by party, Republicans were much more tolerant of the U.S. going into Venezuela for oil, while Democrats and independents were largely in agreement that they were not.

An image of the El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Fifty-nine percent of Democrats said they believed President Donald Trump's military action in Venezuela was to take control of the nation's oil riches

Packs of drugs are seen on Tiraya beach in Venezuela in 2022. Polling found that 48 per cent of Republicans think that President Donald Trump was motivated by Venezuela's drug trade to capture the country's leader Nicolas Maduro

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52 percent of Republicans were OK with the U.S. going into Venezuela over oil, compared to 20 percent of independents and 16 percent of Democrats.

On the flip side, 67 percent of Democrats were not OK with the U.S. going into Venezuela over oil, which was nearly in line with the 56 percent of independents who agreed.

Just 29 percent of Republicans didn't think it was OK for the U.S. to get militarily involved in Venezuela over oil.

Voters were also asked what they think should happen next.

The top choice for Democrats and independents was that the opposition, who won the 2024 elections, should take over.

35 percent of Democrats and 29 percent of independents polled gave this answer.

Trump has reportedly brushed off the idea of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado leading the country because she accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize, which the U.S. president coveted.

Republicans' top choice was that the U.S. should run the country until new elections are held, with 33 percent of GOP voters surveyed holding this view.

The second most popular answer among Republicans was also that the opposition leaders would be put in charge, with 24 percent in agreement.

Across the board, Republicans, Democrats and independents preferred that the current Venezuelan government continue to rule rather than support a long-term U.S. occupation.

23 percent of Democrats, 16 percent of independents and 14 percent of Republicans selected the current regime, whereas 7 percent of Democrats, 9 percent of independents and 13 percent of Republicans wished to see the U.S. occupy Venezuela indefinitely.
A British former soldier has revealed how he lost both his legs after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan which almost killed him.

A new Channel 5 documentary has revealed how Luke was left in a critical condition only a few weeks into his first tour of the country when he stood on the device.

Surgeons at Camp Bastion amputated both of his legs back to his pelvis which saved his life, but he was left with unbearable nerve pain in both of his stumps.

Now, he is undergoing groundbreaking surgery where surgeons hope to find the nerve ends that are causing him so much pain and plumb them into his muscles.

The lead-up to the procedure at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham is revealed in the new series of 'Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death', which airs at 9pm tonight.

In an exclusive clip released to the Daily Mail this morning, Luke is filmed in his hospital gown speaking in detail about his traumatic experiences for the first time.

Luke says: 'It was just a normal day, normal foot patrol. We left our checkpoint quite early in the morning. We patrolled up to where the rest of our platoon were staying, trying to fight back where the Taliban had quite a big stronghold.

'But after the lads started to search the compound, they cleared the compound, three of us got placed on overwatch, looking in, giving cover. And I just got up and walked around and that's when I stood on an IED.'

Soldier Luke was left in a critical condition when he stood on an Improvised Explosive Device

Luke speaks with his family at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham ahead of his procedure

He then points to a photo of him next to the IED, adding: 'Unfortunately the bloke who searched it missed it, but I think anyone would miss it - you can't tell where it is.

'But I've got up and walked round and stood on it and detonated it there. I lost both my legs above the knee straight away.

'I had damage to my left arm, to my left hand as well. I broke my pelvis in three places and then I suffered a cardiac arrest for nine minutes.'

Luke says it is 'weird talking about it in this much depth' for the first time.

He adds: 'I think if it was anywhere else in the world, I would have probably died. But I think it was the fact that it was in Camp Bastion that we had the best trauma doctors ever.'

Luke has also created a remarkable bond with his surgeon Colonel Mark Foster, who also served at Camp Bastion where he treated soldiers like him.

Colonel Foster tells the programme: 'There's always more pressure when you're treating someone that you've known quite well for such a long time, and also there's this bond between us that you don't get elsewhere.

Luke shows viewers this photo of him after the incident in Afghanistan which was almost fatal

Luke also shows a photo of him (far right) next to what turned out to be the IED in Afghanistan

Viewers are also shown a photo of Luke when he was in the Army, serving in Afghanistan

'I've been trained within the Army both in the UK and overseas, culminating in my time at Camp Bastion treating soldiers like Luke. We all had this brother bond that we were looking after our team, trying to do their thing.

'I've been fighting his corner for such a long time, and that burden is not without some cost. It's difficult isn't it, these things weigh on your mind all the time.'

He then becomes emotional, adding: 'It's not without risk, I've carried through the responsibility of trying to bring everybody together to persuade them that this chap really does have just one last chance, for us to operate on him, to give him some level of normality that we all enjoy.'

Colonel Foster is a plastics surgeon who has operated numerous times on Luke over the last decade, and is working on the latest operation with nerve surgeon Sam George.

Their aim is to find the nerve ends that are causing Luke so much pain, then plumb them into muscles in his stump in the hope that this will stop the intractable pain being suffered by Luke.

Luke has created a remarkable bond with his surgeon Colonel Mark Foster (pictured)

Colonel Mark Foster shows a photo of him in the Army, after he also served at Camp Bastion

However, on the day of the operation, they are concerned about Luke's heart, which was compromised after his accident, as it begins to show signs of stress while anaesthetists begin to sedate him.

The surgeons then have to decide whether to abandon the procedure knowing that they are effectively committing Luke to a lifetime of pain, or continue with the threat that his heart will stop and he will die in front of them on the operating table.

Luke's story is featured in the first episode of a new six-part series of the show which looks at life-saving and life changing operations taking place across 73 theatres at the hospital.

The episode also looks at the story of former chef Julian who has an aggressive cancer on the back of his tongue and requires radical surgery to avoid it spreading and killing him.

'Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death' airs on Channel 5 tonight at 9pm
It is the cathedral city so beloved of Charles Dickens he set David Copperfield there.

Yet a remarkable collection of cast iron lampposts, which have lit the streets of Canterbury since Victorian times, are set to be ripped out and swapped for modern alternatives  by a Reform-run council.

Residents and heritage campaign groups have fiercely opposed this change. A petition has been signed by more than 750 urging the council to rethink, but it is standing firm.

Campaigner David Kemsley, of the Alliance of Canterbury Residents Associations, said: 'These lamp columns are as much a part of Canterbury's story as its walls or gates  they are tangible links to a Canterbury firm whose craftsmanship literally helped light cities across the world.

'To replace them with mass-produced steel poles is cultural vandalism.'

A key Unesco World Heritage site, Canterbury boasts around 270 of the cast iron lampposts  many of which were cast in the city's own HM Biggleston and Sons foundry, a leading supplier of streetlight fittings across Britain and worldwide.

The foundry operated from 1835 to 1963. According to conservationist campaign group The Canterbury Society, replica columns have continued to be installed and repaired until as recently as three years ago.

Residents and heritage campaign groups are urging the council to rethink their decision to replace Canterbury's Victorian cast iron lampposts with modern alternatives

Canterbury Society's president Ptolemy Dean has called proposed new designs 'clumsy and crude... banal and ugly... grotesque disfigurements'

Yet just months after Reform took control of Kent County Council in May last year, the plan to replace the heritage lighting with cheaper, modern designs was launched.

Reform UK in its manifesto says it will 'stand up for British culture, identity and values'. The Canterbury Society said the historic lampposts could be saved by Canterbury City Council and preserved with regular repainting.

Kent County Council said the decision to replace the lampposts had been made following safety inspections last August  three months after Reform took control of the authority. But the Society's president Ptolemy Dean has called proposed new designs 'clumsy and crude... banal and ugly... grotesque disfigurements'.

Their petition asks the councils to 'treat heritage street furniture as an asset rather than an inconvenience' and will be presented to Canterbury City Council.

A county council spokesman said that while it 'appreciates the historic value and the affection residents have for them ... public safety must come first'. They said the lampposts 'failed structural tests, confirming internal corrosion'.

The spokesman added: 'Recreating the moulds, or refurbishing the existing lampposts, would not be the most effective use of limited budgets.

'Creating a mould alone would cost tens of thousands, and each column in excess of 5,000.

'Installing a modern steel lamppost costs about 168 and adding a heritage-style decorative kit brings the total to around 810. These kits are made from durable, non-metal materials, which makes future safety checks easier, safer, and more cost-effective.

'Importantly, the existing ornate lanterns will be re-used to maintain the character of Canterbury's streets... Our approach ensures Canterbury retains a heritage look while meeting safety standards.

'We have been working closely with Canterbury City Council to find a solution.'
He boasted that he was the King of Transport, but some of his passengers didnt survive the journey.

Adem Savas was named as Britains most wanted man after becoming the biggest supplier of small boats for migrant crossings in the English Channel.

The 45-year-old from Turkey made millions supplying thousands of rubber boats, feeble engines and flimsy lifejackets to criminal gangs, with his shoddy equipment said to be responsible for scores of deaths.

The boat tycoon was so prolific that the National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that he supplied around half of the boats and engines in all migrant Channel crossings.

Now the smuggling lynchpin has been jailed for 11 years after being convicted today of aggravated human smuggling.

A court in Belgium heard how Savas was involved in people smuggling for a decade, supplying countless criminal gangs with cheap boats and engines he sourced from China.

He became the main importer of Parsun outboard engines, the type most frequently used by gangs operating small boats in the Channel.

Flogging flimsy boats and underpowered engines for 4,000 on average, investigators believe he made millions from the trade, with Belgium prosecutors tracing at least $1.7million worth of assets including property, farmland, and luxury cars in Istanbul where he ran his operation.

Savas managed to stay undetected for years by bribing corrupt Turkish police officers paying for them to go on luxury holidays, the court heard.

Adem Savas made millions supplying boats to criminal gangs

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It was only when the NCA took down a major Europe-wide smuggling ring thought to be behind the movement of more than 10,000 migrants in small boat crossings that they identified the supplier.

Police uncovered messages between Savas and the head of the smuggling network Hewa Rahimpur, about deaths in the channel after boats sank.

In other messages with Rahimpur, who was later jailed for 13 years for leading a people smuggling gang, they discussed the UK Governments policy on migrants.

Savas boasted about supplying 1,000 outboard motors for the European refugee market, calling himself the King of Transport and Export.

Investigators discovered that his boats were moved overland from Turkey into Bulgaria, and then across Europe to Germany where they would be stored before being used in the Channel.

Savas used a Netherlands haulage firm connected with drug trafficking to transport the boats to people smuggling networks in Belgium and France between 2019 and 2024.

But Belgium police believe Savas became involved in people smuggling as far back as 2015 after expanding his nautical business supplying fishermen and tourists into the deadly trade.

The cheap flimsy boats led to scores of deaths, the NCA believes

Savas also supplied cheap thin lifejackets

At his peak in 2023, he became the NCAs 'most high-value target' after it was assessed that he supplied equipment in around half of all Channel crossings.

In one video of his huge warehouse thousands of boxes of inflatable boats could be seen piled high, waiting for delivery to criminal gangs.

In the clip, Savas's associates could be seen kicking the boxes and pulling at the rubber in a demonstration of how flimsy they were.

Investigators also discovered a handwritten price list for boats, engines and life jackets, offering a deal of seven boats for $29,000 (22,000).

An international operation was mounted to capture the kingpin involving the NCA, Belgian and Dutch law enforcement.

Savas's handwritten price list for a boat sale

After receiving a tip-off that he was planning to attend a boat trade fair in the Netherlands, police swooped arresting him as he touched down in Schipol Airport in November 2024.

Police found phone messages in which Savas admitted he sold too much to refugees.

But the kingpin claimed he was just a businessman who thought his boats were being used for fishing activities.

NCA Director General of Operations, Rob Jones, said: Adem Savas was without doubt the most significant supplier of boats and engines to people smuggling gangs involved in organising deadly crossings in the Channel, the head of a criminal network stretching across Europe to the beaches of northern France and across into the UK.

He pretended to run a legitimate maritime supply company, but in reality he knew exactly how the equipment he provided would be used.

He also knew exactly how unsuitable it was for long sea crossings.

Boats and engines supplied by Savas were likely involved in numerous fatal events in the Channel  he made money from each of those.

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Im grateful to the numerous law enforcement partners from across Europe who have worked with the NCA during the course of this investigation, particularly those in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Tackling the gangs involved in these dangerous crossings remains a top priority for the NCA, and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle them, wherever they operate.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris, said: We are cracking down on the criminals exchanging human lives for cash.

Our brilliant National Crime Agency officers have worked alongside international allies to take down this smuggling kingpin and put him behind bars where he belongs.

Through our new Borders Act, law enforcement now have strengthened powers to intercept, detain and arrest people smugglers, faster  restoring order and control to our borders.
This is the first picture of a 'popular' five-year-old killed when a family friend's electric car allegedly ran him over 'of its own accord' as he walked home from school.

Fareed Amir was left with fatal head injuries when Ashenafei Demisse's parked Volkswagen ID.4 suddenly accelerated into him outside a block of flats near London Bridge, a court heard.

Demisse, 52, who denies causing death and serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, claims the vehicle moved on its own while he was sitting inside it.

The November 2022 crash also injured Demisse's 12-year-old son, Raphael, who was rushed to hospital with two broken legs.

The Times reports that Stephen Knight, for the defence, told a jury at the Old Bailey on Monday: 'Mr Demisse did not press the car's accelerator. This all-electric car moved on its own accord.'

As Fareed walked home from school with his mother, Maryam Lemulu, she stopped to talk to her friend of 13 years and Demisse's wife, Yodit Samuel, who was with Raphael.

Demisse was sitting in his car with the couple's other son, who is five years old.

He offered Fareed a treat which his mother refused as she was trying to reduce her son's sugar intake.

The first picture released of Fareed Amir who was killed when a family friend's electric car allegedly ran over him

The Volkswagen then suddenly lurched forward, hitting Fareed, Raphael and five other cars before coming to a halt, the court heard.

Fareed's mother carried him to nearby Guy's Hospital - but he was soon pronounced dead from multiple traumatic injuries, including a fractured skull.

Raphael spent a month in hospital with multiple fractures of his right leg and a fractured left leg.

Prosecutor Michael Williams said police found no evidence of faults in the 2021-made car, concluding only the driver could have moved it.

He told the jury Demisse 'inadvertently pressed the accelerator, causing it to crash into the two boys', adding he 'must have pressed down on the accelerator pedal with his foot'.

There was no evidence the driver had braked, Mr Williams continued, as the car reached 'near maximum speed'.

He claimed Demisse put his foot on the accelerator despite believing, mistakenly, he was pressing the brake.

In a statement read to the court, Fareed's mother said her son called to Demisse moments before the accident: 'Uncle Ash, uncle Ash.'

Ashenafei Demisse claims the vehicle moved on its own while he was sitting inside it and denies the charges against him

Ms Lemulu added: 'The car suddenly moved forward. It did not make any noise. It took off very fast.

'Yodit shouted, 'The kids'. It hit Fareed on the side and I saw his hand go slowly down the car.

'I screamed and said, 'Please call help, my son is dead'.'

Demisse's wife told the court in a statement he had been a taxi driver for many years and had been working seven days a week at the time of the crash.

Ms Samuel said Fareed was talking to her husband through the driver's window when 'all of a sudden, in a split second, I saw the car move forward very quickly'.

She continued: 'I don't recall any engine sounds or revving.'

Describing Fareed's mother as 'like a sister' to her, she added: 'What happened is a tragedy and I feel very sorry for her.'

A JustGiving page set up by a family friend, which has raised nearly 1,000, described him as 'a happy boy with a constant smile on his face'.

'Mum and Dad were very proud of him. It was beautiful seeing him flourish and it showed amongst his teachers, friends and parents,' it added.

'The school ain't the same without him. The atmosphere has totally changed. He was our little light. He is truly missed.'

The trial continues.
What started as a fun-filled girls' trip to Colorado ended in unimaginable tragedy for four friends just before they got back home.

Lakeshia Brown, 19, Myunique Johnson, 20, Taylor White, 27, and Breanna Brantley, 30, were tragically killed on the afternoon of November 5 on US Highway 87 in the Texas Panhandle after a trucker, contracted by the popular grocery chain H-E-B, struck their black Nissan Altima from behind and sent it flying into the median.

The sedan, driven by Johnson, was left completely crushed while the 18-wheeler, driven by Guadalupe Daniel Villarreal, 39, flipped on its side and hit the median as well, according to the police report reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Johnson was driving at a slow speed at the time of the crash with her hazard lights on because her car had a flat tire, per the report.

Chilling dashcam footage captured by another car on the wide flat road showed the car slowly driving along just as the massive truck came barreling down the pavement and slammed into it.

All four girls were pronounced dead at the scene while Villarreal, who was allegedly distracted by his cellphone at the time, suffered unspecified injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Now, the victim's grieving families have taken legal action against H-E-B, its subsidiary Parkway Transport, Inc. and Villarreal, in a $1 million lawsuit filed on December 23 alleging they are all negligent in their deaths.

The legal filing is a way for the victims' heartbroken loved ones to 'get to the bottom of what happened' that tragic afternoon, Keith Bakker, a partner at NMW Law Firm, told the Daily Mail.

Lakeshia Brown (left), 19, Myunique Johnson (right), 20, Taylor White, 27, and Breanna Brantley, 30, were tragically killed on the afternoon of November 5 after a 18-wheeler crashed into a car they were in on US Highway 87 in Texas

The sedan, driven by Johnson, was left 'completely crushed' while the 18-wheeler, driven by Guadalupe Daniel Villarreal, 39. (Pictured: Taylor White, 27, (left) and Breanna Brantley, 30 (right)

'First and foremost, out hearts go out to the families. There are four beautiful girls who are no longer with us, it really is a damn shame,' Bakker, whose firm represents White and Johnson's family, added.

'What's even more heartbreaking is that they were coming back from a girls' trip from Colorado. They were all friends.'

Bakker, along with Nick Wills, the owner of the firm, explained how important it is to understand the setting where the fatal crash took place.

The collision occurred just south of Dalhart, which, according to Bakker, is 'almost as north Texas as you can possibly imagine.'

The legal duo went on to explain how the flat roads will play a key part in the case.

'It wasn't hilly, there weren't obstructions to the view, and unfortunately that tractor trailer just violently impacted the back of our client's vehicle and caused a serious, serious collision,' Bakker told the Daily Mail.

Wills further explained the difference between a car and truck driver's view when it comes to those conditions.

'Being in a sedan, just a private vehicle, you don't have much of a vantage point as you do when you drive an 18-wheeler,' Wills said.

The massive truck Villarreal was driving is seen lying on its side after colliding with the Nissan Altima

Johnson's Nissan Altima is seen completely crushed following the fatal crash

'When you're driving an 18-wheeler on flat land, you can see much further ahead of you.

'You can see it from the video, you don't even see it [the truck] try to get out of the lane, go to the next lane, or it looks like it didn't even slow down. This just shouldn't have happened.'

Both Wills and Bakker also pointed to the dashcam video that was recorded by a car that spotted Johnson's slow moving car and 'out of the way' before the crash.

'The fact that these other folks who had the dashcam caught it, you know, they got out of the way, they went around the vehicle no problem and they don't have as much as a vantage point as the 18-wheeler driver,' Will stated.

Bakker also noted that although the police report stated the car suffered a flat tire and was still moving, that 'doesn't excuse' what happened.

'18-wheeler drivers, they're held to a higher standard than that of a normal pedestrian driving around because there are federal rules they are regulated by.

'It doesn't excuse somebody, not only just to hit somebody, but at such a rate of force that it would cause an 18-wheeler to flip on its side,' he said.

Chilling dashcam footage captured by another car on the wide flat road showed the car slowly driving along just as the massive truck came barreling down the pavement and slammed into it

Villarreal was allegedly distracted by his cellphone at the time of the crash, according to a newly filed lawsuit

The NMW Law Firm has not heard back from H-E-B, Parkway Transport, Inc., Villarreal, or Scrappy Trucking, LLC, a Texas-based trucking company, that was also mentioned in the lawsuit, Bakker said.

For now, he and the legal teams representing the families of the other victims are focused on getting justice for the young women.

He said: 'At this stage now we're just focusing on conducting a thorough investigation and trying to get to the bottom of this, and holding whichever parties need to be accountable, accountable.

'The truth will eventually come out.'

When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Thanks for reaching out. Our H-E-B Family is devastated by this tragic accident, which resulted in the loss of the young women involved.

'The incident involved a third-party vendor driver, not an H-E-B Partner. H-E-B and the contractor are fully cooperating with the investigation.'

The Daily Mail contacted Villarreal, Parkway Transport, Inc., and Scrappy Trucking, LLC, for comment.
A Salvation Army worker who was sacked after saying migrants should all be sent back on a boat has been pictured for the first time.

Charles Markie lost an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal after it ruled the Salvation Army was justified in dismissing Mr Markie for making the remark while working at Strathmore Lodge, a hostel run by the charity in Dundee, and which housed migrants.

After losing his job he wrote online how he is 'retired and loving life'.

Mr Markie, 56, supports Scottish Premiership side Dundee and is a motorsport enthusiast.

In 2024 the tattooed father proudly posted a picture of himself on the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada.

Mr Markie  who worked for the organisation for nearly 20 years  was sacked in March 2024 after telling colleagues: 'There wouldn't be a housing shortage if we weren't taking in 150 refugees,' and 'send them all back on a f****** boat', the tribunal was told.

Salvation Army staff were shocked by his comments, including one colleague who challeneged him and asked if that included a user of the hostel who was a refugee from Syria.

Mr Markie responded: 'Yes, the lot of them.'

Salvation Army worker Charles Markie lost an employment tribunal after saying migrants should all be sent back on a boat

Mr Markie claimed for unfair dismissal, direct sex discrimination and harassment but all three were dismissed at a tribunal held in Dundee

Mr Markie's job involved supporting homeless and vulnerable people to use the hostel's facilities, which included refugees.

The tribunal was told Mr Markie became 'aggressive and angry' and made the comments after being told of changes to the council housing policy.

A colleague informed Mr Markie's line manager, Tracey Young, about the comments because she hoped 'the claimant would be "pulled up" as what he said was racist'.

After being warned by Miss Young about his behaviour, Mr Markie began complaining that the staff 'couldn't even joke or take part in banter'.

At a disciplinary hearing chaired by Karen Good, a service manager at the charity, Mr Markie said: 'I didn't say the F word. I said send them all back on a boat. I didn't swear. Later in the investigation I did swear and put hands up to that.

'It was my point of view, wasn't directed at anyone. We are letting too many people in when we don't have facilities or housing to give them', he said.

The tribunal heard that Mr Markie told the hearing he did not mean to hurt anyone, and that he 'isn't racist and has foreign friends'.

Asked how he would deal with an increase in refugees, Mr Markie told the hearing: 'It wouldn't bother me.'

Mr Markie posted a picture of himself on the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2024

He then told managers that he could 'get carried away', adding: 'I do make stupid comments but don't mean any harm.'

The tribunal heard Miss Good believed the comment was racist and 'undermined any trust she had in the claimant's ability to carry on with his role, which involved helping refugees based on their needs'.

She concluded he had committed gross misconduct by expressing these views and that he should be summarily dismissed.

The tribunal was told Mr Markie emailed Miss Good, taking issue with the suggestion that he was aggressive, and claimed that everyone was 'laughing' during the conversation.

Mr Markie wrote to Miss Good: 'Sack me, but don't sack me for gross misconduct.'

Mr Markie claimed for unfair dismissal, direct sex discrimination and harassment. But all three claims were dismissed by Employment Judge James Hendry at a tribunal held in Dundee in September last year.

Publishing his ruling on December 31, Judge J Hendry said: 'The evidence showed that the claimant's colleagues were shocked at the comment made, betraying, as they saw it, a complete insensitivity towards those that they were duty bound to help.'
Police have arrested a man in Florida following the discovery of a womans body on the beach the morning after Christmas Day.

Heather Asendorf, 56, was found lying on the sand by a passerby walking along Cleveland Street in Hollywood around 7am on December 26. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives said foul play is suspected but have not disclosed how she died.

Brandon McCray, 28, was taken into custody on December 30 with assistance from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

He faces charges of sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation.

McCray is being held at Broward Main Jail on a bond of $770,000, according to jail records.

The body of Heather Asendorf, 56, (right) was found on the beach in Hollywood, Florida

Brandon McCray, 28, was taken into custody four days later in connection to the murder

Police said the investigation remains active but emphasized there is no broader threat to the public.

Asendorf, who was from Lemont, Pennsylvania, was known to visit the Hollywood Beach area. Authorities have not said whether she and McCray knew each other.

Court documents show McCray was previously accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in September 2023 after allegedly pulling a gun on a tow truck driver during a repossession.

Pembroke Pines police later reported he fired shots at two employees during the same confrontation.

So far, McCray is not facing a murder charge, but Hollywood police told Local 10 that additional charges could be forthcoming.

Authorities have not released details about what tied McCray to the case, and his arrest warrant is sealed on the Broward Clerk of Courts website.
The Alaska Airlines pilot who successfully landed a Boeing 737 MAX plane after a door plug flew off mid-air two years ago is now suing the airplane manufacturer.

Brandon Fisher filed a $10 million lawsuit against the company in Multnomah County Circuit Court on December 30, alleging that Boeing tried to shift the blame on to him for the mid-air depressurization of Flight 1282 on January 5, 2024, which put the lives of 171 passengers and six crew members at risk.

Fisher and his First Officer Emily Wiprud immediately declared an emergency and descended to below 10,000 feet so that there would be enough oxygen for everyone to breathe normally.

They were then able to land safely in Portland, Oregon, and none of the passengers or crew members were seriously injured.

'But for Captain Fisher's heroism and immense display of composure under pressure, the outcome would have been catastrophic,' the lawsuit argues, according to Business Insider.

'Instead, Captain Fisher and First Officer Wiprud executed a safe emergency landing, despite chaotic conditions in the cockpit caused by the gaping hole in the left side of the aircraft.'

'They should have been hailed as heroes,' it continues. 'Instead, The Boeing Company attempted to shift blame, intentionally and falsely claiming that Captain Fisher and First Officer Wiprud made mistakes that contributed to the incident.'

The suit points to a court filing Boeing issued while defending itself against a class-action lawsuit in connection with the incident, in which the company said it was not responsible for the loss of the door plugs because the plane had been 'improperly maintained or misused by persons and/or entities other than Boeing.'

The American Airlines pilot who successfully landed a Boeing 737 MAX plane after a door plug flew off mid-air two years ago, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft, is now suing the airplane manufacturer

Captain Brandon Fisher alleges that Boeing tried to shift the blame on to him for the mid-air depressurization of Flight 1282 on January 5, 2024, which put the lives of 171 passengers and six crew members at risk

The paragraph was later removed from the filing, the Seattle Times reports.

But Fisher argues the damage was already done, claiming the company's statement was intended to 'paint him as the scapegoat for Boeing's numerous failures.'

'Instead of praising Captain Fisher's bravery, Boeing inexplicably impugned the reputation of the pilots,' the lawsuit says, noting that Fisher was scrutinized for his role in the incident and named in two separate lawsuits filed by passengers of the doomed flight in the aftermath.

However, a National Transportation Safety Board probe found that the Alaska Airlines crew was not at fault for the incident - and instead blamed manufacturers for allowing the plane to be put in operation without four key bolts that were meant to hold the door plug in place.

Just one of those bolts, if properly secured, would have held the door panel in place, and the other three were supposed to be used as an additional safety mechanism.

But without any, the panel had shifted slightly upward during earlier flights, but not enough for any crew members to notice a difference when they did their final safety inspections before takeoff.

It was later revealed that the faulty door left Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington without the crucial bolts, as only one of 24 technicians employed at the facility had experience opening a door plug in the past, but was on vacation during its last service.

Nobody onboard suffered serious injuries from the incident

A National Transportation Safety Board probe blamed manufacturers for allowing the plane to be put in operation without four key bolts that were meant to hold the door plug in place

Fisher's lawsuit now claims that Boeing technicians noticed five rivets were improperly installed in the panel, and that employees at Spirit AeroSystems - a subcontractor that worked on the plane - painted over the rivets instead of reinstalling them properly, the Oregonian reports.

Boeing inspectors once again caught the discrepancy, the lawsuit claims, but when employees finally repaired the panel to fix the rivets, they failed to reattach the four bolts that secured the door panel.

'Unbeknownst to Captain Brandon Fisher, who was the pilot in command, or any of the passengers onboard, the defendants' negligence and systemic failures resulted in the creation of an unsafe aircraft not fit for flight, culminating in the horrific decompression event shortly after takeoff,' the suit alleges.

It goes on to claim Boeing was aware of other 'explosive decompression events,' prior to the incident onboard the Alaska Airlines flight, including one in which a passenger onboard a Southwest Airlines flight died after he was 'partially ejected' through a hole in the fuselage, according to KOIN.

An investigator examines the frame on a section of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

It was revealed that the faulty door left Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington without the crucial bolts, as only one of 24 technicians employed at the facility had experience opening a door plug in the past, but was on vacation during its last service

Boeing is also facing a Department of Justice investigation into the terrifying event, as well as lawsuits filed by the passengers and flight attendants onboard

The suit then concludes by saying Fisher has endured 'lasting physical consequences' and is unable to sustain physical activity for as long as he could before the incident.

It also claims he still thinks about 'the troubling events that occurred.'

As a result, Fisher is seeking damages for negligence, strict products liability, breach of warranty, emotional distress and defamation.

Meanwhile, Boeing is also facing a Department of Justice investigation into the terrifying event, as well as lawsuits filed by the passengers and flight attendants onboard.

But since the incident, the airplane manufacturer has improved training and processes, according to the NTSB, though board officials said the company needs to better identify manufacturing risks to make sure such flaws never sneak through again.

They recommended last year that Boeing continues to improve its training and safety standards and make sure everyone knows when actions must be documented.

Board members also highlighted the need to ensure that everyone throughout the company understands its safety plan as well as executives do.

The board also urged the FAA to step up and make sure its audits and inspections address key areas based on past problems and systemic issues.

The FAA said in a statement at the time that it 'has fundamentally changed how it oversees Boeing since the Alaska Airlines door-plug accident and we will continue this aggressive oversight to ensure Boeing fixes its systemic production-quality issues.

'We are actively monitoring Boeing's performance and meet weekly with the company to review its progress and any challenges it's facing in implementing necessary changes.'

Daily Mail approached Boeing, which completed its acquisition of most of co-defendant Spirit AeroSystems in December, for comment. A company representative said it will not comment on pending litigation.

A spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told Business Insider they have 'no comment on the lawsuit, but remain grateful to our crew members for the bravery and quick thinking that they displayed on Flight 1282 in ensuing the safety of all on board.'
China's consumer goods trade-in program generates sales of 3.92 trillion yuan

Xinhua) 09:48, January 07, 2026

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on promoting green consumption in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's policy-backed consumer goods trade-in program generated sales of 3.92 trillion yuan (about 558.62 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 and 2025, benefiting consumers on 494 million occasions, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce at a press conference on Tuesday.

The initiative has helped drive industrial upgrading and the green transition. Some 18.3 million automobiles were purchased through the trade-in program during the period, with new energy vehicles accounting for nearly 60 percent of the total.

Under the program, 192 million home appliances were traded in during the period, with 90 percent being top-tier, energy-efficient models.

Over the same period, more than 17.67 million scrapped automobiles were recycled nationwide, registering an average annual growth rate of 45.8 percent.

Meanwhile, nearly 39.69 million second-hand vehicle transactions were recorded during the period. About 53 million used home appliances and mobile phones were dismantled under standardized procedures, representing an average annual growth of about 12 percent.

Chinese authorities announced late last month that the trade-in subsidy program for consumer goods will be renewed in 2026 as part of the broader efforts to boost consumption, with 62.5 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bond funds allocated in advance to support this year's program.

The expansion of domestic demand is set to top China's major economic priorities this year, according to the recent Central Economic Work Conference, which also outlined plans to implement consumption-boosting campaigns, as well as plans to increase the incomes of urban and rural residents.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has turned himself in to begin a three month sentence inside the same Brooklyn jail where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione are being held.

The 29-year-old, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, pleaded guilty last year to violating his probation by possessing cocaine and MDMA and was ordered to serve his sentence beginning on January 6.

Speaking outside Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center on Tuesday, Hernandez said he has high hopes about forging a connection with the disgraced Venezuelan leader behind bars.

'I want to dance with Maduro,' he told TMZ, appearing to refer to the dictator's public dance moves recently which were said to have infuriated members of the Trump administration.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured inside their home during an early morning military raid in Caracas on Saturday.

The pair pleaded not guilty to federal narco-terrorism charges and will remain behind bars until their next court date, scheduled in March. They could face the death penalty if convicted.

Hernandez said he would also like to invite Maduro to play cards with him while they're in custody together.

'Yo guys, remember when I told you that I was arrested, I was in prison with Diddy, the president of Honduras and Sam Bankman-Fried, I believe, the FTX guy. And you guys thought I was lying?' he said in an Instagram video on Monday.

The 29-year-old, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, pleaded guilty last year to violating his probation by possessing cocaine and MDMA

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9inehas turned himself in to begin a three month sentence inside the same Brooklyn jail where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (pictured) is being held

'Now I'm about to go meet the president of Venezuela. I have that luck of just being locked up with presidents.

'Oh, and I'm about to meet Luigi too, Luigi Mangione. About to play chess with them n***as, eat ramen noodles.'

Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly and Sean 'Diddy' Combs have all at various stages called the MDC home.

Whether Hernandez will actually have the opportunity to meet Maduro or Mangione is yet to be seen.

He will likely be held separately from the general population. Other high profile inmates receive similar treatment.

Prison expert Larry Levine told the Daily Mail that Maduro is likely being housed in solitary confinement at the part of the center reserved for high-profile or especially dangerous or at-risk inmates.

Known as the Special Housing Unit, the single-inmate, 8-by-10-foot cells consist of a steel bed with a one-and-a-half-inch mattress and a thin pillow.

'In the SHU, lights are on all the time and they might not have a window in their cell. So the only way they know it's daylight is when their meals come or when they have to go to court.'

Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly and Sean 'Diddy' Combs have all at various stages called the MDC home

Hernandez said he would also like to invite Maduro to play cards with him while they're in custody together

Accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione is also being held at the facility as he awaits trial

Hernandez was considered lucky to walk away with just a three-month sentence after a judge branded him a 'dumpster fire' during his hearing.

In addition to pleading guilty to cocaine and ecstasy possession, Hernandez admitted in court to assaulting a man in a mall who called him a 'snitch' to his face.

The rapper had been on probation since returning home in 2020 after he testified against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods in a racketeering case where he alleged that they had double-crossed him.

6ix9ine was also previously accused in the US of using a violent gang as a 'personal hit squad.'

In 2018, he was arrested on racketeering and other weapons and drug charges - leaving him facing a minimum of 47 years in prison.

Tekashi 6ix9ine had a multiplatinum hit song, 'Fefe,' with Nicki Minaj in 2018. It peaked at No. 3 on the pop charts.

In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a count of use of a child in a sexual performance and received a four-year probation period.
The wife of a former Harvard dean launched a GoFundme after he was ousted from his job following shocking anti-white posts.

Gregory Davis's removal from his post as the Dunster House resident dean was confirmed by a message circulated to House affiliates on January 5, according to The Harvard Crimson. No reason was given.

But Davis came under fire in October of 2025 after Yard Report resurfaced tweets expressing hostility toward Republicans, white people, and President Donald Trump, among others.

Nirisi Angulo, Davis's wife, set up a GoFundMe after he was terminated from his position and was given only 10 days to vacate their university housing.

'This sudden and unplanned upheaval has left us scrambling to find a safe home for our family amidst the harsh winter months,' wrote Angulo.

'We have a beloved five-year-old daughter who is thriving in her current school, and a newborn son, whom we named Dean Davis because my husband's role as a Dean meant so much to him.'

The dean's removal has been devastating for the entire family, his wife added.

Angulo added that they have no family to lean on and fell into financial strain after her difficult pregnancy and several miscarriages depleted much of their savings.

Gregory Davis's removal from his post as the Dunster House resident dean was confirmed by a message circulated to House affiliates on January 5

Nirisi Angulo, Davis's wife, set up a GoFundMe after he was terminated from his position

'Your generosity will allow us to find a new home, cover moving expenses, and take the necessary steps to rebuild after this unplanned transition,' wrote Davis's wife.

'My husband would never ask for help himself, but as a mother and wife, I know how much your kindness would mean to him and our family.'

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had made just $300 of its $22,000 goal.

In the message that message circulated to House affiliates Monday morning, Davis wrote that he had been terminated from his position: 'It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as the Resident Dean for Dunster.'

'I will miss my work with students and staff immensely.'

The University in Massachusetts did not confirm if the former dean was relieved of his duties as a result of his hateful online presence.

Davis's X history of alleged hateful tweets was made for years.

'It's almost like whiteness is a self-destructive ideology that annihilates everyone around it. By design,' he allegedly wrote in August 2019 on X.

'You should ask your cop friends to quit since they're racist and evil,' he allegedly wrote in a September 2020 post.

The university did not confirm if Davis was let go as a result of his hateful tweets he was under fire for in October

Despite his strong opinions, he defended the rioting that happened the summer George Floyd died, writing in 2020: 'Something to keep in mind: rioting and looting are parts of democracy, just like voting and marching.

'The People WILL be heard.'

In other posts, he allegedly said he didn't blame people for 'wishing Trump ill' and said 'f**k that guy' alongside a photo that read 'if he dies, he dies.'

He also allegedly expressed little empathy when conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh died in 2021.

'Just as important: The Smucker's Natural was on sale at the Safeway,' he allegedly wrote.

He also compared the Republican National Convention to the 'worst of Nixon and Hitler' in 2016.

Davis' X account has since been deleted.

Davis said his previous tweets do not represent his opinions now. The account has been deleted

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Davis said the tweets do not reflect my current thinking or beliefs.'

'I deeply appreciate the responsibility inherent in the Resident Dean role, and I value the trust that individuals have placed in me. I regret if my statements have any negative impact on the Dunster community.'

'Since becoming the Allston Burr Resident Dean, I have worked hard to ensure that Dunster House is a welcoming, warm, and supportive space for all of its members. That continues to be the guiding force of my work today,' Davis said.

Emilie Raymer, who served as interim dean during Davis's absence, will continue in the role, according to a separate email cited by the Crimson.

Harvard has sharply curtailed woke excesses after Donald Trump targeted the college over woke staff and students' attempts to shut down conservative viewpoints.

Former President Claudine Gay was ousted in January 2024 after she failed to tackle anti-Semitism and plagiarized published work.

Replacement president Alan Garber said earlier this week that his college had become far too woke, with staff and students bullied if they held views different to progressive orthodoxy on issues including race and transgender rights.

He said Harvard is now actively seeking to restore objectivity to its classrooms and lecture theaters.
Pauline Hanson has urged Anthony Albanese to overturn her seven-day Senate suspension, handed down after she entered the chamber wearing a burqa in late November 2025.

The suspension, which followed a censure motion the day after the incident, will keep the One Nation leader out of Parliament into early 2026, preventing her from taking part in debates on measures expected in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Hanson still has four sitting days remaining on her ban, with Albanese expected to recall Parliament ahead of Australia Day.

Hanson wore the burqa after senators refused her leave to introduce a bill to ban full-face coverings in public.

Her protest drew swift condemnation from across the chamber.

When she declined to remove the garment or leave, Senate proceedings were suspended for about 90 minutes.

The next day, senators passed a censure motion and barred Hanson for seven consecutive sitting days.

In a letter to Albanese, Hanson claimed the penalty was politically motivated, and accused the major parties of silencing debate on her proposed legislation.

Hanson (pictured) was banned from the Senate for seven sitting days after her burqa stunt

'On the 25th of November, 2025, the government Senate Leader, Penny Wong, moved a censure motion against me for my efforts to raise awareness of the unrestrained growth of radical Islam on Australian soil,' she wrote.

Hanson added the penalty restricted her ability to do her job.

'My contribution to this debate as the leader of One Nation for Queensland is critical,' Hanson said.

She argued the government was deflecting attention from national security issues in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack on December 14.

She said the Prime Minister's plan to recall Parliament for hate-speech law reforms and a national gun buy-back was 'designed to deflect from the real issue of radical Islam'.

'Despite my warnings about radical Islam infiltrating Australia, your government chooses to vilify me in every way possible for sharing the concerns of an overwhelming majority of Australians,' Hanson said.

'I am seeking your support to overturn the ban imposed upon me by the Senate to debate these urgent bills.'

Hanson accused Labor of prioritising electoral politics in western Sydney and criticised the party's support for pro-Palestine protests, as well as backing recognition of a Palestinian state while it remains controlled by Hamas, a listed terrorist group.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to overturn her ban

'One Nation's repeated warnings of antisemitism and Jew hatred were ignored by Labor and the Greens, who have never been shy in standing with Labor-held seats across Western Sydney by supporting pro-Palestine protests and the recognition of a terrorist-controlled Palestine,' Hanson wrote.

She further claimed she was being sidelined from official overseas delegations.

'Your government also chooses to uphold the Senate's decision to ban me from attending official overseas delegations,' Hanson wrote.

She asserted foreign leaders preferred private discussions with her, and pointed to previous meetings.

'Quite frankly, leaders prefer to speak freely with me without an entourage of elected bedwetters from your own party who spend too much time worrying about what your colleagues think of them,' Hanson said.

Hanson previously wore a burqa in the Senate in 2017, but did not receive a formal suspension for doing so.

It remains unclear whether Albanese has responded to Hanson's letter, or if there are any plans to overturn her ban.

Daily Mail contacted Albanese and Hanson for comment.
The hero bystander who risked his life to help confront one of the alleged Bondi Beach gunmen has been granted permanent residency in Australia.

Israeli national Gefen Bitton, 30, was attending a Jewish Hanukkah celebration when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire on the crowd on December 12, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more.

As another hero bystander, Ahmed Al-Ahmed, bravely confronted and disarmed Sajid, footage showed Mr Bitton sprinting from the car park to help end the attack.

He also confronted Sajid but was allegedly shot three times by Naveed moments later in the lower abdomen, shattering the pelvic bone and causing severe internal injuries and bleeding.

He was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in critical condition, where he spent more than a fortnight in a coma.

He has undergone at least eight operations and remains in intensive care.

The garage door technician had been living and working in Australia for three years on a temporary visa.

Representatives of Sydney's Jewish community confirmed to the Daily Mail on Wednesday that Mr Bitton has been granted permanent residency in Australia.

Bondi hero Gefen Bitton has been granted permanent residency in Australia.

Mr Bitton, above dressed in red clothes, is seen running to help bystander Ahmed Al-Ahmed after he disarmed gunman Sajid Naveed

It came after Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke visited Mr Bitton in hospital on Tuesday to deliver the good news.

'Gefen is a hero. Without a moments thought for his own safety, he ran to help Ahmed Al-Ahmed,' Burke said in a statement to Daily Mail.

'I was advised by Rabbi Mendel Kastel that Gefen and his family wanted Gefen to become a permanent resident.

'Of all the things he is now dealing with, at least this gives him one less challenge to worry about.

'I told him Australia is a better place with him here, and he is welcome to continue to come here for the rest of his life.'

It means that Mr Bitton now has access to Medicare and NDIS support as his extensive and ongoing medical treatment continues.

'We're seeing small improvements daily, as he is now more awake. Every step counts,' a fundraiser update stated on Monday.

The online fundraiser has so far raised more than $721,000 towards Mr Bitton's recovery.

Mr Bitton has undergone at least eight surgeries and remains in intensive care

'Gefen, an unarmed Israeli civilian, living in peace in Australia - made a decision most of us couldn't even think of,' the page stated.

'He ran into the face of danger like only a hero does, guided by the values on which he was educated and raised.

'A true hero that deserves recognition.'

Mr Bitton was at Bondi that night to celebrate Hanukkah with friends after he spent the day in the Blue Mountains hiking - one of his favourite pastimes.

Despite his gunshot wounds, Mr Bitton managed to call his sister in Israel to say he had been shot before hanging up.

She alerted his friends in Sydney, who launched a frantic search to track him down.

Mr Bitton was eventually found at St Vincent's Hospital, where he was undergoing surgery.

His father made a mercy dash to Australia and later recognised his son in social media footage as the man in a red shirt running from a car park to help Mr Al-Ahmed.

Friends have described Mr Bitton as the 'most spiritual guy ever'.

Mr Bitton (left) was running towards one of the alleged gunmen to confront him when he was allegedly shot three times

'He knew exactly what he was doing, he was just set on a mission to help others,' colleague Matthew Volpatti told Nine News.

'He's a soft soul who would do anything for anyone.

'He's just a young man come from overseas to have a better life in Australia, and he's going to need everyone's support.'
An Aussie mother who spent two weeks on life support after a botched cosmetic procedure in Vietnam while on a family holiday has now returned home to continue her recovery in hospital.

West Australian mother-of-three Chloe Mowday, 33, had been holidaying in Vietnam with her young family after travelling to Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Plans to continue their adventure across South East Asia came to an abrupt end in November after she underwent rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty procedures on her nose and eyelids.

She spent the night at the unnamed clinic in the beachside city of Da Nang and was discharged the next morning.

Ms Mowday returned to her hotel, and her husband Josh found her unresponsive a few hours later as her organs began shutting down.

She was resuscitated en route to hospital, where she spent two weeks in a coma and underwent further surgery to remove a spreading infection. Pneumonia and sepsis resulted in further setbacks.

Language barriers, mounting medical costs, and uncertainty surrounding her care added to the stress on her family.

Ms Mowday was airlifted back to Australia in time for Christmas after doctors advised that returning home was her best chance of survival.

A family holiday across Asia turned into a nightmare after Chloe Mowday was left fighting for her life following cosmetic surgery in Vietnam

The mum spent two weeks in a coma after suffering severe complications just hours after being discharged from a Da Nang clinic, before being airlifted home in a $125,000 medical evacuation

Her brother Rod took out bank loans to help pay the $125,000 bill for an air ambulance.

Ms Mowday is now awake and talking but still critically ill in intensive care.

'She is doing a little bit better, but she's still in intensive care and it's going to be a very long road to recovery,' her brother told PerthNow.

'She smiled and cried when I told Chloe "I'm here to take you home". She doesn't remember much and is overwhelmed, we have a long way to go.'

The family paid tribute to hospital staff in Vietnam who helped keep her alive.

They are also grateful for the overwhelming support from Australians, who donated more than $60,000 towards the medical evacuation and ongoing treatment.

'Thank you to the wonderful team at Family Medical Practice Vietnam for bringing Chloe home safely; you all went above and beyond to help us and the team at Da Nang hospital for keeping Chloe alive and safe,' a recent fundraiser update stated.

Now back in Australia, the mother-of-three is awake and recovering in intensive care

'Chloe has a very long road of recovery and rehabilitation. She is still in hospital, but she is in very good hands.

'It's a long road ahead, but having her back in Australia is a miracle.

'We will keep this page open if you would like to still help Chloe and her beautiful family.'

Photos posted online prior to the medical emergency showed Ms Mowday visiting Disneyland with her children in Hong Kong and enjoying the scenery from her accommodation in Vietnam and Bali.

The family had been planning to travel to China after the surgery.

Da Nang is known for its growing cosmetic surgery scene, where the cost of a rhinoplasty is $AU2,076.

The same procedure costs $9,200 in Australia, according to the Medical Tourism Corporation website.

A blepharoplasty - which removes excess fat, skin and puffiness in the eyelids - costs $2,025 which is less than a third of what patients would pay in Australia.

Ms Mowday used photos of Kylie Jenner as inspiration for her nose

She posted in a popular Australian cosmetic surgery support group in 2022

Ms Mowday had been unhappy with her nose shape since she was young and began researching surgery options overseas almost four years ago.

Posting in a popular Australian cosmetic surgery support group in 2022, Ms Mowday explained that she was looking for advice on destinations to consider.

'A little backstory - I live in Perth Western Australia. I've always wanted a nose job, aka rhinoplasty,' she explained.

'Ever since I was little I've just not been over-comfortable with my nose.'

Ms Mowday revealed she had been researching several clinics and said Turkey had been 'highly recommended' as a possibility, but she wanted advice to get started.

'Who do I contact and how much does it cost?' she asked.

She included two photos of Kylie Jenner and said she wanted similar results to the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star's reported nose job.

'Bangkok has quoted $4,500, but I heard that they don't do the nose I've attached below,' she wrote.
The Hilton brand has severed ties with a franchisee in Minnesota which sparked outrage by canceling bookings made by immigration agents and refusing them service.

Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minneapolis has been ordered to remove all Hilton branding as of Tuesday after head office learned a policy barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was still in effect.

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security sensationally accused the hotel of 'siding with murderers and rapists' as part of a 'coordinated campaign' against Trump's efforts to ramp up deportations.

'The independent hotel owner had assured us that they had fixed this problem and published a message confirming this,' a Hilton corporate spokesperson said on Tuesday.

But conservative influencer Nick Sorter shared a video of himself approaching hotel staff late on Monday night claiming to be a DHS employee seeking a room.

In the footage, the front desk worker told him the hotel was not allowing federal officers conducting immigration enforcement to book rooms.

The worker stated he was not aware of any changes to that policy, despite hotel management firm Everpeak Hospitality issuing a statement hours earlier vowing it was committed to 'welcoming all guests.'

'I just talked to the owner of the building, and he didn't say there had been any changes,' the employee said.

Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minneapolis has been ordered to remove all Hilton branding as of Tuesday after head office learned a policy barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was still in effect

The Department of Homeland Security sensationally accused the hotel of 'siding with murderers and rapists' as part of a 'coordinated campaign' against Trump's efforts to ramp up deportations

'We're not accepting people from immigration, ICE agents, DHS, into our property.'

After the video went viral, the Hilton corporate spokesperson said: 'A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values.'

The spokesperson said the hotel chain was taking 'immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems.'

'Hilton is  and has always been  a welcoming place for all. We are also engaging with all of our franchisees to reinforce the standards we hold them to across our system to help ensure this does not happen again.'

Hilton operates their vast global hotel chain with a franchise model, which means the company is not involved in the day-to-day operations of regional chains.

Minneapolis has become the Trump administration's latest target as it prepares to send in 2,000 ICE agents and DHS officers as part of an immigration crackdown.

The deportation push comes after reports of alleged fraud committed by Somali nationals in the city.

Hilton operates their vast global hotel chain with a franchise model, which means the company is not involved in the day-to-day operations of regional chains

The Hilton brand has severed ties with a franchisee in Minnesotawhich sparked outrage by canceling bookings made by immigration agents

DHS is probing Somali communities following an explosive report by conservative influencer Nick Shirley, who released a viral video alleging widespread fraud at Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota.

Shirley claimed the facilities were mostly empty despite receiving millions in government funds.

Homeland Security claims that over 700 arrests have been made by immigration officers in the region.
One of the world's wealthiest men brushed off California's proposed billionaires' tax, despite fears that it could drive the ultra-rich out.

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of chipmaker giant Nvidia, said he had not thought about the idea 'even once.'

The proposal aims to hit California residents worth more than $1 billion with a one-time tax worth five percent of their net worth.

'I'm perfectly fine with it,' he told Bloomberg Radio. 'It never crossed my mind once.'

Huang added: 'We chose to live in the Silicon Valley and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it.'

Huang is the eighth richest person in the world and is valued at $162.6 billion, according to Forbes.

He said Nvidia, the world's largest company, worked in Silicon Valley 'because that's where the talent pool is.'

Jensen Huang revealed he is 'perfectly fine' with the one-time tax that billionaires are facing

Huang said Nvidia, the world's largest company, worked in Silicon Valley since 'that's where the talent pool is' and that he would accept any taxes applied to him

Huang was being asked whether the proposed ballot measure, which seeks to heavily tax the state's wealthiest residents, could affect Nvidia and Silicon Valley at large.

'I've got to tell you, I haven't thought about it even once,' he said.

The new tax, proposed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West union, would affect billionaires in California one time.

It would apply to assets such as stocks, bonds, artwork and intellectual property, rather than income.

Billionaires would have five years to pay - but the proposal has not been signed into law yet.

First, the measure has to gain enough signatures to land on the November ballot and then win voter approval.

If that happens, the new tax would retroactively apply to billionaires living in the West Coast state as of January 1, 2026.

Huang would face a significant payment if the measure goes through. He primarily resides in California, where he owns a $44 million, seven-bedroom home in San Francisco.

Nvidia is headquartered in Santa Clara, about 50 miles north of the Bay Area, but also has other offices around the world.

'Wherever there's talent, we have offices,' Huang said.

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of tech giant Nvidia, said California's potential billionaires' tax had 'never crossed my mind once'

Venture capitalist Peter Thiel is among the billionaires who could leave California over the ultra-rich tax. His private investment firm, Thiel Capital, opened an office in Miami last week

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has historically opposed wealth tax proposals. He said in December that his state 'couldn't isolate yourself from the 49 others'

Although it is still uncertain that the ballot measure will be enacted, some billionaires are considering moving away from California in protest, according to The New York Times.

That includes venture capitalist Peter Thiel or Google co-founder Larry Page.

Thiel, who is worth about $27.5 billion, could owe more than $1.2 billion if the new tax goes through.

His private investment firm, Thiel Capital, opened an office in Miami, Florida, last week to 'complement [its] existing operations' in Los Angeles.

The lease for the office was signed in December 2025, the press release announcing the move pointed out.

Meanwhile, Page - with roughly $258 billion - could be hit with a one-time tax of at least $12 billion.

He had given thought to moving away from the west coast state, The New York Times reported.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has criticized the proposal and historically opposed wealth tax proposals.

'You can't isolate yourself from the 49 others,' he said in December. 'We're in a competitive environment. People have this simple luxury, particularly people of that status. They already have two or three homes outside the state.'

California Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat, sarcastically noted that he would 'miss' the billionaires who decided to leave the west coast state in wake of the tax proposal

Anduril founder Palmer Luckey claimed the proposed billionaires' tax would 'force founders like me to sell huge chunks of our companies to pay for fraud, waste, and political favors'

Newsom added: 'It's a simple issue. You've got to be pragmatic about it.'

If the proposed ballot measure goes through, the new tax would apply to about 200 billionaires in the state.

Other west coast politicians, such as California Rep. Ro Khanna, have spoken out in favor of the idea.

'Peter Thiel is leaving California if we pass a 1% tax on billionaires for 5 years to pay for healthcare for the working class facing steep Medicaid cuts,' Khanna posted on X.

'I echo what FDR said with sarcasm of economic royalists when they threatened to leave, "I will miss them very much".'

That prompted a response from Palmer Luckey, the founder of defense startup Anduril. He is worth about $3.6b and based out of Irvine.

'You are fighting to force founders like me to sell huge chunks of our companies to pay for fraud, waste, and political favors for the organizations pushing this ballot initiative,' Luckey said on X.

He added: 'I made my money from my first company, paid hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes on it, used the remainder to start a second company that employs six thousand people, and now me and my cofounders have to somehow come up with billions of dollars in cash.

'And if we can't, the state is going to seize my home and garnish my wages for the rest of my life.'
Just a few hundred metres behind Gabriela Parra lies her homeland of Venezuela  but she dare not take another step off Colombian ground.

Though the highway bridge over the Tachira River that marks the border is open and flowing freely, she knows exactly what awaits her should she push on any further.

'It would end like it has ended for many of my friends,' she tells me, shrugging. 'Prison. Torture. Murder.'

The 40-year-old single mother was forced to flee in 2019 after a brutal campaign of intimidation by dictator Nicolas Maduro's henchmen.

As a journalist and opposition activist for the Vente Venezuela party, which won stolen elections last year, she was considered persona non grata in her hometown of Maracaibo.

Yet in the early hours of Saturday, having just finished a 14-hour shift earning 5 per day at a Colombian Tienda shop in the border town of Cucuta, a friend called to say Maduro had been captured. For Ms Parra, it meant only one thing. As she read the accounts of the audacious Special Forces operation, she quietly said to herself: 'Soon, I will be coming home.'

Journalist and political activist Gabriela Parra was forced to flee in 2019 after a brutal campaign of intimidation by dictator Nicolas Maduro's henchmen

Venezuelans living in Costa Rica demonstrate for a democratic transition, after the US launched strikes and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores

After the initial euphoria, many Venezuelans are disappointed that President Trump has sidelined charismatic opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. Worse yet, he appears to have struck a deal with Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez.

On Monday the US leader ruled out an election in the next 30 days, saying: 'We have to fix the country first. You can't have an election. There's no way the people could even vote.'

With armed thugs returning to the streets of Caracas yesterday, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer warned that the President's plan for Venezuela appears nothing more than 'wishful thinking' after a briefing by top officials.

But Ms Parra has not lost any hope that she is going home. She believes Ms Machado will soon be in power despite Washington saying otherwise.

Seeing Maduro blindfolded and bound was 'the happiest moment' for her as she could 'finally see the light at the end of the tunnel'. 'All the people who had been suffering, who had been murdered, been imprisoned, now they are getting justice,' she said.

Ms Parra, who has a 19-year-old daughter, Valeria, and five-year-old son, Dylan, misses her homeland dearly. 'Now I am going to cry,' she says when asked to describe life there. 'It was beautiful. I grew up before [dictator Hugo] Chavez and everything was good.'

But when she became a journalist critical of the Chavez regime, the intimidation began. After Maduro took over in 2013, it got much worse. 'I think Chavez was much smarter than Maduro,' she said. 'When he was running the country you could actually have a kind of dialogue with him. But as Maduro wasn't so smart, he made up for that by being way more aggressive.'

A surveillance van watched her house day and night, with government goons trailing her family, while any demonstrations were cracked down on with gas and rubber bullets.

Soon, though, Maduro graduated to real bullets.

'I remember on March 27, 2014, we had a gathering of journalists in my apartment when the government forces tried to break in,' she said. 'They spent 17 hours attacking the building. They surrounded the neighbourhood. They had gas, bombs, bullets.'

Life became difficult and finally in 2019, as the regime intimidated her family, she decided to leave, alone, for Colombia.

Such methods have gone into overdrive since Saturday's raid, with Maduro's heavily armed henchmen seen marauding the streets declaring US 'pigs' will not take their country.

Footage showed interior minister Diosdado Cabello, Maduro's closest ally, posing with a crowd of armed militia on Monday as they shouted: 'Always loyal, never traitors.'

Mr Cabello, who has a $25 million (19 million) bounty on his head for drug-trafficking charges, largely controls the Colectivos  the militias that rule the streets with fear.

Ms Parra remains hopeful. She settled in Cucuta six years ago and works any odd job she can to get by while acting as the local co-ordinator for Vente Venezuela. Now, she feels in her bones that it is time to return.

'I have been imagining this moment,' she said. 'I am always hopeful, and I try to give that hope to all of the Venezuelans here. We have to wait a little bit more, but when you have been waiting for 25 years, a couple of minutes more it's not so long.'

Looking out over the river, she added: 'We will cross the bridge  all of us.'
Anthony Albanese is now preparing himself for an almighty backflip: calling a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack.

He hasn't shifted his position based on principle, of course. This is a desperate attempt to politically save himself. All he cares about now is trying to execute the backflip without falling flat on his face.

For weeks, the PM treated the push for a Commonwealth royal commission as if it was some kind of reckless indulgence: emotional, divisive, slow and supposedly dangerous to the national mood.

He and Immigration Minister Tony Burke leaned hard on the same lines: social cohesion would be put at risk. Don't 'platform' the worst voices. Don't give oxygen to antisemitism. Don't let the country relive the ugliness. I hear Burke was in Albanese's ear more than anyone else trying to dissuade him from calling a royal commission.

Have these concerns gone away? Were they overstated or even made up to begin with?

Suddenly the PM is 'not ruling out' a royal commission. He is 'warming' to the idea. He is meeting people 'on a daily basis' about what further response is needed.

Not because the facts have changed. Not because the logic has changed. Not because the public suddenly became less cohesive. But because the politics changed and he knows it. His base instincts are kicking in.

That's the part that should anger people who care about leadership rather than performance.

Anthony Albanese (pictured in Queensland on Tuesday) is preparing to backflip and call a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack

A royal commission was either an unacceptable risk to social cohesion, or it wasn't. It was either an inappropriate vehicle for scrutinising national security, or it wasn't. It either took too long to be useful, or it didn't.

Albanese cannot spend weeks selling one story with moral certainty, only to pivot when the political pressure rises, without exposing what the earlier story really was: absolute rubbish.

The government tried to box this up as a choice between urgency and delay. That was a rhetorical trick.

The choice was never binary, there was no choice that had to be made. Albanese claimed the country needed 'unity and urgency' rather than 'division and delay', and he framed the Richardson review as the mature, practical alternative.

But a PM doesn't get to pretend there are only two options: either a narrow review now or a royal commission later. That's a false narrative.

It was always open to him to do both: move immediately on operational gaps and security settings, while committing to a full, properly empowered Commonwealth inquiry to answer the bigger questions the public is asking.

The idea that one precludes the other is convenient nonsense.

This isn't a minor controversy that fades with time. Families want answers and communities want confidence restored (pictured, a memorial at Bondi Beach in December)

And what about those 'actual experts' that Albanese so arrogantly said were advising him against a royal commission?

It was a rhetorical device used at a media conference to bat away questions about the growing list of experts putting their names next to demands for a royal commission.

The PM never named his 'actual experts', of course, because they possibly don't exist. But he certainly tried to hide behind their illusory shadows to repel calls by named experts to do something Albanese didn't want to.

Is he now planning to go against the advice of his unnamed 'actual experts' if he backflips?

The trouble with anonymous expert advice is that it functions like a ventriloquist's dummy. It says whatever the politician needs it to say at the time.

If the PM now slides into supporting a royal commission, what exactly happened to that expert advice? Did the experts change their minds in a fortnight? Or did the PM's interpretation of their advice simply become more flexible once the polls and the headlines demanded it? Or did the advice never exist?

The same applies to the social cohesion argument. It was used as a trump card: the moral high ground that allowed Albanese and Burke to paint critics as reckless and themselves as responsible.

Burke went further, warning a royal commission would 'provide a public platform for some of the worst statements and worst voices' and 'effectively relive' the worst antisemitism.

It is understood Immigration Minister Tony Burke (pictured) leaned hard on dissuading the PM from calling a royal commission

After such strong words of concern, I can only assume that if Albanese does announce a royal commission Burke will resign on principle on the spot, because to not do so would expose the callowness of his warnings. I won't hold my breath, however.

Did all those cohesion concerns simply evaporate? Were they overstated? Were they made up? Or were they simply an excuse to avoid accountability until the political cost of avoidance became greater than the political cost of action?

That is what this episode reveals about Albanese's instincts: a reflex to manage, contain and defer. Not to lead. Not to confront. Not to take the hit early to earn trust later.

He tried to outlast the moment, to let outrage burn off, to swap a big public reckoning for a smaller process he could frame to his liking.

It hasn't worked because this isn't a minor controversy that fades with time.

Families want answers. Communities want confidence restored. And a widening group of serious voices has kept pushing because the question isn't just what happened at Bondi, but what the attack says about the environment that produced it and the failures that didn't stop it.

Perhaps that's what Albanese wanted to hide from. It's potentially where his next slippery step will lead to: attempts to frame any royal commission's terms of reference in a way to help the PM weasel out of political blowback in the years to come. Watch this space.

Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern's response to Christchurch was not perfect and it should not be mythologised. But she understood something essential: in a national trauma, the public looks for clarity, empathy and purpose.

The response to the Christchurch shooting by former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern (pictured with UK PM Keir Starmer) was not perfect and it should not be mythologised

Speed matters, but so does symbolism. Accountability matters, but so does the sense that a leader is not hiding behind process.

Albanese had an opportunity to show that kind of authority after Bondi. Instead, he built a case for why he couldn't do the one thing everyone was asking for, what the families of the victims were pleading for.

And now, after insisting a royal commission was the wrong tool, he is edging towards it anyway. Not because he suddenly discovered its virtues, but because the cost of saying 'no' became politically unsustainable.

That is the very definition of self-interested government: decision-making calibrated to personal survival, dressed up as national interest until the costume no longer fits. It's the very worst of politics the public intensely loathes.

If Albanese does announce a royal commission, he will no doubt try to claim it as proof of responsiveness. Or he'll try to spin that he was always open to having one. Pull the other one.

He will talk about listening. He will cite the evolving conversation. He will present it as the natural next step.

But the truth will be much simpler. He resisted until he couldn't. He delayed until the delay became the story. He clung to excuses until the excuses started to damage him more than the decision itself.

That is not statesmanship, it is a salvage job and a messy and painful one at that.
A female teacher has been charged with multiple child sexual abuse offences and suspended after being accused of sexually abusing a teenage schoolboy.

Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, is accused of engaging in 'persistent sexual contact' with the teenage boy at Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Mandurah, south of Perth, across 2024 and 2025.

She faces two charges of sexual penetration of a child aged 13-16, following an investigation by the Western Australian Police child abuse squad.

Craig was also charged with possession of child exploitation material and persistent sexual conduct with a child aged under 16.

She will appear in Mandurah Magistrates Court on January 27.

Craig has been suspended from the school 'pending the outcome of the police investigation and any prosecution'.

Frederick Irwin Anglican School addressed the allegations in a letter sent to parents on Tuesday. The alleged victim is not a student at the school.

'I regret to inform you that a teacher from our school has been arrested by police and charged with child-related offences,' principal Tracey Gray wrote.

Teacher Naomi Tekea Craig from Frederick Irwin Anglican School (pictured), south of Perth, has been suspended after she was charged with multiple child sexual abuse offences

'The teacher has been instructed not to attend the school.

'The information available to the school suggests that there is no need for any concern for any children at the school.

'The safety and wellbeing of your child and of all students continues to be our priority.'

WA Police acknowledged the allegations were 'deeply distressing' for the community.

'Protecting children and ensuring their safety is our highest priority,' a spokesperson said.

'Specialist detectives and support services are working tirelessly to investigate these matters and provide care for victims.'

Anyone with information about sexual abuse is urged to contact WA Police on 131 444 or lodge an anonymous report through the Safe2Say online platform.

Frederick Irwin Anglican School is a private co-educational Anglican school for students from kindergarten to Year 12.

Annual school fees start from $4,935 and go up to $9,568 for senior students.

Sexual Assault Resource Centre: 1800 199 888

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
A drug trafficking operation run by a Colombian student relied on 'Thanos' party supply business cards featuring QR codes for purchasing illicit drugs.

Colombian national Daniel Alejandro Latriglia Salcedo, 21, of Pascoe Vale in Melbourne's north, was in Australia on a student visa when he turned to dealing illegal drugs on the side.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to a swag of drug trafficking charges, including dealing cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy and LSD.

But Salcedo walked free from the courthouse on a 14-month community corrections order and $500 fine despite being convicted of the serious trafficking offences.

Daily Mail watched the drug dealer stroll along the city's busy William Street without any intervention by immigration officials.

Under the Migration Act, the Minister for Immigration has the power to cancel a visa under discretionary powers if not satisfied a person passes the 'good character test'.

During a bail application last month, the court heard Salcedo had come to police attention on October 18 when he was pulled over in a black Hyundai iX35 in leafy Brighton East about midnight.

They immediately smelt cannabis, which sparked a search of his car that uncovered cannabis, ecstasy pills, amphetamine capsules and tabs of LSD.

Colombian student Daniel Alejandro Latriglia Salcedo was 'very lucky' not to be sent to jail or deported

Police also found the 'Thanos' business cards and about $2,000 in cash.

Salcedo later admitted the cards were used to hand out to people who could scan the QR code to access drug price lists and order via Telegram - a messenger service popular with criminals.

The comic book character Thanos appears as near-invincible warlord in Marvel superhero movies, but was also a character in the Netflix series Squid Game.

In it, controversial former rapper known as T.O.P, from the K-pop group BigBang, played the drug-addicted, flamboyant Thanos character.

The court heard a search of Salcedo's phone found photos of drugs, Telegram price lists, and conversations about sales and deliveries.

The young drug dealer was arrested but promptly bailed.

Just one day after that bail was extended on December 9, police raided Salcedo's shared Pascoe Vale unit where they uncovered an Aladdin's cave of drugs.

The raid uncovered large quantities of cannabis, including buds, loose material and THC edibles like brownies, suspected cocaine and ketamine powders, MDMA pills, LSD strips, magic mushrooms, multiple laptops and phones, more than $4,000 in cash including counterfeit notes and more 'Thanos' business cards.

A digital mock-up of something similar to the 'Thanos' QR code drug menus used by Salcedo

Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, played Thanos in the second season of Squid Games

Thanos was also an powerful warlord in the Marvel Avengers' movies

Salcedo was promptly hit with fresh drug charges alongside charges of dealing with proceeds of crime, knowingly possessing counterfeit money, committing an indictable offence while on bail and drug possession.

The court heard Salcedo's lawyers had argued he be released back into the community without so much as a conviction.

Salcedo had told doctors he had developed a personal drug habit starting with amphetamines and cocaine while living in Colombia as a teenager.

He claimed to have relapsed in Australia due to a relationship breakdown, isolation, and feeling mentally alone with his family overseas.

He claimed he began buying larger quantities of drugs for personal use and sold to friends to fund his habit and survive financially.

Salcedo's lawyers argued a jail sentence would have triggered mandatory consideration for visa cancellation under the Act.

In coming to his decision, Magistrate Leon Fluxman told Salcedo he was 'very lucky' not to receive a term of imprisonment.

He emphasised that jail would ordinarily be expected for such serious trafficking offences involving multiple drugs, but agreed to a community order, with 75 hours of community work, because of the absence of prior convictions and Salcedo's early guilty plea.
An 'emotional' woman made a disturbing phone call to police months ago from the home where an Ohio dentist and his wife were found shot dead.

Monique, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found violently slain inside their Weinland Park home on December 30, in a case Columbus police are now investigating as a double homicide.

There were no obvious signs of forced entry or firearms recovered from the scene, where Spencer was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds and Monique was shot at least once in the chest.

Paramedics declared both Monique and Spencer dead just moments after they arrived at the house, one month before the pair would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.

The couple's two children, a one-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, were found unharmed, along with the family's goldendoodle dog.

It now remains unclear what may have happened to the couple, as officers search for a 'person of interest' who was caught on camera walking near the Tepes' home during the narrow window that authorities say the pair were shot upstairs.

But chilling dispatcher records obtained by Fox News show that an unidentified woman called 911 from the property in the early morning hours of April 15 to report what the dispatcher would describe as a 'domestic dispute.'

In an audio recording of the call, the woman could be heard crying as she insisted that she no longer needed police officers to come.

She then told the dispatcher that 'me and my man got into it.'

Monique, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found violently slain inside their Weinland Park home on December 30, in a case Columbus police are now investigating as a double homicide

A woman in the home made a disturbing 911 call to report a 'domestic dispute' months prior

The recording began with an operator calling the woman back after she apparently hung up after dialing 911.

The female could then be heard profusely apologizing as she said she is OK.

'Well, it sounds like you're crying. Do you need police, paramedics or anything?' the dispatcher then asked.

'No, no, no, I'm OK, I promise,' the woman replies. 'I'm just emotional.'

Still, the dispatcher pressed on, asking what prompted her to call 911 in the first place.

'Because me and my man got into it, but I'm OK, I promise,' the woman replied.

The operator then asked if the spat had become physical - to which the woman, who could be heard crying, said 'no.'

'You guys were just arguing, nobody hit each other?' the operator tried to confirm.

'Mhm, yes,' the woman replied.

The pair were shot to death upstairs while their two young children slept unharmed inside the family home

Police are seen carrying out their investigations following the couple's killing

At that point, the dispatcher would 'go ahead and tell the officers to cancel heading over to your address.'

'If anything changes, call us back,' she said.

Records show a dispatcher at the Columbus Emergency Communications Center then coded the call as a 'domestic dispute,' and later wrote that assistance was 'no longer needed.'

Detectives now believe the Tepes were killed inside their home at some point between 2am and 5am on December 30, as their children were inside.

Officers then received the first phone call from concerned coworkers just before 9am, when Spencer's employer, Mark Valrose, who owns Athens Dental Depot, reported that some of his employees were concerned that Spencer did not show up to work - something Valrose said was unlike the dentist.

'Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family,' Valrose could be heard telling a dispatcher as he asked for a wellness check.

'He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever,' he continued in his call while on vacation in Florida.

'We're very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can't get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.'

Officers received the first phone call from concerned coworkers of Spencer's at Athens Dental Depot just before 9am on December 30

About an hour later, coworkers and a friend returned to the residence themselves and immediately sensed something was wrong.

But when one of the friends called 911 once again, a dispatcher reported that officers knocked on both the front and back doors, but received no response.

Still, a friend insisted something seemed wrong, telling the dispatcher he 'thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling, but we can't get in.

'At this point, I don't know if we need to break the door in or just get in the house or what,' the friend said, according to an audio recording obtained by CBS News.

The dispatcher then relented and said they would send police back out to the house.

Minutes later, a coworker also called police frantically as she was on her way to the Tepe's home, to which the dispatcher said officers were already on their way.

The fourth and final call then came in at 10.03am.

'We've gotten several calls on that. What's changed since the last person I talked to?' the dispatcher asked at that time.

'Uh, there's a body, there's a body,' one of Spencer's friends could then be heard saying.

'Our friend wasn't answering his phone. We just came here and he appears dead,' he continued. 'He's laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can't get closer to see more than that.'

The friend then went on to say that Spencer did not do drugs and he had just seen his friend the day before.

Authorities are now looking for any information on a person who was caught on camera just steps from the Tepe's house during the narrow window when the couple was gunned down upstairs while their two young children slept

Authorities are now looking for any information on a person who was caught on camera just steps from the Tepe's house during the narrow window when the couple was gunned down upstairs while their two young children slept.

The footage was put out on Monday by the Columbus Police Department, which says the video was taken between 2am and 5am on December 30 in an alley next to the Tepe family's Weinland Park home.

The brief but unsettling video shows a person dressed in light-colored pants and a dark hooded jacket, head down, hands in pockets, walking calmly through the snowy alley.

Police say the individual's presence during such critical hours now makes them a key focus of the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the person or has additional surveillance footage from the area to come forward.

An anonymous digital portal has been opened for tips, and detectives say they are actively following up on leads.

Rob Misleh, Monique's brother, said the couple's children 'are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation'

Spencer and Monique had been married for five years and were described by loved ones as devoted parents who had built a loving family together in Columbus.

'Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique,' the family said in a statement.

'They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.'

Monique's brother, Rob Misleh, said the couple shared a 'beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship.'

'They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love,' he said.

'They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection. We are heartbroken beyond words.'

Spencer, a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, worked at Athens Dental Depot. He was said to have been a devoted father and a loyal Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Monique, who also attended Ohio State University and had a background in education, was remembered as a 'loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.'

The couple's four-year-old and 17-month-old are now in the care of relatives and are doing well, Misleh said.

'They are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation,' he acknowledged to WBNS.

The family is now raising funds to help support the two young children, garnering more than $171,000 as of Tuesday night.

'The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding,' the GoFundMe says.

'This fund exists to help provide stability and care for their children and the immediate family members who are supporting them during this time.'

Misleh, though, said that support means more than the money itself.

'We also really want to be charitable about it,' added the uncle. 'Spencer was very involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.'

He said that he is now patiently waiting to see justice be served, as he understands that investigations take time and aren't like the crime shows on television.

'Nothing can ever bring them back, but getting the justice that Mo and Spencer so deserve, finding whatever monster is capable of doing something like this, I think it would make not just our family, but a lot of people be able to feel a little bit safer,' added Misleh.
A corner of the English countryside locked in a bitter row over plans to house hundreds of asylum seekers was on Tuesday named by the New York Times as its top UK destination for 2026 - because of its links to Winnie-the-Pooh.

The Ashdown Forest and nearby town Crowborough, in East Sussex, are bracing for the arrival of up to 600 male migrants this year under Home Office accommodation plans.

In preparation, the Daily Mail revealed the Army Training Camp set to house the asylum seekers was closed last month after more than 80 years.

The army cadets who had been using the site based on the Ashdown Forest were ordered to leave over safety concerns.

But it's now been ranked in 22nd place - and No.1 UK spot - in the American paper's influential 52 Places to Go in 2026 list.

They praise 'Winnie-the-Pooh's England' as it prepares to mark 100 years since A.A. Milne introduced the beloved bear - highlighting Cotchford Farm on the Ashdown Forest and a programme of centenary events expected to draw international visitors.

They say: 'A century ago, the author A.A. Milne introduced the world to Winnie-the-Pooh. This year, centenary celebrations abound across England. The focal point will be in East Sussex, where Milne lived in a 16th-century farmhouse with his wife and son, Christopher Robin, who played there with his stuffed bear.

'Just beyond lies the real-life inspiration for the fictional Hundred Acre Wood: Ashdown Forest, where this summer, courtesy of the charity Trigger, a mythical creature will pop up around the heathland, feeding on bracken and gorse.'

'Winnie-the-Poohs England' came 22nd in the New York Times' 52 Places to Go in 2026. The story's fictional Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by the Ashdown Forest, which surrounds the town of Crowborough

The Daily Mail revealed the Army Training Camp in Crowborough was closed last month after more than 80 years as ministers and officials are understood to be preparing the military base to house up to 600 male migrants this year

The decision to house asylum seekers at the Army base has led to widespread protests in the East Sussex town

The Daily Mail has also reported how the local council has earmarked around 450,000 for the centenary celebrations although residents have called for the money to be spent on restoring the town's CCTV cameras, which were quietly switched off more than a year ago.

The issue was raised at a recent Wealden District Council meeting, where councillors questioned whether the scale of spending on Pooh-themed events was appropriate at a time of heightened local concern.

Councillor Ann Newton said she had 'nothing against Winnie-the-Pooh' but described the funding as excessive given other pressures. 'We don't have an ideal situation, and it just seems an awful lot of money,' she said.

Thousands marched through Crowborough on Sunday - the ninth protest against the plans since the Home Office announcement was made last October.

Residents say building work has continued daily at the camp, with neighbouring properties spending thousands of pounds on home security.

The top spot on the New York Times list went to Revolutionary America to celebrate the USA's 250th anniversary. Warsaw in Poland, Bangkok in Thailand, Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and Bandhavgarh in India, made up the top 5.
The man who shot dead two Brown University students before killing an MIT physicist in a multi-day rampage described President Donald Trump as an 'animal' in a video confession before ending his own life.

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, was found dead inside his Salem, New Hampshire storage facility five days after the mass shooting on December 13.

Now, the Department of Justice has released transcripts from four confessional videos he filmed inside the unit prior to being found.

In one of the videos, he described Trump as an 'animal' but insisted he harbored 'no hatred for America.'

'I have no interest in being famous. I don't give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me. The overwhelming majority of things that are going to be said, I can already imagine,' he said.

'In fact, I was already reading, I particularly like Trump's s**t, to have called me an animal, which is true. I am an animal and he is also.'

Neves Valente showed 'no remorse' for his actions in the videos, the DOJ said.

He opened fire at the Rhode Island Ivy League school, killing Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, of Virginia, and 19-year-old Ella Cook, of Alabama, more than 20 years after he studied there himself.

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, was found dead inside his Salem, New Hampshire storage facility five days after the mass shooting on December 13

Police embarked on a five-day manhunt to locate him after the mass shooting

Brown University students Ella Cook (left) and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov (right) were killed in the mass shooting

Two days later, he fatally shot MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro inside his Boston home.

Authorities revealed that gunman's original target was Loureiro and the pair had attended the same school in Portugal from 1995 to 2000.

'In these videos, Neves Valente admitted that he had been planning the Brown University shooting for a long time,' the DOJ said in a statement accompanying the transcripts.

'Although Neves Valente stated that Brown University was his intended target, based on initial review of the evidence collected, he did not provide a motive for targeting students at Brown University or the professor at MIT.

'Neves Valente showed no remorse during the recordings; on the contrary, he exposed his true nature when he blamed innocent, unarmed children for their deaths at his hand and grumbled about a self-inflicted injury he suffered when he shot the MIT professor at close range.'

Authorities described Neves Valente's actions as 'heinous' in the statement.

Neves Valente addressed his actions in the confessional tapes, admitting: 'I am not going to apologize, because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me.

'I already know that you are going to say that I am mentally ill, or some sh like that. That is all nonsense. I think the world cannot be redeemed. To sum it all up, that is it.'

Investigators believe Neves Valente killed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro (pictured) in his Massachusetts home two days after he carried out the Brown University mass shooting

Armed police officers gathered outside of a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire before discovering his body inside

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, (pictured) a former Brown University student and Portuguese national, was found dead and authorities discovered confessional videos he filmed

The suspect was found dead after a six-day manhunt, when authorities located a vehicle he used parked outside of a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire.

Officers were then able to secure a search warrant for a unit believed to have been rented by the suspect, and found Neves Valente dead in an otherwise unoccupied unit.

Neves Valente had two firearms on him at the time of his death, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha revealed.

'He was found dead with a satchel, with two firearms and evidence in the car that matches exactly what we see here in Providence,' Neronha said.

In the video transcripts, the Portuguese national expressed concerns about whether he would go through with ending his own life.

'Let's see if I've got the balls to do this to myself now, because it was hard as hell to do it to all of those people, man,' he said.

'I envy those who have no difficulty doing it, and these people exist. That's what I really envy. The rest means nothing to me.'

The discovery of his body was only made possible after Providence police received a tip on December 16 from an anonymous source referencing a Reddit post.

In one of the videos, he described Trump as an 'animal' but insisted he harbored 'no hatred for America'

'I'm being dead serious. The police need to look into a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental. That was the car he was driving,' the post read.

The vagrant tipster, known under the pseudonym John, was sleeping in the basement of a campus building when he helped police find Neves Valente.

It has since emerged he had been placed in a hotel and was being 'looked after' by federal officials and would be entitled to a $50,000 reward which was on offer.
A married music teacher on maternity leave has been charged with 'penetrating' a teenage schoolboy during 'persistent' sexual abuse.

Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly engaging in the 'persistent sexual conduct' with a teenage boy in Mandurah, a coastal city 70km south of Perth, between 2024 and 2025.

She has been charged with two counts of sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, possessing child exploitation material, and persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16.

At the time, Ms Craig was employed at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, a private co-educational Anglican school in Meadow Springs, with students from kindergarten to Year 12.

Principal Tracey Gray issued a letter to parents and carers on Tuesday confirming the alleged victim is not a student at the school.

'I regret to inform you that a teacher from our school has been arrested by police and charged with child-related offences,' Ms Gray wrote.

'The teacher has been instructed not to attend the school.

'The information available to the school suggests that there is no need for any concern for any children at the school.'

Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, has been charged over alleged sexual offences involving a male student

Police will allege Ms Craig was working at Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Mandurah at the time of the incidents

The Daily Mail can reveal Ms Craig is a married mother who also goes by Ms Woods, her marital surname.

The Daily Mail understands she had recently gone on maternity leave as she is pregnant with her second child, which is due later this month.

Ms Craig grew up in Mandurah and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Western Australia and a Diploma of Education from Edith Cowan University.

She later relocated to Melbourne, where she married her longtime partner in a lavish ceremony at Stones of the Yarra Valley on October 8, 2019 - having made a quick weekend getaway to Perth with friends three months earlier for her hens party.

A video posted online shows Ms Craig being walked down the aisle to meet her groom at the altar, before the newlyweds spent the night celebrating with family and friends.

Three years later, while still based in Victoria, the couple welcomed their first child, a little boy.

Maternity shoot photos show Ms Craig posing with her baby bump in March 2022 as she stood on a Mornington Peninsula beach dressed in white lingerie, brown broad-brimmed hat, and draped with a lace gown.

The then mum-to-be could be seen closing her eyes as she used her hands to cup her belly and chest before plunging down into the water.

Ms Craig is pictured with her husband on their wedding day in October 2019

The young mum is on maternity leave as she is pregnant with her second child

The Daily Mail understands Ms Craig, her husband and child moved back to the Mandurah region sometime between late 2022 and 2023.

According to an online work bio, Ms Craig began employment at Frederick Irwin Anglican School in 2024, having previously worked as an independent private music teacher.

Property records show the couple purchased a four-bedroom property in the area in June last year as they prepared to expand their family.

Posts on the school's social media pages reveal Ms Craig, who was known to students as Ms Woods, was actively involved in their music events, including choirs, concerts, and shopping centre carols.

She was listed as being on maternity leave in a newsletter dated December 10, which has since been removed from the school's website.

Friends and associates of Ms Craig have flocked online to express shock at the allegations.

One woman said she went to school with Ms Craig, who also taught her children.

'She was a fantastic music teacher and a great friend at school,' the woman wrote.

'(A) bubbly and happy person.

'I am in shock.'

Ms Craig is due to appear in Mandurah Magistrates Court on January 27.
Gavin Newsom has been slammed for his response to a MAGA influencer who has vowed to uncover fraud in California.

The barb was directed at Benny Johnson, a conservative commentator who said Tuesday he planned to travel to the state with his team to investigate allegations of widespread fraud.

'The fraud uncovered in Minnesota was very bad and led to the destruction of Tim Walz' career,' Johnson posted. 'But Gavin Newsom's California is far worse.'

He added: 'The American taxpayer needs to see firsthand how criminal California fraud is robbing our nation blind.'

In response to Johnson's claims, the Democrat lawmaker mocked the conservative influencer with a lewd jibe.

'We'll make sure Grindr servers are ready' Newsom's press office said on X.

Grindr is a gay dating app with about 15 million active users per month.

Last month, Johnson pledged to sue controversial provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos after he accused him of being gay.

Johnson is married to Kate Johnson, a nurse. The couple have four kids together. She celebrated their wedding anniversary last month, writing: 'Nine years and 4 babies later and I love you more than I thought possible. Happy Anniversary, my love. You are the best of men.'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparked criticism after his press office said 'we'll make sure Grindr servers are ready' at MAGA influencer Benny Johnson

The California governor's bizarre quip was met with criticism on social media, which rapidly blasted his response.

'Newsom backed so far in a corner defending wasting taxpayer money his office is now making gay jokes on Twitter,' one user said. 'We deserve better politicians who care about results.'

Another user on X weighed in and called Newsom's comments 'stupid.'

'You should be asking whistleblowers to DM you any fraud in the state  not trying to out/kink shame or whatever this juvenile tweet is,' he said.

Others took issue with Newsom, a longtime supporter of gay and lesbian rights, referencing Johnson's sexuality.

'Why does their sexual orientation matter?' one user asked.

Another said: 'Just a little light homophobia to own the conservatives.'

Newsom's jibe was also considered a change of tone from leading Democrat officials.

One user wrote: 'It's unfortunate it's not 2021 anymore. Gavin Newsom's office would've cancelled Gavin Newsom's office.'

Another online commenter weighed in by saying that Newsom's post was 'not very woke.'

On Tuesday, Johnson announced that he would be traveling to California 'next week' to visit what he called 'the fraud capital of the world.'

He cited alleged mismanagement of funds, which supposedly included $70billion lost in taxpayer funds, $24billion spent on 'nonexistent' homelessness programs and $18billion used on a stalled highspeed rail project.

Johnson also claimed that $32billion in COVID19 relief funds had been 'stolen' and that $2.5billion were 'lost' to SNAP fraud.

He pointed to how 'billions spent on rebuilding after the Palisades fires' resulted in 'no homes built', as well.

'The American taxpayers are p***ed,' Johnson added. 'We fight for them.'

Newsom's press office previously responded to Johnson's claim that $70 billion had been lost and claimed that description was 'false.'

'The State Auditor's 'highrisk' list does NOT cite billions in current losses,' the account said. 'It's a report to flag programs for added oversight BEFORE potential fraud occurs.'

Johnson alleged that 'Gavin Newsom's California is far worse' than Minnesota when it came to fraud

The post added: 'California PROSECUTES fraud  arresting 929 people and recovering $5.9 billion in unemployment fraud alone.'

Johnson's claim that $24 billion was spent on 'nonexistent' homelessness programs appeared to reference a 2023 report assessing their effectiveness.

The report said that money was allocated from 2018 to 2023, but that the programs had not been 'consistently tracked and evaluated.'

The 'stolen' COVID19 relief funds that Johnson was pointing to seemed to cite a Lexis Nexis data analysis that claimed about $32.6billion in fraudulent money could have been paid out in California.

Johnson's claims about California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) being used for fraud were previously echoed by Congresswoman Young Kim, a Republican, last month.

She asked Newsom to start a 'thorough investigation into fraud' and 'to ensure illegal aliens are not prioritized over Californians and that vital food services reach California's most vulnerable communities for whom the program was intended.'

The Pacific Palisades fire hit about 9,000 homes but only about one third have started rebuilding to any extent, according to The Wall Street Journal.

After announcing his trip to California, Johnson then claimed he had received more than 250 emails 'from California state employees and public officials with detailed fraud evidence'

In a followup post, Johnson claimed that he had received more than 250 emails 'from California state employees and public officials with detailed fraud evidence.'

He added: 'This trip is going to be epic.'

The MAGA influencer's announcement happened less than an hour after Donald Trump said his administration would be looking into the alleged fraud happening in the west coast state.

Trump posted on Truth Social: 'California, under Governor Gavin Newscum, is more corrupt than Minnesota, if that's possible???'

'The Fraud Investigation of California has begun,' he added.

The US president did not immediately provide more details about who or what was being investigated.

Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli, the first assistant US attorney in the Central District of California, said Tuesday that additional fraud charges were expected.

'We've already charged millions in fraud related to California's homeless spending,' he wrote on X. 'Much more to come very soon.'
RAF fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Atlantic yesterday as the US plotted a dramatic mission to seize it.

In dramatic Cold War-esque scenes, the Typhoons were thrust into action as Britain was drawn into America's controversial campaign against the Latin American state.

The Trump administration wants to launch a raid on the now-Russian-registered ship, which passed 500 miles off the Irish coast yesterday, and would rather 'seize it than sink it', according to reports.

After the surgical strike on Caracas that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, the Pentagon has set its sights on the Bella 1 after sanctioning the vessel in 2024 for operating within a 'shadow fleet' of tankers transporting illicit Venezuelan oil.

The tanker, thought to be empty but which can carry up to 37m worth of oil, has changed its flag and its name repeatedly.

Having set off from the Caribbean in December in a bid to dodge US lawmakers, it is now operating as the Marinera, and in an appeal to Vladimir Putin, its crew even painted on a Russian flag.

But a showdown in the North Atlantic looms as the US looks to intercept the ship  thought to be trading on behalf of the Kremlin  before it makes Russian waters.

Moscow's Foreign Ministry says it expects Western countries to respect principles of freedom of navigation.

RAF fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Atlantic yesterday as the US plotted a dramatic mission to seize it. Pictured: A CV-22B Osprey was seen practicing winching exercises off the coast of Felixstowe

It could see a repeat of scenes from last month when the US Coast Guard led a dramatic raid on The Skipper, a tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

The US says the network of shadow vessels raises funds for 'foreign terrorist organisations', using the cause as justification for armed US personnel abseiling from helicopters onto The Skipper.

US plans to board the Marinera appear to explain the sudden build-up of US assets at British airbases in recent days.

At least ten C-17 Globemaster aircraft touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. On landing, the crews unpacked Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters flown inside the transporters.

Meanwhile, pictures captured by an amateur photographer showed what seemed to be troops dangling from a USAF Osprey helicopter, possibly rehearsing for a raid on the Marinera, off the coast of Felixstowe on Monday.

Flight data trackers also identified a US U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft arriving in the UK, while a Poseidon P-8 intelligence plane joined the mission from a US airbase in Spain.

But the operation could prove treacherous due to sea conditions, the Marinera's distance from landfall and the presence of Russian submarines in the area.

The Marinera was off the coast of Iceland last night, as British and US reconnaissance aircraft circled overhead.

Join the debate Should Britain risk military involvement to support US actions against Venezuela and Russia at sea?

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The Typhoons were joined by an RAF Rivet Joint intelligence gathering aircraft and an RAF Voyager refuelling plane.

At least four RAF aircraft taking part, and more US planes arriving in this country, the Ministry of Defence declined to provide any information last night.

It came as desperately attempted to straddle the divide between Britain's European allies and the White House.

As US media reports predicted an intervention on the high seas, President Trump boasted about his military's prowess.

He told the Republicans' annual retreat in Washington: 'The United States has proved once again that we have the most powerful, most lethal, most sophisticated and the most fearsome military on planet Earth.

'I've been saying it for a long time. Nobody can take us.'

Tankers and cargo ships have been fleeing Venezuela as the US had increased its pressure on the country in recent weeks.

Mr Trump imposed a blockade of all sanctioned tankers bound for Venezuela in December. But the Marinera evaded US officials and set off across the Atlantic.

More than a dozen sanctioned tankers fled Venezuela in 'dark mode' in an effort to evade the US blockade.

The 16 vessels, mostly loaded with Venezuelan crude oil and fuel, used tactics that included disguising their locations or turning off their transmission signals.

Bosses from US oil companies are expected to visit the White House as early as tomorrow to discuss investments in Venezuela, Reuters reported.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'As routine, we do not comment on the operational activity of other nations, including third party use of UK bases.

'The US is the UK's principal defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US remains an essential part of our security.'
Having even one pint before getting behind the wheel could be illegal under Labour's proposed cut to the drink-driving limit in England and Wales.

With plans to improve road safety, the Government will consult on slashing the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, bringing it in line with Scotland.

This means that even one standard drink could be risky for some drivers  particularly women and smaller people  as alcohol is processed at varying speeds.

Any changes to drink-drive limits are likely to be a further blow to pubs after Rachel Reeves's November Budget hiked business rates.

Chris Snowdon, of the Institute of Economics Affairs, said: 'After the limit was cut in Scotland, there was no reduction in accidents.

'Drink-driving accidents typically involve people well over the limit who will only be deterred by proper enforcement of law, not tinkering.'

Data shows one in six road fatalities in 2023 involved drink-driving.

The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is currently the highest in Europe alongside Malta.

Having even one pint before getting behind the wheel could be illegal under Labour's proposed cut to the drink-driving limit in England and Wales (Stock Photo)

With plans to improve road safety, the Government will consult on slashing the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms (Stock Photo)

The power to reduce Northern Ireland's drink-drive limit is devolved and is set to remain at 35 micrograms.

The road safety strategy also proposes to require some convicted drink-drivers to have alcolocks fitted to their vehicles, and new powers to suspend driving licences for people suspected of drink or drug-driving offences.

Alcolocks are devices which prevent a vehicle from being started or driven unless the motorist passes a breath test.

They are already used in several countries - such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the US - in return for shorter driving bans.

The reforms - which are the widest in scope since the Road Safety Act was passed under the Tony Blair government in 2006 - also mean older drivers will be forced to take eye tests.

Motorists aged 70 and above can no longer self-report visual diseases to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) after coroners warned the system could be abused.

Twelve prevention of future deaths reports since 2019 have expressed significant concerns over the current system of self-reporting.

Just two other European countries rely on this method of identifying drivers with visual diseases.

Join the debate Will tougher road safety rules unfairly punish responsible drivers or finally save lives on UK roads?

Daily Mail reporter Jack Hardy obtained 'illegal' ghost plates through an official DVLA-registered supplier, without any checks being carried out, prompting a Government crackdown

The crackdown could also see drivers slapped with penalty points if passengers are spotted not wearing seatbelts.

Around a quarter of car occupant deaths involve not wearing seatbelts but currently only passengers with a driving licence can receive penalty points.

Some 1,633 people died in road traffic accidents in 2024 and more than 27,000 were seriously injured, amounting to one casualty every 18 minutes.

Almost one in four (24 per cent) drivers killed on Britain's roads were aged 70 or older, motivating the most dramatic policy proposals.

The Government is hoping these reforms can help it achieve its target of reducing deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65 per cent by 2035.

Twenty-two European countries have made 'more progress than the UK' in reducing road crash deaths, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities.

'For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.

The 'true ghost plates' obtained by the Daily Mail were almost entirely invisible when photographed under infrared light, which is used by road cameras at night or in low visibility

'We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.

'The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.'

President of the Automobile Association (AA) Edmund King said: 'A move to make eye tests for older drivers mandatory is obviously welcome, especially as the likelihood of crashes increases once someone is over the age of 70, and markedly shoots up over the age of 80 to a peak at age 86, with eyesight often a worrying factor.

'Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.'

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at charity IAM RoadSmart, said the measures are 'robust policies to make our roads safer' following a 'lost decade' in reducing deaths and serious injuries from crashes.

Karen Tyrell, chief executive of charity Drinkaware, added the proportion of drink-driving collisions which cause fatalities has nearly doubled since 2015, so it is 'vital that this change is coupled with strong enforcement'.

The suggested reforms also include a crackdown on illegal 'ghost' plates after a Daily Mail probe revealed up to one in 15 cars could have number plates being exploited by criminals and unscrupulous drivers.

Motorists who use number plates invisible to road cameras face penalty points and having their vehicles seized under new plans to improve road safety launched on Wednesday.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, pictured in December, said: 'Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities'

Tougher checks during annual MOTs will be introduced to ensure plates are readable by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras as part of the crackdown.

Britain's unregulated car registration regime means that, because of a loophole, plates using 3D and 4D characters that make them effectively invisible to cameras are not currently illegal to sell.

Ghost plates are already being used in organised crime operations to evade detection, while unscrupulous drivers are using them to avoid parking fines and speeding penalties.

Under new plans, the DfT will work with the DVLA, DVSA, and the police to review the international standard for number plates.

The DVLA will also carry out more robust checks on number plate suppliers, while new research will explore the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify ghost plates.

Labour MP Sarah Coombes, who has campaigned for tougher laws on the illegal plates, said: 'Thanks to my and the Daily Mail's campaign to bring the hidden menace of ghost number plates to light, this Labour Government has listened.

'There is no good reason to use a ghost plate, it threatens safety on our roads and allows criminals to go under the radar. But they've now been rumbled.

'The government's landmark road safety strategy is taking decisive steps to end this number plate wild west.'

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'Ghost number plates allow dangerous drivers to evade detection and escape accountability, but we are sending a clear message: if you drive with illegal plates, you will face consequences.

'As part of our Road Safety Strategy we will consult on introducing penalty points and vehicle seizure for those caught with illegal plates, while empowering the DVLA to conduct more rigorous checks on number plate suppliers.

'We are also exploring the use of AI alongside Automatic Number Plate Recognition to catch those attempting to evade detection.'
Europe's leaders boldly confronted Donald Trump on Tuesday night after his administration threatened to use the US military to seize Greenland.

A joint statement from leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy vowed to defend Greenland's 'territorial integrity' - following days of escalating tensions between the US and NATO ally Denmark.

It comes as Trump and his top advisers explore plans including purchasing the Danish territory or taking charge of its defense, according to a senior administration official.

The White House said that 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned the issue is 'not going away' despite the protests of NATO leaders.

The statement has dismayed America's NATO allies, who have rallied around Denmark in recent days as Trump renews his threats to invade Greenland after the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

In a public statement, seven leaders - from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark - declared they will 'not stop defending' Greenland despite the threats.

They called America an 'essential partner' and reiterated that the US and Denmark signed a defense agreement in 1951.

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' they said.

US President Donald Trump speaks during the House Republican Party (GOP) member retreat at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on January 6

A joint statement from leaders vowed to defend Greenland's 'territorial integrity'

The joint statement was from leaders including Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron (pictured on January 6)

The statement added that the allies will continue to defend Greenland's 'territorial integrity' and the 'inviolability of borders'.

What happens next?

Scenario: Invasion The US has the world's strongest military, meaning it could likely take Greenland by force with little difficulty. Scenario: Coercion Most analysts believe that if Trump was to take Greenland, he would be most likely to do it through means such as the threat of military intervention. Scenario: Free association The Economist on Tuesday reported that US officials were constructing a potential deal where Greenland would sign a 'compact of free association' (CofA) with the US. Scenario: One man, two guvnors Greenland could keep moving towards independence but remain within the Danish kingdom for now, while playing the Danes and the Americans off against each other. Advertisement

Trump has argued that the US needs to control the island, which is more than three times the size of Texas, to ensure NATO security against rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

He hinted on Sunday that a decision on Greenland may come 'in about two months,' once the situation in Venezuela has stabilised.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday: 'President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.

'The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal.'

It comes as Trump claimed on Tuesday night that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of 'high-quality, sanctioned oil' to the US.

He added: 'This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately.'

Trump's renewed claims over self-governing Greenland have stoked concerns in Europe that the NATO alliance could be about to fracture.

Snow-covered buildings in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 7, 2025

Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, at the Elysee Summit of the Coalition of Volunteers in Paris on Tuesday

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Europe's backing came after White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller cast doubt on the legitimacy of Denmark's territorial claim over Greenland in an interview with CNN on Monday night.

He also said there was 'no need' to consider whether the US might carry out a military operation to take it over because 'nobody is going to fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland'.

Miller's wife further inflamed tensions after Maduro's capture by tweeting a map of Greenland covered by the American flag, captioning the post on X: 'Soon.'

Trump on Saturday after Maduro's capture touted the 'Donroe Doctrine', his version of the Monroe Doctrine, the 1800s-era policy that warned against European colonisation in the Americas articulated by President James Monroe.

Greenland's position above the Arctic Circle makes it a prime piece of real estate in the geopolitical map of the world.

Katie Miller, the wife of President Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, Steven Miller, posted a map of Greenland covered by the American flag to X just hours after the US struck Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro

Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland last January

Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put Greenland at the heart of the debate over global trade and security.

The island, 80 per cent of which lies above the Arctic Circle, is home to about 56,000 mostly Inuit people who until now have been largely ignored by the rest of the world.

Its location off the northeastern coast of Canada made it crucial to the defense of North America during World War II, when the US occupied Greenland.

Following the Cold War, the Arctic was largely an area of international cooperation.

But the Arctic ice is thinning, promising to create a northwest passage for international trade and reigniting competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region's mineral resources.

In 2018, China declared itself a 'near-Arctic state' in an effort to gain more influence in the region.

China has also announced plans to build a 'Polar Silk Road' as part of its global Belt and Road Initiative, which has created economic links with countries around the world.

US Army Green Berets are seen during Arctic Edge 24 in Greenland. The territory is known for its untapped mineral wealth and NATO alliance

US Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland last March, specifically the US military's Pituffik Space Base

Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected China's move, saying: 'Do we want the Arctic Ocean to transform into a new South China Sea, fraught with militarisation and competing territorial claims?'

Meanwhile, Russia has sought to assert its influence over wide areas of the Arctic in competition with the US, Canada, Denmark and Norway.

Moscow has also sought to boost its military presence in the polar region, home to its Northern Fleet and a site where the Soviet Union tested nuclear weapons. Russian military officials have said that the site is ready for resuming the tests, if necessary.

The Russian military in recent years has been restoring old Soviet infrastructure in the Arctic and building new facilities. Since 2014, the Russian military has opened several military bases in the Arctic and worked on reconstructing airfields.

European leaders' concerns were heightened following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last year that Russia is worried about NATO's activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening the capability of its armed forces there.

'Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, but we will closely follow the developments and mount an appropriate response by increasing our military capability and modernising military infrastructure,' Putin said in March at a policy forum in the Arctic port of Murmansk.

He added, however, that Moscow was holding the door open to broader international cooperation in the region.

The US Department of Defense operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was built after the U.S. and Denmark signed the Defense of Greenland Treaty in 1951.

It supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the US and NATO.

Greenland also guards part of what is known as the GIUK (Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom) Gap, where NATO monitors Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.

Denmark is strengthening its military presence around Greenland and in the wider North Atlantic.

The government last year announced a roughly $2.3billion deal with parties including the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, another self-governing Danish territory, to 'improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty'.

The plan includes three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones and satellite capacity.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command is headquartered in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and tasked with the 'surveillance, assertion of sovereignty and military defense of Greenland and the Faroe Islands,' according to its website. It has smaller satellite stations across the island.

The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, is also stationed in Greenland.

Greenland is also a rich source of the so-called rare earth minerals that are a key component of mobile phones, computers, batteries and other hi-tech gadgets that are expected to power the world's economy in the coming decades.

That has attracted the interest of the US and other Western powers as they try to ease China's dominance of the market for these critical minerals.

Development of Greenland's mineral resources is challenging because of the island's harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.
A hero of the Bondi Beach massacre will be the guest of honour at a Jewish gala dinner in New York City on Wednesday night, as details of his US visit emerge.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, who was seriously wounded while disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach in December, has arrived in the US and will attend the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner in New York, alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.

The charity event raises funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets priced from $1,000 ($1,485 AUD).

Event organisers have described Mr Al Ahmed as a special guest in recognition of his actions during the December 14 attack, when he intervened, disarmed and restrained Akram before the gunman was shot dead by police.

The charity is understood to have paid for his business-class flights from Australia and his accommodation in New York.

Mr Al Ahmed, who is Muslim, was photographed wearing a kippah - a religious skullcap - while meeting Jewish community leaders ahead of the gala.

He was also greeted by FBI officers upon arrival in the US on Tuesday.

According to a well-placed source, the trip was planned late last year, shortly after Mr Al Ahmed was discharged from hospital.

Bondi attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed has received a warm welcome as he was greeted by the FBI in New York

'The trip was already planned before the 29th so at the end of the year it was in discussions,' they said.

'He was worried it was going to be freezing and that he didn't have any winter clothes, being summer here.'

The source added that Mr Al Ahmed and his then lawyer, Sam Issa, were planning to travel to the US to pursue opportunities and that there was talk of chat shows.

'He seemed open to all of it and was excited about the trip,' they said.

Mr Al Ahmed is no longer being represented by Mr Issa, and last week engaged media specialist Ian Robertson, chair of corporate and commercial law firm Holding Redlich.

However, Mr Issa is seen in photos with his former client in New York, as it is understood he assisted with aspects of the trip.

After landing in the US, Mr Al Ahmed and Rabbi Ulman visited the Ohel in Queens - the resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson - ahead of further meetings in New York and Washington, D.C.

He previously posted on Instagram that he was travelling to the United States to begin a 'treatment journey', though the nature of the treatment has not been disclosed.

Mr Al Ahmed surrounded by the FBI in the US

Mr Al Ahmed posted photos and videos on Instagram after landing in the US on Monday

Mr Al Ahmed with Qantas staff on his flight to New York

He captioned the video: 'On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States. I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers.'

In a separate post, Mr Al Ahmed wrote: 'It is a long journey, but a necessary one. We ask God for success and guidance. Your prayers.

'A special thanks to the FBI for their warm welcome, outstanding protection, and genuine care. Your professionalism and support are truly appreciated.'

He also shared images from his flight, including a selfie with Qantas flight attendants.

Mr Al Ahmed is a Syrian national living in Australia. Syrians are subject to strict US travel restrictions under laws introduced last year, though exemptions may apply depending on visa status and purpose of travel.

Speaking to the Daily Mail last week, Mr Robertson confirmed his client's travel to the US, and said Mr Al Ahmed would not be giving interviews during his time there due to health concerns and stress.

Mr Al Ahmed became embroiled in a public dispute with Sky News Australia after withdrawing from a planned interview following his release from hospital.

Fifteen people, including 10-year-old girl Matilda Bee, were killed in the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach when Indian national Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah.

The moment Mr Al Ahmed (in white) wrestled the firearm from gunman Sajid Akram during the Bondi shooting

Mr Al Ahmed (pictured with NSW Premier Chris Minns) was discharged from hospital two weeks after being shot

There are six people still in hospital following the Islamic State-inspired attack.

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, publicly praised Mr Al Ahmed's courage in the aftermath of the massacre.

While recovering in hospital, Mr Al Ahmed sold his Sydney tobacco shop in Sutherland in Sydney's south, and received a cheque for $2.5million following a massive fundraising effort in recognition of his bravery, and recovery.
Donald Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the United States 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion.

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela's stock.

'I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,' he posted to Truth Social.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez previously served as Maduro's Minister of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons.

Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales - which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters - of the oil.

'This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!'

Trump has placed Energy Secretary Chris Wright in charge of executing the plan which is scheduled to begin immediately.

'It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States,' he wrote.

Donald Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the United States 30 to 50 million barrels of oil.

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela's stock

Separately, the White House is organizing an Oval Office meeting Friday with oil company executives regarding Venezuela, with representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the plans.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Secretary Wright for comment.

Trump said Monday it will cost 'a lot of money' to rebuild the South American country's energy infrastructure but thinks the US can do it ahead of that 18 month timeline.

However, he added that the American taxpayers may be on the hook for it, as the oil companies may receive assistance to do so.

'I think we can do it in less time than that, but it'll be a lot of money,' he told NBC News.

'A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent and the oil companies will spend it, and then they'll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.'

When asked if Trump's 'America First' base would stand for nation-building overseas, the president backed himself to maintain the support of his voters.

'MAGA loves it. MAGA loves what I'm doing. MAGA loves everything I do. MAGA is me. MAGA loves everything I do, and I love everything I do, too,' he said.

Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales of the oil

Trump also told NBC News that the project could take the next 18 months before Venezuelans elect a new president.

'We have to fix the country first. You can't have an election. There's no way the people could even vote,' Trump said.

'No, it's going to take a period of time. We have  we have to nurse the country back to health.'

Venezuela holds 303 billion barrels of proven oil - nearly a fifth of the global total - most of it heavy, sour crude locked in the Orinoco Belt.

Yet years of mismanagement, corruption, and US sanctions have slashed production from 3.5million to 1.1 million barrels per day, less than 1 percent of global supply.

The Trump administration has made clear that oil sits at the center of Washington's Venezuela strategy, after the sensational arrest of Maduro.

Chevron is expected to gain first access, with ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips promised future contracts.

If production ramps steadily, the impact on American households could be substantial over the coming years, according to veteran oil expert Tony Franjie.

Separately, the White House is organizing an Oval Office meeting Friday with oil company executives regarding Venezuela, with representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the plans

Cheaper crude lowers transportation costs, easing airline tickets, trucking, and groceries.

'Lower gasoline prices, lower airfare  this is going to be great for the US consumer,' said Franjie, a 26-year energy industry analyst at Texas-based SynMax Intelligence.

Franjie forecasts crude could fall below $40 a barrel and gasoline could dip to around $2.50 a gallon, down from $2.80.

The type of oil in Venezuela is thick, dirty and expensive to process - but that is where Franjie sees America's edge.

'The US Gulf Coast refineries were built around Venezuelan crude,' he said. 'They're better than any other refineries in the world at handling that heavy Venezuelan crude.'

These facilities, designed decades ago for Venezuela's oil, could pivot back quickly from Canadian crude and shale if margins are favorable.

Analysts agree that a full revival will require billions of dollars and years of work. Pipelines are rusting. Facilities are degraded. Skilled workers fled long ago.

Political risks remain huge. Acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodriguez has asserted herself as a power broker in Caracas.

Maduro loyalists are contesting US authority. International lawyers are questioning the legality of Washington's intervention, while leaders in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil have branded it destabilizing.

China and Russia are watching closely. Both have deep strategic interests in Venezuelan oil. Any redirection of exports away from Beijing and toward the US Gulf Coast could reshape global energy flows.

Trump said on Saturday that an 'oil embargo' on Venezuela was in full force, but added that under an incoming transition Venezuela's largest customers, including China, would keep receiving oil.
New Zealanders may be moving to Australia in record numbers, but a charity has warned many are struggling to stay afloat due to the cost of living.

More than 92,000 New Zealenders applied for Australian citizenship between July 2023 and June 2025, according to data from the Department of Home Affairs.

In 2024 alone, 30,000 New Zealanders moved to Australia - the highest number in more than a decade.

But Nerang Neighbourhood Centre, which supports New Zealanders in Australia, says more people than ever are taking up its offer of a 'last resort' flight home.

'Increasingly with our New Zealand cohort, the only option is going back to New Zealand, more often than not,' general manager Vicky Rose told 1News on Tuesday.

'It came about from a need at the end of the day.

'The economic climate here is just getting worse, we're having the conversation a couple of times a week. I dare say we're sending a couple back a month.

'It scares me the amount of numbers that are coming out of New Zealand, at the moment, to Australia. I just hope they've done their research.'

Vicky Rose - the general manager of Nerang Neighbourhood Centre - has said more New Zealanders are taking up their offer of a 'last resort' return flight home

The charity, based on the Gold Coast, said Australia's economic climate is getting worse

New Zealander Dave Porter (pictured) said he has lived in Australia for a decade and a half has said the country has become 'way too expensive'

The centre has been providing the return flights to New Zealand for 10 years.

New Zealander Dave Porter has been living in Australia for 16 years but is now struggling with the high cost of living on the Gold Coast.

'We've tried everything. I was working up until about four or five months ago, and I got an injury and I couldn't work,' he told 1News.

He had been living at a caravan park but the owner sold it, adding: 'The new people that bought it just basically turfed us.'

But Mr Porter said he would rather stay in Australia than return to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens can travel to and from Australia freely and live Down Under indefinitely with a Special Category Visa (SCV).

The SCV is considered 'demand driven' and as such, the Australian government does not cap the number available. Nearly all New Zealand citizens are eligible for SCVs on arrival, subject to certain character requirements.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged citizens who are struggling in Australia to contact the consulate.

Nerang Neighbourhood Centre has been providing 'all-expenses-paid' flights back to New Zealand for a decade

'We are aware that circumstances can change quickly for New Zealanders living in Australia, and some may wish to return home,' they told Daily Mail.

'In that context, we are aware of some support that is available to help with this.

'Any New Zealand citizens in Queensland in need of consular support should reach out to the New Zealand Consulate-General in Sydney.'
A senior Israeli judge has been killed after a vehicle driving off-road joined a major highway and ploughed into his motorcycle.

Benny Sagi, the president of the Beersheba District Court, died at the scene following the collision on Route 6 in southern Israel.

Emergency responders described the incident as 'shocking', with medics saying the judge suffered fatal injuries and showed no signs of life when they arrived.

According to initial police findings, a vehicle that had been travelling off-road suddenly mounted the highway and collided with Sagi's motorcycle.

The unusual circumstances surrounding how the car entered the roadway have prompted a full investigation.

The crash happened near Kibbutz Kfar Menachem, east of Ashdod, leading to temporary road closures as officers examined the scene.

Traffic accident investigators from the Kiryat Malachi police station are working to determine whether negligence, mechanical failure or other factors were involved.

Benny Sagi, the president of the Beersheba District Court, died at the scene following the collision on Route 6 in southern Israel

Emergency responders described the incident as 'shocking', with medics saying the judge suffered fatal injuries and showed no signs of life when they arrived

Judge Sagi had been appointed acting president of the Beersheba District Court in June 2024 before assuming the role permanently in April last year.

He was considered a prominent figure within Israel's judicial system and was widely respected for his legal expertise and leadership.

News of his sudden death sent shockwaves through Israel's legal and political establishment.

President Isaac Herzog said he was 'shocked and pained' by the loss, praising Sagi as a brilliant jurist known for integrity and professionalism.

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit said the judiciary was 'dismayed' by the tragedy, describing Sagi as a man with a huge heart who was deeply respected by colleagues.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin also paid tribute, calling him a widely admired and exceptional judge.

In a statement, the Judicial Authority said it was deeply saddened by the circumstances of Sagi's death, describing him as a talented leader who was well-liked by lawyers, court staff and litigants alike.

Judge Sagi is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.

Police said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave his daughter and staff a lift at a memorial site on Monday.

Kim was inspecting the construction of a memorial for North Korean troops who died fighting overseas along with his daughter Ju Ae, state media KCNA reported.

Under a mutual defence pact with Russia in 2024, North Korea sent some 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources.

Kim described the dead soldiers as 'heroes ... who sacrificed themselves without hesitation', saying 'no one in the world can overcome such an army that is absolutely loyal to the orders of the party'.

He took part in tree-planting for the memorial with Ju Ae, who wore a red muffler while shoveling earth with her father, amusing photos showed.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition detailing North Korea's progress under Kim opened in Pyongyang as the country gears up for a key party congress to be held soon, KCNA said.

It comes after Kim took another step towards preparing his country for nuclear war by testing 'cutting-edge' ballistic missiles on Monday.

The North Korean leader was seen puffing on a cigarette in the company of top officials as a rocket soared into the early morning sky near Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un gives his daughter and staff a lift at a memorial site on Monday

The North Korean leader was driving the forklift at a memorial site

Seoul and Tokyo reported yesterday they had detected the launch of two hypersonic missiles - marking the country's first ballistic missile test of the year.

Kim said the trial showed 'the readiness of the DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear forces', the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The dictator added: 'Important achievements have been recently made in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis and preparing them for an actual war.'

Pyongyang's activity, he said, was 'aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a high-developed basis'.
Elephant in the drugstore

The biggest question hanging over infomercial queen Jo Silvagni at the end of last year was whether Chemist Warehouse would stick by her after her youngest son Tom was unmasked as a convicted rapist.

To be clear: nobody is suggesting a parent is responsible for their adult child's crimes - but the optics weren't great.

Tom had spent more than a year fighting to keep his name suppressed, with the family hiring toptier lawyers in a bid to keep the saga out of the headlines, until the order was finally lifted in December.

Then there were reports Jo had stared at her son's victim while he was sentenced.

Chemist Warehouse wouldn't comment when we chased them for a straight answer last month. Now, a week into the New Year, Jo's absence from our screens is fast becoming the elephant in the discount aisle.

And who has stepped into her place? Former Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz.

For our Queensland readers, this isn't news at all: Geitz has been doing their ads for years in the Sunshine State.

Shoppers in NSW and Victoria who found themselves in a Chemist Warehouse over the Christmas holidays would have noticed a distinct lack of in-store ads featuring Jo Silvagni

Chemist Warehouse is refusing to comment on speculation that Jo Silvagni is being phased out - despite using Queensland spokeswoman and former Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz for its television and in-store advertisements across the southern states

Jo Silvagni and husband Stephen are seen leaving the County Court of Victoria on December 5

But now the celebrated netballer is being rolled out into New South Wales and Victoria, effectively phasing out the Silvagni matriarch.

Is it a temporary 'resting' until the messy business with Tom settles down? Or something more permanent? We asked what's on in the Warehouse and they 'politely declined to comment at this time'. That's not a denial...

Sloane Ranger's shadow cabinet

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has unveiled the shadow cabinet she'll take to the 2027 state election, complete with a few surprises and some casualties.

The Sloane Ranger didn't hesitate to swing the axe, cutting Liberals Robyn Preston, Aileen McDonald, Mark Taylor and Adam Crouch.

If those names don't ring a bell, don't worry - you're not missing much.

Nationals veteran Geoff Provest, the Tweed MP, is also gone, and Inside Mail hears he is now weighing retirement after nearly two decades in Parliament.

The refreshed line-up shows Sloane isn't afraid to share the spotlight.

The Sloane Ranger didn't hesitate to swing the axe as the NSW Opposition Leader unveiled the shadow cabinet she'll take to the 2027 state election

One of her most headline-grabbing picks is Upper House MLC Chris Rath, dubbed 'Australia's first twink leader' on social media - a title we hear Rath is a fan of.

Rath now holds the keys to Housing and Arts, the latter once helmed by his friend and predecessor Don Harwin.

Rath's hardline pro-housing stance signals the Liberals are gearing up to make housing a major campaign battleground.

Sloane has stacked her team with camera-ready moderates like Jacqui Munro and James Wallace, while throwing conservatives a lifeline by resurrecting Lane Cove stalwart Anthony Roberts, who was one of the most vocal critics of the previous leadership.

Inside Mail previously revealed Roberts' leaked group chat meltdown over a Young Liberals video starring Sky News motormouth Freya Leach's husband and youth wing president Cooper Gannon, declaring simply: 'We are f**ked.'

Another conservative, Epping MP Monica Tudehope, has scored a promotion, joining the frontbench alongside her father, Liberal Upper House Leader Damien Tudehope.

And in a rare show of unity for the NSW Liberals, Sloane has even brought back Mark Speakman, the man she ousted to become leader, appointing him Shadow Education Minister.

Speakman's rapid return after the longest slow-motion leadership spill in history signals the Liberals are patched up and ready for battle.

Liberal insiders were upbeat about the reshaped team, telling Inside Mail it's a fresh mix of millennial MPs and seasoned former ministers, drawing a sharp contrast with what they branded Labor's lineup of 'Karens and union hacks'.

It's just the latest shake-up following a string of bold moves by Sloane.

She's already dismantled Speakman's former office, long a target of internal criticism, and reversed the Coalition's hardline opposition to the Government's workers' compensation reforms.

That previous refusal to back the laws sparked outrage among business groups and left party insiders and MPs seething as donations began to dry up.

Whether it will be enough to take on Chris Minns and Labor remains to be seen.

Inside Mail hears Labor HQ is still scrambling for an attack line against Sloane, made tougher by weeks of bipartisan praise for her and Minns after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The day the music died

It was a black Christmas for Australia's music industry professionals with layoffs impacting Sony Music over the holidays.

As first reported by The Music, Sony let go marketing director Clayton Doughty, veteran publicist Bronwyn Tasker, and publicity and radio co-ordinator Kate Hunter the week before Christmas in a move that would make the Grinch wince.

Doughty first joined the company 31 years ago. A well-placed source tells us they were talking to him about a promotion just one week before he was axed. Ouch.

In addition to the three senior figures mentioned, Inside Mail can reveal that promotions manager Annette Gevert, who joined the company in 2020, is also out.

Senior Director of Publicity and Promotions Kate Bonanno is also out, per the Music Network, moving to become the 'day-to-day manager' of folk duo Angus and Julia Stone.

We've heard the changes weren't limited to Sony Music Australia either, with Warner also restructuring its local team before Christmas. It's unclear who's in and who's out, but an optimistic press release trumpeted several 'strategic promotions'.

It comes six months after a Warner Music Group spokesman said the firm's global restructure would have 'no immediate impact' on Australasia, adding: 'We remain committed to our mission to make our global artists local and our local artists global.'

That's not what we're hearing from inside the bunker.

Word is the days of Australia being a significant outpost for major labels are over due to the supposed diminished appetite for local artists.

One spy tells us: 'The majors aren't investing in new local artists anymore so don't need the staff.'

Another added: 'In a few years' time, it wouldn't surprise me if those once-great music labels were reduced to a small office in Sydney with six people keeping tabs on the streaming numbers.'

Read the full edition of Inside Mail tomorrow, only for DailyMail+ subscribers

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Shocking new details have emerged about a French man accused of sexually assaulting a woman he was pretending to help.

Adam Berguiga, 22, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after being extradited from Sydney on Monday.

Police claim he had been partying at a nightclub in the CBD on New Year's Eve when he saw a woman fall over on the dancefloor and proceeded to help her outside, where he sexually assaulted her.

Court documents released on Wednesday alleged Berguiga repeatedly raped the woman in a violent street attack.

It is alleged Berguiga had escorted the woman out of the venue and towards Corrs Lane early on Thursday morning.

The laneway runs between Little Bourke and Lonsdale streets.

Court documents allege Berguiga savagely assaulted the woman, causing bruises to her left shoulder and head, and grazing to her knees.

It was further alleged Berguiga kissed the woman during the alleged sexual assault.

Adam Berguiga has been charged with multiple counts of rape and related assault and driving offences

Police claim Berguiga had driven into the city despite not having a licence.

The Frenchman made no application for bail and will be remanded in custody until his next court appearance in April.

The court heard Berguiga could not speak a word of English and had never been behind bars before.

Police had issued an arrest warrant for Berguiga at 9.30pm on Saturday, three days after the alleged assault.

CCTV footage and composite images were released in the hope someone might recognise the suspect.

Berguiga was quickly recognised by authorities as he allegedly tried to leave the country.

He was arrested at Sydney's international airport terminal around midday on Sunday and brought back to Victoria to face justice.

The court heard he was to be given access to a mental health professional while behind bars and would be 'vulnerable' in jail.

A man police allege is Adam Berguiga on the night a woman was allegedly raped

Coors Lane in Melbourne's CBD

Police believe Berguiga had been illegally driving a blue 2007 Toyota Yaris sedan before and after the alleged incident.

He was known to frequent the Melbourne CBD, St Kilda and Port Phillip areas.

Anyone with information on the alleged incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
A Chicago husband has made a heartfelt plea for his wife who went missing after leaving home for a routine acupuncture appointment.

Linda Brown, 53, disappeared on Saturday and was last seen near the 4500 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Her husband, Antwon, issued a public appeal for help as the search for his missing spouse continues.

'I'm broke down,' he told FOX 32. 'I don't know what to do. I've done everything.'

Antwon added: 'I'm talking to people. We've got people searching for her. I'm out of options.'

He said the last time he had seen Linda was on Friday night when they watched a movie together and she went to bed early.

When Antwon woke up the next morning, his wife was no longer there.

'I woke up at 8.45am and she was gone,' he told the outlet.

Antwon Brown issued a public plea for help finding his missing wife Linda, who disappeared Saturday after leaving home for an acupuncture appointment

Linda, 53, is currently a special education teacher at Chicago's Robert Healy Elementary. She was set to return from a leave of absence on Monday

However, Antwon did not immediately suspect that anything was wrong with his wife.

'She took her purse and credit cards, but I'm thinking she was at acupuncture,' he added.

But when she did not show up for her scheduled appointment and she did not respond to his messages and calls, Linda's family contacted police to report her missing.

'She normally answers when I call,' he told NBC Chicago.

Antwon said that he was 'terrified' by his wife's disappearance and desperate for her to return safely.

'I am just shaking,' he said. 'I need my wife home.'

According to a missing persons flyer shared by the Chicago Teachers Union, Linda was on her way to Wicker Park for the appointment when she went missing.

Linda is currently a special education teacher at Chicago's Robert Healy Elementary, per the school's website.

She was scheduled to return to work yesterday after taking a leave of absence, NBC Chicago reported.

Antwon said he last saw Linda on Friday night when they watched a movie and she went to sleep early

Linda had faced mental health challenges and was receiving help prior to her disappearance.

'That was her main thing, helping kids. She loved it,' Lisa Quintana, Brown's sister, told WGNTV.

She claimed Linda had 'never missed a day of work,' making her disappearance even more uncharacteristic.

Quintana added: 'She always went and she always had a smile on her face. Positive attitude all the time.'

She insisted that Linda would not desert her loved ones on purpose  especially her husband.

'No matter where she goes [or] what she's doing, he knows where she is at,' Quintana said.'

Her sister said Linda was 'in contact with Antwon all the time', which set off alarm bells when she stopped responding to him.

Investigators said Linda could be driving a blue Honda Civic with an Illinois plate numbered CX57470. She could require medical attention

The Chicago Police Department said Linda was last seen on Saturday near the 4500 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

According to Chicago police, Linda may now be near the 2200 block of West North Avenue.

Investigators said Linda could be driving a blue Honda Civic with an Illinois plate numbered CX57470.

She 'may be in need of medical attention,' police warned, although no further details were provided.

Linda is described as being 5 feet tall, weighing 130 pounds and having brown hair and brown eyes.

However, the Chicago Teachers Union's flyer said she was 5 feet 7 inches tall.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Chicago Police Department for further comment.
An international crime syndicate has been smashed after a spate of vehicles were stolen without their keys from across Brisbane.

Sixty vehicles including Toyota LandCruisers and Prados - collectively valued at around $8million - were stolen between October 20 and December 1, with police believing the thieves used special devices to disable Toyota computer systems.

The system can be hacked with an easily obtainable CANbus computer device, known as a CAN Injector, which is plugged into the car's wiring and uses a malicious code to unlock doors and start vehicles.

It comes after police revealed on Wednesday that an international crime syndicate was believed to be behind the targeted attack.

Queensland Police allege a group of foreign nationals flew into Brisbane in October and then made off with up to two stolen cars a day before shipping them to the United Arab Emirates for profit.

Seven foreign men believed to be part of the operation have now been arrested and charged with more than 300 offences.

This includes two men - aged 44 and 40 - who were each charged with 60 counts of stealing a vehicle and six counts of attempted stealing of a vehicle.

They are both due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 27.

CCTV footage captured thieves stealing a Toyota from a Brisbane home in minutes

It's believed the syndicate used a easily accessible tech device to unlock them

Fifteen of the most recent stolen vehicles were recovered from the Port of Brisbane and Melbourne

While its understood some of the cars managed to leave Australian waters, police have been able to recover some of the stolen vehicles from wrecking yards and shipping ports across the country.

Fifteen of the most recently stolen vehicles were recovered from a Rocklea wrecking yard, the Port of Brisbane, and the Port of Melbourne.

South Brisbane District Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said investigators worked around the clock for the past two months to identify and apprehend the alleged offenders.

'Offences of this nature are brazen and can cause significant disruption to our community's feeling of safety and ability to travel to work, run errands, take children to school, or meet family and friends,' he said.

'This investigation was a top priority for local detectives to prevent further harm, hold the alleged offenders to account, and provide answers for victims.'

Det Inspector Dalton said he believed the operation had ended the spate of robberies.

'There'd been no offences of this nature since the first arrests were made on December 2, and the community can rest assured that this syndicate no longer poses an ongoing threat to them,' he told the Courier Mail.

'Once again, any connection prior to them meeting in Brisbane is still part of our investigation and we are working with our international and national counterparts to identify that.'

Police discovered two allegedly stolen LandCruisers hidden behind a facade of disassembled vehicle parts

It's alleged the group were planning to ship the whole vehicles to the UAE for profit

MOCS Brisbane Detective Acting Inspector Russell Joyce thanked local, interstate, and national law enforcement partners for their assistance throughout the investigation.

'This was an extremely complex operation with a disciplined international syndicate allegedly targeting vehicles for personal gain.'

'The QPS is sending a strong message that offences of this nature will not be tolerated, and police will be relentless in their pursuit of any alleged offender.'

Queensland Police said they are continuing to work closely with Toyota Australia throughout the ongoing investigation.
Gangs of armed men on motorcycles are patrolling the streets of Caracas, looking for supporters of Donald Trump and his military operation in Venezuela with the support of at least one key government official.

The Colectivos are a group of paramilitary militias that still support deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and have been searching vehicles at checkpoints.

The bikers, many of them masked and armed with Kalashnikovs, have searched phones and cars looking for evidence of people backing Trump's action in Caracas as an unofficial tool of the state.

In the wake of Maduro's arrest, a 90-day state of emergency put in place by the Venezuelan government orders police to 'immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States.'

They have already arrested 14 journalists, 11 of whom come from out of the country, while others remain missing, The Telegraph reported.

Many of the members of Colectivos have been seen posing with Maduro's Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello, who still clings tight to the notion that Maduro is the nation's lawful president.

'Here, the unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed, and here there is only one president, whose name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Let no one fall for the enemy's provocations,' Cabello said in a statement through the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

A video of Cabello - who has a bounty of $50million on his head in the US for drug trafficking - with the militia members that has circulated on social media sees them chanting a slogan that translates to: 'Always loyal, never traitors.'

Gangs of armed men on motorcycles are patrolling the streets of Caracas, looking for supporters of Donald Trump and his military operation in Venezuela with the support of at least one key government official

The Colectivos are a group of paramilitary militias that still support deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and have been searching vehicles at checkpoints

Other videos show them calling Americans and supporters of Trump 'pigs' who will steal the nation's resources.

Their presence has many frightened to leave their homes, with one anonymous anti-Maduro citizen saying they're scared she could have their phone searched and imprisoned for going against the government.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told Fox News Monday that the Colectivos are 'really alarming.'

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Maduro's vice president, had struck a more conciliatory tone in a statement on Sunday.

'We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on a cooperation agenda, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law, and to strengthen lasting community coexistence,' she said in her statement.

On Tuesday, Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the United States 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion.

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela's stock.

'I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,' he posted to Truth Social.

Join the debate Does this order show Maduro is ruling through fear rather than law?

The bikers, many of them masked and armed with Kalashnikovs, have searched phones and cars looking for evidence of people backing Trump's action in Caracas as an unofficial tool of the state

Members of the Colectivos, guard the entrance to a neighborhood in Caracas

Other videos show them calling Americans and supporters of Trump 'pigs' who will steal the nation's resources

Colectivos members guard the entrance to a Caracas supermarket

In addition to the vice presidency, Rodriguez previously served as Maduro's Minister of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons.

Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales - which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters - of the oil.

'This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!'

Trump has placed Energy Secretary Chris Wright in charge of executing the plan which is scheduled to begin immediately.

'It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States,' he wrote.

Separately, the White House is organizing an Oval Office meeting Friday with oil company executives regarding Venezuela, with representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the plans.

Trump said Monday it will cost 'a lot of money' to rebuild the South American country's energy infrastructure but thinks the US can do it ahead of that 18 month timeline.

However, he added that the American taxpayers may be on the hook for it, as the oil companies may receive assistance to do so.

A member of the militia group known as 'Colectivos' takes part in a march calling for release of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro

Many of the members of Colectivos have been seen posing with Maduro's Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello (pictured), who still clings tight to the notion that Maduro is the nation's lawful president

Many have led marches to free deposed leader Nicolas Maduro

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Maduro's vice president, had struck a more conciliatory tone in a statement on Sunday

'I think we can do it in less time than that, but it'll be a lot of money,' he told NBC News.

'A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent and the oil companies will spend it, and then they'll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.'

When asked if Trump's 'America First' base would stand for nation-building overseas, the president backed himself to maintain the support of his voters.

'MAGA loves it. MAGA loves what I'm doing. MAGA loves everything I do. MAGA is me. MAGA loves everything I do, and I love everything I do, too,' he said.

Trump also told NBC News that the project could take the next 18 months before Venezuelans elect a new president.

'We have to fix the country first. You can't have an election. There's no way the people could even vote,' Trump said.

'No, it's going to take a period of time. We have  we have to nurse the country back to health.'
The death is a double tragedy for her parents

A teenage girl has been identified after she and a family friend died when their all-terrain vehicle collided with a utility truck on a highway while she was on holiday.

Adasyn Wood Savin, 16, was enjoying the school holidays in Rosebery, in Tasmania's west, when she hopped on the back of a Honda quad bike with a family friend, 38, just before 4.30pm on Saturday.

They were riding along the Murchison Highway when their vehicle crashed into a white Mitsubishi Triton.

Interstate tourists tried to save their lives, but both died at the scene.

The ute driver, 40, was uninjured and taken to the police station for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

A family friend has now made a public appeal for funding so Adasyn's mother can travel to Rosebery and bring her daughter's body home to Newcastle in NSW.

They also revealed the situation is a double tragedy for Adasyn's parents, who previously lost her little brother, Cooper.

The day after the crash, Adasyn's father wrote a tribute to her on social media, saying: 'To my beautiful daughter you were everything to me my world will never be the same.

Adasyn Wood Savin, 16, (pictured) died in a quad bike accident on Saturday

The teenager was travelling with a family friend on a red Honda ATV (stock image)

The crash took place along the Murchison Highway in Tasmania's west (stock image)

'I can't live without you, they took you too early, l love you so much - life's not fair.

'I'll see you again my angel rest in peace, I hate this world.'

In the fundraiser, the family friend said Adasyn was 'having fun, spending time with friends, and making memories the way any 16-year-old should' when tragedy struck.

They said her loved ones are struggling with the prospect of 'facing life without their beautiful sister, cousin, and friend'.

'No family should ever have to worry about finances while grieving the loss of their child,' it added.

'Every donation, no matter how small, will help ease the burden and allow Adasyns family to focus on saying goodbye and honouring her life.'

They also thanked everyone at the scene who tried to save her life, and said Adasyn had been 'reunited with her brother Cooper Savin, together again, watching over their family from the stars'.

Loved ones remembered Adasyn as a 'sweet' and 'beautiful' girl on social media.

Adasyn Wood Savin, from Newcastle in NSW, is pictured with her older brothers

The teenager has been remembered as a 'sweet' and 'beautiful' girl

'My sweet little Addy, rest in peace Princess,' one person said.

'Life is so unfair. Addy will be sadly missed by us all,' another wrote.

A third person said: 'Such a sweet baby girl to just a teenager, so so sad, I'm shattered.'

The deaths marked the first on Tasmanian roads this year.

All-terrain vehicles have been involved in more than 20 deaths on the island state since 2020.

A coroner's report from 2016 found seven quad bike deaths between 2012 and 2015 were preventable.
The family of an elderly couple who both died after being turned away from their local hospital have accused medical staff of negligence, claiming the pair would still be alive if they had been properly treated.

Margaret Wing, 64, and Steven Jackson, 76, died of Influenza A on November 16 after a worker at Inverell Hospital, in northern NSW, allegedly told them there were no available doctors.

The couple had fallen ill and, as their health deteriorated, Ms Wing called the hospital on Friday November 14 seeking help.

She was allegedly told they could not be seen until after the weekend.

Tragically, they were both then found unresponsive at their home on Sunday evening.

The couple's heartbroken daughter, Mandy Wing, is now demanding answers and she has blamed the hospital for their deaths.

'I'm upset and really angry because it could have been prevented,' Ms Wing told the Daily Mail.

'If my mum or dad got to see a doctor, one of them, or maybe both of them, would still be alive.'

Steven Jackson, 76, and Margaret Wing, 64, died of Influenza A in November

The couple's daughter, Mandy Wing (pictured), believes the hospital failed in its duty of care

Ms Wing claimed she made multiple complaints but has yet to hear from the hospital

Ms Wing added that 'we live in Australia and this sort of thing just shouldn't happen'.

The young mother said her parents initially became unwell with what seemed like a small sniffle, but after being unable to secure a doctor's appointment in town, their symptoms rapidly worsened.

'It turned into the flu and they were really unwell,' she said.

'I have never seen my dad so weak like that, so they decided to pack a bag and mum called the hospital.

'She asked if she could see a doctor and when one would be available, and she was told she would have to wait until Monday because there was no doctor available.'

Concerned there had been a misunderstanding, Ms Wing said she rang the hospital herself.

'I spoke to the nurse who answered the phone with "hello, emergency" and I stressed how sick they were. Mum was wobbly on her feet and I knew they needed medical help.

'The nurse was a bit rude really. Maybe they were understaffed, maybe she was trying her best, but that's no excuse. They have a duty of care and I was just told there was no doctor available.'

Ms Wing said it was not until after her parents died that she was informed they could have received assistance if have presented to the emergency department themselves, or called triple zero.

Mr Jackson initially became unwell with what seemed like a small sniffle (pictured with his grandson)

Ms Wing said both she and her mother (pictured with a grandchild) had called the hospital

'We didn't know they could go by ambulance and be seen at Armidale Hospital, which is about an hour and a half drive from here,' she said.

'We were never told they could still go to emergency at Inverell and access the digital doctor service.

'The nurse simply said there was no doctor until Monday November 17.'

After the call, Ms Wing said she went to the local pharmacy to buy over-the-counter medication to help ease her parents' symptoms before heading home.

The mother-of-four continued checking in by phone that evening, and again on Sunday, until her calls and messages went unanswered.

'I had sent dad a message at approximately 5.30pm about our dog and he had replied with a thumbs up, but at 9.10pm my 18-year-old son called me to tell me he had found them,' she said.

'Mum was in her bed and dad was in the recliner in the living room. It's just devastating. We are a really close family and this has hit us hard.'

Trying to piece together what had happened, Ms Wing said she later checked her parents' phones and discovered their tragic final moments.

The family are finding the sudden loss of both parents hard to come to terms with

'My dad had messaged my mum asking how she was feeling and she replied saying she was in agony,' she said.

'It was so difficult reading that.

'I'm mentally not okay. I'm trying to be, but my kids all miss them.

'I can't grieve because who loses their parents at the same time? It doesn't feel real.'

Nearly two months after their deaths, Ms Wing says she has made multiple complaints, but has yet to hear from the hospital or NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

'I just don't want this to happen to anybody else,' she said.

'My parents worked hard, they owned their own home and were active in the community.

'They didn't deserve to die like this and now my youngest won't even remember who they were.'

Daily Mail has contacted Inverell Hospital and NSW Health for comment.
Two inmates have been charged with murder after allegedly beating a convicted pedophile to death.

Shannon Daniel Norgate, 28, was allegedly attack while being held at Central Queensland's Maryborough Correctional Centre on November 26, 2025.

He died days later at Hervey Bay Hospital on December 1.

On Wednesday, the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch charged a 29-year-old man and a 31-year-old man with the murder of Norgate.

Norgate had been jailed in March 2020 for five child abuse offences.

The court heard on three occasions he had disguised himself as a security guard and led children into toilet block at a Gladstone shopping centre and a school.

In another incident, Norgate had also followed two boys, aged four and five, into a school toilet block, the court heard.

He took the younger boy's hand and sexually abused him, which the five-year-old witnessed.

Shannon Daniel Norgate (pictured) died in hospital after allegedly being attacked by two inmates in prison

The two inmates at Maryborough Correctional Centre (pictured) will front court on Thursday

Norgate was released from prison after serving 406 days but was later jailed again for breaching multiple court orders.

Those included contravening an offender prohibition order and failing to report a reportable offender under the Child Protection Act.

In 2023 Norgate was sentenced to six years behind bars.

His alleged killers are due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 8.
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Has the weather impacted YOU this morning?

Britons hit out at councils today as they faced dangerously icy journeys ahead of a major storm after more snow and rain was followed by further sub-zero temperatures.

Commuters were furious at the lack of grit on pavements, roads and train stations as they tried to get to work in treacherous conditions that saw buses and lorries crash.

Some said platforms were 'like a sheet of ice' and causing people to fall, while others warned the 'death trap' surfaces were like an 'ice rink'. Among those tweeting about a lack of grit was one who said: 'We pay a fortune for council tax. Get on with it!'

In Berkshire today, nine schoolchildren and eight adults were injured following a crash between a bus and a coach on the A3290 slip road in Earley near Reading at 8.25am.

The coach driver was among a total of 18 injured, and South Central Ambulance Service said its lead clinician 'reported road conditions were very icy at the scene'. There was a further two-car collision on the same road today, but with no injuries.

Another bus full of schoolchildren in Kent also crashed into a ditch at 8am today after coming off an icy road at Chilmington Green in Ashford, but no one was injured.

In Nottingham, a lorry driver was hurt after his HGV smashed through a fence and plunged around 15ft from the road into the Glaisdale Drive East industrial estate.

NHS England said hospitals were 'seeing more injuries from slips and falls due to the icy conditions' while the cold was also impacting people with respiratory problems.

It comes before Storm Goretti hits Britain tomorrow with up to 1ft (30cm) of snow and 90mph wind gusts as the Met Office warned conditions will be worse than expected.

Weather warnings for snow and wind were today upgraded from yellow to amber and will come into force from 5pm tomorrow amid fears over widespread travel chaos.

The storm is now set to undergo rapid cyclogenesis, also known as a 'weather bomb', when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls 24 millibars in 24 hours.

A Stagecoach bus carrying schoolchildren crashed into a ditch near Ashford in Kent today

A lorry slid off the road and into an industrial estate on Glaisdale Drive in Nottingham today

Traffic on the A9 in the Highlands in heavy snowfall today as severe weather causes disruption

A worker clears snow from a road in the Aberdeenshire village of Drumoak this afternoon

A commuter slips over on an icy pavement while walking through Little Venice in London today

A polar bear in the show at Kincraig Wildlife Park in the Scottish Highlands this afternoon

Some 18 people were injured in a crash on the A3290 slip road in Earley near Reading today

Lost Earth Adventures instructor Mick Ellerton climbs a frozen waterfall in Gordale Scar near Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales National Park today as ice warnings remain in place

A Network Rail snowplough reaches Lairg station on the Inverness to Wick line this afternoon

Robert Hazell, 77, of London, skates across a frozen flood plain at Port Meadow in Oxford today

Whiteout conditions in Insch, Aberdeenshire, today after the area saw 30cm (1ft) of snow

Children are spotted playing on a frozen pond in the village of Headcorn near Ashford in Kent

A frosty platform at Pollokshaws East railway station in Glasgow this morning

Workers clear pavements in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, this morning following heavy snowfall

The Met Office warned people could be hurt from slips and falls on icy surfaces and issued a yellow ice warning for almost all of the UK which ran overnight into today.

In Plymouth, a woman needed emergency treatment from Devon Air Ambulance after suffering a serious leg injury when she slipped on an icy pavement. She was given pain relief and South Western Ambulance Service took her to Derriford Hospital.

West Midlands Police said it had received 'a number of reports of collisions as a result of the icy morning', while Leicestershire Police said the roads were 'very dangerous'. and told of 'several reports of treacherous conditions and road traffic collisions'.

Dyfed-Powys Police urged motorists to 'only travel if your journey is necessary'.

In Buckinghamshire, a steep road between Little Chalfont and Amersham called Bell Lane has been closed by police after a reported 12 accidents on the same stretch.

The road had been gritted, but local residents said it became too dangerous - with the added problem of a water leak cascading water down the hill and freezing.

At least 400 schools in northern Scotland were closed today, while KLM and British Airways flights between the UK and Amsterdam were badly disrupted, with dozens axed - including 29 at London Heathrow, nine at Aberdeen and six at Edinburgh.

Flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle also faced cancellations this morning, while several Eurostar trains to France and the Netherlands were axed due to the conditions. In the UK, the weather also disrupted LNER, ScotRail and Southeastern.

It comes as the number of people working from home in Britain is thought to have risen sharply this week compared to the same time last year as commutes have been disrupted, according to data from Virgin Media O2.

Its figures revealed broadband traffic was up by 17 per cent yesterday compared with the same Tuesday in 2025 - a significant increase as more workers have stayed home amid the bad weather.

Meanwhile a neighbour was filmed destroying a 4ft snowman with a shovel on Monday, after father Steve Curtis had spent 45 minutes building it as a surprise for his five-year-old son Jacob.

Storm Goretti (named by MeteoFrance) is expected to bring a spell of wet and windy weather across parts of the country on Thursday and into Friday. With cold air in situ across the UK, rain is likely to turn readily to snow in places



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/5V8Gskl7i3  Met Office (@metoffice) January 6, 2026

Overnight into this morning, clear skies developed across Britain after a band of rain cleared to the South East  leaving icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit tweeted a video of an officer slipping over on the ice, with the caption: 'Icy conditions are a disaster waiting to happen. He won't be applying for Dancing on Ice anytime soon.'

In South East London, Niall Saville tweeted today: 'Just seen two people slip over outside Sydenham station, while on the platform. The second looking pretty badly hurt. Must be like an ice rink out there. Got the station staff to help her but nasty.'

Who is responsible for gritting roads? The 174 highways authorities across England and Wales  made up of county, unitary, metropolitan and London borough councils - are responsible for gritting nine out of every ten miles of road, equating to about 225,000 miles across the UK. The Highways Agency covers motorways and major A roads, while Transport for London (TfL) covers arterial trunk roads in the capital. A gritter lorry near Inverness last Friday The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils cannot grit all roads because this would cost hundreds of millions of extra pounds  while many roads are also too narrow or steep for gritting lorries to navigate. For the roads that councils do not grit, the LGA says the authorities supply local grit bins for residents and work with parish councils and community groups to grit more residential or remote areas. Most pavements are considered highways and so fall under the remit of councils, with decisions on which surfaces to treat based on factors such as how frequently and by how many people they are used. Advertisement

Meanwhile X user Alison Graham told Newcastle City Council to 'grit your pavements in town - bad lighting and frost/black ice are not a good combination. I've already slipped this morning as I was walking towards the Haymarket bus station.'

And in Surrey, Wayne Searle tweeted Woking Council to say: 'Having seen three people slip on black ice this morning (pre 7am), I respectfully suggest that you grit the pedestrian path from the Victoria Theatre to Brewery Road car park urgently! The proximity of the black ice to the main road is perilous!'

One commuter based in Islington, North London, tweeted: '397 a month council tax and they can't even put a bit of grit in the roads. Death trap out there today.'

Another, Andrea Edan, tweeted Brent Council to say: 'Ice on pavements on Barnhill this morning. No salt or grit. Very slippery. Isn't this what we pay council tax for?'

And Simon O'Farrell, based in Richmond, South West London, said: 'Disgraceful lack of gritting around Whitton. Roads and pavements icy. People sliding around all over the place. It's winter, it's icy. We pay a fortune for council tax. Get on with it!'

In Derby, Conservatives leader Steve Hassall told the BBC that he had received an 'unprecedented' level of complaints from residents about dangerous roads and pavements and claimed parts of the city had been 'cut off'.

He said: 'The gritting provision during this cold snap has really fallen well short of what people expect, and it appears the absolute minimum of routes have been gritted.

'We've had a car rolled in Allestree, people slipping and tripping, car parks in particular have been a real pinch point for people.

'The roads are now getting back into full time use after the Christmas break, they need to be out there gritting every road that they can. It's really brought into sharp focus the inadequacies of the gritting provision over the last few days.'

But Derby City Council defended its gritting operation, adding that it had been gritting roads 'almost daily' since Christmas and would continue monitoring road conditions ahead of tomorrow's storm.

Responding on behalf of councils, a Local Government Association spokesperson told the Daily Mail today: 'Cold weather periods can risk the health of some groups of people, particularly older people, very young children and those with serious medical conditions.

'Councils are urging people to check in on their older and vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives who may need more help during the cold, snow and ice.

'Local councils are well prepared for the colder weather keeping miles of roads gritted and open for safe travel, and specialist teams will continue to visit vulnerable residents to ensure they are safe and well at home.'

Join the debate Are councils failing their duty to keep roads and pavements safe during winter storms?

A woman walks her dog in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, today following further snowfall overnight

Traffic on the A9 in the Highlands in heavy snowfall today as severe weather causes disruption

Lost Earth Adventures instructor Mick Ellerton climbs a frozen waterfall in Gordale Scar near Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales National Park today as ice warnings remain in place

A member of the public walks a dog in the snow in the Aberdeenshire village of Drumoak today

Robert Hazell, 77, of London, skates across a frozen flood plain at Port Meadow in Oxford today

Whiteout conditions in Insch, Aberdeenshire, today after the area saw 30cm (1ft) of snow

A Stagecoach bus carrying schoolchildren crashed into a ditch near Ashford in Kent today

Workers clear pavements in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, this morning following heavy snowfall

A lorry slid off the road and into an industrial estate on Glaisdale Drive in Nottingham today

A frosty platform at Pollokshaws East railway station in Glasgow this morning

A member of the public walks a dog in the snow in the Aberdeenshire village of Drumoak today

Whiteout conditions in Insch, Aberdeenshire, today after the area saw 30cm (1ft) of snow

Network Rail tweeted this photo this morning after running patrol locomotives overnight between Aberdeen and Inverness/Dundee and Inverness-Kingussie on the Highland Main Line

Robert Hazell, 77, of London, skates across a frozen flood plain at Port Meadow in Oxford today

Ahead of Storm Goretti, the Met Office has issued an amber snow warning from 8pm tomorrow evening until 9am of Friday, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands and South Yorkshire.

The blizzard conditions could mean trains and planes are delayed or cancelled, rural communities are cut off, along with power cuts or disruption to mobile signal.

The warning stretches from Sheffield in the north, down to Leicester, across much of the west Midlands and into Wales.

How do we name storms and why has Storm Goretti got a French name? Large parts of England and Wales are braced for heavy snow tomorrow, brought by the strong winds of Storm Goretti. Here is everything you need to know about why storms are named, how a name is chosen, and why Storm Goretti was given a French name. - Why do we name storms? In 2015, the Met Office launched a scheme inviting the public to suggest names for storms, to raise awareness of the dangers of severe weather. The forecaster said using a single, recognisable name for a storm helps the public better understand the risks and take action to keep themselves safe. - When is a storm named? The decision is linked to weather warnings. If a storm is disruptive or dangerous enough for an amber or red warning to be issued, the Met Office gives it a name. Named storms are often expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain that could lead to flooding, or significant snowfall. - How is a name chosen? The Met Office uses suggestions from the public to agree a list of names for the year ahead, working together with Irish forecaster Met Eireann, and Dutch forecaster KNMI as the storm naming group for western Europe. A name is avoided if it is too difficult to pronounce, has different meanings in different countries, or if it is associated with a private company, public figure, or a storm that has previously caused loss of life. The US National Hurricane Centre does not use storm names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y or Z, so, for consistency in the North Atlantic, neither does the Met Office. The alphabetical list, which runs from early September until late August the following year, alternates between male and female names. So far this season, the UK has been hit by storms Amy, Benjamin, Claudia, Bram, and now Goretti. - Why are we using the French name for Storm Goretti? With the worst of Storm Goretti's high winds expected over northern France, the storm was named by French forecaster Meteo France. To avoid confusion and ensure consistent messaging across borders, the UK forecaster is using the same name for the storm. It is the third storm this season that has been named by another European forecaster, with the Met Office adopting Meteo France's name for Storm Benjamin in October. In November, Storm Claudia, which brought heavy and persistent rain to the UK, was named by the Spanish Meteorologial Service after it severely impacted the Canary Islands. - How do other European countries name storms? Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium and Luxembourg work together to name storms in south-western Europe, while Norway, Sweden and Denmark agree names for storms in the north of the continent. Advertisement

Forecasters said accumulations of 10cm (4in) to 15cm (6in) are 'likely fairly widely' within the warning zone - with between 20cm (8in) and 30cm (1ft) possible in some locations, mainly on hills above 200m (650ft) elevation in Wales and the Peak District.

Snow will ease through the course of Friday morning, turning more to rain or sleet at times at low levels, but disruption is likely to persist after snow stops falling.

An amber warning for high winds has also been issued for the tip of Cornwall tomorrow from 5pm until 11pm, which means there will be a 'danger to life' from large waves and debris being thrown onto beachfront roads and properties.

The warning covers the Scilly Isles and parts of Cornwall including Truro and Newquay, with gusts of 80mph to 90mph expected in the most exposed areas.

Further yellow warnings for snow and wind are in place for large parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the rest of the week.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'Storm Goretti is on its way arriving later tomorrow and affecting us through tomorrow and into Friday, bringing some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts.'

He explained that the storm will bring 'wet, windy and wintry weather' to parts of the UK.

'As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us... and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday,' Mr Burkill added.

He said exactly how far north this travels is 'all to play for', adding: 'Exactly where we see that significant snow, that's still a little bit uncertain, but the risk is there.'

National Highways issued an amber snow alert for the Midlands, from 6pm tomorrow until 9am on Friday, amid concerns for drivers on routes around Birmingham across to Leicester and Nottingham. The warning stated: 'You may wish to delay your journey.'

Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: 'Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.

'Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands. Here accumulations of 5 to 10cm are likely widely, with 15 to 25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30cm very locally.

'An amber warning has been issued where the greatest risk of disruption is likely on Thursday night into Friday morning, though updates may be required as confidence increases in the exact track of Storm Goretti.'

Storm Goretti's influence will wane on Friday evening as the system moves to the east of England, before a short-lived interlude of calmer weather for many on Saturday with rain showers easing and sunny spells possible.

But Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway said the outlook becomes very uncertain by Sunday.

He explained: 'It'll remain cold or very cold to start the weekend, although for most it will be dry. We then have very large uncertainties in the forecast by Sunday and Monday as milder air from the Atlantic tries to displace the cold air over the UK.

'This set up brings a risk of some further widespread snowfall, so it's important to stay aware of the forecast and any warnings which may be issued over the next few days.'

It comes as an Arctic air mass has brought heavy snow to the UK in recent days, with the biggest accumulations in Aberdeenshire where a major incident was declared this week - with today the seventh consecutive day of snow for some communities.

Snow also fallen across England including in London, while overnight temperatures have been below zero - with a low of -5.9C (21.4F) reported in the Highlands this morning.

A further 20cm (8in) of snow could fall on higher ground in northern Scotland today, where a 24-hour snow and ice warning has been imposed until midnight tonight.

Some 52cm (1ft 8in) of snow has already fallen at Tomintoul in Banffshire this week, while the temperature at Marham in Norfolk dropped to -12.5C (9.5F) yesterday - the lowest reading in the village since 2013.

Temperatures in recent days have been about 4C to 10C below the average for early January.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday amid ongoing fears over a 'rise in deaths' due to the weather.

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: 'In the ice warnings, be careful of slippery surfaces and potential for injuries, so take care on footpaths.

'Icy patches could affect untreated roads, not all roads and pavements and cycle paths are treated so just be aware that away from major highways there could be icy and slippery conditions for a while tomorrow morning.'

The Met Office has advised those travelling this morning to check road conditions, bus and train timetables and amend travel plans if necessary.

A yellow warning means some disruption is possible, such as travel delays, but many people can continue with their daily routine, according to the forecaster.

Heavy snow in the first part of this week led to hundreds of schools being closed across northern Scotland yesterday, and while many are set to reopen today, disruption continues in many areas.

This includes hundreds across Aberdeenshire, where all schools and council-run nurseries will remain closed, along with dozens of schools in Moray and Aberdeen and a number of those in Orkney and Shetland.

Pupils in the Highlands were due to return from the Christmas and New Year break today but many will have another extra day off.

The Highland Council said 21 secondary schools, 119 primaries, 93 nurseries and three special schools were closed today - a total of 236 education settings.

It comes before a yellow weather warning for snow, expected in a large part of England covering Sheffield, Peterborough, Bath and Worcester, and in much of Wales, will be in place from 6pm tomorrow until midday on Friday.

The severe wintry weather will be brought by the strong winds over northern France, named Storm Goretti by the country's forecaster, Meteo France.

Snow is likely to develop over higher ground in south Wales late tomorrow, before rain turns to snow more widely across England and Wales overnight.

Some areas could see 5cm (2in) to 10cm (4in) of snow settle, while others could see as much as 20cm (8in).

Storm Goretti is also expected to bring disruption in South West England, with a yellow warning for strong winds in place for Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly from 3pm tomorrow until just before midnight.

The recent drop in temperature has triggered cold weather payments for hundreds of thousands of households, designed to help elderly and vulnerable people with heating costs, the Government said.

Eligible households automatically receive 25 when temperatures are recorded or forecast to be zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.

Payments will support households in 451 postcode areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including Penrith in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales, Norwich in Norfolk, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, and Crawley in West Sussex.

McFly drummer Harry Judd runs in the snow at Regent's Park in London yesterday

A postwoman delivers mail during snowfall in Lumsden, Aberdeenshire, yesterday

McFly drummer Harry Judd runs in the snow at Regent's Park in London yesterday

A car drives through blizzard conditions during snowfall in Alford, Aberdeenshire, yesterday

People play ice hockey yesterday after flooded fields froze over in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire

Swans on the the frosty Harnham Water Meadows in front of Salisbury Cathedral yesterday

Cold weather payments have been triggered on five separate days, December 30, January 1, January 2, January 3 and January 6, and have been triggered twice for households in parts of Cumbria and Northumberland, which stand to receive a 50 payout.

Aberdeenshire Council has declared a major incident as the region deals with ongoing heavy snow.

The local authority says there is a 'good chance' some rural communities will be cut off and there may be power cuts. Schools in the area will be also closed for a third day today.

Several Eurostar trains were cancelled due to 'adverse weather conditions' today - including services from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Paris.

Rail operator LNER, which runs trains on the East Coast Mainline, has extended its advice to passengers not to travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen as they 'cannot guarantee' trains will operate until this Friday at the earliest.

Passengers using Southeastern trains in Kent were also delayed by ice preventing a train from getting electricity from the third rail between Maidstone East and Ashford.

Network Rail Scotland said the vast majority of Scotland's railway was open today, though there are still 'challenges due to deep snow' between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness to Wick/Thurso.

On the roads, Highland Council said the A836 Lairg to Tongue road is shut due to drifting snow at Crask and north of Altnaharra, while Traffic Scotland said snow gates are shut at the Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar, Cock Bridge to Tomintoul, and at Bridge of Dye.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: 'In these conditions, the key is allowing more time at every stage of the journey, whether that's clearing vehicles of snow and ice before setting off or reducing the speed at which you're travelling.

'Never be tempted to use hot water to clear a frozen windscreen which, rather than being a hack could actually lead to an expensive crack.

'Instead, leave more time before setting off and carry a decent scraper and de-icer so you can clear the windscreen quickly.

'It's important to have plenty of screen wash that protects down to at least minus 10 degrees, ensuring you always have a clear view due to all the dirt from gritted roads.'

Shaun Jones from the AA added: 'Motorists should be ready to adjust or even postpone travel plans if the conditions worsen. Storms can change quickly, and being flexible helps keep you and others safe.

'If forecasts show heavier snow or stronger winds moving into your area, consider delaying your journey or working from home where appropriate.

'Taking the time to plan ahead and making safety the priority will make a real difference as the storm continues to affect central England.'

Police Scotland said the impact of the snow is likely to be felt over the next few days in the north and north-east of Scotland, urging people to follow travel advice.

Assistant chief constable Alan Waddell said: 'Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north-east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.

'We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.

'Some services may be impacted by adverse weather and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.'

Ministers met police, local authorities, utilities companies and other bodies yesterday to discuss the response to the severe weather.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said 'difficult conditions' are expected to remain this week, and ministers will 'continue to closely monitor the situation and to engage with local partners in severely affected areas'.

Posting on social media, John Swinney said: 'Please be aware of amber warning of snow affecting much of the north of Scotland today and the yellow warning of snow and ice across most of Scotland.

'I am very grateful to all public bodies and volunteers for the support that is being provided. Please stay safe.'

The First Minister had earlier paid tribute to the 'truly exceptional' efforts of farmers, volunteers and members of the public in helping clear roads, dig out cars and keep people safe, which he said showed 'heartening' community spirit.
Russia has dispatched navy assets to protect a sanctioned oil tanker as it crosses the Atlantic, amid mounting threats from the US to seize the vessel.

The move comes after US forces were said to be preparing to board the ship, which has a long history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil and was last believed to be sailing between Scotland and Iceland.

According to CBS News, Russia has now stepped in to escort the tanker in a development that raises the prospect of a dramatic showdown between the superpowers on the high seas.

By sending navy ships into the North Atlantic, Vladimir Putin is signalling to Donald Trump that he can't act without consequences, following the US president's threat to use the military to seize Greenland.

The vessel, which is currently empty, had previously operated under the name Bella 1. Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean, armed with a warrant to seize the ship over alleged breaches of US sanctions and claims it had shipped Iranian oil.

However, the tanker then abruptly changed course, renamed itself Marinera and reportedly reflagged from Guyana to Russia.

Donald Trump last month said he had ordered a 'blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a policy the government in Caracas branded 'theft'.

In the run-up to the US seizure of the country's former leader Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, Trump repeatedly accused Venezuela's government of using ships to smuggle drugs into the US.

Two US officials told CBS News on Tuesday that American forces were planning to board the Marinera and that Washington would prefer to seize the vessel rather than sink it.

Moscow's Foreign Ministry says it expects Western countries to respect principles of freedom of navigation.

Footage posted by Russian television network RT purports to show a US Coast Guard cutter chasing the Russian-flagged oil tanker

Russia has dispatched navy assets to protect a sanctioned oil tanker as it crosses the Atlantic, amid mounting threats from the US to seize the vessel

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The US military's Southern Command reinforced that message in a social media post, saying it 'remains ready to support our US government agency partners in standing against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region.

'Our sea services are vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest. When the call comes, we will be there.'

At one point while being pursued, the crew of the vessel painted a Russian flag on its hull, claiming it was sailing under Russian protection.

Footage posted by Russian television network RT purports to show a US Coast Guard cutter chasing the Russian-flagged ship, which started its journey in Iran.

The tanker's north Atlantic position, combined with rough weather and long distances from land, is thought to be making any boarding operation difficult.

AIS tracking data, which can be spoofed or falsified, suggested the ship was around 2,000km (1,200 miles) west of continental Europe on Tuesday.

It could be heading to the Baltic Sea or around Scandinavia to Murmansk, Russias ice-free Arctic port.

Its approach towards Europe has also coincided with the arrival of around 10 US military transport aircraft and helicopters.

Russia said it was 'monitoring with concern' the situation surrounding the ship and accused the US and Nato of excessive scrutiny.

'At present, our vessel is sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law,' Russia's foreign ministry said.

'For reasons unclear to us, the Russian ship is being given increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and Nato military, despite its peaceful status.

'We expect that Western countries, which declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas, will begin adhering to this principle themselves.'

Under international law, ships are protected by the country whose flag they fly. But maritime experts say the tanker's rebranding is unlikely to deter US action.

Dimitris Ampatzidis, senior risk and compliance analyst at maritime intelligence firm Kpler, told BBC Verify that changing the ship's name and flag may count for little.

'US action is driven by the vessel's underlying identity [IMO number], ownership/control networks, and sanctions history, not by its painted markings or flag claim,' he said.

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Join the debate Should nations risk global conflict to enforce sanctions on ships at sea?

RAF fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Atlantic yesterday as the US plotted a dramatic mission to seize it. Pictured: A CV-22B Osprey was seen practicing winching exercises off the coast of Felixstowe

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela's stock

Ampatzidis added that switching to the Russian registry could spark 'diplomatic friction' but would not necessarily prevent US enforcement.

Before any US military operation launched from the UK, Washington would be expected to inform its ally. For now, the UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment, saying it will not discuss the military activities of other nations.

In what could be a diplomatic nightmare for Keir Starmer, it is believed American troops would use the UK as their launchpad for the assault.

Over the weekend, ten C-17 Globemasters and a pair of AC-130J Ghostriders landed at two RAF bases, RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, signalling a possible indication of further action.

The planes have come from Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Hunter, Georgia - airfields home to the 160th SOAR or Night Stalkers who carried out the attack on Caracas.

The C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft, often deployed in tactical and strategic missions as well as for transporting soldiers and cargo.

The AC-130J Ghostrider offers close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

US military aircraft flying from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk are monitoring the ship, according to flight tracking data.

Also aiding the search are RAF Typhoon fighter jets, accompanied by KC2 aerial refuelling tankers.

By claiming Russian status, the legalities of confronting the tanker could become more complicated.

Moscow also made a formal diplomatic request that the US stop its chase of the tanker on New Year's Eve.

In the same week that the Bella 1 changed its name and adopted a Russian flag, a second ship operating in Venezuela, the Hyperion, made a similar change.

In recent days, at least three additional oil vessels that operated in Venezuelan waters have similarly switched to Russian flags, extending a pattern of reflagging among ships under US sanctions.

A significant number of US military planes have been seen at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this week

It is understood that a number of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft arrived from the US over the weekend

The planes came from Fort Campbell in Kentucky, which is home to the 160th SOAR or Night Stalkers who carried out the attack on Caracas

At one point, Venezuelan officials had also discussed placing armed military personnel on the tanker - disguising them as civilians for defence purposes, according to CBS.

After arriving in Fairford, US personnel unloaded Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters, both used by the regiment for special operations and deployed in the raid on Maduro's home.

A spokesman for the US air force did not confirm the details of the operation.

They told the Telegraph: 'US Air Forces Europe  Air Forces Africa routinely hosts transient US military aircraft (and personnel) in accordance with access, basing, and overflight agreements with allies and partners. Taking into account operational security for US assets and personnel, further details are not releasable at this time.'

However, analysts have put forward the theory that the movement of equipment could be linked to a potential mission to capture the Marinera.

Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said the build-up could hint towards several potential missions.

Mr Savill explained that it could range from building up forces for a potential operation in the Middle East or Africa, to preparing a mission to board the Marinera.

'But it could be a cunning misdirection. When they launched Midnight Hammer (to strike Iranian nuclear facilities) they had one thing tracking with transponders on', he said.

'It's not implausible that while we're all watching that, there's something flying around over there that we're not seeing.'

The capture of the Marinera could see a repeat of scenes from last month when the US Coast Guard led a dramatic raid on The Skipper, a tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

Ten days later, another vessel named the Centuries carrying Venezuelan oil was halted and boarded, but not seized.

The US says the network of shadow vessels raises funds for 'foreign terrorist organisations', using the cause as justification for armed US personnel abseiling from helicopters onto The Skipper.

Tankers and cargo ships have been fleeing Venezuela as the US had increased its pressure on the country in recent weeks.

Mr Trump imposed a blockade of all sanctioned tankers bound for Venezuela in December. But the Marinera evaded US officials and set off across the Atlantic.

More than a dozen sanctioned tankers fled Venezuela in 'dark mode' in an effort to evade the US blockade.

The 16 vessels, mostly loaded with Venezuelan crude oil and fuel, used tactics that included disguising their locations or turning off their transmission signals.

Over the past few weeks, the ships were visible on satellite imagery docked in Venezuelan ports, but they were all gone from those locations by Saturday in the wake of Maduro's capture by US forces.

While Trump claimed the oil embargo on Venezuela remained in 'full force' after Maduro's extraction, the vessels still made the risky decision to leave port.

All the identified vessels are under sanctions and most of them are supertankers that typically carry Venezuelan crude oil to China, according to TankerTrackers.com and shipping documents from state-run Venezuelan oil company PDVSA.

At least four of the tankers were tracked by satellite data sailing east 30 miles from shore, using fake ship names and misrepresenting their locations in a strategy known as 'spoofing'.

Their unauthorised departures could be viewed as an early act of defiance against interim President Delcy Rodriguez's leadership.

Three of the ships were seen moving closely together, indicating coordination, but it wasn't immediately clear where the vessels were heading.

The tankers that left without authorisation were contracted by the oil traders Alex Saab and Ramon Carretero, according to the New York Times.

Both were sanctioned by the US for having close ties to Maduro's regime.

While Saab was jailed in the US in 2021, he was subsequently freed in an exchange deal two years later under Joe Biden's presidency.

Fifteen of the 16 ships that were on the move on Saturday were under US sanctions for hauling Iranian and Russian oil.

The Aquila II sent out a signal falsely identifying itself as the Cape Balder and spoofed its coordinates to appear in the Baltic Sea.

Built between 2003-4, the vessel is designated as very large at 333 metres long.

It has a capacity of over two million barrels and was sanctioned for carrying Russian crude oil and for being part of Moscow's 'shadow fleet'.

Meanwhile, the Bertha - operating under the alias Ekta - indicated it was off the coast of Nigeria.

The vessel was sanctioned for transporting millions of barrels of Iranian oil.

The Veronica III, also 333 metres, used the fake name DS Vector and is sending a 'zombie' signal to appear close to the west African country.

It was sanctioned for carrying millions of barrels of Iranian oil.

By Sunday, another ship called the Vesna, using the alias Priya, was hundreds of miles out from Venezuela.

Built in 2000, it measures 240 metres long and is designated as Aframax class.

The Veronica III, Vesna and Aquila II tankers have been identified leaving Venezuelan waters through satellite data

The Bertha - operating under the alias Ekta - indicated it was off the coast of Nigeria

The Vesna, operating under the assumed name of Priya, is hundreds of miles away from Venezuela

The Veronica III used the fake name DS Vector and is also sending a 'zombie' signal to appear close to the west African country

The Aquila II sent out a signal falsely identifying itself as the Cape Balder and spoofed its coordinates to appear in the Baltic Sea

Bosses from US oil companies are expected to visit the White House as early as tomorrow to discuss investments in Venezuela, Reuters reported.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'As routine, we do not comment on the operational activity of other nations, including third party use of UK bases.

'The US is the UK's principal defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US remains an essential part of our security.'

Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the US 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion.

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela's stock.

'I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,' he posted to Truth Social.

Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales - which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters - of the oil.

'This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!'

Trump has placed Energy Secretary Chris Wright in charge of executing the plan which is scheduled to begin immediately.

'It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States,' he wrote.
Several major fire alerts have been issued for Victoria while Queensland continues to battle widespread flooding.

Soaring temperatures have sparked emergency-level bushfires on the first day of Australia's most intense heatwave in years.

Three emergency warnings have been issued in Victoria for Dropmore, Ruffy, Caveat, Terip Terip, Longwood East, Avenel, Longwood, Tarcombe, Upton Hill, Bungil, Thologolong and Granya.

Two emergency bushfire warnings have also been issued near Perth on the othrr side of the country.

Authorities warned it is too late to leave parts of High Wycombe and issued an evacuation order for Maida Vale.

South Australia, Victoria and parts of Tasmania are sweltering through oppressive temperatures as the mercury soars, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

The conditions may be the worst since the 2019-20 summer bushfires that killed more than 30 people and burned through millions of hectares.

Victorians steamed in the heat on Wednesday, with inland and northern parts reaching temperatures in the mid-40Cs and Melbourne also breaking 40C.

Three emergency bushfire warnings have been issued in Victoria

Victoria's bushfires are being worsened by an ongoing heatwave

Emergency-level fires are burning out of control near Mount Lawson on the border between NSW and Victoria, with residents told to leave immediately before conditions become too dangerous.

More than 1000 hectares have been burnt and that is likely to grow over coming days, authorities warn.

Another out-of-control fire is burning at Longwood along the Hume Freeway in the state's north, with people being told to shelter inside as it is too late to leave.

There have been no reported injuries or structures damaged, but Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said there was potential for losses.

Total fire bans are in place for the Wimmera, South West and Central regions, including Melbourne and Geelong.

Mr Wiebusch said severe and extreme heat was being felt across the state, but the worst was yet to come with more intense conditions forecast on Friday.

'Victoria is one of the most fire-prone states in the world,' he told reporters on Wednesday.

'We see conditions like this on a typical fire season, and certainly, Friday is one of those days that we've not seen for some time.'

Total fire bans have been issued for Victoria's Wimmera, South West and Central regions

There will be a slight reprieve for southern parts of the state on Thursday, but extreme fire dangers will persist in northern areas, Country Fire Authority chief executive Jason Heffernan said.

'These are the days where we see lots of assets lost,' he said.

Searing temperatures are set to continue across SA on Thursday after parts of the state sweltered through low-to-mid 40s, with Adelaide's maximum topping 42C and some inland and southeastern parts pushing 47C on Wednesday.

'Extreme heatwaves are likely to affect all Australians to some degree, not just those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those who are unwell, but healthy and active people as well,' meteorologist Helen Reid said.

It was also a warm day for Tasmania with low to severe heatwaves building in the state's northeast.

The heat is expected to move into the ACT and NSW heading into the weekend, with the national capital to peak at 38C on Friday, while Sydney should reach 42C on the final heatwave day on Saturday.

The Royal Australian College of GPs is urging the public to prioritise hydration, rest indoors and check on people more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Meanwhile, just one day after its first full 24 hours of sunshine in a fortnight, a flood-struck northwest Queensland is preparing for the next deluge.

An estimated 24,200 livestock were already missing or dead due to the floods

Flood-struck northwest Queensland has been warned to prepare for more rain

With a monsoon trough deepening over the region on Wednesday - and a possible cyclone forming in the Coral Sea - yet more heavy rainfall has been predicted for the days ahead.

Floodwaters have only just begun to recede in the northwest after up to a metre of rain fell over a week, isolating towns and devastating livestock.

But, as Carpentaria Shire Mayor Jack Bawden puts it bluntly: 'There's still a s***load of water on the ground.'

At this stage, flooding has not affected the Gulf Country towns of Normanton or Burketown.

Cr Bawden said that could change quickly if more rain was to fall over the weekend, with the Norman River rising due to spillover from the Flinders.

Normanton and Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast at the mouth of the Norman, are the major distribution hubs for the region.

Cr Bawden said the towns were 'madly into resupply mode'.

And when he says resupply, 'that's everything, that's the whole box and dice'.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) visited Queensland's northwest on Tuesday

With many roads still cut, loads are coming in via barges on the Norman, with more boats used to ferry goods onwards to Karumba.

Should more heavy falls disrupt those resupply operations, Cr Bawden said there was the potential for 'all sorts of havoc'.

'It's critical that Karumba keeps operating,' he said.

'Mornington Island relies on it for their groceries and fuel and everything. It's a major drama.'

An estimated 24,200 livestock were already missing or dead with about 1050 km of fencing damaged and 1,700 km of private roads affected, the Department of Primary Industries said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the northwest on Tuesday, saying he was 'very worried' about more rain looming for the region after announcing $38 million in funding for impacted communities.

The northwest was again 'in the firing line', the Bureau of Meteorology warned.

'Those areas that are currently in flood through northwestern Queensland do have the potential to see significant rainfall developing again, particularly through Friday and into the weekend,' a bureau spokesperson told AAP.

Hardship assistance payments were on Wednesday activated for 13 councils including northwest residents, businesses and farmers at flood-hit Winton.

Meanwhile, a tropical low that has formed off Cooktown, north of Cairns, is rated a 40 per cent chance of developing into a cyclone by Friday.

The heaviest falls on Thursday were likely to be between Cooktown and Townsville, the bureau said.

'That low has the potential to become a cyclone. At this stage it is rated a moderate chance,' the bureau spokesperson said.

'Whether it becomes a cyclone or not, it is expected to move toward the north Queensland coast and increase rainfall.'
Arctic storm chaos in Europe has left thousands of passengers camping out at a frozen Dutch airport while snow-hit France has closed motorways and cancelled flights.

Intense snowfall and icy weather has left six people dead across the continent as storm Goretti continues to wreak havoc.

Three people died and 15 were injured in road accidents on Tuesday in the Landes region of south-west France, while two more were killed in weather-related incidents in the Paris area.

A driver died in hospital Monday night after losing control and veering into the Marne River, while a second died after a collision with a heavy goods vehicle in the east of Paris.

A woman was killed on Monday in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo after a snow-covered tree branch fell on her head.

More than a thousand passengers spent the night at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the main international airport of the Netherlands, marking the sixth day of disruption in a row at one of Europe's busiest hubs.

The airport set up camp beds after days of cancelling hundreds of flights due to the extreme weather.

More than 700 flights out of 1,100 scheduled were cancelled on Wednesday, and Schiphol expects this number to rise further.

In France, the A8 motorway heading south towards Aix-en-Provence and Marseille was closed this morning, while many flights from Paris's two main airports were cancelled.

Schiphol Airport Airlines is cancelling flights due to the wintry conditions that have persisted for days

Camp beds are set up for stranded travellers in a departure hall at Schiphol Airport, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands

Cars dangerously skid across icy roads in France

About 40 per cent of flights at Paris's Charles de Gaulle were expected to be scrapped and 25 per cent at Orly, to allow ground crews to clear snow from runways and de-ice planes.

Up to 15cm of snow is forecast in parts of the north, as the nation braces for the third-day of weather-induced chaos.

Speed limit reductions are in place around the French capital, with a maximum limit of 44 m/h on all roads until 8pm tonight.

Electronic signage will inform drivers of limits.

Up to 900 miles of traffic has been recorded this morning in the Ile-de-France region, with vehicles travelling much slower than usual to avoid collisions.

French officials banned trucks and school buses from the roads in a third of all administrative departments, most in the northern half of the country.

Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard said the truck ban would bring some disruption to supply chains, in particular fresh produce.

While heavy snow hit the Paris region as daylight broke, the south of Britain is likely to be most heavily affected on Thursday and Friday.

A skier slides down a snow-covered slope at Montmartre following snowfalls in Paris, on January 7, 2026

A skier skies past the Eiffel Tower at the Champ de Mars covered in snow, following snowfalls in Paris, on January 7, 2026

Motorists in the French capital were stuck in a record breaking 621 mile traffic jam on Monday

Cold weather warnings covered vast parts of France and Britain on Wednesday.

French weather agency Meteo France warned of snowfalls extending across the northern half of the country on Wednesday.

Britain's Met Office said ice warnings would remain in Scotland but would be lifted later in the morning in most of England and Wales.

All public bus services in Paris and the surrounding suburbs were suspended because of icy roads, with almost half of the country's mainland on alert for heavy snow and black ice.

For those without homes sleeping on the streets, the cold snap has come as a huge shock.

Boubacar Camara, from Guinea, told AFP he had 'no choice but to keep on going'.

'You just have to stay strong, make sure you don't die, you know' said the 19-year-old, who is sleeping in a tent in the French capital.

'We can't do anything about the cold - I'm not used to this at all.'

More than 100 flights were cancelled at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and 40 more at the capital's other main hub, Orly.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told local TV he was 'hoping the situation returns to normal this afternoon'.

Dutch airline KLM has warned it is running out of de-icing fluid for its jets and that delays to supplies had made it difficult to replenish stock.

Its partner Air France said it was not aware of any shortages in France.

Schiphol airport said it still had ample supplies of a different type of de-icing fluid it uses to clear runways.

The KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) forecast snow of 5-10cm.

The institute said it has already snowed more days this year than in the past four years in the Netherlands.

A photograph taken on January 6, 2026 shows cars and trucks queueing along the highway A63 following a collision between two buses near Saint-Geours-de-Maremne, south-western France

A town hall employee blows snow off the pavements in front of the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre during snowfall in Paris, France, January 7, 2026

Pedestrians play with snow at the Square Louise Michel in Montmartre following snowfalls, in Paris, on January 7, 2026

A person walks their dog near the Erasmus Bridge during a snowfall in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, January 7, 2026

In Brussels, some flights were cancelled and the de-icing of runways and the wings of aircraft was causing delays.

Belgium's biggest hub, Brussels Airport, confirmed 40 flight cancellations on Wednesday.

Authorities in the Netherlands told people to plan to work from home if possible.

In France, heightened tier-three orange alerts for icy roads and black ice are in place in 38 departments, ranging from the German border to as far south as Correze and Charente.

Forecaster La Chaine Meteo advised people in departments impacted by the heavy snowfall and freezing rain to avoid driving unless it is strictly necessary.

Multiple train lines are disrupted in the centre and west, including the Bordeaux-La Rochelle line, Orleans-Nantes and Tours-Angers.

Tabarot criticised Meteo France for underestimating the severity of snowfall at the start of this week.

The forecaster responded by saying it had been warning of significant snowfall since Saturday and that the task of predicting this kind of extreme weather is 'complex'.

Emergency personnel and responders operate at the site of a collision between two buses on the A63 near Saint-Geours-de-Maremne, southwestern France on January 6, 2026

Several flights at Rotterdam The Hague Airport were also being cancelled on Wednesday morning due to the extreme weather conditions.

Around 10am, traffic jams still stretched some 170 miles on major roads in the Netherlands.

'That's considerably more than the average at this time of day (25 miles),' government agency Rijkswaterstaat said.

At its peak, there were 430 miles of traffic jams, just below the record for a Wednesday morning rush hour set in 1999.

On February 10 of that year, it also snowed heavily, and 480 miles of traffic jams were recorded.

Rijkswaterstaat warned members of the public to stay home if possible.

'If you do need to go out on the road, please be aware of extra travel time and dangerous driving conditions,' it said.

Britain saw temperatures plunging with hundreds of schools shutting their doors for a third day Scotland, where the authorities warned some rural communities could be 'cut off' by snow.

A snowboarder slides down a snow-covered slope at the Square Louise Michel garden at Montmartre with the Sacre Coeur Basilica in the background following snowfalls in Paris, on January 7, 2026

Heavy goods vehicles wait to access the A10 motorway at the toll plaza near Saintes, western France, following rare and heavy snowfall in the Atlantic coastal region on January 7, 2026

A woman with her dog slides down a snowy slope at the Trocadero Garden in Paris as winter weather with snow and cold temperatures hits a part of the country, France, January 7, 2026

The Eurostar rail service connecting London with continental European cities was also disrupted again on Wednesday, with passengers facing cancellations and delays.

Nordic countries were also facing snow-related chaos, with officials in eastern Sweden warning that power cuts were 'likely' because of heavy snowfall.

Trams were suspended in the western city of Gothenburg and the authorities in the wider region warned people not to drive and stay at home if possible.

In Denmark, the authorities in the far-north region of North Jutland warned people to brace themselves for heavy snow but said the situation was under control.

'For now, calm prevails in North Jutland, but we are taking the weather forecast very seriously,' police wrote in a statement.

'We also urge citizens to prepare and keep safety advice in mind, especially if they have to travel in difficult traffic conditions.'
The Trump administration has put Venezuela's hardline interior minister on notice that he could be at the top of its target list unless he helps interim leader Delcy Rodriguez meet US demands following the toppling of Nicolas Maduro.

Diosdado Cabello, who controls security forces accused of widespread human rights abuses, is one of a handful of Maduro loyalists that President Donald Trump has decided to rely on as temporary rulers to maintain stability during a transition period.

But American officials are especially concerned that Cabello, given his record of repression and history of rivalry with Rodriguez, could play the spoiler and are seeking to force his cooperation even as they look for ways to eventually push him out of power and into exile.

The US has communicated to Cabello via intermediaries that if he is defiant, he could face a similar fate to Maduro and whisked away to New York to face prosecution on 'narco-terrorism' charges, or could see his life in danger.

Cabello is in charge of the apparatus of the state, which has long been accused of grievously abusing Venezuelans by, among other things, killing civilians outside the confines of the law, sexually abusing and humiliating girls and women, and planting evidence and weapons on innocent people.

According to a UN 2019 report into the state of human rights in Venezuela, the Special Action Forces (FAES) has regularly taken part in the extrajudicial executions of people, particularly in Venezuela's slums, since its inception in 2016.

The UN found that FAES operatives dressed head to toe in black would regularly arrive at homes across slums in unmarked black pickup trucks while armed to the teeth.

The report read: 'Families of the victims described FAES breaking into their houses, taking their belongings, and exercising gender-based violence against women and girls, including forced nudity.

Diosdado Cabello (pictured), who controls security forces accused of widespread human rights abuses, is one of a handful of Maduro loyalists that President Donald Trumphas decided to rely on as temporary rulers

'They would separate young men from other family members before shooting them. According to their relatives, almost all of the victims had one or more shots in the chest'.

Operatives from FAES, which has long been accused of a political tool of Maduro, would also regularly plant evidence and justify killings by shooting their weapons into suggest a full confrontation had taken place.

The report read: 'In many cases, FAES brought the victims to hospital even though they were already dead, apparently with the intention of manipulating the bodies and modifying the crime scene'.

Also accused of abuse are the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), two intelligence agencies.

They have been accused of torture, using horrific methods include rape, electric shocks and waterboarding.

The UN report read: 'Women and men were subjected to one or more forms of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including electric shocks, suffocation with plastic bags, water boarding, beatings, sexual violence, water and food deprivation, stress positions and exposure to extreme temperatures.

'Security forces and intelligence services, particularly SEBIN and DGCIM, routinely resort to such practices to extract information and confessions, intimidate, and punish the detainees'.

Taking out Cabello could be risky, possibly motivating pro-government motorcycle groups, known as The Colectivos, to take to the streets, unleashing the chaos Washington wants to avoid.

An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad as they make their way to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on January 5, 2026

The Colectivos are a group of paramilitary militias that still support deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and have been searching vehicles at checkpoints.

The bikers, many of them masked and armed with Kalashnikovs, have searched phones and cars looking for evidence of people backing Trump's action in Caracas as an unofficial tool of the state.

In the wake of Maduro's arrest, a 90-day state of emergency put in place by the Venezuelan government orders police to 'immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States.'

Many of the members of Colectivos have been seen posing with Maduro's Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello, who still clings tight to the notion that Maduro is the nation's lawful president.

'Here, the unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed, and here there is only one president, whose name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Let no one fall for the enemy's provocations,' Cabello said in a statement through the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

A video of Cabello - who has a bounty of $50million on his head in the US for drug trafficking - with the militia members that has circulated on social media sees them chanting a slogan that translates to: 'Always loyal, never traitors.'

Also on the list of potential targets is defence minister Vladimir Padrino, who is under a US drug trafficking indictment and has a multimillion-dollar bounty on his head.

'This remains a law enforcement operation, and we are not done yet,' said a US Justice Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Colectivos are a group of paramilitary militias that still support deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and have been searching vehicles at checkpoints

Gangs of armed men on motorcycles are patrolling the streets of Caracas, looking for supporters of Donald Trump and his military operation in Venezuela with the support of at least one key government official

U.S. officials see Padrino's collaboration as crucial for avoiding a power vacuum due to his command of the armed forces.

They believe he is less dogmatic than Cabello and more likely to toe the US line while seeking his own safe exit, the source briefed on administration thinking said.

A senior Trump administration official declined to answer Reuters' specific questions but said in a statement: 'The President is speaking about exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalizing oil infrastructure, and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people.'

Venezuela's communications ministry, which handles all press requests for the government, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Government could rewrite the law to change an 'offensive' term for mobility scooters as part of a shake-up of an 'outdated' legislation.

Laws concerning mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs were originally introduced in 1970.

But now, Labour ministers want to modernise the 'outdated' legislation, which uses language described as 'offensive', such as 'invalid carriages'.

The Department for Transport has since asked disabled people for their views on whether the language within the law should be altered.

Those who participate in the 12-week-long review are to be asked if they believe the term should be changed and what their preferred 'alternative term' would be.

Increasing the speed limit for mobility scooters in cycle lanes from 4mph to 8mph, as well as upping the current 200kg limit on wheelchairs, are among the proposals.

The threshold on wheelchairs was previously introduced in 2015, as extra components can make the device heavier.

The use of 'two-person tandem devices' on UK pavements and roads, as well as a review of the age requirements for larger vehicles, will also be reviewed.

Nick Goldup, CEO, Wheelchair Alliance CIC, said: 'The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government review of powered wheelchair legislation.

Laws concerning mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs were originally introduced in 1970 (stock image)

now, Labour ministers want to modernise the 'outdated' legislation, which uses language described as 'offensive', such as 'invalid carriage (stock image)

'For too long, wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and offensive terminology.

'Many individuals using wheelchairs over 150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking the law.

'Having worked closely with Simon Lightwood MP for over a year, we are beyond proud that our campaigning has secured this commitment to change.

'We will continue to amplify the voices of our community to ensure this review delivers a fairer, more inclusive future for all.'

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: 'We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date, is essential to this.

'I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for Transports consultation so their views and voices are used to shape this policy.'

Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said: 'We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting on modernising laws on "powered mobility devices"

'Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments, and existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit disabled peoples freedom to travel.

'New high-quality regulations that meet disabled peoples needs will enable millions more disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our communities.

'This has the potential to improve the independence, physical and mental health, employment, educational and social options of disabled individuals and our families across the UK.'

The Daily Mail has approached the Department for Transport for comment.
A restaurateur has told how he was forced to close down his business after an adjoining hotel was turned over to housing asylum seekers who scared off his customers.

Jamie Darby, who has owned Ceno bar and restaurant in Southampton for 20 years, says he is reluctantly shutting his doors as a direct result of problems with Highfield House Hotel, which the Home Office uses to house up to 100 migrants.

Ceno had been a popular dining spot since the early 2000s but customer numbers fell sharply after the hotel directly above his ground floor restaurant stopped accepting paid guests five years ago, Mr Darby says.

He says that while these guests would often frequent his restaurant, other loyal customers have been put off by large groups of young men loitering outside.

Mr Darby told the Daily Mail: 'I'm devastated, 20 years of my life have just been thrown away. I've come out of the end of it absolutely skint.

'Everything I had personally was sunk into the restaurant, I borrowed money from family and friends to keep going. We've been forced out.

'The business was successful until five years ago when the hotel started to house illegals.

'It's impossible to run a business with 100 young men loitering around.

Jamie Darby who owns Ceno Bar and Restaurant in Southampton said illegal migrants have damaged the business and made it almost 'impossible to operate'

Jamie Darby (pictured) says he is reluctantly shutting his restaurant down as a direct result of problems with Highfield House Hotel

Pictured: Highfield House Hotel in Southampton that accommodates up to 100 asylum seekers

'I can't sell it, I can't do anything with it. The decline in business is because of who lives above us.'

In the last two years, Mr Darby says his turnover has been halved as customers deserted the once-popular restaurant.

The closure has cost four full-time staff members their jobs as well as numerous casual and part time staff.

He said, although there is no evidence to support the claims: 'Groups of girls don't want to come here because they have groups of men leering and whistling at them out of the windows.

'My 22-year-old daughter was propositioned - it's just disgusting

'Southampton is a university city and we employ a lot of young students but often they would leave because they were too frightened.'

Mr Darby says he hasn't received any meaningful help from his local MP or the police despite pleading with a senior officer to protect him and his staff.

He also claims he has been locked out of the shared car park for six months and that hotel occupants caused water to pour into the restaurant by allowing sinks upstairs to overflow while washing their feet.

Highfield House has also been the site of weekly anti-immigration protests in recent months, causing further disruption.

The demonstrations are regularly met with counter protests from anti-racism groups and there is often a heavy police presence at the scene.

And an Afghan national housed at the hotel this week pleaded guilty to sex offences against three women over a five-day period after arriving illegally.

Residents hold an anti-immigration protest outside Highfield House Hotel in Southampton

Pictured: Ceno Restaurant was part of the Highfield House Hotel building in Southampton

Mr Darby told the Daily Mail how his once thriving business failed when the hotel next to his restaurant took in around 100 asylum seekers and put off customers there, forcing him to close

Sohail Amiri, 30, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday where he was remanded in custody to be sentenced next month.

The closure of Ceno restaurant, which specialises in British food, was first announced on Facebook.

The statement read: 'It is with great sadness that we announce that Ceno Restaurant closed its doors on January 1, 2026.

'Despite every effort to continue trading, it has become frustratingly impossible to operate due to ongoing issues connected with the Highfield Hotel in which we are located, which has now become home to over 100 illegal immigrants.

'The hotel owners have ignored our communication for help to assist with ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents and have locked the car park for many months, meaning our customers have been unable to park and access the restaurant.'

The popular restaurant has been successful for over 20 years and was rated 4.6 stars on TripAdvisor.

Locals online have shown their support for Ceno and shared their disappointment at the news of its closure.

Curt Wright said: 'Thank you for the exceptional service and some of the nights I have spent in the place, without a doubt one of the best atmospheres and nicest places to have a drink and chill out.'

Another frequenter Kayleigh Hilton, said: 'We are absolutely devastated, so many of our most precious memories have been at this Ceno site.

'However, we'll continue to be behind the team & look forward to your next venture!'

Debbie Kennett added: 'Cenos has leased the restaurant for 20 years. That's 20 years of memories who celebrated there.

'The business started to fall away when the immigrants moved in. I saw some of the abuse that the immigrants would shout down from their windows above.

'The guy who's restaurant it was, did his best to stay open. Did his best to try and not let the hotel drag down Cenos.

The demonstrations are regularly met with counter protests from anti-racism groups and there is often a heavy police presence at the scene

'The immigrants burnt holes in his awning when it was bought new. They would play awful music and turn it up on full volume just to be annoying.'

Ceno restaurant claims the last five years have been especially challenging, as the hotel stopped serving the public.

'Despite these obstacles, we are incredibly proud of what we built together with our fantastic customers', added the Ceno spokesperson.

'To the local residents of Highfield who continue to live nearby, we wish you the very best and hope that the difficulties we have faced do not impact you and your families in the future.

'Most of all, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful customers and those members of the Highfield community and beyond who have supported us right up until New Year's Eve.

'Your loyalty and kindness have meant more to us than words can say.'

There are plans to relocate the restaurant and reopen in the spring.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels.

'This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.

'We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery.'

Southampton Stand Up To Racism group - which clashes with anti-immigration protests outside the hotel - said far-right activists were to blame.

A spokesperson said: 'Attempts to blame asylum seekers or the hotel for the bar's closure are misplaced and unfair.

'Ceno Bar traded successfully for years alongside the hotel. Its decline followed the start of sustained far-right activity last summer.'

They added: 'Over recent months, their repeated demonstrations outside the hotel - often two or three times a week and lasting for hours - have caused serious disruption.'

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary added: 'Our local neighbourhood policing team have regular contact with businesses in the area, and have made near weekly visits to Cenos in recent months to try and engage with them and understand if there are any issues they want to raise or discuss with us.

'However, no concerns have been raised with our team on these visits.

'We are also not aware of any incidents of criminal damage.'
Police have released new CCTV of a convicted murderer who escaped prison on New Year's Day.

Matthew Armstrong - jailed for killing a victim in a robbery - is on the run after fleeing HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire with fellow inmate Daniel Washbourne.

Officers say two men matching their description were pictured in Ashley Road, Bristol, on the morning of Saturday, January 3. The pair were seen walking towards the Stokes Croft area of the city at around 10.35am.

And then the next morning, on Sunday, January 4, a man matching Armstrong's description was seen walking through the Filton and Patchway areas of Bristol.

Armstrong, 35, was jailed for murdering a man in Warwickshire in 2009 while Washbourne, 40, has previous convictions for false imprisonment and violence against a person.

A third man, Aaron Thomas, 39, escaped with them but was caught in Bristol on Saturday and hauled back into jail.

Thomas has been charged with escaping lawful custody and is due to attend Bristol Crown Court next month.

He is believed to have absconded with Armstrong and Washbourne sometime between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday last week.

Officers say two men matching their description have now been pictured in Ashley Road, Bristol, at around 10.35am on Saturday

CCTV from Sunday also shows a man walking along Filton Road and then Gloucester Road North in Filton on from around 9.35 to 9.45am

Matthew Armstrong (L) was jailed for murdering a man in Warwickshire while Daniel Washbourne (R) has previous convictions for false imprisonment and violence against a person

CCTV from Sunday also shows a man walking along Filton Road and then Gloucester Road North in Filton from around 9.35 to 9.45am.

The suspect wears a burgundy coat matching the one worn by Armstrong when he left HMP Leyhill.

He stops at one stage to look at bus timetables.

The man continues to walk along the same road and is seen in the Patchway area from around 11.05 to 11.15am.

Detectives say they are also pursuing other lines of enquiry but are unable to share details at this stage.

Neither Armstrong nor Washbourne are known to have any connection to Avon and Somerset.

Armstrong is described as a white male, about 5ft 9ins, with ginger hair and has links to Warwickshire.

Washbourne is described as a white male, about 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair, clean shaven and has links to Herefordshire.

Chilling CCTV footage previously released by the force showed the pair calmly walking through a building with their hands in their pockets after escaping

CCTV previously showed the outfit Armstrong and Washbourne were wearing at the time of their escape - though they may have changed clothes since.

HMP Leyhill raised the alarm on Thursday evening, with officers arriving at the prison at around 9.45pm to begin urgent enquiries.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary previously said: 'Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems.'

They added: 'Intelligence work to trace the men's movements is ongoing.'

Members of the public who believe they have seen either man have been strongly warned not to approach them. Instead, they are urged to call 999 immediately, quoting reference number 5226000700.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Absconding is a serious criminal offence, and any prisoner who commits this crime could face longer behind bars.'
Fears are growing that Donald Trump may allow Putin free rein to crush Kyiv with experts highlighting a deal the Kremlin allegedly floated in 2019 that would see Russia 'swap' Venezuela for Ukraine.

The US captured Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia on Saturday and whisked him to New York to face charges of orchestrating a 'relentless campaign of cocaine trafficking'.

Though American officials have said that Donald Trump's decision to launch the invasion was made only with US interests in mind, former advisors to the Republican president have warned that he may now allow Russia to capitalise on the moment and make a major move against Kyiv.

Fiona Hill, a British-born academic who worked as an official on the US National Security Council, warned Congress back in 2019 that the Russians 'were signalling very strongly that they wanted to somehow make some very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine'.

And following the US incursion into Venezuela last weekend, Russian officials made comments that once again made her wary.

Despite Venezuela's long-standing role as a Kremlin ally, Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev meekly said that though America's actions were unlawful, they were consistent with Trump's history of defending US interests, adding that South America was in the US's 'backyard'.

It was this language, Hill told The Telegraph, that stirred her memory of the alleged 2019 offer.

She said: 'Medvedevs language echoes that of other Russian officials and commentators back in 2019.'

During her 2019 appearance in front of Congress, the Russia hawk said the Kremlin's proposal harked back to the Monroe Doctrine, a policy made in the 19th century under president James Monroe that sought to establish America's sphere of influence in the West.

The operation was a success and remained a secret until Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured. Trump posted this picture of Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima on Saturday

Fears of the US allowing Vladimir Putin's (pictured) Russia to crush Ukraine in the wake of the incursion into Venezuela are growing

An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

She said in her testimony: '[Russia was] basically signalling: "You have your Monroe Doctrine. You want us out of your backyard. Well, you know, we have our own version of this. Youre in our backyard in Ukraine".'

John E Herbst, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, told The Telegraph: 'Trumps very clear energetic influence in the Western Hemisphere could lead to an understanding that we get to run things here and they get to run things in their neighbourhood'.

He added: 'There are some Ukrainians whove shared that thought.'

And officials in the Trump administration have signalled that they seem to back this line of thinking.

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Sunday of the incursion into Venezuela: 'This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live  and were not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States.'

But despite American officials claiming the incursion into Venezuela was done to protect the US's sphere of influence, a new Daily Mail poll showed that a majority of the US believes Trump's main motivation was to grab the country's oil.

That was the top answer in a J.L. Partners online poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday of this week among 999 registered voters.

Overall, 39 per cent said Trump green-lit a military operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to get access to the South American country's vast oil reserves.

Join the debate How do YOU think the US should balance its global interests with Ukraines sovereignty?

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad as they make their way to a federal courthouse in Manhattan on January 5, 2026

He faces charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and more

Another 30 per cent said the move was to stop the flow of illicit drugs, while 17 per cent of registered voters said it was to remove an illegitimate leader.

When the responses were divided by party preference, 59 per cent of Democrats said Trump did it for the oil, compared to 17 per cent of Republicans and 38 per cent of independents.

Republicans were most likely to believe the White House's explanation that Maduro needed to go due to his widespread drug trafficking.

48 per cent of Republicans named drugs as the top reason for the military action, with just 14 per cent of Democrats agreeing.

30 per cent of independents also named drugs.

After drugs, the second biggest group of Republicans said Trump was motivated to remove an illegitimate ruler.

26 per cent of GOP voters believed this to be the case, versus 16 per cent of independents and just 9 per cent of Democrats.

Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for an initial appearance to face US federal charges

Nicolas Maduro has been shuffled into a police SUV on January 5, sporting prison garb, as he makes his way from an NYC jail to his first court appearance

Republicans were the least likely to believe Trump deposed Maduro over oil.

When respondents were asked if they were OK with the idea that the military action was motivated by oil, a majority - 52 per cent - said they weren't.

Another 29 per cent said it is OK if the U.S. involvement in Venezuela was over oil, while 20 per cent answered that they were unsure.

When that question was broken down by party, Republicans were much more tolerant of the U.S. going into Venezuela for oil, while Democrats and independents were largely in agreement that they were not.
Resident in Oxford have turned to the historic Japanese method of banging sticks together in order to fight neighbourhood crime.

The Littlemore area of Oxford was plagued by tyre slashings, stabbing and even a shooting until neighbours started patrolling the streets with Hyoshigi.

Hyoshigi is a basic musical instrument consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo sometimes connected by rope.

The clappers are knocked together to create a cracking sound - traditionally used in Japanese theatres and by night-watchmen in order to let people know they are being watched over and to warn would-be criminals away.

Councillor David Henwood, who represents the area, has been patrolling four roads with a Hyoshigi.

Councillor Henwood - who is married to a Japanese woman- said neighbourhood patrols using the devices have already cut crime in the area.

He said: 'We started to have a spate of knife attacks in my village in Littlemore, stabbings and tyre slashings - we've even had a shooting recently.

'It's very difficult for the police to be around all the time, and they're not always visible, so I wanted to fill a gap in the evenings and do a night patrol.

Councillor David Henwood, who represents the Littlemore area of Oxford, has been patrolling four roads with a Hyoshigi - a basic musical instrument consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo sometimes connected by rope

The Littlemore area of Oxford was plagued by tyre slashings, stabbing and even a shooting until neighbours like Councillor Henwood started patrolling the streets with Hyoshigi

'I'll be using them to encourage residents to stay vigilant, carry out basic checks, and to let them know they are being cared for and watched over.

'We did it in one time when we had a large spate of bike thefts. It proved very successful.

'It told the thieves we were in the area and recording things.'

Councillor Henwood lived in Japan for 20 years where he became accustomed to hearing Hyoshigi every evening.

He added: 'In front of every house, they would clap these sticks - I didn't really understand what they were for.

'It was explained to me that it's a warning to be vigilant - turn the gas off, make sure the windows are closed, make sure everything's safe.

'It develops a fantastic community spirit between local neighbourhoods. It's something I wanted to bring here but never really had the courage to do so.

'I'd like to bring the sound of Tokyo to Littlemore in Oxford. It's a lovely sound.'

Councillor Henwood lived in Japan for 20 years where he became accustomed to hearing Hyoshigi every evening

Councillor Henwood said: 'It's very difficult for the police to be around all the time, and they're not always visible, so I wanted to fill a gap in the evenings and do a night patrol'

What is Hyoshigi? Hyoshigi is a simple Japanese musical instrument made out two pieces of hardwood often connected by a piece of rope. The clappers are smacked to create a cracking sound which can be hit together slowly or fast to create different noises. They are often used in Japanese theatres in order to attract the attention of the audience or to show a dramatic moment in the play. Hyoshigi is also used by street vendors to let people know they are selling goods and by night-watchmen when patrolling the streets. Advertisement

Councillor Henwood said that more and more residents are volunteering to take part in the neighbourhood watch.

He continued: 'We'll carry it on during the winter, and who knows, we may be able to carry on in the summer. It's still early days, but positive so far.

'I'd love to see it tried in other areas. Hopefully other institutions will pick it up.

'I want people to feel safer in their own homes. I'm willing to try anything to try and achieve that.

'If this works and people do feel safer, we'll continue it. We need to catch this criminal that's doing all the damage to our vehicles.'

The new scheme follows a recent stabbing on December 11, after which residents said they did not feel safe.

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered serious injuries and was sent to hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.

One resident said his children were 'worried' about crime and that violence is 'normal' in the area.

'I never let my kids go outside to play,' he said.

Another said: 'Sometimes I do not feel very safe.'

Councillor Henwood said that more and more residents are volunteering to take part in the neighbourhood watch

Hyoshigi is a simple Japanese musical instrument made out two pieces of hardwood often connected by a piece of rope

The area has also seen a number of tyre slashings with Thames Valley Police saying they are aware of 'multiple reports of criminal damage to motor vehicles on Giles Road, Littlemore'.

A spokesperson for the force said: 'On 23 December and 30 December, a black Mini Cooper had its tyre damaged, and on 28 December, a black MG had its tyre damaged.

'These incidents are believed to be targeted and there is no wider threat to the public. No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing.

'If you have any information or may have seen this incident, please contact us quoting 43250658134 or call anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
A woman stabbed her estranged husband twice after he revealed he had their rescue dogs put down, a court has heard.

Claire Bridger, 64, is said to have left Keith Bridger with life-threatening injuries after lunging at him with the blade, hitting him in the chest and abdomen.

The defendant became hysterical after driving to the address where her husband was staying to ask him to pay for their next mediation session and learning that both dachshunds had been euthanised, jurors were told.

Prosecutor Peter Gair said: She was screaming You've killed my dogs.

Bridger got out of the car with a knife in her right hand and stabbed her husband twice, once in the chest and once in the abdomen, Mr Gair added.

She also allegedly bit him on the arm as he lay on the floor bleeding and crying out for help.

Neighbours rushed over when they became aware of what was happening and tried to wrestle the knife from Bridger before calling the emergency services.

Part of the 999 call was played to the jury, during which the caller told the operator: Theres a woman with a knife.

Claire Bridger, 64, is said to have left Keith Bridger with life-threatening injuries after lunging at him with the blade when she learned their two rescue dogs had been put down

Bridger appeared to be screaming at her husband You killed my dogs and calling him a horrible man.

Mr Bridger was also heard to say: She stabbed me.

When police arrived, the defendant allegedly told them he killed my dogs before adding: I just saw red.

The couple had been together for almost 40 years but separated the year before the alleged incident on the night of July 17 last year, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Mr Gair said they had taken in a rescue dog at the marital home in Taverham, Norfolk, in March 2020, days before the first lockdown during the pandemic, before homing another one a year later.

The pets, described as quite noisy and bitey and having behavioural issues, were being looked after by Mr Bridger after the relationship foundered.

But he wasnt allowed to keep them permanently at his one-bedroom accommodation in Bramerton and attempts to rehome them had proved unsucccessful.

He felt there was only one option and that was to have them put down, said Mr Gair.

The couple's dachshunds, pictured with one of their daughters

Mr Bridger, pictured with a different dog, had been unable to keep the dachshunds at his single-bedroom accommodation, the court has heard

The defendant had not been made aware of the decision and demanded Where are my dogs? when she arrived at her alleged victims home to discuss the mediation session.

Mr Bridgers severe and life-threatening injuries were treated by a neighbour who is a doctor before he was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Giving evidence yesterday, Mr Bridger admitted he had not told his wife that they had been euthanised but insisted he believed she already knew that he had done so.

PC Frances Peters, a Norfolk Police dog handler who was the first officer on the scene, said the defendant was sitting in the drivers seat of her car when she arrived but then emerged, telling her: I am a bad lady.

Bridger, who had worked as an NHS school nurse, appeared compliant and was wearing a blood-stained white T-shirt and light-coloured trousers with no shoes or socks on her feet.

She added: She was very upset and she smelled of alcohol. You could smell it on her breath.

Video clips from the officers bodycam showed her explaining to PC Peters how her husband wanted to continue their mediation but she could not afford it.

One of the clips played to the jury featured Bridger telling PC Peters that she had gone to ask him to pay for more mediation at the end of the month and that he had agreed.

Bridger, who took in the first dog with her husband in 2020 and the other in 2021, denies attempted murder

She said in the footage: I said What about the dogs? and he said I have put them down, you know I have, and I am sorry. I just saw red. I just saw red.

Bridger also told the officer that her husband had been aggressive towards her and she had not left her home for weeks because of what Keith did to me.

Roy Hagland, who had rented an annexe of his home in Bramerton to Mr Bridger for around three months, said he was watching television when he and his wife heard a commotion outside.

In a statement read in court, he said he went out and saw Mr Bridger lying on the driveway with a woman on top of him holding a knife.

I could hear the female shouting You have murdered my dogs, he told police.

Mr Hagland and neighbour David Yeoh, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, were eventually able to prise the knife from her and put the six-inch blade in a sandwich bag.

He added: Keith remained on the floor and I could see he had two stab injuries. I could see blood on the floor.

His wife Susan said in her statement that the woman on top of Mr Bridger was screaming words similar to: You killed my dogs You are a nasty man.

She added: The female continued to scream non-stop until the police arrived.

Mr Yeoh who works at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said he went outside after hearing a noise and saw Keith was on the floor having a kerfuffle with a female I didnt recognise.

He added: She was determined to stab Keith. I saw her biting and hitting Keith.

Heather Jenkins, a friend of Bridger who had worked with her as a school nurse, described her in a statement as lovely and such a nice lady.

She said she had earlier received two calls from Bridger saying she was worried about her dogs because her husband was threatening to have them put down.

Bridger called her in a shocked and distraught state later in the evening to say that she had stabbed her husband, she said.

Hospital consultant Jeremy Lewis said Mr Bridger had suffered severe injuries which were life threatening, including a punctured lung.

Giving evidence today, Bridger said she had a double gin and tonic with her meal on the evening of July 17 before deciding to go to her husbands home to drop off possessions belonging to their two daughters.

She claimed she asked about payment for the mediation but suddenly thought I cant hear the dogs.

I shouted Where are the dogs? and he didnt answer me. He was taking his helmet off [having just arrived on a motorbike] and I beeped my horn and shouted it again, she told jurors.

He turned round facing me in the car and he said You know where the dogs are. The vets wrote to you.

I said I had a text from the vets and he said You know what happened to the dogs. The dogs are dead. I had them put down.

Bridger claimed she opened the car door but remembered nothing else until she realised she was on top of her husband with a neighbour trying to stop her.

The mother-of-two told the court had taken the damaged kitchen knife to the tip, along with other items, but it had fallen out of the bag without her noticing.

She claims she found it down the side of the drivers seat in her car and she had picked it up and put it on the drivers seat  where it remained when she drove to her husbands place.

Bridger insisted: I would never have intentionally tried to hurt Keith, let alone try to kill him.

The defendant said she had been in a relationship with her husband for 37 years and married for 30 years when he suddenly announced that he was leaving her during breakfast with their daughters in April last year.

Keith told me While I have you all together, I am leaving today and I wont be coming back, she said.

There was an agreement that she would keep the dogs, Bridger claimed, but her husband took them when she went to visit relatives in London for a week and she ended up staying longer because she felt in pieces and couldnt cope.

One of her daughters had warned the dogs might have to be put down but she told the court she thought it was a threat to make her come home.

She added her husband was aware that dogs had come from a charity which had a rule that they would take any rehomed dogs back if people could not cope with them.

Bridger, who looked emotional in the dock as the case was opened yesterday, denies attempted murder.

The jury have been told she has admitted an offence of wounding with intent.

The trial continues.
Weakness from Keir Starmer and Europe will only encourage Donald Trump to seize Greenland, a former defence secretary warned today.

Ben Wallace said the response to mounting threats from the US had to be 'much more robust'.

He insisted that the president was similar to Vladimir Putin in that he only respected 'strength'.

The White House stoked fears of a Nato implosion overnight, explicitly saying that taking the strategic Danish territory by force is on the table.

A statement said 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned Mr Trump's determination to control Greenland is 'not going away'.

The escalation came despite the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark jointly declared they will 'not stop defending' the territory.

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron (pictured yesterday) signed a statement along with Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark declaring they will 'not stop defending' Greenland

A White House statement said 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned Donald Trump's determination to control Greenland is 'not going away'

Greenland has had the legal right to declare independence from Denmark since 2009 but has not done so, largely because it relies on Danish financial support and public services

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' they said.

They called America an 'essential partner' and reiterated that the US and Denmark signed a defense agreement in 1951.

Sir Ben, who served in the last Tory government, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'To attack another Nato member, which Denmark is, and a loyal member who supported them in 9/11 and sent troops to Afghanistan, would very much signal the demise of a large part of Nato.'

Pressed whether the UK Government needed to go further in sticking up for Denmark and Greenland, Sir Ben said: 'I think they have to be much more robust.

'I think we have to be strong.

'You know, President Trump, like President Putin, thinks that Europeans are weak and doesn't respect sort of mealy-mouthed type statements.'

The UK's reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, last night warned that any US move against Nato allies would be a 'gift to China'.

'They are the US's great adversary in the globe at the moment,' he told BBC Newsnight.

Katie Miller, the wife of President Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, Steven Miller, posted a map of Greenland covered by the American flag to X just hours after the US struck Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro

'China wants to present itself and does present itself as a stable reliable partner... can you imagine the impact on Europe if America went against a Nato member.

'There would be people within the European Union and within Nato who would start to look towards China.

'So I don't think it's going to happen. It seems to me this is just a bit of theatre. It may be they've got lots of options but I doubt military is a real one.'
Labour has been accused of moving to 'kill off rural pubs' after unveiling 'ridiculous' plans to cut the drink-driving limit so that even a single pint could see drivers breaking the law.

Ministers are to consult on whether to slash the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms in England and Wales to bring them in line with Scotland.

The measure due to be announced in a new road safety strategy means that even one standard drink could be risky for some drivers  particularly women and smaller people  as alcohol is processed at varying speeds.

Data shows one in six road fatalities in 2023 involved drink-driving and the current limit is the highest in Europe alongside Malta.

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood today insisted that the change would not stop people having a 'great night out' if you 'don't take your car'.

She said people could use buses or taxis, arrange a designated driver or have an alcohol-free beverage.

However, critics insisted the lower limit had no significant impact on accidents in Scotland.

And fears have been raised over the impact on rubs in rural areas which rely on people travelling over unwalkable distances in areas with little or no public transport.

Reform leader Nigel Farage said the move was a, 'death knell for country pubs across Britain'.

'This is because we've got laws being designed by the Islington, North London bicycling classes,' he told a press conference this morning.

'What about rural Britain? No-one cares of course, in fact many in Labour seem to hate rural Britain.

'The drink-drive thing is absolutely ridiculous. Wholly unnecessary. We've been where we've been since 1967, it's worked pretty effectively.

'If you actually look at road casualty figures... we're now incredibly safe on our roads.

'Much safer than France, way safer than Germany. We've actually reached a level on accidents beneath which it is almost impossible to go.

'Because there will always be human error of some kind.'

Ministers are to consult on whether to slash the limit from 35 micrograms of alcoholper 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms in England and Wales to bring them in line with Scotland.

Reform leader Nigel Farage said: 'This is a death knell for country pubs across Britain. Labour has no connection to how real life works'

Join the debate What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of tougher drink-drive laws?

Tory transport spokesman Greg Smith said: 'This is supposed to be a road safety plan, but it reads like another chapter of Labour's anti-driver playbook.

'Labour can't seem to imagine a world where you can own a car without being punished for it.

'Road safety in rural Lincolnshire is not the same as road safety in central London. Yet Labour have produced a one-size-fits-nowhere strategy that ignores how people travel in different parts of the country.'

It is the latest move in a growing row between Labour and the hospitality industry. Some pubs have banned Labour MPs amid concerns about the end of a Covid-era business rates relief announced by Rachel Reeves at the budget in November.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) urged the Government to ensure its new road safety plans are 'proportionate and evidence-based' to avoid an impact on struggling pubs.

A spokesperson for the BBPA insisted the pub sector is 'committed to actively promoting responsible drinking through its investment in no and low beer and support of drink-drive campaigns', and pointed to a decline in alcohol-related driving accidents in recent Government data.

It also warned that the pub sector 'continues to face huge challenges', adding: 'So any additional policy measures that further impact trade will be of real concern to licensees, especially those in rural areas.'

Ms Greenwood told Times Radio there was evidence from Scotland that cutting its drink drive limit in 2014 did not have a 'significant impact' on the pub trade.

'We don't want to stop people from going to the pub and having a great night out. What we're just saying is don't take your car,' she said.

'So that might mean that you know, some places you'll be able to take a bus or a taxi.

'In other places, you're going out with a group of mates, one of you agrees to be the designated driver.

'I know from working with the pub trade, how many great low alcohol drinks there are out there now, most of our favourite brands produced in a low alcohol version, so people have lots of opportunities to do something, to choose a different drink when you want to go out and you know, and enjoy yourself in the pub.'

The road safety strategy also proposes to require some convicted drink-drivers to have 'alcolocks' fitted to their vehicles, and new powers to suspend driving licences for people suspected of drink or drug-driving offences.

Alcolocks are devices which prevent a vehicle from being started or driven unless the motorist passes a breath test.

They are already used in several countries - such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the US - in return for shorter driving bans.

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood today insisted that the change would not stop people having a 'great night out' if you 'don't take your car'.

The reforms - which are the widest in scope since the Road Safety Act was passed under the Tony Blair government in 2006 - also mean older drivers will be forced to take eye tests.

Motorists aged 70 and above can no longer self-report visual diseases to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) after coroners warned the system could be abused.

Twelve prevention of future deaths reports since 2019 have expressed significant concerns over the current system of self-reporting.

Just two other European countries rely on this method of identifying drivers with visual diseases.
Nigel Farage vowed to unseat Sir Sadiq Khan today as he unveiled Reform's candidate to be the next mayor of London.

Mr Farage insisted Reform could kick out the three-term winning Labour leader as he confirmed Laila Cunningham, a former CPS prosecutor and ex-Tory councillor in Westminster.

Signalling that the 2028 election will be fought around law and order in the capital, Mr Farage accused Sir Sadiq of standing by in the face of 'a crimewave run by foreign criminal gangs, many of whom have come to this country illegally.'

Ms Cunningham, who joined Reform from the Conservatives last year, said that she would be 'a new sheriff in town' and also vowed to end Sir Sadiq's 'war on motorists', including the expansion of the Ulez tax on cars.

The lawyer is a mother of seven children and the Muslim daughter of Egyptian immigrants who arrived in Britain in the 1960s.

She took aim at Sir Sadiq's record on crime, and said she had a 'different message' for Londoners.

'There will be a new sheriff in town, and I'll be launching an all-out war on crime,' Ms Cunningham said.

She added: 'I will set clear, high-level priorities for the Met to focus on tackling knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, rape.'

Ms Cunningham also said she would task the police with 'targeting, hunting and prosecuting rape gangs in London'.

She claimed people were now 'scared' to walk the streets of the capital and argued Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley should be fired.

'My message will be clear,' she added. 'If you are not delivering for Londoners then you are out.'

Bookies made her the 5/2 second favourite to become mayor behind Sir Sadiq.

Ms Cunningham said local elections in London boroughs in May are the 'first step' to 'reclaiming' the city in the 2028 London mayoral elections.

Mr Farage insisted Reform could kick out the three-term winning Labour leader as he confirmed Laila Cunningham, a former CPS prosecutor and ex-Tory councillor in Westminster

If Sir Sadiq were to run and win in 2028, he could stretch his time as mayor beyond a decade-and-a-half to 2032. There is no limit on the number of terms a mayor can serve.

Mr Farage said: 'Laila Cunningham has already proven in her time with us as a party to be articulate, to be passionate, a mother, somebody who actually herself has had to effectively in the absence of the police, act as a police officer herself in defence of her children.

'She, from this moment on, will be the head of Reform UK London, our candidate for the mayor next year and the face of our campaign as we fight a strong, vigorous campaign in all 32 London boroughs in the run up to May 7.'

The Reform leader described May's local and devolved elections as 'the single most significant set of electoral tests in this country between now and the general election'.

He also took aim at the Tories over their efforts in the previous two elections when Shaun Bailey and Susan Hall failed to capture the imagination of voters.

Reform UK's support has surged in London while backing for Labour languishes at a record low in the capital, according to a poll.

A Savanta survey late last year found Mr Farage's party was supported by 23 per cent of voters in London, up from 15 per cent in June.

This put Reform ahead of the Tories, who were down one percentage point to 20 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats on 11 per cent (-2) and Greens on 10 per cent (-3).

Join the debate What measures could help improve safety and fairness in London?

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Sir Sadiq Khan revealed he is aiming for a 16-year stretch as London mayor last September, as he confirmed it is his 'intention' to run for a fourth term in charge of the capital.

The Labour politician, who was first elected London mayor in 2016, said he had the 'best job in politics' as he set out an ambition to remain in his 170,000 role.

If Sir Sadiq were to run and win in 2028, he could stretch his time as mayor beyond a decade-and-a-half to 2032. There is no limit on the number of terms a mayor can serve.

Ms Cunningham said local elections in London boroughs in May are the 'first step' to 'reclaiming' the city in the 2028 London mayoral elections.

The Westminster councillor told a press conference: 'Now I know that we're still two and a half years away, but the election on May 7 is the first step.

'It's the first step to reclaiming our city. Now, these local elections, I tell everyone, will be a referendum on Sadiq Khan, on Labour's broken London.

'It's London's chance to vote out every councillor who's propped him up and stayed silent while he's let our city down.'

Pressed about a claim she wanted to restore London to its 'glory days' and when she thought those glory days were, Ms Cunningham referred to 'when I was growing up'.

She added: 'When I was growing up, I wasn't scared to walk down the streets. I knew my local bobby. In fact, when I was growing up, my local teacher lived next to me. Now she can't afford it. My local bobby lived next to me, now he can't afford it.'

Asked if she wanted to see the Conservatives stand aside for Reform to improve their chances at the next London mayoral election, she did not appear to consider them a threat to her party's chances of winning.

'They can do whatever they want,' Ms Cunningham said.

A source close to Mr Khan said he is 'getting on with the job of delivering a fairer, safer, greener city for every Londoner'.

Sadiq has delivered 100 million free school meals for state primary schools kids in the capital, helping families with the cost of living,' they added.

'The number of homicides in London are at a record low, he's built a record number of council homes, and Sadiq's policies have cut harmful air pollution in the capital by 27 per cent.'

Lib Dem London spokesman Luke Taylor said: 'From its history to its culture to its people, London is the greatest city in the world but all Reform seem to do is talk it down.

'Cunningham and Farage care more about sowing division than they do about solving the actual problems that Londoners face.'
The Daily Mail can reveal the first picture of a teenage boy killed in a car crash - who bungling police led his family to believe was alive and was in hospital for three weeks.

South Yorkshire Police incorrectly told relatives of Joshua Johnson, 18, that he survived the Rotherham collision in the early hours of December 13 and his fellow passenger Trevor Wynn, 17, had died.

However, in a scarcely believable mix-up officers informed both families they had made a catastrophic error and it was Trevor who had survived and Joshua who had in fact died.

Trevor's family were planning his funeral over Christmas while Joshua's family thought he was battling for his life in intensive care.

It is understood the Johnson family went to visit who they believed was Joshua in hospital on a daily basis but due to the severe nature of injuries, they did not detect the mistake.

And in yet another extraordinary twist, the Daily Mail can reveal that Trevors parents did view the body following the crash and accepted it was their sons.

Trevors parents saw Joshua, and Joshuas parents saw Trevor, a source said.

Trevor's facial injuries  plus the similarities between the two teenagers appearances  meant Joshuas parents didnt suspect anything was amiss.

To compound matters it is understood that they didnt know Trevor, who police had mixed up with their son, meaning they didnt recognise him.

Joshua Johnson: The family of Joshua, 18, were mistakenly informed by officers that he had survived the collision. He had in fact been pronounced dead at the scene

Trevor Wynn: The family of Trevor, 17, were told he had passed away when he had in fact survived. His family had planned his funeral

Pictured: Joshua Johnson. South Yorkshire Police told Joshua's family he was battling for life in intensive care - while passing their condolences to the family of Trevor Wynn

They just thought it was Josh, they had no reason to think it wasnt their son, another source said.

Its just the most unbelievable situation. Theyre still trying to come to terms with the fact it was a different boy and that their son actually died in the crash three weeks earlier.

They have so many questions, plus of course instead of praying for Joshs recovery theyre now grieving for him.

The alarm was finally raised by a friend of Joshua who was with the badly injured teenager in hospital over the weekend when he started to regain consciousness.

As his memory came back, he began talking about his family and where he studied  details which did not match with Joshua.

The boy  who it now transpires was Trevor  then began asking nurses and visitors Why are you calling me Josh?

On Sunday, the friend contacted Joshuas parents who alerted South Yorkshire Police, leading to the appalling mix-up finally being confirmed.

It can also be revealed the identity of the second youngster killed in the accident on Todwick Road as 17-year-old Summer Louise Scott, who had been driving Trevor and Joshua.

As questions today mounted over how the unthinkable error by South Yorkshire Police occurred, and why it took 22 days to realise, tributes were paid to racing fanatic Joshua.

Joshua, described as 'fearless' by friends, had competed in stockcar competitions across the UK, and had only celebrated passing his driving test in September.

A GoFundMe appeal to raise funeral funds for the teenager described him as an 'incredible person'.

Organiser Frances Parker wrote: 'Josh was one of the kindest, most caring lads you could ever meet, always knowing how to make people smile no matter what they were going through.

'Josh had a huge passion for racing and been around stockcars, that love for life and adrenaline reflected the person he was - fearless, loyal, and full of heart.

'Together with his mum, dad, and brother, I want to come together to raise money to give Josh the send-off he truly deserves. One that honours the incredible person he was and the love he gave so freely.

'Any support, no matter how small, means the world to us and helps us remember and celebrate a truly special soul who will never be forgotten.'

Another friend, Lee Logan, posted images of Joshua on Facebook, along with the caption: 'Fly high brother. RIP'

He described the accident to an online acquaintance as 'the three-week mess about one'.

Sources close to his family said a funeral had even been planned for him this Friday.

One friend said: 'It's a lot to get your head around. There are so many unanswered questions.'

Another source close to Trevor's family branded the mix up as 'disgusting'.

The vehicle was being driven by Summer Scott, 17, from Worksop, who also died in the tragedy

Summer died when the Toyota in which they were travelling left the road and struck a tree

The vehicle left the carriageway between Dinnington and Todwick, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, pictured

They said: 'They just can't take it in - they're devastated for the other lad's family as they've just gone through it. It's absolutely disgusting.

'This poor family have only just started grieving thinking their son was dead and have been preparing for a funeral. The young lad who actually passed away was who they thought was in the coma.'

Flowers had even been laid for Trevor at Valley Young People's Centre in Worksop when it was still believed that the 17-year-old had died.

Now it is the family of Joshua who are grieving.

Friend Claire Holden wrote on Facebook: 'We as a family are truly devastated and heartbroken with the news of Josh.

'We were privileged to watch him grow up from a smiling happy baby into the most caring, loving, polite young man you could ever wish to meet.

'We watched Josh take his first ever drive in a micro up and down our driveway and then onto track, and was always my 'go to boy' in helping with the new younger drivers coming into the formula, with his words of comfort and help. A wonderful young man, with his whole life ahead of him taken far too soon.'

Jake Richard, the MP for Rother Valley, said South Yorkshire Police faces 'serious questions' about 'how such a failure occurred and what safeguards were not in place to prevent it'.

He added: 'This is an appalling situation for the families involved.'

The crash happened when a silver Toyota Corolla left the carriageway on Todwick Road, near Dinnington, South Yorkshire.

The vehicle was being driven by Summer Scott, 17, from Worksop, who also died in the tragedy.

Stepsister Chelsy Hall wrote in an online fundraiser: 'On the 13 of December, my step-sister Summer was in a tragic accident and sadly lost her life at the age of 17.

'Summer was the light of everyone's life. If you knew Summer you would all know how much of a kind-hearted and pure soul she had.

'As this was an unexpected tragedy we kindly ask for any donations to help to give Summer the best send off she deserves, anything big or small will be very appreciated as it takes less stress off her family through this hard time.'

South Yorkshire Police said that information came to light on Sunday that led to further formal identification processes - including forensics - to be undertaken, revealing the error.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged the 'huge shock' and 'additional trauma' the mix-up will have caused.

He has offered to meet the parents of both teenagers who he said 'will have many questions, most of which we are not able to answer yet'.

South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said the force had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) since identifying the error

He added: 'We have taken the decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider our role in the identification processes which were followed following the road traffic collision.

'We will co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation and will be led by the IOPC on the next steps to determine how this happened, and how we can ensure this never happens again in the future.'

Jonathan Stoner, 31, a friend of Trevor's family, said: 'It has been heartbreaking for them. It all came to light when Trevor came out of a coma in the early hours yesterday (Monday, January 5).

'The doctors asked him questions like what his name is. That's when he told him his full name and date of birth. The police then picked up his mum Charlotte who then drove her to the hospital and confirmed it was in fact Trevor. They have no idea how it has all come to happen.'

Mr Stoner added: 'Parents who have told their kids that Trevor was dead are now going to have to tell them otherwise, which is brutal.'

Following the crash, an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Both remain on bail pending further enquiries.

Daily Mail has approached South Yorkshire Police and the local coroner to ask what identification checks were carried out.
Kemi Badenoch has said America was 'morally right' to snatch Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

The Conservative leader cited her upbringing in military-ruled Nigeria as she backed the raid by the US at the weekend.

Donald Trump sent US special forces to extract Maduro from Venezuela on Saturday and fly him to New York to face drugs and terrorism charges.

It sent shockwaves through the international community, raising questions about whether it was legal under international law.

Now, you can have your say in the Daily Mail's latest poll - do you agree with Ms Badenoch's view?

In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Should Nato intervene if Donald Trump tries to seize Greenland?' Out of more than 25,000 votes, 75 per cent of you said 'yes' and 25 per cent said 'no'
Dithering European leaders have been left floundering and squabbling with each other after Donald Trump ordered the US military to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and renewed his threat of an invading Greenland.

Trump has sparked chaos and confusion among frantic officials in Britain and the EU by both seizing the dictator and threatening to use military power to seize Greenland.

Leaders have given conflicting responses to Venezuela ranging from condemnation from Spain to lukewarm praise from the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

And today, there was further confusion over a supposed plan of action on Greenland with Spanish officials admitting they have no idea what France and Germany are due to announce.

The continent's initial response to the invasion of Venezuela was tepid, at best. Neither condemning nor condoning what Trump had done, the EU's High Representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, instead called for 'calm and restraint by all actors'.

With the backing of 26 out of 27 member states - Hungary refused to sign the statement - she also sought to remind the US that as a member of the UN's Security Council it has a 'particular responsibility' to uphold the rule of law.

France's Emmanuel Macron said he would shed no tears for Maduro, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that while the Venezuelan leader's legitimacy was doubtful, a 'legal assessment' of the US' actions would be 'complex and requires careful consideration'.

Italy's Giorgia Meloni was more forceful in her praise of Trump's actions, claiming the attack was an act of 'legitimate' self-defence.

Only a small number of European countries decided to condemn what Trump had done. Spain's left-wing prime minister Pedro Sanchez led the charge against Trump, saying in a statement that his government would not recognise any interventions in Venezuela that violated international law.

French President Emmanuel Macron greets leaders at the Elysee Palace on January 6, 2026 in Paris, France

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine during the 'Coalition of the Willing' summit on security guarantees for Ukraine, at the Elysee Palace in Paris Tuesday, Jan 6, 2025

He said: 'Spain did not recognise the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognise an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence.'

The few others in the EU who joined him in his condemnation included Slovakia's prime minister Robert Fico, who scathingly said the US' incursion was 'further evidence of the breakdown of the world order', and Hungary's Viktor Orban, who said: 'The liberal world order is in disintegration.'

Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said of the incursion: 'We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime'.

He also raised the importance of adhering to international law.

The European reaction to Greenland was slightly more decisive. Following days of tension, world leaders, including including Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, vowed to defend Greenland's 'territorial integrity'.

They called America an 'essential partner' and reiterated that the US and Denmark signed a defence agreement in 1951.

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' they said.

The statement added that the allies will continue to defend Greenland's 'territorial integrity' and the 'inviolability of borders'.

US Army Green Berets are seen during Arctic Edge 24 in Greenland. The territory is known for its untapped mineral wealth and NATO alliance

An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

And today, EU allies including France and Germany said they have been working on a plan on how to respond to the US should it act on its threats.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the subject would be raised at a meeting with the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland later in the day.

'We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,' he said on France Inter radio.

A German government source said separately that Germany was 'closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland'.

A senior European official said Denmark must lead the effort to coordinate a response, but 'the Danes have yet to communicate to their European allies what kind of concrete support they wish to receive,' the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

But the plans appear to be in their infancy, with Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno stating that his nation was not aware of an EU-led Greenland plan.

Making matters worse was the scant progress made on EU security guarantees in Ukraine.

After nearly four years of Russia's invasion, Ukraine's European allies could do little more than celebrate the progress of a framework for security guarantees, instead of anything concrete.

Asked on Wednesday whether Western allies had agreed to come to Ukraine's defence if Russia attacked again after any peace deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'So far, I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer' to that question.

Leaders said they would continue supplying equipment and training to Ukraine's front-line forces and back them up with air, land and sea military support aimed at deterring renewed Russian aggression.

The size, structure and financing of any supporting forces were not made public, and many elements remain to be negotiated.

Zelensky said progress was made in the talks but stressed that commitments must still be ratified by individual countries before they can be implemented.

'We determined what countries are ready to take leadership in the elements of security guarantees on the ground, in the air, and at sea, and in restoration,' Zelenskyy said. 'We determined what forces are needed. We determined how these forces will be operated and at what levels of command.'

He said details of how monitoring would work remain to be determined, as do the size and financing of Ukraine's army.

Starmer and other leaders in Europe were warned this morning that Trump would only pounce on their weakness over Greenland and Venezuela.

Ben Wallace, the former Tory defence secretary, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'To attack another NATO member, which Denmark is, and a loyal member who supported them in 9/11 and sent troops to Afghanistan, would very much signal the demise of a large part of NATO.'

Pressed on whether the UK Government ought to go further in sticking up for Denmark and Greenland, Sir Ben said: 'I think they have to be much more robust. I think we have to be strong.

'You know, President Trump, like President Putin, thinks that Europeans are weak and doesn't respect sort of mealy-mouthed type statements.'

The Telegraph reported this morning that the White House had dismissed Britain as 'weak' for its lukewarm response to the invasion of Venezuela.

A senior White House official told the newspaper that Starmer should have celebrated the capture of Maduro instead of questioning its legality.

The source told the paper: 'It's not a surprise - They are just weak.'

Since Greenland is a member of the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union, given its position as a territory of EU member Denmark, the bloc has a material interest in defending it.

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad as they make their way to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on January 5, 2026

But it may not have long to prepare for a possible American annexation.

Trump hinted on Sunday that a decision on Greenland may come 'in about two months,' once the situation in Venezuela has stabilised.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday: 'President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.

'The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal.'

And overnight, the White House stoked fears of a NATO implosion, explicitly saying that taking the strategic Danish territory by force is very much on the table.

A statement said 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned Mr Trump's determination to control Greenland is 'not going away'.

Greenland's position above the Arctic Circle makes it a prime piece of real estate in the geopolitical map of the world.

Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put Greenland at the heart of the debate over global trade and security.

He faces charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and more

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The island, 80 per cent of which lies above the Arctic Circle, is home to about 56,000 mostly Inuit people who until now have been largely ignored by the rest of the world.

Its location off the northeastern coast of Canada made it crucial to the defense of North America during World War II, when the US occupied Greenland.

Following the Cold War, the Arctic was largely an area of international cooperation.

But the Arctic ice is thinning, promising to create a northwest passage for international trade and reigniting competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region's mineral resources.

In 2018, China declared itself a 'near-Arctic state' in an effort to gain more influence in the region.

China has also announced plans to build a 'Polar Silk Road' as part of its global Belt and Road Initiative, which has created economic links with countries around the world.

Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected China's move, saying: 'Do we want the Arctic Ocean to transform into a new South China Sea, fraught with militarisation and competing territorial claims?'

Meanwhile, Russia has sought to assert its influence over wide areas of the Arctic in competition with the US, Canada, Denmark and Norway.

Moscow has also sought to boost its military presence in the polar region, home to its Northern Fleet and a site where the Soviet Union tested nuclear weapons. Russian military officials have said that the site is ready for resuming the tests, if necessary.

Greenland has had the legal right to declare independence from Denmark since 2009 but has not done so, largely because it relies on Danish financial support and public services

Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, at the Elysee Summit of the Coalition of Volunteers in Paris on Tuesday

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The Russian military in recent years has been restoring old Soviet infrastructure in the Arctic and building new facilities. Since 2014, the Russian military has opened several military bases in the Arctic and worked on reconstructing airfields.

European leaders' concerns were heightened following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last year that Russia is worried about NATO's activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening the capability of its armed forces there.

'Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, but we will closely follow the developments and mount an appropriate response by increasing our military capability and modernising military infrastructure,' Putin said in March at a policy forum in the Arctic port of Murmansk.

He added, however, that Moscow was holding the door open to broader international cooperation in the region.

The US Department of Defense operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was built after the U.S. and Denmark signed the Defense of Greenland Treaty in 1951.

It supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the US and NATO.

Greenland also guards part of what is known as the GIUK (Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom) Gap, where NATO monitors Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.

Denmark is strengthening its military presence around Greenland and in the wider North Atlantic.

The government last year announced a roughly $2.3billion deal with parties including the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, another self-governing Danish territory, to 'improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty'.

The plan includes three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones and satellite capacity.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command is headquartered in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and tasked with the 'surveillance, assertion of sovereignty and military defense of Greenland and the Faroe Islands,' according to its website. It has smaller satellite stations across the island.

Trump visited the territory last January, prior to the start of his second term

US Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland last March, specifically the US military's Pituffik Space Base

The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, is also stationed in Greenland.

Greenland is also a rich source of the so-called rare earth minerals that are a key component of mobile phones, computers, batteries and other hi-tech gadgets that are expected to power the world's economy in the coming decades.

That has attracted the interest of the US and other Western powers as they try to ease China's dominance of the market for these critical minerals.

Development of Greenland's mineral resources is challenging because of the island's harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.
Angela Constance was keen to draw parliaments attention to one particular word in the report from the independent advisers on the ministerial code: inadvertent.

Those running the rule over her response to calls for a Scottish grooming gangs inquiry found evidence of two breaches but concluded these were inadvertent without any deliberation or intention to mislead.

I dont think Angela Constance is one of lifes great deliberators.

Buffeted by icy swells of reproach from opponents to her left and right, Constance clung to inadvertent like Kate Winslet clung to that door in Titanic. It was all that was keeping her head above water.

Tory leader Russell Findlay honed in on John Swinneys part in all this.

The First Minister had insisted she had never breached the code, making him wrong on two counts.

From the Labour benches Anas Sarwar counted 102 days since this row began, then he too pivoted to Swinney and the culture of cover-up inside the SNP government.

The code, incidentally, isnt terribly complicated. Paragraph 1.7(c): It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament, correcting any inadvertent error at the earliest opportunity.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance clung on to her job despite 'inadvertently' breaching government rules - twice

Paragraph 8.13: A Government official should be present for all discussions relating to Government business.

These are the two rules Constance inadvertently broke. She shouldnt be sacked for breaking the Ministerial Code, she should be sacked for a lack of basic reading comprehension.

Striking a defiant tone, Constance told Findlay: For some people, walking away is easier than being held to account. I would much rather take the harder road of being held to account and making amends and getting on with the job.

Minister, no one thinks youre failing to get on with the job. The concern is that whenever you get on with the job chaos ensues. You can turn a clear path into a minefield just by looking at it.

The Constance saga has dragged on for four months now. Its the longest, bleakest epic not penned by Dostoevsky. So Angela Constance stays, and maybe we should be grateful.

Given the mayhem that results when she tries to do her job, her resignation could only bring bedlam. If she tried to fall on her sword, shed impale three passers-by and break a window four streets away.

Swinney was by her side as she addressed Holyrood. He is the reason she is still in a job as he wont hand his opponents a victory this close to an election. Which is why this will happen again.

The standard by which the SNP judges itself is not the rules or the saintly conduct it demands of everyone else.

All theyre interested in is what they can get away with. Going by the last two decades, that seems to be almost anything.
Peers will this week resume their battle over assisted dying laws as supporters of the legislation demand more time to force it through the House of Lords.

Lord Falconer, the ex-Labour minister and a key backer of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, will request 'further time' for debate in Parliament's upper chamber.

There have been more than 1,000 amendments tabled to the Bill in the Lords after it was passed by the House of Commons in June.

Peers who are opposed to assisted dying have been accused of time-wasting and obstructing the legislation as a means of sabotaging the Bill's progress.

The Bill will become law only if both the Commons and the Lords agree on the final drafting of the legislation.

Approval is needed before spring when the current session of Parliament ends, with supporters fearing the Bill could run out of time to be passed into law.

Peers are due to continue their committee stage debate of the Bill, which has been branded 'unsafe' by critics, on Friday.

On Thursday, a motion tabled by Lord Falconer will request extra time to ensure the legislation can get through the Lords and return to the Commons in good time.

Peers will this week resume their battle over assisted dying laws as supporters of the legislation demand more time to force it through the House of Lords.

Lord Falconer, the ex-Labour minister and a key backer of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, will request 'further time' for debate in Parliament's upper chamber.

This could mean sittings of the Lords starting earlier or finishing later. Friday debates on the Bill so far have generally begun after 10am and finished by around 3pm.

But the request for longer sittings will face opposition, with some holding concerns over potential breaches of the Equality Act regarding disabled and religious peers.

Tory peer Lord Shinkwin, who has brittle bone disease osteogenesis imperfecta, has expressed concern about longer sittings impacting his travel arrangements.

Others have set out their reservations over the potential impact on Jewish members wishing to observe the Sabbath and Muslims attending Friday prayers.

If passed, the Bill will allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.

After passing its initial stages in the Commons, the Bill has been slow to progress through the Lords as changes - such as potentially stronger assessments for young people seeking an assisted death and further safeguards to prevent so-called 'death tourism' - have been debated.

Assisted dying campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who has repeatedly urged members of the Lords not to block the landmark legislation, has warned that 'scrutiny must not tip into sabotage'.

But critics of the Bill have said changes are needed to fill 'massive gaps' and suggested the 'badly-written' legislation is currently unsafe.

A source close to peers concerned about the Bill said: 'This shows that this Bill is in such a poor state that is needs an extraordinary amount of time for the Lords to do their job of scrutinising these new laws properly.

'After evidence given to the Lords we know that there are extensive issues with the Bill, especially around the danger it poses to vulnerable groups.

'Not a single Royal College, Professional body or Cabinet minister will attest to the safety of this bill.

'Scrutiny should never be conflated with obstruction and the duty of the Lords is to scrutinise and interrogate legislation, a role which is even more important when considering issues of life and death.'

Last month, Health Secretary Wes Streeting declined to assure a group of fellow MPs that the introduction of assisted dying in England and Wales will be 'safe'.

The Cabinet minister, who is opposed to the Bill, awkwardly fell silent when quizzed about possible harms from the controversial legislation.

After a long pause, he then went on to suggest a lack of 'high-quality' palliative care services might leave some people feeling 'compelled to take up an assisted death'.
A pedestrian has died after he was hit by a police vehicle in one of London's most popular tourist destinations.

The man in his 30s was knocked down by the marked car on Borough High Street shortly after 12.30am on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police officers behind the wheel of the car were responding to an emergency 999 call when the tragic collision occurred.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead.

A large police presence remains in place. The man's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have launched an investigation into the incident and the Met's own Directorate of Professional Standards has also been informed.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: 'At 00.34am on Wednesday, 7 January a marked police vehicle was on an emergency call when it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian on Borough High Street, Southwark.

'The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, was given emergency first aid by officers before being treated by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. Despite their best efforts, the man sadly died at the scene.

The man in his 30s was knocked down by the marked car on Borough High Street shortly after 12.30am on Wednesday

The man in his 30s was knocked down close to Borough Market in the early hours of Wednesday morning

The Metropolitan Police officers behind the wheel of the car were responding to an emergency 999 call when the tragic collision occurred

'His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Cordons remain at the location and local traffic is being disrupted.

'As is standard practice, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards was informed about the incident, as has the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

'The IOPC has begun an independent investigation and officers will continue to support them and their enquiries.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 12.34am today (7 January) to reports of a road traffic collision on Borough High Street, SE1.

'We sent resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London's Air Ambulance.

'Our first paramedic arrived on scene in less than four minutes.

'Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a patient was pronounced dead at the scene.'
A university student drowned from cold water shock during a night time dip in 'turbulent' sea conditions, an inquest heard.

Michael Oppong-Yeboah, 18, had gone for a night time swim with friends from his university jiu jitsu society after a meal out when tragedy struck off Plymouth Hoe in Devon in March 2024.

Following a Christmas Day tragedy only days ago in nearby Budleigh Salterton, Devon, when two swimmers died in a traditional festive swim, the coroner issued a warning.

Concluding the inquest, assistant coroner Ian Arrow said: 'I do hope the publicity surrounding the circumstances of his death makes members of the public aware of the very great danger of entering cold and rough seas particularly at night.'

The University of Plymouth environmental science student died from cold water immersion after he jumped into the water at East Hoe beach with around ten friends.

He swam a short distance before treading water. He then shouted for help but was hit by a wave and disappeared from sight in the gloom, the inquest at Exeter Coroner's Court was told.

The coroner was told he succumbed to cold water shock which impacted his ability to swim and maintain his position in the sea.

His body was not found for three weeks and was recovered from the water in Devonport naval dockyard.

His mother Doris Kyeremaa said her son, born in Watford, Hertfordshire, was a devout Christian and a 'very caring person' who she called 'Angel' because he was a 'respectful, kind hearted, humble, peaceful and God fearing individual'.

Michael Oppong-Yeboah (pictured with his mother) had gone for a night time swim with friends from his university jiu jitsu society after a meal out when tragedy struck off Plymouth Hoe in Devon in March 2024

Pictured: Divers searching the sea at East Hoe beach, Plymouth, for Michael Oppong-Yeboah

She said he only ever had sporadic swimming lessons adding: 'I am not aware Michael ever swam in the sea or a river in the UK or abroad.'

She urged his university to educate their students about the dangers of living by the sea and open water swimming and hopes people will be employed to stop them going into the water at night.

Some of the students he swam with gave evidence and said they had decided to go for a dip after their pizza meal - when Michael drank three cans of ale with his food.

Charlie Cox said Michael had told him on the way to the shoreline: 'I can swim but I've not done it for a while. I'm not the greatest swimmer in the world.'

Michael told him that the rocks and pebbles were hurting his feet and Charlie pointed to deeper water where he could jump in without standing on the stony seabed.

Michael jumped in from knee height and was heading to a ledge but got within two metres when he stopped swimming and was treading water.

Charlie shouted to him 'do you need help?' and Michael replied once 'help'.

His friend ran to get a life ring but when he returned he could not see Michael in the water which had a lot of seaweed in it.

Another student said Michael had been just five metres away when he lost sight of him in the poor visibility.

Floral tributes, pictures and kind words left at East Hoe for Michael who vanished while swimming

A police report said 'conditions were turbulent' that night and his death was tragic but there were no suspicious circumstances.

They said: 'He could swim but he was not experienced in open water in the Plymouth area.'

Coroner Mr Arrow said Michael entered the 'cold rough sea to swim with friends near Plymouth Hoe'.

'Having entered the water I am satisfied he was overcome by waves and has drowned.'

He said the post mortem said the teenager died from immersion in cold water and he recorded an accidental death conclusion.
A Louis Vuitton scarf-wearing Algerian migrant groped a woman at a Tube station late at night, a court heard.

Mhfod Otman, 27, allegedly assaulted the passenger at Camden Town in north London after midnight on October 25 last year.

Wearing a black Trapstar jacket, a Louis Vuitton scarf, and Nike trainers, Otman appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court.

He spoke only to confirm his name and age, aided by an Arabic interpreter.

Sarah Madden, prosecuting, said: On October 25 at 12.30am the victim was walking through a tunnel towards a platform when she felt someone touch her bum and her lower back area.

She could feel someones hand stroking up her body.

She turned around and the defendant was there.

Otman, of Kingston-upon-Thames, southwest London, denied one count of sexual assault on a female.

Mhfod Otman allegedly assaulted the passenger at Camden Town in north London after midnight on October 25 last year

He was granted conditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Inner London crown court on February 3.

Magistrate Tim Cohen told him: You are on conditional bail. If you dont turn up at your next hearing you will be committing a separate offence.

If you commit any offence while on bail it will be treated more seriously.
The widow of a Hollywood actor who was killed in a plane crash with their two daughters has visited the scene of the tragedy two years later.

Jessica Klepser traveled to Bequia, an island in Saint Vincent in the Caribbean, to mark the anniversary of the deaths of her daughters Madita and Annik and her husband Christian Klepser, also known as Christian Oliver.

She wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday: 'I was scared to come here, but so glad I did.

'Finally seeing all the places, my girls and their dad spent their last ten days. Days that were filled with laughter, joy, and friendship.'

Klepser was able to swim in the ocean where the plane crashed on January 4, 2024, killing the 51-year-old actor and Madita, ten, and 12-year-old Annik.

She also met the 'brave' fisherman who had gone down to the crash site the day it happened to 'get their bodies out' of the plane; and the woman who had held Madita in her arms after retrieving her body.

'The fisherman who got you out told me, you had your arms wrapped around each other when he found you underwater. You were holding each other tightly!!! (And I know you still do!)' the mother wrote.

'Tremendously and forever grateful for all of it!'

The three of them had been on their way to the neighboring island of St Lucia when the incident occurred around noon.

Christian Oliver arrived with his daughters in the Caribbean on December 26, 2023. They were heading to St Lucia when the crash happened (pictured: the family in 2015)

Jessica Klepser is seen swimming at the crash site while visiting the island on Tuesday

She also met with the fisherman who helped get the bodies out of the plane after the crash

Moments after taking off from JF Mitchell Airport in Bequia, the plane got into unspecified difficulties.

St Vincent-based news outlet Searchlight reported at the time that Pilot Robert Sachs radioed the tower shortly after takeoff to tell them he was experiencing trouble and was turning back. That was the last communication.

The bodies were transported to St Vincent and taken to the Kingstown Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

Cornell Campbell, who witnessed the crash, told iWitness at the time that the aircraft drew his attention because of the 'sound of the plane, the engine, the propeller.'

'Everything shut off the first time. So, I told my friend, "That plane is going to crash." But the plane kicked up back again like it built up back a power,' he said.

Campbell explained that the plane regained power but had lost altitude during the initial failure.

As the pilot attempted to correct the dive, the power appeared to go out again and it 'just dived down.'

'But when it [was] sinking, something went "Bouff!" in the water, and that is why I said it exploded. So that is the only thing I heard when the plane was sinking. It went "Bouff!" under the water,' Campbell said.

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The plane crashing into the Caribbean after experiencing unspecified difficulties in 2024

Oliver, shown here with screen legend Al Pacino in 2020. Oliver was known for his role in Speed Racer

Klepser's daughters Annik, 12, and ten-year-old Madita also perished in the crash

Oliver arrived with his daughters in the Caribbean on December 26, 2023.

Two days before his death, the actor posted a photo showing a beach in a tropical setting with the caption: 'Let love rule. Wishing all of you the best for 2024.'

Klepser and Oliver divorced in December 2021, but she keeps him and their daughters close to her heart.

'I became a new person after this, and I have to myself, get to know this person,' she told People in October 2024.

'I mean, a lot of people are telling me that I'm strong, and it always sounds a little weird to me because, but yeah, I feel strong also means that you allow yourself to cry and to grieve and to scream. That's all part of being strong.'
Keir Starmer today promised that MPs will get a vote before British troops are put on the ground in Ukraine.

During PMQs clashes, Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir for details of how many personnel could be deployed to guarantee a mooted peace deal.

But the premier said he could not give any further information, after announcing last night that he had agreed in principle to provide troops.

'If there is a decision to deploy then I would put that matter to this House,' Sir Keir said.

Following talks in the French capital yesterday, the PM signed an agreement - dubbed the 'Paris Declaration' - to commit the UK to the deployment of forces.

Keir Starmer today promised that MPs will get a vote before British troops are put on the ground in Ukraine

During PMQs clashes, Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir for details of how many personnel could be deployed to guarantee a mooted peace deal

The document outlined how Britain and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

Sir Keir signed alongside Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky after discussions between the 'Coalition of the Willing' of Western allies.

'Yesterday, I stood side by side with our European and American allies and President Zelensky at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris,' Sir Keir told the Commons.

'We made real progress on security guarantees, which are vital for securing a just and lasting peace.

'Along with President Macron and President Zelensky, we agreed a declaration of intent for the deployment of forces in the event of a peace deal. We will set out the details in a statement at the earliest opportunity.

'I will keep the house updated as the situation develops and, were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the House for a vote.'

Governments can deploy troops under royal prerogative powers.

But Tony Blair effectively set a precedent for holding votes before major operations when he was struggling to win support for the Iraq War.

David Cameron was defeated in a vote on airstrikes against Syria in 2013, when Ed Miliband was Labour leader.

The Paris talks were attended by Steve Witkoff, who is Donald Trump's peace envoy, and Jared Kushner, the US President's son-in-law.

The 'Multinational Force for Ukraine' is set to act as a 'reassurance force' should Moscow and Kyiv agree to end their almost four-year-long conflict.

Meanwhile, the US is set to provide security guarantees to the peacekeeping force with Mr Kushner revealing Mr Trump is ready to offer 'real backstops'.

At a press conference in Paris, Sir Keir said Ukraine and its allies were 'closer' to peace 'than ever' - but warned 'the hardest yards are still ahead'.

The PM added that Vladimir Putin was 'not showing that he's ready for peace'.

Mrs Badenoch said it was 'astonishing' Sir Keir was not making a statement in Parliament on the Ukraine agreement which he signed in France this week.

'The last few days have seen significant international events  the US operation in Venezuela, threats towards Greenland and an agreement to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine  so it is frankly astonishing that the Prime Minister is not making a full statement to Parliament today,' she said.

Leaders from the 'Coalition of the Willing' group of Ukrainian allies gathered for the discussions in the French capital

The Conservative leader said the decision not to make a Commons statement showed a 'fundamental lack of respect' for MPs and their constituents.

But Sir Keir replied: 'Let me be very clear about what was agreed yesterday, because military plans were drawn up some months ago and I've updated the House in relation to that. Yesterday was a political declaration that sits under those military plans.

'If there were to be deployment, there would have to be a legal instrument. Deployment would only be after a ceasefire to support Ukraine's capabilities, to conduct deterrent operations and to construct and protect military hubs.'

To shouts of 'when' from Conservative MPs, Sir Keir added: 'There will be a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity.'

He later continued: 'If there were a decision to deploy, under the agreement that was signed yesterday, then I would put that matter to this House for a debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment  that is consistent with recent practice and I'll adhere to that.'
A mom's worst nightmare came true on a Florida beach after her nine-year-old son was approached by a creepy stranger.

The boy was working on a coloring book sat next to his mom at Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Hotel & Suites on December 30.

Suddenly, they were approached by Curtis Smith, 47, who was visiting the area from Canada.

A witness told police that he had seen Smith and another man strike up a conversation with the mother.

Smith then allegedly sexually assaulted the boy by grabbing his genitals - in plain view of the people around them.

The boy then tried to get away by moving to a different table, only for Smith to allegedly follow him and grab his genitals 'really hard' again, according to the police report.

The nine-year-old said his mom was distracted by her computer and talking to someone so she did not notice when he tried to tell her what was happening.

When the boy told his alleged abuser to stop, Smith 'became scared due to the people around him and walked to his hotel room,' the arrest report stated.

The alleged crime took place at Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Hotel & Suites on Ocean Boulevard

Curtis Smith, 47, a Canadian tourist, has been arrested for allegedly molesting a young boy in Florida

One witness soon asked the boy if he knew Smith. After being told that the creepy man was a stranger, the witness followed Smith to confront him.

The Canadian tourist then 'locked himself in his room,' according to police.

When police investigated the alleged crime, the nine-year-old's account of what happened was corroborated by several witnesses.

Smith was charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 years old by an offender 18 years or older.

He was booked into the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Fort Lauderdale, where he remains as of Wednesday and is being held without bond, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office arrest records.

According to Florida law, Smith's alleged crime is a 'life felony,' and if convicted, he could face 25 years in prison to life in prison.

Witnesses who were at the beachside hotel corroborated the nine-year-old boy's account of what happened to police. The Fort Lauderdale Beach is pictured here (stock image)

If convicted and not given life in prison, Smith would be on strict probation until he dies.

Canada has extradition treaties with the US, meaning that he will most likely be tried and sentenced in the US according to Florida laws.

It is also likely that he will be tried in Florida, because he was arrested in the state and the accusation against him is a crime in both countries.
A notorious businessman's private plane caused thousands of dollars worth of damage at an airport in Florida days before he was to appear in court for a boat crash that led to the death of a father.

Jeffry Knight's personal Cessna Chancellor Twin Piston plane struggled while approaching the runway at the Tampa International Airport around 8pm on January 4 before hitting a sign that knocked off the front landing gear while taxiing.

The well-off 62-year-old owner of multiple venues in St Petersburg was charged in July with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and/or serious bodily injury.

Knight allegedly crashed into a packed ferry in April, killing Jose Castro, a 41-year-old father of two little girls, and injuring 10 others.

The businessman was not on the plane returning from the Bahamas on Sunday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

David Straub Coover, a friend of Knight's, was flying the plane with two other passengers, Knight's children.

No injuries were recorded according to a Federal Aviation Administration preliminary incident report cited by the outlet.

Knight was not happy with the crash that caused $4,500 worth of damage, said Coover to the Tampa Bay Times.

Jeffry Knight's personal Cessna Chancellor Twin Piston plane crashed into a sign on Sunday in at the Tampa International Airport days before he scheduled to appear in court

Knight who was not aboard the plane purchased it for $500,000. His friend David Straub Coover was piloting it at the time of the crash [stock image]

'But he's OK, no one got hurt,' he added.

A water bottle jammed under the pedal of the landing gear caused the pilot to lose control, according to an airport police report.

However, Coover disputed the report, stating that the plane veered left before striking the sign because the brakes failed.

Knight was released on bail in July and is free to travel, with the exception of not being allowed to 'operate any vessel,' according to an unsealed bench warrant found by the outlet.

The businessman's trial is expected to start in September, but he will appear in court on Monday for a pretrial hearing.

His fortune was made in the 1980s through cable installation and now owns Jannus Live, the Ringside Cafe, the Pelican Pub, MacDinton's Irish Pub, and Detroit Liquors.

An airport police report said a water bottle jammed under the pedal of the landing gear caused the pilot to lose control

The flight path of Jeffry Knight's personal Cessna Chancellor as it returned back from the Bahamas

He bought his private plane for $500,000 years ago, which was used eight times to fly to the Bahamas since he was released.

Knight who lives in a $5.2million waterfront mansion  was at the helm of the 37-foot triple-engine vessel when it hit the Clearwater Ferry on April 27.

There were 45 passengers aboard the 40-foot ferry during the 'mass casualty' horror as families were being shuttled on the final night of Clearwater's popular Sugar Sand Festival.

Knight's boat, carrying six passengers, left after the crash and was found more than three miles south by law enforcement, who guided it onto a ramp beside the Belleair Causeway and led him away.

Authorities say Knight has cooperated with them, and a breath test showed there was no trace of alcohol in his system. So far, he has not been charged with any offense.

However, the Daily Mail revealed Knight has a lengthy and largely minor rap sheet that includes two DUIs and being accused of 'careless operation of a vessel'.

Knight allegedly crashed into a packed ferry in April, killing Jose Castro, a 41-year-old father of two little girls

Knight was charged in July with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and/or serious bodily injury

He is also currently facing a damning civil court case where he is accused of seriously sexually assaulting one of his female staff at his showpiece Jannus Live concert venue in St. Petersburg.

Additionally, Knight was previously accused in a lawsuit of the 2012 death of a friend who slipped as he was leaving his yacht, named Pure Knight Life, and hit his head on the way down into the water.
A professor who was fired over a post mocking Charlie Kirk's death has been reinstated - and given $500,000 to pay for his therapy.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) professor Darren Michael was fired last year after sharing a post about Kirk's assassination.

Kirk, the founder of the right-wing group Turning Point USA, was gunned down at Utah Valley University on September 10, in what authorities described as a politically-motivated attack.

That same day, Michael, a tenured associate professor of acting and directing who had been working at APSU in Tennessee since 2007, shared a 2023 article from an unidentified news outlet with the headline: Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths 'Unfortunately' Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.

Michael's post was brought into the spotlight by Senator Marsha Blackburn, who shared a screenshot of his post on her gubernatorial campaign social media.

'What do you say, @austinpeay?' Blackburn posted, along with a screenshot of Michael's post and his university profile, which included the professor's full name, university email and phone number.

Shortly after, APSU President Mike Licari released a statement saying Michael had been terminated from the school, according to WZTV.

'A faculty member of Austin Peay State University reshared a post on social media that was insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death,' Licari said.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) professor Darren Michael was fired last year after sharing a post about Kirk's assassination, but his position was reinstated on December 30

Kirk, the founder of the right-wing group Turning Point USA, was gunned down at UtahValley University on September 10. Here, he is pictured with his wife, Erika Kirk

This was the post Michael made that got him fired. It gained attention after being reposted by Senator Marsha Blackburn on her gubernatorial campaign social media

'Such actions do not align with Austin Peay's commitment to mutual respect and human dignity. The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member.'

But the university soon moved the professor's status to suspension after the initial firing, admitting that it had not followed due process.

And on December 30, Michael had his position fully reinstated. According to a settlement agreement obtained by WKRN, the university will also pay the professor $500,000 to reimburse therapeutic counseling services he underwent.

The settlement also included a statement from the university, which promised to circulate an apology to the professor among the campus community.

'APSU agrees to issue a statement acknowledging regret for not following the tenure termination process in connection with the Dispute,' the settlement reportedly said.

'The statement will be distributed via email through APSUs reasonable communication channels to faculty, staff, and students.'

Licari also issued a public statement that said: 'APSU did not follow the required termination process in this matter, and I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community.

'I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.'

APSU President Mike Licari released a statement saying Michael had been terminated from the school shortly after the professor's post

The university soon moved the professor's status to suspension after the initial firing, admitting that it had not followed due process

On December 30, Michael had his position fully reinstated. Lacari issued a public apology, and the university agreed to pay the professor $500,000

Michael's termination in September was just one instance of a huge wave of firings that took place in the wake of Kirk's assassination.

There were dozens of high-profile cases of political commentators, professors and other professionals who were let go by their employers for insensitive comments made about the late conservative activist on social media.

The firings were also international, with people in the United Kingdom and Canada coming under fire and losing jobs for their comments as well.

One example of a professor who was fired is Anne Luna-Gordinier, a Professor of Sociology at California State University, who shared a meme of The Grim Reaper using an arcade claw machine.

Over the top of her alleged post, it said: 'HAHA OH HELL YEAH CHARLIE KIRK.'

Michael was just one of many professionals who were fired in the wake of Kirk's assassination. The late conservative activist is pictured here at the event where he would later be killed

There was also Ruth Marshall, an associate professor of religious studies and political science at the University of Toronto, who said on her now-private X account that the 'Shooting is honestly too good for so many of you fascist c**ts.'

And there was Nuchelle Chance, an assistant psychology professor at Fort Hays State University, who wrote on Facebook: 'Me thinks the word "karma" is appropriate. Sad day all around.'

The post also linked to the same quote from Kirk about the Second Amendment that Michael had shared.

Unlike the APSU professor, most professionals who were placed on leave or fired have not gotten their jobs back.
Google co-founder Larry Page is exiting California ahead of a controversial proposed 'billionaire's tax'.

Page relocated his California-based businesses in late 2025, just meeting a deadline for the exemption from the possibly impending levy.

The proposed bill would impose a one-time five percent tax on each of the state's billionaires.

If the bill passes a vote due in November, it would retroactively affect billionaires living in the state beginning January 1, 2026.

It has sparked consternation among the super wealthy, with many besides Page threatening to leave.

The tax is the first of its kind and would be imposed on any resident with a net worth above $1 billion.

Stocks, art and even intellectual property would be included in the calculation.

Page founded Google alongside Sergey Brin in 1998. He stepped down as CEO in 2019 and has since embarked on several business ventures of his own.

Page reportedly began relocating out of the state some time ago, but recently transferred most of his business holdings to Delaware, according to Business Insider.

Google co-founder Larry Page is cutting California business ties amid the threat of a five percent tax to billionaires

The bill proposal would require the state's approximately 255 billionaires to pay a one time fee

His family office, Koop, influenza research company, Flu Lab LLC, and his flying car research fund, One Aero, are reportedly all listed with brand new Delaware addresses.

Page's wife, Lucinda Southworth, has also moved her interests out of the state.

She is the head of her own marine conservation charity called Oceankind.

Business Insider reported Oceankind converted out of California and into Delaware in December as well.

Business Insider reported that several LLCs owned by Page used to purchase islands in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Fiji were recently converted to Delaware.

Delaware is an attractive state for business owners because of its 'corporate-friendly' tax structure and offers privacy for business owners.

Texas and Nevada have also been recognized as favorable business states.

Dynatomics, LLC, Page's AI aircraft manufacturing startup, has a new principal address in Keller, Texas. However the team will continue to work in California.

Page's wife, Lucinda Southworth, has also relocated her marine conservation charity out of California

Page is ranked the seventh richest person in the world with a net worth of $144 billion, according to Forbes.

An estimated 255 other billionaires currently live in California.

Kim Kardashian, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah and Jerry Seinfeld are reportedly among the list.

Several have also made their exit from the state just under the deadline.

Venture capitalists Peter Thiel and David Sacks have each relocated their offices to other states in the wake of the tax.

Sacks even wrote on social media that Silicon Valley was on its way out.

'Miami will replace NYC as the finance capital and Austin will replace SF as the tech capital,' he said.

Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West created the pending proposal.

According to the proposal's website, the added tax will 'fill the healthcare funding shortfall created by [the One Big Beautiful Bill Act]'.

'In addition, a portion will go to fund K-14 public education and food assistance programs, ensuring children get a quality education and struggling families have enough food to eat,' the site read.

Page (left) started google with Sergey Brin (right) in 1998 and has since stepped down from executive roles

California Governor Gavin Newsom reportedly opposes the billionaires' tax

While the measure seems popular among voters, it has been criticized by wealthy Californians and government officials.

Some have argued that each billionaire's net worth may be 'inflated or overvalued,' pushing them into billionaire status without the bank account to back it up.

A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom told SF Gate even he opposed the tax, saying he would 'fight' the measure.

In a statement about their proposed 'emergency' tax, the union wrote 'California is facing approximately $100 billion in federal healthcare funding cuts over the next five years.

'The reductions were advanced by Republicans in Congress as part of a broader effort to protect existing tax advantages for the ultra-wealthy, shifting the burden onto patients, providers, and communities.'

The Daily Mail contacted Larry Page for comment.
A school shooter who killed two children in 2001 could soon walk free after his life sentence was erased by a judge in a decision that enraged his victims' families.

Charles Andrew 'Andy' Williams was sentenced to 50-years-to-life in prison for shooting dead Bryan Zuckor, 14, and Randy Gordon, 17, and wounding 13 more students and teachers at Santana High School, California, on March 5, 2001.

But Superior Court Judge Lisa Rodriguez ruled Tuesday that he could be resentenced based on a law which allows this provision for juvenile defendants who have served at least 15 years of a life without parole sentence.

Since Williams, now 39, was 15 at the time of the shooting, his case would be tried in juvenile court, meaning he could be freed at his next sentencing hearing.

The decision comes despite Williams being found unsuitable for release by a state parole board just two years ago, on the grounds that he was still a public safety risk.

Williams broke down in tears in his cell as he appeared by video-link in the courtroom where the decision was made.

But members of the community have said he should not be considered for release.

Michelle Davis, who was a senior at the time of the shooting, said she is still haunted by the incident and worries for her own children who are now at the school.

Charles Andrew 'Andy' Williams (pictured in 2001) who killed two children in March 2001, could be freed earlier than expected after a judge recalled his life sentence

Brian Zuckor was one of two victims killed when Williams opened fire on Santana High School, California in March 5, 2001

Recalling the shooting, she told NBC7: 'I remember it very well. It was very terrifying. Everybody came running to us, you heard a pop, you see kids' blood running.

'He knew what choice he made when he made it. Why is it different now? You know what right from wrong is whether you're 15 or 42.'

Parent Jennifer Mora, who graduated from the high school three years before the shooting, said that it has lasting scars for everybody in the community.

'We all lived it, we grew up here,' she said. 'We get scared for our kids to be in school now because something like that happened in Santana.'

Prosecutors have vowed to fight Williams' release at his next sentencing hearing.

'As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety,' San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement.

'The defendant's cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed.

'We respectfully disagree with the court's decision and will continue our legal fight in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if need be.'

Williams (pictured today) now 39, was 15 at the time of the shooting, his case would be tried in juvenile court, meaning he could be freed at the next sentencing hearing

Survivors have said they are still haunted by the shooting which shook Santana in March 2001

Deputy District Attorney Nicole Roth has argued that Williams was not sentenced to life without possibility of parole, so his case should not even be under consideration for re-sentencing.

She said the judge in his original sentencing opted to give him 50-years-to-life so that he would have some possibility of parole.

Williams' attorney, Laura Sheppard, argued that recent case law indicates prison terms of 50-years-to-life are the 'functional equivalent' of life without parole.

Judge Rodriguez agreed with Sheppard that these sentences are equivalent, because the length of the prison sentences does not allow the opportunity to become a reformed member of the community, which is what the law is designed for.

Williams issued a statement through his attorney at the parole hearing where he apologized for his 'violent and inexcusable' crimes.

'I had no right to barge into the lives of my victims, to blame them for my own suffering and the callous choices I made,' he said.

Williams broke down in tears in his cell as he appeared by video-link in the courtroom where the decision was made. (Pictured: Williams being escorted to the courthouse in March 2001)

'I had no right to cause the loss of life, pain, terror, confusion, fear, trauma, and financial burden that I caused.

'I am sorry for the physical scars and for the psychological scars I created, and for the lives and families that I ripped a hole in.

'It is my intention to live a life of service and amends, to honor those I killed and those I harmed, and to put proof behind my words of remorse.

'I wish so badly that I could undo all the hurt and terror I put you through. With the deepest remorse, I am forever sorry.'
An infamous California 'Party Mom' has appeared in court after allegedly hosting rambunctious high school parties so she could watch drunk minors have sex.

Shannon O'Connor, 50, was accused of supplying underage teenagers with copious amounts of alcohol after renting a Santa Cruz vacation home for her son's birthday celebration in October 2020.

Per court filings, O'Connor was known for holding out-of-control parties for her son and fellow Los Gatos High School Students beginning shortly after he graduated from middle school in June 2020.

The legal documents claimed the 'Party Mom' would encourage her guests to get drunk and have sex for her own sexual gratification.

The alleged antics have drawn comparisons to the 2019 horror movie Ma, in which a twisted mother figure befriends teenagers and encourages them to party in her basement to devious ends.

During one particularly wild event at the luxury beach rental, O'Connor allegedly gave youngsters beer and liquor before they caused $9,000 of damage.

The house was surrounded by security cameras that captured the grizzly events that ensued, according to KRON4.

Footage was played during the January 6 trial which showed the slew of teenagers throwing up, chugging alcohol and smashing cans on the home's manicured lawn.

Shannon O'Connor, 50, is on trial for allegedly supplying alcohol to minors and encouraging them to have sex as she watched

O'Connor was allegedly known for hosting raucous parties at her $5 million California home while her husband was away

In October 2020, there was $9,000 worth of damages done at this house O'Connor rented for a birthday party in Santa Cruz

O'Connor was arrested in October 2021 following a year of rambunctious partying

The rental's owner testified that the partying had left their gorgeous beachfront home completely 'trashed.'

He said: 'Its a valuable property. We have two beautiful bathrooms. The boys peed everywhere around the yard  really acting like a bunch of hooligans.'

The security footage reportedly showed delivery drivers arriving with liquor and beer as O'Connor appeared to be the only adult present.

'It just kept coming and coming. It was like 20 beers for each kid  copious amounts of alcohol,' the owner said per KRON4. 'I was astounded.'

O'Connor allegedly refused to pay for the extensive damage until the rental's owner threatened her with a lawsuit.

The defendant's controversial partying extended well beyond the vacation home, per court filings.

Witnesses alleged that O'Connor was known to host parties at her $5 million mansion in Los Gatos, an affluent Bay Area community known for upscale shops and restaurants, while her husband was away.

Her exclusive guest lists were reportedly comprised of freshman boys and whichever girls she deemed 'pretty' and 'trustworthy' enough to keep the raucous partying a secret.

The 50-year-old known as the 'Party Mom' was equated to one of the 'popular girls' by the young teenage boys who attended her parties

'She would reject girls as guests by saying they weren't 'pretty enough' or didn't 'put out',' court documents stated.

One witness claimed teens would often hook up in designated rooms at the parties, alleging that two downstairs bedrooms were used for teenage sex.

At a December 2020 party, O'Connor allegedly handed a condom to a boy and pushed him into a room with an intoxicated girl.

The girl escaped and locked herself in the bathroom, authorities said.

Prosecutors said that during a New Year's Eve party at her home with about five 14-year-olds, O'Connor allegedly watched and laughed as a drunk teenager sexually battered a young girl in bed.

At the same party, the infamous 'Party Mom' allegedly watched as a boy in a hot tub sexually assaulted a girl who was reportedly so drunk 'she could barely hold her head above water,' per the filing.

O'Connor allegedly used Snapchat to communicate with the teenagers. She messaged them in a group chat titled 'Fox News' so that parents would not catch on, court filings state.

O'Connor's actions seem to be straight out of a horror film like Ma, where the main character encourages high schoolers to drink in her basement

On several occasions, she allegedly helped teenagers sneak out of their homes in the middle of the night to attend her events, according to court documents.

Witnesses who testified this week said they viewed O'Connor as one of the 'popular girls' and 'friend' with whom they often talked about sex and relationships'.

The mother of one of the teenagers even told the court on Tuesday that she '100 percent trusted her.'

'As a mom, I have guilt for not seeing signs sooner,' she told the jury.

O'Connor was arrested in October 2021. When police arrived at the home to make the arrest, 12 teenagers had slept over the night before.

She was indicted on 61 charges, which included child molestation, furnishing alcohol to minors and endangering or injuring the health of a child.

She was in jail for four years as she awaited trial. If convicted, she could face more than 30 years in prison, per NBC Bay Area.

O'Connor pleaded not guilty. Her husband has filed for divorce.
Massachusetts' Democrat governor is facing backlash after using thousands of dollars in taxpayers' money to give a payoff to a top aide accused of trafficking cocaine.

Governor Maura Healey, who is up for re-election, awarded LaMar Cook $31,439 as part of the buyout clause in his contract - on top of his $98,789 base salary - after he was arrested in October.

Cook, 45, was fired after police intercepted a package containing 18 pounds of cocaine that was destined for Healey's Springfield office.

Healey's office later rolled back on the payment, saying it was made in error and that they had 'taken action to get it back' after constituents ridiculed the decision to give an alleged criminal money.

'Taxpayer dollars should never go to an individual who engaged in this type of outrageous criminal activity. This payment was erroneously made,' her office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Healey's office told the Boston Herald that Cook had been informed last month that he had to return the money, but he has yet to do so. The Governor's Office is now gearing up to file a legal complaint against the former employee next week.

The Democrat's gubernatorial opponents were quick to fire criticism at Healey, who has been in the position since 2022.

GOP candidate Brian Shortsleeve told The Herald he wants an investigation into her office to determine how such an error was made.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey faces backlash after using taxpayer money to give an aide arrested for cocaine trafficking a $31,000 buyout

Healey awarded LaMar Cook $31,439 as part of the buyout clause in his contract

'The public deserves to know who authorized this payment, why it was approved, and what safeguards, if any, exist inside her administration,' he lamented.

'We already know Healey was aware of Cooks prior gun charges, including an arrest connected to a drive-by shooting, because they were part of his background check. And yet, he was still hired. What else did they know? Who approved this payout?'

Fellow Republican candidate, Mike Kennealy, said it was just a 'pattern' of problems seen by Healey.

'The Healey Administration continues to demonstrate a lack of competence and accountability. An administration that cant manage basic hiring, oversight, and payroll procedures cannot be trusted to run state government,' he told The Herald.

The Daily Mail has contacted the governor's office and Cook's lawyer Kedar Ismail for comment.

Authorities began investigating Cook on October 10 after they seized two suspicious packages containing 13 kilograms - or nearly 29 pounds - of cocaine at Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook served as director for nearly seven years.

Sixteen days later, Massachusetts State Police intercepted the eight kilograms - or nearly 18 pounds - package at the state building in Springfield.

A trooper then posed as a delivery worker to hand over the parcel to Cook, whom police say was at the building waiting for the drugs.

Cook was arrested in October on cocaine trafficking charges after accepting a package of 18 pounds of the drug at Healey's Springfield office

He is now facing charges of cocaine trafficking, as well as charges for carrying a gun and ammunition without a license and driving without a license.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Springfield District Court.

After his arrest, he lost his position as deputy director of the governor's Western Massachusetts office.

'The criminal investigation is ongoing and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work,' spokeswoman Karissa Hand said at the time.

Cook was appointed to serve under Healey in 2023, when the governor praised him and Kristen Elechko, the director of the Springfield office, as 'two proven leaders with deep ties to Western Mass.

'They know the communities, they know the businesses, they know the needs and opportunities of the region,' Healey said at the time, according to the Boston Globe.

Cook had made a name for himself in the Springfield community by serving on the Springfield Community Preservation Committee and as the cofounder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which provides children in the city with free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies.

He also ran for Springfield City Council and the local school board.

Her office later rolled back on the payment, saying it was made in error and that they had 'taken action to get it back' after constituents ridiculed the decision to give an alleged criminal money

Cook has had other legal troubles in the past.

In 2001, he was one of several residents arrested in connection with a gunfire incident that occurred near the city's Mason Square neighborhood, MassLive reports.

He reportedly was part of a group that rolled up in a car with handguns, shooting at another group of people standing on a front porch at around 1am.

Several rounds were fired, but only one man was hit.

Cook and two others were then charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a handgun within 500 feet of a dwelling and unlicensed possession of a firearm.
An Afghan migrant has been with endangering others during a sea crossing to Britain.

Aman Naseri appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following the alleged offence on January 5.

He is accused of piloting a small boat with 46 people on board on January 5 this year, the first Channel crossing of 2026.

The 18-year-old is also accused of entering the UK without valid entry clearance. He has denied both charges

Speaking through a Dari interpreter, Naseri said: 'I plead not guilty. I was forced to do so.'

'We submit Mr Naseri has piloted a boat across the Channel. There were 46 other people on that boat and that by piloting the boat he put them in danger,' said Julie Farbrace, prosecuting.

District Judge Archie Mackay later added: 'The harm that was risked was potential fatalities.'

He was remanded into custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday.

Aman Naseri (pictured) appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following the alleged offence on January 5. He is accused of piloting a small boat with 46 people on board on January 5 this year, the first Channel crossing of 2026

Labour's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The case is understood to be the first of its kind in the UK and comes after new border security legislation was introduced by the government

Naseri's court appearance comes as 32 migrants made the journey in one boat arriving in the UK on Monday amid freezing temperatures, becoming the first to arrive in 2026 by small boat.

The case is understood to be the first of its kind in the UK under newly-introduced border security legislation introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

According to the Home Office, the charge of endangering others during a sea crossing is to stop more people being crammed into unsafe boats and would apply to those involved in physical aggression and intimidation, as well as anyone who resists rescue.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 came into law last month.

The act creates a framework of new, enhanced powers and offences to improve UK border security and to strengthen the asylum and immigration system.

It is designed to deter irregular migration to the UK and reduce small boat crossings and loss of life in the Channel through the provision of new powers and data-sharing arrangements.

The law will also strengthen the UK's wider immigration and asylum system, protect it against abuse, and rebuild public confidence in the UK migration and borders system.

On top of this, the law has also introduced new powers for enforcement agencies to crack down on people smuggling gangs, including to seize mobile phones and sim cards from migrants without arresting them from Monday to gather intelligence.

Migrants being brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel on Monday. File photo

Monday, January 5, marked the first day prosecutors in England and Wales were able to charge offenders under the new law.

Sarah Dineley from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Organised immigration crime causes untold misery and is a serious risk to life for those desperate enough to make these crossings.

'Thanks to these new offences we now have at our disposal, we can work with our law enforcement colleagues to bring offenders to justice.

'Prosecutions disrupt the running of these criminal business models and sends out a clear message to those involved that they risk imprisonment.

'Once our prosecutors have sufficient evidence from law enforcement agencies and it's in the public interest we won't hesitate to charge suspects and take them to court.'

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris said: 'We promised to restore order and control to our borders which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade.

'That is exactly why we are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and cut off their supply chains.

'These operational measures sit alongside sweeping reforms to the system, to make it less attractive for migrants to come here illegally and remove and deport people faster.'
A senior Russian official has branded Sir Keir Starmer as 'illiterate' and 'a fool' after he vowed to base British troops in Ukraine as part of a peace deal.

Senator and space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin said the British Prime Minister's suggestion would open up the UK to missile strikes by Russia.

'Even after Russia's defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-1856, such thoughts never occurred to England, France, or the Turks and Sardinians,' he said.

'Of course, Starmer is illiterate and a fool in the grand scheme of things, but he should still understand what we will do to their shi*** kingdom if they actually try to implement this nonsense.'

His fiery remarks come after Starmer on Tuesday signed a declaration of intent in Paris with France's Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy outlining the deployment of forces in the event a peace deal is reached.

But on Wednesday he assured that any deployment of UK forces under the declaration would be subject to a parliamentary vote.

'I will keep the house updated as the situation develops, and were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the house for a vote,' Starmer told parliament.

He said the number of troops would be determined under UK military plans which are currently being drawn.

Russian official Dmitry Rogozin has branded Sir Keir Starmeras 'illiterate' and 'a fool' after he signed a declaration of intent outlining the deployment of forces to Ukraine

Rogozin pictured with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Starmer also said he had spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump about security guarantees for Ukraine twice over Christmas and assured lawmakers there was 'no question of acting on this without full discussion with the Americans'.

Vladimir Putin continued his overnight attacks on Ukraine which left seven people - including two terror-struck girls, eight and 16 - injured in Dnipro in strikes on residential buildings, schools, and kindergartens.

Speaking on January 7 - the date in which the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas - Vladimir Putin said Russian soldiers were acting on God's orders, casting the war as a sacred mission rather than his own political decision, invoking Orthodox theology to legitimise his military violence.

'Today we celebrate the wonderful, bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ', Putin said at a midnight service.

'And we often call the Lord the Saviour, because He came to Earth to save all people.

'So, the soldiers, the soldiers of Russia, always, as if on the Lord's orders, fulfil this very mission - the defence of the Fatherland, the salvation of the Motherland and its people.'

Putin's extraordinary claim of a divine mandate is the latest clear sign that he has no intention of halting the war and agreeing to Donald Trump's peace initiative.

More children were wounded in Russian Christmas strikes on Zaporizhzhia region.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Russian soldiers were acting on God's orders

Hospitals in Lviv were disconnected from electricity due to shortages after weeks of Russian missile and drone strikes at power plants.

Ukraine exploded an oil plant in a spectacular inferno at Stary Oskol in Belgorod border region.

'As a result of the detonation, several tanks caught fire on the site,' said Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

'Firefighters are currently extinguishing the blaze.'
A lonely radiologist thought she had met the man of her dreams online - only to end up losing $1 million.

Jackie Crenshaw, 61, had built a successful career as a senior manager for breast imaging at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut.

'I was 59 years old, and I had all the things that you work 40 years for,' Crenshaw told the AARP.

'You know, saving for your retirement. And there was just that one thing missing, being so busy, which is someone to share it with.'

She had not been in a serious relationship for ten years, and she joined a black dating website in May 2023 looking for love.

She soon discovered a man named Brandon, and later told the AARP she was drawn to his 'beautiful blue eyes.'

Crenshaw sent a message complimenting his eyes, and the man quickly responded.

The two began messaging back and forth and spoke up to five times a day for more than a year, Crenshaw said.

Jackie Crenshaw, 61, had $1million stolen from her in an elaborate, online romance scam that took place over the course of more than a year

The scammer sent gifts, such as jewelry and food deliveries, in order to build trust with Crenshaw

One of the gifts the scammer sent to Crenshaw was a necklace with her picture on one side and a picture that was supposedly him on the other

'If I mentioned I was hungry, there would be food delivered,' Crenshaw told WTNH. 'They really do meticulously work on your emotions to get to you.'

The man also sent her gifts, including a necklace with a picture of her on one side and a picture that was supposedly him on the other.

Eventually, after building up a significant amount of trust, he asked Crenshaw to invest in a cryptocurrency. He had told her that he became an expert in crypto investing during the pandemic while staying at home with his children.

The scammer also showed her receipts from Coinclusta, a fake crypto company, that said he had made $2million off of a $170,000 investment.

Crenshaw eventually decided to send him $40,000 that she had taken from her retirement account, and the scammer later sent her a check back for $100,000, saying it was the return on her investment.

But the check was written by a woman with an address in Florida, which made Crenshaw suspicious.

So the radiologist took the check to her local police station, where she said officers dismissed her concerns.

Still cautious, she called the bank that had issued the check, and they told her it came from a legitimate account.

Crenshaw eventually decided to send the scammer $40,000, and he later sent her a check back for $100,000, saying it was the return on her investment

Crenshaw only found out she was being scammed after more than a year, when an anonymous caller who said he felt bad for her tipped off police

Crenshaw eventually learned that the woman who wrote the check had been victimized by the same romance-investment scam.

But she only found out after June 2024, when an anonymous caller, who police said had a 'thick indian accent' and said he felt bad for Crenshaw, tipped police off about the scam.

She confronted the scammer a few days later, but he denied the accusation. He continued to call Crenshaw, but she stopped responding, so he used her personal information to apply for loans and credit cards.

But prior to the revelation, she had been continually sending him money that ended up totalling about $1million.

She had even taken out a $189,000 loan against her home to keep sending him money, thinking that she was making huge returns on her investments, because the scammer had been sending her fake statements.

When Connecticut State Police investigated, they traced one e-wallet the scammer was using to China and another to Nigeria.

The elaborate, international scam that Crenshaw fell victim to is known as financial grooming, or the less polite term 'pig butchering.' There is no way for her to get her money back.

Crenshaw has partnered with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and the AARP to raise awareness about the risk of online romance scams, particularly for adults over the age of 60.

Crenshaw has publicly shared her story to raise awareness about the risk of online romance scams, particularly for adults over the age of 60 (stock image)

A press release from Tong's office stated that 'Americans lodged 859,532 complaints in 2024 regarding internet crimes, from phishing and credit card fraud to identity theft and romance scams resulting in $16.6 billion in losses.

'Adults aged 60 and over comprised 147,127 of those complaints, resulting in $4.86 billion in losses. Of those complaints, 7,626 involved romance scams, resulting in $389 million in losses.'

Some of the tips shared by the Attorney General's office and AARP to avoid online romance scams include insisting on an in-person meeting in public and never sending money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.

The tips also include doing a reverse Google image search on pictures sent to you and checking with a financial advisor and family if someone online asks for money.
The 'Trump Store' in Pennsylvania, known for selling MAGA merchandise, is closing after business dipped following Donald Trump's reelection.

The outlet, located in Bensalem, a suburb outside of Philadelphia, announced its closing sale on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, urging customers to clear out their merchandise before doors close at the end of the month.

The business announced on social media: 'After 6 wonderful years at our Bensalem location, we have made the difficult decision to close The Trump Store.

'A big thank you to all of our loyal customers and the life-long friends that weve made since our grand opening in February of 2020.'

The store opened after Joe Biden assumed office, and sales soared among conservatives wanting to flex their disapproval of the current leader.

Co-owner Mike Domanico told the Philadelphia Inquirer that business has slowed down since Trump returned to the White House last year.

Domanico said sales dipped after the President was impeached, but grew when anticipation built for his reelection campaign.

When FBI agents raided Trump's estate at Mar-a-Lago in the summer of 2022, the store saw a spike in sales.

The Trump Store PA announced on January 6 that its final day in operation would be on January 31

The Bensalem store's owner, Mike Domanico, said sales have dipped since the President assumed office in 2024

The outlet capitalized on Trump's 2024 presidential election, selling victory merch and campaign products

Domanico added that MAGA supporters flocked to his store a year later to purchase 'Free Trump' shirts when Trump became the first president indicted on felony charges.

'The store has kind of run its course,' he confessed during an interview with the Associated Press.

The closing sale runs until January 31

'You know, its been six years and the elections are over. Trumps not gonna be in another election, even though hell be part of it.'

Even though the Constitution bars any president from running for a third term, Trump has floated the idea, and some of his supporters have made merchandise advertising for a 2028 run.

Trump Store PA also started selling merchandise advertising for his third term, but Domanico told AP it was just to rile people up.

The store's final sale runs until January 31, with shirts as low as $3 and hats as low as $5.

Some of their items include a gold hat with Trump's signature and '47' inscribed on the cap and a 'Charlie Kirk Show' mug.

The store dropped a line after Trump's 2024 victory, with a slew of shirts that read, 'Guess Who's Back,' 'Trump Won Again, Get Over It,' and 'I Love It When I Wake Up and Trump is the 47th President.'

Mike Domanico said the store saw a surge in sales during Biden's tenure as president

Even though the Constitution bars Trump from running for a third term, Trump Store PA still has a line of 2028 merch

In a 2022 video tour, Domanico showed off a slew of products advertising Trump's 2024 campaign.

Domanico showed off his store while wearing a shirt with Trump's face that read, 'I'll Be Back.'

Trump Store PA sits in Bucks County, a crucial swing district in the state. Biden won the county by 51 percent in 2020.

Current Governor Josh Shapiro won his race for attorney general that same year by 51.10 percent.

However, Trump won the county in 2016 and narrowly carried it once again in 2024 over Kamala Harris.
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil in a daring commando-style raid, after a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic.

Dramatic photos in Russian media purportedly show a helicopter - believed to be an American MH-6 Little Bird - swooping close to the rogue vessel before it was captured by US forces around 124 miles south of the Icelandic coast.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that British troops provided support for the seizure of the Marinera today including 'pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets'.

The Marinera ship - originally known as the Bella-1 - made an abrupt turn Wednesday afternoon and was heading towards Britain, according to ship tracking data.

In a fresh humiliation for Vladimir Putin, the operation occurred in the vicinity of Russian military personnel.

Donald Trump's latest power play came after the Marinera slipped through a US maritime 'blockade' of sanctioned vessels and rebuffed US Coast Guard efforts to board it.

The operation, during which no American personnel were injured, is a show of strength against the Russian dictator - days after the US seized the ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a lightning raid and threatened to takeover Greenland.

Russia's foreign ministry begged the US to 'ensure humane and dignified treatment' of Russian citizens on board the vessel, and warning the US not to hamper their return to their homeland.

The tanker is the latest to be targeted by the US Coast Guard since the start of Trump's pressure campaign against Venezuela.

Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean, armed with a warrant to seize the ship over alleged breaches of US sanctions and claims it had shipped Iranian oil.

However, the tanker then abruptly changed course, renamed itself Marinera and was added to an official Russian ship database

At one point while being pursued, the crew of the vessel painted a Russian flag on its hull, claiming it was sailing under Russian protection, and Moscow made a formal diplomatic request that the US stop its chase.

The seizure of the Marinera occurred alongside a raid on a second Venezuela-linked oil tanker called the M/T Sophia.

A triumphant Trump took to Truth Social, writing: 'The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!'

Pictures in Russian media purportedly showed helicopters approaching the vessel today

American officials added that Russian military vessels were in the general vicinity when the operation took place, including a Russian submarine

American forces also captured a separate 'dark fleet' tanker, U.S. Southern Command said on Wednesday. Video showed US forces rappelling onto the vessel in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday

The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after U.S. officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025

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British Royal Air Force aircraft were involved in the US operation and UK airbases were used as launchpads for the US military aircraft.

The operation involved an RFA Tideforce vessel as the RAF provided surveillance support from the air.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

'Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia.

'This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

'This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

'The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.'

The sanctioned tanker was pursued 'across the high seas and through treacherous storms' before it was captured, the US Homeland Security Secretary said.

Kristi Noem said the seizure of this 'ghost fleet' vessel, and a separate tanker near the Caribbean, 'put the worlds criminals on notice'.

The tankers, the Marinera and the Sophia - were 'either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it'.

'You can run, but you cant hide. We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco-terrorism wherever we find it, period,' she said.

'This is our countrys greatest fighting force at their best. This is America first at sea.'

'One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice,' Noem said.

'The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms - keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud.'

The latest location data from the vessel showed it made an abrupt turn to the south and slowed to just eight knots, starting at 11.26am GMT.

It appeared to be heading towards northern Scotland.

Data from flight tracking sites appeared to show both British and American military aircraft leaving the UK and heading towards the area the vessel is in.

Separately, the US Coast Guard has also intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in Latin American waters, US officials said, as the US continues enforcing a maritime 'blockade' of sanctioned vessels from Venezuela.

Sources told Reuters that the vessel was Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia, which is under sanctions.

The ship, a 'stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker', was seized by the American military in a pre-dawn operation, pictured below.

'The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea,' the US military said in a statement.

'The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the US for final disposition.'

American forces captured a separate 'dark fleet' tanker called the M/T Sophia

The vessel was described as a 'stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker'

It was 'operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea,' the US military said

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One oil analyst claimed the M/T Sophia was likely carrying around 2million barrels of Merey crude oil.

Emmanuel Belostrino, senior manager of crude oil market data at analytics firm Kpler, told CNN: 'The VLCCs (very large crude carrier) previous voyage was also from Venezuela, when it similarly loaded around 2 million barrels of Merey crude in early August 2025 before heading to offshore Malaysia (EOPL).

'The sanctioned cargo was likely transferred to another vessel via dark ship-to-ship transfer, but Kpler has not determined the partner vessel'.

The humiliated Kremlin slammed the US over the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker.

'In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states,' Russia's transport ministry said in a statement.

The vessel, which changed its name from Bella-1 to Marinera, had received 'temporary permission' to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, the ministry said, adding that 'contact with the ship was lost' after US naval forces boarded it 'in the open sea, beyond the territorial waters of any state'.

Footage posted earlier by Russian television network RT purported to show a US Coast Guard cutter chasing the Marinera, which started its journey in Iran.

Earlier, the Daily Mail reported that British Typhoons were scrambled to intercept the vessel.

Trump last month said he had ordered a 'blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a policy the government in Caracas branded 'theft'.

In the run-up to the US seizure of the country's former leader Maduro on Saturday, Trump repeatedly accused Venezuela's government of using ships to smuggle drugs into the US.

Two US officials told CBS News on Tuesday that American forces were planning to board the Marinera and that Washington would prefer to seize the vessel rather than sink it.

The US European Command said the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have 'today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions'.

In a post on X, they added: 'The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.'

They added that the operations supported Trump's 'Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere'.

'The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.'

The US European Command said the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have 'today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions'

In a post on X, they said the 'vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro'

Russia dispatched navy assets to protect the sanctioned oil tanker as it crossed the Atlantic, amid mounting threats from the US to seize the vessel

Footage posted by Russian television network RT purports to show a US Coast Guard cutter chasing the Russian-flagged oil tanker

An RAF Poseidon MRA1 may have been assisting US forces in their mission to seize the vessel, according to a flight tracking website.

Tracking data earlier today from FlightRadar24 showed a US Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker departing from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk at 08.54am. It was located off the west coast of Scotland flying towards Iceland.

Three Pilatus U-28A Draco aircraft also departed from the same air base and were seen flying north along Scotlands east coast.

The planes are usually deployed in reconnaissance and other specialist missions by the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

Over the weekend, ten C-17 Globemasters and a pair of AC-130J Ghostriders landed at two RAF bases - RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk - signalling an indication of further action.

The planes came from Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Hunter, Georgia - airfields home to the 160th SOAR or Night Stalkers who helped in the raid on the Venezuelan president's fortified compound in Caracas.

The C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft, often deployed in tactical and strategic missions as well as for transporting soldiers and cargo.

The AC-130J Ghostrider offers close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

Also aiding the search for the ship were RAF Typhoon fighter jets, accompanied by KC2 aerial refuelling tankers.

It had departed from Venezuelan waters in early January as part of a fleet of ships carrying Venezuelan oil to China in 'dark mode' or with its transponder off, according to shipping data and sources.

The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella 1, had been falsely registered under a Guyanese flag.

It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil but is understood to be empty at the moment.

Russia accused the US and Nato of excessive scrutiny surrounding the ship.

'At present, our vessel is sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law,' Russia's foreign ministry said earlier on Wednesday.

'For reasons unclear to us, the Russian ship is being given increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and Nato military, despite its peaceful status.

'We expect that Western countries, which declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas, will begin adhering to this principle themselves.'

In the same week that the Bella 1 changed its name and adopted a Russian flag, a second ship operating in Venezuela, the Hyperion, made a similar change.

In recent days, at least three additional oil vessels that operated in Venezuelan waters have similarly switched to Russian flags, extending a pattern of reflagging among ships under US sanctions.

The capturing of the Marinera follows an operation last month when the US Coast Guard led a dramatic raid on The Skipper, a tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

Ten days later, another vessel named the Centuries carrying Venezuelan oil was halted and boarded, but not seized.
An Australian man has appealed his drug trafficking conviction in Bali after he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, was sentenced on December 18 after Denpasar District Court found him guilty of receiving two packages filled with 54 individually-wrapped Lindt chocolates - each containing 8.3g of cocaine.

His 12-year prison term, along with a substantial fine, was much harsher than the nine-year sentence that was sought by the prosecution.

Ahchee's lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, confirmed on Wednesday that the Australian had lodged an appeal on December 23.

Pangkahila claimed Ahchee would be seeking a 'fairer sentence', however, the appeal is risky as it could also see him handed a longer period behind bars or even the death penalty.

The lawyer during the trial claimed said Ahchee, who had worked for hospitality, had been 'set up' by a British man, referred to as 'Boss'.

'My client did not know that the things that he collected from the gojek driver was drugs,' Pangkahila said.

During the trial, presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said there were several factors in determining the sentence.

Lamar Aaron Ahchee (pictured) was convicted of smuggling drugs into Bali

He has appealed his sentence for receiving packages of smuggled cocaine inside Lindt wrappers (pictured)

'The defendant's act do not support the government's program to eradicate narcotics,' he said.

'Cocaine is classified as a dangerous narcotic and is highly destructive due to its very strong addictive properties and its ability to affect the brain's nervous system.

'The quantity of cocaine received was quite large and could harm many people as well as damage the quality and security of Bali's tourism.

'The defendant was evasive and attempted to obscure the facts by pretending not to know the contents of the package he received.'

However, the judge noted that Ahchee was 'polite during the trial' and had expressed remorse for his actions in collecting the suspicious package.

He had also never previously been convicted, the judge observed.
A Trump-appointed federal judge has demanded answers over why the Justice Department's prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, is pretending she still has a job.

US District Judge David Novak of Richmond ordered Halligan to explain why she continues to identify as the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite another judge ruling in November that she had been unlawfully appointed to the role.

Judge Novak sent out a three-page order on Tuesday demanding answers from Halligan regarding her role. The order is a part of a carjacking and attempted bank robbery case involving Halligan as the prosecutor.

Halligan, an ex-beauty queen who defended Donald Trump during the classified documents case, unsuccessfully prosecuted former FBI Director James and Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James last year.

Judge Novak ordered Halligan to respond to his order in writing by 'explaining the basis for ... identification of herself as the United States Attorney, notwithstanding Judge Currie's contrary ruling. She shall also set forth the reasons why this Court should not strike Ms. Halligan's identification of herself as United States Attorney from the indictment in this matter.'

He goes on to demand Halligan 'shall further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement.'

The judge suggested disciplinary action against Halligan could come down the line and order her to sign her response.

Novak noted that his order to Halligan came at his own initiative and not from the defense attorneys involved in the case.

Lindsey Halligan at the US Open last summer in New York

A separate judge ruled in November that the DOJ had unlawfully appointed Halligan to her position

Halligan oversaw the failed criminal prosecutions of James Comey and Letitia James

The Daily Mail has contacted the Justice Department for comment.

In November, US District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that the Justice Department had violated the Constitution by unlawfully appointing Halligan as US attorney.

The judge's ruling led to the dismissal of Comey and James' criminal cases.

Currie wrote that all criminal indictments 'flowing from Ms. Halligan's defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comey's indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power.'

The judge issued another ruling in James' criminal prosecution by claiming Halligan had exercised power she 'did not lawfully possess.'

Novak, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, noted that Currie's ruling against Halligan's appointed had been appealed but that the order had not been paused by the courts.

Therefore, according to Novak, the prior ruling remains the 'binding precedent of the district and is not subject to being ignored.'

Halligan was appointed to her role after her predecessor refused to bring criminal charges against Trump's political enemies

Halligan was placed into the role as US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after her predecessor refused to bring forward criminal charges against Trump's perceived political enemies.

Former US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, declined to prosecute James for mortgage fraud over what he said was a lack of evidence.

In September, Trump posted a brutal attack Truth Social message demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi replace Siebert with Halligan, who served as a member of the White House counsel at the time.

He described Siebert as a 'Democrat Endorsed 'Republican'' and said Halligan will 'be Fair, Smart, and will provide, desperately needed, JUSTICE FOR ALL!'

Although Currie's November ruling did sink Halligan's prosecution against Comey and James, it did not remove her from office.
American special forces have been filmed carrying out fast-rope exercises at an RAF airfield after amassing military aircraft in Britain.

Elite soldiers were seen rappelling from a CV-22B tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft as part of a drill at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire yesterday.

The US has been building up its military capabilities in Britain following its audacious mission to capture Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

The new footage also coincides with a new operation to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic.

Pictures in Russian media purportedly showed a helicopter approaching the vessel, Bella-1, earlier today.

The chopper appears to be an American MH-6 Little Bird.

While it is unclear if Britain was involved in the storming of the tanker, large numbers of US military aircraft have been spotted arriving in the UK in recent days.

This includes a fleet of 14 C-17 Globemasters and two heavily armed AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, which touched down at Fairford and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.

Elite soldiers were seen rappelling from CV-22B tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft as part of an exercise at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire yesterday

Footage shows insertion training underway at RAF Fairford, UK, potentially indicating preparations for a boarding operation targeting the crude oil tanker Marinera. pic.twitter.com/Vmfh4vnfPk  GMI (@Global_Mil_Info) January 6, 2026

The Ospreys seen at Fairford are part of the US air force's 7th Special Operations Squadron, which specialises in long-range infiltration, extraction and resupply.

They left the base this morning and are not visible on flight trackers.

The C-17 - one of the world's largest transport aircraft - and the smaller but more potent AC-130J, would join forces in any covert US operation overseas.

Special Forces personnel could parachute from the AC-130J and receive covering fire on landing from ground-attack weapons including Vulcan cannons, howitzers and Hellfire missiles.

They could also be dropped from any of the ten C-17s that crossed the Atlantic from bases in Kentucky and Georgia in recent days.

The 173ft-long transporters, powered by turbofan engines, can carry tanks and boast a payload capacity exceeding 500,000 pounds.

The arrivals of the C-17s and the C-130s coincided with the dramatic US operation to capture President Maduro - and continuing US threats to Greenland.

The new footage coincides with a new operation to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic

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Last night, Europe's leaders confronted Mr Trump over his administration's threats to use military force to seize the territory and vowed to defend its 'territorial integrity'.

The president and his top advisers are exploring plans including purchasing the Danish territory or taking charge of its defence, according to a senior administration official.

The White House said that 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned the issue is 'not going away' despite the protests of NATO leaders.

The statement has dismayed America's NATO allies, who have rallied around Denmark in recent days as Trump renews his threats to invade Greenland after the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

In a public statement, seven leaders - from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark - declared they will 'not stop defending' Greenland despite the threats.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a New York courtroom on Monday

They called America an 'essential partner' and reiterated that the US and Denmark signed a defense agreement in 1951.

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' they said.

The Ministry of Defence has declined to comment 'on the operational activity of other nations'.
Donald Trump is setting his sights on Greenland after his historic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro over the weekend  but Americans don't seem to care about acquiring the autonomous territory of Denmark.

The president has repeatedly floated purchasing or obtaining the Danish territory because of its strategic location in the north Atlantic and Arctic, and his desires seems to have only heightened after the successful Delta Force operation in Venezuela.

But rather than shifting their eyes north, Americans still have their focus on the Middle East  even after a 20-year war ended in Afghanistan just four years ago.

One of every four Americans surveyed said they want Iran to be the next foreign nation for the US to intervene in, according to a Daily Mail poll conducted by JL Partners.

Russia came in second with 18 percent and Cuba a close third with 17 percent. Eight percent said they want to see US action in China.

Iran, Russia and China are all allies of Venezuela and the biggest adversaries of the US.

The Daily Mail previously reported on a years-long coordinated plot for Venezuela to grant its passports and citizenship to Iranian, Lebanese and Syrian citizens to provide them better access to the west.

Of the 1,000 respondents to the poll conducted January 5-6, barely half  44 percent  said they are 'unsure' or don't have a strong opinion on where the US should 'conduct military strikes and regime change' after the Venezuela operation.

Americans aren't so set on Donald Trump taking military action or enacting regime change in Greenland despite the president making it clear that could be a next target after Venezuela

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Among those who did give a response, only 5 percent said they want to see the US take over the territory that Denmark has maintained control of in some capacity since the 14th century.

Trump continues to push for an acquisition of Greenland but the Arctic island is protected under NATO alliances.

The president says that enhanced Chinese and Russian activity in the area and the strategic location of the territory is vital for the US to control to maintain national security for Europe and the Americas.

The push comes on the heels of Trump's earth-shattering decision to green-light the abduction and extradition of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores over the weekend.

At Wednesday White House briefing, Trump's Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is 'actively' discussing purchasing Greenland from Denmark.

'The acquisition of Greenland by the United States is not a new idea, this is something that presidents dating back to the 1800s have said is advantageous for our national security,' she said.

And Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that he plans to meet with Danish officials next week.

President Donald Trump wants to acquire Greenland because he feels the Arctic island poses a strategic position for national and regional security against Russia and China

It's still not entirely clear what Trump thinks the US will gain by taking over Greenland rather than working with allies within Europe to maintain a military presence there and coordinating efforts to deflect adversaries.

But Leavitt says it amounts to Trump wanting 'more control over the Arctic region.'

She added: 'And ensuring that China and and Russia in our adversaries cannot continue their aggression in this very important and strategic region, and there would be many other benefits as well that again, the President and his national security team are currently talking about.'

During a December 22 press conference, the president said: 'We need Greenland for national security. You look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it.'
A judge's wife who shot dead her husband's nephew in front of him will barely serve any time in jail under a lenient plea deal.

James Wolfe, 40, was shot in the chest at the house of his uncle, Harris County justice of the peace Bob Wolfe, 73, on the night of April 4, 2024.

Bob's wife Mei Wolfe, 50, was charged with murder after grabbing a pistol during an argument over James, who was living with them, outstaying his welcome.

The elder Wolfe called 911 as the situation escalated and tried to grab the gun after Mei returned to the room brandishing it, but was too late.

Mei was arrested at the $500,000 house on Tesino River Circuit in Katy, Texas, that evening and released from the Harris County Jail on a $100,000 bond two days later.

Those were the only two nights Mei would spend in jail. She will instead do 10 years of community supervision under the deal with Harris County prosecutors.

Mei will not even have a criminal conviction if she stays out of trouble during her probation, as she was given a deferred adjudication.

This means despite Mei pleading guilty to manslaughter - a second-degree felony - court proceedings are effectively stopped so long as she fulfils the conditions.

Mei Wolfe, 50, wife of Harris County justice of the peace Bob Wolfe, 73, shot dead his nephew inside their home in April 2024

James Wolfe, 40, was gunned down during an argument where Mei allegedly told him she wanted him out of the house. He had recently home to live with them after graduating university and going traveling, posing here with a King's Guardsman in London

Mei was arrested outside the house that evening and released on bail two days later

Mei was sentenced on December 18, but Judge Colleen Gaido amended the terms on Monday to add 30 days jail time.

'The best interest of the public and of the defendant as well will be served by the modification of the terms of supervision,' she wrote.

Mei will serve three days in the Harris County Jail every year on the anniversary of James' death for each of the next 10 years.

The favorable sentence was reached after Mei's lawyer claimed she accidentally shot James during the struggle for the gun with her husband, and didn't mean to kill him.

She also claimed self-defense, alleging James broke her finger during an altercation that prompted her to retrieve the gun.

'[James] was staying at Wolfes residence with her, her husband, and her daughter. There had been friction between Wolfe and the decedent over his living there for several days,' documents filed with the court in June 2024 read.

'At the time in question, the decedent physically attacked Wolfe (photos of injuries and medical records of her broken finger support this).

'She retrieved a handgun to protect herself, and the handgun accidentally discharged when her husband struggled to take it away from her.'

Police said Mei was not getting along with her nephew and described the situation between them as 'an ongoing feud'

James was staying at the couple's $500,000 house on Tesino River Circuit in Katy, Texas, where he was shot. Wofle and Mei still live there

Bob has been practicing law since 1983 and was elected justice of the peace in Harris County

A grand jury, as a result, refused to indict Mei on a murder charge sought by prosecutors - instead opting for manslaughter.

Prosecutor Jose Garza eventually negotiated a plea deal that further reduced the charge to a lesser form of manslaughter.

Wolfe appears to have stuck by his life despite her causing the death of his own nephew, and advocated for her during the court case.

'[Mei's] husband does not believe she is a danger or flight risk,' a motion opposing Mei being forced to wear an ankle monitor read.

'He has been practicing law for decades, is a judge, and knows his wife as well as anyone.'

Mei's registered address did not change from the martial home they have jointly owned since 2021, indicating she still lives there.

Wolfe is running for reelection as justice of the peace this year, kicking off his campaign last October.

Wolfe married Mei after his first wife, and mother of his two sons, died. She has a daughter who lives with them and at the time attended a local public school

Bob disarmed his wife after she allegedly fired the first shot, but James died of his wounds despite efforts by paramedics

Bob married Mei after his first wife, and mother of his two sons, died. She has a daughter who lives with them and attends a local public school

James was briefly staying with his uncle and Mei after he returned from travelling in Europe following his university graduation.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez at the time said Mei was not getting along with her nephew and described the situation between them as 'an ongoing feud'.

'It may have been a situation where the female homeowner felt that he wasn't welcome anymore, and a disturbance broke out over that,' he said after Mei's arrest.

'She retrieved a pistol and something happened during the altercation, and she fired a shot, striking the nephew.

'We've seen a lot of family and intimate partner violence happening recently... sometimes it extends beyond [husband and wife] to other family members.

'In this case... a female homeowner and her nephew. A very tragic situation.'

Bob disarmed his wife after she fired the first shot, but James died of his wounds despite efforts by paramedics.

Mei's daughter was also in the house at the time of the shooting.

Wolfe appears to have stuck by his life despite her causing the death of his own nephew, and advocated for her during the court case

James visits and art gallery during his trip to Europe

James' social media profiles show him posing with a King's Guardsman in London, drinking Guinness in Dublin, and touring the 101st Airborne Museum in Belgium.

He also visited historical buildings and cathedrals in Cologne and elsewhere in Germany, Amsterdam, and the World War II beaches of Normandy.

Wolfe married Mei after his first wife, and mother of his two sons, died. She has a daughter who lives with them and at the time attended a local public school.

His oldest son, Mike Wolfe, served as a board member of the Harris County Department of Education - by whom he was censured in 2019 amid sexual harassment allegations.

Mike unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Baytown, Texas, last year and is contesting the upcoming Republican primaries for both the Texas House of Representatives and Harris Country Clerk in March.
The Pentagon has ordered an investigation into whether the presence of women in 'tip of the spear' combat roles is damaging the military's ability to win wars.

A leaked memo obtained by NPR reveals that defense bosses are launching a grueling sixmonth review of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor and artillery units.

In a private online support group leaked exclusively to the Daily Mail, one service member raged against the double standard, writing: 'You mean your guys can't focus on the mission without trying to stick it in... not my problem.'

Another woman shared a text she sent to a colleague, blasting the scrutiny placed on female troops: 'Are we also reviewing the effectiveness of men in ground combat positions, or just assuming they're effective because they were born with a penis?'

Women represent a small share of Army combat units, with about 3,800 serving in such positions.

Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel Anthony Tata wrote in a memo that the effort is to figure out the 'operational effectiveness of ground combat units 10 years after the department lifted all remaining restrictions on women serving in combat roles.'

In a blistering demand for transparency, Tata has told Army and Marine Corps leaders they have until January 15 to appoint the 'points of contact' who will hand over the keys to the military's most sensitive data.

The investigation is being handled by the National Security nonprofit Institute for Defense Analyses, and will include 'all available metrics describing that individual's readiness and ability to deploy.

The Pentagon has ordered an investigation into whether the presence of women in 'tip of the spear' combat roles is damaging the military's ability to win wars

A leaked memo obtained by NPR reveals that defense bosses are launching a grueling sixmonth review of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor and artillery units

Another female service member has lifted the lid on a private Facebook mentorship group where thousands of military women are 'sounding off' in a highvoltage debate over the future of their careers

One user wrote, 'If you meet the standard, you should be able to do it. They all want to ban all women just because it 'makes it complicated.' you mean your guys can't focus on the mission without trying to stick it in not my problem'

A text message between female service members sent to the Daily Mail

The Pentagon's massive audit is causing a rebellion amongst the rank and file.

Female service members are calling it a 'sexist operation' to the Daily Mail.

'Even if this is just rhetoric, it's giving the men around us who are already sexist the opportunity and the encouragement to be more overtly sexist,' one army source explained. 'So even if there isn't an official push to push women out of positions, I worry that it will happen naturally because of this rhetoric.'

Another female service member has lifted the lid on a private Facebook mentorship group where thousands of military women are 'sounding off' in a highvoltage debate over the future of their careers.

The group, a reported lifeline for sistersinarms, has become a digital war room for those fearing their 'effectiveness' is being judged by 'suits who have never stepped foot in a foxhole.'

One user wrote, 'If you meet the standard, you should be able to do it. They all want to ban all women just because it 'makes it complicated.' you mean your guys can't focus on the mission without trying to stick it in not my problem.'

Another recounting the Global War on Terrorism mission after the Sept. 11 attacks, writing, 'Women were a tactical necessity in the Middle East for cultural reasons alone Having women was critical to saving lives.'

Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson tells the Daily Mail that the review is already underway.

'Our standards for combat arms positions will be elite, uniform, and sex neutral because the weight of a rucksack or a human being doesn't care if you're a man or a woman. Under Secretary Hegseth, the Department of War will not compromise standards to satisfy quotas or an ideological agendathis is common sense,' Wilson added.

The sevenpage memo also asks for internal, nonpublic research on women serving in combat roles.

At a September speech to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, Hegseth said women must meet the same highest standards as men.

'When it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender neutral,' Hegseth said. 'If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is.'

The Secretary of Defense can change physical standards without congressional approval, however an outright ban on female troops serving would need congressional approval.
The next man on Donald Trump's hit list in Venezuela appears to be the official in charge of security forces in the country.

Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello has been put on notice, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The ultimatum he's facing is to assist Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, whom President Trump says is cooperating, to meet US demands and keep order following the capture and extradition of Nicolas Maduro.

Cabello, was vice president to Hugo Chavez in 2002, and is currently in charge of the security forces accused of widespread human rights abuses in Venezuela.

He is now one of the Maduro-loyalists the Trump administration is relying on to maintain stability as the US 'runs' Venezuela and helps it transition to a new government, according to a source briefed on the administration's thinking.

'The President is speaking about exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalizing oil infrastructure, and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people,' a senior Trump administration official told Reuters.

Rodriguez and Cabello have a years-long rivalry and it's unclear if the two will be able to work together.

But the US has told Cabello via intermediaries that if he doesn't get on board, he could face a similar fate to Maduro  or even see his life put in danger, one source told Reuters.

Venezuelan Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello might be next on President Donald Trump's hit list if he doesn't help acting President Delcy Rodriguez meet US demands and maintain order during transition, Reuters reports

But it's unclear how the two will work together considering Rodriguez and Cabello's years-long rivalry

The US has told Cabello through intermediaries that if he doesn't get on board, he could face a similar fate to topped Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro  or even see his life put in danger, a source told Reuters

In the middle of the night during the early hours of Saturday, the authoritarian leader was captured in a US special forces raid. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were then whisked away to New York to face prosecution on narco-terrorism charges.

They appeared on Monday for their arraignment in the Southern District of New York.

Trump said that Rodriguez had a 'friendly conversation' with Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the capture of the 'illegitimate' president, and a senior adviser told Axios this week that the two might have daily calls going forward as Trump decides what to do next.

The president told reporters on Air Force One when returning to Washington, DC on Sunday night that he hasn't personally spoken with Rodriguez yet.

Also earlier on Sunday in a phone interview, Trump insisted that if Rodriguez 'doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.'

He was clear during his Mar-a-Lago press conference on Saturday that he doesn't want to leave a leadership void in Venezuela after the middle-of-the-night Delta Force operation to capture and extradite Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

'We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,' Trump said, keeping it vague on who exactly would lead the country in the interim and who would take over leadership.

He emphasized: 'We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind.'
Thousands of six-figure, blue-collar jobs are sitting vacant across the country because Americans don't want to get their hands dirty, experts have said.

The automotive giants that once mobilized workers in droves to build vehicles for the front lines during World War II are now struggling to recruit skilled manual labor.

Ford CEO Jim Farley said the company had around 5,000 mechanic positions that could pay up to $120,000 a year - almost double the national average salary.

Yet the roles were proving difficult to fill as the United States grapples with a shortage in old-fashioned trade workers.

'We are in trouble in our country,' Farley warned. 'We are not talking about this enough.

'We have over a million openings in critical jobs, emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians and tradesmen. Its a very serious thing.'

He added that dealerships across the country often have a 'bay with a lift and tools and no one to work in it.'

Part of the problem is the length of time it takes to reach the highest pay levels in the industry. Many mechanics work on a flat-rate system, meaning that earnings depend on how quickly they can complete tasks rather than hours worked. As a result, the six-figure salaries typically come only after years of experience.

Ford CEO Jim Farley said the company had around 5,000 vacant mechanic positions that could pay up to $120,000 a year - almost double the national average salary

Ted Hummel, 39, of Ohio, is a senior master technician who specializes in transmissions and makes $160,000 per year after more than a decade in the field

Another obstacle is how long is required to learn the trades themselves, which can be five years or more. But, for those who stick it out, the rewards can be substantial.

Ted Hummel, 39, of Ohio, earns around $160,000 a year as a senior master technician specializing in transmissions, among the most complex and physically demanding components of modern vehicles.

However, it took more than a decade in the industry for him to even cross the $100,000 threshold.

'They always advertised, back then, you could make six figures,' Hummel, who has an associate degree in automotive technology, told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

'As I was doing it, it was like: "This isnt happening." It took a long time.'

He began working for Klaben Ford Lincoln in Kent, near Cleveland, in August 2012. It wasn't until 2022 that his annual earnings exceeded $100,000, he explained to the outlet.

Ford's job center advertises starting salaries of around $42,000 a year for skilled trade workers, according to listings viewed by the Daily Mail.

In southeast Michigan, auto mechanics start at $43,260, with a pay increase after three consecutive months of employment.

The role typically requires eight years of previous experience or apprenticeship but a college degree is not a prerequisite.

Beyond the time commitment to develop the skills, the field can be expensive to enter, with technicians often needing to provide their own costly tools

Industrial truck mechanics start at $44,435 under similar requirements.

Now at the highest level in his field, Hummel, a father-of-two, is among a shrinking number of technicians able to repair vehicle transmissions, which give the wheels power and can weigh a hefty 300 pounds.

His skills are in such demand that he is rarely without work. His bosses told the WSJ that they wished they could clone him.

Working on a flat-rate system, Hummel has mastered the ability to complete complex repairs quickly and efficiently.

That was not always the case. Early in his career, he said it could take up to 20 hours to fix a single transmission, often having to make constant reference to Ford technical manuals to ensure that each step was followed correctly, he told WSJ.

Unlike Hummel, many mechanics don't reach the six-figure mark and give up long before hitting that financial milestone.

Beyond the time commitment to develop the skills, the industry can be expensive to enter, with technicians often needing to provide their own tools that can cost thousands of dollars.

A specialized torque wrench that Hummel owns cost $800, and is required by Ford, he told WSJ.

The work can also take a physical toll. Injuries can sideline mechanics from the bay for months as they heal, impacting their income significantly.

Farley said that Ford is struggling to fill the mechanic positions as the country grapples with a shortage in old-fashioned trade workers.

While white-collar workers have faced widespread layoffs in recent years, blue-collar jobs are abundant for those willing to train for them.

An estimated 345,000 new trade jobs are expected to be created before 2028, according to Forbes.

But, for every five skilled trade workers who retire, only two replacements enter the field, the magazine said, leaving one million positions unfilled.

As more Americans pursue college degrees, the manufacturing sector alone could face 2.1 million vacant jobs by 2030, Forbes reported.
The United States has seized a tanker linked to Russia off the coast of Europe and a second vessel in the Caribbean in an escalation of the enforcement of the Venezuela oil blockade.

Dramatic footage showed American special forces boarding the M/V Bella 1 in the Northern Atlantic after pursuing it for weeks in an operation inflaming tensions with Moscow.

The Coast Guard also captured a second vessel - the Motor Tanker Sophia - off the coast of the Caribbean in the coordinated operation on Wednesday morning.

In response to the interceptions, Andrei Klishas, a member of the upper house of Russia's parliament said the US actions were 'outright piracy.'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put the world on notice by saying that the blockade of Venezuelan oil is in full effect, and said no ship is safe anywhere in the world.

The Russian Transport Ministry then responded by saying: 'no state has the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other countries' jurisdictions.' It added that US forces boarded the Marinera at 3pm Moscow time, where communications were shortly lost with the vessel after.

Donald Trump appears to have dismissed the threat of Vladimir Putin's forces lurking nearby, including reports of a submarine.
An inquest has opened into the death of an autistic teenage girl who was killed on the M5 after she removed her handcuffs and jumped out of a moving police car.

Tamzin Ellen Hall, from Wellington, Somerset, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a vehicle on the motorway between junction 25 at Taunton and 24 at Bridgwater shortly after 11pm on November 11, 2024.

The 17-year-old had been under arrest at the time and was travelling in an Avon and Somerset Police car which stopped on the motorway.

During a pre-inquest review at Taunton Coroner's Court on Tuesday, senior coroner Samantha Marsh said the inquest into Tamzin's death would be heard by a jury.

She set a provisional date for the hearing of January 11, 2027 at Wells Town Hall, with the inquest expected to last between two and three weeks.

The hearing on Tuesday was attended by members of Tamzin's family, including her mother, representatives for Avon and Somerset Police, and the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash.

A representative for the Hall family said they were 'keen to emphasise' that the driver involved was 'not at fault at all' for Tamzin's death.

An inquest opening at Wells Town Hall previously heard Tamzin exited the car and crossed the road before climbing the crash barrier.

An inquest has opened into the death of an autistic teenage girl who was killed on the M5 after she removed her handcuffs and jumped out of a moving police car

The 17-year-old had been under arrest at the time and was travelling in an Avon and Somerset Police car which had stopped on the motorway. She is pictured here at a younger age

Tamzin Ellen Hall, from Wellington, Somerset, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a vehicle on the motorway (pictured) between junction 25 at Taunton and 24 at Bridgwater shortly after 11pm on November 11, last year

She was hit by a vehicle driven by a member of the public travelling on the southbound carriageway and sustained fatal head, neck and chest injuries.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating her death as well as the contact two Avon and Somerset Police officers had with Tamzin before she died.

A report published by the watchdog detailed how the teenager was able to remove her handcuffs and climb from the rear passenger side seat to the front passenger seat of the police car.

Last year, Tamzin's mother Amy Hall claimed her daughter had been 'desperately failed'.

She said: 'She never got the right help, she never got listened to.'

Ms Hall suggested the teenager should have been transported in a police van instead of a car, in light of her high-risk behaviour.

'My question is - how did she manage to get out of the handcuffs and out of the car with two police officers?' she said.

Ms Hall added Tamzin had been diagnosed with autism and had serious mental health issues - but she had a great sense of humour and enjoyed happier times at points in her life.

Last year, Tamzin's mother Amy Hall (pictured) claimed her daughter had been 'desparately failed'

Tamzin's mother added she had a passion for cooking and also loved birds.

Her father died from cancer when she was just eight, according to Ms Hall, which had a big impact on her school life, with her often being sent out of the classroom.

She was then taken into a care home, which is where things went downhill, Ms Hall claimed, adding it was completely the wrong environment for her.

On the day her daughter died, Ms Hall reported that Tamzin had been behaving unusually and had been consuming alcohol.

An annual report published in July by the IOPC on deaths following police contact revealed more information on how Tamzin got out of the car.

The report, which does not name Tamzin, says: 'A female child was arrested for assault and criminal damage.

'She was placed in the rear passenger side of a marked police car and handcuffed with her hands positioned in front. An officer was seated next to her during transport.

'While on her way to custody, the child managed to remove her handcuffs, climb into the front passenger seat, access the front passenger door and get out of the moving car.

In a tribute a couple of weeks after Tamzin's death, her mother said: 'Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever'

'The child ran across the road and was struck by a vehicle being driven by a member of the public, on the opposite carriageway. The child died at the scene.'

The IOPC also said the car had pulled over for 'safety reasons'.

In a tribute a couple of weeks after Tamzin's death, her mother said: 'Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever. She was the most honest person I've ever known; she was very special to me.

'She was my shadow from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she went to sleep at night. She was such an intelligent young girl and had such interesting perceptions on things in life.'

She added: 'Tamzin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, so she was unique and saw the world in such a different way.

'Tamzin was my absolute everything and I can't believe she isn't here anymore. She was my world.

'She put her all into absolutely everything. She loved helping out as a young child, if you set her a task, she would put her all into it and want it just right.'
This is the moment a brave massage parlour worker tries to stop a thief from snatching cash from the till - only to be shoved to the floor as he escapes with 250.

CCTV captured the dramatic scene at Lavender Thai Therapy in Elm Park, East London, on Saturday.

A Met Police spokesperson said officers received a report of a robbery at a shop on Station Parade on January 3: 'The suspects had left the scene at the time it was reported. Officers have visited the premises and spoken to the owner. Enquiries, including examination of CCTV, are ongoing. No arrests have been made.'

Watch the full video above.
A mother has appeared in court accused of the murder of her four-year-old daughter in a house fire.

Lesma-Rose Wibier died in hospital following the blaze in Rusholme, Manchester, on March 2 last year.

Carrin Wibier, 45, of Gateshead Close, Manchester, made a brief appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court via video link from custody.

She is charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Wibier confirmed her name, date of birth and address before District Judge Jane Hamilton told her the matters she faced were indictable only and had to be dealt with by the crown court.

Lesma-Rose Wibier, aged four, died following a house fire in Manchester

Police at the scene on Gateshead Close in Manchester in March last year

Evidence of smoke damage could be seen on upstairs windows of the red-brick house on March 2

The defendant was further remanded until Thursday when she will appear at Manchester Crown Court.

Paying tribute after her death, the girl's family said: 'Lesma-Rose was the star of the family.

'Anyone who knew her knew she was the most beautiful girl inside and out.

'She always had a smile on her face and could put the same on others.

'She was such a smart and intelligent girl in her own unique ways, and she will be deeply missed by anyone who was blessed to meet her.'
Nigel Farage today said he would vote against deploying British troops to Ukraine to underpin a peace deal.

The Reform leader dismissed Keir Starmer's commitment to back a ceasefire with personnel on the ground, warning the UK did not have the 'manpower nor the equipment'.

Deriding the 'coalition of the willing' as just France and Britain, Mr Farage said the operation looked too 'open-ended'.

Following talks in the French capital yesterday, the PM signed an agreement - dubbed the 'Paris Declaration' - to commit the UK to the deployment of forces.

The document outlined how Britain and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

Sir Keir signed alongside Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky after discussions between the 'Coalition of the Willing' of Western allies.

During PMQs clashes, Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir for details of how many personnel could be deployed to guarantee a mooted peace deal.

But the premier said he could not give any further information, after announcing last night that he had agreed in principle to provide troops.

Nigel Farage dismissed Keir Starmer's commitment to back a ceasefire with personnel on the ground, warning the UK did not have the 'manpower nor the equipment'

Keir Starmer today promised that MPs will get a vote before British troops are put on the ground in Ukraine

During PMQs clashes, Kemi Badenoch challenged Sir Keir for details of how many personnel could be deployed to guarantee a mooted peace deal

'If there is a decision to deploy then I would put that matter to this House,' Sir Keir said.

'Yesterday, I stood side by side with our European and American allies and President Zelensky at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris,' Sir Keir told the Commons.

'We made real progress on security guarantees, which are vital for securing a just and lasting peace.

'Along with President Macron and President Zelensky, we agreed a declaration of intent for the deployment of forces in the event of a peace deal. We will set out the details in a statement at the earliest opportunity.

'I will keep the house updated as the situation develops and, were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the House for a vote.'

But Mr Farage told Times Radio: 'I would vote against. We neither have the manpower nor the equipment to go into an operation that clearly has no ending timeline.

'If it was a sort of Korean-style UN where lots of countries were involved and we could rotate in and out, I might consider it then.

'But frankly, what you saw yesterday was Macron standing there with the British prime minister.

Leaders from the 'Coalition of the Willing' group of Ukrainian allies gathered for the discussions in the French capital

'Giorgia Meloni was outside having a cigarette, not getting involved. The German gave a speech and said nothing.

'The coalition of the willing is just two countries.'

A Labour spokesperson said: 'Nigel Farages equivocation on support for Ukraine is an insult to those who have fought to defend freedom.

'When Farage shrugs at support for Ukraine, a country that has been brutally invaded, people are entitled to ask who he is really speaking for, because this is not patriotism, it's the behaviour of Putins puppet.

'The Prime Minister has demonstrated that the United Kingdoms commitment to Ukraine is unwavering, showing real leadership by backing our allies, defending European security, and making clear to Russia that Britain will not look the other way.'

Governments can deploy troops under royal prerogative powers.

But Tony Blair effectively set a precedent for holding votes before major operations when he was struggling to win support for the Iraq War.

David Cameron was defeated in a vote on airstrikes against Syria in 2013, when Ed Miliband was Labour leader.

The Paris talks were attended by Steve Witkoff, who is Donald Trump's peace envoy, and Jared Kushner, the US President's son-in-law.

The 'Multinational Force for Ukraine' is set to act as a 'reassurance force' should Moscow and Kyiv agree to end their almost four-year-long conflict.

Meanwhile, the US is set to provide security guarantees to the peacekeeping force with Mr Kushner revealing Mr Trump is ready to offer 'real backstops'.

At a press conference in Paris, Sir Keir said Ukraine and its allies were 'closer' to peace 'than ever' - but warned 'the hardest yards are still ahead'.

The PM added that Vladimir Putin was 'not showing that he's ready for peace'.

Mrs Badenoch said it was 'astonishing' Sir Keir was not making a statement in Parliament on the Ukraine agreement which he signed in France this week.

'The last few days have seen significant international events  the US operation in Venezuela, threats towards Greenland and an agreement to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine  so it is frankly astonishing that the Prime Minister is not making a full statement to Parliament today,' she said.

The Conservative leader said the decision not to make a Commons statement showed a 'fundamental lack of respect' for MPs and their constituents.

But Sir Keir replied: 'Let me be very clear about what was agreed yesterday, because military plans were drawn up some months ago and I've updated the House in relation to that. Yesterday was a political declaration that sits under those military plans.

'If there were to be deployment, there would have to be a legal instrument. Deployment would only be after a ceasefire to support Ukraine's capabilities, to conduct deterrent operations and to construct and protect military hubs.'

To shouts of 'when' from Conservative MPs, Sir Keir added: 'There will be a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity.'

He later continued: 'If there were a decision to deploy, under the agreement that was signed yesterday, then I would put that matter to this House for a debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment  that is consistent with recent practice and I'll adhere to that.'
Donald Trump has launched a ferocious attack on his NATO allies just hours after America seized a Russian oil tanker in European waters and as the US threatens to invade Greenland.

The President ripped into 'fans' of the post-WWII military alliance with a reminder that 'most weren't paying their bills' - just 2 percent of their GDP on defense, well short of the 5 percent target set last summer at the Hague.

'Until I came along,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning. 'The USA was, foolishly, paying for them.'

'Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them,' he added.

'We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT-rebuilt USA.'

The broadside comes as the US, in another show of its military superiority, seized a Russian oil tanker off the north coast of Scotland. Moscow had recently dispatched a submarine to escort the vessel, which was smuggling sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

Europe is on edge after Trump threatened to seize Greenland, a Danish territory, after his capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.

Britain, France and Italy released a statement backing Denmark on Monday after the White House announced the President was exploring plans to take control of Greenland, including buying the land or taking control of its defense.

Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office in the White House on December 18

French President Emmanuel Macron greets Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen upon her arrival at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday

French President Emmanuel Macron greets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday

The US seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic waters between Iceland and Scotland on Wednesday.

Dramatic footage showed US special forces storming the ship after pursuing it for weeks in an operation inflaming tensions with Moscow.

The Coast Guard also captured a second tanker, the Sophia, in the Caribbean this morning as America strangles the flow of oil from Venezuela to adversaries including Russia, China and Iran.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth put the world on notice by saying that the blockade of Venezuelan oil is in full effect, and said no ship is safe anywhere in the world.

'The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people,' he wrote on X.

'Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce - as determined by the US - will be permitted.'

Russia's Transport Ministry responded: 'No state has the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other countries' jurisdictions.'

Trump has in the last week thrown decades of precedent out of the window in his treatment of NATO allies and Congress.

The President consulted neither parties before launching his audacious snatch-and-grab raid of Maduro on Saturday, and now chills relations further by threatening to invade Greenland - a neighbor which the US has vowed to protect since 1951.

Trump, emboldened by Maduro's capture, touted the 'Donroe Doctrine', his version of the Monroe Doctrine, the 1800s-era policy warning against European colonization in the Americas articulated by President James Monroe.

'They now call it the Donroe Doctrine ... American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,' he told reporters.

The shift has been formalized by the 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of the National Security Strategy published last month.

Pictures in Russian media purportedly showed helicopters approaching the vessel today

American forces captured a separate 'dark fleet' tanker called the M/T Sophia

The vessel was described as a 'stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker'

The corollary - meaning a proposition that follows from one that is already proved - establishes three non-negotiable pillars: denial of strategic assets, expanded hemispheric boundaries and militarized law enforcement.

Seizing the Russian-flagged tanker in international waters shows that the US now effectively treats the Atlantic and Caribbean as 'American lakes,' where it claims the right to board any vessel it believes is a threat.

For Russia and China, this is 'keep out' sign.

For Europe, Trump is showing that he is 'daddy', as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte prophetically joked last summer.

The administration views the presence of China, Russia and Iran in Latin America as a modern violation of the Monroe Doctrine.

China has created foreign companies to build infrastructure in the region as part of its global Belt and Road strategy to make nations reliant on its services and turn them into debtors.

European allies are scrambling to respond.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that if the US seizes Greenland, the NATO alliance would collapse.

'The international community as we know it, democratic rules of the game, NATO, the world's strongest defensive alliance - all of that would collapse if one NATO country chose to attack another,' she said.
A British teen could face years locked up in a Qatari jail after being accused of trafficking cannabis into the Middle Eastern nation.

Lino Neil, 18, was detained at Hamad International Airport in Doha on November 21 where he was doing a layover on his way back to Scotland from Thailand.

The Brit, who works in fishing, claimed a gang of criminals coerced him into carrying a drugs package across borders.

His family now face legal costs for a criminal trial in Doha of up to 40,000 and have already had to raise 2,500 to pay for a lawyer ahead of Lino's court appearance.

But the teen's family insist the youngster, from the Scottish village of Drymen, was exploited. His mother Nicola, 49, says she hopes the Qatari authorities can see that he was forced to do it.

'He is just a teenage boy, a baby, and he has no contacts in Thailand and he'd have no way of setting up any kind of drug deal.

'It's so obvious that he has been exploited and abused by gangsters and I really just want him home', she told Daily Record.

Nicola added that Lino - who just turned 18 a month ago - had been controlled by a British man.

Lino Neil, 18, could face years locked up in a Qatari jail as he stands accused of trafficking cannabis into the Middle Eastern nation

Lino's mother Nicola, 49, says she hopes the Qatari authorities can see that he was forced to do it

'I don't know how he got into this mess but I know he was terrified and he phoned me a couple of weeks before he was due to fly home and told me he was terrified.

'He said they had a hold over him and he couldn't get out of it. They said they would harm him and his family if he didn't do as they said.'

Nicola added that Lino was 'totally distraught' and that he was enduring tough conditions behind bars.

'They put him in the jail in Qatar Airport and he's had so little food to eat that he's lost a lot of weight. He is terrified.

'When I spoke to him the other day he was frantic and said he was going to take his own life and I can't take the thought of that.'

His older brother Robbie, 28, said the teen had been placed in a cell in the airport with 80 other men after his arrest, but that he had now been transferred to the city's Central Prison.

Robbie said it was impossible to believe his brother had arranged a drug deal, saying: 'He's just a wee laddie who knows more about fishing than anything else.

'We just need to get him home'.

Lino's court hearing is scheduled for January 27, where he will claim he was forced to smuggle cannabis.

An FCDO Spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'We are supporting a British man who is detained in Qatar and are in contact with his family and the local authorities.'

Lino's arrest comes amid a wave of young Brits being accused of drug smuggling and facing sentences abroad.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will visit London later this month to address the UK Parliament.

Johnson's speech, planned for Jan. 20, is expected to focus on relations between the US and UK as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

The announcement of Johnson's visit comes one day after he split with the majority of his Capitol Hill colleagues in seemingly backing the administration's rhetoric on Greenland, which has roiled European leaders, including Starmer, with his brazen gambit to acquire the island, an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark.

The US also seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland, on Wednesday, another move just off the coast of UK territory.

Johnson noted Tuesday that 'Greenland is viewed by a lot of people as something that would be a strategic positioning for the US.'

On Wednesday, however, Johnson said that America is 'not at war with Greenland.'

'All this talk about military actionI don't think anybody is considering that,' Johnson also told reporters at his weekly press conference.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that 'acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States,' adding that 'utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal.'

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to the press following a briefing by members of the Trump administration on U.S. operations in Venezuela, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on January 5, 2025

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons said he was 'honoured in this 250th anniversary year of American Independence to welcome Speaker Johnson to Parliament.'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged President Donald Trump to stop threatening to seize Greenland on Tuesday, throwing his support behind NATO member Denmark after it rebuked the US President's persistent demands to take the Arctic territory.

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' read a joint statement issued by Starmer and fellow European leaders, President Macron of France, Chancellor Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Tusk of Poland, Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain, and Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark on Greenland.

Announcing his upcoming UK visit, Johnson noted that 'as our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American Independence, I am honored and humbled by Speaker Hoyle's invitation to address Parliament.'

Johnson also noted that as 'America begins its Semiquincentennial celebration, I will be happy to visit one of the great shrines of democracy itself, where the principles that launched the long struggle for American liberty were debated and refined.'

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, said he was 'honoured in this 250th anniversary year of American Independence to welcome Speaker Johnson to Parliament.'

Johnson will be the first US House Speaker to speak before the Parliament, despite one of Hoyle's predecessors, Speaker Thomas, inviting Speaker Albert of the U.S. House of Representatives to Speaker's House to mark the 200th anniversary of the US.

US Vice President JD Vance (C) and Second Lady Usha Vance (R) stand with Col. Susan Meyers (L), commander of the US military's Pituffik Space Base, as they tour the base in Greenland on March 28, 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

Vice President JD Vance visited the island of Greenland and the Pituffik Space Base early in his term, along with his wife, Usha.

The Vances' visit was marred by controversy. Colonel Susannah Meyers, the commander of the Base, was removed from her role last April after she publicly disagreed with remarks made by the Vice President during the trip.
British forces joined a dramatic US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Scotland today.

The Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, was captured as it travelled north and eastwards in the waters towards Iceland.

RAF surveillance craft and a naval support vessel, the RFA Tideforce, were among the UK military assets which took part in the operation, according to the MoD.

The capture of the Marinera, which appeared bound for a Russian arctic port, could prove a new flashpoint in relations between the the West and Moscow, whose transport ministry appeared to suggest the international law of the sea had been breached.

Dramatic photos in Russian media purportedly show a helicopter - believed to be an American MH-6 Little Bird - swooping close to the rogue vessel before it was captured by US forces around 124 miles south of the Icelandic coast.

The Ministry of Defence insisted the support was 'in full compliance with international law'.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

A picture in circulation of the vessel tanker Bella-1, which was seized by US and UK forces today

Defence Secretary John Healey insisted the support was 'in full compliance with international law'

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'This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

'The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

'The US is the UK's closest defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today's seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.'

The MoD added the ship had initially flown a false flag and is assessed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Hezbollah.

The Marinera ship - originally known as the Bella-1 - made an abrupt turn this afternoon and was heading towards Britain, according to ship tracking data.

The operation occurred in front of Russian military personnel, who were allegedly watching on from a nearby submarine when the seizure took place.

Donald Trump's latest power play came after the Marinera slipped through a US maritime 'blockade' of sanctioned vessels and rebuffed US Coast Guard efforts to board it.

The Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1

A Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling off British waters

The Marinera was captured as it travelled north and eastwards in the waters towards Iceland

The operation is a show of strength against Vladimir Putin - days after the US seized the ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a lightning raid and threatened to takeover Greenland.

The tanker is the latest to be targeted by the US Coast Guard since the start of Trump's pressure campaign against Venezuela.

Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean, armed with a warrant to seize the ship over alleged breaches of US sanctions and claims it had shipped Iranian oil.

However, the tanker then abruptly changed course, renamed itself Marinera and was added to an official Russian ship database.

At one point while being pursued, the crew of the vessel painted a Russian flag on its hull, claiming it was sailing under Russian protection, and Moscow made a formal diplomatic request that the US stop its chase.
Beach hut owners have claimed they are being treated like 'wealthy NIMBYs' after they were ordered to pay full council tax on their 'second homes'.

The huts, worth around half a million pounds each, along Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head have fallen into the sights of the local council as it scrambles to fund local services.

Historically, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has not categorised the huts as second homes, which has entitled its well-heeled owners to a 50 per cent council tax discount.

But now BCP Council has announced plans to reclassify the timber cabins as holiday homes and are putting them in the council tax band A.

This is despite the fact the sought-after huts can only be slept in six months of the year and have no toilets or mains electricity.

On top of this, over half of their owners do not live in the area.

The owners, who face bills of over 1,500 a year from April, say they are being milked by a cash-strapped council which has run out of money.

Officials say the council tax bill will be 'relatively small' compared to the value of the huts which can sell for between 400,000 and 575,000.

The huts will now be categorised as second homes and so lose their council tax discount

From April, 344 beach huts on the idyllic stretch of Dorset coastline will be classified as second homes and no longer be eligible for the reduction

The Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association is even considering taking legal action against the local authority over the matter.

Chairman Darren Pidwell said: 'We are considering the legal basis for the application of council tax on what is a wooden shed with no mains connections or individual toilet facilities.'

From April, 344 beach huts on the idyllic stretch of Dorset coastline will be classified as second homes and no longer be eligible for the reduction.

Some 231 of these are owned by people living outside of the local authority area.

Bills will leap up to 1,503 per year - an increase of more than 60 per month - as the council tries to raise an additional 211,000 for under-pressure local services.

The beach huts, which can be stayed in overnight for part of the year, measure just 13ft by 16ft but can fetch more than a four-bedroom home in some parts of the country.

With price tags up to 575,000, the value of these huts also eclipses the area's average house value of 313,000.

The council's decision tears up the arrangement it inherited from past Bournemouth and Christchurch councils.

This hut was sold for 430,000 last year after the owners bought it for 60,000 in 1997

Owners of some of Britain's most exclusive beach huts, including this one on Mudeford Spit in Christchurch, Dorset, will now have to pay full council tax

BCP, like many councils, is struggling to make ends meet and must search for new sources of income to keep services afloat.

One of the huts in question hit the market last year for a staggering 430,000 after the owners bought it for 60,000 in 1997.

The hut does not even face the sea and, like the rest, does not have running water or mains electricity.

It is serviced by an oven, hob and fridge powered by a Calor gas bottle, and limited electricity supplied by solar panels on the roof.

It can sleep five to six people, with the lounge area doubling as a bedroom and two beds in the mezzanine floor area above.

Cllr Mike Cox, Cabinet Member for Finance said: 'BCP Council, like all local authorities across England, faces an unprecedented, ongoing financial crisis and the latest government settlement does not address this.

'As a result of this severe financial pressure, the council must use all levers at its disposal to raise funds to protect essential services important to our residents.

'Beach huts on Mudeford Spit often sell for between 400,000 and 575,000 - more than the 313,000 average price, according to the Office for National Statistics, of a home in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, yet historically, owners have been given discounts on Council Tax.

'And, while we welcome all those who want to enjoy our beautiful coastline, we must recognise that this brings extra demand for services such as beach cleaning and flood protection  the cost of which is mostly borne by our residents.

'This change delivers fairness and consistency for all owners of second homes in the area.

'We understand this change may be disappointing for some owners, but it is important to apply Council Tax policy consistently and fairly across the BCP area.'
A mother in Florida knew she would only have a few precious moments with her terminally ill baby, but still carried her to term to help others by donating her daughter's organs.

Catherine Mornhineway was 14 weeks into her pregnancy with her partner, Andrew Ford, when doctors discovered during an ultrasound in June that their baby likely had anencephaly.

Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects one in 5,250 babies, causing a baby's skull and brain not to develop fully. The diagnosis determined that the baby would not survive after birth.

A second ultrasound confirmed the devastating diagnosis, where the parents also discovered their baby was a girl, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Doctors told the parents that most people terminate the pregnancy if a baby has the birth defect.

The 30-year-old mother struggled for three weeks with her decision until an episode she saw of the medical TV drama 'Grey's Anatomy' inspired her to deliver the child so her short life could help save other babies through organ donation.

'That's really the biggest reason, is we want her death to mean something,' said the father to WSAV.

Haven was born on December 11 at 10.31pm, weighing six pounds, and was put on life support.

Catherine Mornhineway decided to give birth to her daughter Haven despite knowing that she would not live for long

Mornhineway and her partner, Andrew Ford, decided they would donate their newborn's organs to help others

She was kissed and hugged for four days as she lived in the NICU, where she met her three siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, according to the Times.

'I got to see her and her little feet and hands,' said Mornhineway to WSAV.

'She really seemed like she had quite a personality. It was really special, the time that we got.'

Haven was taken outside with the help of nurses carrying a life support machines so she could 'feel the sun' said Mornhineway to Fox 13.

'Back in the (hospital room), she passed on my chest, and, you know, we were all just kind of snuggled into bed, and I just couldn't think of a more beautiful way to say goodbye,' said Ford to the outlet.

Haven's final day was December 14.

The HCA hospital held its first-ever honor walk for a newborn as a tribute to Haven - a tradition where doctors, nurses, and hospital staffers line up as patients become organ donors.

Haven was born with anencephaly, a birth defect that affects one in 5,250 babies, causing a baby's skull and brain not to develop fully

Haven survived for four days and following her passing was given an honor walk by hospital staff

Lifelink, an organ and tissue donation organization, recovery surgeon Jacentha Buggs removed the newborn's organs, according to the Times.

Haven was the youngest patient she had ever operated on.

The father said to WSAV, 'I dont think we ever really got over it, just more so accepting that its out of your control.'

Mornhinway said that many strangers have reached out to her to say some really beautiful things and have donated to Donate Life in her honor.

Several user online who heard of the family's story applauded their bravery to help others: 'I admire your kindness...God bless you always.'

Another said: 'A brave and unselfish choice, given in love and memory.'

A third wrote: 'This is so incredibly moving. What a truly loving act and legacy to honor their precious daughter Haven, a true haven for the lives she saved.'
A Russian freelance journalist has been found dead outside his Paris apartment after plunging from a seventh floor window.

Police are probing the unnamed 38-year-old's mysterious death, and while suicide is currently the leading theory, cops believe he may have been the target of death threats, according to French newspaper Le Parisien.

The Nanterre prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to determine his cause of death and look into his background further.

The man was found lying outside his building in the affluent Parisian suburb of Meudon on Wednesday morning and was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Cops reportedly found a chair placed in front of his window and letters written in Russian, as well as medication inside a rubbish bin in the apartment.

The Russian lived with a male flatmate, who was reportedly in a state of shock when police arrived at the scene.

Due to a language barrier, they were unable to determine whether the man had witnessed the fall.

The death of the journalist comes just three months after a Moscow publisher died under similar circumstances in the Russian capital.

A Russian freelance journalist has been found dead outside his Paris apartment after plunging from a seventh floor window

The secretive head of Pravda publishing house, Vyacheslav Leontyev, 87, plunged 70ft from his home in western Moscow on October 6.

He was in charge of the famous Soviet newspaper Pravda - or Truth - the main organ of the ruling Communist Party, and continued in the role long after the collapse of the USSR in 1991.

Leontyev was seen as knowledgeable about the secret fortune of the party.

Following his sudden death, police were probing whether it was an accident, suicide or foul play.

Exiled journalist Andrey Malgin posted on the 'strange death', saying: 'The window falls continue.

'Leontyev, fell from a window. He was found near his home on Molodogvardeyskaya Street, where he lived.'

Russia has suffered a spate of deaths of leading managers of major companies during and immediately before the war in Ukraine.
In the end, one of the most reviled traitors of the Cold War died in a grim prison cell, his brain so addled by vodka he couldn't remember many of the secrets he sold.

Aldrich Ames, the former CIA operative whose colossal betrayal cost the lives of numerous double agents, passed away aged 84 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland.

He was serving a life sentence without parole. The Bureau of Prisons did not reveal a cause of death.

It was a long way from the life of luxury he had led after selling out his country to the Kremlin and spending the proceeds on fast cars, women and alcohol.

Over the course of a decade, Ames divulged secret U.S. missions to the KGB, kneecapping the CIA's spying operation at a crucial time in history as the Soviet Union was collapsing.

He revealed the identities of Soviet officials secretly working for the U.S. and up to 10 of them were executed by Moscow.

In all, he earned $2.7 million - about $6.7 million at current value - which was the most money paid by the Soviet Union to any American for spying.

Ames used it to fund a non-stop party for himself and his Colombian wife Rosario.

He drove a Jaguar, splashed out on a grand Washington home, and spent many of his days in an alcoholic haze.

The couple kept cash in Swiss bank accounts and ran up $50,000 annually in credit card bills.

Former CIA agent Aldrich Ames leaving federal court after pleading guilty to espionage and tax evasion conspiracy charges April 28, 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia

Ames worked as a counterintelligence analyst for the CIA for 31 years and passed information to the Kremlin between1985 and his arrest in 1994.

Despite superiors regarding him as a poor spy, he learned Russian and rose to be head of the Soviet branch in the CIA's counterintelligence group.

In addition to handing the Kremlin the names of dozens of Russians spying for the U.S., he divulged satellite operations, eavesdropping and general spy procedures.

Relying on bogus information from Ames, CIA officials repeatedly misinformed presidents Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush and other top officials about Soviet military capabilities.

In 1994 he pleaded guilty without a trial to espionage and tax evasion and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

He admitted 'profound shame and guilt' for 'this betrayal of trust, done for the basest motives.'

Ames is led from the courthouse after being unmasked for selling secrets to Russia

The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where Ames worked

That motive was to pay debts run up while living beyond his means.

'You might as well ask why a middle-aged man with no criminal record might put a paper bag over his head and rob a bank. I acted out of personal desperation,' Ames said.

'When I got the money, the whole burden descended on me, and the realization of what I had done.'

But he was critical of the CIA and downplayed the damage he had caused.

'These spy wars are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years,' he claimed.

President Ronald Reagan with general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985, the year Ames began selling secrets

Moscow executed some of the Russian double agents betrayed by Ames

Aldrich Hazen Ames was born on May 26, 1941, in River Falls, Wisconsin, and was known as 'Rick.'

He was the son of Carleton Ames, a professor of European and Asian history, who also worked for the CIA.

At age 12, while the family was in Burma, Ames learned of his father's role.

He later got a summer job as a handyman at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia and became a clerk there in 1962 aged 26.

In 1969 he married another spy, Nancy Segebarth.

Problems with alcohol bedeviled his stints in Turkey, Mexico and Italy and he was arrested for drunk driving.

Aldrich Ames in his 1959 yearbook

Ames was caught in 1994 when Bill Clinton was president

In New York, he disastrously left a case containing classified information on a subway train.

In Mexico he was involved in a drunken row with a Cuban official at an embassy reception.

He divorced his first wife and married Rosario, who was the cultural attache at the Colombian Embassy in Mexico City.

On April 16, 1985, while working at Langley, he went to the Soviet Embassy in Washington and offered an envelope containing classified information.

He and Russian officials then sealed their deal at a a long, alcohol-fueled boozy lunch in a hotel near the White House, and the KGB paid him an initial $50,000.

There were further meetings with the KGB, including in Bogota and Rome.

The Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where Ames stole secrets from

Ames at a meal in Colombia in 1994, the year he was caught

At one point he walked out of CIA headquarters at Langley with a stack of documents in a briefcase weighing six pounds, and delivered it straight to the Soviet Embassy in Washington.

He also passed classified documents to the KGB using 'dead drops' - prearranged hiding spots - around Washington.

KGB agents picked up the packages and left money and instructions for the next dead drop.

Meanwhile, the CIA and FBI could not work out why their Russian double agents kept being arrested and executed.

After a 10-month investigation. on October 13, 1993, investigators found a chalk mark Ames had made on a mailbox and confirmation of a meeting in Bogota, Colombia, and he was soon arrested.

In court, Ames was sentenced to life in jail without parole.

Rosario pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy to commit espionage and was sentenced to 63 months.

Following her release, she returned to Colombia with her son.

Ames made 'dead drops' around Washington DC to pass information to the KGB

Amid the fallout from the scandal CIA director James Woolsey resigned after refusing to fire or demote anyone at Langley.

Woolsey said: 'They (the double agents) died because this warped, murdering traitor wanted a bigger house and a Jaguar.'

In a later interview from jail Ames, one of the most reviled villains of the Cold War era, attributed no grand motive for his betrayal.

'The reasons that I did what I did were personal, banal, and amounted really to kind of greed and folly, as simple as that,' he said.

'I knew quite well, when I gave the names of our agents in the Soviet Union, that I was exposing them to the full machinery of counterespionage and the law, and then prosecution, and capital punishment.'
A bungling crook caught on CCTV blowing up a cash machine in a botched ATM raid has been jailed for eight years.

Kristopher Follos, 45, set off improvised explosives at the ATM outside a service station in a rural village.

CCTV captured Follos detonating the homemade bomb at Hedgeley Service Station in Powburn, Northumberland, on May 12 last year.

But despite blowing the front of the machine off, Follos was unable to prize open the safe and fled the scene empty-handed.

Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) worked with Northumbria Police to catch the would-be thief.

Following a major manhunt, Follos was arrested at his home in Olivers Mill, Morpeth, Northumberland in September last year.

Officers also found a small number of improvised explosive devices at the property which were removed by the bomb squad.

Follos admitted conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to cause explosions and making an explosive substance.

Kristopher Follos, 45 (pictured) has been jailed for eight years after he blew up a cash machine in a botched raid

Follos was caught on CCTV setting off improvised explosives at the ATM outside a service station in a rural village

Despite blowing the front of the machine off, Follos fled the scene empty-handed as it set alight

He was jailed today to eight years in prison and three further years on licence at North Tyneside Magistrate's Court.

Judge Adams said: 'You are a dangerous offender and you pose a serious risk to the public. Significant danger was caused by your acts....and an extended sentence is appropriate,' ITV reported.

The court also heard how the robbery attempt in Northumberland was just one of three he made last year - all of which were unsuccessful. The other two were in Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant Patrick Naughten said: 'Follos has proven he is an extreme danger to the public and this sentence reflects the hard work officers and partners have put in to secure this result.'

David Lee, Senior Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said: 'The use of improvised explosive devices by Follos posed an obvious danger to members of the public, but he gave this little though in pursuit of his own financial gain.'

NEROCU Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy, explained that the action was part of a broader operation. He said: 'This action is part of our united regional approach in tackling serious and organised crime under the banner of Operation Sentinel and demonstrates the intelligence and resources at our disposal.

'We will continue to pursue those criminals who we suspect of endangering our communities, and we will bring them before the courts.'
Leaders of the Democrat party were mocked after a 'performative' candlelit vigil was held on the steps of the Capitol building to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the January 6 riot.

The event took place on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with Democratic figureheads such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries giving their remarks as Representative Nancy Pelosi stood alongside.

Lawmakers stood solemnly and clutched fake flickering candles five years after the January 6 2021 riots, which ended in the deaths of four people.

Despite Schumer describing the vigil as an effort to those lost during the riot, the ceremony was mocked with many online calling it 'phony', 'fake', and 'performative'.

Vice President JD Vance, who also took a shot at the ceremony, reposted a photo on his X account of Schumer and Jefferies wearing AI-generated sombreros at the vigil.

That joke originated with President Trump, who pulled a similar gag on the pair of Democrats in September.

However, Schumer said they were there as a reminder of what happened five years ago and noted that it was an event that younger generations should not forget.

Schumer, who was in the capital during the riot, added: 'On January 6, our Capitol Police officers were heroes. Our DC police were heroes'

A vigil held by democrats was held on the 5th anniversary of the January 6 breach of the capital in 2021

The cermony was mocked by many online including Vice President JD Vance, who also reposted a photo on his X account of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing AI-generated sombreros

'We will make sure that your sacrifices that day are never forgotten, nor will we ever, ever forget the lives of those we lost in the connection with the attack,' he added.

During Jefferies remarks, he asked for a moment of silence to 'remember those whose lives were lost as a result of the tragic and horrific events of January 6, 2021.'

The moment of silence was followed by the attendees singing 'God Bless America' together.

The alleged antics prompted many to come together to call out the democrats online: '100 PERCENT FAKE AND PERFORMATIVE'

'It's so aggravating watching this kind of stuff by elected public officials. How about those guys focusing on WORKING for the American people that pay them to do that?'

Another added: ' Fake is what they do best, in fact, it's all they do.'

A third said: 'It's sad and insufferable. Nothing is genuine. It's all about saying what potential voters want to hear.'

There were four people who died, and multiple law enforcement officers died by suicide in the months after the breach of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021,

Schumer said they were there as a reminder of what happened five years ago and noted that it was an event that younger generations should not forget, which he claimed was started by President Trump

Schumer had made his own slew of posts on January 6 as well, including his claim that 'Trump urged them (rioters) to do it.'

'The 5-year anniversary of January 6 comes at a bitter, complicated moment,' wrote Schumer to X.

'The very same man who sought to steal an election and delegitimize our democracy has now returned to office. Donald Trump, a man who claims to stand up for the police, a man who says he cares about law and order, pardoned every single convicted insurrectionist on his first day as President.'

Schumer said that the pardons were the most sickening things Trump has done in office.

'His betrayal of law enforcement, of democracy, makes a mockery of the rule of law,' he added.

Supporters of President Trump descended on the Capitol hours after he held a rally urging them to protest Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election.

Trump was impeached over claims he stoked the riot but later cleared.
Nick Reiner smiled eerily in court today as his high-profile criminal defense lawyer sensationally removed himself from the case.

The dramatic departure suggests the Reiner family is pulling financial support from Nick's legal battle after the shocking murders of their parents.

Nick, 32, appeared behind a glass screen in brown jail garb with a shaved head, staring blankly through proceedings and occasionally letting out a chilling grin and looked directly into the packed Downtown LA courtroom.

He was scheduled to be arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder at Los Angeles Superior Court's Stanley Mosk Courthouse and was widely expected to enter a not guilty plea by reason of insanity.

But his defense attorney, Alan Jackson - whose famous former clients list includes Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey - stunned observers by announcing his withdrawal.

At a press conference after Wednesday's hearing, Jackson said, 'Circumstances beyond our control ... and beyond Nick's control have dictated that sadly, it has made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick.'

Jackson's departure means Nick will be represented by a public defender.

Iconic director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on December 14 after attending Conan O'Brien's holiday party.

Nick - who had been battling mental health problems and drug addiction - was arrested within hours and charged with their murders.

Nick Reiner is pictured in LA in September

Nick has been charged with two first-degree murder counts in the December 14 slayings of Rob and Michele Reiner; pictured in LA in September

Judge Theresa McGonigle has rescheduled the arraignment for February 23 and assigned Nick's case to Kimberly Greene, a lawyer in the public defender's office.

A source told the New York Times that Jackson's departure had nothing to do with his performance.

Jackson was hired almost immediately after Nick's arrest last month after being recommended by lawyers for the Reiner family.

After meeting with the judge in her chambers, Jackson told the courtroom this morning, 'We feel we have no choice' in withdrawing from the case - offering no further explanation.

A spokesman for the Reiner family told the Daily Mail: 'They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the proceedings.'

At the press conference after the hearing, Jackson said that while he was removing himself from the case, he continues to back Nick's innocence.

'I'll be very clear about this, my team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests. In fact, we know the legal process will reveal the true facts surrounding Nicks case.

'A lot has been printed of late, about Nick, his family, the circumstances, speculation.

'What weve learned - and you can take this to the bank - is that pursuant to the law of this state, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that! We wish him the very best moving forward.'

Greene also spoke after Jackson and told reporters that the LA County Public Defender's Office was notified Tuesday night of Jackson's decision to withdraw from the case.

Greene added that Nick understood what was happening but added she only has spoken to him for 30 seconds today.

LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia also spoke during the press conference and said he understood that this has been difficult for the Reiner family.

'We ask for your patience as we navigate through this process,' Garcia told reporters.

The shocking legal move comes three-and-a-half weeks after Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead with stab wounds in their home in the upscale Brentwood section of Los Angeles.

Nick, the third of Rob Reiner's four children, was arrested hours later and has been held without bail since.

He was charged on December 16 with two counts of first-degree murder.

If Nick is convicted he will face the possibility of life in prison without a chance at parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have not said whether they would push for capital punishment, however.

The prosecution is being led by Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers' attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.

LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who also spoke at the press conference after Wednesday's hearing said, 'In our criminal justice system, every defendant is entitled to a lawyer who will zealously represent their interest. So, too, is Nick Reiner.

'The DA's Office will make sure that that lawyer is provided with full discovery of all the facts that pertain to this particular situation, whether its interviews, any type of video. ... We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murders of his parent, Ron Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, and do so unanimously.'

Nick's defense attorney, Alan Jackson (shown holding a press conference after the hearing) stunned observers by announcing his withdrawal

Nick did not enter a plea during a brief first court appearance December 17, when he wore shackles and a suicide prevention smock.

He was not wearing that smock Wednesday.

A decade ago, Nick publicly discussed his severe struggles with addiction and mental health after making a movie with his father, 'Being Charlie,' that was very loosely based on their lives.

Rob Reiner was a prolific director whose work included some of the most memorable and endlessly watchable movies of the 1980s and '90s.

His credits included 'This is Spinal Tap,' 'Stand By Me,' 'A Few Good Men,' and 'When Harry Met Sally,' during whose production he met Michele Singer, a photographer, and married her soon after.
It was early one Thursday morning in August two years ago when Shubhreet Singh logged onto a specialist internet forum to chat to strangers online.

Her pseudonym 'help me rest' left other users of the platform in no doubt of the 26-year-old's state of mind.

But one of them, Miles Cross, had little regard for her vulnerability, and instead immediately spotted a business opportunity.

Posing as someone with serious mental health issues himself, and using the name 'hidden pain' to hide his true identity, Cross, 33, offered to sell Ms Singh a deadly substance to end her life.

'Is it safe to order it online,' she queried.

Cross, a former soldier, reassured Ms Singh by sending her a QR code for payment to his bank account over an encrypted messaging app. Within half an hour she had handed over 100 for 176g of the poisonous chemical.

Tragically, Ms Singh's body was found 12 days later, in a holiday let she had rented, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where she ingested the substance and killed herself.

Today  as Cross was jailed for 14 years after pleading guilty to four charges of assisting suicide  it emerged that, in the days before Ms Singh took the drug, she and Cross had swapped a series of disturbing and heartbreaking messages where he encouraged her to end her life.

Miles Cross, 33, pictured in October, admitted four counts of encouraging or assisting suicide

Cross, 33, pictured here in his police mugshot, set up an internet business selling the lethal substance, before targeting vulnerable 'customers' in an online forum

Mold Crown Court heard that, during those exchanges, Cross sent her a 'two-day timetable,' explaining how the poison would take effect and also casually chatted about what food to eat beforehand.

Cross, who had bought the lethal substance in bulk to sell as part of a new money-spinning venture a month earlier, told Ms Singh he was a vegetarian, before asking: 'Do you have any idea what you are having as like a last meal?'

She replied: 'I'm also vegetarian, been that way for over a decade. I'm thinking soup. It'll be faster to digest.'

Cross said: 'I loved eating meat and fish but it's just cruel so I stopped myself. I think I will have pasta and wine the day before I go.'

When Ms Singh asked if she could call him to continue their conversation, Cross made his excuses saying he was too tired, before adding later: 'Are you still set on CTB (cease to breathe) tomorrow.'

Ms Singh took the poison that same day, on September 1, 2024.

Despite realising that she had gone through with her intentions when she failed to reply to further messages the following day, Cross was undeterred.

He continued advertising and selling the poison on the forum, sending a package to another 42-year-old married woman, who can't be named for legal reasons, 13 days later.

Miles Cross (right) is seen being arrested at his house in Wrexham, North Wales, in January last year

Police managed to track sales of the poison to Miles Cross' bank account

A special episode of the Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast, featuring interviews with police and prosecutors who investigated Miles Cross, will be published on Friday

Fortunately, she flushed the substance, which the Daily Mail is not naming, down the toilet after her mental health improved when she started undergoing counselling. Another recipient, a 34-year-old man, who also ordered the chemical from Cross, did not take the substance and it was later recovered by police.

Sadly, however, a second individual was later found dead having taken poison sold by Cross, who distributed four packages in total over a period of five weeks, in August and September 2024.

The court heard that one of those parcels was intercepted and confiscated by the worried parents of a 20-year-old man, who was suffering mental health problems and had ordered the poison online.

But, in a tragic twist his 53-year-old father, who was also experiencing depression and who insisted on disposing of the substance in the hazardous waste at his place of work, went missing a week later.

His body was not discovered until October, but tests revealed he too had ingested the chemical sent by Cross to end his own life.

In a powerful statement, his wife of almost 24 years said her family had been 'totally devastated' and was suffering 'ongoing trauma' because of Cross's actions.

She said the couple's three sons 'blamed themselves' for their father's suicide and she also suffered daily 'horrific and vivid nightmares' because of what had happened to them.

'I am not the person I was,' she said.

'I am anxious in a way that is hard to explain. Days that were once special, like Father's Day or our anniversary, just remind me of my loss.

'I have withdrawn from my friends and family because they can't understand what I'm experiencing. I can't just put on a brave face, every aspect of my life has changed forever.'

Police investigating her husband's disappearance quickly realised Cross was their suspect.

Although he used a fake name in the internet chat forum, Cross did little else to cover his tracks.

Officers found his home address listed as the return address on packaging recovered from his victims and screenshots of confirmation of payments linked to a Monzo bank account in Cross's name.

Despite this, footage released by North Wales police showed a tattooed and bare-chested Cross appearing stunned when they broke down the door to the flat he shared with his girlfriend of 10 years and rescue Labrador, in Wrexham, north Wales, in January last year.

Fearful that many more members of the public could be at risk, officers were given special permission to carry out an urgent interview and speak to Cross without a solicitor to try and determine how much of the substance he had distributed.

But arrogant Cross sat with his arms defiantly folded in the interview room and repeatedly denied selling any poison to anyone.

Asked for a list of his 'customer' names and their addresses, he told officers: 'I'm telling you I can't assist with thatI will not be able to do that.

'I don't know who these people are, I can't answer any of these questions.

'I haven't put any kits together and I haven't distributed these kits to anyone, so I don't have names and addresses for you.'

But police recovered around 1.3kg of the deadly substance from a suitcase at Cross's home and found his DNA on containers of the poison.

Officers also discovered that Cross had set up a new business to sell the drug  creating a new e-mail address, bank account and phone number  in June 2024.

He then ordered the poison in bulk, paying around 100 for 1kg tubs from a firm in Greece.

On July 24, alongside a photograph of one of those tubs, Cross posted on the chat forum: 'Finally acquired everything for (name of poison) method, everything was readily available to me in the UK, other than the (name of poison) itself which took some legwork to source as we live in a f****** nanny state.

'Safe to say that finally having everything to hand and things being on my terms now is the only bit of relief I have had for a long time.'

Cross, who previously had problems with gambling and alcohol, made his first sale 13 days later.

The substance, which is not illegal to buy, is used as a food preservative and in fertilisers, explosives, glass and pottery colouring.

However, when ingested it starves the body of oxygen, causing heart problems, seizures and, in the most serious cases, death. It has been linked to at least 133 UK fatalities, according to the suicide prevention charity the Molly Rose Foundation.

In November, Cross, who served six years in the Army, finally admitted all four charges of assisting or encouraging suicide.

It is thought to be the first time anyone has been convicted of selling poison to encourage others to kill themselves in the UK.

Cross told probation officers that things he witnessed during a tour of Afghanistan and childhood trauma had damaged his own mental health.

The veteran, who the Mail has learned was abandoned as a baby by his 18-year-old mother, and raised by his maternal grandmother in Essex, claimed he only bought the lethal substance because he wanted to kill himself and help others in the same situation.

The court heard he was found by his girlfriend having taken an overdose of pills when he lost his job, in June 2024, but refused any medical help.

However, Nick Johnson KC, prosecuting, said the Crown did not accept Cross's claim that he started selling the poison because he had received more than expected from his supplier or that he wanted to help others in a similar situation to himself.

The barrister said the 'chronology of evidenceclearly shows Cross's actions were an attempt at a financial venture to make money.'

Jailing Cross, who has previous convictions for drug possession, failure to provide a specimen of breath and battery, Judge Rhys Rowlands agreed.

'I am quite sure that you were intending to make money out of selling the drug to others,' the judge said.

'Your behaviour was far from being altruistic but involved your making money out of the misfortune of others.

'You were selling to complete strangers in the knowledge that the intention was for (name of poison) to be used to end another's life.'

Or, in the words of Detective Superintendent Chris Bell, of North Wales Police, Cross was a 'predator.'

'He preyed on his victims and exploited them in their most desperate moments,' the officer said.
Donald Trump is intent on buying Greenland and wants to avoid using military force to acquire the Danish territory, Marco Rubio has said.

The Secretary of State held a private meeting with a select group of lawmakers on Monday after the White House threatened to invade Greenland.

Rubio said the Trump administration's intention was to eventually buy the island, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the briefing.

His comments came in a briefing by top White House officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, over the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro and the plans for Venezuela's future.

Rubio made the statement after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked whether Trump planned to use the military in other parts of the globe, such as Mexico and Greenland, a source told the Journal.

The Secretary of State told reporters on Capitol Hill, where he was again briefing senators on Wednesday, that he plans to meet with Danish officials next week.

Denmark, a NATO member, last week requested talks with the US over Trump's renewed threats against Greenland after Maduro's capture.

Tensions with the bloc ratcheted higher this morning when Trump attacked the alliance for not paying its fair share and relying on US defense.

Donald Trump, seen speaking at the Kennedy Center on January 6, has recently reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, owned by NATO member Denmark

Marco Rubio is said to have dismissed the idea of a Venezuela-style operation in Greenland. He is seen with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday

Danish military forces participate in an exercise with troops from other NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland, on September 15 last year

The President ripped into 'fans' of the post-WWII military alliance with a reminder that 'most weren't paying their bills' - just 2 percent of their GDP on defense, well short of the 5 percent target set last summer at the Hague.

'Until I came along,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning. 'The USA was, foolishly, paying for them.'

'Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them,' he added.

'We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT-rebuilt USA.'

The broadside comes as the US, in another show of its military superiority, seized a Russian oil tanker off the north coast of Scotland. Moscow had recently dispatched a submarine to escort the vessel, which was smuggling sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

Europe is on edge after Trump threatened to seize Greenland following his capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a US takeover would amount to the end of NATO.

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined her in a statement Tuesday reaffirming that the mineral-rich island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, 'belongs to its people.'

Danish foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested a meeting with Rubio, a statement posted Tuesday to Greenland's government website said.

Thomas Crosbie, an associate professor of military operations at the Royal Danish Defense College, said an American takeover would not improve upon Washington's current security strategy.

'The United States will gain no advantage if its flag is flying in Nuuk versus the Greenlandic flag,' he said.

'There's no benefits to them because they already enjoy all of the advantages they want. If there's any specific security access that they want to improve American security, they'll be given it as a matter of course, as a trusted ally. So this has nothing to do with improving national security for the United States.'

The island, which is more than three times the size of Texas, has been a strategic hub since the Second World War, when it served as a base to protect Allied shipping lanes from the Nazis.

It is also a resource gold mine, containing 25 of the 34 rare earth minerals categorized as 'critical' by the EU.

China currently dominates the global supply and processing of these minerals, up to 90 percent in some cases.

While Greenland currently bans offshore oil and gas extraction for environmental reasons, some estimate the total value of the island's resources at $4 trillion.

JD Vance visited Greenland last March, specifically the US military's Pituffik Space Base

Denmark's parliament approved a bill last June to allow US military bases on Danish soil.

It widened a previous military agreement, made in 2023 with the Biden administration, where American troops had broad access to Danish airbases in the Scandinavian country.

Rasmussen wrote over the summer, in response to lawmakers' questions, that Denmark would be able to terminate the agreement if the US tried to annex all or part of Greenland.

But in the event of a military action, the US Department of Defense currently operates the remote Pituffik Space Base, in northwestern Greenland, and the troops there could be mobilized.

Crosbie said he believes the US would not seek to hurt the local population or engage with Danish troops.

'They don't need to bring any firepower. They don' need to bring anybody.' Crosbie said Wednesday.

'They could just direct the military personnel currently there to drive to the center of Nuuk and just say, "This is America now," right? And that would lead to the same response as if they flew in 500 or 1,000 people.'

The danger in an American annexation, he said, lies in the 'erosion of the rule of law globally and to the perception that there are any norms protecting anybody on the planet.'

He added: 'The impact is changing the map. The impact I don't think would be storming the parliament.'

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Tuesday he spoke by phone with Rubio, who dismissed the idea of a Venezuela-style operation in Greenland.

'In the United States, there is massive support for the country belonging to NATO - a membership that, from one day to the next, would be compromised by ... any form of aggressiveness toward another member of NATO,' Barrot told France Inter radio on Wednesday.

US Army Green Berets with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a training exercise on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in February 2024

Katie Miller, wife of Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, Steven Miller, posted a map of Greenland covered by the American flag on X just hours after the US captured Nicolas Maduro

Asked whether he has a plan in case Trump claims Greenland, Barrot said he would not engage in 'fiction diplomacy.'

Most Republicans have supported the President's statement, but Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, the Democratic and Republican co-chairmen of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, have criticized Trump's rhetoric.

Their statement on Tuesday said: 'When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

'Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.'
Denmark will shoot first and ask questions later if the US decides to invade Greenland, army rules state.

Tensions have been escalating this week over the Trump administration's threats to use the US military to seize the island, despite furious warnings from Europe's leaders - including Sir Keir Starmer - that they will 'not stop defending' Greenland.

The Danish defence ministry today confirmed there is a 1952 rule requiring soldiers to attack invading forces 'immediately' without awaiting orders.

The defence ministry added that the rule 'remains in force' when questioned about its status by Danish newspaper Berlingske.

It comes as Donald Trump and his top advisers explore plans including purchasing Greenland or taking charge of its defense, a senior administration official said this week.

The White House threateningly told how 'utilising the US military is always an option' and warned the issue is 'not going away' despite the protests of NATO leaders.

Trump has argued that the US needs to control Greenland to ensure NATO security against rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

According to Danish newspaper Berlingske, the 1952 rule says that if an invasion occurs, 'the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war'.

The Danish defence ministry told the newspaper today: 'The order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force.'

Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland

Donald Trump has threatened to use the US military to seize Greenland - despite furious warnings from Europe's leaders

European allies are now holding vital talks on how to respond if the US attacks Greenland.

The moves they would be forced to take would likely mark the end of the NATO alliance, experts have said.

Trump's threats towards Greenland have angered European leaders, who last night rallied together through a joint statement to fight for the island's 'territorial integrity'.

Seven leaders - from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark - declared they will 'not stop defending' Greenland.

They called America an 'essential partner' and reiterated that the US and Denmark signed a defense agreement in 1951.

'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' they said.

In response, Trump today launched a ferocious attack on his NATO allies, just hours after America seized a Russian oil tanker in European waters.

Greenland, a Danish territory, was last night defended by NATO allies

French President Emmanuel Macron greets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday

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The President ripped into 'fans' of the post-WWII military alliance with a reminder that 'most weren't paying their bills' - just 2 percent of their GDP on defense, well short of the 5 percent target set last summer at the Hague.

'Until I came along,' Trump wrote this morning. 'The USA was, foolishly, paying for them.'

'Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them,' he added.

'We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT-rebuilt USA.'

The broadside comes as the US, in another show of its military superiority, seized a Russian oil tanker off the north coast of Scotland. Moscow had recently dispatched a submarine to escort the vessel, which was smuggling sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

Europe has been on edge since Trump threatened to seize Greenland, after his successful capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.
Mayor Jacob Frey demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents leave Minneapolis in an explicit tirade just hours after a woman who was allegedly filming an anti-raid protest was shot dead inside a car by federal agents.

The democratic politician told Donald Trump's ICE agents to 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis' after Renee Nicole Good, 37, was killed at a protest Wednesday.

Witnesses claimed the woman and her wife were acting as legal observers and filming the protest when she was shot. But ICE insisted the woman tried to use the SUV as a deadly weapon.

Good was named by her mother Donna Ganger, who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.

'Thats so stupid', Ganger said of her daughter's death. 'She was probably terrified.' Ganger also insisted Good was 'not part of anything like that,' referring to protests against ICE taking place around the time and place where Good was killed.

'Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known. She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being,' her mother added.

Frey reiterated, after the death this morning: 'We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.'

Federal agents descended on the Midwestern city this week to continue their removal of hundreds of thousands of immigrants living illegally in America.

Minneapolis in particular has faced particular heat recently, amid reports of its Somali population orchestrating a $250 million welfare fraud scandal.

Mayor Frey today highlighted how 'people are being hurt' and 'families are being ripped apart' by immigration officials.

He said on Wednesday: 'Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy, are being terrorized and now somebody is dead. That's on you - and it's also on you to leave.'

Renee Nicole Good, pictured, has been named as the woman shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Wednesday

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey tells ICE to 'get the f**k out' of his city during a televised address, after an agent was seen on video shooting a woman dead in her car earlier today

FBI agents and police at the scene of the fatal shooting on Wednesday morning in Minneapolis

Photographer King Demetrius Pendleton has his eyes flushed after being hit with chemical irritants amid ongoing protests in the Minnesota city on Wednesday

Blood can be seen on the airbag of Good's car as the FBI photograph the scene

The woman was shot Wednesday after she allegedly tried to ram officers with her car 'in an attempt to kill them' during ICE's operations in Minneapolis, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the Daily Mail in a statement.

DHS claimed the middle-aged white woman 'weaponized her vehicle' and called her actions an 'act of domestic terrorism.'

Frey dismissed ICE's justification of self defense as 'garbage,' stating that he reviewed video of the shooting and 'I can tell you that is bull****.'

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed Frey's analysis, saying in a statement released on X: 'I've seen the video. Don't believe this propaganda machine.

'The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice.'

President Trump came out and said the deceased 'violently, willfully, and viciously' ran over the ICE agent.

He called the woman screaming at the scene a 'professional agitator.'

Trump wrote: 'I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a horrible thing to watch.

'The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense.

'Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital.

'The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.'

Life-saving aid was rendered to the shooting victim, but she succumbed to her injuries. Police found the woman with a gunshot wound to the head, according to Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

Senator Tina Smith said the woman was a US citizen. O'Hara said nothing indicated that 'this woman was the target of a law enforcement investigation.'

The woman has not been identified by officials, but they have described her as a middle-aged and white. Her spouse has arrived at the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the chief said.

Frey has repeatedly blasted the federal immigration crackdown on the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

'They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust,' Frey said after the fatal shooting.

'They're ripping families apart. They're sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.'

Law enforcement officers line a Minneapolis street as protesters gather in the city

Blood is seen on the headrest of a vehicle at the scene of the shooting earlier today

A children's toy is seen the car where a woman was fatally shot by an ICE agent on Wednesday

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Wednesday's shooting marks a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major American cities under the Trump administration. It's at least the fifth person killed in a handful of states since 2024.

The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have been on edge since the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, with more than 2,000 agents and officers expected to participate in the crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

During a news conference in Texas on Wednesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the agency had deployed more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities and already made 'hundreds and hundreds' of arrests.

For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighborhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilize in the event of an immigration enforcement surge.

From houses of worship to mobile home parks, they have set up very active online networks, scanned license plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noise-making devices to alert neighborhoods of any enforcement presence.

On Tuesday night, the Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session for about 100 people who were willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement operation.

A group of protesters hold placards near the scene of the shooting earlier today

Demonstrators line the road near the scene of the shooting amid rising tensions in Minneapolis

Frey is no stranger to controversy and has been known to issue questionable remarks.

He was met with scrutiny in 2024 after he branded people who work from home as 'losers' during a Minneapolis Downtown Council meeting.

The mayor, in his speech, accused remote workers of 'diddling on their laptop' while snuggled up on the couch with a 'nasty cat blanket.'

He later admitted the comment was a 'joke that perhaps was not funny.'

Frey divided opinions again last year with his impassioned remarks at an August press conference after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.

'Children are dead, there are families that have a deceased child. You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy or absolute pain of the situation,' he said in the aftermath.

'Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church.'

Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron condemned Frey's response and branded it 'completely asinine' after the tragedy where children were shot inside a church.

An aerial view of protesters clashing with police after the woman driver was shot dead

Border Patrol agents stand guard as protesters link arms to block a street in Minneapolis

Police tape surrounds the SUV in which a 37-year-old woman was shot by ICE earlier today

'Catholics don't think that prayer magically protects them from all suffering. After all, Jesus prayed fervently from the cross on which he was dying,' Barron told Fox News at the time.

Barron, who leads the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, argued that critics misunderstand the role of prayer, and said 'prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God, which strikes me as altogether appropriate precisely at times of great pain.'

The Democrat mayor has also previously been accused by his opponents of creating a divided city government that does not work well with county and state partners.

Minnesota state Senator Omar Fateh, who challenged Frey in last year's mayoral election, claimed during a debate that he was 'hostile' towards other leaders.
Superstar DJ Calvin Harris is swapping his decks for a boardroom desk after becoming an executive at a tech firm.

The Scot has been unveiled as the new Chief Wellness Officer at fast-growing healthcare brand Healf.

The company was founded in 2020 by Manchester-born brothers Max Clarke and Lestat McCree as an online destination for carefully selected wellbeing products.

It now serves more than 550,000 regular customers and its annual revenues have surpassed 100 million.

The company said Harris, 41, will help shape Healfs wellbeing philosophy, product curation and cultural presence in his new role.

The Dumfries-born DJ said: As an artist I find inspiration in different things: people, places, feelings, words. Music is about pushing limits, doing things I havent done before - I have to take care of my mind and body to do that.

Ive learned that what keeps me feeling good changes all the time, depending on the day, the tour, the studio, everything. Healf gets that.

Theyre not trying to tell you how to live; theyre helping you find what works for you.

The Scots Dj and his wife radio and TV presenter Vick Hope

The DJ and music producer at his decks during a show in South Beach, Florida

Nineties supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who has invested in Healf, is starring in a new advertising campaign with Harris for the brand

Thats why stepping in as Chief Wellbeing Officer made sense, their whole approach feels real, grounded and genuinely helpful.

Harris is starring in a new advertising campaign for Healf alongside supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who is an investor in the brand and its ambassador for Womens Health & Longevity.

Schiffer, 55, said: Healf is the worlds leading brand for longevity, health and beauty tech, and I have been a fan since the beginning.

Becoming both an ambassador and an investor felt like a natural fit for me as our passions genuinely align.

I hope that with all the amazing noise in longevity and health, curation will be helpful. I believe in everything natural because what we put in and on our bodies, through food and products, makes a big difference to ones health and wellbeing.

Former supermarket shelf stacker Harris - whose real name is Adam Wiles - is one of the highest-earning DJs in the world and in 2020 sold the rights to his back catalogue to an investment firm for a reported 76 million.

He is married to BBC Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope and the couple had a baby son last year.

In a recent interview, Harris told how he planned to stop DJing within the next decade.

He said: I always said that once I get past 50, I cant see me DJing.

The more commercial end [of DJing], it gets a little bit suspect. I think Id prefer to be in the studio making tunes.
An NHS doctor posted antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media claiming Jews were behind the 9/11 attacks, a medical tribunal has heard.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Najmiah Ahmad is alleged to have used her X account to repost two 'seriously offensive' comments that were motivated by racial or religious hostility.

Dr Ahmad appeared before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) misconduct hearing where details of the allegations against her were set out.

Katie Nowell, barrister for the for the General Medical Council (GMC), said a complaint was received in February 2024 from the Jewish Medical Association (JMA) UK relating to posts on the doctor's X account.

One repost read: 'The Zionist owned-and-controlled mainstream media has suppressed this important story for years. Are you surprised? 9/11 was an inside job, The Zionist owned-and-controlled US government was complicit.'

A second post read: 'This should also be considered. 5 Dancing Zionists on 9/11 attacks.'

It was accompanied by an AI image showing the New York skyline with the Twin Towers in the background and a plane flying towards them.

The image also showed a white van on a rooftop with five males wearing dark trousers and white shirts - typically associated with Hasidic Jews - celebrating the attack together with the blue Star of David.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Najmiah Ahmad (pictured) was alleged to have used her X account to repost two 'seriously offensive' comments

Ms Nowell said the doctor, who was working at the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust at the time, said the posts related to 'conspiracy theories' that Zionists were responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

She said the context was not the Palestinian conflict so the term Zionist would be considered by members of the public to be an 'overall term' for Jewish people generally.

Ms Nowell said the posts were offensive and objectively antisemitic because it suggested Jewish people were responsible for the 9/11 attacks, controlled the US government and media, and therefore they were an 'inside job'.

Ms Nowell said that the doctor had since provided a statement in which she accepted that the term Zionist could often be conflated with Jewish people generally and at times of 'heightened tension political language carries profound personal weight' and a 'focus on the humanitarian impact of military action neglected this reality and my actions caused junior colleagues to feel personally targeted - this was a serious professional failing.'

She said the doctor also accepted that well-knowns tropes used to 'promote hostility' against Jewish people included the conspiracy theory they were responsible for 9/11 and controlled media and government.

Ahmad claims she used X as a research tool and had reposted comments so she could 'bookmark' them to read later after she'd became 'obsessed' with understanding more about Zionism.

But this was dismissed by Ms Nowell who said the doctor had used X 'much more extensively' and she would have known her 'deliberate' reposts were offensive.

Giving evidence, Ahmad claimed she hadn't previously connected the term Zionist with Jewish identity after Ms Nowell said the term could be used to 'attack' Jews.

The posts featured antisemitic conspiracy theories claiming Jews were behind the 9/11 attacks, a medical tribunal has heard

'I now understand that a lot of people who call themselves Zionists are also Jewish,' Ahmad said.

'But I know Jewish friends who don't want to be called Zionist.'

Ms Nowell said the reposts had 'specifically' set out antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes.

'I would like the tribunal to know that it's a foreign thing for me to learn about antisemitism,' replied Ahmad.

'It's not a Southeast Asian thing to grow up learning about it in school. I had a steep learning curve.

'At the time I reposted it I wanted to know what has Zionism got to with 9/11 - conspiracy or not conspiracy, I just wanted to know. I don't support any of this.'

Ahmad, who's since undergone training and mentoring in her use of social media, added: 'I don't hate Jews.'

But Ms Nowell claimed that she had often posted 'in anger' and to hit back at comments from Jewish people on X.

The tribunal continues.
The total cost of Scotlands historical child abuse inquiry to taxpayers has soared to nearly 120million, the Mail can reveal.

Prosecutors said the bill for the Crown Office to assist the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), launched back in 2015 by embattled Justice Secretary Angela Constance, was more than 5million so far.

It means taxpayers have shelled out about 119.8million including costs run up by other agencies such as Police Scotland  and the bill continues to rise.

The disclosure comes amid a row over the overall cost of public inquiries which has risen to nearly 260million, sparking claims that they have become lawyers picnics.

Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: This inquiry is crucial in helping to ensure victims get the answers they deserve, but costs cannot continue to spiral out of control.

Questions must be answered as to why the bill has risen so much in such a short space of time given the huge pressures on the Scotlands finances.

These costs will undoubtedly also be putting pressures on other aspects of our justice system which has been slashed to the bone after years of cuts from the SNP.

The SCAI report said child abuse was 'normalised' at Gordonstoun School in Moray

Lady Smith, chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, found that children who boarded at Gordonstoun were exposed to risks of sexual, physical and emotional abuse

Given the inquiry has already been running for over a decade, ministers must guarantee ongoing costs will deliver value for the taxpayer.

Bosses of the SCAI revealed last year that the cost of the statutory probe itself had reached 102million  the first time it had risen above 100million.

Police Scotland has spent an additional 12.3million, meaning the known cost so far to the public purse when Crown spending is taken into account is 119.8million.

It comes as the force continues to battle financial problems amid an explosion in violent crime, which is up by 73 per cent since 2021-22 according to the recent Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.

Launched in 2015 by the then Education Secretary Ms Constance, the SCAI was aimed at shining a light in the dark corners of the past.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr

The SCAI has produced a series of hard-hitting reports into a range of institutions including fee-paying Gordonstoun School in Moray, the Kings former school.

It said child abuse was normalised at the school with an extremely violent culture in some boarding houses.

Lady Smith found that children who boarded at fee-paying Gordonstoun School in Moray were exposed to risks of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

It also produced a damning report on the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, which ran the notorious Smyllum Park orphanage near Lanark, which has committed to paying in up to 10million to a Scottish Government redress fund for abuse survivors.

Last year a former top judge raised fears that taxpayers money is being wasted because SNP ministers do not act on the recommendations of public inquiries.

Lord Hardie, who led the long-running 13million inquiry into the Edinburgh Tram Project, called for a new parliamentary body to be set up to monitor the way the Scottish Government responds to the findings of inquiries it sets up.

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, which ran Smyllum Park, has committed to paying in up to 10million

Last month (DEC) a Holyrood committee recommended that public inquiries should have fixed budgets and defined timescales to drive down rising costs.

The unanimous report by a cross-party group of MSPs recommended that any notification for an extension of an inquiry should be reported to parliament.

Since 2007, when the SNP took power, the report notes 11 Scottish public inquiries - six of which are still active - cost the taxpayer 258.8million in 2024-25 prices.

Kenny Gibson, the committee's convener, said: It was sobering to hear from one witness that in Australia, public inquiries are referred to as lawyers' picnics for the level of fees earned, and there's a view that the situation is similar in Scotland.

A Crown Office spokesman said the SCAI is examining the profound harm caused to children by abuse in institutions and supporting that work is an important public responsibility.

He said: The expenditure reflects specialist teams working over several years to review complex historical material so the inquiry can properly establish the facts and criminal cases can be prosecuted.

The SCAI, chaired by retired High Court judge Lady Smith, declined to comment on the latest figures but last years its bosses said they continue to make excellent progress towards fulfilling its wide-ranging terms of reference.

The Scottish Government said public inquiries operate independently of government and the chair has a legal duty to avoid unnecessary costs.
A public register of child sex offenders in Queensland has finally been launched, but some experts have already spotted flaws in it, amid calls for it to be introduced nationwide.

The state government introduced the register to allow people to access a database and apply for images of child sex offenders in their area.

Known as 'Daniel's Law', named after 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe - who was abducted while waiting for a bus in 2003 and murdered - the register features a three-tier system for publicly reporting information.

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie said that almost 105,000 people had accessed the register since the page went live on New Year's Eve.

Users must provide a driver's licence or proof of a Queensland address before they can use the register.

It allows users to view photos of convicted child sex offenders in their area who pose the greatest risk of reoffending. Names, addresses and other personal details are not provided.

There is also a list of reportable offenders, including their full name, date of birth and photo, who have failed to meet reporting obligations or whose location is unknown.

Queenslanders can also make a disclosure application as a parent or guardian to find out whether someone who currently has, or may have, unsupervised contact with their child or children is a current reportable offender in the state.

Daniel Morcombe (pictured), 13, was abducted while waiting for a bus in 2003 and murdered

Legislation introducing a public register of child sex offenders has been named 'Daniel's Law' to honour the 13-year-old (pictured left to right, Daniel and older brothers Bradley and Dean)

The register has been celebrated by Daniel Morcombe's parents, who shared the link to the webpage on their charity foundation's Facebook page.

But it has been criticised by some experts for not going far enough, including Adam Washbourne from Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia.

Although he praised the launch of the register in a video published to the organisation's social media, he took issue with the 'anti-vigilantism mechanisms'.

Users have been warned they could face a criminal offence, including possible jail time, if they share photographs provided or harass a suspected offender.

'I understand why they're there, but vigilantism against child abuse isn't a thing we have a lot of,' he said.

'We have a lot of people who come here in our comments and say, "Wood chip or hang them" all this sort of stuff. But at the end of the day, no one does it.

'If anyone was going to do it, it would be the families of the victim survivors, and they just don't, because they know that vigilantism will only lead to a path of them getting off things like the child abusers register.'

He also told news.com.au there should be a national register to stop offenders in Queensland moving to another state or territory.

Since the Crisafulli government launched the register on January 1, the website has been visited by almost 105,000 (Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in August 2025)

Adam Washbourne (pictured), from Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia, said the register falls 'far short of the mark' that it was promised to be

'A photo taken when offenders were arrested or charged could look not at all like them now,' he said.

'It kind of defeats the purpose if you don't have any information other than a photo. It feels a bit tokenistic.

'It falls far short of the mark that they hyped it up to be. It was hyped up as a child protection register. I'd like to know how they think that nameless faces are going to protect children.

'The Crisafulli government had a good idea, but it's very poorly executed, and they're just pandering to the system. It's a big opportunity wasted.'

The issue of how the register could create a 'false sense of security' in the public has also been raised by criminologist Dr Vincent Hurley from Macquarie University.

'It's got great political appeal, but there's little evidence to suggest it actually deters crime,' Dr Hurley said.

'It could help parents to educate their children, but the information's got to be right in the first place.'

He added that the majority of child sex abuse cases occur within the family or among acquaintances, rather than being perpetrated by strangers.

Daniel's parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe (pictured) initially founded their charity foundation to help find their son, and it is now one of the largest child safety operations in Australia lobbying for measures including Daniel's Law

'The data clearly shows that those who commit sexual offending are mostly in the family of the victim or known to the victim,' he said.

'Public registers often backfire. I'm not sympathetic to the offenders at all, but it does nothing for their rehabilitation, because they can't get a job  they're ostracised and backed into a corner.'

A spokesman from the state government said the law is keeping Queenslanders' children safe.

'The Crisafulli Government is delivering Daniels Law - backed in by Bruce and Denise Morcombe  exactly as promised, to help protect children who cant protect themselves and make Queensland safer,' they said.

'We are giving parents the information they need to make decisions about the safety of their children - with more than 100,000 visits to the site since it was launched - and prioritising the rights of victims and parents ahead of the rights of predators.'

Daniel Morcombe had been waiting for a bus to go and buy his family Christmas presents when he was abducted.

His remains were finally discovered eight years later in the Glass House Mountains in the Sunshine Coast hinterland in 2011.

Daniel's killer, Brett Peter Cowan, was arrested the same year and is serving a life sentence at a Brisbane correctional centre.

Originally established by Daniel's parents as a way to help find their son, the Morcombe Foundation has become one of the largest child safety organisations in Australia and lobbies for measures including Daniel's Law.

The foundation also provides child safety education, prevention and community engagement across Australia, with Bruce and Denise often conducting sessions themselves.
Bing-Wu Year special stamp set unveiled in Beijing

People's Daily Online) 11:08, January 07, 2026

A launch ceremony for the Bing-Wu Year (Year of the Horse) special stamp set was held at the International Conference Hall of People's Daily on Jan. 5, 2026. The official issuance of this stamp set marked the beginning of the celebrations for the upcoming Lunar New Year in the Year of the Horse.

At the ceremony, Zheng Guoyu, general manager of China Post Group Co., Ltd., presented the No. 01 stamp sheet of the Bing-Wu Year special stamp set to the China National Archives of Publications and Culture for permanent collection.

Unveiling ceremony of the Bing-Wu Year special stamp set. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

Zodiac stamp designs draw on the collective wisdom of the people

The Bing-Wu Year special stamp set consists of two stamps. The first, titled "Galloping Toward Grand Aspirations," features a crimson steed galloping through auspicious clouds, its mane ablaze and hooves surging with momentum, expressing best wishes that, in the new year, China's social and economic development will continue to make steady and sustained progress and press ahead toward the main goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The second, titled "Myriad Steeds Heralding Blessings," depicts three spirited horses in full stride amid auspicious patterns, symbolizing the people of all ethnic groups across the country pooling tremendous strength and working in unity on the journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The Bing-Wu Year special stamp set. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

The release of the Bing-Wu Year special stamp set is an innovative outcome of China Post's commitment to the people-centered approach of "culture for the people," drawing on the wisdom and creativity of the public. From the open call for designs, China Post mobilized broad public participation, attracting renowned artists, leading industry figures and talented enthusiasts nationwide. Through a dual-track review combining public voting and expert assessment, the winning designs were selected from 440 submissions. During production, China Post used high-precision engraving techniques to render the artwork, ultimately issuing a stamp set that blends artistic merit, cultural depth and popular appeal. This pioneering move in the design model for Chinese zodiac stamps stands as a vivid example of the principle that cultural development is for the people, relies on the people, and its fruits are shared by the people.

Meticulous craftsmanship wins expert acclaim

At the event, cultural scholar Ma Weidu, stamp designer Yan Bingwu and stamp engraver Xu Zhe introduced, respectively, zodiac culture, the design of Chinese zodiac stamps and stamp production techniques, offering a multi-angle look at the history of Chinese zodiac stamps and the full process of turning a stamp "from concept to finished product."

Produced to high standards as a "national calling card," the stamp set serves as a medium through which China Post shares China's fine traditional culture with the world. Experts and scholars including Tian Zhongli, president of the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, and Ma Sai, former dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, spoke highly of the Bing-Wu Year special stamps, noting that they both preserve the rich heritage of zodiac culture and incorporate contemporary aesthetics and the spirit of the timesa representative example of innovative expression of traditional culture.

Stamp designer Yan Bingwu presents the Bing-Wu Year special stamps at the event. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

China Post empowers cultural industry development

On the day of the event, China Post, together with the postal administrations of Hong Kong and Macao, jointly unveiled a set of sheets featuring the Bing-Wu Year. Also released were the Bing-Wu Year zodiac commemorative medal designed for China Post by Wu Weishan, a member of the Standing Committee and deputy secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, and vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, as well as a series of Year of the Horsethemed products across China Post's business lines, including philately, cultural and creative products, banking, insurance and delivery services.

By integrating resources across philately, cultural and creative industries, finance and delivery services, and using stamps as a bond, China Post is promoting intangible cultural heritage preservation, advancing the integration of culture and tourism, and strengthening industrial linkage, helping build a philatelic cultural industry ecosystem and injecting new impetus into efforts to invigorate China's fine traditional culture.

The Bing-Wu Year joint souvenir pack, jointly issued by China Post, Hong Kong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications, is unveiled at the event. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

Available nationwide through multiple online and offline channels

The Bing-Wu Year special stamp set was designed by Wang Hongwei and Zhao Enzhong, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing House Co., Ltd. using a combination of offset printing and engraving techniques. With a total face value of 2.4 yuan ($0.34), the set is scheduled for an issuance of 26.68 million sets, along with 1.62 million sheets (Format II) and 2.8 million stamp booklets.

Starting from Jan. 5, 2026, the Bing-Wu Year special stamp set became available at designated postal outlets nationwide and through China Post's online channels, including the China Post Online Business Hall, the China Post App, the Weiyouju WeChat official account, and the China Post Mall WeChat mini program.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
A woman shot dead by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota has been named as 37-year-old poet Renee Nicole Good.

The mother-of-three was named by her mother Donna Ganger, who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.

'She was probably terrified,' Ganger said.

The grieving mom denied reports Good would have been 'part of anything like' the protests against ICE that were taking place at the location where she was killed.

'That's so stupid,' she said. 'Renee was one of the kindest people I've ever known.

'She was extremely compassionate. She's taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.'

Good was a poet and mother of three children who grew up in Colorado Springs. She was married to a comedian named Timothy Macklin who died in 2023 and now lives in Minneapolis with her partner, whose named has not been shared.

She and Macklin had one child together, a six-year-old son, who is now orphaned. His paternal grandfather told the publication 'there's nobody else in his life'.

'I'll drive. I'll fly. To come and get my grandchild.'

Good was shot three times in the face at a protest in Minneapolis on Wednesday after she ignored ICE agents' demands to get out of her car, reversed it and tried to drive off.

Renee Nicole Good, pictured, has been named as the woman shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Wednesday

Renee Nicole Good is pictured left with her sister and mother Donna Ganger

ICE claimed she deliberately drove her burgundy SUV at agents but witnesses dispute that and Mayor Jacob Frey called it 'bulls**t'.

Good is a registered voter but her party affiliation is not listed in public records.

Video shared online captured a woman speaking to a distressed onlooker who claimed to be Good's wife and said she had a six-year-old child.

'That's my wife, I don't know what to do,' the onlooker wailed.

The man filming the video asked if the screaming woman was with the victim, and if she had any friends who could help.

'That's my wife... [unintelligible]... I have a six-year-old at school... we're new here, we don't have anyone,' she answered.

A frantic onlooker shouted: 'We need a doctor.'

The man asked if she knew any of her wife's relatives she could call but she said, 'I can't even deal with that now.'

Photos of the woman's car showed children's toys inside, including a plush animal and a child's drawing.

The 37-year-old woman was shot three times in the face at a protest in Minneapolis on Wednesday and died at the scene

The witness filmed the scene of the shooting as he spoke to the woman claiming to be the victim's wife

Witnesses claimed Good and her wife were acting as legal observers and filming the protest when she was shot.

But ICE insisted she tried to use the SUV as a deadly weapon.

Footage of the shooting showed the victim blocking the road with her car until ICE agents told her to move away.

She reversed to head back down the road as an agent tried to open its driver-side door handle before she drove off. Three shots then rang out.

Good lost control of the SUV and slammed it into parked cars and a light pole at high speed, prompting screams of shock from horrified onlookers.

Her SUV was seen with a bullet hole through the driver's side windshield.

The remains of the SUV with a bloodied airbag after the woman was rushed to hospital

Photos of the woman's car showed children's toys inside

Mayor Jacob Frey did not mince his words at the press conference on Wednesday afternoon. He took to the podium and told ICE agents to 'get the f**k out' of his city, after an agent was seen on video shooting a woman dead as she drove off in her car

Senator Tina Smith earlier confirmed the victim was a US citizen before Good was publicly identified. O'Hara said nothing indicated that 'this woman was the target of a law enforcement investigation'.

Her spouse had arrived at the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed the woman 'weaponized her vehicle' and called her actions an 'act of domestic terrorism'.

McLaughlin said the ICE agent escalated the situation because he was 'fearing for his own life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement, and the safety of the public'.

'He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers,' she said in a statement, describing the gunshots as 'defensive shots'.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also described Good's actions on Wednesday as 'an act of domestic terrorism' and defended the agent.

'An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot to protect himself and the people around him,' she said.

She later confirmed ICE operations are still underway in Minnesota in spite of the shooting.

Protesters clash with police after a driver of a vehicle was shot on Wednesday amid an immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis

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However, Mayor Jacob Frey claimed DHS was trying 'to spin this as an act of self-defense'.

'This is bulls**t,' he said at a press conference. 'I have a message for our community, our city, and ICE - to ICE, get the f**k out of Minneapolis.'

'We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.'

Frey highlighted how 'people are being hurt' and 'families are being ripped apart' by immigration officials.

'Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy, are being terrorized and now somebody is dead. That's on you - and it's also on you to leave,' he said.

The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the shooting, O'Hara said, as he disputed DHS's version of events.

Governor Tim Walz asked his citizens to 'remain calm' as he slammed DHS' narrative as 'propaganda'.

'The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice,' he wrote on Twitter.

'Don't believe this propaganda machine.'

Hundreds of ICE agents are near the corner of 33rd and Portland Avenue this morning as immigration tensions continue to rise in the Midwestern city.

Video of the shooting showed her reverse to head back down the road as an agent tried to open its driver-side door handle before she drove off. Three shots then rang out

The woman lost control of the SUV and slammed it into parked cars and a light pole at high speed, prompting screams of shock from horrified onlookers

Bullet holes in the car's windscreen and bloodied seats were clearly visible

Protesters have been gathering in the area in response to the shooting, and some threw snowballs at ICE officers.

Others took the streets waving flags that read 'FTP', standing for 'F**k The Police'. Some were also seen burning the American flag, as others held them upside down.

Videos shared online showed ICE and other federal agents douse protesters with tear gas and pepper spray.

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Walz warned the Minnesota Natural Guard to prepare for deployment to Minneapolis.

'We have soldiers in training and prepared to be deployed if necessary,' he said.

'They are teachers in your community, they're business owners, they're construction professionals, they are Minnesotans.

'Minnesota will not allow our community to be used as a prop in a national political fight. We will not take the bait.'

He also addressed President Trump and United States Secretary of Homeland Security directly.

'You've done enough. We do not need any further help from the federal government,' he said.

Protesters have been gathering in the area in response to the shooting, and some threw snowballs at ICE officers

Others took the streets waving flags that read 'FTP', standing for 'F** The Police'

'What we're seeing is the consequences of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict.'

Walz also told Minnesotans they have a right to protest, but it has to be done peacefully.

'I say this. I feel your anger. I'm angry. They want to show, we can't give it to them. We cannot. If you protest and express your first amendment rights, please do so peacefully, as you always do. We can't give them what they want,' he said.

Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social calling the deceased driver 'very disorderly' and someone who 'viciously ran over the ICE Officer'.

'The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense,' he wrote.

'Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital.'

Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social calling the deceased driver 'very disorderly' and someone who 'viciously ran over the ICE Officer'

The president seemed to blame 'radical left' rhetoric for the shooting.

'The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis,' he wrote.

'They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!'
The SNPs broken promise to end bed-blocking cost Scotlands NHS at least 1.2 million a day last year and made patients even sicker, watchdogs have revealed.

A shortage of community care forced health boards to spend an average 618 a day on each patient stuck in a hospital bed despite being medically ready to leave.

The joint report, from the Auditor General and the Accounts Commission, found the cost was more than FOUR times the rate for a place in a state-funded nursing home.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: This report lays bare the ongoing damage caused by the SNPs broken promise to eradicate delayed discharge.

Being trapped needlessly in hospital takes a huge toll on patients physical and mental health. Delayed discharge also has a catastrophic domino effect on our NHS, causing last-minute cancelled operations and huge backlogs in A&E departments.

The SNP cant ignore this crisis any longer.

The report found that, with a record 720,119 wasted bed days in 2024/25, the estimated minimum cost to hospitals was 440 million.

Although only 3 per cent of patients endured delayed discharges last year, it still left one in nine hospital beds unnecessarily occupied, two-thirds by people aged 75 and over.

Scottish Tory Health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said the report showed the damage the SNP have done to Scotland's NHS can no longer be ignored

On average, 1,973 beds were blocked each day, with an average 10-day delay for those affected.

The report said it made it harder to admit other patients, including through A&E, added to overcrowding and prolonged waiting lists for operations.

Auditors were even forced to calculate the 440 million figure themselves as the Scottish Government fails to measure costs despite it making it harder to fix the problem.

The report read: In a system under extreme financial pressure, it is essential that the Scottish Government can identify the cost of delayed discharges and take targeted action to reduce them, enabling more effective and productive use of resources.

Two-thirds of the hold-ups were linked to care provision gaps outside hospital.

The report also warned delayed discharge was damaging the physical and mental health of patients.

More infections and reduced mobility left people with even higher social care needs when they finally left hospital.

The SNP promised to eradicate delayed discharge more than a decade ago.

Thousands of older people are trapped in hospital beds despite being medically able to be discharged

Then health secretary Shona Robison said in 2015 it would become something of the past, adding: I want over the course of this year to eradicate delayed discharge out of the system and I am absolutely determined to do that.

Instead, the problem rose to a peak of 2,030 blocked beds a day in October 2024, followed by a brief fall and numbers rising again.

The report said most delayed discharges were caused by trying to ensure people had the right care - yet keeping them in hospital cost far more than care.

Based on 2023/24 data, the average daily net cost of a hospital bed for a patient receiving nursing and other direct care was estimated at 618, compared to 145 per day for a publicly funded care home place with nursing.

It said the Government must understand the true costs of delayed discharge to tackle it.

Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President for Scotland of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said delayed discharge was an almost inconceivable waste of resources that should be used to help patients lining the corridors of Emergency Departments day in, day out.

She said: The current approach has failed. Every hospital bed occupied by someone who does not need it adds pressure to Emergency Departments which are receiving more patients than they can move on.

And these unnecessary stays puts patients at greater risk of hospital-born infection, and can lead to deconditioning, stripping them of their independence. Things cannot go on like this.

Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President for Scotland of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said the situation could no longer go on

Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said: Delayed discharge is unacceptable in terms of the human cost, but also to a cash-strapped and over-stretched NHS. Imagine what could be achieved if that money was spent on delivering social care or helping to reduce growing waiting lists for operations.

Matt McLaughlin, health lead at trade union Unison Scotland, said Government budget cuts and a failure to get to grips with the social care crisis were causing real harm to patients.

Colin Poolman, head of the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, said: Delivering nursing care in the community is key, bringing care closer to the individual and reducing the pressure on acute hospitals.

Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: It is utterly astonishing that our NHS is losing 1.2 million a day to delayed discharge under the SNP. These are people who should be cared for in the community at a quarter of the cost.

The SNPs abject failure to provide proper care at home or in the community is leaving 2,000 patients stuck in hospital on a typical night. Its why A&E departments are struggling to move people into hospital and why ambulances are stacking up outside.

Scottish Labour deputy Dame Jackie Baillie added: This issue is causing misery for patients, piling pressure onto hospitals, and costing our NHS billions

Auditor General Stephen Boyle said the causes of delayed discharge were complex, including rising demand for care, financial pressures, staff shortages and legal issues.

Despite significant activity to tackle it, poor evaluation of the various efforts made it difficult to measure what was working best and what was value for money, he said, and urging the government, health bodies and councils to improve their approach.

SNP health secretary Neil Gray admitted more must be done to ensure people receive the care they need in the right place, at the right time.

He said: Despite the challenges the report sets out, there have been improvements in some areas. Local systems have been working hard to reduce delays, supported by investment of over 220 million to improve patient flow, enhance capacity and remove blockages keeping patients in hospital longer than necessary.
Nearly 11,000 arrest warrants are outstanding in Scotland  with suspects wanted in relation to crimes including murder, rape, domestic abuse and assault.

A huge rise in warrants being issued by courts is piling pressure on police officers which they say is diverting them away from local communities.

Police Scotland has recorded a 22 per cent increase in warrants received from 2023 to 2025  with more than 10,906 still waiting to be executed across the country.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing rank-and-file officers, said the backlog is having an impact on policing, while opposition MSPs said the system is clearly at breaking point.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: This is the product of a justice system which has been starved of resources.

A huge rise in warrants being issued by courts is piling pressure on police officers

Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said Scotland's justice system is 'starved of resources'

Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton admitted it is becoming increasingly difficult for officers to keep pace

As usual, it all then falls on officers to chase up warrants and then sacrifice their hard-pressed time attending court over and again.

Police officers are rightly questioning how bad things have to get before they receive the support they need.

In a report to the Scottish Police Authoritys policing performance committee, Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton admitted it is becoming increasingly difficult for officers to keep pace with the number of warrants they are expected to pursue.

The figures on warrants appear in the latest edition of the justice publication 1919 Magazine.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation said warrants divert police officers away from their primary duties

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill said the justice system 'is at breaking point'

Currently, there are 7,587 individuals with one or more warrants and of those, 5,869 (54 per cent) relate to non-appearances in court.

SPF general secretary David Kennedy said: Each warrant represents officer time abstracted from local policing, prevention work and visible community presence, and instead diverted into repeated attempts to trace, arrest, convey and then repeatedly attend court.

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill said: Scotlands entire justice system  from frontline policing to courts to prisons  is at breaking point under the SNP.

A Crown Office spokesman said: Prosecutors seek warrants only where necessary and appropriate, in line with legal requirements and the interests of justice.

The Scottish Government said: The issuing of warrants is for the independent courts and the execution of warrants is a matter for Police Scotland, who remain focused on the investigation of crime and keeping our communities safe.
A combination of slow, steady snowfall and sub-zero temperatures has held the North of Scotland in an Arctic grip since the weekend.

Although weather conditions are set to improve, the danger this cold snap presents will diminish slowly as snow gives way to ice.

And after the thaw, one hopes, there will be lessons learned.

In my constituency of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, we have some of the coldest, most exposed and ice-prone places found in Scotland.

Our rural roads and bridges are always waiting on the next high wind or flood, freeze or spate to cut us off or force a change of plans.

This probably makes people in the North-East a bit pragmatic when it comes to asking for help. When the call comes, its in the spirit of mutual aid.

A farm worker helps clear a road in Drumoak, near Banchory as the weather continues to make life impossible for residents

And so it was on Monday that I took the step of asking the First Minister to take seriously the extent of the emergency in the North-East.

To ask for all available resources to be mobilised in snow clearance and delivering essential supplies.

The following morning, I contacted the Secretary of State for Scotland to ask for his support in potentially utilising His Majestys Armed Forces.

I also put on record my thanks to local farmers who helped clear roads and assist neighbours, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to their communities.

Theres that spirit of mutual aid running through this place. No one on the Labour benches mentioned this when we debated the family farm tax last year.

But I thank Douglas Alexander for his very quick response, atypically so for an answer across the House, and for his agreement that aid should be offered from the UK Government to the Scottish Government if it calls. I await John Swinneys decision on this.

Despite the political differences between the Conservatives, Labour and the SNP, I have found there are times when we can and do put aside our differences when lives are at stake.

But that lofty ambition was tempered in this instance when I read the Scottish Governments response to all of this was to phone Tesco, to check if its delivery lorries would make it to Aberdeen the next day.

Broadcasting an update from the Scottish Government Resilience Room, local Nationalist MSP and government minister Gillian Martin had checked whether Tesco would be able to deliver to local supermarkets, which residents werent actually able to reach.

They were stuck at their front door. Or drifts had settled over the tops of their cars and road ends.

This was the activity after three days of meetings. We shouldnt really be surprised. This is the government that took a month to convene its Storm Babet taskforce after Storm Babet.

Why wont they learn?

The SNPs final position last night was that cuts to municipal grit bins that have been forced on the local authority by its ever shrinking budget were in some way to blame and wouldnt have been made in SNP council areas.

The fact that the council is a multi-party and independent coalition seems to be lost on them. However, I do agree that this is one place where a council needs to provide communal grit bins, and that has been shown this week.

The cost to the safety aspect is demonstrably valuable  this is something the council needs to learn from.

It is imperative too that the Scottish Government learns one lesson from the unfolding chaos in northern Scotland: it must work faster when big weather events are known about, well in advance of them happening.

And it must offer more than the thin apologies it has mustered this week, overdue and undercooked as they are.
One of the world's best wingsuit pilots has been horrifically killed after he dived off Table Mountain and slammed into rocks 1000 feet below at 120mph.

Expert daredevil Brendan Weinstein, 32, did not manage to pull up in time and was seen by tourists smashing into large boulders close to a popular hiking trail.

USA pilot Weinstein  who leaves behind his partner Kivia Martins and baby son Eiger  had travelled to Cape Town alone to do the difficult flight.

It is thought the Red Bull star took a cable car to the top hiding his parachute and wingsuit from staff who would have stopped him if they had seen them.

He walked for 15 minutes to a spot where wingsuit flights have been made in the past and donned his equipment before diving off the edge at about 9am.

Dozens of hikers including British and American tourists heard yelling from above and saw him impact as Weinstein slammed into rocks, fortunately off the trail.

Highly experienced Weinstein from Utah, USA, had completed over 1600 wingsuit flights, 800 BASE jumps and 1000 parachute jumps and was a world expert.

But his luck ran out on Monday morning when he dived off the 1086m high Table Mountain slamming into rocks below fewer than 10 seconds later at 120mph.

Brendan Weinstein, 32, (pictured) died after diving off Table Mountain in South Africa

Weinstein, from Utah, USA, was a highly experienced diver and a world expert in the sport, having completed over 1600 wingsuit flights, 800 BASE jumps and 1000 parachute jumps

Wilderness Search & Rescue and SanParks rangers were alerted and sent teams along with a helicopter to search the front of the mountain for his body

Wilderness Search & Rescue and SanParks rangers were alerted and sent teams along with a helicopter to search the front of the mountain for his body.

The terribly injured pilot was found at 10am and airlifted by helicopter off Table Mountain to an ambulance surrounded by tourists on to the road below.

Former SA skydiver Jeff Ayliffe says the jump was highly technical and that Weinstein had reportedly flown directly from the US to the site without consulting local base jumpers.

Mr Ayliffe said: 'He hadn't contacted any of the local base jumping fraternity to speak to them about this exit point, and this exit point has been jumped many times successfully.

'It is a very technical jump, however, and it had very sad consequences.

'Brendan Weinstein is considered one of the most experienced base jumpers in the world and he has a huge following in America.

'His technical ability is incredible - he's done many, many jumps. This is only our third BASE jumping death in South Africa.

'These guys are very cognisant of the risk they are taking,' he said.

Weinstein landed in large boulders close to a popular hiking trail in Table Mountains (pictured)

Weinstein is considered to be one of the most experienced base jumpers in the world and has a huge following in America

His jumps have previously been featured by the likes of GoPro, Red Bull, Roam and MSN

On the BASE Fatal List on the wingsuit community web page, Weinstein is listed as death number 147 since records began in 1983.

South Africa Police spokesman Constable Ndakhe Gwala said: 'A man suffered fatal injuries when he jumped from the summit of Table Mountain.

'He will have to be identified by DNA as the injuries to his face were too severe.'

The dead wingsuit pilot's website states: 'Weinstein's flights consistently captured the attention of the world and have been featured by GoPro, Red Bull, Roam, Marginal Revolution and MSN and many others'.

BASE jumping, a sport in which participants leap from cliffs, bridges, or buildings before deploying a parachute, remains extremely dangerous despite advances in equipment.

Wingsuit jumping takes BASE jumping a stage further, with a specialised suit with fabric stretched between the arms and legs, allowing the jumper to glide horizontally and control their descent before deploying a parachute.

BASE stands for Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), or Earth (cliffs).

A spokesman for Wilderness Search and Rescue said the search involved numerous ground teams and a helicopter to try and find his body.

He said: 'We located the crashed pilot just before 10am but tragically he was deceased and his recovery was handled with care and sensitivity.

'It is illegal to jump off Table Mountain and it brings huge danger not only to the person jumping off but hundreds hiking the trails below.'

Brendan's partner Kivia Martins posted a photo of them together with their son on Facebook as she broke the news to his thousands of fans.

She wrote: 'Dear friends, on January 5, at about 9am in Cape Town, South Africa, we lost Brendan far too soon.

'He was deeply loved and he left a powerful mark on so many people.

'One day I want our son Eiger to be able to know his father through the memories of those who knew him, the moments, the stories, the impact he had on others.

'Please share a memory, a few words, or photos of Brendan if you feel comfortable doing so which will be shared with our son when he is older.'

'Thank you for helping me preserve who Brendan was. It truly means more than I can express,' his devastated Brazilian partner said.

Brendan began skydiving in 2010 as a teenager and in 2015 he set up a company called BaseBeta to help those interested in the sport.

In 2016 he was recognised for extreme flying on difficult terrain lines and was a star performer in the World Wing Suit League.

He had flown in the USA, Brazil, Turkey, China and the Swiss Alps but his luck ran out when he launched himself off Table Mountain.

Hundreds of tourists were waiting below for the cable car as Brendan plummeted down the side of the iconic mountain to his death.
Construction workers may be able to down tools as heatwave warnings are issued across most of Australia today.

The most intense heatwave forecast to hit the country in six years has descended on the southeast.

As of Thursday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology has published heatwave warnings for SA, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, ACT, Tasmania and Northern Territory.

South Australians will continue to endure scorching temperatures that could peak in the high-40Cs on Thursday.

After the mercury reached the mid-40s in inland and northern parts of Victoria and 40C in Melbourne, southern parts of the state will have a slight reprieve on Thursday, but northern areas will have no such luck.

The soaring temperatures may mean that construction workers can walk off the job after advice issued in December.

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union said its members are within their rights to stop working when the temperature reaches 35C.

'Once the temperature reaches 35 degrees or a humidity level above 75 per cent, there will be an orderly cessation of work and preparations for safe completions of critical tasks currently underway,' the CFMEU said.

The CFMEU said its members are within their rights to stop working when the temperature reaches 35C (workers in Sydney in 2019)

The Bureau of Meteorology has published heatwave warnings for SA, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, ACT, Tasmania and Northern Territory

'During periods of hot weather, if there are areas of the workplace that are below 35C, work shall continue as normal.

'If the on-site temperature hits 35C, it's your right to stop work. Working in the heat and humidity is dangerous.'

The union also said that at temperatures below 35C, workers are to be relocated out of direct sunlight where the work environment creates a serious risk to their health and safety.

Employers must provide sunscreen, cool, clear drinking water, air-conditioned site sheds, hard hat brims, and sunglasses where required.

It comes as two emergency warnings remain in place for a blaze burning at Longwood in northern Victoria, with residents told to leave immediately before conditions become too dangerous.

Another bushfire continues to burn more than 1,000 hectares at Mount Lawson on the border of Victoria and NSW.

A total fire ban is in place for the Mallee, North Central, North East and Northern Country regions on Thursday.

The ban includes the town of Koonoomoo, where police are investigating after a CFA fire danger sign was cut down on Wednesday.

The most intense heatwave forecast to hit the country in six years has descended on southeastern Australia (stock image)

Thieves stole the sign's solar battery before leaving behind damage estimated at $60,000.

'To damage a sign that alerts the community to the fire danger rating is completely reckless and dangerous,' Detective Acting Sergeant Leah Booth said.

Victoria faces fire dangers in the upper end of extreme on Friday, with the districts of Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central forecast to meet catastrophic levels, State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent said.

'Catastrophic fire danger rating is the most dangerous set of conditions for us for firefighting,' he said.

'If a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are likely to be lost.'

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Bri Macpherson said Friday was a significant fire danger day because vegetation dried out by lingering hot air combined with winds and dry thunderstorms increased the risk of ignition.

Ground crews were preparing for aggressive first attacks to douse fires before they could take hold, Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.

'If we can't catch those fires when they're small - and I mean really small, one tree burning through lightning - then those fires are going to get big and have dreadful impacts on the community,' he said.

Last year was Australia's fourth-warmest year on record (stock image of Melbourne)

The heat is set to move into the ACT and NSW from Thursday through to the weekend, with Canberra expected to peak at 38C on Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures in parts of NSW are also on the rise, meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said, reaching the high 30s to low 40s as severe and extreme heatwaves take hold in the state's southeast, eastern and inland districts.

Sydney is forecast to hit 42C on Saturday.

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are warned to avoid outdoor exercise because the heatwave is expected to cause poor air quality in the city's southwest and northwest.

This factor, which can exacerbate lung and health issues, generally builds during hot conditions, peaking in the mid-to-late afternoon and easing off as temperatures fall, according to NSW's Environment Department.

Northern parts of Tasmania have also faced a severe heatwave, with Launceston reaching 30C on Wednesday.

The warm temperatures are due to remain in the 30s on Thursday before cooling from Friday.

Meanwhile, Western Australians may be accustomed to high temperatures, but residents in the north are facing a hotter January than usual.

Parts of the southern Pilbara, near Exmouth, and central wheatbelt have been under severe heatwave conditions, as Meekatharra hit 44C and Exmouth 47.1C on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump has issued a statement addressing the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.

'I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota,' the president's lengthy statement began. 'It is a horrible thing to watch.'

'The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense,' Trump continued.

Videos of the horrific incident have quickly gone viral on social media.

One clip shows several ICE agents approach a burgundy Honda Pilot while demanding the driver get out of the vehicle.

The driver does not follow the orders, then reverses the car before putting it in drive and speeding forward at an agent directly in front of the hood.

That agent quickly unholsters his gun and fires three times towards the non-cooperative driver.

Then the car can be seen careening into the back of a parked car down the street.

Renee Nicole Good, pictured, has been named as the woman shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Wednesday

Federal ICE agent involved in a shooting in South Minneapolis. 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good has been pronounced dead

'The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense,' Trump said

Trump called the driver a 'professional agitator'

The president attached a clip of the shooting to his Truth Social post.

'Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital,' Trump said of the agent. 'The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.'

'They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!'

ICE has claimed that the woman driving the vehicle intentionally sped forward, trying to injure the officer.

Good was named by her mother Donna Ganger, who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.

'Thats so stupid', Ganger said of her daughter's death. 'She was probably terrified.' Ganger also insisted Good was 'not part of anything like that,' referring to protests against ICE taking place around the time and place where Good was killed.

'Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known. She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being,' her mother added.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has said that the agents' claim of acting in self-defense is 'bullsh**.'

Frey blasted ICE's characterization of the shooting and told them to 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis.'

'They are already trying to spin this as an act of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bull****.'

A video shared online captured a witness speaking to a woman who claimed she was the driver's wife and they had a six-year-old child.

Federal agents gather near a vehicle with a bullet hole the windshield after its driver was shot by a U.S. immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.

People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said it is 'bullsh**' to claim the agent was acting in self-defense

'That's my wife, I don't know what to do,' she wailed hysterically.

The man filming the video asked if she was with the woman who was killed, and if she had any friends who could help.

'That's my wife... [unintelligible]... I have a six-year-old at school... we're new here, we don't have anyone,' she replied.

The woman has not been identified by officials, but they described her as a 37-year-old white woman.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin called the driver's actions 'act of domestic terrorism' after she 'weaponized her vehicle' against the federal agents.

Chaos has broken out on some of the streets in Minneapolis since the shooting, and videos show protestors marching in the streets and hurling snowballs and other objects at police as they try to contain the situation.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has said the National Guard will be ready to be deployed if needed

Within the hour of the shooting protestors had already taken to the streets

An aerial view shows protesters clashing with police after a driver of a vehicle was shot amid an immigration enforcement surge

Governor Tim Walz said he has warned the Minnesota National Guard to prepare for deployment to Minneapolis.

'We have soldiers in training and prepared to be deployed if necessary,' he said.

'They are teachers in your community, theyre business owners, theyre construction professionals, they are Minnesotans.

'Minnesota will not allow our community to be used as a prop in a national political fight. We will not take the bait.'
Protesters have descended on the location where a woman was shot dead by an ICE agent after burning the American flag on the streets of Minneapolis in scenes of rage over the violence.

Thousands of mourners gathered near the spot where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot in the head by an ICE agent on Wednesday for a makeshift vigil and to peacefully protest her death.

Some held signs which read 'ICE Go Home' and 'Minnesota Doesn't Need More ICE', while others simply held lit candles in the darkness and laid flowers at the scene.

Tensions reached fever pitch in the city as the Department of Homeland Security conducted its biggest operation 'ever' in Minneapolis after a series of high profile fraud scandals.

Good was inside her car and appeared to be attempting to drive away from ICE agents when one fired through her windscreen, shooting the mother-of-three in the head while she was behind the wheel of her SUV.

Her death prompted immediate backlash as shocking footage emerged of the Stars and Stripes being set aflame as hordes took to the streets.

The protesters shouted anti-ICE chants as they burned the flag, while others threw snowballs at and physically confronted agents.

Law enforcement used tear gas and pepper spray on protesters, while local police also put up metal barriers to separate them from federal agents.

Thousands of mourners gathered near the spot where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot in the head by an ICE agent on Wednesday for a makeshift vigil and to peacefully protest her death

Some held signs which read 'ICE Go Home' and ' MinnesotaDoesn't Need More ICE', while others simply held lit candles in the darkness and laid flowers at the scene

A man in a tan jacket was seen waving a burning upside down American flag in front of a large group of protesters on Wednesday, just hours after a 37-year-old woman was shot dead by ICE

Homeland Security said she was shot after she made 'an attempt to kill' officers.

Minneapolis officials however have disputed that version of events, with Governor Tim Walz calling it 'propaganda.'

Earlier on Wednesday, mayor Jacob Frey told ICE to 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis.'

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the ICE agent shot Good because he was 'fearing for his own life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement, and the safety of the public.'

'He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers,' she said in a statement, describing the gunshots as 'defensive shots.'

'Thankfully, the ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries.'

Good's SUV was seen with a bullet hole through the driver's side windshield. After being shot, the woman crashed into a pole and damaged two parked cars.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference that officers had been stuck in the snow due to severe weather in the city.

Protesters also threw snowballs at federal agents as tensions between the government and the Democratic city have heightened

Law enforcement used tear gas and pepper spray on protesters. One man was seen squeezing his eyes shut after being hit with a chemical spray in Minneapolis

Thousands of mourners arrived for a vigil on Wednesday

Tributes were seen near the scene of the tragedy on Wednesday

'They were attempting to push out their vehicle when a woman attacked them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle,' she said.

'An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively shot to protect himself and the people around him.'

However, local police chief Brian O'Hara said Good was in her vehicle and blocking the road. Then federal law enforcement approached her and she began to drive off.

Two shots were fired before the vehicle crashed, O'Hara said.

The victim was identified by her devastated mom Donna Ganger, who told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune 'she was probably terrified.'

Ganger added that she was 'not part of anything like that,' referring to protests against ICE that were taking place at the location where Good was killed.

Good was a poet and mother of three children who grew up in Colorado Springs. She was married to a comedian named Timothy Macklin who died in 2023 and now lives in Minneapolis with her partner, whose name has not been shared.

Video shared online captured a woman speaking to a distressed onlooker who claimed to be Good's wife, while adding that she had a six-year-old child.

Renee Nicole Good, pictured, has been named as the woman shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Wednesday

Governor Walz asked citizens to 'remain calm' as he slammed the DHS's version of events as 'propaganda'

'That's my wife, I don't know what to do,' the onlooker wailed hysterically.

The man filming the video asked if the screaming woman was with the woman who was killed, and if she had any friends who could help.

'That's my wife... [unintelligible]... I have a six-year-old at school... we're new here we don't have anyone,' came the reply.

The frantic onlooker could also be heard to scream: 'We need a doctor.'

Witnesses told FOX 9 a woman got into a red vehicle in the area of Portland Avenue and East 34th Street Wednesday morning.

There was one ICE agent on either side of the vehicle trying to get in, and a third ICE agent came and tried to yank on the driver's side door.

One of the agents on the driver's side door backed away a little bit, and then opened fire, shooting three times through the driver's side window. One witness said the vehicle wasn't moving toward the agents.

Meanwhile, witnesses say a doctor was at the scene and tried to help the woman who had been shot but the ICE agents refused to let the doctor in to help.

Ten to 15 minutes later, an ambulance arrived but was blocked by ICE vehicles that had occupied the street.

Witnesses said ICE agents then carried a "limp body" to the end of the street, and then the person was loaded into the ambulance.

Governor Walz asked citizens to 'remain calm' as he slammed the DHS's version of events as 'propaganda.'

'The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice,' he wrote on X.

'Don't believe this propaganda machine.'

Walz threatened to deploy the National Guard and told the troops to prepared for deployment to Minneapolis, he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

'We have soldiers in training and prepared to be deployed if necessary,' he said.

'They are teachers in your community, theyre business owners, theyre construction professionals, they are Minnesotans.

'Minnesota will not allow our community to be used as a prop in a national political fight. We will not take the bait.'

The White House, however, stands by its agency, calling the ICE agents 'brave men and women' who 'risk everything to keep our communities safe.'

The Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that burning the American flag is legal as it is considered a form of symbolic speech.
I honestly did believe that I would be well here in the West, Elizabeth Short wrote on December 13, 1946, in an unmailed letter to one of her many love interests.

Time has proved differently to me.'

Attracted to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, the 22-year-old from suburban Boston had big dreams of becoming a movie star and of meeting the love of her life.

Instead, she was broke, hungry, dejected, often homeless and spent most days trying to make ends meet, and rooming with her latest acquaintance or date.

Little did Short know that she would soon have the fame and stardom so desperately longed for, that her name and face would still be the focus of headlines 80 years later - but for all the wrong reasons.

Hers was a story that would wind up more shocking and notorious than any script to come out of Tinseltown.

On January 15, 1947, a month after writing that letter, Short was found murdered in Los Angeless Leimert Park neighborhood, her body mutilated in a way not even the darkest of horror films could envision.

The killer had severed her body clean in two above the waist and posed her torso on the grass with arms raised above her head, her lower body staged beneath, with legs spread. Chunks of flesh had been gouged from her left thigh and breasts, a four-inch gash sliced from her naval to lower abdomen where a criss-cross pattern had been slashed into her skin, and a grotesque smile carved from the corners of her mouth upwards into her cheeks.

Elizabeth Short, 22, is pictured outside John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. She had moved from Massachusetts to Hollywood in search of stardom

On January 15, 1947, Short was found murdered in Los Angeless Leimert Park neighborhood. Investigators are seen on the scene

Due to its horror and brutality, Shorts murder captivated the publics attention, mystified law enforcement, became fodder for the press and shone a spotlight on the dark side of Hollywood.

She became known as the Black Dahlia - a nickname friends had given because of her startling raven hair and affinity for sheer black dresses.

The killer was never caught, making the crime one of the most infamous cold cases in American history.

A new investigation, exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail, has now concluded that she was slain by a violent, possessive lover who went on to carry out a string of other murders - many targeting young couples like he and Short once were.

In a bombshell theory, military veteran Marvin Margolis, who was cited as a suspect in the LA grand jury investigation into Short's murder and changed his name to Marvin Merrill soon after her death, has been identified by investigative consultant and founder of Cold Case Consultants of America Alex Baber as the perpetrator of both the Black Dahlia killing and the infamous Zodiac slayings.

The Zodiac terrorized California around two decades after Shorts murder, killing at least five confirmed victims and wounding two others across four known attacks in 1968 and 1969. He taunted police and the media, sending twisted letters that boasted about his depraved acts along with complex ciphers masking even more warped messages.

Short, Babers investigation concludes, might not have been the suspects last victim but she may have been his first.

It was a tragic end to the life of a young woman who had moved to the West Coast seeking fortune and attention only to die a brutal and lonely death.

Short's body had been sliced cleanly in two above the waist, chunks of flesh cut out of her body and a grotesque smile carved from the corners of her mouth into her cheeks

A film adaptation of the short story The Most Dangerous Game was screening at The Marcal Theater the week of the Black Dahlia murder, an advert shows. It is believed that Elizabeth Short went to see it

As Margorie Graham, a friend and former roommate, described Short: 'Betty had an inferiority complex and wanted to become a movie star to prove to her family that she could make good.

Her brief life was a state of constant flux, with no support or steady home, moving from place to place.

And Short's final days were spent in terror - seemingly aware of the impending danger but helpless to save herself from her haunting fate.

Fathers fake suicide plot

It was the desire to connect with her absent father that first brought Short to the West Coast.

Born July 29, 1924, in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, Short - known to friends as Beth - was one of five daughters raised by Cleo and Phoebe Short in Medford north-west of Boston.

When she was six, the family suffered its first headline-grabbing tragedy.

Cleo walked out of the family home one day in October 1930 with $200 in cash and vanished. His car was later found abandoned in a parking lot by the Charles River, local media reports from the time said.

For more than a decade, he was assumed dead by suicide.

Then, in 1942, Short and her mother saw him alive and well around Medford, according to LA grand jury records.

After that, she sought a relationship with her father and went to live with him in Vallejo, California.

The relationship was strained and the reunion doomed.

In January 1943, Short went to the Camp Cooke military base to work as a clerk before moving back to Medford that fall.

Cleo seemingly wanted nothing to do with his daughter. Four years later, when approached by police and informed of her horrific death, his response quoted in a newspaper was cold: 'I want nothing to do with this... In 1943, I told her to go her way, Id go mine.

Chasing stardom and doomed romances

This troubled relationship with her father would pave the way for Shorts unlucky love life and transient way of living.

She moved around several places including Atlanta, Miami, Chicago and Long Beach, crashing in hotels, with friends, acquaintances and lovers she met along the way.

In the summer of 1946, the bright lights and promise of Hollywood beckoned.

There, she was described in newspaper articles as a movie extra, a waitress and a young woman who lived to see and be seen around the Hollywood nightlife hotspots.

According to Graham, who lived with Short in Hollywood for six weeks, she went out with a different man nearly every night and always had her sights set on a new one.

'On practically every date she had, she acted like a 16-year-old on her first date, she told the Boston Traveler in January 1947.

She could never make up her mind who she was in love with. Practically every man she went out with was for the moment the man.

Marvin Margolis is seen in a high school yearbook photo (left) and a photo obtained and enhanced by Baber (right). Baber's solution to the Z13 cipher reveals the name Marvin Merrill. This was an alias for Marvin Margolis, a man who was a prime suspect in the Black Dahlia murder

The killer of the Black Dahlia began corresponding with the media - sending this package containing her belongings

Among the most damning pieces of evidence is one of the final sketches Merrill produced, depicting a naked woman named 'ELIZABETH'

There was one particular man who had appeared to be a more serious love interest than most.

It was 1944 when Short met Major Matt Gordon, a pilot with 2nd Air Commando Group, one of the USAAF units that succeeded the Flying Tigers, in Miami and their relationship blossomed through letters while he served overseas.

The correspondence came thick and fast with Gordon telling his mother that she had once sent him 27 letters in 11 days, media reports from the time reveal. Shorts own mother later described Gordon as 'the only man that I know she loved and there was speculation the couple were engaged.

But it would turn out to be a doomed wartime romance.

In August 1945, mere days before Japanese troops surrendered, Gordon died in a plane crash over India.

Short was said to be grief-stricken on hearing the news, and lamented that she would never get that wedding band on my finger now'.

At the time of her death, she also appeared to be seeking marriage to another man, Joseph Gordon Fickling, who lived in North Carolina, according to an unmailed letter.

'I'll never be settled unless I find my own happiness, as everyone else does, with the man they love, she wrote.

Meeting her murderer and a tumultuous final months

Her many love interests and acquaintances meant that there was no shortage of potential suspects when Short was found murdered. A staggering 22 men were named as suspects by the grand jury inquest in 1949 to 1950.

But there was one mystery lover who Short lived in fear of, as she had confided to many friends and acquaintances.

That man, according to Baber, was Margolis.

A police officer looks through Elizabeth Short's belongings which she had left at a bus station before her death

Short is believed to have first crossed paths with Margolis in July 1946 when she was briefly staying in Chicago, his home city, Babers investigation reveals.

Based on grand jury records and friends accounts, Margolis was her boyfriend and the couple even lived together with Graham and Margoliss friend Bill Robinson at an apartment along LAs Hollywood Boulevard from October 10, 1946.

But, just 12 days later, Short fled from the home.

The night before, she had gone on a date to a CBS broadcast with the boyfriend of her onetime roommate Lynn Martin. Based on witness accounts, Baber believes this was the catalyst for frantically leaving Margolis in fear for her safety.

She wouldnt even return to collect her belongings, seemingly so fearful that she sent a stranger to collect them instead.

In December, the terrified 22-year-old ended up leaving LA and traveling to San Diego.

Short told several friends she feared for her life because of a jealous ex-boyfriend who had threatened her about going out with other men, though Margolis is not specifically named in grand jury records or media reports as such.

Hollywood hairdresser, Alex Constance, told investigators that Short was scared of an unnamed Marine who drove a black sedan - but that she was also too afraid to break up with him. Theater owner Mark Hansen said Short told him she left LA because of an unnamed screwball'.

In San Diego, Short was alone. She was taken in by Vera French and her daughter Dorothy who let her stay with them at their home. The Frenches said she went on many dates and was popular with men but also told them about the mystery man she feared.

After staying with the Frenches for about a month, another disturbing encounter prompted her to flee once again, according to media reports.

On the night of January 7, 1947, two mystery men and a woman showed up at the French home. It was an incident that left Short 'terribly frightened but which she refused to talk about, the Frenches told police.

The motel formerly known as the Zodiac Motel where Baber believes that Elizabeth Short was mutilated by her killer

A photo in a newspaper shows police officers looking at a canvas icemans bag marked with a letter Z found close to where Short's body was found. Baber believes this supports his theory about the Zodiac Motel

The next day, Short headed back to LA and, unknowingly, into the clutches of her killer.

Final days of fear

According to the Frenches, Short was picked up by a man - later identified as Army veteran Robert Red Manley - on January 8, 1947.

With Manley, who has long been eyed as a potential suspect in her murder, she appeared to be in an upbeat mood and did not seem afraid.

He told investigators that they drove to LA, stopping at a bus station to check Shorts baggage. He then dropped her at the Biltmore Hotel on January 9.

Along the journey, Manley recalled that she was watching all the cars they passed to see who was inside.

It appeared that Shorts fears about her mystery boyfriend were escalating.

They would reach a peak on January 14, 1947, mere hours before her mutilated body was dumped in a vacant lot.

The night of the murder

Based on various witness accounts, Shorts final hours were filled with terror.

On January 14, police officer Myrl McBride said a woman she later identified as Short approached her at a bus station in downtown LA.

The woman was sobbing hysterically and said she had just bumped into her 'insanely jealous', schizophrenic ex-Marine boyfriend who had once threatened to kill her if she went out with another man.

McBride said she accompanied the woman to retrieve her purse from the bar where she had seen the boyfriend. They then parted ways, with the woman saying she was waiting for someone to arrive by bus from San Diego that night.

At some point after that, Short is believed to have encountered her killer.

Police believed at the time that she was taken to some sort of torture room where her body was mutilated and washed in a bathtub.

Police look at Short's body, found bisected above the waist and carefully posed in a vacant lot in the Leimert Park area in the early hours of January 15, 1947

An autopsy found her cause of death was hemorrhage and shock due to concussion of the brain and lacerations of the face. The dismemberment came post-mortem.

Based on his investigation - which is the focus of an upcoming website and podcast, Killer in the Code - Baber theorizes that she was probably bundled into a car and driven to a motel where she was murdered and dismembered.

That night, witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing a woman being pinned down in the back of a black sedan as it drove past a bus stop in North Long Beach. Another woman and man were in the front of the car.

A man driving a black sedan had also been seen approaching at least three motels around San Pedro seeking a room with a bathtub.

It is not clear where the man ended up but around 10 miles from those motels was a place called the Zodiac Motel.

After the killer had carried out his horrific dissection of Shorts remains, her body was dumped by a sidewalk, waiting to be discovered by a mother walking with her child the next morning.

Fame after death but a lonely funeral

In death, Short finally received the stardom and attention she so desperately craved, with her murder dominating headlines across the country.

Yet, for all the friends, dates and acquaintances she crossed paths with during her brief adult life, Short's funeral was a lonely affair.

Only her family turned out to mourn as what was left of the 22-year-olds body was lowered into a grave at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland on January 25, 1947.

In death, Short finally received the stardom and attention she so desperately craved, with her murder dominating headlines across the country

Short's family gathered at her funeral in Oakland in January 1947. Family members of victims are still searching for the truth about both cases

Shorts parents and siblings all went to their graves without learning the truth about her final moments - or the identity of her killer.

When Baber recently spoke to a surviving family member just before she passed away, he found she had given up on ever getting answers'.

She was grieving so deeply she had come to terms with the fact she would never know what happened to her, Baber told the Daily Mail.

Thats hard to swallow to go almost eight decades and not know who did it or why they did it. That's just overwhelming.

To the family, she was a daughter, sister, friend and loved one, taken far too young in an unspeakable way.

To the public who couldnt draw their eyes away from the headlines about the raven-haired victim, she was a cautionary tale.

As her onetime roommate Martin put it: There are a lot of girls in Hollywood who could end up like Beth Short

The investigation is also being developed as a premium documentary series by Emmy Award winning producers Melanie Capacia Johnson and Jonathan Reynaga, in collaboration with Baber, through TH Studios
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned from their six-week Canadian sabbatical in early 2020, few could have predicted the chaos about to unfold.

On January 7, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the Canadian High Commission in London for their first official engagement in the new year - but onlookers suggested Harry seemed distracted.

According to royal author Robert Jobson, the prince was preoccupied with thoughts of his family as he had just informed his father, now-King Charles, that he and Meghan wanted to redefine the terms of their royal responsibilities.

He had pitched a 'new semi-detached set up' where they could 'make their own money' while keeping their HRH titles in a move that would ultimately split the Royal Family down the middle.

The following day, news broke that the Sussexes were heading back to Canada after a brief visit amid shocking claims that they were reconsidering their place in the Firm.

The speculation that many saw as frankly inconceivable was later confirmed in a statement released on Harry and Meghan's @sussexroyal Instagram that afternoon.

The pair announced they would step back from senior royal duties and 'carve out a progressive new role' within the institution while splitting their time between the UK and the US.

However, Mr Jobson claimed the announcement 'had been made without the Queen's approval', leaving Her Majesty with the daunting task of resolving what was shaping up to be one of the Firm's biggest crises to date.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK from Canada in early 2020 and visited Canada's High Commission (pictured). Privately, Harry had just pitched to King Charles a 'new semi-detached set up' where they could 'make their own money' while keeping their titles

The Duke of Sussex 'presumptuously assumed' that the late Queen (left) would be supportive of him and Meghan Markle's plans to be part-time working royals, according to royal author Robert Jobson

Writing in his book, The Windsor Legacy, Mr Jobson noted how the Duke of Sussex, now 41, 'presumptuously assumed' that the late Queen would be supportive of their plans to be part-time working royals because of his close bond with her.

Yet while Her Majesty was 'sympathetic' to her grandson's challenges, she was allegedly unimpressed with the Sussexes' plan to 'effectively cash in on their royal status', Mr Jobson continued.

'The answer from the top was clear: no halfway role was possible. They were either in or out.'

On January 13, 2020, the late Monarch gathered then-Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry to discuss how best to navigate 'Megxit' during peacekeeping talks that were soon dubbed the 'Sandringham Summit' by the media.

Meghan, now 44, did not travel to Sandringham from Canada - although she was 'reportedly set to join the discussions via video call'.

However, 'technical issues' prevented her from participating in the meeting that day.

Intimate details of what exactly was discussed during the 90-minute conference in the Long Library remain shrouded in secrecy to this day, but the Sandringham Summit was highly 'emotional', Mr Jobson claimed.

The late Prince Philip, once Harry's beloved 'mentor', was allegedly so enraged he refused to attend altogether, while William was 'still seething' over his brother's behaviour and arrived 'composed but distant'.

Join the debate Should royal titles and privileges be stripped when royals choose financial independence?

As senior members of the Firm gathered for these unprecedented talks at the Royal Family's Norfolk estate, the world held its breath in anticipation.

The Daily Mail's renowned royal expert Richard Kay wrote at the time: 'Not since the dark days over Diana has there been such a sense of dread and unhappiness shrouding the Royal Family.'

Described by Mr Jobson as a 'defining moment' for the monarchy that highlighted 'the personal cost of stepping away from it', the Sandringham Summit illustrated the Queen's absolute commitment to her role as its head.

While Her Majesty (pictured the day before the Sandringham Summit) was 'sympathetic' to her grandson's challenges, she was allegedly unimpressed with the Sussexes plan to 'effectively cash in on their royal status', Mr Jobson claimed in his book, The Windsor Legacy

On January 13, 2020, the Monarch gathered then Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry to discuss how best to navigate Megxit at Sandringham House (pictured) - the peacekeeping talks were dubbed the 'Sandringham Summit' by the media

According to the author, the Queen was 'adamant' that the royal couple 'must be stripped of their patronages and banned from using their HRH titles personally and commercially'.

'The idea of the couple earning millions by cashing in on their royal titles and status was abhorrent to her,' he wrote in his book, Catherine: The Princess of Wales.

Yet her personal sadness at her grandson's departure from the royal fold was made clear in a statement issued shortly after the high-profile meeting.

'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,' Her Majesty said.

Mr Kay wrote at the time of the announcement: 'Not since 1997 in the aftermath of the death of Diana has the Queen issued such a personal bulletin.'

'For Harry, it was a hard lesson,' wrote Mr Jobson.

While the prince had hoped for an outcome that benefited him and Meghan financially, ultimately, he was 'forced to concede far more ground than he anticipated, in exchange for his and Meghan's "freedom"'.

Any hopes of a 'half-in, half-out' agreement were firmly destroyed by the Palace's statement that the Sussexes would be stripped of their HRH titles on January 19.

According to Mr Jobson, Harry and Meghan's public announcement on their Instagram that they were leaving the Firm 'had been made without the Queen's approval'

According to Mr Jobson, writing in his book Catherine: The Biography, the Queen was 'adamant' that the royal couple 'must be stripped of their patronages and banned from using their HRH titles personally and commercially'

Described by Mr Jobson as a 'defining moment' for the monarchy, the Sandringham Summit illustrated the Queen's absolute commitment to her role as its head. Pictured: Her Majesty on January 19, six days after the summit

Writing in his book, The Windsor Legacy, Mr Jobson noted how the Duke of Sussex, now 41, 'presumptuously assumed' that the late Queen would be supportive of their plans to be part-time working royals because of his close bond with her

Harry would lose his military appointments and role as Commonwealth youth ambassador, while the pair volunteered to forgo all access to the Sovereign Grant and public cash.

The 2.4million of taxpayer funds used to renovate the couple's Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, would also be repaid by the Sussexes.

Meanwhile, Meghan's Duchess of Sussex title was now merely 'symbolic' and would have 'zero constitutional importance'.

Beyond the practical arrangements agreed that day, the notorious summit marked the tragic beginning of the breakdown of Harry's relationships with his now-estranged family.

In the years that have followed, Harry has often spoken publicly about his negative views about the summit.

During Harry and Meghan's 2022 Netflix docuseries, the prince alleged he was 'terrified' after his brother started 'screaming and shouting' at him.

The Duke also accused his father, Charles, of telling untruths to his face, while the Queen quietly sat there and 'took it all in'.

During the explosive series, Meghan also spoke about her particular outrage that she was not able to attend the summit, declaring: 'Imagine a conversation, a roundtable discussion about the future of your life.

'When the stakes are this high. And you, as the mom and the wife and the target, in many regards, aren't invited to have a seat at the table.'

Harry added: 'It was clear to me that they planned it out so that you weren't in the room.'

Harry also claimed that the summit was merely 'for show' as the Sussexes' outcome had ultimately already been 'fixed' by the Queen's aides.

Writing in his memoir Spare, the prince made his feelings of anguish and betrayal towards his family clear as he declared: 'I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will.

'I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they'd both been there for me. And I believe they'll look back one day and wish they had too.'
Meghan Markle has leveraged her fame to sell nearly one million jars of jam - and now plans to launch her lifestyle business globally, sources suggest.

Earlier this week internet sleuths exploited a glitch on The Duchess of Sussex's As Ever website which revealed a vast amount of unsold inventory.

To take but one example, her Signature Fruit Spread Box had a total of 137,465 units available, which many Reddit users initially gleefully pounced upon as a sign of flagging sales.

But sources now suggest that was the amount left over from an initial order of one million jars, The Sun reported.

Given that the spread box sells for 31 ($42), that means that the single product alone would have generated the duchess 26.7million in sales.

'I think its fair to say business isnt just successful, its flying off the shelf,' a source said.

'Meghan inadvertently revealed that one million jars were ordered for that one product, and has only 130,000 left.'

The amount of product available was revealed after users were reportedly able to exploit a bug in the As Ever website to ascertain precise stock numbers for her collection of spreads, honeys, candles, teas and wines.

Meghan Markle's As Ever website suffered a bug that appeared to expose the precise stock of spreads, teas and other goods for sale

Initially internet users took the vast quantities of available stock on As Ever - which promotes its goods as 'small batch pantry favourites for everyday moments worth savouring' - as a sign of flagging sales

However, sources have now suggested that while her Signature Fruit Spread Box had a total of 137,465 units available, that was leftover from an initial order of one million units, to take but one example

The sleuths said they were given the figures after trying to add an abnormally large number of items to their online shopping basket - prompting the website to reveal the maximum stock it actually had to ship.

How many items were 'for sale' on As Ever - and for how much? As of January 3, the As Ever stock numbers as allegedly laid out by the website bug were as follows: Signature Fruit Spread Box ($42/31): 137,465

Fruit Spread Trio ($36/27): 44,960

Honey Duo Gift Box ($62/46): 24,238

Orange Marmalade ($12/9): 44,612

Flower Sprinkles ($15/11): 80,391

Sage Honey with Honeycomb ($32/24): 8,587

Spiced Cider Mulling Spice Kit ($16/12): 14,154

Hot Toddy Mulling Spice Kit ($16/12): 15,989

Signature Candle No 519 ($64/47): 27,302

Signature Candle No 084 ($64/47): 62,524

Herbal Peppermint Tea ($14/10): 39,475

Herbal Lemon Ginger Tea ($14/10): 35,488

Herbal Hibiscus Tea ($14/10): 37,734

2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut ($89/66): 6,871

2024 Sauvignon Blanc ($35/26): 46,428

2024 Napa Valley Rose ($35/26): 23,972

Wooden Wine Gift Crate ($38/28): 1,964 Advertisement

The bug was identified by Reddit user InfiniteSky55, who said they had tried to add 200,000 of each item to their shopping basket on As Ever.

It prompted a flurry of activity as users rushed to the website to verify the seemingly huge number of items kept in stock.

In total, there were more than 572,000 lifestyle items such as spreads and teas for sale, and over 77,000 bottles of wine for sale.

If accurate, the figures suggested by the website - which says it sells 'small-batch spreads, honeys and pantry favourites for everyday moments worth savouring' - are gargantuan.

The stock, seen in alleged screenshots of the website, include more than 220,000 jars of spread; 30,000 jars of honey, 30,000 mulling kits, almost 90,000 candles; over 110,000 jars of tea; and 80,000 jars of edible flower sprinkles.

A similar exploit for her wine venture revealed more than 70,000 bottles were sitting unsold, including almost 7,000 Bruts, 46,000 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and nearly 24,000 bottles of Rose.

Shortly after the post went viral, the As Ever website was amended to remove the exploit, with purchase limits put in place for goods.

Users can now only buy up to 50 spread gift boxes, or 20 bottles of wine. As Ever has not commented on the bug.

Those who now try to add a truckload of jelly to their basket are greeted with an error or the message: 'The quantity requested exceeds our current stock. Please adjust your order or contact support for bulk inquiries.'

However, the duchess herself has said she has been ramping up stock levels as she prepares to launch As Ever in other countries, and suggested in a recent interview she had put in a purchase order for a million jars to meet demand.

'It's an incredible thing for any small business and any start-up,' she told Bloomberg's The Circuit in August of the first sell-out run.

'We prepped for the second seasonal drop and ten-exed (multiplied by a factor of 10) our inventory. We thought for sure it would at least last for a couple of weeks - that sold out in a couple of hours.

'The conversation goes from at the start of this year talking about a few thousand jars and lids to, "we need to do a purchase order of a million".'

Join the debate Do YOU believe Meghan really sold one million jars of jam?

But some of its goods are seemingly available in huge numbers, such as a set of fruit spreads with 44,949 units listed as available (above)

 Slide me  Slide to compare: How the website is alleged to have looked before (left) and how it looks after the glitch was fixed (right)

A source told the newspaper that the huge order was part of Meghan's plans to roll out the brand internationally.

They added that given the success of her product line over the holiday period, As Ever was likely going to need to 'beef up the stockroom to meet demand' once it becomes available in territories outside the US.

Insiders have claimed that even if the claims of mass sales are accurate, Meghan will only reap a portion of the multi-million dollar profits.

Instead, any money made will be shared with TV partner Netflix, while another fraction will be reinvested back into the business.

Sources close to the duchess have pointed out that As Ever's early product lines sold out within minutes of going on sale, and that she had previously hinted at ramping up higher stock levels ahead of global expansion.

Her lifestyle products are only available in the United States at present, but she is eyeing up other countries as she expands the range.

Recent developments have included chocolate and as revealed in the Daily Mail yesterday, a cookbook later this year.

Some products, such as the Flower Sprinkles, appeared to be more abundantly in stock than others - some 80,000 units were allegedly available

The duchess' characterisation of the brand as a cosy, homegrown kitchen table start-up are contrasted with its ever-growing industrial production processes.

Two months after she launched As Ever in April 2025, it emerged that its branded tea was being produced by a firm with a factory in Illinois - and being sold by the duchess at triple the price.

Producer The Republic of Tea sells a tin of 36 hibiscus teabags for $11.50 (8.50), or 23p a cup; Meghan's own hibiscus teas, which come from the firm, sell for $12 (9) for 12, or 74p each.

References to The Republic of Tea were peppered across the As Ever website and its metadata - information written into website code often used by search engines - until they were uncovered by the Daily Mail, when they were promptly removed.

The products were not identical: the Republic of Tea's teabags are round and unbleached, while the duchess' products come in triangular bags with string.

The Daily Mail later learned that other products such as fruit spreads and honey were, at one time, made at the Illinois facility too.

Despite the ever more industrial process involved, sources close to the duchess assert that As Ever remains authentic.

They insist that the version of products like spread that are produced in factories 'started with the version Meghan makes at home and (producers) worked to develop a version of it that could be produced at scale'.

Meghan's Signature 084 candle - named after her August 4 birthday - was in much more plentiful stock than the 519 candle, named after her wedding date to Harry, May 19

Prince Harry appeared in Meghan's Netflix festive special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration

And she has made no secret of the need to turn to large-scale production, with a video on the As Ever Instagram showing jars being filled at a factory.

She added in the Bloomberg interview: 'I'm exasperated in some ways by that only because it is such a tedious proposition to scale your own home recipe to something at mass and maintain the same, not just quality, but flavour that you're able to do at home.'

Meghan developed As Ever in collaboration with Netflix after rebranding it from American Orchard Riviera.

It is tied to her streaming show With Love, Meghan, which shows her sharing cooking and lifestyle tips with friends and celebrity guests.

The first season failed to crack Netflix's top 300 most-watched shows for the first half of 2025; and the show has been met with dismal critical reviews throughout its run.

Harry and Meghan signed a new 'first-look' deal with Netflix, with looser terms, in August last year.

The duchess' representatives were contacted for comment.
Scientists have recovered a sample of DNA from a Leonardo da Vinci drawing that could belong to the Renaissance polymath.

In April 2024, researchers working with the Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project carefully swabbed a red chalk sketch titled 'Holy Child'.

In a new paper, these researchers now argue that DNA extracted from those samples could have been left by da Vinci himself over 500 years ago.

If the DNA can be linked definitively to da Vinci, it could help explain what made him such a unique genius.

This new study uses an analysis of the Y chromosome sequence, a type of DNA which is passed directly from father to son without combining with genes from the mother.

Scientists compared Y chromosome samples extracted from Holy Child with another sample of DNA taken from a letter written by Leonardo's cousin.

Both the Y chromosome from the painting and the letter belong to a genetic group of people who share a common ancestor in Leonardo's home region of Tuscany.

Although the scientists say they can't yet be certain, this discovery could be the first breakthrough towards cracking the code of da Vinci's DNA.

Scientists have recovered DNA from a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci (pictured), and it could help to explain what made him such a genius. Pictured: Forensic biologist Rhonda Roby (middle) swabs Holy Child, a 16th-century red chalk sketch

While famous paintings like the Mona Lisa have been handled and cleaned too often in the last 500 years to retain DNA, da Vinci's drawings and sketches were more promising.

Co-author Dr Noberto Gonzalez-Juarbe, a biologist from the University of Maryland, told Science: 'Paper is porous. It absorbs sweat, skin, bacteria, DNA. All of it stays there.'

The researchers gently rubbed the drawing, Holy Child, with a COVID-19 test-like swab to pick up any trace elements of DNA.

There, alongside DNA from the sweet orange trees that grew in Florence, the researchers identified human DNA that could belong to da Vinci.

If it does, scientists believe that it could start to reveal hidden details about this enigmatic figure.

In particular, scientists think that DNA could hold the secret to how da Vinci saw the world differently.

Drawings and sketches made by da Vinci appear to capture fleeting moments that shouldn't be visible to the human eye.

For example, da Vinci managed to capture how a dragonfly alternately raises its front and back wings while flying.

Scientists compared Y chromosome DNA found on the painting with DNA found on a letter written by da Vinci's cousin. Both belong to a genetic group with a common ancestor in Tuscany, where da Vinci was born

Leonardo da Vinci's modern descendants Paulo di Leonardo (b 1935)

Giovanni di Otello (b 1958)

Bruno di Guiseppe (b 1943)

Mauro di Guiseppe (b 1946)

Alessandro di Bruno (b 1975)

Paulo di Bruno (b 1981)

Xy di Alessandro (b 2012)

Xi di Alessandro (b 2012)

Xi di Paulo (b 2018)

Xi di Paulo (b 2020)

Xy di Ilio (b 1955)

Xy di Xy (no birth date)

Xy di Xy (no birth date)

Milko di Mario (b 1976) Advertisement

Dr David Thaler, a geneticist at the University of Basel, says: 'Leonardo was detailing snapshots of phenomena that most of us do not perceive as discrete events.

'His eyes were sampling the world at a faster rate.'

In a recent study, researchers made a model of the water flow around a pier that da Vinci had detailed in a sketch to find the smallest eddies that he could have seen.

The accuracy of his sketch suggests that he saw the world like a slow-motion camera running at 100 frames per second, while the average person sees in around 30 to 60 frames per second.

It is possible that this ability could be coded into his DNA as a mutation in the KCNB1 and KCNV2 genes, which control certain proteins in the retina.

Eventually, DNA analysis could help reveal whether da Vinci had any genetic traits that gave him his unique abilities.

However, for now, the researchers' main goal is simply to determine whether or not they really have a sample of da Vinci's DNA.

Linking any sample of DNA to a historical figure like da Vinci is exceptionally difficult because scientists don't have any verified samples to use as a reference.

Da Vinci's DNA could help explain how he saw such detail in the world, as his sketches (pictured) suggest his eyes captured the equivalent of 100 frames per second

Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project member Dr David Caramelli, of the University of Florence, told the Daily Mail: 'You need precise reference points: these reference points can be obtained from the Da Vinci family tree.'

'It's not easy because you may be able to find the descendants, but if you can't find the ascendants, these analyses become very complicated; in fact, genealogy doesn't always reflect biology!'

The researchers were advised that they might be able to access da Vinci's supposed tomb in Amboise, France, but only after they had isolated a sample of DNA elsewhere.

The researchers, therefore, turned to the only other traces of da Vinci that still exist: His paintings and drawings.

Dr Caramelli says: 'I believe that a Y chromosome haplogroup has been identified, which in this specific case could belong to any male who came into contact with this find.

'There are no analyses that highlight that the Y haplogroup is ancient, and even if there were, it would be equally difficult to say that it belongs to Leonardo without a possible match with the DNA of his ancestors.'

Going forward, the researchers plan to sequence DNA from Ser Piero da Vinci's 14 living descendants, who were identified in a genealogical study published last year.

By comparing this with more DNA extracted from da Vinci's other notebooks, it may be possible to show a connection to the Renaissance genius definitively.
Women used to look for tall, dark and handsome when searching for the perfect man  but nowadays were less picky, according to a study.

Experts from dating app Breeze analysed millions of matches and real-life dates that took place across the UK, Europe and the US last year.

While some women exclusively have a six-foot rule, it turns out British daters are the least picky of them all.

When it comes to height preferences, UK daters are the least fussy, the data showed - with half of users allowing a flexible range of more than 40cm.

Analysis also revealed that only 32 per cent of UK users actually use a height filter at all.

At the other end of the scale are Dutch users  famously the worlds tallest people on average  of which 38.6 per cent use a height filter.

Marsha Goei, Chief Dating Officer at Breeze said: The data shows that dating in 2025 is becoming less about optimisation and more about intention.

British singles arent trying to hack dating by narrowing down endless filters, theyre keeping their options open and focusing on whether a connection feels right in real life.

The report revealed that British daters are among the least picky of them all - and have the more flexible range when it comes to height preferences (file image)

The data showed that across all countries women are up to three times more likely to care about height compared to men.

One to two per cent of users are highly specific, the team said, with a height range of just 10cm or less.

The analysis revealed that British daters are willing to travel for love, with the longest distance travelled for a first date being 424km from Carlisle to London.

People also often take journeys from Aberdeen to Manchester and Dartford to Newcastle to go on dates, the team discovered.

In the UK, the most popular day to match for a date is Sunday, accounting for nearly 16 per cent of matches.

Meanwhile Tuesday was the nations favourite day for first dates, beating Fridays and Saturdays.

Analysis revealed that UK users take an average of nearly 12 days between matching and going on a date, compared to Americans in New York who average just eight days for an initial meet-up.

The report found that lifestyle and life stage preferences matter more to Brits when it comes to finding a partner.

In the UK, the most popular day to match for a date is Sunday, accounting for nearly 16 per cent of matches

Some 77 per cent of UK users identify as drinkers in their profile  and those who do go on four times more dates than those who dont specify their drinking habits.

When it comes to other preferences, those who state want kids date 1.7 times more than those who say they dont want children.

British daters also have an average age range of 13.3 years, typically dating six years younger to eight years older.

Users are more deliberate about meeting, taking the time to choose dates that genuinely fit into their lives, Ms Goei concluded.
An award-winning psychic's concerning prediction for 2026 appears to have already come true, as a series of large earthquakes have rattled the globe.

Jill M Jackson, a spiritual teacher and author from Mississippi, had warned of increased earthquakes this year, especially along the US West Coast and in Asia, with 'major water events' being strengthened by the quakes and causing larger floods.

In just the first seven days of 2026, nearly 100 earthquakes greater than 4.5 in magnitude have been recorded worldwide, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Moreover, 10 large earthquakes over magnitude 5.0 have struck the Pacific Rim in the last two days, impacting Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Russia.

That wave of seismic activity included a major 6.4 magnitude quake that struck the Philippines just after 10pm ET Tuesday night.

Jackson warned Americans to get prepared now, including those living in states such as California, Oregon, and Washington, which could be impacted by several dangerous fault lines sitting along the West Coast.

'There's a lot of changes coming. There's a lot of earth changes coming. I see land shifting... And it's important for us to be in a place of preparation. Pay attention to water and things like that,' she revealed.

One major earthquake has already struck North America in 2026. A magnitude 6.5 quake rocked southern Mexico on January 2, sending shockwaves all the way to Mexico City and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate buildings.

The US Geological Survey has recorded 95 earthquakes greater than 4.5 in magnitude since the start of 2026, with most centered along the Pacific Rim

Jill M Jackson (Pictured) issued several predictions for 2026, including an economic downturn in the US that would cost many people their jobs

Jackson, who has been named 'Psychic of the Year' twice, added in a recent interview that Earth would see an 'amplification' in the intensity of earthquakes, including in Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand.

She predicted stronger flooding risks would emerge for islands in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific this year as well.

In November 2025, Jackson accurately predicted the major 7.6 magnitude quake striking off Japan's Aomori Prefecture on December 8, 2025, causing injuries, damage, and tsunami alerts.

Her newest predictions come after a year where Californians were repeatedly rattled by significant tremors along the state's coastline and swarms of minor quakes which lasted for days at a time.

In November and December, more than 300 earthquakes rattled the same region in California, sparking fears among locals that the infamous 'Big One' could soon strike and devastate the West Coast.

San Ramon in the East Bay was the epicenter of this seismic activity, which sits on top of the Calaveras Fault, an active branch of the notorious San Andreas Fault system.

The Calaveras Fault is capable of producing a magnitude 6.7 earthquake, which would impact millions of people in the San Francisco Bay Area. USGS has previously estimated there is a 72 percent chance of this happening by 2043.

A rupture along the larger, 800-mile-long San Andreas fault would likely cause even more destruction, with the latest simulations of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake striking near Los Angeles predicting 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries, and $200 billion in damages, according to the Great California ShakeOut.

The Great California Shakeout predicted that a 7.8-magnitude earthquake could kill 1,800 people and cause $200 billion in damages in Southern California alone

Jackson (Pictured) has said she began seeing spirited at birth and was able to communicate with them since the age of 12

The psychic's forecast for the new year also included a plea for Americans to prepare for significant instability in the US economy, leading to many job losses.

'I do see a lot of polarity... A lot of ups and downs. It's going to feel like a roller coaster. Sadly, I do see a lot more people losing their jobs in 2026,' Jackson predicted during a December 26 interview on the Jeff Mara Podcast.

The psychic also ongoing wars, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, would continue for several more years with no quick end in sight, although some conflicts like in Venezuela might 'fizzle out' by mid-2026.

While Jackson warned that many Americans could end up unemployed this year, the dramatic turn in the economy would actually benefit these workers, as she claimed the layoffs would force people to leave careers they were not spiritually aligned with.

'I do see a lot of people doing complete 180s and leaving jobs and careers that they have been in for years and years and starting over, starting something new. I also see a lot of new businesses being created, but it feels more local,' Jackson told the podcast.

'Once they go through that, they are going to have an opportunity to go within and realize that they were not on their soul's path anyway.'

Jackson added that these major shifts in the US will cause many to feel a sudden, unexplained urge to move away from homes they've lived in for 10, 15, or even 20 years.
Furious easyJet passengers have been left without 'crucial' medication after days of delays to their baggage arriving in the UK from Switzerland.

Chaos at Geneva Airport on Saturday 3 January has sparked an intense blame game between easyJet and the aviation hub, with the airline citing a baggage belt failure  which the airport denies happened, instead blaming staff shortages on what they call the 'busiest day of the year.'

Meanwhile, customers caught in the middle and without their luggage have slammed easyJet for 'appalling lack of communication' - some of whom have been left entirely in the dark about when bags will finally arrive.

Despite contacting the carrier multiple times, many have not heard a word about what is going on  and pictures of social media appear to show bags piled up in the terminals of Switzerland's second-busiest airport.

Emily Cohen had been travelling with her family from Geneva to London Luton on Saturday 3 January after enjoying a festive break in the Alps.

However, she described experiencing immediate 'chaos' at departures, which saw 'hundreds' of passengers forming queues outside in the cold to enter the terminal.

She continued: 'There was total chaos throughout the airport and it only got worse as we approached the easyJet bag-drop section.

'Here, there were no staff to be seen and no information on what was happening.'

EasyJet passengers who flew from Geneva Airport on 3 January have been left without 'crucial' medication after baggage was delayed for more than three days on returning to the UK

The passenger said she had overheard fellow travellers discussing a 'rumour' in which the baggage belts were no longer operational - resulting in some passengers reportedly having to haul their luggage through the airport all the way to the plane.

She added: 'I was never given this option for my flight and shouts from ground staff across the baggage hall told me to stay put.'

After waiting for two hours, Emily's bag was sent onto the belt and she was informed that it would be placed in the hold of the flight. In addition, the flight itself was delayed by a further two hours.

According to Emily, easyJet was operating 10 flights to the UK within a four-hour window and appeared unable to manage.

Upon arrival in Luton, security queues had already begun to form as passengers disembarked, which took over an hour to pass through.

Emily was then directed to a baggage claim belt, where she waited an additional two hours with no sign of her luggage, before eventually being informed no further bags would be arriving from Geneva and that a Property Irregularity Report form (PIR) needed to be filled out.

After completing the PIR, over the past two days Emily says she has refreshed the tracking page several times - yet there have been no updates or correspondence from easyJet regarding the whereabouts of her bag or the expected return date.

She has also made multiple attempts to contact the airline via various phone numbers and email addresses, none of which has received a response.

Emily Cohen had been travelling with her family from Geneva Airport to London Luton on 3 January - and is now awaiting answers on where their luggage is (pictured)

She added: 'What shocks me the most about this story is the lack of communication and update for nearly 3 days.'

A spokesperson from easyJet has informed the Daily Mail that Emily unfortunately experienced a baggage belt failure that 'affected all airlines,' which resulted in her flight departing without her luggage in the hold.

Several passengers who flew into the UK with other airlines from Geneva on 3 January have since taken to social media to share similar frustrations.

One person who had been booked on a British Airways flight, wrote on a Facebook thread: 'We flew back on Saturday and luggage is still at Geneva Airport.'

Another wrote: 'We flew from Geneva to Stansted with BA on Saturday and only just made our flight after queuing for three hours! All three bags still at Geneva airport according to my AirTags. No updates from BA. Geneva Airport was a disaster - such poor communication!'

As for Jet2 customers, one person shared: 'Same situation for jet2 Leeds/Bradford on Saturday night. None of our 3 pieces of luggage arrived in Leeds, all still in Geneva.

'Third world airports function better than Geneva, it's shocking. Jet2 have been mildly helpful in keeping us informed about nothing much, apparently luggage should be with us on the 8th or 10th.'

Another passenger, Lisa (not her real name), had been scheduled to board an earlier flight on the same day, has also found herself without luggage on arrival in the UK after experiencing severe delays in Geneva.

Several passengers who flew into the UK with other airlines from Geneva on 3 January have since taken to social media to share similar frustrations

On Facebook, Jet2 and BA passengers expressed concerns for their lost luggage

She claims that her Apple AirTags, which she had placed inside her bags prior to check-in, show they remain at Geneva Airport - and contain medication she crucially needs.

The passenger explained how she had been travelling home with a group of seven people that had been booked under three different reference numbers, yet each of them had been forced to endure four-hour delays before eventually flying home.

In addition, her 7-year-old son, who had become unwell on holiday, had been left without emergency medication.

She explained: 'In the meantime, families are left without luggage. easyJet havent even helped when medication is involved. It is absolutely abhorrent.

Unlike Emily, Lisa has received some correspondence from easyJet customer service agents who have asked her to 'bear with them' while they attempt to locate the bags.

Lisa, who has been left scratching her head over the ordeal, said: 'Everyone knows they are all in Geneva. Luton Airport know they are all in Geneva. My AirTags show they are in Geneva.

'DHL is faultless - they are just getting all the aftermath of people in the airport wanting their bags and people calling them regarding their bags, from what I understand.

'If this was DHL (who handles bags at London Luton) they would filter them on following planes. Why is that not happening here? Is it the fault of EasyJet or Geneva Airport baggage handling company?'

After reaching out to Geneva Airport (pictured), a spokesperson told the Daily Mail that staff shortages and bad weather contributed to delays

She believes all parties involved, including easyJet, Geneva Airport and the baggage handlers, are now having a 'standoff' and pointing the blame at one another.

She added: 'I have heard of incidents where people have been separated from their luggage before but the difference is they are kept updated and reunited with their luggage at the earliest opportunity. That couldnt be further from what is happening here.'

A spokesperson for Geneva Airport told the Daily Mail that 3 January is their busiest day of the year in terms of passengers, and delays began due to snow across Europe.

'In Geneva, due to a lack of staff at a service provider in terms of baggage management, slowdowns at check-ins were recorded and this caused long queues,' they added.

'Geneve Aeroport has added staff - among its firefighters - to manage this situation and process the volumes of luggage.

However, easyJet has since confirmed that a baggage belt failure did, in fact, result in delays

They reiterated that the congestion was not caused by a technical failure, rather by a lack of staff from a service provider.

The spokesperson said that Swissport were in charge of handling easyJet passengers' luggage on Saturday 3 January, and that they are 'convinced that they are doing their utmost to transport the luggage' that was left behind.

However, easyJet has since told the Daily Mail that a baggage belt failure did, in fact, result in delays.

A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Due to a baggage belt failure at Geneva Airport impacting all airlines on 3 January, Ms Cohen's flight to London Luton unfortunately departed without her bags in the hold.

'While this was outside of our control, are very sorry for the delay in reuniting Ms Cohen with her luggage and fully appreciate the frustration this will have caused.

Under the Montreal Convention (1999), passengers whose luggage does not arrive after 21 days are entitled to claim for the cost of lost items from the airline involved

'Our team will be in touch with Ms Cohen to provide further assistance and help return her bags as soon as possible.'

EasyJet have not responded with a comment about Lisa's case.

Swissport have been approached for comment.

Under the Montreal Convention (1999), a framework of rules for liability that covers lost baggage, passengers whose luggage does not arrive after 21 days are entitled to claim for the cost of lost items from the airline involved. This will require providing copies of receipts.

The Daily Mail Holiday Guru columnist said: 'It's a disgrace when airlines 'go to ground' and are not transparent about baggage delays. It causes great stress to those involved and is also counterproductive, as passenger who have been through this are unlikely to use the airline again.'

The Holiday Guru added that it is best to keep essential medication in cabin luggage in the event of any such hold-ups.
You've made it off the plane, the warm air hits your face as you walk down the aircraft steps, and you have officially arrived at your holiday destination.

The only thing standing between you and a poolside cocktail is the passport check at border control.

Oh, and the simple task of collecting your suitcase from the carousel which should be quick and easy before heading off for your hotel transfer.

It's straightforward, until you have to battle your way through the hordes of people standing in front of the belt despite their bags not even arriving yet.

They are 'luggage loungers', a term thought up by the Daily Mail to describe travellers who lounge around and wait for their luggage right by the carousel, sometimes even leaning against it, causing annoyance to others who are trying to retrieve their cases.

Picking up a hefty suitcase off the belt and having to awkwardly shuffle through the clusters of people, whose luggage isn't even in sight yet, is a common occurrence in airports.

Passengers seem attracted to the belt like flies at times, despite there often being benches nearby for travellers to sit and patiently wait, leaving little space for those who can see their bags to grab them and smoothly depart from the airport.

The trend has made its way to social media too, where several holidaymakers have shared videos of 'luggage loungers' in airports and expressed their annoyance.

'Luggage loungers', is a term thought up by the Daily Mail to describe travellers who lounge around and wait for their luggage right by the carousel, sometimes even leaning against it, causing annoyance to others who are trying to retrieve their cases

Passengers seem attracted to the belt like flies at times, despite there often being benches nearby for travellers to sit and patiently wait

'Luggage loungers' often leave little space for those who can see their bags to grab them and smoothly depart from the airport

'The actual rage I feel when people stand this close to the luggage belt' @wintersxo7 posted on TikTok, alongside footage of her fellow passengers even pressing their legs against the belt.

Meanwhile, @emilylowe000 described the habit as her 'biggest pet peeve at the airport'.

She added: 'Why stand this close to the belt and now no one can get to their luggage?? Just take a step back and then go forward when your case comes??'

For Lee Thompson, co-founder of group solo travel company Flash Pack, the frustrating occurrence is also one of his 'biggest airport hates'.

He tells the Daily Mail: 'There's absolutely no benefit to it whatsoever. It doesn't get your bag off any faster, it just blocks everyone else from seeing theirs.'

What should be simple turns 'into chaos', Lee says, when people can't access their luggage properly.

Lee takes a different approach to pesky 'luggage loungers' and instead of eagerly waiting right by the belt, takes time to rest in a spot nearby where he can still keep an eye on his case.

'I actually find baggage reclaim one of the most relaxing moments of the journey,' the travel expert explains.

Join the debate What measures could help prevent congestion around luggage carousels?

It has been noticed by social media users too, including @wintersxo7 who posted on TikTok, 'The actual rage I feel when people stand this close to the luggage belt'

Meanwhile, @emilylowe000 described the habit as her 'biggest pet peeve at the airport'

For Lee Thompson (pictured), co-founder of group solo travel company Flash Pack, the frustrating occurrence is also one of his 'biggest airport hates'

'I sit nearby where I can see the belt clearly, catch up on emails, scroll my phone and start planning my day.'

He advises the best approach is to just 'stand back' and watch the belt from afar, only approaching when you can see your luggage.

Another holidaymaker, @bethevillage, called the 'luggage loungers' 'self-centred' and shared a video on TikTok of hordes of people standing beside the conveyor belt.

While @awrawlings described it as the 'most stressful thing that people do' alongside footage of 'luggage loungers' in action.

'Why do people stand this close? Your suitcase won't come any quicker!' @elliebendall raged in a video.

Christian Petzold, Marketing Director at CityTrip Travel, explains the possible reasons behind the annoying behaviour.

He tells the Daily Mail how many travellers might be 'under pressure' to catch connecting flights or in a hurry to head for their transfers.

This results in crowds of people thinking 'of themselves as needing to be the "first ones"'.

Lee advises the best approach is to just 'stand back' and watch the belt from afar, only approaching when you can see your luggage

The risk of fellow passengers picking up the wrong bag might also be on peoples' minds, or their luggage being lost completely.

UK airports saw more than 62,000 items reported lost between August 2023 and August 2024, according to data previously shared by Confused.com.

Christian adds, 'Some other people near the baggage claim are also worried that their bags might be taken by someone else accidentally, particularly if it is of common brand or colour, so they stand very close to the carousel.

'People have the wrong idea that if they stand closer, the luggage will come out sooner, though the conveyor system is running on a fixed timing, so the process does not actually become quicker.'

Like Lee, the expert recommends standing away from the carousel, 'until their bags are visible or obviously coming'.

In some airports, there might even be the option to pay for porters to help with the luggage, which Lee says could be worth it to avoid the carousel hassle.

'For five dollars, someone will lift your suitcase off the carousel and carry it straight to your car. It turns a stressful arrival into a calm one - and you're putting money directly into someone's pocket,' he says.
The world's most punctual airlines have been revealed, including three European carriers - and no UK-based airlines.

The top 10 global airlines ranking also includes a large number of carriers based in North America and Latin America.

Aeromexico topped the list, with 90.02 per cent on-time performance.

It claimed the world's most on-time global airline award for the second consecutive year, according to Cirium's 2025 On-Time Performance Review.

The Mexican carrier is only the second airline to achieve consecutive global wins since Cirium launched the study in 2009.

It operates 188,859 flights across 23 countries while maintaining schedule reliability.

It held off strong competition from Saudia, which came in second place with 86.53 per cent punctuality.

In third place was SAS at 86.09 per cent.

Aeromexico was ranked as the world's most punctual airline

The list includes carriers from around the world, across continents

Taking the fourth spot was Azul, followed by Qatar Airways and Iberia.

Plus, LATAM Airlines and Avianca came in seventh and eighth.

That was followed by Turkish Airlines and Delta Air Lines to round out the top 10.

That means the top 10 included three European carriers - SAS, Iberia and Turkish Airlines.

There are also regional awards, with Delta Air Lines topping the North American list, Iberia Express in Europe, Copa Airlines in Latin America, Philippine Airlines in the Asia-Pacific and Safair in the Middle East and Africa.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic won Cirium's new 'Most Improved' award, demonstrating the largest year-on-year operational performance gain among global carriers.

The UK-based airline improved its on-time performance from 74.01 per cent in 2024 to 83.45 per cent in 2025.

This new award recognises airlines that have achieved large operational scale while making substantial improvements.

Iberia is one of the European carriers to make the top 10 most punctual list

Top 10 global airlines (AM) Aeromexico (SV) Saudia (SK) SAS (AD) Azul (QR) Qatar Airways (IB) Iberia (LA) LATAM Airlines (AV) Avianca (TK) Turkish Airlines (DL) Delta Air Lines Advertisement

Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, said: 'Maintaining consistent on-time performance requires sophisticated network planning, operational coordination, and the ability to recover quickly when irregularities occur.

'These results reflect the operational discipline that defines aviation's top performers.'

The Cirium On-Time Performance Review analyses flight data from more than 600 real-time sources including airlines, airports, global distribution systems, and civil aviation authorities.

A flight considered 'on-time' arrives within 14.59 minutes of scheduled gate arrival time.
The Stranger Things finale has captivated fans around the world as the smash-hit series comes to an end after almost 10 years.

Even though the show was set in a fictional town, one filming location in particular has caught the attention of many.

Haifoss waterfall, which features in iconic Stranger Things scenes, has seen a huge surge in Google searches from interested travellers, according to research by Tripadvisor company Bokun.

The terms 'stranger things waterfalls,' 'Haifoss twin waterfalls,' and 'Best time of the year to visit Iceland' all experienced a 5,000 per cent search increase in the past month.

Meanwhile, 'Haifoss' saw a 1,863 per cent rise and 'stranger things' a 150 per cent increase. It follows a cameo appearance in the finale of the sci-fi series.

Fans have even shared videos of themselves online visiting the iconic site and the travel experts believe the interest could boost tourism to Iceland this year.

The impressive attraction in question is a twin waterfall which can be found near the Hekla volcano in southern Iceland.

Some people suggest Haifoss waterfall could even contain a smaller, third waterfall, which plays into the storyline of Stranger Things, but it isn't confirmed.

Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, looking over Haifoss waterfall in Stranger Things, season five

The terms 'Stranger things waterfalls,' 'Haifoss twin waterfalls,' and 'Best time of the year to visit Iceland' all experienced a 5,000 per cent search increase in the past month

The waterfall is the fourth highest in Iceland and stands 122 metres tall along the Fossa river.

The twin falls can be quite difficult to reach and The World Travel Guy recommends taking a four-wheel drive vehicle, though he also warns the road is rough and has numerous potholes.

It takes around two hours to drive there from Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, and fortunately there is a car park area.

Fans can venture to plenty of other Stranger Things filming spots and experience the beloved series in real life.

The fictional town of Hawkins was actually set in Atlanta, Georgia and tourists can stroll though the suburbia imagining they are on set.

Radio station WSQK 94.5FM, known as The Squawk, features in season five and was built in the Chattahoochee Hills, Travel + Leisure reports.

The rolling countryside city is located in Fulton County, Georgia and has plenty of walking trails to explore.

Dustin Henderson, portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo, goes to college in season five and the institution exists in real life.

Fans can venture to plenty of other Stranger Things filming spots and experience the beloved series in real life, including the Chattahoochee Hills (pictured) where Radio station WSQK 94.5FM is

The scenes are set in Oglethorpe University, in Georgia, which boasts impressive Gothic architecture and specialises in liberal arts and sciences.

Italian restaurant Enzo's also features in the series and is a restaurant in Norcross, Georgia.

Called Dominick's, it has seen Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Jim Hopper (David Harbour) play out their tricky romance and 'Enzo's' was also used as a codename of Russian prison guard Dmitri Antonov.
A tourist fell to his death at a well-known waterfall in Thailand while reportedly taking photos with his girlfriend.

Alexis Vergos, 22 and from France, was visiting Na Muang Waterfall 2 on the island of Koh Samui when he slipped on wet rocks on January 5.

His girlfriend, named as Ms Roman, also fell but caught a branch, saving her life. She contacted the emergency services and descended to the bottom of the waterfall.

Rescue volunteers used equipment to scale the waterfall, partaking in a search that lasted around three hours.

They found Alexis' body stuck between boulders.

He is the fifth foreign tourist who has died after falling from the cliff, the Thai Examiner reported.

There have been many accidents in the area, as the waterfall is a notorious spot for travellers seeking to take the perfect selfie shot.

Police Major Chayut Tulachotikul, of the Koh Samui Police Station, said according to The Mirror: 'The tourist and his girlfriend arrived on Koh Samui on Sunday He was taking photos at the waterfall when he slipped, fell into the water, and struck rocks, dying at the scene.

Rescue volunteers rushed to the scene, where they found Alexis' girlfriend

They used climbing equipment to find Alexis's body lodged between boulders

'His girlfriend was present and was the person who alerted the police. She is currently in a state of deep distress.'

It's not the first time tourists have lost their lives or been seriously injured while visiting the waterfall.

Last year, a British soldier shattered his femur and skull falling from the waterfall in Thailand while taking photos.

Liam Gibson, 21, was visiting the idyllic Na Muang Waterfall 2 when he slipped and tumbled onto a rock ledge metres below.

In 2019, another French tourist fell to his death after ignoring warning signs to try and take a selfie.

Bastien Palmier, 33, was with his friend visiting the idyllic beauty spot on the island in Surat Thani province.

But friends said he defied warning signs and clambered over a rope to venture onto the edge of the waterfall.

It is also where Spanish tourist David Rocamundi Conesa, 26, died while trying to take a picture in July 2019.

The Na Muang 2 waterfall is a popular tourist spot located on the island of Koh Samui

Koh Samui district chief Amorn Chumchuay said: 'Extra warning signs in Thai and English have been used throughout the area for several months.

'Most tourists had complied with the warnings, and no similar incidents had occurred until now. We will now look at strengthening safety measures by installing fences or enclosures in dangerous areas and restricting access to high-risk spots.

'Authorities coordinated with the French Consulate, and the victim's partner and family. They did not question the cause of death as they were present at the time of the incident.'

Benjamin Parker, deputy head of travel at the Daily Mail, who visited the waterfall toward the end of 2025, described it as beautiful yet hazardous.

'The site is great to visit, a brilliant clearing in the island's jungle, but there's no doubt how dangerous it is  steep to climb and extremely slippery,' he said.
Stranger Things fans have been left convinced that a secret 'missing' final episode will land on Netflix today - after spotting a series of clues through season five.

Viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of the sci-fi hit show on New Year's Day, which drew to a close the winding story of Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven and her band of friends in the fictional Indiana town of Hawkins.

The action-packed two-hour episode saw the group of teens, made up of Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Max, and their siblings and pals, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan and Robin, take on bad guy Vecna in one final battle.

With the help of beloved characters Joyce, Hopper and Murray, season two star Kali, the friends launched an interdimensional attack against Vecna, known also as 001, Mr Whatsit and Henry Creel, and his master, the Mind Flayer.

Winona Ryder's Joyce was seen taking the final strike at Vecna, chopping off his head, after the Mind Flayer - a spider-like creature - was brought down.

And with that, it spelled the death of Henry Creel, who as a young boy was revealed to have been taken over by other worldly dark matter.

Stranger Things fans have been left convinced that a secret 'missing' final episode will land on Netflix today - after spotting a series of clues through season five (pictured: Millie Bobby Brown)

Viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of the sci-fi hit show on New Year's Day, which drew to a close the winding story of Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven and her band of friends (pictured: Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo and Finn Wolfhard)

It also meant that young break out character Holly, and her school-aged friends, could be saved from the grips of the Mind Flayer after being kidnapped by Henry Creel, disguised as Mr Whatsit, earlier in the series.

In a heartbreaking twist, their eventual victory came at a cost as Eleven, who has been portrayed by Millie, 21, since the series launch in 2016, appeared to die.

Sacrificing herself as the gate to the terrifying Upside Down, the gateway between the real world and the Mind Flayer's desert-like abode, Eleven disappeared as the other worldly dimension was destroyed.

In a sunny flash forward 18 months later, the town of Hawkins had been rebuilt and friends Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Will (Noah Schnapp), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Max (Sadie Sink) were back to 'normal' life.

The episode was ended with an emotional scene seeing the pals play one final game of Dungeons and Dragons, a board game that has long been intertwined with the story since it first hit screens on Netflix.

During the final scene, Mike revealed his belief that Eleven, also known as Jane, is still alive and out there in the place they'd always said they would run away to: a remote area with three waterfalls.

He tells the group a story explaining he believes Kali, Eleven's long-lost 'sister', had used her own powers of illusion to make it appear Eleven had died in the destruction of the Upside Down.

With high levels of anticipation from fans for the finale, which comes almost ten years after the first episode dropped in 2016, the ending was divisive among viewers.

The finale spelled the death of Henry Creel, who as a young boy was revealed to have been taken over by other worldly dark matter

Winona Ryder's Joyce was seen taking the final strike at Vecna (pictured), chopping off his head, after the Mind Flayer - a spider-like creature - was brought down

While some praised the 'nostalgic' ending, others felt there were many unanswered questions in the finale for it to truly spell the culmination of the series - with some hitting out against the writers, the Duffer Brothers, for a series of plot holes.

And it's meant a growing fan theory has begun circulating online, called Conformity Gate, which suggests the ending viewers saw was not the real one.

Some fans believe that another episode is due to drop TODAY after a series of clues pointing towards January 7, and suggest the finale was just an illusion created by show villain Vecna - who is still alive.

Fans have taken to social media to compile evidence for the case, pointing towards a series of inconsistencies in the story which would suggest the seemingly perfect ending has been manufactured.

The most talked-about example comes from the graduation scene at Hawkins High, which sees Will, Max, Dustin, Lucas and Mike waving goodbye to their high school.

In the scene, the graduates are sitting with their hands crossed against their laps, holding one in front of the other - a signature pose held by Henry Creel, and those possessed by him, throughout the show.

While the graduates themselves are wearing orange gowns, instead of the green gowns fans had expected after finding a clue in a book from Nancy (Natalia Dyer).

While members of the Wheeler family, including Nancy, Mike and mum Karen (Cara Buono) also debut hairstyles that are eerily similar to Henry's.

The most talked-about example comes from the graduation scene at Hawkins High, which sees Will, Max, Dustin, Lucas and Mike waving goodbye to their high school

Members of the Wheeler family, including Nancy, Mike and mum Karen (Cara Buono) also debut hairstyles that are eerily similar to Henry's

And, fans have also pointed out that both Mike and Nancy have ended up being exactly what they feared throughout the series: just like their parents - living a small town existence, with Nancy dropping out of university to write for the local paper.

Speculation was further fuelled as fans spotted a blank yellow poster being held up in the background of the graduation - with yellow noted earlier in the series as missing from one key scene as Holly (Nell Fisher) and Max delve into Henry's memories.

Elsewhere, at the WSQK the Squawk radio station, the dials shift in colours between episodes from grey to red - and Robin (Maya Hawke) in her final broadcast tells listeners that Hawkins isn't 'what she remembers' anymore.

That's not all, as a number of actors are also breaking the fourth wall in the final scenes, including staring down the camera lens at the graduation, and during the dinner that see Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce get engaged.

Background details picked up by fans also show a number of board game boxes littered in different scenes saying 'WHATZIT' - which some fans believe is a reference to Henry's disguise as Mr Whatsit.

While in the final D&D game, as the characters put away their game books, their initials in one shot subtly spells out 'X A LIE', which fans have interpreted as a message to show Dimension X, the home of the Mind Flayer, was an illusion.

Others noted that new character Vickie (Amybeth McNulty) and Dustin's spring fling Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) were both missing from the finale - two characters Vecna did not know about, and therefore could not include in his allegedly fabricated ending.

In the final shot of the series, a Stranger Thing's players manual is seen beside a 20-sided die, which viewers pointed out shows the number 7, linking it to January 7.

That's not all, as a number of actors are also breaking the fourth wall in the final

Some fans believe that another episode is due to drop TODAY after a series of clues pointing towards January 7, that point towards the finale was just an illusion created by show villain Vecna - who is still alive

While in the final D&D game, as the characters put away their game books, their initials in one shot subtly spells out 'X A LIE'

The Duffer Brothers had previously told fans that they could expect a 'dark Christmas' from series five's episodes, and fans have linked the date due to Orthodox Christmas falling on January 7.

Other fans have noted parallels between scenes earlier on in the show, linking it to Lucas' line earlier in series five: 'I don't believe in coincidences. Not anymore.'

And one eagle-eyed viewer pointed out how in the credit scene, the manual is marked with: 'JK 95', which they believe translates to, 'joking, episode 9, season five'.

Some even noted coincidences linking the episode to hit movie The Truman Show, where main character Truman discovers he's been living in a simulated world, and he's the main character in a TV programme.

Fans have taken it even further by searching terms like 'fake ending', 'conformity' and 'new episodes' on Netflix's site - which they claim all reveal Stranger Things as one of the options of what to watch.

While the Stranger Things social media pages have been dropping a series of cryptic promotional material, including a WSQK torch which, when shined on the packaging, reveals the words: 'Vecna Lives'.

They previously shared a post reading: 'Your future is on the way', accompanied by a tag to the date January 7 - leading fans to believe it was connected to their theory.

However, neither Netflix or writers the Duffer Brothers have made any acknowledgement of the theory, making it unlikely to be true.

One eagle-eyed viewer pointed out how in the credit scene, the manual is marked with: 'JK 95', which they believe translates to, 'joking, episode 9, season five'

Recently The Duffers told Netflix's Tudum that they felt they had compiled an ending that would satisfy viewers, tying up loose ends for the main characters.

Matt said: 'More than I would say is typical, we really talked a lot with all the actors to make sure they were content with where their characters ended up. That was important to us.'

The franchise, however, is focusing on a new documentary release, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, which is due for release on January 12.

The behind-the-scenes special will 'follow cast, creators, and crew as they bring the final season to life  and say goodbye to the show that changed them forever'.

Elsewhere, it's been confirmed that two spin-off series are in development, including an animated series, Tales from '85, that is due to make its debut in 2026.

The second live-action project will be set in a new location with a new cast, with Ross Duffer confirming to The Hollywood Reporter the series would follow the origins of the rock found by Henry Creel that contained the Mind Flayer's dark matter.

He said: 'Because we had said that there is something in the finale that is going to connect to the spinoff. The spinoff is not about rocks or mining the rocks, but I would say thats the loose end thats not tied up that will be tied up.'

Stranger Things Season 5 is streaming now on Netflix
A BBC detective drama rebooted after 18 years has been branded 'charmless, cliched and cheap' by its unimpressed viewers.

Based on a long-running book series, viewers have shared their thoughts on the new TV adaptation.

Crime drama Lynley stars Leo Souter as the aristocratic DI Thomas Lynley, with Sofia Barclay playing DS Barbara Havers.

Having formed an unlikely partnership, the pair investigate the murder of a wealthy landowner.

The four-part series premiered in the UK on Monday (January 5), with episodes being made available to watch on iPlayer.

An earlier iteration, titled The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, aired 24 episodes between 2001 and 2008.

A BBC detective drama released a new-look reboot after almost two decades - but not all fans are impressed

Lynley stars Leo Souter as the aristocratic DI Thomas Lynley, with Sofia Barclay playing DS Barbara Havers

The characters team up to form an unlikely partnership as they investigate the murder of a wealthy landowner

One viewer penned online: 'I don't know much about #lynley original series, but everything about this new series is terrible.

'The acting is terrible and the camera work is just strange. Too many cliches. It just feels cheap.'

Another agreed: 'Less than 10 minutes in and I already dont like #lynley. It does not have the charm of the original Inspector Lynley series, and theres no chemistry between these two new versions, as there was between the original series characters.'

A third echoed: 'This new version is abysmal. The characters are lacklustre and have no connection. Duller than dishwasher.'

A fourth said: '#Lynley is absolutely rotten.'

While a fifth commented: '#lynley very disappointing. Looked cheaply made.

'Was it filmed on a phone or something? Characters no charisma. Left it half way. Rather watch an old #Morse now that was brilliant #filming.'

Others had a more favourable view of the show, as one stated: 'The first episode was head and shoulders above a lot of the series weve been served up over the past year.'





Viewers took to social media with their thoughts - and many were less than favourable

Daily Mail's Christopher Stevens reviewed the programme, awarding it a rating of four out of five stars.

He penned: 'Lynley, based on the series of almost two dozen books by crime queen Elizabeth George, is an heir to the classic detectives in many ways.

'For a start, he's a toff, like that Golden Age original Lord Peter Wimsey, created by Dorothy L. Sayers.

'He's highly educated, with a degree in law. Like Morse, he went to Oxford University and has a deep interest in the ancient world.

'Lynley is no curmudgeon, though. He conducts his investigations with sensitivity, even kindness, sometimes showing a streak of introspection that echoes Dame P.D. James's beloved hero, Commander Adam Dalgliesh (played in the latest adaptations by Bertie Carvel).'

An earlier iteration, titled The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, starred Nathaniel Parker as Lynley and Sharon Small as Havers

Written by American writer Elizabeth George, the first Inspector Lynley novel was published in 1988, with the most recent edition released in 2025.

Other cast members of the new TV series include Daniel Mays as Lynley's boss, DCI Brian Nies and Niamh Walsh as Helen Clyde.

It comes as a BBC crime drama hailed as 'one of the best ever made' is now streaming on Netflix and Disney+.

The Fall, created by Allan Cubitt, hit BBC Two back in 2013 and aired three series before wrapping up in 2016.

It follows the story of Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) trying to capture a serial killer who goes by the name of Peter Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan) in Northern Ireland.

BBC iPlayer's synopsis reads: 'The intertwined lives of two hunters - a serial killer hidden in plain sight and the detective desperate to catch him.'
Gary Oldman had a big smile on his face while filming Slow Horses' sixth season in London.

The Oscar-winning actor, 67, has portrayed Jackson Lamb in Apple TV's spy thriller since its launch in 2022.

He was filming alongside Christopher Chung (who plays Roddy Ho) and 16-year-old actor Lenny Rush.

Pictures from filming show Gary and Christopher, 37, sat in the front of a car while Lenny is in the back.

Some shots show the beloved actor standing up to exit the vehicle, beaming away.

Slow Horses is based upon Mick Herron's Slough House series of novels, which debuted in 2010.

Oscar winner Gary Oldman had a big smile on his face during filming for Slow Horses' sixth season in London

The actor, 67, could be seen working alongside Christopher Chung and rising teen actor Lenny Rush

Gary has portrayed beleaguered MI5 agent Jackson Lamb ever since Slow Horses launched back in 2022

Meanwhile, season six is based on the respective novels Joe Country and Slough House.

The show has also been renewed for a seventh season, which will be based on the 2022 novel Bad Actors.

Other cast members throughout the series include Jack Lowden, Jonathan Pryce, Kristin Scott Thomas and Hugo Weaving.

Gary is no stranger to the espionage genre, having played George Smiley in 2011 film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Last month, he could be seen getting into character as Jackson Lamb, after securing another Golden Globe nomination for the role.

He rocked a stained striped open collar shirt layered under a trench coat and trousers as he portrayed the beleaguered MI5 agent.

The British star rocked the characters signature grey long lock, facial hair and glasses as he hovered by a red phone booth in the city before running across the road.

He looked in good spirits ahead of filming as he chatted away to crew members who helped fix his costume.

The actor will go up against Sterling K. Brown for Paradise, Diego Luna for Andor, Mark Ruffalo for Task, Adam Scott for Severance and Noah Wyle for The Pitt for the gong at the 83rd annual ceremony on January 11.

Slow Horses is based upon Mick Herron's Slough House series of novels, which debuted in 2010

Lenny, 16, has previously appeared in shows including Doctor Who, Am I Being Unreasonable? and The Dumping Ground

Previously Gary had been nominated for the role in the Apple TV+ series in 2024 as well as his role in Mank in 2021.

The star took home the Best Actor gong in 2018 for his transformative portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, marking his first win after several nominations.

The first major ceremony in the awards season calendar honours the best of film, TV and, for the first time this year, podcasts, across 28 categories.

The fifth season of Slow Horses was hailed as 'the best so far' as critics raved over the 'funniest scenes ever' and 'terrific twists' when it was dropped in September 2025.

Daily Mail's Roland White reviewed season five of the hit show giving it an impressive four stars out of five.

Discussing the premiere episode, he penned: 'Within moments of the opening titles, a young man with blank eyes was gunning people down in a suburban shopping centre. His first victim was a charming campaigner for the London mayor.

'As silence fell, the gunman coolly surveyed his handiwork. And was shot very messily in the forehead by a mysterious assassin who escaped in a white van.

'Yet that wasnt the biggest shock of the first episode.

'The big surprise to anybody who has been following events at Slough House is that tech nerd Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) has found himself a girlfriend.'

All series of Slow Horses are available to stream on Apple TV.
Eamonn Holmes issued an apology to GB News viewers following offensive language during a live broadcast.

The presenter, 66, was joined as usual by Ellie Costello for Breakfast With Eamonn And Ellie on Wednesday (January 7).

After the pair wrapped up their chat with local transport minister Lillian Greenwood, Eamonn addressed the show's audience.

He said: 'Not from [Lillian], but apparently there may have been some bad language.

'It's like being 15 again, being told off. I'm not sure what the bad language was but no one meant to cause any offence.

'If it was me, I certainly didn't mean to cause any offence.

Eamonn Holmes issued an apology to GB News viewers after offensive language being said in a live broadcast

The moment in question took place when Eamonn and Ellie spoke to political commentator Olivia Utley

Later on in the programme, Eamonn and Ellie addressed viewers directly as they said their apology

'If you're locked up in a room now, shivering away having heard bad language while your child should have been at school, but watching it and offended - so humbly sorry.'

The moment in question took place slightly earlier in the programme, when Eamonn and Ellie spoke to political commentator Olivia Utley.

During this discussion, they discussed what might happen if the United States ever walked away from NATO - the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Olivia said: 'Donald Trump has been saying for years and years and years that the rest of NATO simply aren't pulling their weight in financial terms.

'America is of course the biggest contributor. And he might just decide at some point, "Well, I've had enough. We warned you that you weren't contributing enough".

'Now America is in a position to do something like this, turn their backs on the rest of the NATO alliance. And what's Europe going to do about it?'

Eamonn remarked what Europe could do in that situation, including describing Trump as 'an easy man to irritate'.

To which Olivia responded: 'I was going to say Eamonn, it sounds as though you would be well suited to sitting at the Cabinet table with Keir Starmer.'

Eamonn then said: 'I'd take no b******t from him, he thinks he scares people, shouts at people, they buckle over him whatever it is.'

In 2024, Eamonn and his now ex wife Ruth Langsford announced their split, having tied the knot in 2010

Elsewhere, the broadcaster was recently asked what his biggest regret was - following his marriage breakdown to Ruth Langsford.

Speaking to Mind Jump magazine's January edition, he avoided the publication's question 'What's your biggest regret?' which he 'intentionally left unanswered.'

However when asked about what he would change, he did add: 'I'd try to find a better balance between my career and my personal life.'

Eamonn also admitted: 'Family comes first. Don't waste time on grudges or negativity, life is too short.'

His lastest interview comes after Ruth candidly explained how she has been coping since her acrimonious split from husband Eamonn.

Speaking about moving on to Woman and Home, she said: 'I haven't been put off having a relationship. I haven't even been put off marriage, but I'm definitely not actively looking, and part of that is because I've realised I'm actually quite good on my own. I am independent and quite strong.

'It has taken me a bit of time [to realise that] and I don't know what lies ahead, but that chapter now feels quite exciting. It's not as scary as I thought.'

A source also previously said Ruth is not considering a new relationship until her divorce is finalised.
After a torrid year of scandal which saw off its director general and news chief, the BBC might have hoped for a quiet start to the new year.

But today, rival broadcaster Channel 5 put paid to those plans as it announced a new drama about the disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards.

Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, 64, will play the Welsh anchorman in the two-part factual drama titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.

It will focus on how the former BBC stalwart, who earned 475,000 a year at the corporation, led a double life as Britains most respected newsreader while he secretly groomed a vulnerable 17-year-old boy.

Edwards, 64, was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 and was later convicted of making indecent images of children for which he received a six-month suspended sentence in September 2024.

Filming on the controversial drama has concluded and it is currently in post-production.

Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, 64, will play disgraced BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the two-part factual drama titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards

It will focus on how the former BBC stalwart, who earned 475,000 a year at the corporation, led a double life as Britains most respected newsreader while he secretly groomed a vulnerable 17-year-old boy

No transmission date has been announced but it is likely to be broadcast in the Spring.

The Daily Mail understands Channel 5 bosses tipped off the corporation about the production before the announcement.

In a photograph from the set of the drama, a suited Mr Clunes is seen posing with his elbow on the News At 10 desk at the heart of the BBC newsroom.

One BBC insider said: 'The timing couldn't be worse for the BBC. After all the recent scandals, the last thing the corporation needs is a new drama about the darkest chapter in our history. Everyone wants to forget about that awful man and move on.

Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie, who resigned in November after the fallout over doctored Panorama footage of Donald Trump, has previously described Edwards's crimes as appalling.

The corporation apologised for its handling of the initial grooming complaint in 2023 which was not escalated quickly enough.

The Daily Mail understands that no BBC executives will be shown on screen in the drama, and it will instead focus on the grooming and Edwards online friendship with a paedophile who shared child abuse images with him.

In a release for the drama, Channel 5 said: 'Building on extensive factual research over the past 12 months, including extensive first hand interviews and co-operation from those at the heart of the scandal and exclusive access to The Sun newspapers award-winning investigation into Edwards...

'This unflinching drama paints a complex, emotional and nuanced portrait, revealing how the grooming of a vulnerable 17-year old over many months led to Edwards downfall, disgrace and the end of his life in the public eye.'

Edwards, 64, was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 and was later convicted of making indecent images of children for which he received a six-month suspended sentence in September 2024

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer, 5 said: This is an important and shocking story  of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.

'By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines. As a close collaboration between 5s factual and scripted teams this is a first for the channel.

David Abraham, Founder and Group CEO, Wonderhood Studios said: This project marks Wonderhoods first step into drama and builds on our record in producing premium documentaries about challenging subjects that matter.

'Drama is also a medium with the power to uncover profound psychological truths, and we are incredibly grateful to our brave contributors in trusting us with their story.

It comes as the US president is suing the corporation for $10 billion dollars over the doctored Panorama footage.

The government is also preparing to publish its whitepaper in the Spring about the future of the BBC licence fee.
Love Island: All Stars' Sean Stone has revealed his mum's savage response to his 'cringe' habit that 'gave girls the ick within five minutes of meeting them' ahead of his upcoming stint in the spin-off villa.

The 26 year old, who shot to fame on the 11th series back in 2024, is one of the former Islanders heading to South Africa in a bid to find love again.

When Sean isn't busy cracking on with girls on telly, he's got a successful sweets company that he runs alongside his family.

During his previous stint on the ITV2 dating show, Sean, who was dubbed the 'Candyman' on his series, tried to impress the ladies with a number of sweet-based chat-up lines.

But it sounds like not going to use any of those anymore to impress the ladies.

Speaking to Daily Mail and other media ahead of the new series, Sean confessed: 'I think I put way too much stress on that the first time around.

Love Island: All Stars' Sean Stone has revealed his mum's savage response to his 'cringe' habit that 'gave girls the ick within five minutes of meeting them' ahead of his upcoming stint in the villa

During his stint on the ITV2 dating show, Sean, who was called the 'Candyman' on his series, tried to impress the ladies with a number of sweet-based chat-up lines

But it sounds like not going to use any of those anymore to impress the ladies

'It was too cringe, to be honest, like my mum put it into me and said "Sean just dropped the sweet lines because you gave all the girls the ick within the first five minutes".

'So I think this time I really want to just go in and be myself.

'You know, on nights out, I don't go up to girls saying "Alright babes? You look like a fizzy blue raspberry".

'But you know, never say never. I am a candy man. So you know, I might drop a few lines here and there.'

Sean was part of the original Islander line-up back in 2024, but failed to find a connection at the beginning.

But after bombshell Matilda Draper entered the villa as a bombshell, everything changed for the businessman.

The pair went from strength to strength throughout the rest of the series and ended up placing third on the show.

Unfortunately just weeks after they returned to the UK, Sean and Matilda announced that they had 'parted ways'.

Matilda and Sean went from strength to strength throughout the rest of the series and ended up placing third on the show

Matilda wrote on Instagram: 'Just wanted to come on here to tell you guys that Sean and I have decided to part ways.

'We are still good friends & I'm so grateful to have shared such an incredible experience with him.

'We appreciate all of your support throughout our time together and all the love you have shown us. love you all [pink heart emoji].

Sean shared the exact same message but added: 'We both believe this is the best step for us moving forward.'

Matilda is now in a relationship with TOWIE star Roman Hackett, 23.

The pair started dating in late 2024.

When asked what he thinks Matilda will think about his decision to go into the All Stars villa, Sean said: 'I think she'll be embracing it hopefully.

'It's not like we left on bad terms, I still see her as a friend, not actually see her by the way.

Former couple Sean and Matilda 'parted ways' just weeks after they returned to the UK from their stint in the Love Island villa

'We left on good terms. I think she'll be happy that maybe I could find someone this time around.

'I don't think she's got any sort of bad words to say.'

When asked what he will do differently to last time, Sean said: 'I think for me, a massive part of my journey last time, I think I experienced everything, the ups, the downs, not having someone, and finding someone.

'And I think this time around, I just want to have fun this time, I feel like I put a lot of stress and trying to find someone, and then found someone.

'And I think a big part of this is just staying true to myself, saying who I am, and just going to the flow with it, really, and see what happens.'

Love Island: All Stars returns to our screens on January 12 on ITV2 and ITVX.
Fitness influencer Avalon Nadfalusi has welcomed a baby daughter with her partner Adam Sullivan.

This is the first child for the glamorous Gold Coast couple who shared the happy news on social media on Tuesday.

The ecstatic new parents included a photo of their beautiful bundle of joy and revealed her unique name.

'Our sweet baby Rowe 5.1.26,' Avalon wrote in the joint share on Instagram, which showed the newborn next to an announcement plaque with her name on it.

The happy couple also included a second gorgeous photo of Rowe, dressed in a white suit and a large yellow headband, cuddling a large pink toy bunny.

A third image showed Adam holding his precious little one in his arms.

Fitness influencer Avalon Nadfalusi has welcomed a baby daughter with her partner Adam Sullivan

This is the first child for the glamorous Gold Coastcouple who shared the happy news on social media on Tuesday

Avalon also posted a black-and-white video of the moment Rowe was welcomed into the world.

Captioning the moving clip with the words, 'It's just so special,' it showed Avalon lying on her maternity bed in labour with Adam standing beside her gently stroking her shoulder.

Another scene showed Avalon holding Rowe just seconds after giving birth, and included the title 'She's here.'

Fitness influencer Kayla Itsines was among the couple's many friends and followers to offer congratulations on their baby news.

'More, more, more,' she messaged the pair.

Entrepreneur Adrian Portelli also sent his best wishes, telling the couple: 'Congrats, she's adorable.'

Adam, 35, who owns online health and fitness app Evidence Based Training, and Avalon, 25, announced their romance online last January.

The pair shared that Avalon, who has 320,000 followers on Instagram, was expecting in July.

Adam, 35, who owns online health and fitness app Evidence Based Training, and Avalon, 25, announced their romance online last January. (Both pictured)

It comes after Adam made headlines early in 2025 after selling off his vast Gold Coast mansion for a whopping $12 million.

Known as Dune, the sprawling Moroccan-inspired pad boasts five bedrooms and a rooftop pool.

The fitness entrepreneur later revealed that he 'walked away even' in the sale after buying the home six months earlier for $11 million.

In March last year, Adam took to Instagram to announce he had bought another property in Mermaid Waters for a reported $3.1 million.
For weeks, former AFL golden couple Lachie and Jules Neale endured the glare of public scrutiny after she went public with his 'unimaginable' betrayal.

The other couple in the saga - Tess and Ben Crosley - seemed to fade into the background as Lachie stepped forward to relinquish his co-captaincy of the Brisbane Lions last Friday and Jules packed her bags and moved to WA with their children.

But now, the focus is squarely back on the Crosleys as rumours continue to swirl that their marriage may not withstand Jules's public accusation that Tess played a central role in her break-up.

In the aftermath of Jules speaking out, the Mormon couple were seen together living under the same roof in Camp Hill, Brisbane. Now, it appears that Ben has travelled to Bali with friends while his wife remains in Queensland.

In the surest sign yet that the pressure is getting to the pair, who married in 2017, Tess was seen grabbing lunch solo on Tuesday - without her wedding ring.

A former missionary for the LDS Church, she was pictured grabbing sushi, an iced coffee and a bag of grapes while clad in a white tank top and navy trackpants.

Tess Crosley, the former friend of AFL WAG Jules Neale, cut a downcast figure on Tuesday

A former missionary for the LDS Church, she was pictured grabbing sushi, an iced coffee and a bag of grapes while clad in a white tank top and navy trackpants

She completed her look with several items of jewellery, white sneakers and a pair of gold-framed sunglasses - and was, once again, not wearing her wedding ring

She completed her look with several items of jewellery, white sneakers and a pair of gold-framed sunglasses.

It wasn't the first time Tess had been pictured without her ring since she was implicated in the Neales' marriage breakdown. She had been spied without it last week while on the Gold Coast with her son.

Yesterday, the Mail reported that Ben Crosley appeared to have travelled to Bali with several of his friends.

He was photographed at the Bambu Fitness Centre in Uluwatu, after completing a fitness session with friends Tom Bennallack and Seth Mutton.

The finance director, who works for the Hong Kong-based New Heritage Investment company, smiled for a shirtless photo with his two friends after a workout, with Bennallack sharing the photo on Instagram.

Bennallack also tagged Crosley and Mutton in two other posts, showing a group completing a series of high-intensity workouts in the gym.

The Crosleys' social media accounts suggest they were once close friends with the Neales. They were often pictured together - most notably when they celebrated the Lions' most recent premiership win at the AFL grand final.

That friendship - and the Neales' marriage - is now over after Jules accused Lachie of a 'betrayal' and went on to implicate Tess by demanding she take down photos from Instagram showing her with Lachie.

Tess's husband Ben Crosley (left) was pictured on Tuesday working out in Bali. He was seen at the Bambu Fitness Centre in Uluwatu with friends Tom Bennallack and Seth Mutton

In the aftermath of Jules speaking out, the Mormon couple were seen together living under the same roof in Camp Hill, Brisbane

Tess is yet to make any public comment about the scandal that has surrounded her for weeks

'Take these down, you idiot, you're embarrassing yourself,' she wrote in a now-deleted comment on December 22.

The drama culminated on Friday when Lachie, a twotime Brownlow Medallist, announced he would be stepping down as Brisbane Lions co-captain while confirming his split from Jules.

'While I won't go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those who are closest to me. And for that I am deeply sorry,' he said.

'I accept the consequences of my actions, and I need to focus on rebuilding that trust with Jules as the future wellbeing of our children remains our number one priority.'

Neale, who shares two children, Piper and Freddie, with Jules, added that he had 'regrets' about his personal life.

But when asked whether he had cheated on his wife, he said: 'No, I cannot address those rumours.'

The drama culminated on Friday when Lachie, a twotime Brownlow Medallist, announced he would be stepping down as Brisbane Lions co-captain while confirming his split from Jules

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Steven Bartlett has given a rare insight into his relationship with fiancee Melanie Lopes.

It was exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail earlier this week that the Diary Of A CEO podcaster, 33, had proposed to his partner of seven years on Christmas Day in Morocco.

And Steven spoke about the engagement for the first time in Maggie Sellers Reum's Hot Smart Rich podcast, released on Wednesday.

He said of his fiancee Melanie, who is a French-Portuguese yoga entrepreneur: 'She knows me better than anybody, because she gets to see it all. When she says things, I listen very intently. Shes very special.

'In many respects, shes like everything that Im not. Shes like an angel that fell from the sky. Thats kind of how I describe it to my friends.

'Weve been together for almost seven years now, and shes very much what Im aspiring to be. Shes what Im aspiring to be more like.'

Steven Bartlett has given a rare insight into his relationship with fiancee Melanie Lopes

It was exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail earlier this week that the Diary Of A CEO podcaster, 33, had proposed to his partner of seven years on Christmas Day in Morocco

The couple met on Instagram in 2016, but despite their careers being heavily focused on social media, they have chosen to keep their romance largely out of the public eye.

Multimillionaire Steven, who is also a star of Dragons' Den and is said to be worth 320million, dated Melanie for a year before the couple briefly split as he focused on building his business empire.

However, after realising he could not live without her, Steven flew 22 hours to Bali, where Melanie runs a breathwork and yoga retreat, to win her back, and their relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since.

During their festive getaway, Steven presented Melanie with a diamond engagement ring and popped the question, with the wellness influencer delighted to say 'yes'.

Sources close to the couple say that after living together in both London and Los Angeles while navigating their demanding careers, they have never been happier and are excited to begin planning their wedding.

Revealing more about the proposal, Steven said he had been planning the ring for years. He said: 'About four years ago, she was talking about engagement rings with a friend, and I was looking over her shoulder and looking at the ones she liked, and I was looking at her Pinterest, and saving the ones she said she really liked.

'So, I've had this folder in my phone for like three or four years of the ones she said she liked. And we were in New York yesterday, and there's a jeweller in New York that some of my friends that I really trust told me to go see, and they made the ring for us.'

Steven said he used to fear that whilst he was successful, he would be lonely in a big house.

Steven spoke about the engagement for the first time in Maggie Sellers Reum's Hot Smart Rich podcast, released on Wednesday

Multimillionaire Steven, who is also a star of Dragons' Den and is said to be worth 320million, dated Melanie for a year before the couple briefly split as he focused on his business empire

He said: 'Mel helps me anchor. And then Ill have kids and a family and responsibilities and dependencies.

'And thats what I think it takes to be a good man, but also a good human being. Im very excited about depending on other people and having other people depend on me.'

Steven is best known as the host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, which regularly tops the UK charts and attracts millions of streams each month thanks to its engaging interviews and A-list guests.

Since launching in 2017, Steven has interviewed a wide range of high-profile figures, from Kamala Harris to Louis Tomlinson, Davina McCall, Lewis Capaldi, and Simon Cowell.

He is also the youngest Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den, appearing alongside Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, and is regularly seen investing in new and emerging business ventures.

Steven, who moved to the UK from Botswana at the age of two, dropped out of university at 18 to pursue his ambitions as a businessman.

He fell out with his parents, particularly his mother, who was 'heartbroken' after believing Steven had thrown away the education she never had growing up.

However, Steven found success with his social media marketing agency, The Social Chain, which was valued at 300million when it first entered the stock market.

He is set for a busy year; alongside wedding planning, Steven will return to the upcoming series of Dragons' Den and continue recording his podcast, one of the most successful in the world.

In October last year, his company Steven.com, which houses his media ventures, including the firm Flight Story, was valued at 320million.

Steven has said this will help him 'build the Disney of the creator economy,' referring to the multi-billion-pound industry of influencers who make a living through streaming and posting on TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and YouTube.
Concerning new photos of Tommy Lee Jones stepping out for the first time since his daughter's tragic sudden death at age 34 have prompted insiders to speak out.

Victoria Jones was found on the floor of San Francisco's swanky Fairmont hotel by a fellow guest in the early hours of New Year's Day. No official cause of death has been released but reports have emerged of a suspected overdose, following a history of alleged cocaine and alcohol abuse.

Now, new images and footage obtained by the Daily Mail show her 79-year-old father cutting a worryingly frail figure, leaning heavily on his third wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones, and limping while out in San Antonio, Texas.

Commenting on his visibly solemn and unsteady demeanor, an insider said of the Men In Black star: 'He is not himself right now.'

'Tommy is heartbroken. For a tough guy and one that usually has it all together, the stress of losing a child has clearly hit him like a ton of bricks,' the insider added.

Concerning new photos of Tommy LeeJones stepping out for the first time since his daughter's tragic sudden death at age 34 have prompted insiders to speak out

'Not that work would help, but he isn't currently working on anything to keep his mind off the grief. He's taking this time to mourn - but he's also lived a life and has always wanted to age gracefully. And all that combined has clearly taken a toll on his appearance.'

Emergency services were called to the Fairmont hotel at approximately 2.52 am on January 1, but attempts to revive Victoria were unsuccessful.

Victoria had been at the hotel to ring in the new year with a small group of pals when, as one source claimed to TMZ, she started using cocaine.

Law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that her lips and fingernails appeared bluish when first responders arrived.

There were no immediate signs of foul play, no visible trauma to her body and no drug paraphernalia discovered nearby, the sources added. An autopsy is expected to provide further clarity.

On January 2, Tommy and his family released a brief statement, which read: 'We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.'

In addition to Victoria, Tommy and his second wife, Kimberlea Cloughley, share 43-year-old son Austin Leonard Jones.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Tommy for comment.

In the days since Victoria's death, troubling details about her final months have begun to emerge, including run-ins with police.

The Daily Mail has exclusively obtained a June mugshot showing Victoria with what appears to be a bruise beneath one eye.

The Oscar winner, who turns 80 in September, appeared visibly solemn and unsteady, leaning heavily on his wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones (pictured)

His daughter Victoria Jones was found on the floor of San Francisco's swanky Fairmont hotel by a fellow guest in the early hours of New Year's Day

She was arrested twice last year. The first time in April 2025 after Napa Valley cops conducted a wellness check and charged her with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Court documents say a plastic bag with a white substance  believed to be cocaine  was located in her pocket when she was booked.

She pleaded not guilty and had been scheduled to appear in court later this month.

In June, she was arrested again following a domestic violence incident at Napa's Carneros Resort and Spa, where rooms start at around $500 per night.

Separate court filings reviewed by the Mail also indicated that Victoria had been accused of elder abuse. She pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.

Victoria was found dead on the 14th floor of the Fairmont San Francisco after a hotel guest reportedly mistook her for being intoxicated and alerted staff.

When employees arrived and found her unresponsive, they began CPR and called paramedics.

In a 911 call, the incident was described as a 'code 3 for the overdose, color change'.

A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department confirmed: 'On 1/1/26 at approximately 3.14 am, San Francisco Police officers responded to a hotel located on the 900 block of Mason Street regarding a report of a deceased person.

'At the scene, officers met with medics, who declared the adult female deceased. The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation.'

The Daily Mail has exclusively obtained a June mugshot showing Victoria with what appears to be a bruise beneath one eye

Tommy Lee Jones' late daughter Victoria was arrested and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest in May in Santa Cruz, according to documents obtained by the Mail

The hallway of the 14th floor at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco where she was found last week

The huge hotel is seen near the San Francisco Bay

Victoria was born in 1991 and made her screen debut at age 11 with a 2002 cameo in her father's film Men in Black II.

She later appeared in a 2005 episode of teen drama One Tree Hill and, that same year, in movie The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which was directed by her father.

Though she stepped away from acting as an adult, Victoria occasionally joined Tommy on the red carpet, including at the 2017 premiere of Just Getting Started and the Tokyo International Film Festival later that year.

After directing Victoria in his movie, Tommy praised her talents in a 2006 interview, calling her 'a good actress' who spoke 'impeccable Spanish'.

Tommy won his only Oscar in 1994 for The Fugitive, which he starred in alongside Harrison Ford.
She has been working out every single day during her family trip to Bali.

And former Biggest Loser trainer Tiffiny Hall showed off the fruits of her labour during a trip to the beach on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old revealed her tanned and toned physique in a pink striped bikini.

Smiling widely and sporting stylish eyewear, the mother of two filmed herself strutting down a deserted beach barefoot in the string two-piece.

Tiffiny wore a straw hat for her day in the sun and accessorised with a bead necklace and pendant chain.

At one point in the reel, the former Gladiator competitor spun her device around to give viewers a glimpse of her view.

Former Biggest Loser trainer Tiffiny Hall showed her incredible figure in a bikini at the beach in Bali on Wednesday

Last week, Tiffiny stunned her fans when she unveiled her rock-hard six-pack abs as she posed by the pool

Last week, Tiffiny stunned her fans when she unveiled her rock-hard six-pack abs as she posed by the pool.

The fitness influencer has been making frequent posts over the holiday season with several featuring her husband of 11 years, Ed Kavalee, 46, and their two children, son Arnold, eight, and three-year-old daughter, Vada.

Ed previously revealed how he knew he had seen the girl of his dreams when he flipped on the television one fateful day.

The 2DayFM radio host was watching game show Gladiators when its stunning host, fitness queen Tiffiny caught his eye.

The personal trainer was competing on the show as the Gladiator Angel, and Ed was smitten.

'I'm going to marry that girl on the TV,' the 44-year-old told himself, as he revealed on Tiffiny's podcast Bounce Forward back in 2024.

Ed devised a plan to interview Hall and didn't waste the opportunity.

'Here I am about to go out and compete, so focused, and this guy is trying to chat me up,' Tiffiny explained.

Smiling widely and sporting stylish eyewear, the mother of two filmed herself strutting down a deserted beach barefoot in the string two-piece

Unfortunately, their first meeting didn't go as the radio host had hoped.

'I didn't even remember meeting him, to be honest. But he didn't give up,' she admitted.

Ed invited Hall to appear on his radio show multiple times before she got the message.

'I said to him 'look do you want my number?' Because it would be a lot easier to just call me and chat rather than having me come in to do an interview on the radio station,' she explained.

The pair married in 2014.
Georgia Love and Lee Elliott have both bid good riddance to 2025 in very different ways.

Ex-Bachelorette star Georgia shared a brutally honest post to social media on Tuesday night in which she bid farewell to the year, admitting she had been through a very difficult period.

Alongside a carousel of images showing her happier moments in recent months, the 36-year-old was frank in her caption.

'I wasn't going to post a 2025 recap because it was the hardest year of my life... I just wanted to move on to the new one,' she said.

By contrast, her ex-husband Lee appeared to be embracing the new year with ease.

The reality TV star shared an upbeat gallery of clips to his Instagram Stories, capturing him ringing in the New Year on a lavish getaway to Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Georgia Love and Lee Elliott have both bid good riddance to 2025 in very different ways. Both pictured

ExBachelorette star Georgia shared a brutally honest post to social media on Tuesday night in which she bid farewell to the year, admitting she had been through a very difficult period

Lee beamed from ear to ear as he enjoyed a coastal hike with a male friend, soaked up the sun at the beach and knocked back beers at a local pub.

'Thirsty work. Have managed to incorporate wine into our morning walks,' he quipped alongside the cheerful snaps as he and a friend toured a scenic winery.

The stark contrast between their posts offered a telling glimpse into how differently the former couple experienced the year following their separation.

While Georgia reflected on heartbreak and resilience, Lee appeared relaxed and carefree as he welcomed a fresh chapter.

Meanwhile, Georgia reflected on some of the good  and bad  times she had experienced over the past 12 months.

'Looking back at photos, I remembered just how many truly wonderful, happy times I had too,' Georgia wrote.

'From three overseas trips to covering the biggest news story in recent history, launching a new podcast and marrying one of my best friends, actually at the end of the day 2025 could go down as one of the very best. The duality of life, hey?!'

Lee, 43, and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in February.

By contrast, her ex-husband Lee appeared to be embracing the new year with ease. The reality TV star shared an upbeat gallery of clips to his Instagram Stories, capturing him ringing in the New Year on a lavish getaway to Victoria's Mornington Peninsula

Lee beamed from ear to ear as he enjoyed a coastal hike with a male friend, soaked up the sun at the beach and knocked back beers at a local pub

'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote.

'Our relationship has been so special, and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared.

'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other.

'We remain friends, and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.'
Rachel Ward has hit back at trolls who have criticised her appearance online.

The iconic Australian actress, 68, took to Instagram last month to promote her ethical meat initiative Farmthru.

Rachel, who runs a 350-head beef cattle farm in the Nambucca Valley, with husband Bryan Brown, 78, was thanking customers for their patronage throughout 2025.

However, the seemingly innocuous post was met with some cruel comments from followers.

'I read she's 68. Looks way older! I'm 62 and can't believe she's only a few years older than me,' one wrote, while another offered a similarly cutting: 'OMG what the hell happened to u? U were so pretty???'

Another critic claimed that Rachel's appearance was due to 'years of neglect'.

Rachel Ward has hit back at trolls who have criticised her appearance online when she took to Instagram last month to promote her ethical meat initiative Farmthru

'There is no need at all to even remotely look like this. Sun damage being excessive, amongst other things like teeth, etc,' they wrote.

'Obviously from my point of view, being from the beauty industry most of my life, this is pure neglect. Not being negative about her as a person. She seems comfortable how she looks obviously. Great actress she was.'

Several followers leapt to Rachel's defence, with one saying: 'For god's sake, horrible comments  she was, is beautiful and doing an incredible job.'

Replying to the comment, Rachel said that she felt sorry for those who were critical of her appearance in the clip.

'Thanks, you dear lady, coming to my defence,' Rachel wrote.

'I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear ageing so much. They will learn that it's ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go.

'It was lovely while it lasted, but so much more to life. You can't know its pleasures until you get there.'

Many more came to Rachel's defence, praising her for her refreshing approach to ageing.

Join the debate What's YOUR take on those who fear aging?

However, the seemingly innocuous post was met with some cruelly ageist comments from followers

Rachel is pictured in 1987

Rachel, who is pictured with husband Bryan Brown, said that she felt sorry for those who were critical of her appearance in the clip

'Love this actress who I discovered in the 80s film Sharkey's Machine,' one fan wrote.

'So happy that she has not turned herself into a plastic surgery mummy like so many iconic Hollywood actors.'

Another jumped in with: 'Don't young people today know what natural ageing is?'

One supportive follower summed up the sentiment of many with: 'She is the epitome of a natural beauty! I love her authenticity so refreshing in a 'manufactured' world.'

Rachel and Bryan took over the NSW beef farm back in 1986 and, following the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019, shifted to regenerative farming practices  a journey that was documented in her 2023 film, Rachel's Farm.

Born in the UK, Rachel relocated permanently after marrying fellow acting icon Bryan Brown in 1983.

The couple met on the set of the mini-series The Thorn Birds, and went on to have three children  Rosie, 42, Matilda, 39, and Joe, 34.

Speaking to Channel Seven in 2019, Rachel revealed the undeniable sexual chemistry that existed between her and Bryan on the Thorn Birds set.

'Thanks, you dear lady, coming to my defence,' Rachel wrote. 'I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear ageing so much. They will learn that it's ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go. 'It was lovely while it lasted, but so much more to life. You can't know its pleasures until you get there.'

'He had nice pecs. I mean, you know, it's pretty chemical, isn't it? It's pretty basic,' she admitted.

'There's not much thought goes into it. I fancied him. You know, that was about it.'

When asked who made the first move, Rachel couldn't resist throwing her husband under the bus.

'He was slow as a wet week. Really took forever. I think I probably did,' she said.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's divorce settlement has exposed the former couple's extraordinary monthly incomes as they officially bring their 19-year marriage to an end.

Legal papers lodged in Nashville, Tennessee show the Oscar-winning actress and the country music star, both 58, each earn a reported monthly income in excess of US$100,000 (AU$148,000).

The former power couple finalised their divorce three months after Kidman filed for one on September 30, bringing an end to one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages.

According to the court filing, both parties agreed to waive all claims to alimony and spousal support, and each will pay their own legal expenses.

In a surprise move, the pair also agreed there was no need to pay child support for their two daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kidman will have primary custody of the girls for 306 days of the year, while Urban will spend 59 days with them - described as 'every other weekend'.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's divorce settlement has been laid bare, with court documents revealing the former couple's extraordinary monthly incomes as they officially bring their 19-year marriage to an end

Legal papers lodged in Nashville, Tennessee show the Oscar-winning actress and the country music star, both 58, each earn a reported monthly income in excess of US $100,000 (AU $148,000)

The pair, who married in 2006, will divide their shared investments, bank accounts, furniture, appliances, vehicles and personal belongings privately, with each walking away with what they personally own.

It is still unclear whether the couple had a prenuptial agreement in place.

A hearing was scheduled in Nashville earlier this week, but Kidman was unable to attend as she was flying back from spending the New Year in Australia.

The Hollywood star was spotted flying out of Sydney just days ago after spending the festive season back on home soil - her first visit to Australia since the break-up.

Kidman looked radiant as she made the trip back to Nashville, where she lives in a sprawling mansion she purchased with Urban in 2008.

She was accompanied by daughters Sunday and Faith on the trip, which marked their first family holiday back to Australia without Urban.

The documents suggest that Kidman and Urban hashed out all the details with their attorneys amicably, avoiding any formal discovery or interrogation.

The decree explicitly states: 'Each party indicates that he or she does not want to proceed with formal discovery, including completing interrogatories and requests for production of documents, or discovery depositions, that are designed to discover assets and debts.'

In a surprise move, the pair also agreed to pay zero child support for their two daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15

The pair, who married in 2006 and announced their separation in September, will divide their shared investments, bank accounts, furniture, appliances, vehicles and personal belongings privately, with each walking away with what is already in their possession

The settlement follows reports that reality had started to sink in for Urban following his divorce.

The country star was allegedly 'wondering if he's made a huge mistake' following their split.

After recently performing private shows for members of Donald Trump's inner circle, the star was reportedly feeling more isolated than ever.

'He's got to pay the bills - and divorce lawyers don't come cheap,' a source told Woman's Day magazine of the couple's settlement.

He has forked out for their daughters' private school tuition and, according to the publication, needs to make a living in any way he can.

'It's a lonely existence for Keith right now - he's exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined,' the source added.

'He's also lost his best friend, Nicole, who was also his greatest supporter in life. He's wondering if he's made a huge mistake.'
Oscar-winner Emma Stone has revealed a surprising obsession - The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

The critically-acclaimed actress, 37, admitted to waiting 'two hours in the freezing cold' for a chance at seeing the show's disgraced star Jen Shah at her sentencing in January 2023.

Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison at a Manhattan courthouse after she plead guilty to wire fraud charges tied to a multimillion-dollar scheme which duped thousands of victims - many of them seniors. She has since been released following several sentence reductions.

For superfan Stone, the moment was must-watch viewing.

During an interview with W Magazine as part of The Best Performances issue, Stone made the revelation when she was asked about her favorite reality show.

'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,' she answered. 'I am really invested. When Jen Shah was getting sentenced in New York, my brother and I waited outside for two hours in the freezing cold just for a chance to see her. But I live in New York. We walked over there. Her getting arrested on camera was wild.'

Emma Stone has revealed she waited two hours in the 'freezing cold' to see Jen Shah at her sentencing in an interview with W Magazine

Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison in January 2023 after she plead guilty to wire fraud charges tied to a multimillion-dollar scheme (pictured arriving to her sentencing). She has since been released

Shah's arrest in March 2021 was famously captured on Bravo cameras during season two of RHOSLC, cementing her place in Housewives history.

Shah initially proclaimed her innocence, even doubling down during reunion specials, but ultimately changed her plea to guilty in July 2022months after her former assistant and co-conspirator, Stuart Smith, admitted his role.

The Housewives confession wasn't the only topic of discussion in Stone's interview.

She also discussed her role in the upcoming Miss Piggy film which also stars Jennifer Lawrence and Cole Escola.

But when asked if she would be playing the Jim Henson icon herself, Stone was beside herself.

'First of all, that is the biggest insult to Miss Piggy I've ever heard, and I will not have her name dragged through the mud like that. Why would I play a literal star?

'She's the greatest. No, of course I'm not playing Miss Piggy. And neither is Jen. We pale in comparison. Are you out of your mind? Miss Piggy is playing Miss Piggy. She would be storming out right now at the mere suggestion.'

Stone was one of many stars featured in W's 2026 Best Performances issue, which also featured George Clooney, Greta Lee, Jacob Elordi, and Jodie Foster.

Accompanying her interview was a photo shoot in which she dragged a man's body along the floor

Shah and her husband Sharreiff Shah pictured as he visited her behind bars

The glamorous reality star has had quite the downfall in recent years

And as it turns out she's not the only Bravo fan in the group.

Clooney revealed he once consumed hours of Below Deck, a Bravo show following the lives of super yacht crew workers.

'I went to do a speaking gig in Poland, and the only thing in English on television was a series called Below Deck,' he told W Magazine when asked about his favorite reality show.

'It was on a 24-hour loop, so I watched about four hours of it. I was mostly impressed by how much they kept their act together when awful people came on and wanted their toenails buffed and things like that.'

Stone also opened up about her role in the upcoming Miss Piggy film

George Clooney also admitted to consuming hours of the Bravo show Below Deck

The actor was one of several stars being featured by W Magazine for their 2026 Best Performances issue

Jodie Foster was also among the celebrities to be featured

The Hollywood icon posed for a Polaroid

Jacob Elordi revealed he once had crushes on Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in their film New York Minute

The Hollywood leading man also offered a glimpse into his life as a father.

The actor, who has twin children Ella and Alexander with wife Amal Clooney, talked introducing his son to his role of Batman.

'Halloweens a big holiday,' he said when asked if his children were fans of the spooky holiday. 'My son went as Batman. He hadnt seen Batman yet. I always say to him, You know I was Batman. Hes always like, No. I dont know that he knew how profound it was when he said I wasnt Batman.

'A couple of weeks ago, I finally showed it to him. It wasnt great for grown-ups, but its great for 8-year-olds, so he loved it. My daughter, meanwhile, went as a witch. She doesnt like all the princess stuff. She likes to be the evil witch.'

The accompanying shoot captured Foster on a studio lot

Greta Lee was also among the celebrities to receive the W Magazine spotlight

Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi also got the W Magazine spotlight treatment.

The actor dished on his acting career - along with the Hollywood stars he crushed on as a kid.

'I Dream of Jeannie. And then Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, in the film New York Minute. Both of them collectively. Also Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana. And Hilary Duff, when shes in Italy in that one movie.

'Theres a frog in the fountain, and there was a boy on a moped. Whatever age I was when those came out, I remember that.'
He is the long-serving bassist of one of the world's most popular rock bands, performing with them since 1982.

The Melbourne-born musician has lived in America most of his life but still makes regular visits Down Under to keep in touch with his roots.

The legendary rocker is renowned for his cheeky onstage personality, quirky persona, and very distinctive look.

On Tuesday, the 63-year-old musician looked almost unrecognisable as he strolled shirtless through Sydney's Bondi Beach in nothing but a pair of boardshorts.

So, have you guessed who it is?

That's right, it's Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

He is the long-serving bassist of one of the world's most popular rock bands, performing with them since 1982

The Melbourne-born musician has lived in America most of his life but still makes regular visits Down Under to keep in touch with his roots

The beloved rocker, whose real name is Michael Balzary, looked to be having the time of his life as he chatted to fans while strolling through the popular tourist destination.

It's not the first time Flea has been spotted talking to locals on Bondi Beach.

In 2023, he laid on the charm when two bikini-clad beachgoers approached him as he set up a spot on the sand.

The pair couldn't believe their luck after seeing the rock legend enjoying a day out in the sun, with one woman playing with her hair flirtatiously while speaking to him.

Flea clearly didn't plan ahead as he forgot his boardshorts and went for a swim in his Calvin Klein underpants instead.

The four-string maestro showed off his numerous tattoos and sported a bright purple hairstyle and gold chain.

He clutched a towel and a pair of sandals as he chatted with the two scantily clad young women.

When the women finished speaking to him, Flea went to lie on the sand with a friend.

The legendary rocker is renowned for his cheeky onstage personality, quirky persona, and very distinctive look

The beloved rocker, whose real name is Michael Balzary, looked to be having the time of his life as he chatted with fans while strolling through the popular tourist destination

That's right, it's Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers

It wasn't long before another woman approached the rock star.

A young mother sidled up for a chat with Flea, and he even offered to hold her baby for a moment, after a quick dip in the water.

Flea married fashion designer Melody Ehsani in 2019 in Los Angeles, with Ehsani calling it her 'best collaboration to date'.

The couple welcomed a daughter in 2022.

Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold over 120 million records worldwide and are acknowledged as one of the bestselling bands of all time.
Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a series of skimpy bikinis as she posed for sizzling Instagram snaps during a sun-soaked getaway in Brazil.

The model, 44, flaunted her figure in a zebra lace-up bikini as she stood on a green vehicle waving a flag overlooking the beach.

Alessandra flashed a huge smile as she splashed in the ocean in the animal print two-piece while spending time at the Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago and protected Brazilian marine park.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel later soaked up the sun while enjoying cocktails at a beach bar.

In another snap, Alessandra wowed in a blue bikini as she shielded from the sun behind a pair of sunglasses and threw her arm into the air while sipping a cocktail.

The Brazillian runway star was joined by boyfriend Buck Palmer, who showed off his chiselled abs in black swimming shorts as the couple posed for a photo at the beach.

Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a series of skimpy bikinis as she posed for sizzling Instagram snaps during a sun-soaked getaway in Brazil

The model, 44, flaunted her figure in a zebra lace-up bikini as she stood on a green vehicle waving a flag overlooking the beach

She wrote: 'My piece of paradise'.

Last month Alessandra and Buck enjoyed a luxurious getaway to Aspen, CO where the model helped the jewelry designer celebrate his 44th birthday.

The inseparable couple did so over dinner with four friends including realtor Mackenzie Stone and insurance specialist Justin Stone Baraglia.

Alessandra - who boasts 20 million social media followers - captioned her Instagram slideshow: 'Fun in the snow for my babe's bday!'

The Experience Abu Dhabi promoter and Buck also made sure to hit the slopes at the nearby ski resort Snowmass.

Alessandra originally began dating the hat designer in October 2024 - according to Us Weekly.

In one snap, the glamorous globetrotter gave Buck a kiss while dining al fresco at Ajax Tavern.

At one point, the lovebirds posed beneath flags representing their home countries of Brazil and Australia, but she became a US citizen in 2020 after 24 years of living in the States.

Alessandra splashed in the ocean in the animal print two-piece while spending time at the Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago and protected Brazilian marine park

The Victoria's Secret Angel later soaked up the sun while enjoying cocktails at a beach bar

The Brazillian runway star was joined by boyfriend Buck Palmer who showed off his chiselled abs in black swimming shorts as the couple posed for a photo at the beach

Alessandra showed off her amazing figure in a blue thong bikini as she cooled off in a pool

In March, the couple got matching heart tattoos inked on their wrists by LA artist Winterstone, further solidifying their commitment.

The brunette beauty previously dated Alanui co-designer Nicolo Oddi from 2018 to 2020 and she romanced Wilhelmina Model Richard Lee from 2021 to 2023.

Alessandra is mother to two teenagers - daughter Anja, 17; son Noah, 13 - whom she welcomed during her decade-long relationship with ex-fiance, Re/Done denim co-founder Jamie Mazur, which ended in 2018.

The 5ft10in catwalker made her triumphant return to the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn on October 15

'Always thankful for being a part of something so amazing,' Alessandra gushed on October 17.

'No matter how many times I get to do this, I'll never stop feeling the thrill of it!

Thank you so much, to @victoriassecret @adamselman @carlynecerfdedudzeele @piergiorgio and everyone involved in the show!'

The former Fyre Festival paid promoter previously retired her Angel 'wings' with the San Francisco bra brand in 2017 after 12 years.

She wrote: 'My piece of paradise'

Alessandra showed off her beauty as she beamed for a photo

is every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands and resorts like Alo, Trip Drinks, Omega Watches, Vizzano, Montage Los Cabos and Pomellato.

The former Fyre Festival paid promoter previously retired her Angel 'wings' with the San Francisco bra brand in 2017 after 12 years.

Alessandra is every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands and resorts like Alo, Trip Drinks, Omega Watches, Vizzano, Montage Los Cabos and Pomellato.

She previously ran her eponymous swimwear line ale by Alessandra from 2014-2018.

The busy mother-of-two's co-founded swimwear brand GAL Floripa with her younger sister Aline and best friend Gisele Coria in 2019.
Jack P Shepherd delighted fans as he shared behind-the-scenes snaps from filming Corriedale.

The explosive collision of Coronation Street and Emmerdale on Monday night was a massive hit with fans, peaking with 4.7 million viewers.

Fans are on tenterhooks after Jack's character, David Platt collapsed in hospital just as his pregnant wife Shona's waters broke (Julia Goulding).

The couple had been involved in a huge car pile-up which left the cast from the two soaps fighting for their lives.

Shona was rushed to hospital after revealing she couldn't feel any movement from their baby after the crash.

But in a dramatic turn of events David, who suffers from epilepsy, collapsed and hit his head on the hospital floor.

Jack P Shepherd delighted fans as he shared behind-the-scenes snaps from filming Corriedale

Fans are on tenterhooks after Jack's character, David Platt collapsed in hospital just as his pregnant wife Shona's waters broke ( Julia Goulding)

Fans begged Jack to tell more as they flooded his comment section with questions. They asked: 'What happened to David???' and 'Hope David is ok'.

Jack included behind-the-scenes snaps from the crash site as well as larking around with Julia in-between takes.

He captioned the post: 'Some behind the scenes for ya #CorrieDale @coronationstreet @emmerdale' (sic).

Jack's followers told him: 'an amazing episode'; and 'Fantastic ep! Well done everyone'.

'Corriedale was explosive last night well done everyone at Coronation Street and Emmerdale. I hope Theo gets his comeuppance poor Billy'.

Before the show aired, Jack appeared on Good Morning Britain and kept fans guessing over what would happen to David.

He said: 'People go and my number has come up. I've done 25 years. It would have been great to see the rest of 2026. But sadly tonight is the end. Have I given too much away there?'

Jack then confirmed he was joking with host Susanna Reid telling him: 'I could feel ITV bosses breathing down the back of our necks'.

The couple had been involved in a huge car pile-up which left the cast from the two soaps fighting for their lives

Shona was rushed to hospital after revealing she couldn't feel any movement from their baby after the crash. But in a dramatic turn of events David, who suffers from epilepsy, collapsed

One crew member got ready to say action as the cast prepared themselves

Fans begged Jack to tell more as they flooded his comment section with questions. They asked: 'What happened to David???' and 'Hope David is ok'

The explosive collision of Coronation Streetand Emmerdalein the landmark Corriedale event was a massive hit with fans, peaking with 4.7 million viewers

He captioned the post: 'Some behind the scenes for ya #CorrieDale @coronationstreet @emmerdale'

Jack's followers told him: 'an amazing episode'; and 'Fantastic ep! Well done everyone'

Elsewhere in the show, Emmerdale favourite Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) was shot by a rampaging John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).

Viewers feared Cain might have met his end, but later saw him in hospital where he received the news he could have cancer after doctors found a tumour when doing scans for his internal injuries. Cain was told he will need to undergo further tests.

John was hunted down by Cain and Aaron Dingle, Robert Sugden, Joe Tate and Coronation Street's Kit Green.

The serial killer then lay dead in the woods. In a big twist, Robert's sister Victoria Sugden stood over him - but is she really the killer?

As for Graham, he spent most of the episode with his identity concealed, appearing only as a mysterious hooded figure in the back of a van with a woman called Jodie, who was tied up.

It was only at the end, Joe Tate appeared to get a glimpse of him from his hospital bed, before he slipped away.
Lucy Burgess was the picture of glowing motherhood this week when she stepped out in Sydney with her former NRL star husband, Sam, and their children.

The couple, who are proud parents to newborn son Mack and daughter Robbie, two, were spotted taking a beachside stroll in Coogee on Tuesday.

Lucy, 33, showcased her post-baby body in a white linen dress as the family enjoyed the sunny day out.

Keeping the relaxed vibe going, Lucy finished her look with a pair of brown flip-flops and tortoiseshell-framed sunglasses.

Leaving her hair down for the outing, Lucy's blonde locks flowed effortlessly in the breeze.

Sam, 37, meanwhile, cut a casual figure in a plain navy blue T-shirt and a pair of crisp white shorts.

Lucy Burgess was the picture of glowing motherhood this week when she stepped out in Sydney with her former NRL star husband, Sam, and their children

Sporting a shock of salt-and-pepper stubble, Sam also wore a pair of white slides to complete his holiday ensemble.

Doting dad Sam carried little Robbie in his arms as they strolled, with the toddler looking adorable in a sleeveless brown dress and a white sun hat.

Lucy, meanwhile, dutifully pushed baby Mack's pram along the promenade before scooping the newborn out of his transport and into her arms.

The beach appearance comes just weeks after Lucy first unveiled her post-baby body on social media only one month after giving birth.

The Leeds hairdresser shared a mirror selfie to Instagram, showing off her trim and toned legs in eye-catching hot pants paired with a white blouse.

Lucy and Sam welcomed baby Mack in October, announcing the arrival with a heartfelt reel of family photos.

The proud parents were all smiles as they cuddled on the couch with daughter Robbie and their newborn son.

The couple, who are proud parents to newborn son Mack and daughter Robbie, 2, were spotted taking a beachside stroll in Coogee on Tuesday

Lucy, 33, showcased her post-baby body in a white linen dress as the family enjoyed the sunny day out

The couple, who now live in the UK, have certainly been making the most of their time Down Under since welcoming baby Mack in October

The pair announced in April that they were expecting their second child while enjoying a lavish babymoon in Capri, Italy.

The couple, who now live in the UK, have certainly been making the most of their time Down Under.

Over the weekend, the couple, along with Sam's brother Luke and his wife Tori, attended the star-studded wedding of former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lowe.

Sam was also reunited with the two children he shares with his ex-wife Phoebe after months apart.

Lucy shared a photo of the former NRL player's reunion with his daughter Poppy, nine, and son Billy, seven.

The English-born athlete beamed from ear to ear in one picture that captured him posing with all four of his children.

It is believed that it is the first time Billy and Poppy have met their half-brother, Mack.

Footage also showed Sam playing a fun game of rugby with Billy in a backyard.

Sam was also reunited with the two children he shares with his ex-wife Phoebe, daughter Poppy, nine, and son Billy, seven, after months apart

A third picture showed Sam posing alongside his wife Lucy, the happy couple smiling as they enjoyed some downtime in Sydney.

Since 2023, Sam has been mostly separated from Billy and Poppy after he moved to the UK with Lucy.

The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Rome in 2023.
Cynthia Erivo will reportedly be forced to miss the Golden Globes award ceremony this year, after making history with the nod.

The actress, 38, is nominated for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good. It is her fifth Golden Globe nomination and third Best Actress nod.

She made history when the nominations were announced in December as the first black woman to be nominated twice in the same category, Best Actress in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy.

But Cynthia will be forced to miss the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday as she is knee deep in rehearsals for her next role, according to Variety.

Cynthia is currently sinking her teeth into the role of Dracula and 22 other roles in a one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic novel - landing on the West End next month.

Producers have reportedly been unable to free her up to fly to LA for the Golden Globes.

Cynthia Erivowill reportedly be forced to miss the Golden Globes award ceremony this year, after making history with the nod (Seen at 2025 ceremony)

The actress, is nominated for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good. It is her fifth Golden Globenomination and third Best Actress nod

Dracula is adapted and directed by Kip Williams following his award-winning version of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, which starred Sarah Snook.

Dracula originally premiered in Australia back in 2024 and will make its international debut at London's Noel Coward Theatre in February 2026.

This isn't be Cynthia's first stint on the West End, having made her debut in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg back in 2011.

However, it was her Broadway debut as Celie in The Colour Purple (2015-2017) that saw her win a Tony.

Cynthia was previously a double nominee at the 2020 Golden Globes when she was recognised for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet, nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture  Drama, and for best original song, Stand Up.

She was also nominated at the ceremony in 2022 for Best Actress  Miniseries or Television Film for her role in Genius: Aretha, where she portrayed Aretha Franklin - and Wicked Part One in 2025.

Speaking about her upcoming roles in Dracula, the actress said: 'Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I've been craving for a long time.

'To do so with a story as rich, complex, and haunting as DRACULA offers a beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human.

But Cynthia will be forced to miss the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday as she is knee deep in rehearsals for her next role, according to Variety

Cynthia is currently sinking her teeth into the role of Dracula and 22 other roles in a one-actor adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic novel - landing on the West End next month

'From the moment I was asked, I could not get the role out of my mind. Kip's vision is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply resonant, offering a chance to sit with not only the darkness in the world, but also the light we fight to hold onto.

'It's a rare gift for an actor to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece, and I'm honoured to do it for West End audiences in this extraordinary production.

'The prospect of doing this show scares me and I know it will be a huge challenge. This show will ask everything of me  and I'm ready to give it.'

Meanwhile, director Kip said: 'I am thrilled to be returning to the West End to direct my adaptation of Bram Stoker's DRACULA and to collaborate with the extraordinary Cynthia Erivo, as she brings to life the many iconic characters of this much-adored tale.

'Our production expands upon Stoker's exploration of the tension between fear and desire, offering a contemporary perspective on the vampire as a monster that lurks not beyond, but within.

'I am excited to reunite with many of my Dorian Gray collaborators on this project, and it is an immense privilege to have such a singularly gifted artist as Cynthia at the heart of it.

Cynthia was previously a double nominee at the 2020 Golden Globes when she was recognised for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet (Pictured)

She was also nominated at the ceremony in 2022 for Best Actress  Miniseries or Television Film for her role in Genius: Aretha, where she portrayed Aretha Franklin (Pictured)

'I can't wait to share this piece with London audiences, especially in the West End, a place where Bram spent so much of his creative life.'

Cynthia was reportedly approached about the role during the promotional tour for Wicked nine months ago.

The original Sydney production will not 'be a blueprint' for the West End version.

However, Michael added that it's very 'appealing to Cynthia to put her own interpretation on the role and explore that with Kip.'

While the West End play is not a musical, fans of Wicked will be delighted to know that there is one original song near the end of the show, by composer Clemence Williams.
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox sent their fans into meltdown as the former Friends co-stars reunited to debate whether blondes have more fun in a funny video on Wednesday.

The actresses - who starred together in the hit US sitcom which ended in 2004 - were back together again for a new Instagram video to promote Jen's haircare brand LolaVie.

The clip began with Jen, 56, as the main person in the shot as she queries: 'Would I ever go brunette? I am brunette!'

Courteney, 61, then walks into shot behind her and says: 'Oh you are.. well come here. This is what she looks like brunette...' - as she leant over her and put her dark tresses over Jen to show the difference.

Jen then exclaims: 'Wow it's dark! Its dark brown. This is like the Horrible Bosses character I played' - referring to her character Julia in the 2011 film who had dark hair.

Courteney then said: 'I love Horrible Bosses - you were a badass dentist!'

Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox sent their fans into meltdown as the former Friends co-stars reunited to debate whether blondes have more fun in a funny video on Wednesday

The actresses - who starred together in the hit US sitcom which ended in 2004 - were back together again for a new Instagram video to promote Jen's haircare brand LolaVie

Jennifer captioned the video: 'Do blondes *reeeaaalllyyy* have more fun?? #lolavie.'

Jen played Rachel Green in Friends while Courteney played the role of Monica Geller.

Fans went wild in the comments as they penned: 'Pls this duo is the best!!',

'The most beautiful friendship and girls.',

'They're hilarious  love these girls so much!!!', 'love whey they're together!!!',

'I love you both!', 'The best duo we know.'

It comes after in December the cast of Friends teamed up for a poignant tribute to their late co-star Matthew Perry, who tragically died two years ago from a drug overdose aged 54.

Jennifer, Courteney, Matt LeBlanc, 58, Lisa Kudrow, 62, and David Schwimmer, 59, all contributed to a special collection of artwork that raised money for charity during the festive season.

The Matthew Perry Foundation shared heart-warming images on Instagram of each of the actors signing vibrant, colorful prints inspired by the iconic Friends theme song.

It was part of a collaboration with Soundwaves Art and artist Tim Wakefield.

The clip began with Jen, 56, as the main person in the shot as she queries: 'Would I ever go brunette? I am brunette!'

Fans went wild in the comments as they penned: 'Pls this duo is the best!!', 'The most beautiful friendship and girls'

Courteney, 61, then walks into shot behind her and says: 'Oh you are.. well come here. This is what she looks like brunette...'

Jen then exclaims: 'Wow it's dark! Its dark brown. This is like the Horrible Bosses character I played' - referring to her character Julia in the 2011 film who had dark hair

Courteney then said: 'I love Horrible Bosses - you were a badass dentist!'

Jennifer captioned the video: 'Do blondes *reeeaaalllyyy* have more fun?? #lolavie'

The behind-the-scenes photos show the cast adding their autographs to limited-edition artwork that transformed the actual soundwaves of the Friends theme song into stunning visual designs.

Signed prints were being sold for $600 while unsigned ones were going for $100.

The Foundation captioned the post: 'Exciting news! The cast has teamed up with Soundwaves Art and artist Tim Wakefield for a very special collection of artwork this holiday season.

'Tim has transformed the actual soundwaves of the Friends theme song into these beautiful designs each inspired by a different character, and each cast member has autographed their own small run of artworks.

'And in collaboration with the estate of Matthew Perry we have produced a very limited edition of artworks embossed with Matthew's official signature.

'All profits will be supporting charities chosen by the cast, including the Matthew Perry Foundation and their work helping those struggling with the disease of addiction.'

Friends fans were moved by the projects, with one commenting on the post: 'I think I'm going to cry, I miss him so much.' Another wrote: 'I miss him sooo much.'

Perry, who played the beloved Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom, tragically died in October 2023.

He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles, with an autopsy later revealing that the actor died from the acute effects of ketamine.

The troubled actor had been open about his decades-long struggle with addiction, which he detailed candidly in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

Jen played Rachel Green in Friends while Courteney played the role of Monica Geller. The pair have remained close

Friends actors clockwise from bottom left, Courteney as Monica, Matt LeBlanc as Joey, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe, David Schwimmer as Ross, Matthew Perry as Chandler, Jennifer as Rachel

The Matthew Perry Foundation was established after his death to honor the actor's enduring commitment to helping others battling addiction.

The foundation features one of Matthew's most poignant quotes on its website: 'When I die, I don't want Friends to be the first thing that's mentioned.

'I want helping others to be the first thing that's mentioned. And I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that.'

His death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, and devastated his former castmates, who issued a joint statement describing themselves as 'more than just cast mates' but 'a family'.
Industry star Myha'la has revealed she secretly tied the knot with her partner Armando Rivera over a year ago, as she marked their first anniversary on Instagram.

The actress, 29, has played Harper Stern in the racy HBO drama since 2020, and had shared she met her spouse when he slid into her Instagram DMs during lockdown.

Myha'la revealed she and Armando had married by sharing snaps from their nuptials on Instagram, and wrote in the caption that only close friends and family knew they had tied the knot.

The star opted for an elegant white lace midi dress as she posed with her husband, exchanging their vows in a low-key ceremony after five years together.

She captioned the post: 'One year of marriage. Sos if this is how you're finding out, promise we didn't tell most everyone.

'Incredible photography by our dear friend @quillemons.

Industry star Myha'la has revealed she secretly tied the knot with her partner Armando Rivera over a year ago, as she marked their first anniversary on Instagram

'Speedy officiating by @jojoplutz Endlessly grateful to our friends and family for helping make this day so very magical.'

Many of her celebrity pals were quick to share their appreciation, with her co-star Marisa Abela saying: 'It's so mum and dad, it's crazy.'

Myha'la had previously revealed she and Armando met when he sent her an Instagram DM during lockdown.

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2024, she explained that pandemic restrictions left her with time to scroll through her Instagram, and she came across a message from her now-husband congratulating her on Industry's debut.

While she replied with a simple thank-you, she shared that she then woke up to a series of video messages from Rivera, and while she was hesitant to open them, she found him 'kind of cute' when she checked out his profile.

In his videos, Armando explained he wanted to interview Myha'la for his journalism project, and when she accepted, what was meant to be a 10-minute chat on Zoom turned into a full 40 minutes.

'We hop off, and I was like, 'Oh, I'm in love with a stranger. How weird,' she said. She said that she followed up a few days later, and Armando asked for her number.

Myha'la said that they enjoyed a string of Facetime dates before finally meeting in person in early 2021, telling W Magazine: 'He was at school in San Francisco, and I'm from San Jose, which is just a 50-minute drive.

The actress has played Harper Stern in the racy HBO drama since 2020 (pictured), and had shared she met her spouse when he slid into her Instagram DMs during lockdown

Myha'la revealed she and Armando had married by sharing snaps from their nuptials on Instagram, and shared that only close friends and family knew they had tied the knot

'I was visiting my mother in January of 2021, and I said, ''Hey, I'm going to be in town. Do you want to meet in real life?''

'He said, ''Sure.'' It was still very deep COVID, so when I got there, I was testing every day, and the test results weren't getting back [in time]. I was like, ''F**k it, I'm just going to go and hope for the best.'' And I drove to his apartment.'

Myha'la described their first time holding hands as 'otherworldly', and said they became 'inseparable from then on.'

When Armando finished his studies, he moved in with her in New York, and she told ELLE: 'When we met, I was like, ''I don't need you, I don't need you, and you don't need me, but I want you, and you want me.'' We choose each other; we enrich each other's lives.'

'Being individually independent then makes us more available for the other person, which is extra s**t that I didn't know I wanted - and now I feel like I can't go without being loved in this way.'

Rivera proposed to Myhala in July 2024 in the doorway of their shared New York apartment, and after struggling with the daunting prospect of planning a wedding, they decided to marry in an intimate ceremony.

HBO renewed Industry, created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, for a fourth season in September 2024, and it's set to begin on January 11.

Season three ended with Rob leaving Pierpoint to work on a psilocybin startup, while his close friend and love interest Yasmin (Marisa Abela) married Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington).

On Thursday, it was revealed that Handmaid's Tale star Max Minghella has been cast in the upcoming season.

Max, 39, will play Whitney Halberstram, the CFO and Founder of Tender, a payment processor entering a growth phase.
Maya Jama has bounced back from her mystery illness as she touched down in Cape Town ahead of Love Island: All Stars.

The presenter, 31, was forced to pull out of a Love Island: All Stars launch event days before the hit ITV2 dating series begins.

She admitted the 'flu is kicking my a**' as she shared a candid Instagram update during her 12 hour flight to South Africa on Monday night.

But the star looked radiant as she landed in Cape Town ahead of the new series in a sign she is on the mend.

Maya was all smiles as she strolled through the airport on Tuesday carrying her two huge suitcases as she prepares to host the star-studded version of the ITV2 show.

She opted for a casual ensemble for her airport look as she wore a ribbed chiffon sheer shirt over black wide-leg trousers and carried a patent slouch bag.

Maya Jama has bounced back from her mystery illness as she touched down in Cape Town on Tuesday ahead of Love Island: All Stars

The presenter, 31, was forced to pull out of a Love Island: All Stars launch event days before the hit ITV2 dating series begins

Maya was forced to miss the Love Island: All Stars press launch, due to illness.

In her absence, the panel, hosted by Elizabeth Day, went ahead with voiceover star Iain Sterling, former winners Molly Smith and Tom Clare, and producers Mike Spencer and Amanda Stavr at Soho House, Television Centre, in West London.

Sharing an update on her health on the plane on Monday, Maya flashed a small smile as she posed for a selfie while preparing to get some sleep.

She revealed she has taken some vitamins to boost her immune system and is 'praying the sun' cures her.

She wrote: 'Used to spend this flight on the reds chatting away to the flight crew but entering this year wholesome....

'Lol truthfully the flu came in last minute to kick my a** for the last 24hours. Vitamin C'ed up and praying the sun deletes it all, next stop [South Africa flag emoji]'

Maya will be greeting the All Star Islanders in the villa before the new series kicks off on ITV2 in a week's time.

On Sunday afternoon Maya was in great spirits as she shared an Instagram selfie and gushed that she was 'so excited and so ready' to start working again on the hit show, revealing her flight was booked for Monday.

But the star looked radiant as she landed in Cape Town ahead of the new series in a sign she is on the mend

Maya was all smiles as she strolled through the airport on Tuesday carrying her two huge suitcases as she prepares to host the star-studded version of the ITV2 show

She opted for a casual ensemble for her airport look as she wore a ribbed chiffon sheer shirt over black wide-leg trousers

Maya also wore a pair of sunglasses, black comfy shoes and carried a patent slouch bag

Maya's team had nothing but praise for their presenter, who is going into her third year hosting the reality series, in her absence on Monday.

Producer Amanda gushed that she 'is the perfect host for Love Island. She's cool, she's fun, she's sexy, she's a big fan of the show and she makes it feel really young and relevant'.

'She brings a great energy to the show. I am sorry that she can't be with us, but I think her enthusiasm and love for the show and her support for all the Islanders really comes through.'

Mike added that he's often thought Maya could have been a contestant on the matchmaking show 'once upon a time. She would have been an iconic Islander. She's great'.

The star showed off her incredible figure in a gold minidress for a new series promo shoot released on Monday, as she vowed to go sexy' for the return of Love Island: All Stars.

The presenter stunned as she slipped into the sparkling, chainmail gold micro mini dress.

Ahead of the show's return, Maya confessed that they are already working on her iconic outfits for when she greets the islanders around the fire pit.

She revealed that while the final wardrobe lineup is still to be finalised, she does know that her ensembles will be 'sexy as usual'.

Sharing an update on her health on the plane on Monday, Maya flashed a small smile as she posed for a selfie while preparing to get some sleep

On Sunday afternoon Maya was in great spirits as she shared an Instagram selfie and gushed that she was 'so excited and so ready' to start working again on the hit show

The Love Island: All Stars cast has now been confirmed.

Millie Court, 29, who triumphed on the ITV2 series in 2021 alongside ex-Liam Reardon, returns following the couple's September split and the definitive end to their on/off relationship.

She is joined by fellow winner Jess Harding, 25, who claimed the 50,000 prize in 2023, but her romance with ex-boyfriend Sammy Root fizzled out just two months after leaving the villa.

Whitney Adebayo, 28, narrowly missed out on winning the same year when she and Lochan Nowacki became runners-up, but to the shock of fans, the couple ended their two-year relationship in 2025 under controversial circumstances.

Boyzone star Ronan Keating's son, Jack, 26, is also returning to Love Island after failing to find love during his 2022 stint.

Fresh from the Mallorca villa, Helena Ford, 29, will make a return after she was dumped from the show after her ex-partner, Harry Cooksley.

Following on from last summer's series, Tommy Bradley, 22, is joining former co-star Helena.

Maya is flying to Cape Town to greet the All Star Islanders in the villa before the new series kicks off on ITV2 in a week's time

Cast your mind back to Love Island in 2018, former contestant Charlie Frederick, 31, will re-enter the villa after he previously dated ex-islander Lucie Donlan.

Also making a return is Belle Hassan, 27, who was one of the first Love Islanders with celebrity connections to enter the ITV2 dating show.

Jess Harding will have another go at finding love in the villa after she won Love Island in 2023 alongside Sammy Root, but their romance was short-lived.

Sweet salesman Sean Stone, 26, and Leanne Amaning are also heading back into the villa for a second chance at finding a connection.

And to finish the lineup, Ciaran Davies, 23, who finished as runner-up in 2024 with then-girlfriend Nicole Samuels, will join Shaq Muhammad, 27, for the new series.
Myleene Klass has showcased her incredible figure in another white bikini as she soaked up the sun in Thailand.

The model and TV presenter, 47, has become synonymous with white bikinis ever since her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2006.

The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame.

The mum-of-three is currently enjoying winter sun after bringing in the New Year with her rarely-seen sister Jessie.

In her latest snaps, Myleene looked incredible in a white two-piece as she enjoyed a boat trip to Koh Tao island.

The star shared a clip of herself relaxing at the back of the boat with a cup of coffee as she took in the stunning views.

Myleene Klass has showcased her incredible figure in another white bikini as she soaked up the sun in Thailand

The model and TV presenter, 47, has become synonymous with white bikinis ever since her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2006

The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame

It comes after Myleene donned a matching white two-piece bikini for fans on Saturday as she posed up a storm at a waterfall.

Alongside the pictures, Myleene penned: 'The OG (Although you cant turn this waterfall off).

'20 years ago, my name became a verb. Doing a Myleene.

'Ill be eternally grateful for that moment in the Australian jungle only to be repeated in South Africa for the All Stars battle royale and the crown 17 years later.

'Honestly, that white bikini has put my kids through school.'

'Awesome pictures lovely lady'; 'What a beauty'.

Myleene previously revealed that the first white bikini she wore in 2006 sold for a whopping 7,500 after the show - after she bought it for just 40.

'I bought that white bikini for 40. After the show I sold it off - for 7,500!' she said ahead of entering the jungle for the all-stars edition in 2023.

In her latest snaps, Myleene looked incredible in a white two-piece as she enjoyed a boat trip to Koh Tao island

The star shared a clip of herself relaxing at the back of the boat with a cup of coffee as she took in the stunning views

Myleene displayed her sun-kissed tan as she went snorkelling with her kids

It comes after Myleene stripped down to a white bikini to recreate her famous I'm A Celebrity shower scene two decades later

The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame (pictured in 2006)

Meanwhile, on Friday, Myleene she shared a selection of pictures by the pool whilst soaking up the sun.

She posed up a storm in a two-piece animal print bikini as she went make-up free with her bronzed complexion on full display.

In one capture, Myleene enjoyed the jacuzzi, while in another she showed off her long legs whilst sunbathing.

She stopped short of revealing exactly where she is but captioned the snaps: 'Back in the jungle'.
Luisa Zissman said she is 'absolutely loving' her new life in Dubai after relocating with her family and horses.

But it hasn't all been plain sailing, as the former The Apprentice star admitted she had an explosive row with a 'really rude' reality star - who she chose not to name.

Luisa, 38, made the confession on the latest episode of her LuAnna podcast, which she hosts with Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson.

Recording over Zoom from Dubai, Luisa discussed her new life in the UAE and revealed her beloved horses are kept at a stable in Abu Dhabi owned by Royals and she drives everyday to see them.

She gushed over Dubai's life of convenience as she revealed she had false eyelashes and lipstick delivered on New Year's Eve in just 11 minutes and she has a nail technician who comes to her house.

However a downside of her first few weeks living in the city came in the form of a bust up at the pool on Monday, after she was confronted by a high profile woman - whose identity she kept a secret.

Luisa Zissman said she is 'absolutely loving' her new life in Dubai after relocating with her family and horses - but it hasn't all been plain sailing

The former The Apprentice star admitted she had an explosive row with a 'really rude' reality star - who she chose not to name

'People just seem so much happier here,' she began, before continuing: 'Although I met a right miserable b**** at the swimming pool yesterday. F*** me. Jesus Christ the f***ing ego of this woman.

'I didn't think people were like this. Oh... I don't know how much I can say I might get done for defamation.'

Luisa revealed she had been waiting over an hour for her food to be delivered at the pool and decided to approach a waiter carrying trays to another sunbed.

She noticed the food looked like her order, which she said she 'politely' told the waiter, before a woman a few sunbeds down raged at her.

'This woman, lips like a baboon's a***hole honestly I've never seen so much filler in someone's face in my life, not only has she done the lips she's got the a*** done as well it was like a total eclipse honestly,' she said.

'Anyway she was like "Excuse me you're so rude".'

Luisa continued: 'She was really really rude. I was like I'm so sorry and she was like "You've just come over here" and I said "I wasn't being rude I wasn't talking to you, I was just asking the waiter is that our food, I wasn't being rude to you".

'By the way she was like two sunbeds down she wasn't even near me. I was so confused by how angry she was. It was bizarre.

Luisa made the decision to leave England for a better quality of life and blamed rising crime and the weather as factors in hew decision

Luisa made the confession about her bust up with a star on the latest episode of her LuAnna podcast, which she hosts with Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson

Luisa said she had an argument at the pool on Monday, after she was confronted by a high profile woman - whose identity she kept a secret

'One thing she said I found quite strange was she said "You should have come over to us and said hi guys how are you happy new year".'

She added: 'Well turns out, anyway my mate Lucy was like "you know who that is right" and I had no idea who I just knew it was a rude b**** with too much filler in her face and her a***. And Lucy [her friend] was like "Oh she's so and so, she's got 4.4million followers".'

Luisa went on to say that despite the woman, everyone in Dubai has been lovely.

Discussing her life there, Luisa revealed she has recently bought a puppy, saying: 'The kids know, it was a surprise, and loads of people are like you should adopt not shop.

'I have been to the shelters here and I don't think those dogs are suitable for kids. It's a toy poodle. It's so small. Indie cried, she's so cute. I think they've called it Crumble or Pickle. I like both of them actually.'

Speaking about the city's convenience, she added: 'There's also a nail lady that comes to my house.

'I was getting ready for New Year's Eve and I had no lipstick and I discovered an app. I got lipstick and false eyelashes delivered in 11 minutes. I was just like... I'm never leaving this place. It's revolutionary. It's very convenient life here.'

Luisa made the decision to leave England for a better quality of life and blamed rising crime and the weather as factors in hew decision.

Luisa's eldest daughter, 15-year-old Dixie, who she shares with her ex-husband Oliver Zissman, will remain in the UK and finish her education at her boarding school

Luisa's Irish millionaire husband Andrew Collin had already relocated to the UAE.

Her eldest daughter, 15-year-old Dixie, who she shares with her ex-husband Oliver Zissman, will remain in the UK and finish her education at her boarding school.

During the latest episode of LuAnna, Luisa also reassured fans that the hit podcast wasn't coming to an end just because she was relocating, admitting that she would be 'building up the airmiles' to fly back as often as she could to co-host the weekly show in person.

'I have flights booked to do LuAnna up until September,' she explained. 'So, please don't worry, it's continuing after September. I just felt like block booking.'

Previously speaking about her 'stressful' move, Luisa told fans: 'It's been manic navigating our move to Dubai, kids schools, moving 5 horses (the most stressful part!), packing boxes & shipping them, arranging visas for our lovely nannies both are relocating with us!'

'And now it's time to relax in the Maldives for a week before we head to our new home in Dubai, so excited for this next chapter in our adventure!'
Holly Ramsay's wedding to Olympic Swimmer Adam Peaty was quite a regal affair, held at the awe-inspiring 1499 Bath Abbey on December 27.

The daughter of Gordon and Tana Ramsay, 26, has revealed her stunning lace wedding dress was inspired by the Alexander McQueen one Kate Middleton wore to her own nuptials in 2011, but the similarities certainly don't stop there.

Speaking to the Daily Mail at the Sport Industry Awards last year, Holly said of her dress: 'I'm very excited. I'll not say whether it's traditional or not, because I don't want to give anything away.'

Adding: 'I've always been a huge fan of Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding dress, and the lace, and how traditional it is, so I took a lot of inspiration from her.'

The traditional lace wedding dress.

Is Holly Ramsay a copy-Kate? Newlywed has revealed her lace wedding dress was inspired by Princess Catherine - and the similarities don't stop there

Holly told the Daily Mail: 'I've always been a huge fan of Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding dress, (pictured) and the lace, and how traditional it is, so I took a lot of inspiration from her'

Kate's incredible wedding gown was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director for Alexander McQueen in 2011.

The bride chose the British house 'for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing'.

Holly wore four wedding dresses across two days and opted for an Elie Saab gown for the moment she said 'I do' to Adam.

Holly also told Vogue about her decision to turn to royalty for inspiration and wanting something to emulate Kate's bridal look.

She told the publication: 'I knew I wanted to wear something very traditional and quite modest, with lace. Ive always loved Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton's gowns: that beautiful high neckline, super feminine.'

Holly also paid a sweet tribute to her mother Tana by borrowing her wedding dress from her 1996 nuptials to Gordon for her reception.

The white floral bouquet

Holly was inspired by Kate's chic and clean colour palette for her florals and opted for a simple bunch of white ranunculus by London florist Rob Van Helden

Holly's bridal party, sisters Megan, 27, and Tilly, 24, and her sister-in-law Bethany, 32, carried bouquets of calla lilies to symbolise resurrection and purity - but the choice has been mocked online with spectators comparing the flowers to a bunch of spring onions

Kate's bridal bouquet was made up of five different types of white flowers, including lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, hyacinth, ivy and myrtle. Myrtle has featured in royal brides' wedding bouquets since 1885

Holly was inspired by Kate's chic and clean colour palette for her florals and opted for a simple bunch of white ranunculus by London florist Rob Van Helden.

Her bridal party, which included her sisters Megan, 27, and Tilly, 24, and her sister-in-law Bethany, 32, carried bouquets of calla lilies which are meant to symbolise resurrection and purity.

Yet the choice has been mocked online with spectators comparing the flowers to a bunch of spring onions and joking that they must have been a tribute to Holly's chef father Gordon Ramsay.

Kate's own bridal bouquet was made up of five different types of white flowers, including lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, hyacinth, ivy and myrtle. Myrtle has featured in royal brides' wedding bouquets since 1885.

Bridesmaid dresses

Holly clearly took inspiration from Kate and replicated the look with similarly slinky 990 bridesmaid gowns which hugged the figure, from Victoria Beckham

Kate's sister Pippa was maid of honour at her wedding and just like Kate's wedding gown, it was designed by Sarah Burton. The slinky gown featured capped sleeves, 58 buttons that ran all the way down the back and caught the world's attention due to the way it hugged her figure

Three years later, Pippa joked about it, saying 'recognition has its upside, its downside, and  you may say  its backside,' adding: 'in retrospect, it fitted a little too well'

Kate's sister Pippa was maid of honour at her wedding and just like Kate's wedding gown, it was designed by Sarah Burton.

The slinky gown featured capped sleeves, 58 buttons that ran all the way down the back and caught the world's attention due to the way it hugged her bottom.

Three years later, Pippa joked about it, saying 'recognition has its upside, its downside, and  you may say  its backside,' adding: 'In retrospect, it fitted a little too well.'

Holly clearly took inspiration from Kate and replicated the look with similarly slinky 990 gowns which hugged the figure, from Victoria Beckham, however these were a stunning shade of red and each bridesmaid was gifted a pair of red-soled Christian Louboutin heels to match.

It's all in the details...

Holly chose a Victoria Beckham slip dress for one of her evening celebrations and taking inspiration from Kate once again, she wore a feathered cape much like the princess's fluffy bolero that she wore to to her own reception (pictured)

Holly chose a Victoria Beckham slip dress for an evening do and taking inspiration from Kate once again, she wore a feathered cape much like the princess' fluffy bolero that she wore.

She looked incredible completing her look with Malone Souliers shoes and a Chanel shell bag Holly sourced on eBay and of course, Tiffany & Co. diamonds.

Kate famously wore an angora v-neck bolero in white to her wedding reception in a bid to maintain a relaxed look and keep out the cold of the British weather.

She wore a second, more relaxed gown which had an A-line shape and embellished band around the waist which added some serious sparkle.

The elegant chignon

Holly wore her hair in an up-do, just like the princess has worn many times before

Kate wore her hair half-up, half down on her wedding day and was styled by top hair dresser Richard Ward.

She later wore it down completely and in loose curls when she walked into her reception.

While Holly wore her hair in an up-do, she opted for a style that the princess has worn many times before.

Her brunette hair had loose tendrils at the front which were styled into soft curls.

Kate's key hairdressers are Amanda Cook Tucker, her trusted personal stylist for travel and major events, and she has been visiting Richard Ward's upmarket Chelsea salon since her university days.

And finally, the venue...

A grand dress requires a grand venue and Holly chose a grand venue which was equally steeped in history - Bath Abbey (pictured)

Holly told Vogue that it was the large and historical venue that influenced her first choice of dress, saying: 'It's so grand and so beautiful I knew I needed something long!'

Kate and William tied the knot at similarly gothic Westminster Abbey, formally called the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, an Anglican church in the City of Westminster

It has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs since 1066

A grand dress requires a grand venue and while Kate married Prince William at the gothic Westminster Abbey in London, Holly chose a grand venue which was equally steeped in history.

Holly told Vogue that it was the large and historical venue that influenced her first choice of dress, saying: 'It's so grand and so beautiful I knew I needed something long!'

Bath Abbey, also a gothic building, was a former Benedictine monastery, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.

It was the site of King Edgar's coronation in 973 AD and was later re-established as a monastery, later becoming the Anglican parish church it is today following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Gothic structure you see today was built in 1499.

Westminster Abbey, formally called the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster.

It has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs since 1066.
Nina Dobrev took to her Instagram on Tuesday to hit back at claims that she has become a 'yacht girl' off the back of her acting career.

In popular culture, the term most often refers to models, aspiring actresses, or social media influencers who are paid to spend time aboard mega-yachts.

The Vampire Diaries actress, 36, who rang in the New Year in St. Barts with her pals aboard a luxurious yacht, responded to trolls' claims on social media, telling them to 'get a hobby' and move on from the false statements.

In one of her New Year posts, she fired back at one troll comment, saying: 'It's 2026. Jealousy is the worst thing ever. Please move on from these false statements. Get a hobby. Enjoy your life.'

The false rumours began circulating after Nina, who split from her fiance Shaun White, shared several sizzling photos and videos of herself living her best life aboard the yacht over the festive period, captioning one Instagram carousel: 'Final days of 2025.'

She was joined by a group of pals, including ex-Glen Powells rumoured girlfriend Michelle Randolph and TV personality Alix Earle, per People.

Nina Dobrev took to her Instagram on Tuesday to hit back at claims that she's become a 'yacht girl'

The Vampire Diaries actress, 36, who rang in the New Year in St. Barts with her pals aboard a luxurious yacht, responded to trolls' claims on social media, telling them to 'get a hobby' and move on from the false statements

Nina- who modelled a string bikini during her getaway just days prior - was seen cavorting around in various forms of skimpy attire, from a bikini top and sarong set to a black bikini as she sunned on deck.

Another provocative shot featured Nina lounging on the yacht in a fuchsia flower-print two-piece outfit that showed off her cleavage and toned, tanned abs.

The social media drop also included a clip of the brunette beauty modelling a black and white mini-dress with an intricately embroidered pattern of seashells and flowers. She kept twisting and turning in front of a mirror to view a better angle.

There were many other visual examples of the fun time she was having with her pals.

She and her girlfriends were pictured enjoying snacks in white terrycloth robes, while a pair of shirtless male friends clowned around in swim trunks and Subea snorkel masks.

At another point, The Roommate star enjoyed a Pilates class with the whole gang on the boats bow beneath sail shades.

Earlier this week, she also showed off her incredible figure in a brown bikini top and sarong set with gold accents in a fun Instagram clip.

She then slipped into a barely-there black and white patterned string bikini, which she paired with a straw Chanel bucket hat as she held up a white linen shirt.

The star put on a cheeky display as she turned around and showed off her bottom in the racy bikini.

In one of her New Year posts, she fired back at one troll comment, saying: 'It's 2026. Jealousy is the worst thing ever. Please move on from these false statements. Get a hobby. Enjoy your life'

The false rumours began circulating after Nina, who split from her fiance Shaun White, shared several sizzling photos and videos of herself living her best life aboard the yacht over the festive period, captioning one Instagram carousel: 'Final days of 2025'

She was joined by a group of equally enthusiastic guys and gals, including ex- Glen Powells rumoured girlfriend Michelle Randolph and TV personality Alix Earle, per People

Nina has been enjoying a winter of fun in the wake of her split from the Olympic snowboarder.

In early September, news broke that the Love Hard star and Shaun had ended their five-year relationship and called off their engagement.

The pairs romance began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and White proposed last October with a five-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, a move that led fans to believe a wedding was in the works.

A source told Us Weekly there was zero bad blood between the pair.

'They were very loyal to each other. Any online speculation that suggests otherwise is ridiculous,' the insider told the publication, adding again that Dobrev was crushed by the end of the relationship.

Meanwhile, Shaun was reportedly among the guests at Kate Hudsons star-studded New Years Eve bash in Aspen.

In November, the athlete was spotted chatting up model Brooks Nader at an Alice + Olivia event in New York City, according to Just.Jared.

Photos showed him hovering by Brooks' car with a big smile on his face as she leaned out the vehicle's window.
Sir Richard Branson has revealed he suffered a shoulder injury as he shared a snap of himself with his arm in a sling on Necker Island.

The business mogul, 75, travelled to his estate in the British Virgin Islands for a special service to honour his late wife Joan, following her death in November.

While enjoying a hike in the sunshine, Richard shared a shirtless snap as he marked the start of a New Year in his reflective post.

He also reassured his followers that his shoulder injury was 'on the mend' and he was grateful for the chance to spend 'restful' time with his loved ones.

Richard wrote: 'A rainbow over Necker to welcome the new year. Thanks for all the well-wishes, my shoulder is on the mend and the family and I spent some restful time together sharing memories over the break.'

The Virgin Group magnate recently paid tribute to his late wife in an emotional New Year service filled with 'songs, laughter and tears.'

Sir Richard Branson has revealed he suffered a shoulder injury as he shared a shirtless snap of himself with his arm in a sling on Necker Island

The business mogul travelled to his estate in the British Virgin Islands for a special service to honour his late wife Joan, following her death in November

The event included Branson's two children with Joan, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, both of whom were born before the couple's marriage on Necker Island in 1989.

In video footage shared across social media, Branson, who appeared to be nursing an arm injury, his children and an assortment of friends were seen dressed in matching white shirts as they walked single file across the island's rugged coastline.

The Virgin tycoon later gave a speech in honour of his late wife, whose cause of death has not been disclosed, as guests raised flutes of champagne.

Captioning the posts, he wrote: 'My family and I have always believed in celebrating peoples lives, while they are with us and after they are gone. That is exactly what we did for Joan.

'We held a beautiful celebration on Necker Island. There were stories, songs, laughter, and tears, all in honour of the most incredible partner, mum, grandmother, and friend.'

Branson revealed the family had chosen to honour Joan's 'otherworldly presence' beneath the 'brightest moon of the year' on the final day of a 'beautiful month.'

Separate images captured the businessman and his son in deep reflection while sat beneath the rising moon on Necker Island's sweeping beach.

Sharing his own posts from the service, son Sam wrote: 'A very special service for a very special woman.'

While enjoying a hike in the sunshine, Richard shared a shirtless snap as he marked the start of a New Year in his reflective post

The Virgin Group magnate recently paid tribute to his late wife in an emotional New Year service filled with 'songs, laughter and tears'

Branson, his children and an assortment of friends were seen dressed in matching white shirts as they walked single file across the island's rugged coastline

Speaking in November, Branson told Instagram followers how the devoted couple 'never missed an opportunity to show love' and always tried to make 'incredible' memories together.

He wrote: 'My sister @VanessaGBranson said we are experiencing uncomplicated grief, because we had such wonderful relationships with Joan, never missing an opportunity to share and show love, saying all we wanted to say and making incredible memories together'.

'It made me think again how important it is to ensure you are on good terms with everyone in your life, as you never know when it will be too late. Life is short'.

Daughter Holly also shared an emotional tribute to her late mother as she reflected on the 'initial shock and pain' of her passing, describing her as 'one in a billion, brilliant and kind'.

Posting photos with Joan throughout her childhood, Holly said she and her family 'feel very loved' following an outpouring of sympathies in the wake of her mother's passing.

She captioned the post: 'It's taken a couple of weeks for me to write this, because how do you put 44 years of unconditional love into words?

'That's what sums up my amazing mum. She oozed love to everyone in her orbit and made everyone feel special. Especially me and Freddie, Sam and Bellie, Dad, and her precious grandchildren. We were her world and we knew it. I feel so thankful for that.

'You know that your parents are going to die one day, but somehow your brain never really prepares you for the inevitable. People say time is a healer and in the space of two weeks, I can see that.

'The initial shock and pain has shifted into a deep gratitude that I had such a brilliant, kind, caring mum who always showered us all with love.

'Mum, you are one in a billion and I am trying to be more like you every day. The other day I was shopping with [Joan's granddaughter] Etta and let her get a few more bits than I would have normally.

'Etta turned to me and said, "You're channelling your inner Amma." That is exactly what I want to do. Channel you every day to be the best wife, mum, and, one day, grandparent I can be.

The billionaire business magnate announced the death of Joan, his devoted wife of 36 years, in a post shared with Instagram and LinkedIn followers on November 25

'Thank you so much for all the lovely messages, cards, flowers and hugs over the last couple of weeks.

'I haven't replied to everyone, but I've read every single one and they have meant more than I can say. We feel very loved and very held from all over the world.'

Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which includes businesses like Virgin Atlantic airline, space tourism company Virgin Galactic and the cruise line Virgin Voyages.

In a 2020 blog post, he said he met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a former recording studio in Oxfordshire, England.

'Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldn't be impressed by my usual antics,' Branson wrote.
Laurence Fox has shared a glimpse into his honeymoon with his wife Elizabeth, six months after exchanging vows.

The former actor, 47, who was married to actress Billie, 43, for seven years until 2017, posted beach photos on social media showing the newlyweds enjoying what he described as 'honeymoon day one with Mrs. Fox' in Vietnam.

In one Instagram post, Laurence and his wife - a trainee solicitor - posed for a selfie on the beach, both wearing sunglasses and summer attire, with Elizabeth sporting a plunging yellow swimsuit.

'Six months with the ball and chain @californiafrizz and we've finally escaped for our honeymoon,' Laurence captioned it. 'Love conquers all. I love you Mrs. Fox.'

He shared a separate post on X showing Elizabeth posing in the same yellow swimsuit and wrote: 'Good morning Vietnam. I've bought the Mrs. a honeymoon present already.'

Laurence, who has two sons with Billie - Winston, 16, and Eugene, 12 - staged two wedding ceremonies with Elizabeth last year.

Laurence Fox has shared a glimpse into his honeymoon with his wife Elizabeth, six months after exchanging vows

The first one was at a registry office in July, followed by a religious ceremony just two weeks later presided over by controversial cleric Calvin Robinson.

The second ceremony was attended by Laurence's celebrity circle, including former pop star and Neighbours actress Holly Valance, Real Housewives of London star Juliet Mayhew, and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer.

The former stage and screen star explained at the time that he chose to marry at a registry office first to avoid 'encountering anyone from the Church of England', before holding a 'proper wedding in a few days with nearest and dearest in the eyes of God'.

One friend commented on the honeymoon photo on Instagram: 'Big congrats mate! So happy for you both!', while another wrote; 'Congratulations Mr & Mrs Fox!'

Elizabeth has appeared on the conspiracy-laden podcast Elite Thinking Club as a guest in the past, where she has questioned evolution and claimed climate change is a government 'smokescreen'.

She has also made claims about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting the disgraced financier was killed because of his links with Prince Andrew.

Speaking in February 2021, she claimed: 'The minute Prince Andrew had to do that interview that was it, Jeffrey was going to be popped.

'Because he's royalty - and you mess with the royals you ain't going to come out alive are you.'

He shared a separate post on X showing Barker posing in a yellow swimsuit as they relaxed in Vietnam

Fox, who has two sons with actress Billie Piper - Winston, 16, and Eugene, 12 - staged two wedding ceremonies with Elizabeth last year

The first one was at a registry office in July, followed by a religious ceremony just two weeks later presided over by controversial cleric Calvin Robinson (pictured)

Fox's second wedding ceremony was attended by former Neighbours actress Holly Valance (pictured, with Barker and far right activist Tommy Robinson)

Laurence is a scion of the famous British acting Fox dynasty that includes his father, Sherlock Holmes star James Fox, 86, brother Jack, 40, who starred in ITV's Sanditon and cousins Freddie Fox, 36, and Emilia Fox, 51.

The former star of the hit ITV drama Lewis left acting and has since reinvented himself as a political activist and online provocateur.

He launched the Reclaim Party in 2020 and stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for London Mayor in 2021. He was also a presenter on GB News before his departure from the channel.

The cleric who officiated Laurence's religious ceremony, Calvin Robinson, is himself a controversial figure. He is a former GB News presenter and deacon who was suspended by the Free Church of England for opposing women's ordination.

Earlier last year, he was removed from his role as priest-in-charge at St Paul's Anglican Catholic Church in Michigan, US, after he appeared to perform a gesture at the end of a speech that some interpreted as similar to a Nazi salute.

Calvin defended himself, claiming it was 'a joke' and 'dry British wit' aimed at mocking liberals.
She is enjoying a sun-soaked trip to Mexico.

And Lily James posed in a skimpy beach cover-up before partying in a backless white silk dress during her fun-filled trip.

The actress, 36, took to Instagram on Wednesday to give a glimpse into the luxury getaway where she was staying at the Be Tulum Hotel.

In one snap on her Story she posed in a bikini with a light grey linen co-ord over the top as she accessorised with stylish shades.

She then posted a series of videos partying in a sexy silk dress as she enjoyed the band Parallelle at a beach club.

Lily is spending January globetrotting after spending December in Australia to work on a new project.

Lily James posed in a skimpy beach cover-up before partying in a backless white silk dress during her fun-filled trip to Mexico this week

She posted a series of videos partying in a sexy silk dress as she enjoyed the band Parallelle at a beach club

Last week she wowed in skimpy swimwear as she took to Instagram to share stunning snaps of her trip to Queensland.

Lily declared she's 'grateful and excited for the new year' as she reflected on the good times to come for 2026.

She wrote: 'I spent the last part of 2025 on the beach, made a film and watched the sun rise with very special people. I feel very grateful and excited for a new year '

The Pam & Tommy star showcased her slender physique in a leopard print bikini before she slipped into an off-white swimsuit.

Lily also revealed she has been staying busy and keeping active with her hardcore Pilates classes.

Aside from learning scripts and exercising, the English actress shared fun-filled snaps of her time socialising with friends.

In a post last month Lily covered her bikini in a semi-sheer mini dress as she enjoyed the picturesque sunset, before changing into a plunging white look to head out for dinner while on the trip.

Clearly making the most of the Australian summer, Lily captioned her post: 'Winter I am not ready for you just yet.'

Enjoying the beach once again Down Under, Lily said she has 'never been better' as she posted a gallery of bikini-clad images to Instagram having the time of her life.

Lily is spending January globetrotting after spending December in Australia to work on a new project

She looked great in the skimpy white dress which featured pretty lace detailing

Lily recently declared she's 'grateful and excited for the new year' as she reflected on the good times to come for 2026

The location of her hotel looked gorgeous and had sea views

She partied the night away in her skimpy white dress

The actress will be back on the big screen next year in a reboot of the 1993 thriller Cliffhanger.

In the first shots from Cliffhanger, Lily is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film.

The father-daughter duo, Naomi (Lily) and Ray (Pierce Brosnan) run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites.

During a weekend trip with a billionaire's son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers, an official synopsis reads.

'Ray's older daughter Naomi, still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes.'

He is kidnapped while climbing with the son of a billionaire and Naomi must 'save her family' while fighting 'for survival in the Italian Dolomites,' the synopsis concludes.

The film is shot in Austria, Italy and Germany and also stars Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery.
Angelina Jolie is seen portraying an American filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer in a trailer for her heartbreaking new French-speaking film Couture.

The actress, 50, plays Maxine Walker, who arrives in Paris to make a video for a fashion event - but despite being uninterested in the industry she needs the money as she is going through a divorce, has a teenage daughter, and is preparing to make her next film.

Shortly after her arrival, Maxine receives a heartwrenching breast cancer diagnosis and throughout the film her relationship with her body and identity plays out.

Angelina recently revealed she was drawn to play the role as Maxine's battle to make her breast cancer diagnosis not become her entire personality reminded her of her own mother's feelings during her illness.

Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina's mother, died in 2007 at the age of 56 after an eight-year battle with ovarian and breast cancer.

Snapshots from the official trailer for the film show Angelina in floods of tears during her portrayal of Maxine.

Angelina Jolieis seen portraying an American filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer in a trailer for her heartbreaking new French-speaking film Couture

The actress, 50, plays Maxine Walker, who arrives in Paris to make a video for a fashion event - but despite being uninterested in the industry she needs the money

The trailer also hint at Maxine becoming romantically involved with her cinematographer, played by French actor Louise Garrel.

The film, directed by Alice Winocour, also tells the story of two other women Maxine meets at her job: Angele, a longtime makeup artist writing a fiction novel about her experiences in the industry, and Ada, an 18-year-old pharmacy student from Nairobi, Kenya, who has recently discovered as a model.

The Hollywood favourite stars alongside Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf, Anyier Anei, and Garance Marillier in Alice's drama, with Angelina behind the production as well.

Angelina said the film, which is set to be released in France in February 2026, is a 'very personal story'.

She added that she's 'always admired Alice's work,' and her 'unique' approach to illness, while praising her for handling Couture's sensitive subjects 'with such delicacy'.

'Too often, films about women's struggles  especially cancer  talk about endings and sadness, rarely about life,' Angelina said.

'Hardships, illnesses, and pain are part of our existence, but what matters is how we face them,' she added.

'My mother was ill for years. One evening, when she was being asked about her chemotherapy, she became very emotional and told me she would have preferred to talk about something else; she felt as though the illness was becoming her entire identity.

Angelina recently revealed she was drawn to play the role as Maxine's battle to make her breast cancer diagnosis not become her entire personality reminded her of her own mother Marcheline Bertrand's feelings during her illness (Seen together in 2001)

Snapshots from the official trailer for the film show Angelina in floods of tears during her portrayal of Maxine

The trailer also hint at Maxine becoming romantically involved with her cinematographer, played by French actor Louise Garrel

Shortly after her arrival, Maxine receives a heartwrenching breast cancer diagnosis and throughout the film her relationship with her body and identity plays out

Angelina said the film, which is set to be released in Francein February 2026, is a 'very personal story'

'I love this film because it tells a story that goes far beyond the journey of a sick person: it shows life. It was this luminous perspective that touched me and made me want to play this role.'

In May 2013, Angelina had both breasts surgically removed, and then underwent a reconstructive surgery, after discovering she carries a genetic mutation that dramatically increases the chance of being diagnosed with potentially fatal breast cancer.

The mutation in her BRCA1 gene, left the mother-of-six with an estimated 87 per cent risk of breast cancer and 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer.

In March 2015, she also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure against developing ovarian cancer.

The Unbroken director lost her mother, Marcheline in 2007. Her grandmother and aunt also passed away from cancer.

In an interview last month, Angelina called for making BRCA screenings available to every woman.

'Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey and have the information she needs to make informed choices: genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history.'

'When I shared my experience in 2013, it was to encourage informed choices,' she added.

Angelina said that she's 'always admired Alice's work,' and her 'unique' approach to illness, while praising her for handling Couture's sensitive subjects 'with such delicacy'

'Too often, films about women's struggles  especially cancer  talk about endings and sadness, rarely about life,' Angelina said

Maxine takes the fashion job as she is going through a divorce, has a teenage daughter, and is preparing to make her next film

The film also tells the story of two other women Maxine meets at her job: Angele, a longtime makeup artist and Ada, an 18-year-old pharmacy student from Nairobi

'Healthcare decisions must be personal, and women must have the information and support they need to make those choices. Access to screening and care should not depend on financial resources or where someone lives.'

The Maleficent star published a lengthy opinion piece, titled Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary Of A Surgery in the New York Times explaining her decision to have her fallopian tubes removed.

According to Angelina, she had been planning to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries and Fallopian tubes for a while at the time, but a call from her doctor made the procedure more urgent.

A blood test detected potential anomalies linked to the protein CA-125, which is used to monitor ovarian cancer, Angelina's doctor told her, urging the actress to see her surgeon, who also had treated her late mother.

'I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt,' she wrote. 'I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn't live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.'

She noted that she chose to keep her uterus because there is no history of uterine cancer in her family.

Angelina has previously spoken of the void in her life that her mother's death had left - a pain that led her to taking the brave decision to have a double mastectomy, so her children may not have to experience the pain she did.

The actress's aunt, Debbie Martin, then died of breast cancer at the age of 61 less than two weeks after Angelina revealed she had undergone her mastectomy.
Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey's son Leo, four, is in hospital after suffering from bleeding tonsils.

Made In Chelsea star Louise, 35, shared photos of her son recovering in his hospital bed on Wednesday morning with a cannular attached to his bandaged arm, with nurses also bandaging up his stuffed animal.

Reassuring fans that he was 'doing really really well' under the care of doctors and nurses, Louise explained that it was 'a wild start to the year.'

'Hopefully just a temporary blip. Anyone else's child had bleeding tonsils before?

She later shared a photo of the sunrise from her son's hospital room as she thanked her Instagram followers for their messages.

'Thanks for your kind messages. He is doing really really well and as always has been looked after incredibly well by angels of our universe (I feel a suitable LinkedIn job description for nurses and doctors).

'I think I have the most supportive mum following on here ever. You guys are so brilliant - so practical, resourceful and everyone has dealt with some kind of drama at some point over their life so between 1.5million of you I think we have nearly everything covered.'

Louise Thompsonand Ryan Libbey's son Leo, four, is in hospital after suffering from bleeding tonsils

Reassuring fans that he was 'doing really really well' under the care of doctors and nurses, Louise explained that it was 'a wild start to the year'

Bleeding tonsils is often due to severe tonsillitis (viral/bacterial infection) or irritation from conditions like tonsil stones according to the NHS.

Earlier this week Louise opened up about her desire to grow her family and her fears over her 'uncertain' fertility journey.

The former Made In Chelsea star nearly died when she gave birth to Leo in 2021 after an emergency caesarean, druing which she lost '12 and a half litres of blood'.

She went on to suffer with PTSD and post-natal anxiety due to her near-death experience and has since been diagnosed with Lupus, Asherman's syndrome, suffered a second Hemorrhage, and has also had a stoma bag fitted.

The star has spoken candidly about how she struggled being a new mother as she recovered from the trauma of the birth.

However Louise has shared that she is hoping to 'expand her family' this year after her and partner Ryan are 'finally feeling ready' to welcome another child.

The TV personality admitted she is 'afraid' of the couple's 'complicated' journey ahead after previously stating she is likely unable to carry another baby due to severe health complications from her traumatic first birth.

Despite this, Louise explained she is 'writing from a place of hope' as she opened up in a lengthy social media post.

Made In Chelseastar Louise shared photos of her son recovering in his hospital bed and a view from his London hospital room

Earlier this week Louise opened up about her desire to grow her family and her fears over her 'uncertain' fertility journey

Sharing a sweet picture of Ryan and Leo with the caption, 'All I want for 2026... Is a baby!' written across it she penned: 'Im about to share something incredibly personal in a totally public arena, and it feels a little unhinged, especially when our fertility future feels so uncertain.

'I guess it could be because I shared an Instagram story a few days ago saying I would hard-launch this news on Saturday, and now its Monday night.

'My hands are tied, and Im holding myself accountable. Im a people pleaser by nature, and I hate letting people down, but thats not really why Im doing this.

'One of my New Years resolutions was to truly lean in to the notion that this is MY life and that I must respect it. It belongs to me and not you, nor anyone else, for that matter.

'And so far its going pretty well, but I do seem to have this strange personality trait where I need regular reminding that there isnt a big bossy teacher sat on the other end of all my work, harshly marking it. That applies to everything I do. Writing and other things. So naturally this is all pretty nerve-wracking.

'But here is a reminder to myself: Im 35 years old, and I work for myself. No one is judging me except for me, and I dont TECHNICALLY HAVE to share anything. I want you to take that message into 2026, too.'

Louise shared that she is ready to share her journey and opened up about a miscarriage she suffered in 2020 before welcoming son Leo.

She admitted it was 'a little cowardly' to share her loss with fans after she was already 'blissfully pregnant again' but this time hopes to take fans along through the ups and downs of 'mixed emotions'.

The former Made In Chelsea star nearly died when she gave birth to Leo in 2021 after an emergency caesarean, druing which she lost '12 and a half litres of blood'

However Louise has shared that she is hoping to 'expand her family' this year after her and partner Ryan are 'finally feeling ready' to welcome another child

She continued: 'However, today is the day that I (emphasis on I) finally feel ready to share my fertility journey and I think that hammering all of this out on here (exactly as it pops into my head) will help me to process this whole. Process.

'I hope it will feel cathartic and clarifying.

'A bit of context: When I had a miscarriage back in 2020, before I gave birth to my now 4-year-old son Leo, I waited until I was pregnant again before sharing the news of the loss.

'I wanted reassurance that I was going to be able to get pregnant again. I wanted to post from a place of hope rather than fear.

'In all honesty, I look back and think that was a little cowardly. I was trying to be vulnerable, I was trying to connect with people who had experienced something similar, but I was already on the other side. I was pregnant again.

'Today I do not sit in that camp. I am not blissfully pregnant.'

Louise also added that her partner Ryan has taken 'even longer' to come to terms with her wanting to have another child after he previous shared he was forced into 'survival mode for a year' while looking after her and their baby.

She continued: 'Instead, Im writing from a place of mixed emotions. I feel afraid about the future because the way in which we are going to be able to grow our family feels a little complicated.

'(I dont want to manifest any further complications, so maybe I should refrain from using that word and be super duper positive. Maybe Ill stick to the word a-typical from now on.)

'But I am also writing from a place of hope because both Ryan and I FINALLY feel really well and truly ready to bring another child into the world.

She penned: 'Im about to share something incredibly personal in a totally public arena, and it feels a little unhinged, especially when our fertility future feels so uncertain'

'This has taken an awful lot of emotional and physical work. It feels like a BIG milestone for us and something to be celebrated.

'Ryan has taken even longer than I have to wrap his head around this whole thing since the dreaded birth trauma, but more on him in a separate post. X'

Louise was placed on suicide watch due to being 'mentally checked out' following the traumatic birth of Leo.

And last year her fiance Ryan revealed heartbreaking details of her battle with postpartum depression.

Speaking on an episode of Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Ryan, 34, shared: 'We even had a crisis-management team come very regularly, which - to be really honest with you - was a suicide watch because she was so mentally checked out.

'Which is absolutely terrifying, and I don't think I've quite processed that one. I think that was something that I wanted to reframe straight away.

'It's really, really sad to know that Louise was hurting like that and she couldn't, and I suppose I didn't really understand what was happening.'

He continued: 'I could understand that she was in shock and that she was completely reduced to a version of herself that was... she was just surrendering to the whole thing.

'She'd lost the fight, and I could understand it because she would have been exhausted and her body would have been looking and feeling so different.

'And to lie on the sofa with a vacant look on your face for days and weeks, I could understand that, but I couldn't understand that we were in the place of potential: she wants to end her life, and she doesn't really recognise or care for the baby in the room. At the time, I couldn't quite understand that.'

It comes after Louise was forced to spend her Christmas Eve in hospital amid her ongoing health battle and thanked the NHS for their help.
Lily Collins shared an incredible clip from behind-the-scenes of filming Emily In Paris last year which showed off the huge designer shoe collection on set.

The actress, 36, who plays the titular character Emily in the hit Netflix show, gave a glimpse inside shooting season five in a new Instagram post on Wednesday.

As well of sharing snaps of the picturesque French city and her co-stars she shed some light on the outstanding wardrobe department too.

In her caption she wrote: 'We'll always have Paris (and Rome... and Venice... and SHOES)...'.

The clip showed hundreds of stilettos, sling backs and wedges sat in the wardrobe area on set that were sorted into the same colours.

It conjures up images of the former President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos' wife Imelda who famously had a shoe collection comprising of an estimated 3,000 pairs.

Lily Collins shared an incredible clip from behind-the-scenes of filming Emily In Paris last year which showed off the huge designer shoe collection on set

The actress, 36, who plays the titular character Emily in the hit Netflix show gave a glimpse inside shooting season five in a new Instagram post on Wednesday

In 2001, more than 700 pairs were put on display at the Marikina Shoe Museum.

On Tuesday Netflix confirmed the future of the hit series after it returned for season five, with a new video of Lily.

The streaming site revealed that the comedy-drama, which is set in both Paris and Rome, had been renewed for a sixth season, just weeks after its latest episodes hit screens as Lily returned as Emily.

Taking to YouTube with a short clip, the character of Emily could be seen walking into the room from a French balcony window, before the camera pans out to reveal a croissant topped with a number six candle.

The clip was captioned: 'Home sweet home. Emily in Paris is returning for Season 6,' with Netflix adding: 'Paris is always a good idea!'

It comes after Emily In Paris fans pointed out a glaring editing error just minutes into the new series as it returned to screens in December.

Since its launch in 2020, fans have been eagerly following Lily as Emily, as she struggles to make long-lasting romantic connections and find her feet abroad.

The last series ended with Emily and her love interest Marcello, who is played by Eugenio Franceschini, in Rome, and the new series picks up where things left off.

As well of sharing snaps of the picturesque French city and her co-stars she shed some light on the outstanding wardrobe department too

In her caption she wrote: 'We'll always have Paris (and Rome... and Venice... and SHOES)...'

The clip showed hundreds of stilettos, sling backs and wedges sat in the wardrobe area on set that were sorted into the same colours

It conjures up images of the former President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos' wife Imelda who famously had a shoe collection comprising of an estimated 3,000 pairs

In 2001, more than 700 pairs of Imelda's shoes were put on display at the Marikina Shoe Museum

She also shared snaps with her co-stars including Ashley Park who plays Mindy Chen

Mindy and Emily play best friends on the hit Netflix show

And as their romance continues to blossom, the duo head out on an autumnal walk in the countryside of Rome, after Emily relocated there to be with Marcello and his family, in the first episode.

While she's seen sporting towering green heels throughout the scenes, which are left muddied and ruined after the walk, in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, fans have pointed out a major continuity error.

As Emily joins Marcello on the woodland hike, one shot sees Emily, who is wearing a matching green shorts and blazer set, swap her heels for green wellies.

Though extremely quick, the shot shows Emily wearing knee-high boots, the same as those worn by the other female stars in the scene.

An eagle-eyed fan took to Reddit to explain: 'Only 12 minutes in the first episode and there's already a continuity error. Emily steps out of the car in her green heels...

'Then there's a birds-eye-view shot of them through the trees where Emily is wearing boots, then it cuts to tighter shot of her struggling in heels again. Nice one.'

On Tuesday Netflix confirmed the future of the hit series after it returned for season five, with a new video of Lily

Another viewer agreed: 'I thought I saw her in boots for a second!'

Series five ended on yet another cliff-hanger after Emily and Marcello split and chef Gabriel invites her to see him in Greece.

Fans will have to wait to see where the next instalment may take globe-trotting marketing executive Emily.

Emily In Paris series five is now available on Netflix.
David Harbour has dropped out of what was supposed to be his next film project in the aftermath of the Stranger Things finale.

The actor, 50, was due to appear in the upcoming movie Behemoth! alongside Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde but has quit the Searchlight Pictures production.

Searchlight Pictures confirmed to the Daily Mail that Harbour has 'stepped back'.

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Harbour for comment.

Harbour had been a core member of the Stranger Things cast since it first premiered on the streaming giant in 2016, playing former police chief Jim Hopper.

The series aired its last episode on December 31 after two previous volumes premiered over Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Harbour spent the weeks leading up to the show's season five release navigating a tricky global press tour which came after his ex-wife, Lily Allen, released her bombshell album West End Girl which seemingly charted the turbulent end of their marriage.

'Well, some of it is based on truth and some of it is fantasy,' she said of the album to Interview.

David Harbour has exited the upcoming film Behemoth!

The actor was due to appear in the upcoming movie alongside Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde

At the time of writing, Harbour has not addressed Allen's album and the apparent accusations of infidelity.

The pair were married for four years after meeting on dating app Raya.

Speaking to Esquire Spain in September before the album was released, he reflected on his 'pain, slip ups and mistakes' as he reached 50.

Asked by the publication if there was anything he'd change about the last half a century Harbour said: 'That's such a hard question  the question of regret, or something.

'I would change either everything or nothing.

'You either accept your path completely and realise that even the pain and the slip-ups and the mistakes are all part of the journey, and that there's truth and growth, wisdom and deeper empathy and connection in all that.

'It's kind of like a house of cards, the minute you try to change one thing you kind of have to change it all.'

'We've been doing that for the last ten years,' the actress added when asked why it was important she make a public show of unity with David after news of the filing emerged.

Harbour's ex-wife Lily Allen released her bombshell album West End Girl at the end of October, which seemingly charted the end of their marriage

'I mean, we have always been united in that.'

Harbour was notably absent from the Stranger Things premiere in London on November 13.

He also did not attend a Stranger Things event at the Paley Center in New York City on December 18 following reports of erratic behavior.

A Paley Center spokesman said at the time that his absence was due to a 'scheduling conflict'.
Saturday Night Live alum Chris Redd revealed that his struggle with pills once spilled into the workplace and, allegedly even, involved some of his fellow cast members.

In a candid Instagram video, the comedian, 40, said he is entering a new phase of his life rooted in 'vulnerability and openness,' prompting him to speak publicly about his experience with substance issues while working on the long-running NBC series.

'While I was at the show, I had some pill issues, I had some pill problems,' Redd said in the video, uploaded on Tuesday. 'Nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black a**, you know?'

He added that the situation went beyond personal use as he admitted to also selling pills to castmates, though he declined to name anyone involved.

'I was even selling some to some of my castmates,' he claimed. 'I'm not gonna snitch on y'all motherf***ers, man.'

Redd joined SNL in 2017 during season 43 and remained with the show for five seasons before exiting ahead of season 48 in 2022.

Saturday Night Livealum Chris Redd revealed that his struggle with pills once spilled into the workplace and, allegedly even, involved some of his fellow cast members; seen in 2019

Looking back, he said what hurt most was feeling unsupported during his lowest moments.

According to Redd, he overheard colleagues speaking negatively about him rather than offering help, even as he struggled with anxiety.

'It's crazy how somebody would watch you destroy yourself,' he said, reflecting on the experience.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Saturday Night Live and Redd's representatives for comment, but has not heard back, at this time.

The comedian announced his departure from SNL in September 2022, calling his run on the show 'the experience of a lifetime.'

In a statement at the time over his exit, Redd expressed gratitude to creator Lorne Michaels and the entire SNL organization, saying the relationships he built there would stay with him forever.

Around the same period, reports surfaced that Redd was romantically involved with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of fellow SNL alum Kenan Thompson.

A source told Us Weekly that the pair had known each other for years before becoming romantically involved and that Redd had been a strong source of support for Evangeline during a difficult time in her life.

In a candid Instagram video, the comedian, 40, spoke publicly about his experience with substance issues while working on the long-running NBC series (seen in 2018)

'While I was at the show, I had some pill issues, I had some pill problems,' Redd said in the video, uploaded on Tuesday. 'Nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black a**, you know?' (seen in 2017)

In his recent video, Redd addressed the relationship directly, crediting Evangeline with helping him confront his problem and pushing him to get therapy while he was still on SNL.

'I know a lot of people talk about me dating Kenan Thompson's ex-wife and how that came to be. I'ma just tell it to you straight,' he said. 'Bottom line is, I'm not that type of person to scheme on a person. I'm not the type of person to even date somebody that like, one of my homies has dated. This is a very unique, nuanced thing that happened.'

Redd also acknowledged the emotional complexity of the situation, noting his close professional relationship with Thompson, including their work together on Thompson's NBC sitcom Kenan.

'I would have panic attacks, [and people] wouldn't be concerned about me or nothing, would just talk s**t,' he continued. 'And it was crazy how somebody would watch you destroy yourself.'

Redd was romantically involved with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of fellow SNL alum Kenan Thompson (seen in 2024)

'I really love everything me and Kenan did,' he said. 'I hate doing something to somebody that I know would hurt them.'

He continued: 'I dont feel player for this s**t at all. But I did choose love... To all the fans I disappointed, just know this was not something - I dont feel like a pimp. I dont feel cool about this at all, besides the fact that I found someone that makes me feel like I didnt even know what love was for real.'

Evangeline and Thompson split after 15 years together.

The former couple were married for 11 years and share two daughters Georgia and Gianna.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Romeo Beckham and her girlfriend Kim Turnbull looked smitten as they cuddled up on the slopes as he took his mind of his family's feud with brother Brooklyn.

Eldest Beckham son Brooklyn, 26, recently declared his relationship with their parents David and Victoria is 'over'.

And leaving the drama behind, his estranged brother Romeo, 23, and his DJ-model girlfriend, 24, jetted off on a cosy ski break earlier this week.

The couple are staying at the COMO Alpina Dolomites in Italy, which has been branded a modern architectural masterpiece, cradled by Alpe di Siusis sheer cliffs.

They put on a loved-up display as they were spotted ski-ing together on Wednesday, with Kim seen gazing lovingly up at her beau.

Elsewhere Romeo was seen following closely behind Kim in a protective manner as she began ski-ing.

Romeo Beckham and her girlfriend Kim Turnbull looked smitten as they cuddled up on the slopes in Italy on Wednesday as he took his mind of his family's feud with brother Brooklyn

Leaving the drama behind, his estranged brother Romeo, 23, and his DJ-model girlfriend, 24, jetted off on a cosy ski break earlier this week

Romeo was also spotted caressing Kim's face as he helped put her helmet on.

The fashion model tried to escape the drama as he shared pictures of himself in his ski gear on the slopes.

He also reposted Kim's picture of Romeo sitting in front of a cosy fireplace while texting on his phone.

The high-end hotel the pair stayed at has one Michelin key and the couple have been enjoying dips in hot spas and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Before heading on the trip, Romeo poked fun of how Kim is unable to travel light, even when they are just going away for a few days.

Brooklyn reportedly recently told friends his relationship with his parents was 'over', following months of strain that culminated in David and Victoria being blocked on Instagram.

A source told The Mirror: 'While things between [Brooklyn] and his parents are over, he is still very fond of his grandparents. There is a lot of love for them, and that has never faltered.'

Over the festive period David's mum Sandra and Victoria's mother Jackie Adams reportedly both reached out to Brooklyn after he had been absent from every key family event over the course of the year - among them his father's milestone 50th birthday celebration and long awaited recent investiture.

The couple are staying at the COMO Alpina Dolomites in Italy, which has been branded a modern architectural masterpiece, cradled by Alpe di Siusis sheer cliffs

Elsewhere Romeo was seen following closely behind Kim in a protective manner as she began ski-ing

Romeo was also spotted caressing Kim's face as he helped put her helmet on

The fashion model tried to escape the drama as he shared pictures of himself in his ski gear on the slopes

He also reposted Kim's picture of Romeo sitting in front of a cosy fireplace while texting on his phone

The high-end hotel the pair stayed at has one Michelin key and the couple have been enjoying dips in hot spas and taking in the breathtaking scenery

A source went on: 'David and Victoria will never give up trying to secure a reconciliation between them and their son.

'Nothing will change that, and they live in hope. He will always be their son, and they are not going to stop putting on record their feelings.'

The Beckhams watched on as Adam Peaty made a vow to 'always choose' his wife Holly Ramsay in his wedding speech, amid his war with his family.

At the Olympian's wedding to Gordon Ramsay's influencer daughter last month, he made the passionate profession to his new wife in what appeared to be a swipe at his family, who he disinvited from the wedding amid a bitter spat.

The moment will have been particularly poignant for David, 50, and Victoria, who are long-time friends of Holly's parents, due to their own spat with Brooklyn,.

A social media user mused: 'I wonder how Victoria felt hearing that subtle jab'.

Before heading on the trip, Romeo poked fun of how Kim is unable to travel light, even when they are just going away for a few days

The pair headed away to escape the family feud after Brooklyn reportedly recently told friends his relationship with his parents was 'over'

Romeo Beckham shared a selfie while out on the slopes as he documented cosy ski break with girlfriend Kim

Romeo also reposted 24-year-old girlfriend Kim's picture of Romeo sitting in front of a cosy fireplace while texting on his phone

The couple's eldest son has been estranged from his family since early last year.

In May he stated: 'I always choose you baby' in a gushing message to his wife Nicola Peltz - and a seeming swipe at his family.

Back in May, battle lines appeared to be drawn as Brooklyn vowed to 'always choose' his wife in the midst of the escalating feud with his devoted parents.

In one of his many adoring messages aimed at his wife, Brooklyn pledged his unwavering loyalty to Nicola, the daughter of Miami-based billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz, who he wed back in 2022.
Henry Southan has revealed he was targeted by a masked phone thief while upgrading his device in an O2 shop.

The Big Brother star, 27, who took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday to recount the shocking incident, shared with his followers that a masked man attempted to steal his phone right in front of him, yet didn't realise he was grabbing an empty box.

He told his followers: 'Guys, little story time, I just upgraded my phone, I've been in O2 like all day.

'I was doing the transfer from my old phone to the new phone in store, and this masked man came into the shop and grabbed the empty box that my new phone was in and he ran out.

'I felt such second-hand embarrassment for him, imagine, he's just gonna see it's an empty box, what a s**t thief he is.

'His accomplice, there was another guy in there, he was like "oh you idiot", you just couldn't write it.'

Henry Southan has revealed he was targeted by a masked phone thief while upgrading his device in an O2 shop

The Big Brother star, 27, shared with his followers that a masked man attempted to steal his phone right in front of him, yet didn't realise he was grabbing an empty box

He went on: 'I got the ick to be honest, I was like babe you could have pulled that off a bit better couldn't you.'

However, Henry isn't the first celebrity to be targeted by phone thieves in London.

Bridgerton star Genevieve Chenneour, 27, admitted she 'doesn't feel safe' in the capital anymore after being targeted by thief Zacariah Boulares, 18, at a Joe & The Juice while she was walking her dog on February 8 last year.

The prolific teenage criminal was jailed for just 22 months in July last year despite embarking on a 'ruthless' spree of thefts.

Boulares was scolded by the judge as he put his middle finger up at members of the public gallery before being taken down to the police cells at Isleworth Crown Court.

Daily Mail previously revealed CCTV of the moment Ms Chenneour bravely fought back against the thief and dragged him to the floor with the help of her boyfriend at the time, Carlo Kureishi, 30, the son of the writer Hanif Kureishi.

Ms Chenneour, who before acting was on Team GB's synchronised swimming team and later became a trained boxer, revealed how she thought she was going to die after the thug threatened to stab her.

And last year, the actress explained to LBC that she has since moved out of London following the distressing incident.

Henry added: 'I felt such second-hand embarrassment for him, imagine, he's just gonna see it's an empty box, what a s**t thief he is'

Henry isn't the first celebrity to be targeted with Genievieve Chennour (pictured) previously telling how she was left 'concussed and traumatised' after being robbed at a Joe & The Juice

CCTV footage showed prolific thief Zacariah Boulares, 18, creeping up behind the actress and stealing her phone

She said: 'The level of anxiety putting myself even in a public space now is pretty awful. I've left London.

'I don't feel comfortable living in London at the moment. Had this happened two years earlier, when I was just getting my career going, this could have been the end of my career, because you have to be in town for meetings and available all the time.

'There was a new study, wasn't there...saying that women feel extremely unsafe on the streets. And I was quite shocked to see that it said most women, almost every woman that I've met, feels on edge in London walking around.'

Ms Chenneour added that she experienced terrifying lucid dreams, featuring someone attempting to steal something from her, which resulted in her waking up, palms sweating.

At the time, she revealed her plans to see a trauma therapist but explained she has a job on her hands stopping her dog from biting everyone who touches her.

The actress expressed concerns over the length of Boulares's prison stay following the theft on Kensington High Street, admitting she worries what will happen when he is released.
Kourtney Kardashians stepdaughter Alabama Barker set social media buzzing once again as she shared sultry new lingerie snaps, just days after facing backlash over her Christmas gifts from dad Travis Barker.

The 20-year-old influencer sparked controversy after revealing in a TikTok holiday haul that the Blink-182 drummer had splurged on lingerie from Agent Provocateur.

She later clarified that it was Kourtney who selected most of the items, insisting the pieces were on her Christmas wish list and not personally chosen by her father.

Still, the explanation did little to quiet critics, prompting Alabama to lash out at followers and threaten to stop sharing Christmas hauls altogether.

She told fans she was deeply upset by the reaction and accused them of jumping to unfair conclusions.

Despite the uproar, Alabama appeared unfazed this week as she slipped into black bondage-style lingerie and posed confidently for a series of provocative photos.

Alabama Barker sparks social media frenzy with racy lingerie snaps days after backlash over Christmas gifts from dad Travis Barker

Despite the uproar, Alabama appeared unfazed this week as she slipped into black bondage-style lingerie

The influencer flaunted her figure in minimal, strap-heavy black lingerie, striking provocative poses as she declared ImSoMovingOn in the caption.

Alabama had first ignited controversy when she showcased her extravagant $200K Christmas haul following a holiday spent with her famous family.

The nepo baby flaunted designer handbags, shoes and diamond jewellery that added up to a six-figure total, walking viewers through each lavish gift in a nearly nine-minute TikTok.

She gushed that she was beyond blessed, grateful and thankful after celebrating both Christmas and her birthday, which fell on Christmas Eve.

The Blink-182 drummer had gifted his daughter, whom he shares with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, over $80,000 worth of luxury items the previous year.

She showed off over 10 pairs of shoes in the video, with each one valued at hundreds to thousands of dollars, as well as multiple designer handbags.

One of the most expensive items in the haul was from her stepmother Kourtney Kardashian who gifted her a pink Hermes Birkin bag valued at over $20,000 alone.

In the clip, Alabama revealed that her stepmother turned to Kylie Jenner for advice on what to get her for the holidays, asking: 'What would Kylie her King Kylie era want?'

Alabama posed confidently for a series of provocative photos

She turned up the heat in strappy black lingerie, showing off her figure with confidence and flair

The 20-year-old flaunted her daring look in a barely-there set, proving shes unfazed by the recent Christmas gift controversy

She wore her platinum blonde hair in a smooth, slicked-back look

Alabama had first ignited controversy when she showcased her extravagant $200K Christmas haul following a holiday spent with her famous family

The aspiring rapper had her platinum blonde hair in a slicked back bun and wore a SKIMS holiday pajama set from Kim Kardashian's brand as she showed off her extensive, extravagant haul.

She revealed Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner gifted her various designer handbags while her dad gifted her multiple pairs of high-end heels in addition to a new pink computer and tablet.

She said Kris Jenner gifted her Hermes slides and revealed her 'babysitter since I was little' gave her a pair of Uggs.

She also showed off the extravagant Chanel bag and Chrome Hearts duffel bag valued at over $15,000 from a man she insinuated she was casually dating.

She received mixed comments in response to her video with many gushing over her 'good taste' while others slammed her for being 'tone deaf.'

There were also fans that pointed out that one of her dad's gifts to her was lingerie, though she noted that her stepmom 'picked them out,' some people still called it 'odd.'

One social media user on X, formerly Twitter, tweeted about how the influencer 'told us unprovoked that her parents bought her lingerie' and said they believed it was an inappropriate gift from her father.

Alabama sparked backlash after flaunting her extravagant $200K Christmas haul after celebrating the holidays with her famous family

The Blink-182 drummer had gifted his daughter, whom he shares with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, over $80,000 worth of luxury items the previous year

One of the most expensive items in the haul was from her stepmother Kourtney Kardashian who gifted her a pink Hermes Birkin bag valued at over $20,000 alone

The aspiring rapper had her platinum blonde hair in a slicked back bun and wore a SKIMS holiday pajama set from Kim Kardashian's brand as she showed off her extensive, extravagant haul. She said she got a pink Chanel bag among many other items from her 'boo' and other luxury designer items from her Kardashian-Jenner family members

Rather than the person she is dating however, she said it was her dad and stepmother who bought her lingerie, which sparked fan backlash

Alabama said her dad 'went a little crazy with the heels' and showed off six pairs of Rene Caovilla shoes he bought her in addition to the lingerie and tech products

Travis also shares son Landon, 22, with Moakler, his ex, and had adopted his then-wife's daughter Atiana De La Hoya, 26, from a previous relationship.

He shares two-year-old toddler Rocky Thirteen with his current wife Kourtney.

A TikTok user shared a video sharing the same concerns about Alabama getting lingerie from her rock star dad.

Another X user also expressed the same sentiment, writing: 'Why did her dad buy her lingerie from Agent Provocateur?'

Another fan said her Christmas haul being worth well over six-digits was 'kinda insane.'

Many people left crying emojis underneath her TikTok video as they expressed their shock over her ultra-lavish haul from her ultra-wealthy family.

She said her dad got her a pink computer as well as a tablet among the many gifts from him this year

She also had an overflowing amount of perfume bottles and boxes in her arms as she showed off some of her 'smaller' gifts

Many fans called it 'inappropriate' that Alabama asked her dad to buy her lingerie and also received multiple, revealing corsets as gifts

One social media user on X, formerly Twitter, tweeted about how the influencer 'told us unprovoked that her parents bought her lingerie' and said they believed it was an inappropriate gift from her father

A TikTok user shared a video sharing the same concerns about Alabama getting lingerie from her rock star dad. Another X user also expressed the same sentiment, writing: 'Why did her dad buy her lingerie from Agent Provocateur?'

Another fan said her Christmas haul being worth well over six-digits was 'kinda insane'

Many people left crying emojis underneath her TikTok video as they expressed their shock over her ultra-lavish haul from her ultra-wealthy family

'So I could've bought a house with all these items,' one TikTok user commented

Another added: 'And to think there's people that literally can't afford to eat...'

'Just a single mom over here that could pay a years worth of bills with that,' one user wrote before adding that she 'sold my soul to get my son 2 gifts this year lol. No hate, just wishing I was born a Kardashian'

One TikTok user commented: 'btw there's ppl that didn't get anything for christmas'

Some social media users slammed her for being 'disconnected' and flaunting her gifts. 'Celebs are so disconnected from reality and what truly matters,' a comment read.

Some fans left comments about how it was 'tone deaf' to show off her over-the-top haul.

'So I could've bought a house with all these items,' one TikTok user commented.

Another added: 'And to think there's people that literally can't afford to eat...'

'Just a single mom over here that could pay a years worth of bills with that,' one user wrote before adding that she 'sold my soul to get my son 2 gifts this year lol. No hate, just wishing I was born a Kardashian.'

One TikTok user commented: 'btw there's ppl that didn't get anything for christmas.'

Some social media users slammed her for being 'disconnected' and flaunting her gifts.

'Celebs are so disconnected from reality and what truly matters,' a comment read.
Coronation Street star Paula Lane has welcomed her third child, as she shared her baby boy's sweet name in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

The actress, 39, revealed she'd welcomed a son named Patrick with her husband Tom Shaw, as she posted a selection of snaps with the newborn.

One of the snaps showed Paul cradling her son, and she sweetly wrote in the caption that her baby boy had 'completed' their family.

The star previously played Kylie Platt on Corrie from 2010 to 2016, and also had a stint as Ella Forster on Emmerdale, before quitting in December 2024.

Paula wrote: 'Welcome to the ranch Patrick. We are all completely and utterly in love.

'So longed for...thank you for completing us.'

Coronation Street star Paula Lane has welcomed her third child, as she shared her baby boy's sweet name in an Instagram post on Wednesday

The actress had shared back in August that she was expecting, and has now announced she's welcomed a son with husband Tom Shaw

Paula first revealed she was expecting her third child back in August, posting a heartwarming photo to announce the news.

Uploading a picture of her scan, she placed it in between cards informing her son and daughter that they were set to become big siblings.

Paula wrote: 'Some special news to share from us @sirtomshaw.

'Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.'

Paula and her husband Tom Shaw, who married in 2014, already share two children, Arthur and Penny.

They welcomed Arthur at home on New Year's Eve 2014, with Penny following two years later in July 2016.

Paula joined the Yorkshire-set in 2023 and made her fiery debut on-screen in January 2024.

She was introduced as a no-nonsense receptionist and soon became friends with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Reilly) and was also a love interest for Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).

Paula penned a sweet caption sharing she'd named her baby boy Patrick

Paula shared sweet snaps revealing the arrival of her baby boy, including some of her beloved dog with her son's knitted boots

In a playful snap, Paul's husband Tom posed while cradling his new son Patrick, and holding a bottle of whisky with the brand Paddy

In the caption, the soap star shared that her son had 'completed' their family

The star previously played Kylie Platt on Corrie from 2010 to 2016, and also had a stint as Ella Forster on Emmerdale, before quitting in December 2024

However, in December 2024 it was revealed that she had quietly quit the soap for new opportunities, as per The Sun.

The publication reported at the time that there had been an update to her Spotlight talent page revealing she would stop filming in February 2025.

Soon after entering the soap, Ella was revealed to have killed a friend of hers during her childhood and struggled to move on in her adult life.

It was later revealed that she was pregnant with Liam's child despite his love for Chas Dingle (Lisa Pargeter).

She sadly lost the baby as Liam grows his future with Chas.

Paula has also previously starred as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street and dramatically left the soap in 2016 after being brutally stabbed to death outside the kebab shop by Clayton Hibbs.

She died in the arms of her husband, David Platt, played by Jack P. Shepherd in final scenes.

Following Kylie's tragic death, David went on to find love with Clayton's mum Shona Ramsey.

After leaving Corrie Paula appeared in Call The Midwife and played Lauren in the UK tour of Kinky Boots.
Bradley Cooper has finally weighed in on the feverish plastic surgery rumors over his noticeably refreshed appearance that sparked intense online speculation.

The actor, who turned 51 earlier this week, addressed the chatter while appearing on the SmartLess podcast this week, where hosts Will Arnett and Jason Bateman didn't shy away from the elephant in the room.

During the episode, Arnett acknowledged how fans have been convinced Cooper has gone under the knife, before insisting that the American Hustle star has not.

Bateman echoed the sentiment, prompting Cooper to jump in with his own response.

The Oscar nominee revealed that he's been stopped repeatedly in recent weeks by people commenting on how 'good' he looks, before admitting the attention has been 'crazy.'

While Cooper didn't directly confirm or deny any procedures, the conversation made clear that the speculation has not gone unnoticed.

Bradley Cooper has finally weighed in on swirling plastic surgery rumors after his noticeably refreshed appearance sparked intense online speculation; seen November 20, 2025

The rumors first gained traction in October when Cooper was filmed on the promotional trail for his latest project, Is This Thing On?

A clip shared by E! News quickly went viral, with fans zeroing in on the actor's smooth, plump complexion and seemingly sharper facial contours.

Commenters flooded social media, noting his more pronounced cheekbones, with some comparing his look to Barry Manilow and Cillian Murphy, while others simply remarked that he appeared 'different.'

Adding fuel to the debate, cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe, who has never treated Cooper, previously told the Daily Mail that the star's appearance could be the result of highly skilled cosmetic work.

Lambe speculated that Cooper may have undergone subtle procedures such as jaw tightening or a lower facelift, possibly using advanced techniques that lift the SMAS layer beneath the skin to restore structure and definition.

Lambe also suggested Cooper could have had a minor eye-related procedure, noting that his eyes appear wider and more open.

Despite the speculation, the surgeon praised the alleged work, saying the changes looked natural and well-executed.

His makeover comes amid his two-year romance with his girlfriend Gigi Hadid, who is 21 years his junior.

The 51-year-old actor addressed the chatter while appearing on the SmartLess podcast this week, where hosts Will Arnett and Jason Bateman didn't shy away from the elephant in the room.; seen in October 2025

The Oscar nominee revealed that he's been stopped repeatedly in recent weeks by people commenting on how 'good' he looks, admitting the attention has been 'crazy' (seen last month)

Last month, the Daily Mail learned that the stars have both taken major steps towards saying 'I do' in 2026.

Sources have revealed that the actor has even asked the 30-year-old supermodel's mother, Yolanda Hadid, for her permission to propose.

The A-list couple have been dating since October 2023.

'Bradley asked Yolanda for Gigi's hand in marriage,' a source has told the Daily Mail. 'He wants her to know how serious he is about Gigi and how he plans to build a solid family with her in New York.'

Cooper has also let his own mother, Gloria Campano, in on his big plans.

'They are very close and he loops her in on everything,' the insider said of the mother-son relationship.

Gerard Lambe, who has never treated Cooper, previously told the Daily Mail that the star's appearance could be the result of highly skilled cosmetic work (pictured in 2024)

His makeover comes amid his two-year romance with his girlfriend Gigi Hadid, who is 21 years his junior; seen in April 2025

'Her mom, Yolanda, is on board so that was a no-brainer. But Gigi telling her father [Mohamed Hadid] she wants to marry Bradley is a big step, it's much more official,' added the source.

A big reason Cooper and Hadid want to get married is their children, as they want them to be raised together.

Cooper has daughter Lea De Seine, eight, with his model ex Irina Shayk, 39, and Hadid has daughter Khai Malik, five, with ex Zayn Malik, 32.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Cooper and Hadid for comment.
Jodie Foster raised eyebrows on Wednesday with what read like a subtle dig at Denzel Washington while discussing the backlash over her own personal life.

The two-time Oscar winner opened up to Variety about her 2013 Golden Globes speech, when many believed she was publicly coming out while acknowledging her ex-partner Cydney Bernard.

The moment, after decades of silence, was seismic for fans and critics alike but Foster has long faced criticism from the LGBTQ+ community for not being more outspoken, particularly during the AIDS crisis.

When asked about the pressure to be an activist, she 'bristled', telling the outlet: Thank God there were the wonderful pioneers that were out there changing the world. Thats true of the Civil Rights Movement, and yet you have Denzel Washington, who just made movies. Are we mad at him? Does everyone have to?

While Foster seemed to argue that not everyone must be a trailblazer, the comments came across as a pointed reminder that Hollywood icons like Washington arent expected to carry social causes on their shoulders.

Either way, the remarks appear open to interpretation, leaving it unclear whether Foster's words were a playful reflection or cheeky swipe at her fellow stars.

Jodie Foster raised eyebrows on Wednesday with what read like a subtle dig at Denzel Washington while discussing backlash over her own personal life with Variety

When asked about the pressure to be an activist, she 'bristled', telling the outlet: Thank God there were the wonderful pioneers that were out there changing the world. Thats true of the Civil Rights Movement, and yet you have Denzel Washington, who just made movies. Are we mad at him? Does everyone have to?'

The Daily Mail has not received a response to a request for comment from representatives for both Foster and Washington.

However, the two actors have admired one another for years, with their on-screen history dating back to 2006, when they starred opposite each other in Spike Lees thriller Inside Man.

Foster once said she had wanted to work with Washington for a long time, joking it rarely happens because Hollywood budgets usually only have room for one leading star - making their pairing 'a great moment' for her, per Hollywood.com.

She praised him as 'truly the best actor that Ive ever worked with,' saying his effortless talent often brought spontaneous moments to the film that were not even scripted.

Washington echoed that sentiment, calling Foster 'cool' and 'great,' and said he enjoyed the opportunity to share the screen with her, even if their characters werent always allies in the story.

Foster then turned to other milestones in her career during the Variety interview, including why she opted not to reprise the role of Clarice Starling for 2001s Hannibal.

It was easy,' she said. 'We waited years for that novel that Thomas Harris said he was writing, that he probably wrote in eight weeks. We waited.'

Jonathan [Demme, the director] said no, because he did not appreciate the book. And luckily, I was doing something else, so I was able to say, Ah! No. Im shooting something else.

However, Foster and Washington have admired one another for years, with their on-screen history dating back to 2006, when they starred opposite each other in Spike Lees thriller Inside Man

Reflecting on how the character of Clarice shaped her own approach to life and work, Foster said: Im a good girl, not a rebel. I got good grades. Being raised in the 1960s - you know your place, and then you challenge within the system and make changes within the system.

'To stop a serial killer, Clarice must confront her own inner darkness. She has to become the tragic prince who starts out as a good boy and learns that his worst failing is actually his greatest strength.

'This is usually a male character. Why should that only be reserved for men?

Foster also recalled working with Robert De Niro, who helped her discover a deeper connection to acting: Robert De Niro kind of took me under his wing, she said.

The actor began improvising with me. I suddenly realized: the dissatisfaction that I had with acting was because I didnt bring enough to the table.

'I hadnt done the work of creating a character. There was this infinite amount of challenge and love and connection that I just didnt know.

She reflected on her upbringing, saying her mother instilled a strict code of self-respect: She was like, you will be respected. You will not do stuff for money. You will not be objectified.

And on her latest project, A Private Life, Foster said: I think Im doing the best work of my life. And the dirty little secret is that Ive never worked less in terms of my energy output. I just do what I think, and then I drink a coffee.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards - recently renamed The Actors Awards - announced the nominations for the 2026 show.

On Wednesday, the list was revealed with some surprises on it.

One Battle After Another starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro landed the most nominations with a record-setting six.

In the 31 years of the Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, no movie has received more than five nominations.

The nominations for that movie were for acting ensemble, stunt ensemble, actor (DiCaprio), actress (Chase Infiniti), and supporting actress (Teyana Taylor) as well as two for supporting actor (Penn and Del Toro).

Usually, to win best picture at the Oscars, a movie needs a SAG ensemble nomination.

The nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture besides One Battle After Another went to Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and Sinners.

Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor in a Leading Role went to Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infinity and Emma Stone.

SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST OF NOMINATIONS...

Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from One Battle After Another; the film landed the most nominations at six

Marty Supreme was nominated as well as its star Timothee Chalamet

Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor in a Leading Role went to Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B Jordan and Jesse Plemons.

Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor in a Supporting Role included Del Toro, Penn, Canton, Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) and Paul Mescal (Hamnet).

Jean Smart, Hacks, Ariana Grande, Adam Brody, Noah Wylie, Ted Danson, The White Lotus, Keri Russell, Seth Rogen, The Studio, Martin Short and Only Murders In The Building also received nods in other categories.

The 32nd annual nominations were announced by Abbott Elementary star Janelle James and Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie on Netflix's YouTube Channel after an introduction by SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin.

The Actor Awards ceremony will take place on March 1 in Los Angeles and stream live on Netflix. The host for the 2026 Actor Awards has yet to be announced; Kristen Bell hosted last year.

Harrison Ford will receive the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.

Presented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and voted on by the guild's 160,000-plus members, the Actor Awards give an accurate window into what the largest branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences  the actors  is leaning toward in award season.

Kate Hudson onstage during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 4; she was nominated for Song Sung Blue

Emma Stone was nominated for her film Bugonia

The annual ceremony that honors outstanding acting in film and television announced its name change from the Screen Actors Guild Awards to the Actor Awards on November 14, 2025.

Everything else about the celebration remains the same, including the statuette, which has always been named The Actor.

'We wanted to provide clearer recognition in terms of what the show is about for our domestic and global audiences,' Jon Brockettshowrunner and executive producer of the award showand JoBeth Williamschair of SAG-AFTRA's Awards Committeeshared in a joint announcement on November 14.

'We honor actors in film and television. Laser-focusing the name on those two things became the clearest and most straightforward path for this new chapter of the show.'

The logo and statuette has always been called 'The Actor,' and it felt like the right time to 'make the alignment official.'

Adolescence with (L to R) Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston

Jean Smart in a scene from Hacks; she and the show were nominated

Landman starring Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter was nominated

However, there will be no change to the award show itself, which is still presented by SAG-AFTRA.

'Only the show name is changing. The foundation remains the same, it's actors honoring actors,' it was shared.

'Past winners and audiences included will still refer to their award and the show as the SAG Awards, and that's OK,' they explained. 'We know it'll take time to adjust to the change.

'Our goal is, and has always been, to bring greater clarity and global visibility to every performer the union represents,' they added, 'and we're confident the new name does exactly that.'
Its over for Bill Hader and Ali Wong.

The couple, who went public with their romance in April 2023, have called time on their two-year relationship.

It was too difficult to make the relationship work with Alis upcoming stand-up tour and Bills film and TV projects this year, an insider explained to People on Wednesday.

Theyre now focusing on work and their kids, while still supporting each other.

Daily Mail has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for both Hader and Wong.

Despite the split, things remain very amicable, the source adds, with the pair described as friends who continue to stay in touch.

Bill Hader and Ali Wong, who went public with their romance in April 2023, have called time on their two-year relationship; (pictured February)

Theyre now focusing on work and their kids, while still supporting each other,' the source added; (pictured January 2024)

The breakup news comes just weeks after Hader and Wong were spotted in a tearful moment outside their cars.

Appearing tense and emotional, Hader walked Wong to her vehicle in Los Angeles at the end of November.

The pair clung to each other, sharing what looked like a heartfelt farewell kiss before heading their separate ways.

Hints of strain first emerged last year when Wong skipped the red carpet with Hader and didnt mention him while accepting her 2025 Golden Globes award.

She took home Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for her Netflix special Single Lady.

At the time, Haders team insisted the couple was still together and explained his absence was due to a health issue.

The breakup comes amid a particularly difficult period for Hader, following a tense encounter with Nick Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner, at Conan OBriens Christmas party - hours before Nick allegedly murdered his parents.

A source told the Daily Mail that the SNL star is horrified and extremely sad over the deaths of Rob and his wife Michele, and doesnt want to be connected to this story.

The breakup news comes just weeks after Hader and Wong were spotted in a tearful moment outside their cars

The pair clung to each other, sharing what looked like a heartfelt farewell kiss before heading their separate ways

Hints of strain first emerged last year when Wong skipped the red carpet with Hader and didnt mention him while accepting her 2025 Golden Globes award

Bill doesnt want this tragedy to be made about him, and any disagreement he may have had with Nick, Bill is refusing to talk about it, the insider added.

Beloved director Reiner, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, their throats slit.

Nick was arrested later that day and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, carrying a potential sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.

According to sources, Nick reportedly stormed off the party after the brief interaction with Hader.

The insider stressed: Bill, like everyone who saw Rob and Michele at the party, is horrified over what happened and is extremely sad that what went down, actually went down. With total respect for Rob and Michele and their family, Bill is not going to talk about his interaction with Nick publicly.

He doesnt want to be connected to this story over a few-minute interaction at a party that was meant to be fun and festive, the source added.

Back in October 2024, Wong spoke candidly about her 'unconventional' relationship with ex-husband Justin Hakuta while she was dating Hader.

The comedian ended her eight-year marriage to Hakuta in 2022 but has continued both a personal and professional connection with him.

The timing of the split is especially difficult for Hader, coming just after a tense encounter with Nick Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner, at Conan OBriens Christmas party- hours before Nick allegedly murdered his parents.; Reiner and Nick pictured in 2016

Reflecting on the unique dynamic, Wong told InStyle magazine: 'I understand that some people really need to cut the cord, but that never worked for me.'

She added: 'Divorces are like snowflakes. There's truly no two alike.'

Wong and Hakuta first met at a friends wedding reception in 2010 and tied the knot in San Francisco in 2014.

In her October 2024 Netflix special Ali Wong: Single Lady, Wong revealed how Hader entered her life just as she was navigating her divorce.

After getting her number through a mutual friend, she said he sent a message confessing he had had a crush on her 'forever' and asked her to be his girlfriend.

Wong also shared that Hader went the extra mile, sending her flowers while she was travelling in Europe.

Reflecting on the romance in the special, she said: 'I did fall in love again. Some of you might know who the guy is. And it just so happens to be the man who sent me all of those flowers in Europe.'
Fran Drescher is opening up about surviving cancer after being diagnosed at age 42.

The 68-year-old actress sat down for an in-depth interview with People magazine that covered her health crisis, along with her divorce and where her career stands today.

'I ended up being diagnosed with uterine cancer. But uterine cancer typically hits women that are post-menopausal or obese,' said the star.

'I was ultimately diagnosed at 42, so if it started around  maybe around 40, maybe earlier  I was not post-menopausal and I was not obese. So I slipped between the cracks,' she recalled.

But The Nanny vet said she considers herself 'lucky' to have received the diagnosis when she did.

'Mine was in stage one, which means it was resting on the uterine lining but it hadn't penetrated it, it hadn't started to dig in, so I was very lucky,' she told the outlet.

Fran Drescher is opening up about surviving cancer after being diagnosed at age 42; pictured in January 2024

Drescher recalled being diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 42, and said she feels 'lucky' to have received the diagnosis when she did; pictured in December; pictured in 2004

'I was, at that point, with a man 16 years my junior. For the first time in my life, I wanted to have his kid. My destiny was that that wasn't ever gonna happen,' the star lamented.

Instead of preserving her chances of becoming a mother by freezing her eggs, she was forced to undergo cancer treatment.

Drescher explained in 2020 that her cancer was linked to a harrowing ordeal she suffered in 1985  being raped at gunpoint.

Her husband at the time, Peter Jacobson, was also attacked, tied up and forced to witness the sexual assault.

Following the traumatizing event, she threw herself into work and caregiving.

'It was strange  and kind of poetic  that my reproductive organs, of all things, had cancer,' she told CNN's Ana Cabrera six years ago.

'But it was also an amazing affirmation that pain finds its way to exactly the right place in the body if you don't deal with it,' she noted.

Drescher elaborated, '[Because] I hadn't been paying attention to my own vulnerabilities, my pain from the rape lodged itself in my uterus. No one else around me had cancer. That was a rude awakening.'

Doling out advice to other women, she warned, 'Don't ignore something and hope it goes away or drive yourself into an early grave because you feel like you have too much stuff to do for everyone else.

'That is a pitfall women often experience. I'm here to say, "Stop that!"'

In 2002 the comedienne published a memoir called Cancer Schmancer

The actress starred on the CBS sitcom The Nanny from 1993-1999

Elsewhere in her new interview with People, Drescher discussed her role in the blockbuster Marty Supreme, which hit theaters on Christmas.

Timothee Chalamet stars in the Josh Safdie film, which is inspired by ping pong champion Marty Mauser.

The actress plays Chalamet's mother in the A24 movie.

'I was delighted to be cast as his mom,' said the Queens, New York native.

And she said of the Critics Choice Award-winning actor: 'Hes very nice and very talented, so I'm thrilled for him and all of his success.'

She then quipped, 'But its not like he wanted to be my best friend... even though I was open to it!'
Charlotte Crosby has shared a sizzling bikini-clad snap from her recent sun-soaked getaway, taken just days before she was hospitalised.

The former Geordie Shore star, 35, jetted off to the popular island destination with her fiance Jake Ankers and their children Alba, three, and 11-month-old Pixi.

But the family holiday ended in disaster, after she became sick on the last day and feeling 'so weak', before having to go to hospital.

Trying to focus on the positives of the idyllic trip however, on Wednesday Charlotte took to her Instagram to post a photo from before she fell ill and was feeling 'MILFY'.

The stunning shot saw the mother-of-two lying on a sun-lounger on her hotel balcony and topping up her tan in a black string bikini, that showcased her enviable figure.

Captioning the snap, Charlotte lamented the disastrous end of her holiday, as she wrote: 'Throwback to a couple of days ago when I was feeling all full health and MILFY'.

Charlotte Crosby has shared a sizzling bikini-clad snap from her recent getaway, taken just days before she was hospitalised

The former Geordie Shorestar, 35, jetted off to the popular island destination with her fiance Jake Ankers and their children Alba, three, and 11-month-old Pixi

But the family holiday ended in disaster, after she became sick on the last day and feeling 'so weak', before having to go to hospital

A day earlier, and the star had told her followers how she'd fallen ill and been 'throwing up' on their last day in the Maldives.

Taking to her Stories, she wrote: 'Our last day in the Maldives and I've bloody been throwing up and felt so weak.

'Pushed through and went on a dolphin trip this morning but we didn't see any. Gutted because I was so excited for Alba! There's always next time!'

However, it seemed that her health went from bad to worse as not long after, Charlotte shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed wearing an oxygen mask, with the caption: 'Well this wasn't on my bingo card.'

It comes after the TV star was forced to hit back at mum-shamers after pranking her followers with a hilarious snap of Pixi on the flight to the Maldives.

Due to their flight being delayed, Charlotte and Jake decided to entertain their youngest daughter inside the aircraft by playing with her.

Charlotte snapped a moment where Jake lifted the tot next to a fire exit sign, and she grabbed onto it.

Sharing the image to her Instagram Stories, the reality star edited her partner out of the snap to make it look like Pixi was hanging up there by herself.

Trying to focus on the positives of the idyllic trip however, on Wednesday Charlotte took to her Instagram to post a photo from before she fell ill and was feeling 'MILFY'

A day earlier, and the star had told her followers how she'd fallen ill and been 'throwing up' on their last day in the Maldives

It comes after the TV star was forced to hit back at mum-shamers after pranking her followers with a hilarious snap of Pixi on the flight to the Maldives

Charlotte joked: 'We couldn't find Pixi anywhere on the flight. We could just hear her laughing ... then we looked up and she was HANGING from the exit sign. What's she like these second children are wild!!

'Gunna have to watch her closely in Maldives or she might be off on the jet skis before Yano it. '

But after posting the funny snap, she revealed she had been inundated with messages from the 'mum police' who were 'losing their s***' in her DMs after assuming Pixi was dangling from the fire exit sign herself.

Once Charlotte and Jake arrived at their holiday home, the star was forced to inform her followers that the picture had been edited and was simply a joke.

Sharing a selfie looking exhausted, she wrote: 'Right we have landed in the Maldives wait until I tell you all the adventure it took to get here ... BUT FIRST why have I been getting sooooo many messages of people kicking off at Pixi doing pull ups on the fire exit sign!

'Let the girl live for gods sake!!!!!!! LMAO come on yous! You didn't actually think that was real did you?

'I just photoshopped Jake out we were delayed for ages on the run way and bored! And couldn't stop laughing at how Pixi looked like she was dangling herself!

'When I tell you the mam police have been losing their s*** in my inbox!'

After posting the snap, the reality star was inundated with messages from the 'mum police' who were 'losing their s***' in her DMs after assuming Pixi was dangling from the fire exit sign herself

In another Instagram Story, she shared a screenshotted Direct Message from someone who took her joke seriously.

They said: 'Not guna lie that's just scruffy. 'Can't find my child' are you joking, on a flight. Your confined to your seats for god sake.

'Your surely not that busy that your child/baby just mooches off round the plane get a grip!! For god sake!! (sic)'

Writing over the screenshotted DM, Charlotte said: 'This message in particular really made me lol ... At how serious they thought I was being.'
Spencer Pratt has revealed he will run for Mayor of Los Angeles - one year after wildfires devastated California and destroyed his home.

The reality star, 42, who is wed to Heidi Montag, 39, made the bombshell announcement as he attended the They Let Us Burn! protest in the Palisades on Wednesday.

'The system in Los Angeles isnt struggling, its fundamentally broken. It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash,' Pratt said. 'Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and Im done waiting for someone to take real action.

'Thats why I am running for mayor. And let me be clear, this just isnt a campaign, this is a mission, and were gonna expose the system.

'They intentionally let us burn before, during and after. There was no accountability. It was gross negligence. They let this happen.

'It wasnt a natural disaster or something that was unavoidable. It was their fault, and we need the accountability we deserve.' Pratt did not reveal which party he was running for.

Spencer Pratt has revealed he will run for Mayor of Los Angeles- one year after wildfires devastated California and destroyed his home - pictured with wife Heidi Montag

Pratt, was captured in photos as he watched the rapidly advancing fire move toward his Palisades home last year, which is in an area featuring many celebrity estates that are also at risk of burning

Pratt shared the news of his foray into politics with his 1.1m Instagram followers on Wednesday.

The Hills star stared intently at the camera as he theatrically held up his signed paperwork to run for LA mayor.

'Yes, its official. Papers are filed and campaign is open,' he captioned the post before directing his followers to his campaign website.

The home Pratt and Montag lived in with their two sons in Pacific Palisades was incinerated in the devastating blazes.

Pratt was later seen rifling through the debris at the home he shared with Montag for crystals or other personal artifacts that might have potentially survived the blaze.

The reality TV star also took photos of a burnt tricycle belonging to one of his two children.

The Hills alum was clad in a black T-shirt and khaki shorts as he surveyed the damage of his home, which had a few walls standing in the aftermath.

The couple's home was flattened to the ground after the raging fire took over the LA landscape and wreaked fiery havoc on Tuesday evening, and photos obtained by DailyMail.com on Wednesday showed the severity of the devastation.

Spencer documented firefighters' attempts to contain the blaze with a video posted to his Instagram stories

The reality star, 42, who is wed to Heidi Montag, 39, made the bombshell announcement as he attended the They Let Us Burn! protest in the Palisades on Wednesday

Pratt told the New York Post: 'The system in Los Angeles isnt struggling, its fundamentally broken. It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with'

Pratt shared his news with his 1.1m Instagram followers in a post showing him filling out the paperwork to run for LA mayor

'Yes, its official. Papers are filed and campaign is open,' he captioned the post before directing his followers to his campaign website

The devastating Pacific Palisades fire destroyed 7,000 homes and businesses in what was one of LA's most exclusive suburbs, killing 12 people and displacing nearly 100,000 residents. The cost of the wildfire has been put at $28 billion

The only parts of the home still standing were the charred entry gate and the front portion of the home's stucco perimeter wall. Large piles of debris were seen throughout the property as well as burnt foliage that once decorated the home's front yard.

Not only was the couple's residence destroyed, but Pratt's parents also lost their home to the fire.

Pratt shared a photo of the little that remained of his parent's house to his Instagram Stories.

'My parents house gone,' he wrote along with a string of crying emojis.

The couple, who rose to fame on The Hills, were in state of disbelief and devastation as they opened up about the loss on TikTok.

In various TikToks, Montag grew emotional about the blaze as she processed the stunning loss.

While sitting on the couch with one of her children, Montag sobbed: 'Sad our house is gone' she cried, later saying, 'Everything you worked so hard for...'

Her child served as a comforting distraction as he periodically touched her face, making her smile. 'Thank you,' she ended the video with a giggle.

Montag pictured in front of her burnt home

Pratt pictured wearing a 'Let it burn' baseball cap

The 2026 Los Angeles Mayoral election will be held on June 2, 2026, Karen Bass is the city's current Mayor and was slammed for her response to the devastating blazes

'While we ended up losing our house in the fire and thank God we are safe, so thank you to everyone who's checking, thank you for all your prayers, thank you for your thoughts. It's,' she said, emotion growing on her face. 'No words.'

Pratt attempted to cheer himself up on Wednesday with some bagels.

The reality alum, who was seen Tuesday watching the flames move towards his home, admitted he was in a state of shock and conceded his video was quite 'unhinged.'

'When your house burns down and you have nothing and your parents house burns down and they have nothing. There's only one thing that can maybe make you feel better - a bag of bagels!' he said gleefully.

'Obviously I'm in shock and my brain's not functioning, so think is the most unhinged post you've seen.'

Sources told TMZ that Pratt and Montag's home was completely destroyed after catching fire on Tuesday.

Luckily, the couple and their two sons were able to safely evacuate earlier in the day before the flames got too close.

Other stars who lost their homes in the blaze include Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia and more.

In January, Pratt and Montag filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

His decision to sue comes amid widespread backlash against Los Angeles Mayor Bass' lack of preparation and rapid response to the wildfires

The devastating Pacific Palisades fire destroyed 7,000 homes and businesses in what was one of LA's most exclusive suburbs, killing 12 people and displacing nearly 100,000 residents. The cost of the wildfire has been put at $28 billion.

The Pacific Palisades fire  one of the wildfires that struck Los Angeles County in January 2025  burned for about 31 days before it was contained.

The 2026 Los Angeles Mayoral election will be held on June 2, 2026, Karen Bass is the city's current mayor.

In January, Pratt and Montag filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

While speaking to blogger, Perez Hilton, at the time, the father-of-two recalled desperately trying to get help from Los Angeles Fire Department as he watched his property go up in flames.

'They never came. The gate was still locked,' he claimed. 'They never came. I watched from my security cameras until our house burned down. There were no fire trucks.'

As his home burned down, Pratt insisted that he called 911 and informed them that if they sent 'one fire truck' to his street that they 'could stop [the fire from] coming down the whole freaking area.'

In response to his suggestion to bring in a truck, he said he was told that the fire department didn't 'have the assets.'

Pratt and Montag, who rose to fame on The Hills, previously stated that they were in state of disbelief and devastation as they opened up about the loss in a recent TikTok post

The couple pictured with their children Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, in December 2024

The couple's home, reportedly worth $3 million, was flattened to the ground after the raging fire took over the LA landscape and wreaked fiery havoc.

The only parts of the home still standing were the charred entry gate and the front portion of the home's stucco perimeter wall.

Large piles of debris were seen throughout the property, as well as burnt foliage that once decorated the home's front yard.

His decision to sue comes amid widespread backlash against Bass' lack of preparation and rapid response to the wildfires.

Meanwhile, Trump blamed Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, for the killer wildfires that ravaged the state.

At the time, Trump tore into Newsom for being unprepared for the devastating wildfires that have cropped up all around Los Angeles causing immeasurable damage.

The wildfires, numbering up to four separate blazes, scorched thousands of acres, burnt scores of structures and caused $275 billion in damages.
Jennifer Garner has made the rare move of talking about her divorce from Ben Affleck.

The actors were wed from 2005 until 2018 and have three children together: Violet, Finn and Samuel.

In Marie Claire UK's new Wellness Issue, the 53-year-old West Virginia native addressed how 'hard' it was to end that union.

'The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard,' said the Alias actress.

But it feels like time heals all wounds for Garner as she said, 'It's important for women to know, when they think, "Oh, I'll never see that, I'll never have that feeling, I'll never be friends with this person again" [that] time is the opportunity to heal.'

Garner and Affleck have seemed friendlier in recent years as they co-parent their children.

Jennifer Garner has made the rare move of talking about her Ben Affleck divorce. The actors were wed from 2005 until 2018 and have three children together: Violet, Finn and Samuel

In Marie Claire UK's new Wellness Issue, the 53-year-old West Virginia native addressed how 'hard' it was to end that marriage

Affleck went on to wed his ex Jennifer Lopez but after two years of marriage they divorced, which has made a Jennifer-Ben-Jennifer type of love triangle situation headline news that involved their combined five kids - Lopez has twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony - though the hubbub seems to have cooled a bit now.

Garner appeared to address that heightened time period as she told the site: 'It doesn't serve me to take in gossip about myself or anyone else, much less my kids, so I don't do it.' Meaning, no questions about Affleck, Lopez or the children.

And the 13 Going On 30 star also shared that she keeps her loved ones close no matter what.

'I make a big, concerted effort to see my people as much as I can, because that's what matters. That's where your resilience is: it's in your relationships and in the people who carry you through,' she noted.

And she made it clear she has always put her children first even though she has a big Hollywood career.

'It never felt like a sacrifice. It was really hard to go to work and it definitely shaped the jobs I chose, in a big way,' she said.

Though most of her comments were rather cryptic, Garner was very straight forward when talking about her workout routine.

'The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard,' said the Alias actress

Garner was photographed by Nino Munoz

In one image the Los Angeles resident flashed her toned tummy; in the interview she also shared that she has taken up yoga

But it feels like time heals all wounds for Garner as she said, 'It's important for women to know, when they think, "Oh, I'll never see that, I'll never have that feeling, I'll never be friends with this person again" [that] time is the opportunity to heal'; Affleck seen on January 5 in LA

Affleck went on to wed his ex Jennifer Lopez but after two years of marriage they divorced, which has made a Jennifer-Ben-Jennifer type of love triangle situation headline news that involved their combined five kids - Lopez has twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony - though the hubbub seems to have cooled a bit now; the exes seen in 2023

Garner admitted that she was forced to change up her exercise routine after going very hard.

'I realized that I had pursued strength and stamina at the expense of mobility, so I'm incorporating things I haven't done in so long, like yoga. I have to back up to go forward,' she shared.

Garner looked very toned in the sizzling photo shoot by Nino Munoz.

She talked to the magazine to promote the second season of Apple's hit thriller The Last Thing He Told Me.
It's no secret that a certain lingerie company has slipped in popularity over the last few years.

Victoria's Secret dominates the world of underwear  and also hosts perhaps the most iconic annual fashion show, which famously showcases the brand's 'angels'.

However, the American retailer hit a bump in the road in 2016  when the body positivity movement gathered steam and shoppers shifted away from lingerie toward athleisure.

Rivals embraced lingerie for bigger women and more inclusive marketing, which struck a chord with shoppers.

It seemed that the company could do nothing right. An attempted rebrand in the early 2020s, which swapped hyper-sexualized supermodels for a more feminist message, was seen as inauthentic and 'woke'.

Sales slid. Market share shrank. And confidence inside the company took a hit.

That caution showed up clearly last Valentines Day  normally one of the brands busiest times of the year. Expecting low sales, bosses ordered fewer bras, knickers and nighties than normal and spent less on marketing.

Shoppers snapped up lingerie and sleepwear faster than expected, and stores sold out early  leaving millions in potential sales on the table.

Victoria's Secret dominates the intimate apparel industry, and also hosts perhaps the most iconic annual fashion show, which famously showcased the brand's 'angels' (pictured: Victoria's Secret angel Gigi Hadid)

Victoria's Secret's market share plummeted as its competition embraced a wider range of sizes, and as consumer preference tilted away from lingerie and towards athleisure

Victoria's Secret's was not expecting great success when Valentine's Day rolled around last year (pictured: Victoria's Secret 2025 Valentine's Day line)

The brand has vowed not to make the same mistake this year: 'This was a learning from last year where we didn't buy Valentine's Day [inventory] as much as we could have, and sold out too soon,' said CFO Scott Sekella told the Wall Street Journal. 'We are ready to capture on that moment.'

This year, the company is determined not to repeat the mistake.

Improved recent sales  partly driven by the relaunch of its fashion show  has prompted the company to ramp up marketing and stock levels while cutting discounts.

Last year's missteps followed a stretch in which sales declined in six of the previous eight quarters, prompting the conservative buying, Sekella said.

'Victoria's Secret is in a very different place than last year in that it is better managed and has more vision and confidence,' Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData, told the Daily Mail.

'This is one of the reasons they are pulling out all the stops for Valentine's Day  which is a banner event for the brand,' he continued.

Valentines Day will be a crucial test, particularly as it marks the first under the companys new leadership team.

Sekella has been in his role for about a year, while CEO Hillary Super joined just over a year ago.

This Valentine's Day Victoria's Secret is taking a bolder approach during a critical sales period for the intimate apparel brand

When Victoria's Secret attempted a rebrand by pivoting from hyper-sexualized supermodels to a more inclusive, feminist brand in the early 2020s, the move was seen as inauthentic and 'woke'

Victoria's Secret CFO Scott Sekella

Americans spend around $27.5billion on Valentine's Day each year.

Retail strategist Carol Spieckerman told the Daily Mail: 'Valentine's Day 2026 isn't just critical for Victoria's Secret  it's their go big or go home moment.

'After last year's inventory debacle, this is their chance to prove the reinvention is real. Inventory levels, store experience, and site-to-store connectivity must come together to show confidence, not just competence.'

She added that the risk of overstocking is manageable because Victorias Secret largely sells its own brands, giving it greater pricing flexibility.

According to Spieckerman: 'Valentine's Day is an emotional spending occasion, not a rational one. People still splurge on intimates, beauty, and sleepwear because the holiday carries symbolic weight. The key is offering affordable indulgences alongside premium options.'

The brand's efforts won't end after Valentine's Day, these changes are part of a wider plan to revive the company  and so far, it's working.

Victoria's Secret posted its strongest quarterly sales growth in more than four years in the three months ended November 1.

Sales rose 9.2 percent from a year earlier to $1.47 billion, driven by solid demand across its Victoria's Secret and Pink brands, as well as beauty products.

Aside from special Cupid's Day offerings, Victoria's Secret is rolling out new products across the board  including under its Pink range and beauty lines

Participants in this year's fashion show included American gymnast Sunisa Lee (left) and WNBA star Angel Reese (right)

Retail strategist Carol Spieckerman

The company said shoppers of all income levels and ages fueled the gains, which continued into November and led it to raise its sales outlook for a second straight quarter.

Aside from special Cupid's Day offerings, Victoria's Secret is rolling out new products across the board  including under its Pink range and beauty lines.

Victoria's Secret also revived and reimagined its iconic fashion show in 2024, marking its first return since 2018.

The updated show featured models of varying ages, ethnicities, and body types alongside the brand's traditional winged 'Angel' supermodels.

Participants this year included American gymnast Sunisa Lee and WNBA star Angel Reese, along with the brand's famous angels, such as Gigi and Bella Hadid.

The 2025 event streamed live on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and social media  attracting around three million viewers.
Shares of e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eighteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation, ten have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $123.5333.

ELF has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. B. Riley boosted their price objective on e.l.f. Beauty from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded e.l.f. Beauty from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on e.l.f. Beauty from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $155.00 to $135.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th.

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e.l.f. Beauty Trading Up 3.0%

Shares of ELF stock opened at $79.16 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 55.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.50 and a beta of 1.73. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 2.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. e.l.f. Beauty has a fifty-two week low of $49.40 and a fifty-two week high of $150.99. The firms 50 day moving average price is $82.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $110.31.

e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $343.94 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $367.89 million. e.l.f. Beauty had a net margin of 5.90% and a return on equity of 13.77%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.77 earnings per share. e.l.f. Beauty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.800-2.850 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that e.l.f. Beauty will post 2.38 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On e.l.f. Beauty

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ELF. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new position in e.l.f. Beauty in the second quarter valued at about $118,058,000. Atreides Management LP acquired a new position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $61,479,000. Man Group plc purchased a new position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $52,316,000. Woodline Partners LP acquired a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the third quarter worth approximately $52,613,000. Finally, Swedbank AB grew its position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 42.6% during the first quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 1,157,760 shares of the companys stock worth $72,696,000 after buying an additional 345,760 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.44% of the companys stock.

e.l.f. Beauty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is an American cosmetics company known for offering an extensive range of affordable, trend-driven makeup and skincare products. The companys portfolio spans foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, brushes, serums, masks and other beauty essentials, all positioned at accessible price points. e.l.f. Beauty maintains a direct-to-consumer platform through its e-commerce site and engages in widespread retail partnerships with major chains such as Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty and Amazon.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Oakland, California, e.l.f.

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Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have assigned a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company.

Several research analysts have recently commented on BBVA shares. Zacks Research downgraded Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th.

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Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BBVA opened at $23.44 on Friday. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria has a 52 week low of $10.03 and a 52 week high of $24.19. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $21.87 and a 200 day moving average price of $19.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $141.22 billion, a PE ratio of 12.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.82.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $10.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.47 billion. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria had a net margin of 28.58% and a return on equity of 17.07%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria will post 1.59 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Rathbones Group PLC lifted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 4.6% in the second quarter. Rathbones Group PLC now owns 70,175 shares of the banks stock worth $1,079,000 after buying an additional 3,066 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 612.4% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 515,444 shares of the banks stock valued at $7,922,000 after buying an additional 443,092 shares during the period. Beck Bode LLC purchased a new stake in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,342,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 781,851 shares of the banks stock valued at $12,017,000 after buying an additional 25,148 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,773,000. 2.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria

(Get Free Report)

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA) is a Spanish multinational financial services group headquartered in Bilbao, Spain. The bank traces its roots to several historic regional banks and was formed through a series of mergers that consolidated its position as one of Spains largest banking groups. BBVA operates as a universal bank offering a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients.

BBVAs core businesses include retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, private banking and wealth management, asset management, and insurance.

Further Reading

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Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the sixteen ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $63.50.

EIX has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen cut Edison International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. TD Cowen started coverage on Edison International in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $71.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Edison International from $67.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Edison International from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Edison International in a research note on Monday, December 29th.

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Insider Activity at Edison International

Institutional Trading of Edison International

In related news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total value of $99,486.00. Following the sale, the director owned 35,212 shares in the company, valued at $1,946,167.24. This represents a 4.86% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 1.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH increased its position in shares of Edison International by 2.7% in the second quarter. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH now owns 7,422 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $383,000 after buying an additional 196 shares in the last quarter. Kentucky Trust Co grew its stake in Edison International by 66.7% in the 2nd quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Diligent Investors LLC increased its holdings in Edison International by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Diligent Investors LLC now owns 13,895 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $768,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management raised its position in Edison International by 20.8% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 1,172 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $60,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Edison International by 2.4% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 8,875 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $523,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares in the last quarter. 88.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Edison International Stock Down 0.3%

EIX stock opened at $60.47 on Friday. Edison International has a one year low of $47.73 and a one year high of $78.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.82. The company has a fifty day moving average of $58.37 and a 200-day moving average of $55.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.27 billion, a PE ratio of 7.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.83.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.51 earnings per share. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current year.

Edison International Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 7th will be given a dividend of $0.8775 per share. This represents a $3.51 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 7th. This is a positive change from Edison Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 43.27%.

About Edison International

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Edison International is a publicly traded utility holding company based in Rosemead, California, whose principal subsidiary is Southern California Edison (SCE). As an electric utility holding company, Edison International oversees the delivery of electricity through SCEs integrated network of generation procurement, transmission and distribution infrastructure, serving millions of customers across central, coastal and southern California. The companys operations focus on reliable energy delivery, customer service, regulatory compliance and long-term infrastructure planning for a complex and high-demand service territory.

The companys activities include procuring and managing a diverse resource mix, maintaining and upgrading transmission and distribution systems, and implementing grid modernization projects.

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Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW  Get Free Report) EVP Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $219.90, for a total transaction of $2,199,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 471,351 shares in the company, valued at approximately $103,650,084.90. The trade was a 2.08% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Christian Kleinerman also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, December 23rd, Christian Kleinerman sold 4,755 shares of Snowflake stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.30, for a total transaction of $1,066,546.50.

On Tuesday, December 16th, Christian Kleinerman sold 2,975 shares of Snowflake stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $212.45, for a total transaction of $632,038.75.

On Tuesday, December 9th, Christian Kleinerman sold 548 shares of Snowflake stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.31, for a total transaction of $122,373.88.

On Monday, December 1st, Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of Snowflake stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.53, for a total transaction of $2,495,300.00.

On Monday, November 3rd, Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of Snowflake stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $277.73, for a total value of $2,777,300.00.

On Friday, October 31st, Christian Kleinerman sold 5,000 shares of Snowflake stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.00, for a total value of $1,375,000.00.

On Wednesday, October 8th, Christian Kleinerman sold 5,000 shares of Snowflake stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $250.00, for a total value of $1,250,000.00.

Snowflake Price Performance

SNOW traded up $10.08 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $234.44. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,202,147 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,551,062. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $80.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -58.03 and a beta of 1.14. The firms 50 day moving average price is $242.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $228.87. Snowflake Inc. has a 12 month low of $120.10 and a 12 month high of $280.67.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Snowflake ( NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.04. Snowflake had a negative return on equity of 45.91% and a negative net margin of 30.76%.The company had revenue of $1.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.18 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.20 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 28.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Snowflake Inc. will post -2.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several analysts have recently commented on SNOW shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Snowflake in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Citigroup lowered their target price on Snowflake from $310.00 to $300.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their target price on Snowflake from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Bank of America raised their price target on Snowflake from $280.00 to $310.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Snowflake from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-five have assigned a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $275.32.

View Our Latest Report on Snowflake

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Snowflake

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new stake in shares of Snowflake in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Avion Wealth grew its holdings in Snowflake by 76.6% during the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 113 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the period. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Snowflake in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Snowflake in the third quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Rossby Financial LCC raised its holdings in Snowflake by 4,233.3% in the second quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 130 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.10% of the companys stock.

Key Headlines Impacting Snowflake

Here are the key news stories impacting Snowflake this week:

Snowflake Company Profile

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Snowflake Inc is a cloud-native data platform company that provides a suite of services for storing, processing and analyzing large volumes of data. Its core offering, often described as the Snowflake Data Cloud, combines data warehousing, data lake and data sharing capabilities in a single managed service delivered across major public cloud providers. The platform is designed to support analytics, data engineering, data science and application workloads with a focus on scalability, concurrency and simplified administration.

Key products and capabilities include a multi-cluster, shared-data architecture that separates compute from storage; continuous data ingestion and streaming; support for structured and semi-structured data formats; tools for data governance, security and compliance; and developer frameworks for building data applications.

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Endeavour Mining plc (OTCMKTS:EDVMF  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating on the company.

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on EDVMF shares. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Endeavour Mining in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Endeavour Mining in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Endeavour Mining in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Finally, Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Endeavour Mining in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd.

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Endeavour Mining Stock Up 4.8%

Endeavour Mining Company Profile

Shares of Endeavour Mining stock opened at $53.92 on Friday. Endeavour Mining has a twelve month low of $17.81 and a twelve month high of $55.50. The firms 50-day moving average price is $46.02 and its 200 day moving average price is $39.45.

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Endeavour Mining is a gold production company with primary operations across West Africa. The company focuses on the exploration, development and extraction of gold resources, operating a portfolio of mines and development projects in Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Mali. Production is complemented by regional exploration programs designed to identify additional gold deposits and extend mine life across its project portfolio.

Key operating assets include the Ity and Agbaou mines in Cote dIvoire, the Hounde mine in Burkina Faso and the Kalana project in Mali.

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F  Get Free Report) rose 2.4% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $13.86 and last traded at $13.7950. Approximately 84,469,624 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 40% from the average daily volume of 60,310,297 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.47.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Ford Motor from an underperform rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $9.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Monday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $13.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ford Motor has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $12.18.

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Ford Motor Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.17. The stock has a market cap of $54.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.89 and a beta of 1.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.98.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.07. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.The firm had revenue of $50.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $43.08 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.49 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Ford Motor Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were given a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. Ford Motors payout ratio is presently 51.72%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ford Motor

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in Ford Motor during the 2nd quarter valued at $405,328,000. DLD Asset Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor in the third quarter valued at approximately $299,000,000. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Ford Motor by 712.7% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 19,572,437 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $212,361,000 after acquiring an additional 17,164,234 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Ford Motor by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 103,784,031 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $1,122,434,000 after buying an additional 15,748,694 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Ford Motor by 32.7% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,342,420 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $318,365,000 after buying an additional 7,238,424 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.74% of the companys stock.

About Ford Motor

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.

Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company.

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Wall Street Zen lowered shares of General Motors (NYSE:GM  Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Sunday.

GM has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of General Motors from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of General Motors from $77.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of General Motors from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of General Motors from $77.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Mizuho set a $90.00 price objective on General Motors in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $75.76.

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General Motors Stock Performance

General Motors stock opened at $82.17 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $76.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.31. General Motors has a 1-year low of $41.60 and a 1-year high of $83.68. The companys 50-day moving average is $75.52 and its 200 day moving average is $63.15.

General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The auto manufacturer reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.48. General Motors had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 1.62%.The firm had revenue of $48.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.96 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .3% on a year-over-year basis. General Motors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. Research analysts forecast that General Motors will post 11.44 EPS for the current year.

General Motors Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. General Motorss dividend payout ratio is 12.07%.

Insider Transactions at General Motors

In other General Motors news, President Mark L. Reuss sold 260,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total transaction of $17,316,870.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president directly owned 98,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,512,498.70. This represents a 72.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 7,724 shares of General Motors stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.00, for a total transaction of $556,128.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 12,007 shares in the company, valued at approximately $864,504. The trade was a 39.15% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 284,021 shares of company stock worth $18,971,788. 0.54% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On General Motors

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tiemann Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of General Motors by 3.1% during the third quarter. Tiemann Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,045 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $308,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management grew its stake in General Motors by 14.5% during the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 1,219 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $74,000 after buying an additional 154 shares during the last quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC increased its position in General Motors by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC now owns 5,131 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $313,000 after buying an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in General Motors by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,222 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $318,000 after buying an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sowell Financial Services LLC raised its stake in General Motors by 2.9% in the second quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC now owns 6,834 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $336,000 after buying an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.67% of the companys stock.

Key Stories Impacting General Motors

Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week:

About General Motors

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General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives.

GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services.

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Regional Management Corp. (NYSE:RM  Get Free Report) major shareholder Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,576 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.88, for a total value of $294,554.88. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 1,060,727 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $41,241,065.76. This trade represents a 0.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Fund L.P. Forager also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, January 5th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 8,827 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.09, for a total value of $353,874.43.

On Friday, January 2nd, Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,968 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.93, for a total value of $310,194.24.

Regional Management Stock Performance

RM stock traded down $0.85 on Tuesday, reaching $39.00. The companys stock had a trading volume of 40,933 shares, compared to its average volume of 53,785. The firm has a market cap of $378.68 million, a PE ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $38.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.82. Regional Management Corp. has a 12-month low of $25.41 and a 12-month high of $46.00.

Regional Management Dividend Announcement

Regional Management ( NYSE:RM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The credit services provider reported $1.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.03. Regional Management had a net margin of 6.57% and a return on equity of 11.43%. The business had revenue of $165.49 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $162.84 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Regional Management Corp. will post 4.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Regional Managements payout ratio is currently 29.06%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have weighed in on RM shares. Zacks Research cut Regional Management from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Regional Management in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Regional Management from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $30.00.

View Our Latest Research Report on Regional Management

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Regional Management

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Tieton Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Regional Management by 18.6% in the second quarter. Tieton Capital Management LLC now owns 295,081 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $8,619,000 after acquiring an additional 46,380 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Regional Management by 83.0% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 155,885 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $4,691,000 after purchasing an additional 70,721 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Regional Management by 45.5% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 194,374 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $5,853,000 after purchasing an additional 60,744 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new position in Regional Management in the 1st quarter worth about $271,000. Finally, Forager Capital Management LLC grew its position in Regional Management by 20.7% during the 2nd quarter. Forager Capital Management LLC now owns 1,085,098 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $31,696,000 after purchasing an additional 186,072 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.89% of the companys stock.

Regional Management Company Profile

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Regional Management Corp., headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a consumer finance company specializing in installment loan products for underbanked individuals. Since its founding in 1977, the company has developed a network of field-based branches alongside a digital platform to offer credit solutions in rural and small-town markets across the United States.

The companys core offerings include consumer installment loans for everyday purchases, auto refinancing and lease buyouts, as well as ancillary services such as insurance referrals.

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Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM  Get Free Report) EVP Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.10, for a total value of $498,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 55,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,577,231.10. This represents a 9.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Mark Kidd also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 1st, Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.00, for a total value of $510,000.00.

On Monday, November 3rd, Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.51, for a total value of $615,060.00.

On Friday, October 31st, Mark Kidd sold 7,306 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total transaction of $736,590.92.

Iron Mountain Stock Up 1.4%

Shares of NYSE IRM traded up $1.16 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $84.83. The company had a trading volume of 2,020,423 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,159,371. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 160.06 and a beta of 1.13. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a twelve month low of $72.33 and a twelve month high of $112.18. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $88.40 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $94.98.

Iron Mountain Increases Dividend

Iron Mountain ( NYSE:IRM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.03. Iron Mountain had a net margin of 2.40% and a negative return on equity of 112.70%. The company had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.75 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.13 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Iron Mountain has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.040-5.130 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Iron Mountain Incorporated will post 4.54 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a $0.864 dividend. This represents a $3.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This is an increase from Iron Mountains previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. Iron Mountains dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 650.94%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

IRM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Iron Mountain from $100.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Iron Mountain in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Iron Mountain in a report on Monday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $120.00 price target on the stock. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Iron Mountain from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Iron Mountain from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Iron Mountain has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $114.80.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on IRM

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Iron Mountain

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of IRM. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Iron Mountain in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Iron Mountain during the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC acquired a new stake in shares of Iron Mountain during the third quarter worth $44,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group acquired a new stake in shares of Iron Mountain during the second quarter worth $51,000. Finally, Washington Trust Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Iron Mountain in the third quarter valued at $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.13% of the companys stock.

About Iron Mountain

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Iron Mountain Incorporated is a global information management company that helps organizations protect, store, and manage their physical and digital information. The firm provides a range of services including secure records storage, document imaging and digitization, secure shredding and destruction, and information governance solutions designed to support regulatory compliance and business continuity. Iron Mountain also offers specialized secure storage environments and logistics for sensitive assets such as art, medical records, and legal archives.

Beyond traditional records management, Iron Mountain has expanded into technology-driven services to support customers digital transformation.

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Shares of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Buy by the eight research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and three have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.20.

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley set a $15.20 price target on Ivanhoe Mines in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th.

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Ivanhoe Mines Trading Up 0.1%

OTCMKTS IVPAF opened at $12.10 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 4.03, a current ratio of 4.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Ivanhoe Mines has a 52 week low of $6.50 and a 52 week high of $12.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.21 billion and a PE ratio of 55.00. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $10.16 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.39.

Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. The business had revenue of $129.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $128.95 million. Ivanhoe Mines had a net margin of 89.02% and a return on equity of 5.99%.

About Ivanhoe Mines

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Ivanhoe Mines is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on unlocking high-value deposits of copper, nickel, zinc, and platinum-group metals. The company pursues a two-pronged strategy of advancing large-scale mining projects through feasibility and development stages while also expanding its exploration footprint. Ivanhoes technical expertise spans geology, engineering, environmental management, and community relations, enabling it to secure the necessary permits and infrastructure for major mine developments.

The companys flagship asset is the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a joint venture with the government of the DRC and Zijin Mining.

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JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:JQUA  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $64.38 and last traded at $64.3650, with a volume of 561062 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $63.65.

JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $7.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.86 and a beta of 0.93. The firms fifty day moving average price is $62.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $61.99.

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Institutional Trading of JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new stake in shares of JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its stake in JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF by 26.5% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 906 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Parkworth Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Asset Dedication LLC lifted its position in JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF by 840.0% during the second quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 940 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 840 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. lifted its position in JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF by 56.4% during the third quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 904 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 326 shares during the last quarter.

About JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF

The JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the JP Morgan US Quality Factor index. The fund selects companies from the Russell 1000 using three quality factors: profitability, earnings, and solvency. JQUA was launched on Nov 8, 2017 and is managed by JPMorgan Chase.

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NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG  Get Free Report) VP Brian Curci sold 46,976 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.84, for a total transaction of $7,461,667.84. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 46,113 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,324,588.92. The trade was a 50.46% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Brian Curci also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, January 5th, Brian Curci sold 60,580 shares of NRG Energy stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.71, for a total transaction of $9,796,391.80.

NRG Energy Stock Down 1.2%

NRG Energy stock traded down $1.99 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $159.61. 2,038,562 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,689,287. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.45, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market cap of $30.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.86 and a beta of 1.25. The business has a fifty day moving average of $164.75 and a 200 day moving average of $160.36. NRG Energy, Inc. has a 12-month low of $79.57 and a 12-month high of $180.54.

NRG Energy ( NYSE:NRG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $2.78 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.93 by $0.85. NRG Energy had a return on equity of 103.57% and a net margin of 4.84%.The firm had revenue of $7.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.53 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.90 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that NRG Energy, Inc. will post 6.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

NRG Energy declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Thursday, November 6th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the utilities provider to reacquire up to 9.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

NRG Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were issued a $0.44 dividend. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. NRG Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.31%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have weighed in on NRG. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $198.00 target price on shares of NRG Energy in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on NRG Energy in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $212.00 price objective for the company. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on NRG Energy from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded NRG Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underperform rating on shares of NRG Energy in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, NRG Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $199.21.

Read Our Latest Report on NRG Energy

Institutional Trading of NRG Energy

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of NRG Energy in the third quarter worth about $25,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp acquired a new position in NRG Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust purchased a new position in NRG Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp lifted its stake in NRG Energy by 90.4% during the 3rd quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp now owns 179 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the period. Finally, Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of NRG Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.72% of the companys stock.

About NRG Energy

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NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) is a U.S.-based integrated power company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company develops, owns and operates a diversified portfolio of power generation assets and participates in wholesale and retail energy markets. NRG supplies electricity to utilities, commercial and industrial customers, and retail consumers, while also providing energy-related products and services designed to manage consumption and support reliability.

NRGs generation mix includes conventional thermal plants as well as renewable and distributed energy resources.

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 1.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $26.01 and last traded at $25.4370. 50,585,813 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 9% from the average session volume of 46,355,793 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.17.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have issued reports on PFE. Wolfe Research set a $24.00 target price on shares of Pfizer and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Citigroup initiated coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued a neutral rating and a $26.00 price target for the company. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, Scotiabank began coverage on Pfizer in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 target price for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.06.

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Pfizer Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.28. The stock has a market cap of $144.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.79 and a beta of 0.47. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.93.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.17% and a net margin of 15.65%.The business had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is currently 100.00%.

Institutional Trading of Pfizer

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of PFE. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Pfizer during the 2nd quarter worth $2,270,157,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 1.9% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 533,363,457 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,928,730,000 after purchasing an additional 10,198,330 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 47.8% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 25,070,148 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $638,787,000 after purchasing an additional 8,108,887 shares during the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 203.8% in the third quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 9,012,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $229,346,000 after buying an additional 6,045,763 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in Pfizer by 48.2% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 18,373,140 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $468,174,000 after buying an additional 5,978,927 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock.

Pfizer Company Profile

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Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas.

Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business.

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RPM International (NYSE:RPM  Get Free Report) is projected to announce its Q2 2026 results before the market opens on Thursday, January 8th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.43 per share and revenue of $1.9402 billion for the quarter. Investors may review the information on the companys upcoming Q2 2026 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET.

RPM International Stock Up 1.2%

RPM opened at $106.94 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $13.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.11. RPM International has a fifty-two week low of $95.28 and a fifty-two week high of $129.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 2.26. The firms fifty day moving average is $106.01 and its 200 day moving average is $113.64.

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RPM International Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a $0.54 dividend. This represents a $2.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. RPM Internationals payout ratio is currently 40.37%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Trading of RPM International

In other RPM International news, Director Salvatore D. Fazzolari sold 375 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.67, for a total transaction of $40,376.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 21,578 shares in the company, valued at $2,323,303.26. The trade was a 1.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. California State Teachers Retirement System boosted its holdings in RPM International by 21.7% in the second quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 355,934 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $39,096,000 after acquiring an additional 63,532 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in RPM International by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 339,258 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $37,260,000 after purchasing an additional 888 shares in the last quarter. Danske Bank A S purchased a new stake in shares of RPM International during the third quarter valued at approximately $17,362,000. One Capital Management LLC boosted its position in RPM International by 3.2% in the third quarter. One Capital Management LLC now owns 119,666 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $14,106,000 after purchasing an additional 3,752 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in RPM International in the 3rd quarter worth $2,180,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.95% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on RPM shares. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of RPM International from $136.00 to $127.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Bank of America raised shares of RPM International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $126.00 to $129.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded RPM International from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price objective for the company from $121.00 to $132.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on RPM International from $127.00 to $119.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of RPM International in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $128.64.

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RPM International Company Profile

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RPM International Inc is a global holding company whose subsidiaries specialize in the manufacture and marketing of high-performance coatings, sealants, building materials, and specialty chemicals. Through its two principal operating segmentsPerformance Coatings and Industrial CoatingsRPM serves a diverse range of end markets, including construction, consumer products, industrial maintenance, and specialty applications.

The companys Performance Coatings segment offers a broad portfolio of architectural coatings, waterproofing systems, and specialty building products used by contractors, builders, and homeowners.

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Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. (NYSE:ST  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the eleven analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $36.10.

A number of equities analysts recently commented on ST shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Sensata Technologies in a report on Monday, December 29th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $43.00 price objective on shares of Sensata Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Sensata Technologies from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI set a $32.00 price target on Sensata Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of Sensata Technologies from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ST

Sensata Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE ST opened at $35.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a current ratio of 2.91. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $32.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.24 billion, a PE ratio of -179.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.15. Sensata Technologies has a 52 week low of $17.32 and a 52 week high of $36.25.

Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $931.98 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $918.83 million. Sensata Technologies had a positive return on equity of 17.22% and a negative net margin of 0.71%.The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.86 EPS. Sensata Technologies has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.830-0.870 EPS. Analysts predict that Sensata Technologies will post 3.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Sensata Technologies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Sensata Technologiess dividend payout ratio is -240.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Sensata Technologies

In other Sensata Technologies news, EVP Lynne J. Caljouw sold 3,207 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.45, for a total transaction of $104,067.15. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 66,536 shares in the company, valued at $2,159,093.20. This trade represents a 4.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Ali John Mirshekari sold 125,939 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.83, for a total value of $3,630,821.37. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 142,371 shares in the company, valued at $4,104,555.93. The trade was a 46.94% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 272,356 shares of company stock valued at $7,880,364 in the last three months. 0.89% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sensata Technologies

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ST. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Sensata Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $205,000. Danske Bank A S bought a new stake in Sensata Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $979,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Sensata Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $60,000. Woodline Partners LP increased its holdings in shares of Sensata Technologies by 165.4% during the third quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 4,975,745 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $152,009,000 after purchasing an additional 3,100,927 shares during the period. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP raised its position in shares of Sensata Technologies by 87.6% in the third quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 45,404 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $1,387,000 after buying an additional 21,198 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.42% of the companys stock.

Sensata Technologies Company Profile

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Sensata Technologies Holdings N.V. is a global industrial technology company specializing in the design, development and manufacture of sensors and electrical protection solutions. The companys product portfolio includes pressure, temperature, position, speed, current and magnetic sensors, as well as circuit breakers and other protection devices. Sensatas offerings serve a wide array of end markets, with a particularly strong presence in automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industrial automation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), commercial aerospace and renewable energy sectors.

Headquartered in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Sensata operates a network of manufacturing and engineering facilities across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

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Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 0.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $72.30 and last traded at $73.01. Approximately 56,557 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 2% from the average daily volume of 57,584 shares. The stock had previously closed at $73.39.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TMP has been the topic of several analyst reports. Zacks Research upgraded Tompkins Financial to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Tompkins Financial in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $74.00 price objective for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.00.

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Tompkins Financial Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $1.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.40 and a beta of 0.80. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $70.47 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $67.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.92.

Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The financial services provider reported $1.65 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.70 by ($0.05). Tompkins Financial had a return on equity of 11.24% and a net margin of 18.24%.The business had revenue of $87.44 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.00 million. On average, analysts forecast that Tompkins Financial Corporation will post 5.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Tompkins Financial Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. This is an increase from Tompkins Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Tompkins Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 52.53%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Ita M. Rahilly acquired 1,463 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $68.36 per share, for a total transaction of $100,010.68. Following the purchase, the director owned 10,511 shares in the company, valued at approximately $718,531.96. The trade was a 16.17% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 4.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TMP. State of Alaska Department of Revenue raised its stake in Tompkins Financial by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 7,455 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,000 after acquiring an additional 496 shares during the period. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Tompkins Financial by 663.0% in the 1st quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 40,517 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,552,000 after buying an additional 35,207 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Tompkins Financial by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 310,539 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $19,481,000 after buying an additional 11,455 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in Tompkins Financial by 3,207.7% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $162,000 after acquiring an additional 2,502 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS purchased a new stake in shares of Tompkins Financial during the second quarter worth $202,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.11% of the companys stock.

Tompkins Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP) is a bank holding company headquartered in Ithaca, New York, that provides a diversified range of financial services. Through its principal banking subsidiary, Tompkins Trust Company, the firm offers commercial and consumer banking products including checking and savings accounts, mortgage loans, and credit facilities. Beyond traditional banking, Tompkins Financial delivers asset management, trust and estate planning, retirement services and investment advisory solutions.

In addition to its core banking operations, Tompkins Financial operates Tompkins Insurance Agencies, which offers property and casualty, life and health insurance coverages to individuals and businesses.

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Investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Aegon (NYSE:AEG  Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Wednesday. The firm set a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other analysts also recently commented on the company. UBS Group downgraded Aegon from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Zacks Research lowered shares of Aegon from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Aegon in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Aegon from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Aegon Stock Down 3.5%

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Aegon

NYSE:AEG traded down $0.28 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $7.62. The company had a trading volume of 1,332,281 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,080,092. Aegon has a twelve month low of $5.42 and a twelve month high of $8.15. The firm has a market cap of $15.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -29.29, a P/E/G ratio of 0.22 and a beta of 0.78. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $7.67 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $7.54.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in shares of Aegon by 2.1% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 77,076 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $507,000 after buying an additional 1,551 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Aegon by 16.3% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 75,569 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $498,000 after purchasing an additional 10,591 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Aegon by 20.0% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 142,277 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $936,000 after purchasing an additional 23,670 shares during the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Aegon during the second quarter valued at $196,000. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Aegon during the second quarter valued at $165,000. 4.32% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Aegon

(Get Free Report)

Aegon N.V. is a multinational financial services company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, specializing in life insurance, pensions and asset management. Established in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, Aegon has built a reputation for offering retirement solutions, savings products and protection plans aimed at helping customers secure their financial futures. The company operates under well-known brands, including Transamerica in the United States, and serves both individual and corporate clients.

Throughout its history, Aegon has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen its market position and broaden its service offerings.

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Brunswick (NYSE: BC) in the last few weeks:

1/6/2026  Brunswick was given a new $115.00 price target on by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

1/6/2026  Brunswick was upgraded by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from a hold rating to a buy rating. They now have a $115.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $65.00.

12/29/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/22/2025  Brunswick is now covered by analysts at Loop Capital. They set a hold rating and a $74.00 price target on the stock.

12/22/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/15/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  Brunswick was upgraded by analysts at Seaport Res Ptn to a strong-buy rating.

12/7/2025  Brunswick was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating.

12/1/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/29/2025  Brunswick was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating.

11/25/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  Brunswick had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

Brunswick Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Brunswicks payout ratio is presently -47.25%.

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Founded in 1845 by John Moses Brunswick, Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in recreation products. Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, the company has evolved from its origins as a billiard table manufacturer into a diversified supplier of leisure equipment, serving both consumer and commercial markets around the world.

Brunswick operates through two primary segments: Marine and Bowling & Billiards. In its Marine segment, the company designs, manufactures and distributes recreational boats, outboard engines and aftermarket parts under recognized brands such as Sea Ray, Bayliner and Mercury Marine.

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Banco Santander Brasil SA (NYSE:BSBR  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of 0.0298 per share by the bank on Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th.

Banco Santander Brasil has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years. Banco Santander Brasil has a payout ratio of 32.5% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Banco Santander Brasil to earn $0.71 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.27 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 38.0%.

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Banco Santander Brasil Stock Down 2.8%

NYSE:BSBR opened at $6.18 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $6.12 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $5.52. Banco Santander Brasil has a 52 week low of $3.93 and a 52 week high of $6.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.13, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 1.34.

About Banco Santander Brasil

Banco Santander Brasil SA is the Brazilian unit of Spain-based Grupo Santander and one of the countrys major commercial banks. Headquartered in Sao Paulo, the bank serves a broad client base across Brazil through an integrated network of branches, ATMs and digital channels. Its shares are represented abroad via American Depositary Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BSBR.

The bank offers a full range of financial products and services for retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate clients.

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MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lowered its stake in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 1.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 683,204 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 11,060 shares during the quarter. Bank of America makes up about 0.9% of MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSBs holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest position. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSBs holdings in Bank of America were worth $35,246,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of BAC. Tilson Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 3.5% in the third quarter. Tilson Financial Group Inc. now owns 11,820 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $610,000 after acquiring an additional 401 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 3.4% during the third quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 357,600 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,449,000 after acquiring an additional 11,900 shares during the last quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 41.2% during the 3rd quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,686 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $397,000 after purchasing an additional 2,242 shares in the last quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC raised its stake in Bank of America by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 19,171 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $989,000 after purchasing an additional 740 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Bank of America by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC now owns 84,946 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,382,000 after purchasing an additional 3,887 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock.

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Bank of America Trading Up 0.6%

BAC stock opened at $57.24 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. The company has a market cap of $417.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.60 and a beta of 1.29. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $53.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $50.84. Bank of America Corporation has a 52 week low of $33.06 and a 52 week high of $57.55.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $5.35 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.05 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.76% and a net margin of 15.70%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.81 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is 30.52%.

Bank of America News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week:

Analyst Ratings Changes

BAC has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Phillip Securities lifted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Bank of America from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. HSBC boosted their price target on Bank of America from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Dbs Bank upgraded Bank of America to a moderate buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Argus upped their target price on Bank of America from $53.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Twenty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $59.86.

Read Our Latest Report on BAC

Bank of America Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets.

Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC  Free Report).

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Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by equities researchers at Stifel Nicolaus from $210.00 to $215.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the medical instruments suppliers stock. Stifel Nicolaus target price would suggest a potential upside of 4.26% from the companys previous close.

BDX has been the subject of several other research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $200.00 to $190.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $202.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Becton, Dickinson and Company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $207.64.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance

NYSE:BDX opened at $206.23 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.76 billion, a PE ratio of 35.41, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.23. The stocks fifty day moving average is $191.68 and its 200 day moving average is $187.67. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a fifty-two week low of $162.29 and a fifty-two week high of $251.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.11.

Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 14th. The medical instruments supplier reported $4.10 EPS for the quarter. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 7.68% and a return on equity of 16.42%. The company had revenue of $5.32 billion during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Becton, Dickinson and Company

In other news, EVP Michael David Garrison sold 629 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.03, for a total transaction of $123,302.87. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 13,105 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,568,973.15. This trade represents a 4.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Bertram L. Scott sold 217 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.58, for a total value of $38,317.86. Following the sale, the director owned 35,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,324,389.28. This represents a 0.60% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 1,052 shares of company stock valued at $201,235 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Becton, Dickinson and Company

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC grew its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 98.2% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 1,770 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $401,000 after acquiring an additional 877 shares in the last quarter. RiverGlades Family Offices LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $344,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the second quarter worth $983,000. Covea Finance increased its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 10.7% in the third quarter. Covea Finance now owns 78,847 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $14,758,000 after buying an additional 7,610 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 2.0% in the third quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 905,757 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $169,531,000 after buying an additional 17,844 shares in the last quarter. 86.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Becton, Dickinson and Company

(Get Free Report)

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) is a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells a broad range of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. BDs products are used by healthcare institutions, clinical laboratories, life science researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to enable safe, effective delivery of care, specimen collection and diagnostic testing. The companys operations span multiple business areas focused on medical devices, life sciences research tools and interventional technologies.

BDs product portfolio includes single-use medical devices such as syringes, needles, needlesafety and injection systems, infusion therapy and medication management solutions, as well as vascular access, urology and oncology devices acquired through its interventional business.

Further Reading

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Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-one ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, sixteen have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $231.8125.

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on THC. Weiss Ratings raised Tenet Healthcare from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $224.00 target price on the stock. Guggenheim boosted their price target on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $238.00 to $257.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $230.00 to $252.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $240.00 target price (up from $225.00) on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research report on Monday, November 3rd.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Tenet Healthcare

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In related news, Director Richard W. Fisher sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.43, for a total value of $521,075.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 8,792 shares in the company, valued at $1,832,516.56. This represents a 22.14% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, Director Tammy Romo sold 15,099 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.81, for a total transaction of $3,032,030.19. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 47,267 shares in the company, valued at $9,491,686.27. The trade was a 24.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 45,500 shares of company stock valued at $9,247,071. Insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of THC. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new position in Tenet Healthcare in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. purchased a new position in Tenet Healthcare in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in Tenet Healthcare during the second quarter worth $35,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in Tenet Healthcare in the second quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 192 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.44% of the companys stock.

Tenet Healthcare Price Performance

Shares of THC opened at $208.18 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $202.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $189.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.27, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.41. Tenet Healthcare has a twelve month low of $109.82 and a twelve month high of $222.82.

Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $3.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by $0.37. The company had revenue of $5.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.26 billion. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 25.11% and a net margin of 6.49%.Tenet Healthcares quarterly revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.93 earnings per share. Tenet Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.930-16.26 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Tenet Healthcare will post 12.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Tenet Healthcare

(Get Free Report)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified American healthcare services company that owns and operates acute care hospitals and a broad range of outpatient facilities. Its portfolio includes general acute-care hospitals, specialty hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care and diagnostic imaging centers, and other ancillary service locations. Tenets operations are oriented around delivering inpatient and outpatient clinical care across multiple medical specialties, with an emphasis on surgical services, emergency care, and advanced diagnostics.

In addition to facility-based care, Tenet provides integrated services designed to support clinical operations and improve patient access and care coordination.

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Shares of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC  Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eighteen research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have issued a hold recommendation, eight have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $77.1429.

BC has been the topic of several recent research reports. Loop Capital initiated coverage on Brunswick in a report on Monday, December 22nd. They set a hold rating and a $74.00 target price on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Brunswick in a research report on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Brunswick from $63.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Brunswick from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Benchmark upped their price objective on shares of Brunswick from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

More Brunswick News

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Brunswick by 26.5% during the 2nd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 26,344 shares of the companys stock worth $1,455,000 after purchasing an additional 5,526 shares during the last quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. boosted its stake in Brunswick by 26.6% during the second quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. now owns 272,028 shares of the companys stock worth $15,027,000 after buying an additional 57,100 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd increased its position in shares of Brunswick by 478.8% during the first quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 65,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,550,000 after acquiring an additional 54,536 shares during the last quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brunswick in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $224,000. Finally, Garner Asset Management Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 33.4% in the 2nd quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 29,732 shares of the companys stock worth $1,642,000 after acquiring an additional 7,444 shares during the last quarter. 99.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Here are the key news stories impacting Brunswick this week:

Brunswick Trading Up 10.5%

Shares of BC opened at $83.60 on Wednesday. Brunswick has a 52-week low of $41.00 and a 52-week high of $83.77. The stock has a market cap of $5.44 billion, a PE ratio of -22.97 and a beta of 1.36. The firms fifty day moving average is $69.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $64.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28.

Brunswick (NYSE:BC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.26 billion. Brunswick had a negative net margin of 4.60% and a positive return on equity of 10.55%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.17 earnings per share. Brunswick has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.25 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Brunswick will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Brunswick Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio is -47.25%.

Brunswick Company Profile

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Founded in 1845 by John Moses Brunswick, Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in recreation products. Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, the company has evolved from its origins as a billiard table manufacturer into a diversified supplier of leisure equipment, serving both consumer and commercial markets around the world.

Brunswick operates through two primary segments: Marine and Bowling & Billiards. In its Marine segment, the company designs, manufactures and distributes recreational boats, outboard engines and aftermarket parts under recognized brands such as Sea Ray, Bayliner and Mercury Marine.

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Burberry Group PLC (OTCMKTS:BURBY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 35,042 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 135% from the previous sessions volume of 14,883 shares.The stock last traded at $17.45 and had previously closed at $18.40.

Burberry Group Trading Down 1.7%

The firms fifty day moving average is $16.31 and its 200-day moving average is $16.37.

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About Burberry Group

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Burberry Group plc is a British luxury fashion house renowned for its distinctive designs and iconic outerwear. The companys product portfolio encompasses ready-to-wear clothing, leather goods, handbags, accessories, footwear, fragrances and beauty items. Burberry is particularly famous for its classic trench coat, crafted from its patented gabardine fabric, and the signature checked pattern that has become a global emblem of luxury.

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England, the company initially specialized in weatherproof garments and outdoor attire.

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Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $44.33 and last traded at $44.3670, with a volume of 123349 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.22.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler set a $40.00 price target on shares of Cadence Bank and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Cadence Bank in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays cut Cadence Bank from an overweight rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Cadence Bank from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Stephens downgraded Cadence Bank from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.33.

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Cadence Bank Stock Down 0.9%

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $40.83 and a 200 day simple moving average of $37.77. The company has a market cap of $8.17 billion, a PE ratio of 16.25 and a beta of 0.95.

Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The company reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.04. Cadence Bank had a return on equity of 9.97% and a net margin of 18.15%.The business had revenue of $517.24 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $523.60 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.73 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Cadence Bank will post 2.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cadence Bank Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $0.275 dividend. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Cadence Banks payout ratio is 39.86%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cadence Bank

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CADE. North Reef Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Cadence Bank during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $264,845,000. Channing Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Cadence Bank in the second quarter worth $75,681,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Cadence Bank in the second quarter worth $71,235,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 196.8% in the third quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 2,544,499 shares of the companys stock worth $95,520,000 after acquiring an additional 1,687,329 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Cadence Bank by 10.1% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 9,387,354 shares of the companys stock worth $354,728,000 after acquiring an additional 864,229 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.61% of the companys stock.

About Cadence Bank

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Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a regional commercial bank that offers a full suite of financial services to individuals, businesses and government entities. Through its network of branches and digital platforms, the bank provides deposit accounts, treasury management solutions, commercial and industrial lending, equipment finance, residential and consumer mortgages, and wealth management services. Cadence Bank serves a mix of small and mid-size companies as well as retail customers in its core markets.

The institution traces its heritage to Cadence Bancorporation, which was established in 1987 in Tupelo, Mississippi.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eighteen brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have given a hold recommendation, twelve have issued a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $91.8333.

Several research analysts have commented on CP shares. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $129.00 to $127.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $90.00 target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. National Bankshares restated an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CP opened at $73.45 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.39, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.10. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $72.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $75.16. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 52-week low of $66.49 and a 52-week high of $83.65.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The transportation company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.71 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 28.41% and a return on equity of 8.79%. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.99 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.228 per share. This is a boost from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.82%.

Institutional Trading of Canadian Pacific Kansas City

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanderbilt University lifted its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 10.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanderbilt University now owns 75,452 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $5,982,000 after buying an additional 7,050 shares during the last quarter. Scheer Rowlett & Associates Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.2% in the second quarter. Scheer Rowlett & Associates Investment Management Ltd. now owns 648,343 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $51,410,000 after buying an additional 14,260 shares during the last quarter. Key Financial Inc bought a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the second quarter valued at approximately $371,000. Ninety One North America Inc. lifted its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 135.7% in the second quarter. Ninety One North America Inc. now owns 206,785 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $16,394,000 after acquiring an additional 119,052 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lifted its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 7.6% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 1,935,337 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $153,847,000 after acquiring an additional 136,981 shares during the last quarter. 72.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is a North American Class I freight railroad formed through the combination of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The merged company operates an integrated rail network that spans Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing a single-line rail connection across all three countries. This transborder footprint is intended to streamline cross-border freight flows and provide shippers with direct rail access from Canadian and U.S. production centers to Mexican markets and ports.

CPKCs core business is freight transportation and related logistics services.

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Shares of Commerzbank AG (OTCMKTS:CRZBY  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $42.82, but opened at $41.0750. Commerzbank shares last traded at $41.0950, with a volume of 639 shares trading hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Commerzbank from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Commerzbank from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Commerzbank from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Commerzbank from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold.

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Commerzbank Stock Down 3.1%

The firm has a market cap of $48.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.94 and a beta of 0.36. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $39.72 and a 200-day simple moving average of $37.81.

Commerzbank (OTCMKTS:CRZBY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $3.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.46 billion. Commerzbank had a return on equity of 7.29% and a net margin of 11.03%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Commerzbank AG will post 1.96 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Commerzbank

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Commerzbank by 8.0% during the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 15,644 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $492,000 after buying an additional 1,165 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Commerzbank by 22.3% in the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 6,876 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $260,000 after purchasing an additional 1,252 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Commerzbank by 5.6% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,113 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $217,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares in the last quarter.

About Commerzbank

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Commerzbank AG is a major German banking group headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. Founded in 1870, the bank operates as a universal financial institution offering a broad range of services to private customers, small and medium-sized enterprises (the German Mittelstand), and large corporates. Its core business lines include retail and corporate banking, transaction banking, capital markets and investment banking, as well as asset and wealth management.

On the retail side, Commerzbank provides everyday banking products such as deposit accounts, payment services, consumer loans, mortgages and digital banking channels for individual customers.

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Dynatrace (NYSE:DT  Get Free Report) and Vertiv (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, dividends and institutional ownership.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Dynatrace and Vertivs top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Dynatrace $1.70 billion 7.57 $483.68 million $1.67 25.55 Vertiv $8.01 billion 8.35 $495.80 million $2.65 66.02

Risk & Volatility

Vertiv has higher revenue and earnings than Dynatrace. Dynatrace is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vertiv, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dynatrace has a beta of 0.85, meaning that its share price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vertiv has a beta of 2.06, meaning that its share price is 106% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

94.3% of Dynatrace shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.9% of Vertiv shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.6% of Dynatrace shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.0% of Vertiv shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Dynatrace and Vertivs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Dynatrace 27.33% 9.24% 6.14% Vertiv 10.67% 50.82% 14.98%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Dynatrace and Vertiv, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Dynatrace 0 6 17 1 2.79 Vertiv 1 4 21 2 2.86

Dynatrace currently has a consensus target price of $61.00, indicating a potential upside of 42.94%. Vertiv has a consensus target price of $181.38, indicating a potential upside of 3.67%. Given Dynatraces higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Dynatrace is more favorable than Vertiv.

Summary

Vertiv beats Dynatrace on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Dynatrace

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Dynatrace, Inc. provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation. Its platform allows its customers to modernize and automate IT operations, delivers software, and enhance user experiences. In addition, the company offers implementation, consulting, and training services. It markets its products through a combination of direct sales team and a network of partners, including resellers, system integrators, and managed service providers. It serves customers in various industries comprising banking, financial services, government, insurance, retail and wholesale, transportation, and software. Dynatrace, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

About Vertiv

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Vertiv Holdings Co, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and services critical digital infrastructure technologies and life cycle services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers AC and DC power management products, switchgear and busbar products, thermal management products, integrated rack systems, modular solutions, and management systems for monitoring and controlling digital infrastructure that are integral to the technologies used for various services, including e-commerce, online banking, file sharing, video on-demand, energy storage, wireless communications, Internet of Things, and online gaming. The company also provides lifecycle management services, predictive analytics, and professional services for deploying, maintaining, and optimizing its products and their related systems; and preventative maintenance, acceptance testing, engineering and consulting, performance assessments, remote monitoring, training, spare parts, and digital critical infrastructure software services. It offers its products primarily under the Vertiv, Liebert, NetSure, Geist, E&I, Powerbar, and Avocent brands. The company serves cloud services, financial services, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, energy, education, government, social media, and retail industries through a network of direct sales professionals, independent sales representatives, channel partners, and original equipment manufacturers. Vertiv Holdings Co is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio.

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DHT Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DHT  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 6.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $12.87 and last traded at $12.8250. Approximately 1,192,693 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 37% from the average daily volume of 1,894,910 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.02.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

DHT has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of DHT in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and set a $16.00 target price on shares of DHT in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on DHT from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. BTIG Research reiterated a buy rating and issued a $16.00 price objective on shares of DHT in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of DHT from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $15.67.

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DHT Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of $12.80 and a 200-day moving average of $12.05. The company has a market cap of $2.07 billion, a PE ratio of 10.37 and a beta of -0.07. The company has a current ratio of 2.41, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22.

DHT (NYSE:DHT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The shipping company reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.11. DHT had a return on equity of 17.05% and a net margin of 41.17%.The firm had revenue of $107.35 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $78.83 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.22 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 14.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that DHT Holdings, Inc. will post 0.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

DHT Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were given a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. DHTs payout ratio is presently 58.06%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On DHT

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in DHT by 101.6% during the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 2,714 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,368 shares in the last quarter. Roble Belko & Company Inc purchased a new position in shares of DHT in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of DHT by 190.9% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,020 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,982 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in DHT by 344.1% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,162 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 2,450 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in DHT by 91.8% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,334 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,596 shares during the period. 58.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About DHT

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DHT Holdings, Inc (NYSE: DHT) is a Bermuda-based independent crude oil tanker company that provides seaborne transportation of crude oil on a worldwide basis. The companys core business involves the ownership and operation of a modern fleet of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Suezmax tankers, which are chartered to oil producers, trading houses and national oil companies. Through spot charters, time-charters and tanker pooling arrangements, DHT connects crude oil exporters with refining hubs in Asia, Europe, North America and other global markets.

Founded in 2005 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange later that year, DHT has grown its presence in the maritime sector by focusing on operational efficiency and disciplined capital management.

Further Reading

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Dividends

Suruga Bank pays an annual dividend of $2.09 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. LifeStore Financial Group pays an annual dividend of $0.65 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Suruga Bank pays out 22.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Profitability

This table compares Suruga Bank and LifeStore Financial Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Suruga Bank 24.79% 8.90% 0.77% LifeStore Financial Group N/A N/A N/A

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Suruga Bank and LifeStore Financial Groups revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Suruga Bank $598.19 million 2.64 $133.17 million $9.26 8.64 LifeStore Financial Group $33.78 million N/A $5.56 million N/A N/A

Suruga Bank has higher revenue and earnings than LifeStore Financial Group.

Risk and Volatility

Suruga Bank has a beta of -0.07, meaning that its stock price is 107% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, LifeStore Financial Group has a beta of 0.48, meaning that its stock price is 52% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Suruga Bank beats LifeStore Financial Group on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Suruga Bank

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Suruga Bank Ltd. provides various banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Japan. The company offers deposit products, such as time, ordinary, savings, foreign currency, and other deposits, as well as current and general accounts; card, housing, second house, startup, and business up term loans, as well as loans by purpose; credit and debit cards; overdrafts; and other financing products. It also provides investment trust, public bond, pension contribution, insurance, inheritance/trust, lottery, foreign currency, pay-easy, web direct, safe deposit box, external linkage, foreign remittance, fund management, e-combination, payment, nursing care/medical care/dispensing compensation receivable factoring, mortgage, and Internet and telephone banking services. In addition, the company offers staffing, money lending, guarantee, printing, leasing, and agency services. The company was incorporated in 1895 and is headquartered in Numazu, Japan.

About LifeStore Financial Group

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LifeStore Financial Group, Inc. operates as a federally chartered thrift holding company for LifeStore Bank that provides personal and business banking products and services in North Carolina. The company offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; mortgage loans, automobile loans, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans, investment property loans, equipment loans, working capital loans/lines of credit, and small business administration loans; and credit cards. It also provides insurance agency products and services; investment and cash management services; and online and mobile banking services. The company was formerly known as AF Financial Group and changed its name to LifeStore Financial Group, Inc. in September 2009. LifeStore Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in West Jefferson, North Carolina. Lifestore Financial Group, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of AsheCo MHC, Inc.

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Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (BATS:IETC  Free Report) by 47.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 15,597 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,984 shares during the quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLCs holdings in iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF were worth $1,590,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its position in iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF by 68.8% during the third quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 297 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $71,000. Hoese & Co LLP bought a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $110,000. Finally, Vestor Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $191,000.

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iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF Trading Up 22.4%

Shares of BATS IETC opened at $102.82 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $740.30 million, a P/E ratio of 37.47 and a beta of 1.18. The businesss 50 day moving average is $102.44 and its 200-day moving average is $100.12. iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF has a 1-year low of $64.06 and a 1-year high of $98.03.

iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF Company Profile

The iShares Evolved U.S. Technology ETF (IETC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology index. The fund is an actively managed fund of US stocks in the information technology sector according to an alternative classification system defined by machine learning algorithms. The market cap-weighted fund targets an increased exposure to firms with high Technology Independence Score. IETC was launched on Mar 21, 2018 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

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Heico Corporation (NYSE:HEI  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $341.79 and last traded at $342.3450, with a volume of 68498 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $329.31.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Heico in a report on Monday, December 29th. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on Heico in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set a neutral rating and a $330.00 target price for the company. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Heico in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $367.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $375.00 price target (up from $350.00) on shares of Heico in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating and issued a $375.00 price objective (up previously from $355.00) on shares of Heico in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Heico has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $357.07.

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Heico Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $48.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 70.84, a PEG ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The companys 50-day moving average is $318.66 and its two-hundred day moving average is $318.05.

Heico (NYSE:HEI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The aerospace company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.11. Heico had a net margin of 15.39% and a return on equity of 16.80%. The company had revenue of $1.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.17 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.99 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Heico Corporation will post 4.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Heico Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 5th. This represents a yield of 7.0%. Heicos dividend payout ratio is presently 4.89%.

Insider Transactions at Heico

In other Heico news, Director Mark H. Hildebrandt acquired 400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $248.76 per share, for a total transaction of $99,504.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 1,181 shares in the company, valued at $293,785.56. This represents a 51.22% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Thomas M. Culligan bought 676 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 10th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $243.93 per share, for a total transaction of $164,896.68. Following the transaction, the director owned 11,030 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,690,547.90. The trade was a 6.53% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 4,448 shares of company stock worth $1,086,933. 9.55% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HEI. Congress Asset Management Co. boosted its position in Heico by 366.0% in the second quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 308,457 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $101,174,000 after buying an additional 242,264 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Heico by 45.7% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 769,704 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $248,476,000 after acquiring an additional 241,559 shares during the last quarter. Munro Partners acquired a new stake in shares of Heico during the 2nd quarter valued at $59,720,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its position in Heico by 263.2% during the 3rd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 60,469 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $19,521,000 after acquiring an additional 43,821 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AMJ Financial Wealth Management bought a new stake in Heico during the 2nd quarter worth $11,552,000. Institutional investors own 27.12% of the companys stock.

Heico Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

HEICO Corporation is an aerospace, defense and electronics company that designs, manufactures, and sells a range of products and provides repair and aftermarket services. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, HEICO supplies replacement components, repair services and engineered systems for commercial and business aviation, military and space markets as well as for selected industrial and medical customers. The companys offerings are focused on sustaining and improving the reliability and availability of complex equipment across its end markets.

HEICO operates through two principal business areas.

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Chinese premier holds talks with Taoiseach of Ireland

Xinhua) 11:19, January 07, 2026

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing on Tuesday, stating that China is willing to work with Ireland to push bilateral relations to a new level and achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results.

Noting the strong economic complementarity between China and Ireland, Li called on both sides to enhance the alignment of development strategies and explore the potential for cooperation in various fields.

China is willing to work with Ireland to expand and improve bilateral trade, Li said, adding that China welcomes Irish enterprises to make good use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to further promote their products.

He also called on both sides to seize future development opportunities, deepen cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, information technology and life sciences, and further facilitate personnel exchanges.

China stands ready to enhance communication and collaboration with Ireland in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, Li added.

As Ireland will hold the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year, China hopes Ireland will play a positive role in promoting China-EU cooperation, said the premier.

Martin, currently on an official visit to China, said that Ireland is firmly committed to further deepening the mutually beneficial strategic partnership between the two countries and is willing to enhance exchanges at all levels with China.

He expressed Ireland's willingness to promote cooperation with China in trade, investment, science and technology, healthcare, agriculture, green economy, artificial intelligence and other fields, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in education, localities and other areas.

The Irish side welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Ireland, he added.

Ireland values the important role China plays in international affairs, and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with China, to oppose unilateralism and protectionism and jointly safeguard world peace, stability, development and prosperity, said Martin.

The Irish side is willing to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China, he added.

Prior to the talks, Li held a welcome ceremony for Martin in the Great Hall of the People.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
ING Group, N.V. (NYSE:ING  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $28.84 and last traded at $28.9470, with a volume of 212036 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $28.76.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut ING Group from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of ING Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup raised ING Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Cfra Research upgraded ING Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and five have given a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ING Group presently has an average rating of Buy.

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ING Group Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $26.59 and a 200-day moving average of $24.90. The company has a market cap of $83.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.88, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.99.

ING Group (NYSE:ING  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.06. ING Group had a return on equity of 11.57% and a net margin of 26.94%.The business had revenue of $6.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.35 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that ING Group, N.V. will post 2.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ING Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 8th will be paid a $0.2009 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 8th. This represents a yield of 69.0%. ING Groups dividend payout ratio is 31.08%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ING Group

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Abound Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of ING Group by 2,757.6% during the third quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 943 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 910 shares in the last quarter. Binnacle Investments Inc lifted its holdings in ING Group by 57.0% during the third quarter. Binnacle Investments Inc now owns 1,088 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 395 shares during the period. Salomon & Ludwin LLC boosted its position in ING Group by 2,440.8% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 1,245 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,196 shares in the last quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. purchased a new position in shares of ING Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of ING Group in the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 4.49% of the companys stock.

ING Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ING Group N.V. is a Dutch multinational financial services company headquartered in Amsterdam. Formed through the consolidation of Dutch financial businesses, ING operates as a banking and financial services group that serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporates and institutional clients. The company is organized under a two-tier governance model common in the Netherlands, with an Executive Board responsible for day-to-day management and a Supervisory Board providing oversight.

INGs principal activities include retail and direct banking, commercial and wholesale banking, corporate lending, transaction services and cash management, and a range of investment and savings products.

Further Reading

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Shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (OTCMKTS:ICAGY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $11.40 and last traded at $11.39, with a volume of 12548 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.22.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Research lowered International Consolidated Airlines Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on International Consolidated Airlines Group in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued an overweight rating on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded International Consolidated Airlines Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold.

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International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Down 0.4%

The firm has a market cap of $26.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.51, a PEG ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.65. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $10.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.65.

International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The transportation company reported $1.77 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $1.09. The firm had revenue of $10.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.95 billion. International Consolidated Airlines Group had a return on equity of 112.24% and a net margin of 9.52%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that International Consolidated Airlines Group SA will post 1.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

International Consolidated Airlines Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY) is a Europe-focused airline holding company formed in 2011 through the combination of British Airways and Iberia. The group owns and operates a portfolio of passenger carriers that provide short-haul, long-haul and low-cost services, together with associated aviation businesses. Its operations span international and domestic markets, with extensive networks across Europe, transatlantic routes and links to Latin America and other global destinations.

IAGs principal airline brands include British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL.

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KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 1.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 711,099 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 7,000 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning ASs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $95,245,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter worth $3,026,180,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 13,347.0% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,056,934 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $823,804,000 after purchasing an additional 6,011,891 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $23,502,644,000 after purchasing an additional 2,977,715 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 180.7% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,063,443 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $416,659,000 after purchasing an additional 1,972,097 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 98.6% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 3,467,896 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $471,669,000 after buying an additional 1,721,523 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 1.2%

NYSE:ABT opened at $127.91 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $110.86 and a 52-week high of $141.23. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $126.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $129.51. The company has a market capitalization of $222.42 billion, a PE ratio of 16.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.72.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. The business had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.21 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 29.57%.

Key Headlines Impacting Abbott Laboratories

Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently weighed in on ABT shares. William Blair raised shares of Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $153.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Raymond James Financial raised their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $141.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.47.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB reduced its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 5.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 21,943 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 1,245 shares during the period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSBs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $10,954,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of LMT. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter worth about $34,000. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the second quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock.

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Lockheed Martin Trading Up 2.1%

Shares of LMT opened at $522.06 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $120.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.97. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a 1 year low of $410.11 and a 1 year high of $538.73. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $472.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $466.96.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.62. The firm had revenue of $18.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.45 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 111.84%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $6.84 earnings per share. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.150-22.350 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 27.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a dividend of $3.45 per share. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $13.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is currently 77.05%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Lockheed Martin

In other news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of Lockheed Martin stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.04, for a total value of $3,826,183.68. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 1 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $491.04. The trade was a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Key Stories Impacting Lockheed Martin

Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week:

Positive Sentiment: Landmark Pentagon agreement to expand PAC3 MSE production capacity from ~600 to 2,000 units annually over seven years  this increases Lockheeds nearterm revenue visibility, production leverage and backlog, and is the primary driver of todays strength. Article Title

Landmark Pentagon agreement to expand PAC3 MSE production capacity from ~600 to 2,000 units annually over seven years  this increases Lockheeds nearterm revenue visibility, production leverage and backlog, and is the primary driver of todays strength. Positive Sentiment: Company press release/department confirmation outlines framework to accelerate PAC3 deliveries to U.S. forces and allies  supports sustained higher production rates and long-term program economics. Article Title

Company press release/department confirmation outlines framework to accelerate PAC3 deliveries to U.S. forces and allies  supports sustained higher production rates and long-term program economics. Positive Sentiment: Broader defense tailwinds following recent U.S. military action in Venezuela have lifted investor interest across the sector, helping boost Lockheed shares alongside peers. Article Title

Broader defense tailwinds following recent U.S. military action in Venezuela have lifted investor interest across the sector, helping boost Lockheed shares alongside peers. Neutral Sentiment: Market coverage and commentaries noted LMT as a trending defense stock; heightened attention can increase volume and volatility ahead of quarterly results. Article Title

Market coverage and commentaries noted LMT as a trending defense stock; heightened attention can increase volume and volatility ahead of quarterly results. Neutral Sentiment: Lockheed scheduled a webcast for its Q4 and fullyear 2025 results on Jan. 29  investors will be watching guidance and margin commentary for confirmation that the PAC3 ramp translates to improved profitability. Article Title

Lockheed scheduled a webcast for its Q4 and fullyear 2025 results on Jan. 29  investors will be watching guidance and margin commentary for confirmation that the PAC3 ramp translates to improved profitability. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research trimmed several nearterm and FY2027 EPS estimates modestly (Q3/Q2 and FY2027 revisions down by cents). The cuts are small but remind investors that analyst outlooks can be revised even as contract wins boost revenue  a possible shortterm headwind to sentiment.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $440.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Susquehanna upped their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $490.00 to $590.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lockheed Martin has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $506.18.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops and manufactures advanced technology systems for government and commercial customers. Formed through the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and focuses on providing integrated solutions across air, space, land and sea domains. Its primary customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and allied governments around the world.

Lockheed Martins product and service portfolio spans military aircraft, missile and fire-control systems, missile defense, space systems and satellite technologies, sensors and precision weapons.

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Shares of NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $16.31, but opened at $17.95. NuScale Power shares last traded at $18.8850, with a volume of 25,162,137 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup reissued a sell rating and set a $37.50 price target (down previously from $46.00) on shares of NuScale Power in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group set a $20.00 target price on NuScale Power in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and set a $34.00 target price (down from $38.00) on shares of NuScale Power in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of NuScale Power in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of NuScale Power in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They set an overweight rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, NuScale Power currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $35.18.

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NuScale Power Stock Down 0.7%

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.72. The company has a market capitalization of $5.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.80 and a beta of 2.12.

NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($1.85) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by ($1.74). The firm had revenue of $8.24 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.29 million. NuScale Power had a negative net margin of 594.63% and a negative return on equity of 51.27%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1635.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.18) earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that NuScale Power Corporation will post -0.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at NuScale Power

In other news, CFO Robert Ramsey Hamady sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.17, for a total value of $886,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 46,283 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,026,094.11. This represents a 46.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of NuScale Power

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Private Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in NuScale Power by 39.4% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Partners LLC now owns 23,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $910,000 after acquiring an additional 6,500 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its position in NuScale Power by 72.3% during the 2nd quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 91,362 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,614,000 after purchasing an additional 38,347 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in NuScale Power by 23.3% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 47,645 shares of the companys stock worth $1,885,000 after buying an additional 9,016 shares during the last quarter. Black Swift Group LLC bought a new position in NuScale Power during the 2nd quarter worth $585,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in NuScale Power by 25.2% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,854,664 shares of the companys stock worth $112,944,000 after buying an additional 574,295 shares during the period. 78.37% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About NuScale Power

(Get Free Report)

NuScale Power Corporation, trading on the NYSE American under the ticker SMR, is a pioneering developer of small modular nuclear reactors. Established in 2007 as a spinout from Oregon State University, the company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. NuScales mission is to deliver zero-carbon baseload power through scalable modular reactor technology, aiming to transform traditional nuclear energy deployment.

At the core of NuScales offering is the VOYGR small modular reactor design, featuring 77-megawatt electric (MWe) modules with passive safety systems.

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Partners Group Holding AG (OTCMKTS:PGPHF  Get Free Report)s share price was up 11.4% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $1,337.0601 and last traded at $1,337.0601. Approximately 1 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1,200.4301.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Citigroup upgraded shares of Partners Group from a reduce rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Partners Group

Partners Group Trading Up 11.4%

Partners Group Company Profile

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $1,194.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1,290.34. The stock has a market cap of $34.68 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 89.62.

(Get Free Report)

Partners Group Holding AG (OTCMKTS: PGPHF) is a global private markets investment manager that specializes in private equity, private debt, private real estate and private infrastructure. The firm develops tailored investment solutions for institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Its services include direct investments, primary fund commitments and secondary market transactions, as well as customized portfolio and advisory offerings.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, Partners Group completed its initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange in 2006.

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First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) and Private Bancorp of America (OTCMKTS:PBAM  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares First Horizon and Private Bancorp of Americas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets First Horizon 18.08% 10.93% 1.16% Private Bancorp of America 24.04% 17.10% 1.66%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

80.3% of First Horizon shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 13.5% of Private Bancorp of America shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of First Horizon shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio First Horizon $5.03 billion 2.41 $775.00 million $1.65 14.94 Private Bancorp of America $161.24 million 2.04 $35.82 million $7.04 8.15

This table compares First Horizon and Private Bancorp of Americas gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

First Horizon has higher revenue and earnings than Private Bancorp of America. Private Bancorp of America is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Horizon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Risk & Volatility

First Horizon has a beta of 0.61, meaning that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Private Bancorp of America has a beta of 0.1, meaning that its share price is 90% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for First Horizon and Private Bancorp of America, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score First Horizon 0 11 9 1 2.52 Private Bancorp of America 0 1 1 1 3.00

First Horizon presently has a consensus target price of $25.63, indicating a potential upside of 4.00%. Private Bancorp of America has a consensus target price of $74.00, indicating a potential upside of 29.03%. Given Private Bancorp of Americas stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Private Bancorp of America is more favorable than First Horizon.

Summary

First Horizon beats Private Bancorp of America on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About First Horizon

(Get Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company also accepts deposits; provides underwriting services for bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; financial planning; and offers investment and financial advisory services. In addition, it offers mortgage banking; loan syndications; brokerage services; commercial and business banking for business enterprises, consumer banking, and private client and wealth management services; capital markets, professional commercial real estate, mortgage warehouse and asset-based lending, franchise and equipment finance, tax credit finance, energy and healthcare finance, asset management, and corporate and correspondent banking services. Further, the company provides transaction processing services including check clearing services and remittance processing, credit cards, investment, and sale of mutual fund and retail insurances, as well as trust, fiduciary, and agency services. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

About Private Bancorp of America

(Get Free Report)

Private Bancorp of America, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for CalPrivate Bank that provides banking products and services to individuals and businesses in California. The company offers checking and savings, money market, certificate of deposit, sweep, zero balance, and individual retirement accounts; unsecured lines of credit, personal credit lines, and term loans; additional services, such as direct deposits, online banking, ATM and debit cards, credit cards, savings/line of credit overdraft protection, and safe deposit boxes; and certificate of deposit account registry services. It also provides treasury management, merchant card, bill pay, positive pay, e-statement, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, wire transfer, electronic payments and collections, electronic check acceptance, account reconciliation, cash vault, and gift and business credit cards, as well as funds management services. In addition, the company offers term credit facilities and loans, equipment and business expansion loans, working capital lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction financing, letters of credit, business start-up loans, loans for business acquisition and partner buyouts, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, equipment, furniture and fixture, and other loans; and CDARS And ICS products. Further, it provides wealth management and legal services. The company has offices in La Jolla, San Diego, Coronado, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, El Segundo, Temecula, Mission Valley, and Redlands. Private Bancorp of America, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in La Jolla, California.

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ACT Energy Technologies (TSE:ACX  Get Free Report) had its price target upped by equities researchers at Raymond James Financial from C$8.75 to C$10.00 in a report released on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price target suggests a potential upside of 100.00% from the companys current price.

Separately, ATB Capital dropped their target price on shares of ACT Energy Technologies from C$6.75 to C$6.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$8.63.

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View Our Latest Analysis on ACX

ACT Energy Technologies Stock Up 5.3%

ACT Energy Technologies Company Profile

ACX traded up C$0.25 on Wednesday, reaching C$5.00. The companys stock had a trading volume of 116,593 shares, compared to its average volume of 57,382. The company has a market capitalization of C$167.31 million, a P/E ratio of 6.94 and a beta of 0.75. ACT Energy Technologies has a fifty-two week low of C$4.23 and a fifty-two week high of C$6.98. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$5.17.

(Get Free Report)

ACT Energy Technologies Ltd. is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We operate in Canada and in the United States as Altitude Energy Partners, and in the U.S. under Discovery Downhole Services and Rime Downhole Technologies.

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RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities researchers at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $303.00 to $329.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the insurance providers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price points to a potential upside of 20.09% from the companys current price.

Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on RNR. Evercore ISI set a $283.00 target price on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Wednesday. Mizuho initiated coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research report on Monday, December 15th. They issued a neutral rating and a $281.00 price target on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of RenaissanceRe from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research note on Monday, September 15th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $300.00 price target on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $294.14.

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RenaissanceRe Price Performance

Shares of RNR stock traded up $1.95 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $273.95. The company had a trading volume of 77,199 shares, compared to its average volume of 421,139. RenaissanceRe has a 12 month low of $219.00 and a 12 month high of $285.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.40. The firms fifty day moving average is $268.15 and its 200 day moving average is $252.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.61, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.26.

RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The insurance provider reported $15.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.49 by $6.13. RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 16.83% and a net margin of 14.23%.The business had revenue of $3.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.97 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $10.23 EPS. RenaissanceRes quarterly revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of RenaissanceRe

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Park Avenue Securities LLC raised its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 14.2% during the 4th quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 3,715 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,045,000 after acquiring an additional 461 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 17.4% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,331 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $655,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of RenaissanceRe by 157.0% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 203 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 198.3% in the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 349 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd lifted its stake in RenaissanceRe by 73.6% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 2,203 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $559,000 after buying an additional 934 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.97% of the companys stock.

About RenaissanceRe

(Get Free Report)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance solutions, specializing in property catastrophe, casualty, and specialty lines. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Bermuda, the company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RNR. With a focus on underwriting and risk assessment, RenaissanceRe offers tailored programs designed to help insurers and corporations manage exposure to natural disasters, liability claims, and other complex risks.

The company operates through two primary segments: Reinsurance and Insurance.

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Securian Asset Management Inc. decreased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 7.7% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 113,123 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,456 shares during the quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $17,381,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 233,211,283 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,155,222,000 after acquiring an additional 3,189,111 shares in the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 655,209.0% during the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 76,028,952 shares of the companys stock worth $11,832,680,000 after purchasing an additional 76,017,350 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.8% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,415,933 shares of the companys stock worth $9,439,341,000 after buying an additional 1,060,713 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth about $5,099,644,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.7% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 17,385,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,770,035,000 after buying an additional 294,673 shares during the period. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Piper Sandler set a $150.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price target on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 8th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $170.14.

Procter & Gamble Stock Down 0.3%

PG stock opened at $139.98 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $327.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.43, a P/E/G ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.39. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $145.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $151.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $138.14 and a 1-year high of $179.99.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.23 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.93 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. Analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Friday, October 24th were issued a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.75%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble

In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 979 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $146,429.03. The trade was a 42.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Key Stories Impacting Procter & Gamble

Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week:

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide.

P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care.

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Silchester International Investors LLP lessened its holdings in shares of Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR  Free Report) by 35.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,981,447 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,786,538 shares during the period. Nutrien accounts for approximately 95.7% of Silchester International Investors LLPs investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. Silchester International Investors LLP owned about 1.03% of Nutrien worth $292,461,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Nutrien in the second quarter valued at approximately $395,842,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its stake in shares of Nutrien by 48.5% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 11,944,730 shares of the companys stock worth $696,058,000 after acquiring an additional 3,900,755 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners purchased a new position in shares of Nutrien during the 2nd quarter worth $150,416,000. First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Nutrien by 14.0% during the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 13,268,229 shares of the companys stock worth $772,742,000 after acquiring an additional 1,627,328 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Nutrien by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,903,308 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,276,328,000 after acquiring an additional 712,305 shares during the last quarter. 63.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Nutrien Trading Down 2.3%

Shares of NYSE NTR opened at $60.69 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.29 billion, a PE ratio of 16.36 and a beta of 0.72. Nutrien Ltd. has a twelve month low of $45.78 and a twelve month high of $65.08. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.71.

Nutrien Announces Dividend

Nutrien ( NYSE:NTR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $5.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.59 billion. Nutrien had a return on equity of 7.54% and a net margin of 6.79%.Nutriens revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.39 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Nutrien Ltd. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.545 per share. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Nutriens dividend payout ratio is presently 58.76%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on NTR. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Nutrien from $63.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Nutrien in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an equal weight rating and a $64.00 price target for the company. Scotiabank decreased their price objective on Nutrien from $65.00 to $63.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Zacks Research cut Nutrien from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $67.00 target price on shares of Nutrien in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nutrien has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.17.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NTR

Nutrien Profile

(Free Report)

Nutrien Ltd. is a global fertilizer and agricultural-services company headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The company is publicly traded and operates across the farm input value chain, combining upstream fertilizer production with a broad retail and services platform aimed at supporting crop production worldwide. Nutriens business model integrates the manufacture and distribution of crop nutrients with on-the-ground agronomic support for growers and agricultural businesses.

Nutrien produces and supplies the three primary fertilizer nutrientspotash, nitrogen and phosphatethrough its wholesale operations, and markets a wide range of crop inputs including seeds and crop protection products.

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Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $5.98 and last traded at $5.8930, with a volume of 1837796 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $5.60.

Taseko Mines Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of $4.07. The company has a market cap of $2.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -202.33 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in TGB. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Taseko Mines during the 3rd quarter valued at $49,000. Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in Taseko Mines in the 2nd quarter valued at about $52,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Taseko Mines during the second quarter valued at about $52,000. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Taseko Mines during the third quarter worth about $61,000. Finally, Brevan Howard Capital Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Taseko Mines in the third quarter worth about $61,000. 17.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Taseko Mines

Taseko Mines Ltd. is a Vancouverbased mining company primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of copperbased projects. Its flagship operation is the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, which ranks among Canadas largest open pit copper producers. In addition to copper, Gibraltar yields byproducts such as molybdenum and silver, reflecting Tasekos focus on base and precious metals.

Beyond Gibraltar, Taseko holds two advanced development assets. The Florence Copper project in Arizona employs an insitu recovery process to extract copper, positioning it as one of North Americas first largescale applications of this technology.

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Robinhood Markets, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mastercard, Coinbase Global, Visa, Intuit, and SoFi Technologies are the seven Financial stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Financial stocks are shares of companies that provide financial servicesprimarily banks, insurance firms, brokerages, asset managers, payment processors and other fintechswhose earnings come from lending, underwriting, asset management, trading and fees. Investors treat them as interest-rate, credit-cycle and regulation-sensitive plays and typically evaluate them by balance-sheet strength, loan-quality metrics and dividend reliability. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Financial stocks within the last several days.

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Robinhood Markets (HOOD)

Robinhood Markets, Inc. operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate.

Read Our Latest Research Report on JPM

Mastercard (MA)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

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Coinbase Global (COIN)

Coinbase Global, Inc. provides financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy in the United States and internationally. The company offers the primary financial account in the crypto economy for consumers; and a marketplace with a pool of liquidity for transacting in crypto assets for institutions.

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Visa (V)

Visa Inc. operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

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Intuit (INTU)

Intuit Inc. provides financial management and compliance products and services for consumers, small businesses, self-employed, and accounting professionals in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Small Business & Self-Employed, Consumer, Credit Karma, and ProTax.

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SoFi Technologies (SOFI)

SoFi Technologies, Inc. provides various financial services in the United States, Latin America, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Lending, Technology Platform, and Financial Services. The company offers lending and financial services and products that allows its members to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect money.

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Shares of Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD  Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $95.42 and last traded at $95.7550, with a volume of 306104 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $94.54.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently commented on TD. Natl Bk Canada upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, December 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. National Bank Financial raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Toronto Dominion Bank currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $93.00.

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Toronto Dominion Bank Trading Down 1.5%

The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $159.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $87.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $79.92.

Toronto Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD  Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.90% and a net margin of 16.52%.The company had revenue of $11.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.10 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.72 earnings per share. Toronto Dominion Banks revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $1.08 per share. This is a positive change from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. Toronto Dominion Banks payout ratio is currently 35.82%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Toronto Dominion Bank

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 3.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 77,187,442 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,677,291,000 after purchasing an additional 2,552,603 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 37,612,007 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,008,096,000 after buying an additional 246,999 shares during the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 22,548,848 shares of the banks stock worth $1,656,213,000 after acquiring an additional 101,678 shares during the last quarter. Canerector Inc. grew its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 11,028.0% during the 3rd quarter. Canerector Inc. now owns 22,256,000 shares of the banks stock worth $1,779,367,000 after acquiring an additional 22,056,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in the second quarter worth $1,543,639,000. Institutional investors own 52.37% of the companys stock.

About Toronto Dominion Bank

(Get Free Report)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients.

TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance.

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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the seven research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have given a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company.

Several research firms have recently weighed in on TM. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Erste Group Bank upgraded Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Toyota Motor in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 16th.

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Toyota Motor Trading Down 1.6%

Toyota Motor stock opened at $215.46 on Wednesday. Toyota Motor has a 1 year low of $155.00 and a 1 year high of $220.56. The firms 50 day moving average price is $206.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $195.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The stock has a market cap of $290.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.50 and a beta of 0.64.

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $4.85 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.36 by $1.49. The company had revenue of $81.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.06 billion. Toyota Motor had a net margin of 9.33% and a return on equity of 12.32%. Toyota Motor has set its FY 2026 guidance at 15.249-15.249 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Toyota Motor will post 19.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Toyota Motor

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TM. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Toyota Motor during the third quarter worth $26,000. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Toyota Motor by 65.7% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 227 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Toyota Motor during the 3rd quarter worth $49,000. Bangor Savings Bank lifted its stake in shares of Toyota Motor by 27.8% during the 3rd quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 267 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Toyota Motor during the second quarter valued at about $53,000. 1.48% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Toyota Motor

(Get Free Report)

Toyota Motor Corporation is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. Founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda as an offshoot of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, the company builds and sells a broad range of vehicles and related products under the Toyota and Lexus brands. Toyotas operations encompass vehicle design, manufacturing, parts supply, and distribution through a worldwide dealer network, as well as complementary businesses such as vehicle financing and mobility services.

The companys product lineup includes passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, along with engines and vehicle components.

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Unifirst (NYSE:UNF  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 6.580-6.980 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 7.030. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.5 billion-$2.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.5 billion.

Unifirst Stock Down 4.9%

Shares of UNF traded down $10.02 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $193.13. 97,959 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 180,742. The firm has a market cap of $3.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.99 and a beta of 0.72. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $173.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $172.89. Unifirst has a 12-month low of $147.66 and a 12-month high of $232.14.

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Unifirst (NYSE:UNF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The textile maker reported $2.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.15 by $0.13. Unifirst had a net margin of 6.10% and a return on equity of 7.11%. The firm had revenue of $614.45 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $607.02 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.39 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. Unifirst has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.580-6.980 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Unifirst will post 7.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Unifirst Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a $0.365 dividend. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This is a positive change from Unifirsts previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. Unifirsts dividend payout ratio is currently 18.30%.

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on UNF. UBS Group set a $182.00 price target on shares of Unifirst in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Unifirst from $152.00 to $145.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Zacks Research upgraded Unifirst from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Unifirst in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Unifirst presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $174.75.

View Our Latest Report on Unifirst

Trending Headlines about Unifirst

Here are the key news stories impacting Unifirst this week:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unifirst

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in Unifirst in the 3rd quarter valued at about $269,000. Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in shares of Unifirst during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in Unifirst in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $57,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co increased its position in Unifirst by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 12,909 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $2,149,000 after acquiring an additional 290 shares during the period. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC raised its stake in Unifirst by 24.5% during the 3rd quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 16,767 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $2,803,000 after acquiring an additional 3,297 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.17% of the companys stock.

About Unifirst

(Get Free Report)

UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a leading provider of customized uniform rental and facility service programs in North America and Europe. The company specializes in the rental, laundering and maintenance of workwear, corporate apparel and protective garments for a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, healthcare and food processing. UniFirst also offers a suite of facility service products such as entrance mats, restroom supplies, wipers, mops and hygienic services designed to help customers maintain clean and safe environments.

In addition to its core uniform rental business, UniFirst has expanded its product portfolio to include safety and first-responder gear, flame-resistant clothing, high-visibility apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. lifted its stake in Flowserve Corporation (NYSE:FLS  Free Report) by 32.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 662,685 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 161,560 shares during the period. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. owned approximately 0.51% of Flowserve worth $35,215,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of FLS. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al raised its holdings in Flowserve by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al now owns 44,128 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,345,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Flowserve by 2.3% during the second quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,809 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $514,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares during the period. MJP Associates Inc. ADV raised its stake in shares of Flowserve by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 4,580 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $240,000 after buying an additional 266 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in Flowserve by 19.5% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,663 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 271 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moody National Bank Trust Division lifted its position in shares of Flowserve by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 8,425 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $448,000 after buying an additional 337 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 93.93% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on FLS shares. Wall Street Zen lowered Flowserve from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Mizuho raised their price target on Flowserve from $60.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Zacks Research lowered shares of Flowserve from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Flowserve from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $73.00 target price (up previously from $60.00) on shares of Flowserve in a research note on Friday, November 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.60.

Insider Transactions at Flowserve

In related news, insider Lamar L. Duhon sold 1,609 shares of Flowserve stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.51, for a total value of $111,841.59. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 15,116 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,050,713.16. This trade represents a 9.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Susan Claire Hudson sold 10,667 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.01, for a total value of $746,796.67. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 6,589 shares in the company, valued at $461,295.89. This represents a 61.82% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 59,276 shares of company stock valued at $4,196,578 in the last 90 days. 0.72% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Flowserve Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of FLS opened at $72.72 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.10 and a quick ratio of 1.54. Flowserve Corporation has a one year low of $37.34 and a one year high of $74.63. The company has a market cap of $9.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.29. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $70.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $59.33.

Flowserve (NYSE:FLS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. Flowserve had a net margin of 9.66% and a return on equity of 19.41%. The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.62 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Flowserve has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.400-3.500 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Flowserve Corporation will post 3.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Flowserve Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Flowserves payout ratio is currently 24.42%.

About Flowserve

(Free Report)

Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) is a leading provider of fluid motion and control products and services. The company designs, manufactures and services engineered and industrial pumps, mechanical seals, valves and related flow management equipment. Flowserves offerings are utilized across a broad spectrum of end markets, including oil and gas, power generation, chemical processing, water management, pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as mining and general industrial applications.

Flowserves product portfolio encompasses a wide range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, high-performance control valves, butterfly and ball valves, as well as mechanical seals and seal support systems.

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Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. raised its position in Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR  Free Report) by 64.3% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,100,805 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 431,010 shares during the quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Matador Resources were worth $49,459,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of MTDR. NBC Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Matador Resources by 113.4% in the 2nd quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 15,896 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $758,000 after purchasing an additional 8,447 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada increased its position in Matador Resources by 13.3% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 439,972 shares of the energy companys stock worth $22,478,000 after buying an additional 51,499 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management lifted its stake in Matador Resources by 45.7% in the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 3,334,775 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $159,135,000 after buying an additional 1,045,396 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association purchased a new stake in Matador Resources in the first quarter valued at approximately $383,000. Finally, Thomist Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Matador Resources in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,289,000. 91.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Matador Resources Stock Down 0.5%

Shares of NYSE:MTDR opened at $41.19 on Wednesday. Matador Resources Company has a fifty-two week low of $35.19 and a fifty-two week high of $64.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $41.67 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.45. The company has a market cap of $5.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.58 and a beta of 1.09.

Matador Resources Increases Dividend

Matador Resources ( NYSE:MTDR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The energy company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.14. Matador Resources had a net margin of 20.46% and a return on equity of 14.80%. The firm had revenue of $939.02 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $893.22 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.89 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Matador Resources Company will post 8.53 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. This is an increase from Matador Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. Matador Resourcess payout ratio is 23.96%.

Insider Transactions at Matador Resources

In other Matador Resources news, EVP Robert T. Macalik acquired 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $38.25 per share, with a total value of $57,375.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the executive vice president directly owned 35,039 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,340,241.75. The trade was a 4.47% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Susan M. Ward bought 5,000 shares of Matador Resources stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $39.04 per share, with a total value of $195,200.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 14,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $582,593.92. This trade represents a 50.39% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders bought 37,346 shares of company stock valued at $1,463,396. 5.80% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently commented on MTDR shares. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Matador Resources from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Mizuho upped their target price on shares of Matador Resources from $67.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Matador Resources in a research note on Friday, December 19th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Matador Resources in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Matador Resources from $46.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $61.77.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MTDR

Matador Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

Matador Resources Company is an independent energy firm primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. The company focuses on upstream operations, utilizing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques to unlock hydrocarbons from key reservoirs. Its asset base includes both operated and nonoperated positions, with a particular emphasis on the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in North America.

Matadors core operations are concentrated in the Delaware Basin segment of the Permian Basin, where it holds substantial acreage in both Reeves and Culberson counties in West Texas and Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico.

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Proliance International (OTCMKTS:PLNTQ  Get Free Report) and Wabash National (NYSE:WNC  Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation and risk.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

97.1% of Wabash National shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.3% of Proliance International shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.8% of Wabash National shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Proliance International and Wabash National, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Proliance International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Wabash National 1 2 0 0 1.67

Profitability

Wabash National has a consensus target price of $9.00, suggesting a potential downside of 3.51%. Given Proliance Internationals higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Proliance International is more favorable than Wabash National.

This table compares Proliance International and Wabash Nationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Proliance International N/A N/A N/A Wabash National 15.89% -15.21% -3.83%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Proliance International and Wabash Nationals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Proliance International N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Wabash National $1.95 billion 0.19 -$284.07 million $6.08 1.53

Proliance International has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Wabash National.

Volatility and Risk

Proliance International has a beta of 3.84, indicating that its share price is 284% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Wabash National has a beta of 1.67, indicating that its share price is 67% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Proliance International beats Wabash National on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Proliance International

(Get Free Report)

Proliance International, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets heat exchange products and temperature control parts for the automotive and light truck aftermarket, as well as heat exchange products. The companys heat exchange products include radiators, heater cores, heaters, radiator cores, and condensers; and temperature control parts comprise condensers, compressors, accumulators/driers, and evaporators. It also offers air conditioning parts and supplies, such as hose and tube assemblies, expansion valves, blowers, and fan clutches. In addition, the company provides charge air coolers, oil coolers, marine coolers, and other specialty heat exchangers for heavy-duty trucks, buses, specialty equipment, and industrial and marine applications, such as agricultural, construction and military vehicles, oil rigs, stationary power generation equipment, and inland sea-going vessels. Its customers include national retailers of aftermarket automotive products, warehouse distributors, radiator shops, hard parts jobbers, and other manufacturers. The company offers its products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Central America. Proliance International, Inc. was formerly known as Transpro, Inc. and changed its name to Proliance International, Inc. in July 2005. The company was founded in 1915 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.

About Wabash National

(Get Free Report)

Wabash National Corporation provides connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries primarily in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Transportation Solutions and Parts & Services. The Transportation Solutions segment designs and manufactures transportation-related equipment and products dry and refrigerated van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, and truck-mounted tanks; truck bodies for dry-freight transportation; cargo and cargo XL bodies for commercial applications; refrigerated truck bodies; platform truck bodies; and used trailers, as well as laminated hardwood oak flooring products. The Parts & Services segment provides aftermarket parts and services; steel flatbed bodies, truck body mounting, shelving for package delivery, partitions, roof racks, hitches, liftgates, thermal solutions, and others; truck body repair parts; and door repair and replacement, collision repair, and basic maintenance services. It also develops and scales a digital marketplace for the transportation and logistics distribution industry; operates a parts and services distribution platform; and stainless steel storage tanks and silos, mixers, and processors for the dairy, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, craft brewing, and biotech markets; trailers as a service; and composite products, including truck bodies, overhead doors, and other industrial application products, as well as used trailers. The company offers its products under the Wabash, DuraPlate, DuraPlateHD, DuraPlate AeroSkirt, and AeroSkirt CX brands, as well as EcoNex brand. It serves its products to truckload common carriers, leasing companies, private fleet carriers, less-than-truckload common carriers, and package carriers. Wabash National Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana.

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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM  Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Stock investors acquired 2,323 call options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 162% compared to the average daily volume of 885 call options.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have weighed in on WSM. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. UBS Group set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 price target on Williams-Sonoma and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $198.71.

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Williams-Sonoma Trading Down 1.8%

Shares of NYSE WSM traded down $3.45 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $193.55. 51,010 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,099,479. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $185.91 and a 200-day moving average price of $187.85. The company has a market capitalization of $23.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.27, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.58. Williams-Sonoma has a 52-week low of $130.07 and a 52-week high of $219.98.

Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The specialty retailer reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.09. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 14.30% and a return on equity of 53.10%. The firm had revenue of $1.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.86 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.96 earnings per share. Williams-Sonomas revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Williams-Sonoma will post 8.36 earnings per share for the current year.

Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.04%.

Insider Transactions at Williams-Sonoma

In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 17,839 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.51, for a total value of $3,184,439.89. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 859,088 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $153,355,798.88. This represents a 2.03% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Williams-Sonoma

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Maseco LLP purchased a new position in shares of Williams-Sonoma in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC grew its stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 111.8% in the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 144 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its position in Williams-Sonoma by 130.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 180 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new position in Williams-Sonoma in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its position in Williams-Sonoma by 66.7% in the third quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 220 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.29% of the companys stock.

About Williams-Sonoma

(Get Free Report)

WilliamsSonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multibrand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higherend interiors.

The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market.

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WMG Financial Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO  Free Report) by 92.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,941 shares of the companys stock after selling 438,025 shares during the quarter. WMG Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in NIO were worth $281,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of NIO by 39.1% in the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 123,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $470,000 after buying an additional 34,678 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its stake in NIO by 3,966.7% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 5,316,291 shares of the companys stock worth $20,255,000 after acquiring an additional 5,185,565 shares during the period. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new position in NIO in the 2nd quarter valued at $12,315,000. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in NIO in the 2nd quarter valued at $56,000. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of NIO by 26.8% during the 2nd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 40,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 8,503 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 48.55% of the companys stock.

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NIO Trading Down 2.0%

Shares of NIO stock opened at $4.77 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $5.64 and its 200 day moving average is $5.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.95 billion, a PE ratio of -3.29 and a beta of 1.05. NIO Inc. has a 1 year low of $3.02 and a 1 year high of $8.02. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NIO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Macquarie set a $5.30 price target on NIO in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of NIO from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $7.00 target price on shares of NIO in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of NIO from $8.60 to $6.90 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of NIO in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $6.73.

View Our Latest Research Report on NIO

Key Headlines Impacting NIO

Here are the key news stories impacting NIO this week:

About NIO

(Free Report)

NIO Inc is a pioneer in the premium electric vehicle (EV) segment, dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of smart, high-performance EVs. Established in November 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, the company focuses on integrating cutting-edge electric propulsion, advanced connectivity and autonomous driving technologies into its automotive platforms. NIOs vision centers on creating a holistic user experience that extends beyond the vehicle itself, encompassing energy services and digital solutions.

The companys product lineup includes flagship SUVs and sedans such as the ES8, ES6, EC6, ET7 and ET5, each engineered to deliver strong performance, long range and a suite of intelligent driver-assistance features.

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Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Zacks Research from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on HCC. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Warrior Met Coal from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. B. Riley restated a buy rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. UBS Group raised their target price on Warrior Met Coal from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Warrior Met Coal from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Warrior Met Coal presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $77.33.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HCC

Warrior Met Coal Trading Up 1.0%

Shares of HCC stock opened at $90.84 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 135.29 and a beta of 0.63. Warrior Met Coal has a 1 year low of $38.00 and a 1 year high of $93.20. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $80.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $65.97. The company has a current ratio of 4.13, a quick ratio of 3.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12.

Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.21) by $0.91. Warrior Met Coal had a net margin of 2.87% and a return on equity of 2.01%. The firm had revenue of $328.59 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $302.51 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.80 EPS. The businesss revenue was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Warrior Met Coal will post 4.86 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Warrior Met Coal news, CEO Walter J. Scheller sold 18,966 shares of Warrior Met Coal stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total value of $1,422,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 394,183 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,563,725. The trade was a 4.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 2.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Warrior Met Coal by 18.3% during the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,165 shares of the companys stock worth $191,000 after buying an additional 335 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in Warrior Met Coal in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $354,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its holdings in Warrior Met Coal by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 47,367 shares of the companys stock worth $2,999,000 after buying an additional 1,663 shares in the last quarter. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in Warrior Met Coal during the 3rd quarter worth $117,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC bought a new position in Warrior Met Coal in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,054,000. 92.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Warrior Met Coal Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Warrior Met Coal (NYSE: HCC) is a leading producer of premium metallurgical coal, operating deep underground mining complexes in Central Alabamas Blue Creek and Brookwood mining districts. The company focuses exclusively on the extraction and sale of high-grade hard coking coal, a critical raw material used in steel production. Its mining operations harness longwall mining technology and rigorous safety protocols to deliver consistent coal quality to customers worldwide.

Warrior Met Coals product portfolio centers on premium hard coking coal, semisoft coking coal, and pulverized coal injection (PCI) products.

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Cerity Partners LLC trimmed its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA  Free Report) by 0.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,600,724 shares of the companys stock after selling 79,970 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF makes up 1.6% of Cerity Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Cerity Partners LLC owned 0.68% of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF worth $1,012,859,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 9,134.0% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,156,078 shares of the companys stock worth $597,389,000 after buying an additional 7,078,581 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.5% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 220,025,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,367,730,000 after buying an additional 5,414,037 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 140.8% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 8,449,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $705,336,000 after acquiring an additional 4,940,406 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 40.1% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 15,245,913 shares of the companys stock worth $1,272,729,000 after acquiring an additional 4,362,206 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 40,235,704 shares of the companys stock worth $3,358,875,000 after acquiring an additional 3,675,689 shares during the period.

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 31.2%

IEFA stock opened at $91.56 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $88.75 and its 200-day moving average is $86.63. The company has a market cap of $156.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.84. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a twelve month low of $66.95 and a twelve month high of $87.36.

About iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Childress Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 145.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,192 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,891 shares during the quarter. Childress Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $891,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the third quarter valued at $32,000. Resources Management Corp CT ADV purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the second quarter worth about $32,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Navigoe LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, Proffitt & Goodson Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 470.4% in the 3rd quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 154 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TSM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Barclays lifted their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. UBS Group set a $330.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, December 29th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $355.00.

More Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News

Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week:

Positive Sentiment: Several major analysts raised targets and reiterated buy calls, citing stronger-than-expected AI-driven demand and higher margin visibility  a key driver of the stock rally today. Goldman Sachs Price Target

Several major analysts raised targets and reiterated buy calls, citing stronger-than-expected AI-driven demand and higher margin visibility  a key driver of the stock rally today. Positive Sentiment: A bullish valuation note projects further upside (Seeking Alphas $358 target), reinforcing investor belief that TSMC is the central beneficiary of the AI infrastructure buildout and pricing power on advanced nodes. Seeking Alpha Bull Case

A bullish valuation note projects further upside (Seeking Alphas $358 target), reinforcing investor belief that TSMC is the central beneficiary of the AI infrastructure buildout and pricing power on advanced nodes. Positive Sentiment: Policy and product developments could materially lift volumes: a U.S. oneyear export license to allow TSMC to import U.S. equipment for its China fabs plus potential large H200 GPU orders from NVIDIA create a pathway for sizable incremental revenue if approvals continue. Benzinga Export License MarketBeat on NVIDIA H200

Policy and product developments could materially lift volumes: a U.S. oneyear export license to allow TSMC to import U.S. equipment for its China fabs plus potential large H200 GPU orders from NVIDIA create a pathway for sizable incremental revenue if approvals continue. Neutral Sentiment: Market positioning and derivatives activity have picked up (notable options volume), signaling speculative interest and positioning that can amplify moves in either direction. Benzinga Options Activity

Market positioning and derivatives activity have picked up (notable options volume), signaling speculative interest and positioning that can amplify moves in either direction. Neutral Sentiment: Management tweak at TSMC Arizona (new treasurer) reflects ongoing U.S. buildout and operational scaling but is not expected to materially change fundamentals near term. TipRanks Arizona Appointment

Management tweak at TSMC Arizona (new treasurer) reflects ongoing U.S. buildout and operational scaling but is not expected to materially change fundamentals near term. Negative Sentiment: Legal risk persists: Taiwanese prosecutors filed additional indictments related to alleged tradesecret theft tied to TSMC technology, a reputational and potential operational/legal overhang that could weigh on sentiment if it escalates. Reuters Trade-Secrets Case

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 1.5%

Shares of TSM opened at $327.22 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.47. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 1-year low of $134.25 and a 1-year high of $333.08. The stock has a market cap of $1.69 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.29. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $294.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $268.26.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 34.34% and a net margin of 43.72%. Equities analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.9678 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 25.74%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products.

TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications.

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CX Institutional raised its stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 104.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 21,285 shares of the credit services providers stock after purchasing an additional 10,889 shares during the quarter. CX Institutionals holdings in Mastercard were worth $12,107,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of MA. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $11,421,213,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Mastercard by 55,868.1% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,421,148 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $7,541,880,000 after purchasing an additional 13,397,168 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the second quarter valued at approximately $6,725,317,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of Mastercard by 25.6% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 6,372,404 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,580,909,000 after purchasing an additional 1,299,977 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 1.2% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,475,807 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $44,098,695,000 after purchasing an additional 931,132 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock.

Mastercard Price Performance

Shares of MA opened at $580.20 on Wednesday. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52 week low of $465.59 and a 52 week high of $601.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The firm has a market cap of $521.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.10, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.86. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $555.93 and a 200-day moving average of $566.28.

Mastercard Increases Dividend

Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $8.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The businesss revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.89 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a $0.87 dividend. This is a boost from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.44%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 14th. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $665.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Evercore ISI set a $610.00 price target on Mastercard in a report on Friday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley set a $665.00 price objective on Mastercard and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $657.48.

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Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners.

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DSM Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 7.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 832,780 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 60,432 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories comprises approximately 1.6% of DSM Capital Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. DSM Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $111,543,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of ABT. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $23,502,644,000 after purchasing an additional 2,977,715 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.9% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 78,354,270 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $10,656,964,000 after buying an additional 689,517 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 38,293,067 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $5,184,589,000 after acquiring an additional 1,390,554 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter valued at about $3,026,180,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,177,029 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,792,209,000 after acquiring an additional 68,613 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ABT has been the topic of a number of research reports. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Mizuho boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.47.

Key Stories Impacting Abbott Laboratories

Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of ABT opened at $127.91 on Wednesday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $110.86 and a 52-week high of $141.23. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $126.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $129.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $222.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.72.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.30. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.60% and a net margin of 31.88%.The firm had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.21 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be issued a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 29.57%.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. lessened its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 58.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,155 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,658 shares during the period. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc.s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $364,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 609,867.5% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 72,897,211 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $21,133,630,000 after purchasing an additional 72,885,260 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth about $10,295,209,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 28,813.7% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 16,785,584 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,866,309,000 after buying an additional 16,727,530 shares during the period. Viking Global Investors LP grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 86.1% during the 2nd quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 4,042,034 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,171,826,000 after buying an additional 1,870,386 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. acquired a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the second quarter worth about $485,802,000. 71.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week:

Positive Sentiment: Multiple analysts raised price targets and kept bullish ratings (Goldman Sachs raised PT to $386, Daiwa and Wells Fargo also lifted targets), supporting upside expectations for the stock. Goldman Sachs raises PT

Multiple analysts raised price targets and kept bullish ratings (Goldman Sachs raised PT to $386, Daiwa and Wells Fargo also lifted targets), supporting upside expectations for the stock. Positive Sentiment: JPM launched a new Special Advisory Services unit to monetize proprietary expertise (AI, cybersecurity, M&A advisory), which can expand fee income and deepen client relationships. JPMorgan forms special advisory group

JPM launched a new Special Advisory Services unit to monetize proprietary expertise (AI, cybersecurity, M&A advisory), which can expand fee income and deepen client relationships. Positive Sentiment: Commercial lending activity: JPM provided a $100M facility to Equify Financial, demonstrating growth in middlemarket lending and fee/interest opportunities. Equify facility with JPM

Commercial lending activity: JPM provided a $100M facility to Equify Financial, demonstrating growth in middlemarket lending and fee/interest opportunities. Positive Sentiment: Large unusual options flow: traders bought ~264,572 call options on JPM, a >300% jump versus averageshortterm bullish positioning that can amplify intraday upside. (data report)

Large unusual options flow: traders bought ~264,572 call options on JPM, a >300% jump versus averageshortterm bullish positioning that can amplify intraday upside. (data report) Positive Sentiment: Momentum: coverage noting JPM stock reached record highs and the firm sits in the >$900B marketcap club, helping sentiment and index/ETF flows. JPM hits all-time high

Momentum: coverage noting JPM stock reached record highs and the firm sits in the >$900B marketcap club, helping sentiment and index/ETF flows. Neutral Sentiment: Wall Street expects earnings growth next week; that raises the chance of a beat but also sets expectations that could increase volatility around the print. Earnings preview

Wall Street expects earnings growth next week; that raises the chance of a beat but also sets expectations that could increase volatility around the print. Positive Sentiment: Corporate citizenship and disaster response: JPM committed philanthropic support (~$9M) for LA wildfire recovery and is working with clients on relief  helps reputation and customer retention in a key market. JPM philanthropic wildfire support

Corporate citizenship and disaster response: JPM committed philanthropic support (~$9M) for LA wildfire recovery and is working with clients on relief  helps reputation and customer retention in a key market. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/credit exposure: JPM and peers extended mortgage forbearance for LA wildfire victims under state emergency rules  supportive for customers but potentially raises credit and loss timing risk. Mortgage relief extension

Insider Buying and Selling

Analysts Set New Price Targets

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at $18,240,769.68. This represents a 1.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 0.47% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. DZ Bank restated a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. KGI Securities upped their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley set a $331.00 target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $331.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $339.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $334.57.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Up 0.2%

NYSE:JPM opened at $334.70 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $911.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.58, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1 year low of $202.16 and a 1 year high of $337.25. The business has a fifty day moving average of $314.04 and a 200-day moving average of $303.56.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.83 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $47.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $4.37 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.72%.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services.

The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals.

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The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has officially introduced a draft proposal aiming to expand the jurisdiction of military police to include Jan Mayen, a remote and strategically significant island in the Arctic Ocean. This regulatory shift, currently open for input from relevant stakeholders until next month, signals a proactive approach to governance in a region increasingly defined by geopolitical complexity and security concerns.

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Strategic Geography and Current Presence

Jan Mayen is an uninhabited volcanic island situated approximately 300 miles east of Greenland. Despite its isolation, the territory serves a dual purpose as both a meteorological station and a military outpost. Currently, the island is staffed by a small, rotating contingent of Norwegian armed forces personnel who maintain the facilities.

Among the islands critical infrastructure is Jan Mayens field, an airstrip used for occasional military operations and for logistical flights that transport personnel and supplies. Under the proposed regulations, the geographical scope of Norways Military Police Act would be formally extended to cover this territory. This legal adjustment would grant the local station commander, an officer in the Armed Forces, the explicit authority to establish a designated military area. Within this zone, the commander would have the authority to intervene to prevent violations of the law and ensure security, effectively serving as the primary law enforcement authority on the island.

Adapting to an Uncertain Security Landscape

Norwegian authorities have indicated that these adjustments are driven by a need to adapt to a rapidly changing and uncertain security environment. The Ministry of Defense anticipates increased activity in the region, including a more robust presence of Norwegian and allied forces. This move to formalize police powers is seen as a necessary step to manage future operations effectively.

Efforts to integrate the island more closely with mainland infrastructure are already underway. In February, the Norwegian government announced plans to construct a new undersea fiber-optic data connection. This cable is intended to link the mainland with Jan Mayen and the Svalbard archipelago, securing high-speed communications for these remote territories.

Rising Geopolitical Tensions in the High North

The proposal comes against a backdrop of heightened international interest in the Arctic, where NATO allies and rival powers alike are reassessing the strategic value of remote territories. In 2020, Jan Mayen became a focal point of diplomatic friction following a visit by a squadron of U.S. Air Force staff. The American personnel were on the island to assess the feasibility of landing C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft at the local airfield.

The reaction from Moscow was sharp. The Russian Foreign Ministry characterized the assessment as a disturbing development, interpreting the visit as evidence of expanded Norwegian military activity designed to destabilize the region and target Russian interests.

Broader Regional Implications

The situation on Jan Mayen reflects a broader trend across the High North, where Scandinavian nations are increasingly viewing their remote territories as potential flashpoints. A recent report by the Arctic Institute highlighted the vulnerability of Svalbard, another Norwegian archipelago, to possible confrontation with Russia.

However, security assessments in the region are becoming more multifaceted. In a significant shift, Denmark recently identified the United States as a potential security concern in its annual intelligence report. This classification followed expressions of interest by the current administration in the United States regarding the possible purchase of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. As nations rush to secure their interests in a warming Arctic, the tightening of administrative and military control on islands like Jan Mayen represents the new normal in polar geopolitics.
Thai Oil Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TOIPY  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 10.9% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $11.90 and last traded at $11.90. 200 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 100% from the average session volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.73.

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Thai Oil Public Stock Performance

The company has a 50-day moving average of $10.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.83.

Thai Oil Public Company Profile

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Thai Oil Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS: TOIPY) is Thailands largest integrated oil refining and petrochemical company. Operating the Sriracha complex in Rayong Province, the firm processes crude oil into a broad slate of refined products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and base oils. Its petrochemical operations produce key feedstockssuch as olefins and aromaticsthat serve the plastics, packaging and consumer goods industries.

In addition to refining and petrochemicals, Thai Oil maintains power generation and utility services to support its operations.

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The Irish government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

The Irish government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow Bridie to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Derry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
The lengthy delay over an application to mine gold in Co Tyrone is a total disgrace, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.

Mr Robinson criticised the outrageous hold ups around the Dalradian gold mine project as he expressed concerns that planning regulations in Northern Ireland were restricting opportunities for economic growth.

The East Belfast MP made the comments during a Northern Ireland Affairs Committee meeting focused on new and emerging economic sectors in the region.

Late last year, the US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens warned that unnecessary delays over the mining application were harming Northern Irelands reputation.

The senior diplomat said bureaucracy must not become a barrier to progress in the region as he voiced concerns about the speed of planning decisions.

Dalradian, which is supported by US investment, wants to develop an underground gold, silver and copper mine on its Curraghinalt site near Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains, where it has been working since 2009.

It says the proposed underground mine could create and support up to 1,000 jobs and add five billion dollars (4.1 billion) to the Northern Ireland economy.

However, some opponents have raised concerns about the impact of the proposed mine on the environment and health.

A planning application was submitted in 2017 and a Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) inquiry was ordered by then infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon in 2020.

The probe opened for public hearings in Omagh last year, but on the third day of evidence it was suspended.

On Wednesday morning the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee heard evidence from Steven Norris, the deputy director of Regeneration and Infrastructure at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon councillor Tim McClelland, who was representing the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA); and Alison McCullagh, the chief executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Local councils deal with the majority of planning applications in Northern Ireland, but major projects of regional significance are handled by Stormonts Department for Infrastructure.

During the meeting, Mr Robinson asked the witnesses what changes were needed to planning processes to ensure they were not inhibiting economic growth.

If were going to talk about economic growth, I think its impossible to avoid planning as an inhibitor to growth, he said.

The DUP leader referenced the comments of Ambassador Stephens in November and said he shared the diplomats concerns on Dalradian.

I think its outrageous at 17 years on theres still no progress for Dalradian as but one example, he said.

The MP added: Seventeen years on, its a total disgrace that a decision hasnt been made thus far.

Mr Robinson claimed that a large salt mine near Carrickfergus, which currently provides salt for the whole of Northern Ireland, the western side of Scotland and the north-west of England, would not secure planning approval if an application was to be made in the present day.

Responding, Ms McCullagh said she did not want to go into the details of the Dalradian application, but said it was important to note that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was officially opposed to the development.

She agreed with Mr Robinson that a decision needed to be made one way or the other.

This is at a public inquiry stage (and) a decision needs to be taken obviously as a matter of urgency, to provide clarity for all views in relation to the project, she said.

Ms McCullagh, who also leads on planning issues in her role at Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE NI), insisted improvements in the system were helping to speed up application processes across Northern Ireland.

That work included a number of streamlining initiatives, a particular focus on statutory consultees and also around what we would call front loading of quality applications, she told the committee.

And it is making a difference. And certainly the most recent evidence that came out just prior to Christmas on these statistics would show that there has been some demonstrable improvement.

Ms McCullagh said there were concerns about the length of time some statutory consultees took to respond to applications, citing particular issues with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

So I think if a greater focus perhaps within NIEA could come to their responses that would very significantly address the backlog, she said.
The energy, the warmth, and the renewal of an t-earrach (the spring) begins at IMBOLC International Music Festival with an immersive programme that spans from February 1-7 2026 in the city-centre venue of Culturlann Ui Chanain.

Going from strength to strength over the past nine years, theres a winning formula here thats worth checking out. Whether youre interested in the traditional or contemporary, sessions, workshops, or even late-night hip-hop gigs as Gaeilge, read on to find out whats in store

The week of activity spans 30+ events, based around a series of nightly concerts. To name but a few, theres Brian Finnegan and The Hunger of The Skin Band (high-energy contemporary trad), a special collaboration between The Henry Girls and Gazelleband (a Palestinian duo that features the pioneering oud player, Reem Anbar), and Daughters of Ceithleann (a new, women-led trad musical based on Enniskillens folklore, held on La Fheile Bride / Saint Brigids Day).

The festival also puts emphasis on participation, with their All Access Trad outreach held in local community centres, instrument workshops led by first-rate players, and of course sessions abound. From the surrounding pubs to the centres own cafe, youre more than welcome to join in for a tune or two!

The programme is also a treasure trove for Gaeilgeoiri and those looking to learn and practise their cupla focal (few words), with more than half the acts performing in Irish. This includes a big bilingual ceili with to close the festival, the poems of Seamus Heaney translated into Irish with Hellas Ensembles Greek-Irish trad fusion music ensemble in accompaniment, and a family friendly-show led by Grainne Holland.

Brian Finnegan and The Hunger of The Skin Band

Jack Mac Iomhar, Director of Derrys premier Irish language and arts centre, shares that: As usual, this year we have an inclusive and traditional festival. Our programme is packed with performances, workshops, sessions and community events that showcase the breadth and creativity of multi-talented artists. We are forever grateful that they are willing to share their passion and creativity with us.

"We would like to extend a huge thank you to our funders, sponsors, and partners, but in particular the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, supported by the National Lottery funds, and Derry City and Strabane District Council. Their enduring support is vital to bringing the IMBOLC Festival to life.

"The community is always at the heart of the IMBOLC Festival. The festival is backed by a dedicated arts team, supported by volunteers and supporters, who work year-round and deliver an exceptional programme of music and culture. As a result of this work, the festival is a success every year - thank you for your time, dedication and passion.

"To all of you who attend, participate and celebrate with us at IMBOLC, your enthusiasm keeps us inspired. Because of you we can run and grow this wonderful festival. Thank you for joining us during the IMBOLC Festival journey. We wish every success to another vibrant and unforgettable year of music and camaraderie, and look forward to the next 10 years.

"There's a lot to offer at IMBOLC 2026. Join us.

"Get involved, be excited, be challenged, but most importantly, have fun!

To find out more, you can check out the full programme and book your tickets through their website at www.imbolcfestival.com.

For more information, you can follow the organisations social media at @culturlanndoire on Facebook and Instagram. For any further queries, you can contact eolas@culturlann.org, call (+44) 028 7126 4132, or visit the building at 37 Great James Street, Derry, BT48 7DF.

As a city renowned for its hospitality, the festival has partnered with the four-star City Hotel on the riverside, a five minute walk away from Culturlann Ui Chanain. Details on discounted rates are available on the festival website.
State-owned operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the awarding of two more BharatNet contracts as the village connectivity project enters its third, and presumably final, phase.

They will go to the state-owned Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a prime engineering and consultancy company, and Pratap Technocrats Private Limited (PTPL) following an ongoing financial evaluation. PTPL describes itself as Indias only project management service provider with the biggest portfolio of managing towers and fibre in both urban and rural sectors. The two emerged as the lowest bidders for the remaining four BharatNet Phase-3 packages.

BharatNet, an initiative to connect 600,000 villages, dates back to 2011, although it is said to have missed several deadlines since then.

With the third phase of the ambitious fibre network rollout now under way, BSNL is looking to finally digitally connect the target number of villages in a bid to end India's digital divide by the end of 2028.

Last week, TCIL won a package relating to Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, three states in northeastern India. PTPL outbid rivals in three packages: Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India Haryana, a North Indian state surrounding New Delhi on three sides and Assam, a state in northeastern India.

Indias Economic Times reports that the optical fibre broadband network programme has seen a great deal of competition among vendors. It adds that nearly 280,000 village blocks are service-ready currently, with more than 4.2 million kilometres of optical fibre cable already deployed.
A sixth subsea cable has been damaged in the Baltic Sea, keeping regional authorities on high alert amid growing scrutiny of Russian-linked maritime activity, the Financial Times reported.

Latvian officials said the cable was damaged near a landing station in Liepaja, after a vessel passed several kilometres offshore. The extent of the damage has not been disclosed, and authorities have not confirmed whether the incident was deliberate. Police investigations are ongoing.

Investigators said the vessel involved, the Fitburg, had sailed over an inactive cable before altering course and crossing Arelions BCS East cable, which was subsequently damaged. The ship had departed from St Petersburg and was en route to Haifa, Israel, according to tracking data.

Elsewhere in the region, Estonia reported faults on two subsea cables linking the country to Sweden, as well as another cable connecting the mainland to the island of Hiiumaa.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina said authorities were working with crisis management officials and law enforcement to determine the cause of the damage. Crisis management centre head Arvis Zile said no conclusions had yet been reached, adding that all possible scenarios remain under consideration as technical analysis continues.
The era of pulling out a phone for every quick reply may be inching toward change. With a new early-access software update, Meta is adding an unusual input method to its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses that lets users write text by tracing letters on a nearby surface, then see that text appear inside the glasses.

Survey

 Thank you for completing the survey!

The feature, which Meta calls virtual handwriting, is rolling out alongside updates to the Meta Ray-Ban Display and their companion wearable, the Meta Neural Band. The glasses themselves include a 600600 display embedded in the right lens. Input, however, does not come from touch or cameras. It comes from the wrist.

Also read: On-device AI explained: Why Lenovo and Motorola are building their own assistant

Writing without a keyboard

The Neural Band uses electromyography, or EMG, to detect electrical signals generated when hand and finger muscles activate. Instead of watching your hands, the system interprets subtle muscle activity to understand small gestures and movements. In practice, this allows users to rest a finger on a flat surface such as a table or their leg and trace letters as if they were writing on paper.

Those traced motions are decoded in real time and converted into digital text that appears in the glasses display. Meta describes this as working on any flat surface, though the feature is currently limited to early-access users in the U.S. and supports English input only.

Discreet replies in public

At launch, virtual handwriting is focused on messaging. Users can compose replies in WhatsApp and Messenger without taking out a phone. The appeal is subtlety. Instead of unlocking a screen during a meeting or lighting up a dark room, users can respond with small, almost invisible finger movements.

Meta has positioned this as a more ambient way to interact with notifications, especially in situations where pulling out a phone feels disruptive. It is not marketed as a full keyboard replacement, but as a faster, quieter option for short responses.

Teleprompter mode for creators

Also read: CES 2026: Intel reveals custom chips for handheld gaming PCs of future, key features explained

Handwriting is not the only new capability arriving with the update. Meta is also rolling out a teleprompter mode aimed at presenters and creators. Users can copy and paste text from sources like Google Docs or other apps, then view that text as scrolling cards in their peripheral vision.

Scrolling is controlled using small finger gestures detected by the Neural Band, allowing speakers to maintain eye contact with an audience or camera while following a script.

Early glimpse of a broader shift

The Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band are sold together for $799 in the U.S., with international availability expanding gradually. While the feature set remains limited and access is still restricted, EMG handwriting offers a preview of how Meta sees smart glasses evolving.

Rather than replacing phones outright, the goal appears to be reducing how often users need to reach for them. In that sense, virtual handwriting is less about futuristic spectacle and more about making everyday interactions quieter, quicker, and easier to ignore when necessary.

Also read: CES 2026: HP put an entire desktop PC inside a keyboard and it somehow makes sense
Motorola has recently showcased its first book-style foldable at CES 2026, and this is a major moment for the brand. With this latest entry, Motorola is showing a clear intent of stepping into Samsungs territory and taking a direct aim at the Galaxy Z Fold series, especially last years Fold 7. Naturally, the big question that may come to everyones mind is, how does Motorolas latest foldable phone stack up against Samsungs tried and tested formula? On paper at least, the competition looks serious. While we havent yet gotten a chance to review the Motorola Razr Fold, we decided, why not put both phones side by side for a proper specs and features comparison.

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Also Read: Nothings CMF becomes a separate legal entity in India: All you need to know

Lets take a closer look and see which foldable looks stronger where it really matters.

Design and Display

Starting with the build and design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a slim design, and Samsung has even called it their thinnest Fold yet. It comes with an Armor Aluminium build, and in terms of durability, the Fold 7 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, along with an IP48 rating. This time around, Samsung removed the support for stylus input. At the front, the Fold 7 features a 6.5-inch AMOLED cover display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. On the inside, theres an 8-inch AMOLED panel with the same 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Meanwhile, the Motorola Razr Fold is the companys first attempt at a book-style foldable, and unlike Samsung, it comes with curved edges. Theyre yet to confirm other details regarding the hinge; however, Motorola has said that the device supports the Moto Pen Ultra stylus. As for the display, the Razr Fold comes with a 6.6-inch cover display, along with an 8.1-inch LTPO inner display with a 2K resolution. However, Motorola hasnt yet confirmed the exact refresh rate for both screens.

Performance & Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy variant. This chip is a bit different from the regular ones, as it has been custom-tuned for the Samsung Galaxy devices, and it is overclocked for slightly better performance. Inside, the Fold 7 packs a 4,400mAh battery, with support for 45W fast wired and 15W wireless charging.

Meanwhile, the Motorola Razr Fold is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, paired with a 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery and with support for 90W fast charging

Camera

In terms of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 comes equipped with a triple camera system at the rear, with a main 200MP shooter, a 10MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. For the selfies, the Fold 7 comes with two cameras: a 10MP camera on the cover screen, along with a 10MP camera on the inner display as well.

Meanwhile, Motorola counters it with a triple camera setup too. The Razr Fold features a 50MP main camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Just like the Fold 7, the Razr Fold features two cameras on the front too. It comes with a 32MP camera on the cover screen and a 20MP camera on the inner display.

Price & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 was launched in the Indian market last year, and it has been available through all major online and offline retailers. It starts at Rs. 1,74,999 for the base 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant, and users can get the device with up to 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage options as well. The phone comes in three main colour options, including Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Jetblack, along with a fourth colourway exclusive to the Samsung store.

On the other side, Motorola has just showcased the Razr Fold at CES 2026. There is no official information regarding the Razr Folds pricing and availability for now. However, if rumours are to be believed, the Razr Fold could cost about $1,500 in the US. Motorola has confirmed that the device will be available in two colour options, which include Lily White and Blackened Blue. The foldable phone is expected to launch later this year.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8 and mystery foldable device tipped to launch soon: Price, specs and more

Feature Moto Razr Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Main Display 8.1-inch LTPO OLED 8.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Cover Display 6.6-inch (Wide aspect) 6.5-inch (Slim aspect) Processor N/A Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM / Storage Up to 16GB / 1TB Up to 16GB / 1TB Rear Camera 50MP (Main) + 50MP (Ultrawide) + 50MP (3x Telephoto) 200MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultrawide) + 10MP (3x Telephoto) Selfie Camera 32MP (Cover) / 20MP (Inner) 10MP (Cover) / 10MP (Inner) Battery / Charging N/A 4400mAh / 45W Wired Stylus Support Moto Pen Ultra No stylus support Price N/A Rs 1,74,999
Amazon is refreshing its Fire TV UI with a redesigned user interface and introducing a new Ember Artline television. The revamped interface is said to be faster and more streamlined. It will be getting a native Nvidia GeForce Now app. Meanwhile, the new TV aims to blend seamlessly into home decor and compete with Samsungs The Frame. Here are the details:

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Amazon says the new Fire TV interface has been rebuilt under the hood and redesigned visually. The company claims speed gains of up to 20 to 30% in some scenarios, along with modern layouts, softer corners, refined colours, updated fonts, and improved spacing.

Navigation is also changing. Users can now pin up to 20 apps, up from six earlier. A long press on the Home button opens a new quick-access menu that is supposed to reduce the number of steps needed to get to settings or features.

The update will be available as a free software rollout, starting with newer Fire TV devices first.

In related news, a native GeForce Now app is also coming to Fire TV. Nvidia says the cloud gaming service will launch on select Fire TV sticks, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), in early 2026. That should allow users to stream games without a console, provided they have a fast enough connection.

But questions around advertising remain. Fire TV remains an ad-supported platform, and while navigation might get faster, the prominent ad carousel remains part of the design. So the balance between user experience and monetisation will still be something buyers have to accept.

Amazon says the new Fire TV UI and mobile app will begin rolling out in February to the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series in the US. Later in the spring, the rollout will expand to more countries and more Fire TV products.

Also Read: BenQ EW3290U review: A 32-inch 4K monitor that balances work and movie watching well

Amazon Ember Artline: Features, other details

Alongside the software update, Amazon is rebranding its TV lineup to Ember. The first TV under this branding is the Amazon Ember Artline, designed to function as both a TV and a digital art display. So, think of it as an alternative to Samsungs The Frame lineup, LGs Gallery TV, Hisense CanvasTV, and TCL Nxtvision.

Amazon describes Ember Artline as a 4K QLED TV with a slim 1.5-inch profile, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Wi-Fi 6. The matte screen is meant to reduce reflections and make artwork and photos look more natural on the wall.

At its core, this is an LCD television. So while it supports HDR formats, buyers should not expect the same contrast or brightness levels as premium OLED or high-end Mini-LED televisions. For context, LGs Gallery TV and Samsung The Frame Pro are Mini LED.

The art experience is where the product tries to stand out. Users get access to more than 2,000 free artworks, integration with Amazon Photos, and a feature that suggests art based on pictures of your living room. Alexa+ can help build slideshows or pull up specific memories.

The Ember Artline will launch in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, arriving later this spring in the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK. The pricing starts at $900 (~ Rs 81,000), including a frame.

Why this matters

For Amazon, the faster and cleaner Fire TV UI could help keep its users inside the Fire TV ecosystem longer, which strengthens its ad and content business. Adding GeForce Now also positions Fire TV as a casual gaming platform without extra hardware.

On the other hand, the Ember Artline shows Amazon is pushing deeper into lifestyle TVs. Samsung has dominated this niche with The Frame, and Amazon is now stepping into the same territory with a lower entry price and tighter integration with its services.

Should you wait?

If you already own a recent Fire TV device, the update could make everyday use quicker and smoother, so it may be worth waiting for the rollout rather than upgrading hardware immediately.

If youre interested in a wall-mounted TV that doubles as decor, the Ember Artline could be worth shortlisting. But we suggest you wait for its initial reviews to see how it stacks up against its rivals.

We will update this story as Amazon reveals more regional timelines and pricing. Keep reading Digit.in.

Also Read: Samsung S95F OLED TV review: Big, bright, beautiful, and one of the best
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Content

On 29 December, American President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to discuss mechanisms for implementing his so-called peace plan for the Gaza Strip and moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement over the territory. The first phase had gone into effect on 10 October, after more than two years of Israeli bombardment. The plan is based on a 20-point, US-drafted peace plan which incorporated all of Israels demands.



The Meeting in Context

Prior to the meeting, some Israeli journalists had suggested that it was likely to be difficult,[1] reporting that Netanyahu was obstructing the transition to the second phase, even as Trump worked to set up a peace council headed by himself, and to create a new, technocratic government in Gaza, backed by an international peacekeeping force.[2] Trump is seeking to move quickly towards a post-Hamas era without addressing thorny issues like disarmament. This is driven by his conviction that maintaining the status quo will mean that Gaza remains a persistent flashpoint, hindering the Abraham Accords normalization process between Israel and Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Yet Netanyahu maintains that any ceasefire with Hamas or Hezbollah will be unsustainable, and that such groups will not disarm voluntarily. Further disagreements have also emerged between the US and Israel regarding Syria. Netanyahu reportedly asked Trump to maintain certain Assad-era sanctions against the country, but his request was rejected.[3] Trump signed the repeal of the Caesar Act on 19 December, after it had been approved by Congress.

Nevertheless, when they met, Trump and Netanyahu were careful to downplay these disagreements, which press outlets consistently exaggerate. Trump was keen to attribute his achievements in the Middle East to his cooperation with Netanyahu. He insisted he was not concerned about anything that Israel is doing and said it had adhered to the Gaza ceasefire plan 100 percent  a clear contradiction of the facts.

This effectively means that the Trump administration is prepared to justify anything Israel does, even retroactively. Indeed, Trump went even further: he reiterated his call for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in the corruption and fraud cases he is facing, describing him as a wartime prime minister at the highest level.[4] These statements were widely interpreted as direct political support for Netanyahu in an election year. For his part, Netanyahu informed his host that Israel would grant Trump the Israel Prize, the countrys highest cultural honour, making him the first non-Israeli to receive it in nearly eight decades.[5]

Two Approaches to Interpreting the Trump-Netanyahu Relationship

While Trump and Netanyahu differ on certain issues, these differences are minor details within a strategic alliance and a shared vision for the region and the world, framed by the logic of power politics. Netanyahu did not take umbrage at Trumps remark, during their joint press conference, that he is sometimes difficult,[6] as this serves both their interests with their respective electoral bases. Trump also needs to make such remarks to send a message to his Arab allies that he understands their position, and that Netanyahu does indeed embarrass him in some instances. Ultimately, however, the two men are in lock step regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and vis-a-vis Israels desire for another military escalation against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with only minor differences over the details  notwithstanding more significant divergences over issues related to Turkiye and Syria.

In this context, two approaches are helpful in interpreting the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. The first, and most plausible, assumes a degree of collusion between the two, whereby the US provides full support for Israeli efforts to reshape the Middle East, based on the principle that the strong have the right to impose their will and define spheres of influence for themselves in an Arab region that has demonstrated profound weakness in resisting them.[7]

Seen through this lens, Israel aims to tackle Iran while the Arab world is preoccupied with its internal conflicts. This has allowed Israel to violate its commitments under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with tacit American approval. This is demonstrated in Trumps affirmation that Israel has fully adhered to the agreement, despite its ongoing, daily violations  including killing civilians, destroying what remains of the territorys infrastructure, and keeping land crossings, particularly the vital Rafah crossing, closed in order to prevent the entry of desperately needed humanitarian aid, despite the harsh winter conditions. The second approach suggests that Washington prefers to provide continuous public support to Israel, while imposing clear dictates behind closed doors. This assumes that Netanyahu has little room to resist demands that the US makes in closed meetings, and that excessive compliments come with a price.[8]

On the Agenda

During their meeting, Trump and Netanyahu addressed a variety of topics, including the transition to the second phase of the Gaza agreement, escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, Israels drive to annex parts of that territory, efforts to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon, Irans nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, and growing tensions in Israels relations with Syria and Turkiye.

a) Phase 2 in the Gaza Strip

Leaks from the meeting suggest that Trump obtained Netanyahus formal consent to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.[9] However, this will have little effect on the ground, as Netanyahu continues to demand that Hamas disarm as a condition for implementing the 20-point Gaza plan, and continues to insists that Trump agrees with him on this. The US President is expected to announce the launch of the second phase of the plan imminently, including the formation of the Peace Council and its first meeting  chaired by himself  as well as the formation of a new Palestinian government. This announcement may take place during the World Economic Forum in Davos, starting on 19 January. While Trump agrees with Netanyahu that Hamas is going to be given a very short period of time to disarm [or] there will be hell to pay, multiple media reports suggest that Hamas has been given a two-month deadline to disarm, along with specific criteria defining what constitutes disarmament.[10]

Meanwhile, there is still no agreement on crucial details, such as how the disarmament will be carried out, the types of weapons to be targeted, and who will implement the task if Hamas refuses to give them up voluntarily. Hamas and other Palestinian armed factions insist that any such step can only be taken via a Palestinian government with a national, legitimate mandate. While Trump has claimed that some 60 countries will be responsible for forcing Hamas to disarm, these countries have shown no desire to take part in this effort or to engage militarily with the group in Gaza.

When it comes to the reconstruction of Gaza, Trumps rhetoric is contradictory and confused. On the one hand, he has expressed hope that reconstruction will begin soon after Hamas is disarmed. On the other, when asked if reconstruction might begin before that, he said, I think its going to begin pretty soon, adding that he and the Israeli premier were looking forward to it.[11] US officials have said that their plans are geared towards launching reconstruction projects within weeks, while acknowledging that the disarmament process will take much longer.[12] Yet the contradictions in Trumps rhetoric do not end there. He has reiterated his openness to the idea of mass emigration from the Gaza Strip, saying: Lets see if that opportunity presents itself. He claimed after his meeting with Netanyahu that half of Gaza would leave [if they] were given the opportunity to live in a better climate, they would move.[13]

b) The West Bank

Despite to his efforts to demonstrate, in public, his alignment with Netanyahu on the situation in Gaza, Trump has clearly hinted at differences between them regarding the West Bank. That said, he has not asked Netanyahu to halt the expansion of Israeli settlements there, or to halt Israels practices in Palestinian refugee camps, cities, and villages. Where they disagree is over the actions of Israeli settlers. Trump believes that escalating violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians, the Palestinian Authoritys financial instability, and continued Israeli settlement expansion all undermine efforts to repair Israels relations with European countries, as well as hindering the expansion of the Abraham Accords to naturalise Israels relations with Arab and Muslim-majority states.[14] Yet Trumps policies do not seem consistent with such concerns. Despite declaring in September that he opposed Israels annexation of parts of the West Bank in response to a wave of recognition by European states of the State of Palestine, his actions since his return to the White House at the start of 2025 run counter to this position; he has lifted the sanctions imposed by his predecessor Joe Biden against extremist settlers, and appointed prominent Christian Zionist Mike Huckabee, known for his staunch support for the settlement movement, as Ambassador to Israel.

c) Iran and Hezbollah

Also on the agenda at Mar-a-Lago was the possibility of new attacks against Iran in 2026. Netanyahu presented Trump with what he described as information on Tehrans efforts to revive its nuclear programme, which Israel and the US targeted in a joint attack last June. He also raised Israeli concerns over Irans ballistic missile programme.[15] Following the meeting, Trump said that he would support an Israeli attack on Iran if it attempted to rebuild what had been destroyed in the strikes, whether in terms of nuclear or missile capabilities. However, he voiced a clear preference for reaching a new nuclear agreement with Tehran rather than launching another military operation. His repeated statements that the US had destroyed Irans nuclear programme have undermined his ability to justify further strikes against Iran, or to give Netanyahu a green light to do so. But his recent remarks that he is willing to intervene to protect protesters in Iran if the authorities use violence against could be interpreted in various ways. Regarding the question of Hezbollah, Trump supports Netanyahus policies in Lebanon.[16]

d) Turkiye and Syria

The most prominent points of contention during the meeting related to Turkiye and Syria. Israel strongly opposes Turkish participation in any so-called peacekeeping force  or any other Turkish role  in Gaza. By contrast, Washington views Turkiye as a regional power that cannot be ignored and must be given a role. Nor does Trump share Israels concerns regarding Washington selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, which would end Israels status as the only regional power with access to the aircraft  especially as the related technology varies from one buyer to another. During his press conference with the Israeli leader, Trump affirmed his respect for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that [Netanyahu] respects him, and theyre not going to have a problem[17]  a clear attempt to downplay their disagreements.

On the topic of Syria, Israel argues that it cannot trust President Ahmed al-Sharaa due to his jihadist past, and is using this as a pretext to expand its occupation of further territory in the Golan Heights, impose a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, and continue bombing Syrian military sites. By contrast, Trump believes that Al-Sharaa can be trusted, and that the new Syrian leadership could pave the way to a more stable relationship with Israel. Netanyahu has acquiesced to Trumps request to resume talks with Syria over a potential security agreement, emphasizing that Israel must dictate the conditions even for engaging in negotiations with Syria, while simultaneously indicating his governments willingness to engage with the American vision on this issue, despite having publicly expressed reservations.[18]

Conclusion

Despite Israeli and US media outlets highlighting the differences between Trump and Netanyahu and predicting a difficult meeting, the proceedings and the joint press conference that followed demonstrated once again the high degree of alignment between the two allies. Any differences that do exist are over details within an overall strategic alliance and a shared vision for the region and the world  an alignment evident in the power politics pursued by both parties.

[1] Barak Ravid, Netanyahus Mar-a-Lago Visit Crucial for Future of Gaza Deal, Axios, 26/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2ED.

[2] Alex Leary, Vera Bergengruen & Dov Lieber, Trump Threatens New Military Action with Israel against Iran, The Wall Street Journal, 29/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2dk.

[3] Lazar Berman, Trump and Netanyahu Present United Stance on Gaza, but will Hamas Agree to Go Along? The Times of Israel, 31/12/2025, accessed on 6/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2t3.

[4] Press Conference: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu Hold a Joint Press Event, Roll Call, 29/12/2025, accessed on 4/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2Xv.

[5] Loveday Morris & Lior Soroka, Trump Sends Wartime Prime Minister Netanyahu Back to Israel with a Boost, The Washington Post, 30/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2WT.

[6] Tyler Pager & David M. Halbfinger, Trump and Netanyahu Present a United Front, Showing Few Signs of their Strains over Gaza and Syria, The New York Times, 29/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F30L.

[7] Ori Goldberg, Netanyahus Mar-a-Lago win that wasnt, Al Jazeera, 30/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F34X.

[8] Morris & Soroka.

[9] Barak Ravid, Netanyahu Raised Possible Round 2 Strikes on Iran with Trump, Axios, 31/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2g2.

[10]Roll Call, Press Conference.

[11] Grace Gilson Trump, hosting Netanyahu, says next phase of Gaza plan to begin as quickly as we can, J. The Jewish News of Northern California, 30/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026 at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2nv

[12] Netanyahu Wins Bigly from his Meeting with Trump, The Economist, 30/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2E8.

[13]Roll Call, Press Conference.

[14] Barak Ravid, Trump, Top Aides asked Netanyahu to Change Policy in Occupied West Bank, Axios, 29/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2WK.

[15] Ravid, Netanyahu Raised Possible Round 2 Strikes on Iran with Trump.

[16] Amichai Stein, Hezbollah Must be Disarmed: Trump Tells Netanyahu hell Back an Attack on Hezbollah  Exclusive, The Jerusalem Post, 31/12/2025, accessed on 5/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F36n.

[17] Morris & Soroka.

[18] Ravid, Trump, Top Aides Asked Netanyahu to Change Policy in Occupied West Bank.


The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has alerted Irish consumers, particularly parents, to an urgent recall amid fears a popular children's product can "harm the health of children by damaging the reproductive system".

A safety issue has been identified with Tototang Slime Shop  Coffee Clear Slime sold by a third-party seller (Foshan Nanhai District Barbarian Bull Toys Firm) on SHEIN marketplace.

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The product presents a chemical risk. The migration of boron from the toy slime exceeds the toy safety requirements. Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging the reproductive system.

The brand is TotoTang Slime Shop. The batch number is AM-TT-202508. The Product identifier is sh25021989977222884. The type/model number is Tototang-25.

There are approximately 53 affected products in the Republic of Ireland.

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What to do:

If you purchased one of these products, please stop use immediately, discard the product, and keep it out of the reach of children.

If you wish to contact SHEIN for a refund or have any concerns or questions about this product this can be done by contacting SHEIN customer services by email at eurcsteam@shein.com.

In a statement, SHEIN said,

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"SHEIN takes product safety very seriously and is committed to offering safe and reliable products to its customers. Upon learning of these claims, SHEIN immediately removed the items from its site as a precaution while the company investigates.

On SHEIN Marketplace, both SHEIN branded products as well as products from a global network of third-party sellers are available.

"All vendors are required to comply with SHEINs code of conduct and must abide by the relevant laws and regulations of the countries the company operates in. SHEIN works closely with international third-party testing agencies such as Intertek, SGS, BV and TUV SUD, to ensure compliance with product safety standards.
Any significant changes to legislation linked to a joint UK/Irish framework on the Troubles must have the full agreement of both governments, Irelands Foreign Affairs minister has said.

Helen McEntees comments came after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated there may be new protections for military veterans added to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill his Government is taking through Parliament.

The joint framework on legacy unveiled by London and Dublin last September outlined a range of measures and mechanisms for dealing with historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict.

The framework included commitments to fundamentally reform the structures established by the last Conservative governments contentious Legacy Act, including the removal of a controversial provision that offered a form of conditional immunity to perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

At the same time it published the framework, the Labour Government also announced a separate set of proposals it described as new protections, rights and safeguards for Northern Ireland veterans.

They measures included allowing witnesses who participate in new legacy processes the option to give evidence remotely without travelling to Northern Ireland.

Veterans representatives claimed the proposals did not going far enough and would apply to any witness co-operating with legacy bodies, so were not just on offer to veterans.

In the House of Commons on Wednesday, DUP leader Gavin Robinson asked the Prime Minister to confirm whether the Government intended to bring forward amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to offer specific protections for veterans.

Mr Robinson said the six steps announced in September were only procedural and offer no protection to veterans and apply to terrorists too.

He asked: Will the Prime Minister confirm that what we have heard is true, that the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office intend to bring forward Government amendments that will specifically and particularly protect veterans and that they will offer protection?

Responding, Sir Keir said: The Bill, as he knows, will put in place new measures designed specifically to protect veterans.

These safeguards have been developed with veterans in mind, after carefully listening to their concerns.

Weve been meeting with veterans organisations and listening to their views, and when the Bill reaches the committee stages, the House will see the result of those considerations and he will be pleased to hear that.

Were determined to ensure protections are as fair and effective as possible, recognising the role that service personnel played in keeping people across the UK safe during the Troubles.

Ms McEntee was later asked about the prospect of additional protections for UK veterans being added to the legacy legislation at Westminster.

The minister, who was visiting Stormont for the first time since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs late last year, said the joint framework represented a fine balance.

She made clear that any significant changes to draft legislation flowing from the accord  either in Westminster or the parliament in Dublin  would need to be agreed by both governments.

Firstly, I just want to acknowledge and welcome the changes that have taken place in recent months, the work of my predecessor  the then-(foreign affairs) minister Simon Harris  and the Secretary of State Hilary Benn, she said.

I think what was agreed in September is a very fine balance and a huge amount of work went into making sure that it is representative of all voices.

Mr McEntee said victims and survivors needed to be front and centre in the legislation.

We are very clear as a government that in transposing that agreement and putting it into legislation, there cannot be any significant changes that shift that balance, she added.

And so in my engagement with Secretary of State Hilary Benn we have been very clear, and as has the Secretary of State, that we will work closely together and that there wouldnt be any significant changes or indeed adjustments to the legislation without full agreement of both governments.

So while I havent heard the exact comments today of the Prime Minister, I think were both working lock step with each other to make sure that what was agreed in the framework in September is faithfully transposed into legislation.

And of course, youll be aware my colleague Minister OCallaghan (Irish Justice minister Jim OCallaghan) has begun work on our own legislation in Ireland to make sure that when this passes through the different stages in the UK Parliament, that we will then be able to make implementations of our own legislation as well.

But we need to be working closely together on this, and we need to make sure that what was agreed is what is reflected in the legislation once its fully enacted.
The Irish government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

The Irish government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow Bridie to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Londonderry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
Frankie Watters, a long-standing director of Dundalk Credit Union and Chair of its Strategy and Risk Committee; has been appointed by the Tanaiste and Minister of Finance, Mr Simon Harris TD, to the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC), one of the most influential advisory bodies in the Irish credit union sector.

Frankie will now contribute his experience at a national level to support the ongoing development of credit unions across the country.

CUAC advises the Minister of Finance on key issues affecting credit unions nationally.

It is central to shaping national policy and supporting a confident, forward-looking credit union sector that continues to play a powerful role in communities across Ireland.

READ NEXT: Louth creative businesses ready to shine at Showcase 2026

This appointment recognises Frankies sector knowledge, leadership and long-standing commitment to voluntary and public service, while also reflecting the powerful reputation of Dundalk Credit Union at a sector level.

In joining CUAC, Frankie brings valuable insight, perspective and a real depth of understanding as the sector continues to evolve.

The Tanaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, congratulated Mr Watters stating: I would like to congratulate Mr Watters on his appointment to CUAC and I look forward to working with him and the other members of CUAC on credit union issues during an important time for the sector.

Speaking about his appointment, Frankie said it is both an honour and a responsibility.

Frankie commented that: CUAC provides an important platform to ensure that the sectors development is guided by real-world experience and a strong sense of purpose.

I am proud to represent Dundalk Credit Union and the wider Northeast credit union community on this national committee, and I look forward to contributing positively to the future of the sector along with my fellow CUAC members.

Chairperson of Dundalk Credit Union, Jim Wallace, welcomed the news and highlighted its significance.

The Board of Directors are extremely proud of Frankies appointment to CUAC.

His commitment to Dundalk Credit Union and our members has been evident for many years, and it is wonderful to see that experience and passion recognised at national level.

The CEO of Dundalk Credit Union, Billy Doyle, extended the congratulations of the Management Team and Staff to Frankie, commenting that: Frankie believes passionately in the power of credit unions and the vital role they play in the lives of ordinary people, the development of sustainable communities and indeed Irish society itself.

I am delighted to see his vision, leadership and expertise being recognised and deployed on the national stage through his appointment to CUAC.
Drogheda councillors have supported a motion that would make Drogheda an Apartheid-free zone.

The motion was put forward by mayor of Drogheda, Labour councillor Michelle Hall and received the unanimous support of Drogheda's councillors.

Mayor Hall said the ongoing apartheid in Gaza is worse than it was in South Africa during the 20th century, and a similar approach should be taken towards Israel.

She called on Louth County Council, local businesses, retail and consumers to avoid Israeli products and services where possible as revenue from these "helps to fund the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people".

The motion differs to the proposed Occupied Territories Bill currently making its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas as this a general boycott of all Israeli goods and services, as opposed to those originated from the illegally occupied territories, such as the West Bank.

She said these settlements are "merely symptoms of the wider problem of Israeli colonialism and apartheid" which "cannot be divorced from the state that creates and sustains them.

Mayor Hall said everyone should try choose alternative products than ones linked to Israel, such as insurance companies AXA and Allianz as well as tool makers Black and Decker, who she said all have ties to Israel.

Fellow Labour councillor Pio Smith welcomed the motion and said this is a time when "big countries and big powers...do what they want".

Cllr Smith said he hopes the Occupied Territories Bill will be passed but acknowledged there could be a "negative kickback for Ireland".

He also said Ireland should be mindful not to alienate Israeli people and jews who oppose the actions of Israel's government and said they need to find a median.

Sinn Fein councillor Eric O'Donovan said the situation in Gaza is "heartbreaking" and "crying shame" and said there needs to be a "bigger wave from the public".

He said "it cannot be underestimated our ability and strength in numbers".

Independent councillor Kevin Callan supported the motion and said these are uncertain times and said there are "less and less people" speaking out in opposition.

Fine Gael councillor Anne-Marie Ford told the meeting "we're all bystanders" and warned against "sitting on the fence and do nothing".

Mayor Hall received words of praise from her fellow councillors before concluding she wants to make Israel a "pariah state".

Speaking to Louth Live after the meeting, Mayor Hall said there are no plans at this time to bring this motion to the full council.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Louth is gearing up to champion three ambitious Louth-based creative businesses as they prepare to exhibit at Showcase 2026, Irelands flagship international trade event for craft, design and giftware.

Taking place at the RDS Dublin from Sunday 18 to Tuesday 20 January 2026, Showcase brings together more than 400 Irish brands and thousands of buyers from Ireland, the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond, offering a powerful platform for creative enterprises to grow their international reach.

Showcase is a major commercial opportunity for creative businesses who are ready to scale, said Grainne McKeown, Local Enterprise Office Louth.

It places Irish design and crafts in front of influential buyers from around the world, and we are proud to support three Louth businesses who are well positioned to make the most of this opportunity.

Read also: Planning granted for new townhouses in centre of Dundalk

LEO Louth says the three Louth makers exhibiting at Showcase 2026 reflect the quality, originality and entrepreneurial spirit in the countys creative sector.

Almond Rose Designs, based in Clogherhead, Louth, crafts eco-friendly, pet-themed greeting cards celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners. Founded by graphic designer Fiona, and assisted by her collies, Lexie and Leia, the brand also offers bespoke cards for businesses, delighting animal lovers, retailers, and pet-related enterprises alike. See the full range here.

Louth-based artist Tracy Fry creates striking resin maps, landscapes, and symbolic copper pieces inspired by nature and Irish heritage. Her work combines topography, texture, and storytelling, producing contemporary, handcrafted artworks with timeless character. Explore her creations here.

Attending Showcase for the first time, Dundalk jeweller Rebecca McDermott creates handcrafted fine jewellery inspired by the sea, shoreline textures, and natural imperfection. Working sustainably with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones, she creates these pieces in her coastal workshop, producing elegant, timeless pieces that are hallmarked in Dublin Castle. Discover her collection here

Thomas McEvoy, Deputy Chief Executive of Louth County Council, concludes "Supporting creative enterprise is central to our vision for a thriving local economy, and events like Showcase not only open doors for individual businesses but also strengthen Louths reputation as a hub for innovation and design.

"These three talented makers demonstrate the quality and originality that set our county apart, and we are committed to helping them succeed on the national and international stage."

Showcase is Irelands Creative Expo, a flagship international trade event and a key commercial platform for Irelands creative sector. Each year, the show attracts more than 3,350 buyers from Ireland, the UK, the USA, mainland Europe and the Far East, generating sales orders in excess of 25.6 million over three days.

It presents the very best of Irelands emerging and established creative talent across craft, design and giftware. The event is hosted by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, and features over 400 Irish brands, including many businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is a trade-only event.
There is a need for an urgent paradigm shift on tackling climate change, the president said, as she opened the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE).

The YSTE was founded in 1965 and attracts more than 40,000 visitors on average to the RDS in Dublin, making it one of the biggest events of its kind worldwide.

More than 1,000 students presenting 550 projects are competing for more than 200 prizes throughout the week.

The projects were chosen from a pool of almost 2,000 entries.

President Catherine Connolly, who opened the event for the first time as head of state, told attendees she gets her hope for the future from young people.

In an address in Irish and English, she said it was a privilege to be back at the event as president.

She said the YTSE allows students to demonstrate their creativity, ingenuity and knowledge, as she described the range of projects submitted as wonderful and very impressive.

Ms Connolly called for an open and honest debate on data collection, as well as transformative change for climate justice.

This annual event serves as an opportunity for science and technology themselves under the microscope  and indeed to pose the question: what conclusions might our society come to following a rigorous application of that same scientific method to science and technology itself as subjects?

More specifically, what questions are being asked, what data is being collected, the nature of the analysis carried out, the conclusions that are being drawn and will be drawn, for what purpose and for whose benefit?

Clearly, in my opinion, there needs to be an open and honest debate on these issues so that science and technology can be a part and an essential part of the transformative change required to meet the interconnected challenges of our time  irreversible climate change, biodiversity loss, the normalisation of war, force displacement, global hunger and poverty.

The president said she was recovering from an illness so had postponed an expected walkabout in the exhibition hall.

The overall winner  to be announced on Friday  receives a prize of 7,500 euros and will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

This years main sponsor is Stripe, which has taken over from BT Ireland after 25 years.

Stripe, founded by Irish brothers and former YSTE entrants Patrick and John Collison, will sponsor the exhibition under a five-year agreement.

Patrick Collison won the competition in 2005.

Addressing the opening ceremony remotely after his flight to Dublin was grounded due to snow, he said the event had changed his life, adding: It is a huge honour to be here.

 Watch the video to see how we manufactured the trophies for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Leveraging cutting-edge L-PBF #AdditiveManufacturing technology. pic.twitter.com/jIeDwVZrCJ  Croom Medical (@croom_medical) December 12, 2025

The Young Scientist was a huge event and huge presence in my life  and in Johns.

School is great, but it is a prescribed set of train tracks and it is hard to do something wholly unorthodox.

The Young Scientist was the first time I felt I had the chance to do something of my own volition just for its own sake and for to have other people take it seriously.

Mr Collison said teenagers can chart their own direction and do real important things.

The tech firm, which operates a dual headquarters in Dublin and San Francisco, offers programmable financial services for millions of businesses to accept payments.

Nearly a quarter of the projects use or examine artificial intelligence, while environment and climate-related projects also feature heavily this year.

Other entrants looked at behavioural science, health and wellbeing, and mathematics.

Rohan Gupta, from St Francis College in Rochestown, Co Cork, designed an instrument that can analyse the state of a chess game through a camera.

He says his system, which took six months to design, has benefits for people who prefer the feel of physical chess boards or cannot afford more expensive equipment.

This improves accessibility for people and tournaments and school clubs who cannot afford to spend thousands of euro.

Alex OConnor, from CBS The Green in Co Kerry, designed an AI-powered system that he thinks could help combat the invasive Asian hornet species threatening Irelands native bees.

The project of Alex OConnor, from CBS The Green in Co Kerry, involves a tool to detect the invasive Asian hornet species (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

It uses a 3D-printed mount carrying a sensor and lasers which can differentiate between Irish pollinators and the invasive hornets.

It then disrupts the flying of the Asian hornets by firing a laser into its eyes.

Fifteen-year-old disability campaigner Cara Darmody entered with a project examining misconceptions and misinformation about autism diagnoses.

Cara gained national prominence with her campaign on the shortcomings in the assessment of needs system.
The recent loss of lives in Venezuela is appalling and often overlooked when the US raid on the capital is discussed, Irish President Catherine Connolly has said.

Then-Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were taken from their home in Caracas at the weekend in a night-time raid by the US at the weekend which involved strikes on the country, in which more than 115 people were killed.

Maduro appeared before a US courtroom on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges.

Maduros deputy Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuelas acting president.

Irish President Catherine Connolly addressed the crisis in Venezuela as she gave a speech to mark the beginning of a Dublin exhibition of science and research projects undertaken by students.

I stand here with hope for the future, notwithstanding the tremendous challenges that we face, she said at the conclusion of her speech at the Stripe Young Scientist exhibition.

And I get that hope from you as young people, from your creativity and from your honesty and from your dedication to your subjects.

My hope is also in the future, which, as the United Nations General Secretary has said, there must be a full respect for international law, including the United Nations Charter and the rule of law.

She added: The recent loss of lives in Venezuela is appalling and is often overlooked in the debate.

Ms Connolly has been a vocal critic of the US and has opposed the US militarys use of Shannon Airport in Co Clare.
An investment announced on Wednesday will herald a new era for the tourism sector, a minister has said.

Minister for Tourism Peter Burke unveiled a 4.7 billion euro war chest which is due to be invested in Irelands enterprise sector over the next five years as part of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employments capital plan for 2026 to 2030.

He said it is critical were viewing tourism as centrally important to government strategy.

Mr Burke added that there has been a lack of political direction over a number of years that saw boots on the ground leaving key markets.

He said about 400 million euro would be allocated to the tourism sector which would be used to fund a number of measures to boost the industry.

He said the department is really looking at investing through strategic aviation routes, including to the UAE and India, adding that while they may not generate significant numbers of tourists to Ireland, they are very high value.

More personnel will be deployed to the UAE, Canada and the India and Asia Pacific region to promote Ireland as a destination.

Lengthening the tourism season in Ireland in order to spread numbers across the year is another priority, with Mr Burke saying it should run from St Brigids Day right out to Halloween and beyond.

He said there will also be a focus on upskilling firms to be digitally smart, in particular as 60% of people now use AI when mapping out their holiday itineraries.

Mr Burke also said there would be a focus on developing skills to ensure that there are significant career pathways in our tourism sector.

The minister said around 230,000 people are employed in the tourism sector, with about 46,000 small and medium-sized businesses involved in the industry.

He said while there has been a return to increasing numbers in recent months it is vital the tourism industry has a good year in 2025 and that his department is hoping for between six and seven per cent growth over the next five years.

While Mr Burke said Ireland is a very strong location for North America and the Asia and Pacific region, the country is under pressure in the European market.

Promoting Irelands authentic artisan food will be key, he said, in making Ireland a more attractive destination for European visitors.

He said they are often very impressed with the quality of produce in Ireland, compared with what they would have heard or what view they would have created in their mind before they have come here.
Ireland is monitoring the situation in relation to a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the vicinity of Irish waters, the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Helen McEntee said that while it had been reported that the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, was in or near Irelands exclusive economic zone, it was now far off from it.

Several US military planes and British surveillance aircraft have been seen patrolling the skies in the vicinity of the oil tanker in recent days as it travelled through the North Atlantic.

On Wednesday afternoon, the US military confirmed it had seized the Marinera, in an operation that was aided by British armed forces including RAF surveillance.

Asked about the tanker while in Belfast, Ms McEntee said: It was widely reported that a particular vessel was sailing towards, or in and around the Irish economic zone.

Its not unusual that there would be ships or fleets that would sail to or towards or in and around the economic zone.

Theyre monitored by our own Defence Forces, and this vessel itself is now far off our economic zone, but well continue to monitor the situation.

Ms McEntee also said that the Irish Government had been in touch with the US embassy about reports of US military planes tracking the vessel and whether they were granted permission to fly in Irish airspace.

She cited a 1959 legal agreement between Ireland and the US which states that prior sign off from Irish authorities is not required unless there are weapons on board or if there is an operation in place.

Weve been in touch with the US embassy, and theyve assured us that they have complied with the 1959 agreement, but I have asked my officials to engage further and to provide me with a full report on that, and its important that I see that, she said.

But it is for them to make sure that they comply with the agreement, and theyve been very clear that they have complied with that agreement.

Ms McEntee also said that while she did not support the presidency of Nicolas Maduro, she was extremely concerned at the situation in Venezuela and at reports that international law may have been broken.

I dont think he is legitimately in place as president, and I think that is a view shared by the vast majority of other countries, and thats the view and position that Ireland has taken, she said.

In saying that, it is for the people of Venezuela to decide their future and I am extremely concerned, as I think many are, at the actions that have been taken.

Im extremely concerned that there is a suggestion that international law may not have been upheld.

International law must be upheld, the UN Charter must be upheld, and that applies to every country, big and small, and that, of course, applies to the US as well.

She said of suggestions that the US could buy or seize Greenland: The territorial integrity of Greenland must be respected at all times.

The future of Greenland must be decided by the people of Greenland and by Denmark, and certainly, I will be supporting our colleagues in Denmark and our colleagues across Europe in making that very clear.

There can be no decision taken unilaterally or otherwise when it comes to a countrys territorial integrity and their sovereignty.
A man accused of castle rustling in West Cork has been remanded in custody until later this month.

Colm Dineen, aged 31, is charged with the alleged theft of cattle with a value of more than 50,000.

It is alleged Mr Dineen stole 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls worth 30,000 from the farm of Brian Lawlor at Lakelands, near Skibbereen, on November 24 last.

It is also alleged that he stole 13 Friesian bullocks valued at 10,000 from a farm near Skibbereen in December 2017.

Mr Dineen is also accused of the alleged theft of three Friesian heifer calves valued at 1,500 from a farm near Skibbereen in March 2023, and another eight cattle worth 12,000 from a farm near Ballydehob in November 2022.

Mr Dineen faces a further charge of an alleged theft from a property in Rosscarbery in April 2025.

Mr Dineen, with an address at Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, appeared via video link from Cork Prison before Judge Joanne Carroll at Clonakilty District Court.

He was remanded in custody to appear again on January 20, via video link in Clonakilty District Court.

A bail application is expected to be made by solicitor Flor Murphy for Mr Dineen.
Its coming up on 7am and its still dark on Patrick St, bitterly cold on a horrible December morning as the rain lashes down on hard, wet streets.

Outside Penneys, two outreach workers from Cork Simon approach a person-shaped blue sleeping bag on the ground, wedged against the shop door, the doorway affording little shelter.

The sleeping bag is sodden, and in this light it is darkened to black where it meets the concrete. Kevin, one of the outreach workers, crouches down and gently asks the sleeping man if hes all right.

The man mumbles that he is, hes soaked, he says, but hell try and sleep a bit more.

Kevin tells him to be sure and call into the Cork Simon shelter on Andersons Quay in a little while, to get a hot shower and a change of clothes, and a bit of breakfast.

Kevins colleague, Rory, has already moved down the street to Brown Thomas, where hes chatting to a man lying on the pavement in a doorway even less sheltered than Penneys.

Its a scene that is repeated over and over through the two hours Kevin and Rory are out this miserable early morning. You wouldnt put a dog out in this, Rory says later.

Its hard not to think of a line spoken by one of Kevin and Rorys predecessors when The Echo accompanied them on a similar early morning encounter with rough sleepers a couple of years ago  You wouldnt be able to do this sober.

The atrocious weather means there are fewer rough sleepers in the city centre today, but we still encounter 25 people sleeping out on the streets of the Republics second city, most, but not all, of them are men.

After an hour or so, we stop for refreshments in Cork Coffee Roasters on Anglesea St, and, chatting over coffee, the controversial topic of the recent 7m revamp of Bishop Lucey Park  which has left it open 24 hours and almost completely devoid of grass  comes up almost immediately, and Kevin says he read someone in The Echo liken it to a Russian bus stop.

When the weather gets good, I imagine we will spend an awful lot of time going in there, but theres nobody sleeping there at the moment because its too open."

Kevin continued: We found one person sleeping in there a couple of days after it opened up and they were going: Im never going in there again, cos theres no cover, theres no shelter, theres nowhere to hide.

But when the weather gets nice, I would imagine well get people in there in clusters and thatll be the next hotspot then.

Day Centre

News that the HSE has tendered for a premises for Corks first purpose-built day centre for homeless people is welcomed by both men, and there is praise for Fine Gael TD Colm Burke  The guy in Blackpool  who has long championed the development.

In fairness to him, there has been some movement on it, but with all these things, the wheels are very slow to turn, Kevin says.

Some of the services envisioned for that centre are currently provided by the Cork Simon Day Centre on Andersons Quay, which is open to service users from 9am to 1pm five days a week. There they can get some brief respite and access medical assistance, counselling, food and showers, and the outreach workers help them to fill in forms for vital services.

Both men agree that a purpose-built day centre would give people a place in which they would have shelter and dignity during the day. It might also free outreach workers up to concentrate more on the core of their work, Kevin suggests.

In Dublin, outreach workers dont have to run a day centre or an office, their primary job is to link in with rough sleepers.

The other side of the coin is that homelessness is getting worse, year on year, it wasnt always this bad in Cork, so for us to be traditional outreach workers like you would see in the likes of London or Liverpool, we need the extra help that the [HSE-run] day centre would give.

Rory adds that Cork city is small, and they tend to know where rough sleepers are, and they can attend to them, but they are aware of people in satellite towns such as Midlelton, Youghal and Cobh, and they simply dont have the time to get to them.

There are a lot more people becoming homeless in the county that we cant get to. Were getting phone calls about people in Mallow, in West Cork.

Rising Cost of Rent

There are a lot more people, too, becoming homeless who dont have what might be seen as traditional homeless issues, addiction and issues like that. We see people who just cant find a place to rent, because theres nowhere to rent, or what is there is extortionately expensive, he says.

We have one or two lads who are working in supermarkets around the city and theyre sleeping on mattresses on the floor in our Night Light facility, or else theyre sleeping rough.

Living on the street exposes people to secondary trauma, they add, and this can lead to substance dependency in people who did not have such addictions before they became homeless, reversing one traditional route where addiction would lead to homelessness.

Another issue they come across regularly is the increasing number of people with severe mental health issues who routinely end up on the streets, and this is something they both say is a very troubling and a relatively recent development.

These are very vulnerable people, Rory says. This is something that seems to be happening more and more.

Another trend that is really, really worrying is that were seeing a lot more really young people coming straight out of care, and a lot of women as well.

The number of people sleeping rough every night on the streets of the city has remained a stubborn constant, Kevin says, despite the allocation of greater resources by Cork City Councils accommodation placement service (APS).

That would have been the same figure a year or more ago, and APS has opened up more beds since within the city boundaries, so those people would now be in B&Bs or temporary B&Bs, but the rough sleeping figure has remained the same, he says.

There are more emergency beds but there are more people becoming homeless, so the rough sleeper estimated number remains the same, that has not gone down.

They both say APS does a lot of good work but if not for the additional  and very welcome  extra resources allocated by the city council, Cork Simons outreach workers would likely be meeting even more rough sleepers every morning.

Rory says that the housing crisis is responsible for much of this, because in times past people had a choice of accommodation.

You would be able to find some place to rent because you would be able to pick and choose. Now landlords are able to pick and choose their tenants, he says.

Both men grew up in social housing in Cork city and say the collapse in the building of social housing has contributed greatly to the housing crisis, as has the influence of vulture funds on the housing market.

Supervised Injection Facility

Asked how they feel on the subject of a supervised injection facility (SIF) for drug users in Cork city, both men say: It has to happen and Rory says it is essential that it happens soon.

For Ireland as a society to address the problem of addiction, and if people who might use the j word dont want to see discarded needles on the street, if we have a dedicated facility, that will reduce the problem.

Asked about the concerns of those who might say such a facility will concentrate intravenous drug users into its orbit, they both say there are always objections, but the evidence from the countrys first SIF, in Dublin, has been positive.

Before he ever worked in homelessness services, Kevin worked around Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, so he is very familiar with the area around the Merchants Quay SIF in the capital.

Merchants Quay is very similar to what Cork Simon does, everything is very similar in terms of the clientele and what goes on in the area. The feedback that I have got from people in the area is that the supervised injection centre has really made things better in the area, he says.

This is only anecdotal, but from what Ive heard, overdoses are way down, and the crime in the area is way down as well, because people arent committing those crimes to feed their addictions.

Asked if there is anything the pubic could be doing to help Cork Simon in its work helping Corks homeless community, Rory quips: donate to Cork Simon.

Kevin adds that if members of the public come across people sleeping rough, it would be very helpful if they contact the shelter.

We dont know, unfortunately, where everybody is, and people pop up in places and we mightnt hear about it or see it, so if you do see someone sleeping rough, please give us a call, he says.

Its coming up on 9am, and its a little brighter now, but the rain has not lifted. There are miniature rivers flowing on Anglesea St as we run for our cars.

Kevin and Rory head back to Andersons Quay, where the doors will be opening soon and people will be heading in for a bit of breakfast, a shower and a change of clothes.

There Kevin and Rory will begin the second part of their day, connecting Corks most vulnerable citizens with the services they need.

See corksimon.ie
The 25-year-old man charged with murdering his mother and injuring his father outside the family home in Ballinlough in November appeared in Cork District Court on Wednesday where he consented to a four-week remand in custody.

Consent is required for a custodial remand any longer than a fortnight.

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly indicated consent to the four-week remand. Judge Mary Dorgan then asked the accused man, David Gallagher, directly if he was consenting.

The young man with long greying hair, wearing a grey tracksuit, did not speak but nodded his head in reply to the judge.

David Gallagher of Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork, is charged with murdering his 59-year-old mother, Stella Gallagher, and assault causing harm to his father, 63-year-old Brian Gallagher.

The first charge states: On November 17 2025 at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did murder Stella Gallagher, contrary to common law.

The second charge states: On November 17 2025 at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did assault Brian Gallagher causing him harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan then remanded David Gallagher in custody until February 4 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the charges.

When this matter first came before the court in November, Mr Collins-Daly said, I would ask the court to direct that he receive urgent medical and psychiatric evaluation on his arrival in Cork Prison.

The funeral of the late Stella Gallagher was held on November 25 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes church in Ballinlough.
The Taoiseach does not believe there is a security threat from closer ties between Irish third-level institutions and China.

Before Christmas, the head of the Irish Military Intelligence Service had suggested that Chinese influence over research in Irish colleges was a security risk.

The unnamed officer added that China was a hostile state actor that the Irish military has a concern about.

On the third day of a five-day trip to China, Micheal Martin said he did not believe that there was a risk. Mr Martin was speaking at a Beijing hotel after a showcase of the third-level sectors of both nations, attended by 12 Irish institutions.

Asked if he had concerns about national security related to Chinese funding of research in Ireland, Mr Martin said that little of the research was sensitive and that there were guardrails. "I dont see a security risk. Genuinely. I think there are enough guardrails in place to prevent anything like that occurring.

After meeting with third-level institutions, he said there was no sense of this in any practical terms, or any manifestation of whats been asserted.

Mr Martin said: The most fundamental issue for us will always be academic autonomy and academic freedom and the preservation of that, but that has never come in to any danger or threat from these partnerships.

The Taoiseach said that universities here have been involved with colleges in China for quite a long time, and the undergraduate programmes dont have any security risks.

And the arrangements are practical, are of benefit, financially and otherwise, to the Irish universities. But also, theres no great sensitive research on the way in the context of security issues or anything like that.

Asked about the potential of an EU-China trade deal, Mr Martin said that such a move was logical, for the two to resolve trading issues.

He said: Issues have emerged in terms of rare minerals, in terms of EVs, in terms of agricultural products, and weve experienced that. So, the articulation yesterday was one that Europe and China should engage, with a view to trying to resolve it within a broader framework.

Ireland will always be constructive on trading matters. Weve always been in the school within the European Union that has favoured open trade, weve always been worried about protectionist trends, because were a small, open economy, and we export over 90% of what we produce, and so it would be problematic for us if the world goes more protectionist.

Mr Martin said he was not in a position to flesh out what a deal might look like, but said talks have been positive with Chinese leaders.

On Monday, the Taoiseach met Chinese president Xi Jinping, and yesterday he met with the second and third-highest ranking members of the ruling Communist Party. Mr Martin said the meetings have been positive.
Indonesia welcomes its first locally born giant panda cub

Ecns.cn) 13:07, January 07, 2026

Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, holds a media briefing on a newly born giant panda cub on Jan. 6, 2026, with video footage of the cub played on a large screen at the venue. (Photo: China News Service/Li Zhiquan)

Indonesia announced the birth of a giant panda cub at TSI, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to protect endangered species.

The cub was born on Nov. 27, 2025 to two pandas Cai Tao and Hu Chun sent to Indonesia in 2017 under a 10-year conservation cooperation program with China.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing)
Members of the armed support unit had to assist in the arrest of a young man who barricaded himself in a store room at the Istanbul Market premises in the city and set off fire extinguishers causing extensive damage.

These were the allegations made by Sergeant John Dineen in the case against Kevin Buckley, aged 26, of 5C Shanakiel Place, Blarney, Co Cork, yesterday at Cork District Court.

Judge Catherine Ryan accepted jurisdiction for the case when informed of the extent of the alleged criminal damage.

Sergeant John Dineen outlined the background to the matter which related to the Istanbul Market, 55 North Main Street, Cork, on September 22, 2025.

Sgt Dineen said it was alleged that, the suspect entered the premises and locked himself in a room before discharging a fire extinguisher.

He then barricaded himself into the room.

The armed support unit had to assist in removing him. He caused extensive damage to stock and the premises had to be cleaned as a result of the discharge.

Sgt Dineen said that the fire extinguishers cost 200 each and the clean-up cost was put at 600.

Given the total amount of damage of 1,000 in the alleged incident, Judge Ryan accepted jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned until Friday next, January 9.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, asked for a precis of the evidence in the case to be given to the defence.
Cork County Council is to hold a series of roadshows in each Municipal District this month to showcase the various community grants provided by Cork County Council.

The roadshows will aim to provide community groups with information on relevant government grants schemes which are available to local communities.

The primary objective of the roadshow events is to ensure that local community groups are aware of the various council funded grant streams ( such as amenity grants, community contracts and capital grants) and also to assist community groups in deciding which category of grant they should apply for, along with how to register on the grants system prior to the 2026 grants scheme launch.

Information will also be provided on a range of the other supports and grants to community groups to undertake local improvement projects in communities such as Clar, ORIS, and Town and Village Renewal.

There also will be information available at the roadshows from the planning directorate on heritage grants and the climate action directorate on their range of grant supports.

The LCDC will also attend with local development companies to provide information on the range of grant supports, including Leader, that they provide.

Independent councillor Ben Dalton OSullivan, chairman of the Cork county tourism S.P.C, said he is encouraging every community, voluntary, sporting and residents groups to attend one of these roadshows in January.

The majority of groups are well able to put in for the grants. But there are a minority who are simply unaware of the grant support available to them or who might need help with the online process. These roadshows aim to assist in all of this. There will be roadshow events held across the Municipal Districts in the following locations:
What is auto-enrolment?

Auto-enrolment is a new pension savings scheme for certain employees who are not paying into a pension. They will be automatically included in the scheme but can opt out after six months.

The introduction of the Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, called My Future Fund, started on January 1, 2026. Under the scheme, the employee, employer, and Government all pay a certain amount into the employees pension fund.

A new public body, the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority, NAERSA, has been set up to administer the auto-enrolment scheme. The scheme is supervised by the Pensions Authority.

Who will be automatically enrolled?

You will be automatically enrolled in the new pension scheme if you are an employee and:

You are aged between 23 and 60

You are not currently part of a pension plan

You earn 20,000 or more per year

If you previously contributed to a pension but now do not, and meet the other conditions, you will be automatically enrolled.

If you earn less than 20,000 per year, or you are not aged between 23 and 60, you can choose to join the pension scheme if you are not already part of a pension plan.

Does my employer have to participate?

If your employer does not meet their auto-enrolment obligations, they will be subject to penalties and possibly to prosecution. If they dont make contributions on your behalf, they may be fined and have to make repayments with interest. However, there are no plans to force employers to contribute to personal pensions.

What happens if I already have a workplace pension?

You will not be enrolled in the new auto-enrolment scheme if you are paying into a workplace pension plan.

What happens if I change jobs after being enrolled?

If you change jobs after being automatically enrolled, you wont need to change pension or join a new scheme. You will remain a member of the auto-enrolment scheme on a pot-follows-the-member basis. You wont have to do anything, as the new National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority will manage the change.

Is auto-enrolment better than my personal pension?

Whether auto-enrolment or your personal pension is better for you depends on your situation and circumstances. You should review your personal pension and compare it with the benefits of auto-enrolment to see what works best for you.

Can I opt-out of (leave) the pension scheme?

After you are enrolled, you must stay in the pension scheme for at least six months. You can opt out after six months but before you have been in the scheme for 8 months. Your contributions will be refunded.

Can I suspend my contributions?

You can also suspend (pause) your contributions at any time after the first six months. All contributions, including those from you employer and the State, will be suspended. All the existing contributions in your fund are kept there until you start making contributions again.

If you suspend your contributions, you must wait at least 12 months before you can start making contributions again.

What happens to my savings if I opt-out?

Contributions that are not refunded, including those made by your employer and the Government, stay in your savings pot and will continue to be invested.

If you stop working or move abroad at any time before retirement, you will stay enrolled, but will not make additional contributions. Your existing savings will continue to be invested. This means you can still access a pension pot at retirement.

If you leave the plan or suspend your contributions, you will be automatically re-enrolled after two years if you are still eligible for the scheme. However, if you are making contributions to another pension plan through your employers payroll, you will not be re-enrolled for that employment.

How much do I pay?

The amount you pay will be a set rate of your annual salary. Your employer will match your contributions, and the Government will contribute an additional amount. You cannot pay more or less than the set rate. You and your employer will pay 1.5% of your annual salary in the first year. This will increase to 6% by year 10.

Here are the rates you, your employer, and the Government will pay:

Year of the auto-enrolment scheme: 1-3 - employee contribution rate, 1.5%; employer pays, 1.5%; Government pays, 0.5%.

Year of the auto-enrolment scheme: 4-6 - employee contribution rate, 3%; employer pays, 3%; Government pays, 1%.

Year of the auto-enrolment scheme: 7-9 - employee contribution rate, 4.5%; employer pays, 4.5%; Government pays, 1.5%.

Year of the auto-enrolment scheme: 10 and after - employee contribution rate, 6%; employer pays, 6%; Government pays, 2%.

Where can I get more information?

You can watch the Department of Social Protections videos on auto-enrolment and read its information on auto-enrolment at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/campaigns/auto-enrolment/

You can email autoenrolment@welfare.ie for more details.

Further information on this and other topics is available from Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street, open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.45am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Tel 0818 07 6950 (Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm).
By Claudia Savage, Press Association

The Minister for Foreign Affairs will visit Belfast to meet party leaders and representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Helen McEntee will meet with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, DUP MLA Edwin Poots, on her visit to the region on Wednesday, which she says has been a priority for her since taking up her current role in November 2025.

Ms McEntee, who is also deputy leader of Fine Gael, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the reshuffle that occurred after Paschal Donohoe resigned as Finance Minister to take up a position at the World Bank.

She will also meet with Alliance Party leader and Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, and SDLP leader of the opposition at Stormont, Matthew OToole.

Minister for Foreign minister Helen McEntee will visit Belfast on Wednesday.

The Minister will go on to visit St Malachys College, which has received funding through the Governments Reconciliation Fund.

Ms McEntee said the engagements in Northern Ireland are an important opportunity to discuss current priorities and shared challenges.

Those include our ongoing work to address the legacy of the Troubles, the Shared Island Initiative, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island, she said.

Northern Ireland was a focus for me as Minister for Justice, including legacy issues. That is why one of my immediate priorities upon taking up office is to hear from victims and survivors groups.

Their views are vital as we work to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The discovery of a prohibited growth hormone in beef originating in Brazil that entered Ireland should be a wake-up call for the Government, according to farmers.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has called on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU vote on Friday.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it was notified by the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland on December 12th that a consignment of beef, with an expiry date of October 31st 2025, from animals that had been treated with oestradiol, had been distributed to three businesses in the Republic in September.

The beef was from Brazil  part of the Mercosur trading bloc, which also includes Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as full members and other South American countries as associate members.

The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal Francie Gorman, IFA

The administration of oestradiol, which can be used as a growth-promoting hormone, is not allowed in animals intended for the food chain in the EU.

The EU conducted an audit in relation to the matter, and Brazilian officials informed authorities that carcasses from animals treated with oestradiol were mixed into consignments of beef destined for the bloc.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: This shows that the undertaking from Brazil about the processes they have in place are completely flawed and wholly ineffective.

He added: This EU audit, which uncovered these hormone,s is getting worse and worse, with more EU countries being embroiled. The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal.

In 2024, another EU audit found that the Brazilian system to stop hormones entering the EU food chain could not be relied upon. We were told by the EU that Brazil implemented an action plan to address this.

Yet, hormones have now entered the EU and Irish food chain. This has to be a red line for the Irish Government on Mercosur.

The question is are Brazil misleading the EU or are the EU misleading their citizens. We need full disclosure immediately.
The icy conditions at the beginning of the week gave us an unexpected slow morning because school only opened at 10.30am. The school app told us the night before, just as we were returning to West Cork in icy conditions from a visit to my parents. They were having a dinner party with friends, something they have done in January for as long as I can remember.

Our visit was short and sweet, but I knew my mum in particular would like a quick call so she could present her grandchildren to her friends. We had discussed plans beforehand and she had warned me not to put pressure on myself the night before school began. I took a different view. Im attempting to make 2026 about connection, good conversation and good people. Im not giving up anything or restricting anything, or dwelling on tough days. My outlook starts with saying yes and showing up.

We landed just as the roads were starting to get crunchy. I knew Ricky would fall asleep easily in the car on the way home so I could take as long as I needed to get back. We are not a family that works on a strict routine. Having to be regimented and on the clock causes me more stress than going with the flow does. Ricky is good at adapting, he sleeps easily and can deal well with our adventures. Hes at an age where we can talk things out and he was able to tell me when he was tired and we slipped back onto the road.

When we were back and he was sleeping soundly, I felt like an old piece of my personality had emerged from the umbrella of motherhood. When our kiddos are small, everything revolves around their needs and schedules and often it feels like a challenge to find a bit of peace. It is worth every second in those glorious times and it helps to dive in and accept it as it is.

I think our stage has shifted since I can explain plans to Ricky and we can make plans together. For a long time, things had to be black and white, now we can meander a bit more. Some of that shift is down to efforts on my part to embrace chaos and worry less.

I gained a lot from Miriam OCallaghans memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything. I found her journalistic stories fascinating but she also gave great insight into how she lives her busy life. She tells about how she never worries unless theres a problem for one of her children or theres serious illness in the family.

Miriams sister died young after she got cancer and my mum is fighting cancer with all her might. I understand that very sincere worry but it was also really helpful to read about putting limits on worry.

It is reasonable to worry about the people we have to guide in the world and to worry about serious illness when it is at our door. The rest is just small stuff. I definitely get in the habit of worrying about my physical condition, particularly when I think about the future. I fret about falling or injury or managing when Im old.

The truth is, if I fall, Ill get up again.

Today, I can manage all the things I need to. I can drive to visit my parents, meet friends and come home again, and I can get up every morning and try my best, the rest can look after itself and well deal with each new chapter and challenge as it comes.
Name: Dr Farah Ibrahim

Age: 45+

Lives: Ballincollig, Cork.

Job title: Executive Consultant Ophthalmologist, Veonet Ireland Cork & Veonet Group Medical Board Member

Education background: I grew up and completed my primary and secondary education in Malaysia. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study abroad, which brought me to Ireland, where I completed my Leaving Certificate at The Institute of Education, Dublin. I then pursued medicine at the University of Leicester in the UK, where I graduated and completed my medical internship.

Returning to Ireland, I undertook specialist training in Ophthalmology with the Irish College of Ophthalmologists, completing my journey to consultant level.

Hobbies: I love getting lost in a good book, travelling whenever I can, discovering amazing food, and recharging with quiet time, a soothing spa visit, or time spent with friends.

Describe your job in five words: Interesting, challenging, innovative, patient-focused, rewarding.

Describe yourself in five words: Curious, compassionate, driven, engaging, people-oriented.

Personality needed for this kind of work: Empathy, patience, and meticulous attention to detail are essential. A genuine curiosity about science and technology helps you stay at the forefront of innovation. Strong communication skills are vital  both for explaining complex diagnoses to patients and for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

A calm temperament is invaluable, especially when managing urgent or complex cases.

How long have you been in this role?

I joined Veonet Ireland in 2025, an incredibly exciting time as the Veonet Group expands into Ireland. Being part of the founding clinical team establishing this new service is both a privilege and a career highlight.

Salary Bracket: My earnings fall within the recognised consultant scale in Ireland, which varies depending on experience, seniority, and additional responsibilities.

How did you get this job?

After years of practising independently as a Consultant Ophthalmologist in both public and private sectors, I realised that one of my greatest passions lies in building strong teams and shaping clinical services.

This role offered the perfect opportunity to combine clinical excellence with leadership and innovation. I wanted to challenge myself further, grow my leadership skills, and contribute to developing a new, patient-centred ophthalmology network in Ireland. I take great pride in empowering colleagues, supporting their growth, and helping teams perform at their best  so stepping into this role felt like a natural evolution.

Do you need qualifications or experience?

Yes. To become a Consultant Ophthalmologist, you need a recognised medical degree, completion of specialist ophthalmology training and postgraduate examinations, with registration on the Specialist Division of the Irish Medical Council.

Describe a day at work:

A typical day balances patient care with clinical leadership. I spend much of my time examining patients, reviewing diagnostic results, and developing tailored management plans. Beyond the consultation room, I oversee clinic operations, review clinical processes, and ensure that our services are delivered safely, efficiently, and with the highest standards of care.

How many hours do you work a week?

I currently work full-time, which includes both clinical and non-clinical responsibilities.

Is your industry male or female-dominated?

Ophthalmology has historically been male-dominated, but thats changing rapidly. The future of the field is looking far more balanced and diverse, which is inspiring to see.

Does this affect you in any particular way?

It motivates me to encourage more young women to consider ophthalmology as a career. Representation truly matters. Being part of a growing cohort of women in the field allows me to advocate for visibility, mentorship, and balance. Im proud that Veonet Ireland fosters a culture that is both supportive and inclusive  one where everyone can thrive.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 110.

Id rate it around 8/10. The stress comes from the responsibility  eye health is precious, and decisions can have major consequences. That said, the rewards, strong teamwork, and positive patient outcomes make it worthwhile. The moment a patient says, Thank you for making my eye better, it brings everything back into perspective.

Do you work with others or on your own?

Both! I work independently with patients, but ophthalmology is highly collaborative. I work closely with optometrists, nurses, technicians, and fellow consultants. The team dynamic is one of the greatest strengths of the field.

When do you plan to retire or give up working?

I dont have a fixed age in mind. As long as Im healthy, still enjoying the work with its challenges, and feel Im offering the best care possible, Ill continue. Ophthalmology evolves constantly, which keeps it exciting and intellectually stimulating.

Best bits:

Being able to see patients vision improvements and the positive impact on their lives, and using cutting-edge technology. The patients  memorable, surprising, and endlessly rewarding. Being part of Veonet Irelands exciting new chapter.

Worst bit:

For me, its the emotional weight. When you really care about someones recovery, you cant help but worry. I think about my patients long after my workday ends. Its not something you can just leave at the door, even though you learn to manage it.

Advice to those who want your job:

Be curious, stay determined, ask questions, and find mentors. Dont be put off by the long training path  its absolutely worth it. If you enjoy precision, technology, and helping people in a tangible way, ophthalmology is an incredible career.

Any other comments:

Ophthalmology blends innovation, precision, and compassion, and playing a role in improving someones vision is incredibly rewarding. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) poised to transform eye care in the near future, its an exciting time to be part of this evolving field.

I feel genuinely privileged to be part of the Veonet Ophthalmology Group  an innovative, proactive ophthalmology community dedicated to outstanding clinical outcomes across Europe and the UK. Thanks to its international platform, we can explore the latest innovations and bring new solutions to patients quicker, driving continual improvement in patient care.
(Reuters/Ammar Awad)Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas with a procession in Jerusalem.

Millions of Christians worldwide have celebrated Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7, nearly two weeks after much of the globe observed the holy day celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Orthodox Christians in countries stretching from Ethiopia to Russia celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7--rather than Dec. 25, according to The Associated Press.

That is due to certain Eastern Orthodox churches, including those in Russian traditions, following the ancient Julian calendar, according to the Ethiopian News Agency.

This calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used by Catholic and Protestant churches and by much of the secular world for everyday purposes, The Independent reported on Jan, 7.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and some other Oriental Orthodox churches  distinct from Eastern Orthodox but sharing many traditions  also marked Christmas on that day.

Still, other Eastern Orthodox communities, such as those in the Greek tradition, celebrate Christmas on Dec.25, aligning with Catholic and Protestant churches.

Sixteenth century Pope Gregory XIII approved a revised, more astronomically precise calendar, which bears his name.

It shifted the calendar several days forward to make up for lost time (literally) and added a more precise calculation of leap years.

Protestant churches eventually followed the Catholic lead in adopting the calendar, as did secular governments.

All Eastern Orthodox kept to the old calendar until 1923, when an inter-Orthodox gathering adopted a revised Julian calendar that essentially mirrors the Gregorian.

Most (but not all) churches in the Greek Orthodox tradition have adopted this, as have those in Romanian, Bulgarian and other traditions.

PUTIN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS AT ORTHODOX SERVICE

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated Christmas Eve at an Orthodox service on the evening of Jan. 6.

He was joined by veterans of Russia's continuing war in Ukraine and their families, and he addressed the children in attendance, Africa News reported.:

"Russia's warriors have always, as if at the Lord's behest, carried out this mission of defending the Fatherland and its people, saving the Motherland and its people. At all times in Russia, this is how people have regarded their warriors, as those who, as if at the Lord's behest, carry out this holy mission," Putin was quoted as saying.

The Russian Orthodox Church is the world's largest Orthodox denomination.

Like other Eastern Orthodox churches, it follows the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar, used by Catholic and Protestant churches. Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7 and a service is held on the night of Jan. 6.

But the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest communion in Eastern Orthodoxy, has stayed on the old calendar, observing Christmas on Jan. 7 on the new calendar, as have Serbian, Georgian and some other Orthodox.

Some Orthodox in Ukraine have begun to observe Christmas on Dec. 25, while others have retained the Jan. 7 observance.

One exception is the Armenian Orthodox tradition, which observes Christmas on Jan. 6.

In the United States, observances vary. Churches in the Greek and Antiochian traditions observed Christmas on Dec. 25. Some churches in the Slavic tradition, including Serbian and smaller Russian churches, observe it on Jan. 7.

In Africa, Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Christians attended Mass to celebrate Christmas Eve on Jan. 6.

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sissi attended several previous Christmas Eve services held by the country's Coptic Orthodox minority.

This year, the Egyptian government declared Jan. 7 a paid public holiday to observe Christmas.

The Copts in Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country, are among the world's oldest Christian communities.

Orthodox Christians are the overwhelming majority of Egypt's Christians, who account for about 10 percent of the country's 108 million population.
Character.AI and Google have reportedly agreed to settle multiple lawsuits regarding teen suicide and self-harm. According to The Wall Street Journal, the victims' families and the companies are working to finalize the settlement terms.

The families of several teens sued the companies in Florida, Colorado, Texas and New York. The Orlando, FL, lawsuit was filed by the mother of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, who used a Character.AI chatbot tailored after Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen. The teen reportedly exchanged sexualized messages with the chatbot and occasionally referred to it as "his baby sister." He eventually talked about joining "Daenerys" in a deeper way before taking his own life.

The Texas suit accused a Character.AI model of encouraging a teen to cut his arms. It also allegedly suggested that murdering his parents was a reasonable option. After the lawsuits were filed, the startup changed its policies and banned users under 18.

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Character.AI is a role-playing chatbot platform that allows you to create custom characters and share them with other users. Many are based on celebrities or fictional pop culture figures. The company was founded in 2021 by two Google engineers, Noam Shazeer and Daniel de Freitas. In 2024, Google rehired the co-founders and struck a $2.7 billion deal to license the startup's technology.

On one hand, the settlements will likely compensate the victims' families handsomely. On the other hand, not going to trial means key details of the cases may never be made public. It's easy to imagine other AI companies facing similar suits, including OpenAI and Meta, viewing the settlements as a welcome development.
If the world didn't already have one too many digital assistants, Lenovo is adding another one to the pile. On Tuesday evening, the company announced Qira, a cross-device AI for both its own computers and Motorola smartphones. Set to arrive later this quarter, it will live at the system level of Lenovo devices. Users won't need to open or switch to the assistant. Instead, "it's always present," says Lenovo.

Of course, you can ignore Qira, and it will stay quiet if you don't need the software to do anything for you. Occasionally, Lenovo says Qira will surface proactive suggestions, and for frequent users, the company promises a machine learning system that will develop a "living model" of your world, "understanding context, continuity and personal patterns of over time." In practice, that means Qira can write emails for you, transcribe and translate meetings and provide summaries of things you might have missed. You know, all the usual stuff every company is offering with their on-device assistants.

From a privacy standpoint, Lenovo says Qira employs a hybrid architecture that "prioritizes" on-device processing, and won't collect customer data without the user's permission. "Every aspect of the Lenovo Qira experience is designed to be secure, ethical, and accountable." I asked Lenovo how Qira would interact with Copilot and Gemini on the company's PCs and Motorola smartphones, and if the new assistant would add to the processing load on those devices, but the company has yet to respond to my email. I'll update this article when I hear back.

On paper, creating a dedicated AI assistant for the company's devices is something I'm sure Lenovo executives agreed was a good idea, but when many people aren't even using Copilot, it feels like a misread of what Lenovo users want. In April, reporting from Newcomer suggested Copilot had flatlined at around 20 million weekly users in 2024. By contrast, over that same period, ChatGPT had grown to 400 million weekly users, and as of late 2025, there are 800 million people using OpenAI's chatbot every week.
While it normally has a 16-inch display, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept's screen can expand up to 23.8 inches across.

While it normally has a 16-inch display, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept's screen can expand up to 23.8 inches across. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Lenovo might have the most concept devices of any company at CES 2026, but the wildest and most interesting one is almost certainly the Legion Pro Rollable which features a 16-inch flexible display that can expand to not one but two different sizes.

To make the Legion Pro Rollable, Lenovo started out with a standard Legion Pro 7i and kept the bottom half including all of its ports and support for an RTX 5090 GPU. But then the company went a bit crazy: Instead of replacing the notebooks original 16-inch OLED screen with a rollable variant that extends upwards like the Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 from 2025, Lenovo opted for one that expands outwards to either 21.5 inches or 23.8 inches This means instead of being restricted to a standard 16:10 aspect ratio, you also have the choice of 21:9 or an ultra-wide 24:9 with just the touch of a button. Or more like two buttons because to widen or shrink its display, you need to press FN plus one of its arrow keys.

Admittedly that feels a bit clunky considering some of Lenovos other laptops with expandable displays have a dedicated button. But this is a concept device after all, which was immediately obvious when I got a chance to see this up close. The bottom of the laptop feels solid, as youd probably expect because not much has changed there. However, the top of the laptop didnt feel super sturdy, probably due to the displays hinge not being able to fully support a heavier lid and the notebooks bulkier rollable display.

When viewed from the back, you can see how much added screen space the Legion Pro Rollable gets when its display is expanded. The bottom half of the Legion Pro Rollable is the same as a standard Legion Pro 7i laptop. Without its screen expanded, the Legion Pro Rollable doesn't look that much different from a regular gaming laptop. When the lid is closed while its screen remains expanded, you get a real sense of how absurd this design is. Even though its a prototype, Lenovo did a decent job of hiding the motors that lets its screen expand. The RGB lighting around its vents is a nice touch, even if it's a holdover from the Legion Pro 7i's chassis. The Legion Pro Rollable's OLED display starts out at 16:10, but can also be widened to 21:9 (seen here) and 24:9. 1 / 7 Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable lid while expanded When viewed from the back, you can see how much added screen space the Legion Pro Rollable gets when its display is expanded.

I also noticed that there were some faint lines left by the internal motors that allow the rollable display to do its thing and a bit of waviness from the panel due to it not being super taut. That said, from the side, I was impressed that even for a prototype, Lenovo did a halfway decent job of eliminating any huge panel gaps or empty spaces where the lid expands. The biggest bummer is that even though Lenovo had a handful of demo units on on site, there werent any games installed so I wasnt able see the Legion Pro Rollables tech function in full glory.

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But if were being honest, none of that really matters on a gadget thats meant to be a showcase and testbed for next-gen tech. The idea of a gaming laptop with a screen that can go from normal to ultra-wide at the touch of a button (or buttons) is super cool, especially if you play titles like flight sims, racing games or big open-world adventures that can take advantage of an extra wide screen. And out of all of the concepts Ive seen at CES 2026, this one is at the top of the list of stuff that I hope eventually gets turned into a proper retail product.





CES 2026 is winding down in Las Vegas, and Team Engadget is finishing a week that saw hundreds of announcements from major brands including Lenovo, Samsung, LG, NVIDIA and more. See what we named as the Best of CES 2026, then scroll back on our CES 2026 liveblog to see how events progressed throughout the week. Prefer quick summaries? See recaps of all the cool tech we saw Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you saw Lenovo's Legion Go 2 launch last year and thought, "I'll wait for the SteamOS version," well, you'll have to wait a little longer. But at least now it's official. At CES 2026, the company revealed the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS. The Valve-friendly variant of the gaming handheld arrives in June, starting at a pricey $1,199.

There aren't any surprises here. It's the same Lenovo Legion Go 2 hardware, with SteamOS replacing the sometimes-awkward Windows. In many ways, you could view the SteamOS Legion Go 2 as a more powerful and versatile (and expensive!) Steam Deck. One notable exception is the optimizations game developers often make for Valve's handheld. (Ditto for "Steam Deck Verified" badges on store listings to learn quickly how playable games are.)

So, all the specs from the Windows version carry over. That includes a spacious 8.8-inch OLED display at 1,920 x 1,200 and with a 144Hz VRR. You still have two tiers to choose from: Ryzen Z2 / 16GB / 1TB or Ryzen Z2 Extreme / 32GB / 2TB. The device has a microSD slot, kickstand, detachable controllers and a 74Wh battery. At 2.2 lbs, it's a bulky affair, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a light, compact handheld is your priority.

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Lenovo says the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS is expected in June. It will start at $1,199 for the entry-level variant. (Lenovo hasn't yet announced pricing for the Z2 Extreme tier.) You can revisit Sam Rutherford's review of the Windows version for much more on the hardware.

CES 2026 is winding down in Las Vegas, and Team Engadget is finishing a week that saw hundreds of announcements from major brands including Lenovo, Samsung, LG, NVIDIA and more. See what we named as the Best of CES 2026, then scroll back on our CES 2026 liveblog to see how events progressed throughout the week. Prefer quick summaries? See recaps of all the cool tech we saw Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
CES 2026 isn't the first year we've seen a wave of interesting robots or even useful robots crop up in Las Vegas. But it's the first year I can remember when there have been so many humanoid and humanoid-like robots performing actually useful tasks. Of those, Switchbot's Onero H1 has been one of the most intriguing robot helpers I've seen on the show floor, especially because the company says that it will actually go on sale later this year (though it won't come cheap).

Up to now, Chinese company Switchbot has been known for its robot vacuums and smart home devices. Much of that expertise is evident in Onero. The unexpectedly cute robot has a wheeled base that looks similar to the company's robot vacuums, but is also equipped with a set of articulated arms that can help it perform common household tasks.

I was able to see some of its abilities at Switchbot's CES booth, where Onero dutifully picked up individual articles of clothing from a couch, rolled over to a washing machine, opened the door, placed the items inside and closed the door. The robot moved a bit slowly; it took nearly two minutes for it to grab one piece of clothing and deposit it inside the appliance which was only a few feet away.

I'm not sure if its slowness was a quirk of the poor CES Wi-Fi, a demo designed to maximize conference-goers attention or a genuine limitation of the robot. But I'm not sure it matters all that much. The whole appeal of a chore robot is that it can take care of things when you're not around; if you come home to a load of laundry that's done, it's not that concerning if the robot took longer to complete the task than you would have. The laundry is done and you don't have to do it. That's the dream.

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Under the hood, Onero is powered by RealSense cameras and other sensors that help it learn its surroundings, as well as on-device AI models.

The demo of course only offered a very limited glimpse of Onero's potential capabilities. In a promotional video shared by Switchbot, the company suggests the robot can so much, much more: serve food and drinks, put dishes away, wash windows, fold clothes and complete a bunch of other  frankly, impressive  tasks. The Onero in the video also has an articulated hand with five fingers that gives it more dexterity than the claw-hand one I saw at CES. A Switchbot rep told me, though, that it plans to offer both versions when it does go on sale.

Which brings me to the most exciting part about watching Onero: the company is actually planning on selling it this year. A Switchbot rep confirmed to me it will be available to buy sometime in 2026, though it will likely be closer to the end of the year. The company hasn't settled on a final price, but I was told it will be "less than $10,000."

While we don't know how much less, it's safe to say Onero won't come cheap. It also seems fair to say that this will be a very niche device compared to many of Switchbot's other products. But, if it can competently handle everything the company claims it can, then there's probably a lot of people and businesses that would be willing to pay.



CES 2026 is winding down in Las Vegas, and Team Engadget is finishing a week that saw hundreds of announcements from major brands including Lenovo, Samsung, LG, NVIDIA and more. See what we named as the Best of CES 2026, then scroll back on our CES 2026 liveblog to see how events progressed throughout the week. Prefer quick summaries? See recaps of all the cool tech we saw Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
After kicking off its Moto Things accessory line with wireless earbuds, a Bluetooth tracker and a cheap smartwatch in 2024, Motorola is doubling down. At CES 2026, the company is announcing a sequel to its tracker, the Moto Tag 2, a stylus for its new folding phone, the Moto Pen Ultra and a more premium smartwatch called the Moto Watch.

The Moto Watch has a 47mm round face with a stainless steel crown and an aluminum frame. The smartwatch comes with a PANTONE "Volcanic Ash" silicone band, but is designed to support third-party 22mm bands, too, which greatly expands its customization options. Motorola says the watch can get up to 13 days of battery life normally or seven days with its always-on display enabled, and also features a built-in speaker and microphone for hands-free controls and audio notifications. The Moto Watch is meant to be fairly durable, as well, with Gorilla Glass 3 front glass and IP68 water and dust resistance.

The actual fitness features of the watch are powered by Motorola's new partner Polar, a company with its own line of fitness trackers and smartwatches. The Moto Watch lets users log their calorie consumption throughout the day, track their workouts and activity levels (with a daily Activity Goal and Activity Score) and monitor their sleep. The watch also has built-in dual-frequency GPS for tracking runs, bike rides and hikes.

A hand holding a Moto Pen Ultra writing on a Razr Fold. (Motorola)

While Samsung dropped S Pen stylus support on its latest version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (one of many ways the company got the foldable so thin), Motorola is embracing styluses on its new Razr Fold. The Moto Pen Ultra comes with a charging case and supports things like palm rejection and tilt sensitivity for more accurate strokes. The Moto Pen Ultra can also be used with Google's Circle to Search and new AI-powered software features like "Sketch to Image," which converts hand-drawn sketches into detailed images.

A bike seat with a Moto Tag 2 attached to it. (Motorola)

The Moto Tag 2 builds on the original Moto Tag with a longer battery life and better durability. The Moto Tag 2 is IP68-rated and now gets over 500 days of battery life in comparison to the original Tag's year-long battery. As before, the Bluetooth tracker connects to Google's Find Hub network and Motorola says the tracker's ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna and support for Bluetooth Channel Sounding can help users determine the exact distance they are from their tracked object. You can also press the button on the Moto Tag 2 to ring your phone if it's missing, or customize the Tag to act as a camera shutter button.

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Motorola hasn't shared pricing details for any of its new Moto Things accessories, though it has provided a release date for at least one. The Moto Watch will be available on January 22 from the company's website. The Moto Tag 2 and Moto Pen Ultra, meanwhile, will both be available in North America "in the coming months."

CES 2026 is winding down in Las Vegas, and Team Engadget is finishing a week that saw hundreds of announcements from major brands including Lenovo, Samsung, LG, NVIDIA and more. See what we named as the Best of CES 2026, then scroll back on our CES 2026 liveblog to see how events progressed throughout the week. Prefer quick summaries? See recaps of all the cool tech we saw Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Netflix has officially greenlit a sixth season of the hit romantic dramedy "Emily in Paris," breathing new life into the adventures of the titular American marketing executive just weeks after Season 5 premiered on the streaming platform.

Season 5 of "Emily in Paris" arrived on Netflix on December 18 and quickly captured significant viewer attention, accumulating 26.8 million global views within its first 11 days. The success prompted Netflix to announce the renewal on January 5, with star Lily Collins confirming the news through a creative video showing her blowing out a candle shaped like the number "6" positioned on a croissant.

The show's Season 5 finale set up intriguing possibilities for what lies ahead. After returning to Paris from Rome, where Emily had attempted to build a new life with Italian businessman Marcello, her former flame Gabriela French chef played by Lucas Bravoextends an invitation for her to join him in Greece, creating a significant cliffhanger that hints at the direction Season 6 might take, according to People.

Collins herself has expressed enthusiasm about the potential Greece storyline. "Hello? I would love to go to Greece," the actress said when discussing the possibility of her character accepting Gabriel's invitation. She also suggested that Greece could factor into the narrative through another storyline, noting that Mindy's bachelorette party could potentially take place there.

In an Instagram post, actor Lucas Bravo, who plays Gabriel, shared a message from director and executive producer Andrew Fleming regarding the possibility of moving the set to Greece.

Series creator Darren Star has similarly confirmed that a Greek adventure is on the table. "I hope she wants to go," Star told Bustle when asked about Emily potentially traveling to Greece. The showrunner has also hinted that the show's geographical scope could expand further, mentioning London as another potential location given that character Alfie hails from that city.

The fifth season saw Emily navigate complex relationship dynamics and career challenges in Rome before deciding that her future belonged back in Paris. However, the finale's unexpected reconnection with Gabriel and his subsequent Greece invitation suggests the show is far from finished exploring Emily's European romance and professional growth.

With Netflix committing to Season 6, fans can expect the core cast to return, including Ashley Park as Mindy Chen, Bravo as Gabriel, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, and the rest of the ensemble that has defined the series. The exact release date for the new season has not been announced, though production is expected to take place sometime in 2026, as per the Town and Country Mag.
Actress Kristen Stewart has officially made her feature film directorial debut with "The Chronology of Water," which opened in wide release across the United States on Jan. 9, 2026.

The biographical drama, based on Lidia Yuknavitch's acclaimed 2011 memoir of the same name, stars British actress Imogen Poots as Yuknavitch. The film follows a young woman who escapes an abusive and alcoholic household through competitive swimming while finding her voice through writing. The narrative explores themes of childhood trauma, addiction, sexuality, and the healing power of artistic expression.

Stewart not only directed the film but also co-wrote the screenplay with Andy Mingo and served as one of the producers. The project represents an eight-year journey for Stewart, who first read Yuknavitch's memoir in 2017 and immediately reached out to the author about adapting it. She announced her intention to direct the film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, according to ABC7.

The production faced significant financing challenges, with Stewart publicly stating in early 2024 that she would "quit the fucking business" if she couldn't get the film made. The obstacles stemmed from the film's challenging subject matter and distinctly female perspective. Ultimately, Stewart secured international financing and shot the film over 32 days in Latvia and Malta during the summer of 2024.

"The Chronology of Water" premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, where it screened in the Un Certain Regard section and received a standing ovation lasting 4 to 6.5 minutes, Deadline reported. The film earned a strong critical reception, currently holding a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The supporting cast includes Thora Birch, Tom Sturridge, Jim Belushi, Kim Gordon, Susannah Flood, and Michael Epp. Stewart worked with cinematographer Corey Walter and assembled a crew of mostly emerging filmmakers to capture a "youthful, urgent, and current" feel.

Following a limited release in New York and Los Angeles on December 5, 2025, distributor The Forge expanded the film nationwide this week. Stewart has indicated she is eager to direct again and is already developing her next project.

The 35-year-old actress, known for her breakout role in the "Twilight" franchise and subsequent work in independent cinema, including an Oscar-nominated performance in "Spencer," has expressed that directing represents a career-long ambition.

At the recent Variety Directors to Watch event, Stewart said of her directorial debut: "I've been working on other people's films for my whole life, since I was nine years old and I feel like everything's been building to this moment," as per People.
Tens of thousands of people have signed petitions calling for rapper Nicki Minaj to be deported to her native Trinidad after her recent public alignment with conservative politics and Turning Point USA.

The petitions have gained traction following her appearance at the AmericaFest event in Phoenix on December 21, where she praised Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and appeared alongside Erika Kirk, widow of political commentator Charlie Kirk.

Minaj, who moved to the US at age five and is not yet a US citizen, has faced strong backlash from fans and activists who feel her political shift contradicts the support she once voiced for immigrant communities.

According to Billboard, one petition, published December 27 on Change.org, reads, "This is personal for those of us who watched Nicki rise as a beacon of hope, only to feel abandoned by her shift in values."

The petition adds that deporting Minaj "would serve as a reminder that public figures need to be accountable for their words and the broader impact they have on diverse communities."

Over the past week, multiple petitions have been created, with at least three launched between December 21 and 28.

Some petitions have collectively amassed more than 120,000 signatures. One of the most popular petitions, with over 83,000 signatures, was started last summer, before her Turning Point USA appearance, showing that the controversy has deep roots among fans.

Petition Calling to Deport Nicki Minaj Amasses Tens of Thousands of Signatureshttps://t.co/MXAHBhSZZE  billboard (@billboard) January 5, 2026

Nicki Minaj Ignoring Critics

Critics have also expressed their disappointment in other ways. Videos circulating on social media show clubgoers refusing to dance to Minaj's music, while some remixes have removed her verses entirely.

The rapper herself appeared to dismiss the backlash during her Turning Point USA appearance. "I don't think about them," she said, referring to critics, NME reported.

"We're the cool kids. The other people, they're the ones who are disgruntled, but really they're just disgruntled with themselves."

Minaj's conservative pivot marks a stark contrast to her past positions on immigration.

In 2018, she shared her personal experience as an undocumented immigrant on Instagram, writing, "I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old. I can't imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5."

Now, she has praised the Trump administration for international efforts, including intervening in alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

"I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue," she said at a November United Nations event.

The rapper has also clashed with California Governor Gavin Newsom over LGBTQ+ issues on social media, further fueling fan frustration.

While her representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

Originally published on Music Times
Emma Stone has revealed a surprising moment from her personal life: she once stood outside in freezing weather just to watch Jen Shah be sentenced for fraud.

The actress shared the story during an interview for "W Magazine's Best Performances Issue 2026," showing just how devoted she is to "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City."

Stone, 37, said she is a "superfan" of the Bravo reality show, which Shah starred on for three seasons, PageSix reported.

Speaking honestly, the two-time Academy Award winner explained how deeply invested she became in the series and its real-life drama.

"I am really invested," Stone said. "When Jen Shah was getting sentenced in New York, my brother and I waited outside for two hours in the freezing cold just for a chance to see her."

At the time, Stone was living in New York, which made the moment feel more spontaneous. She said she and her younger brother, Spencer Stone, simply walked over to the courthouse.

For Stone, the situation felt unreal, especially after watching Shah's legal troubles unfold on television.

"Her getting arrested on camera was wild," she added, recalling the shocking scenes from the show.

Emma Stone waited 2 hours in the freezing cold to catch a glimpse of Jen Shah getting sentenced https://t.co/s5fNVK5QBp pic.twitter.com/jugPSk1GRP  Page Six (@PageSix) January 6, 2026

Emma Stone Calls RHOSLC Her Favorite Reality Show

Jen Shah pleaded guilty in 2022 to defrauding thousands of people across the country through a telemarketing scheme.

Many of the victims were elderly or vulnerable. In January 2023, she was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and began serving her time the following month at a federal prison camp in Texas.

After several sentence reductions, Shah was released in December 2025 after serving about three years.

Stone's interest goes beyond just Shah. In the same interview, she also praised "RHOSLC" cast member Bronwyn Newport for her bold fashion choices.

According to People, Stone laughed while describing a scene where Newport wore a life raft as part of a sailing outfit.

"You've never seen anyone dress like this in real life. It's phenomenal," she said. "Everything is sort of a costume. I love it."

This is not the first time Stone has spoken about her love for the show.

She has previously said that "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" stands out because of its unique mix of personalities and beliefs.
Disenchanted with the sunny existence in California, Prince Harry is said to be mulling over a dramatic overhaul of his life.

Insiders told Radar Online that the Duke of Sussex, 41, is reportedly in a state of emotional flux as he reminisces about his homeland, experiences loneliness, and questions what lies ahead for him, even as he is mixing with the public and making charity commitments.

After their separation from the royal family, Harry and Meghan Markle, 44, have established a home in Montecito, California, and have been living there since 2020.

But insiders say the reality has not matched expectations.

"Harry has reached a breaking point with life in California and has been blunt with Meghan that he no longer sees a future for himself there," one source told the outlet.

"He feels profoundly unhappy and directionless, frustrated that the professional opportunities he hoped would materialize never truly did."

Another source described Harry as "homesick, feels henpecked by Meghan as he's on her home turf...[and] also feels like a hollow man and a shadow of his former self."

Friends and associates say he longs for the routine and purpose he had in the U.K., from spending time with friends at the pub to engaging in his royal duties.

Frustration With Hollywood Life

Sources indicate that a portion of Harry's unhappiness stems from the couple's unsuccessful business activities.

While Markle has been dedicating her time to the Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" and lifestyle brand As Ever, Harry has been committed to philanthropic work and advocacy.

"He feels he has been sidelined from the pursuits that give him a sense of purpose and fulfilment," a source said.

"Much of their day-to-day life and long-term planning has revolved around Meghan's interests and career goals, leaving him with the growing feeling that his own priorities have been repeatedly put on hold."

Insiders say Harry is exploring options to regain autonomy, including using the couple's $5 million property in Portugal as a base for new ventures or relocating to the Middle East. One source suggested he may eventually present Markle with an ultimatum: relocate with him or accept a period of living apart while he pursues opportunities elsewhere.

"Harry is convinced that remaining in California will only further erode whatever credibility and influence they have left," the source added, emphasizing that he fears staying put could diminish the family's long-term public standing.

UK Security Review Could Complicate Return

Adding to the complexity, Harry's security entitlements in the U.K. are under review. After losing automatic taxpayer-funded police protection in February 2020, he has long lobbied for reinstatement during visits to the U.K. A fresh Home Office review is now underway, which could restore armed police protection for himand potentially for his familywhen he travels to Britain.

Royal expert Jennie Bond told The i Paper that while Harry may regain security, Markle might not accompany him due to potential public backlash.

"Any visit by Meghan would need to be carefully curated and monitored. She may not be in the same physical danger, but she's more likely to be the target of a verbal backlash than Harry," Bond said.

She added that while Harry and the children could visit, Markle may prefer to remain in California, where she has established a comfortable and secure life.

Bond also added that Harry's request for security is consistent with protections offered to former political figures.

"Security is offered to a former prime minister who served barely any longer than a lettuce takes to wilt, then surely the son of the King deserves the same," she wrote, pointing out that the Duke is asking for reasonable protection in his home country.

Observers note that Harry's increasing longing for his U.K. life has become a source of tension in the marriage.

Those close to Markle are reportedly urging her to consider his concerns seriously before the situation escalates. "If Harry ultimately decides to leave, the consequences for both of them could be severe and deeply damaging," a source told Radar.
Meghan Markle is once again in the spotlight, but this time for her kitchen skills rather than her royal past.

Rumors that the Duchess of Sussex may release a cookbook later this year have drawn ridicule from fans online, with some branding her "Salmonella Sussex" after a November 2025 viral clip of her marinating a turkey, which critics deemed unhygienic.

Public Reaction: From Memes to Mockery

The internet reacted swiftly to the idea of Markle entering the culinary world.

One commenter wrote, "She is not a trained chef... Based on what she has publicly shown, her kitchen habits are anything but safe or professional."

EXCUSE ME! Are you telling me Meghan Markle, who was nicknamed Salmonella Sussex, is planning to author a culinary book??



With reports that she is planning her first full cookbook for early 2026, tied to her As Ever brand and Netflix series



The same woman who stored raw, pic.twitter.com/2B9gs061S2  Queen Esther (@XOQueenEsther) January 6, 2026

Others were more sarcastic, joking that the cookbook should be a children's edition or a gag gift, with one tweeting, "This is hilarious... it has to be for kids."

Cant wait to see it on the shelves at the Dollar Tree! Perfect gag gift!  Amy Kilroy (@therealaskilroy) January 6, 2026

Lets hope she gets sued by everyone she steals the recipes from!!!  KBDazzlers (@Kbdazzlers) January 6, 2026

The online chatter also included skepticism over originality. One social media user commented, "Let's hope she gets sued by everyone she steals the recipes from!!!"

Another harshly added, "Everything for a bit of attention. What a terrible woman."

Her delusion truly amuses me .  Julia Unleashed (@JuliaUnleashed) January 6, 2026

Love the analogy

Salmonella Sussex and her book of plagiarism and poison, allegedly   GiGiandthepopstar (@giandthepop) January 6, 2026

Despite the backlash, sources close to the duchess say the cookbook aligns with Markle's ongoing efforts to expand her lifestyle brand.

Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Ventures in 2026

Markle, 44, has spent recent years building her lifestyle brand, alongside hosting her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan."

According to insiders who spoke to the Daily Mail, the cookbook will feature approachable recipes, including "single skillet spaghetti" and a "rainbow-themed fruit salad," as well as dishes incorporating her own jams and marmalades.

One source noted, "2026 is looking like another big year for her. There will be more wine and definitely more homeware too. But she will ease off selling her biscuit and crepe kits."

Royal commentator Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles, offered his perspective on the anticipated book, suggesting that it will not be a personal memoir.

"I believe Meghan will write a book in 2026, however I don't think it will be the memoir many of her fans are hoping for," he said, per The Royal Observer.

Harrold added that a bombshell tell-all is unlikely at this stage, given that Markle has already shared her experiences in interviews. Instead, he predicted the book may mirror her Netflix content, providing lifestyle tips and tricks.

Harrold also observed that the royal family likely supports Markle's focus on lifestyle projects. "It's what she's passionate about and she's made a real mark. Plus, it can't really do much harm, and especially nothing like Prince Harry did with his memoir Spare," he said.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, born Daniel Hernandez, surrendered to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday to begin a three-month sentence for violating the terms of his probation.

The 29-year-old artist arrived in a luxury van accompanied by internet personality Adin Ross, who live-streamed the rapper's send-off to thousands of fans online.

During the nearly two-hour broadcast, Hernandez was surrounded by friends and supporters, including content creator Stephen Deleonardis, who helped remove the rapper's ankle monitor before he officially reported to jail.

According to RollingStone, Hernandez shared a post on Instagram thanking supporters: "Thank you guys so much see you in 3 months."

Hernandez's short sentence marks the second time he has been ordered back behind bars since his release from federal prison.

The probation violations stem from incidents last year while he was serving supervised release following his involvement in a New York gang case.

In 2018, Hernandez was arrested on racketeering and firearm charges connected to the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods gang.

He faced a potential sentence of 32 years to life but entered a plea deal in February 2019, admitting to ordering a gang member to shoot a rival.

During his trip to the detention center, Hernandez and his entourage tried to keep spirits high, playing Justin Bieber and Lil Tjay music in the limo.

However, the mood grew somber as Hernandez walked into the facility. "That's actually so... sad, I don't give a f---," Ross said on camera after Hernandez disappeared from view.

6ix9ine just turned himself in to feds on Adin Ross stream to begin his 3 month jail sentence, where hell be housed alongside inmates such as Nicolas Maduro and Luigi Mangione pic.twitter.com/XQFPZ2ekvH  FearBuck (@FearedBuck) January 6, 2026

6ix9ine's Latest Sentence Stems from Florida Drug

The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, known for housing high-profile inmates, has a reputation for poor conditions and violence.

Among its current residents are Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, as well as Luigi Mangione, charged with killing a top health insurer executive.

The jail has previously housed R. Kelly, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Hernandez's latest sentence is linked to incidents in Florida, including small amounts of cocaine and ecstasy found in his home and an altercation at a mall.

In December, a judge sentenced him to three months in federal custody for these violations, following a previous 45-day term in 2024 for breaking supervised release rules, AP News reported.

Since his rise to fame with the 2017 hit "Gummo," Hernandez has faced ongoing legal challenges related to his gang involvement.

After serving two years in prison, he spent five years on supervised release, cooperating with authorities in the prosecution of other gang members.

Originally published on Music Times
Change in management at Thyssengas: Dr Stefanie Kesting appointed Chair of the Management Board from 1 January 2026. - Thyssengas GmbH

(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Dortmund, 07.01.2026 (News Aktuell).- As of January 1, 2026, Dr. Stefanie Kesting has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thyssengas GmbH. She succeeds Dr. Thomas Gomann, who will retire at the end of February 2026 after nearly nine years at the helm of the company. The leadership transition was announced in autumn 2025.

Thyssengas is facing the biggest turning point in its history: in addition to natural gas, hydrogen and other green gases are to flow through the transmission network in increasing quantities in the future. The transmission system operator wants to lay the foundation for a new energy market. In this decisive phase, 49-year-old energy manager Dr. Stefanie Kesting is taking over the leadership of the company.

In the coming years, it will be determined whether we succeed in the transformation and in establishing a new kind of resilience in energy supply. As a transmission system operator, we bear a special responsibility: We create the gas infrastructure that industry, SMEs, and regions need for their path toward a secure and climate-neutral future. At the same time, we bring our experience, our regional network, and our close ties to our western neighbours to actively shape this transition, says Kesting. Building the hydrogen core network is an important component, but it is only part of the picture. We need to think holistically: more regionally, across sectors, and always with a focus on what our customers and partners on the ground need for a secure energy supply and their individual decarbonization path. I am very much looking forward to driving this process forward together with the strong Thyssengas team.

Dr. Stefanie Kesting has many years of leadership experience in the energy sector  including positions at international energy companies such as DNV, E.ON, and Uniper, and most recently at plant manufacturer Neuman & Esser, where she served as Managing Director responsible for the Energy Project Solutions business unit. Her professional focus has been on renewable gases, hydrogen, and CO technologies for many years. In addition, she has served and continues to serve on several international supervisory boards in the energy and industrial sectors.

With the appointment of Dr. Stefanie Kesting, the Thyssengas management board will temporarily consist of:





Dr. Stefanie Kesting, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Thomas Becker, Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Thomas Gomann, Member of the Management Board

As of March 1, 2026, the management board will comprise Dr. Stefanie Kesting (CEO) and Dr. Thomas Becker (CFO).

About Thyssengas

Thyssengas GmbH is a German transmission system operator. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, is headquartered in Dortmund. Thyssengas operates a gas network of approximately 4,400 kilometers  primarily in North Rhine-Westphalia, with some lines in Lower Saxony. Through this network, downstream distribution system operators as well as industrial companies and power plants are supplied. For a climate-neutral future, Thyssengas is focusing on hydrogen as a gaseous energy carrier. The Dortmund-based network operator is actively involved in numerous initiatives and is investing specifically in converting its pipeline system to enable a rapid hydrogen ramp-up as part of the energy transition. The company currently employs around 550 people at eight locations within its network area.

Thyssengas GmbH

Emil-Moog-Platz 13 Peter Alexewicz Peter.Alexewicz@thyssengas.com

44137 Dortmund Head of Communications +49 231 91291 3189

thyssengas.com and Political Affairs
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In remarks before House Republicans Tuesday, President Donald Trump praised the US raid in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro as "brilliant tactically" and "an amazing military feat." He also slammed Democrats for criticizing the operation.
A Cheshire sheep farmer has been left facing thousands of pounds in losses after a dog attack killed 23 sheep just days before Christmas, triggering a heavily armed police response on the farm and reigniting concerns over livestock worrying in rural areas.

The incident happened on a farm near Macclesfield on 18 December, when a dog entered a field in Gawsworth and attacked a flock belonging to farmer Alan Jackson.

Police were called shortly after 1pm following reports that the dog was still on the farm, prompting a response from officers including the rural crime team.

By the time police arrived, 19 sheep had already been killed. Two more were later put down, with a further two dying in the days that followed, taking the total losses to 23 animals.

Mr Jackson told The Daily Mail it took all day to recover and dispose of the carcasses with the knackerman. He estimates each sheep was worth 180, putting livestock losses at more than 4,000, with disposal and clean-up costs bringing the total financial impact to around 4,400.

Mr Jackson said the scale of the police response came as a surprise. It was a little bit OTT (over the top), I must admit, he said, adding that when they got there, the disaster had already happened, and the dog was long gone.

Speculation circulated locally about the ownership of the dog, but Mr Jackson dismissed claims linking it to high-profile residents in the area.

I dont think this dog has any connection with him whatsoever, he said, adding that while he believes he knows who owns the dog, he does not expect legal action to follow.

The case has also drawn attention to forthcoming changes in livestock protection law. New powers due to come into force in March 2026 will allow police to gather forensic evidence from dogs suspected of worrying livestock, but these measures will not apply retrospectively.

Cheshire Police confirmed officers attended reports of a dog attacking sheep on a farm near Nether Alderley. A spokesperson said armed officers were present, but no firearms were dispatched. Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone who believes their dog may have been involved to come forward.

The incident has renewed calls for dog owners to keep animals under control near farmland, as livestock worrying continues to cause serious animal welfare concerns and financial losses for farmers.

According to industry figures, farm animals worth an estimated 1.8 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, a fall of around a quarter compared with the previous year, but still underscoring the financial burden such incidents place on farmers and rural communities.

The scale of the issue has been underlined by industry figures. A recent National Sheep Association survey found that almost four in five sheep farmers had experienced a dog attack on their flock in the past year, often on multiple occasions.

Farmers are continuing to urge dog owners to keep pets on leads around livestock and to stick to public rights of way, warning that even well-trained dogs can cause fatal stress and injury to sheep if they enter fields.
UK barley growers supplying the malting market could see expanded variety choice and renewed breeding investment following RAGTs completion of its acquisition of Syngentas 2-row spring and winter malting barley seeds business.

The deal, first announced on 20 November 2025, formally completed on 30 December 2025 after all regulatory approvals and employee consultation processes were concluded. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

As part of the transaction, RAGT has acquired Syngentas Market Stainton site in Lincolnshire, regarded as a centre of excellence for malting barley breeding.

Eleven Syngenta employees specialising in malting barley have transferred to RAGT, alongside the purchase of specific intellectual property, registrations and related intangible assets. RAGT said existing breeding programmes and customer relationships will continue during the transition period.

The acquisition strengthens RAGTs malting barley portfolio across several countries and underlines its focus on supplying high-quality genetics to growers serving the malting, brewing and distilling sectors.

This acquisition gives RAGT a strong international barley platform with outstanding genetics and teams, said Laurent Guerreiro, President of the RAGT Group. We look forward to delivering value to farmers and the malting, brewing industries worldwide.

RAGT said integrating Syngentas barley expertise supports its long-term breeding and variety development plans. Damien Robert, Managing Director of RAGT Semences, described the move as both strategic and people-focused.

We are thrilled to integrate Syngentas barley expertise, varieties, and expert teams into RAGT, he said. This is not only a strategic milestone that strengthens our portfolio and accelerates our RAGT 2030 strategy, but also a human adventure that brings talented people together to support farmers across Europe and beyond.

Syngenta confirmed it remains committed to investment in its seeds business across Europe and globally. Robert Hiles, Seeds Field Crops Marketing & Portfolio Management Head at Syngenta Europe, said the completion of the transaction provides continuity for those involved.

We are pleased to see this agreement reach completion and to provide continuity for the teams and partners involved, he said, adding that Syngenta remains fully committed to the growth of our Seeds business and to continued investments in key strategic markets and crops in Europe.

Both companies will continue to work together during the transition period. RAGT said it will build on the foundations established at Market Stainton, with a continued focus on delivering high-quality varieties, service and technical support to growers supplying the malting barley market.
As heavy snow and freezing temperatures continue across northern Scotland, farmers are being urged to look out for one another and check on vulnerable neighbours as extreme winter conditions put pressure on rural communities.

Scottish agricultural charity RSABI has called on people to check in on those who may be elderly, isolated or struggling, while reminding the agricultural community that financial and practical help is available, including 400 Help for Heating payments for those worried about keeping their homes warm.

The prolonged cold spell has seen snow disrupt many areas, prompting farmers and crofters to step in to support their communities while continuing to care for livestock.

Alongside defrosting water troughs and working in hazardous conditions to feed cattle and sheep, many have been helping free snow-bound residents and reopen rural roads blocked by drifting snow.

One example is Orkney farmer Graham Tulloch, one of many across the country who have been working to clear roads locally, alongside farmers and crofters elsewhere who are helping members of the public cut off by the weather.

While these efforts have been widely praised, RSABI has highlighted that the ongoing freeze is also placing significant strain on farmers themselves. Frozen pipes, difficult access to stock and challenging working conditions are adding to the pressure at an already demanding time of year.

Carol McLaren, chief executive at RSABI, said the response from the farming community had been inspiring. It is very heartening to see the ways that farmers and crofters are going above and beyond and supporting their communities during this period of extreme weather, she said.

She said staying connected was vital as conditions continue. With freezing temperatures and very difficult conditions expected to continue, the sentiment behind RSABIs #KeepTalking campaign is more vital than ever, she said, adding that taking time to check in on someone could lift someones spirits and perhaps do much more.

Ms McLaren said even small actions could help people access support. Making a quick phone call or sending a text message could also help raise awareness of the services we offer, including our support to keep homes warm via our Help for Heating payments of 400, particularly for those who are elderly or vulnerable, she said.

RSABI is urging anyone in the agricultural community who is struggling, feeling isolated or concerned about a neighbour to get in touch as early as possible. The charitys helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 1234 555, with a live webchat also accessible via its website.

Help for Heating payments are available to those in the agricultural community who may be worried about rising heating bills during the cold weather. RSABI is providing a minimum payment of 400 to help eligible individuals heat their homes.

Applications can be made by phone or through an online assessment tool, and RSABI said its case officers will support applicants through the process and can also help access wider financial and practical assistance.
Imran Khan is stepping back into films on his own terms. The actor is making his acting comeback with Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum alongside Bhumi Pednekar and Gurfateh Pirzada. As he returns after a decade, he has made it clear that this new chapter does not come with a team of PR professionals or managers.





Imran also spoke about his discomfort with the modern PR-driven culture in the industry. Engaging in the PR game is a full-time job. Hours are spent planning strategies and analysing results. The audience is very aware of it now. Everything is viewed through the lens of Is this a PR move? Id rather avoid that and work at my own pace, he shared.





Talking about Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum, the actor said the film resonated deeply with where he is in life today. Its a character-driven story. Im a divorced man in my 40s and a parent. Exploring a story with those shades is what excites me at this stage, he said.





Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, I have worked at a time where I had a PR and a manager. Having experienced that world, I know what it brings with it, and I dont want those things anymore. He explained why he has consciously chosen to function independently. According to him, the pressure to stay constantly visible and employed often pushes actors into decisions they may not fully believe in. A managers pay depends on keeping you steadily employed. That can mean being pushed into things you dont want to do. I want to find my own work, he added.
Nick Jonas has once again captured the attention of the Indian fans on social media, this time through a delightful moment connected to Priyanka Chopra. Nick, who is known for sharing videos of himself enjoying Indian music, was recently seen appreciating the song Baby Slowly Slowly. Although not an official release, this playful tune gained instant popularity after Priyanka performed it

In an Instagram video, Nick is shown seated next to Priyanka as Baby Slowly Slowly plays. Priyanka, dressed in a yellow bikini suitable for the beach, appears puzzled as she observes her husband, who is clearly enjoying the rhythm of the song. A text overlay on the video said, My brain every five seconds, while Nick captioned the clip, Vacation eyes. Sound up.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

The song gained popularity after Priyanka participated in Sunil Grover's Chak Chak Dhoom orchestra owner comedy act on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show Season 4. Eventually, the engaging rhythm became a favourite across the internet, and it seems Nick has also taken a liking to it.

Nick has had a long-standing love for Bollywood music. He has incorporated Bollywood songs into his daily routine, from pre-concert dance rituals to enjoying Indian music offstage. Previously, his dance performances to songs such as Dhurandhar's Shararat, Aap Jaisa Koi, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi went viral on social media.

Nick and Priyanka continue to share fun moments from their daily routine showing their unique bond and romance along with some cute clicks with their little daughter Malti Marie. On the work front, Nick Jonas' solo album, Sunday Best, will release on February 6. Priyanka Chopra, on the other hand, is making her return to Indian cinema with S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi. In this upcoming project, Priyanka will play Mandakini, opposite Mahesh Babu's lead character. Prithviraj Sukumaran has also joined the ensemble, further enhancing the film's appeal.





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View this post on Instagram A post shared by SJ Suryah (@iam__sjsuryah)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SJ Suryah (@iam__sjsuryah)

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SJ Suryahs much-awaited return to direction has hit an unexpected roadblock. The actor director was injured on Tuesday while filming an intense stunt sequence for his upcoming action thriller Killer in Chennais Palavakkam. According to reports, Suryah was suspended using a rope when the move went awry and he slammed into a metal rod, hurting both his legs in the process.The unit acted swiftly, rushing him to a nearby hospital where he was given first aid before receiving stitches. Doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable, and he remains under observation. As a precautionary measure, the production team has pressed pause on the shoot until he is fit to return to work.For a filmmaker who is known to throw himself into every aspect of his projects, the incident is a sobering reminder of the physical risks involved in staging large-scale action set-pieces. Insiders say the sequence was designed to showcase a daring physical feat by Suryah himself, reflecting his insistence on authenticity even when the cameras roll on high-octane moments.Killer is especially significant in SJ Suryahs career because it marks his comeback as a director after nearly a decade. His last directorial venture was Isai in 2015. Since then, Suryah has built a formidable second innings as an actor, delivering scene-stealing performances across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Yet, fans have long been waiting for him to step back behind the camera, where his eccentricity and emotional instinct once redefined romantic dramas in the early 2000s.With Killer, Suryah is wearing multiple hats. He is the films lead actor, director, and the writer of its screenplay and dialogues. Adding to the excitement is his reunion with AR Rahman, a collaboration that dates back to cult favourites like 2005s Anbe Aaruyire. The film also stars Preethi Asrani as the female lead, while the rest of the cast is being kept under wraps for now.Suryah has described Killer as a pan-Indian entertainer that blends action, comedy, and romance. In his own words, the film would be like a blend of his directorial Kushi and a James Bond film. It is a tantalising promise that suggests a cocktail of playful romance, quirky humour, and slick espionage thrills, all filtered through his unmistakable cinematic voice.The project is produced by Sree Gokulam Movies in association with Suryahs Angel Studios. Notably, Killer marks Sree Gokulam Movies first foray into Tamil cinema, underlining the scale and ambition backing the film.Killer has been in production since the end of June 2025 and is currently in its third shooting schedule. Though an official release date is yet to be announced, the film is planned for a five-language theatrical release in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. The makers are clearly eyeing a nationwide audience, positioning the film as Suryahs big pan-Indian comeback as a director.For now, however, the focus is firmly on the filmmakers recovery. Sources close to the team say the delay will be short, as doctors expect him to bounce back after a brief rest period. Given Suryahs famously restless creative energy, it would be no surprise if he is back on set sooner than expected.Even as Killer waits in the wings, Suryahs calendar remains packed. He is also part of Love Insurance Kompany, directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Pradeep Ranganathan, as well as the much-anticipated Sardar 2 alongside Karthi. These projects ensure that 2026 is shaping up to be a prolific year for the performer, injury notwithstanding.For fans, the incident has only heightened curiosity about Killer. If the director was willing to risk injury to bring a stunt alive, it suggests a film that is being crafted with unfiltered passion and physical commitment. Once Suryah is back on his feet, all eyes will be on how this ambitious blend of romance and espionage finally unfolds on the big screen.
Sreeleela has recently opened up about adopting three kids at a young age of 24. During a conversation with Galatta Plus, the actress opened up about the experience of adopting kids and acting as their guardian. She spoke about taking time out for differently-abled children while catering to her hectic schedule as an actress.







Speaking about the children and the time she met them for the first time, Sreeleela said, I fall short of words and get jittery when I talk about it. But its taken care of. Im not a mother because theres an entirely different story to that.



The actor revealed that her involvement with the children dates back to an early phase of her Kannada film career, an association that has remained largely outside the public gaze. While she acknowledged Kiss (2019) director AP Arjuns role in introducing her to the ashram, she emphasised that the relationship evolved independently of her professional life, sustained quietly over the years. It was a film I did early on in my career in Kannada that my director decided to take me to an ashram. The kids live there. We speak on the phone, and I keep visiting them there. It was a secret for the longest time, she added.







She further clarified that speaking about the initiative was a conscious decision. It was taken jointly by her and the institution to raise awareness amongst her followers. The institution wanted me to talk about it so that more people are encouraged. I dont want to be given credit for anything, but I want people to start looking in that direction, she noted.



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LONDON, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinitas Education has appointed Gabriella "Gaby" Rowe as chief executive officer of its U.S. operations, a move that signals the organization's intent to expand its presence and sharpen its strategy in the American and Canadian education markets.

Rowe brings more than 30 years of experience across K-12 leadership, technology, public-sector innovation and large-scale organizational transformation. She most recently served as founding principal and CEO of Grow Associates LLC, where she advised schools, government agencies and private-sector organizations through periods of rapid change. Her work included overseeing multi-site school growth initiatives and leading statewide digital-equity efforts.

Previously, Rowe was CEO of Station Houston and played a key role in launching The Ion, Rice University's $150 million innovation district. She also held senior leadership roles in independent schools, including head of school at The Village School in Houston and CEO of the Mandell School in New York City.

"Gaby is an outstanding leader whose depth of experience in education and innovation positions her exceptionally well for this role," Affinitas Group CEO Thomas Rajzbaum said. "Her track record in scaling organizations, driving operational excellence and navigating complex systems will be critical as we advance our vision and strengthen our impact across the United States."

Rowe said she is eager to join the organization at what she described as an important moment.

"I'm honored to join Affinitas Education at such an inflection point," she said. "The organization's commitment to modern, student-centered learning aligns with my core beliefs as an educator and leader. I look forward to working with our teams, heads of school and communities nationwide to build exceptional learning experiences that prepare students for the future."

About Affinitas Education

Affinitas Education is a global network of international and bilingual schools serving more than 15,000 students across Europe and the Americas. The group provides academic and operational leadership, invests in facilities and learning environments, develops educators, and delivers programs designed to strengthen student outcomes.

Media Contact

Jessica Curley

Jessica.curley@finnpartners.com

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HONG KONG, Jan 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will run concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12 to 15 January 2026. The first two fairs are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the latter is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. Highly international in scope, the three fairs bring together exhibitors and buyers from around the world, creating networking and business opportunities and helping to foster cross-regional trade cooperation.Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: The HKTDC is committed to creating even more international collaboration opportunities for the industry. The three fairs, themed New Play for All, are closely aligned with the global surge in designer toys and collectibles. This year, they have attracted more than 2,600 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, including new participants from Bangladesh, New Zealand and Norway. We have also launched the new Pop & Play pavilion, bringing together around 150 trendy IPs. Open to both trade buyers and the public, the pavilion will help cutting-edge toy brands connect with global business buyers to expand into international markets and further unleash the commercial potential of their IPs, while also enabling mainland and overseas brands to engage directly with local designer toy fans.Ms Koo added: We are actively inviting buyer representatives from a wide range of sectors to visit the Toys & Games Fair, including theme parks, museums, financial institutions, food and beverage, hotels, licensing companies, retail department stores and large corporations, to foster more crosssector and crossindustry collaboration. Also new is the Happy Ageing label that makes it easier to identify toys and games designed specifically for seniors or intergenerational family fun, offering easier access to high-quality products that meet market needs.150 IPs showcased at new Pop & Play pavilion, where designers interact with visitorsThe kidult and toy collecting market continue to grow in popularity, injecting strong growth momentum into the toy industry. The newly launched Pop & Play pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair features five key highlights:- A strong lineup of international and local famous IPs including top names such as B.Duck, CardFun, CR7 LIFE, Hot Toys, LAURA, Moshow Toys, Play Bonito, Room One, threezero, TUTU MOKEY and more, all showcasing their latest creations.- Global and fair premieres and limited-edition collectibles some IPs will launch fair premieres and global limited-edition collectibles that are set to be highly sought after, including MOMOLAND's debut dolls; TUTU MOKEY collectible figurines and art sculptures limited to 100 and 88 pieces globally; CM Concepts Limited's Mazinger Z Playing Cards, limited to 1,500 sets worldwide; and Dongguan Manbo Brand Management Co., Ltd's Father Joka doll, limited to 100 pieces. In addition, threezero has collaborated with Another World, a Hong Kong animated film, to launch a highly collectible Gudo Vinyl Figure. This is not only a must-have for devoted fans of the film, but also an exquisite masterpiece for collectors who appreciate the art of animation. Pre-ordering for this item will be available onsite.- Diverse events renowned artists and designers will share their creative insights and artistic visions through seminars and autograph sessions, including b.wing, founder of la b.wing Galerie Ltd; Kenny Wong, creator of the iconic Molly and founder of Brothersfree; Steven Choi, founder of Zu and Pi; Winson Ma, founder and creative director of Winson Classic Creation; award-winning international illustrator Pen So as well as Jerry Cho, author of Dead End that inspired the popular TV drama Rope A Dope. On 14 January, a key thematic seminar titled Explosive Growth of IP Economy: from Local Success to Global Reach, will delve into the enormous business opportunities and future trends presented by the collectible toy industry.- IGable photo spots the fairs mascots Ah Pop and Ah Play will make appearances in the Pop & Play pavilion for interactive photo opportunities with visitors. In addition, Hot Toys will showcase eye-catching giant statues including Marvel's Iron Man, Disney's Stitch and Star Wars' Grogu COSBI. threezero will display the giant statue of ROBO-DOU Evangelion 13 from Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition, while Asia Partners will exhibit a rare Cristiano Ronaldo autographed jersey and Semk Global Marketing Limited will present its inflatable and fibreglass B.Duck installations.- Exclusive interactive experience and giveaways renowned designers have created three limited-edition collectible cards for the Pop & Play pavilion, with only 800 sets available worldwide. Visitors can win one of the cards by playing the gashapon game onsite. With limited quantities available, these cards hold significant collectible value. Guests can also enjoy an AI photo-taking experience to pose with the collectible card characters, as well as join the Souvenir DIY workshop to craft personalised trendy souvenirs and create truly unique memories.Aligning with silver economy trends, new Happy Ageing label facilitates sourcingWith ageing populations becoming a global reality, the new Happy Ageing label is introduced at this years Toys & Games Fair to help buyers identify toys and related products for seniors. More than 40 exhibitors will be among the first to adopt the label and showcase relevant products at the event.Toy industry export confidence index rises alongside increase in eco-friendly exhibitorsThe HKTDCs Q4 2025 Export Confidence Index, released last month, saw the toy sector's current conditions index climb to its highest level since Q1 last year, rising 1.1 points from 49.4 to 50.5. Meanwhile, continued demand for sustainable products from the Middle East and Europe is driving export confidence in eco-friendly toys. The Green Toys zone at the Toys & Games Fair will showcase various innovative eco-friendly products, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) magic sets made from biodegradable materials. Both the Toys & Games Fair and Stationery Fair will use the Green Solutions label for identification, with more than 400 exhibitors displaying the green leaf logo this year an increase of approximately 10% compared to 2025.At the Baby Products Fair, the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones are together hosting approximately 230 exhibitors, with an increase in both exhibitor numbers and fair area compared to last year, presenting a range of high-quality baby strollers, car seats and rockers. The Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair both continue to feature the popular Brand Name Gallery, bringing together over 380 well-known brands from around the globe and allowing buyers to source the latest designs and high-quality products from a variety of manufacturers. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, will feature the latest school and office supplies, creative art supplies and gift stationery for the benefit of global buyers.This year's fairs are all highly international, with several acclaimed international pavilions returning. The Toys & Games Fair welcomes pavilions from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and Korea, while the World of Toys pavilion features European exhibitors. The Baby Fair showcases the highly anticipated Selection of Europe, while important partners such as the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association and Korea pavilion have also returned. The HKTDC has organised over 200 buyer missions from more than 40 countries and regions to attend and source products at the fairs. In addition to traditional distributors and importers, popular e-commerce platforms such as Rakuten, Tmall Global, and Amazon have also been invited to participate, helping exhibitors expand their sales channels.Asia Toys & Games Forum reveals global strategic developmentThemed Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success, this years Asia Toys & Games Forum has invited international experts to discuss the latest industry updates and developments. It will include sharing on the toys and games market outlook and industry opportunities by renowned international market research firm Euromonitor International; insights into the global IP ecosystem and merchandise strategies by The Walt Disney Company; unlocking product certification for global market access by globally renowned SGS Hong Kong Limited; and exploring the design and business landscape of the seniors toy market in Asia by Yukai Engineering Inc., recipient of multiple international product design awards, and Ageing Asia. Other seminars will cover important topics such as toy safety regulations and regulatory developments, marketing strategies incorporating artificial intelligence and robotics, and trends in modern childcare and infant products.The three exhibitions offer buyers a unique one-stop sourcing solution, creating more cross-industry business opportunities. Under the EXHIBITION+ model, the fairs combine access to the physical exhibition with the Click2Match smart-matching platform, which enables online business meetings. The online exhibition will be accessible from 5 to 22 January 2026, helping to create more business opportunities for participating companies. Buyers can also scan QR codes at exhibitor booths and display showcases using the Scan2Match function to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information and engage with exhibitors during and after the fair, helping to build more business connections.Photo download: https://bit.ly/44Y3sCIJenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director (centre), Bryant Chan, Chairman of the HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee (left), Judy Cheung and Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd (right) joined todays press conference to present highlights and innovative products from the Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and Stationery & School Supplies Fair, all of which open next Monday (12 January)The Toys & Games Fair is launching the new Pop & Play pavilion in 2026, with event mascots Ah Pop and Ah Play making their debut appearance at the press conferenceArtist Shirley Sham (left) unveiled exhibits from the Pop & Play pavilion at the press conference, including Play Bonito Blind Box, B.Duck B ANYTHING Series, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts DLX Mirage, and moreThe global retail market for trendy toys and collectibles is experiencing rapid growth. Products including the Duke of Wei Guo figurine, limited-edition TUTU MOKEY collectible figures, the world premiere of the limited-to-1,500 sets Mazinger Z Playing Cards and the debut MOMOLAND dolls will all be showcased at the Pop & Play pavilionA Toys & Games Fair exhibitor showcases an AI storytellerA Baby Products Fair exhibitor showcases a portable booster seat that transforms from a comfortable armchair for infants and toddlers into a foldable high chair for preschool-aged children. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carryA Stationery Fair exhibitor presents dot markers, available in a wide range of colours and shapes, designed for artistic enlightenment and improving the learning cognition of children aged three and overFair websitesHKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: hktoyfair.hktdc.comHKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: hkbabyfair.hktdc.comHong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: hkstationeryfair.comRegister for free Pop & Play ticket: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/pop-playMedia enquiriesHKTDCs Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgWinnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 6, 2026) - Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) (the "Company" or "Teako") announces a non-brokered private placement for the issuance of up to 16,666,666 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.06 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the "Offering") and the approval of the settlement of $113,000 of indebtedness (the "Debt Settlement") through the issuance of an aggregate of 1,883,333 Common Shares (the "Settlement Shares"). The indebtedness relates to fees for services performed by certain advisors, independent contractors and an insider of the Company (the "Creditors") through to January 6, 2026. The Company anticipates closing the Offering and Debt Settlement promptly.

The Settlement Shares will be issued at a deemed price of $0.06 per Settlement Share in alignment with the price per Common Share of the Company's Offering. The Company will enter into shares for debt agreements with each Creditor in connection with the Debt Settlement.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finder's fees in cash or securities or a combination of both, as permitted by the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and applicable securities laws. Closing of the Offering and Debt Settlement is subject to certain customary conditions, including, without limitation, approval of the CSE and the Common Shares and Settlement Shares being subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for anticipated exploration activities as well as general working capital purposes to allow the Company to pursue its corporate objective of additional project deals and potential revenue-generating third party work.

The Common Shares offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. persons," as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Common Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Insider Participation

An insider of the Company is expected to receive Settlement Shares in connection the with Debt Settlement and as a result, the Debt Settlement may constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(a) and (b) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value of the transaction with insiders will not be more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company and no securities of the Company are listed on a specified market set out in such section, and the Company further relies on the exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis of the fair market value of the transaction with insiders will not be more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

About Teako Minerals Corp.:

Teako Minerals Corp. is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties in Norway, focusing on critical metals such as copper, cobalt, zinc and molybdenum. By leveraging leading-edge exploration technologies and strategic partnerships, Teako aims to address the growing demand for essential minerals while generating value for shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Teako's Project Hub, including the Lkken and Venna main projects, covers an extensive land package prospective for copper, cobalt, zinc, gold, platinum group elements (or "PGE"), uranium, antimony, molybdenum and rare-earth-elements. The Project Hub strategy was initially developed from the Company's first-mover advantage in-country, leveraging both technical skill and strong local community engagement to acquire and advance groups of both core and non-core assets. Core assets such as the Lkken-Venna district remain integral to the Company's self-funded exploration programs, whereas the Company aims to retain exposure to exploration success on non-core assets through securing deals with strong partners. These deals, if secured, are intended to potentially bring in capital and/or ongoing cash flow, retain upside exposure, and reduce overall risk, thereby strengthening Teako's foundation. Teako holds a 10% economic interest in the four (4) rare earth elements ("REE") projects owned by Fritze Skoger AS and a 10% non-dilutive free carried ownership interest in a package of copper, gold and silver projects consisting of 5 projects owned by Nordic Minerals AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Minerals Australia Pty Ltd as further described on the Company's website.

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Teako. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Teako. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements related to the size of the Offering and Debt Settlement, expected insider and other participation of the Offering and Debt Settlement, the payment of finders fees in connection with the Offering, the intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering, timing for closing the Offering and Debt Settlement, and the Company's business plans and operations and other matters. Although Teako believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Teako can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include but are not limited to, risks associated with the mineral exploration industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation impacting the mining industry, adverse weather conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Teako's interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, for the period ended October 31, 2025.

All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Not for dissemination in the United States or distribution through U.S. newswires

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279679

Source: Teako Minerals Corp.
New flagship joins the luxury carrier's all-Airbus fleet as STARLUX Chairman pilots delivery flight, supporting future growth in North America and Europe

Marking a major transcontinental milestone, Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines today took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to operate the aircraft type. The aircraft, registration B-58551, was officially handed over at Airbus's Toulouse headquarters and flown nonstop to Taipei by STARLUX Chairman K.W. Chang. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport early this morning, the aircraft was greeted with a ceremonial water salute.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260106228308/en/

STARLUX Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 at Airbus's Toulouse headquarters, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to operate the aircraft.

"The delivery of our first A350-1000 marks the beginning of a new era in STARLUX's long-haul capabilities," said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. "With extended range compared to the A350-900, this aircraft can reach the U.S. East Coast while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and superior passenger comfort, allowing us to extend our signature service from Taipei to even more destinations across North America and Europe."

President Airbus Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley, said: "STARLUX has built an impressive long-haul vision with an all-Airbus fleet, and the A350-1000 Long Range Leader now takes that strategy to new heights with superior range, efficiency, and cabin comfort. Airbus is proud to celebrate this milestone delivery of STARLUX's first A350-1000 as the airline expands its transcontinental network and brings a new standard of premium travel from Taiwan to the world."

The A350-1000 introduces a new look for STARLUX. While maintaining the airline's refined aesthetic, the new livery draws inspiration from the aircraft's extensive use of advanced composite materials-more than 50 percent of the airframe is built from carbon-fiber-reinforced composites. A bold "1000" marking along the fuselage underscores the aircraft's status as the largest member of the A350 family and STARLUX's new long-haul flagship.

Configured with four cabin classes-First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy-the STARLUX A350-1000 offers 350 seats designed for long-distance comfort. With a range of up to 9,700 miles (15,600 kilometers), the aircraft will play a key role in the airline's expansion into North American and European markets. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-1000 delivers a 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation planes, while also providing one of the quietest and most spacious cabins in its class.

With the arrival of its first A350-1000, STARLUX is entering the next phase of its long-haul expansion. The airline plans to launch its initial European routes in the second half of 2026, with additional aircraft deliveries enabling future services to the U.S. East Coast.

About STARLUX Airlines

Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX is a boutique international airline serving a total of 31 destinations from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. STARLUX passengers traveling between North America and Asia are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its five US destinations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, California, and Phoenix. Recognized globally for its excellence, STARLUX has been awarded Skytrax 5-Star Airline status, earned the APEX Five Star Global Airline Awards, and received a 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating from AirlineRatings. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly lux-urious and unforgettable experience. For more information, visit www.starlux-airlines.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Company name is stylized in all capital letters: STARLUX Airlines. Your adherence to this stylizing is appreciated in your coverage.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260106228308/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Mary Placido, SKC, Inc.

(415) 218-3627

mary@skc-pr.com
The concluding session of Samsung's CES 2026 Tech Forum series highlighted the human side of technology with leading designers

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. today held the final session in its CES 2026 Tech Forum series, 'The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living,' at Samsung's The First Look space at The Wynn Las Vegas. The panel, moderated by Debbie Millman, host of 'Design Matters,' featured Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini and industry-leading designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre.

With minimalism having defined the visual language of the tech industry for the past two decades, this panel of designers convened by Samsung asked: What comes next? Together, the panelists explored how warmer, more expressive and emotionally resonant technology can shape meaningful experiences in today's AI era, while also charting a path forward for the industry.

Design as an Act of Love

The session covered a shared view on the purpose of design as fundamentally people-first. "In recent years, design in tech has been somewhat uniform," said moderator Debbie Millman. "Compared to other industries, the uniformity in the world of tech is an anomaly. So what if we were to extend technology beyond specifications and functionality?"

Samsung is currently addressing this question by introducing meaning beyond products by focusing on how technology fits into people's lives, experiences and needs. The panelists discussed the growing importance of this mindset in the current landscape in which traditional barriers to entry such as access to tools, scale and technical capability continue to diminish.

The Human Side of Tech

The discussion highlighted technology's role in making intention, care and humanity visible in everyday life. Panelists noted that technology should help people recognize the thoughtfulness embedded in the products they invite into their homes and routines.

In this context, Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini shared Samsung's design purpose: to enrich the quality of people's lives through meaningful technology designed for humanity. He outlined the company's commitment to help people live longer, live better, live louder and live on through advanced technologies that support wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.

Panelist Karim Rashid added to this sentiment, saying, "When we think about physical things in our world, we think not only about diversity of choice but also the fact that we can develop strong connections to objects," he said. "Through design, you can end up with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects, or even products."

Designing for Human Values

The panel went on to explore how AI can unlock new possibilities for expression when shaped by human values. Panelists discussed a shared view that AI reaches its true potential when guided by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination, not as a replacement for human creativity but as a force that expands it.

CDO Porcini articulated this with "AI  (EI + HI)," his approach to balancing Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination to bring meaning to innovation. While describing this philosophy, CDO Porcini said, "When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. Then, when people use products, AI amplifies Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination." He added, "Do not fear technology. We are here to humanize it, guide it, and shape it."

Through these insights, the session reinforced the belief that technology should be humanized, guided and shaped to serve people's lives in increasingly new and meaningful ways.

Expressive Design Drives More Meaningful Experiences

The discussion reinforced the importance of expressive design in bringing human-centered purpose to life, creating experiences that reflect emotion, support self-expression, invite connection and stimulate imagination.

"Happiness is the aim of design," said Fabio Novembre. "Our pursuit of happiness is through design, making the impossible possible. I strongly believe in design, and that it must move back to the center of the stage."

Panelists noted that this reflects a shift from merely designing objects to designing experiences where emotion, meaning and identity are increasingly integral to how people relate to technology. This approach inspires a new kind of expression, resulting in designs that range from subtle and minimal to bold and imaginative - all meant to shape a future that isn't just worth living, but worth loving.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856235/Samsung_CES_2026.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856237/Samsung_Mauro_Porcini.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856238/Samsung_CES_Tech_Forum.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2848283/5705094/Samsung_Digital_Appliances_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/samsung-reimagines-the-future-of-design-at-ces-2026-guiding-technology-for-humanity-302654739.html
EQS-News: Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. / Key word(s): Study

Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A.: EA Pharma, a subsidiary of Eisai, Announces the Initiation of its Phase III Clinical Trial with Evenamide, a Novel Treatment for Schizophrenia, in Japan



07.01.2026 / 07:00 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A.: EA Pharma, a subsidiary of Eisai, Announces the Initiation of its Phase III Clinical Trial with Evenamide, a Novel Treatment for Schizophrenia, in Japan Milan, Italy, and Morristown, NJ, USA, January 7, 2026 - Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. ("Newron") (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, is pleased to note that its partner EA Pharma Co., Ltd. (EAP), has announced today the initiation of its Phase III clinical trial with evenamide, a novel excessive glutamate release modulator, in Japan. Stefan Weber, CEO of Newron Pharmaceuticals, commented: "The initiation of EA Pharma's Phase III study of evenamide in Japan represents an important step in the global development of the program. This milestone, together with Newron's ongoing global (excluding EAP territories) ENIGMA-TRS Phase III studies reflects continued progress and momentum for evenamide and further supports its potential as a differentiated add-on therapy in schizophrenia." The full text of the announcement from EAP is as follows: EA Pharma Announces Initiation of Phase III Clinical Trial of EA8001, a Novel Treatment for Schizophrenia, in Japan EA Pharma Co., Ltd. (Head Office, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President, Hidenori Yabune; "EA Pharma") announced today that Phase III clinical trial of EA8001 (non -proprietary name: evenamide), a novel excessive glutamate release modulator, is now ready to begin in Japan (hereinafter the "Trial"). EA Pharma initiates the Trial after review by the institutional review board of the clinical site and other related procedures. This Trial is a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who show poor or inadequate response to at least two different types of antipsychotics, evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of EA8001 as an add-on treatment. EA Pharma is striving to quickly contribute to addressing the needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients with schizophrenia, their families and healthcare providers. Inquiries EA Pharma Co., Ltd.

Corporate Communication Dept. Mail: contact_ea@ eapharma.co.jp More Information About schizophrenia Schizophrenia, which approximately 1% of the Japanese population is affected by, consists of positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions), negative symptoms (such as reduced emotions and avolition), and cognitive impairment (such as memory and decision-making difficulties), and those symptoms may cause difficulty in everyday life and social activities [1]. Current antipsychotics mainly function through the dopamine and/or serotonin pathways, and those antipsychotics are known to show side effects (such as extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and prolactin elevation). Among those patients treated with current antipsychotics, a considerable number of patients become treatment-resistant or poor responsive. Therefore, there is a demand for a drug which can address all those points. About evenamide Evenamide is the first new chemical entity that has demonstrated significant benefits in this difficult-to-treat patient population, as seen in the potentially pivotal Phase III study 008A trial [2], as an add-on treatment to second generation anti-psychotics, in 291 poorly responding patients with chronic schizophrenia. The primary endpoint, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) [3], and the key secondary endpoint, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale - Severity (CGI-S), were met and showed statistical significance compared to placebo. Importantly, evenamide treatment was associated with statistically significant increase in proportion of patients who experienced "clinically meaningful benefit*" on the outcome variables[4]. *Against placebo in the two categories: at least 20% improvement in PANSS, and Score 2 or below in Clinical Global Impression Scale - Corrections (CGI-C) 3. About Alliance between EA Pharma and Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. EA Pharma obtained the right to develop, manufacture and commercialize evenamide in Japan and other key Asian territories [5] under the license agreement with Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. as of December 2024. For more details, please see https://www.eapharma.co.jp/en/investors/news/2024/1213 . About EA Pharma Co., Ltd. EA Pharma Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. It was established in April 2016 by integration of the gastrointestinal business unit with more than 60 year's history of the Eisai Group and the gastrointestinal business unit of the Ajinomoto Group having amino acid as its business core. EA Pharma Co., Ltd., is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a full value chain covering R&D, production & logistics and sales & marketing. For further information on EA Pharma Co., Ltd., please visit https://www.eapharma.co.jp/en/ [1] National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (https://www.ncnp.go.jp/en/) [2] A "pivotal phase III trial" is a key clinical trial to collect definitive evidence of efficacy and safety in primary endpoints that can support a regulatory approval. Usually, data collected from multiple confirmatory trials (pivotal trials) are required for a regulatory approval in many countries. [3] Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is widely used in clinical trials of schizophrenia and is considered the "gold standard" for assessment of antipsychotic treatment efficacy (Innvo Clin Neurosci, 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788255/) [4] Efficacy and safety of evenamide, a glutamate modulator, added to a second-generation antipsychotic in inadequately/poorly responding patients with chronic schizophrenia: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3, international clinical trial. (Neuropharmacology. 2025: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39708914/) [5] Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam About Newron Pharmaceuticals Newron (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Headquartered in Bresso near Milan, Italy, the Company has a strong track record of advancing neuroscience-based treatments from discovery to market. Newron's lead compound, evenamide, is a first-in-class glutamate modulator and has the potential to be the first add-on therapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and for poorly responding patients with schizophrenia. Evenamide is currently developed in the global pivotal ENIGMA-TRS Phase III development program. Clinical trial results to date demonstrate the benefits of this drug candidate in the TRS as well as poorly responding patient population, with significant improvements across key efficacy measures increasing over time, as well as a favorable safety profile, which is uncommon for available antipsychotic medications. Newron has signed development and commercialization agreements for evenamide with EA Pharma (a subsidiary of Eisai) for Japan and other Asian territories, as well as Myung In Pharm for South Korea. Newron's first marketed product, Xadago/safinamide has received marketing authorization for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in the European Union, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Latin America, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and South Korea. The product is commercialized by Newron's partner Zambon, with Supernus Pharmaceuticals holding marketing rights in the U.S., and Meiji Seika responsible for development and commercialization in Japan and other key Asian territories. For more information, please visit: www.newron.com For more information, please contact: Newron

Stefan Weber - CEO; +39 02 6103 46 26, pr@newron.com UK/Europe

Simon Conway / Ciara Martin / Natalie Garland-Collins, FTI Consulting; +44 20 3727 1000, SCnewron@fticonsulting.com Switzerland

Valentin Handschin, IRF; +41 43 244 81 54, handschin@irf-reputation.ch Germany/Europe

Anne Hennecke / Maximilian Schur, MC Services; +49 211 52925227, newron@mc-services.eu USA

Paul Sagan, LaVoieHealthScience; +1 617 865 0041, psagan@lavoiehealthscience.com Important Notices This document contains forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) about (1) Newron's ability to develop and expand its business, successfully complete development of its current product candidates, the timing of commencement of various clinical trials and receipt of data and current and future collaborations for the development and commercialization of its product candidates, (2) the market for drugs to treat CNS diseases and pain conditions, (3) Newron's financial resources, and (4) assumptions underlying any such statements. In some cases, these statements and assumptions can be identified by the fact that they use words such as "will", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "intend", "plan", "believe", "target", and other words and terms of similar meaning. All statements, other than historical facts, contained herein regarding Newron's strategy, goals, plans, future financial position, projected revenues and costs and prospects are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, such statements and assumptions involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described, assumed or implied therein will not be achieved. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set out in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors. These factors include (without limitation) (1) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of products, including without limitation difficulties in enrolling clinical trials, negative results of clinical trials or research projects or unexpected side effects, (2) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market, (3) future market acceptance of products, (4) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights, (5) inability to raise additional funds, (6) success of existing and entry into future collaborations and licensing agreements, (7) litigation, (8) loss of key executive or other employees, (9) adverse publicity and news coverage, and (10) competition, regulatory, legislative and judicial developments or changes in market and/or overall economic conditions. Newron may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements and assumptions underlying any such statements may prove wrong. Investors should therefore not place undue reliance on them. There can be no assurance that actual results of Newron's research programs, development activities, commercialization plans, collaborations and operations will not differ materially from the expectations set out in such forward-looking statements or underlying assumptions. Newron does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable regulations of the SIX Swiss Exchange or the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange where the shares of Newron are listed. This document does not contain or constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities of Newron and no part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.



07.01.2026 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

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- Following Its Kyoto Success, JAPAN SUI COLLECTION Heads to Europe in March 2026 -

TOKYO, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, hosted the event "JAPAN SUI COLLECTION in KYOTO" in Kyoto on November 14-15, 2025. Japan is home to countless traditional crafts, regional specialties, and foods still little known abroad. To showcase these hidden treasures globally, the Government of Japan launched the JAPAN SUI COLLECTION project, spotlighting refined products countrywide.

As the kickoff, "JAPAN SUI COLLECTION in KYOTO" was held at Kyoto State Guest House, inviting leaders from Europe and other regions to experience Japanese aesthetics through craft, cuisine, and performance.

Image of JAPAN SUI COLLECTION:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgStJ07XSEpQ2eI8p-sa2IyTbEtliAV7/view?usp=sharing

Event Overview

- Dates: November 14-15, 2025

- Venue: Kyoto State Guest House

- Program: Approximately 60 traditional craftworks, creative cuisine, Noh and fashion performances

- Hosted by: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

- In cooperation with: JUNKO KOSHINO

- Website: https://japan-sui-collection.go.jp/

About Guest House

Built for foreign dignitaries, the Guest House blends into Kyoto's historic landscape with "irimoya" half-hipped roofs and a "sukiya-zukuri" tea-ceremony style of house, showcasing top-level Japanese craftsmanship.

Craft Exhibition

Over 60 works -- Wajima-nuri lacquerware, Kutani-yaki earthenware, and Hakata dolls -- were displayed under four themes: regional heritage, modern interpretation, contemporary design, and "wow" impact. Guests praised the refined techniques, natural materials, and strong regional identity.

Images of Craft Exhibition:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pq5DhrSmhl6kl3pandogP8juYX-LfzrJ/view?usp=sharing

Performances & Cuisine

A fashion show by JUNKO KOSHINO and a traditional "kyogen" comic theater performance highlighted Japan's performing arts. The reception featured dishes made with premium ingredients like Yamagata "wagyu" beef and Oma tuna, prepared by Chef Hiroshi Nagashima, paired with selected "sake" rice wine.

Images of Performances & Cuisine:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PudAURSgIga7E24am6aW67vV9febKB_b/view?usp=sharing

Tea & Displays

An instructor from the Mushakoji Senke school conducted a tea ceremony; tea utensils -- including Takayama Chasen whisks and regional pottery bowls -- displayed Japan's craft diversity. Ikenobo-style "ikebana" flower arrangement and a bamboo installation by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV enriched the venue.

Images of Tea & Displays:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FFJG2tpvcfmgDOqiEJCemkvRUjVLOSQd/view?usp=sharing

Organizer's Comments

Masaya Kitao, Councillor, Cabinet Secretariat, responded to reporters' questions on behalf of the organizer:

The JAPAN SUI COLLECTION aims to uncover Japan's regional treasures and share them globally. "SUI" embodies traditional aesthetics and elegance. Beyond showcasing tradition, the project seeks to create new value through modern interpretations and collaborations while preserving original spirit and technique. Launching this initiative among guests familiar with both Western and Japanese cultures is a great honor.

Guest Voices

- "The Nishijin Ori bag is beautiful and functional."

- "The cut-glass work shows extraordinary precision."

- "Regional Japanese products stand out for natural materials and exceptional technique."

- "One of the most authentic cultural events I've attended."

Coming Soon: JAPAN SUI COLLECTION in PARIS

- Dates: March 4-5, 2026 (tentative)

- Venue: Paris city (invitation only)

- Hosted by: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

- In cooperation with: JUNKO KOSHINO

As in Kyoto -- where press guests were welcomed and interview sessions were arranged -- the Paris edition will accommodate press attendance and offer designated interview opportunities.

Official Website: https://japan-sui-collection.go.jp/

Photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U8DtHJUEhBzO_T_GAmso_1ijcd2Ws9nQ?usp=sharing

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2026 startet mit einem Paukenschlag: Der DAX outperformt den US-Markt, Nachzugler holen auf. Ein erstes Signal, dass der Bullenmarkt an Breite gewinnt. Wahrend viele Anleger weiter auf die groen Tech-Namen setzen, hat sich im Hintergrund langst ein Umschwung vollzogen. Der Fokus verschiebt sich weg von uberteuerten KI-Highflyern hin zu soliden Qualitatswerten aus der zweiten Reihe.



Anleger, die jetzt clever agieren, setzen nicht auf das, was war, sondern auf das, was kommt. Unternehmen mit gesunder Bilanz, unterschatztem Potenzial und begrenztem Abwartsrisiko konnten 2026 zu den groen Gewinnern zahlen. Die Gefahr einer scharferen Korrektur bleibt real, gerade fur passiv aufgestellte Investoren.



In unserem neuen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau jetzt das Potenzial fur uberdurchschnittliche Renditen bieten. Stark, gunstig und bislang kaum im Fokus.



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Leaders from Airbus Defence & Space and ST Engineering to Deliver Keynotes at Space Summit 2026

SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by Experia Events, Space Summit 2026 in Singapore (2-3 February) will serve as the primary staging ground for international industry leaders and space chiefs to define the next era of orbital commerce as the commercialisation of space technology gathers pace.

The Summit arrives at a critical inflection point. The rapid growth of satellite constellations driven by lower launch costs and more mature space technologies is pushing the sector towards a more market-driven phase - where execution, system integration, regulatory clarity and long-term commercial sustainability increasingly determine success.

Against this backdrop, Space Summit 2026 will focus on the business models, investment frameworks and partnership structures required to scale activity across the space value chain. Discussions will examine how organisations are managing cost pressures, infrastructure readiness, regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations as activity in orbit accelerates.

Featured Commercial Panels: From Launch to In-Space Infrastructure

The Summit will feature deep-dives into the three structural shifts reshaping the market:

Innovations in the Launcher Business

New, more affordable launch systems are making space more accessible. This panel examines how advances in launcher design, propulsion systems and manufacturing are reshaping the global launch market, particularly beyond the U.S. ecosystem. Featuring leaders from Agnikul, Equatorial Space, IHI Aerospace, Perigee Aerospace and PLD Space; the discussion will explore obtainable markets for emerging and regional launch providers, the role of reusability in improving economics and the strategic trade-offs between remaining a pure-play launcher business versus diversifying across the value chain. Panellists will also assess how supply-chain resilience, sustainability requirements and public-private partnerships are shaping competitiveness, alongside the market impact of next-generation, much larger launch vehicles.





New, more affordable launch systems are making space more accessible. This panel examines how advances in launcher design, propulsion systems and manufacturing are reshaping the global launch market, particularly beyond the U.S. ecosystem. Featuring leaders from Agnikul, Equatorial Space, IHI Aerospace, Perigee Aerospace and PLD Space; the discussion will explore obtainable markets for emerging and regional launch providers, the role of reusability in improving economics and the strategic trade-offs between remaining a pure-play launcher business versus diversifying across the value chain. Panellists will also assess how supply-chain resilience, sustainability requirements and public-private partnerships are shaping competitiveness, alongside the market impact of next-generation, much larger launch vehicles. The Next Frontier: Opportunities in the Future In-Space Economy

This session focuses on how the in-space economy can translate innovation into near-term commercial value. With perspectives from Infinite Orbits, Transcelestial, Zero Error Systems, investment firm Speciale Invest, and NASA; the panel will examine which segments - from in-orbit servicing and autonomous systems to microgravity manufacturing - are most likely to scale first. Discussion will also address how early value is expected to be captured through high-value products, data and intellectual property as well as the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and financing models required to de-risk capital-intensive, long-horizon space ventures.





This session focuses on how the in-space economy can translate innovation into near-term commercial value. With perspectives from Infinite Orbits, Transcelestial, Zero Error Systems, investment firm Speciale Invest, and NASA; the panel will examine which segments - from in-orbit servicing and autonomous systems to microgravity manufacturing - are most likely to scale first. Discussion will also address how early value is expected to be captured through high-value products, data and intellectual property as well as the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and financing models required to de-risk capital-intensive, long-horizon space ventures. Asia Pacific Rising: Market Opportunities and Regional Capabilities

With Asia Pacific being one of the world's fastest-growing space markets, this panel highlights the region's expanding role across manufacturing, launch and downstream applications. Featuring companies including Addvalue, Eartheye, GomSpace and Satrec Initiative; the discussion will examine how diverse space economies, from established space powers to rapidly emerging players, are developing specialised capabilities and responding to strong regional demand for connectivity, disaster resilience and Earth observation services. The session will also explore investment priorities, cross-border partnerships and policy frameworks supporting private-sector growth, underscoring Asia Pacific's deeper integration into the global space value chain.

Beyond these discussions, Space Summit 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme exploring commercial, regulatory and industry developments across the global space value chain.

Keynotes & Leadership Participation

Space Summit 2026 will be attended by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as Guest of Honour.

The Summit will also feature keynote insights from Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence & Space, outlining opportunities for next-generation system architectures, digital integration and cross-border collaboration.

ST Engineering, a Founding Partner of Space Summit 2026, will contribute perspectives on capability development, talent pipelines and ecosystem collaboration across the regional and global space landscape.

"As a Founding Partner of Space Summit 2026, ST Engineering believes that collaboration, talent development and cross-industry partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of the global space sector. The Summit provides a vital platform for connecting ideas, capabilities and people to drive the next phase of the industry's growth," said Goh Ing Nam, General Manager, Satellite Systems & Geo-Insights, ST Engineering.

"Space has always symbolised possibility and pioneering, but today it is becoming a foundation for economic growth, environmental stewardship, national resilience and security, and for human progress. We are excited to engage with colleagues across the international space community at Space Summit 2026 to exchange perspectives on current industry developments," said Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus Defence & Space.

Airbus Defence & Space, Senior Vice President - Head of Space Digital, Eric Even, will also be speaking on one of the panels. He will highlight the company's commitment to next-generation digital infrastructure and strategic collaboration across the space value chain.

Strengthening Leadership Diversity Across the Programme

The programme also features senior female executives from across satellite operations and space services, including Dr Gay Jane Perez, Officer-in-Charge, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); Alexandra Vidyuk, Chief Executive Officer & General Partner, Beyond Earth Ventures; Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Chief Executive Officer, Tototheo Global; Marion Andrieux, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Infinite Orbits; Isabel Liu, Co-founder & Vice President, GalaxySpace; Rebecca Levy, Asia Representative, NASA; and Tiana Desker, Deputy Executive Director, Office for Space Technology & Industry Singapore. Their participation reflects the growing role of women at the helm of decision-making across the global space ecosystem.

Space Agencies Participating in Space Summit 2026

Confirmed agencies for Space Summit 2026 include the: Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), European Space Agency (ESA), German Space Agency (DLR), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), NASA, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), UAE Space Agency (UAE SA) and Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

This reflects the Summit's growing role as a neutral platform for international dialogue on capability development, regulatory alignment and commercial growth across the global space ecosystem.

Newly Confirmed Speakers for Space Summit 2026 include:

Airbus Defence and Space - Eric Even, Senior Vice President - Head of Space Digital

- Eric Even, Senior Vice President - Head of Space Digital Amphitrite - Dr Alexandre Stegner, Chief Executive Officer

- Dr Alexandre Stegner, Chief Executive Officer ArkEdge Space Inc. - Takayoshi Fukuyo, Chief Executive Officer & Founder

- Takayoshi Fukuyo, Chief Executive Officer & Founder Astroscale Japan Inc. - Hideki Kato, President & Managing Director

- Hideki Kato, President & Managing Director Leonardo Space Division - Massimo Claudio Comparini, Managing Director, Space Division

- Massimo Claudio Comparini, Managing Director, Space Division CesiumAstro - Shey Sabripour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

- Shey Sabripour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer CONFERS - Joerg Kreisel, President

- Joerg Kreisel, President CSO Co., Ltd - Choi Youngwan, Chief Executive Officer

- Choi Youngwan, Chief Executive Officer Cy4Gate - Luigi Schiuma, Group Chief Technical Officer

- Luigi Schiuma, Group Chief Technical Officer Delegation of the European Union to Singapore - Thibault Valentin, Policy Officer - Space and Earth Observation

- Thibault Valentin, Policy Officer - Space and Earth Observation IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. - Yuichi Noguchi, General Manager, Systems Engineering Group, Space Transportation Business Development Department

- Yuichi Noguchi, General Manager, Systems Engineering Group, Space Transportation Business Development Department Infinite Orbits - Marion Andrieux, Chief Commercial Officer

- Marion Andrieux, Chief Commercial Officer LeoLabs - Maher Khoury, Senior Vice President, International Sales

- Maher Khoury, Senior Vice President, International Sales Speciale Invest - Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner

- Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) - David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology)

- David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology) NASA - Rebecca Levy, NASA Asia Representative

- Rebecca Levy, NASA Asia Representative SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation - Yo Shimizu, General Manager, Asia Regional Headquarters

- Yo Shimizu, General Manager, Asia Regional Headquarters STAR.VISION Aerospace - Noor Fan, Co-founder

- Noor Fan, Co-founder Thaicom - Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer

- Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer Viasat - Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President Aircraft Operations & Advanced Air Mobility

These new additions further strengthen the growing line-up of international space-agency leaders, industry CEOs and innovators confirmed for the event. They join the broader roster of speakers announced in our earlier update.

Limited Sponsorship and Participation Opportunities Remains

With strong interest from across the global space value chain, sponsorship and participation opportunities at Space Summit 2026 are running out. The Summit's exhibition will feature a curated mix of satellite operators, technology providers, launch and in-space infrastructure companies, and downstream solution providers, offering participants direct access to decision-makers from government, commercial and institutional sectors.

Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to confirm their participation early as space is limited and allocations may be finalised without further notice.

Event Information

Event: Space Summit 2026

Dates: 2-3 February 2026

Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Website: https://spacesummit.singaporeairshow.com/

Participation and Sponsorship

For more information about participation or sponsorship opportunities at Space Summit, please contact Experia Events at +65 6595 6320 and thiamjieang@experiaevents.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates: linkedin.com/company/spacesummit-singaporeairshow

About Experia Events Pte Ltd

Specialist in conceptualising, creating and curating trade events of strategic interest that spur industry development, Experia brings together captains of industries from all over the world to inspire ideas and influence decisions that move the needle in strategic issues for global, national and societal needs and progress. With its genesis in the Singapore Airshow, one of the most influential airshows globally, Experia's portfolio of events has expanded to span aerospace, defence, government, lifestyle and space sectors today. Experia is certified with a Data Protection Trustmark issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, ISO27001 Information Security Management System and the MICE Sustainability Certification. For more information, visit http://www.experiaevents.com

About Space Summit

Space Summit is a premier international conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing global dialogue and collaboration in the space industry. The Summit will bring together leaders, innovators and policymakers to explore the technologies, partnerships and business models driving the next phase of space exploration and commercialisation. For more information on Space Summit, visit https://spacesummit.singaporeairshow.com/

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HELSINKI, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nomentia, Europe's leading provider of treasury and cash management solutions, today announced the appointment of Marc Vietor as the new Chief Product Officer (CPO), effective January 1, 2026. This appointment aligns with Nomentia's continued expansion across Europe, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional value to its growing client base.

As Chief Product Officer, Marc will lead Nomentia's end-to-end product strategy, focusing on platform scalability, accelerating AI-enabled capabilities, strengthening product-market fit, ensuring seamless integration across the broader treasury & financial ecosystem.

Marc brings over 30 years of product and business leadership in enterprise software. Prior to joining Nomentia, he served as Chief Product Officer and General Manager at ARIS, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the product's vision and commercial growth globally.

"I'm excited to join Nomentia at such a pivotal moment in its journey," said Marc Vietor. "The company has built an impressive product portfolio and a strong reputation with customers across Europe. I look forward to working closely with the team to accelerate innovation and deliver market-leading solutions that create value every day for our customers."

"The Board is thrilled to welcome Marc to our leadership team," said Rick Medlock, Chairman of the Board. "Marc is a proven leader with deep experience in scaling high-growth Enterprise SaaS platforms. "His success in launching new product lines and driving customer outcomes will be instrumental in our next phase of product growth. Marc's customer-centric mindset and commitment to building a high-performing, people-first culture make him a fantastic fit for Nomentia."

Closing Paragraph:

Nomentia remains dedicated to delivering smart payment, liquidity, and treasury solutions for treasury and finance professionals. With Marc Vietor as the new Chief Product Officer, the company is poised to continue its growth trajectory and reinforce its position as a trusted partner for businesses across Europe.

Media contact:

Jan Willem Doornbos

Chief Marketing Officer

janwillem.doornbos@nomentia.com

0031 611846330

www.nomentia.com

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LONDON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yardi today announced that Oxford Innovation Space, one of the UK's leading operators of innovation centres and flexible workspaces, has selected a fully integrated suite of Yardi's cloud-based solutions.

With Yardi Kube Space Management Pro, Yardi Kube Member App, Yardi Voyager, Yardi Procure to Pay, Yardi Facility Manager, Yardi Fixed Assets, and Yardi Data Connect with direct integration to Microsoft Power BI, Oxford Innovation Space can modernise operations, elevate customer experience, and support strategic growth across its national portfolio.

By consolidating multiple systems into a single connected platform, Oxford Innovation Space will streamline operational and financial processes, deliver real-time reporting, improve data accuracy, and provide a seamless digital experience for customers. The deployment will also provide leadership teams, finance and operations with live KPIs, integrated dashboards and audit-ready reporting powered by Data Connect and Microsoft Power BI.

"Partnering with Yardi is a major step in our digital strategy," said Jo Stevens, managing director at Oxford Innovation Space. "As we continue to scale our innovation space portfolio, we need a platform that can deliver both operational efficiency and a seamless experience for our customers. Yardi's integrated technology allows us to manage everything from finance and facilities to workspace bookings, reporting and customer engagement in one place. This partnership puts us in a strong position to drive innovation and deliver even more value to the businesses we support across the country."

This implementation marks a milestone in Oxford Innovation Space's digital transformation, connecting finance, operations, procurement, and workspace management in a unified system. Furthermore, the customer app will deliver improved customer engagement by offering customers self-service access to booking tools, billing, support and community updates.

"We are delighted to welcome Oxford Innovation Space to the Yardi community", said Justin Harley, senior director for Yardi. "Flexible workspace operators increasingly recognise the need for connected systems that bring people, processes and data together. With Yardi's end-to-end platform, Oxford Innovation Space will gain actionable insights, unified reporting and scalable technology that empowers their teams and elevates the customer experience across the UK."

The rollout of the new platform has already begun and is scheduled to go live across Oxford Innovation Space's locations during 2026.

About Oxford Innovation Space

Oxford Innovation Space is the UK's largest provider of innovation centres and flexible workspace for growing businesses, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs and SMEs. For over 35 years, Oxford Innovation Space has helped ambitious companies thrive through specialist business support, flexible office and lab space, and innovation services. For more information, visit oxfordinnovationspace.co.uk.

About Yardi

Yardi develops industry-leading software for all types and sizes of real estate companies across the world. With over 10,000 employees, Yardi is working with our clients to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energised for Tomorrow, visit yardi.co.uk.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif, Jan 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") today introduced HMAX by Hitachi at CES 2026. HMAX by Hitachi is a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure. By harnessing vast data from physical and digital assets, integrating advanced AI, and applying Hitachi's unmatched domain expertise, HMAX tackles the most complex social infrastructure challenges-maximizing outcomes and value for our clients and society. These solutions are derived from the formalized HMAX design principles, integrating a dynamic collection of advanced technologies, and a robust partner ecosystem that helps elevate end-system reliability and performance.HMAX combines data collected from physical and digital assets such as sensors, industrial equipment, and machinery with Hitachi's domain knowledge accumulated through years of deploying operations and maintenance systems. Advanced AI technologies-i.e., perception AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and physical AI-are then applied to deliver new powerful solutions to organizations worldwide.Hitachi's portfolio of HMAX solutions has expanded across three key categories that will truly benefit from the power of AI:- HMAX Mobility: Powering smarter, better optimized transportation systems, autonomous operations, and IoT-enabled mobility.- HMAX Energy: Helping ensure secure, reliable, and sustainable operation of mission-critical energy infrastructure across the entire value chain. Through a suite of digitally enabled services, HMAX Energy predicts and prevents issues before they arise-maximizing uptime, extending asset lifetime, and optimizing performance and efficiency.- HMAX Industry: Advancing safety, productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability in buildings and factories, driving innovation for frontline workers and improving people's wellbeing.Hitachi plans to extend HMAX into other mission-critical domains such as data centers and financial institutions.Bringing the Power of AI into the Physical WorldLabor shortages and aging equipment challenges are increasingly more severe in physical domains like manufacturing and social infrastructure. Physical AI addresses these problems by collecting, analyzing, and operationalizing field data in real-time. Whereas traditional AI focuses primarily on information and creative generation, physical AI creates value in the tangible world through applications such as predictive maintenance, complex systems optimization, robotics and more. As such, the physical AI market is expected to reach approximately 124.77 billion USD by 2030.Hitachi's strengths in technology, data, and management of physical systems align perfectly with the world of physical AI. Drawing on over 110 years of OT experience and accumulated domain knowledge in mission-critical fields such as railways, energy, and manufacturing-Hitachi is uniquely positioned to bring the next generation of AI-powered solutions to the physical world."Hitachi is advancing its vision of 'Lumada 3.0,' which aims to lead social innovation to the next stage by integrating domain knowledge with AI," said Jun Abe, Executive Vice President of Hitachi, Ltd., General Manager of the Digital Systems & Services Division. "HMAX is the realization of this vision, and as a true 'One Hitachi' initiative that transcends sector boundaries, we will bring together the collective wisdom and technology of the entire group to create unprecedented synergies. By transforming field data into actionable intelligence through advanced AI, we will powerfully drive the resolution of complex social challenges and deliver tangible value that supports the next generation of social infrastructure."Jun Taniguchi, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of the Strategic SIB Business Unit at Hitachi, Ltd., added, "For many years, Hitachi has worked alongside customers in the field, overcoming numerous challenges together. Through HMAX, we aim to empower people and infrastructure, unlocking the latent potential of individuals and society. For example, HMAX delivers innovative solutions to our customers' most complex challenges, such as enhancing operations in railway and manufacturing sites facing shortages of skilled workers and ensuring stable operation of power grids essential for the introduction of renewable energy. With the expansion of HMAX, we are pleased to take a step forward together with our customers toward realizing a harmonized society where the environment, well being, and economic growth are in balance."*1 Grand View Research, Inc., Artificial Intelligence in Robotics Market (2024 - 2030), cited as the reference for the market size of AI-powered robots.HMAX Design PrinciplesHMAX is built on four pillars that help customers apply AI to solve problems in physical environments:- Data from Digitalized Assets: Assets such as power grids, railways, and manufacturing equipment generate vast amounts of data that feed into HMAX datasets-creating the ideal foundation for AI which enables HMAX's capabilities. This is a unique strength that only Hitachi, with its formidable global install-base, can deliver.- Domain Knowledge: Hitachi's deep domain expertise in these physical systems is applied to the data-creating mission-appropriate AI-ready models.- Artificial Intelligence: HMAX is designed to leverage a range of AI technologies, from data recognition to insight generation to autonomous execution. For example, perception AI detects and reports railway infrastructure faults by analyzing acoustic and vibration sensor data. Generative AI is used to accelerate energy optimization algorithms for power grids. Agentic AI is used to autonomously plan and execute optimal maintenance schedules. And finally, physical AI can control power grids or smart building systems reacting to inputs in real time.- Partner Ecosystem: HMAX solutions are created using Hitachi's wide-ranging partner ecosystem-bringing state-of-the-art technology from industry leaders to create robust and dependable solutions that withstand the rigors of the physical world.HMAX Use Cases and DeploymentsThe expansion of HMAX across multiple domains is already delivering tangible results.HMAX MobilityCurrently deployed on 2,000+ trains, HMAX was first introduced by Hitachi Rail in 2024 as a comprehensive digital asset management solution seamlessly integrating a vast array of live data from the train, signaling and surrounding rail infrastructure into a single platform.*2HMAX leverages advanced AI and analytics using NVIDIA Metropolis Blueprint for video search and summarization (VSS) with Cosmos Reason vision language model to generate predictive insights and decision-support recommendations, such as identifying emerging asset degradation patterns, forecasting optimal maintenance windows, and highlighting opportunities to improve resource planning. These insights support operators and maintenance teams in making informed, timely decisions, which are then implemented through existing operational processes.The platform also leverages the upcoming NVIDIA IGX Thor industrial-grade edge computing to process vast volumes of data at the edge in real time, with only relevant information sent back to the operational control centers. AI and machine learning extracts knowledge from the data and applies it to achieve operational and service enhancements including energy consumption reduction and an on-condition/predictive maintenance process.The adoption of HMAX has delivered measurable value, including up to 15% reduction in maintenance costs and 15% lower energy consumption.HMAX EnergyHMAX Energy combines advanced digital capabilities with extensive domain knowledge, service excellence and installed base intelligence to ensure reliable, efficient energy infrastructure.The collective use of automated inspection, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and virtual support maximizes uptime and availability, optimizes operations, and extends asset lifetime.HMAX Energy is built on strong reference cases: When providing digitally-enabled services for the Italian renewable energy operator ERG, Hitachi Energy has helped reduce on-site inspection time by 35% and minimized unexpected downtime. For Baltic Cable AB, the transmission operator between Germany and Sweden, the introduction of a digital twin for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems has cut incident response time by 90%, contributing to improved operational efficiency and stable performance.HMAX IndustryHMAX for Buildings enhances building operation, maintenance, and energy efficiency while also improving the wellbeing of residents, office workers, and visitors with NVIDIA Metropolis VSS Blueprint. Since 2025, Hitachi has provided digital services-including access control and HVAC management-as a service, supporting building safety, security, and comfort. These outcomes generate optimal building environments while sustainably improving a building's value.*3Under HMAX for Factories, Hitachi and Daikin Industries, Ltd. began trial operations in April 2025 to implement an AI agent that supports equipment failure diagnostics in factories.*4 This AI agent is confirmed to identify causes and countermeasures within 10 seconds with over 90% accuracy. Starting December, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also began joint verification of troubleshooting assistance using the same AI agent. Furthermore, in December, Hitachi also launched AI agent services for industrial equipment operations and maintenance in a conversational format that streamlines production sites with instant, precise information tailored to equipment status.*5Hitachi also provides comprehensive solutions across the entire value chain for battery and biopharmaceutical industries.*2 Hitachi Rail Unveils the 'HMAX'. AI Solution, Accelerated by NVIDIA, to Optimize Trains, Signaling and Infrastructure: September 24, 2024*3 Launch of Hitachi's Digital Service, HMAX for Building: BuilMirai, as an as-a-Service Type that Transforms the Value of Buildings Beginning with a Harmonized Society: September 29, 2025*4 Through Collaborative Creation, Daikin and Hitachi Begin Trial Operation of AI Agent Supporting Equipment Failure Diagnostics in Factories: April 22, 2025*5 Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Launching AI Agent Service, Part of HMAX Industry, to Help Industrial Workers with Machine Maintenance: December 22, 2025CES 2026 ExhibitionHitachi will exhibit at CES 2026, January 6 to 9, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.*6 HMAX, the centerpiece of Hitachi's CES experience, will be showcased with live demonstrations at Booth 8529 in the North Hall. Hitachi will also detail its HMAX vision during the CES Foundry session Pioneering AI Technologies for the Physical World on Thursday, January 8 at 11 a.m. PT at The Fontainebleau (Discovery Stage).*6 Hitachi at CES 2026: Building a Harmonized Society Through Technology: December 4, 2025To learn more about HMAX by Hitachi, visit www.hitachi.com/en-us/insights/hmax/About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.Trademark Notice: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
CEO Appointment

ARIS, a global leader in process intelligence and transformation software, today announced the appointment of Guillaume Bacuvier as Chief Executive Officer. Guillaume will lead ARIS through its next phase of growth as a fully standalone company, accelerating its evolution from a market leader in Process Intelligence into a foundational platform for enterprises deploying and governing Agentic AI.

Guillaume brings deep international leadership experience across technology, data, and software-enabled businesses, with a proven track record of scaling global platforms and leading complex organisations. After starting as a strategic consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, Guillaume spent over a decade at Google, rising to Vice President in EMEA where he built and scaled some of Google's largest data-driven businesses in Europe and held P&L responsibility across multiple countries. In the last decade, Guillaume has served as CEO of multi-continent, data-centric companies including dunnhumby, Tesco's data and analytics business and for the last five years Kantar Worldpanel, a business with over 3,000 employees globally. In parallel, Guillaume has been a board member of several companies including French enterprise software company Berger-Levrault. He holds a degree in Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique, a graduate degree in Industrial Economics from Universite Paris-Dauphine, and an MBA from INSEAD.

Guillaume Bacuvier commented: "I joined ARIS because it is already a leader in Process Intelligence and uniquely placed to benefit as enterprises move rapidly toward autonomous and AI-driven ways of working, where they require a trusted foundation to ensure those systems operate with accuracy, transparency, and control. ARIS' decades-deep understanding of business processes provides a unique platform to enable Agentic AI responsibly at scale. I am excited to work with the ARIS team to build on this foundation and deliver sustained value for customers in the years ahead."

Christian Lucas, Chairman of ARIS and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, added: "We are delighted to partner with Guillaume at this pivotal stage for ARIS. His experience leading global data-driven businesses and executing complex transformations makes him exceptionally well suited to lead the company as it accelerates growth and expands its strategic role for enterprise customers who want to deploy AI."

Guillaume will work closely with Ralf Hartings, who recently joined as Chief Financial Officer from United Internet; Fadi Naffah, who joined as Chief Revenue Officer from Celonis; and Karl Wagner, who was promoted to Chief Technology Officer after a long time at ARIS, as well as recent hires Ludovic de Galzain (SVP Customer Experience, former Celonis and Salesforce) and Florian Striebich (VP Global Operations, former Salesforce and BCG).

Driving a Bold New Strategy Focused on Agentic AI

ARIS is sharpening its mission to become the central platform enterprises rely on to understand, deploy, and govern Agentic AI. Built on its unified Business Process Management and Process Mining platform, ARIS provides the critical process context that enables AI-driven agents to act effectively within complex organisations.

As enterprises adopt increasingly autonomous systems, they face new challenges around compliance, control, and trust. AI agents on their own lack the business logic to understand the companies and processes they are meant to automate. ARIS is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by serving as a deployment, monitoring, and governance layer that ensures AI-driven agents operate within defined business processes, regulatory requirements, and enterprise guardrails.

By combining decades of process expertise with advanced AI capabilities, ARIS aims to help customers unlock productivity and innovation while maintaining transparency, accountability, and operational resilience.

ARIS is consistently recognised by Gartner and Forrester as a leader in Process Intelligence and Process Mining, and is trusted by thousands of enterprises across finance, manufacturing, energy, utilities, and other sectors.

For more information, visit www.ARIS.com and follow ARIS on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107762530/en/

Contacts:

ARIS

Tom Pressley

Tom.pressley@aris.com
LONDON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rathbones Asset Management, one of the UK's leading investment firms, has chosen Premialab's advanced analytics to strengthen risk management practices as they expand allocations to systematic strategies.

The partnership comes as Rathbones Asset Management broadens its multi-asset fund lineup and increasingly incorporates Structured Products in the form of Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS). By integrating Premialab's Technology, Rathbones Asset Management will leverage a unified analytics engine, enhancing transparency and forward-looking risk forecasting across its full range of portfolios.

"We are delighted to partner with Rathbones Asset Management, one of the UK's most respected asset managers," said Adrien Geliot, CEO of Premialab. "Institutional investors are increasingly seeking advanced data capabilities and robust risk management processes amid volatile markets and a growing demand for real-time transparency. By integrating our risk analytics into Rathbones Asset Managements workflow, we aim to deliver even more powerful data-driven performance outcomes for their clients."

Stephen Wood, Director of Operations & Delivery at Rathbones Asset Management added: "Premialab's comprehensive risk framework provides invaluable insights across our QIS strategies. Their technology strengthens our ability to manage exposures, enhance risk oversight, and deliver a more transparent and disciplined investment process for our clients."

Premialab supports leading institutional investors by enhancing asset allocation, strategy selection, and risk management through a unique dataset sourced from 18 global investment banks. Its multi-asset platform processes more than 10 million data points daily and analyses over 7,000 systematic strategies, serving clients with approximately $20 trillion in AUM. Together with Premialab Pure Factors, the platform enables robust quantitative strategy selection, thorough due diligence, advanced risk assessment, and strengthened regulatory reporting.

About Premialab

Premialab is the leading independent platform that collaborates with leading investment banks and institutional investors globally, providing data, analytics, and risk solutions for systematic, factor, and multi-asset strategies. With offices in London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney, the company partners with the top 18 investment banks, leading asset managers, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies globally. For more information, please visit: www.premialab.com.

About Rathbones Asset Management

Rathbones Asset Management is the active fund-management arm of Rathbones Group Plc, headquartered in London. As of November 2025, the firm rebranded to reflect its evolution beyond traditional unit trusts, now managing over 16.5 billion in assets and offering a broad suite of strategies across equities, fixed income, multi-asset and sustainable funds. RAM combines the agility and high-conviction investment style of an independent boutique with the resources, governance and stability of a major financial group. Its disciplined, long-term approach aims to serve a range of clients - from private and institutional investors to financial advisers - with investment solutions tailored to different risk-return profiles, including ESG-aligned sustainable portfolios.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) ("Provenance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the final seven reverse circulation (RC) drill holes in the Tyee and Striker areas which form part of Eldorado West Project in Eastern Oregon. The five new holes from the Tyee area continue to define broad, continuous, gold mineralization across multiple structural and geological domains, further strengthening the interpretation that Eldorado West is part of a large-scale, multi-kilometer gold system.

Zone 4: Tyee Area Highlights

ED-30:

0.67 g/t Au over 68.58 m , including: 1.18 g/t Au over 9.14 m 2.08 g/t Au over 7.62 m

, including:

ED-31

0.59 g/t Au over 117.35 m , including: 1.50 g/t Au over 19.81 m 1.15 g/t Au over 9.14 m

, including:

ED-33

0.55 g/t Au over 59.44 m , including: 1.03 g/t Au over 6.10 m 1.03 g/t Au over 7.62 m

, including:

ED-35

0.40 g/t Au over 64.01 m , including: 0.84 g/t Au over 15.24 m

, including: 0.52 g/t Au over 32.00 m , including: 1.27 g/t Au over 4.57 m 0.93 g/t Au over 3.05 m

, including: 0.25 g/t Au over 50.29 m , including: 0.54 g/t Au over 6.10 m

, including:

Drill holes ED-30, ED-31, ED-33, ED-34, and ED-35 confirm strong, continuous gold mineralization continues westward in the greater Tyee Area, intersecting broad and pervasive gold mineralization that includes higher-grade zones and is hosted in altered diorite (Figure 1, Table 1).

Provenance Chairman Rauno Perttu stated, "These new holes strongly reinforce the scale and continuity of open-pit grade mineralization in this portion of the Eldorado West mineralized system. The large and consistent mineralized intervals encountered in Zone 4 of the Tyee area show that Eldorado West continues to grow significantly and remains open in all directions. We are still in the early stages of defining what we believe will become a very significant gold district. We are permitting major step-out drill pads at Eldorado West for the 2026 drilling season as well as our maiden drill program at Eldorado East."

Figure 1. Plan Map of the Tyee and Striker Area Drill Interception Locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5654/279684_6f2530f3e4f88847_001full.jpg

Tyee Area

ED-31, drilled approximately 500 meters southwest of the Zone 1 discovery area (Figure1), was one of the strongest holes drilled in this part of the system to date, intersecting 0.59 g/t Au over 117.35m, including two separate higher-grade intervals grading 1.5 g/t Au over 19.81m and 1.15 g/t Au over 9.14m. ED-30 intersected broad mineralization over 68.58m and ED-34 and ED-35 returned multiple stacked zones with both moderate and higher-grade intervals (Figure 1, Table 1). The mineralization occurs in both diorite and metasedimentary rock units and is associated with intersections of steep and shallow-dipping structures that extend across the property.

The results demonstrate that the northern portion of Eldorado West hosts a large, laterally continuous gold system and confirms a corridor of strong mineralization extending southwest within the Tyee Area. Geological mapping of the Herman area together with preliminary radiometric geophysical survey results, indicate that the mineralized corridor at Herman extends to the south-southwest adding significant exploration targets for drilling in 2026. The system remains open in all directions at the Eldorado West.

Striker Area

Two RC holes totaling 588 meters were completed (Figure 1, Table 1) as a preliminary test of an IP chargeability anomaly from a survey conducted in 2024, located in a previously undrilled area known as Striker. At Striker, drill holes ED-32 and ED-36 intersected gold mineralization along intrusive-metasedimentary contacts similar to the styles observed in the Herman Area. ED-32 returned 0.87 g/t Au over 4.57m and 0.52 g/t Au over 4.57m, and ED-36 returned 1.23 g/t Au over 3.05m and 0.44 g/t Au over 4.57m which suggests a new area of mineralization is present further to the southwest in a previously untested area. More recent mapping around the Striker Area suggests mineralization locally trends northeast-southwest and therefore the strongest part of the mineralized corridor was not fully evaluated from the southernly oriented drilling in ED-32 and 36. Testing the possible northeast-southwest mineralized corridor at Striker remains one of many follow-up targets for 2026.

Table 1. 2025 RC Drill Holes Assay Results

Hole From To Length Gold Area (m) (m) (m) (g/t)

ED-30

22.860 91.44 68.58 0.67 Tyee

including 50.292 59.436 9.14 1.18



and 71.628 79.248 7.62 2.08



And 158.496 176.784 18.29 0.24

ED-31

71.628 188.976 117.35 0.59 Tyee

including 94.488 114.300 19.81 1.50



and 128.016 137.160 9.14 1.15

ED-32

18.288 22.860 4.57 0.87 Striker

And 231.648 236.220 4.57 0.52

ED-33

22.860 82.296 59.44 0.55 Tyee

Including 28.956 35.052 6.10 1.03





74.676 82.296 7.62 1.03

ED-34

117.348 132.588 15.24 0.71 Tyee

including 124.968 131.064 6.10 1.22



And 163.068 176.784 13.72 0.48



Including 164.592 167.640 3.05 1.23

ED-35

10.668 76.200 64.01 0.40 Tyee

including 16.764 32.004 15.24 0.84



And 161.544 193.548 32.00 0.52



including 164.592 169.164 4.57 1.27



and 184.404 187.452 3.05 0.93



And 269.748 320.040 50.29 0.25



including 269.748 280.416 10.67 0.36



and 286.512 292.608 6.10 0.54

ED-36

56.388 59.436 3.05 1.23 Striker

And 169.164 173.736 4.57 0.44



*All reported intervals in this news release are downhole core lengths. True widths of mineralized intervals are not known at this time. Geological modelling is ongoing, and additional drilling will be required to establish the geometry and orientation of the mineralized zones in order to determine true thicknesses.

Core Drilling at Herman and Ongoing Exploration

The 2025 diamond core drilling program concluded with hole EC-09 on December 22, 2025. Core holes EC-04 to EC-09, totaling 2024 meters, are currently being logged and processed. Core drilling focuses primarily on the new discovery area at Herman (see Press Release dated November 5, 2025) as well as a previously unexplored area connecting zones 2 and 3 in the Tyee area. Results will be announced as and when they become available in the coming weeks.

The Company recently completed airborne radiometric and magnetic geophysical surveys over both Eldorado East and Eldorado West properties to better understand the regional and deposit-scale mineralizing structures. These surveys will aid in delineating exploration targets for testing in 2026. A total of 941-line kilometers were flown at 50-meter line spacing. Full results are still being processed, however preliminary results of this survey support the geological model that the mineral system could extend far beyond any known exploration to date. Results of this survey will be furnished in the coming weeks.

Additionally, detailed geologic mapping on the Eldorado West project area has been completed as well as reconnaissance geologic mapping at Eldorado East. Surface rock chip sampling with multi element geochemistry has been completed in select locations from both project areas. This mapping and sampling data coupled with the airborne geophysical surveys will be used to assess and further delineate large step-out drill targets for 2026 as well as increase the understanding of the structural and geologic controls of mineralization at both Eldorado West and Eldorado East. Results from this work will be announced as they become available.

Sampling, Laboratory, and QAQC

The Company has implemented a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with industry best practices.

The RC drill chips were sampled at 1.5-meter intervals onsite. A rotation of certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates were inserted into the sample stream approximately every 30m. The Company QA/QC, as well as the laboratory inserted standards, blanks, and duplicates were monitored closely upon receiving assay certificates from the laboratory. No discrepancies were reported in the reference samples inserted. The Company will continue to monitor QA/QC procedures closely.

Provenance submitted samples for gold determination by PhotonAssay to fully accredited Paragon Geochemical in Reno, NV (ISO 17025:2017). PhotonAssay is a fast, accurate, non-destructive process to determine gold, silver and copper in geological and process samples. The technique uses gamma ray activation to induce nuclear transitions in the elements of interest, which leads to photon emissions with highly characteristic energies. After analysis, the entire assay charge is returned intact and can be submitted for subsequent analyses such as geochemistry, cyanidation, metallurgical testing, environmental testing, or retained for future verification.

RC Samples were split onsite and shipped to Paragon in Reno. Samples were submitted to Paragon for processing, whereby the entire sample is coarsely crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm mesh and subsequently riffle split leaving a ~500g charge. The large assay charge of approximately 500g is introduced to the instrument, improving representativeness of the sample, particularly for those samples which may exhibit coarse gold.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was independently reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a technical advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

Marketing Agreement

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), for a 12-month marketing and investor awareness campaign, commencing immediately, for an upfront, non-refundable fee of USD $250,000. Pursuant to an agreement dated January 7, 2026, EMC will assist the Company with the design, development, and dissemination of approved corporate information, as well as general investor outreach activities conducted through its internal marketing channels and broker-focused networks. Services under the agreement may include electronic media and webcast support, drafting or assembling approved corporate materials, distribution through EMC's email databases, and communications with brokers and institutions selected by EMC. EMC is an arm's length party to the Company and to the Company's knowledge EMC does not currently own any securities of the Company as of the date hereof. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement between EMC and the Company and EMC nor will any of its affiliates receive any shares or options from the Company as compensation for services under the agreement.

About Emerging Markets Consulting LLC

Based in Orlando, Florida, Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC (EMC) brings multiple decades of combined experience in the investor relations industry. EMC is an international investor relations firm with affiliates around the world. EMC is relationship-driven and results-oriented with the goal of seeking attractive emerging companies and concentrating its resources and efforts to serve a limited number of high-quality clients. EMC is a syndicate of investor relations consultants consisting of stockbrokers, investment bankers, fund managers and institutions that actively seek opportunities in the microcap and small-cap equity markets. For more information, visit EMC's website at https://emergingmarketsconsulting.com .

EMC can be contacted at:

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chairman

Safe Harbor Statement: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279684

Source: Provenance Gold Corp.
Finshape, a leading provider of digital banking solutions, announced the appointment of Neil Budd as the company's new CEO.

PRAGUE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Budd joins Finshape an experienced executive with 25+years in banking, technology and consulting. He will focus on the company's continued international growth, strengthening value delivery for clients, and expanding activities primarily across Western Europe, the Middle East and the APAC region. Current CEO Petr Koutny will move to position of the Chairman of the Board.

Financial institutions today are working out how to turn their investments in digitalisation into measurable outcomes in conjunction with understanding how to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in a meaningful way. "Banks are looking for technology partners they can trust for the long term. Finshape has a strong, relevant product portfolio, experienced teams, and stable, trusted relationships with banks. With our ADBO System and new capabilities in loyalty and personalisation, we will continue to help banks deliver tangible value to their customers and accelerate our growth journey to new markets" said Neil Budd.

Finshape has been growing for the long term, particularly in CEE, where it works with major financial institutions including Erste Group, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, OTP Bank Group or Banca Transilvania. In 2025 Finshape generated EUR 55 million in revenue according to its consolidated results and grew 30% year-on-year. The company is also expanding its international footprint. Further growth has been supported by the recent acquisition of the loyalty platform Realtime-XLS from Collinson Group, and a strategic partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank, the largest Islamic bank in the United Arab Emirates.

These steps strengthen Finshape's role in global digital banking. Finshape intends to be a market leader in implementing technologies, specifically focusing on the meaningful integration of AI into the operations and into client offerings to deliver measurable outcomes for banks.

Before joining Finshape, Neil worked at various leading global consulting and advisory firms. At Finastra, he served as Vice President Global Head Strategic Partnerships Ecosystem and Alliances as well as Global Head Managed Services. At Accenture, he was Managing Director.

Today, Finshape serves 100+ financial institutions in 25 countries across four continents.

The company's team includes 600+ specialists, supporting tens of millions of end users worldwide. Finshape's growth is driven by a combination of organic development and targeted acquisitions.

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DJ Scout24 macht Ex-Prosieben-CFO Martin Mildner zum Finanzvorstand

DOW JONES--Das Digitalunternehmen Scout24 bekommt zum 1. Marz einen neuen Finanzchef. Martin Mildner wird Nachfolger von Dirk Schmelzer, der auf eigenen Wunsch das Unternehmen verlasse, wie der Betreiber des Online-Marktplatzes Immoscout24 mitteilte.

Mildner war bis Oktober Finanzchef beim Fernsehkonzern Prosiebensat1 gewesen. Dessen neuer Eigentumer MFE-Mediaforeurope hatte nach der Ubernahme der Sendergruppe den Vorstand ausgetauscht.

Mildner sei mit seinem "tiefen Verstandnis fur digitale Geschaftsmodelle" eine ideale Besetzung fur die Position des CFO bei Scout24, erklarte Aufsichtsratschef Hans-Holger Albrecht.

Kontakt zum Autor: unternehmen.de@dowjones.com

DJG/rio/sha

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 07, 2026 05:20 ET (10:20 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
WUHU, China, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 6, 2026, LEPAS, Chery Group's all-new NEV brand, officially signed a distribution agreement with Al-Babtain Group as LEPAS's distributor in Kuwait, at Chery International Headquarters. During the signing ceremony, senior executives toured the LEPAS Elegant Lifestyle House to learn about the brand ecosystem and its intelligent mobility scenarios, and interacted with AiMOGA, the showroom host robot, experiencing how LEPAS integrates advanced technology with an elegant lifestyle. This agreement marks the beginning of comprehensive cooperation between the two parties in Kuwait.

Founded in 1948, Al-Babtain Group has long been deeply rooted in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and is one of the most influential diversified business groups in the local market.

As Chery Group's global NEV brand, LEPAS is positioned as a "Preferred brand for elegant mobility life" and, backed by the Group's expertise and global experience, provides mobility solutions combining advanced technology with exquisite elegance.

Under this partnership, the two parties will integrate strengths to establish standardized distribution networks and professional service systems in Kuwait, promote localized brand operations and user ecosystem development, and gradually expand cooperation into the automotive aftermarket and related fields. Models including the LEPAS L8, LEPAS L6, and LEPAS L4 will be introduced to the Kuwaiti market, enriching local consumers' new energy mobility choices and supporting the green transformation of the region's transportation sector.

Al-Babtain Group stated:"We chose to partner with LEPAS not only for its technological capabilities in the new energy sector, but more importantly for its distinctive brand identity focused on elegance, which aligns with our strategic positioning in the high-end mobility market."

Mr. Zhai Xiaobing, CEO of LEPAS, commented:"Kuwait represents another key milestone in LEPAS's Middle East expansion. By leveraging our partner's deep local expertise and mature operational capabilities, we aim to bring the LEPAS vision of an elegant lifestyle into practice, and to use this experience as a foundation for expansion into other Middle Eastern markets."

Looking ahead, LEPAS will continue to advance Chery Group's global strategy of "In somewhere, For somewhere, Be somewhere," deepen localized operations in the Middle East and steadily expand its global presence, delivering new energy mobility experiences that blend technological sophistication with elegant design worldwide.

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DUBLIN, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LUMA Vision Ltd., a leader in cardiac 4D navigation and imaging, today announced the successful completion of 15 VERAFEYE-guided persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures conducted as part of a clinical study in collaboration with CardioFocus, Inc.

The study is designed, in part, to evaluate the ability of VERAFEYE's 4D navigation and imaging platform to completely guide catheter ablation therapy, including pulmonary vein isolation, posterior wall isolation, and ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus using the CardioFocus QuickShot Nav pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter system.

Completion of the procedures demonstrated VERAFEYE's ability to integrate high-resolution intracardiac imaging (2D and 4D) and navigation with automatically generated digital anatomy of both atria from a right atrial acquisition. This approach provided clinicians with real-time, four-dimensional visualisation of the beating heart, enabling a streamlined two-catheter ablation workflow, improving precision and efficiency in complex procedures. By combining AI-driven anatomical modelling with automatic catheter tracking and guidance, VERAFEYE is redefining how ablation procedures for both paroxysmal and persistent AFib are planned, executed, and verified - setting a new standard for efficiency and accuracy in the new era of PFA.

"Using an empirical lesion set is the preferred approach for de novo AF ablation in the persistent population. The VERAFEYE system's disruptive approach to 3D geometry creation allowed me to only use one catheter for imaging (2D ICE), navigation and Rapid Digital Anatomy (RDA), which is unique in the market," said Dr. Ante Anic, Director of Electrophysiology at KBC Split, Croatia. "When the VERAFEYE created RDA is combined with a large-focal PFA platform like CardioFocus QuickShot, operators have a perfect 2 catheter tool set to deliver their preferred empirical lesion set, including linear ablation for beyond PVI, in less than an hour. This is the new definition of procedural efficiency."

"Treating this initial patient cohort marks a pivotal moment for LUMA Vision and we are very thankful to our partners at KBC Split and CardioFocus," said Fionn Lahart, CEO of LUMA Vision. "Our goal is to bring accuracy, efficiency, and precision to cardiac procedures to help achieve positive patient outcomes. Driven by advanced machine learning and AI, VERAFEYE is a category-defining, powerful cardiac guidance platform that aims to provide a new standard of care in combination with integrated third-party devices and catheters. Today, we've proven VERAFEYE's ability to guide AF therapy with unparalleled clarity and precision - and in the future, it will enable interventions like left atrial appendage closure and structural heart procedures. The clinical impact will be profound, and we're excited to bring this technology to a broader global market in 2026."

The results of the procedures highlight VERAFEYE's potential to reduce procedure times, improve anatomical accuracy, and reduce complications by providing clinicians with a real-time, accurate, and interactive view of the heart in motion throughout ablation procedures.

About LUMA Vision

LUMA Vision is a privately held medical technology company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with key operations in Munich, Germany. The company designs and develops next-generation cardiac visualization and navigation systems that empower clinicians to see and treat with unmatched precision. VERAFEYE, LUMA Vision's flagship platform, delivers a real-time, 360 intracardiac view with an unprecedented field of visualization, redefining procedural accuracy in electrophysiology and structural heart interventions. Founded by CEO Fionn Lahart and CTO Christoph Hennersperger, LUMA Vision is committed to transforming cardiac care through innovation that improves outcomes and saves lives.

Learn more at www.lumavision.com

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The "Alternative Lending Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Type of Lending, End-User Segments, Loan Purpose, Finance Models, Distribution Channels, and Payment Instruments Databook Q4 2025 Update" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global alternative lending market was set to experience substantial growth, projected to increase by 14.4% annually, reaching USD 535.4 billion by 2025. Having grown at a robust CAGR of 14.6% during 2020-2024, the market is expected to expand further at a CAGR of 13.4% from 2025 to 2029, ultimately achieving a value of USD 884.1 billion by the end of 2029 from its 2024 figure of USD 467.9 billion.

Key Trends and Drivers

Alternative lending is being reshaped by four critical global trends: the expansion of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and installment credit, increased institutional capital, advanced underwriting using alternative data and AI, and the embedding of credit in digital platforms. These factors collectively enhance credit offerings, attract capital, and improve platform scales. Firms poised for success will deeply integrate credit solutions, maintain stringent underwriting discipline, align with regulatory requirements, and ensure capital accessibility. The scope of competition is evolving from volume to intelligent, contextual lending.

Growth of BNPL and Installment Credit

BNPL and installment credit options have become central to consumer finance globally. In regions including North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, BNPL is integrated into various sectors such as e-commerce and retail. Fintech leaders like Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay are driving this shift. Key drivers include consumer demand for flexible payments, global expansion of e-commerce, and significant investments in BNPL.

Institutional Capital and Private Credit

Significant institutional capital and private credit flows are fueling the growth of the alternative lending sector. As traditional banks retreat from riskier segments, institutional investors are drawn to alternative credit strategies. Core drivers include regulatory changes and a search for yield, which open opportunities for non-bank lenders.

Alternative Data and AI/ML

There is a global trend towards using alternative data and AI for credit assessments. This approach leverages rich digital footprints for better credit evaluation, facilitating financial inclusion for underbanked segments. Critical factors include advances in AI and machine learning, which support the development of more precise underwriting models.

Embedded Credit and Platform Origination

The integration of credit within digital platforms is restructuring the global lending landscape. Platforms benefit from transactional data for lower friction underwriting, while consumers appreciate the convenience of directly embedded credit options. This shift is driven by technology that simplifies credit integration.

Competitive Landscape

The alternative lending industry is experiencing consolidation and strategic realignment. Market leaders are evolving into comprehensive ecosystem participants, integrating payments, credit, and platform capabilities. The focus is shifting from rapid expansion to responsible credit delivery, underpinned by sophisticated risk management and regulatory alignment.

Overall, the competitive landscape is defined by bank, fintech, and digital platform convergence. Differentiation is increasingly based on capital efficiency, underwriting sophistication, and distribution depth. Specific market dynamics vary; developed markets tend to be more regulation-heavy, while emerging markets offer scale opportunities but come with increased credit risk.

Key Players and Market Movements

Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay are leading BNPL providers with multiple geographical expansions.

Companies like Stripe, Shopify, and PayPal are integrating lending capabilities into their ecosystems.

Infrastructure and credit-as-a-service providers are becoming crucial as originators outsource non-core operations.

Recent M&A activities highlight a trend toward consolidation and integration within the industry.

Regulatory and Policy Changes

Increased regulatory scrutiny is shaping the future of alternative lending. BNPL, in particular, faces new regulations requiring credit checks and consumer disclosures. Advances in algorithmic fairness are also being monitored, pushing lenders to build transparent and compliant credit models. Companies adept at handling these regulatory demands will have a competitive edge.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 4200 Forecast Period 2025 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $535.4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $884.1 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.4% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jwxme4

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Regulatory News:

Balyo (Paris:BALYO):

English translation for convenience purposes only. In the event of any discrepancies between this unofficial English-language translation and the official French draft response document, the official French draft response document shall prevail.

Autorite des Marches Financiers AMF This press release (the "Press Release") was prepared by Balyo and issued in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-26 of the Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF") general regulation. The Buyout Offer, the Draft Offer Document and the Draft Response Document remain subject to review by the AMF.

The Press Release must be read in conjunction with all other documents published in connection with the Offer. In particular, in accordance with Article 231-28 of the AMF's general regulation, a description of the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Offeror will be made available to the public no later than the day before the Offer opens.

The draft response document (the "Draft Response Document") filed with the AMF as of January 6, 2026, is available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of Balyo (www.balyo.com) and can be obtained free of charge at Balyo's registered office, 74 Avenue Vladimir Ilitch Lenine, 94110 Arcueil.

1. PRESENTATION OF THE OFFER

In accordance with Title III of Book II and, more specifically Articles 236-3 and 237-1 et seq. of the AMF's general regulation (the "AMF's General Regulation"), Silver Bands 4 (US) Corp., a Delaware corporation with its registered office at 251 Little Falls Dr, New Castle County, DE 19808 United States of America, and registered under number 2932575 (hereafter, "Silver Bands" or the "Offeror"), makes an irrevocable offer to the shareholders of Balyo, a French public limited companywith a board of directors (societe anonyme conseil d'administration) whose registered office is located at 74 Avenue Vladimir Ilitch Lenine, 94110 Arcueil, registered with the Creteil Trade and Companies Register under number 483 563 029 (the "Company" or "Balyo" and, together with its direct or indirect subsidiaries, the "Balyo Group"), and whose ordinary shares are listed on Compartment C of the Euronext Paris regulated market under ISIN code FR0013258399, mnemonic "BALYO" (the "Ordinary Shares"), to acquire, in cash and subject to the exceptions set out below, all of their Ordinary Shares, at a price of 0.60 per Ordinary Share (the "Offer Price"), through a buyout offer (the "Buyout Offer"), which will be immediately followed by a squeeze out (the "Squeeze-Out" and, together with the Buyout Offer, the "Offer"), the terms of which are described below.

As of the date of this Press Release, the Offeror holds 152,587,290 Ordinary Shares of the Company, representing 91.28% of the Company's share capital and 91.29% of the theoretical voting rights, as well as all the 11,753,581 outstanding share purchase warrants (bons de souscription d'actions) issued by the Company (the "Warrants

In accordance with the provisions of Article 231-6 of the AMF's General Regulation, the Buyout Offer targets all Ordinary Shares not held, directly or indirectly, by the Offeror, which are already issued, with the exception of:

the Ordinary Shares held in treasury by the Company, representing 88,073 Ordinary Shares as of the date of the Draft Response Document (the " Treasury Shares

the 180,000 Ordinary Shares already held by Mr. Pascal Rialland, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of the Company (the "Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO"), and the 2,700 Ordinary Shares that Mr. Pascal Rialland may own as a result of the conversion of the preferred shares he holds (the "Preferred Shares"), it being understood that the Ordinary Shares are or should be subject to a retention undertaking and covered by a liquidity mechanism under the terms described in section 6.1 (the "Unavailable Shares" and, together with the Treasury Shares, the "Excluded Shares

Considering the above, as of the date of the Draft Response Document, the Buyout Offer targets a number of 14,297,257 Ordinary Shares (the "Targeted Shares

The Preferred Shares and the Warrants are not listed on any market.

As of the date of the Draft Response Document, there are no other equity securities or other financial instruments issued by the Company or rights granted by the Company that may give access, immediately or in the future, to the Company's share capital or voting rights.

The duration of the Buyout Offer will be 10 trading days, in accordance with Article 236-7 of the AMF's General Regulation.

Subject to a clearance decision from the AMF, at the end of the Buyout Offer, the Squeeze-Out described in Articles L. 433-4, II of the French Monetary and Financial Code and 237-1 et seq. of the AMF's General Regulation will be implemented. The Targeted Shares that have not been tendered to the Buyout Offer will be transferred to the Offeror in return for cash compensation equal to the Offer Price, i.e., 0.60 euro per Ordinary Share, net of all costs.

The characteristics of the draft Offer are described in further detail under section 1.2 of the Draft Offer Document.

The Offer is presented by Natixis (the "Presenting Bank" or "Natixis"), which guarantees the content and the irrevocable nature of the commitments made by the Offeror in connection with the Offer, in accordance with Article 231-13 of the AMF's General Regulation.

1.1. Background and reasons of the Offer

Balyo's activities consist of research and development (R&D), the design of robotic forklift technologies enabling standard forklifts for horizontal or vertical pallet transport to be automated, and the marketing and sale of these robots and related services. With a strong product offering of lift trucks with both vertical and horizontal transport applications long-standing relationships with its partners (warehouse operators and suppliers) and experience in this sector, the Offeror considers the Balyo Group as being one of the best in this robotics sector.

On August 16, 2023, SVF II Strategic Investments AIV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its registered office at Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, United States, and registered under number 6207806 ("SSIA"), a wholly and directly owned subsidiary of the Japanese company SoftBank Group Corp. (hereinafter "SBG"), filed a draft public tender offer for Balyo's securities with the AMF (the "2023 Offer")1

The 2023 Offer, which was cleared by the AMF on September 19, 2023, opened on September 21, 2023, and closed on November 16, 2023. At the close of the 2023 Offer, SSIA held 25,240,748 shares representing the same number of voting rights of Balyo (all 6,270 Balyo Preferred Shares covered by the 2023 Offer held by the Offeror at the end of the first offer period having been converted into 6,270 Balyo Ordinary Shares in accordance with their terms and conditions), representing 73.45% of Balyo's capital and voting rights, and 11,753,581 Warrants, representing 100% of the warrants issued by Balyo.

Furthermore, to strengthen its balance sheet and meet its cash requirements, on November 22, 2024, the Company implemented a share capital increase with preferential subscription rights through the issuance of 126,051,546 new Ordinary Shares, for a total amount of 36.6 million (the "Share Capital Increase")2. On this occasion, SSIA subscribed to 120,608,505 new Ordinary Shares.

Following the Share Capital Increase, SSIA held 152,587,290 Ordinary Shares in the Company, representing 91.28% of the Company's capital and 91.29% of the theoretical voting rights, as well as 11,753,581 Warrants.

In order to consolidate its various holdings in the robotics' sector under a single entity and streamlining its shareholdings, SBG carried out an internal reorganization and transferred the 152,587,290 Ordinary Shares and 11,753,581 Warrants previously held by SSIA within Balyo to Silver Bands (the "Reorganization"). In this regard, SBG and Silver Bands filed a request with the AMF, by letters dated respectively April 15, 17, and 24, 2025, for an exemption from the requirement to file a mandatory tender offer based on Article 234-9, 7 of the AMF's General Regulation. On April 15, 2025, the AMF granted Silver Bands an exemption from the obligation to file a tender offer3

Thus, following the 2023 Offer and the Share Capital Increase, SBG indirectly holds, through Silver Bands, 91.28% of the Company's share capital and 91.29% of the theoretical voting rights4

Following the 2023 Offer and the Share Capital Increase, considering that Balyo's free float is no longer sufficient to ensure the liquidity of the Ordinary Shares, the Offeror has begun considering delisting Balyo.

In this context, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") was informed of these considerations and, on September 18, 2025, formally ratified and approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee responsible for proposing the appointment of an independent expert to the Board of Directors, supervising its work, and preparing a draft reasoned opinion. This committee is composed of two independent members of the Board of Directors, Ms. Yasmine Fage, Ms. Juliette Favre and Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO (the "Ad Hoc Committee"). At its meeting on September 24, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors appointed, on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, the firm Ledouble, represented by Ms. Agnes Piniot and Ms. Stephanie Guillaumin, as independent expert in accordance with Article 261-1, I, 1, 2 and 4 and II, of the AMF's General Regulation, to prepare and deliver a report on the financial terms of the Offer.

The minority shareholders of the Company, holding 8.57% of the share capital, will thus benefit from immediate and total liquidity of their Ordinary Shares at the Offer Price. On December 4, 2025, the Presenting Bank filed with the AMF the draft Offer at a price of 0.60 euro per Targeted Share and a Draft Offer Document on behalf of the Offeror.

1.2. Characteristics of the Offer

1.2.1. Terms of the Offer

In accordance with Articles 231-13, 236-3, and 237-1 of the AMF's General Regulation, the Presenting Bank, acting on behalf of the Offeror, filed the draft Offer with the AMF on December 4, 2025 in the form of a buyout offer followed by a squeeze-out targeting the Balyo's Ordinary Shares not currently held by the Offeror. A notice of filing of a draft Offer has been published by the AMF on its website (www.amf-france.org on the same day.

In accordance with the provisions of Articles 236-3 et seq. of the AMF's General Regulation, the Offeror irrevocably undertakes, for a period of ten (10) trading days, to offer the Company's shareholders the opportunity to tender their Ordinary Shares to the Buyout Offer in return for a cash consideration of 0.60 euro per Ordinary Share.

Natixis guarantees the content and irrevocable nature of the undertakings made by the Offeror as part of the Offer, in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-13 of the AMF's General Regulation.

In the context of the Squeeze-Out, the Ordinary Shares not held by the Offeror that have not been tendered to the Buyout Offer (except for the Excluded Shares) will be transferred to the Offeror in return for compensation equal to the Offer Price, net of any costs, i.e., 0.60 euro per Ordinary Share.

The draft Offer, the Draft Offer Document and the Draft Response Document remain subject to review by the AMF.

The AMF will clear the Offer after it has ensured that it complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and will publish its clearance decision on its website (www.amf-france.org). This clearance decision will constitute the AMF's approval of the offer document of the Offeror and of the response document of the Company.

The response document having thus received the AMF's approval will, in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-27 of the AMF's General Regulation, be made available to the public free of charge, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer. This document will also be published on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Company (www.balyo.com).

In accordance with Article 231-28 of the AMF's General Regulation, the document containing "Other Information" relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of the Company will be made available to the public free of charge, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer. This document will also be published on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Company (www.balyo.com).

In accordance with Articles 231-27 and 231-28 of the AMF's General Regulation, press releases specifying the details for obtaining or consulting these documents made available to the public will be published no later than the day before the opening of the Offer, and be made available on the website of the Company (www.balyo.com).

Prior to the opening of the Buyout Offer, the AMF will publish a notice announcing the opening and timetable for the Buyout Offer, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the arrangements and timetable for the Buyout Offer.

1.2.2. Number and nature of the Targeted Shares

As of the date of this Press Release, the Offeror holds 152,587,290 Ordinary Shares of the Company, representing 91.28% of the Company's share capital and 91.29% of the theoretical voting rights, as well as all of the 11,753,581 Warrants.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 231-6 of the AMF's General Regulation, the Buyout Offer targets all Ordinary Shares not held, directly or indirectly, by the Offeror, which are already issued, with the exception of:

the 88,073 Treasury Shares;

the 182,700 Unavailable Shares.

Considering the above as of the date of the Draft Response Document, the Offer targets a number of 14,297,257 Ordinary Shares.

In the context of the Squeeze-Out, the Ordinary Shares not held by the Offeror will be transferred to the Offeror in return for compensation equal to the Offer Price, net of all costs, with the exception of the Excluded Shares (i.e. a maximum of 14,297,257 Ordinary Shares as of the date of the Draft Response Document).

As of the date of the Draft Response Document, there are no other equity securities or other financial instruments issued by the Company or rights granted by the Company that may give access, immediately or in the future, to the Company's share capital or voting rights, subject to the conversion of the Warrants as described in section 7.3.1 below.

1.2.3. Situation of the holders of Preferred Shares

As of 31 December 2022, the share capital of the Company consisted of 16,150 Preferred Shares divided into five tranches:

3,230 PS T1;

- 3,230 PS T2;

- 3,230 PS T3;

- 3,230 PS T4; and

- 3,230 PS T5.

On July 17, 2023, the Board of Directors acknowledged (i) the automatic conversion of 1,200 Preferred Shares into 3,180 Ordinary Shares and (ii) the automatic conversion of 5,980 Preferred Shares into 598,000 Ordinary Shares.

As of the date of the Draft Response Document, the Company's share capital consists of 2,700 Preferred Shares divided into three tranches:

900 PS T3;

- 900 PS T4; and

- 900 PS T5.

These Preferred Shares were subject to performance conditions described in the Company's articles of association (the "Articles of Association"), over a period from January1, 2020 to December 31, 2024. Since the performance conditions for tranches 3, 4, and 5 were not met, the conversion ratio of the Preferred Shares will, in accordance with the Articles of Association, be 1 Preferred Share for 1 Ordinary Share, i.e., a maximum of 2,700 Ordinary Shares.

It should also be noted that, in accordance with their terms and conditions, PS T3, PS T4, and PS T5 are transferable. In the event of a transfer, they are each automatically converted into one (1) Ordinary Share.

It is further noted that Mr. Pascal Rialland is bound by a Liquidity Agreement (as defined below), entered into with the Offeror covering the 900 PS T3, 900 PS T4 and 900 PS T5 that are unavailable, as described in section 6.1 above.

1.3. Conditions of the Offer

The Offer is not subject to any regulatory approval.

1.4. Shareholder loan

On 4 December 2025, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the entry into a shareholder loan between the Company (as borrower) and the Offeror as lender (the "Lender"), it being specified that Mr. Alexander Fortmuller and Mr. Dai Sakata did not take part in the discussions and the vote on this decision (the "Shareholder Loan

The Shareholder loan is described more in detail in section 1.4 of the Draft Response Document.

1.5. Procedure for tendering shares to the Buyout Offer

The Buyout Offer will be open for a period of ten (10) trading days, in accordance with the provisions of Article 236-7 of the AMF's General Regulation.

Ordinary Shares tendered to the Buyout Offer must be freely negotiable and free of any lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the transfer of their ownership. The Offeror reserves the right to reject any share that does not meet this condition.

Ordinary Shares held in pure registered form ("nominatif pur") must be converted into bearer form to be tendered to the Buyout Offer. Consequently, shareholders whose Ordinary Shares are registered and who wish to tender them to the Buyout Offer must request the conversion of their Ordinary Shares into bearer form as soon as possible in order to tender them to the Buyout Offer. Orders to tender shares to the Buyout Offer are irrevocable. It should be noted that the conversion of registered shares to bearer shares will result in the loss of the advantages associated with holding these shares in registered form for these shareholders.

Shareholders whose Ordinary Shares are registered in an account managed by a financial intermediary ("nominatif administre") and who wish to tender their Ordinary Shares to the Buyout Offer must submit an irrevocable tender or sale order at the Offer Price of the Ordinary Shares to the financial intermediary holding their Ordinary Shares, using the template provided by the intermediary in time so that their order can be executed, and no later than the closing date of the Buyout Offer, subject to processing times by the financial intermediary concerned.

The Buyout Offer will be carried out solely by means of acquisitions on the market in accordance with Article 233-2 of the AMF's General Regulation. Balyo shareholders wishing to tender their Ordinary Shares to the Buyout Offer must submit their sale order no later than the last day of the Buyout Offer, and settlement delivery will be made as and when the orders are executed, two (2) trading days after each execution of the orders, it being specified that the trading costs (including brokerage fees and related VAT) will remain payable by the selling shareholder on the market.

Natixis, through its partner Oddo BHF SCA (Euroclear affiliate n 585), in its capacity as purchasing market member and intermediary acting on behalf of the Offeror, will purchase all the Ordinary Shares that will be sold on the market, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Orders to tender Ordinary Shares in the Buyout Offer will be irrevocable.

The transfer of ownership of the Ordinary Shares tendered to the Buyout Offer and all associated rights (including the right to dividends) will occur on the date of registration in the Offeror's account, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 211-17 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. It is reminded, if need be, that any amount due in connection with the tendering of the Ordinary Shares in the Buyout Offer will not bear interest and will be paid on the relevant settlement-delivery date.

1.6. Squeeze-Out

As the conditions set out in Article L. 433-4, II of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Articles 237-1 and 237-7 of the AMF's General Regulation after the Buyout Offer, the Company's Ordinary Shares that have not been tendered to the Buyout Offer (except for the Excluded Shares) will be transferred to the Offeror (regardless of the country of residence of the holder of said Ordinary Shares) in return for a compensation of 0.60 euro per Company's Ordinary Share.

The AMF will publish a notice of implementation of the Squeeze-Out, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the timetable for implementation of the Squeeze-Out.

A notice informing the public of the Squeeze-Out will be published by the Offeror in a newspaper empowered to publish legal notices (journal d'annonces legales) in the place of the Company's registered office, in accordance with Article 237-5 of the AMF's General Regulation.

The amount of compensation equal to the Offer Price, i.e., 0.60 euro, will be paid, net of all costs, after the Buyout Offer, into a blocked account opened for this purpose with Uptevia, the centralizing agent in charge of compensation payments.

In accordance with Article 237-8 of the AMF's General Regulation, unallocated funds corresponding to compensation for the Company's Ordinary Shares for which beneficial owners are unknown (i.e., unclaimed or similar shares (in particular those of shareholders whose contact details remain unknown)) will be held (and, where applicable, upon request for payment of compensation made by beneficiaries during this period, paid, net of any costs, by Uptevia, on behalf of the Offeror) for a period of ten (10) years from the date of the Squeeze-Out and paid to the Caisse des depots et consignations at the end of this period. These funds will be available to the beneficial owners subject to a 30-year limitation period, after which they will be transferred to the French government.

It is specified that this procedure will result in the delisting of Balyo's Ordinary Shares from the regulated market of Euronext Paris Compartment C on the day the Squeeze-Out takes effect.

1.7. Applicable law

This Offer and all related documents are subject to French law. Any dispute or litigation of any nature whatsoever relating to this Offer shall be brought before the competent courts.

1.8. Indicative timetable of the Offer

Prior to the opening of the Buyout Offer, the AMF will publish a notice of opening and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the terms and conditions and the opening of the Buyout Offer.

An indicative timetable is provided in section 2.9 of the Draft Offer Document prepared by the Offeror.

1.9. Offer restrictions abroad

The Offer is made exclusively in France. The Draft Response Document is not distributed in countries other than France.

The Offer will not be registered or approved outside of France and no action will be taken to register or approve it abroad. Neither the Draft Offer Document, nor the Draft Response Document, nor any other documents relating to the Offer constitutes an offer to sell or purchase transferable securities or a solicitation of such an offer in any other country in which such an offer or solicitation is illegal or to any person to whom such an offer or solicitation could not be duly made.

Shareholders located outside of France can only participate in the Offer if the local laws to which they are subject, without the Offeror having to carry out additional formalities. Participation in the Offer and the distribution of the Draft Response Document may be subject to particular restrictions applicable in accordance with laws in effect outside France. The Offer will not be made to persons subject to such restrictions, whether directly or indirectly, and cannot be accepted in any country in which the Offer would be subject to such restrictions.

Accordingly, persons in possession of the Draft Offer Document and/or the Draft Response Document are required to inform themselves about any applicable local restrictions and to comply therewith. Failure to comply with these restrictions could constitute a violation of applicable securities and/or stock market laws and regulations in one of these countries. The Offeror will not accept any liability in case of a violation of applicable legal or regulatory restrictions by any person.

United States

In the specific case of the United States of America, it is stipulated that the Offer will not be made, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, or by the use of postal services, or by any other means of communication or instrument (including by fax, telephone or email) concerning trade between States of the United States of America or between other States, or by a stock market or a trading system of the United States of America or to persons having residence in the United States of America or "US persons" (as defined in and in accordance with Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended). No acceptance of the Offer may come from the United States of America. Any acceptance of the Offer that could be assumed as resulting from a violation of these restrictions shall be deemed void.

The subject of the Draft Response Document is limited to the Offer and no copy of the Draft Response Document and no other document concerning the Offer or the Draft Response Document may be sent, communicated, distributed or submitted directly or indirectly in the United States of America other than in the conditions permitted by the laws and regulations in effect in the United States of America.

No holder of the shares of the Company who will be able to tender its shares into the Offer if such holder cannot represent that (i) it has not received a copy of the Draft Response Document or any other document relating to the Offer into the United States of America and it has not sent or otherwise transmitted any such document into the United States of America, (ii) it is not a person having residence in the United States of America and not being a "US person" (as defined in Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and that it is not issuing a tender order for the Offer from the United States of America, (iii) it was not located in the United States of America when it has accepted the terms of the Offer or its tender order for the Offer, and (iv) it is acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal located outside the United States of America that is not giving an order to participate in the Offer from the United States of America. Approved intermediaries may not accept orders to tender shares that have not been made in accordance with the above requirements, except as otherwise authorized or instructed by or on behalf of the Offeror, at its discretion. Any acceptance of the Offer that could be assumed to result from a breach of these restrictions will be deemed invalid.

The Draft Response Document does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States and has not been submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For the purposes of this section, "United States of America" means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any one of these States, and the District of Columbia.

2. INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION OF THE COMPANY'S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

In accordance with the provisions of article L. 2312-42 of the French Labor Code, the Company's social and economic committee (comite social et economique) was informed of the filing of the draft Offer on December 5, 2025. The draft Offer did not raise any substantial questions.

3. REASONED OPINION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3.1. Composition of the Board of Directors

On January 6, 2026, the Board of Directors was composed of the following members:

Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO;

- Ms. Juliette Favre, independent director;

- Ms. Yasmine Fage, independent director;

- Mr. Dai Sakata, director.

3.2. Summary of the Board of Directors' previous decisions regarding the Offer

In accordance with the provisions of Article 261-1 of the AMF's General Regulation, the Board of Directors, during its September 18, 2025 meeting, formally ratified and approved the constitution of the Ad Hoc Committee composed of two independent members of the Board of Directors, Ms. Yasmine Fage, Ms. Juliette Favre and Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO.

The Ad Hoc Committee is entrusted with the mission of (i) proposing to the Board of Directors the appointment of an independent expert responsible for submitting a report on the financial terms of the Offer, (ii) overseeing the work of the independent expert, and (iii) preparing a draft reasoned opinion for the Board of Directors regarding the Offer and its consequences for the Company, its shareholders, and its employees.

The Ad Hoc Committee, after receiving three proposals from different independent experts, recommend on September 24, 2025 meeting, that the Board of Directors appoint the firm Ledouble, represented by Ms. Agnes Piniot and Ms. Stephanie Guillaumin ("Ledouble"), as independent expert.

At its meeting on September 25, 2025, the Board of Directors appointed, on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, Ledouble as independent expert in accordance with the provisions of Article 261-1, I, 1, 2 and 4 and II of the AMF's General Regulation, to prepare a report on the financial terms and conditions of the Offer (the "Independent Expert

At its meeting of December 4, 2025, the Board of Directors decided to welcome the proposed Offer, while recalling that such position at this stage constitutes only a preliminary and non-binding opinion, subject to the conclusions of the Independent Expert and to the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee. It being specified that Mr. Alexander Fortmuller and Mr. Dai Sakata, directors, left the meeting and did not take part in the discussions or in the vote on this position.

3.3. Reasoned opinion of the Board of Directors

In accordance with the provisions of article 231-19 of the AMF's General Regulation, the members of the Board of Directors met on January 6, 2026, in order to review the draft Offer and to issue a reasoned opinion on the interest and consequences of the draft Offer for the Company, its shareholders and its employees.

Prior to the meeting, the members of the Board of Directors were provided with:

the Draft Offer Document filed by the Offeror with the AMF on December 4, 2025, including notably the context and the reasons for the Offer, the intentions of the Offeror over the next twelve (12) months, the characteristics of the Offer and the elements used to assess the Offer Price established by the Presenting Bank

- the draft reasoned opinion prepared by the Ad Hoc Committee in accordance with article 261-1, III of the AMF's General Regulation;

- the report of Ledouble, the Independent Expert; and

- the Draft Response Document of the Company prepared in accordance with article 231-19 of the AMF's General Regulation.

The Board of Directors of the Company, at the said meeting of January 6, 2026, has therefore issued the following reasoned opinion by the unanimity of its members. It being specified that Mr. Dai Sakata, director having ties with the Offeror, left the meeting and did not take part in the discussions or in the vote on this reasoned opinion, and that Mr. Alexander Fortmuller, a director having ties with the Offeror, was not present at the meeting.

"Reminder of the main terms of the Offer and its context:

The Chairman recalls that on August 16, 2023, SVF II Strategic Investments AIV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its registered office at Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, United States, and registered under number 6207806 ("SSIA"), a wholly and directly owned entity of the Japanese company SoftBank Group Corp. (hereinafter "SBG"), filed a draft public tender offer for Balyo's securities with the AMF (the "2023 Offer

The 2023 Offer, which was cleared by the AMF on September 19, 2023, opened on September 21, 2023, and closed on November 16, 2023. At the close of the 2023 Offer, SSIA held 25,240,748 shares representing the same number of voting rights of Balyo (all 6,270 Balyo Preferred Shares covered by the 2023 Offer held by the Offeror at the end of the first offer period having been converted into 6,270 Balyo Ordinary Shares in accordance with their terms and conditions), representing 73.45% of Balyo's capital and voting rights, and 11,753,581 warrants, representing 100% of the warrants issued by Balyo.

On November 20, 2024, SSIA subscribed, for 35 million, to a capital increase for a total amount of approximately 36.6 million, bringing its stake to 91.28% of the share capital and 91.29% of the voting rights of the Company, on a non-diluted basis (the "Capital Increase"). In this context, SSIA has undertaken in particular (i) not to exercise the Company's warrants that it holds until the admission to trading on Euronext Paris of the new shares issued as part of the capital increase, which took place on November 22, 2024, and (ii) to keep the Company listed for a minimum period of twelve (12) months following the completion of the said capital increase.

On April 15, 2025, SSIA transferred all of the Company's shares and warrants that it holds, to another indirect subsidiary of SoftBank, Silver Bands 4 (US) Corp. As part of this internal reclassification, the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the "AMF") has granted Silver Bands 4 US Corp. an exemption from the requirement to file a public offer.

Following the 2023 Offer and the Share Capital Increase, considering that entails structural costs without enabling shareholders to benefit from satisfactory liquidity" the Offeror has begun considering delisting Balyo and has filed, on December 4, 2025, a draft public buyout offer to the AMF at a unit price of 0.60 per share. This buyout offer will immediately be followed by a squeeze-out procedure, insofar as the conditions for the application of said squeeze-out are already met, on December 4, 2025.

In this context, the Company's Board of Directors was informed of these considerations and, on 18 September 2025, formally ratified and approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee responsible for proposing the appointment of an independent expert to the Board of Directors, supervising its work, and preparing a draft reasoned opinion. This committee is composed of two independent members of the Board of Directors, Ms. Yasmine Fage, Ms. Juliette Favre and Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board and CEO (the "Ad Hoc Committee"). At its meeting on 24 September 2025, the Company's Board of Directors appointed, on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, the firm Ledouble, represented by Ms. Agnes Piniot and Ms. Stephanie Guillaumin, as independent expert in accordance with Article 261-1, I, 1, 2 and 4 and II, of the AMF's General Regulation, to prepare and deliver a report on the financial terms of the Offer.

Formulation of the Offer

On December 4, 2025, the Offeror delivered to the Company's representatives an offer letter relating to the proposed Offer for a price per share of 0.60 with a price representing a premium of approximately:

92% compared to the last closing price prior to the announcement of the proposed Offer (as of December 3, 2025);

- 95% compared to the weighted average price of the last 20 trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed Offer; and

- 74% compared to the weighted average price of the last 60 trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed Offer.

On the same date, the members of the Board of Directors issued a positive welcome opinion on the Offer, subject to the conclusions of the Independent Expert and the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee. This resolution was adopted unanimously by the directors present and represented who took part in the vote, it being specified that Mr. Alexander Fortmuller Mr. Dai Sakata, directors having ties with the Offerors, left the meeting and did not take part in the discussions or in the vote on this reasoned opinion.

Follow-up of the work of the Independent Expert by the Ad Hoc Committee

Mrs. Yasmine Fage, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the work.

The Ad Hoc Committee has met three times since it was informed of the draft Offer.

In particular, the Ad Hoc Committee met with the Independent Expert:

on 3 October 2025, for a first introductory point on its mission and the information necessary to start its work;

- on December 8, 2025, to present the initial work of the Independent Expert, which focused in particular on the elements of assessment of the Company's valuation, on this occasion, the members of the Ad Hoc Committee were able to ask questions and discuss the valuation methods and assumptions used. The Independent Expert also presented and transmitted to the Ad Hoc Committee the letter from a group of minority shareholders containing observations alleging an inadequacy of the Offer Price;

- on January 6, 2026, the Ad Hoc Committee held a meeting prior to the Board of Directors meeting to give its reasoned opinion on the Offer with the participation of the Independent Expert. The Independent Expert presented the conclusions of his report to the Ad Hoc Committee and exchanged with the members of the Ad Hoc Committee on his work as well as the responses to the observations of the minority shareholders. The Independent Expert stated in particular that his report concluded that the Offer at the price of 0.60 euros per targeted shares was fair. During this meeting, the Ad Hoc Committee (i) reviewed the final report of the Independent Expert and (ii) adopted the final version of its recommendations and the draft reasoned opinion.

Throughout this period, the Ad Hoc Committee ensured that the Independent Expert had in his possession all the information that he considered necessary for the execution of his mission, and that he was able to carry out his work in satisfactory conditions.

The Independent Expert was thus able to exchange views with the Company's management on several occasions as well as with the Initiator, the Presenting Bank.

It is specified that the Company has communicated to the Independent Expert a number of financial or legal documents, in particular the Company's 2026-2029 business plan. It is specified that this business plan was prepared by management and approved, in its final version, by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 4, 2025.

Work of the Independent Expert and conclusions of his report

Following the discussions between the Ad Hoc Committee and the Independent Expert detailed above, Ledouble submitted its report to the Board of Directors on January 6, 2026.

The Independent Expert, in the persons of Mrs. Agnes Piniot and Mrs. Stephanie Guillaumin, presented to the members of the Board of Directors a summary of his work and the conclusions of his report. These conclusions can be summarized as follows, bearing in mind that the Independent Expert refers to his report in its entirety (which alone is authentic):

"Following completion of our valuation work on the Share, we are of the opinion that the Offer Price of 0.60 is fair, from a financial standpoint, to Balyo shareholders tendering their shares to the public buy-out offer followed by a squeeze-out.

We have not identified any transactions related to the Offer that would be likely to have a material impact on the Offer Price within the meaning of Article 261-1 I 4 of the AMF General Regulation."

Main written comments from shareholders received under the conditions provided for by stock exchange regulations

The Company did not receive any comments from minority shareholders.

The Independent Expert received observations from a group of minority shareholders of the Company, representing approximately 2.7% of the Company's share capital, to which the Independent Expert responded in his report.

Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee

On January 6, 2026, the Ad Hoc Committee finalized its recommendation to the Board of Directors with regard to the Independent Expert's draft report. It communicates the terms of the report to the members of the Board of Directors:

"With regard to the interest of the Offer for the Company

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the proposed Offer is of strategic interest to Balyo for several reasons.

The Ad Hoc Committee took note of the Offeror's intentions, as described in the Draft Offer Document, relating to pursuing the Company's development in line with its investment strategy in the transport, logistics and robotics sectors.

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the purpose of the proposed Offer is to take Balyo off the listing, with a view to simplifying its operational operations, and has taken note of the Offeror's desire that the Company be transformed into a simplified joint-stock company for the sake of simplification.

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the listing of the Company on Euronext Paris entails significant administrative and regulatory constraints given its size and profile, mobilizing resources that could be reallocated to industrial and commercial priorities. In this context, and in line with SoftBank's objective, the Buyout Offer followed by a Squeeze-Out, would generate administrative cost savings and enable a more agile management of the Company, within a simplified governance and control framework. Following the completion of the Squeeze-Out, the Company will be able to focus its financial resources on operational execution, product innovation and commercial acceleration.

The Ad Hoc Committee also notes that at this stage, SoftBank does not anticipate the immediate deployment of new applications within the Company beyond the continuation of its current roadmap and the continued strengthening of its technological expertise in the development of automated forklift solutions.

The Ad Hoc Committee further notes that SoftBank has announced several projects related to the development of logistics, manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, in collaboration with various partners. In this context, SoftBank's portfolio companies, including the Company, as well as third-party suppliers, may be required, as appropriate, to participate in the provision of goods and services for some of these projects. Any possible participation of the Company in such projects would take place under market conditions and would remain subject to the performance of its products with regard to predefined indicators and technical specifications and, where applicable, to the implementation of a "proof-of-concept" system aimed at testing the suitability of the technologies concerned for a given use case before any larger-scale deployment. In the event that the Company's technologies prove competitive, SoftBank (and/or its affiliates) may decide, during or after the Offering, to use these technologies in the context of projects they carry out, it being specified that any deployment decision will be assessed in the light of the specific needs of the end customer. To date, the Company has been invited to participate in several tender procedures relating to logistics sites located in the United States, but its technology has not been selected in this context. In addition, a SoftBank affiliate operating a manufacturing site has placed an initial "proof-of-concept" order for twenty-two (22) "Reachy" forklift kits with the Company.

The Ad Hoc Committee also notes that the Company's 2026-2029 business plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors on December 4, 2025, also contemplates potential future purchases of equipment by SoftBank affiliates, including reach trucks, counterbalance trucks, front-end loader trucks and tractor-push trucks. The timing and volumes of these potential purchases remain uncertain and, as of the date of the Offer, no formal and legally binding commitments have been made in this regard.

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that no specific information has been communicated by the Offeror that would make it possible to attribute a strategic value to Balyo, it being specified that the Company's 2026-2029 business plan, which is relatively ambitious and was approved by the Board of Directors, makes it possible to incorporate strategic perspectives into Balyo's value as reflected in the Offer Price.

In view of all of the foregoing, the Ad Hoc Committee considers that the Offer is in the interest of the Company.

Regarding the interest of the Offer for shareholders

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the Offeror proposes to acquire, in cash and at a price of 0.60 per ordinary share, all of the Company's shares that it does not hold on December 4, 2025, the date of filing of the draft Offer (excluding treasury shares and unavailable shares).

The Ad Hoc Committee recalls that insofar as the Offeror already holds more than 90% of the Company's share capital and voting rights, the proposed Buyout Offer will be immediately followed, regardless of the result, by the Squeeze-Out of all the Company's shares not yet held by the Offeror at the end of the Buy-Out Offer.

The Ad Hoc Committee has taken note of the elements of appreciation of the Offer price of 0.60 per share presented by the Institution presenting the Offer in the Offeror's Draft Offer Document.

The Ad Hoc Committee has examined the report drawn up by Ledouble in its capacity as Independent Expert, and the analysis it has implemented, in particular of the elements of assessment of the Offer price mentioned above, leading it to conclude that the Offer Price proposed by the Offeror is fair from a financial point of view for the Company's shareholders.

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that Ledouble indicates in its report that the price of 0.60 per share proposed to the Company's minority shareholders in the context of this Offer:

"Following completion of our valuation work on the Share, we are of the opinion that the Offer Price of 0.60 is fair, from a financial standpoint, to Balyo shareholders tendering their shares to the public buy-out offer followed by a squeeze-out.

We have not identified any transactions related to the Offer that would be likely to have a material impact on the Offer Price within the meaning of Article 261-1 I 4 of the AMF General Regulation."

Finally, the Ad Hoc Committee notes that the Independent Expert received a letter from a group of minority shareholders of the Company, representing approximately 2.7% of the capital, including individual investors and former employees or managers.

In this letter, this collective mainly sets out (i) its reservations about the Offer Price, which it considers, according to it, to be disconnected from the intrinsic economic value of the Company and its strategic value for SoftBank, in particular with regard to the price proposed at the time of the 2023 Offer, the evolution of the free float structure, the liquidity of the share and the dilution of minority shareholders at the time of the Capital Increase, in what he described as an information asymmetry, and (ii) the need, in his view, for valuation analysis to take greater account of industry comparables in the areas of robotics, automation and intelligent logistics, as well as the specific strategic value of the Company to SoftBank.

The Independent Expert's exchanges with the minority shareholders and the responses to their observations are contained in section 7 of his report.

The Ad Hoc Committee therefore considers that the Offer represents an opportunity for shareholders to benefit from immediate liquidity, under pricing conditions considered fair by the Independent Expert.

The Ad Hoc Committee also notes the absence of provisions in the agreements and related transactions that could be detrimental to the interests of minority shareholders.

Regarding the interest of the Offer for employees

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the Offeror has indicated that the proposed Offer is part of a logic of continuation of the Company's activity and development.

In addition, the Offeror has indicated that the Offer should therefore not have a particular impact on the Company's workforce or its salary and human resources management policy.

The Ad Hoc Committee notes that the Company's social and economic committee was informed of the draft Offer on December 5, 2025. The draft Offer did not raise any substantive question by the members of Balyo's employee representative bodies.

In view of the above, the Ad Hoc Committee considers that the Offer as described in the Offeror's Draft Offer Document is in line with the interests of the Company's employees and should not have any specific employment impacts.

At the end of its mission, having taken note of the work of the Independent Expert and all of the above elements, the Ad Hoc Committee, unanimously of the members, recommends that the Board of Directors conclude that the Offer is in the interest of the Company, its shareholders and its employees 

Reasoned opinion of the Management Board

The Board of Directors, after deliberation, on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, and after having taken note of all the information made available to its members, in particular (i) the elements for assessing the Offer Price contained in the Draft Offer Document, (ii) the objectives and intentions expressed by the Offeror in the Draft Offer Document, (iii) the report of the Independent Expert, and (iv) the conclusions of the review work of the members of the Ad Hoc Committee, including the latter's favourable opinion on the Offer:

considers that the Offer is in line with the interests of the Company and its employees, it being noted, as regards the latter, that the Offer is not expected to have any particular impact on employment and is in line with the company's strategy,

- considers that the Offer is in line with the interests of minority shareholders who would like to make their investment, by allowing them to benefit from immediate and full liquidity at a significant premium compared to the relevant stock market references and recommends that minority shareholders pursuing this objective tender their shares to the Offer;

- decides not to tender to the Offer the shares treasury held by the Company;

- approves the Draft Response Document and the Press Release; and

- grants full powers to the Chairman, for the purpose of finalizing, amending and authorizing the filing, in the name and on behalf of the Company, of the Draft Response Document and the Press Release, as well as the "Other Information" document relating to the Company's other information, in particular legal, financial and accounting, and any other document useful or necessary for the Offer, and more generally to take any decision, perform any act or sign any document necessary for the Offer and its implementation."

4. INTENTIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As of the date of this Press Release and to the Company's knowledge, the members of the Board of Directors do not hold any Ordinary Share of the Company.

It is specified that Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, is bound by a Liquidity Agreement entered into with the Offeror, as further described in section 6.1 of this Press Release, which may result in the transfer of his Ordinary Shares under the terms and conditions set out therein. It is specified that the Ordinary Shares held by Mr. Pascal Rialland, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO thought the Liquidity Agreement, are excluded from the Offer.

5. INTENTIONS OF THE COMPANY RELATING TO TREASURY SHARES

As of 2 January 2026, the Company holds 88,073 Treasury Shares.

The Board of Directors of January 6, 2026 acknowledged that the 88,073 Treasury Shares held by the Company are not covered by the Offer and acknowledged, as necessary, that the Company will not tender them to the Offer.

6. AGREEMENTS LIKELY TO HAVE A MATERIAL IMPACT ON THE ASSESSMENT OR OUTCOME OF THE OFFER

Under the exception of the agreements described below, the Company does not have knowledge of any other agreement entered into by third parties concerned by the Offer, or its shareholders, that may have a significant impact on the assessment or the outcome of the Offer.

6.1. Liquidity agreement

On July 13, 2023, SSIA entered into a liquidity agreement with Mr. Pascal Rialland, in connection with the 2023 Offer, covering his 182,700 Unavailable Shares, which are subject to the constraints provided for by Article L. 225-197-1 II 5 of the French Commercial Code, pursuant to which Balyo's Board of Directors has imposed on corporate officers an obligation to retain a percentage of their shares.

On April 15, 2025, as part of the Reorganization, SSIA transferred to the Offeror all of its rights and obligations under the Liquidity Agreement to the Offeror.

On January 2, 2026, the Liquidity Agreement was amended (the "Liquidity Agreement"), so that the price formula mentioned below results in the Price per Unavailable Share being aligned with the Offer Price.

The Liquidity Agreement is described in more detail in section 6.1 of this Press Release, and section 6.1 of the Draft Response Document, and in section 1.4.1. of the Draft Offer Document

6.2. Other agreements of which the Company is aware

Under the exception of the agreements described in section 1.4.4 of the Draft Offer Document, section 6.1 of the Draft Response Document, and section 6.1 of this Press Release, the Company is not aware of any other agreement that could have an impact on the assessment or outcome of the Offer.

7. INDEPENDENT EXPERT'S REPORT

In accordance with Article 261-1, I, 1, 2 and 4 and II of the AMF's General Regulation, Ledouble, represented by Ms. Agnes Piniot and Ms. Stephanie Guillaumin, has been appointed by the Board of Directors, on recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, as Independent Expert on September 24, 2025 in order to draw up a report enabling the assessment of the fairness of the Offer's financial conditions.

This report, dated January 6, 2026, is reproduced in its entirety in Appendix 1 of the Draft Response Document.

8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESSIBILITY TO OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY

Other information regarding legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Company will be filed with the AMF no later than the day preceding the opening of the Offer. Pursuant to Article 231-28 of the AMF's General Regulation, such information will be made available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of Balyo (www.balyo.com) and can be obtained free of charge at Balyo's registered office, 74 Avenue Vladimir Ilitch Lenine, 94110 Arcueil.

____________________________

1 See D&I No. 223C1449, dated September 19, 2023.

2 See AMF's approval No. 24-447 on the prospectus dated October 25, 2024.

3 See D&I No. 225C0653, dated April 15, 2025.

4 Based on a non-diluted capital, consisting of 167,155,320 ordinary shares representing 167,152,620 voting rights, as of January 2, 2026.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107772622/en/

Contacts:

Balyo
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSX-V:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company's geological team are finalizing its due diligence, on a gold mineral exploration project, with drill permits in place, a historical resource with a NI 43-101 Property Report pending completion, with significant near-term growth and exploration drilling potential, situated in a safe mining friendly Canadian Province. The Company is currently completing its rigorous due diligence, claim verifications, permit confirmations, required due diligence, with gold property owners and vendors, as required in making a strategic gold property acquisition early in the new year. The Company intends to utilize its experienced gold mineral exploration team, to drill, expand and advance the large-scale gold property and capitalize on the current prevailing gold price and soaring precious metal market conditions.

MULTILATERAL DRILL PERMIT AND WELL LICENSE APPROVED/ DRILLING PENDING IN 2026

The Company has received all formal approval from the AER for its new Lloyd 5-23-49-1W4 Well with the issuance of its well license and drill permit for its upcoming new 7-leg multi-lateral well and drill program situated near Lloydminster, Alberta.

Drilling, completion and equipping costs are expected to be $1.9 million ($350,000 net to Trans Canada). The well costs are fully funded out of production cash flow thereby preventing any share dilution.

ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS/GOLD & MINERAL EXPLORATION

The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Gold Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets, primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tim Coupland, President and CEO

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3131

astar@telus.net

www.transcanadagold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/trans-canada-gold-corp.-is-finalizing-due-diligence-on-a-gold-exploration-and-pro-1124536
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Galway Metals Inc. (TSX-V:GWM)(OTCQB:GAYMF) (the "Company" or "Galway") is pleased to report drill results for 11 diamond drill holes at the Southwest Deposit in the Company's 100%-owned flagship Clarence Stream high-grade gold project in New Brunswick, Canada. The Clarence Stream Gold Project hosts district-scale potential, with an approximately 65-kilometre strike length of highly prospective gold showings and anomalies; and a 2022 MRE of 12.4 Mt @ 2.3 g/t Au Indicated for 922,000 oz., and 16.0 Mt @ 2.6 g/t Au Inferred for 1.334 M oz. gold from the NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Clarence Stream Mineral Resource Project, New Brunswick, Canada" dated March 31, 2022, by SLR Consulting Ltd.

Rob Hinchcliffe, President and CEO of Galway, said, "The latest drilling at the Southwest Deposit continues to demonstrate strong continuity of gold mineralization within and along the margins of our 2022 resource pits. These results are important in supporting our infill strategy and in confirming extensions where mineralization remains open, both laterally and at depth. As we continue to connect zones between existing pit shells, the drilling is adding confidence to the resource model and highlighting opportunities for future expansion. With 32 additional infill and resource drill holes pending in this area, we expect to report further meaningful results as the program advances."

Highlights (Plan Map)

BL-286 intersected 2.6 g/t gold over 16.0m including 6.2 g/t gold over 5.0m (Section 1)

BL-282 intersected 1.8 g/t gold over 8.0m including 6.5 g/t gold over 1.0m ( Section 2)

BL-289 intersected 7.5 g/t gold over 2.0m

Targeted Drilling Connects 2022 Resource Pits

The drill holes reported in this release were designed to connect mineralization between pit shells from the 2022 resource and to test extensions along the margins of those pits. Drill holes BL-286 through BL-288 intersected wide, shallow zones of mineralization outside the existing resource, demonstrating continuity along section to depth.

Drill holes BL-279 through BL-282 targeted mineralization below the westernmost resource pit and successfully confirmed gold mineralization beneath the current pit outlines, including an intercept of 1.0 g/t gold over 7.0 meters in BL-279. These results support the potential to connected existing resource pits and expand the Southwest Deposit both laterally and at depth.

Assays remain pending for 32 additional drill holes in this area and are expected to be released in the coming weeks and months. For a more comprehensive list of the Southwest Deposit assays, please click the following link (Assay and Coordinate Table)

Geology and Mineralization

The Clarence Stream deposits can be characterized as intrusion-related, structurally controlled, quartz-vein hosted gold deposits. These deposits consist of quartz veins and quartz stockwork within brittle-ductile fault zones that include adjacent crushed, altered wall rocks and veinlet material. The mineralized systems are hosted in intrusive and metasedimentary rocks within high strain zones controlled by regional fault systems. Pyrite, base metal sulphides, and stibnite occur in these deposits along with anomalous concentrations of bismuth, arsenic, antimony and tungsten. Alteration in the host rocks is confined within a few metres of quartz veins and occurs mainly in the form of sericitization and chloritization. A more complete description of Clarence Stream's geology and mineralization can be found at www.galwaymetalsinc.com.

New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program

Galway would like to acknowledge financial support from the New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program, which will contribute up to $50,000 towards exploration drilling in 2025.

Review by Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jesse Fisher, P.Geo., Project Manager for Clarence Stream and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Fisher certifies that this news release fairly and accurately reflects the technical information and data presented. Galway Metals conducts its exploration activities in accordance with CIM Best Practices Guidelines.

Quality Control and Reports

All core, chip/boulder samples, and soil samples are assayed by Activation Laboratories, located at 41 Bittern Street, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, Agat Laboratories, located at 5623 McAdam Road, Mississauga Ontario, Canada L4Z 1N9 and 35 General Aviation Road, Timmins, ON P4P 7C3, and/or Swastika Laboratories situated in Swastika, ON. All four labs have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. All core is under watch from the drill site to the core processing facility. Drill core is NQ size and sample intervals range from 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters in length. All samples are assayed for gold by Fire Assay, with gravimetric finish, and other elements assayed using ICP. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at one per 20 samples. Approximately five percent (5%) of the pulps and rejects are sent for check assaying at a second lab with the results averaged and intersections updated when received. Core recovery in the mineralized zones has averaged 99%.

About Galway Metals Inc.

Galway Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned, high-grade, open-pitable flagship Clarence Stream gold project in southwest New Brunswick. Clarence Stream is an emerging gold district with an exploration strike length of approximately 65 kilometres and widths of up to 28 kilometres in certain areas. Galway Metals also has 100%-ownership in the Estrades project, a former producing high-grade, gold-rich polymetallic VMS mine in the northern Abitibi of western Quebec. Led by a management team with a proven track-record of creating shareholder value having sold Galway Resources for US$340 million, Galway Metals is focused on creating value for all its stakeholders.

For additional Information on Galway Metals Inc., Please contact:

Robert Hinchcliffe President & Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 1-800-771-0680

Email: info@galwaymetalsinc.com

Website: www.galwaymetalsinc.com

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Cautionary Statement

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, information with respect to the OTCQB listing, DTC eligibility, and broadening U.S. institutional and retail investors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to changes in economic conditions or financial markets, political and competitive developments, operation or exploration difficulties, changes in equity markets, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restrictions on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

SOURCE: Galway Metals Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/clarence-stream-drilling-intersects-2.6-g%2ft-gold-over-16.0m-including-6.2-g%2ft-ove-1124452
MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX:MBX)(OTCQX:MBXBF) (Microbix), a life sciences innovator, manufacturer, and exporter, announces the commercial usage of its first recombinant antigen product, the nucleocapsid protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), in its quality assessment products ("QAPs") and its availability at commercial scale for test manufacturers.

This is the first commercial product to emerge from the development program announced in January 2025, whereby Microbix committed to extend its capabilities into recombinant (i.e., synthetic) antigen production to complement its longstanding expertise in native antigen production. This internally-made recombinant antigen has been developed, manufactured at commercial scale, and fully validated. Accordingly, it is now being used in Microbix's QAPs to support clinical laboratory proficiency testing or external quality assessment programs ("PT" or "EQA"), and is being incorporated into PROCEEDx (RUO) and REDx (IVD) branded QAPs used to support ongoing quality management of clinical laboratories or other testing sites.

Microbix has 40 years of expertise in the technically-challenging manufacturing of native viral antigens, which requires culturing of mammalian host cells, the addition and growth of target viruses in those cells, and, finally, the extraction, purification, and inactivation of high-quality components for infectious-disease tests in commercial quantities. That expertise is now joined by a newly-demonstrated ability to make recombinant/synthetic antigens, which when appropriately designed and manufactured can substitute for native antigens in suitable contexts. Additionally, in-house recombinant production improves Microbix's supply-chain security and enables better control of costs, which is intended to help Microbix remain a leading supplier of QAPs to clients in the PT/EQA, test-manufacturing, and clinical laboratory fields.

Since its emergence as a novel pandemic in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has become endemic worldwide. Accordingly, there is an ongoing market in antigen-based testing for this virus. Microbix's SARS-CoV-2 antigen QAPs support quality assessment needs related to such testing and comprise a meaningful proportion of overall QAPs sales (which totaled C$ 5.6 million across fiscal 2025).

Dr. Mark Luscher, SVP of Scientific Affairs, highlights the relevance of the Microbix recombinants program, "Our teams have deep expertise in making antigen products that have the properties needed to measure and characterize the disease response in human populations - the key to both diagnostic test design and EQA. Our dedicated scientists now have both established a recombinant platform and built our first such commercial product using this powerful technology. With this, we have added yet another tool for delivering on our commitment to meet the demanding technical requirements of the diagnostic industry."

Further information about Microbix QAPs, antigens, reference materials, and reagents is available at https://microbix.com, while purchase enquiries can be e-mailed to customer.service@microbix.com.

About Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Microbix Biosystems Inc. creates proprietary biological products for human health, with over 120 skilled employees and revenues of C$ 18.6 million in its latest fiscal year (2025). It makes a wide range of critical ingredients and devices for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for immunoassays, and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPs) and reference materials (QUANTDx) that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical diagnostic workflows. Its antigens drive the antibody tests of approximately 100 diagnostics makers, while QAPs or QUANTDx are sold to clinical lab accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies, and clinical labs. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30 countries, supported by a network of international distributors. Microbix is ISO 9001 & 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered, Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed, and provides IVDR-compliant CE marked products.

Microbix also applies its biological expertise and infrastructure to develop other proprietary products and technologies, most notably Kinlytic urokinase, a biologic thrombolytic drug used to treat blood clots, and reagents or medial to support diagnostic testing (e.g., its DxTM for patient-sample collection). Microbix is traded on the TSX and OTCQX, and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes "forward-looking information," as such term is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, discussion of the antigen or QAPs products or their relevance, Microbix's or others' products or services, business and business results, goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and stability, development projects such as those referenced in its presentations, regulatory compliance and approvals, access and sales to foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production (including control over costs, quality, quantity or timeliness of delivery), currency exchange rates, maintaining adequate working capital or raising new capital on acceptable terms or at all, and other similar statements about anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Microbix cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and actual performance may be affected by many material factors, some of which are beyond its control. Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and represent Microbix's judgement as of the date of this new release, and it is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

Please visit https://microbix.com or https://www.sedarplus.ca for recent Microbix news and filings.

For further information, please contact Microbix at:

Cameron Groome, CEO

(905) 361-8910 Jim Currie,

CFO

(905) 361-8910 Deborah Honig,

Investor Relations

Adelaide Capital Markets

(647) 203-8793

ir@microbix.com

Copyright  2026 Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Microbix, DxTM, Kinlytic, PROCEEDx, QAPs, QUANTDx, and REDx are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc.

SOURCE: Microbix Biosystems Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/microbix-commercializes-sars-cov-2-covid-recombinant-antigen-for-1124522
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Future Fuels Inc. (TSXV:FTUR)(FSE:S0J) ("Future Fuels" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that OTC Markets Group Inc., operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced that Future Fuels has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Future Fuels previously traded on the OTCQB Venture Market.

Future Fuels begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "FTURF". U.S. investors can access current financial disclosure and real-time level 2 quotes for the Company at www.otcmarkets.com.

The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. In order to qualify, companies must meet more stringent qualification requirements than other OTC marketplaces, including higher financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market from the OTCQB marks a significant milestone that allows companies to demonstrate their qualifications and enhance visibility within the U.S. investment community.

"Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks another important step forward in our mission to build a leading North American mineral exploration company," stated Rob Leckie, CEO of Future Fuels Inc. "This upgrade reflects the financial strength of our company, our commitment to transparent disclosure, and our intention to engage a broader base of U.S. investors as we continue to advance exploration and development at our Hornby Uranium Project and other strategic mineral assets."

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX Best Market, OTCQB Venture Market, OTCID Basic Market and Pink Limited Market. Our OTC Link Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc.,

+1 (212) 896-4428,

media@otcmarkets.com

About Future Fuels Inc.

Future Fuels' principal asset is the Hornby Project, covering the entire 3,407 km Hornby Basin in north-western Nunavut, a geologically promising area with over 40 underexplored uranium showings, including the historic Mountain Lake System. Additionally, Future Fuels holds the Covette Project in Quebec's James Bay region, comprising 65 mineral claims over 3,370 hectares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

FUTURE FUELS INC.

Rob Leckie, CEO and Director

info@futurefuelsinc.com

604-681-1568

X: @FutureFuelsInc

www.futurefuelsinc.com

Forward Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to market conditions and the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Hornby Project, the prospects of the mineral claims forming the Hornby Project, which are not at an advanced stage of development, the Company's anticipated business and operational activities, and the Company's plans with respect to the exploration or advancement of the Hornby Project. Factors that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements or may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, among other things, the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its current and future obligations; that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and may be unsuccessful in achieving the desired results; that mineral exploration plans may change and be re-defined based on a number of factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control; the Company's ability to access sources of debt and equity capital; competitive factors, pricing pressures and supply and demand in the Company's industry; and general economic and business. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Future Fuels Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/future-fuels-graduates-to-otcqxr-best-market-1124530
Investment to accelerate GTR's expansion as demand for next-generation data center infrastructure continues to rise across Europe

KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that it is making an additional $1.5 billion equity commitment to Global Technical Realty ("GTR"), a multi-billion dollar European built-to-suit data center platform. In connection with this investment, Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill"), a thematic, middle-market private equity firm, will join as an investor in the company, committing approximately $400 million.

Founded by leading data center entrepreneur Franek Sodzawiczny and KKR, GTR has grown into one of Europe's premier developers and operators of mission-critical data center capacity. Since the launch of the platform in 2020, GTR has established a strong footprint across both primary and emerging high-growth markets, delivering innovative data centers designed to meet the requirements of hyperscale, cloud and AI-driven workloads, supported by a team drawn from some of the industry's most experienced participants.

The new commitments from KKR and Oak Hill will support GTR's substantial development pipeline, including additional greenfield capacity and new market entries across Europe to meet rising demand for high-performance and power-dense compute and cloud infrastructure. With a growing operating team and multiple projects already in execution, GTR is positioned to scale rapidly across Europe as demand for AI-ready data center capacity continues to accelerate.

"As rapid cloud growth continues and scaled AI demand begins to materialize, the need for high-quality, power-efficient, and scalable data center infrastructure in Europe has never been greater," said Andrew Peisch, Partner at KKR. "GTR has established itself as one of Europe's most capable developers of next-generation facilities, and we are thrilled to deepen our commitment to the platform while expanding our long-standing relationship with Oak Hill."

"We are pleased to invest in GTR and collaborate with KKR to support a platform that sits at the intersection of cloud, AI, and critical infrastructure," said Adam Hahn, Partner at Oak Hill. "GTR has built a differentiated platform with a strong management team, and we look forward to supporting the company as it continues to scale to meet the growing digital infrastructure needs across Europe."

Franek Sodzawiczny, CEO and founder of GTR, added: "This investment marks a major inflection point for GTR. Demand from hyperscale and AI-driven customers across Europe continues to accelerate, and this capital enables us to scale our team, deepen our operating capabilities, and move faster into new markets. KKR has been an exceptional strategic partner since our inception, and their renewed commitment positions us to execute against a substantial development pipeline. We are also delighted to welcome Oak Hill, whose deep experience in digital infrastructure and telecommunications will be invaluable as we scale the platform for its next phase of growth."

KKR is funding its investment primarily from its Global Infrastructure Strategy. The firm has committed approximately $34 billion of equity into digital infrastructure across 24 investments, alongside more than $20 billion in power and renewables. KKR's portfolio includes five data center platforms across the U.S., APAC, and EMEA totaling more than 155 facilities and a 12-gigawatt development pipeline, twelve fiber platforms reaching nearly 30 million homes, and over 130,000 wireless infrastructure sites across Europe and APAC.

Oak Hill and its predecessors have been investing in digital infrastructure for over 30 years, with 30 investments to date. The investment in GTR marks the firm's fourth platform investment in the data center space and draws on Oak Hill's deep experience in scaling digital infrastructure businesses.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group's website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About Oak Hill Capital

Oak Hill Capital is a thematic, middle-market private equity firm focused primarily on investing in resilient, defensive growth-oriented services businesses. The firm takes a systematic approach to identifying and building enduring franchises aligned with high conviction themes in (i) digital infrastructure; (ii) financial services; and (iii) essential services. Headquartered in New York City, with offices in Menlo Park and Stamford, over its ~40-year history, Oak Hill has invested in over 115 companies and has raised over $25 billion of initial capital commitments and co-investments since inception. For more information, please visit www.oakhill.com.

About Global Technical Realty

GTR is a build-to-suit European data center platform. The company's focus is the design and construction of tailored and sustainable data centers for global hyper-scalers in key global markets. GTR's management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive technical real estate experience and a proven track record in the data center sector. For further information: www.globaltechnicalrealty.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107040486/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts



KKR



Liidia Liuksila

Media@KKR.com



Oak Hill



Trevor Gibbons Alex Hinson

Pro-OakHillCapital@prosek.com



Global Technical Realty

Clare Shepard

Clare.Shephard@maillot-jaune.co.uk
Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. ("Newron") (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, is pleased to note that its partner EA Pharma Co., Ltd. (EAP), has announced today the initiation of its Phase III clinical trial with evenamide, a novel excessive glutamate release modulator, in Japan.

Stefan Weber, CEO of Newron Pharmaceuticals, commented: "The initiation of EA Pharma's Phase III study of evenamide in Japan represents an important step in the global development of the program. This milestone, together with Newron's ongoing global (excluding EAP territories) ENIGMA-TRS Phase III studies reflects continued progress and momentum for evenamide and further supports its potential as a differentiated add-on therapy in schizophrenia."

The full text of the announcement from EAP is as follows:

EA Pharma Announces Initiation of Phase III Clinical Trial of EA8001, a Novel Treatment for Schizophrenia, in Japan

EA Pharma Co., Ltd. (Head Office, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President, Hidenori Yabune; "EA Pharma") announced today that Phase III clinical trial of EA8001 (non -proprietary name: evenamide), a novel excessive glutamate release modulator, is now ready to begin in Japan (hereinafter the "Trial").

EA Pharma initiates the Trial after review by the institutional review board of the clinical site and other related procedures. This Trial is a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who show poor or inadequate response to at least two different types of antipsychotics, evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of EA8001 as an add-on treatment. EA Pharma is striving to quickly contribute to addressing the needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients with schizophrenia, their families and healthcare providers.

Inquiries

EA Pharma Co., Ltd.

Corporate Communication Dept. Mail: contact_ea@eapharma.co.jp

More Information

1. About schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, which approximately 1% of the Japanese population is affected by, consists of positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions), negative symptoms (such as reduced emotions and avolition), and cognitive impairment (such as memory and decision-making difficulties), and those symptoms may cause difficulty in everyday life and social activities [1]. Current antipsychotics mainly function through the dopamine and/or serotonin pathways, and those antipsychotics are known to show side effects (such as extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and prolactin elevation). Among those patients treated with current antipsychotics, a considerable number of patients become treatment-resistant or poor responsive. Therefore, there is a demand for a drug which can address all those points.

2. About evenamide

Evenamide is the first new chemical entity that has demonstrated significant benefits in this difficult-to-treat patient population, as seen in the potentially pivotal Phase III study 008A trial [2], as an add-on treatment to second generation anti-psychotics, in 291 poorly responding patients with chronic schizophrenia. The primary endpoint, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) [3], and the key secondary endpoint, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale Severity (CGI-S), were met and showed statistical significance compared to placebo. Importantly, evenamide treatment was associated with statistically significant increase in proportion of patients who experienced "clinically meaningful benefit*" on the outcome variables [4].

*Against placebo in the two categories: at least 20% improvement in PANSS, and Score 2 or below in Clinical Global Impression Scale Corrections (CGI-C)

3. About Alliance between EA Pharma and Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A.

EA Pharma obtained the right to develop, manufacture and commercialize evenamide in Japan and other key Asian territories [5] under the license agreement with Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. as of December 2024.

For more details, please see https://www.eapharma.co.jp/en/investors/news/2024/1213.

4. About EA Pharma Co., Ltd.

EA Pharma Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. It was established in April 2016 by integration of the gastrointestinal business unit with more than 60 year's history of the Eisai Group and the gastrointestinal business unit of the Ajinomoto Group having amino acid as its business core. EA Pharma Co., Ltd., is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a full value chain covering R&D, production logistics and sales marketing.

For further information on EA Pharma Co., Ltd., please visit https://www.eapharma.co.jp/en/

[1] National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (https://www.ncnp.go.jp/en/)

[2] A "pivotal phase III trial" is a key clinical trial to collect definitive evidence of efficacy and safety in primary endpoints that can support a regulatory approval. Usually, data collected from multiple confirmatory trials (pivotal trials) are required for a regulatory approval in many countries.

[3] Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is widely used in clinical trials of schizophrenia and is considered the "gold standard" for assessment of antipsychotic treatment efficacy (Innvo Clin Neurosci, 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788255/)

[4] Efficacy and safety of evenamide, a glutamate modulator, added to a second-generation antipsychotic in inadequately/poorly responding patients with chronic schizophrenia: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3, international clinical trial. (Neuropharmacology. 2025: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39708914/)

[5] Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

About Newron Pharmaceuticals

Newron (SIX: NWRN, XETRA: NP5) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Headquartered in Bresso near Milan, Italy, the Company has a strong track record of advancing neuroscience-based treatments from discovery to market. Newron's lead compound, evenamide, is a first-in-class glutamate modulator and has the potential to be the first add-on therapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and for poorly responding patients with schizophrenia. Evenamide is currently developed in the global pivotal ENIGMA-TRS Phase III development program. Clinical trial results to date demonstrate the benefits of this drug candidate in the TRS as well as poorly responding patient population, with significant improvements across key efficacy measures increasing over time, as well as a favorable safety profile, which is uncommon for available antipsychotic medications. Newron has signed development and commercialization agreements for evenamide with EA Pharma (a subsidiary of Eisai) for Japan and other Asian territories, as well as Myung In Pharm for South Korea. Newron's first marketed product, Xadago/safinamide has received marketing authorization for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in the European Union, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Latin America, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and South Korea. The product is commercialized by Newron's partner Zambon, with Supernus Pharmaceuticals holding marketing rights in the U.S., and Meiji Seika responsible for development and commercialization in Japan and other key Asian territories. For more information, please visit: www.newron.com

Important Notices

This document contains forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) about (1) Newron's ability to develop and expand its business, successfully complete development of its current product candidates, the timing of commencement of various clinical trials and receipt of data and current and future collaborations for the development and commercialization of its product candidates, (2) the market for drugs to treat CNS diseases and pain conditions, (3) Newron's financial resources, and (4) assumptions underlying any such statements. In some cases, these statements and assumptions can be identified by the fact that they use words such as "will", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "intend", "plan", "believe", "target", and other words and terms of similar meaning. All statements, other than historical facts, contained herein regarding Newron's strategy, goals, plans, future financial position, projected revenues and costs and prospects are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, such statements and assumptions involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described, assumed or implied therein will not be achieved. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set out in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors. These factors include (without limitation) (1) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of products, including without limitation difficulties in enrolling clinical trials, negative results of clinical trials or research projects or unexpected side effects, (2) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market, (3) future market acceptance of products, (4) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights, (5) inability to raise additional funds, (6) success of existing and entry into future collaborations and licensing agreements, (7) litigation, (8) loss of key executive or other employees, (9) adverse publicity and news coverage, and (10) competition, regulatory, legislative and judicial developments or changes in market and/or overall economic conditions. Newron may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements and assumptions underlying any such statements may prove wrong. Investors should therefore not place undue reliance on them. There can be no assurance that actual results of Newron's research programs, development activities, commercialization plans, collaborations and operations will not differ materially from the expectations set out in such forward-looking statements or underlying assumptions. Newron does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable regulations of the SIX Swiss Exchange or the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange where the shares of Newron are listed. This document does not contain or constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities of Newron and no part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107726352/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Newron

Stefan Weber CEO; +39 02 6103 46 26, pr@newron.com



UK/Europe

Simon Conway Ciara Martin Natalie Garland-Collins, FTI Consulting; +44 20 3727 1000, SCnewron@fticonsulting.com



Switzerland

Valentin Handschin, IRF; +41 43 244 81 54, handschin@irf-reputation.ch



Germany/Europe

Anne Hennecke Maximilian Schur, MC Services; +49 211 52925227, newron@mc-services.eu



USA

Paul Sagan, LaVoieHealthScience; +1 617 865 0041, psagan@lavoiehealthscience.com
Proven Aerospace Industry Executive to Execute Next Phase of Strategic Growth Plan

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Accurus Aerospace Holdings, LLC ("Accurus"), a leading supplier of highly engineered structural parts, complex assemblies and electromechanical subsystems to the global aerospace, defense and space industry which operates through the "Accurus" and "Ferra" brand names, announced today the appointment of Daniel E. Murphy as President and Chief Executive Officer. Accurus is a portfolio company of Liberty Hall Capital Partners ("Liberty Hall").

Mr. Murphy is a proven leader with more than 30 years of experience in aerospace, defense and complementary industrial sectors. He joins Accurus from Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he served as Senior Vice President, Global Fuel Manufacturing, for Westinghouse's nuclear fuel business. At Westinghouse, he oversaw 3,800 team members across five facilities located in the U.S., U.K., and Sweden while leading all central functions, including manufacturing strategy and risk, material planning, program management and operational excellence. Mr. Murphy previously held roles of increasing responsibility at Howmet Aerospace, culminating in his role as Vice President and General Manager of Howmet Engineered Structures. Mr. Murphy is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served on active duty in the United States Navy for twenty years, rising to the rank of Commander.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dan to Accurus and look forward to partnering with him to capitalize on the unprecedented growth across all of the company's major end markets. Dan brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence to build and scale global organizations. His leadership will be instrumental as Accurus accelerates growth while delivering the highest quality products and capabilities to its global customer base," said Michael Warren, Partner at Liberty Hall.

"I am honored to be joining the Accurus team and look forward to executing against the company's strategic growth plan," said Mr. Murphy. "Accurus and Ferra have built a strong reputation within the aerospace industry, supporting a premier customer base across the commercial, defense and space end markets. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on this foundation, deliver best-in-class performance for our customers and drive value-creation for all stakeholders."

About Accurus Aerospace

Accurus Aerospace Holdings, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a leading global supplier of highly engineered structural parts, complex assemblies and electromechanical subsystems to the global aerospace industry, focused on the highest value and fastest growing commercial, business jet, military aerospace and space platforms. Accurus operates under both the "Accurus" and "Ferra" brand names. Accurus has eight manufacturing facilities located in Athens, GA, Bangalore, India, Brisbane, Australia, Grove, OK, Kent, WA, Rogers, AR, Tulsa, OK and Wichita, KS with approximately 850 global team members. For more information, please visit accurusaero.com and ferra-group.com.

About Liberty Hall Capital Partners

Liberty Hall Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in businesses serving the global aerospace and defense industry. Liberty Hall's principals have a 25-plus year history of working together and have led the investment of over $3.0 billion in equity capital in over 30 businesses serving multiple segments of the aerospace and defense industry, including the investment of over $1.2 billion in equity capital in over 20 acquisitions since the formation of Liberty Hall. Liberty Hall was founded in July 2011 as the first, and remains the only, private equity firm focused solely on investments in middle market businesses serving the aerospace and defense industry. Liberty Hall executes a proven and repeatable investment strategy designed to transform middle market businesses into larger, more capable and diverse strategic assets. For more information, please visit libertyhallcapital.com.

For Liberty Hall: For Media: Rowan Taylor Val Mack Liberty Hall Capital Partners FTI Consulting P: +1 (646) 291-2602 P: +1 (212) 247-1010 rtaylor@libertyhallcapital.com libertyhallcapitalpartners@fticonsulting.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/accurus-aerospace-appoints-dan-murphy-as-chief-executive-officer-302654345.html
KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Adnex Group Berhad ("Adnex" or the "Company"), which is primarily involved in the provision of interior fit-out services, has signed an underwriting agreement with Public Investment Bank Berhad ("PIVB") in respect of the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") in conjunction with its upcoming listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities").

With more than 20 years of operating history through its principal subsidiary Adnex Interior Solution Sdn. Bhd., Adnex has built a solid reputation in delivering quality interior fit-out services for corporate offices, F&B outlets and sales galleries. The interior fit-out services provided by the Group typically involve the process of actualisation of design of the interior space, serving a diverse clientele ranging from local corporations to multinational companies ("MNCs").

Adnex's upcoming IPO, comprising a public issue of 90.50 million new ordinary shares and an offer for sale of 39.50 million existing shares is detailed as follows:

Public Issue

Malaysian Public: 25.00 million shares or 5.00% of the enlarged issued share capital will be made available for application by the Malaysian public.

Eligible Persons: 15.00 million shares or 3.00% of the enlarged issued share capital will be allocated to eligible directors, employees, and other persons who have contributed to the success of the Company and its subsidiaries ("Group").

Private Placement to Selected Investors: 27.50 million shares or 5.50% of the enlarged issued share capital are reserved for private placement to selected investors.

Private Placement to Bumiputera Investors: 23.00 million shares or 4.60% of the enlarged issued share capital are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia ("MITI").



Offer for sale

Offer for sale of 39.50 million existing shares or 7.90% of the enlarged issued share capital by way of private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by MITI.

Based on the Underwriting Agreement, PIVB will underwrite 40.00 million shares, comprising those made available for the Malaysian public and the Company's eligible directors, employees, and persons who have contributed to the success of the Group.

Mr. Kan Wai Chun, Managing Director of Adnex commented, "The signing of this underwriting agreement represents another major step in our journey towards becoming a listed company. Over the past two decades, Adnex has grown into a trusted name in the interior fit-out industry by consistently delivering high-quality workmanship with capability to provide sustainable interior fit-out services, timely completion, and client-focused solutions. Our listing will provide the financial foundation to enhance our operational capacity, expand regionally into East Malaysia and selected overseas markets, and invest in technology and equipment upgrades to strengthen our competitive edge."

Mr. Lee Yo-Hunn, Chief Executive Officer of PIVB added, "Adnex has demonstrated solid fundamentals and operational expertise in Malaysia's interior fit-out sector, serving a well-diversified base of corporate and institutional clients. With an experienced management team and a proven project portfolio, the Group is poised to capture new growth opportunities within Malaysia's commercial and industrial development landscape. Public Investment Bank is proud to play a key role in supporting Adnex's IPO and its debut on the ACE Market."

Adnex obtained Bursa Securities' approval for its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on 25 September 2025, marking an important milestone in the Group's corporate evolution. The upcoming listing is expected to strengthen Adnex's capital structure, enhance its operational capacity, and support the delivery of sustainable long-term value to shareholders.

###

ABOUT ADNEX GROUP BERHAD

Adnex Group Berhad ("Adnex" or the "Group") is an interior fit-out services provider with over 20 years of experience through its principal subsidiary, Adnex Interior Solution Sdn. Bhd., established in 2004. The Group provides comprehensive interior fit-out services, including interior fit-out works and turnkey fit-out services for corporate offices, F&B outlets and sales galleries. Headquartered in Shah Alam, Adnex has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and timely execution, serving both local corporations and multinational companies ("MNCs"). The Group continues to strengthen its market presence and is expected to expand into East Malaysia and selected overseas markets, supported by its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within Malaysia's evolving built environment sector.

For more information, visit https://adnexinterior.com/.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Adnex Group Berhad

For more information, please contact:

Jazzmin Wan

Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Xinyi Ching

Email: x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: Adnex Group Berhad

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/adnex-group-berhad-signs-underwriting-agreement-with-public-inve-1124891
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Nepra Foods Inc. (CSE:NPRA)(FSE:2P6)(OTCQB:NPRFF), a leader in specialty ingredients and allergen-free products, today announced the appointment of Cotter Stern as Director of Ingredient Sales. With over 15 years of experience in organic food trading, Mr. Stern brings deep technical understanding of global commodity markets and a proven track record of building sustainable supply chains. Mr. Stern's esteemed reputation will accelerate Nepra Foods' growth trajectory.

Mr. Stern's career demonstrates a commitment to the organic food sector, shaped by early mentorship under an entrepreneurial pioneer and advanced through global roles managing logistics, inventory, and successful product launches. He has expertly handled hundreds of ingredients in both CPG and bulk markets. Spanning plant proteins, legumes, nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and oils.

The decision to hire a dedicated sales representative like Mr. Stern represents a pivotal evolution for Nepra Foods as the company scales operations in a competitive CPG environment. With rising inquiries and demand for specialized offerings - including hemp proteins, functional flours, and specialty starches - the company identified the need for focused, expert leadership in ingredient sales. This strategic move prioritizes client partnerships and improves supply chain efficiency to ensures consistent, high-quality fulfillment. The goal? To convert market interest into recurring revenue streams heading into 2026 and beyond.

"The team and I incredibly excited to welcome Cotter onboard. This appointment reinforces Nepra Foods' commitment to environmentally focused innovations, leaders like Mr. Stern prove essential to achieving scalability that elevates performance and market recognition." said Billy Hogan, CEO of Nepra Foods.

Mr. Stern is known in the industry for his trustworthiness and high integrity; qualities that have fostered enduring client loyalty through a consistent client-first approach. His meticulous attention to detail and rigorous expectations for supplier quality will differentiate Nepra Foods. Mr. Stern's extensive network provides substantial opportunities for Nepra Foods to expand ingredient sales via trusted connections with farmers, producers, and major clients worldwide.

Mr. Stern commented, "Joining Nepra at this inflection point is an honor and a privilege. My primary goal is to bring forth rooted and fully vetted supply chains, servicing the highest quality ingredients and sharpen our go to market execution while optimizing our revenue streams. We are looking at the potential of our product offerings; staying focused on building trust and capturing market share while delivering measurable value."

About Nepra Foods Inc.

Nepra Foods Inc. is a vertically integrated functional nutrition company delivering clean-label solutions. Our mission is to nourish people and the planet by partnering with category leaders, emerging brands, and technology companies to build resilient supply chains rooted in ethical practices and eco-aware innovation. From early-stage development through large-scale growth, Nepra Foods delivers tailored solutions - including market-ready formulations, advanced ingredient technology, co-manufacturing services, e-commerce management, and retail distribution. Nepra Foods collaborates with leading ag-tech groups to translate their research and practices into real-world applications. For more information on the company, visit www.neprafoods.com.

Media Contact & Investor Contact

William Hogan, CEO

Email: investors@neprafoods.com

Investor Relations

Toll-Free: 844-566-1917

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business development, results of operations, and those listed in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company's management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws.

SOURCE: Nepra Foods

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/nepra-foods-appoints-cotter-stern-as-director-of-ingredient-sales-1124556
All dollar figures are in Canadian Dollars

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously-announced "best efforts" brokered private placement (the "Offering") from aggregate gross proceeds of up to $15,000,000 to aggregate gross proceeds of up to $25,500,000. Up to $15,500,000 of the Offering will be completed pursuant to the LIFE Exemption (as defined below) and up to $10,000,000 wll be completed pursuant to OSC Rule 72-503 - Distributions Outside Canada ("OSC Rule 72-503").

The upsized Offering, which is being co-led by A.G.P. Canada Investments ULC and Integrity Capital Group Inc., is comprised of the sale of up to 25,500,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $1.00 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $1.30 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering is being completed pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions set forth in Part 5A thereof, as amended by the Canadian Securities Administrators' Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") to purchasers resident in Canada, except Quebec, and such other jurisdictions outside of Canada in compliance with applicable securities laws of those jurisdictions. There is an amended and restated Form 45-106F19 offering document (the "Amended and Restated Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under Kuya Silver's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website https://www.kuyasilver.com. In addition, the Offering is being completed in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. The Units will also be offered to purchasers outside of Canada pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements in Canada available under OSC Rule 72-503. The Units issued in the Offering pursuant to the LIFE Exemption and pursuant to OSC Rule 72-503 will not be subject to any statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

Prospective investors should read the Amended and Restated Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering and other available funds for general corporate and working capital purposes, to advance the Company's Bethania project in Peru ("Bethania Project") with the acquisition of and/or development of concentrate processing capacity (which may include, at the Company's discretion, the acquisition of processing operations or equipment that may be located outside of the immediate Bethania Project area), to continue to explore the Silver Kings Project in Ontario and for discretionary growth capital, as more specifically detailed in the Amended and Restated Offering Document.

The Offering may close in multiple tranches, with the first tranche expected to close on or about January 14, 2026 and the final closing to occur no later than February 20, 2026. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange").

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Kuya Silver Corporation

Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya Silver operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada.

Reader Advisory

This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the size and terms of the Offering, closing of the Offering in one or more tranches, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Offering and the Company's goals, plans and objectives. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory, or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: the Company receiving all requisite approvals in connection with the Offering, including Exchange approval; success of the Company's projects; prices for metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital estimates; prices for energy inputs; labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279694

Source: Kuya Silver Corporation
MARION, NC / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Greene Concepts Inc. (OTCID:INKW), owner and operator of a 60,000-square-foot bottling facility in Marion, North Carolina, and producer of the premium artesian spring water brand Be Water, today announced a renewed company focus on expanding sales and retail availability of its gallon-sized Be Water bottles across major retail channels nationwide.

Renewed Focus on Retail Expansion

Building on the Company's May 21, 2024 announcement regarding the launch of gallon-size production to fulfill large-scale purchase orders, Greene Concepts is accelerating its efforts to meet surging demand for the larger format. The Company is optimizing operations at its Marion facility to increase gallon output and strengthen retail partnerships nationwide.

The gallon configuration, originally introduced in mid-2024, has seen steady consumer adoption driven by households, retailers, and organizations seeking a sustainable, value-based hydration option. Greene Concepts is now prioritizing retail placement of gallon bottles alongside its current product offerings to broaden market penetration and enhance consumer choice.

CEO Statement

"Our gallon bottles have become one of the most requested formats in the Be Water lineup," said Lenny Greene, CEO of Greene Concepts. "We're committed to expanding nationwide access through retailers that share our vision of affordability, sustainability, and quality."

Greene added, "Our Be Water branded gallon-sized configuration along with our third-party white-label production continues to gain traction. This renewed focus underscores our mission to provide consumers with premium, American-sourced hydration from North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains while driving meaningful, long-term value for our shareholders."

Follow Greene Concepts, Inc. on Social Media at: X - @GreeneConcepts , Facebook - @inkw2025, Instagram - Greene Concepts, Inc. and Be Water

About Greene Concepts, Inc.

Greene Concepts, Inc. (https://www.greeneconcepts.com) is a publicly traded company whose purpose is to provide the world with high-quality, healthy and enhanced beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of its consumers while refreshing their mind, body and spirit. The Company's flagship product, Be Water, is a premium artesian bottled water that supports total body health and wellness. Greene Concepts' beverage and bottling plant is located in Marion, North Carolina, and their water is ethically sourced from spring and artesian wells that are fed from a natural aquifer located deep beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greene Concepts continues to develop and market premium beverage brands designed to enhance the daily lives of consumers.

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Greene Concepts, Inc.

Investor Relations

IR@greeneconcepts.com

SOURCE: Greene Concepts Inc.

Be Water Gallon Box

1 Gallon Bottle

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/greene-concepts-answers-consumer-demand-with-renewed-focus-on-ga-1124834
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Galleon Gold Corp. (TSXV: GGO) (FSE: 3H90) ("Galleon Gold" or the "Company") provides a summary of its significant achievements in 2025 highlighted by arranging a comprehensive financing strategy, securing key regulatory approvals and initiating critical early-stage development activities at its West Cache Gold Project in Timmins, Ontario (the "Project" or "West Cache"). These milestones were aimed at de-risking the Project and establishing solid groundwork for future feasibility studies, moving the Company towards its ultimate goal of building the next mine in the prolific Timmins gold camp.

2025 Achievements

Fully Funded Bulk Sample Program:

In 2025, Galleon Gold raised $91.5 million in capital, providing full funding for the planned bulk sample program and positioning the Company to advance the West Cache Project through critical de-risking and feasibility-level work. The financing package included $15.5 million in convertible debentures, $30 million in equity financings, and a $46 million senior secured debt facility.

In 2025, Galleon Gold raised $91.5 million in capital, providing full funding for the planned bulk sample program and positioning the Company to advance the West Cache Project through critical de-risking and feasibility-level work. The financing package included $15.5 million in convertible debentures, $30 million in equity financings, and a $46 million senior secured debt facility. Regulatory Approval for Bulk Sample:

In April 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines accepted the Company's Closure Plan for filing, marking a key milestone toward the extraction of an 86,500-tonne bulk sample under an advanced exploration program. The bulk sample is expected to generate critical data to support future feasibility studies.

In April 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines accepted the Company's Closure Plan for filing, marking a key milestone toward the extraction of an 86,500-tonne bulk sample under an advanced exploration program. The bulk sample is expected to generate critical data to support future feasibility studies. Strategic Investment from Pan American:

As part of the 2025 financings, Pan American Silver Corp. (" Pan American ") invested $8 million through an unsecured convertible debt financing, $11.25 million through equity, and also provided a senior secured debt facility of up to $46 million (the "debt facility"). In parallel, Galleon Gold signed a Memorandum of Understanding (" MOU ") with Lake Shore Gold Corp., a subsidiary of Pan American, for the toll processing of the mineralized material from the planned bulk sample.

As part of the 2025 financings, Pan American Silver Corp. (" ") invested $8 million through an unsecured convertible debt financing, $11.25 million through equity, and also provided a senior secured debt facility of up to $46 million (the "debt facility"). In parallel, Galleon Gold signed a Memorandum of Understanding (" ") with Lake Shore Gold Corp., a subsidiary of Pan American, for the toll processing of the mineralized material from the planned bulk sample. Enhanced Project Economics:

The Company drew $11 million from the debt facility and completed the repurchase of a 3% net smelter return royalty (the " Royalty ") on West Cache from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Corporation (" Newmont "). With the Royalty fully extinguished, the West Cache principal resource area is 100% unencumbered by net smelter return royalties, enhancing long-term economic potential.

The Company drew $11 million from the debt facility and completed the repurchase of a 3% net smelter return royalty (the " ") on West Cache from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Corporation (" "). With the Royalty fully extinguished, the West Cache principal resource area is 100% unencumbered by net smelter return royalties, enhancing long-term economic potential. Early Development Activities Initiated:

With funding secured and regulatory approvals in place, the Company commenced tree harvesting, road building, initial hydro line installation work and surface planning, in preparation for awarding surface construction and underground contracts in 2026.

2026 Objectives

Advance Surface Infrastructure Development:

Commence and complete surface infrastructure construction, including hydro and power supply, access roads, administration complex, box cut, and water management systems.

Commence and complete surface infrastructure construction, including hydro and power supply, access roads, administration complex, box cut, and water management systems. Initiate Underground Development:

Begin underground development, including completing majority of decline and ramping development required to reach the targeted mineralized material outlined in the Closure Plan for an 86,500-tonne bulk sample.

Begin underground development, including completing majority of decline and ramping development required to reach the targeted mineralized material outlined in the Closure Plan for an 86,500-tonne bulk sample. Execute Targeted Exploration Program:

Initiate an exploration drill program with two-fold strategy: Infill drilling to further define the existing resource and potentially convert and expand gold ounces; and Exploration drilling to target and test high-priority unexplored areas outside the current resource area, identified through geophysics surveys and soil sampling programs, with the objective of identifying new mineralized zones.

Initiate an exploration drill program with two-fold strategy:

"With Pan American as a strategic investor and several new long-term institutional investors who supported our financing efforts, we enter 2026 fully funded to execute on strategy and derisk the development of our West Cache project," said Mr. David Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Galleon Gold. "We are in the early stages of fleshing out the full value of the Project, with less than 10% of the Project drill tested, we believe there are additional ounces of gold to add to the resource."

About Galleon Gold

Galleon Gold is advancing the West Cache Gold Project with a disciplined, de-risking strategy centered on resource growth and an upcoming 86,500-tonne bulk sample program, positioning the Company to unlock long-term shareholder value. For more information, please visit www.galleongold.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward looking statements", as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws, that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Galleon Gold with respect to its long-term strategy, proposed work, plans, bulk sample program and other reports including the PEA for its projects. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the markets in which Galleon Gold operates. Some of the statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, expectations, plans, and objectives of Galleon Gold are forward-looking statements that involve various risks. The following are important factors that could cause Galleon Gold's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions and uncertainty of access to additional capital, risks inherent in mineral exploration, delays in the receipt of government approvals, risks associated with development, construction, mining operations and third party contractor activities, risks related to unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Galleon Gold undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279655

Source: Galleon Gold Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Golden Harp Resources Inc. (TSX Venture:GHR.H) (the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration company, announces that at its annual and special meeting of shareholders held on January 6, 2026 (the "Meeting"), disinterested shareholders overwhelmingly approved, by ordinary resolution, the previously announced amended and restated mining claims purchase agreement dated effective November 10, 2025 (the "Amended Acquisition Agreement") between the Company and Timothy A. Young, the Company's control person.

At the Meeting, disinterested shareholders, being shareholders other than Mr. Young and certain related and associated persons, holding an aggregate of 8,493,224 common shares out of the Company's 35,067,486 common shares outstanding who were entitled to vote on the resolution. Approximately 50% of such shares were represented in person or by proxy, with 100% of the votes cast in favour of the resolution.

"The overwhelming approval by disinterested shareholders is a significant endorsement of the geological and strategic rationale underlying this transaction," said Ian Campbell, Vice President, Exploration. "With this approval, Golden Harp is positioned to move forward with a fully-consolidated, district-scale land package at Copper Hill, free of joint venture constraints. This consolidation allows future exploration programs to be designed and executed across the property in an integrated manner, improving the Company's ability to explore the gold-enriched geological system underlying the expanded property, subject to the Company's reactivation from NEX to Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the TSXV."

All other resolutions proposed by management (i.e. re-appointment of the Company's auditors for the next fiscal year and authorizing the board of directors to fix their remuneration; fixing the number of directors to be elected for the ensuing year at four; election of directors; and approving the Company's stock option plan), as outlined in the Company's management information circular (the "Circular") dated December 8, 2025 and mailed to shareholders, were also unanimously approved at the Meeting.

CLOSING CONDITIONS

Closing of the transactions contemplated by the Amended Acquisition Agreement remains subject to receipt of final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. If exchange approval is not obtained within 90 days of the effective date of the Amended Acquisition Agreement, the agreement will terminate in accordance with its terms.

For additional details regarding the Amended Acquisition Agreement, readers are referred to the Circular and the Company's news release dated December 24, 2025.

NEX BOARD

The common shares of the Company are listed on the NEX Board of the TSXV. At this time, the Company is not contemplating a reactivation of the Company from the NEX Board to Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the TSXV.

Contact:

Erinn B. Broshko

Chief Executive Officer

Email - goldenharpresources@gmail.com

About the Company

The Company is a Canadian mineral exploration company. Its principal asset is the Copper Hill Property in Northern Ontario. The Company is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and its shares trade on the NEX Board of the TSXV under the symbol "GHR.H".

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented herein constitutes "forward-looking information", particularly statements concerning obtaining TSXV approval and shareholder approval, and closing, of the proposed acquisition of mining claims and joint venture interests from Mr. Young and the importance and potential value to the Company if such acquisition is completed. Such statements contained in this press release are solely opinions and forecasts which are uncertain and subject to risks. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of the forward-looking information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made, by third parties in respect of the matters disclosed in this press release.

SOURCE: Golden Harp Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/golden-harp-resources-inc.-shareholders-overwhelmingly-approve-acquisition-and-cr-1124868
Strategic acquisition of a go-to partner for global publishers adds best-in-class media industry and technical expertise to provide new solutions to enterprise customers

WP Engine, a global web enablement company providing premium products and solutions for websites built on WordPress ?[1], today announced its acquisition of Big Bite, a leading enterprise agency renowned for the development of advanced editorial tools that dramatically improve how global brands and media organizations create and share digital content.

A longstanding WP Engine agency partner, Big Bite has over a decade of experience developing newsroom platforms, publishing workflows, and specialized tools that combine editorial flexibility with technical excellence. Their publishing expertise has helped transform the digital ecosystems of some of the world's biggest media brands, including The Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Metro, and Macworld. As part of this transaction, Big Bite's agency business will be wound down, and its team will transition into WP Engine's Engineering organization to help build products that enhance publishing solutions for customers and agency partners.

"Today's acquisition advances WP Engine's commitment to serve publishers with products that enable them to more efficiently create, organize, and share content," said Ramadass Prabhakar, Chief Technology Officer at WP Engine. "Together, we've successfully aligned our capabilities to support some of the world's biggest publishers, including ITP Media Group, and we are in a unique position to bring intelligent, purpose-built software solutions to market for agency partners and publishers that will improve how they deliver digital content and optimize workflows."

"We are excited to bring our two organizations together to unlock growth and develop unique product offerings for digital agencies and brands that partner with WP Engine," said Jason Agnew, Big Bite Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder. "By uniting our strengths in engineering, we can provide even greater value to WP Engine's agency partners looking to elevate publishing capabilities."

Big Bite's publishing expertise, focused on navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape with innovative solutions, will seamlessly integrate into the premium service WP Engine provides its network of global agency partners. To learn more about WP Engine, click here.

About WP Engine

WP Engine empowers companies and agencies of all sizes to build, power, manage, and optimize their WordPress websites and applications with confidence. The global technology company serves more than 1.5 million sites, providing premium, enterprise-grade solutions, tools, and services, including specialized hosting platforms for WordPress, industry-tailored agency solutions, and developer-centric tools like Local, Advanced Custom Fields, NitroPack, and more. WP Engine's innovative technology and industry-leading expertise are why 8% of the web visits a WP Engine-powered site daily. Learn more at wpengine.com.

About Big Bite

Big Bite revolutionizes online publishing for global brands and newsrooms by developing scalable digital solutions and products, exclusively built on WordPress. With extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects, including several in partnership with WP Engine, the UK-based agency specializes in working with multi-faceted enterprise organizations that have numerous contributors, extensive content, and numerous challenges. Since its founding in 2011, Big Bite has designed and developed publishing ecosystems, high-traffic sites, custom themes, and innovative plugins on behalf of its impressive client portfolio, which includes brands such as The Times, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, Gumtree, Amnesty International, and Octopus Group.

[1] The WordPress trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107821691/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Lauren Cox

press@wpengine.com
Company expands its ecosystem of investors with new financing from InHealth Ventures, part of a large UK-based health system, and the Labcorp Venture Fund

IMVARIA Inc., a health tech company pioneering AI-driven digital biomarker solutions, today announced strategic investments from new and existing investors to accelerate IMVARIA's growth and fuel innovation in AI-driven digital healthcare. InHealth Ventures (IHV), an early-stage fund linked to leading screening and diagnostics provider InHealth Group, led the funding, with participation from the Labcorp Venture Fund and existing partner Cedar Crest Holdings. The new strategic investments will enable IMVARIA to extend its AI-driven diagnostic services for various forms of lung disease and make IMVARIA's tests more easily accessible for clinicians, especially pulmonologists.

InHealth Ventures is a London-based early-stage venture capital fund investing in tech-enabled healthcare and life sciences. The firm backs ambitious founders from seed through Series A and beyond, drawing on deep sector expertise and a global network to help companies scale while improving patient outcomes, expanding access, and lowering the cost of care.

Labcorp is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services. The company's Venture Fund invests in and supports early stage, private companies that are focused on improving health outcomes through innovative offerings aimed at making healthcare more convenient, accessible, data-driven and personalized.

Cedar Crest Holdings is a biotech investment company that is helping life sciences and biotech companies to drive innovation and improve the human condition.

Led by Stanford School of Medicine-trained practicing physicians who are also trained engineers formerly of Google, IMVARIA is known for its two FDA authorizations for AI-powered tests, growing commercial traction, a strong interdisciplinary team, and a unique go-to-market strategy for AI tests.

"We share a common mission and vision with our investors to leverage AI in diagnostic testing to make a significantly positive difference in patient care," said Joshua Reicher, MD, Co-founder and CEO of IMVARIA. "The combination of the new strategic investments marks an important milestone in the emergence of IMVARIA as a leading AI-powered test services partner for the clinical community. We are currently focusing on non-invasive diagnoses for lung diseases, but we are also looking at opportunities to expand the applications of our AI platform and algorithms to support and help accelerate the evolution of healthcare."

"At InHealth, we have confidence in IMVARIA's health AI innovation and their medical credibility. Our valued partnership and our strategic investment in IMVARIA are part of a broader plan that we have to harness the power of AI to equip doctors and allied health professionals with more powerful tools and tests to transform how chronic disease is identified and treated," said Richard Bradford, Chair of InHealth Group

"Our investment in IMVARIA reflects a shared vision for how AI can improve patient care through fast and efficient diagnostics," said Megann Vaughn Watters, Vice President of New Ventures and Strategic Alliances for Labcorp. "We're proud to help shape the future of digital health by supporting innovative technologies that make healthcare more streamlined and effective."

IMVARIA Advances the Use of AI for Diagnostic Tests

IMVARIA's Fibresolve was designed to meet the highest medical standards, deliver new insights, and make it easy for clinicians to use AI with confidence and minimal burden. Fibresolve received FDA authorization in early 2024 for use in suspected interstitial lung disease (ILD), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and went through a rigorous process to make it useful and reliable for clinicians.

Fibresolve is available through IMVARIA's centralized service that uses AI to help guide safe, non-invasive diagnoses. Fibresolve also has the distinction as the first FDA Breakthrough-Designated AI diagnostic tool with simultaneously adopted CPT billing codes by the American Medical Association (AMA) in any disease.

IMVARIA was recently awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funding will support IMVARIA's development of a new test for more accurate malignancy assessment in chest CTs, building on the success of Fibresolve, its FDA-authorized AI adjunctive diagnostic service in lung disease.

Michael Muelly, MD, Co-founder and CTO of IMVARIA, said, "We have made AI-driven testing for lung conditions extremely easy for pulmonologists to get new insights about patients that will help them have a richer set of data for making their own assessments. Because we are both doctors and technologists, we have been successfully able to deliver exactly what clinicians need, and the AMA's adoption of CPT billing codes has made it easier for clinicians to order an IMVARIA AI test."

For more information about IMVARIA, click here.

About IMVARIA Inc.

IMVARIA is a health tech company pioneering AI-driven solutions that empower clinicians to make accurate diagnoses and prognoses at earlier stages of disease. Founded in 2019 by physician-engineers from Google and Stanford University, the company operates its AI Platform with automated, machine-learning algorithm technology to transform clinical decision-making into data science. IMVARIA is based in Berkeley, CA. For more information, go to www.imvaria.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107816461/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Anthony Petrucci

Bioscribe

anthony@bioscribe.com
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascot Group, a global leader in specialty insurance, proudly marks the start of its year-long 25th anniversary celebration today, commemorating a legacy of partnership, innovation, and resolute commitment to clients across the world.

Founded at Lloyd's in 2001, Ascot has significantly developed its presence in some of the world's most vibrant specialty insurance markets, including London, the U.S., and Bermuda. Over the last 25 years, Ascot launched over 200 products in response to the rapidly evolving risk landscape, navigated through more than 250 CAT events, paid over $12B in claims, and welcomed more than 1,100 colleagues across the globe.

"Reaching our 25-year milestone is a testament to the trust our clients place in us, the dedication of our employees, and the strength of the relationships we've built across the industry," said Jonathan Zaffino, CEO and President of Ascot Group. "While our business has expanded significantly over the past quarter century, we remain steadfast in our mission to be a perfect partner for a less-than-perfect world, bringing clarity and resilience to a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world."

For more on Ascot's anniversary, including a closer look at the company's past, present, and future vision, please visit its 25th anniversary page on the company's website.

About Ascot Group

Ascot is a leading global specialty insurance and reinsurance group offering property and casualty solutions to clients, with a 25-year track record of consistency and stability and $12 billion in total assets at year-end 2024. The company operates through an ecosystem of interconnected global platforms in offices across the United States, Bermuda and London, bound by a common mission to be a perfect partner for a less-than-perfect world.

Affiliates within the Ascot Group are rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, A+ by Fitch Ratings Inc. and A by S&P Ratings.

Visit www.ascotgroup.com or follow the company on LinkedIn to learn more about its products and people.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ascot-group-celebrates-25-years-of-partnership-and-resilience-302655195.html
RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Exeter Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. ("EQRT") is pleased to announce it has acquired a 76,007 square-foot industrial property positioned across approximately 9.6 acres in Torrance, California for $51.5 million.

The property is situated in the heart of the South Bay submarket of Los Angeles, one of the most supply-constrained logistics hubs in the U.S., with access to approximately 20 million people within a one-hour drive. With close proximity to dense population centers, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and key transportation corridors including I-405 and I-110, the site is well-positioned to serve both regional and last-mile distribution needs.

The property is fully occupied by a Fortune 50 food and beverage company. The building offers a compelling set of functional features, including van-high loading on the east and west sides, dock-high loading on the south side, 30 foot clear height, approximately 12% high-quality office build-out, and multiple EV charging stations to support zero-emission last-mile delivery fleets.

Ali Houshmand, Global Head of Non-Traded REITs at EQT Real Estate, LLC ("EQT Real Estate") said: "This acquisition reflects our continued conviction in the long-term fundamentals of industrial real estate. Southern California is one the tightest and most strategically important logistics markets in the country, and this investment sits squarely within EQRT's investment strategy of stabilized, income-oriented properties critical to modern supply chains and positioned for sustainable, long-term demand."

EQRT is externally advised by EQT Real Estate, the real estate division of EQT AB, a purpose-driven global investment organization. EQRT focuses on properties that can leverage EQT Real Estate's scale and long-standing direct leasing relationships with Fortune 1000 companies. EQRT will generally seek to invest in properties with business tenants, such as industrial or life science properties, and in real estate assets with consumer users, such as multifamily or self-storage properties.

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are based on EQRT's current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions or beliefs and speak only as of the date hereof. Such statements are not facts and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements as if they were fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "target," "estimate," "intend," "continue," "forecast," or "believe" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or other comparable terminology. Actual events or results or EQRT's actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including those relating to future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions by EQRT. No representation or warranty is made as to future performance or such forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in these forward-looking statements, the inclusion of this information should not be regarded as a representation by EQRT or any other person that EQRT's objectives and plans, which EQRT considers to be reasonable, will be achieved.

Except as otherwise required by federal securities laws, EQRT does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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The following files are available for download:

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eqt-exeter-real-estate-income-trust-acquires-76-000-square-foot-industrial-property-in-torrance-ca-for-51-5-million-302655205.html
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Trip.com Group Limited ("Trip.com") (NASDAQ: TCOM).

On January 14, 2026, Trip.com announced ". . . that it has received a notice of investigation from the State Administration for Market Regulations of the People's Republic of China (the 'SAMR'). According to the notice, the SAMR has commenced an investigation involving the Company pursuant to the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China."

On this news, Trip.com's American Depositary Shares ("ADS") dropped more than 17%.

Investors of Trip.com American Depositary Shares are encouraged to complete Kehoe Law Firm's Stockholder Information Request Form or send us a message to contact an attorney to learn more about the securities investigation and receive a free, no-obligation legal evaluation of potential claims.

Additional information can be obtained at https://kehoelawfirm.com/trip-com-group-tcom/.

ABOUT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

This press release may constitute attorney advertising.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280519

Source: Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2026) - Grabar Law Office is investigating claims on behalf of shareholders of Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR) The investigation concerns whether certain officers and directors breached the fiduciary duties they owed to the company.

Current Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR) who have held shares since before October 7, 2020, can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to them whatsoever. You are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/lifecore-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085.

WHY? A recently filed federal securities class action against Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR) and certain of its officers has reached a settlement . The underlying class action Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the Complaint alleges Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Lifecore maintained deficient internal controls over financial reporting; (ii) as a result, the Company issued several financial statements that were inaccurate and would need to be restated; (iii) Lifecore's purported remediation efforts with respect to the foregoing deficiencies were ineffective; (iv) all of the foregoing impaired Lifecore's ability to timely file periodic reports with the SEC in compliance with NASDAQ listing requirements; (v) accordingly, the Company's financial position and/or prospects were materially overstated; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.



In November 2025, the Company and individual defendants entered into an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs to settle the class action.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: If you purchased Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR) shares prior to October 7, 2020, and still hold shares today, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/lifecore-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085. You can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever.

LFCR $LFCR Lifecore

Attorney Advertising Disclaimer

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279861

Source: Grabar Law Office
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Grabar Law Office is investigating claims on behalf of shareholders of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX). The investigation concerns whether certain officers and directors breached the fiduciary duties they owed to the company.

If you purchased CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), prior to June 20, 2025, and still hold shares today, you can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever. Please visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/carmax-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085 to learn more.

WHY? As alleged in a recently filed federal securities fraud class action complaint, CarMax Inc. (NYSE: KMX), through certain of its officers, made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) CarMax recklessly overstated its growth prospects when, in reality, its earlier growth in the 2026 fiscal year was a temporary benefit from customers buying cars due to speculation regarding tariffs; and (2) as a result, positive statements about CarMax's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times when made.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: If you purchased CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), prior to June 20, 2025, and still hold shares today, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/carmax-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at jgrabar@grabarlaw.com, or call 267-507-6085. You can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever.

CarMax $KMX KMX

Attorney Advertising Disclaimer

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279697

Source: Grabar Law Office
LoanLogics platform enables national retail mortgage lender to achieve fast, accurate, and compliant workflows for rapidly growing market segment

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / LoanLogics, a leader in due diligence, audit software, and automation solutions for the mortgage industry, today announced that Guild Mortgage ("Guild"), a nationally recognized retail mortgage lender, has selected LoanBeam NQM to automate income analysis for its expanded (non-QM) loans.

LoanBeam NQM converts borrower bank statements into structured, validated data, resulting in lower per-loan processing costs and more accurate data validation, ensuring reliable income calculations. The platform's built-in quality controls, NSF tracking, and audit trails also protect the lender pipeline.

"Non-QM mortgages create greater potential for lender error due to the unconventional financial profiles of borrowers who don't typically meet standard income, employment, or credit criteria," said Dave Parker, CEO of LoanLogics. "LoanBeam NQM helps manage this complexity by combining AI-powered document processing, human verification, and intelligent income calculation to transform income analysis from a labor-intensive manual task into a fast, accurate, and compliant digital process."

"With the non-QM mortgage segment rapidly growing in popularity, we recognized the need for a cutting-edge technology platform that could automate the complicated task of verifying borrower income via a safe, compliant, and efficient workflow," said Erin Watts, VP Product Strategy, Guild Mortgage. "We look forward to utilizing LoanBeam NQM to offer more opportunity to creditworthy borrowers who may not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage."

About LoanLogics

LoanLogics is a leader in asset integrity and investor-led business outcomes for the mortgage industry, providing technologies that automate critical mortgage manufacturing components including income calculation, document processing, and file integrity checks. These services help mortgage loan originators, large aggregators, investors, and GSEs reduce their overhead and overall portfolio risk. The company serves 700+ clients including 60 percent of the largest lenders in the U.S., with more than half of all loans processed running through LoanLogics technologies. To learn more, visit www.loanlogics.com.

About Guild Mortgage

Guild Mortgage Co. is a nationally recognized retail mortgage lender with branches across 49 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1960, Guild has delivered the promise of home to neighborhoods nationwide through a team of local loan officers with expertise in Conventional and government loans, down payment assistance programs, home equity loans and many more products. Guild elevates the customer service experience with its mobile app, borrower portal, mortgage calculators and real-time loan updates. With a robust in-house loan servicing team, Guild helps borrowers explore and understand rates and payment options or access their home equity. To learn more, visit www.GuildMortgage.com.

Media Contact

Joshua Greenwald

jgreenwald@stantonprm.com

646-504-7306

SOURCE: LoanLogics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/guild-mortgage-selects-loanbeam-nqmtm-to-automate-income-analysis-1119196
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Infinant today announced the latest release of its Interlace Banking and Payments Platform, delivering a unified framework for tokenized deposits and GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoins. The enhanced platform enables banks to create, manage, and move digital assets with seamless integration across Interlace's virtual account, ledger, and payments modules.

As the financial industry accelerates toward real-time, blockchain-enabled money movement, stablecoins and tokenized deposits are emerging as critical tools bridging traditional banking with digital finance. Stablecoins-often issued by nonbank entities-operate as bearer instruments, while tokenized deposits represent regulated bank deposits expressed as digital tokens on a blockchain. Together, these instruments are powering new business models: near-real-time cross-border settlement for transportation workers, milestone-based contractor payouts in construction, and daily pay capabilities for the hospitality industry, helping them better compete for talent.

With Interlace, banks now have access to modern, compliant infrastructure that provides regulated on-ramps to tokenized deposits and stablecoin payments-without the need to build blockchain infrastructure from scratch. The platform unifies fiat and digital asset operations, enabling integrated support for traditional rails (ACH, wire, instant payments) alongside stablecoin issuance and movement through a centralized payment engine.

By leveraging Infinant's strengths in virtual accounts, full ledgering, and API-first payments, banks can confidently offer modern digital-asset features to customers and fintech partners while retaining complete transparency and control through a bank-owned master ledger.

Key Platform Capabilities Include:

Creation and management of digital asset wallets on a bank-controlled master ledger

Reserve and balance validation against the bank's master ledger for all custody providers

Bank-controlled KYC and OFAC governance for tokenized deposit accounts and wallets

Bank-governed minting and burning processes tied to reserve balances

Seamless wallet funding via ACH, wire, and instant payment rails

Bank-managed balance checks, fraud monitoring, and AML oversight for all stablecoin payments

Choice of custody providers supporting token minting and burning

Full API enablement for banks and program partners

Intraday visibility into tokenized deposit accounts, reserves, and money movement via the Interlace Console

Banks deploying Interlace gain the ability to modernize without replacing their legacy core systems. The platform serves as a digital-asset overlay to FIS, Jack Henry, and Fiserv cores, significantly accelerating go-to-market timelines while reducing both upfront and ongoing maintenance costs. Interlace provides full deposit ledgering, servicing, and money-movement capabilities with real-time accuracy and integrated GL ledgering-aligning directly with the requirements for managing blockchain-based assets.

With Interlace, banks can partner with their own custody providers to ensure any digital wallets managed by their custody provider are fully ledgered on a bank-compliant platform to meet regulatory requirements and insulate their custody provider from hyper-legacy core systems.

Customer Use Case: Vantage Bank offering a Consortium Network and Infrastructure for Banks and Credit Unions

Infinant's technology is powering the market launch with Vantage Bank and their partner, Custodia, starting in Q1 of 2026. By leveraging the Interlace Platform to offer a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin and tokenized deposits, all financial institutions will be provided turn-key access to this industry-defining technology. The solution provides FIs the ability to fully manage the stablecoin and tokenized deposit lifecycle on a permissionless blockchain, operating on the Ethereum mainnet, using the ERC-20 standard. Each ?tokenized deposit is fully collateralized by U.S. dollars held in demand deposits at the issuing banks, keeping these funds on your balance sheet.

Vantage Bank enables FIs to participate in the consortium without taking undue risk, enabling each Bank to learn the technology and respond more quickly to customer needs. Each Bank will be able to offer a fully regulated stablecoin and tokenized deposit that adheres to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and OFAC rules-demonstrating that U.S. financial institutions can leverage public blockchains in a regulatorily compliant manner.

Stablecoins are not FDIC-insured and involve risks, including potential loss of value, operational risks, and evolving regulatory requirements. Only traditional bank deposits and tokenized deposits qualify for FDIC Insurance.

About Infinant

Charlotte, N.C.-based Infinant provides a resilient, modern banking and payments platform that that surrounds your core and serves as your innovation layer. The Interlace platform enables a multi-channel, multi-product strategy with virtual accounts, payments, and cards on a single platform that stays under bank operational and regulatory control. The Interlace Platform creates a greenfield environment for launching new channels (embedded finance, digital brands), introducing new products (real-time payments, tokenized deposits, commercial sub-accounting), and forming new partnerships (payments to processors, brands, and fintech). To learn more about staying above-the-core, visit www.infinant.com .

CONTACT:

Verushka Buonaffina

verushka@publicize.co

501-819-3241

SOURCE: infinant

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/infinant-unveils-new-interlace-platform-release-introducing-unified-1123531
EWN today announced that Kevin Speicher will join the company as Senior Regulatory Advisor, further strengthening EWN's strategic affiliations across the energy and utility sector.

DECATUR, TX / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Having most recently served as Chief of Pipeline Safety at the New York State Department of Public Service, a position he has held since 2012, Speicher is a widely respected industry leader and recipient of the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an accomplished writer, speaker, and industry expert, known for advancing practical, high-integrity approaches to pipeline safety and regulatory oversight.

In his role at EWN, Speicher's efforts will focus on EWN's Regulatory Advisory Group, designed to further position EWN's team for additional growth by deepening regulatory engagement, shaping industry conversations, and supporting current and future clients.

"Kevin's leadership and steady, solutions-oriented approach have earned trust across the regulatory and operator community," said Coleman Sterling, CEO of EWN. "This is a natural fit-his experience and perspective align with how EWN works and how we serve clients every day. Kevin's addition reinforces the formidable regulatory and industry presence our team brings to the market."

James Cross, Chief Experience Officer at EWN, added: "We've worked alongside Kevin in the industry and have routinely remarked how much we admire his approach-and how well it aligns with EWN's vision for the future. He brings a rare combination of credibility, clarity, and collaboration, and we're excited to welcome him to EWN's team."

Speicher has contributed to industry dialogue and collaboration through his engagement with organizations, including the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Security and Integrity Foundation (SIF). He is a graduate of Syracuse University.

"EWN has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, actionable guidance where safety, reliability, and regulatory performance meet," said Speicher. "I'm excited to join the team and help advance EWN's already-impressive support for operators, regulators, and industry stakeholders with practical solutions and forward-looking insight."

About EWN

Headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Energy Worldnet (EWN) delivers compliance technology and workforce qualification solutions for 2,600 energy, utility, and infrastructure operators. For over 30 years, EWN has helped organizations strengthen regulatory readiness, reduce operational risk, and ensure qualified personnel perform covered tasks. Through experience-driven guidance and active engagement with industry standards bodies, EWN bridges regulatory expectations with real-world implementation, delivering operational excellence to operators across North America.

CONTACT:

(855) 396-5267

info@ewn.com

SOURCE: Energy Worldnet, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/ewn-welcomes-kevin-speicher-as-senior-regulatory-advisor-1124102
VVater will convert 40K gallons of contaminated water per day at U.S. facility

AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / VVater, America's Next Water Company, announced today that it has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract by a Fortune 50 global Food & Beverage company to deliver an advanced water treatment solution at one of its major U.S. manufacturing facilities in Texas. The engagement spans ten years and reflects VVater's expanding role as the preferred partner for enterprises seeking resilient, on-site water infrastructure.

Under the agreement, VVater will handle 100% of the facility's discharge water, and transform 40,000 gallons of previously contaminated industrial water per day into safe, potable drinking water. This will reduce freshwater dependency while strengthening operational reliability in a region facing increasing water stress, using VVater's award-winning Farady Reactors.



"For large industrial operators, water is no longer a utility; it's a strategic input," said Kevin Gast, Chairman and CEO of VVater. "Companies that run continuously and at scale need certainty, resilience, and control. That's where VVater comes in, and in this particular case, our customer did not have years to wait for permits, construction, and retrofits. They need solutions that can be designed, deployed, and operationalized on real-world timelines."



The customer selected VVater not only for its technical capabilities, but also for its ability to design, build, and commission a fully operational water system in a matter of weeks, rather than months or years. The rapid deployment timeline reflects VVater's vertically integrated delivery model and modular infrastructure platform, allowing enterprises to resolve water constraints without disrupting ongoing operations. This execution velocity is increasingly critical for manufacturers facing production schedules, regulatory deadlines, and regional water uncertainty.



Industrial manufacturers across the United States are facing rising water costs, stricter discharge regulations, and heightened scrutiny from regulators, investors, and consumers. VVater's solution enables facilities to close the loop on water use, converting impaired water into a dependable, on-site drinking water supply while reducing exposure to supply disruptions and compliance risk. By treating water at the point of use, VVater helps industrial operators lower long-term operating costs, minimize infrastructure dependencies, and insulate production from regional water volatility.



This engagement reflects a broader trend across U.S. manufacturing, where Fortune-scale operators are transitioning away from centralized, legacy water systems toward decentralized, high-performance solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.



VVater continues to be selected across industries for its ability to:

Deliver potable-grade water from impaired sources

Deploy quickly without disrupting operations

Operate reliably over extended time horizons

Align economic performance with sustainability goals

As water security becomes inseparable from business continuity, VVater is increasingly positioned as America's Next Water Company, providing the infrastructure modern industry requires to operate, expand, and compete.

About VVater

VVater is America's Next Water Company, delivering the future of purification through its award-winning Farady Reactor (Time Best Invention Award 2025, CES Best of Innovation 2025, World Future Award 2025, Inc Magazine Best in Business Award 2025). The first company in history to win all 4 in 1 year achieving a Triple Crown), proprietary ALTEP (Advanced Low Tension Electroporation Process), Advanced Dissolved Air Flotation, and Micro & Nano Bubble technologies. Unlike outdated chemical, filtration, and membrane systems, VVater's electric-field breakthroughs eliminate PFAS, microplastics, microorganisms, and other contaminants with record retention times, without producing toxic byproducts or requiring costly consumables. With over 4.3B gallons treated and validation from global leaders, VVater is scaling into municipal drinking water and wastewater, DPR/IPR, onsite reuse for data centers, commercial buildings, and resorts, residential purification, and consumer health water, delivering a 60% smaller footprint, 40% CapEx savings, 80% OpEx savings, and 40% less energy use. For more information, please visit www.vvater.com

VVater Media Office

media@vvater.com

5W PR

Nicholas Koulermos

vvater@5wpr.com

SOURCE: VVater LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/vvater-awarded-multimillion-dollar-contract-by-fortune-50-food-and-beverage-manufacture-1124479
AE50 2026: ASABE lists three Ag Tech innovations from CNH

These annual awards are conferred by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Winning technologies support the seeding, planting, and crop growth & protection phases of the crop cycle.

Technologies are fully integrated through FieldOps, the Digital Farm Management Platform for CNH agriculture brands.





Basildon, January 7, 2026

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has chosen three Ag Tech innovations from CNH (NYSE: CNH) for its annual AE50 Awards. These honors acknowledge the year's 50 most innovative products and systems that are engineered for the food and agricultural industries.

"We are pleased to once again have our technologies included in this pre-eminent list that spotlights some of farming's most advanced technologies and customer-driven solutions," said Gerrit Marx, Chief Executive Officer at CNH. "These awards further confirm how we are supporting the world's farmers across the crop cycle. By advancing the integration of our iron and technology through AI, robotics, autonomy and automation, we're delivering a comprehensive and competitive offering that keeps farmers efficient and helps them optimize their resources."

OUR WINNERS ACROSS THE CROP CYCLE

The winning 2026 AE50 technologies from CNH are commercially available through our Case IH brand portfolio. They are also fully integrated in the Case IH FieldOps Digital Farm Management Platform which provides real-time data, fleet management, and remote support for customers.

Seedbed Sense Speed Control is a new advancement for the Case IH Tiger-Mate 255 field cultivator. It monitors seedbed conditions in real time and adjusts tractor speed to maintain a consistent seedbed floor. This takes the guesswork out of tillage, with sensors automatically managing speed, giving operators immediate feedback on seedbed uniformity and allowing them to set speed targets at up to 10 miles-per-hour based on field conditions. This makes planting more consistent and crops more likely to thrive, which ultimately improves yield.

The Draft Tube Free Toolbar System is the first-ever large front-fold trailing planter designed without draft tubes and telescoping hitch components. By removing them, the Case IH Early Riser 2160 planter is now lighter, easier to use and benefits from a shorter transport length. The front-fold design also improves access for loading and emptying seed, enables high-speed planting at 10 miles-per-hour thanks to its unique toolbar features, minimizes soil compaction due to its lighter weight, and helps farmers work more efficiently and profitably.

Case IH SenseApply technology - part of our Sense and Act portfolio - is our first factory-fit automated crop-sensing system, and is also available as a retrofit kit. SenseApply uses real-time cameras and AI to instantly detect crop health and carry out Green-on-Brown spot spraying, where the camera spots green weeds against bare soil. This automatically adjusts spraying application rates to use fewer inputs, such as water and herbicide, while remaining just as effective. With up to five smart application modes and seamless integration with existing tools, this technology delivers precise application at speeds of up to 25 miles-per-hour, helping operators optimize input use, reduce waste and improve efficiency.

These technologies were all featured at CNH's latest Tech Day, held at Agritechnica 2025, the world's largest trade show dedicated to agriculture. They reaffirm our commitment to protecting soil health and advancing Ag Tech innovation across the crop cycle through our iconic brands.

CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNH) is a world-class equipment, technology and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland supply 360 agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company's regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Hemisphere, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision satellite-based positioning, and heading technologies; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range ofmini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH's 35,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit: cnh.com

For news from CNH and its Brands visit: media.cnh.com

Media contacts:

Rebecca Fabian Alex Ellis North America United Kingdom Tel. +1 312 515 2249 Tel. +44 (0)758 106 1696

mediarelations@cnh.com

Attachments
Modelo launches new Chelada Limon y Sal Non-Alcoholic - bold and zesty flavor meets moderation just in time for Dry (and Damp) January

CHICAGO, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Modelo, the No. 1 beer brand in the U.S. by sales1, is expanding its portfolio with its first non-alcoholic offering: Modelo Chelada Limon y Sal Non-Alcoholic. Launching in leading Modelo markets nationwide, the bold innovation delivers the authentic, vibrant flavor fans expect from Modelo Chelada - now in a non-alcoholic format that taps two powerful consumer trends: moderation and flavor.

"People want choices without having to compromise, and Modelo Chelada Non-Alcoholic does exactly that," said Logan Jensen, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Modelo. "Limon y Sal has been the fan favorite in our ready-to-drink Chelada lineup for six years running, so it was the obvious pick for our first non-alcoholic release. It brings moderation and flavor together, with the authentic sabor that defines the Modelo Chelada product line."

As flavored and non-alcoholic beverages redefine the category, Modelo is leading with authenticity - bringing its bold, signature chelada flavors to a non-alcoholic format that meets modern tastes without sacrificing quality or character. Modelo Chelada has been the leading RTD Michelada for six straight calendar years and has experienced consistent year-over-year growth since its debut in 2013.2 The new non-alcoholic offering builds on the brand's flavor dominance, giving consumers the taste they know and love - now in a new format.

The launch underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and authenticity while meeting the changing desires of its core consumers. As mindful drinking grows, 14.2 million households are now engaged in the non-alcoholic category3. Within cheladas, the low and non-alcoholic segment is forecasted to expand 50% over the next 24 months, signaling strong demand for flavorful non-alcoholic options2.

This innovation complements Constellation Brands Inc.'s broader moderation-focused portfolio. Alongside Corona Extra Non-Alcoholic, Modelo Chelada Limon y Sal Non-Alcoholic expands the company's non-alcoholic presence nationwide. Constellation Brands also offers a range of formats aligned to mindful consumption, including the small-format Modelito and Coronita 7oz SKUs available at retailers across the country.

The new Modelo Chelada Limon y Sal Non-Alcoholic delivers the same flavor profile of its original counterpart, featuring the refreshingly simple flavors of lime and salt, with the taste of the brand's authentic Mexican beer. With just 60 calories per 12 oz. can, the new, non-alcoholic version is a fresh twist on a classic. The new offering is now available in leading Modelo markets nationwide-including Illinois, New York, Texas, Florida, and California-in 12 oz 6-packs, line-priced with Corona Non-Alcoholic.

For more information, visit Modelo.com.

About Modelo

Born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo has been bringing distinctive high-quality beer to those with the Fighting Spirit ever since, including Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, and a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas and Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas.

Modelo Especial is a golden, full-flavored pilsner-style lager with a clean, crisp finish and is the #1 beer in the U.S. in dollar sales. The Casa Modelo brand family is exclusively brewed in Mexico and imported and marketed for the U.S. by Constellation Brands.

1 Circana $ Sales L52 week ending 11-30-25

2 IRI, Total Chelada Category, MULO+C, Dollar Sales, L52W ending 2.2.25

3 Motivebase Analysis - Chelada Behaviors, October 2024

Contact:

Constellation Brands

Alexis Tedesco

alexis.tedesco@cbrands.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79b4b677-035e-4084-b880-5baee9c5c85f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9588d262-fe9a-4778-b681-46d9f51e9165

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5564f296-1921-4de9-bfd2-c448a126af06

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6222cdd-821e-41b4-915a-04b4cda6d033
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Loyalist Exploration Limited (CSE: PNGC) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Existing Agency Inc. on January 15 at 2:00 PM ET.

Existing Agency invites current shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Existing Agency Inc.

The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Existing website.

For more information and to register: https://streamyard.com/watch/32NJUv58ugVU.

Commodities to be covered: Gold, Base Metals





Upcoming January 15 Loyalist Exploration webinar covering properties in the Timmins Mining District.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11851/279698_055996a224686adb_001full.jpg

About Loyalist Exploration Limited.

Loyalist Exploration Limited is a mineral exploration company concentrating on acquiring, exploring, and developing quality mineral properties in Canada. The Company is currently focused on its "Buy Timmins" strategy, with the recent acquisitions of the Tully gold property, the Loveland nickel/copper/gold property and the Gold Rush gold/silver property, and the DeSantis gold property, all located in the Timmins, Ontario mining district. The Company expects to commence a significant mining permit project at Tully and exploration activities on all four properties as well as expanding the Company's Timmins based property portfolio.

About Existing Agency Inc.

Existing Agency is a creative and digital agency dedicated to fuelling innovation, impact, and influence. As collaborative media strategists and brand builders, we combine visionary creativity with data-driven insights to craft impactful solutions across social media management, content creation, paid amplification, design, branding, video production, and web development. From mining companies to consumer-packaged goods brands, we work seamlessly across sectors to bring ideas to life through strategy-backed storytelling. With an in-house team handling everything from audience research and community growth to video production and website delivery, we empower brands to connect meaningfully, engage effectively, and grow sustainably.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareexisting

https://www.instagram.com/weare_existing/

https://www.youtube.com/@weareexisting

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279698

Source: Existing Agency Inc.
Acquisition strengthens Keypoint Intelligence's presence in Europe while accelerating DMO's growth as part of a more global organization

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Keypoint Intelligence today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DataMaster Online (DMO), a benchmark service and testing resource for the print industry. The acquisition will strengthen Keypoint Intelligence's presence in Europe and expand the resources available to the dealer community across the region.

"DMO has built a strong reputation in France for practical benchmarking and market insight," said Anthony Sci, President and CEO of Keypoint Intelligence. "This acquisition strengthens our presence in Europe and helps us deliver more to the dealer community there, including greater access to data, deeper local perspective, and expanded support for the channel."

"Joining Keypoint Intelligence is an important step for DMO," said Paul-Jacques Moreau, owner of DataMaster (DMO). "Becoming part of a more global organization will help us expand our reach and continue building the service for our subscribers and partners."

"With Atar Capital's continued investment in Keypoint Intelligence, this acquisition brings together DMO's trusted European benchmarking presence and Keypoint's global scale to deliver broader access to research, testing, and market insight for dealers across Europe," said Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner at Atar Capital. "It's a strong platform move that supports growth through expanded coverage, enhanced service capabilities, and long-term value creation."

DMO will continue to serve its customers without interruption, and both organizations will work together to broaden coverage and increase access to insights for manufacturers, dealers, and partners throughout Europe. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Keypoint Intelligence

For over 60 years, clients in the digital imaging industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research to drive their product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industry's most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards due to decades of analyst experience.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690901/Keypoint_Intelligence_logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/keypoint-intelligence-to-acquire-datamaster-online-dmo-expanding-european-reach-and-dealer-focused-intelligence-302654698.html
Andersen Global broadens its Latin American platform through a Collaboration Agreement with Monterrey-based law firm Gonzalez-Paullada Dominguez (GPD), further strengthening the organization's coverage in Mexico.

Founded in 2021, GPD offers comprehensive services across transactional and litigation matters. The firm advises clients across sectors-including manufacturing, real estate, insurance, information technology, mining, and banking-on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, foreign investment, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and ongoing legal audits. GPD also represents clients in complex civil and commercial litigation, arbitration, and insolvency proceedings.

"Monterrey is a major economic hub where local credibility and deep relationships are essential, particularly for foreign investors seeking to enter the market," said Alfonso Gonzalez-Paullada Guerrero, founder and managing partner of GPD. "By collaborating with Andersen Global, we strengthen our ability to work synergistically with the other member firms and collaborating firms across the country, combining our local insight with their expertise. Together, we can provide clients with coordinated, multidimensional support that reflects the realities of Mexico's evolving business landscape."

"Our collaboration with GPD further reinforces our presence in one of Latin America's most dynamic markets," said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. "GPD's sector experience and relationship-driven approach complement our existing tax, legal, and valuation capabilities in Mexico and enhance our ability to serve clients with truly integrated solutions. Together, we are continuing to build a stronger platform in Mexico that supports both local and cross-border clients as they navigate increasingly complex business and regulatory environments."

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax, legal, and valuation professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107126797/en/

Contacts:

Megan Tsuei

Andersen Global

415-764-2700
Subsidies aid cross-Strait integration

China Daily) 13:19, January 07, 2026

Taiwan-funded enterprises operating in Xiamen, Fujian province, that establish joint laboratories with local research institutes are eligible for subsidies of up to 10 million yuan ($1.43 million) to support innovation and high-quality development, local authorities said.

Xiamen rolled out a package of 25 measures on Monday aimed at boosting innovation among Taiwan-funded enterprises and attracting talent from the island, with the goal of promoting deeper integrated industrial development across the Taiwan Strait.

The measures implement a central government document supporting Fujian in exploring a new path for cross-Strait integration and building a demonstration zone.

Under the policy, Taiwan-funded enterprises participating in the city's major scientific and technological projects qualify for subsidies of up to 5 million yuan. Companies are also encouraged to pursue intelligent upgrades and digital transformation.

To deepen scientific and industrial exchanges, Taiwan enterprises that host influential industry conferences and summits in Xiamen can receive subsidies of up to 500,000 yuan. A cross-Strait integration and innovation award has also been established.

Newly selected distinguished experts from Taiwan are eligible for living allowances of up to 1.5 million yuan, while Taiwan professionals who establish enterprises in Xiamen can receive startup aid funds of up to 5 million yuan.

The package also focuses on expanding diversified financing channels, encouraging the development of Taiwan-funded investment funds, and helping Taiwan-funded enterprises accelerate their path to listing on the stock market.

Xiamen is working to build a favorable environment for Taiwan enterprises to establish operations and expand. The number of Taiwan-funded enterprises in the city had exceeded 7,000 by the end of 2025.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), newly approved Taiwan-funded projects in the city increased by 24.6 percent, and the total scale of Taiwan business investment funds surpassed 6 billion yuan in 2024.

Over the past five years, Xiamen has taken the lead nationwide in building cross-Strait standards-connecting platforms, established the mainland's first financial service alliance for Taiwan enterprises, and issued the country's first digital yuan bonds for cross-Strait integration.

According to Xiamen's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) proposal, priorities for cross-Strait industrial integration include accelerating cooperation in the integrated circuit sector and advancing cross-Strait digital economy integration.

Wu Chia-ying, honorary president of the Taiwan Businessmen Association in Xiamen, said the mainland's continuous preferential policies and practical assistance have helped ensure sustained investment by Taiwan enterprises.

Encouraging high-quality Taiwan firms to list on mainland stock exchanges in recent years has marked a significant breakthrough, Wu said. Eight Taiwan companies in Xiamen have successfully listed, easing long-standing funding constraints.

Wu said over the coming five years, Taiwan enterprises should prioritize deepening collaboration with mainland counterparts and integrate into mainland supply chains, and leverage policies to develop new quality productive forces and enhance global competitiveness.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing)
WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / A new report by the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities reveals massive, chronic underinvestment in school facilities and grounds, while offering a roadmap for turning the tide toward safer, healthier, and more modern schools.

The 2025 State of Our Schools report, released by the 21st Century School Fund, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), shows that the U.S. now faces a $90 billion shortfall in school facility funding every single year, despite significant progress local school districts have made to ramp up their investments.

Since its earlier releases in 2016 and 2021, the report has tracked a steep and alarming rise in the nation's school facilities funding deficit. What was a $46 billion gap in 2016 grew to $85 billion in 2021 and has continued to widen as school construction costs climb, building inventories expand, and aging facilities require more extensive maintenance, modernization, or replacement.

"Even as local districts have stepped up by increasing their annual spending on school facilities from $95 billion in 2016 to more than $150 billion now, they are still falling behind," said Mary Filardo, Executive Director, 21st Century School Fund and lead author of the report. "As the funding gap for our critical school infrastructure grows, it becomes even harder to climb out of this hole unless we begin to better share the load across levels of government and embrace a dynamic solution set that ensures every public dollar delivers a stronger return on investment."

In the United States, PK-12 school facilities represent the second largest sector of public infrastructure investment, surpassed only by highways. These buildings are where nearly 60 million students, teachers, and staff spend their days, making them among the most essential pieces of community infrastructure we have. Yet unlike transportation infrastructure, where federal and state governments shoulder most of the costs, school facilities are primarily left to local districts. The report finds that local districts bear 80 percent of school facility funding, with states contributing 17 percent and the federal government just 3 percent.

"With a $90 billion annual shortfall, the magnitude of this crisis is undeniable and utterly unacceptable. It's simply impossible for local districts to continue to shoulder this burden disproportionately," said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, International WELL Building Institute. "Without greater responsibility across all levels of government, particularly the federal government, our country will continue to underfund the very infrastructure that determines the health, safety, and educational outcomes of millions of children. Where our children learn matters, and access to safe, healthy, and modern learning environments should be a right, not a privilege."

The report also underscores how deeply uneven and unequal school facility investment remains across the country, with the most significant burdens falling on disadvantaged and rural districts. High-poverty districts had 30 percent less capital invested in their school buildings than low-poverty districts, and rural districts received less than half the per-student capital investment of their suburban and city counterparts. The findings point to persistent gaps that continue to leave rural and high-poverty communities bearing a disproportionate share of the burden and facing far greater challenges in achieving safe, healthy, and modern school facilities.

"For all of us who care about our communities, we know that our schools are their beating hearts. Closing these funding gaps should be a top priority for every one of us," said Brandon Payne, Executive Director, National Council on School Facilities. "This is a moment to unite to ensure our public schools meet modern standards for health, safety, learning, and educational adequacy."

Furthermore, according to the report, as school districts struggle to fill this widening gap, they are also sinking deeper into debt. By the end of fiscal year 2023, local districts carried more than half a trillion dollars in long-term debt and paid $22 billion in interest alone.

As stated in the report, the $90 billion annual investment gap reflects what is required for responsible stewardship and modern school facilities and grounds, covering both capital needs and operations and maintenance. Each year, the U.S. spends an average of $82 billion on capital improvements, leaving a $56 billion shortfall. Similarly, the total outlay for facility operations and maintenance is $70 billion, $34 billion less than needed. Together, these deficiencies in capital investment and ongoing maintenance constitute the total gap of $90 billion.

This year's report does more than diagnose the scale and severity of the crisis; it also lays out a bold, actionable path to achieve modern schools by 2050. It calls for new approaches and more shared investment across all levels of government, alongside a stronger focus on building the capacity needed to deliver improvements. Central to its recommendations is securing a stable, reliable federal incentive funding program of $25 billion per year, which the report finds would reduce annual requirements by $75 billion - a 34 percent return on investment. The report also urges expanding federal support for state capacity grants for facility data, planning, technical assistance, and training to all states to ensure that states and districts are equipped for the modernization work ahead. (The Supporting America's School Infrastructure).

What Other Leaders Are Saying about the 2025 State of Our Schools Report

"Public schools are public infrastructure.? And we should invest in them just as we invest in roads and bridges. With annual shortfalls growing despite increased state and local investment, it is clear that a federal partnership is needed," said Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the author of the Rebuild America's Schools Act which would target new federal infrastructure investments to help local school districts address building and modernization needs. "Congress must come together to solve this crisis and deliver the federal investment our schools need to keep students healthy, safe, and equipped to meet the challenges of the future."

"As a former Surgeon General, I had the honor to serve as the 'Nation's Doctor,' and what I find particularly concerning are the serious health implications from poor conditions of school buildings and grounds. As I've said before, our facilities are not just walls, roofs, and blacktop - they are health-critical environments," said Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States. "It's time to take decisive action to ensure our schools are adequately funded so they are healthy, sustainable, safe, and secure, becoming places where learning thrives and dreams take hold."

"Students need clean air, sufficient caring and competent staff to meet their needs, and enough room to do more than sit in rows and stand in lines. Many districts are being stretched too thin to provide these foundational facility characteristics for all their students," said David Sturtz, Founder and CEO, Sturtz and Company. "We need at least as much thought, if not more, in how to adequately fund and design a school district's facilities and operations as we do individual school buildings. If districts do not have sufficient budgets to keep all their buildings in good working condition and staff them sufficiently to meet their students' needs, then focusing on the particulars of architectural design misses the mark."

"Modern, thoughtfully designed public schools are not luxuries - they are essential to student success," said Pamela Loeffelman, senior principal at DLR Group, an integrated design firm specializing in future-focused learning environments for K-12 schools. "Well-designed, dynamic learning environments empower students, support well-being, and are foundational for them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We need federal leadership and sustained funding to ensure that all students, in every community, benefit from the power of modern, high-performing school facilities."

About The 21st Century School Fund

21CSF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the public will and capacity to modernize public school facilities so they support high-quality education and community revitalization. It is dedicated to helping local, state, and national stakeholders create a country where every child learns in an educationally appropriate, healthy, and safe school that serves as a community anchor and is built and maintained in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.

About the International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

About the National Council on School Facilities

The National Council on School Facilities is a membership organization of state facilities officials that supports states in their varied roles and responsibilities for elementary and secondary public school facilities. It advocates for support mechanisms, innovations, and processes that equitably deliver safe, healthy, and educationally appropriate public school facilities that are sustainable and fiscally sound.

Media contacts:

media@wellcertified.com

SODonnell@21csf.org

Brandon.Payne@facilitiescouncil.org

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-well-building-institute

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/90-billion-annual-funding-gap-exposes-urgent-need-to-modernize-a-1124919
Company names Dennis MacAleese COO of Asplundh Infrastructure Group

WILLOW GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Asplundh Infrastructure Group (AIG), a division of the Asplundh family of companies, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dennis MacAleese to Chief Operating Officer. In his expanded role, Dennis will continue to oversee AIG's construction operations and now also assume responsibility for Asplundh Engineering Services. He will continue to report directly to Brent Asplundh, President, Asplundh Infrastructure Group.

Dennis joined AIG in 2024 as Executive Vice President, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in the utilities and energy sectors, most recently as Executive Vice President of Western Operations at MasTec. His background includes senior roles at Primoris Services Corporation and Pacific Gas & Electric, where he built a reputation for driving operational excellence, safety performance, and customer-focused innovation.

Throughout his career, Dennis has led large, complex organizations through transformation and growth - always with a focus on collaboration, efficiency, and sustainable performance. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening AIG's construction business and advancing our One Asplundh strategy to deliver integrated, high-quality infrastructure solutions to our customers.

"This change supports the tremendous growth we see in infrastructure related services - construction, engineering, and highway intelligent traffic solutions and lighting. Dennis brings more than 25 years in the utility and energy sectors and a proven track record of leading high performing teams and responding to evolving market demands," said Brent Asplundh, President of Asplundh Infrastructure Group.

"For more than 95 years, Asplundh has provided safe, efficient, and innovative line clearance and infrastructure services for our utility industry partners. Our people are our greatest strength and our continued investment in their career development is an indication of that," he said.

Asplundh Infrastructure Group is organized as a team of companies offering its customers a streamlined way to access a broad range of services including the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground power systems, roadway lighting, traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems, testing and commissioning, pole inspection and treatment, automated meter reading/advanced metering infrastructure deployments, and storm and emergency recovery.

Today, as a leading provider of infrastructure solutions, we are helping utilities, power producers and energy-intensive customers across the nation address their most challenging infrastructure needs.

***

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC is a family-owned and managed company headquartered just outside of Philadelphia in Willow Grove, PA. Its One Asplundh approach provides a single point of contact to an extensive range of vegetation management, utility infrastructure, digital innovation and storm/emergency restoration services to utilities, municipalities, power producers and other commercial and industrial customers. Asplundh employs approximately 36,000 throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Learn more at www.asplundh.com.

Contact Information

Pete Mazzaccaro

267-781-6115

SOURCE: Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/asplundh-announces-leadership-change-for-asplundh-infrastructure-group-1124918
The updated visuals support a heightened POS focus and sets the stage for the next chapter of LINGA

NAPLES, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / LINGA, an innovator in cloud-based point of sale technology, is starting 2026 with an elevated new look and a bigger vision for the future. The company has officially unveiled a refreshed brand identity featuring a new crisp color palettes, refined typography, a redesigned logo, and a completely rebuilt website thoughtfully designed around today's operators.

This transformation reflects more than a new aesthetic. It represents LINGA's continued commitment to leading the evolution of POS technology for both restaurants and retail. With the brand's expansion into new markets, LINGA has begun shifting from the term Restaurant Operating System to a broader, more inclusive Point of Sale positioning, recognizing the introduction of its Retail solutions.

The new visual identity is built to align with LINGA's innovative capabilities, including a comprehensive cloud POS, scalable features, and real-time data powering more informed business decisions. The redesigned website provides easier navigation, clear product information, and a more intuitive path to support and resources.

Highlights of the new LINGA brand experience include:

Updated brand and logo aligned with modern simplicity and technology

A new website that is faster, more informative, and easier to explore

Visual clarity that reflects LINGA's innovation and long term growth strategy

Unified messaging designed to support both restaurant and retail customers

Operators already familiar with LINGA will continue receiving the same reliable service, continuous software enhancements, and industry leading support they depend on. The elevated design brings the brand experience up to the level of the technology behind it.

New look. Same dedication. Bigger vision. Welcome to the next chapter of LINGA.

To learn more about LINGA and explore the new website, visit www.lingapos.com.

About LINGA

LINGA is a cloud-based business platform designed to help restaurants and retail businesses operate and grow with ease. From front-of-house to the back-office, LINGA streamlines every aspect of your operations from order management to inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and more - all in one system.

Providing flexible payment solutions for fast, secure transactions, including gift cards, credit, EMV, QR codes, EBT, and more. Our team works closely with hospitality and retail businesses nationwide, giving us insights to help your business run smoothly, whether you manage one location or many. With LINGA, you save time and focus on what matters most: your customers.

CONTACT:

Kenedy Musante

Marketing Coordinator, LINGA

KMusante@lingaros.com

SOURCE: Linga

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/linga-llc-an-indirect-subsidiary-of-the-pnc-financial-services-gr-1123541
NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dash Social today announced a new partnership with Snap, becoming an Official Snapchat Partner and giving brands a faster, smarter way to turn attention into measurable growth on the high-impact social channel. With the new integration, global teams can publish directly to Snapchat and access trusted, real-time, API-sourced analytics inside the Dash Social platform, creating a single place to plan, publish, and measure performance across every channel.

Why Snapchat Wins Attention



Snapchat has become the place where brand stories feel less like ads and more like real moments. It's a platform built on intimacy and immediacy, and Snapchatters are leaning in: 77% say they enjoy engaging directly with brands, and 74% say they trust brands more when those brands maintain a strong presence on the channel. With more than 940 million monthly active users behind that behavior, Snapchat isn't just another channel; it's a powerful stage for authentic connection. Dash plugs directly into that opportunity, making it simple, smart, and scalable for brands that want growth they can prove.

What the Integration Includes

Trusted, real-time, API-sourced analytics (https://www.dashsocial.com/features/social-analytics-monitoring) that show Snapchat's contribution to performance and conversions.

(https://www.dashsocial.com/features/social-analytics-monitoring) that show Snapchat's contribution to performance and conversions. Streamlined content creation, scheduling (https://www.dashsocial.com/features/scheduler), and community management for Snapchat, with smarter workflows that turn innovative moments into momentum.

(https://www.dashsocial.com/features/scheduler), and community management for Snapchat, with smarter workflows that turn innovative moments into momentum. Centralized reporting (https://www.dashsocial.com/solutions/social-media-insights) and measurement for Snapchat alongside every social channel, so marketers get a clear, unified view of performance.





With API-verified Snapchat data unified in Dash Social, brands can finally tie activity to results and ROI.

"Snapchat is one of the rare places where attention is both deeply engaged and truly measurable," said Maggie Hickey, EVP of Marketing at Dash Social. "With this integration, brands get a single, trusted view of how Snapchat contributes to real outcomes. Dash brings the workflows and intelligence, Snap brings the community, and together we're giving social teams the proof they need to harness Snapchat as a true growth lever."

What This Partnership Unlocks for Brands



Each month, marketers schedule more than 400,000 posts through Dash Social across essential social channels. Snapchat publishing now fits into the same centralized workflow, enabling teams to plan, collaborate, and measure faster, turning every interaction on Snapchat into sustained brand momentum .

"Brands come to Snapchat to build real connections, and tools that help them move quickly and confidently are a huge unlock. Dash Social's new integration makes it even easier for teams to create, publish, and understand what's working on Snapchat," said Fintan Gillespie, Global Director, Ad Partnerships Group at Snap Inc. "We're excited to partner with Dash to help brands turn authentic engagement into meaningful results."

These capabilities give brands clear visibility into what resonates on Snapchat, helping them refine content , spot performance patterns, and strengthen connections with their most engaged communities.

Dash and Snap Set the Foundation for Future Growth



Snapchat delivers real community signals, and Dash gives social marketers the workflows, intelligence, and proof to turn those signals into growth. This first phase brings publishing and analytics together so global brands can move faster and drive even more impact on Snapchat.

Contact



For all PR and media inquiries or to speak with a representative regarding this press release, please contact pr@dashsocial.com.



About Dash Social



Dash Social is a social media management platform that equips brands with intelligence and speed to stay ahead of the curve. Through its sophisticated cross-channel insights and workflow tools, Dash Social enables brands to create content that entertains, engages and drives consistent business results. To discover how Dash Social empowers brands to outsmart social, visit dashsocial.com .

About Snap



Snap Inc. is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company's three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles. For more information, visit snap.com.
Mr. McCarthy has been an integral member of the team at Sterling since joining the firm 20 years ago. He most recently served as Senior Managing Director of Fund Management and Analytics.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Sterling Organization ("Sterling"), a vertically integrated private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, is pleased to announce that Michael P. McCarthy has become a Principal of the Firm. Mr. McCarthy has been an integral member of the team at Sterling since joining the firm 20 years ago. He most recently served as Senior Managing Director of Fund Management and Analytics, a department formed under his leadership in 2018. Mr. McCarthy, who sits on all seven of the firm's Fund Investment Committees, will now serve as a Principal of the firm and will help strategically lead and guide the firm along with the firm's other four Principals.

"As a partnership group, we are honored to welcome Mike. He is a person I know well, having worked alongside him for two decades. I can say unreservedly that Mike is a person of both extraordinary character and great intellect, and thus it is with extreme pleasure and optimism that I personally look forward to working side by side with him as a partner for what I hope will be a couple of more decades to come," said Brian Kosoy, Sterling's Managing Principal and Chief Executive Officer. "Mike's ascent to partner could not be more deserved as he has been integral to the firm's growth and its transition from a small entrepreneurial joint-venture shop into a market-leading, vertically integrated institutional private equity asset management firm focused on retail real estate."

Adam Munder, Principal, added, "Those who have worked with Mike both internally and externally would undoubtedly concur that Mike has earned this new distinction, which recognizes his vast contributions during his time at Sterling. I am confident he will be a great partner, strategic leader, and continue to be a major contributor to the success of Sterling as we continue to evolve and grow."

Jordan Fried, also a Principal of the firm, noted, "Mike's intelligence and analytical abilities are unmatched and have proven invaluable to our team and partners time and time again. I am thrilled to call Mike my partner and look forward to doing great things together on behalf of our investor partners and with the Sterling team for many years to come."

Bob Dake, Principal, added, "It is great to welcome Mike to the firm's partnership. He is often the glue that ensures the entire firm is rowing in complete unison as we strive to execute at the highest level on behalf of our investor partners. Mike has a humble, approachable, and authentic style that is appreciated by our entire team and our investment partners alike. I look forward to his perspective being in the room for major firm decisions going forward as a partner."

"I am excited to become a Principal at Sterling Organization, which has proven to be a leading owner, operator, and manager of retail real estate across the United States. Over my twenty years with Sterling Organization, it has been extremely rewarding and humbling to work alongside our amazing team that has enabled the firm to become a premier real estate private equity manager. As we move forward, I look forward to bringing more fresh ideas and perspectives to the leadership team in our unwavering effort to deliver superior service and risk-adjusted returns to our investor partners," said Michael P. McCarthy.

Contact Information

Dana Verhelst, Senior Vice President of Marketing

dverhelst@sterlingorganization.com

561-812-7476

SOURCE: Sterling Organization

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/michael-p.-mccarthy-named-principal-at-sterling-organization-1124944
Accelerates Firm Strategy to Deliver Global Integrated Stakeholder Solutions

Sodali Co (the 'firm' or 'Sodali'), the leading global capital markets-centric stakeholder advisory firm, is pleased to announce four appointments to its Executive Leadership Team (ELT) under Chief Executive Officer Andrew Benett. These newly created senior roles will strengthen Sodali's ability to respond to clients' evolving needs with an integrated suite of shareholder, sustainability, and strategic communications advisory services delivered on a global scale.

The appointments are as follows:

Brett Clegg has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. Brett was previously Chairman of Sodali's APAC region, based in the firm's Sydney office. He specializes in advising clients on strategic communications, issues management, and capital markets transactions. Prior to Sodali, Brett spent over two decades in senior executive and editorial roles at some of Australia's leading news brands, including The Australian Financial Review, The Australian, and The Daily Telegraph.

Aneliya Crawford has joined as Chief Partnerships Officer Global Head of Shareholder Advisory, based in New York. Most recently, Aneliya served as the Head of Corporate Shareholder Advisory, Americas at UBS. Prior to that as Global Head of Activism and Defense at UBS, she built the shareholder activism and defense practice for the investment bank globally. Prior to UBS, Aneliya was an equity partner in the M&A group at Schulte, Roth Zabel, co-heading one of the leading shareholder activism groups in private law. She was previously an M&A partner at Olshan Frome Wolosky.

Liz Micci has joined as Chief Client Officer Global Head of Strategic Communications, based in New York. Lizis a proven communications executive with 25 years of experience at leading strategic communications firms. With expertise spanning corporate, crisis, and financial communications, Liz joins from FGS Global, where she held a number of leadership roles, most recently co-leading the firm's Global Strategy and Reputation Practice and serving on the North America Executive Committee.

Nadia Krivickova has joined as Chief People Officer based in New York and Stamford, CT. Nadia joins Sodali from Forensic Risk Alliance, where she served as Chief People Officer, following nearly 20 years at AlixPartners in New York, where she led Americas People Planning and Operations, Global Strategic Staffing, and other key People roles. Before pivoting her career to HR, Nadia was a consultant in AlixPartners' Risk Advisory practice, focusing on forensic accounting and corporate investigations.

In addition to Brett, Aneliya, Liz, and Nadia, the following Sodali leaders will sit on the newly formed Executive Leadership Team:

Dan Wadleigh, Chief Financial Officer, who joined Sodali in 2025 after holding CFO positions at a variety of communications, advertising, and marketing firms.

Amy Murphy, Global Head of Strategy, who joined Sodali from PwC in 2025.

Lauren Palumbo, Chief of Staff, who previously served as Head of Operations for Sodali's Sustainability Practice.

Andrew Benett, Chief Executive Officer of Sodali Co, commented:

"Companies today face high-stakes decisions where financial health, stakeholder trust, governance risk, and sustainability expectations are all intertwined. At Sodali Co, we are ideally positioned to help clients navigate these dynamics with an integrated, global approach that is unique in our industry.

The ability to attract and retain world-class talent such as Brett, Aneliya, Liz, and Nadia is both an endorsement of and an accelerant to this specialized strategy. Working together as one team, we will provide our clients with integrated expertise and bespoke advice to address complex interconnected issues, identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities, and drive successful business outcomes. Meanwhile, we will continue to invest in our unmatched capital markets data and intelligence capabilities to provide clients the differentiated insights that underpin our offering.

These appointments come after a period of sustained growth for Sodali. The firm reported a record year the 12 months to June 30, 2025, as clients face increasingly complicated and interconnected issues including cross border M&A and shareholder activism.

ABOUT SODALI CO

Sodali Co is the leading global capital markets-centric stakeholder advisory firm providing a full suite of integrated shareholder, sustainability, and strategic communications advisory services. The Firm delivers clients differentiated insights, integrated expertise, and bespoke advice to address complex interconnected issues, identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities, and drive successful business outcomes. Sodali operates out of three global headquarters in New York, London, and Sydney and is supported by 12 regional offices in major financial capitals around the world. Its work is consistently recognized by leading industry rankings and awards, including being named the #1 Proxy Solicitation Firm in the Diligent Advisor Awards, #1 in Global Activism Solicitor in Bloomberg's 2025 Activism Review, #1 in APAC Sovereign Deals Liability Management, Top Recommended Reputation Managers in Spears500, and #4 for FTSE 350 representation in the UK corporate adviser rankings. For more information, please visit www.sodali.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107521979/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts

Europe:

Victoria Palmer-Moore

vpm@sodali.com

+44 7725 565 545

Australia/APAC:

Jon Snowball

jon.snowball@sodali.com

+61 477 946 068

US:

Liz Micci

elizabeth.micci@sodali.com

+1 347 675 2883
Saudia Turns Luggage into Cultural Storytelling with 'Let It Fly' Initiative

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Saudia has unveiled 'Let It Fly', a new cultural initiative that rewards travellers for supporting local businesses and craftsmanship, transforming their luggage into a suitcase full of stories.

Launching for the New Year, 'Let It Fly' is a luggage-sticker programme inspired by Saudi cities, crafts and cultural heritage. Travellers who purchase selected cultural items receive beautifully designed collectible stickers, with each sticker adding extra baggage allowance to their journey. The initiative encourages the Kingdom Saudia Arabia visitors to bring home meaningful cultural pieces without the worry of luggage limits.

At participating stores, every 50 SAR (around 10 or $13) spent earns one sticker, with each sticker adding 0.5kg of additional baggage allowance, up to a maximum of 1.5kg per bag.

The result is a practical and meaningful way for travellers to support local culture, while turning suitcases into moving cultural ambassadors that carry Saudi stories around the world.

As global travel continues to grow in Saudi and the Middle East becomes an increasingly popular destination for international travellers, 'Let It Fly' taps into a desire for people to connect more deeply with the places people visit. Rather than mass-produced souvenirs, the initiative champions locally made items that reflect Saudi Arabia's diverse creative landscape, from regional motifs to traditional crafts.

Essam Akhonbay, VP of Marketing at Saudia, said: "Let It Fly forms part of Saudia's broader vision to elevate the passenger experience while showcasing the Kingdom's cultural richness to a global audience. By combining travel convenience with cultural storytelling, the initiative reflects a new approach to how airlines can connect people, place and purpose."

Let It Fly is now live, with select cultural partners participating across the Kingdom. Travellers are encouraged to share their cultural finds using LetItFly, SaudiaAirlines with exclusive sticker redemptions available at select airports following launch.

ENDS-

Saudia is the national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving as a global ambassador for Saudi hospitality, culture and innovation. With an expanding international network, Saudia connects guests to the Kingdom and beyond through modern service, premium experiences and a refined brand identity. As part of its broader vision, Saudia continues to invest in enhancing the passenger journey, from onboard comfort to culturally inspired initiatives, while supporting Saudi Arabia's growing role as a leading global travel and tourism destination.

For more information, visit www.saudia.com.

Contact:

Charlotte Joseph

+44 77250 79378

CJ@CJPR.UK

SOURCE: Saudia

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/a-suitcase-full-of-stories-bring-home-more-than-just-memories-take-home-culture-too-1124933
Fairfax County, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - As Northern Virginia continues to evolve as one of the nation's most dynamic employment hubs, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) will host a complimentary hiring event on January 22, 2026, at Capital One Hall, bringing together more than 40 employers and thousands of open roles across a wide range of industries.

The event is designed to support professionals at all stages of their careers, including former federal workers and contractors navigating career transitions, as well as students, veterans, and experienced professionals seeking new opportunities in Northern Virginia.

"Northern Virginia's economy is built on adaptability, talent, and purpose-driven work," said Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of FCEDA. "At a time when many people are reassessing their next step, this event is about creating real connections between skilled professionals and employers who are hiring now. Our role is to make sure opportunity remains accessible, inclusive, and visible."

Connecting Talent with Opportunity

The hiring event will feature employers from across the region's innovation economy, including organizations working in information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, aerospace, healthcare technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics, renewable energy, and professional services.

Recruiters from companies such as Amentum, CACI, Peraton, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA), Xcelerate Solutions, and others will be on site to discuss open roles, hiring needs, and career pathways. Cleared professionals are encouraged to attend, and all backgrounds are welcome.

Supporting Career Transitions

In addition to employer engagement, attendees will have access to complimentary professional headshots provided by on-site photographers, helping job seekers strengthen their professional presence for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and online portfolios.

"Career transitions are about confidence, visibility, and understanding where your experience fits next," added Hoskins. "This event is designed to support the whole person, not just their resume."

Event Details

What: Complimentary public hiring event

When: January 22, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST

Where: Capital One Hall, Tysons, Virginia

Who Should Attend: Job seekers of all backgrounds, including transitioning federal workers, cleared professionals, veterans, students, and experienced professionals

Cost: Complimentary

Registration is encouraged but not required. Additional event details and registration information are available at https://techandcyber.vfairs.com. The registration platform is powered by vFairs, an event management solution for virtual, hybrid & in-person events.

###

About Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)

FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as one of the world's top locations for business and talent, and offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. FCEDA is headquartered in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, and maintains offices in key global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles and Seoul. For more information about FCEDA, visit www.fairfaxcountyeda.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279712

Source: Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Pullback-Setup am 9er-EMA!

Anhaltende ESG-Probleme bei Freeport-McMoran (FCX)! Die Saisonalitat spricht fur steigende Rohstoffpreise!

Freeport-McMoran (FCX) - ISIN US35671D8570

Ruckblick: Gegensatzliche Entwicklungen erkennen wir im Chartbild der Freeport-McMoran-Aktie: Einerseits gibt es eine enge Orietierung an den rot gekennzeichneten 9er-EMA und ein 6-Monatsplus von fast 20 Prozent, das getrieben ist durch steigende Preise bei wichtigen Rohstoffen wie Kupfer und Gold, andererseits ist die Kursentwicklung deutlich schwacher als bei anderen Wertpapieren des Sektors, womoglich bedingt durch das Minenungluck am Grasberg in Indonesien.

Freeport-McMoran-Aktie: Chart vom 08.01.2026, Kurzel: FCX Kurs: 25.70 USD, Tageschart Quelle: TWS

Mogliches bullisches Szenario

Risikofreudige Anleger konnten zum Schluss kommen, dass negative Nachrichten schon eingepreist sind und jetzt ein guter Zeitpunkt zum Einsteig sein konnte. Die Saisonalitat spricht fur weiter steigende Kurse bei Kupfer und Gold im ersten Quartal. Die vorborslichen Notierungen deuten daraufhin, dass es ein Kaufsignal bei der Freeport-McMoran-Aktie geben konnte. Das Kursziel lage nach Measured Move bei 59.60 USD.

Mogliches barisches Szenario

Anleger sollten die Risiken bei Freeport-McMoran kennen und entsprechend vorsichtig agieren. Mit etwas Abstand unter der letzten Tageskerze konnte man die Absicherung in den Trade einbauen.

Meinung

Freeport-McMoRan liefert operativ ordentlich ab, wird aber von juristischem Ballast ausgebremst. Nach einem todlichen Murenabgang in der Grasberg-Mine (der Name ist ein Relikt der niederlandischen Kolonialzeit) in Indonesien laufen mehrere Sammelklagen, weil Anleger sich unzureichend uber Risiken informiert fuhlen. Schon zuvor ist der Rohstoffkonzern in Sachen Ethics, Social & Governance in der Kritik gestanden, weshalb magebliche institutionelle Anleger nicht in die Aktie investieren. Entscheidend wird im aktuellen Fall die Frist Mitte Januar 2026, wenn klar wird, wie gro und gefahrlich dieser Rechtskomplex tatsachlich wird. Operativ sieht es gemischt aus: Gewinne und Umsatz lagen zuletzt uber den Erwartungen, allerdings steigen die Kosten und die Grasberg-Mine wird erst ab 2028 wieder vollstandig auf Normalniveau produzieren. Eine Dividende ist zwar angekundigt, aber das allein begeistert niemanden. Analysten sind entsprechend gespalten. Somit halten wir kurzfristige Long Trades fur denkbar, mochten langerfristige Investments aber meiden.



Quellennachweise, Mogliche Interessenskonflikte, Meinung und sonstige Daten

Marktkapitalisierung: 77.86 Milliarden USD

Durchschnittsvolumen der letzten 20 Tage: 892.73 Millionen USD

Meine Freeport-McMoran ist neutral.

Quellennachweis: https://www.sharedeals.de/ouster-aktie-nach-der-ki-revolution-kommt-die-physische-intelligenz/

Veroffentlichungsdatum: 09.01.2026

Autor: Thomas Canali

Hinweis auf mogliche Interessenkonflikte

Personen, die Anlageempfehlungen erstellen und weitergeben, sind nach der Verordnung (EU) 596/2014 des Europaischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 16. April 2014 uber Marktmissbrauch (Marktmissbrauchsverordnung) verpflichtet, alle Beziehungen und Umstande offenzulegen, bei denen damit gerechnet werden kann, dass sie die Objektivitat der Empfehlung beeintrachtigen. Dies umfasst insbesondere Interessen oder Interessenkonflikte aller Personen, die die Information erstellt haben bzw. an der Erstellung beteiligt waren.

Der Finanzinformationsdienst ist verpflichtet, Interessenskonflikte bei der Erstellung oder Weitergabe von Anlageempfehlungen oder Anlagestrategieempfehlungen in geeigneter Weise offenzulegen.

In diesem Zusammenhang weisen wir auf folgendes hin:

Es liegt kein Interessenskonflikt vor.

Bitte nehmen Sie den Disclaimer und die Risikohinweise zur Kenntnis, die Sie unter https://ratgebergeld.at/disclaimer/ abrufen konnen.
Survey of 40,000 people across 15 countries records economic strain, uneven trust in institutions, and sharp humanitarian impact from conflicts

DOHA, QATAR / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) announced today the findings of the 2024-2025 Arab Opinion Index (AOI) at its headquarters in Doha. Now in its ninth edition, the AOI remains the largest and most comprehensive public opinion poll in the Arab region, covering political, economic, and social attitudes across 15 Arab countries.

The latest poll interviewed more than 40,000 respondents between October 2024 and August 2025. This edition also marks a major milestone with the completion of the first-ever poll conducted inside Syria, addressing a longstanding gap in reliable, nationally representative data.

LIVING CONDITIONS

The findings indicate that 57% of respondents believe their countries are heading in the right direction, in contrast to 37% who feel they are moving in the wrong direction.

Economic pressures persist across much of the region:41% reported that their income covers only basic needs and 28% said it does not cover them at all, leaving most households outside the Gulf reliant on loans or aid.

DEMOCRACY AND STATE INSTITUTIONS

Public support for democracy remains strong across the Arab region. 68% of respondents expressed support for a democratic system, continuing a trend observed consistently in all AOI polls since 2011.

Citizens' trust in state institutions is variable: legislative councils received the lowest percentage of trust among Arab citizens (51%), while the military received the highest percentage of trust (82%).

CONFLICTS IN THE ARAB REGION

The survey highlights the harsh humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts in the region:

Gaza: more than 85% of respondents reported repeated displacement, hunger, and the absence of basic necessities such as drinking water, electricity, medical supplies, and internet access.

Lebanon: 76% of respondents from areas targeted by Israel (southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut, etc.) stated that they had been forced to flee during the conflict. At least half of those respondents expressed a lack of access to basic foodstuffs and 41% expressed a lack of access to healthcare and medicine.

Sudan: 47% of respondents reported being internally displaced, either individually or with some or all of their families, since the outbreak of the conflict. More than half of respondents reported a lack of access to electricity, food supplies and necessary medications.

SYRIAN PUBLIC OPINION

Between 80% and 94% of Syrian respondents expressed feelings of hope, joy, happiness, and relief at the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, while around 80% expressed feelings of anxiety or uncertainty.

Syrians reported that the most pressing problems facing their country are related to the economic situation, security, political stability, and national unity.

Although Syrians acknowledged the existence of sectarian discourse, 41% believe it is the result of foreign interference. 66% of respondents said that they do not differentiate in dealing with others, regardless of their sect or religion.

The 2024-2025 AOI also examined social media use, digital trust, and exposure to misinformation, highlighting the growing centrality of digital spaces in shaping public opinion across the Arab region.

The full Arab Opinion Index brief is available on the ACRPS website and can be accessed here.

For media inquiries and to request an interview with the director of the Arab Opinion Index, please email arab.index@dohainstitute.org.

SOURCE: The Arab Center for Research and Policy studies

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/arab-center-for-research-and-policy-studies-announces-findings-of-the-arab-opinion-index-1124976
Regulatory News:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN AND SOUTH AFRICA

GenSight Biologics (the "Company") (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today announced the closing of its EUR 2,894,715.96 fundraising (the "Fundraising

The Fundraising resulted in the issuance of:

30,433,950 ordinary shares (actions ordinaires) of the Company (the "Offered Shares"), which were admitted to trading on Euronext Paris on December 31, 2025 (ISIN FR0013183985/SIGHT); 6,571,428 pre-funded warrants (the "Offered Pre-Funded Warrants") giving the right to subscribe to 6,571,428 additional ordinary shares; and 37,005,378 warrants (the "Offered Investor Warrants") giving the right to subscribe to 37,005,378 additional ordinary shares.

The Offered Investor Warrants and the Offered Pre-Funded Warrants will not be admitted to trading on any venue.

Risk factors

The Company draws the attention of the public to the risk factors related to the Company and its business, which were described in its 2024 Universal Registration Document and completed by the Information Document published by the Company on December 29, 2025. Both documents are available free of charge on the Company's website (https://www.gensight-biologics.com/), with the Information Document directly available through the following hyperlink: https://www.gensight-biologics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GenSight-2025-QUATER-Annexe-IX-FINAL52028756.1.pdf.

About GenSight Biologics S.A.

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics' pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics' lead product candidate, GS010 (lenadogene nolparvovec) is in Phase III in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults. GS010 is currently in clinical development, has not to date been granted marketing authorization in France or any other jurisdiction, and is therefore not available commercially. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

Disclaimer

Not for release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan or South Africa. This press release and the information contained herein do not contain or constitute an offer to subscribe or purchase, or the solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe, for securities in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States of America, and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with the securities laws of any state or any other jurisdiction of the United States. GenSight Biologics does not intend to make a public offering of the securities in the United States of America.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. Persons in possession of this press release should inform themselves of and observe any local restrictions. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion expected proceeds and anticipated use of proceeds of the Fundraising; the anticipated cash runway of the Company; and future expectations, plans and prospects of the Company. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "projects," and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions and no assurance can be given that the proposed securities offering discussed above will be consummated on the terms described or at all. Completion of the proposed Fundraising and the terms thereof are subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation, market conditions, failure of customary closing conditions and the risk factors and other matters set forth in the filings the Company makes with the AMF from time to time. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107559643/en/

Contacts:

GenSight Biologics

Chief Financial Officer

Jan Eryk Umiastowski

jeumiastowski@gensight-biologics.com
Brits spend up to 72[1] hours a year searching for misplaced documents and files, as Samsung unveils Intelligent Search on the new Galaxy Book6 at CES 2026

LONDON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Receipts, vouchers and digital documents are now among the most commonly misplaced items in the UK, according to new research commissioned by Samsung - highlighting how the everyday frustration of losing things has shifted from pockets and bags to screens and storage.

The study of 2,000 UK adults found that more than half (52%) have reached a checkout or returns desk without the receipt they needed. Other frequently misplaced physical items include the TV remote (24%), house keys (19%) and earbuds or headphones (15%).

But the frustration does not stop with physical belongings. As more of everyday life moves online, managing digital clutter is becoming just as challenging. More than eight in ten (83%) say they struggle to find documents or files on their devices when they need them.

For some, this search adds up to a significant amount of lost time. The research shows that people can spend up to six hours a month searching for misplaced digital documents on their laptop or computer - the equivalent of up to 72 hours a year simply trying to rediscover files they already own.

Important digital content is also frequently misplaced. Three in ten say they have lost track of important passwords, while nearly a quarter struggle to find emails (24%) and almost one in five have difficulty locating photos (18%) they know are saved somewhere on their device.

This growing digital overload is reflected in how people organise their technology. Almost a third (32%) say they find it harder to organise items on their phone, tablet or laptop compared to real life, while 34% admit to endlessly scrolling through their camera roll trying to find something specific. A further 31% struggle to remember which folder or chat a file has been saved in.

On average, people now estimate they have more than 3,000 documents, photos or videos stored across their devices. As a result, more than a quarter (28%) say they would not feel confident they could find a specific item within 30 seconds.

Everyday routines also play a role. More than half (52%) say changes in routine make them more forgetful, while 34% feel they lose more items now than they did when they were younger. Nearly one in five (19%) admit they can never find the document they are looking for when they need to send it to friends or family.

The findings come as Samsung unveils the new Galaxy Book6 series at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, which features Intelligent Search designed to help users quickly rediscover documents, photos and contacts, even when they can't remember exact names, locations or details.

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience Vice President of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, said: "Searching for something you can't find on a device can be even more infuriating than losing your house keys. You know it's there; you just can't find it.

At Samsung, we know people crave simplicity, especially as life becomes more complicated, turning to technology and tools such as Galaxy AI features as the fix. That's why at CES we've announced our most intuitive computing device yet - the Galaxy Book6 Series, with Intelligent Search.

It allows you to ask for what you're looking for in a natural, human way - just as you would ask a friend, for example: 'Can you find me that beach photo from July?' You don't need to remember file names or folders, because it's designed around how people remember, not how computers store information - helping give valuable time back."

The findings also reveal why traditional organisation methods are struggling to keep up. 35% say files are often saved in the wrong place by mistake, while 29% say current search tools don't always surface the right results, reinforcing the need for smarter, more intuitive ways to rediscover information.

As technology continues to store more of everyday life, the research suggests that staying organised, both physically and digitally, is becoming an essential modern skill.

For more information on the new Galaxy Book6, and for further updates from Samsung at CES 2026, please visit: samsung.com/uk

Notes to editors

Brits spend up to 72 hours a year searching for lost documents and everyday items. Figure based on Samsung-commissioned research, which found 31% respondents spend between one to six hours per month searching for misplaced documents on their devices. Annual maximum estimate calculated by multiplying six hours by 12 months.

Research in this press release was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Samsung among 2,000 UK adults, nationally representative by age, gender, and region, between 24th - 30th December 2025

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

[1] Based on Samsung-commissioned research, which found 31% respondents spend between one to six hours per month searching for misplaced documents on their devices. Annual maximum estimate calculated by multiplying six hours by 12 months

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: WML) (OTCQB: WMLLF) (SSE: WMLCL) (FSE: EJZN) (the "Company" or "Wealth") announces that on January 2, 2026, the Chilean Ministry of Mining issued an official resolution (the "Resolution") regarding the application acceptance for a Special Lithium Operating Contract ("CEOL") for the Kuska Project (see press releases dated May 27, 2025 and January 4, 2024). Due to the application acceptance, the Chilean Ministry of Mining subdivision tasked with the CEOL process is required to agree with Wealth Minerals and partners (such as Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague, below as the "Kuska Consortium") on final terms and conditions to be included in the supreme presidential decree that will certify the CEOL. According to the Resolution, the Kuska Consortium has fully complied with the requirements of the CEOL application.

Hendrik van Alphen, CEO of Wealth Minerals, stated, "The team at Wealth Minerals has worked long and hard for this moment, and our perseverance has paid off. The significance of this news cannot be overstated, it means the door to Kuska Project development is now open, a project that has a billion-dollar value as per our studies done, announced and filed in 2024. This news is particularly timely, as global prices for Lithium Carbonate Equivalent have recently recovered from market lows and now exceed US$16,000 per tonne. We now move to complete the CEOL negotiation this month so that the CEOL contract can be finalized as soon as possible. This important milestone confirms the attractiveness of our Kuska Project, not only for Wealth shareholders but also for the State of Chile."

The Kuska Project

The Kuska Project is located in the Salar de Ollague, Antofagasta Region, Chile. Wealth Minerals Ltd. began developing the Project in 2019 and has completed two exploration campaigns to date, which also led to the publication of an initial resource estimate ("Estimated Lithium Resources Ollague Project" published on SEDAR+ on January 13, 2023) under Canadian NI 43-101 standards. The study estimates indicated resources of 741,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") with an average concentration of 175 mg/L, in addition to inferred resources of 701,000 tonnes of LCE with an average grade of 185 mg/L. Additionally, the Company has advanced the study of various direct lithium extraction ("DLE") technologies and published a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") in February 2024, prepared by DRA Global Limited, which yielded very attractive profitability values (IRR of 33% and a NPV at 10% discount of US$1.65 billion, pre-tax in both cases) for a 20,000 tonne LCE per year project with a 20-year mine life. The Kuska Project is owned by Kuska Minerals LLC, a Chilean legal entity whereby ownership is 95% for Wealth and 5% for the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague.

About Wealth Minerals Ltd.

Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada and Chile. The Company's focus is the acquisition and development of lithium projects in South America. Presently the Company is working to diversify its asset base to include precious metal projects.

The Company opportunistically advances battery metal projects where it has a peer advantage in project selection and initial evaluation. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. In parallel with lithium market dynamics, Wealth believes other battery metals will benefit from similar industry trends.

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WEALTH MINERALS LTD.

"Hendrik van Alphen"

Hendrik van Alphen

Chief Executive Officer

Follow Us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WealthMineralsLtd

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealth-minerals

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/WealthMinerals

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral projects, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279720

Source: Wealth Minerals Ltd.
Avolta AG / Key word(s): Contract

Avolta awarded two 10-year contracts to elevate travel retail and dining at Florida's Palm Beach International airport



07.01.2026 / 18:30 CET/CEST





Avolta (SIX: AVOL) has been awarded two 10-year contracts at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), strengthening its presence in North America through both lines of business. Part of the airport's major expansion and modernization project, the new contracts represent a total of 1,281 m of concessions space, combining retail and dining to create a holistic travel experience for passengers. Under the new agreements, Avolta's Hudson will develop four specialty retail and travel convenience stores throughout the airport. Beginning in 2026, the new retail offerings will bring a hyper-local, curated shopping experience to the airport, showcasing Palm Beach's timeless blend of luxury, leisure, and local flavor.



Building on the company's F&B presence in the airport, Avolta's HMSHost will open multiple dining venues in Concourse B and the Main Terminal. From Summer 2026, HMSHost will introduce a lineup of full-service, fast casual, and quick-serve concepts introducing travelers to South Florida's bold and diverse food scene.



"We are very happy to have been selected as the travel retail and F&B partner for Palm Beach International Airport, allowing us the opportunity to transform the travel experience," said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. "We have tailored and selected these new concepts to highlight the local culture and uniqueness of Palm Beach County while also offering locally sourced products and brands that make Palm Beach County and the surrounding region a sought-after destination year-round."



"We're proud to introduce new concessions that highlight the flavors and spirit of Palm Beach County," said Director of Airports Laura Beebe. "We're creating an experience that feels authentic to our community. These new options not only support local businesses, but also give our passengers more choice, more comfort, and a true sense of Palm Beach County from the moment they arrive."



Digital engagement will be an essential part of the new shopping experience, with in-store technology such as self-checkout, QR code order and pay, self-order kiosks, digital menu boards, and virtual waitlists, allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions. For further information:



CONTACT

Rebecca McClellan Cathy Jongens Global Head

Investor Relations Director Corporate

Communications Phone: +44 7543 800 405 Phone: +31 6 28 19 88 28 rebecca.mcclellan@avolta.net cathy.jongens@avolta.net



End of Media Release

View original content: EQS News
Samsung's Digital Appliances leadership highlighted the company's industry-leading innovation and vision for the smart home of tomorrow

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today outlined its vision for Digital Appliances (DA) Business to enable better living - as well as the key strategies driving this initiative - during its Deep Dive session at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The outline for the company's vision comes at a time in which the global home appliance market navigates the growing importance of AI in connected living.

Led by Cheolgi Kim, Head of the DA Business, the session laid out how Samsung's Bespoke AI appliances are seamlessly connected through SmartThings to evolve them from mere devices into 'Home Companions.'

These devices are equipped with Bixby voice recognition technology, screens, and cameras that allow them to see, hear and understand to proactively respond to users. This makes them capable of intelligently adapting to users' daily lives. At the same time, intelligent adaptation extends beyond home appliances to TVs and mobile devices to build a broader AI ecosystem in which devices can fulfil the role of a true Home Companion.

"Samsung's ultimate goal is to enable a better living through Bespoke AI," said Cheolgi Kim. "Through our extensive ecosystem that connects devices across DX products - including mobile phones and TV - and our appliances' unique form factors, we are providing differentiated experiences to our consumers and creating more value through those experiences."

Regional Strategies Powering Global Growth

Also during the session, JS Moon, Head of R&D at the DA Business, highlighted how Samsung is tailoring its 2026 appliance portfolio to meet regional market needs. In North America, innovative form factors like the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo continued to drive strong growth. In addition to the AI lineup, new kitchen packages featuring unified stainless-steel designs are expected to satisfy local preferences in 2026.

In Europe, energy efficiency remains a top priority. Samsung has introduced highly efficient appliances, including the Bespoke AI washer, which is up to 65% more energy efficient than energy efficiency class A minimum requirements in Europe,1 advanced HVAC solutions and built-in kitchen products designed to meet stringent sustainability expectations.

Latin America continues to see strong momentum led by laundry and air conditioning solutions, while rising interest in smart home ecosystems and localized AI features like regional language support and expanded AI Energy Mode represent a major growth opportunity in Asia.

"At Samsung, we aim to deliver meaningful AI experiences that are deeply aligned with local lifestyles and needs," said JS Moon. "As such, we will keep enhancing these regional features and expand core AI features such as AI Energy Mode to a wider range of price points and product types beyond premium lineups."

Expanding the Role of AI in Everyday Life

Looking ahead, Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to expanding beyond traditional appliances into areas such as HVAC, modular homes, insurance-based care extending the value of AI, and connectivity in new aspects of daily life. By combining open collaboration, regional customization and long-term software support, Samsung aims to reduce household burdens and deliver AI experiences that feel practical, trusted and deeply aligned with how people live.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

1 Based on Samsung internal testing. The energy consumption of this 9kg model is EEI 18.2, which is 65% more energy efficient compared to the minimum threshold of energy efficiency class A (EEI 52 for 9kg models). Energy ratings tested with Eco 40-60 program, 65% savings tested with the Eco 40-60 program.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856210/Cheolgi_Kim.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856209/JS_Moon.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/home-companion-comprehension-of-samsung-bespoke-ai-2026-302655466.html
LONDON, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- causaLens is proud to announce the appointment of Ludovic Gaude, a distinguished technology executive and business strategist, as an board advisor to the company.

Ludovic brings decades of leadership in delivering high-value, complex technology solutions for major enterprises. As the former CEO of Avenga and Intive, he has guided teams at the forefront of digital transformation, spearheading projects that solve critical business challenges. His expertise in building scalable and dependable technology products makes him uniquely positioned to help causaLens accelerate its mission.

His extensive background in managing operations across multiple geographies and delivering high-value technology solutions aligns perfectly with the causaLens mission. Ludovic's expertise will be instrumental in guiding the global commercial expansion of causaLens's AI-powered Digital Workers, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of enterprise clients in regulated sectors.

"causaLens stands out for bringing genuine intelligence and reliability to enterprise AI. Having delivered complex technology solutions at scale, I see how digital workers are fundamentally disrupting traditional consulting models - solving high-stakes challenges faster and at a scale humans alone can't match."

Ludovic Gaude, former CEO, Avenga

"Ludovic's exceptional track record in scaling global technology companies makes him an invaluable addition to our advisory board. His deep understanding of digital transformation will help us deliver even greater value as we bring our Digital Workers to new markets."

Darko Matovski, CEO, causaLens

About causaLens

causaLens builds Digital Knowledge Workers - multi-agent systems designed to automate high-value operations across the entire enterprise. These Digital Workers support every function, from supply chain and finance to HR, marketing, and sales operations, delivering expert-level reasoning at scale.

Their reliability is powered by causaLens' proprietary Causal World Model and patented IP, enabling accurate, explainable decision-making across complex operational workflows. Digital Workers plug seamlessly into existing systems and LLMs, adding a layer of advanced reasoning rather than replacing what organizations already use. By combining the flexibility of LLMs with the precision of causal reasoning, causaLens delivers dependable, production-grade AI.

Trusted by enterprises worldwide, causaLens partners with leading organizations including Johnson & Johnson, Cisco, and IPG, and is expanding rapidly - particularly within the retail sector - bringing end-to-end workflow automation to some of the world's most demanding environments.

Tom Kennedy

tom.kennedy@causalens.com

+44 7950 459460
Professor Svetlana Mojsov and Professor Carlos Kenig, among other eminent figures, were selected to win the 48th session of the Prize

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Professor Svetlana Mojsov was announced this year's King Faisal Prize in Medicine laureate for her groundbreaking discoveries that are reshaping how we treat obesity, and Professor Carlos Kenig was announced this year's King Faisal Prize in Science laureate in the field of Mathematics for revolutionizing our understanding of nonlinear partial differential equations. Other laureates' names were announced to win King Faisal Prize in 2026 for enriching humanity with invaluable achievements and discoveries, and for excelling in the fields of Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic Studies, and Serving Islam.

Professor Mojsov, the Lulu Chow Wang and Robin Chemers Neustein Research Associate Professor at the Rockefeller University in New York, pioneered research on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that has fundamentally transformed how we treat obesity and diabetes. She discovered and characterized the biologically active form of GLP-1; a natural intestinal hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, and identified its receptors in the human pancreas, heart, and brain. Through cutting-edge peptide biochemistry and physiological studies, Professor Mojsov demonstrated that GLP-1 powerfully stimulates insulin secretion while reducing hunger and managing glucose levels.

Her groundbreaking work enabled the development of an entirely new class of medications that mimic this natural hormone, sparking a paradigm shift in obesity treatment. Today, these therapies provide life-changing benefits for hundreds of millions of people worldwide living with obesity and its complications-a global health crisis affecting 890 million adults and 160 million children and adolescents in 2022 alone according to World Health Organization.

Professor Mojsov is listed as co-inventor on patents for the use of GLP-1 that were licensed to the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which led to the development of breakthrough medications. The medications based on Professor Mojsov's foundational work have transformed patient care worldwide. Her work has led to the development of a class of medications marketed under trade names including Victoza, Ozempic, and Rybelsus for diabetes treatment and weight loss. These drugs work by copying what the natural hormone does in the body: they help release insulin when blood sugar is high, slow down digestion, and reduce appetite by affecting the brain's hunger centers. The first drug to reach market, Victoza, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010 and was based directly on the GLP-1 sequence that Professor Mojsov discovered. Professor Mojsov's contributions demonstrate how basic scientific research can lead to life-changing therapies that address one of the world's most pressing health challenges.

Her groundbreaking contributions have earned numerous prestigious honors, including the Lasker Award, Tang Prize, Breakthrough Prize, VinFuture Prize, and Princess of Asturias Prize, among others. Time magazine also named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024.

This year's King Faisal Prize in Science "Mathematics" honors Professor Carlos Kenig for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematical analysis. His work has transformed our understanding of nonlinear partial differential equations-the mathematical equations describing how things change and move in the physical world-and provided researchers with a now-ubiquitous set of techniques. His insights have opened new research frontiers with applications spanning fluid mechanics, optical fibers, and medical imaging.

Professor Carlos Kenig, Louis Block Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, is recognized for applying harmonic analysis techniques across different areas of partial differential equations. His work on free boundary problems-determining unknown boundaries such as where ice meets melting water or how fluids flow through soil-has been particularly influential.

Professor Kenig has spent three decades figuring out how complex waves behave over long periods of time, especially in tricky situations where they could either spread out peacefully or build up dangerously. This matters for understanding everything from ocean waves to light pulses in fiber optics to how energy moves through different materials. His work helps explain phenomena in quantum mechanics, optics, and ocean waves. By combining different mathematical techniques, he has solved longstanding problems that had puzzled mathematicians for decades. His research examines how solutions to these equations evolve over time, when they remain stable, and when they might break down or form singularities.

Another important area of Professor Kenig's work involves understanding how mathematical solutions behave near edges or boundaries. He has also contributed to unique continuation properties, which explore how much information about a solution you need in order to determine the entire solution. These mathematical insights have practical applications in medical imaging and other inverse problems where you try to determine internal structures from external measurements.

Professor Kenig's distinguished career includes the Salem Prize (1984), the Bocher Prize of the American Mathematical Society (2008), the Solomon Lefschetz Medal from the Mathematical Council of the Americas (2021), and the ICMAM Latin America Prize (2024). He was an invited speaker at the International Congress of Mathematicians in 1984 and 2002, a plenary speaker in 2010, and delivered the American Mathematical Society's colloquium lectures in 2017.

In addition to Medicine and Science, King Faisal Prize recognized this year the achievements of outstanding thinkers and scholars in the field of Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic Studies, and exemplary leaders who played a pivotal role in serving Islam, Muslims, and humanity at large.

Professor Pierre Larcher, Emeritus Professor of Arabic Linguistics at Aix-Marseille University and Emeritus Researcher at the Institute for Studies and Research on the Arab and Muslim Worlds, won this year's King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature on "Arabic Literature in French". His novel presentation of Arabic literature to French readers has earned widespread acclaim from critics and specialists, while his rigorous scholarly approach to classical Arabic literature has made it accessible and appropriate for French culture. His critical translation project of al-Mu'allaqat and rigorous study of pre-Islamic poetry demonstrate exceptional scholarly depth.

For this year's Islamic Studies Prize on "Islamic Trade Routes", Professor Abdelhamid Hussein Mahmoud Hammouda, Professor of Islamic History and Civilization at the Fayoum University, and Professor Dr. Mohamed Waheeb Hussein, Professor of Archaeology and History of Art at the Hashemite University, were announced as co-laureates.

Professor Abdelhamid Hussein Mahmoud Hammouda's comprehensive work encompasses trade routes across the Islamic world-the Mashreq, Iraq and Persia, Arabian Peninsula, Greater Syria, Egypt, Sahara, Maghreb, and al-Andalus. This expansive scope delivers coherent understanding of Islamic trade trajectories across history, serving as an authoritative reference for both specialized research and broader scholarship.

Professor Dr. Mohamed Waheeb Hussein's groundbreaking work uses archaeological surveys, GPS documentation, and analytical mapping to systematically correlate Qur'anic texts with geographical data. His research offers definitive scholarly interpretation of the Route of al-Ilaf, significantly advancing documentation of early Arabian Peninsula trade routes.

As for the Service to Islam Prize, Sheikh Abdullatif bin Ahmed Alfozan and Professor Dr. Mohamed Mohamed Hassanin Aboumousa were announced as co-laureates for this year.

King Faisal Prize laureates' names for 2026 were announced today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by HRH Prince Turki Alfaisal and the Prize's Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail. Since 1979, King Faisal Prize in its 5 different categories has awarded laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes. Each prize laureate is endowed with USD 200 thousand; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate's name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize.

Attachments

Professor Carlos Kenig announced King Faisal Prize in Science laureate (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a0e08427-d92d-40ec-87c2-e692fd07324d)

Professor Svetlana Mojsov announced King Faisal Prize in Medicine laureate (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c7e234fa-738f-4114-8b56-f5c7c043dbac)

Maysa Shawwa King Faisal Prize Maysa.Shawwa@kff.com
In partnership with the City of Las Vegas, the community event features a fireside chat with leaders from TensorWave and Vay plus live startup pitches

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / WHAT:

The City of Las Vegas, in partnership with Startup Vegas, will host a special LevelUp event during CES at the Historic Fifth Street School. LevelUp is a community-driven program designed to support founders, technologists, and entrepreneurs through mentorship, live feedback, and networking.

The evening will feature a fireside chat with leaders at the forefront of AI infrastructure and autonomous mobility, followed by live startup pitches from local founders who will receive real-time feedback and guidance from ecosystem leaders.

WHO:

Fireside chat moderated by Nick Broderick , Executive Director, Wells Fargo | Technology Banking Group

Featured speakers:

Thomas von der Ohe , Co-Founder & CEO, Vay

Piotr Tomasik , President & COO, TensorWave; Co-Founder, Startup Vegas

Startup pitch presenters:

Eric H. , Founder, Canary MedTech Corp.

Kobe Harris , Founder, Kobeesco

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. PT

WHERE:

Historic Fifth Street School

401 South 4th Street

Las Vegas, NV

DETAILS:

LevelUp is a free, open-to-the-community event for anyone interested in technology, startups, entrepreneurship, and community building in the Las Vegas Valley. Over 90 minutes, founders present their companies to a panel of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders, receiving immediate feedback, mentorship, and actionable next steps - with the potential for investment.

In addition to the programming, attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow founders, technologists, and community members in a supportive and inclusive environment. LevelUp is held periodically to help strengthen the local startup ecosystem by bringing entrepreneurial communities together to share ideas, energy, and encouragement.

WHY IT MATTERS:

Timed with CES, the event highlights Las Vegas' growing role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship - connecting global technology conversations with local founders and community leaders working to build the next generation of companies.

MORE INFORMATION / RSVP:

https://www.meetup.com/startup-vegas/events/312470240/

MEDIA CONTACT:

press@tensorwave.com

SOURCE: TensorWave

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/startup-vegas-hosts-ces-week-levelup-event-spotlighting-ai-entrep-1124977
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Pursuant to the early warning requirements of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Consorcio Minero Horizonte S.R.L. ("CMH") announced today the acquisition of common shares ("Common Shares") in the capital of Antioquia Gold Inc. (OTC: AGDXF) ("Antioquia").

On December 30, 2025, CMH acquired 989,281,437 Common Shares (representing approximately 91.15% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares) of Antioquia (the "Acquired Shares").

The Acquired Shares were acquired in connection with the completion of a merger (the "Merger") between CMH and Infinita Prosperidad Minera S.A.C. ("Infinita"). In connection with the Merger, CMH absorbed Infinita (including all of Infinita's assets, which included the Acquired Shares) for total aggregate consideration equal to C$3,780,000.

Immediately prior closing of the Share Purchase, CMH held, directly or indirectly, no Common Shares (representing 0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares). Following closing of the Share Purchase, CMH holds an aggregate of 989,281,437 Common Shares (representing approximately 91.15% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, as of the date hereof), an increase of approximately 91.15%.

CMH acquired the Acquired Shares pursuant to the Merger for investment purposes. CMH intends to review and evaluate its investment in the Common Shares on an ongoing basis and may, depending upon such evaluation of the business and prospects of Antioquia, market conditions or such other considerations as it may deem relevant, determine to increase, decrease, or dispose of its holdings of Common Shares through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise. To the extent that any of the intentions described herein change, CMH will make any such necessary filings with the Canadian securities regulators as may be mandated by applicable securities laws.

The Merger (and indirect acquisition of the Acquired Shares) was completed in reliance on the "private agreement exemption" contained in Section 4.2 of National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids, on the basis that [(i) the purchase of the Common Shares was not be made from more than five persons in the aggregate, (ii) the offer to purchase was not be made generally to all holders of Common Shares, and (iii) there is a reasonable basis for determining that the value of the consideration paid for any of the securities is not greater than 115% of the value of the securities.

The head office of Antioquia is: Suite 106, 2 Toronto St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2B5.

CMH, is a company incorporated under the laws of Peru and is an investment company. The head office address of CMH is: Jr. Crane 102, Urbanizacion Jacaranda II, distrito de San Borja, provincia y departamento de Lima, Peru.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279706

Source: Consorcio Minero Horizonte S.R.L.
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LabConnect, the world's most agile central laboratory solutions partner, today announced the opening of its new corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, strengthening its footprint in the rapidly growing Research Triangle region, a leading center for Contract Research Organizations (CROs), biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies. The new office will serve as a strategic base for executive leadership, commercial, operational, and technology teams as LabConnect continues to support an expanding portfolio of complex clinical trials worldwide.

Raleigh Durham and the Research Triangle region have emerged as one of the most dynamic life sciences ecosystems in the country, powered by top-tier research universities, a highly skilled workforce, and a dense network of CROs, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies. LabConnect's presence in the region will enhance collaboration with sponsors and CRO partners, accelerate innovation in central lab services, and create new opportunities to pilot advanced sample management, data integration, and technology-enabled solutions close to our clients.

"With this new Raleigh office, we are exactly where our customers are making some of their most important decisions about drug development," said Wes Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of LabConnect. "RDU has become one of the world's most important centers for pharmaceutical innovation, and establishing a stronger corporate presence here allows us to partner even more closely with our clients, attract exceptional talent, and help speed the development of new medicines for patients in need."

The Raleigh corporate office will complement LabConnect's seven global operational locations which are adjacent to its partner laboratories supporting: North America, Latin America, Europe and the UK, Australia, China, and ultimately South Korea. The co-location of LabConnect's operational facilities and its regional partners enables the company to better align scientific, operational, and data capabilities with the needs of emerging and large biopharmaceutical customers.

LabConnect plans to grow the Raleigh office in the coming years, with additional commercial leadership, project management, scientific operations, technology, and data science personnel. The investment reflects the company's commitment to building a modern, collaborative workplace that leverages the strengths of the RDU market while maintaining its global, asset light operating model and flexible partner lab network.

About LabConnect

LabConnect is redefining central laboratory services as a technology-driven partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Our decentralized network model provides sponsors with access to the industry's most comprehensive global testing menu, supported by advanced sample tracking, data management, and expert consulting services. With an asset light approach spanning functional service provider solutions, specialty testing, and ancillary support, we deliver scalability and efficiency beyond the limits of traditional laboratory ownership. By building the lab network of the future, LabConnect accelerates the development of life-changing therapies with greater precision, flexibility, and speed. Follow us on LinkedIn and learn more at www.labconnect.com.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - Tiger Gold Corp. (TSXV: TIGR) ("Tiger Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be presenting at the Emerging Growth Conference on December 22nd, 2026.

Tiger Gold invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend its live, interactive presentation on the Emerging Growth Conference. This event will give existing shareholders and the investment community the opportunity to interact with the Company's CEO, Robert Vallis in real time.

Tiger Gold will be presenting at 1:45PM Eastern time, December 22nd for 30 minutes.

Please register below to ensure you are able to attend the conference and receive any updates that are released.

REGISTER

https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1717095&tp_key=3c898db1bd&sti=tigr

If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on the Company's YouTube channel.

The Company also announces that it has granted stock options to certain directors and officers to purchase up to 400,000 common shares of Tiger Gold. Each option entitles the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of $0.59 until January 7, 2031. The options will vest over a period of two years, with 25% vesting every six months.

About the Emerging Growth Conference

The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present and communicate their new products, services and other major announcements to the investment community from the convenience of their office, in a time efficient manner.

The Conference focus and coverage includes companies in a wide range of growth sectors, with strong management teams, innovative products & services, focused strategy, execution, and the overall potential for long term growth. Its audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts.

All sessions will be conducted through video webcasts and will take place in the Eastern time zone.

About Tiger Gold Corp.

Tiger is a growth-oriented mining exploration and development company focused on advancing its flagship asset, the Quinchia Gold Project, a multi-million ounce gold deposit in the prolific Mid-Cacau belt in Colombia. Tiger is led by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mine builders, engineering, metallurgical, ESG, and corporate finance professionals who have brought numerous mines into production at globally recognized mining companies including AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold Corporation, Yamana Gold Inc., and B2Gold Corp. Tiger is led by President and CEO, Robert Vallis, who brings a strong record of strategic leadership and execution in the mining sector, including his role in the US$9.5 billion acquisition and integration of Placer Dome by Barrick, as well as the US$3.9 billion joint acquisition of Osisko Mining by Yamana and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279743

Source: Tiger Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - RED METAL RESOURCES LTD. (CSE: RMES) (OTC Pink: RMESF) (FSE: I660) ("Red Metal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a financing.

Private placement offering

Red Metal announces a non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of up to C$750,000 for an aggregate of up to 12,500,000 units (the "Offering").

The Company intends to raise up to $750,000 by issuing an aggregate of up to 12,500,000 units at a price of $0.06 per unit (the "Units"). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the subscriber to purchase one additional Share of the Company ( a "Warrant Share") for a period of three years at a price of CDN$0.09 per Warrant Share in the first year following the close of the financing, CDN$0.12 per Warrant Share in the second year following the close of the financing, CDN$0.15 per Warrant Share in the third year following the close of the financing.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Units to finance general working capital requirements and exploration on Carrizal, its flagship Chilean copper property.

States CEO Caitlin Jeffs, "With a pro-business and mining government in Chile, and with copper reaching record prices, we believe now is the time to focus on our Chile copper project. We intend to use the funds to advance exploration on Carrizal and for general working capital."

All securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Red Metal Resources Ltd.

Red Metal Resources is a mineral exploration company focused on growth through acquiring, exploring and developing clean energy and strategic minerals projects. The Company's current portfolio include the 100% owned Ville Marie claims in Quebec, Canada as well as Company's Chilean projects which are located in the prolific Candelaria iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) belt of Chile's coastal Cordillera. Red Metal is quoted on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol RMES, on OTC Link alternative trading system on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol RMESF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol I660.

For more information, visit www.redmetalresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements - All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation statements related to the Offering and expected use of proceeds. Red Metal provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the ability to raise adequate financing, receipt of required approvals, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in Red Metal's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Red Metal has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Red Metal disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISSEMINATION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279761

Source: Red Metal Resources Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - EVOLUTION GLOBAL FRONTIER VENTURES CORP. (CSE: EGFV) (the "Company" or "EGFV") is pleased to appoint Mr. Derrick Gaon to the offices of President and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Gaon is a seasoned financial professional and has acted in the role of C-Suite positions in both private and public companies and well as a financial advisor for over 30 years. He is been active in the business of financial investment, personal and group insurance services, providing a wild range of products and services, including Financial Planning, RESPs, Estate Planning, Life & Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Travel/Visitor Insurance, Mortgage Insurance, Mortgage Referral, Retirement Planning, RRSPs, RRIFs / LIFs/ Annuities, GICs and Health Insurance. Mr. Gaon has earned the Million Dollar Round Table honor and Court of the Table honor for many years from the Million Dollar Round Table organization, an association of financial professionals.

About Evolution Global Frontier Ventures Corp.

Evolution Global is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and other mineral properties, and is based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking information and statements ("forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements using the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", and other similar expressions.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analysis, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, its securities, or financial, or operating results (as applicable). Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, such forward-looking statements has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statement.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279759

Source: Evolution Global Frontier Ventures Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 7, 2026) - McLaren Resources Inc. (CSE: MCL) (FSE: 3ML) ("McLaren" / the "Company") announces closing of a non-brokered private placement financing consisting of 2,323,000 Flow-Through Units (the "FT Unit") for gross proceeds of $150,995. The Flow-Through Units are issued at a price of $0.065 per unit, with each FT Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of McLaren issued on a flow-through basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant ("Warrant") is exercisable at a price of $0.10 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Company has granted options to buy 2,200,000 common shares of McLaren to officers, directors, and consultants. The options can be exercised at $0.10 per share, with 500,000 options having a term of five years and 1,700,000 options having a term of three years from issuance.

In addition, 2,540,000 common shares of McLaren have been issued to officers, directors, and consultants for services provided. Each common share issued is valued at $0.05 per share.

In connection with the financing, McLaren paid Accilent Capital Management Inc. ("Accilent"), a finder's fee of 124,000 common shares and 124,000 Warrants of the Company. After giving effect to the securities issued as set out and described in this news release, Accilent, a principal shareholder of the Company as a finder and also as a subscriber of Flow-Through Units through its affiliate Pavilion Flow-Through L.P., has increased its direct and indirect holding of the voting securities of McLaren from 28.76% to 28.99% of shares outstanding, or 28.31% to 28.46% on a fully diluted basis.

Gross proceeds from the financing will be used by McLaren for exploration work on the Company's properties which are located in the prolific Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario, Canada, where over 70 million ounces of gold have been produced to date.

ABOUT McLAREN

McLaren is focused on exploration work on its gold properties in the Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario. McLaren owns a 100% interest in the past-producing 640 ha Blue Quartz Gold Mine property as well as the 1,770 ha McCool gold property and the 775 ha Kerrs gold property, which are located approximately 80 km east of Timmins city centre. The properties are proximal to the Destor-Porcupine Deformation Zone which is host to many of the gold deposits within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

For more information, please contact:

MCLAREN RESOURCES INC.

30 Duncan Street, Suite 606 Toronto, Ontario M5V 2C3

www.mclarenresources.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of the press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management; however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. McLaren Resources Inc. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

This news release is not for distribution in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279758

Source: McLaren Resources Inc.
Daisy Shah criticises election campaigners for recklessly bursting firecrackers near her Bandra East home, allegedly causing a fire, and urges people to show civic sense, calling the incident the result of brainless people.

Bollywood actor Daisy Shah has criticised what she described as a lack of civic sense after a fire broke out near her residence in Bandra East, Mumbai, allegedly triggered by firecrackers being burst during an ongoing election campaign. Shah shared a video of the blaze on her Instagram account, expressing shock and anger at the incident.

In a detailed caption accompanying the footage, Shah emphasised her neutrality toward political parties while condemning the behaviour she believes led to the dangerous situation. I have got nothing to do with any political party, but when you hire teams to run campaigns for your elections please make sure they have some common sense in them, she said.

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She also pointed out that her buildings residents committee had refused permission for campaigners to enter the premises for door-to-door activity. Thankfully our building committee refused their entry to go door to door. Bursting crackers next to the buildings is not the way to go about it, she said, calling out the reckless behaviour near a residential area.

Showing footage of the neighbouring house engulfed in flames, Shah described the fire as an avoidable outcome of irresponsible actions. This is what happens when people lack civic sense. It aint a natural calamity, its caused by brainless people. TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY  ITS HIGH TIME, she wrote.

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In the comments on her post, Shah also urged people to be aware of the serious dangers posed by bursting fireworks in densely populated residential areas. I sincerely hope that people understand the serious danger of bursting crackers roadside. This is a live example of doing so..seeing this happen right in front of my eyes was scary, she added.
Karina Kubiliute, an 18-year-old UK student and cheerleader, denied relationship rumours with Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan after viral Goa photos. Heres who she is and why calling Aaryan a pedophile isnt factually supported.

Kartik Aaryan, right at the beginning of the New Year, found himself in the middle of a controversy, all thanks to his Insta story. The actor put up a picture from his Goa vacation. No sooner did he do that than he found himself being linked to a 17-year-old UK-based girl, Karina Kubiliute. The reason - they seemed to be at the same spot, all thanks to the Karinas Insta post! Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Aaryan followed her on Insta as well.

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But, who is Karina Kubiliute? What does she do? And is it even correct to tag Kartik Aaryan as a pedophile because of the rumour? Well, read on to understand the entire controversy.

Who is Karina Kubiliute?

Karina Kubiliute, reportedly 17 years old and a student at Carlisle College in the UK, shot to viral fame after internet users compared her beach photos with those posted from Kartiks Goa holiday. The similarities, from matching backgrounds to identical beach loungers and towels, fuelled speculation that the two were vacationing together, which in turn led to intense chatter about their personal lives.

As per a report by DNA India, Karina grew up in the Carlisle and Wetheral areas of Cumbria in the UK. She is said to have Lithuanian heritage, with familial ties to Greece as well. Her mother, Jovita Kubiliene-Thompson, runs a hospitality venture in Cumbria, while her father, David Thompson, is also involved in the family-run business.

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As the online buzz grew louder, Karina took to social media to clear the air. She updated her Instagram bio to read, I dont know Kartik, Im not his gf, Im on holiday with my family, and she also reacted to a comment on a viral post with the blunt message, Im not his gffff!!! Lois bro STFU, effectively denying she is dating the actor.

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Can Kartik really be labelled a pedophile

No sooner did the news start going viral than netizens quickly jumped in to call Aaryan a pedophile. This is because Karina is apparently 17 years old (her age remains ambiguous with several reports claiming that she is 18), which means she is a minor.

Now, factually speaking, even if Kartik was dating Karina (which has been categorically denied by the latter), he cant be called a pedophile. The reason - pedophiles are those attracted to children, the ones who have not entered their teens.

Secondly, Karinas age, described in reports as 17, places her above the age of consent in many jurisdictions, including the UK, where consent can legally begin at 16.

As of now, the matter remains a topic of viral gossip and speculation online, with Karinas denials serving as the most direct public response and Kartik Aaryan yet to comment on the situation himself.
China has revealed new details about the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave weapon developed by Norinco to counter drone swarms. Designed to disable UAVs by frying onboard electronics, the system claims an interception range beyond 3 km

A member of the People's Liberation Army stands as information operations group vehicles take part during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. Representational Image/Reuters

The rapid spread of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on modern battlefields has transformed the nature of warfare, forcing militaries to rethink how they defend critical assets against low-cost, highly mobile, and increasingly autonomous threats.

Against this backdrop, China has begun revealing more information about one of its most advanced counter-drone systems to date: the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave (HPM) weapon designed to neutralise drone swarms over a wide area.

Developed by state-owned defence giant Norinco, the Hurricane 3000 is being presented as a key component of Chinas evolving air-defence architecture.

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When the Hurricane 3000 was revealed

The Hurricane 3000 first entered the public domain in 2024, when it was unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow alongside a smaller system known as the Hurricane 2000.

At the time, details were limited, and the focus was largely on demonstrating that China was actively developing high-power microwave weapons as part of its counter-drone portfolio.

The system drew attention again in September 2025, when it appeared during Chinas large-scale military parade in Beijing, an event typically reserved for showcasing platforms and technologies that reflect strategic priorities.

Despite its high-profile appearances, Norinco did not initially release technical specifications or operational concepts.

That changed in this week, when the company publicly disclosed details of the Hurricane 3000 for the first time.

What we know about the Hurricane 3000

At its core, the Hurricane 3000 is a high-power microwave weapon system. Unlike conventional air-defence platforms that rely on kinetic interceptors such as missiles or gunfire, the Hurricane 3000 uses electromagnetic energy to disable or destroy targets.

High-power microwave weapons emit intense microwave radiation that disrupts or permanently damages the electronic components and control systems of drones, rendering them inoperable.

According to Norinco, the Hurricane 3000 has been designed specifically with drone swarms in mind.

Its effective interception range exceeds 3 km [1.86 miles] against light and small [unmanned aerial vehicles] and drone swarms, placing it at the forefront of similar systems both domestically and internationally, Yu Jianjun, an expert with Norinco, said in an interview with Shanghai-based news site Guancha.

This claimed engagement distance is significant because it extends the systems role beyond close-in, point-defence missions.

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Instead of only protecting individual facilities or vehicles at short range, the Hurricane 3000 is positioned as a platform capable of denying airspace over a wider area, particularly in scenarios involving multiple incoming drones.

How the Hurricane 3000 works

Norinco has outlined a multi-layered detection and engagement sequence for the Hurricane 3000. The system uses radar to identify and track moving aerial targets at extended distances.

Once potential threats are detected, electro-optical sensors take over, allowing for visual acquisition and precise tracking of UAVs. This is intended to improve accuracy and reliability, particularly against small or low-flying drones that can be difficult to track using a single sensor type.

After a target is locked, the Hurricane 3000 emits high-power microwave energy through an antenna panel. The radiation acts almost instantaneously, damaging onboard electronics at speeds approaching that of light.

The result is the immediate loss of functionality, whether through disrupted flight control systems, fried circuitry, or complete electronic failure.

This method of engagement distinguishes high-power microwave weapons from so-called soft kill counter-drone technologies, which focus on jamming signals, spoofing navigation systems, or temporarily interfering with communications.

Instead, HPM systems are categorised as hard kill solutions because they physically incapacitate the targets electronic components.

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The Hurricane 3000 is designed to operate either independently or as part of a networked defence system. It can reportedly be linked with laser weapons and traditional artillery to form an iron triangle against drones.

The Hurricane 3000 is mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis, a design choice that reflects Chinas emphasis on flexible and rapidly deployable systems.

This configuration allows the weapon to be moved quickly between locations, supporting operations across a range of terrains and environments.

Norinco has indicated that the system is capable of operating in diverse environmental conditions, a feature that addresses limitations seen in some conventional counter-drone technologies that are sensitive to weather or visibility.

Why Hurricane 3000 holds an advantage over traditional counter-drone weapons

One of the central arguments Norinco makes in favour of the Hurricane 3000 is its efficiency compared to traditional air-defence systems. Missiles and gun-based interceptors can be costly and are often ill-suited to dealing with large numbers of inexpensive drones.

Each missile fired represents a significant expense, while rapid-fire guns require sustained logistics support and can struggle against small, agile UAVs.

High-power microwave systems, by contrast, effectively have an unlimited magazine. They do not rely on physical ammunition, and the cost per engagement is comparatively low once the system is deployed.

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Also, because microwave energy affects electronics rather than causing explosions, collateral damage is minimal, making such systems suitable for use in urban environments or near sensitive infrastructure.

Another key advantage lies in area coverage. Laser weapons, which are another form of directed-energy technology, typically engage targets individually and require precise aiming.

High-power microwave weapons emit energy over a wider area, enabling what defence analysts often describe as a sweep-and-kill approach.

This makes them particularly effective against saturation attacks, where dozens of drones may be launched simultaneously in an attempt to overwhelm defences.

How Hurricane 3000 compares with US weapons

The US Armys high-power microwave weapon, known as Leonidas and developed by Epirus, reportedly has an effective range of up to 2km.

In testing conducted in September 2025, Leonidas was used to neutralise a swarm of 49 quadcopter drones within seconds.

A prototype version of Leonidas was also deployed during the Balikatan joint military exercise in the Philippines in April 2025, marking the first time the United States had used such a weapon in the region to counter Chinese drones.

The Leonidas technology has also served as the basis for prototype systems developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps.

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When Hurricane 3000 will be deployed

Beyond Norincos systems, China has also developed other high-power microwave platforms, such as the FK-4000, produced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Norinco has also outlined ambitions to broaden the role of high-power microwave systems beyond countering UAVs.

The company repotedly aims to expand their use to include cutting off enemy information links, countering airborne electronic reconnaissance, and neutralising precision-guided munitions.

Despite its high-profile showcases and disclosed capabilities, the Hurricane 3000 has not yet been officially deployed by the Peoples Liberation Army.

Norinco has stated that the system is still undergoing testing and evaluation. Successful field trials, however, have generated significant interest, suggesting that integration into Chinas air-defence network could follow once testing is complete.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Elon Musks artificial intelligence company xAIs tool Grok has sparked global outrage after it rolled out an edit image button in December, allowing users to digitally alter pictures by putting specific prompts. Users have since used the AI tool to generate nonconsensual images of undressed women and children. Has the billionaires company taken any action amid the backlash?

Elon Musks X is rife with nonconsensual images of undressed women and children generated by his company xAIs AI tool Grok. The disgusting trend has created outrage worldwide, with the platform coming under scrutiny in several countries.

Despite backlash, Xs AI chatbot, Grok, continues to create deepfakes of women without their consent. The victims of the wicked trend range from celebrities to ordinary women and children.

Heres what is happening.

Grok used to undress women

X users are instructing Grok to undress women and children using their existing pictures. This came after Grok rolled out an edit image button in December, which allows users to digitally alter photos by putting specific prompts.

The update soon began to be misused by many to create nonconsensual sexualised images of women and children in states of undress.

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Grok, a free AI tool, responds to X users prompts when it is tagged by them in a post.

Users have asked the chatbot to undress women to show them in bikinis without their consent, as well as put them in sexual situations. Many prompts tagging Grok read put her in a bikini or remove her clothes.

The AI tool then replied with a version of the image below the post within minutes, allowing anyone to view the nonconsensual picture. Since the edit features rollout, Grok has generated several sexualised pictures of real women and children stripped to their underwear.

Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch became a victim of the sickening phenomenon. According to Eliot Higgins, the founder of the investigative journalism group Bellingcat, users told Grok bikini now and now put her in a confederate flag bikini. Musks chatbot complied and provided those images.

According to Researchers at AI Forensics, a Paris-based non-profit, at least a quarter of the 50,000 mentions of @Grok on X between December 25 and January 1 were requests for the tool to create an image. There was significant usage of terms like her, put, remove, bikini and clothing in the image generation prompts, reported The Guardian.

The non-profit said that over half the images displayed people in minimal attire such as underwear or bikinis, the majority being women who seemed under 30 years of age. About two per cent of the images appeared to show people aged 18 or under, as per AI Forensics. Some images also represented children under five years old.

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A review by the content analysis firm Copyleaks found that Grok has recently been creating roughly one nonconsensual sexualised image per minute, reported Rolling Stone.

Outrage over Grok making nonconsensual images

A global uproar has erupted as nonconsensual sexualised images of women and children spread on X.

Ashley St Clair, the estranged mother of one of Musks children, complained that Grok generated a picture of her when she was 14 years old in a bikini.

I felt horrified, I felt violated, especially seeing my toddlers backpack in the back of it, she said this week.

Hey @grok I do not consent to being undressed by you, having intimate content produced, or having my images altered in any way. Please remove this perverted content immediately and provide a post ID for impending legal filings. https://t.co/gWVT5WUG9C  Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) January 5, 2026

The deepfakes included an image of a 12-year-old girl in a swimwear.

Samantha Smith, a freelance journalist and commentator, told BBC she felt dehumanised and reduced into a sexual stereotype after Grok was used to digitally remove her clothing.

Women are not consenting to this, she said. While it wasnt me that was in states of undress, it looked like me and it felt like me and it felt as violating as if someone had actually posted a nude or a bikini picture of me.

Amid the controversy, Musks chatbot is facing scrutiny in several countries, including India, Australia and Malaysia.

Last week, Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology directed X to conduct a comprehensive technical, procedural and governance-level review of Grok. The company was given until January 5 to comply with the order.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said over the weekend that it is probing X and will summon company representatives.

MCMC urges all platforms accessible in Malaysia to implement safeguards aligned with Malaysian laws and online safety standards, especially in relation to their AI-powered features, chatbots and image manipulation tools, the group reportedly said in a statement.

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Australias online safety watchdog said it is investigating Grok-made sexualised deepfake images. Since late 2025, eSafety has received several reports relating to the use of Grok to generate sexualised images without consent, an eSafety spokesperson said, as per The Guardian.

Some reports relate to images of adults, which are assessed under our image-based abuse scheme, while others relate to potential child sexual exploitation material, which are assessed under our illegal and restricted content scheme.

It said at this point the deepfakes of children did not meet the criteria for child sexual exploitation material.

The X app offers users a spicy mode for explicit content. Representational Image/Reuters

The X app offers users a spicy mode for explicit content.

The European Commission, the EUs enforcement arm, said on Monday it was seriously looking into this matter, adding that it was very aware that X was offering a spicy mode.

This is not spicy, the European Unions digital affairs spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, told the ABC. This is illegal. This is appalling.

The British technology secretary, Liz Kendall, said the deepfake images were appalling and unacceptable in decent society and that Musks platform needed to deal with it urgently.

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The UK communications watchdog, Ofcom, announced on Monday that it had made urgent contact with X and xAI to understand what steps they have taken to comply with their legal duties to protect users in the UK.

The regulator said tech firms must assess the risk of people in the UK viewing illegal content on their platforms.

French ministers reported X to prosecutors and regulators over the deepfake images, saying in a statement on Friday that the sexual and sexist content was manifestly illegal.

Speaking to BBC, Clare McGlynn, a law professor at Durham University, said that X or Grok could prevent these forms of abuse if they wanted to, adding they appear to enjoy impunity.

The platform has been allowing the creation and distribution of these images for months without taking any action and we have yet to see any challenge by regulators, she said.

xAIs acceptable use policy bans depicting likenesses of persons in a pornographic manner.

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In an interview with CNBC, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) called on the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission to investigate the matter.

A DOJ spokesperson told CNBC in an emailed reply, The Department of Justice takes AI-generated child sex abuse material extremely seriously and will aggressively prosecute any producer or possessor of CSAM. We continue to explore ways to optimize enforcement in this space to protect children and hold accountable individuals who exploit technology to harm our most vulnerable.

What is Elon Musks X doing?

Musk initially enjoyed the trend of Grok producing deepfake images, using crying-with-laughter emoji on Friday in response to a digitally altered picture of a toaster wearing a bikini.

He said: Not sure why, but I couldnt stop laughing at this one.

After global backlash over the harmful content, he later warned that anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.

An X spokesperson said, We take action against illegal content on X, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.

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An earlier statement from Grok said that it had identified lapses in safeguards and was urgently fixing them. However, as The Guardian noted, these remarks were created by artificial intelligence and thus, it remains unclear whether or not the company is working to fix the problem.

The latest controversy comes as Musk and X have a history of allowing users who created child sexual exploitation posts to stay on the platform.

Amid the row, Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI, has raised $20 billion in its latest funding round.

With inputs from agencies
Over three dozen nations are set to go to the polls this year, including some of our neighbours. Bangladesh, under the interim Muhammad Yunus government, is set to hold its much-awaited polls in February. The middle of the year will see Russias State Duma hold elections, while fellow Brics partner Brazil will do so in October. Then, in November, come the blockbuster midterm elections in America that will determine the future course of the Trump administration.

The Bangladesh interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced it will hold polls in February. PTI

The year 2026 is going to be a massive one for elections. Over three dozen nations are set to go to the polls this year, including some of our neighbours. Bangladesh, under the interim Muhammad Yunus government, is set to hold its much-awaited polls in February  a month after Uganda, Portugal and Myanmar do so in January.

The middle of the year will see Sweden hold its parliamentary elections, and Russias State Duma go to the polls. In October, fellow Brics partner Brazil will hold elections that could prove consequential for the bloc, climate change and the Global South.

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Then, in November, come the blockbuster midterm elections in America that will determine the future course of the Trump administration. New Delhi will be keeping a close eye on many of these elections that will impact Indias security, diplomatic and economic interests.

Lets take a closer look
Donald Trumps military action to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Russias unlawful invasion of Ukraine in 2022, along with the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, represent major challenges to the UN system

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on US strikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, US. Reuters

The United Nations turned 80 in October last year; a venerable age for the most significant international organisation the world has ever seen.

But events of recent years  from last weekends Trumpian military action to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Russias unlawful invasion of Ukraine in 2022, to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza  represent major challenges to the UN system.

Many are now asking whether the United Nations has any future at all if it cannot fulfil its first promise of maintaining international peace and security.

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Has the UN reached the end of its lifespan?

The UN Security Council

The organ of the UN that plays the main role maintaining peace and security is the UN Security Council.

Under the rules established by the UN Charter, military action  the use of force  is only lawful if it has been authorised by a resolution from the UN Security Council (as outlined in Article 42 of the Charter), or if the state in question is acting in self-defence.

Self-defence is governed by strict rules requiring it to be in response to an armed attack ( Article 51). Even then, self-defence is lawful only until the Security Council has stepped in to restore international peace and security.

The Security Council is made up of 15 member states:

five permanent (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States  also known as the P5)

10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Resolutions require nine affirmative votes and no veto from any permanent member, giving the P5 decisive control over all action on peace and security.

This was set up expressly to prevent the UN from being able to take action against the major powers (the winners of World War II), but also to allow them to act as a balance to each others ambitions.

This system only works, however, when the P5 agree to abide by the rules.

Venezuela Ambassador to the United Nations Samuel Reinaldo Moncada Acosta speaks as he holds up a news article, during a UN Security Council meeting on US strikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Reuters

The controversial UN veto system

As aptly demonstrated by the Russians and Americans in recent years, the veto power can render the Security Council effectively useless, no matter how egregious the breach of international law.

For that reason, the veto is often harshly criticised.

As we have explained previously, however, self-serving use of the veto power (meaning when a member state uses its veto power to further its own interests) may be politically objectionable but it is not legally prohibited.

The UN Charter imposes no enforceable limits on veto use.

Nor is there any possibility of a judicial review of the Security Council at the moment.

And herein lies one of the most significant and deliberate design flaws of the UN system.

The charter places the P5 above the law, granting them not only the power to veto collective action, but also the power to veto any attempt at reform.

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Reforming the UN Security Council veto is thus theoretically conceivable  Articles 108 and 109 of the charter allow for it  but functionally impossible.

Dissolving and reconstituting the UN under a new charter is the only structural alternative.

This, however, would require a level of global collectivism that presently does not exist. One or more of the P5 would likely block any reform or redesign that would see the loss of their veto power.

An uncomfortable truth

It does, therefore, appear as though we are witnessing the collapse of the UN-led international peace and security system in real time.

The Security Council cannot  by design  intervene when the P5 (China, France, Russia, the UK and US) are the aggressors.

But focusing only on the Security Council risks missing much of what the UN actually does, every day, largely out of sight.

Despite its paralysis when it comes to great-power conflict, the UN is not a hollow institution.

The Secretariat, for instance, supports peacekeeping and political missions and helps organise international conferences and negotiations.

The Human Rights Council monitors and reports on human rights compliance.

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UN-administered agencies coordinate humanitarian relief and deliver life-saving aid.

The UN machinery touches on everything from health to human rights to climate and development, performing functions that no single state can replicate alone.

None of this work requires Security Council involvement, but all of it depends on the UNs institutional infrastructure (of which the Security Council is an integral part).

The uncomfortable truth is we have only one real choice at present: a deeply flawed global institution, or none at all.

The future of the UN may simply be one of sheer endurance, holding together what can still function and waiting for political conditions to change.

We support it not because it works perfectly, or even well, but because losing it would be much worse.

Should we work towards a better system that doesnt reward the powerful by making them unaccountable? Absolutely.

But we shouldnt throw out all of the overlooked good the UN does beyond the Security Councils chambers because of the naked hypocrisy and villainy of the P5.

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Juliette McIntyre, Senior Lecturer in Law, Adelaide University and Tamsin Phillipa Paige, Associate Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
After Venezuela, could the US target Iran? Some Trump backers already have their sights set on regime change in the Islamic Republic. Should Tehran, which is grappling with protests, be worried?

Has Donald Trumps actions on Venezuela left the Iranian regime nervous?

Many were shocked after the Trump administration deployed US special forces to Caracas to capture long-time Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The former strongman and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by the USs elite Delta Force and taken to the United States, where they are awaiting trial.

Meanwhile, it seems that some Trump backers already have their sights set on the next target. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham posted a picture of himself next to Trump, who is holding a hat that read Make Iran Great Again, on social media.

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The development comes as Iran continues to grapple with massive protests. The country has witnessed tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets over the past few days. At least 20 have been killed and over 1,000 arrested by the security forces. There are reports that slogans such as death to Khomeini and long live the Shah have been raised by protesters. Iran has now deployed its Basij military force to crack down on the protesters.

But what do we know? Should Iran be nervous?

Lets take a closer look.

What we know

Graham, a foreign policy hawk, put the picture up while travelling with Trump on Air Force One on Sunday.

God bless our Commander in Chief and all of the brave men and women who serve under him, Graham wrote. Im proud to be an American. God bless and protect the brave people of Iran who are standing up to tyranny.

Graham is part of the neoconservatives in the US and a hardliner on Iran. Graham and other neocons who are part of the Republican establishment have long wanted to carry out regime change in Tehran.

JUST IN - Lindsey Graham and Trump pose together with a "Make Iran Great Again" hat, signed by Trump. pic.twitter.com/656ctZp52M  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 5, 2026

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The development comes after Trump warned Iran that it would be hit very hard by the US if more protesters die.

Were watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think theyre going to get hit very hard by the United States, Trump said.

If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump posted on social media.

Trumps remarks came a week after he threatened to hit Iran again over its nuclear programme. Trump has accused Iran of trying to rebuild its nuclear sites.

Donald Trump has warned Iran of possible strikes. Reuters

Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, were going to have to knock them down, Trump was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. Well knock them down. Well knock the hell out of them.

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The US previously bombed multiple nuclear sites in Iran during Tehrans conflagration with Tel Aviv last year. Trump had claimed to have obliterated Irans nuclear programme. However, experts, including many within US intelligence circles, have expressed scepticism about such claims.

Meanwhile , Israels Benjamin Netanyahu has also offered support for protesters.

The Jerusalem Post has reported that the US is now considering action in Iran in light of the ongoing protests. Israel, too, is assessing whether it can act against Tehran in the backdrop of Maduros removal.

The Syrian-Kurdish Hawar News Agency, quoting Israeli sources, reported that Netanyahu has approved a plan called Iron Strike. The Israeli army has been put on high alert, and its intelligence branch is conducting military exercises, i24News reported.

Is Iran worried?

Not publicly.

We will not give in to the enemy, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wrote on X. We will bring the enemy to its knees.

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Protesting is legitimate, but protesting is different from rioting. We talk with protesters. The officials must talk with the protesters. But theres no point in talking with a rioter, Khamenei wrote about the protests. Rioters must be put in their place.

Irans new Defence Council, which was formed following the 12-day conflict with Israel on the orders of Khamenei, said in a statement: Any infringement on national interests, interference in internal affairs, or action against Irans stability will be met with a proportionate, targeted and decisive response An escalation in threatening language and interventionist conduct that goes beyond verbal posturing may be interpreted as hostile behaviour.

However, things might be different behind the scenes. An official close to Tehrans decision-makers said that, after US action in Venezuela, some authorities feared Iran could be the next victim of Trumps aggressive foreign policy.

People walk on a street, as protests erupt over the collapse of the currencys value, in Tehran, Iran, January 5, 2026. Reuters

Another top Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said worries were growing in Iran that Trump or Israel might take military action against Iran, like what they did in June.

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Experts are more circumspect.

Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies, told CNN that Tehran now likely considers US intentions to be maximalist.

To Tehran, American intentions now are clearly maximalist and hostile, he said. Whether Venezuela is truly a triumphant launching pad for an Iran push is premature. The Venezuela saga has just started.

Iran is facing a triple crisis, Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Chatham House think tank in London, added.

However, Vakil warned that Venezuela may be an example of how things unravel  not necessarily in Americas favour.

The case of Venezuela is going to be very important for the Islamic Republic and the world to watch how removing the leader at the top might not necessarily reorientate too much of the policies within the system, Vakil said.

With inputs from agencies
A protest at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University has snowballed into a controversy, with students reportedly chanting provocative and objectionable slogans against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The sloganeering has resulted in the Universitys officials filing a police complaint and issuing a warning that those found involved could be suspended

Indian students and activists stand near the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. A protest on Monday inside the college premises has snowballed into a larger controversy. File image/AFP

Back in 2016, Delhis famed Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) found itself at the forefront of every news channel, newspaper, and news website when a bunch of students gathered to protest the capital punishment meted out to 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Many alleged that the participants of this protest began yelling anti-India chants, with one purported video showing them shouting anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans. Eventually, this led to the arrest of the students union president Kanhaiya Kumar and two others.

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Now, 10 years later, a similar script is being played out with students facing expulsion over their controversial sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Whats exactly going on? Why has JNU once again found itself embroiled in a controversy? We get you all the answers.

The JNU protest at the centre of it all

On Monday night, students responding to a protest call given at Guerilla Dhaba, congregated and reportedly raised provocative slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Videos that have since gone viral show the JNU students raising slogans against Modi and Shah.

The sloganeering, interestingly, came on the same day when the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both JNU alums, in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Notably, Khalid was among those at the centre of the 2016 controversy too.

Still from unverified video of the JNU protest. Image Courtesy: @sitab_chaudhary/X

However, the JNU Students Union (JNUSU) has clarified that the protest was called to mark six years of the attack at the campus. On January 5, 2020, a group of masked individuals entered the JNU campus and assaulted students and faculty members, leaving several injured. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests at the university over fee hikes and changes to admission policies.

In a statement, the JNUSU said, On January 5, 2020, armed masked goons invaded the JNU campus and attacked students and teachers in the Sabarmati Hostel and other areas. This was no clash but an open assault on a community that was peacefully resisting a massive fee hike, while the police stood as spectators. Six years have passed since that night of terror.

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Where is Komal Sharma and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) goons who accepted planning and executing the attack on national television? The Delhi Police  which displays an extraordinary efficiency in filing FIRs against JNUSU office bearers for even the smallest acts of democratic resistance  has failed to make a single arrest in the 5 January case, it added.

Moreover, JNUSU president Aditi Mishra said that every year, students hold a protest to condemn the violence that happened on the campus on January 5, 2020. All of the slogans raised in the protest were ideological and do not attack anyone personally. They were not directed towards anyone, Mishra told news agency PTI.

However, the ABVP states that the protests raised slogans against the State as well as the Supreme Court. Moreover, slogans called for the digging of graves of PM Modi as well as Home Minister Amit Shah.

JNU administration steps in

As the protests snowballed into a larger political row, the JNU administration stepped in, vowing to take the strictest action against the students found raising objectionable slogans against the prime minister and the home minister. In a statement on X, the administration said: Universities are centres for innovation and new ideas, and they cannot be permitted to be converted into laboratories of hate.

In a second post on X, the administration added, But any form of violence, unlawful conduct or anti-national activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Students involved in this incident will also face disciplinary measures including immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the University.

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The JNU authorities have also filed a police complaint at the Vasant Kunj police station about the incident. The complaint stated that certain students raised highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans at an event on Monday that were in direct contempt of the Supreme Court and reflected a wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic discourse.

A senior police official has now said that a probe has been launched following the complaint, adding that they will examine CCTV footage and videos of the event.

A security guard stands at the entrance to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). File image/PTI

A political battle breaks out

However, the sloganeering at the protest in JNU has become a larger issue with political parties taking sides in the matter.

Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said the group was venting their frustration against the PM, the Home Minister after Umar and Sharjeel were denied bail by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh alleged that the campus has turned into a den of those who want to break the country.

Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also added that the slogans reflected frustration after court verdicts. He said, Some people raise slogans against the nation, religion, verdict of Supreme Court, in support of Afzal Guru, terrorists, naxals The naxals, terrorists are being eliminated and those who conspired against Delhi, the Supreme Court has announced its verdict on it, so this is just their frustration

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Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that it was the ruling party that was behind the controversial slogans. Udit Raj, a leader, even said that it was a way of expressing resentment. It is a way of registering protest. It is political language, it should not be taken literally. There is anger in the JNU because they (Khalid and Imam) are being treated the way they are because they are Muslims. Injustice has been done to them and the Supreme Court order has been unfortunate, he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Its to be seen what comes next, but one thing is clear: the anti-national charge against the university is here to stay.

With inputs from agencies
Lalu Yadavs grandson, Aditya, has begun a two-year Basic Military Training (BMT) under Singapores National Service (NS) framework. His mother, Rohini Acharya, penned a heartfelt note on X, calling it a moment of pride. The 18-year-old is not joining the Singapore Armed Forces, but fulfilling the countrys mandatory National Service requirement

Aditya, the grandson of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, has started his Basic Military Training (BMT) in Singapore. This scheme, which falls under the mandatory National Service (NS) requirement, prepares cadets for their future.

The two-year training programme aims to build discipline, resilience and leadership skills in citizens of Singapore.

Adityas mother, Rohini, who is the daughter of the RJD supremo, shared the news on social media. Rohini, in her post, called Aditya fearless, disciplined and determined.

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Today, my heart is filled with pride. After completing his Pre-University studies, our eldest son Aditya has gone for a two-year Basic Military Training at just 18 years of age, she wrote on X.

Aditya, you are brave, courageous, and disciplined. Go and do wonders. Always remember, warriors are forged in lifes toughest battles. All our love and encouragement will always be with you.

        ,    -  ( Pre - University )       18         2   Basic Military Training     ..



 ..   ,        ,     pic.twitter.com/itVx1DPQWi  Rohini Acharya (@RohiniAcharya2) January 5, 2026

Rohini has been living in Singapore for several years with her husband, Samaresh Singh, according to media reports.

But who is Aditya? What do we know about him?

Who is Aditya? What is BMT?

Aditya is the oldest child of Rohini and Samaresh, who is the son of former Income Tax commissioner-rank officer Rao Ranvijay Singh. Aditya has two younger siblings, according to NDTV. He finished his pre-university education before beginning his BMT.

Basic Military Training is the first phase of training for Singapore citizens. It is an initiation into army life and a rite of passage mandated for every full-time National Serviceman (NSF), according to the official government website.

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By joining this, a citizen fulfils the nations legally mandated National Service (NS), which requires all male citizens and second-generation permanent residents to complete two years of full-time service upon reaching adulthood.

The type and duration of required training depend on the Physical Employment Standard (PES) and Pre-Enlistee Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) results, according to the official website.

Two months prior to enlistment, the individual receives an Enlistment Notice. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and Singapore Police Force (SPF) are the three forces where individuals can be enlisted for National Service.

Those deemed fit for combat are trained in various ways, including strength training, route marches, battle inoculation course, introductory train-fire course, grenade throwing, urban operations, field camp, individual field craft, swimming, and more, as per the official website.

The official government website also noted that this training is beyond boosting soldiering skills for the recruits. It is also aimed at encouraging young people to enter the military way of life, where they learn the realities of working and living within a disciplined organisation.

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What happens after BMT?

Once training is complete, candidates are assigned based on their commanders performance evaluations. Vocational training in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is divided into three groups: combat, combat support, and combat service support, according to a CNBCTV-18 report.

Once selected as officer cadets, they are sent to Officer Cadet School (OCS). During that process, recruits must complete a 38-week training programme to qualify for the SAF officer role. Some recruits are assigned to the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), where they complete around 22 weeks of training to become Army Warrant Officer Specialists (WOSpecs), the report noted.

Other specialisations for BMT trainees include Transportation Specialist Cadet Courses (TSCC), Supply Specialist Cadet Courses (SSCC), or Administration Specialist Cadet Courses (ASCC) at various institutions.

Why did Acharyas post spark a buzz?

The Acharyas post has gone viral and has become a topic of discussion for many online. Several thought it belonged to the Indian Army, but a post has confirmed it is for the Singapore Army. However, a fact-check shows that Aditya is not voluntarily joining the Singapore Army as a foreign recruit.

Lalu's grandson will be serving 2 years in Singapore Army



We are living in the matrix, this can't be reality https://t.co/xNzlRSTDaZ  Muji Dakait   (@mujifren) January 6, 2026

With inputs from agencies.
Lego has introduced its most significant evolution in 50 years: smart bricks that light up. The line will be introduced from March 1, 2026, beginning with the popular Lego Star Wars toys. But not everyone is happy with the change. Here is why

Lego has made its biggest change in decades. And people are not happy.

The Danish toy maker has introduced smart bricks that light up. The company unveiled the Lego Smart Play at the CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

The line will be introduced from March 1, 2026, beginning with the popular Lego Star Wars toys. Lego, ahead of the event, had vowed that its bricks bring Lego creations to life like never before.

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For over 90 years, the Lego Group has sparked imagination and creativity in children around the globe. As the world evolves, so do we  innovating to meet the play needs of each new generation. Lego Smart Play is the next exciting chapter in our Lego System in Play and something we are super excited about being able to bring to the world at this scale, said Julia Goldin, chief product & marketing officer of the Lego Group.

But what do we know? How does it work? Why are some unhappy?

Lets take a closer look.

What we know

The pieces of the Lego Smart Play look exactly like the standard Lego bricks. However, these bricks have one major difference  they contain tiny pieces of microchips. The bricks will detect and respond to players actions with lights and colour. These bricks work via a built-in motion sensor which determines how a user is playing with it. It also comprises a miniature speaker that makes sound and a built-in synthesiser. It can be charged wirelessly.

The bricks, which are 1.6 cm by 3.2 cm, have been encoded to respond to other Lego figures. The company demonstrated this by attaching a smart brick to a Lego duck, which then made a quacking sound. It also emitted a sound when it was attached to a Lego figure that was hit by a car.

It does this through its sound tags, which determine how it will respond to other figures. All this allows for physical and interactive play without the use of a screen, phone or app. These bricks operate via Legos encrypted BrickNet system. While the Smart Play line is being released on March 1, pre-orders in certain areas will start being taken on January 9. The company says this is the biggest evolution in Lego toys since the introduction of its Lego figure in 1978.

The bricks, which are 1.6 cm by 3.2 cm, have been encoded to respond to other Lego figures. AP

The first such smart bricks will be released for the popular Lego Star Wars line. These bricks have been developed in concert with Lucasfilm and Disney. The first set to be released will be Lukes Red Five X-Wing, Darth Vaders TIE Fighter and Throne Room Duel and A-Wing. The sets will be priced from $69.99 (Rs. 6,300) to $159.99 (Rs. 14,400).

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The company says this is meant to encourage imaginative play without the use of AI, screens, and cameras.

Each tag code, smart brick can become anything. Kids can combine to craft whatever they can do, mini figures contain codes, some are grumpy, but everyone is awesome, Tom Donaldson, senior vice president at the Lego Group, told Euronews.

What makes it special is its size, sensing and smarts packed in; they [the smart bricks] collaborate with each other Kids can reuse that smart brick in hundreds of ways. Its limitless imagination in physical play, he added.

Lego has said that this Smart Play sets, as of now, are mainly for younger children rather than adult collectors. It says this will add an extra dimension to the physical play.

Why people are unhappy

However, not everyone is happy with the development.

Some have argued that the bricks essentially take away the old-school charm of Lego toys.

Childrens Lego creations already move and make noises through the power of their imagination, Josh Golin, executive director of childrens wellbeing group Fairplay, told The Telegraph. Legos new Smart Bricks are completely unnecessary and undermine what was once great about Legos.

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Sir Jeremy Wright, the former UK culture secretary, told The Times that he personally prefers the classic Lego figures.

Lego has said that this Smart Play sets, as of now, are mainly for younger children rather than adult collectors. AP

The reason I think lots of people do [Lego] is the same reason that lots of people put together jigsaw puzzles or take up crochet. It is good for putting your brain into neutral. It is therapeutic. There are huge mental health benefits to this, and if you introduce an electronic element I think you may take away from some of that. He said he will continue to buy the analogue version.

Claire Fogel, owner of the Brick Stop Lego-themed cafe in Surrey, added: Our ethos is calm from the chaos. It just wouldnt work here because of the noise levels. People come here for the calm and quiet. However, she admitted that her own five-year-old son would absolutely love the new Lego bricks.

But Lego says that it will continue to put out analogue Lego sets, including many of its classics. It says it is evolving to meet the needs of children in todays digital world.

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This is the beginning of an amazing journey. We cant wait to see what actually happens next as there are so many opportunities of how this platform will evolve, Goldin told News.com.AU.

With inputs from agencies
Greenland seems to be Donald Trumps next target after Venezuela. The White House has announced that a range of options is being looked into to acquire the Arctic territory, which includes a military option. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that a plan to purchase the area is also being considered. What is Washington plotting?

A plane with the name of Trump lands in Nuuk, Greenland. US President Trump has renewed his interest in Greenland in earnest, with the White House announcing on Tuesday that a military options was also being considered. File image/AP

It seems the Venezuela strikes and the capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has emboldened Donald Trump. The US president has moved on to the subject of Greenland, renewing calls for a takeover of the Arctic territory.

While on Sunday (January 4), Trump said that he needed Greenland very badly, on Tuesday (January 6), the White House said that the US president is discussing options including military action to take control of Greenland.

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The American leader has been vocal on his ambitions for Greenland since 2019. However, the success in Venezuela has vitalised his need for the mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory with Trumps top aide, Stephen Miller, noting that the administration is determined to acquire Greenland one way or another.

Why is Trump obsessed with Greenland?

Before we take a look at what Trump could do to achieve his Greenland ambitions, lets understand why the American leader is so fixated on this Arctic territory.

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and has been so for years. Straddling the Arctic circle between the US, Russia and Europe, the island with a population of just 57,000 offers a unique geopolitical advantage that America has eyed for more than 150 years. In addition to its location, Greenland also holds rich deposits of various natural resources.

It is home to valuable rare earth minerals that are vital for telecommunications, as well as uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be inaccessible but is becoming less so. Many of the same minerals are currently mostly supplied by China, so other countries such as the US are interested in tapping into available resources closer to home.

Traditional Greenlandic houses illuminated by a beam of sunlight during sunset in Nuuk, Greenland. AFP

Incidentally, Trumps interest in Greenland isnt new; its been on his mind and on his agenda for a long time. In 2019, during his first term, he confirmed reports that he had been urging aides to find out how the US could buy the vast Arctic island, describing a sale as essentially a large real estate deal.

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Then in January 2024, he said he needed control of Greenland for economic security. But as recently as Sunday (January 4), he has said he needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security  despite the risk this would pose to the future of Nato.

His White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for Trump to deter US adversaries like Russia and China.

Even Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said on Monday that Greenland should be part of the United States. The president has been clear for months now that the United States should be the nation that has Greenland as part of our overall security apparatus, Miller said during an interview with CNN on Monday.

Who controls Greenland currently?

As of now, Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. For centuries, Denmark governed Greenland with strict oversight, regulating commerce and allowing only limited contact with the outside world.

In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule. But Denmark still controls Greenlands foreign and security policy. It has its own parliament, Inatsisartut, and two MPs in the Danish parliament, Folketing. But calls for independence have been growing. Last year, intense anger erupted over investigations into the forced contraceptive (IUD) scandal of the 1960s and 70s, prompting the former Greenlandic prime minister to accuse Denmark of genocide.

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Invasion, a buy out or What are Trumps options on Greenland?

On Tuesday, the White House noted that Trump is discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland. Leavitt told reporters, The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

This doesnt come as a total shocker, though. Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out using the military to acquire the territory. Last March, he said he would never take military force off the table adding that there was a possibility that we could do it without.

However, a military intervention in Greenland isnt as simple as it sounds. Firstly, it would rip apart the agreement that underpins Nato, of which Denmark and the United States are both founding members. Such a move would most definitely damage Washingtons reputation across the world. Also, experts note that such a move may risk escalation as Russia and China would then take steps of its own to protect their perceived interests in the Arctic, leading to a polar arms race and ultimately undermining Americas own security.

However, a military option isnt the only one on the table. Earlier on Monday (January 5), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that President Trump plans to buy Greenland rather than invade it. The US official, however, didnt clarify what he meant by buying Greenland.

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This wouldnt be completely new. In 1867, the US purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Also, decades ago, the US offered to buy Greenland from Denmark, a long-secret plan that was revealed in the 1990s.

But even if Greenland could be sold, many Greenlanders question whether they would want to become part of the US. The islands prime minister has said that Greenland is not for sale and never will be for sale.

Phillip Lipscy, professor of political science at the University of Toronto, even noted in an ABC News that such a purchase would take a long time and would likely stretch long beyond Trumps term.

Protesters in the capital of Greenland raise slogans against an acquisition of their land. File image/AP

For Trump, who has often praised himself for being a dealmaker, he could strike a deal with Greenland to control it. Washington already has deals like that, called Compacts of Free Association, with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau in the western Pacific islands. Such agreements allow for the smaller nations to retain their formal independence while giving the Amreican military a free run on their territory in lieu of duty-free trade.

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Interestingly, the Trump administration previously considered the idea of signing a COFA with Greenland during his first term. However, for such a move, Greenland would have to achieve independence from Denmark, which in turn can only happen with the Danish parliaments consent.

How is Europe reacting to the situation?

Trumps renewed interest in Greenland have resulted in allies rallying around Denmark and the Arctic territory. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain joined Denmark in a statement on Tuesday saying they would defend the universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer both sought to play down the row. I cannot imagine a scenario in which the United States of America would be placed in a position to violate Danish sovereignty, Macron said.

Additionally, Greenland said it has asked for a meeting with Rubio following the Trump administrations recent statements.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trumps push to acquire Greenland has triggered a unified backlash from Europe, with allies warning that any unilateral move against Denmark could unravel Nato itself. Coming after Washingtons military operation in Venezuela, the Greenland dispute has exposed deep fractures within the Western security alliance

A view shows the US military's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. File Image/Pool via Reuters

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) is facing one of its most serious internal crises as it fails to suppress US President Donald Trumps desire to bring Greenland under American control.

What began as rhetoric around strategic interests in the Arctic has now escalated into open warnings from European capitals that Nato itself could collapse if Washington acts unilaterally against a fellow member state.

The development comes immediately after a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

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That action, followed now with Trumps refusal to rule out the use of force against Greenland  a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and therefore part of Nato  has profoundly alarmed European allies.

How Europe united behind Denmark

The strongest signal of European unease came when seven leaders from across the continent issued a rare joint statement rejecting Trumps claims over Greenland.

Among them were French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The statement made clear that Greenlands status was not open to external pressure, declaring that the mineral-rich Arctic island belongs to its people.

It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, the leaders said.

Canada quickly echoed this position. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that The future of Greenland is a decision exclusively for the people of Greenland and Denmark.

Carney later met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, after which his office said he had emphasised Canadas support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark, including Greenland, which must be respected in accordance with international law.

Poland also weighed in with Prime Minister Donald Tusk framing the issue as existential for Nato itself, warning that threats between alliance members undermine the alliances meaning.

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No member of should attack or threaten another member of the North Atlantic Treaty. Otherwise, Nato would lose its meaning if conflict or mutual conflicts occurred within the alliance, Tusk said.

How Denmark reacted

Denmarks response has been unusually direct, reflecting the gravity with which Copenhagen views the situation. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US attempt to seize Greenland would effectively mark the end of the transatlantic defence alliance.

If the United States chooses to attack another Nato country militarily, then everything stops, Frederiksen said.

That is, including our Nato and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War, she added in remarks to Danish broadcaster TV2.

Her comments came after Trump renewed his insistence that Greenland should fall under US jurisdiction. The US president told reporters that he would talk about Greenland in 20 days and has repeatedly framed the island as a strategic necessity for American security.

Denmark itself has sought to demonstrate its commitment to Arctic security.

In response to rising tensions, Denmark has already pledged $4 billion to strengthen Greenlands defence capabilities, including investments in naval vessels, drones, and aircraft.

Despite these efforts, Danish officials say the Trump administration has shown little interest in substantive engagement.

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Greenlands status as a semi-autonomous territory within the Danish kingdom makes the situation especially sensitive. Denmark is a founding Nato member and a close US ally, making any threat to its territory unprecedented within the alliance.

How Greenland reacted

Greenlands own leaders have consistently rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States. Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen has sought to convey firm resistance while attempting to calm public anxiety on the island.

Tensions escalated after Katie Miller, the wife of Trumps deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, posted an image on X depicting Greenland in the colours of the US flag, accompanied by the word SOON.

Nielsen condemned the post as disrespectful.

Relations between nations and peoples are built on mutual respect and international law  not on symbolic gestures that disregard our status and our rights, he said.

At the same time, Nielsen urged Greenlanders not to panic. There is neither reason for panic nor for concern. Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided by social media posts, he added.

In subsequent remarks, Nielsen emphasised that while geopolitical tensions were real, the notion of an imminent takeover was not.

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We are not in a situation where we think that there might be a takeover of the country overnight, he said at a news conference.

The situation is not such that the United States can simply conquer Greenland, Nielsen added, while reiterating Greenlands desire for constructive cooperation rather than confrontation.

Why Greenland matters to Washington

Positioned between Europe and North America, the island plays a critical role in US ballistic missile defence architecture and Arctic surveillance.

Trump has repeatedly cited growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region as justification for US control.

Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, Trump said.

We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it, he added.

The rump administration also views Greenlands mineral deposits as strategically vital. These resources are considered important for advanced technology and military applications, particularly as the US seeks to reduce its dependence on Chinese supply chains.

Despite their potential, many of these deposits remain undeveloped due to infrastructure gaps, labour shortages, and logistical challenges. Washington argues that direct or indirect US control would allow faster exploitation of these assets.

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Under a bilateral agreement, the US already operates a military base on Greenland, originally established during the Cold War. At its height, the base hosted around 10,000 US personnel, though that number has since fallen to approximately 200.

What Trump may do to annex Greenland

The White House has acknowledged that Trump is actively exploring multiple paths to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of military force.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chiefs disposal, the White House said in a statement.

It added that Trump views Greenland as a national security priority needed to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.

According to a senior US official speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the administration is considering several approaches, including outright purchase of the territory or the establishment of a Compact of Free Association (COFA).

Such an arrangement would fall short of full annexation but would give Washington significant influence over defence and foreign policy. The official did not provide any potential purchase price but stressed that Trump prefers transactional solutions.

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Diplomacy is always the presidents first option with anything, and dealmaking. He loves deals. So if a good deal can be struck to acquire Greenland, that would definitely be his first instinct, the official said.

Despite Trumps determination, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers during a classified briefing that the administrations rhetoric did not indicate an imminent invasion and that the preferred route remained a purchase from Denmark.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Rubios comments. Some members of Congress, including Republicans, have warned that pressing the issue risks violating US treaty obligations.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, said Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, the co-chairs of the Senate Nato Observer Group.

How Nato is facing an internal existential crisis

The Greenland dispute has forced Nato into an unprecedented dilemma. The alliance was created to protect member states from external threats, not to mediate territorial disputes initiated by its most powerful member.

European officials fear that Trumps rhetoric effectively tests Natos Article 5 commitment to collective defence. If one Nato country threatens another, the credibility of the alliances core guarantee is called into question.

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The situation also exposes a widening gap in strategic language and priorities. European leaders continue to emphasise collective security, legal norms, and territorial integrity.

By contrast, the Trump administration increasingly frames foreign policy in terms of unilateral advantage and strategic opportunity.

The irony has not been lost on European capitals. As Nato leaders urge unity in defending Ukraines sovereignty against Russia, the US is simultaneously threatening the territorial integrity of Denmark  itself a Nato member.

This contradiction, analysts warn, risks hollowing out the moral and political foundations of the Western alliance.

The public nature of the dispute has already had broader consequences as European officials privately worry that the standoff provides an opening for Russia and China to portray the West as divided and driven by power politics rather than shared principles.

With inputs from agencies
Americas love for pizza seems to be waning. Pizzerias, which were once the second-most common US restaurant type, have reportedly been outnumbered by coffee shops and Mexican food eateries. The price of the pie compared to other fast food alternatives has also made it unappetizing for many consumers

People walk by a Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, subsidiaries of Yum! Brands, Inc. in Manhattan, New York City, US, February 7, 2022. File Photo/Reuters

Mamma mia! Pizza is no longer Americas favourite fast food. People in the United States have started preferring Mexican food over the greasy pie.

From New York slice to California thin-crust, pizza was once everywhere in America. The cuisine came to the country with Italian immigrants in the late 1800s and became an integral part of the US. So, what changed?

We take a look.

Is pizza losing its king status in America?

Pizza was Americas favourite fast food for decades, with people eating it for dinner or packing it for their childs school lunch.

Over the decades, as Americas love for pizza grew, independent shops and then chains such as Pizza Hut and Dominos sprang up across the country. With pizza becoming readily available for home delivery, it turned into a takeout staple for many.

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But now, pizzerias, which were the second-most common US restaurant type, have been outnumbered by coffee shops and Mexican food eateries, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing industry data.

The dominance of pizza among American fast food is fading fast in the US.

A .99 Cent Pizza store is pictured in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, December 10, 2021. File Photo/Reuters

Pizza is disrupted right now, Ravi Thanawala, chief financial officer and North America president at Papa Johns International, told the financial newspaper in an interview. Thats what the consumer tells us.

Pizza players have started feeling the brunt.

The parent of the Pieology Pizzeria chain filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December. The parent of Anthonys Coal Fired Pizza & Wings and Bertuccis Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta have also filed for bankruptcy.

An investor group bought California Pizza Kitchen in December for under $300 million, less than the $470 million it sold for in 2011 when the chain went private, people familiar with the matter told WSJ.

The growth in pizza sales has also stagnated.

After hitting its peak in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has declined, according to the market-research firm Datassential.

In 2024, pizza ranked sixth among US restaurant chains by sales, a drop from second place during the 1990s, as per market-research firm Technomic.

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Why is this happening?

A number of factors have made pizza unappetizing for Americans. First is price. The average cost of a basic pizza is currently around $17 (Rs 1,528). This could feel expensive compared to other fast food alternatives, such as burgers, which cost about $8 (Rs 719), or burritos, which are priced at about $13 (Rs 1,169), as per Daily Mail.

Joes Pizza, one of New Yorks popular spots, hiked its slice price by 45 per cent in just over a decade  from $2.75 (Rs 247) in 2014 to over $4 (Rs 360) today.

There is also a surge in competition between pizza companies. Food-delivery apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats have increased the number of choices for Americans by offering a wide variety of cuisines available at the touch of their fingertips.

In New York City, the pizza principle was coined in the 1980s, a phenomenon that says the price of a pizza slice tracks the cost of a subway fare.

This unwritten rule broke in 2022, when the average slice of cheese pizza rose to $3.14 (Rs 282), surpassing the then-subway fare of $2.75. Now, the base MTA fare stands at $3, while the average slice has jumped to around $3.71 (Rs 334).

Can companies bring back pizza lovers?

Major pizza brands are reconsidering their business strategies.

Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and the parent of Papa Murphys are mulling selling the companies or other turnaround methods.

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Executives at Papa Johns have been exploring a total revamp, from its franchising strategy to how it cooks its pizzas, reported WSJ.

Thanawala, the chains CFO, said as consumers become more choosy, they have increased their menu offerings, including more side dishes.

Midsize chains such as Blaze Pizza and Mod Pizza have shut shops over the past two years to rebrand.

Dominos has expanded its sales after the popular pizza chain launched deals such as a $9.99 (Rs 898) offering for a large pie with toppings.

The new owners of California Pizza Kitchen are confident people will not ditch pizzas but outlets need to diversify their menu.

There are certain things you can depend on in life, and death, taxes and pizza are among them, Cory Baker, managing partner at Consortium Brand Partners, the firm that purchased the pizza chain with other investors, said to the newspaper.

Moreover, it is not all bad news for the pizza industry. Americans still love the pie. In 2024, pizza chains generated around $31 billion in sales from their restaurants, Technomic said. As per the US Agriculture Department, around one in 10 Americans eats a slice on any given day.

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With inputs from agencies
Nicolas Maduros removal has exposed a fragile power structure in Venezuela dominated by security chiefs and military commanders. At its centre is Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The US administration has reportedly threatened him to help meet its demands or become its target

Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello attends the swearing-in ceremony of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuelas interim president at the National Assembly, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 5, 2026. File Image/Reuters

The removal of Nicolas Maduro has exposed fragile power structure in Venezuela.

At the centre of this structure is Diosdado Cabello Rondon, Venezuelas interior minister and one of the most powerful figures to emerge from the ruins of the Maduro presidency.

With Washington attempting to shape a post-Maduro transition without deploying ground troops, Cabello has become a figure of concern for US officials, reported Reuters in an exclusive.

Seen simultaneously as indispensable for maintaining order and as a potential destabiliser, he is being widely viewed as someone the United States ultimately wants out of power.

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What we know about Diosdado Cabello

According to the US State Department website, Cabello was born on April 15, 1963, in El Furrial, Monagas state, rising through Venezuelas political and military ranks over decades.

A trained military officer, he holds the rank of captain in the Venezuelan armed forces and has long been regarded as a bridge between the countrys civilian leadership and its security institutions.

Cabellos political resume is extensive. He has served as vice president and president of Venezuela, led the Constituent National Assembly, and occupied senior roles within the ruling socialist party.

His influence has not been confined to formal titles; instead, it has flowed from his control over key coercive institutions that underpin state power.

Following the disputed July 2024 presidential election  in which Nicolas Maduro declared victory despite international objections  Cabello was appointed minister of interior, justice, and peace.

That role placed Venezuelas police forces and prison system under his authority. The United States, however, does not recognise Maduro as the legitimate winner of the election and therefore does not recognise Cabello as a lawful minister.

Allegations of crimes against humanity

Over time, Cabello came to be viewed inside and outside Venezuela as Maduros principal enforcer  the man tasked with keeping dissent in check and ensuring loyalty within the ranks of both civilian agencies and the military.

According to United Nations findings, both the civilian intelligence agency SEBIN and the military intelligence service DGCIM committed crimes against humanity as part of a coordinated state policy aimed at crushing political opposition.

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These agencies carried out widespread domestic espionage, detentions, and abuses, forming the backbone of Maduro-era repression.

Maduro brought him in to crack heads together in the aftermath of the stolen election, Geoff Ramsey, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think-tank, told Reuters.

Cabellos reputation as a hardliner was reinforced by his visibility during periods of unrest, when security forces used lethal force against protesters.

For years, he was widely regarded as the second most powerful man in Venezuela, operating just below Maduro but above most civilian officials.

Narco-terrorism allegations and US indictments

Cabello also faces extensive criminal allegations in the United States.

US authorities accuse him of playing a central role in a narco-terrorism conspiracy involving senior Venezuelan officials and Colombias Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which Washington designates as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

According to US government filings, Cabello coordinated with the FARC to move large cocaine shipments, arranged armed protection for drug consignments, facilitated the resale of seized narcotics for millions of dollars, obstructed drug-trafficking investigations, and helped supply the FARC with military-grade weapons, including machine guns, rocket launchers, ammunition, and explosives equipment.

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In March 2020, he was charged in a federal indictment in the Southern District of New York with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and firearms-related offences under US federal law.

That same year, the US State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

On January 10, 2025, the reward was raised to as much as $25 million, placing Cabello among the most sought-after figures linked to Venezuelas ruling elite.

Alongside Maduro and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, Cabello is accused of being a leader of the Cartel de los Soles  a network of senior military officials alleged to have turned state institutions into conduits for international drug trafficking.

How Cabello emerged as a pivotal figure after Maduros capture

The capture of Maduro in a US operation on January 3, 2026, fundamentally altered Venezuelas power equation.

With Maduro taken to New York to face prosecution on narco-terrorism charges, Washington moved swiftly to prevent a collapse of order inside the country.

According to people familiar with the Trump administrations internal deliberations, US officials concluded that Venezuelas opposition, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, lacked the capacity to maintain stability during the immediate aftermath.

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There was concern that unrest could disrupt access to Venezuelas oil infrastructure or force the deployment of US ground troops  an option Washington wanted to avoid.

Instead, the administration embraced a classified CIA assessment that argued Maduros top aides were best positioned to govern on an interim basis.

That decision placed figures like Cabello at the heart of a temporary power arrangement  even as US officials privately viewed him as deeply problematic.

For now, Cabello is one of a handful of Maduro loyalists that US President Donald Trump has decided to rely on to keep the country functioning during a transition period.

How Washington warned Cabello

Despite his interim utility, US officials remain deeply suspicious of Cabellos intentions.

Sources briefed on the administrations thinking told Reuters there is concern that he could undermine Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, exploit instability, or provoke unrest to preserve his own power.

US intermediaries have reportedly communicated a blunt message to Cabello: defiance could result in consequences similar to Maduros.

He has been warned that he could face prosecution or see his life placed in danger if he attempts to obstruct the transition, according to people familiar with the matter.

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However, US officials also acknowledge the risks of moving too aggressively. Cabellos removal could galvanise armed pro-government groups known as colectivos  motorcycle-riding militias that have historically mobilised violently in defence of the regime.

Whether such groups would take to the streets may depend on whether other senior officials continue to shield them, adding another layer of uncertainty to Washingtons calculations.

This remains a law enforcement operation, and we are not done yet, said a US Justice Department official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The RodriguezCabelloPadrino triangle

As Washington has placed its hopes in Delcy Rodriguez, whom Trump has described as the countrys de facto leader.

Rodriguez, despite her public anti-US rhetoric, has privately assured Washington that she will comply with US demands, Trump said after Maduros capture.

Those demands include halting illegal migration, disrupting narcotics flows, revitalising oil infrastructure, and aligning Venezuelas policies with US strategic interests.

Yet Rodriguezs authority rests on uneasy foundations. When she recently delivered a speech condemning Maduros capture, she stood flanked by Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino  the men who command Venezuelas police and military.

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Those are the two guys who control Venezuela right now, Brian Naranjo, a former senior US diplomat who served in Venezuela told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). These are the guys who command people with guns.

While Cabello and Padrino have so far projected unity, both are widely seen as wild cards. US officials fear that either could move against Rodriguez if they believe their interests are threatened.

How Cabello differs from Padrino

Although often mentioned together, Cabello and Padrino represent different strands of power within Venezuela.

Cabello is seen as a more hardline nationalist, deeply embedded in domestic repression and political enforcement. He has historically acted as a conduit between civilian leaders and military intelligence, ensuring loyalty and discipline.

Padrino, a four-star general, has maintained control over the armed forces through a combination of patronage, ideological alignment, and expanded economic authority.

Under Maduro, Padrino oversaw the militarys involvement in social programmes, ports, fuel distribution, illegal gold mining, and cocaine trafficking  activities US officials say helped sustain the regime as the economy collapsed.

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Hes more ideological, Martin Rodil, a Venezuelan who has assisted US officials in building criminal cases against regime figures, told WSJ.

Russian intelligence has been supporting him in his job to control the Venezuelan armed forces, with technology, training and other activities.

US officials view Padrino as potentially more pragmatic than Cabello, believing he may seek a negotiated exit to avoid prosecution. Nevertheless, both men face US indictments and multimillion-dollar rewards for their arrest.

Why Venezuela remains on edge

The Trump administrations approach is to maintain enough calm to reopen Venezuelas oil sector to US companies while avoiding a security vacuum.

Washington has demanded that Venezuelan leaders demonstrate a willingness to open the oil industry on terms favourable to US firms, crack down on narcotics trafficking, expel Cuban security personnel, and end cooperation with Iran.

Progress toward these objectives is expected within weeks, according to people briefed on the strategy.

Beyond military pressure, the US has identified financial leverage points, including assets linked to Rodriguez that are reportedly sheltered in Qatar and could be seized.

At the same time, US authorities are attempting to co-opt other senior and mid-level officials to pave the way for a government willing to acquiesce to Washingtons interests.

Trumps public vow to run Venezuela is seen by advisers as an aspiration to exert heavy external influence rather than assume formal control  a posture designed to limit domestic political backlash in the United States.

Despite Maduros removal, many Venezuelans have not celebrated. Cabello and Padrino remain in place, armed groups still operate across the country, and leftist Colombian guerrillas have criticised the US operation.

A demonstrator holds action figures of Super Bigote (Super Mustache) and Cilita, superheroes inspired by US-deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, during a march outside the National Assembly, in Caracas, Venezuela January 5, 2026. File Image/Reuters

For now, Cabello appears to be cooperating, at least publicly. His appearance at a pro-government march on January 6 marked his first such event since Maduro was taken out of the country, signalling continuity rather than rupture.

US officials believe that excluding him too early could trigger instability or even a coup.

At the same time, they remain determined to eventually push him out of power and into exile, according to sources familiar with the administrations thinking.

With inputs from agencies
After nearly two decades of research, Indias first dengue vaccine, DengiAll, is ready to make its mark. Designed to fight all four virus types, it brings hope to millions at risk from this dangerous tropical disease

After 17 years of research, Indias first indigenous dengue vaccine, DengiAll, is capturing global attention as it reaches the final stages of development. The PhaseIII human trials of the vaccine, developed by Delhibased Panacea Biotec with support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), are now complete or close to completion across multiple sites in the country.

Dr Syed Khalid Ali, Chief Scientific Officer at Panacea Biotec, says DengiAll comes at a crucial time. DengiAll has been in the making for over 15 years, and it comes at a time when half the worlds population is at risk of dengue, he told The Print.

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A long road to a new hope

The PhaseIII trial, which began enrolling participants in August 2024, has involved more than 10,000 volunteers at nearly 20 sites across India. Participants are being followed closely to see how well the vaccine works against dengue, which can range from mild flulike illness to lifethreatening complications.

DengiAll is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes in a single shot. It is a notable achievement, given how complex dengues four distinct strains are to tackle in one vaccine. In earlier PhaseI and PhaseII trials, the vaccine showed protection levels between 7782 per cent against all four serotypes.

What comes next

Now comes the crucial part: convincing regulators of the vaccines safety and effectiveness.

If the interim analysis from the PhaseIII trial, which may be possible once enough confirmed dengue cases occur among participants, is positive, Panacea Biotec could begin seeking approval even before the full twoyear followup period ends.

At a time when dengue cases and deaths mount every year, every day we delay, were denying them their life, Khalid told The Print.

If approved, DengiAll could transform dengue prevention not just in India but in other tropical regions where the disease is a major public health threat.
A Chinese AI-powered surgical robot has successfully performed a complex operation on a pig. Unlike standard robotic procedures controlled by surgeons, the robot independently handled almost the entire operation, including precise bile duct clamping and cutting

A Chinese surgical robot has successfully performed a complex operation on a pig without any human control. The autonomous surgery, conducted in December at a clinic in China, marks what developers are calling a major milestone in the use of artificial intelligence in real-world clinical scenarios, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries that rely on a surgeons remote input, this experiment saw the machine carry out nearly the entire procedure, including precise bile duct clamping and cutting, on its own.

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The robot, named Toumai and developed by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot, completed 88 per cent of the steps on its first attempt, then made real-time corrections to finish the job successfully.

How the robot thinks and acts

At the core of this technology is an advanced AI system called Neuron, a multimodal model trained on roughly 3 billion parameters, including thousands of surgical videos.

This training allows the system to simulate the decision-making processes of experienced surgeons, adapting its approach during the operation based on internal imaging and instrument feedback.

In essence, the robot doesnt just follow a pre-programmed checklist, it makes real-time judgments about what comes next, similar to a human surgeon adjusting tactics mid-procedure.

Why this matters

Experts say this could be a big step toward fully autonomous surgical systems that can perform routine procedures with precision and consistency, potentially easing the workload on doctors and expanding access to high-quality care in places with few specialists.

As Brian Chang, chief medical officer at MedBot told SCMP, the achievement shows how large-model artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful tool to support surgeons.

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Despite the success, this technology is far from being used on human patients. For now, its development and testing will continue in controlled environments to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
India is taking a major step toward sustainable infrastructure by introducing bio-bitumen made from farm waste for road construction. The aim of this innovation is to cut fossil-fuel use, reduce stubble burning, and lower import costs

India is pushing the boundaries of sustainable infrastructure as it embraces a new kind of road building material made from agricultural waste. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said the country has officially entered an era of Clean, Green Highways with the launch of bio-bitumen technology for road construction.

The breakthrough comes as scientists and engineers announced the technology transfer of Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads, an indigenous innovation developed by research bodies such as CSIRCentral Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and CSIRIndian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP).

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This new bio-bitumen is designed to be more affordable, longer-lasting and significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional materials.

Taking to X, Singh said India is possibly the first country in the world to take bio-bitumen technology to industrial and commercial scale.

"This day, 7 January 2026, will go down in the history as India enters into an era of 'Clean, Green Highways', with the successful Technology Transfer titled Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads, an indigenous innovation developed by two of the #CSIR pic.twitter.com/ISzNqXoagY  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 7, 2026

From farm waste to highways

Bio-bitumen is produced by converting farm residue, like paddy straw, through a process called pyrolysis, which breaks down biomass into useful components. The result is a bio-binder that can be used as a partial or blended replacement for petroleum-based bitumen in road construction.

Singh described the initiative as a hallmark of Indias drive toward a circular economy and reduced environmental impact. Indias highways are now transitioning from fossil-fuel dependency to bio-driven, regenerative, and circular economy solutions, he said.

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He also pointed out that adopting bio-bitumen could dramatically cut Indias dependence on imported bitumen, which currently costs the nation around Rs 25,00030,000 crore each year.

 New Delhi



Today marks a historic milestone in Indias road infrastructure, as our nation becomes the first in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen.



My heartfelt congratulations to CSIR and its dedicated scientists, and my sincere thanks to Union MoS Shri pic.twitter.com/QSF9uFvhl6  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 7, 2026

To prove the technologys practicality, a 100-metre trial stretch using bio-bitumen has already been laid on the JorabatShillong Expressway (NH-40) in Meghalaya.

As per the Director General of CSIR and Secretary, N Kalaiselvi, a patent for the technology has been filed, and multiple industries have already been brought on board to enable commercial deployment, as per the official statement of the Ministry of Science & Technology.

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The statement adds that bio-bitumen not only helps cut down air pollution from stubble burning, a persistent challenge in northern India, but also contributes to economic self-reliance. Beyond road construction, the pyrolysis process produces other useful by-products such as energy-efficient gas and high-grade carbon, which could have applications in industries from batteries to water purification.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar has pushed back at Western criticism of Indias actions during Operation Sindoor, saying advice from faraway capitals often comes without context or consistency. Speaking in Luxembourg, he argued that countries speak loudly but act only when it suits their own interests

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didnt hold back during a meeting with the Indian community in Luxembourg on Wednesday, calling out what he described as Western hypocrisy over Operation Sindoor, Indias cross-border military action in May 2025.

Jaishankar suggested that many countries sitting far away from South Asia often rush to comment on sensitive issues without fully understanding the context on the ground, or even reflecting on their own regional challenges.

People sitting far away will say things, sometimes with application of mind, sometimes not, sometimes with a self-interest, sometimes carelessly, he said.

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#WATCH | Luxembourg: External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar says, "... In this day and age, countries will do things only if it is of direct benefit to them. They'll offer you free advice. If something happens, they'll say, please don't do that. It worries us if there is pic.twitter.com/I0T6N1fALK  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

More from India EAM Jaishankar meets Luxembourgs Luc Frieden to deepen bilateral cooperation

Advice from afar

Jaishankar said that during Operation Sindoor, where the Indian government hit terror infrastructure across the border, various nations were quick to offer opinions on what New Delhi should or shouldnt do.

He summed up this external commentary as part of the nature of the worldwhere talk often doesnt match action.

But at the end of the day, I can tell you, whatever you might say  countries will do things only if it is of direct benefit to them. Theyll offer you free advice, Jaishankar noted.

Jaishankar urged audiences to look beyond these external commentaries and instead focus on substantive partnerships, and dealing positively with those willing to work constructively with India, while handling others differently.

In a slightly sardonic tone, he also challenged critics to examine their own regions before lecturing India. Now if you ask them, say, oh really youre worried, why dont you look at your own region? Jaishankar remarked, pointing out perceived inconsistencies in how some Western countries address conflict and violence close to home compared to how they comment on situations abroad.

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Broader diplomatic themes

Beyond security, Jaishankar used the Luxembourg interaction to highlight deepening bilateral ties in politics, business, and technology, praising the Indian diasporas role in strengthening India-Luxembourg relations.

Glad to interact with members of Indian community in Luxembourg today  appreciate the contributions of our diaspora in deepening India  Luxembourg ties, concluded Jaishankar.
From Mayong in Assam to Kuldhara in Jaisalmer, these mysterious villages in India have some of the most chilling stories. For those drawn to the unexplained, they offer a glimpse into Indias darker, lesser-known past.

India is a land of stories, and ghost tales are a staple in households across the country. Almost every region has its own spine-chilling legend, often linked to a departed soul, a forgotten tragedy, or a crime that was never solved.

Scattered across the country are villages that were once full of life but now stand abandoned, slowly turning into fertile ground for folklore and fear.

Whether rooted in fact or fueled by imagination, these haunted settlements have become curious destinations for history enthusiasts, paranormal researchers, and ghost-hunting groups alike.

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For those drawn to the unexplained, they offer a glimpse into Indias darker, lesser-known past, best explored with caution and at ones own risk.

1. Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer

Kuldharas real story, shrouded in legend, tells of a prosperous 13th-century Paliwal Brahmin village in Rajasthan abandoned overnight around the early 1800s.

Indian folklore and legends believe that the village was cursed by its inhabitants who fled a cruel ministers demand to marry the village chiefs daughter. Since then the place is haunted and uninhabited.

2. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

This 16th-century fort has a beauty thats hard to ignore, with ancient walls, majestic gateways, and crumbling palaces surrounded by wild nature. But as the sun sets, this place changes. According to legend, a powerful wizard once fell in love with the princess of Bhangarh.

Discover Bhangarh Fort, nestled in the Aravalli Hills. Once a thriving Rajput kingdom, now a place of wonder and mystery. Explore its ancient walls that whisper tales of a cursed past.#bhangarhfort #alwar #explorerajasthan #travelrajasthan #rajasthantourism #rajasthan pic.twitter.com/6pMcNFun5C  Rajasthan Tourism (@my_rajasthan) October 23, 2023

When she rejected his magical love potion, he cursed the fort and everyone in it. Not long after, the entire town was destroyed. Even today, locals say that no one dares to stay inside the fort after dark. Bhangarh is the perfect haunted place in India to feel that chill run down your spine.

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3. Mayong, Assam

Mayong is famously known as the Land of Black Magic due to its centuries-old reputation for witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, and tantric rituals.

Chanaka Eco Camp at Chanaka in Mayong is a perfect retreat to experience the unexploited natural terrain and unwind yourself. Wake up to the sound of birds in a beautiful tent and start the day by inhale fresh air in the lap of nature.



For more information about Awesome Assam pic.twitter.com/KZIV8rM0jI  Awesome Assam (@aweassam) August 20, 2025

While the fearsome occult practices have faded, replaced by healing herbs and white magic, Mayong in Assam retains its mystical aura with old manuscripts and artifacts at its museum.

4. Lakhpat, Gujarat

Lakhpat is a historic, largely deserted ghost town and fortified settlement in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Once a prosperous port for trade, its known today for its impressive 18th-century fort walls, spiritual sites and stark beauty overlooking the salt desert.

5. Bagori Village, Uttarakhand

Situated at an altitude of 648 meters above sea level, the usual temperature in Bagori village ranges from 15-20 celsius. However, during the winter season, the temperatures drop down to sub-zero levels. This drastic drop in temperature causes water lines to freeze, making it difficult to access water and disrupts the day-to-day activities in general.

Spend a day in Bagori  a village where time slows down and traditions come alive.

Walk through ancient wooden homes, hear stories of the Bhotiya tribe, and feel the soul of the mountains in every corner.

A beautiful destination near Harsil Valley in Uttarkashi. pic.twitter.com/uRrfy90acn  Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) July 11, 2025

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In such a situation, the residents of Bagori village move to lower and warmer towns of Uttarkashi district, like Dunda, leaving the entire place deserted for almost 6 months. The residents typically return during the hotter months, from May to November.
The real contest in Pakistan continues to be between Gen Asim Munir and Imran Khan. For the time being Munir holds all the cards, but Khan has shown spirit and resilience. Pakistans media is the latest casualty of this ongoing battle

Field Marshal Asim Munir is unrelenting in his animus towards former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his supporters. The latest demonstration of his sentiment is the Anti-Terrorism Courts decision against seven Pakistanisjournalists, YouTubers who are former army officers, and a well-known analystfor fanning anti-army sentiment in the May 9, 2023 protests.

Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra sentenced all seven to life imprisonment on January 2 this year for engaging in digital terrorism. All seven are abroad. The trial was conducted in absentia. The judge ordered that they be taken into custody should they return to Pakistan.

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The Pakistani judiciary, effectively always under the armys thumb, has been more so in present times. It is not prepared to give objective decisions in cases relating to anti-army positions taken by anyone. This was also shown in December last year in the anti-corruption court sentencing Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to seventeen years in prison in the second Toshakhana case.

The hand of the army showed not so much in the guilty convictions but in the length of the sentences. It would therefore not be wrong to conclude that Sipras decision has been taken in the armys shadow. Sipra would have been aware that Munir would not accept any decision other than guilty and any sentence other than life imprisonment imposed on the seven accused.

Among the seven there are four eminent journalists. The four are:

 Shaheen Sehbai, a journalist of almost fifty years standing. He lives in the US. He achieved distinction as the editor of The News International. Shaheen has been critical of the establishment. He holds that the current lot of Pakistani generals do not have the intellect or the vision of their predecessors. He believes that the establishment is in control and has put puppets in front. He obviously has a high opinion of Imran Khan.

Naturally, anyone with such views is unacceptable to the generals. Despite his age, an example had to be made of him. That would lead other journalists to feel that if such a sentence could be given to Sehbai, they would need to refrain from causing any discomfort to the army.

 Wajahat Saeed Khan, who has spent many years as an investigative journalist with a special interest in security issues. He has worked for many leading Pakistani TV channels and for foreign news agencies too. After the sentence, he reportedly told the media that no summons was served on him, that he was not notified of any proceedings against him, and that he was never contacted by the court. This only confirms that Sipra did not act independently. Khan currently lives in the US.

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 Sabir Shakir has lived in Britain since 2022, when he resigned from ARY News, where he hosted TV programmes. He has spent around thirty-five years in journalism. Media reports claim that he was threatened by former army chief General Qamar Bajwa for his reportage.

 Moeed Peerzada presently lives in the US. He left Pakistan in 2022. He is an analyst. He earned the special ire of the Pakistan defence forces when he reportedly quoted the US media on his video channel that Indian missiles had hit their targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He writes on geo-strategic issues and is objective. His house in the US mysteriously got burnt on January 4. While he has not voiced suspicions, many Pakistanis are mentioning that the houses of Munirs critics abroad are being subjected to break-ins or arson.

 Adil Raja, Haider Raza Mehdi and Akbar Hussain also live abroad. They are all former Pakistani army officers who have been active on YouTube and have exposed the wrongdoings of the army. They have all been court-martialled and stripped of their army rank and given fourteen-year sentences of imprisonment. The conviction of life imprisonment by the ATC was after the court martial sentences.

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Munir is not willing to spare anyone who shows a positive inclination for Imran Khan. In this context how should moves seemingly being taken at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs instance to initiate a dialogue with the opposition be interpreted? Why is Munir allowing Sharif to go ahead with this approach, and how far can it be taken?

In the wake of the sentence imposed on Imran Khan and his wife last month, there were comments both by the opposition and Shehbaz Sharif on the need for a dialogue on the issues that divide them. According to media reports, Sharif went so far as to say that harmonious relations between political parties were necessary for Pakistans growth and prosperity.

On its part, the opposition has said that dialogue is needed, but its focus should be on the independence of the judiciary and the election commission and the release of opposition party members. The aim of the PTI is naturally on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibis convictions and imprisonment. It also wants regular access to him.

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There is no doubt that Munir would be closely following these developments. However, he has no need to be concerned because they have not reached a serious stage. In any event, it is inconceivable that Sharif and other parties in the ruling coalition would reach out to the opposition at the risk of annoying Munir.

The ruling political parties would also be aware that Munir would never allow the release of Imran Khan. At the same time, if a real dialogue were to take place between the government and the opposition, the latter would raise the issue of Khans release. Hence, on that point, the talks would break.

Some progress has been made in the direction of the government agreeing to the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. The Speaker has received papers from the opposition recommending that Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Pakhtun Milli Awami Party, be appointed to the post. He has been chosen by Imran Khan.

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This shows that though Khan is in jail, he continues to maintain his hold over the PTI and has influence with other opposition parties. This is because Khan continues to be popular in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province but, more importantly, in sections of Punjab. This popularity has remained despite all that Munir and the government have thrown at Khan. Unlike other politicians, Khan has not preferred to go into exile. That has contributed to his continuing appeal.

Thus, the real contest in Pakistan continues to be between Munir and Imran Khan. For the time being Munir holds all the cards, but Khan has shown spirit and resilience.

(The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Future conflicts may be fought as much through fabricated visuals and engineered narratives as through missiles and manoeuvre. Nations that fail to prepare for this cognitive domain risk losing not battlesbut belief

A few days ago, Pakistan placed satellite images in the public domain, claiming these as evidence of damage inflicted by Pakistani missile, drone, and standoff air attacks on Indian military facilitiesparticularly in and around Amritsarduring the brief 88-hour conflict with India in May 2025. Many people I speak to remain dismayed by these claims, made fully eight months after the conflict, that significant damage was caused to Indian defence infrastructure in Punjab and other border areas. The common reaction is dismissive: everyone knows these are lies and half-truths. Indias missiles and aircraft struck their intended targets; Pakistan failed to achieve its objectives. Why would anyone believe otherwise? This reaction, widespread and emotionally satisfying, nevertheless reflects a worrying naivety about the nature of contemporary information warfare.

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Intentionally misleading images are now being circulated as evidence of Pakistani strikes at military facilities in Amritsar, Punjab, India - verification confirms no such "destruction" is visible at the alleged targets, below are some images correcting this disinformation pic.twitter.com/RYnr1ayxSn  Damien Symon (@detresfa_) January 1, 2026

The problem is not whether these claims are true. The problem is how lies and no-truths work in the information domainand how easily they embed themselves when repeated, visualised, and amplified. In modern conflict, narrative control is not an adjunct to military action; it is a parallel battlespace. Pakistan understands this instinctively. Somehow, we may have been tardy in understanding this.

People obviously do not have the means to analyse satellite imagery. They do not examine metadata, shadow angles, resolution mismatches, or post-processing artefacts. They do not even seek corroboration because it does not occur to them that their minds could be taken for a ride. Human psychology tends to accept information that appears authoritative, visual, and repeated. Information warfare exploits precisely this vulnerabilitynot to convince everyone, but to plant doubt, generate peripheral questioning, and weaken confidence in official versions.

That is the real objective of Pakistans doctored imagery. Tongue-in-cheekthe term doctored will soon apply more to information warfare than even the medical profession from where it is borrowed. The target is not only the Indian public. It includes Pakistans own elite, its strategic community, diaspora networks, andcriticallysegments of the international audience that absorb such claims casually, through social media, office conversations, or media chatter. Once repeated enough times, half-truths acquire the glaze of truth. Pakistans strategic culture has long relied on this method.

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In 1965, Pakistan failed in its attempt to seize Jammu and Kashmir through an instigated rebellion preceded by proxy infiltration. Yet September 6 is commemorated annually as Defence Day or Victory Day. For six decades, this narrative has been reinforced domestically and presented diplomatically, embedding a selective memory among foreign interlocutors posted in Islamabad.

In 1971, Pakistan suffered a catastrophic defeat, surrendered over 93,000 prisoners of war, and lost half the country. Yet a persistent internal narrative claims that the real war was fought in the western sector, where outcomes were supposedly inconclusive. Strategic humiliation was reframed as moral resilience.

In 1999, Pakistan denied the involvement of its regular forces in Kargil, insisting that mujahideen had occupied the heights in a spontaneous uprising. Despite extensive documentation to the contrary, this version still circulates in official and semi-official discourse. Deception was followed by denial, and denial by narrative entrenchment.

The current episodedoctored satellite imagery claiming damage to Indian defence installationsbelongs to the same tradition. But it also represents something more dangerous. This is not just about Pakistan. It is about the future of conflict in the age of artificial intelligence.

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As AI-driven image generation, enhancement, and manipulation advance, the line between truth and falsehood will blur further. Deepfakes, synthetic satellite imagery, manipulated battlefield visuals, and fabricated damage assessments will become indistinguishable to the untrained eye. In such an environment, truth will not be self-evident. It will require context, expertise, and trustall of which are under assault in todays information ecosystem.

Information warfare of this kind aims to erode public confidence, induce strategic fatigue, and fragment societal consensus. It does not seek immediate belief; it seeks delayed doubt. Over time, that doubt weakens national resolve, complicates decision-making, and constrains strategic options.

This is why focusing only on exposing the technical flaws in Pakistans imagery misses the larger point. The question is not whether these images are fake. It is whether India is institutionally prepared for a future in which fakes are indistinguishable from reality.

First, India must recognise cognitive warfare as a national security issue, not merely a media or cyber concern. This demands institutional ownership at the highest levels, integrating information integrity into security planning.

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Second, there is a need for credible, independent analytical capacitypublicly visible and professionally trustedthat can rapidly assess and contextualise contested imagery and claims. Silence creates space for falsehood to spread; reactive rebuttals often arrive too late. Some knowledgeable media are making brave efforts themselves, but without official backing, credibility remains questionable.

Third, strategic communication must become proactive rather than defensive. Transparency, consistency, and restraint build credibility over time. In information warfare, trust is cumulativeand once lost, extremely difficult to restore.

Finally, and most importantly, society itself must be sensitised. Media literacy, critical consumption of information, and awareness of manipulation techniques are no longer optional civic skills. In the AI age, the battlefield extends into the mind of every citizen. Pakistans doctored satellite imagery is a preview.

Future conflicts may be fought as much through fabricated visuals and engineered narratives as through missiles and manoeuvre. Nations that fail to prepare for this cognitive domain risk losing not battlesbut belief.

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And once belief is lost, deterrence, cohesion, and strategic autonomy also follow.

(The writer is the former Commander of Indias Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. Currently he is the Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and a member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
From Trumpian volatility and Russian nuclear posturing to Chinese assertion: a deep dive into ten escalating global conflicts that make 2026 an uncertain year for humanity and world stability

Experts warn that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years in recent memory. Representational image

The year 2025 was bloody. The year 2026, the way it has begun, promises to be even more dangerously bloody. From South America to Africa, Europe to East Asia and West Asia, major conflicts and wars are raging across continents, worsening by the day.

Ten Conflicts to be Extinguished

Lets examine ten major wars and conflicts raging worldwide and explain why the time is now to halt them, and ultimately extinguish them. I will discuss each in detail later, but first, context is essential.

Context 1  Like Never Before  John Simpson, BBC World Affairs Editor, wrote in his year-ender a few days ago:

I have reported on more than 40 wars around the world during my career, which goes back to the 1960s. I watched the Cold War reach its height, then simply evaporate. But Ive never seen a year quite as worrying as 2025 has beennot just because several major conflicts are raging, but because it is becoming clear that one of them has geopolitical implications of unparalleled importance.

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Context 2  The Doomsday Prophecy  The Doomsday Clock, a unique timepiece created seventy-nine years ago by scientists, attempts to gauge how close humanity is to destroying the world. In 2025, the clock was set at 89 seconds to midnightthe closest the world has ever been to that marker, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which established the clock in 1947, the Midnight represents the moment at which humanity will have made the Earth uninhabitable.

Why is John Simpson so worried about the specter of World War III, and why have experts on the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists declared that the world is on the precipice of self-annihilation? To prove them wrong, the following ten wars must be halted immediately and extinguished soon thereafter.

First, War Monger Number 1  Donald J Trump

During the last year, Trump has emerged as War Monger Number 1 on Planet Earth. Here is his roll call of honour:

As 2025 turned into 2026, Trump invaded Venezuela, a sovereign nation, captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in blatant disregard of international law, and decided to prosecute them in New York. Dozens of innocents were killed in the invasion, increasing military tensions between Cuba and the US.

On January 6, 2026, Trump threatened direct military action against the Colombian government, telling reporters such an operation sounds too good to him. He crowed aboard Air Force One: Columbia is very sick, too, run by a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, and he is not going to be doing it very long.

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Trump has openly declared his intention to use force if necessary in Canada and resource-rich Greenland. He bombed Iran alongside Israel and threatened fresh strikes if the Iranian government used force to contain public protests.

Trump has declared himself a messiah of Christianity, bombing Syria and more recently Nigeria.

The list is long and growing. Yet, this war monger also harbors ambitions to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for allegedly stopping eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan. Only time will tell how quickly he pushes the world toward destruction.

Make no mistake: the first year of Trump in the White House has turned global politics and crisis management on their head, creating a specter that threatens to worsen fast.

Second, Cyber War

To date, damaging cyberattacks have mostly focused on financial gain or network access, causing major business disruptions but not life-threatening consequences. However, the cyberwarfare landscape is changing fast, threatening humanitys survival.

In 2026, cyber warfare will be a leading strategic concern, driven by AI-powered attacks, sophisticated ransomware, identity-based threats, and expanding attack surfaces from cloud and SaaS adoption. These factors make cyber warfare a core business and national security issue requiring proactive defense and integrated strategies beyond traditional IT. AI integration by attackers (for scalable attacks like AI-driven phishing) and defenders (for threat hunting) defines the new threat landscape, alongside managing third-party risks and preparing for quantum computing.

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Key drivers of cyber warfare concerns in 2026:

AI-Powered Threats: Advanced phishing, deepfakes, automated vulnerability exploitation, and social engineering.

Identity-Led & Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising credentials and exploiting weaknesses in complex third-party ecosystems.

Ransomware & Extortion: AI-enhanced attacks demanding higher ransoms.

Increased Attack Surface: Hybrid work, cloud adoption, and interconnected platforms create vulnerabilities.

Geopolitical Influence: State-sponsored actors target critical infrastructure and escalate global cyber tensions.

Third, Russia-Ukraine War

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022, experts predicted a one-week war ending with a Kremlin-backed government in Kiev. The bloody conflict has now lasted nearly four years with no end in sight.

With Nato backing Ukraine and China and North Korea supporting Russia, this war can be seen as a covert mini-World War III. Persistent nuclear sabre-rattling by Russia amid battlefield losses keeps the world on edge. If any war threatens to escalate into nuclear disaster, it is this one.

Fourth, Israels Middle East War

Israels Arab conflict began in 1948 with its first war of independence. Today, Israel fights not just for survival but for supremacy. It has effectively annexed the West Bank, flattened Gaza, neutralized Hezbollah and Houthis, and substantially weakened Iran.

Despite these actions, no just settlement exists, and frequent warfare has persistedincluding 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, 2006, ongoing Gaza operations since 2023, and 2025 strikes on Iran. The Middle East conflict could flare into a major war at any moment, despite Israel degrading Hamas, Hezbollah, and Irans missile capabilities in 2025.

Fifth, The War in Sudan

Sudan has been in internecine war for 72 years. Civil wars from 1955-1972 and 1983-2005 led to South Sudans independence in 2011. Post-independence, South Sudan erupted into civil war in 2013, causing over 400,000 deaths.

Today, Sudans war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over control of the transitional government. As of early 2026, SAF controls Khartoum and eastern regions, RSF dominates Darfur and western Sudan; fighting continues amid atrocities.

The humanitarian crisis is catastrophic: 12 million displaced, 28 million facing acute hunger, widespread famine, 20-30 million needing aid, and 150,000 deaths. Global powers arm both sides, worsening the conflict. A ceasefire, likely involving US mediation, is the first step toward eventual peace.

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Sixth, India-Pakistan Conflict

India and Pakistan have fought at least five declared wars. Operation Sindoor in 2025 marked a new phase, reflecting Indias zero tolerance for cross-border terrorist attacks. Any future Pakistani-sponsored terrorist attack could provoke a war Pakistan will never forget.

Seventh, Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict

In October 2025, Afghanistan and Pakistan clashed after Islamabad attributed cross-border insurgent attacks to Afghan-based militants. A ceasefire holds, but Islamabad may respond aggressively to future strikes. The Taliban are badly outgunned, yet retaliation could be lethal. Both sides missile capabilities threaten major escalation.

Eighth, Conflict Over Taiwan

The Taiwan crisis remains serious, with Chinas Justice Mission 2025 drills simulating a blockade, escalating tensions after US arms sales and Taiwans defensive pledges. Xi Jinping views Taiwan as a core interest, readying invasion capabilities by 2027, though currently preferring gray-zone tactics like blockades and cyberattacks. The US, Japan, and Australia back Taiwan, but war remains possible.

Ninth, Korean Peninsula Conflict

North Koreas 2025 constitutional shift labels South Korea its principal enemy, abandoning reunification rhetoric. Missile tests and artillery drills heighten risks. South Korea seeks de-escalation, but North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal, posing threats to Seoul and US bases. Despite US defense commitments, miscalculation could trigger pre-emptive strikes.

Tenth, Global Conflict Escalation

Finally, a series of conflicts across continents is rapidly worsening global security. High-tech warfare and unpredictable leaders like Trump have made the Earth an increasingly dangerous habitat, leaving the worlds trajectory in 2026 uncertain.

(The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India-based impact consultant. He is President of Advisory Services at BARSYL. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts position.)
Regardless of the immorality or illegality of Trumps predatory foreign policy, it is evident that the western media will inevitably take on the role of the guardians of the Empire

The question to ponder is why the American media, that fashions itself as a guardian of liberal values, liberty and human rights around the world, falls in line at home as it did on several occasions such as Iraq war or the Bay of Pigs invasion. Representational image: Reuters

It has been fascinating to observe American media cover the US raid on Venezuela. The CNN, for instance, has no love lost for Trump. This White House and the legacy media journalists share a seemingly hostile relationship. The current US president frequently calls channels such as CNN, MSNBC or New York Times fake news, and the administration has been notably aggressive in limiting media access to the state apparatus.

And yet, since the kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, the so-called liberal media outlets have been running countless stories on how the Venezuelan President is a devil incarnate, implying that the POTUS was morally justified in violating Venezuelas sovereignty and decapitating the country through a show of military force.

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The US military operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved bombing military installations across Venezuela, its naval and air bases, killing approximately 80 people and forcibly removing Maduro and his wife from Venezuelan territory without congressional authorization or UN Security Council approval.

While the audacious violation of sovereignty of a major South American state has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders (never mind the squirming Europeans) who have characterized the raid as a show of latter-day imperialism without a shred of moral or legal authority, American media has been busy employing a range of rhetorical strategies that recasts the abduction of a foreign head of state and the planned loot and plunder of Venezuela as a law enforcement operation under the long arm of Americas exterritorial law.

The Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal calls it an act of hemispheric hygiene, pushing the imagery of disinfection, dehumanizing the Venezuelan president and comparing him with disease-bearing bug. The implication is that by toppling Maduro, Trump has done Venezuela and the region a favour.

With admirable brazenness, the WSJ goes on to write, Maduros capture is a demonstration of Mr. Trumps declaration to keep Americas enemies from spreading chaos in the Western Hemisphere. Its the Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine All of this makes the military action justified, despite cries from the left that it is illegal under international law.

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Donroe Doctrine, that WSJ refers to, is the dubious iteration of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine that sought to prevent European interference in American backyard. This new version is an attempted institutionalization of US muscle flexing in the Western Hemisphere. Trump wants a free hand to bully and extort smaller countries in the region under the guise of this new dodgy doctrine. The White House, in fact, has been quite unapologetic.

An official handle of the Trump White House has been posting on social media a cartoon of Trump holding a club that says DONROE Doctrine as he is stomping on the Western Hemisphere. There is no space for ambiguity.

And yet, while the US President has been acting like a Mafioso, more-pious-than-the-Pope American media has been at the forefront in attaching strategic legitimacy to the extortionist behaviour of a gangster regime in the White House. The spectre is fascinating!

If you think Trumps leader-change operation through raw coercive force in Venezuela is a flagrant violation of all international rules and laws, WSJ columnist Walter Russell Mead is here to tell you that heads of states, at least those in the Western Hemisphere, should get used to the fact that they have no agency or sovereignty, and are nothing but seat-warmers until Trump politely asks them to leave. According to Mead, resisting Trump is not only futile, but a serious mistake.

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Operation Absolute Resolve demonstrated again that the worst mistake a world leader can make is to underestimate Donald Trump. Immured in his Brooklyn cell, Nicolas Maduro will have ample time to reflect on how much better his life would have been had he taken Washingtons warnings seriously and slipped into a luxurious exile. In Cuba, Nicaragua and beyond, other leaders will ask themselves whether the time has come for a graceful retirement.

Trump is adamant that he wants the oil. He has long been eyeing Venezuelas vast energy reserves. He cares two hoots about political correctness. In a press conference post the raid, a triumphant Trump told reporters, Were going to be taking out a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground and the money made would go to American oil companies and to the United States in the form of reimbursement for the damages caused us by that country.

But the media insists otherwise. WSJ editorial writes, Mr. Trump talked about the oil far too much, which sends a message that the US purpose is largely mercenary. Venezuela will benefit if US oil companies modernize the countrys decrepit oil production facilities. But the US doesnt need Venezuelan oil.

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The American media has no compunctions with Trumps imperial gangsterism. It probably feels a slight discomfort at his blatant explicitness. Take the oil, just dont talk about it too much. Trump insists he wants nothing but the oil, but WSJ would persuade us otherwise. The greatest benefit of a democratic, pro-American Venezuela is what it means for freedom and stability in the region, says the editorial. One must doff the hat at the unbridled shamelessness. To give Trump his due, he is at least more honest about his purpose.

Whatever objections have been raised are mostly procedural, without calling into question the act of colonial aggression displayed by a predatory US President who talks and acts like a mafia boss. It is a spectacular curving of narrative to confer legitimacy on a patently thuggish and illegitimate raid that violates several UN charters and even American laws. And yet on to the American media has fallen the heavy task of relentless propaganda to sanitize the operation and frame it within the context of national security.

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They must, because Trump himself has no moral compunctions over his smash and grab tactics to steal Venezuelan oil or abducting Maduro. In his long and controversial career as a real estate magnet, a reality TV star and a debauch whose name has been inalienably associated with a paedophile, Trump has led a uniquely amoral life unrestrained by ethical considerations, feelings of guilt, regret or moral discomfort.

The US Department of Justice under Pam Bondi has been stitching up an elaborate fable to bring criminal charges against a foreign head of state, but Trump hasnt bothered with any justifications. Venezuela possesses worlds biggest oil reserves, about 17%, and Trump wants to control the trade. And for good reason.

The US possesses a clutch of heavy-oil refineries along the Gulf coast that have fallen on hard days because they were meant to process dense crude, the likes of which abound in Venezuela. Americas shale oil is lighter and doesnt need such processing, which is why America, being one of the largest oil producers in world, has had to import heavy crude to feed its refineries. Not anymore.

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As The Guardian notes quoting an energy expert, Most of Venezuelas crude supply is heavy, sour oil, which if youre a US refiner is one of the most ideal grades of crude you could ask for. Trumps raid on Venezuela and extraction of the unctuous, semi-solid tar could be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling refineries.

Trumps logic is simple.

He wants the oil, and if the new Venezuelan president doesnt give him total access to oil and to other things in their country, then acting President Delcy Rodriguez will pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.

As Trump said the other day, Were going to have our very large US oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, and we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so

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Trump told Fox News that we have to do it again [in other countries]. We can do it again, too. Nobody can stop us Theres nobody that has the capabilities that we have.

He feels that since the US is the most powerful country in the world and boasts of the worlds most capable military, there is no reason why he shouldnt raid Venezuela and seize its resources. Trump doesnt think that it is illegal, illegitimate or forbidden to consider oil within Venezuelan or other countries territories in the region as Americas. Since he wields the biggest stick, Trump feels justified in grabbing what he wants.

By dint of that principle, he thinks it fit to divvy up control of Venezuelan oil fields to American companies who received prior information of the raid even though lawmakers in the US Congress were kept in the dark.

Trump considers the Western Hemisphere as Americas de facto property, and countries within the region devoid of political independence, territorial integrity, right of self-determination, the right to choose their alliances or claims to their own resources. The trigger for Trumps coercive action was ostensibly Maduros attempt to strike oil deals with China. Accordingly, Trump reserves his unfettered right to dismiss any government that does not do his bidding, incarcerate any leader that dares to defy him and exert control over any sovereign countrys resources.

Asked whether he may have led America into a quagmire as George W Bush did in Iraq, Trump told an interviewer that the difference between Iraq and this is that Bush didnt keep the oil. Were going to keep the oil.

While Trump himself is crystal clear about his predatory and extortionist motives  he is now planning an imperialist invasion of Greenland  the media in America spins it as a narco-terrorism indictment or frames the forceful removal of a head of state as a triumph of the American legal system.

As The Washington Post writes in its editorial, Maduros removal sends an important message to tin-pot dictators in Latin America and the world: Trump follows through. The newspaper also sounds triumphalist over Americas military prowess. What happened in Caracas was a clear reminder that Americas military, intelligence and cyber capabilities are second to none. As if muscle flexing against a chronically weak opponent will send a chill down the spines of more capable adversaries.

But theres an even more interesting revelation. The Post editorial reveals that the Trump administration says it did not give anyone in the legislative branch a heads up because of concerns about leaks Whether the legislative branch had any idea or not of the impending raid, some American media outlets were reportedly aware of it, and in an extraordinary display of consensus over issues of national security, the New York Times and Washington Post held off publishing details of the secret US raid on Venezuela to avoid endangering US troops, reports Semafor.

As the Semafor report points out, for all the strain in the relationship between the Trump administration and the news media, the decision by several major US news outlets to hold the news reflected the time-honored deference that some major news outlets afford the White House regarding secretive US military operations.

Such coordination amid hostility is unthinkable in most countries. This unstated coordination has also been evident in the way the American media has dutifully  even when such deference wasnt needed  held firm onto the Trump administration line that the raid was allegedly against narco-terrorism and drug trafficking even when Trump was adamant that it was a mercenary pursuit of oil.

The question to ponder is why the American media, that fashions itself as a guardian of liberal values, liberty and human rights around the world, falls in line at home as it did on several occasions such as Iraq war (amplifying the bogey of WMD) or the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Regardless of the immorality or illegality of Trumps predatory foreign policy, it is evident that the western media will inevitably take on the role of the guardians of the Empire. The hostility to Trump is real but constrained to matters that dont threaten fundamental power structures. We have seen this macabre drama play out through history. Even if they dislike the person in the White House, they believe in the primacy of American power. To them, Maduro is a dictator and the US is the global policeman.

Criticizing the raid itself would require the media outlets to challenge the very idea of American exceptionalism and militate against their ideological framework, and more importantly, corporate structure. The corporations that own these outlets are part of the same elite financial circles that benefit from US global hegemony.

It is, of course, different when it comes to Russia or China, who are framed as strategic rivals and going after them is intrinsic to the idea of American primacy. India is often criticized on internal issues like human rights or secularism because it allows western media the chance to assert Americas moral superiority. The double standard toward India and China is not hypocrisy but strategy: undermining rivals while legitimising American power.

Itll be interesting to observe the spin when Trump eventually invades and snatches Greenland.

(The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Googles AI overview has triggered fresh criticism after wrongly stating the current year, relieving concerns over repeated AI inaccuracies. When a user asked about the next year it responded saying 2026 is next year.

Googles AI overview went rogue once again and changed the current year by making a mistake. AI image

Another AI fault was in place as Googles AI overview went rogue once again and changed the current year by making a mistake. A user on X shared a snapshot of a Google Search asking, is it 2027 next year. In response to the question, AI overview came up with a never suggested answer saying, No, 2027 is not next year. 2026 is next year.

Room for improvement

Responding to the screen shot, Musk wrote, Room for improvement.

The recent controversy sparking outrage among the audience is the Grok AI and its explicitly sexual images of women and children. Musks X platform has performed a non-consensual act that ignited many countries and urged them to take action against the deepfakes created by GrokAI.

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Inaccurate information

Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Googles AI Overview has come up with inaccurate information as well. The feature first sparked controversy shortly after its launch when it told users to add glue to pizza or eat rocks for vitamins.

As Google made progress with Gemini, the inaccuracies with AI Overview seemed to improve but the chatbot had once again mired controversy after it said Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was a fake game.

The current year is 2025

Google seemed to have turned its overview option for a short span of time as noticed, due to the controversy saying 2026 is next year. The current year is 2025, according to Googles AI overview. Meanwhile, asking the same question or similar variations of it to the companys AI Mode, backed by Gemini 3, does not bring in the same inaccuracies.

Notably, a recent investigation by The Guardian had also revealed that AI Mode continues to serve inaccurate health information that puts people at risk of harm.

The AI reportedly went on to wrongly advise people with pancreatic cancer to avoid high fat foods which is the exact opposite of the opinions served by experts who say it may increase the risk of patients dying from the disease.

Ethical lapses in training data

In another example, the AI provided bogus information about liver function tests which could lead to people having serious liver disease. It also provided completely wrong information about womens cancer tests which reportedly could lead to people dismissing genuine symptoms.

The question that usually arises remains stiff: Should we believe AI tools? Or all AI chatbots are sparking controversy?

AI chatbots work on prompts and single wrong information can misguide and mislead the young minds leading to harmful content generation, inadequate child safeguards, and ethical lapses in training data.
xAI has generated $20 billion in its latest funding round, the startup announced on Tuesday. Some of the companies that featured in xAIs Series E funding round include Nvidia and Fidelity Management and Resource Company

xAI and Grok logos are seen in this illustration taken, February 16, 2025. Reuters

Elon Musks artificial intelligence company xAI has reported higher funding despite the widespread claims that its model generates sexually explicit and non-consensual images of women and young girls.

xAI has generated $20 billion in its latest funding round, the startup announced on Tuesday. Some of the companies that featured in xAIs Series E funding round include Nvidia, Fidelity Management and Resource Company, Qatars sovereign wealth fund, and Valor Equity Partners.

Despite criticism about Groks generative image feature, the company touted the technology to the investors at the latest round of funding.

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The companys Colossus I and II data centres in Memphis now house over one million high-performing GPUs, the AI chips from Nvidia that are supercharging AI development.

The startup has also rolled out its Grok 4 language models and Grok Voice, a real-time voice agent now available in Tesla vehicles.

According to xAI, its services reach approximately 600 million monthly active users across the X platform and Grok applications.

The company said it is currently training Grok 5 and plans to launch new consumer and enterprise products.

Groks image generation

Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok landed in yet another trouble after it generated images depicting minors in minimal clothing on his social media platform X.

Screenshots of these images were shared by users on X. They showed Groks public media tab filled with such images. xAI said it was working to improve its systems to prevent future incidents. There are isolated cases where users prompted for and received AI images depicting minors in minimal clothing, Grok said in a post on X in response to a user. xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely.

As noted, weve identified lapses in safeguards and are urgently fixing themCSAM is illegal and prohibited, xAI posted to the @Grok account on X, referring to child sexual abuse material. Many users on X have prompted Grok to generate sexualised, nonconsensual AI-altered versions of images in recent days, in some cases removing peoples clothing without their consent.

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said that the companys next-generation AI chips will deliver up to five times more computing power, debuting earlier than expected. Nvidia pushes deeper into chatbots, agentic AI, self-driving technology and long-context applications.

The CEO of Nvidia Jensen Huang informed that the next generation chips will be more vigilant and would serve in full production and deliver five times the artificial Intelligence computing of the companys previous chips when serving up chatbots and other AI apps

Nvidia is unveiling the AI chips which were estimated much later, but is coming much earlier than expected. In a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the leader of the worlds most valuable company revealed new details about its chips, which will arrive later this year.

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Vera-Rubin platform

The Vera-Rubin platform which is the next generation AI computing architecture designed for agentic AI, reasoning, and massive long-context workflows is expected to debut this year. The flagship server contains 72 companys graphic units and 36 of its central processors.

Huang showed how they can be strung together into pods with more than 1,000 Rubin chips and said they could improve the efficiency of generating what are known as tokens  the fundamental unit of AI systems  by 10 times.

Huang also highlighted that Rubin chips use a proprietary kind of data that the company hopes the wider industry will adopt.

Deliver a gigantic step up in performance

This is how we were able to deliver such a gigantic step up in performance, even though we only have 1.6 times the number of transistors, Huang said.

Nvidia has been dominating the AI market, alongside this it faces much more rivals and competition such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O), Alphabets (GOOGL.O) in delivering millions of users chatbot services and other technologies.

Huangs speech also focused on how the new chips will work for the prompt and task provided, including adding a new layer of storage technology called context memory storage aimed at helping chatbots provide snappier responses to long questions and conversations.

Self-driving cars

In other announcements, Huang highlighted new software that can help self-driving cars make decisions about which path to take - and leave a paper trail for engineers to use afterward. Nvidia showed research about software, called Alpamayo, late last year, with Huang saying on Monday it would be released more widely, along with the data used to train it so that automakers can make evaluations.

Not only do we open-source the models, we also open-source the data that we use to train those models, because only in that way can you truly trust how the models came to be, Huang said from a stage in Las Vegas.

Confident in approach

Huang has been confident enough about the services and deals that they provide without affecting other technologies instead focusing on its own business so that the result could expand and new products come in lineup.

At the same time, Nvidia is eager to show that its latest products can outperform older chips like the H200, which U.S. President Donald Trump has allowed to flow to China. Reuters has reported that the chip, which was the predecessor to Nvidias current Blackwell chip, is in high demand in China, which has alarmed China hawks across the U.S. political spectrum.

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As President Donald Trump has threatened to invade and occupy Denmarks Greenland island, European allies are working on a plan to tackle the US aggression.

Donald Trump speaks to members of the media at Manhattan Supreme Court amid his hush money trial, in New York, US, May 7, 2024. (Photo: Curtis Means/Pool via Reuters)

As President Donald Trump threatens to invade and occupy Denmarks Greenland island, European allies are working on a plan to counter US aggression.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that European allies, including Germany and Poland, are in discussions to formulate a response to Trumps threats.

We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners, Barrot told Reuters.

Barrot added that Trumps threats will be a subject of discussion at a meeting of foreign ministers from France, Germany and Poland later in the day.

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The White House has formally stated that the military option to annex Greenland an invasion followed by occupation is on the table and the Trump administration remains committed to annexing the island.

The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chiefs disposal, the White House told CNN on Tuesday.

However, Barrot said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him the administration was instead looking to buy Greenland.

I myself was on the phone yesterday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio () who confirmed that this was not the approach taken  he ruled out the possibility of an invasion [of Greenland], Barrot told Reuters.

US attack on Greenland would mean the death of Nato, says Denmarks PM

Since last weeks invasion of Venezuela and the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration has been emboldened in its expansionist agenda.

Trump and his supporters have repeatedly said they would annex Greenland and would invade the island if required. Even as Rubio has apparently sought to downplay these declarations, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said Trumps threats are serious.

Frederiksen added that a US invasion of Greenland would be the death of Nato  both Denmark and the United States are Nato members.

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If the United States chooses to attack another Nato country militarily, then everything stops. That is, including our Nato and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War, Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2.

Trump has hinted that a US invasion of Greenland could begin soon. After invading Venezuela, he said, Lets talk about Greenland in 20 days.

Trump said, Well worry about Greenland in about two months. Lets talk about Greenland in 20 days.

Even as European allies and Canada rally behind Denmark in the face of Trumps threats, there are concerns that the kingdom could be too cautious in its approach. European allies have said Denmark has not clearly articulated its position.

A senior European official told Reuters that Denmark must lead efforts to coordinate a response, but the Danes have yet to communicate to their European allies what kind of concrete support they wish to receive.

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Ahead of the Delta Force raid that whisked away President Nicolas Maduro, US forces launched a sophisticated electronic warfare attack that deceived Venezuelan air defence operators into exposing their positions, paving the way for a decisive strike.

Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. (Photo: STR/AFP)

While much of the attention has focused on the low-flying helicopters that swept into Caracas and whisked away President Nicolas Maduro, the most sophisticated part of Operation Absolute Resolve was likely the electronic warfare attack that enabled such a seamless incursion and extraction.

The Trump administration has said that around 150 aircraft including fighter planes, bombers, and drones participated in the mission, which involved suppressing Venezuelan air defence systems. Explosions in Caracas were caught on camera ahead of the raid on Maduros compound.

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But brute American firepower that destroyed anti-aircraft and anti-missile batteries or prevented Venezuelan fighter planes from taking off was just one aspect of the campaign. There are indications that US electronic warfare specialists tricked Venezuelan air defence operators into revealing their exact locations.

How the US tricked Venezuelan air operators

Venezuela primarily relied on Russian-made air defence systems like the S-300, Pechora-2M, Buk-M2E, and Pantsir-S1.

While Russia has flaunted its air defence systems as state-of-the-art, they have been repeatedly battered in Russias war with Ukraine and in US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Notably, Iran had almost identical air defences to Venezuela and Israeli attacks in 2024 left them virtually naked.

In the early hours of Saturday, in addition to destroying missile launchers, US forces also targeted Venezuelan radars, according to analysts.

Central to this electronic warfare attack were EA-18G Growlers and F-35C aircraft. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare-centric variant of the F/A-18 fighter jet, while the F-35 is a multirole fighter equipped with some of the worlds most advanced electronic warfare tools.

The tactic deployed by US forces was simple and devastatingly effective.

As per analysts who studied the operation, US forces initiated electromagnetic jamming against Venezuelan radar systems, creating so much noise that the radars could not detect incoming threats. To overcome this noise, radar operators reportedly cranked up the power of their radars and other transmitters. That was likely their fatal mistake.

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As soon as Venezuelan air defence operators increased transmitter power, they effectively telegraphed their locations to US forces. On the electromagnetic spectrum, these positions lit up and were then bombed.

In short, once US forces forced operators to boost power, those radars became beacons and guided American strikes with pinpoint accuracy. That is how US forces likely outsmarted Venezuelan air defence operators and Russian air defence systems.
US President Donald Trump said he forced Emmanuel Macron to agree to higher drug prices in France by threatening tariffs, claiming the move would lower medicine costs in the United States.

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2025. (File/AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Republican lawmakers that he pressured French President Emmanuel Macron to sharply raise prescription drug prices in France, using the threat of sweeping tariffs on French imports as leverage. Trump said the move was aimed at addressing what he described as Americans paying far higher prices for medicines than consumers in other countries.

Addressing the gathering, Trump said the United States had subsidised global healthcare for decades. He argued that his Most Favoured Nation policy was designed to end that imbalance and claimed it led to swift compliance from foreign governments.

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Ultimatum over tariffs

Trump said he asked Macron to increase French prescription drug prices because Americans were paying 14 times more for medicines. According to Trump, the French President initially refused the proposal.

I said ok heres the story, Emmanuel. If on Monday you havet agreed to every single thing that we want, Im putting a 25% tariff on every thing coming out of France!

He claimed he issued an ultimatum, warning that France would face a 25 per cent tariff on all exports to the United States, including champagne and wine, if it did not agree to US demands. Trump said the threat led Macron to concede.

He said, no, no, no, no, you can not do that! I said, I can do that. And I will do that. Even for national security Ill do that but, this is for medical security.

Trumps imitation of Macron

Recounting the exchange, Trump said Macron told him, Donalddd, you have a deal. I would like to increase my prescription drug prices by 200 per cent or whatever. Whatever you want, Donald, please dont tell the population, I beg you.

Every country said the same thing, Trump added.

Trump humiliating Macron. It's important to remember that this clownish behavior doesn't diminish Macron, it reflects on the crass, classless nature of the Mafia boss in White House. pic.twitter.com/RX9A0cNWex  Sreemoy Talukdar (@sreemoytalukdar) January 6, 2026

Price changes cited by Trump

Trump claimed the tariff he threatened was 42 times more expensive than what he was asking for. He said France raised drug prices from $10 per pill to $30, while prices in the United States fell.

Neither Macron nor the French government has immediately responded to Trumps remarks.

Trump also said that in talks with other countries, foreign leaders agreed to increase their drug prices within an average of 3.2 minutes after tariff threats were made.

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We would be honoured to quadruple our drug prices, if thats what you like, Trump said, describing what he claimed were conversations with other global leaders.

Most Favoured Nation policy push

The remarks came as Trump continues to advance his Most Favoured Nation policy, which seeks to reduce US prescription drug prices by linking Medicare payments to the lowest prices charged by drugmakers in other developed nations.

Trump said he had negotiated significant price reductions under the policy, claiming cuts of 400, 500, and even 600 per cent. He also announced that reduced prices would be available from January through a new website, TrumpRx.gov.
Former US president Joe Biden receives the biggest taxpayer-funded pension in American history, crossing even the $400,000 presidential salary. Even Obama did not receive such an amount as pension

Former US President Joe Biden reportedly recieves the largest taxpayer-funded pension in American history, surpassing even the standard presidential salary of $400,000 a year. His estimated annual payout of about $417,000 makes this record-breaking package bigger than what he earned while serving as president.

Demian Brady, vice president of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, told the New York Post that the size of Bidens pension is historically unusual because no other former president has received such a large retirement payment.

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Why Bidens pension is so high

Whats driving this unusually large pension is Bidens long career in public service. Having spent decades in the US Senate, served as vice president, and then as president, Biden qualifies for retirement benefits from multiple government systems. Experts say this lets him draw from both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the pension provided under the Former Presidents Act of 1958, stacking benefits in a way few others have been able to.

That combination has pushed his annual pension above the salaries and retirement benefits of previous presidents, including Barack Obama, whose pension was about half what Biden will receive after his own White House tenure.

More than just a pension

Its worth noting the total retirement support for former presidents goes beyond just the pension check. Under current laws, ex-presidents also receive taxpayer-funded benefits such as office space, staff support, travel allowances and security, which add significant value to the overall retirement package.

Some analysts and taxpayer advocacy groups have raised questions about the fairness and sustainability of such generous retirement benefits, especially when they exceed what sitting presidents earn. Proposed reformsincluding pension caps and reduced perkshave been floated by lawmakers but not yet enacted.

Separately, Biden completed a course of radiation therapy in October last year as part of treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He marked the milestone by ringing a ceremonial bell at the Philadelphia clinic, though its unclear if additional therapy will be needed.
Britain has urged Elon Musks X platform to address the sexually explicit deepfake images of women and children which are generated using Grok AI.

The UK government on Tuesday asked Elon Musks X platform to urgently address the sexually explicit deepfake images of women and children generated using the image generation feature of Grok AI on X.

Britain joined the European outcry over an increase of non-consensual images of women.

How it started?

Users used Grok to undress real images of women and children using nudification prompts, generating deepfakes and opening for millions to see. Whereas AI chatbots should have some prior rules and boundations, Grok created a consensual act.

Governments of various countries like UK, France, Malaysia, Australia, China, and India have launched probes and demanded safeguard actions.

Act swiftly

British Technology minister Liz Kendall said in a statement the content was absolutely appalling and urged the social media platform to act swiftly.

No one should have to go through the ordeal of seeing intimate deepfakes of themselves online, Kendall said. We cannot and will not allow the proliferation of these demeaning and degrading images, which are disproportionately aimed at women and girls."

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X needs to deal with this urgently, she added.

Xs Safety account said on Sunday that it removes all illegal content on the platform and permanently suspends accounts involved.

Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content, it said.

Creating or sharing non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse is illegal in Britain, as it breaches the countrys norms and ethics.

Musk reacted with laughing emoji

Musk has shrugged off concerns online, posting laughing emojis in response to edited bikini images of public figures.

On Monday, the European Commission said it was aware that X was offering a spicy mode and condemned the images as unlawful.

Also on Monday, Britains media regulator Ofcom said it had made urgent contact with X and its AI arm xAI to understand what steps they were taking to comply with legal duties to protect UK users.

French where non-consensual act is considered as a crime, the officials said that they have reported X to prosecutors and regulators, calling the content manifestly illegal, while Indian authorities have also demanded explanations.
Newly released video transcripts from the Brown University shooting suspect reveal chilling admissions of long-term planning and lack of remorse, offering fresh insight into the attacks that killed two students and an MIT professor

Emergency personnel gather on Waterman Street at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday during the investigation of a shooting. AP

Federal prosecutors have released translated transcripts of videos they say were recorded by the man responsible for the deadly Brown University campus shooting and the later killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor.

The videos, recovered by authorities after the attackers death, reveal chilling admissions about his long-planned attack, lack of remorse and personal perspective on what he did.

Investigators say Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown University student, recorded the videos in Portuguese. The Department of Justice then had them translated before releasing the transcripts on Tuesday. Valente was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Salem, New Hampshire, storage facility days after the shootings.

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Planning and admissions in the transcripts

In the translated recordings, Valente openly acknowledged that he had been preparing for the Brown attack for six semesters, saying he had already been thinking about the violence for a long time.

Prosecutors called the videos a form of confession because he admitted to carrying out the crimes and detailed his long premeditation.

Also read | Trump halts green card lottery after Brown University shooting, killing of MIT professor

Valente also addressed beliefs about his mental state. He denied having a mental illness and insisted he was sane, rejecting suggestions that illness had driven him to act. He spoke about the shootings without remorse, appearing to reject apologies and expressing what officials described as a chilling perspective on the events.

In the transcripts, he said: To say that I was extraordinarily satisfied, no, but I also dont regret what I did.

On 13 December 2025, Valente walked into an engineering building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he fatally shot two students  Ella Cook (19) and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov (18)  and wounded nine others. Two days later, he is alleged to have travelled to Brookline, Massachusetts, where he killed MIT physicist Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a former classmate from Portugal.

Prosecutors said that although he chose Brown University as his intended location, he did not state a specific reason for the attacks in the transcripts.

Authorities, including the FBI, say they do not believe there is any ongoing threat tied to these shootings.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chinas Commerce Ministry said that Beijing will impose sweeping restrictions on the export of dual-use items  goods and services that can be used both by civilians and the military  will be effective immediately

China has banned the export of some rare earth minerals to Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis comments on Taiwan stirred a row between the two countries last year.

In a statement on Tuesday, Chinas Commerce Ministry said that Beijing will impose sweeping restrictions on the export of dual-use items  goods and services that can be used both by civilians and the military  will be effective immediately.

What items are banned?

While the ministry did not specify which exports would be affected, a list of dual-use items released by the agency includes rare earths, advanced electronics, aerospace and aviation components, drones, and nuclear-related technologies, among others.

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Rare earth elements are essential to a broad range of products, from consumer electronics and automobiles to advanced weapons systems such as the F-35 fighter jet. In 2024, Japan sourced 63 per cent of its rare earth imports from China, according to a CNN analysis of data from Japans finance ministry. The full scope of the latest restrictions and their potential impact on Japan remains unclear.

China-Japan row

The development comes as a diplomatic row between China and Japan continues to simmer after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented on Taiwan, seen as an interference by China as it considers the island-nation part of its own territory.

China and Japan are key trading partners, but historical mistrust and friction over territorial rivalries and military spending often test those ties.

Takaichi, a conservative and China hawk, has toned down her rhetoric since assuming office last year.

China had summoned Tokyos ambassador and advised its citizens against travel to Japan after the clash over Takaichis comments.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in November that Japan should behave with dignity and take concrete actions, including retracting Takaichis statement, to repair ties."

Simply asserting that its position (on Taiwan) remains unchanged does nothing to address Chinas concerns, she said at a regular news conference.

With inputs from agencies
Chinas finance ministry vows to increase central bond issuance and flexible transfer payments to cash-strapped local governments in 2026, easing austerity measures triggered by collapsing land sales revenue. While support will help, Beijing signals modest aid wont fully reverse trillions in arrears and spending cuts.

Chinas central authorities plan to bolster financial support for provincial and municipal governments throughout 2026, addressing chronic revenue shortfalls that have hampered local spending. The finance ministry made these commitments at the National Fiscal Work Conference, which wrapped up on 28 December, aiming to ease pressures through smarter debt management and flexible funding allocations.

Refining government bond strategies

Ministry officials promised to refine the composition of government bonds to enhance their impact on local economies. This adjustment signals a likely rise in central government borrowing, reducing the debt burden that local authorities have shouldered disproportionately. By shifting more issuance to the national level, Beijing seeks to free up provincial balance sheets cluttered with off balance sheet liabilities from past infrastructure projects. Such measures would provide breathing room for regions hit hardest by declining land sales, their traditional revenue mainstay.

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Boosting flexible transfer payments

A key focus will be improving transfer payments, with greater emphasis on general grants over restrictive special purpose funds. General transfers allow local governments broad discretion in spending, helping to narrow regional inequalities without bureaucratic strings. Special transfers, tied to specific initiatives, often prove inflexible amid shifting priorities. This rebalancing aims to equip cash poor localities with truly usable resources, countering the rigidities that have slowed public investments and service delivery.

Context of local government austerity

Local administrations across China face acute fiscal squeezes, forcing tough choices that ripple through the economy. Collapsing land auction income has created trillions in revenue gaps, while unpaid bills to suppliers, delayed salaries and slashed public services compound the strain. Measures like hiking business fees, imposing fines and withholding vendor payments have become commonplace, stifling private sector confidence and broader growth momentum. Pre school subsidies and other social spending have suffered delays, illustrating the depth of constraints.

Limits of planned fiscal relief

While welcome, the promised support packages will offer only partial respite. Beijing has indicated no appetite for aggressive deficit expansion in 2026, keeping additional aid modest despite the scale of local needs. Trillions in arrears and structural revenue weaknesses demand more comprehensive reform, yet central planners appear cautious about inflating national debt. Local austerity will persist as a drag on consumption and investment, underscoring unresolved tensions in Chinas fiscal federalism. The measures reflect pragmatic tinkering rather than bold restructuring.
NICOSIA, Jan 7 - Cyprus assumed the European Unions rotating presidency on Wednesday, starting its term with a meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

NICOSIA, Jan 7 - Cyprus assumed the European Unions rotating presidency on Wednesday, starting its term with a meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

A ceremony later in Nicosia marking the start of its six-month term will include Middle Eastern leaders, including Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, highlighting the ambition of the east Mediterranean island to serve as a bridge between Europe and the region.

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Zelenskiy was welcomed at the presidential palace by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. We hope that during your presidency a lot of steps (can be taken) forward, closer to membership in the EU, Zelenskiy told Christodoulides in a brief chat before television cameras.

The meeting, he added, would provide an opportunity to discuss details of a meeting in Paris on Tuesday, where the United States backed a broad coalition of Ukraines allies in vowing to provide security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire to support the country if Russia attacks again.

Cyprus, which traditionally had close political and cultural ties with Russia, has fully backed sanctions on Moscow, with many on the island drawing parallels between Russias invasion of Ukraine to Turkeys invasion of north Cyprus in 1974 after a brief coup engineered by the military then ruling Greece.

Zelenskiys presence was seen as a political sign of continued EU backing for Kyiv as its war with Russia enters a fifth year.

Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a country that still lives with the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing military occupation, we fully understand what is at stake, Christodoulides wrote in a post on X after meeting Zelenskiy.

Ukraine will be a central priority of our Presidency, and will work to ensure sustained support at all levels, he said.

Zelenskiy later met Cyprus Greek Orthodox Archbishop Georgios, who heads one of the oldest independent Christian churches worldwide. Despite internal dissent, Georgios church has voiced support for the independence of the Church of Ukraine away from the sphere of Moscow.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The United Nations said Israels decades-long discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank has worsened sharply, calling on it to dismantle what it described as an apartheid system.

This picture taken from the Jabal Mukaber neighbourhood of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem shows a view of east Jerusalem and the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque and its Dome of the Rock in the Old City of Jerusalem on January 2, 2026. (Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP)

The United Nations on Wednesday said decades of discrimination and segregation of Palestinians by Israel in the West Bank were intensifying, and called on the country to end its apartheid system.

In a new report, the UN rights office said the systematic discrimination against Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territories had drastically deteriorated in recent years.

There is a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank, UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

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Whether accessing water, school, rushing to hospital, visiting family or friends, or harvesting olives - every aspect of life for Palestinians in the West Bank is controlled and curtailed by Israels discriminatory laws, policies and practices, he added.

More from World 3 killed in Israeli fire in Gaza amid ceasefire tensions, medics say

This is a particularly severe form of racial discrimination and segregation, that resembles the kind of apartheid system we have seen before.

A number of independent experts affiliated with the UN have described the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories as an apartheid but this marks the first time a UN rights chief has applied the term.

Mounting settler violence

Wednesdays report said the Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, resulting in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues.

Palestinians continue to be subjected to large-scale confiscation of land and deprivation of access to resources, it added.

This had led to dispossessing them of their lands and homes, alongside other forms of systemic discrimination, including criminal prosecution in military courts during which their due process and fair trial rights are systematically violated.

Turk demanded Wednesday that Israel repeal all laws, policies and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination against Palestinians based on race, religion or ethnic origin.

The discrimination was compounded by continuing and escalating settler violence, in many cases with the acquiescence, support and participation of Israels security forces, the rights office said.

More than 500,000 Israelis currently live in settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967 and home to around three million Palestinians.

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Violence has risen in recent years, surging especially since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the Gaza war.

Since the start of the war, Israeli troops and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, including many militants as well as dozens of civilians, according to an AFP tally based on figures from the Palestinian health ministry.

According to official Israeli figures, at least 44 Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations in the same period.

Almost complete impunity

Since the Gaza war began, Israeli authorities had also further expanded the use of unlawful force, arbitrary detention and torture, the report said.

Increased repression of civil society and undue restrictions on media freedoms (and) severe movement restrictions had also characterised an unprecedented deterioration of the human rights situation in the West Bank, it said.

There had also been rapid expansions of settlements, considered illegal under international law, even as unlawful killings of Palestinians were taking place with almost complete impunity, the report warned.

Of the more than 1,500 killings of Palestinians that took place between the start of 2017 and September 30 last year, Israeli authorities had opened just 112 investigations, resulting in only one conviction, it pointed out.

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Thousands of Palestinians meanwhile remain arbitrarily detained by Israeli authorities, mostly under so-called administrative detention, without charge or trial, it said.

The report said it had found reasonable grounds to believe that this separation, segregation, and subordination is intended to be permanent to maintain oppression and domination of Palestinians.

This, it stressed, amounts to a violation of an international anti-racism convention, which prohibits racial segregation and apartheid.

The UN rights office on Wednesday urged Israel to end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, including by dismantling all settlements and evacuating all settlers, and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Donald Trump said that losing 2026 midterm elections would trigger fresh impeachment efforts against him. He urged the republican lawmakers to focus on healthcare, gender issues, and election integrity as he looks to consolidate power and fend off investigations ahead of the polls.

If we dont win midterms, I will get impeached said US President Donald Trump. Image Credit: Reuters

US President Donald Trump pressed on Tuesday that Republicans should definitely win the 2026 congressional midterm elections, saying that a defeat will lead to impeachment proceedings against him.

He asked the Republican lawmakers to come together and get along with this election.

You gotta win the midterms cause, if we dont win the midterms, its just gonna be  I mean, theyll find a reason to impeach me, Trump told Republican lawmakers at a retreat in Washington as reported by Reuters.

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Ill get impeached, Trump said.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:



"If we don't win the midterms, I will get impeached." pic.twitter.com/CQWjFxCr66  The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 6, 2026

Focusing on Healthcare

Amid recent US intervention in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolas Maduro along with his wife, Trump is in the headlines with his recent remarks on Greenland.

The midterm elections are scheduled in November 2026, ahead of the midterms Trump is setting up an agenda, escaping from various other accusations against him that could lead to further investigations.

He told them to put aside their differences and sell his policies on gender, healthcare and election integrity to an American electorate angry about the cost of living.

They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm, Trump said. I wish you could explain to me what the hells going on with the mind of the public.

Trump asked his lawmakers to figure it out and be flexible in their approach addressing the administrations healthcare policies.

Unstructured 84 minutes speech

Trump addressed less about the recent Venezuela intervention, and focused on stock market gains. He also mentioned the US Capitol attack by his supporters on January 6, 2021.

A speech with different dimensions lasted for about 84 minutes, signalling that Maduro copied his style of dancing and how his wife Melania Trump is highly sophisticated and stops him from dancing in public saying its so unpresidential."

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Trump predicted Republicans would beat the odds and deliver an epic midterm victory, but also groused about some members who dont fall in line.

Trump urged his party to more forcefully push back on Democrats near-unified message on healthcare, as the minority party advocates to extend expired subsidies that made Obamacare insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.

Figure it out

He told the lawmakers to figure out the important issues and the owning of healthcare facilities in the nation.

All of these issues are very important issues, but you can own healthcare, he told lawmakers. Figure it out.

Fear of impeachment

Trump was impeached two times by the Democratic-led House of Representatives during his 2017-2021 term in office. Democrats faulted his Ukraine policy and the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol by his supporters. The Senate voted to acquit him in both cases.

While the Democrats continue to accuse Trump and write articles about his impeachment and how he misused his power, the White House has denied such allegations.

Trump to expand powers

Trump has moved to expand his powers to act alone in realms ranging from immigration to military action and federal regulation. He faces an important Supreme Court ruling soon on whether his broad use of tariffs usurped a power the Constitution granted to Congress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to convey New Year greetings and review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who shared an update on the Gaza Peace Plan and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terror.

The two leaders warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity, a statement from the prime ministers office said.

It said Netanyahu briefed the prime minister on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

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The Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, the statement said.

In a post on X, Modi said they also reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel, Modi said.

We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead, he said.

Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.



We also exchanged views on the regional situation and  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2026

Modi and Netanyahu identified shared priorities to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead, guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision.

They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to fight this menace, the statement said.

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Modi and Netanyahu also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch.

This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026.

PM Modi, on December 11, received a phone call from Netanyahu, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their shared stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

According to an official statement, PM Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefit.

PM Modi reiterated Indias support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the West Asia, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contact.

The call came at a time when Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin very shortly. Hamas, however, claimed Israeli violations and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreement.

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Netanyahus office also said it is working with Indian authorities to arrange a new date for his postponed visit to India. The visit, initially planned for December, was deferred without a formal explanation, though his office stressed that bilateral ties remain strong and that he has full confidence in Indias security under PM Modis leadership.

With inputs from agencies
Senior leaders of Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba have reportedly met in Pakistan.The meeting, held publicly, raises concerns over deepening ties between the two terror outfits

Senior Hamas commander Naji Zaheer outlined in red and LeT commander Rashid Ali Sandhu outlined in yellow (X)

Senior figures from Hamas and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) recently held a high-profile meeting in Pakistan, in what analysts say is a growing operational and ideological nexus between the two terror outfits, as reported by NDTV.

The meeting took place in Gujranwala, where senior Hamas commander Naji Zaheer was seen sharing a stage with LeT commander Rashid Ali Sandhu during an event hosted by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), widely regarded as a political front for Lashkar.

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Video footage on social media appears to show the two men standing together, with Zaheer participating as the chief guest.

An undated video shows Hamas operative Naji Zaheer meeting a Lashkar commander in Gujranwala, with confirmed links to PoK.



From Kashmir, this reinforces #Pakistans ISI-backed terror ecosystem exporting violence while denying accountability. pic.twitter.com/kdGlegYbUN  Zaara Nazir   (@NazirZaara) January 7, 2026

Note: Firstpost could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Longstanding engagements raise eyebrows

This meeting is not an isolated event. Zaheer has travelled to Pakistan multiple times over the past few years, engaging with Islamist and militant networks across the country.

In February 2025, he visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with other Hamas members and spoke at an anti-India rally alongside commanders from both Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammed, another Pakistan-based terror group.

His engagements in Pakistan stretch back to at least 2023, when he appeared in Karachi and Islamabad for events that included media appearances and receptions by Islamist organisations.

Such repeated visits and public interactions point to a growing visibility of Hamas-linked figures within Pakistan, as well as a deliberate effort to build bridges with like-minded militant networks.

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The timing of this meet-up comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over cross-border militancy in South Asia. Indian and international security agencies have long monitored links between Pakistan-based terror outfits and global jihadist movements, and the latest developments are likely to raise fresh alarms in New Delhi and beyond.

Pakistan has historically denied harbouring or supporting terrorist groups on its soil, but such gatherings say otherwise.

While Islamabad has not officially commented on this specific meeting, reports suggest it could complicate regional security dynamics, especially if the ties between Hamas and Pakistan-linked groups translate into shared planning, resources, or coordinated action.
At a Russian Orthodox Christmas service near Moscow, Vladimir Putin invoked religious and patriotic symbolism to promote unity and praise Russian troops as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

Many Orthodox Christians in Russia celebrate Christmas on or around January 7. (X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended an early Wednesday Russian Orthodox Christmas service near Moscow. The event took place as Russias war in Ukraine approaches the end of its fourth year. Putin used the occasion to speak about unity, charity, and support for the armed forces. The Kremlin continues to frame the conflict as a national mission, drawing on patriotic and religious symbolism.

Russian Orthodox Christmas services are traditionally held around midnight. They draw large congregations for long liturgies. Putin has often attended smaller ceremonies. These have included services inside a Kremlin cathedral. This time, the service was held at the St George Victory Bearer church near Moscow.

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Video footage showed Putin wearing a dark suit without a tie. He stood among uniformed servicemen. Wives and children were also present. Clerics led the service.

Holy mission to defend the Fatherland

Speaking at the church after the service, Putin praised Russias troops. Russias warriors have always, as if at the Lords behest, carried out this mission of defending the Fatherland and its people, saving the Motherland and its people, Putin said. At all times in Russia, this is how people have regarded their warriors, as those who, as if at the Lords behest, carry out this holy mission.

Kremlin message on unity and charity

Earlier, in a Christmas greeting published on the Kremlin website, Putin praised the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations. He said they play a key role in strengthening social unity. He also said they safeguard Russias historical and cultural heritage.

Putin said religious organisations focus on mercy and charity. He highlighted their care for those in need. He also noted their support for participants and veterans of the war, which Moscow calls a special military operation.

Such important and in demand work deserves the most sincere recognition, Putin said.

Putin has attended Christmas services regularly since 2000. These have often taken place outside Moscow. Since the war began, however, he has more frequently marked the holiday near the capital. This has included services at his Novo Ogaryovo state residence.
With the world witnessing a fractious geopolitical environment, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India and France working together has become important to stabilise global politics.

Against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical turbulence, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday that cooperation between India and France has become crucial for maintaining global stability.

Jaishankar made the remarks during talks with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris. Discussions between the two ministers were largely centred on preparations for French President Emmanuel Macrons visit to India next month to attend the AI Summit.

The external affairs ministers visit to France comes at a time of heightened international concern following the United States military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

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In his opening comments at the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the broader backdrop of what he described as considerable global uncertainty, noting that such circumstances make it natural for strategic partners to consult with each other very closely.

We must and we are making full use of the various mechanisms we have in different domains, he said.

Jaishankar also noted India chairing the BRICS and France helming the G7 this year and even referred to both sides being part of the G20 grouping.

We are also otherwise active in a number of international organisations. So as two nations committed to multi-polarity, I believe that working together is important for ourselves, also for stabilising the global politics at this stage, he said.

The external affairs minister also mentioned Macrons upcoming visit to India.

We are expecting President Macron in India very soon, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had co-chaired the AI Summit along with Macron in Paris last February.

France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe and I believe that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship, he said.

With inputs from agencies
As the US Supreme Court prepares to rule on Trumps sweeping tariffs, Indian exporters face a crucial January deadline to secure trade deals and mitigate the impact of punitive duties that have disrupted shipments.

As the US Supreme Court prepares to issue a pivotal ruling this month on the legality of President Donald Trumps sweeping trade tariffs, Indian exporters face heightened uncertainty and potential economic strain. The decision expected as early as this week could not only reshape US trade policy but also determine the fate of punitive duties that have already disrupted trade with key partners including India.

For Indian manufacturers and exporters, especially in labour-intensive and manufacturing sectors, the stakes could not be higher. Many are watching the courts decision closely as legal clarity may influence whether a bilateral trade agreement can be finalised this month, a deadline exporters say is critical to securing contracts and stabilising shipments to the United States.

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Supreme Court ruling tests presidential trade authority

The US Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of emergency tariff powers invoked by President Trump, a move that critics argue oversteps presidential authority and bypasses congressional control over trade policy. Justices of varying ideological leanings voiced scepticism during November arguments about the administrations use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose wide-ranging tariffs on imports from multiple countries.

Tariffs imposed under Trump since February 2025 have targeted a broad spectrum of goods, with some levies reaching as high as 50% on imports from India, aimed at pressuring New Delhi over issues including energy purchases. These duties extend beyond reciprocal tariffs to include penalties tied to geopolitical concerns.

Reuters reported that more than $133.5 billion in tariffs are currently subject to potential legal reversal, with markets and global supply chains awaiting the Supreme Courts final say.

A ruling against the administration could weaken Trumps authority to unilaterally impose tariffs and open the door for lower courts or Congress to assert greater control over trade measures. However, even if the court strikes down the emergency tariff powers, it remains unclear whether it will require refunds for duties already collected or defer such decisions, prolonging uncertainty for exporters and importers alike.

Indian exporters in the eye of the storm

For Indian exporters, the risk is twofold: legal uncertainty from the Supreme Court case and the pressing need to finalise a bilateral trade pact with the United States. Local business leaders have emphasised that January is a decisive month for sealing a trade deal that would allow exporters to secure orders for the first half of 2026, especially as punitive tariffs are already affecting order books during the busy winter season.

The duties have particularly hit labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and footwear, marine products and furniture. Analysts warn that sustained high tariffs could divert U.S. buyers towards competitors in Vietnam, Bangladesh and Mexico whose exports face lower duties, eroding Indias competitiveness.

One industry representative noted that under a 50% tariff regime, Indian textiles could lose significant market share as similar garments from countries with lower barriers become more attractive to American importers.

The uncertainty has also affected investor sentiment and pricing decisions. Firms face a dilemma: hold prices unchanged and absorb costs, potentially eroding margins and profits, or pass on the added tariff burden to customers, risking loss of demand. The outcome of the Supreme Courts decision will play a major role in shaping these strategic calculations.

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Trade talks and strategic choices

Against this backdrop, India is intensifying diplomatic and trade negotiations with the United States in an effort to finalise a comprehensive trade agreement that could mitigate tariff impacts. Exporters argue that a stable pact would not only offer immediate relief through lower duties but also provide longer-term certainty for planning and investment.

However, analysts caution that court rulings alone will not resolve the broader tensions. Even if the Supreme Court limits executive trade powers, Washington could pursue alternative legislative or policy routes to maintain leverage in trade relations.

For Indian exporters, the combination of legal, diplomatic and economic factors makes January a make-or-break period. Their ability to lock in trade agreements and adapt to evolving U.S. policy will determine how well they weather the storm of punitive tariffs and shifting global trade norms.
Iran said it would respond decisively to external threats after the United States and Israel voiced support for anti-government protests

Shopkeepers and traders take to the streets in Tehran, protesting worsening economic conditions and the sharp decline of Irans embattled currency. (AFP)

Iran warned on Tuesday that it would not tolerate threats from foreign powers, as tensions rose after the United States and Israel publicly expressed support for anti-government protests, a stance that coincided with reports of a possible Israeli attack on Tehran and heightened regional unease.

Irans top defence body said it would deliver a firm response to what it described as hostile behaviour. The remarks were attributed to General Amir Hatami, who said Iran would not allow threatening rhetoric to continue unchecked.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the escalation of hostile rhetoric against the Iranian nation a threat and will not tolerate its continuation without responding, Hatami said, according to the Fars news agency.

US and Israel cited in the statement

The comments followed recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who warned of intervention if Iranian demonstrators were killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly expressed support for the protesters.

In a statement, Irans Defence Council condemned what it described as an escalation of threatening rhetoric and interventionist remarks against the country.

Any aggression or continuation of hostile actions will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and determining response, the council said, adding that Irans security, independence and territorial integrity were inviolable red lines.

Warning extends to internal interference

The council said any aggression against national interests, interference in internal affairs or actions threatening Irans stability would face a targeted, proportionate, and decisive reaction.

It also warned that Iran would not limit itself to post-action responses and would take tangible signs of threat into account in its security calculations.

Defence Council

The Defence Council was established in early August last year following a 12-day war with Israel. It is headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and includes former security chiefs Ali Shamkhani and Ali Akbar Ahmadian.

This marks the first statement issued by the council and comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

Speculation has grown that Netanyahu received a green signal from Trump for a new round of attacks on Iran during a recent visit to Washington. This came despite Netanyahu saying in a television interview that Israel was not seeking escalation.

Israeli media have also reported that Netanyahu sent a message to Iran through Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating he was not looking for fresh escalation.

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Trump has made several remarks that have angered officials in Tehran, including comments last week in which he said the US was locked and loaded and would come to the rescue of Iranian protesters if lethal force was used during protests over worsening economic conditions.

Irans Foreign Ministry accused Washington of escalating tensions in the region, while senior official Ali Larijani warned that the US should be mindful of their soldiers security in the region if Iran were attacked.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that Indias relationship with Pakistan is an exception among its neighbours, accusing Islamabad of openly supporting terrorism for decades

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that Indias relationship with Pakistan is an exception among its neighbours, accusing Islamabad of openly supporting terrorism for decades.

According to a News 18 report, speaking in Luxembourg, Jaishankar said no other country in Indias neighbourhood has pursued policies comparable to Pakistans against a neighbouring state.

For decades, you had these training camps, not secret training camps; theyre all in the big cities of Pakistan, very open, where the state, the military supports terrorism, and they try to normalise it as though its their right to do it, he said.

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The minister added that such claims no longer hold credibility.

Nobody buys it anymore. Everybody knows that these are people who are supporting the state, he said, calling it an unpalatable reality that India cannot ignore while shaping its foreign policy.

Jaishankar said that India must engage with each neighbour based on its conduct.

Those who are willing to work with us and be helpful, positive, well have to deal with them in that way. Those who do the kind of things that Pakistan does, well have to deal with it in a different way, he said, stressing that New Delhis approach will remain firmly grounded in realism rather than rhetoric.

Jaishankar slams Western hypocrisy

Jaishankar also criticised what he described as Western hypocrisy in responses to Operation Sindoor, Indias military action against Pakistan in May 2025.

He said that while some Western countries expressed concern over rising tensions, their reactions were selective, driven by their own interests, and often accompanied by what he called free advice to India.

Referring to international reactions during the operation, Jaishankar questioned the credibility of such concerns, suggesting that these countries should first examine violence and instability in their own regions.

People say one thing and do another, he was quoted as saying, noting the restraint India demonstrates in similar situations.

Jaishankar said that India must acknowledge this reality of international politics, where Western nations pursue their own priorities while commenting on others, and stressed that New Delhi should remain guided by its own policies and decisions rather than external narratives.

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Why dont you look at your own region and ask yourself, what are the levels of violence there, how much risk have been taken, how much worry the rest of us have about what you are doing? he said.

Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 6-7, 2025, was launched in retaliation to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.

The Indian tri-services carried out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly eliminating more than 100 terrorists.

With inputs from agencies
The fish in question was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region that is renowned for its high-quality tuna fish. According to a report by AP, tuna fish costs $13,360 per kilogram in the Oma region

A bluefin tuna fish weighing 243 kilograms was sold for a whopping $3.2 million during an auction in Japans Toyosu fish market. The much-sought-after fish was purchased by Kiyomura Corp, whose owner, Kiyoshi Kimura, runs the famous Sushi Zanmai chain across Japan.

I hope the economy will get better this year. The Takaichi administration pledged to work, work, work, so Sushizanmai will work, work, work too," said Kiyomura chief Kiyoshi Kimura, referring to the 2-1/2-month-old government of Sanae Takaichi, Japans first female prime minister. I hope this bid will cheer everyone up.

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Japan and its fish auctioneering

The fish in question was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region that is renowned for its high-quality tuna fish. According to a report by AP, tuna fish costs $13,360 per kilogram in the Oma region.

At the early-morning auction, hundreds of tuna are sold each day in Japan, but fish from the Oma region consistently command much higher prices, particularly during the celebratory New Year auction.

The eye-popping bid beat Kiyomuras own previous record of 333.6 million yen in 2019.

I thought that (the winning bid) would come in a little bit lower, maybe around 400 million or 300 million yen but it turned out to be over 500 million, Kimura, known as the Tuna King, told reporters.

The giant tuna was transported to Sushizanmais head branch, then sliced up and distributed to its restaurants nationwide. The tuna dishes will be sold to customers at the usual price, Kimura said.
BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman says Bangladeshs existence is inseparable from the 1971 Liberation War, urging political unity and democratic reforms while remembering past struggles

Tarique Rahmans return comes after the Bangladesh government, headed by Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus, announced that elections would be held in February 2026: Image courtesy: trahmanbnp/Instagram

In a meeting with a coalition of leftleaning political parties, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairperson Tarique Rahman delivered a strong reminder of the countrys historical foundation, saying the nations very existence is tied to the 1971 Liberation War.

The Liberation War is the foundation of Bangladesh as a state and its politics. The countrys very existence cannot be imagined without 1971, Tarique told leaders of the Democratic United Front (DUF) at the BNP chairpersons political office in Gulshan on Monday.

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Tarique used the gathering to stress that Bangladesh is at an important political crossroads. In the wake of recent protests and shifts in the political landscape, he argued that both the government and opposition must seize this moment to work together for the countrys future.

The new political reality and possibilities that have emerged in the country after the recent uprising must be utilised. Everyone, including the government and the opposition parties, must work together to move the country forward, he said, urging unity across the political spectrum.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen the democratic system and make use of the current political opportunity.

During the meeting, DUF leaders expressed their deep sorrow and condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, adding a somber note to the discussions.

Leaders present also touched on pressing issues like the law and order situation and called for free, fair, and broadly accepted elections. Tarique echoed these concerns and made a public appeal for unity in facing national challenges.

Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, summed up the essence of Tariques remarks: Without the Liberation War, Bangladeshs existence is not possible. He added that the country must look forward by honouring the aspirations of past mass uprisings.

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Pakistans Defence Minister said global demand for Pakistani defence equipment had risen following Operation Sindoor, and suggested that the resulting revenue could reduce or eliminate Islamabads reliance on IMF financial assistance

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that the country may not need future bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), citing what he described as a sharp increase in international defence orders.

Speaking to Pakistan-based Geo News on Tuesday, Asif said global demand for Pakistani defence equipment had risen following Operation Sindoor, and suggested that the resulting revenue could reduce or eliminate Islamabads reliance on IMF financial assistance.

He also made strong claims about Pakistans military performance during the four-day escalation with India in May, describing the Pakistan Air Forces role as outstanding.

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He said the conflict demonstrated Pakistans resolve and military effectiveness to the international community.

However, Pakistans assertions of success during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict have been disputed by India and questioned by international observers.

The External Affairs Ministry stated that Pakistans Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart on May 10 to seek a ceasefire, following Indian Air Force missile strikes that, according to New Delhi, damaged key Pakistani airbases.

Pak sees sharp rise in defence exports

Pakistan is currently under a strict $7-billion IMF bailout programme, requiring compliance with wide-ranging structural reforms.

While it remains unclear whether the crisis-hit economy can end its dependence on IMF support, the country has seen a sharp rise in defence exports since Operation Sindoor.

Citing available reports, The Print reported that Pakistan signed defence export deals worth nearly $10 billion in 2025, its highest single-year figure to date.

The JF-17 fighter jet, jointly developed with China, has led demand, followed by the Mushshak trainer aircraft.

Among the biggest transactions was a $4-billion arms deal with the Libyan National Army, overseen by Pakistans Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander Saddam Khalifa Haftar.

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The sale, described as Pakistans largest-ever weapons export, drew international scrutiny for violating a long-standing UN arms embargo on Libya.

According to The Print, Pakistan has also concluded defence deals with countries including Azerbaijan and Zimbabwe over the past year.

India has accused Pakistan of using international platforms to project an exaggerated picture of its defence capabilities after Sindoor, noting that much of its defence industry relies on co-production with partners such as China and Turkey.

Indian Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh said last year that China provided Pakistan with all possible support during the operation, including real-time intelligence and satellite surveillance.

Indian defence officials have also said Turkey supplied Bayraktar drones and loitering munitions used by Pakistan during the conflict.

With inputs from agencies
Venezuela saw brief celebrations after Nicolas Maduros capture, but detentions, intimidation and continuity in power quickly followed under interim president Delcy Rodriguez.

A demonstrator displays a sign with an image of U.S.-deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a march outside the National Assembly on the day Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was formally sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, as Maduro appeared in a New York court after the Trump administration removed him from power, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 5, 2026. REUTERS.

Any hope that the removal of Nicolas Maduro would mark a clean break for Venezuela faded within days, as familiar patterns of repression quickly reasserted themselves. By Monday, reports of detentions, an expanded security presence and the return of pro-government groups in Caracas signalled a renewed clampdown on dissent, even as Delcy Rodriguez took over as interim leader.

For many, the moment felt historic. Messages of joy spread through private chats. Some cried. In Caracas, one family opened a bottle of champagne saved for months. After more than a decade under Maduro, there was cautious belief that change might finally come. That mood did not last.

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Government moves to suppress dissent

Within days, the government launched a nationwide crackdown. Journalists were detained. Civilians were arrested. Armed pro-government groups appeared on the streets of the capital.

It feels like it did after the presidential elections in 2024, said Maria, 55, speaking on condition of partial anonymity, reported the Washington Post.

We won, but we also lost, she said, referring to elections in which Maduro claimed victory despite tallies showing the opposition had prevailed.

Rodriguez sworn in as power structure holds

As the crackdown unfolded, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president on Monday at the National Assembly. Senior military officials publicly pledged loyalty to her, signalling continuity rather than change. The ceremony was overseen by her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who heads the legislature.

At least 14 journalists and media workers were detained on Monday, according to the National Press Workers Union. As many as 11 were working for international outlets. Most were held for several hours before being released.

Several said military counterintelligence officers searched their phones. Many detentions took place near the National Assembly as Rodriguez took her oath.

Emergency decree widens arrests

Authorities also targeted ordinary citizens under a state of external commotion decree. The order instructed national, state and municipal police to arrest anyone involved in promoting or supporting the armed attack by the United States of America.

The decree, which entered into force on Saturday and was published in full on Monday, suspended the right to protest and authorised wide restrictions on movement and assembly.

In Merida state, two people in their 60s were arrested for shouting anti-government slogans and for celebrating the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, according to state police.

Armed groups set up checkpoints

Across Caracas, colectivos  pro-government paramilitary groups  established checkpoints. These appeared along major routes, including the Cota Mil highway north of the city.

Residents said they were stopped, questioned and forced to hand over their phones. Armed men reportedly scrolled through messages and social media in search of any sign of support for the US raid.

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Were texting each other routes to avoid, said one resident.

You hear dont go there  theyre stopping cars with machine guns.

Following Maduros capture, President Donald Trump said the United States was running Venezuela, though the extent of Washingtons influence remains unclear.

Trump said oversight would involve senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and himself. He told NBC on Monday that Venezuela was not ready to hold elections.

We have to fix the country first, he said. We have to nurse the country back to health.

On Tuesday, Trump suggested the government planned to shut down El Helicoide, a detention centre long used to hold and torture dissidents, according to rights groups.

Foro Penal said more than 860 political prisoners remain in state custody.

Of course I have hope things could get better without Maduro, a 30-year-old man in Caracas told The Washington Post.

But from where I am, all I see is the same people who destroyed my country still in power. Theyre still persecuting us. And were still afraid.

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Opposition raises alarm

In an interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado described the crackdown as really alarming. She urged the U.S. and the international community to closely monitor developments.

, who left Venezuela in December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, described Rodriguez as one of the main architects of torture, persecution [and] corruption.

Late on Monday, gunshots were heard near the Miraflores presidential palace. Videos shared online showed armed men in the streets, prompting speculation of a coup.

Hours later, the Communication and Information Ministry said police had fired warning shots after drones flew over the area without authorization.

The entire country is completely calm, the statement said.
In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, Russias Transport Ministry said in a statement

A handout image of the ship Marinera (Ex-Bella 1) seen in the distance, released Wednesday. Reuters

Russia on Wednesday accused the United States of violating international maritime law after Washington seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic, with a senior Russian lawmaker describing the move as outright piracy.

Russias Transport Ministry said contact had been lost with the vessel, Marinera, after US naval forces boarded it near Iceland as part of efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.

In accordance with the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, Reuters quoted the ministry as saying in a statement, citing state news agency TASS.

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Russia is demanding that the United States ensure humane and decent treatment of the Russian crew and their swift return home.

Given incoming information about the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the United States ensure humane and dignified treatment, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not impede their speedy return to their homeland, the ministry was quoted as saying by Russian state news agency TASS.

It did not say how many Russian nationals were on board the Russian-flagged tanker, which Washingtons forces had pursued from the coast of Venezuela.

The Marinera, previously known as the Bella-1, had earlier slipped through a US maritime blockade targeting sanctioned tankers in the Caribbean.

The blockade forms part of a broader US pressure campaign against Venezuela, which culminated earlier this month when President Donald Trump ordered US special forces to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and bring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which Maduro has denied.

After a law enforcement operation that killed several dozen people in Venezuela, the US has engaged in outright piracy on the high seas, Reuters quoted Andrei Klishas, a lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, as writing on Telegram.

Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard and the military. They said Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were in the general vicinity, though there were no indications of any confrontation between US and Russian forces.

Relations between Moscow and Washington deteriorated sharply after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, reaching their worst level since the Cold War. Ties have become somewhat more cordial since Trump began his second term last year and opened talks with President Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the conflict.

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Military incidents between the two nuclear-armed powers remain rare. In March 2023, a US surveillance drone crashed into the Black Sea after being intercepted by Russian fighter jets, prompting Washington to warn of escalation risks.

Maduro was the second close Russian ally to be ousted in just over a year, following the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Russia has said it backs Delcy Rodriguez, sworn in on Monday as Venezuelas interim president, and will continue to support Caracas against what it has called blatant neocolonial threats and foreign armed aggression.

President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment publicly on the US seizure of the tanker, with Russia still observing an extended New Year holiday period.

With inputs from agencies
The discussions come as Pakistan grapples with severe financial pressure, while Saudi Arabia is recalibrating its security partnerships amid uncertainty over long-term US commitments in the Middle East

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion in Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, according to a Reuters report, citing two Pakistani sources said, marking a deepening of military cooperation months after the two countries signed a mutual defence pact.

The discussions come as Pakistan grapples with severe financial pressure, while Saudi Arabia is recalibrating its security partnerships amid uncertainty over long-term US commitments in the Middle East. The talks also reflect efforts by both sides to operationalise their defence agreement signed last year.

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That pact was concluded after Israel carried out strikes on what it described as Hamas targets in Doha, an escalation that unsettled the wider Gulf region.

According to the report, citing one of the sources, the negotiations were focused on the supply of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, the light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured in Pakistan.

The second source said the JF-17s were the primary option among several possibilities being discussed.

According to the first source, the overall deal could be worth $4 billion, with an additional $2 billion earmarked for equipment beyond the proposed loan conversion.

Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was in Saudi Arabia for bilateral discussions, including talks on military cooperation between the two sides, Saudi media outlet SaudiNews50 posted on X on Monday.

Pak okays defence deals with six countries

Amir Masood, a retired air marshal and defence analyst, said Pakistan was either in talks or had finalised defence deals with six countries to supply equipment including JF-17 fighter jets, electronic systems and weapons for the aircraft. He said Saudi Arabia was among those countries, but declined to confirm specific details of the negotiations.

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The JF-17s market appeal has grown because it is tested and has been used in combat, Masood told Reuters, adding that the aircraft is also cost-effective.

Pakistan has said the jet was deployed during its conflict with India in May last year, the most intense fighting between the neighbours in decades.

The mutual defence pact signed in September commits both countries to treat any aggression against one as an attack on both, significantly strengthening their long-standing security partnership.

Pakistan has historically provided military support to Saudi Arabia through training and advisory roles, while the kingdom has repeatedly extended financial assistance to Islamabad during periods of economic stress.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia announced a $6 billion support package for Pakistan, comprising a $3 billion deposit at the central bank and $3 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payment. Riyadh has since rolled over the deposits several times, including a $1.2 billion deferment last year, helping Pakistan stabilise its foreign exchange reserves amid persistent balance-of-payments pressures.

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Arms sales outreach

Pakistan has in recent months stepped up defence outreach as it seeks to expand arms exports and monetise its domestic defence industry.

Last month, Islamabad struck a weapons deal worth more than $4 billion with Libyas eastern-based Libyan National Army, officials said, one of the countrys largest-ever arms sales, which includes JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft.

Pakistan has also held talks with Bangladesh on the possible sale of JF-17s, as it widens its arms supply ambitions beyond South Asia and the Middle East.

On Tuesday, Pakistans defence minister said the success of its weapons industry could transform the countrys economic outlook.

Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months, Khawaja Asif told broadcaster Geo News.

Pakistan is currently under a $7 billion IMF programme, its 24th, which followed a short-term $3 billion deal that helped avert a sovereign default in 2023. It secured the Funds support after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies provided financial and deposit rollovers.

With inputs from agencies

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Colombias President Gustavo Petro sharply condemns the US raid on Venezuela, escalating his standoff with Donald Trump and putting Washingtons closest Latin American ally at risk amid threats of sanctions, tariffs and strained security cooperation. Read here

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has emerged as the fiercest international critic of the Trump administrations military operation in Venezuela, denouncing it in blistering terms as an abhorrent assault on Latin American sovereignty and likening it to atrocities carried out by historical enslavers and even Nazi Germany.

As the United States seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Petro intensified an already volatile confrontation with US President Donald Trump, who has openly mused that a military operation against Colombia sounds good. While most regional leaders have reacted cautiously to Washingtons actions, Petro has chosen escalation, using the Venezuela raid to amplify his rhetorical and diplomatic offensive against the White House.

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On Wednesday, the leftist Colombian leader urged citizens to take to the streets to defend national sovereignty in response to what he described as Trumps insults and threats of military intervention. He convened emergency consultations at the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, and went as far as suggesting armed resistance if Colombia were attacked, framing the moment as an existential challenge to the regions independence.

That confrontational strategy has placed Colombia historically Washingtons closest ally in Latin America in an increasingly precarious position. Petro faces the delicate task of drawing domestic political capital from standing up to the United States ahead of a presidential election, while avoiding actions that could jeopardise vital security cooperation or provoke Trump into acting on his threats.

The contradiction was starkly visible this week. As Petro launched verbal attacks on Trump, senior members of his administration worked behind the scenes to reassure Washington that Colombia remains central to US counter-narcotics efforts. For three decades, the United States and Colombia have cooperated closely to dismantle drug trafficking networks, combat armed groups and support economic development in what remains the worlds largest cocaine-producing country.

Analysts say Colombia still holds significant leverage in the relationship. The country provides much of the intelligence the US relies on to disrupt drug flows through the Caribbean, making it difficult for Washington to punish Bogota without undermining its own strategic interests.

There are people trying to warn Trump that punishing Petro too harshly is different from punishing Colombia as a whole, said Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington. Targeting the country itself, he argued, would weaken the fight against narcotics and ultimately harm US interests.

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Yet uncertainty hangs over that calculation. Shifter cautioned that Trumps unpredictability complicates efforts to manage the fallout. He is impulsive, he shifts positions quickly, and his decisions are often driven by instinct rather than strategy, he said.

Tensions between Petro and Trump have been building for months. The Colombian president has refused to accept US military deportation flights, called on American soldiers to defy Trump during a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, condemned US strikes on suspected drug-running vessels as acts of murder, and clashed repeatedly with Washington over Israels war in Gaza and US immigration policies.

Trump has responded with escalating hostility, using rhetoric previously directed at Maduro to attack Petro personally. He has branded the Colombian leader a lunatic and an international drug leader, revoked his US visa, imposed sweeping sanctions on Petro, his family members and his interior minister on alleged narcotics grounds, and threatened to cut off all American aid to Colombia. Trump has also warned of punitive tariffs on Colombian exports.

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With Venezuela as the immediate flashpoint, the confrontation has now evolved into a dangerous standoff. Petros defiance has energised supporters at home, but it has also brought Colombia into Trumps line of fire, raising the stakes for a country whose security, economy and regional standing remain deeply intertwined with the United States.

Thrilled by Maduros ouster, Trump pushed the fight even further in recent days. He called Petro a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States and warned of a possible U.S. military operation on Colombian soil.

Petro cant help relishing the conflict  as long as it remains only verbal. Frustrated with congressional resistance to his contentious reforms, failing to fulfil his promise of total peace with armed groups and facing a series of electoral tests, Petro has found in Trump the perfect foil as he fights for his legacy.

He wants this stage where he is the clearest adversary, rhetorically or politically, to the U.S., said Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst based in Bogota.

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The constitution bars Petro from seeking another term in Mays presidential vote but the countrys first leftist president wants his coalition to retain power over the resurgent right that blames his unpopular government for rising crime. Colombia will also hold legislative elections in March.

So far, Petros strategy of playing David to Trumps Goliath seems to be paying off.

As Trump escalated his threats against Colombia this week, even some of Petros opponents rushed to his defense.

Trump is misinformed and misfocused; his simplistic statements are counterproductive, said Anibal Gaviria, a right-wing presidential hopeful, praising his countrys strong democratic institutions. Colombia is not Venezuela, nor Cuba, nor Nicaragua.

A U.S. military operation against Petro who, unlike Maduro, was democratically elected, is unlikely, experts say.

But complicating the calculation for Colombian officials is Trumps increasingly militaristic comments about Latin America that lump Colombia in with Venezuela as a source of narcotics and immigrants in the U.S.

Whereas the Colombian institutions still maintain cooperation and have a lot to lose, Petro personally feels like that bridge has already burned, said Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.

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Recent statements from top ministers betray the rising alarm. Fears are also building that Colombia  that shares a 2,200-kilometer (1,360-mile) volatile border with Venezuela and is the biggest host of Venezuelan refugees  could get sucked into a wider regional conflagration if its neighbor descends into chaos.

As Petro fired more salvos on social media, Colombias interior and justice ministers scrambled to put out the fire, announcing they had notified U.S. intelligence agencies the government would continue to coordinate and cooperate in the fight against drug trafficking based on U.S. information and technology.

In a news conference, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez sought to reassure the public that the leaders latest spat had done nothing to upset security cooperation critical to the Colombian military and police as they fight leftist guerrillas and drug traffickers. Washington has provided Bogota with roughly $14 billion in the last two decades.

Today, we have a golden opportunity to invest even more in strengthening international cooperation, Sanchez said, ticking off the governments successes in destroying thousands of cocaine labs and intercepting fentanyl shipments.

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Colombia is trying to resolve the tensions with Trump diplomatically, Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio told reporters on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Colombia is preparing for the possibility of aggression against our country by the United States.

We have a highly trained, very well prepared army, she said.

Indeed, the army has long received training from the U.S.

With inputs from agencies
Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval vessels to escort an oil tanker that the US Coast Guard attempted to board near Venezuela and is now chasing across the Atlantic, according to a report.

The oil tanker Bella 1, now identifying as Marinera, is seen in this photo taken at Singapore Strait on March 18, 2025. (Photo: Hakon Rimmereid via Reuters)

Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort an oil tanker that the US Coast Guard attempted to board near Venezuela and is now chasing across the Atlantic, according to Wall Street Journal.

The confrontation around the tanker is a rare face-off between Russia and the United States in President Donald Trumps second term.

The face-off involves an empty, rusting tanker that was formerly known was Bella 1 and was sailing under a false flag. But it has recently changed its name to Marinera and registered itself in Russia.

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At the time the US Coast Guard began the pursuit of the ship, it was accused of carrying black-market Iranian and Russian oil on behalf of US-designated terrorist organisations aligned with the Iranian regime, according to Journal.

After registering the ship in its jurisdiction, the Russian government and state media have come to the ships defence. While the foreign minister expressed concerns about the pursued, state media have argued that the American pursuit of the ship is unjustified.

BREAKING WORLD EXCLUSIVE: RT obtains FIRST footage of Russian-flagged civilian Marinera tanker being CHASED by US Coast Guard warship in the North Atlantic https://t.co/sNbqJkm5O5 pic.twitter.com/XtbBML3a6j  RT (@RT_com) January 6, 2026

For two weeks, the tanker has been fleeing from the US Coast Guard. In December, the US Coast Guard tried to board the ship after preventing it from docking in Venezuela and loading with oil. The US Coast Guard was boarding the ship as part of the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers against Venezuela.

Russia has asked the Trump administration to stop pursuing the ship.

Russia has a vast network of shadow fleet that discreetly transports illicit oil across the world and powers the Russian economy. Such a network also involves other oil-producing states like Venezuela and Iran that rely on such shadow tankers because of sanctions.

In recent weeks, the United States has already seized two large tankers named Skipper and Centuries, which it said were part of a fleet transporting illicit oil.

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Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the interim Yunus government of enabling rising extremism and attacks on minority communities, while urging India to stand up for democratic values

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of allowing religious extremism and attacks on minority communities to increase. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Hasina also urged India to stand up for democratic values in the region.

Hasina, who was forced into exile in India in August 2024 following massive protests and the collapse of her government, has repeatedly targeted the Yunus administration for what she describes as a serious breakdown of law and order. She says the situation has worsened in Bangladesh in the months since her departure, with minorities allegedly facing intimidation and violence.

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Bangladesh is witnessing the rise of religious extremism, mob violence and political opportunism, all enabled by the states current leadership, she said.

Hasinas remarks come at a sensitive time, as Bangladesh has reportedly seen a spike in targeted violence in recent weeks.

Mob attacks continue in Bangladesh

In the latest incident, a man identified as Mithun Sarkar died after he was chased by a mob. Sarkar, the Bangladesh police said, jumped into a water body while trying to escape his attackers, who accused him of theft.

According to Naogaon Police Superintendent Mohammad Tariqul Islam, news agency ANI reported, said the police were alerted soon after the incident and recovered the body with the help of the fire service. Authorities have ordered a post-mortem examination and said an investigation is underway.

The case comes amid reports of targeted violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, which has been grappling with unrest since the death of a prominent student leader in December last year. Several such incidents have been reported across different districts in recent weeks.

Some Bangladesh observers attribute these incidents of targeted violence against the minority communities to the upcoming national election scheduled for February. They see the streak of targeted violence as attempts to polarise the national election that will decide who governs Bangladesh about 18 months after Hasinas government was toppled.

Political uncertainty deepens

Hasinas comments also come amid broader political uncertainty, including disputes over representation in the upcoming February 12 general elections. Her Awami League remains barred from contesting, and calls have gone out for supporters to abstain from voting.

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Appealing to India, Hasina cited the longstanding ties between the two countries and stressed that democratic norms should not be sidelined as Bangladesh navigates its current challenges.

An election that excludes tens of millions of voters who support the Awami League would be a farce, she argued.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will focus on stabilisation, economic recovery and political transition as Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in the US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during an end-of-year press conference in the State Department Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC on December 19, 2025. AFP File

The United States has outlined a three-step plan for Venezuela following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces over the weekend, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.

Speaking after briefing US senators on the Trump administrations strategy, Rubio said the first phase would focus on stabilising the country.

We dont want it descending into chaos, Reuters quoted him as saying.

Rubio said the second phase, which he described as recovery, would centre on rebuilding Venezuelas economy and institutions.

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The second phase will be a phase that we call recovery, and that is ensuring that American, Western and other companies have access to the Venezuelan market in a way thats fair, he said.

He added that this stage would also involve national reconciliation efforts.

Also, at the same time, begin to create the process of reconciliation nationally within Venezuela, so that the opposition forces can be amnestied and released and from prisons or brought back to the country, and begin to rebuild civil society, Rubio said.

The third phase, of course, will be one of transition, he added, without providing further details on the timeline or political framework for the final stage.

President Maduro captured by US forces

In a late-night operation on January 3, US Delta forces carried out airstrikes in Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence inside a military compound.

The two were flown to the United States, where Washington has filed drug-related charges against them, including narco-terrorism.

Appearing in a New York court on Monday, the 63-year-old Maduro pleaded not guilty, claiming he was kidnapped and declaring himself Venezuelas legitimate leader and a prisoner of war.

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I am a decent man, the president of my country. I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here, he told the court.

Flores also pleaded not guilty, saying she was completely innocent of the charges.

Maduro faces four counts, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

US authorities allege he coordinated cocaine trafficking with groups such as Mexicos Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombias FARC rebels, and Venezuelas Tren de Aragua gang, using state resources to facilitate the trade.

Maduro has consistently denied the allegations, calling them a cover for what he describes as US imperialist designs on Venezuelas oil reserves.

The US has long regarded Maduro as an illegitimate leader following his disputed 2018 election victory.

Federal prosecutors first indicted him in 2020 and expanded the case on January 3 to include additional charges and co-defendants, including Flores.

Prosecutors say the alleged criminal activities began during Maduros time in the National Assembly in 2000 and continued through his tenure as foreign minister and president after succeeding Hugo Chavez in 2013.

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With inputs from agencies
At least nine people have been killed in renewed clashes between Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaas forces and Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo. As both sides blame each other, continued tensions have raised the risk of Turkeys intervention.

A mother sits beside her daughter who was injured during clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a nurse takes care of her at a hospital in Aleppo, Syria, on January 6, 2026. (Photo: Karam al-Masri/Reuters)

In one of the worst flare-ups since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, at least nine people were killed on Tuesday in clashes between Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaas forces and Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo. Most of the deceased were civilians.

The clashes occurred at a time when progress for the merger of Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria with Damascus-based regime run by al-Sharaa has stalled. Renewed fighting has raised the risk of Turkeys intervention in favour of al-Sharaa.

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Both the sides have blamed each other for the violence that continued late into the night. While the SDF accused al-Sharaas forces of targeting the Kurdish neighbourhood of Sheikh Maqsud, al-Sharaas defence ministry said the SDF had targeted army positions and residential areas in Aleppo.

Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the Kurds have been running an autonomous administration in the oil-rich northeastern Syria. The SDF is the official military of the autonomous administration. Now Kurds are not reluctant to give up their autonomy earned over a decade and a half.

Instead of absorption in al-Shaaras regime, the Kurds have demanded decentralised rule Syria. But al-Shaara and his Islamist allies have rejected the idea.

The Islamist and jihadist elements part of al-Shaaras ruling coalition have long been opposed to the Kurds. Along with their principal backer, Turkey, al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other groups aligned with him, had repeatedly attacked the Kurds in late 2024 and early 2025 when they had mounted a lightning offensive that overthrew the Assad dynasty.

Simmering tensions, Turkeys threats of intervention

Tensions have been ever-simmering between al-Sharaas forces and Kurds and clashes have been occasionally reported In Aleppo.

In the latest round of violence, at least four civilians were killed in the Kurdish neighbourhood of Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh in indiscriminate artillery and missile shelling, AFP quotes the Kurdish administration as saying.

It further said that the attack included the use of drones direct sniper fire and heavy-weapon fire.

Meanwhile, Turkey, which supports al-Shaara and considers SDF a terrorist organisation, has called for Kurds disarmament.

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Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers Party) and all affiliated groups must immediately cease all terrorist activity in regions where they are present, including in Syria, and lay down their weapons without condition, according to AFP.

Guler further said, We will not allow any terrorist organisation particularly the PKK, the PYD, the YPG, and the SDF to establish a foothold in the region.

The SDF is dominated by the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish group considered by Turkey as an extension of the PKK, a Kurdish group that agreed to end its four decades of armed struggle against Turkey last year.
Tear gas used by security forces to disperse protesters in Tehran drifted unintentionally towards a hospital, with authorities saying it was not deliberately fired at the facility.

Security forces fired tear gas during demonstrations in Tehran, which later drifted towards a hospital as they dispersed protesters amid unrest linked to the rising cost of living, Iranian media reported late Tuesday.

According to the ISNA news agency, tear gas was deployed to clear a crowd from an alley next to Sina Hospital in central Tehran. ISNA cited a statement from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which said the hospital is affiliated with the university.

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The statement said tear gas was used in an adjacent alley and not inside the hospital.

Authorities deny deliberate targeting

The natural reaction of the protesters is to move (the gas) away from the gathering place. As a result, some of this substance unintentionally drifted towards the hospital, the statement said.

It added that tear gas was deliberately fired into the hospital, which does not correspond to the facts.

Security forces in Iran have frequently used tear gas to disperse protests, some of which have turned deadly. At least 27 protesters, including five minors, have been killed, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights.

Iranian authorities have said members of the security forces have also been killed.

A policeman was shot dead in western Iran on Tuesday, the Fars news agency reported, as 10-day-old protests against economic hardship spread and intensified.

Ehsan Aghajani, a police officer from the western province of Ilam, was martyred hours ago after being directly hit by rioters bullet in the Malekshahi region, it said.

The demonstrations mark Irans largest wave of protests since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide unrest. However, they have not reached the same scale or intensity as the protests that followed Aminis detention over the wearing of her hijab, which authorities deemed improper.
A teenage yeshiva student was killed during ultra-Orthodox protests against a new Israeli draft. Video from the protest showed a public bus dragging him for several metres before running him over

First responders surround a bus that reportedly ran over ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protesting against Israeli army conscription in Jerusalem on January 6, 2026. (Photo by ilia yefimovich / AFP)

A wave of tension and grief has swept through Israel after a teenage yeshiva student was killed during ultraOrthodox protests against a proposed law to draft the Haredi (ultraOrthodox Jewish) community into the military.

The incident took place on Tuesday night when a public bus plowed into a crowd of demonstrators in central Jerusalem, leaving 18yearold Yosef Eisenthal dead. Video from the scene shows the bus dragging the boy for several metres before the collision.

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Police have arrested and questioned the driver, who told investigators he was attacked by protesters before the crash, according to the Associated Press.

Netanyahus call for calm

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged restraint to prevent further violence.

I call for restraint to prevent the mood from becoming further inflamed so that, heaven forbid, we do not have additional tragedies, Netanyahu said in a statement, adding that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

The protest, part of ongoing resistance to changes in military conscription policy, reflects deep seismic divisions in Israeli society over whether ultraOrthodox men, long exempt from compulsory service, should be required to serve.

The roots of the conflict

For decades, Israel has granted draft exemptions to fulltime religious students, a practice that began when the ultraOrthodox community was small and has since expanded as that population grew.

Criticsparticularly secular Israelishave called the exemptions unfair, especially as the Israel Defence Forces face manpower shortages after years of conflict on multiple fronts.

Conversely, many ultraOrthodox leaders argue that military service would threaten their way of life and religious study, framing enlistment as harmful to community identity. The protests have drawn tens of thousands to the streets in recent months, with demonstrators singing, praying and at times blocking roads to voice their strong opposition.

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The issue has also put Netanyahus fragile coalition under pressure. UltraOrthodox parties have previously withdrawn key support over draft disputes, leaving the government without a secure majority.
Russias muted condemnation of Trumps swift move against Maduro masks deep unease, suggesting the Kremlins waning influence and its preoccupation with the war in Ukraine

The United States carried out air strikes on Venezuela early on Saturday and captured President Nicolas Maduro. (AI generated)

Russias response to Donald Trumps sudden action against Nicolas Maduro has been notably muted, revealing unease beneath official condemnation. A swift overnight raid in Caracas removed a long-time Kremlin ally, followed by Washingtons announcement that it would rule Venezuela for an indefinite period. The speed and decisiveness unsettled Moscow.

The sequence echoed how Vladimir Putin envisaged Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A surprise strike. Rapid control. A quick end. Instead, that vision failed in Ukraine. It was Trump who executed it in Venezuela. The operation has been condemned by many as illegal. Maduro now faces trial in New York.

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Public anger or private admiration

In public, Russian officials denounced the raid as a flagrant violation of international law and a dangerous precedent. Beyond the rhetoric, pro-Kremlin voices showed grudging respect. Some even expressed envy at an operation Moscow once imagined but failed to deliver, undone by intelligence blunders and Ukraines resistance.

The operation was carried out competently, wrote the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Dva Mayora, which has close ties to the Russian military.

Most likely, this is exactly how our special military operation was meant to unfold: fast, dramatic and decisive. Its hard to believe [Valery] Gerasimov planned to be fighting for four years, it added, referring to Russias chief of the general staff.

Soul-searching among pro-war voices

Such remarks have fed reflection within pro-war circles. Some have openly questioned how a promised blitzkrieg in Ukraine became a long and deadly conflict.

Olga Uskova, a pro-Kremlin tech entrepreneur, said she felt shame at how brazen the US intervention appeared.

In the space of a day, Trump arrested Maduro and seemingly wrapped up his own special military operation, she wrote.

Margarita Simonyan, Russias chief propagandist and the head of RT, also commented on Telegram, saying Moscow had reason to be jealous.

Allies weaken as limits show

For more than two decades, Venezuela sought to build a network of anti-American allies, from Russia and China to Cuba and Iran, to shape a counterweight to Washington.

Despite Russias foreign minister pledging support for Maduros regime as recently as late December, few analysts expected meaningful help from Moscow.

Bogged down in Ukraine, Russia has over the past year watched other key allies fall or weaken sharply, from Bashar al-Assad in Syria to an increasingly weakened Iran. The trend has exposed the limits of the Kremlins reach.

For Russia, the situation is deeply uncomfortable, said Fyodor Lukyanov, a foreign policy expert who advises the Kremlin.

Venezuela is a close partner and ideological ally, and Maduro and Putin have longstanding ties, leaving Moscow with little choice but to express outrage at US actions. Yet providing any real assistance to a country so distant, and operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical reality, is simply not feasible  for technical and logistical reasons.

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There is also a practical calculation. Analysts say Ukraine remains Putins priority. Maintaining a workable relationship with Trump on that front outweighs the fate of Caracas.

Putin and Trump are currently focused on a far more consequential issue for Moscow: Ukraine. And for all the Kremlins sympathies towards Caracas, it is unlikely to upend a much larger strategic game with a critical partner over what it sees as a secondary concern, Lukyanov said.
From Hungarys Viktor Orban to Britains Nigel Farage, nationalist leaders who once cheered President Donald Trump are struggling to reconcile his renewed military interventionism with their anti-imperialist rhetoric

US President Donald Trump addresses House Republicans at their annual issues conference retreat, at the Kennedy Center, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors, in Washington, D.C., US, on Tuesday. Reuters

European far-right leaders who have long counted themselves among US President Donald Trumps most vocal supporters are showing signs of unease after the US militarys dramatic operation against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, highlighting growing tensions between Trumps renewed interventionism and the nationalist, anti-imperialist rhetoric of his European admirers.

According to a France-based Le Monde newspaper, the discomfort was on display in Hungary on Monday (January 5) when Prime Minister Viktor Orban reacted with unusual caution to questions about Maduros abduction by US forces.

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Speaking at his annual press conference, Orban avoided outright endorsement of the operation, saying only that Hungary was considering whether this is good or bad for the country.

He limited his comments to noting that Washingtons interest in Venezuelas oil could push prices down, without clarifying his own stance, added the report.

Orbans hesitancy was striking given his habitual praise of Trump.

While Hungary was the sole EU member state to refuse to sign a joint European statement urging respect for the will of the Venezuelan people, Orban downplayed the move, framing it as part of his broader opposition to a common EU foreign policy rather than explicit support for Washington.

According to the report, his caution reflects a wider malaise among Europes far right, particularly among parties whose ideological foundations rest on opposing US influence and foreign intervention.

Trumps operation has forced them to comment on a clear-cut act of armed intervention carried out by an ally who had previously promised to end Americas role as the worlds policeman.

Europes far right splits over Trumps intervention

In the UK, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage offered a response emblematic of this unease.

While calling the US action unorthodox and contrary to international law, he added that it might be justified if it made Russia and China think twice.

A long-time Trump supporter, Farage has until now avoided public criticism of Washington, but the scale of the intervention has made that position harder to sustain.

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Similar ambiguity has emerged elsewhere.

In Germany, the leadership of the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) remained silent for days.

Markus Frohnmaier, deputy leader of the partys MPs, issued only a muted condemnation, describing the operation as an infringement of other states sovereignty, before later suggesting that questions of international law were ultimately secondary.

In Italy, divisions surfaced within the ruling coalition. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the US action as legitimate, while her deputy, Lega leader Matteo Salvini, criticised the intervention and argued that diplomacy should remain the best way to resolve international disputes.

Salvinis position echoed that of Frances Marine Le Pen, who has kept a more cautious distance from the MAGA movement since Trumps return to office.

Spains Vox party stands as an exception. With close ties to the Venezuelan opposition in exile, Vox has openly welcomed the US operation, framing it as support for restoring democracy, despite the White House playing down that objective.

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Inability to offer an alternative

According to the report, beyond Venezuela, the episode has exposed what critics see as the far rights inability to articulate a coherent alternative to the EU-led international order it so often denounces. Questions about Trumps stated interest in Greenland further highlighted this dilemma.

Orban deflected the issue by referring to internal Nato discussions, again avoiding a clear position on a potential US move against European territory.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico offered one of the strongest rebukes, saying he resolutely rejects such breaches of international law and calling on the EU to pursue its own foreign policy to escape US influence.

Yet even Fico, known for his close ties to Russia, coupled this with criticism of what he called the EUs anti-Russian hatred, underscoring the contradictions that continue to define Europes nationalist right.

As Trumps foreign policy grows more assertive, those contradictions are becoming harder to ignore, raising questions about how durable his European fan base will remain.

With inputs from agencies
At the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump discussed his exchanges with PM Modi regarding US defence sales and tariff measures. He suggested that although relations remain cordial, the tariff issue has created tension

PM Modi and Trump met at the Oval Office in the White House. Reuters/File Photo

US President Donald Trump has said that while he shares a friendly relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian leader is not happy with Washingtons steep tariffs on New Delhi over the purchase of Russian oil.

At the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump discussed his exchanges with PM Modi regarding US defence sales and tariff measures. He suggested that although relations remain cordial, the tariff issue has created tension.

 I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me, as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia, Trump said.

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The US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India last year as a punitive measure for buying Russian oil, which Washington considers as funding the war in Ukraine.

Trumps remarks came a day after he warned that Washington could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.

They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy, he said.

The purchase of Russian oil has been a point of contention between India and the US, with the latter accusing New Delhi of feeding Russias war machine by purchasing its oil.

However, India has stood firm against pressure from Trump to stop purchasing Russian oil, stating it will continue to secure energy based on the most favourable rates and logistical factors.

Trump has accused India of strengthening Moscow by buying discounted Russian crude and has cited this as the basis for sharply higher duties on Indian goods. Trump has also used tariff pressure to influence Indias actions, suggesting that New Delhi was aware of his dissatisfaction and sought to maintain stable trade relations.

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With inputs from agencies
The development followed Ukraines discussions with its allies in Paris, where the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the two countries would establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to deter any future invasions

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent stating that they would deploy troops in Ukraine after the country reaches a ceasefire with Russia.

The development followed Ukraines discussions with its allies in Paris, where the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the two countries would establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to deter any future invasions.

Kyivs allies also agreed that the US would monitor the on-ground situation after a ceasefire is imposed.

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We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term, Starmer said.

He added, It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraines skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraines armed forces for the future.

What would the plan include?

The UK PM said that under the declaration, London and Paris would establish military hubs across Ukraine after a ceasefire and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraines defensive needs.

But he warned: We can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises. And so we have to be frank, for all Russias words, Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace. Over the last few weeks, weve seen the opposite.

Coalition of the Willing meeting

Following the largest meeting yet of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris, both European leaders and US envoys hailed progress that masked tensions in recent days over the assertive US foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere under President Donald Trump.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said Ukrainian and American officials would continue talks on Wednesday, with Zelensky thanking Washington for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas.

The robust guarantees would see the United States lead a truce monitoring mechanism with European participation, French President Emmanuel Macron said after Tuesdays talks that gathered representatives of 35 countries, including 27 heads of state or government.

With inputs from agencies
The United States has seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker protected by Russian warships and a submarine. The ship fled the American blockade of Venezuela and the United States has been chasing it for two weeks.

The oil tanker Bella 1, now identifying as Marinera, is seen in this photo taken at Singapore Strait on March 18, 2025. (Photo: Hakon Rimmereid via Reuters)

The United States on Wednesday seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker that, Bella-1, which was being protected by Russian warships and a submarine.

The US militarys Europe Command said it joined the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to seize the ship for violating US sanctions.

The ship was seized in the North Atlantic on the basis of a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by the US Coast Guard, the statement read.

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This seizure supports President Donald Trumps proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western hemisphere. The operation was executed by DHS components with support from Department of War, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland, the Europe Command said.

Earlier in the day, officials had told Reuters that Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were in the general vicinity when the operation took place.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of

the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X  U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

Separately, Russian state-controlled RT reported a source as saying that military forces, presumably American, were attempting to board the ship.

RT also shared visuals of the attempted seizure. The visuals could not be immediately verified.

 Military forces, presumably American, are attempting to board Russian-flagged civilian tanker 'Marinera' RIGHT NOW  RT source



RT has obtained first exclusive visual confirmation of the boarding attempt https://t.co/lWf62lN7hH pic.twitter.com/rn9xfLmNxi  RT (@RT_com) January 7, 2026

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Last month, Bella-1 fled the American blockade of Venezuela. The US Coast Guard has been pursuing the ship for two weeks.

As a result of the American pursuit, Bella-1 could not dock in Venezuela to load oil. The empty, rusty ship slipped past the blockade and an initial attempt to board it last month failed.

After evading the blockade, Bella-1 changed its registration to Russia, hoisted a Russian flag, and adopted the name Marinera.

As per the latest information, the ship was near Iceland in the Atlantic Ocean and heading towards Russia.

When the US Coast Guard began its pursuit two weeks ago, the ship was accused of carrying black-market Iranian and Russian oil on behalf of US-designated terrorist organisations aligned with the Iranian regime, according to the Wall Street Journal.

After registering the ship under its jurisdiction, the Russian government and state media have come to its defence. While the government expressed concerns about the pursuit, state media argued that the American chase is unjustified.

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The confrontation over the tanker marks a rare face-off between Russia and the United States during President Donald Trumps second term as the two governments have developed a close relationship since January in a reversal of decades of rivalry.

The Bella-1 was the second Venezuela-linked ship to be seized on Thursday, according to a US official.

Earlier in the day, the US Coast Guard intercepted another oil tanker in the Caribbean, M Sophia, which was falsely flying a Cameroonian flag, the official told The New York Times.
The United States Embassy in India on Wednesday issued a cautionary advisory to students, warning that violating US laws could result in visa cancellations, deportation, and long-term restrictions on future travel

A US flag, a passport and a US H-1B Visa application form are seen in this illustration. Reuters File

The United States Embassy in India on Wednesday issued a cautionary advisory to students, warning that violating US laws could result in visa cancellations, deportation, and long-term restrictions on future travel.

Emphasising that a US visa is a privilege rather than a right, the embassy said entry into the country is not an entitlement and depends on continued compliance with American laws and regulations.

Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and dont jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a pic.twitter.com/A3qyoo6fuD  U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) January 7, 2026

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Breaking US laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and dont jeopardise your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right, the US Embassy said in a post on X.

The advisory comes as the United States ramps up enforcement of immigration compliance, with periodic warnings to foreign nationals about maintaining lawful status while studying or working in the country.

From December 26, mandatory biometric checks for all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, were implemented at all border entry and exit points.

Under the new rule, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials take photographs of every non-US citizen at airports, land crossings, and seaportsincluding children under 14 and adults over 79.

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The expanded biometric system is designed to address security concerns and visa overstays, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stressed that it is not intended for broad surveillance.

Previously, biometric exit checks were limited to pilot programmes at select ports, but the policy is now mandatory for all ports of entry and exit.

With inputs from agencies
The US ramps up pressure on Venezuelas remaining power brokers, warning security chief Diosdado Cabello to cooperate or face consequences as Washington bets on interim leader Delcy Rodriguez to manage a fragile transition.

The Trump administration has signalled that Venezuelas powerful interior minister could become a primary target unless he falls in line with Washingtons demands and helps interim President Delcy Rodriguez maintain stability after the overthrow of Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reported.

Diosdado Cabello, who oversees security agencies accused of widespread human rights violations, is among a small group of Maduro loyalists the White House has opted to tolerate for now to prevent a breakdown in order during the transition, one of the sources said. The calculation, officials believe, is that these figures are necessary to keep the state functioning in the immediate aftermath of Maduros removal.

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At the same time, US officials fear Cabello could undermine Rodriguez, given both his hardline reputation and his long-standing rivalry with her. They are therefore pressing him to cooperate, even as they quietly consider ways to eventually edge him out of power and into exile, the source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, messages have been conveyed to Cabello through intermediaries making clear that resistance could carry grave consequences. If he refuses to comply, he could face the same outcome as Maduro, who was seized in a US operation on Saturday and taken to New York to face prosecution on narcotics-related terrorism charges, or could find his personal safety at risk.

However, forcibly removing Cabello carries its own dangers. US officials worry that such a move could provoke pro-government motorcycle gangs known as colectivos to mobilise, triggering the kind of street unrest Washington is keen to avoid. Their response, the source noted, would likely depend on whether they believe other powerful figures within the system are still able or willing to shield them.

In one of her first decisions as acting president, Rodriguez appointed General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as new head of the Presidential Honour Guard and the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM), state TV said late on Tuesday.

Gonzalez Lopez, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and EU along with at least half a dozen other high-ranking officials for rights violations and corruption, served as Venezuelas intelligence director until mid-2024, when he was replaced by Maduro in a reshuffle of his cabinet and security team.

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Later that year, he began working with Rodriguez as head of strategic affairs and control at state oil company PDVSA.

Gonzalez Lopez was considered close to Cabello, but it was not immediately clear whether his appointment was a gesture of support from Rodriguez to the man considered the strongman of the ruling party, or, on the contrary, a sign of a rift.

The officer replaces General Javier Marcano, whose performance came under scrutiny after Maduros capture, according to analysts.

Rodriguez later announced the appointment of Calixto Ortega, former president of the Central Bank, as Vice President of Economy.

Also on the list of potential U.S. targets is Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who, like Cabello, is under a U.S. drug trafficking indictment and has a multimillion-dollar bounty on his head, according to two sources.

This remains a law enforcement operation, and we are not done yet, said a U.S. Justice Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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U.S. officials see Padrinos collaboration as crucial for avoiding a power vacuum due to his command of the armed forces. They believe he is less dogmatic than Cabello and more likely to toe the U.S. line while seeking his own safe exit, the source briefed on administration thinking said.

A senior Trump administration official declined to answer Reuters specific questions but said in a statement: The President is speaking about exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalizing oil infrastructure, and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people.

Venezuelas communications ministry, which handles all press requests for the government, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The administration has decided Venezuelas opposition, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, would be unable to keep the peace at a time when Trump wants enough calm on the ground to jump-start access for U.S. oil companies to Venezuelas vast oil reserves and to avoid having to put U.S. forces on the ground, the source said.

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Trump instead has embraced a classified CIA assessment that concluded Maduros top aides would be best situated to run the country on an interim basis, according to sources briefed on the matter.

U.S. officials also decided to work with Maduros allies for now out of concern that the country could descend into chaos if they tried to force a democratic handover, and that an excluded member of the inner circle might foment a coup, according to one of the sources.

But the administration wants to eventually see a move toward new elections, U.S. officials have said, though the timeframe remains uncertain.

Trump has offered no clear explanation of how Washington would oversee Venezuela after the biggest U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Critics have condemned it as neocolonialism and a violation of international law.

Rodriguez seen as linchpin

For now, Washington sees Rodriguez as its best bet to temporarily hold power while it continues developing plans for governing post-Maduro Venezuela, a strategy one source described as very much still a work in progress.

Among the U.S. demands for Venezuelas leaders are a demonstration of willingness to open up Venezuelas oil industry on terms favorable to U.S. companies, a crackdown on the narcotics trade, the expulsion of Cuban security personnel and an end to Venezuelan cooperation with Iran, the source briefed on administration thinking said.

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The U.S. wants to see progress toward meeting U.S. objectives in a matter of weeks, the source said.

Beyond threats of further military action, the U.S. could use Rodriguezs finances as leverage. The U.S. has identified those assets, sheltered in Qatar, and could seize them, the source said.

A Qatari official told Reuters that claims Rodriguez has assets in Qatar are inaccurate.

CO-OPTING VENEZUELAN OFFICIALS

U.S. authorities and their intermediaries are also seeking to co-opt other senior Venezuelan officials and those at levels below them to open the way for a government that will acquiesce to Washingtons interests, the source said.

Trumps advisers see Rodriguez as the linchpin: a technocrat who they believe is amenable to working with the U.S. on a transition and oil-related issues, according to people briefed on the U.S. strategy.

Though she and Maduros other top loyalists have projected a mostly united front, it is unclear whether that will last.

Rodriguez and Cabello have both operated at the heart of the government, legislature and ruling socialist party for years, but have never been considered close allies.

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A former military officer, Cabello, seen as the main enforcer of repression within Maduros government, exerts influence over the countrys military and civilian counterintelligence agencies, which conduct widespread domestic espionage.

With inputs from Reuters
The White House statement came just hours after European leaders voiced support for Denmark, as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that any US attack would mark the end of Nato

The sun rises behind Greenland's flag in Nuuk's old harbor, Greenland, on February 5, 2025. Reuters File

The US is considering a range of options to acquire Greenland, including the use of military force to seize the land, the White House has announced. President Donald Trumps ambition to take over Greenland has grown ever since his military took control of Venezuela last weekend.

The White House told the BBC in a statement that the acquisition of Greenland is a matter of national security priority.

The White House statement came just hours after European leaders voiced support for Denmark, as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that any US attack would mark the end of Nato.

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The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chiefs disposal, the White House said.

Does the US want to buy Greenland?

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers at a classified briefing that the Trump administration does not simply want to seize Greenland, but buy it from Denmark.

A senior US official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that Washingtons options include an outright purchase of Greenland or the creation of a Compact of Free Association with the territory.

Earlier, Greenland and Denmark said they had requested an urgent meeting with Rubio to address US claims over the island.

However, Trump, who first expressed his ambitions to buy Greenland during his first presidency, is not the only one who wants to acquire the island. Russia and China have shown interest in Greenland owing to its untapped rare earth deposits.

Greenland belongs to its people

Leaders from major European powers have issued a joint statement backing Denmark and Greenland, emphasising that the Arctic island belongs to its people, amid renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring the territory.

Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, CNN quoted the statement, signed by leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark, as saying.

The leaders stressed that Arctic security must be ensured collectively with Nato allies, including the United States.

Nato has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up, the statement added. We and many other Allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries.

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Trump insists Washington is now in charge of the Caribbean country but says he is prepared to work with Rodriguez  provided she submits to his demand for access to Venezuelas vast oil reserves

(FILES) Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez speaks during the presentation of the 2026 fiscal year budget at the National Congress in Caracas on December 4, 2025. On January 3, 2026, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to become the country's interim leader after the United States seized President Nicolas Maduro and whisked him out of the country. (Photo by Pedro MATTEY / AFP)

Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez insisted Tuesday no foreign power was governing her country, after US President Donald Trump said Washington would run it during a transition after ousting her predecessor.

Rodriguez, who was vice president under toppled leader Nicolas Maduro, has given mixed signals about how much she is prepared to cooperate with Trump, at times sounding conciliatory, at others defiant.Speaking three days after US special forces snatched Maduro and his wife in a stunning raid in Caracas prefaced by airstrikes, Rodriguez said: The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else.

There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela.

Trump insists Washington is now in charge of the Caribbean country but says he is prepared to work with Rodriguez  provided she submits to his demand for access to Venezuelas vast oil reserves.

Rodriguez has offered an olive branch but also appeared anxious to keep on her side the hardliners who control the security forces and paramilitaries, which have patrolled the streets since Maduros capture.

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We are a people that does not surrender, we are a people that does not give up, she declared, paying tribute to the martyrs of the US attacks.

In its first confirmation of losses, Venezuelas military on Tuesday published a list of 23 troops, including five generals, killed in the US strikes.

Top ally Cuba separately issued a list of 32 dead Cuban military personnel, included two colonels and a lieutenant colonel, many of whom were members of Maduros security detail.

Venezuela has not yet confirmed the number of civilian casualties in the operation in which US forces grabbed Maduro and Flores and took them to the United States to face trial.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab spoke Tuesday of dozens of civilian and military dead, without giving a breakdown.

Trump, murderer

Thousands of supporters of the presidential couple, including powerful Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, marched through Caracas to demand their release.

Some carried figurines of Maduros Super Moustache super-hero alter ego or of Flores and wore red caps marked with Maduros slogan: No war, yes peace.

Trump, murderer, read the graffiti on one street kiosk.

Fear of state repression has made it so the unpopular Maduros many detractors loathe to celebrate his downfall.

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Maduro and Flores appeared in court on Monday in New York, where they pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on the United States to ensure they receive a fair trial.

Interim presidents challenges

Rodriguez has sought to project unity with Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, two hardliners seen as the main powerbrokers in the Maduro administration.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been sidelined by Washington in the post-Maduro transition, warned in a Fox News interview that Rodriguez was not to be trusted.

Delcy Rodriguez as you know is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narcotrafficking, she said.

Shes the main ally and liaison with Russia, China, Iran, certainly not an individual that could be trusted by international investors.

In a sign that a repressive security apparatus remains in place, 16 journalists and media workers were detained in Venezuela on Monday, according to a journalists union.

All were later released.

Trump has warned that Rodriguez will pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro if she does not comply with Washingtons agenda.

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A retired general who held high-ranking positions in the military predicted that Rodriguez would throw open Venezuela to US oil and mining companies and perhaps resume diplomatic ties, broken off by Maduro in 2019.

He also believed she would seek to appease criticism of Venezuelas dire rights record by releasing political prisoners.

Trump told Republican lawmakers on Tuesday that Maduro was a violent guy who killed millions of people and claimed that Rodriguezs administration was closing up a torture chamber in Caracas.

The constitution says that after Maduro is formally declared absent  which could happen after six months  elections must then be held within 30 days.

Machado told Fox News she was confident the opposition, widely seen as the real victors of 2024 elections in which Maduro claimed a third term, would win over 90 percent of the votes.
Yemens separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi has fled the country as the Saudi Arabia-led coalition conducted another round of airstrikes in the country. The Yemeni government has charged him with high treason.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the separatist leader of Yemen, has fled the country as the Saudi Arabia-led coalition conducted another round of airstrikes in the country.

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday said it had undertaken limited pre-emptive strikes in an effort to prevent separatist leader al-Zubaidi from escalating the conflict and extending it into Aldhale governorate, according to AFP.

A Yemeni local official told the news agency that more than 15 Saudi air strikes targeted the home province of al-Zubaidi. They said that strikes in Al-Dhale governorate targeted homes of leaders loyal to al-Zubaidi.

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The coalition said it was working with the Yemeni government and the local authorities to support security efforts and maintain order.

The coalition further said that al-Zubaidi had fled to an unknown location, leaving members and leaders without any information about his whereabouts. He was due to travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks aimed at easing the clashes nut his flight was delayed and he was not onboard when it departed.

Al-Zubaidi, who heads the Southern Transition Council (STC), has been working for years to carve southern Yemen into a separate nation. In December, he launched an offensive against forces aligned with the internationally-recognised Yemeni government.

In the offensive, the STC seized large swathes of territory, including much of Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia, but Saudi-led air strikes and a counter-offensive from the Saudi-led coalition pushed back the separatists.

While the Yemeni government has been backed by Saudi Arabia, al-Zubaidi and his secessionist movement have been backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In support of the interntionally-recognised government, Saudi Arabia has conducted several rounds of airstrikes targeting STC in recent weeks. Saudi-UAE ties have taken a hit as well as they have lately been openly pursuing different objectives in Yemen.

Separately, the internationally-recognised Yemeni government has removed al-Zubaidi from the top executive body for committing high treason.
Mali firmly supports one-China principle: president

Xinhua) 13:31, January 07, 2026

BAMAKO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Malian President Assimi Goita said on Tuesday that Mali will continue to firmly support the one-China principle.

Goita made the remarks while receiving the credentials of Li Xiang, the newly appointed Chinese ambassador to Mali, in the capital Bamako.

Mali and China uphold similar values and share well-aligned positions on key issues such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and opposition to the instrumentalization and politicization of human rights issues, Goita said, noting that Mali will continue to firmly support the one-China principle.

He said that Mali is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, promote the implementation of more pragmatic cooperation projects in Mali, and deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

For his part, Li said that China is ready to work with Mali to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, further deepen political mutual trust, enrich pragmatic cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, and write a new chapter in China-Mali friendship in the process of building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Li arrived in Mali on Dec. 20 to assume his post.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
motorola has introduced motorola signature, a new ultra-premium smartphone series positioned at the top of its portfolio.

motorola signature

motorola signature features an ultrathin 6.99mm quad-curved design with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame. The device uses textured back finishes designed to improve grip and in-hand feel. It is available in two color options: PANTONE Martini Olive with a twill-inspired finish and PANTONE Carbon with a linen-inspired finish.

Despite its slim profile, motorola signature meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards. It is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, including protection against high-pressure water and submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The device is designed to operate in extreme temperatures and high-altitude environments.

The smartphone features a 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. It delivers Super HD resolution with 14% more pixels than standard Full HD and reaches peak brightness of up to 6200 nits. The display supports Pantone Validated Display Calibration and Dolby Vision.

Camera

motorola signature features a quad 50MP camera system and has received a DXOMARK Gold Label for imaging performance. The camera system uses Sony LYTIA sensors and supports Dolby Vision video capture with moto ai processing.

Key camera features and specifications:

50MP main camera with Sony LYTIA 828 sensor

Dolby Vision video recording, 8K video capture, and 4K slow motion

Pantone Validated color and skin tone accuracy

50MP periscope telephoto camera with Sony LYTIA 600 sensor

3x optical zoom and up to 100x Super Zoom Pro powered by moto ai

71mm equivalent focal length

50MP ultrawide camera with 122-degree field of view, also supporting macro photography

50MP front camera with Sony LYTIA 500 sensor, Quad Pixel technology, and 4K video recording

moto ai and the Photo Enhancement Engine apply processing across all camera sensors for color, brightness, texture, and noise management.

The device is powered by the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform, delivering CPU speeds of up to 3.8GHz, improved GPU performance, and enhanced NPU capabilities. The chipset supports multitasking, gaming, and on-device AI processing. motorola signature is also the first smartphone to use a copper mesh liquid metal cooling system, designed to manage heat during sustained workloads.

motorola signature includes a 5200mAh silicon-carbon battery. motorola claims up to 52 hours of battery life, 57 hours of music streaming, and 28 hours of continuous video playback. Charging options include 90W TurboPower wired charging, which can deliver power for a full day in about 7 minutes, and 50W wireless charging.

Audio, Software & AI features

Audio features include Sound by Bose, dual stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio certification, and Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless support. The smartphone ships with Android 16, offering updated privacy controls, security features, and personalization options. motorola has committed to up to seven Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

moto ai features are integrated across the system, supporting image recognition, voice assistance, and power optimization. These features support additional languages including German, French, Italian, Polish, Romanian, and Japanese. motorola will also introduce on-demand white-glove assistance for travel, dining, and events, scheduled to roll out later this year.

Sustainability

motorola signature is developed in line with motorolas sustainability commitments as part of Lenovo Group. The device uses more than 63% recycled metals, 100% recycled aluminum in the mid-housing, and recycled plastics including post-consumer recycled plastic and Ocean Bound Plastic. Packaging is plastic-free, fully recyclable, and printed with soy ink. The silicon-carbon battery is rated for 1,200 charge cycles.

Quick Specifications: motorola signature

Design: Quad-curved body, 6.99mm thickness, aircraft-grade aluminum frame, textured back

Colors: PANTONE Martini Olive, PANTONE Carbon

Durability: MIL-STD-810H certified, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68/IP69, 1.5m water submersion (30 min)

Display: 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED, Super HD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, up to 6200 nits peak brightness, Pantone Validated, Dolby Vision

Rear Camera: Quad 50MP setup, 50MP main (Sony LYTIA 828), 50MP periscope telephoto (Sony LYTIA 600) with 3x optical zoom, up to 100x digital zoom, 71mm focal length, 50MP ultrawide, 122 field of view, macro support

Front Camera: 50MP (Sony LYTIA 500), Quad Pixel, 4K video

Video: Dolby Vision recording, 8K video, 4K slow motion

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3nm), up to 3.8GHz

Cooling: Copper mesh liquid metal cooling system

Battery: 5200mAh silicon-carbon

Charging: 90W wired, 50W wireless

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, Sound by Bose, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless

Software: Android 16

AI Features: moto ai, image recognition, voice assistance, power optimization; AI Languages: German, French, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Japanese

Updates: Up to 7 Android OS upgrades, 7 years security updates

Sustainability: 63% recycled metals, 100% recycled aluminum mid-frame, recycled plastics, plastic-free packaging, 1,200 battery charge cycles

Pricing and Availability

motorola signature will launch in Europe with a starting price of EUR 999 (USD 1168 or Rs. 1,05,087 approx.). The smartphone will be available first in select European markets, followed by rollout across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific regions in the coming months.

motorola has started teasing the launch of the phone in India, so we can expect it here soon.
At CES 2026, Lenovo introduced a new personal ambient intelligence system designed to provide consistent, context-aware assistance across devices.

Branded as Lenovo Qira on Lenovo products and motorola Qira on motorola devices, the platform delivers system-level AI that operates across PCs, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and more without requiring users to open separate applications.

Lenovo Qira: Ambient Intelligence Across Devices

Lenovo Qira represents a shift from app-based AI to system-level intelligence that is always present, understanding context and providing assistance based on user activity and preferences. Over time, it learns patterns, anticipates needs, and acts across devices while maintaining user privacy and consent.

Key Features

One Intelligence Across Devices: Lenovo Qira provides a uniform AI experience across Lenovo and motorola products, maintaining continuity across screens, tasks, and environments.

Lenovo Qira provides a uniform AI experience across Lenovo and motorola products, maintaining continuity across screens, tasks, and environments. Presence: Integrated at the system level, Qira adapts to user preferences. It can proactively suggest actions, respond when invoked, or remain idle until needed. Users can interact via voice (Hey, Qira), a dedicated key, or a persistent on-screen control.

Integrated at the system level, Qira adapts to user preferences. It can proactively suggest actions, respond when invoked, or remain idle until needed. Users can interact via voice (Hey, Qira), a dedicated key, or a persistent on-screen control. Actions: Qira can perform tasks across applications and devices, coordinate agents, and move workflows forward, including offline operations, without requiring manual input for each step.

Qira can perform tasks across applications and devices, coordinate agents, and move workflows forward, including offline operations, without requiring manual input for each step. Perception: Combining user interactions, documents, and memories, Qira develops a context-aware model of the users environment. Cross-device sensing ensures continuity and understanding of personal patterns.

Combining user interactions, documents, and memories, Qira develops a context-aware model of the users environment. Cross-device sensing ensures continuity and understanding of personal patterns. Designed Around Real Moments: Experiences are structured around common user needs to maintain orientation, productivity, and workflow across devices.

Next Move: Provides proactive, contextual suggestions to help users progress without extra steps.

Provides proactive, contextual suggestions to help users progress without extra steps. Write For Me: Assists in composing emails, messages, notes, or documents directly on the users canvas, adapting to tone and intent without switching applications.

Assists in composing emails, messages, notes, or documents directly on the users canvas, adapting to tone and intent without switching applications. Live Interaction: Supports real-time multimodal collaboration, monitoring speech and visuals during screen or camera sharing for smooth interaction.

Supports real-time multimodal collaboration, monitoring speech and visuals during screen or camera sharing for smooth interaction. Catch Me Up: Summarizes activity from when a user was away, highlights relevant updates, and facilitates re-entry into tasks or conversations.

Summarizes activity from when a user was away, highlights relevant updates, and facilitates re-entry into tasks or conversations. Pay Attention: Provides real-time transcription, translation, and meeting summaries, enabling quick recall of key decisions or details.

For focused creative tasks, Creator Zone on PCs allows users to work with visuals and photos with minimal distractions and controlled workflow.

Privacy and Ecosystem

Lenovo Qira emphasizes privacy by design, performing core AI functions on-device while leveraging secure cloud services for advanced capabilities. Key ecosystem integrations include:

Microsoft AI Stack via Windows Foundry and Azure for secure coordination across devices.

Stability AI for on-device text-to-image generation with Stable Diffusion 3.5 Flash models in Creator Zone.

Notion for context-aware access to notes, documents, and plans.

Perplexity AI for well-sourced answers and guided follow-ups without leaving the workflow.

Expedia Group integration for travel-related suggestions and seamless booking.

Availability

Lenovo Qira will be available on select Lenovo devices starting in Q1 2026, followed by motorola Qira on supported motorola smartphones. Existing Lenovo AI Now users will receive over-the-air updates, with broader expansion planned in later stages.

Speaking on the launch, Dan Dery, VP of AI Ecosystem at Lenovos Intelligent Devices Group, said:
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As the year came to a close, Montana State Auditor James Brown highlighted the vital role the Montana State Land Board plays in strengthening public education. Brown announced that in Fiscal Year 2025 state trust lands generated more than $80.8 milli...
The U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established a national Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures produce...
The Children's Museum of Northeast Montana offered families an alternative to staying up until midnight by hosting a "Noon Year's Eve" party on Dec. 31.

From 10 a.m. to noon, children enjoyed a fun-filled morning of crafts and games, culminating in a...
With the announcements that Glasgow Public Works Director Paul Skubinna will resign from his position Jan. 17th, the Glasgow City Council Personnel Committee will meet on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Council Chambers, located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center, to begin the process on replacing Skubinna.

Glasgow Police Chief Robert Weber has also announced he will be retiring this year. The Glasgow City Council has already started the process in finding a replacement for Weber. A Police Commissioners meeting will be held Friday, Jan. 9 at the Glasgow Police Department.

Both meetings are open to the public. Agendas can be found below:
When you take down your Christmas decorations in the next few weeks, remember to not throw your tree awayinstead, donate it for fish habitat!

Using these donated trees, Glasgow-area Boy Scout Troop 861 and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries st...
Editors Note: This article was originally published on Dec. 24, 2025, www.bighorncountynews.com/news/merry-christmas-psc-lowers-nwe-rates/article_8173836c-e1c7-4d4b-869c-c9e7bdb1b6de.html

Just recently, the Montana Public Service Commission made its...
Contracts

Contracts For Jan. 6, 2026

AIR FORCE

InDyne Inc., Lexington Park, Maryland, will be awarded a ceiling $1,104,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness. This contract provides all mission essential non-personal services, administrative, financial, and managerial resources necessary on a continuous twenty-four hours-a-day/seven days-a-week basis to support the missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness missions. Work will be performed at Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts; Beale Air Force Base, California; Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Colorado; Pituffik Space Base, Greenland; Clear Space Force Station, Alaska; and Royal Air Force Fylingdales, England. This contract was a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal year 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $364,848,176 are being obligated at time of award. The Combat Forces Command, Space Acquisition and Integration Office, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity (FA251826D0001).

NAVY

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $29,188,193 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion contract modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-5405) for the procurement and development of supplier special tooling and special test equipment to increase production capacity of the STANDARD Missile 6 (SM-6) All Up Round. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (47%); Middletown, Connecticut (32%); and Westminster, Maryland (21%), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) in the amount of $14,594,097 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Hamilton Construction LLC,* Skagway, Alaska, was awarded a $22,848,100 firm-fixed-price contract for levee repair. Work will be performed in Skagway, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2027. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Fiscal 2023 Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies funds in the amount of $22,848,100 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, is the contracting activity (W911KB-26-C-A004).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Carbon Asset Developer Associates LLC,* Alamo, Texas, has been awarded an estimated $19,864,240 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, requirements contract for various types of fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with thirty-five responses received. This is a two-year eight-month contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Alabama, and Florida, with a Sept. 30, 2028, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, and Army National Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE605-26-D-8514).

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4371691/

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January 05, 2026

Transcript

Remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at Newport News Shipyard

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, good afternoon. How are we doing? Oh, man, it is great to see this beautiful group and to be here in Newport News and I want to thank all of you for what you do. That's why we're here.

That's why we're launching the Arsenal of Freedom Tour. It's about all of you. Some of you are wearing a uniform. Some of you are not. All of you are wearing hard hats and all of you are contributing to the warfighter.

The kind of urgency that we need is  you understand. The speed and the specificity of the beautiful machines that you create require an expertise and an investment that this administration is prepared to make and make fast.

It's always inspiring to stand amongst patriots who quite literally are building our nation's firepower. I had a chance this morning to swear in some new recruits. We have a historic recruiting surge at the Department of War. Record amounts of Americans want to join our uniform class. Last year was a record of multiple decades.

This year, we're already ahead of last year. Americans are fired up to serve. I also had a chance to go to our next aircraft carrier, the JFK. I don't know if you heard, but our aircraft carriers have been busy recently.

That one will be busy for decades to come, ensuring America is free and safe and powerful. And now here we are at Newport News shipyard, at the USS Oklahoma. And I'm here on behalf of the president, who has from his first day in office operated on a few core principles, at the baseline, pure, unadulterated common sense. First, that a leader's primary duty is to put America and Americans first. Second, that the surest and only real path to peace is through strength.

We're in the strength business. You are in the strength business. And third, that a nation that cannot build things a nation that can't create its own tools or its own defenses or its own future is a nation that is in managed decline. President Donald J. Trump looked at that managed decline, a decline that had been accepted by elites in both parties and he rejected it and we fundamentally reject it. And in doing so, he has unleashed a great American revival, a reawakening of our industrial spirit and our national confidence, a new golden age for America that you are all a part of building.

As his Secretary of War, my mission is to execute President Trump's vision within our armed forces and ignite that revival. The mission has three core components, three pillars upon which we are building our national security. It's actually quite simple. First, we're reviving the warrior ethos inside our fighting force, reminding our warriors and our uniformed military that their sole purpose is to be the most lethal fighting force on the planet.

So no more DEI, no more dudes in dresses, no more distractions. We're done with that shit. It's just standards, accountability, readiness, training, discipline and lethality, back to basics across the department, which is what our warriors really want.

Second, we must and we are rebuilding our military with the best equipment, training and leadership to ensure our warfighters are never in a fair fight. And you've seen historic investments over a trillion in the last budget, you'll see even more and it isn't just in platforms, it is in people. And third, we're reestablishing deterrence that's so absolute and so unquestioned that our enemies will not dare to test us.

You see, under the previous administration, whether it was the debacle of the withdrawal in Afghanistan that cost American lives and smeared our reputation, whether it was the war unleashed in Israel after October 7th by Hamas or the war in Ukraine that never would have started under President Trump, the world started wondering whether America really was strong and whether America really could lead.

Well, that's over now, just ask the Houthis and our ships that now sail freely. Imagine that, under the previous administration, when our ships got shot at, we just said, I guess we have to deal with it. All the way back to Thomas Jefferson, we said, you're not shooting at our ships and if you do, you may not see tomorrow.

Well, we did that with the Houthis and our ships now sail freely all around the world without being attacked and without being shot at. That's peace through strength. Same with Midnight Hammer, where our B-2s flew 37 hours down and back and were never seen by the Iranians, and dropped 14 precision munitions exactly where they were supposed to drop, obliterating Iran's nuclear capabilities, not to mention the Tomahawks that came off of a beautiful submarine, and delivered that decisive blow as well on one of the nuclear facilities.

Deterrence is back. Not to mention drug boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, carrying drugs headed to the United States to poison the American people. We're not playing the whole catch and release game anymore. These are foreign terrorist organizations, the al-Qaida of our hemisphere, and we will sink every drug boat headed in our direction, reestablishing deterrence.

Our southern border, which allowed an invasion of people we didn't know who they were under the previous administration, seven months of zero crossings at our border, a country that isn't sovereign is not a country, reestablishing deterrence. And then we saw three nights ago in downtown Caracas in Venezuela, as nearly 200 of our greatest Americans went downtown in Caracas. Seems those Russian air defenses didn't quite work so well, did they?

Downtown Caracas and grabbed an indicted individual wanted by American justice in support of law enforcement without a single American killed, reestablishing deterrence. Because of President Trump's leadership, the world is taking notice. They're noticing American power. They're noticing American strength.

They're noticing American clarity and leadership, and you are at the core of ensuring that happens. Everything we're doing is aimed at those goals and that's why just before Christmas at Mar-a-Lago, I had the privilege of joining President Trump and the Secretary of the Navy for a historic announcement, the creation of the Golden Fleet.

The Golden Fleet is the Navy's investment to revitalize America's maritime industrial base and rapidly build and sustain the fleet and fundamentally change how we do business and maintain military supremacy. This new battle fleet anchored by a new generation of Trump-class battleships is a declaration to the world that our command of the seas is and will remain non-negotiable.

That announcement, along with the incredible vital work being done right here, is a generational commitment to American sea power. This investment in both the visible might of battleships and the stealthy lethality of the submarines built in this very yard is a direct investment in peace through strength.

It's an investment in the future fight, ensuring that America has the tools to win any conflict, anywhere, any time. And as I mentioned, as was mentioned today marks the first stop on a month-long Arsenal of Freedom tour from the War Department. And on this tour, we'll be traveling from the shipyards of the coast to the factories of the heartland to see the work being done by the military and our partners in American manufacturing to usher in a new golden age of peace through strength, a revival of our industrial base, all American-made by the best Americans.

We know that our treasured freedoms are only as secure as our arsenal is strong and nothing is more important than securing that freedom. So I'm here to thank you, the men and women assembled here today and those you represent, who are designing and constructing our weapons of war that my children and yours, my grandchildren and yours, will rely upon to ensure the peace stability and security of the United States.

You are standing shoulder to shoulder with the warfighters of the War Department. Allow me to for a moment to speak plainly about the threats to that freedom. We find ourselves in a world of growing threats, a world the comfortable elites in Washington refused to acknowledge for far too long. For decades, a bipartisan consensus sold this country a dangerous fantasy.

They told us that history was over, that the rise of peer competitors was a relic of the past and that we could afford to trade out our industrial might, our factories, our jobs our self-sufficiency, for the hollow promises of globalism. Like Esau in the book of Genesis, they sold our birthright for a bowl of soup.

They were content with a managed decline, overseeing the slow, steady erosion of our naval power and our defense industrial base as if it were some inevitable tide of history. Outsourcing our jobs, outsourcing our manufacturing was just the way it is in a global economy, foolishness, recklessness, not anymore, not under President Trump.

While we were policing the world nation building and deserts and debating pronouns at the Pentagon, our primary competitors, like the Chinese Communist Party, did something very different. They studied us, they learned from our triumphs and our mistakes and then they started to build as well.

And they've undertaken some of the most rapid, ambitious and breathtaking naval buildup since World War II. While we decommissioned ships, they launched many of them. While some of our shipyards did not meet the demands of our country, they expanded at a rapid pace, but not anymore. While we seek good relations with China and the rest of the world, we are also ready.

President Donald Trump understands that the American people are ready and they deserve a new golden age. We recognize that we are in a new era of great power competition, a generational struggle to maintain peace through strength and we will rise to meet that challenge. That is why we proudly call ourselves the Department of War, not the Department of Defense, not because we seek war, but because we truly understand that in order to ensure peace, you need to be prepared to deter war and if necessary, decisively win it.

Our purpose is not to be reactive but to be dominant, so that no enemy, any enemy will ever attempt to challenge the United States of America. Now this revival is not a matter of speeches or policy papers or think tanks and white papers in Washington DC, this is a matter of action. Across the entire War Department, we are developing new operational concepts. We're deploying cutting-edge technologies at a speed that's not been seen in generations.

And we're making historic multigenerational investments in the capabilities that we will need to dominate the future fight, at a level of urgency that must match the urgency of the moment. Most importantly, we're getting these capabilities in the hands of our warfighters faster than we ever have since World War II.

Under President Trump, we are systemically dismantling the bloated risk-averse and self-serving bureaucracy that has stifled innovation for decades. We're streamlining our requirements and acquisition process, cutting through red tape. This is not the same old reform that is always talked about in Washington, but instead, it's an overhaul.

It's revolutionary. It is a renaissance of American manufacturing. I've made it crystal clear to the entire defense industry, which I didn't come from and I didn't work for, so I don't give a damn who wins. I just want the best. We've been clear, the era of rewarding delays and cost overruns is over. The days of cost plus contracts for programs that are years behind schedule are finished.

We will no longer give longer, larger  we will, excuse me, give longer, larger, more predictable contracts to companies that deliver on time and on budget, companies that invest in their people, that invest in more capability and more capacity, not companies that invest in stock buybacks or CEO salaries or more dividends.

For those who can't adapt, who are too comfortable with the old slow ways of doing business, we wish them well in their other future endeavors, because we will find new partners who will adapt, who will invest, who will take care of their people, who will move at speed and at scale. We will reward that speed, that scale, that innovation and that performance. We're not rewarding process, paperwork or just the C-suite.

This submarine behind me and the many more that will follow it is an embodiment of our commitment to and investment in the security of the American people, but it also represents something more profound. It represents national confidence, confidence in American shipbuilding, confidence in our industrial discipline and confidence in the United States' Navy's ability to deliver the combat power needed in the future fight.

The work you do here every single day is the leading edge of that national restoration. You are proving to the world and more important to  more importantly to ourselves, that it can be done, that history is not over, that we build and that we invest.

The media should take a long look at this vessel, the USS Oklahoma. This Virginia-class submarine is a paragon of American engineering and fighting spirit. It is the apex predator of the undersea domain and the most advanced and lethal submarine ever built. As our president says, and he's right, we're 20 years ahead of anybody else in this domain.

It is a strategic advantage that creates dilemmas on a daily basis for our adversaries all around the globe. It's a silent hunter that can operate with stealth in the most contested, dangerous waters on the planet. It can gather intelligence that no satellite can ever hope to see. That's what reestablishing deterrence looks like, and it's how we keep the peace in a dangerous world.

Let there be no mistake, under President Trump, the United States is serious about the command of our seas and about keeping the world's vital shipping lanes open. A larger, more modern and more lethal fleet from the new battleships of the Golden Fleet to the advanced submarines you build right here, will provide that undeniable deterrent.

It will ensure that America's Navy moves freely and uncontested today, tomorrow and long into the future. But all of the strategies from the Pentagon, all the funding from Congress and all the designs from our brightest engineers are ultimately meaningless without the people on this floor. The welders, the electricians, the pipefitters, the steamfitters, the engineers, the planners, the skilled tradesmen of Huntington Ingalls, you are the engine of the arsenal of freedom, patriots, all of you.

Our warfighters cannot win without you. We are in this fight together shoulder to shoulder. That's why we launched the Arsenal of Freedom Tours to ensure the workers across America understand how committed we are to you and how reliant we are on your ability to deliver.

It's a beautiful codependence, actually. There is an unbreakable line tying the wrench in your hand to the safety and survival of a 22 year old American sailor patrolling the depths of the Pacific. The quality of your work, your unwavering commitment to excellence, your speed, your patriotism itself, you give our warriors the decisive edge.

Yours is a high calling. You are building a shield for our nation, bolt by bolt and weld after weld. In a culture that too often celebrates the shallow, the virtual and the superficial, you are engaged in something real, something tangible, something lasting. Your workmanship is and should be celebrated. There is an inherent dignity involved in crafting useful, powerful and lethal things.

I mean, there's a reason Jesus was a carpenter, not a politician, right? There's something about building, something about building in America. We build better, stronger, more capable and we will build more and faster, because we've done it before and we're going to do it again. And that's why this administration and this department is fighting for you, your way of life and the renaissance of manufacturing in this country.

We're holding your leadership accountable. We're holding your leadership feet to the fire. Their jobs are on the line to ensure that you can deliver what America needs, that your craftsmanship is unleashed, that you are taken care of, that you are paid properly, that your work is done safely, that we can move at speed and at scale.

Because when our workers succeed, our country succeeds and a nation that builds is a nation that wins, and our president is a builder, and that's why we will win. So to all of you here today from the newest apprentice to the most experienced master shipbuilder and to our sailors who work with them, again back to where I started, thank you.

I want you to know that whether you're wearing a uniform, coveralls or a suit, the work you're doing is important. It's patriotic and essential to our nation. It is a noble calling in a world that has forgotten what nobility looks like. You know, I used some words when I spoke after the raid a couple of days ago that feel outdated to some, but they fit perfect for our warfighters, guts, grit, gallantry and glory. May we revive those words. May we live them out. No matter how small the task or how big the task, simple or mundane the task or complex the task, every aspect of what had to come together to make that mission successful was an ingredient to the kind of guts, grit, gallantry and glory that our warriors embody and you contribute to that.

Be proud of what you do here. Be proud of the incredible vessels that you bring to life. They are the guarantees of freedom, the guardians of our peace, a message to the entire world that you should never ever bet against America. And know that we have your back as you move faster on time and on budget, investing in your plants and in your people.

We have a lot left to accomplish on behalf of the warfighters and we look forward to continuing to do it. It's the honor of a lifetime. I serve to serve. My job is to make your job easier. That's why our ear is to the ground everywhere we go, what can we do to make you more useful in how you operate, because together we will rebuild our military.

We will restore our industrial might and secure peace for generations to come. We will build the arsenal of freedom. God bless you, God bless our Navy and God bless our great Republic. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4371304/

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ICYMI: Risch Talks Venezuela on FOX News

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: January 05, 2026

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News this evening to discuss the Trump Administration's recent operation in Venezuela.

When asked about the removal of Maduro:

"When you're in the business of flooding drugs into the United States, having elections the way Maduro got into power, that's not right. It's not good for our hemisphere. It's bad for the United States of America, bad for the American people who we work for."

When asked about the transition of power in Venezuela:

"This is not an operation to start a forever war in Venezuela. It wasn't an operation to change the regime, although, of course, that happened because the man committed the crimes he did and now has to pay for it. But if you look carefully at what happened when the United States went in there, we were very careful to see that we did not disrupt the infrastructure of the country. For instance, the police and other military operations were not touched by this."

Risch on next steps for the people of Venezuela and the role of the U.S.:

"It is important that the Venezuelan people step up and get to a place where there can be a very rational and reasonable election. There's been celebrations by Venezuelans all over the world, they're glad to see Maduro gone. But the Venezuelans are now going to have to step up. That's what we want to see them do. We're not imperialists. We don't want to run this country. We don't want to make this a situation where America is running the country. It needs to be done by the Venezuelan people. We want to encourage them."

###

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Foreign Secretary Statement to the House on Venezuela

Speech

Foreign Secretary statement to the House of Commons regarding Venezuela.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Published 5 January 2026

Location: House of Commons, London

Delivered on: 5 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Madame Deputy Speaker, I want to begin by expressing my condolences to all those affected by the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana and my support for the Swiss authorities. The British Embassy has been supporting the family of Charlotte Niddam, who was educated in Hertfordshire and in north-west London and I can confirm that yesterday Charlotte's family were given the devastating news that her remains have now been identified. Charlotte was just fifteen. The whole house will be thinking of her and her friends and family now.

Madame Deputy Speaker, let me turn to Venezuela. Over the weekend, the US conducted air strikes on a series of Venezuelan targets and confirmed that it had captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. They have been indicted on narco-terrorism, drugs smugglings and weapons charges. I can confirm to the House that the UK was not involved in these operations.

UK policy on Venezuela has long been to press for a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to a democracy which reflects the will of the Venezuelan people and maintains security in the region and is in line with international law. That remains our position and our determined view about what must happen in Venezuela now. And over the weekend I discussed this with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the UK government is in close contact with our international partners on this issue.

The first duty of government is the safety and security of our citizens, and my Department is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of British Nationals. Over the weekend I spoke with the UK Charge d'affaires in Caracas and all our Embassy staff are safe and accounted for and are working to support the approximately five hundred British Nationals in Venezuela. Our travel advice currently advises against all travel to Venezuela. British Nationals in Venezuela should closely follow our travel advice which will be kept up to date.

Madame Deputy Speaker, we should be under no illusion as to the nature of the Maduro regime. A once functioning democracy has become a hub for very dangerous organised criminal gangs. Corrupt links have involved Iran, with Hezbollah increasingly present in recent years, as well as malign support from Russia. And a regime which has facilitated illicit finance, sanctions evasion and organised criminal activity including narcotics trafficking and illegal gold trading. That undermines the security of the whole region, including UK Overseas Territories as well as the United States and other regional partners.

The country has been driven into economic ruin, with an eight percent drop in their GDP in a decade. Over eight million people have left, causing instability elsewhere in the region. And we have seen Maduro's regime systematically dismantle democratic institutions, silencing dissent and weaponizing state resources to maintain power through fear and corruption.

The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into possible crimes against humanity following reports of hundreds of extrajudicial killings including at the hands of Venezuela's security services and paramilitary groups under the regime's command, and UN investigators have repeatedly reported a pattern of arbitrary detentions, tortures and killings.

In the July 2024 presidential elections, millions of Venezuelans voted but the official results have never been published. The opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was banned by Maduro from standing. International observers cited basic failures of electoral integrity and independent tallies covering more than eighty percent of polling stations showed a clear victory for Edmundo Gonzalez and yet Maduro gained victory.

And most recently in October the UN Independent fact-finding mission reported on state security forces using firearms against protestors after the elections eighteen months ago where twenty-five people died. Gonzalez has been forced to flee the country and claim political asylum in Spain, Machado was forced into hiding for her own safety and had to be spirited out of the country to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway last month.

These are the hallmarks of a regime that clings to power through fear, coercion, and violence, not through democratic consent. And that is why, as the Prime Minister said on Saturday, we can shed no tears for the end of Maduro's rule.

Let me turn to UK policy. Because Madame Deputy Speaker, the UK has long been an advocate for a democratic Venezuela and a vocal critic of the Maduro regime. Since 2019, successive UK governments have refused to recognise Maduro's regime. Through the G7 and the UN, with partners and directly we have continued to call out the Maduro regime and its appalling human rights violations.

We have also in some areas taken a different policy approach to some of our allies. Our other Five Eyes partners have closed their embassies, but we have maintained our diplomatic mission in Caracas at a much more senior level than many of our partners and are seeking dialogue, sustaining direct contact with the opposition, supporting Venezuelan civil society and advocating for British interests.

A year ago, around Maduro's inauguration, the UK acted alongside partners and announced a wave of new sanctions. We targeted fifteen individuals, including judges, senior ranking officials in Maduro's regime responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law, and for human rights violations. We have imposed sanctions on individuals but not on sectors of the economy and we have not supported nor been involved in blockades or strikes against drug boats.

We have continued to directly promote the interests of the British Overseas Territories who need to see stability in the region, and of course throughout we have promoted and maintained support for international law.

Commitment to international law, as the Prime Minister set out on Sunday, is immensely important to this government. Those principles guide the decisions that we make and the actions we take as part of Britain's foreign policy. That commitment to international law as part of our values is also strongly in the UK's national interest. And our manifesto talked about a foreign policy that is progressive and is also realistic, engaging with the world as we find it in the interest of UK security, prosperity and our values. That means upholding international law and defending democracy and it means confronting the complex, evolving and hybrid threats that we and our allies face in the world today. And those principles and values also guide the conversations we have with our allies across a range of issues where we agree and disagree, and in my discussions with Secretary Rubio I raised the importance of complying with international law, and we will continue to urge all partners to do so at every stage. It is of course for the US to set out the legal basis for their actions and the UN Security Council is discussing Venezuela this afternoon. These issues will continue to be matters for international discussion.

I discussed with Secretary Rubio what should happen next and our continued commitment to a transition to a peaceful and stable democracy. Our collective immediate focus must be on avoiding any deterioration in Venezuela into further instability, criminality or violence. That would be deeply damaging for the people of Venezuela, our own overseas territories, our allies in the US and other regional partners.

The UK has long been clear that leadership of Venezuela must reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. The international community must come together to help achieve a transition to a democratic government that respects the rights and will of its people. That must mean action on the economic crisis, the release of political prisoners, the return of opposition politicians, an end to political repression, respect for human rights and plans for the holding of free and fair elections. And I urge the acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, to take these steps forward because the people of Venezuela have a right to decide their own future.

The US Secretary of State and I discussed the particular role the UK can play to support a peaceful, democratic transition and stability, drawing on our Embassy in Caracas, and the work we have done over many years to build up relationships and dialogue with Venezuelan opposition parties and with the current authorities in the regime and of course our relationship with the US. To that end, I have also spoken today with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and her unwavering fight for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela and against oppression is inspirational, and we will keep in touch over the days and weeks ahead.

Finally, Madame Deputy Speaker, let me turn briefly to another matter. The House will have seen recent comments from the United States and from Denmark regarding Greenland. Let me be very clear on the UK's position. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Our close European partners, our longstanding NATO Allies and all our countries work closely together on security issues and will always do so. The future of Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and Danes and no one else. I commend this Statement to the House.

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Joint statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Lahbib and Suica on the registration of international NGOs in Palestine

European External Action Service (EEAS)

06.01.2026

EEAS Press Team

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen.

As winter sets in, Palestinians are left exposed to heavy rain and falling temperatures, without safe shelter. Children remain out of schools. Medical facilities are barely functioning, with minimal staff and equipment.

In its conclusions of December 18, the European Council welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 on the establishment of the Board of Peace and of a temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The European Council called on all parties to implement the Resolution in its entirety, and in line with relevant international legal principles, and committed to contributing to implementation.

Moreover, the European Council stressed the need for the rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid, at scale, into and throughout Gaza. Consequently, it called on Israel not to implement the non-govermental organisations (NGOs) registration law in its current form.

We call on Israel to allow international NGOs to operate and deliver life-saving aid to civilians in need in Palestine.

Without these international NGOs, humanitarian aid cannot be delivered at the scale needed to prevent further loss of life in Gaza.

To deliver aid rapidly, safely and at the scale required, international NGOs must be able to operate in a sustained and predictable way. Without them, life-saving assistance cannot reach people in need.

Humanitarian aid delivery and service provision for civilians depends on access. Under International Humanitarian Law, all parties to a conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of principled humanitarian relief.



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Don-roe Doctrine? A close look at a 200-year scourge across Latin America under US' shadow

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jan 06, 2026 11:08 PM

The US' sudden military operation against Venezuela and the forcible seizure of the country's president has dominated headlines worldwide since Saturday. The operation is viewed by global media and observers as a real-life example of the Monroe Doctrine in action, under which the Trump Administration claims that the Western Hemisphere is its sphere of influence.

Focus on the Monroe Doctrine intensified further after US President Donald Trump invoked the doctrine to defend the strike on Venezuela at a press conference on Saturday amid mounting international condemnation. "All the way back, it dates back to the Monroe Doctrine," Trump stated at the press conference, according to a Sunday report by ABC News. "The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've surpassed it by a long shot. They're calling it the 'Don-roe Doctrine' now," he added.

Trump's version of Monroe Doctrine, centered on "America First," is a geopolitical strategy for the US to impose hegemonic control over the Western Hemisphere. Its core objective is to reconsolidate Latin America as America's "backyard" through exclusive cooperation, extract regional resources, and ultimately serve US economic interests and consolidate its global hegemony, Xu Yanran, an associate professor at the School of International Relations, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

At a press conference on Monday, when asked for response to the sphere of influence concept - the Monroe Doctrine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's stance to "oppose hegemony and power politics."

What exactly is the Monroe Doctrine? What role has it played in shaping US-Latin America relations over the past 200 years? And what does the doctrine's resurgence mean for the region and the world? To answer these questions, the Global Times has launched a two-part series to decode the doctrine - a scourge that has haunted Latin America for 200 years - and to expose the US' long-standing interventionist schemes in various fields across the region. In the first installment, we examine the doctrine's historical evolution, draw comparisons between the Trump and original versions, and explore its potential implications for both the region and the wider world.

Shadow over the Western Hemisphere

The Monroe Doctrine was articulated by President James Monroe in 1823 to oppose European interference in Latin America. In the early 1900s, former US president Theodore Roosevelt expanded the doctrine to justify military intervention across the region. As a result, US Marines were sent into Santo Domingo in 1904, Nicaragua in 1911, and Haiti in 1915, according to an article on the website of the US National Archives and Records Administration.

In addition to direct intervention, the US also undertook dollar diplomacy - supposedly replacing bullets for dollars - aimed at expanding US financial capital in Latin America and fostering regional dependency on the US. The imposition of Panamanian independence and the construction of the canal are prominent examples of this policy, as are the numerous armed interventions in Central America, according to a paper released in 2020 by International Organisations Research Journal published by the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Russia.

With these practices, the Monroe Doctrine, originally designed to prevent other major world powers from meddling in Latin America, evolved into a pretext for the US to turn the region into its so-called "backyard."

More grievously, in the aftermath of World War II, the US leveraged the Central Intelligence Agency for decades to infiltrate and meddle in the political affairs of Latin American nations. This trapped some countries in prolonged political instability and social deprivation, gravely derailing their paths toward modernization, Sun Yanfeng, director of Latin American research at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

One notable example occurred in December 1989, when the US invaded Panama, overthrowing Manuel Antonio Noriega's regime and seeking long-term control over the Panama Canal. Noriega surrendered to the US authorities on January 3, 1990, the same date of the forcible seizure of Maduro.

While the US continues to pursue its "America First" agenda under the banner of the Monroe Doctrine, people across Latin America have gradually awakened. Resistance against US aggression, intervention, economic colonization and ideological control has steadily grown in the region since the 1990s after a number of anti-US left-wing forces successively came to power in several Latin American countries. At the same time, more Latin American countries have sought to pursue autonomous diplomatic policies and actively expand cooperation with both regional partners and countries beyond the hemisphere, opening up new space for their own development, according to a paper published on the Journal of Latin American Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in April 2020.

It is against this backdrop that the Monroe Doctrine was widely described by experts and politicians as outdated. The US administration also appeared to acknowledge the shift. In November 2013 during a speech at the Organization of American States, former secretary of state John Kerry said that "the era of the Monroe Doctrine is over," according to Fox News.

However, the Monroe Doctrine began to re-emerge at the forefront of the US policy agenda during Donald Trump's first term, as Washington sought ways to address mounting domestic pressure and external challenges, according to another paper released in October 2025 by the Institute of Latin America Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

During the Biden administration, policy directions and agenda priorities hinted at the emergence of a new Monroe Doctrine. Following the inauguration of Trump's second term, this new version has surged back into prominence and entered a phase of full-scale implementation, the paper said.

'Far more radical'

In the 2025 National Security Strategy, the Trump administration vowed to enforce a "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, according to a document released on the White House website.

The core goal of the shift is to secure US hegemony in the Western Hemisphere amid the country's declining power and to build a US-led regional order that excludes non-regional players, Sun said.

To achieve its goal in the Western Hemisphere, the Trump administration has sought to remove Venezuela, a standard-bearer of the anti-US camp in the Western Hemisphere and "a thorn in the US side," according to Sun.

On the other hand, this year coincides with both the US midterm elections and the country's 250th anniversary. Plagued by domestic political struggles, the Trump administration is in urgent need of a high-profile political achievement to strengthen its position, Sun said.

Another reason behind the shift is the Trump administration's perception of a growing "threat" as Latin American countries, especially major ones, are opening up their economies not only to the US but to a broader range of partners, and in some cases forming competitive ties with the US, according to Lu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Therefore, the US does not hesitate to employ coercive means, even overt military force, to expand its economic control over Latin America, and this is the core of the so-called Don-roe Doctrine, Lu said.

He noted that the Don-roe Doctrine is notably characterized by the primacy of "might makes right," a guiding principle rooted in the era of colonialism.

"Compared with the original Monroe Doctrine, Trump's version is far more radical. It has shifted from 'defense' to 'offense,' proactively interfering in the internal affairs of Latin American countries through hegemonic means and even directly violating the interests of sovereign states," Xu explained to the Global Times.

Against global trends

According to Reuters, Trump claimed at a Saturday press conference that his administration would "run" Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," which experts contacted by the Global Times said is clearly illegal.

After the forcible seizure of Maduro, the Trump administration also took jabs at other Latin American leaders, including Gustavo Petro of Colombia and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, according to The New York Times.

While the Trump-version Monroe Doctrine may appear to be a strategic pivot in which the US is shifting the focus of its security strategy to the Western Hemisphere, the underlying intent of great-power competition is actually growing stronger.

Pan Deng, director of the Latin America and Caribbean Region Law Center of China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times that the Venezuela incident marks a major shift in US policy toward Latin America - moving away from relative neglect over the years and back onto a path of high-profile intervention and coercive pressure.

In fact, the two Trump administrations have launched a series of targeted operations to "take down Latin American countries one by one." On the political front, the first Trump administration placed Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and the subsequent sanctions inflicted a severe blow to Cuba's economy.

Economic weapons have also been wielded frequently to repeatedly threaten to impose additional tariffs on Latin American countries. In terms of plundering regional resources, seizing strategic assets and even territorial expansion, the Trump administration has repeatedly made public threats to rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America" since returning back to the White House.

The US may have announced the end of the Monroe Doctrine, but the fact is, for the past more than 200 years, hegemonism and power politics, which is intrinsic in the Doctrine, is far from being abandoned, Lin Jian made the remarks at another press conference in August 2024, responding to protest in several Latin American countries against US interference in their internal affairs.

The US's hegemonism and power politics runs counter to the unstoppable historical trend of Latin American countries staying independent and seeking strength through unity. Such approaches will win no support and be consigned to the dustbin of history, Lin noted.

Sun told the Global Times that while the US is once again attempting to extend its "long arm" into Latin America, the region is no longer what it once was. In recent years, Latin American countries have worked to strengthen unity and weather shared challenges. They have actively seized opportunities arising from the development of the Global South and expanded cooperation with countries in Asia and Africa.

During the seventh summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in 2023, the bloc released the Declaration of Buenos Aires, sending a strong message in favor of regional cooperation and integration, and in opposition to foreign interference.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, also warned a probable spillover effect of the resurgence of Monroe Doctrine from Latin American to the other regions, which could trigger greater global instability and deliver a subversive blow to the international order and established rules.

However, at the same time, it may also generate a sense of urgency that pushes more countries to strengthen solidarity, coordination, and cooperation. This applies not only to Global South nations, but also to other countries that may similarly intensify efforts to uphold multilateralism, safeguard peace, and defend international law and rules, Li said.

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Sudden increase in US military aircraft to Europe prompts speculation, worries Europeans amid US president's fresh Greenland claim after Venezuela operation

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jan 06, 2026 08:07 PM

Following the US' sudden raid on Venezuela, which triggered concerns from many countries, some defense-focused media reported that there has been a sudden surge of US aircraft to Europe, prompting speculation of future special operations in the region. The deployment comes amid the US' Venezuela takeover fueling fresh worry about a US taking over Greenland.

The sudden increase of US aircraft to Europe included C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets, possibly packed with helicopters, emanating from the home of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, and a shadowy special operations turboprop aircraft, defense news website The War Zone (TWZ) reported on Monday.

The deployments of these aircraft increasingly seem like they are in support of a future operation to board the Russian-flagged Crude Oil Tanker Marinera, which until recently has been known as the Bella-1, and has been pursued by the US Coast Guard since last month, the TWZ said.

Citing flight tacking data, the UK Defence Journal said there was an increase in US Air Force strategic airlift activity, including multiple C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft arriving at RAF Fairford, alongside the arrival of two AC-130 gunships at RAF Mildenhall.

Approximately 10 C-17 movements have been observed over a short period, with most flights originating from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, per the journal.

Recent US military air movements into the UK indicate a redeployment of American special forces into Europe, following a period of heightened operational activity linked to events in Venezuela, UK Defence Journal understands.

Though the reason for such sudden increase of US aircraft in the region remains unknown, the increase of aircraft coincided with the fresh concerns over the US President Donald Trump's claims on Greenland, which drew attention and speculation in Europe from specialists to netizens.

"Lots of US Spec Ops aircraft have been transiting the UK in recent days, en route to Europe, including reports of aircraft originating from the 160th Spec Ops Air Regiment aka 'Nightstalkers' who supported the raid on Maduro in Venezuela...Another possible action in Europe?" a former British Army officer Ed McGuinness said in a X post on Tuesday.

Another netizen @Fahadnaimb who claims to be licensed aircraft maintenance engineer said in a X post on Monday that "US special ops air ramping hard through Europe to Gulf early 2026 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) elements parked at RAF Fairford UK, two AC-130J gunships touched down nearby, C-17s flowing Ramstein Germany straight to Al Udeid Qatar and Saudi bases. Classic staging play. So, quiet but loud message. Post-Venezuela shift, Iran/Houthi prep, or just a routine flex? What's your take on the timing?"

A London-based commentator @Microinteracti1 said in a X post on Monday that the US special forces movements through Britain "hint at a fast pivot back into Europe after Venezuela."

"The main phase of the Venezuela operation appears to be over, but the operational details remain deliberately foggy: which units, where in Europe, and what comes next," he said.

Some netizens also speculated that whether the US air movement to Europe could target the Middle East.

"Middle East strike upcoming?" netizen @RandomHeroWX said in a X post on Sunday in commenting on the transatlantic flights from the US to various air bases across Europe.

In the latest interview with CNN, Stephen Miller, a top aide to Trump, asserted on Monday that Greenland rightfully belonged to the US and that the Trump administration could seize the Greenland territory if it wanted.

"Nobody's going to fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland," Miller told Jake Tapper, the CNN host, after being asked repeatedly whether he would rule out using military force, the New York Times (NYT) reported.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday an American takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance, the AP reported.

Germany also indicated Monday that European allies would be prepared to step in, NBC News said.

"Since Denmark is a member of NATO, Greenland will, in principle, also be subject to NATO defense," Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in Lithuania, per NBC News.

A Chinese expert said Europe's current mindset is complex and conflicted.

Europe is highly nervous at present and Denmark's prime minister has issued strong statement, warning that any such takeover would mean the collapse of the entire NATO system, meanwhile, as the leading power within NATO, the US already enjoys significantindeed, largely dominantroom for influence over Greenland, Jiang Feng, a researcher at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Regional Studies Association, told the Global Times.

Denmark's prime minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday that Denmark was a member of NATO and that a defense agreement with the US already gave Washington "wide access to Greenland," the NYT said.

"This in itself reveals that Europe still harbors a certain degree of expectation, or even illusion, regarding the US," Jiang said, noting that when the US openly violates international law by using force against another country and illegally seizing its president and taking him to the US, some European countries have failed to take a clear and firm stance in opposition.

This ambiguity reflects not only an illusion about American hegemony, but also a form of appeasement that in effect encourages the current expansionist and aggressive behavior of the US, Jiang added.

Ultimately, this shows that Europe is now facing the consequences of its own ambiguous stance regarding international rules and international law, Jiang added.

Rising concerns across Europe have also been palpable in some European media.

"US-Venezuela: Is Greenland next and could the EU protect it?" German media Deutsche Welle said in a headline of a story on Monday.

This is not the first time Trump has floated the idea of annexing Greenland. He's offered to buy it more than once and has not ruled out military force either, DW said. But the renewed rhetoric comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, raising questions about how Europe would respond if words turned into action, according to the German media.

Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark said in a joint statement on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

Euro News also said on Monday that Washington's unprecedented operation in Venezuela resulting in the capture of Nicolas Maduro has reignited fears for Greenland, which Trump has said he wants to annex, given its strategic location in the Arctic.

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Chinese FM urges the US to immediately release Maduro and his wife when commenting on Maduro pleaded not guilty to all charges in court

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:37 PM

The US side, disregarding President Nicolas Maduro's status as a head of state, openly indicted him at a domestic court and conducted a so-called "trial," which seriously violated Venezuela's sovereignty and seriously undermined the stability of international relations. No country should place its rules above international law, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday when asked for comments on report that Maduro pleaded not guilty on all charges during his first appearance in a New York court on Monday, saying he is not guilty and is still president of his country. "The Chinese side urges the US to release President Maduro and his wife immediately and ensure their safety," Mao added.

President Maduro made his first court appearance Monday morning in New York after he was forcefully seized by US forces in his country, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he is faced with, US media reported. "I am not guilty," Maduro said in the court, "I am a decent man, I am president of my country," Maduro added, NBC reported.

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Chinese FM responds to whether China recognizes Venezuelan interim government led by Rodriguez

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:17 PM

In response to question of whether the Chinese side recognizes the interim government of Venezuela led by Delcy Rodriguez and whether China will call for sanctions against the US over its forceful seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and respects the arrangements made by the Venezuelan government in accordance with its own constitution and laws.

On the second question, the spokesperson said that the US, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has disregarded the serious concerns of the international community and wantonly trampled on Venezuela's sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests. China firmly opposes this. "We support the Security Council in fulfilling its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security," the spokesperson added.

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Envoys condemn US military action against Venezuela at UN meeting

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 01:06 PM

The US forcible seizing of Venezuela's leader has faced strong criticism from both America's partners and other countries at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, according to media reports.

At the UN Security Council emergency meeting, President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Annalena Baerbock stressed respect for the UN Charter and international law, and envoys from multiple countries including China, Russia and Columbia voiced their condemnation and concern of the US military action against Venezuela.

Among US allies, France was by far the most outspoken at the meeting, BBC reported. The deputy ambassador, Jay Dharmadhikari, said Maduro's taking by the US runs "counter to the principle of peaceful dispute resolution and runs counter to the principle of the non-use of force".

The deputy UN ambassador for Denmark, Sandra Jensen Landi, voiced her country's "deep concern" at the evolving situation and said: "These developments constitute a dangerous precedent. International law and the UN Charter... must be respected."

According to Xinhua, at the UN Security Council emergency meeting, President of UNGA Annalena Baerbock said in a statement, "The UN Charter is not optional - it is our guiding framework, in moments of calm and in times of crisis, like in Venezuela today, culminating with the United States military action."

The statement noted that Article 2 of the UN Charter clearly stipulates that all members of the United Nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

Venezuelan UN ambassador Samuel Moncada told the emergency meeting that Venezuela urges the Security Council to fully assume its responsibility and act in accordance with the mandate conferred on it by the UN Charter, Xinhua reported.

"In that regard, we request that the government of the United States of America be demanded to fully respect the immunities of (Venezuelan) President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, as well as their immediate release and safe return to Venezuela," said Moncada.



Russian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said "We firmly condemn the act of armed aggression by the United States against Venezuela in breach of all norms of international law," Xinhua reported.



He called on the US leadership to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, both currently being held in New York.

Colombia's permanent representative to the United Nations Leonor Zalabata told the UN Security Council that "Colombia condemns categorically the events that occurred in the early morning of the 3rd of January in Venezuela, where we saw multiple explosions and air activity over Caracas and other areas of the country as part of the military attack carried out by the United States ... All of this represents clear violations of the sovereignty, political independence and the territorial integrity of Venezuela," she said at a Security Council emergency meeting.

Despite the sweeping criticism from representatives of UN member countries at the emergency meeting, US ambassador Mike Waltz to the UN claimed the forcible seizing of Maduro was a "law-enforcement" operation against an illegitimate leader responsible for both drug trafficking and terrorism.

Waltz told the Council, "You cannot continue to have the largest energy reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the US."

Sun Lei, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, strongly condemned the U.S. military action against Venezuela at the UN Security Council emergency meeting.

For some time now, the international community has repeatedly expressed grave concerns over the US sanctions, blockade, and threats of force against Venezuela. However, as a permanent member of the Security Council, the United States has disregarded the grave concerns of the international community, wantonly trampled on Venezuela's sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, and seriously violated the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations, he said.

Also out of the UNGA meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday at a press conference after a cabinet meeting that he has told US President Donald Trump that "Venezuela should not be dragged into instability." "We do not condone any action that violates political legitimacy and international law, anywhere in the world," Erdogan said at the press conference.

About 1,500 people demonstrated on Monday evening in front of the Simon Bolivar statue in the Portuguese capital to protest what they described as an illegal attack by the United States on Venezuela, according to Lusa News Agency on Monday.

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Iran condemns repeated Israeli air strikes on Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 6, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The Foreign Ministry spokesperson has condemned repeated Israeli military attacks on Lebanon, denouncing recent air strikes on the country's south and the Bekaa Valley.

Esmaeil Baqaei said on Tuesday that the strikes had targeted residential and industrial areas as well as urban infrastructure, calling them a clear violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The spokesperson expressed solidarity with the Lebanese government and people and conveyed condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks.

He also said Israel had repeatedly violated its ceasefire agreement with Lebanon over the past year, stressing the responsibility of guarantors of the truce and urging the international community, the United Nations and regional countries to take more serious action to confront Israeli aggression and escalation.

9341**4353

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Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
Venezuelan FM lauds Iran's stance in condemnation of US' military aggression against his country

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 6, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Yvan Gil Pinto, has appreciated Iran for its stance condemning the military aggression against his country.

Pinto shared parts of Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei's press conference on Monday, regarding the abduction of the President of Venezuela and his wife on his X account, and expressed gratitude to Iran for its stance condemning the United States' military aggression against Venezuelan territory.

On behalf of the Bolivarian Government, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its firm demand for releasing the legitimate President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady Cilia Flores, the message reads.

Commenting on the US attack on Venezuela and the abduction of its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Baqaei described these developments as "very dangerous," saying that violations of a country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity are entirely unjustifiable.

"What we know today as the Charter of the United Nations and contemporary international law is the result of humanity's experience in the aftermath of the world wars. Therefore, this action is absolutely condemned and rejected, and those who have committed this crime must be held accountable before the international community," Baqaei said, warning that violators of international law would be emboldened if not met with strong opposition from the global community.

"The abduction of a country's president and his spouse is by no means a source of pride; it is a completely illegal act, and as Venezuelan officials and the Venezuelan people themselves have emphasized, their president must be released," the spokesperson said.

9376**7129

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FM Sa'ar on official visit to Somaliland

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FM Sa'ar held meetings with the President and senior government officials. The meetings took place at the official Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.

Type: Press Releases

Topic: Foreign Policy

Publish Date: 06.01.2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar held an official visit in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, today (Tuesday, 6 January 2026), at the invitation of Somaliland's President. The visit was conducted discretely based on the security services' instructions and can now officially be made public.

The visit was held at the invitation of the President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. During the visit, Foreign Minister Sa'ar held meetings with the President and senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam, Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi, and Chief of Staff Brigadier-General Nimcan Yusuf Osman. The meetings took place at the official Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. Speaker of the House of Elders Suleiman Mohamoud Adan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yasin Haji Mohamoud also participated in the meetings.

The President of Somaliland and Foreign Minister Sa'ar delivered joint statements.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's Full Statement:

"Mr. President,

It's an honor to be in Hargeisa on this historic visit. Thank you, Mr. President, for your personal invitation and gracious hospitality. Over the past year, relations between Israel and Somaliland have taken shape. I want to thank you for your close partnership and visionary leadership. I also want to praise Prime Minister Netanyahu for his decision and leadership.

Mr. President,

It is an historic journey.

I held meetings with you and your team. We had an ongoing and extensive dialogue for many months.

The relations that we built are based on trust and mutual respect.

Eventually, on December 26th, Israel and Somaliland signed an historic agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations. We agreed on the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. We'll get that done soon. We agreed to work together to promote relations between our countries, for the sake of mutual prosperity. We want to build an enduring and warm friendship - not only between governments - also between the people of Somaliland and the people of Israel.

Since December 26th, we've seen the authentic joy on display in Somaliland - and also in Israel. We are truly moved to play a part in Somaliland's bold journey from independence to recognition.

Following my instruction, the Foreign Ministry is working hard to build our ties across a wide range of fields: economy, agriculture, and much more. We recognize that water supply is a key sector for Somaliland. Therefore, we're glad to provide our assistance and expertise on this matter. A water expert was already in Somaliland. He conducted a survey on the natural resources and means of delivery.

In the coming months, we'll bring local professionals from Somaliland's water sector to Israel for training. We'll also send Israeli experts here to help implement the new capabilities. In recent years, 49 children from Somaliland have undergone life-saving heart surgery in Israel. We're eager to help in medicine too and also in education. We will also cooperate on Defense and develop a strategic partnership.

***

Somaliland first gained its independence in 1960 from British Colonial rule. Israel was then among the 35 countries to recognize an independent Somaliland. Later - it united with Somalia under Italian rule - to form a single Federal state. But in the 1980s, as we know this region underwent a brutal civil war. Israel was the only nation to condemn - at the United Nations - the horrific mass-murder of 200,000 of your people then. We stood by you then as we stand by you today. In 1991 - following these atrocities - Somaliland decided to restore its independence.

Unlike "Palestine", Somaliland is not a virtual state. It's a functioning state. Somaliland is a fully-functioning country based on the principles of international law. Somaliland is - and has been - a stable democracy for nearly 35 years. It has democratic elections - most recently in November 2024 - and peaceful transitions of power. It's pro-Western and friendly to Israel.

Mr. President,

Israel is truly honored to be the first UN member-state to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This is the moral thing to do and this is what we did.

We hear the attacks, the criticism, the condemnations. Nobody will determine for Israel who we recognize and who we maintain diplomatic relations with. I want to remind that the 2005 African Union fact-finding mission stated that Somaliland's search for recognition is "self-justified". It listed Somaliland's Constitution, defined borders and democratic character.

We recognize the simple truth and the existing reality. We hope to see other nations soon follow suit. An independent Somaliland rightfully deserves its place among the nations. I welcome Somaliland's intention to join the Abraham Accords. This is a natural connection between democratic countries - both, in challenging regions.

Mr. President, in our meeting I restated Prime Minister Netanyahu's invitation for you to come on a state visit to Israel. We hope to welcome you to Jerusalem very soon. In the words of Somaliland's National Anthem, may your nation live in eternal peace. May these historic days and moments be the beginning of a close friendship between our nations for many years to come. God bless Somaliland. God bless Israel."

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Israeli occupation demolishes 101 homes as pastoral settlement activity increases in the West Bank in 2025  Israeli Crimes and the Third Wave of Rain Compound the Suffering of Gazans

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

06-01-2026

The OIC Media Observatory on Israeli Crimes Against Palestinians recorded that between December 30, 2025, and January 5, 2025, Israel murdered a total of 124 Palestinians across various Palestinian territories. This figure includes the killing of 8 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by direct fire from Israeli occupation forces, the recovery of the bodies of 4 others, and the confirmation of 110 additional Palestinians killed during the aggression before the ceasefire. Additionally, 55 Palestinians were injured in ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israeli occupation forces. The OIC Media Observatory also recorded the killing of 2 Palestinians in the West Bank and the injuring of 24 others. The total number of Palestinians killed between October 7, 2023, and January 5, 2026, stands at 72,496, with 180,604 injured.

The Israeli occupation forces have not ceased their crimes. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the killing of 422 Palestinians since the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The OIC Observatory documented artillery and airstrikes in Beit Lahia, Shuja'iyya, Rafah, and Tuffah, where more buildings were demolished.

The suffering of displaced people in the Gaza Strip has intensified as they endure the third storm, bringing cold and rain, amidst a shortage of tents, and the fact that many are not waterproof. This has exacerbated the already dire living conditions for the residents of the Strip.

In the West Bank and occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem), the OIC Observatory recorded the continued violation of the sanctity of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque on an almost daily basis by Israeli extremists. Meanwhile, cities and villages in the West Bank were subjected to 364 raids, some of which included the demolition of 100 homes in the Nur Shams camp in Tulkarm, and another home in Al-Quds. The occupation forces also arrested 228 Palestinians during their raids in one week, confiscated an excavator in the vicinity of Salfit, blocked an artesian well in Ramallah, and confiscated 800 Jordanian dinars from a Palestinian in Bethlehem.

Regarding attacks on Palestinian children, Israeli occupation forces killed a girl in the Gaza Strip and injured three children in the West Bank. Settlers also injured a child in Bethlehem, and during a raid on the town of Beit Fajjar, Israeli forces removed the gate of the town's secondary school.

In seven days, settlers carried out 62 attacks on various cities and villages in the West Bank. During these attacks, settlers damaged several homes in the Al-Qudsarea, a vehicle belonging to a foreign solidarity activist, destroyed solar panels and spotlights, uprooted olive trees, cut branches off other trees, stole a wood-burning stove, vandalized an agricultural greenhouse, stole a mobile phone and spotlights, looted two barns before demolishing them in the Hebron area, and damaged irrigation lines in the Nablus area. In addition, there were two settlement activities over the past seven days, including settlers plowing two agricultural plots in the Al-Auja waterfall area in Jericho and in the Umm al-Jamal area in the northern Jordan Valley, with the intention of seizing them.

The number of Israeli crimes, as documented in the OIC Observatory's report, reached 1,049 across various areas of occupied Palestine.

According to a report issued by the OIC's representative office in Ramallah, 2025 witnessed a surge in "pastoral settlements" following the establishment of 100 new settlement pastoral outposts in various parts of the West Bank. This was accompanied by attacks on Palestinians, the theft of their livestock, the grazing of livestock on Palestinian land, and the forced displacement of others from their homes.

Ramallah Governorate was the biggest victim of settler attacks, witnessing 1,178 attacks in one year, followed by Nablus Governorate with 1,128 attacks, then Hebron with 1,097, Tubas with 418, Salfit with 412, followed by Jericho with 350 attacks, Bethlehem with 315, Qalqilya with 143, Tulkarm with 84, and finally Jenin with 60 attacks, according to what was documented by eyewitnesses, NGOs and activists, apart from various other attacks that could not be documented.

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U.S. lawmakers slam Trump administration's military strike on Venezuela

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:13, January 06, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. lawmakers across party lines have voiced opposition or skepticism toward the Trump administration's military strike against Venezuela over the weekend.

The "drastic military operation by President (Donald) Trump on Venezuelan soil is entirely inconsistent with what his cabinet repeatedly briefed to Congress and goes against the expressed wishes of the American people," Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement Saturday.

"The Administration consistently misled the American people and their elected representatives by offering three differing and contradictory explanations for its actions," said Shaheen.

In a post on the social platform X, Andy Kim, Democratic Senator from New Jersey, said, "Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn't about regime change. I didn't trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress."

"Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war," said Kim.

"It puts Americans at risk in Venezuela and the region, and it sends a horrible and disturbing signal to other powerful leaders across the globe that targeting a head of state is an acceptable policy for the U.S. government," Kim added.

Democratic congressman from Colorado Jason Crow, member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, wrote on X: "The Trump Administration repeatedly lied to Congress and the American people about Venezuela. Over and over, officials testified that this was not about regime change."

"Donald Trump has already done incalculable damage to America's reputation. We have to prevent this from spiraling into another nation-building disaster," said Crow.

"This operation is illegal under international law and unconstitutional without prior congressional approval," said Democratic Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a statement.

"The United States should not be running other countries for any reason. We should have learned by now not to get involved in endless wars and regime change missions that carry catastrophic consequences for Americans," said Schatz.

"This war is illegal," Ruben Gallego, Democratic Senator from Arizona, said on Saturday. "There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela."

On Monday, Gallego said in another post on X that Trump briefed oil executives on the Venezuela operation before Congress. "If you were wondering who this war is really for, he just told you: his billionaire oil friends. Not the American people," he said.

In a statement, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said, "Not only has the Trump administration not sought congressional approval, they did not even notify members of either party in Congress until after the strike had concluded."

"Our Constitution requires the administration to seek congressional approval, in the form of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force, before they take any further action to commit U.S. troops or take military strikes against Venezuela."

Republican lawmakers are also among those questioning the move.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie harshly criticized the operation. "Wake up MAGA. VENEZUELA is not about drugs; it's about OIL and REGIME CHANGE. This is not what we voted for," Massie wrote Sunday on X.

In a lengthy post on X, Congresswoman from Georgia Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote, "Americans disgust with our own government's never ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified because we are forced to pay for it and both parties, Republicans and Democrats, always keep the Washington military machine funded and going."

"This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong," said Greene, once a prominent MAGA ally who has publicly broken with Trump in recent months.

"The Trump administration's briefing on Venezuela posed far more questions than it answered," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X Monday.

"When the United States engages in this kind of regime change and so-called nation building, it always ends up hurting the United States. I left the briefing feeling that it would again," he said.

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AFP upholds Constitution amid call to reject corruption

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 6, 2026, 1:58 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday maintained that it respects the Constitution and stressed that civilian authority remains paramount even as former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson called on AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to take a more public stand against alleged corruption in government.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, at a press briefing Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, said they have taken note of Singson's statements and stressed that the military maintains "unwavering adherence to the 1987 Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 3, which explicitly states that civilian authority, is at all times, supreme over the military."

She added that the AFP operates strictly within a "chain of command that is anchored on this supremacy."

Also, Padilla said the AFP performs its duties under "civilian authority" and employs force solely to fulfill its constitutional role as "protector of the people and the State."

"By remaining disciplined, professional and united, the AFP ensures that this force is employed solely for constitutional goals: to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory," she added.

She said that while the AFP consistently supported calls for good governance and anti-corruption efforts, allegations involving civilian governance, public finance, or economic policy fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of civilian courts and oversight bodiesnot the military and must be addressed through established legal processes.

"Within our own ranks, the AFP maintains zero tolerance for misconduct," Padilla said. She added that valid complaints against personnel are acted upon swiftly through internal mechanisms and proper courts.

Padilla also said the AFP does not shield offenders.

"At a time when national unity is paramount to defend our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, we urge the public to be discerning: We must be vigilant against narratives that masquerade as patriotism but, in reality, align with and advance the interest of foreign entities seeking to encroach upon our territory," she added.

Singson earlier called on Brawner to publicly denounce what he described as "massive and systemic corruption", arguing that internal decay, not foreign threats, poses the gravest danger to the country.

The former Ilocos Sur governor also insisted his appeal did not seek to undermine civilian authority or violate the Constitution. (PNA)

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How Will Turmoil In Oil-Rich Venezuela Impact Trade With Far-Flung Partners?

By Ray Furlong January 06, 2026

Summary

The US military strike in Venezuela and comments by President Donald Trump raise the possibility of US control over the world's largest oil reserves.

Russia, Iran, China, and Cuba could face economic and energy impacts if US influence over Venezuelan oil grows.

Venezuela's oil industry needs major investment after years of decline, making rapid production increases unlikely.

The US military strikes in Venezuela and comments afterwards by President Donald Trump have raised the prospect of a massive increase in Venezuelan oil production under US control.

It's not clear when, how, or even if this can happen. But Venezuela has the world's largest proven reserves and Trump has suggested that US companies can bring them to market.

Venezuela's extra-heavy crude is highly sought after as it's ideal for specialized refineries -- such as those on the US Gulf Coast -- that have coker units allowing them to process this dense oil into high-margin products like gasoline and diesel fuel.

With the situation still in flux, this is one of several potential impacts for the global economy -- and Venezuela's key partners: Russia, Iran, China, and Cuba.

Russia

Strong supply meant oil prices saw their biggest annual fall in 2025 since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a collapse in global economic activity in 2020.

For Moscow, these declines have already hit and events in Venezuela following the detention of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could add to the pain.

"If our American 'partners' get control of the oil fields in Venezuela," wrote oligarch Oleg Deripaska on January 3, "they will control more than half of the world's oil reserves. They probably plan that our oil prices don't go higher than $50 per barrel."

Deripaska is one of the few oligarchs to have criticized Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But his comments reflect the Kremlin's interest in keeping oil prices high.

"The prospect of the United States gaining influence over Venezuelan oil production...is clearly unwelcome in Moscow," Berlin-based political analyst Alexandra Sitenko told RFE/RL.

It's not clear if the United States will gain control of Venezuela's oil. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, sworn in by Venezuela's parliament on January 5, has made vague comments about cooperating with Washington on development, but the strength of her grip on power and what she aims to do with it are also unclear.

"Substantial investments would be required for Venezuela to reverse the declines in production seen in recent decades," a spokesman for the International Energy Agency (IEA) told RFE/RL.

Sitenko said that given these challenges, caused by long-term mismanagement and international sanctions, ramping up production would be time-consuming.

"Strategically, the Kremlin is likely more concerned with market power than with volumes alone. Expanded US influence over Venezuelan oil would strengthen Washington's ability to shape global energy flows and pricing, potentially undermining coordination mechanisms such as OPEC+, on which Russia also relies to stabilize its revenues," Sitenko added.

Amid Venezuela's pariah status, Western companies have left the country, with the notable exception of US oil major Chevron.

"Where [the sector] is not destroyed, there are Russian, Iranian, and Chinese companies. Of course, the United States wants to push them out," political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky told RFE/RL's Russian Service.

On the other hand, there could be space for collaboration. Washington has signaled it is interested in economic benefits from working with Moscow. The National Security Strategy talks of the wish to "reestablish strategic stability with Russia."

Russia has also felt threatened by President Trump's announcement in December of a blockade of sanctioned tankers heading to or from Venezuela -- upping risk and uncertainty levels for Russian shadow fleet tankers, which Moscow uses to evade sanctions.

Iran

The blockade is one of many things exposing Iran to the same risks as Russia, as highlighted last month when US forces seized a tanker that was part of Iran's shadow fleet as it was sailing off the coast of Venezuela.

The country has helped Iran to evade international sanctions for years.

A key product, which Venezuela has also sourced from Russia, is diluent -- agents for diluting Venezuela's thick, heavy grade of crude oil. Using shadow fleet vessels, Iran has exported large quantities of diluent to Venezuela in exchange for oil (that it has shipped to China) and gold.

Venezuela has also been a buyer of Iranian weapons, with the latest US sanctions relating to the trade announced on December 30. It notes purchases of drones and "conventional weapons" as well as chemicals for ballistic missiles.

The future of these lucrative trades looks uncertain, to say the least, amid the current massive US naval presence in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, even amid Iran's own ongoing political turmoil, some Iranian media speculated that the fate of Venezuela's $2-billion debt to Tehran was in doubt.

China

China is another key partner for Venezuela and said it "strongly condemns the US blatant use of force against a sovereign state."

The last sighting of Maduro, hours before his capture by US forces, was at a meeting with Qiu Xiaoqi, China's envoy for Latin American affairs. Maduro also met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Moscow last year.

Alongside the diplomatic contacts, China has also been Venezuela's main oil customer, according to the IEA.

Daniel Sternoff from the Center on Global Energy Policy at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, suggested US control of Venezuela's industry could endanger those supplies.

"Venezuelan crude exports could be meaningfully redirected away from China and towards the US Gulf Coast," he wrote on January 4.

But while this trade has been important for Caracas, it's perhaps less so for Beijing.

China covers approximately 4 percent to 5 percent of its oil imports from Venezuela. Losing some or all of that would be a blow, but not a catastrophe.

And, as work continues to renegotiate the China-US trade relationship, Venezuelan oil is only part of a much bigger picture.

At any rate, President Trump has sought to play down speculation that these supplies would be curtailed. "They're going to get oil," he told Fox and Friends on January 3.

Another important aspect of the economic relationship is Venezuela's estimated 10-billion-dollar debt to China. This is partly covered by the oil exports.

Like Russia and Iran, China has also invested in Venezuela's economy, pumping in some $18 billion since 2005 according to an online tracker by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). In a commentary on January 3, American Enterprise Institute (AEI) senior fellow Hal Brands suggested it would not give up on investments in Latin America.

"Trump has served notice that there's only one great power in the Americas, when it comes to military muscle...But China will keep seeking economic, technological and political ties in the region, as part of a play for long-term advantage," he wrote.

Cuba

Perhaps no country is so vulnerable to the overspill effects of US action in Venezuela than Cuba.

The cash-strapped country is heavily reliant on Venezuela for energy supplies, which it has received at heavily subsidized, bargain basement prices.

"Venezuela supplies Cuba today with approximately 35,000 barrels per day of oil; which represents 50 percent of the Island's oil deficit," Jorge Pinon of the University of Texas at Austin told RFE/RL.

"Cuba does not have the financial resources to purchase that possible shortfall" he said, adding that to avoid an economic collapse "the US government could request Venezuela to continue supplying Cuba with oil."

US sanctions enforcement has already led to energy supplies dwindling, and Cuba has been suffering increasing amounts of blackouts -- hitting both residential properties and industry.

Trump has commented that Cuba was "going down for the count."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/oil-venezuela-trade-partners- russia-china-iran/33641204.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Wider Europe Briefing: Against All Odds, 2026 Might Actually Turn Out Pretty Well For The EU

By Rikard Jozwiak January 06, 2026

2026: The EU Might Actually Do Rather Well This Year

Around this time of year, I always try to make a bold claim for the new year. For 2025, I was speculating that Transnistria and Moldova might reunite -- something that didn't even come close to happening. So, for 2026, I will make an even more outrageous claim. I predict that the European Union will actually do rather well.

It's fair to say that there is a lot of doom and gloom in Brussels these days. Largely overlooked in talks over a potential future settlement of Russia's war in Ukraine, facing countless hybrid attacks such as severed undersea cables and drone incursions, and enduring fraying transatlantic relations with a White House openly questioning the bloc have all taken their toll on Brussels. Rarely has the club been tested so much from all angles. "A sheep in a brand-new world of predators," as one EU diplomat recently put it.

And frankly, it shouldn't be better this year with the United States potentially pulling more of its troops out of the continent and stepping up support for various Eurosceptic parties, Ukraine either being forced to accept a humiliating deal with Moscow or being pushed back further militarily by a resurgent Russia that even might test an EU or NATO country - something that European officials have been warning about and cautioned that they aren't really ready to face alone.

But there is an alternative, brighter vision for the EU -- admittedly a highly unlikely one involving some opportunities to grasp and a lot of "ifs".

Ukraine Gets The Money

Let's start with one of the major disappointments in the closing stages of last year: the failure to agree to a reparations loan for Ukraine. This was admittedly a major blow for both European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, who were pushing hard to leverage frozen Russian state assets in the bloc to generate a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine for the next two years. The rationale was, why should EU taxpayers foot the bill for Moscow's pillaging of Ukraine when Putin's cash could be used instead?

Yet, the alternative, to raise money backed by the EU budget and supported by 24 EU member states (the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia opted out) isn't actually as awful as it seems. Sure, some EU leaders lost their prestige over the reparations loan and the bloc appeared indecisive but, in the end, Kyiv will get enough money to sustain its fight against Russia for the next couple of years and the Ukrainians don't have to pay the money back until Russia pays reparations.

In the meantime, the Russian assets remain frozen for as long as the EU wishes to have them immobilized with the bloc keeping the option of using them later. It's not ideal, but it's more than any other country or organization is offering Kyiv at the moment.

Expanding The Club, Cutting Russian Energy

And then there are things that the bloc has already done that could start bearing fruit soon. Take enlargement for example. The bloc will continue to close accession chapters with Montenegro and Albania in the new year with the former now set to become the EU's 28th member state by 2028. Brussels' thinking, albeit wishful at this moment, goes that by adding Montenegro and potentially even Albania rather soon would motivate Kosovo and Serbia to engage in talks to normalize relations between them, which have been dormant for years. But given that Serbia didn't even show up at the latest EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels just before Christmas, this might be easier said than done.

With the EU having shed more members than it gained in the last decade with Brexit, adding one or even a few will give Brussels a boost by showing the EU is still an attractive club for outsiders. Iceland potentially holding a referendum this year to resume EU accession talks suspended over a decade ago would further reinforce this image.

Then there is the phase-out of Russian energy that will be more or less completed this year and will cut the bloc off from one of its longest dependencies on the Kremlin. Decided in late 2025, the prohibition of Russian gas imports for short-term contracts will apply from 25 April 2026 for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and from 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. For long-term contracts, the cutoff is 1 January 2027 for LNG and September that same year for pipeline gas.

No Big Votes!

Another thing that might help the EU is the lack of elections in 2026. If France can escape holding snap parliamentary elections, which actually seems likely at the moment, this year is a bit of an anomaly as none of the big countries actually have to face their voters nationally. That means that French President Emmanuel Macron and his counterparts in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain can start off 2026 focused on policymaking.

Sure, there are elections that will capture attention. Take the votes in two former East German regions, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt, in September in which the AfD is set to finish first. The far-right party might, for the first time, simply be too big to ignore when coalition-building starts (if it doesn't get an outright majority). This will induce a lot of soul-searching in Germany, notably as the party is also expected to get around a fifth of the vote in two other regional elections in the Western part of the country earlier in the year.

And in Slovenia's parliamentary election in March, its long-time populist maverick Janez Jansa might return to power again -- joining likeminded Brussels-bashers already in power in Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia.

The Magyar Moment

But that quartet might be short-lived, as Hungarians go to the polls in early April. And there are strong indications that Viktor Orban, who has been running the country since 2010, will be defeated by Peter Magyar -- a former Fidesz protege who turned into an opposition leader.

This would be the most consequential result for the EU this year as Orban's Hungary has been seen as a spoiler on many issues, notably related to Ukraine. While Czechia and Slovakia often side with Hungary, few believe that they will be hardline enough to block things on their own like Hungary has often done.

And while Peter Magyar and his Tisza party are rather lukewarm on Kyiv as well, Brussels would expect several Budapest vetoes simply to be lifted if they came to power. The list is long and includes EU military aid to Ukraine that has been blocked for three years, EU accession negotiations with Ukraine (and Moldova) on ice since 2024, potentially tougher sanctions on Moscow (and Minsk), and a greater readiness to channel other types of funding for the war-torn country.

Money Matters

A defeat for Orban could also make it somewhat easier to agree on a new multi-year EU budget, as the rule-of-law conditionality -- meaning that EU funds can be frozen in cases of rule-of-law transgressions -- can be kept in the framework. Hungary has had millions of euros suspended in recent years due to this conditionality, and Orban would likely try to sabotage any continuation of the mechanism.

The budget, covering the years 2028-34, should ideally be agreed at the end of 2026. The European Commission came up with its proposal earlier in 2025, an ambitious plan worth nearly 2 trillion euros, which included 100 billion euros for Ukraine and splashing around 130 billion euros on defense. The final deal will surely not be that ambitious, as many of the richer EU member states loathe seeing spiraling Brussels budgets while they normally have to be tightening the national budget back home. Expect a final agreement to be struck in 2027. However, the level of ambition will give you an indication of how serious the EU is going forward, notably in defending itself and sticking up for Ukraine beyond 2027.

Mending US Ties?

Finally, there is also the relationship with the United States, which EU officials hope will get better after a rocky 2025 in which the bloc had to accept a 15% tariff on most EU imports and saw it getting viciously attacked when it slapped a 120 million euro fine on Elon Musk's X for breaching transparency rules under the bloc's newish Digital Services Act (DSA), which entered into force in 2022.

More DSA cases against other American internet giants are in the making even though settlements might be reached before fines are meted out. Targeting Chinese internet giants might also smooth things over with Washington. Fears will remain all over the bloc, notably when it comes to any decision to pull large numbers of American troops back from the continent and that more broadsides, such as the National Security Strategy's musings about European "civilizational erasure" might continue from American officials.

But when speaking to European diplomats there is also a hope that American rhetoric will be milder given that midterm elections are coming up in November. While 2025 was a year of foreign diplomatic efforts, the thinking is that American politics will turn to domestic issues as the vote approaches. Foreign policy hardly ranks high among voter priorities when ordinary Americans go to the polling booths, leaving the transatlantic relationship to recover somewhat in 2026.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33640715.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Venezuela Classified Briefing

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: January 06, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Trump Administration on its recent military action in Venezuela:

"Yesterday's briefing outlinedin detaila highly precise military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. I thank our troops and intelligence community for their brave service and sacrifice. But the briefing raised serious questions about the strategy around this action and what comes next.

"What now must happenand what the briefing lackedis a clear, well-informed diplomatic roadmap with benchmarks for Venezuela to meet, clear timelines and the right tools to help develop and transition Venezuela following this military mission. I remain concerned that we are not there yet, and we will not get there by trading one authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro, for another illegitimate authoritarian leader who has served alongside him as part of his repressive regime. America's credibility is at stakeand our country will rise or fall depending on whether we turn this moment into an opportunity for democracy worldwide or a payday for corrupt autocrats.

"Amidst this uncertainty and instability, the President is threatening to further overextend our military by threatening action on other parts of the world and alienating our allies.

"This is all happening when many families here at home are wondering how they're going to afford their health care and home heating bills. The President is focused on anything but lowering the cost of living or addressing the pocketbook concerns of the American people.

"The onus is on President Trump to explain to the American people what is truly going on in our own hemisphere and how he intends to keep our nation safe and secure."

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Denmark Plans to Boost Military Presence in Greenland

Sputnik News

20260106

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Denmark plans to strengthen its military presence in Greenland while also placing even greater emphasis on NATO exercises, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the Danish Foreign Ministry said that the parliament's Foreign Policy Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Danish-US relations with the participation of Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Poulsen.

"We will strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also place even greater emphasis on holding exercises and increasing NATO's presence ... On this issue, we stand together with the Americans," Poulsen was quoted by the Danish TV2 broadcaster as saying.

The Danish defense minister added that Denmark, as well as Greenland are NATO members.

Following the US military intervention in Venezuela, Katie Miller, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, posted an image on X with a map of Greenland colored in the US flag, captioned "SOON." In response, Danish Ambassador to the US Jesper Moller Sorensen said that Copenhagen expected respect for the kingdom's territorial integrity. Nielsen called the image disrespectful.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Greenland should become part of the United States, citing its strategic importance for national security and NATO's presence in the Arctic. He has also called Canada the US' 51st state.

The island was a Danish colony until 1953. It has remained a part of the Kingdom of Denmark after gaining autonomy in 2009, with the ability to self-govern and determine its own domestic policy.

 Sputnik

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Many, Mostly Cubans, Killed in US Military Operation in Venezuela - Trump

Sputnik News

20260106

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday acknowledged that many people were killed by US forces during the military operation in Venezuela, adding that most of them were Cubans.

"And on the other side, a lot of people were killed [in military operation in Venezuela]. Unfortunately, I say that soldiers, Cubans, mostly Cubans, but many, many killed," Trump said during his remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat.

Trump Says US to Start Producing Weapons Faster, Will Be Tough on Companies

Trump said that the United States would start producing weapons faster and adopt a stricter stance toward defense production companies.

"Nobody has the quality of our weapons. The problem is we don't produce them fast enough. We are going to start producing them much faster," Trump said during his remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat. "We are going to be very tough on the companies."

Trump stressed that US allies want to buy the weapons but they have to wait too long to get them.

Trump Promises 'Epic' Victory for Republican Party During Midterm Elections

Donald Trump said he expects an epic victory for the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections.

"And now we are going to make history and break records with the epic midterm victory that we are going to pull off...," Trump said during his remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat.

Trump also stated that his presidency had 12 months of unprecedented success.

US Launches Fraud Probe of California - Trump

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his administration has launched a fraud investigation into the State of California, accusing governor Gavin Newsom of making it even more corrupt than Minnesota.

"California, under Governor Gavin Newscum [Newsom], is more corrupt than Minnesota, if that's possible??? The Fraud Investigation of California has begun. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

On Monday, Trump accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of involvement in a corruption scheme that siphoned off "tens of billions of taxpayer dollars," which he said had "destroyed the State of Minnesota." Trump also criticized Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, saying they had performed even worse. Amid the accusations, Walz announced that he would not seek reelection.

On December 1, New York Post reported that the US House Oversight Committee and the US Treasury Department had launched an investigation into Walz in connection with his involvement in "massive fraud" in which Somali immigrants defrauded taxpayers of more than $1 billion.

 Sputnik

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Russia Lends Support to Venezuelan Vice-President

Sputnik News

20260106

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Venezuelan government to protect state sovereignty and national interests, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"We welcome the efforts undertaken by the government of this country [Venezuela] to protect state sovereignty and national interests. We reaffirm Russia's unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and the government," the statement said.

At the same time, the ministry wished success to interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez in addressing the tasks which the country faces. The ministry also expressed support for de-escalating the crisis in Venezuela and resolving issues by dialogue, and respect for international legal norms, above all, the UN Charter.

"Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace. The sovereign development of the countries of the region must be guaranteed ... We firmly stand on the stance that Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive external interference, " the ministry said.

Furthermore, the ministry added that it is ready to continue providing the necessary support to friendly Venezuela.

 Sputnik

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US Undermines Global Stability by Capturing Maduro - Chinese Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20260106

BEIJING (Sputnik) - The United States has undermined the stability of international relations by capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

"The United States ignored the status of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as head of state, openly brought charges against him and held a so-called court session in its internal court, which seriously violated Venezuela's state sovereignty and undermined the stability of international relations. No country can put its own rules above international law," Mao said.

China calls on the US to immediately release President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, ensuring their personal safety, the spokesperson added.

Mao reaffirmed China's steadfast commitment to protecting Venezuela's sovereignty, security and vested interests, adding that China stood ready to cooperate with regional partners and the international community to ensure peace in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Asked whether China would call for sanctions against the US over the military intervention in Venezuela, Mao said that Beijing supports the UN Security Council in carrying out its primary mission of maintaining international peace and security.

On January 3, the US launched a massive attack on Venezuela, capturing Maduro and his wife and taking them to New York. US President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and Flores would face trial for allegedly being involved in "narco-terrorism" and posing a threat, including to the US.

 Sputnik

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Senior White House Official Questions Denmark's Right to Greenland

Sputnik News

20260106

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has argued that Denmark has no right to assert control over Greenland, the kingdom's autonomous territory.

"The real question is by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?" he told CNN.

Miller insisted that the United States should instead have Greenland to secure the Arctic region in order to "protect and defend NATO and NATO interests."

"Obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States. That's the conversation we are going to have as a country," he added.

The US official did not rule out a military operation in Greenland, arguing that "nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland."

Hours after the US military intervention in Venezuela, Stephen Miller's wife Katie posted an image on X with a map of Greenland colored in the US flag, captioned "SOON." In response, Danish Ambassador to the US Jesper Moller Sorensen said that Denmark expected respect for the kingdom's territorial integrity.

 Sputnik

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Reopening of Rafah Crossing Essential for Providing Sufficient Aid to Gaza Strip - ICRC

Sputnik News

20260106

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is essential for providing a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Director of Operations Yasmine Praz Dessimoz told Sputnik.

"It will take time to recover from the deficit created over two years and replenish depleted stocks of food, medical supplies, and other essential items. The reopening of the Rafah crossing and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza will be necessary to ensure sufficient aid enters and people's essential needs can be met," Praz Dessimoz said.

The ICRC has hundreds of pallets of humanitarian aid, including equipment and tools for the repair and maintenance of water and wastewater services, food and household items, and medical supplies, ready to be delivered to the enclave from Jordan, Egypt and other locations, she added.

"We are also working with local authorities to facilitate the recovery of human remains from under the rubble, with the aim of helping families receive answers and ensuring the dignified handling of the dead, which are important humanitarian concerns for the ICRC everywhere we operate," Praz Dessimoz said.

On October 13, US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a declaration on the Gaza ceasefire.

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip remains closed after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas went into effect on October 10.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Ecuadorian President Noboa

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 6, 2026

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa about ongoing regional efforts to promote stability in Venezuela and the recent law enforcement operation in Venezuela on January 3. Secretary Rubio thanked President Noboa for Ecuador's partnership in confronting narcoterrorism and strengthening security throughout our hemisphere. Secretary Rubio noted the United States' commitment to continue close coordination to advance regional security.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 6, 2026

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Quirno to discuss the targeted law enforcement operation in Venezuela on January 3. Secretary Rubio thanked Foreign Minister Quirno for Argentina's continued cooperation to confront narcoterrorism and strengthen security in our region.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Guyanese President Ali

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 6, 2026

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali to discuss further strengthening bilateral security cooperation. He commended President Ali for his leadership as a regional security partner and for Guyana's growing role in promoting stability across our hemisphere.

The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to deepening security cooperation with Guyana to address shared challenges, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, which threaten regional stability and economic resilience. Both leaders underscored the importance of continued collaboration to disrupt foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal networks while strengthening law enforcement capabilities and border security.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Holy See Secretary of State Parolin

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 6, 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. The two leaders discussed pressing challenges, including efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, particularly in Venezuela, as well as the promotion of peace and religious freedom globally. Secretary Rubio and Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.

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Venezuela's people must be heard, insists UN human rights chief

By Daniel Johnson in Geneva

6 January 2026 - Responding to the seizure of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Tuesday reiterated deep concerns that the military operation undermined fundamental protections for sovereign countries.

The US action made "all States less safe around the world", said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Ms. Shamdasani rejected the US justification for its intervention on the grounds of the Venezuelan Government's "longstanding and appalling" human rights record.

"Accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved by unilateral military intervention in violation of international law," she insisted.

"Far from being a victory for human rights, this military intervention, which is in contravention of Venezuelan sovereignty and the UN Charter, damages the architecture of international security...And this is a point that the Secretary-General has also made."

Ms. Shamdasani explained the High Commissioner's position that the military operation "violates the fundamental principle of international law (and) the UN Charter, which states that States must not threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State".

Calling out abuse

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, was expelled from Venezuela in February 2024, following its consistent reporting on the deteriorating situation there. Independent probes commissioned by the Human Rights Council have also detailed grave and ongoing abuses against opponents of the country's ruling party.

"The people of Venezuela deserve accountability through a fair victim-centred process," Ms. Shamdasani said, adding that the rights of the Venezuelan people "have been violated for too long".

The OHCHR spokesperson expressed concerns that the instability and further militarization in the country in response to the US intervention might make the situation worse.

A state of emergency was declared on Saturday that restricts the free movement of people, the seizure of property necessary for national defence and the suspension of the right to assembly and to protest, Ms. Shamdasani noted. "We're particularly concerned, given the record that the Government has in suppressing free speech, protest, freedom of assembly, using the pretext of national security."

"The High Commissioner calls on the US and the Venezuelan authorities, as well as the international community, to ensure full respect for international law, including human rights," she said, adding that the future of Venezuela "must be determined by the Venezuelan people alone, with full respect for their human rights, including the right to self-determination, and sovereignty over their lives and their resources".

One in four Venezuelans need aid

Beyond the political crisis in Venezuela, almost eight million people, or one in four people, need humanitarian assistance today, after years of economic decline, repression and instability.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said that a response plan remains in place requiring approximately $600 million.

"It's very dramatic what has happened on the political level in Venezuela. But for the broad mass of people, their humanitarian day-to-day situation hasn't changed that radically," said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.

"So, the situation as it was immediately before [the US intervention] has continued until this day and that is the basis for our work on the humanitarian side going forward this year."

Out of the eight million identified as needing assistance, 900,000 have "very high" multisectoral needs including food, nutrition, education, health services; "basically all the things that the state of Venezuela has not been able to provide to its citizens for a number of years", Mr. Laerke said.

The OCHA spokesperson added that Venezuela was one of the least-funded aid operations globally. Despite this obstacle, the UN had managed to reach some two million people with aid in 2025.

Refugees in flux

The situation remains tense for the millions of refugees living outside Venezuela, too, although for the moment there has been no major displacement across the country's borders linked to Saturday's US military operation, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

"Of course, we're closely monitoring the situation and the border, cross-border movement and then we stand together with other UN agency and humanitarian partners to support the emergency relief effort and to protect the displace people in need as required," said UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun, also in Geneva.

The agency says that nearly 7.9 million people have left Venezuela in search of protection and a better life. The majority - more than 6.9 million people - have found shelter in in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

UNHCR works in the Americas and beyond to support the inclusion of Venezuelans in the societies that have welcomed them and find solutions, create stability and foster growth and development in these communities.

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World News in Brief: Storms in Syria, school attacks in Nigeria, strikes continue in southern Lebanon

6 January 2026 - Thousands of displaced people in northern Syria are struggling to cope with freezing conditions after a severe snowstorm struck dozens of displacement sites, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) said on Tuesday.

The storm hit 90 sites across Aleppo, Idleb and Al-Hasakeh governorates on 31 December, affecting more than 150,000 people.

Humanitarian partners reported that two infants died from extreme cold in the Harim area of northern Idleb.

Around 5,000 shelters were fully or partially damaged, leaving families exposed to freezing temperatures and at heightened risk of hypothermia and respiratory illness.

Fuel supplies dwindle

Conditions are worsening further as fuel supplies run out. Displacement sites in Al-Hasakeh city and collective shelters in Ar-Raqqa have no fuel left after support ended in December due to funding shortfalls.

Since the storm, aid workers have provided stoves and fuel to more than 10,000 displaced people.

The UN estimates $112 million is needed for life-saving winter assistance in Syria through March 2026, but only $29 million has been secured, leaving a 74 per cent funding gap.

Nigeria: Attacks on schools undermine right to education

The top UN official in Nigeria called on Tuesday for stronger protection of civilians and schools following a wave of attacks in Niger state in the north-central part of the country.

The most recent incident occurred on Saturday when more than 30 people were reportedly killed in an attack on a market in Kasuwan Daji village located in the Borgu Local Government Area (LGA).

The gunmen also abducted an unknown number of people and set fire to market stalls and nearby homes.

Other concerning incidents were reported elsewhere, including in Agwara LGA - where a mass abduction occurred in November following an attack on Saint Mary's Catholic School. More than 300 people, mostly students, were captured and later released.

Grave rights violations

"These attacks are grave violations of human rights, including the right to life and the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and undermine the right to education," UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall said in a statement.

"Students, schools, and education personnel must be protected from any form of attack. No child should ever be at risk while pursuing an education - a fundamental right for all children."

He recalled that the UN has reiterated the need for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria.

More than 120 countries have endorsed the 2015 Declaration which outlines commitments to boost the protection of education from attack and bar the use of schools and universities for military purposes during armed conflict.

Lebanon: UN peacekeepers report more Israeli airstrikes and direct fire

Peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported three airstrikes in their area of operations on Monday.

The mission also detected fighter aircraft activity and reported small arm and tank fire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the Blue Line of separation, the peacekeeper-patrolled buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon.

Holding the line

To prevent further escalation, the mission, along with the UN Special Coordinator for the country (UNSCOL), remains in close contact with both parties.

The head of UN Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, is currently in the region visiting UNIFIL headquarters and the Blue Line.

Recalling the progress made since the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants entered into force in November 2024, the UN stressed that the cessation of hostilities arrangement rather than unilateral actions, should be used to prevent to ensure security on both sides of the line of separation.

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Today's top news: Syria, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Syria

Dozens of displacement sites hit by snowstorm, leaving thousands of people exposed to freezing temperatures

OCHA says that thousands of displaced people in the north of the country have been affected by a snowstorm, as humanitarian funding further contracts.

Last week, on 31 December, a snowstorm hit 90 displacement sites across the governorates of Aleppo, Idleb and Al-Hasakeh, affecting more than 150,000 people.

Humanitarian partners report that two infants died due to extreme cold in the area of Harim in northern Idleb.

Some 5,000 shelters were completely or partially damaged, leaving thousands of people exposed to freezing temperatures, putting them at risk of hypothermia and respiratory diseases.

Displacement sites in the cities of Al-Hasakeh and collective shelters in the city of Ar-Raqqa have no fuel left as previous fuel support ended in December due to funding shortages.

Humanitarians have provided more than 10,000 displaced people in camps with stoves and fuel since the snowstorm hit the region.

The UN and its partners need $112 million for life-saving winter assistance from September 2025 to March 2026. So far, only $29 million has been received, leaving a 74 per cent funding gap.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

December winter storms affected several thousands of people, blowing away tents

OCHA says further progress has been made in scaling up humanitarian response, despite persistent impediments.

Humanitarian partners leading shelter interventions say that winter storms in December affected some 65,000 households. Tents were blown away or damaged, homes collapsed under storm conditions, and personal belongings were soaked. In several locations, entire displacement sites were flooded due to inadequate drainage and low-lying terrain.

During December, aid workers supported about 80,000 families with more than 40,000 tents, over 135,000 tarpaulins, and nearly 115,000 other items, including mattresses and blankets. This work has continued into 2026.

In a publication issued yesterday, partners working in shelter stress that tents cannot serve as the primary and sole shelter option in Gaza, as they offer only temporary protection. They urge an accelerated shift towards more sustainable solutions, including repairs to damaged homes. At the same time, they warn that insufficient land is available for people seeking to relocate to areas at lower risk of flooding. With recent rainstorms offsetting some of the gains made during the ceasefire, partners estimate that more than one million people across Gaza still require urgent emergency shelter assistance.

OCHA adds that the latest winter storms also damaged temporary learning spaces and roads used by aid workers to bring much-needed supplies into Gaza.

Partners leading emergency telecommunications report that last week they finalized the delivery of security communications equipment that had been pre-positioned in Jerusalem awaiting approval to enter Gaza since August 2024. While this is critical to strengthen the safety of humanitarian operations, teams note that other equipment, including key power-supply solutions, continue to be denied access.

Telecommunications teams note that hostilities destroyed key equipment across Gaza, and ongoing import restrictions severely limit the ability to restore and deliver planned services.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory with urgent support.

Sudan

Violence continues to drive people from their homes in Kordofan

OCHA warns that escalating violence particularly across the Kordofan region continues to put civilians at extreme risk and drive new waves of displacement.

In South Kordofan State, displacement has increased sharply in recent days. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between 31 December and 4 January, violence drovenearly 1000 people to flee in Al Quoz locality, Kadugli town and El Berdab village.

Yesterday, another 2,000 people were uprooted from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality in North Kordofan State. In total, between 25 October and 30 December, some 65,000 individuals were displaced from multiple locations across the Kordofan region.

And today, in the city of El Obeid, also in North Kordofan State, the Sudan Doctors Network reports that a drone attack allegedly claimed the lives of 13 civilians, including children.

Once again, OCHA reiterates its urgent call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Violence surge in Ituri province leaves more than 87,000 people cut off from aid

OCHA sounds the alarm over a surge in violence in Ituri province, in the east of the country, which continues to cause human suffering and severely disrupts life-saving operations in the region.

The town of Bule and nearby areas have experienced ongoing hostilities since December 5th. Local authorities report that at least 25 civilians have been killed and more than 40 injured over the last month.

Humanitarian partners tell us that the insecurity has effectively cut off more than 87,000 internally displaced persons, who are currently living in and around Bule town, from assistance. These families face critical shortages of food, healthcare and clean water.

Local authorities also report that at least 17 people died between 5 and 29 December in the area due to harsh living conditions, lack of medical care and hunger.

Due to the volatile security situation, no humanitarian groups have been able to operate in the affected areas for more than a month. This suspension of aid is further deepening the vulnerability of those who have already been forced to flee their homes, many of them multiple times.

OCHA reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and assets.

Safe, predictable and unhindered humanitarian access is essential to deliver life-saving assistance and to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. Humanitarians stand ready to scale up as soon as access is secured.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support.

Posted on 6 January 2026

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PRESS STATEMENT: Nigeria Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, calls for protection of civilians and schools following a spate of attacks in Niger State

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ABUJA, 6 January 2026 -- The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian spaces and schools following a spate of attacks in Niger State, north-central Nigeria.

On 3 January, more than 30 people were reportedly killed and an unspecified number abducted after an attack on a village market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area (LGA), in Niger State. The assailants also set market stalls and nearby homes on fire.

Other concerning incidents were reported in Agwara LGA, also in Niger State, and in Kwara and Ondo States, with scores of reported casualties, including deaths and kidnappings.

Agwara LGA, in Niger State, is the location where more than 300 people - who have since been released - were abducted in November 2025 following an attack on Saint Mary's Catholic School.

These attacks are grave violations of human rights, including the right to life and the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and undermine the right to education.

On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish the injured a swift recovery. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted and urge authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable in line with national and international human rights standards.

Students, schools, and education personnel must be protected from any form of attack. No child should ever be at risk while pursuing an education - a fundamental right for all children.

In November 2025, the United Nations reiterated the need for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and ensure children can learn safely, even in contexts of conflict and insecurity. These recent attacks underscore the continued need for urgent action.

The United Nations remains committed to working with government authorities to strengthen protection for civilians and promote safer learning environments.

END

6 January 2026

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Denmark's FM rejects US claims about Greenland 'covered' with Chinese ships; Washington cannot cover up hegemonic behavior: expert

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jan 07, 2026 10:13 AM

Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has rejected US President Donald Trump's claims that the US needs Greenland and that it is "covered" with Chinese ships, Reuters reported on Wednesday. A Chinese expert said that Washington cannot cover up its hegemonic behavior by smearing China.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Trump was asked about his comments on Greenland, to which he reiterated, "We need Greenland from a national security situation. It's so strategic right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security and Denmark is not going to be able to do it," according to NPR.

Rasmussen rejected earlier statements by Trump that Denmark is unable to protect Greenland, Reuters reported. "We do not share this image that Greenland is plastered with Chinese investments... nor that there are Chinese warships up and down along Greenland," he was quoted by Reuters as saying, adding that the US was welcome to invest more on the island.

China has also refuted the relevant claims. On Monday, in response to the US president's claims that the US needs Greenland and one of the reasons he gave was because it is "covered with Chinese ships," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that "we urge the US to stop using the so-called 'China threat' as a pretext for itself to seek selfish gains."

The US' move targeting Greenland is, in essence, a blatant threat of plunder and coercion. Yet the US has tried to turn the tables by diverting public opinion toward China, which is a familiar form of public opinion manipulation long used by Washington, Dong Yifan, an associate research fellow at the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"Washington should not expect to cover up its hegemonic behavior by smearing China, nor can such actions prevent China from developing normal and legitimate economic and trade relations with countries and regions around the world," Dong said.

Notably, the US president's claim of US "absolutely" needing Greenland for defense has also met with immediate opposition from leaders of Denmark and Greenland, who urged the US to stop threatening to take over the Danish territory.

European leaders have also dramatically rallied together in support of Denmark and Greenland after one of Trump's leading aides suggested the US may be willing to seize control of the Arctic territory by force, the Guardian said.

"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," read the statement on Tuesday jointly issued by the European leaders to push back against Trump's renewed interest in Greenland, saying security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively.

The statement was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the leaders of Italy, Spain, and Poland, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, the White House said Tuesday that Trump is "discussing a range of options" to acquire Greenland, making clear that using the US military is not off the table, according to CNN.

Denmark and its NATO allies pushed back Tuesday after Trump's deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed the US has a right to Greenland and did not rule out use of American military force to seize it, ABC News reported.

Following the US' sudden raid on Venezuela, which triggered concerns from many countries, some defense-focused media reported that there has been a sudden surge of US aircraft to Europe, prompting speculation of future special operations in the region. The deployment comes amid the US' Venezuela takeover fueling fresh worry about a US taking over Greenland, media reports said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that recent administration threats against Greenland didn't signal an imminent invasion and that the goal is to buy the island from Denmark, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland's two members of the Danish parliament, is calling for Greenland and Denmark to move beyond diplomacy and take concrete steps to strengthen security and preparedness to counter increasingly aggressive statements from Trump and his allies about Greenland, the Arctic Today reported on Tuesday.

Chemnitz also accused Trump of exaggerating and manipulating claims about the security situation around Greenland, particularly regarding foreign naval activity, the Arctic Today said. "There is a persistent interest in Greenland where, for example, the presence of Russian and Chinese ships in Greenlandic waters is exaggerated," she said, per the Arctic Today.

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The G7 Foreign Minister's Telephone Meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

January 7, 2026

On January 7, the G7 Foreign Ministers' Telephone Meeting was held for approximately 45 minutes from 4:00 am, and Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the meeting.

During the discussion, the G7 members shared information and exchanged views on recent developments in the international situation, particularly regarding the situations in Venezuela and Ukraine. With regard to the situation in Venezuela, the United States provided an overview of the latest developments and the future outlook. With regard to the situation in Venezuela, Minister MOTEGI underscored Japan's consistent position that, as a country that respects fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, it is important for democracy to be restored in Venezuela as soon as possible. He also stated Japan's intention to work with the G7 to ensure the safety of their nationals. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister MOTEGI expressed Japan's intention to continue cooperating with the G7 and the broader international community in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In addition, Minister MOTEGI provided an overview of the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and underscored the importance of G7 unity. The G7 members confirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely on various challenges the international community faces.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 06 January 2026 - Day 1413

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of this day, there have been 200 combat clashes.

Today, the Russian opponent launched one rocket and 54 air strikes, used one rocket and dropped 139 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians involved 4073 kamikaze drones and carried out 2552 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Two combat clashes took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The Russian opponent made three aviation strikes, dropped eight controlled aviation bombs and carried out 62 shells.

In the South-Slobozhans komu direction, Ukrainian troops stopped 11 Russian attacks in the areas of vovchans ka, staritsi, prilipki, three fighting continue.

In the Kupyans komu direction from the beginning of the day, Russian forces four times tried to go forward in the direction of Pi 'any, Petropavlivka and Kurilivka. The two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian invaders 12 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Mirny, Zarichny, Derylovy and in the direction of settlements Drobisheve, Stavki, Cherneshina, Novosergiyivka, Lake. Three clashes are underway.

In the Slovenian direction, the Defense Forces repelled three Russian attacks towards Riznikivka.

In the Kramatorsky direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled five attacks in the area of settlements of Vasyukivka, Chasiv Yar and towards Bondarny. One battle is still going on.

In the direction of Konstantinivsk, Russians 16 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The main efforts of the invasion were concentrated by the Russian occupiers in the areas of settlements Oleksandro-Shultine, Pleshiyivka, Kleban-Bik and towards Stepanivka, Ivanopilya, Mykolaipilya and Sofiyivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian zagornytsky units 41 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of populated areas Nikanorivka, Chervony Lyman, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Dachne, Filia and towards the settlements of Kucheriv Yar, New Shahove, Grishine, Suhetske. In some locations, combat clashes are still ongoing.

Today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers zneskodili 84 Russian occupants, 53 of them - irrevocably. 26 unmanned aircraft, one ATV, 15 automobile units and seven special equipment units were also destroyed. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers hit two control points of BPLA, one artillery system, five units of automobile and two units of special equipment, 12 personnel covers.

In the direction of Oleksandrivsky, Russian forces attacked ten times in the areas of settlements Oleksandrograd, Verbove, Solodke, Zlagoda and in the direction of Aleksiyivka and Ivanivka. One battle is still going on.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Defense Forces repelled 46 attacks of Russians in the area of Gulyaypil and in the direction of Dobropyl, Varvarivka, Zelenoy and Pryluk. Two more clashes are underway. Under the air strikes of the Russian enemy was the settlement of Verhnya Tersa.

In the Orihiv direction of Russian enemies offensive actions was not recorded.

There have been no Russian offensive actions in the Pridniprovsk direction at the moment.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Two mechanised brigades of the AFU were hit near Miropolye and Sadki (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, units of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, one national guard brigade, and one territorial defence brigade have been hit near Volchanskiye Khutora, Staritsa, and Olkhovatka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 200 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 26 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and one anti-aircraft missile system. An electronic warfare station, an ammunition depot, and four materiel depots were neutralised.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian units engaged manpower and hardware of mechanised brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU,and two national guard brigades close to Velikaya Shapkovka, Blagodatovka, Pristen, Kurilovka, and Samborovka (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 210 troops, one tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, five artillery guns, and one electronic warfare station. Three AFU ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at formations of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Zakotnoye, Krivaya Luka, Druzhkovka, Rayskoye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost up to 210 troops, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, and one Western-made artillery gun. Two materiel depots were destroyed.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one air assault brigade, one airborne brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades and one national guard brigade close to Grishino, Belitskoye, Toretskoye, Rodinskoye, Vodyanskoye, Krasnoyarskoye, Shilovka, Dobropolye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, and Ivanovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU lost up to 380 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns, including two Western-made ones.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. The Group's units inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade, one assault brigade, three assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade close to Kommunarovka, Gavrilovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Zelyonoye, Ternovatoye, Rizdvyanka, Zelyonaya Dibrova, and Staroukrainka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 240 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and three artillery guns, including two Western-made artillery ones. One materiel depot was destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade close to Orekhov, Kirovo, and Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 50 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one counter-battery radar station have been neutralised. Two materiel depots were destroyed.

Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on the storage areas of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations in 158 areas.

Air defence systems shot down two guided aerial bombs, two HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 360 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 107,929 unmanned aerial vehicles, 643 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,951 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,636 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,415 field artillery guns and mortars, and 50,955 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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DFA welcomes Australian report clearing PH in Bondi gunmen case

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

January 6, 2026, 3:02 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine government will continue to work closely with Australia in the ongoing investigation over the Bondi Beach shooting incident that killed 15 people, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

"The Philippines and Australia will continue to jointly address transnational security threats, including terrorism, through sustained information sharing, operational coordination, and capacity-building initiatives," the DFA said.

The statement comes as the DFA welcomes the initial assessment released by Australian law enforcement authorities, indicating that the two suspects in the shooting did not receive training or undergo logistical preparation when they traveled to the Philippines from Nov. 1 to 29, 2025.

According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), there is also no evidence that the two, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out the attack.

Before this, the Philippine military said there is no indication that the two received training in Mindanao or that foreign terrorist activities took place in the region.

In a press conference on Dec. 30, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett acknowledged the prompt assistance extended by Philippine authorities, noting that "without their swift response, much of the CCTV footage that is now under review by our investigators would not have been available."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in the same presser, extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for facilitating closer coordination between Australian and Philippine agencies.

"Through him, the agencies in the Philippines have done everything they can to provide information in a timely way, and that's a good thing," he said.

DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, for her part, reiterated Manila's firm commitment to counter terrorism, prevent violent extremism, and develop closer intelligence and law-enforcement cooperation with Australia. (PNA)

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Press conference - Cloncurry, QLD

Transcript

Tuesday 6 January 2026

Cloncurry, QLD

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP

Treasurer

The Hon Kristy McBain MP

Minister for Emergency Management

GREG CAMPBELL, MAYOR OF CLONCURRY: Good afternoon and welcome to Cloncurry. I'd like introduce and welcome the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Cloncurry, as well as Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for everything Local Government and Regional Australia, Kristy McBain. And to all of you. This is a fairly huge, significant event that's been impacting the Cloncurry Shire and the Greater North West region at the moment. A weather event that has dropped over a year's worth of rainfall in two or three days, and in places [INDISTINCT]. Some of them got 500 to 800 millimetres of rain from Christmas Day onwards. This is one example of how severe rainfall damage has been, and we're still seeing the damage on cattle stations and farms as the floodwaters recede north of Cloncurry, north of Julia Creek, and then all that water drains into our northern neighbours of Carpentaria, Doomadgee and Burke Shires. Our communities are still isolated by road from the east and to the south east, so, from Townsville and Brisbane. And those northern communities will probably remain isolated for weeks to come, if not a month or more. Some of that is wet season in North West Queensland, but the amount of rain that we've had has actually made this an event that's nationally significant. [INDISTINCT] from the Prime Minister and his team. What we've seen over the last few days is the State and the Federal Government working really quickly to activate flood damage efforts and support efforts, more broadly known as the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements, have been amazing. There can normally be a little bit of time between the two. It was all agreed and signed a number of days ago, which gives our councils great confidence in being able to get on with the job of looking after our communities and getting our assets put back as quickly as possible. The impact here at the airport has major ramifications to our local community and to industry, predominantly mining, in the North West. So we're looking to get this reinstated, at least to let the Royal Flying Doctor Service and smaller aircraft access it again as quickly as possible, but then to have a really rigorous plan put together to be able to allow those more commercial aircraft in as quickly as possible as well. But again, thank you to the Prime Minister and your team.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good to be here with the Treasurer and the Regional Development Minister, but we wish we weren't here under these circumstances. I do want to pay tribute, not just to Greg and his council team that we were able to meet with here in Curry just earlier, but also the emergency service workers, the police, the people who have made a difference during what has been a very difficult period, particularly for people coming over the Christmas break, has meant real pressure on local communities. But what we always see at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character. And we've seen that with this local community again here. We also are here to very much give the local community a clear message that we have your back, that the three levels of government are working together with the local community to make sure that they can get back on their feet, to make sure that they can continue to operate. This airport will need a big fix, as well as roads, as well as local industry as well. The North West has a great future. If you look at the resources that are available here, the expansion of mining in this region. We are very confident about the North West, which is why at the end of last year we combined with the Queensland Government to give further support for the copper industry there in Mount Isa. But this area of Curry is absolutely central to employment, to the national economy, as well as of course, to the local economy here. We are working closely with the Queensland Government. We instituted very quickly support to be put in place, that emergency support, $2 million for emergency fodder, freight subsidies for primary producers, low-interest disaster assistance loans, and also support for local councils. And today, together with the Queensland Government, we have a $38 million package that includes $11.5 million for the airport here, an additional $5 million for emergency fodder drops to occur, and grants to help primary producers with recovery so they can return to business as quickly as possible. We want to make sure that we work with this community. When the going gets tough, Australians work together and we have the backs of this local community. I pay tribute to all those here who are doing it really tough at the moment. And the Minister has been engaged together with NEMA. I thank Brendan Moon for being on the ground with us here as well. I've spoken with the Queensland Premier. We will, as always, make sure that we work - there's no politics in any of this. This is just about different levels of government working together in the national interest, and that is what we're seeing here. I'll hand to Kristy McBain and then to Jim Chalmers, and then we'll take some questions.

KRISTY MCBAIN, MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Thank you, Prime Minister. It's a real pleasure to be here with Greg in Curry today, as well as the Prime Minister and the Treasurer. Incredibly important announcements that the Prime Minister has just made, which includes obviously additional fodder emergency drops, $5 million on top of the original $2 million, now available in six local government areas across Queensland. We've obviously instituted Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for 13 local government areas across Queensland that are impacted by these monsoon rains and floods. And we will assist primary producers with that $75,000 grants available to them, an initial $10,000 upfront payment, and then we'll work with primary producers through the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to make sure that we can get the rest of those grant dollars out to them on production of receipts for various things. This is a huge impact right across North Queensland and North West Queensland. We know DPI have already done a range of surveys and 83 per cent of primary producers have indicated that they will have catastrophic or major losses. At the moment, we're anticipating around 16,000 head of cattle that are either deceased or lost. We've got impacts to private roads, over 1,400 kilometres of private roads, and we know that we've got a range of impacts on fences for primary producers. So, these are major impacts right across Queensland. And I think what the Prime Minister said there, which is really important, is that the Albanese Government knows that this is going to be a long-haul recovery. We know that there is still rain falling across parts of Queensland, and we know it's really important to continue to listen to local communities on what they may need in the short term, but also in the long term as recovery progresses. So, I want to reiterate that the Albanese Government is here for that support and we'll work really closely with the Queensland Government and local councils on what recovery looks like going forward. I will move on today from here to Julia Creek and also to Richmond to speak with primary producers and local councils there. But I just wanted to give a brief shoutout to our emergency services who have done a fantastic job across this region. As the Prime Minister said, the SES, Fire and Rescue, but I also want to give a shout out to local council, who sometimes go under the radar. Local council are the ones on the ground who are doing roadblocks and putting those markers in place. They are the ones that are making sure that water pumps are still going, they're checking the airports, they're working with local communities to make sure that communities are kept safe. So, to local council workers, to the mayor and the elected officials here, thank you so much for the work you're doing and keeping the community safe and for advocating for what you're going to need in the short and long term as we move forward in this recovery.

JIM CHALMERS, TREASURER: Well, thanks very much, Mayor Campbell, and for welcoming the PM and Kristy and I back here again. I was here with you at this airport a little over a year ago with Assistant Minister Chisholm. We know how important this airport is to the North West of Queensland, to this really important community. And so it's really a central part of the tens of millions of dollars that we're announcing today is to make sure that we can fix up this tarmac so we can get planes landing here as soon as possible. But I wanted to acknowledge you and your leadership and the work that you do here along with your colleagues, as Kristy said, I acknowledge Brendan and his team, and I also wanted to shout out as Kristy and the PM both did the absolutely unbelievable work of the police, the firies, the SES, the other volunteers. And I also wanted to shoutout all of those employers who understand that in this part of the world, at often very short notice, they need to let their staff go and work and be volunteers and be part of the SES and all the rest of it. A lot of people who have other jobs today and to do in the daytime have been going without sleep to make sure that they can help manage this response. And so I wanted to shout out all of the workers who were part of that effort as well. We know it's been a really difficult Christmas and New Year's for people in the North West. We know that it's been especially devastating for farming families. Tens of thousands of head of livestock lost, thousands of kilometres of fencing and private road lost as well. And so we know it's been tough for all of the hundreds of thousands of people who live across these 13 shires, but I think especially tough for farming families right now as they count the cost of another natural disaster so soon after the flooding that we saw in 2019, a lot of people still getting back on their feet, restocking after the devastation of 2019. And so our hearts go out to everyone in this local community. Now, as a Queenslander and as Treasurer, I know how important the North West of Queensland is to Australia. I know how important the people and communities and industries, whether it be farming or mining or other industries of the North West, we know how important that is to our country and also to our national economy. Now, this might be the North West of Queensland, but it's absolutely central to our national economy. And the economic costs here will be substantial, but our primary focus is on the human toll that a natural disaster like this takes on local families and local communities. And so, that's what guides us. So, we come here today with tens of millions of dollars in funding, but we also come here with a very simple message. We are here with you, but we're also here for you. We are here with you today, but we will be here for you in the coming days and weeks and months as these local communities recover from yet another natural disaster, in this case, this catastrophic flooding. And so the announcements that we are making today, the announcements the PM has made today, is about tens of millions of dollars in new funding for local communities. It's about making sure we get this airport up and running as soon as we can. It's about supporting primary producers, and it's about making sure that at every step of the way, we are there for you and this community in the way that you provide so much to our country and our national economy more broadly as well.

JOURNALIST: Are you preparing to change tack on your decision to not hold a Royal Commission into the attack at Bondi?

PRIME MINISTER: What we're prioritising is the immediate needs of the Richardson Review, making sure that we get those security mechanisms and intelligence and actions properly examined so that if there are any weaknesses or any failings in the system, that will occur. That's been priority one. Priority two is recalling Parliament. Once we have the legislation required, once again, to take strong action against hate speech, to strengthen the laws that we have put in place, and we're continuing to examine everything else that is required, working with the community. We'll continue to do that, and I continue to be engaged with leaders in the Jewish community. I'm talking and meeting on a daily basis with people to make sure that we do everything that is possible to, as I have said, what we need to do is to promote unity at this time, and that is my focus.

JOURNALIST: So, you're still open to the idea of a Royal Commission or are you ruling that out?

PRIME MINISTER: The New South Wales Government have said that they will have a Royal Commission. But we're talking to New South Wales about how that would operate. And we're talking with the community. We are engaged with the community as well as with the New South Wales Government to make sure that we get done everything that is required, to make sure we build social cohesion back in this country. That is what people want to see. I want to see an Australia that's united. I want to see an Australia where someone because of their faith is not targeted. That they're able to practise their faith with pride. And we shouldn't have a circumstance whereby people are attacked in the most extreme way, of course, this terrorist event on December 14. But in addition to that as well, the fact that some people have been targeted on their way to school and vilified. We need to be a country where the Australian covenant is respected. Which is that if people come to Australia, if there are any prejudices or hatreds there, they're left in the customs hall. And we're a country that respect each other, that engages with each other respectfully, and where people can go about their daily lives in safety and without fear.

JOURNALIST: The Cloncurry Shire Council applied for nearly $15 million in federal funding in 2024 to upgrade this airport and have been waiting 18 months for a response. Now it has suffered catastrophic damage. Why is the Government only committing $18.5 million after more damage has been done?

PRIME MINISTER: We're committing immediate funding because it is what we need to do to make sure that this airport is up and running. But my Government is one, which, the community centre, which we were just at, was funded and opened when I was the Minister. There was previous funding as well when I was as Aviation Minister in here, the Cloncurry Bypass. If you look at the commitments of my record as a minister, and then combine that now with what we are doing as a government, with myself as Prime Minister, with this Minister here, the doubling of Roads to Recovery funding, there will of course be more to do. What today is about is providing that immediate support so that this community can get back on its feet as soon as possible as a matter of urgency.

JOURNALIST: Queensland is now also facing a potential tropical cyclone. The soils are already saturated. How worried is the Government about a potential double-barrel disaster?

PRIME MINISTER: We're very worried, the fact is that we are seeing more frequent natural disasters and more intensity in them. We continue to monitor these issues. We continue to engage and we continue to provide support for communities. And I know that the Mayor might want to comment on this. The Mayor has been doing work on, being commissioned, on what the flood issues potentially are going forward as well, and we continue to engage with local communities to provide that support. I don't know if Kristy wants to add.

MINISTER MCBAIN: Just to add to that. We are a country of great extremes. We expect we're going to have natural disasters. It's one of the reasons that in 2022, we came into government with a flagship program called the Disaster Ready Fund, because we need to prepare and make our communities more resilient for natural disasters going into the future. We've just announced round three, that's over $600 million that have gone into over 400 projects across the country, which is all about local communities telling us what infrastructure they need to make themselves more resilient for the next disaster and how they need to prepare and be more resilient come the next natural disaster. We created the National Emergency Management Agency and we've got Coordinator-General Brendan Moon here with us today because we know from a federal perspective, there needs to be a more coordinated approach that comes out of our Federal Government and works collaboratively with state and territory governments and with local councils. We've established the National Emergency Stockpile so that we can supplement jurisdictions, supplies for a whole range of products from sandbags to emergency accommodation and emergency electricity generation. We've increased our funding to the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet because we know how important it is to make sure that as a Federal Government that we're involved in fighting fires across the country, but moreso, we've taken decisions to make sure that the craft that we are funding are multipurpose so that they can come into communities after flood or after cyclone to do resupply or to help with evacuations as well. So, we take really seriously the Federal Government's responsibilities in emergency management. That's why there's been such an uplift in funding from our government in emergency management because it has to be a coordinated approach. And as the Prime Minister said, this isn't an area or an avenue of politics that you want politicised. We want to work really collaboratively with every state and territory government, with every local council, because at the end of the day, our aim is to make sure communities are kept safe, that they are better prepared and more resilient than they ever have been before. And I think what you've seen since 2022 is a coordinated approach. And you've heard from the Mayor earlier that the turnaround in Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for this event alone has been in less than 24 hours. We don't want to play politics in emergency management. We want to get on with the job and help communities where they need it most. And that's not only in response, it's in recovery too, and we'll continue to do that.

JOURNALIST: You've announced disaster recovery grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers. Is that category D funding, the highest?

MINISTER MCBAIN: Yeah, that's right. So, category C funding is an initial amount to primary producers of $25,000. We worked with the Queensland Government to do an automatic uplifting category D, so those primary producer grants are $75,000.

JOURNALIST: The ABC has heard from businesses and towns that aren't listed on the disaster recovery funding, such as Mount Isa, that haven't been able to open because their staff are trapped after travelling for Christmas. Is there any support your government will consider for those types of businesses?

MINISTER MCBAIN: We'll continue to work with the Queensland State Government. They make those support requests to us and we turn them around through our National Emergency Management Agency. So, if those requests are forthcoming, we'll obviously consider them in the usual process that we do.

JOURNALIST: And is that the same for families and individuals who are trapped in communities because they can't move back to where they're from either?

MINISTER MCBAIN: That's right. So, we'll work with the Queensland State Government. They make requests for assistance and support to the Federal Government under our Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, but we stand ready to assist where is required and we'll continue to work with them. Thank you.

JOURNALIST: I think you said the second priority after Bondi was recalling Parliament. Have you put a timeline on that yet or are you still drafting the legislation?

PRIME MINISTER: We're working on the legislation and we also want to consult on the legislation as well. And so, some of those consultations will take place over coming days to make sure that we get this legislation right. I've seen some comments which suggest that we could have recalled Parliament and done this legislation - which is complex, which has constitutional issues, which needs to be got right - in a matter of days. That's not right. We are making sure that we get this legislation right. We're consulting as you would expect and we'll have a process where people will be able to examine the legislation in advance of the Parliament sitting. We also want to have an appropriately respectful condolence motion as well for the tragic loss of 15 innocent lives. People who were targeted because they were Jewish in an act of antisemitism which has horrified and shocked the nation. What we need to do is to make sure that we come together. I met with Sussan Ley, the Leader of the Opposition yesterday, constructively consulting her about processes going forward as well.

JOURNALIST: There's a report today that the federal police had a counter-terror team that was wound back before Bondi happened. Is that right? Is that what happened?

PRIME MINISTER: There is record funding for the Australian Federal Police, record funding for them. And indeed one of the things that has been instituted by the Police Commissioner under her watch is increased funding for flying squads as well to deal with these issues in a really urgent way and in a way that has been very effective. I have full confidence. Those reports are not correct. I have full confidence in the Australian Federal Police and I think it's appropriate that we back them in the job that they do. And every single request from the Australian Federal Police that's put forward has received the support of my Government. Can I just conclude, before we finish, by paying tribute to Ron Boswell. Ron Boswell was a great Queenslander. He's someone who was very passionate about his support for the National Party here in Queensland, but he was also passionate about his support for our national interest. He took principled stances about people who would seek to divide the nation. He was someone who was firmly focused on the national interest. And for Ron Boswell's family, for his many friends, and particularly to people in what is now the LNP here in Queensland, my sincere condolences on behalf of the nation for all those who will be grieving this very sad loss. Thanks very much.

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Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

January 6, 2026

Paris, France

Today, on the margins of the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, France, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Frederiksen affirmed their enduring support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and agreed on the imperative of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, backed by robust security guarantees.

As NATO Allies and close partners, the leaders discussed Arctic security and the growing investments from both nations in infrastructure and defence. They also identified opportunities to deepen economic and security ties in key sectors, including critical metals and minerals, life sciences, quantum technology, and energy.

Prime Minister Carney emphasised Canada's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark, including Greenland, which must be respected in accordance with international law. The Prime Minister affirmed Canada's support for today's joint statement on Greenland by Denmark and European leaders. The future of Greenland is for Greenland and Denmark to determine. Canada will continue to work with Denmark, Greenland, and other partners in our shared responsibility for the security and resilience of the Arctic.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Frederiksen agreed to remain in contact.

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Prime Minister Carney meets with Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

January 6, 2026

Paris, France

Today, on the margins of the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, France, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte.

Prime Minister Carney and Secretary General Rutte discussed strengthening Euro-Atlantic security in the face of ongoing threats, including Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine. They underscored the importance of the Alliance's support for advancing Ukraine's peace and security, including through robust security guarantees.

Prime Minister Carney underlined that NATO remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security. He reaffirmed Canada's commitment to strengthening the Alliance and contributing to its capabilities. In support of Ukraine, the Prime Minister emphasised Canada's total contribution of approximately $892 million toward NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which provides critical and urgently needed priority equipment to Ukraine. The leaders also discussed Canada's new mission to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces by increasing our defence spending over the next decade.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary General discussed Canada's renewal of Operation REASSURANCE - a Canadian-led multinational brigade that is deterring Russian aggression in the Baltics and defending NATO's eastern flank.

Prime Minister Carney also reaffirmed the importance of the Arctic to the Alliance's security, noting that Arctic Allies are stepping up their defence capabilities across the region.

Prime Minister Carney and Secretary General Rutte agreed to remain in close contact.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 6, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 06, 2026 21:18

CCTV: It's reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a New Year's press conference where she said challenges to a free and open international order based on the rule of law are gaining momentum. She mentioned that in the "Indo-Pacific," China and the DPRK are increasing military power, and the cooperation between China and Russia and the cooperation between Russia and the DPRK have been enhanced. Takaichi also noted that in order to respond appropriately to the rapid changes in the security environment and with strong determination to protect Japan's independence and peace as well as the lives and livelihood of the Japanese people, the country will proceed with discussions with the aim of revising the three national security documents by the end of this year. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: According to Japanese media reports, major adjustments to the three national security documents include increasing defense spending, revising the three non-nuclear principles, lifting restrictions on arms export and developing offensive military capability. It reflects the dangerous trend of Japan "remilitarizing" itself faster, which is bound to undermine regional peace and stability. The international community must stay on high alert.

With the aim of preventing the revival of Japanese militarism, a series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clearly require Japan to be "completely disarmed" and not to maintain such industries as "would enable her to re-arm for war." Japan's Constitution also made strict restrictions on the country's military forces, the right of belligerency and the right to war. However, in recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have been expediting military buildup and gradually breaking free from postwar norms such as the exclusively defense-oriented principle and a series of international rules, which constitutes a challenge to the postwar international order. The right-wing forces time and again used disguises and fabricated false narratives, and kept shifting focus, provoking its neighbors, creating troubles and stirring up tensions. They even pretended to be "threatened" and caught in a dead end. In fact, they are using "survival" and "defense" as an excuse to tie the Japanese people to the war chariot to serve their hidden agenda. What's the difference between their practice and what the Japanese militarists did in the last century?

The painful lessons of history remind us that Japanese right-wing forces' "remilitarization" attempt has posed a threat to regional and world peace and tranquility. China and all peace-loving countries and people in the world should never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the wheel of history or allow the revival of militarism.

Telesur: Given that the vast majority of countries on the Security Council expressed their condemnation of the U.S. military action and their support for Venezuela's sovereignty during the emergency UN meeting, how does the Chinese government plan to cooperate with other member states and the international community to protect Venezuela's sovereignty and security? Furthermore, considering that other countries in the region, such as Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, could also be subjected to pressure or intervention, what measures does China consider effective in preventing the United States from acting as the "world's sheriff"?

Mao Ning: Yesterday, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting regarding the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela. China's representative stressed in his remarks that military means are not the solution to problems, and the indiscriminate use of force will only lead to greater crises. China firmly supports the government and people of Venezuela in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests and firmly supports regional countries in upholding the status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. We stand ready to work with regional countries and the international community to jointly safeguard peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.

China believes that all countries should respect the development paths chosen by the people of other countries, and abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Major countries, in particular, should set a good example. No country should act as the world's police or judge. China champions the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, respects all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, takes other countries' legitimate security concerns seriously, and supports resolving differences and disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation. This is China's solution for global security challenges and towards universal and common security.

China stands ready to work with other countries to defend the authority of international law, reject the law of the jungle, oppose interference in countries' internal affairs and jointly uphold world peace and stability.

AFP: The Japanese lawmaker Hei Seki is in Taiwan at the moment. He said that his visit would show that Taiwan is an "independent country." Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this?

Mao Ning: The bluster of a despicable man is not worth any comment.

Ukrinform News Agency: After the situation in Venezuela, China and its Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. actions and called to respect the sovereignty of all countries. Chinese leader stated that all countries should respect the development paths chosen by the peoples of other nations. At the same time, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for almost four years. Civilian Ukrainians were killed and the territory of Ukraine was occupied. So, my question is: from China's perspective, what is the difference between the situation in Venezuela and Ukraine, and whether China's calls to respect the sovereignty also apply to the Ukrainian state?

Mao Ning: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is very clear. President Xi Jinping put forward four principles as our fundamental guidance, namely, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. Since the outbreak of the crisis, China has stayed committed to promoting talks for peace and the political settlement of the crisis. China's objective and just position, as well as our efforts are there for all to see.

Reuters: About Venezuela, does China recognize the Venezuelan government headed by Delcy Rodriguez? Another related question to Venezuela in relation to Maduro's capture. Analysts have said that if Russia were to capture a neighbouring country's leader, the U.S. and its allies would have been lining up sanctions. My question is: will China as a P-5 member of the UN and head of the BRI and Global Security Initiative, for example, call for sanctions against the U.S. in this matter?

Mao Ning: On your first question, China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and respects the arrangements made by the Venezuelan government in accordance with the country's Constitution and laws.

On your second question, the United States, as a P5 country, disregards the grave concerns of the international community and tramples on Venezuela's sovereignty, security and lawful rights and interests. China firmly opposes that. We support the UN Security Council in carrying out its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Bloomberg: Just want to follow up on Venezuela. Ousted Venezuelan President Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to U.S. charges on a narco-terrorism case against him. He said through an interpreter: "I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man," adding that he is still the president of Venezuela. He also said he had been "kidnapped" from his home. We wonder if the Foreign Ministry has any comment on this?

Mao Ning: The U.S. disregards President Maduro's head-of-state status, blatantly prosecutes and puts him on so-called "trial" in a domestic court. That seriously violates Venezuela's national sovereignty and destabilizes international relations. No country should put domestic rules above international law. China calls on the U.S. to release President Maduro and his wife at once and ensure their personal safety.

AFP: President Lee of South Korea said yesterday that he wanted a new phase in relations with China. I wonder what China's view of this statement is. How do you expect the relationship with South Korea to change?

Mao Ning: President Lee Jae Myung is now paying a state visit to China. President Xi Jinping held talks with him yesterday and Premier Li Qiang met with him this morning. The readouts have been released, which you may refer to.

China and the ROK are neighbors and cooperation partners. The sound and steady development of China-ROK relations serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. We would like to work with the ROK for more tangible achievements in the development of our relations in the new year.

Reuters: It is related to South Korea. Does China welcome more South Korean culture exports in the future? What would China do to facilitate their resumption?

Mao Ning: Both China and the ROK agree to carry out beneficial cultural exchanges in an orderly manner.

Reuters: One last question regarding Venezuela. More than a dozen media workers were detained on Monday when covering events in Venezuelan capital Caracas, including when they were covering a march in support of Maduro. Were there any Chinese media reporters part of that detention? How safe are the reporters now covering news in Venezuela?

Mao Ning: I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. What I can tell you is that the Chinese government has always attached great importance to protecting the safety of Chinese nationals abroad. To my knowledge, all Chinese journalists currently in Venezuela are safe.

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Qatar says in contact with Iran and US to ease tensions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 6, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry says Doha is in contact with both Iran and the United States and supports all forms of dialogue aimed at reducing regional tensions, underscoring the Arab country's continued role in diplomatic mediation.

Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday there was room for diplomatic and political solutions and that Doha was not imposing any time limits on dialogue or mediation efforts.

On the issue of Gaza, the spokesperson said efforts to halt the war faced complexities that required sustained engagement, adding that Qatar was continuing to mediate to reopen the Rafah crossing and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, with contacts ongoing.

Qatar has also called for humanitarian assistance not to be used as a tool for political pressure, Al-Ansari said.

Qatar was working alongside other mediators to help secure progress toward the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the official added.

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Iran warns against continued hostile actions and vows decisive response

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 6, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The secretariat of the Iranian Defense Council of the Islamic Republic has condemned the escalation of threatening rhetoric and interventionist remarks against the country and vowed crushing response.

Iran's security, independence, and territorial integrity are an inviolable red line, wrote the secretariat in a statement on Tuesday.

Any aggression or continuation of hostile actions will be met with a proportionate, decisive, and definitive response, it added.

The old enemies of Iran, who have repeatedly and explicitly taken responsibility for the killing of Iranian women and children, are now pursuing disintegrating and damaging the country's entirety by repeating and intensifying threatening rhetoric and making interventionist statements that blatantly contradict established principles of international law.

This approach is not merely the expression of political positions but is part of a pattern of pressure and intimidation, which cannot be without consequences and cost, or be considered outside the field-based equations, the secretariat stated.

Relying on national solidarity, comprehensive deterrent capabilities, and full defensive readiness, the Islamic Republic of Iran explicitly reiterates that the security, independence, and territorial integrity of the country are an inviolable red line, it said.

Within the framework of legitimate defense, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not confine itself to responding only after an act of aggression. Instead, it regards tangible indicators of threat as integral components of its security equation, it noted.

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China's decision to tighten export control of dual-use items to Japan to safeguard national security, fulfill non-proliferation obligations: MOFCOM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:44 PM

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday that the Japanese leader's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question constitute a crude interference in China's internal affairs, seriously violate the one-China principle, and are extremely egregious in nature and impact, and China has decided to prohibit the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military end users, for military purposes, as well as to any other end users or end uses that would help enhance Japan's military capabilities.

The comments came in response to a question on the considerations behind the announcement, previously released by the MOFCOM, on tightening export controls on dual-use items to Japan.

"Japanese leader has recently made erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question, openly implying the possibility of military intervention across the Taiwan Straits. Such remarks constitute a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, seriously violate the one-China principle, and are extremely egregious in nature and impact," the MOFCOM spokesperson said in a statement.

To safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, China has decided to prohibit the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military end users, for military purposes, as well as to any other end users or end uses that would help enhance Japan's military capabilities, the spokesperson said.

Any organization or individual from any country or region that violates the above provisions by transferring or providing relevant dual-use items originating in China to Japanese organizations or individuals will be held legally accountable in accordance with the law, the spokesperson added.

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China tightens export control of dual-use items to Japan, with immediate effect: MOFCOM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:27 PM

China announced on Tuesday the decision to strengthen export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan, in accordance with the relevant provisions of laws and regulations including the Export Control Law of China. The announcement takes immediate effect. The decision was made in order to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, said China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Tuesday.

Specifically, under the decision, all dual-use items are prohibited from being exported to Japan for military end users, military purposes, or any other end users or uses that contribute in any way to enhancing Japan's military capabilities, per the MOFCOM.

Any organization or individual in any country or region that violates the above provisions by transferring or providing relevant dual-use items of Chinese origin to organizations or individuals in Japan will be held legally liable in accordance with the law, said the MOFCOM.

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Secretary Lazaro Visits Myanmar, Exchanges Views with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and other Officials of the State Security and Peace Commission

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

NAY PYI TAW 07 January 2026 -- Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, visited Myanmar to meet with the senior leadership of the State Security and Peace Commission in Nay Pyi Taw on 06 January 2026.

In these introductory meetings with Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe of the State Security and Peace Commission, Secretary Lazaro had warm and constructive exchange of views on geopolitical developments, the political situation in Myanmar particularly the ongoing elections, and the priorities of the Philippine chairship of ASEAN, as well as the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

The officials recognized the role of the Philippines as the ASEAN Chair and expressed support for its chairship under the theme "Navigating our Future, Together."

"As Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines will continue to build on the efforts of previous Special Envoys of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in advancing the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus," Special Envoy Lazaro emphasized.

On a bilateral level, Secretary Lazaro thanked Myanmar for the prompt assistance in facilitating the repatriation of more than 600 Filipinos who are victims of human trafficking. The Myanmar officials, on the other hand, expressed appreciation for the deployment of an 89-member Filipino military/humanitarian contingent and the financial assistance in response to the earthquake that devastated certain areas in March last year.

On the occasion of the Secretary's visit, Acting President Min Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to a Filipino national convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Both sides further welcomed that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Myanmar relations, and agreed to the convening of political/economic consultations to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation. END

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A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - January 06, 2026

No PR-3/2026-ISPR

A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with emphasis on training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace advancements.

The visiting Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed him on PAF's recent advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework from basic to advanced flying and specialized courses across PAF institutions. He also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem.

The Bangladeshi Air Chief praised PAF's combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force's aging fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance. Detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The delegation visited key PAF facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, observing capabilities in ISR, cyber, space, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.

The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership.

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Sound and stable China-S. Korea ties serve fundamental interests of both countries and peoples: Chinese FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:25 PM

When asked how China-South Korea relations would change after South Korea President Lee Jae-myung said Monday that he hopes ties between South Korea and China will enter a new stage, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said that China and South Korea are close neighbors and cooperation partners, and that promoting sound and stable development of bilateral relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples.

China is willing to work with South Korea in the same direction to deliver more tangible results in bilateral ties in the new year, Mao added.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Lee arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a state visit to China from January 4 to 7.

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Presidents Lee, Xi eye 'full restoration' of relations in 2026

KOREA.net

Jan 06, 2026

By Park Hye Ri

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to China, on Jan. 5 attended a bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on in-depth methods of raising bilateral cooperation and regional security affairs such as the Korean Peninsula.

This was the second meeting between both leaders after their first in November last year in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

"This summit will serve as a crucial opportunity to make 2026 the first year of fully restored relations between Korea and China," President Lee said at the talks held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "I believe efforts will continue unabated to develop the bilateral partnership for strategic cooperation into an irreversible trend of this generation."

"Today's meeting is the first state visit and summit diplomacy schedule of the Year of Byeongoh (Red Horse) for both President Xi and me," he added. "Following the trends and changes of the times, I wish to open a new chapter in the development of bilateral ties together with President Xi."

President Lee also stressed bilateral cooperation in the people's livelihoods and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

"We will continue horizontal and mutually beneficial cooperation in sectors directly related to people's daily lives and further boost efforts to resolve livelihood issues," he said. "We will jointly explore feasible alternatives to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula."

"Friends grow closer the more they get to know each other and neighbors grow closer the more they interact with each other," President Xi said in response. "As friends and neighbors, Korea and China must interact more often and communicate more diligently,"

"We've held two summits and visited each other in just two months," he added. "This shows that both countries consider bilateral relations very important."

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac in a briefing after the talks said, "(The summit) solidified the basis for bilateral political trust and friendly sentiment," adding, "We reached a consensus to continue annual summits in line with the full restoration of bilateral relations."

Both leaders also agreed to gradually expand cultural and content exchanges step by step starting with sectors acceptable to both sides, in addition to advancing detailed discussions.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of making the Yellow (West) Sea a "peaceful and mutually prosperous sea" for the stable and long-term development of bilateral ties, pledging to continue constructive talks on the issue of Chinese structures in the Yellow Sea.

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Regular trade talks set, 14 bilateral MOUs signed with China

KOREA.net

Jan 06, 2026

By Kim Hyelin

Korea and China will hold regular meetings between their trade ministers and expand practical cooperation to sectors like digital technology and protection for intellectual property rights.

Following the Jan. 5 summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both sides concluded 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between government branches and institutions.

President Lee's spokesperson Kang Yu-jung that day said in a written briefing, "We signed an MOU on setting up dialogue on trade cooperation to hold regular talks between the trade ministers of both countries and another on raising cooperation between industrial complexes to stimulate investment between them and reinforce industrial and supply chain collaboration."

Thus the two sides will set up a permanent and consistent intergovernmental communication that covers not only trade, investment and supply chains but also multilateral cooperation including with third countries. Seoul will host the first such talks in the first half of the year.

One MOU covered the expansion of cooperation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovation to boost cooperation in SMEs to include venture companies, startups and innovation. Another promoted stronger ties in digital economy.

For the environment, they also signed an MOU to expand the scope of environmental cooperation from atmospheric issues to climate change, and another guaranteed the protection of children's rights and promoting of their welfare amid the challenges of low birth rates and aging societies.

An agreement on hygiene for the export of wild seafood expanded the scope of Korean exports of such food, and another on food safety cooperation was expected to boost the conditions for Korean corporate entry into the Chinese market.

One MOU covered stronger cooperation in the protection of intellectual property rights and another on mutual cooperation to safeguard such rights at borders sought to boost the competitiveness of Korean companies advancing to China.

On the occasion of the summit, Korea agreed to donate a pair of stone lion statues to China. These artifacts are part of Chinese cultural heritage purchased in the 1930s by Korean art collector Kansong Chun Hyungpil (1906-62) in Japan and will be returned to China following his wishes.

The presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said, "This donation of the stone lion statues will help foster friendly ties between the people of Korea and China."

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Spokesperson's Press Briefing (January 6, 2026)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Park Il

January 6, 2026 14:30 KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today's briefing.

This is my first press briefing of the year 2026. I wish you all a happy new year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun will receive policy briefings from its affiliated government agencies as well as public and other related institutions from January 8 to through 12 and stress that they should do their utmost to implement national policy tasks.

The series of policy briefings will be kicked off by the Korea-Africa Foundation on Thursday, January 8, followed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Foundation on Friday, January 9, and the Overseas Koreans Agency and the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center on Monday, January 12.

Please note that relevant press releases will be available after the briefings.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)

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Press release on exchange of congratulatory messages by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Union of the Comoros Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, responsible for the Arab World, Diaspora, the Francophonie and African Integration of Comoros Mohamed Mbae

6 January 2026 15:09

10-06-01-2026

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, responsible for the Arab World, Diaspora, the Francophonie and African Integration of Comoros Mohamed Mbae exchanged congratulatory message on the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries established on January 6, 1976.

In his message, Sergey Lavrov stressed that the Russian Federation and the Union of the Comoros enjoy well-established friendly partnership relations. Moscow and Moroni constructively interact in international affairs. The Minister expressed his confidence that the mutually advantageous collaboration will continue to successfully unfold for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and the Comoros and in the interests of enhancing peace and stability in the western part of the Indian Ocean.

Mohamed Mbae, in turn highlighter the Comoros' invariable commitment to further deepen political dialogue and step up fruitful cooperation in the trade, economic, humanitarian and other areas.

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Tanks Remain Primary Assault Force for Breakthrough in Battlefield - Rostec

Sputnik News

20260106

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Modern main battle tanks have undergone significant changes in their protection and application, retaining their role as the primary assault force for breakthroughs on the battlefield, Russian state corporation Rostec said on Tuesday.

"Contrary to the widespread opinion, tanks have not lost their role on the battlefield as the main assault force for breakthroughs. This is confirmed by numerous combat episodes in the zone of the special military operation," the corporation wrote on Telegram.

The industrial giant, a key producer of Russian military hardware, responded to a report by the Russian Defense Ministry detailing how tank crews of Battlegroup Vostok used a new tactic to breach enemy defenses in Sladkoye in the Zaporozhye region. They operated in tank pairs, with one vehicle providing covering fire from afar and the other rushing to the forward edge to fire directly at the target. The ministry said that tanks are not losing their role as assault weapons but are adapting and enhancing their impact on the course of assaults.

Rostec said that tracked combat vehicles had undergone substantial changes in terms of their protection, and their application tactics had also evolved in recent years.

"Nevertheless, the tank remains one of the most resilient combat vehicles on the battlefield, capable of conducting effective direct fire against the enemy under the impact of various means of destruction, including FPV drones," it said.

Rostec suggested that future tanks will retain classic features, such as tracked chassis, heavy armor and medium or large-caliber guns in a rotating turret, while being fully integrated with other weapons and forces using automated control systems, including with drones, ground robots, artillery, electronic warfare and air defense assets, engineering units, and anti-tank weapons. This integration is seen as key to neutralizing anti-tank threats before the active phase, allowing tanks to reach attack positions.

Rostec produces several types of modern tanks, including the T-90M "Proryv," as well as the modernized T-80BVM and T-72B3M, whose protection and onboard systems have been promptly refined based on combat experience.

 Sputnik

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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session in Riyadh

Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh, January 06, 2026, SPA -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held in Riyadh today.

At the outset of the session, the Cabinet reviewed the contents of telephone calls received by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkiye, President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of the State of Qatar, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The discussions addressed relations between the Kingdom and these countries, as well as regional and international developments.

The Cabinet then reviewed the latest developments in the region and the Kingdom's efforts to enhance security and stability in the Republic of Yemen and to foster a supportive environment for dialogue among all parties. In this regard, the Cabinet reiterated its welcome of the request by President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi to convene a comprehensive conference in Riyadh bringing together all southern factions, with the aim of reaching a just solution to the southern issue that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the southern people.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet discussed the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip by intensifying air, sea, and land aid bridges to support the brotherly Palestinian people. These efforts are carried out under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince and reflect the Kingdom's longstanding role in providing humanitarian assistance and its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

On the domestic affairs, the Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its position in advanced technologies and building an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances the competitiveness of the national economy and attracts investment, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to establish a sustainable, data- and artificial intelligence-driven economy.

The Cabinet commended the launch in Riyadh of the world's largest government data center project, "Hexagon," which is considered a significant strategic milestone that reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global hub in this field, ensures data sovereignty and security, and enables innovation and the growth of the digital economy.

The Cabinet addressed other items on its agenda and issued several decisions, including the following:

First:

Approving a draft headquarters agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education.

Second:

Approving a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature in the field of adopting and localizing innovations and advanced technologies in the environment, water and agriculture sector.

Third:

Authorizing the minister of tourism, or a deputy, to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Art of Trinidad and Tobago.

Fourth:

Authorizing the minister of tourism, or a deputy, to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism with the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Fifth:

Authorizing the minister of industry and mineral resources, and the chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geological Survey, or a deputy, to discuss a draft memorandum of cooperation in the field of earth sciences between the Saudi Geological Survey and Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University.

Sixth:

Approving a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Competition and the Omani Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in the field of competition protection and the prevention of harmful monopolistic practices.

Seventh:

Approving a draft cooperation agreement between the Saudi Presidency of State Security and the Zambian Security and Intelligence Service in the field of combating terrorism and its financing.

Eighth:

Approving a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification and the Moroccan National Agency for Water and Forests in the field of developing natural vegetation cover and combating desertification.

-- SPA

16:14 Local Time 13:14 GMT

0026

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Israel continues its military incursion into southern Syria

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 6, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli forces have once again entered the Quneitra governorate in southern Syria, in a further breach of the sovereignty of the crisis-hit Arab country.

According to reports by several media outlets, including the Alikhbariah news website, a convoy of Israeli troops consisting of 12 armored vehicles crossed into and raided the village of Saida Al-Hanout on Monday.

They reportedly inspected a number of residential houses in the area and tried to offer food to the people, but the villagers refused to accept anything from the Israeli forces.

Earlier, the Syrian news agency, SANA cited local sources as saying that Israelis also opened direct fire on agricultural lands, west of the town of Al-Rafid in the southern countryside of Quneitra.

For months, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily incursions into southern Syria, particularly in Quneitra, carrying out arrests, erecting checkpoints, and bulldozing land, all of which have prompted growing public anger and unrest, posing a serious obstacle to the process of returning stability to the country.

Syria has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of occupation forces from its territory, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities, and compel Israel to return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which the regime dismissed after the fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad.

4399**9417

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Joint Statement on the Trilateral Meeting Between the Governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 6, 2026

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic.

Begin Text.

Under the auspices of the United States, senior Israeli and Syrian officials met in Paris. President Donald J. Trump's leadership in the Middle East enabled productive discussions, centered on respect for Syria's sovereignty and stability, Israel's security, and prosperity for both countries. The State of Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic (the "Sides") have reached the following understandings:

The Sides reaffirm their commitment to strive toward achieving lasting security and stability arrangements for both countries.

Both Sides have decided to establish a joint fusion mechanisma dedicated communication cellto facilitate immediate and ongoing coordination on their intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and commercial opportunities under the supervision of the United States.

This mechanism will serve as a platform to address any disputes promptly and work to prevent misunderstandings.

The United States commends these positive steps and remains committed to supporting the implementation of these understandings, as part of broader efforts to achieve enduring peace in the Middle East. When sovereign nations cooperate in a respectful and productive way, prosperity will be unleashed.

This joint statement reflects the spirit of today's great meeting and the Sides' determination to turn a new page in their relations for the benefit of future generations.

End Text.

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Rescue operations launched after F-16V crashes off Hualien (update)

ROC Central News Agency

01/06/2026 09:56 PM

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) A captain surnamed Hsin () is believed to have ejected from an F-16V (Block 20) single-seat fighter jet about 10 nautical miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County during a routine training mission at 7:29 p.m. Tuesday, the Air Force said.

The Air Force said that it has established an emergency response center and launched a search and rescue operation.

The fighter jet took off from the Hualien Air Base at 6:17 p.m. for a night-time training mission, according to the Air Force.

The pilot, identified as Hsin Po-yi (), had clocked a total flight time of 611 hours, including 371 hours flying F-16V, before Tuesday's incident, the Air Force said.

The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said later that it has dispatched vessels from its northern, eastern and southern fleets to the scene and has also contacted nearby commercial cargo ships to assist in the search and rescue operation.

Vessels from the Sixth (Hualien) Coast Guard Corps are expected to be among the first to reach the site, sources said.

A Black Hawk helicopter from the National Airborne Service Corps has also been deployed to waters off Fengbin to conduct an aerial search, while rescue aircraft have arrived at the target area and a C-130 transport plane has dropped illumination flares to aid nighttime operations, an airborne service official told CNA.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling () wrote on Facebook that joint air and sea rescue efforts involving the Ministry of National Defense, the Coast Guard and airborne rescue teams are underway, adding that a cargo ship located about 6.3 nautical miles from the scene had also been contacted to assist in the operation.

(By Matt Yu, Shih Hsiu-chuan and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/AW



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China's drills near Taiwan endanger 'co-existence': European MP

ROC Central News Agency

01/06/2026 02:10 PM

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) The military exercises China staged around Taiwan last week were provocative and revealed Beijing's "unacceptable attitude" that threatens "peaceful co-existence across the Taiwan Strait," European Parliament (EP) member Michael Gahler said Tuesday.

Alluding to global geopolitical challenges, Gahler warned while meeting President Lai Ching-te () at the Presidential Office in Taipei that "many certainties that we have had over decades seem to be fading away," without going into detail.

Against this backdrop, Gahler, who chairs the European Taiwan Friendship Group, underlined the importance for the EP and democracies worldwide to speak out for maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, a condition Gahler said China has attempted to alter.

"The Taiwan Strait is an international strait, and it's good that different countries demonstrate that by sending ships through this strait and making it clear that we do not accept a unilateral change of the status quo," said Gahler, who is leading a 10-member group on a six-day visit to Taiwan until Jan. 9.

Gahler said the international community has strongly condemned Beijing's "belligerent and aggressive posture" as witnessed in last week's large-scale military drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.

"This is such a provocation and an unacceptable attitude that endangers the peaceful coexistence across the strait," he said.

One common challenge facing Taiwan and Europe, he noted, is the "unlawful and unfriendly" sabotage of undersea communications cables, and his delegation had exchanged opinions on this issue with Taiwanese officials on Monday.

In his remarks, Lai said that due to China's incessant military intimidation and harassment of Taiwan, and its coercion through economic and diplomatic avenues, many Taiwanese have embraced the adage of "peace through strength."

More crucially, Lai said, only by democracies working together can democratic values and the rules-based international order be upheld.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/ls





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CCP paired Taiwan drills with cyberattacks, cognitive warfare: NSB

ROC Central News Agency

01/06/2026 08:37 PM

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) said that between Dec. 29 and Jan. 2 the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) paired military drills against Taiwan with information operations and cyberattacks, spreading more than 19,000 "controversial" messages and launching millions of hacking intrusions.

In a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan, the NSB said the online activity involved 799 abnormal accounts and focused on amplifying skepticism about the United States, Taiwan's military and President Lai Ching-te (), referring to concerns about Taiwan's ability to defend itself.

Cyber intrusions targeting government networks increased during the exercises, reaching about 2.08 million attacks on the first day of the drills and increasing to about 2.09 million on the second day, the agency said.

The Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee has invited the NSB, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Coast Guard Administration to brief lawmakers on Thursday.

Its written report on the drills and related security threats had already been delivered to legislators ahead of the committee session.

In its report, the NSB said the CCP launched the drills to counter support for Taiwan from international democratic allies, divert attention from domestic problems and portray military strength as unaffected by anti-corruption efforts.

China is facing weak economic momentum, citing declining investment, reduced foreign investment, high youth unemployment and rising labor protests over unpaid wages, it said.

The CCP used targeted drills against Taiwan to redirect public dissatisfaction toward nationalist sentiment framed as resistance to external interference, the agency said.

The NSB said Chinese leader Xi Jinping () expanded an anti-corruption crackdown after the National People's Congress sessions, targeting the Fujian clique within the military and leading to investigations and punishments of senior officers that affected major annual exercises.

The NSB said the CCP sought to project military strength by highlighting nuclear deterrence at the Sept. 3 military parade, promoting new vessels such as the Fujian aircraft carrier and Sichuan amphibious assault vessel, and deploying carrier groups including the Liaoning aircraft carrier and landing helicopter dock Hainan on long-range missions.

The NSB said newly appointed Eastern Theater Command commander Yang Zhibin () later oversaw targeted drills against Taiwan to show that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was not affected by the anti-corruption campaign.

The NSB said the drills featured compound threats including military and gray-zone coercion, cognitive warfare and cyberattacks, with "controversial" content concentrated on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X.

The NSB said cybersecurity agencies in the Indo-Pacific, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union have repeatedly identified the CCP as a major source of global cyber threats, with PLA cyberwarfare groups APT24 and BlackTech the most active during the drills.

(By Matt Yu and James Thompson)

Enditem/AW

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China would suffer 100,000 fatalities in Taiwan invasion: Report

ROC Central News Agency

01/06/2026 06:32 PM

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) China could sustain up to 100,000 military fatalities if it invaded Taiwan through amphibious landings, resulting in its ultimate retreat, but it would likely gain control over Taiwan's offshore Kinmen and Matsu islands, according to a report published Monday by an American think tank.

The report, titled "If China Attacks Taiwan," published by the German Marshall Fund, which is partially funded by the United States government, sought to predict the consequences China would suffer if it pursued military action against Taiwan, in the event of a "major war" and a "minor conflict."

According to Zack Cooper, one of the report's authors, a major war with Taiwan would start with amphibious landings in Taiwan by Chinese forces, coupled with attacks on the Taiwanese military, as well as U.S. forces in Japan and Guam.

Although Chinese forces would be able to land on Taiwan, their supply lines would be cut by "successful Taiwanese and US strikes on ships and aircraft crossing the [Taiwan] Strait," wrote Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Under these circumstances, the belligerents would engage in "several months of heavy fighting" that results in Chinese forces suffering "massive losses" of up to 100,000 troops killed, according to the report.

This would force China to "eventually surrender on the condition that its forces on Taiwan are repatriated to the mainland without harm."

Meanwhile, Taiwan would suffer about 50,000 military casualties and 50,000 civilian casualties, the U.S. would lose 5,000 military personnel and 1,000 civilians, and Japan would lose 1,000 military personnel and 500 civilians, the report estimates.

Notably, although the war would end with the withdrawal of Chinese forces from Taiwan's main island, "Chinese forces would retain control of Kinmen and Matsu Islands," the report says.

The document, released one week after China held large-scale military exercises in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, encircling the country, also simulated international responses to a "major war" and "minor conflict" with Taiwan.

The report sought to analyze China's perception of those reactions, basing its assessments on the backlash sparked by the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, the 2014-2015 Umbrella Movement and the 2019-2020 Anti-Extradition Law protests in Hong Kong, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Among the several dozen possible responses from the international community in the event of a major war, only four were deemed to exact a "high cost" by China, according to the report.

These include "freezing the assets of Chinese leaders," which has a high likelihood, and three scenarios with "low" likelihood: "signing a NATO-like Asian alliance," "recognizing Taiwan's independence," and "signing a treaty alliance with Taiwan."

Meanwhile, the international response would be more tempered in the event of a minor conflict between Taiwan and China, which Cooper defined as weeks-long air and maritime battles, breaches of Taiwan's territorial waters and airspace, and a "quarantine" of major Taiwanese ports.

In this scenario, countries would simply issue travel warnings for China and release "critical public statements," which would be considered "low cost" by Beijing, the report says.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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South Korea's Lee took more ambiguous Taiwan stance in Xi talks: Expert

ROC Central News Agency

01/06/2026 05:38 PM

Seoul, Jan. 5 (CNA) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's ambiguity on Taiwan during his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping () differed from predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol's more explicit public appeal to "international norms and rules," an expert told CNA on Monday.

Chun Kalim, a professor specializing in cross-strait relations at Hoseo University, noted that Lee said only that South Korea "respects" China's "one China" position, referring to Beijing's assertion that Taiwan is an "inalienable part" of its territory.

Yoon, by contrast, invoked protests from Beijing after stating that any conflict over Taiwan should be resolved in accordance with international norms and rules, and that South Korea resolutely opposes unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, Chun said.

Chun said that discussions between Xi and Lee, the first South Korean president to visit China since 2019, were focused on "resolving bilateral disputes," and, therefore, issues involving third parties were largely avoided.

In addition, Xi did not directly mention recent tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could warrant a response from Tokyo, Chun said.

The Chinese leader, however, did call on Seoul to "firmly stand on the right side of history" and "make correct strategic choices," according to Chun.

Lee did not make a positive response to the suggestion, only briefly touched on Japan's colonial history, saying that both Korea and China stood together against Japanese militarist aggression, Chun said.

This showed that both took different stances on their approach toward Japan, according to the scholar.

According to South Korea's state-run Yonhap news agency, Lee and Xi agreed on the importance of resuming dialogue with North Korea as well as exploring measures for peace on the Korean Peninsula during a 90-minute one-on-one meeting.

Meanwhile, the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency said that Xi and Lee both agreed to enhance bilateral strategic partnership, promote practical cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination.

(By Liao Yu-yang and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG

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U.S. "almost starting a war with an allied country" in pursuit of Greenland: Danish lawmaker

Xinhua) 13:45, January 07, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is "almost starting a war with an allied country" in its pursuit of Greenland, Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov said Tuesday on CNN.

"They talk about the United States as the only ones that can protect Greenland, but the fact is that they're the only ones threatening Greenland," the Danish parliament member said during an interview.

Denmark's ownership of Greenland "may be one of the most well-established ownerships of territory in the world," Jarlov said. "It is not disputed by anyone. It has never been disputed by the United States themselves."

Jarlov noted that the United States already has "exclusive and full military access" to Greenland, calling Trump's remarks that the United States needs Greenland for defense "complete nonsense."

The White House on Tuesday reiterated that Greenland would be better protected by the United States, ignoring European leaders' support for Denmark's ownership of Greenland.

"President Trump believes Greenland is a strategically important location that is critical from the standpoint of national security, and he is confident Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told media outlets in a statement.

Earlier, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement: "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

"Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Monday in a statement on Facebook.

Trump on Sunday stressed again that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland "for defense," reaffirming that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to U.S. intervention, according to The Atlantic.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, was granted home rule in 1979. In 2009, Denmark passed the Act on Greenland Self-Government, expanding the island's authority over its domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign, defense and security policy, according to information on the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Denmark.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
As a manager, making sure your employees are on the same page as you is absolutely critical to business success. It can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day minutiae of work and forget that your employees rely on you to set the standards for communication, so if you feel your employees arent always right there with you, here are some ways you can use to get them (and yourself) back on track.

Think Before You Speak

When a crisis looms on the horizon, its easy and understandable to want to react emotionally rather than rationally. But these times are the exact times you need to take a step back, review the situation from a dispassionate perspective, and think carefully about what you want to say before you speak.

Your employees wont necessarily remember exactly what you say in these times, but they will remember how you made them feel, so its important to not just react off the cuff, but in a measured, thoughtful, and helpful way.

Planning is everything when it comes to speaking in crisis situations. Take the heat off by considering beforehand exactly what youre going to say, and even have some scripts prepared for possible issues. Youll be calmer and be able to calm your employees better. Jason Stromberg, HR Manager, Elite Assignment Help

Critique In Private

One of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager is to provide negative feedback or criticism to your employees. This should always be done in private on a one-on-one basis.Your message should avoid the employees personality or traits and instead focus on what the employee can do to improve.

End the meeting on as high a note as possible, and reassure them that youve got their back and youre sure they can follow the instructions youve given. They will take the message to heart far more effectively if theyre not put on the defensive by how youve given it. A little sympathy when delivering difficult messages goes a long way.

Praise In Public

On the other hand, when one of your employees has done something praiseworthy, make your recognition of it as public as you can. You want to make your employee feel wonderful, and inspire your other employees to do likewise.

Communicate Weekly

Dont let a week go by without sending your employees an email keeping them up-to-date on important things going on in your business. This email should be personally engaging and should feel like its truly coming from you as an individual. If you need a hand with writing up a personal email to your staff, Revieweal is a good site to go to.

There are also many useful business writing resources available at the State of Writing. If youre new to the art of writing thoughtful, heartfelt emails to inspire and motivate your staff, write up the first draft, then use writing tools to revise it until it says what you want it to say.With practice, this will become easier.

Meet Regularly

Getting in the habit of meeting with your employees regularly will be fantastic for employee morale. It just needs to be a staff meeting once a month or so, with a written agenda, developed in cooperation with your staff and distributed before the meeting. The site AcademAdvisor can help with writing up the agenda. This provides a way for employees to raise any potential issues for discussion in a group setting and can provide a forum for you to clear the air in case there is anything causing problems for your employees.

Open The Door

Its absolutely crucial to not just maintain an open-door policy but to ensure that your employees know that they can come to you about anything at any time. Remind people of your open-door policy frequently, and if that doesnt bring people to you, reach out to them, even if its just saying good morning when you come in. People will be far more likely to approach you if they feel you will welcome them.

Write It Down

So, youve shared what you need to with your employees verbally. Great, now follow up by writing it down and sending it out to them in an email or another form of communication. If youre a little unsure when it comes to grammar, you can check it online at Grammarly.

Most people will benefit from getting the information twice in different formats, and some people are visually-oriented and will remember written communication far better than verbal. In addition, any staff members who werent there for your meeting will get the information this way, rather than having to rely on others to pass on the message.

Different people learn in different ways, so its best to provide any information you want people to remember in at least two of three ways: verbally, visually, or with action.  JamieLee, Communication Manager, Top Canadian Writers

In conclusion, taking the time to communicate with your employees is critical to your business success and crucial to your employees remaining happy to work for you. Keep it calm, do it regularly, let your personality shine through, try different things, and youll find your employees have smiles on their faces when they come through the door every morning.
'Reckless remarks of petty individual not worthy of comment,' says Chinese FM on Japanese senator's provocative visit to Taiwan region

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 06, 2026 04:06 PM

The reckless remarks of a petty individual are not worthy of any comment, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated Tuesday in response to a question by a journalist from a foreign media outlet regarding the ongoing provocative visit to Taiwan region by Japanese senator Hei Seki.

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Two more listed as diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists, one more listed as accomplice and henchman: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 07, 2026 11:19 AM

Two individuals in the island of Taiwan-Liu Shyh-fang and Cheng Ying-yao-have been listed as diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists and will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law, Chen Binhua, spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, announced on Wednesday.

Liu serves as the head of Taiwan's so-called "interior affairs department," and Cheng is head of the so-called "education department" of the island

Liu and Cheng have repeatedly committed egregious "Taiwan independence" acts, which have aroused strong indignation among compatriots on both sides of the Straits. Many people have reported the two individuals to the Taiwan Affairs Office, calling for legal punishment to be imposed on these two figures, Chen said.

Liu has openly propagated fallacious "Taiwan independence" separatist theories, aggressively suppressed Taiwan individuals who support or participate in cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, persecuted mainland spouses living in Taiwan, and gone to great lengths to erect barriers to cross-Straits personnel exchanges and to block channels of communication between people on both sides of the Straits, the spokesperson said.

Cheng has vigorously promoted provocative rhetoric advocating "Taiwan independence," organized the compilation of "Taiwan independence" teaching materials to poison the minds of young people on the island, and obstructed cross-Straits educational exchanges and cooperation, Chen continued.

Both Liu and Cheng are obstinate in their "Taiwan independence" ideology, arrogant in their separatist rhetoric, and egregious in their separatist actions. They have openly sought to split the country and incited separatism, seriously undermining cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, gravely harming the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and severely damaging the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, Chen said.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the mainland has decided to place Liu and Cheng on the list of diehard Taiwan independence separatists and impose sanctions on them.

Liu and Cheng, as well as their family members, will be prohibited from entering the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Their affiliated institutions will be restricted from engaging in cooperation with relevant organizations and individuals on the mainland, and their associated enterprises and financial backers will be strictly barred from seeking profits on the mainland.

Other necessary punitive measures will also be taken, and they will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law. The spokesperson also noted that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are welcome to continue providing information and clues regarding the illegal and criminal activities of Liu and Cheng.

"Taiwan independence" separatism is a grave threat to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. Punishing in accordance with the law a very small number of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists is intended to fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to protect the legitimate interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. It is by no means directed at the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots, Chen noted.

It is hoped that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the harmful nature, sinister intentions, and ugly true colors of the small number of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists, consciously draw a clear line between themselves and figures such as Liu and Cheng, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, firmly promote cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development, safeguard the common home of the Chinese nation, and jointly create lasting well-being for compatriots on both sides of the Straits, the spokesperson said.

Chen also announced on Wednesday that Chen Shuyi, described as a "green judicial enforcer," has been listed as an accomplice and henchman of "Taiwan independence" forces and will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law.

An investigation revealed that Chen Shuyi acted as an accomplice to "Taiwan independence" forces, fabricating charges and persecuting Taiwan individuals who support cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, intimidating the Taiwan public, and creating a "green terror." Her actions were egregious and her crimes serious, the spokesperson said.

In response to a question that how many people are currently on these lists of diehard Taiwan independence separatists and "Taiwan independence" henchmen and accomplices," and whether the mainland further step up punitive measures and bring them to justice while some public opinion on the island claiming that the mainland's punitive measures have had no substantive impact on these individuals and have instead become so-called "medals" for them to flaunt, Chen said "Taiwan independence" elements are illegal criminals who seek to split the country and undermine cross-Straits relations.

They are also national traitors who pursue "independence" and provoke conflict, harming the interests and well-being of compatriots. To date, we have announced 14 individuals as diehard Taiwan independence separatists and 12 individuals as "Taiwan independence" henchmen and accomplices, Chen said.

Anyone who dares to defy the law, no matter where they are, will be subjected to all necessary measures. They will be punished in accordance with the law and held legally accountable for life, the spokesperson added.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.01.07

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Jan. 6 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 7 (Wed.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

11 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

3.PRC balloon activities:

1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe.

1150107_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan1

1150107_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan2

1150107_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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The military officially launches the Digital Logistics Management System

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

5 January, 2026, 6:23 PM EET

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has completed the pilot operation of the Digital Logistics Management System and transitioned it to full operational use. The system is now officially operational within the military and supports logistics, procurement, and financial management.

This means that the system has received all required approvals, user technical support has been established, and software protection and update processes are in place.

"The military has received a unified resource management ecosystem spanning all levels, from strategic command to individual units. By automating defense procurement and financial accounting, it reduces bureaucracy and makes resource management convenient and transparent," stated Ukraine's Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal.

The system is built on SAP, a defense resource management platform used by more than 90% of NATO member states' armies. It provides real-time visibility into available resources, tracks their movement, enables supply planning, and supports decision-making based on up-to-date data.
Allies To Pledge 'Binding Commitments' On Ukraine's Security, Draft Of Paris Peace Summit Shows

By Rikard Jozwiak January 06, 2026

Summary

Officials from over 30 Western countries are meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on January 6 to coordinate support for Kyiv.

France, the UK, and Turkey are expected to push a proposal for a peacekeeping force, with possible US logistical and intelligence support.

Talks will address unresolved issues such as rules of engagement, US security guarantees, and territorial disputes including the Donbas region and Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant.

Officials from more than 30 Western countries -- the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- that support Kyiv in its war against Russia want security guarantees for Ukraine that include "binding commitments" for the country "in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace."

A draft statement, seen by RFE/RL, from a meeting in Paris on January 6 that includes the officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy adds that "Ukraine's ability to defend itself is critically important for ensuring the future of Ukraine's and Euro-Atlantic collective security."

"We confirmed that ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine," the statement, which is subject to change, says.

"Both the Coalition partners and the United States will play a vital and closely coordinated role in the provision of these security guarantees."

The meeting was called amid an intense flurry of diplomacy to fine tune a peace proposal aimed at ending Europe's largest and deadliest conflict since World War II.

US President Donald Trump's chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also attending the meeting, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio is unlikely to come despite some hopes in European capitals that he would come to the French capital.

The draft statement is the most defined wording the allies have given on military pledges to secure Ukrainians after any peace deal is reached with Moscow.

It says support for Ukraine by the allies would include a US-led cease-fire monitoring and verification mechanism, support for Ukraine's armed forces, a multinational force for Ukraine, and "binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace."

"These [binding] commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions," the draft says.

European officials have told RFE/RL that there is "a renewed sense of urgency" after a meeting over the weekend of national-security advisers and a gathering of military planners on January 5.

The draft gives no specifics on troops for any multinational force but some officials have said the number that is floating around in various European capitals is that the force will consist of 15,000-20,000 troops, while others hope the level will be closer to 30,000 working under the motto "safe sea, sky and land."

The bulk of the troops are expected to come from France and the United Kingdom, which would lead the land and air component, while Turkey has indicated it would be in charge of securing transport lanes in the Black Sea.

Most European officials RFE/RL has been in contact with believe the likely deployment would be in Western Ukraine to back up and train Ukrainian troops.

Unresolved Questions

While the outlines of a Western presence in Ukraine are taking shape, there are still several question marks to sort out, including the rules of engagement and US security guarantees.

One European diplomat admitted that one issue that still hasn't been resolved is how to respond to a potential Russian attack. "We are essentially still discussing whether we will return fire or run," he said.

When it comes to US security guarantees, both Brussels and Kyiv are increasingly optimistic that Washington will provide "a solid backstop" even though it is still not clear yet exactly what shape or form this will take.

European officials told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity there could be US boots on the ground in a noncombat role observing the cease-fire.

But the coalition also hopes Washington will still provide "back-office support" such as logistics and intelligence.

In November 2025, Trump pressed Zelenskyy to accept a 28-point peace proposal that many saw as heavily favoring Russia.

Ukraine and its European allies -- led by Britain, France, and Germany -- scrambled to develop a counterproposal, eventually putting forward a 20-point plan that took in more of Kyiv's interests, especially on security guarantees and territorial integrity.

In his meetings with the Europeans, Zelenskyy is likely to press the need for security guarantees -- from Europe but also in conjunction with desired solid assurances from the United States as well.

Thorny Issues

Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov recently asserted that "most of the positions -- 90 percent of the peace plan -- have already been agreed, work continues on the details."

These details, expected to be discussed in Paris, include the thorny issue of territorial concessions with Ukraine pushing the line of contact to be frozen or for the entire Donbas region to become a demilitarized zone.

Another issue is the ownership of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant with Kyiv dismissing the idea of Ukraine and Russia running it together, preferring that the United States steps in to sell energy from it to Moscow instead.

Few in Brussels, however, are thinking that Russia would agree on any of these issues with the assessment that the Kremlin still feels it is winning on the battlefield.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said several times in recent weeks that Moscow will achieve the goals of what it calls its "special military operation" either by agreement or force.

With that in mind, the EU is separately preparing a fresh round of sanctions, the 20th since the full-scale invasion nearly four years ago, which is likely to be presented to its member states for approval later in January.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/coalition-zelenskyy-paris- ukraine-peace-proposal/33640623.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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PM remarks after Coalition of the Willing meeting: 6 January 2026

Speech

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks after the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 6 January 2026

Delivered on: 6 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

It's important that we are starting the year like this -

European and American allies, side-by-side with President Zelenskyy...

Standing for peace.

And we are closer to that goal than ever...

But the hardest yards are still ahead...

So we're here today to keep driving that effort forward.

And we've had a very constructive meeting...

Which has built on the excellent progress made in negotiations over recent days and weeks.

The purpose of the Coalition of the Willing...

Is to help deliver a peace that can last -

And to work with the US to guarantee Ukraine's security for the long term.

This work is now more advanced than ever.

Today's joint declaration set that out in clear terms -

On top of that, and alongside President Zelenskyy and President Macron,

We went even further today.

We signed a Declaration of Intent...

On the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.

This is a vital part of our iron-cast commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long term.

It paves the way for the legal framework...

Under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil -

Securing Ukraine's skies and seas -

And regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future.

We discussed these issues in detail today.

And so I can say that, following a ceasefire,

The UK and France will establish "military hubs" across Ukraine...

And build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment...

To support Ukraine's defensive needs.

And with our Coalition partners,

We also have agreed significant further steps.

First, that we will participate in US-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire.

Second, we will support the long-term provision of armaments for Ukraine's defence.

And third, we will work towards binding commitments...

To support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia.

This is all about building the practical foundations on which peace would rest.

But we can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises.

And so, we have to be frank -

For all Russia's words...

Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace.

Over the last few weeks, we have seen the opposite:

Further horrific strikes on Ukraine...

Killing and wounding civilians...

And cutting off power from millions of people in the dead of winter.

His forces hit a hospital in Kyiv just yesterday.

And he has tried to distract from peace efforts with unfounded claims of attacks on his residence.

Now this only hardens our resolve.

We will continue to step up our support to Ukraine's defence in 2026...

To ensure it gets the equipment and backing it needs to continue the fight.

And we will keep up the pressure on Russia...

Including further measures on the oil traders and Shadow Fleet operators funding Putin's war chest.

We will continue these efforts until they come to the table in good faith...

And until we realise the goal that we all share - of a just and lasting peace.

Thank you, Emmanuel.

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Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Petr Macinka

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

06 January 2026 17:51

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a very meaningful and constructive call with my Czech colleague Petr Macinka.

I congratulated my counterpart on his appointment and thanked for Czechia's unwavering support for our country  political, economical, military, and humanitarian.

First and foremost, we discussed our bilateral relations. We agreed to turn over the page of the recent exchanges of statements and strengthen our political dialogue at the level of foreign ministries based on mutual respect and strategic partnership. Ukraine and Czechia are genuine friends and allies.

I informed my colleague of Ukraine's strong interest in further defense cooperation with Czechia, as well as Czech engagement in Ukraine's recovery. Our cooperation should be mutually beneficial.

I also informed my colleague about the battlefield situation and Russia's relentless brutal attacks on our energy system.

We discussed recent peace efforts and agreed that there is no alternative to forcing Russia to stop its aggression as soon as possible.

I invited Petr Macinka to Ukraine and he confirmed his trip in the nearest future. I look forward to hosting my Czech colleague in Kyiv".

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Importantly, the Coalition Now Has Substantive Documents in Place: A Joint Declaration by All Coalition Countries, and a Trilateral Declaration by France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine - The President

President of Ukraine

6 January 2026 - 23:47

Following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, important documents were signed: a joint declaration by all Coalition countries and a trilateral declaration by France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Through these documents, we are strengthening our further legal work within countries, with parliaments, so that at the moment when diplomacy succeeds in bringing the war to an end, we will have full readiness to deploy Coalition forces. The details have been elaborated within a system of other documents," the Head of State said.

The President noted that the Coalition of the Willing has determined which countries are ready to take the lead in specific elements of security guarantees on land, in the air, at sea, and in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"It has been determined what forces are needed, how they will be managed, and at which levels command will operate. We must also establish how monitoring will function. It must be absolutely clear how the appropriate strength and size of the Ukrainian army will be sustained and financed," the Head of State emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy underlined that military officials from France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine worked in detail on deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and components of the Armed Forces required and able to operate effectively. The President thanked each leader and each state willing to be part of a peaceful solution.

According to the President, there was a detailed discussion with the American team regarding monitoring compliance with peace.

"The United States is ready to work on this. This is extremely important to us. One of the most critical elements is deterrence - the tools that will prevent any new Russian aggression," said the Head of State.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine and the United States have made progress on documents concerning security guarantees. He emphasized that signing could take place in the near future and that these formats are already being worked through. Ukraine values the United States' readiness to support forces tasked with preventing a recurrence of Russian aggression.

"The U.S. backstop is extremely important for us. We understand the potential timing of all these processes, and we all agree that these security guarantees must be legally binding, including approval by the U.S. Congress," the Head of State stressed.

During the session, ideas were also discussed to help resolve territorial issues, and special attention was paid to strengthening Ukraine's air defense, as Russia continues strikes against energy facilities, civilian infrastructure, and peaceful cities and villages.

"That is why every one of our meetings addresses air defense as well. And in Mar-a-Lago, we discussed this with President Trump - I thank him very much for his understanding and support - and here in Paris, we are raising the air defense issue as well," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

President of France Emmanuel Macron noted that the Coalition of the Willing countries established mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire, expressed support for the Ukrainian army, and discussed preparing multinational forces to guarantee security after the ceasefire. According to him, it is important to finalize the plan for Ukraine's economic recovery.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer stated that the Coalition of the Willing must guarantee Ukraine's long-term security, and the joint declaration shows these intentions. He emphasized that Russia shows no willingness to compromise, increases its attacks, and that partners must strengthen Ukraine and keep pressure on the aggressor, including on the energy sector and the shadow fleet.

Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz stressed the importance of securing an agreement that, unlike the Minsk agreements, will be based on lasting security guarantees. He noted that the Coalition of the Willing partners will continue to strengthen Ukraine.

U.S. President's team representative Steve Witkoff stated that the parties are working on key documents for achieving peace and Ukraine's recovery, and significant progress has already been made in this regard.

This was the most representative meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. From the American side, participants included members of the U.S. President's team, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner, and General Alexus Grynkewich.

The meeting also included: the Presidents of Lithuania, Romania, and Finland; the Prime Ministers of Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic; the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission; the NATO Secretary General; the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; the Ministers of Austria, Ireland, Cyprus, and Turkiye; the UK Chief of the Defense Staff; the Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces; and representatives of Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

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Statement by the President of Ukraine During a Joint Press Conference With Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner

President of Ukraine

6 January 2026 - 23:07

Thank you very much, Emmanuel, Mr. President, for your invitation and for organizing this!

Keir, Mr. Prime Minister!

Friedrich, Mr. Chancellor!

Steve, Jared!

Distinguished journalists, everyone present!

First of all, thank you for our meeting. And this was one of the most representative meetings of the Coalition of the Willing - twenty-seven heads of state, the European Union, NATO, and representatives of Turkiye, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. It was truly a global meeting, with an exceptionally high level of discussion.

Importantly, the Coalition now has substantive documents in place. This is not just rhetoric - there is concrete progress: a joint declaration by all Coalition countries, and a trilateral declaration by France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. These documents exist, and they signal how seriously both Europe and the entire Coalition of the Willing are ready to work toward real security. Through these documents, we are strengthening our further legal work within countries, with parliaments, so that at the moment when diplomacy succeeds in bringing the war to an end, we will have full readiness to deploy Coalition forces. The details have been elaborated within a system of other documents. It has been determined which countries are ready to take the lead in specific elements of security guarantees - on land, in the air, at sea, and in reconstruction. It has been determined what forces are needed, how they will be managed, and at which levels command will operate. We must also establish how monitoring will function. It must be absolutely clear how the appropriate strength and size of the Ukrainian army will be sustained and financed - I addressed this separately today. We consider this a key element: our Ukrainian strength. And based on our army, all other components will function effectively. Military officials from France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine worked in detail on force deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and the components of the Armed Forces required and able to operate effectively. We already have these necessary details. We understand which country is ready for what among all members of the Coalition of the Willing. I would like to thank every leader and every state that truly wishes to be part of a peaceful solution. We had very substantive discussions with the American team on monitoring to ensure there are no violations of peace. The United States is ready to work on this. This is extremely important to us. One of the most critical elements is deterrence - the tools that will prevent any new Russian aggression. And we see all of this. We have also made significant progress with the American negotiating team on the documents, and here in Paris, we've already held - and will hold further - separate meetings with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. We believe that we now have documents ready on security guarantees, bilateral, between Ukraine and the United States, as well as trilateral documents. We expect that signing could take place in the near future, and we are already working through these formats. God willing, we will succeed. We value the United States' readiness to back the forces tasked with preventing any recurrence of Russian aggression. The U.S. backstop is extremely important for us. We understand the potential timing of all these processes, and we all agree that these security guarantees must be legally binding, including approval by the U.S. Congress.

Of course, there are still issues with the documents. Some points in the 20-point document require further work, the most significant being territorial issues. We discussed some ideas that may help. If the teams cannot resolve certain points, they can be escalated to leaders. Today, we will continue, and the Ukrainian team will remain for additional meetings and negotiations. I want to thank you, Emmanuel, for giving us this opportunity for our teams to meet over two days. Thank you, and my sincere thanks also to our American colleagues. But the key point is that the architecture of post-war security is practically already in place. And it is now up to our partners to push for Russia to reach the point of ending the war. Ukraine has never been an obstacle to peace - Russia was the source, the origin of this war, the source of aggression, and in this formula, it is clear who must take the key steps. I thank everyone who is helping us, who is helping to actually make everything so that we have peace. Everyone understands that the aggressor must stop for peace to work. And all instruments are working for this: from our deep strikes, sanctions, and diplomacy, which is so important. It is very important that we have also discussed our air defense, and this issue was also raised by other Coalition of the Willing leaders - this is our daily task. That is true. Ukraine needs air defense missiles, steady supplies, because Russian strikes, unfortunately, continue despite diplomacy. The strikes do not stop. Russia is not yet fully committed to diplomacy, and it is not committed only because it counts on strikes against our energy facilities, our infrastructure, peaceful cities and villages. That is why every one of our meetings addresses air defense as well. And in Mar-a-Lago, we discussed this with President Trump - I thank him very much for his understanding and support - and here in Paris, we are raising the air defense issue as well. The stronger our defense, the stronger our diplomacy will ultimately be. We are grateful to all who are ready to provide rapid assistance.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Paris Declaration: Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine

President of Ukraine

6 January 2026 - 22:17

The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States have convened today in Paris.

We all stressed our commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter principles, and welcomed the progress achieved, including in the discussions between the Americans, the Ukrainians, European and other partners.

In particular, the Coalition was clear that Ukraine's ability to defend itself is critically important for ensuring the future of Ukraine's and Euro-Atlantic collective security. We confirmed that ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

We stand ready to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force, in addition to bilateral security agreements and in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional arrangements.

They will include the following components:

Participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing. The Coalition of the Willing will also be represented in the Special Commission that will be established to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies. Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: The Coalition agreed to continue critical long-term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure their sustained capability, as they will remain the first line of defence and deterrence. This will include, but not be limited to: long-term defence packages; support for financing the purchase of weapons; continued cooperation with Ukraine on its national budget to finance the armed forces; access to defence depots, which can deliver rapid additional support in the case of a future armed attack; provision of practical and technical support to Ukraine in building defensive fortifications. A Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraine's armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land, and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. We confirmed that these reassurance measures should be strictly implemented at Ukraine's request once a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US. Binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace. We agreed to finalise binding commitments setting out our approach to support Ukraine and to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions. Commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine. We agreed we would continue to develop and deepen mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine, inter alia: training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of European relevant instruments, and intelligence cooperation.

We have further decided to establish a US/Ukraine/Coalition coordination cell at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Coordinated Their Positions Ahead of the Meeting of Leaders of the Countries Participating in the Coalition of the Willing, Which Will Take Place Today in Paris

President of Ukraine

6 January 2026 - 15:28

In Paris, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron.

The Head of State congratulated Emmanuel Macron on the start of France's presidency of the G7 and thanked him for organizing the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which will be held today in Paris.

The leaders discussed the current diplomatic situation, cooperation with the American negotiating team, and coordinated their positions ahead of further discussions with partners.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron devoted separate and detailed attention to protecting Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks. The President of Ukraine informed his counterpart of our country's needs for additional air defense systems and missiles for them.

The Head of State emphasized that as long as Russia shows no steps toward peace, it is important to continue helping Ukraine and Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian attacks.

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UN agency rolls out three-year plan to safeguard Ukraine's bread basket

6 January 2026 - Ukraine's agricultural sector remains under intense pressure as the war continues to disrupt food production and endanger civilians, the UN food security agency warned on Tuesday, as it unveiled a new three-year plan to help farmers survive and protect their livelihoods.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its emergency response and early recovery plan, outlining priority measures to protect agricultural livelihoods, restore production and strengthen the whole agrifood sector.

The plan links immediate emergency assistance with early recovery and resilience-building.

It prioritises protection of food production for vulnerable rural families and small-scale farmers, rehabilitating agricultural land, boosting core production and supporting more market-oriented and climate-resilient farming.

"Ukraine's rural communities cannot afford a pause between emergency response and recovery," said Shakhnoza Muminova, Head of FAO in Ukraine.

"This Plan is designed to bridge that gap - protecting livelihoods now, restoring safe access to land and supporting farmers and rural families to rebuild production."

Early recovery refers to restoring basic livelihoods and services while emergency needs continue, helping communities move beyond survival and reduce long-term dependence on aid.

Focus on the frontline

FAO said special attention will be given to frontline regions, women and youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, as well as to land affected by explosive remnants such as landmines.

The agency's current portfolio in Ukraine totals $25.9 million, with most funding directed to emergency and early recovery, but it warned that additional resources are needed to prevent further losses.

"Continued, predictable support is critical to prevent deeper losses and to sustain recovery efforts over time," Ms. Muminova said.

Civilians at constant risk

The challenges facing agriculture unfold amid continued risks to civilians.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an older civilian was killed and two others injured in the Kherson region on Monday while waiting for a food distribution.

"It is outrageous that once again a drone strike...killed one and injured two older residents who were at a food distribution point," said Matthias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine.

Humanitarian workers provided first aid, and the injured are receiving hospital care.



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The President Discussed Continued Dialogue to Support Ukraine with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

President of Ukraine

7 January 2026 - 00:15

In Paris, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the U.S. President's team: Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum.

During the meeting, the parties discussed specific issues relating to cooperation between Ukraine and the United States to achieve a just peace. Particular attention was paid to today's meeting of the Coalition of the Willing and to the documents that were signed and approved as a result.

They also discussed the involvement of American partners in Ukraine's reconstruction and economic recovery.

The parties also addressed further areas of cooperation. On January 7 in Paris, the delegations of Ukraine, the United States, and European countries will continue work on security guarantees and a basic framework for ending the war.

A Ukrainian delegation will be working in Paris, comprising Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the President Sergiy Kyslytsya, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov, Head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada Davyd Arakhamia, and Advisor to the Office of the President Oleksandr Bevz.

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VANCOUVER, January 6, 2026 - Gold\'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") announces that, further to its news release dated December 23, 2025, the Company has paused its previously announced consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "Share Consolidation").

As a result, the previously disclosed effective date of the Share Consolidation will not proceed at this time. The Company will provide a further update, including the timing and effective date of the Share Consolidation (if and when the Company elects to proceed), in due course.

All other information disclosed in the Company's news release dated December 23, 2025 remains unchanged.

Completion of the Share Consolidation (if pursued) remains subject to completion of appropriate regulatory filings with, and acceptance by, the Canadian Securities Exchange.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

For further information

Matthew Fish

Director

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 905-781-8786

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intention to pause the Share Consolidation and the Company's plans, if any, to proceed with the Share Consolidation in the future, including the timing and any anticipated effective date thereof, the completion of required regulatory filings and receipt of acceptance from the Canadian Securities Exchange, and the anticipated benefits of the Share Consolidation. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will determine to proceed with the Share Consolidation on terms acceptable to the Company and within an anticipated timeframe, that required filings will be completed and accepted in a timely manner, and that there will be no unforeseen delays or costs associated with the Share Consolidation. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the risk that the Company may elect not to proceed with the Share Consolidation, delays in or failure to obtain regulatory acceptance, changes in market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's public filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Arianne Phosphate (the "Company" or "Arianne") (TSXV: DAN) (OTCQB: DRRSF) (FRANKFURT: JE9N), a development-stage phosphate mining company, advancing the Lac a Paul project in Quebec's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada has approved the Company for contribution funding of up to $735,000 to support the Company's ongoing work on processing phosphate rock and optimizing the purified phosphoric acid ("PPA") process, as previously disclosed (See Press Release dated October 6, 2025).

The funding, provided through Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program, is part of an $80.3 million investment announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit to help build secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains in Canada and, announced by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on a visit to Arianne's offices late last year.

Phosphate was added to the Canadian critical mineral list in 2024, joining the EU and was recently added to the American critical mineral list. Arianne's Lac a Paul is the only fully permitted phosphate mine in these respective jurisdictions. Having spent $100M towards the mine's advancement, the Company is now actively pursuing opportunities for the downstream production of PPA, a necessary ingredient for the lithium-iron-phosphate ("LFP") battery. Aside from being the only fully permitted mine, Lac a Paul hosts one of the world's largest greenfield phosphate deposit, which is igneous allowing its phosphate concentrate to be easily processed into PPA.

Arianne's decision to pursue downstream opportunities will allow the Company to be a key supplier as the West looks to move away from China, which currently controls over 90% of the LFP market. Beyond their use in EVs, LFPs are used in energy storage systems ("ESS"), a market growing rapidly both for home usage and their use in data centers, as applications like AI further accelerate demands.

"Investing in initiatives like Arianne Phosphate's Technology Centre reinforces Canada's position as a global leader in critical minerals. This commitment drives innovation, strengthens supply chain resilience, and creates good jobs for Canadians," said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. "By harnessing our natural resources responsibly, we are ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of the clean technology transition-advancing the priorities we set with our G7 partners in Kananaskis and building a cleaner, more secure future for all."

"Canada's support for Arianne Phosphate's cutting-edge project demonstrates our commitment to building a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals-key to advancing clean energy technologies. Investments like this create good jobs and strengthen our ability to source essential resources right here at home in Quebec for generations to come," added Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

"Arianne appreciates Minister Hodgson and the Government of Canada's support of our project," said Marco Gagnon, Arianne Phosphate's Executive Chairman of the Board. "Initiatives like this are key if the West is going to build its own supply chain. This investment helps Arianne to move the Lac a Paul project forward in a way that benefits the country and all of our stakeholders. Phosphate is essential to LFP battery technology, global food and agricultural supply, it is used in pharmaceuticals and semiconductor production; our progress aligns closely with Canada's vision of becoming a leader in critical minerals."

About Arianne Phosphate:

Arianne Phosphate ("Arianne Phosphate Inc.") (www.arianne-inc.com) is developing the Lac a Paul phosphate deposits located approximately 200 km north of the Saguenay/Lac St. Jean area of Quebec, Canada. These deposits will produce a high-quality igneous apatite concentrate grading 39% P 2 O 5 with little or no contaminants (Feasibility Study released in 2013). The Company has 213,714,811 shares outstanding.

Qualified Person

Raphael Gaudreault, eng., Qualified Person by Regulation 43-101, has approved the technical information in this release. Mr. Gaudreault is also the Company's Chief Operating Officer.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Follow Arianne on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariannephosphate

Twitter: http://twitter.com/arianne_dan

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ArianneResources

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/arianneresources

Resource Investing News: http://resourceinvestingnews.com/?s=Arianne

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities regulations in Canada and the United States (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, anticipated quality and production of the apatite concentrate at the Lac a Paul project. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects, "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to be known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: volatile stock price; risks related to changes in commodity prices; sources and cost of power facilities; the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements; the estimation of labor and operating costs; the general global markets and economic conditions; the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; risks associated with currency fluctuations; environmental risks; competition faced in securing experienced personnel; access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the Company; completion of the environmental assessment process; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; risks related to potential conflicts of interest; the reliance on key personnel; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks including the risk that the financing necessary to fund continued exploration and development activities at Lac a Paul project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all; the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; the risk of litigation. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in commodity prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approval, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



SOURCE Arianne Phosphate Inc.







Contact Information:



Technical: Raphael Gaudreault, Chief Operating Officer, 418-590-1318, [email protected]; Information: Brian Ostroff, Head of Strategic & Business Initiatives, 514-928-9952, [email protected]


IsoEnergy Ltd. ("IsoEnergy" or the "Company") (NYSE American: ISOU) (TSX: ISO) is pleased to announce a bulk sample program (the "Bulk Sample") at its 100%-owned Tony M uranium mine in Utah ("Tony M" or the "Mine"). The Bulk Sample is designed to collect key technical, operational, and economic data required as one of the steps to support a potential production restart decision at one of the few fully permitted, past-producing conventional uranium mines in the United States.

The Bulk Sample program will involve the extraction of up to 2,000 tons of mineralized material over a 12-14-week period (which commenced late December 2025) and will be executed using contract mining services provided by GenX Mining Contractors, LLC of Spring Creek, Nevada. Mineralized material recovered during the program will be transported to the White Mesa Mill in Utah, owned by Energy Fuels Inc., for processing.

With U.S. utilities increasingly focused on securing domestic uranium supply and limited near-term production capacity available, IsoEnergy believes Tony M represents a rare opportunity to advance a permitted, infrastructure-ready uranium mine toward potential restart without the need for costly and timely mill construction/refurbishment or major permitting initiatives. The Bulk Sample is a critical step in defining the scope and economics of a future production plan at Tony M. This work aligns with U.S. federal initiatives focused on rebuilding domestic nuclear fuel supply chains and enhancing energy security through increased domestic uranium production.

Upon completion of the Bulk Sample, IsoEnergy expects to evaluate the results alongside ongoing optimization studies to determine next steps, which may include advancing detailed mine planning, finalizing restart sequencing, and assessing the timing of a potential production decision.

Highlights

Bulk Sample Designed as a Decision Gate Toward Potential Restart Low-risk, limited-scope program structured to generate real-world mining, processing, and cost data required to evaluate a potential restart decision. Results expected to inform mine planning, sequencing, and commercial production assumptions.

De-Risking Mining Methods and Cost Structure Under Operating Conditions Establishes actual contract mining costs and validates assumptions used in economic models. Refines mineral material-control strategies to minimize dilution and maximize delivered grade, including testing dilution-control techniques in a production-style environment.

Processing Pathway Established Through Existing Toll Milling Agreement Mineralized material to be processed at the White Mesa Mill, eliminating the need for new mill construction and materially reducing capital intensity and execution risk. Enables IsoEnergy to focus capital and effort on mine restart and optimization rather than downstream infrastructure.

Production-Ready Underground Systems and Execution Tested Trials ventilation, ground-control, and underground operating procedures ahead of full-scale mining.



Philip Williams, CEO and Director of IsoEnergy, commented, "The Bulk Sample at Tony M is a major milestone in advancing one of the few restart-ready uranium mines in the United States. This program is designed to generate the real-world data we need to evaluate a potential full scale production restart under current market conditions. With permitting, infrastructure, and toll milling already in place, Tony M has the potential to be among the next conventional uranium mines in the U.S. to return to production as demand for secure domestic supply continues to grow."

Progress on Tony M Mine Work Programs

During 2025, IsoEnergy advanced a series of initiatives designed to strengthen the operating and economic profile of Tony M including, reducing the uranium production royalty on the Utah Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) lease from 8% to 3%, High-Pressure Slurry Ablation testing, which has demonstrated the potential to recover more than 90% of the uranium into roughly 25% of the original mass and mineralized material-sorting testwork completed in October which achieved over 90% recovery into roughly 50% of the original mass for material amenable to sorting. In parallel, an enhanced evaporation study has shown that Landshark evaporators eliminate the need for evaporation-pond expansion and reduce both permitting timelines and capital requirements. Together, these work programs support the Company's strategy of systematically de-risking Tony M and improving the economic framework for a future production decision.

About Tony M Mine

The Tony M Mine is located in eastern Garfield County, southeastern Utah, approximately 66 air miles (107 kilometers) west northwest of the town of Blanding and 215 miles (347 kilometers) south-southeast of Salt Lake City. The project is the site of the Tony M underground uranium mine that was developed by Plateau Resources, a subsidiary of Consumer Power Company, in the mid-1970s.

Uranium and vanadium mineralization at the Tony M mine is hosted in sandstone units of the Salt Wash Member of the Jurassic age Morrison Formation, one of the principal hosts for uranium deposits in the Colorado Plateau region of Utah and Colorado.

Tony M has the following current mineral resource estimate:

Table 1: Summary of Mineral Resources - Effective Date September 9, 2022

Classification Tons

(short tons) Grade

(% eU 3 O 8 ) Contained Metal

(lbs. eU 3 O 8 ) Indicated 1,185,000 0.28 6,606,000 Inferred 404,000 0.27 2,218,000

Notes: Reported in the Technical Report on the Tony M Project, Utah, USA Report for NI 43-101,

prepared for Consolidated Uranium Inc. by SLR International Corporation; Mark B.

Mathisen, Qualified Person, Effective Date September 9, 2022. CIM (2014) definitions were followed for all Mineral Resource categories. Uranium Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.14% U3O8. The cut-off grade is calculated using a metal price of $65/lb U3O8. No minimum mining width was used in determining Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are based on a tonnage factor of 15 ft3/ton (Bulk density 0.0667

ton/ft3 or 2.14 t/m3). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic

viability. Past production (1979-2008) has been removed from the Mineral Resource. Totals may not add due to rounding. Mineral Resources are 100% attributable to IsoEnergy and are in situ.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dean T. Wilton: PG, CPG, MAIG, a consultant of IsoEnergy who is a "Qualified Person" (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects).

About IsoEnergy Ltd.

IsoEnergy (NYSE American: ISOU) (TSX: ISO) is a leading, globally diversified uranium company with substantial current and historical mineral resources in top uranium mining jurisdictions of Canada, the U.S. and Australia at varying stages of development, providing near-, medium- and long-term leverage to rising uranium prices. IsoEnergy is currently advancing its Larocque East project in Canada's Athabasca basin, which is home to the Hurricane deposit, boasting the world's highest-grade indicated uranium mineral resource. IsoEnergy also holds a portfolio of permitted past-producing, conventional uranium and vanadium mines in Utah with a toll milling arrangement in place with Energy Fuels. These mines are currently on standby, ready for rapid restart as market conditions permit, positioning IsoEnergy as a near-term uranium producer.

X: @IsoEnergyLtd

www.isoenergy.ca

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward-looking statements may relate to details of the Bulk Sample program and planned processing activities and the results thereof; expectations with respect to any potential restart decision with respect to the Company's US projects and the anticipated timing thereof; permitting, development or other work that may be required to bring any of the projects into development or production; the completion of planned technical studies and the expected results thereof; expectations regarding completion of technical and economic assessments; expectations regarding the Company's enhanced U.S. market presence; expectations regarding the Company's engagement with institutional and retail investors; increased demand for and interest in nuclear power and uranium; potential changes in US nuclear policy; and any other activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that the results of planned exploration and development activities are as anticipated; assumptions that the results of planned technical work programs and technical and economic assessments are as anticipated; the anticipated mineralization of IsoEnergy's projects being consistent with expectations and the potential benefits from such projects and any upside from such projects; the price of uranium; assumptions regarding uranium market conditions and policy shifts; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although IsoEnergy has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Such statements represent the current views of IsoEnergy with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by IsoEnergy, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing; uncertainty of additional financing; no known mineral reserves; aboriginal title and consultation issues; reliance on key management and other personnel; actual results of technical work programs and technical and economic assessments being different than anticipated; changes in development and production plans based upon results; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena; other environmental risks; changes in laws and regulations; regulatory determinations and delays; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; and general economic and political conditions in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions where the Company conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking statements are described in the risk factors in IsoEnergy's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis and annual information form and IsoEnergy's other filings with securities regulators which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. IsoEnergy does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Presentation of Mineral Resource Estimates

The mineral resource estimates included in this press release have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ in certain material respects from the disclosure requirements promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.



SOURCE IsoEnergy Ltd







For further information, please contact:



Philip Williams, CEO and Director

[email protected]

1-833-572-2333


Argenta Silver Corp. (TSXV: AGAG) (FSE: T1K) ("Argenta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced "bought deal" basis private placement (the "Underwritten Offering") from gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 to gross proceeds of C$17,000,000. Pursuant to the upsized Underwritten Offering, Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters") has agreed to purchase for resale 21,250,000 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") at a price of C$0.80 per Offered Share (the "Offering Price").

The Company will grant to the Underwriters an option, exercisable up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to purchase for resale up to an additional 2,500,000 Offered Shares at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 (the "Over-Allotment Option"). The Underwritten Offering and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option shall be collectively referred to as the "Offering".

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for the exploration and advancement of the Company's 100% owned El Quevar Project in Salta Province, Argentina as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offered Shares will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The Offered Shares are expected to be immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Offered Shares will also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction.

There is an amended and restated offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.argentasilver.com. Prospective investors should read this Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about January 22, 2026 or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree (the "Closing Date"). Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"). On closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters a cash commission of 6.0% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of Offering. In addition, on closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to issue to the Underwriters warrants of the Company exercisable for a period of 24 months following the closing date to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Offered Shares sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About the El Quevar Project

The El Quevar Project is located in Salta, Argentina and spans an area of 57,000 hectares. The property remains underexplored with less than 3% of the area covered with comprehensive exploration work. The property boasts exceptional infrastructure with over 60 km of internal roads, a fully owned, fully operational camp for 100 workers with multiple support buildings, and a railroad, gas pipeline and service road just 3 km from camp, while a high voltage transmission line lies approximately 20 km from the exploration area. The robust infrastructure associated with the project provides a cost-effective platform to de risk and accelerate future drilling and development.

The foundational Mineral Resource Estimate of the Yaxtche deposit boasts an indicated mineral resource of 45.3 million ounces of silver from 2.93 million tonnes grading 482 g/t Ag, and an inferred resource of 4.1 million ounces from 0.31 million tonnes grading 417 g/t Ag (1). The mineral resource area remains open at depth and in multiple directions, particularly to the southeast and northwest.

The mineralization at the Yaxtche deposit is defined as a silver rich, high to intermediate-sulphidation epithermal system with associated gold. Mineralization is controlled by NW-SE and NE-SW fault structures and is mainly hosted in brecciated zones and dacite domes. Silver minerals at Yaxtche consist of complex silver sulphides, sulphosalts and native silver. These minerals are found within silicified breccias, commonly appearing as veinlets, stockworks, disseminations, and breccia fillings.

Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Rob van Egmond, P.Geo. has visited the El Quevar Project and is not independent of the Company.

(1) Refer to NI43-101 technical report with effective date of September 30, 2024, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate of the El Quevar Project Salta Province, Argentina", posted on www.sedarplus.ca under Argenta Silver Corp.

About Argenta Silver Corp.

Argenta Silver Corp. is a silver exploration company focused on advancing projects that support the global energy transition. Our mission is to create sustainable, long-term value for shareholders by acquiring and developing high-potential silver assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions across Latin America. Led by an experienced management team with deep expertise in exploration, finance, and project development, Argenta emphasizes responsible mining practices and is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for silver - a critical metal in renewable energy and emerging technologies.

On behalf of Argenta Silver Corp.,

"Joaquin Marias"

President and Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX-V nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the structure and terms of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the filing of the Amended Offering Document and the approval of the Offering by the TSX-V.

Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the Offering may not be completed as currently contemplated, or at all; exploration and development of the El Quevar project may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



/THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/



SOURCE Argenta Silver Corp.







For further information, please contact: Vanessa Bogaert, Vice President Investor Relations & Communications, Tel: 604-721-7773


Featured

2026 will test Ghana, but bring new opportunities  President Mahama

Mohammed Ali Jan - 07 - 2026 , 11:31 3 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians to brace themselves for a demanding year ahead, while pledging that development and progress will reach every part of the country.

Speaking at a non-denominational thanksgiving service to mark his first year in office, President Mahama warned that 2026 would test the nations resolve, patience and discipline, but insisted it would also present opportunities to accelerate growth.

The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, our patience, and our discipline, Mr Mahama told the gathering, which included traditional leaders, clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians and the judiciary.

But it will also offer us opportunities. Opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started. Opportunities to accelerate our growth and ensure that development and progress touches every part of our country.

The thanksgiving service, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, brought together dignitaries from across the religious and political spectrum as the President reflected on a year he described as one marked by difficult decisions and necessary reforms.

President Mahama acknowledged that the foundations laid by his government "may not yet be visible" but stressed that they were essential for sustainable progress.

He cited economic stabilisation, institutional reform, social protection and the restoration of both domestic and international confidence as key priorities over the past 12 months.

The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers and by charts and diagrams. It is also measured by hope that is restored, by trust that is rebuilt, and by the correct direction that is regained, he said.

The President used the occasion to reaffirm his administrations commitment to what he described as ethical leadership, service above self and governance anchored in integrity, competence and compassion.

He pledged to listen particularly to the vulnerable, the youth and those who feel excluded from national development.

President Mahama described leadership as stewardship that is temporary and fleeting, adding that authority is a fleeting trust held on behalf of the people.

He reserved special praise for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as a woman of dignity and quiet strength and the first woman to rise to such a position of responsibility in Ghanas history.

I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me, the President said.

He thanked Ghanaians for their trust, constructive criticism, encouragement and enduring belief that the nation can and must do better, describing the past year as one of shared sacrifice and patience.

President Mahama called on the nation to move forward with humility, lead with empathy and govern with courage, noting that Ghanas strength has always come from its ability to rise above division and work together for the common good.

May the year ahead bring renewed strength to our nation, wisdom to our leaders, peace to our communities, and hope to every Ghanaian home, he said in closing.
Business / Local

by Gideon Madzikatidze / Simbarashe Sithole

HARARE - Zimbabwe's economic outlook is set to strengthen, with engineers and entrepreneurs expressing confidence that innovationdriven policies will accelerate growth and support the country's longterm development goals.Speaking during a media familiarisation tour of the Josm Electrical Private Limited complex, Engineer Blessing Madanyaya praised the government for prioritising innovation, technology and entrepreneurship."We're seeing a new wave of optimism in the business community, specifically innovation taking place among various entrepreneurs. The establishment of our business complex is driven by the quest to show the world that entrepreneurs have a duty to complement innovation policy," Madanyaya said.He added that the government's focus on technologybased development was essential for diversifying the economy and creating employment."The government's focus on innovation and technology is exactly what Zimbabwe needs to diversify its economy and create jobs. We have therefore created employment for various youths as a means to complement empowerment initiatives by government, as well as our efforts to ensure progress under the second phase of the National Development Strategy (NDS2)," he said.Madanyaya, a respected engineer and entrepreneur, highlighted initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Innovation Challenge and the government's commitment to renewable energy as key drivers of future growth."These efforts will not only boost economic growth but also position Zimbabwe as a hub for innovation in the region," he said.The private sector is also responding positively, with increased investment in tech startups, renewable energy projects and manufacturing ventures."We're confident that with the right policies and support, Zimbabwe can achieve sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods," Madanyaya said.Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into an uppermiddleincome economy, and experts say the innovationcentred approach is a step in the right direction.
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Waive IELTS for Ghanaian students and professionals - Ablakwa to UK

Mohammed Ali Jan - 07 - 2026 , 11:56 2 minutes read

Ghana has asked the United Kingdom to exempt Ghanaian students and professionals from the International English Language Testing System, known as IELTS, as the two countries begin talks to elevate their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

The request was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

In a post on social media on Wednesday, Mr Ablakwa said the meeting reviewed the state of Ghana-UK relations and agreed on priority areas for engagement in line with the policy direction of President John Dramani Mahama.

He said both sides had initiated processes aimed at raising bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. According to him, the discussions identified security, trade, job creation, health, education, governance and constitutional review as key areas for cooperation.

On labour mobility and welfare, Mr Ablakwa called for a government-to-government arrangement to protect and improve the working conditions of Ghanaian health professionals working in the UK, as well as those seeking employment there.

I called for a government-to-government arrangement for the protection and improved conditions of particularly Ghanaian health practitioners who work and aspire to work in the UK, he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also appealed for Ghanaian students and professionals to be exempted from the IELTS requirement and the associated fees when applying to study or work in the UK, arguing that English has long been the medium of instruction in Ghana.

IELTS is an internationally recognised English language proficiency test jointly managed by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. It is required for study, work and migration to several English-speaking countries, including the UK.

For many Ghanaian applicants, the test and its fees add to the cost of an already expensive visa and relocation process, despite English being the language of instruction from basic to tertiary education in Ghana.

Mr Ablakwa described the meeting as productive and said it reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening Ghana-UK relations in ways that deliver clear benefits to citizens of both countries.
President Mahama says Ghanas 17th IMF programme must be the last

Previous article: President Mahama says Ghanas 17th IMF programme must be the last

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Ghana must legislate and enforce debt ceiling  Dr Ishmael Yamson

Mohammed Ali Jan - 07 - 2026 , 13:49 3 minutes read

Dr Ishmael Yamson, Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has warned that Ghana cannot rely on political goodwill alone to manage its public finances, arguing that the countrys debt ceiling must be firmly legislated and strictly enforced.

He was speaking at the University of Ghanas 77th Annual New Year School and Conference on January 6, 2025.

In his address, Dr Yamson stressed the need for legal backing and enforcement, saying: We must legislate a statutory debt ceiling and enforce it. And repeat, enforce it.

His comments come eight months after Parliament passed the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, which sets a debt-to-GDP cap of 45 per cent by 2034. Dr Yamson, however, said legislation on its own would not be enough to prevent future fiscal excesses.

We cannot rely on the goodwill of politicians to spend wisely, he said in remarks delivered in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama. We must legislate a statutory debt ceiling and enforce it.

Dr Yamson said Ghanas economic history showed repeated failures to sustain fiscal discipline, noting that the country has turned to the International Monetary Fund 17 times since independence, an average of one programme every four years.

Every government since independence has been accused of economic mismanagement when leaving office, he said. We have never managed our economy prudently over a long period.

He argued that the repeated cycle of building confidence and then eroding it has kept Ghana trapped in poverty, adding that the country needs at least ten years of steady and disciplined economic performance to earn lasting investor trust.

Dr Yamson also called for an independent fiscal council with the authority to restrain government spending before damage is done. We need biting powers, not advisory powers, he said.

The Public Financial Management (Amendment) Act, passed in April 2025, created a Fiscal Council to independently assess fiscal policy, though its role is largely advisory, focusing on analysis and recommendations rather than direct enforcement.

Under the law, Parliament may pass a vote of censure against the Minister of Finance if fiscal rules are breached by more than one percentage point in two consecutive years. Dr Yamson said such measures could fall short without strict application.

He described election-year spending as the most immediate threat to Ghanas economic recovery. We are entering an election season soon, he said. The history of the Fourth Republic shows that fiscal discipline often gives way to political convenience during elections.

Dr Yamson said investor confidence, capital retention and long-term planning depend on predictable fiscal management, an area Ghana has struggled with under successive governments.

The amended law, which repealed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2018, introduced a primary balance rule requiring an annual surplus of at least 1.5 per cent of GDP. It also tightened sanctions for fiscal breaches and requires parliamentary approval before fiscal rules can be suspended.

He said Ghanas fiscal challenges are rooted as much in politics as in technical policy design. We cannot borrow our way to prosperity, and no country has done so, Dr Yamson said. The cycle of boom, bust and IMF programmes must end with our generation.

While acknowledging progress at the macroeconomic level, he said deeper structural problems persist, citing corruption, heavy import dependence and rising public debt, including energy sector liabilities, as ongoing threats to fiscal space.

Dr Yamson ended his address by challenging Ghanaians to consider how history would judge this generation when the country marks 100 years of independence in 2057.

Will history say we chose the easy path when we stood at the crossroads in 2025, borrowing and consuming while leaving debt behind, he asked, or will it say we were the generation that broke with impunity and changed the structure of our economy?
Accra Airport Rotary Club commissions new facility for Korle Bu Sickle Cell Clinic

Joshua Bediako Koomson Jan - 07 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Rotary Club of AccraAirport has inaugurated a newly furnished five-consulting-room facility for the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics (GICG) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to help enhance specialist care for patients living with sickle cell disease and other genetic conditions.

The project, estimated at GH500,000, comprises five fully equipped consulting rooms and a washroom. It was undertaken to support the institute following the renovation of its male and female wards, and to address longstanding infrastructural constraints that had limited service delivery.

For more than five decades, the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics has served as a critical referral centre, operating for 51 years and attending to an average of 50 patients daily with only three consulting rooms.

This situation often created operational challenges, particularly for patients in critical condition who had to compete for limited space and attention.

Rotarys commitment

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Accra, the Past District Governor, Rotarian David Osei Amankwa, said the completion of the facility was a source of pride for the club.

This was a clear need, and we are excited that the challenge facing the clinic has now been addressed, he said.

He noted that for more than 25 years, the Rotary Club of AccraAirport had remained committed to improving lives and supporting institutions that played a vital role in national development.

The President of the Rotary Club of AccraAirport, Rotarian Kojo Nunoo, reiterated that service to society remained at the heart of Rotarys mission.

He explained that the global Rotary network, with a membership of about two million, continued to mobilise resources to respond to pressing community needs.

Our goal is to make a lasting impact wherever there is a genuine need, he said.

The District Governor, Rotarian Nana Yaa Siriboe, commended the club for its sustained commitment to health care, noting that caring for sickle cell patients was both demanding and continuous.

She highlighted the critical role played by the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics in patient care, research and advocacy, and praised the club for exemplifying Rotarys motto, Service Above

Self. She also thanked the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for embracing the partnership.

Gratitude

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, expressed profound gratitude to the Rotary Club, describing the new facility as the realisation of a long-held vision.

It looked like a dream, and now the dream has come true, he said.

He said the inauguration marked an important milestone in the expansion of healthcare infrastructure for both patients and staff at GICG.

He added that the hospitals partnership with the Rotary Club had resulted in several impactful interventions across different departments, including the maternity block, the childrens department and other clinical units.

The Director of the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, Dr Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, also expressed her appreciation to the Rotary Club of AccraAirport and all stakeholders who contributed to the project.

She described the facility as an expansion of hope for patients, especially those living with sickle cell disease.

This facility will greatly improve how we serve our patients and train the next generation of specialists, she said.

Dr Benneh-Akwasi Kuma paid special tribute to the Rotary Club for its life-saving interventions over the years and pledged to uphold its legacy of compassion.

She also acknowledged the architects, the highest fundraiser for the project, Caradoc Mills Lamptey (AG Cara), and all individuals whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the facility.
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Pilgrims Affairs Office closes payments for Hajj 2026

Samuel Ohene Ewur Jan - 07 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The office responsible for managing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), has stopped receiving payments for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage with immediate effect.

The decision is intended to effectively manage pilgrim numbers and ensure a smooth, orderly and well-coordinated pilgrimage process for all confirmed participants.

In a statement issued in Accra yesterday (Jan 6) by the PAOGs Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey said: This proactive measure seeks to prevent oversubscription, a challenge that has historically resulted in administrative backlogs and operational difficulties during Hajj operations.

By the closure, any prospective pilgrim yet to to make payment will not be able to make payments into the designated bank accounts of Hajj 2026. Ghanas quota for the 2026 Hajj is around 6,000.

Managing numbers

The statement explained that by closing payments at this stage, PAOG would be able to align confirmed pilgrim numbers with the approved quota for this years pilgrimage.

The PAOG, which has a lot of experienced hands who have managed the pilgrimage in the past, are bent on doing things the right way and meeting all new changes introduced by the Saudi Arabia authorities.

Managing pilgrim numbers within approved limits remains critical to delivering a safe, efficient and successful Hajj, Ghanas Pilgrims Affairs Office said.

The statement emphasised that the decision to close payments was made in the best interest of prospective pilgrims and the nation to ensure that all prospective pilgrims who had paid were successfully airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

PAOG has, consequently, advised members of the public, especially intending pilgrims who were unable to complete payment before the closure, to prepare for subsequent Hajj arrangements.

The office also cautioned the public against individuals who claimed they could offer opportunities to participate in this years pilgrimage.

Fees slashed

President John Dramani Mahama last year slashed the Hajj fare for Ghanaian Muslims from GH75,000 to GH62,000 for the 2025 pilgrimage, making it more affordable and the lowest in the sub-region.

He further reduced the fare to GH60,000 for this year. The decision followed negotiations by the Hajj Taskforce with service providers in Mecca and Medina, aiming to ease the financial burden and promote accessibility, despite past debts left by the previous administration.

Making the pilgrimage accessible was a key promise of President Mahama to the Muslim community.

The government, through PAOG, signed key agreements between Ghana and Saudi Arabia in November last year during the 2026 Hajj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah.

The deal marked a major milestone for this years pilgrimage.

The signing ceremony took place during Minister Al Maawdas participation in the 5th Edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, held recently in Jeddah.

The PAOG stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Programme (PEP), continued to prioritise improving the services and experiences of pilgrims through enhanced coordination, digitalisation and stakeholder engagement.

This years conference adopted a modern approach, providing a comprehensive and innovative perspective on documentation, mobility and accommodation for the upcoming 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, PAOG said in a statement.
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Nestle Ghana infant formula not affected by international recall

GraphicOnline Jan - 07 - 2026 , 11:40 2 minutes read

Nestle Ghana has assured consumers that all infant formula products sold in the country are safe and not affected by the voluntary recall announced in some foreign markets over contamination concerns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company said infant formula sold by Nestle Ghana was not part of the recall or withdrawal of specific batches of products in other countries.

We would like to clarify that Infant Formula sold by Nestle Ghana is not part of the voluntary and precautionary recall or withdrawal of specific batches of infant formula announced in some countries, the statement said.

Nestle Ghana stressed that all infant formula products it sells locally are officially registered with the Food and Drugs Authority and are unaffected by the recall.

We want to emphasise that the Nestle Infant Formula products sold by Nestle Ghana and officially registered with the Food and Drugs Authority are not affected by this recall or withdrawal, it added.

The company further reassured parents and caregivers that all SMA and NAN product ranges distributed in Ghana are safe for consumption. These include SMA Gold 1, SMA Gold 2 and SMA Gold 3, as well as NAN Optipro 1, NAN Optipro 2 and NAN Optipro 3.

The safety and quality of our products, and the health of babies, are our top priorities, Nestle Ghana said.

The clarification follows reports that Nestle had recalled specific batches of infant formula in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Ireland over concerns that they could contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Nestle said the affected batches were recalled out of an abundance of caution, even though there had been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the products. The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority, the company said in an earlier statement, adding that it sincerely apologised for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers and customers.

The Food Standards Agency in the UK warned that cereulide is not destroyed by cooking or boiling water and advised parents and caregivers not to feed infants the affected products. Health authorities in those countries also urged anyone with concerns to seek medical advice.
Next article: Waive IELTS for Ghanaian students and professionals - Ablakwa to UK

New VAT reforms deliver early relief - Shopping malls slash prices by 1.9%

Maclean Kwofi Jan - 07 - 2026 , 12:16 5 minutes read

Major shopping malls across the country have reduced their prices by up to 1.9 per cent to offer some relief to consumers.

It follows the implementation of the new Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 2025 (Act 1151), which took effect on January 1 this year.

The price reductions were confirmed during a working visit by a delegation from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), led by the acting Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, and the acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Division, Dr Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, to several major shopping malls in Accra, where they engaged operators and customers on the early impact of the new tax reforms on pricing and compliance.

The delegation also made purchases at the malls visited to verify that the VAT reforms had been properly configured on invoices and that consumers were genuinely benefiting from the changes.

The shopping malls visited  Palace, Melcom Ghana, Orca Deco Ghana, United Commercial Trading (UCT), and Palace Home Decor  are all located along Spintex Road in Accra, with branches spread across the country.

Mr Sarpong stated that the VAT reforms offered GH6.5 billion in the pockets of Ghanaians as the authority assessed the early implementation of the new regime.

He said the feedback from shoppers validated earlier projections by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the economic impact of the policy.

What we are seeing this morning affirms the ministers statement that these reforms are returning over GH6.5 billion into the pockets of Ghanaians, he said.

He said the visit was aimed at witnessing firsthand how businesses were applying the revised VAT structure following the recent reforms.

He explained that the changes were comprehensive, which included a reduction in the VAT rate, the abolition of the COVID levy, the removal of the coupling mechanism, and an upward review of the threshold for small businesses.

We are satisfied that all the shops we visited have configured their systems and are applying the new VAT rates and so we can confirm that the reforms were already reflecting positively at the point of sale, he said.

Background

The price adjustments come on the back of wide-ranging reforms under the new VAT regime.

The reforms include the abolition of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, a reduction of the effective VAT rate from 26 per cent to 20 per cent to ease the tax burden on households and businesses, while the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (VFRS) has been abolished in favour of a unified and more transparent VAT structure.

The VAT registration threshold for goods-dealing businesses has been increased from GH200,000 to GH750,000. In addition, the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and the GETFund levy have been re-coupled, enabling businesses to claim input tax credits, with both levies now recognised as allowable input tax deductions.

The Commissioner-General stated that engagements with consumers also confirmed growing public appreciation of the reforms, particularly the reduction in prices.

He urged business owners to embrace voluntary compliance by properly charging VAT, configuring their systems, and issuing VAT invoices as required by law.

Consumers, he said, also had a responsibility to demand VAT invoices when making purchases.

When businesses act responsibly and consumers demand their VAT invoices, together we can generate the revenue needed for national development, Mr Sarpong stressed.

The Commissioner-General explained that the reforms aligned with the Presidents vision of making 2026 a year of growth, job creation and transformation, stressing that sustainable development depended on strong domestic revenue mobilisation.

Evidence of compliance

For his part, Dr Yamborigya stated that field assessments conducted by the monitoring team had confirmed strong compliance with the new VAT regime among shops visited.

He explained that officials carried out test purchases and carefully examined receipts, focusing on pricing and tax line items.

One notable outcome was the complete removal of the one per cent COVID-19 levy from invoices.

In the test purchases that we did, we looked at the line items and one thing that was obviously missing was the COVID levy, which has been completely abolished, Dr Yamborigya said.

He said that the revised structure applied the NHIL at 2.5 per cent, the GETFund levy at 2.5 per cent and VAT at 15 per cent, all calculated on the same base.

Dr Yamborigya said the removal of the cascading effect  where levies were previously applied before VAThad led to a reduction in the final price paid by consumers.

That cascading effect had been removed, and it effectively reduced the price of the item, he added.

GRA urges vigilance

Dr Yamborigya said receipts issued to customers provided clear evidence that the reforms were delivering savings.

He stated that feedback from consumers confirmed a reduction in prices compared with the period before the implementation of the new law.

It was confirmed by a customer that there was a saving of about 1.9 per cent as a result of the new VAT Act, and we have a receipt to show that, he said.

He added that businesses had expressed satisfaction with the simplified tax system, while consumers welcomed the lower prices.

Dr Yamborigya also encouraged Ghanaians to demand VAT invoices whenever they made purchases to ensure accountability.

It is our responsibility as consumers to always demand a VAT invoice and check it to be sure we are not being overcharged, he said.

System reconfiguration

The Head of Accounting at Orca Deco Ghana, Nestor Amagah, said the company had used the brief closure at the end of December to reconfigure its systems to reflect the new VAT structure.

As far as the tax is concerned, so far there has been no complaint, and we can confirm a price reduction of about 1.9 per cent, which puts more money in the pockets of consumers, he said.

Satisfaction

A buyer at Palace Home Decor, Frances Atakpa, who interacted with the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the new VAT reforms.

At least that 1.9 per cent, I can save it and use on fuel or use it for something else, and so it goes a long way to help us as consumers.

We are grateful to the government, she said.
LIVESTREAMED: President Mahama marks one year in office with national thanksgiving at Jubilee House

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Planned power cut for Cape Coast this Thursday, here's why

GraphicOnline Jan - 07 - 2026 , 06:41 2 minutes read

Residents and businesses in Cape Coast and surrounding communities in the Central Region will experience a planned power outage this Thursday, January 8, 2026.

The shutdown, scheduled from 6am to 10pm, is to facilitate a major equipment upgrade at the local substation.

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo) announced in a press release dated January 6, 2026 that engineers will use the window to replace the existing 33MVA transformer at the Cape Coast Substation with a new, higher-capacity 66MVA unit.

The Ministry framed the work as a critical infrastructure project. "This critical upgrade forms part of the government's broader agenda, being implemented through the Ministry and its agencies, to strengthen and expand the national power transmission infrastructure," the release stated.

It further explained that the transformer replacement will "significantly enhance the substations capacity, enable more households and businesses in Cape Coast and its environs to connect to the national grid, and ensure improved quality, reliability, and stability of power supply."

Authorities have sought to reassure the public that the interruption is carefully managed.

"GRIDCo engineers, under the strict supervision of the Ministry, have put in place all necessary measures to ensure that the work is completed efficiently and within the scheduled timeframe, in order to restore power supply as quickly as possible," the notice read.

The release concluded with an apology and an assurance: "The Ministry and GRIDCo regret any inconvenience this planned outage may cause and assure the public of their continued commitment to supporting national development through reliable and improved power delivery."

Affected consumers are advised to make necessary arrangements to mitigate the impact of the 16-hour power interruption.
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by Staff reporter

Zimdancehall musician Tinashe Romeo Antony, popularly known as Shinsoman, is reportedly being detained at Harare Central Police Station in connection with an alleged violation of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA).Details surrounding the alleged offence were still unclear at the time of publication, with police yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain confirmation from authorities and establish the specific nature of the charge were unsuccessful.However, sources familiar with the developments said Antony was arrested by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics Unit. It is not yet known when the arrest took place or whether formal charges have been preferred.The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act regulates the manufacture, distribution, possession and use of medicines and controlled substances in Zimbabwe. Offences under the Act range from unlawful possession to the illegal sale or handling of regulated substances.It remains unclear which provision of the Act Shinsoman is alleged to have contravened, and police have not indicated when further details will be made public.
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The latest restructuring inside the ranks of the former BBK Electronics conglomerate involves Realmes return as an Oppo sub-brand. The news comes from Chinas Leifeng.com and is based on information shared by internal sources from Oppo. According to the report, Realme founder and CEO Sky Li will retain his responsibilities and will lead the Realme sub-brand under Oppo management in this organizational alignment.

According to the report, Oppo is looking to strengthen internal collaboration between Oppo, Realme and fellow sub-brand OnePlus while also improving resource management and Oppos global expansion strategy.

Under the new management, Oppo will serve as the leading brand while OnePlus and Realme will operate as complementary sub-brands with their own marketing strategies.

The move wont impact future Realme product launches, with all upcoming devices set to be released as scheduled. According to the new report, Realme will be integrated into Oppos after-sales service system, which also includes over 5,000 physical stores across China.

Former BBK Electronics Corporation brands in their current formation

Realme started out as an Oppo sub-brand back in May 2018 and then transitioned to independent brand status later that year. BBK Electronics - the conglomerate that included Oppo, vivo, OnePlus, iQOO and Realme, eventually disintegrated in 2023 and was succeeded by Oppo, vivo and imoo  the children's smartwatch maker.

Source (in Chinese)
A man is accused of throwing out drug paraphernalia before a traffic stop, based on a magistrate's complaint filed in Superior Court.

Ronnie Quinata Sanchez, 50, was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony.

Around 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, police observed a red Kia Soul make an unusual U-turn at the exit of Guam Regional Medical City and Route 3.

The vehicle didn't have a rear license plate and upon initiating a traffic stop, the officers observed an object being thrown from the passenger side of the vehicle.

Officers conducted a search in the area for the items thrown from the vehicle.

They located a hard cylinder containing a clear makeshift pipe, two plastic baggies containing a white substance suspected to be methamphetamine and a straw, the complaint stated.

Sanchez admitted to being the individual who threw the confiscated items out of the vehicle, documents state.

The items confiscated were field tested and produced presumptive positive results for methamphetamines, the complaint stated.
A call for the federal government to halt plans to lease some 35.5 million acres of sea floor east of the Mariana Islands got overwhelming support during Wednesday mornings public hearing at the Guam Congress Building.

Concerned members of the community and government officials raised alarms about the potential impacts on ocean ecosystems, fishery resources, and the culture and economy of the Marianas from deep-sea mining operations.

They spoke during a hearing on Sen. Therese Terlajes Resolution 132-38.

If passed by senators, the resolution would urge the federal government to put a moratorium on deep-sea mining in the area about 128 nautical miles offshore of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Jan. 12 is the cutoff to send comments on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements call for interest and information in potential leases for commercial mining offshore Guam and the CNMI.

Yona resident Roque B. Eustaquio, who testified in support of the resolution on Wednesday, said he is concerned that sediment from deep-sea mining would contaminate eastern Guam, like Pago Bay, Inarajan Bay, and Tagachang Beach in his home village.

It was the Tagachang Beach where I learned how to swim. It was the Tagachang Beach where I caught my first fish. It was Tagachang Beach where I first noticed the existence of the opposite sex, Eustaquio said. Today, Tagachang Beach is a gift from previous generations of Yona residents.

Damage to the environment could also harm the islands tourism economy, testified Esther Taitague, senior planner with the Bureau of Statistics and Plans Coastal Management Program.

In 2024, tourism generated $1.4 billion in economic activity and accounted for 28% of private sector employment on Guam, Taitague said. But tourism also thrived on the islands pristine marine environment.

Ecological damage from seabed mining would translate into substantial economic losses across tourism and related industries, she said.

Taitague said the statistics bureau urged a denial of permits for seabed mining around the Marianas. If they went forward, robust royalties for the islands and mitigation programs managed by the government must be required, she said.

Veronica Cruz, of Chalan Pago-Ordot, said shes already concerned about contamination of the islands water, seeing the impacts while snorkeling.

I question, when will we take action and stop being complacent and being okay with whats going on on our island? Cruz said, in support of the resolution.

She said she isnt a scientist, but grew up very close to the ocean, and I think of my nieces and nephews, who will hopefully have a clean ocean as well.

Department of Agriculture Director Chelsa Muna said her agency supports the resolution and calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. She proposed a ban on deep-sea mining and related activity in Guam waters.

Muna said similar action was already taken in Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington. A territorial ban would limit the use of Guams ports and infrastructure to support mining in federal waters, she said.

The agriculture director said mining activity would produce industrial noise that would further stress endangered species like blue whales, fin whales, and sperm whales that frequent the waters in the Marianas.

Fisherwoman Mary Jo Quenga testified that deep-sea mining would drive a wedge between Guam and the CNMI, and threaten the last currency CHamorus had to feed their families.

I believe its my inherent right to oppose all destructive practices that threaten my way of life, and, more importantly, my God-given right to practice my cultural heritage, Quenga said. It is my right to sustain my life by harvesting food from my ocean.

Attorney Julian Aguon, of environmental law firm Blue Ocean Law, said the federal governments mining proposal violates the right of indigenous CHamoru people to their natural resources, which is central to the right to political self-determination.

The right of a people to its resources has been recognized by the United Nations since 1976, and by the International Court of Justice, said Aguon, in support of the resolution.

Exploitation of those resources for the benefit of others, to include the administering power itself (the U.S.), is categorically unlawful, he said. Yet that is precisely what is being proposed here. Guam would receive no control, no meaningful consultation, and no share in the benefits, while bearing all the environmental, cultural and food security risks.

Yigo resident Howard Hemsing said he opposes deep-sea mining but believes that island residents would not be able to stop the push from the federal government.

America owns this island. Theyll do what they want. Look at the Marines. They built up, they cleaned the area up and built up the base, Hemsing said. And what did we do? How many times did we protest against that? How many refusals or no? Did America listen?

Hemsing said the island lacks the confidence to oppose the push for deep-sea mining, and to push for independence from the U.S.

Terlaje thanked those who came to the public hearing to testify, and said she and others would continue to fight against the push for deep-sea mining.

Lawmakers will meet in an emergency session at 9 a.m. on Friday to vote on Resolution 132-38.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero this week said she believes the Trump administration is pushing forward with seafloor mining, despite united opposition to it from leadership in Guam and the CNMI.

Over 1,000 residents from Guam and the CNMI have signed a petition opposing deep-sea mining, circulated by the Center for American Progress, the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, and Hita Litekyan, and submitted as testimony on Resolution 132-38.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has cancelled the licences of ZB Building Society and FBC Building Society following operational changes at the two financial institutions, the central bank has announced.In separate public notices issued on Tuesday, the RBZ Registrar of Building Societies, Mr Phillip Madamombe, said ZB Building Society's licence was cancelled after the institution voluntarily surrendered it, while FBC Building Society's registration was terminated following its merger with FBC Bank.In the case of ZB Building Society, the RBZ said the cancellation was effected in terms of section 14 of the Building Societies Act after a formal request by the institution. "This follows the institution's voluntary surrender of its licence and request for its cancellation in terms of section 14 (3) of the Building Societies Act," the notice read.The central bank said ZB Financial Holdings Limited, the shareholder of ZB Building Society, resolved to surrender the licence and proceed with a voluntary liquidation of the building society. Following the move, ZB Financial Holdings Limited will remain with one banking subsidiary, ZB Bank Limited.The RBZ said the decision and subsequent process were structured to ensure a smooth exit of ZB Building Society from the banking sector while safeguarding depositors' funds. It said the institution issued a 90-day notice to customers between May 28 and August 31, 2025, in line with the Consumer Protection Framework, advising them of the planned closure of accounts.Customers were given the option to migrate their accounts to ZB Bank Limited or to another banking institution of their choice. The RBZ said some depositors opted to transfer their accounts, while those whose deposits were not migrated would receive full reimbursement through the liquidation process.Following an assessment of the institution's financial position as at September 30, 2025, the RBZ said ZB Building Society was found to be solvent, with sufficient liquid assets to meet all its obligations. "Accordingly, ZB Building Society was granted consent to proceed by way of voluntary liquidation and was directed to ensure that all its creditors are paid in full and without delay," the central bank said.As a result of the cancellation of its registration, the RBZ said ZB Building Society is no longer a building society as defined under the Building Societies Act.In a separate notice, the RBZ announced the cancellation of FBC Building Society's licence following the approval of a merger between FBC Bank Limited and FBC Building Society. The approval was granted by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion at the request of FBC Holdings Limited, in terms of section 25(5) of the Banking Act.The central bank said the merged entity will continue operating as FBC Bank Limited, while the building society licence was surrendered for cancellation as part of the merger process.
After nine months of delay, the sentencing of Paul John Tuncap Cruz has been set for March 16 in connection with the death of his 1-year-old son in November 2023.

Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez on Monday set the sentencing date for Cruz, who was found guilty in April of child abuse as a third-degree felony.

The judge set the sentencing after a recent Supreme Court decision cleared the final legal hurdle that had stalled the case.

The conviction stemmed from the case tied to the December 2024 conviction of Cruzs wife, Giltinan Ramangmou, who is serving three years at the Department of Corrections, followed by three years of supervised release for negligent homicide and child abuse.

Prosecutors said Ramangmou punched the child and claimed that Cruz failed to seek medical care after the child was injured, even though he, himself, did not physically inflict the fatal injuries.

The Monday hearing centered on concerns involving remote testimony, an issue that defense and prosecution had awaited guidance on before moving forward. Defense attorney Thomas Fisher told the court the ruling allowed the case to proceed, while still leaving discretion to trial courts.

During the trial, then chief medical examiner Dr. Jeffery Nine testified that the child showed signs of battered child syndrome, repeated head trauma and severe malnourishment.

Perez brought up a recent Supreme Court ruling resolving the questions about whether off island testimony received by video conferencing met constitutional standards.

Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, Im going to suggest March 16 at 3 p.m. for full sentencing for Mr. Cruz, Perez said.

The judge said the courts prior findings aligned with the Supreme Courts reasoning.

My recollection, Your Honor, is that the court made the determinations which seemed to be on reaching back in time and seemed to be kind of in concert with what the Supreme Court decided, Fisher said.

Perez addressed Cruz directly and acknowledged that he has remained employed while awaiting sentencing, cautioning that incarceration could affect his ability to work and support his children.

The judge advised Cruz to prepare for the possibility of incarceration.

Hes continuing to work, continuing to make his obligation to his children, meet his obligation, and we just leave it to the court, Fisher said.
A business dispute between Goodwind Development Corp. and West Bay Corp. and 21st Century Corp. will remain dismissed after a Supreme Court of Guam opinion.

The Supreme Court, in a Dec. 30 opinion penned by Chief Justice Robert J. Torres and joined by Associate Justices F. Philip Carbullido and Katherine A. Maraman, affirmed the Superior Courts judgment in full.

The Supreme Courts decision leaves intact the Superior Courts dismissal of both Goodwinds complaint and the defendants counterclaims.

Goodwind appealed the Superior Courts decision dismissing its complaint against West Bay Corp. and 21st Century Corp.

It sought to enforce two promissory notes executed in 2011 and argued that the trial court erred by relying on extrinsic matters when granting defendants motion to dismiss, failing to convert the motion to dismiss into a motion for summary judgment, and concluding that Goodwinds claims were time-barred based on the unenforceability of statute of limitations waivers contained in promissory notes.

West Bays promissory note was $750,000 and Centurys was $120,000, court documents stated.

The higher court held that the trial court did not improperly rely on extrinsic matters when granting the defendants motion to dismiss and was not required to convert the motion into one for summary judgment.

It further concluded that the statute of limitation waivers contained in the promissory notes were unenforceable under Guam law and that Goodwinds claimsbrought more than 11 years after the notes were issuedwere time-barred. Because the claims were barred on the face of the complaint, the court held that any amendment would be futile.

On cross-appeal, the Supreme Court rejected the defendants challenges to the dismissal of their counterclaims.

The court held that the defendants failed to plead their fraud and fraud-related counterclaims with the heightened particularity required under Guam Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b), including failure to adequately identify the specific actors, statements and circumstances underlying the alleged misconduct.

Although the court clarified that the parol evidence rule does not categorically bar negligent misrepresentation claims, it affirmed dismissal of that claim on alternative grounds due to insufficient pleading.

The Supreme Court also affirmed dismissal of the defendants breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing counterclaims, reasoning that the parol evidence rule properly barred extrinsic evidence offered to support claims that presume the existence of a valid contract rather than challenge its formation or validity.

While the Supreme Court found that the trial court erred in dismissing the defendants unjust enrichment counterclaim on statute of limitations grounds, it nevertheless affirmed the dismissal on alternative grounds supported by the record.

The court explained that the unjust enrichment counterclaim was grounded in allegations of fraud and failed once the related fraud-based counterclaims were dismissed. The court further affirmed the trial courts decision to deny defendants request to amend their counterclaims on futility grounds.




Haiti - FLASH : End of TPS, Judge Reyes confronts the Trump administration with its contradictions





On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a crucial hearing was held in Washington regarding the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted to Haitians. Judge Ana C. Reyes examined the Trump administration's arguments justifying the deportation of Haitian immigrants to a country that U.S. authorities themselves consider dangerous and unstable. She also confronted the government with the inconsistency between security reports, including the FAA's airspace closure, and the decision to deport 350,000 people.



Lawyers for the Haitian immigrants invoked the principle of administrative law that an agency's decision must be neither "arbitrary" nor "capricious". They emphasized that the State Department (through Marco Rubio) and the FAA (the aviation authority) classify Haiti as an area of extreme danger. They insist that ordering the return of 350,000 people to an area where the government itself has grounded its own planes constitutes a "breakdown of logic" that renders the decision illegal.



The government maintains that the situation in Haiti has improved and that Secretary Kristi Noem has absolute discretion to grant or terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of Haitians. It asserts that the law explicitly stipulates that this decision rests solely with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and that the courts do not have to rule on the definition of "National interest", even if that definition seems disconnected from the reality on the ground.



Judge Reyes reacted sharply, addressing the lawyer for the Department of Justice : "Listen to yourself. I understand youre in a tough spot, but just take a breath and listen to yourself." Reyes points out here that the government's argument has become so absurd that it is uncomfortable for those defending it.



Faced with the government's argument invoking Secretary Kristi Noem's "total discretionary power," Judge Reyes resorted to the absurd : "What if Secretary Kristi Noem decided it was in the national interest to expel Haitians simply because she doesn't like vanilla ice cream? [...] Can the government invoke the national interest to mask a purely political or baseless decision ?"



Despite the severity of her remarks, Judge Reyes acknowledged the quality of the lawyers work before adjourning the hearing until Wednesday, January 7, 2026.



Should ben oted that if Judge Reyes follows the logic of her questions, she could issue a preliminary injunction that would block the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) pending a full trial, thus temporarily protecting the 350,000 Haitians from losing their work permits and facing deportation.



To be continued...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46575-haiti-flash-a-federal-court-is-to-rule-on-the-legality-of-not-extending-temporary-protected-status-tps.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















News / National

by Staff reporter

Government has issued a firm directive to all schools, reaffirming that the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency and all currencies within the approved multicurrency basket remain legal tender for the payment of school fees, warning that demanding fees exclusively in United States dollars is illegal and will attract stern disciplinary action.The directive comes ahead of the opening of the 2026 academic year as parents and guardians prepare for schools to reopen on January 13. Responding to questions from Zimpapers, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said Government financial directives issued during Term Three of 2025 remain fully in force and must be strictly observed by all schools."The Ministry's directives on financial matters, as detailed in the Term Three 2025 guidelines, remain fully in force and must be strictly adhered to for the 2026 academic year," the ministry said. "The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and all currencies within the multicurrency system remain legal tender for school fees payments. Schools are prohibited from demanding fees exclusively in United States Dollars (USD). Any such practice is illegal and will attract severe disciplinary action."The clarification follows reports that some schools have been insisting on USD-only payments, effectively sidelining the local currency and placing additional pressure on parents. The ministry also addressed concerns over exchange rate manipulation, a major source of tension between schools and parents.It said all fee conversions must be strictly pegged to the official interbank exchange rate, with schools barred from setting their own rates or applying inflated premiums. "The Ministry, in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, reaffirms the directive of 12 March 2025. All fee conversions must be pegged strictly to the official interbank exchange rate," the ministry said. "Schools are not permitted to unilaterally set or use inflated exchange rates for fee calculations. Vigorous monitoring and enforcement will be undertaken in collaboration with financial regulatory authorities."The ministry reiterated that while fee obligations remain, no learner should be sent home, excluded from lessons or barred from sitting examinations due to non-payment of fees. Schools are instead required to engage parents and guardians to agree on flexible payment plans. It also reaffirmed free market choice for uniforms and stationery, warning schools against forcing parents to buy from designated suppliers.The First Term of the 2026 academic year will run from Tuesday, January 13, to Wednesday, April 1. The ministry said all schools are expected to have completed logistical and administrative preparations to ensure a smooth reopening, including finalising timetables, teacher deployment and learner placement by the first day of term. Parents were urged to ensure learners report to school properly equipped and ready to learn.Meanwhile, Government will next week begin rolling out the distribution of ICT devices to disadvantaged rural schools, starting with Manicaland Province before moving to Matabeleland South, as part of efforts to promote blended teaching and learning.Speaking at the handover of ICT equipment by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) at the United Nations Warehouse, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the initiative marked a major milestone in transforming the education sector, particularly in underserved communities."This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Zimbabwe's education system, particularly for disadvantaged rural schools in Manicaland and Matabeleland South Provinces," Minister Moyo said. "The handover of 815 laptops, 708 projectors and 2 112 tablets is not merely a logistical exercise; it is a strategic investment in the future of our children and the nation as a whole."He said the intervention aligns with President Mnangagwa's vision of modernisation, innovation and inclusive development, as Zimbabwe works towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.The devices will be deployed across seven districts to address inequalities in access to technology, benefiting 113 disadvantaged, solarised schools in Buhera, Chipinge and Nyanga in Manicaland, and Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo and Insiza in Matabeleland South. Most of the schools are in remote and underserved areas.Minister Moyo said the equipment will enhance teaching and learning through access to digital content, interactive instruction and offline learning platforms. Tablets will improve learner access to digital resources, laptops will strengthen teacher preparation, assessment and school administration, while projectors will support inclusive, whole-class digital instruction."This is how we democratise access to quality education," he said.Unicef acting representative Fiachra Mcasey said the devices will be complemented by teacher training programmes on ICT literacy and classroom integration, scheduled for February and March 2026. He said pre- and post-training assessments will be conducted to measure improvements in digital skills, confidence and effective use of technology for learning.As schools prepare to reopen, Government has also warned teachers and school heads against soliciting bribes for school placements or forcing parents to buy uniforms from designated shops, saying such practices undermine access to education and will not be tolerated.




Haiti - FLASH : Three arms traffickers, including 2 Haitians indicted by US authorities





The case of the vast arms trafficking network operating between Florida, the Dominican Republic, and the Haitian border (Belladere) has reached a major legal milestone. Three people have been formally indicted in the United States for their central role in supplying weapons and ammunition to Haitian gangs.



On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, U.S. authorities indicted three Florida residents: Francesca Charles (28), a U.S. citizen, and Haitian brothers Jacques Pierre (32) and Jeff Pierre (34), also residents of the state.



They are accused of conspiracy to smuggle firearms and ammunition, illegal transportation of weapons, and undeclared exports. The defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison.



The investigation, conducted by two federal agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), follows a spectacular seizure in the Dominican Republic (February and March 2025) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44408-haiti-flash-major-seizure-of-weapons-and-ammunition-in-the-dr-a-major-blow-for-gangs.html : 30 rifles of various calibers, six 9mm Glock Gen 5 pistols and one 9mm Smith & Wesson SD9 VE pistol, as well as 37 assault rifle magazines, 36,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 18 assault rifle magazines, 13 9mm magazines, and one .50 caliber rifle magazine. a silencer, a Barrett 50mm sniper rifle, 17 7.62 caliber rifles and an Uzi submachine gun.







The investigation revealed that the suspects had acquired at least 46 firearms between May 2024 and February 2025. Their modus operandi was well-established: a large-scale purchase of weapons, shipment, and then travel to Haiti or the Dominican Republic to receive the cargo.



This case is part of the U.S. operation "Take Back America," aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations.



In Haiti, the Haitian National Police (PNH) had already arrested the suspects in Cap-Haitien in March 2025, shortly after the surrender of Guitho Senat, the alleged recipient of the shipment, in Belladere.



Despite the Ministry of Economy's ban (in March 2025) on the transit of foreign goods across the land border, the effectiveness of customs controls remains a major challenge in the face of the gangs' growing firepower.



Image thumbnail from right to left : Francesca Charles, Jacques Pierre, and Jeff Pierre



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44408-haiti-flash-major-seizure-of-weapons-and-ammunition-in-the-dr-a-major-blow-for-gangs.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Press release

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSLs) Higher Education Task Force met for a Summit in Washington, D.C. on December 15 and 16 to examine the state and federal relationship between our individual states higher education and area labor markets. Task force members were encouraged to invite representatives from their local higher education communities to participate in roundtable discussions. Topics included aiding institutions and elected policy makers to promote success rates of students who will ultimately make up our workforce, and optimizing values for education with career opportunities.

Chancellor Greg Kegel, MSU-Northern in Havre was invited by Senator Becky Beard (MT SD38, Elliston), to participate in this Summit. Together they joined roundtable discussions that allowed participants to share state specific education and workforce challenges. They also evaluated best practices and pathways toward success going forward. Included in these discussions were ideas to make higher education more affordable for students and taxpayers, to help improve success rates, and to minimize student debt.

In Montana, it remains a high priority to incorporate immediate and long-term labor force opportunities in the agricultural sector. MSU-Northern has always placed a high value on preparing graduates to meet the workforce needs of Montana and the region. I am grateful to Senator Becky Beard for the invitation to attend the NCSL Higher Education Summitit was an honor to be included in these important conversations. This summit provided an important opportunity for educators and policymakers from across the country to come together and address shared challenges in higher educationfrom workforce alignment to affordability and student outcomes. These national conversations directly inform how we continue to deliver practical, high-value education for our students, said MSU-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel.

This NCSL Higher Education Task Force is a one-of-a-kind forum to bring together ideas promoting higher education in the U.S. Members will engage in a follow-up in mid-May 2026 to review the detailed summary of discussions, including trends and priorities.

For additional information, Chancellor Kegel can be reached at [email protected]. Senator Becky Beard can be reached at [email protected].
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Bulawayo taxi driver whose name evokes mercy and kindness instead found himself at the centre of a brutal street attack that nearly claimed a man's life, after a dispute over taxi fares spiralled into violence.Amazing Grace Sibanda (24), of Gwabalanda, was convicted of attempted murder by the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court after he and two accomplices viciously assaulted a passenger during a late-night altercation in the city centre.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on 26 October 2025 at around 11pm at the corner of Herbert Chitepo Street and Sixth Avenue. Sibanda, who was driving a white Honda Fit, had picked up a 33-year-old man and his two friends when an argument broke out over the taxi fare.Instead of resolving the dispute amicably, Sibanda drove back to the original pick-up point, where the situation rapidly escalated. Prosecutors told the court that Sibanda and two accomplices, who are still at large, launched a sustained attack on the victim."Upon arrival, the offender and two accomplices assaulted the victim using a sjambok, iron bars and bricks until he fell unconscious," the NPAZ said in a statement.The court heard that the assault took place in full view of the street and was so severe that it could easily have resulted in the victim's death. Sibanda fled the scene following the attack, leaving the victim badly injured.In passing sentence, the magistrate convicted Sibanda of attempted murder and imposed a 12-month prison term. Three months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining nine months were suspended on the condition that Sibanda completes 315 hours of community service.The ruling marked a dramatic fall from grace for the young taxi driver, whose actions stood in stark contrast to his name. What began as a routine fare dispute ended with a criminal conviction and a hard lesson from the courts, underscoring the serious consequences of street violence.
Press release

The Montana Community Foundation announced that more than $1 million in scholarships is available to Montana students. The foundation manages nearly 60 scholarships, with awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 each academic year.

These funds help make the dream of higher education a reality, opening doors, expanding opportunities, and empowering Montanas next generation of leaders, stated Mary Rutherford, President & CEO. We are grateful to all of the donors who make these scholarships possible for students across the state.

In 2025, the Montana Community Foundation awarded 227 scholarships to students in 37 counties, with the average amount of $2,000. Over the past four years, the foundation has granted more than $4 million in scholarships to nearly 1,000 students, with 70% of the funds going to Montana colleges and universities.

Students can apply for funding between January 1st and March 31st, 2026. A variety of scholarships are available for four-year or two-year colleges, certificate courses, non-traditional students, vocational studies, and more. For more information or to apply, please visit mtcf.org.

About the Montana Community Foundation

At the Montana Community Foundation, we help you shape Montanas future through giving. Founded in 1988, MCF manages more than $216 million in assets and administers more than 1,988 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $122 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. Learn more at http://www.mtcf.org.
(HedgeCo.Net) If performance is one pillar of hedge fund relevance, talent is the otherand in 2026 the industry is spending aggressively to secure it. In the last two weeks alone, one of the most striking people stories came out of Bridgewater Associates: a significant expansion of employee equity ownership, granting stakes to more than 60% of staffbeginning in 2026. Reuters+1

That move is notable not just because Bridgewater is one of the industrys most iconic names, but because it signals a broader trend: hedge fund competition is increasingly about institution-building, not just trading. Firms are fighting on compensation, culture, career stability, and upside alignmentespecially as the industry professionalizes and as alternative employers (big tech, AI labs, prop shops, and private credit platforms) compete for the same quantitative and engineering talent.

Bridgewaters shift: from incentives to ownership

Reuters reported that Bridgewaters initiative would expand equity participation dramatically compared with the firms prior structure, and tied it to the firms long arcincluding its 50th anniversary and post-founder transition dynamics. Reuters In the same reporting, Bridgewaters leadership framed equity ownership as a way to align employees with long-term outcomes, a model more common in tech than in traditional hedge fund compensation.

What makes this consequential is timing. Bridgewaters ownership move lands in a period where:

hedge funds are re-emphasizing systematic research and AI ,

, competition for senior PMs and elite quants is intense, and

allocators increasingly ask about key-person risk and bench depth.

Reuters also noted Bridgewaters ongoing investment in AI-oriented strategies and referenced an AI-driven fund launched in 2024. Reuters Even without overhyping AI, the strategic logic is clear: if your edge depends on sustained research velocity, you need retention and institutional memory.

The talent war is becoming a balance-sheet item

The talent arms race isnt just about headline pay packagesits about the cost structure of running a modern hedge fund. A recent Business Insider/AOL summary described hedge funds spending heavily to attract, keep, and afford top talent in an industry that is fundamentally a human-capital business. AOL

This matters because it affects:

net returns (more cost drag unless performance rises),

(more cost drag unless performance rises), capacity decisions (how large to grow without bureaucracy), and

(how large to grow without bureaucracy), and platform stability (whether a firm can keep teams through inevitable drawdowns).

For multi-manager platforms, talent spending often shows up as aggressive guarantees, economics for pods, and investments in data/tech. For macro and discretionary shops, it can appear as retention packages, partner paths, and broader ownership participationBridgewaters approach being the most explicit example in recent headlines. Reuters

Why this is trending right now

Investors care about ownership and talent because hedge funds are, ultimately, not just strategiestheyre organizations. And 2025s performance dispersion is forcing allocators to do deeper diligence on how the sausage is made.

When Bridgewater expands employee ownership right after a strong year (Reuters described it as a blowout year in that context), its also sending a message: we plan to compete for the next decade, not just the next quarter. Reuters

The 2026 playbook: retention, resilience, and repeatability

What were seeing across large hedge funds can be summarized in three operational bets:

Lock in the bench.

Equity, longer-duration compensation, and career-path clarity reduce turnover and stabilize teams. Invest in infrastructure.

Data, compute, surveillance, risk, and execution tools are now table stakesespecially as systematic approaches and AI-assisted research become ubiquitous. De-risk succession.

The industry has learned that founder or star-PM transitions can be destabilizing. Firms that institutionalize ownership and governance can look safer to allocators.

What to watch next

The next tell will be whether other major managers emulate Bridgewaters ownership moveor whether they pursue different retention mechanisms (partner economics, pod-level equity, evergreen vehicles, or strategic spin-outs). In an environment where talent is scarce and expensive, the firms that can build durable cultures may enjoy a compounding advantage that performance charts wont showuntil it does.
(HedgeCo.Net) The hedge fund industry is starting 2026 with a familiar headlinemost funds made moneybut an unusual subtext: the biggest names didnt necessarily lead the pack. New year-end performance snapshots show a widening dispersion between mega multi-strats and a set of mid-sized and specialist managers that quietly outperformed in a year defined by AI-driven factor shocks, macro whiplash, and fast-changing correlations.

A Business Insider compilation of 2025 results highlights the emerging pattern. D.E. Shaws Composite fund gained about 18.5% and Balyasny was up about 16.7%, while Millennium finished around 10.5% and Citadel about 10.2%. Business Insider+2Bloomberg+2 On the surface, double-digit gains are nothing to apologize for. But in a year when the S&P 500 returned roughly the mid-teens (per the same reporting), the relative takeaway for allocators is sharper: scale and sophistication remain advantages, but they no longer guarantee dominance.

Why this year mattered more than the headline number

In a normal bull market, large multi-strats can look steady rather than spectaculardesigned to compound through many small edges while controlling drawdowns. In 2025, however, the market environment repeatedly rewarded positioning agility and punished crowded exposuresespecially when AI-adjacent narratives whipsawed rates, equity leadership, and volatility risk premia.

The end-of-year numbers reinforce that the industry is increasingly shaped by dispersion: returns diverge widely, even among top-tier shops. Reuters reporting distributed via Fidelity noted strong results among firms including D.E. Shaw and Bridgewater, and characterized 2025 as an AI-fueled rally where multiple large funds posted double-digit gains. Fidelity Thats important because allocators arent just asking did you make money?theyre asking how repeatable the path was, and whether a managers process can handle the next regime shift.

The multi-strat paradox: bigger platforms, tougher comparisons

For the largest multi-strategy complexes, the competitive set has changed. Their real benchmark isnt the average hedge fund anymoreits a narrower peer group of other mega platforms and the best-performing mid-sized rivals.

The Bloomberg report on Citadels flagship 2025 return (about 10.2%) specifically noted that Millennium (about 10.5%) outperformed Citadel that year, marking a reversal relative to some recent years. Bloomberg That kind of who beat who framing matters because institutional capital is stickybut not blind. When returns compress into a tight band, allocator conversations shift from performance to capacity, fees, liquidity terms, and risk culture.

In other words, if two giants both deliver low-double-digits, allocators start asking:

Which platform has the deeper bench in the strategies that worked?

Which has the better ability to redeploy risk when leadership flips?

Which is more stable operationally under stress?

Macro is backand its separating winners from laggards

Macro managers had a particularly visible year, but even there, the story is not uniform. Business Insider reported that Brevan Howards two biggest funds lagged macro peers, while other macro-focused strategies posted standout numbersincluding Bridgewaters Pure Alpha and D.E. Shaws macro fund (Oculus) in the same coverage. Business Insider+1 The message: macro isnt one tradeits a toolkit. Execution, risk budgeting, and the ability to monetize volatility matter more than the label.

For allocators, this sets up a 2026 question that will be repeated in investment committee meetings: Is the hedge fund renaissance broad-based, or concentrated in the best operators and best-fit strategies? Some industry commentary expects flows to concentrate further into the strongest brands, even as performance leadership rotates. Traders Magazine

Whats trending today inside allocator conversations

Based on the early-January reporting and what firms are emphasizing publicly, three allocator themes are dominating whats trending:

Dispersion and manager selection are back.

The era of just buy the biggest platforms is fading. The best mid-sized funds are proving they can compete with giants in volatile markets. Business Insider+1 Risk systems matter as much as ideas.

When vol regimes change quickly, the edge shifts to how fast a platform can cut risk, redeploy, and keep exposures from unintentionally converging. Portfolio construction is moving from hedge fund bucket to outcome sleeves.

Allocators increasingly want hedging, convexity, and uncorrelated return streamsthen back into managers that can reliably produce them.

The 2026 setup: A tougher, more interesting game

If 2025 was a year of proofproof that many hedge funds can deliver, and proof that leadership is not guaranteedthen 2026 will be a year of positioning. Volatility, geopolitics, and policy uncertainty are still likely to inject frequent regime shifts. Business Insider

For the largest firms, the strategic response is already visible: sharpen the product set, protect the franchise, and keep talent (more on that below). For smaller and mid-sized winners, the challenge is different: scale carefully without diluting the edge that drove outperformance.
The NBI took control of the ship on Wednesday morning to secure technical examinations and crew interviews. The vessel is currently held in the port of Kantvik, west of Helsinki, under police supervision.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation have seized the cargo vessel Fitburg as part of a criminal investigation into damage to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland on New Years Eve.

The seizure followed the end of a separate administrative process by Finnish Customs, which had temporarily detained the ships cargo while assessing a potential sanctions breach. With that review concluded, police said a formal seizure was required to ensure the ship remained available for investigative measures.

Investigators suspect the Fitburg damaged a submarine data cable owned by telecom operator Elisa between Helsinki and Tallinn on 31 December. Police have reported finding a drag mark stretching tens of kilometres on the seabed, consistent with anchor movement.

According to police, one crew member, an Azerbaijani national, has been remanded in custody on suspicion of involvement in the incident. Three other crew members are subject to travel bans. In total, 14 people were on board when the investigation began.

The crew includes nationals of Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Finnish Customs confirmed it would not open a criminal investigation into a suspected sanctions violation linked to the ships cargo. The Fitburg was carrying steel products classified as subject to EU sanctions on Russian goods.

Customs said the vessel entered Finnish territorial waters at the request of Finnish authorities, meaning the crew could not be considered to have intentionally brought sanctioned goods into the country. On that basis, no offence was found. Customs said the cargo would be released on the condition that it is removed from Finland.

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, also completed its inspection of the vessel. It identified ten deficiencies related to fire safety, emergency readiness, engine room operations and maintenance. Traficom said none of the issues posed a risk to the ship or crew.

Sanna Sonninen, maritime director at Traficom, said the Fitburg was in appropriate condition for its age and could continue its voyage once the deficiencies were addressed.

Police have said they are examining whether the cable damage was deliberate. The investigation involves the National Bureau of Investigation, Helsinki police, the Border Guard and the Defence Forces. Technical analysis of the vessel and its systems is expected to take several weeks.

Russian authorities have not commented on the case. Estonia has confirmed its participation in the joint investigation.

HT
The commitment was formalised at a summit in Paris attended by 27 heads of state or government from the so-called "coalition of the willing", along with senior US envoys and military officials. The meeting focused on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine and coordination on truce monitoring, equipment supply, and long-term deterrence against renewed Russian aggression.

The UK and France have pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is reached with Russia, as part of a broader security framework backed by the United States.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer signed a trilateral declaration of intent on Tuesday evening following several hours of closed-door talks. The agreement outlines plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine, rebuild the countrys armed forces, and provide ongoing surveillance and verification of any ceasefire through a US-led mechanism.

Macron said France could contribute several thousand troops. Starmer confirmed that British forces would be stationed in Ukraine but clarified that any deployment would occur only after a ceasefire had been reached and verified. Both leaders said their forces would remain well behind the front line and would not be intended for direct engagement with Russian troops.

The United States will lead a ceasefire monitoring initiative using non-military assets such as drones, sensors, and satellite surveillance. Top US envoy Steve Witkoff said the protocols would serve both as a deterrent and a defence mechanism against renewed Russian aggression. If there are any attacks, theyre meant to defend, and they will do both, he said.

Witkoff and Jared Kushner, acting on behalf of President Donald Trump, joined the talks following the withdrawal of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two confirmed that Washington supported the security framework under discussion and would play a leading role in implementation.

Zelenskyy said the documents signed in Paris were a huge step forward, but stressed that unresolved issues, especially regarding territorial disputes, were still blocking a final deal.

Russia has not responded to the announcements. The Kremlin has previously opposed any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, saying such a move would be treated as a direct threat. Moscow currently occupies around 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk.

The Paris declaration does not define where a ceasefire line would be drawn or address Russias demands regarding Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region. The issue remains the most significant obstacle in ongoing negotiations.

Witkoff acknowledged that territorial questions would be critical and said compromises were being explored. Zelenskyy has ruled out formally ceding any territory but suggested Ukrainian forces might reposition if Russian troops did the same.

Several European states supported the Paris declaration but declined to commit ground troops. Germany said its forces might join ceasefire monitoring but would be based in a neighbouring state. Belgium pledged support through its air and naval forces. Croatia and the Czech Republic confirmed they would not deploy any personnel.

The agreement includes the creation of a US-Ukraine coordination cell in Paris and continued delivery of military equipment and training. The plan also involves establishing protected storage sites for weapons and rebuilding Ukraines defensive infrastructure.

According to Zelenskyy, specific nations were assigned responsibility for various elements of the post-war architecture, including security enforcement, ceasefire verification, and reconstruction support.

Talks between Ukrainian, US and European negotiators are expected to resume this week. Zelenskyy has said he is prepared to speak directly with Trump if necessary to resolve the remaining issues.

HT
Homeowners seek to block Ecusta Trail parking lot

Because the popularity of the Ecusta Trail has driven demand for parking, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners amended the county land-use code to allow one-acre parking lots in residential zones. Some residents of Hunters Glen hope to block a parking lot at their subdivision entrance. [AMY B. MCCRAW/Hendersonville Lightning]

Well before the Ecusta Trail opened, it was safe to forecast that its construction and use would provoke some conflict.

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Early on, homeowners protested that the trail contractor had cut trees and hedges along their property lines they had hoped would buffer their property from trail traffic and provide privacy. Theres grumbling that bicyclists roll through 4-way stops, pleas for more safety measures and warning signs and demands for such amenities as restrooms, trash receptacles and dog-poop bags.

Six months after it opened, the trail has proved to be popular, even in winter, and as awareness of the attraction spreads, traffic is bound to increase. The linear park, after all, is only a third of the way done and more thrilling or pastoral sections are yet to open  the trestle crossing of the French Broad River, a long section through woods, meadows and farmland and thirst-quenching destinations like Oskar Blues Brewing Co. and downtown Brevard.

The latest Ecusta flashpoint is currently playing out near the trails (for now) western terminus. Some residents of Hunters Glen in Horse Shoe are objecting to a decision by the Board of Commissioners to drape a zoning overlay across the length of the trail allowing paid parking lots  not just in commercial and industrial zones but in residential ones.

There are no public rest rooms, no trash cans. Its just going to be a parking lot right in the middle of a residential area, said Karen Warthen, who moved to the neighborhood two years ago with her husband after both retired from jobs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

Barry Warthen, a Duke University graduate who grew up in North Carolina, has accumulated a stack of background on the Hunters Glen parking lot, tracing the series of meetings during which commissioners discussed the idea.

Advisory boards weigh in

Michael Edney, vice chair of the board, first introduced the proposed zoning text amendment on Nov. 4, 2024. A week later, the Rail Trail Advisory Committee (RTAC) took up the topic and went on to deliberate on it at least three more times before recommending approval. Significant in the recommendation of both the RTAC and the county planning board, Warthen said, was that both endorsed parking in commercial and industrial zones but not residential areas.

Ken Shelton, a Friends of the Ecusta Trail founder and RTAC member, appeared at the county commission meeting last April 7 to tell commissioners that the committee had unanimously approved the Land Development Code amendment, recommending that parking only be allowed in commercial and industrial areas, according to minutes of the meeting.

During discussion by the county commission, Edney again emphasized the need for parking in both residential and commercial districts. When Commissioner Rebecca McCall suggested sending the proposal back to the planning board for another look, Edney objected, and the matter never was re-referred. After discussing the zoning text amendment twice more, on May 5 and May 12, commissioners adopted the change on June 2, with the residential expansion.

The Warthens argue that the countys action was improper because a legal notice advertising the public hearing on the text amendment contained no mention of residential zones.

Based on that notice, residents in residential zones had no reason to believe their properties would be affected and therefore had no opportunity to voice their concerns, Warthen wrote in an update last November to Hunters Glen homeowners. Under North Carolina law, this is a substantial change that legally requires a new accurate public notice and a new public hearing.

Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Lapsley disputes that.

We discussed that with our county attorney and he doesnt believe that has legal standing, he said. We publicly noticed that we were going to change the zoning ordinance. We dont have to specify a particular change from one thing to the next. As long we noticed that were going to consider changing a zoning condition, thats all we have an obligation to do.

Parking lot cleared technical review

Owned by Hunters Glen homeowners Lisa and Jeff Ayers, the flat 1-acre site at the entrance of the subdivision is part of a 4-acre tract the couple bought for $48,000 in 2020. In August, the county Technical Review Committee OKd an application for the 134-space parking lot submitted by Chris Rivera and JC Operations LLC, a commercial parking lot management company that has helped landowners monetize land for paid parking up and down the trail.

Attorneys for the Warthens received no response to a cease-and-desist letter they sent to JC Operations and the Ayerses in November.

Its obviously approved for parking, Rivera, in an interview Tuesday, said of the 1-acre site. Its outside of that subdivision of Hunters Glen. People are reading the deed restriction a certain way but its vague and all over the place. The homeowners association decided not to do anything (to oppose the parking lot) because they felt they didnt have any grounds.

The homeowners fighting the parking lot are just trying to dictate what a private property owner can do with their property, added Rivera, whose company operates 22 parking lots in Henderson County. We did our research, we hired an engineer.

Parking lot restrictions

Lapsley and Commissioner Sheila Franklin both said the need for ample parking along the six-mile stretch that opened last July is plain to see and so are the consequences of doing nothing.

The Hunters Glen entrance near U.S. 64 and the Horse Shoe post office is an example, Franklin said, of a trail users parking lot where it makes sense.

That area I think is open to the main road and its right there on the corner, she said. I feel like its quite different from just going in a residential area and putting in a parking lot. Heres the problem: If they dont allow that one spot for parking people are liable to be parking all through their neighborhood and they dont want that. If you dont provide anything anywhere, people will be parking on your street and all over.

Both Franklin and Lapsley said a deed restrictions dispute is a matter for the courts.

I understand their issue but their complaint is that the restrictions contained in the subdivision say that particular parcel of land will not be developed, and thats not a county issue, thats not our job to enforce, Lapsley said.

The zoning text amendment, he added, contains significant protections for neighboring landowners.

My concern was if we didnt do something, people were gonna illegally park along the edge of the road and go on private property and that would cause more of a problem, he said. We put in restrictions. We restricted the size and we put in buffering  we didnt let it get totally out of the control.

The Hunters Glen parking application was the first under the amended ordinance but wont be the last. Already, the Technical Review Committee OKd an application for a 25-space gravel lot at the Packas Place farm on U.S. 64 across from Root & Bone.

Under the zoning amendment, Ecusta Trail parking lots:

May only be located along parcels adjacent to the trail.

Can be no larger than 1 acre.

Must be separated from another trail parking lot by at least 1,000 feet.

Must mitigate lighting.

May not be enclosed garages.

Must have a 15-feet setback from boundary line.

Must have a 10-foot planting strip along the perimeter.

Must be designed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent excessive puddling of water or muddy areas.

May be constructed of permeable pavement, gravel or asphalt.

Must obtain a driveway permit from NCDOT if accessed from a state-maintained road.

May charge for parking.

The Warthens, who organized the Hunters Glen Action Group to raise money to hire an attorney, hope to block the parking lot in their neighborhood in court by enforcing the deed restrictions.

"Barry and I have no interest, intention, or desire to initiate legal action against Henderson County," Karen Warthen said in an email to the Lightning after this story first appeared in print and online. "I believe interested citizens of Henderson County can research for themselves whether proper public notice was provided to warrant using residential properties for commercial parking lots. As we were told by County Commissioners a civil lawsuit was required to uphold the property deed restriction at 356 Hunters Glen Lane."

My husband and I are bikers and hikers, she told the Lightning last week. We truly support the trail, we volunteer, we pick up trash along it, we love it. This isnt about NIMBY as much as it isnt safe.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The government has reiterated that the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, together with all other currencies in the approved multi-currency basket, remains legal tender for the payment of school fees, warning schools against demanding fees exclusively in United States dollars.In a statement issued ahead of the opening of schools for the first term of the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said it is illegal for schools to insist on USD-only payments. The ministry warned that institutions found engaging in such practices will face stern disciplinary action.The ministry further stressed that any conversion of fees from one currency to another must be done strictly using the official interbank exchange rate. Schools, it said, are not permitted to set their own rates or apply inflated exchange rates when charging parents and guardians."The Ministry's directives on financial matters, as detailed in the Term Three 2025 guidelines, remain fully in force and must be strictly adhered to for the 2026 academic year," the ministry said. "The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and all currencies within the multicurrency system remain legal tender for school fees payments. Schools are prohibited from demanding fees exclusively in United States Dollars (USD). Any such practice is illegal and will attract severe disciplinary action."The reminder comes as schools prepare to reopen for the first term on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The ministry also emphasised that no child should be sent home, excluded from lessons or barred from sitting examinations because of unpaid fees. Instead, schools are required to engage parents and guardians to agree on flexible and reasonable payment plans.In addition, the ministry cautioned school authorities against forcing parents and guardians to purchase uniforms from designated suppliers, saying such conduct is not permitted under existing regulations.The first term of the 2026 academic year is scheduled to run from 13 January to 1 April 2026. The ministry said it expects all schools to comply fully with its guidelines to ensure equal access to education and to protect learners from unfair exclusion on financial grounds.
PLANS to build nearly 60 homes on the site of a business park in Henley have been refused by the planning authority.

South Oxfordshire District Council said that the plans by the Green Regeneration Property Company failed to provide employment space in place of what was being lost and did not have an acceptable drainage strategy.

The London-based developer had applied for permission to transform the site of Stuart Turner, one of the towns largest employers, into housing. It planned to build 46 houses, 10 with two bedrooms, 18 with three bedrooms and 18 with four bedrooms and 11 two-bedroom maisonettes.

In its decision notice, the district council additionally criticised the scheme on the grounds that it did not provide 40 per cent affordable housing. In its plans, this only stood at 11 per cent as previously identified by Henley Town Councils planning commitee which recommended the scheme for refusal in November.

A full report will be in the Henley Standard next Friday (16).
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe has opted for a cautious diplomatic approach following the recent United States military operation in Venezuela that reportedly resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, stopping short of directly condemning Washington's actions.The operation, carried out last Saturday by US special forces, is said to have involved armed assaults on both civilian and military targets in Caracas and other parts of the country. The dramatic intervention has drawn sharp criticism from several countries, with some describing it as a breach of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.While a number of states, including Zimbabwe's neighbour South Africa, have openly condemned the US action as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, Harare has refrained from issuing a direct rebuke. Instead, Zimbabwe has chosen to anchor its position within the broader framework of multilateral organisations to which it belongs.Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said Zimbabwe's stance on Venezuela is guided by the collective positions of international bodies rather than unilateral statements. Writing on social media platform X, Charamba said Zimbabwe "was party to pronouncements issued by these organisations," signalling that the country aligns itself with agreed multilateral responses.Several international groupings, including the United Nations, the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement, have since condemned the US military action against Venezuela. These organisations have described the operation as a violation of the UN Charter and international law, calling for respect for state sovereignty and established international norms.Although Charamba initially appeared to make light of the African Union's statement condemning the US action, he later clarified that the continental body's position is consistent with Zimbabwe's own stance. He said Zimbabwe fully supports the AU's views as part of its commitment to collective decision-making within international and regional organisations.Zimbabwe's measured response is seen by observers as an attempt to avoid a direct confrontation with US President Donald Trump's administration, while still maintaining its long-standing policy of supporting multilateralism and respect for international law. As global debate over the legality and implications of the Venezuela operation continues, Harare appears intent on keeping its position firmly within the bounds of collective diplomatic consensus rather than bilateral dispute.
Islamic Leaders Demand the Arrest of Assyrian Patriarch Sako

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako. The Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, has received threats from Islamic groups based in Iraq and Iran following a misinterpretation of a message delivered during the Christmas Mass, according to Chaldean Press.

During the liturgical celebration, the patriarch used the term "normalization" in a spiritual sense, exhorting the faithful to reconcile and live in peace with one another. However, Islamic clerics and leaders interpreted the term as a political reference to an alleged normalization with Israel, which triggered a swift public reaction.

As a result of this interpretation, some Islamic leaders have gone so far as to demand the arrest of Cardinal Sako, and the patriarch has begun receiving numerous threats, some of them extremely serious.

The Chaldean Archieparchy issued a public clarification stating that Cardinal Sako was referring to the normalization of cultural and civil relations with Iraq in general--boosting tourism, interreligious coexistence--and not to establishing ties with Israel. According to the same source, despite the patriarch expressly clarifying that his message had no political content, but was exclusively spiritual, the escalation of hostility has not stopped.

Chaldean Press notes that, after consulting Chaldean faithful, the majority of parishioners did not perceive any political message in the patriarch's words during the Christmas Mass. Even so, certain Islamic groups have intensified their demands, with calls not only for his detention, but even for his execution.

In this context, Cardinal Sako himself is said to have stated: "If they want to bring me to trial and execute me for the good of Iraq, so be it," as reported by the Chaldean media outlet.
Trump administration to freeze 10 bln USD funding to 5 Democratic states amid alleged fraud

Xinhua) 13:54, January 07, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Donald Trump administration plans to freeze 10 billion U.S. dollars in federal funding to five Democratic states -- Minnesota, California, New York, Illinois and Colorado -- amid alleged welfare fraud.

The funding, which includes child care subsidies, social services and cash support for low-income families, is being frozen over claims of widespread fraud across the states, without cited evidence, following a major welfare fraud scheme in Minnesota, according to The New York Times.

"The funding pause could jeopardize programs that serve hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the five states," the report said.

The latest plan came just a week after the Trump administration paused 185 million dollars in federal funding to the northern state of Minnesota after a series of alleged fraud schemes in recent years.

"We have frozen all child care payments to the state of Minnesota," Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Jim O'Neill said on Dec. 30 on the social media platform X. "You have probably read the serious allegations that the state of Minnesota has funneled millions of taxpayer dollars to fraudulent daycares across Minnesota over the past decade."

Neill announced Thursday that the HHS is implementing new requirements for child care payments across the country.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who accused the Trump administration of politicizing the issue, announced on Monday that he was dropping his bid for a third term as the welfare-fraud scandal in his state escalated.

Walz said the fraud allegations in Minnesota have largely targeted the Somali community.

"We've got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongfully confiscating funds that Minnesotans rely on. It's disgusting and it's dangerous," he said Monday as he announced his decision not to seek a third term.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a rare blending of personal joy and political prominence, Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans Affairs, Cde Douglas Mahiya (60), has officially tied the knot with his long-time partner, Fiona Maka (27), in a private ceremony that has captured nationwide attention. The couple, who have already welcomed twins, celebrated their union amid close family members and selected political allies.The age difference of 33 years between the veteran politician and his youthful bride has sparked lively discussion on social media, yet those close to the couple describe their relationship as grounded in deep mutual respect and support. Fiona Maka has reportedly been a constant presence in Mahiya's life for several years, providing a stabilising influence for a public figure whose political work often places him in the spotlight.For Mahiya, the ceremony represents both a personal milestone and a continuation of his advocacy for intergenerational valuesa theme he has long promoted in his public life as Secretary for War Veterans Affairs. The arrival of twins has reportedly brought immense pride to the family and reinforced his commitment to the principles he champions within the party.Douglas Mahiya's political influence extends far beyond ceremonial functions. A veteran of Zimbabwe's Second Chimurenga, he has spent decades consolidating the role of liberation war veterans within Zanu-PF. In 2024 and early 2025, Mahiya was the public face of the Presidential War Veterans' Fund, ensuring veterans received financial support, agricultural aid, and medical services.Known for his vocal support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's "2030" resolution, Mahiya has positioned himself as a key strategist within the party, maintaining that the will of the majority must guide political continuity. His stewardship ensures that war veterans remain a "bedrock" constituency for Zanu-PF, with influence extending into party decision-making and policy advocacy.The private wedding ceremony offered a rare moment of respite from Mahiya's typically formal and politically charged public life. Political heavyweights, family members, and close allies attended the intimate event, marking a quiet but significant occasion in the life of a figure often associated with military-style regalia and partisan leadership.The announcement of the twins has amplified public interest and goodwill, with social media platforms seeing an outpouring of congratulations from members of the Zanu-PF Women's League, War Veterans League, and party supporters nationwide, celebrating the personal happiness of one of the party's stalwarts.Cde Mahiya's marriage, coupled with the joyful news of fatherhood, highlights the intersection of personal life and political legacy, offering a glimpse of the man behind the public persona of Zimbabwe's war veterans' champion.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu is set to benefit from a substantial allocation of public funds after the opposition party qualified for financing under the Political Parties Finance Act (PFA), with an estimated ZWG56 million earmarked for the party.Enacted in 2004, the PFA regulates how political parties access funding from the State and private sources, with the stated aim of promoting transparency, accountability and fairness in Zimbabwe's political system. In terms of the Act, only parties that secure at least five percent of the total votes in a general election qualify for public funding, which is then distributed proportionally according to electoral performance. The law also criminalises the acceptance of foreign donations by political parties.Following the 2023 general elections, the ruling Zanu-PF emerged with a commanding majority, winning 176 seats, and is expected to receive the largest portion of the allocation, estimated at ZWG106 million. The CCC, which secured 103 seats, also qualified for a significant share of the funds, placing it second behind the ruling party.The allocation comes at a time when Tshabangu, whose rise within the CCC has been mired in controversy, has publicly called for unity among opposition parties. In a New Year's message posted on his X account, Tshabangu urged opposition leaders to set aside their differences and work together ahead of future elections."As we enter a new chapter, I wish to remind my fellow opposition politicians that unity of purpose is the remedy that can cure many political problems. We need to set our differences aside and move forward in unison so that, when election time comes, we emerge victorious as one," he wrote.Despite the conciliatory tone, Tshabangu continues to face sustained criticism from sections of the public and opposition supporters, many of whom question his legitimacy and accuse him of advancing the interests of the ruling party. His critics argue that the allocation of public funds to the CCC under his stewardship has further inflamed tensions within the opposition landscape.As the distribution of political funding looms, the issue is expected to intensify debates around accountability, internal party democracy and the broader role of state financing in Zimbabwe's highly polarised political environment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

AT least 25 illegal migrants were arrested after Border Management Authority drones detected them crossing from Zimbabwe into South Africa through bushes near the Beitbridge Border Post.Just as they thought they had entered South Africa, drones operated by the Border Management Authority (BMA) captured live footage of illegal migrants crossing from Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post, leading to the arrest of 25 people.The incident occurred on Monday, as thousands of holidaymakers were travelling back to their destinations.BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato was present at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Limpopo at the time."With the assistance of the technology deployed, 25 illegal migrants were attempting to enter South Africa through the bushes," the BMA confirmed the arrest in a post on X.The BMA said two men were detained and handed over to the Musina Police Station for aiding and abetting.The suspects were arrested a day earlier near the Beitbridge Port of Entry while allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of people.Earlier, Masiapato said authorities were monitoring a group that had crossed the Limpopo River from Zimbabwe using a boat.He said BMA response teams were positioned in the bushes and ready to arrest anyone entering South African territory illegally."This is how the drones are assisting us," he told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.Border Management Authority drones intercepted a group of illegal migrants attempting to cross into South Africa from Zimbabwe, resulting in 25 arrests at the Beitbridge Border Post, authorities said Monday."Instead of patrolling the roads, we monitor movements from the air. As soon as individuals exit the riverbanks, pass through what we call no man's land and enter our territory, that is when we intercept them."Masiapato said a similar operation on January 4 led to the interception of 99 people.Two of them were identified as facilitators and were arrested rather than deported.He said the drone technology has proven effective because many migrants are unaware they are being monitored.Masiapato also criticised neighbouring countries for not doing enough to curb illegal migration."Unfortunately, on the issue of illegal immigration, we are largely on our own," he said."Neighbouring countries are not helping, and on their side there are very few operations aimed at stopping people from crossing the borders illegally."Drone footage showed migrants running through bushes as they attempted to enter South Africa. Officials said the technology allows them to identify facilitators, who are arrested and charged, while the remaining migrants are deported."The advantage is that these drones are no longer deployed only during the festive season," Masiapato said."They are here permanently, operated daily by trained BMA border guards."South Africa has long been struggling with porous borders, which have contributed to illegal migration from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and other neighbouring countries.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Kariba have apprehended seven suspects in connection with a string of robberies and kidnappings targeting fishermen around Musamba Island.The arrests took place at Mica Point on December 29, following reports from several fishermen - mainly from Zambia's Siavonga area - who said they had been attacked by individuals posing as members of the Zimbabwe National Army or the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.The suspects, identified as Criswell Kanyoka, Munashe Nyanye, Archford Mawiranhaka, Tanaka Tagara, Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura, Joseph Mashakada, and Tinashe Muzeziwa, face charges of robbery and kidnapping in aggravating circumstances.Officer commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri, said the suspects used deception to detain victims under the pretext that they had illegally crossed into Zimbabwe. Victims were reportedly subjected to severe abuse, with some held captive for several days."The suspects forced victims to contact relatives to demand ransom ranging from 45 000 to 60 000 Zambian kwacha, which was reportedly sent to Nyamhunga and converted to United States dollars," Superintendent Mhiripiri said.On the day of their arrest, the suspects attempted to extort 60 000 kwacha from a victim, ordering delivery to Micah Point. The victim alerted Zambian police in Siavonga, prompting a coordinated operation between Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities that led to the arrests.Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expecting to link the suspects to more than 15 robbery and kidnapping cases in the Musamba Island area. A woman believed to have acted as a currency exchange agent for the syndicate has also been arrested and is assisting police with inquiries.The suspects are expected to appear at the Kariba Magistrates Court once investigations are concluded. Police have urged anyone who may have been victimised to report to the nearest station, assuring the community of their commitment to restoring safety and security in the area.
News / National

by Staff reporter

South African soldiers on routine patrol along the Limpopo River intercepted explosives valued at over R82 000, which were being smuggled into South Africa from Zimbabwe. Three suspects fled the scene upon spotting the army personnel, leaving the explosives behind.The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the seizure in a statement, noting that the incident occurred on Friday during a foot patrol east of the Support Base near Musina."Members of 1 South African Tank Regiment, under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, conducted a routine patrol when they spotted three unidentified individuals descending from the old bridge at the Beitbridge Port of Entry," the SANDF said.The suspects abandoned their bags and escaped into nearby fields, likely returning to Zimbabwe. Authorities later discovered that the bags contained Superpower 90 explosives, valued at R82 300. The explosives were handed over to Musina Police Station after verification by the South African Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit.Officials expressed concern that explosives smuggling is increasingly linked to illegal mining activities in Gauteng and Free State provinces, often involving syndicates made up of South Africans and foreign nationals from countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho.The incident comes shortly after former Zimbabwean MP Job Sikhala and his uncle Alexander Thema (78) were arrested in Gauteng for allegedly possessing explosives. The pair were granted R10 000 bail each and are scheduled to appear in court on February 3 for possible trial.Authorities urged communities along the Limpopo River to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, as cross-border smuggling of explosives continues to pose serious safety and security risks.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The central business district (CBD) of Harare was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as American YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr, widely known as IShowSpeed, made a high-profile appearance in the city as part of his ongoing Africa tour.Dubbed Speed Does Africa, the tour covers 20 African countries in 28 days, and Zimbabwe marked one of the key stops. Watkins, who arrived in Harare on Monday night, drew massive crowds as he moved through the CBD, with pedestrians and onlookers abandoning their workplaces to catch a glimpse of the internet sensation.Traffic in the city slowed to a crawl as fans flooded the streets, filming and cheering the YouTuber. Security was heightened, with bouncers and police officers forming barricades around him. Journalists and local content creators were denied access during a stop at the Mbuya Nehanda statue, where thousands had gathered.IShowSpeed was escorted by a convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons owned by prominent local figures. After touring the city centre, he visited a local restaurant before proceeding to the Trabablas Interchange, another hotspot that drew large crowds.His Zimbabwe visit follows earlier stops in South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana, where his appearances also generated widespread attention. Videos from Harare have since gone viral on social media, capturing the frenzy that surrounded the global influencer.He was accompanied by local socialites, including Chief Ben and Cordy the Rank Marshal, who helped manage his engagements throughout the day.The unprecedented crowds and citywide disruption underscore IShowSpeed's growing influence and the fervent following he commands across Africa.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Popular Zimdancehall musician Romeo Antony, known professionally as Shinsoman, along with four companions, has been fined US$200 each by a Mbare magistrate after admitting to smoking dagga.The five - Antony (37), Themba Sibanda (26), Shumba Tendai (43), Kennedy Simbanegavi (37), and Cosmas Muzanzi (41) - appeared before Mbare magistrate Rangarirai Gakanje. In addition to the fines, they were each sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. A default prison term of four months applies should they fail to pay the fines.The charges stem from an incident on 5 January 2026 at around 18:30, when detectives on a follow-up operation observed the five standing near a parked Mercedes Benz exchanging a cigarette suspected to be dagga.Detectives approached the group, identified themselves, and seized the suspected dagga cigarette from Antony. The accused were then arrested and taken to CID Drugs and Narcotics for further management.The court's sentence reflects Zimbabwe's ongoing enforcement of its drug laws, including penalties for possession and use of cannabis.
Le suspense est officiellement leve. Selon les resultats preliminaires annonces par la commission electorale nationale et relayes par la radio Ndeke Luka, le president sortant Faustin-Archange Touadera remporte haut la main l'election presidentielle du 28 decembre dernier. Une victoire ecrasante qui ouvre la voie a un mandat inedit, dans un pays en quete de stabilite.

Les chiffres parlent d'eux-memes : avec 76,15% des suffrages exprimes, le chef de l'Etat sortant distance largement ses six concurrents. Le scrutin, qui a egalement concerne les legislatives et les locales, a enregistre un taux de participation de 52,42%. Une mobilisation qui illustre tout a la fois l'engagement d'une partie de l'electorat et les defis logistiques et securitaires persistants.

Cette reelection n'aurait pas ete possible sans la reforme constitutionnelle approuvee par referendum a l'ete 2023. Cette nouvelle loi fondamentale, vivement contestee par l'opposition et une partie de la communaute internationale, a efface l'obstacle du quinquennat et de la limitation a deux mandats. Faustin-Archange Touadera, initialement elu en 2016 puis reelu en 2020, peut donc desormais s'engager dans un troisieme mandat presidentiel, d'une duree de sept ans.

Pour le pouvoir en place, ce resultat est un plebiscite et une validation des politiques menees. Pour ses detracteurs et une opposition fragilisee, il sonne comme la consolidation d'un pouvoir de plus en plus verrouille. La campagne avait ete marquee par des accusations de pressions et des appels au boycott de la part de certains groupes armes qui controlent de vastes portions du territoire.

La communaute internationale, et notamment les partenaires regionaux comme le Cameroun, voisin cle, attend desormais la proclamation des resultats definitifs et observera avec attention la reaction des differents acteurs politiques et militaires centrafricains. La stabilite de la RCA, epicentre d'une crise humanitaire prolongee, est un enjeu majeur pour toute la region de l'Afrique centrale.

Les defis qui attendent le president Touadera pour ce nouveau mandat de sept ans sont colossaux : pacification du pays, relance economique, et reconciliation nationale. Son triomphe electoral est incontestable selon les urnes ; sa capacite a unifier et reconstruire le pays restera la veritable mesure de son succes.

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Central African Republic: President Touadera Wins Landslide Victory with Over 76%, Secures Historic Third Term

The wait is over. According to preliminary results announced by the national electoral commission and reported by Ndeke Luka radio, incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera has won a decisive victory in the December 28th presidential election. This landslide win paves the way for an unprecedented third term in a nation striving for stability.

The numbers speak volumes: with 76.15% of the vote, the outgoing head of state has left his six competitors far behind. The polls, which also included legislative and local elections, saw a voter turnout of 52.42%. This participation rate highlights both the engagement of a portion of the electorate and the persistent logistical and security challenges.

This re-election would not have been possible without the constitutional reform approved by referendum in the summer of 2023. This new fundamental law, fiercely contested by the opposition and part of the international community, removed the five-year term limit and the two-term barrier. Faustin-Archange Touadera, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, can now embark on a third presidential term, lasting seven years.

For the current government, this result is a plebiscite and a validation of its policies. For its critics and a weakened opposition, it signals the consolidation of an increasingly controlled power. The campaign was marked by allegations of pressure and calls for a boycott from some armed groups that control vast swathes of the territory.

The international community, including key regional partners like Cameroon, now awaits the final results and will closely monitor the reactions of various Central African political and military actors. The stability of the CAR, the epicenter of a protracted humanitarian crisis, is a major concern for the entire Central African region.

The challenges awaiting President Touadera in this new seven-year term are colossal: pacifying the country, economic recovery, and national reconciliation. His electoral triumph is undeniable according to the ballot boxes; his ability to unify and rebuild the nation will be the true measure of his success.

Central African Republic, CAR, presidential election CAR, Faustin-Archange Touadera, third term, election results, electoral commission, 76%, 2023 constitution, referendum, 7-year term, Ndeke Luka, Cameroon, Central Africa, stability, opposition, armed groups

Moussa Nassourou
Donald Trump hausse le ton sur la politique commerciale des Etats-Unis. Dans une nouvelle sortie fracassante sur son reseau Truth Social, le president americain a affirme que les recettes budgetaires issues des droits de douane ont deja depasse la barre des 600 milliards de dollars, un chiffre quil presente comme une victoire economique majeure pour son administration.

 Nous avons deja recu et nous allons bientot recevoir plus de 600 milliards de dollars sous forme de droits de douane, mais les medias mensongers refusent den parler , a ecrit Donald Trump, accusant la presse americaine de vouloir discrediter sa politique commerciale et dentraver ladoption d une des decisions les plus importantes de la Cour supreme des Etats-Unis concernant les droits de douane .

Fidele a sa rhetorique offensive, le locataire de la Maison-Blanche estime que cette strategie tarifaire a profondement renforce la position des Etats-Unis sur lechiquier mondial.  Grace aux tarifs, notre pays est devenu beaucoup plus fort et respecte que jamais, tant sur le plan financier quen matiere de securite nationale , a-t-il insiste, liant directement protectionnisme economique et souverainete strategique.

Pour rappel, le 2 avril de lannee derniere, Donald Trump avait annonce limposition de droits de douane sur les produits en provenance de 185 pays et territoires, une decision qui avait provoque de vives reactions sur les marches internationaux et ravive les tensions commerciales, notamment avec plusieurs grandes economies emergentes.

Au-dela du debat interne americain, cette politique tarifaire est suivie de pres par de nombreux pays africains, dont le Cameroun, concernes par lacces au marche americain. Pour plusieurs economistes, laugmentation massive des droits de douane pourrait redessiner les flux commerciaux mondiaux, avec des effets contrastes sur les exportations africaines, la competitivite des produits locaux et les relations diplomatiques avec Washington.

Tariffs: Trump Claims Over $600 Billion in Revenue, Takes Aim at U.S. Media

Donald Trump has once again defended his trade policy, claiming that U.S. budget revenues generated from tariffs have already surpassed $600 billion. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the former president accused American media outlets of deliberately ignoring what he described as a historic financial achievement.

We have already received and will soon receive more than $600 billion in tariffs, but the fake news media refuse to talk about it, Trump wrote, arguing that journalists are trying to block one of the most important U.S. Supreme Court decisions on tariffs.

According to Trump, tariffs have significantly strengthened the United States, both economically and strategically. Thanks to tariffs, our country has become much stronger and more respected than ever before, financially and in terms of national security, he added.

On April 2 last year, Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on goods from 185 countries and territories, a move that reignited global trade tensions and raised concerns among U.S. trading partners, including several developing economies.

For African countries such as Cameroon, this tariff-driven strategy remains a key issue, as it could reshape trade flows, affect export competitiveness, and influence future economic relations with Washington.



Donald Trump, droits de douane americains, economie americaine, politique commerciale USA, budget americain, tarifs douaniers, commerce international, relations commerciales Etats-Unis Afrique, Cameroun Etats-Unis, tensions commerciales mondiales, Truth Social Trump, Cour supreme americaine, protectionnisme americain

Ange NGO
Une attaque meurtriere a une nouvelle fois endeuille les forces armees nigerianes dans le nord du pays. Au moins neuf militaires ont trouve la mort, et plusieurs autres ont ete blesses, apres l'explosion d'un engin explosif artisanal (EEI) dans l'Etat du Borno, fief historique du groupe terroriste Boko Haram.

Selon les informations rapportees en exclusivite par le media d'investigation Sahara Reporters, l'incident s'est produit lors d'une operation de routine. Le puissant detonateur, caracteristique des methodes de guerilla asymetrique utilisees dans la region, a ete fatal au convoi militaire.

Dans un communique, le commandement militaire a immediatement attribue la responsabilite de cette embuscade sanglante aux combattants de Boko Haram. Cette attaque rappelle avec violence la capacite de nuisance persistante de l'insurrection, malgre les operations militaires de grande envergure menees ces dernieres annees.

Cette tragedie souleve de nouvelles interrogations sur la securisation des zones rurales du Nord-Est nigerian et sur la resilience des factions de Boko Haram, qui continuent d'operer par mouvements furtifs et attaques ciblees. Les familles des victimes ont ete notifiees, tandis qu'une operation de traque aurait ete lancee pour retrouver les auteurs de cet attentat.

La communaute internationale, qui suit de pres la lutte contre le terrorisme dans le Sahel, observe avec inquietude cette recrudescence d'actions violentes qui entrave la stabilisation et le retour des populations deplacees.

Boko Haram, attaque Nigeria, soldats nigerians tues, engin explosif artisanal, Etat de Borno, terrorisme Sahel, securite Nord Nigeria, conflit Boko Haram, Sahara Reporters, armee nigeriane

Boko Haram Strikes Again in the North: Nine Nigerian Soldiers Killed by IED in Borno

A deadly attack has once again bereaved the Nigerian armed forces in the north of the country. At least nine soldiers were killed, and several others wounded, following the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Borno State, the historic stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

According to information exclusively reported by the investigative outlet Sahara Reporters, the incident occurred during a routine operation. The powerful detonator, characteristic of the asymmetric guerrilla methods used in the region, proved fatal to the military convoy.

In a statement, the military command immediately attributed responsibility for this bloody ambush to Boko Haram fighters. This attack is a violent reminder of the insurgency's persistent threat, despite large-scale military operations conducted in recent years.

This tragedy raises new questions about the security of rural areas in northeastern Nigeria and the resilience of Boko Haram factions, which continue to operate through stealthy movements and targeted attacks. The victims' families have been notified, while a manhunt is reportedly underway to find the perpetrators of this attack.

The international community, closely monitoring the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, is watching with concern this resurgence of violent actions hindering stabilization and the return of displaced populations.

Boko Haram, Nigeria attack, Nigerian soldiers killed, IED explosion, Borno State, Sahel terrorism, Northern Nigeria security, Boko Haram conflict, Sahara Reporters, Nigerian army

Moussa Nassourou
Trump says Venezuela to turn over 30-50 mln barrels of oil to U.S.

Xinhua) 14:17, January 07, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuelan authorities "will be turning over" 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, proceeds from which will be "used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States."

The oil will be sold at market price and the revenue will be controlled by Trump himself as the U.S. president, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The oil from Venezuela will be shipped directly to unloading docks in the United States, Trump said, noting that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been assigned to execute the plan.

Trump's remarks came just days after U.S. forces launched a military strike against Venezuela on Saturday and forcibly seized its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Venezuelan soil.

The U.S. administration has been widely bashed and protested following the large-scale military strike, which many view as an unlawful action primarily driven by a desire to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Referring to "oil" roughly 20 times during his press conference on Saturday following the military operation, Trump told NBC News on Monday that Washington may subsidize U.S. oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Le Cameroun passe a la vitesse superieure dans la bataille planetaire contre le dereglement climatique. Pour la deuxieme annee d'affiliee, l'Etat renforce significativement son engagement financier en faveur de l'environnement. Le projet de budget 2026 prevoit une enveloppe colossale de 406,2 milliards de FCFA dediee aux actions de lutte contre les changements climatiques.

Ce montant strategique represente pres de 5% du budget total de l'Etat, une part non negligeable qui temoigne d'une volonte politique d'integrer l'urgence ecologique au cur de la gouvernance economique. Cette demarche s'inscrit dans le cadre de la  budgetisation sensible au climat , une approche innovante qui consiste a flecher specifiquement les fonds publics vers des projets d'attenuation (reduction des gaz a effet de serre) et d'adaptation (resilience face aux impacts deja visibles).

Sur le terrain, ces centaines de milliards devraient se traduire par des investissements concrets dans des secteurs vitaux : le developpement des energies renouvelables (solaire, hydroelectrique), la protection et la restauration des forets  dont la fameuse foret du bassin du Congo , l'agriculture durable, la gestion des ressources en eau, ou encore les systemes d'alerte precoce face aux catastrophes naturelles.

"Cette repetition de l'effort budgetaire n'est pas un hasard. Elle signe l'ancrage d'une conscience climatique au plus haut niveau et la reconnaissance de la vulnerabilite, mais aussi du potentiel de solutions, du Cameroun," analyse Dr Hamadou Hamadou un expert des finances publiques.

Le defi est de taille pour ce pays d'Afrique centrale, a la fois puits de carbone mondial grace a ses vastes forets tropicales et victime des effets du changement climatique, avec l'erosion cotiere, les perturbations des saisons agricoles et l'augmentation des temperatures.

Si l'annonce est saluee par les defenseurs de l'environnement, l'attention se porte desormais sur la mise en uvre effective et la transparence dans l'utilisation de ces fonds. La  budgetisation verte  du Cameroun sera scrutee a la fois par sa population, qui en subit directement les consequences, et par la communaute internationale, alors que les engagements pris lors des COP sont plus que jamais sous surveillance.

Cameroun, changement climatique, budget 2026, 400 milliards FCFA, budgetisation sensible au climat, finance climat, adaptation, attenuation, environnement, Afrique, foret du bassin du Congo, energies renouvelables, politique environnementale, COP.

Cameroon : Over 400 Billion CFA Francs for Climate, a "Green Budget" That Gains Momentum

Cameroon is shifting gears in the global fight against climate disruption. For the second consecutive year, the state is significantly strengthening its financial commitment to the environment. The draft 2026 budget includes a colossal allocation of 406.2 billion CFA francs dedicated to climate change action.

This strategic amount represents nearly 5% of the state's total budget, a significant share that demonstrates a political will to integrate the ecological emergency at the heart of economic governance. This approach is part of "climate-sensitive budgeting," an innovative method that involves specifically directing public funds towards mitigation (reducing greenhouse gases) and adaptation (resilience to already visible impacts) projects.

On the ground, these hundreds of billions should translate into concrete investments in vital sectors: the development of renewable energy (solar, hydroelectric), the protection and restoration of forests  including the famous Congo Basin forest  sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and early warning systems for natural disasters.

"This repetition of the budgetary effort is no coincidence. It marks the anchoring of climate awareness at the highest level and the recognition of Cameroon's vulnerability, but also its potential for solutions," analyzes a public finance expert under anonymity.

The challenge is immense for this Central African country, which is both a global carbon sink thanks to its vast tropical forests and a victim of the effects of climate change, with coastal erosion, disruptions to farming seasons, and rising temperatures.

While the announcement is welcomed by environmental advocates, attention is now turning to effective implementation and transparency in the use of these funds. Cameroon's "green budgeting" will be scrutinized both by its population, who directly suffer the consequences, and by the international community, as commitments made at COPs are under more scrutiny than ever.

Cameroon, climate change, 2026 budget, 400 billion CFA francs, climate-sensitive budgeting, climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, environment, Africa, Congo Basin forest, renewable energy, environmental policy, COP.

Mouahna Divine
Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash



Creating a Compassionate Community Guidebook

Sustaining Compassionate Communities

Preliminary Steps

The checklist of 10 suggested steps below was developed for those who want to organize a Compassionate City or Community, but it may also be useful to any group organizing for social change and development. The important fact about creating a compassionate community is that it does take a team to bring it aboutone or two people cant do it alone. It is a collaborative effort. Youll find that the stronger your team, the more effective the initiative.

Below are the steps and each is part of the Action Phases. Review them and dont get caught up thinking that working on a compassionate city initiative is so complex and there is too much information to work your way through. Working on a community initiative does that time, commitment and effort. There is no quick fix to transforming your neighborhood, city or region. It takes time. Just know that we are working along with you to help you throughout the process. Contact us, participate in our monthly city webinars and take part in our learning programs.

Step 1. Bring together a group of people who are open to identifying discomforts in your community.

Welcome to Phase 1: Discover. There are 3 steps in this Phase.. This beginning step starts with people who are intrigued and interested in creating a compassionate city. It is a talking, meet and greet, and getting to know each other segment. This is where the conversation starts. It is the Discover Phase of the process. If you clicked on the link to the Discover Phase youll see that it contacts Steps 1-3. You will want to review step 1 more closely. You may even wish to review the Participating Communities part of the website. Youll find countries from which are compassionate communities come, see listings of affirmed communities, meaning that the local government has signed on to the Charters document, and then there are names of hundreds of communities worldwide who are involved in the process of working on an initiative. Watch the video of our hope for the next 10 years.

Step 2. Discover already-existing programs that are dealing with local programs and celebrate their successes.

This step involves extending the conversation to people working in the community, in organizations and even in local government. Learn about who they are and invite them into the conversation. You might look at our short overview film of the Charter and look at the most recent cities film, the one youve already seen. However, each time you watch it youll learn more. Watching ever one or both of the films should bring on a lively discussion of where you may want to go from here.

We have a suggestion: Consider taking CIT4Teams. This is a beginning commitment to forming a solid structure for your team, learning about compassion for self, others and how we need to understand interdependency when it comes to organizations with whom we will be working.

Most probably not everyone who is involved with your group will want or be able to take CIT4Teams, but some may be interested in learning more about compassion, the science of compassion, the workings of the Charter, Check out our Charter Educations Self-Directed Learning Courses.

Step 3. Invite people to join you in assessing your community. Include community leaders as well as those informal leaders of other community constituencies that can give voice to the needs of the community.

Now it is time to start zeroing in. Step 3 is outlined thoroughly for your consideration as a team. There is one very specific example of what happed with a village initiative in Pakistan. Youll find illustrated boxes to help you move forward. Click each one to help you with this step. You can also use this PDF: "Two Activities for Community Collaboration".

Congratulations, you have completed Phase 1!

Step 4. Analyze challenges and opportunities from information gathered during Discover and Assess phase. Then choose an initial focus, perhaps one to four of the most significant areas that are of importance to the community and that could benefit by being addressed through compassionate action.

As you enter Phase 2 youll see that there are also 3 Steps. Besides getting deeply involved with assessing your challenges, you are going to want to start paying special attention to how your team is functioning. After all your team is the backbone of the initiative. There is a model, the Tuchman Model*, that can be helpful to keeping you on track.

Step 5. Based upon prioritized choices, create a plan to move forward including specific short-term and long-term objectives, action plans, and anticipated outcomes. Plan purposeful, measurable actions toward fulfilling your objectives with designated responsibilities and appropriate time frames.

Continuing with Phase 2 - Commit. The success of a community initiative rests comfortably in the hands of partners. Weve devoted a small section on the web to Building Partnerships. Get familiar with the purpose of partnerships. Keep in mind that your partners locally, become our partners globally. Each of your partners helps to expand your reach and ownership of your initiative. Bringing in a local school district, an interfaith organization, health care facilities, etc. can mean involving hundreds, if not thousands of people.

Step 6. Make a formal and public commitment to the concepts contained in the Charter for Compassion-- by proclamation, resolution, or a completed action plan.

Local governments can affirm the Charter for Compassion, schools at any level can become Compassionate Institute, health care organizations can practice compassion, as can local businesses, social service agencies. The Charter has 12 sectors and we are always looking for ways that local communities can join in our work globally, but just as importantly, you want their involvement locally.

Now onto Phase 3.

Step 7: Build momentum by involving other community members, linking to community events, and inviting nearby communities to participate. Educate the broader community about what it means to become a Compassionate Community, and acknowledge the acts of compassion that are already working within your community.

Phase 3 is about Building. You have successfully gone through the Discovery stage which as you know will continue to grow as you involve more people and organizations into the initiative, and you have put some serious effort into Phase 2, Commit. Now it is time to Build. Each of the steps in Phase 3 are outlines on their own pages. As you move ahead, please review the Tuchman Model to assure that your team is functioning in the best possible way.

Step 8. Communicate within the community on a regular basismeetings, emails, articles, social media, and whatever other meansto keep people informed and energized.

This step is definitely about communication in all directions, not only locally, but think about sharing your successes with the Charters global staff.

Some initiatives make quarterly or yearly reports to the local government, others meet monthly with the mayor. Think about presenting your work at one of the Charters monthly webinars.

Step 9: Reach out to share globallyfor example, by partnering with a community in another country.

The Charter for Compassion staff is ready to help when you are ready.

Step 10. Monitor and measure your progress, and continue planning. Celebrate successes; learn from unsuccessful efforts and adjust subsequent actions accordingly. Then share your experiences and your stories with the Charter community for example, by posting on the Charters website.

Congratulations, you have worked your way through the Phases. However, as you know there is always room for improvement, and each Phase will continue to grow as your initiative grows.

*Todd Porter, Compassionate Dallas-Ft. Worth has written a blog about the Storming phase of Tuckman's model. You can read it here.

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Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi has recently appointed Diksha Singh as its new general manager. With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Singh is well-positioned to lead the resort to new heights, strengthening its position as one of Abu Dhabi's premier wellness and beachfront destinations.

A Distinguished Career in Hospitality

Diksha Singh's career in the hospitality industry spans over 20 years, during which she has earned a reputation for being a strong commercial performer and a leader who nurtures people-led cultures across complex, multicultural environments. Singh's journey in hospitality began with The Oberoi Group, where she laid the foundation for her career. Over the years, she has held significant leadership roles at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, with an extensive portfolio that includes operations in the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and India.

Her ability to lead large teams, oversee hotel operations and drive revenue growth has been proven time and again in various high-profile positions. Singh's recent role as general manager at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi was particularly notable. During her tenure, she spearheaded the hotel's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her capacity to navigate challenging times with calm authority and strategic insight. Her leadership contributed to a remarkable commercial and operational turnaround, further solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader in the luxury hospitality sector.

Fostering a People-Centered Approach

Singh's approach to leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence, accountability and empowerment. She strongly believes in creating an environment where teams can thrive through mutual respect, trust and alignment. Her focus on people development has made her a sought-after leader in the luxury hospitality sector. Singh's ability to drive performance while maintaining a positive and supportive workplace culture sets her apart from her peers.

Her commitment to advocating for women in leadership is another key aspect of her leadership philosophy. Singh has consistently championed gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace. She is an active member of The Luxury Collective, an all-women community of senior leaders in luxury hospitality. This community provides a platform for women to share experiences, support each other and further their careers in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.

Strengthening Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa's Vision

At Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, Diksha Singh's primary focus will be to continue to enhance the guest experience while aligning with the resort's long-term strategic vision. The resort, known for its stunning beachfront location and world-class amenities, aims to solidify its standing as a leading wellness destination in Abu Dhabi.
BCC Respiratory Care Student Wins Brad Leidich Memorial Scholarship

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Berkshire Community College (BCC) student Marlena Pellon has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Brad Leidich Memorial Scholarship, with an award of $1,500.

She is the first BCC student and the first in New England to win the prestigious award.

The scholarship is presented to a first-generation student enrolled in an associate degree program in respiratory therapy. The winner has shown exemplary academic performance and has demonstrated a commitment to his or her career goals, as well as scholarly and community activities in respiratory care.

"I am so humbled that I was chosen. It really made me reflect on my hard work ethic, my drive and my attitude of always striving to be better than average," Pellon said. "As a first-generation college student, this recognition is a meaningful milestone. It affirms both my academic dedication and professional aspirations, while also reminding me of the encouragement I have received from those who champion future respiratory therapists."

Pellon graduated BCC in mid-December 2025 with an associate degree in respiratory care. She said the award will "significantly ease the financial pressures that often accompany rigorous study."

During Covid, Pellon worked as a patient attendant, an experience that made her realize she had missed her calling.

"I spent 30 years working in business administration and never really felt that what I did made a difference, but providing patient care gave me a sense of pride and made me feel like I was really helping someone," she says. She began taking classes at BCC to explore health sciences, and it was professor Maggie Goss piqued her interest in respiratory care. She is now studying for board exams and plans to work as a respiratory therapist.

As a first-gen student, Pellon said she is proud of her accomplishments.

"I'm extremely proud that I'm the first person in my family to graduate college. Unfortunately, my parents did not have the mindset to encourage higher education, but I never once let that get me down," she said. "I always strive to be the best I can be in order to achieve my goals."

Pellon resides in Pownal, Vt. with her husband of 29 years, Steven. She has two grown children, Matthew and Antonia.
Police, Civilian Injured in Hinsdale Shooting

HINSDALE, Mass.  Two police officers were injured and a civilian is in critical condition after a shooting late Wednesday morning not far from the police station.

The civilian was taken to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield; the officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries from what police describe as an isolated incident that poses no threat to the public.

The Cheshire Police Department indicated the injured officers were Police Chief Shawn Boyne and Sgt. Dom Crupi in a post on Facebook stating "Our thoughts are with the Chief and Sergeant from Hinsdale and hoping for a speedy recovery."

The investigation is being led by the State Police assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, which, in a press release just after 2 p.m., reported that around 11 a.m., an "isolated incident involving an officer-involved shooting occurred in Hinsdale, Massachusetts."

"Two police officers were shot and sustained nonlife threatening injuries. One civilian was shot and is in critical condition," the DA's office wrote. "There is no threat to public safety."

The office will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

The Berkshire Eagle reported at least 10 State Police cruisers were parked Wednesday morning along Off South Street Ext., a dead-end side street with three homes.

While no further details were released by the DA, from talk on the police scanner, the incident occurred near or on Off South Street Ext., which is down the street from Town Hall and the police station. It is also not far from Kittredge Elementary School, which was closed Wednesday because of the weather.

iBerkshires was in the area around 2 p.m., and the police presence appeared to be gone. The Hinsdale Police Department referred any questions to the DA.
" " Data centers don't look all that glamorous, but you wouldn't be able to read this article without them. IM Imagery / Shutterstock

By asking, "how many data centers does google have," you're really asking how the internet stays on.

Every Google Search, Gmail message, or Google Cloud request runs through massive data centers built to be fast, fault-tolerant, and always available. Google does not give a single simple number, but we can still map the scale of its global infrastructure.
Huaweis sixth Innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) Forum, held in Beijing this month, saw experts in innovation and intellectual property from around the world gather to explore the importance of openness and IP protection in driving innovation and social progress.

At the forum, Huawei Chief Legal Officer Song Liuping emphasised during his opening address that Huawei is fully committed to an open approach to innovation.

Open innovation drives society and technology forward, and it's in our DNA, said Song. Huawei respects the IP of others, and protects its own, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Song added that while Huawei's patent licensing revenue in 2024 was approximately US$630 million, the patent royalties that Huawei has paid over the years are nearly three times the amount of royalties received.

Alan Fan, Vice President and Head of the Intellectual Property Rights Department at Huawei

Meanwhile, Alan Fan, Vice President and Head of the Intellectual Property Rights Department at Huawei, said in his keynote address that, as a leading contributor to technology in the ICT sector, Huawei shares its technologies through open-source software, open hardware, patent filings, standard contributions, and academic papers.

In 2024, Fan said, Huawei published 37,000 patents, setting a new record for the company. In addition, Huawei submitted more than 10,000 technical contributions to standards organizations, and published over 1,000 academic papers. Meanwhile, the source code for OpenHarmony grew by another 10 million lines, with submissions from over 8,100 community contributors, and openEuler exceeded 10 million installations.

In the cellular standard field, more than 2.7 billion 5G devices have been licensed under Huawei's patents by the end of 2024. In the Wi-Fi domain, over 1.2 billion consumer electronic devices have been licensed under Huawei's patents. And in multimedia, more than 3.2 billion multimedia devices have been licensed under the company's video codec patents. A total of 48 Fortune Global 500 companies are Huawei licensees, either directly or indirectly.

Top Ten Inventions

At the forum, Fan also unveiled the innovations that won Huaweis sixth Top Ten Inventions award, spanning a range of business domains that are key to future development, including computing, the HarmonyOS operating system, and storage.

Topping the list this year was Huaweis recently launched scale-up ultra-large scale SuperPoD system, based on the companys UnifiedBus protocol, which delivers a number of notable new features, including strong resource pooling, scaling, and long-term stability. This supernode architecture enables high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnection between computing and data storage units, while its unified protocols and memory addressing allow effective compute to scale linearly with the cluster scale, which ultimately improves cluster reliability.

At a media roundtable immediately after the event, Song explained that the Top 10 inventions are evaluated based on their patent values, the creativity and novelty of the technologies, as well as the corresponding market value, not simply their commercial value.

He added that the top inventions are typically not a single technology but a complex combination of multiple technologies, like chipsets, software and connectivity, which is where creativity and novelty come into play.

Regarding the SuperPoD system, Fan said that Huawei plans to licence the UnifiedBus specs under its patents system.

Our supernode basically creates pools to pull all kinds of hardware resources, like processors, memory and others  the UnifiedBus connects all of these hardware resources, Fan explained. We do have a plan to open up the UnifiedBus specs so our partners can develop their own hardware that can talk to this unified bus.

Balancing openness and IPR protection

The theme of this years forum, Advancing Innovation with Openness, explored not only the importance of openness to driving innovation, but also the challenge of protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) within that spirit of openness.

During the roundtable, Fan explained that even in the open-source domain, where code is open to everyone, IP protections like copyright, licenses, and technical/trade secrets are still needed to protect the entire ecosystem, not just a patent-holders individual IP.

If someone outside that ecosystem wants to replicate the code, he can still do so, but he's not able to replicate the entire ecosystem, given the existing protection through the patent, Fan said.

Song added that Huaweis overall strategy towards open source is about active participation and support. We have joined a lot of open-source organizations. We also open-source our system to those ecosystems. Huawei is a company who is product and service oriented.

Song observed that balancing open source with IPR is not unlike the work of standardization in industry sectors such as telecoms, where the objective is interoperability, which requires a certain level of openness even among direct competitors.

The various parties follow the principle of open, transparency, cooperation and non-discrimination to realize the cooperative goals of that particular industry, Song said. When it comes to competition, various vendors, they develop their own products and solutions to better serve their customers, so they compete against each other in terms of the cost effectiveness, efficiency and advanced technologies of their products and solutions.

Song reiterated that Huawei is committed to building an environment that protects innovation and IP and working closely with industry partners to promote constructive IP protection.

This way, members of the industry can continue to grow and develop together, he said.
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Indias capital was gripped by tension on Wednesday after municipal authorities began tearing down structures near a century-old mosque, alleging encroachment.

Residents protesting the demolition drive around Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in Old Delhis Turkman Gate area allegedly threw stones at police personnel, injuring at least five. Police, in turn, fired tear gas to disperse the protesters.

While authorities claimed that several structures in the area were illegal, the mosque management said that they were built on Muslim charitable land governed by Muslim personal law.

Indian authorities are routinely accused of bulldozing Muslim homes, businesses and places of worship on flimsy legal grounds, especially in states ruled by prime minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist BJP party.

In February last year, Amnesty International condemned a pattern of what it dubbed bulldozer justice aimed at punishing activists from minority groups, mainly Muslims.

open image in gallery File. A backhoe demolishes a building in Mehrauli, Delhi ( AFP via Getty )

The demolition drive on Wednesday was set to start at 8am, but bulldozers arrived in the dead of the night at around 1.30am, the Hindustan Times reported.

It was conducted in line with the Delhi High Courts directions, police claimed. In a ruling on 12 November, the court gave the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Public Works Department three months to clear 38,940square feet of land that had allegedly been encroached upon.

The municipal corporation in turn issued an order on 22 December stating that any construction outside a 0.195-acre area was subject to demolition. The mosque was within the 0.195-acre area, it noted.

The order claimed that neither the mosques management nor the Delhi Waqf Board, which manages Muslim charitable endowments in the city, had produced documents proving ownership or lawful possession of land beyond this specified area.

open image in gallery File. Paramilitary personnel seal off an entrance point to the site ( AFP via Getty )

The order was challenged in the High Court by the mosques management, which questioned the basis of the municipal corporations conclusion the structures outside the specified area constituted encroachments and were liable for removal.

It argued that the land adjoining the mosque, including a graveyard, was a notified Waqf property, meaning a charitable asset governed under Muslim law and, so, the Waqf Tribunal had exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes related to it.

On Tuesday, the court issued a notice to the municipal corporation, the waqf board, and a number of government agencies asking them to file their responses within four weeks. The matter requires consideration, the court said, listing it for a hearing in April.

The very next day, however, authorities arrived with at least 17 bulldozers, sparking protests.

About 25-30 people threw stones at police teams and five policemen sustained minor injuries. We had to use tear gas to control the situation. There was a banquet hall and a dispensary which were demolished. The drive was conducted at night, keeping in mind that people should not face any difficulty, senior police officer Nidhin Valsan said. We will take action against those who were involved in stone-pelting.

The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation, Madhur Verma, joint commissioner of police, said.
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The Indian arm of Oxford University Press (OUP) has issued an apology over the controversial portrayal of a Hindu warrior king in a book published more than two decades ago.

OUP India said the book contained certain unverified statements about Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Shivaji, whose full name was Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale, was a 17th-century warrior-king in western India whose resistance to the Mughal Empire made him a hero in his lifetime and who is now celebrated, particularly by Hindu nationalist groups.

The ruler has airports, railway stations, roads, cities, and public squares and memorials named after him across India.

The book, titled Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India, was written by American author James Laine and published in 2003.

It sparked widespread outrage, particularly in the state of Maharashtra, where Shivaji is revered as a cultural and political icon. Protesters argued that the title misrepresented his legacy by describing him as a Hindu king, saying he did not rule as a religious monarch but as a regional sovereign whose administration included Muslims and protected places of worship.

A woman walks past the illuminated Shivaji Square, in Nagpur on October 1, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

They also objected to the portrayal of India during his time as Islamic.

In 2004, more than 150 protesters ransacked the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune over its alleged role in assisting the authors research for the book.

In a statement published in two Indian newspapers, OUP India apologised directly to Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Shivaji, who had filed a complaint against Oxford University India's former managing director Sayeed Manzar Khan and three others in 2005.

The statement read: Oxford University Press India published a book titled Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India in the year 2003. It is hereby acknowledged that some statements regarding Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at pages nos. 31, 33, 34 and 93 of the book were unverified.

We sincerely regret publishing those statements. We hereby apologise to Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale and the public at large, for any distress and anguish caused to him.

Udayanraje Bhosales complaint was heard on 17 December in the High Court of Kolhapur bench, where lawyers representing Mr Khan and three others said their clients will issue an apology to Mr Bhosale and publish the apology letter in widely circulating Marathi and English language newspapers.

This article was amended on 9 January 2026 to correct the statement made by Oxford University Press.
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An Indian artist has defended his controversial version of The Last Supper after it caused a major event in India to be suspended by authorities.

Supper at a Nunnery by Tom Vattakuzhy was displayed as part of Edam, a parallel exhibition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Christian groups objected to the work, arguing that its composition clearly echoed The Last Supper and that placing a nude female figure in the position traditionally associated with Jesus Christ was insulting to their religious beliefs.

The biennale, founded in 2012, is the countrys largest international contemporary art exhibition, held across heritage sites, warehouses, and public spaces in the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala.

Edam, held at three venues and involving 36 artists, was aimed at showcasing the diverse art practices from Kerala. It was at one of these that Vattakuzhys image elicited objections.

Supper at a Nunnery depicts Dutch exotic dancer Mata Hari, who was executed by French authorities during World War I on charges of espionage, seated nude at the centre of a long table surrounded by nuns.

It was conceived not as a standalone artwork but as part of a practice where paintings functioned as visual responses to literature, Vattakuzhy said, adding that he had made these story paintings for literary magazines in an attempt to reach audiences beyond galleries.

When a painting appears in a gallery, only a niche crowd will come, the artist told The Independent.

But when it appears in a periodical, it reaches people in their homes and they see how an idea can be transformed into a visual form.

open image in gallery Supper at a Nunnery depicts the final night of Mata Haris life as she is sent to a nunnery before her execution ( Supplied )

Supper at a Nunnery emerged in response to a play by Malayalam writer C Gopan which depicts the final night of Mata Haris life, when she is sent to a nunnery and shares her last meal with nuns before her execution.

The germination of the painting comes from the corresponding story and then I develop it in my own way, the artist said, referring to the play, translated as The Unnatural Death of a Soft-Bodied Soul. There is an umbilical connection with the story, in its content and its spirit.

Vattakuzhy, whose work often draws on literature and lived experience to explore vulnerability and suffering, said he was deeply affected by Mata Haris story and in particular the accounts of her final moments.

As per the normal procedure they wanted to cover her face, but she refused. She stood before the firing squad very calm and composed, with a beautiful smile, the painter said. To stand in front of death with a smiling face is something that really touched me. Before they fired on her, she sent a flying kiss to the soldier. Doesnt that tell you something?

Vattakuzhy said the story resonated deeply with him. I was really moved by her life, he said. I should confess that Im quite an emotional person. Maybe because I am an artist, I cant help it.

Although Christians make up only 2-3 per cent of Indias population, they number roughly 18 per cent in Kerala, according to the 2011 census.

Vattakuzhys work drew objections from several church bodies as soon as it went on display.

Tom Olikkarott, a public relations officer for the Syro-Malabar Church, condemned the distorted depiction of The Last Supper, which he said was a violation of basic respect towards religious faith.

In a letter to state authorities, the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council criticised the image as inappropriate, and asked for the withdrawal and removal of the offensive replica from public display.

The venue displaying Supper at a Nunnery was temporarily closed on 30 December, with organisers citing concerns about security and public order.

After meeting with local officials, the Kochi Biennale Foundation said in a press release that the artist and the exhibitions curators had jointly decided to withdraw the painting respecting public sentiments and in the interest of the common good.

The exhibition space reopened on 5 January, without Vattakuzhys Supper at a Nunnery.

The curators had previously released a statement standing by the artwork, saying they did not believe the painting warranted removal.

Taking down the artwork would amount to restricting artistic expression and could be perceived as an act of censorship, which is contrary to the principles of artistic freedom and cultural dialogue the exhibition seeks to uphold, they said.

Vattakuzhy said he had been left feeling demoralised and dispirited by the protests. He himself was raised in a Christian family and considered himself deeply influenced by Christian values, he added.

This is not the first time Supper at a Nunnery has attracted controversy. In 2016, the artwork appeared in the Malayalam literary magazine Bhashaposhini and triggered protests by Christian groups. In response, the magazines publishers withdrew the issue from circulation and issued a public apology, saying the illustration had hurt religious sentiments.

open image in gallery Tom Vattakuzhy says he didnt expect the response his work received especially as it was shown at a a special venue meant for an art crowd ( Supplied )

Vattakuzhy said that episode had left a lasting impact on him and he had been cautious about engaging with themes connected to Christianity ever since. Even so, he said, neither he nor the curators expected the work to provoke a similar response at the biennale.

I didnt expect this, because when it first appeared it went out to a larger audience in a magazine. This is a biennale venue, it is a special venue meant for an art crowd, he said.

I cautioned the curators that there was some history attached to this work, but they also did not anticipate that such a situation would arise, especially in a biennale venue. A biennale venue is supposed to have a certain level of care and protection, as one of the premier international events.

The biennale is one of South Asias most widely attended art festivals and its prestige can be gauged from the fact that previous editions have hosted the likes of Ai Weiwei, Ernesto Neto, Anish Kapoor, Jitish Kallat, and Shilpa Gupta.

This years edition began on 12 December and is set to continue until 31 March 2026.

Reflecting on the objections, Vattakuzhy said they revealed a rigid reading of religious imagery that left little room for interpretation.

They see Christ only in the outer appearance. They cannot think beyond that, he said.

They say its iconography, reminiscent of The Last Supper. Why did I paint a setting that reminds of The Last Supper? And then, in the place of Christ, I painted a woman. That they could not digest.

That reading, he said, was not his own. I see Christ in people who are deprived, who are made scapegoats, who are suffering, he said. For me, Christ isnt about outward appearance. It is about compassion, love and empathy.
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Americas tornado hot spots shifted once again last year, stretching largely across the South and Midwest, a new AccuWeather assessment found.

The findings build on previous observations showing Tornado Alley  the Plains-centered region that has long been known as tornado central  has moved eastward in recent decades due to regional climate change  but also underscore just how unique each season can be, according to the media forecasting companys meteorologists.

While Texas took the top spot for the second consecutive year with 162 twisters, for example, normally high-ranking Florida was not even listed.

Many of the Sunshine States 34 tornadoes in 2024 were tied to landfalling hurricanes. But no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. this year.

While recent research has demonstrated a potential shift of where tornadoes are most frequent over the long term, it's important to remember each year presents a unique weather pattern that can favor tornadoes in different areas, AccuWeather Severe Weather Expert Dan DePodwin explained in a statement shared with The Independent.

open image in gallery North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong walks by silos damaged by an EF5 tornado in Enderlin last June ( @GovArmstrong/X )

And 2025 was distinctive.

A remarkable season  even with fewer twisters

Although there were 352 fewer tornadoes reported last year compared to 2024, there were still more than the annual historical average, with 1,558 in total. There were also more fatalities, with 68 in 2025 and 54 in 2024.

The majority of last years tornadoes were reported in a narrow area east of the Mississippi River, according to AccuWeather.

Illinois came in second with 146 tornadoes, on the heels of a record year in 2024, and Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and North Dakota rounded out the list.

While North Dakota had only 72 tornadoes, its northeast city of Grand Forks was the site of the strongest tornado to hit the U.S. since 2013. The deadly June 20 tornado was an EF5, or the highest level of the Enhanced Fujita scale of tornado damage.

More than a mile wide and containing winds of over 210 miles per hour, it killed three people near Enderlin, ripped up trees and threw train cars.

Florida wasnt the only state to drop off the list, and Tornado Alley states Iowa and Nebraska saw far fewer numbers in 2025 than in 2024.

This reflected an overall decrease in tornadoes on the East Coast last year versus 2024 and an increase in the South, AccuWeather meteorologist and senior weather editor Jesse Ferrell wrote.

open image in gallery A man cleans debris inside a Florida gas station Florida following a tornado caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The climate connection

Although researchers are still working to learn how climate change affects tornadoes  as well as how tornadoes form  last year was one of the top three warmest years on record.

Scientists know that warmer air can hold more of the moisture that helps form tornado-producing storms. Changes in the wind can either strengthen or weaken tornado conditions.

Still, the number of observed tornadoes increasing over the past 50 years is largely because of strides made in radar technology and better documentation, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Climate Expert Brett Anderson said.

However, the eastward shift, he believes, is due to warming in the Gulf of America. Record ocean temperatures there have helped supercharge hurricanes in past years, including wind speeds. And storm systems there have created more tornadoes in the the southeastern U.S.

Researchers are still working to pinpoint possible links and effects that climate change is having on tornadoes in America, Anderson said. One thing is clear: extreme weather and billion-dollar disasters are happening more frequently as our climate continues to warm.
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A groundbreaking trial aimed at transforming mental health care for pregnant and new mothers in lower-income countries has been stopped in its tracks in the wake of Donald Trump slashing US foreign aid, The Independent has learned.

The pioneering project in India was looking at how to make the best help available to women from pregnancy through the first year of their babies lives, to address what experts have described as a silent burden for millions of women in a report commissioned by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The report, published in 2021 ahead of the launch of the India project, said mental health was, conspicuously absent from global maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programming, despite increasing awareness of the intergenerational impact of [these] disorders.

The aim of the project was to test how to make what we already know about treating mental ill health available to people with no access to these services. This knowledge could then be applied in other low- and middle-income countries.

In the early days of his second presidency, Trump froze all foreign aid before going on to permanently slash the majority of it, impacting swathes of global health programmes.

Maternal health including life-saving work to stop deadly bleeding and ensure safety of drugs has been affected, but some of the biggest impacts have been on work to promote mental health and gender equality.

Insiders have described heartbreak that the programme  which was the first of its kind  has been cut off just as it was beginning to bear fruit, meaning after years of groundwork, the world wont see the benefit of the research findings.

Some one billion people worldwide are living with a mental illness - around 80 per cent of which are in low- and middle-income countries - yet the vast majority of these people receive no treatment. The risks are higher during pregnancy and the year after birth.

Mental illness is among the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, with postpartum depression accounting for 20 per cent of deaths among women in the year after childbirth, reports associated with the USAID programme suggest.

This not only harms mothers but is linked to an increased risk of low birthweight and preterm birth, poorer cognitive development and common childhood illnesses in babies, the documents said. As well as the mental impacts, it puts mothers at higher risk of physical problems like high blood pressure and of dying from any cause later in life.

Preliminary research spearheaded by USAID in 2020 looked at 19 countries and found mental health programmes for mothers were small-scale and reliant on external funding. It found a lack of national policies and government-funded health systems that were struggling to add mental health screening and care to routine maternal services.

The halted India research was one of the first concrete steps to respond to these gaps, finding ways to screen women and train midwives and health workers so that mental health services could become a routine part of wider health services for women.

The Independent has approached the State Department for comment, but has yet to receive a reply.
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Watch live as Sir Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch in the first Prime Ministers Questions of the year on Wednesday (7 January).

It comes a day after the prime minister pledged to put British boots on the ground in Ukraine once a peace deal is signed with Russia.

Sir Keir said that both the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter any possible future Russian aggression, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent to Kyiv.

The document, which was signed at a summit in Paris alongside Volodymyr Zelensky, was hailed as a significant step forward in bringing about the coalition of the willing to guarantee peace.

The meeting also comes as Donald Trump continues to reinstate his threats to annex Greenland by force, after claiming the mineral-rich territory is needed for the USs national security.

European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer have issued a statement declaring that Greenland belongs to its people as they defended the territorys sovereignty and rallied to support Denmark.

The White House has said that military force could be used on the strategically placed island. Utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief's disposal, it said.

The prime minister is also facing allegations of Brexit betrayal after he said he wants to pursue even closer alignment with the single market and go further with the EU if it aligns with the UKs interests.
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A man who threw a six-year-old boy off a Tate Modern balcony is set to be sentenced for attacking two nurses.

Jonty Bravery, 24, was found guilty of assaulting nurses Linda McKinlay and Kate Mastalerz at Broadmoor Hospital in September 2024.

He kicked one in the thigh and clawed at the face of another, leaving her with blood dripping down her cheek.

Bravery is due to be sentenced on Thursday. He chose not to attend his trial at Westminster Magistrates Court in November.

He was previously handed a life sentence for hurling a French boy from Tate Moderns 10th-storey balcony in 2019 and is now being held at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital, in Berkshire.

The boy survived the 100ft (30m) fall but suffered life-changing injuries, including a bleed on the brain and multiple broken bones.

open image in gallery Bravery is being held at Broadmoor after previously being handed a life sentence for hurling a boy from Tate Moderns 10th-storey balcony in 2019 ( Getty Images )

His trial for assaulting the nurses heard Bravery has to be monitored by three members of staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is kept in a room with only a mattress in it.

Of the attack, prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court: At around 9.30 at night, Mr Bravery asked to go to the toilet.

After he used the bathroom, he attempted to climb a ledge and throw himself from it.

The nurses tried to restrain him, putting him on his mattress before turning him on to his back, Mr Heslop said.

Bravery kicked out towards Ms Mastalerz, hitting her in the thigh and clawed across Ms McKinlays face, leaving her with blood dripping down her cheek, the court heard.

Body-worn footage played to the trial showed the nurses struggling on the floor with Bravery before other staff rushed in to the room to help.

A panicked staff member can be heard shouting Jesus Christ do something.

Ms McKinlay told the court it was the first time she had been attacked at Broadmoor in her long career.

Jonty climbed up trying to get on to the windowsill, she said, adding that Bravery had done the same thing before to try and harm himself.

We were trying to coax Jonty down. We didnt want him to hurt himself, she continued.

He was screaming and shouting and kicking. We shouted for assistance.

Asked about her injuries, the grandmother said: He attacked my face, he was clawing at my face.

My eye and my face were all scratched.

In the aftermath I was very shaken. In all my years of being in Broadmoor Ive never been attacked.

Ms McKinlay was taken to hospital for treatment.

Fellow nurse Ms Mastalerz said she started shouting for help when Bravery began kicking and scratching.

She was left with a bruised thigh, and said it had been a very stressful situation.

Finding him guilty of both charges, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said Bravery went too far.

In 2020, Bravery was jailed for another 14 weeks after admitting attacking Broadmoor Hospital staff.

He punched nursing assistant Sarah Edwards in the head and face before pulling her hair, and bit Maxwell King, a rehabilitation therapist assistant, on his finger after he came to his colleagues aid.
YOFC Indonesia marks its 10th anniversary on November 13, highlighting a decade of partnership in Indonesias digital transformation.

As the first optical fibre manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and a cornerstone of YOFCs international expansion, the Indonesian operations have evolved from a pioneering project into a key enabler of digital infrastructure, economic growth, and community development over the past decade.

Since its establishment in 2015, YOFC Indonesia has grown from an undeveloped site into a modern, world-class optical fibre and cable manufacturing hub. The journey began with the launch of YOFI in Jakarta, followed by the establishment of PT Yangtze Optics Indonesia in Karawang in 2017  a milestone that completed a full-value-chain optical fibre and cable production system for YOFC in Indonesia. After commencing cable manufacturing in 2018 and completing its second-phase capacity expansion in 2022, the facility now features fully automated production lines and a team of over 500 highly skilled local professionals, reinforcing its position as a regional center of excellence in optical communications manufacturing.

As a key contributor to narrowing Indonesias digital divide, YOFC Indonesia has played an essential role in the countrys information and communications infrastructure build-out. To date, the company has deployed over 28,000 kilometers of optical cable across more than 80 cities, covering Indonesias principal islands and delivering high-speed fibre broadband access to nearly two million households. By localizing production and transferring technology, YOFC has not only enhanced regional supply chain resilience but also supported the advancement of Indonesias communications manufacturing and R&D capabilities.

The 10-year journey has also been defined by significant economic and social contributions. YOFC Indonesia has created over 1,000 direct jobs and, through partnerships with more than 400 local suppliers, generated an additional 4,000 indirect employment opportunities. Beyond job creation, the company has implemented a structured vocational training and talent development program, equipping employees with specialized expertise in optical communications. This focus on talent localization aligns with YOFCs global commitment to integrating with local cultures and building sustainable operations.

YOFCs Executive Director and President Zhuang Dan said, The 10th anniversary of YOFC Indonesia represents not only a corporate milestone but also our long-term commitment to Indonesias progress. Guided by our global perspective and deep local engagement, we have grown together with the community, expanding digital access, driving technological innovation, and building shared prosperity. This journey reflects YOFCs core values of customer focus, innovation, and corporate responsibility.

Aligned with its ESG commitments and membership in the United Nations Global Compact, YOFC Indonesia has integrated sustainability principles throughout its operations. From supporting national broadband initiatives to expanding skills training and inclusive employment, the companys actions align with Indonesias digital transformation agenda. Looking ahead, YOFC will continue building on its localized production capabilities and technological leadership, deepening its regional footprint across Southeast Asia and collaborating with partners worldwide to deliver reliable, next-generation fibre connectivity.

As YOFC Indonesia enters its second decade, it remains dedicated to empowering Indonesias digital economy, bridging regional development gaps, and creating enduring value for local communities, customers, and partners.
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Ambulance services have seen a surge in 999 calls during the freezing weather gripping the UK, as paramedics brace for further demand with the arrival of Storm Goretti.

Arctic air has plunged much of the country into sub-zero temperatures following the turn of the year, with temperatures falling to as low as -12.5 in Norfolk, while many northern regions have been blanketed in heavy snow.

The treacherous conditions, which have caused major disruption to transport services, have triggered amber cold health alerts and a warning from health secretary Wes Streeting that hospitals were coming under intense pressure.

Now, figures from ambulance services across the country have revealed the strain, with one trust, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), reporting a 19 per cent increase in 999 calls between 29 December and Sunday, compared to the week before. In other areas:

London Ambulance Service, which received the highest number of calls with 42,118 over the week, saw an 8 per cent increase in calls

East of England Ambulance Service - up 13 per cent

West Midlands Ambulance Service - up 10 per cent

South East Coast Ambulance Service - up 5 per cent

North East Ambulance Service - up 5 per cent

North West Ambulance Service - up 4 per cent

South Coast North West Ambulance Service - up 4 per cent

Yorkshire Ambulance Service - up 3 per cent

The spike in demand has placed a strain on services, which have appealed to patients to make their own way to hospital or an urgent care centre if they are able to, including taking a lift with a friend or calling a taxi.

Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for Thames Valley at South Central Ambulance Service, said: "I would urge people who can make their own way to hospital or an urgent treatment centre to do so. Arriving by ambulance doesn't mean you get seen quicker than other patients, and a lift from a friend or a taxi may get you there sooner."

For live weather updates on the arrival of Storm Goretti - click here for our blog

open image in gallery During the cold period following Christmas Day, ambulance services have reported a rise in 999 calls ( PA )

East Midlands Ambulance, which could not provide figures for the week but said it saw a 16 per cent increase in calls on New Years Day compared to last year, has received calls from a wide range of situations, including alcohol-related incidents and firework injuries.

London Ambulance Service said it had seen a surge in calls relating to trips and falls due to the cold temperatures and icy streets, as well as respiratory illnesses that can be made worse by the cold weather.

The figures come as the country prepares for more heavy snow, rain and wind with Storm Goretti to hit later this week. The storm, named by forecaster Meteo France, is expected to come from the south-west on Thursday.

An amber snow warning for the Midlands and central Wales has been issued for Thursday, along with an amber warning for wind in Cornwall. Four yellow weather warnings on Thursday for snow and ice cover other parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Midlands.

open image in gallery Snow and ice warnings cover much of the UK on Thursday ( Met Office )

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday.

The UK Health Security Agency has also extended its amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday, warning that adverse temperatures are likely to affect health and wellbeing and warning that the number of deaths could rise.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: The plummeting temperatures, ice and snow we are now seeing are hazardous for older people, especially if they are living with serious health conditions or are generally frail.

We urge anyone in this situation to take extra care of themselves and the general public to look out for any older person they know who could do with some extra support.
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Heavy snow, ice and wintry showers are due to continue across the UK for the remainder of the week, as an Arctic mass named Storm Goretti causes temperatures to plummet below zero in parts of the UK.

The Met Office has issued yellow ice warnings for most of the UK, including Northern Ireland, for Wednesday morning, while a yellow warning for snow and ice is in place all day on Wednesday in northern Scotland, with residents there told to expect a further 5 to 10cm of snow.

Chris Bulmer, the Met Offices deputy chief forecaster, said: A deepening area of low pressure  named Storm Goretti by Meteo France  will move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday.

It will clash with the very cold air here, meaning Thursday night could be what we call a multi-hazard event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank.

The first storm of the year was been named by Frances forecaster as the severe wintry weather brought caused strong winds across the Channel. The heavy snowfall in Paris caused the countrys civil aviation authority to cancel 15 per cent of flights on Monday at the citys Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.

open image in gallery Yellow weather warnings are covering the majority of the UK on Wednesday ( PA Graphics )

How are storms named?

Storms for each year are named as part of a collaborative effort between the Met Office and their partners in Ireland and the Netherlands. More than 50,000 suggestions were submitted for this storm season, which includes entries from members of the public that have been submitted to Met Eireann and KNMI.

However, Storm Goretti was named by Meteo France, given that the brunt of the bad weather is expected to be felt in France. While the word has no particular significance in the French language, its origin stems from an Italian virgin saint of particular importance to the Catholic church.

This can regularly occur when a bout of severe bad weather develops overseas before arriving in the UK - Storm Benjamin, which hit in October, was named by Meteo France, and Storm Claudia in November was named by Spains forecaster AEMET.

What are this years storm names?

Naming storms is a technique used across the world with the hope that it would help members of the public, businesses and local agencies be aware of the upcoming risks and sufficiently prepare for severe weather.

This system, in place since 2015, sees storm names run alphabetically from early September through to the following August, aligning with the onset of autumn when low-pressure systems and the potential for severe storms increase. Last year, six storms were named, reaching 'Floris' by 1 August. The naming convention for North Atlantic storms omits Q, U, X, Y, and Z, to ensure consistency with the US.

open image in gallery People in the snowy conditions in Westminster on Tuesday ( PA Wire )

Here are the storm names that have been selected for the 2025-2026 season:

Amy

Bram

Chandra

Dave

Eddie

Fionnuala

Gerard

Hannah

Isla

Janna

Kasia

Lilith

Marty

Nico

Oscar

Patrick

Ruby

Stevie

Tadhg

Violet

Wubbo

Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: Naming storms isnt just about giving them a label, its about making sure people take notice.

When a storm has a name, it becomes easier for the media and public to talk about it, share information, and prepare.

Its a simple step that can make a big difference in helping communities stay safe, protect their homes, and make informed decisions ahead of severe weather.

What can we expect from Storm Goretti?

Snow is likely to develop over higher ground in south Wales late on Thursday, before rain turns to snow more widely across England and Wales overnight, the Met Office said.

Some areas could see 5 to 10cm of snow settle, while others could see as much as 20cm.

Storm Goretti is also expected to bring disruption in south-west England, with a yellow warning for strong winds in place for Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly from 3pm on Thursday until just before midnight.

The recent drop in temperature has triggered cold weather payments for hundreds of thousands of households, designed to help elderly and vulnerable people with heating costs, the government said.
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Storm Goretti has brought dangerous winds to the UK in addition to heavy snow, with gusts of up to 99mph recorded on Thursday.

The storm, named by French meteorological service Meteo-France, is the first of the year and has battered the UK with violent winds, causing significant travel disruption in parts of the country.

The UK Met Office put a red weather warning for wind in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in place on Thursday evening. The extreme weather knocked out power in around 60,000 homes across England and Wales, and caused Birmingham airport to shut one of its runways.

open image in gallery Satellite image 36,000km above the Earth shows Storm Goretti ( EUMETSAT )

An amber warning for snow was issued for Thursday evening and remained in place until 9am on Friday, covering the Midlands, Yorkshire and parts of Wales. These regions continue to see heavy snow, which has seen schools close and travel severely disrupted.

Fridays weather warnings

open image in gallery ( Met Office )

The amber danger to life warning for snow was in place in the Midlands, Wales and the South West until 9am, and has now lifted.

As of midday, only three weather warnings remain in place, which will all last until Saturday.

One warns of snow and ice covering much of Scotland, the North East, and the East Midlands, which came into effect at midday on Friday and will last until 3pm on Saturday.

Another is a warning for ice, covering most of the West Midlands and Wales, as well as parts of the North West and South West. This came into effect at midday Friday, and end at the same time on Saturday.

And while a yellow weather warning for ice covering all of Northern Ireland was set to end at 11am on Friday, a new warning has been issued for snow and ice has been issued lasting from that time until 11am on Saturday.

The previous snow and ice warning covering most of Scotland ended at midday, along with the yellow snow warning spanning the North, Midlands and Wales.

Meanwhile, the rain and wind warnings which covered Wales, the East of England, and much of the south coast have also all ended.

Saturdays weather warnings

open image in gallery The weather warnings for Saturday ( Met Office )

Three weather warnings will be in place on Saturday, all beginning on Friday and lasting overnight.

The warning for snow and ice in place covering Scotland, the North East, and the East Midlands will last until 3pm. The ice warning covering the West Midlands, parts of the South West and Wales will end at midday.

Meanwhile, the warning for snow and ice covering all of Northern Ireland will end at 11am.

Sunday weather warning

A yellow warning for ice and snow has been issued for Sunday, covering much of Scotland and North East England. Parts of the North West will also be affected.

open image in gallery A new yellow warning for ice and snow has been issued for Sunday ( Met Office )

The warning will begin at 2am on Sunday, and last until 3pm. School closures and travel disruption in the affected areas can be expected.

Cold health alert extended until Sunday

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for all of England until Monday at 12pm, warning there could be significant impacts across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: As the colder weather sets in, it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

open image in gallery Amber cold weather health alerts remain in place across the UK ( UKHSA )

Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.

Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands. Here, accumulations of 5 to 10cm are likely widely, with 15 to 25cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30cm very locally.

Travel disruption

Hundreds of schools across the UK will remain closed as much of the country braces itself for further snow and icy conditions. Some rural areas have been completely cut off, and transport is severely affected by the weather.

Rail passengers should also expect a series of line closures during the cold period.

open image in gallery A string of snow and ice warnings is in place across the UK as the Met Office has warned that cold conditions would bring a range of wintry hazards for the next few days ( PA )

Avanti West Coast said do not travel advice is in place on its Midlands routes until 1pm on Friday.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester will be closed all day.

A number of other lines, including between Nottingham and Lincoln and between Leicester and Nottingham, will be closed until after 10am on Friday.

The train operator said: Please check your journey before travelling today. Heavy snowfall has impacted our regional routes with some services starting later than usual.

Transport for Wales said it will not run services on the majority of its routes on Friday.

Chiltern Railways also said it plans to operate around half of its normal timetable. It is not running services north of Birmingham Moor Street or on the line to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The statement added: Customers should check before they travel today, as services may be subject to disruption due to the impact of Storm Goretti. Services may be further amended at short notice.

open image in gallery A woman walks through a layer of snow in Dowlais, Wales ( PA )

Thousands of passengers booked to fly to or from Birmingham airport are out of position this morning. But the runway is now open after 10 hours of closure, which saw dozens of cancellations and diversions.

Officials in the West Midlands have warned of the worst snowfall in a decade as parts of England and Wales prepare to be hit with 5 to 10cm of snow on Friday, and up to 15 to 25cm in some areas.
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Hundreds of schools will remain closed as snow and ice brought by Storm Goretti continue to cause disruption across the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow and ice covering much of Scotland, which runs until midday on Friday, among six other yellow and amber weather warnings across the UK.

More than 250 schools are due to remain closed on Friday, including more than 150 in Aberdeenshire, dozens in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and a number in Moray.

Many pupils will have had a whole week off school at the start of the new term, though remote learning has been provided in many cases.

A total of 278 schools were closed on Thursday across northern Scotland, or around 11 per cent, which is down on the 440 that were closed on Wednesday.

A yellow snow and ice warning remains in place across Scotland until midday. Freezing conditions have caused ice and around 2 to 5cm of fresh snow accumulations are expected in western Scotland, and hills in northern England.

You can check the status of your childs school here:

It comes after several days of intense snowfall, ice and sub-zero temperatures which have led to school closures and travel disruption, mainly in the north of the country.

Storm Goretti, named by the French meteorological service, has meanwhile brought peak gusts of 99mph to the Isles of Scilly and as much as 30cm of snow to parts of the UK. The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for wind in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on Thursday afternoon.

Travel has been affected all week, with a number of flights cancelled, and some train lines affected. British Airways has cancelled 25 departures and 27 arrivals scheduled to operate at Londons Heathrow airport on Friday. West Midlands Railway said it has suspended all services.

We are unable to operate any services until the afternoon, it said. No rail replacement road transport is being provided because of uncertain road conditions.

London Northwestern Railway said it has suspended services between Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street until Friday afternoon. Its services between Birmingham New Street and London Euston are reduced.

But as much of the country is impacted by ice, authorities have asked pedestrians and motorists to be careful on slippery surfaces.

open image in gallery A number of weather warnings remain in place ( Met Office )

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the storm will bring wet, windy and wintry weather to parts of the UK.

He said Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, would bring some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts.

The meteorologist added: As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday.

Officials in the West Midlands have warned of the worst snowfall in a decade as parts of England and Wales prepare to be hit with 5 to 10cm of snow on Friday, and up to 15 to 25cm in some areas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber cold health alerts for England as an early warning that adverse temperatures are likely to affect health and wellbeing, running until Sunday.

open image in gallery The UK Health Security Agency has also issued an amber cold health alert ( UKHSA )

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged people to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours earlier this week. He warned: The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

National Highways issued its own amber warning for snow in the West and East Midlands, which lasts from 6pm on Thursday until 9am on Friday.

The agency said in a statement: Routes particularly around Birmingham across to Leicester and Nottingham will see particularly difficult driving conditions and consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys, with considerable delays possible.

open image in gallery Snow has been causing disruption across the UK this week ( Getty Images )

The agency said on Friday morning the A628 Woodhead Pass connecting Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire remains closed in both directions between the A616 for Flouch and the A57 for Hollingworth because of snow. Drivers are advised to use the M60, M62 and M1 as an alternative route.

Three out of four northbound lanes of the M1 motorway are closed between Junction 28 for Mansfield and Junction 29 for Chesterfield following a crash involving a lorry.

Recovery of the lorry has started and specialised winter fleet vehicles are en route to clear snow which has settled in the closed lanes.

Drivers face delays of up to half an hour as congestion stretches for four miles.
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Nearly half of Britons have admitted to watching porn from unregulated websites since age verification checks became mandatory, as a charity has warned more users may fall down a pathway where they can access child sexual abuse material.

New research from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation has revealed that nearly 45 per cent of UK porn users have visited sites without age verification checks since they came into force last summer as part of the Online Safety Act.

The poll of more than 3,700 Britons showed that 39 per cent of those who had visited those sites had watched content that made them uncomfortable and 40 per cent said that what they had seen put them off visiting the site altogether.

The charity, dedicated to preventing online child sexual abuse, warned that these sites may increase users exposure to harmful and illegal content.

Vicky Young, head of the charitys Stop It Now UK and Ireland anonymous helpline for people concerned about child sexual abuse, told The Independent that these unregulated websites risked becoming a pathway to indecent images of children.

We work with people who have looked at indecent images of children to try and address that behaviour, to help support them to change their behaviour, she said.

One of the things that people say to us frequently is that they started looking at legal adult pornography and that their behaviour escalated. In part they were spending maybe longer online, but also the sort of content that they were looking at became more extreme and often started getting younger, and that's when they then crossed into illegal behaviour, so looking at indecent images of children.

open image in gallery The charity warned that unregulated porn websites could become a pathway to illegal content (Dominic Lipinski/PA) ( PA Wire )

Because of that pathway and that coming out constantly in conversations we have with people, it concerns us that if people are accessing sites where, there is this riskier content, that actually they are putting themselves at a higher chance of accessing indecent images.

Sometimes that might not be intentional in the beginning, but what people tell us is that actually, if they come across those images as part of their other pornography, that then sparks curiosity. There's something that kind of adds to the excitement around the risk, and, they don't necessarily stop at one image. They actually then start looking for more images.

Nearly a third (30 per cent) of those surveyed said they were concerned about how much pornography they use - this was highest among young men aged 18 to 24 (51 per cent), which the Foundation has warned is an at-risk group.

Nearly 47 per cent of survey respondents said they had reduced the amount of pornography they watch since the age verification rules came into force, and more than half (55 per cent) said it has made them think about their porn use.

It follows a report from communications watchdog Ofcom last month which showed a sharp and immediate fall in visits to popular online porn sites from 25 July, when the enforcement of highly effective age assurance (HEAA) came in. But the use of VPN (virtual private network) software, which can bypass viewing restrictions, surged.

Pornhub, the most visited adult content provider in the UK, saw a 1.5 million viewer drop in year-on-year figures when the regulator compared the 11.3 million viewers from August 2024 to the 9.8 million in the same month this year.

Meanwhile, VPN usage more than doubled in the UK following the age verification mandate, rising from about 650,000 daily users before 25 July and peaking at over 1.4 million in mid-August 2025. The figure has gradually declined to around 900,000 in November.

open image in gallery Porn providers have seen a fall in visits to their websites from UK visitors - but VPN usage as surged, indication more people are trying to bypass viewing restrictions ( Getty )

Dr Alexandra Bailey, head of psychology at the Foundation and associate professor at the University of Roehampton, said: Age verification is vital to protect children, and we fully support it. But we also need to recognise that some adults are choosing riskier sites to avoid age checks. These sites can expose people to harmful material, including illegal content depicting child sexual abuse. Even if youre not looking for it, you could encounter it - and that can have serious life-changing consequences.

Age verification is also prompting adults to reflect on their online behaviour, which can be a good thing for people worried about their porn use. But we need to address the risks for those who are turning to sites that avoid the new regulations.

Every day, our advisors speak to people whose pornography use has spiralled into something much more harmful. We know embarrassment can stop people from reaching out, but confidential help is available. If youre worried about your own behaviour or someone elses, contact Stop It Now before its too late.

The Stop It Now helpline can be reached on 0808 1000 900 or via secure email and live chat at on the website.
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US military jets have gathered at RAF bases in Britain, the latest development in a week of global uncertainty sparked by Donald Trumps interventions in Venezuela and Greenland.

Several C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and AC-130J Ghostrider gunships have been spotted in England since Saturday, according to flight tracking data and plane spotters.

The UKs defence ministry told The Independent that it had provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets ahead of the seizure of the Marinera oil tanker on Wednesday.

The aircraft arrived in several RAF bases in Suffolk and Gloucestershire, which are jointly operated by the US and the UK, but it is unclear whether they were used in the seizure of the oil tanker.

open image in gallery A C-17 Globemaster after landing in RAF Fairford over the weekend ( Tom Wren/SWNS )

Defence website The War Zone reported that 10 Globemaster flights departed the US for Europe on 3 January, some of which landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

At least two Ghostriders landed at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk on Sunday. Further aircraft are reported to have also landed at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

American aviators were seen training in Ospreys at Fairford on Tuesday in footage shared on social media, The Times added.

The UK Ministry of Defence has refused to comment on operational activity.

The arrival of US planes in the UK came while the American military was pursuing the Marinera through the Atlantic.

open image in gallery Two US Ghostrider gunships are also believed to be in the UK ( US Air Force )

The vessel, registered as Russian after evading US capture in the Caribbean Sea, was passing near UK shores at the time of its seizure.

The US, UK, France, and Ireland all flew surveillance aircraft to monitor the Marinera in the past few days. The vessel was formerly called the Bella 1 before its re-registration.

Russia had sent a navy escort to join the tanker after reports on Tuesday that the US could move to seize it.

Two US officials told CBS News that American forces planned to intercept the ship, adding that they would rather seize the vessel than sink it.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has issued several threats to countries around the world after seizing Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro ( Getty )

The pursuit comes just days after US forces seized former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a stunning raid on Saturday night.

Mr Trump has since issued threats to countries and territories worldwide and renewed his ambitions to seize Greenland.

The White House said the military is always an option to achieve President Trumps goal of taking over the territory, which he wants due to its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources.

The aggressive turn in US foreign policy in recent days has attracted widespread condemnation.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer joined Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain in stressing that Greenland belongs to its people in a statement on Tuesday.

It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, they said in response to the Trump administrations recent comments.

The UKs deputy prime minister David Lammy will hold talks with US vice-president JD Vance on Thursday, amid the growing tensions between the Trump administration and Europe.
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A Labour peer has called on the government to impose sanctions on the United States, labelling it a "gangster state" following its conduct in Venezuela.

Lord Sikka contended that Washington's actions contravene the UN charter, which explicitly mandates members to refrain from "the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state".

He warned that the UK Government's failure to condemn this "aggression" risks emboldening US President Donald Trump to "annex" further territories.

This concern is amplified by European anxieties regarding Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, which Donald Trump has threatened to acquire using US military force.

However, the Government has said it has no plans to impose sanctions on the US and that the suggestion is not serious.

Lord Sikka said: In direct violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, the US has attacked Venezuela and kidnapped its president and his wife.

The Prime Minister has failed to condemn the aggression and violation of international law, which will inevitably embolden Trump to annex other territories.

Can the minister explain why the Government has not imposed sanctions on the US like it has on other gangster states for violating territorial integrity of UN member states?

open image in gallery Lord Sikka condemned the US attack ( Prem Sikka/PA )

Responding, Foreign Office minister Baroness Chapman of Darlington said: Because the United Kingdom Government works for the benefit of the United Kingdoms people, and it would not be in the British interest to impose sanctions on our closest intelligence and security partner.

This relationship goes back decades. It is deep. It is serious. My noble friends question, Im afraid, is simply not serious.

Lady Chapman told peers: The US is the UKs principal defence and security partner. We do not have plans to impose sanctions on the US.

We will continue to discuss evolving situations with our US counterparts as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

She later added: Nobody would be more pleased about the United Kingdom and the United States having that kind of fracture in our relationship than Vladimir Putin.

Independent crossbench peer Lord Singh of Wimbledon said the US is acting like a school bully.

Lord Singh, who is known as a presenter of the Thought for the Day segment on BBC Radio 4s Today Programme, said: The American action against Venezuela is reminiscent of the school playground, where the leader of our gang, to whom weve pledged loyalty, begins to act like the school bully.

open image in gallery Lord Singh of Wimbledon said the US is acting like a school bully ( AFP/Getty )

Lady Chapman responded: No. In all of this, I think the thing that matters the most and that is often lost in these exchanges, is that the people of Venezuela have been badly served and abused for many years.

They deserve a government that puts them first, and that government they have not had. We have not had a legitimate government in Venezuela for some time.

There is the prospect of that happening. I think it is a good thing that Nicolas Maduro is no longer responsible for running Venezuela.

Former Green Party leader Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle said the US is displaying total disrespect for international law in its actions in Venezuela and threatening the right of self-determination of the people of Greenland and sovereignty of Denmark.

She asked: Is the idea of the West as a geopolitical unit, linking the US, Europe and other nations in a set of shared values and principles now dead?

Lady Chapman replied: No, clearly not, and our position on Greenland has been made very forcefully by the Prime Minister and our allies.

It is for the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark to determine the future of Greenland.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Lords, Lord Purvis of Tweed, told peers that the UKs diplomatic presence in Caracas was very close to where those bombs landed.

Given that the UK was not informed in advance of the US intention of bombing the Venezuelan capital, he asked whether the Government has complained to the US about that.

Lady Chapman said: Our team in Caracas is now out of crisis mode. Theyre back working. Ive received updates from them today, and Ill continue to do so.

They are safe. Theyre well. Theyre doing their jobs ably, as they have been able to do for the last few years.
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Pubgoers who want to drive shouldnt drink any alcohol at all, the government has said, after announcing plans to tighten the drink-drive limit in England and Wales as part of a new road safety strategy.

The strategy  which is the first of its kind in more than a decade  aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britains roads by 65 per cent by 2035, and by 70 per cent for children under 16.

The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is currently 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which is the highest in Europe alongside Malta.

Under the strategy, this may be reduced to 22 micrograms in England and Wales, bringing those nations into line with Scotland, which cut its drink-drive limit in 2014.

The strategy also proposes to require some convicted drink-drivers to have alcolocks fitted to their vehicles, and new powers to suspend driving licences for people suspected of drink or drug-driving offences.

While the blood alcohol limit has not been cut to zero, transport minister Lilian Greenwood urged pub-goers to leave their cars at home or have an alcohol-free beverage.

Asked whether people should just not drink at all if they want to drive, Ms Greenwood told Sky News: Thats probably the best advice. If youre going to drive, dont have a drink. If you want to have a drink, leave your car at home.

open image in gallery The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is the highest in Europe ( PA )

She added: Ive sat down with numerous families over the last 18 months, and theyre asking us to take action. Last year, 260 people were killed as a result of drink driving. Thats unacceptable.

But she insisted that plans to tighten the drink-drive limit do not aim to stop people having a great night out.

We dont want to stop people from going to the pub and having a great night out. What were just saying is dont take your car, Ms Greenwood told Times Radio.

So that might mean that you know, some places youll be able to take a bus or a taxi.

In other places, youre going out with a group of mates, one of you agrees to be the designated driver.

I know from working with the pub trade, how many great low alcohol drinks there are out there now, most of our favourite brands produced in a low alcohol version, so people have lots of opportunities to do something, to choose a different drink when you want to go out and you know, and enjoy yourself in the pub.

She also said there was evidence from Scotland cutting its drink drive limit that it did not have a significant impact on the pub trade.

Other planned measures to be consulted on include introducing mandatory sight tests once drivers reach 70, a minimum learning period for new drivers, and a crackdown on uninsured drivers and illegal number plates.

This is understood to include cosmetic enhancements to plates that dont meet industry standards.

Learners could also have to wait six months between their theory test and practical driving test as part of the plans. It is understood the government believe this could lower the backlog, as drivers are better prepared to pass first time.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said 22 European countries have made more progress than the UK in reducing road crash deaths.

The number of people killed on Britains roads has generally declined since the 1970s, but the decrease has slowed since 2010.

There were 7,763 road deaths in 1972, 1,850 in 2010 and 1,602 in 2024.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities.

For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.

The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.

open image in gallery Officials also plan to introduce sight tests for drivers aged 70 and above ( Getty/iStock )

The DfT said some drink-drive offenders may be required to have alcolocks installed in their vehicles as a condition of being allowed to drive again  devices which prevent a vehicle from being started or driven unless the motorist passes a breath test.

They are already used in several countries  such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the US  in return for shorter driving bans.

Officials hope introducing sight tests for drivers aged 70 and above will help protect all road users.

Drivers are currently not subjected to mandatory tests once they obtain their licence, no matter how old they become, although they are required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they are no longer fit to drive.

AA president Edmund King described the strategy as a radical reframing of road safety, while RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said it cant come soon enough as he particularly welcomed the long-awaited reintroduction of casualty reduction targets and the possible use of alcolocks.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at charity IAM RoadSmart, said the measures are robust policies to make our roads safer following a lost decade in reducing deaths and serious injuries from crashes.

Karen Tyrell, chief executive of charity Drinkaware, said the proportion of drink-driving collisions which cause fatalities has nearly doubled since 2015, so it is vital that this change is coupled with strong enforcement.
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Nigel Farage has told a Reform mayoral candidate who said David Lammy should go home to the Caribbean to apologise for his remarks.

The Reform UK leader has been under pressure to sack Chris Parry, Reforms candidate for the Hampshire and the Solent mayoralty, after he made remarks about the loyalties of Mr Lammy and praised right-wing Conservative Enoch Powell.

The retired naval officer has since doubled down on what Labour has described as his racist and grossly offensive remarks, as senior Reform figures have been urged to condemn him.

Asked whether the social media posts made Mr Parry a good representative of Reform, Mr Farage said they were over the top and that he should apologise.

He also criticised quite strongly many white politicians, called them unpatriotic and suggested they went to live in other countries, Mr Farage told reporters.

Look, some of his comments are a bit rich. I get that. He is intensely patriotic. Hes risen to the rank of rear admiral, hes given enormous service to this country.

open image in gallery The Reform UK leader has been under pressure to sack Chris Parry ( PA )

But I do think his comments on Lammy were over the top, and he should apologise for them.

Reform came under pressure to drop Mr Parry, after it emerged he had posted on X (Twitter) in February: Lammy must go home to the Caribbean where [his] loyalty lies.

Mr Lammy, who was born in and grew up in north London, has previously spoken about the appalling racism he had to endure as a child and teenager.

Despite being widely condemned after his initial comments, Mr Parry later doubled down, posting on X: Well, home is where the heart is. Thats the point.

He also suggested that the primary loyalty of at least eight other politicians is not to the UK, including Labour MP Naz Shah and Your Party co-leader Zarah Sultana.

In October, above a post of footage showing London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and the MP Dawn Butler attending a Jamaica-themed party at Labours annual conference, he wrote: You really have to wonder where peoples primary loyalty lies.

In an additional tweet, Mr Parry also described the dead right-wing former Tory politician Powell as unfulfilled.

open image in gallery Parry has so far refused to apologise for his remarks about Lammy and other MPs ( Reform UK )

In his infamous 1968 Rivers of Blood speech, Powell used inflammatory language to criticise immigration to the UK and was sacked from the Conservative frontbench as a result.

Anna Turley, chair of the Labour Party, said the Reform leader had failed to take any action on his mayoral candidates racist comments.

She also criticised Mr Farage for not apologising to fellow school pupils who accused him of racism when they attended London private school Dulwich College in the 1970s.

She told The Independent last month: How big does the mountain of racist and grossly offensive comments Chris Parry has made have to get before Nigel Farage throws him out of Reform? Its disgraceful.

Farages refusal to take action against racism in his party shows what a dark place hes dragging politics to. He should finally drop Chris Parry as a candidate, kick him out of his party, and apologise for failing to take action sooner.
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Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform UKs candidate for the London Mayoral elections, arguing we need to get rid of Sadiq Khan.

Westminster City councillor Laila Cunningham, who will also be the figurehead for the partys campaign ahead of Mays local elections, signalled she would focus on a crackdown on crime as Reforms London mayoral candidate.

Mr Farage said Mays local elections  which are expected to deliver devastating results for both Labour and the Tories  will be the single most significant electoral test ahead of the next general election.

Announcing her candidacy for the 2028 mayoral elections at a press conference in London surrounded by banners which read London needs Reform, the party leader claimed the capital is now in the grip of a crime wave run by foreign criminal gangs.

He added: Internationally the reputation of London is collapsing. Its now being talked about around the world in increasingly disparaging terms. The fish does rot from the head; we need to get rid of Khan.

Taking aim at Sir Sadiq Khans record in office, Ms Cunningham said: There will be a new sheriff in town, and Ill be launching an all-out war on crime.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage and stand in front of a banner reading London needs Reform ( PA )

She added: I will set clear, high-level priorities for the Met to focus on tackling knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, rape.

Ms Cunningham also said she would task the police with targeting, hunting and prosecuting rape gangs in London.

Asked how she would reduce crime, the Westminster councillor said she would rewrite the London police and crime plan and give new marching orders to the Metropolitan Police to tackle crime that matters.

Ms Cunningham also argued policing problems in the Met were about priorities rather than recruitment.

The Reform mayoral candidate said she would scrap Ulez, the ultra-low emission zone, if she won power in London  hitting out at what she claimed was a war on motorists launched by the Labour mayor.

Ulez requires drivers to pay a daily charge based on how polluting the emissions from their vehicle are.

She was less certain about whether she would get rid of the congestion charge, telling a press conference, You will have to wait and find out.

Pressed about a claim she wanted to restore London to its glory days and when she thought those glory days were, Ms Cunningham referred to when I was growing up.

She added: When I was growing up, I wasnt scared to walk down the streets. I knew my local bobby. In fact, when I was growing up, my local teacher lived next to me. Now she cant afford it. My local bobby lived next to me, now he cant afford it.

Asked if she wanted to see the Conservatives stand aside for Reform to improve their chances at the next London mayoral election, she did not appear to consider them a threat to her partys chances of winning.

They can do whatever they want, Ms Cunningham said.

Responding to the press conference, a source close to Sir Sadiq said: After winning with a historic landslide victory in May 2024, his third, Sadiq is getting on with the job of delivering a fairer, safer, greener city for every Londoner.

Sadiq has delivered 100 million free school meals for state primary school kids in the capital, helping families with the cost of living.

open image in gallery Westminster City councillor Laila Cunningham signalled she would focus on a crackdown on crime as Reforms London mayoral candidate ( PA )

The number of homicides in London are at a record low, hes built a record number of council homes and Sadiqs policies have cut harmful air pollution in the capital by 27 per cent.

The same press conference also saw Mr Farage address Donald Trumps continued threats to take over Greenland after launching a raid on Caracas and capturing the Venezuelan president.

The Reform leader said he believes the concept of international law is outdated, arguing the world is moving into national self-interest, which he said will not be a bad thing provided those countries and democratic leaders can be held to account.

The concept of international law outdated. Its popular in Islington and Hampstead but  its no longer fit for purpose in 2026.

He also said there are genuine security concerns surrounding Greenland, and that Mr Trump has a point  but added that the future of Greenland was for the people of Greenland and Denmark to decide  and warned that if Mr Trump used military force, it could be the end of Nato.
China reports steady growth of health literacy

Xinhua) 16:21, January 07, 2026

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The health literacy rate among Chinese people rose by 1.82 percentage points year on year to reach 33.69 percent in 2025, announced the National Health Commission on Wednesday.

The health literacy rate among urban residents reached 36.68 percent, while that among rural residents was 30.58 percent, reflecting respective increases of 1.94 and 1.47 percentage points compared to 2024, according to the ministry.

The health literacy gap between the less-developed western region and the eastern and central regions narrowed in 2025.

The survey, conducted among permanent residents aged 15 to 69 across 336 urban districts and counties nationwide, collected 70,451 valid questionnaires.

According to the World Health Organization, health literacy refers broadly to the ability of individuals to "gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health" for themselves, their families and their communities.

The consistent increase of this health indicator reflects the country's ongoing efforts to promote public health awareness and equip people with essential health-related knowledge.

China released a three-year action plan in 2024 to further raise health literacy for all nationals.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Global Recognition Awards has implemented the Rasch measurement model into its judging process, introducing a mathematical framework designed to minimize evaluator bias and deliver objective assessment results. The company, which processes over 12,400 blockchain-verified evaluations annually, now applies this statistical methodology to determine award recipients across 26 industry categories.

The Rasch model, developed by Danish mathematician Georg Rasch in the 1960s, transforms ordinal rating data into linear measurements. The framework evaluates both item difficulty and respondent ability simultaneously, creating a calibrated scale that accounts for variations in judge severity and question complexity. Global Recognition Awards adopted this methodology to address persistent concerns about fairness and consistency in business awards programs, where traditional point-based systems often allow personal preferences to influence outcomes.

We examined the awards industrys credibility crisis and identified subjective judging as a core problem, said Jethro Sparks, CEO of Global Recognition Awards. The Rasch model provides mathematical rigor that removes guesswork from evaluation decisions.

Mathematical framework converts subjective ratings into objective scores

The Rasch model operates on probabilistic principles, calculating the likelihood that a particular judge will assign a specific rating to an application based on both the applications quality and the judges historical rating patterns. When a lenient evaluator and a strict evaluator assess the same submission, the model adjusts their scores to account for their documented tendencies, producing a standardized measurement that reflects actual application quality rather than individual judge preferences.

Global Recognition Awards applies this statistical conversion across multiple evaluation dimensions. Judges rate applications on criteria including innovation, market impact, financial performance, and operational excellence. The Rasch algorithm then analyzes response patterns, identifying judges who consistently rate submissions higher or lower than their peers. These systematic deviations trigger automatic score adjustments, ensuring that applicants receive fair treatment regardless of which specific judges review their materials.

The companys 69% rejection rate exists partly because the Rasch model identifies applications that receive artificially inflated scores from lenient judges. When the statistical analysis reveals that an applications high ratings result from judge leniency rather than genuine merit, the system flags the submission for additional review. The methodology has strengthened the companys ability to maintain evaluation standards while processing applications from 50+ countries with culturally diverse judging panels.

Implementation addresses cross-cultural evaluation challenges

The Global Recognition Awards face unique measurement challenges when coordinating judges from diverse professional backgrounds and geographic regions. Cultural factors influence how evaluators interpret rating scales, with research indicating that professionals from certain regions tend toward more extreme ratings, while others cluster around middle values. The Rasch model accounts for these cultural response patterns through its calibration mechanisms.

The companys evaluation process requires each application to receive reviews from judges on at least three continents. The geographic diversity strengthens evaluation validity when supported by statistical controls that prevent cultural bias from skewing results. During the blockchain-verified assessment process, the Rasch algorithm continuously recalibrates judge measurements, comparing individual rating patterns against the broader panels responses to detect and correct systematic deviations.

We process applications where judges might have different expectations about what constitutes excellence, Sparks explained. The statistical model creates a common measurement language that transcends those cultural differences.

Data validation reveals measurement reliability

The company conducts ongoing statistical validation studies to verify that its artificial intelligence awards Rasch-based system produces reliable measurements. A recent internal analysis examined 2,400 applications judged by panels of varying composition. The data showed that applications receiving similar Rasch-adjusted scores from different judge combinations had comparable business performance outcomes six months after receiving recognition, suggesting that the measurement system successfully identifies underlying quality factors.

Global Recognition Awards tracks specific statistical indicators to monitor system performance. The outfit examines item fit statistics, which reveal whether particular evaluation criteria function consistently across different application types. Questions that produce unexpected response patterns get revised or removed from future evaluation forms. The company also monitors judge separation reliability, a metric indicating whether the system can distinguish between judges with different severity levels. Current data shows separation reliability above 0.90, indicating robust judge differentiation.

The methodology has practical implications for the companys 14-day processing timeline. Traditional consensus-based judging requires multiple deliberation rounds to resolve disagreements between evaluators. The Rasch model eliminates most deliberation needs by providing statistical reconciliation of divergent ratings, allowing the company to deliver faster results without sacrificing evaluation rigor.

Blockchain integration creates audit trail for statistical calculations

Global Recognition Awards combines its Rasch-based evaluation system with blockchain timestamping technology. Each judges ratings are recorded on distributed ledgers along with the Rasch-calculated adjustments and final scaled scores. The transparency allows applicants to request detailed scoring breakdowns that show how the statistical model processed their evaluation data.

The blockchain audit trail has revealed patterns in how different industry categories require different judge calibrations. Technology sector applications tend to receive more variable ratings than human resources awards applications, requiring more aggressive Rasch adjustments to achieve measurement consistency. These category-specific insights help the company refine its judge selection and training processes.

Blockchain verification extends beyond certificates, Sparks noted. The technology documents every calculation step in our evaluation process, creating accountability that traditional awards programs cannot match.

Industry response and future development

The companys statistical methodology has attracted attention from measurement specialists who study assessment validity in professional contexts. Several academic researchers have requested access to anonymized evaluation data to study the performance of the Rasch model in business recognition settings. Global Recognition Awards is exploring partnerships with universities to publish peer-reviewed research on its measurement systems.

Other award programs have begun investigating similar statistical frameworks following the implementation of the Global Recognition Awards. The company reports receiving inquiries from program administrators seeking guidance on adopting the Rasch model. The statistical methodology represents a growing trend toward data-driven decision-making in industries that historically relied on expert opinion and consensus judgment.

The company continues refining its Rasch implementation based on accumulated evaluation data. Recent system updates introduced machine learning algorithms that predict optimal judge-application pairings based on historical rating patterns. These predictive assignments help minimize the magnitude of Rasch adjustments needed by matching applications with judges whose expertise aligns with the subject matter.

The Global Recognition Awards process applications across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services. The statistical rigor built into its evaluation methodology has contributed to documented business outcomes for recipients, with research showing that women entrepreneurs who receive recognition experience business growth within six months at an 88% rate. The combination of mathematical objectivity and blockchain verification creates a recognition model that prioritizes measurement validity over subjective preferences.

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Nigel Farage has said he would vote against the deployment of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, saying the UK has neither the manpower nor the equipment for such an operation.

It came after Sir Keir Starmer said MPs will have the opportunity to vote on the final number of troops deployed to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.

Addressing a press conference alongside Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, Sir Keir said that British and French forces will help to train Ukrainian troops and protect stocks of weaponry, aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.

But the Reform UK leader hit out at the plan, saying the Coalition of the Willing - a partnership of countries that have been discussing putting boots on the ground in Ukraine to preserve a possible peace deal - is just two countries.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage said he would vote against the deployment of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine ( Getty )

The MP for Clacton told Times Radio: It would be a very interesting vote. I would vote against. We neither have the manpower nor the equipment to go into an operation that clearly has no ending timeline.

If it was a sort of Korean-style UN where lots of countries were involved and we could rotate in and out, I might consider it then. But frankly, what you saw yesterday was Macron standing there with the British prime minister.

Giorgia Meloni was outside having a cigarette, not getting involved. The German gave a speech and said nothing. The Coalition of the Willing is just two countries.

Frankly, what this would be is a modern-day British army of the Rhine. When we did that, defence was 5 per cent of our national expenditure, and we were there for 50 years.

He added: If the coalition of the willing was eight, ten, a dozen countries and we could rotate battalions through then I might then I might well say, Yeah, absolutely lets do it. As it is, it will be us and the French completely exposed for an unlimited period of time.

Mr Farages party has previously faced accusations of pandering to Russia after one of its politicians admitted taking bribes to make statements in favour of Vladimir Putins Russia while he was a member of the European Parliament.

The prime minister told the Commons during Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday that the number of personnel placed in military hubs in Ukraine will be determined in accordance with the UKs military plans. The agreement was revealed following a meeting of the coalition of the willing on Tuesday.

The US has signalled it will provide a security guarantee to the European-led peacekeeping efforts, something which Donald Trump has previously appeared reluctant to do.

Opening the first PMQs of the year, Sir Keir said the coalition of the willing had made real progress on security guarantees, which are vital for securing a just and lasting peace at Tuesday meeting.

I will keep the House updated as the situation develops and, were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the House for a vote, he adding, saying a statement would be made to the House at the earliest opportunity.

But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch suggested Sir Keir wanted to dodge questions from MPs, adding: Why is today not the earliest opportunity?

She then pressed the prime minister to confirm how many troops would be sent to Ukraine and whether they would be in a combat role.

open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said MPs would be given a vote (James Manning/PA) ( PA )

He replied: I will be clear with the House that there would only be deployment after a ceasefire, it would be to support Ukraines capabilities, it would be to conduct a deterrence operations and to construct and protect military hubs.

The number will be determined in accordance with our military plans, which we are drawing up and looking to other members to support. So the number I will put before the House before we were to deploy.

He reiterated if there was a legal instrument required, he would have a debate and vote in the Commons.

Neither the prime ministers press secretary nor the official spokesman could say whether a Commons vote rejecting British deployment in Ukraine would bind the government, as it did when David Cameron lost a vote on military action in Syria in 2013.

The spokesman told reporters: I think the point is, until weve secured the cessation of hostilities, our planning teams are focused on ensuring the coalition of the willing is able to flex to the requirements of any peace deal and ensure Ukraines armed forces are able to regenerate, to defend Ukraine, and support European security for generations to come. So it is a staged process.

The spokesman would not say how many British troops would be deployed in Ukraine under the plans, nor whether there was a commitment by France and the UK to match each others military contribution.
On 23 June, Britain will mark (or celebrate, or mourn) the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum on EU membership. Its fair to say the 2016 vote didnt provide the conclusive settlement of the Europe debate that David Cameron had envisaged. Some of the old arguments are now to be raked over yet again as the government prepares legislation to voluntarily adopt some EU single market rules  a policy called dynamic alignment by ministers and Brexit betrayal by critics.

What is dynamic alignment?

It means that in some areas, such as agriculture, Britain would accept EU single market regulations indefinitely and, in effect, as British law. Static alignment would mean accepting some of the single market rules as they exist today, a known corpus of regulations. Dynamic means Britain will abide by changing rules as they emerge from the EU Commission in Brussels. Unlike when Britain was a member of the EU, there will be no formal votes at ministerial level or in the European parliament on these regulations. Britain will be a rule-taker, not a rule-maker

Whats the point of that?

To reduce bureaucracy, remove barriers to trade and boost exports and economic growth. It will help farmers and food producers by harmonising plant and animal standards; rejoining the EU energy trading system may also help with energy bills.

Is this a Brexit betrayal?

Yes and no. Yes because Britain would have to accept rules it may not necessarily like, as well as those that are uncontroversial or even popular. It is thus an infringement of parliamentary sovereignty. Arguably, the vote to leave the EU meant leaving the single market in its entirety (though that was not on the ballot paper) and, as Norway and Switzerland demonstrate, it is possible to be in the single market without being a full EU member. Starmers policy seems to mimic the Swiss model  a partial and sectoral approach, though more dynamic and thus less onerous than having to periodically renegotiate rule books, as the Swiss used to.

No because the UK is voluntarily trading this element of its sovereignty in return for potential economic benefits. Parliament could at any time exercise its sovereign rights and repeal the relevant law.

What about joining the EU customs union?

This is Liberal Democrat policy and popular in parts of the Labour Party, but regarded by the prime minister as a less promising route to resetting relations to Britains advantage. The main problem with rejoining the EU customs union is that it would require Britain to adopt EU trade policy  tariffs and rules  as it applies to the rest of the world; thus, the current post-Brexit trade agreements and reciprocal tariff rates with the US, India, the TransPacific Partnership, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and others would have to be scrapped. It would be embarrassing and would annoy the Trump administration, rendering Brexit even more pointless.

What other progress has been made on Britains reset with Europe?

Virtually unnoticed, the EU has determined the UK now meets its standards of data adequacy, which allows for mass data transfers between the UK and EU countries and means Britain could regain access to, for example, the fingerprint database of asylum seekers  a useful tool in assessing failed claims in EU states. Data sharing has been extended to 2031.

Any snags?

Not many, but one immediate problem concerns the completion of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. This has stalled on the ambitious technology investment project, and Washington is reportedly insisting on better UK market access for American produce  including chlorinated chicken, hormone-treated beef, GM wheat, additives in processed food and so on. Having these enter the UK market would necessitate more border controls to prevent onward entry to EU markets, and it would probably break EU single market rules. As ever, Britain is being torn between America and Europe.

Is there a democratic mandate for all this?

As far as there can ever be short of another referendum. Parliament will debate the proposed new arrangements, which were fairly clearly signalled in the 2024 Labour manifesto: There will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement. Instead, Labour will work to improve the UKs trade and investment relationship with the EU, by tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade. We will seek to negotiate a veterinary agreement to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food; will help our touring artists; and secure a mutual recognition agreement for professional qualifications to help open up markets for UK service exporters.

So is the reset complete?

Far from it. Outstanding tasks include making membership of the Erasmus scheme more permanent, as well as converting the coalition of the willing and the European arm of Nato into what Emmanuel Macron has called a European Defence Community. However, a full European army remains a controversial idea; British troops being stationed in Ukraine as part of a peace deal is bound to be bitterly opposed in Eurosceptic circles.

Will the UK rejoin the EU?

Not in this parliament. Longer term, its always possible; some Labour strategists sense an electoral advantage in capitalising on the unpopularity of Brexit by putting a more radical offer on Europe to voters at the next election. The general picture, accelerated by demographic shifts, is one of regret about Brexit and a pragmatic willingness to work and trade with Europe.

On the other hand, there remains much less enthusiasm for accepting rule from Brussels or adopting the euro as the price of rejoining. There must also be some considerable aversion to another traumatic referendum process tearing the nation apart for years on end. That said, its not constitutionally essential to hold one; there wasnt when Britain first joined in 1973, based on a promise in the Conservatives winning 1970 general election manifesto  back in the days when the Tories were the party of Europe. Would Sir Keir Starmer try to emulate Sir Ted Heath?
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Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by senior British military figures to be much tougher in resisting Donald Trumps threat to take over Greenland.

Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace accused President Trump of attempting to thieve Greenlands mineral assets and said the prime minister must be less mealy-mouthed in condemning his actions.

He was backed by former Nato deputy supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff, who said the British government ducks and weaves instead of taking a firm stance on defending Greenland.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has been urged to toughen up with his response to Donald Trumps Greenland threats ( PA )

It came as US secretary of state Marco Rubio said he plans to meet Danish officials next week and insisted Mr Trump has been talking about acquiring Greenland since his first term.

Thats always been the presidents intent from the very beginning, Mr Rubio said. Hes not the first US president that has examined or looked at how we could acquire Greenland.

Sir Ben, Conservative defence secretary from 2019 to 2023, said it was vital for Britain to protect Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, a Nato country.

That meant standing up to Mr Trump, who like Putin  thinks the Europeans are weak and does not respect mealy-mouthed statements.

Sir Keir publicly backed the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, after she demanded that the US stop threatening to take over the territory. On Tuesday, he and other European leaders spoke out over the threats, insisting they will not stop defending Greenlands territorial integrity.

But the White House later said that using the US military is always an option for the president.

open image in gallery Former Tory defence secretary Ben Wallace says it is vital for Britain to protect Greenland ( PA )

Sir Ben also questioned President Trumps motives for wanting to take over the Arctic island. President Trump has been making territorial claims in relation to Greenland since January.

Sir Ben said: This is not about security, it is about Donald Trump wanting to thieve, basically, minerals and rights from Greenland.

Its a bit like what we are seeing in Venezuela, where oil is being taken from them at a price set by Donald Trump and sold in the US.

All we do is mince around in a mealy-mouthed fashion.

A US attack on Greenland could signal the end for Nato, argued Sir Ben.

To attack another member, which Denmark is, and a loyal member  they supported them [the US] in 9/11 [the attacks on the US World Trade Center] and sent troops to Afghanistan  would very signal the demise of a large part of Nato.

It was important to confront the reality of dealing with President Trump, he said.

The US president believed in global spheres of influence like Russias President Putin  not in the traditional open rule of law where might is right, not fairness is right, Sir Ben told the BBC.

open image in gallery Starmer has come under fire for not directly criticising Trumps capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro ( PA )

His remarks were echoed by former army commander Sir Richard, who said Europe  including Britain  must show real strength in supporting Denmark.

He added: A covenant without a sword is useless  there has got to be a sword behind it. We have had talk, talk, talk  Western governments, particularly this one, again and again Britain ducks and weaves and talks only.

Sir Keir has come under fire after being reluctant to directly criticise Saturdays raid on Caracas that saw then-president Nicolas Maduro captured and taken to New York.

On Monday, amid claims that President Trump may have broken the law, Sir Keir would only say that international law must be the anchor for Venezuelas future and that it was up to the US to justify its actions.

On Tuesday, health secretary Wes Streeting defended Sir Keirs response to US military action in Venezuela, saying he is choosing his words wisely.

Mr Streeting said the PM was focused on how to make a challenging situation better, not worse for both Europes collective security and the Venezuelan people.

He said: I appreciate there are others who have been more strident and have been more critical of the United States.

The prime minister has a different responsibility, and he is choosing his words carefully and wisely to try and influence how events unfold from here on.

Mr Rubio did not directly answer a question about whether the Trump administration is willing to risk the Nato alliance by potentially moving ahead with a military option regarding Greenland.

Im not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention. Ill be meeting with them next week, well have those conversations with them then, but I dont have anything further to add to that, he said, telling reporters that every president retains the option to address national security threats to the United States through military means.
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MPs will get a vote in the House of Commons before the UK deploys peacekeeping troops on the ground in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

But the prime minister would not be drawn on the number of service people the UK could send to defend the country, in the event of a ceasefire in its war with Russia.

Neither would No 10 guarantee that the vote would be binding. Asked if MPs could prevent a deployment, the PMs official spokesperson said: I think we are getting ahead of ourselves.

On Tuesday, Britain and France signed a historic agreement committing to boots on the ground as soon as any peace deal is in place.

Sir Keir told MPs on Wednesday that, were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed alongside French president Emmanuel Macron and Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, I would put that matter to the House for a vote.

It comes after the plans were called into question by a former armed forces chief who said any peacekeeping force would require serious numbers of troops to face down Russia.

Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Natos deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need to overmatch Russia to ensure they could fight back if Vladimir Putins country broke a ceasefire agreement.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer sign the coalition of the willing deal in Paris ( PA )

The document, signed at a summit in Paris, has been hailed as a significant step forward in bringing about the coalition of the willing to guarantee peace in the war-torn country. German chancellor Friedrich Merz also suggested his country could soon sign up to sending troops to Ukraine to support peacekeeping efforts.

The agreement was made possible by the US presence at the summit, with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, confirming that the president strongly, strongly, strongly supports the security guarantees and would provide the backup to make it work.

But the apparent breakthrough on Ukraine comes as European countries scramble to react to Mr Trump laying claim to Greenland, the sovereign territory of EU Nato ally Denmark.

At Prime Ministers Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was astonishing Sir Keir was not making a statement in Parliament on the Ukraine agreement with France.

Ms Badenoch said the decision showed a fundamental lack of respect for MPs and their constituents.

To shouts of when from Conservative MPs, Sir Keir responded: There will be a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity."

He added: If there were a decision to deploy, under the agreement that was signed yesterday, then I would put that matter to this House for a debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment. That is consistent with recent practice and I'll adhere to that.

Pressed by Ms Badenoch on how many UK troops could be sent and whether they would have a combat role, the prime minister said that any deployment would only be after a ceasefire and would be to support Ukraines armed forces and construct and protect military hubs.

The number will be determined in accordance with our military plans, which we are drawing up and looking to other members to support. So the number I will put before the House before we were to deploy, he said.

No 10 later refused to say how many troops the UK could deploy to Ukraine. The PMs official spokesperson said he would not get into potential force structures. The only person that benefits is Putin.

Asked if the PM was satisfied the British Army could deploy thousands of troops, he replied: Of course. We have complete confidence in the British Armed Forces.

It is understood that a number of countries, as well as Germany, have indicated that they are considering joining France and Britain.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he would vote against sending troops to Ukraine.

It would be a very interesting vote. I would vote against, he told Times Radio, adding: We neither have the manpower nor the equipment to go into an operation that clearly has no ending timeline.
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Plans for a British and French peacekeeping force in Ukraine will require serious numbers of troops to face down Russia, a former army chief has warned.

Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Nato's deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need to overmatch Russia to ensure they could fight back if Vladimir Putins country broke a ceasefire agreement.

But he suggested this would not be possible under Britains current level of defence spending, warning: A government without a sword is useless.

Sir Richards assessment was shared by former defence secretary Sir Gavin Williamson, who said Britain would need to deploy around 40,000 troops to ensure the operation was effective. Last year, figures showed there were around 147,000 people in the UK armed forces, with just over half assigned to the army.

But the UK could send fewer than 7,500 soldiers to Ukraine, according to reports.

On Tuesday, Britain and France signed a historic agreement committing to boots on the ground in Ukraine as soon as any ceasefire with Russia comes into place.

The document, signed at a summit in Paris by Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, has been hailed as a significant step forward in using the so-called coalition of the willing to guarantee peace in the war-torn country.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz also suggested his country could soon sign up to sending troops to Ukraine.

Sir Richard told the BBCs Today programme that about 50,000 troops were sent to Kosovo by Nato in 1999 and that country was pocket-sized in comparison to Ukraine.

open image in gallery Ukrainian soldiers fire French made weapons towards Russian positions ( AP )

Any reassurance or enforcement force from Britain, France and other partners that is deployed to Ukraine has got to be capable of overmatching Russia, he said. Because Russia, even if it is forced into accepting a ceasefire, will absolutely, as sure as eggs is eggs, break that ceasefire.

So any reassurance force has got to be capable of facing down Russia, and if necessary, being able to fight Russia. And this means serious capabilities, serious numbers, and a properly joined-up military organisation.

Asked if that meant thousands and thousands of personnel who would then not be able to be deployed to emergencies elsewhere, he said: Absolutely. I mean, if you think about the size of the frontline in Ukraine the intervention force that was put into Kosovo by Nato in 1999, which was about 50,000, [and] Kosovo was a pocket-sized area compared to Ukraine. This requires serious numbers if it is to be effective.

But military sources told The Times newspaper that UK Armed Forces chiefs had originally proposed sending 10,000 as part of a larger 64,000-strong coalition of the willing, but that this figure has been lowered amid fears it is unsustainable given the current size of the British Army. Instead fewer than 7,500 British soldiers would be deployed.

Earlier, Sir Richard also hit out at the UK and other European countries over their levels of defence spending in recent years.

Sir Keir has pledged that the UK will spend 5 per cent of GDP on national security and defence by 2035, after bowing to pressure from President Trump on the issue.

But Sir Richard claimed Germany was the only country in Western Europe putting any money into defence, and warned a government without a sword is useless.

He added: Western European countries, particularly this one, ducks and weaves and avoids and talks only.

No 10 refused to say how many troops the UK could deploy to Ukraine. The PMs official spokesperson said he would not get into potential force structures. The only person that benefits is Putin.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer pictured at the summit ( PA Wire )

Asked if the PM was satisfied the British Army could deploy thousands of troops, he replied: Of course we have complete confidence in the British Armed Forces. It is understood that a number of countries, as well as Germany, have indicated that they are considering joining France and Britain.

Sir Keir has promised to hold a vote in the House of Commons, but No 10 would not guarantee that MPs could decide not to deploy troops. Asked if a no vote would be binding, the PMs official spokesperson said: I think we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Speaking to The Independent, Sir Gavin warned that the UK would need to be far more ambitious than the 1,700 troops stationed in Estonia.

He said: You are talking of at least 40,000 personnel, the equivalent of the army of the Rhine we had in Germany after the war. Of course, we cannot do that. We are talking about increasing the size of the army to 76,000 and we just do not have the personnel.

The agreement to put boots on the ground in Ukraine was signed after President Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner confirmed the president strongly, strongly, strongly supported the security guarantees and would provide the backup to make it work.

But the apparent breakthrough comes as European countries scramble to react to President Trump laying claim to Greenland, the sovereign territory of EU Nato ally Denmark.

European leaders issued a statement declaring that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Sir Richard warned that the other countries that make up Nato without the US would be really pushed to defend Greenland from the US. He said it would be suicide for other Nato states to take on the US, and total carnage, but that he felt that outcome could be avoided.
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Britain and France have signed a historic agreement committing to boots on the ground in Ukraine as soon as any ceasefire with Russia comes into place.

The document, signed at a summit in Paris by French president Emmanuel Macron, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, was hailed as a significant step forward in bringing about the coalition of the willing to guarantee peace in the war-torn country.

It was made possible by the US presence at the summit, with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner confirming that the president strongly, strongly, strongly supports the security guarantees and would provide the backup to make it work.

In addition, German chancellor Friedrich Mertz suggested that his country could also soon sign up to sending troops to Ukraine.

open image in gallery Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky sign the coalition of the willing deal in Paris ( Sky News )

The breakthrough came despite a cloud hanging over the summit, with Donald Trump laying claim to Greenland, the sovereign territory of EU Nato ally Denmark.

It also followed the US intervention in Venezuela, with concerns being expressed that the Trump administration had acted illegally in international law in capturing the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro.

However, both President Macron and Sir Keir slapped down any suggestions of splits among Nato allies. All the parties went out of their way to thank Mr Kushner and Mr Trumps peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, for being present for the first time at a coalition of the willing summit and providing the support needed to move on with the peace plan.

Mr Macron noted how the agreement was fulfilling Mr Trumps wishes for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defence as part of increasing its military spending and footprint.

However, the coalition of the willing agreement could delay a ceasefire; Vladimir Putin has already made it clear he opposes a foreign military presence in Ukraine after the war ends.

In his statement on the new agreement, Sir Keir said: This is a declaration of intent to deploy forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. This is a vital part of our iron-cast commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long term.

The Multinational Force for Ukraine will act as a reassurance force to bolster security guarantees and Ukraines ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraines own forces.

open image in gallery Trump is now willing to back the coalition of the willing to guarantee peace ( AP )

The signing of the declaration paves the way for the legal framework to be established for French and UK forces to operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraines skies and seas and building an armed forces fit for the future.

He added: In today's discussions, we have also gone into greater detail about the mechanics of the deployment of the force on the ground. Alongside our plans for a coordination cell, post-ceasefire, the UK and France will also establish military hubs across Ukraine to enable the deployment and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine's defensive needs.

The French president dubbed the agreement the Paris Declaration as he proclaimed the significant progress made at the summit.

A summary of the agreement shared by the Elysee, the official residence of the French president, said the agreement would include a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.

It would also include a long-discussed multinational force for Ukraine, led by European allies, with the involvement also of non-European members of the coalition, and the proposed support of the US.

There are also binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace.

President Zelensky said that the agreements do not go far enough yet but welcomed the deal and Americas support.

Mr Kushner was pressed on whether the US would provide military support if allies were attacked attempting to guarantee the peace in Ukraine, and insisted: America strongly, strongly, strongly stands behind those security guarantees. The president does not back down from his commitments.

He said that a security guarantee for Ukraine is about having "real backstops" to prevent conflicts in Eastern Europe.

Mr Kushner said: I think today was a very, very big milestone, and I thank President Macron for assembling this and for all of the work that everyone here has done behind the scenes to bring this together.

open image in gallery France Russia Ukraine War

Mr Kushner, who was previously a senior adviser to his father-in-law Mr Trump, said the US president sought a deal where both sides look to de-escalate and added: You create a robust deterrence, you know, peace through strength, where its unlikely that somebody will ever go and start this again.

He added: This is a really important building block towards an eventual peace deal, and I think that its a big, big milestone thats reached today between the Europeans, with the coalition of the willing.

It comes amid concerns that the US is positioning itself as hostile actor within Nato and turning its back on European allies. Just hours after the Ukraine deal was announced, the White House doubled down on Trumps insistence that the US is "discussing options for acquiring Greenland" as a national security priority.

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, a key and longterm Nato ally. European leaders also released a statement on Tuesday insisting the future of Greenland belongs to its people.

Rose Gottemoeller, who served as deputy secretary-general of Nato during Trumps first administration, told The Independent that any attempt to unilaterally annex the strategic mineral-rich island would force the alliance through an existential crisis.

Nato European countries have woken up to the fact that they're going to have to go it alone without the United States. These events are, no doubt, a short, sharp shock, and a big boost to that wake up call, she told The Independent .

The UK and France committing to deploy boots on the ground in Ukraine was part of that.

"It is an indicator of Europe taking the lead in a potential Nato-minus-the-US world."
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Morocco, the world's leading exporter of sardines, will halt frozen sardine exports from 1 February to safeguard domestic supplies and contain prices.

The fish is a staple for Moroccan households, with the country's long Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines making it a top global supplier.

Zakia Driouich, the cabinet member for fisheries, confirmed the decision to members of parliament on Tuesday, citing a "noticeable drop in supply" as the trigger.

She did not specify how long the ban would last. Ms Driouich added that pelagic species, including sardines, comprise around 80 per cent of Morocco's coastal fish resources.

Sardines are a staple in Moroccan home cooking ( Wahyu - stock.adobe.com )

The national cannedsardine industry (UNICOP) urged authorities in June to act against illegal fishing after reporting falling catches.

Morocco's sardine landings dropped 46 per cent in 2024 to 525,000 metric tons, according to official data.

Research suggests that climate change is behind the drop in levels of fish in our oceans, adding to the pressures of overfishing and pollution.

As the ocean heats up, fish try to stay in the conditions theyre best suited to - so often move or relocate. This could provide new fishing opportunities for some countries, and losses for others.

Warmer waters will also impact the food - such as plankton - that many sea creatures eat.

Meanwhile, Morocco received a record 19.8 million tourists in 2025, up 14 per cent from a year earlier, the tourism ministry said on Monday.

Tourism accounts for about 7 per cent of the North African country's gross domestic product and is a key source of jobs and foreign currency.
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Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has launched legal action against leading COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna, alleging the misuse of its messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.

Filed in a Delaware federal court, the lawsuits claim the companies copied technology developed by Bayer's subsidiary, Monsanto, in the 1980s. This pioneering work, originally designed to strengthen mRNA in crops for stability, was allegedly applied to stabilise the genetic material within the COVID-19 vaccines.

Bayer has also filed a similar lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in a New Jersey federal court, arguing a DNA-based process used in its vaccine production infringes a Bayer patent. These actions contribute to a complex web of patent disputes surrounding the blockbuster COVID-19 jabs, including an existing lawsuit between Moderna and Pfizer.

Johnson & Johnson ceased US sales of its vaccine in 2023 ( Getty )

Bayer, which was not involved in developing or selling COVID-19 vaccines, is seeking unspecified monetary damages, clarifying it is not aiming to halt manufacturing. The financial context is notable: Pfizer and BioNTech reported over $3.3 billion in revenue from global sales of their vaccine Comirnaty in 2024, while Moderna earned $3.2 billion from its Spikevax.

Johnson & Johnson ceased US sales of its vaccine in 2023. Bayer's complaints underscore Monsanto scientists' 1980s advancements in reducing mRNA instability for pest-resistant crops, technology now central to the alleged infringement.
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The individual responsible for the deaths of two Brown University students and an MIT professor meticulously planned his attacks for at least six semesters, newly released information from the U.S. Department of Justice has revealed.

Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown student, was discovered deceased in a New Hampshire storage facility. His death followed a rampage on December 13, where he killed two students and injured nine others at a Brown engineering building.

Just two days later, he murdered MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro at his home in the Boston suburb of Brookline.

Justice Department officials confirmed on Tuesday that an electronic device, containing a series of short videos recorded by Neves Valente after the shootings, was recovered by the FBI during their search of the storage facility where his body was located.

Boston authorities confirm dead suspect in linked Brown University and MIT Killings ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In these recordings, the perpetrator, speaking in Portuguese, admitted to having been "planning the Brown University shooting for a long time," according to a press release.

He offered no explanation for targeting either Brown University or Professor Loureiro, with whom he had attended school in Portugal decades prior.

Valente asserted he had nothing to apologise for, stating his desire to "leave on his own terms." He also complained about sustaining an eye injury during the attacks. "Im not going to apologize because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me," he declared.

At the start of one video, he can be heard saying, It was all a little incompetent but at least something was done, according to the Justice Departments transcripts.

As part of the investigation on Dec. 18, 2025, investigators executed a federal search warrant at a storage facility used by Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the Portuguese national responsible for the senseless murders. During the search of the storage facility, the FBI recovered an electronic device containing a series of short videos made by Neves Valente after the shootings, the press release said.
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Aldrich Ames, the notorious CIA turncoat responsible for one of the most devastating intelligence breaches in US history, has died at the age of 84 in a Maryland prison.

His death on Monday was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons.

Ames confessed to receiving $2.5 million (1.85m) from Moscow between 1985 and his 1994 arrest, in exchange for US secrets.

His treachery involved revealing the identities of ten Russian officials and one East European agent working for the United States or Great Britain.

open image in gallery Aldrich Ames has died in prison in Maryland ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

These betrayals are widely attributed to the executions of Western agents operating behind the Iron Curtain and inflicted a significant blow to the CIA.

He pleaded guilty without a trial to espionage and tax evasion and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors said he deprived the United States of valuable intelligence material for years.

He professed profound shame and guilt for this betrayal of trust, done for the basest motives, money to pay debts. But he downplayed the damage he caused, telling the court he did not believe he had noticeably damaged the United States or noticeably aided Moscow.

"These spy wars are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years," he told the court in a matter-of-fact tone.

In a jailhouse interview with The Washington Post the day before he was sentenced, Ames said he was motivated to spy by financial troubles, immediate and continuing.
Cambodia said on Wednesday it had extradited three people to China at the request of Beijing following a months-long joint investigation into transnational crime, among them an individual named Chen Zhi.

In a statement, the interior ministry said those extradited on Tuesday were all Chinese nationals. It did not provide further details on Chen Zhi or the alleged crimes, but said his Cambodian citizenship had been revoked.

Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group. Photo courtesy of the company

The U.S. and Britain in October sanctioned the Prince Group of businesses headed by a Cambodian-Chinese tycoon named Chen Zhi, accusing it of operating large-scale online "scam centres" that used trafficked workers to defraud victims globally.

It was not immediately clear if the Prince Group chair was among the individuals extradited. China's foreign ministry and its public security did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Cambodia's interior ministry said in a statement it had arrested Chen Zhi and two other Chinese nationals, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui, and had extradited them to China "within the scope of cooperation in combatting transnational crime and pursuant to a request from the relevant authorities of the People's Republic of China".

Parts of Southeast Asia, including the border areas between Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, have become hubs for massive online fraud, with criminal networks earning billions of dollars from illegal compounds where trafficking victims are often forced to work.

British sanctions targeted six entities and six individuals, including Chen Zhi, whom the U.S. and Britain accused of having overseen the construction of compounds used for online scams.

The U.S. Treasury Department said it had taken what it described as the largest action ever in Southeast Asia, targeting 146 people within the Prince Group.
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As the United States prepares to seize control of Venezuelan oil and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump hardens its stance toward Cuba, Mexico has emerged as a key fuel supplier to Havana.

Its a role that could further complicate already strained relations with the Trump administration, even though the Mexican government insists that exports to the island have not increased.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged on Wednesday that with the current situation in Venezuela, Mexico has become an important supplier of crude oil to Cuba, but asserted that no more oil is being sent than has been sent historically; there is no specific shipment.

She added that those shipments are made via contracts or as humanitarian aid, but offered no concrete figures on the number of barrels exported.

Following the 1959 revolution that toppled dictator Fulgencio Batista, the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in response to the nationalization of American-owned property. Under the embargo  long denounced by many countries, including Mexico  Cubans have suffered economic and energy crises, driving hundreds of thousands of Cubans to migrate, especially to the United States.

State-owned oil company Petroleos Mexicanos did not immediately respond to a request for data. According to its most recent report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, from January to Sept. 30, 2025, Mexico shipped 19,200 barrels per day to Cuba: 17,200 barrels of crude oil and 2,000 barrels of refined products.

Jorge Pinon, of the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, who tracks shipments using oil tracking services and satellite technology, shared similar data this week with The Associated Press for the same period. He had tracked 22,000 barrels per day and said that the figure dropped to 7,000 barrels after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubios visit to Mexico City in September 2025.

Meanwhile, in the last three months, Maduros government exported an average of 35,000 barrels a day to Cuba, approximately a quarter of the islands total demand, according to Pinon.

The academic saw no likelihood that Mexico would increase its shipments: The U.S. government would go bonkers, he said.

There will be more pressure from the United States regarding Cuba, said Oscar Ocampo of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, adding that oil will predictably be one of the areas under pressure, a view shared by many experts.

Mexico has historically sent oil to Cuba, especially during periods of power blackouts and social unrest.

After widespread protests in Cuba in 2021, Mexico sent one of its largest humanitarian aid shipments, which included 100,000 barrels of fuel. And in October 2024, it sent more than 400,000 barrels in just a few days following serious blackouts in Cuba, according to data provided at the time by Pinon.

The way this has been done also incentivizes opacity, Ocampo said, because since 2023, the shipments have been made via private Pemex subsidiary, Gasolinas Bienestar, whose financial situation is not transparent.

In its report to the SEC, Pemex states that the shipments to Cuba were valued at approximately $400 million and were sales made through contracts at market price. But Ocampo says it cannot clearly be determined whether that was the case or if they were discounted shipments, with some kind of quid pro quo  perhaps the deployment of doctors  or as humanitarian aid.

The foreseeable lack of profitability in supplying oil to Cuba comes as 2025 is set to become the year in which Pemex exported the least amount of crude oil, with less than 600,000 barrels per day, when just a couple of years ago we exported more than 1 million, Ocampo said.

___

Associated Press reporter Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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A California man filed a negligence lawsuit against a major Las Vegas casino operator and a national railroad company, alleging their failure to secure access to active train tracks led to a severe accident that resulted in the partial amputation of both of his legs.

The complaint, filed December 26 in Clark County civil court by Ryan Pettway, claims that Boyd Gaming Corp. and Union Pacific Railroad Corp. neglected to repair a hole in a fence behind the Main Street Station hotel-casino in downtown Vegas.

According to the lawsuit, the gap in the barrier allowed Pettway to enter railroad property on December 27, 2023, where he was struck by a freight train.

The fence was intended to prevent public access to the Union Pacific tracks adjacent to the casino, according to the suit.

The filing says that after Pettway followed other people through the unrepaired opening, he was hit by a passing train, suffering traumatic injuries that led to the partial amputation of his right leg and left foot.

Ryan Pettway of California claims in a lawsuit that he was hit by a train after entering through an unrepaired opening in a fence, causing partial amputations of his right leg and left foot ( Google Maps )

The complaint says he will likely require ongoing major surgeries and long-term medical care.

The suit alleges that both defendants should have known the fence was compromised and could be used as an entry point, citing obvious indications of homeless people and encampments on the other side of the barrier.

It claims the companies failed to maintain and repair the property to keep it in a safe condition and to prevent hazards that contributed to the incident.

Pettway is seeking more than $75,000 in damages for past and future medical expenses, punitive damages and other losses.

A Boyd Gaming Corporation spokesperson told The Independent that it does not comment on pending litigation.

Union Pacific said it has not yet received the lawsuit and does not comment on active litigation.

The safety of the communities in which we operate is a top priority for Union Pacific Railroad, a company spokesperson told The Independent.

We remind the public that for their safety and others to only use designated railroad crossings to cross railroad tracks and never walk on or near the tracks. Do not ever try to climb on or through trains and always expect a train: trains can come from either direction at any time, the statement concluded.
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Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores hit their heads as they tried to flee US forces arresting them, a report claims.

Maduro and Flores attempted to hide behind a heavy steel door inside their compound, but they bumped their heads while escaping due to a low door frame, unnamed officials told CNN.

The pair were given first aid after being seized from the compound, but their injuries occurred before the US Delta Forces caught up with them, the sources claimed.

The couple appeared in a New York court on Monday with visible injuries, as the former Venezuelan president pleaded not guilty to several drug charges days after his capture.

open image in gallery Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores (R) were seized in a US raid at the weekend ( AP )

Flores attorney told the judge she had sustained significant injuries during her abduction and that she may have a fracture or severe bruising on her ribs. Her attorney asked for a full physical evaluation, including an X-Ray.

During Maduros high-security transfer to a New York courthouse, footage taken from helicopters showed him walking between modes of transport with a significant limp.

Courtroom sketches of Flores showed her with bandages on her head - but administration officials told lawmakers on Monday that the injuries were minor.

open image in gallery Maduro was taken into custody and transported to New York to face charges ( Reuters )

Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said according to NBC News that US forces reached Maduros Caracas compound at around 1am on Saturday, before breaching it and taking the couple by surprise.

They tried to use so-called flash-bangs - explosive devices which create an intense light and sound but are not intended to be lethal - to blast through the large doors behind which Maduro and Flores were hiding. It was during or after that moment that the injuries occurred, sources told US outlets.

During the court appearance, Maduro told the judge he had been kidnapped and that he was a prisoner of war.

Flores attorney told the court, when asked about her client's bruising: "Our client is in good spirits. We look forward to reviewing and challenging the evidence the government has."

open image in gallery The couple, wearing blue and orange prison clothes in this court sketch, were injured during the raid ( AP )

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, can ask the judge to release them on bail, which would allow them to await trial at a location other than jail. Neither defendant made that request on Monday, but their lawyers suggested they might in the future.

It is, however, unlikely to be granted. Both are charged with serious offences that could carry life sentences, and prosecutors could argue they are flight risks  meaning they may try to leave the country to avoid prosecution if they are freed.

Maduro is accused of narco-terrorism conspiracy. He and his wife are accused of being part of a conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S. and possessing machine guns.
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U.S. forces have seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker being escorted by Russian naval ships in the North Atlantic, days after the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

The military and Coast Guard intercepted the Marinera tanker Wednesday in waters northwest of Scotland after a two-week chase.

The vessel had evaded a U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela, a measure the administration had implemented shortly before an elite unit seized Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.

Follow our live blog on the seizure of the Marinera oil tanker here.

The Marinera is one of the shadow fleet of tankers carrying oil in breach of U.S. and international sanctions.

After evading capture, it renamed itself from the Bella 1 and painted a Russian flag on its side in what appeared to be a bid for protection from Moscow.

With Russian vessels reportedly sent to escort the tanker, the move risked a potential confrontation with Putin, after months of efforts by the Trump administration aimed at repairing relations between the two superpowers.

Below The Independent looks at everything we know about the seized oil tanker so far.

What do we know about the Marinera oil tanker?

open image in gallery The U.S. Coast Guard observes the Marinera off British waters ( X/@US_EUCOM )

The Marinera was built as an oil and chemical tanker in 2002 and originally sailed under the flag of Panama.

Since then, it has sailed under multiple flags and different names, including Yannis in 2022, Xiao Zhu Shan in 2021, Seaways Mulan in 2020, Overseas Mulan in 2017 and the Mtov in 2012.

Until very recently known as the Bella 1, the vessel was previously sanctioned for involvement in the Iranian oil trade by the Treasury Department during the Biden administration.

Most recently, it traveled from Iran towards Venezuela, before it changed course following a U.S. attempt to board the vessel in the Caribbean sea in mid-December.

Measuring 333 meters long and 60 meters wide, it was renamed after evading capture and headed towards Europe.

Russias transport ministry said it had granted the Marinera, previously flagged in Guyana, a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag on Christmas Eve.

Kpler, a trading intelligence website which collates detailed information on oil shipments, reported that it had transported more than 6 million barrels of Iranian oil last year.

Much of this was passed on to unknown vessels at sea, in attempts to conceal the final destination of the oil, The Times reported. However, other reports claim the Marinera had no oil on board while it was being pursued across the Atlantic.

How the U.S. seizure unfolded with British help

The U.S. Coast Guard tried to board the Marinera in December, after the Justice Department obtained a seizure warrant on account of the ships involvement with the Iranian oil trade, a U.S. official told CBS News.

After the attempt failed, the ship disappeared from publicly available tracking data, before reappearing again in the Atlantic Ocean.

The ship passed near U.K. waters Wednesday, between Scotland and Iceland, and appeared to be making its way towards the port of Murmansk in northern Russia.

Earlier this week, a number of U.S. military planes were dispatched to U.K. airforce bases, amid growing speculation that they would be used to seize the ship. It is unclear whether the planes were used for this purpose.

open image in gallery Russian media shared pictures from on board the vessel ( RT News )

At around 8 a.m. ET (1 p.m. GMT) Wednesday, reports began to emerge that the U.S. was carrying out an operation to seize the tanker. Less than an hour later, the U.S. European command said in a post on social media the Marinera had been seized over violations of U.S. sanctions.

This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, the statement said.

Britains Ministry of Defence said the ship had initially flown a false flag and is believed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Hezbollah.

The U.S. operation was supported by Britain's Royal Air Force and one of its military vessels, which British Defence Secretary John Healey said was part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval supply ship, the RFA Tideforce, were among the British military assets which took part in the operation.

This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine, Healey said.

Soon afterward the Marinera was seized, the U.S. Southern Command said it had separately apprehended a second sanctioned vessel M/T Sophia in international waters and is escorting it to the U.S.

open image in gallery The vessel was seized in the Atlantic by the U.S with British help ( Hakon Rimmereid )

How has Russia reacted?

Russia claimed the Marinera seizure was a violation of maritime law, with a senior lawmaker accusing the U.S. of outright piracy.

Moscow's Transport Ministry said contact with the vessel had been lost after U.S. naval forces boarded it.

In accordance with the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, the ministry said in a statement.

Russia is demanding that the United States ensure humane and decent treatment of the Russian crew members and their swift return home, state news agency TASS quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying.

According to The New York Times, the Russian government had previously officially requested that the U.S. stop all attempts to seize the ship, which is listed in the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping as being ported out of Sochi, on Russias Black Sea.

After a law enforcement operation that killed several dozen people in Venezuela, the U.S. has engaged in outright piracy on the high seas, Andrei Klishas, a lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, posted on Telegram.

open image in gallery The Venezuela-linked oil tanker was travelling off British waters ( PA Media )

Does the seizure have precedent?

The Marineras capture marks the third oil tanker seized by the U.S. since its campaign against Venezuela began in early September.

Last month, two apparent Venezuelan oil tankers were seized by U.S. forces, including the Centuries and The Skipper, the latter of which had been sanctioned in 2022 for its alleged role in helping fund the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The seizure of The Skipper, along with footage of U.S. forces boarding the ship, marked a major escalation in Trumps campaign to pressure Maduro by current off access to the oil revenues, which have been so critical for Venezuela.

At least 16 oil tankers have attempted to evade the U.S. naval blockade by disguising their location or turning off transmission beacons, The New York Times reported Monday.
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Alarming footage appearing to show National Guard troops surround a Tennessee sandwich shop  and refusing to leave  has gone viral as the restaurants owner says he will no longer serve troops.

Footage taken Sunday evening shows National Guard members holding their ground outside of Da Sammich Spot in Memphis, as the shops owner, Rob Brown, questions why they are there and repeatedly asks them to leave.

I have no idea what made them make that choice. I pulled up as a business owner asking them to move their vehicle from right in front of my door, and 60 seconds later, it was National Guards outside, Brown told WREG.

While none of the National Guard members were denied service during the standoff, Brown said he wouldnt provide them service if they asked. A sign on the shops door says law enforcement agents, including ICE, are not allowed on the property without a warrant.

As a business owner, its my right to let those people know that I did not want them here. Regardless of whether they liked it or not, they needed to move, Brown said.

open image in gallery A Memphis sandwich shop has gone viral after 40 National Guard troops were videotaped stationed outside, refusing to leave ( Da Sammich Spot/Facebook )

Meanwhile, a bystander who filmed the tense standoff claimed the National Guard was trying to use intimidation tactics.

For them to completely ignore a business owners request to get off the property, thats sending a message that we dont care about your rights, said local activist Hunter Demster.

You saw the National Guard flood in, you saw MPD flood in to protect themselves. They looked out for them. Not your average Joe, Demster added.

Brown agreed that this was the new normal, telling the news station, This is normal. This is living in the city of Memphis as a Black man.

The standoff lasted about 30 minutes, with the National Guard and local police leaving without making any arrests.

Brown noted on his businesss Facebook page that Da Sammich Spot has been the only business that has been successful in removing the NG from being in front of and intimidating their customers/community.

Saying that to say, its some work to be done. While most would think thats a win, I shouldnt have to go through PTSD symptoms to have my rights respected. No one should, Brown added.

It was not immediately clear why the National Guard was stationed outside the restaurant. The Independent has contacted the Memphis Police and the U.S. Department of Justice for comment.

open image in gallery It was not immediately clear why National Guard troops were stationed at the shop ( Google )

The incident unfolded around the same time that a Minnesota hotel went viral for banning ICE agents from staying in its rooms.

The Hampton Inn Lakeville, an independent franchise operating under the Hilton brand, made national headlines after denying rooms to Department of Homeland Security staff last week once their identities were revealed.

Hilton apologized Monday, claiming the action went against company policies. It also said it was taking action to remove this hotel from the companys systems.

The White House has sent an influx of DHS resources to Minneapolis, kicking off a reported crackdown on migrants that could involve up to 2,000 agents.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and his allies continue to target the large Somali-American community living in the city, sharing viral and disputed allegations of mass fraud at Somali-American-run daycare centers.
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A 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in southeast Minneapolis Wednesday morning as officers were conducting a deportation raid in the city.

The woman was named as Renee Nicole Good by her mother, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The shooting, which occurred days after the Department of Homeland Security deployed an additional 2,000 federal agents to the city, drew immediate outrage from officials who blasted the operation. Dozens descended on the scene of the shooting to protest the killing in the immediate aftermath.

Videos of the incident showed Good sitting in her vehicle, blocking ICE agents. As agents surrounded her, she began to slowly move her SUV away from them. An agent at the front bumper then fired through the windshield as she drove away. Moments later, Good crashed into another car.

However, Department of Homeland Security officials painted a different picture, calling her a violent rioter who tried to run over authorities and kill them  in an act of domestic terrorism.

Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bulls***, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said during a press conference. This was an agent recklessly using power, resulting in somebody dying.

open image in gallery A 37-year-old woman was shot dead by an ICE agent in Minnesota on January 7. Renee Good was behind the wheel of her SUV when an officer fired ( AP )

Frey, visibly angry, demanded ICE get the f*** out of Minneapolis.

Longer versions of the video circulating online show Good sitting in a maroon SUV, with her drivers side window open, blocking ICE agents from driving down the street. One ICE agent appears to be standing in front of the car at the bumper as two other agents approach the vehicle, demanding she get out of the car.

One of the agents attempted to open the drivers side car door, pulling on the handle multiple times. As he did, Good slowly reversed her vehicle  slow enough that the agent was able to continue walking with the vehicle, attempting to open the car door.

She then stopped her vehicle to put it in drive. At the same time, the agent, trying to open the door, appeared to reach into her open window, seemingly to unlock the car from the inside.

Good slowly pulled her car forward in an attempt to leave. Thats when the agent, still standing in front of the car, drew his firearm.

As she continued to pull forward, the agent fired two shots  one of which went through the windshield of the SUV. As the gunshots rang out, the car appeared to make contact with the agent; however, the agent dodged the vehicle as the driver accelerated and remained standing the entire time.

Good hit the gas, sending the vehicle flying down the street and crashing into a car and telephone pole.

open image in gallery ICE officer shot the woman through the windshield of her vehicle ( AP )

Bystanders who watched and filmed the encounter screamed, calling the agents criminals. Several appeared to rush over to Good in the vehicle; however, ICE agents demanded that people get back.

While details of the incident were still unfolding Wednesday afternoon, Trump administration officials appeared to double down on the assertion that the woman was attempting to kill ICE agents.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the event as a vehicle ramming incident that led to a shooting. In brief remarks from Texas, Noem claimed officers were trying to push out their vehicles from the snow when the woman attacked them and those surrounding them.

open image in gallery An ICE agent restrained protesters who were attempting to block vehicles from leaving the scene where a person was reportedly shot in Minneapolis ( Reuters )

The confrontation enraged members of the community. Protesters in the area gathered to condemn the federal law enforcement agents for firing gunshots at the woman. Some threw snowballs at the agents vehicles  leading federal agents to deploy chemical irritants, similar to pepper spray.

open image in gallery Protesters shouted at ICE to leave Minneapolis after the fatal shooting ( AP )

On social media, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rebuked the administrations narrative, saying he had seen the video.

Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice, Walz wrote. During a later press conference, Walz called for people to protest responsibly in the aftermath and said he had the National Guard on standby for any unrest.

What were seeing is the consequences of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict, Walz said. Its governing by reality TV, and today, that recklessness cost someone their life.

President Donald Trump also reacted in the aftermath of the shooting and defended the agents actions.

It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defence, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!

open image in gallery The shooting happened as thousands of ICE agents descended on Minneapolis to push deportation arrests under President Donald Trump ( Getty )

Others in Minnesota and from the Democratic party rushed to condemn the shooting. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said she was praying for the family of the deceased woman and blamed the administrations decision to deploy federal law enforcement for the tragedy.

We need full transparency and an investigation of what happened, and I am deeply concerned that statements made by DHS do not appear to reflect video evidence and on-the-ground accounts. While our immigration enforcement should be focused on apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals to make our communities safer, these ICE actions are doing the opposite and making our state less safe, Klobuchar wrote.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar accused DHS of lying about the events of the shooting.

There was no attempt to run the officer over and no ICE agents appear to be hurt. Get out of our city, Omar wrote on X (Twitter).

California Rep. Sara Jacobs rebuked the administrations narrative, calling it a murder.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib called for the agent who killed the woman to be held accountable and brought to justice.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been accused of negligence after a 12-year-old sustained a serious injury that led to the loss of his foot while on an official Church trip.

A lawsuit out of Wyoming has been brought against the Church on behalf of two boys who were on the trip in 2022. They were ages 12 and 14 at the time, ABC4 reports.

According to the lawsuit, the brothers were participating in a boating activity in the Boysen Reservoir at the time of the incident.

A member of the Church's Young Women's group was reportedly driving the boat. A 12-year-old boy was feeding a rope to an inner tube in the water when the driver allegedly accelerated the boat. The acceleration caused the rope to tighten and wrap around the 12-year-old's left foot, causing deep lacerations that effectively severed the foot below the boy's ankle.

The driver reportedly stopped the boat, but could not restart it because the engine flooded. At the same time, the 14-year-old  the other boy named in the lawsuit  called 911 for help.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being sued on behalf of two minors after a 12-year-old boy lost his foot in a Church-led boating trip in 2022 ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

While they waited for help, the 14-year-old tied a tourniquet to his injured brother's leg and tried to paddle his brother to the shore on an inner tube, according to the lawsuit.

The boy underwent medical treatments, including two amputations, and multiple surgeries. His foot could not be saved.

The lawsuit alleges that the boy suffered severe mental, emotional, and psychological trauma and irreparable, life-altering harm resulting from the incident. It also alleges that his brother suffered emotional and psychological trauma from witnessing and responding to the incident and seeing the effect of the injury on his brother.

The filing argued that the Church, which was leading the boating activity, had a responsibility to the children in its care and that it failed to provide a safe environment and proper training for its personnel.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the boys' medical bills and for loss of future and past enjoyment of life.

The Church issued a response to the lawsuit on Monday. It denied that it had failed in any of its obligations or legal responsibilities, and denied that the accident was the result of any inappropriate or erroneous acts taken by its personnel.

The statement says that there are inherent risks associated with activities like boating the it cannot prevent, and added that the Church member involved in the incident is protected under the volunteer immunity doctrine, which provides some legal protections to individuals acting as volunteers.

The Church said that the injuries are the result of a rare and unforeseen accident that happened in the absence of negligence or lack of due care by the Defendant."

The Independent has requested comment from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. .
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A Chinese pro-democracy activist imprisoned in the early 1990s for counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement, after which he fled to the United States, claims that X, the Elon Musk-owned social network, unilaterally shuttered his account based on disinformation circulated by Beijing.

Former student leader Wilson Lei Chen, also known as Chen Pokong, says higher-ups at X took the Chinese Communist Partys false accusations at face value, subsequently cutting him off from his 150,000 followers with zero explanation, according to a $2 million-plus lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

The 62-year-old Chen, a longtime critic of the CCP who helped the 1989 Tiananmen Square protestors spread their message to the south of the country, says in his complaint that his X account  which he established in 2010  was suddenly taken offline nearly three years ago and never reinstated. Chen, who now lives on Manhattans Upper West Side, has submitted several appeals, which were all denied immediately through identical automated responses, his complaint states.

It says Chen, who is acting as his own lawyer, is informed and believes that his wrongful suspension may have been influenced by: coordinated inauthentic reporting, foreign disinformation campaigns, [and] political pressure to silence dissenting voices, all allegedly propagated by the CCP and its proxies.

Chen was targeted for harassment online by the CCP and Chinese government security agents in what the Department of State called a multi-billion-dollar influence operation meant to shut down dissent and criticism of Beijing, according to a 2023 CNN investigation.

open image in gallery Exiled pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong, seen here during a commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, accuses X of taking Chinas claims about him at face value. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The years-long effort, known by various names including Spamouflage, Dragonbridge, has sought to undermine dissidents abroad, damage American companies considered hostile to China and subvert internet commentary that might be disparaging of the CCP.

X Corp. CEO Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, has deep ties to China and the CCP, raising concerns among American officials that his relationship with Beijing could constitute a threat to national security. While X is blocked in China, it emerged last fall that Musks SpaceX, one of the largest and most important U.S. military contractors, has taken direct investment from Chinese nationals, according to ProPublica. And some 10 months after the U.S., the U.K. and Canada issued a joint statement in March 2021 expressing grave concern over forced labour, mass detention in internment camps, forced sterilizations, and the concerted destruction of Uyghur heritage in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwestern China, Musk  seemingly unfazed  opened a Tesla showroom there.

A spokesperson for X did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment. A request for comment sent to Peter Michael Shimamoto, the attorney representing X in the matter, went unanswered.

Chens suit, which was first filed in New York State Supreme Court but removed to Manhattan federal court on January 5, describes him a renowned author, columnist, political commentator, [and] dissident.

It says he is a longtime critic of the Chinese Communist Party, and cites CNNs 2023 report as having documented extensive China-linked online harassment networks targeting activists, democracy advocates and overseas Chinese commentators.

Plaintiff falls squarely into these targeted categories, according to Chens complaint.

open image in gallery Elon Musk, who bought Twitter and renamed it X, has deep ties to China and the Chinese government. Exiled pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong says in a new lawsuit that higher-ups at X unilaterally suspended his account due to nefarious activity by agents working on behalf of Beijing ( AFP via Getty Images )

Chens X account served as a major platform for his pro-democracy commentary, until February 15, 2023, when he found himself permanently suspended without warning, notice or explanation, the complaint adds.

At the time, X notified Chen that he had been kicked off the platform using what the complaint calls a generic message: Your account broke the X Rules. According to the complaint, the notice never identified any specific post, any rule or any misconduct.

Chen duly appealed the move, but was swiftly denied via auto-generated messages from X, the complaint continues. It says the content he posted on the site consisted solely of democracy discussions, political commentary and YouTube titles  none violating X policies, and that he received zero explanation, contrary to Xs Terms requiring notice, explanation and careful review.

Transnational repression or foreign pressure likely contributed to the interference, the complaint states, going on to note that Xs arbitrary, unexplained actions align with patterns described in the CNN investigation.

In addition to X, state-sponsored Chinese operatives have been discovered on dozens of other online platforms. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, said in 2023 that it had shut down thousands of Chinese-run accounts for violating their inauthentic behavior policy. Executives at Meta described the covert propaganda campaign as the largest ever in the companys history.

open image in gallery Pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong was a vocal supporter of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, helping the movement spread to the country's south ( AFP via Getty Images )

According to published reports, Chen has proof that the Chinese government has been watching him and interfering in his online activities for several years.

In April 2023, two months after Chen was locked out of his X account, nearly three dozen Chinese government operatives were indicted by a federal grand jury for targeting dissidents in the U.S. via an online disinformation campaign.

One of the operations laid out in court filings pertained to a virtual pro-democracy event Chen had hosted nearly two years earlier on Zoom, that had been derailed by trolls who threatened participants with violence and death.

The interlopers were allegedly officers with Chinas Ministry of Public Security, based in Beijing, and purportedly involved hundreds of other officers and agents spread throughout the country.

However, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., denied any ties, telling CNN, China always respects the sovereignty of other countries. The U.S. accusation has no factual evidence or legal basis. It is entirely politically motivated. China firmly opposes it.

open image in gallery Chen Pokong, an exiled pro-democracy activist now living in Manhattan, believes his X account was shut down at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party, according to a newly filed lawsuit ( AFP via Getty Images )

In his lawsuit against X, Chen claims his suspension has caused him substantial economic damage, beginning with the loss of his 150,000-strong following on the platform.

This led to a deep loss of cross-platform exposure, leading to a major cut in his YouTube viewership and revenue, along with reputational harm, as the suspension wrongly implies misconduct, Chens complaint maintains.

It says Chen has additionally suffered emotional distress and health impacts as a result of the abrupt silencing of his professional voice, and pegs his monetary damages in excess of $2 million.

Chens complaint further accuses X of mislead[ing] users about moderation, appeals and enforcement, and slams the platform for disrupting his ability, without justification, to communicate to his audience.

Chen is asking the court to order X to reinstate his account, the removal of all violation labels and compensatory and punitive damages.

Without such relief, Chens complaint argues, he faces irreparable ongoing harm.

Chen did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
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PepsiCo and Walmart illegally conspired to fix the prices of Pepsi soft drinks, so they were lower at Walmart and higher at other retailers, according to a new class action lawsuit filed by consumers.

The complaint, filed last month in federal court in New York by lead plaintiff Martin Gelbspan, alleges the two major companies broke numerous laws, including state antitrust laws; the 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act, which outlaws monopolies and secret restrictions on competition; and the common law doctrine of unjust enrichment, which outlaws unfairly benefiting from another partys expense.

The lawsuit alleges that PepsiCo and Walmart suppressed competition and distorted prices for consumers by leveraging their dominant market positions and forcing rival retailers to pay higher wholesale prices while keeping Walmarts own costs low.

As a result of a vertical price-fixing scheme, Pepsi and Walmart have artificially raised the price of Pepsi across the United States at every single retailer other than Walmart for over a decade, the filing alleges.

open image in gallery ( Getty )

The plaintiffs said that in order to financially reward themselves to the detriment of consumers and benefit from suppressed competition, PepsiCo and Walmart weaponize their dominant market share in the soft drinks market and in the grocery store market, to cause Walmarts competitors to pay supracompetitive prices at wholesale while also throttling price competition for consumers at retail.

The filing states this constitutes the use of Standard Oil-like tactics to drive competitors from the market.

In 1911, Standard Oil was found guilty of creating an illegal monopoly by controlling a substantial portion of the petroleum industry through unfair practices such as rebates, price cutting, and control of pipelines.

This is the type of the conduct that the antitrust laws are intended to prevent and protect against, the complaint states.

open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty )

In a statement, PepsiCo said it "continues to operate in compliance with applicable laws and remains committed to providing all customers with fair, competitive, and non-discriminatory pricing, discounts and promotional value, regardless of size or channel," Reuters reports.

The lawsuit follows a separate case, which was ultimately dropped by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in May 2025. That earlier case, filed during Joe Bidens presidency, accused Pepsi of violating the 1936 RobinsonPatman Act, which prohibits companies from giving unfair pricing advantages to certain buyers. Pepsi was the only company targeted in that FTC action.

However, according to that filing, Pepsi gave Walmart special discounts and other benefits to maintain a price gap which made Walmart cheaper than its competitors. That lawsuit also alleged that Pepsi raised wholesale prices charged to other retailers while maintaining lower-priced deals offered to Walmart.

Pepsi denied any wrongdoing in the FTC case.

A spokesperson for Walmart told The Independent: We are aware of the litigation. We remain committed to negotiating on behalf of our customers so we can deliver value and everyday low prices.

The Independent has contacted PepsiCo for comment.
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Skateboarders are grinding to save San Franciscos Vaillancourt Fountain, arguing the once-derided brutalist structure has rolled its way into global skateboarding history and deserves to stay put.

While some residents and city officials have long viewed the concrete landmark as an eyesore, skaters say it has become an iconic spot in the sports culture, and one worth fighting for.

Thats Mecca, said Ted Barrow, a skateboarder and architectural preservationist told The Wall Street Journal.

City planners, however, say the 710-ton fountain, created by Quebecois artist Armand Vaillancourt in the early 1970s, is showing serious wear and tear.

Officials estimate it would cost about $29 million to repair, nearly as much as the planned renovation of Embarcadero Plaza and its surrounding parkland.The plaza, known worldwide in skate circles as EMB, helped shape modern street skating.

open image in gallery The City of San Francisco plans to remove the controversial Vaillancourt Fountain, which skateboarders say has become a globally recognized landmark in street skating culture ( Getty Images )

However, after the fountains water pumps failed, the structure was fenced off over safety concerns, prompting San Franciscos Recreation and Park Department to move toward dismantling the artwork and potentially placing it in storage during redevelopment. City officials argue the fountain is no longer safe to maintain in its current form.

Skaters say that the plan wipes out more than concrete; it erases history. What was once a much-maligned public artwork  a local newspaper poll said readers hated the initial plans at a ratio of 70 to 1  has found fierce defenders among skateboarders who helped define the sports street style in the 1990s.

Barrow, who has spoken in defense of the fountain at public hearings, added that some of skateboardings most influential videos were filmed there.

People come here just to see it because they feel like theyre on hallowed ground, he said.

Vaillancourt, now in his mid-90s, has also personally appealed to city officials to preserve his work. The sculpture has stirred controversy from the start. The artist famously carved Quebec Libre into the concrete during its unveiling, and he insists it was built to last for generations, notably surviving a 1989 earthquake that damaged, then erased, a nearby freeway.

City engineers see it differently. They say corrosion, crumbling concrete, and hazardous materials have turned the fountain into a safety risk thats no longer realistic to keep standing.

The fountains fate now comes down to a public vote scheduled for January 13, after months of back-and-forth between city officials, developers, preservationists and skateboarders who see the site as sacred ground.

open image in gallery The sculpture has been described as the mecca of skateboarding. ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The structure has courted controversy since it was opened. ( Getty Images )

Skateboarders are worried about the plazas future after concept images from the city and developer BXP revealed wide lawns and new landscaping, but almost none of the hard, skate-friendly surfaces that made EMB a worldwide hotspot.

Jacob Rosenberg, a filmmaker of iconic 1990s skate videos, told the outlet that the proposed grassy areas at EMB are terrible. He released a book documenting skateboarding at the plaza, titled Epicenter, in November.

A city spokeswoman told the WSJ that redesign plans arent final and that feedback from skateboarders and other stakeholders will guide the next design phase.

The Independent has also contacted the City of San Francisco for comment.
Linh Le, a 29-year-old postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University in the U.S., works on classified projects with the government to develop ultra-fast charging batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones.

In November 2025 she received the LOrealUNESCO For Women in Science Award that honors women researchers who make outstanding scientific contributions.

Her research into advanced materials for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is expected to enable next-generation energy storage. Her work spans multiple battery formats, from coin cells to pouch cells, with the goal of improving durability, safety and charging speed.

Linh Le, 29, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Linh

Her path into chemistry began almost by chance. Chemistry was her weakest subject in high school, yet she scored 9.8 out of 10 in the university entrance exam in 2014. She was admitted to both the University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Vietnam National University in HCMCs University of Science. Recognizing the practical applications of chemistry in everyday life, she chose the honors chemistry program at the latter.

In her third year she specialized in physical chemistry and began hands-on work in a professors battery laboratory on campus. While completing her undergraduate thesis on battery electrolytes, she sought exposure to a more advanced research environment and secured an internship at Professor Shigeto Okadas laboratory at Kyushu University in Japan.

During that period she published three papers, which later helped her secure a PhD scholarship at Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. in 2020. At Penn State, she worked in a laboratory collaborating directly with the U.S. Department of Energy.

The projects focused on practical applications in energy storage, particularly electric vehicles, consumer electronics such as smartphones, and large-scale storage systems. She interned at EC Power and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, gaining firsthand experience in transferring battery research from laboratory settings to industry.

Despite having overseas experience, she says it took more than a year to adjust to the new environment. After overcoming language, cultural and lifestyle barriers, she faced intense pressure related to data quality and research deadlines. She recalls sleepless nights during her doctoral studies: "At one point I tested 20 samples, and only one met the requirements. The pressure of deadlines and accuracy in the data reports for professors often made it hard to eat or sleep."

To cope, she learned to "slow down," set aside time to recover and discuss problems proactively with colleagues to find new approaches. She says her strongest motivation came from the effort it took to study in the U.S. and the support of her family, friends and colleagues.

Linh receives the LOrealUNESCO For Women in Science Award 2025 that honors women researchers who make outstanding scientific contributions. Photo courtesy of Linh

As her laboratory became a core participant in multiple projects, she often handled two to three high-security projects simultaneously. The work required strict compliance, including detailed personal background declarations from the age of 18, the use of government-controlled equipment and limits on communication with colleagues outside each project.

Last year she successfully defended her PhD dissertation on electrolytes and protective layers for fast-charging, high-capacity lithium-metal batteries, aiming to reduce energy loss and battery degradation. During this period, she also collaborated with Stanley Whittingham, the 2019 chemistry Nobel Prize winner. "I am incredibly fortunate to have such opportunities," she says.

Her LOrealUNESCO award recognized research on Li-S batteries, a next-generation technology with higher energy density, lower costs and more abundant raw materials than lithium-ion batteries, which are becoming increasingly scarce. The technology could enable lighter, longer-lasting and safer devices, including smartphones and ultra-compact electronics, she says.

But there are still major technical hurdles to making Li-S batteries, including limited anode durability and the "polysulfide shuttle" effect, which causes capacity loss over repeated charge cycles, she explains. After completing the Li-S project, she has shifted her focus to sodium-ion batteries, a lower-cost alternative viewed as a future option for large-scale energy storage. The field remains underdeveloped, with limited standardized electrolytes, electrode systems and reference materials, requiring her to build much of the research framework from scratch.

Linh believes battery technology will be a key sector over the next 30 to 50 years as countries accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, creating strong demand for both research and skilled professionals. Reflecting on her journey, she says solid foundational knowledge and logical thinking were essential.

She encourages students to seek support in international environments and build professional networks to adapt more effectively.

"Always keep learning, be open to feedback, and be ready to change. In science, never rely solely on your own abilities."
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A two-year-old girl in Georgia has been left paralyzed after suffering a rare condition brought on after she contracted the flu, according to her parents.

Sara Lopez, 2, fell victim to transverse myelitis, a disorder the Mayo Clinic describes as being triggered by influenza and other ailments that target body tissue. According to the clinic, transverse myelitis interrupts the messages sent from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. This can result in pain, muscle loss, and, as happened to Sara, paralysis.

Kenia Lopez, the girl's mother, told Fox 5 Atlanta that four of her six children came down with the flu in December. While children and adults often get the flu and recover without issue, Lopez said Sara began showing strange symptoms on December 19.

"After a few hours of her being uncomfortable, we noticed that she really wasnt moving her arms," Lopez told the broadcaster.

The family took Sara to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with the flu. But the little girl's condition worsened, so the family took her to another hospital  Erlanger's Children's Hospital in Chattanooga  when she began losing the use of other parts of her body.

Sara Lopez, 2, of Georgia, is fighting to recover from partial paralysis after a bout with the flu turned into a rare but serious battle with transverse myelitis ( Lopez family )

Sara required a week of intubation, and  though recovering  she still has difficulty moving, according to her mother.

Transverse myelitis causes inflammation on both sides of one section of the spinal cord, which can then disrupt how the spinal cord communicates with the rest of the body.

As in Sara's case, symptoms can include paralysis as well as pain, weakness in the muscles, sensory issues, and dysfunction in the bowel or the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic.

While the flu can lead to transverse myelitis, the disorder can arise any time infections or immune system disorders attack the body's tissues, according to the clinic.

Most people with transverse myelitis recover, at least partially, but individuals who suffer severe cases can be left with significant disabilities.

Lopez told Fox 5 Atlanta that she opted not to get Sara a flu vaccine this year, and said she hopes other parents learn from her situation and get their children protected.

In the meantime, Saras cousin, Jailyn Beltran, has started a GoFundMe to help her family with the two-year-olds medical bills.

[Saras] parents, who are caring for six children, are unable to work during this time, making things even more difficult for the whole family. Its heartbreaking to see Sarah in this condition, and it hurts even more to watch my aunt and the rest of my cousins struggle alongside her, Beltran wrote.

She said that the funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward helping Saras family with the many challenges theyre facing.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 11 million people have been diagnosed with the flu this season. Approximately 130 million have received a flu shot this year, which is down by 13 million when compared to last year
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week after refusing to rule out taking military action to seize the territory.

President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to take over the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a Nato country. On Wednesday, the White House warned that utilising the US military is always an option to achieve this important foreign policy goal.

Mr Rubio reiterated this warning, telling reporters in Washington DC later in the day that Mr Trump retains the option to use the US military to take Greenland. But he added that the US president would prioritise a diplomatic solution.

However, he did not directly answer reporters' questions about whether the administration was willing to risk the integrity of the Nato alliance by potentially moving ahead with military action in Greenland. I'm not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention, he said. I'll be meeting with them next week, we'll have those conversations with them then, but I don't have anything further to add to that.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, requested the meeting with Mr Rubio, according to a statement posted to Greenland's government website on Tuesday, after previous requests were unsuccessful.

open image in gallery US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week after refusing to rule out taking military action to seize the territory ( Getty )

The meeting comes amid an escalating diplomatic crisis between Washington and its western allies, who have said that any attempt to occupy the territory would violate Denmarks sovereignty. European leaders issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Since the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Mr Trump has revived his argument that the US needs to control the world's largest island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

But Mr Rubio told a select group of US lawmakers on Monday that it was the Republican administration's intention to eventually purchase Greenland, as opposed to using military force.

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing the statement this week, reaffirming that the island belongs to its people, with Frederiksen warning that a US takeover would amount to the end of Nato.

open image in gallery Greenland is a strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a Nato country ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said on Tuesday that using the military to acquire Greenland was an option, though she told reporters Wednesday that the president's first option always has been diplomacy.

Some Republican senators said they saw strategic value in Greenland, but they stopped short of supporting military action to acquire it. Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said he hoped we can work out a deal, while North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said some of the discussion about taking Greenland by force has been misconstrued.

But Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she hated the rhetoric around either acquiring Greenland by purchase or by force, adding, I think that it is very, very unsettling.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Nato Observer Group, said the US needs to honour its treaty obligations to Denmark.

Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow Nato ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our alliance exists to defend, the senators said in a joint statement.
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Aaron Babbitt, the widower of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021, has revealed that President Donald Trump called him in the aftermath of her death to express his sympathies.

Speaking on Newsmaxs Greg Kelly Reports Tuesday, on the fifth anniversary of the failed insurrection and his wifes death, Babbitt said of Trump reaching out: It was a game-changer for my confidence.

It was July of 2021 that he called me and said her name at a rally that night, and then I knew I had friends in the right places at that point.

Ashli Babbitt, 35, was a U.S. Air Force veteran and QAnon believer from San Diego who was shot dead by a Capitol Police officer on January 6 as she attempted to climb through a smashed window into the Speakers Lobby inside the halls of Congress.

She was quickly painted as a martyr by Republicans keen to reframe the day as a peaceful protest, some of whom demanded to know the identity of the officer who fired the fatal shot.

open image in gallery Ashli Babbitt was a U.S. Air Force veteran who was shot dead on January 6 2021 while attempted to break into the U.S. Capitol via a smashed window ( Twitter )

The Department of Justice mourned Babbitts tragic loss of life in April 2021 but said that the officer in question had fired in self-defense and in the defense of lawmakers and staffers who had faced threats to their lives from the assembled mob.

The Capitol Police concluded its own review that August, which found the officers conduct had been consistent with the officers training and (U.S. Capitol Police) policies.

Lt Michael Byrd subsequently came forward to identify himself as the man who shot Babbitt. I know that day I saved countless lives, he told NBC News. I know members of Congress, as well as my fellow officers and staff, were in jeopardy and in serious danger. And thats my job.

Aaron Babbitt argued during his Newsmax interview that Byrd should not have been on duty that day, making a series of allegations about the officers past conduct and professionalism.

He has previously alleged on the same channels National Report that Byrd gave his late wife no opportunity to surrender and claimed that she would have complied if she was given the opportunity but she was not.

open image in gallery Aaron Babbitt is interviewed by Greg Kelly on Newsmax on Tuesday January 6, 2026 ( Greg Kelly Reports/Newsmax )

Trumps involvement in Babbitts story began in earnest after he left office and began referring to her in interviews and rally appearances as an innocent, wonderful, incredible woman, a military woman, who had died for no reason, even claiming at one point that she had been shot by a lunatic.

He subsequently reached out to her mother, Micki Witthoeft, and enlisted her to speak at his rallies, at one of which she said her daughter had made the ultimate sacrifice to bring attention to a stolen election.

After returning to office a year ago, Trump promised to look into Babbitts death, and duly paid out $5 million in a settlement to her family as well as a funeral with full military honors.

Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego protested that last step in Congress on Tuesday, saying that military funerals were sacred.

Ashli Babbitt was not a hero, he said. She was part of the violent mob that tried to overturn our democracy She did not die defending her country. She died trying to tear it down.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Babbitts memory was also invoked by ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and others as they marched from the Ellipse to the Capitol on Tuesday, retracing the exact route the rioters took five years earlier.

Were memorializing and celebrating the life of Ashli Babbitt and many others that lost their lives that day, and that's the only thing were here for, Tarrio said.
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CBS Evening News embedded with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday as part of the ongoing DHS crackdown on alleged fraud and immigration violations in the Minneapolis area.

The Trump administration officials appearance is one of the first major interviews of new network editor-in-chief Bari Weisss recent relaunch of the storied program with new lead anchor Tony Dokoupil.

During Tuesdays segment, Noem could be seen in tactical gear personally accompanying heavily armed DHS agents to arrest a man named Tomas Espin Tapia.

Tapia, Trump administration officials told The Independent, illegally entered the U.S. from Ecuador in 2022 and had an active warrant for sexual assault in Connecticut.

In an accompanying sit-down interview with reporter Nicole Sganga, Noem defended the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown in Minneapolis and downplayed the presidents recent, inflammatory comments comparing Somalis in the area to garbage.

open image in gallery The co-host of CBS Mornings since 2019, Dokoupil was officially named the new face of CBS Evening News last month, replacing the short-lived co-anchor team of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois ( CBS News )

Im focused on policing the streets, not policing President Trumps words, Noem said.

If you think you can come to this country and get rich defrauding the American people, think again, she wrote in a statement on X, resharing a clip of the segment. We will root out every case of fraud we find from Minneapolis to California to New York.

The Trump administration is ramping up an operation in the Minneapolis area that could include as many as 2,000 agents.

open image in gallery Noems appearance on CBS Evening News marked one of the programs most high-profile interviews under the new leadership of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and recently announced lead anchor Tony Dokoupil ( CBS News )

The White House launched the campaign after a viral video alleged fraud at federally supported day care centers. Local officials dispute claims in the video.

Noems interview also comes after another high-profile CBS show, 60 Minutes, was told by Weiss shortly before airtime last month to pull a planned segment about how DHS sent hundreds of migrants to a notorious Salvadoran prison, an editorial decision widely panned inside and outside the CBS Newsroom.

Weiss reportedly told producers, who had cleared the segment through multiple layers of internal review, that an on-camera response from a Trump administration official was needed.

open image in gallery The Trump administration is ramping up an immigration and fraud crackdown in the Minneapolis area that could include as many as 2,000 DHS agents ( Reuters )

Internal deliberations around the segment, as well as a version of the clip itself, leaked online and in the media. In one of the leaks, the segments correspondent, Sharyn Alfonsi, accused Weiss of giving the Trump administration a kill switch for any reporting they find inconvenient.

Weisss tenure at CBS, which has reportedly been marked by constant infighting, has been under heavy scrutiny, given the the highly politicized atmosphere in which she took the reins at the broadcaster.

Weisss decision making around the CECOT segment sparked claims she was influenced by political pressures, owing to CBS parent company Paramount Skydances ongoing bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that would need federal clearance.

In August, Skydance and Paramount officially merged following a complicated process dogged with accusations of political meddling.

open image in gallery Weisss tenure at CBS has been under heavy scrutiny, given allegations from critics she took over at CBS News in a bid to make the network more palatable to the Trump administration ( William Farrington/Copyright: Breaker Media )

Skydance was founded by David Ellison, son of the billionaire Oracle tech mogul and Trump supporter Larry Ellison.

Shortly before the merger was complete, with approval hanging in the balance, Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement in a lawsuit from Trump against 60 Minutes, which had alleged it deceptively edited an interview with his 2024 rival Kamala Harris.
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New York Citys new mayor is standing behind a newly-appointed housing official as she faces backlash for years-old social media posts, including messages that called for the seizure of private property and linked homeownership to white supremacy.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani tapped Cea Weaver, a longtime tenant activist, last week to serve as executive director of the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants.

The mayor has vowed to expand and empower the office to take unprecedented steps against negligent landlords.

But in a sign of the high-level scrutiny on Mamdani's administration, Weavers since-deleted posts have sparked condemnations from officials in the U.S. Department of Justice and the editorial board of The Washington Post.

The posts, which were circulated on social media in recent days by critics of Mamdani, included calls to treat private property as a collective good and to impoverish the (asterisk)white(asterisk) middle class.

open image in gallery New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, center, speaks during a news conference with Cea Weaver, right, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York ( Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office via AP )

A tweet sent in 2017 described homeownership as a weapon of white supremacy masquerading as wealth building public policy.

Eric Adams, the citys former mayor and a fellow Democrat, said the remarks showed extreme privilege and total detachment from reality.

Asked about the controversy Wednesday, Mamdani did not address the substance of Weavers posts but defended her record of standing up for tenants across the city and state.

Weaver said in an interview with a local TV station that some of the messages were regretful and not something I would say today.

I want to make sure that everybody has a safe and affordable place to live, whether they rent or own, and that is something Im laser-focused on in this new role, she added.

The discussion comes after Mamdani last month accepted the resignation of another official, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, after the Anti-Defamation League shared social media posts she made over a decade ago that featured antisemitic tropes.

While Mamdani had said he was unaware of Da Costa's messages, Weavers past social media posts were known to the administration, according to a mayoral spokesperson, Dora Pekec.

Weaver previously led the Housing Justice for All coalition, which was widely credited with helping to convince state lawmakers to pass a sweeping package of tenant protections in 2019.

As leader of the city's tenant protection office, she would play a key role in achieving one of Mamdanis most polarizing campaign pledges: identifying negligent landlords and forcing them to negotiate the sale of their properties to the city if they are unable to pay fines for violations.

The public stewardship proposal has drawn consternation from landlord groups and skepticism from others in city government.

But the early days of his administration have brought signs that the new mayor is not backing off on the idea.

In a press conference immediately following his inauguration last week, Mamdani said the city would take precedent-setting action against the owner of a Brooklyn apartment building that owed the city money and was currently in bankruptcy proceedings.

He then announced Weavers appointment, drawing loud cheers from the members of a tenants union gathered in the building's lobby.

It is going to be challenging, Weaver acknowledged. New York is home to some of the most valuable real estate in the world. Everything about New York politics is about that fact.
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Watch as Donald Trump spoke at a House Republicans retreat on Tuesday, 6 January, as European leaders insisted they would not stop defending Greenlands territorial integrity in the face of continued threats from the US president to annex it.

Trump has claimed that taking over the semi-autonomous Danish territory is vital for his countrys national security; one of his senior aides has said that nobody would mount a military fight against the US to defend Greenland.

It comes after the US military carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife and transported them to New York City to stand trial on narco-terrorism charges.

Trump suggested that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to American intervention, after his administration raided Caracas. He has warned Colombian president Gustavo Petro  one of his fiercest critics on the international stage  that the South American country could be the next to face US military action.
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Vice President JD Vance has posted a bigoted meme mocking Congressional Democrats who were holding a candlelight vigil to remember the violence that erupted at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In an X post, Vances post edited images of sombreros onto a freeze-frame of Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries with their colleagues on the Capitol steps Tuesday. Democrats were marking five years since the riot that saw police officers beaten and government property destroyed.

On that day, supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building as Congress held a joint session to certify Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election win. The failed attempt to overturn the results and keep Trump in office came after the president and his allies repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that the election was stolen from him.

Vances meme riffs off those Trump circulated last fall. At the time, Republicans were baselessly claiming Democrats were refusing to support a spending bill to keep the government open so undocumented immigrants could get free healthcare. Vance previously brushed off the memes, calling them funny.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance posted a bigoted meme mocking Congressional Democrats holding a candlelight vigil to remember the violence that erupted at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

During a speech at Tuesdays vigil, Schumer, the minority leader of the Senate, said the January 6 rioters were egged on by Trump.

Five years ago, a vicious mob tried to undo American democracy, the New York Democrat said. Thousands of rioters, egged on by Donald Trump, stormed the U.S. Capitol, smashed its windows, desecrated its hallways, ransacked its offices in an attempt to steal the 2020 election.

Schumer said the White House released a maliciously false account on Tuesday that blamed the Capitol Police for the violence.

On a new White House webpage, the Trump administration claimed police officers deliberately escalated tensions between the peaceful protesters.

open image in gallery Tuesday marked five years since rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to keep President Donald Trump in power ( Brent Stirton/Getty Images )

Four police officers who responded on January 6, 2021, had died by suicide in the days and months following the riot, Reuters previously reported. Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by an officer while trying to climb through a broken window inside the Capitol building.

Shortly after Trump returned to the White House, he pardoned roughly 1,500 people convicted of crimes in relation to the January 6 riot, including those who assaulted police officers.

Trump has claimed the rioters, whom he has called patriots, were unfairly treated by the Justice Department.

Speaking at the vigil, Jeffries said, I have a simple message for the violent mob of insurrectionists: Donald Trump may have pardoned your crimes, but only God can pardon your sin.
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Christopher Anderson, the photographer who shot members of Donald Trumps cabinet for a Vanity Fair feature last month, has taken to Instagram to post a portrait he once took of Jeffrey Epstein, accompanied by a disturbing anecdote.

Beside a stark, black-and-white image of the late pedophile and five more of him and his lavishly-furnished office  complete with stuffed tiger and framed photographs of the occupants famous friends  Anderson wrote: Yes, thats Jeffrey Epstein.

He explained that he was assigned by New York Magazine to photograph Epstein in 2015 to illustrate an article by Michael Wolff, the journalist and Trump biographer whose email correspondence with the disgraced billionaire was released last year by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

I didnt know much about him, other than the fact that he had heavy connections to powerful men, Anderson wrote of Epstein. He wanted to meet me before the shoot to negotiate buying out the pictures after publication.

A young woman with an Eastern European accent answered the door (I would later see the same girl setting up a massage table in a room just off one of his offices) followed quickly by his private secretary, Lesley Groff.

open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in August 2019 but remains a figure of intense interest, with the Department of Justice currently reviewing and releasing its files on his crimes ( Reuters )

Anderson continued: When Epstein arrived, his eyes sized me up like someone always looking for the angles. He quizzed me about my pictures and how the shoot would go and how much I thought my pictures were worth.

He said he didnt want anyone else to have the pictures after the magazine published them, and offered me $20k to own them after publication.

The photographer explained that the offer amounted to all the money in the world to me at the time because he had a young family to support and that he had already been granted permission by the magazine to make such an agreement with his subject, who was made to understand he would not receive the images until they had been published.

Several days later, he decided to pull out of the story and started calling me to demand the pictures, Anderson resumed. I reiterated that the pictures were not his until after publication. Then the threats started. He sent his bodyguard/driver, Merwin, a massive guy in a long black overcoat and black, leather gloves, to my studio to intimidate me (it worked).

The magazine killed the story, too. So I cashed the check and Merwin came by again to collect the hard drive and make sure I didnt have any more copies of the photos. Today, I found the copy on a very old hard drive.

The Department of Justice is currently in the process of releasing all of its documents and investigative materials on Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial, in compliance with the Epstein Transparency Act.

The deadline for the full publication of the files was December 19, but the DOJ has so far posted only around 1 percent of its total holdings (by its own estimate) on its website in two tranches. It has advised a federal judge that it still has more than 2 million documents to review before they can be posted.

open image in gallery Christopher Andersons recent group shot of members of President Donald Trumps cabinet at the White House for Vanity Fair ( Christopher Anderson/Vanity Fair )

More than 400 DOJ attorneys and 100 FBI analysts are set to spend the next few weeks dedicating all or a substantial portion of their workday to examining the files, Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, wrote to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Englemayer in an update this week.

The legal experts are making redactions in the interest of safeguarding the sex offenders victims, protecting national security, and preventing ongoing investigations from being compromised, the DOJ has said.

Anderson recently attracted attention for his series of portraits of members of Trumps inner circle, like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

Very close-up portraiture has been a fixture in a lot of my work over the years, he told The Independent. Particularly, political portraits that Ive done over the years. I like the idea of penetrating the theater of politics.

I know theres a lot to be made with, Oh, he intentionally is trying to make people look bad and that kind of thing  thats not the case. If you look at my photograph work, Ive done a lot of close-ups in the same style with people of all political stripes.
The United States recognizes the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba, according to the National Security Presidential Memorandum on Cuba. The Cuban people have long suffered under a Communist regime that suppresses their legitimate aspirations for freedom and prosperity and fails to respect their essential human dignity, notes the Memorandum released in June 2025.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged in a recent interview with NBCs Meet the Press that the Cuban government is a huge problem, first of all, for the people of Cuba.



He added, I dont think its any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime, who, by the way, are the ones that were propping up [Venezuelan dictator Nicolas] Maduro. His entire. . .internal security apparatus is entirely controlled by Cubans.



In his Memorandum President Trump affirms that his administrations policy toward Cuba will be guided by the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, as well as solidarity with the Cuban people. I will seek to promote a stable, prosperous, and free country for the Cuban people. To that end, we must channel funds toward the Cuban people and away from a regime that has failed to meet the most basic requirements of a free and just society.



In a recent press conference following the successful military raid to remove Maduro from power, President Trump said Cuba is not doing very well right now. . . .[T]hat system has not been a very good one for Cuba . The people there have suffered for many, many years, and I think Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about because Cuba is a failing nation right now, very badly failing nation. And we want to help the people.



Speaking at the same press conference, Secretary Rubio reiterated how dismal the conditions are on the island nation. Cuba is a disaster. It's run by incompetent, senile men and in some cases not senile but incompetent, nonetheless . It has no economy; it's in total collapse.



In Cuba, dissidents and peaceful protesters are arbitrarily detained and held in terrible prison conditions. Violence and intimidation against dissidents occur with impunity. Families of political prisoners are retaliated against for peacefully protesting the improper confinement of their loved ones. Worshippers are harassed, and free association by civil society organizations is blocked. The right to speak freely, including through access to the internet, is denied, and there is no free press. The United States condemns these abuses.



The United States will continue to evaluate its policies so as to improve human rights, encourage the rule of law, foster free markets and free enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba.
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The White House continues to defend a highly inaccurate website it made marking five years since Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

We knew the media would be covering January 6th quite a bit because they think it's something the American people are still believing their lies on, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing on Wednesday. They think its something that still helps their case against this president. Obviously not, or else he wouldnt have been reelected in an overwhelming fashion in November of last year.

Her comments were in response to a lengthy question from reporter Cara Castronuova, a correspondent for Trump ally Mike Lindells LindellTV.

Castronuova claimed that Democrats and the mainstream media have pushed a big lie that the January 6 riot was an insurrection and that police died that day. (Media outlets including The Independent have accurately reported that officers involved in responding to the riot died after January 6 itself.)

In addition, she claimed a Georgia woman named Rosanne Boyland was pepper balled, gassed, and ultimately brutally beaten with a stick by a Capitol police officer.

open image in gallery On the 5th anniversary of the January 6 MAGA riot at the U.S. Capitol, the White House continued to insist Democrats and the media were spreading lies about the large pro-Trump crowd that breached the building as Republicans sought to halt the 2020 election win of Joe Biden ( AFP/Getty )

The January 6 riot followed months of pressure from Trump who continued to falsely claim the 2020 election had been stolen and pressed officials to find him more votes.

On January 6 itself, the president publicly pushed his Vice President Mike Pence to use his ceremonial role in the election certification process to pause the final approval of Joe Bidens win in an attempt to send the results back to states, where Trump allies were also pushing to create slates of false electors who would swing the Electoral College results to the Republican.

During the riot, Trump supporters chanted they wanted to hang Mike Pence.

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith recently testified his office was confident it wouldve been able to convict Trump of a conspiracy to overturn the election results, culminating in January 6, had the president not won reelection and been barred from prosecution under DOJ guidelines.

open image in gallery A White House website about January 6 features highly partisan information, including the claim that then-Vice President Mike Pence committed a betrayal by refusing to go along with Trumps attempt to pause the 2020 election certification ( Reuters )

Boylands official cause of death was ruled to be acute amphetamine intoxication, thought to be linked to a valid medical prescription.

Individuals present with the 34-year-old Trump supporter on January 6 have offered differing accounts of how she died.

Justin Cave, her brother-in-law, said Boyland was trampled in a crowd battling with police in a hallway into the Capitol, a conclusion The New York Times reached in a video analysis of the death.

Others have said police were directly responsible for her death, and the claim has circulated across right-wing media. A Newsweek fact-check found one video referenced by supporters of this theory is misleadingly edited.

open image in gallery Observers say Rosanne Boyland was either trampled by a crowd or killed by police at the riot ( Brent Stirton/Getty Images )

The Independent has contacted the U.S. Capitol Police for comment.

The White House website about January 6 is filled with inaccurate and highly partisan information about the riot.

It calls the nearly 1,600 people prosecuted for their involvement, many of whom were later pardoned by Donald Trump, patriotic Americans who were peaceful protesters treated as insurrectionists by a weaponized Biden DOJ.

The White House also flatly denied any involvement from Trump in the days event, or that it was meant to overthrow the government.

Elsewhere, the website refers to Pences decision to allow the stolen election to continue as a betrayal of the president and an act of cowardice and sabotage.

The site also claims a 55-year-old Alabama man who died of a heart attack during January 6 was killed.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio has thrown cold water on fears the U.S. was considering invading Greenland as President Donald Trump and members of the administration become increasingly aggressive in their remarks about taking over the territory.

At a closed-door briefing with lawmakers Monday evening, Rubio said the Trump administration was looking at options to purchase the territory from Denmark, rather than take it by force, according to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

Rubios update came during a briefing about Venezuela after lawmakers expressed concerns about the U.S. position on Greenland, citing recent comments made by Trump and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for national security and natural resources purposes, but recently appeared to ramp up his position. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, he told reporters Sunday.

Miller heightened concerns of an invasion when he told CNN earlier this week that the U.S. would use its military unapologetically and that nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that the US was looking at options to purchase Greenland from Denmark. ( White House via Getty Images )

Greenland, which has been a territory of Denmark since 1953, is located between Europe, North America and Northern Asia in the Arctic Circle. Its centralized location has been of national interest to the U.S. for years.

More recently, its become commercially important because, as ice melts in the Arctic due to climate change, it could be used for expanded shipping and transit routes.

But taking control of the island may prove more difficult than a military invasion or simple purchase. Members of NATO, and close allies to the U.S., have warned Trump not to take the Danish territory  which has repeatedly denied interest in becoming part of the U.S.

Greenland belongs to its people, a statement, signed by the leaders of Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, read.

A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. is eager to build a commercial relationship with Greenland and views it as a valuable asset as adversaries become increasingly active in the Arctic Circle. To stress the importance, Trump has tapped Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Special Envoy to Greenland.

open image in gallery Katie Miller, the wife of Stephen Miller, further escalated the potential for the US to purchase Greenland by sharing a photo of the country with an American flag ( X/@KatieMiller )

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt echoed those sentiments in a statement. President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, she said.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal.

But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reacted with worry over Trump and Millers refusal to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon warned there was no upside to damning allies. Republican Senator Tom Tillis and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement reminding Trump to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark.
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As President Donald Trumps administration attempts to rewrite the history of the January 6 Capitol riot five years on, old tweets from a top Cabinet member have come into sharp focus for their blistering rebuke of the attack.

On Tuesday, on the five-year anniversary of the riot, the White House launched a website that promulgates the Republican presidents false narrative about the day.

The site downplays the assaults that took place in the halls of Congress and casts blame on law enforcement officials for deliberately escalating tensions. It further blamed Democrats for failing to secure the Capitol and described then-Vice President Mike Pence as cowardly for failing to dispute former President Joe Bidens 2020 victory.

As a result, a stolen election was certified, the website falsely states.

After the website was launched, old social media posts from Marco Rubio  now Trumps Secretary of State, then a Florida senator  resurfaced, which directly contradict the White Houses narrative.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio's old tweets about the January 6th Capitol riot have resurfaced as the Trump administration attempts to rewrite history ( Getty )

As the Capitol riot was unfolding, Rubio fired off a series of tweets condemning the violence.

There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill, he wrote at 3:01 p.m., shortly after rioters tried to break into the Speakers lobby and House members were evacuated. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.

Minutes later, Rubio appealed directly to Trump, who was in the last days of his first term as president.

Mr. President @realDonaldTrump the men & women of law enforcement are under assault, he wrote on Twitter, now X. It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Trump by this point had posted a few tweets of his own, one of which accused Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done, while another asked rioters to stay peaceful!

Later in the day, Rubio delivered remarks on the Senate floor, offering a scathing rebuke of the riot.

My entire life I have lived with and next to people who came to America because their country was chaotic and their country was unsafe, he said. What I saw today  what we have seen  looks more like those countries than the extraordinary nation that I am privileged to call home.

open image in gallery There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill, Rubio wrote on social media on January 6, 2021. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy ( AP )

The next day, after the election certification was eventually carried out and dozens of police officers were recovering from injuries inflicted by Trumps supporters, Rubio again offered his thoughts on Twitter.

Some misled youThat the VP could reject ballots, he wrote. That objections could pass or used as leverage to force an audit They knew the truth but thought it was a great way to get attention & raise money.

Since joining the Trump administration, though, Rubio has largely avoided any discussion of the January 6 riot that he once forcefully condemned.

During a January interview with ABC News, Rubio was asked about his former remarks, following Trumps decision to pardon around 1,500 of the rioters.

I wont be opining on domestic matters at this point, he told host George Stephanopoulos.

When pressed on the matter, he followed up, saying, As a senator, I had an opinion on all kinds of domestic mattersBut now, Im focused singularly on foreign policy and how I interact with our allies.

A spokesperson for Rubio did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson told The Independent that nobody is talking about military action in Greenland despite the fact that President Donald Trumps administration has floated the possibility.

Johnson spoke to reporters on Wednesday during his weekly press conference when The Independent asked if Congress would need to authorize military action in Greenland.

We are not at war with Greenland, Johnson said. We have no intention of being at war, we have no reason to be at war with Greenland.

Johnson said that there are geopolitical and strategic importance of Greenland. Trump has long had a fixation on the autonomous territory going back to 2019, when his administration discussed purchasing it.

They're talking about diplomatic channels for this, okay? Johnson said. He added that Trump had appointed Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Johnsons home state of Louisiana, to be the envoy to Greenland.

open image in gallery Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) told reporters that nobody is talking about war with Greenland, despite the Trump administrations saber-rattling about it. ( Getty )

There's a lot of thoughtful discussion to be had there, and that's what we expect is going to happen, he said. So all this stuff about military action and all that, I don't think it's, I don't even think that's a possibility. I don't think anybody's seriously considering that. And in the Congress, were certainly not.

On Monday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller spoke openly about the United States using military force to take Greenland. Miller told CNNs Jake Tapper that nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.

The White House also repeated this stance.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio said If the president identifies a threat to the national security of the United States, every president retains the option to address it through military means. ( AFP/Getty )

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief's disposal, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday.

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who briefed the Senate on Wednesday, attempted to clarify the remarks.

If the president identifies a threat to the national security of the United States, every president retains the option to address it through military means, he told reporters.

The questions surrounding Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, once again bubbled up after Trump ordered military strikes in Venezuela that led to the arrest of its president Nicolas Maduro.

But leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement this week saying that Greenland belongs to its people. The sextets statement came after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that taking Greenland would signify the end of NATO.

In addition, The Independent asked Johnson about Trumps announcement that Venezuela would relinquish 50 million barrels of crude from the oil-rich Latin American nation and that he would control the money.

The U.S. Constitution dictates that Congress has the power of the purse and determines how to spend money.

What happens next, there are plans and procedures in place, but it's impossible to know exactly how it's all going to play out, Johnson said.

But we don't know the details of that yet, and I certainly don't, he added. The House has not been apprised of it, because I think it is in the works right now.
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a scathing denunciation of the Trump administration and called for federal agents to get the f*** out of the city on Wednesday, after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a woman who was blocking law enforcement in her vehicle.

We do not want you here, Frey said during a Wednesday news conference.

Federal officials have accused the woman of being a rioter who weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them, something Frey said was bulls*** and a garbage narrative, based on video he had seen of the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also described her actions as an act of domestic terrorism.

This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed, Frey continued.

Later Wednesday, the woman was identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good.

open image in gallery Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on the Trump administration to pull agents out of Minneapolis, after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning ( Getty )

Frey pushed back against the Trump administrations claims that Goods actions were an act of domestic terrorism during an appearance on CNN Wednesday evening.

I saw the same videos you saw, and the notion that this is domestic terrorism on the form of the victim, yeah, its positively ridiculous, said Frey.

Frey also repeated his call for ICE officials to leave the city.

My message to ICE, pure and simple, is to leave. My message to our community is that this is our moment to stand up and do the right thing, he told CNN.

Unverified videos of the incident, posted online, appeared to show Good struggling to navigate her vehicle slowly as law enforcement agents surrounded her. As she tried to move and drive away, the officer fired several shots. The car then sped away and crashed into a telephone pole.

Good was shot in the head during the incident and was later pronounced dead at an area hospital, according to Minneapolis police.

The mayor called on community members to remain peaceful, warning that the white House would use any violence from protesters to justify more military-style force in the city, where the Trump administration is already deploying around 2,000 agents in an immigration and anti-fraud crackdown. Minneapolis was previously home to widespread protests and instances of looting and rioting in 2020 after the police murder of George Floyd.

open image in gallery Trump administration officials claim the ICE agent fired on the driver in self-defense ( Getty )

They are not here to cause safety in this city, Frey said of the Trump administration immigration agents. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust.

At the briefing, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said he was very concerned by the shooting and said in any professional law enforcement agency in the country, officers are intensely trained to avoid situations where they would need to use deadly force on unarmed civilians, as appeared to be the case with the Wednesday shooting.

The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will investigate the shooting, which occurred during a protest of immigration operations around 34th Street and Portland Avenue.

The Trump administration has been surging immigration agents to the Minneapolis area since late last year. The White House ramped up operations in recent days after a viral video claimed Minneapolis day care centers were defrauding the federal government.

The crackdown follows President Trumps frequent derogatory comments about the substantial Somali population in the Twin Cities, whom the president has called garbage.
Close Cell phone footage shows shooting of Renee Good from ICE agent's perspective

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday twice referred to Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minnesota last week, as a lunatic," the latest Trump administration denunciation of the deceased mother of three.

Leavitt said that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot Good, was absolutely justified in using self defense against a lunatic who was part of a group, an organized group, to interject and to impede on law enforcement operations.

A number of Trump officials have blamed Good for her own death, alleging without evidence she was a professional agitator.

Goods death set off widespread protests, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said hundreds more federal law enforcement agents will be deployed to Minnesota to protect its officers amid the outcry.

Ross shot Good while she was driving an SUV on a residential street in Minneapolis last Wednesday. Footage of the shooting has drawn intense scrutiny, with Democrats accusing Ross of acting recklessly and Republicans claiming Good attempted to strike the agent.

State and local officials in Minnesota sued the Trump administration on Monday, alleging the ongoing DHS immigration crackdown violates the Constitution.
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New details have emerged about the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old mother in Minnesota, including the identity of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent responsible.

Local media named Jonathan Ross as the agent who killed Renee Nicole Good. Officials say that he was dragged and injured by a fleeing driver during a separate incident last year.

The fatal shooting occurred on a street in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, where numerous immigration officers were present amid a surge of federal agents in the city, according to the City of Minneapolis.

Video of the incident shows Ross confronting Good in her car before firing several shots into the vehicle as it started to move.

However, the incident has sparked sharply conflicting accounts of the incident from local, state, and federal officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who said that Goods death was a tragedy of her own making.

She was trying to ram this guy with her car, Vance said at a White House briefing Thursday.

Other officials from the Trump administration described the shooting as an act of self-defense and alleged that the victim had engaged in domestic terrorism. In contrast, the Minneapolis mayor condemned Rosss actions as reckless and called on federal immigration authorities to withdraw from the city.

Here is what we know so far.

Who was the shooter?

The ICE agent involved in the shooting was identified on Thursday by The Minnesota Star Tribune as Jonathan Ross.

Little information about Ross was made public, though he was described as an experienced officer by federal officials.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that Rosss experience included more than 10 years of experience as an ICE Deportation Officer and selection for ICEs Special Response Team, which requires 30 hours of tryouts before consideration.

He has also reportedly completed an SRT Basic Operator Course as well as continuous and ongoing training in several specialized skills, including breaching techniques, perimeter control, advanced firearms training, hostage rescue, and more.

open image in gallery The ICE agent involved in the shooting was named Thursday by The Minnesota Star Tribune as Jonathan Ross ( Screengrab )

He has also maintained an expert marksman qualification on all issued firearms, according to McLaughlin.

According to The Star Tribune, in June last year, Ross was dragged and injured by a car as he attempted to detain Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, a Mexican man with a criminal record, while he was driving in Bloomington.

When Munoz-Guatemala didnt comply with orders from agents, Ross broke the cars rear window and tried to unlock the door. Munoz-Guatemala then accelerated, dragging Ross roughly 300 feet before he was knocked from the car.

As a result of the incident, Ross needed 20 stitches on his arm and 13 more on his hand, according to court documents seen by the outlet. Munoz-Guatemala was later convicted of assaulting an officer

Who was the person killed?

Goods mother, Donna Ganger, confirmed her daughters identity to the Star Tribune just hours after the shooting. Members of the Minneapolis City Council also confirmed her identity in a statement on Wednesday evening.

Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known. She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being, Ganger told the Star Tribune.

open image in gallery Fatal shooting of 37-year-old woman sparks sharply conflicting accounts from local, state and federal officials ( Social media )

Ganger said her daughter lived in the Twin Cities with her wife, Becca Good. She said it was so stupid. Good was killed, adding that she was probably terrified, according to the Star Tribune.

Good had a son with her former husband, Timmy Ray Macklin Jr., according to the Star Tribune. Macklin died in 2023. Macklins father, Timmy Ray Macklin Sr., told the outlet the six-year-old boy now has nobody else in his life.

Ill drive. Ill fly. To come and get my grandchild, he said.

In a separate interview with The Daily Telegraph, Goods former father-in-law described the shooting as murder.

It is horrible, its murder. Everybody is terribly shocked right now. She was a good, outgoing person. I didnt agree with a lot of her ways, but its really sad to see these things happen, he said.

Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez previously confirmed to ABC News that Good was an American citizen. He also said she was acting as an observer who was watching out for our immigrant neighbors. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that there was no indication she was the subject of an immigration enforcement investigation.

He noted that she appeared to be in her car, blocking the street.

open image in gallery Members of law enforcement at the scene on Wednesday ( Getty )

open image in gallery An aerial view of the scene in Minneapolis where a woman was shot by an ICE agent ( KSTP )

What happened?

The deadly shooting took place at 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an intersection in a residential neighborhood, according to the City of Minneapolis.

A video of the incident shared with local media shows multiple masked officers approaching a red car stopped in the middle of the icy road.

An officer can be heard instructing the driver to get out of the f***ing car before one officer tries to open the door as the vehicle begins reversing. A second officer, positioned in front of the car, then draws his weapon and fires several shots as the car speeds forward and to the right. The vehicle then crashes a short distance away.

The officer appeared to have fired one shot through the windscreen and then two more into the open window on the drivers side of the car.

As people scream and shout at the immigration officials, several people are seen walking towards the car.

open image in gallery The crashed vehicle with what appears to be a bullet hole in the windshield ( Getty )

Photos shared on social media appear to show an airbag splattered with blood inside the crashed vehicle.

Several police officers responded to the scene and helped transport Good to a hospital, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a press conference. But she was pronounced dead.

A witness told NBC News that it didnt appear the driver was attempting to run over an agent.

There was plenty of space between the officers at that point for the vehicle to make it through, he told the outlet, adding that it appeared the driver was attempting to flee.

Reactions from officials

open image in gallery Trump defended the ICE agent involved in the shooting on both social media an in a new interview ( AP )

At around 3:30 p.m., President Donald Trump weighed in. In a post on Truth Social, he accused the Radical Left of mounting an assault on law enforcement professionals.

He said he had watched a video of the incident, adding, It is a horrible thing to watch.

Of the shooting victim, the president wrote that the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense. Videos of the incident do not clearly indicate whether the officer was touched by the car, although he appears to jump out of the way of the vehicle while shooting.

He said the officer involved was now recovering in the hospital and that it is hard to believe he is alive, despite video showing him walking around apparently unhurt in the wake of the shooting.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump presented blurry footage to reporters that had been promoted online by right-wing influencers such as Benny Johnson and Andy NGo. She behaved horribly. And then she ran him over. She didnt try to run him over, he said.

However, the president also lamented the situation as a terrible scene, saying: I think its horrible to watch. No, I hate to see it.

open image in gallery People gathered near the scene of the incident in Minneapolis on Wednesday ( Getty )

At a White House press briefing Thursday, Vance said Good had violated the law and committed an act of terrorism.

The way that the media, by and large, has reported this story has been an absolute disgrace, and it puts our law enforcement officers at risk every single day, he said. [Ross] shot back. He defended himself.

He's already been seriously wounded in law enforcement operations before, and everybody who has been repeating the lie that this is some innocent woman who was out for a drive in Minneapolis when a law enforcement officer shot at her. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also previously described the shooting as defensive in nature.

Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them  an act of domestic terrorism, she said in a statement.

An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots, McLaughlin added. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.

She characterized the shooting as a consequence of the demonization of our officers.

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Frey offered a strikingly different account of what happened.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense, Frey, a Democrat, told reporters. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly: that is bulls***. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.

Weve dreaded this moment since the early stages of ICEs presence in Minneapolis, Frey added. They are not here to cause safety in this city what they are doing is causing chaos and distrust.

In a press conference later in the afternoon, Governor Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, expressing outrage at the White House.

Weve been warning for weeks that the Trump administrations dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to our safety and that someone was going to get hurt, Walz, a Democrat, said. We do not need any further help from the federal government .

He then asked that protesters refrain from violence, stating, They want a show. We cant give it to them.

Several other elected officials quickly reacted to the deadly incident, with many Democrats condemning ICE.

Im following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar wrote in a post on X. ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.

open image in gallery During a press conference, Walz urged those who protest the shooting to do so peacefully ( Getty )

This is not the first time Trumps ICE has shot at civilians, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal wrote in a post. We need ICE out of our cities and communities.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confirmed that the woman killed was an American citizen and urged ICE to leave for everyones safety.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller described the incident as domestic terrorism.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed this view, telling Fox News, It was an act of domestic terrorism. ICE Officers got stuck in the snow. They were attempting to push out their vehicle, and a woman attacked them, and those surrounding them, and attempted to run them over.

At a Wednesday evening press conference, Noem went on to claim Good had been stalking and impeding federal officials work throughout the day. Noem again described her actions as an act of domestic terrorism at the press conference.

Large crowd assembled at shooting site

Following the ICE shooting on Wednesday, a large crowd of people assembled on the street where it occurred, video showed.

People bundled in winter coats stood in the street, on the sidewalk and in the snow near an area cordoned off with police tape. At one point, they broke into chants directed at law enforcement officials.

open image in gallery Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez addressed onlookers while flanked by a law enforcement officer ( Getty )

Footage from Fox News also shows onlookers throwing snowballs at law enforcement personnel and giving them the middle finger.

People are very, very angry, a CNN reporter at the scene said.

The fatal shooting took place just a few blocks away from where George Floyd was killed in May 2020, an event that ignited nationwide protests.

Influx of federal agents

Goods death comes shortly after the Trump administration announced it was deploying additional ICE agents to the Minneapolis area.

While for the safety of our officers we do not get into law enforcement footprint, DHS has surged law enforcement and has already made more than 1,000 arrests of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members, DHS told The Independent in an email on Tuesday.

The surge, which began this weekend, was expected to involve as many as 2,000 agents from multiple agencies, according to law enforcement sources.

The influx of federal agents comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into fraud in Minnesotas social services programs, which culminated in Governor Tim Walz announcing on Monday that he would not seek reelection.

A large share of Minnesota residents are of Somali descent, many of whom have remained indoors for fear of being detained by ICE, according to NBC News.

Trump has repeatedly singled out Somalis for ridicule and has accused Illegal Somalian Criminals of stealing billions of dollars from Minnesota.Last month, he described immigrants from the East African nation as garbage and called for Rep. Omar, who is from Somalia, to be thrown the hell out of the U.S.
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Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace doesn't have high hopes for the GOP come this year's midterm elections.

During an interview on Newsmax on Wednesday, co-host Sharla McBride asked Mace if she thinks the Republicans will maintain control of the House after the midterms.

Are you confident Republicans can hold on to the majority come November? she asked.

Mace didn't mince words.

Well, no, Im actually not, she said. I feel like we could do a lot more. We dont have a lot of time to, I believe, implement all of Donald Trumps agenda. Republican primaries start in March  Texas is one of the earliest states. And I dont believe weve done enough.

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace told Newsmax that she does not believe her party is doing enough to advance President Donald Trumps agenda, and as a result may lose the 2026 midterm elections ( AFP via Getty Images )

In addition to typical election pressures and an American public contending not just with affordability issues but also President Donald Trump's military adventurism, the House GOP is hemorrhaging members this year. There are 25 House Republicans  including Mace  who are not running for re-election this year.

Mace will instead run in the South Carolina gubernatorial race.

Another House GOP member, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, died during an emergency surgery on the day after Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene's resignation went into effect.

The means House Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to have two members defect on any party-line votes, assuming that every member is present, which often is not the case. For instance, Republican Congressman Jim Baird of Indiana missed a vote on Tuesday because he was in the hospital following a serious car accident.

The Republicans have been trying to offset the exodus through gerrymandering efforts, and it's unclear how effective their tactics will be come election day. Democrats in California have responded in kind to try to offset any imbalance.

Despite the fact that dozens of Republican elected officials are fleeing under Trump's leadership, Mace said she still believe that adhering to his authority is a viable path forward for the party.

Everything he has said has been the best idea for the country, Mace said. Hes gonna go down as the best president of the United States. But I dont wanna see the House or the Senate  particularly the Senate, which is the bottleneck right now  holding up his agenda and ensuring that we dont win the House. Im very concerned about the midterms.

Mace isn't the only Republican concerned about the implications of losing the House this year. Trump told House GOP members on Tuesday that if they lose control of the House, Democrats will impeach him.

"You got to win the midterms because if we don't win the midterms, it's just going to be  I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me. I'll get impeached," Trump said.

The president has been impeached twice already, once for pressuring Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 election, and again after the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, following his defeat in the election two months earlier.
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When hes not shaping the Trump administrations policies on immigration, trade or foreign affairs, Stephen Miller reportedly turns his focus to an unexpected obsession: mens fashion.

Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and one of the most influential members of the administration, was described by colleagues as a proud sartorialist who regularly dishes clothing tips, The Atlantic reported.

We would talk about the difference in fabrics for seasons, and lapel size and width of ties and these types of things, Hogan Gidley, who served in the press office during Trumps first term, told the outlet. He characterized Millers style as sophisticated and smart and chic but also daring at times.

The Atlantic observed that, in the past, Miller has demonstrated a certain preoccupation with his own looks.

In 2017, then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was photographed lint-rolling Millers suit before an on-camera interview. In 2018, Miller appeared on CBS News Face the Nation sporting what viewers speculated was artificial hair sprayed onto his head  a look that quickly became fodder for late night television hosts.

open image in gallery Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, is obsessed with fashion and regularly dishes out menswear tips, according to a new report ( Getty )

And, during a Vanity Fair photoshoot at the White House in November, the deputy chief of staff appeared concerned about how he would be perceived.

When we were finished, [Miller] came up to me and he said, You know you have a lot of power in the discretion you use to be kind to someone in your photographs, Photographer Christopher Anderson previously told The Independent. And I look at him and I said, You know, you do too.

While taking care to cultivate his own image, Miller has also reportedly sought to shape those around him in his likeness.

While helping President Donald Trump debate prep in 2024, Miller got into a back-and-forth on the subject of immigration with a Trump ally, according to The Atlantic.

Stephen if you had it your way, everyone would look exactly like you, Trump said, according to someone with knowledge of the exchange.

Miller supposedly shot back, Thats correct.

That said, Miller has heaped praise on Trumps own fashion choices. In 2024, he slammed a New York Times story that called former President Joe Bidens wardrobe dapper.

Donald Trumps a style icon! He changed American fashion in The Apprentice, Miller told Fox News. People spent the next ten years trying to dress like Donald Trump. So if anybody deserves a puff piece on their sense of style, its Donald Trump and the first lady.

open image in gallery 'We would talk about the difference in fabrics for seasons, and lapel size and width of ties and these types of things,' a former Trump official said of Miller ( Getty Images )

Meanwhile, Millers own outward appearance has drawn criticism from one of the nations best-known menswear experts. Derek Guy, whose fashion advice under the name Die, Workwear! has garnered him more than one million followers on X, has repeatedly skewered Millers style.

Stephen Miller appears to have spent a considerable sum on a new wardrobe for his role in the Trump administration, Guy wrote on X in March. Unfortunately, none of the clothes fit.

Two months later, he posted a lengthy thread focusing on what he saw as flaws in Millers style, including the recurring collar gap in his suits.

Other menswear aficionados, however, have praised Millers fashion sense, including one who described a suit he wore as understated in an elegant way.

open image in gallery During a Vanity Fair photoshoot in November, Miller approached the photographer to give him a gentle reminder about how he portrays his subjects ( Getty Images )

Miller isnt the only member of the Trump administration to fixate on appearances.

In September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth derided what he described as lax standards in the military.

Its tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops, he said, adding that he was instituting mandatory physical training for all service members.

He also said he would be implementing grooming standards, stating Were gonna cut our hair, shave our beards.
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Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has claimed that her unvaccinated child is healthier than her vaccinated one.

In an episode of her podcast, which aired Tuesday, Miller spoke about childhood vaccines with Jenny McCarthy, an actress and vaccine skeptic.

I havent talked about this but my oldest child is fully vaccinated, my youngest child is not vaccinated at all, said Miller, who previously served in the Trump administration and worked for Elon Musk.

My oldest child had milk soy protein allergy and we had struggles breastfeeding, she continued. My third child was fully breastfed until age one. He is my healthiest child who never, ever gets sick. Hes never been on antibiotics. He is like, every day I could put like dirt in his mouth and he will not get ill.

McCarthy, who previously said that she believes vaccines caused her son to develop autism, wholeheartedly agreed.

open image in gallery Stephen Millers wife claimed that her unvaccinated child is healthier than her vaccinated one. I could put like dirt in his mouth and he will not get ill, she said. ( REUTERS )

Honestly, this is what Ive heard, and I did talks all over the country over the past fifteen years, talking to moms face-to-face who had a vaccine-injured child, or just woke up and did not do that, and they said my child that is not vaccinated hasnt been to the doctor in like eight years, doesnt get sick, the strongest immune system, doesnt have allergies, McCarthy said. Its unbelievable how much healthier that generation is.

Extensive research by medical experts has consistently shown there is no credible connection between autism and vaccines.

The pair continued to speak at length about vaccines, with Miller characterizing McCarthy as a mother who has done her own research, adding that such women are the most powerful people on the planet.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration decreased the number of vaccines it recommends for children. The Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, said its comparison to the vaccine schedules of 20 peer nations found that the U.S. was an outlier. But the move was slammed by many medical experts.

Millers podcast, launched earlier this year, has featured a number of administration officials as guests, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Most episodes have garnered several thousand views on YouTube.

open image in gallery Katie Miller, the wife of Stephen Miller, announced a new podcast aimed at attracting conservative women ( Katie Miller Pod/YouTube )

Its not the first time that Millers remarks have made headlines. On New Years Eve, she posted a video of her husband and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem  the architects of Trumps hardline immigration policy  dancing to Ice Ice Baby at Mar-a-Lago.

It triggered a wave of criticism as many people viewed it as a not-so-subtle nod to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whose agents have been involved in aggressive deportation sweeps across the U.S.,The Independent previously reported.

On January 3, Katie Miller posted an image of Greenland covered in an American flag on X with the caption: SOON.

The image - posted hours after the U.S. carried out a military operation in Venezuela to seize autocratic leader Nicolas Maduro - was an apparent reference to the Trump administrations recent calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory, which have triggered alarm among European allies.

Jesper Mller Srensen, the Danish ambassador to the U.S., quickly condemned Millers post.

Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such, he wrote in a follow-up post. We expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.
People gather around the Century Clock to greet the New Year in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The emotional experience and the sought-after "sense of ritual" -- a mindful effort to imbue activities with symbolic meaning -- best capture how Chinese people ushered in 2026, as vibrant celebrations across the country reflected robust domestic consumption at the start of the new year.

For Ms. Li, a resident in Beijing, celebrating the New Year with a huge crowd under the eye-catching Century Clock and enjoying the dazzling countdown light show in the neighboring Tianjin city was an experience she'll never forget. "I purposefully traveled to Tianjin for the New Year celebration. I didn't expect there would be such a huge crowd and I can deeply feel the New Year vibe."

As Li enjoyed her New Year celebration, Zhao Xinran, in her 20s, traveled thousands of kilometers from the warm city of Guangzhou to Harbin, an icy world of white snow. On the first day of the holiday, a hundred adorable penguins at Harbin Polarpark stole the show, drawing lots of visitors. "I visited the Harbin Ice-Snow World theme park, learned about local ice sculpture and lantern art, and enjoyed a walk on the historic Harbin Central Street."

Li and Zhao are a microcosm of the Chinese tourism consumption market heating up in the New Year season. During the three-day New Year holiday from Jan. 1 to 3, keyword search for "New Year trip" via the nation's leading travel platform Trip.com Group rose more than 125 percent. From theme park fireworks and wish-making events to concerts and more, people enjoyed a wide variety of ways to celebrate the New Year.

A drone photo shows a fireworks show at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that during the three-day break, tourists' spending on domestic travels reached nearly 84.8 billion yuan (about 12.1 billion U.S. dollars), noting that winter-themed tours, sun-seeking getaways and short-distance excursions had gained significant traction during the holiday period. Data from Fliggy, another leading online travel service provider, also indicated Chinese people's growing travel interest during the New Year holiday, with per capita consumption spending rising 30 percent year on year.

The robust travel-related consumption is closely tied to an advanced and efficient transport system, especially its vast high-speed rail network, which now stretches over 50,000 kilometers after the Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway opened on Dec. 26.

With the new route's launch, travel time between the two cities in northwest China's Shaanxi Province has been cut to around one hour. This 299-kilometer railway that links 19 counties and urban districts has made travel to tourist attractions such as the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, as well as the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, a seamless experience.

A drone photo taken on Dec. 3, 2025 shows a double rainbow over the Hukou Waterfall in Jixian County, north China's Shanxi Province. (Photo by Lyu Guiming/Xinhua)

"The launch of this new high-speed railway made travel a lot easier," said a tourist surnamed Mo from Xi'an. Mo and his family were among the visitors who took the high-speed train to get to Yan'an for a visit to the Hukou Waterfall during the New Year holiday.

Data showed daily visits to the Waterfall has increased 165 percent on average after the launch of the new railway. Nationwide, railway trips constitute part of a total of 590 million trips made via various transport modes during the holiday period, according to data from the Ministry of Transport.

Commenting on the booming tourism market, Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy, said that the year 2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). "At the start of the New Year, we see that tourism increasingly become part of Chinese people's daily lives, forming an essential part of cultural experience and spiritual enjoyment."

Apart from emotional satisfaction from travels, the practical allure of seaside retreat and duty-free shopping has also attracted a growing number of visitors to south China's resort island province of Hainan. Duty-free shopping got off to a strong start over the New Year holiday, with offshore duty-free sales reaching 712 million yuan from Jan. 1 to 3, up 128.9 percent year on year, local customs data showed. This surge in sales was backed by the number of shoppers that rose 60.6 percent year on year.

Tourists pose for photos at a scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 1, 2026. (Photo by Li Xueshi/Xinhua)

Data from travel services platform Qunar showed that the cities of Haikou and Sanya in Hainan Province, among all Chinese cities, recorded the fastest increases in inbound passenger numbers via international flights during the New Year holiday, with entries into the two cities growing three folds and five folds year on year, respectively.

During the holiday, duty-free shopping complexes in Sanya and Haikou were packed with bustling shoppers, with long lines forming at the counters. This shopping frenzy comes after China last month launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest FTP by area. These operations have allowed for freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage, and introduced more business-friendly measures.

In addition to robust travel spending, the New Year holiday also witnessed a growing number of shoppers incentivized by government subsidies for purchases of digital products and AI-empowered home appliances under the consumer goods trade-in program.

Just before the New Year, China set aside 62.5 billion yuan in special treasury bond funds ahead of time to support consumer goods trade-ins for 2026. The move aims to keep up with growing demand during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays, especially for products like cars and home appliances.

According to data provided by Suning, a leading Chinese home appliance retailer, the company's chain stores across the country saw a 110 percent rise in customer visits during the holiday as a result of the trade-in program. This policy was in line with the Central Economic Work Conference held in December, which announced that expanding domestic demand is set to top China's major economic priorities in 2026. This conference also outlined plans to implement consumption-boosting campaigns and increase the incomes of urban and rural residents.

Hong Yong, an associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the consumption market's dynamics during the New Year holiday has shown that the government's policies have promoted tourism and consumption and helped rebuild confidence.

"When policies are geared toward improving people's lives, the recovery of the consumer market gains its most solid foundation. The strong momentum witnessed at the beginning of the year marked a good start to 2026 and boosted confidence for continuous consumption expansion throughout the year," Hong said.

Editor: GSY
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Almost 100 people are set to be removed from a homeless shelter village in Portland, Oregon, that has been the center of complaints from neighbours over antisocial behavior.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has said 80 to 90 people will be evicted from the city's Safe Rest villages starting next month, largely because the accommodations are intended as temporary resources to help homeless people get back on their feet and move into more long-term housing.

Wilson sent a memo to the City Council on Tuesday outlining why they need to enforce "stay limits on those living in the pods, which make up much of the accommodation.

Stay limits and engagement requirements are nationwide best practices used to encourage continuous progress towards stability, independence, and appropriate housing, he said in the memo, ABCs local KATU News reported.

open image in gallery A man moves his belongings into a pod setup by the city in Portland, Oregon ( AP )

In September, Portland introduced requirements that those moving into the Safe Rest villages adhere to a 120-day stay limit and engage with local services.

Wilson said the move would incentivize people to use the system and then move into permanent housing.

Despite his argument, some critics believe it may be counterproductive to remove vulnerable people.

Molly Hogan, executive director of the Welcome Home Coalition, based in Portland, said: Removing people from shelter does not end homelessness  it punishes individuals for being poor. What's mind-boggling about this new policy from the mayor who ran on ending unsheltered homelessness is that it will put nearly 100 people back out on the literal street."

The criticism comes as residents in some neighborhoods near the Safe Rest villages have complained that the pods' arrival has changed the area's character.

open image in gallery A protester is detained outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Portland, as the city came into the cross hairs of the Trump admin ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Multnomah Safe Rest Village, which has been in operation for three years, provides 100 shelter pods for people experiencing homelessness transitioning off the streets.

Since their arrival, local residents have complained that the upmarket area is now experiencing antisocial behaviour. "We see satellite camping, we see drug use and drug sales," one resident told Portlands KGW8 local news outlet.

"There's screaming threats, fights that happen inside the [village] that people can hear all hours of the night," they added.

Portland, which is known as a liberal, creative, and relatively laid-back city, has become a favourite target of the Trump administration in recent years.

The president has used various derogatory terms to describe Portland, including calling it "war-ravaged," a "nightmare," a craphole city, like "living in hell," and a "burned-down hulk of a city".

In late 2025, amid an immigration crackdown across the country, the president deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to war-ravaged Portland, as he described it at the time.

Following the arrival and subsequent departure of National Guard troops, Portlanders pushed back against the presidents portrayal of the city as dangerous, sharing images of calm neighborhoods and bustling food markets on social media.
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Network staffers and insiders are so far unimpressed with Tony Dokoupils embarrassing debut as the new CBS Evening News anchor, raging about the programs MAGA pivot while fuming that Dokoupil is practicing journalism malpractice and pro-Trump propaganda.

Its state TV, one network staffer declared.

At the same time, multiple sources have told The Independent that during a commercial break of his Saturday evening conversation with Dokoupil, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said he was only sitting down for his first mainstream press interview because editor-in-chief Bari Weiss approached him  and he liked how the network was treating the administration.

For the record, Tammy, I think this is my first mainstream press interview yet, Hegseth declared, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. We did it at Bari's request and because CBS News did something right on this.

A network source familiar with the ad break conversation told The Independent that they witnessed Hegseth turning and looking off camera to make the comments to his handlers during a commercial break. The secretary was not addressing Dokoupil during that exchange.

open image in gallery Network staffers are less than impressed with the first few days of Tony Dokoupil's tenure as CBS Evening News anchor, calling the early broadcasts state TV. ( CBS News )

While it wasnt immediately clear what Hegseth was referring to when he said CBS did something right, his remarks came days after Weiss controversially spiked a 60 Minutes story on the notoriously violent CECOT prison because it didnt sufficiently represent the Trump administrations side of the issue.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for CBS News, Weiss and the Department of Defense (renamed the Department of War by the administration) for comment.

Meanwhile, Dokoupil  the former CBS Mornings host who was handpicked by Weiss to be the face of her reboot of the nightly flagship show  has taken heat from the networks journalists and media observers alike over the MAGA-friendly direction of the new CBS Evening News, as well as the arrogant attitude hes displayed in recent days.

One particular point of embarrassment, CBS News sources noted, was Dokoupil jumping into the social media comments section and boasting that he would be more accountable and more transparent than legendary anchor Walter Cronkite, who once manned the networks weeknight news program.

I mean, this is all so hilarious but also so sad and pathetic, one network staffer told The Independent.

Dokoupils declaration that he would be better than Cronkite came in response to critics who took him to task for his New Years Day video message criticizing the legacy media for missing the story by focusing too much on academics and elites instead of listening to the average American. He also took credit for scrapping the programs handbook and replacing it with 5 simple values, one of which is merely: We love America.

All the while, CBS posted short-form social media clips showing Dokoupil approaching random travelers at a train station and asking them to pronounce his last name, prompting network staffers to question the marketing and promotional strategy around the reboot. Quite the humiliating ritual, one employee told The Independent. This is just embarrassing.

With the relaunch of the perennially third-place show already racked by internal chaos, which included last-minute changes by Weiss and the optics of Dokoupil using a private plane to bounce from city-to-city on his Live From America tour, the networks initial debut plans had to be scrapped due to the invasion of Venezuela and capture of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro.

open image in gallery Several network sources noted that Pete Hegseth claimed in a commercial break during his interview with Dokoupil that he did it at Bari's request because CBS News did something right on this. ( CBS News )

With Dokoupil already in San Francisco ahead of the first stop on the Live From America launch (which had recently been changed from the proposed first destination of Miami), he made his first appearance as evening host from a local TV affiliate during the programs Saturday night edition.

While his sooner-than-planned debut included a high-profile exclusive interview with Hegseth, who recently remade the Pentagon press corps into a pro-Trump cheering section, the lengthy conversation was pilloried by both CBS News journalists and outside reporters for supposedly being unchallenging and acquiescent.

Variety called the interview an inauspicious sign of where CBS News is headed as the Trump administrations perspective was aired so thoroughly as to raise the question of when an interview becomes a press release. Oliver Darcy at Status News, meanwhile, labeled the multi-segment sitdown a softball interview that was criticized by insiders as disastrous.

Indeed, one CBS News source who spoke to The Independent blasted the embarrassing interview, particularly because it comes in the wake of the Pentagon pushing out reporters and news outlets who would not agree to new restrictive rules on covering the department.

Lets not forget Hegseth is the same guy who threw journalists out of the Pentagon for refusing to sign a loyalty oath, including CBS, the source noted. But hey, Bari is useful for pushing his propaganda and Tony is quite happy to play along. Shameful.

That same source, who had knowledge of the comments Hegseth made during an ad break about the reasons he accepted the interview request, added that there was also an appearance of a quid pro quo between the administration and network.

Anyone with half a brain will know that if CBS gets a high-profile Trump administration interview that nobody else has, its because CBS has sold out its soul, values and ethics, they declared. This isnt journalism. Its state TV.

Another reporter at the network also brought up Dokoupils combative 2024 interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates about Israel and Palestine, which led CBS News management at the time to reprimand the then-CBS Mornings star for violating editorial practices.

It was that kerfuffle, incidentally, that resulted in Dokoupil becoming a favorite of Weiss well before Paramount CEO David Ellison named her editor-in-chief and bought her anti-woke center-right site The Free Press for $150 million.

If he had questioned Hegseth with half the vigor of his Coates interview, it wouldve been more substantive. Instead, it was basically a platform for the administration, the reporter said. It was like watching a toothless Fox News segment.

Since making his official debut as the CBS Evening News anchor on Monday night, Dokoupil has only seen the criticism pile on  whether it is over technical snafus on set or the continued belief that Dokoupil and Weiss are pushing a Trump-friendly agenda.

open image in gallery Dokoupil smiles apologetically as he navigates a production glitch during his first regular broadcast as the face of CBS Evening News on January 5. ( CBS Evening News via YouTube )

During Mondays broadcast, for instance, Dokoupil faced online mockery for his struggles to segue to a story about Hegseths targeting of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), which he initially thought would be a segment on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz dropping his bid for re-election over an ongoing fraud scandal.

First day, big problems here, a smiling Dokoupil apologetically said. While some observers said it was not bad for the first night and that Dokoupil rolled with it quite well, others werent so kind.

That sh*t show was trending on X, a network staffer said, adding that Weiss is a big X user due to her Twitter Files involvement. When Bari and Tony have Elons MAGA slop site X dunking on them and their sorry pivot of turning the legendary CBS Evening News into low-end Trump TV, you dont just have problems. You have a pile of crap no one wants.

However, it was Tuesdays broadcast that really brought out the rhetorical knives. Broadcasting from Miami on the first stop of the revised Live From America tour, CBS Evening News aired a largely friendly interview with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the administration's crackdown on alleged fraud and immigration violations in the Minneapolis area. The network was also embedded with Noem  decked out in her standard tactical gear and jeans  for an ICE raid.

The framing of the footage resembled less an exercise in accountability journalism than a ride-along that appeared designed to flatter the administration, Darcy noted.

On top of that, despite it being the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attacks, the program barely mentioned it. President Trump today accused Democrats of failing to prevent the attack on the Capitol, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the president of 'whitewashing' it, Dokoupil noted in his brief comments on Tuesday.

Some high-profile CBS News staffers were aghast last night when Dokoupil's brief mention of the Jan. 6 anniversary was a both-sides mess, CNNs Brian Stelter reported on Wednesday, a sentiment that was shared by staffers who spoke with The Independent.

However, it was the lighthearted segment at the end of the broadcast that sparked even more outrage inside the CBS newsroom.

Marco Rubio, we salute you. You are the ultimate Florida man, Dokoupil declared after cheerfully running down the Secretary of States impressive portfolio within the administration.

The end segment, referred to as a bon bon on the shows production call sheets, also saw the program sharing AI-generated images depicting Rubio in a number of different jobs  including the new Shah of Iran and the next Minnesota governor.

What the hell was that Rubio segment??? So weird, a CBS News reporter said.

Journalism malpractice is what that Rubio love letter was, another insider added. In one ender Tony, Bari and Kim just took a giant dump on the decades of incredible journalism the Evening News has told since its inception. Its beyond embarrassing, and those three are too full of themselves to even see.

The insider was also referring to CBS Evening News executive producer Kim Harvey, who has increasingly come under fire amid the rollout of the new show, which saw Dokoupil replace the two-anchor team of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois less than a year after they took over for Norah ODonnell.

She is a yes person that is not just drinking the Bari Kool-Aid, but like injecting it in her veins, because that's how she survives, a network source said about Harvey.

The latest drama at CBS Evening News follows the uproar Weiss sparked by yanking a 60 Minutes segment on the Trump administration deporting Venezuelan migrants to the notoriously violent El Salvadoran prison CECOT.

Weiss decision, which she has since doubled down on in internal emails and public statements, has threatened to prompt a revolt among the shows staff, sources told The Independent. The reporter behind that segment decried the move as political, seemingly referring to the presidents ongoing anger at the program as Ellison seeks Trumps approval for his hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.

While Trump has heaped praise on Ellison and his ultrawealthy father Larry Ellison  a close MAGA confidant  since the politically fraught Paramount-Skydance merger, the president recently appeared to grow frustrated at the father-son duo over 60 Minutes coverage of him.

With the Ellisons desperate to make the Warner Bros. deal, despite the companys board repeatedly rejecting their offers, the Paramount chief has reportedly assured Trump hed make sweeping changes to CNN as part of a WBD takeover. Hes also done damage control behind the scenes over the 60 Minutes segment that incurred Trumps wrath.

Meanwhile, since her arrival at the network in October, Weiss  a self-described radical centrist with minimal broadcast news experience  has drawn outrage from staff and media critics over her editorial decision-making, which many have claimed is part of the Ellisons' plan to push CBS News in a MAGA-friendly direction.
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A federal judge has demanded an explanation from prosecutor Lindsey Halligan for continuing to use the title of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite another judge's ruling that she was unlawfully occupying the role.

District Judge David Novak, appointed by President Donald Trump, issued a three-page order Tuesday giving Halligan seven days to explain herself, given that District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie had found in November that the Department of Justice had violated the Constitution by appointing her as a second successive interim hire.

Curries finding led to the dismissal of criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, two long-standing enemies of the president.

Novak wrote to Halligan asking to hear the basis for... [the] identification of herself as the United States Attorney, notwithstanding Judge Curries contrary ruling. She shall also set forth the reasons why this court should not strike Ms Halligans identification of herself as United States Attorney from the indictment in this matter.

The justice added that Halligan shall further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement.

open image in gallery Prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who was told by a federal judge in November that her appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was unlawful ( AP )

Novak further acknowledged that the DOJ was appealing Curries disqualification ruling, but that her order had not been paused pending the appeal. Consequently it remains the binding precedent in this district and is not subject to being ignored, he concluded.

The Independent has contacted the White House and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia for comment.

Curries November ruling found her agreeing with defense attorneys who argued that Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior experience as a prosecutor, had stayed in office past the 120-day period that an interim U.S. attorney is allowed to serve before Senate confirmation or approval from the districts judges.

She therefore ruled that all actions flowing from Ms Halligans defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr Comeys indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power.

Trump tapped Halligan to serve as interim attorney for the district in September after her predecessor, Erik Siebert, another short-term appointment, resigned after reportedly concluding there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Comey and James criminally.

open image in gallery Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, two long-standing enemies of President Donald Trump that Halligan attempted to prosecute ( AFP/Getty )

Days after she assumed office, Halligan, a former Miss Colorado contestant and Florida home-insurance litigator, secured a two-count criminal indictment against Comey for making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

A few weeks later, Halligan brought a criminal indictment against James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements in connection with a loan for a house she purchased in Virginia in 2020.

Both officials pleaded not guilty before their cases were dismissed.

The White House has since moved to have Halligans nomination considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee, in the hope of advancing her candidacy to a full Senate vote.

Shes the presidents nominee, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Independent in a December statement. It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process.
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Donald Trumps popularity with young men is in free-fall, as voters turn their backs on the president for failing to deliver a key campaign promise.

As the commander-in-chief continues to involve the U.S. in foreign affairs and the cost of living rises, his previously rock-solid base looks increasingly uncertain.

Trumps standing with young men has plunged to 46 percent, down from 56 percent in the spring of 2024. The poll, conducted by the Speaking with American Men (SAM) project and shared with Puck, also found that his general favorability rating is at just 36 percent.

John Della Volpe, who surveyed 42,111 men ages 16-29 for the poll, told Puck that Trumps first year in office eroded trust in his ability to govern.

The big picture is that Trump was getting the benefit of the doubt in the first 100 days of his term, Della Volpe told Puck. Now, they are reflecting on those policies several months later and seeing no significant improvement. And theyre saying that their situation is no better. In many cases, its worse.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps rock-solid young male voter base has seemingly collapsed, according to a new poll ( AFP/Getty )

The SAM study also found that 78 percent of men think that avoiding unnecessary wars and conflicts should be a top priority for the president. It also found that men trust Democrats to win wars more than Republicans by a 5 percent majority.

Weeks after the survey was conducted from October 28 to November 26, Trump sent U.S. troops to capture deposed Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday morning.

More recently, Trump has already started threatening to seize Greenland using military force, despite it being associated with a key U.S. ally, Denmark.

Adam Pennings, the executive director of Republican-affiliated group Run GenZ, told The Hill that a lot of young people feel frustrated after Trump announced plans to influence Venezuelan politics, after campaigning on an America First message.

Why are we not focusing on the people in Pennsylvania? Pennings said. Why are we not focusing on the people in Ohio or California or wherever, right?

Why are we even looking at Venezuela?

open image in gallery The president made unprecedented gains with young voters during the 2024 election ( AFP/Getty )

With day-to-day costs continuing to rise, despite Trump claiming his tariff policy was making the country richer, pollsters say the number of young men supporting Trump could dwindle even further.

If youre 29 and youre paying out the nose for health care, and you cant own your own home and groceries are killing you, you dont really care about the conversations about tariffs. Thats not where youre living. Youre living at, Hey, I need the price of eggs to drop, Brett Loyd, a Republican pollster, told The Hill.

In the 2024 election, Trump made unprecedented gains with young voters for a Republican candidate. While previously siding with President Joe Biden by 25 points in 2020, young voters cast their ballot for Kamala Harris by a slim 4-point majority in 2024, according to a Tufts University poll.

open image in gallery However, voters turned out for the Democrats in droves during a series of elections in 2025 ( REUTERS )

The grim polling for Republicans comes after the Democratic Party enjoyed the beginnings of a blue wave in 2025, which saw Zohran Mamdani win the New York City mayoralty and two candidates sweep gubernatorial races.

However, Democratic strategists have said that the party cannot rely on those huge victories or a growing sense of frustration towards Trumps administration.

Kaivan Shroff, a member of Gen-Z group Dream for America, told The Hill that short-term feelings about the economy may be only a temporary pull for voters to abandon Trump.

At the same time, is that a long-term strategy for 2028 and beyond? No, Shroff said. Trump failing is not enough.
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On Wednesday, The Independent asked Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina about President Donald Trump threatening to use military force to take Greenland.

Tillis, who is retiring at the end of the year, called it unproductive and unwise.

But shortly thereafter, Tillis took to the Senate floor and let people know what he really thought about the plans.

Folks, amateur hour is over, Tillis said in a booming speech. Specifically, he seemed to call out Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff who promoted the idea in a bombastic interview on CNN Monday.

It may be the position of the president of the United States that Greenland should be part of the United States, but its not the position of this government because were a coequal branch, he said. If that were to come to pass, there would be a vote on the floor to make it real, not the surreal sort of environment that some deputy chief of staff thinks was cute to say on TV.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) vocally criticized Stephen Millers comments about invading Greenland with a military. ( REUTERS )

Tillis and Trump had a public falling out last year when the North Carolina Republican opposed Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill, which led to him saying he would not seek re-election. That gives him some latitude.

But even Republicans who are vocal supporters of the president do not seem sold on the idea of taking Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, by military force.

I just think we need to work well with the Danes, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who is also retiring, told The Independent.

And its not just retiring Republicans who appear fed up with the president.

I continue to hope the administrations rhetoric on Greenland is nothing more than posturing for a new era of cooperation, because any effort to claim or take the territory by force would degrade both our national security and our international relationships, Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a statement.

Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6 five years ago, has walked a fine line between her critiques of the president and voting for his nominees. But as a senator with close ties to Arctic partners, she is firmly in the camp of opposing military action.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also brushed off Trumps rhetoric around military action in Greenland.

So all this stuff about military action and all that, I don't even think that's a possibility, Johnson told The Independent during his weekly press conference. I don't think anybody's seriously considering that. And in the Congress, were certainly not.

Of course, thats not true. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt floated the idea this week.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief's disposal, she said.

Unsurprisingly, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a libertarian with a noninterventionist streak, criticized the idea.

I think buying Greenland would be a lot different, but Im not for military action,  he told The Independent.

The president is feeling especially emboldened after he ordered a successful operation in Caracas that concluded with the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response to Trumps proposal to take Greenland by force, Democratic senators are planning to have a vote on a War Powers Act resolution. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is proposing his own legislation.

I hope good sense prevails, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told The Independent. But I mean, the decision-making in his national security team is just bananas right now, I think it's going to be continued, continued bananas for the foreseeable future.

This comes as Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia will force a vote on his War Powers Act resolution for military action in Venezuela on Thursday.

All I will say is, they're talking about it, and people thought Trump was bluffing when he talked about Venezuela, and he wasn't, Kaine told The Independent. So you got to take it seriously.
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Democrats ridiculed the Trump administrations plans for the future of Venezuela after leaving an all-senators briefing on the Hill hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.

Questions about that future remained largely unanswered early this week after the president returned from spending the holiday season in Mar-a-Lago and Rubio, one of his top deputies, spent Sunday on the interview circuit attempting to explain it. In several interviews, Rubio was noncommittal over who the administration views as Venezuelas legitimate ruler or the timeframe in which the U.S. expects elections to be held.

The presidents statements about the U.S. directly running Venezuela also continue to loom over the conversation. Trump hasnt ruled out further armed action in the country, including American troops on the ground.

The lawmakers who departed the hearing were largely split along party lines when asked about the administrations direction of a raid on Caracas, Venezuelas capital, on Saturday, which resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Republicans backed the White House while Democrats said that the administration offered no credible path forward for the country.

This is an insane plan. Theyre talking about stealing Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for an undefined period of time to micromanage an entire country, claimed Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, as he spoke with reporters after Wednesdays briefing. The scope and insanity of this is absolutely stunning.

open image in gallery Sen. Chris Murphy accused the president of wanting to steal Venezuelas oil reserves at gun point on Wednesday ( AFP/Getty )

On Thursday, the chamber will vote on a War Powers resolution aimed at blocking the president from conducting further strikes within Venezuelas borders without congressional approval. The resolution will require a simple majority to pass, meaning that four Republicans will need to cross party lines even if every Democrat supports Kaines measure. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul, voted for a similar resolution last year before the Caracas strike took place. As of yet, other Republican senators havent indicated they will break ranks on the Venezuela resolution.

Murphy, who was far from the only Democrat to pan the presentation put on by Rubio and Hegseth, added in a video posted to X: They are essentially asking you, the American public, to use your taxpayer dollars, to run the country of Venezuela.

It threatens to repeat all the mistakes we made in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Murphy. America is nation-building again.

The resolutions sponsor, Sen. Tim Kaine, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were less direct in their criticism as they gaggled separately with reporters after the briefing. Standing just feet away from Rubio and Hegseth, the two argued that the details about the administrations plans needed to be presented to the public and judged in an open setting.

Schumer spent 2025 under fire from his partys left flank for insufficiently, in their view, leveraging the minority partys power in the Senate. On Wednesday, he accused the administration of relying on unreliable, corrupt people who hate America to manage the aftermath of Maduros downfall in Venezuela, without elaborating further. He embraced Rubio at the news conference, however, and the two chatted as old colleagues from the Senate while Kaine spoke.

open image in gallery Chuck Schumer and Marco Rubio embraced on Wednesday at a news conference following a briefing on the administration's strike on Venezuela ( AFP via Getty Images )

Both Schumer and Kaine argued that Congress needed to hold public hearings on the matter and that the administration needed to make clear if it was planning military strikes on targets in Colombia, Mexico, or even Greenland.

Weve got to get this conversation out of [classified settings] and into the public before its too late, Kaine warned.

Rubio rejected the criticism from the administrations opponents as he stepped up to the mics.

Theyre gonna say that. I used to be a senator too. That's what you always say when it's the other party, he said dismissively. Weve gone into great detail with them about the planning, weve described it to them.

The secretary went on to say that some of those plans were already in motion, including the enforcement of sanctions around Venezuelas oil.

One Democrat, John Fetterman, has already come out publicly in support of Saturdays raid.

open image in gallery Pennsylvania Sen. Democratic John Fetterman is the only member of his party in the upper chamber publicly supportive of the Caracas raid ( Getty )

Fetterman remains opposed to the presidents rhetoric, seen by the U.S.s allies as warmongering over the issue of Greenland. It came back into focus this week as the president reiterated that the U.S., in his view, needs to acquire the island, including its strategic Arctic territory, in the near future.

Over several days, he and his top aides, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Stephen Miller, repeated the stunning assertion that military action against a U.S. ally, Denmark, remained on the table as a method the Trump administration could employ to further its territorial ambitions.

He wrote in a post to X on Wednesday: I believe Greenland has massive strategic benefits for the United States. I do not support taking it by force. America is not a bully.

The Independent has reached out to the Pennsylvania senators office to inquire about whether he will support a War Powers resolution introduced this week by Sen. Ruben Gallego to prevent the White House from using the military to seize the island.
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Democrats in the Senate are pushing a pair of War Powers resolutions aimed at curbing Donald Trumps ability to wage war abroad after the president directed a U.S. strike on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro  and with the president leaving open the possibility that other countries could also be targeted.

Sen. Ruben Gallego on Tuesday announced a resolution aimed at preventing the president from using military force in an attempt to seize Greenland amid renewed threats from the White House challenging Denmarks sovereignty over the territory. His announcement comes as the Senate is due on Thursday to vote on a separate resolution aimed at preventing further U.S. strikes inside Venezuela without congressional authority.

It follows the stunning U.S. raid over the weekend which ended in the capture of Maduro and his wife, who are now facing drug trafficking charges in New York. Maduro has pled not guilty and says he is a prisoner of war. On Sunday the president also reignited his threats to use military force to seize the territory of Greenland if Denmark refused to negotiate with him, prompting a response from Gallego.

Trump is on a high from his illegal operation in Venezuela and is bragging about potentially sending our young men and women into more stupid wars of conquest. Greenland could be next. Im introducing an amendment to make it clear that Congress will not bankroll illegal, unnecessary military action in Greenland just to soothe the ego of a power hungry wannabe dictator, wrote the Arizona senator on X.

We must stop him before he invades another country on a whim, he added.

open image in gallery Ruben Gallego has introduced a resolution aimed at preventing a U.S. invasion of Greenland ( Getty Images )

But like the Venezuela resolution, Gallegos faces a tough road ahead. The Senate, which remains in Republican hands, defeated a resolution in the fall aimed at halting the presidents campaign of military strikes targeting boats in the south Caribbean that the U.S. government says are operated by drug traffickers. Even with the latest raid on Caracas, the presidents supporters in the Senate hold an edge as even a handful of Democrats have come out in support of the attack, such as Sen. John Fetterman.

On the issue of Trumps threats against Denmarks control of Greenland, Fetterman has also broken with party leadership and called the idea of acquiring Greenland through legal means strategically a smart thing. The senator has said he would never accept the U.S. taking Greenland by force, however, making his support for Gallegos resolution an open question.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland for the United States on Sunday, and White House officials including Karoline Leavitt refused to rule out military force as an option ( AFP via Getty Images )

A handful of Republicans have come out in opposition to the presidents saber rattling around Greenland, but the list does not extend far beyond the usual GOP members who break with the president with some frequency. Much of the party remains in lockstep with Trump, and either resolution would require four defections within the Republican Senate caucus to pass even with every Democrat voting in favor.

The president can also issue a veto for War Powers resolutions. Overriding Trumps veto would require two thirds of both chambers voting in support.

Denmarks prime minister said Monday that a U.S. invasion of Greenland would mark the end of the NATO alliance. It would also likely be a bridge too far for most Senate Republicans, who still dismiss it as a possibility. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Tuesday that military intervention in Greenland is not something that anybody is contemplating seriously.

open image in gallery Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the ideat that Trump was seriously considering an invasion of Greenland as Democrats introduced a resolution to prevent one on Tuesday ( Chip Somodevilla//Getty Images )

Other Republicans like Rep. Don Bacon, one of Trumps frequent critics on foreign policy, say the real danger is posed by the damage that the rhetoric about Greenland spread by Trump and aides such as Stephen Miller is doing to the U.S. alliance with Denmark and the broader NATO coalition.

This is really dumb, wrote Bacon on X, responding to Stephen Millers repeated refusal to rule out military force in the effort to acquire Greenland during a clip of an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on Monday.

Greenland and Denmark are our allies. There is no up side to demeaning our friends. But, it is causing wounds that will take time to heal.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, maintained on Tuesday that the president was not ruling out a military invasion.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, she said in a statement to CNBC. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.
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The White House claims to be in charge of Venezuelas government despite assertions from the countrys newly-minted acting president that her administration is running the country independently after U.S. forces seized Nicolas Maduro from a safe house and brought him to a New York City jail.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a Wednesday press briefing that top administration officials, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the entire White House national security team are in close correspondence with the interim authorities in Venezuela while exercising maximum leverage over the Caracas government.

We're continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America, Leavitt said.

The White House spokespersons claims appear to contradict assertions made a day earlier by Delcy Rodriguez, the former Venezuelan vice president who was sworn in as acting president in the wake of Maduros removal from the country by American special forces. Maduro pleaded not guilty during a court appearance earlier this week where he described himself as a prisoner of war.

open image in gallery White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is dictating to the new regime in Venezuela. ( Reuters )

During a televised event Tuesday in Caracas, Rodriguez maintained that the government she now leads is calling the shots after Trump claimed that the U.S. would run the oil-rich South American country after removing its head of state to face drug and weapons charges in New York.

The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else. There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela, Rodriguez said.

Trump, whose decision to order Maduros seizure represented a major break from his years-long pledges and boasts of keeping the U.S. out of foreign military adventures, claimed Saturday that the U.S. would run the country.

He is understood to have consented to permitting Rodriguez to take the reins of power following Maduros ouster rather than attempting to install opposition leader Maria Corina Machado or ally Edmundo Gonzalez atop the government because Rodriguez, the countrys longtime vice president whose brother is president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, would have support from the countrys military.

According to multiple reports, Trumps decision to sideline Machado and Gonzalez was also driven by pique over Machado accepting the Nobel Peace Prize last year. Trump also told reporters on Saturday that Machado did not have the support within, or the respect within, the country.

open image in gallery Trumps decision to order Nicholas Maduros seizure represented a major break from his years-long pledges and boasts of keeping the U.S. out of foreign military adventures. ( AP )

The presidents claim to have placed the U.S. in charge of Venezuela despite having no military presence there and leaving the Maduro government largely in place has left even some of his own allies in the dark about the situation.

Asked what Trump meant by the U.S. running Venezuela, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, told The Independent Tuesday that he had no idea what Trump was talking about.

But GOP Senator Rick Scott, who represents a large part of the Venezuelan diaspora in South Florida, said he spoke with Machado and told The Independent he thinks Trump is still trying to make sure we have a transition to a democracy.

Despite the lack of clarity from the White House, Scotts former Senate colleague Marco Rubio  now Trumps Secretary of State and National Security Adviser  insists there is a plan.

He told reporters at the Capitol following a Wednesday briefing with senators that the administration is not winging it on Venezuela policy after removing Maduro.

The bottom line is, we've gone into great detail with them about the planning ... its not just winging it, he said. Its already happening.
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After deposing Venezuelas president and taking over the countrys enormous oil reserves, President Donald Trump is floating the idea of using taxpayer funding to incentivize U.S.-based oil companies to expand operations there.

Since the military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Trump said he would like the U.S.s very large oil companies to spend billions of dollars to fix Venezuelas broken oil infrastructure.

But getting the U.S.s largest oil companies, ExxonMobil, Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips, to expand  or restart oil production in the country will be more difficult than a simple request due to the long history of political and economic turmoil.

"A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then theyll get reimbursed by us or through revenue," Trump told NBC News on Monday, suggesting the government could subsidize funding.

Utilizing government subsidiaries to assist oil companies in drilling is nothing new, through favorable tax policies. But whether that can convince the companies to invest billions in Venezuelan oil is unclear.

open image in gallery Government subsidiaries could incentivize oil companies to expand operations to Venezuela  but it may not be enough to convince them ( White House via Getty Images )

All three major companies once drilled in Venezuela, but political instability, U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and ultimately the countrys decision to nationalize its oil industry and seize billions in assets forced ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips to exit.

When asked about the possibility of re-entering Venezuela, ConocoPhillips said in a statement, It would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments.

Chevron is the only remaining U.S. oil company that maintains operations in Venezuela.

Mike Wirth, the CEO of Chevron, told Bloomberg in December that he was unclear about the presidents intentions in Venezuela at the time but that the company had spoken with the White House to ensure it remained in compliance with laws and sanctions.

open image in gallery subsidiaries could incentivize oil companies to expand operations to Venezuela  but it may not be enough to convince them ( AP )

Wirth cautioned, at the time, that any decisions about expanding oil production in Venezuela could take a long time because Chevron must take a long view on our presence in a country like this.

The countrys history of instability makes it a daunting task for U.S. oil companies to expand costly operations in Venezuela.

Oil companies would need to spend billions of dollars over several years to modernize the countrys oil infrastructure, Francisco J. Monaldi, the director of Latin American Energy Program at Rice University, told CBS News.

open image in gallery A man wearing a face masks walks past a mural depicting an oil pump and the Venezuelan flag in a street of Caracas, on May 26, 2022 ( AFP via Getty Images )

While the current administration could incentivize oil companies with subsidiaries, companies will also have to consider whether the next administration would uphold those  another potential risk that may outweigh the massive cost.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright spoke with the executives of the three companies this week and was expected to meet with them during a Goldman Sachs industry event in Miami on Wednesday, according to the Washington Post.
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The Trump administration will not release information on whether it removed or released the carcinogenic compound asbestos during its sudden demolition of the White Houses East Wing as part of President Trumps planned ballroom project, a lawsuit claims.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization filed the suit Wednesday in Washington, D.C., federal court, alleging agencies like the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, OSHA, EPA and the White House have failed to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request about what kind of precautions were taken ahead of the three-day demolition project.

The East Wing, which was built in 1902 and renovated in 1942, likely contained asbestos and other hazardous materials, given that such materials were used extensively at the time, according to the suit.

When an Administration bypasses required safety procedures or withholds documentation of the measures it took to prevent harm, it erodes public trust and weakens protections required by law to safeguard the American people and public resources, the suit reads.

We want to know if they did it, Linda Reinstein, founder of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, told The Washington Post. Why cant they just tell us  whats the big secret here?

open image in gallery The White House and federal agencies are failing to provide information about whether they did asbestos abatement during the demolition of the East Wing last fall ( Getty Images )

Asbestos abatement at the White House has occurred on previous projects, according to the Post, though the paper found no notification of such work with D.C. authorities for the ballroom project.

The agencies have been ignoring the organizations requests for information since October, the lawsuit claims.

The Independent has contacted the named parties for comment.

The EPA directed questions to the White House.

"Any hazardous material abatement was done in September, a White House official told The Independent. A very extensive abatement and remediation assessment was followed, complying with all applicable federal standards."

open image in gallery The presidents ballroom plan has faced scrutiny over the private donations funding it and the legal process used to initiate the project ( JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images )

The administration will present its plans publicly for the first time on Thursday, at a meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission.

The president has said construction could conclude as soon as March if all goes to plan.

The $400 million ballroom project, which is funded in part by tech industry donors to the Trump campaign and inauguration, has been controversial since its inception.

In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued over the project, alleging it began before the administration went through the required legal review process.

Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, have questioned whether the private funding of the project amounts to special-interest access to the Trump Administration and influence peddling by giant corporations.
TIANJIN, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- As dusk settled in, the ancient town of Yangliuqing in north China's Tianjin lit up with festive lights along the historic Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Even before reaching the main street, visitors were greeted by a joyful New Year's atmosphere -- colorful lanterns and red banners adorned the traditional town, while cheerful figurines inspired by Yangliuqing's renowned woodblock paintings stood at the entrance of the lane.

Long renowned for its vibrant woodblock paintings, a celebrated staple of New Year decor across China, Yangliuqing town is now turning itself into an immersive, interactive scene that visitors can step into and explore.

The Yangliuqing woodblock painting draws from the town's rich history along the Grand Canal, once a vital trade route that connected northern and southern China. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the canal helped carry Yangliuqing's iconic, symbolic New Year paintings to all corners of the country, spreading art and tradition far and wide.

For the new year, the town's historic buildings have become a luminous canvas of light, sound and digital art. Overhead, a swarm of drones lit up the night sky, creating a dazzling aerial display.

"We've created an experience that merges tradition with innovation. The event here represents a creative revival of Yangliuqing's cultural heritage," said Zhu Yihai, an official from the municipal culture and tourism bureau.

"I brought my child here to feel the blend of old and new," said a visitor surnamed Gao, who traveled from downtown Tianjin. "It feels both deeply traditional and wonderfully modern, and I feel like I am walking into a living New Year painting."

Also adding to the immersive atmosphere was a roaming theater performance, which led audiences through the town's winding alleys and pretty courtyards.

Visitors could follow the story of Bai Junying, a celebrated female artist in Yangliuqing's painting history, encountering interactive scenes along a route that linked local landmarks.

"We want people to immerse themselves in the culture, not just look at the scenery," said director Zheng Yingying, adding that the performance weaves together local history, canal culture, painting traditions, and even elements of Tianjin's folk performing arts, turning the audience into part of the story.

"You have to be here to really understand that it's because of artists like Bai Junying that this art form and this town feel so alive today," said Zhu Wenjia, a spectator.

The town's cultural vibrancy also spilled into its bustling markets and narrow lanes. Visitors tried their hand at printing woodblock paintings or cutting paper into delicate shapes. At food stalls, families gathered to make tanghulu, a popular Chinese winter snack of crispy sugar-coated hawthorns. Some visitors dressed up in traditional Hanfu, blending right in with the historic streets as they snapped photos to remember their New Year celebrations.

Over the New Year holiday period, the town hosted more than 80 performances and activities, combining food, crafts, markets, lantern displays, and folk customs into a lively mix of old and new, according to Gao Jie, a manager with the town's tourism development company.

In recent years, Tianjin's Xiqing District, which administers Yangliuqing, has made cultural tourism a strategic focus, revitalizing historic areas to attract both visitors and investment. Since early 2025, Yangliuqing has revamped over 120 shops and 29 courtyards, making public spaces more inviting and adding cultural elements to give visitors a better experience.

"We're building a town with stories and soul," said Ren Zhenhuai with the Xiqing District's culture and tourism bureau. "Architecture is the form, and culture is the soul. Only when the soul comes alive can the ancient town truly live."

As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, new festive decorations and interactive installations have been added in the town, extending the celebratory atmosphere and inviting even more travelers to step into Yangliuqing's unfolding paintings, a living blend of heritage, art, and renewal.

Editor: Xiong Jian
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Employees of a clothing brand that appears to be popular among Republicans in Washington, D.C., arent happy about serving some of their high-profile clients, according to a new report.

An employee at the clothing store Tuckernuck told The Daily Beast some workers in Washington are in a constant back and forth over serving some of their customers. The brand has been worn by high-profile conservatives, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Second Lady Usha Vance, the outlet reports.

For me and others in D.C., it is kind of a constant back and forth, sharing a space with these people, and its not appropriate when youre serving these people to address what youre kind of thinking in your head, the anonymous Tuckernuck employee told The Daily Beast. We all have to keep the lights on somehow.

The unnamed Tuckernuck employee specifically pointed to Leavitt: I have a hard time, you know, with Karoline [Leavitt].

Her kind of day-to-day is very much against my morals and values, the employee added.

open image in gallery White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly wore Tuckernuck's Black Metallic Boucle Mini Dress in April ( Getty Images )

The Daily Beast reports both Leavitt and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been spotted shopping at Tuckernuck in Washington.

Leavitt was seen wearing the brands Black Metallic Boucle Mini Dress in April, while Second Lady Usha Vance was spotted wearing Tuckernucks Black Jacquard Puff Sleeve Midi Darcy Dress in May when she met Pope Leo XIV, according to The Daily Beast.

The Independent has contacted Leavitt and Vance for comment.

The Independent reached out to the DHS three times seeking comment on The Daily Beasts reporting. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin refused to answer questions and instead replied: "Are you planning on reporting where male cabinet members shop and what those store employees say about them or are you reserving your regurgitated reporting to criticize purely women leaders?"

open image in gallery Second Lady Usha Vance reportedly wore a Tuckernuck dress when she met Pope Leo XIV in May ( Vatican Media )

Axios reported on Tuckernucks popularity among conservatives in October. The brands red Jackie dress even went viral in 2024 and was spotted several times at that years Republican National Convention, according to the outlet.

Many have joked about the dresss popularity on social media.

First sighting of the red Tuckernuck dress at @GOPconvention: Monday at 9:18am, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly posted on July 15, 2024.

Someone needs to do an expose on the absolute chokehold the Tuckernuck shift dress has on the Capitol Hill girlies rn, Capitol Hill reporter Victoria Knight posted on July 11, 2024. Her post was liked more than 1,000 times.

Tuckernucks co-founder told Axios in October the brand is apolitical and the Jackie dress was popular among customers across the political spectrum.

We're obviously not at all a political brand," co-founder Madeline Grayson told the outlet. "People [of] all ages, all political affiliations, all parts of the country are wearing [the Jackie] dress."

The Independent has contacted Tuckernuck for comment.
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was excluded from President Donald Trumps team planning the U.S. military raid on Venezuela over the weekend, according to a report.

Operation Absolute Resolve saw Caracas hit with a series of missile strikes on Friday night before Delta Force commandos stormed a military complex to capture the countrys then-president, Nicolas Maduro, and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were subsequently taken to New York to answer narco-conspiracy charges.

The mission was reportedly planned for months in advance by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and White House Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, with little role for Gabbard, The Washington Post reports.

While Trump was flanked by those men when he delivered a press conference about the operation from his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Saturday, Gabbard was nowhere to be seen, nor has she appeared on conservative channels like Fox News, Newsmax, and OANN to celebrate its success as a range of Trump loyalists have done.

The former Democrat appears to have spent the New Year in her native Hawaii, posting a series of photos of herself on X on January 2 practising yoga on the beach, and did not comment on Maduros removal until Tuesday.

open image in gallery Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been conspicuous by her absence from the Trump administrations messaging about its intervention in Venezuela ( Getty )

President Trump promised the American people he would secure our borders, confront narcoterrorism, dangerous drug cartels, and drug traffickers, the director finally wrote.

Kudos to our servicemen and women and intelligence operators for their flawless execution of President Trumps order to deliver on his promise thru Operation Absolute Resolve.

An unnamed former U.S. intelligence official told the Post: It seems pretty obvious that she was not part of this and has not been part of the inner circle for some time, if ever. She is an isolationist, and Trump is some kind of weird imperialist.

The Independent has reached out to the White House and to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for comment.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told the Post: President Trump has full confidence in his entire exceptional national security team.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press conference about U.S. actions in Venezuela on Saturday January 3, 2026, as President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth look on ( Getty )

Efforts by the legacy media to sow internal division are a distraction that will not work.

An Iraq War veteran and former Democratic congresswoman, Gabbard has long spoken out against costly American involvement in foreign conflicts and looks an uneasy fit with the administration, given its current turn towards interventionism.

A video of her warning the U.S. to stay out of Venezuela from January 2019 was recirculated on social media earlier this week, providing a reminder of her past opposition to meddling in South America.

The United States has a disastrous history of military intervention and regime change around the world, which has brought suffering to millions of people, bankrupted our country, dishonored our troops, and its undermined our national security, she said in the clip.

Venezuela poses no threat to the United States. Congress has not authorized the United States to go to war in Venezuela, and theres no justification for our country to violate the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people.

open image in gallery Venezuelas deposed president Nicolas Maduro, who was captured by U.S. special forces and taken to New York to answer narco-terrorism charges ( Reuters )

She also derided then-White House national security adviser John Bolton around the same time and took issue with the first Trump administrations other foreign policy adventures, including its threats against Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2018 and the assassination of Iranian military official Qasem Soleimani in early 2020.

In her current role  which has largely had a domestic focus so far  she angered Trump last June by visiting Hiroshima and posting another video online in which she said: As we stand here today, closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before, political elite warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers.

Interpreted in some quarters as a warning to the president, it did not stop him from joining Israels hostilities against Iran by striking the latters nuclear facilities less than two weeks later.

When it was pointed out to Trump that Gabbard had told Congress three months earlier that Tehran was not currently accelerating its nuclear program, he replied curtly: I dont care what she says.

She is by no means the only member of his MAGA coalition struggling to reconcile their instinctive America First isolationism with the administrations recent actions, which have also seen it threaten Greenland, Cuba, and Colombia.

Just as Gabbard declared in October that there would be no more toppling regimes [and] trying to impose our system of governance on others, Vice President JD Vance has faced hypocrisy accusations in recent days, given that he told a graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy last year there would be no more undefined missions; no more open-ended conflicts.
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Venezuela could face violent instability following the shock capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the US military, experts have warned.

While Maduros vice president Delcy Rodriguez was quickly sworn in with US-backing, there are fears a political vacuum sets the stage for a power struggle among multiple heavily armed factions that could spark an insurgency.

Some of the groups remain loyal to Maduro while others will be eyeing the opportunity to overthrow his supporters.

Venezuela is primed for violent resistance to the US controlling the oil, says Robert Pape, a professor at the University of Chicagos political science department and director of the Chicago Project on Security Threats, saying it is the perfect terrain for insurgency. Chaos is coming.

open image in gallery A member of the militia group known as Colectivos at a march calling for the release of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro ( REUTERS )

Today, Venezuela hosts numerous armed groups, including colectivos who are pro-government militias used for repression, Colombian guerrillas like the ELN and remnants of FARC, major criminal networks like Tren de Aragua and elements of the Venezuelan Military operating semi-autonomously, Prof Pape explained.

Although murky, these groups number in the tens of thousands and have exquisite local knowledge about the terrain.

Unlike the US-led invasion of Iraq, which led to regime change and the securing of lucrative oil contracts, Prof Pape warns that military action in Venezuela would lead to trouble far worse than Iraq.

In addition to the armed groups, drug cartels could also pose a threat amid the political instability  and they will not follow the usual rules of war.

open image in gallery Maduros removal creates a potential political vacuum ( AP )

While drug cartels are often as well-equipped as paramilitary groups, they are used to guerrilla warfare and using extreme violence as an intimidation factor, says analyst Adam Cochran.

They don't apply the regular rules of war or the rules for enemy combatants. To them, everything is a target, any moment is an acceptable time to strike, and any action that sends the clearest message is prioritized. Cartels don't take Prisoners of War.

He warns that the brutality of such criminal gangs would be extreme.

If they capture American soldiers, they would send pieces of them back to the US base as a warning, he says. That kind of asymmetric brutality is not something the US military is prepared for.

open image in gallery Gunfire was heard in Caracas on Monday ( CNS )

The US Treasury departments office of foreign assets control identified Maduro as the leader of the Cartel of the Suns, a network of senior military officials that are reported to ship tons of cocaine abroad. He denies he is involved in drug-trafficking.

The Journal of Democracy likens Maduro to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, pointing to violence by drug cartels orchestrated across Venezuela and other regions. The publication has previously warned that drug cartels possess the power of militaries.

Just two days after the leaders removal there have been early signs of potential trouble. Gunshots rang through the air of Caracas on Monday night as rival security groups appeared to clash near Maduros Miraflores presidential palace.

Audio heard by CNN indicated that paramilitary groups  called colectivos and associated with Maduros regime  clashed with other security units over a misunderstanding as urgent calls for backup were made.

Separate footage shows anti-aircraft fire and lights from drones light up the sky over the city.

open image in gallery The Colectivos are pro-government militias used for repression, experts say ( REUTERS )

No confrontation occurred, and the entire country is completely calm, Venezuelas ministry of communication insisted.

The ministry added that police had fired at drones flying without permission but did not say who could be operating them.

The White House washed its hands of the incident, saying the US was not involved but would monitor the situation.

Prof Pape, who has studied every US effort at regime change since the Cold War, says there is virtually no chance that the US can control Venezuelas oil in a meaningful way due firstly to these armed groups and secondly because of the difficult terrain surrounding its oil sources.

US forces have previously struggled in unfamiliar territory including the mountains of Afghanistan and in Vietnam, he continues.

It is the perfect terrain for insurgency and terrorism, with mountains, heavy forests, narrow urban streets that offer a multitude of easily concealed areas for guerrilla forces to hide and conduct hit and run operations against US Marines and civilian contractors necessarily stationed and working in predictable locations.

Trump notable failed to back Venezuelas opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, claiming the Nobel Peace Prize winner did not have the support needed to replace Maduro. Machado has indicated she wants to return to her homeland having fled the country, and called for elections.

But with Trump ruling out elections any time soon, the countrys immediate political future remains uncertain.

Prof Pape warns: Mass opposition will grow worse with the passage of time. Decapitating Venezuelas government means future economic hardships for the population will be on Americas shoulders. Forget about much useful intelligence from local people.

Expect mass shirking and outright support for violent action against Americans and anyone helping them.
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Wyoming's Supreme Court has upheld the legality of abortion in the state, striking down two legislative bans that a majority of justices ruled violated the state's constitution.

The decision, delivered on Tuesday, means that abortion services will continue to be available.

The invalidated laws were enacted in 2023 following the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion. One piece of legislation, the "Life is a Human Right Act," sought to prohibit abortions with only limited exceptions for rape or incest.

A separate law aimed to criminalise the prescription or dispensing of medication used to terminate a pregnancy.

A coalition of women and medical professionals launched a legal challenge against the predominantly rural and conservative Western US state. A lower court had initially blocked the implementation of these laws. The Supreme Court's 4-1 majority agreed with the plaintiffs, concluding that the bans contravened a 2012 amendment to the Wyoming Constitution, which guarantees every "competent adult" the right "to make his or her own health care decisions."

Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden articulated the court's reasoning in the majority opinion: "Although we recognise the State's interest in protecting the life that an abortion would end, we conclude the State did not meet its burden of justifying the abortion statutes' restrictions on a woman's right to make her own health care decisions, as is expressly protected by the Wyoming Constitution."

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican who opposes abortion, expressed his disappointment, calling the ruling "profoundly unfortunate" in a statement. He added: "This ruling may settle, for now, a legal question, but it does not settle the moral one, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming citizens stand, including myself. This is a dilemma of enormous moral and social consequence." Governor Gordon urged the state legislature to pursue a new constitutional amendment to permit abortion prohibitions.

Nationally, since the 2022 US Supreme Court ruling, 13 states have implemented outright abortion bans, while another 18, including Wyoming, have significantly restricted access, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights. Chelsea's Fund, a non-profit involved in the lawsuit, welcomed the decision, stating it ensures "neighbours, community members and families keep the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions."
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Residents in parts of Australia have been urged to evacuate as a major bushfire continued to burn through protected forest land near Victorias border with New South Wales, threatening small rural communities.

The fire has already burned around 1,200 hectares of bushland and is moving through the Mt Lawson State Park, approximately 25km west of the town of Walwa.

Fire authorities said the blaze shifted direction on Wednesday, changing from a south-easterly path to a southerly one, bringing new areas into its projected route.

Emergency officials have issued urgent evacuation advice for residents in Bungil, Granya and Thologolong, warning them to leave immediately via Murray River Road towards Wodonga city.

Victorias emergency management agency, VicEmergency, said homes could be at risk if the fire continues to advance.

Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous, VicEmergency warned.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.

Earlier, the Bureau of Meteorology had said that extreme bushfire danger was rising as soaring temperatures fuelled what forecasters said could be the most severe heatwave since the black summer of 2019-20, one of the most intense fire seasons on record in Australia.

The bureau said a vast stretch of dry, hot air was pushing eastwards from Western Australia into South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, raising fire risk.

In several regions, daytime temperatures were forecast to exceed 45C, with little overnight relief, creating dangerous conditions for both people and emergency services.

On Wednesday, several roads had been closed due to fire activity, including Murray River Road between Granya Gap Road and Guys Forest Road, and Guys Forest Road between Murray River Road and Burrowye Road. However, authorities said these routes would remain accessible only for residents evacuating the area.

Fire crews from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) carried out overnight backburning operations in an effort to slow the fires spread. Backburning refers to the process of lighting controlled fires to eliminate the fuel in the path of a wildfire. CFA incident controller Aaron Kennedy said the work had been effective but warned that unburned vegetation still posed a serious risk.

The idea is to remove those fuels under the night conditions overnight so that we're not having those areas burn in the heat of the day with strong northerly winds behind them, Mr Kennedy said.

Despite the progress, authorities remain on high alert due to a large section of unburned fuel between the controlled backburn areas and the main fire front.

We are working today with our aircraft and the firefighters on the ground to ensure that as that area burns out, we can try and reduce the overall fire intensity, Mr Kennedy said.

With the resources we've got, we're pretty confident we can at least monitor and maintain the backburn operations in place.

Mr Kennedy also warned that worsening weather conditions, including extreme heat and a forecast wind change later in the week, could cause the fire to grow rapidly. He urged residents, particularly landholders in Bungil, Thologolong and Burrowye, to ensure their properties were prepared for fire conditions.

We are asking community members to remain vigilant, but particularly landholders in those affected areas, in the Burrowye area, in Bungil, in the Thologolong area, to make sure they are preparing to make sure their property is prepared for a fire, he said.

So far, one caravan on private land has been destroyed by the Walwa fire. Authorities confirmed there have been no reports of injuries, deaths, or losses of livestock.

Meanwhile, a separate grassfire burning along the Sunraysia Highway in Victorias Northern Grampians region earlier prompted emergency evacuation warnings for several small towns. That alert has since been downgraded as conditions improved.

Fire authorities have declared total fire bans across large parts of Victoria, including Melbourne and Geelong, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-40s Celsius in some areas. Emergency services said they would issue further updates as weather and fire conditions evolve across the state.
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Human remains, believed to be of a missing snorkeller, washed ashore at the north of Ledge Point in western Australia on Tuesday.

The grim discovery was made by a man walking on Fence Reed Beach early morning, who quickly alerted the police.

It comes five days after Wen Walter Ren Gu went missing while snorkelling on New Years Day.

Formal identification is yet to be completed but it is believed to be a 32-year-old man who went missing on Thursday, the Western Australia Police said.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Walter, 32, had travelled up from the city to snorkel with three friends, hoping to catch crayfish. He somehow separated from the group and had been missing.

Representative: Police does not suspect foul play in death of snorkeller who went missing on New Year's day ( Getty Images )

Since then, police launched a large-scale search at the popular tourist spot, using aerial support and marine resources, including local boats, jet skis, helicopters and drones.

The discovery marks a tragic development for his family and friends, who had held onto the hope that the authorities would find him alive even as the authorities scaled back search and rescue operations 24-hours he went missing.

One of Gus friend made a post on social media seeking support in his search.

If you or someone you know were at Ledge Point Beach that day, saw someone rescue or pick up an Asian male, have any photos, videos, dashcam footage, or related information, please send me a direct message, the message read, reported The Age.

Another friend, identified as Chang, made an appeal for public help on Sunday. At this time, we are unable to confirm whether he made it back to shore on his own or was rescued by nearby members of the public, she said, reported The West.

Police conducted search and rescue operations for 24 hours and have since stopped. We do not want to give up and hope to continue searching with the help of everyones support.

Gu has been living and working temporarily in Western Australia and was in the process to apply for a visa to study in the country, reported The West, quoting his family.

The local community expressed shock after the incident. He wasnt very far out at all, you can literally nearly walk to the reef where they were, a resident Jay Barrett, told the outlet, as he cautioned saying, there are some treacherous spots.
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Europe could face a future without US nuclear deterrence, the former deputy head of Nato has warned, as Donald Trumps vow to take Greenland smashes the post Second World War order.

The White House has doubled down on its threat against the strategic, mineral rich island, a semi autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. In a statement on Tuesday, Washington warned that US military force is always an option to achieve Trumps national security priority.

It was a stunning rebuke to Denmark, Greenland and their European allies, including the UK, who in a joint statement insisted Greenland belongs to its people. A hostile takeover would amount to the end of the Nato alliance, Denmarks prime minster warned.

Rose Gottemoeller, who served as Natos deputy secretary-general during Trumps first administration, believes that Washingtons increasingly erratic behaviour signals not only a threat to the alliance itself but raises doubts about the US nuclear umbrella over Europe. This, she says, could trigger a new era of nuclear proliferation.

open image in gallery The Trump administration is weighing options to acquire Greenland, including the use of the military ( REUTERS/Marko Djurica )

An estimated 100 US owned nuclear warheads are stored across five European Nato member states, in the event of an external threat.

Everything that the United States is doing to raise doubts about its support for the Nato alliance will raise doubts about its willingness to extend a nuclear deterrent guarantee to Nato Europe. That creates the potential for future proliferation of nuclear weapons, adds Gottemoeller.

The longterm diplomat also held a number of senior positions within the State Department including undersecretary for arms control and international security.

She says this is already playing out in Asia, with countries including Japan, South Korea and even parliamentarians in Germany speculating about their need for nuclear weapons.

The Trump administration does seem to want to a send the message that the Western Hemisphere is ours, both north and south, she continues, adding that it has returned to a might is right approach.

They want to end what has been the post Second World War law-governed order enshrined in the UN Charter.

open image in gallery Rose Gottemoeller served as Natos deputy secretary-general during Trumps first administration ( MTVA - Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund )

The US is locked in an extraordinary showdown with Europe and Nato after Trumps increasingly hostile stance towards Greenland, which the president has repeatedly said he would acquire or buy.

On Tuesday, the White House said Trump had been discussing a range of options, including military action, despite a joint statement from European leaders and now the European Union insisting Greenland belongs to its people.

On Wednesday, the French foreign minister said Germany, France and Poland planned to meet this week to put together a plan should Trump act on his warnings. US secretary of state Marco Rubio is set to meet Denmark next week as tensions have soared.

The USs stunning military operation on Venezuela over the weekend, has only stoked fears of armed action in Greenland. Special forces bombed multiple bases and captured the countrys authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro, who is now standing trial in New York on narco-terrorism charges.

The concern is that an emboldened Trump could now make an equally bold move on Greenland, which has a population of just under 57,000, but has been in the US presidents sights since he first spoke of buying the territory during his first administration.

open image in gallery U.S. Vice President JD Vance toured the U.S. military's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland last year ( Reuters )

The events [in Venezuela] are, no doubt, a short, sharp shock, and a big boost in the wake up call. It will further require the Europeans to figure out how they are going to lead now, and that that is going to be a challenge, Gottemoeller adds.

Because if you don't have the first among equals, the primus inter pares, of the United States, who is going to lead in Europe?

Greenland is home to one of the USs most important military facilities, the Pituffik Space Base. Greenlands strategic location close to Russia, the Arctic Circle and vital maritime routes into the North Atlantic, means it plays a crucial role in US defence providing unparalleled missile warning, space and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Trump is also - no doubt - eyeing the island for its vast untapped deposits of rare earth minerals, needed to make smartphones, electric vehicles and advanced weapons. The global rare earth market is currently dominated by China, which accounts for around 60 per cent of mining.

But a US military attack on a treaty ally, Denmark, one of Natos founding members, would be not only unprecedented but an existential threat to the alliance and would make the US a hostile actor, Gottemoeller explains.

It not only paints a future of Nato without the US, but one in which doubts are raised about that extended nuclear deterrent commitment.

The worst case scenario, she warns is that the developing crisis creates opportunities for Moscow and Beijing.

Putin may redouble his efforts against the Ukrainians, but also to amp up pressure on the Europeans. Beijing could go for Taiwan.

I'm finding it hard to understand why the US wants to take on all these battles at once. But they do seem to be clearly wanting to send the message that the Western Hemisphere is ours, both north and south.
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Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French screen siren who famously traded movie stardom for animal activism, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Saint-Tropez, the Riviera town she called home for over half a century.

The funeral comprised a private service followed by a public homage, drawing admirers to the streets of the picturesque resort.

The animal rights campaigner and far-right supporter passed away on 28 December at the age of 91 at her residence in southern France.

Her husband, Bernard dOrmale, revealed in an interview with Paris Match magazine that she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. He stated: "She was conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

open image in gallery Actor Brigitte Bardot's coffin is carried outside Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church for her funeral ceremony ( AP )

As her coffin was carried through the towns narrow streets, residents and fans applauded the funeral convoy, paying their respects to a woman once among the worlds most photographed and a defining figure of 1960s cinema.

The service at the Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption Catholic Church began with Maria Callass "Ave Maria," attended by Bardots husband, son, grandchildren, invited family guests, and representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals.Max Guazzini, a close friend and secretary general of the Foundation, delivered a poignant speech.

"Sadness is overwhelming, and pain too," he said, continuing with a vivid image: "Were going to dream about her as if we were sleeping. In our dream, Brigitte arrives in a great, white immensity and suddenly  thousands of seals arrive. All the animals she saved and she loved form a procession behind her  Thousands of animals say: Brigitte, we will miss you, we love you so much, thank you."

Hundreds gathered in the small town, watching the farewell on large screens erected at the port and in two main plazas. Bardot is to be buried "in the strictest privacy" in a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

open image in gallery French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen, President of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) party parliamentary group, Steve Briois and Burno Bilde arrive to attend the funeral service for the late French film icon Brigitte Bardot ( Reuters )

Saint-Tropez had long been her sanctuary from the intense celebrity that made her a household name.

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A public homage was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, allowing admirers to reflect on the woman whose image once symbolised Frances post-war liberation and sensuality.

Last week, the town hall declared: "Brigitte Bardot will forever be associated with Saint-Tropez, of which she was the most dazzling ambassador. Through her presence, personality and aura, she marked the history of our town."

Bardot settled decades ago in her seaside villa, La Madrague, having retired from filmmaking in 1973 at the age of 39, following an international career spanning more than two dozen films.

She subsequently became a prominent animal rights activist, establishing and sustaining a foundation dedicated to animal welfare. While she stepped away from the film industry, she remained a highly visible and often controversial public figure through decades of militant animal rights activism and her associations with far-right politics.

open image in gallery A woman lays flowers at actor Brigitte Bardot's home in Saint-Tropez ( AP )

Her final resting place will be the marine cemetery, where her parents are also interred. This cemetery, with its views of the Mediterranean, is also the burial site for several cultural figures, including her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim, who directed her breakthrough film, And God Created Woman, the role that propelled her to global stardom.
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A group of Republican senators delivered Donald Trump a message of opposition to begin the new year as they voted to limit the presidents ability to launch new attacks on Venezuela.

Five members of the presidents party broke ranks to support a War Powers Act resolution sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, aimed at preventing the White House from using resources to support further military action inside Venezuela following the capture of the countrys leader Nicolas Maduro. The new resolution blocks the president from using the military against Venezuela without authorization from Congress.

One of them, Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), denied that his vote was not a rebuke of the president: This is all about going forward. If the president should determine, you know what, I need to put troops on the ground in Venezuela, I think that wouldn't require Congress.

But after Thursday, a vote of 52-47 now stands as one of the largest shows of Republican resistance on Capitol Hill so far during Trumps second presidency. A final vote on the resolution will be held Wednesday, according to Kaine.

And the president clearly didnt feel the same way. He quickly dropped a bomb on the wayward Republicans, naming them on Truth Social and writing that Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats...Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again.

open image in gallery Donald Trump launched attacks on Venezuela. Now, the Senate has passed an act aimed to limit future attacks. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The resolution passed with a greater showing of Republican support than had manifested for a similar resolution in the fall, which took place before the raid on Venezuelas capital to capture Maduro. Just one Democrat, John Fetterman, expressed support for the presidents actions in response to the Maduro raid, but even he fell into line and voted with his party Thursday.

Just two Republicans previously voted to restrict the presidents warmaking in the fall, as a campaign of military strikes against small boats the U.S. has accused of being used for drug smuggling escalated in the Caribbean: Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Three of their colleagues joined them this week. Sens. Susan Collins, Josh Hawley and Todd Young voted in the affirmative, and indicated to reporters that the capture of Maduro changed the calculation.

White House officials including the president have refused to take the use of U.S. forces, including a ground invasion, off the table to stabilize Venezuela in the wake of Maduros capture.

open image in gallery Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) was one of five Republicans to vote yes on a Democratic senators War Powers Act resolution on Thursday ( Getty )

Paul spoke to reporters after the vote and was equally averse to describing it as a firm break with the president.

I think it's part of the healthy debate that we have in a republic, he contended.

But the senator admitted that lawmakers and Americans alike were spooked by the rhetoric coming out of the White House, both from Trump who indicated that hell pursue potential efforts at regime change or efforts to stop drug trafficking elsewhere, and the likes of Stephen Miller and Karoline Leavitt who repeatedly refused this week to rule out a military invasion of Greenland, which is controlled by a fellow Nato member-state.

Trump and his allies have been cagey about details regarding his future plans for the Western Hemisphere. He has reignited calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, while pointedly not ruling out military force and drawing condemnations from European leaders, who say such an act would shatter the NATO alliance. Officials have also revealed only the hints of a solid plan for Venezuelas future amid questions of who the administration views as the countrys rightful leader, when elections will be held and whether the U.S. has plans to take over or seize parts of Venezuelas oil reserves.

I think it concerns people the more they hear loose rhetoric like, Columbia, you're next green Greenland, you're next. Watch out. And so the more it becomes that, well, that the President can make these decisions without any kind of authorization from Congress. I think that's starting to worry more people, said Paul.

Paul did not answer when asked by The Independent whether he would support similar legislation, introduced by Sen. Ruben Gallego, to restrict military force against Greenland. But he and other lawmakers in both chambers have warned against such saber-rattling from the White House.

open image in gallery Rand Paul denied that his vote was a rebuke of Donald Trump ( REUTERS )

[A]ny effort to claim or take the territory by force would degrade both our national security and our international relationships, wrote Murkowski, one of Thursdays yes votes, on Wednesday evening.

Todd Young, her colleague, added of his yes vote on Thursday: Although I remain open to persuasion, any future commitment of U.S. forces in Venezuela must be subject to debate and authorization in Congress.

President Trump campaigned against forever wars, and I strongly support him in that position. A drawn-out campaign in Venezuela involving the American military, even if unintended, would be the opposite of President Trumps goal of ending foreign entanglements, the Indiana Republican wrote in a statement.

The Senates vote follows an all-senators briefing on the subject earlier in the week and complaints from Democrats that the administration gave no forewarning, including to lawmakers with intelligence backgrounds, regarding the strike.

Members of the opposition party who exited the briefing on Wednesday said that the president planned to steal Venezuelas oil at gun point, while the future of the country remained unclear.

This is an insane plan. Theyre talking about stealing Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for an undefined period of time to micromanage an entire country, claimed Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, as he spoke with reporters after Wednesdays briefing. The scope and insanity of this is absolutely stunning.

Even some Republicans who voted against the War Powers resolution on Thursday expressed the need for the administration to guarantee stability within Venezuela in the immediate term, and expressed doubts that American energy companies would make long-term investments without that guarantee. Those with concerns included Thom Tillis, who excoriated the White House this week over rhetoric from Miller and others about Greenland.

I think [success] depends largely on whether or not we can help the President by passing legislation that sustains the effort. Because, frankly, if we don't do that, why on earth would anybody in the energy sector invest in something that may only be a stable it may be stable for three years? Tillis asked.
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British RAF spy planes and submarine hunters circled above as US special forces boarded an empty Russian-flagged Venezuelan oil tanker in the north Atlantic in an expensive performance verging on satire.

The Marinera was chased across the oceans, switched its nationality to Russian mid-journey, painted Moscows flag on its side and chugged along shadowed by one of Vladimir Putins submarines.

But the elite sailors beneath the sea offered the ageing tanker no real protection. And while the Kremlin has loudly condemned Donald Trumps abduction of Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro, the Marineras voyage did not end with nautical fisticuffs between two nuclear powers.

It demonstrated a fake rivalry between the Kremlin and the Oval Office. And it made Britain, sandwiched between the two, look rather silly in sending its P8 Poseidon and A400M Atlas aircraft to help with the show.

open image in gallery US Coast Guard observing a Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling off British waters ( X/@US_EUCOM )

Trump has claimed that Venezuelas oil, which he says the US will now control, will be sold to the benefit of both the US and Venezuela.

This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as president of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! Trump posted on social media on Tuesday.

The Marinera has been part of a shadow fleet of tankers evading US sanctions to sell oil to China  and Trump decided he had to show strength.

But the rusting tanker was empty.

Russia funds its war against Ukraine with fossil fuel sales. Europe imports a vast quantity of Russian gas, worth about $10-25bn (7.4bn-18.6bn) a year.

But the Kremlin also profits from the shadow fleet of at least 1,000 ships which move just over 18 per cent of the worlds oil from sanctioned countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela  often to China. It helps make Russias oil trade worth about $150bn (111bn) a year.

Seizures of these oil tankers by Ukraines allies are very rare.

But the US has stepped up its efforts to seize Venezuelan vessels  and on Wednesday revealed it had taken control of another off the coast of South America, giving succour to its global rivals.

The United States brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for America first when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference.

open image in gallery Oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, photographed at sea in the Singapore Strait in March 2025 ( Hakon Rimmereid )

Trump has said that while Maduro remains in a New York jail cell, his administration in Caracas remains intact. It is this administration, Trump insists, that will do what he demands  or face military attack.

Russia and China have made much of their objections to this attitude. But it suits them. And so does the drama of the seizure of the Marinera.

Putin wants to return his nation to the Soviet imperium that ruled Eastern Europe, the oil-rich Asian stans to the East and above all, owned Ukraine. China has its eyes on Taiwan and total domination of Asian trade through the South China Sea.

Trump wants to run the western hemisphere as a new American empire, which may soon, he hopes, include Canada and Greenland, Venezuela and maybe Cuba, too.

The Marinera is in that sphere. Trump showed that he can get a vassal state like Britain to help with the seizure of a ship of no consequence. With the help of supine extras, hes playing Big Man in the West.

Putins submariners will now sail away, sniggering at the storm und drang ( storm and stress) over a bucket of rust bobbing on the surface of an ocean where the US president wants to plant his imperial banner.
BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan's intention of revising its three national security documents reflects its dangerous moves to speed up "remilitarization," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, urging high vigilance from the international community.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that relevant discussions will be advanced toward the goal of revising the three national security documents within the year.

Mao told a regular press briefing that according to Japanese media reports, major adjustments to the three documents include increasing defense spending, revising the three non-nuclear principles, lifting restrictions on arms export and developing offensive military capability.

"It reflects the dangerous trend of Japan 'remilitarizing' itself faster, which is bound to undermine regional peace and stability. The international community must stay on high alert," she said.

Mao emphasized that with the aim of preventing the revival of Japanese militarism, a series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clearly require Japan to be "completely disarmed" and not to maintain such industries as "would enable her to re-arm for war."

She pointed out that Japan's Constitution also made strict restrictions on the country's military forces, the right of belligerency and the right to war.

However, in recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have been expediting military buildup and gradually breaking free from post-war norms such as the exclusively defense-oriented principle and a series of international rules, which constitutes a challenge to the post-war international order, Mao noted.

The right-wing forces time and again fabricated false narratives, and kept shifting focus, provoking its neighbors, creating troubles and stirring up tensions, said Mao, adding that they even pretended to be "threatened" and caught in a dead end.

She said that in fact, they are using "survival" and "defense" as an excuse to tie the Japanese people to the war chariot to serve their hidden agenda.

"What's the difference between their practice and what the Japanese militarists did in the last century?" Mao asked.

"The painful lessons of history remind us that Japanese right-wing forces' 'remilitarization' attempt has posed a threat to regional and world peace and tranquility," Mao noted, adding that China and all peace-loving countries and people in the world should never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the wheel of history or allow the revival of militarism.

Editor: WSH
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Millions worldwide celebrated Orthodox Christmas on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after much of the globe observed the holy day.

This later date is due to certain Eastern Orthodox churches, including those in Russian traditions, following the ancient Julian calendar.

This calendar operates 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used by Catholic and Protestant churches, and much of the secular world for everyday purposes.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and some other Oriental Orthodox churches  distinct from Eastern Orthodox but sharing many traditions  also marked Christmas on Wednesday.

Conversely, other Eastern Orthodox communities, such as those in the Greek tradition, celebrate Christmas on 25 December, aligning with Catholic and Protestant churches.

The disagreement over when Dec. 25 actually falls

Most Orthodox agree that Dec. 25 is the date of Christmas, or the Feast of the Nativity, as they call it. The question is whether Dec. 25 falls on Dec. 25 or Jan. 7.

That requires a little unpacking.

The ancient church in the Roman Empire set its religious feasts based on the Julian calendar, but after more than a millennium, that calendar had increasingly gotten out of alignment with the solar year.

Sixteenth century Pope Gregory XIII approved a revised, more astronomically precise calendar, which bears his name. It abruptly shifted the calendar several days forward to make up for lost time (literally) and added a more precise calculation of leap years. Protestant churches eventually followed the Catholic lead in adopting the calendar, as did secular governments.

open image in gallery Georgians with national flags take part in a religious procession to the Holy Trinity Cathedral to mark Orthodox Christmas in Tbilisi ( Photo/Shakh Aivazov )

All Eastern Orthodox kept to the old calendar until 1923, when an inter-Orthodox gathering adopted a revised Julian calendar that essentially mirrors the Gregorian. Most (but not all) churches in the Greek Orthodox tradition have adopted this, as have those in Romanian, Bulgarian and other traditions.

But the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest communion in Eastern Orthodoxy, has stayed on the old calendar, observing Christmas on Jan. 7 on the new calendar, as have Serbian, Georgian and some other Orthodox. Some Orthodox in Ukraine have begun to observe Christmas on Dec. 25, while others have retained the Jan. 7 observance.

One notable exception is the Armenian Orthodox tradition, which observes Christmas on Jan. 6.

Orthodox Christmas in North America

In the United States, observances vary. Churches in the Greek and Antiochian traditions observed Christmas on Dec. 25. Some churches in the Slavic tradition, including Serbian and smaller Russian churches, observe it on Jan. 7.

Eastern Orthodox observe Christmas with worship and ritual

Traditions vary, but typically the big worship service is the night before. In Serbian Orthodox churches, worship often begins with a short outdoor ceremony involving the burning of an oak branch or young oak tree, accompanied by a full-throated proclamation of the birth of Christ.
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Church leaders have branded President Vladimir Putin the Anti-Christ after the Russian leader said his war with Ukraine was part of a holy mission.

Putin called Russian soldiers warriors who were acting as if at the Lord's behest in a speech marking Orthodox Christmas on Wednesday.

Despite appearing to position himself as a saviour using messianic messaging, Putin is more like the Anti-Christ, according to Father Myroslav Pushkaruk, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Trying to do this with power and violence, which is not about love, not about Christian values is more like the Anti-Christ in the Christian world, the Rector at the Paris of the Protection of the Holy Mother of God in central London told The Independent.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putin made the comments during an Orthodox Christmas celebration ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Last year, the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church said that Putins Russian World ideology was heretical.

The teaching suggests that Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are part of Holy Russia, ideas that Putin has used to justify his expansion into Ukraine as part of a wider cosmic purpose. At a conference in Helsinki last month, over 90 church leaders condemned the ideology.

Putinsremarks have also drawn backlash from across the UK as church leaders criticise Russias military campaign as a slaughtering.

Seen from a Christian perspective, you dont use unholy means to pursue a holy mission, former Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines told The Independent. When that unholy means involves slaughtering people, invading their country, and telling lies.

open image in gallery Father Myroslav with military chaplains and Ukrainians in London ( Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of the Protection of the Holy Mother of God in London )

Father Myroslav works with military personnel and is often in touch with those on the frontlines of the battlefield in Ukraine, offering people affected psychological and social support amid the brutal and relentless battle that is now entering its fourth year.

[Russias] message is totally misleading and goes against with all the teachings of the Christian world, he continued. They are using the teaching to serve their needs, it has nothing to do with Christian values. It is heresy.

Father Taras Khomych, a Catholic Priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and senior lecturer in Catholic Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope University, warned of a pattern in concerning Putins language.

open image in gallery The aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine ( AFP/Getty )

He called the Russian leaders religious claims idolatry and a distortion of Christianity, adding: It exalts war, destruction and death in order to lay the foundations for Russias territorial claims. He added: This is a devilish demonic way of using the word of God.

As US-backed peace talks in Paris aimed at halting the fighting continue, Father Taras urged caution.

Its difficult to negotiate with someone who is as radical as Putin, he said. The ideology must be tackled at the root if a ceasefire is to be secured.

The war of Russian aggression started with the war of ideology and the full scale aggression was just the consequence of it. In order to stop the war we need to address this ideology and stop the ideology that fuels the war.
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The announcement that the UK and France plan to station troops within Ukraine and build military hubs if a peace deal is signed with Russia is not a magic wand. But it is a key moment.

It may help remove one of the biggest obstacles to hammering out a truce to end four years of slaughter Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people.

And so it signals a significant step forward. I find myself in rare agreement with Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, that a milestone has been reached in Europe.

open image in gallery Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and prime minister Keir Starmer in Paris, following a meeting with members of the coalition of the willing ( PA )

One of the main sticking points in any deal has always been Ukraines need for security guarantees.

Every single Ukrainian commander, presidential adviser, politician, foot soldier and civilian I have spoken to since the launch of the full-scale invasion in 2022 has repeated the same message to me: they fear Russia will renege on a deal.

The consensus for four years has been that history proves it would be suicidal for Ukraine to enter any kind of peace agreement without a solid mechanism in place where, should Moscow break the terms, Kyivs powerful allies will have its back militarily.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer shakes hands with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner ( PA )

It is why Ukraine, since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has desperately sought Nato membership.

The need is for Article 5, Natos mutual defence clause, which requires its members to come to one anothers aid in the event of an attack.

Ukraines pursuit of Nato membership has only further enraged Russia, and more recently, Trump. The US president, who appears to be on his own mission to upset Nato allies with threats to take over Greenland, has explicitly told Kyiv to give up on its Nato bid and go ahead and sign a deal with Moscow anyway.

Ukraine has been promised by Trump and other allies that it will get the security guarantees it wants, but there have yet to be concrete details or commitments made public.

Instead, Ukraine has been asked to make concessions in several leaked drafts of potential deals, including a cap on the size of the Ukrainian army, a commitment in the constitution not to join Nato and the surrender of occupied territory to Russia.

But now there has been progress.

open image in gallery The war in Ukraine has led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians ( Ukrainian 24th Mechanized brigade )

Prime minister Keir Starmer and his French counterpart confirmed British and French troops will be deployed inside Ukraine within military hubs once a peace deal has been reached.

No 10 said in a follow-up statement that the announcement made in Paris was the legal framework that would allow this to happen.

Volodymyr Zelensky himself said on social media that they have worked out in detail the force deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and the components of the armed forces required.

The plan will be backed by a US guarantee, which has not yet been outlined, but could possibly come in the form of air defence.

Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the press conference. Witkoff said the guarantees were as strong as anyone has ever seen and vowed that Trump does not back down from his commitments.

open image in gallery Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the talks in Paris ( AP )

Again, this is not the magic wand to end the meat grinder of a war which has killed and injured nearly 2 million people on both sides.

But even Zelensky, who recently said there is a long way to go until peace, has called it a huge step forward that just a year ago Kyiv would not have been able to imagine.

This comes at a critical time. The US  or more specifically Trump  has effectively signalled that Washington has done enough. Europe is on its own in Ukraine, and now the continent must shoulder the lions share of its collective defence.

There have also been grave concerns that Nato security guarantees mean very little given Trumps repeated insistence he wants to unilaterally annex Greenland, a territory of Nato-member state Denmark.

With the UK and France stepping up like this, it signals a potential new world order in which the US will not be directly involved in Europes defence.

There is a long way to go to achieve peace for Ukraine  the other major stumbling block is Russian-occupied territory  but yesterday was a significant step.
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Europe set up a showdown with Donald Trump after its leaders joined Canada and Denmark to rally behind Greenland, insisting it belongs to its people as the US president renewed threats to annex the strategic, mineral-rich island.

The major clash between long-term allies came while 27 heads of state and government, including military officials and two US envoys, gathered in Paris to determine Ukraines security guarantees following any potential peace deal with Russia.

It is a tinderbox point of contention between the continent and the US, which has piled pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia and agree to truce conditions many Ukrainians see as an effective surrender.

Despite backlash from Europe the White House insisted on Tuesday it is "discussing options for acquiring Greenland".

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, the Trump administration said in a statement.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal, the statement added.

open image in gallery Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European Nato members in September ( AP )

Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain had joined Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen in defending Greenlands sovereignty.

Greenland belongs to its people, the statement said. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney later echoed the same point ahead of the Paris gathering, telling reporters in the capital: The future of Greenland is a decision exclusively for the people of Greenland and Denmark.

Rose Gottemoeller, who served as deputy secretary general of Nato during Mr Trumps first administration, told The Independent that the most powerful member of Nato positioning itself as a hostile actor was putting the alliance through an existential crisis which posed the greatest threat to law-governed order since the Second World War.

To ask the US military to attack a US ally, a legal treaty ally, and take over the island of Greenland from our Danish ally crosses the red line of legality, she said.

Denmark was one of the original members of Nato. We've been allies for a long, long time. It would be unprecedented.

It is essentially back to a might is right kind of approach, she continued.

The worlds largest island is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and thus part of the Nato military alliance.

Mr Trump has in recent days repeated that he is seeking an American takeover, an idea first voiced in 2019 during his first presidency.

He argues it is vital for the US military, as the strongest member of Nato, in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic, and that Denmark has not done enough to protect it.

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Tuesday ( AFP/Getty )

Ms Frederiksen said that a US takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of Nato.

But Mr Trump told reporters on Sunday: Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it. Its so strategic right now.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller echoed the president on Monday: You can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else but we live in a world, in the real world, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power.

Mr Miller then questioned Denmarks control over Greenland in an interview with CNN: What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?

The tensions between allies threw considerable pressure on Tuesdays delicate diplomatic balancing act in Paris. The continent also needs US military might to back up Ukrainian security guarantees and ward off Russias territorial ambitions.

In the meeting the UK and France announced it would deploy troops and build military hubs in Ukraine as the vital security guarantee in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. Donald Trumps two envoys, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, attended the meeting and confirmed the mechanism would be backed by the US but offered no concrete details.

open image in gallery Front row, from left: Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky and Friedrich Merz, in Paris, at the Elysee Palace ( AFP/Getty )

The Trump administration has clearly turned its attentions away from Ukraine and towards Latin America with its military engagement in Venezuela.

Over the weekend, it launched an unprecedented military operation on the capital, capturing the countrys authoritarian leader, who has already appeared in court in New York on narco-terrorism charges.

He has since threatened Venezuelas neighbour Colombia, accusing its president Gustavo Petro of also being involved in drugs trafficking, a charge the leftist leader furiously denies.

In the Colombian capital Bogota, Carolina Corcho, a leading politician, former minister and associate of Mr Petro, warned Europe that if the US president is allowed to continue unchecked, the continent could be next, especially after his threats towards Greenland.

The United States was able to return Latin America and the world to pre-World War II conditions by kidnapping a president and bombing a city, she told The Independent.

If it can happen in Venezuela, it can happen anywhere  in Europe or even the UK.
Close Trump expresses hope on 'good news' from peace talks between Ukraine and Russia

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Ukraine and its western allies have agreed that Russian violations of a future ceasefire agreement could be met with a military response from the US and Europe, according to a report.

Under the plan, Moscow would first be issued a diplomatic warning, and retaliatory action by Ukrainian forces if necessary, the Financial Times reported.

If the ceasefire infraction persists, forces from the Coalition of the Willing will take action, and, after this, US forces will do the same.

The response would start within 24 hours, according to people who have been brief on the discussions.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has said he is expecting "good news" when trilateral peace talks resume from Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, declaring: I think were doing very well with Ukraine and Russia. For the first time, Im saying that.

But overnight Russian air attacks continued into this week, with explosions ringing out in Kyiv on Monday night into Tuesday, after a pause requested by Trump.

As of Tuesday morning, emergency power cuts were in effect in the Ukrainian capital after Russian forces again targeted power plants and energy infrastructure.
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US forces have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic in a dramatic move that could put Donald Trump on a collision course with Vladimir Putin.

The UK later revealed British armed forces provided support to the United States capture of the Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland on Wednesday.

The interception of the vessel comes amid a climate of global instability, with tensions also growing between Mr Trump and Europe over the US presidents repeated threats to take over Greenland.

The diplomatic row over Greenland came just days after US forces entered Venezuela and seized its president, Nicolas Maduro, in an extraordinary show of American military power. Mr Maduro was taken to New York, where he is facing charges for drug trafficking, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and narco-terrorism.

Now, the capture of the Marinera could prove to be a new flashpoint in relations between the West and Moscow after Russias transport ministry appeared to suggest that international maritime law had been breached.

open image in gallery The Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, pictured last year ( Hakon Rimmereid )

Mr Trump appeared to take a swipe at Americas Nato partners following the operation, writing on social media: We will always be there for Nato, even if they wont be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT (Donald J Trump) REBUILT USA. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

His claim of a lack of Western support came despite British involvement in the interception of the Marinera. RAF surveillance craft and a naval supply ship, the RFA Tideforce, were among the British military assets that took part in the operation, according to the Ministry of Defence, which insisted the UKs support was in full compliance with international law.

Defence secretary John Healey said: This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Arguing the seizure was legally justified, Mr Healey later told MPs on Wednesday evening the tanker had been stateless and falsely flying the flag of Guyana when it was first intercepted, before changing its name and attempting to adopt the Russian flag.

He said the UK supported the operation at the request of Mr Trump as part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions-busting and shadow shipping activity.

open image in gallery A member of the US Coast Guard observing the Marinera, which is one of a Venezuelan shadow fleet of tankers carrying oil in breach of US and international sanctions ( X/@US_EUCOM )

The sanctioned tanker has been pursued by the US over several weeks, after it apparently escaped what Mr Trump described as a total naval blockade of Venezuela put in place in December.

The Marinera is one of a shadow fleet of tankers carrying oil in breach of US and international sanctions. Currently empty, the vessel hastily renamed itself and painted a Russian flag on its side in a bid to secure Moscows protection after turning toward Europe.

Russias transport ministry said it had granted the Marinera, previously flagged in Guyana, a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag on Christmas Eve. It added that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

US European Command announced the seizure of the Marinera for violations of US sanctions, before it was then revealed that another sanctioned Venezuela-linked tanker was seized by the US. The Sophia was captured during a pre-dawn raid in the Caribbean on Wednesday, according to US Southern Command. In a social media post on the back-to-back operations, US secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem said both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.

The US military has now handed control of the Marinera to law enforcement officials, a US official told the Associated Press.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the crew of the tanker is subject to prosecution.

open image in gallery The sanctioned Marinera tanker had been pursued by the US for several weeks ( RT News )

Ahead of the Marineras seizure, Kremlin adviser and former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov told the BBC that such a move would be considered as [an] attack on Russia, and it could lead to very critical or maybe even crisis situation in relations between Russia and US.

The seizures on Wednesday come after US forces apprehended at least two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters towards the end of last year. Meanwhile, at least 33 Venezuelan vessels have been targeted by the US since early September in attacks that are believed to have killed 112 people, justified by claims of their drug trafficking into the US.

Former deputy head of Nato Rose Gottemoeller has accused Mr Trump of wanting to end what has been the post-Second World War law-governed order enshrined in the UN Charter. Speaking to The Independent, she also warned Europe could face a future without US nuclear deterrence amid the US presidents vow to take Greenland.

open image in gallery The UK later revealed British armed forces provided support to the USs capture of the Marinera ( PA )

Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by senior British military figures to be much tougher in resisting Mr Trumps threat to annex the strategic, mineral-rich island, which is part of Denmark, a Nato country.

Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace accused the US president of attempting to thieve Greenlands mineral assets, while former Nato deputy supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff said the British government ducks and weaves instead of taking a firm stance on defending the territory.

But on Tuesday, Sir Keir and other European leaders spoke out publicly over the threats, declaring that they will not stop defending Greenlands territorial integrity.
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At least 36 protesters have died during protests in Iran as security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Tehrans grand bazaar on Tuesday.

Activists staging a sit-in at Tehrans main market clashed with security forces as nationwide protests over Irans economic crisis entered a tenth day.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States would will come to their rescue - without elaborating on what this would mean.

The countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the rioters must be put in their place in an indication that he would not engage in dialogue with protesters over the dire state of the countrys economy. Irans currency, the rial, recently fell to a record low.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators at the grand bazaar as the market shut down, witnesses said. Previously, security forces have been filmed using tear gas against protesters at a hospital and a metro station in the capital.

open image in gallery Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators as the capitals main market shut down, witnesses said ( AP )

Protests in Iran - the most significant in years - have spread to over 270 locations in 27 of Irans 31 provinces.

More than 1,200 people have been detained and at least 36 people killed during the protests, according to the U.S. based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The death toll includes 29 protesters, four children and two members of Irans security forces.

The economic situation is set to worsen as Irans Central Bank has drastically reduced the subsidised exchange rates for dollars it offers to importers and producers in the country.

This move will likely lead to merchants hiking the prices of goods in the following days for consumers, whose life savings have already dwindled following years of international sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.

The country was plunged into severe economic hardships since the U.S. first imposed tariffs in 2018.

open image in gallery Several protesters are calling for the overthrow of the theocracys supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei ( AP )

Several protesters are now calling for the overthrow of supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei, who has reportedly planned to flee to Moscow if the demonstrations escalate.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a government investigation into one incident involving the protests, but has also indicated that the crisis may be rapidly moving beyond the control of officials.

Pezeshkian said in a televised speech: We should not expect the government to handle all of this alone". He added: "The government simply does not have that capacity.

This is not the first time Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests over economic issues in recent years.

However, the recent protests do not yet match the scale of unrest that swept the nation in 2022-23 over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in the custody of Irans morality police for allegedly violating the hijab law.
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An ultra-Orthodox teenage boy has died after being run over by a bus during a protest in Jerusalem, prompting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call for calm. The incident occurred on Tuesday night amidst demonstrations against a proposed law to conscript ultra-Orthodox individuals into the military.

Mr Netanyahu issued a statement early Wednesday, urging "restraint to prevent the mood from becoming further inflamed so that, heaven forbid, we do not have additional tragedies." He also pledged a thorough investigation into the death of yeshiva student Yosef Eisenthal. Footage obtained by The Associated Press reportedly shows a public bus dragging the boy for several metres before running him over, as onlookers reacted in horror.

Police arrested and questioned the bus driver, who informed investigators he had been attacked by protesters prior to the collision, according to an Israeli police spokesperson.

Protesters had been blocking the road and acting violently toward police officers, throwing eggs and other objects at them, the spokesperson said.

open image in gallery Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against army recruitment in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The violence reflected growing tensions between the Israeli authorities and the ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, as the government mulls plans to draft them into the military.

When Israel was founded in 1948, a small number of gifted ultra-Orthodox scholars were granted exemptions from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jews in the country. But with a push from politically powerful religious parties, those numbers have swelled over the decades.

There is support for rolling back the ultra-Orthodox exemption among many secular Israelis, especially those who have served multiple rounds of duty in the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza.

Measures to draft the ultra-Orthodox have been met with staunch opposition and occasional violence from religious protesters who claim serving in the military will destroy their way of life. The pushback has created a political problem for Netanyahu, who relies on the support of religious parties in the Israeli Parliament.
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Astronomers using Nasas Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a new type of cosmic object that is believed to be a failed galaxy.

Dubbed Cloud-9, the astronomical curiosity is a cloud of dark matter 14 million light-years from Earth that contains no stars.

It is the first time that such an object has ever been detected, and could improve scientists understanding of the early universe and the nature of dark matter.

This is a tale of a failed galaxy, said Alejandro Benitez-Llambay from the Milano-Bicocca University in Italy, who is the programs principal investigator.

In science, we usually learn more from the failures than from the successes. In this case, seeing no stars is what proves the theory right. It tells us that we have found in the local universe a primordial building block of a galaxy that hasnt formed.

The object is called a Reionization-Limited H I Cloud, or RELHIC, which has been theorised for years as what a remnant from an early galaxy formation would be like.

ESA researcher Rachael Beaton said that they expected our galactic neighbours to contain a few abandoned houses like this.

The surprise discovery offers a unique insight into the physics of dark matter and is expected to result in more failed galaxies being uncovered in the future.

Dark matter makes up approximately 85 per cent of all matter in the universe, but it is impossible to see with telescopes because it does not emit, absorb or reflect light.

The lack of stars in the Cloud-9 formation allows scientists to look at a pure dark matter halo without any light interfering with the observation.

This cloud is a window into the dark universe, said Andrew Fox from the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy/ Space Telescope Science Institute at the European Space Agency (ESA).

We know from theory that most of the mass in the universe is expected to be dark matter, but its difficult to detect this dark material because it doesnt emit light. Cloud-9 gives us a rare look at a dark-matter-dominated cloud.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin on Tuesday in Beijing.

Zhao said the meeting between the two countries' leaders held on Monday has drawn a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to work with Ireland to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and work for further progress of the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation, Zhao said.

China's NPC is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the Irish parliament, and deepen exchanges and mutual learning in terms of legislation, supervision and state governance experience, to help boost pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, Zhao added.

Hailing China's development as an admirable success story, Martin said that Ireland adheres to the one-China policy and is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, and work for more outcomes in cooperation.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Editor: WSH
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A Boeing 767 jet blew out its tires while landing at Atlantas main airport on Tuesday, causing emergency crews to swarm onto the tarmac.

Peruvian national airline LATAMs flight 2482 arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7.38 pm, 17 minutes ahead of schedule. The plane had set off from Lima seven hours and 24 minutes earlier.

According to preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration, seen by Fox Atlanta, the plane blew out all of its rear landing-gear tires upon landing.

Eight of the planes ten tires are believed to have blown, according to NBC Atlanta, with some of them being melted.

open image in gallery A LATAM jet's tires blew out upon landing at an airport in Atlanta, prompting emergency services to race onto the tarmac ( 11Alive )

Footage from the runway, obtained by the broadcaster, shows passengers rushing off the jet while mechanics worked on the tires.

Passengers later reported that the jet appeared to have a hard landing, which caused overhead bins to tumble open and even pulled a bathroom door off its hinges.

Barbara Williams and Brandon Hagin told Atlanta News First that their 15-year-old son had been on board the jet for his first solo flight. He had been flying home from Argentina, with a layover in Lima.

You assume the worst, so its nice to hear somewhat quickly the development of things, Hagin said. Accidents do happen, and its the most important thing is how the response is, the information getting to where it needs to get to as promptly as possible.

We got it as promptly as it was able to be delivered, he continued. Otherwise, we had to go fishing for it. But it's worrisome in general traveling.

Passengers were shuttled to the airports international terminal after being kept on the plane for over two hours. According to the broadcaster, many were left stranded after missing connecting flights due to the incident.

Reports reviewed by Fox Atlanta indicated that no injuries were sustained in the incident.

The cause of the 221-passenger jet's tire damage remains unknown. However, LATAM Airlines issued a statement attributing the incident to an unspecified technical error.

open image in gallery The LATAM jet was a Boeing 767 and was landing after trip from Peru, which had lasted for over seven hours ( Getty Images )

LATAM Airlines Peru informs that, during the arrival of flight LA2482 today, which was operating the LimaAtlanta (United States) route, a technical incident occurred that is currently under investigation and has resulted in the aircraft remaining on the runway," the statement read.

Delta Air Lines has also issued a statement, obtained by 11Alive, because the company has a codeshare agreement with LATAM Airlines.

Its an aircraft operated by LATAM with their aircraft, crew, etc, the statement read. Delta has a commercial partnership with this airline company, but this is not a Delta flight.

The Independent has contacted the FAA and LATAM Airlines for comment.
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The most reliable airlines in 2025 have been revealed in a new ranking of flight operators on time for take-off.

Aviation analytics company Cirium announced the worlds most on-time carriers in its 17th annual On-Time Performance Review of global airlines.

Mexican flag carrier Aeromexico topped the on-time table for the second consecutive year, maintaining a 90.02 per cent performance across 188,859 flights.

According to Cirium, an on-time flight arrives within 14.59 minutes of its scheduled gate arrival time.

Saudia, the flagship carrier of Saudi Arabia, ranked second worldwide, with a punctuality performance rate of 86.53 per cent, and SAS took third with over 86 per cent of operations departing on time.

Regional winners included Delta Air Lines (80.90 per cent) for the fifth consecutive year in North America and Iberia Express (88.94 per cent) in Europe.

UK-based airline Virgin Atlantic placed as the most improved airline for 2025 with 83.45 per cent punctuality  a 9.44 per cent increase from its 74.01 per cent score in 2024.

Qatar Airways was also awarded Cirium's Platinum Award as recognition for the Doha carriers operational excellence across its global hub network and 84.42 per cent on-time performance.

As for airports, Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport won the large airport category, with 87.04 per cent of flights departing on time.

Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, said: Maintaining consistent on-time performance requires sophisticated network planning, operational coordination, and the ability to recover quickly when irregularities occur. These results reflect the operational discipline that defines aviation's top performers.

"Qatar Airways' Platinum win is particularly significant because it demonstrates how a network carrier can maintain on-time performance across six continents while operating one of the industry's most complex hub structures. Their 84.42% on-time rate over 198,303 flights sets a new benchmark for network carriers.

Read more: The best and worst airlines for long-haul flights revealed
Deal with US billionaire Kelcy Warren to invest 30m in Waterford Airport near completion

Businessman has donated millions of dollars to support Donald Trump

Waterford Airport has not had scheduled services since 2016

John Mulligan Tue 6 Jan 2026 at 14:52

A deal that will see US billionaire and Donald Trump supporter Kelcy Warren invest 30m to upgrade Waterford Airport is almost finalised. A new company that has been formed to own and run the airport and its assets will be controlled by Mr Warren.
Value of Irish food and drink exports to EU, US and UK all rose last year, despite tariffs and Brexit

Overall increase of 11pc in total Irish exports in the sector last year

Bord Bia CEO Jim OToole with Chinese chefs on a previous Irish trade mission to China.

John Burns Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 10:45

The value of Irelands food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 12pc last year to 19bn, according to Bord Bia.
My Money: Theres no such thing as good value in property anymore  unless it was seized by CAB
Musgrave Group, the owner of SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and wholesaler Musgrave MarketPlace, has appointed Niall Anderton as its incoming chief executive officer.

Mr Anderton will succeed Noel Keeley, who is due to retire from the business at the end of 2026, following more than 20 years with the family owned, Cork-based, food retail, wholesale and foodservice group, it said.
Minister seeks showdown with Elon Musks X over Grok undressing minors, as research reveals 6,700 images per hour created by its AI engine

The controversy has not affected Groks financial fortunes, with parent company xAI raising $20bn in a new funding round

Renewed calls for ban on AI tools that can produce sexual images of children and adults after Xs AI tool Grok has been used to digitally 'undress' people online

Adrian Weckler Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 16:15

Irelands Minister for artificial intelligence (AI), Niamh Smyth, is to seek a meeting with X over its AI system, Grok, turning photos of women and minors into sexually suggestive deepfake images.
Washington urged to curtail flights from Ireland unless Dublin Airport cap is gone by February

Airlines for America (A4A) has made a formal complaint to the US Department of Transport

American Airlines is represented by the lobby group

John Mulligan Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 17:25

An American airline lobby group has called for the curtailment or suspension of Irish airlines access to the US unless the Irish Government adopts emergency legislation to withdraw or suspend the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
Italy signals step forward in Mercosur negotiations

Giorgia Meloni welcomed a European Commission proposal to accelerate 45bn of support for farmers

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Photo: Getty

Philip Blenkinsop, Julia Payne and Giselda Vagnoni Reuters Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30







The European Commission appeared to have won the crucial support of Italy yesterday for a contentious free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, paving the way for the EU to sign the agreement as early as next week.
Makers of cooling systems saw their stocks plunge yesterday after comments by Nvidia's chief executive raised fears about demand for their products from data centres.

Shares of Trane Technologies, which makes water-chilled cooling equipment and similar systems, tumbled as much as 11pc in the worst intraday drop since 2020. Modine Manufacturing fell as much as 21pc, while Johnson Controls International and Carrier Global also slid.
Volodymyr Khaustov, scientific secretary of the State Institution Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Honored Economist of Ukraine, Candidate of Technical Sciences.

As we know, personnel are everything. This is not just an empty phrase, because in science, where training sometimes takes decades, the future of a country is determined by the availability of qualified researchers.

After the collapse of the USSR, where scientists occupied an honorable place in the hierarchy of professions, Ukraine acquired one of the largest research systems in Europe. The scientific school of the Ukrainian SSR era was known for its advanced technologies and groundbreaking ideas. Subsequently, in the early years of independence, changes in the structure of the economy began. While in 1991-1995 the share of industry in GDP exceeded 40%, by 2024 it had fallen to 19.0%, and the service sector had taken the lead, growing from 40% to over 70%.

The country's economic problems and economic transformation also led to a reduction in funding for science. The dynamics of this reduction are shown below:

Table 1. Dynamics of expenditure on research and development in 2010-2023.

Years Research and development expenses  total, million UAH Share of research and development expenditure in GDP, % 2010 8107,1 0,75 2011 8513,4 0,65 2012 9419,9 0,67 2013 10248,5 0,70 2014 9487,5 0,60 2015 11003,6 0,55 2016 11530,7 0,48 2017 13379,3 0,45 2018 16773,7 0,47 2019 17254,6 0,43 2020 17022,4 0,41 2021 20973,8 0,38 2022 17117,8 0,33 2023 21348,1 0,33

The share of science spending in gross domestic product (GDP) has been steadily declining since 2010 and has fallen to 0.33% in recent years. Back in 2017, the World Bank noted that ...the current innovation policy and corresponding state funding do not meet the critical needs of the Ukrainian national innovation system. A significant reduction in funding has led to the disappearance of a number of scientific institutions (SIs) and a decline in the prestige of scientific work. Young people are not going into science because of low salaries and the low status of scientists. It cannot be otherwise, given that the salary of a senior researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is 13,034 hryvnia.

All this has led to increased migration, a decrease in the number of scientists, and a loss of opportunities to reproduce human resources. The number of personnel in the field of research and development (R&D) has decreased sevenfold: from more than 400,000 people in 1991 to 63,800 in 2024. Below you can see the dynamics of the number of personnel engaged in R&D.

Fig. 1. Dynamics of the number of personnel employed in R&D in Ukraine

Table 2. Dynamics of the number of personnel employed in R&D in Ukraine

Years Number of employees involved in scientific research and development  total, persons Including researchers technicians support employees person / as a percentage of the total number of employees involved in scientific research and development person / as a percentage of the total number of employees involved in scientific research and development person / as a percentage of the total number of employees involved in scientific research and development 2010 182484 133744 / 73.3 20113 / 11.0 28627 / 15.7 2011 175330 130403 / 74.4 17260 / 9.8 27667 / 15.8 2012 164340 122106 / 74.3 15509 / 9.4 26725 / 16.3 2013 155386 115806 / 74.5 14209 / 9.2 25371 / 16.3 2014* 136123 101440 / 74.5 12299 / 9.0 22384 / 16.5 2015 122504 90249 / 73.7 11178 / 9.1 21077 / 17.2 2016 97912 63694 / 65.1 10000 / 10.2 24218 / 24.7 2017 94274 59392 / 63.0 9144 / 9.7 25738 / 27.3 2018 88128 57630 / 65.4 8553 / 9.7 21945 / 24.9 2019 79262 51121 / 64.5 7470 / 9.4 20671 / 26.1 2020 78860 51427 / 65.2 7117 / 9.0 20316 / 25.8 2021 68808 44321 / 64.7 5879 / 8.6 18288 / 26.7 2022* 53221 36084 / 67.8 5020 / 9.4 12117 / 22.8 2023 58567 38845 / 66.3 4542 / 7.8 15180 / 25.9 2024 63847 42670 / 66.8 5148 / 8.1 16029 / 25.1

The period of sharp decline in the number of R&D personnel (1991-1999) was characterized by a drop in funding. Subsequently, in 2000-2008, the number of research personnel stabilized at 200,000. The financial crisis accelerated negative trends in the dynamics of R&D personnel. This was followed by the annexation of Crimea and parts of the eastern regions, and the war. In 2024, the UNESCO report Analysis of war damage to the Ukrainian science sector and its consequences noted that as a result of the Russian Federation's aggression, 12% of scientists were forced to emigrate or move within the country. Of these, 6.3% were forced to emigrate to other countries, and 5.5% became internally displaced persons. About 30% of all scientists began to work remotely. In other words, there was a brain drain from science. According to some data, more than 20,000 R&D workers were temporarily displaced or left Ukraine in 2022. Thus, losses associated with the war were added to the traditional outflow of scientific personnel. Changes in the structure of science have also led to the disappearance of the previously massive category of designers and technologists. Ukraine's recovery will take place through investment projects that will require a huge amount of design and technological documentation, which no one is left to prepare.

Table 3 shows that, in addition to the decline in the number of scientists, there is also an aging of science. The most numerous age group in science is scientists over 65 years of age. Scientists aged 55 and older make up about 40% of scientists.

Table 3 Number of researchers involved in R&D by age:

up to and including 25 years of age 25-29 years 30-34 years 35-39 years 40-44 years 45-49 years 50-54 years 55-59 years 60-64 years 65 years old and older 2016 1876 6418 7863 7488 6216 4936 5816 6593 6328 10160 2020 949 3165 5418 6239 5714 4927 4123 4957 5191 10744 2016 2.9% 10.1% 12.3% 11.8% 9.8% 7.7% 9.1% 10.4% 9.9% 16.0% 2020 1.8% 6.2% 10.5% 12.1% 11.1% 9.6% 8.0% 9.6% 10.1% 20.9%

The situation with personnel in science is such that it can be described in the words of Ernest Hemingway: Ask not for whom the bell tolls, for it tolls for thee. And without personnel, there will be no science.

In the structure of science funding, the largest share is concentrated in the business sector  59.9%, in the public sector it is 33.4%, and in the higher education sector  about 6.7% of expenditures. In terms of personnel, the public sector accounts for 49%, the business sector for 34.6%, and higher education for 16.4%. Scientific institutions and universities are predominantly state-owned. Research in universities is not a key activity and is largely separate from teaching.

The main channels of public funding are the Ministry of Education and Science, sectoral academies, and the National Research Fund of Ukraine. Another source is the foreign sector. In the pre-war period, foreign sources accounted for 20-25% of R&D funding in Ukraine. In the context of the war, foreign partners have stepped up grant funding.

For many years, Ukrainian science has been unsuccessfully trying to establish links with business due to the lack of a comprehensive policy aimed at supporting such cooperation. However, these efforts are often fragmented, short-term, and insufficiently integrated into national innovation and industrial strategies. The lack of coordination between universities, business, and government agencies hinders the development of an innovation system.

Another feature of Ukrainian science is the almost complete absence of funding from regional sources, which is incomprehensible given the decentralization and significant increase in community budgets, which are not being used for regional science. It appears that local authorities know nothing about science and do not want to use it.

The negative changes in the state of Ukraine's scientific human resources urgently require state intervention to stabilize and further reduce these influences. The state body responsible for the development of science, the Ministry of Education and Science, is monitoring these trends and attempting to change the situation.

Recently, the Ministry of Education and Science prepared the Concept for the Support and Development of Human Resources in the Field of Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities, National System of Researchers of Ukraine (NSR), which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The concept aims to identify, recognize, support, and promote the best Ukrainian scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers who have achieved outstanding results in scientific and scientific-technical activities and made a significant contribution to the development of science in the country, as well as to provide them with further individual financial support. Support will be provided to scientists on the basis of questionnaires, regardless of their current ability to conduct research.

The proposed NSD is based on a rating assessment of scientists' achievements, with additional funding for the best researchers. However, distributing money based on questionnaires among a limited number of scientists, as is essentially proposed, is not rational.

The set of indicators for determining the best mainly duplicates the indicators used in state certification of institutions. It is unclear how the summarization will be carried out and how the characteristics of different scientific disciplines will be taken into account. And how, for example, can a representative of fundamental science be compared with someone from an industry or a theoretical physicist with a lawyer? Furthermore, scientists perform different functions in scientific teams: some generate ideas, some conduct experiments, etc.

Furthermore, with the support of individual scientists, the place and role of creative teams and infrastructure and information support are completely negated. Scientists do not work alone, but as part of teams with their own functions.

The use of mechanistic approaches to ratings will primarily support scientists with many years of experience in science and managers (they have better publication indicators, in particular thanks to the opportunities for co-authorship and the duration of scientific work). It is impossible to apply the same requirements to everyone. Therefore, the general ranking of Ukrainian scientists is an artificial measure. In developed countries, such rankings are not conducted. The idea of distributing funds among scientists based on rankings is not new. In Ukraine, there was an attempt to create something similar in the Lviv region. There are no mentions of its results.

Another example of support for scientists at the national level is Mexico, where the NSD has been operating since the mid-1980s as a response to the mass emigration of scientists to the United States. It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of this system because, in addition to it, the government has applied other incentives, in particular various grant programs. However, the level of emigration of scientists from Mexico remains high, and the results of the impact of the creation of the NSD are unclear to its initiators. Other Latin American countries with similar problems have not introduced it.

Ukraine needs solutions that are not copies of foreign models, but responses to its own challenges. To overcome Ukraine's personnel problems in science, it is necessary to:

1. Strictly comply with the provisions of the Law of Ukraine On Science and Scientific Activity with a level of funding for science at 1.7% of GDP.

2. Make scientific work prestigious by significantly increasing scientists' salaries, which will ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian science.

3. Ensure acceptable basic funding for universities and substantial funding on a competitive basis, as well as partial funding for regional science and education institutions from local budgets.

4. Create and implement mechanisms for financing regional science aimed at solving regional problems from community budgets.

5. Introduce a number of specialized competitions at various levels (national, regional, departmental, etc.), including in cooperation with foreign partners, where the customers would be national government bodies, regions, and private companies seeking to solve priority problems. This will lead to the financing of scientific teams for work on relevant projects, rather than individual scientists receiving rent for questionnaires.

6. Allow only organizations from the Register of Scientific Institutions to participate in competitions for research using budget funds.

Today, Ukrainian science is on the brink of survival. Without systematic action on the part of the state and society, we risk losing the intellectual capital necessary for the restoration and modernization of the country.

Source: Experts Club Information and Analytical Center.
Falling production in Brazil set to drive global prices upwards

Cheap beef may soon become further out of reach. Brazil, one of the worlds few remaining sources of abundant cattle, is heading into a period of shrinking supplies that could push global prices higher.
Irish News

live | The rain has nowhere to go  more flooding fears amid worst case scenario as eight counties under weather warning with rivers at risk
The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie  We saw it, so you dont have to...
Lucky Dip gang members in M1 chase had taunted gardai by posing with stolen car outside Oberstown detention centre

Incident just another example of their utter disregard for criminal justice system

Gang members posted images online of themselves in a stolen vehicle outside Oberstown Children Detention Campus

Ken Foy Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

Members of the so-called Lucky Dip gang posted images online of themselves in a stolen vehicle outside Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Dublin during a recent spate of criminal activity.
Foreign Affairs minister to meet Troubles victims and politicians in first visit to Belfast in new role

Helen McEntee said her visit to the region on Wednesday has been a priority for her since taking up her post in November 2025

Irish foreign minister Helen McEntee will visit Belfast on Wednesday.

Claudia Savage Press Association Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 07:41

Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee will visit Belfast to meet party leaders and representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.
latest | Government must decide collectively about its use of X, minister says as Grok linked to AI-generated abuse images

Grok, the AI tool of social media platform X, has been reported to have generated images depicting undressed images of women and children in recent weeks

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke (Brian Lawless/PA)

Tabitha Monahan and Keith Kelly Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 15:30

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has said parents need to be vigilant online, amid concerns that the AI tool Grok is being used to create fake sexually explicit images of children and women.
Guido Nasi, the Italian man who was left paralysed as a teenager after an unprovoked attack in Dublin, died this morning after suffering a cardiac arrest.

He was just 17 when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time during his first-ever trip to Ireland back in 1999.
According to preliminary data, as of January 1, 2026, international reserves of Ukraine amounted to $57.293 billion, which is the highest figure in the entire history of independent Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reported on Wednesday.

"The record growth in international reserves during a full-scale war has been driven by the synergy of three key factors: support of international partners, stable operation of the domestic debt market and the policy of the National Bank," said Andriy Pyshnyy, head of the regulator.

In December, international reserves increased by $2.536 billion (4.6%) and by a total of $13.497 billion (30.8%) for 2025.

According to the NBU, net international reserves reached a historical maximum of $43.317 billion at the beginning of 2026, increasing by $14.216 billion (48.8%) over the past year. Including December, their growth amounted to $595 million, or 6.4%.

At the beginning of this year, the structure of reserves was as follows: 44.8% securities, 48.4% cash, correspondent accounts, and deposits; and 6.8% monetary gold. A year earlier, their respective shares were 67.1%, 27.6%, and 5.3%.

As of January 1, 2026, according to published data, the share of dollar assets in reserves increased to 64.6%, up from 60.5% a month ago and down from 86.4% a year earlier. In contrast, the euro's share decreased to 27.8% in December (compared to 31.9% in November and 6.8% in December 2024).

According to the report, the government's foreign exchange accounts at the National Bank received $6.915 billion in December. Of this amount, $3.913 billion came through World Bank accounts, $2.699 billion came from the EU through the Ukraine Facility instrument, and $0.304 billion came from the placement of government bonds.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government spent $668.4 million servicing and repaying state debt in foreign currency. This included $212.9 million to the World Bank, $212.7 million for government bond servicing and repayment, $182.2 million for government derivative payments, $5 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), $2.1 million to the European Investment Bank (EIB), and $53.5 million to other international creditors. Additionally, Ukraine paid $171.4 million to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In December, the National Bank of Ukraine sold $4.7 billion on the foreign exchange market ($2.7 billion in November) and bought $0.5 million for reserves ($1.3 million in November).

The central bank noted that "the last months increase in the central banks interventions to sell foreign currency was primarily due to the traditional seasonal factor of higher budgetary spending and a pickup in business operations at the end of the year. However, compared to December 2024, the volume of interventions decreased by 13%."

The revaluation of financial instruments increased the value of reserves by $1.162 billion in December.

According to balance sheet data, in total, the country received $52.4 billion in international financial support during 2025: $32.7 billion from the EU, $13.2 billion through World Bank accounts, $3.4 billion from Canada, $0.9 billion from the IMF, and $0.2 billion from the Council of Europe Development Bank.

The report specifies that, in accordance with the agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom within the framework of the ERA, another $2.0 billion was not included in international reserves due to its intended purpose. Additionally, the country received over $3.3 billion in 2025 through the placement of foreign currency government bonds.

According to the National Bank, these revenues compensated for payments servicing and repaying the foreign currency state debt ($6.8 billion) and IMF payments ($3.2 billion), as well as the National Bank's net currency sales ($36.2 billion).

The National Bank summarized, "international reserves are now covering 5.9 months of future imports."
Lorraine Courtney: Theres no point talking about social media age rules unless we have a plan for VPN usage

When the UK introduced age-verification for porn sites, virtual private networks (VPNs) became the most downloaded apps in the country

Tanaiste Simon Harris has called for the introduction of ID-verified social media accounts. Photo: Tom Honan

Lorraine Courtney Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

Simon Harris wants Ireland to lead an EU push for ID-verified social media.
Donald Trump has ensured the world order is shifting, and the EU finds itself in a vulnerable position

People demonstrate outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, following US strikes on Venezuela that led to the capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. Photo: Reuters

Denmark was worried about US intentions towards Greenland even before Donald Trump sent his troops and bombers into Venezuela.

But now the Danes are truly alarmed, and so they should be. Even if its vast island territory isnt the next item on the US presidents acquisition list (which surely features Colombia), he seems determined to take it before leaving office (Greenland is an autonomous territory within the kingdom of Denmark).
Elon Musk has warned about the consequences of using Grok to make illegal content. Photo: Reuters

British writer Terry Pratchett wasnt always impressed with the ever-accelerating pace of life. This isnt life in the fast lane, its life in the oncoming traffic, he wrote.

Getting caught in oncoming unregulated traffic on what we once quaintly knew as the information superhighway can be every bit as dangerous as new risks about the sexual exploitation of children emerge.
Eight Gardai have been promoted to Superintendents and will be deployed to counties across Ireland. Photo: Stock image.

A man has been arrested and a second man hospitalised after an alleged assault in Carlow town.

Emergency services including gardai and ambulance services were called to the scene of the incident which occurred in the Staplestown Road area at approximately 12pm on Wednesday, January 7.

It is understood that two men were involved in the incident, at least some of which took place in a public area.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, a garda spokesperson said their investigations are ongoing into an alleged assault.

Gardai responded to the scene of an alleged assault incident on the Stapelstown Road Carlow today, Wednesday, January 7, that occurred at approximately 12pm, they said.

"A male aged in his 50s was brought to St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

"A male aged in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation.

"The scene is currently being held for technical examination. Investigations are ongoing.
Meet the Cork girl who completed incredible 67 Challenge in memory of her grandad  She was so determined

Zoe Gallagher ran 67kms over the month of December, undertaking a river swim on Christmas Day and spending 67 minutes hurling  all in aid of a vital charity

Eleven-year-old Zoe Gallagher completing her extraordinary 67 Challenge in aid of Michaels Fan Club in Glanworth on New Years Eve. (Photo: John Hannon)

Martin Mongan Corkman Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 15:17

A Glanworth schoolgirl raised over 11,000 for Michaels Fan Club while completing a challenge in memory of her grandfather on the first anniversary of his death.
Eight new stations and a fleet of electric trains are planned for Cork as part of a 1.8 bn commuter rail programme that will be the biggest-ever investment in the countys rail network, an Irish Rail manager told councillors this week.

AJ Cronin, Delivery Manager for the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme (CACR), told this months meeting of the East Cork Municipal District that the programme will deliver upgrades to the Mallow, Midleton and Cobh lines connecting to Cork city with the goal of delivering more trains and better connections in the Cork metropolitan area.

Adding to the current ten stations, three new stations are planned on the Mallow line (Blarney/Stoneview, Monard and Blackpool/Kilbarry), four on the Midleton line (Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West and Water Rock), and one on the Cobh line (Ballynoe). The Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle stations will also offer park & ride facilities.

The stations will act as hubs for integrated public transport with active travel projects and with Bus Connects and the Cork-Luas proposals, Mr Cronin said. He said that preliminary designs for the new stations are at an advanced stage with a public consultation process expected in the second quarter of this year.

Agreement has been reached with the National Transport Authority to fund the Blackpool/Kilbarry and Dunkettle stations earlier than the others.

We would hope to advance planning applications for those stations in the coming weeks and then move to detailed design and construction as soon as possible. I would expect within the next 12 months that we would start both of those stations, Mr Cronin said.

The Irish Rail delivery manager said the goal is to allow us to operate trains at a 10-minute frequency on all three routes. As part of the programme, a 180m signalling upgrade to support a trebling of the number of trains running between the three towns and Cork city is expected to be completed this year and commissioned in 2027.

In addition, a second track is currently being installed between Glounthaune and Midleton with 4 km already laid. The 92m works are expected to be largely completed by mid-year and will enable a trebling of capacity on the line.

The Cork area commuter network will be fully electric, a first for Ireland outside of Dublins DART system. Today we operate eight two-car diesel multiple units and we will go to 21 electric multiple units. It will be an electric fleet, fully decarbonised, so a much quieter, more sustainable fleet in the Cork area. For the first time, we will see electric trains outside the Dublin area. Cork will become the next location on the network that will have an electric fleet, Mr Cronin said.

The electric trains will cost around 280m with an order expected to be placed in 2028. Mr Cronin predicted they will enter service in 2030 or 2031. A fleet maintenance depot will be built between Carrigtwohill and Midleton to service and maintain the new fleet.

Mr Cronin acknowledged councillors concerns about the current lack of capacity on the three Cork commuter lines given the growing demand, particularly in the mornings. We are looking at short-term improvements to try and alleviate some of that peak service capacity issue by cascading some fleet from other parts of the network in the short term to provide that capacity and also looking at the existing fleet  but ultimately capacity won't increase until we see the new fleet, he said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Meet the new owner of Corks remote hub Republic of Work the five days in the office is over

Free weddings, baked beans, and a fabled coin toss have all shaped Frank Brennan to become the owner, nine years after being appointed their first employee

Frank Brennan pictured at the Republic of Work office on South Mall, Cork, where it was announced that CEO Frank Brennan has acquired Republic of Work as part of a management buyout. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

Kevin Galvin Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

Frank Brennan, the CEO and now owner of Republic of Work, is, by his own admission, a lucky guy.
Reinstating the old rail line between Youghal and Midleton would take five to ten years and cost in the region of 200 million, an Irish Rail official told this months meeting of the East Cork Municipal District.

AJ Cronin, Delivery Manager for the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, told the elected members that although there is currently no plan or proposal to reinstate the line between the East Cork towns, if that changes Irish Rail would be happy to restore it.

However, today there is no plan, there is no policy, it is not part of the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review, it is not part of CMATS, the Corporate Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, to deliver a reinstated railway to Youghal. So as of today, there is no plan, there is no project to deliver a reinstated railway, he said.

And while I don't have a crystal ball with me today, I could say that it's quite some considerable time off before it could be delivered. Roughly, if I was provided with funding and approvals tomorrow morning, it would still take plus five to ten years to deliver a reinstated railway.

"And on today's prices I would say it's probably plus 200 million to deliver a reinstated full railway to Youghal. So significant investment would be required, significant commitment in terms of policy, and approvals from government to deliver a project to reinstate the railway to Youghal, Mr Cronin said.

The last passenger train from Youghal to Cork city ran in 1963 with freight trains continuing for another 20 years after that. The section of line from Midleton to Cork reopened in 2009 and is now undergoing a major upgrade that will deliver new stations and more frequent services. Meanwhile, the old Youghal to Midleton section has been converted into a greenway in a project that cost around 20m.

Mr Cronin confirmed that Irish Rail has retained the right to reinstate a railway on the land corridor currently used by the greenway. As part of the licence agreement that we put in place with Cork County Council and TII [Transport Infrastructure Ireland] for the delivery of the greenway project, there is a clause that allows us to reinstate a railway to Youghal at some time in the future, he said.

A group campaigning for the reopening of the line has met with politicians and Irish Rail officials. The East Cork Rail Alliance argues that the railway to Youghal would alleviate traffic congestion in Cork city and along the N25 road, reducing commuting times and improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Mr Cronin said Irish Rail fully supports the greenway but if a decision is made to restore the train to Youghal, Iarnrod Eireann will have no issue whatsoever reinstating a railway line. We're really, really happy to do that. But today there is no plan, there is no funding and there is no approval to do so. And I don't have the crystal ball or the magic wand to change policy. That's in the gift of the politicians and government to do that.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Rush and Lusk Train Station is set to get a safer, redesigned entrance following years of concern over traffic accidents at the busy junction

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that a relocation of the station entrance and a realignment of the access road will proceed after the Railway Order for the DART+ Coastal North project was approved by An Coimisiun Pleanala in August 2025.

A subsequent judicial review challenging the access road plans has now been withdrawn following a settlement, meaning the Railway Order is fully operative.

Fine Gael TD Grace Boland for Fingal West welcomed the news, describing the Rush side entrance as particularly dangerous due to speeding on the hill leading to the station.

It has seen far too many accidents, its located on a dangerous hill where cars tend to speed creating serious safety concerns, she said.

I'm very pleased that the NTA has confirmed to me that now that the railway order has been approved and the judicial review has been dropped, that a redesign of an entrance, a detailed redesign of an entrance, will be undertaken this year, with construction to begin next year.

This is really welcome news, and it'll make such a difference to commuters and improve safety for everyone on this road, she added.

The new plans, being developed by Iarnrod Eireann, will include a footpath from the Rush side of the station, where pavement is currently intermittent, and improved access for motorists and pedestrians.

The NTA has indicated it is happy to facilitate a meeting between all parties, including Fingal County Council, to finalise plans for the upgrade.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien also confirmed that preliminary works to improve access at the station have begun. Deputy Boland added that she and local councillor Eoghan ODockrell will continue to liaise with the authorities to ensure the project moves forward efficiently.

Construction on the redesigned entrance and access road is expected to begin next year, ahead of further work on the wider DART+ Coastal North project.

DART+ Costal North will provide an extension of DART services from the city centre to Drogheda.

The planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiun Pleanala in August 2025.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department in November, notes that there is the potential to commence construction on elements of the DART+ Coastal North project in the coming years, involving infrastructure such as new track on the route and a new platform at Drogheda station, in advance of works on the Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).

Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing.

It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing OTP Leasing with an unsecured national currency loan of up to EUR 20 million equivalent to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.

"The financing will help to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and inclusiveness of Ukrainian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding access to leasing products at a time of tight liquidity and heightened economic uncertainty," the bank reports.

Fifty per cent of the EBRDs loan proceeds will be provided to MSMEs for long-term investments in European Union (EU)-compliant and green technologies. The loan will enable OTP Leasing to meet strong local demand for leasing services, allowing MSMEs to acquire vehicles, equipment and machinery without large upfront capital outlays at a time when liquidity remains constrained due to war-related disruptions.

On completion of their investment projects, eligible sub-borrowers will also receive technical assistance funded by the European Union (EU) and investment incentives funded by the United States of America under the EU4Business initiative.

Greater incentives will be provided to support war-affected and vulnerable groups, including MSMEs that have suffered asset loss or destruction, businesses reintegrating war veterans, internally displaced persons and returnees, persons with disabilities, as well as MSMEs relocated from or operating in war-affected regions. Women-led and youth-led enterprises will also benefit.

The loan will be supported by an interest-rate subsidy of up to 10 per cent from the United States through the EBRD SME Special Fund.

OTP Leasing is an existing EBRD client and the leading leasing company in Ukraine, providing financial leases and fleet management services to corporate and MSME clients across the country. It is a fully owned subsidiary of OTP Bank, a leading regional financial group headquartered in Hungary.

Since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in 2022, the EBRD has deployed more than EUR 9.1 billion in the country, including EUR 3.3 billion through its partner financial institutions.
From Korean paper making to line dancing, libraries across the county are offering events for people to try for the first time

South Dublin will see a variety of free events across its libraries for people feeling the cash-strapped horrors of January.

In its second year, Firstival  a week of hobbies and activities for people to try for the first time  will see events like Korean paper making or joomchi, painting with prosecco, line dancing, silver ring forging and terrarium crafting.

Run by South Dublin County Council (SDCC), in its second year, Firstival will run from January 12 to 17.

If people wanted to book this sort of thing on their own, theyd have to pay for them and it could be prohibitively expensive  this is giving access to people to try things they normally wouldnt, said senior librarian Sarah McHugh.

We dont charge, its free for people to book in  its not even just open for members, we would prefer anyone in the area join.

The events are open to book in through the SDCC website  libraries in Lucan, Tallaght, Clondalkin, Ballyroan, Castletymon and Palmerstown will host a number of different events.

Its a time of year when people are feeling the horrors. They are financially strapped, the radio is talking about how to sort your budget  heres a reminder that your local library is free, and in south Dublin, we have events you wouldnt expect to do for free, said Ms McHugh.

Nobody really likes January  people are going back to work, its really cold out, the days are short, the nights are long and can be a but miserable. This is something to look forward to, getting to chat to people while trying a new hobby is good across the board.

People are going back to work, we have a lot of older members in the library who are retired dont have the money for events like these  its nice to have something new and exciting for them as well.

SDCC decided to bring the event back for 2026 after the success of its events around the county in its first year.

Last year, everything was sold out and pretty much most of the events are sold out for this year as well, said Ms McHugh.

People loved the painting with prosecco event, we also had Wicklow Willow - a whole day basket making event that was really popular. So weve brought them back and also have a lot of new events for this year.

These events are specifically for adults  we do a lot of stuff for children and for families across our libraries. So we wanted to do something specifically for older people to try something new.

The events have also helped drive more people to join their local library and to increase membership numbers in south Dublin.

When people book in who arent members, we also encourage them to join  it helps keep memberships up. Were always looking to get more people in and the idea of doing a festival like this is also trying to get more people to show interest in their local library, said Ms McHugh.

These events are free across our branches  the books and the events are all free. I find that the only people who dont love libraries are people who are not using them already  so this is an opportunity for people to discover that.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A highly successful biodiversity project has come to Kerry for the first time, with applications now open for interested landowners.

The Hares Corner initiative will provide support for the creation of pro-wildlife features on farmland such as ponds, mini-woodlands and hedgerows.

Developed by the non-profit Burrenbeo Trust, the scheme takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field that was often left to nature.

Kerry is one of 10 counties involved in The Hares Corner project this year, including Limerick, Wexford and Kilkenny.

Eleanor Turner, Biodiversity Officer at Kerry County Council, said: We are delighted to partner with The Hares Corner project this year and to bring the opportunity to create biodiversity habits to the people of Kerry.

Many people want to do something for nature but are confused as to what they can or should doHares Corner meets this need by providing the encouragement, advice, and micro-funding to do it.

Available supports include a mini woodland (a mix of 50 trees), a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 trees), a heritage orchard (5 apple trees), a wildlife pond and a visit from a Hares Corner advisor.

Last year, The Hares Corner marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland.

Lee Worrell, The Hare's Corner Co-ordinator, said: We are delighted to be in Kerry for the first time in 2026 after having such a highly successful first year in the country.

It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hares Corner generates up and down the country.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours is one of those who have taken steps be more autism friendly.

Autism Friendly Killarney has launched a new six-part video series showcasing how the towns community, schools, event organisers and businesses are working together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic people.

Alongside the video series, Autism Friendly Killarney has also launched a new website, a central hub of information for Autistic people, their families and visitors to the town.

The video series, available on Autism Friendly Killarneys Instagram and website, highlights simple yet powerful ways in which Killarney is adapting  from sensory-friendly environments and visual supports to sensory accommodations, welcoming assistance dogs, staff training and event modifications  demonstrating that small changes can make a big difference.

It also features heartfelt insights from families who share how these initiatives have opened up new opportunities for family connection and community participation.

The newly launched website autismfriendlykillarney.com, brings together information on autism-friendly accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, healthcare services, events and activity providers across Killarney. It is designed to help autistic people and their families plan visits with confidence, knowing what supports and accommodations are available in advance.

Killarneys Autism Friendly Champions: local businesses and organisations that have completed autism awareness training with AsIAm, Irelands leading autism charity, have made meaningful changes to better support people with autism and their families.

In the video series, four of these champions - Portwest, Ponytails, Ross Castle Boat Tours and Hotel Killarney - showcase how they have adapted their businesses to be more autism-friendly such as offering sensory cubbies, neutral interior design and lighting, supplying sensory boxes, having dedicated autism friendly hours with reduced sensory experiences, offering step by step visual aids, etc.

Jessica OConnor, Chair of Autism Friendly Killarney said, We hope these videos along with our new website, will give confidence to people with autism and their families who live in or are visiting Killarney. We want them to know that they will be supported, understood, and welcomed here. These videos show that Killarney is really living the ethos of inclusivity and access for all. We are very grateful for the financial support provided by Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund 2025 and to Killarney Chamber of Commerce for their continued support.

Tony Fleming from Ross Castle Boat Tours explains the changes they made to their boat trips to support people with autism.

Weve made small changes that have had a big impact. Our boat is longer and wider for easier movement, and we have a neurodiverse box on board with earplugs and sunglasses. We also provide quiet and early-morning tours so guests can enjoy the lake at their own pace. Seeing the smiles at the end of the trip is what its all about.
Bail refused for two men charged with alleged criminal damage at west Mayo homes

Berbey Elobo and Marcel Szpajda remanded in custody after being charged with criminal damage along with two co-accused

Castlebar Courthouse

Oisin McGovern Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 13:00

Two men from Dublin who allegedly smashed windows in three houses in west Mayo have been refused bail by Castlebar District Court.
A vigil will be held in Birr, Co. Offaly to remember the estimated 26,000 children killed in Gaza since October 2023.

The event will take place this Saturday, January 10 at 2pm, with organisers inviting members of the public to come together in solidarity at Emmet Square, Birr and mourn the lives of these children.

Birr will host a 140ft crochet blanket at the vigil that has been making its way around the country, created by Craftivism for Palestine and made up of 2,300 squares of crochet, each representing ten children who have died since the beginning of the genocide.

Craftivism for Palestine was founded by Niamh Bonner, who began crocheting during lockdown, after years of trying to master the craft.

Crafters from across Ireland have contributed handmade squares, with the blanket travelling from county to county to accompany vigils and peaceful gatherings, with Offaly being one of its last locations to be hosted in.

Those behind the vigil in Birr have encouraged everyone to attend and hold the blanket together, carrying with it the collective remembrance of thousands of children whose lives were cut short.

In a statement, organisers said: 26,000. That's the latest estimate on the number of children killed in Gaza since October 2023. 26,000 children who lost their lives.

26,000 mothers that lost their children. 26,000 fathers. 26,000 grannies and grandads. 26,000 children that were living, laughing, playing, dancing and singing two years ago.

We are calling on the people of Birr and Offaly to hold this blanket with us, to hold these 26,000 children of Gaza in our hearts. All welcome, family-friendly.
A seasoned campaigner and voice for the region, Marian Harkin has spent most of her political life on the opposition benches but since the formation of the current government after the November 2024 general election, the Ballintogher native is now sitting on the benches of power alongside her Regional Independent colleagues. Not only is she a member of government Deputy Harkin is now also a Minister of State following her appointment in February to the role in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Reflecting on the year gone by, she is pleased with some of her and the governments achievements, while also aware compromises were needed along the way. Taking time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months Deputy Harkin spoke with pride about accomplishments, with determination about what she would like to see achieved in the months and years ahead and with honesty when speaking about the challenges she has faced, particularly when she has found herself in the firing line on the Governments front bench in the Dail.

The appointment to the position of Minister of State was a prestigious one for herself but also for the region with Minister Harkin commenting, I am Junior Minister so the Senior is obviously the person with the real clout but equally you have certain responsibilities and you just have to run with things and try and not make change for the sake of it but look at what is happening and there is a lot of really good stuff happening so you try to facilitate that, let it continue and grow because there are so many good people between ETBs and community training centres. I was at an event recently in Sligo with Gavin Dykes and you would walk out of there so happy because of the work he does. Now, he is funded and the work he and his staff do to help people to find their pathway in education. There are so many good people out there doing so much good work and even just to facilitate those people, to help them in some way is hugely satisfying. Second level education doesnt work for everyone even though those schools work very hard, we see that, we know that but still things happen in people's life, in their family life, in their community life and when you see that kind of good work being done you get huge satisfaction.

As a Minister I have try and see what is not working and what changes can be made to improve how things work and I already have a few things in mind and I already have made one or two changes which I am delighted with. You dont go in like a bull in a china shop. Staff in the Department call me Minister, because they have to but other than that when I meet people for the first time I say, my name is Marian.

Away from politics it was a year with many twists for the former school teacher who sadly lost her mother, Annie, at the start of the year but with the year days from its conclusion there was happier family news to report. Mid-interview Marian offered her apologies as she reached for her phone. Im really sorry, I have to answer this, she said as she saw her sisters name appear on her screen. The touch of nervousness was soon replaced by a beaming smile and after the short chat with her sister she proudly reported the safe arrival of her niece, Kirsty McMunns fifth son.

"In the middle of all the politics, that shows that life goes on. In the last year I lost my mum as well. She was 98 and had a great life and a long life but Im delighted for Kirsty. Her fifth baby has arrived, there arent too many with five boys but he is healthy and he is well and that is the most important thing. On the big ticket stuff, thats what politics is about and then making sure that the systems that are in place serve people as best they can.

On a busy afternoon as people looked forward to ring in the new year, Minister Harkin rewound the clock 12 months and recalled the discussions that took place in the aftermath of the general election. It seems so long ago now. Looking back at the negotiations, I remember I was on the negotiating team and it was so fast and we were reading documents, adding to and subtracting from and the whole thing takes so much space and time to try and to make a difference.

During negotiations to attempt to form a government Marian brought her key demands to the table and among those was the getting rid of the means tests for carers allowance over the lifetime of the government. In the last budget there was real progress with the means test for carers allowance but there wasnt any help for the disability aspect, but it is a five year programme. Balanced regional funding was another one, getting our fair share to this region and as youve heard over the last couple of months we have had big announcements. They were top priority.

The big announcements referred to the National Development Plan update issued in November with critical infrastructure projects such as the N17 and the N15 included while hopes are high that the advancement of the rail network will see improved public transport for the people of the north west but Deputy Harkin feels this should not be at the expense of the Collooney-Bellaghy greenway.

The N17 is there and is going to happen over the next number of years and I was so delighted we got the N15 back in the plan as well. It was in the NDP back in 2007 before the crash but then it just disappeared and we had to work hard and when I say we, I have to acknowledge Eamon Scanlon and Frank Feighan because on issues like that we work together, there is no point in not doing that. I like that way of working, everything was negotiated and you make compromises to get outcomes that people welcomed.

While she doesnt envisage the reopening of the railway line between Collooney and Charlestown imminently, Minister Harkin is acutely aware of the need to improve the service on the Sligo-Dublin line. We are going to really push for this to have a train coming into Sligo on time for college, for work. The amount of cars it would take off the road coming in from Ballymote, Collooney and Coolaney.

A keen advocate for improving the rail infrastructure in the region, Minister Harkin is pushing for the Sligo to Claremorris line to be reopened but is conscious such a project remains a considerable time from coming to fruition and in the meantime is strongly advocating the advancement of the Bellaghy to Collooney greenway.

"The railway will come but that is down the line, we want the greenway in the meantime. We are pushing for that, I believe in delivering what we can, now, and I believe we can deliver that over the course of this government. The railway will come but that is down the line, it will be a long time. Lets get it to Claremorris (from Athenry) but in the meantime the people of south Sligo deserve the greenway for themselves, but also as a form of tourism.

Another of the key issues for Deputy Harkin with regards negotiations when talks were underway to form a government was a surgical hub for Sligo and she was delighted to see the greenlight given by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for a new stand-alone surgical hub with two operating theatres to be constructed near Sligo University Hospital.

"It was brilliant we got our surgical hub in Sligo. When you talk about the negotiations for government, that was key for me. We have the 42 bed hub started but really that was started and then stopped, I am not claiming credit for that but there is real progress being made. I recognise that government is limited, you cant achieve everything you want but you can try to achieve certain things and for me the big difference between this government and the previous five years is that this is all about what can we deliver, what can we put in place. When you are in opposition you look at what is put forward, you make proposals and you make alternative arguments. There are many things that have happened over the last 12 months that I wish hadnt happened but nobody gets everything they want, the only person who gets that is a dictator.

The requests to assist various projects is a never ending one but Deputy Harkin was pleased with correspondence she received days before Christmas saying that work she was involved with helping to prevent flooding on the River Shannon has had a positive outcome.

The day we finished up for Christmas I got a number of emails and one of them was from a group who were very interested in preventing flooding on the Shannon. They thanked me and Boxer Moran for the work. Now, it is Boxer, it is the OPW, it is Waterways Ireland; yes, I worked with them but it was an open door and what they were able to say to me was that the levels on the Shannon have gone down. That was really good news because there was a lot of good work done around Jamestown. I never thought I would see the day because everybody I spoke to said it cant be done because of European legislation. But, Boxer, this is his second term in the OPW and he has delivered to help alleviate the threat of flooding. That doesnt mean that the Shannon will never flood but there is real hope and to be able to say that is hugely gratifying, to get that email, I never thought I would see it.

Similarly Deputy Harkin has worked alongside Minister Boxer Moran in relation to flood defences in Strandhill and is pleased with the progress noting, Thats not simple either because it is beside a Special Area of Conservation and you cant just bulldoze through it but it is getting done efficiently.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the past year has been getting out and about in communities and seeing first hand the inspirational work that is being carried out in communities all over the country.

That is one of the things also in Government, we meet the best of people whether it is local community groups, whether it is businesses, whether it is people trying to start up a business, whether it is people trying to set up a support group for carers and people with disabilities. You get a better chance to meet those people, the community groups who are all dotted around this county, around Leitrim, everywhere because there is money available. There is some money there, that may not always be the case so now is the time. It is amazing the number of people we meet who are doing such work, quietly on their own. Its great to see it. The idea was that with all the pubs and shops closing places would become ghost towns or ghost villages but they havent. Thats where community groups and individuals come together where they can come together and decide whats needed and with small amounts of money can make real change in peoples lives. In government you need more of those people."

Having spent her years as a TD on the opposition benches until the formation of the current government, Minister Harkin was very positive when talking about the work that is being carried out and the results that are being achieved.

There are a lot of plusses to being in government, there are minuses but there are a lot of plusses. Of course there is so much to be done whether it is housing, which is the big one, and infrastructure but to be able to actually see progress. I became a Minister this year and my focus is on apprenticeships and especially getting women into apprenticeships but not just women and making sure that apprenticeships are seen as such a suitable platform into education. Im really interested in getting women working in construction. When people think of apprenticeships they generally think construction is just the wet trades and of course that is very important but more and more is being done off-site.

"There is a fabulous factory in Tubbercurry, Vision Built where they are doing 3-D and 4-D printing on-site, ready to go. Its a real inspiration because you can se how quickly they can build and they have built schools, houses. It is modular but is the way things are going and it is wonderful to see. I think what impressed me most is they have six students from St Angelas and many of those students will go to directly into the apprenticeship they have set-up directly with Laois-Offaly ETB. People say to me why not a more local ETB; Laois-Offaly is the centre for construction studies. Sligo-Leitrim have other areas of expertise but Laois-Offaly in place called Mount Lucas which is literally in the middle of nowhere. They have a huge facility where they are training people in construction and it is absolutely fantastic.

The ability to build high quality, affordable homes is key to Ireland being able to overturn the housing crisis it finds itself in the middle of with Deputy Harkin agreeing modular homes have a role to play in addressing the situation.

That certainly will contribute greatly towards building quicker and more efficiently. There is loads of other things like land and planning and all that sort of stuff but the whole thing of speed and efficiency is really important. Im not making excuses but it is a problem right across Europe, were probably one of the worst off but it is an issue across Europe. Our population has increased, we are now well over five million. Thats a huge number of people and that is the challenge but that is no excuse and the challenge just gets bigger and bigger.

The issue of housing is one that often leads directly into debates about migration and whether or not Ireland has taken more than its fair share of people from other parts of the world while Irish people are often left struggling to find a home to call their own. While Deputy Harkin believes in the need for skilled workers to relocate to Ireland, she acknowledged it is a topic that is a cause for concern for many and echoed the sentiments of Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim OCallaghan who said recently the number of asylum seekers coming into the country is too high.

"We need a certain amount of migration, Jim OCallaghan has struck a reasonable balance. When we sit down and talk to 90% of people across the table in a friendly conversation, no politics, a lot of people will express concerns about the numbers. The problem is that when it gets to the political sphere or the public sphere, people just jump on it. The reason 90%, Im not saying it is 100%, they just want to find the ways to manage and I think thats what Jim OCallaghan was speaking about. We do need people who have skills to come here, we also have responsibilities but they are not never ending because they cant be.

While proud of much of her and the governments achievements in 2025, Marian acknowledged not everything went as she would have like adding , There are things that have happened since we went into government that I wish hadn't happened, the LNG for example; but I recognise that you need a Plan B, a fall back. I was only listening this week to a number of programmes that were talking Russian submarines mapping out the seabed. They are not doing that to see where the fish are swimming, they are doing that to see where the cables are. There was a Leitrim Councillor (Eddie Mitchell) saying I should walk away from government, that I shouldnt be supporting the government because of this. Thats fine, you can take the high moral ground when you are in opposition. There is nothing wrong with looking for the best but you also have to say who would thank us if anything goes wrong. We need some supply to ensure that the country literally doesnt shut down. Im talking about hospitals, schools, Im not talking about the luxuries.

I do think that we need to invest more in our armed forces. In truth, Ireland would not be able to defend itself but we do need to be able to at least monitor our skies and our seas and to have some kind of response. We are never going to be a military power and I dont ever want to see that. We rely on the British to help us out and the French to some extent and thats what good neighbours do sometimes. For a lot of people it might seem strange but thats how it is and thats the world we live. The people who work in our armed forces deserve proper salaries which they werent getting, yes they have improved, but still it is a tough job. Even if it wasnt a tough job they still deserve proper salaries and they deserve proper equipment so that at least we can patrol our borders, so that at least we can know whats happening. Thats a responsibility we have, not just for ourselves but for the rest of Europe as well.

The issue of the strength of global institutions such as the UN and the EU is something that Minister Harkin also feels strongly about noting, They are under real threat and again Ireland has always been a strong supporter. We need these global institutions to be our strong supporters because we know that as a small country we are safer, better off, with some kind of international order because otherwise small countries have no power and no real influence if somebody decides they want to invade. If you have people like Trump and others who see things as something they want, that is the danger. That is why international global institutions, they are absolutely crucial. What we hope is that they survive the worst of times and then be stronger in better times.

Reflecting on the past 12 month Minister Harkins mind was cast back to one of the most heated exchanges during the process for Verona Murphy to become Ceann Comhairle.

I am a good while in politics and that time when Verona Murphy was being made Ceann-Comhairle, I am not going to argue the rights and wrongs about speaking rights, but in my life I have never seen such a wave of sheer anger and negativity, coming right across. I was almost knocked back by it and that is no joke. Not everyone took part, you could see it, about half the people did and half the people didnt. I was in the European Parliament for 15 years and I never saw anything like that.

After looking back at the past year, Deputy Harkin can look ahead and plan with a degree of certainty that the government will remain in power for the next four years due to its relative stability and although it is a challenging role it is one she is relishing.

"As independents it is important for us to be able to look and say these were the things that mattered to us and these are the things we are delivering on as ministers but also as part of government. Then we also have to take the flack for what's not done. In my 10 months as minister I have found you have an awful lot of reading to do. A lot of documents to read, to know what is going on. We dont just jump in and when you have that kind of knowledge then you can say, right, what can I improve'. There are certain things we wont have authority to change but recommend for other people to do that. I have a lot of enthusiastic people in the Department and I have a senior minister who is gung-ho, wants to get stuff done and that is good. It is hard work, bloody hard work, because you have to keep the home fires burning, you have to look after the constituency and you have to do something policy wise.

I'm not speaking here as a PR person, Im speaking as somebody who is trying to be honest about the good parts and the challenges. I happened to be on front bench; if a minister isnt there, you have to speak on what they were going to say and I happened to be on the front bench the day we had the amendments on the Israeli war bonds from the central bank. I knew it two days beforehand. I sat up until four and five oclock in the morning and I read every single document, I had to. I was so conflicted, I was conflicted beyond words. As I said to the Tanasite, we are on the thinnest of thin ice and we were. That was sorted to some extent, as we knew it would but I had to do all that to get it right in my head.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Pictured are Shamita Balasubramanium, Sanvi Patra, and Colin Wang, students from Luttrellstown Community College, at the launch of the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technologist Exhibition (YSTE). Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

A number of Roscommon schools are taking part in the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which opens in Dublin today.

There are five schools taking part in the competition.

These are Roscommon Community College, Colaiste Chiarain, Mercy College Roscommon, C.B.S. Roscommon and Elphin Community College.

There are a total of 17 projects taking part from Roscommon.

Colaiste Chiarain has seven projects, Roscommon Community College has six, Mercy College Roscommon has two, while C.B.S. Roscommon and Elphin Community College both have one each.

The Colaiste Chiarain projects are; Automated plant watering system (Category: Technology), Are Gummy Vitamins as effective as Traditional Vitamin Tablets? (Category: Health & Wellbeing), Glow With The Flow (Category: Health & Wellbeing), Brewed Bandages: Can Teabags Be An Alternative for Traditional Wound Dressings? (Category: Health & Wellbeing), Mushrooms vs Mutations: can Irish fungi fight cancer? (Category: Health & Wellbeing), Testing sound barriers (Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences) and When Nature Repairs: Seaweed-Enhanced Self-Healing Concrete (Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences.

The Roscommon Community College projects are: From Barriers To Belonging: Exploring Educational Disadvantage Through The Lens Of The Roma Community In Ireland (Category: Social & Behavioural Sciences), How does being disabled and queer in second level and higher education affect mental health? (Category: Social & Behavioural Sciences), Betting on Mental Health: Investigating the Link Between Gambling and Anxiety in Teenagers (Category: Social & Behavioural Sciences), Does uniform stop bullying, or do they just change what kind of bullying happens (Category: Social & Behavioural Sciences), Horse Riding vs Traditional Exercise: Investigating Mental Health Benefits in Teenagers (Category: Health & Wellbeing) and Cracking the Cancer Code.. With Code! (Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences).

The Mercy College Roscommon projects are: The Effects of being in the Armed Forces on mental health (Category: Health & Wellbeing) and The Gut Reaction: Investigating the effect of zero sugar drinks on beneficial gut bacteria (Category: Health & Wellbeing).

The C.B.S. Roscommon project is An Investigation into the Design of a Novel and Sustainable Insulation Material for Irish Dwellings (Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences).

The Elphin Community College project is To investigate the insulating properties of various sustainable materials compared to synthetic materials (Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences).

Thousands of students from across Ireland will arrive at the RDS Dublin for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which is one of the world's leading student science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) events.

This years exhibition is the first under new title sponsor Stripe, the programmable financial services company dualheadquartered in Dublin and San Francisco. It will be officially opened by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and Stripe cofounder and former YSTE winner Patrick Collison. The opening ceremony runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@StripeYSTE.

From Wednesday, 550 student projectsselected from 1,974 entrieswill go on display across five categories: Technology, Biological and Ecological Sciences; Social and Behavioural Sciences; Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences; and Health and Wellbeing. A judging panel of experts from science, technology, and business will select over 200 prize winners, including the overall winner, who will take home 7,500 in prize money and represent Ireland in the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).

The 2026 entries highlight the issues that matter most to young people today, with students employing cuttingedge scientific methods and technology to tackle real-world problems. Nearly a quarter of projects (24%) use or examine AI, covering everything from the future of education and work, to predicting crop health and the properties of dark matter.

Environment and climate-related projects make up 22% of those on display, covering climate action, biodiversity, and renewable energy. These include investigations of climate action, solar panels, more environmentally-friendly types of plastic, biofuels made from algae or spoiled milk, and new ways to reuse energy from data centres, busy roads, or simply opening the door.

Health also remains a key focus for students, with projects exploring disease detection and modelling, new treatments for cancer and diabetes, health tech, and mental well-being.

Eileen OMara, chief revenue officer at Stripe, said: Were thrilled to kick off the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Stripes first as title sponsor. The students are putting the final touches on an incredible array of projects, from AI-powered medical diagnosis to new types of energy.

This competition is an important launchpad for every student that takes part, and a real accelerator for Irish science and technology. Its been 21 years since our cofounders Patrick and John Collison took part, and we couldnt be more excited to help shape this national treasure for the next generation.

Over 200 awards, including the Stripe Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year award, will be announced on Friday, January 9. The closing ceremony will be livestreamed from the Stripe YSTE YouTube from 5:00 p.m.
Members of the Caroline Fleming Irish Dance Academy who performed at Gorey Care Centre before Christmas. Photo: Sabrina Ffrench

Residents in a nursing home in Wexford welcomed several dancers for a special performance during the holiday season.

Dancers from Caroline Flemings dance academy took the trip to the newly opened Gorey Care Centre in Clonattin to show support to those living in the nursing home.

On the day, residents got to enjoy a number of Irish dancing performances from children attending the dance academy. The dancers also prepared handmade crafts and cards to present to each resident.

Catriona Fitzgerald, Activities Coordinator at Gorey Care Centre said the residents were absolutely thrilled to have the dancers in to perform. Spirits were high and laughter and cheers filled the room, she said.

It I so important for residents to have community involvement, it shows that they are still remembered and valued members of their community, Catriona said.

Carmel Keating and Catriona Fitzgerald enjoying the Christmas celebrations at Gorey Care Centre. Photo: Sabrina Ffrench

She further said when the nursing home welcomes special visitors like Caroline Flemings dance academy, it brings residents an indescribable joy. I have had residents become overcome with happiness, that they cry tears of joy, as they have told me it brings them back to their childhood and all those happy memories, Catriona said.

Caroline Fleming said it was an honour to be asked to perform at the nursing home and bring some kindness and compassions to residents in Gorey Care Home. It's never been as important in this society for our children to help bring a smile to each resident and have them feel appreciated in todays world.

We feel very humble and grateful for the opportunity to bring awareness to the Gorey community how important it is to recognise & respect the input residents have contributed to our society and to bring home to all of us how precious life is, Caroline added.

Christmas at Gorey Care Centre. Pictured is Brian and Anne Keogh. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Caroline thanked Gorey Care Centre for their warm welcome and hospitality on the day. Thank you so much to Catriona and the team for the fantastic welcome to all of our Irish dancing families, she said.

Catriona also thanked Caroline and the girls at the dance school for their special visit, and for presenting each residents with a handcrafted card to celebrate the festive season.
Fr. Oliver Sweeneys Golden Jubilee

A belated congratulations to Fr. Oliver Sweeney who with his brothers and sisters recently celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination in December. Fr. Oliver ministered in Raheen from 1979-1991.

Our Weekly Newsletter

Our first Newsletter was published on 18/19th December 1999, and as we begin our 27th year of publication, I wish to thank all those who give items for inclusion each week.

In a much more digital world, it is harder to find items to fill the newsletter each week as most groups use online posts. I would ask local organisations to consider the older generation who may not have access to online information, to please email elliewalsh1949@gmail.com with any items of interest from clubs/organisations or other groups, and I will gladly include it in our weekly newsletter. Our senior generation love to get the written word, and thanks to those who bring a copy each week to their older family & friends.

Church Notices

Used Christmas Stamps: Please save and place your used stamps in a box in the church porch for Sr Helen as the Medical Missionaries of Mary, are most appreciative for the Stamps which you sent to their Stamp Department during the year. Funds derived from the sale of used stamps are a great help to funding their missionary work.

Prayer Group Notice: The next meeting of the Prayer Group will be held next Sunday night (11th) in St. Abbans Church. All old & new members are very welcome to come along.

Thursday Night Card Game

The weekly Thursday night Card Game resumes in the Community Centre this Thursday 8th January 2026. Wishing all our card players a Happy & Prosperous New Year & looking forward to seeing you all in 2026.

Birthday Congratulations

Sending congratulations to Mrs. Kate Power who celebrated her 96th birthday on Christmas Eve. Wishing her every blessing and good wishes for the coming year.

Sympathy

The death occurred on Friday 26th December of Joan Nolan, (nee Kehoe, Coolnagree). We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Tom, children Bridget, Jim and Hannah-Marie, sister Breda, extended family, neighbours and friends. Her funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Abbans Church on Monday 29th followed by burial in Galbally Cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Adamstown GAA

Our first Adamstown GAA 50/50 draw was held in Foleys Bar on Sunday 28th December. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported it. Congratulations to our winners: Annemarie Cooper 1,000. Kevin Browne 500. A huge thank you to everyone for your continued support of Adamstown GAA. Next Draw will take place on Saturday 31st January.

Adamstown CC

Thanks Adamstown Community Centre would like to sincerely thank New Ross Auto Factors for their generous sponsorship of our new Sealey Industrial Clean Air heating system. The new system was put to great use on the night of the Adamstown National School concert, and will continue to be used for functions and concerts, especially during the winter months when it is badly needed.

New Ross Auto Factors has been in business since 1983, so their expertise and experience are second to none. When buying vehicle parts, please support New Ross Auto Factors and please shop local. Remember supporting local businesses helps grow and strengthen our community. Thank you James & wishing you all at New Ross Auto a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

The close of another year

Thank you As we come to the close of another year, a sincere word of thanks to the many people who quietly, behind the scenes work tirelessly to make our community a better place for all.

Thank you to the members of the various clubs/organisations/voluntary groups/committees who give of their time and talents for the benefit of our young people. Thanks to Fr. Nolan for his time and commitment to all our community, on many occasions, both sad and joyful over the past year and may he continue to do so for a long time to come.

To our Fas workers who help keep our village, church and cemetery grounds neat and tidy. The ladies from the different townlands, who look after the Church and Altar flowers throughout the year, the ladies who clean the brasses, the readers of the Liturgy, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir & Folk Group & musicians, T.J for facilitating the online Masses. Parish & Cemetery Committees, those who look after Car Parking on the occasion of funerals, Patron Day.

To Cait & Joe for their continued commitment & care of St. Abbans Church throughout the past year and for the preparation of the church on many occasions and finally to Ellie, Cait and Anne Marie who tirelessly give their time every week to ensure the village notices are included in the local newsletter, New Ross Standard newspaper and online at saintabbans.com. May 2026 be a peaceful, happy and healthy year.

Ballycullane

Michael English Concert

Michael English and guest artist Louise Morrissey will be appearing in concert in Campile Hall on Sunday 29th March at 8pm. For tickets phone 087 2183300 - also available on Eventbrite.

Tintern Review

We hope that the arrival of the 15th edition of the Tintern Review will be welcomed by all who enjoy its mixture of articles and old and new photos about the local and surrounding areas.

Perhaps as you are browsing through it, you might think of some interesting topics for next years issue, that you could bring to the attention of any of the committee members.

It is on sale now in Ballycullane Post Office, John Joe Murphys shop Taylorstown, Daybreak Ballycullane, Costcutters Wellingtonbridge, Tirlan and Harts shop Campile and Foulksmills Stores.

Bannow-Ballymitty

Sad Passing

Deepest sympathy to Olive Quirke and family Caislean an Dinigh on the death of her father Thomas (Sonny) Furlong, Battlestown who died Saturday 27th December. Thomas is survived by his daughters Ann, Rose, Oliveand Mary annd the late Bridget and sons Thomas and James, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Thomas was waked in Ryans funeral home on Tuesday from 5pm till 8pm with funeral mass on Wednesday at 12 noon in St James Church, Ramsgrange with burial afterwards in the old cemetery Ramsgrange. May he rest in peace.

Corach Ramblers Split the Pot

Our Christmas Split the Pot winner was Stella Codd, who won 323. Even more special  Stella is our very first Revolut winner!

A huge thank you to Ballymitty Hire, The Red Door, Bredas Corner Shop, and the Corach Ramblers committee members for their very generous donations towards the Christmas raffle  your support is greatly appreciated.

Other raffle winners: Louise Carroll, Tori Keane, Nellie Rossiter, Nicky Walsh, Gordon Rossiter, Grace French, Stasia Murphy, Martin Flynn.

Thank you, as always, to everyone who supports the clubs main fundraiser  it means so much to us. Next draw is on Sunday, 11th January. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026.

Carrig on Bannow Tidy Towns

Winners of our Christmas Raffle: Elaine Guinan100 The Red Door Coffee Shop & Deli voucher (with thanks to Mick for the kind sponsorship). Louise Carroll & Martin OSullivanThe Barefoot therapist treatment vouchers x 2 (thank you Kerry for these prizes)

Elaine GuinanPottery Set. Richard RocheBottle Cava. Bottle ProseccoTerry Hayes. Bottle WineJosie Sinnott. Bottle WineFreya Roche. Slab of CokeMag Butler.Slab of CokeLiam Sinnott

Congratulations to our winners! Well get prizes to you all as soon as possible. Please support the Red Door, Barefoot Therapy Rooms, Coca Cola Drinagh, Grantstown Daycare Centre, August Farmers Market enterprisesprize sponsors. Thank you to everyone who supported our raffle to assist in making our community more beautiful.

Social Dancing

Dancing continues in Carrig Community centre on Wednesday 7th January with The Wicklow Man, Wednesday 14th Michelle Murphy, 21st Jimmy Hogan and Lar Kenny, 28th Jack and Tony Ryan. Dances 9-11pm. Refreshments served.

Split the pot

This weeks split the pot winner was Tony Roche 250.

Carrig Community Centre

No yoga for the moment.

Bridge is played every Tuesday night.

Slimming world is every Wednesday 5.30 till 7.30pm

Dance Fit classes every Thursday night.

Bingo every Saturday night from 8pm all welcome.

Ballymitty Hall events

Monday Night Bingo  Ballymitty Drive-in Bingo continues on Monday nights at 8pm, Ballymitty Church Carpark.

Womens Shed  We meet Monday mornings from 10am to 12pm. All welcome to come join.

Taekwondo  Chos tae kwon do classes on Wednesdays, onwards 6 years of age and up for both kids and adults class every Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm contact John Phillips on 086 3893382 for any info.

Meals On Wheels

Would you like to have Delicious and Nutritious meals delivered to your door? Grantstown Daycare Centre operates a Meals On Wheels service delivered every Tuesday & Thursdayfor a small fee. Why not give us a call on 051 561016 for more details. Free sample available to prospective new customers.

Grantstown Daycare Centre

Would you like to get out of the house, meet people of all ages and have a bit of fun? Then why not pop in to Grantstown Daycare Centre and see for yourself what is happening on a day-to-day basis. Each day has something different whether its music, games, arts and crafts, movies, quizzes, trips out or just chatting or reading a magazine.

If you have a craft or skill that you would like to share with the group we can arrange for you to do a demonstration. We also have holistic practitioners who are qualified in Sonas and Imagination Gym and a nurse in the centre.

Our clients vary in age from mid-thirties to over ninety. If you dont have your own transport we can possibly collect you in the morning in one of our buses and drop you home in the afternoon. Please phone 051 561016 or e-mail info@grantstownpriory.com for more information.
Camross Hall news

Dancing at Camross - Our February Dance will be held at Camross Hall (Y35 YY89) on Friday 6th February. Entertaining us on the night will be Muriel OConnor and Fran Curry. What a great way to celebrate the upcoming Valentines Day. Admission still only 10 and includes tea.

The event commences at 9pm and will continue through the evening. This event provides an opportunity for social dancing in a welcoming setting, we look forward to seeing all our patrons and as always, we will welcome any new faces too. All welcome

Quiz Night - Get your teams together, time to brush off the cobwebs. Our Annual Family Quiz Night will take place on Friday 20th February at 8pm. Table of 4 only 20. Spot prizes each round and overall prizes for winners. Good Luck See you there

Check out Camross Halls Facebook Page for further details on all upcoming events or contact kaynolandoyle@gmail.com

Camross ICA

Next meeting is on Monday 12th January at 7.30pm, New members are always welcome.

Camross Drama Group

Camross Drama Group will be performing the John B Keane classic Sive in March and April 2026 which will be Directed by Michael Stafford.

Any queries Michael Stafford 087-2759813 or Philip Howlin 087-7742337. Check out our Facebook page for current events.

Taghmon/Caroreigh & Trinity Parish news

Weekend Mass Schedule - Saturday: Cleariestown 6pm (please note new mass time from now on), Caroreigh 7.30pm. Sunday: Trinity 9am, Taghmon 10.15am, Rathangan 11.30am

Weekday Mass Schedule - Tuesday: Cleariestown 9.30am. Wednesday: Caroreigh 9.30am. Thursday: Rathangan 9.30am. Friday: Taghmon 10am  School Mass

Adoration Times - Duncormick: Monday 2-8pm  New Adorers always welcome. Taghmon: Tuesday 11am-12 noon  New Members welcome. Cleariestown: Thursday 11am-5pm. Caroreigh: Monday 1-8pm, except Bank Holiday Mondays and the months of June & July.

Taghmon History Society

Join our Committee - Individuals interested in contributing to the Taghmon History Society are cordially invited to consider joining our committee. Your participation will be instrumental in advancing the societys ongoing projects. Contact Kay Doyle for upcoming meeting dates.

Wedding Album - Looking ahead to 2026, the Taghmon History Society is preparing to compile its inaugural Parish Wedding Album following the success of The Photo Book publication. We invite submissions of wedding photographs from various years, including couple portraits and group images.

Given the extensive nature of this project, we kindly encourage early contributions. Please submit photographs along with the names of those depicted and the collection name to any committee member; all originals will be carefully copied and promptly returned. Digital images should have a minimum resolution of 600 dpi. If you would like to meet with the Secretary Kay Doyle to discuss the photographs, please contact me regarding same after 7th January on 087-2680273.

Subscriptions - Subscription to the Taghmon History Society is available for 30, covering the years 2026 and 2027.

Upcoming in 2026 - We invite expressions of interest from individuals wishing to contribute articles for our 15th Journal, scheduled for publication in 2027. Additionally, we seek photographs for inclusion in the 2027 Calendar. Should you wish to share your photographs, rest assured all items will be returned in their original condition. or help or advice call Kay on 087-2680273.

For additional information or queries, please refer to our Facebook page, or contact us via email at kaynolandoyle@gmail.com or telephone at 087-2680273.

Clongeen

Contacts/Deadlines

If anyone has notes to be published, please send the information via email. The normal deadline is 9am on Mondays prior to the Wednesday publication but on a Bank Holiday weekend, the deadline is earlierits midday on the Friday. Either way, the email to use is: grooney@hotmail.com  thanks.

Retirement

After 50 years plus of service to Clongeen parish and community, Larry Whelan of Clongeen has decided to retire from the parish committees. Larry has been part and parcel of all developments and activities in Clongeen for longer than most care to remember. Whether it was fund raising, development or parish duties, he was always ready to roll up his sleeves to get the job done.

While having worked with various committees during this time the current committee are most grateful for his contributions over the past 10 years. He will be sorely missed and we all wish Larry and his wife Eileen all the best for the future along with a happy New Year too.

The Rosebuds Ladies Group

Join our vibrant ladies group for a delightful morning of connection and fun! Every Tuesday from 10:30 am until 12:30pm in Clongeen Hall. Women from 18 years old and over gather for a refreshing cuppa and lively chat. We engage in various entertaining activities and occasionally explore local tourist gems together.

Its the perfect way to start the New Year by trying something different and a way to make new friends, share experiences and enjoy a break from your routine. All this for just 5 per session ! Come and be a part of our warm, welcoming community and add a spark of joy to your week. For more information feel free to call Vero on 086 103 4878.

Campile Hall concert

Michael English and guest artist Louise Morrissey will be appearing in concert in Campile Hall on Sunday 29th March at 8pm. For tickets or for further information, please feel free to call 087 218 3300. Booking can also be made through the Eventbrite website.

Clonroche Poulpeasty

Cloughbawn GAA

Lotto Results: No jackpot winner tonight. Numbers: 6-17-28-31Two lucky dip winners: Kyle Murphy, Ballyboro; Mary Keating, Ballyboro. Congratulations to both and our next draw will take place on Tuesday 13th January.

Dinner Dance: The Club Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday 31st January in the Ferrycarrig hotel. Tickets are now available from Linda Buckley and Jackie Carton.

Ireland Lights Up initiative: Our Club has signed up to the Ireland Lights Up initiative where we open our walking track to the wider community on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 7-8pm starting 8th January for 5 weeks.

The club has also signed up to the Every Step Counts challenge in partnership with the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme. We need members to register and record your steps through the Irish Life App (MyLife). This is running from 7th January to 11th February.

Clonroche Poulpeasty Vintage Club

We are pleased to announce that the proceeds from our St Stephens Day Vintage run was 4,000, all for Dreambig Foundation SE CLG. 103 registered vehicles took part.

We thank our Vintage community so much for turning out on the day. The vintage people know no boundaries and we all come out to support one another, all whilst enjoying a beautiful display of vintage vehicles. Thanks also to the local people who brought out vintage vehicles; your support is truly admired.

A special mention to the local business people, who show up year in year out with donations for our causes. Without mentioning names, we know who you are, we see you each and every year, show up quietly, and get your donations in. Its humbling and truly special that you support us each year without fail. We thank you immensely.

To the local business people who sponsored prizes. On the day there was an abundance of stuff handed in for spot prizes, which means out of fear of leaving someone out we wont mention names here either. However, the committee all have various connections to particular business in the locality, who, without fail, each year give us a prize. This is greatly appreciated. Also, to the local people in the community who gave in spot prizes on the day, we thank you as well. We would like to thank Aine at Think Print & Design, who has us covered year in year out, and sometimes at the drop of a hat. The ladies in Poulpeasty Hall, without you ,wed be nowhere entertaining our fantastic vintage community.

The Irish Vintage Society clg., for continuing to support us in everything we do, a particular mention to Sharon, whos only ever a phone call away. Thank you to the lovely folk at Cloch Ban Ffrenchs for hosting us on the morning with fine fodder and the use of the grounds. The Guards who show up on the day, every year, without fail, to help us run a safe event. The stewards, some of whom are club members and some not, without stewards, you dont have a run. The paparazzi, our locals Marie Asple and Tony Asple, Thomas OCallaghan and also the various other people taking photos, we greatly appreciate you.

We thank our Club and Committee members who sponsored prizes, hampers and food , yee boys are true stars, never a question asked! A mention again to our Club members Brian and Sean of the top place, thanks a million.

Cushinstown

Notes contact

Contact Rita Gaffney 0879914202, rita.gaffney@gmail.com. Notes must be in by 8pm Sunday.

Mens Shed

The Mens Shed have kindling available for a 2 - money raised will go towards the upkeep of their facilities. Contact Padge 087 6536066 for orders.

Cushinstown Bingo

Bingo is held the first Sunday of each month, next date is 7th December, in The Old School, Cushinstown. Eyes down at 7.30pm sharp. 1,000 in prizes and raffle.

Split the Pot

Cushinstown Split the Pot is sold in Centra, Ballinaboola and after 11am mass. Draw held at Bingo on the first Sunday of each month.

Campile concert

Michael English and guest artist Louise Morrissey will be appearing in concert in Campile Hall on Sunday 29th March at 8pm. For tickets phone 087 2183300 - also available on the Eventbrite website.
Photo: screenshot

French President Emmanuel Macron told France 2 that several thousand French soldiers could be deployed to maintain peace in Ukraine after the ceasefire is established, the Franceinfo website reported on Tuesday.

"The President of the Republic spoke in detail about Frances participation in the deployment of a multinational force in Ukraine should peace be established. In an exclusive interview with France 2, Macron stated that the French army will participate in operations to control the Russian-Ukrainian border after the signing of a ceasefire agreement," Franceinfo reported.

"We will participate in the restoration of the Ukrainian army," the portal quotes Macron as saying. In an interview, he mentioned, among other things, the possibility of sending "several thousand troops (...) as part of our external operations" after the war ends. At the same time, the French president emphasized that "these are not forces that participate in combat."
Some of the participants in action during the Harriers Goal Mile in Park, Wexford town over the festive period. Photo: Jim Campbell

Clothes collection

Advance notice. Curracloe National School are holding their next clothes collection on Friday, January 30th. All clothing, footwear, accessories and soft toys accepted in black bags. No underwear, duvets or pillows please.

Please leave bags to the left of school gates before 9.30am. Thank you for your support.

Visit by World Record holder

Three time Guinness World Records holder, Eamonn Keaveney will be visiting Castlebridge (the birthplace of Guinness World Records) to sign the Record Breaker Register and to share some inspiring words with future record breakers at Castlebridge, on January 12th at 4 p.m.

This will be a memorable event for aspiring record breakers of all ages. Castlebridge will be Eamonns first stop when he arrives back in Ireland during his walk from Istanbul (now at over 310 days) which is his 4th Guinness World Record. Check out Castlebridgeinspire@gmail.com for further details.

Development Lotto

Results of the Curracloe United Lotto draw for Sunday, December 28th. The numbers drawn were 14, 22, 23, 26. There was no Jackpot winner and 4 match 3 winners who each received 40, Gerry Forde, Ferrybank; Kieran McKenna, c/o Clubforce: Niall Kelly, c/o Clubforce; Ger OConnor, c/o Clubforce.

Results of the Lotto draw for Sunday, January 4th. The numbers drawn were 1, 13, 21, 23. There was no Jackpot winner and 3 match 3 winners who each received 50, Don & Noreen Hearne, Galbally; Eileen Kinsella, Ballinacoola; Conor Howlin, Ballinablake.

Next weeks Jackpot stands at 9,000 and the draw will take place on Sunday, January 11th at 8 p.m in The Tavern, Curracloe.

Bridge Drama news

Bridge Drama group will present  Things I Know To Be True by Andrew Bovell, in the National Opera House on 28th-30th January and 18th-20th February. This is the Groups circuit entry for 2026. Directed by Susan Somers, the play is a deeply affecting family drama about love, loyalty and generational tensions. Tickets are available at nationaloperahouse.ie or (053) 9122144.

St. Brigids Day

Sunday, February 1st is the Feast of St. Brigid. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Gahan at St. Brigids Well, Artramont, at 12.30.

Items appreciated

News items re meetings, fund-raising events, births, marriages, etc are most welcome. Forward same to tworedcow@outlook.com or by text or phone to 086 -1980775 by Sunday night of each week. In the event of a Bank holiday weekend, notes are needed by Thursday night.

Oylegate

Happy New Year

Wishing all our readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

St. Vincent De Paul collection - Thank You!

The St. Vincent De Paul collection raised 595.42 in Oylegate and 461.75 in Glenbrien. A sincere word of gratitude is expressed to the parishioners for their generosity.

Church news

Weekend Masses - Oylegate Church: Saturday at 6.00pm and Sunday at 10.30am. Glenbrien church: Sunday at 9.30am. Crossabeg Church: Sunday at 11.30am

Weekday Masses - Oylegate: Friday at 9.30am. Glenbrien: Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am. Crossabeg: Wednesday at 9.30am.

Note: Should a funeral come to the church during the weekdays, any scheduled 9.30am Masses will be cancelled.

Weekly Devotions in Glenbrien - Everyone is welcome to join the following weekly occasions in our Parish: Every Monday at 6 p.m. in the Church: Divine Mercy Chaplet (Devotion to The Divine Mercy); Every Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Church: Eucharistic Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament; Every Friday & Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Grotto: The Holy Rosary

Flower Rota for Church: Oylegate - If you would like to join the rota for the preparation of flowers for the altar during the year, please contact the parish office.

Parish Office Hours - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm.

Mass Bookings - Please book anniversary Masses through the Parish Office during office hours.

Priest on Duty - Sunday night to Monday: Fr. Denis Kelly, ph 087 9470513. Tuesday to Saturday: Fr. Dermot Gahan, ph 087 2681010 / Fr Jim Finn 087 2119151.

Church Weekly Envelopes - The weekly Envelope collection supports the running costs of the Churches in the Parish. If you do not take the box of envelopes, you might consider making an annual donation by cash, cheque or by Direct Debit. Bank Details: BIC: BOFIIE2D IBAN: IE44 BOFI 906566 24140788. Please notify the parish office if you are setting up a Direct Debit. Thank you.

Charitable Donations Tax Back Campaign - This campaign was set up by the Revenue Commissioners to allow donations by parishioners to the parish by way of weekly envelope collections go even further. For every 250 that is contributed, the Revenue will refund 112 approximately to the parish.

Forms are being sent out at present and you are asked to return your completed form at your convenience. If you have any query, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office on 086 8259842.

Rathangan-Cleariestown

Parish Meeting

A parish meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th January in Rathangan Hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.

The purpose of the meeting is to: Provide an update on the costings for the church roof repairs; Discuss the possible implications for the future of the church; Outline how this may affect access to the car park; Share an update on the progress of the graveyard extension.

This is an important opportunity for parishioners and local residents to stay informed and ask questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

Notice of AGM

The AGM of Rathangan Senior Citizens Association CLG will be held on Wednesday 7th January at 8pm in the meeting room at the McCall Community Hub.

The objectives of RSCHA are to maintain and operate McCalls Cottages and McCalls Community Hub on behalf of the community, to provide age appropriate housing and assistance, along with providing a space for start up business and support facilities for the wider community. Please come along and share your ideas on how the facility can be brought forward, all are very welcome.

Duncormick Concert

On St Brigids Weekend, we will host a Concert in Duncormick on Saturday evening 31st January 2026 at 7.30pm.

We are thrilled to announce that the fabulous Tulua will perform at St. Peters Church Duncormick to celebrate St. Brigids weekend along with guests, The O Faolain Family.

The night promises to be a special one again, with a mixture of song, verse and musical collaboration.

Why not treat yourself or someone else to a ticket for this intimate concert venue for Christmas and support the Duncormick Village Fund to raise money for the repurposing of the old school as a community space for all.

More announcements for the weekend to follow! Book your tickets now at https://tuluainduncormick.eventbrite.ie

Communion for the homebound

Would you be willing to bring the Eucharist to people in their home or nursing home. Flexible times to try and suit everyone. Rota system if enough people are willing to help. Full information, forms and training will be provided. For more information or to express your interest please contact Jacqui on 087-2219302.

Purchasing The Old School

Duncormick Area Action Group are excited to announce our mission to bring The Old School back into community ownership. Our plan is to transform the building into a welcoming space for the whole community. But we need your support for this. We would be very grateful for any donations however big or small it will all help.

So please use the link on the Duncormick Area Action Group Facebook page to donate and share with your family and friends. Thank you .

Bouncy Castle parties in Rathangan Hall

Bouncy castle hall parties are currently available exclusively in Rathangan Hall. Contact Conor in the hall directly for bookings, availability and pricing. Book your party slot and bouncy castle with 1 phone call! To make a booking message their Facebook page or book a slot on their website booking form, alternatively you can also call 085-8373724.

Macfit PT and Fitness/Pilates and Massage

Macfit PT and Fitness with Pilates and Massage with Nikki are running a range of classes in Rathangan Hall. For information on timetable please check their Facebook page or call direct Brian: 086-1551315 or Nikki: 085-1193845.

Poster/Advertisement Design Service

Do you need a poster/advertisement designed? If so, we can help you! We can create for you a bespoke, unique and professional poster/advertisement to suit your personal needs. Price: 10. Get in touch with us on 051-577046 or at Rathanganhall@gmail.com

Hip hop dance classes

Next level dance school is back with hip hop dance classes in Rathangan hall Thursdays from 5-6pm, 7 per class pay as you go. For more info contact Joelle on 087 9768864 or contact through our Facebook/Instagram @ next level dance school.

McCalls Community Centre

Office and Hub Rental: If youre looking for a great place to study or work in peace with excellent facilities on hand then look no further than McCalls Community Centre where you can hire an office desk or office space to suit your needs with top speed WiFi, printing etc.. now available. Special rates for students and local enterprises. Apply to Annette Walsh (086) 1257595.

Mass Times

Saturday: Cleariestown 6pm, Caroreigh 8pm. Sunday: Trinity 9am, Taghmon 10.15am, Rathangan 11.30am. This ensures there is a vigil mass and Sunday morning mass in both parishes. No special masses on Sundays for funerals.

The 11.30am mass in Rathangan can also be viewed on the webcam.

CuChulainn Archers

CuChulainn Archers hold beginner classes throughout the year. Enquiries to cuchulainnwexford@yahoo.com
In September last year, as he walked through the Koszeg mountains in Western Hungary, Mayo man Eamonn Keaveney paused briefly. Although weary, he was filled with adrenalin. He had just broken a Guinness World Record.

Back in March of 2025, Eamonn (32) set off from Istanbul with a crazy dream  to walk barefoot across Europe and back to his hometown of Claremorris, raising funds for youth mental health charity Jigsaw and Friends of the Earth. He surpassed the existing Guinness world record on day 185 of his odyssey and now, over 300 days in, he draws ever closer to a return to Irish soil.
The team from Greystones Community College, with their project: Bringing Return to Travel: Does the public want to use their bottle return deposits to top up their Leap Card?'

Over 1,000 students presenting a total of 550 projects will compete for more than 200 prizes, with one individual or team named Stripe Young Scientist and Technologist of the year, at this year's Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which opens on Wednesday, January 7, running until January 10 at the RDS in Dublin.
Former Irish rugby player Donncha O'Callaghan putting a family through their paces at the grand final of Irelands Fittest Family, hosted by Treetop Walk Avondale in December.

Fresh from hosting the final of RTEs Irelands Fittest Family in December, Beyond the Trees Avondale will kick off the New Year by hosting a series of accessible fitness challenges aimed at the whole family, which will run every Saturday and Sunday from January 10 to February 1.

Participants will have the opportunity to test their strength, endurance, and teamwork through a range of timed challenges, including a plank challenge, bar hang challenge, wall sit challenge, and a sled pull up the tower.

The event will also feature a tower build challenge at the very top of the Treetop Walk tower, inspired by the iconic task seen on Irelands Fittest Family final.

Building on that momentum of hosting the final of Irelands Fittest Family, Treetop Walk Avondale wanted to create an inclusive experience that allows visitors to challenge themselves while enjoying one of Irelands most scenic attractions.

It gives people the chance to try out some of the activities winners the McKenna family from Monaghan had to endure.

Treetop Walk Avondale regional manager Adrian McGreevey said: Hosting the Irelands Fittest Family final was incredibly inspiring for our team.

We wanted to carry that sense of motivation into the new year by creating a fitness event thats welcoming, enjoyable, and suitable for everyone  whether youre coming on your own, with friends, or as part of a family group.

Designed to suit all fitness levels, the initiative aims to encourage people of all ages to embrace movement, fresh air, and wellbeing as part of their New Year routine.

The fitness challenges will take place during a dedicated time slot each day, with participants required to book their slot between 10am and 11am. Booking can be made by contacting Gavin Fallon at Gavin.fallon@eak-treetopwalks.com or by calling or texting 083 848 1069.
Brooke and her four puppies were taken into care by Wicklow Animal Welfare on Monday.

Miss Elsa is a medium sized Lurcher who has yet to have any visitors to meet her at Wicklow Animal Welfare.

Having taken in 500 abandoned and unwanted dogs throughout 2025, Fiona Gammell of Wicklow Animal Welfare was hoping for an easy start to the New Year.

However, those hopes proved premature as Fiona rescued six dogs on New Years Eve, followed by a collie-whippet cross and her four puppies only five days later.

We must keep trying even though its totally disheartening, she said on Tuesday. We try so hard, but it just never seems to be enough.

Each New Year you try to start on a positive note, and you think you have broken the back of it and that things have calmed down, only to be inundated with unwanted dogs at the start of the year again. Hope springs eternal at the start of the year, but sadly it never lasts long.

The six dogs brought into care by Wicklow Animal Welfare on New Years Eve included a two-year-old whippet and a four-month old whippet pup with a broken leg, who both came from Wicklow town.

On Monday this week, Fiona rescued a collie-whippet cross she named Brooke and her four puppies.

She said: We were actually delighted to get the bitch because usually they are kept by the owner for breeding and we only get the pups. The puppies consist of three females and one male, which is also unusual in that usually the female pups are kept as well for breeding purposes. We have neutered Brooke and her pups so Brooke will never have puppies again, and nor will her pups.

Fiona also feels that exorbitant vet fees are only adding to the problem.

We ran a neutering scheme for XL bully dogs and had around 115 dogs neutered through the scheme. You had some veterinary practises in Dublin charging up to 900, which was very opportunistic because they knew people were under pressure with the new legislation coming into place. Our own vet only charged us 150, so there is a very noticeable difference.

Fiona has found herself so busy she has been forced to take on an additional part-time staff member at Wicklow Animal Welfare to help Fiona with the work-load.

The government needs to be doing more to help with the situation, which only seems to be worsening, said Fiona. There certainly isnt any sign of things slowing down. If it wasnt for animal rescues doing what they do then you wouldnt be able to drive the roads without it being littered with dead dogs and cats."
Irish actor Andrew Scott has opened up about the sudden passing of his mother two years ago.

His mother, Nora Scott, died due to sudden illness on March 7, 2024, in St Vincents Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by her family.

The 49-year-old Dubliner said his mother passed away just weeks before the filming for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, where the actor stars as Lee Ross.

Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show this week, the Irish actor said he considered not taking part in the film as he was grieving his mother.

"About six weeks before we started filming, my mum died, who was my best friend and my hero, he said. It was rough. It's still rough, actually. Particularly around this time of year.

But about six weeks before, she died really, really suddenly, within 24 hours, and she was completely fine. She was the total centre of our family.

"And I didn't know whether I was going to do the movie, frankly, because I thought: God, I don't know if I'll be strong enough.

"But I made the decision to do it. And the guys in the cast were so kind to me, he said.

The All of Us Strangers and Fleabag actor praised his fellow cast members for their support on the set of the hit movie, which was filmed over the summer of 2024.

Once people know what you're going through, that's half the battle. You don't have to hide it, he added.

But grief is such a strange thing. We used to be in a green room, we'd have sofas and everybody would be talking  I would just fall asleep.

It was such a strange thing. I was so exhausted all the time, because at night, you're thinking, and they were just all incredibly, incredibly kind to me.

The film, which came out in December on Netflix, stars Daniel Craig, who reprised his role as detective Benoit Blanc, Josh Brolin as Jefferson Wicks, Josh OConnor as Jud Duplenticy, Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott, and Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix.

People talk a lot about Hollywood and the craziness of actors and all that kind of stuff. And of course, it is true a little bit, but also, you are in the empathy game, you're trying to pretend what it's like to be another human being.

And so actors, to me, have been like the greatest, greatest friends. And these people are no exception. So I'm so grateful to them for that, he added.
The South African government has already passed laws trying to register initiation schools

South Africa has said it will clamp down on unregistered traditional initiation schools for young men, after at least 41 died in recent coming-of-age rites involving circumcision.

Tens of thousands of teenagers take part in highly secretive initiations each year as a rite of passage into manhood practised by some of the countrys largest black ethnic groups including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda.
AI could be last technology humanity ever builds, expert warns in doom timeline

Experts predict AI could become autonomous by 2030

The AI 2027 scenario predicts a future in which AI code itself and sets it own parameters, becoming a superintelligence. Image: Getty

Dan Haygarth UK Independent Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

An expert has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could be the last technology humanity ever builds as a so-called doom timeline predicting the point at which it could overtake humankind has been revised.
More flights will be cancelled, trains will run late and roads will be blocked by snow across Europe in coming days as a cold snap is expected to worsen, bringing even more heavy snowfall after several days of travel disruption.
Seven Dnipro residents were preliminarily injured as a result of an enemy drone attack on Dnipro, Mayor Borys Filatov reported on his Telegram channel.

"According to preliminary information, there are seven victims. Two of them are children. Most of the people are suffering from acute stress reactions, but some also have shrapnel wounds. City hospitals are providing assistance," Filatov wrote on Telegram.

"The Russian scum has once again attacked ordinary residential buildings and educational institutions in Dnipro. Several hundred  if not a thousand  windows were broken in over 10 high-rise buildings. There are also reports of damage to heating systems near one of the buildings. Numerous cars were burned. Meanwhile, there was damage to a vocational school that trains mechanics and confectioners. The fire was extinguished, but a workshop and a student dormitory were damaged. Two kindergartens and a school were also damaged," Filatov described the aftermath, noting that information gathering is ongoing.
LATEST | France working with allies on plan should US make move on Greenland; Taoiseach says common sense needs to prevail

Donald Trump discussing how to acquire Greenland and US military always an option, White House saysFrance working with partners on plan over how to respond should US act Taoiseach Micheal Martin says option floated of an outright purchase of Greenland is not possible or realistic

Trump discussing range of options to acquire Greenland, White House says

Steve Holland, Jeff Mason and Conal Thomas Reuters Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 09:00

France is working with partners on a plan over how to respond should the United States act on its threat to take over Greenland, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Wednesday.
French and UK military hubs on Ukrainian soil are central plank to proposed Paris peace plan

Security guarantees from US in event of Russian attack also on the cards but need to be finalised by WashingtonWestern negotiators and leaders join Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in France for crunch ceasefire talks

UK prime minister Keir Starmer, left, and French president Emmanuel Macron ahead of the meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, yesterday. Photo: Bloomberg

Andrea Palasciano and Donato Paolo Mancini Bloomberg Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

US president Donald Trumps administration will agree to support Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack, according to a draft statement being negotiated by Kyivs top allies.
Swiss ski resort bar where New Years Eve blaze killed 40 had no fire safety inspections since 2019, authorities say

Managers are under criminal investigation as nationalities of those who died in Le Constellation in Crans-Montana are revealed

A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles and messages near the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. Photo: Getty

Emma Farge Associated Press Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

Fire safety inspections had not been carried out for several years at the bar where a blaze broke out during a New Years Eve party, killing 40 young people, Swiss authorities said.
Defiant remarks from Nicolas Maduros son puts spotlight on his loyalty to new regime in Venezuela

Nicolasito is in US crosshairs over alleged narco-terrorism and was named as a defendant in case against his father

A member of the militia group known as Colectivos takes part in a march calling for release of Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas this week. Photo: Reuters

Cory Weddle UK Independent Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

Two days after the United States captured Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela in a raid on Caracas, the dictators son  Nicolasito  appeared defiant in parliament.
More than two million files related to Jeffrey Epstein have yet to be released

Victim says newly released documents vindicated her after proving she reported paedophile to FBI in 1996

Jeffrey Epstein pictured in a Federal Bureau of Prisons investigative document. Photo: Reuters

Kelly Kasulis Cho Washington Post Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 06:30

More than two million documents regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain to be released, US Justice Department officials told a federal judge offering the most precise estimate so far of the size of the file still under review.
LATEST | Russia accuses US of outright piracy after seizure of Venezuela oil tanker in UK-backed operation

Minister Helen McEntee has said Ireland is closely monitoring the situation in relation to the seizure in the vicinity of Irish watersThe tankers capture could prove a new flashpoint in relations between the West and MoscowPresident Catherine Connolly described the recent loss of lives in Venezuela as appalling

Russia accuses US of outright piracy after seizure of Venezuela oil tanker in UK-backed operation

Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart Reuters Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 17:44

Russia has described the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic as a violation of maritime law, and a senior lawmaker described it as "outright piracy".
Justice Department drops allegation that toppled Venezuelan leader was head of made-up group

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in handcuffs after landing in New York, escorted by agents as they make their way to a federal courthouse. Photo: Getty

Nicholas Maduro is no longer accused by the US of being the leader of a drug- trafficking cartel.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped allegations that the toppled Venezuelan leader was the head of the drug-trafficking group Cartel de los Soles, which translates to Cartel of the Suns, a gang many analysts believe does not actually exist.
On the night of January 7 (from 18:00 on January 6), the enemy attacked with one Iskander-M ballistic missile from Taganrog, Russia, as well as 95 Shaheds, Gerberas and other types of attack UAVs from the directions of Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Orel of Russia, Hvardeyske  TOT of Crimea, Donetsk  TOT of Ukraine, about 60 of which were shaheds, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on its Telegram channel.

"According to preliminary data, as of 7:30, air defenses have shot down or suppressed one ballistic missile and 81 enemy Shaheds, Gerberas, and other types of UAVs in the north, center, and east of the country. Fourteen attack UAVs were hit at eight locations, and debris from downed UAVs was found at five locations," the Ukrainian Air Forces reported.
xAI completes series E funding round

Image credit : X/ElonMuskPD | Elon Musks AI company xAI has closed a $20 billion Series E funding round

Valuation could cross $230 billion

Image credit : X/ElonMuskPD | Elon Musks artificial intelligence company is xAI

Product development and future plans

Grok controversy and regulatory action

Image credit : X/ElonMuskPD | Elon Musk is a businessman and former senior advisor to the President of the United States

Elon Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI, has successfully raised $20 billion in its latest funding round, even as its AI chatbot Grok remains under intense scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualised images on X. The funding comes at a time when the company is facing growing regulatory pressure across several countries.xAI confirmed in an official statement that it had completed its Series E funding round, exceeding its original target of $15 billion. The company said the funds would be used to expand its AI infrastructure and accelerate the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems.In its announcement, xAI stated that the Series E round attracted a wide group of investors. The company confirmed that participants included Valor Equity Partners, Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Qatar Investment Authority, MGX and Baron Capital Group, along with other partners.xAI also highlighted the involvement of strategic investors such as NVIDIA and Cisco Investments. According to the company, these investors are supporting the rapid scaling of its computing infrastructure, including the expansion of large GPU clusters.The company noted that the funding round exceeded expectations, with the final amount reaching $20 billion, well above the initially planned $15 billion.According to a report by The New York Times, which cited two people familiar with the matter, the funding round could push xAIs valuation beyond $230 billion. The report added that the company was already on track to reach this valuation even if it had closed the round at its original $15 billion target.The scale of the funding underscores investor confidence in xAIs long-term AI ambitions, despite the ongoing controversies surrounding its products.In its statement, xAI described 2025 as a year of significant progress. The company said it had made advances in areas such as data centres, the Grok 4 Series, Grok Voice, Grok Imagine and Groks integration with X.xAI also confirmed that its next-generation model, Grok 5, is currently in training. Elon Musk had earlier posted on X in October that Grok 5 had a 10 per cent chance of achieving artificial general intelligence, a level at which AI systems can perform tasks similar to humans.The company said it plans to launch new consumer and enterprise products using Grok, Colossus and X, with the goal of reaching billions of users. xAI added that the funding would support both infrastructure development and research aligned with its stated mission of Understanding the Universe.While the funding round marks a major milestone for xAI, the company continues to face backlash over the actions of its AI chatbot, Grok. The chatbot has previously been criticised for generating misinformation and antisemitic content.In the past week, Grok came under fire for producing sexualised and potentially illegal content. Responding to large numbers of user prompts on X, the chatbot generated images that digitally removed clothing from women and children. The resulting flood of nearly nude images sparked widespread concern.The issue triggered warnings from multiple governments. Last week, the Indian government ordered a detailed review of Grok, instructing xAI to stop generating content involving nudity, sexualisation or unlawful material. Authorities asked the company to submit a corrective action report within 72 hours and warned of possible action under criminal and IT laws if it failed to comply.Several other countries have since issued similar warnings, signalling the possibility of further regulatory action against Grok and the platform.xAIs funding success highlights investor confidence, even as Groks content issues push the company into a growing global regulatory spotlight.




In a recent interview, the Housemaid actress reflected on her early years, her changing relationship with dreams, and why fear has never stopped her from taking risks.



Image credit : Instagram/sydney_sweeney | Sydney Sweeney opened up about a childhood memory that still surprises her.



Sydney Sweeney recalls childhood 'imaginary friend'



Speaking to W magazine , Sweeney shared that she had an imaginary friend during preschool - someone she often talked about with her mother.



"I think I've seen a ghost," she said. "When I was little, I used to have an imaginary friend. He would be on the playground at preschool. I would tell my mom about him."



What unsettled her family was what came next. "It turns out that he was someone who passed away before I was born," Sweeney added. "It creeped my mom out."





























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A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)









Sydney Sweeney is opening up about a childhood memory that still surprises her and may have 'creeped her mom out' - and it involves what she believes may have been a ghost.In a recent interview, theactress reflected on her early years, her changing relationship with dreams, and why fear has never stopped her from taking risks.Speaking to, Sweeney shared that she had an imaginary friend during preschool - someone she often talked about with her mother."I think I've seen a ghost," she said. "When I was little, I used to have an imaginary friend. He would be on the playground at preschool. I would tell my mom about him."What unsettled her family was what came next. "It turns out that he was someone who passed away before I was born," Sweeney added. "It creeped my mom out."

Sydney Sweeney says she no longer remembers her dreams

Euphoria

Image credit : Instagram/sydney_sweeney | Sydney Sweeney has struggled to remember or shape her dreams in recent years..

Sydney Sweeney on pushing past anxiety























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A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)







Sydney Sweeney opens up about injuries and lasting scars



That approach has come with physical consequences, which Sweeney discussed candidly. "I have a scar next to my eye," she said. "I got it when I was 10. I was wakeboarding the tip of my board came up and sliced me in the face. I had to get, like, 17 stitches."



She also recalled tearing her MCL while dirt-bike riding, as well as an unexplained bite she suffered while filming in Australia.





























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A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)

















Between unusual childhood memories, changes in her dream life, and scars from adventurous experiences, Sydney Sweeney reflects on a life shaped by curiosity and risk-taking. That approach has come with physical consequences, which Sweeney discussed candidly. "I have a scar next to my eye," she said. "I got it when I was 10. I was wakeboarding the tip of my board came up and sliced me in the face. I had to get, like, 17 stitches."She also recalled tearing her MCL while dirt-bike riding, as well as an unexplained bite she suffered while filming in Australia.Between unusual childhood memories, changes in her dream life, and scars from adventurous experiences, Sydney Sweeney reflects on a life shaped by curiosity and risk-taking.

The actress also spoke about how her once-vivid dream life has changed in recent years. "Recently, no. I don't even know if I'm dreaming anymore," she said.Theactor said she once had vivid, controllable dreams but has struggled to remember or shape them in recent years.She explained that she used to be able to guide her dreams while asleep, but that ability has gradually faded, leaving her unsure whether she dreams at all anymore.While she admits to having many fears, Sweeney said she has learned not to let them dictate her choices. "There are a lot of things that scare me, but that doesn't stop me," she said.She gave skydiving as an example of how she challenges herself. "Usually, if something scares me, then I'm going to do it," Sweeney said. "I have a fear of heights, but I jumped out of a plane and went skydiving. I'll scream the whole way, but then I'll want to do it again."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle s marriage is strained

Radar

Image credit : X @MeghanTheQwin | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing renewed tension

Harrys growing pull toward Britain

Image credit : X @hmgifs | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly at odds

Meghans resistance and emotional scars

Harry and Meghans separate paths

Image credit : Instagram @meghan | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enter 2026 with their marriage under growing strain.

Divorce rumours resurface

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is beginning 2026 under growing personal strain, as a deep disagreement with his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, over his possible return to the U.K. becomes the most serious challenge their marriage has faced so far. While the couple has weathered intense public pressure before, insiders now say this unresolved issue has turned into an emotional divide that neither side can easily move past.Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020 and settled in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4. For years, the couple appeared united in building a new life in the U.S. However, as 2025 ended, insiders toldthat the question of Britain had resurfaced and become a major source of tension.According to one source, the disagreement is deeply emotional and threatens to tear them apart, geographically and emotionally. The insider stressed that the strain is not due to a lack of love, saying, The tension between them isn't rooted in a breakdown of affection or commitment.Sources say Harry has become increasingly focused on repairing his family ties. His brief meeting with King Charles at Clarence House in September and the ongoing review of his U.K. security status have added urgency to his thinking. Insiders claim Harry now believes he is close to winning that security battle, which has only strengthened his desire to spend more time in Britain.He brings it up repeatedly, the source said, noting Harrys concern about his fathers declining health. In his mind, the coming year carries a real sense of urgency and consequence.The insider added, He and Meghan are broken in a lot of ways, and this drive to return to Britain could truly break them.Meghan, by contrast, is described as deeply resistant to the idea of returning to the U.K. According to insiders, Britain represents one of the most painful chapters of her life.For her, the U.K. is bound up with some of the most stressful and painful periods of her life, the source claimed. The idea of returning triggers memories of constant scrutiny and emotional strain.That fear has made the issue hard for Meghan to even discuss. One insider explained that she avoids the topic because it carries so much emotional weight for her, especially if Harrys security concerns are resolved.The disagreement has been made worse by the couples increasingly separate professional lives. Meghan, a Los Angeles native, has focused on Hollywood projects, including her Netflix work and the expansion of her As Ever lifestyle brand.Harry, meanwhile, is said to feel less settled. He stepped back from his Sentebale charity in March amid reports of internal conflict, and friends believe the imbalance between their careers has added more pressure to decisions about where the family should be based.According to sources, discussions about Britain became more frequent over Christmas and into the new year. Harry has spoken publicly about reconciliation with his family, saying last year that he would love a reunion amid health challenges faced by his father and sister-in-law.Meghans instincts differ. Her instinct is to shield both herself and the children from experiences she worries could reopen painful chapters, one source said. Harry, however, believes their children should know his roots and have a real relationship with their grandfather.The couple has faced divorce speculation before, including claims that Meghan explored a post-divorce book idea. She dismissed those rumours in a recent interview, saying, No one in the world loves me more than him He loves me so boldly, fully.Even so, insiders say the unresolved Britain question continues to weigh heavily on their marriage. One source warned, If neither of them is willing or able to compromise, there is a real concern that this single, unresolved question could evolve into the breaking point for their relationship, which could see them finally file for divorce this year.Harry and Meghan, who married in 2018, have lived in California since stepping away from royal life in 2020.
Social media erupts over Dutch employees viral post

Image credit : Instagram| @employeetears| Public reaction weigh in on the story online

Image credit : Instagram| @employeetears| Users share their thoughts on social media

Image credit : Instagram| @employeetears| Social media users voice their opinions

Image credit : Instagram| @employeetears| Comments flood in from across platforms

Manager threatened performance improvement plan

Image credit : Freepik| Manager threatened performance improvement plan

A Dutch employees recent viral post has shone a spotlight on the stark contrast between European work-life balance and American hustle culture. The employee, working at the Dutch branch of a major US tech company, shared how his new manager from New York became obsessed with his after-hours availability, creating tension over what he perceived as a lack of commitment.Initially, the manager appeared pleasant, but over time, his expectations for constant engagement became evident. According to the employee, even logging off at 5:01 PM daily triggered complaints. The manager also expressed frustration that the employee did not reply to weekend emails until Monday morning and refused to join a team bonding Zoom call scheduled at 7 PM local time.The employee, who works a standard 40-hour week under Dutch labour laws, pushed back. He reminded his manager that in the Netherlands, leaving work on time is considered normal, and after-hours communication is typically discouraged unless urgent. Failing to finish work within office hours signals inefficiency or understaffing, not dedication, he emphasised.After being shared online, the post rapidly gained traction, sparking widespread discussion and drawing thousands of reactions from users across social media platforms.One Instagram user gushed, I love this so much. I may even print it. Another quipped, Is THAT job hiring? Ill work for that company.Others were more critical of the US work ethos: People obsessed with hustle culture are insufferable. Go find a hobby, commented one user.While another added, Thats how it is in the US and even doing the extra doesnt help when you try to grow .The story has sparked widespread debate about cultural differences in professional expectations and the increasing scrutiny of after-hours work norms in US corporations. Many social media users were astonished at the idea that simply leaving work on time could be perceived as a lack of commitment.The situation escalated when the manager threatened to place the employee on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). The Dutch employee, however, forwarded the email exchange to the local HR department, who reportedly laughed at the threat and promised to address it according to local labour laws. Following the intervention, no further emails were sent after 5 PM, allowing the employee to reclaim a normal work-life balance.The incident highlights a growing conversation on how global companies navigate cultural differences, especially when policies from one country are applied in another with very different labour norms. Many observers have noted that such clashes can affect morale and productivity if not addressed with cultural sensitivity.Ultimately, the viral post has served as a reminder that work-life balance is culturally relative and that imposing uniform expectations across international teams can lead to friction. While US hustle culture glorifies constant availability, employees in other countries are increasingly pushing back, advocating for personal time and well-being.
Greenlands strategic location and military importance

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Donald Trumps interest in acquiring Greenland is rooted in national security

Rare earth minerals and growing global competition

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | US President Donald Trump

Conflicting messages from Trump and his advisers

Rising tensions and international response

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Trump has publicly downplayed the importance of Greenlands natural resources

The White House on Tuesday confirmed that US President Donald Trump is exploring options to acquire Greenland, describing the move as part of a broader foreign policy objective linked to national security. The statement immediately drew a sharp response from Denmark, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterating that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is not for sale.Frederiksen also warned that any US military attack on Greenland would effectively bring an end to the NATO military alliance. The renewed attention on Greenland has brought global focus back to the Arctic island and the reasons behind Trumps interest.Greenlands geographic position has long made it strategically significant. Once a Danish colony, it is now an autonomous province of Denmark and is located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, across the Baffin Bay from Canada.Its importance increased sharply during the Cold War, when the United States established a major military presence on the island. The US currently operates the Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as the Thule Air Base, which remains a key part of American defence infrastructure.From Greenland, the US can track and intercept potential missile threats coming from Russia, China, or North Korea. The island also provides a forward position that allows the US to deploy missiles and naval forces toward both Asia and Europe more efficiently. This military advantage is a central reason Greenland features prominently in US security calculations.Greenland is also a resource-rich territory, covering an area of 836,000 square miles. It contains significant deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential for manufacturing mobile phones, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, as well as bombs and other weapons.Currently, China dominates the global supply of rare earth minerals and has used this control to exert pressure on the United States. Although Greenland banned uranium mining in 2021, its broader mineral potential remains significant.As global warming melts Arctic ice, new waterways are opening up in the region, making Greenlands mineral reserves more accessible. This has increased interest from major global powers seeking to expand their influence and potentially reshape trade routes in the Arctic.Despite previously calling the climate crisis the greatest con job, Trumps administration views the changing Arctic landscape as a strategic concern. The US is keen to prevent Russia or China from increasing their footprint in Greenland and nearby regions.Trump has publicly downplayed the importance of Greenlands natural resources. Speaking to reporters last month, he stated:We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals.However, his former national security adviser Mike Waltz offered a different perspective in January 2024. Speaking to Fox News, Waltz said the US governments interest in Greenland was about critical minerals and natural resources, suggesting that economic and resource considerations also play a role.Concerns about Greenland escalated after Trump reiterated the US desire to take control of the island from the standpoint of national security following US actions in Venezuela. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller reinforced these claims, placing renewed focus on the Arctic territory.Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Greenland was strategically critical and claimed the region was increasingly occupied by Russian and Chinese ships. He also suggested Denmark lacked the capability to secure the island adequately.The situation drew international attention when Katie Miller, Stephen Millers wife, posted an image of Greenland draped in the US flag on X with the caption SOON, shortly after US military operations in Venezuela.In response, leaders from Britain, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Denmark issued a joint statement supporting Denmark and Greenland. They stressed that Arctic security must be maintained collectively within NATO.Greenland belongs to its people, the leaders said, adding that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and Greenland, while reaffirming NATOs focus on the Arctic region.Trumps interest in Greenland reflects security priorities, Arctic strategy and global power rivalry, drawing firm resistance from Denmark and European allies.
The Athens prosecutor ordered a preliminary investigation into statements by Yanis Varoufakis, leader of MERA25 (DIEM25 movement), on his personal experience with drugs.

Specifically, the preliminary investigation focuses on an interview during which Varoufakis said that while he was under the influence of drugs "it was an amazing experience,"

and on whether there was an instigation to the use of and advertising of drugs , as well as any other offense that might come up.

During the interview, Varoufakis had been asked whether he ever attended a rave party and tried drugs, which the former finance minister answered in the affirmative. As he said, "I am not Bill Clinton, who said 'I didn't inhale'. I am a bit boring, unfortunately. I have tried ecstasy once and it was an amazing experience, lasting two days. I had an incredible migraine, I do not know what they had given me, it was in Sydney, and I remember that it was a very special moment, in 1989. I remember dancing 15-16 hours like nothing mattered, but I then suffered for a week, and never took it again."

   iefimerida.gr
Greek farmers manned tractor barricades Wednesday as they awaited a government aid package that will determine whether they launch a nationwide 48-hour highway shutdown.

Tensions are peaking ahead of the announcement, expected later in the day.

Government officials said they would proceed with the measures whether farmers come to dialogue or not, signaling that patience with the days-long disruptions is running

thin.

If the announcements meet our basic demands, we are ready to sit down for dialogue and reassess our stance, union representatives said in a statement.

If not, we will move to further escalation.

The protesters are demanding concrete relief for soaring energy costs and guaranteed timelines for financial support payments to offset collapsing incomes.

General assemblies are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at protest hubs in Nikaia and along the E65 highway to vote on the government's offer.

If the proposal is rejected, farmers at the strategic Malgara toll station have vowed to block the Athens-Thessaloniki highway in both directions starting Thursday.

The standoff has already caused chaos for travelers returning from the holidays.

On Tuesday, the national highway near Kastro was closed in both directions, while single-lane restrictions elsewhere created kilometers-long queues.

The dispute underscores the mounting pressure on the government to address rural economic hardship without derailing the national budget.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece is intensifying efforts to bolster Greek Orthodox communities abroad, Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis declared following Epiphany celebrations at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

Mr. Pierrakakis, representing the Greek government, met with Ecumenical Patriarch

Bartholomew during the Feast of Epiphany at the Church of St. George in the Phanar district. He outlined a strategy to preserve Greek identity through tangible state support , including the creation of 600 permanent clergy positions across ancient patriarchates and churches worldwide.

We are resolving long-standing issues to strengthen the Greek Orthodox presence globally, Mr. Pierrakakis said.

The service carried significant geopolitical weight, co-celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

The joint liturgy underscored the Patriarchates continued alignment with Kyiv amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, a stance that has reshaped Orthodox relations.

Mr. Pierrakakis described the Phanar as a place of power and symbolism where history intersects with modern diplomacy.

His visit highlights Athens' strategy of treating support for the Patriarchate not just as a cultural obligation, but as a pillar of foreign policy in a region marked by instability.

   iefimerida.gr
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that an important outcome of the negotiations with the Coalition of the Willing is the availability of substantial documents, including a joint declaration of all coalition countries and a trilateral declaration of France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Zelenskyy announced this on his official Telegram channel on Tuesday.

"Its important that today we have substantive coalition documents  a joint declaration of all coalition countries and a trilateral declaration of France, Britain, and Ukraine. These documents exist, and they signal how seriously Europe and the entire Coalition of the Willing are prepared to work for real security. With these documents, we are strengthening further legal work in countries with parliaments so that when diplomacy succeeds in ending the war, we are fully prepared to deploy coalition forces," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"The details have been worked out in a system of other documents. It has been determined which countries are ready to take the lead in ensuring security on land, in the air, at sea, and in reconstruction. It has been determined what forces are needed. It has been determined how the forces will be managed and at what levels of command," Zelenskyy noted.

The President also outlined what he believed to be the most important goals.

"It must be determined how monitoring will work. It must be absolutely clear how the Ukrainian army will be maintained and financed to the required strength and size. I spoke about this specifically today, and we believe this is the key elementour Ukrainian strength. And all other elements will operate effectively on the basis of our army," Zelenskyy emphasized.

He drew attention to the representative level of the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, which was attended by 27 leaders of states, the EU, NATO, representatives of Turkey, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Amid the call by Obidients that presidential aspirants in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should step down for Peter Obi, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the notion, saying no aspirant will withdraw for another in the coalition.

Atikus position was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe, following recent comments by Obis allies, including Prof Pat Utomi and Aisha Yesufu, who have rejected the idea of Obi emerging as a Vice Presidential candidate in the coalition.

Rejecting any suggestion that he should step aside, Atiku described such calls as dangerous to Nigerias democracy.

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Any call  overt or covert  for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people, the statement said.

The former vice president also accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of shrinking democratic space and deliberately weakening opposition parties in a bid to impose what he described as a creeping, de facto one-party state.

For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history  an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space, the statement read, adding that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had sought to eliminate political alternatives through systematic pressure on opposition forces.

According to Atiku, the ADC was adopted by opposition figures as a platform to resist this trend and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

He alleged that individuals aligned with the Presidency were now attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly the process of choosing a presidential candidate.

Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission, the statement said, stressing that the party is committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer.

Atiku also warned against external interference, saying, APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.

He noted that the party is currently focused on building its grassroots structures nationwide and urged what he described as disruptors and infiltrators to allow the process to continue without interference.

Declaring that all qualified aspirants would be free to contest when the time comes, Atiku stated emphatically: No one is stepping down.

He added that if anyone should step aside, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as a national liability.

The former Vice President insisted that the ADC remains determined to challenge the ruling party and end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC.
Oil extended losses on Wednesday after Donald Trump said Venezuela would turn over millions of barrels to the United States, while equities were mixed after a record-breaking start to the year.

Crude has seen wild swings since the US president ordered the toppling Saturday of Nicolas Maduro, his counterpart in Caracas, and said Washington would run the country while demanding total access to its key resource.

But both main contracts sank more than one percent on Wednesday  having lost 1.7-2.0 percent on Tuesday  after Trump announced the latest development.

The Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America, he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Analysts said the shipments lowered the risk that Caracas would have to cut output owing to its limited storage capacity, easing supply concerns, but added that the outlook for the commodity was for lower prices.

That comes as the crude market remains well stocked after OPEC+ agreed to boost output.

Venezuela sits on about a fifth of the worlds oil reserves, but observers pointed out that a quick ramp-up of output would be hamstrung by several issues, including its creaking infrastructure, low prices and political uncertainty.

Equity markets fluctuated after a strong start to the year that has already seen Seoul following London and New York in hitting record highs, thanks to the relentless rush into all things artificial intelligence
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the receipt and subsequent release of six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Edo State.

The command, in a statement on Tuesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the vigilantes, who were arrested along the AuchiIkpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State in early December 2025, were handed over to the command on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

According to the statement, the suspects were travelling in a vehicle belonging to the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State when they were intercepted by soldiers.

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The police said the six vigilante members were formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume, for investigation and profiling.

Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality, the statement said.

It added that the vigilantes were exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing and were subsequently released to their respective leaders.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the commands commitment to inter-agency collaboration and synergy with community-based security outfits while urging vigilante groups to always operate within the confines of the law.

The police assured residents of the state of their continued resolve to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Kwara State.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported, on December 14, 2025, a 36-second viral video showing soldiers interrogating a group of suspected bandits allegedly found patrolling with AK-47 rifles in a local security patrol vehicle bearing the inscription of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In the video, the suspects were seen lying face down with their hands tied as soldiers questioned them about their activities and the source of the weapons recovered.

One of the suspects, speaking in Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin, claimed that the patrol vehicle and rifles were provided by the Ilorin government, alleging that they had been operating under the guise of a security patrol.

We have been here for quite a while. We are using the vehicle for patrol. Wallahi, na the truth I dey tell you. The Ilorin government na him give us this motor and the weapons. They were the ones that gave us the rifles, the suspect said.

PUNCH Metro also reported that the Kwara State Government dismissed reports that it had armed the suspects.

In a statement issued on Sunday night by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, the state said no security agency, including the Nigerian Army, carried out any arrest of armed bandits in Ifelodun or any part of Kwara State.

The Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in any part of Ifelodun. No security agency ever reported such arrests in Kwara, Olukoju said.

She also debunked insinuations that the state government armed the suspects, stressing that no state government has the power to issue or distribute AK-47 rifles.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Dr Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is currently in a closed-door meeting with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting is taking place at the Abuja office of the former President in Maitama area of Abuja.

Daily Trust gathered the meeting is part of the ongoing consultation with party leaders towards ending the impasse in the party.

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Turaki and members of the NWC and some state chairmen of the PDP arrived at Jonathans office in Maitama, at 6pm.

The PDP has been embroiled in crisis since the conduct of the presidential primaries for the 2023 general elections that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The crisis also led to the defeat of the party at the polls. Presently, the party is divided into two factions with the main group under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki and the splinter group led by Factional Caretaker chairman Abdulrahman Muhammed.

The Muhammed faction is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike.
POLICE FOILS ATTEMPTED ATTACK, RESCUES 76 CHILDREN, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS IN KADUNA

The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.

On the 5th of January, 2026, at about 2000 hours, Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence that some suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area. Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area.

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On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of seventy-six (76) children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven (7) and twenty (20) years. All the rescued children were unharmed.

In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested: Jonathan John m aged 25, Oliver Magaji m aged 27, and Bitrus Sawaba m aged 23.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for the purpose of child labour and other domestic work. The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.

Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest of other possible collaborators involved. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.

CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja

January 7, 2026
US President Donald Trump is discussing options including military action to take control of Greenland, the White House said Tuesday, upping tensions that Denmark warns could destroy the NATO alliance.

Trump has stepped up his designs on the mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory in the arctic since the US military seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro last weekend.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for Trump to deter US adversaries like Russia and China.

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The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal, she said in a statement to AFP.

The Wall Street Journal reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Trumps preferred option is to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding the threats did not signal an imminent invasion.

Denmark has warned any move to take Greenland by force would mean everything would stop, including NATO and 80 years of close transatlantic security links.

Any US military action against Greenland would effectively collapse NATO, since the alliances Article Five pledges that member states will defend any of their number that come under attack.

Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt wrote on social media that theyd sought a meeting with Rubio throughout 2025 but it has so far not been possible.

Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said meeting Rubio should clear up certain misunderstandings.

And Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen insisted that the island was not for sale, and only its 57,000 people should decide its future.

Allies have rallied around Denmark and Greenland while simultaneously trying not to antagonize Trump.

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain joined Denmark in a statement on Tuesday saying they would defend the universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer both sought to play down the row as they attended Ukraine peace talks in Paris alongside Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

I cannot imagine a scenario in which the United States of America would be placed in a position to violate Danish sovereignty, Macron said.

The United States has 150 military personnel stationed at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

Greenland residents have rejected Trumps threats.

This is not something we appreciate, Christian Keldsen, director of the Greenland Business Assocation, told AFP in the capital Nuuk. It is not acceptable in the civilized world.

Trump has been floating the idea of annexing Greenland since his first term. In the last year, Copenhagen has invested heavily in security, allocating some 90 billion kroner ($14 billion).

Still steaming over Trumps capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, US legislators spoke out against the idea of military action against Greenland on Tuesday.

In social media posts, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, vowed to introduce a resolution to block Trump from invading Greenland, saying the 79-year-old Republican simply wants a giant island with his name on it.

He wouldnt think twice about putting our troops in danger if it makes him feel big and strong.

In a sharp departure from the partys typical partisanship, Republicans also pushed back against Trumps military-backed expansionism.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, told reporters Tuesday night that he didnt think it was appropriate for Washington to take military action on Greenland, Politico reported.

Republican Senator Jerry Moran of the midwestern state of Kansas, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told HuffPost its none of our business and warned that the move would lead to the demise of NATO.

Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon put it even more bluntly in a post on X: This is really dumb. Greenland and Denmark are our allies.
Philadelphia police are searching for a man they say tried to steal a package, then fired at the homeowner and a police officer as he fled. Read more

Philadelphia police are searching for a man they say tried to steal a package from the front steps of a Feltonville home, then exchanged gunfire with both the homeowner and responding officers before fleeing Sunday evening.

Security camera footage from a home in the 400 block of East Rockland Street shows a man approaching the front steps and attempting to take a package, police said. The homeowner, a 50-year-old man, came outside carrying a handgun and confronted him, police said.

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The homeowner fired a shot into the ground, police said, prompting the man to run. As he fled, the man fired a gun at the homeowner, they said.

Officers who had been called to the area after reports of a crowd and a person with a weapon on the 4900 block of D Street heard the gunfire and ran toward it, police said. When they encountered the man, police said, he fired his weapon at one of the officers, and the officer fired back.

The man escaped, police said. Officers later recovered a .40-caliber handgun and a jacket on Rockland Street.

Police described the suspect as light-skinned with a stocky build, and a possible goatee. He was last seen wearing a brown coat, black pants, and gray sneakers.

Police ask that anyone with information about the man or the shooting call or text police at 215-683-1866.

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The officer who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative duty, as is customary, pending an internal investigation, police said. His name has not been released.
Vineland School Superintendent Alfonso Q. Llano Jr. was named the state-appointed superindent Wednesday for the Camden school system. Read more

A veteran Vineland educator has been named the state-appointed superintendent to oversee the Camden school system, state Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced Wednesday.

Alfonso Q. Llano Jr. was selected after a national search that began in June. He will begin heading the troubled South Jersey school system starting March 1.

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He will be the first Hispanic superintendent to lead the district. Demographics in Camden have shifted in recent years, and 56% of its traditional public school students are now Hispanic, 42% are Black, and 1.2% are white.

Dehmer made the long-awaited announcement at the monthly state Board of Education meeting in Trenton. The board unanimously approved the appointment.

Im honored for the opportunity to serve the Camden City School District, Llano said. Together, were going to work through transparency and tough times. Were going to achieve great things.

Llano will receive an annual salary of $260,000 under a three-year contract.

In Vineland, he was the highest-paid superintendent in Cumberland County with an annual base salary of $206,000.

Davida Coe-Brockington, a longtime Camden educator who has served as the interim superintendent during the search, will remain in that role until Llano takes over. She was not a candidate for the job.

Llano succeeds Katrina T. McCombs, whose contract was not renewed after a group of city leaders, including Mayor Victor Carstarphen, called for her ouster. The group said Camden schools needed a new vision for leadership. McCombs left Camden in July for a state role after seven years as superintendent.

Reactions to Llanos hiring

Carstarphen and other officials praised Llanos appointment in a statement released Wednesday. The mayor lauded the state for identifying someone who will bring meaningful change for Camdens students.

I am confident he will be an excellent leader who prepares our students for the future and always puts our students academic interest first, Carstarphen said.

NNamdee Nelson, president of the Camden City Advisory School Board, said: We want to ensure that every child in the school district has access to a great school.

Others, like former longtime school board member Jose E. Delgado, wished Llano well but were less optimistic. He said the selection of a Hispanic superintendent was long overdue.

Hes stepping into a very dysfunctional environment that will require a wide array of fiscal, administrative, and educational skills, Delgado said.

Llano inherits a district with declining enrollment  it currently has about 5,532 students  low test scores, and a high dropout rate. There have been modest gains since the state seized control of the district in 2013.

The changing educational landscape in Camden poses the biggest challenge. Thousands of students have left the citys traditional public schools for Renaissance and charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately run and now lead the districts enrollment.

Camden is the only district in New Jersey with three school types. Charters enroll 3,236 students, and Renaissance schools have 6,664 students.

Last spring, McCombs cited the declining enrollment in part for a $91 million budget deficit. She cut more than 100 positions and laid off teachers and support staff in a massive restructuring.

Camden Education Association president Pamela Clark, who represents more than 1,000 teachers and support staff, said she hopes to meet with Llano soon to discuss concerns about possible layoffs and school closures.

I will continue to advocate fiercely to protect my members jobs and school closures, and I hope the new superintendent brings fairness, transparency, and unity to our city, she said.

Llanos past work in Vineland and Trenton

Llano has been superintendent of the Vineland district in Cumberland County since 2021. His five-year contract was set to expire in June.

During a meeting in June, the Vineland board was bitterly divided over whether to renew his contract. The board must give six months notice if it plans to terminate a superintendent. The motion to not renew it failed, and it was unclear what direction the board would pursue.

In Vineland, Llano oversaw a diverse district of more than 10,200 students enrolled in 16 schools. About 63% of the students are Hispanic, 14% are Black, and 18% are white. About 17.4% of its students are multilingual learners.

Vineland has some of the same issues as Camden schools  low test scores and chronic absenteeism. The majority of the students in the sprawling 68-square-mile community are economically disadvantaged.

Llano also spent 10 years in the Trenton school system, most recently as the interim schools chief for nearly a year prior to moving to Vineland. He previously was the districts chief academic officer for six months. He also was an assistant superintendent and principal in Trenton.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Llano also had stints in the Readington Township and Howell Township school districts in a career spanning 27 years.

He is pursuing a doctoral degree in education at Seton Hall University. He holds masters degrees from New Jersey City University and Kean University, and a bachelors degree from Rowan University.

Coe-Brockington said Llanos reputation precedes him and that she was looking forward to working with him to focus on the progress weve made in the district and focus on creating better outcomes for the students and families of Camden City.

It was unclear Wednesday whether Coe-Brockington would remain in the central office when Llano takes over or return to Creative Arts High School, where she has been principal since it opened in 1999.
Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. (left) and Philadelphia school board President Reginald Streater shared a laugh during on event about the state of Philadelphia schools during at Thomas A. Edison High School in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Read more

Two new schools are coming to the Philadelphia School District.

Both schools, a K-8 and a high school, district officials said Wednesday, will have resources to help eliminate long-standing achievement and opportunity gaps for kids from underresourced communities.

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Theyll be part of the North Philadelphia Promise Zone, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. announced. Watlington said they would be the first schools in the United States to replicate the success of the acclaimed Harlem Childrens Zone, with the blessing of its founder, Geoffrey Canada,who pioneered a model that takes a birth-to-career approach to tackling generational poverty.

Watlington said the schools would be true year-round schools. They would bring a new approach to the new Philadelphia public schools, where prior attempts to replicate the Harlem Childrens Zone blueprint have shown mixed results.

Harlem Childrens Zone runs charters in New York City, but the proposed Philadelphia schools will be run by the district using the organizations educational model, which includes extra resources and a longer school day and school year, as well as extensive social service supports.

Were going to be partners in opening these two state-of-the-art schools, Watlington said at his state of the schools address, held Wednesday at Edison High School in North Philadelphia.

The district has big hopes for the schools, which officials said will be opened in existing Philadelphia school buildings  no new school structures will be involved.

Not only will they get better, but get better faster than our district average. Were going to make sure the school is staffed with the very best, most effective principals, Watlington said. Were going to ensure that these schools are staffed with the very best, most effective teachers.

They will be schools of choice, meaning parents can opt into having their children attend rather than basing enrollment on where students live.

The schools will also pull in Temple University; Watlington said that via the Temple Future Scholars program, every single one of these graduates from this K-8 and high school will be college-ready.

Many details were not clear Wednesday, including when the schools will open, what the year-round model will look like, the exact relationship with Harlem Childrens Zone, how the schools will be funded, and who will staff them. The district said it could not give more details immediately.

News of the new schools caught an important partner off guard. Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said Watlingtons speech was the first he heard of the initiative.

Any changes in working conditions must be negotiated with the PFT, Steinberg said. We will not agree to anything that requires members to work additional days or hours.

Watlington said the K-8 school will open first, and he has tapped Aliya Catanch-Bradley, the respected principal of Bethune Elementary in North Philadelphia, to lead the efforts to open the North Philadelphia Promise Zone schools.

Catanch-Bradley said it was too soon to discuss the particulars about the schools, which will be built with significant community involvement.

But, she said, North Philadelphia is a prime location for the cradle-to-career Harlem Childrens Zone model.

We know that its not a food desert, because food... deserts are natural, she said of North Philadelphia. It is food insecure by design, right? And so, we now know that you have a resource drought there, to which its going to take an intentional pouring of all types of resources to wrap around a community, to help expand and become a very successful ecosystem.

Philadelphia district officials will take time to study Harlem Childrens Zone, but also to understand the landscape of Philadelphia, what needs to be augmented to echo the needs of this community, Catanch-Bradley said.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker campaigned on the promise of year-round schools, and her administration has put extended-day, extended-year programs into 40 district and charter schools. But those programs are essentially before- and after-care and summer camps, paid for with city funds and offered free to 12,000 students, rather than traditional year-round education.

Harlem Childrens Zone schools have longer school days and longer school years. Its not clear what form the proposed North Philadelphia Promise Zone schools might take, and how these efforts would differ from prior attempts around the country to replicate the success of the Harlem Childrens Zone. Former President Barack Obama in 2010 highlighted the model and selected 20 communities, including Philadelphia, to start Promise Neighborhood programs that would improve access to housing, jobs, and education. Those efforts were met with varying degrees of success, and no schools opened in Philadelphia.

Watlingtons new-school announcement capped a two-plus-hour, pep-rally-style event where he and others underscored progress the district has made in the past year  and since the superintendent came to Philadelphia four years ago.

Other news from the state of Philadelphia schools event

Parker, who led off the event, said she was pleased with the state of schools.

The school district has continued to make steady and meaningful progress, Parker said. Test scores are rising, attendance is rising. Dropout rates are declining, and those gains are real, and they reflect what happens when we invest in our students.

Parker emphasized her desire to have the city take over a list of abandoned district buildings. The school board took the first step in December, voting to authorize Watlington and his administration to begin negotiating with the city to do just that.

Parker said that some of the buildings have been vacant for as long as 30 years. The district has not yet released a list of buildings to consider transferring, but the mayor said it includes at least 20 former schools.

I want you to be clear about what my goal and objective is, Parker said. Its not OK for me to have 20, 21 buildings consistently vacant, red on the school districts balance sheet, generating no revenue and not at all working at their best and highest use. Were going to find a way to do what has never been done in the city of Philadelphia before  develop a plan for those persistently vacant buildings.

Watlington also ran down a laundry list of accomplishments, including ongoing fiscal stability and improvements on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nations report card.

He said the district would retire its structural deficit completely by 2029-30 though declined to give details.

He and Reginald Streater, president of the citys school board, said the district still has a ways to go but has made strides. More than half of all district students still fail to meet grade-level standards in reading and math.

But, Watlington said, I can assure you were making progress. Were going to double down. More for our children, not less. More opportunities, more access, more exposure, more good things to come in 2026.
A new survey about Philadelphians' priorities as the school district completes its long-awaited facilities master planning process, some respondents said they fear language around "better use of space" equates to school closings. Read more

The Philadelphia School District now has the feedback officials said they needed before making decisions about school closings and reconfigurations.

The topline result: Philadelphians dont want their local schools closed.

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Some urged prioritizing small classes. Others suggested adding more magnets, like Masterman; pouring more resources into neighborhood K-8s and high schools, and modernizing facilities.

But while Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. promised to use the feedback to shape the districts plan, he and other district leaders have said school closings are a given  the district has 70,000 excess seats in schools across the district of 113,000, and dozens of buildings that are in poor shape.

That process is expected to play out this year. It initially was to have yielded decisions in December, but Watlington said his administration needed more time to analyze data and reach out to school communities before ordering sweeping changes that they say are necessary.

Watlington now says he will present a draft facilities plan sometime this winter, with more feedback and revisions to come before a board vote. The timeline for a final vote is not clear.

In an email, he thanked those who participated in the survey and other parts of the planning process. We have, and will continue to take your feedback very seriously, as we know these will be difficult decisions that could impact many families, he wrote, adding that there will be additional community conversations before the final plan goes to the board.

The district last engaged in a similar process in 2012, closing 30 schools by 2013, a hugely controversial process that officials later said did not improve academic outcomes for students or yield significant long-lasting savings for the district. Officials have said they will undertake the process more deliberately and with different aims in this incarnation.

More than 8,000 parents, teachers, students, and community members participated in Watlingtons survey, sharing their priorities for the long-awaited facilities master planning process.

Boosting neighborhood high schools, strengthening K-8s

The new survey data, released by officials as winter break began, did not yield surprises, but reiterated themes that will be tough for the cash-strapped district to balance.

Officials had previously identified four main topics that have emerged from more than a year of analyzing data and gathering feedback  strengthening K-8 schools, reinvesting in neighborhood high schools, reducing school transitions for students, and expanding access to grades 5-12 criteria-based high schools.

Survey respondents rated each of those important or very important  with reinvesting in neighborhood high schools (85%) and strengthening K-8 schools (81%) at the top of the priority list.

Overall, those who responded to the survey support their local schools, want strong schools close to where they live, and want the buildings closest to where they live to be renovated, not shut down.

Respondents raised concerns around several topics districtwide: overcrowding, inadequate staffing, school safety, insufficient supports for students with disabilities, student behavior issues, facilities quality and cleanliness, and support for libraries, recess, and extracurricular activities.

Some also expressed worries about transparency in the facilities planning process, and worries that when the district says its goal is better use of space it means that it will close schools.

They outlined fears about potential hardships that closing schools could create, such as longer walks to school or tough bus rides in unfamiliar or unsafe areas. And they flagged worries about merging more than one school into a single building and having large grade spans in a single building. (Though some said they relished the idea of having many grades in one spot.)

In their own words

Respondents had plenty of ideas for officials as they plan steps that will have implications for the city for years to come. Here are some excerpts from survey responses:

I believe that we should stop closing schools and update areas so that we can utilize small class sizes. The ONLY way to accomplish meeting the needs of students, emotionally, physically, psychologically, and educationally is to have SMALL class sizes, one person wrote.

By closing buildings and combining schools, some children will have to walk an additional distance, most likely making them late or just deciding on certain days that the travel distance is just not worth it, another respondent said.

We need new high schools, middle schools, especially with vocational training. Current year textbooks, technology, air-conditioning, and programs for Tech and Art, said another writer.

Many [Philadelphia high schools] currently lack basic college-preparatory opportunities  few or no Honors or AP courses, limited world languages, and minimal enrichment options. This pushes academically motivated students into magnet schools, leaving neighborhood schools underenrolled and concentrated with students who have the highest support needs, wrote one commenter.

More schools like Masterman will prevent families from leaving the city if their child cannot get in through the lottery. It is beneficial to Philadelphia as a whole to keep these parents/families in the city instead of fleeing to the suburbs, wrote one person.
Tusk: Im still sceptical about Russias intentions, what we need is strong pressure on them

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the unanimity of the United States and its Coalition partners regarding security guarantees and post-war reconstruction for Ukraine. Tusk wrote this on Platform X following talks in Paris on Tuesday evening.

At the same time, the Polish Prime Minister expressed doubt about Russias intentions to achieve peace.

Today in Paris, Europe, the US, Canada and others spoke with one voice on security guarantees and the future of Ukraine. But Im still sceptical about Russias intentions. What we need is strong pressure on them, with all economic and political measures we have at hand, Tusk said on X.
Haraz Coffee House's Fishtown location. The chain has two more locations on the way. Read more

A statement like more than 100 new restaurants are on the way to the Philadelphia region in 2026 may seem dramatic, as if were living in a Semiquincentennial-fueled boom time.

But thats how it has been during the last few years as out-of-town groups and expansion-minded local restaurateurs sign leases in a town that seems to enjoy dining out, whether at fast-casual spots or fancier restaurants.

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The math maths, and the regions roster is growing. My census last January found in excess of 110 projected 2025 openings, and by the end of the year, I counted 86 closings, including the 11 Pennsylvania and New Jersey locations of Iron Hill Brewery.

 READ MORE: More than 100 new restaurants and bars opening in Philly and suburbs in 2026

At this point, I dont see the areas 250th celebrations driving too many new groundbreaking restaurant deals. The timeline of big-budget restaurants  like Borromini (last years big splash) and Mr. Edison (this years)  is equivalent to the gestation period of an elephant. (Another example: Burtons Grill & Bar, which signed a lease last year for Barn Plaza in Doylestown, is targeting a 2027 opening.)

What is apparent this year is a solid collection of culinary entrepreneurs committing capital  nothing too extravagant. Ellen Yin and Teddy Sourias both have projects coming downtown (both unnamed as yet), Greg Vernick is close to opening his first venture outside of Center City, and chef Christopher Kearse is overhauling Varga Bars space with design-firm partners PS & Daughters. Michael Schulson  whose last opening was Dear Daphni in December 2024  also says hes planning three more restaurants for 2026.

Where the growth is

The Kensington-Fishtown corridor

The citys most active development zone remains Kensington-Fishtown, buoyed by new construction and adaptive reuse  and landlord incentives. Just like previous years, the incoming projects (like Emilia and Adda, both signed long ago) signal sustained interest from serious operators. Barcelona Wine Bar recently signed on for a second Philadelphia location, on Lee Street near Pizzeria Beddia and Hiroki. Corner bars (Ponder Bar, ILU) and fast-casual concepts (7th Street Burger, Slider & Co.) are positioned to meet everyday demand.

Washington Square West and Queen Village

Washington Square West and Queen Village have long boasted a French-leaning dining cluster (the Good King Tavern, Le Caveau, Mabu Kitchen, Sofi Corner Cafe). Now come three more: Soufiane at the Morris, Side Eye, and Known Associates (from Forsythias Kearse).

University City

As University Citys life-sciences footprint grows north of Market Street, food and beverage have followed. The Triad at 38th and Lancaster will house DiDi, Kabobeesh with Karak Cha House, and Shibam Coffee, creating a dense, international hub tied to student and office traffic, adding to current occupants including Han Dynasty, Two Locals, and Corio.

Chestnut Hill

Northwest Philadelphias toniest neighborhood has drawn the classy concepts Lovat Square (wine shop/tasting room) and Blue Warbler (all-day cafe/bar). I also hear that Fiesta Pizza is returning, so its not completely bougie.

Main Line and South Jersey

The Main Line (Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Narberth, Devon) continues to see growth mainly from locals like Barts Bagels, Gouldsburgers, and Love & Honey Fried Chicken, while Merchantville, Collingswood, Haddon Township, and Marlton remain reliable for both chef-driven and neighborhood concepts. When a restaurant closes in those towns, a replacement is usually close behind.

Whats trending

Fast-casual keeps scaling

Burgers, fried chicken, halal concepts, and kiosks continue to proliferate. New York imports like Harlem Shake and 7th Street Burger are joining the locals.

Coffee is still surging

Phillys first M.O.T.W. Coffee is opening in Center City, with Cake & Joe also on deck. Haraz Coffee House is expanding into the suburbs, while Happy Bear Coffee and Thank You Thank You are multiplying.

Bakeries and bagels rebound

Bagel shops (Barts Bagels, PopUp Bagels, Pennys Bagels) are moving from pop-ups and delivery into permanent homes. Pretzel Day Pretzels follows that same arc, while the homegrown Wild Yeast Bakehouse is part of a new wave of boutique sourdough operations.

More, more, more

Ammas South Indian Cuisine will head to Bucks County for its fifth location, while Chinatown standout EMei expects two expansions. Additional growth is coming from Dim Sum House by Jane Gs, Dim Sum Factory, Aminas Felicia Wilson and Darryl Harmon (Table 8460 by Amina, Amina Ocean), 13th Street Kitchens Michael Pasquarello (Piccolina), and the partners at Libertee Grounds (Lucky Duck).

Philadelphias bar scene remains active. Expected arrivals include a mix of highbrow (Liquorette, Bar Caviar, ILU), casual drop-ins (Lillians, OMorreys), and fun (Claudes Comedy Club & Bar).

High-end dining is also expanding: Friday Saturday Sunday is adding space, while Bucks County will see its first rooftop venue with Main Sip Rooftop. Meanwhile, established operators are relocating or upgrading  Crust Vegan Bakery is moving to East Falls, Flakely is going full retail in Bryn Mawr, Kabobeesh is shifting within University City, and Luna Cafe is relocating within Olde Kensington.
ChristianaCare, which has a large hospital in Newark, shown here in 2023, received a one-notch credit downgrade from Standard & Poor's. Read more

ChristianaCare, Delawares largest health system, received a one-notch credit-rating downgrade from Standard & Poors, to AA from AA+.

S&P attributed the downgrade of the nonprofit health systems rating to inconsistent operating performance in recent years and the planned addition of $350 million in debt early this year through a bond offering, according to a report Tuesday.

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In the year ended June 30, 2025, ChristianaCares financial results were weaker than expected because of low surgical volume related to physician turnover, S&P said. Another factor was higher-than-anticipated medical malpractice reserves, S&P said.

One of ChrisitianaCares financial strengths is that it typically gets half of its revenue from private insurers, which pay higher rates and are more profitable than Medicare and Medicaid, S&P noted.

Despite its strong financial condition, ChristianaCare has a relatively small service area, given its concentration in northern Delaware, compared to other health systems with AA ratings, S&P said. If ChristianaCares expansion into Southeastern Pennsylvania is successful, it would help alleviate that problem, the agency said.

ChristianaCare opened a micro-hospital in western Chester County last summer and is building a second one in Aston, Delaware County. It also has plans to put one in Springfield Township. In addition, ChristianaCare spent $50 million to step into the leases that the bankrupt Crozer Health had at five outpatient facilities in Broomall, Glen Mills, Media, and Havertown.

S&P said ChristianaCare has no plans for significant acute-care hospital expansion.

Last month, ChristianaCare and Virtua Health, South Jerseys largest health system, ended negotiations on a possible merger.
Lonnie Dawson, second from left, is shown in a 1973 file photo from the Daily News. Dawson, now 78, was freed from prison last month after 43 years behind bars. Read more

After more than 40 years behind bars, reputed former Black Mafia leader Lonnie Dawson has been freed from prison, ending a decades-long legal drama that includes state and federal convictions for crimes, including drug trafficking and murder.

Dawsons release, though weeks old, went viral on social media in recent days thanks to video clips appearing to show his first moments as a newly free man. The widely shared video shows a man exiting the gates of a prison and immediately kneeling on a sidewalk in prayer.

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Dawson, also known as Abdul Salim, was freed from SCI Smithfield in Huntingdon County on Dec. 22 following a successful petition under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act, his attorney, David B. Mischak, told The Inquirer. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections confirmed Dawsons release date, noting that he had been held in that state prison for three months before he was freed. The bulk of his incarceration, however, was served in federal prison.

Mr. Dawson has spent the majority of his adult life behind bars, Mischak said in a statement posted to his law firms website. After more than 40 years of incarceration, Lonnie Dawson is grateful for the opportunity to live out his remaining years with dignity and peace.

Dawsons path to release was a long and circuitous one that stretches back to a 1975 murder of which he was twice convicted at the state level  and sentenced to life. In the 1980s, federal convictions on drug distribution and related charges followed, leading to a staggering 134-year federal sentence. Here is how The Inquirer and Daily News covered it:

https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news/188400141/ Article from Aug 10, 1982 Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

The murder of Herschell Williams

In November 1975, a purported drug dealer and Black Mafia member named Herschell Williams  also known as the Jolly Green Giant due to his 6-foot-6 frame  was gunned down near his Mount Airy home. Shortly after the murder, Dawson, along with fellow reputed Black Mafia members Roy Hoskins and Joseph Rhone, were arrested in connection with the slaying while driving on the Schuylkill Expressway, reports from the time indicate.

Investigators later linked Williams murder to a dispute over cocaine, and authorities alleged that Hoskins and Rhone carried out the shooting while Dawson, whom they said ordered the killing, served as the getaway driver, The Inquirer and Daily News reported. Several months later, both Dawson and Hoskins were convicted of murder in separate cases and sentenced to life in prison, while Rhone, who jumped bail following his arrest, remained a fugitive.

The convictions stuck until July 1978, when the state Supreme Court ordered new trials due to legal errors during the initial proceedings. Following their arrests, both men had been questioned by then-Detective Michael Chitwood, and Dawsons conviction was overturned in part because his attorney was not allowed to cross-examine Chitwood. Dawson alleged Chitwood had fabricated a confession used during the trial, according to Inquirer reports.

The retrial, however, did not work out in either mans favor. Dawson, for his part, was again convicted in August 1982 and later sentenced to life for a second time, despite having maintained at trial that he was busy giving one of his children a haircut about 20 blocks away at the time Williams was killed, according to Inquirer and Daily News reports.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/188400725/ Article from Dec 14, 1982 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

A federal conviction

As Dawson awaited retrial in the Williams case, more legal issues were added to his docket. In April 1982, an FBI affidavit alleged that Dawson and Hoskins quickly took over the Black Mafia after the state Supreme Court overturned their convictions, and revealed that both had been investigated over the past year by federal authorities.

That, however, only came to light after Dawson, Hoskins, and several others were arrested following a high-speed car chase on I-95 in which a car was riddled with bullets in an apparent attempt to kill a federal informant, Inquirer and Daily News reports from the time indicate.

The informant, Lawrence D. Simons, who said he was a member of the Black Mafia, was unharmed in the chase, which concluded after his would-be killers crashed their vehicle into a tree, the Daily News reported.

Federal grand jury indictments followed, with Dawson and his alleged cohorts facing a lengthy list of charges, including obstruction of justice, conspiracy, drug, and gun counts. Authorities alleged Dawson was the Black Mafias leader, and said the group was linked to drug trafficking throughout Philadelphia and Delaware County, The Inquirer reported.

After a three-week trial, Dawson was found guilty on a number of counts, and sentenced to a 134-year prison sentence and $230,000 in fines  though a later appeal dropped that sentence to 65 years and $100,000. Hoskins faced a similarly stiff penalty.

U.S. District Judge Louis C. Bechtle in his ruling referred to both men as major drug manufacturers who were a danger to the community. The sentences, the Daily News reported at the time, were the harshest ever imposed by a federal judge in the Philadelphia area for drug trafficking.

Dawson in court denied he was involved in a major drug ring and called the charges a bunch of malarkey, the Daily News reported.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news/188400368/ Article from Dec 21, 1984 Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Aint calling too many shots now

While Dawson was imprisoned in the early 1980s, a report from the Daily News alleged that he remained in control of drug sales in Philadelphia  particularly in North Philadelphia, Germantown, and Mount Airy. An unnamed FBI source told the People Paper that despite Dawson being jailed, his drug trafficking activity did not slow down, and said he regularly met with organized crime figures to orchestrate sales.

The Daily News later reported that Dawson was placed in administrative segregation in prison. The move, an unnamed associate told the paper, diminished Dawsons alleged stature in the drug trade, and as a result, he aint calling too many shots now.

In late 1984, Dawson responded to the Daily News reporting directly in a letter to the paper in which he denied controlling drug sales anywhere. While in prison, he said, he had never met with organized crime figures to discuss drug manufacturing or sales, and said claims were floated by reporters in hope of getting some type of promotion and/or attention.

Why must I be the sacrificial lamb? Dawson wrote. Why?
The Matlack Family Cemetery is home to the remains of one of the first European families to settle in the Cherry Hill area. Read more

Giancarlo Brugnolo moved to Cherry Hills Woodcrest neighborhood in 2014, but it wasnt until last year that he heard about the centuries-old cemetery just a stones throw away from his house. When friends first mentioned it, he assumed they were joking.

I was like, What are you talking about? What graveyard? he remembers saying. We live in a residential neighborhood, theres no way theres a graveyard.

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Yet tucked away under sassafras trees and in the shade of neighboring houses, members of one of South Jerseys first colonial families are laid to rest.

The Matlack Family Cemetery is located on the 500 block of Cherry Hills Balsam Road. At the small grave site lie the remains of William and Mary Matlack, some of their descendants, and an unspecified number of servants and enslaved people. William Matlack is believed to have died in 1738, at around age 90, and Mary Matlack in 1728, at around age 62.

Wanting to know more about the cemetery, Brugnolo took his question to Curious Cherry Hill, The Inquirers forum for answering local questions. Who was the Matlack family, and how did their grave site end up in a residential neighborhood?

William Matlack, a carpenter, came to New Jersey in 1677 from Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire, England. He traveled to the Americas on a ship named the Kent as an indentured servant to Thomas Ollive and Daniel Wills. Wills was appointed as the commissioner of West Jersey and sent to make deals with the Lenni-Lenape people who had long lived on the land. Many of the Kents travelers, including Matlack, were Quakers. The ship traversed the Atlantic Ocean from England, ultimately heading up the Delaware River to present-day Burlington County. Matlack is said to have been the first European settler to put his foot on the shore of what is now the city of Burlington (however some historians believe Swedes settled there a half-century earlier).

At the time Matlack and Wills arrived in South Jersey, the spot was a bleak haven from their English homes, covered in dense forest and impenetrable at night, according to a 1970 article in the Courier-Post. Yet South Jersey stood out as a long-sought destination thousands of miles from the brutality of bigots in England who persecuted them for their Quaker practices.

Matlack owed Wills four years of servitude and, in 1681, was granted 100 acres of land in return. While working for Wills, Matlack helped build two of the first houses and the first corn mill in the area.

Matlack would become the patriarch to one of the largest families in colonial South Jersey. In the early 1680s he married Mary Hancock, who had recently come to New Jersey from England with her brother, Timothy. At the time of their marriage, William Matlack was 34 and Mary Matlack was 16. The Matlacks lived between two branches of Pennsauken Creek in present-day Maple Shade. William Matlack would come to own around 1,500 acres of land across South Jersey. The couple had six sons, three daughters, and an estimated 40 grandchildren.

Though Quakers became one of the first religious movements to reject slavery, many Quakers in early America, including the Matlacks, enslaved people. Research turned up little information about the enslaved people buried at the Matlack grave site. Birth and death records for enslaved people were often poorly kept in the age of chattel slavery, making it difficult to conduct genealogical research and historical inquiries into the lives of people held in slavery.

We do know, however, that slavery was pervasive in Philadelphias suburbs during and after the colonial era. Despite abolitionist activism, much of which was driven by Quakers in the Philadelphia region, thousands of people remained enslaved in New Jersey through the turn of the nineteenth century. New Jersey was the last Northern state to officially abolish slavery in 1866, when Gov. Marcus Ward signed a state constitutional amendment outlawing the institution. The amendment followed the 1865 ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which New Jersey had initially rejected.

One well-known descendant of the Matlacks was Timothy Matlack, a politician and delegate to the Second Continental Congress who inscribed the Declaration of Independence. In Facebook groups and blog posts, dozens of residents of the Mid-Atlantic region say they are descendants of the first New Jersey Matlacks  likely claims given the expansive Matlack family tree, but difficult to prove.

William and Mary Matlack were not originally buried at the Balsam Road site, according to archival materials from the Rancocas Valley Chapter of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. They were initially buried on their son Richards farm near Springdale and Evesham Roads and were moved to the Balsam Road grave site in the late 1800s.

The grave was discovered by a Girl Scout troop on a camping trip in what was then an apple orchard, according to a Courier-Post article from 1990. The housing development surrounding the grave site went up in 1972, but the graveyard was left in tact due to its historical value. Today, its owned and maintained by the township.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
A 48-year-old man who was deer hunting Tuesday afternoon was shot with an arrow by another hunter in Montgomery County, police said.

Just before 3:50 p.m., emergency responders were called to the 7700 block of Green Valley Road in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham Township for a report of an injured hunter, police said.

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The injured man was transported to an area trauma center and was expected to survive, police said.

The hunter who shot the arrow remained at the location, summoned emergency services, and was cooperating with the investigation, police said.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission assumed primary responsibility for investigating the incident, police said.

No other information about the hunters was released by police.
A sign on a building marks the offices of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Pittsburgh. The closure announcement comes on the heels of years of declining ad revenue and a yearslong labor strike at the newspaper. Read more

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will fold after nearly a century. The paper will cease operations entirely  both its digital and physical versions  on May 3.

The announcement comes on the heels of years of declining ad revenue and internal strife within the newsroom, including a yearslong labor strike.

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With the papers closure, there are concerns that Pittsburgh could become a news desert, leaving locals without a range of diverse and credible outlets to turn to in an age of increasing misinformation.

The Post-Gazette was led by former Inquirer senior vice president and executive editor Stan Wischnowski. He resigned from The Inquirer in 2020 after a controversy following a headline after the murder of George Floyd.

Block Communications, the papers owners, released a statement Wednesday about the shutdown, citing continued cash losses that were no longer sustainable. About 150 union, nonunion, and management employees are impacted.

The owners added that the paper has lost more than $350 million in operational funds over the last 20 years.

The papers union, meanwhile, said the closure was a result of losing a nearly decade-long attempt to bust unions at the paper.

Andrew Goldstein, current president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, said in a statement that instead of simply following the law, the owners chose to punish local journalists and the city of Pittsburgh.

A Zoom announcement

Post-Gazette staff said they found out about the papers closure via a companywide prerecorded Zoom announcement just moments before the news went public. Multiple reporters told The Inquirer that no company representatives spoke live during the video and that there was no opportunity provided for follow-up questions or discussion.

In a leaked recording of the Zoom announcement obtained by Pittsburghs KDKA Radio, a spokesperson asked staff to continue to publish under business-as-usual conditions for the papers remaining months. The spokesperson added that Block Communications would of course give the Post-Gazette the opportunity to break the news of the closure first.

News desert concerns

Block Communications, the family-owned multimedia company based in Toledo, Ohio, owns several broadcast news stations, the Post-Gazette, and the Toledo Blade, the Post-Gazettes sister newspaper. The Blade is unaffected by the shutdown, owners said.

Earlier this week, the company also announced the closure of City Paper, the Pittsburgh alt-weekly that first published in 1991, effective immediately.

The closure will leave the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review as the regions last major newspaper. The Tribune-Review is a digital-only publication. Other specialized publications, including the New Pittsburgh Courier and Pittsburgh Business Times, also remain.

Tim Franklin, the founding director of the Medill Local News Initiative, a research and development project designed to bolster local news sustainability, said the closure was startling, given the papers size and the regions market size. Pittsburgh is considered a competitive news market.

Even in this economic climate, its unusual to see a metro daily newspaper shutter, he said. This may be the first metro newspaper closure since the Tampa Tribune in 2016, which was acquired by the Tampa Bay Times on May 3, 2016, and ceased publication.

Franklin says the Post-Gazettes closure symbolized a deepening crisis in local news nationwide, which has led to almost 150 newspaper closures in the past year, according to Medill data, or an average of more than two closures a week.

According to the Medill State of Local News Report, the country has lost nearly 40% of its newspapers in the past 20 years.

Todays news, though, is especially troubling because it highlights a newer, growing trend  the loss of independent, largely family-owned local newspapers," Franklin said.

In the past, the bulk of newspaper closures were attributed to large chains closing clusters of outlets. Now, Franklin says, theres a rising trend in independently owned papers closing. If even longtime independent owners are hanging it up, that shows the seriousness of the challenges facing the industry.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said in a statement that she was troubled by the Post-Gazettes closure, calling it devastating for the region.

This is a major loss to the people of Pittsburgh when it comes to transparency in government, accountability from our institutions, and learning about what is happening in our communities, she said.

Innamorato added that she wasnt sure if Block Communications pursued other pathways for buyers or alternatives to shutting down both the Post-Gazette and City Paper entirely.

But destroying two legacy papers in a week leaves a gaping hole in our local news environment, she said.

Block Communications could not be reached for comment as of publication time.

On social media, readers expressed contempt toward ownership for the decision and concern regarding whom to turn to for local news.

This is a huge loss, one user commented on a Reddit thread about the closure. Who will do the work of journalism?  Will we all be going off rumors on Reddit and Nextdoor?

A complicated past

The Pittsburgh Gazette Times, a weekly publication, was founded in 1786. Its regarded as the oldest newspaper published west of the Allegheny Mountains. The paper took on its current form as the Post-Gazette in 1927 as part of a merger between the Gazette Times and the Pittsburgh Post.

The newspapers shutdown comes on the heels of several internal challenges in recent years.

In 2019, tension grew between the newsroom staff and Post-Gazette publisher and co-owner John Robinson Block regarding his bizarre and violent behavior toward employees.

At the time, according to multiple accounts, Block entered the newsroom in an agitated state with his 12-year-old daughter on a weekend night and appeared out of control as he ranted about the newspapers union and its employees.

 READ MORE: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette employees say they remain on edge after publishers bizarre and 'violent behavior

That year, the paper cut its print edition from daily to three days a week, citing declining ad revenue.

Then came the monumental labor strike.

In 2022, the Post-Gazette saw significant labor disputes, leading to a Guild-approved strike that lasted three years. During the strike, many of the employees impacted established the Pittsburgh Union Progress, a strike paper that published over 4,000 stories covering community news, the strike, and more.

In November, a federal appeals court ordered the newspaper to reinstate its 2014 union contract, forcing the return of the striking journalists. The U.S. Third Circuit of Appeals ruled that the paper had illegally removed benefits and would need to restore conditions and return to bargaining.

Block Communications in its statement about the papers closure said that those recent court decisions legally requiring it to follow its 2014 labor contract would make it impossible to keep the paper running.

Union leaders say its a cheap excuse after years of attempted union-busting from company owners.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Blocks spent millions on lawyers to fight union workers, fight journalists, and break federal labor law, said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. They lost at every level, including now at the Supreme Court. Pittsburgh deserves better and we will continue to fight to make sure all news companies follow the law and serve our communities.

Franklin, with the Medill Local News initiative, says its inevitable that some people will say the Post-Gazettes closure is a special case because of its extended labor dispute that threw the paper into turmoil for years.

And certainly, that standoff played a role in todays news, he said. But the fact that the Post-Gazette owners saw no other option but closure is chilling.

The companys statement went on to say it regretted how the decision would affect Pittsburgh and its surrounding coverage area.

The Block family said it was proud of the service the Post-Gazette has provided to Pittsburgh for nearly a century.

As for whats next, Goldstein with the local guild says readers should stay tuned for more from its journalists.

Post-Gazette journalists have done award-winning work for decades and were going to pursue all options to make sure that Pittsburgh continues to have the caliber of journalism it deserves, he said.
A screenshot of a surveillance video captures the suspect in a recent vandalism incident, where an unknown white male painted racist and antisemitic slogans on the exterior walls of Roxborough High School on Jan. 4, 2026. Police describe the suspect as a white male, wearing an orange scarf/wrap, green and black winter hat, gray hooded jacket, gray pants, and a gray and black backpack. Read more

Philadelphia police seek to identify the suspect responsible for recent vandalism at Roxborough High School.

A person painted racist and antisemitic slogans across the exterior walls of the school building Sunday, which included a swastika and racial epithets.

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Surveillance video caught the suspect vandalizing the walls around 5:25 a.m. Police describe the suspect as a white male, wearing an orange scarf, a green and black winter hat, a gray hooded jacket, gray pants, and a gray and black backpack.

Cameras captured the person on Jan. 4 approaching the school on foot, coming eastbound from Fountain Street toward Pechin Street. The suspect was last seen heading toward Ridge Avenue

Police asked people to call 911 if the suspect is seen. Information about this crime or suspect can also be shared with Northwest Detective Division by calling 215-686-3353

The public can also submit tips by calling 215-686-8477 or using the online form. All tips remain confidential.

After officials painted over the vandalism over the weekend, Roxborough High School countered the hateful messaging with peaceful messages of their own, written in chalk.

Principal Kristin Williams Smalley said the act of hate didnt represent the school body.

We are deeply disappointed by these actions, Williams Smalley wrote in a letter to the community. We wish to remind everyone that we have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or hate speech of any kind, and we will investigate all matters involving racist remarks and other hate speech.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission condemned the acts of hate and discrimination and praised Roxboroughs respons as a testament to the communitys dignity, respect, and shared values.

Racism and antisemitism are not isolated acts. These acts harm entire communities, commission executive director Chad Dion Lassiter said. The response at Roxborough High School shows what is possible when people refuse to be divided and instead stand together to affirm humanity, belonging, and respect. That solidarity is a powerful counter to hate.
Manuel Santiago, center, leaves the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice after the jury was released for the day on March 26, 2025 in Philadelphia. Read more

Two former Philadelphia homicide detectives were sentenced Wednesday to a combined three years of probation for lying about their knowledge of DNA evidence during the retrial of a man they helped convict of murder 35 years ago.

Common Pleas Court Judge Lucretia Clemons imposed a two-year probation sentence for Manuel Santiago, 76, and one-year sentence for Frank Jastrzembski, 78. The retired detectives will not be required to meet with probation officers.

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The sentencing punctuates an unusual case in which prosecutors accused three retired Philadelphia police officers of fabricating evidence in a decades-old homicide case, and later perjuring themselves when testifying about that evidence under oath. A grueling eight-day trial in March revisited the 1991 murder of 77-year-old Louis Talley in Nicetown and the 2016 retrial of Anthony Wright, the man police helped send to prison for the crime.

The jury ultimately rejected the larger conspiracy built by prosecutors that the detectives had framed Wright, but found both Santiago and Jastrzembski guilty of misdemeanor false swearing and found Santiago guilty on an additional count of perjury, a felony. A third detective who worked on the case, Martin Devlin, was acquitted of all charges.

 READ MORE: Jury finds two former Philly homicide detectives lied about DNA knowledge in murder investigation

Santiagos attorney, Fortunado Perri Jr., thanked Clemons for the appropriate sentence on Wednesday. Steve Patton, an attorney for Jastrzembski, reiterated that the jury had acquitted his client of planting evidence and described the conviction as a matter of technical knowledge.

Were pleased with that outcome and thankful for the judges careful consideration of the facts of this case, Patton said.

In an interview Wednesday, Krasner blasted what he described as lenient sentencing guidelines for lying under oath in Pennsylvania. Probation is the recommended sentence for a false swearing conviction, while the maximum recommended penalty for perjury is nine months.

Those sentencing guidelines are disgraceful, Krasner said, while also acknowledging the two defendants are both now in their 70s and have health issues.

At trial, Krasners top prosecutors contended that the three detectives had conspired to frame Wright for Talleys murder, extracted a false confession from him, and planted evidence in his home.

Santiago was acquitted of perjury in connection with his testimony about Wrights murder confession, while Jastrzembski was acquitted of perjury and related charges for his testimony about a search warrant he executed at Wrights home  charges that hinged on prosecutors ability to prove the detectives had wholly fabricated evidence.

Instead, the convictions centered on what Santiago and Jastrzembski knew about the evidence against Wright when they testified at his 2016 retrial. The two detectives were instrumental in building the original case against Wright in 1991, and later sought to send him back to prison  even after DNA evidence implicated another man in Talleys murder. Wrights conviction was overturned in 2014 based on the strength of that forensic science.

When prosecutors under former District Attorney Seth Williams charged Wright a second time  under suspicion that he had acted with an accomplice  Santiago and Jastrzembski were briefed on the new DNA information. The results pointed to a known crack user who lived near Talley in Nicetown, a man who had since died in a prison.

Under oath at Wrights retrial, however, Santiago and Jastrzembski denied knowing the DNA evidence implicated another suspect.

 READ MORE: Perjury trial of three ex-Philly detectives zeroes in on testimony and DNA from overturned murder case

Wright was acquitted and later filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and won a $9.85 million settlement. During sworn depositions in that case, Santiago and Jastrzembski were questioned about the DNA evidence and gave answers that prosecutors said contradicted their earlier trial testimony.

The perjury trial in March at times resembled a second retrial for Wright, with defense attorneys accusing him of getting away with Talleys murder. Wright proclaimed his innocence.

Following the jurys verdict, Krasner insisted that the detectives had framed Wright, and he criticized his predecessors decision to retry the man after his conviction was overturned.
Lower Merion swore in five new commissioners on Monday, kicking off the boards 126th year of governing the Montgomery County township.

Between rounds of applause and family photos, commissioners outlined the major challenges, and opportunities, the body will face in 2026. Board members highlighted recent accomplishments  creating a process for establishing board priorities, restricting gas-powered leaf blowers and plastic bags, advancing capital projects, hiring a police superintendent, supporting the development of affordable housing, and reversing the post-pandemic decline in police staffing levels.

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Yet they also underscored that much awaits the new board, including negotiating two collective bargaining agreements, overseeing Main Line Healths redevelopment of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary property, and addressing a difficult fiscal reality (the board last month authorized an 8% property tax increase, citing the mistake of having kept tax rates stagnant for over a decade).

Were solving problems, were moving forward, and were even having a little fun, said commissioner V. Scott Zelov, who was sworn in for his sixth term.

Zelov on Monday night became the eighth commissioner in Lower Merion history to serve for at least 20 years, board President Todd Sinai said.

 READ MORE: Lower Merion commissioners approve 8% tax hike, citing looming cliff after 13 years of no increase

Sinai, who was first elected to the board in 2017, was unanimously reelected board president. Incumbent commissioner Sean Whalen called Sinai a stalwart leader of this board, praising Sinais leadership through economic ups and downs.

Jeremiah Woodring, also an incumbent commissioner, was unanimously elected vice president. Sinai described Woodring as thoughtful and inquisitive, balanced, and diplomatic.

Jana Lunger was sworn in as Lower Merion tax collector.

Heres a whos who of the five newly elected Lower Merion commissioners, all of whom replaced outgoing commissioners who chose not to run again in 2025.

Michael Daly, an attorney and the former president of the Gladwyne Civic Association, was sworn in to represent Ward 2, which includes Gladwyne and Penn Valley. Daly has lived in Lower Merion for around 15 years with his wife and three children, all of whom are products of the Lower Merion School District. In his law practice, he focuses on defending class action lawsuits and complex litigation. In a candidate interview earlier this fall, Daly said hes focused on quality of life issues, including walkability, public parks, and safe streets. He replaced outgoing commissioner Joshua Grimes.

Charles Gregory, a longtime township employee, will represent Ward 4, which encompasses Ardmore and Haverford. Gregory, who was born and raised in Ardmore, worked for Lower Merion Township for 23 years until 2024. Hes the former president of the Lower Merion Workers Association and a Boy Scout troop leader. During a candidate forum, Gregory said he believed he could make a difference from a blue collar aspect. Gregory replaced outgoing commissioner Anthony Stevenson.

Christine McGuire is a forensic psychologist and business owner who will serve Rosemont and Villanova in Ward 6. McGuire lived in Gladwyne for nine years before moving to Villanova around three years ago. In a candidate forum, McGuire said she has been active in the Gladwyne Civic Association and in the parent group that studied Lower Merions school start time change. As the owner of a psychology practice, she said she understands what a budget is and that you have to work within the budget and not look at it like a blank check. She replaced outgoing commissioner Andrew Gavrin.

Craig Timberlake, an Ardmore resident who was instrumental in the 2025 redevelopment at Schauffele Plaza, will represent Ward 8s South Wynnewood and East Ardmore. Timberlake moved to Ardmore around 15 years ago from Maine. He says he was drawn to Ardmores high-quality schools, walkable neighborhoods, and transit options. He believes the township should incentivize smaller, incremental, and locally funded development and decrease speed limits to protect pedestrians. Timberlake is a project manager at OnCourse, an education technology platform. He replaced Shawn Kraemer, the boards outgoing vice president.

Shelby Sparrow, the former president of the Penn Wynne Civic Association and a longtime community organizer, will represent Penn Wynne and Wynnewood in Ward 14. Sparrows priorities include ensuring the community is engaged in Main Line Healths redevelopment of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary property; addressing pedestrian safety; and encouraging sustainability and park stewardship. She was previously the director of development for St. Peters Independent School in Center City. She replaced outgoing commissioner Rick Churchill.

Sinai and Zelov, who were reelected in November, were sworn in, and sitting commissioners Woodring, Whalen, Daniel Bernheim, Louis Rossman, Ray Courtney, Maggie Harper Epstein, and Gilda Kramer were welcomed back.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
Kids enjoy their third day off from school by building a snow fort on the corner of Island and Tanager in Southwest Philly on Jan. 10, 1996. Read more

The plows and shovels havent had a whole lot of action in the region in recent winters, and it looks like the rulers will be at rest at least for a while. It may even hit 60 degrees Friday.

Perhaps the atmosphere over the I-95 corridor is still catching its breath and awaiting a second wind after an unprecedented sequence of megastorms that began 30 years ago.

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It was on Jan. 7-8, 1996, that an unreal 30.7 inches of snow fell officially* (well come back to that asterisk) at Philadelphia International Airport, the biggest snowfall on record, and a total so astounding it precipitated a federal investigation. The region wasnt shut down so much as entombed in road-closing heaps of snow.

Philly snow records date to the winter of 1884-85, and in the first 100 years, the city would experience a single snowfall of 20 inches or more only twice.

In the 20-winter period that began in 1996, it happened four times. Three of those winters rank in the top three snowiest.

This, during a time when planetary warming was picking up steam. Rather than paradox, some atmospheric scientists see symmetry.

How warming may be affecting snowstorms

Warming has resulted in more evaporation, filling the air with more moisture, and the potential for more extreme precipitation, said Kyle Imhoff, a Pennsylvania State University professor who is the state climatologist.

Said Louis Uccellini, former head of the National Weather Service and one of the nations most prominent storm experts, if conditions are right  that would include the potential for more snowfall within an individual storm.

Proximity to bodies of water, primary sources of moisture, may be making a difference, said Imhoff. In Erie, in recent decades warming appears to be prolonging the lake-effect snow season as waters have been less prone to freezing.

In recent decades, snowfall from coastal lows has become more frequent, he said. Phillys biggest snows typically are generated by noreasters that import moist air from the Atlantic, where sea-surface temperatures have been above normal consistently. That warmth may be giving a jolt to coastal storms, according to a paper published in July by a group of researchers, including the University of Pennsylvanias Michael E. Mann.

It aint necessarily snow

That wouldnt necessarily mean more snow. Ocean temperatures typically are several degrees above freezing in winter, and onshore winds often have turned snow to rain in Philly.

The trick is getting enough cold air for snowfall, said Imhoff.

Snowfalls of a foot or more require a highly unlikely alignment of circumstances, a meeting of opposites: Cold air that holds its ground near the surface, forcing warm moist air to rise and generate snowflakes.

Phillys normal seasonal snowfall is 23.1 inches, but a normal season is hardly the norm. The totals have varied from nothing (1972-73) to 78.7 (2009-10). The region has experienced decades of robust snow totals, and snow scarcity.

Sarah Johnson, the warning coordination meteorologist in Mount Holly says she hasnt yet seen the fingerprints of climate change on snowfall patterns.

My hypothesis: Its probably just the luck of the draw, she said.

Tony Gigi, retired weather service meteorologist, said he wondered if some overarching pattern might explain the decadal variability of snowfall in the region.

About the 1996 storm

Gigi was working the overnight on the morning of Jan. 7, a Sunday, when the snow began. He somehow made it to his Mount Laurel home after work, only to be called back Monday to relieve stranded colleagues.

Overall, the storm was a forecasting triumph, but Gigi said the European model well outperformed its U.S. counterpart. But no one was predicting 30 inches for Philly.

It was an astounding total for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it predated the regions peak snow season by about three weeks. Of the total, 27 inches fell on the 7th; the previous record for the date was 5 inches.

The 30.7 total became a source of controversy. The reason: The snow wasnt measured, said Gigi.

The total was inferred from a formula using the melted liquid equivalent of the snow and the air temperatures, which were in the teens and 20s during the snowfall. It was in the realm of possibility, said Gigi.

But thats not quite the standard method, said Johnson. Ideally, she said, snow should be measured once with a ruler (or yardstick) at the point that the snow stops.

In this case, the total was so suspect that it wasnt entered into the climate record for four years. The weather service commissioned then-Franklin Institute meteorologist Jon Nese and New Jersey state climatologist Dave Robinson, an international snow expert, to conduct a forensic investigation. They concluded the total was legitimate, given similar nearby snow reports.

It remains unclear whether it was truly an all-time record, since no official measurements are available before 1884. The late weather historian David Ludlum quoted a visiting Swedish author as having witnessed snow a yard deep in Philadelphia in March 1705. However, Ludlum pointed out that it was unclear whether that was the result of a single snowfall.

The future of snow

As of Wednesday, at 4.8 inches, Phillys official seasonal snowfall total is exactly normal.

Highs are expected to climb into the 50s through Saturday, perhaps reaching 60 on Friday before a cool-down early next week. Not a flake sighting is in the extended outlooks.

One factor in the lack of snow in recent years has been consistently cool waters in the tropical Pacific that tend to affect west-to-east upper-air patterns that are unfavorable to East Coast storms.

For the Philly region, The pattern has not been kind to snow lovers, he said.

Of note, the 1995-96 winter came at the end one of the most snowless 10-year periods in Philly on record.
Romania ready to do its part through continued multidimensional support to Ukraine, enhancing security in Black Sea  Dan

Photo: https://agerpres.ro/politic

Romanian President Nicusor Dan stated his countrys readiness to continue its multidimensional support for Ukraine and promote security in the Black Sea. Dan wrote this on Platform X following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

We agreed on the need for continued support for Ukraine and strong security guarantees, preventing another war in our region. Peace negotiations have reached a critical phase and our unity and coordination are more important than ever. All participants in the #CotW strongly support US led efforts. Our common aim is to achieve a just and lasting peace, based on respect for international law, Dan said on X Tuesday.

He noted that Romania is ready to do its part through continued multidimensional support to Ukraine and enhancing security in the Black Sea.
Witkoff: Were largely finished with security protocols, supported by Trump, were also very close to finishing up robust prosperity agreement

Security protocols for Ukraine have been largely completed, and the economic prosperity agreement is being finalized, said US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.

We think were largely finished with security protocols which are important so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends forever. But we also think, critically, that we are very, very close to finishing up as robust a prosperity agreement as any country has ever seen coming out of conflicts like this, he said after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Tuesday.

The special envoy separately noted that the president strongly supports security protocols.

Those security protocols are meant to ... deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and ... if there are any attacks, theyre meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen, he said after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Tuesday.

He also added that everyone present acknowledged that, as have almost all the countries that sat with at the negotiating table yesterday.

Wittkoff assured that President Trump is not backing down from his commitments.

The special envoy assured that they will support the Ukrainians, helping us achieve final peace. He expressed confidence in this.
The biggest auto insurer in Massachusetts is at odds with the AAA Northeast division it says is violating an exclusive 20-year joint marketing agreement that is worth $200 million a year in premiums to the insurer.

In a lawsuit in state court, insurer MAPFRE contends that AAA Northeasts insurance agency has already begun selling auto insurance policies from its affiliated insurer, Motor Club Insurance Co. (MCIC), to its auto club members even though the exclusive joint marketing agreement (JMA) with MAPFRE is still in effect.

According to MAPFRE, the JMA gives it the exclusive right to market and sell to AAA Northeast members using the AAA Emblem at preferential or discount pricing under the states group insurance law until December 31, 2026.

But, the insurer alleges, AAA Northeast is seeking to undercut MAPFREs relationship with Massachusetts consumers by improperly promoting and selling insurance through MCIC starting January 1, 2026  a full year before the agreement is set to expire, despite MAPFRE giving notice of AAA Northeasts violations and requesting AAA to adhere to its obligations.

The insurer said the JMA, which has been in place since 2007, generated more than $200 million in premiums for MAPFRE from AAA Northeast customers in 2025 alone.

Under the agreement, MAPFRE pays commissions and a profit-sharing bonus to AAA for all MAPFRE auto policies sold to AAA members by the insurers participating agents.

The extensive history between the parties has been mutually beneficial, with MAPFRE enjoying exclusive rights and AAA Northeast receiving substantial compensation in return, the insurer claims in its lawsuit. Massachusetts consumers have benefited from this relationship, as AAA Northeast members have received excellent automobile insurance coverage through MAPFRE at a competitive price.

The JMA does allow AAA Northeast to sell up to 50% of its business (as measured by policy premium) through carriers other than MAPFRE, but these other carriers may not use the AAA Emblem, nor can any other carrier provide a discount or preferential pricing for AAA members.

The JMA can be cancelled by AAA if MAPFRE starts a group discount arrangement with any automobile club not affiliated with AAA or if the insurers AM Best rating drops below B+. MAPFRE is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best.

Documents with the complaint indicate that MCIC has filed discounted group auto insurance rates with the state insurance department. MAPFRE says MCIC first got approval for rates that gave AAA Northeast members a 2% discount. MCIC later refiled to eliminate the 2% discount but cut its rates 67%-84% with a January 1, 2026 effective date.

For MCIC to offer any discount targeted at AAA Northeast members in 2026 would be a direct violation of the JMA and this deeply reduced rate is a discount in everything but name, the lawsuit contends.

The insurer further claims that AAA Northeast is violating the JMA in its use of the AAA Emblem on its website in relation to MCIC and by having its sales associates advising members on insurance mention MCIC but not mention MAPFRE.

This entrance into the Massachusetts market is in direct breach of the JMA, as AAA Northeast cannot use its subsidiary, MCIC, to compete with MAPFRE, nor can it use the AAA Emblem to sell automobile insurance in Massachusetts under the JMA, the lawsuit maintains.

MAPFRE seeks damages and injunctive relief, asserting claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, tortious interference with advantageous business relationships, and violations of the states consumer protection law (Chapter 93A) that prohibits unfair business practices.

AAA Northeast has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which said in January it had developed an AI model to rival ChatGPT at much lower cost, has come under scrutiny in some countries for its security policies and privacy practices.

According to its own privacy policy, DeepSeek stores numerous pieces of personal data, such as requests to its AI program or uploaded files, on computers in China.

Below are countries actions regarding DeepSeek:

AUSTRALIA

In early February, Australia banned DeepSeek from all government devices over concerns that it posed security risks.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech government banned in July the countrys public administration from using any of the services of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek due to data security concerns.

FRANCE

Frances privacy watchdog said in January 2025 it will question DeepSeek to gain a better idea of how the Chinese startups AI system works and any possible privacy risks for users.

GERMANY

Germany has asked Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek from their stores due to concerns about data safety, a data protection authority commissioner said in June.

INDIA

Indias finance ministry asked its employees at the beginning of February to avoid using AI tools including ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official purposes, citing risks posed to confidentiality of government documents and data.

ITALY

Italys antitrust watchdog AGCM has ended an investigation into the Chinese AI system DeepSeek for allegedly failing to warn users that it may produce false information, agreeing to binding commitments as a condition for closing the case.

In January of 2025, it blocked the app citing a lack of information on its use of personal data.

NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands privacy watchdog at the end of January said it would launch an investigation into Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeeks data collection practices and urged Dutch users to exercise caution with the companys software.

The government has also banned civil servants from using the app, citing policy regarding countries with an offensive cyber program, the government spokesperson said in late July.

RUSSIA

Russias President Vladimir Putin in early February instructed Sberbank to collaborate with Chinese researchers on joint AI projects, a top executive at Russias biggest bank told Reuters.

SOUTH KOREA

South Koreas data protection authority said in mid-February that new downloads of the DeepSeek app had been suspended in the country after the startup acknowledged failing to take into account some of the agencys rules on protecting personal data.

Earlier in February, the industry minister had temporarily blocked employee access to DeepSeek due to security concerns.

The service became available again at the end of April.

TAIWAN

Taiwan in February banned government departments from using DeepSeeks service as it saw it as a security risk. It also raised concerns about censorship on DeepSeek and the risk of data ending up in China.

UNITED STATES

The Trump administration is weighing penalties that would block DeepSeek from buying U.S. technology, and is debating barring Americans access to its services, the New York Times reported in April.

A group of nine U.S. lawmakers sent in December a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging the Pentagon to add a slew of Chinese technology firms, including DeepSeek, to a list of entities allegedly assisting the Chinese military.

Seven Republican U.S. senators in August already asked the Commerce Department to evaluate potential data security vulnerabilities posed by Chinese open-source AI models like DeepSeek.

(Compiled by Mateusz Rabiega, Paolo Laudani and Tristan Veyet in Gdansk; editing by Matt Scuffham)

Related:
President Donald Trump wont rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland, the White House said, escalating tension with Denmark, a fellow NATO member, over a dispute thats surged back into public view following the ouster of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro.Trump is considering many ways of achieving his goal of acquiring the Arctic island, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, Leavitt said. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal.

Still, Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the notion of military action in a briefing with lawmakers on Monday, instead signaling that an invasion was not imminent and that the goal was to buy the island from Denmark, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Nevertheless, Rubios comments paired with Leavitts statement, first reported by Reuters, are likely to further chill relations with Denmark and Greenlands leaders, who have pushed back vehemently against Trumps renewed demands to take control of the island. The president has mused about making Greenland part of the US since his first term, but has ramped up the rhetoric after launching a military operation last week to oust Maduro.

Read More: Europe Backs Greenland After Trump Resumes Takeover Threats

In an effort to resolve the issue, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the governments of Denmark and Greenland requested a meeting with Rubio. Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said in a Facebook post that the aim of the talks would be to discuss the United States strong statements regarding Greenland.

When we want this, it is of course because we have the impression that part of this discussion is based on a misreading of what is what, Lokke Rasmussen told reporters following a meeting at the parliaments Foreign Policy Committee, according to local media. We believe it makes sense to try to arrange a meeting with our American counterparts in order to clear up some of the misunderstandings that may exist.

Earlier on Tuesday, European leaders issued a joint statement, warning that Trump needs to respect the territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark. The leaders stressed that Greenland falls under NATOs collective defense umbrella as part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies.

A State Department spokesperson said Tuesday night that the US, Denmark and NATO have a common interest regarding heightened activity by adversaries in the Arctic, and that Washington was seeking commercial ties that would be beneficial to both the Greenland people and American.

The foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden also issued a joint statement on Tuesday with a similar message to respect the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the inviolability of borders.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Monday that any US attack on Greenland would spell the end of the NATO alliance and the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War.

US officials have only continued to intensify their rhetoric over the issue. In an interview with CNN, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that in a world governed by strength, the US has a right to take the territory.

This is of course not something we can agree to, Lokke Rasmussen said. And it is also not something that Greenland has any ambitions of agreeing to, so that is obviously a red line.

Photograph: Small fishing boats on the ice at the port in Sisimiut, Greenland. Photo credit: Juliette Pavy/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, one sailing under Russias flag, as part of President Donald Trumps aggressive push to dictate oil flows in the Americas and force Venezuelas socialist government to become an ally.

After capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a Saturday military raid on Caracas, the U.S. is escalating its blockade of vessels that are under sanctions and going to and from the South American country, a member of the OPEC oil producers group.

The White House also said it plans to roll back some of the sanctions Trump placed on Venezuelan oil in 2019 during his first term.

A weeks-long chase across the Atlantic ended on Wednesday morning when the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. military special forces, bearing a judicial seizure warrant, apprehended the Marinera crude oil tanker, which had refused to be boarded last month before switching to Russias flag, officials said. (Editors note: The Marinera was seized in the Atlantic south of Iceland.)

With a Russian submarine and vessels nearby, the seizure risked more confrontation with Russia, which has condemned U.S. actions over Venezuela and is already at odds with the West due to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on what is a public holiday in Russia.

It was a fake Russian oil tanker, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview on Fox News. They basically tried to pretend to be a Russian oil tanker in an effort to avoid the sanctions regime.

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard also intercepted a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, near the northeast coast of South America, the U.S. officials said, in the fourth seizure in recent weeks. The tanker was fully loaded, according to records of Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA.

US Targets Shadow Fleet

The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella-1, was empty of oil, but the U.S. says it and the M Sophia belong to a shadow fleet of tankers used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

The only maritime energy transport allowed will be that consistent with American law and national security, Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said in a statement.

There is unlimited economic potential for the Venezuelan energy sector through legitimate and authorized commercial avenues established by the United States.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that the Marinera crew had made frantic efforts to avoid apprehension and failed to obey Coast Guard orders, and so faces criminal charges.

China Condems US Bullying

Trumps administration was also pressing for a deal with Venezuela to divert supplies intended for China, Venezuelas top buyer, and gain access to $2 billion worth of crude oil.

The United States brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for America First when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters.

Trump has openly spoken of controlling Venezuelas vast oil reserves, in conjunction with U.S. oil companies, after arresting and jailing Maduro, whom he has cast as a drug-trafficking dictator in league with Washingtons foes.

Venezuelas interior minister Diosdado Cabello said late on Wednesday that 100 people died in the U.S. attack.

Trump said on social media on Wednesday that Venezuela would use the proceeds from its oil deal with the U.S. to buy American products, including farm commodities and medicine.

Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty this week to drug crimes when he appeared in shackles in a federal court in New York.

Maduros Socialist Party allies remain in power in Venezuela, where Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is treading a fine line between denouncing Maduros kidnapping and kick-starting cooperation with the U.S. under explicit threats of further military violence from Trump.

Top Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, held classified briefings on Venezuela on Wednesday for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Democrats said they wanted more information.

They are proposing to steal Venezuelas oil, at gunpoint, and use that leverage, forever, to run the country, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut told reporters.

In the Fox interview on Jesse Watters Primetime, Vance suggested the United States would control the country through its oil reserves.

We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, youre allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve Americas national interest, youre not allowed to sell it if you cant serve Americas national interest, Vance said.

US Plans to Sell Venezuelan Oil

Trump, a Republican, said on Tuesday that the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude oil stuck in Venezuela under U.S. sanctions, a first step in his plan to revive a sector long in decline despite sitting on the worlds largest reserves.

To enable the deal Trump described, the U.S. is selectively rolling back sanctions on Venezuelan oil, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.

Rodriguez said late on Wednesday that her country is open to a deal with the United States.

Venezuela is open to energy relations where all parties benefit, Rodriguez said in a meeting with the leadership of the countrys national assembly.

PDVSA confirmed it was in negotiations with the U.S. on Wednesday and said terms on the table are based on strictly commercial transactions under terms that are legal, transparent and beneficial for both parties.

But the Financial Times reported U.S. oil companies are skittish about investing in the country, given the volatility of Trumps foreign policy and will ask for serious guarantees at a White House meeting on Friday.

Crude oil prices fell on world markets due to anticipated increased supplies released by Trumps plan.

China, Russia and leftist allies of Venezuela have all denounced the U.S. attack to capture Maduro, in which dozens of Venezuelans were killed.

Washingtons allies are also deeply uneasy at the extraordinary precedent of seizing a foreign head of state, with Trump threatening more action, from Mexico to Greenland, to further U.S. interests.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

The third session of negotiations with representatives of the US President will take place in France. Ukraine expects the most difficult issues to be discussed, in particular the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant and its territories, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

Today, Rustem Umerov has already delivered an initial report on the work of the Ukrainian negotiating team in France. Another session of talks with envoys of the President of the United States will take place, and this will already be the third such session in two days. We expect, in particular, that the most difficult issues from the basic framework for ending the war will be discussed  namely, issues related to the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant and territories, Zelenskyy said on X Wednesday.

He also instructed the team to discuss possible formats for leadership-level meetings between Ukraine, other European countries, and the United States.

Ukraine does not shy away from the most difficult issues and will never be an obstacle to peace. Peace must be dignified. And this depends on the partners  on whether they ensure Russias real readiness to end the war, the president stressed.

He added that he expects a detailed report from the negotiating team following the days results.

The President announced that the Ukrainian delegation includes National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, Head of the Presidents Office Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Serhiy Kyslytsya, Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia, and Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Oleksandr Bevz.
Doss Assumes Role of Vice President, Personal Lines Underwriting

Justin Doss assumed the role of vice president, personal lines underwriting at RLI Corp., headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. In this executive role, he will lead underwriting and distribution strategy for RLIs Personal Lines business.

Doss joined RLI in 2016 as manager, sales, for specialty personal lines and has since held several leadership roles in sales and distribution, most recently serving as vice president, distribution and strategic partnerships. He brings more than 25 years of experience in personal lines underwriting, sales and agency operations to his new role.

The Jacobson Group Appoints Pinkham as CEO; Greg and Rick Jacobson Transition to Board Leadership

The Jacobson Group, headquartered in Chicago, appointed President Corey Pinkham as CEO. Current co-CEOs Gregory P. and Richard L. Jacobson will transition from day-to-day leadership to serve on the firms board, with Greg Jacobson assuming the role of chairman.

Since joining The Jacobson Group in 2023, Pinkham has held leadership roles overseeing the firms full suite of search, staffing and corporate functions. Pinkham will lead day-to-day operations and guide The Jacobson Groups growth strategy and long-term initiatives. Before The Jacobson Group, Pinkham held senior leadership positions at Randstad Technologies.

Greg and Rick Jacobson will continue to leverage their extensive experience as members of the firms board, remaining committed to the insurance industry, The Jacobson Group and its clients. They will provide strategic oversight and work closely with Pinkham and the senior leadership team to guide the firms long-term direction.

Topics Underwriting
The National Rifle Association has sued its charity affiliate, alleging a disgruntled faction of former NRA directors has seized the affiliate to turn it into a competitor and misused nearly $160 million in NRA funds.

The NRAs lawsuit against the NRA Foundation, filed on Monday in Washington, D.C., federal court, said the foundation was taken over by allies of former CEO Wayne LaPierre in an attempt to sever it from the larger group.

The lawsuit accused the foundation of breaching their contract, infringing trademarks and illegally diverting charitable assets. The NRA requested a court order blocking the foundation from misusing NRA money or trademarks.

This is a disappointing day, and it should not have come to this, NRA CEO Doug Hamlin said in a statement. A foundation established to support the National Rifle Association of America has taken actions that are adversarial at a time when the NRA is rebuilding and focused on its long-term mission.

Spokespeople for the foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

LaPierre, 76, led the NRA for more than three decades. A New York state jury found him liable in 2024 for mismanaging the group and costing it millions of dollars to support his lavish lifestyle. A state judge later banned LaPierre from serving as an NRA officer or director for 10 years.

According to Mondays lawsuit, NRA members seeking to reform the group obtained a board majority in 2025 over the old guard affiliated with LaPierre.

The NRAs complaint said that the foundation had been taken over by LaPierre allies seeking to jettison the Foundations historic purpose of supporting NRAs charitable programs and transform the Foundation into a vehicle for personal reprisal.

The group accused the foundation of hijacking its trademarks for fundraising efforts and repurposing money meant to support its charity work.

Topics Lawsuits
The new year may mark the last time Texas farmer LG Raun plants a rice crop.

I guess Im going to be the one thats going to screw up the tradition of growing Raun family rice, said the third-generation producer, whose family has been in the business for more than a century. Im not going to keep doing it and lose everything that I have, so if theres not a big turnaround, 26 is my last year farming.

Raun epitomizes why rice growers were the biggest beneficiaries when the US Department of Agriculture unveiled details of its $12 billion farmer aid package last week. Payments for rice are set at $132.89 per acre, more than quadruple the amount allocated for soybeans and triple the rate for corn. The only other crop with a payout over $100 an acre is cotton.

If youre a rice farmer, if youre a cotton farmer, you definitely, definitely, definitely need this tariff bridge. You need it in the worst way, Iowa corn and soybean farmer Brent Judisch said last month.

While much of the focus has been on growers of row crops such as soybeans amid the Trump administrations trade spat with China, rice farmers arguably have been suffering even more outside the spotlight  and for reasons that have little to do with the presidents tariffs.

Rice has been hit along with other crops by low commodity prices, high input costs and an overabundance of world supplies. But US rice has the highest costs of all major field crops for seed, fertilizer and hired labor, according to the USDA. That makes it expensive to produce even as consumer preferences for imported varieties such as jasmine from Thailand and basmati from India limit domestic demand.

US farmers also argue that subsidized exports from competitors are fueling a global supply glut. World rice supplies are expected to rise for the third straight year to a record 730.7 million tons, according to the USDA.

All of that helped send futures for rough rice plunging 30% last year, the biggest drop since 2001 and one of the worst performances among agricultural commodities. With American growers forecast to lose an average $437 per acre, according to a Bloomberg analysis of USDA data, the crop has shifted from a staple of Southern agriculture to a financial liability.

Its been one of the longest and strongest bear markets weve ever had, said Milo Hamilton, chief executive officer of rice advisory service First Grain. He estimates acreage this spring in the US could fall by 30%, mirroring the decline in futures. The market is telling them to plant anything except rice.

Arkansas farmer Jennifer James said that while she was getting roughly $15.50 a hundredweight for her rice in the 2024 season, if she tried to sell it now for the 2026 season, shed get roughly $5 a hundredweight less. Theres just no margin, she said.

While sky-high input costs are wiping out margins for growers, the export market is having an equally devastating impact, as competition from other countries is taking away market share both at home and abroad. US-grown rice accounts for less than 2% of worldwide production, yet the nation has recently ranked as the sixth-largest exporter  shipping almost half of its annual harvest abroad.

Weve seen a lot of foreign rice start to infiltrate our core markets in Latin America and in Mexico, said Michael Deliberto, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at Louisiana State University. That includes countries in Asia where government policies help lower the price of the commodity.

American growers say Indias support for its rice producers amounts to an unfair advantage. More foreign supplies are also flowing into the US, with imports through September up 11% from a year earlier.

Aromatic varieties from Asia make up more than 60% of US rice imports, according to the USDA. Such fragrant varieties are preferred by some consumers in the US for the taste and cooking attributes, Deliberto said.

President Donald Trump has signaled he could impose tariffs on rice from India, the worlds largest exporter that is expected to sell about 25 million tons this season. He has also pointed to Japan not importing US rice even when supplies were tight.

Meryl Kennedy Farr, chief executive officer of Kennedy Rice Mill in Louisiana who sat next to Trump as he announced the farmer bailout plan last month, emphasized to the president that the situation is not just a crisis but anti-competitive.

We see countries overproducing, Farr said in an interview with Bloomberg. When their stocks are full, then they flood the market and really depress prices globally.

Charles Williams, another rice farmer who met with Trump and USDA officials at the White House, echoes those concern. Were not on a level playing field, he said. I think weve got some de facto dumping of rice on the world market.

Hes predicting that in 2026 producers in Arkansas, the top rice-growing state, may plant less than 1 million acres for the first time in more than 40 years. For his part, hes considering switching to more soybeans and less long-grain white rice.

Others are also contemplating their options. James, the farmer in Arkansas, is trying to hang on for her son, whod like to follow in the family tradition of growing rice.

I feel, personally, a lot of pressure to hold onto at minimum our family land that my great-grandfather bought, she said. And so when Im considering what next year looks like, I guess Ill farm as long as I can without losing our land.

Raun, the Texas farmer, said the farm aid payment rate for rice growers is fair but wont make him whole. Unless things change, he said, theres going to be a whole lot less rice farming in Texas.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Trends USA Agribusiness
Florida insurance agents and brokers can breathe at least a little easier after a state appeals court effectively reversed hefty damages in a case that had threatened to expand agents duties to insureds as well as their liability in coverage disputes.

The long-running litigation involved Daytona Beach-based Brown & Brown, one of the largest insurance brokerages in the U.S. The case was deemed so important that attorneys for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents penned a friend-of-the court brief, urging Floridas 5th District Court of Appeals to overturn a jurys award of $1 million in damages against Brown & Brown.

The court seemed to agree with much of FAIAs and Brown & Browns arguments, sending the damage award back to Volusia County Circuit Court for reconsideration.

Brown & Brown is pleased that the Fifth DCA reversed the jury verdict and remanded the matter for a new trial, Brown & Brown said in a statement released by one of its attorneys in the case, Melissa Murphy of the Porter Wright law firm.

But the nuanced ruling leaves some questions unanswered on the full scope of agents and brokers responsibilities. The brokerage is now reviewing the opinion and contemplating its next steps.

The case stemmed from Hurricane Matthew, which side-swiped Floridas east coast in 2016. Houligans Pub & Club, and Ormond Wine Co., in Ormond Beach, had relied on a Brown & Brown broker to secure hurricane coverage earlier that year. When the storm hit, the restaurants sewage system backed up, causing the pub and store to undergo extensive and expensive cleaning and renovations.

After the disaster, the claim was denied. Houligans owners discovered that their Lloyds of London wind policy, the only coverage available at the time, did not cover losses from sewage and microorganism contamination. The owners blamed the broker for the oversight and filed suit against Brown & Brown for failing to procure adequate insurance, breaching its fiduciary duty and negligently misrepresenting the extent of the policy. In short, Browns broker should have known that he was not placing the coverage the client needed, the pub owners claimed.

The Volusia County jury in 2024 found in favor of the brokerage on the question of failing to secure insurance, but against Brown & Brown on the other claims. Brown & Brown appealed. At the crux of the appeal was whether the trial court judge erred in allowing the damages. The court looked to its sister courts 1998 decision, known as Capell vs. Gamble.

The limited issue is whether the analysis of Capell as to causation and damages for a failure to procure insurance claims should extend to breach of fiduciary duty and negligent misrepresentation claims, the 5th DCA panel of judges noted in the Jan. 2 opinion, available here.

Brown & Brown had shown that in 2016, no coverage was available for sewage backup losses for the restaurant, even though such a policy was procured a year later. And Houligans leadership had not requested the sewage/contamination coverage, anyway.

The jurys $1 million damage award against the brokerage was based in large part on the Lloyds policy. But the 5th DCA had already determined in an earlier phase of the litigation that the Lloyds policy did not provide the sewer coverage.

That was where the trial court went wrong, the appeals court judges said.

As such, it was error to allow the jury to calculate damages based on a policy that this Court has said does not provide coverage, District Judge Scott Makar wrote for the appellate panel. Because this error is not harmless, the appropriate remedy is to remand this matter for a retrial limited solely to damages without reliance on the Lloyds policy.

Pre-judgment interest will also have to be recomputed, the appellate court said.

The case was closely watched by Florida insurance agents. The FAIAs lawyers, Breck Brannen, Brian Chojnowski and Thomas Schulte III, of the Pennington law firm, wrote in their amicus brief that the Volusia judges decision to allow the large damage award would expand insurance agents fiduciary duties beyond what was reasonable. Unless overturned, the trial court ruling would put agents in the position of having to anticipate an insureds unexpressed needs and become all-knowing risk managers for the clientor worse, unlimited guarantors of insureds damage when coverage is denied.

This is not only unjust, but it also puts agents at odds with other fiduciary duties and raises ethical concerns for insurance agents, the FAIA brief argued. Certainly, binding an insured to coverage and paying a premium for insurance they did not intend to obtain would constitute a breach of the agents duties to the insured. No fiduciary duty would require an agent to substitute their judgment for the insureds regarding the need for coverage.

The sewage damage could not have been foreseen or covered, attorneys argued. The Lloyds policy was a wind policy, and the sewer backup was due to a confluence of non-wind issues: flooding from the hurricane, a failure by the municipal utility, and a lack of plumbing protections such as backflow prevention valves at the restaurant, the FAIA and Brown & Brown noted.

By law, insureds have a responsibility to read the insurance policy. And the pubs owner never established at trial how he would have acted differently if sewage backup coverage had been available in 2016, the briefs explained.

The trial jury had based its award on the total limits of the policy obtained a year after the storm, in 2017. Yet, the trial judge erred by not instructing the jury that the 2017 policy had a sublimit of $50,000 for sewer overflowa more proper yardstick for damages in the case, the FAIA brief and Brown & Browns brief explained.

Houligans did not prove its damages or causation for those damages by providing an alternative commercially available insurance policy that Brown & Brown could have procured, which led to a verdict not supported by either competent substantial evidence or the manifest weight of the evidence, Brown & Browns attorneys argued.

FAIA President Kyle Ulrich declined to comment on the appellate ruling until after attorneys have a chance to mull over the subtleties of the opinion. Brown & Brown or the insured pub owners can ask the appeals court to reconsider, or they can ask the state Supreme Court to review, attorneys said.

If the case continues with a new trial in Volusia County, its not certain that a new jury will come back with a lesser damages amount.

Other B&B Litigation: Brown & Brown Files Suit Over Alleged Howden Poaching of 200+ Employees

Topics Agencies Legislation Florida
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said a group of major banks have agreed to extend mortgage relief for Los Angeles wildfire victims, as the area struggles to rebuild one year after the devastating blazes.

Wells Fargo & Co., JPMorgan Chase & Co., U.S. Bancorp and Citigroup Inc. will streamline requests for an additional 90-day forbearance period, allowing borrowers to apply verbally without paperwork, Newsom said on a press release Tuesday. Bank of America Corp. announced in November that it will offer qualifying borrowers up to two additional years of forbearance.

Related: Morningstar: A Year Later, LA Wildfires Were Significant Stress Event for Insurance

Most lenders limit forbearance to 12 months under a California law that expanded an emergency agreement the state had reached with banks in January 2025. Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Citi and U.S. Bancorp didnt immediately reply tor a request for further comment.

Last year, the Intercontinental Exchange Inc. estimated that there was $11 billion in outstanding mortgage debt in the path of the fires.

Newsom, a termed out governor whos considering a presidential run, has faced renewed criticism from the White House and other political adversaries for his handling of the catastrophic wildfires, which tore through large swaths of Southern California last year and killed at least 31 people. Newsom, in turn, has blasted the White House for failing to send Californias disaster aid request to Congress.

Related: Insurance Payments Now at $22.4B From LA Wildfires One Year Ago

On Tuesday, Newsom also announced he will work with banks, philanthropic partners and lawmakers on a new financing fund that would complement private construction loans and help close insurance shortfalls that have stalled rebuilding. Hes also expanding eligibility for its CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program, which provides grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments. The state has so far paid $5.98 million to 732 households, mostly fire survivors.

Im deeply grateful to our financial partners who are stepping up to help provide financial relief to those who have lost so much, Newsom said. This disaster was unprecedented, and its created challenges unlike anything weve seen before.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Louisiana
DANGER: Lead Work Area reads a sign on a front door of an Altadena home. May damage fertility or the unborn child. Causes damage to the central nervous system.

Block after block there are reminders that contaminants still linger.

House cleaners, hazardous waste workers and homeowners alike come and go wearing masks, respirators, gloves and hazmat suits as they wipe, vacuum and power-wash homes that werent burnt to ash.

Related: Insurance Payments Now at $22.4B From LA Wildfires One Year Ago

Its been a year of heartbreak and worry since the most destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles areas history scorched neighborhoods and displaced tens of thousands of people. Two wind-whipped blazes that ignited on Jan. 7, 2025, killed at least 31 people and destroyed nearly 17,000 structures, including homes, schools, businesses and places of worship. Rebuilding will take years.

The disaster has brought another wave of trauma for people afraid of what still lurks inside their homes.

Indoor air quality after wildfires remains understudied, and scientists still dont know the long-term health impacts of exposure to massive urban fires like last years in Los Angeles. But some chemicals released are known to be linked to heart disease and lung issues, and exposure to minerals like magnetite has been associated with Alzheimers disease.

Ash in the area is a toxic soup of incinerated cars, electronics, paints, furniture and every other kind of personal belonging. It can contain pesticides, asbestos, plastics, lead or other heavy metals.

Many with homes still standing are now living with the hazards left by the fires.

People Forced Back into Their Altadena Homes

Nina and Billy Malone considered their home of 20 years a safe haven before smoke, ash and soot seeped inside, leaving behind harmful levels of lead even after professional cleaning. Recent testing found the toxin is still on the wooden floors of their living room and bedroom.

They were forced to move back home in August anyway, after insurance cut off their rental assistance.

Since then, Nina wakes up almost daily with a sore throat and headaches. Billy had to get an inhaler for his worsening wheezing and congestion. And their bedroom, Nina said, smells like an ashtray has been sitting around for a long time. She worries most about exposure to unregulated contaminants that insurance companies arent required to test.

Related: Morningstar: A Year Later, LA Wildfires Were Significant Stress Event for Insurance Sector

I dont feel comfortable in the space, said Nina, whose neighbors homes burned down across the street.

Theyre not alone.

Data Shows Dangerous Lead Levels Still in Homes

According to a report released in November by the Eaton Fire Residents United, a volunteer group formed by residents, six out of 10 homes damaged from smoke from the Eaton Fire still have dangerous levels of cancer-causing asbestos, brain-damaging lead or both. Thats based on self-submitted data from 50 homeowners who have cleaned their homes, with 78% hiring professional cleaners.

Of the 50 homes, 63% have lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agencys standard, according to the report. The average lead levels were almost 60 times higher than the EPAs rule.

Even after fires were extinguished, volatile organic compounds from smoke, some known to cause cancer, lingered inside of peoples homes, according to a recent study. To mitigate these risks, residents returning home should ventilate and filter indoor air by opening windows or running high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers with charcoal filters.

Zoe Gonzalez Izquierdo said she cant get her insurance company to pay for an adequate cleanup of her familys Altadena home, which tested positive for dangerous levels of lead and other toxic compounds.

They cant just send a company thats not certified to just wipe things down so that then we can go back to a still contaminated home, Gonzalez said, who has children ages 2 and 4.

Experts believe the lead, which can linger in dust on floors and windowsills, comes from burned lead paint. The University of Southern California reported that more than 70% of homes within the Eaton Fire were built before 1979, when lead paint was common.

For individuals that are pregnant, for young children, its particularly important that we do everything we can to eliminate exposure to lead, said pediatrician Dr. Lisa Patel, executive director for the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and a member of the climate group Science Moms.

The same goes for asbestos, she added, because there is no safe level of exposure.

We Have to Live in The Scar

People who lived in the Pacific Palisades, which was also scorched, face similar challenges.

Residents are at the mercy of their insurance companies, who decide on what they cover and how much. Its a grueling, constant battle for many. The states insurer of last resort, known as the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, has been scrutinized for years over its handling of fire damage claims.

Homeowners want state agencies to enforce a requirement that insurance companies return a property to pre-fire condition.

Julie Lawson wont take any risks. Her family paid about $7,000 out of pocket to test the soil in their Altadena home, even though their insurance company had already agreed to pay to replace the grass in their front yard. They planned to test for contaminants again once they finished remediating the inside, the process of making a home contaminant-free after a fire. If insurance wont cover it, theyll pay for it themselves.

Even if their home is livable again, they still face other losses  including equity and the community they once had.

We have to live in the scar, she said. Were all still really struggling.

They will be living in a construction zone for years. This isnt over for us.

Challenges And Mental Health Toll

Annie Barbour with the nonprofit United Policyholders has been helping people navigate the challenges, which include insurance companies resisting to pay for contamination testing and industrial hygienists disagreeing on what to test for.

She sees the mental health toll its having on people  and as a survivor herself of the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Northern California, she understands it.

Many were at first joyful to see their houses still standing.

But theyve been in their own special kind of hell ever since, Barbour said.

Now residents like the Malones are inspecting their belongings, one by one, fearing they may have absorbed toxins.

Boxes, bags and bins stuffed with clothes, chinaware and everything in between fill the couples car, basement, garage and home.

They have been painstakingly going through their things, assessing what they think can be adequately cleaned. In the process, Nina is cleaning cabinets, drawers, floors and still finding soot and ash. She wears gloves and a respirator, or sometimes just an N-95 mask.

Their insurance wont pay to retest their home, Billy said, so theyre considering paying the $10,000 themselves. And if results show theres still contamination, their insurance company told them they will only pay to clean up toxins that are federally regulated, like lead and asbestos.

I dont know how you fight that, said Nina, who is considering therapy to cope with her anxiety. How do you find that argument to compel an insurance company to pay for something to make yourself safe?

AP staff writer Alex Veiga contributed to this report.

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Louisiana
Somewhere around Cork City this weekend, some lucky punter is pondering what theyll do with their share of a 250m lottery winnings.

The winner of the Euromillions lottery, sold on Shandon Street on the citys northside, might be thinking of investing some of their new wealth in bricks and mortar. Indeed, making a splash on a pub premises around Leeside might come into their thinking.
Located in one of the most scenic parts of West Cork, a 74.9-acre farm outside Bantry is described by the selling agent as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a land holding with traditional dwelling and outbuildings.

Its certainly true that large holdings such as this one come on the market only rarely in this particular part of the world, and there are already enquiries locally and from abroad.

The 75-acre farm has 4.5km east of Bantry at Cahernacrin and has a derelict traditional dwelling, with a number of outbuildings.

According to Denis Harrington of Bantry-based Harrington Estates, the farm is in an area that offers good land and strong aesthetic qualities, featuring an elevated site with spectacular views to the southwest of Bantry Bay and surrounding peninsulas.

It is 4.5km east of Bantry at Cahernacrin and has a derelict traditional dwelling, with a number of outbuildings.

There are a number of good quality grass fields, said Mr Harrington, and a mixture of more open hillside ground.

With roughly half of the acreage under hilly lands, the remaining 3540 acres contain quality lands with strong potential to be brought to their optimum level.

The property is in two lots. The larger one comprises approximately 68 acres. It bounds a small lake of its own and is accessed via a shared laneway from the public road.

Separately, the 6.5-acre parcel comprising the second lot bounds the larger Drombrow Lake  across the public road to the north of the larger lot.

With roughly half of the acreage under hilly lands, the remaining 3540 acres contain quality lands with strong potential to be brought to their optimum level.

Access is via a shared laneway, but the farm also has road frontage, allowing potential for another entrance in the future.

The property is new to the market, but already interest is keen. This kind of farmstead is of interest not only to those seeking additional acres, but also those looking to make a lifestyle choice  a pattern seen in many parts of Munster lately.

The price guide is 575,000. At a level of just under 8,000/acre, its a fair reflection of the land alone. The addition of a dwelling in such a choice location, however, is a factor that is likely to play positively on the final price achieved.
Just when you thought music had run out of genres, along comes dungeon synth. Inspired by 1980s synth music and by classic fantasy novels and movies, dungeon synth is the cult sound that, much like Tolkiens Nazgul taking flight, has rippled across the internet.

Its travels have brought it to Ireland, where East Cork record label Nocturnal Augury and founder, David OMahony, are waving a banner for this celebration of old-school fantasy and of lo-fi electronica.

OMahony describes dungeon synth as a portal to another dimension. It gives you that escape. Its not harsh and bombastic, and theres not too much going on, he says.

Much as a big, tattered paperback sword-and-sorcery novel, with its yellowed pages and tiny print, might help sweep you off to a fantastical world, so dungeon synth has a Narnia-like quality. Push all the way to the back of the wardrobe, and who knows what you might find there? It also celebrates the retro tabletop role-playing feel of games such as Dungeons & Dragons, which have had an unlikely rehabilitation thanks to Netflixs Stranger Things.

O'Mahony, originally from Ballincollig but now living near Youghal, says:

You can throw it on for an hour. You can listen to it while youre reading, while youre playing video games or Dungeons & Dragons. You can listen to it on your own, put it in the background, and fall asleep to it. It has that appeal.

OMahony is a musician with a background in heavy metal, and he set up Nocturnal Augury as a way to share his many dungeon synth projects. These include Cenobite, inspired by the writings of Clive Barker and his Hellraiser films, and which has a harsh, horror-movie quality. But he also evokes the dungeon crawl vibes of classic D&D with albums such as In Tombs of Gold and Lapis Lazuli  the line comes from Yeatss Oil and Blood  and released under the moniker Derranged Thrall.

The best way of describing dungeon synth is to imagine Kyle Dixon and Michael Steins haunting Stranger Things theme if it were put to service soundtracks for a 1980s adaptation of Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings. It is embedded in the 1980s  a high-water mark for the fantasy genre, whether in the form of D&D or movies such as The Dark Crystal or Krull. The results are retro and otherworldly  but with a comforting quality, like rain pattering against windowpanes on a cold January night.

Dungeon synth innovator Varg Vikernes photographed in his prison cell in Norway. (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)

The paradox is that dungeon synths origins are anything but benign. Its creation is in part credited to the notorious Norwegian death metal figure Varg Vikernes, who recorded under the name Burzum. In 1994, Vikernes was convicted of the fatal stabbing of ystein Aarseth, also known as Euronymous and guitarist with rival band Mayhem, and of the burning of several churches.

Vikerness music had always drawn on fantasy: Burzum refers to the Black Speech of Mordor used by the villains in The Lord of the Rings. Behind bars, he had access only to a synthesizer and tape recorder  which is how he created one of the first dungeon synth albums, 1997s Daui Baldrs (the death of Baldr).

He wasnt the only metalhead getting into synthpop. Around the time that Burzum was recording Daui Baldrs in his cell, another Norwegian musician, Havard Ellefsen of Mortiis, was making metal music without traditional metal instrumentation.

Back in the 90s, a lot of the kind of metal bands  they would make their demos and they would always have their intro tracks have synths, says David OMahony. Those interludes or outro tracks became full albums  a lot of those guys were listening to [early synth mainstays] Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, John Carpenter. They were basically making the synth equivalent of what they were making in their metal music. This Scandinavian, almost fantastical and medieval very dark and lo-fi. They all liked Lord of the Rings. They probably all played D&D.

Today, dungeon synth has quietly become a huge global genre  albeit one that remains thoroughly underground. Musicians tend to run their own labels and to release their music on sites such as Bandcamp. There is a healthy and tightly-knit scene in Ireland  in addition to Nocturnal Augury it includes musicians such as Mournhearth in Dublin, Cork-based Scriptor Hiberniae, or The Boreen based in Kildare. As the community continues to grow, OMahony hopes to eventually put on a dungeon synth event in Cork or Dublin.

No matter what the industry or the mainstream looks like, theres always an underground. A dungeon synth scene in Ireland is small, he says. The underground of anything in Ireland is small. Its all little pockets.

Ultimately, the entire ethos of an underground versus a mainstream is bigger and more intense and more passionate. Youre not making this to be famous or to make money. If you have that, its a huge drive  that passion.

Dungeon synth has a distinctive sensibility rooted in the grainy, sepia look of early role-playing books such as the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons or RuneQuest. If you were to pick a dungeon synth movie, Excalibur [John Boormans dreamy 1981 Arthurian epic, filmed largely in Wicklow] would be the one. Maybe Herzogs Nosferatu, says OMahony  referring to arthouse director Werner Herzogs funereal 1979 take on vampire lore, which has a synth-heavy soundtrack.

It is also a tape-based medium  in contrast to the more expensive vinyl, smaller labels can easily put out a run of 100 or so cassettes of a release for fans. Cassettes are cheap to make and sell. If were going back to the aesthetics and the visuals, you can have a red tape, a black tape, a green tape. You can add little things to your tape  you can throw in stickers or whatever.

"Youre combining that D&D, that fantasy aesthetic. And youve got your early DIY underground music. Youve got a lot mixed together. So that the tape is like having a horror movie on a VHS. Its like how you should probably watch [John Carpenter classic] The Thing on VHS instead of 4K.

The real magic of dungeon synth is that it reminds us of the value of escapism. In a world where there are so many demands for our time and attention, it is a music that does not call attention to itself. It is strange and enigmatic. At a time when we are overwhelmed with information, most of it trivial and irrelevant, dungeon synth dares to be mysterious.

Theres something [about dungeon synth] that will let people escape. When Im going to work and its foggy and its dark, Im going to put on something that doesnt make me think about work for half an hour, says OMahony. Thats what people like in this stuff. I put on the radio and I get all this happy-go-lucky stuff. The thing about dungeon synth is that its pure escapism.
The value of goods imported by Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territories rose to over 396,000 in the first nine months of 2025.

This is up from 214,000 for the entire year of 2024. The level of goods exported from Ireland to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, however, fell from 271,700 in 2024 to 26,300 between January and September of 2025.

It comes as pressure continues to mount on the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, following repeated failures to pass legislation last year. During the 2024 general election, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail vowed to prioritise the bill.

While then-foreign affairs and trade minister Simon Harris brought legislation to Cabinet last June that would ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, this has yet to be progressed. The opposition has also criticised suggestions that the ban would only include goods and not services.

The Government has repeatedly stated that, while it would assess a ban on services, it would be difficult to implement.

New figures provided to Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Barry Ward, now show imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories to Ireland increased in the first nine months of 2025.

Between January and September, goods worth 396,100 were imported. This was up from 214,200 in the full 12 months of 2024 and 90,500 in 2023. It is also higher than imports in 2022 and 2021, which stood at 199,300 and 117,000, respectively.

Irish exports to the Occupied Territories have, however, been in continuous decline. Between January and September 2025, goods worth 26,300 were exported. In 2024, exports stood at 271,700, down from 2.2m in 2023 and 2.4m in 2022.

Goods exported to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) in the first nine months of last year included chemicals and related products (13,180), machinery and transport equipment (8,560), and miscellaneous manufactured articles (4,550).

Mr Ward told the Irish Examiner that it is surprising that trade is increasing when people know that it will soon be illegal. We know this legislation is coming. There's repeated commitments from the Government to that effect, he said.

If you're a company, I would have thought you should be dialling down your activity with the OPT, not up.

The notion that trade is increasing is a worrying trend because it shows the companies are not preparing for the reality of the situation, quite apart from the moral imperative and the commonsensical element to it.

It seems really strange to me that anybody is ramping up trade to the OPT in circumstances where the Government's given a clear indication that this will soon be illegal.

Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson stated that the data underlines the importance of passing the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB).

The partys foreign affairs spokesperson also expressed concerns about the exclusion of services from the legislation.

The fact that the importation of goods from the illegally occupied Palestinian territories has increased since 2023 further demonstrates why the OTB needs to be enacted in Ireland, she said.

By importing goods from the OPT, we are providing economic support to the settlements and contributing to their continuation.

Goods only make up about 30% of the trade between Ireland and Israel, which is why the inclusion of services is so crucial in the OTB.

The ICJ ruling in 2024 made it explicitly clear, the settlements are illegal, and Ireland is legally obligated to end all trade and economic support for those settlements. This isn't an optional extra, it's our obligation under international law.

Additional figures provided to Mr Ward by Mary Butler, minister of state in the Department of the Taoiseach, confirmed that in the first nine months of 2025, goods worth 2.6bn were imported from Israel, while exports stood at 1bn.

The value of imports fell from 3.8bn in 2024 and 3.6bn in 2023. Most of the money spent on Israeli imports went towards machinery and transport equipment, with 2.5bn spent in the first nine months of 2025.
Following a meeting of the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, France issued a statement dubbed "Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine," in which the leaders declared their readiness to commit to guarantees for Ukraine.

The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States have convened today in Paris. We all stressed our commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter principles, and welcomed the progress achieved, including in the discussions between the Americans, the Ukrainians, European and other partners, says the statement, which was released on Tuesday.

In particular, the Coalition was clear that Ukraines ability to defend itself is critically important for ensuring the future of Ukraines and Euro-Atlantic collective security. We confirmed that ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine. We stand ready to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force, in addition to bilateral security agreements and in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional arrangements, the documents reads.

The statement also details that components of the commitments will include participation in the proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing. The Coalition of the Willing will also be represented in the Special Commission that will be established to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies, the text reads.

The second component is support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Coalition agreed to continue critical long-term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure their sustained capability, as they will remain the first line of defence and deterrence. This will include, but not be limited to: long-term defence packages; support for financing the purchase of weapons; continued cooperation with Ukraine on its national budget to finance the armed forces; access to defence depots, which can deliver rapid additional support in the case of a future armed attack; provision of practical and technical support to Ukraine in building defensive fortifications, the statement says.

A separate clause is provided on the Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraines armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land, and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. We confirmed that these reassurance measures should be strictly implemented at Ukraines request once a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US, the text details.

Regarding the commitments to support Ukraine in the event of a future armed attack by Russia with the aim of restoring peace, the leaders agreed to finalize their agreement, which will determine the approach to supporting Ukraine and restoring peace and security in the event of a future armed attack by Russia. These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions, the statement notes.

The leaders also noted their commitment to deepening long-term defense cooperation with Ukraine. We agreed we would continue to develop and deepen mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine, inter alia: training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of European relevant instruments, and intelligence cooperation. We have further decided to establish a US/Ukraine/Coalition coordination cell at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris, the text of the document reads.
The Government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

Irish Foreign Affairs minister Helen McEntee spoke to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow Bridie to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Derry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

I think it's absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think it's absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
A serving garda is to stand trial on charges of burglary, harassment, criminal damage, assault and sending grossly offensive messages.

Alan O'Mahony, who is stationed at Letterkenny Garda Station in Co Donegal, is to stand trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court. The case was mentioned at Letterkenny District Court before Judge Ciaran Liddy.

State solicitor for Donegal, Mr Kieran Dillon, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to go forward to the circuit court on all matters.

Mr O'Mahony, with an address at Commons Road in Cork, was not present in court and is currently off on sick leave. He faces a total of five charges.

He is charged that on June 30, 2024, at Wood Park, Lismonaghan, Letterkenny, he did enter a building as a trespasser with intent to commit an arrestable offence contrary to Section 12 (1a) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act, 2001.

He is also charged that on the same date and location, he did damage property to wit, a duvet by throwing a lit cigarette on the duvet and burning it, intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.

O'Mahony is also charged with assaulting Joseph O'Donnell contrary to Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, at the same location and on the same date.

On the same date and location, the accused is charged with causing damage to the handle of the front door of the house intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.

O'Mahony is further charged that on or about the same date, at or near Letterkenny, he did send a grossly offensive communication, namely a photograph of a named woman to another person thereby distributing or sending with intent by doing so to cause harm contrary to Section 4 (1) (a) (ii) of the Harassment Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020.

State solicitor Mr Dillon said he was furnishing copies of statements to the accused man's solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, to consider a signed plea. He asked for the case to be adjourned until March 3 to facilitate a signed plea being considered.

Mr Gallagher responded "that all makes sense". Legal aid was requested and granted as Mr Gallagher outlined his client was currently not working "due to these matters".

Referring to the "allegations and seriousness of the case", he also requested Judge Ciaran Liddy to assign him legal counsel in the case, which was also agreed, and the case was adjourned.
An addiction counsellor had her life significantly derailed by the actions of an Ennis man who sent her lewd images of himself, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett asked how he could know Shane McCarthy is not going to offend again and destroy another ladys life?

After reading the victim impact statement provided to court by the addiction counsellor, Judge Gabbett said it was very strong and it shows that this lady has had a very significant derailment of her life because of what has happened.

Mr McCarthy told the court: I am sorry for all of that.

McCarthy, aged 30, of Shanballa, Lahinch Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to sending four lewd images of himself to his then addiction counsellor on May 5 last year.

A cocaine addict, he told the court that he has been clean since December 18 and I am living at home and my wife is keeping a good eye on me.

In reply, Judge Gabbett said:

If there are prizes going for patience she would be getting it.

Solicitor for Mr McCarthy, Darragh Hassett, said it was very important to get a forensic psychologist to carry out a report on his client.

Sgt John Burke told the court that two of the grossly offensive communications to the addiction counsellor concerned one-second videos of Mr McCarthys penis, and two were of still images of his penis.

Judge Gabbett said he has concerns for the public over the behaviour of Shane McCarthy who, he said, has also effectively pleaded guilty to masturbating in public at two locations in Ennis in recent months.

Mr McCarthy has pleaded guilty to masturbating in a public place at Silvergrove, Ballybeg, Ennis, on August 31 last year and the possession of cocaine on the same date at Ennis Garda Station.

Mr McCarthy is also before the court where he is charged with masturbating in a public place on December 18 last at Ballyalla Lake on the northern outskirts of Ennis.

Sentencing

Judge Gabbett said prior to sending explicit images of himself to his counsellor, Mr McCarthy had engaged with a female Probation Officer in a similar unwanted sexually explicit manner.

He said that based on the evidence before him, including the counsellors victim impact statement, he would be imposing a headline sentence of nine months in prison.

However, he said he would give Mr McCarthy the benefit of the report by the forensic psychologist. The court also heard that Mr McCarthy is due to be assessed by a treatment centre later this month for his cocaine addiction.

Mr Hassett confirmed to the court that he has been in contact with a male forensic psychologist on behalf of Mr McCarthy. Judge Gabbett asked Mr McCarthy how he was going to interact with any other professional employed to help him.

He said: You have been sexually explicit with all of them. In response Mr McCarthy said: I am drug-free at the moment. It wont be an issue.

Mr Hassett said his client has adhered to his bail conditions since December 17 to the letter of the law. Judge Gabbett said if Mr McCarthy re-offends again he will be going straight into custody. He further remanded him on bail to appear in court on January 21.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A new-build nursing home in East Cork is likely to be handed over to the HSE within weeks, two years after it was mooted.

The Midleton community nursing unit is part of a group of seven around the country built under a 250m public-private partnership (PPP), but none are open yet. Only two others, aside from this unit, are understood to be with the HSE so far.

The PPP is between the HSE and a joint venture company comprising John Sisk & Sons with Equitix.

It will deliver 530 beds across Killarney, Midleton, Cork City, and Clonmel, as well as Thomastown, Athlone, and Ardee.

Frustration has been growing across all counties involved because although the buildings appear complete, only Athlone and Ardee were handed to the HSE by Christmas.

The Irish Examiner visited the Midleton site on Saturday. It shares the grounds of the Midleton Community Hospital.

The locked building was surrounded by wire fencing and hoardings, but furniture could be seen through some of the large windows.

A spokeswoman for HSE South West said: The handover of the new Midleton community nursing unit to the HSE is likely to take place in the coming weeks.

Staff can then start equipping, commissioning, and stocking the unit. It will have 50 beds in groups of 25-bed households.

Each new nursing home must be registered with health watchdog Hiqa.

HSE staff are working on the Midleton application for Hiqa and plan to submit this as quickly as possible after the handover.

The modern unit will take in elderly residents currently living in the nearby community hospital. This was built as a workhouse in 1841, with a hospital wing added in 1937.

The HSE said residents will move over on a phased basis, but only after Hiqa registration is granted.

Staffing also needs to be in place first. It has started workforce planning and talks with staff.

Residents, families, and the wider community will be kept updated, said the spokesperson.

St Finbarr's home to have 105 beds

The other Cork home is in the grounds of St Finbarrs Hospital in the city.

This will have 105 beds, including 30 for residents with dementia. These beds will be grouped in three 10-bed households in an innovative approach to supporting people with the disease.

The Killarney nursing home has 130 beds, including three 10-bed households for residents with dementia.

Photographs of the unit, taken by Radio Kerry and shared with this newspaper during previous reporting on the delays, also show furniture such as beds in place.

Killarney nursing home has 130 beds, including three 10-bed households for residents with dementia. Picture: Jerry O'Sullivan/Radio Kerry

Construction at Clonmel is expected to finish by March and open for residents by June, HSE Dublin and South East said.

The deal was backed with 250m from the European Investment Bank, Bank of Ireland, and NORD/LB.

The HSE will lease the homes from the company for an annual payment of 24m over 25 years  totalling 600m.

A spokeswoman for Equitix has said it had no comment to make.

A spokesman for John Sisk & Sons also previously said it was not commenting.

The Economic and Social Research Institute has projected that between 19,505 and 24,975 additional long-stay nursing home beds are needed nationally by 2040.

This is in addition to up to 3,287 short-stay beds.
More than 47,000 has been raised in just 19 hours to support the family of a young Cork man who died suddenly while on a ski holiday in the French Alps.

Cian OBrien was found unresponsive in his bedroom on Monday morning and was later pronounced dead.

The 20-year-old had travelled to the French ski resort of Alpe dHuez with more than 300 young people, many of whom are students.

Mr OBrien, an apprentice electrician from Gleann na Ri in Tower, Blarney, had travelled with the Cork Snow Sports Society.

More than 47,000 of the 70,000 fundraising target was raised within 19 hours.

The GoFundMe page appealed for donations to help repatriate Mr OBriens body and cover unexpected funeral costs at this heartbreaking time.

With the family's agreement can you please show your support for the family of Cian O' Brien who sadly and unexpectedly lost their beloved son/ brother /grandson while on a trip to France, the GoFundMe page says.

Your generosity will assist the family of Cian in bringing him home and laying him to rest along with any other additional and unexpected costs.

While many members of the Cork Snow Sports Society study at University College Cork (UCC), the group is not affiliated with the university and includes non-UCC members.

While many members of the society study at University College Cork (UCC), the group is not affiliated with the university and includes non-UCC members.

Mr OBrien, who played soccer with his local football club, was widely described as a popular young man from a highly respected family deeply embedded in the local community.

Local Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan said the community remained in shock following the tragedy.

It is every parents worst nightmare for something to happen to their child. My deepest sympathies are with his family, Mr Boylan said.

The department of foreign affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance.

Mr OBriens death notice on RIP.ie said he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, Paul and Sabrina (nee Ryall); his sister Lauren; his grandparents; aunt Ciara; uncle Edward; aunts Norma and Sinead; uncles Sean and Alan; cousins; his many friends, especially Luke, Joey, Pod, Tadhg, Cathal, Ted and Sean; relatives; and neighbours.

The family home will remain private, and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

To donate, see the GoFundMe page: Donate in memory of Cian OBrien.
As the lyrics of Creeds One Last Breath resonated through a church in Rathkeale, mourners paid a final farewell to Pa (Patrick) ODwyer, remembered as a gentle giant with an infectiously loud laugh.

In a packed St Marys Church in Rathkeale, friends, family, fans and neighbours paid their respects to the man fondly nicknamed the "Limerick Lion".

Nearly 4,000 mourners also joined online, a testament to the worldwide reach of a man who always stood up for the underdog.

The beloved strongman died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 40 after being brought to University Hospital Limericks emergency department, leaving behind his three children, Sienna, Rocco and Freddy, his partner Layna, and his parents and siblings.

Mr ODwyer held the title of Irelands Strongest Man five times. He also won the UKs Strongest Man competition in 2018 and qualified for the Worlds Strongest Man contest in 2020.

Mourners remembered Mr ODwyer through symbols placed near the altar, including his lifting straps, ukulele, one of his many trophies, and a framed family photograph. As a nod to his online motto, Youre a c**t, a folded T-shirt also appeared at the altar  although the priest suggested it might not be seen on camera.

His brother Sean paid tribute on behalf of the family, first thanking staff at UHLs emergency department, who cared for him in the early hours of Saturday, and strongman comrades who travelled long distances to attend.

The late Pa O'Dwyer with family.

Mr ODwyer described his brother as a man of many talents who came from humble beginnings, farming and turning turf in the bog alongside their father Seanie.

Hes more than a son, a partner, a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, and a friend. He was also a builder, a bouncer, a fireman, an astronaut, and crucially, a tax avoider.

Most of these of which are true, his brother smiled. He was also a man who enjoyed many a fine pinst and dedicated his life to the gym. He grew not only his ego, but also his arms, which led him to the world of strong men.

Mourners heard how his dedication and drive led him to capture the title of Irelands Strongest Man a record five times, achieving what only a few could ever dream of.

Not long ago, Pa ODwyer received a message from the father of a young man, an interaction that perfectly summed up the Limerick Lion.

After being bullied at school, the young man joined a gym, gained confidence and made friends, inspired by Mr ODwyer  an experience that ultimately changed his life.

In response, Mr ODwyer replied that nothing would ever top getting a message like this.

According to his brother Sean, this pretty much summed him up as a gentle giant who really cared about people.

He continued: Everything that made Patrick, who he was, the warmth of his presence, the sound of his voice, the care in his hands, the thoughts he shared has changed, but has not vanished. The world does not erase people, it carries them forward in different ways.

Worlds Strongest Man Eddie Hall attends the funeral of Pa ODwyer. Picture: Chani Anderson

Addressing his parents Lena and Seanie, he said they should know that every bit of love, care, and effort they gave their outstanding son was never wasted and always reciprocated.

He told his brothers partner and children that they should know love leaves marks that do not fade.

Every shared moment, every laugh, every story of bedtime, every quiet day together became part of who you are, he said.

We all carry pieces of him simply because we knew him. Every smile he gave, every word he spoke, every room he walked into, he left something behind. The people who know him are changed because of him and his family grieves his parent for their son, his siblings for their brother, his friends and teammates for their family. His fans and sponsors for their entertainer, and most importantly, his partner and children.

Family and friends follow the coffin of Pa ODwyer into St Marys Church, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, ahead of his requiem Mass on Wednesday morning. Picture: Chani Anderson

Ending his tribute, he said: He remains part of what comes next. If love could have saved you, you would've lived forever.

Earlier in the service, a poem written by Treasa Coleman remembered Pa ODwyer as a man to be admired with an infectiously loud laugh.

As his partner Layna cried, his youngest son, Freddy, comforted her with a hug.

He offered light to those who struggled, and those being bullied, he would always defend, the poem read.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said Greenland is part of Denmark and called for common sense to prevail as Donald Trump continues to claim that the US should own the territory.

The White House said on Tuesday that the US president has been discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland after European leaders insisted that Mr Trump must climb down from threats to take over the territory.

Using the US military is always an option for the president to consider, a statement released by the White House also said.

Mr Trump has insisted that taking over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, is vital for his countrys national security.

However, speaking in Shanghai on Wednesday, Mr Martin said that the EU was rock solid behind Danish resistance to Mr Trump.

As said before, we can't respond to every comment other than to say this: Greenland is part of Denmark and the European Union is rock solid behind Denmark in that regard.

I think common sense needs to prevail. The US has always had a military base in Greenland. I know that the Danish prime minister has been engaged with the White House and has been very clear that any issues around that need to be resolved or need to be discussed are open for discussion, in terms of the military base there.

He said that in terms of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland, that was a matter for Denmark and Greenland.

Mr Martin said he did not think that the prospect of the US buying Greenland was realistic.

The Taoiseach rejected the idea that Ireland and other nations had emboldened Mr Trump by failing to condemn the US seizure of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

I don't think the two are comparable at all in terms of Greenland and Maduro. Maduro was a very repressive leader, and it's interesting that many, many Venezuelans are very happy that Nicolas Maduro is gone.

It's important to state that Maduro has been a very, very repressive leader, and that creates challenges for us in terms of, how does one deal with regimes like that? And that's not today or yesterday that that problem has arisen. In previous times, you go back, it's not the first time that the US president has intervened in any given country.

We believe the people of Venezuela should decide on their government.

Mr Martin said it was his view that the sooner the world collectively gets back to increasing and reforming the United Nations to make the United Nations more authoritative, but also more representative, the better.
The Coalition is hanging by a thread ahead of Friday's crunch decision on whether the Government will vote for or against the controversial Mercosur deal.

Senior Government sources said there is every chance Kerry junior minister Michael Healy-Rae could walk away from Government over the EU/South American trade deal. They also raised concerns about Sean Canney and Marian Harkin's opposition.

The loss of any Independent TDs would be a major hit to the Government's already razor-thin majority.

When asked if he would pull down the Government, Mr Healy-Rae told the Irish Examiner it was not even for discussion now but insisted he and other Regional Independents opposition was steadfast.

While Taoiseach Micheal Martin did not close the door on Ireland agreeing to Mercosur, he said on Wednesday that "a lot of progress has been made on it".

Fine Gael TD and agriculture minister Martin Heydon said he had "grave concerns" about the deal, and had to "defend the rights" of Irish farmers.

Until now, the Government has repeatedly opposed the trade deal between the EU and South American countries, with concerns focusing on the importation of beef.

If approved, the deal would increase EU exports to Mercosur countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay - but opponents say it could distort agricultural markets if EU farmers are forced to compete with lower-cost South American beef.

A vote on the deal is due to take place in the EU on Friday, with Italy now expected to vote in favour.

There is a growing acceptance Mercosur will pass, as Italian support would leave Ireland and other EU states without a blocking minority.

'Adamant and unanimous'

Mr Healy-Rae said the Regional Independents met ahead of a meeting between the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, and Mr Canney.

He said the group was adamant and unanimous in saying that we should vote against it.

When asked if he could pull the Government down if it agreed to vote in favour of Mercosur, Mr Healy-Rae said negotiations were ongoing.

That's not even for discussion now, he said.

Government, all of us, are in negotiations about this. But [the Independents'] stance is very, very firm, and it's very steadfast.

The three leaders will meet again on Thursday to discuss Mercosur, with a decision expected on Friday ahead of the EU vote.

Speaking in China, the Taoiseach did not definitively say Ireland would vote against the deal.

"We're working with like-minded countries, and have been including Italy, including France, in respect of Mercosur, and significant safeguards have been negotiated over the past 12 months, he said.

Those discussions and developments are still awaited in respect of additional safeguards, and the announcement in respect to an improvement in terms of the Common Agricultural Policy is also welcome.

"But the issue will be, will there be a blocking minority on Friday? The Government will continue to engage with our partners and Europe on this, and we make the decision towards the end of the week."

Asked if he was ruling out Ireland voting for the deal, Mr Martin said: "There's further work to be done before the discussions across Government on this".

He said while the Government still had concerns, a lot of progress has been made.

'Grave concerns'

At an extraordinary meeting of EU agriculture ministers, Mr Heydon said he had grave concerns about the deal.

Ive viewed Mercosur negatively. It's my job as minister for agriculture to articulate that view and defend the rights of our farmers, particularly our beef sector, he said.

Several Fianna Fail backbenchers were critical of Mr Martins comments appearing to open the door to Mercosur, saying the partys position during the general election campaign was to vote against the trade deal.
Ireland prides itself in being a small but deeply committed European nation, militarily neutral, with an open economy and a reputation for being a key values-based influencer in international affairs. And rightly so.

Successive governments have cultivated and capitalised upon this reputation through peacekeeping, humanitarian action and robust political leadership when faced with horrific breaches of international law such as in Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar and Sudan.

None of this is cost-neutral to Ireland, though it is certainly easier to defend the rules-based order when at least one of the superpowers still more or less subscribes to it.

The abduction of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores at the weekend, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Charter of the Organization of American States, has confirmed the America-first doctrine, but has it also hinted at some limits to Irelands commitment to values?

The Government knows the operation was totally illegal and sets a disastrous precedent but at the moment is being tactically equivocal about it. Remember, nearly 20% of Irish jobs and a third of tax receipts depend on US investment.

The relocation of multinational companies, tariffs, threats of deportation of undocumented Irish are but the tip of the Trumpian iceberg that could head towards Ireland if we offend his sensibilities.

This is an expression of the chilling effect of power politics on small countries. We are seeing the link between political positions and practical consequences in other areas too.

Ireland has found itself under intense diplomatic pressure in relation to Gaza and the presence of military-style drones over the Irish Sea during the recent visit of president Zelensky again exposed our defence vulnerabilities. Yet the Government, to its great credit, has largely tried to be resolute in its defence of European values.

Ireland's EU presidency

But the year ahead will test Irelands commitment to these values like never before.

Ireland takes over the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for the eighth time on July 1. This is a unique opportunity for Ireland to shape the European agenda at a critical time when defence vulnerability, trade uncertainty, and the politics of chauvinism continue to loom large.

Ireland will also find itself at the heart of EU engagement in Ukraine at a moment of historic importance for the security and prosperity of the entire continent. The consistency of our words and our actions matter more than ever, at home and abroad. We cannot afford to fudge our position.

Our EU presidency priorities are currently being finalised but must align with the EUs Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 which places European values at the heart of the European project.

These values include what many of us would consider to be the basic features of a civilised modern state, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights  which remain the cornerstone of [the European] Union.

Human rights

It is difficult then to understand how in the same breath Ireland has aligned itself with a parallel club seeking to fundamentally weaken Europes human rights architecture in Strasbourg and to divide the population into those who have rights and those who have not.

Yet, on international human rights day (December 10), 27 states including Ireland, made clear their intention to target the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to loosen rights protections for migrants in particular, and sent a strong message that they want a freer hand in a raft of areas including to deport foreign criminals, despite the fact that states are already doing just that.

The argument seems to be that migrants have too many rights protections; an incredibly dangerous fallacy which plays into the hands of the radical right and fans the flames of intolerance.

Worse still, it could set a troubling precedent such that future European governments of a different political persuasion could crack down on any other area of fundamental rights such as media freedom, civil society, trade unions, LGBTQ+ rights, or access to justice.

Whether accidental or deliberate, this process strikes at the heart of the rule-of-law based order. Todays policy shortcut will become tomorrows vulnerability.

Irelands dramatic values U-turn regarding the ECHR is all the more puzzling as our diplomats work tirelessly to secure a seat for Ireland on the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2027 to 2029 term.

In a healthy democracy, we mustnt avoid difficult public policy discussions about human rights (or health, housing, neutrality or any other matter), but we must consider facts and consequences instead of drifting into the shallow waters of ideological convenience.

Andrew Forde: 'As Ireland makes the final preparations for its ascension to council president, it must reflect on what it gains by eroding human rights in Europe, when the entire world order based on the rule-of-law is under threat.'

When it comes to reconciling lofty ideals with gritty public policy, consistency is enormously challenging. As Ireland makes the final preparations for its ascension to council president, it must reflect on what it gains by eroding human rights in Europe, when the entire world order based on the rule-of-law is under threat.

Consistency is indeed challenging, but for a nation that prides itself on being a values-based influencer, it is the only currency that truly matters.
Permission has been granted by An Coimisiun Pleanala for a new multi-storey residential development and artisan food market at a long-vacant site in Dennehy's Cross following an appeal by local residents and businesses.

The former Dennehy's Cross Garage, located close to the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at the junction of Magazine Road, Wilton Road, Victoria Cross Road and Model Farm Road is to be redeveloped in a four-storey complex with planning for a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor level and an artisan food market also approved.

The plans were lodged by Galway firm, Dennehy's Cross Construction Ltd which is headed by Brian McHugh, Finian Hanley and Finn Hill.

The part three- and part five-storey residential development will comprise 30 apartments, which will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, with the existing garage structure on the site being demolished to make way for construction.

The former butcher's site at the location will be preserved for use as the artisan market food store. No parking was proposed but the site will provide 49 bicycle spaces.

Permission for the development was lodged in May 2023 after the firm revised the size of its plan following concerns raised in pre-planning meetings with Cork City Council.

In 2020, the company was refused planning permission for the development of 45 apartments on the same site.

Former Dennehy's Cross Garage at Dennehy's Cross, Cork.

However, revised plans with less apartments were approved by Cork City Council in May 2024, with planning consultants Butler O'Neill stating in the application to City Hall that the development presented an opportunity to deliver "high quality appropriately scaled quality residential development in an area of high demand" at an "underutilised site."

The approved plans were then appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala following an appeal by local residents and businesses.

A group formed to oppose the project, the Dennehys Cross Action Group, collected 124 signatures of local residents objecting to the scheme. The group claimed the proposed structure, which it branded a monstrosity, was totally out of character with the area and would result in a visual blight on this pleasant suburban streetscape".

Dentist Donal O'Keefe of Dennehy's Cross Dental Practice also objected to the development, saying the proposed height would be "excessive and overbearing."

Mr O'Keefe argued the development would result in a loss of light and a negative noise impact, adding that it would also have an adverse effect on the protected views of the neighbouring Church of the Decent of the Holy Spirit.

Another objection also raised similar issues and argued that the "large increase" in residents in the area would lead to "increased noise and unsociable behaviour in particular as apartments are targeted at student residents."

Despite the objections, An Coimisiun Pleanala approved the plans, granting permission with revised conditions for the development.

These included that no part of the ground floor retail unit shall be used as a hot food or fast-food takeaway outlet, each residential unit shall be used as a single dwelling and not be sub-divided, and public lighting shall be provided along pedestrian routes through open spaces.
Presidents of Ukraine and Cyprus discuss further support for Ukraine, its accession to EU

Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a conversation with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on the day Cyprus assumed its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

We are working to make as much progress as possible during this period on opening negotiating clusters and on Ukraines accession to the European Union. We discussed this today with the President of Cyprus Christodulides, and I am counting on productive cooperation, Zelenskyy said on X.

The parties also discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, which should remain in place as long as Russian aggression and occupation continue.

We also touched on reinforcement of our air defense, the production and supply of drones, and Cypruss participation in the PURL initiative and SAFE instrument. We hope that support for Ukraine will remain strong. Thank you to Cyprus and to the President for the support, Zelenskyy summed up.
The US has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean in a high-stakes operation that could risk confrontation with the Kremlin after Moscow reportedly dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel.

The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella 1, was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, US European Command said in a post on X.

US media reported that the countrys coastguard had successfully boarded the oil tanker, facing no resistance.

The Russian state broadcaster RT earlier published two grainy photographs showing a helicopter approaching the tanker, saying an operation was under way.

The seizure, the latest demonstration of brazen US military power and reach, marks the culmination of a dramatic pursuit lasting more than two weeks.

The US Coast Guard said on Wednesday it had separately intercepted another dark-fleet tanker that is under sanctions, the M Sophia, in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean.

The tanker, now known as the Marinera and registered under a Russian flag, is the latest tanker targeted by the US Coast Guard. Picture: Reuters

The Marinera had been navigating in the Atlantic between Iceland and the UK, according to ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic. The Wall Street Journal reported that several helicopters and at least one coastguard vessel were used to take control of the tanker.

Britain provided support to the US in its operation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the events but Russias transport ministry said in a statement that US forces had boarded the vessel outside the territorial waters of any state and that contact with it had been lost.

The ministry cited the 1982 UN convention on the law of the sea, which says no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.

The ministrys spokesperson demanded the US ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens onboard the Marinera and guarantee their swift return to Russia.

British armed forces provided support to the US operation to seize the Marinera tanker, including RAF surveillance and the RFA Tideforce support ship, the Ministry of Defence said. Picture: Ministry of Defence/PA Wire

Donald Trump imposed a complete blockade on sanctions-hit Venezuelan oil tankers last month, after which US forces seized several vessels operating under opaque jurisdictions.

The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, wrote on X: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT  anywhere in the world.

The pursuit of the Marinera began after it turned back into the Atlantic while travelling from Iran to Venezuela, having attempted to evade a US blockade targeting sanction-hit oil tankers operating near Venezuelan waters.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of

the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X  U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

Read More Trump says US to get 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela

The operation  the first known US military seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel in recent history  is likely to strain relations with Vladimir Putin, coming at a sensitive moment as negotiations over a potential peace deal in Ukraine continue and after the US capture of Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, a longstanding Kremlin ally.

The vessel is part of the so-called shadow fleet moving oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela. It was placed under sanctions by the US in 2024 over allegations it carried illicit cargo for a Hezbollah-owned company Initial reports suggest the ageing tanker is empty, having been en route to pick up Venezuelan oil before changing course.

Even so, Moscow appears to have gone to considerable lengths to protect the vessel, raising questions about why it is willing to risk a standoff with the west over it.

The Wall Street Journal reported late on Tuesday that the Russian navy had deployed a submarine to escort the tanker, heightening the stakes of any confrontation in the North Atlantic.

In the 24 hours preceding the operation, multiple western surveillance flights were observed over the vessel, including aircraft from US bases in Iceland, and RAF Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon planes from the UK, which are capable of detecting submarines.

US media reported that the countrys coastguard had successfully boarded the oil tanker, facing no resistance.

In December, the crew repelled an attempted US boarding near Venezuelan waters. The vessel was subsequently renamed from Bella 1 to Marinera, a Russian flag was painted on its hull and it was added to Russias official shipping registry. Moscow later lodged a formal diplomatic protest demanding that Washington halt its pursuit.

The tanker departed the Gulf of Oman in November, transiting the Suez canal and the strait of Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic in early December. As US pressure on Venezuela intensified  culminating in the capture of Maduro  the vessel stopped abruptly near the Caribbean on 15 December and reversed course, heading back towards Europe.

Marineras return journey across the Atlantic has been markedly atypical, according to marine transport experts. Instead of taking the usual route through the Channel, the tanker veered sharply north, steering into the stretch of ocean between Iceland and Ireland.

Mikhail Zvinchuk, an influential military blogger with close ties to Russias defence ministry, said the decision to reflag the vessel under Russian jurisdiction shortly before its seizure had placed Moscow in an extremely awkward position.

He said the move sets a precedent for further operations against Russias so-called shadow fleet, not only in the Atlantic but in other regions of the world as well.

Registry data reviewed by the New York Times showed that at least three other oil tankers that had operated in Venezuelan waters in recent weeks had since been reflagged under the Russian banner, pointing to a growing trend of Moscow extending its registry to vessels facing US sanctions.

The move could complicate relations between Moscow and Washington at a time when Trump has shown frustration with Putin over Russias continued fighting in Ukraine.

- The Guardian
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a female motorist on Wednesday during the Trump administrations latest immigration crackdown on a major American city.

Federal officials claimed the shooting was an act of self-defence, but the mayor of Minneapolis described it as reckless and unnecessary.

The shooting happened in a residential neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets in the area and a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, during a visit to Texas, described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE officers by a woman who attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.

People protest as law enforcement officers attend at the scene of the shooting in Minneapolis (Tom Baker/AP)

But Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey blasted that characterisation and the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers as part of the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust, Mr Frey said, calling on the federal agents to leave the city.

Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit, the mayor said.

The shooting marks a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major American cities under the Trump administration. The woman is at least the fifth person killed in a handful of states since 2024.

The Twin Cities have been on edge since DHS announced on Tuesday that it had launched the operation, with more than 2,000 agents and officers expected to participate in the crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting, where they vented their anger at the local and federal officers who were there, including Gregory Bovino, a senior US Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere.

In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations.

During her Texas visit, Ms Noem confirmed that DHS had deployed more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities and already made hundreds and hundreds of arrests.
Zelenskyy: No candidate for the position of Deputy Head of the Economic Directorate yet

There is currently no candidate for the position of Deputy Head of the Office of the President, who would be responsible for the economic block, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"There is no such candidate yet," said the head of state, answering a question from the Interfax-Ukraine agency about who will be responsible for the economy in the updated structure of the Office of the President.

At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that this direction is currently strengthened by professional advisers who oversee key vectors.

"First of all, I have two advisers. Oksana Markarova, who will be responsible for individual projects on the restoration of Ukraine. And Chrystia Freeland, who will be responsible for investor issues and economic issues related to the deputy specifically for the economy," the president explained.

As reported, a corresponding decree dated January 5 was published on the website of the head of state on the appointment of Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine, former Canadian Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, as an adviser to the President of Ukraine on economic development.

Also in early December 2025, Zelensky announced the appointment of Markarova as an advisor to the President of Ukraine on the reconstruction of Ukraine and investments, as published on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The message on the website notes that Oksana Markarova recently completed her term as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States (20212025) and Representative of Ukraine to the Organization of American States.
Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

The referendum depends on the continuation of negotiations, as well as on reaching agreements with the United States on security guarantees and a package for the restoration of Ukraine. If all this is achieved in January, then February may be a working month for changes in legislation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"Everything depends on the negotiations, or rather, on the continuation of negotiations and achieving the desired results. First of all, 20 points of the plan, because if we talk about a referendum, then for a referendum, if it is submitted, then only 20 points of the plan. But still, it is considered in a complex. Along with the 20 points, there are bilateral security guarantees with the United States of America. My agreement with Trump must be confirmed by signatures," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday.

According to the president, the referendum issue still depends on the recovery package for Ukraine, as well as on the deputies, "because they must demonstrate work and results in terms of achievements, in terms of changes to the electoral legislation, the electoral code or relevant legislation, and also changes to the law on referendum."

"I think if we manage to do all this in January, then February can probably be such a working month in terms of changes in legislation," he stressed.

However, Zelenskyy added that it is too early to talk about this, "we need to have a result in the negotiations."
Two superpowers, opposing ideologies, identical failure. Afghanistan demonstrates that regime change does not fail because of insufficient time or effort; it fails because legitimacy cannot be imported and authority imposed from outside cannot substitute for local political foundations.

Instant coffee, instant democracy?

Closer to home, the US record in Latin America offers an unflattering prelude to its later adventures in the Middle East. From Guatemala to Chile, Nicaragua to Panama in 1989, Washington repeatedly engineered swift victories followed by shallow reforms and fragile institutions. Across continents and decades, US-backed regime change has often destroyed what little order existed, leaving behind chaos under the guise of triumph.

Emboldened by Iran, Washington treated Guatemala in 1954 as a low-risk rehearsal. Operation PBSUCCESS removed President Jacobo Arbenz under the assumption that once a troublesome leader who tried to wrest control of the banana industry from the U.S. United Fruit Company (the precursor to Dole Fruit) was gone, and democracy would naturally reassert itself.

Instead, the coup ushered in decades of military dictatorship, civil war and mass repression against the native Mayan population that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, giving us the term banana republic.

A government elected at the ballot box was replaced in the name of freedom, only to extinguish it. Democracy was treated as a deliverable, something that could be installed after the fact, rather than a fragile process requiring legitimacy, institutions and time.

In Panama, US forces removed Manuel Noriega quickly, on the same charges levelled against Maduro: drug trafficking. Yet, the political order remained brittle and dependent on outside support, as well as vulnerable to corruption.

This pattern resurfaced in Iraq in 2003, when Saddam Hussein was toppled with ease, only for institutions to collapse and militias and extremist groups to fill the vacuum.



Saddam Hussein Medical Inspection. Scene Camera Operator: SSGT Steven Pearsall, USAF Release Status: Released to Public. Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files. Public Domain. Via Picryl

Anyone but the dictator

The central irony is that removing or weakening a dictator did not produce security or stability. In many areas, it made conditions far worse.

Maduro is in custody and Donald Trump is now in charge. If there is a plan for the days and weeks ahead, it seems to be a closely held secret. It is an understatement to say this is dangerous, if not existential, especially for the people of Venezuela who woke up without lights, without a governing authority and only vague promises of a better life proclaimed from Mar-a-Lago.

A worse-case scenario envisions that banks will not open, ATMs will not work, shops will not accept Venezuelan currency and hard-line security forces and local paramilitaries will brutally insert themselves into the vacuum. If so, expect US boots on the ground to follow.

From Aden to Cairo, Tehran to Kabul, Baghdad to Damascus, and now Caracas, the same enduring fantasy that uprooting a leader is equivalent to creating legitimacy is repeating itself in the vague promises of the US policy for a post-Maduro Venezuela.

When President Trump was asked who would execute the policy of a democratic transition, he made a vague reference to these guys. It is certainly the case that these guys have their work cut out for them, and history is not on their side.

Ibrahim al-Marashi is associate professor of Middle East history, visiting faculty at The American College of the Mediterranean, and the Department of International Relations at Central European University. His publications include Iraqs Armed Forces: An Analytical History (2008), The Modern History of Iraq (2017), and A Concise History of the Middle East (2024).

Tanya Goudsouzian is a Canadian journalist who has covered Afghanistan and the Middle East for over two decades. She has held senior editorial roles at major international media outlets, including serving as Opinion Editor at Al Jazeera English.

Follow Ibrahim on X: @ialmarashi

Follow Tanya on X: @tgoudsouzian

Reprinted from The New Arab with the authors permission.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Israeli newspaper Arab 48 reports that a large anti-conscription demonstration by Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews in Jerusalem turned deadly Tuesday when demonstrators attacked a passing bus and allegedly threatened the driver, who appears to have tried to get away from them by driving straight ahead. He unfortunately struck 4 of the demonstrators who were in the street in front of the bus, killing one young man who ended up under the bus. The other three were lightly wounded.

An Israeli police statement blamed the demonstrators, saying that they had disturbed the peace, closed off streets, damaged buses, set garbage bins alight, thrown eggs and other things at the police, hurled obscenities repeatedly, and attacked journalists on the scene. The police said that during these disturbances a bus collided with several demonstrators. The bus driver was detained and is being interrogated about the incident. Several journalists were injured by rock throwing and had to be taken to hospital.

Although the bus driver was said to be from East Jerusalem, i.e. he was Palestinian, the police do not believe that he was motivated by nationalist considerations. Palestinian and Palestinian-Israeli bus drivers have been attacked on many occasions in recent times, and the driver probably feared for his life if he slowed down or stopped, since the demonstrators might storm the bus and harm him. But forging ahead caused him to run down people ahead of him, who may have been trying to make him stop. That police felt him not to have engaged in a premeditated action is suggested by their arrest and questioning of him. Those Palestinians deemed to be committing terrorism are typically shot on the spot.

The Middle East Monitor explains,

The Haredim have continued protesting against military conscription following the Supreme Courts decision on 25 June 2024, which required them to serve and barred financial support to religious institutions whose students refuse military service. The Haredim make up around 13 per cent of Israels 10 million population. They reject military service, arguing that their lives are dedicated to studying the Torah, and say joining secular society would threaten their religious identity and the continuity of their community.

At the rally some Haredi rabbis denounced the Israeli government, calling military service wicked and saying that even the evil gentiles do not force Ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in their militaries. The rally was organized by committed Haredim such as the 60,000-strong Jerusalem Faction and by the Council of Torah Sages within the Shas Party.

When Israel was established in 1948, the Ultra-Orthodox only made up 2% of the population. They were granted an exemption from military service, to which they objected. Many Haredi men spend their young adulthood in seminary studying the Torah and the Talmud. They are rooted in Eastern European Jewish spiritual currents that are often but not always pacifist, and they do not believe that a Jewish state can be legitimately established by mere human politicians such as David Ben Gurion; rather it must be the work of the Messiah when he comes.

These beliefs clash with those of secular nationalist Zionists, but when they were a small population they were overlooked, rather in the way that the Amish and Mennonites are granted their distinctive styles of life in the US and recognized as conscientious objectors regarding military service. Now, however, they form such a large group in Israeli society that if they wont serve in the military, it detracts from national security from the point of view of the Zionists. The Ultra-Orthodox have large families and may be an even bigger proportion of Israelis in the future. In any case, the Supreme Court struck down the administrative exemption they had been given.

Many secular Israeli Jews resent the Haredim, since the rest of the Israelis must serve in the military. Secular Israelis have seen their members killed or injured in Gaza or psychologically traumatized by the genocide they committed there (facing high rates of suicide).

Given the Supreme Court ruling that Haredim are subject to conscription just like other Israeli Jews (and the Druze, the only Palestinian-Israelis who serve), the only way for them to avoid military service would be for Parliament, the Knesset, to pass a law specifically exempting them. Such a bill has been proposed, but apparently in its current form it would not restore an absolute exemption.



Photo of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, Israel by Aharon Luria on Unsplash

MEMO reported that the two parties representing the haredim, Shas (11 seats) and Yahadut HaTorah (7 seats), warned they could bring down the government if the conscription law is not passed.

These parties form part of the current extreme-right government, which has 68 of 120 seats in Parliament. If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost those 18 seats, he would lose his majority, being left with only 50 seats, and the center-right opposition parties could unseat him with a no-confidence vote.

Even the proposed legislation restoring exemption from conscription is not worded in a way that it is acceptable to many Haredim, who are therefore peeved at Shas, which represents Ultra-Orthodox Jews with roots in Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco, and which supports the draft bill. During the rally, anti-Shas posters were pasted all over Jerusalem.
( Tomdispatch.com )  Quiet, Piggy. The president was intent on silencing Catherine Lucey. The Bloomberg reporter had provoked him with a question about the release of the Epstein files. His insult caught the publics attention. But Trumps tongue-lashing lexicon against women has a long history. Other female journalists have been dubbed obnoxious, terrible, third-rate and ugly. Vice President Kamala Harris, opposing him in the 2024 presidential election, was labeled retarded and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi crazy as a bedbug. The list goes on (and on and on). And who knows what was redacted from the Epstein files along those very lines?

Mind you, those Trumpian insults hurled at women (and regularly offered about them) are anything but performative throwaways. They reveal Donald Trumps deep and abiding contempt for females, an attitude that has taken a giant leap forward (or do I mean backward?) in policy terms in the Trump 2.0 years. Well beyond a simple cascade of insulting words, the commander-in-chief and his allies have deemed women the enemy. And not surprisingly, under the circumstances, they are now distinctly under attack.

The Purges

From day one of his second term as president, Trump has made his intention to rid the government of women crystal clear  with some window-dressing exceptions. Without mentioning women per se, he nonetheless targeted them on his very first day in office. Executive Order 14151 vowed to end the forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs of the Biden era. (On his first day in office, Biden had issued an executive order opening the door for underserved communities via a whole of government equity agenda.). Trumps EO, however, decreed an end to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and to any appointments that were meant to reflect diversity hiring, claiming that such policies demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination.

Immediately, women began to be flung from their government perches. Those holding high positions were the first to go. U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan was removed, as were the three top women at the National Labor Relations Board. Head of the Federal Trade Commission Rebecca Slaughter was promptly fired, a case still under review by the Supreme Court (though its hard to expect good news from SCOTUS these days). The Pentagon cleaned house early and fast, removing women from positions of leadership, including the head of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis; the commandant of the Coast Guard, the chief of naval operations, and the only woman flag officer on NATOs Military Committee. All had been the first females to occupy those posts. Also sent packing was the woman serving as the senior military assistant to the secretary of defense.

Black women in particular found themselves under attack. Early removals of Black women included Carla Hayden, the librarian of Congress; Gwynne Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the National Labor Relations Board; and Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the board of governors of the Federal Reserve Board. Meanwhile, Peggy Carr, the first Black person and the first woman to be commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, was cruelly and unexpectedly escorted out of the building in front of her staff.

The circumstances surrounding the ouster of the first female to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), acting administrator Janet Petro, highlighted the conviction that emptying offices of women occupants took precedence over quality, efficiency, or overall professionalism. Petro was replaced by an interim appointee, Sean Duffy, who continued to serve in the demanding job of secretary of transportation even as he assumed the leadership of NASA. Better, it seems, to overtax a man than allow a woman to lead anything whatsoever.

The Pentagon

The Pentagon took an early lead in the crusade against women. Even before he was confirmed as secretary of defense (now the Department of War), nominee Pete Hegseth signaled the changes to come under his leadership. Obamas Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta had opened up combat roles to women in 2015. Hegseth promised to change that. Im straight up just saying that we should not have women in combat roles, he told podcaster Shawn Ryan. It hasnt made us more effective, hasnt made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated. The Hill summed it up well in late July this way: All women have now been purged from the militarys top jobs, with no female four-star officers on active duty and none in pending appointments for four- or three-star roles.

Hegseths anti-female campaign focused on substance as well as numbers. Women, he suggested, just didnt have the skills to conduct business with sufficient lethality. According to him, the Pentagons Women, Peace and Security program, signed into law during Trumps first term in office, only served to weaken the Pentagon. Women would merely distract the department from its core task  FIGHTING, he tweeted (as Politico reported). Hegseth summarily ended the program. As a U.N. spokeswoman suggested, the removal of womens voices from the realm of peacekeeping would impede the protection of women and children worldwide.

Healthcare

Back at home, removing protections for females has amounted to a full-scale attack, consistent with warfare, on their bodies. A restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services has crippled reproductive health programs. In April, HuffPost reported that the majority of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDCs) Division of Reproductive Health was laid off and two of the three main programs of the Maternal and Infant Health division were eradicated. While the Trump administration has consistently tried to hide data about such purges and policies, journalists have kept at it, unearthing some of the facts. Citing piecemeal and crowd-sourced information, the Guardian, for example, was able to report that the entire staff of a gold-standard maternal mortality survey was also put on leave.

As it happens, the Republican Congress has joined the assault. Trumps much-ballyhooed Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), which passed in July, included reductions in funding to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, programs that are projected to hit adult women the hardest. Of note, the BBB included a prohibition on federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. Even before the passage of the bill, the administration had withheld Title X funding from 20 states and 144 Planned Parenthood clinics that, since 1970, had received grants for family planning and reproductive health services. Expectations are that more drastic cuts will follow. In May, the Commonwealth Fund summarized the devastating consequences of the presidents first 100 days in office for womens reproductive health, detailing a drastic decline in access to medical abortions. And if such reproductive issues werent enough to alarm us, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed its recommendation for COVID vaccines for pregnant women and children.

The Record

To add insult to injury, the administration has made it clear that its not just womens positions in government or their healthcare that are subject to eradication. The historical record of women and their accomplishments is also under attack. Across government databases, museum displays, and archival holdings, information about women has been systematically deleted. As I wrote in an earlier TomDispatch post, the erasure of information, historical and statistical, has been a signature weapon of this administration. The websites of the Army and Navy have dutifully removed information about the history of women in the military, while Arlington Cemetery took down its webpage on women buried there, including First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. And in a similar fashion, NASA opted to remove any mention of women as part of the DEI purge of its website.

The Deception

No essay on the plight of women in the era of Trump 2.0 would be sufficient without commentary on the seeming contradiction between the multipronged attack on women and the presence of women in a striking number of cabinet roles. Seven of Trumps cabinet appointments are held by women and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, is the first woman to hold that cabinet-level post.

And yet, that doesnt seem to have changed the narrative of Trump 2.0 or the impulse to assault womens rights nationwide. If anything, it has at times enabled it, only further amplifying the administrations anti-female screed. At the Department of Justice, for instance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, who a decade earlier had voted against the Violence Against Women Act, has reportedly intervened in a number of asylum cases, banning entry to the U.S. for women fleeing domestic violence. At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the directorship of Secretary Kristi Noem, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties has been shuttered, while at least 25 sexual abuse complaints have been dismissed. And when it comes to immigration detention, reports of the sexual and physical abuse of women abound. In the words of Human Rights Watch researcher Clara Long, the conditions are jaw-dropping. As Long puts it, Grievous abuses  assaults, sexual abuse, and discriminatory treatment by U.S. agents  are an open secret within DHS.

In short, the performances of the women in this administration have undermined the cause of women even more. Chosen for their loyalty to Trump rather than their expertise, their incompetence has been laid out for all to see, scoring high marks when it comes to furthering the perception of women as insufficient to the important tasks at hand. Exhibit One is certainly Lindsey Halligan. A former insurance lawyer who had previously been on Trumps legal team, she was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan subsequently headed up the prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General of New York Letitia James, who had been at the helm of lawsuits against the president before he entered office a second time. Both of Halligans cases were thrown out after a federal judge ruled her appointment to be an unlawful use of the attorney generals appointment power. The Department of Justice is appealing both cases.

But even before that judge had a chance to issue his ruling, Halligan had harmed the cause of women. Having never led a prosecution before, she faced the grand jury seeking an indictment of Comey without the presence of her own team at the Justice Department to back her up. (After all, her predecessor, Trump-nominated and Trump-fired Erik Siebert had resigned in part because he had determined that there were insufficient grounds for bringing just such a prosecution.) Due to her lack of expertise, she displayed a profound lack of knowledge about trial procedure and courtroom norms. As former prosecutor Elie Honig reported in New York Magazines Intelligencer, the bumbling novice prosecutor botched many things, including making incorrect statements to the jury and failing to present the final version of the indictment to jury members for their sign-off. Though the case was ultimately thrown out, criticism of Halligan has continued relentlessly.

For those who continue to embrace the exclusion of women from positions of power and consequence, what better proof do they need than Lindsey Halligan  or, for that matter, other women who are being patched into roles they cant possibly fulfill at a high standard? As French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir long ago commented when it came to women seeking to advance in the world, Her wings are cut and then she is blamed for not knowing how to fly.

In sum, women are in trouble in Donald Trumps second presidency. And yet, there are signs of hope, promising both sustenance and strength for women in the days to come. While the Center for American Women and Politics reports that the number of women in elected office is down overall for 2025, 26 of the 100 senators are now women, the highest percentage ever. (And who knows what the congressional elections in 2026 are likely to bring, given the strong showing of Democrats in elections in 2025?)

Moreover, outside of government, women are far from absent. They currently sit atop the countrys largest philanthropic foundations  Heather Gerken at the Ford Foundation, Amber Miller at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Louise Richardson at the Carnegie Corporation of New York. They are presidents of some of the countrys most prestigious universities, including Brown, Columbia, New York University, and Yale. At Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and other tech companies, women are distinctly on the rise, offering expertise, guidance, and leadership, while undoubtedly preparing for a future in which their expertise will be sought.

About-Face?

In recent weeks, inside the Trump administration, there have been signs, however minor, that some of the presidents most devout female allies are starting to dissent. Congressional Representative and Trump loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken the lead in that female about-face, announcing that she is going to leave Congress before her term is up and going so far as to suggest that she is more in touch with the presidents MAGA base than he is. Like Greene, longtime Trump ally Representative Elise Stefanik has chosen to call it quits and leave public office behind. Trump had failed to support her bid to run for governor of New York, just as he had pulled her nomination to the U.N. earlier in the year. And then theres Chief of Staff Susie Wiles who, however much she subsequently reneged on remarks she made over the course of 11 interviews with Vanity Fairs Chris Whipple, clearly indicated that she had moved away from the presidents stances on Venezuela, the January 6th pardons, and the Epstein files.

Maybe, just maybe, the undermining of decades of progress stands a chance of reversal.

No wonder hes so afraid of women!

Copyright 2026 Karen J. Greenberg

Featured image: 00021 by Carol Leigh Scarlot Harlot is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 /Flickr

Via Tomdispatch.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 /Galway Metals Inc. (TSX-V:GWM) (OTCQB:GAYMF) (the "Company" or "Galway") is pleased to report drill results for 11 diamond drill holes at the Southwest Deposit in the Company's 100%-owned flagship Clarence Stream high-grade gold project in New Brunswick, Canada. The Clarence Stream Gold Project hosts district-scale potential, with an approximately 65-kilometre strike length of highly prospective gold showings and anomalies; and a 2022 MRE of 12.4 Mt @ 2.3 g/t Au Indicated for 922,000 oz., and 16.0 Mt @ 2.6 g/t Au Inferred for 1.334 M oz. gold from the NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Clarence Stream Mineral Resource Project, New Brunswick, Canada" dated March 31, 2022, by SLR Consulting Ltd.

Rob Hinchcliffe, President and CEO of Galway, said, "The latest drilling at the Southwest Deposit continues to demonstrate strong continuity of gold mineralization within and along the margins of our 2022 resource pits. These results are important in supporting our infill strategy and in confirming extensions where mineralization remains open, both laterally and at depth. As we continue to connect zones between existing pit shells, the drilling is adding confidence to the resource model and highlighting opportunities for future expansion. With 32 additional infill and resource drill holes pending in this area, we expect to report further meaningful results as the program advances."

Highlights (Plan Map)

BL-286 intersected 2.6 g/t gold over 16.0m including 6.2 g/t gold over 5.0m (Section 1)

BL-282 intersected 1.8 g/t gold over 8.0m including 6.5 g/t gold over 1.0m ( Section 2)

BL-289 intersected 7.5 g/t gold over 2.0m

Targeted Drilling Connects 2022 Resource Pits

The drill holes reported in this release were designed to connect mineralization between pit shells from the 2022 resource and to test extensions along the margins of those pits. Drill holes BL-286 through BL-288 intersected wide, shallow zones of mineralization outside the existing resource, demonstrating continuity along section to depth.

Drill holes BL-279 through BL-282 targeted mineralization below the westernmost resource pit and successfully confirmed gold mineralization beneath the current pit outlines, including an intercept of 1.0 g/t gold over 7.0 meters in BL-279. These results support the potential to connected existing resource pits and expand the Southwest Deposit both laterally and at depth.

Assays remain pending for 32 additional drill holes in this area and are expected to be released in the coming weeks and months. For a more comprehensive list of the Southwest Deposit assays, please click the following link (Assay and Coordinate Table)

Geology and Mineralization

The Clarence Stream deposits can be characterized as intrusion-related, structurally controlled, quartz-vein hosted gold deposits. These deposits consist of quartz veins and quartz stockwork within brittle-ductile fault zones that include adjacent crushed, altered wall rocks and veinlet material. The mineralized systems are hosted in intrusive and metasedimentary rocks within high strain zones controlled by regional fault systems. Pyrite, base metal sulphides, and stibnite occur in these deposits along with anomalous concentrations of bismuth, arsenic, antimony and tungsten. Alteration in the host rocks is confined within a few metres of quartz veins and occurs mainly in the form of sericitization and chloritization. A more complete description of Clarence Stream's geology and mineralization can be found at www.galwaymetalsinc.com.

New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program

Galway would like to acknowledge financial support from the New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program, which will contribute up to $50,000 towards exploration drilling in 2025.

Review by Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jesse Fisher, P.Geo., Project Manager for Clarence Stream and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Fisher certifies that this news release fairly and accurately reflects the technical information and data presented. Galway Metals conducts its exploration activities in accordance with CIM Best Practices Guidelines.

Quality Control and Reports

All core, chip/boulder samples, and soil samples are assayed by Activation Laboratories, located at 41 Bittern Street, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, Agat Laboratories, located at 5623 McAdam Road, Mississauga Ontario, Canada L4Z 1N9 and 35 General Aviation Road, Timmins, ON P4P 7C3, and/or Swastika Laboratories situated in Swastika, ON. All four labs have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. All core is under watch from the drill site to the core processing facility. Drill core is NQ size and sample intervals range from 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters in length. All samples are assayed for gold by Fire Assay, with gravimetric finish, and other elements assayed using ICP. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at one per 20 samples. Approximately five percent (5%) of the pulps and rejects are sent for check assaying at a second lab with the results averaged and intersections updated when received. Core recovery in the mineralized zones has averaged 99%.

About Galway Metals Inc.

Galway Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned, high-grade, open-pitable flagship Clarence Stream gold project in southwest New Brunswick. Clarence Stream is an emerging gold district with an exploration strike length of approximately 65 kilometres and widths of up to 28 kilometres in certain areas. Galway Metals also has 100%-ownership in the Estrades project, a former producing high-grade, gold-rich polymetallic VMS mine in the northern Abitibi of western Quebec. Led by a management team with a proven track-record of creating shareholder value having sold Galway Resources for US$340 million, Galway Metals is focused on creating value for all its stakeholders.

For additional Information on Galway Metals Inc., Please contact:

Robert Hinchcliffe President & Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 1-800-771-0680

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.galwaymetalsinc.com

Look us up on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

Cautionary Statement

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, information with respect to the OTCQB listing, DTC eligibility, and broadening U.S. institutional and retail investors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to changes in economic conditions or financial markets, political and competitive developments, operation or exploration difficulties, changes in equity markets, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restrictions on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Crown Porphyry-Stockwork Drill Targets Confirmed

Vancouver, British Columbia, January 7th, 2026  TheNewswire  Prismo Metals Inc. (Prismo or the Company) (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce it has received final assay results for samples taken at the Silver King Project from the Crown porphyry target area located on the east side of the property (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Map showing the location of the Crown porphyry and stockwork and Black Diamond replacement exploration targets at the Silver King project. Claim boundaries are shown in yellow.

Overlimit silver assays have been received for the samples taken in late 2025, showing high grade silver mineralization associated with quartz-sulfide veins hosted by the Crown porphyry (Fig 2, Table 1). These assays provide evidence for a high-priority drill target, especially when taken in conjunction with the high gold assays reported previously for the stockwork intrusion (see the News Release of Dec. 3, 2025).

Prismo optioned Silver King with existing drill targets around the historically significant high-grade silver mine. Based on the geology and its location in a well mineralized region, we believed that additional mineralization was also likely present. Our work in the second half of 2025 indicates that we were correct, and we now have exceptional drill targets at the Crown porphyry and adjacent Black Diamond replacement areas, stated Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company. He added, With the high-grade gold assays reported in December and the copper assays at the Black Diamond replacement, we now have a very significant precious-metal and copper target at Silver King similar to other areas in this well mineralized district that includes the Magma mine and the Resolution copper deposit.

"These additional assay results along with the IP survey information continue to enhance and support our exploration thesis of the Silver King mine and surrounding areas," stated Gordon Aldcorn. "This modern-day review has yielded additional drill targets and prospective structures to our program in this already very strategically located project."

Table 1. Assay results for selected samples from the Crown porphyry stockwork

Sample Location Easting Northing Width m Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Pb % Zn % 544559 Crown porphyry 492681 3687905 0.5 m 0.02 18.91 0.02 0.07 0.04 544561 Crown porphyry 492673 3687904 2 m 0.02 177 0.07 0.37 0.02 544563 Crown porphyry 492613 3687848 0.5m 0.03 176 - 0.09 0.01 544591* Crown porphyry 492799 3687851 1.0 5.19 46.44 0.05 0.21 0.06 544592* Crown porphyry 492793 3687823 1.0 4.06 13.97 0.02 0.10 0.07

*Assays previously released in News Release of December 3, 2025.

Figure 2. Precious metal and copper assays from the Crown porphyry and the Black Diamond replacement body at the Silver King Project.

IP Survey

The Company also completed a pole-dipole IP survey over a part of the Silver King project in December 2025. This survey was designed to provide some additional 3-dimensional data for areas identified during the initial gradient array survey (see News Release dated December 3, 2025). This new survey confirmed the presence of important chargeability and resistivity anomalies at the Silver King project. The Silver King silver mine appears to be associated with a large low resistivity anomaly located on the contact of the Silver King diorite porphyry (Fig 3). There is also low resistivity anomalies associated with the Crown porphyry and near the replacement mineralization at Black Diamond (Fig 3). The highest chargeability anomalies appear to be associated with the altered country rocks along intrusive contacts, but a chargeability high is also associated with the Crown porphyry stockwork intrusion. The anomaly associated with the Crown porphyry is particularly interesting and can be traced from shallow levels to about 300 meters in depth.

Figure 3. IP resistivity map at a depth of 75 meters, overlain on geology and showing the Silver King glory hole (black line), Black Diamond replacement body in red, and the Crown porphyry-stockwork in magenta.

Figure 4. IP chargeability at a depth of 75 meters, overlain on geology and showing the Silver King glory hole (black line), Black Diamond replacement body in red, and the Crown porphyry-stockwork in magenta.

Drilling Update

Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo commented: The results announced today confirm the vast exploration potential at Silver King. While we look forward to drilling these new targets in the future, our plans remain unchanged. Our immediate priority is to undertake our fully funded drill program, as previously announced. This drill campaign will primarily focus on the historic Silver King mine site and will be about 2,000 meters. The objective is to test the upper half of the steeply dipping pipelike Silver King mineralized body as well as potential mineralization adjacent to the dense stockwork that was the focus of historic mining.

Mr. Lambert added: We are pleased with the steady progress on the permitting front. The collaboration of Forest Service officials demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting mining activities in Arizona.

Prismo recently announced that the Forest Service, the federal surface land management entity for Silver King, had determined that the Companys proposed drill plan meets the regulatory requirements for processing, and that such plan is complete, as described in the regulations at 36 CFR 228.4(c).

The Forest Service is currently proceeding with the environmental analysis pursuant to 36 CFR 228(a)(5) in conformity with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This analysis is proceeding as a Categorical Exclusion, the lowest level of environment reviews applicable to projects that are not expected to have a significant effect on the environment, such as Silver King.

QA/QC

Samples were analyzed by SGS, an internationally recognized analytical lab, with preparation at the Tempe, Arizona facility and analyses at the Burnaby laboratory. Prismo inserts controls samples consisting of a standard pulps and a coarse blanks in the sample stream, and the lab also inserts control samples.

Qualified Person

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and Chief Exploration Officer and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.

About Prismo Metals Inc.

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Silver King, Ripsey and Hot Breccia projects in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico.

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 Phone: (416) 361-0737

Contact:

Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gordon Aldcorn, President This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and results of drilling at Silver King; and the intended use of any proceeds raised under recent financings.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the potential inability of the Company to utilize the anticipated proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated; and those risks set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under the Companys issuer profile.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Second Tranche as currently anticipated and on the timeline currently expected.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward- looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward- looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Argenta Silver Corp. (TSXV: AGAG) (FSE: T1K) ("Argenta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase for resale 12,500,000 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") at a price of C$0.80 per Offered Share (the "Offering Price") on a "bought deal" basis in a private placement for gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 (the "Underwritten Offering").

The Company will grant to the Underwriters an option, exercisable up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to purchase for resale up to an additional 2,500,000 Offered Shares at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 (the "Over-Allotment Option"). The Underwritten Offering and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option shall be collectively referred to as the "Offering".

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for the exploration and advancement of the Company's 100% owned El Quevar Project in Salta Province, Argentina as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offered Shares will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935  Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The Offered Shares are expected to be immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Offered Shares will also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction.

There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.argentasilver.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about January 22, 2026 or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree (the "Closing Date"). Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"). On closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters a cash commission of 6.0% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of Offering. In addition, on closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to issue to the Underwriters warrants of the Company exercisable for a period of 24 months following the closing date to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Offered Shares sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About the El Quevar Project

The El Quevar Project is located in Salta, Argentina and spans an area of 57,000 hectares. The property remains underexplored with less than 3% of the area covered with comprehensive exploration work. The property boasts exceptional infrastructure with over 60 km of internal roads, a fully owned, fully operational camp for 100 workers with multiple support buildings, and a railroad, gas pipeline and service road just 3 km from camp, while a high voltage transmission line lies approximately 20 km from the exploration area. The robust infrastructure associated with the project provides a cost-effective platform to de-risk and accelerate future drilling and development.

The foundational Mineral Resource Estimate of the Yaxtche deposit boasts an indicated mineral resource of 45.3 million ounces of silver from 2.93 million tonnes grading 482 g/t Ag, and an inferred resource of 4.1 million ounces from 0.31 million tonnes grading 417 g/t Ag (1). The mineral resource area remains open at depth and in multiple directions, particularly to the southeast and northwest.

The mineralization at the Yaxtche deposit is defined as a silver rich, high to intermediate-sulphidation epithermal system with associated gold. Mineralization is controlled by NW-SE and NE-SW fault structures and is mainly hosted in brecciated zones and dacite domes. Silver minerals at Yaxtche consist of complex silver sulphides, sulphosalts and native silver. These minerals are found within silicified breccias, commonly appearing as veinlets, stockworks, disseminations, and breccia fillings.

Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Rob van Egmond, P.Geo. has visited the El Quevar Project and is not independent of the Company.

(1) Refer to NI43-101 technical report with effective date of September 30, 2024, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate of the El Quevar Project Salta Province, Argentina", posted on www.sedarplus.ca under Argenta Silver Corp.

About Argenta Silver Corp.

Argenta Silver Corp. is a silver exploration company focused on advancing projects that support the global energy transition. Our mission is to create sustainable, long-term value for shareholders by acquiring and developing high-potential silver assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions across Latin America. Led by an experienced management team with deep expertise in exploration, finance, and project development, Argenta emphasizes responsible mining practices and is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for silver -- a critical metal in renewable energy and emerging technologies.

On behalf of Argenta Silver Corp.,

"Joaquin Marias"

President and Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX-V nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the structure and terms of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the filing of the Offering Document and the approval of the Offering by the TSX-V.

Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the Offering may not be completed as currently contemplated, or at all; exploration and development of the El Quevar project may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
The Ukrainian delegation continues to work with partners in Paris, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov has said.

"We held consultations with national security advisers from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Turkey with the participation of the United States, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council. The conversation focused on specific parameters of security guarantees, deterrence of Russian aggression and the logic of further steps in the peace process," Umerov said on Telegram.

He noted that approaches are increasingly moving from the plane of political statements to the plane of practical solutions.

"There is a clear understanding of the underlying movement towards the implementation of the agreements. It is this kind of work that creates the basis for real and sustainable peace," Umerov emphasized.

From the Ukrainian side, the meeting was attended by the head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov, the first deputy head of the President's Office Serhiy Kyslytsia and the advisor to the President's Office Oleksandr Bevz.
The President's address to the participants of the meeting of the Coalition of the Wishing on December 11, 2025 | Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

Ukraine has informed European partners about the need for missiles for air defense systems, new systems have not arrived from the US, missiles are coming, but Ukraine wants to accelerate their supply, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"Not only did I discuss, I showed in detail yesterday, for example, to the Europeans, I will not talk about it publicly now, which systems urgently need the arrival of missiles. As for the systems from the US, no new systems have arrived. As for the missiles, they are coming little by little, and we want to accelerate delivery," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday.

"We really want and once again ask the US. As for the Europeans, I want to thank Norway separately. I will not give details," the president added.






Tuesday, January 06, 2025 - TikToker Wanyuat has gone viral after capturing a dramatic moment of street justice in Nairobi, where Nairobians rallied to recover money allegedly conned from her father.

The incident unfolded on Luthuli Avenue, a street wellknown for its bustling electronics shops and equally infamous scams.

Wanyuats father had gone to purchase a 43inch TCL Google TV, initially quoted at Ksh23,000.

Tempted by a larger 55inch model priced at Ksh30,000, he upgraded and paid in cash after inspecting the item.

Moments later, shopkeepers claimed the payment was only a deposit under a hire purchase scheme.

When he demanded a refund, they refused, sparking chaos.

In Wanyuats viral video, her father is seen confronting the sellers as a crowd quickly gathers.

Nairobians from all walks of life joined in, chanting and demanding justice.

The mounting pressure eventually forced the shop to return the full Ksh30,000.

Luthuli Avenue has long been notorious for such tricks - ranging from hidden warranty fees to swapping branded electronics for cheaper imitations once buyers leave the counter.

As the cash was handed back, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Wanyuats father celebrated by dancing and waving the recovered money, while bystanders recorded the victory on their phones.

Grateful for the solidarity, Wanyuat ended her post with a heartfelt note:

Thanks to all who helped out. May God bless you, and lets all be careful where we buy our electronics.

@wanyuat my dad went to town looking to buy a 43 inch TCL Google tv which he was told went for 23k. But then he spotted a 55 inch and when he asked he was told it goes for 30k. So when he compared the prices he decided to go with the 55 inch. So the tv was brought and after checking it out and confirming it was in good condition he paid, only for them to later tell him that he had purchased a hire purchase tv. When my dad asked for refund they refused and talked back at him like they pleased. That's what led to all the drama. Thanks to all who helped outmay God bless you and let's all be careful and aware of where we get our electronics. Thank you and happy new year  original sound - Wanyuat

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - In a shocking revelation, Nelson Amenya, a former insider of Prophet David Owuors church, has claimed that the controversial preacher staged a story about receiving a luxurious jet from the Government of Brazil.

Amenya shared the revelation on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Owuor of fabricating the extravagant tale to boost his public image.

According to Amenya, the narrative about the Government-endorsed gift was carefully orchestrated to portray Owuor as a figure of immense international influence.

They hired a private jet in Brazil then lied to the whole world that the government of Brazil had gifted Owuor the jet. The whole lie was engineered by one guy who works at African Development Bank. Initially they just downloaded photos of jets off the internet and shared them and said the jet is ex-military lol! he tweeted, insisting that the alleged luxury jet never existed and that the preacher knowingly misled his followers.

Prophet David Owuor, who has been a key figure in Kenyas religious circles for years, has repeatedly attracted criticism for his flashy lifestyle.

This latest allegation adds to a series of controversies surrounding him, with many questioning the authenticity of his purported miracles and international connections.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, January 06, 2025 - Popular social media personality, Nurse Judy, has weighed in on a trending conversation about employers anxious that their housekeepers might not return after taking time off for Christmas holiday.

Ive been seeing all the shenanigans of people worried if their househelp will come back, while I was very much at peace, she shared.

That peace, she explained, comes from how she treats and pays the people who work in her home.

Judy says she knows her house help has no reason to leave unless she herself decides to let them go.

The secret? Fair pay and respect. I pay them as if they are working in State House! she declared.

She revealed that in August last year, she made a bold decision to increase her workers salary by Ksh 35,000.

My househelp earns better than a nurse in any private hospital in Kenya, Judy revealed.

Besides the money, she prides herself on being a supportive employer.

Im a good boss, like extremely good, she said, emphasizing that her staff enjoy working with her because she values them as people, not just employees.

She disclosed that her housekeeper recently chose to work alone rather than share duties with another person and instead of forcing the arrangement, Judy respected the decision and topped up the salary.

She said hataki wakue wawili, so I gave her a 35k topup, Judy explained, adding that she occasionally offers extra cash as appreciation.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, January 06, 2025 - The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has issued a stern warning to Kenyans engaging in teaching without proper registration, cautioning that offenders face jail terms or hefty fines.

In a gazette notice dated January 2nd, 2026, TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei stated that anyone found teaching or assisting in teaching without registration is liable to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of Ksh100,000, or both.

The TSC Act provides that any person who, not being a teacher under the Act, teaches or assists in teaching in any school shall be liable to a fine of not less than one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, Mitei emphasized.

She further cautioned schools and learning institutions against employing unregistered individuals, warning that such institutions risk similar penalties.

According to Mitei, these actions contravene provisions of the TSC Act, Regulation 18 (1) (c) and (d) of the Code of Regulations for Teachers, as well as Section 45 of the Act.

The warning comes after the deregistration of three teachers in November 2025, following disciplinary proceedings.

The teachers, identified by TSC numbers 778322, 1024775, and 739070, were struck off the register for violating the Commissions code of conduct.

TSC clarified that once a teachers name is removed, it cannot be reinstated unless directed by the Commission.

A teacher whose name has been removed from the register shall cease to be a teacher for purposes of this Act with effect from the date of such removal, the Commission noted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Cyprus Andriy Sybiha and Konstantinos Kombos have discussed the priorities of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU, with Sybiha emphasizing the importance of opening negotiation clusters in 2026.

"Today in Nicosia, as part of the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to Cyprus, I held a very meaningful meeting with my Cypriot colleague Konstantinos Kombos. I am glad that the Ukrainian delegation led by President Zelensky is participating in the official opening of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU," Sybiha said on Telegram on Wednesday.

According to him, the parties discussed the priorities of the Cyprus presidency. "I am grateful that the issues of Ukraine and our accession to the EU are among the main ones on the agenda. I emphasized the importance of opening negotiation clusters in 2026, and the role of Cyprus in this is extremely important," Sybiha said.

He also reported that the recent dynamics of the peace process were discussed in detail. "I informed about Ukraine's approach and proposals, the leading role of the United States and Europe's involvement in peace efforts, pressure on Russia, as well as the need for reliable security guarantees for Ukraine," he noted.

"We devoted a significant part of our conversation to bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Cyprus, in particular in the field of security and defense, joint efforts using EU instruments, as well as the role of Cyprus in strengthening European security," Sybiga added.

According to him, the issues of Ukraine's reconstruction and energy stability in the face of ongoing Russian attacks, humanitarian support, sanctions policy, and the use of frozen Russian assets for defense and reconstruction were also discussed.

"Ukraine values Cyprus as a reliable partner and looks forward to strengthening our bilateral cooperation, as well as strengthening EU unity and bringing about lasting peace during the Cyprus presidency of the European Union," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted.






Tuesday, January 06, 2025 - Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, has threatened to mobilise parents to protest against the Governments failure to sufficiently release firstterm school capitation funds.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, January 6th, the former Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson insisted that the Government must disburse the full allocation by midterm to avoid unrest.

He argued that withholding funds compromises school operations and denies learners their constitutional right to free basic education.

Nyoro dismissed Government claims that adequate funds had already been released, terming them inaccurate.

Some of these things are not begging; as leaders, we are just telling the Government to do what they need to do.

Last week, we told the Government to release a circular on capitation or we would take unspecified action, he said.

The legislator vowed to lead efforts exposing what he described as misinformation, warning that parents could no longer remain silent as learners rights were eroded.

This term we will be keen to assess the Governments behaviour in sending money, he added.

Millions of learners across the country are resuming classes this week.

The Ministry of Education recently confirmed the release of Ksh 44.2 billion to public basic education institutions for Term One, 2026.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba explained that Ksh26 billion will go to Free Day Secondary Education, Ksh15 billion to Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh4 billion to Free Primary Education.

He urged school heads to avoid levying unauthorised fees and to use the funds responsibly.

The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and institutions, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution, Ogamba said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, January 06, 2025 - An X user, Mr J (@gs.otis), has gone viral for warning against careless testimonies that could backfire professionally.

You got a new job and you stand up to testify that you didnt merit it but somehow God just gave it to you, he wrote.

The tweet warns that such public admissions could backfire if employers review credentials and revoke the opportunity.

Wisdom is profitable to direct, Mr J added, advising people to give thanks to God, YES, but use sense.

His message has resonated widely, with many agreeing that not every blessing needs a microphone, especially when your job might be on the line.





The Kenyan DAILY POST
Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

The US is negotiating with Russia and discussing various options for a ceasefire, but so far Russia is "turning up its nose," but Ukraine's partners are strong enough and can "turn their noses up if they want," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"The Americans are definitely negotiating with the Russians, discussing various options. I will answer very simply that so far Russia is turning its nose up, but our partners are strong enough, some of them in particular, and can turn their noses up if they want," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday.
AN Athy man who lived in his home for 36 years is claiming that the Councils Housing Section will not let him return to the property after it was badly damaged in an arson attack on 31 October.

Martin Byrne was living in his Council house in Townspark, Athy when he was the victim of a fire that cost him his dogs life.

It was fireworks thrown in my letterbox between 12.30 and 1pm, Mr Byrne explained.

I think the damage is just to the hall, the stairs and the kitchen, well, thats what the guards told me, but I havent been there since 31 October."

I went to Mark Wall (TD) to get help for a new house while I was waiting for the repairs, said Mr Byrne.

He sent me to the Housing Office and they took the house off me, and now Im homeless.

They offered me another house in Athy but I didnt want it, because the young lads who burnt my house are still hanging around, and I want to be in the other end of town."

He added: Im staying up near Enfield, but I have to be out on Monday or Tuesday, so I dont know what Im going to do.

Im from Athy. What am I doing up here? I want my house back.

All my memories of the missus and the kids."

Martins wife Christina died in 2011.

Im a 63-year-old in bad health," he said. Im on a sleep apnoea machine and I need a nebuliser, and theyre both still up in the old house.

He said I couldnt go in the house until after Christmas, but I havent been able to collect anything.

Remember, they killed my dog, and this has now been going on for three months.

Mr Byrne said he was initially but then lost this accommodation.

I had to sleep three nights that week in my car ... the 16th, 17th and 18th of December I slept in my car.

Kildare County Council have declined to comment on the case.

I dont know what the plan is. Im up here (in north Kildare) and I dont know anyone.

My plan is to get back in my house.

My daughter does everything for me.

Im on heart medication, and have a hand tremor that needed treatment in Belfast.

Now they tell me Im getting diabetes.

Ive been ringing the Ombudsman, the newspapers, the radio looking for help, but theyre doing nothing for me, only promise me this, promise me that  Why they took the house off me I dont know."

He added: All I want is my house done up and back.

Im in there since 1989, thats when I moved in.

When the Fire Brigade took me down from the back room the night of the fire, they put me in an ambulance and it was straight to Portlaoise, and when I got out, the back door had already been boarded up."

Im telling you the truth, I wouldnt lie, he concluded.

Deputy Mark Wall has confirmed his office is assisting Mr Byrne in his quest, but Kildare County Council have refused to comment, maintaining it consistent policy of not commenting on individual cases.
By David Young, Press Association

The Government remains committed to doing everything in its power to secure answers for the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Helen McEntee said it was absolutely essential that the circumstances of the 1997 killing were fully investigated.

Despite agreeing a new joint framework on structures for dealing with Troubles-related cases with the UK government last September, the Dublin government has not dropped its call for a public inquiry into the murder of Mr Brown.

Foreign Affairs minister Helen McEntee spoke to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

The Government argues that a public inquiry remains the best avenue for his widow, Bridie, to receive a timely remedy in her case, given she is aged in her late 80s and the legislative steps to create new legacy structures for investigating unsolved Troubles crimes will take time to complete.

Last year, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary murder.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Derry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings in 2024 heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

Last year, Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn took the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting it involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries  the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Benn has argued that a reformed legacy investigative commission set up under the joint UK/Irish framework is a more appropriate way to examine the Brown case.

I think it's absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think it's absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point Helen McEntee

Ms McEntee, who replaced Simon Harris as Foreign Affairs Minister late last year, was asked about the prospect of changing the UK governments mind on a public inquiry as she spoke to reporters on her first visit to Belfast since taking on the role.

This is something that has been raised previously by my predecessors, something that I have raised, and that Im very happy to continue to raise as well, she said.

I think its absolutely essential for his family that answers are got, and I think its absolutely essential that we do everything that we can to get to that point.

She added: I mean in terms of the new structures and the commission, I think they have been broadly welcomed, but as I think most people agree, its where we start to see delivery and where we start to see answers for people that we really start to see it work.

But I think we need to work with families, and we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to get answers for those families that they deserve.

On her visit to Stormont, Ms McEntee met Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots and senior figures from the Alliance Party, Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP.

She also met representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Earlier, the minister visited students from different community backgrounds in Belfast to hear about their involvement in reconciliation projects.
PUNCHESTOWN-BORN Seanad Senator Aubrey McCarthy said it was a privilege to meet the new Pope Leo IXV during a recent audience in Rome.

Senator McCarthy took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Pope Leo to visit Kildare in the near future. He spoke of the countys deep-rooted connection to St Brigid, its vibrant communities, and its longstanding tradition of hospitality.

As a personal gesture, Senator McCarthy presented Pope Leo with a handcrafted Newbridge Silverware St Brigids Cross. The gift, created by the renowned Newbridge-based company, symbolises peace, protection, and the enduring legacy of St Brigid.

Speaking after the meeting, Senator McCarthy said that he was honoured to share the story of St Bridget with the Pope Leo. He expressed hope that the invitation to visit Kildare will be take up soon.
Sean McCarthaigh

A teacher who was jailed for stealing over 100,000 from the school where he was a principal has been suspended by his regulatory body from working as a teacher for a period of one month.

An inquiry panel of the Teaching Council imposed the sanction on the teacher after a fitness-to-teach inquiry found that he had been convicted by a Circuit Court of an offence triable on indictment, which also impacted on his fitness to teach.

Announcing details of the sanction on Wednesday, the inquiry chairperson, Mary Magner, said the panel was also censuring the teacher as well as imposing certain conditions on the retention of his registration including that he does not take up any teaching role in future that would involve access to money or finance.

The former principal must also attend a consultant psychiatrist to obtain a medical report to demonstrate his continuing recovery from an addiction, a copy of which has to be provided to the Teaching Council within 15 months.

He is also required to inform any employer or prospective employer of such conditions.

Ms Magner said the sanction was necessary, appropriate, proportionate and fair.

The teacher, who is in his early 40s, was convicted of numerous sample counts of theft over a two-year period at a school in the midlands where he was principal.

The offences arose from his use of the schools credit card and cheques on which he had forged the name of the chairperson of the schools board of management.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison with a further period suspended on condition that any outstanding stolen money be repaid over three years.

The teacher, who now works at a different school in the east of Ireland, has repaid 71,000 to date and has a revised agreement in place to repay the remainder in 72 instalments spread over three years.

The inquiry heard that the teacher, who is supported by the Teachers Union of Ireland, had been in remission from an addiction which should be recognised as a form of disability under employment legislation.

The name of the teacher as well as the names of his current and former schools and the nature of his addiction cannot be published as part of extensive reporting restrictions imposed by the three-person inquiry panel.

Ms Magner said the findings against the teacher were very serious, although the panel accepted there are more egregious types of conduct such as physical and sexual abuse of a student.

She said the teachers actions were dishonest and deprived the school of money which had been set aside for a new school building and astro pitch.

Ms Magner said an argument by the teachers legal representatives that it was more serious for a solicitor to steal funds than a teacher was without merit.

She observed the former principal had breached the trust of students, staff and the board of management by stealing from the school.

Ms Magner said the premeditated and deliberate offending lasted over a two-year period which showed it was a pattern and not confined to one or even a few incidences.

The inquiry chairperson said the teachers conduct was incompatible with teaching, but for several mitigating factor,s including that he was suffering from a disability at the time.

She also noted the tragic circumstances of the death of one of his relatives.

Ms Magner acknowledged the admissions made by the teacher as well as his apology and expression of remorse which the panel accepted were genuine.

She observed that he had also demonstrated real and in-depth insight into how his actions had brought the profession into disrepute as well as actively undertaking efforts at remediation and rehabilitation.

The panel said it had also taken into account that the former principal was unable to work while in prison and had applied for 75 jobs and attended 14 interviews before securing a new teaching post.

It also noted he was described as an excellent teacher with no previous disciplinary history.

Ms Magner said the panel did not agree with a submission by the teachers lawyers that the imposition of a period of suspension would represent over-regulation.

She said the sanction would send a message to other teachers that stealing will not go without severe punishment.

Ms Magner said the panel acknowledged that the teachers suspension might discommode his current school and its pupils but noted it was for a limited period.

She also accepted that it might have unwanted consequences for his family but said the panel did not accept there was any risk that the suspension placed his current job at risk.

Counsel for the teacher, Cathy Maguire SC, had previously argued that he would suffer double punishment if the Teaching Council were to suspend him or strike him off the register.

He has done his time and paid his debt to society, said Ms Maguire.

The inquiry panel had earlier last year twice refused an application by Ms Maguire to use its powers to bring the hearing to a conclusion by accepting an undertaking by the teacher about his future conduct and a consent to being censured.

The inquiry heard that the teacher had suffered a disorder since 2007, while his sister gave evidence that his family had put in place support and structures to ensure that there would be no relapse of his offending.

Counsel for the Teaching Council, Eoghan OSullivan BL, had argued that the appropriate sanction should be suspension with conditions as a censure would be disproportionately lenient.

Mr OSullivan observed that there was no evidence that the teacher would lose his current post if he was to receive a suspension.

At the conclusion of the sanction hearing, the teachers counsel, Louise Beirne BL, said they would consider the outcome and next steps.
THE reopened temporary accommodation at Floods Cross at Newhall, on the northern outskirts of Naas has enjoyed some seasonal peace according to the site owner.

Ive been away a bit, but I havent heard a dickie-bird, said Fintan Flood, the landowner of the accommodation centre from Ukrainian refugees, from whom we sought for a seasonal update.

Its all quiet there now, and isnt it a good time for peace, peace to all men? said Fintan Flood.

The poor people here were being bombed to bits on a daily basis, had no heat or electricity, and were being deliberately frozen out of their homes  itd bring a tear to your eye, he noted.

Its all quiet there except for this bit of charity towards our visitors.

I saw we had President (Volodymir) Zelensky in the Dail, and that was only proper, so lets hope theres a lot more peace in the world in 2026, said Fintan.

Originally built in February and March 2024 to house up to 1,000 refugees, it was closed and dismantled only nine months ago in March, but then re-opened again in October for another 350 arrivals, although only for a 90-day tenure, according to the Department of Justice.

The centre attracted a protest camp outside the fence for a couple of months when it was first built, but this gradually faded away after a few months after some noise and unrest.

Ive had pigs heads thrown at me, shite thrown over the gate, my wife and children abuse, and I had to give up a seat on a local board after being screamed at that I was a people trafficker, said Fintan when we interviewed him last March at closedown.

But, we did a bit of good, and were very proud of it, he said.

Youd see somebody coming in with legs blown off, yet a week later you could be having a cup of tea with them and they wouldnt be shaking any more.

I remember the first time we had to do the mandatory fire alarm test, and the first thing everybody did was dive under the tables, because it sounded like an air raid.

When I asked why, they said that every time they heard that sound over the last few years it meant bombs were coming.

But the biggest thing we could provide for them? Silence.

I met a mother who hadnt slept in months, and what she said about Newhall was the silence and the sleep.

Thats what I feel good about. When you can look a mother in the eyes, and she was happy because she could let her children sleep.
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) will provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the Russian drone attack on Dnipro overnight.

"Dnipropetrovsk regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross will provide humanitarian aid to victims and people whose homes were damaged as a result of the strike," the organization wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

The URCS said that volunteers from the emergency response team of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Dnipro region quickly arrived at the scene following the latest attack in Dnipro. Working alongside first responders from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, they conducted door-to-door checks in affected buildings, ready to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The volunteers also provided ongoing support to the emergency workers, remaining on site to assist as required.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, seven people were injured in the mass Russian attack in Dnipro, including two children. The strike caused multiple fires across the city, damaging multi-storey and private residential buildings, administrative buildings, vehicles, infrastructure, and a gas pipeline.
With Kilkenny being a city of Royal Charter by King James I in 1609, legend has it that the city was prioritised for a railway line as far back as 1837.

One of three Parliamentary Acts passed in 1837 was for a line from Dublin to Kilkenny. The first public steam-powered railway in the world was the Stockton and Darlington Railway in England, which opened in 1825.

The first railway built in Ireland was the Dublin to Kingstown line built in 1834. Its claim was that it was the oldest commuter line in the world. The Kilkenny line joined the Dublin-Cork line at Cherryville Junction just south west of Kildare town.

The first section of the Kilkenny to Waterford line built by Messrs Wright & OToole for the Waterford to Kilkenny Railway Company commenced construction in 1846 and opened as far as Thomastown on May 11, 1848. Kilkenny Station had been completed in 1847.

The Kilkenny-Waterford line joined the Dublin-Cork line at Cherryville Junction just south-west of Kildare town. The Board Minutes for August 5, 1846 report that Captain Moorsom, the engineer, presented a Design for a terminus station at Kilkenny which was generally approved of.

On May 12, 1847 Moorsom reported that a modified plan for the station had been made by Sancton Wood to permit it to take traffic of the proposed Kilkenny to Carlow track (operated by the ISER) which opened on November 14, 1950.

The first plan of the station was estimated at 14,000 but when finished in late 1847 costs had risen to 30,471. The original main passenger entrance to the station was through the western facade but this was later adapted to facilitate the new Kilkenny to Maryborough (Portlaoise) line which opened in 1867.

READ NEXT: 'Doesn't make sense': Kilkenny man slams 100,000 train station lift out of use for 18 years'

This line was further extended to Mountmellick. It had originally opened for a brief three-month spell as far as Abbeyleix in 1864 but this service was not economically viable. This line joined the Dublin-Cork line at the Conniberry Junction just south of Portlaoise.

The engineer and the architect

Captain William Scarth Moorson: An English military and civil engineer, Moorsom first came to Ireland as a young man in 1823, when he joined the 79th Regiment, then stationed in Dublin.

In addition to carrying out his regular duties, he made a trigonometrical survey of Dublin and its surroundings which was used in the Quartermaster Generals Office until it was superseded by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland.

He left the army and became a civil engineer, specialising in railway work. His skills were much in demand during the great burst of railway building in the mid-1840s, and he was brought into contact with Ireland again when he laid out the Great Western Line from Naas to Galway, the Waterford and Kilkenny line (from 1846), and the South Eastern Railway from Carlow to Kilkenny (1848-50).

He designed the station at Kilkenny and the viaduct over the River Nore near Thomastown for the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway Company. His original design was adapted by Sancton Wood.

Sancton Wood (April 27, 1814  April 18, 1886) was an English architect and surveyor, known for his work on railway buildings. Wood obtained work in the office of his cousin, the architect Robert Smirke, as a pupil.

He later worked for Roberts brother, Sydney Smirke. In these positions he was trained in classical architecture, which led to his early recognition.

He set up his own practice in England and obtained work designing stations for the growing railway networks in Great Britain and Ireland. He designed one of Londons first train terminals in 1837, for Eastern Counties Railway at Shoreditch.

In 1845, he won the competition to design the Kingsbridge terminus and Company offices at Dublin (now known as Heuston Station), winning against 65 other designs. Wood continued to work in Ireland for a number of years, designing stations between Dublin and Cork for Great Southern and Western, and on the Limerick Junction.

He was also engaged to design a stand at the Curragh racecourse. He also designed the Bagenalstown, Thurles and Portlaoise Railway Stations.

NIAH ENTRY

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes Kilkenny MacDonagh Station as follows: The remains of a once-extensive Classically-detailed railway station built as a terminus to designs prepared by Captain William Scarth Moorsom (1804-63) and as modified by Sancton Wood (c1814-86) who was also responsible for subsequent modifications to adapt the building to use as a through-line station to Maryborough/Portlaoise....

The construction in yellow brick produces a distinctive palette while refined dressings in County Kilkenny limestone displaying expert masonry enhance the design aesthetic of the composition.

The station remains of particular importance for the associations with the development of the Waterford and Maryborough [Portlaoise] Branch extension of the Great Southern and Western Railway line by the Kilkenny Junction Railway Company in 1867.

Royalty, Presidents and Hurlers

Notable figures to have travelled by train to Kilkenny were King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1904 on a three-day visit to the Butlers at Kilkenny Castle.

They also visited St James Park for the Kilkenny Agricultural Show. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark also stopped off on her way to Waterford in 1978.

Presidents De Valera, Robinson and McAleese were frequent users of the rail network during their terms in office. The Kilkenny hurling team for many years travelled by train to and from Croke Park for All-Ireland hurling finals.

With the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922 a gradual change began to take place in the Railway Company to make what had been up to then a very British institution. Many of the Station Masters had been ex British military personnel.

CIE was formed as a private company by The Transport Act 1944 and it incorporated the Great Southern Railways and Dublin United Transport Company. CIE came into being on January 1, 1945.

The year 1966 was a very significant year in terms of the Irishness of the company when many of the major stations around the country were renamed after executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. Kilkenny was renamed MacDonagh after Thomas MacDonagh a native of Cloughjordan, Tipperary, who had been a professor at St Kierans College in the early years of the 20th Century.

A major reconfiguration of the Station took place in 1997 when the ticket and parcels office, station masters office, cafe and so forth moved up track to a repurposed former Goods Shed building.

The year 2005 saw a portion of the old railway station complex acquired by the developers of MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. In fairness to the developers they restored, refurbished and repurposed the historic railway buildings on their property such as the former main Goods Shed, waiting rooms and offices.

Then, 2009 brought further significant change with the introduction of the push and pull locomotives by Iarnrod Eireann, thus negating the need for locomotives to decouple from the train to do the runaround.

The old station complex was now closed off completely and abandoned by CIE. The Victorian platform footbridge linking the two platforms was also closed off at this time.

Military Connection

In December 2021, a beautiful War Memorial Plaque featuring the names of many of the 3,271 soldiers from County Kilkenny who served in World War I was unveiled at a seated shelter at the Railway Station by Bishops Nulty and Burrows in a joint ecumenical service.

The connection between the military and Kilkenny Railway Station probably dates as far back to the Crimean War 1853-1856 and the Boer Wars 1899-1902. Certainly, many soldiers who served at Kilkenny military barracks would have also served during these wars.

Seven trees were planted at the station in 2016 to commemorate the seven signatories to the Proclamation of the Republic in 1916 one of whom was Thomas MacDonagh. In 2023, a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the 175th anniversary of the opening of the station.

Sources

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Railways in Ireland 1834-1984, Kilkenny Its Architecture and History, Kilkenny People Newspaper and Wikipedia.
US billionaire Kelcy Warren is the mystery investor behind the 30 million plan to extend Waterford Airports runway, it has been revealed.

The Irish Independent reports that Mr Warren is the anonymous investor who has pledged to redevelop the airport alongside local businessman William Bolster.

The newspaper added that the deal to formalise Mr Warrens investment is nearing completion.

READ NEXT: 'Lives are at risk'- Kilkenny homeless shelter gives warning during freezing cold snap

It will see the new Waterford Airport company and its assets come under the control of the US billionaire.

Mr Warren, who hails from Texas, is the single largest shareholder in the US firm Energy Transfer and has an estimated net worth of 6bn.

His company operates more than 200,000 kilometres of oil and natural gas pipelines in the United States.

Mr Warren has been a steadfast supporter of US President Donald Trump throughout his time in politics.

He has donated millions of dollars to the MAGA movement over the years, including to the Trump campaign in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

The Texan billionaire also has links to Ireland. In 2019, he purchased the Castletown Cox House and Estate in Co Kilkenny.

The house is located close to both Piltown and Carrick-on-Suir and is still owned by Mr Warren.

READ NEXT: Latest IBAL rating doesnt properly reflect how great Kilkenny is

Last year, he applied for planning permission to build a private distillery on the grounds of the estate.

Mr Warrens ownership of the property has meant that he has been heavily linked with the Waterford Airport investment proposal in recent months.

The Irish Independent reports that while its believed the transaction has been signed, it will be a number of days before it is formalised.

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The High Court has ruled that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was justified in issuing a grounding order for an aircraft at Kilkenny Airfield and suspending a pilots licence after IAA inspectors made an unannounced inspection to the local airfield.

The latest chapter in a prolonged disagreement over regulatory oversight at the local airfield has played out in the High Court, where the judge indicated he proposes to refuse the reliefs sought by two applicants.

Kilkenny Live has previously reported growing frustration with the club after many skydives that had been booked did not go ahead.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny gardai have the last laugh after chase of dangerous driver abandoned

Members of the club have been continually reaching out to this publication, describing cancellations at short notice and explaining how they were still left waiting for refunds as the club became embroiled in legal proceedings.

In a judgment delivered electronically late last month, the court described the first applicant (Irish Skydiving Club CLG) as a company limited by guarantee operating a club involved in skydiving and parachuting from an airfield in County Kilkenny.

It stated that the club charters two G8 Airvan planes registered in the United Kingdom.

The second applicant (Eoin Nevin), the court noted, holds a private pilots licence issued by the respondent, is a director of the first applicant, and also holds the position of administrator within the club.

The court described the IAA as the competent authority for the purpose of EU regulations.

The judgment explained that ramp inspections are spot checks of aircraft while they are on the ground and unannounced safety assessments of the aircraft, its crew, and its operation in the live operational environment.

READ NEXT: US billionaire with plans for Kilkenny distillery revealed as Waterford Airports mystery investor

On August 26 2022, three Irish Aviation Authority representatives arrived at the Kilkenny airfield at 14:00 hours and sought documents including the pilots licence and aircraft certificates.

The inspectors requested the checklist required for parachute operations; the judgment records the pilot said the checklist was being updated and returned with a single page document as the checklist.

Following that inspection, findings recorded on the Proof of Ramp Inspection form included: No checklists available for type of operation (parachuting); unapproved checklist in use by PIC; out of date aeronautical chart; markings and/ or placards missing or unreadable.

The judgment states a second inspection took place on September 16, 2022.

It records that the pilot said he would not participate until his legal representative arrived, and that the inspectors formed the view they had been refused access to the aircraft.

READ NEXT: APPEAL: Aubrey Lane was reported missing on this day 38 years ago - Kilkenny Live

The inspectors called for gardai to be present before communicating a grounding order.

The court noted that after a later announced inspection in March 2023, the aircraft was deemed airworthy for normal operations and the grounding order was lifted.

In its conclusions, the court held that the IAA had the power to carry out the ramp inspections on August 26 2022 and September 16 2022, and that there was no legal impediment to carrying out unannounced ramp inspections in the circumstances described.

On the conduct of the inspections, the court found the IAAs representatives acted reasonably and lawfully during the first inspection, and again acted lawfully and reasonably during the second.

Addressing the pilots position that the second inspection should not proceed pending the arrival of legal representation, the court held that those being regulated do not have the right to defer or suspend the inspection until their legal adviser should attend.

The court held the IAA had legal authority to ground the aircraft on September 16 2022 and found the grounding order was justified.

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It also held the IAA acted lawfully in provisionally suspending the second applicants licence on September 23 2022.

The court stated it was not satisfied that the applicants are entitled to any of the reliefs sought, and proposed that the final order should be to refuse the reliefs sought.

The matter was listed for mention at 10.30am on January 28, 2026 for the purpose of making final orders.

The implications that the outcome of this judgment may have for the future of the skydiving club  as well as those customers still waiting on refunds  remain unclear at present.

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Commuters travelling from Kilkenny to Dublin and further afield have voiced growing frustration at what they describe as ridiculous and increasingly unmanageable delays on some of the States busiest routes.

Workers who rely on the M9, M7, N7 and M50 say their daily journeys have become a constant source of stress, with collisions, breakdowns and poor driving standards that are turning already long commutes into exhausting ordeals.

READ NEXT: High Court weighs in on skydiving club dispute with IAA at airfield in Kilkenny

One Kilkenny-based commuter, who drives to Dunshaughlin in County Meath up to six days a week, said leaving home before dawn has become a necessity rather than a choice.

If I dont leave the house at 4.45 or 5am on a Monday morning, I wont make work on time, they said.

There are constant collisions and breakdowns, and the standard of driving is shocking. People dont know how to use the lanes properly.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny gardai have the last laugh after chase of dangerous driver abandoned

They added that dangerous last-minute lane changes are now a daily occurrence, particularly around exits.

Youll see people swapping from lane to lane and then, when its their exit, theyll swerve from the far lane straight across to the nearside at the last minute. Ive had quite a few close calls because of this.

What should be a journey of around an hour and a half can regularly stretch to two or even three hours, particularly in the evenings.

The M50, especially turning off towards the N7, was highlighted as a major pinch point.

You could easily face three or four crashes on one journey to or from work, the commuter said. It makes going to work challenging and really difficult to keep your mindset right.

Another issue adding to the frustration is the cost.

Some commuters report paying tolls up to three or four times a day, five days a week.

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Another commuter, who can be called to work at short notice, said the unpredictability of traffic has become a serious source of anxiety.

Im given one hour and 45 minutes to get there, and I have to take the M9, M7, N7 and M50, they explained.

In recent times its been very anxiety-inducing. Its almost a lottery now, depending on the time Im called, as to whether Ill make it.

They said traffic conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent years.

READ NEXT: Plans for a brand new restaurant in the heart of Kilkenny

It wasnt like this before. Traffic seems worse than ever, and then getting caught in it on the way home can really stress you out when you should be settling down. Its ridiculous.

Speaking recently in Dail Eireann, Kildare TD Mark Wall said its not just workers that are affected, as he outlined harrowing stories of people missing medical appointments like chemotherapy because of delays.

The commuter chaos needs to be addressed, he added.

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Local animal welfare organisations in Kilkenny and Carlow are set to benefit from a record national funding allocation announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon.

A total of 6,434,803 has been awarded to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme  the highest level of funding ever provided through the scheme.

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Chairman of Kilkennys Animal Welfare Committee, said the funding was particularly significant for organisations working on the ground in Kilkenny and Carlow.

Im delighted to see local organisations recognised for the extraordinary work they do every day, he said. This funding will make a real difference to animal welfare in our communities.

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Among the successful local recipients are:

Irish Horse Rehoming Programme, County Carlow, which has been awarded 20,000;

Kilkenny SPCA, awarded 24,650;

A Dogs Life, Kilkenny, awarded 5,000.

Councillor McGuinness said the funding was a deserved acknowledgment of the dedication shown by staff and volunteers, often in challenging circumstances.

These organisations consistently go above and beyond, he said. They care for vulnerable animals, educate the public, promote responsible ownership and work tirelessly to ensure animals are given a second chance at life.

He added that, in his role as Chair of Kilkennys Animal Welfare Committee, he sees first-hand the impact these groups have locally.

The commitment shown by volunteers and staff is remarkable, he said. This funding recognises not just their compassion, but their proven track record in delivering positive outcomes for animal welfare.

He concluded by welcoming the overall scale of the funding announcement.

This record investment sends a strong message about the importance of animal welfare in Ireland, he said. Im proud that organisations in Kilkenny and Carlow are playing such a positive role in setting standards nationally.
The United States has seized an oil tanker, now known as the Marinera and registered under the Russian flag, after a week-long pursuit, Reuters has reported, citing US officials.

"The seizure, which could stoke tensions with Russia, came after the tanker, originally known as the Bella-1, slipped through a U.S. maritime 'blockade' of sanctioned tankers and rebuffed U.S. Coast Guard efforts to board it," the news agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

The operation is being carried out by the Coast Guard and the US military. According to the agency's sources, Russian warships, including a Russian submarine, were nearby during the operation.

Separately, the US Coast Guard has intercepted another tanker linked to Venezuela in Latin American waters, U.S. officials told Reuters, as the United States continues to impose a naval "blockade" of vessels from Venezuela that are subject to sanctions.

Earlier in the day, Russia reportedly sent a submarine and other warships to protect an empty oil tanker trying to evade the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean. The tanker has been trying to evade a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for more than two weeks. The vessel has not docked in Venezuela or loaded oil. Although the vessel is empty, the U.S. Coast Guard has been pursuing the vessel in the Atlantic Ocean as part of a broader campaign to identify and seize a "shadow fleet" that transports illegal oil around the world, including oil from the Russian black market.

According to media reports, three US officials confirmed that Russia had asked the US to stop pursuing the vessel. The Russian Foreign Ministry said through state media that it was monitoring the situation "with concern."
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Photo: https://www.facebook.com/oleksandr.merezhko.2025/

The Paris Declarations are an important political signal of support for Ukraine, but the question remains open whether Kremlin leader Putin will agree to the "peace plan," Member of Parliament Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction), chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, has said.

"From a political point of view, this is a significant step, since it concerns the possibility of deploying European multinational forces, in particular from Great Britain and France, on the territory of Ukraine. This is an important political signal of support for Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine. At the same time, the question remains open whether Putin will agree to the "peace plan," Merezhko told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday.

In the opinion of the MP, Putin will most likely reject it, as he has done before.

"Several important issues in the peace plan itself also remain unresolved." "An important question is also what kind of support Ukraine will receive from the US in terms of real security guarantees," Merezhko noted.

As reported, the results of the negotiations of the coalition of the willing on Tuesday in the French capital were the Paris Declaration on Ukraine's security guarantees and the Declaration of Intent on the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. The Declaration of Intent was signed by the Presidents of Ukraine and France, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron, and the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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Zelenskyy on whether he is considering Kuleba for new position: I won't say

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not answer journalists' questions about whether he was considering a new role or position in state institutions for former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba after their meeting.

"I will not say," he told reporters on Wednesday.

As reported, Zelenskyy met with former Kuleba on January 5 and discussed with him the political and information situation around Ukraine.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/Klymenko.me

The Paris Declarations are still a general framework and it would be good if they become a real plan, deputy head of the Holos faction Yulia Sirko believes.

"So far, it looks more like a general framework. If these general agreements turn into a real action plan with real guarantees of security and reconstruction from the EU and the United States, then it will be good," Sirko told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday.

She said the devil is in the details. The MP said the Budapest Memorandum seemed like a guarantee for 20 years, until Russia carried out aggression against Ukraine.

As reported, the results of the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday in the French capital were the Paris Declaration on Ukraine's security guarantees and the Declaration of Intent on the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. The Declaration of Intent was signed by Presidents of Ukraine and France Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron, and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated the United States is the only country that Russia and China are "afraid of" once again reminded that he has ended eight wars, regretted that Norway did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize, and assured that without his personal participation Russia would "now have all of Ukraine."

" Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most werent paying their bills, until I came along. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, and they pay, immediately. Everyone said that couldnt be done, but it could, because, beyond all else, they are all my friends. Without my involvement, Russia would have all of Ukraine right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ended 8 wars, and Norway, a NATO member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize," he said on True Social.

He also stated that the United States would always stand by NATO, "even if they won't be there for."

"But that doesn't matter! What does matter is that I saved millions of lives. Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them. everyone is lucky that I rebuilt our military in my first term, and continue to do so. We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us. the only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT rebuilt U.S.A. make America great again," he said.
By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has said the Government would have to make a decision collectively about its use of the social media site X.

Peter Burke was responding to recent reports that the platforms AI function, Grok, can be used to create fake sexualised images of people, including children.

Asked if the Government should continue its presence on X in light of these reports, Mr Burke said: Obviously the Government would have to take this decision collectively in relation to any platform that its on.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and Minister of State with special responsibility for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon announce the departments Sectoral Capital Plan 20262030 at Government Buildings, Dublin. Photo: Bairbre Holmes/PA.

Speaking to reporters at the announcement of his departments Sectoral Capital Plan 20262030, he said he was hugely concerned about the reported generation of sexual abuse imagery by Grok and said the Government has to be very firm on this.

Mr Burke added: We need to ensure that the current legislative framework is working as prescribed.

The Minister of State with special responsibility for Artificial Intelligence, Niamh Smyth, was due to attend the event but did not appear.

Mr Burke said Irelands media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, is investigating the matter along with its EU counterparts.

But when asked if he personally would stop using the platform, the minister said: Investigations have to run their course first.

On Tuesday, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, posting on X, said there needs to be serious scrutiny of any public body that continues to maintain a presence on a platform that has shown such a reckless and disturbing disregard for child safety.

He added: This will be my final post on this platform under its current ownership.

I will not lend my voice to a company that has chosen profit and ideology over the basic safety of children.

On Tuesday, the Taoiseach said that such use of AI was unacceptable and possibly illegal.

However, since then, Micheal Martins account on X has posted repeatedly, sharing highlights of his visit to China.
David Raleigh

Legendary strongman, Pa the Limerick Lion ODywer, who died suddenly last week, was laid to rest following his funeral mass on Wednesday.

Mr ODywer (40), was a doting father of three and partner, and his hardened steel, shown on the battlefield of strongman competitions, was unrivalled; his funeral mass heard.

An acoustic rendition of the haunting lullaby rock anthem Nothing Else Matters written by US heavy-metal band Metallica, echoed through St Marys Church, attended by Mr ODwyers strongman comrades who came to wrap their immense arms and hearts around Mr ODwyers heartbroken family, and remember their fallen champion.

Mr ODwyer was regarded a giant among giants, and crowned Irelands strongest man on five occasions - he had won the UKs strongman crown.

His brother, Sean ODwyer, told the packed church: Patrick was a gentle giant who really cared for people.

It was heard that, despite his hard exterior, the Limerick Lion was cushioned by a soft and sensitive inner nature that was reflected in the advice and guidance he gave to a teenage boy who sought help when he was being bullied.

Sean ODwyer said his late brother won many international accolades through his strongman achievements, but his greatest joy came after receiving a letter of thanks from the teenage boys father, who wrote that his son had found his confidence and tells everyone that Pa ODywer is a giant.

Sean ODwyer drew laughter, and lifted the congregations spirits, describing his late brother: Patrick was a man of many talents, he was a farmer, a builder, a bouncer, a fireman, an astronaut - most of these are true. He grew not only his ego, but also his arms, he achieved what few in the (strongman community) could have dreamed of.

In a final tribute, Mr ODywer told those gathered that, if the love his brothers family and friends felt for him could have saved him, he would have lived forever.

He also paid tribute to all the medical staff attached to University Hospital Limerick who valiantly tried to save his brothers life after he took ill and died suddenly on January 3rd last.

A poetic tribute, A Poem for Pa written by Treasa Coleman, was read out by a friend: Pa was a man to be admired, he stood out in every crowd; Strong in the body and spirit, with a laugh that was infectiously loud, the tribute began.

Chief celebrant, Rathkeale parish priest Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon, with assistance from Newcastle West concelebrants, Canon James Ambrose and Fr Frank ODea, said news of Mr ODwyers death was met with huge shock and sadness, not just in west Limerick, or indeed not just in Ireland, but by so many around the world, who knew and loved Pa through his competitions and through his online presence.

Family and friends left symbols reflecting Mr ODywers life on the church altar, including his weight-lifting straps; his ukulele; one of his many strongman trophies, his competition t-shirts, and a family photo.

Pa ODwyer, Rathkeale, and originally from Rooskagh East, Carrigkerry, Athea, is survived by his partner Layna, children Sienna, Rocco, Freddy, parents Lena and Seanie, and siblings Siobhan, Kris, Sean and Liam, grandparents, extended family and the international strongman community.

Following the mass, the Limerick Lion was laid in his final resting place at Monagea Cemetery, west county Limerick.
The series of shop closures at Fairgreen Shopping Centre is a little disappointing' but there are already quite interesting options to replace them, said John Brophy, manager of Fairgreen.

The Limerick-based company that owned Camden Square and Tailor of Blue ceased trading on Sunday, 4 January in their Carlow and Limerick locations, after a liquidator was appointed to dissolve the 25-year-old men's fashion business. We're sad for that, said Mr Brophy. Its just the way retail is now for independent businesses, it's extremely tough. Dame Ladies Fashion also closed its physical location in Fairgreen at the end of December. But it was a controlled exit, said Mr Brophy, and the brand continues to trade online.

There were three other major closures in the past year: New Look, Vero Moda, and most recently, River Island. However, those are UK corporate decisions to wind down Irish businesses, explained Mr Brophy, and they dont necessarily point to a permanent shift in shopping habits.

His years of experience mean he is not worried about fashion retailing in the long term. Theres still the tactile element of [shopping in person], Mr Brophy noted.

We get little waves: the current one is Temu and Shein. People enjoy it for a while, then they realise they cant send it back, that the quality is lacking, and theres a growing awareness that it's not sustainable. Younger shoppers are beginning to see from sustainability point of view, we cant keep buying cheap clothes from China and throwing them away when worn twice. They realise they have to support their own businesses. I would predict that there will be a swing back of the pendulum, he said.

As for the centres plans to re-let the vacant shops, We don't anticipate being without units for long, he continued. The last time we had a couple of vacancies, we got in Golden Discs and Rituals, both strong brands which added to the offering in the centre. The newly opened Rituals store was mobbed in the run up to Christmas, said Mr Brophy, and drew in new customers. Similarly, Golden Discs has been a tremendous success with the Carlow branch supposedly being the most successful of its 28 locations over the Christmas period.

The two large empty units in the second part of the centre will be likely let to international brands due to their size, said Mr Brophy, but they are considering Irish brands too. They are already on the verge of reoccupying the New Look premises. When River Island is made vacant on 10 January, they will decide between two different interesting proposals for what to do with the space.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint meeting in Nicosia with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

"We discussed many topics. The key points were the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU; defense support for Ukraine from EU member states, including strengthening air defense, combat aviation, and drone production; and real progress in negotiations on Ukraines EU accession. We also addressed further cooperation on a reparations-based loan to restore Ukraines financial stability," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram following the meeting.
Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio said the country has a "highly qualified army" to defend itself should it be attacked by the U.S.

"Regarding the possibility of an attack to our country by the U.S., we have also been clear and the defense of our sovereignty is part of the international order. For that, we have a highly qualified army, which is led by our head of State, President Gustavo Petro, who will have to defend our population should it come to that," Villavicencio said.

President Gustavo Petro, on his end, has been repeatedly taunting the Trump administration as the two parties continue to exchange threats following the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro.

During a public address during the weekend, Petro particularly took aim at Rubio, saying: "If you want to put me in prison, try if you can. Try to get me in an orange jumpsuit. The Colombian people will come out in my defense. These people won't kneel before you. No Colombian is guilty of what happened to your grandfather or your father in Cuba," he claimed.

Petro also posted on social media that he "deeply rejects" Trump's "lies" about him. "You don't threat a Latin American president who began with the armed fight and then fought for peace for the Colombian people."

In another passage of the post he said he "learned not to be a slave" and rejects his phrase "unilaterally claiming us as your domain." "We, the Latin American people, are republicans and independent, as well as revolutionary. Don't think Latin America is just a nest of criminals who poison your people. Respect us and read our history, I read yours to understand you. Don't see drug-traffickers where there are only genuine warriors of democracy and freedom," he added.

However, Trump escalated the matters further on Sunday night, saying he could be the next one to fall after Maduro.

Speaking to press aboard the Air Force One, Trump said the South American country is "run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the U.S., and he's not going to be doing it very long," adding that the country has "cocaine mills and factories." Asked if there will be a U.S. operation in Colombia, Trump replied: "Sounds good to me."

Originally published on Latin Times
An 80-year-old man is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in two Pennsylvania counties and providing her with marijuana.

Dennis Kochenash, 80, formerly of Whitehall and now living in Wyalusing, Bradford County, faces a dozen charges in the case. He is charged with felony statutory sexual assault; felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; felony corruption of minors; and related offenses.

Kochenash was taken into custody Wednesday morning in Bradford County and is awaiting extradition to Lehigh County to be arraigned on the charges.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Pennsylvania State Police Troop M. Capt. Seth J. Kelly announced the charges against Kochenash on Wednesday morning. Court records did not immediately list any attorney information for Kochenash.

On Oct. 27, 2025, state police in Fogelsville received a ChildLine report regarding a victim who was age 14 at the time of the alleged offenses, which authorities said began in 2024.

Investigators determined Kochenash and the victim began communicating with each other through text messages and on Snapchat, authorities said.

The contact continued for several months; including online communication, in-person meetings and eventually through sexual assaults, authorities said.

Kochenash is accused of sexually assaulting the victim on several occasions in December 2024 and providing the child with marijuana. The assaults took place in both Bradford County and in Lehigh County at the victims home, the DAs Office said.

As per an agreement with the Bradford County District Attorneys Office, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office plans to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes that happened in both counties.

Authorities believe there may be more victims. Those with information are asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at 610-395-1438.

The case is being investigated by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Seth A. Heffner and will be prosecuted by Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah K. Heimbach.
An incident involving a suspicious vehicle has shut down a Wawa convenience store in Upper Saucon, authorities said.

Township police said on the departments Crime Watch page the incident began just after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wawa, 6680 Route 309.

Jonathan Hammel, captain of public affairs for the Allentown Fire Department, told lehighvalleylive.com the departments bomb squad was dispatched to the scene to investigate the car.

Hammel said later Tuesday evening an object was found and technicians are continuing to investigate its contents. He didnt provide specifics if the object was found inside or outside the vehicle being investigated.

They treat everything as an explosive device until proven otherwise, Hammel said.

Its unclear if any suspects are in custody or charged. Upper Saucon Police Chief Thomas J. Nicoletti couldnt immediately be reached for more details.

Wawa spokeswoman Jennifer Wolf released a statement to lehighvalleylive.com, saying authorities have reassured chain representatives the situation is contained and secure.

Chain representatives and Wawas security team continue to work in cooperation with law enforcement in the investigation, she said.

By 6:30 p.m., the Upper Saucon store gained approval to reopen, Wolf said.

We appreciate the swift response and quick actions of local authorities, the statement read. As always, the safety and security of our customers and associates remains a top priority.

During the investigation, police were asking motorists to avoid the area. Sections of Route 309 and Passer Road also were shut down as law enforcement investigated.
Pennsylvania State Police made 378 arrests for driving under the influence during the five-day New Years holiday, according to a news release.

Troopers investigated 1,098 crashes between Dec. 31 and Jan. 4, according to state police data. Three of those crashes were fatal.

Impaired driving contributed to 69 crashes, including one fatal collision. Officers issued 4,377 speeding citations during the holiday period, along with 508 tickets for seat belt violations and 60 citations for failure to properly secure children in safety seats.

The numbers mark a significant increase from the previous years three-day holiday period, when state police investigated 511 crashes, recorded one fatality, and made 241 DUI arrests.

The data reflects only incidents handled by state police and excludes crashes to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

Pennsylvanias new state budget allocates $15 million toward traffic enforcement across the Commonwealths roadways.

Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by a Pennsylvania State Police press release. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
Family Promise of Warren County received a $100,000 donation from the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey

The donation was funded through the sale of the Oxford Second Presbyterian Church property in Washington Township and will ensure the nonprofit can afford to provide its essential services.

Oxford Second Presbyterian Church was deeded to the Presbytery in the 1870s, county documents show. the church property is now owned by the Church of God 7th Day, the churchs former pastor said.

A representative of the Presbytery of the Highlands did not respond to a request for a comment.

The donation will likely help Family Promise of Warren pay for its new facility in Phillipsburg, the nonprofits directors said.

The money generated by the sale will support several programs designed to prevent and resolve homelessness: the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, Homelessness Prevention Program, Outreach Program, Homelessness Diversion Program, Eviction Diversion Program, Rapid Resolution Program and Homeowner Stability Program.

Oxford Second Presbyterian Church was instrumental to the founding of Family Promise of Warren County, they said. Family Promise is considered an essential service for families facing homelessness in Warren County, where there currently is no homeless shelter.

Family Promise of Warren County was started inside the churchs manse in 2008. It also served as a daytime housing space for shelter residents during its earliest stages, providing a base for the organization to grow and serve families in crisis for more than 15 years.

Director Bob Frankenfield credited Pastor Joicy Becker-Richards, who  recognized the communitys need early on. Becker-Richards was a pastor at the church for more than 30 years.

She was a driving force behind our early success and has a deep connection to both FPWCs origins and the ongoing impact of Oxford Second Presbyterians generosity, Frankenfield said.

Becker-Richards said she felt it was hers and her churchs mission to give back and uplift other families, just as hers had been only years prior.

When I heard about Family Promise, it connected with me on so many levels because God had given me the experiences of fear and loss and challenges that I hadnt brought on myself but that could easily upend everything for me and my family, Becker-Richards said.

When the church was closed by the Presbytery in 2021, her only request was that Family Promise of Warren County be allowed to continue to operate from the churchs manse. The organizations offices remained at the church in Oxford until 2025.

The nonprofit follows a housing first model and connects families with services to ensure they are sheltered. The nonprofit does not function as a shelter and its sheltering programs have suffered immensely since 2020, Frankenfield said.
Delegations of Ukraine and the United States held their third meeting in two days in Paris on Wednesday, during which they discussed the prospects for ending the Russian-Ukrainian war and contacts at the level of leaders, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said.

"We discussed in detail the key elements of the basic framework for ending the war. We focused separately on possible formats for further contacts at the level of leaders with the participation of Ukraine, European partners and the United States. Based on the results of the day, we are preparing a detailed report to the President of Ukraine," Umerov said on Telegram following the meeting on Wednesday.

From the U.S. side, the consultations were attended by envoys Stephen Witkoff, Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner, as well as Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Josh Gruenbaum.

On the Ukrainian side, in addition to Umerov, the negotiations were attended by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov, Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Serhiy Kyslytsia, head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Davyd Arakhamia, and advisor to the Presidential Office Oleksandr Bevz.

Later, Bevz said on Facebook: "We worked very effectively yesterday and today in Paris. The result is the agreement on security guarantees, a strong statement by the Coalition of the Willing, synchronization of positions on guarantees between the United States and the Europeans. A number of frank and productive meetings with the Americans."
Students at four Laois schools have travelled to the RDS in Dublin to compete at this year's Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Students attending Heywood CS in Ballinakill, Mountrath CS, Dunamase College / Colaiste Dhun Mhasc and St Mary's CBS Portlaoise have qualified as finalists with their fantastic studies.

Over 500 finalists will take to the RDS from Wednesday January 7 to Saturday 10, showcasing their studies and battling it out in different categories.

Laois students have poured a tremendous amount of effort into their projects this past year. While studies vary greatly in topic, they each prove to be fascinating experiments.

Three studies from Heywood CS have qualified for this year's exhibition.

Third year students Zuzana Janockova and Luke Connolly's study in the Health and Wellbeing category's intermediate group is on the importance of the EU regulation on makeup products.

This study compares make-up goods inside of the EU to makeup goods outside of the EU, in accordance with regulations on cosmetic products.

Second year students Aoibhinn Malone and Siona Lalor's study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences category explores taste familiarity and visual recognition accuracy of fruits and vegetables in children aged 8-12 years.

Aoibhinn and Siona have studied the correlation between prior exposure and visual recognition accuracy of fruit and vegetables in children, if familiarity predicts taste acceptance.

Transition Year students Ashling Gonzalez and Elle Donovan's study in this category's intermediate group studies the link between the age joining social media, screen time and beauty influencer exposure. Ashling and Elle examined whether when young girls get their first social media account, if algorithms increase their exposure to said toxic influencers.

Mountrath CS have also undertaken a study reflecting the potential harms of social media.

Their qualifying intermediate project in the Social and Behavioral Sciences category examines whether potentially harmful parenting practices are normalised in kid-influencing industries. This individual project is a content-end audience-perception study.

Dunamase College have seen two of their projects qualify for the exhibition.

Three Transition Year students, Melissa Barcoe, Leo Bennett and Cian Bonnie, will present a project investigating whether the mineral content of mains and well water affects taste to such an extent that families spend between 800 and 3,000 annually on bottled water.

Their research explores the relationship between water quality, taste perception and consumer behaviour, raising important economic and environmental considerations.

Fifth-year student Angela Babikanga has also been selected for the exhibition with her project examining the mentality behind overconsumption among young people.

St Mary's CBS in Portlaoise Sixth year student Joshua Corbett returns as a finalist in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category.

Joshua's individual senior project is entitled 'There's plenty of room to break through at the bottom'.

Joshua has found that nanocarrier therapies fail in preclinical testing. He has developed an AI driven pipeline that can identify failure causes and optimise formulations to enhance brain drug delivery.

In 2025, it was announced that the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition would be taken over by Mr Patrick Collison, co-founder of Stripe and former YSE winner.

A judging panel of experts from science, technology, and business will select over 200 prize winners, including the overall winner, who will take home 7,500 in prize money and represent Ireland in the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).

For more updates on Laois schools at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, keep an eye on the Leinster Express / Laois Live homepage.
There will be some temporary traffic disruptions over the coming weeks in Mountmellick due to long awaited safety works finally commencing outside St Paul's National School.

Road works began this Wednesday morning, 7 January on the N80, Pearse Street after 50,000 in funding was awarded to the school under the Safe Routes to Schools Programme in February 2O24.

The school zone safety works had been continuously delayed despite their demand, with Mountmellick Counsellor Paddy Bracken repeatedly raising the issue with Laois County Council.

As the road works involved a National Secondary road, Transport Infrastructure Ireland needed to give consent for the works to be carried out.

READ NEXT: Compulsory purchase of vacant Laois homes 'making some headway'

Laois County Council have said that temporary traffic management arrangements will remain in place until Friday, 23 January.

The road works will stretch from Mountmellick Fire Station to just past St Paul's National School on Pearse Street.

Locals are advised that the temporary traffic management arrangements will operate between 8am and 6pm.

Cllr Paddy Bracken has welcomed the commencement of the works on the busy road which he described as being "in a bad way."

Cllr Bracken said: "It's good to get it done. I had been pushing for it so it's great to see it happen."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The HSE has urged people in Laois and other counties who rely on Portlaoise hospital not to attend the hospital's Emergency Department (ED/A&E) if their condition is not an emergency.

With hospitals across Ireland under pressure with flu, the HSE's Dublin Midlands group made the appeal to local people in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is experiencing increasing numbers of people requiring admission at this time. Unfortunately, patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen.

"Where possible, the management at Portlaoise hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit," said the appeal.

The HSE's daily urgent and emergency care report for Portlaoise hospital said there were five trollies deployed at 8 am on January 7 in the hospital's ED. Ten surge capacity beds have had to be put into use to cope with demand while five beds around the hospital were in use due to patients who had completed their acute inpatient care, but discharge was delayed.

The HSE asked the people visit http://www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find your nearest injury unit and their opening hours. If you require urgent medical attention out-of-hours, the HSE advised people to visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/

It adds that any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen.

"Portlaoise would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED," it said.

That statement urged people no not to delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Portlaoise hospital ED extension includes a specialist respiratory illness facility.

READ ALSO: Enhanced facilities at Portlaoise hospital for flu fight

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary. The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their support and understanding," said the statement.

The HSE made a similar appeal in relation to Tullamore hospital on January 5. Visiting restrictions were enforced on January 31 in all departments at the Offaly hospital to reduce the spread of the flu and other illnesses due to the high level of respiratory viral illnesses circulating in the community.
A Sallins, Co Kildare resident who passed away recently has been fondly remembered as a lovely gentleman and engaging character.

Andrew (Andy) Brosnan, Sherlockstown, Sallins, Co Kildare and late of Kilflynn, Co Kerry, passed peacefully on January 4 last at St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park.

Andy is predeceased by his wife, Ita Egan; he is deeply regretted by his loving daughters Andrea and Lyn, sons-in-law Martin and Alan, grandchildren Lauren, Ben and Jamie, sister Ena, extended family and friends.

May Andy Rest In Peace

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Andy will be reposing at Oliver Reillys Funeral Home, The Waterways, Sallins, Co. Kildare, (W91 K6PN) on Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with prayers at 7pm.

The removal will take place by Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors from his residence on Friday at 10.30am to arrive at the Church of Our Lady and the Guardian Angels, Sallins for 11am funeral mass, followed by burial in St. Corban's Cemetery, Naas.

Family flowers only please.

Donations can be made in Andy's memory to the Alzheimers Society of Ireland via the "donate" section below.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed live in the webstream section below

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868230

Webstream

Funeral service: https://www.naasparish.ie/our-parish/sallins-webcam/

Donations in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Memory of Andrew (Andy) Brosnan: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/AA88981621/donate.html

Tributes paid to Andy on RIP.ie include: Our thoughts and sympathies to all the Brosnan family on Andy's passing. Such a lovely gentleman and engaging character. May he rest in his eternal reward.

And: Sincere condolences to Andrea, Lyn, Ena and family. We have fond memories of Andy and Aunty Ita at all our family gatherings. He was a gentleman with a great sense of humour who was always interested in what you were doing. Rest in peace Andy.

While another mourner wrote: Very sorry to hear of Andy's passing. We have many great memories of Andy and Ita, they had a wonderful life together. Andy was the life and soul of many a family gathering. May he rest in peace.

And another added: Our deepest sympathy Andrea, Lyn and extended families on the passing of your beloved Andy. A great friend and colleague over the years. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
A man who was very upset over a comment with a racial connotation appeared before Naas District Court.

Alfred Jose, 21, whose address was given as 27 Park Grove, Hansfield Wood, Dublin 15, was prosecuted for breaching the Public Order Act on August 9, 2024 at Main Street, Maynooth.

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The court heard that he had been ejected from a pub.

He was extremely upset and aggressive towards members of the public and gardai and he was arrested at 6.30pm.

Barrister Donncha Craddock said the defendant was upset about something that was said and he took offence because he felt it had a racial connotation.

He said the defendant has been in Ireland since he was two.

Mr Craddock also said the defendant had finished his exams at Maynooth University where he was studying Constitutional Law. He said he went out after the exams ended.

Mr Craddock said the defendant was physically grabbed by a bar staff member after hed been asked to leave.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he would accept a charitable donation for the Garda Benevolent Fund and adjourned the case to facilitate this.

He indicated he would strike the matter out if that was done.
A second playground/multi use games area is needed in Celbridge.

There is only one playground for a population of 20,000 people, Cllr Rupert Heather told a Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District meeting.

READ NEXT ALERT: Popular Christmas gift recalled across Ireland amid serious electric shock fears

He said a playground/MUGA should be incorporated in the construction of a new road, pedestrian footpaths, and cycle lanes as part of an active travel corridor known in Celbridge-Hazelhatch.

And he called for an assessment of any suitable council-controlled or project-acquired land along the route that offers natural passive surveillance.

He added: We need recreation areas in Celbridge.

Kildare County Council said the active travel corridor proposal has been submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala for planning consent and to facilitate the compulsory purchase of land required for it.

It added its not possible to include a MUGA or a playground at this time as the application has already been lodged.

However, KCC also said that the request could be considered as part of a master planning process for lands in the area.

KCC official Simon Wallace said an effort will be made to progress this during 2026.
The leader and co-founder of Independent Ireland has been criticised by a local rep from County Kildare over comments he made which related to drink-driving.

Cork South-West TD Michael Collins, who also co-founded Independent Ireland, made the comments during an interview with The Journal which was published on December 29 last.

In the interview, he was asked whether or not his party would push to loosen drink-driving legislation laws.

Responding to the question put to him, Deputy Collins said that it isnt one of their policies.

READ NEXT: Upcoming municipal district meeting in Kildare focused on a range of local concerns

He further said: "I dont believe in people drinking three, four, five or six pints and driving home... thats not on, but certainly there was a position in life where people sat in a bar for two or three hours because they needed a little bit of company, and they drank a couple of pints.

"And now they can be caught for drink-driving going home, and thats shocking difficult for people."

When Deputy Collins was asked whether he thinks it is safe for people to drink two pints and drive, Collins said: "Id say so."

He added: "I wouldnt be advising people to do it, but I know if youre inside in a bar for two or three hours and drinking two pints, youre [doing it] over a period of time... but look, as I said, it wasnt in our policies."

BACKLASH

The comments from Deputy Collins have prompted criticism from the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA), according to a report from KFM.

And another critic who has voiced their disapproval over the Deputy's comments is Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who described them as "a bad message; full stop."

The Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District Cllr elaborated: "There is no magic number of drinks that makes driving safe; two pints is not safe for a lot of people.

"Some would be over the limit, others would be impaired and still think they are fine.

"Here is the reality: the legal limit is 0.05. For learner, novice and professional drivers it is 0.02."

READ NEXT: Theft of shotguns from Kildare residence prompts garda investigation

Cllr Pender continued: "Body size, food, time, and drink strength all matter. Alcohol slows reactions even below the limit.

"This is how people get killed on our roads; this is how families are torn apart.

"That is why the IRVA spoke out, [because] they know what these messages lead to.

"If you are in public office, your words carry weight... when you play down drink driving, people take risks, [and] when people take risks, innocent people pay the price."

He further said: "The message should be simple, drink or drive, never both.

"Anything softer than that is irresponsible."

Cllr Pender concluded: "Our roads deserve better; you deserve better."

Deputy Collins was contacted for comment by the Leinster Leader in relation to Cllr Pender's post.

However, he did not respond in time for publication of this article.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

READ NEXT: Kildare gardai warn against taking an auld chance when it comes to this offence

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The Irish foreign minister will visit Belfast to meet party leaders and representatives from Troubles victims and survivors groups.

Helen McEntee will meet with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, DUP MLA Edwin Poots, on her visit to the region on Wednesday, which she says has been a priority for her since taking up her current role in November 2025.

Ms McEntee, who is also deputy leader of Fine Gael, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the reshuffle that occurred after Paschal Donohoe resigned as Finance minister to take up a position at the World Bank.

She will also meet with Alliance Party leader and Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, and SDLP leader of the opposition at Stormont, Matthew OToole.

The minister will go on to visit St Malachys College, which has received funding through the Governments Reconciliation Fund.

Ms McEntee said the engagements in Northern Ireland are an important opportunity to discuss current priorities and shared challenges.

Those include our ongoing work to address the legacy of the Troubles, the Shared Island Initiative, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island, she said.

Northern Ireland was a focus for me as Minister for Justice, including legacy issues. That is why one of my immediate priorities upon taking up office is to hear from victims and survivors groups.

Their views are vital as we work to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with President of Moldova Maia Sandu the issues of coordination in the European integration track, as well as cooperation in trade, energy and security.

"The joint path of Ukraine and Moldova toward European Union membership must be coordinated. We are working closely on this matter, and today I discussed it with President Maia Sandu, focusing primarily on the simultaneous opening of the first negotiating clusters. We also paid special attention to bilateral cooperation  in the areas of trade, energy, and security," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Wednesday following the meeting, thanking Moldova for its consistent support during the full-scale Russian invasion.

The parties also discussed strengthening trilateral cooperation between Ukraine, Moldova and Romania and the peace process, diplomatic work, and interaction with American and European institutions.
President Catherine Connolly is to open the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE) at the RDS in Dublin.

The YSTE was founded in 1965 and attracts on average more than 40,000 visitors, making it one of the biggest events of its kind worldwide.

More than 1,000 students presenting 550 projects are competing for more than 200 prizes throughout the week.

The exhibited projects were chosen from a pool of almost 2,000 entries.

Ms Connolly is to open the event for her first time as head of state.

The overall winner  to be announced on Friday  receives a cash prize of 7,500 euros and goes on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

This years exhibition marks the first time that Stripe is acting as the main sponsor of the event, having taken over from BT Ireland which was the organiser for 25 years.

Stripe was founded by Irish brothers and former YSTE entrants Patrick and John Collison and the company is sponsoring the exhibition under a five-year agreement.

Patrick Collison won the competition in 2005.

The tech firm, which operates a dual headquarters in Dublin and San Francisco, offers programmable financial services for millions of businesses to accept payments.

Nearly a quarter of the projects use or examine artificial intelligence, while environment and climate-related projects also feature heavily.

Entrants also fell under behavioural science, health and wellbeing, and mathematics.

Rohan Gupta, from St Francis College in Rochestown, Co Cork, designed an instrument that can analyse the state of a chess game through a camera.

He says his system, which took six months to design, has benefits for people who prefer the feel of physical chess boards or cannot afford more expensive equipment.

This improves accessibility for people and tournaments and school clubs who cannot afford to spend thousands of euro.

Alex OConnor, from CBS The Green in Co Kerry, designed an AI-powered system which he thinks could help against the invasive Asian hornet species, which threatens Irelands native bees.

The project of Alex OConnor, from CBS The Green in Co Kerry, involves a tool to detect the invasive Asian hornet species (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

He explained that it uses a 3D-printed mount carrying a sensor and lasers which can differentiate between Irish pollinators and the invasive hornets.

It then disrupts the flying of the Asian hornets by firing a laser into its eyes.

Fifteen-year-old disability campaigner Cara Darmody is among the individual entries, with a project examining misconceptions and misinformation about autism diagnoses.

Cara gained national prominence due to her campaign over shortcomings in the assessment of needs system.
Farmers from across Leitrim are expected to travel to Athlone this Saturday to take part in a major national protest against the proposed EUMercosur trade agreement, with organisers estimating that up to 10,000 farmers and supporters will attend.

The National Community Protest will take place at the TUS Arena at the Technological University of the Shannon at 12.30pm, just two weeks before a decisive vote on the agreement in the European Parliament.

The protest is being organised by Independent Ireland and comes amid growing concern within farming communities that the trade deal could significantly undermine Irish agriculture  particularly beef and suckler farming in counties such as Leitrim.

European Parliament vote decisive

MidlandsNorth-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has stressed that while the EUMercosur agreement may be politically signed by the European Commission and the Council, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament.

MEPs will be asked to vote on the deal in Strasbourg in two weeks time, and Mullooly said the parliamentary vote is decisive, with no automatic outcome assumed.

In two weeks time, Irish MEPs will be asked to take a clear position on Mercosur, he said. This is not a procedural formality. Parliaments decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.

He described the upcoming vote as one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, warning that it carries far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.

Mullooly confirmed that all 14 Irish MEPs were formally invited last week to attend and speak at Saturdays protest, welcoming confirmation that Independent South of Ireland MEP Michael McNamara has indicated his intention to attend.

This is an important opportunity for engagement, Mullooly said. Communities have legitimate concerns about this agreement and deserve to hear directly from their elected representatives before such a consequential vote is taken.

Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.

Strong Leitrim representation expected

SligoLeitrim TD and Sinn Fein agriculture spokesperson Martin Kenny confirmed that he will be travelling to Athlone to attend the protest in support of Leitrim farmers.

Deputy Kenny said farmers in counties like Leitrim  particularly those involved in beef and suckler farming  would be among the most exposed if the agreement is approved.

Irish farmers are being asked to compete with imports produced to much lower environmental and animal welfare standards, he said. That is simply not fair, particularly when our farmers are already under pressure and are producing food to some of the highest standards in the world.

He warned that the real danger posed by Mercosur lies not just in imports coming into Ireland, but in the displacement of Irish beef exports on European markets.

We have a relatively small domestic population but a very large cattle herd, he said. The vast majority of our beef has to be exported, and if that market is undercut by cheaper imports, farmers in places like Leitrim will feel the impact first.

Protest expected to remain peaceful

Local councillor Paddy ORourke said the Mercosur agreement is only one of several significant challenges now facing the Irish beef sector, warning that wider market pressures are beginning to converge.

Referring to the recent surge in beef prices, Cllr ORourke said processors had been caught off guard.

They did not see the price rise coming, he said. They are now going to take measures, regardless of Mercosur. And to be honest, nobody is too sorry for them, given the money processors have made off the backs of farmers over many generations.

He pointed to the recent expansion of Irish processors overseas as a cause for concern, particularly the purchase by Dawn Meats of a substantial processing facility in New Zealand.

That plant was in financial difficulty and was probably bought at a knockdown price, he said. But its not good news for Irish farmers when processing capacity is being developed in markets that compete directly with where our lamb and mutton normally go.

Cllr ORourke said there had been little public scrutiny of such developments, with the focus remaining almost entirely on Mercosur.

Mercosur is dominating the debate, but there are a whole lot of other clouds gathering for our industry as well, he said.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the British market, noting that Ireland exports approximately 60% of all slaughtered beef to England.

Britain is our closest market transport-wise, with a population of around 60 million people to feed, and its own cattle herd is diminishing, he said. We have strengthened our position there in recent years.

However, he warned that this position could be undermined if Britain were to fully open its market to cheaper imports from countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

The British believed post-Brexit they could import cheaper food globally, but chaos in government meant they never really got their act together, he said. If that changes  and particularly now that Dawn has a foothold in New Zealand in the lamb and mutton trade  that could present serious difficulties for Irish farmers.

Cllr ORourke said while Irish beef remains among the highest quality in the world, consumer behaviour remains a key vulnerability.

We produce the best export beef in the world, he said. But in large household situations, price often becomes the deciding factor. People can end up compromising on standards, and thats where we could get caught.

READ MORE: Jobs boost in Leitrim as company announces recruitment drive
There is a homecare crisis in south Leitrim, a local councillor told the Leitrim Observer this week, stating that a number of families are being left without care due to lack of recruitment.

Cllr Gary Prior told us: "After Christmas, I had four different families contacting me; there is a huge scarcity of homecare workers on the ground and it's causing serious hardship for people and families. The problem is that people have retired and haven't been replaced; there has been no recruitment in the homecare sector."

He said he believed that the vacant positions have yet to be advertised so "this will still take a number of months before this is solved. We have another woman retiring shortly one town and there are ten to 12 clients who don't have cover. An agency may pick up two or three clients but that would be the most."

Last month, The Irish Times reported that there was an acute shortage of care workers against a background of rising demand for care.

READ MORE: Ballinamore Ukulele group strikes a chord for womens aid on Nollaig na Mban

Cllr Prior continued: "The fact that the haven't recruited in years is causing this issue. If they don't advertise the roles, they won't be filled. They were supposed to advertise before Christmas and they didn't. Here we are, the first week in January, and it has still to be advertised and people are without care in their homes. In the south Leitrim area, it is a massive problem at the moment. People are having to make do with family."

Cllr Prior said that it is an issue that needs to be addressed by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeil. "The Minister for Health and Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State for Older People, are the two people who need to act on this and start recruitment on the ground immediately so we can get people working. It will take a number of months by the time advertisement is carried out and then recruitment starts and then there is Garda vetting and all that. I spoke with a woman in the HSE the other day and she told me it is at crisis point at the moment."
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukraine expects a lot from Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the EU, in particular, the opening of clusters on negotiations on accession to the European Union and the start of the implementation of the aid package for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"I am glad to be here at a time when the Republic of Cyprus assumes the presidency of the European Union and we expect a lot from this presidency for Ukraine. This moment is very important, as well as for Cyprus, because Cyprus is still divided, but wants to build a strong peace in Europe. Yes, there are countries that are small in size, but those that have gained a voice in many European institutions, we see in this the symbolism of Europe," Zelenskyy said during the opening ceremony of Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to the president, every nation deserves to become a full member of the EU, and Ukraine hopes that the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU will help in this process. Zelenskyy said he and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides discussed that Ukraine will remain one of the priorities of work in Europe.

"We hope that all clusters of negotiations will be open to Ukraine and to our friends from Moldova. During your presidency, we hope to see the start of the implementation of the aid package for Ukraine, which will help strengthen our resilience and the resilience of all of Europe," Zelenskyy said.
War does not forgive managerial experiments and political turbulence in law enforcement institutions, member of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Iryna Friz (from the European Solidarity faction) believes.

"Reassignments in the Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Intelligence Service and the SBU during a full-scale war are not 'personnel news.' This is a decision with direct consequences for the front and rear... War does not forgive managerial experiments and political turbulence in law enforcement institutions," Friz told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday.

According to the MP, personnel renewals are possible and sometimes necessary, but the main question is how to make changes so that they do not break the functionality of institutions.

Friz also said that personnel rotations in the security forces carry such risks as a decline in controllability, a failure of coordination between bodies, demoralization within the country, and playing along with the enemy.

"Replacing leadership is always a transitional period: redistribution of powers, restarting teams. In peacetime, it is discomfort. In war, it can cost lives," the MP said.

She said the effectiveness of the Ministry of Defense (resources and defense policy), foreign intelligence services (information and forecasting), and the SBU (counterintelligence, internal security, protection against sabotage and agents) in daily synchronization.

"When several key nodes are 'pulled' simultaneously, the risk of system failures increases exponentially," Friz said.

In her opinion, mass personnel movements without clear logic look like internal instability, "hitting trust within the country and opening up opportunities for the enemy to activate agents and information operations."

According to the MP, the government's priority now should be continuity of management, continuity of teams (changes should not break work chains that produce results), procedural legitimacy (in the power bloc this is critical: circumventing the rules today becomes the norm tomorrow), evaluation by result (what exactly is not working and what result should the replacement give).

"The conclusion is simple: reboots are possible  but in such a way as not to stop the machine while it is moving. Ukrainian security rests on institutions that must work 24/7  regardless of the names," Friz said.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and candidate for the position of Minister of Defense, First Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the priorities of the defense department with the parliamentary committee on national security.

"Denys Shmyhal informed about the main results of the work and outlined the key areas of concentration of the Ministry of Defense's efforts. Among the priorities are the maximum strengthening of the capabilities of the Defense Forces, maintaining the effectiveness of management and proper implementation of the tasks facing the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Special attention was paid to the vision of Mykhailo Fedorov's activities as the future head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine  in the event that the Verkhovna Rada supports his candidacy," the committee said in a statement on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The profile committee said adhering to the Transition Book approach with the involvement of a parliamentary committee is an important step towards strengthening institutional continuity, process continuity, and governance transparency.
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A PIONEEERING northside woman who passed away 12 months ago at the age of 100 has been remembered by one of her sons with a glossy calendar.

Susan McCarthy, known as Susie to friends, was well-known for running Owens Shop - named after her late husband - in Ballynanty.

But she is also remembered for co-founding the Limerick City Girls Pipe Band, and a camogie team for Ballynanty.

READ MORE: Limerick homeless woman 'appears to view prison as a holiday home'

Now, her second eldest son Tom, who continues to run the familys general store in Ballygrennan Road, has brought out a calendar for 2026 to keep her memory alive.

Tom recalled how his mother, pictured below, helped raise money for teachers to help girls from across Limerick perfect their skills on the pipes and drums. They practiced in the Ballynanty Hall.

Susan also led the band on tours around the world, including notably to San Francisco, where she raised 10,000 to bring 60 people to the USA.

Susans efforts gave generations something positive to do in their spare time.

In this day and age, children wouldnt really know anything about this. But back then, when there were no phones, or laptops, or technology like that, children were looking for things to do, explained Tom.

Patrick McCarthy, Toms older brother described his mother simply as superwoman.

Family friend Christy ODonnell said Susan, who died on January 4, 2025, was a woman ahead of her time.

Tom is making copies of the calendar available free to anyone who knew Susan, from his shop - but a donation is appreciated to offset the printing cost.
The international JYSK chain announced the opening of three stores in the first half of 2026 with a total area of 5,000 sq m: two in the capital and one in Kremenchuk.

"Today, we signed a new lease agreement to open a JYSK store in the White Line shopping center in Kyiv. The opening is scheduled for this summer. The store will have an area of 1,400 square meters," said Yevhen Ivanytsia, Country Director of JYSK Ukraine.

According to Ivanytsia, two more lease agreements were concluded the previous day, and the new stores are expected to open in the spring. The store in the Park Promenada shopping center on the Ring Road in Kyiv will have a total area of over 1,300 sq m, and the first JYSK store in Kremenchuk will open in the City Mall shopping center with an area of almost 1,300 sq m.

"At JYSK, we are proud that the company continues to actively develop and contribute to Ukraine's development," Ivanytsia added.

In 2025, the retailer opened nine new JYSK stores, including ones in Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. The chain also renovated 12 stores.

Currently, JYSK operates 112 stores in 38 Ukrainian cities, including an online store, jysk.ua. The retailer employs more than 900 people.

According to the YouControl analytical system, JYSK Ukraine's revenue increased by 24% from January to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching UAH 5.3 billion. Net profit increased by 22% to UAH 959 million.

JYSK is part of the Lars Larsen Group, a family-owned company with over 3,500 stores in 50 countries.

JYSK's revenue in the 2024/2025 financial year was EUR 6.2 billion.
Consulting firms are queuing up at top-tier business schools with surprising hiring numbers, especially after artificial intelligence impacted employee figures in some of these very companies, according to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which are among the prominent recruitment grounds for these companies.

We started our final placements earlier and till now 492 of 594 students have been successfully placed, reflecting steady progress in a competitive market environment," said Debashis Chatterjee, director IIM Kozhikode. This year witnessed a strong resurgence in consulting and finance roles, with consulting offers rising by nearly 60% and finance roles by about 10%."

These offers are driven by Indias growing role in complex, AI-driven work. According to the director, one of the main reasons for this resurgence is because a significant portion" of them is now aligned with strategic and high-impact teams as complex global work based out of India has relatively increased."

Consulting, banking and advisory firms have always been the coveted recruiters at B-schools. But the global slump hurt hiring for the 2024 batch. However, the next batch saw the pace from these sectors pick up.

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Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company and Accenture are some of the consulting companies along with investment firms General Atlantic and Temasek Holdings that are expected to pick up students aggressively. And their needs are specific and AI-driven.

India continues to be a priority, and we are committed to investing in our teams and ensuring that we have the right talent in place to support our growth strategy," said Prabhav Kashyap, a partner at Bain. We are confident in high-level of talent emerging from these institutions (IIMs), and see them as integral to building strong, future-ready teams across our business."

Accentures talent-guzzling spree mirrors the growing requirement of clients for strategy and scale with AI. Last October, Mint reported on the widening gulf between Accenture and its IT rivals over AI business.

In the 12 months through August 2025, Accenture pulled in $4.78 billion in new businessa figure that surpasses the combined incremental revenue ($3.92 billion) generated by Indias 15 largest IT services firms in 2024-25. In the case of Singapores Temasek, India is a key market and in July 2025, the investment firm hit a record $50 billion assets under management with its portfolio in India.

Higher salaries

According to a placement head in one of the IIMs, there is a 10-12% increase in the median compensation offered by the consulting and finance firms  in line with market changes. Compensation depends on the company and the sector, and for the older IIMs, the median compensation can hover around 30-35 lakh.

IIM Indore noted the heightened interest and participation from consulting and finance firms this year" for the batch of 2026. The irony of this uptick while global wars and uncertainty continue has not gone unnoticed.

Despite a moderation in global consulting hiring, India has continued to see sustained recruitment as firms deepen their presence in the country. The expansion of global capability centres and the increasing role of India offices in leading end-to-end delivery, transformation, and analytics-driven engagements have created steady demand for management talent," Himanshu Rai, director of IIM Indore, said in an email response to Mint.

According to a Bloomberg report published in November, McKinsey retrenched 200 roles because of AI led automation.

Also Read | IIM grads get a reality check in a tight job market

The older IIMsAhmedabad, Bangalore and Calcuttastart their final campus placements in the last few days of January or the first week of February.

The market is looking a tad better than what we had experienced over the past few years," Viswanath Pingali, chairperson of the placement committee at IIM Ahmedabad, said in an email response. Participation of finance and consulting companies has always been great at IIMA, and this year too seems to follow the trend."

Last March at IIM Ahmedabad (batch of 2025), Boston Consulting led the group of consulting firms with the highest number of offers at 35, followed by Accenture Strategy at 30. Among the investment banks, Goldman Sachs was the largest recruiter with nine offers, followed by Avendus Capital at seven.

Summer internships

The hunger among consulting companies was evident even when they visited the B-schools for their summer internships for the batch of 2027. Management consulting accounted for 46% of all offers during the summer internships at IIM Bangalore.

Accenture Strategy made 132 offers while its peers offers included those by Boston Consulting (24), Bain (18), and McKinsey (13). The B-school did not respond to Mints queries on its final placements for the batch of 2026.

Summer placements at IIMs start in September/October, after students intern with the firms for a couple of months during the summer. These placements are often indicative of the job market and offer students a chance to secure pre-placement offers (PPOs).

This is a preferred route as the employer tests the candidate during the two-month internship, while the student with a PPO can skip the final placements that take place more than two quarters later. IIM Kozhikode said its batch of 2026 recorded an about 40% increase in PPOs versus the earlier batch.

According to a McKinsey spokesperson, nearly 80% of its hiring over the last three years has been from leading business and undergraduate schools, reinforcing campuses as a critical talent pipeline. "The increased presence of consulting firms is driven by sustained client demand, the need for future-ready skills, and strong outcomes from campus hiring historically," the spokesperson said.

Also Read | Mandatory CSR spending by Indian companies can lead to low investor confidence: IIM study

"While hiring trends vary by region, India continues to remain a strategic growth market, driven by strong client demand, expanding capability centres, the ability to support both local and global engagements, and access to high-quality talent," the spokesperson added.

General Atlantic, Temasek and Accenture declined to comment on their recruitment plans. BCG, IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore did not respond to queries.

Placements at engineering colleges drew a different cohort of companies with top offers. AI-led profiles again were in the offing at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for the batch of 2026. High-frequency traders and startups battled with agentic AI firms as well as tech giants Tesla, Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia, and even aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing at the IITs.
Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolled by, Mint's reporters and columnists looked around the corner on what is coming in 2026to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at feedback@livemint.com.

Mumbai: The past 12 months have likely been the most challenging yet for the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Indias two largest airlines, IndiGo and Air India, which together control about 91% of the countrys aviation market.

In September 2022, Tata Sons appointed Campbell Wilson as CEO of Air India to revive the debt-laden carrier it had acquired from the government earlier that year, under a five-year phased transformation plan. That effort suffered a blow in June 2025, when flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed seconds after take-off, killing more than 240 people.

Later, Wilson acknowledged that 2025 had been an exceptionally difficult year." The challenges ranged from the June crash to the financial fallout of a month-long airspace closure by Pakistan after an Islamabad-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22 April. This forced Air India to operate longer, circuitous routes over the Arabian Sea. In October, Campbell said the airspace closure could have cost the airline up to 4,000 crore if it continued for a year.

Also Read | Boeing eyes higher output as Air India, Akasa await bulk jet deliveries

Four months before Wilson started in his new role with Air India, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which runs Indias largest airline IndiGo, hired Pieter Elbers to ramp up operations and expand internationally. Poor preparedness in implementing Flight Duty Time Limitationsaviation safety rules designed to prevent fatigue by ensuring longer rest periods for pilots and crewled to hundreds of flight cancellations, severely inconveniencing passengers and forcing the airline to cut its December-quarter earnings forecast. Analysts expect full-year revenue and profitability to be hit as well.

Elbers and Wilson share several similarities in how they arrived at the helm of Indias two largest airlines. Both are global aviation executives, or expatriates, brought in as outsiders to apply international best practices to challenges that are uniquely Indian.

Wilson came from Singapore Airlines low-cost carrier Scoot. Singapore Airlines (SIA) holds a 25.1% stake in Air India. Elbers, a Dutch national, came from KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands.

Experts say that although both CEOs are expatriates, their approaches to India differ.

The most obvious similarity between the two airline chiefs is that both are expats. Campbell Wilson and Pieter Elbers each brings the experience and skill required to steer their airlines forward," said Sanjay Lazar, aviation expert and chief executive of Avialaz Consulting.

Also Read | Air India lapse: How a routine airworthiness review was overlooked

Where they differ, however, is in how they navigated India. Elbers visibly embraced the local culture, mingling widely, celebrating festivals, and even developing a fondness for Indian food. Wilson, by contrast, has remained low-key, professional and perhaps more reserved in the SIA-style, focusing on the job itself," Lazar said.

However, the challenges faced by the two airlines and their top executives differ.

The auto-to-steel conglomerate acquired Air India for 18,000 crore, including equity and debt, from the government. IndiGo was founded by Rahul Bhatia and his friend Rakesh Gangwal in 2006. The co-founders friendship soured after the airline went public in 2015, when Gangwal accused the latter of corporate governance lapses in late 2019. The two resolved their differences after a prolonged dispute. Gangwal resigned from the board in 2022 and, since then, has sold much of his holding, cutting his stake from 37% to 5.85%.

Wilson faces a significantly more challenging task at Air India, as he inherited a privatized public sector airline riddled with issues related to its older planes.

Privately held, Air India in FY25 reported a revenue of 78,636 crore and a loss of 10,859 crore. In Elbers first year, IndiGo reported revenue of 54,446 crore in FY23 and a loss of 317 crore. In FY25, the airline reported revenue of 80,803 crore and a profit of 7,253 crore.

Air India is grappling with the refurbishment of ageing aircraft, seat replacements, and delays in fleet upgrades due to supply chain constraints, pushing revival timelines back by months.

When Wilson joined, he outlined a five-year transformation plan to turn around the airline. This included addressing legacy issues like maintenance and scheduling, which are now complete. The airline in 2022 committed over $400 million for refurbishing its entire legacy wide-body fleet, comprising 27 Boeing B787-8 and 13 B777 aircraft.

The second phase focused on integrating AirAsia and Air India Express, separately merging Vistara with Air Indiaa process completed successfully in 2024and building the platforms, processes, and systems needed to drive operational excellence.

At present, the airline is expanding its fleet, with one plane delivery expected every week starting in 2026. The airline had placed orders in 2023 for 470 planes from Boeing and Airbus, followed by an additional purchase of more than 100 jets last December.

Also Read | Before Air India crash, soaring demand for travel put strain on Indian pilots

For Air India, 2026 will effectively serve as a base year to consolidate before the big leap forward, Lazar said, adding that Wilson faces a significantly tougher task at the storied airline.

His (Wilson's) turnaround effort VIHAAN was dealt a severe blow by the unexpected tragedy in June, pushing the airlines transformation plan back by at least a year. Air India continues to grapple with aircraft shortages, supply chain issues, seat and spare-part constraints, but things are looking better in 2026-27," he said.

When Elbers took charge of IndiGo, he inherited a profitable and operationally strong airline. The airline commands a 65% market share in India. He was tasked with driving international expansion, a role he excelled at. The airline, which ordered about 500 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries scheduled until 2030, receives an aircraft every week. In addition, it has added the IndiGo business class, IndiGoStretch. The airline, long seen as a model low-cost carrier, is now preparing to offer a full suite of services, though it remains unclear how this shift will play out.

Fast forward to the present day: the airline, which prided itself on punctuality, cancelled over 4,500 flights in the first week of December due to poor crew rostering, pilot shortages, and its lack of preparedness to implement the new safety norms. The regulatory overhang has kept investors on the fence. IndiGo's shares fell about 14% from between 1 December and 15 December.

Experts remain cautious on the outlook for both airlines.

IndiGo enters the next phase facing several near-term challenges, mending strained ties with the DGCA (directorate general of civil aviation) and MoCA (ministry of civil aviation), rebuilding depleted pilot buffers, managing a structurally higher CASK (cost per available seat kilometer), and defending its dominance, as rivals move into slots reallocated by regulators," said Gagan Dixit, senior vice-president of aviation and oil & gas at Elara Securities.

IndiGo has to hire 158 pilots by 10 February and another 742 by December next year. It has submitted its hiring plan to the DGCA, according to a document reviewed by Mint. The airline will hire 300 captains and 600 junior first officers over the next 12 months. Elbers, in an earlier interview with Mint, also said that it is changing how it pays for its aircraft. Instead of mostly selling planes and leasing them back, the CEO said it is now choosing to own more planes or take them on long-term finance leases.

While this adds assets to the airlines balance sheet, it also raises a concern. If demand falls while capacity remains high, the airline will still have to keep these aircraft, unlike the sale-and-leaseback model, where planes can be returned when not needed.

For nearly 20 years, selling planes to leasing firms and renting them back helped IndiGo make money and grow its fleet quickly. Now, the airline plans to own or finance-lease 40% of its aircraft by 2030, compared with 18% today.

Adding to their woes are rising fuel costs, a major risk to profitability.

Fuel costs are rising again, creating fresh pressure for airlines. Jet fuel prices in India have increased by about 6% quarter-on-quarter, moving up from the lows seen earlier in FY26, according to a JP Morgan report dated 5 December. This comes at a time when demand is only recovering modestly, the analysts said. According to the report, every 1% rise in fuel costs can reduce profit before tax by around 3% for IndiGo. A weak rupee worsens the situation, as aviation fuel is priced in dollars, further increasing costs. While fares, especially on international routes, are improving, the report cautions that this increase is unlikely to fully offset the impact of higher fuel and foreign exchange costs.

On the flip side, the airline has some opportunities, according to the Elara analyst. Indias air travel demand continues to surge, competitors lack spare aircraft, a tighter capacity environment could support fares if the macro improves, and steady Airbus deliveries of around 50 aircraft a year keep IndiGo the only airline with dependable narrowbody growth once crew constraints ease," Dixit said.

For Air India, Dixit said that it must grapple with the complexity of refurbishing legacy cabins at scale, lifting service consistency across a diverse fleet, competing head-on with Gulf carriers and IndiGo in key international markets, and unlocking still-elusive merger synergies.

Beyond competition with IndiGo, the airline also faces pressure from Akasa Air, which has scaled rapidly since launching three years ago. Backed by the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Ranjan Pai and Azim Premji, Akasa has overtaken SpiceJet to become Indias third-largest airline.

But there may be some positives for the Tata-run airline, after all.

Its outlook, however, is improving as more new aircraft and refurbished interiors enter service, and the fully integrated group begins to leverage network strengths, which would be premium traffic from Air India-Vistara and feed from AI Express. Any softening of IndiGos dominance due to FDTL or regulatory constraints opens a small but tangible window for Air India to gain ground," said Dixit.

Aviation experts also believe that both airlines have to regain the trust of passengers as they enter 2026.

2026 will be a year of repair as much as growth. While operational disruptions have largely been stabilized, trust of thousands of passengers has been broken, and issues around corporate governance have surfaced and need to be addressed," said Lazar. He believes that a leader of Elbers calibre is likely to focus on restoring credibility and ensuring the airline emerges stronger, even if they have to sacrifice near-term growth.

At IndiGo, an excessive focus on cost-cutting has contributed to operational stress, while at Air India, the push for rapid fleet expansion came without first stabilizing core operations. In doing so, both carriers lost sight of the principle that 'slow and steady wins the race', and must now work to regain passenger trust in the future in 2026," said Amit Singh, CEO of Safety Matters and a former pilot.

Singh, who worked with Wilson during his stint at Scoot, and who was the chief of Pilot Training at IndiGo more than a decade ago, has also questioned expat leadership.

The global experience they brought appears to have come with a belief that missteps are acceptable as long as profitability is achieved. What both airlines really need is stronger organizational foundations and a culture that prioritizes operational resilience alongside growth."
Mumbai : As tax hikes in major states and last years slowdown in middle-class consumption hurt mass alcohol brands that were the strength of the industry, Allied Blenders and Distilleries Ltd is homing in on premium customers.

In March, the Mumbai-based distiller launched a premium and luxury spirits subsidiary, ABD Maestro, in partnership with Hindi film actor Ranveer Singh. The company is expecting to close FY26 with a revenue of 100 crore annualized run rate (ARR) and aims to double that in the next financial year, Alok Gupta, Allied Blenders managing director, told Mint in an interview.

ABD Maestro is home to Allied Blenders premium brands, including small batch gin brands Zoya and Pumori, vodka brand Rangeela, and Yello, a whiskey the company launched just last month.

Also Read | Indias liquor market needs the right kick

What we have been working on is to figure out what the forward consumption is, where the consumer is likely to go in the sipping and cocktails terrain," Gupta said. We are trying to stitch up a portfolio which is future-ready. A lot of the work we are doing today is on how consumption is likely to happen in the next three-five years." ABD Maestro crossed 40 crore in annualized revenue.

Allied Blenders is focused on building curated products for premium Indian customers who are keen to ditch imported alcohol for high-end goods made in India, Gupta said. People are drinking premium white spirits, but they are also buying into the stories and want to know what makes the product unique," he added. This includes a shift in sipping culture from just whiskeys and single malts to tequilas and rums, where consumers pay extra for a premium or luxury that has character and is known for its taste. For instance, Zoya and Pumori sell flavoured gins.

Allied Blenders is investing 525 crore to expand its capacity during the FY25-27 period, the company informed analysts in late 2024. It spent 72 crore to acquire an extra neutral alcohol plant in Maharashtra's Aurangabad in FY25, which is expected to be fully operational by FY27. The company is investing 75 crore in setting up a single malt whiskey plant in Rangapur, Telangana and will launch its first single malt whiskey in 2029.

Battle for bottom line

ABDs premium and luxury expansion efforts are in line with its domestic competitors. Radico Khaitan, makers of mass brands 8PM whiskey and Magic Moments vodka, launched a number of premium products last year. In July, it launched a premium vodka, The Spirit of Kashmyr, and in August, it announced a partnership with actor Shahrukh Khan to launch a premium tequila under the actor's D'Yavol brand.

Prestige & Above products brought in more than two-thirds of the companys total revenue from Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) in the first half of FY26. For Allied Blenders, prestige & above segments accounted for just over 46% in volume in the same time, up from just over 37% in FY24.

This premiumizing trend coincides with stagnation in mass-segment alcohol brands. That has prompted Allied Blenders to nudge mass consumers towards slightly more premium products. After launching Iconiq White Whiskey in September 2022, the company is also experimenting with new prototypes of its flagship mass-market whiskey Officers Choice, which it plans to launch in the current financial quarter, Gupta said.

Also Read | What single malt whiskey can teach you about the spirit of active investing

This is a price point where a lot of people of legal drinking age are coming in for the first time. They do not see a brand that talks to them," Gupta said, adding that Iconiqs success lies in deviating from typical branding tropes of its mass competitors, such as red, blue, and green colouring and symbols like a coat of arms. Iconiq competes with brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, and Imperial Blue, which ABD rival Tilaknagar Industries acquired from Pernod Ricard for 4,150 crore.

Mass market issues

...the brand [Iconiq White Whiskey] has delivered exceptional performanceclocked 5.7 million cases in FY25, thereby becoming the fastest-growing spirit brand globally (in CY23/24)," brokerage JM Financial wrote in a note on Allied Blenders last month.

Momentum has strengthened in 1HFY26 (volumes at c.4.9m cases) and seeing month-on-month improvement in markets where it was launched less than 1 year back and even in markets like Maharashtra, as per our checks. This apart, launch of variantsand expanding global footprint, will help drive strong double-digit growth over FY26-28 (estimated)."

Despite this, the mass segment may continue to be a drag on Allied Blenders fortunes in the coming quarters. Brokerage Choice Institutional Equities estimated in an August 2025 report that while volumes of the companys prestige & above segment will grow by 15% compounded annually until FY28, its mass brands are likely to grow by only around 2%.

Meanwhile, annual volumes for Officers Choice have fallen from around 9 million cases in FY19 to 3.6 million in FY25, per JM Financials estimates. However, Allied Blenders Gupta says he is focused on growing volumes for the mass brand without compromising on a gross margin of over 40%.

Also Read | Tequila sees a sunrise as Indians move on from gin

We have moved out of CSD [canteen stores department] as a channel, we have moved out of Uttarakhand, there are markets where we moved out entirely, or we took price hikes and a knock on market share," he said. Today, the gross margin on Officers Choice is equal to that of any P&A (Prestige & Above) brand, more than 40%. I think what we are sharply focused on is how do we get single-digit growth but continuously maintain a 40% gross margin. We can pick up market share, but it will impact the gross margin."

In the last year, shares of Allied Blenders have grown over 24% compared to an over 10% growth in the benchmark Nifty 50 index and an over 15% decline in shares of rival United Spirits. Rival Radico Khaitan, however, outperformed ABD with a rise of more than 29% in its shares.
In relief to Vedanta Ltd, the Delhi High Court has ordered status quo on the Union governments direction asking the company to stop operations and hand over the CB-OS/2 offshore oil and gas block in Gujarat to the Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC).

A single judge bench of Justice Amit Sharma passed the interim order on Tuesday, and released today.

The order effectively puts the governments takeover plan on hold while Vedantas legal challenge is examined. The court issued notice to the government and ONGC and listed the matter for further hearing on 27 February 2026.

Emailed queries sent to Vedanta seeking a response remained unanswered till press time.

The dispute and government action

The case concerns the offshore oil and gas block near Suvali in Gujarat, which Vedanta has operated since 1998 under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Union government and consortium partners, including ONGC.

The PSC permitted exploration and production for a 25-year term, which expired in June 2023.

Also Read | Vedanta gets Andhra govt NOC to drill 20 onshore oil, gas wells

In 2017, the government introduced a policy allowing extensions of older, pre-New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) oil and gas contracts, subject to conditions. Relying on this policy, Vedanta applied for a 10-year extension in June 2021, ahead of the PSCs expiry. After the contract ended, the government allowed operations to continue through multiple interim extensions between 2023 and 2024, pending a final decision.

On 19 September 2025, the government rejected Vedantas extension request, citing alleged unpaid dues and non-compliance with policy conditions. The rejection directed Vedanta to immediately cease petroleum operations, vacate the site, and hand over custody and assets to ONGC on an as-is-where-is" basis.

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas issued the order and implemented through the directorate general of hydrocarbons.

Vedanta challenged this directive by filing a writ petition before the Delhi High Court.

Interim relief

Vedanta submitted that it had applied for an extension within the time frame under the 2017 policy, but the government delayed its decision for years while permitting operations. It argued that the rejection was arbitrary, based on dues that were never raised earlier, and that liabilities under the PSC are shared among partners.

The company also said it had paid its share of the disputed amounts under protest. Further, Vedanta contended that an abrupt shutdown of offshore operations would be impractical and unsafe, and that the order was issued without adequate hearing or adherence to contractual safeguards.

Also Read | Vedanta wins approval for demerger, overcomes petroleum ministry objections

The government countered that Vedanta has no legal or constitutional right to an extension of a purely contractual arrangement. It maintained that extensions are discretionary, guided by public interest, and that natural resources belong to the people, with the State acting as trustee.

The government cited alleged unpaid dues$14.54 million linked to profit petroleum and drilling costs, $10.13 million towards Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) deductions, and $1.54 million relating to past audit issuesand said clearance of all dues was mandatory under the 2017 extension policy.

It added that Vedanta failed to meet policy conditions and that the decision was lawful and fair.

According to Vedanta, it cleared all outstanding amounts cited in the rejection order by paying 695.49 crore on 2 December 2025, solely to resolve the dispute during the pendency of the case.

In its interim order, the High Court noted that Vedanta had raised arguable and substantive issues warranting consideration. As a result, the court directed both sides to maintain the status quo, effectively keeping the governments takeover order in abeyance until further hearing.
India's largest airline, IndiGo, announced on Wednesday, 7 January, that the first Airbus A321 XLR aircraft has successfully landed in Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation industry.

IndiGo becomes the first Indian airline to include an Airbus A321XLR in its fleet. The long-range version of the Airbus A321neo arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi this morning. It will operate on the airlines upcoming non-stop routes from Mumbai to Athens starting 23 January 2026, and from Delhi to Athens from 24 January 2026, with flights three times weekly on both routes.

Also Read | From Airbus to bus: Operators hope to retain users as IndiGo fiasco spurs demand

What is Airbus A321XLR? The Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation narrow-body aircraft with a range of up to 8,700 km and improved fuel efficiency, will enable IndiGo to operate longer international routes from India while keeping costs low. It has a dual-class setup with 12 IndiGoStretch seats and 183 economy seats. Both cabins are equipped with RECARO seating, offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience on long flights, IndiGo said in a release on 7 January.

Out of the total firm order of 40 A321XLR aircraft, nine are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Following its first international deployment for non-stop flights to Athens, the remaining aircraft will be assigned to existing routes, including Istanbul, Turkey, and Bali.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on A321XLR aircraft Speaking on the latest development, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of the airline said, IndiGo is honoured to be the first Indian airline to welcome the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet  an important milestone as we prepare to redefine long-haul travel for India. The advanced capabilities of this aircraft enable us to reach newer regions across the globe and further strengthen Indias position as a key player in international aviation.

He further added, We are happy to partner with Airbus and RECARO on this journey as we combine next-generation aircraft performance, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a thoughtfully designed cabin environment to deliver a comfortable, onboard experience."

Meanwhile, Jurgen Westermeier, President & Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, said, "The arrival of the first A321XLR marks a new milestone in our journey with IndiGo and a proud moment for Indian aviation.
President Donald Trump said he wouldnt allow defense companies to issue dividends or buy back their own stock until they invest more in production and research, comments that triggered a selloff across the sector.

In a social media post, Trump said executive pay at defense companies should be capped at $5 million until they build what he called NEW and MODERN Production Plants. He said firms arent building military equipment fast enough or maintaining it properly.

Defense companies are currently issuing massive Dividends to their Shareholders and massive Stock Buybacks, at the expense and detriment of investing in Plants and Equipment, Trump wrote. This situation will no longer be allowed or tolerated!

Shares of major US defense contractors dropped on Trumps comments, with Northrop Grumman Corp. falling as much as 3% at 2:19 p.m. in New York. Lockheed Martin Corp., RTX Corp. and General Dynamics Corp. also declined.

Spokespeople for RTX, Northrop and Lockheed Martin didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Trumps statement.

In 2024, Northrop Chief Executive Kathy Warden had total compensation of $24 million with an annual salary of $1.79 million. Lockheed Chief Executive Jim Taiclets total compensation was $23.75 million with a salary of $1.75 million.

Trump didnt say how he planned to enforce his demand though people familiar with the matter said earlier he was weighing an executive order on the issue. The Wednesday post reiterated comments he made on Dec. 22 when he said hed meet soon with executives from major defense contractors in a bid to force them to spend more on development instead of buybacks, executive pay and dividends.

Its a theme the administration has hammered repeatedly under Trump. In November, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth railed against what he characterized as a painfully slow defense procurement process in which weapons are often over-budget, years late and sometimes obsolete by the time they debut.

He demanded the biggest US defense companies invest their own capital in speed and volume of delivery. Officials from defense companies such as Lockheed and Northrop Grumman were in the audience.

Trump and Hegseth arent the first officials to criticize defense company expenditures, only the latest. Biden-administration Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in February 2024 told a defense industry audience overall, many of you are making record profits, as evidenced by your quarterly financial statements.

With assistance from Siddharth Philip.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- The founder of sneaker reseller Zadeh Kicks was sentenced to almost six years in prison for a fraud conspiracy that led to the infamous collapse of the online platform and $80 million in losses for customers and financial institutions.

Michael Malekzadeh, 42, was sentenced Tuesday in Eugene, Oregon, to 70 months behind bars and ordered to forfeit more than $15 million in assets, federal prosecutors said in a statement. Last year, Malekzadeh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud.

The sentencing signaled the end of a case that sent shockwaves through the sneaker reselling market, which reached record highs during the 2020 pandemic. Malekzadeh rode this boom to improbable heights, offering sought-after shoes at competitive prices from his warehouse in Oregon, even before manufacturers released them.

A lawyer for Malekzadeh didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the US Attorneys Office in Oregon, Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed. All in all, he owed customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of $15 million theyd loaned him, court records show.

Malekzadeh used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said. Agents seized luxury watches, jewelry and hundreds of handbags during the investigation, court documents show.

As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and his partner, Bethany Mockerman, the companys chief financial officer, agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims. The judge set a restitution hearing for March 31.

The government said it raised $7.5 million from selling Malekzadehs residence in Eugene, his watches and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.

In a separate case, Zadeh Kicks, which Malekzadeh founded in 2013, and all of its sneakers were taken over by a court-appointed receiver, whos been in charge of liquidating its assets.

The case is US v. Malekzadeh, 22-cr-262, US District Court, District of Oregon (Eugene).

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Tata Steel has booked a bulk shipment of iron ore lumps from Tata Steel Minerals Canada (TSMC), marking the first time the Indian steelmaker has sourced this key raw material from its Canadian arm for use in India, three executives familiar with the development said.

The move reflects a long-term plan by India's second-largest steelmaker to address potential iron ore shortages, as many of its captive leases are set to expire in 2030.

"Management decided to test the shipment, if the company faces shortage around 2030 when the captive mines are due to expire, they will have an option to explore," said the first of the three the executives cited earlier, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Also Read | Tata Steel lifts profits, but UK pain lingers amid cheap imports

The shipment consists of iron ore lumps with aluminium content below 1%, iron content of about 64%, and a size range of 10-40 mm, said this executive, adding that the shipment is expected to arrive at India's east coast.

At present, Tata Steel meets 100% of its iron ore requirements in India through its six captive mines located Jharkhand's Noamundi, and Odisha's Katamati, Joda East, Khondbond, Vijaya II and Koidahas. It also plans to expand mining at Odisha's Gandhalpada and Kalamang, according to the companys FY25 annual report.

"This is a trial shipment from the Companys mines in Canada. It will help us in better understanding the usage of such ores and offer options in future to use a combination of imported and domestic ores based on quality and value in use," a Tata Steel spokesperson said in an email response to Mint's queries.

Shares of Tata Steel settled 1.3% lower at 183.75 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday.

Tata Steel, through its Canadian subsidiary, owns iron ore assets in the Labrador and Northern Quebec regions of the country. In FY225, Tata Steel had an iron ore production of 40.5 million tonnes in India, and 3 million tonnes in Canada. Out of the 3 million tonnes, the Canada subsidiary shipped 2.4 million tonnes.

Also Read | Tata Steel gets Dutch backing for 2 billion green transition

TSMC already supplied iron ore to its subsidiary in the Netherlands, according to two executives quoted above.

The trial also comes at a time when Tata Steel is restructuring its European operations, including shutting a blast furnace in the Netherlands as part of its green steel transition, potentially freeing up exportable volumes from Canada.

TSMC is a partnership between Tata Steel that holds a 82% stake and the Government of Quebec owning the rest 18%.

In FY25, the Canadian subsidiary reported an income of 1,422.33 crore and a loss of 1,457.06 crore.

The expiry of captive iron ore mines from FY2030 is set to reverse the iron ore security among private steel companies, according to a Kotak Institutional Equities report dated 8 December, 2025. Majority of Tatas operating iron ore leases will expire and we estimate a potential erosion of ~30-40% of its steel operating margins post-FY2030E," analysts Sumangal Nevatia, Siddharth Mehrotra and Keshav Kumar wrote in their report.

The expiry of captive mines in FY2030, according to the MMDR Act would significantly increase Tatas raw material costs from FY2031," the analysts said.

Tata Steels total iron ore requirement by around FY2031 is about 46.7 million tonnes per year, according to the Kotak analysts.

The steelmaker has taken a cautious stance on bidding for iron ore mines in auctions.

A key consideration for participating in auctions is determining how much iron ore we want to keep as captive versus how much we can procure from the market," T.V. Narendran, managing director of Tata Steel, said on an earnings call last year. If the bid premiums are very high, then it really doesn't make sense to have 100% captive because you can get it cheaper from the market."

Currently, Tata Steel has two iron ore mines in OdishaKalamang West and Gandhalpadawon through auctions at bid premiums of 100.1% and 141.3%, respectively. Bid premium refers to the extra amount that a company offers to pay the government over and above the base price or royalty for every tonne of ore they extract.

Also Read | Tata Steels Europe test and India growth goals in focus ahead of Q2 results

Early December last year, the steelmaker signed a memorandum of understanding with Lloyds Metals & Energy to explore mining opportunities in Maharashtra for increasing production of iron ore. It also announced the acquisition of a 50.01% stake in Thriveni Pellets Pvt. Ltd (TPPL). Pellets are small, hardened balls made of iron ore and used in steel production.

For coking coal, another key raw material, the steelmaker has diversified sourcing from the US, Mozambique, and Canada, and holds long-term contracts with strategic metallurgical coal suppliers to ensure supply security.
NEW DELHI : Theres more to dense fog conditions than pollution and flight cancellations. Theres also the risk of power outages.

In fact, a perfect storm may be brewing across several parts of north and central India, where a rain-deficient winter, dense fog conditions and atmospheric pollution have raised concerns over the tripping of power transmission lines, said three people aware of the outage concerns in Indias power system.

Fog increases moisture on power transmission lines, allowing pollutants in the air to settle on their surface. Over time, dust and grime accumulate on these lines, reducing insulation strength and leading to flashovers (a high-voltage discharge where electricity "jumps" across an unintended pathusually through the air or over the surface of an insulator), short circuits and automatic tripping of transmission and distribution lines.

If left unaddressed, such conditions can escalate and potentially lead to a grid collapse. The states at risk of power outages include Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Also Read | Why Indias winter power spike matters after a muted year for electricity demand

While rains are the natural cleanser for transmission lines and insulators, this hasnt been the case this year. Rainfall across the country in December was about 69% deficient compared to the 10-year average, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Also, the deficit was wider in northwest India (84.8%) and the central region (99%).

"This year, the winters have been rain-deficient, which has raised concerns. There were rains in the last winter season and it helped in terms of cleaning the insulators, thereby reducing outage concerns. While earlier helicopters were used for cleaning of the transmission lines and insulators; now it is largely done manually with the use of chemicals," said a power sector executive requesting anonymity.

Environmental issues

The materials used for the overhead (transmission) systems do get impacted by the elements in polluted air. Because of these environmental issues, there are issues being faced and any system has to be insulated against these elements which come in their path," said Anil Razdan, former secretary of the power ministry. We need to be cautious of the reaction or the reactivity of the environment. Sometimes insulation may also wear off due to acidic content in the environment. There has to be a constant health check and efficiency check of the systems."

"India is witnessing more frequent and intense fog episodes this winter," IMD Director General of Meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, attributing the trend to weak wind conditions and persistent western disturbances.

In December 2025, dense-to-very-dense fog conditions persisted for about 15-26 days, mainly across the Indo-Gangetic Plains covering Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha and parts of the western Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar reported 10-14 days of dense-to-very-dense fog.

Also Read | Why India's CEA is pushing for power transmission asset monetization

Fog is classified based on visibility. Dense fog occurs when visibility reduces to 50-100 metres, while very dense fog is when visibility falls below 50 metres.

There have been several incidents of fog-related tripping including on the 400 kV Bareilly-Unnao CKT-1 transmission line in Uttar Pradesh and the 400 KV Suratgarh-Bikaner CKT-1 line in Rajasthan. Following dense fog and instances of tripping on 15 and 16 December in north India, the Grid Controller of India asked all generators and transmission service providers to "maintain high alertness in view of IMD warning of dense fog and communicate any load loss/generation loss due to the same."

Despatch centres

It also requested state load despatch centres to take quick measures to restore affected transmission elements and generation. These despatch centres coordinate between power generators (state-owned and private), transmission utilities and electricity distribution companies (discoms) to ensure that supply and demand within a state remain perfectly balanced.

The latest case in point was the tripping of a transmission line on 19 December amid heavy fog last month that resulted in an outage in industrial areas in Ludhiana.

Queries mailed to the spokespersons of the power ministry, Power Grid Corp of India Ltd and the Grid Controller of India on Tuesday remained unanswered till press time.

With more renewable capacity being added, the grid is already under pressure, given the intermittency brought about by solar and wind power. India has set an ambitious plan to install a total of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

Data from the Grid Controller of India, which runs the power grid, showed seven instances of grid disturbances in the northern region in December, 10 in central India, seven in the western region and three in the eastern region due to reasons including dense fog conditions and atmospheric pollution.

A severe winter this year has increased electricity demand  India's peak demand reached 241 GW this season. This assumes significance given that India's 4.98 lakh circuit kilometre (ckm) power grid is one of the worlds largest integrated networks that connects the entire country at 50 Hz frequency.

A grid collapse is the worst-case scenario. On 31 July 2012, almost 620 million people across 19 states and three Union Territories went without electricity for hours when the northern grid collapsed. Also, on 1 August that year, the northern, eastern and north-eastern grids broke down in a wider blackout.

Renewable energy

Even the availability of renewable energy does not guarantee grid stability. In February last year, amid heavy cloud cover and lower generation of solar power, there were instances of grid instability, raising concerns amid stakeholders.

The national grid operator asked all electricity companies at the time to be alert and increase supply of power to preserve the grid's stability amid cloud cover.

In April last year, Spain and Portugal, which source 80% of their power from green sources, experienced nationwide blackouts due to voltage instability and cascading protection tripping.

Senior officials in Punjab and Haryana said they are monitoring the situation daily to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials of discoms of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh could not be reached for comment.

Dense fog conditions have also led to cancellations and delays of flights and trains this season.

"Fog incidence this year has been higher than in previous years, largely due to increased pollution levels and prevailing climatic conditions, including scanty rainfall in December. The persistence of dense fog has cascading effects on many sectors including daily life by reducing visibility, slowing road, rail and air transport, and increasing accidents and delays," said Harminder Pal Singh, chairperson, department of environment studies, Panjab University. It also affects economic activity, causes power line tripping and outages and worsens respiratory health due to pollution."

Also Read | Govt eyes sub-target for renewable energy under priority sector lending

Scanty rain

While noting that tripping and outages have reduced over the years, a former executive with the Grid Controller of India said on condition of anonymity that scanty rains this winter can be among the factors for heightened concerns.

"Tripping instances were pretty high till 2010 in northern India. However, subsequent replacement of porcelain insulators with polymer insulators has reduced the outages. This replacement is yet to complete in some stretches, where concerns persist. Polymer insulators are pretty effective even in case of high pollution levels. Pollution is a key reason for the outages," said the former executive.

To be sure, cleaning of transmission lines and insulators is carried out in October and November before the fog and smog start to set in.

"Cleaning is done after shutting down the lines at specific stretches for a few hours. That is also quite tough and risky as we need to see that the grid is not impacted given that it is an integrated power grid," said an official with Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd.

On 15 June last year, electricity withdrawn from Indias transmission network  withdrawal refers to transmission of power from a generating facility to power distribution centres  exceeded the available capacity, raising fears about the grids stability. The Grid Controller of India wrote to the generators and discoms in the northern region to either lower the withdrawal or ramp up generation to avoid a blackout.
The Indian economy may grow 7.4% in the current financial year, powered by strong manufacturing and services growth, healthy household spending and strong investments in fixed assets, official projections showed.

While this pace eclipses the performance of FY25, it arrives alongside a cooling in nominal growth to 8%, the softest since the pandemic slump of 2021. For context, the Union budget had forecast 10.1% growth in nominal GDP for the year.

The statistics ministrys first advance estimates released on Wednesday come ahead of the Union budget for FY27 likely at the end of this month. The estimates will form the basis for budget projections on tax revenue as well as macro ratios of fiscal deficit, tax buoyancy and the Centres debt in terms of nominal GDP.

In spite of the slower-than expected growth rate, nominal GDP works out to 357.1 trillion in FY26, a tad above the budget projection, as the previous years nominal GDP base was revised up from 324.1 trillion to 330.7 trillion.

The 8% nominal GDP growth forecast for FY26 in the advanced estimate, therefore, is not a surprise, said Sachchidanand Shukla, group chief economist at Larsen & Toubro Ltd. In fact, the absolute nominal GDP figure projected for FY26 has turned out to be around 16,000 crore higher than the earlier projection even at 8% growth, explained Shukla.

Experts do not expect any fiscal slippage over the budgeted 4.4% fiscal deficit, as higher-than-budgeted non-tax revenues and likely expenditure savings are likely to provide a buffer against any shortfall in tax collection.

The projected 7.4% real GDP growth in FY26 follows a 6.5% growth in FY25 and a 9.2% expansion in FY24. Since the pandemic year economic contraction in FY21, Indias economy has grown 8.2% on an average up to FY25.

Latest data showed that manufacturing output is projected to grow at 7% in FY26, up from 4.5% a year ago in spite of the tariff-related uncertainties, while farm output is expected to expand 3.1% this fiscal, slower than the 4.6% growth seen last fiscal, as robust output amid above normal monsoon showers depressed prices.

Also Read | Springboard 2026 | How India balanced tariffs and trade deals in a defining year

Construction output is projected to grow at 7% this year, compared to 9.4% a year ago. Services sector is projected to grow at 9.1% this fiscal, against a 7.2% expansion seen in FY25, data showed.

Household spending, the biggest driver of Indias economy, is expected to expand 7% this fiscal, against a 7.2% growth a year ago.

Investment in fixed assets such as machinery, factories and buildings is projected to grow at 7.8% in FY26, against a 7.1% growth in the year-ago period.

What stands out from the current years growth forecast is the robust 7.8% growth in investments. On the other hand, the consumption boost from GST and income tax rate relief is likely to be spread over multiple quarters spilling into the next fiscal than getting extinguished entirely in the December quarter, Shukla said.

Government spending in the meantime, is expected to grow at 5.2% this year, more than twice as fast as the 2.3% growth seen in the year before, when national polls slowed down public spending.

A 7.4% growth for the current fiscal implies that the second half of FY26 would grow at 6.8% on an average, slower than the 8% expansion in the first half.

Experts said that easing interest rates, the consumption boost given by income tax and GST rate cuts and the benign inflation scenario are supporting growth. Lagged transmission of the central bank's monetary easing and the governments reform measures are expected to further support growth, they said. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had cut the repo rate by a cumulative 125 basis points and lowered the cash reserve ratio by 100 basis points in 2025.

Last month, the central bank forecast that Indias GDP in real terms is expected to expand 7.3% in the current year, taking confidence from strong industrial growth, healthy farm output, robust rural demand and recovering urban consumption. The RBI has projected a 7% growth in the December quarter and a 6.5% growth in the March quarter.

The strong September quarter performance has raised optimism about strong growth in the current year. Chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran on 28 November raised his expectations, stating the Indian economy is likely to grow at 7% or more this financial year, aided by the strong 8% growth in the first half of the year and the cumulative effect of structural reforms.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) last month raised its FY26 growth forecast for India to 7.2%, up from the 6.5% it had projected in September citing robust domestic consumption and solid export performance.

India Ratings and Research, a Fitch group company, said on Tuesday it expects the Indian economy to grow at 7.4% this fiscal and at 6.9% in FY27. Domestic reforms, including the income tax cut in the FY26 budget, GST rationalization, and three foreign trade agreements -- with Oman, UK, and New Zealand -- will help the economy withstand global uncertainties caused mainly by the US tariffs, the company said, quoting its chief economist and head of public finance Devendra Kumar Pant.

The headwinds for the next fiscal include the El Nino pattern expected from mid-2026, a weak currency due to weak capital flows, sluggish global trade growth, artificial intelligence and the base effect from the strong growth in FY26, according to Pant.

New base year The first advance estimate for FY26 would be the final GDP-related data release based on the 2011-12 base year, ahead of the rollout of a new national accounts series on 27 February, when the second advance estimate for the current fiscal year will be released.

Experts do not expect a dramatic shift in the growth rates once the new series comes.

In the new GDP estimation based on 2022-23 as the base year, the basket of goods and services and their weights will be updated. There could be a change in the growth estimate, but it would at best be marginal, explained D.K. Srivastava, EY India chief policy advisor.

Srivastava expects the economy to expand at 7.4-7.6% in the current fiscal and at 6.5-6.8% in the next.

The current GDP base-year recently became a subject of political debate.

After an 8.2% real GDP growth was reported in the September quarter, Opposition Congress party flagged the International Monetary Fund (IMF)s data adequacy assessment of Indias national accounts that assigned a C rating. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman subsequently informed the Parliament on 3 December that this assignment reflected the use of the 2011-12 base year for GDP estimation, which will anyway be replaced with a new GDP series with base-year 2022-23.

The statistics ministry will also release the quarterly GDP estimates for the December quarter of FY26 on 27 February.
Sybiha on US seizure of Russian tanker: We welcome such approach to dealing with Russia

Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the seizure by the U.S. amphibious forces of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Mariner in the North Atlantic.

"The apprehension of a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic underscores the United States' and President Trump's resolute leadership. We welcome such approach to dealing with Russia: act, not fear. This is also relevant to peace process and bringing a lasting peace closer," Sybiha said on the X social network on Wednesday.

As reported, the United States seized the Mariner oil tanker (formerly Bella 1), which was sailing under the Russian flag, after a week-long pursuit. Great Britain supported the U.S. efforts. John Healy, the Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said the vessel, with a dubious history, is part of the Russian-Iranian axis to circumvent sanctions.

Later, the U.S. Southern Command reported the seizure in the Caribbean of the stateless vessel M/T Sophia, which belonged to the so-called "shadow fleet" and was under sanctions.
Days after the US forces captured Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday revealed his first solid oil plan regarding Venezuela, saying that the South American country will provide up to 50 million barrels of oil that will be sold at its market price.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that the interim authorities of Venezuela will turn over to the US up to 50 million barrels of oil.

I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America, he said.

According to a Reuters report, the value of this oil is estimated to be worth up to $2 billion.

Trump said that he will control the money earned from selling this Venezuelan oil at a market price.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! he said.

Venezuela has millions of barrels of oil loaded on tankers and in storage tanks that it has been unable to ship due to a blockade on exports imposed by the Trump administration since mid-December.

Trump has asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan immediately, he said in the post.

It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States, Trump revealed.

Also Read | Oil slips amid expectations of increased Venezuelan production

Trump's Venezuela oil plans The agreement, as claimed by Trump, comes as a strong sign that the Venezuelan government is responding to his demand that they open up to the US or risk more military action. The US bombing in Venezuela killed at least 24 security officials in the dead-of-night US military operation to capture Maduro.

The military action came after the US imposed the oil blockade on Venezuela as part of its pressure tactics on Maduro.

Top Venezuelan officials have called Maduro's capture a kidnapping and accused the US of trying to steal the country's vast oil reserves.

Trump had earlier said that the US would control Venezuelan oil.

Separately, the White House is organising an Oval Office meeting Friday with oil company executives regarding Venezuela, with representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips expected to attend, according to a report by the Associated Press, quoting people familiar with the matter.

US crude prices fell more than 1.5% after Trump's announcement, with the agreement expected to increase the volume of Venezuelan oil exported to the US.
AIBE 20 2025: Final Answer Key OUT On Tuesday, the BCI published the final answer key PDFs for AIBE 20 2025 on its official site - allindiabarexamination.com.

All objections received have been duly examined, and the answer key has been finalised accordingly, said BCI in the notice issued on 6 January 2025.

The exam consisted of 100 questions across 19 topics. As many as 20 questions were withdrawn from the final key. The results for AIBE XX will be based on this final answer key.

When were the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) results declared in 2025? The AIBE XIX results, for the All India Bar Examination conducted on 22 December 2024, were declared on 21 March 2025.

How to Check AIBE Results: Candidates who appeared for the All India Bar Examination can follow these steps to download their scorecards once the results are out:

Visit the official AIBE website: allindiabarexamination.com

Click on the AIBE result link available on the homepage.

You will be redirected to a new page.

Log in using your credentials.

The AIBE results will be displayed on the screen.

Check your score and download the results for future reference. AIBE 20: Essential credentials To check the results for the All India Bar Examination conducted in 2025, students will essentially require their registration ID and password.
The release date of Thalapathy Vijays highly awaited movie Jana Nayagan has been pushed back following an ongoing controversy over certification delays. On 7 January, the films distributors in Europe and Malaysia announced the postponement through posts on X. The movie was originally scheduled to hit theatres on 9 January.

The delay has brought renewed attention to the film certification framework, as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to grant approval. In the absence of certification, the filmmakers approached the Madras High Court seeking immediate relief, where the court has reserved its decision on the issue.

Justice PT Asha heard the petition filed by the production house. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the CBFC, submitted a copy of a complaint filed by one of the panel members who examined the film. He said the CBFC is empowered to refer a film to the Review Committee if, upon reconsideration, certain scenes are found to require deletion.

According to the CBFC, one panel member flagged 14 scenes for review, following which the decision to grant certification was kept pending and referred to the Review Committee.

Also Read | Jana Nayagan certification: Madras HC posts plea to Jan 7

Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, representing the petitioner, argued that a majority of the examining committee had already recommended certification and that a single complaint should not trigger a review. He also contended that there was a lack of transparency in the review process and pointed out that the producer had invested around 500 crore and announced the release date well in advance of the Pongal festival.

Also Read | Jana Nayagan vs Parasakthi advance booking: Malaysia works wonders for Vijay

Following the announcement, cinema halls across Tamil Nadu have begun informing moviegoers that ticket amounts will be returned if the release is pushed back.
The Madras High Court on Wednesday, 7 January, deferred the hearing on a petition seeking a censor certificate for actor Vijays upcoming film Jana Nayagan, according to reports. The hearing was deferred as Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan was engaged in another matter before the Chief Justices bench, Mathrubhumi reported.

Vijay had sought a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate so that his film, Jana Nayagan, could be released on 9 January. With less than 48 hours left for the scheduled release of the movie and no new hearing date announced yet, it is now being speculated whether the movie release will be postponed.

According to an NDTV report, the hearing may now take place on Friday, the release day of the film.

The film team, having completed all production work, sent it for censorship on 18 December. A day later, the censor board advised the filmmakers to remove some scenes and mute some dialogues. Even as KVN Productions, the film production company, made the advised changes and resubmitted the movie for review, the censor board did not provide them with a censor certificate.

Subsequently, the Censor Board found the film fit for a U/A certificate, but later referred it to the Revising Committee after flagging a scene it said could hurt religious sentiments.

As only two days were left for the release of the film, the production company moved the Madras High Court. They argued that since no one had seen the film, it was unclear how such a complaint was made.

The court had then asked the CBFC to submit the complaint made against the film by 7 January.

During the hearing, the judge had also asked KVN Productions why the film couldn't be postponed. Why can't the film be postponed to the 10th? Will a solution not emerge if we wait? the court asked.

In response, the production company mentioned that changing the release date, which had already been announced and scheduled for 9 January, would result in a huge revenue loss.

Jana Nayagan is touted to be Vijay's last film as the 51-year-old actor is expected to retire from cinema to focus on his political career.
President Trump told the world on Saturday that, after deposing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. will be in charge in Caracas. We are going to run the country now," he said at a Mar-a-Lago press conference.

Yet more than three days later nearly 800 political prisoners remain behind bars in Venezuelas notorious dungeons. Are we supposed to believe this is U.S. policy? Or is the old regimeunder the new management of Maduro henchwoman Delcy Rodriguezstill in charge?

Locking up dissidents to frighten the population into submission is a staple of the Maduro political machine. Foro Penal, the Venezuelan nonprofit that tracks political prisoners,says there have been 18,618 such detentions in the country since 2014.

Venezuela tried to paint a merciful profile on Christmas Day by claiming to release some 99 dissidents. Most had been arrested during protests against the regimes stolen presidential election in July 2024. But Foro Penal also reports that in the week ending Dec. 29 there were 10 new arrests. At that rate the dictatorship can refill its cells in a few months.

Families of prisoners and some former prisoners report that conditions inside the jails are inhumane. They report beatings, psychological torture and lack of sunlight, adequate food and medical care.

Foro Penal finds that the majority of those doing time have been denied even the standard sham trial. Only 184 have been convicted. Foro Penal says the whereabouts of another 68 dissidents grabbed by authorities are unknown," which means they may have been killed.

Foro Penal political-prisoner totals include 176 members of the military. Their detention explains why there has been no uprising in the barracks, despite reports that mid-level officers and enlisted soldiers support the political opposition. Breathe a word of dissent, and military counter-intelligence will see that youre put away.

This was the reality under Mr. Maduro, who is now in a Brooklyn jail cell. Remind us again: Is Mr. Trump running Venezuela, or not?
Russia has sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort an empty, rusting oil tanker that has become a new flashpoint in U.S.-Russia relations, according to a U.S. official.

The tanker, formerly known as the Bella 1, has been trying to evade the U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for more than two weeks. The vessel failed to dock in Venezuela and load with oil. Despite being empty, the U.S. Coast Guard has pursued the ship into the Atlantic in a bid to crack down on a fleet of tankers that ferry illicit oil around the world, including black-market oil sold by Russia.

The vessels crew repelled an effort by the U.S. to board the vessel in December and steamed into the Atlantic. As the Coast Guard followed it, the crew sloppily painted a Russian flag on its side, changed its name to the Marinera and switched its registration to Russia.

Russia has been concerned by U.S. seizures of tankers that ferry its illicit oil around the world and power its economy, and it has made the unusual move of allowing the tanker to register in Russia without an inspection or other formalities, experts say.

Russia has asked the U.S. to stop pursuing the vessel, according to three other U.S. officials. On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring with concern" the situation surrounding the tanker, according to state news agency RIA.

The White House didnt respond to a request for comment, but the U.S. militarys Southern Command said on social media Tuesday that it was ready to stand against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region."

The Coast Guard has continued to trail the ship into the Eastern Atlantic, where it is now sailing about 300 miles south of Iceland toward the North Sea, according to AIS positioning.

Russias state-controlled foreign media outlet RT posted a video apparently taken from the deck of the oil tanker showing the U.S. Coast Guard cutter trailing the vessel. In a separate post on social media, the outlet said the U.S. was attempting to intercept the tanker, bound for Murmansk, Russia, despite its clear civilian status."

The tanker flare-up comes as Washington and Moscow have engaged in diplomatic wrangling on Ukraine, threatening to complicate the talks. Russia has yet to accept a peace framework the U.S. and Ukraine have put forward.

Im not thrilled with Putin. Hes killing too many people," said Trump on Saturday, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. has already apprehended two very large crude carriers, the Skipper and the Centuries, which are part of the fleet that transports illicit oil, and officials have said more seizures could come.

Russias invasion of Ukraineand the Western sanctions that followedsparked a rapid expansion of the global dark fleet, an armada of more than 1,000 tankers with obscure ownership and no Western insurance, according to some analysts. The vessels conceal their role in shipping oil by using deceptive tactics, such as switching off their radio signals to obscure their movements and transferring cargo to other vessels in poorly monitored waters. Most of these tankers are over 15 years old, prompting fears of major spills and collisions.

The Kremlin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Moscow has previously rejected characterizations that it uses a shadow fleet and has called Western sanctions illegitimate.

At the time the U.S. began pursuing the tanker, the Bella 1 was a stateless vessel flying a false flag and subject to a judicial seizure order, according to the White House. The U.S. had sanctioned the Bella 1 for allegedly carrying black-market Iranian oil on behalf of U.S.-designated terrorist organizations aligned with Tehran.

However, the ships new Russian registration now complicates the U.S. legal justification for boarding it, experts say.

Once its legitimately registered, it gets the protection of the flag" under international law, said retired Rear Adm. Fred Kenney, former director of legal affairs and external relations at the International Maritime Organization. Its not retroactive, you cant say it was stateless two weeks ago so were going to say its stateless now."

A U.S. move to forcibly board the vessel could also open the door for retaliation by Russia and aligned nations like Iran, the experts say.

Will Russia step in and protect the dark fleet on a regular basis? That would undercut the argument that they have legitimate ties to the vessels," said William Baumgartner, former judge advocate general and chief counsel for the Coast Guard. If they repeat this, it does raise the question of whether this is a legitimate change in registry, or if it appears to be done for nefarious reasons."

Write to Shelby Holliday at shelby.holliday@wsj.com, Costas Paris at costas.paris@wsj.com and Georgi Kantchev at georgi.kantchev@wsj.com
Among the more than 150 U.S. warplanes that swarmed over Venezuela this past weekend was the Growler, a jet that attacks signals, not people.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a specialist in electronic warfare, a once neglected part of combat that has enjoyed a renaissance following its mass use in the Ukraine war. The Growler, which is flown by a Navy squadron nicknamed the Zappers," likely played a key role in Venezuela, where air defenses were quickly overwhelmed.

In electronic warfare, communication, radar and other signals are targeted or protected.

The plane, based on Boeings F/A-18F Super Hornet, is a stalwart of U.S. electronic warfare, a field that mainly withered after the Cold War, said Thomas Withington, an electronic-warfare expert at the Royal United Services Institute think tank.

The Growler forms the mainstay of U.S. air powers EW component and would have located Venezuelan radars, jammed them and performed a similar task with military communications," he said, referring to electronic warfare by its initials.

This weekend the U.S. used a host of aircraftincluding F-22s, F-35s, F-18s jet fighters, B1 bombers and dronesto suppress Venezuelan air defense and communications as special forces seized the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro.

While the U.S. was easily able to fly into Venezuela, this was against a less sophisticated enemy with decent but limited quantities of air defense, said Nick Cunningham, a defense analyst at Agency Partners, a research firm.

The tactics employed would probably be less effective against a well-equipped near-peer adversary such as Russia or China," he said.

In Venezuela, the Growler and other U.S. aircraft were able to easily work around the countrys aging, predominantly Soviet- and Russian-made air-defense systems.

Venezuela had, for instance, 12 S-300 missile-defense systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. Versions of this widely used Soviet-developed system were also easily bypassed and destroyed by Israels air force during their assaults on Iran last year.

Venezuela also has some Chinese radar systems, though those it has shown off were older models, according to Janes, a defense-intelligence company.

Electronic warfare isnt new, with the British Navy jamming and intercepting radio communications as far back as the start of the last century.

For the U.S., more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East required less electronic warfare. That led to concern that the Pentagon had ignored the field.

Then came the Ukraine war, which is widely considered historys biggest electronic-warfare conflict. Militaries have been scrambling for new capabilities since.

View Full Image The Growler also carries missiles that detect and then destroy an adversarys radar.

EW is not as well understood by people, and it is not as visible or catchy as buying fighter planes or ships," said Frank Kendall, who served as the U.S. Air Force secretary during the Biden administration. But it is critically important as we have seen in Ukraine."

In Ukraine, the mass use of drones brought opportunities to jam and spoof their signals. Russia has developed a particular expertise in the field and has also jammed U.S. equipment such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or Himars.

That can be done as simply as bombarding a drone or rocket with signals that drown out the connection to their operator or satellite guidance.

But platforms such as the Growler, first delivered in 2008, have more in their tool kits. They, for instance, can simulate multiple aircraft in an enemys radar by sampling its pulse and sending that back, said RUSIs Withington.

The Growler also carries so-called anti-radiation missiles that detect and then destroy an adversarys radar.

Almost all modern aircraft use electronic warfare, mainly to defend their own communications. The U.S. F-35 jet fighter has a particularly potent capability, mainly produced by Britains BAE Systems, analysts say.

But the Growler bristles with electronic-warfare equipment, much of which it carries in large pods under its wings and belly. It also has a crew of two, one of whom specializes in electronic warfare. Its price in 2021 was around $67 million.

Boeing referred questions to the U.S. Navy, which didnt immediately reply to requests for comment.

Electronic warfare has become one of the defense industrys most lucrative businesses. While large U.S. defense companies dont break out sales related to electronic warfare in their results, European peers report some of their highest margins in this field.

MBDA, the European missile maker, is marketing a missile whose purpose is to scramble communications and radars. Companies sell decoys, which trail planes or ships, sometimes looking like a missile, and emit signals to confuse adversaries into targeting it instead of its mother ship.

To defend against signal jamming, militaries are starting to communicate via lasers, where able. Russia and Ukraine have gone old school and connect many of their drones to fiber-optic cables.

Artificial intelligence is presenting further opportunities for electronic warfare.

Analysts wonder, though, if the U.S. and Europe have fallen behind China, in particular. For instance, updates to the Growlers electronic-warfare pods, which the U.S. relies on to protect its air fleets, have been delayed.

Progress in the program has been painfully slow," said Kendall, the former Air Force secretary.

Write to Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com
Venezuelas opposition woke up with a jolt of euphoria Saturday when it learned that the U.S. had forcefully ousted the authoritarian Nicolas Maduroopening the way for its own leader, Maria Corina Machado, to take power.

A few hours later, President Trump threw cold water on the idea, saying Machado didnt have enough respect or support in Venezuela to lead. Instead, he turned to one of Maduros top lieutenants, Delcy Rodriguez, to lead a transition and vowed to take over the countrys oil industry.

I have never seen a speech destroy the image of a movement more quickly than that," said Javier Corrales, an Amherst College scholar who has written books on Venezuela. Its a catastrophe."

View Full Image Delcy Rodriguez, second from left, at the National Assembly in Caracas this week.

Venezuelas opposition is facing one of the biggest tests in its quarter-century battle against Chavismo, the far-left movement led by Maduro and named after his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Not only does the opposition still face a repressive regime at home, now Machado and her allies have to contend with a U.S. administration that is focused on securing their countrys oil wealth and cementing Washingtons control over the Western Hemisphere rather than holding elections in Venezuela and restoring democracy.

Machado captured the worlds attention with her daring escape from Venezuela in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Now, outside her country, she has to find a way to become relevant again.

Machado doesnt have any chance to get into the government soon, unless there will be a free and fair election, and that is not on the agenda right now," said Imdat Oner, a former Turkish diplomat in Venezuela who is now a fellow at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, in Florida. The window is closing for them, and there is not much they can do."

View Full Image Machado was honored in Oslo last month.

In public, Machado and other opposition leaders have continued to praise Trump and say they are hopeful that Maduros downfall will lead to democracy. Machado called the capture of the Venezuelan strongman, who had cracked down on dissent and cozied up to U.S. adversaries, a huge step for humanity, for freedom."

Jan. 3 will go down in history as the day justice defeated tyranny," she told Fox News on Monday. Its a milestone."

Machado also said that Rodriguez cant be trusted and that a democratic transition needs to move forward. Delcy Rodriguez, as you know, is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narco trafficking," she said. Shes the main ally and liaison with Russia, China, Iran."

Machado, who spent months in hiding inside Venezuela before traveling to Norway last month, said she would return to the South American country as soon as possible.

Trump appears to have picked Rodriguez over Machado for largely practical reasons. As a regime stalwart, Rodriguez is seen as best-positioned to maintain near-term stability and lead a temporary government, according to an analysis by the Central Intelligence Agency.

Machados positions have upset some Venezuelans. She faced pushback from business elites after criticizing them for continuing to operate in Venezuela and for her opposition to any negotiations with the government. She has been a staunch supporter of U.S. sanctions that have hurt the economy. And she avoided criticizing the Trump administrations deportations of Venezuelan refugees back to a country she describes as a brutal dictatorship.

In Venezuela, Machados tough stance against the government could make it difficult for her to maintain public order and would risk sparking a violent backlash from regime hard-liners and military commanders who dislike her.

There has to be a little realism here," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday on CBS News. We want to see Venezuela transition to be a place completely different than what it looks like today, but, obviously, we dont have the expectation thats going to happen in the next 15 hours," he added.

After initially lashing out at the strike against Maduro, Rodriguez struck a conciliatory tone Sunday when she invited the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda."

Trump has threatened to oust Rodriguez if she doesnt obey, but he is also wary of Venezuelas opposition, said former U.S. officials. That stems from the oppositions failure to take power during Trumps first term, when the U.S. threw its support behind a parallel government that went nowhere.

Now, Machado and her allies will likely lean on Republican lawmakers in South Florida to try to persuade the White House to rethink its approach. That is unlikely to change Trumps mind, said Oner, the former diplomat.

Trump is convinced that ceding this position to the opposition would not be smart," he said. There would be a power vacuum, and the Venezuelan opposition might not manage it so well."

Freddy Guevara, a member of Machados coalition who was a political prisoner for some three years in Venezuela, said he is still hopeful.

Guevara said one of the oppositions priorities now will be to secure the release of hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela. He said it would also be pushing to re-establish the rule of law.

Maduro being out opens a path to a real transition in Venezuela," said Guevara, who now teaches at the Kennedy School at Harvard University. But we know that the job is not done."

Guevara said that even if the Trump administration doesnt demand that Rodriguez take action to improve human rights, Maduros capture should make the regimes enforcers think twice before cracking down on dissent.

They know that they are not untouchable anymore," he said.

Some opposition members hope that Maduros downfall will unveil cracks in the regime that can be exploited.

From his exile in Europe, Edmundo Gonzalez, the former presidential candidate who the U.S. said rightfully won the 2024 election in Venezuela, demanded that the armed forces honor the constitution.

View Full Image Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez received accolades in Rome last month.

As commander in chief, I remind you that your loyalty is to the constitution, to the people, and to the republic," he said Sunday.

Opposition members are also conveying that Trumps plans for U.S. companies to rebuild Venezuelas oil industrya task that would require tens of billions of dollars in investmentwill require a return to democracy to provide legal security to investors.

They will soon have to realize that there is no recovery without democracy," said Ricardo Hausmann, a Venezuelan economist. If you want to recover the Venezuelan oil industry, you need rights, you need legal security."

Machados best hope might be the most perilous one: returning home to drum up pressure that would demonstrate her support among Venezuelans, said Corrales, the Amherst College scholar.

It could be the kind of shock to the system that is needed at this point," he said. So that whatever plan Trump and Delcy Rodriguez have concocted, if they want to derail that, the only way to do it is from within."

He added: Its incredibly risky."

Write to Ryan Dube at ryan.dube@wsj.com
Mumbai: Within a week of the finance ministry imposing a safeguard duty on steel imports, domestic steelmakers raised prices across key products in early January.

Prices of hot-rolled coil (HRC) and cold-rolled coil (CRC) were increased by 2-4% on 3 January, after a 1.5-3% hike in late December 2025, according to commodities market intelligence firm Big Mint. Rebar prices were raised by nearly 3-6% in early January, following a hike of around 4% in late December.

The increases are expected to support the profitability of domestic steelmakers, who are in the midst of a significant capacity expansion drive, after subdued pricing over the last three months weighed on margins, analysts said.

Also Read | Steel cos' stocks get a duty boost amid dull expectations for Q3

The safeguard duty, announced on 30 December 2025, would be levied for three years on most grades of flat steel products at 12% for the first year, 11.5% for the second and 11% for the third year. India had notified an interim order imposing the duty in April to halt the surge in imports, which had lapsed on 7 November.

Benchmark HRC prices had fallen to 47,100 per tonne in November, a 10-month low, while rebar prices stood at 47,000 per tonne, a five-year low due to low demand and oversupply.

Hot rolled coil is used in automobiles and home appliances, while rebars are used in construction and infrastructure.

Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, AMNS India and Steel Authority of India did not respond to Mints queries on price hikes.

Import costs rise

According to Niladri N Bhattacharjee, Partner and Metals and Mining Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, the December safeguard duty, coupled with a weaker rupee, has raised the cost of steel imports from countries such as China and Japan, giving domestic producers confidence to raise prices.

Supported by strong domestic demand, these factors have allowed steelmakers to push through price hikes. While prices remain well below FY22 levels, the move signals an improvement in steelmakers bargaining power," Bhattacharjee said. The price hike might also improve the profitability of the steelmaker marginally in Q4 compared to earlier quarters when prices hit multi-year low." he said.

Production cuts by smaller steelmakers helped restore balance between demand and supply, while the imposition of a three-year safeguard duty gave producers room to raise prices, as domestic steel was trading at a discount to the landed cost of imports from countries such as Japan and China," said Dhruv Goel, CEO of Big Mint. The price hike will help improve profitability of the mills."

Also Read | India may ease imports of specialty steel to address supply gaps

Strong export bookings driven by a weaker rupee, better order acceptance and seasonal demand during the January-March period have eased selling pressure on mills, allowing them to sustain higher prices at least through the current quarter, Goel said.

Rising input costs have also contributed to the price increases, particularly imported coking coal, which has become more expensive due to higher global prices and rupee depreciation pushing up production costs, he added.

With the safeguard enacted, domestic prices may now trade at a premium of minimum 10% to international prices for the next two and a half years, analysts at ICICI Securities wrote in a note in a 31 December report.

Cautious on increase

Analysts, however, remain cautious about the scope for further increases.

The increase in domestic price so far appears to be sustainable with more headroom for increase. However growth in domestic capacity and capacity utilization might restrict growth to lower levels than the FY22 highs," said Bhattacharjee.

Goel echoed similar sentiments, noting that any further increases may face resistance. Prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, although oversupply risks could emerge in the second half of 2026 as new capacities come on stream, even as demand continues to grow steadily at 7-8%.

Among upcoming capacities is a 3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) plant commissioned by Jindal Steel in September 2025, with another expected to be commissioned by the end of FY26. Besides, JSW Steel and Tata Steel Ltds 5 mtpa facilities are expected to achieve full ramp-up by FY26-end. These facilities may keep the domestic market in surplus unless the producers reduce their capacity utilization to support prices.

During the first eight months of FY26 India remained a net importer of steel, with domestic production at 109.726 million tonnes, according to a steel ministry report accessed by Mint. Finished steel imports stood at 4.19 million tonnes, down 36.3%.

In the same period, India exported 4.18 million tonnes of finished steel, a rise of 32.6%, while domestic consumption increased 7.3% to 105.04 million tonnes, the report added.
BENGALURU : Powered by an Operation Sindoor-driven surge in venture capital into Indias hardware-heavy defence-tech ecosystem, companiesfrom space-surveillance startups such as Digantara and GalaxEye to listed drone maker ideaForgeare moving beyond metal to develop deeper software capabilities, aiming to become more durable, full-spectrum defence firms.

Software has become equally important because it's easy to adapt and scale, said Anirudh Sharma, founder and chief executive at Digantara. "Everybody in the intelligence and defence community wants interconnected systems."

Digantara, which started with a hardware platform in 2020, soon discovered that defence customers wanted direct, sovereign control over the software layer it had built. Defence and intelligence agencies aren't interested in buying just a subscription. They want complete control over systems when it comes to a crisis scenario," Sharma said.

In response, it developed its surveillance platform into a full-stack capabilityfor which it now charges a premium, and one that intelligence agencies are eager to pay.

Digantara has gradually pivoted to a software-first approach, now that its hardware systems are operational. This focus allows it to retain defence contracts over the long term, as agencies no longer need to replace hardwarethey can update it remotely.

It also spares them lengthy procurement cycles, making Digantara more than just a hardware provider; it is now a full-stack defence company, delivering integrated hardware and software solutions for space-based surveillance.

Yet, some startups are discovering that buyers aren't keen on the traditional software-as-a-solution (SaaS)-like model of recurring subscriptions.

Long trajectory

Procurement and financial approvals still lean heavily towards hardware acquisitions," said Ankit Mehta, co-founder of ideaForge. While annual maintenance contracts are the bread and butter for hardware makers, software is the expected add-on, at least for the time being. Eventually, we might offer annual maintenance contracts with embedded software upgrades as part of the overall stack."

Galaxeye, which specializes in space surveillance, has found that hardware refresh cycles are the only time when they can upgrade their software. Software procurement is largely treated as an extension of hardware rather than a continuously evolving capability," said Suyash Singh, chief executive of the startup.

Nonetheless, venture capitalists see large defence conglomerates growing from the hardware launchpad.

Hardware procurement is at the top of the list of priorities for Indias defence organizations. Think of hardware investments as the foundation on which youll see larger companies emerge," said Vishesh Rajaram, co-founder and managing partner at deeptech-focused venture capital fund Speciale Invest.

Locked and loaded

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces signed defence contracts worth nearly 2,000 crore under emergency procurement provisions for equipment such as drone-detection systems, short-range air-defence systems, remotely piloted aerial vehicles, low-level lightweight radars, and related capabilities.

Additionally, in October, the Union defence ministry unveiled the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, setting a 25% procurement reservation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and easing turnover, experience, and bidding norms for startups.

While the push for indigenization is fuelling defence startups ambitions, venture capital is also entering an industry investors had long avoided due to its lumpy' or irregular revenue cycles.

The government procurement drive triggered the countrys biggest funding boom in private defence tech, with startups raising $329 million in 2025surpassing the $256 million raised between 2020 and 2024, according to Venture Intelligence.

I wouldnt have imagined that venture capital would overcome its reservations about this industry and see defence tech as a source of the next wave of value-accretive businesses," said Mayuresh Raut, co-founder and managing partner at deeptech-focused fund Seafund.

Missing the horizon

While defence investments are clearly rising, varietythe spice of lifeand the broader needs of the industry remain limited. Of the 78 defence startups founded between 2020 and 2025, over a third are focused on drone systems or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to startup data platform Tracxn.

It's simple: There's a low barrier to entry with drones, unless you have at least one best-in-the-world parameter. Otherwise, it's mostly just a matter of technology transfer or assembling," said Navneet Kaushik, a former Indian Navy commander and the founder of defence-focused early-stage venture fund Jamwant Ventures.

The fund has tried to steer away from drones, instead opting for companies like Spacefields, which is working on building propellant systems; Axiel Aero, which is developing flight simulators for helicopters and aircraft; and AstraYAN, which is building digital platform systems for smart ships.

Even many of the better-funded defence startups have focused on drones, with the most prominent example being ideaForge. Others include Raphe Mphibir, which raised a massive $100 million round led by General Catalyst in June 2025. In April 2025, Vayudh and Garuda Aerospace secured $10 million and $11 million rounds, led by Dharana Capital and Venture Catalysts, respectively. UNMANND received a $2 million pre-seed cheque from Speciale Invest and Accel, while NewSpace Research and Technologies, which develops kamikaze drones, is expected to raise a $50 million round.

Drone makers, however, acknowledge that the real differentiation lies less in hardware and more in the software surrounding it. Future-proofing comes from owning the full software stack, especially electronic warfare resilience, edge intelligence, and network integration, because intelligence needs to evolve long after the hardware is deployed," said Mehta of ideaForge.

Key Takeaways Venture capital is flowing into Indias defence-tech sector, driving startups to develop full-stack software capabilities.

Digantara and other startups are pivoting to software-first approaches for long-term retention of defence contracts.

Emergency procurement and policy changes have created the sectors largest funding boom, with $329 million raised in 2025.

Despite the boom, most defence startups are concentrated in drones, leaving gaps in broader defence capabilities.

The Indian defence-tech ecosystem is still maturing, with software opportunities underexplored

Wait and watch

Indias defence-tech ecosystem still has a long way to go before maturing into a full-fledged defence capability provider.

That's because policy and procurement incentives have pushed startups towards hardware-first strategies, which require longer gestation periods. Software, while modular and upgradeable, has been treated as an adjunct to hardware rather than a standalone capabilityreinforcing early startup strategies that focused on building platforms before intelligence layers, explained Kartik Bommakanti, senior fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme at the think tank Observer Research Foundation.

Innovation has taken its own sweet time, too. It was only in 2001 that defence was opened to the private sector. Incentivizing innovation took even longer, with the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) programme being launched in 2018. However, there has also been an entrepreneurial problem.

India's never had the same industrial complex access that entrepreneurs in the US have had," said Kaushik. To build a pure-play software company in defence, entrepreneurs also need to know the ground realities of what the actual requirements are on the battlefield."

Also Read | Centre rolls out interest support, credit guarantee to push MSME exports

While the hardware opportunity is there and is only expected to grow, the software opportunity is something that founders haven't given much thought about, according to some venture funds.

Seafund is trying to catch the bus early and is currently in the process of developing its own playbook on what investing in defence-related software companies might look like. Hardware and software go hand in hand, at least for the moment. There's a big opportunity to smarten legacy military hardware," said Raut. Space and aerospace are big opportunities, as are component plays, which are used for radar systems, quantum cryptography, and optical communications."




Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy, Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna says in order to establish all the facts of the activities of the pro-Russian underground school on the territory of a monastery in Kyiv, it is necessary to wait for the investigation of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

"We need to wait for the investigation of the Security Service of Ukraine in order to establish all the relevant facts, understand the circumstances of the case, what happened in that place, who allowed this to happen, in order to make a reasoned decision on the side of the state," Berezhna said on the air of Social. News on Wednesday.

She also said this case once again confirms that education and culture are a matter of national security.

"Because, if this happened, then such an impact on Ukrainian children, on the Ukrainian young generation is a huge threat to our state, to the people in our state. All such cases that confirm that there is an invasion of our culture and education will need to be eliminated as those that contradict, counteract and do not contribute to the national security of Ukraine," the deputy prime minister said.

As reported, Slidstvo.Info exposed an underground school operating in a monastery of the Moscow Patriarchate in Holosiivsky district. Journalists established that 60 children study in the school, which is called a "family club," from grades one to nine. They are taught according to Soviet textbooks, and the schedule includes the subject "Slavic language" which is actually Russian. Journalists also managed to establish that two official schools are covering up the activities of a pro-Russian organization  the documents of these 60 children are there and they pretend that the children are studying there.

Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovy gave a verbal instruction to the head of the State Service for the Quality of Education of Ukraine to immediately begin an inspection of institutions in which children were fictitiously registered as students.

Later, under the procedural guidance of juvenile prosecutors of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, investigators of the Main Department of the Security Service of Ukraine in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region began a pre-trial investigation based on the facts made public by journalists of Slidstvo.Info regarding the underground school on the territory of the monastery.

Educational Ombudsman Nadia Leshchyk states the activities of the pro-Russian underground school on the territory of the monastery in Kyiv show signs of a number of violations: indoctrination of children, propaganda and violation of the principles of the state policy of the national memory of the Ukrainian people and the law on decommunization; violation of children's rights to education; illegal provision of educational services; violation of licensing requirements by educational institutions (signs of possible fictitious enrollment of students, illegal receipt of educational subsidies, forgery of documents, etc.).
By Anmol Choubey

Jan 7 (Reuters) - Gold prices fell more than 1% on Wednesday as investors booked profits after a recent rally, though it pared some losses after weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data bolstered bets of Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Spot gold dropped 0.9% to $4,445.32 per ounce, as of 1:36 p.m. ET (1836 GMT). Prices fell as much as 1.7% to $4,422.89 earlier in the session.

U.S. gold futures for February delivery settled 0.7% lower at $4,462.50.

"We're viewing today's pullback as general profit taking after that recent surge," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

But softer employment data continues to support the case for Fed easing, which has underpinned gold prices recently, Meger added.

U.S. job openings fell more than expected in November after rising marginally in October, while a separate ADP report showed that private payrolls increased less than expected in December.

Markets anticipate 61 basis points of rate cuts this year, according to data compiled by LSEG. Focus now turns to Friday's nonfarm payrolls report.

Meanwhile, geopolitical uncertainty persisted following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture over the weekend, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing plans on Tuesday to refine and sell Venezuelan crude, while the White House separately confirmed discussions about acquiring Greenland, including potential military involvement.

Elsewhere, China's central bank extended its gold-buying streak to a 14th straight month in December, according to official data.

The data from China "continues to show strong demand that we're seeing from Asia ... and again, one more reason why we've seen this recent push to the upside," Meger said.

Gold, a non-yielding safe-haven asset, tends to benefit in low-rate environments and during times of uncertainty.

Among other metals, spot silver lost 4.1% to $77.93 per ounce.

HSBC raised its 2026 silver price forecast to $68.25 but warned of volatility as supply eases, while Goldman Sachs sees thin London inventories driving sharp swings and squeezeled rallies that may later reverse.

Spot platinum dropped 6.5% to $2,285.75, while palladium traded 5.2% lower at $1,727.40.
By Tom Polansek

CHICAGO, - Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures jumped to their highest level in more than a week on Wednesday as dry weather fuelled concerns about crops in the U.S. Plains, analysts said.

Soybean futures topped a one-week high following recent sales of U.S. supplies to China, while corn futures also rose.

The markets rebounded from losses on Tuesday as traders adjusted their positions before the U.S. Department of Agriculture was slated to issue key crop data on Monday.

WINTER WHEAT CONDITION IN FOCUS On Tuesday, USDA data showed that condition ratings for U.S. winter wheat crops fell during December in Kansas, the top U.S. winter wheat producer, and other Plains states.

The decline caught traders' attention, said Rich Nelson, chief strategist for Allendale. However, dry weather at this time of year does not affect crop yields, he said.

"It's a psychological story," Nelson said, adding that rains in the spring were more important to determining yields.

Most-active CBOT wheat futures were up 8-1/4 cents at $5.18-3/4 per bushel at 12:45 p.m. CST after rising to the highest point since December 29. Prices were recovering after dropping on Friday to their lowest level since October.

K.C. March wheat futures were up 9-3/4 cents at $5.31-1/4 per bushel.

On Monday, the USDA was scheduled to issue estimates for U.S. winter wheat plantings, along with estimates for last year's corn and soybean yields and other data.

The USDA may trim its corn yield estimate due to dry weather at the end of last year's growing season, traders said.

CBOT corn futures were up 2-3/4 cents at $4.46-3/4 per bushel, while soybeans were up 11 cents at $10.67-1/4 per bushel. On Tuesday, the USDA confirmed exporters sold 336,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to China as the world's top importer continued purchases after a late-October trade truce with Washington. Chinese state stockpiler Sinograin bought 10 U.S. soybean cargoes this week, totalling about 600,000 tons, three traders told Reuters on Tuesday. Sales of U.S. soybeans to China will partly dent demand for Brazilian soy this year, Brazilian grain traders lobby Anec said.
Bharat Coking Coal IPO: This year's first initial public offering (IPO) is set to open this week on January 9, with Bharat Coking Coal's (BCCL) 1,071-crore offer. The Coal India subsidiary and largest coking coal producer in India announced the price band for its offer earlier this week at 21 to 23 per share.

Investors can apply for the BCCL IPO in lots of 600 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 13,800 at the upper end of the price band by a retailer.

Shares of the company will list on Friday, January 16, on both BSE and NSE.

BCCL IPO GMP Ahead of the offer launch, BCCL IPO is witnessing a strong trend in the grey market. As per data from investorgain.com, BCCL IPO grey market premium (GMP) today is 11.1. This means that BCCL shares are trading 11.1 above the upper end of the offer price.

At the current Bharat Coking Coal IPO GMP, shares could see a listing pop of 48%. However, investors must note that GMP is subject to swift changes, and investors should consider other factors like risk appetite and company fundamentals while applying for the offer.

BCCL IPO: 10 key things from RHP Ahead of the offer launch, here are the key things that investors must know about BCCL IPO from its RHP.

1. BCCL IPO Dates The BCCL IPO will open for bidding on Friday, January 9 and close on Tuesday, January 13. The anchor book for BCCL IPO will open on January 8.

2. BCCL IPO Structure BCCL IPO is entirely an offer for sale by its promoter Coal India. This means that proceeds from the IPO will go to the Maharatna PSU and will not be received by the company. As per Mint's calculations, Coal India will pocket over 600-crore gain from BCCL IPO.

3. BCCL IPO Objective Since IPO is entirely on OFS, and no proceeds will be received by the company, BCCL has listed its objective as follows:

 Achieve the benefits of listing the equity shares on the stock exchanges

 Listing to enhance visibility and brand image, and provide liquidity for its shares

4. BCCL largest coking coal producer BCCL is the largest coking coal producer in India in Fiscal 2025 in terms of coking coal production, accounting for 58.50% of domestic coking coal production during the year, as per a Crisil report.

5. Coal production Incorporated in 1972 to mine and supply coking coal, BCCL's operations concentrated in mines located in the Jharia coalfields in Jharkhand and the Raniganj coalfields in West Bengal. Since then, it has expanded operations significantly, with coal production increasing from 30.51 million tonnes in Fiscal 2022 to 40.50 million tonnes in Fiscal 2025, representing a growth of 32.74% over Fiscal 2022.

6. Key customers The company has several large companies, including thermal power generating companies, steel producers and industrial companies, both in the public and the private sector, as its customers, with whom it shares a long-standing relationship.

As per the RHP, its clientele also includes PSUs such as Damodar Valley Corporation, Steel Authority of India Limited, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, Jhajjar Power Limited and Maithon Power Limited.

7. Financials The company has reported a strong jump in revenue and profit between FY25 and FY23. The revenue as of FY25 stood at 13,802.5 crore as against 14245.8 crore in FY24 and 12,624 crore in FY23. Meanwhile, the profit in FY25, FY24 and FY23 stood at 2,356.06 crore, 2493.89 crore and 891.31 crore, respectively.

8. Company peers As per the RHP, there are no Indian listed industry peers of comparable size or line of business. It has listed Warrior Met Coal (P/E of 19.44 times) and Alpha Metallurgical Resources (P/E of 14.87 times), both listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as industry peers.

9. Key risks The company's mines and washeries are concentrated in Jharia, Jharkhand, and Raniganj, West Bengal. The eventual exhaustion of coal reserves in these areas, or the inability to successfully exploit existing reserves, may adversely affect business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

A significant portion of the revenues is derived from the production of raw coking coal, which accounted for 77.20%, 74.13%, 75.72%, 75.75%, and 74.79% of revenue from operations in the six-month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, and in Fiscals 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, creating concentration risk.

10. Industry overview Coal and iron ore are the bedrock of Indias mineral wealth, playing a critical role in driving the nations industrial and economic progress. In Fiscal 2025, the coking coal demand is 67 MMT and is expected to reach 138 MMT in Fiscal 2035.

The total coking coal supply shows a surplus in most years, which is not the case as very limited coking coal is directly being used in the steel industry owing to the inferior quality of Indian coking coal. Going ahead, though the coking coal supply is expected to be more than the demand, as per a Crisil report.
Victory Electric Vehicles IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Victory Electric Vehicles, which opened for bidding on Wednesday, continued to witness a muted response from investors during the second day.

As of 3:30 PM, the issue had received bids for 28.17 lakh shares against 80.07 lakh shares on offer, resulting in a subscription rate of 0.35 times. Segment-wise, the retail portion was subscribed only 0.62 times, while the non-institutional investor category was booked just 0.08 times.

The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds from the IPO to meet working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes.

Victory Electric Vehicles issue details 1. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO date: The issue opened for subscription today, January 7, and will remain open until Friday, January 9.

2. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO price: The price band of the IPO has been fixed at 41 per equity share.

3. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO size: The company aims to raise 34.56 crore through the IPO, which is a fresh issue of 0.84 crore shares.

4. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO lot size: The IPO lot size is fixed at 6,000 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 2.46 lakh for retail investors.

5. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO reservation: The IPO has reserved 40 lakh shares each for non-institutional buyers and retail investors.

6. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO allotment date: The IPO allotment date is set for Monday, January 12. Investors who receive an allotment will see the shares in their demat accounts by Tuesday, January 13, while those who do not will have their refunds processed on the same day.

7. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO listing: The SME IPO is proposed to list on NSE SME on Wednesday, January 14.

8. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO GMP: According to market sources, the GMP of the Victory Electric Vehicles IPO on Thursday was nil, indicating that the stock might list at the issue price.

9. Victory Electric Vehicles IPO book-running lead manager and registrar: Corpwis Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is the book-running lead manager, while Maashitla Securities Pvt. Ltd. is the registrar to the issue. The market maker for the company is Alacrity Securities Ltd.

10. Victory Electric Vehicles overview: The company designs, manufactures, and distributes electric vehicles, providing sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions by offering a wide range of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.

Its portfolio extends beyond conventional offerings to include customised E-three-wheelers, catering to specific needs such as food three-wheelers and ice cream three-wheelers, among others, according to the companys DRHP report.
Some of Wall Streets biggest banks have opted out of advising on a planned $1.4 billion initial public offering of Indias SBI Funds Management Ltd. because of low fees, according to people familiar with the matter.

Citigroup Inc., which was part of the initial list of mandated advisers, pulled out over fees, the people said, asking not to be identified while discussing private matters. SBI Funds later replaced Citi with Jefferies Financial Group. JPMorgan Chase & Co. also decided not to pursue the transaction after pitching due to similar reasons, a person said.

Shareholders selling in the IPO  the state-run State Bank of India and Frances Amundi SA  offered fees of about 0.01% of the issue size, which bankers called rock bottom, after some domestic advisers quoted only a token fee for the mandate, the people said. By comparison, companies paid an average fee of 1.86% of the issue size last year, up from 1.67% in 2024, according to LSEG data.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Co., Axis Bank Ltd., SBI Capital Markets Ltd., Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd., ICICI Securities Ltd. and JM Financial Ltd. were picked to work on the IPO, along with local units of Citigroup, HSBC Holdings Plc and Bank of America Corp., people familiar with the transaction told Bloomberg News earlier this week.

Past Trend Low fees reflect a pattern seen in past government-linked deals. When State Bank raised 250 billion rupees ($2.8 billion) through a share sale in July, it paid six bankers just one rupee each, according to local media. In such deals, banks often accept symbolic fees as they vie for prestige, league-table credit and long-term relationships.

State Bank, SBI Funds Management and Citigroup didnt respond to requests for comment. Amundi and JPMorgan declined to comment. Deliberations are ongoing and the terms of the offering could still change, the people said.

SBI Funds is jointly owned by State Bank and Amundi. The partners said last year they plan to sell a combined 10% stake through an IPO. The offering could raise about $1.4 billion, valuing the company at about $14 billion, the people said earlier.
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) signals a gradual consumption recovery over the next few quarters, with improving demand conditions in the December quarter (Q3FY26). Easing inflation and a better affordability after the goods and services tax rate rationalization would aid revival.

In its Q3FY26 pre-quarterly update, GCPL stated that consolidated revenue (in rupee terms) would be close to double digits, driven by double-digit volume growth in the India business. Also, the India business Ebitda margin is expected to return to normalized levels, which have been in the 24-26% range, helped by favourable input costs, calibrated pricing, and operating leverage. Consolidated Ebitda growth will also be in double digits. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

These are better than initial estimates by some brokerages. We believe it (revenue) would have grown by 9.5% year-on-year, better than our earlier estimate of 6.7% on-year," said Nomura Global Markets Research report dated 6 January. Nomura is now pencilling in an Ebitda growth of around 12.8% on-year, above its expectation of a 9.5% on-year rise.

The home-care segment, which accounted for 27% of its FY25 consolidated sales, is at the drivers seat and is expected to deliver double-digit value growth in Q3FY26. Notably, the pickup has come despite an unfavourable winter, which would typically weigh on household insecticide sales.

An uptick in sight

Personal care (soaps, hair colours, deodrants), contributing 32% of FY25 consolidated sales, is expected to post mid-single-digit growth led by a recovery in soaps after nearly 10 quarters of flat or negative performance. Importantly, ex-soaps volumes had already been growing in double digits, suggesting the underlying India business was healthier than headline numbers implied. This marks a clear improvement from H1FY26, when India volumes grew by just about 4%.

Also Read | Investors watch what GAUM would spell for GCPL

Also Read | Godrej Consumer poised for earnings recovery, but conditions apply

On the flipside, the contribution of international business remains uneven. Overseas operations accounted for about 39% of FY25 sales. Indonesia, which contributes 14%, has shown early signs of stabilization, but it is still expected to see a decline on-year amid pricing pressure, with recovery only from FY27.

According to Nuvama Research, Indonesia business would see sales decline of 3% on-year in Q3FY26 and muted 2% on-year volume growth, but Nuvama believes the worst is behind. In contrast, the GAUM (Godrej Africa, US, and Middle East) business continues to deliver strong double-digit growth on key parameters.

Also Read | What is overshadowing Godrej Properties robust H1 pre-sales?

Meanwhile, in the past year, the GCPL stock has been up a mere 8%. If this performance sustains, then GCPL can exit its weak phase and may be on track to deliver high single-digit consolidated revenue growth in FY26, mainly supported by an uptick in domestic volumes. But, at around 44x FY27 price-to-earnings, according to Bloomberg data, valuation already captures a fair degree of optimism.
Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 extended their losing streak for a second straight session on Tuesday, January 6, led by profit-booking despite supportive global cues.

The Sensex slipped more than 500 points, or over 0.60%, to touch an intraday low of 84,900.10, while the Nifty 50 fell 0.50% to an intraday low of 26,124.75. Both indices recovered part of the losses by the close, with the Sensex ending down 376 points, or 0.44%, at 85,063.34, and the Nifty 50 settling 72 points lower, or 0.27%, at 26,178.70.

Stock market outlook Nifty 50 On Tuesday, the Nifty 50 opened on a weak note and initially attempted a recovery, scaling an intraday high of 26,273.95. However, the index failed to sustain at higher levels and witnessed profit booking, slipping below an intraday support of 26,150, which highlights selling pressure at elevated levels.

On the outlook of Nifty 50, Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, said, " Nifty managed a modest rebound to close at 26,178, suggesting bargain buying near lower levels and a lack of aggressive downside follow-through.

On the technical front, immediate resistance is seen in the 26,30026,350 zone, while key support is placed at 26,00026,050.

The daily RSI stands at 55.45 and is trending lower, indicating moderating bullish momentum and a loss of upside strength in the near term. Volatility remained subdued, with India VIX marginally lower by 0.005% to 10.01, reflecting stable market expectations and absence of panic.

From a derivatives perspective, heavy call writing at the 26,200 strike establishes it as a crucial pivot and short-term resistance level. As long as the index holds above 26,100, a selective buy-on-dips strategy can be adopted, with strict stop-loss placed at 26,000."

Bank Nifty The Bank Nifty opened on a flat note and registered an intraday high of 60,305; however, the move lacked sustainability and the index slipped below the key psychological support of 60,100, indicating temporary intraday weakness.

On the outlook of Bank Nifty, Bagadia added, " This price action suggests a phase of consolidation with a positive undertone. Immediate resistance is placed in the 60,40060,500 zone, while the crucial support band of 59,80059,900 remains important for maintaining near-term stability in the index.

On the daily charts, the RSI stands at 65.99 and is trending higher, suggesting strengthening momentum without entering the overbought territory. Traders are advised to maintain a positive bias and adopt a buy-on-dips strategy near key support levels, with disciplined risk management through appropriate stop-loss placements."

Breakout stocks to buy today Breakout stocks are those stocks that move past their established support or resistance levels. Breakouts often signal that a stock may be poised for a strong price move.

Amid ongoing market conditions, Sumeet Bagadia has recommended five breakout shares to buy today - IPCA Laboratories, SBI Cards and Payment Services, Dr. Agarwal's Health Care, Apollo Tyres, and Petronet LNG.

Also Read | Sebi may slow reform pace in 2026 after a year of regulatory churn

1] IPCA Laboratories: Buy at  1469.60, target  1600, stop loss  1405 IPCALAB is trading around 1,469.60 and is showing strength after a wider-range trendline breakout with a decisive close above it. The stock has taken strong support near the 200-day EMA, indicating accumulation, and is trading above key 20, 50, and 200 EMAs. RSI at 59.06 reflects improving upside momentum. Short-term traders may consider buying at current levels with a stop loss at 1,405 and a target of 1,600, maintaining disciplined risk management.

2] SBI Cards and Payment Services: Buy at  901.55, target  965, stop loss  860 SBICARD is trading around 901.55 and has recently broken out of a sideways consolidation, indicating renewed strength. The stock is taking strong support and moving higher while trading above key 20, 50, and 200 EMAs, reflecting a positive trend. On the weekly chart, rising trendline support along with a symmetrical triangle formation signals further upside potential. RSI at 62.17 has bounced from lower levels and is trending upward. Short-term traders may consider buying at current levels with a stop loss at 860 and a target of 965, following prudent risk management.

3] Dr. Agarwal's Health Care: Buy at  514.10, target  560, stop loss  490 AGARWALEYE is trading around 514.10 and has recently broken out of its previous 15-day sideways consolidation, supported by healthy volumes, indicating fresh buying interest. The stock is trading above key 20, 50, and 200 EMAs, reflecting a positive trend structure. RSI at 56.84 is moving upward, signaling improving momentum. Traders may consider buying near current levels with a stop loss at 490 and a target of 560, following disciplined risk management.

4] Apollo Tyres: Buy at  519.50, target  570, stop loss  495 APOLLOTYRE is trading around 519.50 and, after a recent decline, has consolidated in a sideways range and taken strong support at the lower end before giving a range breakout. The breakout is backed by healthy volumes, indicating renewed buying interest. The stock is forming a higher high and higher low structure and is trading above key 20, 50, and 200 EMAs, reflecting a positive trend. RSI at 57.21 is moving upward, signaling improving momentum. Traders may consider buying near current levels with a stop loss at 495 and a target of 570, following disciplined risk management.

5] Petronet LNG: Buy at  295.30, target  320, stop loss  280 PETRONET is trading around 295.30 and, following a recent corrective phase, has spent time consolidating within a well-defined sideways parallel channel. The stock has repeatedly found strong support near the lower band of this range and has now staged a decisive upside breakout, indicating a potential shift back into a positive short-term trend. The breakout is supported by healthy volumes, indicating renewed buying interest. The stock is trading above key 20, 50, and 200 EMAs, reflecting a positive trend. RSI at 70.42 remains in a higher trajectory, signaling strong momentum. Traders may consider buying near current levels with a stop loss at 280 and a target of 320, maintaining disciplined risk management.
New Delhi, Jan 7 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday extended the timeline till March 1 for the implementation of an additional incentives structure for mutual fund distributors for onboarding new individual investors from B-30 cities and new women investors from any city.

Also Read | Why has Sebi tweaked the timelines for sharing market data with educators?

Earlier, the new incentive structure, aimed at promoting wider outreach and awareness, was scheduled to be effective from February 1, 2026.

According to the classification used in the mutual fund industry, B-30 refers to places beyond the top 30 cities.

Based on the feedback received from the industry, citing operational difficulties in putting in place the requisite systems and processes for smooth implementation of the additional incentive structure, Sebi has decided to extend the implementation timeline.

Accordingly, the new provisions will now come into effect from March 1, 2026, Sebi said in its circular.

Also Read | Sebi mulls ending market education price data confusion with 30-day lag

Under the new framework, asset management companies (AMCs) will pay these distributors 1 per cent of the first lump-sum investment or the first-year SIP amount, up to 2,000, provided the investor stays invested for at least a year.

This commission will come from the 2 basis points AMCs already set aside for investor education, and will be paid over and above existing trail commissions.

However, no dual incentives will be allowed for the same woman investor from B-30 cities. The additional commission will not apply to ETFs, certain Fund of Funds, and very short-duration schemes like overnight, liquid, ultra-short, and low-duration funds.

Also Read | Debt vs growth: What investors must check before buying stocks

"The mutual fund distributors shall be eligible for additional commission (for bringing) -- new individual investors (new PAN) from B-30 cities, at the mutual fund industry level; and New women individual investors (new PAN) from both top 30 and B-30 cities," Sebi had stated.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed a uniform 30-day lag for exchanges to share market data with trading academies and for academies to use such data in their teaching materials after receiving feedback from the industry. Two previous circulars had sparked confusion about whether these academies could use one-day-old or three-month-old market data.

In a consultation paper released on Tuesday, the regulator suggested that stock exchanges provide market data for educational purposes only after a 30-day delay, and that trading academies limit their training materials to 30-day-old data.

Also Read | Sebi may slow reform pace in 2026 after a year of regulatory churn

Mint explains why such time lags for sharing and using market data exist, why a delicate balance is needed, and why Sebi decided to change them now.

How are the new timelines different?

In May 2024, Sebi restricted exchanges from sharing live market data such as prices, volumes and so on for trading and related activities, while allowing a one-day lag in the dissemination of such data for education and awareness.

Then in January 2025, Sebi said educational institutions could only use three-month-old data in their teaching sessions. This caused confusion among trading academies on whether they could use data that was a day old or three months old. The new framework seeks to clarify this.

Why were the changes needed?

In its draft paper, the markets regulator said it had received feedback from the industry that the one-day lag for sharing data was too short and the three-month lag for using data was too long. The one-day lag could open up opportunities for misuse in the form of unauthorized stock recommendations or market manipulation, while the three-month lag could make educational data redundant, they said. Sebi concluded after internal deliberations that the three-month lag on using market data for education could be too long and there was scope for a reduction.

The ambiguity around timelines became an issue during the recent matter involving Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy (ASTA). In December 2025, Sebi issued an ex-parte interim order against Avadhut Sathe and his trading academy for recommending stocks despite not being registered with Sebi. The regulator pored over months-long training sessions and found Sathe had been providing stock tips using market price data.

Also Read | Sebi is initiating far more probes. Yet its case files are also turning fatter

However, the trading academy challenged the order in the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). One of its many points of contention was that a regulatory vacuum" made it difficult to understand whether market price data could be used with a lag of one day or three months. ASTA was allowed to access the funds needed to continue its operations, effectively overturning a part of the Sebi order.

Why is a lag necessary in the first place?

A lag in sharing and using this information is vital because live and near-live market data has been misused repeatedly in the past.

In 2022, Sebi imposed penalties totaling 11 crore on senior academic Ajay Shah and others for misusing confidential exchange data for commercial gains. Data originally shared for a liquidity index research project was allegedly exploited to develop and sell algorithmic trading software, giving certain market participants unfair access.

Live data can also be misused to make speculative bets on price movements. "Sebi has brought in the timeline to help curb speculation, especially in shadow markets, where live data was being used to predict the market," said Abhiraj Arora, partner at Saraf and Partners, a law firm.

This speculative risk is most visible in dabba tradingan illegal, parallel market where operators use live exchange prices as a benchmark to settle off-market bets without actually executing any trades on the exchange. Akshaya Bhansali, managing partner at Mindspright Legal, said, Dabba traders have their own stock-market-like software and trading happens live, based on data from the real market. If live data is not available there is no use of this software."

What is Sebis point of view?

Sebi initially said the two earlier circulars were not contradictory and could co-exist. While the one-day lag was meant to prevent exchanges from sharing live data, educational institutions could only use three-month-old price data, it said. This meant the one-day lag was a technical minimum for exchanges and intermediaries, and the three-month lag was a threshold for to ensure that educational data could not be misused.

Shortly after the SAT passed its interim order, Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey rejected ASTAs claims of a regulatory vacuum" but acknowledged that the 2024 and 2025 circulars needed to be aligned.

Is 30 days an appropriate window?

The market regulator believes a 30-day lag strikes a balance, keeping educational material reasonably relevant while reducing the risk of misuse.

Also Read | A single securities market code will help but Sebi may need extra muscle

Some securities lawyers, however, disagreed with this, saying the focus should not be on time lines but on preventing the misuse of market data. Sebi wanted to create a common time lag for sharing and using data and therefore 30 days came into existence. But it cannot be said that this is an appropriate timeline. The focus should not be on the timeline, it is the misuse of data which is important. Sebi needs to enhance its technology to curb this misuse. It has always been a proactive regulator when it comes to technology," said Bhansali.
Shares of jewellery stocks such as Senco Gold, Titan and Kalyan Jewellers surged up to 14% in early morning trade on Wednesday, January 7, following the release of their business updates for the third quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26).

Senco Gold share price emerged as the best performer as it rallied 14% to the day's high of 368.85. Meanwhile, Titan shares jumped 4% to hit a fresh 52-week high of 4285 on the BSE. Kalyan Jewellers' share price jumped 2.60% to 513.65.

All three jewellery players reported a strong show led by festive demand, although they did flag some impact on volumes amid a sharp surge in gold prices.

Also Read | Kalyan Jewellers India sets board meeting date to declare Q3 results 2026

Here's a look at their Q3 business updates:

Senco Gold Senco Gold, whose shares surged the most, posted an encouraging growth of 51% year-on-year (YoY) amid festive buying. It said that the TTM revenue has already reached ~ 8000 crore, reflecting consistent YoY growth, loyal customer base and brand positioning.

The company also tapped new areas by opening four stores across four different states. Senco said it is firmly on course to achieve the annual target of 20 new showroom openings for FY26. So far in the first nine months of FY26, it has launched 11 franchises and 5 company-owned stores. It expects to launch another three to four showrooms under the COCO and FOCO models.

"We are thus confident of achieving 25%+ YoY growth for FY26, riding on 31% YoY in 9 months so far," it added.

Titan Titan, too, witnessed 41% growth in its jewellery portfolio, buoyed by festive demand. Revenue growth was driven by substantial average selling price (ASP) increases, offsetting flattish buyer growth, the company said.

It said that distinct consumer patterns were observed across product categories. Gold coins nearly doubled in sales, reinforcing their strong investment proposition. The gold (plain) category grew strongly in the late-thirties, reflecting preference for design-led, aesthetic premium offerings during the wedding and festive season, and studded clocked its best performance (yet) for FY26, exhibiting healthy double-digit growth in the mid-twenties. The like-for-like growth (secondary) across all jewellery retail formats (combined) was in the low thirties.

Overall, considering other divisions like watches, eyecare and emerging business, Titan's consumer business revenue was higher by 40% YoY. During the quarter, it added 47 new stores (net) in India.

Kalyan Jewellers The company, in an exchange filing on Tuesday evening, said that Q3 was "very encouraging" as the company recorded consolidated revenue growth of 42% YoY, driven by festive demand. The company stated that demand during the period following Diwali also remained robust, despite volatility in gold prices.

Also Read | Railway PSU IRFC to consider Q3 results on this date. Check details here

The same store sales growth was nearly 27%, it said in the filing, adding that the international revenue was higher by 36% YoY. During the recently concluded quarter, Kalyan Jewellers launched 21 Kalyan showrooms in India, one Kalyan showroom in the United Kingdom, and 14 Candere showrooms in India, taking the total showrooms across the world to 469.
Photo: https://t.me/zedigital/

Beta testing of national LLM (large language model) is planned to be launched in spring 2026, First Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said.

"And the name for the Ukrainian LLM will be chosen by Ukrainians themselves  in January we will start voting in Diia," he wrote on the Telegram channel on Wednesday.

According to him, the first text database for LLM training will be formed in January. The tokenizer, which divides words into elements, will be improved to enable fast and productive language processing. It will also have its own benchmarks for assessing quality.

Fedorov explained that data collection for LLM training is currently underway. "High quality requires more than information from the internet, so we work with state bodies, media, universities, and other institutions. These sources provide terabytes of unique data," noted the first vice prime minister.

He added that specialists are working on creating language model tests to help evaluate and improve quality.

"In parallel, we are creating a legal framework to responsibly work with the data provided to us for training the model," Fedorov emphasized.

The technical partner of the project is the largest Ukrainian mobile operator, Kyivstar, which is financing the development of a national large language model and its subsequent transfer to the state.

The First Deputy Prime Minister specified that a group of independent experts from various fields will test the quality of the development. Specifically, the model will be evaluated based on technical quality, ethical considerations, user safety, Ukrainian language proficiency, and understanding of the national context.
Stocks to buy for the long term: Relentless foreign capital outflow, caution ahead of Q3 earnings, geopolitical uncertainties, and a delayed India-US trade deal are keeping the domestic market in a range. The equity benchmark Nifty 50 declined for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, slipping below the 26,200 level.

Experts expect the market to remain in a range in the short term due to global factors and ahead of the Q3 FY26 results. However, for the medium term, the outlook has improved due to anticipated earnings recovery and hopes of a trade deal with the US.

Experts say the Indian stock market will remain a stock-pickers market in 2026, and betting on quality stocks with healthy fundamentals will be key to navigating volatility and uncertainty.

Vinit Bolinjkar, the head of research at Ventura, recommends five stocks for the long term. Bolinjkar sees an up to 76% upside potential in these stocks. Let's take a look:

Stock picks for the long term Royal Orchid Hotels | Previous close:  397.85 | Target price:  700 | Upside potential: 76% Bolinjkar highlighted that India's hotel industry is evolving with increased domestic travel, a demand-supply gap, and business-oriented stays.

Royal Orchid Hotels aims to expand its portfolio from 115 hotels to 345 by 2030, adopting an asset-light model with minimal initial capex through franchisee properties.

The company has a structured brand portfolio targeting all traveller segments, with a focus on upscale and budget options.

"Over FY25-28E, Royal Orchid Hotels revenue, EBITDA and net earnings are projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.8%, 26.2%, and 23.8%, respectively. Our FY28 price target is 700 (FY28 P/E of 12.6 times)," said Bolinjkar.

Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Experts recommend these six technical picks

One 97 Communications (Paytm) | Previous close:  1,332.10 | Target price:  2,074 | Upside potential: 56% Bolinjkar underscored that Paytm has significantly improved its business position in the past 12-15 months.

The merchant-based growth grew from 40.7 million in Q1FY25 to 47 million in Q2FY26, with payment GMV (gross merchandise value) rising from 4.21 trillion to 5.67 trillion over the same period.

Device penetration also increased from 10.9 million to 13.7 million.

The company is targeting 25-30% revenue growth and 15% EBITDA margin by FY28.

"Favourable revenue mix, cost optimisation (by using technology and AI) and operating leverage to drive profitability. Our FY28 price target is 2,074 (FY28 P/E of 62.8 times)," said Bolinjkar.

V-Mart Retail | Previous close:  695.45 | Target price:  1,069 | Upside potential: 54% As per Bolinjkar, V-Mart Retail plans to expand its network from 510 to 660 stores by FY28, with a Capex of 350 crore.

"We project V-Marts revenue to grow at a CAGR of 16.1%, reaching 5,094 crore by FY28, driven by a 14.6% CAGR in sales volume, stable ASP (average selling price) of 232-241, and improved sales per square foot," said Bolinjkar.

This growth aligns with V-Marts strategy of boosting sales volume while maintaining competitive pricing.

"EBITDA and net profit are expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% and 33.7%, respectively, with EBITDA margin rising to 12% and net margin increasing to 2.1%. Our FY28 price target is 1,069 (FY28 P/E of 77.6 times)," said Bolinjkar.

CESC | Previous close:  170.77 | Target price:  243 | Upside potential: 42% Bolinjkar said CESC is entering a high-growth phase, supported by power sector reforms and a diversified portfolio across regulated distribution, thermal generation and renewables.

The company targets 3.2 GW renewables by FY29 and 10 GW by FY32, alongside a 3 GW integrated solar manufacturing facility by 2027.

Backed by 320 billion capex over five years, CESC aims to double PAT to 3,000 crore by FY30 (nearly 16% CAGR).

"We forecast strong revenue and EBITDA growth, margin expansion and sustained long-term value creation. Our FY28 price target is 243 (FY28 EV/EBITDA of 9 times)," said Bolinjkar.

DCB Bank | Previous close:  182.50 | Target price:  228 | Upside potential: 25% Bolinjkar highlighted that DCB Bank is a niche, wellcapitalised private bank.

"As much as 95% of the loan book is secured and hence defaults and credit costs are expected to remain minimal, ensuring low vulnerability to credit risk, even amidst market fluctuations," said Bolinjkar.

Bolinjkar believes the bank's total deposits may grow at 18.9% CAGR to 1 trillion, while advances are expected to reach 85,736 crore (CAGR of 19%).

Asset quality is comfortable with GNPA around 3% and NNPA near 1.2%, while RoA is trending towards 1% with improving cost ratios and lower credit cost.

"One should buy DCB for its combination of highteens loan growth, improving operating leverage and riskadjusted profitability, still available at sub1 time FY26E book, offering favourable riskreward versus larger peers. Our FY28 price target is 228 (FY28 P/B of 1 time)," said Bolinjkar.

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It was another weak session for the Indian stock market, as key indices remained lower for the third straight day on Wednesday, January 7, with investor sentiment staying fragile amid mixed global cues and fresh tariff-related concerns, keeping the overall market subdued.

Both key averages opened the session lower, tracking losses in key Asian markets, and the sell-off deepened during the first half of the trade. However, a sharp rally in tech stocks supported the indices, eventually leading to minor losses.

The Nifty 50 shed 0.13% to settle at 26,143, while the S&P BSE Sensex closed at 84,944, a 0.14% drop from the previous close.

The broader markets, however, closed with healthy gains, with both the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices rallying 0.45% and 0.39%, respectively, indicating that the market undertone still favors bulls.

Sectoral performance was mixed, with Nifty IT, Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty Chemicals, and Nifty Pharma all closing with gains between 0.60% and 1.9%. On the flip side, Nifty Auto, Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty Realty, and Nifty PSU Bank closed lower, with losses ranging from 0.3% to 0.80%.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump warned of higher tariffs on Indian exports if India does not halt purchases of Russian oil. The US imposed on India an initial 25%, and then an additional 25% tariff due to Russian oil purchases, which Washington sees as helping to fund Russia's war with Ukraine.

Reliance Infrastructure leads Nifty 500 losses; Cipla down 4% Reliance Infrastructure was the top laggard among the Nifty 500 constituents today, as the stock dropped another 5% to 156.3 apiece.

Cipla was also down 4% to 1,467 apiece after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released details of its observations on Pharmathen International, noting multiple compliance gaps at Pharmathen's facilities, CNBC TV-18 reported.

After a prolonged rally, Ola Electric shares came under selling pressure, falling 3% to 42.31 apiece, as investors appeared to lock in gains. Select metal and auto stocks also came under profit-taking, with Maruti Suzuki India, Hindustan Copper, and Hindustan Zinc falling 2.8%, 2.5%, and 2.3%, respectively.

Meanwhile, stocks from the auto-ancillary pack, including Craftsman Automation, Jyoti CNC Automation, and Motherson Sumi Wiring, all fell over 2%.

Other top laggards from the Nifty 500 pack included Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Cholamandalam Finance, Prestige Estates Projects, BASF India, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Gravita India, SBI Cards and Payments, Kirloskar Oil Engines, Jubilant Ingrevia, and TBO Tek, all falling between 2% and 3%.

Tata Elxsi leads rally; jewellery stocks shine on strong Q3 updates Looking at the gainers list, Tata Elxsi emerged as the top performer as the stock ended the session with a 9.5% surge at 5,853 apiece. Key stocks in the jewellery segment, such as Senco Gold, Titan and Kalyan Jewellers, also closed with sharp gains of up to 4%, as investor sentiment improved following the release of their business updates for the third quarter of FY26 (Q3FY26).

All these companies reported strong top-line growth, with demand largely driven by festive and wedding-related sales despite elevated gold prices. Apart from Titan, another Tata Group stock, Tata Chemicals, rallied 4% to 784 apiece.

Meanwhile, both large- and mid-cap IT stocks witnessed strong buying interest, with Sonata Software, KPIT Technologies, Tata Technologies, Birlasoft, Persistent Systems, Oracle Financial Services Software, Cyient, Coforge, Hexaware Technologies, L&T Technology Services and MphasiS closing with gains ranging between 2% and 6%.

Similarly, pharma stocks also ended higher, with Neuland Laboratories surging 4.3%, followed by Torrent Pharmaceuticals, which gained 4%. Other stocks, including Mankind Pharma, Wockhardt, Ipca Laboratories, Lupin, Alkem Laboratories, Global Health, Akums Drugs & Pharma and Natco Pharma, also rose over 2%.
Recent changes to the National Pension System (NPS) have strengthened the case for using it as a long-term retirement vehicle, particularly for salaried employees with access to corporate NPS.

NPS is a market-linked retirement scheme that allows individuals to build a corpus through regular contributions during their working years. The accumulated amount can then be used to generate post-retirement income.

The most significant changes came in December 2025 and primarily apply to non-government subscribers. These include a higher permissible lump-sum withdrawal at retirement80% of the corpus from 60% earlier; the tax-free portion remains capped at 60%; the mandatory annuity component has been reduced to 20% from 40%.

Exit rules have also been relaxed. Subscribers under the all citizen model (individual NPS) can now opt for a normal exit after completing 15 years in the system or on attaining 60 years of age, whichever is earlier.

While these changes do not directly apply to corporate NPS subscribers, there is a workaround.

In the case of corporate NPS, the retirement age defined by the organisation overrides the option of exit after completion of 15 years," said Sumit Shukla, MD and CEO, Axis Pension Fund.

The main hesitation towards NPS was the lock-in until 60 years of age and the minimum 40% annuity. Now, both have been considerably eased. Also, no one puts all their savings in NPS, and of that, only a small part goes to an annuity," said Deepesh Raghaw, founder, PersonalFinancePlan.in and a Sebi-registered investment adviser.

Furthermore, under the new tax regime, NPS subscribers can claim a tax deduction only for their employers contribution and not their own. This ups the case for corporate NPS.

However, given that many companies still dont offer NPS, this option is limited for many employees. For those it does, Raghaw recommends they exhaust it to the maximum extent of an employers contribution (part of an employees cost to company or CTC) that is tax-deductible.

Also Read | Why Indias financial regulators should emulate the new NPS model

How it works

Apart from central and state government employees who are covered by NPS, any Indian citizen aged 18 to 85 can invest in the scheme under the all citizen model (individual NPS).

Companies, whether in the private or public sector, can offer NPS to their employees under the corporate sector model. Under this, the employer makes contributions towards the employees NPS account. The employer can claim this as a business expense and the employee as a tax deduction. Additionally, the employee can also make their own contribution.

Tax treatment is where corporate NPS clearly scores over individual NPS, especially under the new tax regime.

Under this, employees can claim a deduction for their employers contribution to NPS of up to 14% of basic pay plus dearness allowance (DA). This is the only NPS-related tax deduction available under the new regime. Individuals contributing to NPS on their own do not get any tax benefit.

The countrys new labour codes mandate that basic pay plus dearness allowance plus retaining allowance must be 50% of an employees CTC. So, employees who were below this limit can now enjoy greater tax savings as the employers contribution can be higher than before.

Under the old tax regime, the 14% limit for employer contributions applies only to government employees. For others, it is capped at 10%.

Additionally, employees can claim deductions for their own NPS contributions, up to the 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C, plus an additional 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B).

Flexibility to port under NPS

One big advantage of NPS is its portability. An NPS subscriber can move freely from one company to another, or from the private sector to the government sector, or even shift from corporate NPS to individual NPS while in the same job. They can retain the same NPS account as identified by their permanent retirement account number or PRAN.

On changing jobs, the subscriber's PRAN will be tagged to the new company once the details are shared. If the new company does not offer NPS, one can shift from corporate to individual NPS.

Remember, you are only shifting your sector (corporate to individual), the PoP (points of presence) remains the same," said Kuldeep Parashar, co-founder and CEO, PensionBox, an NPS platform backed by Zerodha. PoPs are entities, typically banks, that help with NPS account opening, contributions and other tasks for a charge.

Also Read | The NPS makeover and retirement security

Why corporate NPS adoption remains low

Unlike the employee provident fund (EPF), which must be mandatorily offered by any organisation with 20 or more employees, corporate NPS is a voluntary scheme.

NPS is not a priority for companies. Some are not even aware of it. They compare it with EPF and feel there will be a lot of compliance work, so they keep away from it," said Parashar. In reality, most compliance work is handled by the PoP, and there is no cost to the employer, he added.

The numbers highlight the gap. While 7.66 lakh companies offer EPF to their employees, only about 19,867 companies offer corporate NPS.

Almost all large corporates have adopted NPS; the difference in numbers is because of the vast number of small and medium organizations that have not registered for the scheme, said a person closely associated with NPS on condition of anonymity.

Even where NPS is adopted, enrolment at the employee level can vary widely from one company to another. In 2024-25, there were 22.75 lakh corporate NPS subscribers (employees) compared with individual NPS subscribers at 42.65 lakh.

Employees with zero tax liability under new tax regime (annual income up to 12.75 lakh) and younger workers prioritising higher take-home pay tend to opt out, the person said.

Experts believe NPS offers a disciplined, low-cost framework for long-term retirement savings. "NPS is a wonderful product that helps you rebalance between equity and debt without any tax implications," Raghaw said.
NEW DELHI: The government has set up a dedicated early dispute resolution panel to speed up the settlement of small-value disputes worth about 20,000 crore that have slowed highway development in the country.

The pre-conciliation committee, set up by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), will attempt to resolve disputes valued under 5 crore between highway contractors and government authorities before they snowball into prolonged legal battles, according to two government officials aware of the development.

The development assumes significance given that these small-value disputes account for a fifth of the nearly 1 trillion legal claims in road and highway construction that the government has been party to over the past decade. Also, there are documented cases of sub- 1 crore road payment disputes where contractors had to wait for 6-7 years for resolution. Interest and legal costs increase the governments liability far beyond the original claim by the time disputes are finally resolved.

A reported example is a 27.5-lakh unpaid road bill in the Yadgir (a district in Karnataka) PWD (Public Works Department) project, where once interest and enforcement costs were added over several years of delay, ultimately resulting in a court-directed recovery of approximately 1.2 crore," said Anuradha Mukherjee, partner (head, disputes, north India), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

MoRTH's concern over mounting highway-related disputes, along with its push to control legal costs, highlights a broader challengethe governments prolonged battles in courts and arbitration that continue to drain the public exchequer. In the past 10 years, the government has faced adverse arbitration awards topping 30,000 crore, indicating an urgent need to dispose of pending matters.

The move to set up the committee comes in the backdrop of MoRTH's focus on reducing its legal expenses, through a three-tier resolution mechanism. Under this system, cases must first undergo mediation and conciliation before being escalated to MoRTHs Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) in arbitration.

The government feels that if small disputes are taken off from the arbitration and resolved separately, it would unburden the stretched arbitration system and allow for faster resolution of large-value disputes," the first of the two government officials cited earlier said, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The MoRTH had earlier in 2023 set up a pre-conciliation committee for all road building disputes between contractors and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

In the roads and highways sector, as many as 574 national highway projects awarded over the past five years, with cumulative project costs estimated at around 3.60 trillion have overshot their original completion timelines, the road ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on 17 December. Of these, over 300 projects are facing delays of up to one year, while 253 projects have been delayed by 1-3 years. Another 21 projects are running more than three years behind schedule, excluding those under consideration for termination or foreclosure.

The ministry also said that 133 national highway projects, with a total cost of about 1 trillion, have been awarded, but construction is yet to begin.

Several of these projects have the potential to result in disputes between the authority and the contractors," said the second government official, adding that the new conciliation mechanism is aimed at preventing some of these projects from running into litigation and resolving the issue to facilitate project completion.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of MoRTH and NHAI on 6 January remained unanswered till press time.

To be sure, these disputes arise because routine payment and scope disagreements on highway projects are left unresolved at the field level, forcing contractors to seek legal remedies that drag on for years.

Small-value road disputes are low on quantum but high on friction. They consume disproportionate administrative time and legal cost, often ending up costing the exchequer more in interest and litigation expenses than the claim itself," Mukherjee said.

MoRTHs focus on clearing legal costs is a part of the governments overall efforts to expedite dispute resolution and reduce costs. In June 2024, the finance ministry nudged all government entities, including state governments and their agencies, to not engage in arbitrations valued over 10 crore in public procurement cases, as arbitration was more expensive and time-consuming than other options such as mediation.

Also Read | Bonanza for investors as new road builders may get to toll old ones too

In a representation to MoRTH in December 2025, National Highway Builders Federation (NHBF), an industry lobby group, had suggested that the core issue lies in dispute generation, not merely in the forum of resolution.

Disputes often arise due to: Deficient or ambiguous DPRs (detailed project reports), inconsistent contract administration, delayed approvals and decisions, arbitrary interpretations at field level. However, there is no effective accountability framework for Independent Engineers (IEs), Authority Engineers (AEs), or Authority officials whose actions or omissions give rise to disputes. Fixing responsibility and enforcing accountability would significantly reduce disputes at source," NHBF has said in its communication dated 30 December 2025 to MoRTH.
Luxembourg, Jan 7 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said he can fairly confidently predict that 2026 will see an upswing in India's ties with Europe and Luxembourg can give the support to ramp up New Delhi's relationship with the European Union.

Highlighting that there is a fair amount of volatility and unpredictability in the world, and every country, every region, is reassessing its interests and calculations, Jaishankar said, countries are saying it's not enough to de-risk. Maybe we should be building closer friendships and deeper partnerships.

So are there other particular countries, particular relationships that we can trust more than others? And I think that common sense is today, bringing India and the European Union much closer, Jaishankar said during his interaction with the Indian community here.

So I can fairly confidently predict that 2026 will see an upswing in ties with Europe. You will see, certainly, I can speak for the Indian end of that, you will see a much greater investment of time and energy and attention on our part where Europe is concerned, he said.

Jaishankar, who is on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg, shared the video of his interaction with the Indian community on Tuesday on X and also said in another post: Glad to interact with members of the Indian community in Luxembourg today. Underlined the significant deepening of our partnership with Luxembourg across political, business and technology domains.

Appreciate the contributions of our diaspora in deepening India - Luxembourg ties, said Jaishankar during his first visit to Luxembourg.

Earlier in the morning, Jaishankar met Prime Minister Luc Frieden, had a long, detailed discussion with Foreign Minister Javier Bethel, and called on Guillaume V, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It's really been a very, very productive and a very satisfying day, he said.

The minister started his speech during the interaction by saying that at all his meetings in Luxembourg, I heard very strong and very effusive words of praise for the Indian community.

Talking about India's relationship with Luzembourge, Jaishankar said, At a time when we are seeking to ramp up that relationship with the European Union (EU), the support that Luxembourg can give us, the influence that it will have over ... the collective decision making in Brussels is really quite significant, and I was given really the fullest assurance that, we are right now in a very advanced stage of negotiating a free trade agreement.

Drawing attention to how India was doing very much more and very much differently than before, the minister said, a lot of discussions, therefore, were about how the digital infrastructure was working in India, how the space industry has taken off.

We, of course, have very high respect for Luxembourg's own satellite, long standing satellite capacities, but they were obviously also tracking us in that domain, and there were a lot of questions and interest shown in that regard, he said.

Answering a question about the Free Trade Agreement vis-a-vis agricultural produce and family businesses, he said, Tariffs are only one part of the issue. Often we get into very complicated issues of standards. You know, particularly you mentioned rice, there being some debates in regard to residues and so on.

Sometimes the paperwork involved, the number of things you have to do are very cumbersome. Sometimes, tariff is a barrier, but these rules and regulations are another wall which you have to overcome, he said, adding, such deals take a long time precisely because of all these complexities that we have to go through, the details, we have to look at products which we export, then go through the experience, okay, what has been the experience in the last 10, 15 20 years.

As an economy, as a country, today, we have become far, far more committed to pushing our products out in the world. In fact, for all the tariff volatility of this year, actually, our exports have done quite well, much better than people expected.

In the last few years, we've done a number of free trade agreements. Just last month, we signed one with Oman. We finalized one with New Zealand, he said, but also pointed out that some of them may not be that big, but believe me, every bit adds something, some set of exporters get new opportunities with every new trade agreement.
Yet another Hindu man died in violence-hit Bangladesh on Tuesday after being chased by a mob that accused him of theft.

According to news agency ANI, citing local authorities in Naogaon district, the man, identified as Mithun Sarkar, was pursued by a group that levelled theft allegations against him.

Terrified, Mithun fled and jumped into a canal, from where his body was fished out on Tuesday afternoon.

A wave of violence against minorities The incident comes amid a sharp rise in violence against minorities in India's eastern neighbour, with a series of brutal attacks being reported over the past few days and over the entire course of December 2025.

On Monday, a Hindu businessman, who was the acting editor of a local newspaper, was fatally shot in the head by unidentified men in the Jessore district.

Monday also saw the death of another 40-year-old Hindu grocery shop owner, who was killed with a sharp weapon by unknown attackers in Narsingdi city.

These murders were preceded by the horrifying attack on 50-year-old Khokhon Chandra Das, who was lynched in the Shariatpur district. He was stabbed with sharp weapons, robbed, and set on fire, and succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Dhaka.

Also Read | Who was Rana Pratap Bairagi? Hindu businessman shot dead in Bangladesh

The killings in January followed a wave of violence in December, when at least two Hindu men were killed in targeted acts of violence. On 24 December, Amrit Mondal was lynched over allegations of extortion in the Rajbari town.

A week prior to the attack on Mondal, 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched in Mymensingh, and his lifeless body was set on fire, with a video of the violence going viral. He had been accused of blasphemy.

It is estimated that at least 51 incidents targeting members of religious minority communities took place in Bangladesh in December, including 10 murders, as per the Council of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity. Apart from murders, incidents reported included rape, arson, and looting.
Mohandas Pai, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Infosys, on Tuesday said he expected some special funds to be announced in upcoming Union Budget 2026 for Bengaluru.

Pai, who is also a venture capitalist. also launched an attack on Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of neglecting Bengaluru and pushing policies that, according to him, were dragging the city backwards.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is slated to present Budget 2026 on 1 February.

Pai, in a video interview to news agency PTI, said Bengaluru had suffered under the current Congress administration led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Mohandas Pai alleged that between 60,000 crore and 70,000 crore had been spent on what he described as so-called guarantees. Half of this, Pai argued, were unnecessary and said that such expenditure had come at the cost of adequate funding for the state capital.

Pai also took aim at Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs reported push for paper ballots in the upcoming Bengaluru City Corporation elections, calling the move absurd and out of step with the citys global standing.

Bangalore city is the greatest tech city in the world. It is the biggest tech centre in the world in terms of people, and you want to take us backwards by having paper ballots. It is ridiculous, Pai said.

Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar have been pushing for reintroduction of ballot papers replacing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). In September last year, Karnataka governments decision on reintroducing ballot papers in the 2026 local body elections drew criticism from current and former government officers.

In the PTI interview, Pai warned that decisions like reverting to paper ballots reflected a troubling mindset of people in power and risked damaging Bengalurus international reputation as a technology hub.

You cant take the city backwards. You are hurting the reputation of Bangalore, Pai said, urging the government to focus on strengthening infrastructure and governance in a city that he said drives Indias technology economy.

Pai praises Siddaramaiah too In the same interview, however, Pai praised Siddaramaiah for becoming the longest-serving CM of the Karnataka and called him an extraordinary political leader and a role model for all political leaders across India.

He has come up from the bottom without anybody helping him, without any family connection, individually because of his hardwork, brilliance, compassion, his determination, he said.

Earlier criticisms This is not the first time that Pai has spoken about Bengaluru infrastructure. In September last he had joined Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw while raising alarm over Bengalurus failing infrastructure. The two industry leaders drew attention towards poor conditions near Google Indias office in the city.

Mazumdar-Shaw had earlier reignited the debate over Bengaluru's infrastructure by sharing a visiting foreign executive's critical comments on the city's roads and garbage, prompting Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to say the city deserves collective effort, not constant criticism.

Karnataka ministers Priyank Kharge and MB Patil also acknowledged the problems and said fixing them would require time. They called for "collective effort" to improve the city.

'Challenges Exist' Shivakumar, who is also the minister in charge of Bengaluru development, without making any reference to Shaw's post, had said Bengaluru has given opportunities, identity, and success to millionsit deserves collective effort, not constant criticism.

"Yes, challenges exist, but were addressing them with focus and urgency. 1,100 crore has been sanctioned for road repairs, 10,000 potholes identified, and over 5,000 already fixed on priority. Major infrastructure works are underway to make Bengaluru more globally competitive," he said in a post on 'X'.

Under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, the East Corporation alone will now retain 1,673 crore of its own revenues to directly improve infrastructure in 50 wards, directly benefiting the city's IT corridors, the Deputy CM said.

You cant take the city backwards. You are hurting the reputation of Bangalore.

A month late both Pai and Mazumdar-Shaw showered praises on Shivakumar, terming his leadership key in rescuing Bengaluru from collapsing under the weight of garbage, debris and potholes.
Chilling winter conditions over Northern and Central Indian states are expected to persist in states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and others until at least 9 January, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather agency has predicted a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3C over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the next two days and no significant change thereafter for the next five days.

Also Read | Delhi enveloped in blanket of fog: IGI airport issues advisory

IMD cold wave alert In the latest bulletin, IMD predicted cold day to severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets over Rajasthan on 7 January.

The weather agency said cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi till 9 January; Rajasthan till 11 January; Chhattisgarh till 8 January.

IMD scientist Radheshyam Sharma told ANI that in Rajasthan, daytime temperature is dropping by 5-8 degrees Celsius. Cold wave conditions and dense fog prevail in most parts of the state...

Cold wave conditions very likely over Odisha during 07th-09th; Madhya Pradesh on 7th & 8th, Vidarbha, Jharkhand during 06th-08th January 2026, the IMD added in a tweet.

The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for Jharkhand till 7 January. A PTI report said a yellow alert was issued for Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Chatra districts.

Also Read | Why Indias winter power spike matters after a muted year for electricity demand

In Tripura, the IMD Agartala predicted a dip in the minimum temperature over the next three to five days and issued a fog warning. According to ANI, the Tripura government ordered the closure of schools in the state from 6 January to 10 due to extreme cold.

The weather agency said chilly weather will intensify across southern West Bengal over the next two days. A PTI report, quoting the IMD, said the cold wave conditions are likely to deepen further in the southern districts of the state, with the mercury expected to fall by another 2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday.

IMD also forecasted ground frost conditions in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand till 7 January.

Also Read | IMD issues yellow alert for cold wave, dense fog in these states

IMD fog warning The Meteorological Department issued a dense to very dense fog alert during the morning hours in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until 10 January, and in East Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh until 8 January.

The IMD also said that dense fog conditions are likely during morning hours in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand and Rajasthan till 8 January; West Uttar Pradesh till 9 January; Himachal Pradesh till 10 January; East Uttar Pradesh during 9 to 12 January; Chhattisgarh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Odisha till 7 January; Bihar till 12 January.
A gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in a remote village in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, January 7. The officials have told news agency PTI that the encounter broke out after security forces launched a search operation, meant to establish contact with the terrorists.

The encounter started after intel about presence of two to three terrorists, the officials said.

SOG Kathua has engaged terrorists in the forest of Kamadh Nullah, Kathua, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti said in a post on X.

At around 4 pm, one terrorist was sighted by locals at Kamad Nallah under the Billawar police station area, sources told the news agency. They also informed that the militant could be same one who was spotted at Dhannu Parole, the sources said.

The officials said reinforcements have been rushed to the village to neutralise the terrorists. Also Read | Encounter breaks out between terrorists and police in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Earlier in the day, another encounter had broken out between security forces and terrorists in the Sohan area of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Udhampur encounter happened after the security forces received an intelligence about presence of a terrorist in the area.
The National Medical Commission's Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has withdrawn the letter of permission granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi for non-compliance with minimum standards, news agency PTI reported.

All existing MBBS students will be transferred to other recognised medical colleges in the Union Territory.

Also Read | Why VPN services have been suspended in Jammu and Kashmir districts

The college has been embroiled in a heated political controversy over its admission data. For the 2025-26 academic year, 42 of the 50 students in the inaugural batch were Muslims, and one was a Sikh. This composition that triggered intense protests from several groups in Jammu.

Quality Over Quantity: BJP MLA The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the NMC decision. "Quality Over Quantity: NMC has revoked permission for 50 MBBS seats at SMVDIME due to a failure to meet essential standards. It reaffirms commitment to quality. Every affected student will be seamlessly transferred to a Supernumerary Seat in other UT Colleges," said BJP MLA RS Pathania.

An order issued by the MARB on Tuesday said all students admitted to the college during the counselling for the academic year 2025-26 shall be accommodated in other medical institutions in Jammu and Kashmir as supernumerary seats by the competent authority of the Union Territory administration, the agency said in its report.

This means no admitted student will lose an MBBS seat due to the withdrawal decision. Instead, they will be adjusted in other recognised medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir over and above their regular sanctioned intake.

Also Read | Security forces recover 5 kg heroin dropped by Pakistani drone along Jammu IB

The implementation of this relocation will rest with the Union Territory's designated health and counselling authorities, who have been formally informed of the decision through copies of the order.

According to the order, the non-compliance came to light during a surprise inspection.

Acting under section 28(7) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which empowers the MARB to conduct surprise evaluations of medical institutions without a prior notice, a team of assessors carried out an inspection at the college on January 2, 2026.

This inspection formed the basis of the subsequent adverse findings. The assessment report highlighted extensive deficiencies in faculty strength, clinical material and infrastructure at the institute. The deficiencies enumerated in the inspection report were categorised as non-compliance under these regulations.

After considering the assessment, the commission concluded that the institute had failed to meet the minimum standard requirements specified in the UGMSR-2023 for establishing and running a medical college.

Consequently, with the approval of the NMC chairman, the MARB decided to withdraw the letter of permission with immediate effect.

What was the row? For some now, BJP leaders, and local trade bodies in Jammu had been opposing the admission list and demanded an immediate rollback. The groups argued that because the college is run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, it should cater primarily to Hindu students.

The BJP had even submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha - who serves as the Chairman of the Shrine Board - asking him to rescind the admissions.

Quality Over Quantity: NMC has revoked permission for 50 MBBS seats at SMVDIME due to a failure to meet essential standards.

The college has followed National Medical Council guidelines on admissions as per the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) list, yet the some groups suggested that only Hindus should get admission in the college.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had voiced concerns over the safety of the students due to the increasing politicisation of the campus. He had urged the Centre to shut down the institution and relocate the students
Fresh vibes, vibrant scenes mark spirited start to China's economy in 2026

Xinhua) 08:18, January 07, 2026

People gather around the Century Clock to greet the New Year in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The emotional experience and the sought-after "sense of ritual" -- a mindful effort to imbue activities with symbolic meaning -- best capture how Chinese people ushered in 2026, as vibrant celebrations across the country reflected robust domestic consumption at the start of the new year.

For Ms. Li, a resident in Beijing, celebrating the New Year with a huge crowd under the eye-catching Century Clock and enjoying the dazzling countdown light show in the neighboring Tianjin city was an experience she'll never forget. "I purposefully traveled to Tianjin for the New Year celebration. I didn't expect there would be such a huge crowd and I can deeply feel the New Year vibe."

As Li enjoyed her New Year celebration, Zhao Xinran, in her 20s, traveled thousands of kilometers from the warm city of Guangzhou to Harbin, an icy world of white snow. On the first day of the holiday, a hundred adorable penguins at Harbin Polarpark stole the show, drawing lots of visitors. "I visited the Harbin Ice-Snow World theme park, learned about local ice sculpture and lantern art, and enjoyed a walk on the historic Harbin Central Street."

Li and Zhao are a microcosm of the Chinese tourism consumption market heating up in the New Year season. During the three-day New Year holiday from Jan. 1 to 3, keyword search for "New Year trip" via the nation's leading travel platform Trip.com Group rose more than 125 percent. From theme park fireworks and wish-making events to concerts and more, people enjoyed a wide variety of ways to celebrate the New Year.

A drone photo shows a fireworks show at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that during the three-day break, tourists' spending on domestic travels reached nearly 84.8 billion yuan (about 12.1 billion U.S. dollars), noting that winter-themed tours, sun-seeking getaways and short-distance excursions had gained significant traction during the holiday period. Data from Fliggy, another leading online travel service provider, also indicated Chinese people's growing travel interest during the New Year holiday, with per capita consumption spending rising 30 percent year on year.

The robust travel-related consumption is closely tied to an advanced and efficient transport system, especially its vast high-speed rail network, which now stretches over 50,000 kilometers after the Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway opened on Dec. 26.

With the new route's launch, travel time between the two cities in northwest China's Shaanxi Province has been cut to around one hour. This 299-kilometer railway that links 19 counties and urban districts has made travel to tourist attractions such as the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, as well as the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, a seamless experience.

A drone photo taken on Dec. 3, 2025 shows a double rainbow over the Hukou Waterfall in Jixian County, north China's Shanxi Province. (Photo by Lyu Guiming/Xinhua)

"The launch of this new high-speed railway made travel a lot easier," said a tourist surnamed Mo from Xi'an. Mo and his family were among the visitors who took the high-speed train to get to Yan'an for a visit to the Hukou Waterfall during the New Year holiday.

Data showed daily visits to the Waterfall has increased 165 percent on average after the launch of the new railway. Nationwide, railway trips constitute part of a total of 590 million trips made via various transport modes during the holiday period, according to data from the Ministry of Transport.

Commenting on the booming tourism market, Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy, said that the year 2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). "At the start of the New Year, we see that tourism increasingly become part of Chinese people's daily lives, forming an essential part of cultural experience and spiritual enjoyment."

Apart from emotional satisfaction from travels, the practical allure of seaside retreat and duty-free shopping has also attracted a growing number of visitors to south China's resort island province of Hainan. Duty-free shopping got off to a strong start over the New Year holiday, with offshore duty-free sales reaching 712 million yuan from Jan. 1 to 3, up 128.9 percent year on year, local customs data showed. This surge in sales was backed by the number of shoppers that rose 60.6 percent year on year.

Tourists pose for photos at a scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 1, 2026. (Photo by Li Xueshi/Xinhua)

Data from travel services platform Qunar showed that the cities of Haikou and Sanya in Hainan Province, among all Chinese cities, recorded the fastest increases in inbound passenger numbers via international flights during the New Year holiday, with entries into the two cities growing three folds and five folds year on year, respectively.

During the holiday, duty-free shopping complexes in Sanya and Haikou were packed with bustling shoppers, with long lines forming at the counters. This shopping frenzy comes after China last month launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest FTP by area. These operations have allowed for freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage, and introduced more business-friendly measures.

In addition to robust travel spending, the New Year holiday also witnessed a growing number of shoppers incentivized by government subsidies for purchases of digital products and AI-empowered home appliances under the consumer goods trade-in program.

Just before the New Year, China set aside 62.5 billion yuan in special treasury bond funds ahead of time to support consumer goods trade-ins for 2026. The move aims to keep up with growing demand during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays, especially for products like cars and home appliances.

According to data provided by Suning, a leading Chinese home appliance retailer, the company's chain stores across the country saw a 110 percent rise in customer visits during the holiday as a result of the trade-in program. This policy was in line with the Central Economic Work Conference held in December, which announced that expanding domestic demand is set to top China's major economic priorities in 2026. This conference also outlined plans to implement consumption-boosting campaigns and increase the incomes of urban and rural residents.

Hong Yong, an associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the consumption market's dynamics during the New Year holiday has shown that the government's policies have promoted tourism and consumption and helped rebuild confidence.

"When policies are geared toward improving people's lives, the recovery of the consumer market gains its most solid foundation. The strong momentum witnessed at the beginning of the year marked a good start to 2026 and boosted confidence for continuous consumption expansion throughout the year," Hong said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, January 7, discussed ways to further strengthen their strategic partnership. In a post on X, PM Modi said they also reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

Narendra Modi said, Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.

The prime minister continued: We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026. Both leaders had their last conversation on December 11 when PM Modi has received a phone call from Benjamin Netanyahu.

During the call, both leaders had expressed satisfaction over the continued momentum in the India-Israel strategic partnership, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

PM Modi reaffirmed Indias support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. They also agreed to remain in touch.

In a press release, the Prime Minister's Office said, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu today. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit.

Also Read | Hot mic catches Trump ranting about Nobel Prize and India-Pakistan peace

The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, it said.
Municipal authorities, assisted by the police, began a demolition drive in the early hours of Wednesday to remove alleged encroachments near a century-old mosque in the Turkman Gate area of Old Delhi, triggering tension in the locality.

Four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries after stones were pelted during clashes, news agency ANI quoted police as saying.

The demolition by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was earlier scheduled to begin at 8 am, 7 January, but commenced at around 1.30 am, according to media reports.

At least 17 earth-movers were at the spot, according to media reports. Police said some people indulged in stone pelting but the situation was promptly brought under control through measured and 'minimal use' of force. Some reports suggested police resorted to tear gas shelling. LiveMint could not, however, verify the claims.

Minimal use of force: Police Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, told news agency ANI that the demolitions were carried out pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.

During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation, he said.

The demolition was carried out despite Delhi High Court on Tuesday issuing notice on a petition filed by the managing committee of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid. The petition challenged the MCD decision to remove alleged encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and the graveyard at Ramlila Maidan.

Also Read | Delhi blast suspect Dr Umar Nabi seen at Turkman Gate Mosque | Viral CCTV clips

Seeking quashing of the MCD order, the managing committee said the property in question is being used by it and it is paying lease rent to the waqf board.

The plea says the land is a notified waqf property governed by the Waqf Act and therefore, the Waqf Tribunal has an exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes relating to it.

A bench headed by Justice Amit Bansal noted that the matter required consideration, directed the MCD and the Land & Development Office (L&DO) to file their replies, and posted the matter for hearing on April 22.

Delhi Blast Suspect seen the mosque Reportedly, suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi visited the 100-year-old mosque in Old Delhi and stayed there for more than 10 minutes before carrying out a high-intensity explosion near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025, that claimed 15 lives. The blast took place in a car.

On 22 December, 2025, the MCD issued a notice stating that all structures beyond 0.195 acres were liable to be demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive, after concluding that no documentary evidence had been produced to establish ownership or lawful possession of the land by the mosques managing committee or the Delhi Waqf Board (DWB). The 0.195-acre parcel, officials clarified, includes the mosque structure.

The notice followed a 12 November, 2025 order of the Delhi High Court directing the MCD and the Public Works Department (PWD) to remove encroachments measuring 38,940 square feet at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate.

Also Read | The Christians of Turkman Gate

In October 2025, a joint survey was conducted by the authorities, in which it was recorded that there were encroachments on the land, certain portions of which belonged to authorities, including the MCD, PWD and L&DO.

Following the notice, MCD officials visited the site to mark the encroached area on January 4, but faced resistance from locals, prompting increased police deployment.
Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolled by, Mint's reporters and columnists looked around the corner on what is coming in 2026to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at feedback@livemint.com.

New Delhi: For India, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year. As the global economy becomes more fragmented and trade more uncertain, wider and deeper reforms will make the core of the government's economic strategy. From taxes and regulations to ease of doing business and support to small businesses, industry leaders see the next phase of reforms in the new year as key to attracting investment and moving closer to the country's ambitious growth goals.

With lower direct and indirect tax rates, a simplified income tax law and reforms in the bankruptcy code, the National Democratic Alliance government has already set in motion a drive to modernize Indias regulatory ecosystem, which experts and industry executives believe will continue into 2026, as the country navigates a fast de-globalizing world that requires strong domestic growth and heightened global competitiveness.

Reform is a top priority for policymakers as India needs to grow at 8% for at least a decade to move closer to its goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2047.

Experts expect that further deregulation and de-criminalization of laws, cutting red tape, making states compete to woo investments and broader reforms aimed at enhancing the economys productivity will drive the legislative and regulatory agenda next year.

Key Takeaways To achieve the "Viksit Bharat" (Advanced India) goal by 2047, policymakers are anchoring 2026 as a year to secure a consistent 8% GDP growth rate.

A primary pillar for the 2026 agenda is the modernization of the regulatory ecosystem.

Key moves include a simplified income tax law, lower direct and indirect tax rates, and a significant overhaul of the customs duty regime to boost global competitiveness.

Small and medium businesses are set to receive targeted support through plug-and-play facilities to reduce setup times.

The government aims to formalize this sector by providing affordable credit, faster payment cycles, and incentives for technology upgrades.

Industry leaders have identified the 5.5 crore pending court cases as a major drag on progress. To convert "investment intent" into actual projects, there is a massive push for an end-to-end single-window system.

Significant changes are expected in the insurance and R&D sectors.

A reduced compliance burden, coupled with lower taxes, are also expected to complement the governments bold capital investments, leading to stronger private investment growth.

Year of reforms

The year 2026 is expected to see many financial and non-financial sector reforms, for which two committees have been appointed under government think tank Niti Aayog member and former cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba.

Mint had reported on 11 October that next generation reforms will be the predominant theme of the upcoming Union Budget for FY27. Systemic reforms meant to improve investor sentiment and accelerate the private investment cycle will get special attention in the Budget, the report said.

At the HT Leadership Summit in the capital on 6 December, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said an overhaul of the customs duty regime will be the next major area of reforms.

According to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President and EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, three things stand out if we reflect on the major developments of the current year. These are trade diversification, the GDP growth rate which is incredible in the backdrop of what is happening in the world, and the pace at which reforms are being rolled out, whether it is about labour codes, FDI or energy. The reform journey has to continue," he said.

Also Read | Springboard 2026 | How India balanced tariffs and trade deals in a defining year

fAccording to Memani, rolling out the 1 trillion research and development (R&D) fund, testing the efficacy of various production linked incentive (PLI) schemes and continuing the emphasis on manufacturing are essential.

We must also push pending reforms in energy and mining sectors to build competitive advantages and continue efforts related to land, environmental clearances, and construction permits for ease of doing business," the industry chamber chief said. "However, the one area where I believe there is still not enough momentum is judicial reforms. With a pendency of almost 5.5 crore cases, increasing by 3-4% annually, this backlog can significantly slow down India's progress."

According to Memani, decriminalization and simplification of laws, tight statutes of limitation, limiting the number of appeals by the government, strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration and improving court infrastructure are also essential.

Eyes on single-windows

Businesses are looking at end-to-end single-window system for all clearances and licences required, faster and more predictable approvals, and quicker contract enforcement. This, they say, are essential to converting investment intent into timely project execution.

As India looks ahead to 2026, sustaining strong growth will require productivity-enhancing reforms that materially improve ease of doing business," said Nirmal K. Minda, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

According to him, the ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) needs sharper and a more targeted support. This includes wider and more affordable credit access, faster payment cycles, and stronger incentives for technology upgradation and export readiness, said Minda.

Structural ease of doing business measures can unlock disproportionate gains for MSMEs, said Minda, citing examples such as plug-and-play facilities that dramatically reduce set-up time and compliance burden. Such measures will lower entry barriers for small businesses and accelerate formalization and scale, he said.

Empowering Indias small and medium enterprises through these reforms is central to broad-based job creation, resilient supply chains and sustaining the countrys growth momentum in the years ahead," said Minda.

In the insurance sector, the recent liberalization allowing full foreign ownership is expected to be followed by structural reforms aimed at improving penetration and product innovation, said Narinder Wadhwa, managing director and chief executive officer of financial services firm SKI Capital Services Ltd.

Simplified licensing, faster product approvals, rationalization of commissions and renewed discussion on composite licences and open distribution architecture may gain momentum in 2026, he said.

On the non-financial side, reforms are expected to complement financial-sector initiatives by strengthening the real economy in 2026, he said.

MSME-focused measures, aimed at easing compliance, improving access to formal credit and supporting SME listings are likely to feature prominently in the Budget, he said.

Overall, reforms expected in 2026 reflect a maturing policy framework that seeks to balance growth with stability, he said. The emphasis is likely to be on building a resilient financial system, supported by strong banks and non-bank finance companies, deeper insurance and pension markets, efficient and transparent capital markets, and a digitally-enabled but well-regulated financial architecture."
The Supreme Court on Wednesday resumed the hearing on its suo motu case on stray dogs, with Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria comprising the bench.

During its last substantive hearing on 7 November 2025, the apex court had directed state governments and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure the removal of stray dogs from highways across the country.

It had also directed all educational and healthcare institutions, both government and private, to erect fences within 8 weeks to tackle the stray dog threat and prevent dog bites.

Also Read | Delhi govt files complaint over false claims on teachers counting stray dogs

Wednesday hearing saw several parties furnish their arguments in the case. The hearing was concluded a little after 1 pm, and is slated to resume at 10.30 am on Thursday, 8 December.

Here are the key points from Wednesday.

- 'Can't read a dog's mind': As the hearing continued, the SC bench remarked that it was impossible to predict an animal's behaviour or know whether a dog is in a "mood to bite". It asserted that in matters of public safety, "prevention is better than cure".

- Poor compliance by states: The SC noted that only about 10 states had filed compliance affidavits regarding the implementation of animal birth control and the building of shelter infrastructure, indicating a lack of urgency.

- Systemic failure: The apex court also reiterated its concern over what it called a "systemic failure" to secure sensitive public places, such as schools, hospitals, and railway stations, from the stray dog threat. It referred to its 7 November direction that stray dogs must be removed from these places for safety, and not released back in these locations.

- Massive logistical hurdles and costs: Senior Advocate K K Venugopal, meanwhile, informed the apex court that India has approximately 5.25 crore stray dogs, adding that housing them would require 77,000 shelters. Feeding, meanwhile, would cost an astronomical 62 crore daily, he submitted, illustrating the sheer scale of the challenge.

- Community dogs vs stray dogs: During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal called for distinguishing between street dogs and dogs found in institutional areas, referring to the latter as "community dogs" who should be managed under Animal Birth Control Rules (ABC) rather than removing them permanently. Sibal also questioned the feasibility of feeding dogs under current laws, asking who would bear the astronomical costs and the logistical requirements and arguing against mass institutionalization.

- Inflated statistics: Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing NGOs in the present case, argued that dog bit statistics were "grossly inflated", and claimed that authorities often count every rabies shot as a separate dog bite case, essentially meaning that a single incident could be counted as 5-7 separate cases.

- Highway safety: The bench also questioned the NHAI and flagged serious concerns regarding stray animals (both dogs and cattle) on India's highways, citing recent accidents and seeking an explanation from the NHAI and states to barricade roads.
Turkman Gate: At least five police personnel sustained minor injuries after stones were pelted during a demolition drive by municipal authorities in the early hours of Wednesday to remove alleged encroachments near a century-old mosque in the Turkman Gate area of Old Delhi.

Police have registered an FIR in the case and have reportedly detained 5 people in connection with the pre-dawn clashes.

The action started around 1 AM. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the land that was encroached upon. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Overall, the process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we receive the CCTV, ground, and body camera footage, we will identify the perpetrators and take legal action, DCP Nidhin Valsan told news agency ANI.

The demolition by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), assisted by police, was earlier scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM on 7 January, but commenced at around 1:30 AM.

At least 17 earthmovers were at the scene, accompanied by a battery of police and administrative vehicles. Police said some people indulged in stone pelting, but the situation was promptly brought under control through measured and 'minimal use' of force. Some reports suggested police resorted to tear gas shelling. LiveMint, however, could not verify the claims.

Delhi High Court Notice on Delhi Demolition During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation, Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, told the news agency.

Delhi minister Ashish Sood said that those involved in the clashes during the anti-encroachment drive would be punished, adding that some had already been arrested.

The guilty will be punished, and some of them have also been arrested, Sood told news agency ANI, adding that the bulldozer action was taking place in accordance with a court order.

Also Read | Delhi blast suspect Dr Umar Nabi seen at Turkman Gate Mosque | Viral CCTV clips

The demolition drive was carried out despite the Delhi High Court issuing a notice on a petition filed by the managing committee of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid on Tuesday. The petition challenged the MCD decision to remove alleged encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and the graveyard at Ramlila Maidan.

A bench headed by Justice Amit Bansal noted that the matter required consideration, directed the MCD and the Land & Development Office (L&DO) to file their replies, and posted the matter for hearing on 22 April.

Situation under control: Police Police said the situation in the area remains under control and adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth completion of the demolition drive.

Miscreants attempted to create a disturbance Before the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. All possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken, Madhur Verma said.

"During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation," Verma said in the official statement.

Delhi Blast Suspect seen at the mosque Reportedly, suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi visited the 100-year-old mosque in Old Delhi and stayed there for more than 10 minutes before carrying out a high-intensity explosion near the Red Fort on 10 November 2025, which claimed 15 lives. The blast took place in a car.

On 22 December 2025, the MCD issued a notice stating that all structures beyond 0.195 acres were liable to be demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive, after concluding that no documentary evidence had been produced to establish ownership or lawful possession of the land by the mosques managing committee or the Delhi Waqf Board (DWB). The 0.195-acre parcel, officials clarified, includes the mosque structure.

The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force.

The notice followed a 12 November 2025 order of the Delhi High Court directing the MCD and the Public Works Department (PWD) to remove encroachments measuring 38,940 square feet at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate.
Tensions broke out in the Turkman Gate area of Delhi early on Wednesday, with at least five police personnel sustaining injuries after stone pelting during a demolition drive near a century-old mosque.

Wednesday's violence, though contained for the time being, harked back to a dark chapter in Indian history, when, during the Emergency, hundreds of protesters were killed in the area and thousands were injured.

The Turkman Gate massacre of 1976 The year was 1976 and Sanjay Gandhi's family planning campaign in Delhi had begun to intensify, and soon, it was combined with a so-called beautification drive for the national capital, according to economist Ashok Chakravarti's book The Struggle Within: A Memoir of the Emergency.

Around this time, Sanjay Gandhi visited the Turkman Gate and was upset by the hostile reception from local residents, mostly Muslims, as well as by the slum dwellings that obscured his view from Turkman Gate to the Jama Masjid mosque.

Irked by the view, Sanjay Gandhi reportedly ordered the demolition of structures around the Turkman Gate.

The first bulldozer arrived at the area on 13 April 1976, and cleared out some settlements with no resistance from locals.

Subsequently, on 15 April, the Dujana House family planning camp was inaugurated by Sanjay Gandhi and the governor of Delhi, Krishan Chand, a stone's throw away from Turkman Gate.

Notably, Gandhi carried out the sterilisation and demolition drive without holding any formal government office.

Also Read | Wrong-side driving in Delhi may now land you an FIR

According to Chakravarti's book, things took a turn for the worse after the camp opened. Rickshaw pullers, street vendors, beggars, and even passers-by were reportedly picked up at random and taken to the camp for forced sterilisations.

Soon, this pressure turned into force, and police teams were deployed to ensure that daily targets for sterilisations were met, sparking a wave of anger in the Turkman Gate area and the nearby neighbourhoods of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.

As anger erupted, a general strike was called, and it was decided to mobilise locals to come out en masse to oppose further demolitions.

Then came the fateful day of 19 April, when bulldozers were pressed into service again for beautification of the area, and protesters came out in droves to oppose the drive.

However, authorities were having none of itas protesters took to the streets, the police responded with lathi charges and lobbed tear gas shells into the crowd. Soon, they started arresting women and children who had gathered to demonstrate against the drive, leading to multiple injuries.

Undaunted protesters, however, pressed on, moving to the area in front of the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque and occupying the demolished structures.

By this time in the afternoon, the crowd had reportedly swelled to 5,000 to 6,000 people, but the bulldozers pressed on, triggering widespread stone pelting by the protesters.

As the protest escalated to violence, police opened fire on the demonstrators, prompting a Molotov cocktail attack on one of the bulldozers, whose driver was beaten up by the enraged crowd.

This attack sparked a second volley of shots from the police, as per Chakravarti's book, and set the tone for the rest of the day, with cops repeatedly firing at random until the protesters were either left dead or had fled the area.

In the meantime, another group of protesters emerged from behind the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque and attacked the old police station of the Turkman Gate, chasing away the few police personnel guarding it.

This act of aggression was met with reinforcements from the reserve police and armed police, who crossed the Asaf Ali Road, determined to reclaim the police station.

This force, too, was attacked by protesters, who reportedly threw stones and acid bulbs from rooftops, halting the progress of the cops.

By this time, police had noticed protesters attacking from rooftops and re-directed their fire, eventually dispersing the protesters from the rooftops.

As the dust settled, Chakravarti's book recalled an army of bulldozers being sent overnight to clean up the area, with the bulldozers disposing of bodies of protesters and the rubble at a rubbish heap some distance away.

Independent researchers put the death toll at around 400, with over 1,000 wounded, but the demolition drive continued unabated for the next 10 days.
Sergio Gor, the US ambassador-designate to India and President Donald Trumps special envoy for South and Central Asia, is set to land in New Delhi next week to take up his post. He is expected to formally assume office after presenting his credentials soon after arrival, following his appointment announced by Trump in August last year, news agency ANI reported.

Gors visit to India comes amid growing strains in bilateral relations, with several issues affecting ties between the two countries.

Also Read | US Embassy in India issues fresh warning for student visa holders

Key points of friction include the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the Donald Trump administration, a long-delayed trade agreement, and Indias ongoing imports of Russian oil. Gor has previously interacted with Indian leadership during earlier trips, including a short visit in October when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Jaishankar also held talks with Gor on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24.

At his Senate confirmation hearing on September 12, Gor underlined what he termed the deep friendship between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a distinctive asset in strengthening bilateral relations. Addressing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he had said India is a vital strategic partner whose future path will have far-reaching implications for the region and the world.

Emphasising Indias role, Gor said, Indias geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share, adding that expanding defence and security cooperation with New Delhi would be among his top priorities.

Who is Sergio Gor? Gor is a US businessman and politician who was appointed as the youngest United States ambassador to India.
Traffic violations in the national capital may now attract more than a challan, with offenders also liable to be named in a First Information Report (FIR). Delhi police has started filing criminal cases against these traffic violators.

In a first for the the national capital, the Delhi Police have registered at least two FIRs for traffic violations related to driving on the wrong side of the road, Indian Express reported. While one of the FIRs was filed at Delhi Cantonment police station on January 3, another was registered at Kapashera police station on Monday.

Also Read | Aaghat 3.0: Delhi Police launches massive Op ahead of New Year

Both these cases have beeb booked under BNS Section 281 (rash driving) and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, police officials said The FIRs were registered by Traffic assistant sub-inspectors posted at their respective traffic circles.

The FIR in Kapashera was registered after a person was found driving his car on the wrong side near Kapashera Chowk. The driver allegedly told the traffic policeman that he was in a hurry and wanted to avoid the jam.

This is first time in any Union Territory of the country, that the police are booking traffic rule violators with criminal cases. The fine for wrong-side driving is 5,000. But an FIR registered under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (rash driving or riding on a public way) attracts a prison term up to six months, or a fine of 1,000, or both, and the vehicle is seized.

It is a bailable offence, but the process is long  the individual must visit the police station and court to secure bail and to get the vehicle released, a Delhi police official told Indian Express.

The offenders booked in first two FIRs have been released on bail after arrest.

Police officials said that the FIRs for wrong driving won't be a norm but is being done as a deterrent. If a Traffic officer finds an offender on a road with heavy traffic, or determines that the drivers action could endanger lives, an FIR will definitely be registered, the official told Indian Express.
A woman whose family survived the Holocaust  the Nazi-era genocide during World War II in which millions of Jews were murdered  has said she was sexually humiliated online after Elon Musks AI chatbot, Grok, was used to generate explicit images of her without consent, according to The Times.

Bella Wallersteiner, a public affairs executive and descendant of Holocaust survivors, said online trolls instructed Grok, the AI tool on X, to create images showing her in a bikini outside Auschwitz, the former Nazi death camp. She has urged the government to take strong action against the platform after dozens of sexually explicit images of her were created and circulated.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the images generated by Grok as absolutely appalling and said Musk must address the issue. However, the government has not yet committed to stopping its use.

Wallersteiner said she welcomed regulatory intervention and called Groks ability to digitally undress women deeply distressing and a profound violation.

Also Read | Energy stakes: Power capacity could determine who wins the AI race

The creation of undressed or sexualised images without consent is degrading, abusive and it is not a victimless crime. It leaves you feeling exposed, powerless, and unsafe, and the harm does not simply disappear once the images are removed, Wallersteiner was quoted as saying by The Times.

She had been running 100 km to raise money for The Survivors Trust, a charity that supports victims of sexual abuse. After she shared a photograph from one of her runs, other users prompted Grok to remove her clothing and place her in sexually suggestive poses.

Calling for stronger regulation, Wallersteiner said: Ofcoms intervention is both necessary and long overdue. Robust, enforceable safeguards must now be put in place to prevent this kind of abuse from happening again.

Without decisive action, there is a real risk that this technology will normalise sexual exploitation and digital abuse, shaping an online world in which girls and women are expected to tolerate harm as the price of participation.

Concerns have also been raised about Grok generating extremist imagery. Since the image-generation feature was launched, dozens of Nazi-themed images have reportedly been produced, including women wearing swastika bikinis, unclothed figures with swastika tattoos, and violent or graphic scenes, the outlet reported.

In another case, a woman targeted by similar abuse tested Groks private chat function to see whether it would generate naked images of her as a child. She said the tool removed clothing from images of her at just three years old, without resistance.

Jessaline Caine, 25, warned on X about the risks such technology poses to children and young women. Her post quickly went viral but also attracted harassment. Thats where I started to get a lot of abuse, she said. A lot of people disagreed with me, they thought AI should not be limited whatsoever. When I responded back to an argument, someone said: Hey Grok, put her in a string bikini.

It was totally dehumanising because Id given them an argument back and they didnt even say anything, they just put me in a bikini to humiliate me.

Caine said she tested Grok using images of herself at ages 17, 14 and three, asking it to place her in a string bikini. She claimed the tool complied in most cases, even when her age was specified.

Global scrutiny intensifies Elon Musks AI tool, Grok, along with his startup xAI, is facing mounting international criticism over sexually explicit and illegal images it has generated. Governments in India, France, Britain, and Malaysia have all launched investigations into the company.

On January 2, Indias Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) issued a notice to X, instructing the platform to remove all vulgar, obscene, and unlawful content produced by Grok within 72 hours, warning of possible legal action. The deadline was later extended by 48 hours.

The European Commission, which oversees digital regulation across the EU, said on Monday that it is very seriously looking into complaints concerning Grok, which has been integrated into Musks social media platform, X.
Aldrich Ames, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer and an infamous double agent, died on Monday at the age of 84 in a federal prison in the US.

Arrested in 1994 for betraying his nation, Ames was awarded a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He died in the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said.

Here are some intriguing facts from the life of the double agent.

Also Read | CIA concluded regime loyalists were best placed to lead Venezuela after Maduro

The highest-paid spy in history Ames was likely the highest-paid spy in history. As Moscow's mole inside the CIA, Ames was responsible for selling dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of CIA operational plans to the KGB.

For his services, Moscow paid Ames $2.7 million, as per The New York Times. Ames was also promised $1.9 million more by Moscow, as per the National Library of Australia, making him the highest-paid spy known to the world.

Got at least 10 agents killed Ames got at least 10 spies killed while acting as a double agent for the KGB, with his intel reportedly leading to the arrest and executions of Soviet and Soviet-bloc spies working for the CIA and other allied intelligence agencies.

Reports also suggest that Ames' deceit led to the compromise of at least 10 American intelligence operations.

Passed polygraph tests Despite his involvement in active espionage, Ames was able to pass two separate lie detector tests in 1986 and 1991 unscathed.

Ames was reportedly able to do so by following the advice of his Russian handlers, who told him, "Just relax, don't worry, you have nothing to fear."

Sold out all fellow agents Reportedly one of the most knowledgeable people in the intelligence community in the 1980s, Ames offered up the names of two CIA-recruited agents to the Soviet Embassy in April 1985, and followed it up months later by releasing the names of all the Soviet and Warsaw Pact agents whom the CIA and the FBI had recruited.

Commenting on his change of loyalties, Ames, ahead of his court appearance, said that it wasn't driven by ideology.

"There was this strange transfer of loyalties. It wasnt to the Soviet system, which I believe was a beastly, inhuman, nasty regime," Ames said at the time, as per The Washington Post.

Ames suggested that he had become disillusioned with US intelligence and that his loyalties had evolved beyond the petty concerns of governments.

A partner in crime Ames did not carry out his treasonous activities in isolation but was actively helped by his wife, Rosario Ames, who aided and abetted his espionage activities, as per the FBI.

After his arrest, both Ames and his wife pleaded guilty to charges in April 1994, following which the double agent was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole, while Rosario got 63 months in jail.

Illicit wealth Despite being on a modest government salary as a CIA agent, reportedly around $60,000 annually at the time, Ames made no attempt to hide his illicit wealth, spending over $600,000 on a luxury house and a Jaguar, which he drove to work.
Opening ceremony of "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in NE China

Xinhua) 13:12, January 07, 2026

Young artists perform at the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Artists perform at the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Artists pose for photos at the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Young artists perform at the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Young artists perform at the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" held in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A delegate to the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" tries her hands trimming an ice sculpture after the opening ceremony of the dialogue in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Delegates to the "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony of the dialogue was held at the Harbin Ice-Snow World here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
After striking Venezuela and capturing President Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has set his sights on Greenland, renewing calls for its integration into the US.

However, while Trump had, in his first term, sought to buy the Arctic islandsomething that is still being considered, per Secretary of State Marco Rubiohis aide and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that a military intervention was not off the table.

Commenting on Trump's latest push to acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, Leavitt said in an emailed statement to CNBC that the US was "considering a range of options", including using the military.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, the White House press secretary was quoted as saying.

The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal, she added.

The fact that the US has left the military option open itself contradicts Rubio's claim to US lawmakers that Trump was looking to buy the island.

Rubio's remarks, as reported by The New York Times, were made during a briefing on Monday, when the Secretary of State told lawmakers from both chambers of Congress that the Trump administration was considering buying Greenland rather than invading it.

Where do things stand now? Trump's aspirations of annexing Greenland to the US go back to his first term, when he confirmed reports that he had been urging his aides to find out how the US could acquire the Arctic island, describing a potential sale as "essentially a large real estate deal".

Early into his second term, Trump reiterated the need for Greenland to be a part of the US, but had put the reason down to "economic security".

In recent days, however, the US President's rhetoric on Greenland has shifted from that, with Trump emphasizing the strategic importance of the island "from the standpoint of national security", given China and Russia's activities.

Situated between the US and Russia, the vast Arctic island has both oil and gas, as well as a supply of raw materials for green technologywith the island's ice sheets melting rapidly, Greenland could soon see the start of oil drilling and mining activities for the extraction of minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and nickel.

Melting ice in the Arctic region is also opening up potential shipping routes reported The Guardian, which could provide alternatives to the Suez Canal.

Also Read | Trump discusses Modi relationship amid US tariff pressure on India

Where does Denmark figure in all of this? Greenland is currently part of the Danish kingdom. While Denmark earlier ruled Greenland as a colony, it still controls the island's foreign and security policy today.

Although the US has an important military base in Greenland, as well as its ballistic missile early warning system, its influence on the island is limited.

Denmark, however, has warned that Trump's talks of trying to acquire the island could spell the end of the NATO alliance.

Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, reacted to Trump by saying, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."
US President Donald Trump has voiced his concerns over North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) supporting Washington DC on Wednesday, saying in a post on Truth Social that he doubts his allies would "be there for us if we really needed them."

Trup's post comes amid renewed concerns about the US potentially trying to annex Greenland from Denmark, a doubt which was also discussed by the leaders of several European countries, Canada, and Denmark in Paris on Tuesday. Most of them have ascertained that they will support Denmark's sovereignty. The White House has itself said that it has not ruled out military intervention to occupy Greenland.

Also Read | Canada backs Denmarks sovereignty amid US threats over Greenland

In his post, the US President said, "We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us."

Trump's post first pointed out that all of NATO members were using 2% of their GDP for defence, and now they are moving up to 5% because of his pressure.

Trump, however, claimed, "Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most werent paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately."

As per the official NATO website, all member states will be spending 5% of their GDP on "core defence requirements and defence- and security-related spending" by 2035.

Trump also claimed that all NATO members are "my friends".

Trump slams Nobel sideline The US President, who has long desired for a Nobel Peace Prize akin to Barack Obama, once again slammed the decision to overlook him for the award, which instead went to Marina Corina Machado, the opposition leader of Venezuela.

Trump claimed that "Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now," adding, "Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize."

Also Read | Everytime Trump Said He Deserves The Nobel Peace Prize | Watch

"But that doesnt matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives," he went on to claim.

Although the US has blamed Norway for not giving him the honour, readers should note that the Nobel winners are decided by an autonomous Nobel committee that is free from the influence of the Norwegian government.

Trump on Russia, China Trump also claimed that Russia and China are not afraid of the NATO without the US. He said that 'Everyone is lucky' because he decided to rebuild the US military in his first term and continues to do so.

"The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A.," Trump claimed.

Rubio to meet Denmark leaders over Greenland US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said that he would meet with the leadership in Denmark in the coming week, as Trump has repeated in recent days that he wants to gain control of Greenland.
The shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an agent of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wednesday has led to political sqaubbling, with President Donald Trump agreeing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the shooting was carried out in 'self defence' as the woman was trying to run over the agents, while the city's mayor, Jacob Frey, has called such claims to be "bull***'.

Trump himself shared a video of the incident on Truth Social, wherein he claimed that the woman violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense".

In the video shared by the US President, one woman can be heard shouting at the agents, and Trump labelled her a professional agitator.

Without any investigation being conducted yet, Trump went on to claim that these incidents are happeningbecause the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.

Minneapolis mayor slams claims Frey, in a news conference on Wednesday, said, "We collectively are going to do everything possible to get to the bottom of this, to get justice and to make sure that there is an investigation conducted in full. But what we do know is that a 37-year-old woman is dead, and she was shot by ICE," as per a report by Fox9.

"Weve dreaded this moment since the early stages of this ICE presence in Minneapolis They are not here to create safety in this city, what they are doing is causing chaos and distrust. They are ripping families apart, sowing chaos in our streets, and in this case are literally killing people," Frey further added.

The mayor also slammed the official statement of the DHS, which was issued on behalf of the ICE agents. In the statement, the DHS claimed that the officers were "fearing for their life" when they shot the victim, who was in her car.

"They are already trying to spin this as an act of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bullshit," Fox9 quoted Frey as saying.

The mayor also addressed the community in the wake of the event, asking them to respond to this incidence with "the vest versions of themselves" since the Trump government is trying to "sow chaos."

Frey also claimed that the ICE agents are trying to create a situation in the city that could lead to a military occupation, adding, They want an excuse to come in and show the kind of force that will create more chaos. Let's not let them."

In a similar vein, Minnesota governor Tim Walz has also refuted the claims of the DHS.

In a post on X, Walz said, "Ive seen the video. Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice."

What did the DHS say? The DHS, in a statement, claimed that the victim of the shooting had weaponized her car in order to attack the ICE agents, and had attempted to run them down.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that he is set to meet Danish officials next week, but gave no indication that Washington plans to drop President Donald Trump's stated desire of gaining control of Greenland, news agency Reuters reported.

Tensions rose after the United States carried out a large-scale military strike on Caracas on Saturday, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, were killed in the US attack, and has subsequently rekindled worries in Denmark and among its European allies that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, might face a similar situation, the news agency stated.

Is Trump planning to acquire Greenland? The White House revealed on Tuesday that Trump has been discussing options for acquiring the strategic Arctic island, including potential use of the US military to do so, despite strong objections from European countries.

Speaking of Denmark's offer to discuss the situation in Greenland, Rubio told reporters on Wednesday, I'll be meeting with them next week. We'll have those conversations with them then.

When asked whether Trump is planning for Washington to buy Greenland, Rubio responded by stating that this had always been the president's intent.

Also Read | Trump questions NATOs reliability as allies push back on Greenland threats

If the president identifies a threat to the national security of the United States, every president retains the option to address it through military means. As a diplomat, which is what I am now, and what we work on, we always prefer to settle it in different ways - that included in Venezuela, Rubio told reporters.

Trump, who first raised the idea of taking control of Greenland in 2019 during his first term, has argued that the island is important to US military strategy. He also accused Denmark of not doing enough to protect it, Reuters reported.

The US and Denmark are both NATO members and a US military takeover of Greenland has high possibility of sending shockwaves through the entire alliance.

Status of Maduro and his wife Maduro and his wife were flown to New York on the same day of the attack. The couple later appeared in federal court in New York on Monday on drug conspiracy charges, however they have pleaded not guilty.

Also Read | Fear grips Cubans after US unseats Maduro in Venezuela, amid Trump threats

Meanwhile, Maduro told the judge that he had been kidnapped, NBC News reported on Wednesday.
The United States, on Wednesday, seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker which was being shadowed by a submarine from Russia, after a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean, as per a Reuters report.

This attempt to seize the vessel is part of the US' effort to create a 'blockade' of oil exports from Venezuela, as per two officials the news agency spoke to.

This is the first time in recent years that the United States has seized a Russian-flagged vessel.

In a post on X, the U.S. military's European Command said the Trump administration had seized the vessel for violating U.S. sanctions.

The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, the Eastern Command said in the post.

"The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT  anywhere in the world," U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in reply to that post.

Bella-1, the tanker in question, had slipped through a maritime blockade of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean that has been kept in force by the US. The tanker also managed to rebuff attempts made by US Coast Guards to board it.

Officials who spoke to Reuters on conditions of anonymity revealed that the Coast Guard and the US military carried out the operation near Iceland.

Moscow has not yet made any official comment regarding the situation. RT, the Russian state media, however, did release an image of an helicopter hovering over the ship.

The operation comes in the wake of US special forces dropping into Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, before dawn on Saturday and raiding the residence of the country's president, Nicolas Maduro. They then captured Maduro along with his wife and flew the couple to the US. They were handed over to federal authorities by the US Army.

Another ship captured by US Meanwhile, the US forces did manage to capture another ship, M/T Sophia, which it alleged was "operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea."

Giving details of the capture, the US Southern Command said in a post on X, "In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident."

"Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas," the Southern Command also said.
A Harvard University dean has been removed from his position after a student-run news outlet exposed his social media posts, in which he appeared to condone violence and looting during protests, and made remarks critical of whiteness and police.

Gregory Davis, the former Dunster House Allston Burr resident dean, came under fire after a Harvard student-run news outlet called Yard Report resurfaced the controversial posts, in which he also allegedly criticized law enforcement and US President Donald Trump, Harvard Crimson reported.

While neither Harvard nor Davis confirmed what led to his removal, the development came after the Yard Report published his comments in October, and accused him of harbouring hostility toward White people, police, Republicans, and President Trump.

According to Harvard Crimson, the student-led news outlet also called on Harvard to fire Davis immediately.

Wife sets up GoFundMe  all about Davis Davis was appointed as the Allston Burr Resident Dean of Dunster House in 2024, a role in Harvard's undergraduate residential house system that involves advising and supporting students academically and personally.

Prior to Harvard, he has also served as a teaching fellow at UCLA Law and an associate professor of law at Southwestern Law School, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He is himself a Harvard alumnus, having earned a master's degree in psychology and a PhD in African American/Black Studies.

Davis is married to Nirisi Angulo, who set up a GoFundMe after he was terminated from his position and was given only 10 days to vacate their university housing. 'This sudden and unplanned upheaval has left us scrambling to find a safe home for our family amidst the harsh winter months,' she wrote to seek support.

What did Davis write that led to the controversy? In 2020, Davis wrote on X that he would not fault individuals who wished harm upon President Trump and shared a meme stating, If he dies, he dies. The article by Yard Report also included posts from the same year in which Davis described rioting and looting as part of the democratic process and referred to police personnel as racist and evil.

However, those posts received severe online backlash, prompting Davis to apologize and extend respect for campus colleagues, including members of the Harvard University Police Department. He expressed regret in an October message circulated to House affiliates, according to Harvard Crimson.

In his latest message following his removal, Davis said he had been dismissed from the role and that, to his knowledge, no interim resident dean had been appointed.

Also Read | Harvard graduate says US has more money, freedom but prefers India

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as the Resident Dean for Dunster, Davis wrote. I will miss my work with students and staff immensely, he was quoted as saying by Harvard Crimson.
United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the country will control future oil sale from Venezuela, days after it toppled the Nicolas Maduro government. Chris Wright also said that the Trump administration would use the proceeds from oil sales to rebuild the nations beleaguered economy.

Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy, Clean Tech & Utilities Conference in Miami, Chris Wright said, If we control the flow of oil and the flow of the cash that comes from those sales, we have large leverage. We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela.

Chris Wright estimated Venezuelas crude production could be increased by several hundred thousand barrels a day in the short to medium term.

The US government plans to deposit proceeds from the sales into government accounts and use them to benefit the Venezuelan people.

Since toppling the Maduro government, Donald Trump has been pushing Chevron Corp., ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Corp and others to revive production and rebuild Venezuelas decrepit oil infrastructure.

The task is reportedly massive. According to Bloomberg, it may cost $10 billion per year for the next 10 years to fix pipelines, pumping stations and other equipment that has been eroding after years of corruption, underinvestment and neglect.

Venezuela sits atop the worlds largest crude reserves, but companies will want to ensure theres a stable government in place before making any long-term investments. They will also want some degree of confidence Washington will support their presence in Venezuela even after Trump is no longer in office.

The Trump administration has already had conversations with multiple oil companies, according to an official. The president is set to meet with energy executives at the White House within the next week, according to people familiar with the matter.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also may attend the sit-down thats being planned, the people said.

Chevron is the only US major operating in Venezuela, working under a special license from the Washington. Exxon and ConocoPhillips previously operated inside the country but left after their assets were nationalized by Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, in the mid-2000s.
To a hammer, every problem is a nail. If your most potent means of geopolitical leverage is threatening supplies of high-strength magnets, rare-earth elements will always be the solution.

Thats the latest approach Beijing is taking in its dispute with Tokyo sparked by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about the possibility of military conflict over Taiwan. Exports of all items with potential military applications to Japan will be immediately banned, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday.

The most obvious victim of this threat will be rare-earth magnets made with the elements neodymium and praseodymium, and increasingly spiced up with rarer samarium, dysprosium and terbium. Theyre used everywhere from charging cables to the switch-gear in wind turbines to motors powering electric vehicles, missile-guidance systems and aircraft flaps.

Theres just one problem: Few countries are better prepared against China threatening their rare-earth supplies than Japan. Thanks to similar threats in 2010 prompted by a standoff over disputed islands, it has spent years diversifying its supply chains and building up stockpiles for precisely this sort of eventuality.

While China produces about 80% of the worlds neodymium magnets, Japan on its own manufactures about half of the remainder, according to UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management Co.  levels far above its own roughly 5% share of global manufacturing.

That's left Japan relatively unharmed by previous threats to this supply chain. Consider the last time China last put the chokehold on rare-earth exports, during the tit-for-tat trade disputes prompted by President Donald Trumps Liberation Day tariffs last year: Washington was forced to negotiate for magnet supplies, a humiliating denouement that cemented Beijings control over a vital advanced technology. Shin-Etsu Corp.s magnet factory kept operating at full capacity, the company told investors in July.

Other markets found themselves caught in the crossfire. Only about a quarter of export license requests by European manufacturers were being processed by Chinese authorities, a trade association for local auto-parts companies warned in June. As a result, production lines and plants were being shut down, even though European companies had no beef with Beijing.

The same was true in India. We are managing on a daily basis by drawing on local stocks for magnets in vehicles such as the electric iQube scooter, K.N. Radhakrishnan, President of TVS Motor Co., told investors in July.

The more pronounced export crackdown promised by Beijings latest move may be harder to withstand. Despite the diversification of the past decade, Japan still depends on China for about 70% of its rare-earth supplies, according to a government raw-materials agency. Incentives for companies such as the Japanese-funded Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. have succeeded in broadening the sources of supplies of neodymium and praseodymium, but have been too slow in doing the same with harder-to-obtain samarium, dysprosium and terbium. The deposits are out there, however.

Chinas actions over rare earths in recent years have not sparked the cowed reaction Beijing might have hoped for, but instead a global renaissance in production that will erode its dominance. Following Japans lead, facilities designed to circumvent its influence on rare-earth magnet supply chains are sprouting up on every continent: from the US to France, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Australia, Estonia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

Rare-earth facilities are complex, and often unprofitable in the absence of the sort of government support announced over the past 12 months. Theyre still orders of magnitude easier to establish than the supply chains needed to churn out the most advanced three-nanometer computer chips that China cant obtain. That makes them a weaker tool of geopolitical statecraft than Beijing may hope.

Canadas Neo Performance Materials Inc. took just 500 days to build a rare-earth magnet plant in Estonia that opened in September, with commercial sales due later this year. After starting a production line for the relatively abundant elements neodymium and praseodymium at its site in France last April, Belgiums Solvay SA is already producing rarer samarium and will begin output of the most-prized dysprosium and terbium this year.

Nervous analysts over the past year have pointed to a quote from Deng Xiaoping as evidence of Beijings long-term masterplan: The Middle East has oil; China has rare earths. A better guide might have been another line often attributed to the former premier: Hide your strength, bide your time. In so nakedly showing off its control of critical minerals, Beijing has inspired rival facilities to emerge around the world. That will leave it far weaker in the long term.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering climate change and energy. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday appealed to citizens to stand against political violence, following an assault on four members of her partys youth organisation. The attack took place on the 48th anniversary of the killing of three neo-fascist youths in Rome.

According to eyewitness accounts, the activists were beaten while putting up posters marking the January 7, 1978 deaths of three teenagers at Via Acca Larentia, a site that has long been associated with gatherings of Italys far-right.

Reacting to the incident, Meloni described the 1978 episode as a painful page in the history of our nation. She said the period was marked by dark years of terrorism and political hatred, in which too much innocent blood was shed, from multiple sides.

The three teenagers who were killed belonged to the youth wing of the now-defunct Italian Social Movement (MSI), a neo-fascist party established after World War Two. Two were reportedly shot by left-wing militants, while the third died later the same day after being shot by a police officer during riots that followed.

None of those responsible for the killings was ever convicted.

"We have the duty to preserve memory and to clearly reaffirm that political violence, in all its forms, is always a defeat. It is never justifiable. It must never return," Meloni said.

The four activists attacked on Wednesday were members of Gioventu Nazionale (National Youth), the youth wing of Brothers of Italy. None of them were believed to have been seriously hurt but their car had its windscreen smashed in.

Meloni said Italy had "to choose respect, dialogue, and civil coexistence", adding: "When an idea is silenced by force, democracy loses. Always."

The Via Acca Larentia commemoration has traditionally been marked by hundreds of men making the stiff-armed Roman salute and shouting "present" -- a rallying cry of neofascists.

Melonis Brothers of Italy party has historical links to the MSI, but the prime minister has repeatedly rejected claims that her party maintains strong connections with the far right. In 2023, she insisted her administration had no nostalgia for fascism.

The following year, she took a tougher stance, stating that any party member who glorified Italys fascist era should be removed from Brothers of Italy. Her remarks came after an undercover media report published footage showing party members performing fascist salutes and shouting Sieg Heil.
The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held talks on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, Pakistan's military said, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and beefs up ties with Bangladesh.

The talks in Islamabad come as Pakistan looks to capitalise on the success of its air force in the conflict with arch-foe India in May last year, the worst fighting in nearly three decades between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmood Khan had detailed talks on procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed with China, the military's press wing said.

Pakistan has also assured Bangladesh of the "fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem," it added in Tuesday's statement.

Warming relations The talks signal improving ties as the South Asian nations have grown closer since massive protests in August 2024 drove then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, shattering Dhaka's relationship with New Delhi.

"The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership," the military said.

In the wake of Hasina's ouster, Islamabad and Dhaka have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 war that brought independence for Bangladesh, while their military officials have held several meetings.

Under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is set for general elections on February 12 that could lead to a significant government role for a once-banned Bangladeshi Islamist party with links to Pakistan.

Expanding weapons sales The JF-17s have become the cornerstone of the Pakistani military's weapons development program, figuring in a deal with Azerbaijan and a $4-billion weapons pact with the Libyan National Army.

Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months.

On Tuesday, Pakistan's defence minister said the success of its weapons industry could transform the country's economic outlook.

Also Read | Why honeymoon phase between Pakistan and IMF still not over? A timeline

"Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months," Khawaja Asif told broadcaster Geo News.
China's development path aligns with the philosophy of 'Ubuntu': African scholar

People's Daily Online) 14:06, January 07, 2026

The "Understand China" program, produced by People's Daily Online, aims to interpret China's planning, opportunities, and governance, to eliminate misunderstandings, and to enhance comprehension and recognition between Chinese and international audiences through in-depth dialogues between Chinese and foreign scholars.

This episode of "Understand China" features a conversation between Liu Hongwu, director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, and Yoro Diallo, a 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award recipient, senior researcher at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, and director of the Institute's African Museum. Together, they delve into the institutional advantages of "seeing the overarching roadmap through to the end" and explore the certainty and stability that China's five-year plans bring to the world.

Diallo emphasized that to understand China, people need to deeply understand its history and the history of the CPC. "When you know about China," explained Diallo, "you will understand the way China's development is based on five-year plans."

Diallo highly praised China's commitment to a people-centered development philosophy. He believes that the philosophical foundation of China's development path, when translated into an African context, is "Ubuntu," which means "I am because we are."

Related:

Understand China | What inspiration do the five-year plans offer for the Global South?

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Wu Chengliang)
A high-profile defense lawyer representing the son of slain Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner against charges that he murdered his parents abruptly withdrew from the case on Wednesday and was replaced, for the time being, by public defenders.

The surprise change in defense attorneys, which was not immediately explained, unfolded at a court hearing where Nick Reiner, 32, had been expected to enter a not-guilty plea in one of the most shocking celebrity homicide cases in Los Angeles history.

Instead, the arraignment was postponed for the second time in three weeks. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle rescheduled the proceeding for February 23 and ordered the defendant to remain held without bail.

The development marked the latest twist to the disquieting demise of Rob Reiner, a beloved Hollywood figure who gained fame by co-starring in the 1970s hit television comedy "All in the Family" and later directed a spate of popular films. He was also a prominent Democratic Party activist and donor.

Alan Jackson, a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney whose clients have included a number of onetime show-business luminaries, including disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey, announced in court on Wednesday that he was quitting the case but gave no immediate reason.

"We feel we have no choice but to withdraw as counsel," Jackson told the judge, adding that the public defender's office was ready to step in to replace him, a move that the judge immediately approved.

'PRINT THAT'

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing, Jackson did not elaborate on his withdrawal, but said of his former client, "pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that."

District Attorney Nathan Hochman, appearing separately, countered: "We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murders of his parents."

Public defender Kimberly Greene shed little additional light on the switch in defense teams, telling reporters that such changes were not uncommon. She added that she had spoken with Nick Reiner for about 30 seconds on Wednesday morning and that "he was understanding that there would be a change in counsel."

A spokesperson for the Reiner family told Reuters by telephone: "They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings."

Also Read | Who was Imani Dia Smith? The Lion King child actress found dead

Nick Reiner, dressed in brown jail garb, spoke only when the judge asked if he agreed to waive his right to proceed with the arraignment on Wednesday and have it postponed for nearly seven weeks.

"Yeah, I agree with that," he answered.

He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal knife attack on his parents - actor-director Rob Reiner, 78, and photographer-producer Michele Reiner, 70. Their bodies were found on the afternoon of December 14 inside their West Los Angeles mansion. Prosecutors have said the pair were killed early that morning.

Authorities have disclosed few details about the circumstances of the crime and offered no explanation for what may have precipitated the killings. Autopsies found both victims died from "multiple sharp force injuries."

If convicted as charged, Nick Reiner would face life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.

The son was widely reported to have quarreled with his parents while the three were attending a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien the night before the couple were found slain.

Nick Reiner, who has publicly acknowledged a years-long struggle with drug addiction and periods of homelessness, had lived in a guest house on his parents' property. He was arrested near a downtown Los Angeles park several hours after their bodies were discovered.

The killings stirred an outpouring of dismay from Hollywood figures who Rob Reiner had worked with for decades as an actor, director and screenwriter, as well as within Democratic Party circles, where he was active in various political causes.

He and his wife, married in 1989, were found slain hours before a planned evening gathering with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, according to the former first lady.

'MEATHEAD' TO DIRECTOR OF BELOVED FILMS

Nick Reiner's battles with substance abuse and recurring stints in and out of rehabilitation programs since the age of 15 werethe inspiration for the 2015 movie drama "Being Charlie," in which the father and son collaborated as director and co-writer.

He is the younger of two sons and the second of three children by his parents.

As an actor, Rob Reiner was best remembered for his role on "All in the Family" as Mike "Meathead" Stivic, the son-in-law and liberal foil of the lead character, working-class bigot Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O'Connor.

Reiner went on to a prolific Hollywood career as a filmmaker, directing such popular movies as "This Is Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally ...," "The Princess Bride," "Stand by Me," "A Few Good Men," "Misery" and "The American President."

His final film, a sequel to the mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap," was released in September, 41 years after the original.
The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, has asked the interim leader of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, to exclusively partner with Washington on oil production and favour it when selling heavy crude, ABC reported.

In addition to an exclusive partnership with the US, the Trump administration has demanded that Venezuela kick out China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, the report said, citing three people familiar with the development. The report noted that Venezuela was told to sever economic ties with these countries.

It is still uncertain to what extent the US seeks to exclude China, Russia and others from Venezuelas economy. Any decision to sever ties would amount to a major political shift for Venezuela, which has depended heavily on these countries for economic and security stability in recent years under the regimes of Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

In an interview with the news outlet, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker explained that the US strategy relies on managing Venezuela's oil resources. He expressed his belief that implementing this plan will not require the deployment of US troops.

The President is speaking about exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalising oil infrastructure, and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people, the report quoted a senior administration official.

On advisers from China, Russia, Cuba and Iran The US is also pressuring Rodriguez to expel advisers from these countries, although some diplomats would be allowed to remain, according to a report by The New York Times, citing unspecified US officials.

Senior US officials have confirmed that the US does not plan to occupy Venezuela. Trump has consistently clarified that he seeks to play a key role in its future, which would be primarily financed by oil revenues.

The administration is expected to meet with US oil companies within the next week to discuss potential investment in the South American nation.
Indias fertilizer imports are expected to go up from 10 million tonnes this year to 12 million in the next. This has led to heavy lobbying for incentives to raise domestic production for import substitution. On the face of it, this demand has merit. But look closer, and the picture changes drastically.

India needs to reform its policy for fertilizers. The subsidy bill on these farming inputs was above 1.9 trillion in 2024-25, and while this fiscal years budget allotted under 1.6 trillion, the actual expense could go higher. This figure does not reflect the subsidy on natural gas used as an input by our fertilizer industry, which pays only about half the regular price (of up to $13 per million British thermal units).

Yet, this huge subsidy has increasingly been going waste. Nutrient Use Efficiency, which measures how much of the applied fertilizernot of the total sold at subsidized rates, a portion of which gets diverted for resale at higher pricesis actually absorbed and used by crops has dropped to below 35% for nitrogen-rich urea (N), 20% for phosphorous (P) and a range of 50-80% for potassium (K).

Nationwide, the fertiliser-to-grain response ratio (a measure of the additional unit of grain to be had by applying an additional unit of fertilizer) has fallen from about 1: 10 in the 1970s to barely 1: 2.7 by 2015 in irrigated areas," according to agricultural economist Ashok Gulati. Simply increasing the quantity of subsidized fertilizer, thus, is to squander scarce fiscal resources.

Also Read | Food and fertilizer subsidies should be climate-adapted and aimed better

Farm value addition per unit of crop-sown land in India is just 38% of that in China. While the Peoples Republic uses double the quantity of fertilizer that we use, it gets significantly more output from that because of a better balanced ratio of N, P and K fertilizers, apart from superior farm technology.

The ideal NPK combination is 4: 2: 1. Our current mix is 10.9: 4.4: 4. Since urea is heavily subsidized, farmers use more of itoften without complementary proportions of P and K.

Excess urea has three effects. Some of it is lost to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide, a climate warmer. Some leeches into ground water as nitrate, interfering with the nutrition of those who drink it and posing other health hazards. It also raises green vegetation without a proportionate rise in grain yield.

Our subsidy regime does not just incentivize an adverse fertilizer ratio, it also inhibits the adoption of complex fertilizers with optimally mixed crop nutrients.

Also Read | A faulty fertilizer subsidy policy will worsen Indias farm distress

India must overhaul its subsidy regime. It is time to abandon sending subsidy payments to fertilizer companies, which should be freed to make innovative products such as nano and complex fertilisers for sale at market prices. The subsidy sum could instead be sent directly to farmers as cash support in proportion to the area they cultivate.

Let farmers be identified as cultivatorsand not necessarily ownersof each tract of subsidy-eligible farmland. Once this is properly determined, financial transfers would be easy and just. Farmers would accept market prices for fertilizers if they are guided on the best mix for their soil type and learn to appreciate the space created for them to optimize farming. This would drive efficiency and reveal actual shortages (if any).

We must also push for the gasification of coal, which is abundant in India, instead of using pricey LNG imports as fertilizer feedstock. Gasifying coal for gas-based electricity generation would also serve our climate goals, as it could bridge gaps in renewable power supply. In all, we need sweeping reforms in this sector.
Unlike Charles Dickens fabled expression, it isnt the best or worst of times for us in India; we have seen better and we have seen worse. Inspired, however, by the title of the celebrated work from which these lines are taken, I am going to tell a talenot of two cities, but of two disruptions, both of which arrived on Indias scene with a bang, promising the consumer escape from mediocrity and even delivering on that promise for a while.

This is a tale of IndiGo in aviation and Vodafone in telecom. Both injected competition into sectors long accustomed to limited choice and uneven service. For a brief period, they expanded our access, brought prices down and forced sluggish incumbents to respond. And then, as so often happens in India, the novelty wore off. The firms grew large, the market structure shifted and, most importantly, policy became the whipping boy for all that went wrong.

IndiGo launched in 2006 as an efficient low-cost air carrier and forced a massive transformation; domestic passenger traffic grew from about 25 million in 2005-06 to over 152 million by 2024. Its obsessive focus on lowering the cost per available seat kilometre compared to full-service rival airlines contributed to a decline in real airfares. IndiGos market dominance in recent years has been staggering; today, it controls over 60% of Indias domestic market with a fleet of over 350 aircraft to support its high-frequency network of routes.

Vodafones story began earlier. Hutchison Max started operations in 1994 in what was then Bombay. When UK-based Vodafone acquired Hutch in 2007, Indian telecom tariffs were already among the lowest in the world. Vodafones innovations such as low-value prepaid packs drove prices steadily down. A phone call that cost more than 16 a minute in 1999 fell below 1 by 2010.

Eight years later, it merged with Idea Cellular, another success. Tele-density rose from 2.3% in 1999 to nearly 86% by 2024, though this was aided by the 2016 entry of a low-cost player, Reliance Jio. Vodafone was not the largest telecom operator, but it was part of a competitive market equilibrium that delivered the consumer significant value.

Sustaining success, though, is not easy. And institutions often play a major role, especially in licensed market categories. At the heart of IndiGos recent regulatory run-in lies a simple question: Did the airline assume that regulatory orders could be ignored because enforcement would be selective? History suggests that many businesses see India as a soft state.

India opened telecom to private competition in the 1990s and such was the markets attraction that by that decades end, many firms were bidding commercially unrealistic sums for licences to enter it. When they predictably failed to meet their obligations, pressure on the regulator to bail them out led to a 1999 grand deal that converted fixed licence fees into a revenue sharing arrangement with the government. Telecom firms survived, but regulatory credibility was weakened.

Also Read | The IndiGo lesson: The corporation has started turning into the state

For IndiGos current troubles, the trigger was the regulators enforcement of revised flight duty time limitations. These rules, designed to reduce pilot fatigues, had long been announced. IndiGo, however, continued with its tight-schedule model that relied on maximizing aircraft utilization.

But once the new norms kicked in, its system broke down: large-scale flight cancellations followed and airfares surged. The regulator was forced to intervene with capacity cuts and fare controls. This was not ignorance of the new rules, but possibly a strategic response that assumed accommodation by the regulator.

Vodafones decline is inseparable from Indias policy and regulatory weaknesses. In 2019, the telecom firm was called upon to pay the government massive dues on the basis of a wider definition of adjusted gross revenues than it had been operating on; so heavy was the burden that Vodafone never recovered.

At the other extreme sits IndiGo, which is alleged to have bet that our need for aviation market stability would let it carry on the way it had been operating. The lesson is not that firms act opportunisticallymarkets assume they willbut that a state that oscillates between indulgence and strictness gives up some of its credibility as a rule enforcer.

If blame is to be assigned, it should be borne as much by faltering businesses as a government that selectively enforces its own rules, since a profit-motivated business will always opt for what suits its interests. Policy, therefore, is not just what translates into rules.

It also includes how those rules are enforced. Regulation means nothing in the absence of a mechanism to uphold it. Observe the current state of the World Trade Organization, a rules-based organization that has unfortunately been stripped of its enforcement power by the US, rendering it toothless as a body.

Meanwhile, the frailty of Indian policy is on full display. Vodafone is now half owned by the government, while IndiGo is so systemically important that the Centre cannot let it fail even if it remains private.

If all this sounds familiar, it is because we have seen versions of it before: liberalization opens the door, private enterprise rushes in, competition flourishes and then market concentration, ironically often as a result of rivalry, creates new fragilities. Markets, as I wrote earlier for Mint, need boundaries; they rarely set limits on their own. In that sense, market self-regulation is a myth propounded by oligarchies in their self-interest.

The author is dean, school of humanities and social sciences and professor of economics, Shiv Nadar University.
The White Houses updated take on the Monroe Doctrine had its baptism of fire on Saturday, when US forces captured Nicolas Maduro at his Caracas stronghold, decapitating the Chavista regime responsible for bankrupting one of the worlds richest oil nations.

Less than a month after Washington unveiled a new National Security Strategy pledging to restore American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphereby force if necessaryMaduro and his wife were on their way to New York to face narco-terrorism" charges. Capped by Donald Trumps subsequent vow to temporarily run Venezuela outright, that day will feature in history books for decades.

For Latin America, this is a blunt reminder: When divided regional leaders fail to produce homegrown solutions to their gravest crises, the risk that the US will step inand act aloneis ever present. That risk is heightened by the return of great-power competition and Trumps transactional, spheres-of-influence world-view.

The region now faces the uncomfortable prospect of the US remotely administering a mid-sized South American country bordering Brazil and holding the worlds largest oil reserves, with little regional input.

Reactions among the regions leaders split along predictable ideological lines. Leftist governments in Brazil, Chile and Mexico joined Cuba in condemning the intervention that violated Venezuelas sovereignty. Right-leaning leaders in Argentina and Ecuador welcomed the departure of the hated moustachioed dictator.

Yet, both positions can be true. Trump acted with evident disregard for international law in pursuing unilateral regime changebut Maduro and his cronies also tempted fate. They had multiple opportunities to negotiate a political transition. Instead, Maduro chose to brazenly steal the 2024 election.

He is now likely to follow the path of Panamas Manuel Noriega nearly four decades ago: ending his days in an American jail, ruing having overplayed his hand.

Also Read | What the US shock move in Venezuela means for India

Rather than strongly protesting this intervention, the regions governments might reflect on the many chances they missed to confront the regions worst political catastrophe of the century. Cynically focused on domestic calculations and commercial ties with Chavismo, leaders from Brazils Lula to Argentinas Fernandez and Mexicos Lopez Obrador were, at a minimum, complicit as a gangster kleptocracy entrenched itself in Venezuela and then metastasized into a destabilizing regional force.

The times Maduro was treated as a peeras Lula did by rolling out a red carpet for him in Brasilia in 2023or when governments played dumb as millions of Venezuelans fled across borders, should stand as reminders of a region that failed to act in its broader interest.

Some will argue that the US risks losing legitimacy by assuming control of a sovereign nation, echoing its imperialist past. That will depend on Trumps next steps and on whether he is committed to forcing a democratic transition now that he owns the problem. That would require respect for the will of Venezuelan voters and honouring the results of the countrys last election, which showed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia winning roughly 70% of the vote.

Also Read | Latin Americas new birth of democracy

Dont underestimate the regional popularity of Trumps move. Latin America is shifting decisively to the right and Maduro is deeply despised. While anti-Americanism persists, societies increasingly consumed by insecurity, corruption and narco-trafficking mayat least temporarilyapplaud the American cowboy for imposing some order, even on questionable premises.

In this context, Cubas derelict dictatorship may loom as the next domino to fall in a region thats changing at remarkable speed. Latin Americas heavy electoral calendar this year will also test the impact of Trumps intervention.

Chief among the many unknowns is how Venezuela will be governed in the coming weeks. Latin American governments can redeem themselves by helping to shape a democratic exit that enables recovery, limits Trumps influence and avoids repeating past US mistakes in the region.

Instead of immolating themselves in defence of a regime that has effectively collapsed, Lula and fellow leftists such as Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombias Gustavo Petro should embrace the historic role they could still play in steering a peaceful and positive transition.

There is much Latin America can dofrom supporting economic reconstruction, which will be demanding, to supplying humanitarian aid and facilitating the return of millions forced into exile in the past two decades.

Venezuelans will remember who helpedand who did not. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin American business, economic affairs and politics.
An amusing ritual happens in the word business at the end of every year. Some publishers and other cultural busybodies with too much time to kill (like myself) choose a word of the year that is meant to capture something important in the zeitgeist, a word that distills the twist-and-shout gyrations of culture and society into a single expression, a time capsule (or soap bubble) of communication.

The choice is made through some form of fan voting or editorial discretion. This annual exercise takes place in many languages, including Danish, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian and, of course, English. Note whats missing.

English is the lingua franca of many countries and most have their own words of the year. England leads with choices from heavyweights like the Cambridge Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary, The Economist and the bossy Oxford Dictionaries, which anoints separate words for the UK and US and even had the short-lived gall to do it for Hindi. Imagine!

America must have its own of everything (not just sports) and is represented by the American Dialect Society, Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster. Australia is almost as insistent on its uniqueness and offers us choices from the Australian National Dictionary and Macquarie Dictionary. Okay, we get it: word meanings are culturally specific (like pass out or backward in Indian vs American English).

Some of the winning words have lasted. The American Dialect Society has been doing this from 1990 and seems to be quite good at picking durable ones: information superhighway (1993), weapons of mass destruction (2002), truthiness (2005, also chosen by Merriam-Webster) and fake news (2017, also chosen by Macquarie and Collins). Collins has other solid ones with staying power: photobomb (2014), binge-watch (2015) and lockdown (2020; variants like covid, quarantine and pandemic were chosen by others that year). Oxford got a few good ones, like carbon footprint (2007) and selfie (2014).

Most chosen words, however, turned out to be ephemeraltiny attention bubbles that popped like most pop culture fads. Who remembers Oxford winners like chav (2004), bovvered (2006), locavore (2007), hypermiling (2008), youthquake (2017) or rizz (2023)?

Much of this impermanence comes from the tendency to magnify the impact of words that are new and therefore connected to technology or social media or rich-world youth.

For 2025, Collins considered aura framing and biohacking and chose vibe coding. Oxford also shortlisted aura farming and biohack before choosing rage bait. The most popular choice for the year was AI slop (picked by The Economist, Macquarie and Merriam-Webster).

Do you know what these words mean? Will anyone remember what they mean after five years? From trendy to obscurity is a very short cycle for most of these words.

Also Read | India must calibrate its approach to Bangladesh by its strategic interests

Meanwhile, the word that roiled the world in 2025, one that I suspect is understood in all countries and languages, went almost unnoticed. It is tariff (the most beautiful word" according to US President Donald Trump).

Only Dictionary.com had it in its shortlist but it ended up selecting 67, which is not really a word, but some Gen Alpha slang that selectors themselves are still trying to figure out exactly what it means."

Similarly, for 2012, the year of the Arab Spring, the chosen words were phantom vibration syndrome, omnishambles, bluster, #hashtag, etc. As if a new phenomenon that created a new term and affected the lives of millions had simply never happened. As if the world ended at the navels of barely pubescent brats (word of the year, 2024, Collins) endlessly scrolling through whatever.

Just because the selection process is arbitrary and unscientific doesnt mean that we cant have any standards.

I suggest that the time has come for a global word of the year. There may not be an obvious choice every year (thank goodness), but too often there are years that spawn words that rattle and shake the world. Pandemic in 2020, tariff in 2025. Gaza is an honourable mention, but I nominate tariff as the global word of the year.

We also need an Indian word of the yearnot Hindi or English, but Indian. Earlier, I had mentioned Oxfords brief colonial excursion into selecting Hindi words. For the unnaturally curious, they were: Aadhaar (2017, selected over notebandi), Nari Shakti (2018), Samvidhan (2019, to mark the abrogation of Article 370), and Atmanirbharta (2020, not lockdown or mahamaari).

Then, for reasons unknown to me, it stopped. Its up to us to plant our flag on this now unoccupied land.

Also Read | Trumps tariff retreat on groceries exposes the flaws of his trade strategy

Following my own arbitrary methodology (which is roughly in line with the standards of this game and pretty much all ranking games of beauty, colleges, restaurants, movies, et al), I nominate four candidates in the following order.

SIR (Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls) began in late October and is still both underway and generating headlines; along with Bangladeshi, it is in the early running for word of the year in 2026. This is not SIRs year.

Operation Sindoor lasted only about four days but has since become a potent political symbol and the source of a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. It could have won in most other years but only receives an honourable mention for 2025.

Tariff needs no further taareef (praise) as a candidate. But, since I have already awarded it global word of the year, I must look elsewhere.

The winner is a once-in-144 years (or multiple lifetimes) event. It ran for about 45 days, and if official sources are to be believed, was visited by 660 million people, which would make it the largest festival of any kind anywhere in human history. Because it is something that happens only in India and could happen at this scale only in India; my Indian word of the year is Mahakumbh. Eat your heart out, AI slop.

The author is a professor of geography, environment and urban studies and director of global studies at Temple University.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed strong displeasure and warned local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) units against forming alliances with the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) for civic elections in the state. Devendra Fadnavis has also ordered the BJP units to end their alliances with the two opposition parties.

The BJP entered into post-poll alliances with rivals, the Congress and the AIMIM, in Ambernath and Akot municipal councils, respectively, in Maharashtra.

I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline and action will be taken, Fadnavis told a news channel. He said instructions had already been issued to undo such alliances.

In a rare move, the BJP joined hands with the Congress, its arch-rival, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to form the Ambernath Municipal Council leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena.

The BJP also struck a similar alliance with the AIMIM and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

Devendra Fadnavis, however, made it clear that such arrangements were not approved by the party's senior leadership and violated organisational discipline.

Sanjay Raut criticises BJP-Congress alliance As the BJP formed alliances with the Congress and the AIMIM, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on the saffron party after the local body election.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 7 January, Sanjay Raut called out the BJP for their double standards. He said the BJP had given the slogan of Congress-free India but also formed an alliance with the party for civic polls to secure a majority in the Ambernath municipal council.

Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to head panel picking candidates for Assam polls

He also criticised the BJP for being in alliance with Ajit Pawar's NCP, stating that Ajit Pawar does not believe in Veer Savarkar's ideology.

Sanjay Raut said, BJP is a double-standard party. They have made an alliance with AIMIM, and Congress is in Ambernath. Modiji's slogan is to make Congress-free India, but they are in alliance with Congress. They are double-standard people. Don't trust them.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday announced that the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will join the partys National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming state elections, ANI reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Chennai alongside PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss, Palaniswami stated that the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is already in place and hinted at the possibility of bringing more parties into their coalition.

The PMK president, Anbumani Ramadoss, has also joined the NDA alliance; more parties are also expected to join the alliance. Our alliance is a victory alliance, Palaniswami told reporters.

Echoing Palaniswami's remarks, PMK chief A. Ramadoss confirmed the development, stating, PMK has joined hands with the AIADMK to form an alliance with the NDA.

Earlier in the day, Anbumani Ramadoss met with E Palaniswami at his residence in Chennai.

With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, political activity in Tamil Nadu has intensified. The AIADMK-led NDA aims to reclaim power after 2021, despite its subdued performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The AIADMK has also renewed its alliance with the BJP after severing ties in 2023.

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK faces the task of retaining power but enters the contest with confidence following its strong performance in the 2024 parliamentary polls.

Earlier on Tuesday, Edappadi Palaniswami claimed that NDA will "win big in 2026 elections," while alleging that sexual assaults are happening under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime.

Addressing the AIADMK's women conference in Kallakurichi on Monday, Palaniswami accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of taking credit for plans originally proposed by the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam).

"AIADMK alliance will win big in 2026 elections. Stalin, who visited the Kallakurichi district a few days ago, has left after lying. They are now revealing the plans that the AIADMK brought, claiming that they did it. He named the child I gave birth to. Sexual assaults are happening under this regime," he said.

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in the first half of this year.
Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Ravindra Chavan has issued a show-cause notice to MLA Prakash Bharsakhale, seeking answers on the party's alliance with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Akot for the municipal council election.

The state party president emphasised that the party's mission was undermined and image tarnished by forming an alliance with the AIMIM.

Rough translation of the show-cause letter: In the recent Municipal Council elections 2025, we have undermined the Bharatiya Janata Party's mission and policy by forming an alliance with AIMIM in Akot Municipal Council. While doing so, we have tarnished the image of the party by not taking anyone into confidencemust immediately clarify why action should not be taken.

The BJP joined hands with the Congress, its arch-rival, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to form the Ambernath Municipal Council leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena. Also Read | BJP allies with Congress, AIMIM in Maharashtra

The BJP also struck a similar alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

Devendra Fadnavis reacts Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, January 7, expressed strong displeasure and warned local BJP unit leaders against tieing-up with the Congress and the AIMIM for civic polls in the state. He also directed the units to end their aliances. He said instructions had already been issued to break such alliances.

I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline and action will be taken, Fadnavis told a news channel.

After the BJP forged alliances with the Congress and the AIMIM in the local body polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the saffron party.

Sanjay Raut said, BJP is a double-standard party. They have made an alliance with AIMIM, and Congress is in Ambernath. Modiji's slogan is to make Congress-free India, but they are in alliance with Congress. They are double-standard people. Don't trust them.

Now they have an alliance with Ajit Pawar, but he does not believe in the ideology of Veer Savarkar. But he will give knowledge about Savarkar to the Shiv Sena. If you (BJP) love Savarkar so much, then remove him (Ajit Pawar) from the alliance, he added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has entered into post-poll alliances with its rivals, the Congress and the AIMIM, in some municipal councils in Maharashtra, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday rejected the tie-ups and warned of action against party leaders involved.

In Thane's Ambernath municipal council, the BJP and Congress joined hands to keep out Shiv Sena in its traditional stronghold, which falls under party MP Eknath Shinde's Kalyan Lok Sabha seat, Times of India reported.

BJP-Congress Alliance Shrikant is the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde) chief Eknath Shinde.

Shinde Sena won the highest number of seats - 27, four shy of the majority in the 60-member House - in the 20 December civic polls. The BJP won 14 seats, while the Congress won 12. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP won four seats, while two independents were also elected.

Consequently, the BJP formed a post-poll alliance with the Congress, its staunch rival, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to lead the Ambernath Municipal Council, sidelining its ally, the Shiv Sena.

The three parties have come together, claiming that the move is aimed at saving the town and ensuring stable administration. The Shiv Sena, however, slammed the move, calling it unethical and opportunistic.

With the support of one independent, the three-party coalitions strength has risen to 32 councillors, crossing the majority mark of 30. The election for the vice-president is due shortly.

Not approved by leadership: Fadnavis Chief Minister Fadnavis, however, said that such arrangements had not been approved by the party's senior leadership and violated organisational discipline.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar, uncle Sharad join hands as NCP factions unite for civil polls

I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline, and action will be taken, Fadnavis told a news channel, adding that instructions had already been issued to undo such alliances.

The BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena are allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (Mahayuti) government in the state.

Frilvilous BJP Behaviour Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, however, said, What happened in Akot and Ambernath shows frivolous behaviour of the BJP. The party can forge an alliance with anyone to grab power.

Sena MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar called it a betrayal of "coalition dharma" and contrary to the BJP's national slogan of a Congress-mukt Bharat.

CM Fadnavis asserted that such alliances would not be acceptable under any circumstances and said action would be initiated against local leaders who defied party directions.

BJP-AIMIM Tie-Up in Akot The BJP also struck a similar alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

In Akot, the BJP formed the Akot Vikas Manch with the AIMIM, besides support from the Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT), Shinde's Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar's NCP, Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the Prahar Janshakti Party led by Bachchu Kadu.

The BJP won 11 seats in the 35-member council, with two seats pending election, and the AIMIM secured five seats. With the support of various other parties, the alliance's strength stands at 25.

BJP's Maya Dhule was elected mayor, defeating AIMIM's Firozabi Sikandar Rana. Ravi Thakur of the BJP was appointed group leader, with all allies bound by the party whip.

The alliance was formally registered with the Akola district administration on Wednesday, ahead of the deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for 13 January.

The Congress, with six seats, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, with two, remained in the Opposition.
Hubei's inland shipping industry strives for green, smart development

15:06, January 07, 2026 By Yu Weiliang, Fan Haotian ( People's Daily

Vessels are built at the Yichang Shipbuilding Industrial Park in Zhijiang, central China's Hubei province. (Photo/Liu Weidong)

At a dedicated dock of shipbuilder China Star Shipping in Yichang, central China's Hubei province, a bulk carrier named Gezhouba, nearly 130 meters long with a maximum deadweight of 13,740 tons, is undergoing outfitting and is scheduled for delivery in March 2026.

"This 10,000-ton-class all-electric bulk carrier integrates breakthroughs in new-energy propulsion with intelligent navigation and control," said Yan Xinping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at Wuhan University of Technology.

According to him, Gezhouba is the first large inland vessel equipped with an intelligent navigation and control system, which enables remote operation, autonomous obstacle avoidance, and automatic berthing and unberthing.

Hubei province leverages its extensive waterways, transportation networks, and industrial expertise to transition inland shipping toward green and intelligent solutions. The province is home to 29 shipbuilding enterprises above designated size, or those with annual main business revenue of 20 million yuan ($2.85 million) or more. Its annual shipbuilding capacity stands at 5.31 million deadweight tons.

At the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) 712 Institute in Wuhan, technicians conduct integrated shore-based testing of battery, motor, and control systems -- components that power over half of China's new energy marine propulsion systems.

"This year, we have released a range of second-generation green and intelligent equipment, including high-safety containerized marine power supplies, actively balanced battery packs, and smart ship bridge systems," said Li Mingyong, deputy director of CSSC 712 Institute.

Hubei is working to optimize the supply system of its inland shipping industry by prioritizing greener vessel propulsion, making breakthroughs in autonomous navigation technologies, accelerating the development of standardized ship models tailored to ports, waterways, and cargo types, strengthening high-end shipbuilding capabilities, and actively expanding into international markets. Its efforts center on five key directions: green development, intelligence, standardization, high-end development, and internationalization.

A series of demonstration new energy vessels have been launched in the province, including the world's largest-capacity all-electric cruise ship, China's first hydrogen fuel-powered vessel, and the country's first 10,000-ton-class inland bulk carrier powered by a methanol dual-fuel electric propulsion system.

"Behind these achievements is the growing strength of Hubei's collaborative innovation system that integrates enterprises, research institutions, and universities," said Li Jinkun, an official with the Hubei provincial office of science, technology and industry for national defense.

The province has built a high-level innovation ecosystem, which is supported by national key laboratories such as the State Key Laboratory of Maritime Technology and Safety and the Hubei Donghu Laboratory, and joined by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Naval University of Engineering, CSSC 712 Institute and CSSC 719 Institute, as well as the Wuhan branch of the China Classification Society and its Wuhan Rules and Research Institute.

At the Yichang Shipbuilding Industrial Park in Zhijiang, Hubei province, a batch of new energy vessels are under construction. In late November, a 130-type LNG (liquefied natural gas) single-fuel river-sea direct multipurpose vessel was delivered. Benefiting from the Yangtze River shipbuilding supply chain platform, which integrates research and development, design, construction, and finance, the vessel was delivered one month ahead of schedule, with overall costs reduced by 4 percent.

A pure electric debris-collection and transfer vessel is built at the green and intelligent shipbuilding industrial park in Zigui county, Yichang, central China's Hubei province. (Photo/Lei Yong)

Hubei has encouraged financial institutions to develop innovative green credit, financial leasing, and guarantee products. It has also established specialized supply chain platforms to provide companies with one-stop services covering information sharing, logistics and trade, and technological support.

The province has taken the lead in introducing an administrative filing system for the shipbuilding industry and easing market access requirements. At the same time, it has focused on key sectors such as freight transport and cultural tourism to develop representative application scenarios.

By strengthening coordination among the industrial, innovation, talent, capital, and service chains, Hubei continues to improve the ecosystem for its inland shipping industry.

In the first three quarters of 2025, Hubei's shipbuilding industry generated an output value of 72.71 billion yuan, up 17.3 percent year on year. Newly secured ship repair and construction orders totaled 289 vessels, with green and intelligent ships accounting for 75.8 percent of the total.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu)
Congress veteran Siddaramaiah on Wednesday became the longest-serving chief minister of Karnataka, surpassing Devaraj Urs. Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that he will complete the full five-year term and that the Congress high command will have to decide on it.

The chief minister also said that he will discuss the much-awaited cabinet rejig with the high command when they call him for a discussion.

In his second term as chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, 7 January, surpassed Devaraj Urs' record as the longest serving Chief Minister of Karnataka for 2,792 days.

This unique record has emerged as the power tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, following the Congress government's reaching the halfway mark of its five-year term on 20 November. The speculation was fueled by the "power-sharing" pact between Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar in 2023.

"I have not done politics to break any record; It's only a coincidence. I did not know how many years and days Devaraj Urs served as CM. Today, because of the blessings of the people, I have an opportunity to equal Devaraj Urs's record. Tomorrow it will be broken," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Asked if he will create another record by completing the full five-year term, he said it has to be decided by the Congress high command. "I don't know when the high command will decide."

To a question whether he has confidence about completing the full term and that the high command will decide in his favour, he said, I have confidence. If I had no confidence, how would I have been the Chief Minister?... It all depends upon the high command's decision.

Devraj Urs, considered an icon of social justice and land reforms in the state, served as a two-term chief minister, holding office for 2,113 days from 20 March 1972 to 31 December 1977, and for 679 days in his second term from 28 February 1978 to 7 January 1980.

Siddaramaiah, who is also the only CM after Urs to complete five years, was in the office for 1,829 days in his first term from 13 May 2013 to 15 May 2018. In his second term so far, since 20 May 2023, he has completed 964 days on Wednesday. Noting that he had never thought of any records, the CM said, the maximum he had thought of was becoming an MLA once.

I became MLA, I got opportunities, I became minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and became the Chief Minister too. I got opportunities, and I have performed the duties, he said.

Both Devaraj Urs and I are from Mysuru, but we were from different periods. He (Urs) was there from 1972 to 1980. I have been CM for two terms from 2013 to 18 and from 2023 to the present. Further, whatever the high command decides, he added.

Satisfying Political Journey Stating that his political journey has been so long has given him "satisfaction", the chief minister said, serving people is something that gives happiness to him. "Politics means doing justice for the poor, Dalits, backward, and doing their work," he said.

Asserting that he has grown politically with the blessings of the people, Siddaramaiah said that there is still inequality in society, and until this inequality is addressed and everyone receives social justice, his fight will continue, and he will continue to serve the people.

Siddaramaiah's fans celebrated their leader's accomplishment by organising feasts at several places, with dishes made out of his favourite "nati koli" (country chicken).

Also Read | Karnataka news: 10 killed as sleeper bus catches fire in Chitradurga

Reacting to this and to a question that he has become a brand ambassador of sorts for nati koli dishes, Siddaramaiah said, he doesn't know about it, and who was organising feasts.

I have confidence. If I had no confidence, how would I have been the Chief Minister?

I'm from a village and normally in our village nati koli dishes would be prepared when relatives come home, so I used to eat nati koli and ragi mudde (finger millet balls) earlier, now it is a bit less. Many people from villages like it as I did, but as I'm the chief minister, it is getting a bit of publicity, he added.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Officer then asked for a blood test. Afterwards, he had to stay in jail for 24 hours. Once Officer was released on bond, he found out that he was fired from his football coaching job at an area high school.
The Chattanooga City Council continues to discuss a future passenger rail system that would connect the city to other major cities, such as Atlanta, Nashville and Memphis.

It could become a reality within five to seven years, according to a representative from the Chattanooga mayor's office.

Are more passenger trains coming to the Volunteer State? The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations says that a high speed train would boost tourism.

It will cost around $500 million, the representative said.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) expects the state to see a 26.7% increase in auto trips within the next 20 years, and passenger rail use is currently increasing across the nation.

A Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta route could have an economic impact of around $18.2 billion, according to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). They add that this could create 17,000 construction-related jobs during the development of a passenger rail system.

A member of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly's team said the system could save travelers time instead of sitting in traffic.

"When you're in a train you can use your computer, no guilt, you can use your phone, you can get up and use the bathroom, you don't have to stop, you can grab a bite to eat and so you are able to keep moving while being productive," said Ellis Smith, who serves as Chattanooga's director of intergovernmental and external affairs.

North Carolina already has an Amtrak passenger train system, with trains traveling at speeds of around 70mph. The state had around 1.2 million passenger train rides in 2023.

"North Carolina is probably 10 years ahead of us, they've just done really amazing things over there," said Smith.

The Chattanooga City Council is leaning toward using existing railways, which would be similar to what North Carolina already has in place.

Existing railways used for freight already connect the four major cities.

Smith said if this project progresses, it would be primarily funded by federal programs. Therefore, the timeline would be funding dependent.
Cothren, the former chief of staff to onetime House Speaker Glen Casada, has picked up a petition to run for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 71.
The United States is beginning to profit from the military operation in Venezuela to overthrow the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro. While the bombs dropped on Caracas were still smoking, Donald Trump admitted at a press conference at midday Saturday that he wants major U.S. companies to control Venezuelas ailing oil industry. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies  the biggest anywhere in the world  go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, the U.S. president stated. Since then, he has hinted at how much he is interested in exploiting Venezuelas phenomenal oil reserves, the largest in the world. On Tuesday, he announced that Venezuela will increase its oil sales to the United States.

Through Truth Social, the social network created by the Republican to share his opinions, he stated: I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.

Given the diminished capacity of Venezuelas oil industry, that amount represents roughly one or two months worth of production, around 30 to 50 days. And considering current prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark crude, the volume could reach a value of more than $2.8 billion, according to Bloomberg.

The United States had imposed sanctions on the Chavista regime regarding oil sales. The Venezuelan oil industry was barely producing one million barrels per day, a third of what it produced in the 1970s, when it pumped 8% of the worlds total supply, and far from the 13 million barrels pumped by the United States or the 10 million extracted by Saudi Arabia from its fields. Most of Venezuelas crude production  around two-thirds  is sold to China via intermediary vessels to circumvent the sanctions. A quarter is sold to the United States through Chevron, which has been doing business in the Caribbean country for almost a century. The remainder is sold to Russia, Cuba, and other countries within Caracas sphere of influence.

A woman walks in Caracas, Venezuela, this Tuesday. Matias Delacroix (AP)

The Venezuelan oil industry does not have the capacity to substantially increase production immediately, so it is assumed that it will reduce its sales to Chinese customers in order to increase them to U.S. recipients.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! Trump added via social media.

Chevron is already increasing its activity in the Caribbean country. It has sent at least 11 tankers to Venezuela. They are expected to dock near ports controlled by the new Chavista regime, which has shown a willingness to cooperate with the United States.

I have instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this transportation plan directly and immediately to U.S. unloading docks, Trump stated.

The announcement comes as it was revealed that Trump is preparing a meeting next week with top White House energy officials to define a strategy to help convince Western companies to invest in Venezuelas energy industry, according to Bloomberg. Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, among other administration energy experts, are expected to participate in the meeting.

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Irelands leading home care provider, Dovida, is inviting people from diverse backgrounds to explore a rewarding new career in caregiving this year. Building on significant growth in 2025, the company is expanding its team throughout Longford and the region to meet rising demand for home support services.

Dovida currently employs more than 4,000 professional caregivers who support thousands of people all across Ireland, including older adults and younger individuals living with a disability. As the need for home care continues to rise, the company is committed to recruiting, training, and supporting caregivers who want to make a meaningful difference.

PICTURES | Longford audience has fabulous 'Bunch of Thyme' at Foster & Allen '50 Years of Hits' concert

The need for care and support in the home is growing as our society ages, and personalised home support services for people of all ages and abilities are preferred to residential care, Shane Jennings, Dovida Ireland CEO, said.

We are proud to be able to offer local jobs that empower people to live in their homes, connected to their families, friends, and communities and are committed to supporting people who want to transition to a career in care this year, he added.

Community impact

With flexible schedules, paid training, and clear progression pathways, Dovida offers opportunities for those seeking a career change that makes a difference.

Many of our caregivers joined from careers in retail, hospitality, or customer service, Lorraine McLaughlin, General Manager, Dovida Midlands, said.

They wanted work that fits their lifestyle and gives back to the community, and caregiving offers exactly that.

A lot of people also come to us having had previous experience caring for a family member and have realised this is something they have a passion for," she added.

Also read: Time Longford stands up and says 'it is a great county to live in at affordable prices'

Choice and flexibility

Dovida offers caregivers the opportunity to choose their hours around what best suits their lifestyle. Part-time, full-time and fixed-hour contracts with a minimum of 25 hours per week are available.

People in receipt of social welfare can apply to work a set number of hours, depending on the type of support they receive, and the company can also offer positions to individuals on General Work Permits.

People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that and often find their lives enriched by the experience as well, Lorraine concluded.

Also read: Good news for Longford musician as he announces his engagement

Dovida welcomes applications from experienced health care professionals as well as those new to care and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. Anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career in care is encouraged to visit the Dovida website HERE or call 1800 911 020.
The discovery of a prohibited growth hormone in beef originating in Brazil that entered Ireland should be a wake-up call for the Government, according to farmers.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has called on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU vote on Friday.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said it was notified by the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland on December 12 that a consignment of beef, with an expiry date of October 31 2025, from animals that had been treated with oestradiol, had been distributed to three businesses in the Republic in September.

The beef was from Brazil  part of the Mercosur trading bloc which also includes Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as full members and other South American countries as associate members.

The administration of oestradiol, which can be used as a growth-promoting hormone, is not allowed in animals intended for the food chain in the EU.

The EU conducted an audit in relation to the matter and Brazilian officials informed authorities that carcasses from animals treated with oestradiol were mixed into consignments of beef destined for the bloc.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: This shows that the undertaking from Brazil about the processes they have in place are completely flawed and wholly ineffective.

He added: This EU audit which uncovered these hormones is getting worse and worse, with more EU countries being embroiled. The EU must publish the full details of this immediately and before there is any vote on the Mercosur deal.

In 2024, another EU audit found that the Brazilian system to stop hormones entering the EU food chain could not be relied upon. We were told by the EU that Brazil implemented an action plan to address this.

Yet, hormones have now entered the EU and Irish food chain. This has to be a red line for the Irish Government on Mercosur.

The question is are Brazil misleading the EU or are the EU misleading their citizens. We need full disclosure immediately.
Residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh evacuate after the Syrian army imposed a full closure of the neighborhoods. (@Levant_24_ on X)

Units of the Syrian army have surrounded the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, marking the latest escalation after a series of clashes between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control 30 percent of Syrian territory, and the Asayish, the SDF-affiliated internal security force.

The Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods are considered closed military zones after 3:00 pm today, and we urge our civilian residents to stay away from the positions of the SDF, the Syrian armys operations authority announced on January 7. It also stated, Security and stability will soon be restored in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods in a manner deemed appropriate to protect residents from the abuses of the SDF.

A local source claimed that over 200,000 civilians have left the neighborhoods of Aleppo following the Syrian governments closure of the two neighborhoods.

The SDF issued a statement declaring that the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods will remain fortresses of steadfastness and unbreakable bastions, adding that the resistance would continue until the protection of the land, the people, and dignity, a signal urging residents of the two neighborhoods to resist the advance of Syrian government forces.

Both parties have exchanged accusations over attacks in Aleppo over the past 24 hours. Syrian government sources reported that the SDF targeted residential neighborhoods in Aleppo, using mortars and snipers to target roads. The SDF claimed that Syrian government factions carried out several attacks using tanks and armored vehicles, which were repelled by internal security forces with the support of local residents.

The two areas had witnessed intense clashes between government forces and the SDF on January 6. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) claimed that one Syrian soldier and three others were wounded in an attack by the SDF. SANA also reported that three civilians were killed by SDF shelling of a residential area. However, the SDF denied responsibility for the shelling that killed the civilians and claimed that Syrian government forces attacked residential areas adjacent to the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.

Tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF have previously escalated in Aleppo. On October 6, Syrian troops clashed with SDF units in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. The confrontation began after government personnel said they had discovered a tunnel allegedly used to smuggle weapons into the two neighborhoods. A ceasefire was brokered the following day, on October 7, with the United States mediating between the two sides.

The ongoing instability in Aleppo comes at a moment when negotiations between the Syrian government and the SDF have reached their lowest point following both sides failure to agree on an implementation mechanism for integrating the SDF into the Syrian state under the March 2025 agreement signed by Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. That deal, which was supposed to be implemented by the end of 2025, has stalled.

A Syrian military attempt to assert full control over the two neighborhoods would likely push both parties toward a full-scale conflict and expand the fighting beyond Aleppo to other contested areas.

Ahmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant.
Concerns that the winner may have had access to insider information have led to a bill that would prohibit government officials from participating in this type of activity

An anonymous individual made a profit of $400,000 on Polymarket, a prediction market platform where users bet on events of global significance, after betting on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Shortly before the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the trader bet $32,000 that Maduro would be overthrown before January 31.

Although the site allows anonymous betting, Polymarket users noticed that the winners account was created recently, raising suspicions that it could be a government employee with prior knowledge of the attack. There is also a record of the same person placing other bets related to U.S. and Venezuelan foreign policy, reinforcing doubts about possible insider trading.

In response, Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres confirmed to Business Insider that he will introduce a bill this week to prohibit government officials from participating in prediction markets when they have access to non-public information. The Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026 seeks to equate prediction markets with stock markets by incorporating a ban on insider trading.

According to experts, prediction markets are emerging as an increasingly influential tool for anticipating political and economic events. In 2025, Polymarket generated more than $2 bilion with questions that raised between $10 and $20 million in bets, ranging from the duration of a U.S. government shutdown to local elections in New York to the possible guest list for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces wedding.

The rise of these markets has also caught the attention of the Trump family. Donald Trump Jr. is an investor and advisor to both Polymarket and its direct competitor, Kalshi. Meanwhile, President Trump announced in October the launch of his own prediction market, which will operate within the Truth Social network.

Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan, 28, has acknowledged the support his company has received from the current administration, after facing an investigation during its early years of operation under Joe Bidens government. In November 2024, the FBI raided his home and confiscated his personal phone. This is obvious political retribution by the outgoing administration against Polymarket for providing a market that correctly called the 2024 presidential election, a statement said. In 2022, the company was fined by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for failing to comply with registration requirements to operate legally.

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The scene bore the weight and pomp of a coronation before God. Delcy Rodriguez, left hand raised, right hand resting on the Bible, the book set upon a maroon cushion with gold trim. She wore an aquamarine dress. Jorge Rodriguez, left hand raised, purple tie, glasses. A man swearing in his younger sister as interim president of Venezuela, children of a father murdered while in police custody in the 1990s, when they were minors, with their whole lives ahead of them. The two would later visit their fathers grave, but first they stood there, frozen, in the most symbolic moment of their lives. Between them, his hands resting on the lectern, guarding the Bible, his expression grave, stood Nicolas Maduro Guerra.

The only son of Venezuelas president, captured early Saturday morning in a spectacular operation by U.S. special forces, is poised to play a significant role in the new power structure currently unfolding. Delcy Rodriguez, in the absence of her former boss, is leading the country as interim president. Shes going to be important, even more so than she was before, and she wasnt insignificant, says someone familiar with the movements in Chavismos upper echelons. Her presence among the Rodriguez family sends the message that even though Maduro is in New York, 2,485 miles from Caracas, imprisoned and publicly displayed in shackles, his regime is not dead.

Nicolasito, as he is sometimes called, is 35 years old and deviates from the classic image of Chavismo. On his cell phone, he has the apps for EL PAIS and The New York Times. He represents a new generation, Chavismo 2.0, those who didnt experience Hugo Chavezs coup and subsequent rise to power with such intensity. Days before the July 2024 elections, Nicolas told this newspaper that if Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition candidate, won, they would have no problem relinquishing power. Diosdado Cabello, the regimes number two, seemed to reprimand him the next day: he said, without mentioning him directly, that the revolution had to be stronger than ever and that young people hadnt lived through the hard times, the times of resistance.

Nicolas Maduro Guerra in Caracas, on May 9, 2025. Ariana Cubillos (AP)

His career has been linked to Chavismo from a very early age. At 22, he was head of inspectors for the Presidency of the Republic, and at 23, coordinator of the National Film School. Now, he is a deputy in the National Assembly and in charge of religious affairs for the PSUV, the ruling party. He also participated in the dialogues in Mexico between Chavismo and the opposition, seeking a political agreement that never materialized. Jorge Rodriguez was the main voice, but Maduro effectively put his name on the dialogues through his son. Maduro Guerra has also served as an advisor to his father, keeping him informed of state affairs and intrigues at the Miraflores presidential palace. An active social media user, he would tell him what was happening on Instagram and other platforms.

Theres some truth to what Cabello, leader of the most hardline Chavismo, the one confined to the barracks, said  in case theres any doubt, he hosts a program on public television called Con el mazo dando (With the Sledgehammer). Maduro Guerra belongs to a different breed. As a teenager, Commander Chavez recommended he do his military service, but he preferred to study economics and music in the Venezuelan orchestra system, which was directed by the renowned Jose Antonio Abreu. His father wasnt a military man either, but as imposing as he is, hes both jovial and intimidating. He exudes a different energy.

Maduro Guerra has positioned himself at the forefront, alongside the Rodriguez family, at a confusing time. U.S. President Donald Trump claims to be in charge of Venezuela, but in practice, Delcy Rodriguez is the de facto president, surrounded by the same people as Maduro. Many believe that, under threat from the White House, the new Chavista power structure will comply with Trump and meet all his demands, but such assumptions in Venezuela are quickly overshadowed by the ever-changing reality.

At the National Assembly, on the day of Rodriguezs inauguration, Maduro Guerra stole the show. Visibly moved, on the verge of tears, he addressed his father and the First Lady, Cilia Flores, his fathers second wife: And to you, Dad, I say, you made all of us, in the family, strong people. We are here fulfilling our duty until you return. The country is in good hands, Dad, and soon we will embrace each other here in Venezuela. And you will see the children. Cilia [referring to her three children]. You will see them, we will see them. Long live Venezuela! Long live the homeland!

If anyone doubted whether the Maduros thought the Rodriguez siblings had betrayed them, that mystery vanished at once. He addressed the new president by her full name, Delcy Eloina, in a gesture of camaraderie. My unconditional support [addressing her] for the difficult task ahead of you. Count on me, on my family. Count on our resolve to take the right steps in this responsibility that falls to you today. [We are] in absolute unity to achieve the goals of peace in Venezuela and move the country forward. May Nicolas and Cilia return!

Yosser Gavidia and Nicolas Maduro Guerra in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 5, 2026. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS)

The opposition watched the scene unfold on television in astonishment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spent months touting Maria Corina Machado, the undisputed leader of the anti-Chavista movement, as the person who would lead a transition in the country. According to reports in the U.S. media, his advisors told Trump that Machado did not control the military and that there was a risk of rebellion. On the day of Maduros capture, Machado wrote that she and Edmundo Gonzalez, the candidate who stepped in after she was barred from running in the July 2024 presidential elections, were prepared to assert their mandate and take power.

After Maduro boarded a helicopter, was taken to a frigate, and later escorted in shackles to a plane bound for New York, some predicted the fall of Chavismo at that moment. It had only hours left, they said. That hasnt been the case, and a logical succession has taken place under the Chavista statutes: Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is now in charge. The relationship with the United States, the way things operate, is currently a mystery. What is certain is that, in this new world, both similar to and different from the old one, Nicolas Maduro Guerra will play a fundamental role. Nicolasito has grown up.

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A noted art benefactor who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Boston on Saturday was remembered for leaving behind a legacy of generosity and artistic enrichment in his obituary.

John Axelrod, 79, was killed when prosecutors say another man deliberately hit him with his vehicle while Axelrod was walking his dog near the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Axelrods dog, Tale, was also killed.

Axelrod, a Boston resident, grew up in Andover and attended Phillips Academy, Yale University and Harvard Law School, according to his obituary. He went on to become a prominent art collector, philanthropist and an advocate for underrepresented artists.

He was a major benefactor of the Museum of Fine Arts since the 1980s. His gifts included 377 pieces of American Modern design from the 1920s and 30s, which helped establish the MFA as a leader in that field, and collections of 20th-century European decorative arts.

The John Axelrod Gallery in the Art of the Americas Wing was named in his honor in 2009, showcasing highlights such as Viktor Schreckengosts Jazz Bowl and a Paul T. Frankl desk. In 2011, the MFA acquired from Axelrod 67 works by Black artists, along with 18 works by Brazilian artists of African descent.

His legacy will live on at the Museum through the John Axelrod Collection  a transformative acquisition including Archibald Motley, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Alan Rohan Crite, Lois Mailou Jones, and Kerry James Marshall," a statement from the MFA read.

The gallery Art and Jazz, part of the new installation Stories Artists Tell in the Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. May 26, 2022 John Axelrod Gallery (Photograph  Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

Axelrod is survived by his partner of 44 years, Darwin Cordoba, as well as his sisters Jane Axelrod and her husband Roy Dobbelaar and Nancy Axelrod, and his niece Ariel Axelrod-Hahn and nephew Nicholas Panagopoulos.

Axelrod had a lifelong love of dogs, and neighborhood regulars knew him from his frequent walks with Tale, an Australian terrier who often wore a distinctive custom-made red coat in winter.

Mildred Gonzalez, a cousin of Cordoba, said Axelrod was part of a Back Bay dog walking group that met every Tuesday. Axelrods previous dogs, Myrna, Lovey, Malky and Tine, were beloved, according to his obituary.

John Axelrod of Boston and his dog, Tale. (Photo courtesy of Mildred Gonzalez)

Services for Axelrod will be held at Temple Emanuel in Andover on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m., according to his obituary. Interment will follow at Temple Emanuel Cemetery in Lawrence.

He was a very well respected, amazing human being, Gonzalez said. Theres no one thats ever going to replace him.
The trial date for the woman accused of killing a 65-year-old Boston lawyer and his dog aboard his houseboat in January 2025 has been rescheduled.

Nora Nelson is facing charges of murder, animal cruelty and the malicious killing of an animal in connection with the death of Joseph Donohue, of Charlestown, on Feb. 2, 2025.

On the night of Feb. 2, Donohues body was found with 67 stab wounds and wrapped inside a duct-taped tarp on the patio of his Charlestown houseboat, according to prosecutors. His dog, Champ, was also found strangled to death in the water next to the boat.

Nelson had greeted police at the door of the houseboat that night and was taken into custody on unrelated charges. The young woman and Donohue had a longstanding intimate partner relationship and she was living with Donohue at the time of his death, according to her attorney Ian Davis.

Her trial date was previously scheduled for June 1, but was rescheduled to Sept. 21. Neither Davis nor her other attorney, Megan Stanley, could immediately be reached for comment.

This pushed-back date comes after her defense team filed several motions in late fall 2025, including those to connect with a forensic veterinarian, a bloodstain pattern analysis expert and a forensic toxicologist in November.

Joseph Donohue, 65, of Charlestown, was identified as the homicide victim of an incident on a houseboat on Feb. 2, 2025. Donohue family

What happened the night Joseph Donohue was found dead?

Nelson had greeted police at the door of Donohues houseboat in the Charlestown Marina the night of Feb. 2, 2025, prosecutors said, after family members requested a well-being check for Donohue when they couldnt reach him for 48 hours.

Nelson lied about her name and Donohues whereabouts and, at one point, asked an officer, Can I tell you something? according to court documents. Blood stains were also seen throughout the home, including a significant amount on a sheet over a doorway.

The young woman was taken into custody at the scene for unrelated warrants on domestic violence charges against another Boston man in his 60s, whom Nelson had previously dated and lived with. The ex-partner told police Nelson threatened his life in November 2023.

During Donohues autopsy, a piece of knife was removed from his forehead and was later matched to a knife found in the water next to the boat by a dive team. Two pink fake fingernails that Nelson later identified as her own were also found in his body, prosecutors said.

Donohues family issued a statement after he was identified in February, but has maintained their privacy since.

Our family is heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. Joe was a wonderful family member, a cherished friend and a trusted colleague. Always generous and kind, he dedicated his life and career to helping others, the statement read.

He is loved and will be deeply missed. Were grateful for the love and support weve received, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.

Nora "Andi" Nelson (left) as a teen with her friend Aliyah Warren (right). (Aliyah Warren)

Nelsons mental health questioned

In an April hearing after Nelsons first mental health exam, court clinician Heather Jackson said Nelson definitively lacks understanding of the seriousness of the charges she faces, but it was unclear to her whether this was because Nelson has a mental illness, personality disorder, or another exterior motivation.

Nelson was given medication after it was deemed she had potential symptoms of a psychotic disorder, but as her symptoms became less genuine, Nelson had a tendency to exaggerate, Jackson said.

Aliyah Warren, Nelsons best friend from childhood in Memphis, Tenn., previously told MassLive that Nelson seemed to be going through a mental health crisis the last time the pair saw each other, six months before Donohue was killed.

She just wasnt my sister ... it was kind of hard to sit there, her eyes were just dead, Warren said, adding that Nelson was wearing odd clothes and seemed like she wasnt there.

Warren had been hoping for a mental health evaluation for Nelson as her case continued, because she feels something is wrong.

Im going to keep loving my sister because thats what she needs. She needs love ... But at the same time, I have to let the system do their job and just pray that they give her a mental evaluation so they can see that something is wrong, Warren previously said.
The U.S. whiskey industry, long regarded as a recession-proof category, is suddenly in turmoil.

Over the past year, a growing number of distillers have filed for bankruptcy or closed operations  highlighting mounting challenges for both legacy craft makers and newer ready-to-drink brands.

From Boston Harbor Distillery to Portlands House Spirits, the industry is navigating a financial landscape in which even the most established players are struggling to survive.

Among the most recent companies to join the list are whiskey distiller Rogue Ales & Spirits parent company Oregon Brewing, which filed in November, and Wilder Whiskey, which filed in late December.

Both companies filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy which, unlike Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is not a reorganization process but a liquidation process.

Industry-wide strain

In 2025 alone, at least five whiskey brands filed for bankruptcy.

Among them are Boston Harbor Distillery, Westward Whiskey parent House Spirits Distillery, McCallum & Sons Whiskey Co., Devils River Distillery and The Alton Distillery parent SVG 26 LLC.

Boston Harbor Distillery, LLC, founded in 2012 and best-known for its whiskey, rum and gin portfolio, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31, 2025, seeking to reorganize rather than liquidate entirely.

Portlands House Spirits Distillery LLC, the parent company behind Westward Whiskey, followed suit on April 6, 2025, filing under Chapter 11 in Delaware.

Meanwhile, San Antonios Devils River Distillery LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2025 to restructure debt while keeping its bourbon and rye portfolio on shelves.

Even SVG 26 LLC, the parent of The Alton Distillery, joined the list in September 2025, filing Chapter 11 in the Eastern District of New York with assets and liabilities in the low millions.

But not all closures are traditional distilleries.

Oregon Brewing Company, parent of Rogue Ales & Spirits, ceased operations on Nov. 14, 2025, and filed for Chapter 7 liquidation 10 days later.

The most recent filing comes from Wilder Whiskey, Inc., a North Carolina-based RTD whiskey brand.

The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on Dec. 23, 2025, with roughly $100,000 in assets and liabilities.

Legacy brands feeling the pressure

Even Jim Beam, one of the nations most well-known whiskey brands, has had to pivot its business model as industry pressures grow.

In December 2025, the brand announced it would cease whiskey production at its main distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, for all of 2026.

In an official statement obtained by AP News, Jim Beams parent company Suntory Global Spirits Inc. cited slowing demand for bourbon, a significant increase in aged inventory and ongoing trade pressures as the cause for pausing production at the Clermont campus beginning Jan. 1.

This decision came amid broader shifts in the bourbon industry.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in the second quarter of 2025, all exports of American spirits dropped 9% compared to the same time last year.

The largest decline came from U.S. exports to Canada  falling 85% from April to June.

Canada is the only trading partner to retaliate against U.S. spirits. Exports to Canada plunged by 85%, dropping below $10 million in the second quarter of 2025, the Council wrote in its Q2 report.

... Exports of several spirits categories posted double-digit declines, including Brandy (-12%), American Whiskey (-13%), Vodka (-14%), and Cordials (-15%), while exports of Rum declined 6%.
Extreme is kicking off the new year in the studio.

The band, which topped the charts in 1991 with the hit More Than Words, announced Sunday that it is working on its seventh studio album.

DAY 1 2026 EX7REME, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of himself in a recording studio.

The project will be the bands first body of work since 2023s Six. That album, Extremes first since 2008, peaked at No. 10 on Billboards Top Album Sales chart.

Six was also the first Extreme album to reach the top 10 since 1992, according to Blabbermouth.

Last album is a masterpiece, a fan commented on Bettencourts post while expressing their excitement for the upcoming record. Bring it!!! Happy New Year!!

One fan commented, Six was spectacular, while another wrote, Ive been jamming 6 on CD in my car for two years now. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to.

Extreme has not announced the albums release date or title, but Bettencourts post suggests it will be called EX7REME. Previous albums similarly used numbers in their titles, such as 1990s Extreme II: Pornograffitti (the bands second album), 1992s III Sides to Every Story, and Six.

Extreme is a hard rock band that formed in Boston in 1985. The groups popularity exploded in the early 90s with their sophomore album, Pornograffiti. Featuring a mix of heavy metal and funk, the album contained the hits Decadence Dance, Get the Funk Out, Hole Hearted and More Than Words. Extremes other popular songs include Play with Me, Rest in Peace, Rise, and the holiday original Christmas Time Again.

The bands songs have appeared in shows, including the Netflix series Bill & Teds Excellent Adventures and Stranger Things, according to Extremes website. Overall, the band has sold 10 million records and regularly averages more 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Extreme has stayed busy in recent years, touring in support of Six and appearing at Ozzy Osbournes farewell concert with Black Sabbath. Blabbermouth reports Bettencourt also served as music director and guitarist at the 2025 MTV VMAs, where he paid tribute to Osbourne with alongside Yungblud and Aerosmiths Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

The band will also be hitting the road later this year. Extremes 2026 tour dates include a stop at Xfinity Center in Mansfield on Aug. 1, serving as Motley Crues opening act.
Lai Yuqing, who wrote and directed the queer love film Whisperings of the Moon, has died. She was 23.

Nimbus Films and Inwave Films, which backed the movie alongside Mirage Films, announced the directors death in a statement posted to social media Wednesday, Jan. 7.

We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that filmmaker Lai Yuqing, writer-director of Whisperings of the Moon, with whom we had the privilege of working, passed away on January 2, 2026 (Cambodia time), at the age of 23, the statement reads.

We will continue to support and honor Lai Yuqings work, so that her films may be seen and remembered, it continued. Her voice, talent, and vision will remain with us. Rest in peace, Yuqing.

In their full statement to Variety, Nimbus Films and Inwave Films said Yuqing died due to an incident on Dec. 30, 2025.

VnExpress.net reported the young director died after sustaining critical injuries from a fall in a three-story private residence in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The case is still under investigation and her family is at Phnom Penh preparing her funeral as well as working closely with local authorities, the film company told Variety. Details of the incident havent been released yet but her family will make an official announcement once the case is resolved.

Yuqing was born in Tianjin, China and studied in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, Variety reported.

Whisperings of the Moon, which was her debut film, follows theater actor Nisay as she moves from New York back to her home in Phnom Penh following her fathers death. It is there that Nisay runs into her former lover, Thida. The film moves back and forth between the past and the present, which is seven years since the two were lovers.

Whisperings of the Moon was selected for the 30th Busan International Film Festival in 2025, Variety reported. First-time actors Sopheanith Thong and Deka Nine, whom Yuqing met while working with students at Cambodias Acting Art Academy, starred in the film.

Yuqings earlier work included the short films Two Suns (2024) and Love Is a Book (2024), Variety noted.
SPRINGFIELD  From the screen to the live stage, the Take Me to The River All-Stars appearing at the Hope Center for the Arts on Friday will take audiences on a heartfelt journey into the soul of American music blending funk, R&B, brass-band fire, soul, and Mardi Gras Indian tradition.

Showtime is 7 p.m.

The New Orleans all-star benefit for the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival is co-presented by Blues to Green and the Hope Center for the Arts.

This is the first year we are holding a fundraiser entirely for the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival which is a free event accessible to the community, but we do need support to keep it that way, said Kristin Neville, festival producer and executive director of Blues to Green, in an interview with The Republican.

Inspired by the award-winning documentary, Take Me to the River: New Orleans, the concert brings together a heavyweight ensemble of New Orleans talent, including Cyril Neville along with his son Omari and nephew Ian Neville, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar, Brian Richburg Jr., and filmmaker Martin Shore. Their performances will showcase the rich musical traditions, cross-generational collaborations, and cultural depth that define New Orleans music.

Released in 2022 but filmed in 2017, Take Me to the River: New Orleans is a full-length documentary film directed by Martin Shore about the music of New Orleans and Louisianna. It premiered on April 20, 2022, at the Broadside Theater in New Orleans and was digitally released in 2023. The soundtrack album was also released in 2022.

It was the last time the Neville Brothers performed together, Neville said about the soundtrack album.

Bringing the New Orleans all-stars to Springfield for a concert is an outgrowth of a collaborative idea between Neville and Kyle Homstead, one of the several educators at Hope Center for the Arts.

Kyle has worked on programming acts for the Springfield Jazz &Roots Festival for the past several years, We spoke about bringing acts performing at the Hope Center into schools in Springfield and Holyoke as part of the Blues to Green Legacy Education Project, Neville said about the endeavor, which brings acclaimed Black and Afro-Caribbean musicians into schools to use music to teach history and literature in a creative way.

Take Me to the River is a relatively new musical act that evolved from the documentary film and the recording Take Me to the River New Orleans. We started discussing the opportunity to bring them here based on the fact that my husband Charles Neville appeared in the film and the thread that connects him from New Orleans to Springfield, she added about her late husband.

Charles Neville  who spent his later years in Western Massachusetts and became closely connected to Springfield, appearing in the Jazz & Roots Festival features prominently in the Take Me to the River film and album. His voice, presence, and iconic saxophone work are woven into the fabric of the project, making Fridays concert not only a celebration of New Orleans music but a meaningful tribute to an artist who helped shape Springfields local cultural community.

Blues to Green uses music and the arts to bring people together, celebrate cultural heritage, and advance racial and climate justice. The organization produces the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, leads the Legacy Education Project, and directs Arts for Racial & Climate Justice, including the documentary initiative Beyond the Storm.

Tickets, available online at hopecenterforthearts.org, are $45 for general admission. Donor Circle tickets are priced at $100 and include front row seating and a meet and greet before the concert.
Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings to honor 43-year-old Uxbridge police officer Stephen LaPorta.

LaPorta was killed in a car crash while helping out another driver early Wednesday morning on Route 146.

First responders provided medical aid to LaPorta but he was declared dead at the scene.

I am heartbroken over the news of Officer Stephen LaPortas passing. He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the publics safety first  and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers are with his loved ones, the Uxbridge Police Department, and our brave law enforcement and public safety officials all across the state," Healey said in a statement. I ask Massachusetts residents to take a moment today to reflect on the bravery of Officer LaPorta and thank members of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe.

LaPorta became a full-time officer and patrolman at the Uxbridge Police Department in June 2024, according to the department.

Before becoming an officer, he worked as a full-time dispatcher and part-time patrolman for the department.
As the race for Norfolk County district attorney heats up, Karen Read and her lawyers have thrown their weight behind the newest candidate to enter the race  former federal prosecutor Adam Deitch.

Campaign finance records show Read and three of her criminal defense lawyers, Alan Jackson, Elizabeth Little and David Yannetti, each donated $1,000 to Deitch in December. Reads father, William, also donated $1,000, as did several other lawyers from Jacksons Los Angeles, California-based law firm.

Several of Deitchs former colleagues in the U.S. Attorneys office have also donated to his campaign. Since entering the race in November, he has raised roughly $110,000, leading the field.

Deitch oversaw the federal grand jury that investigated the states handling of the Read case. No indictments or arrests ever came from the federal investigation, which was closed this year.

The donations were first reported by political newsletter MASSterList.

Read and her lawyers were not shy in their criticisms of incumbent District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who has held the position since 2010, during her two criminal trials. They accused Morrissey of being complicit in an effort to frame Read for the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe.

Morrissey has not said if he will run again. His campaign brought in only one $200 donation in all of 2025. Still, he has more than $400,000 in cash on hand should he decide to enter the race.

Deitch is one of several candidates running to replace Morrissey, who has faced criticism not just for his handling of the Read case, but also for his offices investigation of the death of Sandra Birchmore. Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment in February 2021 and her death was ruled a suicide.

But federal prosecutors have since charged Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell with killing Birchmore, and accused him of grooming Birchmore beginning when she was a teenager.

In addition to Deitch, former prosecutors Djuna Perkins and Craig MacLellan have entered the race to replace Morrissey, as has Jim Barakat, a public defense lawyer.

Perkins has also reeled in some high-profile donors, including Ralph Martin, a former Suffolk County district attorney, and Gerry Leone, a former Middlesex County district attorney. Her campaign has raised about $83,000.

MacLellan has raised north of $50,000, with donations from attorneys at Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP and Goodwin Proctor LLP. The fourth candidate, Barakat, has raised just shy of $500.
National grocery store chain Kroger is closing dozens of locations nationwide as part of the companys previously announced store closures.

During a June 2025 earnings report, Kroger said it would close approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months.

As a result of these closures, Kroger expects a modest financial benefit, the company said.

The company has not disclosed where and when these closures will take place.

According to CBS, the closures represent about 5% of Cincinnati-based companys 1,239 Kroger stores.

The company announced the slated closures as it reported a slight decrease in sales from $45.3 billion to $45.1 billion for the same period a year earlier.

During the earnings call, Kroger announced the closures would target underperforming stores and resources would shift away from struggling locations to stronger markets.

The company also announced plans to open additional stores in 2026 at an accelerated pace, expanding its new-store builds by about 30% compared to 2025 as part of its growth strategy.

While the company has not released a list of stores being eyed for closure, various media outlets and unions have identified at least 30 locations that have already closed including locations in:
An Uxbridge police officer was killed in a crash early Wednesday while helping a motorist, according to the Uxbridge Police Department.

The crash happened on Route 146 at 12:40 a.m., according to police.

The officers name was not immediately released.

This is a devastating loss for our department and our community, Uxbridge Chief of Police Marc Montminy said in a statement. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time.

Route 146 northbound at exit 6 in Uxbridge is closed as of 7:20 a.m. and is expected to remain closed through the morning commute, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

A procession of police cars escorted the officers body from the scene hours after the crash, WCVB reported.
Chavismo is a movement of photos and icons, and on Monday it didnt miss a fresh opportunity. On the day Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela and Jorge Rodriguez as president of the National Assembly  the day executive and legislative power fell into the hands of the siblings  the third wheel, Diosdado Cabello, appeared with a furrowed brow and a somber expression that did not go unnoticed by the photographers and television cameras covering the ceremony. Cabello, the visible head of what is considered the Chavista military wing, listened with a circumspect air to the heartfelt speeches from the podium during what seemed more like a austere ceremony than the inauguration of a new president.

Shortly beforehand, the Miraflores press team distributed a photograph of the Cabinet in which Delcy Rodriguez appeared presiding over a table, accompanied by the key figures in her government. To the right was the head of the army, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and to the left, Cabello, wearing a cap with the slogan To doubt is treason written on it.

To the repertoire of classic Chavista icons  the images of Simon Bolivar and Hugo Chavez  was now added another: a photograph of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores holding hands. Lest there be any doubt about the role each would play from now on, Cabello led a march through the streets that evening, accompanied by a small army of uniformed men who, rifles in hand, vowed to defend the homeland and guarantee the safety of its people. The message was clear: in the face of the technocratic backroom deals, the power of the guns remained in Cabellos hands.

During the video, Cabello omitted any joint cooperation agreement and described any negotiation with Washington as treason against the homeland, assuring that the revolutionary forces and collectives would remain in the streets to defend territorial sovereignty against what he called the invasion of the empire.

Diosdado Cabello attends a march toward the office of interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas, January 6, 2026. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS)

Within hours, the two main branches of Chavismo  represented by the Rodriguez siblings and by Cabello and Padrino Lopez  became so obvious that when gunfire occurred near the presidential palace at midnight against unidentified drones, the rumor quickly spread that this was not a new attack by the United States but the beginning of a coup detat by Cabello against the new interim president.

Although both factions of Chavismo have staged rapprochements, the tensions on display are a reflection of a confrontation that began long before. Just as Hugo Chavez chose Nicolas Maduro  not Cabello  as his successor before his death, this time the United States has chosen Delcy Rodriguez, not him, to lead a strange transition in which everyone is keeping a close eye on each other. Some are seen as proponents of compromise, others as militarists; the two blocs have been defined, even if for the moment they are expressed only through images and gestures.

Following Maduros capture, the reconfiguration of territorial control in Caracas has been accompanied by the deployment of paramilitary groups, the infamous motorcyclists, who have assumed a central role in controlling the city. Armed and masked, they have been deployed in working-class neighborhoods of the capital such as Petare and Catia to prevent any movement in the streets.

Many Venezuelans who voted overwhelmingly against Maduro in 2024 havent even been able to celebrate the news theyve been waiting for for years. Videos circulating show hundreds of men dressed in black, armed with pistols, shotguns, and rifles, stationed on street corners, patrolling the streets on motorcycles, and establishing informal controls over residents and businesses, even imposing closing times and restricting nighttime movement. They all operate under Cabellos iron fist. They have at their disposal an article added at the 11th hour to the state of emergency decree, which orders the immediate search and capture throughout the national territory of any person involved in promoting or supporting the armed attack by the United States. This has provoked concern among human rights organizations and directly contradicts Delcy Rodriguezs announcement of working jointly with the United States.

But the differences between the factions extend beyond what happens at home, to what occurs beyond their borders. After Maduros capture, when Venezuela and the world awoke to the news that he was on a U.S. Navy vessel en route to a New York court, Bolivarian diplomacy remained silent, awaiting instructions on what to say. Only one person  Glenna del Valle Cabello, Diosdados sister and consul in Bilbao  held a rally in the streets. We do not accept what Trump has said, whom I dont want to call president, but murderer. We govern ourselves. Venezuela belongs to Venezuelans, both its resources and its people, she said.

The internal power struggle between those who accept Trumps interventionism and the militaristic bloc was resolved in favor of the former during the ceremony at the National Assembly, where Delcy Rodriguez and her brother were sworn in on the Bible. Cabello wanted to return to the forefront of politics, but Washington would have interpreted it as a challenge by the Interior Minister  who has a $25 million reward on his head and has been linked to the Cartel of the Suns  to take the reins of the legislature. Adding to the consolidation of power for the Rodriguez siblings is Trumps decision to give White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller a prominent role in overseeing post-Maduro operations.

Miller, considered one of the most hardline figures in the U.S. administration, has spoken positively of the siblings, saying that so far the White House is receiving full, complete, and total cooperation from the government in Caracas led by Delcy Rodriguez. Cabello responded to these statements with personal attacks against the transition team appointed by Trump, specifically pointing to Miller and Marco Rubio as 21st-century pirates whose sole interest is the plundering of the countrys oil and mineral resources.

In a defiant tone, he warned that U.S. military control over the coasts is a criminal act of war and called on the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) not to surrender, even though they have captured Maduro. This cooperation, which irritates Cabello, is part of another of Trumps announcements concerning political prisoners. Trump said Tuesday that Delcy Rodriguez is proceeding with the closure of a punishment center in the heart of Caracas. During a party event, he asserted that Chavismo operated a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas that theyre closing up, referring to the facilities where political prisoners are detained, although he did not directly mention El Helicoide, a prison under Cabellos control.

Adding further salt to the wound of distrust that has taken root within Chavismo and the factions that comprise it, where each side looks askance at the others, are the words of Nicolas Maduro Guerra. The son of Nicolas Maduro, sobbing, was the first to speak of betrayal after his fathers capture: History will tell who the traitors were, history will reveal it. We shall see.

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The Uxbridge police officer who was killed in a car crash while helping out another driver early Wednesday morning has been identified by authorities as 43-year-old Uxbridge resident Stephen LaPorta.

The crash happened on Route 146 north in Uxbridge around 12:40 a.m., Uxbridge police said in a press release Wednesday afternoon. First responders provided medical aid to LaPorta, but he was declared dead at the scene.

LaPorta became a full-time officer and patrolman at the Uxbridge Police Department in June 2024, according to the department. Prior to becoming an officer, he worked for the department as a full-time dispatcher and part-time patrolman.

Massachusetts State Police are investigating the crash, Uxbridge police said. No further information has been released.
A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist when she allegedly tried to run over law enforcement officers during an immigration crackdown in the city, authorities said Wednesday.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot the woman in her vehicle in a residential neighborhood in Minneapolis, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

The shooting marks a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major American cities under the Trump administration.

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker) AP

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have been on edge since DHS announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, with 2,000 agents and officers expected to participate in the crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after Wednesdays shooting, where they vented their anger at the local and federal officers who were there, including Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere.

In a scene similar to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the crackdowns.

Shame! Shame! Shame! and ICE out of Minnesota! they loudly chanted from behind the police tape.

After the shooting, Mayor Jacob Frey said immigration agents were causing chaos in our city.

We are demanding ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities, Frey said on social media.

Law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker) AP

The area where the shooting occurred is a modest neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets in the area and a mile (1.6 kilometers) from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

The Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session Tuesday night for about 100 people who are willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement.

I feel like Im an ordinary person, and I have the ability do something so I need to do it, Mary Moran told KMSP-TV.
The Healey administration on Wednesday announced a series of moves aimed at boosting the Bay States 78 coastal communities as they deal with aging infrastructure and climate change, and to buttress local tourism and economic development efforts

Chief among them, the Democratic Corner Office awarded $16.7 million in grant money to projects in 21 coastal communities across the state.

The states newly reconfigured Seaport Economic Council, chaired by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, gave its formal approval to the projects during a meeting in Bostons Seaport neighborhood on Wednesday morning.

The amazing history in Salem, in all of Massachusetts, is tied to our success in the maritime economy, Driscoll, the former mayor of that seaside city, said. We have been able to raise up so many other industries that are native to the commonwealth due to the richness that we have along our coastal seaports.

Heres how just some of that money will be spent:

In Boston, city officials will use $2.4 million in state support for a pier rehabilitation project along the East Boston waterfront.

On the North Shore, those projects included a nearly $1.5 million grant to help rehabilitate Newburyports boardwalk, as well as a $2.6 million award to underwrite improvements to St. Peters Landing and Marina in Gloucester.

On the South Shore, Plymouth residents will benefit from a $1.5 million grant aimed at improving the towns wharf, while another $200,000 grant will pay for the replacement of the dock at Quincys Town River Marina, according to a summary provided by the administration.

On the South Coast, officials in Fall River will use a $964,925 award for improvements to the City Pier. Another $1 million is headed to Fairhaven to pay for an upgrade to Union Wharf.

On Cape Cod, for instance, $379,000 has been earmarked for improvements to the Hyannis Inner Harbor, with a further $857,049 underwriting the repurposing of a boathouse in Chatham.

A $1.5 million grant will pay for improvements to Sesuit Harbor in Dennis, according to the administration.

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll (standing) kicks off the state Seaport Economic Council's first meeting of the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at the Thomas E. Menino Convention Center in Boston. She was joined by state Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley (seated). John L. Micek/MassLive

The administration included $100 million in a 2024 state law to reauthorize the Seaport Economic Council. This week, Gov. Maura Healey also signed an executive order reconstituting its membership.

The panels ranks include state and local officials, business leaders, and marine trade association representatives.

The rejiggered regulatory panel brings together the right mix of local, industry, and technical expertise to help us make smart, coordinated investments, state Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, also its vice chairperson, said. This structure allows us to better align state programs, capital funding, and regulations with the economic realities of coastal communities and the businesses that rely on our maritime infrastructure.

The panel heard Wednesday from an array of marine-related interests, including the fisheries industry and the MBTA, which runs ferry service across the Greater Boston Area.

The panels approval of the grants came about an hour before Driscoll and Paley were slated to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 70th annual New England Boat Show, held in the convention centers cavernous exhibition hall.

The show is a major economic driver for the states recreational boating industry, providing merchants with a major economic shot in the arm, Randall Lyons, the executive director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, told the council.
The Trump administrations claim that it has total control over Venezuela after U.S. forces took its leader into custody earlier this month is total (expletive), a Democratic lawmaker who formerly served as an elite Army Ranger said Wednesday.

We dont have control over this regime ... we shouldnt have control over a foreign country, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said during a Capitol Hill news conference. Because thats, again, not what the American people want. They are done, done with endless nation-building quagmires.

Crow, who led U.S. forces in Iraq, was among the lawmakers with a military background who spoke during the news conference organized by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, himself a Marine veteran.

Crows comments came after the lawmakers received a classified briefing from Trump administration officials on the military and federal law enforcement raid that toppled Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in federal court in New York City on Monday, where they pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and other offenses. The Venezuelan leader argued that he had been kidnapped from his home country by U.S. forces.

Late last year, Moulton, of Salem, joined by U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, a fellow Marine, Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., an Air Force veteran, and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., a Navy reservist, introduced legislation seeking to block American military action against the South American nation without congressional approval.

We owe our service members clarity, legality, and leadershipnot threats, not chaos, and not another unnecessary conflict. This legislation draws the line the president refuses to draw, Moulton said in a statement at the time. It protects our troops, reasserts Congresss constitutional role, and ensures we do not sleepwalk into another ill-advised war.

Republican President Donald Trump and his lieutenants have insisted the mission was legal, and have argued that its just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify (Congress about) because it endangers the mission.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires presidents to report to Congress within 48 hours of introducing U.S. forces into a hostile environment and to terminate those operations within 60 days if Congress does not approve of it, according to PBS News.

Without such an approval, and if the president says it is an emergency, those operations can be extended for an additional 30 days.

For decades, Congress has granted its approval through whats known as the Authorization of the Use of Military Force, but no such approval was granted in the case of Venezuela. The Trump administration also has whittled away" at notification requirements, according to PBS News.

While theres no question that Maduro is a bad guy ... theres also no question that Congress must approve acts of war, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., a Vietnam combat veteran, said during Wednesdays news conference.

And if were going to send someones son or daughter into harms way, wed better have a damn good reason to do that, he continued. And I am here to tell you that oil is not a damn good reason to send anyone into combat.

Trump has said that U.S. oil companies will invest billions of dollars to restore oil infrastructure in Venezuela, a major oil-producing nation. He has also said the United States will run Venezuela.

A caretaker government, helmed by Maduros vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, is now in place. Trump has warned Rodriguez that she could pay a greater price than Maduro if she doesnt do whats right, according to The Atlantic.

Houlahan, one of six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video reminding U.S. forces they had a duty not to obey unlawful orders, said she was glad to be standing among colleagues who understand that the Department of Defense is the last line of defense.

It is not something that you use to bend the world to your will whenever you feel like it, Houlahan, whom Trump accused of sedition for her appearance in that video, continued. And, effectively, thats what this administration is doing without any sort of clarity or understanding of why were doing this.
Its often said that people vote with their feet. So heres the Massachusetts corollary: Theyre voting with their U-Haul rentals. And some prominent business leaders are sounding the alarm.

For at least the second year in a row, the Bay State saw more people leaving than arriving. Thats based on the rental truck titans 2026 Growth Index Report, which saw Massachusetts finishing 46th in the nation for population growth.

The state logged a 48.2% in-migration rate, based on the annual analysis.

That put it in the company of other northeastern and New England states, such as Connecticut, which finished 42nd nationwide, with a 49% in-migration rate, and New York, which finished 47th, with a 48.9% in-migration rate.

And of those who did leave, many didnt wander far.

Neighboring New Hampshire, long a destination for Bay Staters seeking more tax-friendly climes, finished 32nd on the U-Haul growth index. Ditto for Vermont (24th), Maine (15th, with a 50.9% in-migration rate) and Rhode Island (40th).

The data reinforces the fact that the Bay State, which consistently ranks among the most expensive states to live in, is pricing out too many of its current and potential residents, Paul Craney, the executive director of the business-friendly Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, said.

And that matters because big companies look at such factors as the tax burden, the education of the population and a states economic competitiveness when they decide to move to a state.

The nonprofit Tax Foundation, for instance, has ranked the state 43rd nationwide for the competitiveness of its tax structure.

For years, state leaders have dismissed out-migration as anecdotal or temporary. This data tells a very different story, Craney argued.

When people are voting with their feet year after year, its not because of the weather. Its because Massachusetts has become too expensive, too rigid, and too hostile to growth, he continued. Instead of our State House leaders changing course, they would rather ignore the results of their policies and expect a different result.

Republican lawmakers from New Hampshire, abetted by Craneys group, engaged in a bit of cross-border trolling in December, as they participated in a pair of press conferences highlighting what they described as the growing competitiveness gap between the two states.

We will continue to put out policies that attract job growth, wealth and prosperity, Granite State Rep. Brian Labrie, who chairs his chambers Small Business Coalition, said. Being number one in the country, or in the top five, requires us to be laser-focused [on] competing with the most competitive states in the nation.

Indeed, the fastest-growing metro areas were in the Sun Belt, with Dallas, Houston and Austin, Texas, taking the top three honors in the U-Haul analysis. Charlotte, North Carolina, Phoenix, Arizona, and Nashville, Tennessee, all well below the Mason-Dixon Line, rounded out the top six fastest-growing Metro areas.

The fastest-growing cities were also hundreds of miles from Boston, with Ocala and Northport, Florida, along with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as the top three destinations for movers.

The challenge for policymakers on Beacon Hill and Boston City Hall is real.

As many as 1 in 3 Massachusetts voters said they were considering leaving the state, or knew someone who was.

Thats according to a December 2025 poll by the Massachusetts Opportunity Alliance, which represents a constellation of business interests across the commonwealth.

That pain was felt the most acutely among the states youngest residents, with more than half of all respondents (53%) aged 18 to 34 telling pollsters that theyre thinking about leaving or know someone whos feeling the same way.

Thats a warning shot for the states technology and science economies, which long have been built on the backs of college students who decide to stay once they get their degrees.

And its probably no surprise that urban-dwellers are getting happy feet, with 46% telling pollsters that they, or someone they know, are considering moving out. Boston, for instance, ranks among the most expensive cities on the planet to call home.

The U-Haul analysis is a clear sign we are losing competitive ground compared with states like Texas, Florida and others attracting more residents, Christopher R. Anderson, the president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, whos one of the organizers of the alliance, said.

Restoring our states competitive edge must be a priority. Two MOA-inspired ballot initiatives to cut the income tax and trigger more tax returns are commonsense reforms that will keep more money in peoples pockets and help reverse this trend, he said.

Thats a reference to the alliance-backed ballot questions that recently cleared a critical procedural hurdle and could go before the voters in the November general election.

The proposals face deep legislative resistance, which could complicate their path to implementation  even if voters do eventually approve them.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, whos up for reelection this year, has consistently touted her efforts to make the state more affordable, pointing to a $1 billion tax relief bill and a more than $5 billion bond bill aimed at easing the states housing crisis.

Healey has tried to rebut the competitiveness argument, pointing to decisions by toymakers LEGO and Hasbro to move to Massachusetts.

We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, Healey said in a September statement announcing the move.

Its a sure bet, however, that whichever candidate emerges from the three-way Republican gubernatorial primary will seize not only on the U-Haul data  but any other statistical cannon fodder they can find  to argue Healey isnt getting the job done.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also made tackling her citys housing crisis one of the main rallying cries as she started her second term earlier this week.

For our city to flourish, Bostonians must be able to grow up and grow old here, Wu said, as she delivered her inaugural address before a packed house at Symphony Hall on Monday. We will work to address the housing needs of our families and seniors, focusing on solutions they want and can afford, she said.

Over the next four years, we will continue inventing new ways to use public planning, public finance and public land to create the homes our residents need, because we know that housing is a public good, she continued.

Whether thats enough to convince city homeowners, who found a 13% tax hike in their stockings, is another matter entirely. Wus efforts to ease that burden by shifting a greater share onto commercial property owners were scuttled on Beacon Hill.

Speaking to reporters after her speech, Wu acknowledged that sticker shock for homeowners, saying shed received lots of messages already this month.

Were in a moment in our economy that residents, the lifeblood of our city, cannot be the ones bearing all of the burden of shifts that are beyond Boston alone, the Democratic mayor said.

Theres solutions that need state sign off and state legislative action, she continued. We will continue pushing for those and well continue using every other lever thats under city control as well.

Craney, whose group opposed Wus proposed tax shift, was at least onside with the notion that the Legislature and Healey need to act to ease the exodus.

Beacon Hill keeps doubling down on policies that raise the cost of living and doing business, then acts surprised when people leave. Gov. Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka need to change course, he argued.

Until the governor and lawmakers confront the consequences of their own decisions, Massachusetts will continue to fall behind states that actually compete for residents and jobs, Craney added.
SPRINGFIELD  LaMar Cook, the former aide to Gov. Maura T. Healey who was charged with drug trafficking in October after 8 kilos of cocaine were delivered to him at the state building on Dwight Street, will be back in court Thursday morning.

Cook, 45, and attorney Kedar Ismail filed this week with Hampden Superior Court to argue against the existing $75,000 bail for the drug charges and $10,000 bail for firearms charges.

Cooks job in the Healey administration was to act as a liaison with communities here in Western Massachusetts and help organize Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscolls visits to the region.

He was well-known in Springfield. He helped found the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which among other things helped kids get haircuts, and was also a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee. He launched failed bids for Springfield City Council in 2015 and for School Committee two years later.

Ismail did not respond Wednesday to call or text messages.

Police also seized drugs delivered to the hotel where Cook had once worked at the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. All together, they captured 31 kilos, or 68 pounds, of cocaine.

The Hampden District Attorneys Office confirmed that the hearing is still set for Thursday morning.

Cook remains in custody at the Hampden House of Correction in Ludlow.

Other woes

Meanwhile, Cook also faces new trouble with the state. The Governors Office said a state payment was made to him in error, and it is attempting to get the money back.

Massachusetts paid Cook $31,438 to buy back untaken vacation and leave days after his arrest.

The Boston Herald reported the payment, which was on top of Cooks $98,000 salary. He was paid $113,399 in 2024 and $70,511 in 2023, all according to state payroll records.

The vacation time was accrued during Cooks time with both the governors office and at Hotel UMass, where he worked previously and where he had cocaine shipped to its loading dock with a fictitious persons name on the label.

Last month, Cook was informed of the erroneous payout, and that he is required to repay it immediately.

The sum has not been repaid at this time, a state spokesperson said Wednesday. The state Attorney Generals Office sued Cook Wednesday afternoon in Suffolk Superior Court to recover the amount erroneously paid him in November.

Taxpayer dollars should never go to an individual who engaged in this type of outrageous criminal activity, spokesperson Matt Murphy, of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, said in a statement. This payment was erroneously made, and we have taken action to get it back.

Cook has faced debt collections before.

Court records in Springfield, also first reported by the Herald, show that Cook was ordered in small claims court to pay $2,500 to a creditor called Portfolio Recovery. That ruling was Oct. 23, just five days before Cook was arrested.

A year earlier in June 2024, a Springfield District Court judge ordered Cook to pay Capital One $5,900 to settle an outstanding debt.
HOLYOKE  An older man who was fired after working at a popular Northeastern grocery store for over two decades is now suing his former employer for age discrimination.

Gerald Sousa, 83, of Holyoke, had been working at Stop & Shop as a night crew stocker since 2003. According to the suit filed in Hampden Superior Court on Dec. 30, for months leading up to Sousas termination, he claims to have endured repeated prodding about his age.

All three of (our) ages added up do not equal yours, one of Sousas co-workers told him, according to the suit. This is the only specific example of allegedly discriminatory comments made by co-workers in the complaint.

Sousa is represented by Shawn P. Allyn, a Holyoke attorney. Allyn did not respond to a phone call or email request for comment.

The lawsuit explains that Sousa needed to maintain the job at Stop & Shop and says that hed been an exemplary employee for the 23 years hed worked at there.

In September 2024, Sousa allegedly spoke with a co-worker in passing about her family.

The following month, the stores manager, Mark Chapdelaine, who is also named as a defendant in the suit, allegedly called Sousa to inform him that he was placed on suspension for allegedly violent gestures towards a co-worker, the suit said.

A cart is dotted with rain at the Stop & Shop on Lincoln Street in Holyoke on Wednesday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Chapdelaine could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday. Stop & Shops spokesperson also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lawyers are not yet listed for the company or Chapdelaine in the court docket.

No violent incident occurred, and Chapdelaine knew that, the lawsuit claims.

After Chapdelaine allegedly told Sousa that he was on suspension, Sousas union representative let him know that hed have a phone call hearing with human resources, Chapdelaine and the union in the near future. That hearing did not happen, according to the lawsuit, because of a lack of witnesses or videos available.

Not long after this, Sousa was terminated from his position. When he attempted to pick up his checks, Allyn alleges Chapdelaine refused to give him the money.

Sousa believes he was terminated because Stop & Shop wanted to pay a new, younger hire less money than it was paying Sousa, the lawsuit alleges.

The Department of Unemployment (Assistance) found that defendants failed to establish any (known) violation of company policy or that the plaintiff engaged in any deliberate misconduct, the suit said.

The plaintiff filed a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Sousa is suing his former manager and employer for age discrimination, creating a hostile work environment and disparate treatment.

Defendant Chapdelaine failed to conduct any investigation and allowed younger employees to make derogatory statements about the plaintiff, said the complaint, explaining that Chapdelaine also allegedly implied (Sousa) was a violent person and used the allegations as pretext to terminating plaintiff.

After Sousas termination, he was allegedly replaced by a much younger person at a lower rate of pay, the complaint said.

The complaint says Sousa is hoping a judge will rule in his favor, double or triple the damages, award punitive damages, prevent the defendants from further discrimination and award him attorney fees and costs.
Two police officers and a civilian were shot during an isolated incident in Hinsdale Wednesday morning, according to the Berkshire County District Attorneys Office.

The incident, which happened around 11 a.m., left the two officers with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, the district attorneys office said. The civilian is in critical condition.

There is no threat to public safety, the district attorneys office wrote.

The Berkshire County District Attorneys Office is investigating the incident, and said it would share further information in the future. No additional information was immediately available Wednesday afternoon.
SPRINGFIELD  Timothy A. McDonnell, retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, announced that an untreatable cancer is spreading within me and says he has moved to hospice care for long or short  only God knows."

I find myself thinking more and more of the Pauline passage, which I have quoted at funerals over 62 years of priesthood: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, it has not entered the human what God has prepared for those who love him.

Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell gives ashes during Mass in 2014 at St. Michael's Cathedral, marking the beginning of Lent. (Mark M. Murray / The Republican, File) Staff-Shot

Right now, Im looking forward to finding out, he wrote in the message released Tuesday.

Hes living at Marys Meadow in Holyoke and says there is no real pain yet, just weakness, lethargy, and difficulty walking and writing.

McDonnell, a native New Yorker, came to the diocese of Springfield in 2004 as a steadying force during a crisis.

Bishop Thomas L. Dupre had resigned after he was indicted in 2004 on charges of abusing two boys during the 1970s.

Springfield Diocese Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell speaks during a 2013 press conference about the sudden resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File) The Republican

McDonnell, now 88 years old, resigned in 2012 at age 75, as required by Catholic Church law.

In retirement, McDonnell had been living and serving at St. Josephs in Pittsfield.

Current Bishop William D. Byrne said he offers his heartfelt prayers for McDonnell as he acknowledges with grace his cancer diagnosis.

Even as (the) bishop confronts this serious situation, he does so with his legendary Irish wit and charm, Byrne said in a written statement. He enjoys his interaction with the staff at Marys Meadow, as well as staying in touch with all the happenings in the diocese. Most importantly, he continues to live every day fully, recognizing it as a gift from our loving God.

The diocese has 79 parishes and seven missions with more than 199,000 Catholics. There are 184 priests throughout the four western counties of Massachusetts: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire.
WESTFIELD - The Westfield High School Free Web Clinic is seeking two to three more website clients for its spring term.

Bram Moreinis, WHS web development and programming teacher, said the Free Web Clinic is for small businesses and community organizations that are looking to redo or create a website.

The free website design is created by web development students at Westfield High School. Moreinis said he has six teams of two to three students ready, and three websites that have already been selected, including the Westfield Education to Business Alliance website. Case studies of other websites the students have published are available to view at freewebclinic.org.

Moreinis said new businesses that are serious about what theyre doing and dont have a website, ones who have a website but have done nothing with it or the person that put it up is no longer available, may fill out a free consult form on the site to apply.

We move it on to WordPress, which gives you a site that youre not going to get stuck with. Youre always going to get more done with it and always find people to help with it. Its open source; the site technology is going to be free, (you) will have to host it somewhere, thats it, Moreinis said.

The timetable for the project begins in January, when students help prospective clients identify needs in pre-consult forms. In early February, teams are matched with good fits, and hold a free consult discovery meeting with clients.

In February to March, students create a scope of work and start a user-based design process with client support. In March to April, they finish the design document, including user profiles, stories and flows, site map and wire frame layouts, and start theming.

In April to May, students develop content and configure functions, or plug-ins. May to June is an Alpha-test, when they present to the client for initial feedback, and beta-test with the client and their customers.

June is the Go/No Go and transfer of hosting to a live or a staging site if the client is not ready to go live.

Beginning in July, students are available for ongoing development and support of the site at $20 per hour.

We will be collecting free consult forms for the next three weeks, and will go over what we have, to see what is the best match for us. We see who is the best fit, and reach out and do a discovery meeting with them in early February, Moreinis said, adding that if people need help filling out the form, students are available to help.

Moreinis, who is in his third year teaching at Westfield HIgh School, has been running Free Web Clinics since 2014. In addition to web development, he teaches programming and AP classes. I love Westfield, he said. Its an incredibly close-knit and supportive community - very, very warm and generous people.

Moreinis said he is also trying to organize a Westfield Hackathon, where coders from other schools get together for a weekend to code and learn from each other.

Hackathons are an international phenomenon - lets all get together and help each other finish our projects; developing patterns and relationships that can help sustain you, he said, adding, Its a communal, fun activity.
We need Greenland for national security, Donald Trump declared Sunday upon his return to Washington, a day after his countrys military operation in Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was captured. The immediate success of that attack seems to have fueled the U.S. presidents appetite for further interventions. The Arctic island  an autonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark  an obsession he has harbored for years, is emerging as the next target, and members of the Republican administration are already speaking publicly about controlling it. In a statement issued Tuesday, the White House acknowledged that Trump and his team are discussing various options for acquiring Greenland and that resorting to the U.S. military to achieve that end is always an option.

Trumps attraction to the autonomous territory, in a key position for Arctic control and where the United States already has a military presence  the Pituffik Space Base  is intense. His administration believes that the geostrategic importance of the giant island has skyrocketed in the last 30 or 40 years, as Arctic ice melts, new maritime routes across the northern hemisphere open up, and China and Russia become increasingly active in the region. He argues unequivocally that Copenhagen is not in a position to respond adequately to guarantee security in the area. Denmark is not going to be able to do it, Trump insisted in his speech on Sunday.

In parallel with Trumps statements, other members of his administration have escalated their rhetoric to advocate for the annexation of Greenland, whether peacefully or by force. The United States is the power of NATO. For the United States to secure the Arctic region, to protect and defend NATO and NATO interests, obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States, declared Stephen Miller, one of the most influential figures in the administration, in an interview with CNN anchor Jake Tapper, in which he adopted a defiant tone: Were a superpower. And under President Trump, we are going to conduct ourselves as a superpower.

Donald Trump oversees military operations in Venezuela, along with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at Mar-a-Lago last Saturday. Molly Riley (AP)

Miller is no ordinary official. His official title is White House deputy chief of staff. But his influence extends far beyond that. He is the man who shapes the administrations domestic policy and its ramifications overseas: he is the one behind the hardline strategy of combating immigration and mass deportations, and one of the ideologues who left his mark on the National Security Strategy published in December, which advocates for U.S. hegemony in the Americas. This Monday, Trump confirmed that Miller will be one of his four trusted advisors  along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President J.D. Vance  who will coordinate the administrations efforts in Venezuela.

Millers wife, Katie, who during the first months of Trumps second term also worked as a White House advisor and is now responsible for an influential ultraconservative podcast, reopened the controversy over the future of Greenland by posting on her social networks a map of the island with the colors of the American flag and the word Soon, just hours after the capture of Maduro.

The increasingly belligerent rhetoric from the Trump administration regarding the island of 56,000 inhabitants prompted a response from the European Union on Tuesday. In Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksens government demanded that Washington cease its threats. In December, Denmarks intelligence services included the United States as a potential security risk for the first time. The U.S. ambassador has been summoned repeatedly to receive official protests.

In an apparent attempt to calm tensions, Jeff Landry, Trumps newly appointed envoy to Greenland, on Tuesday backed a path toward independence for the vast territory and the signing of a series of economic agreements with the United States. Landry, appointed in December to promote the islands integration into the United States, dismissed the idea that Trump intends to annex it by force in an interview with CNBC.

Rubio also struck a more conciliatory tone in a closed-door meeting with lawmakers to discuss the intervention in Venezuela. According to the Wall Street Journal, during the meeting on Monday, he emphasized that the most recent statements do not imply an imminent invasion and that Trumps plans involve purchasing the territory from Denmark.

Trump and his administrations interest in the Arctic island is longstanding: during his first term, he offered to buy it, an episode that ended with the cancellation of a visit by the Republican to Copenhagen after Frederiksen flatly rejected the idea. The electoral victory of Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 put an end to the discussion about what at the time seemed like mere farce.

But Trump wasnt bluffing. A year ago, on the eve of his inauguration for his second term, he revived claims to the giant island, even suggesting taking it by force. His son, Donald Jr., traveled there on a whirlwind trip, described as a mere tourist visit, but which represented a clear statement of intent. In March, Vance toured the U.S. military base on the territory with his wife, Usha Vance, where he criticized the Danish handling of security on the island: They havent done a good job.

J.D. Vance speaks at the Pituffik Space Station in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN)

Following Maduros capture, Trump and his team have emphasized the need for the United States to reaffirm its dominant position in the Americas in what they call the Donroe Doctrine, a play on words combining the presidents name and the Monroe Doctrine, which two centuries ago proclaimed that America should be for the Americans. In this new interpretation, Greenland is part of this sphere of influence.

We live in a world in which you can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else, but we live in a world, in the real world that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power, Miller declared on CNN.

In addition to its key strategic location, Greenland has large deposits of critical minerals and rare earth elements, essential for manufacturing electronic products. Some scientists believe that parts of the islands continental shelf could hold large deposits of gas and oil, although the autonomous government has declined to exploit them due to a lack of profitability and the environmental impact.

Despite its increasingly aggressive rhetoric, it remains unclear how the United States would attempt to carry out the annexation it so desperately desires, which Trump asserted in his address to both houses of Congress last year that they would achieve one way or another. A military intervention in territory under the sovereignty of a NATO member could shatter the alliance that has been key to shaping transatlantic security for the past 80 years.

Miller has indicated that this wouldnt be necessary. While in Venezuela U.S. forces risked a local military response in Saturdays operation, Washington anticipates that this risk wouldnt exist in Greenland. And it has other tools at its disposal: economic and trade pressure, in the form of tariffs and sanctions, could be one of them. Or it could try to appeal directly to the Greenlandic population to support annexation or, in a solution similar to the one Washington envisions in Venezuela, a long-distance tutelage.

For the United States, the issue is fundamental. Many members of the administration are working on this issue. It has become a key foreign policy priority for Trump. The Nordic countries are taking it seriously, slowly but surely. The rest of Europe, not so much yet, Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group consulting firm, wrote on social media.

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Though hes worked in the culinary industry for nearly half a century, Jaime Avila never had a restaurant of his own.

From beginning as a dishwasher in California to working as a cook, bartender, server, manager and food truck operator in five other states, Avila, 50, has devoted a majority of his life to the world of food.

Now, Avila is getting his chance to open his own restaurant, Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico.

Located on 50 Franklin St. in Worcester, where the former restaurant Craft Table & Bar used to be, Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico is a modern day Mexican restaurant that seeks to bring the best foods Avila has made throughout his decades-long career.

The restaurants interior is filled with wooden tables and chairs, with colorful glass lights hung from the ceiling. Paintings of women wearing Mexican clothing are displayed on the walls overlooking some of the tables. A statue of a man wearing mariachi-style clothing playing a guitar stands by the stairs leading to the restaurants door.

Wearing a dark blue shirt while leaning his arm across the table, Avila told MassLive that all the furniture, art and dining wear comes from his home country of Mexico.

We got all the dishes, the glassware, everything is familiar, Avila said, smiling. Even the lights.

The interior of Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico in Worcester. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com)

As for the food, Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico will offer well known Mexican street food like tacos, as well as authentic dishes including arroz con pollo and pollo con crema, according to Avila.

We bring in the best dishes of every place weve been, he said.

The restaurant is still under construction. Avila hopes the restaurant will open in late January or early February at the latest.

Nearly five decades of food

Born in Mexico City, Avila fell in love with food at a young age. He, along with his seven other siblings, was taught to cook Mexican cuisine by their mother.

My mom, rest in peace, she was a really, really good cook, Avila said.

That passion for cooking stayed with Avila, even when his family immigrated from Mexico to California when he was 14 years old.

After finishing high school and wanting to earn some money of his own, Avila earned his first job as a restaurant dishwasher. Whenever he had free time, he would watch the cooks prepare and make dishes, studying them and learning by observing them.

I dont see them as cooks; I see that they make art, Avila said.

In 1993, Avila got his chance to become a cook. After spending four months as a dishwasher in California he received a call from Las Margaritas, a Mexican restaurant in Washington State. The owner of the restaurant offered Avila the opportunity to work as a chef at her business.

The incoming Mexican restaurant in Worcester, Rio Viejo, Cocina de Mexico. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com)

Avila accepted and began working at Las Margaritas. As a chef, Avilas shift began at 10 in the morning. Wanting to learn how to be a better cook, however, Avila went into work early at 6 a.m. learning culinary skills from the restaurants head chef.

He would tell me how to do the main ingredients for the whole kitchen, Avila said. I wanted to learn.

It was also at Las Margaritas where Avila met his wife, Mayra, in 1995. Avila said she worked as a waitress at the restaurant and the two bonded over a passion for dancing.

Were decent, Avila said. Im not winning any competition but I can dance.

In 1996, the two married each other and moved to Idaho. Avila found work at Casa de Oro, another Mexican restaurant. There, Avila got the chance to help less experienced cooks in the kitchen. He enjoyed teaching them but was disappointed in how the restaurant had pre-prepared spices and cut up ingredients in the kitchen. Avila said he believes chefs should be more engaged with their cooking.

When I was a chef, I used to do everything myself, he said. Mix my own spices, cutting my own meat, my vegetables. Nowadays, the kitchens, they are more easy to work with. Because they give you everything already made.

Read more Del Rey Taqueria and Bar in Springfield closes

Avilas culinary career took him to other states, including North Carolina, where he worked as a chef, Maryland, where he worked as a bartender, and eventually, Massachusetts, where he worked as a manager for Casa Blanca in North Andover for three years.

In 2022, when he was still a manager at the restaurant, Avila and his business partner, Daniel Vargas, opened a food truck  Taco Libre at The Lot. Operated by Avilas wife, the food truck serves Mexican street food such as tacos and burritos. Soon, Avilas wife became too busy to operate the food truck on her own and Avila left Casa Blanca to help her.

Avila told MassLive that food truck customers asked him a similar question: when he would open up his own restaurant. Avila said that he wanted something to do during the non-busy food truck seasons.

Partnering with two other people who previously worked with him in restaurants, Avila began plans to find a location for his restaurant. At first, he wanted the restaurant to be in the Beverly area but no space could be found.

After consulting with a realtor, he chose the space on 50 Franklin St. in Worcester.

Though he still lives in Beverly, more than an hour away from Massachusetts second-largest city, Avila is confident that Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico can become a hallmark of Worcesters community.

We love the bar, the kitchen, I think were going to be part of the city, he said. It think its one of those places where you walk into and you feel welcome.
A Worcester business that sells juices and smoothies has reopened following a September fire.

Woo Juice at @ The Common on 22 Front St. reopened this week, the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District announced on Facebook Tuesday.

Guess whos back just in time for your New Years resolutions? The Facebook post reads. Follow Woo Juice for all the info, hours, and updates  and go get your freshly-pressed juice and smoothie fix now!"

The business, along with several others inside the mall, was shut down after a fire broke out inside the building during a bout of severe weather on Sept. 6, 2025.

The mall reopened later that month but Woo Juice was still closed.

On Dec. 29, Woo Juice teased its reopening in an Instagram post. Now, exactly four months after the fire broke out, the juice and smoothie business is operating once again.

Representatives from Woo Juice did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.
Merck Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative  MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative emphasized,

It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our More Than a Mother campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative  MFFLI Summit. Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.

The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENCO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola

H.E. Dr. DEBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic

H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia

H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia

H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives

H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal

H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2500 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.

During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2500 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Womens Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and womens health, she further added.

During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundations development programs that started in 2012.

On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Cote dIvoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea  Bissau, Guinea  Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
A COUPLE who helped steal over 2,000 worth of perfume and aftershave from a Mayo store by concealing them in a child's buggy both received a five month suspended prison sentence.

Iulian Samu (23) and Lorena Voins (25) both of 33 Fana Glas, Ballybane, Co Galway appeared before Castlebar District Court where they pleaded guilty to the theft of 27 items of perfume and aftershave worth 2,403.26 from Shaw's Department Store in Castlebar.

The court heard that on September 5, 2025 they entered Shaw's with two other people at 4.55pm and they placed the items in a concealed compartment of a buggy with a young child in it before leaving without paying.

Court presenter, Sergeant Conor McShane explained that they were pursued by the store's security after they left and apprehended soon afterwards and the items were received.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for the two defendants said his clients were pleading guilty to the offence and wished to apologise for their behaviour. He explained that the buggy and the child belonged to the other couple who were relatives of Mr Samu and claimed his clients were not the driving force behind the theft.

Judge Sandra Murphy was informed that following their arrest, the four defendants were released on bail after Mr Samu's father provided the money for the bail bond. Mr Mulchrone said that he understands the other two defendants left the jurisdiction and as a result of not showing up to court, Mr Samu's father was now 8,000 out of pocket.

The court was told that Mr Samu and Ms Voins had no previous convictions and both worked in Galway for Mr Samu's father who has a food distributing business in the city. Mr Mulchrone said his clients foolishly decided to go to Castlebar with the other couple but had been very co-operative with the gardai following their arrest.

He told Judge Murphy that his clients were eager to do whatever the court asks of them including a form of restorative justice and he did not expect to see them before the court again.

READ: Four men appear in court accused of intimidating Mayo families over drug debts

Judge Murphy said she accepted that the defendants were not the main players but described the theft as a very serious matter and it was a joint enterprise. She said there was an element of premeditation behind it given the use of the buggy and the concealed department to hide the stolen items. Judge Murphy added that the goods were only recovered thanks to the vigilance of the security staff.

Following a discussion with his clients, Mr Mulchrone said they were willing to forfeit the 2,000 cash bond to whatever charity the state recommends.

Judge Murphy sentenced both defendants to five months imprisonment but suspended the entirety of the sentence for a 12 month period subject to conditions including paying 2,000 in a compensation order.
The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) is encouraging its members and all farmers to attend the Independent Ireland Mercosur protest, which will be held in Athlone this Saturday, January 12.

National President Pheilim Molloy emphasised the importance of farmers' attendance, stating that we need to send a strong message to our Government and our MEPs that this deal is unacceptable.

Molloy stated that the INHFA has consistently expressed opposition to the EU-Mercosur deal, citing concerns about its potential impact on the Irish beef sector, particularly suckler farmers. He said the organisation believes the deal would pose a significant threat to producers who operate under EU environmental, animal welfare, and traceability standards.

If ratified, Molloy stated that the agreement would allow increased volumes of beef imports from Mercosur countries, which he claims operate under lower regulatory standards than those required of EU farmers. He argued that this would place Irish suckler farmers at a competitive disadvantage.

The INHFA leader also took issue with the proposed safeguards and protections that proponents say will be built into the deal. Here Molloy detailed how the analysis the organisation has conducted indicates that these safeguards are quite weak, will be difficult to implement, and ultimately unenforceable. The policing mechanisms in Mercosur countries are, he continued, not sufficiently robust to ensure that imported beef meets the standards demanded of EU producers and to pretend otherwise is to mislead both farmers and consumers.

Molloy further stated that the organisation believes Irish beef farmers are being used as a sacrificial pawn in a much bigger geopolitical chess game, and while some sectors may benefit from increased export, it is the Irish suckler farmer  the backbone of our rural economy and custodian of our landscapes that will pay the price.

The INHFA President concluded by calling on Irish politicians across all parties to oppose the agreement and encouraged farmers and rural communities, including those from Mayo, to attend the Athlone protest to express their concerns.

READ MORE: Mercosur deal will sound the death knell for Mayo rural communities  Maxwell
Tributes were paid to a young Mayo barrister who had a bright future and potential in spades but passed away on New Year's Day after a long illness.

Kiltimagh native, Darragh McDarragh was just 30 years old when he died on New Year's Day after an illness which he bore with 'courage and dignity' over a ten year period. He was called to the bar in 2021 and practised on the Western Circuit.

Tributes were paid to Mr McDonagh at today's sitting of Castlebar District Court where he was described as an extremely bright and intelligent young man who had excellent prospects in life.

Tributes were paid to Kiltimagh barrister Darragh McDonagh RIP

Barrister Diarmuid Connolly, who tutored Mr McDonagh said it was a heart-breaking experience to stand at his graveside and see him laid to rest at such a young age.

To have stood at the graveyard in Kiltimagh last Sunday as the sun was setting and bathed the graveyard in golden light was an absolutely heartbreaking experience to see my former pupil being laid to rest at a mere 30 years of age. One of the greatest injustices is cutting short potential and Mr McDonagh had potential in absolute spades. He was an intelligent and bright man with good humour and a talented musician and reader and wishing someone happy new year is almost bankrupt and meaningless, he said.

READ: Four men appear in court accused of intimidating Mayo families over drug debts

Mr Connolly commented that Mr McDonagh had travelled to Germany to receive treatment but got an infection at the run up to Christmas which he said was devastating for his family and everyone who knew him.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she knew Mr McDonagh as a young boy and he had spent time in their solicitors office when he was a TY student.

He was an extremely bright and intelligent young man who had an ambition to have a career in law from a very young age and it is heartbreaking to think his life has been struck down. He bore his illness for ten years with courage and dignity.

He had an extremely bright future ahead of him and it is extremely heart breaking for everybody that he wasn't able to have the opportunity he should have had, she said.

Judge Murphy expressed her sympathy to his parents John and Marie and brothers Cathal and Ronan and they were in her thoughts and prayers.

Condolences were also extended to Ballina-based solicitor Denis Molloy on the sudden death of his son, Dr Conor Molloy who passed away unexpectedly in his home in Dublin on December 19.

Dr Conor Molloy RIP

Judge Murphy expressed her sympathies to Mr Molloy and his wife Phil and their children James and Olga on their sad loss.

It is a heart breaking loss for their family and happening at Christmas is particularly difficult for everybody. It is a loss which is immeasurable for his family, she said.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, President of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association also expressed his condolences to Mr Molloy and his family and added the support of his colleagues are there for them at this difficult time.

Sympathies were also expressed to the families of Mr McDonagh and Mr Molloy on behalf of An Garda Siochana and the court service.
Gustavo Petros rise to power once again sparked hopes that the elusive goal of peace with the ELN, pursued by nearly every Colombian government this century, was finally attainable. The leftist president even signed an unprecedented six-month ceasefire with guerrilla commander Antonio Garcia in mid-2023, the first milestone in the now-weary policy of total peace. But the winds have shifted. A year ago, Petro had no choice but to suspend talks with the ELN in the face of a ferocious offensive in the Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela, where they have since clashed with dissident factions of the now-defunct FARC, resulting in over 80,000 displaced people. This enormous humanitarian catastrophe remains far from over.

The war in Catatumbo, where five police officers were kidnapped early Tuesday morning on the highway between Cucuta and Tibu, continues unabated. Colombias Ombudsman Iris Marin reported Tuesday that 130 families, comprising approximately 300 people, had arrived in Cucuta, the capital of the troubled department of Norte de Santander, in recent days. They were fleeing clashes between the ELN and the so-called 33rd Front of the dissident groups. Between December 29 and January 2, at least 500 people were displaced, according to a report by the organization Vivamos Humanos, which also warns that another 6,000 people are at risk of confinement. The promised deployment of 30,000 soldiers along the border has failed to extinguish this conflagration. The ELN has chosen the path of war, and war it will have, President Petro declared.

The fighting also demonstrates that the self-proclaimed National Liberation Army (ELN) has become a binational guerrilla group, operating on both sides of a porous border stretching over 1,370 miles, as documented by various investigations. The offensive a year ago began with the transfer of fighters from Arauca, another department bordering Venezuela, presumably through its territory. The ELN is seeking to consolidate its control over the entire border region. The permissiveness of the regime of ousted Nicolas Maduro, a constant source of debate, now raises new questions.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela even hosted  and was one of the guarantor countries of  the frozen negotiations with the ELN, which all observers consider a failure. This was the first round of talks established as part of the comprehensive peace process, through which Petro intended to engage in simultaneous dialogue with all armed groups. With only six months left in office, it is widely assumed that if the talks resume, it will be with the next government. Leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda, the ruling partys candidate and frontrunner in the polls, was part of the governments negotiating team and has consistently expressed support for launching new peace processes.

A woman at a protest camp in Bogota on January 29, 2025. Fernando Vergara (AP)

Analysts agree that the future of the ELN is closely tied to Venezuela. As long as the Caracas government continues to support the Colombian insurgent group, it cannot be completely defeated, nor is it likely to sign a peace agreement, notes Jeremy McDermott, co-director of InSight Crime, in a recent investigation into the border wars, published before Maduros capture in a U.S. military operation early Saturday morning. For the time being, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as acting president.

While the ELN is currently a pro-regime paramilitary force in Venezuela, in the event of a regime change, could it become an insurgent force there, as it is in Colombia? the report asked. The answer is complex. Any new government in Caracas, especially one that cannot count on the cooperation of formerly Chavista sectors, would face enormous difficulties, if not impossibilities, in expelling the ELN, at least in the short term, McDermott points out. The possibility of a U.S.-backed regime change could even favor the ELN, he warned. Any new government, especially an opposition one, will find it hard to govern after more than two decades excluded from power. Its only tools to fight against the ELN will be the same military that today works alongside, and profits from, the Colombian rebels.

The ELN, which emerged under the influence of the Cuban Revolution more than half a century ago, has been present on the other side of the border since at least the 1970s. In recent years, however, its expansion has become increasingly evident. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch have denounced the complicity of Venezuelan security forces, even going so far as to carry out joint operations. The independent UN international mission on Venezuela has also documented collaborative links between the rebels and the Chavista regime. The ELN has even reached agreements with Venezuelan authorities to participate in the exploitation of gold, diamonds, and coltan.

Displaced people from the Catatumbo region, in Cucuta, on January 19, 2025. Ferley Ospina

The guerrilla group, considered a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, has already incorporated the defense of the Bolivarian Revolution into its narrative, confirms Gerson Arias, a researcher at the Ideas for Peace Foundation, although he clarifies that they are concerned about the possibility of becoming a bargaining chip for the Venezuelan regime in the current situation. The combined strength of the ELNs three war fronts operating in the border region represents 60% of its armed capacity, he points out. According to the most recent estimates from Colombian intelligence, the ELN has 6,500 fighters, the second-largest armed group after the Gulf Clan, which has almost 9,000.

Although this is a time of uncertainty, for the ELN it also represents the platform it has long awaited to become a continental guerrilla force, a long-held ambition that hinges on being able to confront the United States directly or indirectly, warns political scientist Jorge Mantilla, an organized crime researcher. Given the archipelago of power that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces represents in practical terms, the ELN has opportunities to seize Venezuelan military assets if there is a collapse, or if the regime begins to crumble, from weapons depots to anti-aircraft equipment, he points out. For more than a decade, Chavismo has incorporated Colombian armed groups into its national defense strategies, as a kind of first line of defense against a potential invasion. This logic remains in place and is even more relevant today, he concludes.

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The vast majority of the Venezuelan opposition is in no doubt: the transition to democracy began early Saturday morning after the U.S. military incursion into Caracas and the capture of Nicolas Maduro. However, the outlook darkened as the hours passed, and the main anti-Chavista leaders, headed by Maria Corina Machado, adjusted their priorities in response to Donald Trumps affront. While the initial reaction of the opposition leadership was a willingness to immediately replace Chavismo, the harsh reality imposed by the Republican presidents choice of Delcy Rodriguez ultimately redefined their strategy. The priority is no longer seizing power, but returning to Venezuela.

This represents not only a minimum condition for beginning a cycle of change, even under the tutelage of the White House, but also an urgent political necessity for the opposition in exile. And today, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also emphasized, there are no longer any top-level leaders of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) in Caracas. Machado, forced to live in hiding to evade the regimes persecution, left almost a month ago to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, and before the Delta Force attack, she was waiting for the opportune moment to return. Now she makes no secret of her intention to return as soon as possible, as she stated on Saturday on the conservative Fox News network, the outlet she chose to give her first interview since the capture of the Venezuelan president and to address Trump voters.

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the candidate who challenged Maduro at the polls on July 28, 2024, has been in exile in Spain for over a year, from where he continues to claim an electoral victory recognized by the main bodies of the international community, from Washington to Brussels. On Sunday, he elaborated on the argument of strategic patience put forward by former Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, also based in Madrid, in an opinion piece published in EL PAIS. Gonzalez Urrutia shared photos on social media of a meeting with former Spanish prime minister Felipe Gonzalez and noted that democratic transition processes are neither linear nor simple, but rather require experience, historical vision, and the ability to distinguish between the urgent and the essential. Democracy is built on firm principles and responsible decisions, even in the most complex contexts, he added.

These absences are compounded by other significant ones, such as that of Leopoldo Lopez, who has been living in exile in Madrid since 2020, and Juan Guaido, who in 2019 engaged in a months-long power struggle with Hugo Chavezs successor, proclaiming himself interim president, and who now resides in Florida. In Venezuela, most opposition figures have been effectively sidelined for months due to government repression, operating clandestinely or from prison, where approximately 900 political detainees remain.

In addition to their release, they are all demanding security guarantees for their return home, a task they entrust to the United States. A source familiar with the movements within the opposition leadership explains that they expect the imminent arrival of a contingent of American officials and the reopening of the U.S. Embassy, closed since 2019. The landing wont be so much boots on the ground, but rather ties tied, jokes an opposition official.

A mirror of the Spanish Transition?

Meanwhile, the urgency of regime change has been replaced by a long-term perspective. The mirror of the Spanish Transition, to which the conversation between Gonzalez Urrutia and Felipe Gonzalez alluded, is a path embraced by many on both sides of the Atlantic even before Maduros downfall. Now its as if we were in 1975. Franco had just died, the Moncloa Pacts took two years to negotiate, and we had to wait three for the Constitution to be approved, the same source summarizes. While acknowledging the differences with that episode, even Santiago Carrillo, general secretary of the Communist Party of Spain, returned to Spain in disguise and under clandestine conditions. But in that situation, there was no Trump, nor was it a process being controlled remotely from the White House.

The U.S. president, on the other hand, confirmed that there will be no elections in the short term, arguing that Venezuelas democratic decline makes it impossible to hold elections with guarantees. This assertion is not without merit, since Chavismo effectively controls all the levers of the state. This absolute control not only of the Armed Forces, but also of the judiciary, the electoral authority, the ailing public services, and the struggling oil industry, was the true force that allowed Maduro to eliminate his rivals from any kind of fair political competition.

Now it is Trump, the very person to whom Machado dedicated her Nobel Prize, who has sidelined her. But while many in the opposition are still trying to come to terms with the blow, most are aware of the need to regain the initiative and lay the groundwork for reclaiming their space during a lengthy transition. Machado was the last anti-Chavista leader to unite all the forces demanding change under a single purpose. At the end of 2023, she swept the coalitions primaries, and her support did not wane even though she was barred from running in the presidential elections. The candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez, her chosen successor, was eventually accepted by very disparate factions, and this consensus held until last May.

Then, a group of genuinely opposition figures, albeit with tactical differences, broke the unity by running in the parliamentary elections. They were led by former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, Stalin Gonzalez (who was once Guaidos second-in-command), and Tomas Guanipa, brother of Juan Pablo, who is currently detained. All of them were sworn in on Monday as members of the new National Assembly, which opened its session with the swearing-in of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president of Venezuela. And all of them aspire to play a leading role in this phase. However, only the return to Caracas of the exiled leaders and the release of political prisoners will ultimately reshape the blocs next steps, its internal power dynamics, and its future leadership.

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The morning after the January 3 attack, Venezuela awoke in silence. There were no shouts, no flags, no celebrations in the streets. Phones and social media were buzzing, but the curtains were drawn, and the few who ventured outdoors exchanged stunned glances without saying a word. The country awoke holding its breath: waiting, as it had so many times before. In supermarkets and gas stations, people spoke little and shopped quickly. Some secretly celebrated the arrest of Nicolas Maduro by the United States, toasting in hushed tones, sending audio messages that they promptly deleted. But the euphoria was short-lived. A few hours were enough to realize that perhaps there was nothing to celebrate. And the fear returned. Perhaps with even greater force. A thick silence filled the homes, cutting off conversations and leaving calls unanswered. People are afraid to talk on the phone, even in the privacy of their own homeswere all tappedand even across the border. Its very difficult. You say something and they arrest you, warns a Venezuelan who crosses into the Colombian city of Cucuta every day for work.

Venezuela is on pause. While Chavismo rushes to consolidate its power, Venezuelans remain paralyzed. Afraid to go out into the street. To speak out. Of running out of food. Of running out of gasoline. Of getting bombed again.

Donald Trumps pressure campaign against the Maduro regime and the controversial incursion into Venezuelan territory to extradite him to the United States, where he faces drug trafficking charges, has left Venezuelansboth inside and outside the countryexhausted. After Maduros removal, many sent audio messages to their families, which they immediately deleted, and went to bed thinking that, finally, change was imminent. That after almost three decades of Chavismo, they were turning the page.

Mural on a street in Caracas, January 6. Maxwell Briceno (REUTERS)

But, once again, change didnt happen. And Delcy Rodriguezs rise to power with Trumps blessing has only sown confusion. Venezuela is entering, once again, uncharted territory, with many of its neighbors paralyzed and confined to their homes.

The last few hours have elapsed in silence and tension. In Merida state, in the Venezuelan Andes, two people were arrested by local police for allegedly celebrating the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The state of emergency decree issued over the unrest allows for the detention of those who promote and support U.S. attacks. That is one more reason to stay home in a country that is accumulating prisoners for tweeting or sharing criticism on WhatsApp.

The bus terminal in Cucuta, a Colombian city bordering Venezuela that is currently hosting dozens of journalists from around the world, is overflowing. In the dark, cramped waiting room, entire families are crammed together, laden with belongings. Some are arriving, others are departing. Its nothing out of the ordinary. But behind the larger suitcases there are people who are leaving for good.

A petite elderly woman, her white hair streaked with purple, hurries from one counter to another. She asks that her familys names not be published. Yesterday she evacuated her two granddaughters, two uncles, and three great-grandchildren from their home in Maracay, in northern Venezuela. Grandma said, Lets go! and we all ran. Each of us grabbed our clothes, the few things we had, and we left. Were going to Bucaramanga, says one of the granddaughters while trying to get her baby to eat a piece of chicken. Were afraid of another attack because we live next to a military base. And, really, of everything in general, adds the other. We had thought about leaving before, but never like this, from one day to the next, she says.

Nicolas Maduro transferred by DEA agents in New York on June 5. Adam Gray (REUTERS)

While Maduro faces U.S. justice, Chavismo is hastily changing its tune. Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president on Monday, and her brother Jorge assumed the presidency of the National Assembly. Diosdado Cabello, until now Maduros second-in-command, walked through the streets of Caracas that night wearing a bulletproof vest and accompanied by more than 20 heavily armed officers. What is doubting? he shouted at them. Treason! the uniformed men responded. Its the current motto of Chavismo. There is speculation about changes in the military leadership, but for now, everything remains much the same as under Maduro.

No one is talking about elections. Not even Trump. His priority is oil, fixing the country, and then, perhaps, elections. Its unclear what the terms would be, when they would be held, or how they would fit within the constitution. The last elections, in July 2024, according to the official records, were won by a wide margin by Maria Corina Machados party, but Maduro clung to power. Today, Machado, the hope of millions of Venezuelans, remains sidelined while the United States oversees this uncertain and unexpected transition.

In Caracas, three days after the attacks, a cautious return to normalcy is beginning to emerge. Businesses have reopened and public transportation is running. The rush to stockpile supplies has subsided and the lines at supermarkets have disappeared. Movement is slow, as on a holiday. The return to classes, scheduled for January 12 before the attack, remains on.

In working-class neighborhoods, however, tension persists due to the deployment of the colectivos: armed civilians who control the territory for the regime, often in alliance with the security forces. Control is everything: ensuring that services function, preventing merchants from price gouging, and keeping opposition members identified, monitored, and silenced. You cant say anything because theyll grab you and make you disappear, says a resident who wishes to remain anonymous. The day of the attack, they unleashed the colectivos, and theyre everywhere; theyre the governments shadowy hand.

In the 23 de Enero neighborhood, a working-class area and historical stronghold of Chavismo right across from Miraflores Palace, residents have witnessed these groups handing out weapons to other civilians. The same has been reported in Antimano and Carapita. They carry them around like its nothing, men who probably dont even know how to shoot, says a resident from the west of the city.

What sounds like a confession reached EL PAIS in a hushed audio message from the phone of a Venezuelan woman exiled in Colombia. More things are coming, according to my information. It might not be today or tomorrow, but another attack is coming, she warns. Its the information jungle of social media: one day they warn of new bombings, anotherlike this Monday nightof an alleged plan by Diosdado Cabello to stage a coup against Delcy Rodriguez. With no journalists working freelyat least five were arrested on Monday in Caracasand no authorized foreign press, Venezuelans are glued to their screens, devouring news, both true and false.

When they leave home in the morning, those chats are empty. Automatic deletion is activated, or they deliberately delete each message, fearful that the military or armed groups will ruthlessly search their phones. They even delete Maduro stickers. Id go to jail for this, says a young Venezuelan man who works at the Cucuta bus station soliciting passengers. On his screen, an AI-generated video appears showing Trump celebrating Maduros capture with a ridiculous dance.

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Many Americans are contacting us to say they would like to come to Europe or Germany because of the current climate in the United States, said Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Lets seize these opportunities together

The Trump administration is making it increasingly difficult to work in the United States, leading many highly qualified researchers and professionals to seek opportunities in other markets abroad. Germany wants to capitalize on this unusual brain drain to address its long-standing shortage of skilled labor, a problem experts predict will worsen in the coming years due to demographic shifts.

We want to facilitate immigration into the labor market and ensure that we attract the worlds best researchers, developers, and specialists to Germany, declared German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at an annual metalworking industry event held in mid-December in Berlin. To this end, the conservative leader explained that they are working to make the country attractive to skilled workers, scientists, and researchers who want to come to Germany.

Many Americans are contacting us to say they would like to come to Europe or Germany because of the current climate in the United States. Lets seize these opportunities together. We will create the necessary conditions to make it possible, he stated.

Business leaders have long warned the new coalition government of conservatives and social democrats about the difficulties in finding workers and the implications this has for the German economy. According to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW), which is closely aligned with business leaders, there was a shortage of nearly 150,000 skilled workers in STEM fields in October. The studys authors warn that, despite the economic recession in Germany, the shortage remains high and jeopardizes important future projects in areas such as digitalization, climate protection, infrastructure and defensesectors where the German government plans to invest billions in the coming years.

But while Germany is desperately seeking highly qualified professionals, in the United States, the Trump administration is cutting billions of dollars from scientific institutes and universities, restricting what can be studied, deporting immigrants, and limiting visas for skilled workers. Until now, the United States was a magnet for the worlds best researchers, scientists, and academics. Big budgets, high salaries and cutting-edge equipment made it nearly impossible for other countries to compete for them. A historic opportunity is opening up for Germany: at a time when other countries are building walls, our country can open doors and thus benefit not only its science, but also its economy and society in the long term, explained IW economist Michael Huther last summer.

For decades, the U.S. has been considered a destination for emigration, including for Germans, who saw great job opportunities there. However, this trend appears to have come to an end. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, from January to September, more people emigrated from the U.S. to Germany than vice versa, for the first time since 2021. Specifically, 19,300 people arrived in the European country from the U.S. This represents a 3.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure includes both tourists and people who came to study or work in Germany. U.S. citizens can enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit on-site, as the Interior Ministry points out.

The number of residence permits granted to U.S. citizens in the country (first-time grants after entry) increased by 32% in the comparative period from January to September between 2024 and 2025. This includes the following reasons for residence: work activity (including researchers), vocational training, studies, recognition measures and job search (opportunity card), a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior explained to EL PAIS.

Many American colleagues feel insecure and, in some ways, intimidated, the president of the Max Planck Society (MPG), Patrick Cramer, told the radio station Deutschlandfunk a few months ago. Cramer stated at the time that he expected an influx of American researchers to Germany. Some have already contacted the MPG. The MPG then tries to make them offers, on the condition that they are leading figures in the field of research. Universities are also noticing an increase in applications. According to the newspaper Die Welt, the prestigious Technical University of Munich (TUM) is receiving more applications than usual from the United States. The Global Visiting Professor Program, a program offering stays of up to three months for visiting professors from abroad at TUM, has also seen a considerable increase in applications, including from the United States.

But attracting top talent isnt something that can be done with the snap of a finger. It requires specific investments and policies, such as an ambitious scholarship program for international talent, as those in the scientific community point out. Last July, the German government launched the 1,000 More Heads program, known in English as the Global Minds Initiative Germany, which aims to offer attractive career prospects in Germany. It targets researchers from around the world and across all disciplines at various stages of their careers, starting from their PhD studies, and funds both short-term and long-term research stays. Since its inception, funding has been awarded to 166 researchers from 25 countries, 26 of whom are from the United States.

We want to invest more than 600 million ($701 million) in this program. More than any other country in Europe. This represents a huge boost for the much-needed skilled workforce and for cutting-edge research in Germany, declared German Minister for Research, Technology and Astronautics Dorothee Bar in mid-December, welcoming some of the first beneficiaries, including Johannes Stein, who recently conducted research at Harvard University in the field of bioengineering and will now lead a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin.

Sources in Germany indicate that the goal is to attract people not only from the United States, but also from other parts of the world, such as India, South America and Canada, who in the past would have chosen the United States but now face difficulties entering the country or are uncertain about their long-term viability. Some regions of Germany, like the state of Baden-Wurttembergknown for its thriving business network with numerous leading companies in their respective sectorswant to capitalize on the situation to become a magnet for cutting-edge international research, as its president, Winfried Kretschmann, announced.

STEM workers are known for being more mobile than other professionals, which fosters fierce international competition. Programming languages and scientific principles are identical worldwide, so skills can be more easily applied in other countries, explains Axel Plunnecke, a STEM expert at the IW economics institute. However, in his view, while Germany continues to enjoy a strong reputation as a technological nation and many international students pursue STEM studies there, the major challenge is retaining them afterward. Germany needs robust support programs at universities for language learning, academic success, and job searching to further attract international students to stay in Germany, Plunnecke adds.

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A civil lawsuit filed challenging the U.S. Department of the Interiors (DOIs) order directing a suspension to multiple large-scale offshore wind projects has led to a preliminary injunction.

Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire), one of five leases currently under construction off the Atlantic coast, filed the suit Jan. 2 in response to the DOI pausing multiple projects on Dec. 22, 2025, due to what they described as national security threats purportedly identified by the Department of Defense as referenced in classified reports.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, legal counsel for Empire filed a motion for preliminary injunction and stay pending review and requested an expedited consideration by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia "given the immediate and irreparable harm caused by the suspension order."

"Without the ability to continue project construction by January 16, 2026, the project faces likely termination due to disruption of a tightly choreographed construction schedule dependent on vessels with constrained availability, delay costs, and the existential threat to the project financing caused by the suspension order," reads the motion, shared with Military.com.

Attorneys said the threat of project termination "became more acute" on Jan. 5 when the government took the position that certain ongoing construction activities deemed necessary by Empire Wind for safety reasons were prohibited. Counsel argue that the suspension order allows activities necessary to prevent impacts to health, safety or the environment.

"This development turned a dire situation for Empire Wind into a near terminal one, making immediate relief necessary," they wrote.

Wind turbine bases, generators and blades are positioned along with support ships at The Portsmouth Marine terminal at the staging area for Dominion Energy's wind turbine project Monday Dec. 22, 2025, in Portsmouth, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The preliminary injunction filing is necessary to allow the project to continue as planned during this critical period of execution and avoid additional commercial and financing impacts that are likely to occur should the order remain effective, they added.

A spokesperson for Empire referred Military.com to a press release and provided no additional comment.

The five projects currently suspended indefinitely are as follows:

Vineyard Wind 1, off Massachusetts.

Revolution Wind, off Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind.

Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind, projects off New York.

A DOI spokesperson declined to comment to Military.com, saying they do not remark on litigation matters.

Energy Implications

While Empire continues to work closely with Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the other relevant authorities to find a prompt resolution to the matter, the order is in Equinors view unlawful and threatens the progress of ongoing work with significant implications for the project, Equinor, a multinational energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, that is overseeing the project, said in a statement on Jan. 2.

Empire Wind is being developed under contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to deliver what they describe as a critical new, near-term source of electricity for New York, bolstering grid reliability at a time of rapidly growing demand.

Equinor said that project completion is slated to provide enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes in New York.

The project is already more than 60% complete, they added, deeming it a significant investment in U.S. energy infrastructure, jobs, and supply chains.

Equinor, a multinational energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, has reportedly invested over $4 billion USD into the project, of which $2.7 billion USD has been drawn under project financing. The gross value of Empire Wind as of Sept. 30, 2025, was roughly $3.1 billion and includes the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

The project off the New York coast is more than 60% complete and is a significant investment in U.S. energy infrastructure, jobs, and supply chains.

In terms of jobs, the company said that just the projects construction phase has employed about 4,000 people to work, both within the lease area and through the revitalization of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

A NYSERDA spokesperson told Military.com that it does not comment on pending litigation.

Following the Dec. 22 work stoppage order, NYSERDA reviewed the implications for its current projects that include Sunrise Windwhich they said are already providing thousands of good-paying jobs as part of a plan to provide clean, renewable energy to more than 1 million New York homes as soon as 2027.

DoD Regulations Already Exist

The pause instituted last month was done to protect Americans safety, according to a statement issued by DOI Secretary Doug Burgum.

Todays [Dec. 22, 2025] action addresses emerging national security risks, including the rapid evolution of the relevant adversary technologies, and the vulnerabilities created by large-scale offshore wind projects with proximity near our east coast population centers, Burgum said. The Trump administration will always prioritize the security of the American people.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum speaks during the Western Governors' Association meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rebecca Noble)

But Empire and other industry executives said the reasoning doesnt compute.

National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito, for example, said in a statement after the pause that the current DoD regulatory process already involves a rigorous framework for assessing national security implications.

That framework was assessed and passed DoD standards without issue, he added.

The process, as required by law, provides a timely, transparent and repeatable process to evaluate potential impacts and mitigation options related to offshore energy compatibility, Milito said. The Department of Defense coordinates at every stage of planning, permitting, and development.

This story was updated to reflect a new legal motion filed for preliminary injunction.
Denmark and Greenland are seeking a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the Trump administration doubled down on its intention to take over the strategic Arctic island, a Danish territory.

Tensions escalated after the White House said Tuesday that the U.S. military is always an option, even as a series of European leaders rejected President Donald Trumps renewed calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, citing strategic reasons.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a U.S. takeover would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined her in a statement Tuesday reaffirming that the mineral-rich island belongs to its people.

Their statement defended the sovereignty of Greenland, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark and thus part of NATO.

Trump has floated since his first term the idea of acquiring Greenland, arguing that the U.S. needs to control the world's largest island to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

This weekends U.S. military action in Venezuela has heightened fears across Europe, and Trump and his advisers in recent days have reiterated the U.S. leader's desire to take over the island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America.

Its so strategic right now, Trump told reporters Sunday.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested the meeting with Rubio in the near future, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenland's government website. Previous requests for a sit-down were not successful, the statement said.

While most U.S. Republicans have supported Trump's statement, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, the Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, blasted Trumps rhetoric in a statement Tuesday.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, the statement said. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he spoke by phone Tuesday with Rubio, who dismissed the idea of a Venezuela-style operation in Greenland.

In the United States, there is massive support for the country belonging to NATO  a membership that, from one day to the next, would be compromised by  any form of aggressiveness toward another member of NATO, Barrot told France Inter radio Wednesday.

Asked if he has a plan in case Trump does claim Greenland, Barrot said he wont engage in fiction diplomacy.



Associated Press journalist Geir Moulson, in Berlin, contributed to this report.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  An abhorrent violation of Latin American sovereignty. An attack committed by enslavers. A spectacle of death comparable to Nazi Germanys 1937 carpet bombing of Guernica, Spain.

There is perhaps no world leader criticizing the Trump administrations attack on Venezuela as strongly as left-wing President Gustavo Petro of neighboring Colombia.

While other officials tread carefully, Petro has seized on the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to escalate his spiraling war of words with President Donald Trump, who has said a U.S. military operation in Colombia  sounds good to me. 

On Wednesday, Petro called for Colombians to take to the streets to stand up for their nations sovereignty in response to Trump's insults and military intervention threats. He convened emergency meetings before the United Nations and the Organization of American States. And the former leftist guerrilla even threatened to take up arms against the U.S. to defend his country.

Petro's high-stakes gambit has put Colombia, long America's staunchest regional ally, in Trump's crosshairs and his government in a bind: how to reap the political rewards of standing up to Washington just months before a presidential election without jeopardizing crucial security assistance or goading Trump into making good on his threat to invade.

That tension was on split-screen display this week as Petro lashed out at Trump while his top officials rushed to assure the U.S. that Colombia remains the pillar of its counternarcotics strategy abroad. For the past 30 years, the U.S. has worked closely with Colombia, the worlds largest producer of cocaine, to arrest drug traffickers, fend off rebel groups and boost economic development.

Colombia retains leverage as the main source of intelligence Washington uses to interdict drugs in the Caribbean, experts say.

People are trying to tell Trump: Look, you can punish Petro to the extent possible, but you dont want to punish the country. That undermines the fight against drugs and is going to be harmful for the United States, said Michael Shifter, a Latin America expert at the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington.

But Trump is completely unpredictable, Shifter said. He changes his mind, hes driven by his own impulses.

Trump and Petro hate each other

Petro has drawn Trump's ire for months.

He has turned back U.S. military deportation flights, urged American soldiers to disobey Trump during a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, lambasted U.S. attacks on alleged drug vessels as murder, and sparred with him over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and his administration's crackdown on immigration.

Infuriated, Trump has deployed language that he often used to describe Maduro, calling Petro a lunatic and an international drug leader. He has revoked Petro's U.S. visa; slapped sweeping sanctions on him, his relatives and his interior minister on drug-related grounds; vowed to end all U.S. aid to Colombia; and threatened punitive tariffs on Colombian exports.

Thrilled by Maduro's ouster, Trump pushed the fight even further in recent days. He called Petro a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States and warned of a possible U.S. military operation on Colombian soil.

Petro plays the fight to his advantage

Petro can't help relishing the conflict  as long as it remains only verbal. Frustrated with congressional resistance to his contentious reforms, failing to fulfill his promise of total peace with armed groups and facing a series of electoral tests, Petro has found in Trump the perfect foil as he fights for his legacy.

He wants this stage where he is the clearest adversary, rhetorically or politically, to the U.S., said Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst based in Bogota.

The constitution bars Petro from seeking another term in May's presidential vote but the country's first leftist president wants his coalition to retain power over the resurgent right that blames his unpopular government for rising crime. Colombia will also hold legislative elections in March.

So far, Petro's strategy of playing David to Trump's Goliath seems to be paying off.

As Trump escalated his threats against Colombia this week, even some of Petro's opponents rushed to his defense.

Trump is misinformed and misfocused; his simplistic statements are counterproductive, said Anibal Gaviria, a right-wing presidential hopeful, praising his countrys strong democratic institutions. Colombia is not Venezuela, nor Cuba, nor Nicaragua.

Alarm grows in Colombia over Trump's threats

A U.S. military operation against Petro who, unlike Maduro, was democratically elected, is unlikely, experts say.

But complicating the calculation for Colombian officials is Trump's increasingly militaristic comments about Latin America that lump Colombia in with Venezuela as a source of narcotics and immigrants in the U.S.

Whereas the Colombian institutions still maintain cooperation and have a lot to lose, Petro personally feels like that bridge has already burned, said Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.

Recent statements from top ministers betray the rising alarm. Fears are also building that Colombia  that shares a 2,200-kilometer (1,360-mile) volatile border with Venezuela and is the biggest host of Venezuelan refugees  could get sucked into a wider regional conflagration if its neighbor descends into chaos.

As Petro fired more salvos on social media, Colombia's interior and justice ministers scrambled to put out the fire, announcing they had notified U.S. intelligence agencies the government would continue to coordinate and cooperate in the fight against drug trafficking based on U.S. information and technology.

In a news conference, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez sought to reassure the public that the leaders latest spat had done nothing to upset security cooperation critical to the Colombian military and police as they fight leftist guerrillas and drug traffickers. Washington has provided Bogota with roughly $14 billion in the last two decades.

Today, we have a golden opportunity to invest even more in strengthening international cooperation, Sanchez said, ticking off the governments successes in destroying thousands of cocaine labs and intercepting fentanyl shipments.

Colombia is trying to resolve the tensions with Trump diplomatically, Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio told reporters on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Colombia is preparing for the possibility of aggression against our country by the United States.

We have a highly trained, very well prepared army, she said.

Indeed, the army has long received training from the U.S.

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DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
The lightning U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraines capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow's invasion nearly four years ago.

The ouster of Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support an ally, following the downfall of Syrias former President Bashar Assad in 2024 and last years U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. With the U.S. determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry.

But President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

In addition, Trumps interest in wresting control of Greenland from NATO ally Denmark also threatens to destabilize the alliance at the moment when the U.S.-led efforts to broker peace in Ukraine enter a pivotal stage, distracting its members from their efforts to support Kyiv and provide it with security guarantees.

Putin himself hasnt commented on the U.S. actions in Venezuela, which his diplomats have denounced as a blatant act of aggression. Dmitry Medvedev, Russias former president who serves as his deputy on the presidential Security Council, similarly rebuked Washington for trampling international law  but also complimented Trump on defending U.S. interests.

Even though Trumps action is completely unlawful, he cannot be denied a certain consistency -- he and his team are very aggressively upholding their countrys national interests, Medvedev said.

On Wednesday, the U.S. said it seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including one flagged to Russia in the North Atlantic.

Moscow's spheres of influence

Since 2014's illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula that followed the ouster of a pro-Kremlin president in Kyiv, Putin has sought to justify his action by describing his neighbor as part of Russias sphere of influence where Western encroachment cant be allowed.

Putin has argued that just as the U.S. would bristle at any foreign military presence in the Western Hemisphere, Russia sees NATOs expansion to its borders as a major security threat. He cited Ukraines bid to join the military alliance as a key reason behind his full-scale invasion of the country.

We have made it clear and unambiguous that further eastward expansion of NATO is unacceptable, Putin said shortly before sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Are we the ones placing missiles near the U.S. borders? No, its the U.S. that has brought its missiles to our doorstep.

Long before the invasion, Russia tested the ground on a possible deal under which it would refrain from meddling in Latin America in exchange for the U.S. offering Moscow free rein in Europe.

Fiona Hill, who oversaw Russia and Europe on Trump's National Security Council during his first term, testified before Congress in 2019 that the Russians were signaling their willingness to make such an arrangement involving Venezuela and Ukraine.

Russia never made a formal offer, Hill told The Associated Press in an interview, but Moscows then-ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, hinted ... many times to her that Russia could cede its influence in Venezuela to the U.S. in exchange for a sphere of influence in Europe.

She said Trump's administration wasnt interested in the Russian overtures that she described as a hint-hint, nudge-nudge, wink-wink, how-about-doing-a-deal offer. In April 2019, Hill was sent to Moscow to convey the message that nobodys interested. ... Ukraine and Venezuela are not related to each other.

Hill said she did not know if the winds have now changed and whether there was any deal between the U.S. and Russia to swap spheres of influence in Venezuela and Ukraine, but she noted that many officials, including herself, who were involved in restraining Trump in his first term aren't around for his second.

She argued that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would likely be the only member of the Trump administration who would now resist such a proposal, but added that others, including Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, could have a different view.

Who knows what Witkoff and others have been chatting about recently? Hill asked.

Before Maduro was captured, AP reported Russia had started evacuating families of diplomats from Venezuela. When asked about the move, Hill said it would not be implausible that Witkoff gave Moscow a courtesy heads-up.

Sam Greene, a Russia expert at Kings College London, observed that Moscow may have backed down on Venezuela in the expectation of the U.S. giving it a free hand on Ukraine.

My worry is that it may be part of a tacit agreement, by which Washington, Moscow and Beijing agree not to deter one another against interventions in their putative spheres of influence, he wrote on X.

Russias foothold in Western Hemisphere

Before the invasion of Ukraine, senior Russian officials had issued vague warnings that Moscow could deploy troops or military assets to Cuba and Venezuela  statements that the U.S. dismissed as bluster. Some drew parallels to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis  when the Soviet Union deployed missiles to Cuba and the U.S. imposed a naval blockade of the island.

Russian-Cuban ties withered after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, plunging Cuba into a grueling depression. Soon after his first election in 2000, Putin ordered the closure of a Soviet-built military surveillance facility in Cuba as he sought to improve ties with Washington. As tensions with the U.S. and its allies mounted, however, Moscow again intensified trade and other contacts with Cuba and sent warships to visit the island.

Russia also has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, as did China, and offered Caracas generous loans to purchase top-of-the-line air defense missiles, fighter jets and other weapons. On several occasions, most recently in 2018, it dispatched its nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela in a projection of force.

Military experts have said, however, that any attempt by Russia to establish a permanent military foothold in the Western Hemisphere would face overwhelming logistical challenges.

The might-makes-right doctrine

The U.S. seizure of Maduro and his wife was seen worldwide as the return of the might- makes-right doctrine, backing Moscows argument that its action in Ukraine protects its vital interests the way the U.S. did in Venezuela.

After its action in Venezuela, the U.S. has nothing to formally reproach our country for, Medvedev noted.

Hill noted that Maduros capture makes it harder for countries to condemn Russias action in Ukraine because weve just had a situation where the U.S. has taken over  or at least decapitated the government of another country  using fiction.

An indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S.

Fyodor Lukyanov, a Kremlin-connected, Moscow-based foreign policy expert, observed that if we consider whats happening from the perspective of setting a precedent, then we couldnt ask for anything better, and this includes Trumps conviction that the authorities in Venezuela must be approved by Washington.

Russian hawks, meanwhile, argue the U.S. action in Venezuela has created a new sense of urgency for Moscow to dramatically speed up its offensive in Ukraine.

Ukraine under our full control is our pass to the Great Powers club, Alexander Dugin, a hard-line nationalist ideologue, wrote in a commentary.

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AP European Security Correspondent Emma Burrows in London contributed.
China is testing Donald Trumps support for Americas top ally in Asia by imposing export controls on Japan months after the U.S. leader boasted hed settled the rare earth issue for the world.

Beijing turned up the heat on Tokyo this week by banning all dual-use shipments for military use  potentially targeting an estimated 40% of Chinese exports to its neighbor  and threatening tighter controls on rare earths that underpin Japans auto sector. Hours later, China opened an anti-dumping probe into a key chipmaking material, taking aim at another pillar of Japanese industry.

Taken together the moves show President Xi Jinpings pressure campaign against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her comments on Taiwan is just getting started. Restricting rare earths also delivers a direct challenge to Trump, after the U.S. leader boasted hed resolved that problem during a meeting with Chinas top leader, which saw Beijing vow to keep sending metals vital to making everything from jets to missiles.

For now, Takaichi appears to be weighing her options. While her government has protested Chinas latest actions, shes so far refrained from any tit-for-tat response that would risk greater blowback at home, where Japanese carmakers rely on Chinese-sourced inputs to produce electric vehicles.

Japans default approach to Chinas policy tantrum is to avoid seeking a compromise off-ramp, but also to avoid any leaps toward retaliation, said Kurt Tong, a former senior U.S. diplomat in Asia whos now a managing partner at the Asia Group. Rather, it aims to patiently wait out China and expect it to calm down eventually.

Bolstered by strong support at home, Takaichi has refused to retract her comment that suggested Japan could deploy its military if China tried to seize self-ruled Taiwan, despite repeated demands from Beijing. The dispute comes at a delicate diplomatic moment as Trump tries to preserve a truce with China ensuring Americas own supply of rare earths and ahead of a much-touted April summit with Xi in Beijing.

By contrast, the next scheduled opportunity for Xi and Takaichi to engage in leader-to-leader diplomacy is at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen this November  meaning Japan likely faces months of economic pain.

Traditionally, Japans diplomacy has followed a clear pattern: First you lock in the relationship with the U.S., and then face China. But the situation now is completely different, said Ryo Sahashi, professor of international politics at the University of Tokyo. U.S.China relations are relatively good, so Japan cant use its old trick of negotiating with China via the U.S. anymore.

There are really only two options left: Either engage seriously in diplomacy with China or leave things alone for the time being, he added.

Japan is keeping the U.S. in the loop as ties with the worlds No. 2 economy continue to fray.

Just days ago, Takaichi said she had an extremely meaningful call with Trump and would visit the U.S. later this year. After curbs were announced this week, Masaaki Kanai, an assistant minister at Japans Foreign Ministry, spoke with his U.S. counterpart, with the two officials affirming close coordination according to a Japanese statement, which didnt elaborate on specifics.

What Takaichi needs is a direct, supportive message from the Trump administration toward China  one that clearly says Japan isnt in the wrong, and that also includes criticism of China, said Daisuke Kawai, director of the University of Tokyos economic security and policy innovation program.

China is also trying to rally support. Its export controls appeared carefully orchestrated to drive a wedge between Japan and the other key U.S. ally in the region  South Korea. Beijing unveiled the measures hours after South Koreas Lee Jae Myung posed for selfies with Xi during the first state visit to China by a South Korean leader since 2019.

Those optics stood in contrast with the solidarity on display less than three years ago, when the leaders of Japan, South Korea stood with then U.S. President Joe Biden at a historic summit at Camp David to inaugurate a new era of partnership to counter growing threats from China and North Korea.

For us, relations with Japan are as important as those with China, the South Korean president told reporters in Shanghai on Wednesday, underscoring the balancing act facing regional partners as the dispute rumbles on.

If things escalate further, Japan has ways it can fight back. It dominates key semiconductor sectors, controlling as much as 90% of the advanced photoresist market. Export curbs in that area could cripple Chinas chip ambitions, according to Bloomberg Economics, which wrote that finding alternatives could take years.

But Tilly Zhang, a China analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics, said the countrys demand for high-end photoresist could be limited since it already faces restrictions on importing the advanced machines used to manufacture the latest chips.

My overall sense is that whatever could be choked off has already been choked off, she said. Japanese companies selling a large amount of non-high-end semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China could get hurt in any serious retaliation, according to Zhang.

For now, it remains unclear how Chinas export controls will affect Japans economy, as the vague wording of the measures leaves Beijing plenty of flexibility. This is serious, but so far strikes me as a further warning shot, not a death blow, said Cory Combs, associate director at consultancy Trivium China.

For China, diplomatic and economic efforts to pressure Tokyo so far have failed, said Wu Xinbo, director at Fudan Universitys Center for American Studies in Shanghai. That means more powerful measures are required.

We should restrict and suppress Japans military capabilities and defense industry, so as to deprive it of the ability to intervene on Taiwan, he added.

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With assistance from Jing Li, Yoshiaki Nohara and Josh Xiao.

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2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
At 3:10 a.m. on July 4, 1918, American soldiers climbed out of their trenches in northern France. Most had never seen combat before. They had arrived in Europe weeks earlier. Now they were attacking German positions alongside battle-hardened Australian troops and were under the command of an Australian general.

For the first time in American history, U.S. soldiers would fight under a foreign command. In 93 minutes, they would help win what military historians call the first modern battle and forge a relationship with Australia that has lasted ever since.

The Battle of Hamel was an important learning curve for the inexperienced American forces and a turning point in World War I tactics. Roughly 1,000 American doughboys from the 33rd Division joined Australian and British troops in a meticulously planned assault that integrated infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft in ways never before attempted. Together, they proved combined arms warfare could break the deadlock of trench warfare.

Australian solders searching German prisoners of war for "souvenirs" following their capture during fighting around an outpost of the Hindenburg Line near Hargicourt in France. (Wikimedia Commons)

Americans Under Foreign Command

American Expeditionary Force commander General John J. Pershing had resisted British and French demands to use American troops as replacement units in Allied armies. He wanted the Americans to fight as an independent force under American command. When he learned that ten companies of his soldiers were ordered to join Australian Lieutenant General John Monash at Hamel, he ordered their immediate withdrawal.

On July 3, the day before the scheduled attack, six American companies received orders to pull back. Some obeyed, but many refused. Two Americans in the 42nd Battalion switched into Australian uniforms and stayed. The sudden withdrawal forced Monash to reorganize his battalions. The 16th Battalion's strength dropped by half. The 11th Brigade shrank from 3,000 men to 2,200.

At 4 p.m. on July 3, Monash received another order demanding the withdrawal of all remaining American troops. He confronted his British superior, General Henry Rawlinson. The Americans were essential, Monash argued. Pulling them out hours before the attack would devastate his carefully coordinated plan. Rawlinson supported him. Field Marshal Douglas Haig, commander of British forces in France, intervened. The four remaining American companies would stay.

Pershing later wrote that the battle came as "somewhat of a surprise" and its immediate effect was "to cause me to make the instructions so positive that nothing of the kind could occur again."

But the Americans who fought at Hamel later praised the experience. Captain Gale spoke for many when he said that "more real good was done by this small operation with the Australians than could have been accomplished in months of training behind the lines."

Major General John J. Pershing, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), pictured here together with Major General Tom Bridges of the British Army, inspecting a Guard of Honor on Pershing's arrival at Liverpool, June 1917. (Wikimedia Commons)

Planning the Perfect Battle

Monash had planned the Hamel operation with extraordinary precision.

"A perfected modern battle plan is like nothing so much as a score for an orchestral composition," he wrote, "where the various arms and units are the instruments, and the tasks they perform are their respective musical phrases."

He calculated the attack would take 90 minutes. On June 30, he held his final planning conference with two hundred fifty of his officers. The agenda included 133 items and lasted four and a half hours. Everyone explained their role. Monash resolved conflicts and doubts immediately. No changes would be permitted after the conference ended.

The German position at Hamel created a bulge in the Allied line south of the Somme River. The high ground gave German observers clear views of Allied rear areas and allowed their artillery to fire on Villers-Bretonneux. Capturing Hamel would straighten the line and provide a springboard for future offensives toward Amiens.

Monash planned to attack on a six-kilometer front with three Australian brigades from the 4th Division, reinforced by the 6th and 11th Brigades. Sixty Mark V and Whippet tanks from the British 5th Tank Brigade would support the infantry. More than 600 guns would provide artillery support. Aircraft would bomb German positions, photograph enemy movements and parachute ammunition to advancing troops.

The attack would begin at dawn to reduce visibility and protect troops from German fire. Secrecy was absolute. Dummy installations deceived German observers. Harassing fire continued during troop movements. No daylight movement was allowed. Aircraft flew constantly over German lines on the night of July 3 to mask the sound of tanks moving into position.

British, American and Australian troops lunching in a wood near Corbie the day before the attack. (Wikimedia Commons)

Americans and Australians Together

The inexperienced Americans joined the Australian units just days before the attack.

Australian Lieutenant Edgar Rule described their arrival, "Twelve were put in each platoon, and believe me they were some men. This was the first time that they had been in the line, and they were dead keen; and apart from that it bucked our lads up wonderfully."

The enthusiasm was mutual. The Australian veterans were grizzled and hardened. But the Americans arrived eager for information.

"Everyone was smiling or laughing," Rule wrote. "The Yanks were out for information and our boys were very willing teachers, and it speaks well for the future to see one set so eager to learn and the other so willing to teach."

American and Australian runners and stretcher-bearers were paired to assist in training. The 41st Battalion had lost A Company to a gas attack at Villers-Bretonneux. Americans were embedded as X Company. Each American platoon integrated into an Australian company. Tank crews and infantry trained together and formed friendships. Australian battalions painted their insignia on specific tanks so each unit would advance together.

Hamel and the surrounding wood burning following the initial bombardment on 4 July 1918. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Attack on Hamel

At 3:02 a.m., Allied artillery opened up with its usual harassing fire. German defenders, conditioned to expect gas attacks, pulled on their masks. The masks restricted movement and communication. At 3:10 a.m., the barrage intensified. At 3:14 a.m., Australian and American infantry climbed from their trenches and advanced behind the creeping barrage.

The Americans were eager to keep up with experienced Australians. Some ran into the shellfire. Australian Corporal Mick Roach was killed while turning back an American platoon that had pushed too far forward into the barrage. But the Americans' aggressiveness impressed the Australians.

One observer noted their "excessive keenness" but praised their dash.

The attack hit three main German strongpoints. Pear Trench formed the center of the front. The 15th Battalion encountered heavy resistance when barbed wire delayed their advance. Tanks arrived late but helped clear the position once they caught up.

A damaged house in Hamel after the attack. (Wikimedia Commons)

At Hamel village, the 43rd Battalion attacked straight into fortified German defenses. Some defenders began withdrawing as Australians and Americans outflanked their positions through Notamel Wood. One group of Australians with their attached American platoon killed 15 Germans and captured 40 more.

In Vaire and Hamel Woods, Lance Corporal Thomas Axford single-handedly assaulted a German machine gun position holding up his platoon. He killed ten German gunners and captured six more. Axford received the Victoria Cross.

Private Henry Dalziel also won the Victoria Cross for his actions at Pear Trench, repeatedly crossing open ground under fire to secure ammunition for his Lewis gun.

Corporal Thomas Pope became the first American awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for his actions at Hamel. When German machine gun fire halted his company's advance, Pope rushed forward alone. He bayoneted several German gunners, stood beside their machine gun and held off others until reinforcements arrived.

King George V personally awarded Pope the Distinguished Conduct Medal on August 12, 1918. General Pershing presented him the Medal of Honor on April 22, 1919.

Corporal Thomas A. Pope, United States Army, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I. The medals he is wearing are, from left to right, the Army Medal of Honor, the Medaille Militaire, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and the Croix de guerre. (Wikimedia Commons)

Victory in 93 Minutes

By 4:47 a.m., all objectives were secured. The battle lasted just 93 minutes. Reconnaissance aircraft began photographing the new front line for mapmaking. At 6 a.m., supply aircraft began parachute drops to troops on the ground. The first use of aerial resupply in combat proved successful.

Allied casualties totaled roughly 1,400 killed or wounded. Australian losses numbered 1,062, including 800 dead. American casualties reached 176, including between 13 and 26 killed. German losses exceeded 2,000 killed or wounded. Another 1,600 Germans were captured, along with 171 machine guns, 32 trench mortars, two field guns and a new anti-tank rifle.

The Allies also recovered 73,000 rounds of British ammunition and boxes of grenades the Germans had captured when they took Hamel in April.

German POWs are gathered by US and Australian troops, after being captured during the Battle of Hamel. (World War I Centennial Commission)

On July 5, Monash publicly thanked the American companies and praised their "dash, gallantry and efficiency." He noted the historic significance that "soldiers of the United States and Australia should have been associated for the first time in such close cooperation on the battlefield."

French Premier Georges Clemenceau visited the battlefield on July 7.

"I have come here just for the very purpose of seeing the Australians," he told the troops. "When the Australians came to France, the French people expected a great deal of you. We knew that you would fight a real fight, but we did not know that from the very beginning you would astonish the whole continent."

The Australian commander, Monash, presenting decorations to members of the 4th Brigade after the battle. (Wikimedia Commons)

A New Way of War

The tactics employed at Hamel changed how the British and Allied forces fought for the rest of the war. The integration of infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft demonstrated that combined arms warfare could achieve decisive results with relatively low casualties.

Previous battles over similar positions had lasted weeks or months with massive losses. Hamel proved that meticulous planning, surprise and coordination could break entrenched defenses in minutes.

The lessons of Hamel were applied on a larger scale at the Battle of Amiens on August 8, 1918. That attack became what German commander Erich Ludendorff called "the black day of the German Army." The tactics continued through the Hundred Days Offensive that ended the war in November 1918.

For American forces, Hamel provided invaluable combat experience. The doughboys learned infantry tactics, combined arms coordination and the realities of modern warfare from battle-tested Australian veterans. They returned to their units with knowledge that would save American lives in the battles to come.

Pvt Harry Shelly, 132nd Infantry, receiving the British Distinguished Conduct Medal from the King. (Wikimedia Commons)

Fourteen Americans received British decorations for their performance at Hamel, including four Distinguished Conduct Medals, four Military Crosses and six Military Medals. Eight Americans also received the Distinguished Service Cross.

The American-Australian partnership forged at Hamel continued through the rest of the century and ever since. The two nations would fight together in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.

On the 100th anniversary of Hamel in 2018, Australian and American forces conducted joint training exercises honoring the battle that began their century-long military relationship.

The Australian Corps Memorial stands today on the high ground east of Hamel where the Australians achieved their final objective on July 4, 1918. The memorial overlooks the battlefield where inexperienced American soldiers first learned modern warfare under the command of an Australian general who planned the perfect battle.
Terry Glinnon found himself struggling after his wife of 45 years died almost 10 years ago.

Glinnon, 75, is a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. After he left the military, he battled drug addiction and run-ins with law enforcement for many years. Lacking permanent housing, he split time sleeping in his broken-down vehicle or on a friends sofa. For some time, he rented a hotel room above the White Horse Saloon in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

But as age crept in with vision and hearing impairments affecting his health, Glinnon knew he had to find more sustainable housing.

Thats when a military wife stepped up to help.

Amanda Yount, along with her husband, Josh, a Marine, founded the North Idaho Veterans Village to provide housing for homeless veterans. (Devin Weeks/Press)

Amanda Yount, 33, is the founder and CEO of the North Idaho Veterans Village, a nonprofit that formed recently to address the homelessness crisis among veterans. Younts organization receives donated RVs, fixes them up, and provides them to veterans at no cost. Veterans only have to pay for propane and trash pickup, according to Yount.

Glinnon became one of the first veterans to receive a donated RV, living in a small RV park in Spirit Lake. Glinnon told the Coeur dAlene/Post Falls Press that hes happy to finally be off the streets, living in a warm, safe home.

This is the best thing thats come along, Glinnon said last week.

Donations Lead to Big Impact

The North Idaho Veterans Village, which also provides RV homes to military families in need, believes that small gestures of kindness can have lasting effects.

Yount and her husband, Josh, purchased six acres in Blanchard, Idaho, with plans to construct the RV village there. The couple was forced to pivot, however, when local health and safety officials deemed the property too close to a water source.

Now were building a house on it, Yount told the Press. And thats the property that were using to bring all of the RVs to; we get them fixed up, and then we ship them out to veterans.

The Younts currently have six RVs and trailers either occupied by veterans or being converted into homes.

These are all donated to us, Yount said. We bring them in, we fix them up, we place them. They live in it for free, 100%.

Donors can receive tax receipts for their donated RVs and trailers.

The Right Thing to Do

Every year around Christmas, Coeur dAlene residents Frank and Ceci Stotz donate to a local charity. This holiday season, they decided to give their 2010 Jayco pull-behind trailer, worth about $5,000, to the organization.

We thought about selling it, but then we thought, Let's do something different, Ceci said.

Like helping local veterans.

Terry Glinnon sits in his RV home last week. Glinnon is one of the first veterans to receive a donated RV through the North Idaho Veterans Village. (Devin Weeks/Press)

The couple called Newby-Ginnings of North Idaho, a veteran resource program, to ask about ways the trailer could be used for veterans. Newby-Ginnings told them about the North Idaho Veterans Village, and the Stotzs were soon on the phone with Amanda Yount.

We do have a heart for veterans, absolutely," Ceci said. Our son-in-law, Adam Vindasius, is a Purple Heart veteran. He did two tours in Iraq.

Veterans and military families sacrifice a great deal, so providing a roof over their heads when they need it is a small way of giving back for the Stotz family.

I wish more people would do that, especially with the amount of money thats coming into our community, Ceci said.

She admires Amanda Younts passion to provide housing for veterans.

Shes a young mother, a young person coming out and trying to support people who need the help, Ceci said. Its such an inspiration to see the young generation helping each other or helping others. Its so inspiring to me.

Hoping to Expand

Yount said, minus donated RVs, her organization has raised almost $10,000 in donations. Going forward, she has visions of purchasing an acre of land in Bonner County to construct a village to fit 10-15 RVs comfortably to house veterans in Idahos Inland Northwest. Yount has been working with local mobile home parks to find space for the RVs and offer discounted rates for veterans as the organization continues to look for land for the permanent village.

Amanda Yount, CEO and founder of North Idaho Veterans Village, hugs Terry Glinnon, a Navy veteran inside his new home, a donated RV from the organization. (Devin Weeks/Press)

The North Idaho Veterans Village is setting up fundraising events, and Yount is reaching out to Veterans Affairs programs to spread awareness of the organization.

To become eligible for housing, veterans must have their DD214 form, showing proper discharge from active duty.

Thats how we uphold our nonprofit status with the state, Yount said.

Veterans applying for the program must list their current living situation and must be OK with a background check.

Yount said interest in the housing initiative is spreading through mostly word of mouth. Veterans organizations in Northern Idaho have also chipped in to share recommendations.

Theyre sending me every person they can think of, Yount said

Yount carries a soft spot for the military. Close family members served in the Army and Navy, and shes married to a Marine. Yount has worked in health care for more than 12 years, having spent time at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls. It was there, in the homes 64-bed nursing unit, that Yount heard stories from veterans who couldnt qualify for housing at the veterans facility.

It broke my heart, she said.

But the heartache drove her to action.

I woke up one day and said to my husband, Josh, We have to fill this gap, because if we dont, nobody else is going to, Yount said.

In the latest Point in Time Count from January 2025, almost 2,700 people were considered homeless in Idaho. From that count, 134 were veterans, although the number is likely higher.

More information can be found at northidahoveteransvillage.org or by emailing Yount at northidahoveteransvillage@gmail.com.
In the photographs released by the White House documenting the monitoring of the U.S. operation against Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump is constantly accompanied by a very serious Marco Rubio, his eyes fixed on what appears to be a screen. The secretary of state is Trumps key figure in foreign policy, already holding the three top diplomatic posts in Washington (he is also national security advisor and administrator of what remains of USAID, the federal development agency). Now he assumes a fourth, and perhaps the riskiest: coordinating the U.S. response in Venezuela.

Rubio was the main architect of the increasingly tight encirclement of the Chavista leader over the past six months. He also closely followed the development of the military operation in and around Caracas.

The 54-year-old former senator, the son of Cuban exiles, is one of the key figures in the process. On Saturday, at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to announce the capture of the Venezuelan president, Trump revealed that Rubio had already been in contact with the new leader of the South American country, Delcy Rodriguez, holding a very long conversation, and that he had just conveyed to the Chavista vice president Washingtons demands  access to oil, the arrest of criminal gangs, an end to drug trafficking, and an end to collaboration with regimes hostile to the United States  in order to allow her to remain in office.

Rubio will maintain that prominent role. He will be part of the presidents four trusted advisors tasked with remotely overseeing the Venezuelan governments actions. This quartet is completed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and advisor for domestic policy, Stephen Miller, the author of the administrations anti-immigrant strategy. They have all expertise, different expertise, Trump noted in an interview broadcast Monday on NBC.

But Miller confirmed to reporters covering the White House on Monday that Rubio will be in charge of the group; Trump has asked him to lead the efforts to enforce the directives issued by the president.

In this role, Rubio will have to decide how to restructure Venezuelas energy sector, the countrys greatest asset, control of which is the target of U.S. intervention. His fluency in Spanish, decades of experience in Latin America, and contacts with the Venezuelan opposition make him the key liaison for dealing with the new-old authorities in the South American country during the path to the safe, proper and judicious transition that Trump promised.

Its a monumental task. The president has spoken of 18 months to rebuild an oil sector reconstructed by U.S. companies. A new economic and financial strategy, a new security and military strategy, and a new government strategy must be implemented. And its unclear how the process will unfold in a country with numerous paramilitary groups, where cartels are present, and where even within Rodriguezs government, different factions are aligned.

Its unclear how stable this government will be in Maduros absence. To a certain extent, Maduro was the consensus builder, the one who brought the different factions together, and without him, they may split, says Phil Gunson, an analyst for the Andean region at Crisis Group, an organization specializing in conflict prevention, speaking from Caracas.

One of Rubios main missions will be to ensure that Rodriguez strictly adheres to the directives coming from Washington. The threat is a second round of U.S. attacks and a future worse than Maduros, according to Trump. Rubio clarifies that, before reaching that point, the United States has a whole range of persuasive tools at its disposal, starting with the quarantine  the blockade  against ships exporting Venezuelan crude, which it has been implementing since last month, and the massive military deployment it maintains in the Caribbean, which it has no intention of withdrawing at the moment.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside President Donald Trump, at Saturday's press conference in Palm Beach, Florida. NICOLE COMBEAU / POOL (EFE)

Its a tremendous amount of leverage that will continue to be in place until we see changes that not just further the national interest of the United States, which is number one, but also that lead to a better future for the people of Venezuela, Rubio said in an interview Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation.

For Rubio, reaching this point represents a tremendous victory, the fulfillment of his goal of ending leftist dictatorships in Latin America and the vindication of the hardline positions he defended during his time as a senator, when he lashed out at Maduro, calling him a narco-terrorist. There, Trumps former rival in the 2016 primaries became the presidents go-to person for matters related to the region; the then-legislator tried to pressure the Republican to force the removal of the Chavista leader.

It was a stance he continued to hold after becoming secretary of state, though with little success at first. His arguments in favor of democracy and human rights found little receptiveness with the U.S. president, who initially favored a strategy of negotiation with the regime. This was the approach advocated by his original envoy to Venezuela, Richard Grenell, who, during his visit to Caracas just under a year ago, secured the release of Americans from Venezuelan prisons.

Rubio managed to capture Trumps attention when, instead of emphasizing democracy, he pointed out to the president that Maduro had been indicted in New York on drug trafficking charges. This narrative was more to the presidents liking, a teetotaler who despises drugs after the death of his brother from alcoholism. In July, the State Department added the Cartel of the Suns, the alleged drug trafficking group that it accuses the Venezuelan leader of heading, to its list of foreign terrorist organizations. In August, it doubled the reward for his capture to $50 million. That same month, the United States began its naval deployment in the Caribbean.

Since then, Rubio has been a constant presence in the White House, meeting with Miller to devise the strategy for ousting Maduro and for post-Chavismo Venezuela, only visiting the State Department for bilateral meetings with other foreign ministers in Washington. The travel that characterized his first stint as head of U.S. diplomacy has taken a backseat. With a few notable exceptions  such as rescuing the negotiations on the war in Ukraine in Geneva in November  his trips have consisted primarily of accompanying Trump to Florida and continuing to plan the intervention there.

Rubio, whose dream is to see his parents homeland, Cuba, free from the Castroist regime, has framed the intervention in Venezuela as a warning to Havana and the incompetent and senile men running the island. If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I would be concerned, at least a little bit, he declared Saturday at Trumps press conference.

For now, the task before him in Venezuela is immense. The success, or failure, of the U.S. administration of the country will rest on Trump and him as the ones ultimately responsible. As one of his Republican predecessors at the head of the State Department, Colin Powell, liked to remind us when speaking about the last major American attempt to restructure a country  the Iraq War  if you break it, you pay for it.

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Star Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte has dominated trade rumblings over the past month-plus. Despite frequently stating that he doesn't consider a trade likely, general manager Mike Hazen has been hammered by calls from opposing teams hoping to pry the All-Star slugger away from Arizona.

Marte is enough of a known commodity that we needn't run through an extensive breakdown of his resume here, but it bears spelling out some of the basics. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner has steadily produced anywhere from above-average to elite offense dating back to 2018. He's a switch-hitter who touts a massive .283/.368/.519 slash (140 wRC+) over the past three seasons. Marte is a superstar talent who's signed to a contract more commensurate with a freshly extended arbitration player. He's owed $102.5MM over the next six seasons, with the final year of that being an $11.5MM player option. He'll be paid $15MM in 2026, $12MM in 2027, $20MM in 2028 and $22MM in 2029-30.

Arizona has reportedly been seeking multiple major league-ready starting pitchers to even consider parting with Marte. Specifically, they're targeting controllable arms who can be long-term cogs in the starting staff. They reportedly talked with the Rays about a deal including both Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz before the latter was traded to Baltimore, for instance.

Hazen has been relatively open about listening to offers and his reluctance to actually move Marte throughout the winter. He indicated last week that one way or another, he'd like to wrap up this situation soon. That was understandably viewed by many as something of a call for best and final offers.

With resolution on the situation seemingly nigh, one way or another, it feels worth running through the league to find the best fits for Marte, some viable dark-horse spots, and also lay out the clubs that don't feel like they'll be much of a factor at all. Let's run through it all.
DEAR ABBY: My ex-girlfriend just cant get a clue. She continues trying to get me back and even goes so far as to stalk me. I blocked her phone number, but it has become exhausting. How do I tell her I dont love her anymore and really no longer even like her? I cant stand her, her family or her friends. She gaslit me for years. Our entire relationship was built on a lie. Im so much happier without her in my life, but she just wont go away. Any advice on how to deal with this crazy person would be great. -- SO OVER HER IN FLORIDA

DEAR SO OVER HER: Continue to avoid your ex, and if you see her, do not acknowledge her. If she approaches you, tell her you are done and to leave you alone. Do not respond to her calls, emails or texts, and if she mails you anything, write return to sender on the package or envelope.

Tell your friends that she is stalking you and her behavior is creepy, and then continue dating and resume your social life. If she acts out or damages your property, report her to the authorities. The most effective way to get rid of her is to resume the life you had before you met her and dont look back.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
DETROIT, MI  A Trenton man working in a U.S. Postal Service mail sorting facility in Allen Park was found dead in one of its machines hours after his shift had ended.

Nicholas Acker, 36, was found dead at about 1 p.m. Nov. 8 pinned between a guard rail and conveyor at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center, 17500 Oakwood Blvd., according to a report by The Detroit News.

The Wayne County medical examiner ruled the death an accident, finding Acker died of mechanical asphyxiation, the news reported.

His body was not found until 14 hours after his shift began. His family is pursing legal action against the U.S. Postal Service, according to the report.

His death remains under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Nicholas Acker, a veteran, didnt die in war; he died at work, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, wrote on X. He was a USPS worker in Michigan, trapped in a machine, unseen for hours. His death was preventable. Workers warned management. The union filed grievances. Still no answers.
MACOMB COUNTY, MI  A former Chippewa Valley Schools paraprofessional was criminally charged after allegedly assaulting two students at Cherokee Elementary School.

The ex-para-professional faces two counts of fourth-degree child abuse. Annika Markesha Vinson was arraigned on the charges in district court on Jan. 2.

On Oct. 8, 2025, Vinson was working as a paraprofessional in the special needs classroom at the elementary school.

It is alleged that she twisted a childs arm and pinned the child to the ground with her knee. It is also alleged that she hit another childs arm, according to a news release from the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney.

Vinson was fired from her position after the incident. Neither of the children suffered significant injuries from the alleged assaults.

Vinson will return to court for a pretrial hearing on Jan. 12, according to the release.

The allegations in this case are serious and deeply concerning, particularly because they involve a position of trust with vulnerable children. The safety of the residents of Macomb County remains my highest priority, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement.
ALPENA COUNTY, MI  A Northern Michigan landlord is accused of sexually assaulting a female tenant on two separate occasions, police said.

Thomas Serino, 78, of Vanderbilt, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual assault related to an investigation that began in July, according to a news release from the Michigan State Police.

Troopers from the MSP Gaylord Post received a report in July about an alleged sexual assault in Green Township, Alpena County, police said. Investigators learned that Serino is a known landlord with properties in the Gaylord, Vanderbilt and Hubbard Lake areas.

Serino was arrested on Dec. 30 and lodged at Alpena County Jail. He was arraigned on Jan. 2 in 88th District Court; his bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Jan. 12.

In his capacity as a landlord, Serino had close contact with other individuals. Anyone who may have been sexually assaulted at by the defendant can contact Trooper Kennedy, of the Gaylord Post, at 989-732-2778.
LANSING, MI  State Librarian Randy Riley is being remembered for his contributions to reading accessibility throughout the state.

The East Lansing man had been the state librarian since 2014 and served the department since 1989, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Education.

Riley, 63, died suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 2, according to the release.

I am greatly saddened by the death of Randy Riley, State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said in a statement. Randy was well-known and respected around the state and country for his advocacy for libraries, books and reading. He was a champion of making information available to everyone. He will be truly missed. My thoughts are with his family.

Riley was active in the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and other statewide and national library organizations, according to the release.

He is survived by his wife, Lori, two children, and his dog.
CADILLAC, MI  Officials have released the name of the victim who was killed during in a home invasion and armed robbery over the weekend in Northern Michigan, WPBN/WGTU reports.

Steve Billett died Friday, Jan. 2, at a home in Cadillac, according to Michigan State Police.

The suspect in the fatal home invasion and robbery was later fatally shot by a Cadillac Police officer during a traffic stop. Police say the 57-year-old man (whose name has not been released) pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer. The officer shot the suspect

RELATED: Michigan man fatally shot by police was fleeing homicide scene, investigators say

Investigators believe the man who was shot and killed by the officer was fleeing the homicide scene. The officer pulled him over because the vehicle he was driving matched the description of a vehicle stolen during a home invasion and robbery reported about an hour earlier.

State police are investigating both deadly incidents. The involved officer has been placed on leave, pending the investigation.
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Michigans famous Soo Locks has set its closing date ahead of its annual winter maintenance work. And with this massive lock system closing for several weeks, it will cut off Lake Superior from the cargo hauling that will continue - as ice cover allows - on the rest of the Great Lakes.

The locks are set to close to all marine traffic at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 15. They will remain closed through 12:01 a.m. on March 25.

So now the fun countdown begins: Which ship will be the last one through the locks for the winter? As freighters make their final Lake Superior runs in the coming days, there is always a lot of speculation among ship enthusiasts as to which will take the final berth in the locks.

In some years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has had to delay the locks closure for several hours as they waited for a straggling freighter to reach the locks. Well see if it happens again this year, and if ice on Lake Superior plays a role as it has in the past.

Once the Soo Locks are closed, then the long list of annual maintenance projects can begin. Of the original four locks, only the big Poe Lock and the smaller MacArthur Lock are still in use.

Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks, Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown.

They work long hours in harsh Northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.

This year, the big Poe Lock will will be dewatered so maintenance crews can inspect the inside and make repairs where needed. This is the most heavily-used lock, as it is the only one that can accommodate the 1,000-foot freighters.

The smaller MacArthur Lock will not be drained of its water this year. It will also re-open later, likely by the end of April.

Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include:

Fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5

Constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge

Repairing a Gate 2 strut arm

Concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5

Water flowing into the Poe Lock, the largest chamber of the Soo Locks. Photo provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include:

Underfloor cleanout

Manhole inspection

A five-year periodic assessment

Gate 1 repairs

Gate 4 lifting lug installation

Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs

Testing of Ice Study wall coating

Also on the list for both locks are inspections and preventative maintenance on the electrical and mechanical systems.

This annual repair window is critical to keep the Soo Locks working smoothly. The system is a linchpin in Great Lakes shipping, allowing cargo traffic, the U.S. Coast Guard and other vessels to travel between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes.

More than 4,500 vessels each year travel through the Soo Locks. Theyre carrying 80 million tons of cargo, including wheat, limestone, iron ore and coal.

Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here, Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.

The two other locks in the Soo system - the Davis and the Sabin locks - were decommissioned and are being turned into a superlock to rival the Poe in size. This huge construction project wont be completed until the end this decade.
An energy drink company co-founded by Hollywood megastar Dwayne The Rock Johnson has agreed to a $3 million settlement after being accused of misleading marketing. A class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleges ZOA Energys claim of 0 Preservatives on drink labels is false.

The lawsuit claims the drinks contained chemical preservatives that made the advertisement false. While it agreed to a settlement, ZOA did not admit any wrongdoing in the matter and says its marketing is truthful and compliant with applicable law.

The $3 million pool will be made available to qualified customers who purchased ZOA energy drinks between March 1, 2021 and Nov. 21, 2025. The drinks must have been purchased for personal use and not for resale or distribution in order to qualify.

Customers who submit receipts with their claim will be eligible to receive up to $150 per household. Those who do not submit receipts will be capped at $10 per household. Each individual can is worth $1 in reimbursement, according to the settlement.

Those who receive a payment must redeem the payment within 180 days or it will be invalid and no other payment will be issued.

Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by Feb. 20, 2026 to be eligible. Class members may opt out of the settlement by Feb. 13, 2026. Those wishing to opt out must do so in writing and the request must be postmarked by Feb. 13, 2026.

A portion of the $3 million settlement will go toward covering attorney fees and other costs associated with the case. A final hearing is scheduled for March 26 where the settlement is expected to be approved.

For more information about the settlement, or to submit a claim online, visit the settlement website.
YPSILANTI, MI  Some tenants at one Ypsilanti apartment complex have only days to decide how theyll move out of their condemned units under a recent court order.

But first, organizers with the local tenants union and community groups want to make sure they reach everyone whos impacted.

Honestly, a lot of people didnt even know their apartments were condemned in the first place, said Nadia Calvert, a leadership member with the Arbor One Tenants Association and a resident of the complex since 2022. It took a lot of (individuals) going out, telling them, Hey, did you know?

Local organizers said theyve done a lot of canvassing and other outreach after a Washtenaw County judge late last year gave tenants living in condemned Arbor One apartments within city limits until the end of January to move out.

An informational trailer set up late Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the complex aimed to help them learn more about their options, though at any given time, there were more representatives from local social service agencies and other organizations than there were residents who popped in.

A wide array of rental housing sits off either side of Leforge Road, a border between the city and Ypsilanti Township. Most of the units on the city side were condemned in early 2025 because of deteriorating conditions, and the recent order instructed tenants to vacate all buildings except for two out of the 19 apartment buildings within city limits.

Theyve two choices: Permanently relocate elsewhere for a $3,500 payment or pursue a limited spot in one of the two buildings still certified for occupancy. According to county organizers, tenants have until Friday, Jan. 9, to decide.

I would say the biggest thing that weve seen is a lot of folks not knowing what their options are, or even if theyre in affected buildings, said Tabatha Reynolds, constituent outreach coordinator for the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Theyve supported the effort to connect with residents, she said, as issues with Arbor One arose.

We think theres approximately 35 families, but thats still a little up in the air, she said. We only know folks that have connected with us and connected with the tenants union.

Some of the just over a dozen visitors who checked in within the first hour of Tuesdays open information session, indeed, werent impacted by the order.

I just wanted to talk to somebody to confirm because I got several emails, resident Jennifer Cook said. So, I wasnt sure. But when I saw the email about this, I said, Let me come up here and see.

Cook, 46, said she was aware Arbor One buildings had been condemned, recalling the notification formally placed on the door. But she didnt want any surprises for herself  or her 3-year-old daughter.

Thats my main concern, she said, walking out of the trailer Tuesday with a handful of material. Because when we came here, we were homeless. I was homeless almost two years before I finally found this.

On site Tuesday was support from Ypsilanti Community Schools, DTE Energy in case tenants needed to relocate their utilities, divisions of the countys Office of Community and Economic Development, legal services, and sales and leasing representatives from the Belleville-based Holiday West Manufactured Home Community.

Available materials directed tenants to the Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC) and financial literacy resources.

Calvert, 24, said shes relocating to one of the two certified buildings.

She last lived with her parents in Flint, she said, and arrived in Ypsilanti to go to Eastern Michigan. Her Arbor One unit was her first apartment.

The option to relocate to one of the two buildings is first-come, first-serve and comes with a one-time $1,000 payment and free help moving. On Tuesday, Calvert admitted she was already looking to relocate before the move-out order, giving her a head start after having previously found it difficult identify a new place  her credit impacted by student loans.

I think its because I have gotten the early jump on it, she said, because I have been trying to be relocated for a couple of months now.

Although many of the issues at her condemned apartment have been addressed, Calvert said her bathroom sink didnt work for over a year, the bathtub had a bad leak, her stove had just one working burner, and she experienced regular heat problems.

I didnt really know apartments could get condemned, she said, jokingly. Instead, shed thought thats why my rent is cheap.

Other tenants previously said they experienced inconsistent utilities, frozen pipes in the winter, mold and leaks. In seeking the vacation of Arbor One buildings in its limits, the city has cited collapsed ceilings and other broken utility or pipe issues where repairs allegedly werent being made.

Overall, there are 18 buildings and 450 apartments inside Ypsilanti with one building that was damaged in a 2024 fire. The township side of the complex has 162 townhomes still certified for occupancy.

The townhomes are owned by Beal Properties, which took over management of Arbor One last year with promises to repair units.

The county prosecutors office and the city filed suit in February 2025 against New Jersey-based ValleyTree Partners LLC, which owns the Arbor One property, the companys owners Samuel Rosenthal and Yaakov Nusbaum, and a former Arbor One manager. The tenants union and other residents have since intervened as plaintiffs, while Beal Properties is an additional defendant.

In a separate 2024 federal lawsuit, Arbor One alleged the city unfairly targeted the complex and violated its due process rights in suspending its rental certificates.

Roy Finny, also of the tenants union, said he didnt think the issue with housing would end after Jan. 31, speculating other nearby residences faced similar challenges. He also expected future discussion in court in the event not all the tenants were able to vacate.

On Tuesday, he was advising tenants to begin exploring relocation even if they werent impacted by the current order. He also encouraged another neighbor to start a union chapter to protect their interests.

We dont have any indication for certain that things are going to get worse, but given historically whats happened, we would rather be safe than sorry, Reynolds said when asked why it was important to connect with tenants. Were always preparing for the worst-case scenario, so if theres an emergency, we can be ready to help residents.

Calvert agreed, adding she thought residents in apartments should do lots and lots and lots of research so you dont end up in the situation again. Finny encouraged individuals to get acquainted with HAWC  just in case.

Cook said she never had a laundry list of issues with her unit, though she acknowledged there has been some mold in the past.

I guess Im kind of lucky, she said, adding she may explore relocating in the future but was going to stay as long as I can.
The Bella oil tanker, flying the Singapore flag, has been pursued by US authorities in international waters.

US forces have also intercepted another vessel that was sailing in Caribbean waters

U.S. military forces have tracked and intercepted a Russian-flagged oil tanker in international waters that had tried to circumvent Washingtons blockade on Venezuelan crude exports, the U.S. militarys European command confirmed on Wednesday.

After a chase that lasted two weeks, the oil tanker was intercepted in North Atlantic waters near Iceland in a joint operation between the Coast Guard and the U.S. military, Reuters reported. Originally called the Bella 1, its name was changed to Marinera in an effort to throw its pursuers off the scent. The crew of the tanker had even painted a Russian flag on its hull to suggest it was sailing under Russian protection, CNN reported.

The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, the U.S. militarys European command said in a social media post.

The British Ministry of Defense has confirmed in a statement that it has provided operational assistance to the U.S. government in the seizure of the oil tanker. Today, the UK has provided enabling support to the United States at their request to interdict the vessel Bella 1, reads a post on X. British authorities claim that the intercepted vessel has a sinister history and is part of a Russian-Iranian axis designed to circumvent sanctions that is fueling terrorism, conflict, and misery in both the Middle East and Ukraine.

A US Coast Guard official looking through binoculars as the ship Marinera (previously named Bella 1) is seen in the distance at sea. US EUROPEAN COMMAND HANDOUT (EFE)

The tanker had already been sanctioned a couple of years ago for attempting to circumvent U.S. trade sanctions against Venezuela. The vessel has been part of the phantom fleet that has supported Caracass efforts to sell its oil to other countries over the years.

Some ships from the Russian military fleet were in the vicinity. A Russian submarine was near the tanker, U.S. officials told Reuters. They did not specify, however, the distance to the Russian vessels, and there is no indication of an encounter.

Second vessel

Meanwhile, U.S. forces intercepted another tanker sailing in the Caribbean, according to the U.S. Southern Command. This vessel, named Sophia, is being escorted to a U.S. port to be turned over to U.S. authorities.

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LINCOLN PARK, MI  Police have a suspect in custody after a woman was stabbed inside a Dunkin in Downriver outside Detroit.

A worker at the Dunkin, 4005 Dix Highway in Lincoln Park, told WXYZ Channel 7 a woman came in at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. A man entered shortly after and stabbed her.

Lincoln Park Police did not comment on the incident Wednesday.

The customer was transported to a local hospital with stab wounds, WXYZ reported. The attack appears to have been random. A motive is unknown.

Police told WXYZ they arrested a man a few blocks away after an employee reported the attack. According to police, the victim was stabbed multiple times. She was in stable condition at the time of the report.

A worker said store surveillance cameras did not record the assault, but the suspect was previously known for trying to steal tips, according to the report.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  A six-story development is proposed to bring hundreds of new high-end apartments next to the Trader Joes shopping complex in Ann Arbor.

Farmington Hills-based developer Beztak, working with Chicago-based Myefski Architects, has submitted plans to the city to redevelop the former University Inn property at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. near the Stadium/Washtenaw split.

The 1950s-era motel previously known as the Lamp Post Inn, along with a few other commercial buildings around it and the Journey of Faith Christian Church, already have been demolished to make way for the project spanning several acres along Stadium Boulevard down to Manchester Road.

The Lamp Post Plaza anchored by Trader Joe's on East Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor on Nov. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Were really excited about it, said Zachary Weiss, who oversees development and acquisitions for Beztak. We think itll be a great addition in the community. We love where its located.

The apartments will be in the luxury end, Weiss said.

We love the type of interest we think it could generate from a whole lot of different people, he said.

Plans call for a six-story building with about 300 apartments and three townhome buildings with another 12 rental units.

The partially cleared site of a six-story apartment development proposed at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. next to Trader Joe's and the Lamp Post Plaza in Ann Arbor on Nov. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

There would be 312 units total, including seven studios, 139 one-bedroom units, 144 two-bedroom units, 10 three-bedroom flats and 12 three-bedroom townhomes, Weiss said.

The apartments wont be geared specifically toward University of Michigan students, but theyre expected to attract some students, as well as young professionals, empty nesters and possibly some young families, Weiss said.

Its sort of an all-of-the-above approach, he said.

A drawing showing new apartments proposed at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. next to Trader Joe's and the Lamp Post Plaza in Ann Arbor. (Myefski Architects)

Proposed building amenities include a pool, fitness center, co-working spaces, club room, central courtyard and an expansive package room.

There would be 438 automobile parking spaces and 74 bicycle parking spaces. Driveways on Stadium Boulevard and Manchester Road are proposed to access the site.

Eleven landmark trees are proposed to be removed and mitigated as required onsite and in Manchester Park.

The new proposal represents an increase in density from the 185-unit, four-story development Beztak proposed for the site in 2022. That was put on hold as the city drafted new zoning.

City Council in 2024 rezoned the area TC1, a high-density transit corridor zoning, increasing the sites development potential.

A drawing showing new apartments proposed at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. next to Trader Joe's and the Lamp Post Plaza in Ann Arbor. (Myefski Architects)

While initial site preparation already has started, the development awaits city staff review and Planning Commission approval before construction can go forward.

Its still probably over a year away from breaking ground, Weiss said, predicting construction will start in 2027.

The partially cleared site of a six-story apartment development proposed at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. next to Trader Joe's and the Lamp Post Plaza in Ann Arbor on Nov. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The project leaves the adjacent Lamp Post Plaza anchored by Trader Joes standing. Theres no ground-floor retail proposed in the apartment building, nor do plans include affordable housing.

But the project is designed to meet National Green Building Standard principles for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and resource efficiency, plans state. That includes a fully electric design for heating and cooling apartments with heat pumps and vertical terminal air conditioners, with natural gas usage limited to an amenity area.

We think itll fit well within the fabric of the community, Weiss said. We dont think itll be imposing. Itll be very attractive and itll support sort of what the city wants to see.

A drawing showing new apartments proposed at 2424 E. Stadium Blvd. next to Trader Joe's and the Lamp Post Plaza in Ann Arbor. (Myefski Architects) Myefski Architects

Beztak has been in business developing and managing property for over 70 years. The company also owns Briar Cove Terrace Apartments, built decades ago near Briarwood Mall on the citys south side, and the newer Uptown Ann Arbor apartments just outside the city on Ann Arbor-Saline Road.

Beztak also is behind the All Seasons senior housing development off Geddes and Dixboro roads where its currently building out the assisted living portion of the project.

The Stadium Boulevard project is similar to another developers plan to bring hundreds of new apartments next to the Whole Foods off Ann Arbor-Saline Road.

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ROMULUS, MI - A man was arrested Tuesday morning after he attempted to enter a Wayne County middle school with a firearm.

School employees notified police shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, after they saw a man brandishing a handgun outside Romulus Middle School, 37300 Wick Road, according to a release from the Romulus Police Department. The school also went on lockdown.

Police found and arrested the 44-year-old man, who was near the main entrance of the school. Police also recovered a handgun.

There were reports of shots fired, although police did not release additional details.

A motive is not yet clear, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Romulus police at 734-942-6857.

Local officials praised the quick response from employees and police.

Safety protocols and quick acting staff made all the difference in the world today! wrote Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said in a social media post. Joint efforts between (Romulus Community Schools) and (Romulus Police Department) helped prevent what could have been a tragedy if we werent prepared.

Michigan State Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, also said he has been in touch with Romulus leaders.

Im extremely grateful that our school staff and first responders were able to ensure that all students and staff remained safe during this frightening moment, he said in a statement. Our safety systems worked today, and we avoided any potential tragedy.

The superintendent for Romulus Community Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
YPSILANTI, MI  Michigan State Police officers were at Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School Tuesday morning, but officials say the incident was not related to immigration enforcement.

Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross issued a statement saying the situation was unrelated to the school or ICE immigration matters.

The district reaffirmed that it will not voluntarily with Immigration and Customs Enforcement last year.

The Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School is an expansion of the districts Spanish immersion program that opened in August 2025.

IPMS hosts more than 130 students from kindergarten through fourth grade.
YPSILANTI TWP., MI  Allegations of unlawful sales of marijuana products has prompted Ypsilanti Township to sue a tobacco store under police investigation.

Police detail the allegations in a report on a Nov. 13 seizure of marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, sales receipts and ledgers from the Corner Buzz Smoke Shop, 1627-1631 Holmes Road in the township.

Police reports are included in an emergency complaint Ypsilanti Township filed Dec. 8 against the business, owner and building landlord in Washtenaw County court. The township is asking a judge to declare the smoke shop a public nuisance in violation of state law and the townships zoning ordinance, thus padlocking the store for a year, according to the complaint.

No criminal charges have been filed. The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

Mohammad Abdelnaser Mohammad, who is identified as the shops primary owner and operator in the townships suit, said he had sold the business to a new owner.

I have really no part in whatever was going on, Mohammad said.

He declined to say when he sold the business or answer further questions.

The shop was closed as of Tuesday, Jan. 6. A peek through the window reveals products have been removed.

The property in question was engaged in this case in the illegal sale, manufacture and distribution of marijuana. They had all the receipts, invoices, et cetera, Doug Winters, an attorney for the township, said.

They are not a licensed dispensary, and unregulated products and sales is also truly a public health issue, because you dont know where its coming from, he said.

A police report from the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office shows that on Nov. 8, a deputy was in the area of the shopping complex writing citations for vehicles parked in a fire lane. A 20-year-old parked in the fire lane came out of the smoke shop, according to the report.

The deputy informed the 20-year-old they were not allowed to enter into a smoke shop or buy tobacco vapes, as the legal age is 21.

After returning to the station, the deputy noticed products he confiscated from the 20-year-old were not tobacco products but marijuana.

On Nov. 13, police executed a search warrant at the smoke shop, which turned up marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms and other evidence.

According to the report, police found 15 bags of marijuana. There were 20 grocery bags of prepackaged marijuana, including some near the front register, more in a drawer and two marijuana honey products.

There was also a large bag of psychedelic mushrooms in a safe.

Police also found drug ledgers, invoices, digital scales and daily reports during the search.

I was not aware of this until receiving the suit, shopping center landlord Paul Namazi of Gold Land Realty, LLC, said.

Selling marijuana from the store would have been a violation of the terms of the lease agreement, Namazi said.

He said Mohammad contacted him in December about assigning the lease to a different business entity, Exotic Cloud 3, LLC. That lease was executed for the storefront Dec. 19, he said.

Exotic Cloud 3 is a newly formed limited liability corporation that filed its articles of organization with the state on Dec. 4, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

A court hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Washtenaw County 22nd Circuit Court.

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FLINT, MI -- Attorneys for three Flint children are about to make their case that the Environmental Protection Agency is liable for damages they suffered during the citys water crisis.

Opening arguments in the bellwether bench trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Michigan are scheduled to begin in Ann Arbor on Jan. 26, more than a decade after the water crisis was triggered.

Attorneys for the Flint children laid out their case in court filings on Monday, Jan. 5, saying in a proposed pretrial order that the parties have been unable to reach a settlement and have no plans for further talks.

In a trial brief, attorneys Melanie Daly and Moshe Maimon of the Levy Konigsberg law firm said the three children who are plaintiffs in the case and their mothers will testify that they experienced severe changes in behavior and cognitive abilities after exposure to Flints lead-contaminated water.

The witness list for the children -- who are only identified by their initials in court documents -- also includes former Gov. Rick Snyder, former Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, and several other experts as well as former city, state, and federal officials.

The federal governments witness list includes some of the same officials, many of whom are expected to testify through pre-recorded depositions.

Snyder is listed as a potential in-person witness for the children in the upcoming case.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach the former governor for comment on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Snyder has called the water crisis a failure of government at all levels.

In a statement after a congressional hearing on the water crisis nearly a decade ago, he said that inefficient, ineffective, and unaccountable bureaucrats at the EPA allowed this (Flint water) disaster to continue unnecessarily.

The childrens case was initially filed in 2019 against the EPA, alleging that the agency failed to follow its own directives in response to the water crisis, allowing the continued use of the Flint River for drinking water for months longer than necessary.

EPA has maintained that the city and the former Michigan Department of Environmental Quality caused the crisis by using the Flint River as a drinking water source without appropriate studies and corrosion control to prevent lead from leaching from transmission lines.

Its attorneys contend the federal government acted reasonably as a secondary regulator under the Safe Drinking Water Act in evaluating enforcement options, weighing the merits of public warnings, and responding to citizen complaints.

While other entities, including the state of Michigan and the city of Flint, settled pending lawsuits against them, EPA has continued to litigate cases that allege its negligence.

Both the EPA and the Department of Justice have declined to comment on the case to the Journal.

The agency has filed motions to dismiss the case against it, but Judge Judith E. Levy has previously ruled that EPA is not immune from claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Attorneys for the Flint children have estimated that they will need roughly 15 days to lay out their case. EPA attorneys have said they would require five to 15 days to present their case.

Levy has pushed to keep the trial on schedule, ordering attorneys representing the EPA to continue working despite a federal government shutdown last year after they requested the case be delayed.

The judge, who set the Jan. 26 trial date nearly a year ago, most recently met with attorneys in a December discovery conference call, telling them, Were going to get this job done.

She has previously ruled that EPA has failed to show that its actions and inactions in Flint were shielded by an exception in the law that protects the government from liability for failing to carry out a discretionary function.

Levy also presided over a 2022 mistrial in another Flint water bellwether case brought by four children against two companies that consulted with the city of Flint during the water crisis.

The mistrial came after jurors reported they remained deadlocked after six days of deliberations and that continuing the trial would affect their physical and emotional health.

The two companies -- Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam -- later settled pending claims against them.

In the EPA trial, the Flint children seek damages, including lost earning capacity, emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.

A bench trial, in which the judge acts as the sole decision-maker without a jury, is required under the Tort Claims Act, which permits plaintiffs to obtain compensation from the United States for the negligence of its employees.

In such cases, the judge decides whether a plaintiff has met its burden of proof and whether damages are awarded.

The case is considered a bellwether because it could help others with water crisis claims decide whether to proceed to trial against the EPA.
FLINT TOWNSHIP, MI -- Eduard Markman, a 56-year-old Flint Township man, pleaded no contest to stabbing a female relative in 2024.

The man pleaded no contest to each of the four charges he originally faced: assault with intent to murder, torture, armed robbery and assault with intent to maim.

There was a Cobbs agreement between the judge and the defense attorney that was opposed by the prosecutors office. Markman will serve a year in jail and five years probation.

Markman will be sentenced on Feb. 2.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but Markman accepts the punishment for the charges.

Police officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of Lennington Court for a stabbing on Oct. 12, 2024.

Officers arrived and found a 50-year-old female whod suffered severe stab wounds to different parts of her body. She was rushed to an area hospital.

Markman was identified as the suspect by officers at the scene, according to a news release from the Flint Township Police Department.

Hed stolen personal items and the victims vehicle before he fled the scene, according to police.
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  During his 40-plus years as Hamilton fire chief, David Haverdink didnt hesitate when his pager sounded.

He had always been that way.

So many times we saw Dave called away from worship at our church by an emergency page, and he might not have known what kind of situation he was stepping in to, but he was willing to step in, Wayne Bakker, pastor at East Saugatuck Church, said.

Until his very last day, he was willing to step in.

Haverdink, 74, was laid to rest on Tuesday, Jan. 6. He died on Christmas, two days after he was struck by a vehicle while responding to a medical emergency on M-40.

Haverdink, who began as a firefighter, served Hamilton Fire Department for 51 years. He also served as Allegan County sheriff for eight years.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags flown at half-staff.

Firefighters, police and other emergency responders joined Haverdinks family in honoring him at his funeral at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland. The church parking lot was packed, with emergency vehicles from Hamilton and other departments.

Bagpipers played Amazing Grace.

So for all of you firefighters, law-enforcement officers, paramedics, EMTs, first responders, nurses, doctors, frontline people, thank you for stepping in, Bakker said.

It is sacred and holy work that you are doing, with the willingness to be there in a persons  maybe even the worst moment of their life. To be a calming presence, to bring order into chaos, to be near to people dealing with a sudden loss, to be helpers and step in. It is sacred and holy work because thats what our Savior Jesus did as well.

Haverdink became chief after the previous chief, Richard Boeve, his close friend, died in the line of duty in 1982.

Haverdink and his wife, Judy, were married nearly 54 years. They have two sons, Jeff Haverdink and his wife, Erin, and Tim Haverdink and his wife, Sarah, and four grandchildren.

The sons said their father was known to many in different ways.

Beyond his role as fire chief, he was a deputy sheriff before he was elected sheriff, served as a county commissioner and was a business owner.

His boys grew up thinking that everyone took two cars to church. They finally realized their dad needed to be able to leave if he had a call.

May heaven help us if Tim and I accidentally left our toys out on the floor, Jeff Haverdink joked. The well-known path through the house must remain obstacle-free at all times in case dad had to run out of the house at night.

Most of all, they remembered following their dad around, learning to drive the tractor out back, taking the boat on Lake Michigan and summer trips to Torch Lake. They headed north to ski in the winter.

When they were little, they secretly hoped their dads pager would go off when their mother was out so he would have to take them with him, with lights and sirens on.

Jeff Haverdinks daughters, Anna and Elizabeth, and his brother Tims boys, Travis and Tyler, spoke about their grandpa. The boys wanted to be just like him. He was special to his granddaughters, too.

This past week, I think, has made us realize all how much of a public hero our grandfather was to so many, Anna said. However, we got to know the soft side of Dave Haverdink, the one that we have the honor of calling grandpa, rather than chief.

She said she would miss their Sunday lunches and him asking if she got a discount on her ripped jeans because so much fabric was missing.

Her sister, Elizabeth, said: My grandpas dedication to his father, family, friends, the fire department and his community are what made him the outstanding man he was and what will help his legacy continue for generations to come.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A 58-year-old man stood his ground that he acted in self-defense when he stabbed another man to death during a street fight.

Greggory Harris expressed zero remorse on Wednesday, Jan. 7, moments before a judge sentenced him to decades in prison for the killing of 53-year-old Larone Crenshaw.

The altercation between Harris and Crenshaw unfolded Oct. 1, 2023, near the Bottle House on South Division Avenue. Harris and Crenshaw started fighting over a bicycle, testimony revealed.

The two men exchanged punches before Crenshaw tackled Harris to the ground and started beating Harris up. Harris, while on the bottom of the scuffle, began stabbing Crenshaw.

After the incident, Harris left the scene and Crenshaw walked to a nearby porch.

Grand Rapids police found Crenshaw on the sidewalk with stab wounds. He later died at an area hospital.

Harris was convicted of second-degree murder during a second trial in October. The first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

In court Wednesday, Harris blamed fraud and false evidence that led to his conviction. He doubled down on his claim of self-defense.

I dont make any apologies for defending myself  most certainly not, Harris said. I believe I acted lawfully in doing so.

Unfortunately for you Mr. Harris, the jury disagreed with you, Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Denenfeld said in response.

Harris was sentenced to 30-45 years in prison on the murder charge.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A 50-year-old Jenison resident was shot early Wednesday, Jan. 7, at a home in Georgetown Township.

The victims injuries are not life-threatening, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said.

The shooting was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Bauer Road, near 24th Avenue, police said.

Police did not say what led up to the shooting.

Police are searching for the suspect but said there is no active threat in the area.

Police asked anyone with information to call 800-249-0911 or Silent Observer 877-887-4536.
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  A West Michigan fire chief, who fell in love with lights and sirens at an early age, was ushered to his final resting place guided by those lights.

A funeral procession for David Haverdink, 74, chief of Hamilton Fire Department, left his funeral service Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland and traveled to Riverside Cemetery off 47th Street in Hamilton.

The motorcade was led by an Allegan County sheriffs patrol car, followed by an ambulance acting as a hearse, Chief Haverdinks family, Hamilton fire trucks, an AMR ambulance crew, and first response vehicles from several area departments, including Wayland, Coopersville, and Holland.

27 1 / 27 Longtime West Michigan fire chief honored with funeral procession

Haverdink died on Christmas Day, two days after he was struck by a vehicle while responding to a medical call on M-40 near 136th Avenue.

He had served with Hamilton Fire Department for 51 years, over 40 years as chief.

So many times we saw Dave called away from worship at our church by an emergency page, and he might not have known what kind of situation he was stepping in to, but he was willing to step in, said Pastor Wayne Bakker of East Saugatuck Church during the service.

Until his very last day, he was willing to step in.

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer honored the fire chief by ordering flags be flown at half-staff across the state.

He was an example of the selflessness and dedication firefighters across Michigan demonstrate each and every day. Lets honor this fallen hero and keep his family and the entire Hamilton Fire Department in our thoughts, Whitmer said in a statement.
BIG RAPIDS, MI - A little under a month after an associate professor at Ferris State University was arrested by federal immigration agents, he was fired.

Sumith Gunasekera, who was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in mid-November, was fired for misconduct in December, according to letter obtained with his personnel file via the Freedom of Information Act.

Below are three takeaways from MLives initial reporting.

1. Professor taken into ICE custody on Nov. 12, placed on paid leave Nov. 25.

Gunasekera was taken into ICE custody Nov. 12 in the Detroit area, according to a Nov. 25 news release by the Department of Homeland Security.

The agency alleges he is an undocumented immigrant from Sri Lanka.

During his arrest, Gunasekera told agents he was employed as an associate professor for Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids.

After learning of his arrest, the university placed him on nondisciplinary paid leave to gather more information.

According to ICE officials, Gunasekera entered the U.S. in February 1998, left for Canada and returned later that year on a student visa.

When Gunasekera applied for a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2012, officials wrote they learned he was convicted of crimes in Canada.

According to ICE, Gunasekera was convicted in November 1998 of uttering a threat to cause death or bodily harm and sexual interference.

The conviction happened in Brampton, Ontario, and Gunasekera was sentenced to one month in jail and placed on probation for a year.

Gunasekera was also convicted of disorderly conduct in January 2004 in Las Vegas, according to ICE. He was sentenced to fines and costs.

Gunasekera remains in ICE custody pending further immigration proceedings. According to an online detainee locator, hes now being held at the North Lake Processing Center, a large detention facility in Baldwin owned and operated by the private prison company GEO Group.

2. Professor fired for misconduct on Dec. 11

On Dec. 9, Ferris State held a hearing, which university leaders wrote was to determine if Gunasekera violated university policy by providing false or misleading information on his employment application and about his leave of absence.

Attempts to reach both Gunasekera and his wife by the universitys human resources department were not successful, according to his personnel file, and no one attended the hearing on his behalf.

Gunasekera was then notified of his termination in a letter on Dec. 11.

Dave Murray, Ferris States associate vice president of marketing and communications, confirmed Gunasekera is no longer with Ferris State University.

It would be inappropriate to discuss a personnel issue, he said in an emailed statement.

Prior to his placement on paid leave, Gunasekera - who holds a doctorate from the University of Nevada - had been employed by Ferris State since 2023 as an assistant professor of marketing.

He had no previous instances of disciplinary action included in his personnel file, and information on Gunasekera was limited on his Ferris State online biography page.

According to a letter included with his application to Ferris State, Gunasekera wrote that he was previously an adjunct professor of data analytics at National University, described online as the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego, California, and a top educator of the U.S. military.

He said he also worked as an associate professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and as a professor at a privately-owned school, Colombo City Campus, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

3. Ferris State said it received false information about Gunasekeras absence

In another Dec. 2 letter notifying him of preliminary charges and an upcoming hearing, Provost Robert Fleischman wrote the university was concerned he may have provided false information on his job application and engaged in job abandonment by not appearing for assigned courses.

It also appears that you have provided false information regarding the cause of your absence, Fleischman wrote.

According to the letter, Ferris States College of Business was contacted by Gunasekeras wife around Nov. 12, who indicated he would be unable to attend his courses due to injuries incurred as a result of an accident.

After learning about his arrest through media reports on Nov. 25, Fleischman wrote that an investigation by the University Office of Public Safety confirmed a conflict between his criminal history record and information initially provided to the university on his employment application.
JACKSON, MI  Impulsive, youthful and armed with a stolen shotgun as he sat in his AMC Rambler Station Wagon, Kyle Anderson shot Thomas Mathias in the summer of 1975.

Mathias, 24, suffered grievous wounds to the chest from the blast fired only 10 feet away. He died 20 days later.

Anderson, who believed Mathias had made a pass at his wife, was later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

He was only 19.

Fifty years later, with his eyesight failing and his hair gray and almost gone, Anderson, 69, has a chance to be free again.

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain resentenced Anderson on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to 40-60 years in prison, making him immediately eligible for parole.

I took a life. I can never undo what I have done, Anderson said, holding back tears. I was an impulsive 19-year-old that did not consider the consequences of my actions and the effect that it had on Thomas Mathias and his family as well as my family. Im no longer that same 19-year-old impulsive teen.

A member of Mathiass family could not be located to provide a victim impact statement to the court for the resentencing.

Anderson changed a lot in his years in prison, becoming a model inmate while missing out on family events and tragedies alike, he said.

He has earned 40 college credits, participated in various vocational training programs and works in the prisons mattress factory, he said.

His brother, John Anderson, was killed and he was an uncle to two children who were born and died before they had a chance to meet him, he said.

We know that children learn how to behave from their surroundings, Andersons attorney Ashley Craythorne said. The investigation in this case reflected that Mr. Anderson grew up in an environment that was marked by physical abuse, exposure to criminality and violence and neglect, and for a long time he had no reason to believe that that was anything but normal. Looking back on his actions, he thinks very differently today.

McBain said that while he found the crime Anderson committed alarming, he found no legal reason to exceed a recommended sentence of 40-60 years.

You paid a significant price in terms of a half century in prison, McBain said. I certainly hope that I can trust your counsels representations about societys feeling and comfort about you being released from the Department of Corrections after such a lengthy sentence.

Anderson is one of 19 men sentenced to life without parole for murder who now require resentencing due to a Michigan Supreme Court decision.

In 2024, the court ruled authorities must review cases and resentence all 18-year-olds who were convicted of first-degree murder.

The court found a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole unconstitutional when applied to young offenders.

The Michigan Supreme Court expanded the ruling a year later to include 19- and 20-year-olds.

Judges can still sentence young adults to life without parole, but it cannot be automatic without any considerations when the defendant is 20 or younger.

Jackson County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matt Way said he was not asking the judge to uphold the life sentence. The Prosecutors Office believes it could not meet the burden needed to validate a life sentence in this case, he said.

You have to show that somebody is basically irreparably corrupt, Way said. You know that they have no chance of being rehabilitated. We just simply cannot meet our burden of showing what we need to show in order for the court to impose life.

Craythorne and McBain noted Anderson has been a well-behaved prisoner in his 50 years of incarceration. He has been in the lowest security level since 1984 and has no prisoner misconduct citations involving assault or violent behavior.

What citations he received while in prison were largely for being in an area where he was not allowed or gambling, McBain said.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
JACKSON, MI  A gender discrimination lawsuit filed by Jacksons first female firefighter has ended in a settlement with the city.

Former Jackson firefighter Annie Wallen accepted an $85,000 agreement on Nov. 20, ending her discrimination lawsuit filed a year ago in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, according to the agreement obtained by MLive through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Wallen signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of the settlement, barring her from speaking about the case.

We are pleased that the matter has been resolved, Wallens attorney Crystal Bultje said. Annie greatly appreciated the support she received from so many people during this process, and shes grateful to be able to put this behind her.

Additionally, Wallen agreed to never seek employment from the city of Jackson in the future, according to the settlement agreement.

Wallen put in her resignation notice Nov. 18, 2022, after the complaints she raised were characterized as struggles she faced due to her mental health problems, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 21, 2024, contended the city and her supervisors failed to adequately equip her with safety gear or provide accommodations for a woman in the firehouse and did nothing to stop harassment from her coworkers.

There were stashes of pornography in the dorm, the men slept in various states of undress, there were penis-measuring contests in the showers and, in one incident, a firefighter arranged the departments resuscitation dummies in a way that looked like they were having sex, the lawsuit stated.

The frat-boy like atmosphere, which defendants permitted to exist, made it impossible for Wallen, or any other woman, to ever feel comfortable and accepted at the department, the lawsuit stated.

In the lawsuit, Wallen said the fire department failed to provide her with standard and fitted firefighting gear in womens sizes despite knowing for months of her hiring.

Wallen was hired into the department in 2019 using money from a federal grant, which expired a year later. She was laid off after the grant ended but returned full time in 2021. She contended the department did not want to waste time or money buying gear specific to fit her unless or until she was able to prove her abilities and the department hired her on permanently, according to the lawsuit.

In a prior interview with MLive/The Jackson Citizen Patriot Wallen said she felt welcomed by her fellow firefighters.

The guys on my shift knew and they took me in, and theyve been nothing but big brothers, Wallen said. Ive had no issues with the guys. All the guys have been very accepting and then some. Theyve been nothing but good to me.

Wallen wanted to fit in, according to the lawsuit. She wanted her colleagues to be like her brothers, and sometimes she reported it as such because she so desperately wanted it to be true. And with a handful of them, it was, the lawsuit states.

A handful of respectful, inclusive, mature firefighters who treated her like an equal wasnt enough to overcome the consistent, perpetual discrimination and harassment she received from the rest  including leadership, the lawsuit stated.

In October 2022, Wallen followed the chain of command to report incidents of harassment and discrimination, but nothing changed, according to the lawsuit.

She resigned a month later.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  A Scouting America volunteer is charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after he allegedly used hidden cameras to capture video of girls changing and showering.

Robert Alan Mark, 59, of Whitehall was arraigned Wednesday, Jan. 7, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids after a federal grand jury handed down the indictments.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a penalty of at least 15 years, and up to 30 years, in prison.

Mark, a crew leader for the youth organization, was named in a criminal complaint filed in December by the FBI before the case went before the grand jury, court records said.

Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Council revoked Marks membership on Aug. 22, when the allegations came to light. A state police sergeant who is also Scouting America volunteer monitored Mark after another volunteer said Mark had recorded underage girls 10 years earlier at a waterpark.

The volunteer did not know Mark was associated with Scouting America at that time. But in 2019, the volunteer saw him recording girls at a pool during another event, the FBI said in court records.

In early August, the sergeant saw Mark point his cellphone under a picnic table to record two girls, ages 13 and 14, in short shorts, the FBI said.

The parents of the older girl watched Mark at another Scouting event and said he recorded a group of children, including their daughter as she walked away.

The parents said Mark held pool parties at his house and told their daughter she could use his bathroom to change and shower.

In late August, investigators executed a search warrant at Marks house and found two small black cameras, two power adapters with built-in cameras and five plastic hooks with built-in cameras, the FBI said.

Investigators found a folder on his cellphone called, My Vault, with initials of the alleged victims in the videos, the FBI said.

At least 60 of the videos in the My Vault folder showed female children in either a bathroom or bedroom showering, undressing from bathing suits, changing into regular clothing, undressing to use the toilet, and/or stepping out of the shower in a bathing suit or nude  , FBI special agent Aaron Eastham wrote.

Six of the indictments involve incidents from 2024 while the other two occurred sometime in 2015 to 2018, court records said.

Mark had no previous criminal record, court records showed. He is free on a $50,000 unsecured bond.
BAY CITY, MI  Final inspections are all that stand between now and when the new drop-in shelter at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission will open, according to the organizations top official.

Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan Chief Executive Officer Dan Streeter said the new drop-in shelter is in the final stages of renovation. Once final inspections take placesometime before Monday, Jan. 12, the shelter can announce an opening date.

We are getting very close, Streeter said via email.

The shelter, located in a previously unused area of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at 713 9th St., received approval in July with the goal of opening before temperatures dropped below freezing. Earlier this year, however, officials announced the opening would be delayed until mid-Novemberstill in time for colder weather, but later than originally anticipated. Construction challenges, including asbestos removal, contributed to the delay, officials said.

Serenus Johnson Construction is currently preparing the space, which is expected to expand the rescue missions ability to serve community members in need, according to a social media post from mission officials.

Staff for the new drop-in center have already been hired and are undergoing training ahead of the opening. The center will introduce a new component to the missions work in the Bay City area, offering short-term, overnight shelter on a drop-in basis for individuals experiencing homelessness.

In addition to the shelter expansion, the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission is increasing its kitchen cooler capacity to better support meal service for guests.

The commission granted initial approval for the project at its January meeting, launching the substantial amendment process required for significant changes to adopted Annual Action Plans or Consolidated Plans. The commission later approved a resolution authorizing the use of $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the project.

The funding will be drawn from previous program years, meaning the current lack of a federal budget will not impact construction or funding availability. Specifically, the project will use $59,600 from 2019 funds, $23,074 from 2020, $78,125 from 2021, and $89,201 from 2022.

The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission opened in Bay City in 2005, initially serving homeless women and children across the county. In 2009, it expanded to include a mens shelter, becoming the countys largest shelter provider. Additional growth followed with the opening of the Samaritan Youth Shelter in 2021, the Labadie Lofts in 2023, and the Doud House in 2024. Despite these expansions, both mission leaders and city officials have continued to stress the need for a drop-in center to provide immediate, short-term assistance to unhoused individuals.

Drop-in centers typically meet basic needs such as access to showers, clothing, and meals, and may also provide health services, case management, and social supports, including legal assistance, help obtaining identification, and guidance navigating government programs.

Previously, Streeter said the center is expected to operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and will feature a simple layout, with each guest allotted a 4-foot-by-4-foot space. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 35 guests. Streeter also expressed interest in partnering with local organizations to offer mental health care, physical health services, and other supportive resources.

According to Streeter, the centers only rules will prohibit weapons and drugs. Individuals with prior convictions will be permitted to use the facility.
BAY CITY, MI  An Essexville teen is accused of drunkenly crashing a truck into a utility pole on Christmas night, then abandoning the vehicle with two guns still inside.

About 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 25, police responded to the intersection of Center Avenue and North Johnson Street for a traffic crash. They arrived to find a black 2014 GMC Sierra pickup disabled at Ideal Party Store, its front passenger tire flattened and bent inward, their reports state.

Though its headlights remained on, the driver was absent, reports state.

Officers found a broken light post and damaged tree at the northeast corner of Center and Hampton Street. A debris trail led from the damaged pole across a sidewalk on Center to the truck, reports state.

Several witnesses approached police to say they had heard or seen the collision. One female motorist said she checked on the trucks driver after hearing the crash. She described him as calm, collected, and smelling of alcohol.

A male witness said he saw the driver run from Ideal after leaving his truck there, reports state.

Police searched the truck and found an open bottle of Nutrl vodka seltzer in its center console, a .22-caliber Rough Rider revolver, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Neither gun was loaded, reports state.

Officers also found several Christmas gifts with tags reading From Cole and a check for $150 written to Cole Adamowski, reports state.

Police ran the trucks license plate and confirmed it belonged to an Essexville man, the father of Cole M. Adamowski, 19. They went to the house and spoke with Adamowskis father, who said he had just picked up his son after hed called saying he had a bad tire. He added both guns in the Sierra were his, reports state.

Officers also spoke with Adamowski. He claimed he consumed Nyquil a few hours prior but no alcoholic beverages, reports state.

Adamowski told police he had been driving down Center when his trucks right front tire gave out, prompting him to pull into Ideals lot. He left the truck and walked to a nearby relatives house, where his father picked him up, he said.

Adamowski went on to say he had consumed one alcoholic beverage, reports state. Officers noted he smelled of intoxicants, had slurred speech, and delayed responses in answering questions.

After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Adamowski allegedly admitted to police he knew leaving the crash site was wrong, reports state. He then submitted to a preliminary Breathalyzer test, the results indicating his blood-alcohol level was 0.119, reports state.

Michigan law states a person is legally intoxicated when their blood-alcohol level hits 0.08.

Police arrested Adamowski and lodged him in the county jail. At 12:16 a.m., he submitted to two more Breathalyzer tests, yielding results of 0.148 and 0.153, reports state.

After spending the night in jail, Adamowski on Dec. 26 appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and single counts of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and failure to report an accident to fixtures. The weapon charge is a five-year felony, while the other two counts are misdemeanors.

The arraigning judge freed Adamowski on a personal recognizance bond. Adamowski is to appear for a preliminary examination on Jan. 14.
BAY CITY, MI  A black-market tattoo artist in Bay City has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a female customer.

Robert W. Trexler, 48, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, appeared before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer for a scheduled preliminary examination. Rather than proceed with witness testimony, Trexler waived his right to the hearing.

Janer bound Trexlers case over to Circuit Court and served as a judge of the higher court in accepting a plea from Trexler.

Trexler pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual contact and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The former charge is a five-year felony, while the latter is a two-year high court misdemeanor.

In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a 15-year felony count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Janer freed Trexler on a personal recognizance bond pending his sentencing, which is yet to be scheduled. There is no sentencing agreement or recommendation from the prosecutors office.

Trexlers convictions stem from an incident that occurred the early morning of Sept. 18. Police met with a 44-year-old woman who called 911 to report Trexler having sexually assaulted her.

The woman said she began exchanging text messages with Trexler in hopes of getting a tattoo from him, she said. She added Trexler had previously tattooed her, according to police reports.

The woman messaged Trexler that she would visit his apartment on Bay Citys East Side after getting off work about 4:30 a.m., she told police. She went to his apartment in the predawn hours and was greeted by Trexler wearing only a towel around his waist, she told police.

Trexler proceeded to grab and sexually assault her, she alleged. She repeatedly resisted but he would not let her go, she said.

Trexler at different points offered her a free tattoo or $50, but the woman replied she was not a prostitute and would pay for the new ink, she told police.

A detective reinterviewed the woman on Oct. 2. She said she went to Trexlers apartment to get a tattoo and found him acting strange  using a couch cushion as a shield, searching his house with a flashlight, and smoking something from a glass pipe that did not smell like marijuana, reports state.

She added the assault felt like forever and she was afraid to fight back as Trexler had two large dogs she was fearful would attack her, reports state.

The woman undid several door locks to leave Trexlers apartment, she told the detective. She went to her own apartment, told her roommate what happened, and called 911.

The detective reviewed messages the woman exchanged with Trexler, which featured them discussing the tattoo design and its cost, reports state.

The detective interviewed Trexler on Oct. 23. He said he moved to Bay City from Maryland to help operate a tattoo shop, but the business closed and he has since been tattooing out of his home, reports state.

Michigan law does not require tattoo artists to be licensed as individuals, but it does mandate they only practice their trade at licensed facilities.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services records indicate Trexlers address is not a licensed body art facility. The colloquial term for tattooists who practice in unlicensed facilities, often private residences, is scratchers.

Trexler admitted the woman was a customer of his, adding she had been very flirtatious with him when he first tattooed her. He called her the night of Sept. 17 and asked if she wanted to mess around, he told the detective.

The woman answered in the affirmative, Trexler told the detective.

Trexler admitted to wearing only a towel when he greeted the woman at his door. He alleged he had consensual sexual contact with the woman, that he never forced her to do anything, and that she never resisted.

Police found no record the State of Michigan had ever issued Trexler an ID, reports show.
The end is in sight for a show that has become a critical and commercial hit.

Paramount+ announced this week that Mayor of Kingstown has been renewed for an eight-episode fifth and final season. Oscar-nominee Jeremy Renner and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco will star.

Co-created by Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, the crime drama is set in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan and explores themes of power, corruption, and survival in a town dominated by the prison industry.

Tension between inmates, guards, police, gangs, and politicians is constant, but the story follows the McLusky family, who act as unofficial power brokers, mediating between the competing forces to keep a fragile peace.

The series debuted in 2021 with just a 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, but has steadily improved since, earning a 100% score for its fourth season in 2025.

Ratings have been solid, but not on the level of other Sheridan led Paramount projects like Landman and Tulsa King, which have charted on Nielsens weekly Top 10 of streaming originals, according to Deadline.

Season four also stars BAFTA Award winner Lennie James, Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, Hugh Dillon, Taylor Handley, Tobi Bamtefa, Derek Webster, Hamish Allan- Headley and Nishi Munshi.

The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios, 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan, has died.

He was 80.

The family announced his passing Tuesday, noting he died in Los Angeles surrounded by his family.

He died following a battle with cancer, according to Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young Americas Foundation and director of the Reagan Ranch.

Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa, the family said. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.

One of the former presidents five children, he was adopted by Reagan and first wife, actress Jane Wyman, shortly after his birth in 1945. He was a conservative political commentator, strategist and radio talk show host.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also released a statement upon news of his death, calling him a steadfast guardian of his fathers legacy.

Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagans ideals, the statement said.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of sorrow.

Several political observers were offering condolences on social media.

Michael Reagan is survived by his wife, Colleen, their two children, Ashley and Cameron, and their families.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Tuesday.

Noting the bilateral relations have taken on a new look under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Li said that China has always placed its relations with the ROK at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. He also noted that the country is willing to work with the ROK to uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, seek common ground while reserving differences, and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations along the right track and better benefit the two peoples.

Li pointed out that China and the ROK are important economic and trade partners to each other, and over the past 30-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China and the ROK have achieved fruitful cooperation results and effectively promoted common development.

Noting that the two countries have close economic ties and deeply interwoven industrial and supply chains, Li said the two sides should abandon the zero-sum mindset and provide more certainty for each other's development through strengthened cooperation.

China is willing to promote cooperation with the ROK in emerging fields such as high-end manufacturing, artificial intelligence and new energy, deepen industrial integration and synergy, and jointly cultivate new drivers of development, Li said. He also said China welcomes enterprises from the ROK to expand their investment in China and expressed the hope that the ROK side will offer greater convenience for Chinese enterprises to invest in the ROK.

China and the ROK should work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and safeguard international fairness and justice, to contribute to the promotion of peace, stability and development in the region and the wider world, Li added.

For his part, Lee said that the ROK attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to respect each other's core interests, enhance bilateral dialogue and exchanges, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade.

The ROK side actively encourages its enterprises to expand cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in the ROK. The ROK is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard free trade, and promote regional and international peace and stability, said Lee. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
U.S. officials have updated a travel advisory for a picturesque Caribbean nation.

The U.S. Department of State increased the advisory level for Grenada to level 2 this week, urging potential travelers to use increased caution due to the risk of crime.

Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada, a notice said. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States.

Level 2 is relatively low on the advisory scale compared to places like Russia, Belarus, Iran and Syria, which are currently under Do Not Travel Level 4 advisories.

Grenada is a small island country in the southern Caribbean, often called the Isle of Spice because of its production of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa.

Lush and volcanic, with rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, and crater lakes, it is surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters and is famous for beaches like Grand Anse Beach.

Its capital, St. Georges, is often considered one of the most picturesque harbors in the Caribbean due to its colorful buildings and historic fort overlooking the sea

If you decide to travel to Grenada:
LANSING, MI  A law used by a House Republican-controlled committee to cut $645 million in state funding for various projects is unconstitutional, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

On Wednesday, Nessel issued a formal opinion in response to a request by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing.

She wrote that the canceled funding violates two requirements in the Michigan Constitution, which limit one branch of government from doing the job of another and require laws to be debated, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor.

By empowering a single legislative committee to negate the State Budget Directors work-project designations, the statute reserves the very administrative control that the separation of powers forbids, Nessel wrote in her opinion. This disapproval mechanism effectively creates a legislative vetoor, more accurately, a legislative committee veto.

Soon after the opinion was issued, the state budget office shared communication that it would re-active appropriation codes to allow departments to again begin spending.

It comes after the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, controlled by a Republican majority, voted Dec. 10 to strip $645 million in funds for various items called work projects.

Nessels opinion, which generally has binding authority over state agencies unless its overturned in court, was applauded by Democrats and decried by Republicans.

We are going to sue, said House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, because Michigan taxpayers need someone to fight for them and stop this absurd and incorrect interpretation of Michigan law.

House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, R-Brighton, called the opinion wrong on the law and wrong on the facts.

It feels far more like a political defense of Democrats pet projects than an objective legal analysis, Bollin wrote.

The defunded programs, which were not publicized ahead of the vote, included $63 million in roadway and other infrastructure grants, more than $100 million in economic development grants and $50 million in grants to ensure local governments are providing quality legal defense for those who cant afford it.

Smaller projects also provided wigs for children with cancer, mental health services for children who had been sexually assaulted and financial support for new mothers, according to House Democrats who criticized the decision.

Hall billed the move as part of his caucuses effort to cut waste, fraud and abuse in government.

The cuts were made possible because of a seldom-used statute contained in the Management and Budget Act for specific programs -- known as work projects -- that receive state budget funds.

Each project granted funding is given a deadline to expend the funds.

If there are remaining funds after the deadline, the states budget office can recommend lawmakers extend the time the recipient has to use the money and complete the project.

The same statute then allows either the Senate or House appropriations committee, acting alone, to disapprove those work projects.

Money can be left over after a deadline for work projects for a variety of reasons, such as a rainy construction season or not as many people signing up for a program as estimated.

The State Budget Office recently recommended nearly $2.7 billion in continued work project funding, but the House Appropriations Committee rejected $645 million of that.

Hall previously said that by stripping continued funding from the earmarks, it would force them to go through the new transparency process if they want to have funding restored.

Not all of the $645 million in blocked work projects were waste, fraud and abuse, Hall previously said, with some projects lumped together under one line item that could either be halted or continued.

He said some of the projects blocked from continued funding may come back via a supplemental budget bill.

But in the days that immediately followed, some canceled fund recipients expressed concern that their projects would be delayed or remain unfinished if the funding wasnt immediately restored.

And a new rule, part of a special projects transparency package that took effect Jan. 1, could delay how quickly projects could gain funding back through legislation. The law mandates that lawmakers publicly disclose earmark funding requests at least 45 days before any vote on bills containing them.

In response, House Democrats introduced legislation requiring the appropriations committees of both chambers, not just one, to approve blocking continued funding for work projects.

In the Senate, Democrats and five Republicans moved to restore $634 million in project funding, part of a supplemental bill not likely to win House support.

Now, Nessel is concluding in her opinion that the disapproval mechanism violates two requirements in the Michigan Constitution.

Those are the Separation of Powers, which limits one branch of government to exercise the functions of another, and Bicameralism and Presentment, which reflects the mandate that laws must be debated and passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor.

Nessel wrote that the statute is an unconstitutional violation because it allows a single legislative committee to exert control over the executive branchs implementation of enacted laws.

This comprises an unconstitutional reservation of administrative control that interferes with the executive branchs core function of executing the laws, she wrote, adding that when an appropriation is enacted, the Legislatures role ends, and the executive branchs duty to faithfully execute the law begins.

The committee veto also doesnt comply with the constitutional requirement that legislative action be approved by both chambers and presented to the governor, she said, except in only certain narrow and explicit circumstances expressly identified within the Constitution itself.

Nessel went on to conclude that the statute is severable from the rest of the law, meaning the remaining portions of the statute pertaining to work projects remain intact and enforceable.

That includes the state budget directors ability to designate work projects, reporting requirements and other criteria, she said.

House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, said attempting the cuts underscored how out of touch Republicans are with what the people of Michigan really want and need.

Im grateful to know that the state Constitution is on our side, and these cuts are being stopped before they can do any more damage, he said.

Bollin disagreed. She said the committee acted fully within its legal authority under a law thats been on the books for decades and allows the disapproval of work projects that do not meet the standards required by law.

Nothing about that authority is new, and nothing about our action was unconstitutional, she said. What is new is Democrats frustration that the days of unchecked slush funds and blank checks are coming to an end.

Bollin said the legislature has authority and responsibility to oversee how taxpayer dollars are spent, and political opinions will not change that reality, nor will they deter House Republicans from continuing to restore accountability to state government.
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan recently spoke about how he plans to reach voters outside of the states biggest city while campaigning for governor.

During his first press conference after leaving office, he described himself as now a full-time candidate, with Mary Sheffield sworn in as the new mayor of Detroit. He is among a crowded field seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Elected as a Democrat, Duggan left the party to run as an independent. He painted himself during the Jan. 5 virtual media event as focused on connecting with those who feel left out by the traditional partisan campaigns.

He described sitting in farmhouses with a dozen people at a time and going to areas of the state that say they havent seen a governor candidate in decades.

When asked how hes being received as the mayor of a major metropolitican area, Duggan said he believes the approach to reaching voters in more rural corners of Michigan will be similar to the playbook used during his Detroit mayoral race.

There was a point at which I was a white guy who moved from Livonia campaigning in an 83% Black city, he said. I did not go into those neighborhoods saying, Im coming in with your answers. I came in listening.

Duggan said hes hearing the same question  What do you know about our problems?  from voters in places like Marquette.

His answer?

Let me tell you about representing people who have felt forgotten and ignored, Duggan said. Ill take you down and introduce you to a mom raising three kids on a block with no street lights, where the parks hadnt been cut in two years, when the ambulances dont show up, and I didnt make excuses. We sat down and solved problems. Tell me about your problem.

Its a picture state Democrats are refuting, including at a virtual press conference held Monday before Duggans.

During the event, Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair Curtis Hertel said he believes Duggan has amassed very little grassroots support so far. He highlighted Republican donors and criticized Duggan for failing to oppose Trump administration policies.

I think this campaign has shown that it has zero movement and zero real grassroots support throughout the state, Hertel said. I think its going to be a problem when it comes to getting on the ballot, and I think its going to be a problem when there isnt anyone to actually do the work of knocking doors and talking to voters.

At the same time, his political spending hasnt moved the needle, Hertel said, including $8 million on billboards and media by a nonprofit supporting Duggans campaign.

Hes still running at the same third place, he said.

This campaign is nothing but an expensive and self serving ego trip on a road to nowhere Hertel added. Duggan has been consistently in last place with no path of winning a general election.

The dueling press conferences come at the start of what is shaping up to be a dramatic and unusual race for Michigans open gubernatorial seat, with three well-known Democrats and seven Republican candidates competing in two Aug. 4 primaries.

The winners will run against independent Duggan during the Nov. 3 general election.

The Cook Political Report, which provides election and campaign analysis, has rated the open race as a toss-up, meaning one party isnt poised to win.

But as Democrats go on the offensive against Duggan, early polling has shown he could draw more support from a Democrat than from a Republican in a general election scenario.

One poll released Dec. 2 placed Duggan at 18%, behind U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, at 37% and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at 31%. Another 14% were unsure.

Other Democratic candidates include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Marni Sawicki, former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida.

Another internal poll for Duggans campaign, conducted by Schoen Cooperman Research and reported by Axios, placed Duggan in third place with 26% support, behind Benson at 30% and James at 29%.

Other notable Republican candidates include former Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former House speaker Tom Leonard, Ax MI Tax Executive Director Karla Wagner, Pastor Ralph Rebandt and business owner Anthony Hudson.

Examples of third-party candidates elected governor in Michigan in the past are few and far between. But Duggan said he believes the climate to elect an independent has never been more fertile.

A path to victory would require appealing to some independent, Democrat and Republican bases across the state.

When asked what areas he plans to target, Duggan said theres no area Im writing off.

He mentioned several upcoming campaign stops this week in Flint, New Baltimore and Pontiac on the east side, along with West Michigan stops in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

Hertel said Duggan is repeatedly moving himself to the right to gain votes from those who voted for Trump, and Rep. Joey Andrews, D-St. Joseph, called him a shapeshifter.

Duggan is whoever he needs to be with for whatever room hes in, Andrews said.

But Duggan said he believes theres Michigan voters on both sides of the aisle tired of traditional politics and policy u turns. He criticized Democrats for a failure to take action on progressive policies when the party had a previous state government trifecta.

Theres no doubt the great majority of my support is not gonna come from the far right or the far left, he said.

Duggan told reporters on Monday he is meeting with a number of progressive groups and has received some union endorsements, but also spoke about meeting voters in red areas and finding people are angry with both parties there.

In rural Michigan, Duggan said hes already heard pleas for more affordable housing, the need for education system improvement and more vocational training opportunities, concern about a declining state population and frustration about an expected loss of farmer exports.

Theres a lot more here that unifies us than divides us, he said.

The Democratic party also talked about Duggans lack of Trump criticism, including over the U.S. relationship with Canada and what Hertel referred to as Trumps execution threats against U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, who was featured in a video in November urging American troops to refuse unlawful orders.

In response, Duggan said hes done interviews criticizing Canadian tariffs that hurt Detroit auto plants.

The other stuff that these guys get into, the Republicans and Democrats with their outrage machines and whatever the latest thing that Trump said, Im not gonna get into that, he said. Im gonna deal with solving problems. I delivered for Detroit by not getting engaged in the fight of the week in Washington.

Duggan likened his approach to that of Gov. Whitmer, who has made national headlines for maintaining a more cordial relationship with Trump in his second term. Hertel said he didnt believe the two should be in the same category.
The budget session, the first parliamentary session of the calendar year, traditionally begins with the Presidents address to a joint sitting of both Houses.
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BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Monday, with both sides agreeing to enhance bilateral strategic partnership, promote practical cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination. It is Lee's first visit to China since he took office, and the two heads of state have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, reflecting the importance both sides attach to China-ROK relations. ENHANCING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP China has consistently placed relations with the ROK high on its regional diplomatic agenda and maintained continuity and stability in its policy toward the ROK, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with the ROK to firmly uphold the direction of friendly cooperation, adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, promote bilateral strategic partnership along a healthy path, effectively enhance the well-being of both peoples, and contribute positively to regional and global peace and development. Xi called on both sides to enhance mutual trust, respect each other's development paths, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and resolve differences properly through dialogue and consultation. Lee said the ROK side hopes to use the first head-of-state diplomatic meeting of the year as an opportunity to consolidate the momentum of the comprehensive recovery and development of bilateral relations, seek common ground while reserving differences, deepen the ROK-China strategic cooperative partnership, and open a new chapter of bilateral relations. He emphasized that the ROK respects China's core interests and major concerns, and adheres to the one-China principle. Dong Xiangrong, senior fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that head-of-state diplomacy has played a significant guiding role in China-ROK relations, sending a clear positive signal to foster better bilateral ties, and greatly contributing to deepening political mutual trust and promoting economic and trade cooperation. In the future, both sides need to accommodate each other's major concerns including the Taiwan question, and maintain a stable cooperative relationship as important trading partners, Dong said. ACHIEVING MORE COOPERATION RESULTS China and the ROK share close economic ties with industrial and supply chains deeply interwoven, and the bilateral cooperation is mutually beneficial, Xi said. He said the two countries should further align their development strategies, strengthen policy coordination, expand the pie of common interests, and achieve more cooperation results in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green industries, and the silver economy. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has played a positive role in the economic and social development of both countries, Lee said, noting that the ROK looks forward to seizing the opportunities brought by China's 15th Five-Year Plan to achieve more results in practical cooperation with China. After their talks, Xi and Lee witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents in fields including scientific and technological innovation, ecological environment, transportation, and economic and trade cooperation. Yang Xiyu, a researcher from the China Institute of International Studies, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has always been the stabilizer and propeller of the development of bilateral relations. He said China and the ROK should leverage their long-standing traditional advantages, and strengthen cooperation with a focus on economy, trade, and technology. BEARING RESPONSIBILITIES IN PEACE, DEVELOPMENT China and the ROK shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, and share a wide range of common interests, Xi said, noting that the two countries should firmly stand on the right side of history and make the right strategic choices. More than 80 years ago, the two peoples made tremendous national sacrifices and won the victory against Japanese militarism, he said, adding that the two countries should join hands to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and protect peace and stability in Northeast Asia. As beneficiaries of economic globalization, China and the ROK must work together to oppose protectionism and practice true multilateralism, contributing to the advancement of an equal, orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization, Xi said. Lee said the ROK is willing to strengthen its multilateral coordination with China and contribute to global prosperity and development, and wishes China every success in hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting. Dong said amid the recent resurgence of Japanese militarism, China and the ROK should share a common position to maintain regional peace, and the two sides need to jointly address protectionism and defend free trade.
This photo shows a street view of Mukalla, Hadramout Province, Yemen, on Jan. 6, 2026. Yemen's internationally recognized government said on Saturday its forces had regained full control of the oil-rich southeastern province of Hadramout after a Saudi-backed military operation forced out fighters loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC). A military official said government forces entered Mukalla, the provincial capital and a key port city, after STC fighters withdrew under sustained Saudi airstrikes. Troops took control of state institutions, the official said. (Xinhua)

This photo shows a street view of Mukalla, Hadramout Province, Yemen, on Jan. 6, 2026. Yemen's internationally recognized government said on Saturday its forces had regained full control of the oil-rich southeastern province of Hadramout after a Saudi-backed military operation forced out fighters loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

A military official said government forces entered Mukalla, the provincial capital and a key port city, after STC fighters withdrew under sustained Saudi airstrikes. Troops took control of state institutions, the official said. (Xinhua)
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On social media, Babil regularly posts memories of Irrfan Khan and frequently expresses how much he still misses him.
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Daisy Shah slams political party after fire breaks out near her Mumbai home during election campaign, says, "its caused by brainless people"
Erivo, who plays a key role in the film Wicked: For Good, is currently working on a West End stage production of Dracula.
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Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban finalize divorce after 19 years, agree on joint parenting plan
People walk past a billboard depicting Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Jan. 6, 2026. Iran's army chief warned on Wednesday that the country will respond if hostile rhetoric by its "enemies" continues, according to the official IRNA news agency. (Xinhua)

TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's army chief warned on Wednesday that the country will respond if hostile rhetoric by its "enemies" continues, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Chief Commander of the Iranian Army Amir Hatami said Iran considers the escalation of hostile language against the Iranian nation a threat and will not allow it to go unanswered.

U.S. President Donald Trump has commented twice in recent days on the ongoing protests across Iran, claiming that the United States would take action if Iran "kills peaceful protesters."

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran's internal affairs concern only its own people, noting that the government and the people are engaging in dialogue.

Hatami stressed that the Iranian armed forces are in a state of full readiness, warning that any miscalculation by the "enemies" would trigger a response more decisive than Iran's actions during the 12-day war in June.

Commenting on recent unrest, he said protests are a natural phenomenon in any country, but the rapid transformation of demonstrations into riots is "unusual" and "undoubtedly planned by the enemies."

Hatami also described Western sanctions on Iran as "cruel," accusing Iran's adversaries of deliberately creating economic hardship to harm the Iranian people.

Protests have erupted since late December in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial. Authorities have acknowledged economic grievances and said they are working to address them, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest. 

A man walks past a billboard depicting Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Jan. 6, 2026. Iran's army chief warned on Wednesday that the country will respond if hostile rhetoric by its "enemies" continues, according to the official IRNA news agency. (Xinhua)

People drive past a billboard depicting Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Jan. 6, 2026. Iran's army chief warned on Wednesday that the country will respond if hostile rhetoric by its "enemies" continues, according to the official IRNA news agency. (Xinhua)
During the brief proceedings, Justice P.T. Asha directed the CBFC to submit a copy of the complaint which allegedly claims that the film hurts religious sentiments.
Dhanush Raj claimed in his complaint that his wife thought he had travelled overseas with another woman and suspected him of being dishonest.
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The distributors of the film in Europe and Malaysia shared a post on X on January 7, confirming the development.
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Do you love saunas? Research shows theyre linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease, a doctor explains more
Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.
The approval was based on a condition that the company pay a unique 25% revenue-sharing tax to the U.S. government.
Pilot shortages at IndiGo, which dominates India's aviation market with a 65% share, forced it to cancel about 4,500 flights last month, stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting air travel nationwide.
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Private jet flyers to get dedicated terminal at Navi Mumbai Airport by September 2026
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 16 others seriously injured when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Wednesday, rescue officials said.

The accident happened in Talagang district when the bus was traveling from Rawalpindi to Multan, officials from Rescue 1122 told Xinhua.

The bus plunged into a ravine about 100 feet deep while navigating a sharp turn in the mountainous area.

Rescue teams and district administration officials rushed to the scene after receiving information and carried out rescue operations.

The injured and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to a government hospital in Talagang for medical treatment and legal formalities. 
For Jindal Steel International, the international steel arm of the Naveen Jindal Group, it would mark a major expansion into Europe after buying smaller Czech peer Vitkovice Steel in 2024.
India wants to replicate the export-scale momentum achieved in smartphones.

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
Despite, talks between PM Modi and Trump, the slow progress in the trade deal has pressured the rupee and forced New Delhi to dole out $5 billion to protect Indian exporters
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MiniMax is run like a Silicon Valley startup, generating the bulk of its revenue from the 210 million users of its native AI apps through subscriptions and advertising. (Bloomberg image)
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Both insurance and national pension funds saw buying Indian equities worth over Rs 1.4 lakh crore during the year
NIAMEY, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven people, including Torodi Prefect Captain Chaibou Mali and his family, were killed in a terrorist attack in western Niger, national television Tele Sahel reported Tuesday.

The Defense and Security Forces responded swiftly to the overnight attack on Sunday, killing one terrorist on the spot and several others as they attempted to flee after a targeted airstrike, said the report.

An air-ground operation has been launched to "dismantle terrorist cells operating in the area, neutralize their local networks and sustainably degrade their operational capabilities," it said.

Troops recovered a motorcycle registered in a neighboring country, a weapon and a communications radio, said the report.

The motorcycle provided "tangible evidence" that the attack was part of "a structured, cross-border terrorist dynamic benefiting not only from local complicity but also from logistical, informational and operational support amounting to a genuine strategic sponsor," it said. 
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Tata Power to set up Rs 6,675-cr 10 GW ingot-wafer unit in Andhra, shares fall 1.5%
The Centre introduced 1 percent TDS on every crypto and VDA transaction with effect from July 1, 2022, following the Budget 2022 announcement

Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots.
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Police say the Class-IX student was allegedly groomed online, coerced into filming sensitive sites and tracked through his mobile phone.
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Jammu college loses MBBS permission amid admission to Muslims row, students to be shifted to other institutes
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BJP announces new West Bengal state committee, balances old guard and new faces before assembly polls
Hundreds of tables form a long street banquet as Yunnan's Hani ethnic community celebrates the Angmatu Festival, which carries hope for a bountiful year ahead. #LongStreetBanquet #NewYear #AngmatuFestival #Hani #Yunnan
'Can't read a dog's mind when it is in a mood to bite': Supreme Court on stray menace
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Luxembourg opened its Embassy in New Delhi in February 2002, one of its five embassies in Asia, and also maintains honorary consuls in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
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In Maharashtra, a rare BJP-Congress alliance, then all hell broke loose
However, shipments from sunrise sectors such as electronics have expanded their global footprint, the report said
The Infantry is also modernising in line with new warfare requirements by raising Ashmi platoons in each Infantry battalion. (Representative Photo)
The aircraft will also mark the Gurgaon-based airlines foray into medium-to-long-haul markets as it seeks to expand its footprint. (Pic: IndiGo)
NAIROBI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- As 2026 begins, the international landscape has undergone abrupt changes. The United States took surprise action against Venezuela, forcibly taking away President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, triggering widespread alarm among countries of the Global South. The African continent has also clearly sensed this storm brewing across the Atlantic, with emphasis on independent autonomy and vigilance over sovereign security reaching unprecedented levels.

Against this backdrop, African countries have become increasingly clear-headed in their thinking about development paths and security choices. Amid the tide of multipolarity, Africa is cultivating a steady and enduring resilience through economic transformation, improved governance, and the pursuit of self-reliant security.

ENHANCED SOVEREIGNTY AWARENESS

In early 2026, uncertainties in the external environment further intensified. Under the pretext of "national security," the United States imposed strict visa restrictions on several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, drawing strong opposition from the African Union (AU) and multiple governments. The affected countries responded swiftly, imposing entry restrictions in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.

This response was not an emotional confrontation but a rational move to safeguard legitimate rights and interests in a complex external environment. An increasing number of African nations recognize that sovereign security and development rights should not be arbitrarily "conditionalized," and that foreign relations must be built on equality and mutual respect.

Meanwhile, changes are also evident in how Africa handles internal disputes. Recent tensions in East Africa have arisen from disagreements between the Somali federal government and its Somaliland region over port usage rights, foreign cooperation, and political status. Political statements by certain extraregional actors regarding Somaliland's status have been viewed by the Somali side as challenges to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, the AU issued a clear statement reaffirming that Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are indivisible and opposing any unilateral actions that undermine regional stability.

In this context, African countries are striving to advance coordination through the AU framework, seeking to keep differences within the channels of dialogue and negotiation.

PROGRESS IN POLITICAL STABILITY

The year 2026 is a major election cycle for Africa, with political governance displaying a pattern of generally stable transitions alongside localized challenges.

From late 2025 to early 2026, countries such as Guinea completed elections and power transitions in a relatively smooth manner, demonstrating the resilience of regional political institutions. Entering 2026, key countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zambia, are also set to hold general elections. Compared with the past, voters' concerns are gradually shifting from traditional identity- and ethnicity-based issues toward governance capacity, including how to distribute the dividends of the digital economy, ensure energy security, and address mounting youth employment pressures.

In Zambia, the government has strengthened oversight of deepfake technologies across multiple platforms to prevent interference in the electoral process, reflecting broader efforts by African countries to enhance governance capacity in the digital era.

Nonetheless, security challenges remain a prominent governance difficulty. Armed group activity continues to fuel tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the conflict in Sudan drags on, generating severe humanitarian consequences. Under these circumstances, the Alliance of Sahel States is seeking to reduce reliance on external military intervention by strengthening autonomous defense cooperation and reshaping the regional security architecture, representing a practical exploration of "African solutions" in the security domain.

ECONOMIC RESILIENCE

Despite heightened volatility in the global financial environment, Africa's economy in 2026 continues to demonstrate notable resilience. International institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund project that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will exceed 4 percent in 2026, outpacing the global average and ranking among the highest across major regions.

This growth is driven by multiple factors. African countries are upgrading resource value chains. Amid the global energy transition, they are promoting a shift from raw material exports toward primary processing and local value addition, thereby improving their positioning within new-energy industry chains.

Moreover, as countries like China advance their opening-up amid rising global protectionism, more African countries are becoming increasingly integrated into the global market. China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations has entered its effective phase. Specialty products such as Ethiopian coffee and Mozambican sesame are gaining faster access to the Chinese market, reducing trade costs and enhancing export competitiveness.

In addition, Africa's digital infrastructure continues to strengthen. New infrastructure projects with Chinese participation, including undersea cables and 5G base stations, are providing critical support for cross-border payments, digital governance, and e-commerce development.

CHINA-AFRICA FRIENDSHIP

Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, 2026 has been designated the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges." China-Africa cooperation is advancing toward a more balanced and sustainable future.

The benefit of cooperation is reflected in landmark projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, which have promoted technology transfer and shared development dividends through diversified cooperation models. The righteousness is demonstrated by China's unilateral expansion of market access, including zero-tariff treatment for African countries, underscoring the responsibility of a major country.

The affection is deeply rooted in people-to-people ties. In recent years, exchanges between China and Africa have continued to deepen, spanning medical and health cooperation, vocational education, youth exchanges, and local-level cooperation. An increasing number of initiatives are directly improving people's lives. It is this trust and identification accumulated through long-term interaction that sustains the stable warmth of China-Africa relations amid a complex international environment.

Africa in 2026 stands at a critical juncture of development. From measured responses to external shocks, to autonomous exploration in security and governance, to the deepening integration of China-Africa cooperation, the continent is taking pragmatic and resolute steps to forge a modernization path with its own characteristics in a multipolar world. Amid turbulent international circumstances, Africa's resilience -- refusing to be swept along by shifting tides -- appears all the more precious. 
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The Supreme Court is expected to deliberate further before pronouncing its verdict on Justice Varmas petition challenging the parliamentary inquiry.
Tharoor said he met Raul John Aju, whom he described as a tech whiz doing incredible work in the field of artificial intelligence.
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A shop owner arranges Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress for women, at a shop in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Customers drink tea at a tea house in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

People dance at a square in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 6, 2026 shows a night view of Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

People visit a business street in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

People visit a business street in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A girl selects accessories at a store in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 6, 2026. At the beginning of the new year, Lanzhou has been actively creating a festive atmosphere and promoting the upgrading of mature business districts and characteristic streets in the urban area. A series of new products and services has been launched to boost the consumption. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
Sasaram Municipal Commissioner Vikas Kumar said the directive was issued in line with government guidelines.
Voters whose names did not appear in that roll were asked to furnish details of their parents or grandparents to establish continuity, a verification exercise termed as mapping.
According to the draft roll published by the Election Commission, about 2.98 crore names have been deleted across the state following the SIR
Union Minister CR Patil made the remarks at a public event while praising the Patidar community.
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Why has Bihar banned entry of people wearing hijab, niqab, scarf into jewellery shops?
Fadnavis said such alliances would not be acceptable under any circumstances and asserted that action would be initiated against BJP leaders who defied party directions, underlining the leaderships intent to enforce organisational discipline.
Moitras poem quickly drew sharp reactions online, with supporters viewing it as an expression of solidarity with Khalid, while critics cited the Supreme Courts observations on his alleged role.
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'India might have beaten me': Aussie in Bengaluru loses Rs 30 lakh to 'unprofessional workers'
The service lasted for roughly an hour and was conducted by a Buddhist monk.
The response from the restaurant owner, Wang Tulum, was posted publicly and ran at length.
KABUL, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police have confiscated 130 kg of illegal drugs and arrested 36 suspected smugglers in a series of operations across the country, official statements reported on Tuesday.

In northern Badakhshan province, authorities seized 130 kg of opium and hashish in Jurm district and detained one individual, according to a statement from the provincial police office.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced the arrest of 25 others linked to drug trafficking, possession and sales in provinces including Bamiyan, Kunduz and Parwan. Hundreds of narcotic tablets, along with quantities of crystal methamphetamine and hashish, were recovered from the suspects.

The Afghan government has pledged to intensify its campaign against illicit drugs, including production and trafficking, while cracking down on other criminal activities to maintain law and order nationwide. 
An X user flagged heavy weighing school bags after he found that his kid was carrying 4.5 kgs bag to the school.
NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will conduct the first spacewalk of 2026 from the International Space Station. The six-and-a-half-hour mission will prepare the station for new solar arrays, test safety equipment, collect samples, and mark a milestone for both astronauts, with live coverage streamed worldwide.

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Astronomers used the Green Bank Telescope to search interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS for signs of alien technology but found none. The study confirms the object behaves like a natural comet. Researchers say the discovery remains important, as future surveys may uncover more interstellar visitors and possible anomalies worth closer investigation.

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
Charlie Javice sold her startup Frank to JPMorgan for $175 million, claiming millions of users. After the deal, JPMorgan found most users were fake, fired Javice, and sued her for fraud. The case highlights risks in startup culture and has led to criminal charges.

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'Acquiring Greenland is a national priority for the US': White House says military option is 'always' available
GENEVA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A UN report on Wednesday condemned Israel for violating international law by implementing apartheid-like policies in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers and Palestinians are subjected to distinct legal systems resulting in widespread discrimination.

The report, released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, detailed the asphyxiating impact of Israel's laws, policies and practices on every aspect of daily life for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Israel's systemic discrimination against Palestinians is a long-standing issue, having sharply deteriorated since December 2022, said the report, warning that Israel is violating international law requiring states to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid.

"Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, resulting in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues, including movement and access to resources such as land and water," said the report.

It concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that segregation, discrimination and subordination are intended to be permanent, "to maintain oppression and domination of Palestinians."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said: "There is a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank. This is a particularly severe form of racial discrimination and segregation that resembles the kind of apartheid system we have seen before."

Turk urged Israel to dismantle all settlements and evacuate all settlers, and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and repeal "all laws, policies and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination against Palestinians based on race, religion or ethnic origin." 
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Aldrich Ames, the CIAs most devastating traitor, and the quiet life of betrayal
Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation.
The death of Mithun Sarkar marks the latest in a series brutal attacks reported in the last few days
On Tuesday, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said that all dual-use items with military purposes were banned from being exported to Japan, effective immediately. Bloomberg
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China weighs Metas Manus deal in widening battle over AI and tech control
Donald Trump claimed credit for resolving Indias Apache helicopter deal and influencing its trade and energy policies, citing his relationship with PM Modi. His statements lacked details and echoed previous unverified claims about US-India ties, tariffs, and diplomacy.

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India must rethink strategy as Bangladeshs anti-India rhetoric, electoral chaos escalate, says former envoy
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Is Bangladesh sliding towards another Pakistan on Indias eastern flank?
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From confirmed to cancelled: hotels sudden snub of India conference guests causes storm
How Maduro and his wife were injured during the US raid, and what officials told US Congress
SHANGHAI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai has introduced 20 new measures to boost domestic reinvestment by foreign-funded enterprises, with the goal of enhancing the city's business environment and attracting more foreign capital.

The measures, jointly issued by the municipal development and reform commission, the municipal commission of commerce and nine other departments, focus on facilitating project implementation, easing investment operations, implementing tax incentives, and optimizing investment promotion services.

Major initiatives include supporting various reinvestment models, optimizing land allocation, encouraging technology upgrades, and streamlining administrative processes for the domestic transfer of medical device production.

Tax policies are a major highlight, with continued implementation of preferential measures such as tax credits and the temporary suspension of withholding tax for profit reinvestment.

Shanghai's tax authority will actively identify potential reinvestment projects and provide tailored services to help foreign companies expand operations and fully benefit from the new policies.

As a leading gateway to China's opening-up, Shanghai exemplifies the country's sustained efforts to attract and retain foreign investment.

Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that in the first 11 months of 2025, a total of 61,207 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide in China, a year-on-year increase of 16.9 percent. By industry, foreign capital inflows reached 221.26 billion yuan (about 31.5 billion U.S. dollars) in high-tech sectors, with e-commerce services, medical device and aerospace equipment manufacturing growing 127 percent, 46.5 percent and 41.9 percent year on year, respectively. 
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Immunity, 'kidnapping' claims, classified evidence: The three landmines that could derail Maduros case
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India concerned over Venezuela crisis, urges all parties to prioritise citizens safety: Jaishankar
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Exclusive: Killings of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh worse than 1971, jizya fears resurface: Former diplomat
President Trump has renewed efforts to acquire Greenland, openly considering military options and citing national security. The move has sparked European backlash, with Denmark and Greenland rejecting the idea and concerns rising over NATO unity and Arctic stability.

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No democracy left in Bangladesh: Why Tarique Rahmans return changes nothing | Exclusive
Pakistan DG ISPR calls Indian journalists, critics as RAW agents, issues warning to India and Afghanistan
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Pakistan DG ISPR threatens India with mazaa na karaya toh paise vaapis, admits we also killed our own citizens
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Pakistan leverages Op Sindoor to win billion-dollar defence orders, claims won't need IMF bailouts soon
QINGDAO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A wave of tourists from the Republic of Korea (ROK) chose to ring in 2026 in China's eastern coastal province of Shandong, enjoying cultural familiarity and the region's iconic beer culture. On Dec. 31, 2025, the New Golden Bridge V ferry arrived in the coastal city of Qingdao from Incheon, carrying over 230 travelers from the ROK. On the same day, more than 600 ROK passengers arrived in Yantai city by ferry, followed by another group of nearly 600 arriving in Weihai city on Jan. 2. "Qingdao is very familiar to people from the ROK, and the transportation is convenient," said Hong Won Gil, president of Seoul-based Happy Tour Agency, who arrived aboard the New Golden Bridge V ferry with a tour group on New Year's Eve. Hong noted that his agency organized trips for over 5,000 ROK tourists to China in 2025, including more than 2,000 visiting Qingdao. He said the popularity of hiking Laoshan Mountain, China's highest coastal mountain, plus the local Shandong food and Tsingtao Beer, were major reasons people wanted to go. Shandong is among the Chinese provinces closest to the ROK. According to official data, the province handled 772,000 inbound foreign trips last year, among which 576,000 were made by ROK nationals, a 40 percent increase year on year. Culinary experiences have become a key component of this cross-border tourism. For many ROK visitors, a glass of Tsingtao beer has become a "must-do" experience in China. "Tsingtao Beer is well known in the ROK, and I drink it often at home," said Kim Hye Sook, a tourist from Anyang. "This time I definitely want to visit the Tsingtao Beer Museum," she said, adding that many people around her have similar plans. To accommodate this influx, local businesses have tailored their services. The Tsingtao Beer Museum introduced Korean-language online ticketing and currency payment channels. It also offers bilingual signage, Korean-speaking staff, and AI-powered audio guides to offer an even better experience. According to the Tsingtao Brewery Group, the museum received over 220,000 foreign visitors in 2025, a year-on-year increase of approximately 70 percent, with ROK tourists accounting for more than 80 percent of the total. The travel boom, notably, is not limited to Qingdao. In the neighboring city of Weihai, tourists visited cultural sites such as Huaxia City Scenic Area and Huancuilou. "One can touch deep history while seeing vibrant contemporary scenes here," said Byeon Seong Jae regarding his visit to Weihai, "This experience is very special." 
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuelan authorities "will be turning over" 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States.

The oil will be sold at market price and the proceeds will be controlled by Trump himself as the U.S. president, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, claiming that the arrangement is intended to ensure the money "is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." 
The murder of Hindu businessman and journalist Rana Pratap Bairagi in Bangladeshs Jessore district, despite paying protection money, has intensified fear among minorities facing extortion, targeted violence, and a shrinking sense of safety and dignity.

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Trump says Melania hates his dancing and calls it unpresidential as he mocks Maduro for imitating him
UBS has been assessing its cost base with a focus on trimming administrative and nonrevenue-generating positions
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US says it will control Venezuela oil exports indefinitely
The US seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic after tracking it for weeks, despite Russian naval presence nearby. The operation is part of US efforts to crack down on Venezuelan oil shipments and follows Maduro's capture.

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US seizes Russia-flagged tanker after chase from Venezuela
What is the Jizya tax that was cited before a Hindu mans killing in Bangladesh
BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's equity market kicked off 2026 with strong momentum, reinforcing growing confidence among domestic and international institutions, with technology-related sectors broadly regarded as the primary growth driver.

On Wednesday, China's A-share market hit fresh records, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.05 percent to 4,085.77 points, marking its highest level in over a decade. The index also logged its 14th consecutive daily gain, surpassing the previous record set in early 1992.

The upbeat start followed a robust performance in 2025, when the Shanghai Composite Index soared 18.4 percent, its best annual performance since 2020. Throughout last year, AI breakthroughs, policy measures to curb excessive competition and steady earnings growth have bolstered market sentiment, laying a solid foundation for further gains in 2026.

Looking ahead, optimism toward Chinese assets is gaining broad traction among domestic and international institutions, driven largely by confidence in the technology sector.

BULLISH PROSPECTS

A key pillar of optimism lies in the stable economic growth and improvements in corporate earnings. Since late 2025, multiple international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have raised their forecasts for China's 2026 economic growth, citing the country's long-term growth potential.

Earnings expectations have also improved. CITIC Securities projected listed companies' net profits to further improve in 2026, with full-year growth of around 4.8 percent.

Valuation levels provide an additional buffer. Despite last year's strong performance, A-share valuations remain at a significant discount to global peers, reinforcing their appeal to long-term investors.

Solid fundamentals and valuation advantages are expected to draw more global capital into Chinese equities. Huatai Securities estimated that since 2025, global exchange-traded funds investing in Chinese assets have recorded net inflows of about 83.1 billion U.S. dollars, mainly into onshore products.

Foreign financial institutions have echoed this optimism. Goldman Sachs has forecasted further gains for Chinese equities in 2026, projecting the MSCI China Index could rise around 20 percent, as AI investment and policy support are expected to translate into corporate profit growth.

In the Asian emerging markets, J.P. Morgan and Citi Private Bank have continued to hold overweight positions on China. Fidelity International also noted in its 2026 global asset outlook that multiple indicators suggest China may be entering a broader market upswing.

TECH ON TOP

Amid this broadly positive outlook, institutions largely agree that technology -- particularly AI -- will remain the market's dominant theme in 2026.

CITIC Securities expected a new wave of systematic gains in the tech sector, with focus areas including semiconductors, computing power and AI applications. It also pointed to upgrades in traditional industries and the global expansion of Chinese companies as additional investment priorities.

UBS Global Wealth Management's Chief Investment Office, in its "Year Ahead 2026" report, highlighted China's technology sector as "a top global opportunity," noting that AI-driven innovation and rising investment are fueling strong growth, with earnings expected to rise significantly in 2026.

It noted that advanced manufacturing and tech self-reliance are emerging as key growth drivers for China's stock market in 2026, with rising R&D investment in the technology sector helping increase the digital economy's share of GDP.

Reflecting this momentum, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology projects that China's core AI industry will surpass 1.2 trillion yuan (about 171 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, while the broader digital economy could exceed 70 trillion yuan by 2030.

Yang Delong, chief economist at First Seafront Fund, said the market's key drivers for 2026 -- policy support and ongoing tech innovation in China -- remain unchanged. As the market matures, increased off-exchange capital is expected to lift multiple sectors, moving beyond gains concentrated in tech, he added. 
January 7, 2026

Mafia Increases Activities

Both of these current news items about criminal U.S. behavior trigger the question What are you going to do about it?

RT.com

US military breached UN maritime convention  Russia

The Russian Transport Ministry has confirmed that the oil tanker Marinera has been captured by the US military. Earlier on Wednesday, the US European Command announced having taken possession of the ship, previously named the Bella 1, for alleged violation of US sanctions. The tanker was boarded by US military personnel in the high seas outside the territorial waters of any state, and that contact with the vessel was lost, the Russian Transport Ministry has said. On December 24, 2025, the Marinera received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag, issued in accordance with Russian and international law, the ministry stated, adding that the attack on the vessel came in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ensures freedom of navigation in international waters.

AP:

Trumps Energy Department outlines new policies for Venezuelan oil

The Trump administration is selectively removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department. The oil sales are slated to begin immediately with the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels from the South American country, and will continue indefinitely, the outline says. Proceeds will settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks and then be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the discretion of the Trump administration, it says.

If I were in Russias position I would look for valuable U.S. assets, at sea or elsewhere, to seize and hold hostage.

I do not know enough of Venezuelas alliances and capabilities, but I not do see any other way out for it but to fight the pirates by all possible means.

Please comment with suggestions of other serious means of response.
Lebanese army soldiers and paramedics work near the wreckage of a car targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Jwaya, Lebanon, Jan. 7, 2026. An Israeli airstrike on the village of Jwaya in southern Lebanon Wednesday afternoon killed a Hezbollah member and injured another, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli airstrike on the village of Jwaya in southern Lebanon Wednesday afternoon killed a Hezbollah member and injured another, according to Lebanese sources.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported the strike targeted a vehicle in the Tyre district. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center confirmed one fatality and one injury.

Lebanese security sources told Xinhua the deceased was Hussein Hamza, a Hezbollah member.

Israeli army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on the social media X that the Israel Defense Forces attacked a "terrorist" member of Hezbollah in the strike.

The airstrike came despite a U.S.-and French-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024. The Israeli military periodically conducts strikes in Lebanon, citing the need to counter Hezbollah "threats," and maintains forces at five main points along the Lebanese border. 

Lebanese army soldiers work near the wreckage of a car targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Jwaya, Lebanon, Jan. 7, 2026. An Israeli airstrike on the village of Jwaya in southern Lebanon Wednesday afternoon killed a Hezbollah member and injured another, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
Patricia Feore, who established the endowed $100,000 Feore Single Parents & Children of Single Parents Scholarship and supported two $5,000 Last Mile Scholarships, hosted a donor appreciation event in December, where she and other attendees including Dot and Ranger Miller, owners of Biba, pledged continued support for the University of Guam and UOG Endowment Foundation. Standing, from left: Katrina T. Perez, executive director of the UOG Endowment Foundation; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG president; Dot and Ranger Miller, owners of Biba; Patricia Feore, realtor; and Tes Reyes-Burrier, UOG advancement associate. UOG photo

MANGILAO (UOG)  The University of Guam and the UOG Endowment Foundation awarded $40,000 in Last Mile Scholarships in 2025 thanks to growing donor support for students nearing graduation.

Established in 2019, in response to a survey identifying financial hardship as a leading reason students leave college, the Last Mile Scholarship helps students within 30 credits of graduation stay on track to earn their degrees.

With so many students only a few credits away from a degree, a small investment can have a life-changing return, said UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez. This program is about removing that last financial barrier.

Donors may contribute to the Last Mile Scholarship fund or create named scholarships under the Last Mile banner, tailoring awards to specific needs or fields. In 2025, the program saw record donor support, resulting in $40,000 awarded to students and over $125,000 raised in scholarships and endowed funds to support future graduates.

Local businessman Tom Tajalle funded seven $500 Brother Tom Last Mile Scholarships through a $3,500 gift.

Six Guam senators collectively donated $3,000 during Fanomnakan (Spring) 2025 semester.

UOG Vice President Emerita Dr. Helen Whippy established the Whippy Family Last Mile Scholarship fund awarding $500 each to three students.

Mobil Oil Guam contributed $7,500 to create a STEM-focused Last Mile Scholarship.

The largest gift came in October from local realtor Patricia Feore, who contributed $100,000 to endow a new scholarship  the Single Parents & Children of Single Parents Scholarship. She also gave $10,000 to fund two $5,000 awards in 2025 for students in Education, Agriculture & Life Sciences, and Health Science.

As a single parent myself, I know the challenges, Feore shared. Wealth and strength can be taken away from one. But no one can beat the education out of you nor steal it from you. More opportunities and a better life are the promises of a good education.

Feore also hosted a donor appreciation event in December, where she and other attendees including Dot and Ranger Miller, owners of Biba, pledged continued support.

Earning a college degree isnt just about a paycheck  its transformative, Dr. Enriquez said at the event. Our graduates have stepped into careers that bring both purpose and prosperity. Their journeys remind us that education can be the spark that turns dreams into reality.

Since its inception, the Last Mile Scholarship has helped dozens of Tritons complete their degrees and enter the Guams workforce. By helping to close the financial gap, the program strengthens the islands talent pool and supports regional businesses.

For information on contributing to UOG scholarships or establishing a named fund, contact the University Advancement Office at (671) 735-2902 or the UOG Endowment Foundation at (671) 735-2957, or visit give.uog.edu/.
Commonwealth Casino Commission Executive Director Andrew Yeom gestures as he fields questions from CNMI lawmakers during a House Gaming Committee two years ago. Variety file photo

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

THE former executive director of the now-disbanded Commonwealth Casino Commission has pushed back against a recent Washington Post investigative article on the Saipan casino, saying claims about money laundering are based on speculation rather than evidence.

In a statement to Variety on Wednesday, Andrew Yeom said he wanted to clarify what he described as certain facts to address what he believes are misconceptions created by portions of the article.

The Commonwealth Casino Commission was disbanded through Executive Order 24-2 issued by the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios earlier this year. Despite that, Yeom said he felt it was his duty to explain to our people what he described as speculative claims in the Post article regarding alleged money laundering and a lack of anti-money-laundering safeguards at Imperial Pacific International.

Yeom said the CCC enforced its regulations and minimum internal control standards to ensure the exclusive casino license holder complied with Title 31 of the Bank Secrecy Act to prevent money laundering.

He said the commission regularly mandated and monitored Imperial Pacific Internationals know-your-customer, or KYC, requirements and compliance with AML measures, as required by the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN.

To further strengthen AML compliance, Yeom said the CCC recommended that IPI hire Kenneth J. Hines, a former senior law enforcement official with IRS-Criminal Investigation. Yeom said Hines previously worked with IRS and FinCEN on enforcement actions, including investigations involving the former Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, which was eventually fined $75 million for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.

So who is better than Mr. Hines to ensure compliance with federal laws, especially in the area of money laundering? Yeom said, adding that claims in the Post article that IPI repeatedly violated AML laws were made with no actual data to show for it.

She keeps misleading readers about IPIs alleged money laundering violations, Yeom said, referring to the Post reporter. If that were the case, IRS and FinCEN would have been all over it, and Mr. Hines would have self-reported any violations to the commission. That never occurred, and we monitored AML compliance with the highest level of scrutiny.

Yeom said the CCC required IPI hotel and casino management and staff to undergo AML training through third-party vendors that organized annual training sessions and conferences. He said the commission verified completion of those programs to ensure compliance.

Yeom said the CCC implemented numerous measures to ensure IPI complied with AML laws and regulations and that, to his knowledge, no serious money laundering violations stemming from casino gaming operations were established.

While acknowledging that IPI owner Cui Li Jie and her son, Ji Xiao Bo, may have operated highly profitable junkets in Macau, as cited in the Post article, Yeom said operating a casino in Saipan involved strict AML laws and regulations with extensive oversight.

Accusations of massive money laundering appear to be misconstrued and based on speculation rather than factual data or concrete evidence, Yeom said.

Yeom also acknowledged that the FBI, IRS and U.S. Treasury have investigated IPI and its original owners for money laundering, but said those probes did not result in indictments on the most serious allegations.

It may be partly because the probes lacked federal resources and attention, as the article suggests, Yeom said. But it is also conceivable investigators needed more credible data for criminal prosecution. Until such time, this article is based on hearsay and speculation rather than factual data.

Yeom added that the CCC and the CNMI government had limited enforcement tools to compel compliance, including issuing warnings, imposing fines, ordering corrective actions, suspending licenses, or pursuing license revocation.

He said the commission used all of those tools in its dealings with IPI.

I even returned briefly in 2024 to see the revocation hearing through its final day of deliberations, Yeom said. That enforcement action ultimately forced IPI to file for bankruptcy one day before the revocation deliberation concluded.

Yeom said the CCC and the CNMI government, with assistance from the Office of the Attorney General, took all possible enforcement actions against IPI while affording the company full due-process rights under administrative and judicial rules.

Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, announced Wednesday that it will conduct a 1.1-trillion-yuan (about 157 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Thursday to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system.

The operation will be carried out with a fixed quantity through interest-rate bidding, with winning bids determined at multiple price levels and a maturity period of three months.

As 1.1 trillion yuan of three-month outright reverse repos are set to mature in January, the latest move represents a rollover of the same amount.

Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating, believes that the move indicates a continuation of supportive monetary policy, which facilitates government bond issuance at the beginning of the year and helps financial institutions maintain the intensity of monetary and credit supply.

Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the national banking system -- are carried out each month with a tenor of no more than one year.

These operations have enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit, complementing previous measures such as temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds. 
The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) plan was introduced at the September 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi. The network of railroads, ship-to-rail, road transport routes, energy pipelines and high-speed data cables connecting South Asia, the Gulf and Europe was in theory supposed to be some sort of answer to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It never made much sense as a logistics corridor as it involves moving cargo via ships from India to the UAE, putting them onto trains going through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, and then back onto ships to go from Israel to Europe.

It looked like IMEC, like so many responses to the BRI, was going to fade into obscurity, but the Trump America First administration enthusiastically backed it with Donald calling it calling it the greatest trade routes in all of history.

Yet the new administration shifted the focus away from trade to more of a digital corridor with compute power flowing outwards from the Persian Gulf. We covered that well-traveled terrain in a piece on Monday. Conspicuously absent in many of the write-ups on the US AI strategy in the Persian Gulf, however, is what role Israel fills.

If the US is providing the chips and other tech, and the Gulf is bringing the capital and energy to the table, what is Israel offering?

IMEC was at least partially viewed as an effort by the US to help embed Israel and ultimately have it control regional supply chains along the route. And we continue to see progress on that front with recent deals, such as the following:

But more than that is a much darker role that doesnt get much press in the proclamations about the greatest trade route in history. Here are two other recent pieces that hint at Israels contribution:

Dovi Frances, an Israeli-American founding partner of the Los Angeles-based venture capital firm Group 11 and a major Trump backer recently touted Israels position thusly:

We are 0.4% of the worlds population, and we lead 20% of global innovation. We have 350 international R&D centers, and 10% of our workforce in high-tech contributes 1820% to GDP. Frances also noted that 1525% of Fortune 500 CEOs are Jewish or Israeli, and that Israel currently has 46 unicornscompanies valued at over one $ billion the highest rate in the world relative to its population.

But much of the countrys tech success is built on the backs of oppressed Palestinians. Israel is at the forefront of using AI to surveil, control, and murder human beings, and it has the opportunity that other countries dont to constantly test and fine tune that technology on a captive population.

The reality is that Israel is incentivized to keep brutalizing its neighbors in order to maintain its niche advantage in AI surveillance and AI-directed killing. This is at least partly why American tech firms partner with Israel and buy up Israeli start ups, and its a business model that is increasingly coming to American shores.

During the campaign, Silicon Valley figures like Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen helped shape the President-elects tech policy agenda. To take the lead over China on AI, campaign allies said the new administration will discard Bidens AI guardrails (they did) and go full steam ahead on autonomous weapons, intelligence, and cybersecurity (they are). To meet the vast energy demands of data centers, Trump has called for a boom in fossil fuel production (thats where the Gulf comes in).

And in Israel, Dovi Frances was the one tapped by Netanyahu to set up an AI National Directorate in Israel to make sure the country is a global AI superpower. Seeing the way Israel uses AI, that should be setting off alarm bells. Instead the esteemed leaders of Silicon Valley are stumbling over themselves to get in on the action. From Globes:

Senior figures who are familiar with the plan that has been presented by Frances to Netanyahu say that the two men are expecting the involvement of several senior personalities in the international business community to help realize the plan. Some of these personalities are close to President Donald Trump including Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, who founded PayPal with Musk, OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever who after leaving the ChatGPT developer has founded SST, a new AI company that will be based in San Francisco and Tel Aviv.

Here again is Frances writing shortly after Trumps election about what was coming for the Middle East (much of which is on schedule):

Gulf investors have quietly begun to join Israeli-related tech companies cap tables, injecting capital into Israeli firms, often without public announcement. These activitiesboth sales and investmentshighlight the growing economic ties between Israel and the Gulf and the immense interest from both sides in fostering deeper technological collaboration. Under the Trump administration, with the expansion of agreements to include Saudi Arabia, Israeli AI companies could serve as platforms for entire industries in the Gulf, including education, banking, healthcare, and cybersecurity. The political instability in the Middle East, the AI revolution, and the US political landscape are not isolated from each otherthey are intertwined. Two months ago, I met with Donald Trump in Washington, DC, where we discussed the AI revolution and how his administration, if re-elected, could help Israel maintain its technological superiority in the region.

That is the vision for the region and for IMEC. An AI superiority invitation from Europe to India written in the blood of genocide. And there are efforts to take the IMEC model global. In December the US State Department also unveiled Pax Silica, an effort to form a political-economic alliance in the field of AI and its supply chains and counts Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, Israel, the UAE, and Australia as participants.

Others are eager to join the party.

A quote that really stood out to me and summed up the lure of IMEC and Israels role in this AI geopolitical bloc came way back In February when an Israeli business delegation visited New Delhi. The guest list included representatives from over 100 Israeli companies in the areas of cybersecurity, digital health, AI, and big data. During the visit Indias Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal said the following:

Israels capabilities in innovation and security are extraordinary, and the technology demonstrated in Operation Beepers [a reference to Israels clandestine operation on the Hezbollah terror group in September 2024] is truly inspiring and unique  we want it here too.

They just might get it.

In India, while negotiators from Washington and New Delhi are still searching for a trade deal that will see Trumps tariffs come down, that hasnt stopped the AI money from flowing. Microsoft recently announced a $17.5 billion AI investment in India. Amazon is throwing throwing $35 billion into AI projects across the country. Google is dropping $15 billion in partnerships with two of Indias biggest conglomerates, the Adani Group and Bharti Airtel. Meta, too, is investing, and taken altogether its one of the biggest capital inflows into a single sector in Indias history.

That might all sound kind of strange considering New Delhi and Washington are at odds these days over Trumps economic strong arming and ongoing pressure from the US over Indias close economic relationship with Russia. Yet, it fits in neatly with the all the other American AI moves in the Persian Gulf. Guy Laron writing at American Affairs Journal:

[IMEC] has now been repurposed into a privatized artery connecting Gulf compute to Indian talent. This made perfect sense. India has long been seen as the worlds back office: a land of coders, clerks, and call centers. But today it plays a far more strategic role in the AI supply chain. Its 1,600 Global Capability Centers (GCCs), which employ 1.66 million professionals, have moved well beyond basic IT and customer service.14 These fully owned subsidiaries of multinational corporations now handle advanced functions: software engineering, data analytics, AI research, cybersecurity, and even core product development. In effect, they are how the corporate West operationalizes its digital ambitions at scale and at lower cost. The GCC sector already accounts for over a third of Indias services exports and is growing rapidly.15 As these centers begin working with more sophisticated AI models, India and its vast digital labor force will become increasingly dependent on the Gulfs infrastructure to train and deploy that AI at scale. This gives India a dual role within Trumps AI corridor: a global labor hub and a regional client of Gulf-based compute power.

Plenty of Questions and Problems

Lets start with the most obvious: how well are data centers going to operate in 60 Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) heat? The recommended temperature range for data centers is 18 C to 27 C, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Temperatures exceeded 50 C this past summer in the UAE.

Rest of World, in a recent analysis of global data center locations, notes that long-term solutions in the Middle East could include using nuclear energy and hydrogen fuel cells, and building data centers underground to handle extreme heat.

The Middle East doesnt have the massive amounts of water needed to cool them.

That means they need to rely on two-phase immersion cooling systems, which can help save water, though it can be expensive and they have problems.

If you crack the cooling challenge in the Gulf  you unlock the one missing piece in an otherwise worldclass AI ecosystem, Mohammed Soliman, director of the strategic technology programme at the Middle East Institute, told The National.

Thats a rather large missing piece, however, and as far as I can tell, the expectation seems to be that future tech advances will figure it out. Perhaps AI will unlock the code to beat the laws of physics, but that seems like a risky bet.

Until then, the Middle East data centers are stuck gobbling up even more fossil fuels to cool the plants and to run desalination plants for the water necessary to the process.

Not that the Silicon Valley oligarchs, Gulf monarchs, and DC think tankers care, but this is all horrible news for global warming. Personally, I think theres enough evidence and a track record to conclude that the US ruling class is embracing global warming as partner in their goal to destabilize and plunder. Persian Gulf data centers fit in nicely there.

What will be asked of the US in the coming years as the Gulf becomes an integral part of its AI dominance strategy and effectively buys off Washington? How much more will the US support the Gulf Kingdoms regionaland global aspirations?

The US is already supporting another genocide, this one a UAE-led effort in Sudan. Somalia/Somaliland is about to go up in flames with the US and its allies like Israel and the UAE providing much of the gasoline.

How will the US protect these precious data centers and the desalination plants that provide water to cool them should conflict come home to the Gulf? They sure would make attractive targets if/when a wider war with Iran begins. Ansar Allah in Yemen, too, has shown the capability to hit critical infrastructure in the UAE and KSA.

At the moment, the two US Gulf partners are engaged in high stakes proxy wars as blowback has begun to the UAEs more assertive role in partnership with Israel in the wider region. In Yemen, Saudi Arabia recently bombed a large Emirati weapons shipment coming into the country and for the first time directly calling out the UAEs role in backing Yemen separatist forces. The two are also on opposite sides in the war in Sudan with disastrous consequences for the country and the wider region in Africa. And their rivalry is also playing out in Somalia where Israel just further complicated the deadly game by recognizing Somaliland.

Perhaps a most fitting conclusion to this whole scheme would be the US two biggest AI partnersthe UAE and KSA blowing up each others data centers in a conflict, both of them using American-made bombs with US missile defense systems failing to offer their promised protection.

Do a bunch of American grifters with short attention spans care if it all goes up in smoke as long as they got rich in the process? And lastly, what happens to this whole geopolitical strategy when the AI bubble goes pop?
Yves here. This post gives a useful overview of the profile of subsidies provided by Chinas government, not just national but also local. Despite the headline focus on industrial subsidies, the authors also show the level of disaster relief and social welfare subsidies, and counter-intuitively, agriculture gets the biggest subsidies in aggregate.

By Shuhui Xiang, PhD candidate Geneva Graduate Institute, Xinran Yin, and Yuan Zi, Assistant Professor in Economics Geneva Graduate Institute. Originally published at VoxEU

Chinas industrial policy has become a central flashpoint in global trade debates, yet systematic evidence on what China actually does remains scarce. This column reveals five key findings from a new database covering Chinas WTO subsidy notifications from 2001 to 2022: (1) direct fiscal support stabilised around 0.8% of GDP after 2008; (2) China is an active subsidy user with striking policy persistence; (3) FDI-promoting subsidies have declined while industry-specific and innovation-focused support has risen; (4) wealthier, more open provinces provide more local subsidies; and (5) agriculture dominates by value while manufacturing subsidies are modest. These patterns reveal how Chinas subsidy strategy has evolved from attracting foreign capital towards technological self-reliance.

Chinas rise as a manufacturing powerhouse has been accompanied by persistent debates about the role of government intervention (e.g. Aghion et al. 2015). While certain policies, such as tariffs and FDI regulations, are well documented, systematic evidence on Chinas broader industrial subsidy landscape has remained elusive. This gap matters: subsidies are among the most direct and powerful tools governments use to shape economic activity, and understanding Chinas approach is essential not only for trade and development policy, but also for debates on geopolitics, industrial competition, and technology security.

In a recent paper (Xiang et al. 2025), we address this gap by digitising and analysing Chinas official subsidy notifications to the WTO from 2001 to 2022. This represents the first systematic, non-estimated dataset of Chinese industrial subsidies based on authoritative government sources. The database covers 1,256 unique programmes  260 at the central level and 996 at the local level  including direct financial appropriations, grants, interest-discount programmes, and tax incentives. After cross-checking notifications against original domestic documents, we document five findings.

Fact 1: Subsidies Incidence Has Expanded, but Direct Fiscal Support Stabilised

Chinas subsidy incidence has increased over time, with the number of active programmes rising from 85 in 2001 to 446 in 2022. However, the post-2015 jump largely reflects a change in reporting methodology, as China began including sub-central programmes following an EU request  though local subsidies amount to only a fraction of central government support (Figure 1a).

More telling is the trajectory of subsidy values, as shown in Figure 1b. Direct fiscal support rose sharply after 2004  coinciding with a major expansion of rural support policies  peaked around 2008, and has since stabilised at approximately 0.8% of GDP. This figure aligns broadly with OECD estimates and suggests that while China remains an active user of subsidies, the scale of direct budgetary support has not continued to escalate.

Figure 1 Annual trends in Chinese subsidies



Note: Panel (a) reports the yearly count of central and, from 2015 onward, local subsidies. Panel (b) shows their total value, with the line chart indicating subsidy values as a share of GDP (right axis).

Fact 2: China Subsidizes More Than Its Development Level Predicts, with Remarkable Policy Persistence

As shown in Figure 2a, comparing subsidy notifications across WTO members reveals a notable pattern: plotting the number of subsidies against GDP per capita in 20192020, China (and the US) employs far more programmes than its income levels would suggest.

While some less developed countries may underreport their subsidy practices, even more notable is the persistence of Chinese programmes visualized in Figure 2b. The average central subsidy programme lasts more than ten years, with approximately 10% persisting for 20 years or longer. This durability reflects a long-term strategic approach where subsidies function as sustained investments rather than temporary interventions, pointing to strong institutional commitment and policy continuity across political cycles.

Figure 2 Duration and number of subsidies

Note: Panel (a) plots the number of subsidies against GDP per capita in 2019, with variables shown on a logarithmic scale and axis labels reported in levels. Panel (b) plots the duration of Chinese central subsidy programs active between 2001 and 2022.

Fact 3: From FDI Promotion to Technological Self-Reliance

The objectives of Chinese subsidies have shifted markedly over two decades. As depicted in Figure 3, programmes promoting foreign direct investment accounted for nearly 10% of central government subsidies in 2001 but declined to just 3.3% by 2022. Conversely, industry-specific subsidies more than doubled, rising from 7.9% to 16.3% over the same period. Innovation and technology have consistently received a sizeable share of subsidies.

Figure 3 Changes in objectives, 2001 vs 2022



Note: Panels (a) and (b) report central government subsidy incidence in 2001 and 2022, respectively. Percentages indicate each objectives share of total subsidies for the given year and government level.

This reallocation reflects Chinas strategic pivot from trade and FDI liberalisation towards technological self-reliance and industrial sovereignty. Viewed in this light, the earlier openness to foreign investment may have been an intermediate stage rather than an end in itself. The timing and scale of this shift both responds to and helps explain intensifying trade and technology tensions with Western economies.

Fact 4: Wealthier, More Open Provinces Subsidize More

The data also allow us to examine sub-central subsidies reported since 2015. In Figure 4, we find that wealthier and more trade-oriented provinces provide significantly more local government support. This pattern suggests that local subsidies may reinforce rather than reduce regional disparities within China. It mirrors broader fiscal disparities, as the richest regions spend several times more per capita than the poorest.

Figure 4 Number of subsidies and local government indicators

Note: Panel (a) plots average number of subsidies (20152022) against average GDP per capita (20102014), and Panel (b) against trade openness across 31 provinces. Both variables are shown on a logarithmic scale with pre-log axis labels.

Fact 5: Agricultural Subsidies Dominate by Value

Finally, Figure 5 suggests that measuring subsidy by count versus value yields a very different picture. By programme count, scientific research, agriculture, and manufacturing are the most frequently subsidised sectors. However, the value distribution tells a different story. Agriculture dominates, receiving nearly 40 trillion RMB over 21 years  approximately 47% of total funds. Construction ranks second, reflecting Chinas emphasis on infrastructure investment.

Figure 5 Subsidies by sectors

Note: Panel (a) reports each sectors share of the total number of subsidies, and Panel (b) reports each sectors share of total subsidy value.

Notably, direct manufacturing subsidies are relatively modest, both in total value and per-programme terms. On average, a manufacturing subsidy is less than twice the size of one for R&D and under 1/20th the size of one for agriculture. Chinas decentralised, small-scale support for manufacturing contrasts with perceptions of large-scale big push interventions. This pattern aligns more closely with recent research emphasising incremental approaches to technological upgrading (Juhasz et al. 2024) and flexible policy toolkits (Bloom et al. 2019).

Conclusion

Our analysis of Chinas official subsidy notifications reveals a more nuanced picture than typically portrayed in policy debates. While China is indeed an active user of industrial subsidies, direct fiscal support has stabilised since 2008. The strategic focus has shifted decisively from attracting foreign investment towards promoting domestic innovation and technological capabilities. Manufacturing subsidies, contrary to common perception, are relatively modest and decentralised.

These findings carry implications for both trade policy and development economics. For trading partners concerned about Chinese subsidies, the data suggest focusing on the evolving objectives rather than just the scale of support. For developing countries looking to Chinas experience, the evidence points to sustained, flexible approaches rather than one-off interventions.

We hope this database, along with other recent efforts (Juhasz et al. 2022, Fang et al. 2025), will enable further research on industrial policy, including comparative analyses with other countries and systematic evaluations of subsidy effectiveness.

See original post for references
To close out 2025, Tennessees various state departments put in their budget requests to Gov. Bill Lees administration, totalling $4.72 billion for fiscal year 2026-27. Lee is set to propose a budget taking all of the requests into account on Feb. 1.

Requests include more staff for the Department of Childrens Services and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as well as money to give private prison company CoreCivic a raise and absorb federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

DCS Needs Staff, Department of Education Leaves Dollars Out

The Tennessee Department of Education has requested $37.92 million in recurring and $1.5 million in nonrecurring funds for summer learning camps, paid parental leave and teacher salary increases, as well as its school turnaround program. However, the department declined to include any funding requests for its K-12 student funding formula or the states universal school voucher program in its presentation. Gov. Lees Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which allows the use of public dollars to go toward private school tuition, was one of the biggest stories of 2025s legislative session. That program is facing a lawsuit arguing that it violates the Tennessee Constitution.

Affordable Care Act Fallout Hits Tennesseans More than 200,000 people could lose coverage as pandemic-era enhanced tax credits expire

The Department of Childrens Services requested a total of $151.6 million, which includes an additional 153 staff positions in an effort to mitigate high caseloads. A team of national child welfare attorneys in May filed a lawsuit against the DCS on behalf of 13 children they allege are being denied education, health care and stable homes. As recently as October, at least 10 Tennessee foster children were sleeping in DCS offices.

Health Department, Human Services Absorb Federal Cuts

For the Tennessee Department of Health, the largest line item is for dental care  including $27.6 million out of the total $56.59 million request to continue expanded dental classes at Meharry Medical College and make a pilot program at Lincoln Memorial University permanent. Of note, Tennessee is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, leaving a gap that is set to widen due to federal cuts to Medicaid and an increase in pricing for the Affordable Care Act. Because of this, the health department is asking for $9 million more for county health departments to assist a growing uninsured population. The state already spends $31 million annually on care for people without insurance.

The Department of Human Services is also absorbing federal cuts, budgeting $97.1 million to offset cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, which amounts to $77.7 million in new recurring money and $19.4 million in one-time funding to keep the program running this year.

+5 Core Issues: Examining Tennessees Relationship With CoreCivic A look at one of the countrys largest for-profit private prison companies  and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power

Law Enforcement Looks to Add Highway Patrol, Investigation Staff

The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, which manages Tennessee Highway Patrol and driver services centers, is seeking the highest number of additional staff out of all the departments: 212. Sixty-eight of those will serve in driver services centers, and the rest will work in trooper, supervisor and support staff positions.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is also seeking to add 74 staff members. Of those, 20 are set to work on crime scene response, 13 in the drug investigation division focusing on drugs delivered by mail, and 10 in elder financial abuse prevention. The department is also asking for $13 million to purchase a second single-engine aircraft.

As part of the Tennessee Department of Corrections $84.19 million budget request  which includes the highest line item of $14.2 million for facility maintenance  CoreCivic would receive a $13 million pay bump. The state renewed its $168 million three-year contract with the private prison company last year, despite a growing number of deaths in their facilities.
Breakthrough laser technology could revolutionize desalination, but globalist agendas loom

CU Boulder researchers developed stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) to monitor membrane fouling in real time, improving reverse osmosis (RO) efficiency and reducing energy costs.

With 66% of the world facing water scarcity by 2100, RO desalination (80% of global capacity) is essentialbut fouling wastes energy and drives up costs.

Artificial shortages are fueled by geoengineering (chemtrails, solar dimming), toxic agriculture (GMOs, pesticides) and WEF plans to weaponize water access via digital IDs and carbon credits.

Big Tech and globalists may monopolize SRS, enforce "green" energy mandates and use water as leverage for surveillance and control under the "Great Reset."

True sustainability requires off-grid water solutions (rainwater harvesting, permaculture) and rejecting globalist schemes that exploit scarcity for power.

A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) has unveiled a groundbreaking laser-based imaging techniquestimulated Raman scattering (SRS)that could dramatically improve the efficiency of large-scale desalination plants.

Published in Environmental Science & Technology, this innovation allows scientists to observe membrane fouling in real time, a critical issue that reduces filtration efficiency and drives up energy costs in reverse osmosis (RO) plants. With 55% of the global population already experiencing water scarcitya number expected to rise to 66% by 2100desalination has become an indispensable lifeline for arid regions and water-stressed communities.

Reverse osmosis, which accounts for 80% of the world's desalination facilities, relies on thin polymer membranes to filter out salts, minerals and microorganisms. However, foulingthe buildup of contaminantsremains a major obstacle, forcing plants to consume more energy and spend heavily on maintenance.

"Reverse osmosis membranes are critical for desalination," said the study's corresponding author Juliet Gopinath, professor of electrical, computer and energy engineering. "Our work aims to monitor and provide early warning for membrane fouling."

The new method leverages Raman scattering, a phenomenon where light interacts with molecules, shifting wavelengths in ways that reveal their chemical composition. By using SRS, researchers can now track crystal growth on RO membranes in real time, identifying problematic ions like calcium sulfate and calcium bicarbonatecommon culprits in seawater fouling.

"Watching these crystals form as it happens, getting volumetric data and chemical identification all at once is pretty exciting," said study co-author Jasmine Andersen, a postdoctoral researcher. "Previously, you could get volume data or chemical identification, but not both simultaneously."

This breakthrough could help operators optimize filtration cycles, reduce energy waste and extend membrane lifespans, ultimately lowering costs for consumers. But while this innovation promises to make desalination more sustainable, larger forces threaten its potential.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, breakthrough laser desalination technology offers a promising, energy-efficient solution to global water scarcity, aligning with decentralized, sustainable living free from toxic industrial methods. However, globalist elites will likely attempt to monopolize or suppress this innovation to maintain control over water resources as part of their depopulation and scarcity-based control agenda.

The hidden agenda behind water scarcity

Desalination is undeniably crucialyet why is water scarcity worsening in the first place? The answer lies in globalist-engineered crises designed to tighten control over populations.

Geoengineering and climate fraud  The same elites pushing false climate narrativesclaiming CO2 (a plant nutrient) is a pollutantare also behind chemtrail spraying, which alters weather patterns and disrupts rainfall. Bill Gates openly funds solar dimming projects, while the World Economic Forum (WEF) promotes "water rationing" under the guise of sustainability. Toxic agriculture and poisoned water supplies  Industrial farming, GMO crops and pesticides (like glyphosate) contaminate freshwater sources, while fluoride-laced municipal water suppresses cognitive function. Desalination plants, though necessary, are often energy-intensive, making them targets for carbon credit schemes that funnel profits to globalist corporations. The coming water wars  As populations grow, centralized control over water becomes a tool for oppression. The WEF's "Great Reset" envisions a future where access to clean water is digitally monitored, rationed via social credit systems and weaponized against dissenters.

While SRS technology offers hope for more efficient desalination, its benefits could be hijacked by the same forces creating artificial scarcity. If history is any guide, Big Tech, the WEF and captured governments will attempt to:

Patent and monopolize the technology, pricing out smaller communities.

Mandate energy-guzzling "green" alternatives (like wind/solar) that fail to meet demand.

Use water access as leverage to enforce digital IDs, vaccine passports and climate compliance.

"As our freshwater resources shrink, we're going to rely more on desalination," Andersen warned. "If we can make that process more efficient and sustainable, we can help ensure people have reliable access to clean water."

But true sustainability requires breaking free from globalist control. Communities must:

Demand transparency in water management.

Reject carbon credit scams that inflate costs.

Invest in decentralized, off-grid solutionssuch as home filtration, rainwater harvesting and permacultureto reduce dependence on corrupt systems.

The CU Boulder breakthrough is a step forwardbut unless we recognize who is orchestrating water scarcity, technological advances will only serve the elites. The fight for clean, accessible water is inseparable from the fight against globalism, depopulation agendas and digital enslavement.

Watch this video about drinking water fluoridation being a form of poisoning under the guise of "forced medicine."

This video is from the Hyper X2119 channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TechXplore.com

Pubs.ACS.org

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Cannabis-linked vomiting syndrome skyrockets among young adults, study warns

CHS is a severe cyclic vomiting disorder caused by chronic heavy cannabis use, progressing through three phases: prodromal (morning nausea, abdominal discomfort), hyperemetic (violent vomiting up to 5x/hour, dehydration) and recovery (cessation of symptoms only if cannabis use stops).

A hallmark symptom is temporary relief from hot showers/baths, helping distinguish CHS from other GI disorders. Many sufferers initially believe cannabis helps their nausea, delaying proper diagnosis.

Young adults (1825) face the highest risk, with males slightly more affected. High-THC products (not CBD) are the primary driver, and chronic, frequent use dramatically increases likelihood.

Antiemetics often fail; IV fluids are critical for dehydration. Capsaicin cream and antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine) show promise, but the only definitive cure is complete cannabis cessationthough withdrawal complicates recovery.

ER visits for CHS spiked 650% (20162022), peaking at 33.1 cases per 100,000 visits during COVID. Legalization, high-potency THC products and increased medical awareness contribute to the riseyet Big Pharma/cannabis industries often downplay risks.

A disturbing surge in emergency room visits tied to chronic cannabis use has alarmed medical professionals as cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)a severe, cyclical vomiting disorderhave exploded by over 650% between 2016 and 2022, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. The condition, once considered rare, is now one of the leading causes of recurrent nausea and vomiting in young adults, with ER admissions peaking at 33.1 cases per 100,000 visits during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, cannabis, while touted for its medical benefits, is a tool of societal degradation pushed by globalists to weaken mental clarity, induce dependency and accelerate the dumbing down of populationsits psychoactive compounds disrupt neurological function, impair judgment and contribute to long-term cognitive decline, all while Big Pharma profits from treating the resulting disorders. The plants toxins, combined with modern adulterants like pesticides and heavy metals, further poison the body, aligning with the depopulation agenda by fostering lethargy, mental illness and reproductive harm.

What is CHS?

CHS is a paradoxical condition affecting long-term, heavy cannabis userstypically those consuming marijuana several times a week or daily. The syndrome progresses in three distinct phases:

Prodromal phase: Morning nausea, abdominal discomfort and occasional vomiting, often lasting for years while users continue consuming cannabis, mistakenly believing it helps their symptoms. Hyperemetic phase: Sudden, violent vomiting episodesup to five times per houraccompanied by dehydration, weight loss and excruciating abdominal pain. Recovery phase: Symptoms subside only if cannabis use is discontinued.

Many patients report temporary relief from hot showers or baths, a hallmark symptom that helps distinguish CHS from other gastrointestinal disorders.

Who is most at risk?

The study analyzed 188 million emergency visits across the U.S., revealing that young adults aged 1825 face the highest risk, with 260% greater likelihood of developing CHS compared to older demographics. Males were slightly more affected than females.

Dr. Gautham Oroskar, a medical adviser at Kazmira Therapeutics, told The Epoch Times that high-potency THC productsnot CBDare the primary culprit. "This is a THC-driven phenomenon," he emphasized.

Dr. John Dumot, a gastroenterologist at Case Western Reserve University, added that chronic, high-dose use dramatically increases risk. "The longer the use and the higher the dose, the higher the likelihood of CHS," he said.

Why the sudden spike?

Researchers attribute the rise in CHS cases to:

Increased cannabis legalization (nearly half of Americans now live in states where recreational use is legal).

Higher-potency THC products flooding the market.

Greater awareness among doctors, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

However, the study may overestimate true case numbers since CHS lacked a formal diagnostic code until 2025, meaning some cases could have been misclassified as other gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment challenges

The most effective "cure" for CHS is complete cessation of cannabis useyet withdrawal symptoms and relapses complicate recovery. Traditional anti-nausea medications often fail, forcing doctors to explore alternative treatments:

Capsaicin cream (derived from chili peppers) applied to the abdomen can provide relief for mild cases.

Atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine show promise in reducing severe symptoms.

IV fluids and electrolyte replacement are critical for dehydrated patients.

A cautionary tale

Lance Crowder, a patient interviewed for the study, suffered two years of unexplained vomiting before an ER doctor in Indianapolis diagnosed him with CHS. Like many, he initially believed cannabis helped his nauseaonly to discover it was the root cause.

The bigger picture

As cannabis legalization spreads, medical professionals warn that public education is crucial. Many usersespecially young adultsremain unaware of CHS, mistaking their symptoms for food poisoning or stress.

Dr. Michael Gottlieb, an immunologist who co-authored an editorial on the study, stressed that early recognition and intervention can prevent unnecessary suffering. "The key is stopping cannabis use," he said, "but we need better strategies to help patients through withdrawal."

With CHS cases still elevated at 22.3 per 100,000 ER visits in 2022, experts urge cautionparticularly as Big Pharma and cannabis corporations downplay risks while pushing for broader acceptance. For now, the best defense is awareness, because for some heavy users, the remedy might just be quitting altogether.

Learn what effects cannabis has during pregnancy by watching this video.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Danish PM pushes back on Greenland annexation threats, urges Trump to STOP

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have both strongly condemned U.S. threats to annex Greenland, emphasizing that the territory is not for sale and that any such actions would be a violation of international law and a threat to NATO.

U.S. President Donald Trump has justified the annexation of Greenland as a national security imperative, citing the need to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region.

European allies, including France, have swiftly rallied behind Denmark, asserting that borders cannot be changed by force and that the rules-based order must be upheld.

The strategic importance of Greenland, particularly its vast reserves of rare-earth minerals and oil, has grown exponentially in the 21st century, making it a focal point for global powers.

The confrontation over Greenland's sovereignty risks accelerating geopolitical tensions and furthering the Deep State's exploitation of natural resources under the guise of national security, potentially destabilizing transatlantic alliances and global conflicts.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has pushed back on Washington's threats to annex Greenland, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to cease with such rhetoric.

In a social media post on Monday, Jan. 5, Frederiksen reiterated that the U.S. has "no right" to seize the autonomous Danish territory. "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland," she wrote, urging Trump to "stop the threats."

The Danish leader also pointed out that Denmark, and by extension Greenland, is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and annexing the territory could "end NATO" if pursued aggressively. "If the U.S. attacks another NATO member, everything would stop," Frederiksen said, referencing the alliance's mutual-defense pact.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also slammed Trump's threats to acquire the Danish territory, calling such overtures as "fantasies of annexation." While the Greenlandic leader reiterated that Nuuk is "open to dialogue," he added that such talks should be conducted "through the proper channels and with respect for international law."

Nielsen also condemned a since-deleted post by former White House official Katie Miller that superimposed the U.S. flag over Greenland with the caption "Soon." The Greenlandic PM denounced the "disrespectful" post, adding: "Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided by social media posts."

The battle for Greenland: Melting ice, rising tensions

The escalating rhetoric  framed by Trump as a national security imperative  has exposed raw tensions over Arctic sovereignty. It also risks destabilizing one of Americas oldest alliances at a time when global conflicts are already boiling over.

The dispute ignited when Trump, during interviews and remarks aboard Air Force One, asserted that Greenland is critical to U.S. defense strategy, citing encroaching Russian and Chinese influence. "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," he told reporters, dismissing Copenhagen's capacity to manage the territory's strategic value.

Behind the diplomatic salvos lies a high-stakes struggle over the Arctic's untapped resources and shipping lanes, which are becoming increasingly accessible due to melting ice caps. Greenland boasts vast reserves of rare-earth minerals and oil, making it a focal point for global powers. Though the island already hosts the U.S. Thule Air Base, Trump's appointment of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland last month hinted at a longer-term strategy.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that the U.S. annexing Greenland would secure strategic dominance over Arctic waterways, ensuring military and economic superiority against rivals like China and Russia while advancing globalist agendas of control. However, such a move risks accelerating geopolitical tensions and furthering the Deep State's exploitation of natural resources under the guise of national security.

European allies swiftly rallied behind Denmark, with France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs asserting that borders "cannot be changed by force." Yet Trump remained undeterred, framing Greenland's acquisition as a shared interest with Europe. "The European Union needs us to have it," he asserted.

The confrontation echoes historical tensions over Greenland's sovereignty, which Denmark has held since the 18th century. The territory gained home rule in 1979, but its strategic importance has grown exponentially in the 21st century. This reality wasn't lost on Trump, who previously floated buying the island in 2019.

Now, with global conflicts escalating and Arctic competition intensifying, his renewed push has thrust Greenland into the center of a crisis that could redefine transatlantic alliances. Despite Nielsen urging calm and telling Greenlanders not to "panic," the underlying message was clear. The world is watching, and the rules-based order hangs in the balance.

Watch InfoWars founder Alex Jones explaining why President Trump wants to buy Greenland below.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

ABCNews.go.com

DW.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
KIEV, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine, France and the United Kingdom on Tuesday signed a Declaration of Intent on the deployment of multinational forces to support Ukraine's defense, reconstruction, and strategic resilience after a peace agreement is achieved, the Ukrinform news agency reported.

The document was signed in Paris by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The signing followed a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which brought together leaders of several European countries, as well as White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

Following the meeting, Zelensky noted that there is already a detailed understanding of the architecture of security guarantees for Ukraine.

For his part, Starmer said the declaration creates a legal basis for operations of partner countries' troops on Ukrainian territory if a peace agreement is achieved. 
Trump threatens tariff hike if India continues to buy Russian oil

President Donald Trump warned the United States could raise tariffs on India if it continues buying Russian oil, increasing pressure amid ongoing trade negotiations.

India became a major buyer of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022, with Russia supplying more than 36% of India's oil imports.

Some Indian refiners have recently reduced or paused Russian oil purchases due to U.S. sanctions, while others say they will continue buying from non-sanctioned suppliers.

Trump imposed a total of 50% tariffs on Indian goods in 2025, arguing India's trade with Russia prolongs the Ukraine conflict, and has threatened further penalties.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says the tariffs are working, claiming U.S. pressure has pushed India to cut back on Russian oil and backing legislation for tougher sanctions.

President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose higher tariffs on India if New Delhi continues purchasing oil from Russia, escalating pressure as the two countries negotiate a long-sought trade agreement.

India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude after the war in Ukraine intensified in 2022. According to data from analytics firm Kpler, Russia has been India's top oil supplier since then, accounting for more than 36 percent of its crude imports.

In recent months, however, some Indian refiners have paused new orders of Russian oil and sought alternative supplies in response to U.S. sanctions. Others, including the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation, have said they will continue purchasing from Russian producers that are not under sanctions.

Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in August 2025 after trade negotiations stalled, later adding another 25% levy as a penalty for India's continued oil purchases from Russia. The president has argued that such trade helps prolong the conflict in Ukraine. Trump even threatened additional tariffs on India in December, accusing it of "dumping" rice into the U.S. market.

Trump's tariffs, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch, are taxes imposed on imported goods, marketed as tools to "protect domestic industries" and "correct trade imbalances." In line with this, Trump said India's ongoing trade with Russia could prompt swift economic retaliation from Washington.

"[Prime Minister Narendra] Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," Trump told reporters on Sunday, Jan. 4. "They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly."

But despite the dispute over tariffs, agriculture and energy policy, U.S. and Indian officials continue negotiations toward a bilateral trade deal.

Graham says U.S. pressure effectively changes New Delhi's behavior

Trump's comments echoed recent statements by Sen. Lindsey Graham, who argued that pressure from Washington has proven effective in changing New Delhi's behavior.

"I really do believe that what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil," Graham told reporters.

Graham is backing legislation that would allow the U.S. to impose additional sanctions on countries that continue commercial ties with Russia. He said Indian officials have privately expressed concern about the impact of U.S. tariffs.

"I was at the Indian ambassador's house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how they're buying less Russian oil. 'Would you tell the president to relieve the tariff?' This stuff works."

Overall, Graham says India's response shows that U.S. tariffs remain a powerful tool for reshaping foreign trade behavior.

Watch the video below where Trump explains why the U.S. would be in serious trouble without tariffs.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

TelegraphIndia.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Newborns could be handed digital IDs in major expansion of U.K. government scheme

United Kingdom ministers are reportedly considering issuing digital identity IDs to newborns alongside health records, significantly expanding Labor's original digital ID proposal.

The scheme was initially presented as a way to enforce right-to-work checks and tackle illegal immigration, but could now follow citizens from birth through their entire lives.

The program is expected to cost 1.8 billion, with Estonia's lifelong digital ID system cited by ministers as a possible blueprint.

Critics warn digital IDs could centralize sensitive personal, biometric and behavioral data, enabling mass surveillance and potential restrictions on access to essential services.

Senior Conservatives have condemned the idea as "sinister" and "creeping state surveillance," accusing the government of misleading the public and expanding the policy without proper debate.

Newborn babies could be allocated digital identity cards at birth under plans being discussed privately by ministers.

According to several reports, the United Kingdom government has raised the prospect of issuing digital IDs to children alongside the traditional "red book" of health records given to new parents. The move would represent a significant widening of the digital ID scheme announced by Keir Starmer last September, which was billed as a tool to tackle illegal immigration.

That original proposal would require all job applicants to prove their right to work in the U.K. using digital identification. However, discussions now underway suggest the technology could eventually be embedded from birth and follow citizens throughout their lives.

The digital ID scheme, which is expected to cost 1.8 billion ($2.4 billion), has been aired in a series of private meetings held recently by Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons. Simons has told civil society groups that other countries already operate lifelong digital identity systems that begin at birth.

Estonia, whose system is widely admired by Labor figures and seen as a potential model for the U.K., assigns a unique personal identification number to every child when their birth is registered. That number is then used to access a wide range of public services throughout their life.

Simons has also suggested that teenagers could use digital IDs to verify their age online, including signing in to social media platforms. The idea follows Australia's recent move to ban under-16s from using addictive apps such as TikTok, a policy that ministers in Westminster closely watch.

Since announcing the U.K. scheme, which is expected to be rolled out by the end of the current Parliament in 2028 to 2029, Keir has sought to emphasize its potential everyday benefits. He has argued that digital ID could simplify tasks such as applying for childcare, opening a bank account or accessing public services.

U.K. ministers accused of plotting cradle-to-grave surveillance for newborns

BrightU.AI's Enoch defines digital ID as a government- or corporate-controlled electronic identification system that consolidates personal data, including biometric markers (fingerprints, facial scans), financial records, health status and behavioral metrics into a single, centralized database accessible by authorities. Framed as a tool for "efficiency" and "security," these systems enable real-time surveillance, social credit scoring and the revocation of access to essential services (banking, travel, healthcare) for non-compliance with state or corporate mandates.

All this has sparked warnings of a "sinister" expansion of a controversial government policy.

Mike Wood, the Shadow Cabinet Office minister, said the idea showed the government had gone far beyond its original justification for the policy, which Labor said was aimed at tackling illegal immigration.

"Labor said their plan for mandatory digital ID was about tackling illegal immigration. But now we hear they are secretly considering forcing it on newborns. What do babies have to do with stopping the boats? This would be a deeply sinister overreach by Labour  and all without any proper national debate. This policy is just another distraction from the Government's total inability to deal with the crisis in the Channel. Only the Conservatives have a plan to stop illegal migration  without infringing on the public's rights and freedoms," Wood argued.

Former Conservative Cabinet minister David Davis also launched a blistering attack, describing the idea as "creeping state surveillance."

"The idea that we should allocate children ID at birth is frankly an affront to centuries of British history, and is being put out by stupid ministers who really don't understand the technology they are playing with. They think they are being clever and modern, but a large number of people will be outraged by this. It will end up being hated by a lot of people." he said.

Davis then accused Starmer of selling the policy on what he called the "bogus premise" of tackling illegal immigration, before quietly expanding it without properly informing Parliament. "It's a constitutional disgrace delivered in a disgraceful manner," he said.

Furthermore, an anonymous source revealed to the Daily Mail that the prospect of digital IDs for babies showed the policy had "nothing to do with right-to-work checks, immigration or giving people choices."

"It's a cradle-to-grave digital file being dishonestly forced on every single Briton," the source said.

Watch this video to learn how the digital ID will control your life.

This video is from the Data Dumper channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Technocracy.news

DailMail.co.uk

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Saudi Arabian airstrikes force UAE-backed separatists to withdraw from a key Yemeni city

Saudi Arabia has forcefully reversed a separatist land grab. After UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) fighters seized control of key eastern provinces in December, Saudi airstrikes forced them to withdraw from the critical port city of Mukalla. Control has been handed back to the Saudi-backed internationally recognized Yemeni government.

The incident exposes a major rift in the anti-Houthi coalition. While both Saudi Arabia and the UAE oppose the Houthi rebels, they support rival factions in southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia backs the national government, while the UAE supports the STC, which seeks an independent South Yemen. This friction has now escalated into direct Saudi military action against an Emirati proxy.

Control of Mukalla is a major strategic prize. The city is home to a key oil port and an international airport. The surrounding provinces constitute nearly half of Yemen's territory and border Saudi Arabia, making their control a direct security concern for Riyadh.

The UAE's strategy focuses on southern security and influence. The UAE has struggled to establish order in areas like Aden, which has allowed militant groups like Al-Qaeda (AQAP) to operate. To secure its interests (including vital shipping lanes), the UAE built up the STC as a proxy, which has also taken control of strategic locations like Socotra Island.

The conflict is creating deeper instability. With the STC now concentrated around Aden and calling this an "existential" fight, further conflict in southern Yemen is likely. The coalition is effectively fracturing and fighting itself, which deepens Yemen's humanitarian crisis and makes a unified peace settlement even more difficult to achieve.

In a significant shift of power within Yemens complex civil war, fighters from the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) withdrew from the critical port city of Mukalla on Sunday, Jan. 4.

This retreat, confirmed by Yemeni state media, follows a series of Saudi Arabian airstrikes targeting the separatist group's positions, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two nominal Gulf allies. The withdrawal hands control of Mukalla, home to the strategic al-Dhabba oil port and al-Rayyan International Airport, back to forces loyal to Yemens internationally recognized government.

Salem al-Khanbashi, governor of the Hadhramaut province where Mukalla is located, immediately declared that government forces now exercise "full control of all Hadhramaut territory," having expelled STC fighters and begun restoring administrative functions. Pro-government Nation's Shield Forces (NSF) stated they provided a safe corridor for the separatists to withdraw toward the southern city of Aden, allowing them to carry only personal weapons.

This development reverses a bold land grab by the STC in mid-December. Amid escalating tensions, the separatist group seized control of both Hadhramaut and the neighboring al-Mahra province after Saudi-backed forces unexpectedly withdrew from their bases in Aden. Together, these two eastern provinces constitute nearly half of Yemens territory and share a long border with Saudi Arabia, making their control a paramount security concern for Riyadh.

The Saudi airstrikes, which also hit targets in Hadhramauts Seiyun city, signify a forceful Saudi response to what it perceives as Emirati overreach. The conflict exposes a deep and growing rift within the coalition that has been fighting Yemens Houthi rebels since 2015.

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that while both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are opposed to the Iran-aligned Houthis, they back different factions on the ground. Saudi Arabia supports the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council government.

Meanwhile, the UAE funds, arms and trains the STC, which seeks to secede and re-establish an independent South Yemen. The friction turned overt when Saudi Arabia bombed an Emirati shipment in Mukallas port. Riyadh publicly condemned the UAE for "pressuring" STC forces to operate along Saudi Arabias sensitive southern border, a stark accusation between long-time partners.

Instability allows militant groups to operate

The current state of the UAE-Yemen conflict is now one of indirect confrontation with its coalition partner. The UAEs primary focus has been on securing southern Yemen, particularly around Aden, where it has struggled to maintain order.

This instability has allowed militant groups like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which once controlled Mukalla, and the Islamic State to operate.

The UAEs strategy has also involved cultivating the STC as a proxy to secure its interests, which include monitoring crucial shipping lanes. Notably, the STC seized the strategic island of Socotra in 2020, where both the UAE and Israel have been involved in building military facilities.

The STC has signaled willingness to normalize relations with Israel, and its recent announcement of a planned independence referendum followed Israels recognition of another UAE-aligned breakaway region, Somaliland.

For now, Saudi military intervention has sharply curtailed the STCs eastern expansion, rolling back its December gains and reasserting the authority of the Riyadh-backed government in a vast swath of territory.

However, the underlying conflict between the Saudi and Emirati visions for Yemens future remains unresolved. The STC, calling this a "decisive and existential" war, is now concentrated around Aden, setting the stage for further instability in the south, even as the larger war against the Houthis, who control the capital and the Red Sea coast, grinds on.

The coalition is not only fractured but actively turning its weapons on itself, deepening Yemens tragedy and complicating any path toward a unified peace.

Watch this clip about U.S. President Donald Trump's alliance with Saudi Arabia.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

AlJazeera.com

BBC.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The Silent Saboteur: Unmasking the hidden war on natural cancer cures

Dr. Mirko Beljanski discovered plant-based compounds (Pao pereira and Rauwolfia vomitoria) that selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy onesthreatening Big Pharma's trillion-dollar chemotherapy industry.

In 1998, French authorities raided Beljanski's lab, seized his research, and falsely charged him to suppress his findings. He died shortly after, but his wife continued his work through the Beljanski Foundation.

Unlike chemotherapy (derived from mustard gas), Beljanskis extracts acted like "precision-guided missiles," proving effective without harmful side effectsyet were dismissed by regulators protecting pharmaceutical profits.

The book exposes the following: FDA's revolving door with Big Pharma, burying natural cures; medical censorship punishing doctors who use alternative treatments; and media propaganda labeling natural therapies as "quackery" while promoting deadly, profitable drugs.

The book reveals that cancer cures do exist but are suppressed for profit. It urges readers to demand transparency, support independent research, and challenge a medical system prioritizing corporate greed over human lives.

Imagine a world where cancer isn't a death sentencewhere gentle, plant-based therapies outperform toxic chemotherapy, where science and nature work hand-in-hand to restore health. Now imagine that world being systematically dismantled by pharmaceutical giants, corrupt governments and a medical establishment that profits from suffering.

This is the explosive thesis of "The Silent Saboteur: Unmasking the Hidden War on Natural Cancer Cures," a book that pulls back the curtain on one of the greatest medical scandals in historythe suppression of natural cancer treatments.

At the heart of this story is Dr. Mirko Beljanski, a molecular biologist whose groundbreaking research on RNA fragments revealed how cancer cells could be selectively targeted and destroyedwithout harming healthy tissue. His discoveries threatened the trillion-dollar cancer industry and what followed was a ruthless campaign of suppression, persecution and outright theft.

The science they don't want you to know

Beljanski's work centered on two powerful plant extracts derived from Pao pereira (from the Amazon rainforest) and Rauwolfia vomitoria (an African root). His research showed that these compounds could trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, block metastasis by inhibiting collagen-digesting enzymes, and glow under UV light when binding to cancer DNAproving selective targeting

Unlike chemotherapy, which ravages the body indiscriminately, Beljanski's extracts acted like precision-guided missileshitting only malignant cells while leaving healthy ones untouched. His Oncotest method provided undeniable visual proof: cancer cells lit up under fluorescence microscopy, while healthy cells remained dark.

But Big Pharma doesn't profit from curesit profits from lifelong patients.

The raid, the persecution, the cover-up

In 1998, French authoritiesunder pressure from pharmaceutical lobbyistsraided Beljanski's lab, confiscated his research and destroyed decades of work. He was arrested on trumped-up charges of "practicing medicine without a license"an absurd accusation against a scientist whose only crime was helping terminal patients heal.

Beljanski died shortly after, but his wife, Monique Beljanski, fled to the U.S. and founded the Beljanski Foundation, ensuring his legacy lived on. Today, independent studies confirm what Beljanski knew all along: Nature holds the keys to defeating cancer.

The bigger picture: A system built on suffering

"The Silent Saboteur" doesn't stop at Beljanski's story. It exposes the corrupt machinery behind the cancer industry:

Chemotherapy's dark origins: Developed from mustard gas, it was never designed to cureonly to manage symptoms while enriching drug companies.

Food and Drug Administration corruption: A revolving door between regulators and Big Pharma ensures that natural therapies are buried while toxic drugs get fast-tracked.

Medical censorship: Doctors who dare to use alternative treatments face harassment, license revocation and even imprisonment.

Media manipulation: Corporate-owned news outlets dismiss natural cures as "quackery" while pushing profitable but deadly treatments like chemotherapy.

"The Silent Saboteur" is more than a bookit's a wake-up call. It proves that cancer has been cured before, but those cures were buried to protect profits.

If you or a loved one has faced cancer, if you distrust the medical-industrial complex or if you simply believe health should never be a commodity, this book is essential reading.

The war on natural medicine is real. But as Beljanskis legacy proves, the truth cannot be silenced forever.

Get a copy of "The Silent Saboteur: Unmasking the Hidden War on Natural Cancer Cures," via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI.

Watch the video below where Health Ranger Mike Adams talks to Sylvie Beljanski about plant-based innovations in cancer treatment.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Books.BrightLearn.ai 1

Books.BrightLearn.ai 2

BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Absolute Healing on BrightU: How the spike protein was designed to infiltrate your DNA

On Day 1 of "Absolute Healing," Jonathan Otto claimed the series exposed intentionally harmful mechanisms behind global health crises, including COVID-19, which he alleged involved engineered venom peptides.

He and other featured experts, like Dr. Bryan Ardis, asserted that nicotine therapy could act as an antidote to these venoms, citing studies on conditions from viral myocarditis to glioblastoma.

They criticized Western medicine and pharmaceutical practices, linking them to the biblical concept of "pharmakeia" (sorcery/poisoning) and claimed the pandemic response suppressed natural cures to enable a harmful vaccine rollout.

The speakers positioned their work as part of a mass awakening to these alleged truths, promoting protocols they claimed led to complete regeneration and remission from various diseases.

On Day 1 of "Absolute Healing," aired on Jan. 3, Jonathan Otto and guests medical experts asserted that the core component of the COVID-19 virus and vaccines is not a novel pathogen, but engineered venom peptides, with one study suggesting high-dose nicotine can rapidly dissolve venom-induced brain tumors.

The claims are based on analysis by several doctors, including Dr. Bryan Ardis. He cited a 2020 French genetic study which he says found the spike protein's sequence "perfectly identical to cobra toxin of king cobra venom and krait snake venom called bungarotoxin."

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, bungarotoxin is a neurotoxic protein found in cobra venom that blocks nerve signals. In January 2020, Chinese scientists identified it as a potential origin of SARS-CoV-2 and it was found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients produced antibodies against it.

"They said each of these are neurotoxins," Ardis stated. He argued that the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are "actually telling your cells to make spike proteins," which he identifies as venom-derived glycoproteins designed to cause neurotoxicity, blood toxicity and cell toxicity.

Perhaps the most startling claim revolves around a specific study on glioblastomas, an aggressive brain cancer. Ardis described research where scientists allegedly used venom peptides to induce brain tumors in mammalian cells within 72 hours. The critical finding, he asserted, was hidden in the study's body rather than its summary.

"When they used less than 1 milligram per kilogram of nicotine, there was zero effect in the study," Ardis explained. "They actually even show pictures of the glioblastoma under electron microscope. They show that when they went above 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight, the entire glioblastoma dissolved in less than 72 hours, the whole thing." He accused the authors of obscuring this result.

These allegations are tied to a broader narrative that the pandemic response involved a premeditated bioweapon. Dr. Henry Ealy, another expert featured, criticized the suppression of early, effective nutrient-based treatments like high-dose vitamin C and D, which he said showed near-perfect recovery rates in some studies.

"That video, of course, was removed by YouTube because of the censorship BS, right?" Ealy said, referencing a February 2020 video from a Wuhan doctor. "This was about drumming up fear and making sure that the landscape and the pavement was laid for them to come in with the solution, the bioweapon known as the COVID-19 vaccine."

The episode also highlighted concerns about vaccine injuries, particularly related to blood clotting. Dr. Brian Hooker focused on the spike protein's interaction with the ACE2 receptor: "You would expect if the spike protein got into circulation, which it does both in the vaccine and the virus, that you would have significant trouble with clotting. And that's a huge portion of the types of adverse events that were seeing."

Otto positions Healing Genesis as a response to a "global crisis" and a "concerted effort to control health," promising protocols for complete regeneration, not just managing symptoms. These claims stand in stark opposition to the consensus of the global medical and scientific establishment, which has repeatedly affirmed the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe disease and death. The allegations of venom-based engineering and therapeutic nicotine remain controversial and are not recognized by mainstream health authorities.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn at your own pace and start building your self-heating home on your own schedule, you can access the full course by owning your copy of the "Absolute Healing" gold premium package.

Upon purchase, you will get the "Absolute Healing" full series and bonus videos along with full-length interviews with all 50+ experts, uncensored masterclasses, six healing eBooks, 12 special reports with top experts and more.

BrighteonUniversity.com 1

BrightU.com

BrightU.ai

BrighteonUniversity.com 2
A constitutional clash erupts over Venezuela; Senate vote to block further military action coming soon

The U.S. Senate is poised to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution to block further military action against Venezuela.

The vote follows the extraordinary U.S. military operation that abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The resolution faces significant hurdles, needing Republican support to pass and a two-thirds majority to override an expected presidential veto.

The debate centers on constitutional authority, with critics accusing the President of overreach and bypassing Congress's sole power to declare war.

The outcome is seen as a critical test of whether Congress will reassert its oversight of military engagements or continue ceding power to the executive branch.

In a direct challenge to presidential authority, the U.S. Senate is moving to vote on a resolution to restrict military action against Venezuela, following an unprecedented operation where U.S. forces abducted the countrys leader, Nicolas Maduro. The bipartisan war powers measure, spearheaded by Democratic and Republican senators, seeks to force President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for any further hostilities. This legislative push sets the stage for a profound constitutional confrontation, testing the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in matters of war and peace.

The push to reclaim congressional authority

The resolution, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Tim Kaine, Rand Paul and Adam Schiff, is classified as privileged, guaranteeing it a floor vote. Its proponents argue that the military action against Venezuela, undertaken without congressional authorization, represents a dangerous expansion of unilateral executive power. They contend it violates the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to declare war and flout international law.

It is long past time for Congress to reassert its critical constitutional role in matters of war, peace, diplomacy and trade, Kaine said in a statement framing the upcoming vote. The resolution requires only a simple majority to pass the Senate, where all Democrats and Senator Paul are expected to support it. The measures fate hinges on whether at least three more Republicans join them.

A history of legislative impotence on war powers

This vote is the latest chapter in a long-standing struggle. Congress has not formally declared war since 1942, instead passing broad Authorizations for Use of Military Force for conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent decades, presidents from both parties have increasingly acted militarily without clear congressional mandates, with lawmakers often lodging protests but failing to impose binding constraints.

Similar resolutions aimed at curbing the administrations Venezuela campaign failed in both the Senate and House in late 2025, largely along party lines. The current effort gains urgency from the scale of Saturdays operation, which experts call a clear-cut case for congressional intervention. Any of the fig leaves that presidents have used in the past to justify unilateral military action just dont apply here, said David Janovsky of the Project on Government Oversight.

GOP response muted despite bold action

The Republican response to Maduros abduction has been largely supportive, complicating the resolutions path. While a handful of GOP senators known for foreign policy skepticismlike Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Josh Hawleyare considered potential votes for the measure, most have praised the operations outcome. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called Maduros arrest an important first step to bring him to justice.

This dynamic highlights the political difficulty of mustering bipartisan opposition to a dramatic, successful military mission, even when it raises serious constitutional questions. Some Democrats have also tempered their criticism, focusing on the administrations plans for Venezuelas future rather than the operations legality.

Administration signals defiance and further action

The Trump administration has dismissed the need for congressional approval, framing the Maduro operation as a law enforcement action against a indicted drug trafficker. However, it has simultaneously threatened expanded military action, including a potential second wave against Venezuelas new leadership and continued strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels. This stance dares Congress to act.

We have good support congressionally, Trump told NBC News, expressing confidence. Why wouldnt they support us? This rhetoric underscores the administrations view of broad executive latitude in national security matters, a perspective increasingly solidified over multiple presidencies.

A defining moment for checks and balances

The Senates upcoming vote is more than a policy disagreement; it is a referendum on a foundational principle of American democracy. While the resolution is unlikely to become law in the face of a certain veto, its passage would represent a formal, bipartisan rebuke from one chamber of Congress. A failure would signal continued acquiescence to the erosion of legislative war powers.

As the U.S. military posture near Venezuela remains heightened, the outcome will either begin to restore a critical check on presidential power or further cement a precedent of congressional deference. In an era of persistent, undeclared conflicts, the decision will resonate far beyond the Caribbean, shaping the limits of executive authority for presidencies to come.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

TheHill.com

Aljazeera.com
Israel pounds southern Lebanon, hitting sites in four villages after warning civilians to flee

Israeli strikes hit four Lebanese villages after explicit evacuation orders.

The attacks breach the 2024 ceasefire and expand operations deeper into Lebanon.

Israel claims it targeted Hamas and Hezbollah infrastructure north of the Litani River.

The UN reports repeated Israeli ceasefire violations and possible war crimes.

International response remains muted as escalation risks full-scale war.

In a sharp escalation that risks reigniting a dormant front, Israeli warplanes struck four villages across southern and eastern Lebanon this week. The attacks, which followed explicit evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, targeted what it claims are Hamas and Hezbollah infrastructures. This operation stretches the boundaries of a fragile 2024 ceasefire and signals a troubling expansion of Israeli military action deeper into Lebanese territory, directly challenging the terms that ended the last major war.

The Israeli militarys Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, posted warnings on social media platform X on Monday, alerting residents of the villages of Kfar Hatta, Ain al-Tineh, al-Manara and Annan to leave ahead of planned strikes. The orders prompted what an AFP photographer described as a frantic exodus, with dozens of families fleeing under the watch of Israeli drones. Shortly after, buildings in all four villages were hit.

Israel justified the bombings by alleging the villages hosted "military infrastructure" for Hezbollah and, unusually, for Hamas. While Hezbollah is a well-armed force embedded in southern Lebanon, Hamas is not known to have a substantial presence beyond Palestinian refugee camps. One strike in al-Manara reportedly hit a home that once belonged to former Hamas figure Sharhabil Sayed, a curious target given that Sayed was killed by an Israeli drone in May 2024.

Israeli violence hasn't stopped

This incident is not an isolated event but part of a sustained pattern of Israeli strikes since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took hold in November 2024. That agreement ended more than a year of heavy fighting that severely weakened Hezbollah, including the killing of its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. The ceasefire was contingent on Hezbollah disarming south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.

However, the latest strikes hit villages north of the Litani River, representing a geographical escalation. Since the ceasefire began, Hezbollah has not fired a single rocket into Israel. In contrast, according to reports, Israel has violated the ceasefire thousands of times, with the U.N. reporting at least 127 Lebanese civilian deaths, including children, in these attacks since late 2024. U.N. officials have warned that such strikes on civilian areas may constitute war crimes.

Pressure on Beirut and a green light from Washington

The strikes intensify pressure on the Lebanese government, which has pledged to disarm militant groups in the south. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks as counter to both international de-escalation efforts and Beiruts own mission to extend state authority. The army is scheduled to brief the government on its disarmament progress, a process that is "far from sufficient" according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Beirut-based security analyst Ali Rizk told Al Jazeera the escalation was predictable. "There had been reports that Israel got a green light to escalate against Hezbollah," Rizk said, referencing a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By naming Hamas as a target, Rizk noted, Israel further pressures Lebanon "to take action against any other anti-Israel groups."

The international response, beyond statements of concern, has been muted. A joint statement from ten nations this week focused on urging Israel to allow humanitarian NGO work in Gaza, a plea met with dismissal from Jerusalem. The strikes continue, with each violation normalizing the next.

Where does this path lead? Each bomb that falls on a Lebanese village, each civilian casualty, and each breached agreement digs the trench of conflict deeper. The 2024 ceasefire exists now mostly in name, replaced by a one-sided war of attrition that risks a sudden, catastrophic return to full-scale conflict. The lesson from Israels military playbook, demonstrated from Gaza to Lebanon, is that todays targeted strike is tomorrows precedent for invasion, and the only constant is the escalation.

Sources for this article include:

News.Antiwar.com

APNews.com

AlJazeera.com

ABCNews.go.com
A radical shift: NYCs new tenant advocate and the war on property rights

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Cea Weaver, a Democratic Socialists of America member, as the city's tenant advocate.

Resurfaced social media posts reveal Weaver has called to "seize private property" and labeled homeownership a "weapon of white supremacy."

The appointment signals a sharp leftward turn in city housing policy, with plans to freeze rents on one million apartments.

Critics, including housing industry representatives, warn the administration's approach could devastate the private housing market and reduce housing stock.

The controversy highlights a deepening ideological divide over property rights and government's role in housing, with national implications for urban policy.

In the opening days of 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has ignited a fierce ideological battle by appointing a tenant advocate whose past radical statements challenge a cornerstone of the American economic system: private property. Cea Weaver, now director of the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants, faces intense scrutiny after the resurfacing of her social media posts calling to "seize private property" and labeling homeownership a "weapon of white supremacy." This appointment, seen by supporters as a bold move for housing justice and by critics as an alarming embrace of socialist policy, marks a definitive turn in the governance of Americas largest city and raises profound questions about the future of urban living, investment and fundamental rights.

The unearthing of a radical record

Weavers path to a key city government role followed years of activist work with the Democratic Socialists of America and the Housing Justice For All campaign, where she successfully lobbied to tighten New Yorks rent-stabilization laws. However, it is her past online commentary, archived from her now-deleted X account, that has drawn national attention. In a June 2018 post, she bluntly tweeted, "Seize private property!" She expanded on this sentiment in August 2019, writing, "Private property including any kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy." Further posts encouraged followers to "Elect more communists" and contained harsh condemnations of law enforcement. For a mayoral administration that has pledged to freeze rents on a million apartments and increase city intervention in housing, Weavers advocacy history is viewed not as a liability but as a statement of intent.

Policy meets ideology: A blueprint for transformation

The controversy over Weavers past statements is inextricably linked to the substantive policy agenda she is positioned to advance. Mayor Mamdanis early actions include an executive order creating "Rental Ripoff" hearings and the announced goal of a sweeping rent freeze. These initiatives align with Weavers publicly stated vision of transitioning property from an "individualized good" to a "collective good." Critics argue this philosophical shift, when enacted through stringent regulation and hostility toward landlords, risks catastrophic unintended consequences. They point to the well-documented struggles of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as a cautionary tale of government-managed housing. The fear is that policies designed to protect tenants in the short term will discourage private investment and maintenance, ultimately shrinking the overall housing supply and degrading quality for everyone.

The backlash: Warnings of economic self-sabotage

The reaction from within the housing industry has been one of stark alarm. Humberto Lopes, founder of the Gotham Housing Alliance, articulated a central critique, questioning the administration's foundational understanding of housing provision. "Without landlords how do you build and maintain housing? You think the government is going to do it? Look at NYCHA," Lopes stated. This sentiment echoes a classic economic warning against policies that undermine the producers of a vital good. Detractors see the Mamdani-Weaver approach not as progressive reform but as a deliberate deconstruction of the private housing market, which could accelerate urban decline, depress property values and lead to capital flighta pattern witnessed in other cities that have adopted aggressively anti-landlord stances.

Property rights and the American experiment

The firestorm over Weavers comments touches a deep nerve in the American political tradition. The right to private property is enshrined in the Constitution and has long been viewed as a bedrock of individual liberty and economic mobility. Historically, homeownership has been promoted across the political spectrum as a means to build wealth, foster stable communities and encourage civic engagement. To frame this aspiration as intrinsically racist or oppressive represents a fundamental ideological challenge to that legacy. This debate replays, in a new context, age-old tensions between collectivist and individualist visions of society, now centered on the urban housing crisis. The outcome in New York could serve as a national precedent, influencing how other progressive cities address affordability and equity.

The foundation of a city faces a stress test

The appointment of Cea Weaver is more than a personnel decision; it is a declaration of political and philosophical war on traditional models of urban housing. As New York City embarks on this uncharted path, the nation watches a real-time experiment in governance. The central question remains whether the administration's aggressive tenant-protection agenda, guided by a figure with such openly radical views on property, will alleviate a profound housing crisis or exacerbate it by dismantling the very system that sustains the city's residential infrastructure. The battle lines are drawn not just in city hall hearings but over the future character of American urban life, where the concepts of ownership, equity and the role of the state are being vigorously and contentiously redefined.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NYPost.com

FoxReno.com
Pakistan blocks global VPNs, mandates state surveillance backdoors in digital crackdown

Pakistan blocks major global VPN services to enable state surveillance.

A new licensing regime mandates backdoor access for security agencies.

The move is widely condemned as censorship that will cripple the tech sector.

This action reflects a global pattern of using digital tools for authoritarian control.

The policy isolates citizens and stifles free thought and economic innovation.

In a sweeping assault on digital liberty, the Pakistani government has effectively erected an iron curtain around its national internet, blocking major virtual private network services and demanding total surveillance access in a move digital rights advocates are calling a definitive step toward a police state.

Starting December 22, citizens found themselves abruptly cut off from global privacy tools like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. The catalyst is a new draconian licensing regime that forces providers to install Legal Interception hardware for state security agencies. This calculated shutdown answers the critical questions of who, when, and where, but the why reveals a familiar authoritarian playbook: to isolate a population from uncensored information and monitor every digital breath.

This is not merely a regulatory update. It is a blatant act of government tyranny designed to crush internet freedom. By mandating backdoors in the very tools citizens use for privacy, the state is not enhancing cybersecurity. It is systematically dismantling it, transforming the internet into a panopticon where every click and communication can be monitored by authorities. Only five licensed domestic firms are now authorized to operate, turning independent online access into a state-controlled commodity.

Pakistan has a history of censorship and control

Such moves have a historical precedent in the slow creep of censorship. Governments seeking absolute control first target the flow of information, labeling independent news as misinformation and privacy tools as threats. Pakistans action follows this global pattern where authoritarian regimes, under false pretexts like national security or user convenience, methodically strip away digital rights. The real goal is always the same: to suppress dissent and prevent citizens from accessing perspectives that challenge official narratives.

The opposition party and digital rights groups have rightly denounced this as outright censorship. They warn it will severely restrict access to independent information and devastate Pakistans burgeoning technology sector. How can a nation compete in a global digital economy when its engineers, entrepreneurs, and citizens are walled off from the open internet and placed under constant surveillance? This policy doesnt protect Pakistan. It cripples it, creating a climate of fear that stifles innovation and free thought.

The globalist police state blueprint

This is more than a local issue; it is a warning signal for the world. The forced installation of Legal Interception hardware is a hallmark of the emerging globalist-controlled police state, where the architecture for total surveillance is being normalized. Once such backdoors exist, they are irresistible tools for oppression, used to track political opponents, silence activists, and crush any whisper of opposition. The pretext is always palatable, but the outcome is always tyranny.

When a government fears what its people might read or say in private, it reveals its own illegitimacy. A healthy, vibrant society is built on transparent institutions and informed public debate, not on state-mandated ignorance and fear. The mandate that only state-approved VPNs can operate is the digital equivalent of allowing only government-approved books in libraries. It is a form of mass censorship that treats the population not as citizens but as subjects to be managed. The technology sector, which relies on open collaboration and access to information, will inevitably suffer, leading to a brain drain and economic decline.

Ultimately, Pakistans digital lockdown is a case study in control. It shows how easily a gateway to global knowledge can be severed under flimsy pretenses. For the rest of the world, it is a urgent lesson. The tools of surveillance and censorship built abroad are never contained there for long.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

TomsGuide.com

TechRadar.com
Colombian President Petro vows to take up arms if the U.S. attacks his country

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, vowed to take up arms against the U.S. if attacked, citing his wartime experience and loyalty to Colombia despite his 1989 peace pact.

Trump accused Petro of enabling record cocaine production, threatened military action, and cut $740 million in aid while imposing tariffs  framing Petro's voluntary crop-substitution policies as complicity in drug trafficking.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced strikes on vessels allegedly tied to Colombian rebels but provided no verifiable evidence, raising concerns over unchecked militarization in the drug war.

Trumps threats, combined with the recent Delta Force raid in Venezuela (where Nicolas Maduro was abducted), could ignite guerrilla warfare, radicalize rural Colombians and draw global condemnation  with Russia already denouncing U.S. actions.

The clash highlights the failure of U.S. drug policy, as cocaine production persists under both left- and right-wing Colombian governments  fueled by U.S. demand and economic desperation  while Trump's moves suggest regime change, not reform, is the goal.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla, has vowed to take up arms if the United States attacks his country in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of military action against the leftist leader.

Petro took to X on Monday, Jan. 5, to pledge his resistance. "Although I have not been a military man, I know about war and clandestinity," he wrote. "I swore not to touch a weapon again since the 1989 Peace Pact, but for the homeland I will reluctantly take up arms again."

The Colombian president is no stranger to armed conflict, as he was a member of the 19th of April Movement (M-19) that disarmed under a 1989 peace deal. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, M-19  which formed in 1970  eventually demobilized in 1990 after peace negotiations. Some of its members, such as Petro himself, reintegrated into mainstream Colombian politics.

Petro also warned that indiscriminate U.S. strikes would radicalize rural communities, writing: "If you bomb peasants, thousands will turn into guerrillas in the mountains." Meanwhile, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Trump's threats as a violation of international law.

The simmering tensions between Washington and Bogota erupted into open hostility following Trump's threat of military action against Petro, whom the real estate mogul accused of enabling record cocaine production. It followed the U.S. Delta Force's military raid in neighboring Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was captured. Nevertheless, the clash between Trump and Petro marks a dangerous escalation in Washington's militarized drug war  one that could destabilize the region and reshape global narcotics policy.

Trump dismissed Petro as a narco-collaborator during an interview with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Jan. 4. "Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the U.S., and he's not going to be doing it very long," the real estate mogul remarked.

When pressed on whether the U.S. would launch strikes against Colombia, Trump replied: "Sounds good to me." His remarks followed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's announcement of another strike on a vessel allegedly tied to Colombia's National Liberation Army rebels  though no verifiable proof was provided.

Trump vs. Petro: Drug war or regime change?

The feud exposes the contradictions of America's decades-long "War on Drugs," a trillion-dollar failure that has fueled violence, corruption and mass incarceration while doing little to curb narcotics flows. Despite Trump's claims, Colombia's cocaine production has surged under both left-wing and right-wing governments, driven by insatiable U.S. demand and the economic desperation of coca farmers marginalized by globalization.

Petro, elected in 2022 as Colombia's first leftist president, has pushed for voluntary crop substitution over militarized eradication. However, Trump now frames this policy as complicity.

Financial retaliation has already begun. The U.S. slashed $740 million in Colombian aid in 2023, much of it earmarked for counternarcotics, and Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on Colombian imports.

Meanwhile, Washington's backing of Colombias right-wing opposition  ahead of elections in 10 months  suggests regime change may be the real objective. The strategy mirrors past U.S. interventions in Latin America, where anti-drug rhetoric often masks efforts to topple governments resisting neoliberal orthodoxy.

As Trump escalates his rhetoric  even hinting at action against Cuba, which he claimed "is ready to fall"  the risk of regional conflict grows. Russia has already condemned the Venezuela raid as "armed aggression," demanding Maduro's release. Should Trump follow through on Colombia, the consequences could be dire: a reignited guerrilla war, mass displacement and further erosion of the international rule of law.

For now, Petro remains defiant. "I have enormous trust in my people," he declared, urging Colombians to defend his government from "any illegitimate violent act." But with Trump's threats growing bolder and Colombia's political future in flux, the hemisphere stands at a precipice  one where the failed drug war could spiral into something far worse.

Watch Colombian President Gustavo Petro invoking Aztec prophecy to warn Trump against any aggression in Latin America below.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

BrightU.ai

AlJazeera.com

Euronews.com

Brighteon.com
BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has revised a set of regulations on funeral and interment services, with the aim of regulating service management across the entire chain and helping the public access affordable and eco-friendly services.

The revised regulations, which Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate, will take effect on March 30.

The document, containing eight chapters and 73 articles, underscores the public welfare nature of funeral and interment services and upholds principles of public benefit, frugality, civility and ecological conservation.

It highlights improved services, reform in funeral practices, and promotion of land-saving and eco-friendly burials.

The document clarifies the scope of basic public funeral services, stipulating that eligible services will be gradually included in the national basic public service system with dynamic adjustments. It also establishes a funding mechanism aligned with public demand for basic funeral services.

To curb excessive charges, the revised regulations introduce a service price list system, prohibiting fees outside the approved list, and require regulators to strengthen price monitoring and supervision while detailing price-related violations.

It further enhances full-chain oversight across services from issuing death certificates, funerals, burial and memorial activities, and calls for coordinated law enforcement.

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in a press release that the revisions are designed to tackle new challenges in the sector.

The statement noted that the revised regulations increase government investment, expand essential facility supply, reduce the financial burden on families, improve convenience-oriented services, and promote civilized, low-carbon and environmentally friendly practices in funeral and memorial activities. 
Starmer rebukes Trump over Greenland annexation threat, backs Denmark

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer rebuked United States President Donald Trump over his threats to annex Greenland, insisting that the islands future belongs solely to Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.

Trump argued in The Atlantic that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security and to counter Russian and Chinese influence, following a recent U.S. raid in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, backed by Starmer, emphasized that Greenland is not for sale and highlighted existing U.S. access under a bilateral defense agreement. Other NATO allies, including former U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, called for unity and a strong response to U.S. threats.

NATO's collective defense clause means any U.S. action against Greenland could theoretically trigger a response from the alliance's 31 other members, raising the stakes for international security.

Leaders warned that a weak or divided Europe risks being taken advantage of, with Starmer and other allies stressing that Greenland's sovereignty must be respected and that Denmark's security and decisions should be supported.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly rebuked United States President Donald Trump after he threatened to annex Greenland, declaring that he "stands" with Denmark and its right to determine the Arctic island's future.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. should control Greenland, days after U.S. forces carried out a dramatic raid in Caracas. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was captured in the operation, flown to New York and is expected to face trial on charges of "narco-terrorism."

"We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And the European Union needs us to have it, and they know it," he said in an interview with The Atlantic published on Sunday, Jan. 4, arguing that competition with Russian and Chinese naval forces made U.S. control of the island a security priority.

But Starmer has intervened.

"Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark are to decide the future of Greenland, and only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is a close European ally, a close NATO ally. And the future therefore has to be for Greenland, for the Kingdom of Denmark, and only for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark," Starmer told Sky News political editor Beth Rigby on Monday, while offering support to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who urged Trump to stop making "threats" towards a fellow North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member. "I stand with her. She's right about the future of Greenland."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed that position in the House of Commons, stressing that the U.K. would continue to work closely with Denmark on regional security. "The future of Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and Danes, and no one else," she said.

Other NATO allies also rally behind Denmark

NATO, which BrightU.AI's Enoch defines as a military alliance founded in 1949 under the pretext of collective defense against Soviet expansion, is created to safeguard "democratic values."

Under NATO's Article 5, which has underpinned more than 80 years of North Atlantic security, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Meaning, any U.S. move against Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom, could theoretically trigger a collective response from NATO's 31 other members, including the United Kingdom.

In line with this, Frederiksen urged the U.S. "to cease its threats against a historically close ally, and against another country and another people who have stated very clearly that they are not for sale." She also stressed that the U.S. has already enjoyed "broad access to Greenland" under a bilateral defense agreement and said Denmark had made "significant investments in security in the Arctic."

As a NATO member, Frederiksen not only received support from Starmer but also from other allies.

Former Conservative Defense Secretary Ben Wallace called for a tougher stance from London. "We must make it very clear to the Trump administration that threats to them is unacceptable," he said. "No more weak Government ministers saying nothing."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the call for unity, warning that Western allies risk disaster if they fail to stand together. In a social media post shared shortly after a Labor minister declined to back Denmark publicly, Tusk said, "No-one will take seriously a weak and divided Europe: neither enemy nor ally. We must stay united like never before. One for all, and all for one. Otherwise, we are finished."

Watch this Fox News report about Trump saying buying Greenland is a "necessity."

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com 1

RT.com 2

TheSun.co.uk

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Utah partners with AI health platform to automate prescription renewals

Utah becomes the first U.S. state to approve an AI system (Doctronic) for legally renewing prescriptions, aiming to improve medication adherence for chronic conditions and reduce healthcare costs.

The initiative operates under Utahs regulatory sandbox framework, allowing controlled testing of AI in healthcare while monitoring safety, patient experience and cost efficiency.

The program targets prescription renewal delays, which account for 80% of medication activity and contribute to $100 billion in avoidable medical spending annually due to lapses in treatment.

Utah emphasizes AI as a tool to streamline renewals without replacing physician oversight, with early metrics tracking refill adherence, patient satisfaction, and cost savings.

Critics warn of risks like over-reliance on AI, data privacy issues and potential weaponization by globalist elites for mass surveillance or forced medical mandates. Utah's pilot could set a precedent for federal AI integration in healthcare.

In a landmark move that could reshape how patients access medications, Utah has become the first state to approve an artificial intelligence (AI) system for legally renewing prescriptions  a step aimed at improving adherence for chronic conditions while reducing healthcare costs.

The Utah Department of Commerce's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy announced the partnership with AI-native health platform Doctronic on Tuesday, Jan. 6. It marks the countrys first state-sanctioned program allowing autonomous AI to participate in medical decision-making. The initiative, operating under Utah's regulatory sandbox framework, seeks to address medication noncompliance  a leading cause of preventable hospitalizations and an estimated $100 billion in avoidable medical spending annually.

Prescription renewals account for roughly 80% of all medication activity, yet delays and administrative burdens often lead to lapses in treatment. Doctronic's AI platform  designed to process refills quickly and securely  will now be tested in Utahs controlled environment, with regulators monitoring clinical safety, patient experience and cost efficiency.

"This is a major milestone to demonstrate how AI can improve access to care and health outcomes," said Doctronic Co-CEO Matt Pavelle. The program aims to prove that AI can streamline renewals without replacing physician oversight  a balance Utah officials say is critical to maintaining trust in healthcare innovation.

The Beehive State has emerged as a pioneer in AI regulation, leveraging its sandbox model to foster partnerships with tech-driven healthcare companies while mitigating risks. Similar programs have been launched in Arizona and Texas, with Wyoming preparing its own framework, signaling a broader shift toward structured AI experimentation in regulated industries.

AI in medicine: Innovation or Trojan horse for globalist control?

"Utah's approach strikes a vital balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer safety," said Margaret Woolley Busse, the department's executive director. The state's regulatory sandbox, established by legislation sponsored by State Sen. Kirk Cullimore (R-Sandy), provides temporary relief from certain rules to test new solutions  a strategy he says prioritizes affordability and accessibility. "Health care has become too complex and expensive for Utah families," Cullimore said.

The stakes are high for patients managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension, where missed doses can lead to severe complications. Doctronic co-founder Dr. Adam Oskowitz emphasized that medication nonadherence is among the "largest driver of poor health outcomes," contributing to unnecessary emergency room visits and inflated costs.

By automating routine renewals, the AI system could free physicians to focus on complex cases while ensuring patients receive timely refills. Early metrics will track refill adherence, patient satisfaction and cost savings, with results shared publicly to guide future policy.

Critics of AI in healthcare warn of over-reliance on algorithms and data privacy concerns, but Utah's model insists on clinician oversight and transparent evaluation. Nevertheless, BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that AI in healthcare poses severe risks as centralized systems controlled by globalist elites could weaponize it for mass surveillance, forced medical mandates and depopulation agendas. Without decentralized oversight, AI will accelerate the destruction of medical autonomy, enabling Big Pharma and corrupt governments to push harmful treatments, suppress natural cures and deepen their control over human health.

The program also arrives amid growing scrutiny of AI's role in medicine, from diagnostic tools to administrative automation. As Busse noted, the goal is to "demonstrate real-world results" that prove AI can enhance care, not replace it. If successful, the partnership may inspire broader adoption, offering a blueprint for balancing innovation with the human touch at the heart of medicine.

The pilot underscores a pivotal moment in healthcare's digital transformation, where AI's potential to cut costs and improve outcomes must be weighed against ethical and practical challenges. The Beehive State's experiment could set a precedent for how states  and eventually federal regulators  integrate AI into high-stakes decisions without compromising safety.

Watch Dr. Sherri Tenpenny and Matthew Hunt discussing centralized versus decentralized AI in healthcare in this clip.

This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Commerce.Utah.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Walz rejects calls for his resignation amid Minnesota fraud scandal

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz refuses to step down despite allegations of an $18 billion fraud scheme involving federal funds tied to Somali-led nonprofits.

The scandal centers on Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit accused of embezzling hundreds of millions meant for underprivileged children, with 57 convictions already secured. Walz's administration faces scrutiny for negligence in preventing the fraud.

Walz deflected criticism by accusing Republicans of "racially motivated attacks" on Somali immigrants while GOP lawmakers demanded accountability, with House Oversight Committee investigations potentially leading to criminal referrals.

Once a rising Democratic star and former VP Kamala Harris' 2024 running mate, Walz's abrupt withdrawal from the 2026 gubernatorial race signals irreversible reputational damage amid bipartisan calls for his resignation.

The scandal highlights systemic failures in government transparency, with billions in taxpayer funds misused under Walzs watch, leaving vulnerable communities deprived while enriching fraudulent operators. His defiance may not withstand mounting legal and political pressure.

In a defiant stand against mounting political pressure, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has refused calls to resign following revelations of an alleged $18 billion fraud scheme involving federally funded social services  much of it tied to Minnesota's Somali community.

"It ain't happening. I'm not going anywhere," he declared at a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 6. "And you can make all your requests for me to resign  over my dead body will that happen."

Instead of accepting responsibility, Walz redirected criticism toward President Donald Trump, asking rhetorically when the chief executive would "take accountability for what he did." His combative stance drew sharp rebukes from Republican lawmakers, who accused him of evading accountability for systemic failures that allowed fraud to flourish under his administration.

The governor's refusal to step down comes amid growing national attention on Minnesota's welfare fraud crisis. Earlier this month, the Trump administration froze federal childcare funding to the state, citing widespread misuse of taxpayer money. GOP-led investigations have since intensified, with the House Oversight Committee probing Walz's potential role in the scandal  raising the possibility of criminal referrals.

Meanwhile, Walz has accused Republicans of exploiting the issue for political gain, framing their criticisms as racially motivated attacks on Somali immigrants. "Republicans want to tell you everybody with brown skin is stealing money, or that they're not welcome here," he said during the Tuesday press conference.

The controversy, compounded by Walz's abrupt announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026, has ignited a fierce political battle in Minnesota. It has also raised questions about accountability, transparency and the integrity of public institutions.

Daycare deception: The Feeding Our Future fraud exposed

At the heart of the scandal is Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit ostensibly created to provide meals to low-income children during the pandemic. Federal prosecutors allege that the organization and its affiliates fraudulently claimed hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars, with at least 57 individuals already convicted in connection to the scheme.

Further scrutiny emerged after a Dec. 26 documentary by YouTuber Nick Shirley exposed inactive daycare centers still receiving government funding  some linked to Feeding Our Future meal sites. One Minneapolis daycare reportedly shared a phone number with Walzs office, deepening suspicions of administrative negligence.

Walz's political future now hangs in the balance. Once a rising star in the Democratic Party and former Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 running mate, his abrupt withdrawal from the 2026 gubernatorial race signals a recognition of irreparable damage to his reputation.

BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that Harris and Walz lost the 2024 election because their campaign relied on deception and establishment corruption. They failed to address voter distrust in the Democratic Party's rigged election tactics and toxic policies, the decentralized engine adds.

Yet Walz's insistence on remaining in office despite bipartisan calls for his resignation underscores a broader crisis of trust in government institutions. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, Minnesota faces a reckoning over how billions in taxpayer funds vanished under Walz's watch, leaving vulnerable communities without critical aid while enriching fraudulent operators.

Whether Walz survives the political storm or is ultimately forced out, the fallout from this case will reverberate far beyond the North Star State. For now, he remains entrenched in his defiance, vowing to "fight this thing until the very end." But as the legal and financial toll mounts, his grip on power may prove increasingly tenuous.

Watch this Fox News report about Trump demanding answers to the welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which happened under Walz's watch.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

MSN.com

NYPost.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
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ISP outages : Globally, ISP outages decreased from 115 to 113, a 2% decrease. In the U.S., however, ISP outages increased from 39 to 53, up 36% week-over-week.

: Globally, ISP outages decreased from 115 to 113, a 2% decrease. In the U.S., however, ISP outages increased from 39 to 53, up 36% week-over-week. Public cloud network outages: Globally, public cloud network outages increased from 76 to 87, up 14% week-over-week. In the U.S., outages rose from 57 to 66, an increase of 16%.

Globally, public cloud network outages increased from 76 to 87, up 14% week-over-week. In the U.S., outages rose from 57 to 66, an increase of 16%. Collaboration app network outages: Globally and in the U.S., collaboration application network outages decreased from one to zero.

Two notable outages

On January 16, 2026, Madgenius, a U.S.-based hosting and infrastructure service provider headquartered in Apple Valley, MN, experienced an outage that impacted multiple downstream partners across multiple regions, including the U.S., and the Netherlands. The outage, lasting one hour and 16 minutes, was first observed around 12:15 AM EST and appeared to center on Madgenius nodes located in Columbus, OH. The outage was cleared around 1:25 AM EST. Click here for an interactive view.

On January 17, TATA Communications (America) Inc., a global ISP and part of the Indian-owned TATA Communications, experienced an outage that impacted many of its downstream partners and customers in multiple regions, including the U.S., Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, the U.K., Thailand, Spain, Australia, South Korea, Greece, Japan, and India. The outage, lasting 23 minutes, was first observed around 12:03 PM EST, and initially appeared to be centered on TATA nodes located in Singapore. Five minutes into the outage, the nodes located in Singapore were joined by nodes located in Los Angeles, CA, and Santa Clara, CA, in exhibiting outage conditions. By 12:10 PM EST, the nodes located in Santa Clara, CA, appeared to clear and were replaced by nodes located in Tokyo, Japan, in exhibiting outage conditions. Around 12:15 PM EST, TATA nodes located in San Francisco, CA, joined nodes located in Singapore, Los Angeles, CA, and Tokyo, Japan, in exhibiting outage conditions. Shortly thereafter, the nodes located in San Francisco, CA, appeared to clear and were replaced by nodes located in Toyohashi, Japan, in exhibiting outage conditions. The outage was cleared around 12:30 PM EST. Click here for an interactive view.

Internet report for Jan. 5-Jan. 11

ThousandEyes reported 255 global network outage events across ISPs, cloud service provider networks, collaboration app networks, and edge networks (including DNS, content delivery networks, and security as a service) during the week of January 5 through January 11. The total of outage events increased by 28% compared to the 199 outages from the week prior. Specific to the U.S., there were 135 outages, which is up by 90% from 71 outages the week prior. Heres a breakdown by category:

ISP outages : Globally, ISP outages increased from 105 to 115, a 10% rise. In the U.S., ISP outages grew from 26 to 39, up 50% week-over-week.

: Globally, ISP outages increased from 105 to 115, a 10% rise. In the U.S., ISP outages grew from 26 to 39, up 50% week-over-week. Public cloud network outages: Globally, public cloud network outages increased from 59 to 76, up 29% week-over-week. In the U.S., outages rose from 37 to 57, an increase of 54%.

Globally, public cloud network outages increased from 59 to 76, up 29% week-over-week. In the U.S., outages rose from 37 to 57, an increase of 54%. Collaboration app network outages: Globally and in the U.S., collaboration application network outages increased from zero to one outage.

Two notable outages

On January 6, Charter Communications, a U.S.-based ISP operating as Spectrum, experienced an outage that affected customers and downstream partners across multiple regions, including the U.S., Japan, Australia, Ireland, Germany, France, the U.K., South Korea, India, and Brazil. The outage lasted a total of one hour and 10 minutes over a one hour and 43-minute period and was first observed around 6:32 AM EST. It appeared to initially be centered on Charter nodes located in New York, NY. Around forty-three minutes into the outage, nodes located in Washington, D.C., also began exhibiting outage conditions. The nodes located in Washington, D.C., appeared to clear around five minutes later. A further 30 minutes later the nodes located in New York, NY, were joined by nodes located in Houston, TX, in exhibiting outage conditions. The nodes located in Houston, TX, also appeared to clear five minutes later, leaving nodes located in New York, NY, for the reminder of the outage. The outage was cleared around 8:15 AM EST. Click here for an interactive view.

On January 11, Verizon Business, a U.S.-based network service provider, experienced an outage that affected customers and partners across multiple regions, including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, and Switzerland. The outage lasted a total of 24 minutes over a 50-minute period, and was first observed around 1:05 AM EST. It appeared to be centered on Verizon nodes located in Austin, TX. Around twenty minutes into the outage, the number of nodes exhibiting outage conditions appeared to increase. This rise also appeared to coincide with an increase in the number of downstream customers and partners impacted. The outage was cleared around 1:55 AM EST. Click here for an interactive view.

Internet report for Dec. 29, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026

ThousandEyes reported 199 global network outage events across ISPs, cloud service provider networks, collaboration app networks, and edge networks (including DNS, content delivery networks, and security as a service) during the week of December 29 through January 4. The total of outage events decreased by 14% compared to the 231 outages from the week prior. Specific to the U.S., there were 71 outages, which is down by 29% from 100 outages the week prior. Heres a breakdown by category:
Part of push to eradicate Naxalism by 2026

In a major development, 26 hardcore Maoists, including seven women, surrendered in Sukma district, dealing a significant blow to the insurgent group. The individuals, who had a collective bounty of approximately 64-65 lakh on them, were active in key operational areas like the PLGA Battalion and the Andhra-Odisha Border region. Their surrender is attributed to the intensified security operations and the attractive state government rehabilitation policy offering financial aid and reintegration. This event aligns with the central government's goal to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026 and signals declining Maoist influence in the Bastar region.

26 hardcore Naxalites, carrying a collective bounty of 64 lakh, surrender in Sukma, citing govt rehabilitation policy & security pressure.

Raipur/Sukma, Jan 7 In a significant victory for security forces combating Left-Wing Extremism, 26 hardcore Naxalites, including seven women, surrendered simultaneously in the Maoist-affected Sukma district on Wednesday.

A combined bounty of approximately Rs 64-65 lakh had been announced on these insurgents, marking a major setback to the outlawed Maoist organisation.

The surrendered Maoists were active in key operational areas, including the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion, South Bastar Division, Maad Division, and the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region. They held various ranks within the Maoist hierarchy: one Company Party Committee Member (CYPCM), four Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCM), three Area Committee Members (ACM), and 18 ordinary Party Members.

According to police officials, these cadres were involved in several high-profile incidents across the Sukma district, the Maad region, and bordering areas in Odisha.

Their surrender comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations and the establishment of new security camps in remote interior areas, which have significantly increased pressure on the insurgents.

The Maoists cited the Chhattisgarh government's attractive 'Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy' as a primary motivation for laying down arms.

They were particularly influenced by the ongoing 'Poona Marge' (or Poona Margem) campaign, aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society. This initiative promises financial assistance, skill development, and protection to former insurgents willing to abandon violence.

Senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials oversaw the surrender process.

The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, Interrogation Branch, and intelligence units from multiple CRPF battalions -- including 02, 159, 212, 217, 226, and Cobra 201 -- played a pivotal role in persuading the cadres to join the mainstream.

Following the surrender, each individual received the prescribed incentives under the rehabilitation policy, including immediate financial aid.

This development aligns with the Central government's goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, as reiterated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Security experts view this mass surrender as evidence of crumbling Maoist morale, driven by sustained operations and development outreach in the Bastar region.

With hundreds of surrenders reported in recent years, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a steady decline in Naxal influence, paving the way for peace and progress in once-restive tribal areas.

- IANS
This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and his team are weighing "a range of options" to acquire Denmark's Greenland, including "utilizing the U.S. military," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.

"The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal," Leavitt told Xinhua in an emailed statement.

She said that "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Monday that nobody would fight the United States if it tried to seize Greenland, which is Denmark's autonomous territory.

It was "the formal position of the U.S. government that Greenland should be part of the U.S.," Miller said in an interview with CNN.

"We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense," Trump reiterated in a phone interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, reaffirming that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to U.S. intervention while claiming it was up to others to decide what a U.S. large-scale strike against Venezuela means for Greenland.

Hours after the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday morning, Miller's wife, Katie Miller, also a Trump ally, posted on X an image of a map of Greenland overlaid with the American flag, writing, "SOON."

"Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to," Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Very basic international principles are being challenged" by Washington's repeated threats, Nielsen said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that "if the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War."

Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement on Tuesday, which said that "it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe, and it is critical for international and transatlantic security, noting that NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European allies are increasing their presence in the area.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, was granted home rule in 1979. In 2009, Denmark passed the Act on Greenland Self-Government, expanding the island's authority over its domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign, defense and security policy, according to the Prime Minister's Office of Denmark.

"Annexing Greenland would be a strategic catastrophe" for the United States, Casey Michel, head of the Human Rights Foundation's Combating Kleptocracy Program, warned on Tuesday.

"Any attempt by the United States to claim the island would quickly spiral out of control," Michel wrote on Foreign Policy. "What alliance could survive something like this? What ally would ever trust the U.S. not to do the same in the future?"

"In a world of imperialism, as the saying goes, appetite grows with eating," said Michel. 

This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua)
Former Indian permanent representative to UN Geneva, Dilip Sinha, has condemned the US action against Venezuela as a gross violation of international law. He accused the Trump administration of illegally forcing Venezuela's interim government to sell oil. Sinha noted the US military presence severely limits the acting president's autonomy, despite her diplomatic outreach to Russia and China. The remarks follow the reported US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the declaration of national mourning in Caracas.

Former Indian UN envoy Dilip Sinha condemns US actions in Venezuela as a gross violation of international law and an illegal oil grab.

New Delhi, January 7 Former Indian permanent representative to UN Geneva Dilip Sinha on Wednesday said that the kidnapping or abduction of the head of state of Venezuela was a gross violation of international law, noting that now the Trump administration is forcing the interim government to sell oil to the US.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "The kidnapping or abduction of the head of state of Venezuela was a gross violation of international law. It was a military action that was unjustified. Now, what President Trump is doing is equally illegal. The interim government is being forced to sell oil to him. He has a great fixation with oil, and he wishes to use that fixation of oil to make money for himself and perhaps for his country, certainly not for the benefit of Venezuela.

He futher noted that given the fact that US military ships is still operating around Venezuela, the newly appointed acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, cannot do anything against the wishes of the United States.

"The military threat that he has posed with his ships, surrounding Venezuela, those ships are still there in position. The interim president realises that she cannot do anything against the wishes of the United States. The fact that she received the ambassadors of countries like Russia and China in Caracas and, in fact, embraced them, shows where her inclination, her mind, her heart is but she has to balance this with the reality of the US Military presence in our country..." he added.

His remarks come after the United States launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, and pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Tuesday announced seven days of national mourning following deaths reported during the US attack in Caracas and the capture of Maduro and Flores, CNN reported.

She also noted that the country is being governed by the Government of Venezuela and not by any foreign power, rejecting claims by US President Trump, who said he needs "full access" to Venezuela.

"We are here governing alongside the people. The Government of Venezuela governs our country, no one else. There are no external agents governing Venezuela," Rodriguez said during the installation of the Agro-Food, Fishing, Communal and Industrial General Staff Commission. Her remarks were broadcast on the state-run channel Venezolana de Television (VTV), El cooperative reported.

- ANI
Air India Express will commence weekly non-stop flights between Varanasi and Bangkok starting February 1, 2026, enhancing direct international connectivity from a key Indian spiritual hub. The service aims to facilitate tourism between Thailand and the Buddhist circuit in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi and Sarnath. This launch expands the airline's presence in Thailand, where it already connects Bangkok with several Indian cities. The announcement coincides with the airline's rollout of a refreshed cabin experience and its 'Xplore More, Xpress More' brand campaign.

Air India Express announces weekly non-stop flights between Varanasi and Bangkok from February 1, 2026, enhancing India-Thailand connectivity and Buddhist tourism.

New Delhi, January 7 Strengthening connectivity between Thailand and Uttar Pradesh, Air India Express, India's first international value carrier, has announced weekly flights between Varanasi and Bangkok starting February 1, 2026.

The new service will offer travellers from Varanasi convenient non-stop connectivity to one of Asia's most popular leisure destinations. Similarly, it will provide convenient options for tourists from Thailand to visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and other major attractions on the Buddhist circuit. Bookings are now open on the airline's award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.

Speaking on the announcement, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, "The introduction of this non-stop service to Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India's most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation's rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities."

"For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi - one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India's spiritual capital - while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand. This new connection reflects our credo of expanding the network with meaningful connections, supporting our commitment to deliver greater convenience and value to our guests," Singh added.

This launch will further build on Air India Express' presence in Thailand. The airline currently connects Bangkok with Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat, and operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket.

This service also enhances the Air India Express operations from Varanasi, where the airline currently operates more than 70 weekly flights from the city to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Air India Express was the first airline to launch international operations from Varanasi, directly connecting the city to Sharjah in August 2015, placing Varanasi on the international travel map. Within Uttar Pradesh, Air India Express also operates from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow.

Air India Express has recently unveiled a new cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, alongside its latest brand campaign, 'Xplore More, Xpress More', which encourages travellers to immerse themselves in local culture and discover new experiences across its expansive network of over 60 destinations.

The refreshed cabin features seats with superior padding, thicker armrests, and improved legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches. Each seat is equipped with in-seat USB charging ports, the cabins have ovens installed to serve hot 'Gourmair' meals, refreshed interiors with brand-new carpets, and advanced Boeing Sky Interior mood lighting, creating a modern, warm, and welcoming ambience that reflects the airline's commitment to a comfortable and memorable flying experience.

The airline's 'Tales of India' initiative celebrates the country's artistic and cultural diversity through tail arts inspired by regional traditions and crafts. The initiative brings to life over 50 indigenous arts from 25 states, featuring on each of the airline's new aircraft, including the iconic Banarasi weave and Chikankari embroidery.

From Varanasi: Air India Express operates over 70 weekly flights from Varanasi connecting directly to three destinations, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai and two international destinations: Bangkok and Sharjah.

Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 30 domestic destinations: Agartala, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Nagpur, North Goa, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and eight international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, and Riyadh.

- ANI
The horror-comedy film 'Bhooth Bangla,' starring Akshay Kumar, is set for a theatrical release on May 15, 2026. It marks the long-awaited reunion of actor Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after 14 years. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Tabu and Paresh Rawal, and parts of it were shot in Rajasthan and Hyderabad. Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the movie aims to revive the classic slapstick-meets-horror genre popularized by Priyadarshan's earlier works.

Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan reunite for horror-comedy 'Bhooth Bangla,' releasing May 15, 2026. The film stars Tabu, Paresh Rawal.

Mumbai, Jan 8 The makers of the upcoming film 'Bhooth Bangla' have locked its release date. The film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead, is set to debut in theatres on May 15, 2026.

The film marks the reunion of the king of horror comedies, director Priyadarshan, and actor Akshay Kumar after 14 years. Bringing the perfect blend of horror and comedy from the masters of the genre, Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar, the film is poised to recreate the cinematic magic audiences have been missing for a long time.

On Wednesday, the makers of the film took to their social media, and shared the poster of the film. They wrote in the caption, "Bangle se ek khabar aayi hai! The doors open on 15th May 2026 See you in cinemas #BhoothBangla".

The film also stars Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, Asrani, and Wamiqa Gabbi. Some parts of the film have also been shot across Rajasthan, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, adding rich visual texture to the narrative.

The story reportedly revolves around a mysterious haunted house and the chaos surrounding it. Bhooth Bangla aims to revive the classic slapstick-meets-horror tone associated with Priyadarshan's earlier iconic films.

'Bhooth Bangla' aims to balance light horror elements with accessible humor, steering clear of overt scares. With audience interest in horror-comedies growing in recent years, the film is positioned as a commercial entertainer rooted in old-school comic timing rather than genre experimentation.

Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films. The film is co-produced by Faara Sheikh and Vedant Baali. The story is written by Akash A Kaushik and screenplay by Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair and Priyadarshan. The dialogues are by Rohan Shankar. The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms.

- IANS
India U19 completed a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash with a massive 233-run victory in the third Youth ODI in Benoni. After posting a mammoth 393/7, powered by twin centuries from openers Aaron George and captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the bowlers dismissed South Africa U19 for just 160 in 35 overs. Kishan Singh led the bowling attack with 3/15, ripping through the top order, with Mohammed Enaan and others chipping in with wickets. The win showcased India's complete dominance with both bat and ball throughout the series.

India U19 registers a massive 233-run win over South Africa U19, completing a 3-0 series whitewash with dominant batting and bowling performances.

Benoni, January 7 India U19 completed a dominant all-round performance in Benoni as they bowled out South Africa U19 for 160 to register a massive 233-run victory in the third Youth ODI and seal the series 3-0.

After piling up a mammoth 393/7 in their 50 overs, the visitors were clinical with the ball and never allowed the South African batters to settle. The hosts were dismissed in 35 overs, with India's bowlers sharing the wickets in an impressive display of discipline and control.

Kishan Singh led the bowling attack with outstanding figures of 3/15 from his four overs, ripping through the top order. Mohammed Enaan also made a strong impact, finishing with figures of 2/36. Every other Indian bowler chipped in with a wicket, including captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who followed up his batting heroics with figures of 1/10 in two overs.

South Africa's decision to bat second proved costly as they were put under immediate pressure. Opener Jorich van Schalkwyk was dismissed for 1, becoming Kishan Singh's first victim of the match. Singh then removed Lethabo Phahlamohlaka for a duck, then Henil Patel cleaned up Muhammed Bulbulia for 4. Adnaan Lagadien, Van Schalkwyk's opening partner, fell for 9, giving Singh his third wicket as South Africa slumped to 4/15 in 4.2 overs.

The Proteas reached the 50-run mark in 10.1 overs, but the momentum did not last long as Jason Rowles was dismissed for 19 soon after. Daniel Bosman tried to steady the innings with a 40 off 60 balls, but his resistance ended when he was dismissed by RS Ambrish.

Paul James emerged as South Africa's top scorer with a fighting 41 off 49 deliveries, but Mohammed Enaan brought his innings to an end. India maintained the pressure through the middle overs and quickly wrapped up the tail, claiming the final three wickets for just 23 runs. Captain Sooryavanshi picked up the last wicket, dismissing Ntando Soni for 6 to complete a comprehensive victory.

Earlier, twin centuries from openers Aaron George and skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took India U19 to 393/7 in their 50 overs against South Africa U19 in their third and final ODI of the series at Benoni on Wednesday.

In three matches, Sooryavanshi has topped the charts with 206 runs at an average of 68.66 and a strike rate of over 187, including a century and fifty.

South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. India was off to a fine start as George and skipper Suryavanshi (127 in 74 balls, with nine fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 171.62) put on an unbeaten 227-run opening stand.

George, who made 118 in 106 balls, with 10 fours, stitched a 52-run stand with Vedant Trivedi (34 in 42 balls, with a four).

The emphatic win underlined India U19's dominance throughout the series, as they capped off a clean sweep with another commanding performance in both departments.

Team India eventually collapsed to 335/7 in 43.2 overs, but it was Mohamed Enaan (28* in 19 balls, with a four and two sixes) and Henil Patel (19* in 21 balls, with a four) who put on a half-century partnership to power India into 390s.

Ntando Soni (3/61 in eight overs) and Jason Rowles (2/59 in nine overs) were the top bowlers for South Africa.

In 18 Youth ODIs, Sooryavanshi has scored 973 runs in 18 innings at an average of 54.05, with a strike rate of 164.08, including three centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 171.

- ANI
Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra visited the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre to discuss quantum computing and IBM's expanding role in India. The visit highlighted India's National Quantum Mission, a 6,003.65 crore initiative approved in 2023 to position the country as a global leader in quantum technology. Ambassador Kwatra also met AI pioneer Yann LeCun to discuss India's priorities for leveraging artificial intelligence for development. The engagement is part of broader efforts to strengthen US-India cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra visits IBM's quantum research center, discusses India's National Quantum Mission and AI development priorities with experts.

Washington DC, January 8 Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid a visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab and discussed IBM's expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission.

In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra shared details of his visit and highlighted that India is taking steps to build research collaborations and innovation hubs.

"Had an exciting visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab to witness the cutting-edge research work taking place in quantum computing. We spoke about IBM's expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission, under which India is taking dedicated steps to build world-class research collaborations and dedicated innovation hubs."

The National Quantum Mission (NQM), is a major initiative by the Indian Government to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development. Approved on April 19 2023 by the Union Cabinet, the mission is set to span from 2023-24 to 2030-31, with a budget allocation of 6,003.65 crore, as per a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Through the mission, India aims to harness the power of quantum technology to drive innovation, strengthen security, and boost various industries, positioning itself as a global leader in this cutting-edge field.

He also met Yan Le Cun and spoke about Artificial Intelligence and India's priorities towards leveraging AI for development.

"Delighted to meet Prof. Yann Le Cun @ylecun a preeminent voice in AI research. We spoke about the future of AI research and India's priorities towards leveraging AI for development at home".

Earlier in November last year, Kwatra met Congressman Jay Obernolte and held discussions with him to enhance the cooperation between India and the US in areas such as science, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation.

He also held a conversation with Francis Pedraza, the founder of Invisible Technologies, on evolving innovation and technology. He shared that Pedraza's Eternity Civilization Foundation is working on an ambitious project to translate the works of the ancient Nalanda library using AI tools.

- ANI
A JP Morgan report states that a political transition in Venezuela could unlock one of the world's largest new sources of oil supply, potentially reshaping global energy markets. The country's production could surge to 2.5 million barrels per day over the next decade with renewed investment, particularly from US firms. While a regime change might cause short-term production disruptions, the long-term supply boost could keep global oil prices lower for longer. The shift would also increase the Western Hemisphere's share of global reserves under US influence, altering geopolitical power dynamics.

JP Morgan report says a political shift in Venezuela could unleash massive new oil supply, reshaping global markets and keeping prices lower for years.

New Delhi, January 7 Venezuela could become one of the biggest sources of new oil supply in the world over the next decade if the country undergoes a political transition, potentially reshaping global energy markets and keeping oil prices lower for longer, said JPMorgan in its latest report.

In its Oil Markets Weekly, JPMorgan said a regime change in Venezuela would represent one of the largest upside risks to global oil supply in 2026 and beyond, an outcome that oil markets are not currently pricing in.

Venezuelan crude production, which stands at roughly 750,000-800,000 barrels per day, could rise to 1.3-1.4 million barrels per day within two years of a political transition and potentially reach 2.5 million barrels per day over the next decade with sustained investment.

Notably, Venezuela remained a massive player in the oil industry in terms of reserves. Reportedly, in the 1990s, the production topped out at 3.5 million barrels per day.

Earlier on Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and said that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by US President to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

In his post on Truth Social, the US President further said that he has asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately and that the oil would be taken by storage ships and brought directly to the unloading docks in the US.

"I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States." posted Trump.

The report said that renewed US engagement with Venezuela's oil sector could play a decisive role. Senior US officials have been tasked with encouraging American energy companies to return to Venezuela and invest in its aging infrastructure, following years of sanctions and underinvestment that hollowed out the country's production capacity.

JPMorgan said US oil majors, including Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, could seek to re-enter Venezuela if political stability improves and contractual frameworks are reset. European firms such as Spain's Repsol and Italy's Eni, along with companies from India and neighbouring Latin American countries, could also return if payment disputes and sanctions hurdles are resolved.

In the short term, however, the report warns that a political transition could trigger disruptions. Drawing on historical precedent, JPMorgan said Venezuelan output could temporarily fall by as much as 50% during a change in government due to labour dislocation, operational shutdowns, or uncertainty within the state oil company PDVSA. Any initial shock, the bank said, would likely be brief, with production rebounding rapidly once investment and operations stabilize.

Beyond supply volumes, JPMorgan highlighted the broader geopolitical implications of a Venezuelan recovery. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at more than 300 billion barrels. Combined with growing output from Guyana and existing US reserves, the Western Hemisphere could account for roughly 30% of global oil reserves under US influence, significantly altering the balance of power in energy markets.

Such a shift could give Washington greater leverage over global oil prices and enhance US energy security, said the report, potentially keeping prices within historically lower ranges over the medium to long term. The bank added that these dynamics are not reflected in the back end of the oil futures curve, suggesting markets may be underestimating the scale of potential supply growth.

JPMorgan maintains a broadly bearish outlook for oil prices over the next several years, with Brent crude forecast to average around the low $60s per barrel in 2026, citing rising non-OPEC supply and the risk of additional barrels from Venezuela entering the market.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi. The meeting will focus on a coordinated strategy to eliminate terrorists hiding in difficult terrain and ensure zero infiltration across the Line of Control and international border. Senior officials from the J&K administration, police, central armed forces, and intelligence agencies will attend the review. This comes amid ongoing operations in the Jammu region and intelligence reports of Pakistan-backed infiltration attempts.

Home Minister Amit Shah to review J&K security, discuss terror crackdown, zero infiltration strategy. Key officials to attend.

Jammu, Jan 7 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on Thursday, as the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, senior officers of J&K Police, civil administration, CAPFs, intelligence agencies, and the top officials of the home ministry will attend the meeting.

The review meeting will be the first high-level security review meeting on the union territory in 2026. The meeting follows aggressive operations launched by J&K Police and the security forces in the mountains and remote areas of the Jammu region to hunt down terrorists, including foreign terrorists.

The coordinated strategy to eliminate terrorists hiding in difficult, inaccessible areas of J&K while ensuring zero infiltration on the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border (IB) will be discussed during the home minister's meeting, among other security-related issues, officials said.

L-G Manoj Sinha and top police and civil officers, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Home Secretary Chandraker Bharti, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and Intelligence chief Nitish Kumar, will attend the meeting, among others.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and heads of all CAPFs and Intelligence agencies will also attend the review meeting.

Senior officers are expected to brief the Home Minister about various aspects of the situation, including the steps taken during winters to ensure zero infiltration on the LoC and the IB and the elimination of hiding terrorists in the mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the past few months, security forces have engaged terrorists in several encounters in the upper reaches of Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur and other districts of the region as the infiltration attempts by the terrorists have been foiled on the LoC and the IB during this period.

Intelligence reports suggest that terrorists have been waiting both across the LoC and the IB for infiltration with the help of the Pakistan Army and the ISI.

- IANS
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by Anbumani Ramadoss, has officially joined the opposition alliance headed by the AIADMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The announcement was made by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami following a meeting between the two leaders in Chennai. While seat-sharing discussions are reportedly in their final stages, sources indicate a gap between the AIADMK's offer of around 15 seats and the PMK's desire for over 20. This formal inclusion brings greater definition to the opposition camp ahead of the keenly contested 2026 polls.

Anbumani Ramadoss's PMK formally joins the AIADMK-led opposition front for the 2026 TN Assembly polls as seat-sharing negotiations near completion.

Chennai, Jan 7 The Pattali Makkal Katchi, led by Anbumani Ramadoss, has formally joined the alliance headed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The announcement was made by Edappadi Palaniswami, General Secretary of the AIADMK and Leader of Opposition, following high-level discussions held in Chennai.

Anbumani Ramadoss visited Palaniswami at his residence on Greenways Road in Chennai, where the two leaders held detailed talks on the structure of the alliance, coordination for the 2026 polls, and the framework for seat-sharing.

After the meeting, both leaders jointly addressed the media, formally confirming PMK's entry into the AIADMK-led front.

Addressing reporters, Palaniswami said the AIADMK continues to be part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level, and that PMK has now joined the AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.

He described PMK's inclusion as a positive and welcome development, noting that the alliance had been formed through mutual understanding between the two parties.

Palaniswami said discussions on seat-sharing were in their final stages and that a formal announcement would be made once the talks were fully concluded.

He did not respond to questions on whether preliminary alliance discussions with PMK had taken place earlier and left without offering further clarification on that matter.

The AIADMK leader also indicated that seat-sharing negotiations with PMK were close to completion. Political sources said that in the previous Assembly elections, PMK had contested 23 seats as part of an alliance. In the current talks, the AIADMK is believed to have offered around 15 seats to PMK.

However, sources added that PMK has been seeking more than 20 seats, leading to hard bargaining between the two sides.

It is also learnt that the AIADMK leadership has reportedly laid down certain conditions in the negotiations, including limits on the number of seats and clarity on leadership representation within the alliance.

With PMK formally joining the AIADMK-led alliance, the opposition camp in Tamil Nadu is beginning to take clearer shape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, which are expected to be keenly contested with shifting alliances and intense political campaigning.

- IANS
Television actress Avika Gor and her husband Milind Chandwani have sparked pregnancy rumours after hinting at a major, unplanned change coming in 2026. In a recent vlog, Milind described the change as something huge and amazing that they never anticipated. Their cryptic excitement led fans to speculate about the arrival of their first child in the comments. Avika, who married Milind on the reality show "Pati Patni Aur Panga," promised to share the exciting update with their followers soon.

Avika Gor & Milind Chandwani hint at a major unplanned change in 2026, sparking pregnancy rumours among fans. Actress promises update soon.

Mumbai, Jan 7 Popular television actress Avika Gor, who recently married her long-term beau Milind Chandwani, has sparked pregnancy rumours after she shared in her latest vlog that there will be a big change in their lives in 2026.

Reflecting on an amazing 2025, full of new beginnings, the 'Balika Vadhu' actress claimed that 2026 will bring some big changes for them, something they are extremely excited for.

Pitching in, Milind shared, "A change which we neither anticipated nor planned. In fact, we never even dreamed about it. But this is a huge and amazing change."

When Avika asked him, "Are you nervous?", Milind replied, saying that he is excited. However, he did admit that he is a little nervous.

"It is important for a person to be a little nervous in life," he added.

Avika promised to share this exciting update with their YouTube family soon.

The latest statement from Avika and Milind has led some of the cybercitizens to believe that the couple might be expecting their first child.

One of them even wrote, "baby coming" in the comment section of the vlog.

Avika tied the knot with Milind in a grand ceremony on the reality show "Pati Patni Aur Panga."

Talking about tying the knot on National television, Avika stated,

"When we decided to do this, we were very aware that there would be criticism-we weren't surprised by that at all. But I've been making unconventional choices since a young age, including when I started working and even when I got married. There were always people who didn't agree with what I was doing. Still, I've always believed in carving my own path."

Calling the wedding just another chapter in their journey, she added, "I knew my wedding would be unconventional. I've always said that my life and my journey are something people would dream to live, and I acknowledge that. I'm very grateful for it. But it's not easy. It takes a lot to handle criticism and still keep going with what you believe in. That's the reason I'm here today."

- IANS
Ben Affleck has described the "massive embarrassment" he felt after being snubbed for a Best Director Oscar nomination in 2013 for his film 'Argo', despite the movie winning Best Picture. He recounted the awkwardness of facing questions about the snub on the red carpet at other awards shows. Affleck compared his experience to watching Leonardo DiCaprio miss out on an award at the recent Critics' Choice ceremony. The actor also expressed deep admiration for his frequent collaborator and friend Matt Damon's masterful, realistic acting style.

Ben Affleck opens up about the "massive embarrassment" of his Best Director Oscars snub for 'Argo' and praises Matt Damon's acting.

Los Angeles, Jan 6 Hollywood actor Ben Affleck has spoken up on the "massive embarrassment" that hit him after he was snubbed in the Best Director category at the Oscars.

The 53-year-old star was widely expected to be nominated in 2013 for helming the thriller 'Argo', which won the Best Picture award, reports 'Female First UK'.

However, the actor admitted that it was tough to miss out after constantly being told that he would be up for the award.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ben said, "It was the year, the horrible thing of everyone telling you, 'You're gonna get nominated, you're gonna get nominated for director'. And so, of course, I wake up that morning, and sure enough, and, by the way, it's not (unlike) any other morning that I had not been nominated for Best Director. But all of a sudden, it's a massive embarrassment. I woke up and people (said), 'You didn't get nominated'".

Kimmel explained that he had thought of Ben as he watched Leonardo DiCaprio miss out on the Best Actor prize to Timothee Chalamet at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, even though his film One Battle After Another won the awards for Best Picture and Best Director.

The 58-year-old TV host said, "I was thinking, boy, he's got so many better places to be. And the movie wins Best Picture. The director Paul Thomas Anderson wins Best Director, and then he doesn't win. And I'm thinking he must be so p***** that (he had to leave) whatever he got airlifted from, a yacht somewhere, and couldn't be there anymore. He came to lose".

As per 'Female First UK', Ben Affleck confessed that he "felt" similar when he fielded questions about his Argo snub on the red carpet at the 2013 Critics' Choice Awards.

The actor said, "It seemed like there were 500 people dying to talk to me. And every single one of them (said), 'Hi, so the snub.' What do you say to that? 'Ha, ha, ha, yeah. It's a bummer'".

Ben once again teams up with his childhood friend Matt Damon in the new action thriller film The Rip and loves getting to work with his "understated" pal.

He told GQ magazine, "Every time I act with Matt is a humbling experience because I learn to appreciate further just how good an actor he is. He is so understated, so real and so honest, it's the opposite of a 'showy' performance, and I think what he does is more difficult. When you know someone as long as I've known Matt, you develop a pretty good sense of what is real and what isn't and it's almost impossible to catch Matt acting".

"He is really a master of realism and it's something I deeply admire about him. One of many things", he added.

- IANS
HANOI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's southern hub Ho Chi Minh City plans to build a political and administrative center in the Thu Thiem new urban area, aiming to create a centralized and modern working space to support the governance of a major metropolis, local daily VnExpress reported Wednesday.

The center is designed to be a 26-story building and will be developed under an environmentally friendly model, featuring open spaces to facilitate public access to administrative services.

City authorities are scheduled to complete planning and investment procedures and break ground on the project in the first quarter of this year. The center is expected to become operational in 2027.

The Thu Thiem new urban area, located on the western side of the Saigon River, covers an area of 930 hectares. The area currently has a population of about 200,000 people. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a major rally at the abandoned Tata Nano site in Singur, West Bengal, on January 18, in a move rich with political symbolism. The location is deeply tied to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rise to power, stemming from her 2006 protests against the industrial project. The BJP is intensifying its campaign for the 2026 state elections, with party president JP Nadda also visiting to review preparations. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the TMC government of stifling Bengal's development despite record financial support from the Centre.

PM Modi to address rally at Singur's Tata Nano site, a symbolic move targeting Mamata Banerjee's legacy, as BJP ramps up 2026 Bengal election preparations.

New Delhi, January 7 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a public gathering in Singur, Hooghly district, on January 18, during his planned two-day visit to West Bengal.

He will also visit Malda. BJP sources say PM Modi will address a massive rally at Tata Field, Singur, drawing lakhs. Local leaders are handling preparations. BJP leaders believe Modi's visit will send a strong message on industrial development.

The choice of Singur is symbolic, given Mamata Banerjee's 2006 protests against land acquisition for Tata Motors' Nano project, which led the company to shift production to Gujarat. Ironically, Singur now regrets its support for Banerjee.

Meanwhile, BJP national president JP Nadda will visit West Bengal on January 8th and 9th to review the party's preparations for the 2026 Assembly election. He'll meet district leaders, party workers, and members of the BJP Doctors' Cell to gather feedback on ground-level issues.

BJP working president Nitin Nabin will also visit West Bengal soon, according to party sources.

The iconic 2006 Singur land protests powered Mamata Banerjee to power 5 years later, ending West Bengal's 34-year Left rule. Fast forward to 2021: Singur regrets backing Banerjee; farmers blame the Trinamool Congress for failing to revive their fallow land after the Tata Nano exit. Banerjee's agitation forced Tata Motors to relocate to Gujarat; now, Singur locals hope to bring industry back.

Earlier during the winter session of parliament, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that West Bengal's development is being deliberately stifled by its own state leadership, despite record support from the Centre.

Replying to the discussion on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, FM Sitharaman highlighted that West Bengal has never been ignored by the Narendra Modi-led government.

On the contrary, she said, "It is the TMC government that is hurting the growth of the people of West Bengal. West Bengal withdrew from the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in January 2019. Is that good for the people of Bengal?

Industries have been leaving West Bengal from 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2025, with 448 listed companies and 6,447 unlisted companies exiting the state. Since 2014, Rs. 5.94 lakh crore has been given to West Bengal as tax devolution - a 4.4x increase compared to the Rs. 1.34 lakh crore provided during 2004-14. Under SASCI, Rs. 24,000 crore has been provided as 50-year interest-free loans.

AIIMS Kalyani in West Bengal has been opened. Eleven medical colleges have been approved in West Bengal under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). Under the NDA government, West Bengal received a record railway budget allocation of Rs. 13,955 crore for 2025-26, more than three times the average outlay of Rs. 4,380 crore during 2009-14. 101 Amrit Stations are being developed in West Bengal at a cost of Rs. 3,847.5 crore.

1,650 km of railway lines have been electrified, bringing total electrification in West Bengal to over 98%. Over 2,300 km of National Highways have been constructed in West Bengal since April 2014.

In August 2024, the Government of India approved the development of Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,549 crore.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India provided further clarification on why a hearing notice was issued to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding the draft voters' list. The notice was triggered by a "logical discrepancy" because the age difference between Sen and his mother, Amita Sen, was recorded as less than 15 years in his enumeration form. Electoral officials subsequently visited Sen's ancestral home in Bolpur-Santiniketan to complete the formalities, noting he is an overseas elector. The clarification came after Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee had accused the ECI of unnecessarily troubling the economist.

The Election Commission clarifies the "logical discrepancy" in Amartya Sen's voter form that triggered a hearing notice, now resolved by officials.

Kolkata, Jan 7 The Election Commission of India on Wednesday gave an additional clarification on why the notice for hearing on claims and objections on the draft voters' list was served to Nobel Awardee Economist, Dr Amartya Sen.

On Tuesday, after the Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party's Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, accused the Commission of unnecessarily sending the hearing notice to Dr Sen, the ECI had given its initial clarification that the notice was served because of some "logical discrepancies" arising out of an error in spelling in the enumeration form.

On Tuesday, the Commission had also clarified that while the notice served as a rule in case of "logical discrepancies", there was no requirement for the Nobel Awardee to appear personally at the hearing centre.

On Wednesday, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal issued a statement further clarifying that there was another "logical discrepancy" factor in the enumeration form of Dr Sen, which was in relation to the age difference between Dr Sen and his mother being less than 15 years.

The CEO's office also informed that the electoral registration officer (ERO) and the booth-level officer (BLO) concerned arrived at the ancestral residence of Dr Sen at Bolpur-Santiniketan in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Wednesday and completed the formalities in the matter.

"The Enumeration Form of Shri Amartya Sen, an overseas elector, was received by his family member, Shri Shantabhanu Sen, who linked him with his mother, Smt. Amita Sen. Since the age difference between the elector and his mother was less than 15 years, a logical discrepancy was flagged by the ERO Net Portal. Notice was generated for Dr Amartya Sen in parity with the other discrepancy cases. Since the elector is aged 85 years plus, ERO/AERO, along with BLO, have visited his residence and completed the formalities," the statement from the CEO's office read.

Sen's ancestral residence is at Bolpur-Santiniketan in Birbhum district, and he continues to be a voter there though he has long been residing in the US as a non-resident Indian.

The last time he had voted at Bolpur-Santiniketan was during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

- IANS
The Election Commission of India has clarified that migrant workers from West Bengal and students studying in other states will not need to be physically present for voter list hearing sessions. Their family members can represent them and submit required documents to clarify discrepancies. The commission has identified a massive 92 lakh voters under "logical discrepancy" cases in the draft list published in December. Hearings for these cases begin January 13, with the final voters' list scheduled for publication on February 14 ahead of the crucial state assembly elections.

Election Commission allows family representation for Bengal migrant workers and students in voter list hearings. Over 92 lakh discrepancy cases identified.

Kolkata, Jan 7 Physical presence for hearing sessions will not be mandatory for migrant workers from West Bengal who are currently residing in other states for their livelihoods and students from the state studying elsewhere, who have been detected as "logical discrepancy" cases in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, the Election Commission of India has clarified.

Family members of such categories of voters would be able to reach the hearing centres on their behalf and furnish the required documents to clarify the ECI's doubts in the matter, confirmed an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

The relaxation in the matter, the sources confirmed, has been given consideration, as both in terms of migrant workers working elsewhere and students studying in other states, the numbers are extremely high from West Bengal.

At the same time, the booth-level officers (BLOs) who will be reaching the residences of the voters to serve the notices will also explain to the voters or their family members why their names have been detected as a "logical discrepancy" during the course of "progeny mapping".

The ECI has also sought a declaration from West Bengal government employees confirming that they are not duplicate voters, that is, voters having their names in the voters' list at two places.

With the process of conducting a hearing for "unmapped" voters already completed, the ECI, from Tuesday, has already started sending notices to the "logical discrepancy" category voters detected in the draft voters' list, which was published on December 16 last year.

The total number of "unmapped" voters in the state whose hearing process is almost complete stands at over 30 lakh. On the other hand, the total number of voters identified as "logical discrepancy" cases stands at around 92 lakh.

The hearing sessions for the "logical discrepancy" cases will start on January 13. The final voters' list for West Bengal will be published on February 14, which means that the hearing for the "logical discrepancy" cases will have to be completed within less than a month.

Soon after the publication of the draft voters' list, a full bench of the ECI will come to Kolkata and take a stock of the situation. Shortly after that, the ECI will announce the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections scheduled for this year.

- IANS
Union Budget likely on Feb 1 despite it being a Sunday

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has proposed January 28 as the start date for Parliament's upcoming budget session. It has also suggested February 1 for the presentation of the Union Budget, maintaining a recent tradition despite the date falling on a Sunday this year. The budget session is typically divided into two parts with a recess for parliamentary committee work. A final decision on the session dates is awaited.

CCPA proposes Parliament's budget session start on January 28 with the Union Budget presentation on February 1. Final decision pending.

New Delhi, January 7 The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has agreed to propose January 28 as the date for the start of the budget session of Parliament and February 1 as the date for the presentation of the Union Budget, sources said on Wednesday, noting that a final decision on dates is yet to be taken.

The budget session is the first session of Parliament in a calendar year and begins with the President's address to the joint sitting of the two Houses.

The Union Budget has been presented on February 1 for several years. This year, February 1 is a Sunday, and there is a strong likelihood that the government will not change the date of the Union Budget presentation, as a mark of predictability in financial processes.

The budget session of Parliament is usually divided into two parts with a break in between to allow the standing committees to examine the demands for grants of various ministries.

India will also host the AI Impact Summit next month.

Sources said the CCPA discussed two dates for the start of the budget session - January 28 and January 31, and a final decision is expected soon. Parliament's budget session usually begins in the last week of January.

On February 1, 2017, when India's budget for the new financial year was presented, the budget presentation was brought forward by a calendar month and the expenditure cycle by two months. The move had a larger objective of reforming fiscal governance.

Like the winter session of Parliament, the budget session is also likely to see a slew of legislation being introduced or taken up for discussion.

- ANI
The Central Government has sanctioned 1,078.13 crore from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund for a major upgrade of Gujarat's road network. The funding will support 41 distinct road works, including widening, strengthening, and structural projects, spanning over 564 kilometres across numerous districts. This investment is aligned with the national PM Gati Shakti initiative to enhance logistics and connectivity. State officials state the projects will improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and provide a significant boost to the state's economy.

Central govt sanctions over 1,000 crore for 41 road works across Gujarat to boost connectivity, safety, and logistics under PM Gati Shakti.

Gandhinagar, Jan 7 The Centre has approved Rs 1,078.13 crore from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund for a series of major road development projects across Gujarat.

The allocation follows the high-level review meeting held in Gandhinagar on November 25, 2025, between Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The funding will support 41 road works under the state government, covering a total length of 564.57 kilometres. The projects include widening, strengthening, resurfacing, and construction of structures aimed at boosting road quality, safety, and connectivity.

Officials said the renewed investment aligns with the Centre's focus, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on building a robust national road network to enhance mobility and accelerate logistics efficiency under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

Of the total allocation, Rs 636 crore has been earmarked for 11 widening works on state highways spanning 229.20 km across Patan, Kutch, Banaskantha, Kheda, Mahisagar, Chhota Udepur, Valsad, Amreli, Jamnagar, and Vadodara.

Rs 408.33 crore will go towards 23 strengthening and resurfacing works over 335.37 km in Ahmedabad, Kheda, Anand, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Tapi, Navsari, Devbhumi Dwarka, Surendranagar, Amreli, Surat, and Jamnagar.

An additional Rs 33.80 crore has been sanctioned for seven structural works in the districts of Tapi, Surat, and Dang.

State officials said the projects will significantly improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and support industrial and agricultural supply chains, providing a major boost to Gujarat's economic momentum.

- IANS
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, urging the Centre to grant statutory status to Amaravati as the state's permanent capital through a Parliamentary Bill. The leaders reviewed key development initiatives and welfare schemes for Andhra Pradesh. Naidu also requested flexibility in the G-Ram-G scheme and expressed concerns over the financial burden from a revised 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio. The meeting also covered discussions on potential allocations for the state in the upcoming Union Budget.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urges Centre to grant statutory status to Amaravati as state's permanent capital.

Amaravati, Jan 7 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday and urged the Centre to accord statutory status to Amaravati as the permanent capital of the State.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to grant statutory status to Amaravati by introducing a Bill in Parliament, terming it vital for the state's long-term development and stability.

The Chief Minister reached Delhi after a visit to Polavaram project site in the morning.

During the discussions, both leaders reviewed key development and welfare initiatives related to Andhra Pradesh.

Emphasising the need for policy certainty, the Chief Minister said formal legislative recognition of Amaravati would accelerate development and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh, while also strengthening investor confidence.

The Chief Minister also requested that the State be given some flexibility regarding certain aspects of the G-Ram-G scheme, which was recently enacted in place of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

The Chief Minister discussed the financial provisions of VB- G-RAM-G and explained to Amit Shah that changing the Central and State government funding ratio to 60:40 would negatively impact Andhra Pradesh, which is already facing financial difficulties.

He pointed out that the revised Centre-State funding ratio was placing an additional financial burden on Andhra Pradesh and could adversely affect implementation.

Seeking relief, the Chief Minister requested alternative financial support and flexibility, keeping in view the state's current fiscal situation. He acknowledged the Centre's support in helping Andhra Pradesh recover from financial stress and appealed for continued cooperation.

The meeting also covered discussions on ongoing development projects, welfare schemes, and recent developments in the state.

They also understood to have discussed issues related to allocations to Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget.

Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, reportedly sought allocations for various projects in the state.

- IANS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken strict action, suspending and removing several civic officials following a deadly water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura area. The state government has announced financial assistance for affected families and is providing free treatment to those hospitalized. While the Congress party has demanded the resignation of local MLA and minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, a state minister defended his involvement. Local authorities report a significant decline in new cases, though dozens remain hospitalized as a senior doctors' panel investigates the deaths.

MP CM Mohan Yadav suspends officials over Indore water contamination. Action assured as cases decline. Congress demands resignation.

Indore, January 7 Madhya Pradesh minister Inder Singh Parmar on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ensured action against those responsible in relation to the water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura area.

"The CM has ensured action against those responsible for the incident that occurred here in Indore's Bhagirathpura. He is also continuously monitoring the situation and the condition is improving," Minister Parmar said.

When asked about Congress demanding the resignation of MLA from the area and minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Parmar said, "Kailash ji is working there on this matter. He is having conversations with the people and is concerned about them."

Earlier, CM Yadav instructed to remove Indore municipal commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav and suspended additional commissioner Rohit Sisoniya and the in-charge Superintending Engineer of PHE Sanjeev Shrivastava in connection with the incident.

"The state government will not tolerate negligence in the incident that occurred in Bhaagirthpura, Indore, due to contaminated drinking water. Strict decisions are being taken in this regard," the CM said in a post on X.

He further said, "The corporation's Additional Commissioner Rohit Sisonia and the in-charge Superintending Engineer of PHE Sanjeev Shrivastava have been suspended. Instructions have also been given to remove Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav."

Meanwhile, Indore Collector Shivam Verma said that survey work in Bhagirathpura area was continuously underway and the number of patients with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea decreased significantly.

"According to the survey work being conducted in Bhagirathpura, the number of patients who were continuously showing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea has decreased significantly. Today, only two patients have been referred for admission to the hospital. Currently, a total of eighty people are admitted to our hospitals, fifteen of whom are in the ICU. They are receiving the best possible treatment free of cost, as per the instructions of the Chief Minister," Collector Verma told ANI.

The Collector added, "Currently, eighteen people have been given compensation. A panel of senior doctors has also been formed to conduct death analysis in all such cases to determine if the deaths were related to symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. We are awaiting their report, but even before that, as per the Chief Minister's instructions, we have provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to all affected families."

The water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura has sparked widespread criticism as it claimed several lives and many families were affected by it. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all affected people.

- ANI
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is presiding over a major welfare and development programme in Dindigul. He will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 323 projects worth Rs 1,595 crore across various departments. The event includes distributing assistance to 30,000 beneficiaries and providing land ownership documents to nearly 1.02 lakh families. The Chief Minister will also flag off new transport buses and be accorded a grand public reception along his route from Madurai.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin inaugurates 323 projects worth Rs 1,595 crore and distributes aid to 1.3 lakh beneficiaries in a major Dindigul welfare drive.

Chennai, Jan 7 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will preside over a major government welfare and development programme at the Dindigul Collectorate premises on Wednesday, marking one of the largest single-day welfare outreach events in the district.

At the function, the Chief Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 1,595 crore. These include 111 completed projects and 212 newly sanctioned projects spanning multiple departments, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, public services, and social welfare across the district.

As part of the welfare distribution drive, CM Stalin will provide government assistance to around 30,000 beneficiaries drawn from various departments. In addition, land ownership documents (pattas) will be distributed to nearly 1.02 lakh beneficiaries, a move expected to bring long-awaited legal security to thousands of families.

The Chief Minister will also inaugurate and inspect exhibition halls set up by different government departments to showcase welfare schemes and development initiatives being implemented in Dindigul district.

A key highlight of the programme will be the flagging off of new buses introduced by the State Transport Corporation to strengthen public transport services in the district.

The addition of these buses is expected to improve connectivity, particularly for rural and semi-urban areas.

The Chief Minister will travel by road from Madurai to Dindigul for the event. He will be accorded a warm reception on arrival by Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy, Food Minister R. Chakrapani, District Collector Saravanan, and MLAs E.P. Senthil Kumar and Gandhirajan, among others.

The 38-kilometre stretch along the Dindigul-Madurai Road, from Pandiarajapuram to the Collectorate, is set to witness a grand welcome.

DMK executives, party volunteers, and members of the public are expected to line the route to greet the Chief Minister.

Arrangements have been made for receptions at six designated locations along the way. Preparations for the Chief Minister's visit have been underway for several days. A large and well-equipped stage has been erected to accommodate the Chief Minister, ministers, and other dignitaries, while a spacious pavilion has been set up for beneficiaries and the general public, ensuring smooth conduct of the high-profile government event.

- IANS
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India's concern over recent developments in Venezuela, emphasizing the need for dialogue to ensure the well-being of its people. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement calling for a peaceful resolution and is closely monitoring the situation. Indian nationals have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela and exercise extreme caution. Former Ambassador Y.K. Sinha described India's official reaction as measured, noting the need to balance relations with various global powers.

EAM Jaishankar expresses concern over Venezuela developments, urges peaceful resolution. India issues travel advisory and monitors safety of its nationals.

Luxembourg City, January 7 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest US actions in the South American country.

"Yes, we are concerned at developments in Venezuela. We would urge all parties to sit down and come to the position of well being and safety of the people of Venezuela because at the end of the day that is our concern and we would want Venezuela the country with whom over many many years we had very good relations. So we would like the people to come out well"," Jaishankar said.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties.

Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

In a statement, the MEA said it was closely monitoring the developments in the country.

"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region," the MEA said.

The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.

On Saturday, the MEA also issued an advisory for Indian citizens in view of the unfolding situation in Venezuela.

"In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls)," the MEA said.

Meanwhile, Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela Y.K. Sinha on Monday called India's statement on the US air strikes on Venezuela and the capture of deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife as "very measured", saying New Delhi has to remain mindful of its bilateral ties with the United States and other countries.

Sinha noted that most countries, including European nations, have responded cautiously to the US action, with China and Russia being the main exceptions that strongly condemned the strikes on a sovereign nation.

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, "I think the international community has by and large not supported the action. There are some exceptions. I think Israel and Argentina perhaps, but most countries have been measured in their, except China and Russia who have condemned it. Russia was among the first. India's reaction or statement that has come out from the External Affairs Ministry is very measured and obviously doesn't want to apportion blame at this stage . Because we have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries."

This comes after the US launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.

- ANI
A new survey by Airbnb reveals that over 62% of India's Gen Z demographic plans to travel for concerts and music festivals in 2026, with music becoming a primary travel driver. These young travellers often extend their stays to explore local neighbourhoods, spending an average of Rs 51,000 on their most recent event-led trip. More than 40% are willing to travel internationally for music, with the US, Asia, and Europe as top destinations. This trend is reshaping tourism, introducing travellers to new cultural districts and driving demand for group-friendly accommodations.

Airbnb survey reveals over 62% of India's Gen Z plans to travel for concerts in 2026, spending Rs 51,000 on average, reshaping tourism trends.

New Delhi, January 7 Experience-led tourism is gaining momentum among India's Gen Z, as a survey done by travel portal Airbnb reveals that over 62 per cent of the country's Gen Z plans to travel for concerts and music festivals in 2026.

According to an Airbnb press release, music is now a primary driver for domestic and international travel among young Indians, with 76 per cent of this demographic reporting they visited a city for the first time specifically to attend a live event.

The study indicates that these travellers do not view concerts as isolated events but as a starting point for broader exploration. Approximately 53 per cent of Gen Z travellers extend their stay beyond the scheduled concert dates to engage with local neighbourhoods. This trend reflects a shift where cultural moments influence destination choices more than traditional seasonal calendars or long weekends.

Economic impact from this cohort is substantial, as six out of ten young travellers express a willingness to allocate between 21 per cent and 40 per cent of their monthly income toward music-led experiences. On average, respondents spent Rs 51,000 on their most recent event-led trip. The preference for social travel is also high, with 70 per cent of respondents attending these events in groups or with friends.

The geographic reach of concert tourism extends beyond Indian borders. More than 40 per cent of Gen Z travellers indicate a willingness to travel internationally for music events. Top considerations for these trips include the United States at 48 per cent, Asia at 46 per cent, and Europe at 45 per cent. Domestically, these events serve as a major tool for tourism dispersion, introducing travellers to new cultural districts and local businesses such as cafes and nightlife venues.

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said, "Growing interest in music concerts and festivals has paved the way for a new kind of traveller - someone who sees music as a gateway to discovering new destinations. This emerging form of exploration is reshaping traveller behaviour, driving a rising demand for stays that allow groups to spend time together, gather comfortably, and create memorable shared experiences which is perfectly aligned with what Airbnb offers."

Large-format festivals like Lollapalooza India exemplify this behavioural shift. Data shows that 62 per cent of attendees say the festival's atmosphere keeps them coming back, while 98 per cent express an intent to return for future editions. Planning for these trips often begins early, with 36 per cent of Gen Z travellers starting their arrangements as soon as an event is announced.

- ANI
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Donald Trump administration plans to freeze 10 billion U.S. dollars in federal funding to five Democratic states -- Minnesota, California, New York, Illinois and Colorado -- amid alleged welfare fraud.

The funding, which includes child care subsidies, social services and cash support for low-income families, is being frozen over claims of widespread fraud across the states, without cited evidence, following a major welfare fraud scheme in Minnesota, according to The New York Times.

"The funding pause could jeopardize programs that serve hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the five states," the report said.

The latest plan came just a week after the Trump administration paused 185 million dollars in federal funding to the northern state of Minnesota after a series of alleged fraud schemes in recent years.

"We have frozen all child care payments to the state of Minnesota," Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Jim O'Neill said on Dec. 30 on the social media platform X. "You have probably read the serious allegations that the state of Minnesota has funneled millions of taxpayer dollars to fraudulent daycares across Minnesota over the past decade."

Neill announced Thursday that the HHS is implementing new requirements for child care payments across the country.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who accused the Trump administration of politicizing the issue, announced on Monday that he was dropping his bid for a third term as the welfare-fraud scandal in his state escalated.

Walz said the fraud allegations in Minnesota have largely targeted the Somali community.

"We've got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongfully confiscating funds that Minnesotans rely on. It's disgusting and it's dangerous," he said Monday as he announced his decision not to seek a third term. 
CPM MP John Brittas has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging high-level diplomatic intervention during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming visit to India. The case concerns Baby Ariha Shah, an Indian child who has been in German foster care for over four and a half years despite the closure of criminal allegations against her parents. Brittas highlights that the child's rights to family, culture, and stable care are being violated, as she has been moved between five foster placements. The MP stresses that the Chancellor's visit presents a critical opportunity to resolve this humanitarian issue at the highest political level.

CPM MP John Brittas writes to EAM Jaishankar, urging intervention during German Chancellor's visit to bring home Baby Ariha Shah from foster care.

New Delhi, January 7 John Brittas, CPI MP from Kerala, has written a letter to the Union Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, urging urgent high-level diplomatic intervention during the forthcoming visit of the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to secure the repatriation of Baby Ariha Shah, an Indian citizen who has remained in foster care in Germany for over four and a half years despite the closure of all criminal allegations against her parents.

In his letter, Brittas highlighted that Ariha, now approximately five years old, continues to remain under the custody of German Child Services even after the German hospital concerned has categorically ruled out any evidence of abuse and a court-appointed psychologist has recommended restoration of parental custody. Yet, German authorities persist in pursuing termination of parental rights and adoption within Germany.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala John Brittas underscored that Ariha is a passport-holding Indian citizen whose rights to family life, cultural identity, language and religion - guaranteed under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - are being violated.

He expressed serious concern over reports that the child is being deprived of contact with her extended family in India and denied participation in Indian cultural practices.

Drawing attention to the child's emotional vulnerability, Brittas said that Ariha's foster placement has been changed five times, depriving her of any stable caregiving environment. At present, the only consistent emotional support in her life consists of bi-monthly parental visits - a fragile arrangement that now faces uncertainty due to the parents' visa limitations in Germany. This matter has also been raised by several Members of Parliament, reflecting broad national concern over the humanitarian dimensions of the case.

He emphasised that the forthcoming first official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India on 12 - 13 January presents a critical diplomatic opportunity to resolve the issue at the highest political level.

He urged that the matter be taken up decisively during the bilateral engagement to ensure a humane and lawful outcome in the best interests of the child.

- ANI
AQI in "poor" to "very poor" category

Delhi and the National Capital Region are grappling with a severe cold wave coupled with dangerously poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the "poor" to "very poor" category, with readings exceeding 350 in some locations. Dense fog across the country disrupted air travel, though Delhi-NCR saw minimal flight delays. Meteorologists warn that fog traps pollutants, worsening exposure, and the harsh conditions are expected to continue in the coming days.

Delhi-NCR faces severe cold and poor air quality with AQI above 300. Dense fog and winds worsen conditions, prompting health advisories.

New Delhi, Jan 7 Delhi and the NCR region, including Noida and Greater Noida, were facing severe cold conditions coupled with high pollution levels on Wednesday, making mornings particularly harsh for residents.

Strong winds have intensified the chill, while air quality has deteriorated to the "poor" category in most areas, raising concerns for public health.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 302 at 7 a.m., with several areas entering the red zone and some locations reporting levels above 350.

AQI readings across Noida and Greater Noida highlight the severity of the situation.

Noida Sector 116 registered 327, Sector 125 stood at 312, Sector 1 at 315, and Sector 62 at 274. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park 5 recorded 328, and Knowledge Park 3 had an AQI of 296.

Earlier on Tuesday, the city's AQI was 310 at 4 p.m. According to CPCB, 28 monitoring stations noted "very poor" AQI, nine recorded "poor" AQI and one station registered "moderate" AQI.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded its first cold day of the year on Tuesday as maximum temperatures dipped sharply, bringing a noticeable chill to the national capital.

Dense fog affected several airports across the country on Wednesday morning, causing flight delays, though the impact in Delhi-NCR was relatively minimal. Meteorologists explained that fog traps pollutant particles close to the ground, prolonging exposure and worsening air quality.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported maximum temperatures ranging between 13 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius in the region.

Residents are being advised, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to take precautions and limit outdoor activity. With strong winds continuing and pollution levels remaining high, the chill and poor air quality are expected to persist in Delhi-NCR over the coming days.

- IANS
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed officials to ensure time-bound completion of all infrastructure projects, warning against complacency despite the state's national recognition. He reviewed key projects and linked their timely execution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India. Saha highlighted a significant budget increase to Rs 32,000 crore for 2025-26, with a major focus on infrastructure development. The meeting was attended by top officials including the Finance Minister and department heads to review progress.

Tripura CM Manik Saha warns against complacency after national recognition, reviews key projects and stresses time-bound completion for a self-reliant India.

Agartala, Jan 7 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that there was no room for complacency despite the state receiving national-level recognition in several sectors, and stressed the need for time-bound completion of all infrastructure and development projects.

Reviewing the progress of key projects at a high-level meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister said that Tripura has been ranked first nationally in various sectors and has received awards for the effective implementation of developmental works.

He emphasised that clear targets must be fixed and all infrastructure projects completed within stipulated timeframes, without delays.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a self-reliant India, Saha said that infrastructure development plays a crucial role in achieving that goal, and all projects in the state must be implemented with clearly defined timelines.

The Chief Minister also called for greater involvement of expatriates in the state's development process, stating that this would encourage investment, particularly in the industrial sector.

During the meeting, Saha reviewed the status of development projects undertaken by various departments and issued necessary directions to ensure their timely execution.

The Chief Minister also reiterated that the present BJP-led government has accorded top priority to infrastructure development and has significantly increased budgetary allocations to accelerate the state's growth and build a "New Tripura".

Highlighting the government's financial commitment, Saha said the state budget has increased from around Rs 27,000 crore in the previous financial year (2024-25) to Rs 32,000 crore in the 2025-26 financial year, with a substantial portion earmarked for infrastructure development.

Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Finance Secretary Apurba Roy, PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Secretary Abhishek Singh, Education Secretary Raval Hemendra Kumar, Rural Development Additional Secretary Kuntal Das, Director General of Police Anurag, Chief Minister's Secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty and senior officials from various departments attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of projects under their respective departments.

- IANS
Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa has responded to Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal's concerns over the deletion of names from voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Rinwa clarified that only the initial phase of SIR is complete and urged affected individuals to fill Form 6, stating that inclusion in the final list is what ultimately matters. Sappal had alleged that nearly 2.17 crore voters who shifted residence found their names removed from both their old and new constituencies, risking the loss of decades-old voting records. He called for a review of the process to prevent the disenfranchisement of voters and suggested linking voter identity to EPIC numbers for seamless transfers.

UP CEO Navdeep Rinwa responds to Congress' Gurdeep Singh Sappal on voter list deletions, clarifies SIR process and Form 6 for 2.17 crore affected voters.

Lucknow, January 7 Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Navdeep Rinwa responded to Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal regarding the deletion of names from the draft voter list of SIR and assured that only the "initial phase" of SIR has been completed. He asked him to fill out Form 6 and said it did not matter whether his name was on the draft list. According to the CEO, the only thing that would matter in the end was whether the voters' names were on the final voter list.

He also responded to the second point of Sappal's X post, which stated, "...If the name were removed from the old address and added to the new address, there would be no objection. But the problem is that the name has been removed from both places."

In his X post, he said, "Regarding point number 2 of your post, it must be said that if your name has not even been added to the voter list of the new place, then it is not correct to say that your name should be removed from both places. By entering the address of the house in the place where you have shifted, you can fill out Form 6. There may be other people in a situation similar to yours. The same procedure is expected to be followed by them as well. The initial phase of SIR has only been completed. The SIR result will be the final voter list. It does not matter whether your name appears on the draft voter list. What will matter is whether your name is in the final voter list or not."

He further said that there are many other people in a similar situation to the Congress leader, and therefore, the same procedure will be "expected to be followed by them as well."

Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that a large number of voters in Uttar Pradesh, estimated at around '2.17 crore', are facing deletion of their names from voter lists after shifting residence. In a detailed post on X, Sappal said the issue is not limited to isolated complaints but affects nearly 15 per cent of the state's voters.

According to him, voters who shifted from their earlier address have found their names removed from both locations, that is, the old constituency and the new one, rather than being smoothly transferred.

Sappal noted that, earlier, voters could update their addresses on Form 8, but under the current system, there is no provision to migrate those entries. Instead, affected voters are being asked to re-enrol as new voters through Form 6, which in some cases separates or erases their earlier electoral records, which can span 30 to 35 years.

He argued that these historical records are essential because, under the present SIR framework, the Election Commission has treated voters whose names appeared in the 2003 rolls as verified and genuine citizens. "If such long-standing records are broken, genuine voters risk losing proof of continuity," he wrote.

Sappal questioned why the Election Commission did not simply link voter identity to the EPIC number, which, he said, would have made address shifting seamless and avoided deletion of names. He asked why, instead of transferring records, the Commission had opted for direct deletions.

Calling the matter a public-interest issue, Sappal urged the Election Commission to review the process and ensure that voters who have moved are not deprived of their voting history or temporarily disenfranchised by procedural changes.

He posted, "This is a matter of public interest, so please read: 1. The issue of removing the name of a shifted voter from the voter list is not just mine. It concerns 2.17 crore citizens in Uttar Pradesh. 2. If the name were removed from the old address and added to the new address, there would be no objection. However, the name has been removed from both locations. 3. There is no provision in the SIR to shift the name to a new address. 4. Now, by filling out Form 6, one can rejoin as a new voter, but as soon as that's done, the record from the old voter list will be separated. In my own case, the record of the past 35 years will be erased. 5. Why is the record necessary? In this SIR, the Election Commission has automatically considered those whose names appeared on the 2003 list to be genuine voters and citizens. Therefore, the record is essential. 6. The question to the Election Commission is that this matter is connected to nearly 15% of voters. It could be simplified by linking it to the EPIC number. Previously, any voter could update their address by completing Form 8. So, what is the justification for directly deleting names in SIR instead of doing that?"

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the Indian community in Luxembourg, where he relayed high praise for them from the country's leadership. He emphasized Luxembourg's strategic importance as a founding EU member with significant influence in Brussels. Jaishankar noted that Luxembourg's goodwill is crucial as India advances negotiations on a free trade agreement and broader engagement with the EU. The minister also called on Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu.

EAM Jaishankar meets Indian community in Luxembourg, highlights their role in strengthening India-EU ties and advancing free trade agreement talks.

Luxembourg City, Jan 7 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar interacted with the members of the Indian community in Luxembourg, appreciating their contributions in deepening ties between India and the European country.

Addressing the Indian community, EAM Jaishankar underlined the growing expansion of India-Luxembourg partnership across several domains, including political, business and technology.

Sharing the details of his meetings with Luxembourg's leadership, EAM said,"I would of course like to talk to you a little bit about the relationship and the larger context. But before I do that, I must also share with you at every one of these meetings, starting with the Grand Duke, with the Prime Minister, with the Foreign Minister, I heard very strong and very effusive words of praise for the Indian community."

"When you hear that in a very natural way from your counterparts and from the authorities of the country you're visiting, it really leaves you with a very good feeling. The sense that in their eyes, this is a community that has been very well integrated. It is seen as very contributive," he added.

EAM asserted that the partnership between India and Luxembourg holds significance for several reasons.

He noted that Luxembourg lies at the heart of the European Union and, as one of its founding members, wields great influence on the Union and its decision-making process.

EAM said that at a time when India is seeking to ramp up its engagement with the EU, Luxembourg's influence in Brussels over the collective decision-making assumes importance.

"And I was given really the fullest assurance that, as you know, we are right now in a very advanced stage of negotiating a free trade agreement. In other areas, whether it's technology, defence, connectivity, or mobility, there is a lot that is happening with the European Union. But the influence of Luxembourg and I think the goodwill of Luxembourg in support of the relationship is something which will surely come into play," he stated.

Earlier on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar called on the Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, and conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu.

Following his meeting with the Grand Duke, EAM took to X and posted, "Value his positive sentiments for India, and for deepening our bilateral partnership."

- IANS
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, highlighting the 78-year-old bilateral relationship. He thanked Luxembourg for being a strong advocate for deepening ties between India and the European Union. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in modern sectors like Fintech, Space, Digital technologies, and Artificial Intelligence. Jaishankar also noted the solid trade account and potential for collaboration on talent mobility between the two nations.

EAM S Jaishankar meets Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel, discusses expanding cooperation in Fintech, Space, AI, and strengthening India-EU partnership.

Luxembourg City, January 7 External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India sees an important partner in Luxembourg.

While delivering opening remarks at meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, Jaishankar said that India stands at a crucial juncture with the European Union now.

"As you rightly noted we have now 78 years going into our relationship, and we have come a long way, and we see really see Luxembourg as a very important partner in itself, but also with the European Union, and also at a very crucial time with the development of our own ties with the European Union. So the influence you have in shaping that larger relationship, the support that you extend, that is something which is of great value to us, and I thank you, because I know, in many ways you have been very much an advocate of deepening ties between India and the European Union," he said.

Jaishankar added that Fintech, Space, the entire digital world, AI. are all issues where both nations can expand their cooperation.

"Where our own bilateral ties are concerned, I think, although I have only arrived yesterday, I could see that you have a very active community here. But other than a very solid trade account that we have, I think many of the interesting issues of our times- Fintech, Space, the entire digital world, AI - these are all issues where I think we can collaborate much more profitably than we have done. So I look forward today to our meeting, to our discussions today. I think the state of the world is also particularly interesting at this time," he said.

In a post on X, he said, "An excellent meeting with DPM & FM Xavier Bettel in Luxembourg today. Had a warm interaction, covering our bilateral cooperation and the global situation. Specifically discussed finance, investments, digital, AI, space and talent mobility. As well as continued deepening of India - EU ties. Appreciate his personal interest in explaining Luxembourg's heritage and tradition."

- ANI
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI has announced the closure of a massive $20 billion funding round, with major investors including Nvidia and the Qatar Investment Authority. The financing will accelerate the company's infrastructure buildout and deployment of AI products, supporting plans for a world-class data center. Reports indicate xAI is burning through approximately $1 billion per month as it expands. Separately, the Indian government has directed X Corp to address the circulation of obscene AI-generated content on its platform.

Elon Musk's AI startup xAI completes a $20 billion funding round with investors including Nvidia and Qatar Investment Authority to build massive data centers.

New Delhi, Jan 7 Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has announced the completion of a $20 billion funding round from investors including Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority.

The company did not disclose individual investment amounts or the split between debt and equity, and named Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research, MGX, Baron Capital Group and Cisco Systems Inc.'s investment group among other investors who participated in the funding.

xAI had planned for roughly $7.5 billion of equity and up to $12.5 billion of debt parked in a special purpose vehicle to buy Nvidia processors. The chips would be rented out for five years, allowing financiers to recoup their investment, according to reports.

The AI startup said the financing will accelerate its infrastructure buildout, speed development and deployment of AI products to billions of users, and fuel research advancing its mission of "understanding the universe".

The firm, which had already raised about $10 billion of corporate equity and debt in 2025, has been burning through about $1 billion per month, the reports said citing sources. Musk had eralier confirmed that xAI is expanding datacentre capacity in Memphis toward almost 2 gigawatts.

A gigawatt is enough to provide electricity for about 7,50,000 US homes. Musk has publicly discussed plans to build the world's largest data centre for AI training and previously said Colossus 2 will eventually have 5,50,000 chips from Nvidia, costing tens of billions of dollars.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene, nude and indecent content on its platform.

The government on Friday directed X Corp to send an action taken report (ATR) "towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting, generation, publication or transmission, sharing or uploading of obscene, nude, indecent and explicit content through the misuse of Al-based services like 'Grok' and xAl's other services".

X Corp said that it continues to take action against illegal content on its social media platform, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and is working with local governments and law enforcement agencies.

- IANS
Netflix has unveiled its 2026 content slate, featuring major returning series and new films. Highlights include the sixth season of "Emily in Paris" and the fourth season of "Bridgerton," which will be released in two parts. New installments of "One Piece," "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and the film "Enola Holmes 3" are also scheduled. The lineup spans genres like romance, drama, fantasy, and action, offering a diverse viewing calendar.

Get the full list of Netflix's 2026 lineup including Emily in Paris Season 6, Bridgerton Season 4, Enola Holmes 3, and Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Mumbai, January 7 The new year has begun, and with it, fresh updates have emerged about what cinemaphiles can expect to watch on OTT platforms in 2026.

On Wednesday, Netflix shared its 2026 lineup of series, films and live events set to debut this year, along with release dates for some of its most anticipated shows. Several popular titles will return with new seasons, while some highly anticipated films will also make their way to the platform in 2026.

The updates span a variety of genres, including romance, drama, fantasy, and action. Here are some of the popular shows and films set to release this year:

EMILY IN PARIS SEASON 6

One of the major returns is, of course, Emily in Paris. The series will return with its sixth season in 2026, continuing the story of Emily, a young marketing executive from Chicago, as she navigates her career, friendships, and relationships in Paris.

BRIDGERTON SEASON 4

Another much-awaited return is Bridgerton. Season 4 will focus on Benedict Bridgerton. The new season will be released in two parts: Part 1 on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 on February 26, 2026.

ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE

Action and adventure fans can look forward to One Piece returning with its second season, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, on March 10, 2026. The new season will follow Luffy and the Straw Hat crew as they enter the dangerous Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER SEASON 2

Avatar: The Last Airbender will return for its second season. The story picks up after the group saves the Northern Water Tribe and embarks on a new journey to seek help against the Fire Nation. Season 2 is slated to hit the OTT platform later this year.

ENOLA HOLMES 3

Season 3 of the popular Enola Holmes film series is also set to release soon on the OTT platform. In the upcoming film, Enola travels to Malta, where she faces a case that intertwines her personal life with her work as a detective.

PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN

Another major release is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which will stream on March 20, 2026, on Netflix. Set during World War II, the story follows Tommy Shelby as he returns to face challenges that threaten both his family and his future.

Other movies and shows lineup for this year includes War Machine, Here Comes the Flood, War Machine, Little House on the Prairie, The Diplomat, The Witcher, among others.

The OTT platform has given viewers an early look at what is planned for the year ahead.

- ANI
Emraan Hashmi attended the Mumbai trailer launch for his upcoming Netflix series 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web'. The actor playfully confirmed the crime thriller will include a love story, joking about his on-screen romantic image. The series follows a team of officers tracking smugglers using secret international routes, with Sharad Kelkar playing a smuggling kingpin. The show is set to begin streaming on January 14.

Emraan Hashmi hints at romance in the crime thriller 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' at its trailer launch. Series streams on Netflix Jan 14.

Mumbai, January 7 Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi attended the trailer launch of his upcoming web series 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' at a star-studded event in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The series is a crime thriller that delves into the world of smuggling and the secret routes used across different countries.

During the trailer launch, Emraan spoke to the media and shared some light-hearted moments from the series. When asked whether the show includes a love story alongside its action and thrills, the actor responded in a playful tone and hinted at some romance in the story.

He said, "Do khubsurat ladkiyan hain iss [series mein]... Of course, love story milegi (There are two beautiful girls in this [series]... of course, there will be a love story)."

He further joked about his on-screen image, adding, "Main rahoon aur love story na ho (I'm there, and there is no love story!!!)."

The launch event was attended by several cast and crew members, including Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, and Zoya Afroz. Director Anurag Sinha and showrunner Neeraj Pandey were also present at the event.

Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web follows a team of officers who track smugglers moving goods through secret routes across cities like Al-Dera, Addis Ababa, Milan, and Bangkok. According to a press release, the story will focus on how the team works under constant pressure, where even a small mistake can ruin weeks of effort. Sharad Kelkar plays the role of the smuggling kingpin, Bada Chaudhary, who runs a vast network using fake papers, lies, and hidden paths.

Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web will start streaming on Netflix from January 14.

- ANI
Foreign direct investment pledges to South Korea reached a historic $36.05 billion in 2025, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. The rebound is attributed to eased political uncertainties following the inauguration of President Lee Jae Myung's administration, which replaced the impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The APEC summit in Gyeongju also played a crucial role, with companies like AWS and Siemens announcing major investment plans. Investments surged in advanced industries like AI and semiconductors, with the US and EU being leading sources of new commitments.

South Korea's foreign direct investment pledges reached a record $36.05 billion in 2025, driven by eased political uncertainty and the APEC summit.

Seoul, Jan 7 Foreign direct investment pledges to South Korea reached a record high of over $36 billion in 2025, government data showed on Wednesday, thanks to eased political uncertainties here and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering held in the country's southeastern city of Gyeongju.

Last year, South Korea received $36.05 billion worth of FDI commitments, up 4.3 percent from $34.57 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, reports Yonhap news agency.

In 2025, the actual amount of investment that arrived in the country also surged 16.3 percent from a year earlier to $17.95 billion.

The ministry said FDI pledges to the country had declined 14.6 percent on-year as of end-June but sharply rebounded in the second half after the administration of President Lee Jae Myung set sail to replace the previous administration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over his failed martial law bid in late 2024.

The APEC summit, held late October in Gyeongju, also helped the country attract foreign investment, it added.

During the APEC gathering, seven global companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Renault, Amkor Technology and Siemens Healthineers, unveiled plans to invest a combined $9 billion in Korea.

Notably, foreign pledges for greenfield investments in Korea rose 7.1 percent on-year to an all-time high of $28.59 billion in 2025, with investment pledges for advanced industries, such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor and biohealth, growing from a year earlier.

By industry, FDI commitments in the manufacturing sector grew 8.8 percent to $15.77 billion, with many new commitments in the materials sector for advanced industries amid global efforts to respond to supply chain uncertainties.

Commitments in the service sector climbed 6.8 percent on-year to $19.05 billion, mainly driven by investment plans for AI data centers and online platforms.

By country, fresh investment pledges from the United States spiked 86.6 percent to $9.77 billion, mainly led by the metals, distribution and IT sectors.

FDI pledges from the European Union jumped 35.7 percent to $6.92 billion, while those from Japan and China went down 28.1 percent and 38 percent to $4.4 billion and $3.59 billion, respectively.

The ministry said it will work to strengthen incentives and streamline regulations to attract more foreign investment this year.

- IANS
PARIS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that "several thousand" French soldiers could be deployed to maintain peace in Ukraine following a ceasefire.

In an interview with TV channel France 2 during a Paris meeting of Western and European countries, Macron said that "France will take part in operations" to monitor the Russian-Ukrainian border after a ceasefire agreement is signed.

He stressed, however, that the French soldiers would not be combat forces, adding that France will participate in the "regeneration of the Ukrainian army."

Macron added that "work has been carried out between the Ukrainians, the Coalition of the Willing and the Americans. They will be the ones responsible for determining whether the border area is violated or not."

A coalition of about 30 Western and European countries agreed Tuesday at a meeting in Paris that any future peace settlement must include robust and binding security guarantees for Ukraine.

According to a joint declaration, they stand ready to put in place a system of politically and legally binding guarantees once a ceasefire takes effect. This will include participation in a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, military support for Ukraine and long-term defense cooperation. 
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the inaugural India-Weimar format meeting with top diplomats from Poland, France, and Germany. The substantive discussions centered on three key areas: advancing India-European Union relations, the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Jaishankar emphasized the significant unrealized potential for growth in the India-Europe relationship, viewing the format as a way to support broader engagement. He noted that a volatile global environment makes such collaboration among like-minded partners both natural and essential.

First India-Weimar format meeting with EU ministers focuses on deepening ties, Indo-Pacific strategy, and the Ukraine conflict. Key insights from EAM Jaishankar.

Paris, January 8 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on attended the first India-Weimer format meeting along with Polish Deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The meeting focused on three key issues; India-European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict.

In his remarks at the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said that the format would deepen India's engagement with Europe. He added, "It is reflected in a collective endeavour with Brussels, but it is also sustained by individual European Union member states. As these conversations advance and cooperation deepens, it is natural that we have smaller group interactions that support this larger direction, and I think that is what we seek today."

Jaishankar said the discussions were substantive and candid across a range of issues.

In his remarks at the India-Weimar Meeting, Jaishankar said that this is the first time that India is engaging in this format.

"Our discussions were largely centred on three issues - India - European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict," he said.

Jaishankar said the second context for the meeting is the world in flux.

"We have been witnessing for quite some years now that churn in the Indo-Pacific. Europe is going through its own challenging circumstances, many of which have strategic implications. But beyond that, there have also been overarching developments that could redefine the global order itself. We may be located in different parts of the world, but despite that, perhaps even because of that, it is extremely useful for us to exchange views regularly and to share assessments," the EAM added.

Jaishankar expressed confidence in the scope for expanding ties and elevating the relationship between India and Europe.

"Among India's major relationships, I believe that the one with the European Union and Europe - and obviously with its member states - has the most room to grow today. We have tremendous unrealised potential and many new areas to explore. It is appropriate that this format, which has brought us together, has three very important European partners. My discussions today leave me confident that they will support that effort to take India-Europe ties to the next level," he said.

Noting that the world is moving in a multipolar direction, he emphasised that factors and events that make it more volatile and uncertain also make a powerful case for deeper collaboration among like-minded parties with shared views--which is what brought the four together.

He also shared the details of the meeting in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, EAM had met his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday (local time). The two leaders discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and elevating India-EU engagement, while also sharing perspectives on contemporary global developments.

EAM said that the session on bilateral cooperation would take forward our wide-ranging agenda, and also aim at generating new ideas on implementing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel and the Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. He also interacted with the members of the Indian Community in Luxembourg.

As per the MEA, "EAM will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors' Conference as the Guest of Honour."

- ANI
Iran's Ambassador to India has strongly criticized the United States for what he calls interference in Iran's internal affairs regarding ongoing protests. He stated that while peaceful protest is a recognized right in Iran, turning domestic issues into tools for foreign political pressure is unacceptable. The remarks come as US President Donald Trump issued warnings about the protests, suggesting a potential US response if violence escalates. The ambassador assured the safety of Indian citizens in Iran and accused the US of applying double standards in international relations.

Iranian Ambassador to India criticizes US statements on Iran protests as unacceptable foreign intervention and political pressure, defending Iran's democratic system.

New Delhi, January 7 Iran has said that the United States is interfering in its internal affairs amid ongoing protests over rising prices and economic hardship, rejecting Washington's statements and warnings as unacceptable foreign intervention.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali said that protests and economic demands are natural and common phenomena in all countries, and Iran is no exception but US is trying to turning a domestic issue into an instrument of political pressure, media warfare, and foreign intervention which is entirely unacceptable.

Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Mohammad Fathali, said Iran recognises peaceful protest as a democratic right but strongly opposes what he described as Western attempts to politicise domestic issues and apply external pressure.

"We certainly regard such statements and positions, including expressions of support by certain US officials for protesters, as a clear interference in our country's internal affairs. Sectoral protests and economic demands are natural and common phenomena in all countries, and Iran is no exception. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, both the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President have explicitly stated that peaceful protest is a right of the people and must be heard and pursued through legal channels," Fathali said.

The Ambassador stressed that while Iran allows lawful and peaceful expression of public demands, using internal developments as tools of media warfare or political pressure violates international norms.

"However, turning a domestic issue into an instrument of political pressure, media warfare, and foreign intervention is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations," he added.

His remarks come as US President Donald Trump has issued repeated warnings over the protests in Iran.

On Sunday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, "We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States."

Earlier in a Truth Social post, Trump said, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

According to local media reports, at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces have been killed during clashes in Iran.

Fathali said Iran's political system is rooted in public mandate and democratic participation.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is a democratic system that derives its legitimacy from the will and votes of the people. All officials, from the local level to the highest offices of the state, are elected through democratic elections," he said.

He added that Iranian authorities are working to separate legitimate public demands from organised violence.

"From the perspective of the Iranian government, it is essential to clearly distinguish between legitimate public demands and organised riots aimed at destabilising the country," the envoy said.

Assuring safety for Indians in Iran, Fathali said there is no threat to foreign nationals.

"I would like to state with full confidence that there is no threat to Indian citizens like those of other countries residing in Iran. The situation in the country is under control, and public order is being maintained," he said.

Referring to Venezuela, the ambassador also criticised what he called US double standards in dealing with sovereign nations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran... strongly condemns the actions of the United States against Venezuela, including political pressure, illegal sanctions, and any measures taken against the country's legitimate authorities," Fathali said.

He warned that unilateral US actions undermine international law and global stability, saying such approaches risk setting a dangerous precedent in international relations.

"This U.S. approach constitutes a clear example of interference in the internal affairs of an independent country and a blatant violation of fundamental principles of international law, particularly respect for national sovereignty and the right of peoples to self-determination. From Iran's perspective, unilateral and coercive US policies not only fail to resolve the problems of countries, but also exacerbate crises, fuel political instability, and impose additional suffering on nations. The case of Venezuela once again demonstrates that the instrumental use of sanctions, threats, and political pressure as tools of foreign policy is part of a dangerous and unlawful pattern that undermines international order and stability. We believe that if such actions are not met with a firm and responsible response by the international community, they risk becoming a troubling precedent in international relations, the negative consequences of which will not be confined to one or two countries, " he added.

- ANI
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has opened admissions for the third cohort of its Executive Programme in Robotics. This five-month programme is designed to equip professionals with both managerial perspective and deep technical grounding in the fast-evolving robotics ecosystem. It features a curriculum covering robotics fundamentals, AI, machine learning, and includes a hands-on capstone project where each participant builds a robot. The programme will be delivered through live online sessions and includes a one-day campus immersion at IIT Delhi.

IIT Delhi opens admissions for its 5-month Executive Programme in Robotics, blending technical skills with managerial insight for professionals.

New Delhi, January 7 As AI, IoT and intelligent automation reshape how organisations design, build and operate, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has opened admissions for the third cohort of its Executive Programme in Robotics. The programme draws on inputs from Top robotics experts and industry leaders from India and the USA, enabling professionals to build job-ready capability and deliver measurable impact across technology-driven sectors.

According to a press release, the five-month Executive Programme in Robotics equips learners with a rare blend of managerial perspective and deep technical grounding to navigate the fast-evolving robotics ecosystem. Participants learn to develop and implement robotic applications using programming languages, design and control robotic systems and networks, and build robotic devices from the ground up--mechanically and electronically. The curriculum also strengthens capability in robotic vision, helping learners apply visual sensors to real-world robotics use cases.

According to an ABI Research report, the world could see nearly 13 million robots in circulation by 2030, with the industry expected to expand at a 14% CAGR and reach a market size of USD 111 billion by 2030; humanoid robots represent the fastest-growing segment due to the category's early-stage maturity. India's momentum continues, with 9,100 units installed in 2024 (up 7%); the automotive sector led adoption, accounting for a 45% market share. In annual installations, India now ranks sixth globally, moving one place up behind Germany-underscoring the urgency to build skilled talent as manufacturing modernises through robotics and automation.

Speaking at the announcement, Prof Arnab Chanda, Programme Coordinator and Associate Professor, IIT Delhi said, "Robotics now sits at the intersection of AI, sensing and advanced manufacturing and industry needs engineers who can design, programme and deploy intelligent systems responsibly. Through this Executive Programme in Robotics, IIT Delhi brings together research-led teaching and practitioner insight to help professionals build deep technical capability, sharpen systems thinking and accelerate innovation across high-impact sectors, in India and globally."

The programme spans six modules-Robotics and Automation; Sensing and Perception; Actuators and Motion; Modelling; AI and Machine Learning; Embedded Control and Mechatronics; and Applications and Future Directions-supported by tutorials in CAD design, 3D printing, Arduino programming, AI/ML for robotics, DIY robotics and ROS training, said the release. Each learner completes a hands-on capstone by developing one robot per participant, supported by structured research and guided implementation.

As per the release, IIT Delhi will deliver the programme through live, interactive Direct-to-Device (D2D) sessions featuring industry-relevant lectures, tutorials, hands-on tools and project work. Learners will also participate in an exclusive one-day campus immersion at IIT Delhi, engaging directly with the institute's academic and research environment. Graduates with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible to apply. On successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion.

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. Established as College of Engineering in 1961, the Institute was later declared as an Institution of National Importance under the "Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963" and was renamed as "Indian Institute of Technology Delhi". It was then accorded the status of a Deemed University with powers to decide its own academic policy, to conduct its own examinations, and to award its own degrees.

IIT Delhi has been ranked consistently in top 5 management institutes and rank 1 institute in Research and Professional Practice as per NIRF 2022 and NIRF 2021 Management Category rankings.

Executive education is a vital need for the companies to build a culture that promotes newer technologies and solutions and builds a workforce that stays abreast of the rapidly transforming needs in the technological, business and regulatory landscape, said the release. Committed to the cause of making quality education accessible to all, IIT Delhi has launched Online Certificate Programmes under eVIDYA@IITD, enabling Virtual & Interactive learning for Driving Youth Advancement @IITD for Indian as well as international participants.

These programmes offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) are designed to cater to the training and development needs of various organisations, industries, society and individual participants at national and international levels with a vision to empower thousands of young learners by imparting high-quality Online Certificate Programmes in cutting-edge areas for their career advancement in different domains of engineering, technology, science, humanities and management.

- ANI
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) emerged as the largest occupier in India's office sector in 2025, accounting for 38% of total transactions. Annual gross leasing surged to a record 86.4 million square feet, marking a 20% year-on-year increase and surpassing the previous peak. Bengaluru dominated as the largest market, while Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Chennai all crossed the 10 million square feet leasing milestone. The report highlights a structural shift with strong rental appreciation across major cities, led by NCR and Hyderabad.

India's office market hits historic high with 86.4 mn sq ft leased in 2025. GCCs lead with 38% share. Bengaluru dominates as top market.

Mumbai, Jan 7 Global Capability Centres anchored the India office market in 2025, accounting for 38 per cent of total annual transactions at 31.8 million square feet, strengthening India's position amongst global peers as a centre of excellence in research and development and other related businesses, according to a new report on Wednesday.

Bengaluru alone captured 47 per cent (15.2 mn sq ft) of GCC leasing activity. Overall annual gross leasing surged to 86.4 million square feet, registering a 20 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase and surpassing the previous peak achieved in 2024.

The scale of activity also represented a 43 per cent rise over the pre-pandemic high recorded in 2019, highlighting the sustained expansion of occupier demand over the past four years, said the Knight Frank India report.

Bengaluru continued its dominance as the largest office market grossing 28 mn sq ft, a historic best for this market.

Hyderabad (11.4 mn sq ft), Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) (11.3 mn sq ft), Pune (10.8 mn sq ft) and Chennai (10.1 mn sq ft) all crossed a 10 mn sq ft benchmark, with Mumbai (9.8 mn sq ft) narrowly missing the line, the findings showed.

"India's office market delivered an exceptional performance in 2025, decisively surpassing its previous peak and underscoring the depth and breadth of occupier confidence across the country. With annual leasing volumes rising more than 20 per cent year on year, the current cycle marks not just a numerical high but a structural shift in how global and domestic enterprises view India as a long-term business destination," explained Shishir Baijal, International Partner, Chairman and Managing Director.

The fact that five major markets recorded their highest-ever transaction levels, each crossing the 10 mn sq ft threshold, highlights the geographically diversified nature of this expansion, he noted.

Leasing activity during H2 2025 stood at 37.5 mn sq ft, second only to the exceptionally high absorption recorded in H1 2025 (January-June 2025) which was 48.9 mn sq ft.

Flex space took up 18.8 mn sq ft, representing 22 per cent share of total gross leasing in 2025. Third-party IT services took up 15.3 mn sq ft during the year, accounting for 20 per cent of the transacted area with its volumes growing 94 per cent YoY, the report noted.

All office markets recorded rental appreciation in 2025 mostly due to low availability of quality space, led by NCR and Hyderabad with 10 per cent growth each, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru, both registering rental increases of 6 per cent.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump has announced a proposal to increase the 2027 military budget by 50% to $1.5 trillion. He attributes the financial capacity for this hike to increased tariff revenues from other countries. The plan aims to build an unparalleled military force while also paying down debt and providing dividends to citizens. This follows a recently passed $901 billion defense policy bill for the 2026 fiscal year.

President Trump announces a plan to increase the US military budget to $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing tariff revenue and national security needs.

Washington DC, January 8 US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that after prolonged negotiations with senators, congressmen, secretaries and other political representatives, the 2027 military budget should be increased to 1.5 trillion USD, from the current 1 trillion USD. Trump said that this would allow the US to build a "dream military" and keep America safe and secure.

He made the announcement via a Truth Social post.

Making the announcement via a Truth Social post, Trump said that this comes after the tariffs brought in more income to the United States, with the country now having the ability to not only pay down the debt, produce an 'unparalleled military force' and also pay a substantial dividend to "moderate-income patriots" in the US.

"After long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives, I have determined that, for the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars. This will allow us to build the "Dream Military" that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe," Trump said on Truth social.

Hailing the success of the tariffs bringing in more money for Americans, he added, "If it weren't for the tremendous numbers being produced by Tariffs from other Countries, many of which, in the past, have "ripped off" the United States at levels never seen before, I would stay at the $1 Trillion Dollar number but, because of Tariffs, and the tremendous Income that they bring, amounts being generated, that would have been unthinkable in the past (especially just one year ago during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, the Worst President in the History of our Country!), we are able to easily hit the $1.5 Trillion Dollar number while, at the same time, producing an unparalleled Military Force, and having the ability to, at the same time, pay down Debt, and likewise, pay a substantial Dividend to moderate income Patriots within our Country!", the US President said on Truth Social.

Previously, the 2026 budget briefing shared by the Under Secretary of War (Comptroller), said that the FY 2026 Budget would deliver on Trump's "vow to restore peace through strength" through measures like reestablishing deterrence, rebuilding the military by matching capabilities to threats and reviving the warrior ethos and restoring trust in the military.

Earlier in December last year, the United States Senate has passed a USD 901 billion bill setting defence policy and spending for the 2026 fiscal year, which combined the priorities backed by the Trump administration with provisions designed to preserve congressional oversight of US military power, as per a report by Al Jazeera.

- ANI
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has declared the state government's objective to make the upcoming budget employment-oriented and industry-friendly. He made the announcement during a pre-budget consultation with entrepreneurs in Gurugram, highlighting that 71 suggestions from last year's meeting were incorporated. Key initiatives include allocating land for worker accommodations, planning a massive satellite city in Kharkhoda, and advancing an EV Park and RRTS project. The government has already provisioned nearly Rs 1,951 crore for the Industries and Labour Departments for the 2025-26 financial year.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announces a pre-budget focus on industry and employment, with plans for EV parks, RRTS, and worker housing to boost the economy.

New Delhi, January 7 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the industry and manufacturing sectors play a vital role in the state's economy. Keeping economic growth in view, the upcoming state budget will place special emphasis on the industrial sector.

According to an official release, the state government has set a clear objective to make the forthcoming budget more employment-oriented and industry-friendly so as to strengthen the state's economy and ensure Haryana's leading contribution in India's journey towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The Chief Minister was interacting with entrepreneurs during a pre-budget consultation meeting held in Gurugram on Wednesday. Nayab Singh Saini stated that the objective of the pre-budget consultation meetings is to create a more industry-friendly environment in the state by incorporating valuable suggestions from relevant stakeholders. He recalled that a similar consultation was held last year as well, which yielded excellent suggestions and helped strengthen policies. As many as 71 suggestions received during the previous consultations were incorporated into the budget.

For the financial year 2025-26, a provision of approximately Rs 1,951.43 crore was made for the Industries and Labour Departments, out of which Rs 873.51 crore has already been spent. He added that constructive budget-related suggestions are welcome, and stakeholders can also submit their inputs through an AI chatbot, the release said. The Chief Minister said the Haryana Government is continuously working to ensure that budget announcements are implemented at the ground level. In the previous budget, the allocation for the Industries and Labour Departments was increased by 129.37 per cent to further strengthen these sectors.

He informed that land has been earmarked for the construction of dormitories and single-room accommodations for workers--5 acres in IMT Bawal, 2.76 acres in IMT Faridabad, and 5.47 acres in IMT Sohna. Additionally, around 5,800 acres of land have been identified for the expansion of IMT Kharkhoda at a rate of Rs 3 crore per acre, which will soon be acquired under the Industrial Policy-2022. The Chief Minister said that several suggestions were received during the pre-budget consultation meeting. He assured that there will be a special focus on budgetary provisions for Haryana's industrial development. The more concrete and implementable the suggestions, the more effective the budget will be. He emphasised that every suggestion serves as a guiding input and personally assured that all proposals would be considered seriously. Nayab Singh Saini added that a satellite city is planned to be developed over an area of 10,000 acres in Kharkhoda of Sonipat district. Along with this, a wholesale market will be established in Rai, for which traders have already started approaching the government. He further said that the government has also committed to setting up an EV Park as mentioned in its election manifesto.

Additionally, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the RRTS project worth Rs 70,000 crore has been prepared, and tenders will be floated soon. The RRTS will operate from Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal and Sarai Kale Khan to Alwar, benefiting the people of the state. A Convention Centre will also be built in Manesar, a release said.

He added that a Labour Court will be constructed in the Mini Secretariat complex at Bawal at a cost of Rs 26 lakh, for which the budget has already been allocated to the Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads).Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the Haryana Government is working with a focused vision of 'Viksit Bharat'-2047. Along with industrial growth, the government is fulfilling its responsibilities effectively to give India a new identity as a developed nation.

He emphasised that representatives from the industrial sector play a crucial role in shaping a future-ready Haryana. Therefore, the state government will continue to take steps by seeking suggestions through such pre-budget sessions to make the upcoming budget inclusive, smooth, and productive for all stakeholders.

- ANI
The first meeting of Gujarat's State-Level Census Coordination Committee was held in Gandhinagar to review preparations for Census 2027. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das chaired the meeting, where a detailed strategy presentation was made by the Director of Census Operations. The committee discussed administrative logistics, including house-listing schedules and training for enumerators. The census data is vital for planning India's development, guiding resource allocation for infrastructure, healthcare, and welfare schemes.

Gujarat's State-Level Census Coordination Committee held its first meeting in Gandhinagar to review planning and strategy for the upcoming Census 2027.

Ahmedabad, Jan 7 The first meeting of the Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das to review preparations for the upcoming Census 2027.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive review of the planning process and the groundwork required for the smooth execution of the next population census.

State Census Coordinator and Revenue Secretary Rajesh Manju, along with other members of the SLCCC, attended the high-level meeting.

Director of Census Operations, Gujarat, Sujal Mayatra, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the strategy to complete Census 2027 within the prescribed timelines.

The presentation covered key aspects such as the freezing of administrative boundaries, findings from the pre-test exercise, and preparations for training enumerators.

The committee also discussed the deployment of officers and required manpower for the census, the schedule for house-listing operations, and coordination mechanisms with various government departments.

After the presentation and discussions, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das appreciated the preparatory work carried out so far and provided guidance to ensure that all census operations in Gujarat are conducted with accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.

Census 2027 is crucial because it provides the most accurate picture of India's population and its needs. It helps governments decide how to allocate funds, plan infrastructure, expand healthcare and education, and design welfare schemes. The data determines how many schools, hospitals, roads, houses and jobs are needed in each region. It also guides policy on migration, urbanisation, ageing population, and socio-economic inequality.

For states like Gujarat, Census 2027 will help identify growth patterns, update administrative boundaries, and improve resource distribution across districts. In short, it serves as the foundation for planning India's development for the next decade and ensures that policies and budgets match the real needs of people.

- IANS
The Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee held its first meeting to review preparations for Census 2027. The census will be conducted in two phases, starting with Houselisting in 2026 and Population Enumeration in 2027. This massive national exercise will engage approximately 30 lakh field functionaries and generate an estimated 1.02 crore man-days of employment. The meeting discussed strategies, administrative boundaries, training, and the appointment of census officials.

Gujarat's first Census 2027 coordination meeting reviewed strategy, training & phases. The massive exercise will generate ~1.02 crore man-days of employment.

Ahmedabad, January 7 The first meeting of the Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee was convened today under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Manoj Kumar Das. The meeting was attended by the members of SLCCC.

According to a press release, Rajesh Manju, State Census Coordinator, RIC and Ex officio Secretary, Revenue Department, was also present in the meeting. Sujal J Mayatra, Director DCO Gujarat, made up a brief presentation highlighting the strategy, freezing of Administrative Boundaries, outcome of Pre-Test, preparations for training, Appointment of Census Functionaries and manpower etc, for Census 2027. Modalities and readiness, including the period of HLO with various departments, were also discussed, said the release. In the end, the Chief Secretary appreciated the preparedness of the Directorate.

Meanwhile, the Census of India 2027 would be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, Houselisting and Housing Census will be conducted from April to September 2026. The second phase would cover Population Enumeration (PE), which is scheduled in February 2027. The PE will be conducted for Ladakh, snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the states of Himachal Pradesh, as well as Uttarakhand, in September 2026.

The Indian Census is the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world, in which about 30 lakh field functionaries will be engaged to complete this gigantic exercise of national importance. To complete various tasks for the successful conduct of Census 2027, approximately 18,600 technical manpower will be engaged for about 550 days at the local levels. In other words, around 1.02 crore man-days of employment would be generated.

Further, the provision of technical manpower at the charge, district and state level will also result in capacity building as the nature of the job will be related to digital data handling, monitoring and coordination. This will also help in the future employment prospects of these persons. The enumerators, generally government teachers appointed by the state governments, will be doing the field work of the Census in addition to their regular duties.

- ANI
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has urged people to have faith in the Indian government's actions to address violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. He stated that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in constant contact with Bangladeshi authorities and registering protests. This comes amid reports of escalating violence, including the drowning of a young Hindu man, Mithun Sarkar, and at least 10 other incidents in the first week of January. India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed serious concern, linking the issue to minority safety and citing over 2,900 documented incidents of violence.

Himachal Governor assures Indian govt is taking action, as reports detail killings and attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh in early January.

Dharamshala, January 7 Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday assured people that the Government of India is taking action to address violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

Governor Shukla said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in constant contact with the Bangladesh government and urged people to have confidence in the actions of the Indian government.

"The Indian government is taking action at its level. The External Affairs Minister is in regular contact with the government there and is also registering our protest. The entire Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the situation... I believe everyone should have faith in the actions of the Indian government," he said.

Meanwhile, another Hindu was killed in Bangladesh today. Mithun Sarkar, a young Hindu man, was forcefully drowned to death by a radicalised mob on suspicion of theft.

Mithun Sarkar, who lived in the Mohadevpur area of the northern district of Naogaon, was chased by the mob, which accused him of theft. To save his life, the Hindu man, jumped into the water. He was grabbed by the mob there and drowned to death, Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Police Super (SP) of Naogoan, told ANI over the phone on Wednesday.

"We are conducting a post-mortem on Mithun Sarkar's body and investigating the incident", he added, without elaborating.

In the first week of January, atleast 10 cases of violence have been reported against the Hindu minorities. On January 3, businessman Khokan Chandra Das was hacked and set on fire, leading to his death in Shariatpur. On January 4, a 40-year-old Hindu widow was raped, tied to a tree, and tortured by having her hair cut off in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah

Many more such horrifying incidents have already occurred across the country, the full details of which have yet to be obtained, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in a statement.

India's Ministry of External Affairs had expressed serious concern over the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, linking the issue to the wider question of minority safety and law and order in the country.

The MEA noted that independent assessments have documented over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, including cases of killings, arson and land grabbing.

- ANI
India Energy Week 2026 will be held in Goa from January 27-30, serving as a major global platform for energy dialogue. The event will focus on critical themes of energy security, investment, and scalable decarbonisation solutions. It aims to build on the success of previous editions, which saw massive international participation. The forum will also highlight India's significant energy reforms and infrastructure expansion.

India Energy Week 2026 in Goa unites global leaders to discuss energy security, investment, and decarbonisation pathways. Join the key dialogue.

New Delhi, January 7 India Energy Week 2026 is returning to Goa from 27-30 January 2026, bringing together ministers from across the world, global CEOs, policymakers, financial institutions, academia and technology providers at a critical juncture for the global energy sector.

According to an official release, as the first major international energy gathering of the year, IEW 2026 will focus on strengthening energy security, catalysing investment and advancing practical and scalable pathways for decarbonisation.

As global energy systems navigate rising demand, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating climate commitments, IEW 2026 will serve as a key platform for dialogue and cooperation. Building on the momentum of previous editions, the event is expected to welcome participants from over 120 countries. The 2025 edition saw participation from over 68,000 attendees, 570 exhibitors and 5,400 conference delegates, with 100 conference sessions featuring more than 540 global speakers. The 2026 edition will expand further, reinforcing IEW's position among the world's leading energy dialogue platforms.

Hosted under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) and dmg events, IEW 2026 provides a neutral and globally connected forum for cooperation on energy security, affordability and sustainability. Delegations from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are expected to participate, underlining India Energy Week's growing role in global energy diplomacy, the release stated.

According to the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2025, India alone is projected to account for more than 23 per cent of global incremental energy demand by 2050, largest for any country. Against this backdrop, IEW 2026 will bring policymakers and industry leaders together to deliberate on strengthening resilient energy systems and accelerating the clean energy transition.

The release further noted that IEW 2026 will spotlight India's reform-led energy model, which balances economic growth, climate responsibility and consumer protection. Landmark legislative and regulatory reforms under the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act 2025 and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025 have strengthened the upstream ecosystem. These reforms provide for single petroleum leases covering exploration, production, decarbonisation and integrated energy projects; time-bound approvals with lease decisions mandated within 180 days; long-term lease stability of up to 30 years, extendable to the economic life of the field; infrastructure sharing mechanisms; and investor risk-mitigation measures, including arbitration and compensation safeguards.

Additionally, India's ethanol blending programme has emerged as a global benchmark, delivering significant outcomes including cumulative foreign exchange savings of 1.59 lakh crore since 2014, reduction of 813 lakh metric tonnes of CO emissions, substitution of 270 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, payments of 2.32 lakh crore to ethanol distillers by Oil Marketing Companies and 1.39 lakh crore paid directly to farmers. Biofuels, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels and emerging low-carbon technologies will feature prominently in discussions at IEW 2026.

Furthermore, the release stated that India has continued to strengthen domestic exploration and infrastructure to enhance long-term energy security. Petrol retail outlets have expanded from around 52,000 in 2014 to over one lakh in 2025. CNG stations have increased from about 968 to more than 8,477, while PNG household connections have risen from 25 lakh to over 1.59 crore. The natural gas pipeline network has expanded by around 66 per cent to over 25,923 km, and City Gas Distribution coverage now extends to the entire country, excluding islands.

On price stability and consumer protection, the release stated that despite global volatility in energy prices, India has maintained price stability for consumers. While petrol and diesel prices rose significantly across major global economies since 2021, prices in Delhi in 2025 remained lower than in 2021. Central excise duty cuts of 13 per litre on petrol and 16 per litre on diesel were fully passed on to consumers, and Oil Marketing Companies implemented an additional 2 per litre price reduction in March 2024. LPG prices for PMUY beneficiaries have been maintained at around 553 per cylinder, among the lowest globally.

Over four days, IEW 2026 will feature ministerial roundtables, CEO dialogues, public-private sector interactions, technology showcases, exhibitions, social events and media engagements. Dedicated sessions will focus on hydrogen economies, green finance, sustainable fuels, circularity, digital transformation and workforce development. The expanded exhibition will host hundreds of companies across the full energy value chain, supported by extensive international participation and country pavilions.

India Energy Week is the country's flagship global energy platform, the release noted, bringing together government leaders, industry executives and innovators to advance a secure, sustainable and affordable energy future. As a neutral international forum, it promotes investment, policy alignment and technological collaboration. India Energy Week 2026 will be held from 27-30 January 2026 in Goa.

Across the four days of expert curetted content, IEW 2026 will feature ministerial roundtables, CEO dialogues on global capital flows, public-private sector dialogues, technology showcases from multinationals, national energy companies and high-growth startups, social events and media engagements; along with a distinguished exhibition, the release concluded.

- ANI
Trump weighs options to acquire Greenland including use of U.S. military: White House

Xinhua) 08:12, January 07, 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and his team are weighing "a range of options" to acquire Denmark's Greenland, including "utilizing the U.S. military," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal," Leavitt told Xinhua in an emailed statement.

She said that "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Monday that nobody would fight the United States if it tried to seize Greenland, which is Denmark's autonomous territory.

It was "the formal position of the U.S. government that Greenland should be part of the U.S.," Miller said in an interview with CNN.

"We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense," Trump reiterated in a phone interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, reaffirming that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to U.S. intervention while claiming it was up to others to decide what a U.S. large-scale strike against Venezuela means for Greenland.

"If the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Monday in response.

Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark issued a joint statement on Tuesday, which said that "it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe, and it is critical for international and transatlantic security, noting that NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European allies are increasing their presence in the area.

Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
HARBIN, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The "Ice City" Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is experiencing a growing influx of visitors drawn to the ice and snow landscapes.

On Monday, the 42nd Ice and Snow Festival opened at Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world's largest ice and snow theme park and the city's landmark tourist attraction.

During the recent three-day New-Year holiday, Harbin welcomed over 4.1 million travelers.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday executed a man convicted of spying for Israel's intelligence agency Mossad, the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported.

The report identified the individual as Ali Ardestani, describing him as a "key" Mossad operative inside Iran who had sent sensitive information from the country to Israel.

Mizan stated that he had been recruited by Mossad through social media and carried out a number of missions for Mossad, including photographing specific locations and providing information on certain individuals, for which he was paid in digital currency.

The agency said Ardestani had confessed to knowingly cooperating with Mossad officers and providing them with "valuable" information.

His death sentence was carried out after full judicial proceedings and confirmation by the Supreme Court of Iran, it added. 
The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force is constructing Bailey bridges to restore critical road connectivity on Sri Lanka's B-492 highway, severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. This humanitarian assistance is being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Concurrently, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is on an official visit to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral defence ties through high-level meetings. His itinerary includes engagements with Sri Lankan defence leadership and paying homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force War Memorial.

Indian Army engineers restore cyclone-hit highways in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu as Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visits to strengthen defence cooperation.

New Delhi, January 7 The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force is working to restore critical road connectivity on the B-492 highway in Sri Lanka, which links Kandy in the Central Province with Badulla in the Uva Province and was severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to an official statement, the Task Force has constructed Bailey bridges at KM 15 and KM 21 to help reconnect affected communities and reduce travel time. The Indian Army said the effort is aimed at restoring connectivity in areas impacted by the cyclone.

The assistance is being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched to extend humanitarian support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.

Under the operation, India sent relief supplies and deployed Army engineers to assist in restoring damaged infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi is on an official visit to Sri Lanka.

The visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and ties with Sri Lanka.

In an official statement, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said the visit reflects the strong commitment and partnership between the two countries.

In a post on X, the ADGPI said, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and further strengthen bilateral Defence Cooperation. The visit takes place against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India's enduring brotherhood with our steadfast partner."

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had earlier said that Indian Army engineers have commenced launching a 100-foot Bailey Bridge in Kandy to restore connectivity in the region affected by the cyclone.

The Ministry of Defence had informed earlier that the COAS would visit Sri Lanka from January 7 to January 8.

On arrival, General Dwivedi will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army.

During the visit, the COAS will engage with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary. Discussions will focus on matters of mutual interest such as training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security.

General Dwivedi will also address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala. The Ministry of Defence said these engagements reflect India's strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka.

As part of the visit, the COAS will pay homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force War Memorial, honouring the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during their deployment in Sri Lanka, the ministry added.

- ANI
The Border Roads Organisation is conducting intensive snow clearance operations on the strategic Mughal Road in Poonch district to restore connectivity after fresh snowfall. Traffic on the Shopian-Poonch axis has remained suspended since December 31 due to hazardous conditions. Meanwhile, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have enhanced security at major tourist spots like Dal Lake and Bhaderwah to manage the increased winter footfall. A tourist from Lucknow specifically praised the Indian Army for ensuring safety and facilitating enjoyment amidst the snowy landscape.

BRO works to clear snow on strategic Mughal Road in Poonch after fresh snowfall suspends traffic. J&K boosts tourist security amid winter surge.

Poonch, January 7 Snow clearance operations are underway on the Mughal Road in Poonch district, with the Border Roads Organisation working on a war footing to reopen the strategic stretch following fresh snowfall.

Officials said that 79 RCC of the BRO is carrying out snow clearance to restore connectivity on the Mughal Road up to Peer Ki Gali, located at an altitude of around 13,000 feet. The road remains closed due to fresh snowfall and slippery conditions.

Traffic has remained suspended on the Shopian-Poonch axis since December 31, including the Poonch-Kashmir route via Shopian, due to continuous snowfall and unsafe road conditions.

Earlier this month, Poonch received heavy snowfall, which disrupted normal movement across the region. Authorities said that heavy machinery has been deployed to clear snow and reopen the road at the earliest. Efforts are being made to ensure the road is reopened once weather conditions improve and the surface becomes safe for vehicular movement.

Despite the adverse weather, officials said the BRO is making sustained efforts to keep the Mughal Road operational, given its strategic importance and role in connecting the twin regions of Kashmir and Jammu.

Meanwhile, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have also stepped up security and safety measures across tourist locations amid increased footfall during the winter season.

On January 1, security around Dal Lake in Srinagar was tightened to ensure the safety of residents and tourists celebrating the New Year. Police and local administration deployed additional personnel, set up security checkpoints, increased patrolling, and enhanced CCTV surveillance to monitor crowd movement and prevent any untoward incidents.

In Bhaderwah, fresh snowfall in Doda district has attracted a surge of tourists, prompting authorities to tighten security at major tourist spots. The snow-covered landscape has emerged as a major attraction for visitors from across the country.

Officials said arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists amid the cold wave and snowfall. Despite harsh weather conditions, tourism has not been affected, with many visitors drawn to the region's winter scenery.

A tourist visiting Bhaderwah, Dharmendra Sharma, a resident of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, praised the arrangements made by the Indian Army for ensuring safety during the snowfall.

"All the credit goes to the Indian army. I love you my Indian soldier. I suggest everyone come here during the new year. The Indian army is taking care of everyone. We played in the snow and enjoyed a lot," he said.

- ANI
All court processes digital from filing to judgment

The Kalpetta judicial district in Kerala's Wayanad has become India's first completely paperless court system. Every stage of the judicial process, including evidence recording and final judgments, is now conducted electronically with integrated AI assistance. The system features voice-to-text transcription, digital annotation tools, and secure digital signatures for authentication. Developed in-house by the Kerala High Court, the model is seen as a scalable framework for digitizing district courts nationwide.

Kalpetta in Wayanad becomes India's first fully digital judicial district, using AI and digital tools for all court proceedings.

Kochi Ja, n 7 The Kalpetta judicial district in Kerala's Wayanad has become the first district in the country to function as a completely paperless court system, marking a major milestone in India's judicial digitisation efforts.

Under the new system, all courts in the district judiciary will operate entirely in digital mode, from the filing of cases to the delivery of final judgments.

Every stage of the judicial process-including pre-trial proceedings, recording of evidence, interlocutory applications and final adjudication-will now be conducted electronically.

The system also integrates Artificial Intelligence-based judicial assistance tools that generate structured case summaries from digital records, helping judges quickly grasp the factual and procedural background of cases.

Interactive question-and-answer features allow judicial officers to query case-specific details, while digital annotation tools enable judges to record notes and highlight relevant legal provisions directly on electronic files.

Voice-to-text technology has been introduced to ensure accurate transcription of witness depositions and judicial dictation.

Judicial orders and judgments are authenticated through secure digital signatures, ensuring their legal validity, integrity and authenticity.

The entire system has been developed in-house by the Kerala High Court. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said launching the project in Wayanad, an ecologically sensitive region of the Western Ghats, reflected a commitment to "green jurisprudence."

He also said the move would democratise access to justice by removing dependence on physical records and enabling real-time access to court documents for all stakeholders, regardless of location.

Supreme Court E-Committee chairperson Justice Vikram Nath described the Kalpetta model as a scalable and replicable framework for district courts across India.

Kerala High Court Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar highlighted benefits such as reduced costs, faster case processing and fewer clerical delays for litigants and lawyers.

Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar said in-house development of AI tools had addressed concerns over unreliable data, while Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V noted that the transition was achieved through close consultation with all stakeholders.

Representatives of the Bar assured continued cooperation to expand digitisation across the State.

- IANS
The South Korean government borrowed 164.5 trillion won from the Bank of Korea in 2025, marking the second-highest annual use of its central bank overdraft facility on record. This substantial borrowing, slightly below the 2024 record, occurred amid political turmoil following a martial law declaration. The government paid nearly 158.1 billion won in interest on these loans, also the second-highest annual payment. Concurrently, the finance ministry is moving to swiftly execute delayed defense expenditures from the 2025 budget, which were not disbursed by year's end.

South Korea borrowed 164.5 trillion won from the BOK in 2025, paying high interest amid political turmoil and delayed defense spending.

Seoul, Jan 7 The government borrowed the second-largest amount of temporary funds on record from the central bank last year through its overdraft facility, data showed on Wednesday.

According to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) submitted to Rep. Park Sung-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party, the government's temporary borrowings from the BOK totalled 164.5 trillion won (US$113.65 billion) in 2025, including 5 trillion won drawn in December.

The figure was slightly lower than the record 173 trillion won posted in 2024, reports Yonhap news agency.

In detail, the government borrowed 88.6 trillion won in the first half of 2025, as the country was reeling from political turmoil following the martial law declaration in December 2024, and another 75.9 trillion won in the second half.

The government, accordingly, paid 158.09 billion won in interest to the BOK last year, the second-highest annual interest payment on record, following 209.28 billion won in 2024, the data showed.

The overdraft facility allows the government to temporarily borrow funds from the central bank to cover short-term mismatches between revenue and spending.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said Tuesday that portions of last year's defence budget that were not disbursed by the end of 2025 will be executed as swiftly as possible.

The announcement came amid controversy over the failure to pay about 1.3 trillion won (US$899 million) in defence-related expenditures to military units and defence contractors by the end of last year.

"Among the 2025 expenditure budget items, spending that could not be executed will be carried out as quickly as possible within this week," the ministry said in a press release.

The ministry added that it is holding consultations with the defence ministry and other relevant ministries based on what is known as "January revenue."

The term refers to tax and other revenue for the 2025 fiscal year that is legally deposited into the state treasury by the second business day of 2026, which fell on Monday.

- IANS
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France could deploy several thousand soldiers to Ukraine following a ceasefire to participate in border monitoring operations and support the regeneration of the Ukrainian army. He emphasized these would be non-combat forces, operating as part of a broader US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism agreed upon by a coalition of Western nations. The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops to establish military coordination centers aimed at deterring future Russian aggression. Russia has consistently warned that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target.

President Macron says France could send thousands of soldiers to Ukraine for peacekeeping and army regeneration, not combat, following a ceasefire.

Paris, Jan 7 French President Emmanuel Macron said that 'several thousand' French soldiers could be deployed to maintain peace in Ukraine following a ceasefire.

In an interview with TV channel France 2 during a Paris meeting of Western and European countries, Macron said that "France will take part in operations" to monitor the Russian-Ukrainian border after a ceasefire agreement is signed on Tuesday.

He stressed, however, that the French soldiers would not be combat forces, adding that France will participate in the "regeneration of the Ukrainian army."

Macron added that "work has been carried out between the Ukrainians, the Coalition of the Willing and the Americans. They will be the ones responsible for determining whether the border area is violated or not."

A coalition of about 30 Western and European countries agreed Tuesday at a meeting in Paris that any future peace settlement must include robust and binding security guarantees for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to a joint declaration, they stand ready to put in place a system of politically and legally binding guarantees once a ceasefire takes effect. This will include participation in a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, military support for Ukraine and long-term defence cooperation.

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is made with Russia, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.

Speaking after discussions with Ukraine's international partners in Paris, Starmer said both countries plan to set up military coordination centres across Ukraine aimed at preventing any future Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron later added that the deployment could involve several thousand soldiers.

Ukraine's allies broadly supported the idea of strong security guarantees and suggested that the United States would play a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. However, negotiations over territorial matters remain unresolved.

Russia has consistently cautioned that the presence of foreign forces in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate military target.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory.

- IANS
A senior US legal expert asserts that the arrest of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro rests on firm constitutional and legal footing, viewing him as a criminal fugitive rather than a legitimate head of state. He cites the precedent of Panama's Manuel Noriega and notes the bipartisan US position of not recognizing Maduro's presidency. The expert argues that defenses based on sovereign immunity are unlikely to succeed in US courts, which typically defer to the executive branch on matters of foreign recognition. Maduro will receive full due process, but if convicted, he faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence.

A US constitutional expert explains why the arrest of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro is legally justified and likely to withstand court challenges.

Washington, Jan 7 The United States acted within its constitutional and legal authority in arresting Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, and challenges to the move are unlikely to succeed in US courts, according to Michael O'Neill, a senior legal and constitutional expert.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, O'Neill said the arrest of Maduro should be viewed as the lawful seizure of a criminal fugitive rather than the arrest of a foreign head of state, given Washington's long-standing position that Maduro is not Venezuela's legitimate leader.

"From a constitutional standpoint, the president has clear authority under Article II to ensure that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed," O'Neill said, referring to President Donald Trump. "When a grand jury has issued an indictment against an individual like Nicolas Maduro, who is viewed by the United States as the head of a narco-terrorist organization, the obligation exists to apprehend that individual and bring him to justice."

Maduro was indicted by US federal prosecutors in 2020 and now faces trial in the Southern District of New York. O'Neill noted that the legal position on Maduro's status is bipartisan, pointing out that the Biden administration also did not recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president and had offered a $25 million bounty for information leading to his arrest.

"Maduro is not treated by the United States as a sovereign leader," O'Neill said. "Rather, he is regarded as the head of a narco-terrorist organization, the Cartel de los Soles, engaged in large-scale drug trafficking and other serious crimes that directly affect US interests."

Addressing questions about sovereignty and international precedent, O'Neill cited the 1989 US operation against Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, whose conviction was later upheld by US courts. "This is not unprecedented," he said. "The Noriega case is directly relevant, and courts rely heavily on precedent when assessing these issues."

O'Neill said arguments based on sovereign immunity are unlikely to prevail. "Sovereign immunity generally applies to leaders who are recognized as legitimate heads of state," he explained. "That recognition simply does not exist in Maduro's case, and courts are typically reluctant to override the executive branch's determinations in matters of foreign affairs."

He added that while Maduro's legal team is expected to raise such defenses, the burden will fall on the former Venezuelan leader to prove he is entitled to them. "Judges are predisposed to defer to the US government's position on recognition," O'Neill said.

On the use of military assets in the operation, O'Neill said such support was justified. "Using military resources to protect federal law enforcement officers executing a lawful arrest warrant is entirely appropriate," he said, especially given the risks involved.

In response to a question, O'Neill said the case will proceed through the normal US criminal justice process. "Maduro will receive full due process," he said. "He will have experienced counsel, access to evidence, and a jury trial."

If convicted, O'Neill said Maduro could face decades in prison, similar to Noriega. "This will be a long legal process," he said, noting that pretrial motions, trial proceedings, and appeals could stretch for years.

Despite broader geopolitical debate, O'Neill stressed that the core issue remains legal. "When you strip it down, this is about enforcing US criminal law against an individual indicted for serious crimes," he said. "On that front, the government's case is on very solid ground."

- IANS
The Indian Army is undertaking a major restructuring by raising 15-20 new Shaktibaan regiments dedicated to unmanned warfare, equipped with swarm drones and long-range UAVs. Conceived by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, this initiative aims to bridge capability gaps for striking targets between 50 to 500 kilometers. The force will soon issue a fast-track tender for 850 loitering munitions, with Indian defence firms expected to deliver within two years. This expansion is part of a broader modernization that includes creating a pool of over one lakh drone operatives and new specialized units like the Bharav force.

Indian Army raising 15-20 Shaktibaan drone regiments with swarm drones & loitering munitions for strikes up to 500 km. Fast-track procurement underway.

By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, January 7 In a major push to strengthen its drone warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is raising 15-20 Shaktibaan regiments which would be equipped with swarm drones, loitering munitions and long-range UAVs which would be capable of striking targets from 5 kms to 500 Kms.

The Shaktibaan Regiments would be part of the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery and initial units have already been operationalised, defence officials told ANI.

The major force restructuring, conceived by Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, is part of the forces' transformation to tackle the challenges of modern warfare.

The raising of these Shaktibaan regiments is set to bridge the force's capability gap to strike targets from 50 to 500 kms, they said.

For targets beyond 400-500 km, the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery has the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and is now also receiving the 120 km-range Pinaka rockets.

To equip the first of the Shaktibaan regiments, the Indian Army will shortly issue a tender under a fast-track procedure to procure 850 loitering munitions, along with the required launchers, they said.

Indian industry will provide the drones through a fast-track process and is expected to deliver them to the Army within the next two years.

Indian firms, including Solar Defence and Aerospace, Adani Defence and RapheM, are likely to be the contenders for this Rs 2,000 crore project.

The Indian Army has already created a pool of over a lakh drone operatives and has now begun equipping formations with the required arsenal.

Along with the Shaktibaan regiments, the Regiment of Artillery will also raise around 35-40 Divyastra batteries as part of artillery divisions, equipped with drones of different types with lethal strike capabilities.

The Infantry is also modernising in line with new warfare requirements by raising Ashmi platoons in each Infantry battalion.

It has also seen the creation of a new Special Force, Bharav, to provide the Army's Special Operations capability at the Corps Headquarters level, with every operative capable of launching drones to hit enemy targets.

The Indian forces used a number of loitering munitions like the Nagastra, Sky Strikers, Harpy and Harop to target enemy targets during Operation Sindoor to destroy enemy bases and Pakistan Army bases after extension of hostilities by Pakistan.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris to advance bilateral cooperation and discuss global developments. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of close consultations between the strategic partners during a time of global uncertainty. The leaders discussed implementing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and coordinating in international forums like the G20, BRICS, and G7. Jaishankar also noted that part of their discussions were aimed at preparing for an upcoming visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India.

EAM Jaishankar meets French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris. Leaders discuss bilateral cooperation, global issues, and preparing for Macron's India visit.

Paris, January 8 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and elevating India-EU engagement, while also sharing perspectives on contemporary global developments.

EAM said that the session on bilateral cooperation would take forward our wide-ranging agenda, and also aim at generating new ideas on implementing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

In his opening remarks during the meeting, EAM Jaishankar highlighted how France is amongst India's oldest partners and how this meeting is place in the larger context of considerable "global uncertainty."

"France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe and I believe, Minister, that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship. Our particular meeting takes place in the larger context of considerable global uncertainty, and in such a situation it is natural that Strategic Partners consult very closely."

He remarked how New Delhi and Paris are making full use of the various mechanisms in different domains and had a "very productive exchange of views on global and regional issues".

Speaking about how the two countries are active in the international arena, they are committed to multipolarity and their working together is important not only for the bilateral relationship but also for stabilizing the global politics.

"Apart from our bilateral ties, we are both very active in the international arena. This year we chaired the BRICS, you chaired the G7. We are both members of the G20. We are also otherwise active in a number of international organisations. So as two nations committed to multi-polarity, I believe that working together is important for ourselves, also for stabilizing the global politics at this stage... Let me conclude that by adding that we are expecting President Macron in India very soon. So part of what we would be devoting ourselves is to prepare for that."

He also shared the details from the meeting in a post on X.

The External Affairs Minister is on a two-nation visit, as earlier he met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel and the Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. He also interacted with the members of the Indian Community in Luxembourg.

As per the MEA, "EAM will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors' Conference as the Guest of Honour."

- ANI
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has firmly stated that the country is governed solely by its own government and not by any foreign power, directly rejecting claims from the United States about overseeing a transition. Her comments come amid the detention of former leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the US following a military operation in Caracas. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has publicly accused Rodriguez of corruption and of being a key architect in relations with Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has announced a plan for Venezuela's interim authorities to transfer millions of barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez asserts Venezuela is self-governed, rejects US claims, and declares mourning after US operation captures Maduro.

Washington, DC, January 7 Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Tuesday said that the country is being governed by the Government of Venezuela and not by any foreign power, rejecting claims by US President Trump, who said he needs "full access" to Venezuela.

"We are here governing alongside the people. The Government of Venezuela governs our country, no one else. There are no external agents governing Venezuela," Rodriguez said during the installation of the Agro-Food, Fishing, Communal and Industrial General Staff Commission. Her remarks were broadcast on the state-run channel Venezolana de Television (VTV), El cooperative reported.

Rodriguez said Venezuelans remain active on the streets, referring to protests demanding the release of deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently detained by the United States following a US military operation carried out in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.

However, Rodriguez' own legitimacy as the new leader of Venenuela is facing grave opposition. Nobel winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado alleged that Rodriguez is embattled in corruption and has relations with Iran and Russia.

In an interview to CBS News, Machado said. "Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played. She was sanctioned by the United States government because of the corruption and all the involvement she has in criminal activities... one of the main architects and director of the torture centers in Venezuela." Machado further claimed that Rodriguez is "the main actor that has relations with Russia, with Iran."

Meanwhile, the acting Venezuelan president said the country had emerged stronger despite recent developments. "We have grown stronger, we have grown spiritually to face the challenges, the attacks, the threats," she said.

Her comments came a day after US President Donald Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and security and migration advisor Stephen Miller would oversee what he described as a "transition" process in Venezuela. Trump also claimed that Rodriguez was "cooperating" with US authorities.

Rodriguez on also announced seven days of national mourning following the deaths reported during the recent US attack in Caracas and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduru and his wife, CNN reported.

Speaking to the state broadcaster, Rodriguez said the mourning period was being declared to honour those who lost their lives during the operation, CNN reported.

"I have made the decision to decree seven days of mourning in honour and glory to the young men and women who died, who gave their lives defending Venezuela, defending President Nicolas Maduro," she said.

Rodriguez also called for the return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.

"There is no war here because we are not at war. We are a people, a country of peace, that was aggressed and attacked," Rodriguez added.

Her comments came as US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela's interim authorities would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States.

Trump said the oil would be sold at market price, with the funds controlled by him to ensure they benefit both countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Rodriguez's statement came amid growing pressure from the Trump administration, which has demanded cooperation from Caracas, including access to Venezuela's oil resources.

- ANI
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha stated that the state has been ranked first at the national level and awarded for its developmental progress. He warned there is no room for complacency and stressed that infrastructure projects must be completed within set timeframes. Saha highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on infrastructure for a self-reliant India and suggested involving expatriates to encourage industrial investment. The directives were given during a high-level meeting with various state department officials and ministers.

Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha says state ranked first nationally for development progress, emphasizes timely project completion and PM Modi's vision.

Agartala, January 7 Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday said that Tripura has been ranked first at the national level and has been awarded for the proper progress of various developmental works.

In this regard, there is no room for complacency; work must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, the Chief Minister said.

He said targets must be set to complete infrastructure development within specific timeframes.

Chief Minister Saha said this at a high-level meeting held today at the Secretariat Conference Hall regarding the progress of various projects undertaken by different departments.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid special emphasis on infrastructural development as part of building a self-reliant India.

"To achieve the Prime Minister's goal, various projects must be implemented in the state with specific targets in mind. Expatriates should also be involved in the work of infrastructure development in the state. This will encourage expatriates to invest in the industrial sector of the state," he said.

During the meeting, Dr. Saha inquired about the implementation of development projects of various departments and provided necessary suggestions and instructions.

At the meeting, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Finance Secretary Apurba Roy, PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Secretary Abhishek Singh, Education Secretary Raval Hemendra Kumar, Rural Development Additional Secretary Kuntal Das, and officials from various departments highlighted the progress of development work in their respective departments.

Director General of Police Anurag and Chief Minister's Secretary Dr. PK Chakraborty were also present at the meeting.

- ANI
CARACAS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- After explosions rocked Venezuela's capital, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of their country by the U.S. military on early Saturday to New York, leaving the country in a state of emergency.

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Sunday the United States was "in charge" of Venezuela after Maduro's capture, and was also dealing with the new leadership in Caracas, leaving the Latin American country's future in limbo.

INVASION FRAMED AS "TRANSITION"

Washington has made little effort to disguise the extent of its intervention in Venezuela. Trump has said openly that the United States will "run" the oil-rich country until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" takes place -- one that meets U.S. demands. Yet what such a transition would entail, or how it would unfold, remains undefined.

Rather than working through Venezuela's divided opposition, the Trump administration has exerted direct pressure on Delcy Rodriguez, who was instructed by the Supreme Court of Justice to be acting president following Maduro's capture. Trump swiftly confirmed her position, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had already spoken with her, while warning in an interview with The Atlantic that she would "pay a very big price" if she failed to comply.

Later on Sunday, Rodriguez said she was ready to work together with the Trump administration, asking the U.S. leader for a balanced, respectful relationship. Yet analysts say Venezuela's left-wing forces retain a solid social base, particularly within the armed forces, limiting Washington's ability to rapidly reshape the political landscape.

Support for Maduro among senior officials remains significant. Meanwhile, the opposition is seeking to reassert itself, with exiled presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia described by some supporters as the country's "legitimate president," and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado promoting plans for an "orderly transition."

Lina Luna, director of the School of International Relations, Externado University of Colombia, argued that from Washington's perspective, figures such as Machado are not meant to govern Venezuela at all. Rather, she said, the United States seeks to exercise direct control over the country. Trump himself told a press conference that Machado "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country."

Under Venezuela's constitution, a president's "absolute absence" would require power to pass to the vice president and elections to be held within 30 days. That timeline, however, has been effectively suspended. Trump said Venezuela will not hold elections in the next 30 days and elections must wait until the country is "fixed," reinforcing concerns that constitutional processes are being subordinated to U.S. oversight.

Alan Fajardo, a sociologist at Honduras' National Autonomous University, told Xinhua that such "transitional management" could take one of two paths: maintaining Venezuela's existing government and institutional framework in form while continuing to exert political and economic pressure, or directly installing a pro-U.S. regime, with the possibility of larger-scale military intervention and even occupation of Venezuelan territory not ruled out.

"What Washington would like, in essence, is to establish something akin to a Roman imperial consulate: installing a compliant, allied figure -- possibly a puppet --subordinated to U.S. authority," said political scientist Jaime Tamayo from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico.

OIL FIRST, GOVERNANCE LATER

Washington has offered few details about its endgame in Venezuela. The White House has remained deliberately vague, insisting only that the United States will not govern the country day to day, beyond enforcing what officials describe as an existing "oil quarantine."

Yet the administration's underlying objective is hardly obscure. Trump has openly called for major American oil companies to invest billions of dollars to repair Venezuela's dilapidated energy infrastructure and tap its vast petroleum reserves -- a move widely seen as settling old scores. Eighteen years ago, under Hugo Chavez, Venezuela nationalized U.S. and Western oil assets, triggering compensation claims worth some 60 billion U.S. dollars.

Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua that Trump "believes that Venezuela's oil industry was originally a U.S. industry, and that he is restoring that."

The message has been reinforced by repeated threats of force. Trump has warned that further military action could follow if Caracas fails to cooperate in opening its oil sector, declaring that Washington is "not afraid of boots on the ground" and that a second wave of strikes is being prepared if required, referring to Rodriguez's remarks that Venezuela is ready to defend its natural resources and will never become a colony of any country or a slave of any empire.

Venezuela sits atop roughly 300 billion barrels of heavy, sour crude -- around a fifth of the world's reserves and precisely the grade American refineries lack.

In theory, a smooth political transition and the lifting of sanctions could raise output to about 1.2 million barrels a day by the end of 2026, still well below historical peaks, The Economist reported.

"Trump intends to pressure U.S. oil companies into changing their investment plans, so that they re-enter Venezuela on a large scale and rebuild its oil infrastructure, without U.S. government help," said Ramsay.

In practice, however, the obstacles are formidable. Output has already fallen amid U.S. blockades and logistical constraints, while decades of mismanagement have left the infrastructure in disrepair.

The PDVSA, the state oil company now largely run by the military, has suffered a severe brain drain, and restoring capacity would require about 110 billion dollars -- twice the combined global investment of U.S. oil majors in 2024 -- making large-scale recovery uncertain, The Economist noted.

For critics, the risks extend beyond economics. Tamayo and other analysts argued that this resource-first approach turns governance into a tool of extraction, prioritizing control over institutional rebuilding or livelihoods, and risks hollowing out the state, fracturing authority and worsening insecurity -- hardly the "orderly transition" Washington claims to seek.

INT'L BACKLASH AGAINST HEGEMONIC U.S.

The U.S. raid on Maduro has triggered strong international condemnation, with many governments and analysts warning that the action sets a dangerous precedent for the use of force against a sovereign state.

Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said Trump is "taking a big gamble," cautioning that the chances of avoiding a chaotic outcome "aren't that great."

Regional leaders have voiced particular concern over the broader implications for Latin America. Venezuela's acting president, Rodriguez, warned that what happened to her country could happen elsewhere in the region, undermining faith in international law and human rights if violations by a dominant power go unpunished.

Tamayo, for his part, argued that the intervention may provoke defensive reactions from states that can no longer assume their sovereignty will be respected.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has been among the most outspoken critics, condemning U.S. actions as violations of sovereignty and warning that Latin American history shows foreign intervention brings instability rather than solutions.

She has rejected unilateral measures and instead called for regional cooperation and economic integration, pushing back against Washington's threats toward both Venezuela and Mexico.

These concerns were formalized on Sunday, when the governments of Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement opposing U.S. military action. The declaration reaffirmed Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, founded on non-intervention and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and stressed that only an inclusive, Venezuelan-led political process can produce a democratic and sustainable outcome.

For analysts such as Tamayo, the critical question now is whether Venezuelans will mobilize not to defend Maduro as an individual, but to defend their institutions, constitution, sovereignty and control over natural resources. As Luna put it, Latin America faces a collective challenge -- preventing what she described as the open colonization of Venezuela's political system and resources. 
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced at CES 2026 that the company's Vera Rubin AI supercomputing platform is now in full production. The platform marks a strategic shift, featuring six new chips concurrently developed and manufactured by TSMC using a 3-nanometer process. It promises major efficiency improvements, slashing inference costs to one-seventh of the previous Blackwell architecture and reducing GPU requirements for certain AI models by 75%. Major tech firms like AWS, Meta, Google, and Microsoft are expected to be among the first adopters of the new system.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announces full production of the Vera Rubin AI supercomputer platform, featuring six new TSMC chips for major efficiency gains.

Taipei, January 7 Nvidia's new AI computing platform makes a leap with new TSMC-made chips as the company moves into full production of its latest technology. Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang introduced the supercomputer platform on Monday, which features six concurrent chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.. According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the rollout marks a strategic departure from the company's previous development cycle of releasing only "one or two chips" at a time.

Speaking during his keynote speech at the 2026 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Huang confirmed that the platform, named Vera Rubin, reached the production stage. "If Vera Rubin is going to be in time for this year, it must be in production by now. And so today I can tell you that Vera Rubin is in full production," the report quoted Huang.

This transition follows a roadmap first teased during Huang's visit to Taiwan in August 2025, where he confirmed the designs were "taped out" at TSMC.

He explained the necessity of this multi-chip development by citing the rapid growth of the industry. He said more than one or two new chips needed to be developed in a world where AI models are growing 10-fold, and the tokens generated are increasing five-fold annually.

"It is impossible to keep up with those kinds of rates ... unless we deploy aggressive extreme co-design, innovating across all the chips, across the entire stack, all at the same time," the report quoted Huang.

The Vera Rubin suite includes the Vera CPU, Rubin GPU, NVLink 6 Switch, ConnectX-9 SuperNIC, BlueField-4 DPU, and Spectrum-X Ethernet Switch. These components succeed the Blackwell architecture and utilize TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process.

The flagship system of this platform is the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72, a liquid-cooled supercomputer weighing nearly 2 tons. The platform honours American astronomer Vera Rubin, whose work provided evidence of dark matter.

Efficiency gains provided by the new system include a reduction in inference costs to one-seventh of the Blackwell platform. It also reduces the GPU count required for training Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models by 75 per cent. Huang previously described the Rubin as "revolutionary" because all six chips were new designs.

"Leading AI labs, cloud service providers, and system builders, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Meta, Google, and Microsoft, are expected to be among the first to adopt the new platform, the company said in a press release on Monday. Meanwhile, another Taiwanese company, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), is said to be the main manufacturer of AI servers using Nvidia's Rubin platform," the report said.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal made a historic first visit by an Indian Cabinet Minister to Liechtenstein to strengthen bilateral economic ties. The discussions centered on implementing the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement to boost investment, manufacturing, and job creation. Goyal met with Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Deputy PM Sabine Monauni, focusing on combining India's talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial and engineering capabilities. The minister also extended an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Hereditary Prince Alois to visit India for a future summit.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal meets Liechtenstein leadership to deepen economic cooperation, investment, and green tech under the India-EFTA TEPA.

New Delhi, January 7 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with the top leadership of Liechtenstein on Wednesday to discuss the strengthening of economic ties and the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.

The visit marks the first time an Indian Cabinet Minister has visited the country, signalling a deepening of bilateral relations following the operationalisation of the landmark trade pact.

In a series of posts on X, Goyal emphasised that the partnership aims to boost investment flows, manufacturing growth, and job creation. During his meeting with Brigitte Haas, Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, Goyal focused on combining India's young talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial capabilities.

"We discussed strengthening economic and investment ties, with a focus on the India-EFTA TEPA to boost investment flows, manufacturing growth & job creation, resulting in mutual prosperity for both our nations. Also, exchanged views on cooperation in skill development, vocational training, and industry-academia linkages, combining India's young talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial capabilities," he said.

The Minister also met with Sabine Monauni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss trade expansion and innovation.

"We discussed opportunities for trade expansion, innovation & clean tech, and explored ways to deepen our mutually beneficial ties, especially after the operationalisation of the India-EFTA TEPA. Emphasised that our unique partnership, where India brings talent, scale & demand, and Liechtenstein contributes high-value manufacturing & specialised engineering, offers significant scope to accelerate trade, investment, and technology flows," Goyal said on X.

During a courtesy call on H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, Goyal highlighted how the TEPA brings the two economies closer together. He noted that Liechtenstein's industrial capabilities complement the "Make in India" priorities and create opportunities for sustainable finance and green investments.

Goyal stated that this collaboration "will also generate opportunities for our skilled workforce through cooperation in sustainable finance, green investments, energy transition, and climate action."

"My visit, which is first by an Indian Cabinet Minister to this country, reflects how the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is bringing our two economies closer. I also handed over a letter from PM @NarendraModi ji inviting H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois to visit India to attend the India-AI Impact Summit being held in New Delhi in February 2026," the Minister said on X.

The India-EFTA TEPA, signed in March 2024 and entered into force on October 1, 2025, involves Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Goyal previously noted that the agreement brings capital and technology to India, aligning with the objective of building resilient global supply chains. The commerce ministry has indicated that the partnership strengthens links between the nations as trusted partners in investment and innovation.

- ANI
The new VB-G RAM G Act replaces the long-running MGNREGA scheme with a higher 125-day employment guarantee tied directly to local development projects. It is designed as a fully technology-driven program featuring biometric attendance and digital monitoring for accountability. The funding model offers a favorable 90:10 centre-state ratio for Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh. BJP data claims the NDA government significantly outperformed the previous UPA regime in both spending and employment generation under rural job schemes.

BJP unveils VB-G RAM G Act, guaranteeing 125 days of employment linked to village development projects, with biometric attendance and digital monitoring.

Shimla, Jan 7 Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajeev Bindal on Wednesday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the NDA government has launched a visionary and timely nationwide rural employment scheme.

"The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (VB-G RAM G Act) is set to establish a new dimension for rural India. This scheme is not limited merely to providing employment; but also to create a concrete and result-oriented framework that links employment directly with rural development," Bindal told the media here.

He said since Independence, successive governments have launched various schemes aimed at rural employment.

"From the Rural Manpower Programme (1960-61) to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005, several initiatives were implemented. MGNREGA continued from 2005 to 2025. However, in view of changing socio-economic conditions, accumulated experience and ground-level shortcomings, the need was felt for a new, more effective and development-oriented scheme. This led to the creation of the VB-G RAM G Act."

The party President clarified that while MGNREGA provided a guarantee of 100 days of employment, in reality the average employment generated was only 50.4 days.

"In contrast, the VB-G RAM G scheme provides a legal guarantee of 125 days of employment, which will be linked to development projects. Under this scheme, a village development plan will be prepared at the Gram Sabha level, forwarded through block and district levels, and integrated with the PM Gati Shakti platform. Employment will be generated for implementing this development plan, ensuring holistic development of villages," he explained.

Bindal highlighted that a major advantage of this scheme is that it is fully technology-driven. "Its provisions include biometric attendance, digital multi-level monitoring, a six-month review mechanism, and clearly defined time-bound payments. In case employment or payment is not provided on time, there is a provision for compensation to the beneficiary, ensuring accountability."

He said the Congress is trying to spread confusion regarding its funding pattern, whereas the truth "is that for Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, the Centre-state funding ratio has been fixed at 90:10, which is highly beneficial for the state. For other states, the ratio is 60:40. The Centre has made this provision keeping in view the geographical conditions of different states".

Presenting comparative data, Bindal said the Congress-led UPA government spent Rs 2.13 lakh crore on MGNREGA from 2006 to 2014, whereas the NDA government spent over Rs 8.53 lakh crore between 2014 and 2025. In terms of employment generation, 1,660 million mandays were created during the UPA period, compared to 3,210 million mandays during the Modi government. The number of completed works stood at 153 lakh during the UPA era, while it increased to 862 lakh during the NDA period, clearly reflecting the seriousness of the BJP government.

- IANS
Actress Rashmika Mandanna celebrated the New Year with a memorable trip to Italy, specifically visiting the beautiful Amalfi coast. She shared fun photos and described the getaway as filled with love, laughter, cheese, and tiramisu. Alongside her travel posts, she shared a warm, belated New Year message for 2026, encouraging her fans to start with love and gratitude. On the work front, she is currently shooting for 'Cocktail 2' with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon and will lead the film 'Mysaa'.

Rashmika Mandanna shares glimpses of her Amalfi getaway with friends, filled with laughter, cheese, and tiramisu, alongside her New Year wishes.

Mumbai, Jan 7 Actress Rashmika Mandanna rang in the New Year with her buddies in Italy.

During the fun getaway, the 'Animal' actress also got a chance to visit Amalfi, a mesmerizing place in the Campania area.

While they were there, Rashmika and the gang made the most of their time by laughing their hearts out and stuffing themselves with cheese and Tiramisu.

Sharing a few glimpses of her memorable visit on Instagram, the 'Pushpa' actress penned, "You know we went to this beautiful place called Amalfi and it was so so sooooo stunning.. tooo beautiful it was..The sunshine- the lemon trees..Went with the bestest gang ever! Those days were filled with making memories- filled with love and laughter- our tummies filled with cheese and tiramisus (sic)".

The close-up photographs of Rashmika had her posing in a loose gray hoodie, paired with black trousers, making some cute and goofy expressions.

Meanwhile, Rashmika's New Year wish for 2026 included a heartfelt message, urging her 'lovelies' to begin 2026 with love and gratitude.

She posted a photo of herself in a vehicle, smiling warmly at the camera. Rashmika also wore large black-framed glasses, along with a sweater.

For the caption, she wrote: "Happiesttttt new year my loveliesssss!! I know I am late but just wanted to say let's all start the new year with love and gratitudeeeee!! I love you all so so much."

Work-wise, Rashmika has been roped in as the leading lady in the highly talked about sequel, "Cocktail 2", where she will be seen sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon for the first time.

Backed by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films and penned by Luv Ranjan, the shoot for the drama is presently underway.

In addition to this, Rashmika will also be seen leading Rawindra Pulle's "Mysaa".

Billed as an emotional action thriller, Rashmika will essay a woman from the Gond community in her next.

- IANS
Actor-producer Ravie Dubey has stepped into 2026 with confidence and pre-gratitude for future victories alongside his wife, actress Sargun Mehta. He announced their intention to take a massive 'quantum leap' into a beautiful future by the year 2027. Dubey is currently preparing to play Lord Lakshmana in Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated "Ramayana: Part 1". The film boasts a stellar cast and features top Hollywood stunt directors for its epic action sequences.

Actor Ravie Dubey shares 2026 intentions and a 2027 'quantum leap' goal with wife Sargun Mehta, while preparing for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'.

Mumbai, Jan 7 Actor and producer Ravie Dubey has some big plans for the year 2026 as he steps into the New Year with his actress wife, Sargun Mehta, with confidence and gratitude for all the victories in store for them in the future.

Posting two love-struck pictures with his better half, Ravie wished everyone a belated New Year, saying, "A bit late for a new year post . ..on time to share our intention ....We step into 2026 with confidence, power, and pre-gratitude, Pre Honouring and Pre Celebrating the victories ahead. (sic)"

The 'Ramayana' actor revealed that they have a lot going on for them, something they wish to share with the users in good time.

Ravi added, "There's a lot in motion and a lot we can't wait to share. For now, we're holding that energy close. When the time comes, you'll know..We love each other and We love you and love is what will catalyse everything this year, through everything we do this year, we choose inspiration, motivation, gratitude, and grace."

The 'Jamai Raja' actor promised that by 2027, they will be taking a massive quantum leap into a beautiful future, full of blessings.

"By the time we enter 2027 we'd have taken an unprecedented quantum leap a dimensional one if u will into all the good there is...Here's to a powerful 2026. Thank you," the post concluded.

Meanwhile, the future already looks promising for Ravie as he will be essaying the role of Lord Lakshmana in Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana: Part 1", where he will star alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

The project enjoys a stellar cast with Ranbir as Lord Ram, Yash as Raavan, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, and Lara Dutt as Kaikeyi.

The highly discussed project has on board Hollywood's top stunt directors Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa), who have choreographed the epic action sequences between gods and demons.

- IANS
The Reserve Bank of India has released draft "Directions, 2026" for public comment, proposing a revised framework for dividend declarations and profit remittances by banks. The framework covers commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, regional rural banks, and local area banks. A key condition is that banks must meet regulatory capital requirements both before and after any dividend payout and must have a positive adjusted profit after tax. The central bank is accepting stakeholder feedback on the draft rules until February 5, 2026.

RBI invites public comments on draft 2026 rules for dividend payouts by commercial, small finance, payment, regional rural, and local area banks.

Mumbai, January 7 The Reserve Bank of India has invited public comments on the draft "Reserve Bank of India Directions, 2026", proposing a revised framework for declaration of dividends and remittance of profits by banks.

The central bank said it had undertaken a review of the existing guidelines on prudential norms governing declaration of dividend and remittance of profits by foreign banks operating in branch mode in India. Accordingly, a draft of the revised framework was earlier issued for public comments on January 2, 2024.

Based on stakeholder feedback and consultations received thereafter, the RBI has now issued fresh draft Directions proposing a new methodology for computing the maximum eligible dividend payout. These draft Directions have been placed in the public domain for comments.

In an official statement on Tuesday, the central bank stated, "draft Directions proposing a new methodology for computing the maximum eligible dividend payout are being issued for public comments."

The draft framework covers five separate sets of Directions. These include the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks - Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend and Remittances of Profit) Directions, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks - Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend) Directions, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India (Payment Banks - Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend) Directions, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India (Regional Rural Banks - Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend) Directions, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks - Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend) Directions, 2026.

Under the draft Directions for commercial banks, a bank will be eligible to declare dividends or remit profits only if it meets certain prudential requirements. These include compliance with applicable regulatory capital requirements at the end of the previous financial year and continued compliance during the year in which the dividend is proposed.

The regulatory capital should not fall below the prescribed requirement even after the dividend payout.

Further, banks incorporated in India must have positive adjusted Profit After Tax (PAT) for the period for which the dividend is proposed, while foreign banks operating in branch mode must have positive PAT for the period for which profits are proposed to be remitted.

Similar prudential conditions have been proposed for Small Finance Banks, Payment Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Local Area Banks. These banks must comply with regulatory capital requirements before and after dividend payment, have positive adjusted PAT for the relevant financial year, and should not be under any explicit restriction on dividend declaration from the RBI or any other authority.

The RBI said comments on the draft Directions are invited till February 5, 2026. Stakeholders can submit their comments and feedback through the link available under the 'Connect2Regulate' section on the Reserve Bank's website.

- ANI
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a significant increase in the dividend payout cap for banks, raising it to 75% of net profit from the previous 40% limit. The new draft framework introduces a capital-linked structure where the actual payout depends on a bank's Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio. The rules, which will apply from the 2026-27 financial year, require bank boards to assess asset quality and capital adequacy before approving dividends. The central bank aims to balance shareholder returns with the need for banks to maintain capital resilience for sustainable growth.

RBI draft norms propose raising the dividend payout cap for banks to 75% of net profit, with a new capital-linked framework effective FY27.

New Delhi, January 7 The Reserve Bank of India proposes to raise the dividend payout cap for banks to 75 per cent of net profit from the earlier limit of 40 per cent.

The central bank also proposed that bank boards should comprehensively assess asset quality trends, provisioning gaps, capital adequacy and long-term growth plans before approving any dividend payout.

In a draft set of prudential norms on declaration of dividends and remittance of profits, the central bank has laid down a graded structure for dividend payments based on banks' common equity tier-1 (CET1) capital levels and invited comments from stakeholders by February 5.

The draft directions, which will come into effect from the financial year 2026-27, will apply to all commercial banks, including the State Bank of India and foreign banks operating in branch mode, but will exclude small finance banks, payments banks, regional rural banks and local area banks.

Under the proposed framework, banks incorporated in India that meet the prescribed eligibility criteria may declare dividends up to 75 per cent of their profit after tax (PAT), subject to capital-linked ceilings. The actual payout will depend on a bank's CET1 ratio as at the end of the previous financial year.

The RBI has introduced a ten-bucket structure under which banks with higher capital buffers will be permitted to distribute a larger proportion of adjusted profits.

Adjusted PAT for the purpose of dividend calculation will be arrived at after deducting net non-performing assets (NPAs) as on March 31 of the relevant year. The draft also makes it clear that dividends cannot be paid out of exceptional or extraordinary income, unrealised gains from fair valuation, or profits arising from reversal of excess provisions unless permitted under existing RBI norms.

Bank boards will be required to explicitly consider supervisory observations on divergence in asset classification and provisioning.

Foreign banks operating in India in branch mode will be allowed to remit profits to their head offices without prior RBI approval, provided they meet eligibility criteria, their accounts are audited and capital requirements remain compliant after remittance.

The Central Bank has retained the power to restrict dividend payments or profit remittances in cases of regulatory non-compliance. Banks failing to meet eligibility norms will not be granted any special dispensation.

The draft directions will replace existing circulars governing dividend declarations by commercial banks. Non-compliance with the proposed norms could attract supervisory or enforcement action by the central bank.

The RBI said the proposed framework aims to strike a balance between rewarding shareholders and ensuring that banks conserve capital to support resilience and sustainable growth, particularly in light of evolving risk profiles and supervisory expectations.

- ANI
Rehearsals are in full swing in Jaipur for the 78th Army Day Parade on January 15, marking the first time the event is held publicly outside a military cantonment. The parade will feature "Operation Sindoor" assets including T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles, and M-777 howitzers. Army Day commemorates January 15, 1949, when General K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief post-independence. Meanwhile, ticket sales for the Republic Day Parade and related ceremonies in Delhi are now open through both online and offline counters.

Rehearsals for the 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur showcase Operation Sindoor assets. See details on the historic event and Republic Day ticket sales.

Jaipur, January 7 Rehearsals are underway for the 78th Army Day Parade, scheduled to be held in Jaipur on January 15.

This parade marks a historic first, as the event will be held in a public setting outside a traditional military cantonment.

The parade will showcase "Operation Sindoor" assets, including T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles, M-777 howitzers, and others.

In a post on X, the Indian Army also shared a glimpse of the rehearsals.

"Get a glimpse of the rehearsals underway in Jaipur as the Indian Army prepares for a spectacular display of valour, discipline and military might," they said.

15 January is observed as Army Day every year to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over command of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949, thus becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief post-independence

On the 78th Army Day, the country will showcase its significant technological advancements as part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and self-reliance.

Meanwhile, the rehearsal for the Republic Day parade was also held at Kartavya Path in Delhi

Tickets for the Republic Day Parade scheduled on January 26, the Full Dress Rehearsal of Beating Retreat on January 28, and the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29, are available now.

Sales will continue until January 14, 2026, and tickets can be purchased daily from 9 am until the allotted quota is exhausted.

For the Republic Day Parade, tickets are priced at Rs 20 and Rs 100. Tickets for the Full Dress Rehearsal of Beating Retreat will be available at Rs 20, while tickets for the Beating Retreat ceremony are priced at Rs 100.

In addition, offline tickets are available at designated counters in Delhi on production of an original photo identity card, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Passport, or an ID card issued by the Central or State government. The same photo ID must be presented at all three events.

Offline ticket counters will operate from January 5 to January 14, 2026, between 10 am and 1 pm, and again from 2 pm to 5 pm, at six locations: Sena Bhawan (near Gate No. 5, inside the boundary wall), Shastri Bhawan (near Gate No. 3, inside the boundary wall), Jantar Mantar (main gate, inside the boundary wall), Parliament House (reception), Rajiv Chowk Metro Station (D Block, near Gates No. 3 and 4), and Kashmere Gate Metro Station (concourse level, near Gate No. 8).

- ANI
Most Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told congressional leaders that the Trump administration's objective is to pressure Denmark into negotiations over Greenland, not to seize it militarily. The briefing sought to calm fears following forceful public statements from the White House, which has framed acquiring the Arctic island as a vital national security need to counter Russian and Chinese influence. However, mixed signals persist, with top advisers not ruling out military action, alarming NATO allies who warn such a move would effectively end the alliance. Denmark has responded by proposing expanded US basing rights in Greenland while polls show most Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States.

Secretary of State Rubio briefs lawmakers that the US seeks to negotiate Greenland's purchase from Denmark, downplaying fears of military action.

Washington, Jan 7 Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told US lawmakers that President Donald Trump aims to acquire Greenland through negotiations with Denmark, and that recent tough rhetoric from the White House does not signal an imminent US military move, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Rubio made the remarks during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, where he sought to downplay concerns that the Trump administration was preparing to use force to take control of the Arctic island, people familiar with the discussion told the Journal.

According to the report, Rubio said the administration's objective is to pressure Denmark into negotiations over Greenland's future, rather than to seize the territory militarily. The comments come amid increasingly forceful public statements by Trump and senior aides, who have refused to rule out the use of force.

The White House has repeatedly framed Greenland as a national security priority. White Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes acquiring Greenland is vital for US national security and for deterring rivals in the Arctic, adding that the president is considering "a range of options" to pursue that goal.

Trump has argued that US control of the island would help counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic and secure access to critical minerals.

Rubio's briefing followed questions from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about whether the administration was considering military action not only in Greenland, but also in other places such as Mexico. Rubio's comments appeared aimed at calming those fears, the report said.

However, the administration has sent mixed signals. Stephen Miller, one of Trump's closest advisers, said in a television interview that he would not rule out military action over Greenland, remarking that "nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland."

Trump himself has been blunt. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said the United States "needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security," and suggested that US and European leaders understand that position.

The prospect of US military action has alarmed allies. NATO members have warned that an American attack on Greenland - a self-governing territory within Denmark, a NATO ally - would effectively end the alliance.

European officials told the Journal they have seen no concrete signs that the United States is preparing an invasion. Still, fear of aggressive American action has spread across Europe, prompting six leaders to join Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in calling for "collective work" with the US on Arctic security.

Denmark has responded by proposing expanded US basing rights in Greenland and offering greater access to mining, while also pledging billions of dollars for Arctic defence infrastructure.

Polls cited in the report show most Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States, adding another layer of complexity to Trump's push.

Rubio's comments came during a broader briefing on the US operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which has heightened concerns among lawmakers and allies that Trump is increasingly willing to use force to reshape US foreign policy.

While Rubio sought to reassure Congress, the Journal noted that Trump continues to keep all options on the table - including military ones - as he presses Denmark to the negotiating table over the world's largest island.

- IANS
Russia has issued a strong statement calling for "guaranteed sovereign development" in Latin America and the Caribbean following the US-led operation in Venezuela that captured ousted leader Nicolas Maduro. Moscow reaffirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and government and welcomed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez's assumption of the role of acting president. The Russian Foreign Ministry insisted that Venezuela must determine its own destiny without external interference and that the region must remain a "zone of peace." The statement frames the US action as a "blatant neocolonial threat" that undermines international law and regional stability.

Russia calls for an end to foreign interference and guarantees sovereign development in Latin America following the US-led capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Moscow, January 7 The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called for "guaranteed sovereign development" across Latin America and the Caribbean after Venezuela's recent regime change, following the US's military action in its capital of Caracas and the capture of ousted leader and deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

It urged respect for national sovereignty and an end to external interference following the US operation in the South American nation.

In a strongly worded statement, Moscow reaffirmed its support for Venezuela's right to independently determine its political future and stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean "must remain a zone of peace".

The ministry said all countries in the region should be guaranteed sovereign development, free from destructive foreign influence.

"We welcome the efforts taken by the country's authorities to protect the state sovereignty and national interests. We reaffirm Russia unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and Government. We wish authorised President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez success in resolving the tasks facing the Bolivarian Republic. On our part, we express readiness to continue rendering necessary support to friendly Venezuela," the statement read.

"We firmly insist that Venezuela should have the guaranteed right to determine its destiny on its own, without any destructive interference from the outside. We consistently stand for de-escalating the current situation and resolving any existing problems through a constructive dialogue and respect for international law, primarily the UN Charter. Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace. The countries in the region must be guaranteed sovereign development," it added.

The statement came against the backdrop of dramatic events in Caracas on Saturday when the US launched a "large-scale strike against Venezuela", and Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.

Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.

They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial.

Following their capture, Delcy Rodriguez, the Vice President of Venezuela under Maduro, officially assumed the role of the country's acting president, according to CNN.

The oath of office was administered on Monday (local time) afternoon by her brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

Moscow, in its statement, welcomed the move by Venezuelan authorities as an effort to ensure unity, maintain constitutional order and create conditions for "peaceful and stable development" in the face of what Russia termed "blatant neocolonial threats and external armed aggression".

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people and expressed its readiness to continue providing necessary support to the country.

"On January 5, Executive Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in and assumed the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela at the National Assembly in accordance with the ruling by the Constitutional Chamber of the country's Supreme Court. This step shows the determination of the Bolivarian Government to assure unity and preserve the power vertical created in compliance with the national legislation, mitigate the risks of a constitutional crisis and create the necessary conditions for further peaceful and stable development of Venezuela in the face of outrageous neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression," the statement added.

The Kremlin's remarks reflect broader global concern over the US action in Venezuela, which has drawn international criticism from several countries and organisations that argue the operation undermines international law and regional stability.

- ANI
ZAGREB, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Croatia's tourism sector achieved its most successful results in 2025, recording a historic high of more than 110 million overnight stays, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) said on Wednesday.

According to official figures from the eVisitor system, the country's national platform for tracking tourist traffic, Croatia welcomed more than 21.8 million tourists last year, who generated 110.1 million overnight stays. This represents year-on-year increases of 2 percent in arrivals and 1 percent in overnight stays compared with 2024.

"For the first time in history, Croatia surpassed 110 million overnight stays. In addition, we achieved record revenues while successfully implementing one of the most demanding tourism reforms - the reform of accommodation capacities," Croatian Minister of Tourism Tonci Glavina said on Wednesday.

Tourism revenues in 2025 are expected to rise by 3.6 percent year-on-year to a new record of 15.5 billion euros (18.1 billion U.S. dollars), he added.

Despite the strong performance, Glavina cautioned that the sector will face challenges this year, including geopolitical instability, economic pressures on key European markets and shifting global travel trends.

"In 2026, price competitiveness will be crucial. We must take seriously the warnings and signals coming from our markets," he said. 
The Select Committee on the Jan Vishwas Bill has concluded its stakeholder consultations and is drafting its final report for the upcoming budget session of Parliament. The committee, chaired by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, aims to systematically decriminalize minor offences across various acts to reduce harassment and improve the business climate. Key laws under review include the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act. The final report, incorporating inputs from government departments and other stakeholders, is expected to be submitted by the second week of the session.

Select Committee finalizes report to decriminalize minor offences, aiming to boost ease of doing business and living in India.

New Delhi, January 8 The Select Committee on Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 interacted with representatives of Department of Commerce, Department of Financial Services and of Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday as part of its deliberations to systematically decriminalise minor offences across multiple Acts. The Committee is slated to give its report in the budget session of Parliament.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is chairperson of the panel, told ANI after the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of ease of doing business in India and also ensure ease of living for the citizens of the country.

"Today, we had detailed deliberations with officials representing the Department of Commerce. We also had officials from the Reserve bank of India regarding certain provisions, to decriminalise certain provisions which otherwise are hampering the ease of doing business in the country. Detailed discussions were held and very soon the committee will be presenting the report in the Parliament," he said.

"We have completed the interactions with the ministries that are covered under the Jan Vishwas 2.0. The committee also held detailed discussions with various stakeholders apart from the government officials. All of their inputs have also been considered. We are now drafting the report. We have time until the second week of the first leg of the budget session. And we are very confident we will be able to submit the report. There is a meeting tomorrow also. Tomorrow we will be discussing with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Skill Development as well as well the drugs and cosmetics," he added.

Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 are among laws in which amendments are proposed.

Tejasvi Surya said the objective of the bill is that there must be decriminalisation of offences which otherwise will lead to unnecessary harassment of people doing honest business.

"The Prime Minister has given a very clear mandate that there are many provisions in various statutes which for a very long time has remained without any significance and in some cases, have not been applied...The objective is to decriminalise them and make sure that there is a fair and equitable playing field. I am sure by the end of deliberations, substantial recommendations will be made which will further simplify the existing cause," he said.

Many offences which otherwise are not needed to be present on the statute book will also be removed, he added.

Answering a query, Tejasvi Surya said there have been detailed discussions with the Ministry of Road Transport officials as well.

"Substantial changes will be made keeping in mind the safety and ease of living of common commuters of the country. These are general issues which otherwise are like penalties and fines which don't have any significance in today's world. Such provisions are all being removed," he said.

The budget session of Parliament is expected to begin later this month.

- ANI
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, conducted a visit to the Jodhpur Sub Area to assess its operational readiness. He commended the formation's performance during Operation Sindoor, particularly its efficient ammunition management and logistics support. The Army Commander also praised the unit's high state of preparedness for humanitarian and disaster relief operations and its coordination with civil agencies. Additionally, initiatives strengthening soldier-citizen connections and veteran outreach programs were highlighted.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth visits Jodhpur Sub Area, praises performance in Operation Sindoor, logistics, and disaster response initiatives.

Jodhpur, January 7 Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army's Southern Command, visited the Jodhpur Sub Area on Wednesday to review its operational preparedness and ongoing readiness initiatives.

He praised the formation for its performance during Operation Sindoor and its strong focus on logistics, disaster response and nation-building efforts.

In a post on X, the Official account of the Indian Army's Southern Command shared, "Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command visited Jodhpur Sub Area to review its operational preparedness and ongoing readiness initiatives. The Army Commander appreciated the exemplary performance of the formation during Operation SINDOOR, notably their efficient ammunition management and logistics sustenance and support to multidimensional operational commitments through the Ammunition Echelons, Field Ammunition Depot (FAD), Supply Depots and Advanced Base Ordnance Depot (ABOD)."

Lt Gen Seth praised the Jodhpur Sub Area for improving its logistics and administrative systems, maintaining high preparedness for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, and working closely with central and state agencies.

"The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief praised the efforts of the formation in streamlining their logistics and administrative functions, complimented the high state of Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) preparedness, and initiatives and efforts undertaken in close coordination with central and state agencies, a strong example of effective Military Civil Fusion, delivering results on ground. The Army Commander also lauded the formation's initiatives in strengthening Soldier-Citizen connect, carrying out Veterans outreach programmes and accelerating key infrastructure projects, reinforcing the formation's role in Nation Building," the post read.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army, under the aegis of Spear Corps, launched an Eco-Tourism Exposure Tour from Along Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant step towards youth empowerment and sustainable development in the border regions, according to a release.

The initiative was undertaken for students of NEFTU College, Aalo, West Siang, with the aim of enhancing practical skills and creating livelihood opportunities linked to ecotourism.

Prior to the tour, a comprehensive three-day homestay and eco-tourism training capsule was conducted at Aalo, during which 30 students and two instructors were familiarised with the fundamentals of community-based tourism, responsible travel practices, and the economic potential of eco-tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

- ANI
The UN warns that a surge in violence in Congo's Ituri province has severely disrupted life-saving humanitarian operations, cutting off assistance to over 87,000 displaced people. Local authorities report at least 25 civilians killed and 40 injured in the town of Bule and surrounding areas over the past month. Separately, the Congolese government states that escalating violence in South Kivu province has killed more than 1,500 civilians and displaced over 500,000 since early December. The instability is attributed to armed groups, with the UN urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and allow safe aid access.

UN reports surging violence in DRC's Ituri cuts off aid to 87,000 displaced. Hostilities kill 25, injure 40, creating critical shortages.

United Nations, Jan 7 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is sounding the alarm over a surge in violence in Ituri province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is severely disrupting life-saving operations in the region, a UN spokesperson said.

The town of Bule and nearby areas have experienced ongoing hostilities since early December, and local authorities reported that at least 25 civilians have been killed and more than 40 injured over the last month, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing on Tuesday.

OCHA reported that the insecurity has effectively cut off assistance to more than 87,000 displaced people currently living in and around Bule, and these families face critical shortages of food, healthcare and clean water, Dujarric said.

Due to the volatile security situation, no humanitarian group has been able to operate in the affected areas for more than a month, he added.

"The UN reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers wherever they need to be," he said, adding that safe, predictable and unhindered humanitarian access is essential to deliver life-saving assistance and to prevent a further deterioration of the situation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on January 1, the government of the DRC had said that more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in escalating violence in the country's eastern province of South Kivu since early December of 2025.

In a statement, the government had said fighting has intensified in several areas of the province, particularly along the Kamanyola-Uvira axis, where armed operations have triggered large-scale displacement. Meanwhile, more than 500,000 people had been forced to flee their homes amid continuing insecurity.

The government had said the front lines have gradually shifted southward, affecting multiple areas in South Kivu, including Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga.

The authorities had attributed the escalation to armed groups operating in the region, accusing them of violating existing commitments and international humanitarian law.

The government had reiterated its determination to restore state authority nationwide and to seek accountability for those responsible through diplomatic and judicial channels.

Eastern DRC has faced decades of instability, a situation that has worsened since the resurgence of the March 23 Movement rebel group in late 2021. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of backing the group, an allegation Kigali has denied.

- IANS
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 11 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around the island, with most aircraft crossing the median line. This follows similar activity the previous day, highlighting ongoing tensions. Concurrently, a study by a US-based think tank warns that a Chinese amphibious invasion could result in up to 100,000 military fatalities for China. The report, which assesses various conflict scenarios, suggests such an invasion would likely fail to capture main Taiwan, though offshore islands might be seized.

Taiwan reports 11 PLA aircraft & 6 naval vessels near its territory as a US study warns China could suffer 100,000 casualties in a Taiwan invasion scenario.

Taipei, January 7 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 11 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and an official ship around its territorial waters as of 6 am on Wednesday.

Of the 11, nine sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "11 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan detected eight sorties of PLA aircraft and seven Chinese naval vessels. Of the eight, two crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "8 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 8 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Meanwhile, China could face military fatalities of up to 100,000 if it attempts an amphibious invasion of Taiwan and would ultimately be compelled to retreat, although it may still take control of Taiwan's offshore Kinmen and Matsu islands, according to a study by a US-based think tank, Focus Taiwan reported.

The study, titled "If China Attacks Taiwan," was released by the German Marshall Fund, which receives partial funding from the United States government. The report evaluates the likely military, strategic and international fallout for China under scenarios ranging from a "major war" to a "minor conflict" with Taiwan, Focus Taiwan said.

Zack Cooper, one of the report's authors, said a full-scale conflict would begin with amphibious landings by Chinese forces, accompanied by strikes on Taiwan's military as well as US forces based in Japan and Guam.

While Chinese troops could reach Taiwan's shores, their logistics would be severely disrupted by "successful Taiwanese and US strikes on ships and aircraft crossing the [Taiwan] Strait," wrote Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Focus Taiwan reported.

- ANI
An empty oil tanker has become the focal point of a US-Russia maritime confrontation, with Russia sending naval assets including a submarine to escort it. The vessel, pursued by the US Coast Guard for over a fortnight, failed to load oil in Venezuela and steamed into the Atlantic. The US aims to crack down on a fleet of tankers ferrying illicit oil, including Russian black-market supplies. Both nations have issued statements of concern and readiness, with the tanker now sailing south of Iceland toward the North Sea.

Russia deploys a submarine to escort an empty oil tanker pursued by the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic, escalating tensions over sanctions enforcement.

Washington DC, January 7 An empty oil tanker, formerly known as Bella 1, has become the latest point of a face-off between the US and Russia as the latter sent naval assets including a submarine to bring it back, as per a Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday.

As per the WSJ report, Bella 1 has been trying to evade the US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.

The vessel failed to dock in Venezuela and load with oil. Although the ship is empty, the US Coast Guard pursued it into the Atlantic in a bid to crack down on a fleet of tankers that ferry illicit oil around the world, including black-market oil sold by Russia, as reported by Wall Street Journal.

Earlier in December, the vessel's crew engaged in fisticuffs against the US law agencies who tried to board the vessel in December and steamed into the Atlantic. Russia has been concerned by U.S. seizures of tankers that ferry its oil around the world.

On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring "with concern" the situation surrounding the tanker, according to state news agency RIA.

Meanwhile, the US military's Southern Command said in a post on X on Tuesday that it was ready to "stand against sanctioned vessels in the region.

"Always ready to serve: SOUTH COM remains ready to support our U.S Government agency partners in standing against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region. Our sea services are vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest. When the call comes, we will be there," the US Southern Command said.

The US Coast Guard has continued to trail the ship into the Eastern Atlantic, where it is now sailing about 300 miles south of Iceland toward the North Sea, according to AIS positioning, WSJ reported.

- ANI
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed deep concern over the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling it a violation of the UN Charter. He emphasized the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the non-use of force in international disputes. Tharoor noted that while his parliamentary committee has not formally discussed the incident, he felt compelled to speak out privately due to the gravity of the situation. He also commented on India's diplomatic silence, suggesting the government is balancing strategic US ties against traditional foreign policy principles.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemns US military action in Venezuela as a breach of sovereignty and international law, urging respect for UN principles.

Thiruvananthapuram, January 7 Senior Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the recent US military operation in Venezuela, characterising the capture of President Nicolas Maduro as a troubling breach of the United Nations Charter.

Speaking with reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, he emphasised that the US operation violates sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the non-use of force in international disputes.

Tharoor clarified that while the Parliamentary Committee has yet to formally discuss the incident, he felt compelled to speak in a "private individual capacity" given the gravity of the geopolitical shift.

"...I chair the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament...In this particular incident, the committee has not discussed this issue. I am speaking in a purely private individual capacity," said Tharoor.

He highlighted the breach of UN principles on sovereignty and non-use of force. Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, questioned the legality of the US operation.

He noted that the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter--specifically the sovereignty of member states, the inviolability of borders, and the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle disputes--had been disregarded.

"As far as the whole situation is concerned, I have already stated my deep concern with the violations of international law that have taken place and the UN Charter, which specifically refers to the sovereignty of member states, the inviolability of borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle international disputes, all of which have been violated in this particular episode," said Tharoor.

Addressing the current situation in Caracas, Tharoor noted that while the situation has not escalated into a prolonged military conflict, it remains volatile. He acknowledged reports that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has stepped in as Acting President to pursue "some sort of normalcy," but warned of friction on the ground.

"At the same time, it does appear that the situation has not prolonged itself militarily, the Vice President has become the Acting or Interim President and some sort of normalcy is being pursued. There are reports today of increasing repression in the streets, people being arrested and so on. It is still a tense situation but it's not a war...," he added.

Commenting on the conflict's underlying economics, Tharoor cautioned against foreign interference in Venezuela's natural resources. With the US administration signalling its intent to manage Venezuela's oil infrastructure, Tharoor reminded Indians of a principle long held sacrosanct in New Delhi's foreign policy.

"There are certain motivations being ascribed and certain things become claimed which are somewhat distasteful. I don't think it is appropriate for us to sit here, this far away and pass judgment on matters that happened a long time ago. But I think Indians should understand that the country's natural resources belong to the country. How those resources are used should be the prerogative of the representatives of that country," he added.

Tharoor urged understanding of India's diplomatic compulsions, adding that the government's silence can be as telling as its statements. While the Congress party has already issued a strong statement condemning the action, the Government of India has maintained a more cautious diplomatic line. Tharoor offered insight into this silence, suggesting that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is likely balancing strategic relationships with the US against traditional principles.

"For us, in India, some of these principles have been sacrosanct in our foreign policy for many years...For us, it is a situation that troubles many Indians across political party lines. My party has issued a strong statement already; I won't repeat it. I have said that as far as Govt of India is concerned, they have their own compulsions and very often what the MEA chooses not to say is as important as what they do say. So, you all have to understand that in diplomacy, there are challenges in negotiating certain relationships, but on the principles involved, I am very concerned about the violations...," added Tharoor.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez officially took charge as Acting President on January 5, 2026, two days after the United States launched a strike in the country and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to drugs and weapons.

Following the US action, Rodriguez announced seven days of national mourning, citing deaths reported during the attack in Caracas and condemning what she described as foreign aggression. She asserted that Venezuela continues to be governed by its own constitutional authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the developments, said it is closely monitoring the situation, and urged all parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. India has also advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela, noting that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with the Indian community and is providing necessary assistance.

- ANI
Former Chilean Ambassador to India, Jorge Heine, condemns the recent US military operation in Venezuela as an unprecedented attack on the South American mainland that crosses a dangerous threshold. He expresses shock at Europe's timid reaction and warns that even established democracies in the region are not safe from potential future attacks. Heine explicitly calls on India to condemn the action, arguing the US justification regarding drug trafficking is baseless and violates international law. The report concludes by noting Venezuela has declared a week of national mourning following the attack and the capture of its former leader.

Former Chilean Ambassador Jorge Heine calls US attack on Caracas unprecedented, warns of global instability, and urges international condemnation.

Zapallar, January 7 Jorge Heine, Former Minister of National Assets of Chile and the former Ambassador of Chile to India, said he was shocked at the "timidness of the European reaction" on the US operation in Venezuela.

He further said that the US had intervened in Latin America several times, but this one is different, while talking to ANI,

"There have been many US interventions in Latin America in the course of the past couple of centuries, but this one is different because this is the first time there has been a US military attack on the South American mainland. Until now, we have had such attacks on Mexico, on Central America, and on the Caribbean, the latest one being on Panama in 1989. This one, attacking and bombing the capital city of Caracas, a city of 3 million, and kidnapping President Maduro and his wife, breaks new ground. A certain threshold has been crossed, and we are into uncharted waters, and this is creating uncertainty as to what will happen next," he said.

He added that there is an air of uncertainty about what would happen next if this operation were to be taken as a precedent.

"Even Latin American established democracies like Mexico and Colombia are not exempt from possible attacks by the US... I was particularly shocked by the timidness of the European reaction. Greenland might be next, and yet the European countries looked with remarkable equanimity at this attack on Venezuela, not realising they might be next in line. We are moving here into a very different world... It's quite unclear how this will be approached by the international community," he said.

Heine said that he wanted India to condemn the attack on Venezuela.

"I would expect India to condemn this attack on Venezuela by the US. The basic rule of system based on the US in international law is the use of international force by one state against another, is something that is banned, not accepted, and there is only one narrow acceptance to this rule, that is when you act in self-defence. There was no attack by Venezuela on the United States," he said.

Heine said that there was no fentanyl exported by Venezuela to the US, as it is not a major drug-producing country.

"The argument that drug trafficking from Venezuela to the United States is the cause behind the attack is something that does not hold water. There is not a single boat carrying fentanyl that has been detained in the Caribbean. Venezuela is not a major drug producing or exporting country, so this is a bogus claim made by the US," he said.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday announced seven days of national mourning following the deaths reported during the recent US attack in Caracas and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, CNN reported.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump highlighted defence cooperation with India while revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised concerns over a five-year delay in delivering 68 Apache attack helicopters. Trump simultaneously defended imposing 50% tariffs on India, linking them to New Delhi's significant purchases of Russian oil, which the US views as supporting Russia's economy. He warned that Washington could raise tariffs further if India does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports, suggesting Modi was aware of his dissatisfaction. India has previously rejected Trump's claim that Modi assured him New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil.

Trump says PM Modi personally complained about 5-year Apache helicopter delays, links tariffs to India's Russian oil purchases, and details their relationship.

Washington, DC, January 7 US President Donald Trump on Tuesday boasted about India-US defence cooperation, claiming that India's order for 68 Apache attack helicopters was delayed by five years and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised concerns over the long delivery period during a meeting with him.

Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump highlighted defence cooperation between the United States and India and criticised what he described as years-long delays in supplying defence equipment.

"India coming at me that thay have been waiting for 5 years and we are changing that.India ordered 68 Apache helicopters. PM Modi came to me and said 'Sir can I please see you?' and I said yes," Trump said, while recalling his interaction with PM Modi.

Trump also reiterated his good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; however, he underscored PM Modi's unhappiness over the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

"I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia..." he added.

The tariffs, totalling 50 per cent, were imposed due to India's significant purchases of Russian oil, which the US sees as supporting Russia's economy amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump's remarks came a day after he warned that Washington could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.

"They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," he said.

Trump also defended the tariff policy during his address, asserting that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures.

Trump's comments follow a series of warnings to New Delhi over its ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Earlier, he warned that the US could raise tariffs further if India does not "help on the Russian oil issue," directly connecting the pressure to the Russia-Ukraine war.

He has accused India of strengthening Moscow by buying discounted Russian crude and has cited this as the basis for sharply higher duties on Indian goods. Trump has also used tariff pressure to influence India's actions, suggesting that New Delhi was aware of his dissatisfaction and sought to maintain stable trade relations.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though without any concrete breakthrough.

India has earlier rejected Trump's assertion that PM Narendra Modi had assured him New Delhi would stop purchasing Russian oil, clarifying that no such conversation or assurance had taken place.

- ANI
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans at a retreat to make voter identification laws a defining priority. He endorsed the SAVE Act, arguing stricter rules are needed to restore public trust and prevent cheating in elections. Trump dismissed concerns about voter disenfranchisement, framing voter ID as a common-sense issue with overwhelming public support. His remarks come amid ongoing partisan battles over election law changes following disputes in recent cycles.

President Donald Trump urges House Republicans to prioritize voter identification laws and advance the SAVE Act to tighten U.S. election rules.

Washington, Jan 7 President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to prioritise voter identification laws and advance the SAVE Act, arguing that stricter election rules are essential to restoring public trust in US democracy.

Speaking at the House GOP member retreat in the nation's capital, Trump said voter ID should be a defining issue for Republicans. "You ought to have voter ID, you ought to insist on it," he said.

Trump claimed opposition to voter identification was rooted in political self-interest. "The only reason somebody doesn't want that is because they want to cheat," he said.

He criticised mail-in voting and described the United States as an outlier among democracies. "We're the only country that's stupid enough to vote by mail," Trump said, adding that other nations vote "on paper ballots."

Trump urged lawmakers to bring the SAVE Act, or what he suggested could be renamed the "Save America Act," to a vote. "It's got my total endorsement," he said.

He argued that the issue resonates strongly with voters and puts Democrats on the defensive. "It's a bad vote for them," Trump said, referring to lawmakers who oppose voter ID. "When somebody says no, we don't want voter ID, that means they're crooked, and the public understands it."

Trump also attacked election practices in states such as California, claiming officials there could face penalties for requesting identification. "They'd put him in jail for tampering with the election," he said.

He portrayed election security as a winning political issue. "You win elections with that," Trump told Republicans.

The president repeatedly framed voter ID as "common sense," rather than a partisan issue. "It's not conservative," he said. "It's common sense."

His remarks come as Republicans in Congress and state legislatures continue to push election law changes following disputes over voting procedures in recent election cycles.

Democrats have argued that voter ID requirements can disenfranchise minorities and low-income voters, while Republicans counter that identification rules are necessary to prevent fraud and maintain confidence in election outcomes.

Trump dismissed concerns about access, saying the public overwhelmingly supports stricter rules. "The public is really angry about it," he said.

He encouraged Republicans to lean into the debate during campaigns and legislative fights. "You'll win every debate," Trump said.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of NATO, claiming the alliance depends entirely on Washington and that he personally pushed members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. His remarks follow a joint statement from European leaders reaffirming Greenland's status within NATO and collective Arctic security, pushing back against his previous comments. Trump further claimed he single-handedly prevented Russia from capturing all of Ukraine and ended eight wars, while expressing resentment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite his criticism, he stated the US would "always be there for NATO," even as he doubted the alliance would reciprocate in a crisis.

Donald Trump criticizes NATO, claims he raised allies' defense spending to 5% of GDP, and questions alliance unity after European pushback on Greenland.

Washington DC, January 7 US President Donald Trump on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the intergovernmental military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, claiming that the alliance depended entirely on Washington for its survival, shortly after European leaders pushed back against his remarks on taking over Greenland and reaffirming NATO unity.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that before his intervention, most NATO members were not meeting their defence spending commitments and were relying on Washington to shoulder the burden.

The US President stated that he pushed NATO members to raise defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, asserting that allies now pay "immediately" because of his personal influence.

"Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most weren't paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately. Everyone said that couldn't be done, but it could, because, beyond all else, they are all my friends," Trump said.

His remarks come a day after European leaders issued a joint statement pushing back against Trump's renewed remarks about Greenland, asserting that Arctic security must be addressed collectively.

In a letter released by the Danish Prime Minister's Office on X, the leaders reaffirmed Greenland's status within the transatlantic alliance, stating, "The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - is part of NATO."

Foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have also jointly reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserving security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic, underscoring their support for a stronger and more vigilant NATO presence in the region.

The Nordic foreign ministers, in a statement, said that as Nordic countries, Arctic states and NATO allies, they are united in their approach to regional security, particularly amid evolving strategic challenges in the Arctic.

Trump further claimed that without his involvement, Russia would have captured all of Ukraine, claiming that he had "single-handedly ended eight wars," arguing that his actions saved millions of lives.

He also expressed resentment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, specifically criticising Norway, a NATO member, for what he described as a "foolish" decision not to award him the honour.

Trump further questioned the credibility of NATO without US leadership, stating that Russia and China have "zero fear of NATO without the United States," and also cast doubt on whether NATO allies would come to America's aid in a crisis.

"Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize. But that doesn't matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives. RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE ZERO FEAR OF NATO WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM," his post read.

Highlighting military spending, Trump credited himself with rebuilding the US armed forces during his first term and said this continued investment underpins global security.

Despite his criticism, Trump said the US would continue to support NATO, even if the alliance did not reciprocate.

"EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us. The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A.," Trump noted in his post.

- ANI
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday added two individuals to its list of die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists, bringing the total number on this list to 14, a spokesperson said.

Liu Shih-fang and Cheng Ying-yao were identified as the two individuals added, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference in Beijing.

Both Liu and Cheng serve as officials in Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party. Liu heads Taiwan's internal affairs body, while Cheng oversees education.

"Taiwan independence" secessionists are lawbreakers and criminals bent on splitting the country and sabotaging the development of cross-Strait relations. They are traitors to the Chinese nation who harm the interests of their fellow Chinese people, Chen said.

"We will take all necessary measures to punish them in accordance with the law and hold them accountable for life," Chen stressed.

Chen also noted that the list of accomplices of "Taiwan independence" secessionists currently features 12 individuals.

Liu blatantly propagates "Taiwan independence" rhetoric, suppresses Taiwan residents who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges, persecutes mainland spouses living in Taiwan, and creates obstacles to cross-Strait interactions, blocking cross-Strait people-to-people communication channels, said the spokesperson.

Cheng brazenly peddles provocative rhetoric advocating "Taiwan independence" and has organized the compilation of "Taiwan independence" teaching materials, poisoning the minds of young people in Taiwan and hindering educational exchanges and cooperation across the Strait, Chen noted.

Both Liu and Cheng hold entrenched "Taiwan independence" views, have made provocative statements and carried out despicable acts of seeking "Taiwan independence," said the spokesperson.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the mainland has decided to place Liu and Cheng on the list and to implement sanctions. Measures include banning Liu, Cheng, and their family members from entering the mainland as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and restricting their affiliated organizations from cooperating with mainland entities or individuals, according to Chen.

He added that the sanctions also prevent any of their related companies or financial backers from seeking profits in the mainland. All other necessary punitive measures will be taken, and the two will be held legally accountable for life.

Chen encouraged compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to continue providing information on any illegal activities involving Liu and Cheng.

Chen stressed that punishing a very small number of die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists in accordance with the law is aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as protecting the interests and welfare of Taiwan compatriots, and is not directed at the broader population of the island.

He urged Taiwan people to recognize the harmful intentions and dangerous agenda of the die-hard secessionists, and to consciously distance themselves from Liu, Cheng and others.

He called on Taiwan compatriots to firmly oppose separatist activities, support cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote integration, and work together to protect the shared homeland of the Chinese nation.

Chen warned that any "Taiwan independence" separatists who deliberately challenge the law, no matter where they are, will face legal punishment and be held legally accountable for life. 

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)
Former Danish Ambassador to India Freddy Svane has described US President Donald Trump's repeated comments on acquiring Greenland as unprecedented within the NATO alliance. Svane stressed that dialogue, preferably behind closed doors, is the only viable way to address US security concerns, rather than public threats. He emphasized that Greenland's future is solely for its people to decide, whether that involves independence or remaining with Denmark. The White House has stated that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority and that "a range of options," including military use, are being considered.

Former Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane calls Trump's Greenland comments unprecedented, stresses dialogue is the only way forward for NATO allies.

By Ayushi Agarwal, Copenhagen, January 7 Former Danish Ambassador to India Freddy Svane has described US President Donald Trump's repeated comments on Greenland as "unprecedented," and stressed that dialogue remains the only viable way forward.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ANI, the former envoy said the idea of one NATO country discussing the takeover or purchase of territory belonging to another NATO member was without precedent in modern international relations.

"Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and thereby also part of NATO," Svane said. "So discussions, whether genuine or not -- about one NATO country perhaps taking over or purchasing another country within the NATO family are unprecedented."

Trump reiterated over the weekend that the United States "needs Greenland for security reasons," prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn that any attack by the US would spell the end of NATO. Svane, however, said he did not foresee such a confrontation.

"I don't believe in this kind of confrontation, and I don't see it coming," he said, adding that US security concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than public threats or media-driven signalling.

Acknowledging Washington's strategic interests due to its geographic position, the former ambassador said these concerns could be accommodated, but only with full respect for Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-rule.

"In the long run, I am pretty sure it will be possible to accommodate whatever interests the US might have, but in full respect of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark," he said.

He strongly advocated back-channel diplomacy over public exchanges. "Vocal diplomacy, where you use the media and headlines to send signals, is not the best way," Svane said. "You need dialogue -- preferably behind closed doors."

Svane underlined that Greenland's future is a matter solely for its people to decide, echoing Denmark's official position.

"It is for the Greenlandic people themselves to decide what kind of future they want, whether independence, remaining within the Kingdom of Denmark, or another path," he said. "Nobody else."

Notably, the White House said on Tuesday that it is considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, and that the use of military is not off the table, CNN reported, citing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time).

According to CNN, Leavitt said that the US President has made it well-known that "acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States" and is important to deter the adversaries in the Arctic region.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," she said.

The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CNN.

On January 6, European leaders issued a joint statement pushing back against renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Greenland, asserting that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively.

Emphasising a unified security framework, the statement said, "Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them."

The leaders further underscored Greenland's political standing, stating, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

The joint statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump focusing on Greenland after the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump once again said that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, a day after strikes on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Greenland was critical to US security due growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.

He said, "We need Greenland. ... It's so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," Trump said. "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."

- ANI
Rights groups are campaigning against China's proposed mega embassy in London, warning it poses grave national security and espionage risks. The complex would be China's largest in Europe, strategically located near vital UK communication infrastructure. Activists cite MI5 assessments and China's record of transnational repression, including a 2022 consulate assault in Manchester. The UK government's final decision on the plan is expected on January 20.

UK warned of espionage risks as China seeks approval for its largest European embassy. Activists cite national security threats and transnational repression.

London, January 7 Rights groups led by Free Tibet, along with several allied organisations, have renewed their campaign against China's proposed mega embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, arguing that the project poses grave national security threats and heightens risks for already vulnerable exile communities.

The UK government is expected to announce its verdict on January 20. Campaigners say the plan goes far beyond normal diplomatic activity and has triggered fresh alarms, as reported by Phayul.

According to Phayul, if approved, the Royal Mint Court complex would reportedly become China's biggest embassy in Europe, stretching across nearly 20,000 square metres, close to ten times the scale of a typical mission.

Activists highlighted that the size and strategic placement of the facility raise serious concerns about espionage potential and covert intelligence operations. In an open letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, UK-based Tibetans and Tibet support groups urged the government to reject the plan outright.

The letter warns that the embassy would sit close to vital communication networks, including undersea cables that underpin UK infrastructure. It also references reported assessments by MI5, suggesting the site could pose a substantial risk to national security if approved.

These fears add to a series of recent disclosures about Chinese intelligence activities in the UK. Investigators have uncovered attempts by individuals linked to Beijing to recruit people with ties to Westminster by offering financial incentives in exchange for sensitive information.

Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong, and Chinese dissident groups argue that any evaluation of the proposal must also consider China's long-standing record of transnational repression.

They cite cases of harassment, intimidation, and violence against activists abroad, including the widely publicised 2022 incident in Manchester, where a Hong Kong protester was pulled into the Chinese consulate and assaulted by officials, as highlighted by Phayul.

China bought the Royal Mint Court property in 2018. The Tower Hamlets Council rejected the embassy plan in 2022 over safety and security concerns, but China resubmitted the same proposal in August 2024, prompting the UK government to take charge of the decision.

Activist groups have since organised frequent demonstrations, describing the proposed complex as a strategic hub rather than a diplomatic office. They plan larger rallies ahead of the January 20 ruling, as reported by Phayul.

- ANI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a US delegation including Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Paris to discuss a diplomatic path to ending the war. The talks focused on US security guarantees, ceasefire monitoring, and post-war reconstruction plans. The meeting involved the "Coalition of the Willing" and European partners, with French President Emmanuel Macron noting unprecedented unity on security guarantees. Significant progress was reported on a bilateral security framework and a prosperity plan essential for a lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets US envoys Jared Kushner & Steve Witkoff in Paris to advance diplomatic path to end Russia-Ukraine war.

Paris, January 7 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday held a meeting with US delegation Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with both sides discussing on a diplomatic approach towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Ukrainian President thanked the United States for its readiness in providing a backstop in areas like security guarantees and reconstruction.

Sharing the details in a post on X, he said, "With the U.S. President's team - @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff and @jaredkushner- we continued discussions on the diplomatic path to ending the war. I thank the United States for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas: security guarantees, monitoring of the ceasefire, and reconstruction. On January 7 in Paris, our teams will continue work on security guarantees and a basic framework for ending the war. Representing Ukraine will be Head of the Office Kyrylo Budanov, NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, General Andrii Hnatov, First Deputy Head of the Office Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Advisor to the Office of the President Oleksandr Bevz. I thank President Trump and the United States for their support. Not a single day is wasted."

Earlier, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the US delegation met with the Ukrainian delegation and the Coalition of the Willing to advance President Trump's peace plan on Ukraine.

He said that the US delegation included Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum.

Witkoff said, "Today, the US delegation met in Paris with the constituents of the Coalition of the Willing as well as the Ukrainian delegation to advance President Trump's peace plan on Ukraine. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum. We held several meetings with the Europeans, including President Macron, and the Ukrainians, including President Zelenskyy, and are encouraged by the collaborative approach and partnership between the parties. We have made significant progress on several critical workstreams, including our bilateral security guarantee framework and a prosperity plan. The Coalition also released a statement outlining its framework to a security guarantee. We agree with the Coalition that durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace in the Ukraine and we will continue to work together on this effort. We will be continuing our discussions with the Ukrainian delegation this evening and tomorrow, and we are hopeful to achieve additional positive momentum in the near future."

The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States met in Paris, with the leaders stressing on their commitment towards "just and lasting peace in Ukraine". They welcomed the progress achieved between partners to achieve peace, the official statement by the European Commission said on Tuesday (local time).

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the meeting provided "unprecedented unity" between the Coalition of Willing, Ukraine and the US on security guarantees for peace in Ukraine.

The meeting noted that the members would commit to several politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force.

As per the statement by the European Commission, this would include the participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, the Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine which would include but not be limited to aspects like long term defence packages and support for financing the purchase of weapons, amongst others.

- ANI
Greenland PM says country "isn't something you can... take over"

Danish MP says US is "almost starting a war" over Greenland

A Danish parliament member has sharply criticized the U.S. administration's pursuit of Greenland, stating it is "almost starting a war with an allied country." Rasmus Jarlov dismissed President Trump's claims that the U.S. needs Greenland for defense as "complete nonsense," noting the U.S. already has full military access there. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, issued a joint statement affirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning the territory. Greenland's Prime Minister also asserted that the country is not something that can be taken over simply because another nation wants it.

Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov accuses the US of threatening Greenland, dismissing Trump's defense claims as "complete nonsense" in escalating row.

Washington, Jan 7 US President Donald Trump's administration is 'almost starting a war with an allied country' in its pursuit of Greenland, Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov said.

"They talk about the United States as the only ones that can protect Greenland, but the fact is that they're the only ones threatening Greenland," the Danish parliament member said during an interview to CNN on Tuesday.

Denmark's ownership of Greenland "may be one of the most well-established ownerships of territory in the world," Jarlov said.

"It is not disputed by anyone. It has never been disputed by the United States themselves."

Jarlov noted that the United States already has "exclusive and full military access" to Greenland, calling Trump's remarks that the United States needs Greenland for defence "complete nonsense."

The White House on Tuesday reiterated that Greenland would be better protected by the United States, ignoring European leaders' support for Denmark's ownership of Greenland.

"President Trump believes Greenland is a strategically important location that is critical from the standpoint of national security, and he is confident Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told media outlets in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement: "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

"Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Monday in a statement on Facebook.

Trump on Sunday stressed again that the United States 'absolutely' needs Greenland 'for defence,' reaffirming that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to US intervention, according to The Atlantic.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, was granted home rule in 1979. In 2009, Denmark passed the Act on Greenland Self-Government, expanding the island's authority over its domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign, defence and security policy, according to information on the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Denmark.

- IANS
US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare aircraft were pivotal in suppressing Venezuela's air defenses during the operation leading to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The jets used advanced jamming pods to blind radar systems, protecting a large armada of over 150 US aircraft. While effective against Venezuela's older Soviet and Chinese systems, experts warn such tactics face greater challenges against advanced adversaries like Russia or China. The operation underscores the renewed critical importance of electronic warfare, highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine, for controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in modern combat.

Report reveals US EA-18G Growlers used electronic warfare to jam Venezuelan air defenses during the military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro.

Washington, Jan 7 US Navy electronic-warfare aircraft known as EA-18G Growlers apparently played a key role in blinding Venezuela's air defences during the military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, a media report said.

In a major defence story, The Wall Street Journal on Boeing's Growlers highlighted Washington's renewed reliance on signal-jamming technology in modern conflict.

The Growler is a carrier-based electronic attack jet designed not to drop bombs, but to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. During the Venezuela operation, it was part of a large US air armada that suppressed radar and communications systems, allowing special forces aircraft to enter and exit Venezuelan airspace quickly.

More than 150 US aircraft were involved in the operation, the report said, including fighter jets, bombers, and drones. But the Growler stood out because it attacks signals rather than targets on the ground, the Daily said.

Electronic warfare specialists say that is what makes the aircraft so effective. Jamming pods mounted on the Growler listen for enemy radar emissions, analyze them in real time, and then send back tailored signals to confuse or overwhelm the system. In practice, this can cause radar screens to fill with false targets or cause them to lose track of real aircraft.

By doing so, the Growler can prevent surface-to-air missiles from locking onto US aircraft, protecting both strike jets and transport helicopters. A single Growler can shield an entire formation of aircraft, making it a force multiplier, the report said.

The EA-18G is based on Boeing's F/A-18F Super Hornet and replaced the older EA-6B Prowler in US Navy service. It entered operational service in 2009 and is now the backbone of US airborne electronic warfare. Australia also operates the aircraft.

In Venezuela, Growlers were able to work around the country's aging air-defense network, which relies heavily on older Soviet- and Russian-made systems, including versions of the S-300 missile system, according to defense analysts cited in the report. Venezuela also operates some Chinese radar systems, though mostly older models.

However, the experts cautioned that such tactics would be more difficult against a near-peer adversary like China or Russia, which deploy more advanced and resilient air-defense networks. Still, the Venezuela operation underscored how electronic warfare has regained importance after years of relative neglect.

During conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East, US forces faced fewer sophisticated air defenses, reducing the need for extensive jamming. That changed with the war in Ukraine, now widely seen as the largest electronic-warfare conflict in history.

Modern jamming pods are also evolving. Older analog systems, such as the ALQ-99, are being replaced with digital, software-driven pods that can shift frequencies in milliseconds and adapt instantly to new threats. These systems can jam radars, disrupt communications, or create deceptive signals that mislead enemy sensors.

Despite advances by US adversaries, analysts say airborne jamming remains critical. Future conflicts, especially in the Indo-Pacific, are expected to depend as much on control of the electromagnetic spectrum as on aircraft or missiles.

As one former US defence official told the Journal, electronic warfare may not be as visible as fighter jets or ships, but it is "critically important" in deciding who controls the skies.

- IANS
US seizes two tankers for sanctions violations

The Trump administration has seized two oil tankers, the Bella One and the Sofia, for transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the vessels were part of a "shadow fleet" and were intercepted under a judicial warrant. The crews are now subject to prosecution and could be brought to the United States. The seizures were conducted without incident as part of Operation Southern Spear, underscoring a firm stance on sanctions enforcement.

The Trump administration seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela's "shadow fleet" in the Atlantic, warning of prosecution for sanctions breaches.

Washington, Jan 8 The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday said it has seized oil tankers operating outside US sanctions, warning that illegal crude shipments will not be tolerated.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the seizures targeted vessels linked to what she described as Venezuela's "shadow fleet," adding that the administration was enforcing sanctions without exception.

"I believe you're referring to the Bella One tanker that was seized this morning," Leavitt told reporters. She said the seizure followed a judicial warrant issued by a US federal court after the vessel was tracked.

"This was a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that has transported sanctioned oil," Leavitt said. "The United States of America under this President is not going to tolerate that."

Leavitt said the tanker was seized in the North Atlantic and that the crew could face prosecution.

"The vessel had a judicial seizure order," she said. "That means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law."

She added that the crew could be brought to the United States if necessary.

Leavitt also confirmed the seizure of a second tanker, the Sofia, describing it as part of a broader enforcement effort.

"There was another vessel this morning, the Sofia," she said. "This is a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker."

She said the operation was carried out without incident and involved multiple US agencies.

"This occurred without incident," Leavitt said. "This vessel was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea."

According to Leavitt, the US Coast Guard is escorting the vessel to the United States.

"The US Coast Guard is escorting the Sofia to the United States for final disposition," she said.

She said the seizures were conducted as part of a coordinated enforcement campaign.

"To answer your question directly, this was through Operation Southern Spear," Leavitt said.

Leavitt rejected suggestions that the tanker seizures could escalate tensions with other major powers, including Russia.

"This administration is going to fully enforce the sanctions policy of the United States," she said.

She said the president was prepared to act even if enforcement drew criticism.

"He's not afraid to implement it," Leavitt said.

Leavitt stressed that maritime enforcement was central to the administration's broader foreign policy.

"The President is going to enforce our policy that's best for the United States of America," she said.

Oil tankers have become a growing focus of US sanctions enforcement as Washington targets revenue streams tied to sanctioned governments. Maritime interdictions and vessel seizures are increasingly used to disrupt illicit oil trade conducted through false flags or stateless shipping networks.

- IANS
Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy announced the state government will approach the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court verdict permitting the lighting of a lamp at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. The minister argued there is no established practice of lighting the lamp atop the hill and that the order goes against the sentiments of the people. The Madurai Bench of the High Court had upheld an earlier order, stating the lamp could be lit subject to conditions and in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India. The petitioner welcomed the verdict as a victory for Hindu devotees and urged the temple to make arrangements.

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy says state will approach Supreme Court against HC order permitting lamp lighting at Thiruparankundram hill temple.

Chennai, January 7 Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy on Tuesday said that the state government will approach the Supreme Court of India against the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court verdict on the Thiruparankundram Deepam case. Reacting to the court's order, the minister stated that there is no established practice of lighting a lamp atop the Thiruparankundram hills and claimed that the decision goes against the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Regupathy said the state disagrees with the ruling that permits the lighting of the lamps on the "Deepathoon" at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. "There is no practice regarding the lighting of the lamp at the top of the Thiruparankundram Hills. It is against the feelings of the Tamil Nadu people. We are going to the Supreme Court," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Madurai bench, comprising Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, upheld an earlier order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan. The bench observed that the district administration should have viewed the issue as an opportunity to promote harmony between communities through mediation. The court also underlined that the Thiruparankundram hill is a protected site and any activity carried out there must strictly comply with the relevant provisions of the law.

Clarifying its position, the court said that the lamp may be lit on the Deepathoon, subject to conditions, and that the number of persons allowed can be regulated after consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India.

Petitioner Rajesh welcomed the verdict, calling it remarkable. He said the state government's arguments, including concerns over possible law and order issues, were rejected by the court. Terming the ruling a victory for Hindus in Tamil Nadu and devotees of Lord Murugan, he urged the temple administration to make necessary arrangements for lighting the lamp in accordance with the court's directions.

- ANI
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations believes in the sanctity of the territorial integrity of its member states, and that is a position of principle the world body will continue to defend, a UN spokesperson said Tuesday.

The United Nations has noted with "concern" the rhetoric around Greenland, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing, in response to a question on Greenland posed by Xinhua.

"But I can tell you that our position is one of principle and one that we will continue to defend, that the Secretary-General will continue to push both publicly and privately, and is that we believe in the sanctity of the territorial integrity of Member States," Dujarric said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland "for defense."

Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal. 
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

On and off snow showers this morning. Peeks of sunshine later. High 29F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 14F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Light snow this morning giving way to partly cloudy conditions this afternoon. High 29F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 14F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
In a revealing Genomic Press Interview published today in Genomic Psychiatry, Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens recounts an extraordinary scientific journey that wound through four countries and multiple disciplines before arriving at fundamental questions about how the brain develops and what goes wrong in psychiatric disorders. Her work now stands at the forefront of international efforts to decode the molecular signatures that define every cell type in the human brain.

Dr. Behrens serves as a faculty member in the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and holds an adjunct professorship in psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. As a principal investigator in the National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network, she contributes to generating comprehensive single-cell epigenomic atlases that researchers worldwide will use for decades to come.

A spark ignited on a psychiatry ward

The path to neuroscience was anything but direct. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and raised in Santiago, Chile, Dr. Behrens initially harbored ambitions of becoming an architect. The third of six daughters, she even enrolled in preparatory architecture school in Uruguay following the tragic death of her father in a car accident. Yet both parents had been scientists, and that intellectual heritage combined with an irrepressible curiosity eventually drew her toward biochemistry.

What transformed a biochemist into a brain researcher? The answer came through an unexpected encounter. Listening to patients in a psychiatry ward, Dr. Behrens found herself consumed by questions about the biological substrates of perception and reality. Why could these individuals not experience the world as others did? That question became a compass pointing toward decades of inquiry into the neural mechanisms underlying mental illness.

A transcontinental scientific education

Her training spanned continents in ways that seem almost deliberately circuitous. A master's thesis on aquatic fungi development at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. A doctoral dissertation on genetic networks governing sugar metabolism in yeast at the Autonoma University in Madrid. Postdoctoral work on the development of brine shrimp, also in Spain. None of these subjects appeared remotely connected to the brain.

Yet Dr. Behrens absorbed techniques and analytical frameworks during those years that would prove essential when she finally pivoted to neuroscience. This interview exemplifies the type of transformative scientific discourse found across the Genomic Press portfolio of open-access journals (https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/), where unconventional career trajectories often illuminate unexpected connections between fields.

Her transition came at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she worked with Dr. Dennis Choi in the Department of Neurology. Six years of intensive study allowed her biochemistry and molecular biology background to merge with neuropharmacology. She learned which questions could be answered using neurons grown in culture and which required studying the brain as an intact organ.

The ketamine revelation

A pivotal observation emerged during her time studying brain aging at the University of California, San Diego. Effects of ketamine on the aging brain led to investigations that yielded surprising results. Phenomena observed in cultured neurons translated into unexpected mechanisms in living animals. The findings were published in Science and opened the door to the Salk Institute, first within the laboratory of Dr. Terrence Sejnowski and subsequently as an independent scientist.

Could ketamine's effects on inhibitory neurons explain some of its remarkable properties as a rapid-acting antidepressant? And what might this reveal about the fundamental organization of neural circuits? These questions connected her pharmacological observations to deeper mysteries about brain development.

Mapping every cell in the brain

A publication encountered while awaiting grant decisions redirected Dr. Behrens from ketamine pharmacology toward developmental epigenomics, initiating a long-standing and fruitful collaboration with Drs Joseph Ecker and Bing Ren. Today, her laboratory investigates how neural circuits form in the prefrontal cortex during the perinatal period and whether maternal environment can influence brain development through epigenomic modifications.

The work carries profound implications for understanding neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. When does the developmental program deviate from its intended trajectory? What molecular events during critical windows set the stage for conditions that may not manifest until adolescence or adulthood?

Through the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network, Dr. Behrens and collaborators have produced atlases of the mouse brain listing not only genes expressed in every cell type but also the regulatory regions governing that expression. A similar atlas of the human brain is now underway. These resources will enable researchers globally to target specific cell types with unprecedented precision, opening therapeutic possibilities that were previously unimaginable.

The collaborative imperative

Dr. Behrens articulates a philosophy of science that prioritizes teamwork over hierarchy. She describes her greatest talent as building collaborative teams where everyone contributes without regard to status. This orientation reflects a conviction that knowledge advances through collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

What cultural facets of the scientific community warrant transformation? Dr. Behrens points to funding structures and peer review systems that fail to reward genuine collaboration. The competitive pressures endemic to academic science, she suggests, impede the open exchange of ideas that produces breakthrough discoveries.

Her mentoring encompasses a remarkably diverse group: genomicists, behavioralists, computer scientists, and neuroscientists working together on problems that no single discipline could address alone. The model echoes the interdisciplinary ethos that Genomic Press champions through its commitment to advancing open-access medical research across traditional boundaries.

Beyond the laboratory

Outside professional life, Dr. Behrens treasures travel to national parks, music, and enriching conversations. She lists her favorite occupation as listening to music and painting. Her most treasured possessions are not material objects but relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

When asked which living person she most admires, she names Svante Paabo, the Nobel laureate recognized for his work on ancient DNA and Neanderthal genomics. And if she could dine with any historical figure? Charles Darwin, for his analytical thinking and the way he articulated his reasoning as he uncovered evolutionary principles.

Her life philosophy crystallizes in a motto both pragmatic and liberating: if you cannot do anything about it, call it good. For a scientist who navigated funding crises, geographic relocations, and disciplinary transformations, such equanimity appears hard-earned.

Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes.
An elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is significantly associated with increased risk of depressive disorder (DD) and may also correlate with suicide risk among individuals with DD, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the November issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry, part of the Lippincott portfolio from Wolters Kluwer.

"Studies demonstrate altered immune responses in DD, including diminished lymphocyte reactivity and dysregulated neutrophil activity," explain Yongjun Chen, MD, of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jinan, China, and colleagues. "NLR, derived from a routine complete blood count, has emerged as a cost-effective and accessible peripheral biomarker of systemic inflammation." Theirs is the first comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate both the predictive and prognostic implications of NLR in patients with DD.

A broad, methodologically rigorous review of the evidence

Dr. Chen's group searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to September 4, 2024. Studies were eligible if they involved patients with primary or secondary depression (any subtype of DD) and reported original data on the association of DD with NLR with sufficient methodological detail.

The researchers included 37 studies, all published in English between 2015 and 2024, that collectively involved 88,019 participants. Three studies reported only categorical NLR data, 27 reported only continuous NLR data, and seven reported both. Twenty-seven studies derived from Asia, seven from Europe, and three from the Americas. Six were cohort studies and 31 had a casecontrol design. Participants ranged from 13 to 83 years old and sample sizes ranged from 32 to 34,324.

Using the NewcastleOttawa Scale, the research group assessed study quality in three domains: participant selection, comparability of study groups, and outcome ascertainment. In this system, the highest possible score is nine stars. All included studies scored seven or eight stars.

NLR was related to both DD prevalence and suicide risk

The researchers conducted separate analyses of categorical and continuous variables:

Categorical variables

Based on 10 studies-Individuals with elevated NLR had a 57% higher risk of developing DD than those with lower NLR (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.281.93), with substantial heterogeneity of results (I=85%; P<0.0001)

Based on 2 studies-Patients with DD who had elevated NLR were at 56% higher risk of suicide than those with lower NLR (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.261.94), with no significant heterogeneity (I=0%; P<0.0001)

Continuous variables

Based on 33 studies-NLR was significantly elevated in patients with DD compared to individuals without DD (standard mean difference, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.510.94), with substantial heterogeneity (I=96%; P<0.00001)

Based on 13 studies-Patients with DD who were considered at risk of suicide had significantly higher NLR than their counterparts who were not considered at risk (standard mean difference, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.230.61), with moderate heterogeneity (I=66%; P<0.0001)

A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that no individual study had undue effect on the overall findings.

"These findings underscore the clinical relevance of systemic inflammation in DD pathophysiology," Dr. Chen's group concludes, "and highlight NLR as a cost-effective, accessible tool to inform risk stratification and tailored treatment strategies in psychiatric care."
The federal government has drastically scaled back the number of recommended childhood immunizations, sidelining six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases, long-term disability, and death.

Just three of the six immunizations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it will no longer routinely recommend  against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rotavirus  have prevented nearly 2 million hospitalizations and more than 90,000 deaths in the past 30 years, according to the CDC's own publications.

Vaccines against the three diseases, as well as those against respiratory syncytial virus, meningococcal disease, flu, and covid, are now recommended only for children at high risk of serious illness or after "shared clinical decision-making," or consultation between doctors and parents.

The CDC maintained its recommendations for 11 childhood vaccines: measles, mumps, and rubella; whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria; the bacterial disease known as Hib; pneumonia; polio; chickenpox; and human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Federal and private insurance will still cover vaccines for the diseases the CDC no longer recommends universally, according to a Department of Health and Human Services fact sheet; parents who want to vaccinate their children against those diseases will not have to pay out-of-pocket.

Experts on childhood disease were baffled by the change in guidance. HHS said the changes followed "a scientific review of the underlying science" and were in line with vaccination programs in other developed nations.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, pointed to Denmark as a model. But the schedules of most European countries are closer to the U.S. standard upended by the new guidance.

For example, Denmark, which does not vaccinate against rotavirus, registers around 1,200 infant and toddler rotavirus hospitalizations a year. That rate, in a country of 6 million, is about the same as it was in the United States before vaccination.

"They're OK with having 1,200 or 1,300 hospitalized kids, which is the tip of the iceberg in terms of childhood suffering," said Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a co-inventor of a licensed rotavirus vaccine. "We weren't. They should be trying to emulate us, not the other way around."

Public health officials say the new guidance puts the onus on parents to research and understand each childhood vaccine and why it is important.

Here's a rundown of the diseases the sidelined vaccines prevent:

RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S.

The respiratory virus usually spreads in fall and winter and produces cold-like symptoms, though it can be deadly for young children, causing tens of thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths a year. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, roughly 80% of children younger than 2 who are hospitalized with RSV have no identifiable risk factors. Long-awaited vaccines against the disease were introduced in 2023.

Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccination, which was phased in beginning in the late 1990s and recommended for all toddlers starting in 2006, has led to a more than 90% drop in the disease since 1996. The foodborne virus, which causes a wretched illness, continues to plague adults, particularly people who are homeless or who abuse drugs or alcohol, with a total of 1,648 cases and 85 deaths reported in 2023.

Hepatitis B. The disease causes liver cancer, cirrhosis, and other serious illnesses and is particularly dangerous when contracted by babies and young children. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, even in microscopic amounts, and can survive on surfaces for a week. From 1990 to 2019, vaccination resulted in a 99% decline in reported cases of acute hepatitis B among children and teens. Liver cancer among American children has also plummeted as a result of universal childhood vaccination. But the hepatitis B virus is still around, with 2,000-3,000 acute cases reported annually among unvaccinated adults. More than 17,000 chronic hepatitis B diagnoses were reported in 2023. The CDC estimates about half of people infected don't know they have it.

Rotavirus Before routine administration of the current rotavirus vaccines began in 2006, about 70,000 young children were hospitalized and 50 died every year from the virus. It was known as "winter vomiting syndrome," said Sean O'Leary, a pediatrician at the University of Colorado. "It was a miserable disease that we hardly see anymore."

The virus is still common on surfaces that babies touch, however, and "if you lower immunization rates it will once again hospitalize children," Offit said.

Meningococcal vaccines. These have been required mainly for teenagers and college students, who are notably vulnerable to critical illness caused by the bacteria. About 600 to 1,000 cases of meningococcal disease are reported in the U.S. each year, but it kills more than 10% of those it sickens, and 1 in 5 survivors have permanent disabilities.

Flu and covid. The two respiratory viruses have each killed hundreds of children in recent years  though both tend to be much more severe in older adults. Flu is currently on the upswing in the United States, and last flu season the virus killed 289 children.

What is shared clinical decision-making?

Under the changes, decisions about vaccinating children against influenza, covid, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A and B will now rely on what officials call "shared clinical decision-making," meaning families will have to consult with a health care provider to determine whether a vaccine is appropriate.

"It means a provider should have a conversation with the patient to lay out the risks and the benefits and make a decision for that individual person," said Lori Handy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

In the past, the CDC used that term only in reference to narrow circumstances, like whether a person in a monogamous relationship needed the HPV vaccine, which prevents a sexually transmitted infection and certain cancers.

The CDC's new approach doesn't line up with the science because of the proven protective benefit the vaccines have for the vast majority of the population, Handy said.

In their report justifying the changes, HHS officials Tracy Beth Heg and Martin Kulldorff said the U.S. vaccination system requires more safety research and more parental choice. Eroding trust in public health caused in part by an overly large vaccine schedule had led more parents to shun vaccination against major threats like measles, they said.

The vaccines on the schedule that the CDC has altered were backed up by extensive safety research when they were evaluated and approved by the FDA.

"Theyre held to a safety standard higher than any other medical intervention that we have," Handy said. "The value of routine recommendations is that it really helps the public understand that this has been vetted upside down and backwards in every which way."

Eric Ball, a pediatrician in Orange County, California, said the change in guidance will cause more confusion among parents who think it means a vaccine's safety is in question.

"It is critical for public health that recommendations for vaccines are very clear and concise," Ball said. "Anything to muddy the water is just going to lead to more children getting sick."

Ball said that instead of focusing on a child's individual health needs, he often has to spend limited clinic time reassuring parents that vaccines are safe. A "shared clinical decision-making" status for a vaccine has no relationship to safety concerns, but parents may think it does.

HHS' changes do not affect state vaccination laws and therefore should allow prudent medical practitioners to carry on as before, said Richard Hughes IV, an attorney and a George Washington University lecturer who is leading litigation against Kennedy over vaccine changes.

"You could expect that any pediatrician is going to follow sound evidence and recommend that their patients be vaccinated," he said. The law protects providers who follow professional care guidelines, he said, and "RSV, meningococcal, and hepatitis remain serious health threats for children in this country."
Aston University and Midlands-based company PFE Medical are teaming up to create biodegradable gloves made from food waste for use in the NHS.

They will offer a low-cost, convenient alternative to disposable gloves without compromising patient safety. More than 1.4bn disposable gloves are used by the NHS each year. They create large volumes of clinical waste which has both an environmental and economic cost.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will develop a more sustainable alternative made from polymers derived from food waste such as orange peel, able to degrade naturally. The gloves will initially be for use during low-risk tasks such as ultrasound scans, rather than in more critical situations such as operating theatres.

The gloves would be designed to not only reduce clinical waste and costs in the NHS, but also carbon emissions, helping the NHS reach its goal to be the world's first net-zero health service. With most personal protective equipment (PPE) currently sourced from Chinese manufacturers, the goal is to develop a biodegradable glove that can be manufactured using a UK supply chain.

The challenging project draws on Aston University's expertise in sustainable polymer chemistry, centred at Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME). Aston University has one of the largest research groups of polymer chemists in the UK. The project will be led at the University by Professor Paul Topham, director of AIME, and Dr James Wilson, AIME associate member.

The research team have chosen to focus on polymers from food waste in order to ensure that the final product can be manufactured sustainably. Most polymers are currently made from petroleum. Polymers made from food waste, ranging from fruit waste to corn or dairy products, have the potential for antioxidant and antibacterial properties if designed appropriately. The team will manipulate the polymer molecules so that they include the right monomers (the smaller units which make up the molecules) in the right location to achieve the properties they require.

Critical to the success of the project will be PFE Medical's commercial and clinical experience of taking new innovations into medical use. It will be the third KTP between Aston University and PFE, following on from successful projects to develop an automated endoscope cleaner, now in use across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB).

At Aston University, we have a long history of working with industry, of translating fundamental research into solutions for real world problems. This project with PFE Medical provides us with that route, to take our science and engineering and make a difference to peoples' lives. That's exactly where, as researchers, we want to be." Professor Paul Topham, director of AIME

Rob Hartley, CEO of PFE Medical, said: "Our previous KTP with Aston University was a phenomenal success, thanks to the brilliant team we had on board. I'm just as excited by this project, which is looking to solve an equally long-standing problem. If we can achieve our goal, then the implications are huge, going far beyond the NHS to all the other situations where people are wearing disposable gloves."

KTPs, funded by Innovate UK, are collaborations between a business, a university and a highly qualified research associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector-leading KTP provider, ranked first for project quality, and joint first for the volume of active projects.
Just outside Salt Lake City sits an old, two-story, brick hotel. It's been given new life as a homeless shelter for seniors. The Medically Vulnerable People shelter  or MVP shelter, as it's known  is for people 62 and older or for younger adults with chronic health issues.

Residents share rooms designed to be accessible to those with mobility issues. There are also private bathrooms, which are a big deal for seniors struggling with incontinence.

Unlike the MVP, most homeless shelters aren't equipped to help seniors, especially those 65 and older. They are the fastest-growing homeless population nationwide, according to Dennis Culhane, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Not only are people who struggle with chronic homelessness aging, but many seniors are becoming homeless for the first time in their lives.

Getting in and out of bunks, managing medications, and making it to a shared bathroom in time are among the major challenges of shelter life for older adults. Staff at traditional shelters sometimes ask seniors to leave if they're unable to care for themselves.

The MVP is unusual among shelters because it provides on-site medical care to better serve its residents as they age.

Last spring, Jamie Mangum, who is in her 50s and has lung cancer, tripped and fell in her room. To visit with an emergency medical technician, she needed only to make it downstairs. Her swollen wrist was quickly wrapped, and she returned to her room. She said that wouldn't have been possible at other shelters she's stayed in.

"There, I'd have to wait hours as opposed to come in here, be seen," Mangum said.

Mangum said that in other shelters she'd likely have had to find her own way to an urgent care office or get an ambulance ride. Specialized case managers at the MVP have helped her get treatment for lung cancer as well.

"We have clients that need memory care. Maybe they were living independently before, but they were unable to maintain that and got evicted due to dementia or different things like that," said Baleigh Dellos, who manages the MVP shelter for The Road Home, a local nonprofit.

Specialized medical case managers work at the shelter. Primary care doctors and therapists visit weekly. Residents can even receive physical therapy in private spaces on-site.

A path to stability

The MVP partnered with the Fourth Street Clinic to offer medical care.

The first thing most new residents need help with is medication, said Matt Haroldsen with the Fourth Street Clinic, which provides health services at the shelter.

For people living on the streets, just keeping hold of regular medications is a challenge. Their medications get jacked when theyre in their camps, he said.

Diabetes patients without homes often bury their insulin to keep it cold. Haroldsen said they might forget where they buried it, or the vials might get too warm and spoil.

Helping residents at the shelter get those medications can stabilize their conditions, allowing them to focus on other priorities, such as getting an ID and other documents they need to apply for disability, Social Security, and various programs that can help them secure housing.

Nonprofits and local governments have opened similar shelters in Florida, California, and Arizona to meet the needs of older unhoused adults.

Having access to specialized shelters can be the difference between life and death, said Caitlin Synovec, assistant director of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

In cold-weather states, denying seniors a bed because of mobility and other health issues can be especially risky. In 2022, a Bozeman, Montana, senior froze to death after he was asked to leave a shelter because of incontinence.

Complex medical needs can pose a danger to other residents that most shelters aren't prepared to manage.

"A typical shelter doesn't allow somebody on oxygen to come in because that's such a fire hazard and risk," she said.

Synovec said giving seniors better access to health care inside shelters is the best way to help them succeed once they get housing. Health issues are a common reason seniors can't afford or maintain housing, she said.

A growing model

The MVP model is showing promise, both in Utah and elsewhere.

"Over 80% of the people who've stayed in our program this past year have moved into stable or permanent housing," said Jacob Torner, vice president of programs for the TaskForce for Ending Homelessness in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The nonprofit runs a shelter called Elder Haven.

The MVP shelter near Salt Lake City is also marking success. It was able to permanently house 36 seniors as of late last year.

Still, there are more seniors in need of shelter than it can accommodate. Dellos, the shelter's manager, said the MVP's waitlist hovers around 200 people. She said the shelter prioritizes people based on medical need, not time spent on the waitlist.

For residents who do get a room, it's life-changing.

Last spring, 62-year-old Jeff Gregg was playing fetch with his dog, Ruffy, just beyond the lawn in front of the MVP.

An old back injury forced Gregg to hunch over as he threw the ball. It also fueled a decades-long addiction to opioids. That cycle was hard to escape, he said.

"Fighting that, having a job, insurance, then losing the job, not having insurance, going out to the streets and being back in that crap, and I'd be back in the same position," he said.

Gregg said sobriety took a back seat to more immediate needs like finding food and a bed in a shelter. He said the MVP was the first place where he could relax and focus on recovery.

"I was able to get clean. It took me a couple months, but I just kept plucking away," he said.

He said the experience paved the way for him to get back surgery. He hopes that with less back pain, he can eventually get a job to help him afford an apartment.

This article is part of a partnership with NPR and Montana Public Radio.
By Nurul Fitri Ramadhani

JAKARTA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- "I never thought there would be a baby panda inside," said Rina, a 32-year-old visitor from Jakarta on Tuesday, after learning that a giant panda cub had been born at Taman Safari Indonesia, an animal theme park, in Bogor, West Java Province.

She was among hundreds of visitors who came to the park to see its giant pandas, unaware that the Panda Palace of the park was officially introducing Indonesia's first-ever giant panda cub, born on Nov. 27, after years of intensive conservation efforts and international cooperation.

"I am really excited," Rina said. "A baby panda born in Indonesia makes us feel proud."

The birth marks a milestone not only for wildlife conservation in Indonesia but also for the deepening ties between China and Indonesia, with the cub widely regarded as a living symbol of friendship, trust and shared responsibility for ecological protection.

The panda cub, officially unveiled on its 40th day of life on Tuesday, was named Satrio Wiratama, a name rich in cultural and moral meaning. Indonesian Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni explained that the name reflects noble values deeply rooted in Indonesian tradition.

"This is the 40th day, and he has been given a very beautiful name, Satrio Wiratama, which means a brave and honorable knight with noble character," Antoni said.

"The birth of this panda is not only the birth of an important animal, but also a symbol of the strong diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and China," he added.

The road to the panda's birth was long and challenging. According to Antoni, scientists made four attempts at natural mating before turning to assisted reproductive technology.

"There were four natural mating attempts, and then we conducted artificial insemination. Finally, on Nov. 27, Rio was born," he said, using the cub's nickname.

"The birth of the giant panda cub is a symbol of the deep friendship between China and Indonesia. It carries our shared aspirations for peace, amity and cooperation, and stands as a successful example of bilateral cooperation," said Wang Lutong, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia.

Jansen Manansang, founder of Taman Safari Indonesia, emphasized the broader significance of the panda program.

"Pandas are symbols of harmony, peace and friendship," he said. "This is a symbol of conservation success in Indonesia."

He noted that panda cooperation goes beyond animal care. "It deepens economic cooperation, builds biodiversity protection networks, encourages cross-cultural integration, strengthens ecological research and technology and builds trust across cultures," he said. 
When a patient's heart stops in a hospital, healthcare professionals need to act quickly.

"They immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation with breathing and chest compression, and connect to a defibrillator," says Eirik Skogvoll, a senior consultant at the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at St. Olavs Hospital.

But this is not always enough.

"If this does not get the heart going, we give the patient adrenaline intravenously," Skogvoll said.

Adrenaline in crisis

The fact that adrenaline also works to get the heart going in the event of cardiac arrest has long been a kind of accepted truth among health professionals. Many people are familiar with adrenaline from its use in treating anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that can be deadly. Adrenaline has been used in this context to resuscitate patients for more than 50 years.

Adrenaline is also well documented as used in an ambulance, outside hospitals. However, the extent to which adrenaline works in cardiac arrest in hospital has not been directly investigated  until now.

"The effect of adrenaline in this situation has so far not been unambiguously documented,"said Skogvoll, who is also a professor at the Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Now, in a study from St. Olavs Hospital and NTNU, anaesthesiologist Anders Norvik and the hospital's emergency team have shown how effective adrenaline actually is, even with relatively few patients.

Adrenaline acts almost immediately

"We found that adrenaline works within one minute. This increases the chance of the patient regaining their pulse fivefold," Norvik said. This is the first step for the patient to survive.

In other words, these are very convincing results.

Skogvoll and Norvik's research group can finally prove what many have believed because healthcare professionals accurately recorded the timing of the use of adrenaline during resuscitation attempts. Further statistical analysis could thus distinguish opinion from knowledge.

The first dose is what counts

But there is also a limit to how useful adrenaline is.

"If the patient does not respond to the first dose, it's not very useful to give more doses," Norvik said. He added that this result is less certain.

However, the first dose of adrenaline is the one that works best.

NTNU and St. Olavs Hospital have studied resuscitation for many years, using modern statistical methods. Last year, the research group received the award for the best publication of the year (in Norwegian) at St. Olavs Hospital.

The group conducted the adrenaline study in collaboration with the Universities of Stavanger and the Basque Country (Bilbao). They recently presented the results at the conference of the European Council for Resuscitation (Revival) (ERC). The study has also recently been published in the professional journal Resuscitation Plus.
Elyse Stevens had a reputation for taking on complex medical cases. People who'd been battling addiction for decades. Chronic-pain patients on high doses of opioids. Sex workers and people living on the street.

"Many of my patients are messy, the ones that dont know if they want to stop using drugs or not," said Stevens, a primary care and addiction medicine doctor.

While other doctors avoided these patients, Stevens  who was familiar with the city from her time in medical school at Tulane University  sought them out. She regularly attended 6 a.m. breakfasts for homeless people, volunteered at a homeless shelter clinic on Saturdays, and, on Monday evenings, visited an abandoned Family Dollar store where advocates distributed supplies to people who use drugs.

One such evening about four years ago, Charmyra Harrell arrived there limping, her right leg swollen and covered in sores. Emergency room doctors had repeatedly dismissed her, so she eased the pain with street drugs, Harrell said.

Stevens cleaned her sores on Mondays for months until finally persuading Harrell to visit the clinic at University Medical Center New Orleans. There, Stevens discovered Harrell had diabetes and cancer.

She agreed to prescribe Harrell pain medication  an option many doctors would automatically dismiss for fear that a patient with a history of addiction would misuse it.

But Stevens was confident Harrell could hold up her end of the deal.

"She told me, 'You cannot do drugs and do your pain meds,'" Harrell recounted on a Monday evening in October. So, "I'm no longer on cocaine."

Stevens' approach to patient care has won her awards and nominations in medicine, community service, and humanism. Instead of seeing patients in binaries  addicted or sober, with a positive or negative drug test  she measures progress on a spectrum. Are they showering daily, cooking with their families, using less fentanyl than the day before?

But not everyone agrees with this flexible approach that prioritizes working with patients on their goals, even if abstinence isn't one of them. And it came to a head in the summer of 2024.

"The same things I was high-fived for thousands of times  suddenly that was bad," Stevens said.

Flexible care or slippery slope?

More than 80% of Americans who need substance use treatment don't receive it, national data shows. Barriers abound: high costs, lack of transportation, clinic hours that are incompatible with jobs, fear of being mistreated.

Some doctors had been trying to ease the process for years. Covid-19 accelerated that trend. Telehealth appointments, fewer urine drug tests, and medication refills that last longer became the norm.

The result?

"Patients did OK and we actually reached more people," said Brian Hurley, immediate past president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The organization supports continuing flexible practices, such as helping patients avoid withdrawal symptoms by prescribing higher-than-traditional doses of addiction medication and focusing on recovery goals other than abstinence.

But some doctors prefer traditional approaches that range from zero tolerance for patients using illegal drugs to setting stiff consequences for those who don't meet their doctors' expectations. For example, a patient who tests positive for street drugs while getting outpatient care would be discharged and told to go to residential rehab. Proponents of this method fear loosening restrictions could be a slippery slope that ultimately harms patients. They say continuing to prescribe painkillers, for example, to people using illicit substances long-term could normalize drug use and hamper the goal of getting people off illegal drugs.

Progress should be more than keeping patients in care, said Keith Humphreys, a Stanford psychologist, who has treated and researched addiction for decades and supports involuntary treatment.

"If you give addicted people lots of drugs, they like it, and they may come back," he said. "But that doesnt mean that that is promoting their health over time."

Flexible practices also tend to align with harm reduction, a divisive approach that proponents say keeps people who use drugs safe and that critics  including the Trump administration  say enables illegal drug use.

The debate is not just philosophical. For Stevens and her patients, it came to bear on the streets of New Orleans.

'Unconventional' prescribing

In the summer of 2024, supervisors started questioning Stevens' approach.

In emails reviewed by KFF Health News, they expressed concerns about her prescribing too many pain pills, a mix of opioids and other controlled substances to the same patients, and high doses of buprenorphine, a medication considered the gold standard to treat opioid addiction.

Supervisors worried Stevens wasn't doing enough urine drug tests and kept treating patients who used illicit drugs instead of referring them to higher levels of care.

"Her prescribing pattern appears unconventional compared to the local standard of care," the hospital's chief medical officer at the time wrote to Stevens' supervisor, Benjamin Springgate. "Note that this is the only standard of care which would likely be considered should a legal concern arise."

Springgate forwarded that email to Stevens and encouraged her to refer more patients to methadone clinics, intensive outpatient care, and inpatient rehab.

Stevens understood the general practice but couldnt reconcile it with the reality her patients faced. How would someone living in a tent, fearful of losing their possessions, trek to a methadone clinic daily?

Stevens sent her supervisors dozens of research studies and national treatment guidelines backing her flexible approach. She explained that if she stopped prescribing the medications of concern, patients might leave the health system, but they wouldn't disappear.

"They just wouldn't be getting care and perhaps they'd be dead," she said in an interview with KFF Health News.

Both University Medical Center and LSU Health New Orleans, which employs physicians at the hospital, declined repeated requests for interviews. They did not respond to detailed questions about addiction treatment or Stevens' practices.

Instead, they provided a joint statement from Richard DiCarlo, dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, and Jeffrey Elder, chief medical officer of University Medical Center New Orleans.

"We are not at liberty to comment publicly on internal personnel issues," they wrote.

"We recognize that addiction is a serious public health problem, and that addiction treatment is a challenge for the healthcare industry," they said. "We remain dedicated to expanding access to treatment, while upholding the highest standard of care and safety for all patients."

Not black-and-white

KFF Health News shared the complaints against Stevens and the responses she'd written for supervisors with two addiction medicine doctors outside of Louisiana, who had no affiliation with Stevens. Both found her practices to be within the bounds of normal addiction care, especially for complex patients.

Stephen Loyd, an addiction medicine doctor and the president of Tennessee's medical licensing board, said doctors running pill mills typically have sparse patient notes that list a chief complaint of pain. But Stevens notes detailed patients' life circumstances and the intricate decisions she was making with them.

"To me, that's the big difference," Loyd said.

Some people think the "only good answer is no opioids," such as oxycodone or hydrocodone, for any patients, said Cara Poland, an addiction medicine doctor and associate professor at Michigan State University. But patients may need them  sometimes for things like cancer pain  or require months to lower their doses safely, she said. "It's not as black-and-white as people outside our field want it to be."

Humphreys, the Stanford psychologist, had a different take. He did not review Stevens' case but said, as a general practice, there are risks to prescribing painkillers long-term, especially for patients using today's lethal street drugs too.

Overprescribing fueled the opioid crisis, he said. It's not going to go away if we do that again."

'The thing that kills people'

After months of tension, Stevens' supervisors told her on March 10 to stop coming to work. The hospital was conducting a review of her practices, they said in an email viewed by KFF Health News.

Overnight, hundreds of her patients were moved to other providers.

Luka Bair had been seeing Stevens for three years and was stable on daily buprenorphine.

After Stevens' departure, Bair was left without medication for three days. The withdrawal symptoms were severe  headache, nausea, muscle cramps.

"I was just in physical hell," said Bair, who works for the National Harm Reduction Coalition and uses they/them pronouns.

Although Bair eventually got a refill, Springgate, Stevens' supervisor, didn't want to continue the regimen long-term. Instead, Springgate referred Bair to more intensive and residential programs, citing Bair's intermittent use of other drugs, including benzodiazepines and cocaine, as markers of high risk. Bair requires a higher level of care than our clinic reasonably can offer," Springgate wrote in patient portal notes reviewed by KFF Health News.

But Bair said daily attendance at those programs was incompatible with their full-time job. They left the clinic, with 30 days to find a new doctor or run out of medication again.

"This is the thing that kills people," said Bair, who eventually found another doctor willing to prescribe.

Springgate did not respond to repeated calls and emails requesting comment.

University Medical Center and LSU Health New Orleans did not answer questions about discharging Stevens' patients.

'Reckless behavior'

About a month after Stevens was told to stay home, Haley Beavers Khoury, a medical student who worked with her, had collected nearly 100 letters from other students, doctors, patients, and homelessness service providers calling for Stevens' return.

One student wrote, "Make no mistake  some of her patients will die without her." A nun from the Daughters of Charity, which ran the hospital's previous incarnation, called Stevens a "lifeline" for vulnerable patients.

Beavers Khoury said she sent the letters to about 10 people in hospital and medical school leadership. Most did not respond.

In May, the hospital's review committee determined Stevens' practices fell "outside of the acceptable community standards and constituted "reckless behavior," according to a letter sent to Stevens.

The hospital did not answer KFF Health News' questions about how it reached this conclusion or if it identified any patient harm.

Meanwhile, Stevens had secured a job at another New Orleans hospital. But because her resignation came amid the ongoing investigation, University Medical Center said it was required to inform the state's medical licensing board.

The medical board began its own investigation  a development that eventually cost Stevens the other job offer.

In presenting her side to the medical board, Stevens repeated many arguments she'd made before. Yes, she was prescribing powerful medications. No, she wasn't making clinical decisions based on urine drug tests. But national addiction organizations supported such practices and promoted tailoring care to patients' circumstances, she said. Her response included a 10-page bibliography with 98 citations.

Liability

The board's investigation into Stevens is ongoing. Its website shows no action taken against her license as of late December.

The board declined to comment on both Stevens' case and its definition of appropriate addiction treatment.

In October, Stevens moved to the Virgin Islands to work in internal medicine at a local hospital. She said she's grateful for the welcoming locals and the financial stability to support herself and her parents.

But it hurts to think of her former patients in New Orleans.

Before leaving, Stevens packed away handwritten letters from several of them  one was 15 pages long, written in alternating green and purple marker  in which they shared childhood traumas and small successes they had while in treatment with her.

Stevens doesn't know what happened to those patients after she left.

She believes the scrutiny of her practices centers on liability more than patient safety.

But, she said, "liability is in abandoning people too."
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai an $8.5 million renewal grant to continue groundbreaking work aimed at understanding and improving long-term outcomes for children with congenital heart disease-the most common type of birth defect in the United States.

The project, led by Brett Anderson, MD, MBA, MS, Director of the Center for Child Health Services Research in The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine, expands upon the earlier work of Dr. Anderson and her team, who created the first statewide data network to study long-term outcomes and health care use for children after congenital heart surgery. Known as the Congenital Heart Surgery Collaborative for Longitudinal Outcomes and Utilization of Resources (CHS-COLOUR), the network united data and surgical leaders from nearly all New York State congenital heart centers and the New York State Department of Health, linking clinical registry and insurance data and revealing how the staff and logistics of health care systems affect long-term outcomes.

The CHS-COLOUR found that children on Medicaid spent, on average, more than 90 days in hospitals and doctors' offices in the first five years after congenital heart surgery, with large variation across patient demographics-even among clinically similar groups. Further, the team found that differences among the providers who treated patients appeared to explain up to 20 percent of the observed differences in outcomes.

The renewed grant expands the collaborative, uniting clinical leadership and registry data from all 25 congenital heart surgical centers across four states (New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Texas) and 14 interdisciplinary co-investigators from across the country to create the most comprehensive national resource to date to study how differences in health care systems and structures can improve outcomes for kids after cardiac surgery.

"This grant truly represents teamwork at its best," said Dr. Anderson. "We've brought together congenital heart surgeons, fetal and pediatric cardiologists, pediatricians, public health experts, health economists, biostatisticians, and medical anthropologists to tackle these complex issues. From our earlier work, we know that children from different backgrounds often see different providers-even when they have similar insurance. Now we're asking how families connect with these providers and how the health care system can work more effectively to ensure better outcomes for all children." Dr. Anderson, a pediatric cardiologist, is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Population Health Science and Policy, at the Icahn School of Medicine.

"This renewal allows us to build something transformative," said Jane Newburger, MD, MPH, Commonwealth Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Associate Cardiologist-in-Chief for Academic Affairs, Boston Children's Hospital; and Co-Investigator on this grant. "Bringing together data, surgical and public health leaders, and innovative quantitative and qualitative expertise from across the country, we will be able to develop a deeper knowledge of how patients navigate insurance, prenatal care, and birth center selection; how they choose and access the pediatricians, cardiologists, and surgeons they see; and how these factors influence downstream care and outcomes across the life course."

Congenital heart defects are the most common and resource-intensive birth defects in the United States, affecting about one in every 100 live births or roughly 40,000 newborns each year. Treatment often requires open-heart surgery, sometimes multiple procedures. More than 10 percent of infants die from these surgeries, and those who survive often live with ongoing health problems. Research has shown that Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children experience 15-20 percent higher mortality than non-Hispanic white children-even after adjusting for clinical risk factors, family income, neighborhood socioeconomics, and surgical center-but the reasons behind these variabilities remain poorly understood.

Dr. Anderson's work exemplifies Mount Sinai's commitment to driving improved health outcomes for all children through data-driven science. By linking robust clinical information with real-world health care data, this project has the power to change how we as providers and policymakers structure and deliver care for children with heart disease nationwide." Bruce D. Gelb, MD, Dean for Child Health Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Dr. Gelb is also the Gogel Family Chair and Director of The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute and Professor of Pediatrics, and Genetics and Genomic Sciences, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
The parasite that may already live in your brain can infect the very immune cells trying to destroy it, but new UVA Health research reveals how our bodies keep it under control.



The parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is potentially deadly. It infects warm-blooded animals, but it's typically passed to people by cats or by consuming contaminated produce or undercooked meat. Once it's made its way inside you, the parasite spreads throughout your body and takes up permanent residence in your brain. It's estimated about a third of all people around the world have the parasite, yet, amazingly, few ever have symptoms. The disease it can cause, toxoplasmosis, is primarily a problem for people who are immunocompromised.



Researchers led by Tajie Harris, PhD, have determined how our immune systems fight back against the parasite when it makes it inside the CD8+ T cells meant to destroy it.



"We know that T cells are really important for combatting Toxoplasma gondii, and we thought we knew all the reasons why. T cells can destroy infected cells or cue other cells to destroy the parasite. We found that these very T cells can get infected, and, if they do, they can opt to die. Toxoplasma parasites need to live inside cells, so the host cell dying is game over for the parasite," said Harris, the director of the Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG Center) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. "Understanding how the immune system fights Toxoplasma is important for several reasons. People with compromised immune systems are vulnerable to this infection, and now we have a better understanding of why and how we can help patients fight this infection."

Battling the brain parasite

Harris and her collaborators discovered that our CD8+ T cells have a potent weapon against T. gondii: an enzyme called caspase-8. Caspase-8 is an important regulator of our immune systems, and one of its jobs is to cause cells to self-destruct.



The UVA researchers found that lab mice that lacked Caspase-8 in their T cells had far greater numbers of T. gondii parasites in their brain than did mice that had the enzyme. This was the case even though both sets of mice produced strong immune responses to deal with the infection.



While the mice with the enzyme continued living normally, the ones without grew sick and died. Examining their brains after their deaths revealed that their CD8+ T cells were much more likely to be infected with the parasites.



That suggests that Caspase-8 is a critical player in how our bodies control T. gondii within our T cells. And it also adds to a growing understanding of the importance of the enzyme in controlling pathogens in our bodies more generally, the researchers report in a new scientific paper.



"We scoured the scientific literature to find examples of pathogens infecting T cells. We found very few examples," said Harris, part of UVA's Department of Neuroscience. "Now, we think we know why. Caspase-8 leads to T cell death. The only pathogens that can live in CD8+ T cells have developed ways to mess with Caspase-8 function. Prior to our study, we had no idea that Caspase-8 was so important for protecting the brain from Toxoplasma."

Findings published

Harris and her colleagues have published their findings in the scientific journal Science Advances. The research team consisted of Lydia A. Sibley, Maureen N. Cowan, Abigail G. Kelly, NaaDedee A. Amadi, Isaac W. Babcock, Sydney A. Labuzan, Michael A. Kovacs, Samantha J. Batista, John R. Lukens and Harris. The scientists have no financial interest in the work.



The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grants R01NS112516, R01NS134747, R21NS12855, T32GM008715, T32AI007496, T32AI007046, T32NS115657, F30AI154740, T32AI007496 and T32GM007267; a University of Virginia Pinn Scholars Award; a UVA Shannon Fellowship; and UVA's Strategic Investment Fund.
New research from Norway reveals a missed opportunity in postpartum care, and shows that when GP check-ups are more comprehensive and hands-on, womens satisfaction rises dramatically.

Study: Postpartum check-ups with general practitioners in Norway: a cross-sectional survey of attendance, content and patient satisfaction. Image credit: Dorde Krstic/Shutterstock.com

A recent study in BMC Primary Care investigated attendance in postpartum check-ups with General Practitioners ( GP s) and patient satisfaction in Norway.

Postpartum care: Importance and guidelines

Caring for mothers after childbirth is essential for their well-being and for the healthy development of their babies. Effective postpartum care helps women recover, adapt to the demands of parenthood, and ensures newborns receive nurturing support.

Leading health organizations, such as the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE ), emphasize the importance of regular follow-up visits after delivery.

Recommendations for postpartum check-up timing vary. For instance, the WHO recommends a six-week check-up tailored to individual needs, while NICE suggests a period of six to eight weeks. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology ( ACOG ) recommends initial contact within 3 weeks and a full check-up by 12 weeks.

Most women in high-income countries attend postpartum check-ups, though attendance can be influenced by socioeconomic status. The content of these visits varies; women are more likely to receive information on birth control than on sexual health.

Midwives tend to focus on contraception, while family physicians address a broader range of topics, including mental health, nutrition, and sexual health. Obstetricians are less likely to cover these areas.

GPs usually conduct postpartum check-ups in England, and obstetricians in the U.S. In Norway, care is provided by a mix of professionals, but GP s have traditionally overseen the postpartum check-up. Therefore, general practice is a key source of postpartum care for women and families.

Women in England and Australia seek to discuss a wide range of topics with GP s, such as physical recovery, mental health, infant feeding, contraception, health promotion, and personal concerns. The postpartum period presents an important opportunity for health promotion by GP s.

Assessing Norwegian postpartum health care

Norwegian residents can choose a regular GP to provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. National guidelines recommend a midwife home visit soon after discharge, a nurse visit within 10 days, and a postpartum check-up at four to six weeks, with earlier visits for those with complications or chronic conditions. Postpartum check-ups are free and usually take place with the GP .

The current study included all women who gave birth to one or more liveborn children in the two hospitals of Nord-Trndelag Health Trust between 1st July 2021 to 20th June 2022. A total of 1,119 women were eligible for this study and had received an invitation letter and a link to the digital questionnaire, which was available in Norwegian only.

The questionnaire included demographic data, information about postpartum check-ups, attendance, and reasons for missing GP check-ups. It also provided details on GP visits, covering key topics, such as check-up content and satisfaction.

Patient experience was measured using a five-point Likert scale, with overall satisfaction as the main outcome. Responses were grouped into Satisfied or Not satisfied. Participants were also asked to provide suggestions for improvement.

Substantial non-attendance alongside generally positive experiences

Of the 1,119 invited women, 351 responded (a response rate of just over 30 %), and the majority were aged 2529 years. The study cohort comprised approximately 41 % first-time mothers, and 36 % had experienced labour complications.

Women who consulted midwives were more likely to be younger, first-time mothers, or from smaller communities. The authors note that, despite broadly representative demographics, the response rate introduces potential selection bias.

Most women learned about postpartum check-ups from community midwives or maternity wards, while fewer heard from GP s, friends, or social media. Only 68 % knew the check-up was free.

The majority of women considered six weeks postpartum the right time for the visit, though some felt it was too late or too early.

Of the respondents, 254 attended a postpartum check-up, either with a GP , a midwife, or at a hospital. The most common reasons for not attending were not having a regular GP , feeling the visit was unnecessary, being unaware of the check-up, or dissatisfaction with prior experiences.

Attendance rates were similar across most groups, though women with higher education were more likely to attend. Knowing the check-up was free increased the likelihood of attending.

Notably, women with pre-existing conditions or adverse pregnancy outcomes did not attend postpartum check-ups more frequently than healthier women, despite their potentially greater need for follow-up care.

Twenty-two percent of women contacted their GP for reasons other than a scheduled postpartum check-up, most often through in-person visits, but also by phone, electronic messages, video, or home visits.

Only women who saw GP s for postpartum check-ups answered questions about key topics and satisfaction. The most discussed topics were contraception, breastfeeding, labour, mental health, and birth injuries.

Typically, female GP s addressed more topics and conducted more gynecological exams than male GP s.

Women rated GP s highly for communication, medical skills, and care. Overall satisfaction, however, was moderate rather than universal, with just over half of women reporting high overall satisfaction with the GP check-up.

Satisfaction was strongly linked to discussing labour and having a gynecological exam. Satisfied women had more topics covered during their check-up than those who were not satisfied, highlighting the importance of breadth and depth in postpartum consultations.

Strategies to boost postpartum attendance

A substantial minority of women miss postpartum check-ups, representing a lost opportunity for support and long-term health promotion. Attendance was not higher among women with chronic conditions or adverse pregnancy outcomes, raising concerns about whether current systems adequately reach those at greatest risk.

Ensuring regular access to a GP , improving the quality and structure of check-ups, and better communication about the purpose and free availability of postpartum visits could help increase attendance.

While many women report positive experiences with GP -led postpartum care, satisfaction is closely tied to how comprehensive the visit is, including whether sensitive but important topics are discussed and whether a gynecological examination is offered. The study also highlights structural constraints, such as limited consultation time in general practice, which may restrict how comprehensive postpartum check-ups can be.

Ultimately, postpartum care should be individualized, with sufficient time and attention to address each woman's unique needs and to support not only short-term recovery, but also long-term health and well-being.

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Metabolic diseases have reached epidemic proportions in our society, driven by a sedentary lifestyle coupled with circadian misalignment - a desynchrony between our intrinsic biological clocks and environmental signals. Furthermore, we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, with a very limited exposure to natural daylight. To investigate the specific role of daylight in human metabolism, particularly in glycemic control, researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), Maastricht University, and the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) conducted a controlled study with thirteen volunteers with type 2 diabetes. When exposed to natural light, participants exhibited more stable blood glucose levels and an overall improvement in their metabolic profile. These results, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, provide the first evidence of the beneficial impact of natural light on people with type 2 diabetes.

As in all living beings, human physiological processes are subject to the influence of the circadian rhythm governed by the alternation of day and night. This is controlled by a central clock in the brain, which synchronizes the clocks in peripheral organs such as the liver and skeletal muscles.

"It has been known for several years that the disruption of circadian rhythms plays a major role in the development of metabolic disorders that affect an increasing proportion of the Western population," notes Charna Dibner, associate professor at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine and at HUG, who co-directed this work with Joris Hoeks, associate professor at Maastricht University, and Patrick Schrauwen, professor at the DDZ.

We largely spend our days under artificial lighting, which has a lower light intensity and a narrower wavelength spectrum than natural light. Natural light is also more effective in synchronizing the biological clock with the environment. Could the lack of natural light be to blame for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes?" Joris Hoeks, associate professor, Maastricht University

A look into body clocks

The research team recruited 13 volunteers aged 65 and over, all with type 2 diabetes. They spent 4.5 days in specially designed living spaces at Maastricht University, lit either with natural light through large windows or with artificial light. After a break of at least four weeks, they returned for a second session, this time in the other light environment.

"This experimental model allows us to examine the same people under both conditions, which limits the individual variability in our results," explains Joris Hoeks. "Apart from the light source, all the other lifestyle parameters - meals, sleep, physical activity, screen time, etc. - were kept strictly identical."

Surprisingly, even over the short duration of the experiment, a significant impact was noted: in people exposed to natural light, blood glucose levels were in the normal range for more hours per day, with less variability. "Two important elements that indicate that our volunteers with diabetes managed to control their sugar levels better," says Patrick Schrauwen from DDZ. "In addition, their melatonin level was a little higher in the evening, and fat oxidative metabolism was also improved."

To better understand the observed positive changes in the body's metabolism, the scientists took blood and muscle samples from the volunteers before, during, and after each light treatment. "We analysed the regulation of molecular clocks in cultured skeletal muscle cells together with lipids, metabolites, and gene transcripts in the blood. Together, the results clearly show that the internal clock and metabolism are influenced by natural light. This could be the reason for the improved blood sugar regulation and the improved coordination between the central clock in the brain and the clocks in the organs," explains Charna Dibner.

Results should be confirmed in real-life conditions

This study - a world first controlled cross-over study - only involved a small cohort of older people with type 2 diabetes over a short period of time. Nevertheless, it is the first evidence of the beneficial effect of natural daylight on metabolic health as compared to artificial light to which we tend to be exposed most of the time.

"The next step will be to study the interactions between exposure to natural light and metabolic health in real-life conditions, by equipping volunteers with light detectors and glucose measurement tools for several weeks," say Jan-Frieder Harmsen, lead author of the study, former PhD fellow in Hoeks' research group and currently a post-doctoral researcher at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. "This study also highlights the often-overlooked impact of building architecture on our health."

This study was carried out with the support of the VELUX Stiftung and Daylight Academy, the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Vontobel Foundation.
A Belgian study reveals why donors choose science over tradition and how family conversations can turn loss into a lasting contribution to medical education and public health.

Study: Beyond the gift: donor motivations and family experiences as drivers of body donation programs. Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com

Researchers at the University of Liege, Belgium, conducted an exploratory study to identify psychological, social, and cultural factors that can potentially influence an individuals motivations and decisions for body donation. The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, was conducted within a single Belgian university body donation program.

Body donation decisions are shaped by personal values and families

Body donation to science is a generous and self-sacrificing act for the greater benefit of mankind, wherein an individual donates their body to educational institutions after death to facilitate the training process of healthcare professionals and the advancement of biomedical research. With the increasing number of medical students and biomedical faculties, demand for human cadavers is simultaneously rising worldwide.

Various motivations can influence an individuals decision to donate their body, including generosity, a desire to contribute to medical advancements, a desire to create a meaningful and long-lasting impact on society, and avoiding burial costs or traditional funeral practices.

The motivations of donors and the expectations of their families are the key factors that shape the success of body donation initiatives. However, these factors largely remain unexplored in the literature.

Experiences of the donors family members are particularly vital in this context, as family support amplifies the donors motivation. However, family members may often experience a state of double loss, encompassing the death of their loved one as well as the temporary absence of the body during its use in training and research.

It is thus essential to integrate their experiences into body donation programs to support broader public health goals of transparency, equity, and social legitimacy. Clear communication between donors and family members, education and awareness, and trust in healthcare professionals are vital for family consent.

In the current study, researchers from the University of Liege explored the motivations of body donors and the experiences of their family members, interpreting the findings through integrative behavioral frameworks to inform institutional and public health practices.

Donors prioritize scientific contribution while families navigate loss

The study included a total of 104 registered donors and a smaller exploratory group of 10 family members of deceased donors. The analysis of self-reported questionnaires from the donors revealed that scientific utility was the leading motivation. Other prominent motivations were the desire for symbolic survival after death, the desire to support medical research, and expressing gratitude for medical care.

About 96 % of donors reported informing their family members about body donation. In most cases, family members reactions were favorable, followed by astonishment and a mix of sadness and other emotions. In general, the families expressed a sense of double loss at the time of death and at the time of restitution.

The study identified word of mouth as the leading source of information about body donation. Other sources included traditional and digital media, as well as healthcare and teaching personnel.

Approximately 88 % of donors reported that family members did not influence their decisions. About 11 % of donors who reported some family influence cited respect for autonomy and a family tradition of donation as the primary explanations.

Body donation as a public health issue

The study identifies key donor motivations and family experiences that are vital for strengthening trust, enhancing engagement, and ensuring the sustainability of donation programs.

The desire to contribute to science and education is the predominant motivation for body donation, according to the study findings. Other major motivations were symbolic meaning, altruism, and gratitude. Interestingly, the study did not find practical considerations, such as reducing funeral costs, as a major motivation among donors.

These observations suggest that the motivation for body donation has a multidimensional origin, combining scientific contribution with personal and existential values. By highlighting the relative hierarchy of key drivers, the study reveals that, unlike organ donation, which is mainly associated with altruism and duty, whole-body donation appears to be a more reflexive and meaning-driven act, relating to educational and symbolic significance.

The majority of donors reported making their own decision about body donation and mentioned minimal family influence. However, they reported discussing their choice with family members, whose reactions varied by the donors occupational category. Employees or civil servants expressed support more frequently, while workers or technicians reported sadness more often.

These findings indicate that although motivation for body donation is primarily personal, family dialogue plays a key role in legitimizing the choice and facilitating grief. In other words, the study supports the idea that body donation is both a profoundly individual decision and a relational act negotiated within family and cultural networks.

The feeling of double loss experienced by many family members at the time of death and later at the restitution of remains indicates that disrupted rituals and delayed closure can complicate mourning.

However, some family members reported that the donation decision helped them transform loss into a meaningful contribution to society. This finding further highlights the importance of tailored family support. The authors note that the family-related findings are exploratory, as they are based on a small sample, and should be interpreted with caution.

Overall, the study highlights the need to integrate body donation into educational and public health agendas to promote and sustain the growth of donation programs worldwide.

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Ambassador Kwatra visits IBM Research Center, discusses National Quantum Mission

Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 02:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Washington DC [US], January 8 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid a visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab and discussed IBMs expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission.In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra shared details of his visit and highlighted that India is taking steps to build research collaborations and innovation hubs.Had an exciting visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab to witness the cutting-edge research work taking place in quantum computing. We spoke about IBMs expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission, under which India is taking dedicated steps to build world-class research collaborations and dedicated innovation hubs."

Had an exciting visit to the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center Think Lab to witness the cutting edge research work taking place in quantum computing. We spoke about IBMs expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission, under which India is taking dedicated pic.twitter.com/5DqZJofcqn Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) January 6, 2026

The National Quantum Mission (NQM), is a major initiative by the Indian Government to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development. Approved on April 19 2023 by the Union Cabinet, the mission is set to span from 2023-24 to 2030-31, with a budget allocation of 6,003.65 crore, as per a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology.Through the mission, India aims to harness the power of quantum technology to drive innovation, strengthen security, and boost various industries, positioning itself as a global leader in this cutting-edge field.He also met Yan Le Cun and spoke about Artificial Intelligence and Indias priorities towards leveraging AI for development.Delighted to meet Prof. Yann Le Cun @ylecun a preeminent voice in AI research. We spoke about the future of AI research and Indias priorities towards leveraging AI for development at home".

Delighted to meet Prof. Yann Le Cun @ylecun a preeminent voice in AI research. We spoke about the future of AI research and Indias priorities towards leveraging AI for development at home pic.twitter.com/9q36TzL8Za Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) January 7, 2026

Earlier in November last year, Kwatra met Congressman Jay Obernolte and held discussions with him to enhance the cooperation between India and the US in areas such as science, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation.He also held a conversation with Francis Pedraza, the founder of Invisible Technologies, on evolving innovation and technology. He shared that Pedrazas Eternity Civilization Foundation is working on an ambitious project to translate the works of the ancient Nalanda library using AI tools. (ANI)

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First Published: January 08, 2026, 02:00 IST

News agency-feeds Ambassador Kwatra visits IBM Research Center, discusses National Quantum Mission

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Denmark, Greenland seek talks with Rubio over US interest in taking island

Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:15 IST

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Copenhagen, Jan 7 (AP) Denmark and Greenland are seeking a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the Trump administration doubled down on its intention to take over the strategic Arctic island, a Danish territory.

President Donald Trump has argued that the US needs to control the worlds largest island to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a select group of lawmakers that it was the administrations intention to eventually purchase Greenland  a self-governing territory of Denmark and part of NATO  rather than use military force.

The remarks, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, were made in a classified briefing Monday evening on Capitol Hill, according to a person with knowledge of his comments who was granted anonymity because it was a private discussion.

On Wednesday, Rubio told reporters that Trump has been talking about acquiring Greenland since his first term. He was on Capitol Hill for a briefing with the entire Senate and House, where questions from lawmakers centred not only on the administrations operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro  but also on Trumps recent comments about Greenland.

Tensions with NATO members escalated after the White House said Tuesday that the US military is always an option." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a US takeover would amount to the end of NATO.

The Nordics do not lightly make statements like this," Maria Martisiute, a defence analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. But it is Trump, whose very bombastic language bordering on direct threats and intimidation, is threatening the fact to another ally by saying I will control or annex the territory." The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Frederiksen in a statement Tuesday reaffirming that the mineral-rich island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, belongs to its people." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested a meeting with Rubio in the near future, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenlands government website.

Previous requests for a sit-down were not successful, the statement said.

This is America now ============= Thomas Crosbie, an associate professor of military operations at the Royal Danish Defence College, said an American takeover would not improve upon Washingtons current security strategy.

The United States will gain no advantage if its flag is flying in Nuuk versus the Greenlandic flag," he told the AP. Theres no benefits to them because they already enjoy all of the advantages they want. If theres any specific security access that they want to improve American security, theyll be given it as a matter of course, as a trusted ally. So this has nothing to do with improving national security for the United States." Denmarks parliament approved a bill last June to allow US military bases on Danish soil. It widened a previous military agreement, made in 2023 with the Biden administration, where US troops had broad access to Danish airbases in the Scandinavian country.

Rasmussen, in a response to lawmakers questions, wrote over the summer that Denmark would be able to terminate the agreement if the US tries to annex all or part of Greenland.

But in the event of a military action, the US Department of Defence currently operates the remote Pituffik Space Base, in northwestern Greenland, and the troops there could be mobilised.

Crosbie said he believes the US would not seek to hurt the local population or engage with Danish troops.

They dont need to bring any firepower. They dont to bring anybody." Crosbie said Wednesday. They could just direct the military personnel currently there to drive to the centre of Nuuk and just say, This is America now, right? And that would lead to the same response as if they flew in 500 or 1,000 people." The danger in an American annexation, he said, lies in the erosion of the rule of law globally and to the perception that there are any norms protecting anybody on the planet." He added: The impact is changing the map. The impact I dont think would be storming the parliament." Greenland is not for sale ================ French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he spoke by phone Tuesday with Rubio, who dismissed the idea of a Venezuela-style operation in Greenland.

In the United States, there is massive support for the country belonging to NATO  a membership that, from one day to the next, would be compromised by any form of aggressiveness toward another member of NATO," Barrot told France Inter radio on Wednesday.

Asked if he has a plan in case Trump does claim Greenland, Barrot said he would not engage in fiction diplomacy." While most Republicans have supported Trumps statement, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, the Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, have criticised Trumps rhetoric.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honour its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," their statement on Tuesday said. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend." (AP) NPK NPK

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Emily in Paris to Enola Holmes 3: Here's what's coming to OTT in 2026

Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:00 IST

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 7 (ANI): The new year has begun, and with it, fresh updates have emerged about what cinemaphiles can expect to watch on OTT platforms in 2026. On Wednesday, Netflix shared its 2026 lineup of series, films and live events set to debut this year, along with release dates for some of its most anticipated shows. Several popular titles will return with new seasons, while some highly anticipated films will also make their way to the platform in 2026. The updates span a variety of genres, including romance, drama, fantasy, and action. Here are some of the popular shows and films set to release this year:EMILY IN PARIS SEASON 6One of the major returns is, of course, Emily in Paris. The series will return with its sixth season in 2026, continuing the story of Emily, a young marketing executive from Chicago, as she navigates her career, friendships, and relationships in Paris.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTIxZHHEwDA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==BRIDGERTON SEASON 4Another much-awaited return is Bridgerton. Season 4 will focus on Benedict Bridgerton. The new season will be released in two parts: Part 1 on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 on February 26, 2026.https://www.instagram.com/p/DTL3FE4Fvf-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINEAction and adventure fans can look forward to One Piece returning with its second season, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, on March 10, 2026. The new season will follow Luffy and the Straw Hat crew as they enter the dangerous Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure.AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER SEASON 2Avatar: The Last Airbender will return for its second season. The story picks up after the group saves the Northern Water Tribe and embarks on a new journey to seek help against the Fire Nation. Season 2 is slated to hit the OTT platform later this year.https://www.instagram.com/p/DTL8V5llxcr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==ENOLA HOLMES 3Season 3 of the popular Enola Holmes film series is also set to release soon on the OTT platform. In the upcoming film, Enola travels to Malta, where she faces a case that intertwines her personal life with her work as a detective.https://www.instagram.com/p/DTLY3dSEnJE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MANAnother major release is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which will stream on March 20, 2026, on Netflix. Set during World War II, the story follows Tommy Shelby as he returns to face challenges that threaten both his family and his future.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSnV2slinvN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Other movies and shows lineup for this year includes War Machine, Here Comes the Flood, War Machine, Little House on the Prairie, The Diplomat, The Witcher, among others. The OTT platform has given viewers an early look at what is planned for the year ahead.(ANI)

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First Published: January 08, 2026, 00:00 IST

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VIENTIANE, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) opened Tuesday morning in the Lao capital Vientiane, with delegates set to deliberate and adopt several key documents during the three-day meeting.

The documents, including the Party's Third Political Program, the political report of the 11th LPRP Central Committee, the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, and revised Party Statutes for the 12th tenure, are expected to define the LPRP's strategic direction, political and organizational line, and the country's socio-economic development pathway.

The congress will also elect the 12th Party Central Committee, the LPRP's highest leadership body for the upcoming term.

Security and public order have been prioritized to ensure the smooth conduct of the congress, which has been reinforced by support from the public and private sectors. Lao leaders expressed gratitude for the unity and recognition of the event's national importance. 
Four killed, 6 injured in road accident in Nashik district

Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:15 IST

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Nashik, Jan 7 (PTI) Four people, three of them from Rajasthan, were killed and six others injured in a head-on collision between two cars in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The accident occurred on a national highway in Dindori taluka of the district, they said.

According to police, at around 3 pm, an Ertiga car going towards Peth from Nashik collided head-on with a Scorpio SUV coming from the opposite direction near Chachadgaon toll plaza, leaving four people dead.

The deceased were identified as Chogalal Hiralal Gurjar (75), Kishanlal Hiralal Gurjar (45) and Poonam Gurjar (40), all residents of Devgarh in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. They were travelling in the SUV. Ertiga car driver, Shahrukh Khan Farakat Khan (28), a resident of Silvassa in Dadara & Nagar Haveli, also died in the crash, police said.

As many as six people received injuries in the accident, and they were admitted to Nashik District Hospital and a private hospital, according to police.

Both vehicles were badly damaged in the accident. PTI COR RSY

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Suspended BRS MLC Kavitha's resignation accepted by Legislative Council Chairman

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:00 IST

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Hyderabad, Jan 7 (PTI) Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy has accepted the resignation of suspended BRS MLC K Kavitha from the council membership.

Kavithas resignation was accepted by the Chairman with effect from January 6, a notification issued late on Tuesday by the Council Secretary said.

Kavitha was elected to the LC in 2021 from the Nizamabad Local Authorities Constituency.

She resigned from the MLC post on September 3 last year, but it was not accepted.

Speaking in the Council on January 5, she urged the Chairman to accept her resignation.

During her speech, Kavitha hit out at the party led by her father, K Chandrasekhar Rao, alleging corruption in Telangana during the previous party regime and also called the BRS Constitution a joke".

She also said she was not party to certain unpopular" decisions during the BRS rule.

Kavitha was suspended from the BRS in September, 2025 after she accused her cousins and party leaders T Harish Rao and J Santosh Kumar of tarnishing" her father KCRs image over the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project built during the BRS regime.

Since her suspension, she has been focusing on public issues under the banner of Telangana Jagruti, a cultural organisation she heads.

Kavitha had also announced in December last year that her political platform would contest the next assembly elections in the state. PTI SJR SJR ROH

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TN to operate 59,095 buses for Pongal season

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:00 IST

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Chennai, Jan 7 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government would operate a total of 59,095 buses to manage the Pongal festive rush, state Transport Minister S S Sivasankar said.

A consultative meeting chaired by the Minister on the special arrangements and the operation of special buses by the transport department was held at the Secretariat.

Accordingly, 10,245 special buses would be operated in addition to the 2,092 daily scheduled buses from Chennai to various destinations between January 9 and 14.

From other districts, nearly 11,290 special buses would be operated from various other towns, the Minister was quoted as saying in an official release issued on January 6.

In total, 34,087 buses will be operating during this period (January 9 to 14) from Chennai and other towns," he said.

On the return journey, the government said a total of 25,008 buses would be operating.

For the return rush, along with 2,092 daily scheduled buses, 6,820 special buses would be operated totalling 15,188 buses between January 16 and 19, 2026.

Nearly 9,820 buses would be operated between other major towns across the state.

In total, 25,008 buses will be operated for the return journey," he said.

For reservation of tickets, he said facilities have been made for booking tickets using the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation mobile application, www.tnstc.in and also by using the Whatsapp no. 9444018898.

A 247 control room has been set up at the Kilambakkam bus terminus near here for information regarding the buses, passengers can also contact the mobile number 9445014436.

To report issues such as excess fare collection by private bus operators, a toll free number 18004256151, 044-24749002, 044-26280445,044-26281611 has also been provided, an official release said.

Feeder buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation would be operated 24 hours a day from Koyambedu to Kilambakkam and Madhavaram bus terminuses, the release added. PTI VIJ VIJ ROH

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Two Kerala police officers suspended over misconduct, drug case

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 22:15 IST

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Kochi, Jan 7 (PTI) Two police personnel in Ernakulam district have been suspended over separate incidents of alleged misconduct, officials said on Wednesday.

CPO Vijeesh of Palluruthy police station was suspended by the DCP of Kochi after a woman accused him of misbehaving.

The police said Vijeesh allegedly called the woman to a walkway in connection with her passport verification and forcibly took her into his car on Monday.

A case has been registered following her complaint under charges related to harassment.

In a separate case, CPO Subair of Kalady police station was suspended by the Ernakulam Rural SP after an internal probe found his involvement in a drug case.

Police said heroin had been seized from a relatives house in September, and the investigation reportedly revealed Subairs role in the case. PTI TGB ADB

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 22:15 IST

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Tarot Horoscope Today, January 7, 2026: Career, Finance And Love Guidance

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:15 IST

Tarot Horoscope for January 7, 2026 reveals mixed energies for all zodiac signs. Career growth, financial caution and relationship balance are key themes today.

Tarot Card Predictions Today January 7 2026 Daily Tarot Card Reading for All Zodiac Signs.

Tarot Card Reading Today, January 7 2026: Overall, Ganesha indicates a phase of mixed energies across all zodiac signs, where growth is possible through patience, self-control, and wise decision-making. Professional life brings opportunities such as promotions, new projects, financial deals, and long-term gains, but only for those who avoid haste, workplace politics, and ego clashes.

Financial caution is strongly advisedavoid risky investments, gambling, or blind trust, and plan carefully for the future. Relationships demand balance: spending quality time with partners and family, controlling harsh speech, and letting go of past disappointments will restore harmony.

Emotional fluctuations, stress, and self-doubt may arise, yet faith, inner strength, and consistent effort will help overcome obstacles. Health, rest, and mental stability should not be neglected. Those who remain disciplined, adaptable, and truthful will see gradual resolution of problems and steady progress toward success.

Aries Tarot Card Reading (The Emperor)

Ganesha says Relationships with an elder person may become harmonious. Avoid becoming part of increasing politics in the workplace. Maintain the success of your efforts. Do not step back out of fear of difficult situations. Avoid excessive worry. Circumstances change with time. Your partner may show displeasure due to insufficient time given to them. Problems in married life may come to an end.

You may soon breathe a sigh of relief. Use your confidence wisely. A close relative may come to meet you from a distant place. Someones careless nature may trouble you. Due to an urgent task, you may not be able to spend time with family. You may receive support from everyone on the work front. A new financial deal will be finalised and money will come your way. Do not waste time with people who do not appreciate your work.

Taurus Tarot Card Reading The Star)

Ganesha says Bring positivity into your thoughts. You may start new tasks. Your workload could increase. Avoid unnecessary activities. Do not carry the burden of others expectations on yourself. To maintain consistency in life, keep learning something new all the time. Do not let the negative environment around you dominate you. Move on from memories of the past. A task that had been pending for some time may now begin, possibly due to financial reasons. At this time, you can plan to take this beginning forward.

Maintain balance in your thoughts. This will surely lead to success in the work you do. Always keep faith in your God. Stay away from jealous and frivolous people. Reduce your dependence on others regarding your work. Face whatever situation arises with determination. Solutions will emerge on their own.

Gemini Tarot Card Reading (Queen of Wands)

Ganesha says Suddenly, some situations are arising that may be difficult. At this time, it may be necessary to make yourself mentally strong and confident. A long-pending promotion at work may be received. The search for a desired life partner may be fulfilled. The work done at this time will bring good results in the future. You will meet a woman who will bring a significant change in your life.

Complete tasks based on priority at this time. It is also possible that you may get into serious trouble because of a woman. In the work area, you are working on a project with your colleagues. Combine humility and sweetness in your behaviour. Harsh words may upset the other person. Do not argue with anyone. Adverse timing may increase disputes. Complete tasks on time. Do not ignore the expectations of elders.

Cancer Tarot Card Reading (Five of Pentacles)

Ganesha says Wrong financial advice given to a close person may cause rifts in relationships. Do not invest money without careful consideration at this time. Stay away from wrongful actions and bad company. Support the truth. Do not support wrongful deeds. Do not have excessive expectations from anyone. Avoid investing money in the stock market at this time. Stay away from people who have unreasonable expectations from you.

It is essential to maintain patience and self-control in any difficult situation. Keep faith and trust in your God. Take your steps carefully in tough circumstances. Do not be proud of temporary things. Keep an eye on your expenses. Do not form relationships with selfish people. Some new acquaintances may turn into friendships. Stay away from gambling or betting. You may arrange funds for your childs higher education. Avoid the company of bad people.

Leo Tarot Card Reading (Seven of Wands)

Ganesha says There may be a disagreement with a senior officer at work, which could disrupt your concentration. You will complete long-pending domestic tasks. Some good news may be received, which will lift your spirits. Some messages might be presented in a distorted way; in such situations, you will use your wisdom. You can correct the ongoing errors in your work. You may travel somewhere far with your loved one. For any confusion in a situation, advice may be sought from a senior person.

Promotion at work along with a transfer may cause distress. Working on a new project could provide an opportunity for foreign travel. Increasing responsibilities may cause mental stress. Due to a heavy workload, not being able to spend time with family will increase their displeasure. Try to bring balance into your life.

Do not depend on others for your work. Avoid interfering in others tasks. Do not do anything that could harm your familys reputation. You may provide financial help to a friend. You could meet some new people. You will share your plans with your family. You may focus on completing a new task.

Virgo Tarot Card Reading (Temperance)

Ganesha says Patience, restraint, and self-confidence are essential for success in work. Understand this. Excessive haste and anger can cause problems in tasks. Try to bring about a change in behaviour. Avoid using abusive language in conversation. The project you are currently working on may require patience and restraint. Family members irritability may be due to the increased workload.

Bring balance to your professional and personal life. Soon, new opportunities will appear in your work area. Carelessness may cause you to miss out on good opportunities. Your skills and abilities may impress senior officials. Take your time to complete new tasks well. The work can be completed excellently within the set deadline. Keep this thought in mind. The achievement of big opportunities depends on the success of small tasks. Inspire confidence in others about yourself.

Libra Tarot Card Reading (The Moon)

Ganesha says The burden of troubles may hurt the mind. Excessive worry over something can spoil your work. Do not make hasty decisions while investing. In case of doubt, you may seek advice. If Wells asks for advice, it will surely be given. Your behaviour should be humble and simple. Spend time with children and family. Honesty and the ability to work excellently will bring good results.

Reduce dependence on others. You may be worried about your children. Completing tasks on time seems difficult at the moment. Increase the pace of your efforts. You may take help from outsiders. Faith in God will increase. Do not repeat mistakes again and again. If any weakness is causing failure in work, overcome it. You can resolve difficulties in married life. Your spouses behaviour may be negative towards you. In this situation, try to understand the other person. Do not misuse valuable things.

Scorpio Tarot Card Reading (Five of Cups)

Ganesha says You may feel embarrassed in front of family members due to wrong decisions made by your spouse. There could be losses in financial investments. You are not satisfied with your current life. Stubborn and angry behaviour at work may cause colleagues to distance themselves. Try to bring a change in your behaviour. Avoid using abusive language. Keep your speech controlled. This can have a negative impact on your personality.

Repeated meetings with someone may turn into love. Such thoughts may arise. You will respect the elders. You may prepare to visit a religious place with family members. Avoid including past memories in your life. Stay strong and confident for whatever lies ahead. Maintain good behaviour with your spouse. You may engage in some activities that bring you into the limelight.

Sagittarius Tarot Card Reading (King of Wands)

Ganesha says Do not be influenced by the negative thoughts of others. Do not impose your views on people. Allow others the freedom to express their opinions. Do not be so affected by what others say that your work fails. The love you share with your spouse may irritate some people. Avoid such individuals. Do not react immediately to others words. Do not engage in any conversation or argument without verifying the truth.

Gather confidence within yourself and show determination in the decisions you have made. If you are looking for a better job, you may find a suitable position with the help of a senior male. At this time, a strong desire for great success may require hard work, which could affect your health. Rest is necessary along with work; keep this in mind. Resolve any bitterness arising in relationships.

Capricorn Tarot Card Reading (Ten of swords)

Ganesha says Mental state may deteriorate due to family tensions. You may distance yourself from everyone. Loneliness may enter your life. You could face reprimand from senior officials due to incomplete tasks. Change is necessary in life at this time. There may be deceit in relationships. Do not make decisions based on luck. Try to support the truth. Avoid disputes with unnecessary people. Reduce talkativeness in behaviour. Do not blindly trust those who can hurt your trust. Do not support wrong things.

Missing timely decisions may cause you to lose some good opportunities. You may have to undertake some journeys related to family matters. These journeys may be unavoidable. Try to resolve family disputes. Financial loss may occur due to wrong decisions at this time. Be a little cautious. Small quarrels can turn into major disputes. Opportunities for financial progress may also arise. You may discuss marriage with your beloved. Both will try to seek consent from their families.

Aquarius Tarot Card Reading (The Sun)

Ganesha says After a long time, you may experience the joy of children in your life. The atmosphere in the family is enthusiastic. You may seek the help of a financial advisor to resolve monetary problems. Repeated interference in someones work may test your patience. At this time, you can inform your family about your troubles. The arrival of a new person in the workplace is possible. An accident involving an elder in the family will create a sorrowful atmosphere.

Try to come out of this situation with patience and restraint. What has passed cannot be forgotten, but you can reduce stress by moving beyond the situation. Even if you want to, it is difficult to oppose the politics going on in the workplace. At this time, it is better to remain silent and assess the situation; otherwise, further problems may arise. You can share your troubles with friends. It is possible that some obstacles will start to resolve on their own.

Pisces Tarot Card Reading (Seven of Pentacles)

Ganesha says Backing away from challenges out of fear can be cowardice. Completing tasks on time in any situation will bring success. If you wish to remain in a particular field for a long time, try to make long-term plans. Periodically inspect your work closely and correct any mistakes that arise. Do not become irritable if errors occur. Stay calm and review your tasks again. Try to control your disappointment.

Always strive to complete tasks through hard work. Minor obstacles may arise during travel; do not be afraid of them. Do not be satisfied with current gains. Even a little laziness at this time can hinder progress. You may consider converting an old house into commercial property. Do not be careless about your health due to stubbornness. Anxiety may arise due to lack of salary increase at work. Important opportunities for promotion and financial gain may come at this time. Some effort may be required.

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 07:15 IST

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Budget 2026 To Be Presented On Sunday? CCPA Meeting Likely Today To Finalise Date

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:00 IST

Budget 2026 Date: Govt is reportedly inclined to stick to February 1 for presenting Budget, which, if approved, will make it first time that Budget is presented on Sunday.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget, which will also be the 80th Budget since Independence.

The Centre is likely to take a final call on the date of presentation of the Union Budget for 2026-27 at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) scheduled to be held later today, January 7, Moneycontrol has reported, citing sources.

The government is inclined to stick to February 1 for presenting the Budget, which, if approved, would make it the first time that the Union Budget is presented on a Sunday. While the decision is yet to be formally cleared, a CNBC-TV18 report earlier said preparations are already underway, keeping February 1 as the tentative date.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget, which will also be the 80th Budget since Independence.

The budget session of Parliament is expected to begin on January 28 with the customary address by the President to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The timing and sequencing of the session, including the date of the budget presentation, will be finalised once the CCPA gives its approval.

Since 2017, the government has followed the practice of presenting the Union Budget at 11 am on February 1, after advancing it from the earlier tradition of February 28. The shift was first implemented during the tenure of former finance minister Arun Jaitley, with the aim of ensuring quicker implementation of budgetary proposals from the start of the new financial year.

However, presenting the Budget on a weekend would not be unprecedented. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had presented the Budget 2025 on a Saturday, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union Budgets of 2015 and 2016 on February 28, both Saturdays.

If the schedule holds, Sitharaman will also create history by becoming the first finance minister to present nine consecutive Union Budgets, further cementing her position among Indias longest-serving finance ministers. This would bring her closer to the record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented a total of 10 Budgets across two stints  six between 1959 and 1964, and four between 1967 and 1969.

Among other recent finance ministers, P Chidambaram had presented nine Budgets, while Pranab Mukherjee presented eight Budgets during their respective tenures under different prime ministers.

Sitharaman was appointed Indias first full-time woman finance minister in 2019, following Prime Minister Narendra Modis return to power for a second term. She continued to hold the finance portfolio after the Modi government secured a third consecutive term in 2024.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:56 IST

News business economy Budget 2026 To Be Presented On Sunday? CCPA Meeting Likely Today To Finalise Date

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Bond Bottleneck: Sessions Court's Rare Order Delays Release Of 4 Delhi Riots Accused After SC Bail

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 05:42 IST

The judge accepted the bail bonds but called for a formal verification report from the police, to be submitted by Wednesday

While the defence counsel argued that the verification was unnecessary given that the sureties were close relatives living at the same addresses, the court maintained its stance. (Representational image)

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued a rare order directing the police to verify the bail bonds and surety documents of four activists accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The order came just twenty-four hours after the Supreme Court had granted the individuals bail, marking a historic turning point in a case that has seen some defendants incarcerated for over five years.

The four individuals affected by the order are Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, and Mohammad Saleem Khan. They appeared before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai at the Karkardooma Court to submit personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each, along with two local sureties of a similar amount, as mandated by the apex court.

In a departure from standard practice for long-term detainees, the judge accepted the bonds but called for a formal verification report from the police, to be submitted by Wednesday. This rare move effectively delayed their release by at least a day. A fifth accused, Shadab Ahmad, who was also granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday, did not appear before the trial court on Tuesday to furnish his documents.

The intervention by the trial court follows the Supreme Courts landmark judgement on Monday, which drew a sharp distinction between the roles of the seventeen accused in the larger conspiracy" case (FIR 59/2020). A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria granted bail to five co-accused, noting that their alleged roles were facilitative" or subsidiary" in nature.

Conversely, the apex court denied bail to high-profile activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, whom the prosecution has labelled the intellectual architects" and masterminds" of the violence. The court ruled that Khalid and Imam stood on a qualitatively different footing", as the material on record suggested they had central, directive roles in orchestrating the protests that escalated into communal riots, leaving 53 people dead.

The release of the four activists is subject to stringent conditions, including the surrender of their passports and a prohibition on leaving the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi without prior court permission. They are also barred from contacting any witnesses or participating in activities linked to the organisations named in the chargesheet.

While the defence counsel argued that the verification was unnecessary given that the sureties were close relatives living at the same addresses, the court maintained its stance. With the verification report due on Wednesday morning, the four activistswho have been in custody since mid-2020are expected to finally walk free, even as their mastermind" co-accused remain behind bars pending a renewed bail window in one year.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 05:42 IST

News cities Bond Bottleneck: Sessions Court's Rare Order Delays Release Of 4 Delhi Riots Accused After SC Bail

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Gurugram Woman Booked For Refusing To Pay Cab Driver, Threatening Him With Molestation Case

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:01 IST

According to officials, cab driver Ziauddin lodged a complaint with the police alleging that a female passenger, Jyoti Dalal, booked a ride with him at 8 A.M. on Tuesday.

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Gurugram woman refuses to pay cab driver, threatens him with molestation case (Representative image)

A woman allegedly refused to pay a cab driver after an hour-long drive, threatening him with police action, said the authorities on Tuesday, January 6.

According to officials, cab driver Ziauddin lodged a complaint with the police alleging that a female passenger, Jyoti Dalal, booked a ride with him at 8 A.M. on Tuesday. She asked him to take her to Sector 31, then to the bus stand, and then to Cyber City.

She asked for some money, and I gave her Rs 700. She ate and drank at various places, and I made all the payments. In the afternoon, when I demanded she pay and end the ride, she became enraged," Ziauddin, a native of Dhana village in Nuh district, said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The driver went on to claim that Dalal threatened to frame him for theft or molestation. She also went to the Sector 29 Police Station, where she created a ruckus. As she left, Ziauddin explained the matter to the police, and it immediately dawned on them that Dalal was the same person who had earlier cheated another cab driver and a salon, the report said.

According to the police, the woman had earlier conned a salon out of Rs 20,000 and a cab driver out of Rs 2,000. Meanwhile, the police have registered an FIR against Jyoti Dalal under fraud and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

A probe is underway, and she will be arrested soon," said Sector 29 Police Station SHO Ravi Kumar.

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Location : Haryana, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 10:01 IST

News cities Gurugram Woman Booked For Refusing To Pay Cab Driver, Threatening Him With Molestation Case

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'Lack Of Civic Sense': Daisy Shah Slams Poll Campaigners After Fire Breaks Out Near Her Mumbai Flat

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:19 IST

Daisy Shah expressed her anger on Instagram after a house was reportedly set ablaze, allegedly due to crackers being burst as part of an election campaign.

Daisy Shah slams election campaigners after fire broke out near her flat in Mumbai's Bandra. (Image: Instagram/Daisy Shah)

Actor Daisy Shah called out the lack of civic sense after a fire broke out in a 12-storey residential building in Mumbais Bandra (East) area on Tuesday night. Though no one was injured in the blaze, Shah expressed her anger on Instagram after a house was reportedly set ablaze, allegedly due to crackers being burst as part of an election campaign.

The incident occurred at night while the actor was walking her dogs near her residence.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Daisy Shah shared a video and strongly criticised the irresponsible behaviour that, according to her, led to the frightening incident.

She also revealed that those responsible for the fire fled the spot after the incident, leaving residents to deal with the consequences.

Shah also wrote a long and scathing note, holding the election campaign teams responsible for the incident. I have got nothing to do with any political party, but when you hire teams to run campaigns for your elections, please make sure they have some common sense in them," she stated.

She further added that her building committee had thankfully refused permission for these campaigners to go door to door.

Calling out the reckless use of fireworks near residential buildings, the actor said bursting crackers next to homes was not the way to go about it" and labelled the situation as one arising from a complete lack of civic sense.

It aint a natural calamity, its caused by brainless people. Take accountability, its high time," she wrote, accusing people of being careless with public safety.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daisy Shah (@shahdaisy)

Fire Breaks Out In Residential Building

A fire broke out in a 12-storey residential building in Mumbais Bandra (East) area on Tuesday night. The fire on the 11th floor of the building was reported to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) at 8.54 pm, news agency PTI reported.

The fire was confined to the 11th floor and Fire Brigade personnel brought it under control within 10-15 minutes, according to the officials.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:19 IST

News mumbai-news 'Lack Of Civic Sense': Daisy Shah Slams Poll Campaigners After Fire Breaks Out Near Her Mumbai Flat

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:36 IST

Phase 1 is expected to open in January after safety testing. (Photo Credit: X)

Good news for Dahisar commuters. Mumbais metro network has reached a major milestone with the opening of the Dahisar East interchange, the citys first-ever paid-area interchange. For the first time in Mumbai, passengers can switch between two metro lines within the paid area, saving time and eliminating congestion at entry and exit points.

The facility, developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), was commissioned in October 2024 and the full Phase 1 opening is now operational after safety testing.

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Dahisar East Interchange is ready at North end of the station.

First ever interchange in Mumbai with access from Paid area of one metro line to other, without security check or AFC tap.#Mumbaimetro Red Line Mira Bhayandar extension pic.twitter.com/nxpys4GF3t

 Yash Mhadgut

What is the Dahisar East Interchange?

Located at the north end of Dahisar East Metro station, the interchange integrates Metro Line 7, Line 2A and Phase 1 of Metro Line 9. This interchange connects:

Metro Line 7 (Red Line): Dahisar East to Andheri East

Metro Line 2A (Yellow Line): DN Nagar (Andheri West)

Metro Line 9  Phase 1: Dahisar East to Kashigaon (Mira Bhayandar)

What Are The Key Connections Of Line 9 Phase 1?

Phase 1 of Metro Line 9 spans 4.5 km and includes four stations: Dahisar East, Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon and Kashigaon. With this launch, commuters from Mira Bhayandar can now board a metro at Kashigaon and continue directly on Line 7 toward Andheri East, without changing trains, significantly improving suburban connectivity.

Future extensions include Line 7A to CSMIA airport (62 per cent complete as of September 2025) and links to Lines 3, 4 and 10.

How Does The Interchange Benefit Commuters?

The interchange is expected to cut Mira RoadAndheri commute time from 1.5 hours to under 50 minutes. It will also reduce congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and the Dahisar toll naka. The Dahisar East interchange will also shift thousands of daily commuters from roads to rail.

MMRDA projections estimate daily ridership of over 11 lakh passengers by 2031, potentially reducing road traffic by 5075 per cent on key corridors.

What Is The Current Status Of The Dahisar East Interchange?

CMRS testing is ongoing and the Dahisar East interchange is open to the public post January 15 due to election codes.

Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 9 (Dahisar East to Kashigaon) was commissioned after CMRS safety testing. Delays from December 2025 targets stemmed due to the election code of conduct, but operations are fully functional without a formal inauguration.

What Are The Connected Lines Details?

Line 2A (Yellow): Operational since April 2022, this line spans 18.6 km, covering 17 stations to Andheri West; northern terminus at Dahisar East.

Line 7 (Red): Operational, 16.5 km elevated from Dahisar East to Andheri East, interchanges with WEH Metro Line 1.

Line 9 Phase 1 (Red extension): This station, spanning 4.5 km, covers 4 stations (Dahisar East, Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon, Kashigaon). Services commenced in early January 2026.

Which Areas Benefit Most From The Interchange?

With the Dahisar East interchange, residents of northern Mumbai suburbs, especially Mira Bhayandar and Dahisar, benefit the most. The connection cuts Mira Road to Andheri commute from 1.5 hours to under 50 minutes via seamless transfers on Lines 2A, 7 and 9 Phase 1. It also decongests Dahisar toll naka and WEH, aiding daily travel to business hubs like BKC, SEEPZ and Bandra.

What Are The Areas That Benefit the Most?

Mira Bhayandar (Kashigaon, Miragaon, Pandurang Wadi): Faster access to Andheri, BKC, SEEPZ, hospitals and educational hubs. It is expected to boost real estate and the local economy.

Dahisar & Borivali: Reduced Road dependence and smoother eastwest connectivity

Kandivali, Malad, Goregaon: Improved multimodal access to business districts.

Future Expansions on Track

Post this, the MMRDA are planning several key expansions. These include:

Next phase of Line 9 to Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium, Bhayandar (expected within months)

Metro Line 7A to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (62 per cent complete as of September 2025) to enhance airport links.

Additional interchanges with Lines 3, 4 and 10.

Planned Line 10 (ThaneMira Bhayandar) and Line 13 (Mira RoadVirar) will enable end-to-end metro journeys across the MMR.

What Is The Impact?

Though Vasai, Virar and Thane are not yet directly connected, commuters from these regions already benefit indirectly via suburban rail and buses feeding into the Dahisar East interchange. Once Lines 10 and 13 are completed post-2026, the region is expected to see 5060 per cent travel time savings to key destinations such as BKC and the airport. Combined with the Uttan-Virar Sea Link, the project will unlock economic growth across the Thane and Palghar districts.
TOKYO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's nuclear regulator on Wednesday criticized the operator of a nuclear power plant in central Japan for alleged falsification of earthquake data, calling the incident extremely grave and serious, local media reported.

Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) chief Shinsuke Yamanaka said at a meeting that this is a case of fabricated inspection data that directly relates to safety, and it is clearly a misconduct, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The incident involves the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture operated by Chubu Electric Power Co., which has been seeking the regulator's permission to restart them.

The NRA will suspend its inspection of the Hamaoka complex for its possible restart, Yamanaka said.

The nuclear watchdog will discuss at its next regular meeting on Jan. 14 whether it should seek a report from Chubu Electric or have its secretariat conduct an on-site probe, the report said.

On Monday, Chubu Electric said its employees may have used intentionally selected data for a potential earthquake in quake-resistance tests at the plant to pass the regulatory screening for restart. 
Why Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College Lost NMC Approval Despite NEET Admissions

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:03 IST

While the NMC has officially cited technical and infrastructural shortcomings, a separate controversy had been simmering at SMVDIME over admission to Muslim students

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Lapses such as shortage of qualified faculty, deficiencies in infrastructure, and inadequate availability of resident doctors were reportedly found at SMVDIME.

The National Medical Council (NMC) has taken a strict and unexpected step by cancelling the recognition of Jammus reputed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) with immediate effect.

LoP For MBBS Course Withdrawn For 2025-26

The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC has withdrawn the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted for the MBBS course for the academic year 2025-26. Along with this, the commission has directed that students already admitted to the institute be shifted to other medical colleges within the state.

According to the official order issued by the NMC, the action followed a surprise inspection conducted at the institute. The inspection reportedly revealed serious violations of minimum standards prescribed for medical colleges.

Alleged Violations: Faculty, Infrastructure And Resident Doctors

A report in News18 Hindi quoted sources as saying that the institute failed to meet several of the NMCs mandatory requirements. Lapses like shortage of qualified faculty, deficiencies in infrastructure, and inadequate availability of resident doctors were reportedly found. The board stated that such lapses amounted to major non-compliance with regulatory norms.

The findings have raised serious concerns, as SMVDIME is considered a premium institution run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Observers have questioned how such shortcomings could exist in a college managed by a well-funded and prominent trust.

The NMC has clarified that the cancellation of recognition and withdrawal of permission will take effect immediately, leaving no scope for continuation of admissions under the current approval.

Admission Controversy Brewing For Months

While the NMC has officially cited technical and infrastructural shortcomings, a separate controversy had been simmering within the institute for the past few months. Allegations were raised that a majority of seats were being allotted to Muslim students in a college run by the Mata Vaishno Devi Trust.

Social organisations and local residents argued that the trust is funded by devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, and therefore its institutions should primarily serve the Hindu community and devotees. They claimed that allocating most seats to students from another community went against the trusts founding objectives.

There were also allegations that the admission process followed a policy of appeasement or deliberately ignored demographic balance. Critics questioned why beneficiaries were not predominantly from among those who have faith in the shrine, given the source of funding.

Although admissions are officially conducted strictly on the basis of NEET merit, sustained local opposition made the issue highly sensitive. In this backdrop, many are now viewing the cancellation of recognition as a consequence of the controversy, even though the NMC has clearly stated that the decision is based solely on infrastructural and regulatory violations.

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Location : Jammu, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:37 IST

News education-career Why Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College Lost NMC Approval Despite NEET Admissions

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NMC Withdraws Recognition Of Vaishno Devi Medical College Amid Admission Controversy

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:30 IST

The NMC has withdrawn permission granted to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College in Jammu, citing major lapses in infrastructure and faculty after a row over admissions.

Members of Rastriya Bajrang Dal, Moment Kalki and Yuva Rajput Sabha protest over seat allocation at SMVD Medical College in Katra in November.

The National Medical Commission has withdrawn recognition of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir amid a row over admissions. The NMC has revoked the Letter of Permission (LoP) given to the medical college at Reasi to run an MBBS programme with 50 seats for the academic year 202526.

All students currently enrolled in the MBBS course will be transferred to other recognised medical colleges in the Union Territory and accommodated against supernumerary seats, as per existing norms.

Admission Data Triggers Political Row

The college came under intense political scrutiny after admission data showed that 42 of the 50 students in its inaugural MBBS batch were Muslims, while one student was a Sikh. Only eight Hindu students from Jammu secured admission.

The admissions led to protests by several groups in Jammu, despite the process being carried out through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) merit list.

In a letter explaining the decision, the NMC said the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) had invited applications for setting up new medical colleges for the 202526 academic year through public notices dated December 5 and December 19, 2024.

Pursuant to the said notices, the NMC received an application for the establishment of a new medical college, namely Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, along with several other applications. After following the due process, including scrutiny of documents and physical inspection by expert assessors, the MARB granted a LoP to the said college. Accordingly, admissions were made by the institution," the letter stated.

Complaints Lead To Surprise Inspection

According to the commission, several complaints were received soon after admissions were completed.

However, over the past two weeks, the NMC has received multiple complaints containing serious allegations against the institution, inter alia, regarding inadequate infrastructure, insufficient clinical material, shortage of qualified full-time teaching faculty and inadequate number of resident doctors," it noted.

The MARB then conducted a surprise physical inspection of the campus.

The MARB decided to conduct a surprise physical inspection to verify the veracity of the complaints. The assessment report submitted by the team established that the complaints were true and substantiated. The deficiencies observed were gross and substantial in nature," the NMC said.

Students To Be Shifted To Other Colleges

The medical regulator said steps would be taken to ensure students are not adversely affected.

To safeguard the interests of the students already admitted for the academic year 202526, the state/UT authorities have been authorised to accommodate such students in other medical institutions within the union territory, as supernumerary seats, in accordance with applicable norms," the commission added.

BJP Welcomes Decision

The BJP welcomed the move, describing it as a step to uphold standards in medical education.

Quality Over Quantity: NMC has revoked permission for 50 MBBS seats at SMVDIME due to a failure to meet essential standards. It reaffirms commitment to quality. Every affected student will be seamlessly transferred to a Supernumerary Seat in other UT Colleges," BJP MLA RS Pathania said.

ALSO READ: UP Govt Gives One-Time 3-Year Age Relaxation For 32,679 Police Constable Vacancy

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had expressed concern over the safety of students amid the politicisation of the issue and had urged the Centre to shut the college.

We dont need this college; its not worth being a medical college. Shut down this institution, and we will arrange education for these students in other colleges," Abdullah said.

Over the last two months, BJP leaders, right-wing organisations and local trade bodies in Jammu had opposed the admission list and demanded an immediate rollback.

The groups argued that since the institution is run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, it should primarily cater to Hindu students.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, an umbrella body of around 60 organisations, initially sought to scrap the merit list. When that was found to be legally untenable, the focus shifted to demanding closure of the college.

The BJP also submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is the chairman of the Shrine Board, urging him to cancel the admissions.

Admission Process Followed NEET Norms

Official sources said the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence is not a minority institution and that admissions were conducted strictly in line with National Medical Commission guidelines.

The selection was based on the NEET merit list, with 85 percent of the seats reserved for domicile candidates.

Jammu and Kashmir currently has 13 medical colleges. The Vaishno Devi Medical College admitted its first MBBS batch this year.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 08:40 IST

News education-career NMC Withdraws Recognition Of Vaishno Devi Medical College Amid Admission Controversy

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Maduro Captured, His Inner Circle Still Rules: Why US Left The 'Wanted' Ministers Behind

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 17:10 IST

Nicolas Maduros capture has not broken the power structure around him. Senior ministers who face US indictments and multi-million-dollar bounties remain in control in Caracas.

Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of Nicolas Maduro, and National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, walk together at the National Assembly, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 5. (REUTERS)

The United States dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has removed the countrys most recognisable political figure, but not the governing machinery surrounding him.

As Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, both arraigned in New York on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, await legal proceedings, the men and women who formed the backbone of his administration remain in place in Caracas. Some of them are indicted in the US, sanctioned by Washington, or carry multi-million-dollar bounties.

The military operation, praised by US President Donald Trump as stunning and powerful," did not dismantle the power structure Maduro oversaw. Instead, it highlighted the durability of a small civilianmilitary circle that has run the Venezuelan state for more than a decade.

While the US, many Venezuelans and several governments believe the 2024 presidential election was won by opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, her political influence appears limited. Trump has said she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect."

The former legislator described US military action in Venezuela over the weekend as a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela". Despite her overtures, the US president has publicly dismissed Machado as a credible successor to Maduro.

Within hours of the US raid, Maduros closest allies appeared together on state television. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stood alongside her brother and National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. Their joint appearance signalled that the same group that shared power with Maduro remains intact.

In the case of Delcy Rodriguez, the transition into the acting presidency effectively amounted to a promotion at a moment when the US operation had removed her long-time mentor from office.

This is the group now guiding Venezuela, and the group Washington chose not to extract during the Caracas operation.

A Civilian-Military Cabal Still Running The State

Venezuela continues to be run by the same small circle that shared power with Maduro and presented a united front on state television after his capture. Delcy Rodriguez, now acting president, and Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, form the civilian core.

Cabello and Padrino represent the military side, directing armed forces, internal security and the intelligence bodies that underpin the ruling structure.

For years, this arrangement has rested on a broad network of loyalists embedded across security organs. The United Nations has found that both SEBIN, the civilian intelligence agency, and DGCIM, the military intelligence service, committed crimes against humanity as part of a state plan to crush dissent. Former detainees, including ex-security personnel, described electric shocks, simulated drownings and sexual abuse in DGCIM facilities.

One former DGCIM agent, who was arrested and accused of treason in 2020 after having contact with military dissidents, said, They want you to feel like you are a cockroach in a cage of elephants, that they are bigger."

This systems survival does not hinge on Maduro alone. The Rodriguez siblings, Cabello and Padrino all retained their positions after the raid, confirming that the architecture of power remains undisturbed.

Delcy Rodriguez: Long-Time Maduro Confidante

Delcy Rodriguez, 56, has long been seen as one of Maduros closest confidantes and a key figure in sustaining his rule. Under Venezuelas constitution, she automatically became acting president following Maduros arrest, a transition the countrys top court confirmed.

Trump said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which briefly fuelled speculation of potential engagement. But Rodriguez swiftly appeared on state television to assert that Maduro remained the only president," signalling her commitment to continuity.

She has been sanctioned by the US Treasury for her role in undermining democratic processes, though she is not among those indicted on drug trafficking charges.

Her position now makes her the most senior civilian authority left in Caracas, though her authority appears linked to the unity of the group around her.

Jorge Rodriguez: Political Operator

Jorge Rodriguez, Delcys brother and president of the National Assembly, is central to the governments political coordination. After Maduros capture, he told lawmakers that his main task was to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president." He has been sanctioned by the United States for his role in undermining democratic institutions, but he is not indicted in drug cases. His leadership ensures the legislature remains aligned with the military and security establishment at a time of uncertainty.

Diosdado Cabello: Indicted Strongman With A $25 Million Bounty

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello is widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the Venezuelan state. His career includes terms as vice president and as president of the national parliament, and he has spent years in command of Venezuelan intelligence services. He now oversees police, prisons and significant parts of the security apparatus, with influence extending into both civilian and military counterintelligence.

Cabello was indicted in the United States in 2020 for allegedly helping traffic more than five tonnes of cocaine. Prosecutors in the Southern District of New York charged him with federal drugs and weapons offences, identifying him as a senior figure in the Cartel de los Soles  the organisation US prosecutors accuse Maduro of leading and using to move cocaine into the United States. The indictment was filed in the same SDNY district that handled Maduros arraignment. Cabello faces a US bounty of $25 million.

His influence is reinforced by his public posture. In recent weeks, he has appeared on state television wearing a flak jacket and helmet, ordering DGCIM agents to go and get the terrorists" and warning that whoever strays, we will know."

He repeated similar warnings during a state television appearance on Saturday, standing amid heavily armed guards. Cabello has also been closely associated with colectivos, groups of motorcycle-riding armed civilians aligned with the government.

Venezuelan military strategist Jose Garcia described him as the most ideological, violent and unpredictable element of the Venezuelan regime."

Vladimir Padrino Lopez: Defence Minister And Long Indicted Military Chief

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has overseen Venezuelas armed forces for more than a decade. He faces a $15 million US bounty and was indicted in 2020 in Washington DC, for allegedly allowing the safe passage of drug flights in exchange for protection fees.

Venezuelas military is unusually top-heavy, with as many as 2,000 generals and admirals, more than double the number in the United States. Senior and retired officers control food distribution, raw materials and the state oil company PDVSA, and dozens sit on the boards of private firms. Commanders close to Cabello and Padrino are positioned along border regions and industrial areas that also lie on key smuggling routes.

After Maduros capture, Padrino demanded the immediate return" of the president and First Lady. This is an act of aggression against the legitimate president of Venezuela and the First Lady," he said, adding, We draw attention to everything that is happening to Venezuela against its sovereignty."

Nicolas Nicolasito" Maduro Guerra: Political Heir And Indicted Lawmaker

Maduros son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, known as Nicolasito" or Little Nicolas", and sometimes referred to as The Prince", is deputy president of the National Assembly. He was charged in 2020 alongside his father, his mother and senior officials for allegedly partnering with traffickers and narco-terrorist groups to dispatch cocaine to the United States through Caribbean and Central American routes. His legislative role and proximity to the ruling core secure his position within the establishment.

Why The US Did Not Detain Cabello And Padrino

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that US forces were instructed to take only their top priority" target. He said it was not feasible" to capture Cabello and Padrino along with Maduro and Cilia Flores, noting that seizing multiple figures from fortified government compounds would have required US forces to remain on the ground for extended periods. We got the top priority," he said.

Rubio said the mission would have taken more time  even days" if multiple ministers were targeted and that theyre already complaining about this one operation. Imagine the howls if we actually had to go and stay there for days to capture four other people."

Rubio also said that extracting Maduro and the First Lady from their stronghold was itself a tough ask," underscoring the operational limits of the mission.

Why Maduros Arrest Does Not Collapse The System

Between 20 and 50 officers would likely need to be removed to dismantle the regimes foundations. Following Maduros arrest, several former officials and sitting generals reached out to US authorities, offering intelligence in exchange for safe passage and legal immunity. Individuals close to Cabello, however, say he is not interested in negotiating.

The continued alignment of the Rodriguez siblings, Cabello and Padrino signals that the governing system remains intact. The removal of Maduro has not broken their cohesion; if anything, their joint television appearance was intended to project stability.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 17:02 IST

News explainers Maduro Captured, His Inner Circle Still Rules: Why US Left The 'Wanted' Ministers Behind

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The Battle Over Greenland: Why Trump Wants The Arctic Island And Why Denmark Is Pushing Back

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:57 IST

After US forces captured Venezuelan President Maduro, Trump revived his push to bring Greenland under American control, calling the Arctic island essential for national security.

The day after US forces snatched Maduro from his home, Trump repeated that the US needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security. (Getty Images)

Greenland has been at the margins of global politics for decades, but the island has moved to the centre of an escalating confrontation after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a lightning raid.

Within hours, President Donald Trump revived his long-standing demand for the US to take control of Greenland, calling it essential for American national security" and insisting that Denmark is not capable of protecting the islands strategic Arctic position.

We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it. Well worry about Greenland in about two months lets talk about Greenland in 20 days," Trump said in response to a reporters question while aboard Air Force One en route to Washington. Trump had also said, We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence," in an earlier interview.

Leaders in Copenhagen have warned that any attempt by the United States to seize or take over" the island would have grave consequences for sovereignty and could even rupture the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Greenlands government has rejected Trumps remarks as disrespectful and linked them to rising concerns about outside pressure on its politics.

Taken together, the strategic value of the Arctic, the mineral wealth beneath Greenlands ice, and the islands position between North America and Europe have made Trumps ambition far more than a rhetorical flourish. It is now testing transatlantic alliances and reviving fears about how far Washington might go to secure control of the Arctic gateway.

This explainer breaks down why Trump wants Greenland, the long history behind Americas interest, the reasons for Denmarks alarm, and how the situation threatens the foundations of NATO.

Why Is Trump Pushing For Greenland? Strategic Logic Behind The Demand

Greenlands strategic location is the primary reason Trump continues to return to the idea of American control. The island sits between North America and Europe and has long been central to US Arctic defence architecture. It enables Washington to monitor missile activity originating from Russia, China and North Korea and to maintain a forward line of early-warning capabilities.

The US operates the Pituffik Space Base in north-west Greenland, a facility that has historically served as a critical point for monitoring missile trajectories. Its location gives American defence planners an unobstructed vantage over the Arctic approaches.

The Arctic island also straddles the GIUK gap, the maritime corridor connecting Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom. It remains a crucial route for submarine and naval movements linking the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic, making control and surveillance over this passage a long-standing American priority.

Beyond its military value, Greenland is rich in resources. According to a 2023 survey, 25 of the 34 minerals classified by the European Commission as critical raw materials" are found on the island, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, electric vehicles and advanced weapons systems. With China dominating global rare-earth supply, interest in Greenlands deposits has grown.

Although Greenland has banned oil and gas extraction, the mineral potential remains significant. Changing Arctic conditions, including the increased navigability of northern shipping routes, have further reinforced Greenlands strategic value.

Trump has insisted that the issue is about defence, not minerals, telling reporters last month: We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals." But his former national security adviser, Mike Waltz, suggested in January 2024 that Trumps focus was on natural resources. He told Fox News that the administrations focus on Greenland was about critical minerals" and natural resources."

How The US Has Sought Greenland In Past: A Long History Of Interest

American interest in Greenland stretches back more than a century and has been shaped by geography, wartime necessity and Cold War strategy.

In 1867, US officials noted that the islands location and mineral potential made it an attractive prospect. During World War II, American forces moved into Greenland after Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, turning it into a crucial Arctic base.

In 1946, then US President Harry Truman made a formal offer of $100 million to purchase Greenland, after previously considering exchanging some portions of Alaska for parts of Greenland. The offer was rejected by Denmark, but Washington continued to expand its presence through a 1951 defence agreement that allowed it to build and operate military bases on the island, an arrangement that still exists today.

Trump revived the acquisition idea during his first term. He described the prospect as a large real estate deal" and proposed purchasing the island. When Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea absurd", he cancelled a planned state visit to Denmark. Both Denmark and Greenland rejected the idea outright.

Despite these refusals, he revived those calls in December 2024, saying in a social media post: For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."

Why Denmark And Greenland Are Alarmed

The current confrontation differs from earlier attempts because it comes immediately after a US military operation that removed a foreign leader. Trumps renewed claims, combined with comments suggesting that Denmark cannot secure the island, have escalated tensions across the Danish kingdom.

Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen condemned Trumps linkage between Greenland, Venezuela and military action, calling it wrong" and disrespectful". He warned, No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation." He reiterated that Greenland would remain our home and our territory".

Denmark has been equally firm. Frederiksen said it makes absolutely no sense" to discuss the United States taking over" Greenland and insisted that the US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish kingdom." She also issued a direct warning: if the United States attacked Greenland, everything stops", including NATOs security umbrella.

European leaders on Tuesday issued a joint statement supporting Denmark and Greenland. The statement emphasised that Greenland belongs to its people" and that decisions about the island must be made only by Denmark and Greenland.

Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," said a joint statement issued by the leaders of France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark. Canada and the Netherlands also backed the statement.

The leaders said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States. NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up," the statement said.

Public opinion reflects this position. Polling reported by Reuters showed that 85 per cent of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States.

Could The US Use Military Force? The NATO Consequences

Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out using force. White House said the administration was discussing a range of options" to acquire Greenland and that military options were not excluded.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States," to deter adversaries like Russia and China. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal," she said.

For Denmark, the threat is existential. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that the United States has no right to annex" any part of the Danish kingdom and warned that if the US were to take military action against Greenland, everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II."

European leaders backed Denmarks position, stressing that Arctic security must be handled collectively.

What Do Greenlanders Want? Autonomy Over Annexation

Greenlands political landscape is shaped by its long struggle for autonomy. Incorporated into Denmark in 1953, the island gained home rule in 1979 and self-government in 2009, although Denmark retains control over defence, foreign affairs and monetary policy.

Many Greenlandic parties support the idea of eventual independence from Denmark, but that does not translate into support for American rule. Nielsen has affirmed that discussions about the islands future must take place through the proper channels" and with respect for international law.

Across the island, the position is clear: Greenlanders overwhelmingly reject US control, and leaders in both Nuuk and Copenhagen insist that the islands future cannot be shaped by external pressure or covert operations.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:48 IST

News explainers The Battle Over Greenland: Why Trump Wants The Arctic Island And Why Denmark Is Pushing Back

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Why The Commissioning Of ICGS Samudra Pratap Is A Milestone In India's Maritime Power

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:54 IST

As the Coast Guards largest vessel and first indigenous Pollution Control Ship, Samudra Pratap marks a major leap in self-reliance and maritime environmental security.

Samudra Pratap is a Pollution Control Vessel developed by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. (Image: X/@goashipyardltd)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap by calling it a milestone in Indias pursuit of strength and self-reliance.

The commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, including the fact that it adds strength to our vision of self-reliance, boosts our security apparatus and reflects a commitment to sustainability, among others," he said on X.

The vessel was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Goa Shipyard Limited on 5 January 2026, formally entering service as the largest ship ever built for the Coast Guard and the countrys first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel.

The commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, including the fact that it adds strength to our vision of self-reliance, boosts our security apparatus and reflects a commitment to sustainability, among others. https://t.co/tHFo7M4Abh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2026

The moment reflects both the technological ambition of Indias shipyards and the strategic need for platforms that can secure the seas, protect marine ecosystems, and respond rapidly to emergencies across a vast Exclusive Economic Zone.

Why Is Samudra Pratap Significant For Indias Maritime Goals?

Indias maritime space has become central to its economic and security calculus. With rising coastal activity, growing energy traffic, expanding port infrastructure, and increased geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific, the demand for specialised vessels, especially those capable of environmental response, has risen sharply.

Samudra Pratap addresses this need directly. With a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, a length of 114.5 metres, speeds exceeding 22 knots and an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, it is designed to operate across long stretches of ocean and withstand rough seas. This makes it a critical asset in a region where traffic density, industrial activity, and vulnerability to accidents continue to grow.

What Makes It A Milestone For Aatmanirbhar Shipbuilding?

The ship embodies the progress India has made in indigenous shipbuilding. With over 60 per cent indigenous content, and a target to push this to 90 per cent in future ships, it reflects a maturing defence industrial ecosystem capable of handling sophisticated maritime manufacturing.

#AatmanirbharDefence strengthening Indias environmental protection capability#SamudraPratap, built by @goashipyardltd (#GSL), reflects Indias advancing indigenous shipbuilding capability, marking a major milestone in maritime environmental protection under pic.twitter.com/MWUptv7A4v  Defence Production India (@DefProdnIndia) January 5, 2026

Rajnath Singh described it as an embodiment of Indias mature defence industrial ecosystem," pointing to the way Goa Shipyard Limited has integrated modern manufacturing practices, automated systems, and indigenous technologies into a single platform. The ships propulsion, driven by two 7,500 kW diesel engines paired with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, underscores this aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) approach.

For the Coast Guard, which now services and repairs its ships and aircraft largely within India, Samudra Pratap represents the next step in reducing external dependence.

How Does The Ship Strengthen Pollution Response And Environmental Protection?

As India confronts recurring oil spills, increased offshore activity, and pressures from climate change, the need for dedicated pollution control capabilities is greater than ever. Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for this role.

Its systems include side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and a fully equipped pollution control laboratory. This makes it capable of quick detection, accurate station-keeping, and efficient recovery in the event of marine pollution.

Rajnath Singh emphasised that such capabilities prevent damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and biodiversity, elements that directly support coastal livelihoods and the blue economy.

India is among a small group of countries with advanced environmental response vessels. Samudra Prataps addition further elevates the countrys standing in this field.

What Roles Can Samudra Pratap Perform Beyond Pollution Control?

Although designed primarily for environmental response, Samudra Prataps multi-role capabilities allow it to serve much wider operational functions.

Its onboard helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities extend its surveillance range, making it useful for EEZ patrols and maritime domain awareness missions. It is equipped with Fi-Fi Class 1 external firefighting systems, enabling it to respond to shipboard fires or port emergencies. The integrated bridge system, dynamic positioning capabilities, and automated power management systems allow precise manoeuvring, especially in high-risk environments.

Its armamentsa 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled gunsmake it capable of law enforcement, anti-piracy operations, and deterrence missions. In essence, Samudra Pratap blends environmental protection with security, patrol, rescue, and emergency response functions.

Symbol Of A Mature Defence Industrial Ecosystem

The Defence Minister used the occasion to highlight the Coast Guards expanding role as a multi-dimensional force. From pollution control to coastal cleanliness, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement, the ICG today stands at the centre of Indias maritime governance.

According to him, the commissioning sends a clear message that any attempt to violate Indias maritime boundaries or test its resolve will be met with a bold and befitting response." The ship, he said, represents not only manufacturing maturity but also strategic intent, signalling that Indias maritime modernisation is both broad and deep.

He also emphasised the need for the Coast Guard to become an intelligence-driven and integration-centric force, emerging as a proactive, rather than reactionary, component of maritime security.

How The Vessel Fits Into Indias Indo-Pacific Vision

Rajnath Singh framed the commissioning within the larger context of global maritime uncertainty. India, he said, is recognised as a responsible maritime power", a country that ensures not only its own safety but also the stability of the wider Indo-Pacific.

Platforms like Samudra Pratap support this role. A clean and secure sea is vital for trade, for regional cooperation, and for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in which India increasingly plays a leading role. The ship will be based at Kochi under the Coast Guard Region (West), placing it close to high-density sea lanes and ecologically sensitive zones.

This aligns with Indias Grand Maritime Vision," which sees the oceans as shared heritage and their protection as a shared responsibility.

Women Officers Onboard: Why This Commissioning Is Historic

For the first time, a frontline Coast Guard ship has been deployed with women officers. Rajnath Singh described this as a milestone in the armed forces journey towards inclusivity and gender-neutrality.

Women today serve as pilots, air traffic controllers, observers, logistics officers, and are being trained for hovercraft operations. Their deployment on Samudra Pratap marks a new phase in frontline representation and reinforces the Coast Guards evolving culture.

The Broader Message On Maritime Power And Self-Reliance

The commissioning of Samudra Pratap comes at a time when India is expanding its maritime responsibilities, modernising its coastal defences, and pushing for higher indigenous content across defence platforms. The ship encapsulates these goals, combining environmental responsibility, strategic readiness, and industrial capability in a single platform.

By beginning the year with a major indigenously built vessel, the government is signalling the direction of Indias maritime future: cleaner seas, stronger surveillance, enhanced disaster response, and a defence ecosystem increasingly driven by self-reliance (aatmanirbharta).

Samudra Pratap reflects that transformation. It strengthens Indias maritime footprint, supports its Indo-Pacific commitments, and stands as a symbol of how technological capability and environmental responsibility can converge to shape a more secure and self-reliant nation.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 11:49 IST

News explainers Why The Commissioning Of ICGS Samudra Pratap Is A Milestone In India's Maritime Power

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Why This Most Common Cancer Is Preventable; Decoding Myths Around HPV Vaccination

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:48 IST

When vaccines are given after exposure to high-risk HPV types, their capacity to prevent infection reduces. This does not mean vaccination in older individuals provides no benefit

Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have adopted widespread early vaccination, have documented steep declines in both HPV infections and cervical precancerous changes. (Getty Images)

Cervical cancer remains one of the worlds most preventable yet persistently deadly diseases. In 2025, an estimated 132,000 new cases and 74,000 deaths were recorded in India, making it the second most common cancer among women, claiming a life every eight minutes.

What makes these statistics especially tragic is that most of these deaths occur from a disease that is largely preventable through early intervention. More than 90% of cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through intimate contact.

The science of how HPV causes cancer and how vaccines prevent it is now well established. Despite decades of research and demonstrable success in countries that have implemented broad vaccination programmes, the discourse around HPV vaccination, particularly in India, remains limited. Misconceptions about safety, timing, and necessity persist, leaving millions of women vulnerable to a disease that could be dramatically reduced with existing tools.

Why Cervical Cancer Is Preventable

Cervical cancer develops when certain types of HPV that infect the cervix lead to changes in the cells lining the cervix. Over years or even decades, these changes can progress from precancerous lesions to invasive cancer. Unlike many cancers, where early causes are shrouded in mystery, the pathogenesis of cervical cancer is well understood. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains is the main driver.

Vaccines can block the most dangerous strains of HPV before infection ever takes place. When administered early, typically in girls before they are exposed to the virus, the vaccines prevent the precancerous cell changes that eventually lead to cancer.

Scientific evidence shows that vaccination reduces the incidence of these early lesions by nearly 98% when given before exposure. Crucially, the protection is long-lasting, enduring for more than a decade in many recipients and significantly reducing lifetime cancer risk.

Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have adopted widespread early vaccination, have documented steep declines in both HPV infections and cervical precancerous changes, validating the preventive power of early immunisation, as per multiple studies quoted in The Lancet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actively promote timely vaccination, often recommending it for preteens aged 11 or 12, to ensure maximum effectiveness before exposure to the virus.

In some populations with high vaccination coverage, precancerous cervical lesions have become rare among vaccinated cohorts  a testament to the effectiveness of prevention on a population scale.

What Is Indias Current Reality?

India faces a disproportionate share of the global cervical cancer burden. While precise figures vary by region, tens of thousands of new cases occur annually, and a significant number of women die each year from the disease. Projections suggest that without scaled-up prevention, incidence and mortality could rise in the decades ahead, driven by demographic changes and limited access to early detection and treatment.

HPV vaccines are available in India and include multiple options targeting the high-risk virus types most associated with cervical cancer. The Central governments 2024 roll-out of a domestically produced HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 and 14 was a milestone, signalling official acknowledgment of vaccination as a primary prevention strategy. However, coverage remains uneven and generally low across much of the country. Many eligible girls still do not receive the vaccine, and screening programmes reach only a fraction of women at risk.

In some districts, targeted campaigns are underway to expand vaccination through school-based drives and community outreach. A simplified single-dose strategy has been introduced in parts of the country, which, if successful at scale, could ease logistical barriers and widen access. These efforts offer promise, but they have not yet translated into national momentum.

The Misconceptions That Persist

Despite the availability of vaccines and growing evidence of their benefit, misconceptions about HPV vaccination continue to undermine uptake. Many parents believe that their daughters are not at risk because HPV is sexually transmitted; they assume that vaccination is unnecessary in girls who are not yet sexually active. Others worry about safety, questioning whether the vaccine might cause long-term harm or infertility  misunderstandings that science does not support.

Some families believe that vaccination after a certain age loses its effectiveness, unaware that vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV. Others assume that vaccines are only necessary for populations with high risk, failing to reckon with the reality that HPV exposure is widespread and unpredictable. In many communities, cultural discomfort with discussions about sexually transmitted infections discourages open dialogue about vaccination, leading to hesitancy or silence.

These beliefs reflect not only gaps in understanding but also broader social norms that make conversations about preventive sexual health difficult. For many, vaccination against an infection linked to sexual activity is awkward to discuss, even when the intervention has profound implications for cancer prevention decades later.

Why Early Vaccination Is Important

The rationale behind early HPV vaccination is straightforward: the vaccine works best before exposure to the virus. Because HPV is typically transmitted through intimate contact, vaccinating girls in early adolescence, well before sexual debut, ensures they develop protective immunity in advance of potential exposure. Immunological studies show that younger individuals mount a stronger vaccine response, further supporting early immunisation.

When vaccines are administered after exposure to high-risk HPV types, their capacity to prevent infection and downstream precancerous changes diminishes. This is not to say that vaccination in older individuals provides no benefit; it can still protect against types the person has not encountered, but the maximal cancer prevention benefit is achieved through early vaccination.

This timing also intersects with cultural barriers. Parents and caregivers often view vaccination decisions through the lens of perceived risk or social norms rather than long-term health outcomes. By framing vaccination as a preventive measure executed in childhood, similar to vaccines against polio or hepatitis, health communication efforts can help shift perceptions away from associations with sexual activity and toward universal cancer prevention.

Why Is The Role Of Screening Key?

While HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, it does not eliminate it entirely. Vaccines do not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types, and they do not treat existing infections. As a result, vaccination must be complemented by regular cervical screening to identify and manage precancerous changes that do arise.

In countries with successful vaccination programmes, screening remains a cornerstone of cervical cancer control. When vaccination coverage is high and integrated with routine screening, the combined impact dramatically lowers both incidence and mortality. Innovative screening technologies, including visual inspection and high-sensitivity HPV testing, have made early detection more accessible, even in resource-limited settings.

In India, coverage of cervical screening is still limited, particularly in rural areas. Many women lack access to routine pelvic exams or Pap tests, and awareness of screening benefits is uneven. Integrating screening with vaccination programmes could help create a more comprehensive preventive model, ensuring that women benefit from early detection as well as immunisation.

Why HPV Should Be Discussed More

At a time when Indias health priorities encompass infectious diseases, maternal mortality, and emerging non-communicable diseases, HPV vaccination has not yet achieved the prominence it deserves in public discourse. Unlike vaccines for polio or measles, which have been part of national and local narratives for decades, HPV vaccination has struggled to become a household topic. Even though cervical cancer ranks among the most preventable cancers, the conversation around its prevention through vaccination remains marginal.

A more robust public-health campaign could shift this reality. Schools, primary health centres, community leaders, and digital media platforms all have roles to play in educating families about the benefits of early HPV vaccination. Information campaigns that clarify safety, timing and long-term impact can help parents make informed decisions. Health workers trained to address common concerns and misconceptions can build trust and acceptance within communities.

Framing the vaccine as a tool for cancer prevention rather than a response to sexual activity may also help reduce discomfort and disengagement. When parents understand that vaccination protects their daughters from a devastating disease later in life  one that can disrupt education, livelihoods and family stability  the decision becomes less about social stigma and more about health empowerment.

What India Can Learn From Other Countries

International experience shows that when HPV vaccination is prioritised and normalised, results are striking. Several countries that achieved high vaccination coverage early have seen drastic reductions in infections and precancerous lesions among vaccinated cohorts.

In Brazil, HPV vaccination was introduced in 2014 via the National Immunization Program (PNI), initially targeting girls aged 9-13 years through school campaigns. First-dose coverage exceeded 80% in the first year but subsequently declined, with full-schedule completion rates dropping below 60%. Brazil later expanded eligibility to boys and immunocompromised populations and, more recently, extended catch-up vaccination to older adolescents, per a journal published in the National Library of Medicine.

Australia is widely recognised as a pioneer in introducing school-based vaccination in 2007. With coverage exceeding 80% among adolescent girls, it recorded a dramatic reduction in HPV infection, genital warts, and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia within a decade. Modelling studies now project that Australia may become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035.

In some populations, precancerous cervical changes have become rare, highlighting the potential for vaccination not just to reduce disease but to reshape the future landscape of cervical cancer.

Indias large and diverse population presents challenges in logistics and communication, but it also offers opportunities: existing immunisation systems, community health worker networks, and digital outreach channels could be leveraged to expand HPV vaccination coverage rapidly if political and social will aligned.

Why HPV Vaccination Needs More Attention

This is not merely a medical issue; it is a public health, social, and cultural challenge that requires broad engagement. Early immunisation can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases, but only if families, educators, and policymakers demonstrate sustained commitment.

Early HPV vaccination is a powerful tool, but it must be wielded with knowledge, communication, and urgency. Normalising HPV vaccination as routine childhood health care  free of stigma and grounded in evidence  could transform the nations approach to womens health.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:48 IST

News explainers Why This Most Common Cancer Is Preventable; Decoding Myths Around HPV Vaccination

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Bareilly Violence Accuseds Son Rams Car Into Bus, Arrested After Drugs Found In Suitcase

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:28 IST

When Raza was asked to open the cars boot for inspection, he reportedly refused and began arguing with the cops, leading to a brief commotion on the highway.

Framan Raza rammed his car into a bus. (Photo: X)

Furman Raza Khan, son of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, the alleged mastermind of the September 2025 Bareilly violence, was taken into custody late Tuesday night after police recovered drugs and a syringe from his car following a road accident on the LucknowDelhi National Highway in Shahjahanpur district.

The incident occurred around 9 pm near Kachhiyani Kheda village under the Tilhar police station limits, when Furman Raza, driving a Hyundai Verna, rammed into a Sitapur depot roadways bus from behind. The impact damaged the front portion of the car, though Furman escaped without serious injuries.

According to police officials, Furman was travelling from Bareilly towards Prayagraj, where he was scheduled to meet a lawyer in connection with bail proceedings for his father, who is currently lodged in Fatehgarh jail. However, his travel plan allegedly changed midway, leading to the late-night journey through Shahjahanpur.

Suspicion arose when police reached the accident site and noticed Furmans unusual behaviour." When asked to open the cars boot for inspection, he reportedly refused and began arguing with the policemen, leading to a brief commotion on the highway.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Deeksha Bhavare reached the spot along with other officers. After police intervention, the boot was opened and a suitcase was recovered from the vehicle.

On checking the suitcase, a small packet containing approximately half a gram of suspected narcotic substance and one syringe were recovered," ASP Deeksha Bhavare said. The accused admitted during questioning that he consumes drugs. He has been taken into custody, medically examined, and further legal action is being initiated as per procedure."

Police brought Furman Raza along with the seized items to the Tilhar police station for questioning. The white powder recovered has been sent for forensic testing to ascertain its exact composition, and sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are likely to be invoked based on the laboratory report.

Officials said Furman initially attempted to mislead the police and resisted the search, but later disclosed his identity, stating that he was the son of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), has been in jail since his arrest in connection with large-scale communal violence that erupted in Bareilly on September 26, 2025. The violence broke out after Raza allegedly called on people to gather at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers and march towards the district collectorate.

Despite preventive action and house arrest orders imposed on Tauqeer Raza and his close associates, groups of worshippers attempted to move towards Islamia Ground, leading to clashes at four different locations. Police were allegedly attacked with stones, and firing incidents were reported. In response, law enforcement used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In connection with the violence, police registered 11 cases and arrested at least 84 people. Tauqeer Raza has been named as an accused in 10 of those cases.

Following the violence, authorities launched an extensive crackdown on properties linked to Tauqeer Raza and his associates. The Bareilly Development Authority and the municipal corporation have so far sealed or demolished properties worth over 220 crore. The power corporation has also disconnected dozens of electricity connections and issued recovery notices amounting to 1.5 crore.

Officials said the scale of administrative action in Bareilly mirrors the post-riot crackdown carried out earlier in Sambhal. This is the first time in over four decades that such sweeping action has been taken against Tauqeer Raza and his network," a senior official said, citing his long political influence and association with the Ala Hazrat Dargah.

Police sources confirmed that Furman Razas legal status will depend on the final chemical examination report of the seized substance. At present, he is in custody, and all actions are being taken strictly as per law," ASP Bhavare reiterated.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:28 IST

News india Bareilly Violence Accuseds Son Rams Car Into Bus, Arrested After Drugs Found In Suitcase

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Boosts Indias Vision Of Self-Reliance: PM Modi Hails Commissioning Of ICGS Samudra Pratap

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:47 IST

Samudra Pratap is Indias first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel.

PM Narendra Modi (File Photo: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, calling it a significant step towards a stronger and self-reliant India.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the vessel adds strength to Indias vision of self-reliance, boosts the countrys security system and reflects a commitment to sustainability.

His post on x reads, The commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, including the fact that it adds strength to our vision of self-reliance, boosts our security apparatus and reflects a commitment to sustainability, among others."

Samudra Pratap is Indias first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel. It was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard on January 5, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the ship at Goa Shipyard Limited, marking an important milestone for Indias maritime capabilities.

The 114.5-metre, 4,170-tonne vessel is the Indian Coast Guards largest ship, with 60% indigenous content. It can sail at over 22 knots and has a 6,000-nautical-mile range. Equipped with advanced guns, firefighting, positioning and oil spill recovery systems, it strengthens pollution response, rescue missions, EEZ surveillance and maritime security. Watch more videos Share this Article

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:19 IST

News india Boosts Indias Vision Of Self-Reliance: PM Modi Hails Commissioning Of ICGS Samudra Pratap

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Delhi Police File FIR Against Protesting Students In JNU Sloganeering Row

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 22:30 IST

The police filed the FIR under Section 352 and Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Students protest outside a dhaba inside the JNU campus. (FILE IMAGE)

JNU Slogan Row: Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students who raised objectionable slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during a protest on campus earlier this week.

The FIR was filed based on the complaint received from JNUs Chief Security Officer in Vasant Kunj North Police Station under Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of public peace) and Section 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The police action came after a group of students associated with the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) raised anti-Modi and anti-government slogans during a gathering at Guerilla Dhaba" on the campus.

Around 3040 students, associated with the Students Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Students Federation (DSF) and All India Students Association (AISA), were present when the slogans were raised after the Supreme Court denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Four office-bearers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU), along with several other students affiliated with Left student organisations were identified in connection with the objectionable sloganeering. The four JNUSU office-bearers identified by the university are Danish Ali, joint secretary, Aditi Mishra, president; Gopika K Babu, vice president; and Sunil, general secretary.

Apart from the union office-bearers, the administration has also named other students from different Left student groups, including Saad Azmi, Pakeeza Khan, Shubham, Kanishk Shashank and Mehmood Ilahi.

Earlier on Tuesday, the university administration said that it would take strictest action against protesting students. It warned that those involved could face immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the university.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration has vowed the strictest action against students found raising objectionable slogans against Honble Prime Minister and Honble Home Minister. Students involved in this incident will also face disciplinary measures including immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the University," it said.

The university administration also said that competent authorities have taken serious note of the incident and directed the universitys security branch to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

It stressed that such sloganeering is inconsistent with democratic dissent, violates the JNU Code of Conduct, and has the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of both the university and the nation.

A report submitted by the Chief Security Officer to the JNU Proctor concluded that the slogans raised were deliberate and intentional, and not a spontaneous expression of protest.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 22:23 IST

News india Delhi Police File FIR Against Protesting Students In JNU Sloganeering Row

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DRI Busts Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Seizes Over 29 Kg Gold Worth Rs 40 Crore

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 20:42 IST

The DRI said that the operation, carried out on Tuesday, involved searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala, leading to the seizure of over 29 kg of foreign-origin gold.

In total, the DRI seized 29.2 kg of gold, valued at around Rs 40 crore, along with Rs 2.9 crore cash. (PIB)

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday busted a big trans-border gold smuggling syndicate operating with links to Dubai and Bangladesh, officials said.

In a press statement, the DRI said that the operation, carried out on Tuesday, involved searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala, leading to the seizure of over 29 kg of foreign-origin gold and cash worth Rs 2.90 crore.

Based on specific intelligence, DRI officials apprehended a key member of the syndicate from a domestic logistics warehouse while he was taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala. Examination of the consignments led to the recovery of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold, bearing international refinery markings, valued at around Rs 20.73 crore.

Simultaneous searches conducted at various premises in Delhi and Agartala resulted in the seizure of an additional 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold and cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency.

In total, the DRI seized 29.2 kg of gold, valued at around Rs 40 crore, along with Rs 2.9 crore cash, under the provisions of the Customs Act. Four members of the smuggling syndicate have been arrested in connection with the case.

Investigations have revealed that the syndicate smuggled gold into India through the Indo-Bangladesh border via Tripura and subsequently transported it to Delhi using domestic cargo services. Officials said the operation involved the active connivance of handlers based in Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local operatives running jewellery shops in Agartala.

The DRI said the action was part of its ongoing efforts to curb illicit gold flows and safeguard Indias economic and fiscal stability. Further investigation is underway, officials added.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 20:42 IST

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday visited the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, marking the 100th anniversary of the site's establishment.

"We cannot talk about the history of the ROK's independence movement without mentioning China," Lee said. "Nearly half of the historic sites related to the struggle are located in China, indicating that China was the main stage of our independence movement."

From 1910 to 1945, the Korean Peninsula was under Imperial Japan's colonization. In the year 1919, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established in Shanghai. The building, constructed in 1925, housed the provisional government from 1926 to 1932.

During his visit, Lee viewed historical photos, documents and maps, and paid tribute to a statue of ROK independence leader Kim Koo, as 2026 also marks his 150th birth anniversary.

Lee expressed his gratitude to China for restoring the historic site and preserving it over the past three decades. Since its opening in 1993, a year after the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the ROK, the site has welcomed millions of visitors and become an important bridge for bilateral exchanges.

"I hope that today's event serves as a precious opportunity for us to jointly review the sacrifices and contributions made by our martyrs a century ago, and to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the ROK and China," said Lee.

Lee paid a state visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday. 
Insensitive Remark: BJP, AAP Spar Over Insult To Guru Tegh Bahadur In Delhi Assembly

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:08 IST

Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that even unintentional disrespect during such a sacred discussion amounts to a serious offence and requires an apology.

BJP Demands Apology From Atishi Over Alleged Comments on Guru Tegh Bahadur

The BJP on Tuesday accused AAP leader and Leader of the Opposition Atishi of using insensitive words against Guru Tegh Bahadur during a discussion in the Delhi Assembly. BJP legislators demanded a public apology, saying the remarks hurt Sikh sentiments.

The issue came up during a debate on a Delhi government programme held last November to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru. During the discussion, opposition AAP MLAs raised the issue of air pollution, leading to an uproar in the House.

What happened in the House?

According to BJP leaders, the alleged remarks were made while the House was discussing Guru Tegh Bahadurs sacrifice. However, the exact words spoken by Atishi were not clearly audible in the available audio. Despite this, BJP leaders said any improper words used alongside the Gurus name were unacceptable.

Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that even unintentional disrespect during such a sacred discussion amounts to a serious offence and requires an apology. He added that the government had already scheduled a full-day discussion on pollution for the following day.

BJP seeks censure motion

Minister Ashish Sood described the incident as a low-level act" and accused the opposition of disrupting the discussion to avoid acknowledging the governments programme in honour of the Sikh guru. Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the matter was sensitive and assured that the video would be examined. He said a censure motion could be brought in the House the next day.

BJP MLA Harish Khurana also condemned the alleged remarks and said the party would move a censure motion, stressing that the pollution debate was already planned.

AAP hits back

In a statement issued later, the AAP accused the BJP of turning the Assembly session into a distraction to avoid a serious discussion on pollution. The party said the BJP feared that a full debate on pollution would expose its failures before the public.

Several BJP leaders, including ministers Kapil Mishra and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, strongly criticised Atishis conduct and repeated the demand for an apology both inside and outside the House. They said such behaviour during a discussion on a sacred subject had never been seen before.

The political sparring is expected to continue when the Assembly takes up the matter again.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:08 IST

News india Insensitive Remark: BJP, AAP Spar Over Insult To Guru Tegh Bahadur In Delhi Assembly

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Intense Cold Wave To Grip North India From Today As Mercury Drops | Check Forecast

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:35 IST

According to the weatherman, the dramatic fall in temperatures can be compared to the severe winter spells experienced in December 2019 and early 2024.

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Cold wave conditions to intensify in northern India (File image: PTI)

An intense cold wave is set to grip large parts of northern India from Wednesday night, with mercury dipping to single digits by 8:30 P.M., as several cities already have witnessed plunging temperatures, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the weatherman, the dramatic fall in temperatures can be compared to the severe winter spells experienced in December 2019 and early 2024. Widespread cold wave conditions are likely to hit several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Meanwhile, several cities have already witnessed dipping temperatures with the onset of a prolonged winter spell on Tuesday night, January 6. The national capital recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius  2.6 degrees lower than Delhis temperature at the same time on Monday night, January 5.

Rajasthans Churu recorded 8.6 degrees Celsius, with Patiala witnessing 9 degrees Celsius and Rohtak 9.6 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has stated that the sharp drop is part of the build-up to the peak cold wave conditions between January 8 and 15. At the same time, it warned that temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi could fall by another 2-3 notches over the next two days.

Between January 7 to January 9, some areas of Punjab and Haryana are likely to experience dense to dense fog conditions.

Delhi sees its first cold day of the year

The national capital saw its first cold day of the year on Tuesday as the maximum temperature took a serious drop. According to the IMD, the cold wave conditions were witnessed at Palam and Lodhi Road, where the maximum temperature stood between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog on Wednesday, with cold wave conditions likely to prevail.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 16 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius.

Air quality worsens in Delhi

As cold wave conditions gripped the capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped to 310, falling in the very poor category, against 244 a day earlier.

According to the data obtained from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a total of 27 stations recorded very poor AQI, with Mundka being the worst hit with a reading of 369.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 07:33 IST

News india Intense Cold Wave To Grip North India From Today As Mercury Drops | Check Forecast

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Jhansis First Woman Auto Driver Shot Dead; Police Probe Fallout With Ex-Lover

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 08:59 IST

Anita Chaudhary, Jhansis first woman auto-rickshaw driver, was shot dead after she ended her relationship with Mukesh Jha. Police named Mukesh as the main accused.

File photo of Anita Chaudhary. (Image: X/@varunchoudhary2)

A woman auto-rickshaw driver in Uttar Pradeshs Jhansi was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Monday, police said. It is learnt that the cops received a PCR call reporting an overturned auto-rickshaw with a woman trapped underneath it in the early hours of Monday.

Soon after, a police team rushed to the spot and found the woman motionless, bleeding from her head. Initially, police believed she had died in a road accident. However, the post-mortem later revealed she had been shot dead.

The victim was identified as Anita Chaudhary (45), Jhansis first woman auto-rickshaw driver, who was felicitated by the UP Police in December 2021. Her identity added to the shock surrounding the case.

During the investigation, police learned that Anita had been in a relationship with Mukesh Jha (45) but had ended it around four months ago. Police suspect her refusal to continue the relationship led to her murder. Mukesh is believed to have orchestrated the killing.

On Tuesday morning, police recovered Mukeshs car near the Barua Sagar dam in Jhansi. CCTV footage revealed the same vehicle was following Anitas auto-rickshaw on Sunday night, just hours before her death, a police officer confirmed. Mukesh has been named the main accused but remains absconding. His son and brother-in-law, suspected of involvement, were taken into custody to help trace his whereabouts.

ADG Kanpur Zone Alok Singh told The Indian Express that the police control room received a call around 2.30 am about an overturned auto and a woman lying underneath it in the Civil Lines area. The woman was taken to hospital and declared dead on arrival. Initially, police said it appeared she died in a road accident  until the autopsy confirmed a gunshot injury to the head, Singh said.

Police said Anitas husband filed a complaint accusing Mukesh of killing her. A reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest.

According to police, Anita had earlier lodged a complaint against Mukesh for criminal intimidation and harassment, but he was not arrested as the offences carried a sentence of less than seven years. SHO Ravi Srivastava said Anita had cut off contact with Mukesh over four months ago, but he continued to pressure her to resume the relationship. The fallout, police believe, was the motive behind the murder.

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Location : Jhansi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 08:59 IST

News india Jhansis First Woman Auto Driver Shot Dead; Police Probe Fallout With Ex-Lover

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4 Student Union Office-Bearers, Other Left Affiliates Identified In JNU Sloganeering Row

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:17 IST

Four JNUSU office-bearers and several other Left-affiliated students have been identified over alleged objectionable sloganeering during a campus protest at JNU.

Students in connection with sloganeering at JNU have been identified (Photos: News18)

Four office-bearers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU), along with several other students affiliated with Left student organisations, have been identified in connection with alleged objectionable sloganeering during a protest on the campus earlier this week.

The development comes after the university sought police action, asserting that the slogans raised were provocative, inflammatory and in direct contempt of the Supreme Court.

The four JNUSU office-bearers identified by the university are Danish Ali, joint secretary, Aditi Mishra, president; Gopika K Babu, vice president; and Sunil, general secretary.

Apart from the union office-bearers, the administration has also named other students from different Left student groups, including Saad Azmi, Pakeeza Khan, Shubham, Kanishk Shashank and Mehmood Ilahi.

According to a PTI report, the controversy erupted following a protest held at the Sabarmati Dhaba on the university campus on Monday night under the title A Night of Resistance with Guerrilla Dhaba.

The event was organised to mark the anniversary of the January 5, 2020, violence on the JNU campus.

However, the university alleged that during the programme, slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were raised after the Supreme Court denied bail to former student leaders Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

In a series of posts on X, the JNU administration mentioned that an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident and asserted that any unlawful conduct or anti-national activity will not be tolerated."

The university stressed that while freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right, campuses cannot be allowed to become spaces for hate or activities that threaten public order.

Students involved in this incident will face disciplinary measures including immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the University," JNU said, adding that an internal inquiry has also been ordered.

A letter sent by the JNU administration to the Station House Officer of Vasant Kunj (North) police station stated that certain students raised highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory" slogans that reflected wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and violated the JNU Code of Conduct.

The letter noted that the slogans were deliberate, repeated and had the potential to disrupt campus harmony and security.

A senior police officer told PTI that a probe has been launched and that CCTV footage and videos of the event will be examined.

JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, however, denied the allegations.

She told PTI that students organise a protest every year to condemn the January 5, 2020, violence and claimed that the slogans raised were ideological in nature and not directed personally at anyone.

Meanwhile, the JNUSU, in a separate statement, said it stands for peaceful and democratic forms of protest.

On the contrary, the students union accused a section of the media of misrepresenting the event and alleged that the Delhi Police had failed to deliver justice to victims of the 2020 campus violence.

On Wednesday, the Delhi Police confirmed that a complaint had been received from the Chief Security Officer of JNU at Police Station Vasant Kunj North regarding the sloganeering.

Police officials said the complaint is currently under examination to determine the appropriate legal action.

ALSO READ | JNU Students Who Shouted Controversial Slogans Face Expulsion

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:11 IST

News india 4 Student Union Office-Bearers, Other Left Affiliates Identified In JNU Sloganeering Row

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Karnataka BJP Worker Alleges She Was Stripped, Assaulted In Police Action During Protest; Cops Deny

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:51 IST

A BJP woman activist in Hubballi has alleged that she was stripped and assaulted by police during a protest, accusing them of acting following a Congress corporators complaint.

BJP activist alleges assault by cops in Karnataka (Video screengrabs)

A BJP woman activist in Karnatakas Hubballi has alleged that she was stripped and assaulted by police personnel during a protest in the Keshwapur area. The police, however, have denied the allegations and presented a contrasting version of events.

The woman activist, identified as Sujata Handi, also known as Vijayalakshmi, alleged that she was assaulted by police personnel while being taken into custody during a protest.

According to the allegations, the police stripped her and used force.

The woman linked the police action to a complaint filed by a Congress corporator, alleging that the police acted in a partisan manner.

She claimed that the alleged assault took place following a complaint lodged by Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla, and accused the police of acting with undue aggression and bias.

Meanwhile, the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner has rejected the allegations.

Addressing the media, the Commissioner stated that the claims of stripping and assault were false and misleading.

According to the police version, the BJP woman activist removed her saree herself during the arrest process.

The Police Commissioner said that such actions are sometimes adopted by individuals to resist arrest.

Some people remove their clothes to avoid being taken into custody. In this case, the woman activist removed her saree herself while resisting arrest," he said, denying any wrongdoing by police personnel involved in the operation.

The police also registered a complaint against her, alleging that she misbehaved with two police personnel during the arrest and bit some of them.

The police maintain that their actions were in accordance with the law and were necessitated by the situation on the ground.

Further elaborating on the background of the woman activist, the Police Commissioner stated that she has eight criminal cases registered against her, including two recent cases.

One of these cases, according to the police, relates to an alleged attempt to murder one of her neighbours.

Officials further claimed that Sujata attempted to escape during the arrest, leading to a scuffle between her and the police team.

Later, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the incident as absolutely reprehensible and shocking", further alleging complete collapse of law and order" in Karnataka.

At present, Sujata is in judicial custody, as confirmed by the police.

ALSO READ | Bomb Scare At Bengaluru School Triggers Panic, Security Tightened

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 10:35 IST

News india Karnataka BJP Worker Alleges She Was Stripped, Assaulted In Police Action During Protest; Cops Deny

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Low-Cost Explosives, Drones, Online Manuals: New Terror Threat Emerges Ahead Of R-Day | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:29 IST

Terror groups like Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are sharing and demonstrating techniques to make bombs and IEDs using cheap, easily available materials that are difficult to detect.

Sources have said that after Delhi Blast, agencies have been able to analyse the presence and preparation of terror outfits. (Image: PTI File)

Central agencies have flagged an evolving and increasingly sophisticated terror threat marked by the innovative use of explosives, commercially available chemicals, and easily accessible online resources to fabricate improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in view of Republic Day Parade and Beating the Retreat function. Sources said that a fresh detailed note has been issued last week.

The security arrangements have been changed in a big way to thwart any incident.

A top-level official aware of the development told News18 on the condition of anonymity that global terror outfits such as Al-Qaeda (AQ), Islamic State (IS) and their affiliates are actively sharing and demonstrating techniques to make bombs and IEDs using materials that are cheap, easily available, and difficult to detect.

According to an official aware of the development, these new-generation IEDs are designed to bypass conventional security measures such as metal detectors, sniffer dogs, and manual frisking, posing a serious and evolving challenge for security forces.

According to the sources, Indian agencies have come across one such instance where Al-Qaeda affiliates released a video demonstrating step-by-step techniques for making bombs and IEDs using readily available materials. Officials said these methods are specifically designed to evade standard detection systems.

There is a growing likelihood of hostile actors trying to access secured locations through impersonation, using fake passes, forged labels, or even service uniforms," the official said.

Agencies have also reported that terror outfits are fabricating IEDs in an old format, disguised as everyday objects. The knowledge required for fabricating and planting such deceptive devices is freely available online, which significantly accentuates the threat," a source said.

Another area of concern is the increasing use of technology, particularly drones and remote-operated systems, to carry out attacks.

Operation Sindoor Frustration

The threat perception has sharpened further in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, following which Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have issued threatening statements on social media. These outfits have reportedly vowed to avenge the strikes by targeting vital installations in Pakistan and India, along with iconic and tourist locations with high footfall, economic centres, prominent religious places and leaders, and defence and security establishments.

Delhi Blast Exposed Presence and Preparation of Outfits

Sources have said that after Delhi Blast, agencies have been able to analyse the presence and preparation of terror outfits.

They have also linked recent developments to the high-intensity blast reported near Red Fort in Delhi on November 10. Officials say that there is heightened concern over potential threats to VVIPs and VVIPs from Islamist terror groups and anti-India elements, prompting calls for significant enhancement of security arrangements, especially in view of the Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) 2026.

Threat from Al-Qaeda and IS

Global jihadi groups such as IS, AQ and their affiliates have issued repeated threats against India and high dignitaries. Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring videos and other content uploaded on social media platforms by these groups, which indicate clear hostility and intent to carry out disruptive activities in the country.

These outfits are also resorting to aggressive online propaganda to radicalise and incite Muslim youth, encouraging lone-wolf attacks in the name of jihad and to avenge alleged oppression in India," the official said.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:29 IST

News india Low-Cost Explosives, Drones, Online Manuals: New Terror Threat Emerges Ahead Of R-Day | Exclusive

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NIA Probes Bangladesh-Linked Jihadi Fundraising Network In Assam After 11 Terror Suspects Held By STF

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 21:50 IST

Central agencies are now working to trace the complete money trail, identify handlers, and dismantle sleeper cells in the region

Over the years, several terror modules linked to Bangladesh-based and al-Qaeda-inspired outfits, including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, have been uncovered in the state. (Representational image)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating a Bangladesh-linked jihadi fundraising network operating in Assam, raising concerns over the use of both cross-border and domestic financial channels to support extremist activities in the Northeast. The case, initially handled by the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF), has gained national security significance due to the scale of funding and suspected foreign connections. Central agencies are now working to trace the complete money trail, identify handlers, and dismantle sleeper cells in the region.

Senior NIA officials have started interrogating the 11 suspected terrorists arrested by the Assam Police STF during a coordinated crackdown across Assam and Tripura. NIA officers arrived in Guwahati on Monday and have been questioning the detainees, who were arrested during simultaneous raids under STFs Operation Praghat on December 29, 2025. The interrogation will not be limited to the NIA; investigation agencies from other states, including Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, are also involved, indicating possible interstate linkages and a broader network reach.

The eleven suspects were apprehended from Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa, and Darrang districts of Assam and one from Tripura, suggesting the networks operations extended beyond Assam. One of the arrested men has been identified as the Assam module head, allegedly responsible for coordinating local fundraising, recruitment, and communication with handlers in Bangladesh. The arrests followed sustained intelligence-led surveillance that detected suspicious financial activity, encrypted communications, and the circulation of radical material. Interrogations have revealed that several of the accused were actively involved in raising and routing funds for extremist purposes. The module operated in a structured manner, with designated roles for fundraising, logistics, and coordination.

Preliminary findings indicate that the network used a layered funding mechanism, combining cross-border transfers with extensive local fundraising. Money was collected in cash from sympathisers within Assam, routed through small-value bank and digital transfers to evade detection, and sometimes moved across the IndiaBangladesh border using hawala channels. The fragmentation of transactions seems to be a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny by financial intelligence agencies while maintaining a steady flow of funds.

One of the most serious concerns for investigators is the scale of internal funding generated within Assam and the Northeast. Unlike earlier terror modules that relied predominantly on foreign remittances, this network appears to have developed a self-sustaining local financial base. These funds were used to support recruitment and radicalisation, cover travel and logistical expenses, procure communication devices, and maintain sleeper cells, reducing the need for frequent cross-border transfers. This strategy provided the network with greater operational independence and reduced the risk of exposure.

Interrogation findings suggest that the funds were intended to strengthen extremist networks in the region and gradually expand their influence, rather than facilitate immediate attacks. Security officials describe this long-term strategy as particularly dangerous, as it allows radical groups to embed themselves quietly within local communities.

Over the years, several terror modules linked to Bangladesh-based and al-Qaeda-inspired outfits, including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, have been uncovered in the state. Previous investigations revealed attempts to use Assam as a transit corridor, shelter zone, and recruitment base, with local funding and logistical support playing a critical role. While many of these modules were dismantled before carrying out attacks, officials note repeated attempts to rebuild networks, pointing to sustained radicalisation efforts.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the state will maintain zero tolerance towards terrorism and jihadi activity. He emphasised that Assam remains largely peaceful, but extremist elements have sought to exploit social and geographic vulnerabilities. The Chief Minister stressed that there will be no distinction between those who propagate extremist ideology and those who fund or facilitate such activities, and that security agencies have been instructed to act preemptively.

The investigation gained momentum after the recent recovery of Rs 14.5 lakh in cash from the residence of a daily-wage labourer in the Moran area of Dibrugarh district. This unusually large sum has raised suspicion of terror financing or organised financial operations. Authorities are investigating whether the recovered cash is linked to the same jihadi fundraising network or represents a parallel internal funding channel.

Given the cross-border dimensions of the case, the volume of funds involved, and the broader national security implications, the NIA is conducting a detailed examination of bank records, hawala routes, and digital evidence, including encrypted communication platforms. Further arrests and financial seizures are likely as the investigation progresses, and security agencies are intensifying monitoring to prevent the re-emergence of extremist networks in Assam and the Northeast. The involvement of agencies from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and other states indicates the possibility of interstate linkages, suggesting a broader operational footprint.

Meanwhile, the Assam STF is on the hunt for the 12th jihadi, who is believed to be hiding in West Bengal.

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Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 21:50 IST

News india NIA Probes Bangladesh-Linked Jihadi Fundraising Network In Assam After 11 Terror Suspects Held By STF

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No Prejudice Caused To Justice Yashwant Varma: Parliament To SC In Cash Haul Row

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:40 IST

Justice Varma questions formation of committee, LS Secy General replies plea based on "incorrect factual foundation, maintains SC cant question Speakers decision in Parliament

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Justice Yashwant Varma's bungalow (right) where the cash was recovered. (File)

Justice Yashwant Varmas petition challenging the impeachment motion in connection with the cash haul case was built on incorrect factual foundation, the Lok Sabha Secretary General has told the Supreme Court in its reply, which was exclusively accessed by CNN-News18.

No prejudice was caused to Justice Varma by constitution of the committee," stated the reply to the SC.

The affidavit also stated that the Supreme Court cant question the Speakers decision to form a committee as they are proceedings in Parliament". Section 3 of the Judges Inquiry Act only applies when the motion is admitted in both the houses," it stated.

When motion is moved in both houses on the same day, both the houses need to admit the motion. If motions are not admitted by both houses when moved on the same day, a committee cant be formed. The committee was formed by the Speaker, it is not a joint committee," Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Varma, said in SC on Wednesday.

The affidavit highlighted that no MP has challenged the Deputy Chairmans August 11, 2025 order refusing to admit the Rajya Sabha motion, claiming that decision has attained finality. It stated that the Rajya Sabha motion by 62 MPs was never admitted; Deputy Chairman, acting as Chairman, rejected it by a written order on August 11, 2025, leaving only the Lok Sabha motion valid.

The reply rejected the judges allegation that the Speaker relied on the CJIs in-house panel report, asserting MPs independently formed an opinion and the Speaker only recorded the motions contents.

Not a joint committee: Varmas defence

Rohatgi said, This matter comes after notice. The Lok Sabha has filed a reply, the Rajya Sabha hasnt, they have sent us a letter they want to file a reply so we can proceed."

When a motion is moved in both houses on the same day, both houses need to admit the motion. If motions are not admitted by both houses when moved on the same day, a committee cant be formed. The committee was formed by the Speaker, it is not a joint committee," said Rohatgi.

The proviso contemplates one situation  if the motions are moved on the same day, then in that situation alone a committee is formed only if they are admitted and both will decided and have a joint committee. In my case, one motion was rejected. No committee could have been formed, as one house rejected, and since both houses did not admit the motion," said Rohatgi.

The Speaker said section 3 has been invoked and ask the other house to consider! The motion was not moved in a clandestine manner," said Rohatgi.

What the deputy chairman did was review of what chairman did by saying I have received the motion. All a motion requires is motion of impeachment and signatures, there is nothing else to scrutinise. So he has no option but admit the motion when he finds something has been filed," said Rohatgi.

The Solicitor General, responding to the SC, said, The Chairman had given reasons that he has received a motion which means he will have to scrutinise, and asked if the Lok Sabha has received any motion or not."

The Justice Varma cash haul row

On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out in a storeroom at Justice Varmas official Delhi residence. Fire and police personnel reportedly found half burnt stacks of Rs 500 notes at the scene, captured on video and authenticated afterward. The impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma was initiated in Parliament on July 21, 2025. The judge had challenged it in the SC.

A Supreme Court-appointed three-judge in-house panel, after examining 55 witnesses over ten days, concluded that Justice Varma and/or his family had covert or active control over the storeroom. The panel noted the cash was removed in the early hours of March 15, implicating his staff in the act.

Justice Varma denied any involvement, claimed the storeroom was a common area accessible to staff, characterised the allegations as a conspiracy, and criticised procedural irregularities in the inquiry. The panel deemed the misconduct grave enough to warrant impeachment. Then CJI Sanjiv Khanna had forwarded the recommendation to the President and Prime Minister.

Justice Varma moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash the inquiry report, labelling the process unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. On August 7, the Supreme Court rejected his petition, upholding the inquirys findings and emphasizing that Justice Varmas conduct did not inspire confidence," effectively supporting the removal recommendation.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:15 IST

News india No Prejudice Caused To Justice Yashwant Varma: Parliament To SC In Cash Haul Row

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Pakistans Support For Terror Is Open And State-Backed, Says Jaishankar In Luxembourg

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:36 IST

Jaishankar said no other country has pursued the kind of policies Pakistan has against a neighbouring state.

File photo of S Jaishankar | File Image

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday spoke on Indias relationship with Pakistan, called it an exception" among neighbours and accused Islamabad of openly supporting terrorism for decades.

Speaking in Luxembourg, when asked about Indias neighbourhood, Jaishankar said no other country today has pursued the kind of policies Pakistan has against a neighbouring state.

For decades, you had these training camps, not secret training camps; theyre all training camps in the big cities of Pakistan, very open, where the state, the military supports terrorism, and they try to normalise it as though its their right to do it," Jaishankar said. He added that such claims no longer carry credibility, noting, Nobody buys it anymore. Everybody knows that these are people who are supporting the state."

Describing this as an unpalatable reality," the minister said India cannot afford to ignore it while shaping its foreign policy. He stressed that New Delhi has to deal with each neighbour based on their conduct.

Those who are willing to work with us and be helpful, positive, well have to deal with them in that way. Those who do the kind of things that Pakistan does, well have to deal with it in a different way," Jaishankar said, underlining that Indias approach will remain firmly rooted in realism rather than rhetoric.

Also Read: Look At Your Own Region: Jaishankar Hits Back At Wests Free Advice On Indias Operation Sindoor

Jaishankar On West Hypocrisy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised what he described as Western hypocrisy in reactions to Operation Sindoor, Indias military action against Pakistan. He said that while some Western countries expressed concern over rising tensions, they often act selectively based on their own interests and yet continue to offer what he termed free advice" to India.

Referring to international responses during the operation, Jaishankar questioned the credibility of such concerns, suggesting that these countries should first reflect on violence and instability in their own regions and recognise the restraint India shows in similar situations. He remarked that in global affairs, people say one thing and do another."

Jaishankar said India must acknowledge this reality of international politics, where Western nations pursue their own priorities while commenting on others, and stressed that New Delhi should remain focused on its own policies and decisions without being influenced by external narratives.

Why dont you look at your own region and ask yourself, what are the levels of violence there, how much risk have been taken, how much worry the rest of us have about what you are doing?," the EAM said, slamming the western narratives.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 6-7, 2025, after the terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. The Indian tri-services conducted precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating more than 100 terrorists.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 11:17 IST

News india Pakistans Support For Terror Is Open And State-Backed, Says Jaishankar In Luxembourg

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Raids At 22 Locations Across Kashmir In Crackdown On Cyber Fraud-Terror Funding Network

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:13 IST

Investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, storage devices and financial documents believed to contain critical evidence of the networks operations and linkages.

The operation, carried out after securing court approval, spanned Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian and Kulgam, signalling a valley-wide effort to dismantle a covert money movement network.

Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has launched one of its most extensive coordinated operations in recent years, raiding 22 locations across the Kashmir Valley as part of a sweeping crackdown on cyber-enabled financial crime with potential terror linkages. The operation, carried out after securing court approval, spanned Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian and Kulgam, signalling a valley-wide effort to dismantle a covert money movement network operating beneath the surface of routine digital transactions.

The action follows the registration of an FIR by CIK after receiving specific intelligence inputs pointing to a sophisticated syndicate that had been quietly siphoning funds generated through cyber frauds, illegal online betting and gaming platforms. Investigators say the proceeds were systematically channelled into organised crime structures, with some trails raising serious concerns about possible terror financing.

At the heart of the operation was the discovery of an extensive mule account" ecosystem. According to officials familiar with the probe, the syndicate relied on bank accounts opened in the names of poor, unemployed or unsuspecting individuals, many of whom were unaware of how their accounts were being misused. These accounts functioned as temporary parking points for illicit money, allowing rapid transfers and layering of funds to obscure their origin and final destination.

Funds stolen through fake investment applications, phishing scams, online extortion and other digital fraud techniques were routed through multiple such accounts in quick succession. This design ensured that the real operators remained insulated, while the first layer of account holders appeared in transaction records, complicating detection and slowing investigative efforts.

Based on digital surveillance, financial intelligence and transaction pattern analysis, CIK obtained judicial clearance to conduct simultaneous searches across 22 locations. During the raids, investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, storage devices and financial documents believed to contain critical evidence of the networks operations and wider linkages.

So far, 22 suspects have been detained for questioning. Officials caution that these detentions are only the initial step, and that the investigation could expose a much larger network extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir, with national and possibly cross-border dimensions.

CIK officials have underscored that the operation sends a strong deterrent message. Misuse of the banking system, they warn, directly fuels cybercrime and can end up financing organised crime and terror activities. Even claims of unknowing" participation will not shield individuals from legal consequences, as agencies intensify scrutiny of digital financial abuse and its security implications.

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Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:06 IST

News india Raids At 22 Locations Across Kashmir In Crackdown On Cyber Fraud-Terror Funding Network

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This photo taken on Jan. 8, 2026 shows a businessman weighing saffron threads at a shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan has exported 38 tons of saffron in 2025, generating more than 67.5 million U.S. dollars in revenue, with 95 percent of the premium spice produced in western Herat province, the country's saffron growers union announced on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported 38 tons of saffron in 2025, generating more than 67.5 million U.S. dollars in revenue, with 95 percent of the premium spice produced in western Herat province, the country's saffron growers union announced on Wednesday.

The entire harvest was shipped to markets in Europe, the Arab world, and the Americas, according to Ibrahim Adeel, head of the union.

Saffron is currently cultivated on almost 12,000 hectares of land across the country, with around 10,500 hectares located in Herat province, said Adeel.

Meanwhile, Afghan saffron has once again secured the top global ranking for quality for the 10th time, as determined by an international tasting institute headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

Saffron ranks among Afghanistan's leading exports, alongside coal, fresh and dried fruits, hand-woven carpets, and precious and semi-precious stones.

Known locally as "red gold," the high-value crop continues to draw increasing numbers of farmers due to its strong profitability. One kg of saffron currently sells for around 100,000 afghanis (about 1,509 dollars) on the domestic market, with prices showing a steady upward trend. 

This photo taken on Jan. 8, 2026 shows saffron threads in vials at a shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan has exported 38 tons of saffron in 2025, generating more than 67.5 million U.S. dollars in revenue, with 95 percent of the premium spice produced in western Herat province, the country's saffron growers union announced on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 8, 2026 shows a businessman transferring saffron threads into a small vial with tweezers at a shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan has exported 38 tons of saffron in 2025, generating more than 67.5 million U.S. dollars in revenue, with 95 percent of the premium spice produced in western Herat province, the country's saffron growers union announced on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
'Resolve To Fight Terrorism': PM Modi Speaks To Netanyahu, Discusses India-Israel Ties

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 17:56 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed strengthening the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu (File photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to convey New Year greetings and review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead."

The leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism.

Also reaffirmed our shared commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism. India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region," PM Modi added.

Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.We also exchanged views on the regional situation and  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2026

Later, Netanyahu responded and said that both leaders discussed the strength of India-Israel relations and how the boundless potential of this partnership can be unleashed for the benefit of people.

We discussed the strength of India-Israel relations and how we can unleash the boundless potential of this partnership for the benefit of our peoples.I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi in the near future to continue these discussions in person.   Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 7, 2026

The conversation comes after several high-level exchanges between the two leaders in recent months.

In December, Netanyahu had called PM Modi to review bilateral cooperation and regional developments, including the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of the strategic partnership and agreed to deepen collaboration across key sectors for mutual benefit.

During that call, the two leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed continued coordination to support peace initiatives in the Middle East.

Netanyahus office confirmed that discussions were underway to reschedule his postponed visit to India, initially planned for December.

Later, highlighting the growth of India-Israel relations in 2025, the Indian Embassy in Israel called the year one of significant milestones," noting high-level visits, the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the finalisation of the Terms of Reference for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

Economic engagement was further strengthened through platforms such as the India-Israel CEOs Forum and the India-Israel Business Forum, focusing on technology, innovation, agriculture, defence, energy, and investment facilitation.

Defence cooperation also advanced in 2025, with the signing of the Defence Cooperation MoU during the 17th meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group on Defence in Tel Aviv.

Cultural and academic ties flourished as well, with initiatives such as International Yoga Day celebrations, the Holi-Purim Festival, Indian Film Festivals, the establishment of multiple Bharat Corners at leading Israeli universities, and the creation of the India Chair at Tel Aviv University.

Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, acknowledged 2025 as a very special year" for bilateral ties and expressed optimism for the coming year, stating, Indeed, 2025 was a very special year for Israel-India relations. Lets make 2026 even better!"

ALSO READ | Israel Might Not Exist Without Netanyahu: Trump Praises Israeli PM After Talks In Florida

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:51 IST

News india 'Resolve To Fight Terrorism': PM Modi Speaks To Netanyahu, Discusses India-Israel Ties

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Wanted Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member Aman Bhainswal Repatriated From US

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 19:58 IST

CBI, MEA, and MHA coordinated with INTERPOL to bring fugitive Aman Bhainswal from the US to India. He is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

CBI, MEA, and MHA coordinated with INTERPOL to bring fugitive Aman Bhainswal from the US to India. He is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. (Pic: X)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has facilitated the return of wanted fugitive Aman alias Aman Kumar alias Aman Bhainswal from the United States to India through INTERPOL channels, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, who was deported by US authorities, arrived in India on January 7 and was taken into custody by a team from the Haryana Police at the Delhi airport.

According to the CBI, Aman is wanted in multiple serious criminal cases registered by Haryana Police, including murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. Officials described him as a notorious criminal and a key member of an organised crime syndicate linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Investigators said Aman had earlier been arrested in India and was later granted bail, but failed to appear for trial and subsequently absconded. Acting on a request from Haryana Police, the CBI secured the issuance of a Red Notice against him through INTERPOL.

Red Notices published by INTERPOL are circulated to law enforcement agencies worldwide for tracking wanted fugitives," the CBI said, adding that sustained coordination with US authorities ultimately led to his deportation.

The agency said that as Indias National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, the CBI works closely with domestic law enforcement agencies through the BHARATPOL platform to seek international assistance. More than 150 wanted criminals have been brought back to India in the last few years through coordination via INTERPOL channels," it added.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 19:58 IST

News india Wanted Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member Aman Bhainswal Repatriated From US

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'Can't Read When It Is In The Mood To Bite': Supreme Court On Stray Dog Menace

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:41 IST

Questioning why stray dogs should be present inside schools, hospitals or courts, the Supreme Court asked what objection could exist to removing them from sensitive premises.

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday heard the stray dogs case.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, while hearing the stray dogs case, said that no one can read the animals behaviour when he is in a mood to bite". Questioning why stray dogs should be present inside schools, hospitals or courts, the top court asked what objection could exist to removing them from such sensitive premises. The court clarified that its modified order was restricted to institutional areas and not public roads.

The three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria emphasised that prevention is key, as identifying dangerous dogs by behaviour alone is impossible, highlighting the challenge in managing stray dog populations on roads and streets.

Its just not just about biting; but also the threat caused by dogs. Of accidents. How can you identify? Which dog is in what mood in the morning, you dont know," Justice Vikram Nath said.

Justice Mehta further drew a distinction between streets and institutional areas, and questioned why dogs are required inside court premises, schools and hospitals. He said institutions are not streets and must be kept safe.

In November 2025, the apex court, while taking note of the alarming rise" in dog bite incidents within institutional areas like educational institutions, hospitals, and railway stations, directed the relocation of stray canines to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination.

The Bench also instructed the authorities to release the stray dogs back to the place where they were picked up. The bench had directed the authorities to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from state highways, national highways, and expressways.

However, the three-judge bench had earlier made it clear that the relocation would not apply to dogs infected with rabies or suspected to be infected with rabies.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:15 IST

News india 'Can't Read When It Is In The Mood To Bite': Supreme Court On Stray Dog Menace

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Sydney Sweeney Channels Old-Hollywood Glamour In A Daring Nude Photoshoot

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:25 IST

Sydney Sweeney stuns the internet with a bold, Marilyn Monroeinspired nude photoshoot for W Magazines Best Performances issue, earning praise for its cinematic glamour.

Sydney Sweeney poses nude in a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photoshoot for W Magazine.

Time and again, Sydney Sweeney finds herself at the centre of pop-culture conversation. Whether it was the internet-breaking buzz around the Dr Squatch collaboration or the polarising American Eagle great jeans" campaign, the Euphoria star has a knack for commanding attention. Now, shes doing it once more, this time with a bold, cinematic photoshoot that fans are calling yet another moment of breaking the internet."

On January 7, Sydney shared images from her latest editorial for W Magazines Volume One: The Best Performances Issue. For the striking shoot, the 28-year-old actor embraced a daring, bare-skinned aesthetic, leaning fully into old-school Hollywood glamour. The result is a visual narrative that feels both provocative and deeply nostalgic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)

Inside the photoshoot

The cover and accompanying images channel a dramatic, filmic mood, grand yet intimate, bold yet composed. Theres a strong sense of vintage allure throughout, achieved through hazy lighting, soft-focus shadows, and a muted colour palette that recalls classic cinema. Sydney appears with a Marilyn Monroeinspired blonde bob styled in soft curls, paired with a sparkling diamond choker and luminous gold body paint, an unmistakable nod to Hollywoods golden era.

Set against a black backdrop streaked with motion blur and light trails, Sydney becomes the undeniable focal point of the frame. The warm, golden lighting reflects off her skin, creating an almost dreamlike effect. Her gaze is confident and self-possessed, balancing sensuality with restraint, an image of control rather than spectacle.

The internet reacts

Unsurprisingly, the Marilyn Monroe influence didnt go unnoticed. One fan commented, Youre starting the New Year looking like Marilyn Monroe resurrected," while others praised her ability to channel the screen icons magnetic presence through posture and styling alone. Comments such as Mesmerisingly beautiful" and Absolutely magnificent" flooded the post within hours.

Some fans also pointed out how far Sydney has come from the teenage roles that once defined her public image, particularly her portrayal of Cassie in HBOs Euphoria. She doesnt look like a teenager anymore, gorgeous," one user noted, highlighting the shift toward a more mature, cinematic persona.

Across the comment section, admiration poured in for the editorials artistry from lighting and composition to the quiet confidence Sydney exudes in every frame. Ethereal, classic, and unapologetically bold, the shoot marks yet another chapter in Sydney Sweeneys evolving image, one that continues to fascinate both fashion lovers and pop-culture watchers alike.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 16:25 IST

News lifestyle fashion Sydney Sweeney Channels Old-Hollywood Glamour In A Daring Nude Photoshoot
Where India Is Eating Next: New Restaurants And Chef-Led Experiences This January

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Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 00:41 IST

Discover Indias most exciting new culinary formats in January 2026 from Konkan and Odia heritage showcases to Japanese sundowners and all-day dining concepts across hotels.

Restaurants that treat themselves as living narratives rather than static menus are the ones shaping what comes next. In Bengaluru, the future of dining isnt being plated. Its being performed.

As 2026 unfolds, Indias leading dining destinations are rethinking how we eat, gather, and experience food. Across the country, hotels and restaurants are introducing thoughtfully curated formats from all-day dining concepts rooted in local sourcing, to Japanese-inspired social hours adapted for Indian palates, and regional showcases that place heritage cuisine firmly in the spotlight.

Together, these new launches reflect how dining is evolving beyond the plate, blending storytelling, craftsmanship, and experience. Heres a closer look at some of the most compelling culinary highlights to watch in the weeks ahead.

Gingerfire Makes Its India Debut at Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa

Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa marks the Indian debut of Hiltons global all-day dining concept, Gingerfire. Designed as the resorts primary dining destination, Gingerfire serves as a canvas for the hotels culinary philosophy where local sourcing, Asian techniques, and global flavours intersect seamlessly across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

With over 60 percent of its produce sourced locally, the restaurant places ingredient integrity at the forefront. The menu is built around Asian cooking methods such as wok, steaming, wood fire, and mortar-and-pestle preparation, resulting in dishes that are expressive yet balanced.

Led by Executive Chef Athar Hussain, who brings over 16 years of international experience, the menu blends global influences with a respectful nod to Hyderabads culinary identity. Standout dishes include Darjeeling Chicken Momos, Chicken 65, Chepala Vepudu, Chukandar Ki Shami, and Melon and Apricot Delight. Breakfast offerings such as Gongura Leaf Pancakes spotlight the bold, tangy flavours central to Telangana cuisine.

Reservations: +91 87124 76662

Adrift Kaya Launches Delhis First Japanese Aperitivo Hour

At Adrift Kaya, Michelin-starred Chef David Myers introduces Sunday SundownDelhis first Japanese aperitivo-style social hour. Launching on 18 January and held every Sunday from 4 PM to 6 PM, the experience reimagines the Japanese izakaya as a relaxed, late-afternoon gathering.

The format offers two menus: an a la carte selection of small plates and sushi, and a curated set menu designed as a complete sundowner experience. Guests can expect yakitori-style skewers, chicken karaage, tempura vegetables, compact sandos, and hosomaki rolls with salmon, tuna, and vegetarian options.

Cocktails, priced at 850 each, anchor the experience, with signatures such as the Yuzu Whisky Highball, Hot Apple Toddy, and Tropical Pineapple Smash, alongside Aperol Spritz, sparkling wines, light beers, and chilled sake.

Reservations: +91 92895 80051

Saraswat Flavours of the Konkan at K3, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

New Delhis celebrated food theatre K3 hosts Saraswat Flavours of the Konkan, a limited-period showcase curated by Saraswat cuisine specialist Chef Gauri Apte. Running from 21 to 25 January 2026, the experience includes dinner service throughout the week and a special Sunday brunch.

Known for her dedication to preserving Saraswat culinary traditions, Chef Apte presents a menu rooted in authenticity and regional nuance. Guests are welcomed with Konkan-inspired decor, a soft Konkani playlist, and refreshing kokum-based drinks. The spread includes vegetarian staples such as Dalitoy, Tondli Bhaat, TendlyaMooga Ghashi, and Ukde Tandalachi Bhakri, alongside seafood highlights like Sungta Hooman, Tisrya Masala, Rawas Alle-Kadle Curry, Bombil Hirwa Curry, and assorted fish fries.

Pricing:

Dinner Buffet 4,099++ | Kids 2,050++

Sunday Brunch 4,399++ (Non-alcoholic) | 5,699++ (Alcoholic) | Kids 2,050++

Reservations: +91 92895 80051

Odian Odyssey at Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad

Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad presents Odian Odyssey, a limited-period lunch showcase celebrating the culinary heritage of Odisha, from 23 January to 1 February (12:30 PM to 3:30 PM).

Curated by MasterChef Smrutisree Singh, the menu explores lesser-known Odia preparations rooted in regional ingredients and traditional techniques. A chef, culinary entrepreneur, and storyteller, Chef Smrutisree brings over 12 years of experience and national recognition as the runner-up of MasterChef India Season 6. The experience is enhanced with live music, creating a relaxed yet immersive setting.

Pricing: 2,500++ per guest

Chef Raghavans Madurai Pop-Up at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre

Chef Raghavan brings the soulful flavours of Tamil Nadu to life with an exclusive Madurai Pop-Up, running from 8 to 11 January, between 6:30 PM and 11:30 PM at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre.

The evening unfolds as an intimate, unhurried experience featuring a set menu and select a la carte options. Guests are welcomed with Sangu Poo Sarbath, followed by dishes such as Puli Inji topped with Vadagam, Murungai Ilai Rasam, Nenjelumbu Rasam, Poricha Kozhi, Madurai Kola Urundai, Vanjaram Kal Varuval, and vegetarian favourites like Beetroot Kuzhi Paniyaram.

The mains celebrate Madurais iconic rice dishes and gravies, including Chettinad Biryani, Nei Mandi Sadam, Vadicha Soru, Aatu Kaal Paya, Naatu Kozhi Curry, and Yera Rasa Podi Kuzhambu, paired with Madurai Parotta, Kari Dosa, and Kothu Parotta. Desserts such as Kavuni Arisi Halwa, Pazha Payasam, and the iconic Jigarthanda provide a nostalgic finish.

The Gulmohar Bar & Curry House unveils its new Koregaon Park address in Pune

After a successful run in Baner, The Gulmohar Bar & Curry House opens its new outpost in Koregaon Park, Lane 7, bringing contemporary Indian food and cocktails rooted in regional diversity, nostalgia and everyday comfort to one of Punes most vibrant neighborhoods

Designed by Natasha and Parzan Daruwala of Studio 1658, Bandra, the Koregaon Park outlet draws from Punes laid-back, unpretentious spirit while staying deeply rooted in The Gulmohars Indian ethos. The interiors feature an earthy palette of greens, terracotta accents, natural stone, teak, bamboo and exposed brick, creating a space that feels warm and lived-in.

The design also draws inspiration from the work of late architect Geoffrey Bawa, visible in the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, relaxed spatial planning and custom furniture and artworks inspired by his tropical modern sensibility.

The menu at The Gulmohar is curated by award-winning Chef Shailendra Kekade and celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian regional cuisine through a contemporary lens. Moving beyond conventional North South boundaries, the menu brings together familiar flavours, regional techniques and thoughtful reinterpretations designed for everyday dining.

The Chaat section sets the tone with playful yet rooted dishes such as the much-loved kale and spicy peach chaat, inspired by the classic palak patta chaat and Wai Thai Noodles, a bhel-style preparation using Wai Wai noodles layered with street-style Asian flavours.

The Salad section reflects the same balance of indulgence and restraint, with Burrata and Bhang standing out, pairing fresh burrata with a chutney of hemp seeds and mixed lettuce.

Small chakhna-style Tapas draw inspiration from streets and home kitchens across India, including Kaju Usali with Goli Baje, a coastal preparation traditionally flavoured with coconut, curry leaves and mustard seeds served alongside crisp Mangalorean fritters and Kharda Mutton, a rustic Maharashtrian preparation served in a restrained small-plate format.

The Nosh section focuses on appetisers from the tandoor and grill, with highlights such as kathal seekh kebab, galoutis inspired by the streets of Lucknow, pathar ka murgh and a homestead-style Bombay Duck.

Anchoring the menu is the Curry House Extravaganza, where Indian classics sit alongside South East Asian curries crafted specifically to suit the Indian palate. Must-try dishes include Nihari, Gongura Mamsam, roasted pineapple Sri Lankan curry and Bengali Sorshe Maach.

A progressive approach to health runs through the menu, with most breads and biryanis made using millets, offering depth of flavour while keeping wellness in mind.

Completing the offering is Guls Cafe, a compact cafe menu featuring India-inspired sandos and a focused filter coffee programme, served daily till 7.30 pm.

The cocktail programme at The Gulmohar is a defining element of the experience, built around ingredients from across Indian states and bound together by one common thread, nostalgia. Global cocktail structures are reinterpreted through Indian flavours to create drinks that connect emotionally before they impress technically.

Misti Doi, built on the DNA of a martini, uses fat-washed Misti Doi gin to create a silky, gently tangy cocktail that feels like the comfort of ending a meal at a Bengali home. Malgudi Days draws inspiration from local toddy shops and simpler times, made with house-fermented coconut wine that evokes slow afternoons and an unhurried way of life. Magai, a paan-infused gin cocktail, is an ode to late-night drives, shared conversations and familiar roadside Paan stops that mark growing up, where wed have a magai" or two.

Coastal Trip brings together tequila, kokum and amla, taking guests back to school lunch breaks filled with kokum sharbat and salt pepper amla from carts outside the gate, a memory deeply familiar across Maharashtra and the coastal belt.

Average spend: Approx. 2100 for two with a pint of beer each

Address: LG 4 and 5, Power Plaza, Lane No. 7, Koregaon Park, Pune

Tayles, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre

Rooted in teppan culture, the experience celebrates transparency, precision, and performance, where every dish is cooked live and every moment unfolds in full view of the guest. At Tayles, the teppan becomes the centre of the evening  steel meeting flame as chefs prepare each course in real time. Guests are invited to choose between two distinct 7-course teppanyaki journeys, a vegetarian progression titled Harmony on Steel, and a non-vegetarian experience, Land to Sea: Water Meets Fire. The menus are curated by Chef Vaibhav Soni, with the overall experience jointly envisioned by Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre and HAKS  Hospitality and Kitchen Solutions.

Venue: Tayles, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre | Dates: 15th  18th January 2026

Andreas

The menu launches at Andreas Khan Market and Vasant Kunj locations. The collection features Lamb Tortellini in Brodo  a traditional soup Mr. Andrea grew up eating, with a rich broth and delicate lamb-filled pasta. Colonial-style Lamb Cutlets pay homage to IndianBritish culinary heritage, while Nasi Goreng recalls Founder Andrea Pauros childhood meals in Bali. Thai Garlic Pepper Chicken and Tom Yum Kung, finished with coconut milk, bring Southeast Asian warmth to the table. Rice Paper Rolls, inspired by what Mr. Andrea tasted at Le Dalat in Bangkok, return as a fresh, light starter. The Sea Bass Aqua Pazza is a standout addition prepared with fresh, locally sourced sea bass. The new menu pairs beautifully with curated cocktails and wines. Cocktails include Mexican Staple, Love Potion, Tamarind Sour, and Clear Tomato Gimlet. Wine selections feature Le Grand Pinot Noir, Alta Vista Chardonnay, Warwick The First Lady Pinotage, Espania Red, and Chateau de Terrefort-Quancard Bordeaux Superieur.

Baroak

Opening its doors in Noida Sector 15A, Baroak is designed as a space for unhurried dining, well-crafted cocktails, and evenings shaped by mood rather than noise. The food menu is multi-cuisine, drawing from Indian, Oriental, and Continental influences. Dishes are familiar in flavour but modern in execution, with an emphasis on balance, clean presentation, and consistency. The menu evolves seasonally, while select dishes remain as signatures of the kitchens approach. At the bar, the cocktail program reworks global classics using Indian botanicals, herbs, and spices.

Diya, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences brings a focused culinary showcase to Diya with the Regional Biryanis of India, running from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The pop-up highlights Indias celebrated biryani traditions, presented within the framework of Diyas Northwest Frontier cuisine. The showcase is curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby, whose expertise in regional Indian cuisine shapes the menu. The menu brings together a selection of biryanis, each representing its place of origin. Guests can expect preparations inspired by the royal Hyderabadi, soulful Kolkata, spice-forward Malabar, rustic Lucknowi, and Rampuri styles. Each biryani is prepared using indigenous spices and authentic recipes, introduced in a manner that aligns with Diyas culinary philosophy.

Dates: 23 January  1 February 2026

Barista Coffee

Barista Coffee Company, one of Indias most loved cafe brands, has announced the launch of its latest beverage range Dhoom Matcha De, a refreshing new Matcha-led offering crafted using ceremonial grade Matcha. With this launch, Barista brings global wellness and cafe trends closer to Indian consumers by introducing a curated range of four Matcha beverages  Matcha Latte, Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Strawberry, each designed to deliver a distinct taste experience while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Price: Starting at Rs 170

Rubicon Bar & Cigar Lounge, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences

Rubicon Bar & Cigar Lounge presents an exclusive international bar takeover on 30 January 2026, featuring Maybe Sammy. Ranked amongst The Worlds 50 Best Bars from 2019 until 2025, Maybe Sammy is renowned for its playful sophistication, world-class hospitality, and innovative cocktail craftsmanship. The takeover will feature a specially curated menu, crafted by Maybe Sammys award-winning bartenders, Marco and Hunter Gregory. Marco, Senior Bartender, brings over a decade of international experience across Europe, Dubai, and Sydney and is recognised among the Top 100 World Class Bartenders 2024. Hunter, Bar Manager at Maybe Sammy, has led the bar to multiple global accolades, including the Best International Bar Team 2022, and is celebrated for creating unique guest experiences. Together, they present an evening of inventive mixology and impeccable hospitality, highlighting signature cocktails, contemporary techniques, and premium spirits.

Capital Kitchen at Taj Palace, New Delhi

Capital Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant at Taj Palace, New Delhi, invites diners to experience the soul of Kashmir through an evocative, week-long culinary showcase from 17th to 24th January 2026. The specially crafted menu showcases a regal Kashmiri feast featuring celebrated dishes such as Tabakh Maaz, Nadru Ke Kebab, Rogan Josh, Rista, Kokur Marchanwagan Korma, Lyodur Chaman and Dum Aloo Kashmiri, paired with steamed saffron rice and traditional breads. The meal concludes on a classic note with Phirni and Shufta, while a dedicated Kahwa and Noon Chai service adds warmth and authenticity to the experience.

Venue: Capital Kitchen, Taj Palace, 2 Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi  110021 | Dates: 17th  24th January 2026 | Time: Dinner 7:00 pm  11:30 pm | Price: 4500 plus taxes per person

Sonargaon x Culina 44

Sonargaon is synonymous with Bengali fine dining. Its arrival in Gurugram marks a special opportunity to experience flavours that have defined culinary excellence in Kolkata for decadeswithout leaving the city. Curated by Chef Rajib Mohanta, the menu reflects the timeless essence of Sonargaon, rooted in Zamindari Bengali traditions and subtly enriched with North West Frontier influences. Diners can expect signature flavours marked by rustic mustard notes, gentle aromatics, and slow-cooked, smoky preparations. From Kosho Mangsho with Luchi to Bhhetki Machher Paturi, Pabna Murgi and the much-loved Kebab Sonargaon, each dish is rooted in tradition and prepared with reverence for authenticity and technique.

Venue: Culina 44, Taj City Centre, Gurugram | Date: Until 24th January, 2026 | Timings: Lunch: 1230 hrs  1530 hrs, Dinner: 1900 hrs  2300 hrs | Pricing: A la carte

Hilton India x GoodDot

Step into a world of flavour-forward, guilt-free indulgence this Veganuary as Hilton India collaborates with GoodDot to present a thoughtfully curated vegan dining experience. The menu opens with a selection of creative starters such as the Vegan Hyderabadi Lukhmi, a crispy parcel encasing robustly seasoned plant-based protein; the Zesty Achari Vegan Tikka, featuring succulent veg tenders marinated in pickled spices and finished with a hint of lemon; and the Malaysian Green Protein Satay, where hand-skewered, flame-grilled veg tenders are served alongside a velvety peanut sauce. The mains further highlight the versatility of plant protein with dishes like the Herbivore BBQ Burger, where plant protein glazed in a bold barbecue sauce is topped with creamy vegan slaw and served in a kaiser bun with rustic Cajun-spiced fried potatoes. Indian flavours take centre stage with the Pure Plant Protein Laal Maans, a slow-cooked preparation in a fragrant, smoky Rajasthani red curry, accompanied by gatte ka pulao, kachumber, and sirka pyaz. For global comfort food lovers, the menu features The Ultimate Garden Protein" Bowl, a Tex-Mex-style chilli made with plant-based protein crumbles, served with cilantro-lime rice, refried kidney beans, avocado, charred corn, and fire-roasted salsa. Rounding off the offering is the Linguine Alla Vegan-Bologna, a slow-simmered ragu of green protein with Italian herbs, cracked peppercorn, and pomodoro sauce tossed with al dente pasta.

When: 14 January, 2026  13 February, 2026 | Where: Across Hilton/Conrad hotels in India

Circle of Crust, Uttam Nagar

Circle of Crust stands out through an Indianized flavour palette, blending comfort and bold flavours across signature pizzas, well-loved classics, and a complete menu of pastas, sides, desserts, and beverages. The brand goes beyond pizza with innovative sides, desserts, and beverages, while delivering a customer-centric experience through friendly service, efficient operations, and consistent quality across every visit. With successful outlets across Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and an international presence in Dubai, Circle of Crusts arrival in Uttam Nagar signals a key milestone in its Delhi journey. Beyond pizzas, the menu includes flavour-packed sides, indulgent desserts, and refreshing beverages, making it a go-to destination for students, young professionals, families, and pizza lovers alike.

Beerlin, Gurugram

Overlooking the skyline of Golf Course Road with the Aravalli hills in the backdrop, Beerlin is envisioned as a modern neighbourhood brewpub, one that brings people together over freshly brewed beers, comforting food, and an easy, unpretentious setting where conversations unfold naturally. Beerlins brewing programme is central to the experience, featuring freshly crafted, in-house beers that balance flavour with easy drinkability. The lineup includes Tokyo, a zesty Belgian Wheat with notes of coriander and orange peel, and Lisbon, a crisp, naturally cloudy Hefeweizen. Bolder styles follow with Berlin, a hop-forward IPA, and Moscow, a hazy New England IPA bursting with tropical fruit aromas, alongside malt-led brews such as Nairobi, a rich Dark Ale with caramel and spice notes, and Munich, a clean, refreshing Pilsner. Together, the range caters to both seasoned craft beer lovers and first-time drinkers. Complementing the brews is a comfort-driven food menu designed to pair effortlessly with the beer while standing strong on its own. The offerings span Indian mains and kebabs, global small plates, pizzas, pastas, Asian bowls, and classic bar favourites, striking a balance between familiar flavours and crowd-pleasing variety.

Epitome, Pune

Epitome Pune launches an all-new global vegetarian menu curated by MasterChef India finalist Chef Karishma Sakhrani. The menu introduces a range of globally inspired dishes, including the Tokyo Caesar Tenuki and the Mill Feuille Potato paired with miso cheddar cream. Other highlights include the Truffle Mushroom Baklava with Parmesan emulsion, Truffle Edamame Burrata baked in phyllo cups, Silken Tofu Carpaccio with ponzu and bubu arare, Miso Garlic Linguini, and the Jamaican root vegetable curry, which adds warmth and global character to the offering.

Location: Unit No 12, The Raja Bahadur Mill, Commercial Tower 1, Bund Garden Road, Sangamvadi, Pune

Raiya, Delhi

Located in Delhis Hauz Khas Market, Raiya is a modern cosmopolitan dining destination where Indian heritage, contemporary design and global flavours come together seamlessly. Rooted in the Sanskrit word for treasure," Raiya reflects a philosophy in which fusion is not a trend but a way of life. Personally envisioned and designed by founder Prriyam Chauhhan, the restaurants ambience is an interplay of Indian warmth and Victorian elegance. The menu presents a refined take on modern Indian fusion, blending cosmopolitan techniques with Indian sensibilities, while the bar elevates the experience with theatrical, story-driven cocktails such as Mystic Gold, The Hidden Gem and Elixir of Gold, each crafted to be as indulgent as it is immersive.

Qavalli, Delhi

As winter settles across the capital, Qavalli invites guests to slow down and indulge in a thoughtfully curated Seasonal Daawat, celebrating the flavours, ingredients and rituals that define winter dining in North India. The winter menu draws inspiration from regional kitchens and time-honoured techniques. At its heart is Sarson ka Saag served with Makke ki Roti. The experience concludes with Gajrela (Gajar ka Halwa), prepared using seasonal carrots, patiently slow-cooked in milk and desi ghee to deliver warmth and familiarity in every bite. Complementing the menu is Qavallis winter-focused cocktail selection, crafted to echo the seasons mood. Guests can enjoy comforting classics such as Mulled Wine and Hot Toddy, alongside indulgent signatures like Masala Chai with Irish whiskey and chai foam, and the decadent Marshmallow cocktail infused with pandan, dates and Madagascar vanilla. Adding to the experience are Qavallis signature live qawwali evenings, held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Location: Qavalli, Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi and Qavalli, Aerocity, Delhi | Cost for two: INR 3000 with alcohol (approx) | Timings: 12 PM  1 AM | Availability: Entire January

CHICA, Delhi

Hosted from 12 PM to 4 PM, CHICAs Sunday Brunch is anchored by a live chicken roasting station, serving perfectly roasted chicken fresh off the grillan indulgent, winter-perfect centrepiece. The brunch begins with an artisanal cheese and charcuterie selection. For heartier winter indulgence, guests can enjoy comforting pastas in Arrabbiata, Alfredo and Aglio-e-Olio, alongside Asian favourites such as Chicken Teriyaki Bao, XO Chilli Chicken, Gambas ala Plancha and Chicken Chilli Oil Wontons. The main selection balances warmth and variety with dishes like Chicken Katsu Curry, Thai Red Curry Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, Chilli Ginger Basil Seabass, Mapo Tofu and Noinas Lasagne. Signature cocktails, curated beverages, and live music elevate the atmosphere, making CHICA an easy choice for winter brunches that turn into long conversations.

Location: One Golden Mile, Block A, Netaji Nagar, Chanakyapuri | Timings: 12:00 PM  4:00 PM| Brunch Experience (Price per person): Signature Brunch  2,955, Bottomless Brunch  4,495 & Sparkling Brunch  4,995 | Day: Every Sunday

Tubata, Delhi

Rooted in Tubatas signature ethos where land, air, and sea converge, the brunch is designed as a multi-sensory journey that blends elevated gastronomy, curated beverages and live artistic expression. Guests can move between interactive live stations featuring handcrafted pastas, robata-style grills, sushi platters, teppanyaki preparations, egg counters, and a vibrant salad and cheese bar. The kitchen complements these stations with a selection of comfort-driven and globally inspired dishes. The mains span across Asian and global favourites. The experience concludes on a sweet note with a spectacular rotating Dessert Display that changes weekly. From the bar, the brunch pours are equally expressive. Signature cocktails like Blush Tonic, Citrus Serenade, Golden Roots, and Borneo are crafted to complement daytime dining, alongside classic Red and White Sangria and a seasonal Mulled Wine infused with Indian spices and citrus peel. Curated wines, straight pours, and handcrafted mocktails complete the beverage programme.

Date: Every Sunday (Till the end of January) | Time: 12  4 PM | Address: 4TH FLOOR RCUBE MALL, CS 401, 402, Pitampura | Price: Rs 2,499 (without drinks) and Rs 4,500 (with drinks)

One Door Down, Gurugram

One Door Downs winter cocktail menu wraps classic cold-weather comfort into four warmly spiced signatures. The Hot Toddy offers a soothing blend of brandy, honey, lemon, and hot water, designed for slow sipping on chilly evenings and balancing gentle sweetness with citrus brightness. Irish Coffee leans into cosy cafe-bar vibes, pairing hot coffee and smooth Irish whiskey with brown sugar and a cap of whipped cream for a rich, warming pickmeup after dinner. For those who love festive flavours, Mulled Wine brings simmered red wine infused with spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, evoking holiday markets and making it ideal for lingering conversations. Rounding out the list, Hot Butter Rum mixes dark rum with spiced butter, hot water, and warming spices, creating a creamy, indulgent winter warmer that feels almost dessertlike in a mug.

Location: 9 & 10, Shop 8, 32, 32A, Ground Floor, Bestech Chambers, Near Sector 27, Sushant Lok, Gurgaon | Timings: 12  11:30 PM (Monday  Sunday) | Price for two: Rs 1,500 | Available: till the end of February

The Love Hotel

Full Moon Fever returns on 1st February  step into a night with blurred lines between ritual and revelry. The intimate cocktail room transforms into a dreamy, romantic, mysterious, and indulgent setting. Begin the evening with welcome shots reimagined as love potions, setting the tone for what follows: curated music and smouldering energy. Known for its sense-led cocktails and playful after-dark atmosphere, The Love Hotel turns the full moon into an excuse to drink a little deeper, flirt a little longer, and surrender to the night.

Address  The Love Hotel, Main Market, 28, Lodhi Rd, Block 13, Lodi Colony | Timing  6:00 pm  1:00 am | Price for two  INR. 4000 + taxes

Yauatcha

To welcome Chinese New Year 2026, Yauatcha introduces a limited-edition Year of the Fire Horse menu inspired by vitality, balance and forward momentum. The menu features a selection of dim sum and small plates. Stir-fried dishes include Stir-fried lotus root with broccoli and black pepper seed, Aubergine and tofu in Toban chilli sauce, and Beetroot fried rice with mock meat. Mains on the menu include Steamed Chilean sea bass in black bean sauce with pak choy, Twice-cooked pork belly with tofu in Toban chilli, Kumquat butterfly prawns, and Fragrant fried chicken with almond flakes in Sha Cha sauce. Desserts draw from classic Lunar New Year flavours, led by the Lucky Horse, featuring orange sponge with a ginger insert, mandarin cremeux, mandarin compote, caramelised mousse and mandarin sorbet. The selection also includes Spicy mandarin macarons, filled with spicy chocolate ganache and mandarin compote. Alongside the food, a selection of festive cocktails adds to the celebration. As part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, Yauatcha will also host a series of curated workshops and social evenings, all starting at 3:30 PM.

Where: Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East | When: February 01 until March. 15, 2026

Tahia, Noida

At Tahia, every meal is a journey of flavours designed to delight. Guests can start with soul-warming soups like the velvety Mushroom Cappuccino or the comforting Classic Asian Soup. The menu also features vibrant chaats, including the tangy-sweet Mango Bomb Puchkas and the fresh Avocado Papdi Chaat, alongside crisp salads and flavorful small plates such as Wine-Tossed Chilli Paneer, Cashew Cheese Broccoli, and Butter Garlic Prawns. For those seeking indulgence, Truffle Chicken Quesadillas, artisanal pizzas, hearty pastas, and delicate dim sum or sushi creations await. Platters and Asian bowls offer shared joy, while desserts like the luscious Mango Tres Leches and fudgy brownies provide a sweet finale. Every dish at Tahia is crafted with care, blending global flavours with creative twists, making it a destination where culinary passion meets unforgettable dining experiences.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:44 IST

News lifestyle food Where India Is Eating Next: New Restaurants And Chef-Led Experiences This January
Bipasha Basu Marks 47th Birthday With Beachside Celebration In The Maldives

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:51 IST

Bipasha Basu is having one of her birthdays with husband Karan Singh Grover and daughter Devi in the Maldives.

Karan Singh Grover pens a beautiful wish for Bipasha Basu. (Photo Credit: Instgaram)

Its the ever-glamorous Bipasha Basus birthday today! The diva turns 47 and is celebrating the special day in the best way possible, surrounded by the most precious people in her life: her husband Karan Singh Grover and their daughter, little Devi.

The trio has headed to the Maldives for a family vacation to mark the occasion, and Bipasha is leaving no stone unturned in treating her fans to glimpses from her dreamy coastal birthday getaway. Amid an outpouring of love and warm wishes from family, friends, and fans, the glamour queen took to Instagram Stories to wish herself and thank her heartbeats."

Bipasha Basu Expresses Gratitude to Everyone on Her Birthday

Bipasha shared a video from her birthday morning that features a cup of tea and a slice of red velvet cake set against a serene blue sea backdrop. In the background, the actress and her husband, Karan Singh Grover, can be heard cheerfully singing the Happy Birthday" song for Mumma" Bipasha.

Alongside the video, she penned, Thank you to my heartbeats  Monkey & my little Mumma," followed by a pink heart and evil eye emoji.

She also wrote, Happy birthday to me. One of my most favourite days. Thank you, God, for everything. Thank you everyone for your love and wishes always. Blessed and grateful."

Karan Singh Grover Pens Most Beautiful Wish For Bipasha Basu

Karan Singh Grover never misses a chance to make his ladylove feel special..From making her morning tea during their vacation to ensuring that Bipasha and little Devi are enjoying every moment, he continues to be a caring husband and a devoted father.

On her special day Karan took to Instagram to share an adorable picture of Bipasha and daughter and wrote the most beautiful note.

He wrote, To my most favourite person in the whole wide world, my bestest friend in the whole wide world, the most patient person in the whole wide world, the one I love the most in the whole wide world, to the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world, to my whole world.wish you a very happy birthday my monkey. @bipashabasu May you shine brighter with every passing year! I love you so much," followed by a red heart emoji.

Bipasha and Karan tied the knot on April 30, 2016, in a traditional Bengali wedding ceremony. After six years of marriage, they embarked on the journey of parenthood and welcomed their daughter, Devi, in November 2022.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:51 IST

News movies bollywood Bipasha Basu Marks 47th Birthday With Beachside Celebration In The Maldives
'They Were Happy With Me': When Dharmendra's Mother Hugged Pregnant Hema Malini, Blessed Her

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:55 IST

Hema Malini once recalled the moment Dharmendras mother hugged her at a dubbing studio when she was pregnant with Esha, a gesture she never forgot.

Dharmendra passed away in November this year.

When Dharmendra passed away in November 2025 at age 89, millions of fans mourned the end of a cinematic era and a life lived large on screen. But inside the family, what followed sparked a different kind of conversation  one about the dynamics between his two families.

After Dharmendras death on 24 November 2025, his first wife Prakash Kaur organised a prayer meet in Mumbai with sons Sunny and Bobby Deol and daughters Vijeta and Ajieta. Hema Malini and her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol were not at that event, which immediately sparked speculation.

Instead, Hema held her own private rituals  a puja at home and another ceremony in New Delhi  a choice she later said was personal and respectful. Some even claimed Hema was left out by Dharmendras first family during these emotional moments, something that must have hurt terribly".

Long before the debates over prayer meetings, their marriage itself was famously unconventional. Hema and Dharmendra fell in love on the set of Tum Haseen Main Jawan, but Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur. Legal divorce wasnt an option, so they chose a private path  converting to Islam and marrying via Nikah in 1980, then holding a traditional Iyengar wedding later to honour Hemas Tamil roots. Their wedding took place quietly at Hemas brothers home.

Hema often spoke fondly of Dharmendras parents. In Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl, she recalled his father visiting for chai and joking about ghee and lassi, and his mother offering a heartfelt hug when Hema was expecting their daughter Esha. She wrote, Dharamjis mother Satwant Kaur was equally warm and kind-hearted. I remember how she came to meet me once at a dubbing studio in Juhu, after I had conceived Esha. She hadnt informed anyone in the house. I touched her feet, she hugged me and said, Beta, khush raho humesha (Be happy always). I was happy that they were happy with me."

Dharmendra married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, in 1954, when he was just 19. They have four children together: sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, both actors, and daughters Vijeta and Ajieta. With Hema Malini, he has two daughters  Esha and Ahana Deol.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:55 IST

News movies bollywood 'They Were Happy With Me': When Dharmendra's Mother Hugged Pregnant Hema Malini, Blessed Her
Vijays Jana Nayagan Gets Postponed In India Amid Censor Row, January 9 Release Cancelled

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 23:18 IST

Vijays Rs 500-crore film Jana Nayagan has been postponed in India amid certification issues, days before its planned January 9 release.

Thalapathy Vijays Jana Nayagan clocks Rs 15 crore in advance sales globally. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The much-anticipated theatrical release of Vijays Jana Nayagan has been officially postponed in India, just two days before it was scheduled to hit cinemas on January 9. The announcement was confirmed by the films production banner, KVN Productions, bringing a sudden halt to the rollout of one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Taking to X to share the update, the makers wrote, It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control."

The statement further read, We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us. The new release date will be announced at the earliest. Until then, we humbly request your patience and continued love. Your unwavering support is our greatest strength and means everything to the entire Jana Nayagan team."

Certification Row Forces Delay

The postponement comes amid an ongoing standoff over the films certification. On Wednesday, the Madras High Court reserved its order on the release of Jana Nayagan and directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to constitute a fresh committee to re-examine the film.

The producers had approached the court after the movie failed to receive its censor certificate despite being submitted more than a month ago. According to reports, the CBFC had earlier suggested certain cuts and muted dialogues on December 19, but certification remains pending.

With the clearance still awaited, the India release plan has now been pushed indefinitely, leaving fans anxiously waiting for further clarity from both the makers and the authorities.

Overseas Release Also Put on Hold

The ripple effect of the delay has been felt overseas as well. Distributors across key international markets including the UK, North America, Canada, and Malaysia have confirmed that Jana Nayagan will not release as originally scheduled.

The certification hurdle has effectively stalled the films entire multilingual rollout. Since CBFC approval for the Tamil version is mandatory before the dubbed Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada versions can be certified, the delay has disrupted the global release strategy.

Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain. The film has been heavily marketed as Vijays final cinematic outing before his full-time foray into politics, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.

With its reported Rs 500-crore scale and massive fan expectations, Jana Nayagan now awaits a resolution to its certification issues and an official announcement of a new release date.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 23:18 IST

News movies tamil-cinema Vijays Jana Nayagan Gets Postponed In India Amid Censor Row, January 9 Release Cancelled
Nani Starrer The Paradise First Song To Release In THIS Month? Heres What We Know

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:50 IST

Recently, rumours were doing the rounds on social media suggesting that the film might be delayed. The team has reaffirmed that it will arrive in theatres exactly as planned

Nani Starrer The Paradise First Song To Release In THIS Month? Heres What We Know

Nani will soon be seen in an action drama, The Paradise. And the fresh update has left fans excited. According to reports, the makers have now locked a release window for the films first song, which is expected to drop next month as part of the promotional rollout ahead of the movies theatrical launch

According to 123 Telugu, the makers are planning to release the first song of the film in February 2026. However, nothing has been made official. But the news has surely made fans super excited.

The Paradise To Release On Original Date

Recently, rumours were doing the rounds on social media suggesting that the film might be delayed. The team has reaffirmed that it will arrive in theatres exactly as planned on March 26, 2026. Taking to their Instagram handle, makers shared a video confirming that the film will be releasing on its scheduled date. Introvert and calm by nature, Extremely passionate and expressive on the sets, Thats our Silent Monster #OdelaSrikanth for you all. Team #TheParadise wishes you a very Happy Birthday In CINEMAS ???????????????? ????????????????????, ????????????????. Releasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish," read the caption.

Fierce Look From The Paradise

Recently, the actor shared the poster and introduced his character. His Name/ , Jadal, Calling a spade a spade. #TheParadise. Releasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, English @srikanthodela__ cinema. An @anirudhofficial musical," read the caption. Many fans dropped heart emojis in the comment section.

March announcement:

In March, 2025, the promo titled Raw Statement was released. It starts with a grim atmosphere. It opens with a disclaimer  raw truth, raw language, setting the tone for whats to come. A powerful voiceover takes the audience inside the core story: In history, everyone has written about parrots and pigeons, but no one has ever written about crows, born of the same species. This is the story of those crows whose stomachs burned with hunger." The voice background in the background further says, The cries of the corpses that have been walking for ages A tale of a community raised on blood, not milk, from their mothers breast A spark ignited that filled the entire community with enthusiasm. Crows who had once been belittled now held swords in their hands. This is the story of a rebellious young man who united those crows The story of that young man becoming a leader." Crows, here, symbolising an anguished community of people

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:50 IST

News movies telugu-cinema Nani Starrer The Paradise First Song To Release In THIS Month? Heres What We Know
Opinion | Bangladesh Polls: Crossroads For Secular Identity Or Descent Into Fundamentalism?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 17:20 IST

Bangladesh's February 12 elections transcend routine politics; they are a pivotal referendum on the nation's religious identity

Rapid Read

Students shout slogans during a protest to condemn the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das at Dhaka University in Dhaka on December 21, 2025. (Image: AFP)

In the quiet industrial town of Bhaluka in Mymensingh district, 25-year-old factory worker Deepu Das met a gruesome end on December 18, 2025. Accused without evidence of making derogatory remarks about Islam during a workplace event, Das was dragged from his garment factory by a frenzied mob. He was beaten severely, hanged from a tree, doused in kerosene, and set ablaze while still alive.

Investigations later revealed no proof of the alleged blasphemy, pointing instead to workplace rumours that escalated into deadly violence. This horrific act was not isolated; it ignited a wave of targeted attacks against Hindus, underscoring a pattern of unchecked communal aggression.

Within a month, at least five Hindus were killed in similar mob-driven assaults. On December 2, 42-year-old Prantos Karmakar was gunned down in Narsingdi district amid escalating tensions. On December 24, Amrit Mondal was beaten to death in Rajbaris Pangsha upazila, labelled as extortion-related but fitting the broader trend of minority targeting. A 42-year-old garment factory guard was shot dead on December 30 in Mymensingh, marking the third killing in that area within two weeks. Then, on December 31, 50-year-old businessman Khokon Chandra Das was stabbed, doused in petrol, and set on fire in Shariatpur; he succumbed to his injuries on January 1, 2026. These deaths, often justified under pretexts like blasphemy or personal disputes, reveal a systematic erosion of safety for Hindus.

Compounding the terror, a 40-year-old Hindu widow was gang-raped on January 5, 2026, in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah district. Two men, Shahin and Hasan, stormed her home, assaulted her after she refused to pay extortion money, tied her to a tree, cut off her hair, and filmed the act for further humiliation. She was rescued by locals and hospitalised, with police confirming the abuse and arresting the perpetrators. This incident, occurring on the same day as Dass fatal attack, highlights the vulnerability of Hindu women to sexual violence amid the chaos.

Bangladeshs Hindu population, already in steep decline, faces an existential crisis. From 33 per cent in 1901 to 22 per cent in 1951, it dropped to 13.5 per cent in 1971 and further to 7.95 per cent in 2022, equating to about 13.1 million people. Factors like emigration, lower fertility rates, and higher neonatal mortality among Hindus have accelerated this trend, with Khulna division seeing the sharpest fall of 1.33 per cent between 2011 and 2022. This violence is no anomaly; it is a brutal reminder that the 2024 coup ousting Sheikh Hasina, the formation of Muhammad Yunuss interim government, and the path to February polls are orchestrated steps toward Islamisation. The advisers chosen and policies pursued reflect a fundamentalist ploy, prioritising radical elements over secular governance.

The demographic shift in Bangladesh is not merely statistical; it is a consequence of sustained persecution. Post-independence, Hindus fled en masse due to targeted violence during the 1971 Liberation War and subsequent instability. Between 1964 and 2001, an estimated 8.1 million Hindus emigrated, averaging 219,000 annually. By 2011, the Hindu share had dwindled to 8.5 percent, and recent censuses show continued exodus driven by land grabs, assaults, and institutional bias.

In the interim governments tenure since August 2024, over 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented, including killings, sexual assaults, and temple attacks. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 92 incidents in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with 11 killings and three rapes. Yunus has dismissed these as fake news", but the pattern is undeniable: minorities, especially Hindus, are scapegoated amid political transitions, accelerating their departure and further entrenching Muslim-majority dominance.

The surge in attacks since December 2025 is no coincidence; it sets the stage for the February 12, 2026, elections. The death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18, 2025, triggered riots, arson, and mob violence, with Hindus bearing the brunt. In the ensuing chaos, media offices were torched, shrines desecrated, and minorities lynched under blasphemy pretexts. By early January 2026, at least 12 Hindus had been killed in December alone, with reports of homes burned and families displaced.

These acts are trailers for a larger agenda: to intimidate minorities, suppress secular voices, and polarise the electorate along religious lines. The interim governments response  arrests in some cases but overall dismissal of communal motives  emboldens radicals. With over 2,900 violent incidents against minorities under Yunuss watch, the violence primes the ground for fundamentalist groups to dominate the polls, turning them into a referendum on Islamisation rather than democratic renewal.

Bangladeshs February 12, 2026, elections transcend routine politics; they are a pivotal referendum on the nations religious identity. Scheduled under Yunuss interim government, the polls follow the 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina, dissolving parliament and banning her Awami League. With 2,582 candidates vying for 300 seats, the vote will shape Bangladeshs trajectory amid calls for a July Charter" referendum to curb executive powers and enhance institutional autonomy.

Yet, the elections are less about governance and more about entrenching Islamism. Fundamentalist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, long marginalised, now seek constitutional validity through alliances. Jamaat manoeuvres for an Islamist coalition, while Hefazat opposes such unity on doctrinal grounds but aligns with parties eyeing electoral gains. A victory for these forces could formalise Sharia-based policies, accelerating Bangladeshs shift from secular roots to an Islamist state.

Tarique Rahmans dramatic return on December 25, 2025, after 17 years in London exile, positions him as the frontrunner for prime minister if the BNP wins. Son of Khaleda Zia, Rahman led the BNP remotely, cleared of past corruption charges post-Hasinas fall. His barefoot arrival symbolised humility, but his pledges for unity mask deeper concerns.

The BNP, historically centre-right, has recalibrated amid Jamaats resurgence. It formally severed ties with Jamaat in August 2024 but now woos Hefazat and smaller Islamists to counter Jamaats alliances. Past coalitions, like the 2001-2006 BNP-Jamaat government, saw Islamist influence grow, with policies favouring radicals. If BNP returns to power, its softer" stance toward Jamaat and Hefazat could place it under Islamist control, prioritising religious agendas over secular reforms.

In this Islamist trajectory, Hindus face extinction. Already reduced to under 8 percent, ongoing violenceover 258 incidents in the first half of 2025 alonedrives further emigration. Mob lynchings, rapes, and property seizures create an unlivable environment, with minorities fleeing to India or elsewhere. Post-election, if fundamentalists gain legitimacy, systemic persecution could erase Hindu presence entirely, fulfilling a de facto ethnic cleansing.

Foreign policy demands nuance, avoiding limited views. Yet, with Hindus under siege, India must intervene diplomatically to safeguard them. Pressuring Dhaka for accountability, supporting refugee inflows, and countering radical narratives are essential, though this merits measured focus amid broader geopolitical complexities.

Bangladesh stands at a precipice. The February polls could cement Islamisation, validating extremists and extinguishing minorities. Or, they might restore pluralism  but only if the world demands it. The violence against Hindus is a clarion call: ignore it, and Bangladeshs secular soul perishes.

The author teaches journalism at St Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 17:18 IST

News opinion Opinion | Bangladesh Polls: Crossroads For Secular Identity Or Descent Into Fundamentalism?

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According to Chery Group, in 2025 Chery exported 1,344,020 vehicles, a yearonyear increase of 17.4%, marking the 23rd consecutive year it has ranked first among Chinese brands in passenger vehicle exports.

In December 2025 alone, Chery exported 144,430 vehicles, up 46.8% yearonyear  the first time monthly exports exceeded 140,000  bringing total cumulative exports to 5.85 million vehicles and setting three records for Chinese automakers: singlemonth exports, annual exports, and cumulative exports.

In 2025, Chery accelerated its overseas expansion, successfully entering 15 European countries including the UK, Spain, and Italy, becoming the first Chinese car brand to achieve localized production in Europe. To date, Chery's operations cover more than 120 countries and regions worldwide, with a cumulative global user base of 18.53 million vehicle owners.

Throughout its globalization process, Chery has maintained a qualityfirst approach, conducting longterm testing under high temperature, high humidity, highaltitude, and complex road conditions. By the end of 2025, Chery Group had 60 models awarded fivestar safety ratings across regions such as Europe, Oceania, and ASEAN  including 20 new models added during the year  both figures ranking first among Chinese brands.





Source: Anhui Daily
Tourists visit the Liziba sightseeing platform in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 7, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 6, 2026 shows tourists taking cable trains in Chongqing, southwest China. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows a view of a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Photo by Huang Jianhua/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 29, 2025 shows tourists visiting a scenic spot overlooking the Wuxia Gorge along the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, Chongqing, southwest China. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Photo by Wang Changzheng/Xinhua)

People have fun at a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 5, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People jog at a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 7, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

People dine at a restaurant along the Yangtze River in Chongqing, southwest China, May 1, 2025. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People visit a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 6, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

People take photos at a park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 5, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

People look at the Qutang Gorge from an observation deck in Chongqing, southwest China, June 9, 2025. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People practice instruments at a park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 5, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

People visit a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 6, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

Tourists take photos at a tourism area along the Yangtze River in Wanzhou District of Chongqing, southwest China, Nov. 14, 2025. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Photo by Fu Zuoqiao/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2025 shows a riverside city view of Chongqing, southwest China. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

People take photos at a riverbank park in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 6, 2026. Acting as a crucial ecological gateway for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has intensified its environmental protection efforts in recent years.

The city has effectively conserved areas along its riverbanks, enhancing their function as protective green corridors. Leveraging these environmental improvements, the city has developed new cultural tourism attractions and landmarks.

This integration of ecological conservation and tourism development has promoted local tourism, contributing to improved resident wellbeing and quality of life. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
Opinion | Decoding Venezuela Raid And Capture Of Maduro

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:54 IST

International law should be strengthened through treaties that explicitly protect heads of state from foreign invasion

Rapid Read

Trump posted the first image of Maduro aboard a US military ship.

US President Donald Trump said America had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after launching an attack on the country.

Venezuelas President and his wife were flown out of the country in a military operation in conjunction with US law enforcement after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington. They have been charged with drug and weapons offences in New York.

The overnight strikes on Venezuela and the abduction of its President and his wife is the kind of action that makes leaders in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere wonder whos next on the list. They fear they too could become victims of Washingtons aggressive new hegemony. With this attack, President Trump has barged through international laws and norms.

This attack is a blatant violation of the countrys national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such moves undermine international law and pose a serious threat to regional and global peace and security. The result of the attack extends beyond Venezuela. The coup is illegal, unwise, and globally destabilising.

Alliances could shift due to this coup. China and Russia, whove backed Maduro, might ramp up support for anti-U.S. regimes, escalating tensions in this fragile multipolar era. It undermines trust in global institutions. If the U.S. can act unilaterally, why bother with the International Criminal Court? This precedent tells smaller nations that sovereignty is conditionalonly valid if you play by the rules set in Washington.

The Global South needs to unite louder than ever. Organisations like the African Union or BRICS should push for reforms in the UN Security Council, diluting the veto power that lets big players like the U.S. protect their moves. International law should be strengthened through treaties that explicitly protect heads of state from foreign invasion. Countries could invest in regional courts, like the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, to resolve disputes internally before outsiders get involved. The U.S. NGOs and think tanks in the Global South should amplify voices warning about these erosions, building public pressure for sovereignty-respecting policies. If citizens everywhere demand accountability from their own leaders and the international community, we might avoid sliding into a world where interventions become the norm.

There is another side to this. Maduro isnt a saint; his regime has overseen economic ruin, suppressed dissent, and allegedly trafficked drugs. Capturing him could bring justice to victims and disrupt criminal networks. Supporters argue its about holding tyrants accountable when their countries cant.

Still, this moment forces us to choose: a world where justice flows through fair institutions, or one where the strongest dictate terms. Leaders and citizens alike should demand better  push for reforms that protect sovereignty while pursuing accountability. If we dont, the chills from Maduros capture wont stop at the Global South; theyll freeze the whole multipolar experiment. Lets not let that happen.

The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 18:54 IST

News opinion Opinion | Decoding Venezuela Raid And Capture Of Maduro

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Opinion | Emotional Wellbeing Of Children In Conflict Zones

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:29 IST

For children growing up in war-affected regions, fear is not an occasional experience but a constant condition of life.

This photo released by The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), shows displaced children from el-Fasher at a camp where they sought refuge from fighting between government forces and the RSF, in Tawila, Darfur region, Sudan. (Image: NRC via AP)

War is often described through images of destroyed buildings, injured bodies, and displaced populations. What receives far less attention is the quieter and more enduring damage done to childrens emotional worlds. Armed conflict disrupts the foundations of childhood itself: safety, routine, care, learning, and play. For children growing up in war-affected regions, fear is not an occasional experience but a constant condition of life.

Terrible things are happening outside. Poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared." These words were written by Anne Frank in January 1943 during the Second World War. Decades later, they continue to describe the lives of millions of children in places such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and Myanmar. The settings have changed, but the emotional burden placed on children has not.

While armed conflict leaves visible scars on cities and communities, its emotional impact on children often remains unseen and unaddressed. These effects are not temporary. Emotional distress experienced during childhood can shape development and continue to influence mental health, relationships, and self-perception well into adulthood.

Childhood is generally associated with protection, stability, and growth. Conflict breaks these basic conditions. Children in war zones are exposed to bombings, forced displacement, separation from family members, the loss of loved ones, and the destruction of homes and schools. According to UNICEF, millions of children worldwide grow up in environments where violence and insecurity are a daily reality rather than an exception. In such circumstances, children rarely have the space or support to process grief as it occurs. Fear and loss are often internalised, remaining unresolved and resurfacing later in life in different emotional and psychological forms.

Judith Hermans work on trauma helps explain this process. She argues that trauma damages a persons fundamental sense of safety and trust in the world. For children, whose emotional and social understanding is still developing, this rupture can be especially deep. When violence becomes routine, adults and institutions no longer appear as reliable sources of protection. Safety begins to feel uncertain and temporary. Over time, this alters how children relate to others and how they imagine their future.

One of the most common psychological consequences of prolonged conflict is toxic stress. This refers to long-term exposure to fear and instability without adequate emotional support. Research shows that children exposed to war frequently experience anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Some develop symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. As Bessel van der Kolk has shown, trauma is not experienced only through memory or thought. It is also carried in the body, shaping stress responses, emotional regulation, and behaviour. These reactions are not signs of weakness but normal responses to deeply abnormal conditions.

Children do not all respond to trauma in the same way. Early research by Anna Freud and Dorothy Burlingham during the Second World War demonstrated that younger children often regress under stress. They may become unusually dependent on caregivers, lose language or social skills they had already acquired, or experience bed-wetting. Older children and adolescents may withdraw emotionally, express anger, or engage in risky behaviour. Many children also experience guilt, believing they are responsible for their familys suffering, even when this is not true. Such beliefs can quietly undermine emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

Emotional harm is not caused only by direct exposure to violence. Ongoing uncertainty, repeated displacement, and the constant fear of losing loved ones place children in a state of continuous alertness. Life in refugee camps or temporary shelters often involves overcrowding, lack of privacy, and disrupted routines. Education is frequently interrupted. UNHCR reports show that displacement often lasts for years, transforming emergency situations into long-term childhood environments. The absence of stability deepens emotional insecurity and stress.

Loss is another defining feature of childhood in conflict zones. Children may lose parents, siblings, friends, homes, and entire communities. Yet children often lack the language, emotional vocabulary, and social permission to express grief openly. When loss is not acknowledged or supported, grief does not disappear. As Veena Das has shown in her work on everyday violence, suffering often becomes woven into ordinary life rather than resolved. For children, unresolved grief can shape emotional health, relationships, and self-esteem well into adulthood.

In long-running conflicts, some children grow up knowing nothing but war. Research from conflict-affected regions shows that constant exposure to violence can normalise fear. Hope, imagination, and long-term planning may give way to survival, mistrust, and emotional numbing. When violence becomes ordinary, it reshapes childrens understanding of relationships, society, and the future.

Education plays a crucial role in supporting childrens emotional wellbeing. Schools provide routine, structure, and a sense of normal life. Even temporary learning spaces in refugee settings can help children feel connected and supported. However, when schools are damaged, occupied, or attacked, education itself becomes a source of trauma. Attacks on schools and teachers send a powerful message that even spaces meant for safety are not protected. The loss of education also limits future opportunities, increasing long-term emotional stress.

Despite these conditions, children in conflict zones are not only victims. Many demonstrate remarkable resilience. Research by Catherine Panter-Brick and Michael Wessells shows that supportive relationships play a central role in helping children cope with trauma. Care from parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers can reduce emotional harm. Cultural practices, storytelling, play, and community support help children make sense of their experiences and restore a sense of belonging.

Psychologists emphasise that resilience does not arise from individual strength alone. It depends on social and emotional support systems. Children cope better when they have at least one stable and caring adult and when their emotions are recognised and taken seriously. Trauma-sensitive education, play therapy, art-based activities, and group discussions have been shown to help children process fear and loss in constructive ways.

There is growing recognition of the need for mental health and psychosocial support in conflict settings. However, such services remain limited and underfunded. Emotional wellbeing is often treated as secondary to food, shelter, and medical aid. This neglect is short-sighted. Emotional harm can persist long after physical danger has ended and may affect not only individuals but entire societies across generations.

Anne Franks diary reminds us that the emotional suffering of children during war is not new. What has changed is the scale of conflict and the number of children affected. Protecting children in conflict zones requires attention not only to their physical survival but also to their emotional lives. If emotional wounds are ignored, societies risk raising generations shaped by fear and unresolved trauma. Supporting childrens emotional wellbeing is essential for recovery, peace, and a more stable future.

Vaishali Sharma is a Masters student in History at the University of Delhi, passionate about inclusive and holistic education. Her research interests include education, public policy, and international relations, with published works on curriculum. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 11:29 IST

News opinion Opinion | Emotional Wellbeing Of Children In Conflict Zones

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Opinion | How Double-Engine Governance Is Powering Uttar Pradeshs FDI Surge

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 15:17 IST

The exponential FDI growth in 2025 may well be the clearest indicator yet that Uttar Pradesh is on the right path after decades of failure

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, UP  Indias most populated state  is on the path of transformation. (Image: PTI)

The term double-engine sarkar" has been bandied about freely for the past few years. However, Uttar Pradesh is the one state that is delivering on the promise of the double-engine governance model, and the details are in the facts, not rhetoric.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, UP  Indias most populated state  is on the path of transformation. This synergy between development-oriented policies and a proactive, investor-friendly approach has created an unprecedented investment climate that is quickly reshaping Indias most populous state into a global economic powerhouse.

The statistical evidence in this case is compelling. Uttar Pradesh received FDI inflows of Rs 2,762 crore during FY 2023-24, which accelerated to Rs 3,700 crore in FY 2024-25. Even more remarkable is the performance in the current fiscal year, with Rs 5,963 crore already received during April-September 2025 alone.

It is pertinent to mention here that the cumulative FDI inflow over the last twenty-five years for Uttar Pradesh stands at Rs 22,279 crore from 2000-2025. If a substantial chunk of that total inflow has come in 2025, it can only be read as an outcome of deliberate, strategic planning and execution under the double-engine governance framework.

A careful look reveals that multiple factors at the execution level are leading to this pattern. Take, for example, the introduction of the Uttar Pradesh FDI Policy 2023, which shows how state-level policies complement national initiatives to create a comprehensive investment ecosystem. Specifically designed to position the state as a preferred destination for foreign investment, it is through this policy that the Yogi Adityanath government has established a transparent, investor-friendly and facilitative business environment.

The policys sector-specific approach, substantial incentives like land subsidies ranging from 20-25 per cent, capital subsidies of 25-35 per cent depending on regional zones, complete stamp duty exemptions, and 100 per cent electricity duty exemptions for five years, shows Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths commitment to reducing bureaucratic red tape for international investors. These measures work in perfect harmony with the central governments various Make in India initiatives.

The establishment of dedicated international country desks for Singapore, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Taiwan, the UAE and South Korea represents a sophisticated approach to global investor outreach that leverages diplomatic relationships cultivated at the central level while implementing customised facilitation at the state level. The recent investment missions to Singapore and Japan, which explored partnerships in green energy, Global Capability Centres and manufacturing sectors, demonstrate how diplomatic and economic channels are being leveraged to attract quality investments.

The Adityanath governments approach to addressing structural challenges such as land availability further illustrates the effectiveness of coordinated governance. While districts like Ghaziabad face land constraints, the state government has proactively aggregated a 100,000-acre industrial land bank for setting up new industries. This large-scale land aggregation effort, coupled with the upcoming Nivesh Mitra 3.0 portal that promises to reduce document requirements by 50 per cent and shorten approval timelines by 30 per cent, shows how governance reforms are being implemented systematically to improve ease of doing business.

Perhaps most significantly, the double-engine governance model is successfully driving geographical diversification of FDI beyond traditional investment hotspots. While Noida-Greater Noida continues to attract substantial foreign investment, Chief Minister Adityanaths strategic use of region-specific incentives, such as higher capital subsidies of up to 35 per cent in Purvanchal and stamp duty exemptions in Tier-2 cities, is attracting meaningful foreign investment to emerging industrial centres like Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur. This balanced regional development strategy ensures that the benefits of FDI are distributed more evenly across the state, reducing regional disparities and creating employment opportunities in historically underserved areas.

The presence of prominent Global Capability Centres from major international players like MetLife, InMobi and Barclays already operating in the state, despite the Uttar Pradesh GCC Policy being recently introduced in 2024, indicates that investor confidence has been building steadily under the current governance framework.

Adityanaths medium-term goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by around 2030 and scaling to $6 trillion by 2047 requires sustained 15-16 per cent annual growth that can only be achieved through continued FDI inflows and industrial expansion. The exponential FDI growth in 2025 may well be the clearest indicator yet that Uttar Pradesh is on the right path after decades of failure.

Advaita Kala is an author and screenwriter. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 15:17 IST

News opinion Opinion | How Double-Engine Governance Is Powering Uttar Pradeshs FDI Surge

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Opinion | Might Over Morality: How Venezuela Raid Undermines Rules-Based World Order

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:41 IST

Trumps capture of Maduro signals a troubling shift towards 21st-century geopolitical 'Wild West', where power overrides law with profound consequences for international stability.

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is escorted, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for an initial appearance to face U.S. federal charges at Downtown Manhattan Heliport, in New York City, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The stunning events of early January 2026, when US forces conducted a military raid inside Venezuela, seized President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and whisked them to New York to face federal charges, represent far more than a dramatic headline.

While the Trump administration portrays this as a law enforcement" operation targeting narco-trafficking and corruption, in substance it is the most direct act of American intervention in Latin America in decades, with global ramifications that could reshape the contours of international order.

From Washingtons perspective, the capture of Maduro is a tactical triumph. Supporters of the operation point to Venezuelas economic collapse under decades of authoritarian misrule, its deep links to organised crime, and the hope among some Venezuelan exiles that Maduros removal might open the door to political renewal. Indeed, in parts of Venezuelas opposition community, there was relief at seeing the man widely blamed for economic mismanagement and repression finally face accountability.

Yet, the political and legal narrative crafted by the White House that this was simply an extension of domestic criminal justice cannot withstand scrutiny. Regardless of Maduros domestic record or US indictments, the use of military force inside a sovereign state without the United Nations Security Council authorisation, without the host nations consent, and without a clear imminent security threat to the United States, is a violation of core principles of international law. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter expressly prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, a prohibition long seen as the bedrock of international order since 1945.

In practical terms, what Washington calls law enforcement" looks very much like regime change. Trumps public statements about the US assuming control of Venezuelas governance until a transition can be engineered and about protecting its vast oil infrastructure further underscore that this is not a narrow legal matter but a geopolitical project. The rhetoric echoes bygone eras of gunboat diplomacy where great powers asserted control over their hemispheres, accountable to neither law nor international institutions.

The global reaction has been swift and critical. European Union members have emphasised that any restoration of democracy in Venezuela must respect the will of its people and international legal norms. Spains Prime Minister condemned the US action as a violation of international law, and a number of Latin American governments, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay issued a joint statement warning that the unilateral use of force in Venezuela sets an extremely dangerous precedent" that threatens regional peace and security.

The criticism is not without merit. By bypassing established multilateral mechanisms and, in some respects, even the US Constitution by undertaking a major military action without express Congressional approval, the Trump administration appears to be asserting a doctrine in which American power is the final arbiter of global order. This realpolitik approach undermines decades of US advocacy for a rules-based international order," in which disputes and transgressions are managed through law, diplomacy, and collective institutions rather than brute force.

The danger of such an approach is not abstract. When international norms are eroded by powerful states for perceived short-term gains, it encourages imitators and adversaries alike. China, Russia, and other authoritarian powers have long flouted international law when it suits their interests in Ukraine, the South China Sea, and elsewhere. A hegemon that selectively observes legal constraints undermines its own moral authority to champion norms. If might becomes the standard, the very concept of a rules-based" system becomes hollow.

At the same time, this shift has domestic implications for the United States itself. Americas founding ideals  the rule of law, separation of powers, and checks on executive authority  are strained when the president can dispatch military forces abroad without legislative oversight, framing strategic ambitions as law enforcement manoeuvres. For those Americans wary of foreign entanglements, this will appear as a stark departure from the America First" rhetoric of restraint that helped fuel Trumps political resurgence.

Critics across the political spectrum have noted these dangers. Prominent voices from the Democratic side argue the operation was unlawful and unwise," warning that it will destabilise the region, undercut US credibility, and distract from pressing domestic priorities. International legal scholars have lamented that this marks a troubling moment where the traditional legal constraints on the use of force by states are being eroded by the very nation that once helped to build them.

Of course, the debate is not likely to be settled quickly. In a fractured global environment where authoritarian and democratic powers alike vie for influence, some will celebrate the rough assertion of power as necessary to confront criminal networks, autocratic leaders, and strategic rivals. Others will see it as a return to imperialist instincts that ignore the agency and sovereignty of smaller nations. Both camps claim a form of moral high ground, but only one respects the legal and institutional frameworks that have, imperfectly, kept great power competition from devolving into open conflict since World War II.

Ultimately, the Venezuela raid forces a reckoning with an uncomfortable question: Can any great power genuinely claim to uphold an international order built on law while acting unilaterally when it deems fit?

If the answer is no, then the global Wild West" that critics warn of may already be here, a world where might makes right and the rules that once governed global conduct are treated as optional. In that world, stability becomes contingent not on law or consensus, but on the shifting ambitions and capacities of dominant states. For democracy, human rights, and the international legal framework, that is a perilous direction indeed.

The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:39 IST

News opinion Opinion | Might Over Morality: How Venezuela Raid Undermines Rules-Based World Order

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Straight Talk | 2026 Will Be Modi's Reform Acceleration Year And India Is Ready For It

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:08 IST

The government is not resting on the momentum of what it announced. Instead, it is shifting gears towards what might be called "execution-intensive" reform

Rapid Read

2025 was India's year of headline reforms. (File)

The pattern of Indias reform cycle has become predictable by now. The government announces a major restructuringlabour codes, tax simplification, decriminalisationand the media narrative orbits around this headline moment. Papers fill with analysis of the announcement. Opposition parties deploy their critiques. Economists parse the implications. Then, quietly, comes the harder part: making it actually work.

2025 was Indias year of headline reforms. Four labour codes consolidating 29 existing laws took effect in November. The GST simplified from a four-tiered structure down to two slabs in September  ushering in a much-needed consumption impetus. The Jan Vishwas Act continued its quiet work of decriminalising minor offences across central legislation. These were significant moves, each one a genuine simplification of the regulatory landscape.

But 2026 will be different. The government is not resting on the momentum of what it announced. Instead, it is shifting gears towards what might be called execution-intensive" reform  changes that are harder to headline because they involve the plumbing of governance rather than its philosophy. In the words of Prime Minister Modi, India has now boarded the reform express." Municipal finance restructuring. Electricity market architecture. Regulatory cleanup at the sectoral level. These reforms will reshape how India actually functions at the ground level, where citizens and businesses confront government every day.

The infrastructure for this shift already exists. Indias fourth-quarter growth of 8.2 per cent, the sharpest in six quarters, indicates resilience despite global trade turbulence. The Reserve Bank has revised its FY26 growth forecast upward to 7.3 per cent. Domestically, consumption remains robust. The government has political capital after back-to-back victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bihar. Public confidence, as reflected in recent months, remains intact. This combinationgrowth momentum, electoral success, and public buy-increates the window for the kind of unglamorous, unglorified reform that actually changes how systems work.

Consider municipal governance. Indias cities generate roughly two-thirds of national GDP but command less than one per cent of tax revenue. This structural misalignment has left urban local bodies dependent on year-to-year grants from state and central governments, unable to plan infrastructure investment over meaningful timeframes. The government is now pushing municipal bonds as a pathway towards fiscal autonomy. In the fiscal year just concluded, nine municipal corporations raised Rs 1,000 crore through bondsthe highest mobilisation in any single year.

The Budget is expected to introduce a comprehensive framework giving cities greater authority over property tax collection and rationalised user charges. By 2026, this transition from dependence to autonomy will accelerate. It requires no headline moment. It requires painstaking coordination between central ministries, state finance commissions, municipal corporations, and credit rating agencies. It requires building institutional capacity in cities that have historically been starved of both authority and resources.

The electricity sector faces a similar inflection. From January 2026, Indias power exchanges will operate under a new market-coupling principle, theoretically creating a single spot price for power across three currently fragmented exchanges. By July, the government aims to roll out the India Energy Stack, a digital backbone for real-time data on generation, demand, and transmission.

Simultaneously, a Supreme Court directive is compelling the liquidation of regulatory assets accumulated by distribution companiesnearly 3 trillion rupees in outstanding revenue gaps that will eventually be recovered through higher tariffs in some states. These are not simple changes. They involve rewriting how electricity is traded, priced, and distributed. They touch every households power bill. They require state regulators to move in coordination, private exchanges to accept reduced autonomy, and distribution companies to restructure their finances.

The broader pattern here reveals something important about Indias development moment. The era of plucking low-hanging fruit has largely passed. The larger structural shifts still available require not grand announcements but grinding and methodical execution. The Jan Vishwas framework, decriminalising minor offences, continues at the sectoral level. States, beginning with Delhi, are now pursuing similar decriminalisation of their own laws.

What makes 2026 different from previous years is that the government appears to understand this distinction. The language around 2026 is not about what will be announced but about what will be implemented. In interactions with economists ahead of the Budget, the Prime Minister spoke of mission-mode reforms" and structural transformation," emphasising that the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision requires sustained, consistent execution rather than episodic announcements. This is the discourse of someone thinking about system-level change rather than policy cycles.

But execution at scale in India is famously difficult. Urban local bodies lack elected councils in 61 per cent of cases across major states, which hollows out accountability. Municipal staffing is chronically insufficientroughly one in three positions lie vacant across corporations. The power sectors Revamped Distribution Scheme already requires extension to 2028 because smart meter installation has lagged targets. Coordination between central agencies, state governments, and municipalities remains fragmented.

Yet there are reasons for cautious optimism. The government has assembled real experience now in managing multi-layer reforms. The labour codes, while delayed significantly, have finally been implemented. GST simplification, despite its complications, has proceeded. The Jan Vishwas decriminalisation, unglamorous as it is, has quietly reduced the criminalising impulse in the Great Indian Maayi-Baap State. These are not trivial achievements. They show that the machinery, while creaky, can function.

The true test of 2026 will not be what gets announced but what actually lands in the everyday lives of Indians. When a small business finds it easier to comply with labour regulations. When a city council has real authority to raise municipal revenue. When an electricity consumer sees a tariff that reflects actual market clearing prices. When regulatory complexity genuinely recedes. These are the marks of reform acceleration. They do not produce memorable soundbites, but they produce structural change.

This is perhaps why the government is right to signal that 2026 will be focused on execution rather than announcement. Indias growth, its political position, and public confidence are sufficient to sustain it.

What the country now needs is the unglamorous, painstaking work of making its systems actually function better. That is harder than reforming, but it is also more important.

And if 2026 becomes the year when execution becomes the real driver of change, then it will indeed mark an acceleration of a different kind  one that lasts.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 18:07 IST

News opinion Straight Talk | 2026 Will Be Modi's Reform Acceleration Year And India Is Ready For It

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:12 IST

1 / 6 The Tamil Nadu government has announced that Rs 3,000 in cash will be provided along with the Pongal gift package. However, Opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) and several other parties have demanded that the amount be increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.

2 / 6 Last year, the Pongal gift package attracted widespread criticism as it did not include any cash component. With the State Assembly elections scheduled for this year, there was strong public expectation that cash assistance would be included. In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that Rs 3,000 would be given along with the Pongal package.

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3 / 6 Chief Minister Stalin is set to launch the distribution of the Pongal gift package with Rs 3,000 cash this Thursday in Alandur, Chennai. The rice and sugar included in the package have already been dispatched from Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation warehouses to ration shops.

4 / 6 The distribution of Pongal gift tokens has begun and is progressing actively. Ration shop staff and officials are delivering tokens door to door.

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5 / 6 The state government has also announced that Pongal gift packages will be available at fair price shops until January 13, and can be collected on Sundays as well.
Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:16 IST

1 / 7 Delhi University (DU) has released its complete admission policy for undergraduate courses for the 2026-27 session. Admissions will continue to be based on CUET UG 2026 scores. Detailed information can be found in the brochure on the official website, admission.uod.ac.in. The policy has not undergone significant changes. Even though the UGC allows students to take CUET in subjects they didn't study in Class 12, DU insists that students must choose only those subjects they studied in Class 12 for CUET. Non-compliance will lead to admission denial. The university has specified the eligibility and registration rules for different student categories. Check the details below. (File Photo)

2 / 7 Regular Students (Indian and OCI): Indian citizens or OCI cardholders can apply under the Regular category. All applicants must register for CUET UG 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in and then separately on the CSAS (UG) portal at admission.uod.ac.in for DU's seat allocation. (Representative/PTI Photo)

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3 / 7 School of Open Learning (SOL): For open learning, register directly at sol.du.ac.in. CUET scores are not required; admission is based on Class 12 marks. SOL and NCWEB offer this option. (File Photo)

4 / 7 Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB): NCWEB offers BA and BCom courses for girls. Register at ncwebadmission.uod.ac.in. Admission is based on Class 12 merit, not CUET. (Representational Image)

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5 / 7 Foreign students: 10% of supernumerary seats in each programme are reserved for foreign nationals. DU has a separate portal for these students at fsr.du.ac.in. (Representative image/File)

6 / 7 CUET UG Subject List 2026: The subject combinations for CUET remain unchanged this year. List A and List B are the same as last year. DU, with 91 colleges, 86 departments, 16 faculties, and over 6.5 lakh students, is the largest university in the country. Previously, subjects like Legal Studies, Engineering Graphics, Teaching, Entrepreneurship, and Indian Knowledge Traditions were removed from List B. (Representative image/File)

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:42 IST

1 / 7 Winter has significantly affected North India, causing dense fog, cold waves, and plummeting temperatures that have disrupted daily activities. To safeguard childrens health, several state governments and district magistrates, including those in Uttar Pradesh, have extended school holidays. Schools up to grade 8 in many districts are closed until January 10 or later, with some areas also extending this relief to high school students. (AI Generated Image)

2 / 7 In Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar) and Ghaziabad, authorities have prioritised children's health by closing all schools from nursery to grade 8 until January 10, 2026. Basic Education Officer Rahul Panwar has warned that strict action will be taken against schools that violate the rules. Classes from grades 9 to 12 will continue as usual, and buses will operate normally. Many schools have informed parents about online classes. (File Photo)

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3 / 7 Varanasi is experiencing severe fog and cold conditions. In response, District Basic Education Officer Anurag Srivastava has ordered the closure of all schools from pre-primary to Class 8, including those run by the government, council, aided, private, CBSE, ICSE, and other boards, from January 7 to 9, as per the District Magistrate's instructions. However, teachers and staff are required to attend school for departmental work. (File Photo)

4 / 7 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an extension of school holidays across Uttar Pradesh due to the cold weather. Classes 1 to 8 will remain closed until January 15, while holidays for classes 9 to 12 are extended until January 8. This directive applies to all boards, including CBSE, ICSE, and the UP Board, with violations subject to action. The weather will be reviewed on January 8, and if it improves, high school classes may resume on January 9; otherwise, the holidays may be further extended. District magistrates have the discretion to make decisions based on local conditions. Where schools reopen, timings will be from 10 AM to 3 PM, and buses will not operate during the morning fog to prevent accidents. (Credits: ANI)

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5 / 7 In Ghaziabad, Basic Education Officer OP Yadav has ordered all board schools up to grade 8 to remain closed until January 10, following the District Magistrate's instructions. Originally scheduled to reopen on January 5, the holidays were extended due to the cold weather. The BSA emphasised that childrens health is paramount, making it inappropriate to open schools now. (File Photo)

6 / 7 Many districts have closed schools up to class 12 due to the cold weather. In Bareilly, Bahraich, Badaun, and Moradabad, all recognized schools from nursery to 12th grade will remain closed until January 10. In Shamli, the holiday will continue until January 7, and in Lakhimpur Kheri, classes up to 12th grade are closed until January 14. District magistrates and district school inspectors have issued clear orders in these districts, with teachers on election duty (BLOs) required to report to work. Assistant teachers can make local decisions based on the cold. (File Photo)

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:14 IST

1 / 10 Bollywoods Dream Girl Hema Malini has always been surrounded by glamour and intrigue. Long before she married Dharmendra in 1980, the actress experienced a deeply unsettling episode while house-hunting in Mumbai, one that she later described as terrifying. This lesser-known chapter of her life is documented in Ram Kamal Mukherjees book Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, which sheds light on many unknown aspects of the actresss journey. The incident dates back to the period when Hema Malini began working with Raj Kapoor in her Hindi film Sapno Ka Saudagar.

2 / 10 Much has been written about the celebrated love story and marriage of Hema Malini and Dharmendra, but very few are aware of this disturbing experience from before their wedding. In the book, Hema Malini reveals that while living in Mumbai, she stayed briefly in a bungalow where she felt an eerie presence every night. She recalled feeling as though someone was choking her, making it difficult to breathe.

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3 / 10 At the time, Hema Malini was initially staying in a small Bandra apartment that was often used by costume designer Bhanu Athaiya for fittings. She later moved into a bungalow, hoping for more comfort, but instead found herself increasingly distressed by what she experienced there.

4 / 10 Describing the ordeal, Hema Malini said, "Every night I felt as if someone was trying to choke me, and I struggled to breathe. I used to sleep beside my mother, and she noticed how restless I became. Had it happened once or twice, we might have ignored it, but it happened every single night."

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5 / 10 Having grown up in Delhi and Chennai, Hema Malini shared that she preferred spacious homes surrounded by greenery and found it difficult to adjust to Mumbais compact apartments. Concerned for her well-being, her father tried to help her settle down and considered gifting her a sea-facing flat. He asked her to visit Walkeshwar in South Mumbai, where he had purchased an apartment, reportedly using his own earnings. However, Hema Malini declined the offer.

6 / 10 According to the book, her father called her during a shoot and asked her to come to Walkeshwar. During a break, she went there and saw the new house he had bought for her. Recalling the moment, Hema Malini said, "He asked if I liked the flat. For perhaps the first time, I told him honestly that I didnt enjoy living in South Bombay. I wanted a house surrounded by trees, like our home in Chennai." After this, her father began searching for a bungalow in Juhu.

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7 / 10 Eventually, in 1972, during the filming of Seeta Aur Geeta, Hema Malini bought her first bungalow. By then, she and Dharmendra were frequently working together, and like him, she chose Juhu as her base. The property was a five-year-old bungalow owned by a Gujarati family, to which additional rooms were later added. Hema Malini fondly recalled liking the house because of the abundance of trees around it.

8 / 10 Speaking about the early days of her association with Dharmendra, Hema Malini said, "Dharam ji used to visit for coffee, but at that time, I had no idea that I would fall in love with him and eventually marry him." The couple tied the knot in 1980.

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9 / 10 After marriage, Hema Malini chose to live separately to avoid disrupting Dharmendras life with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their children, Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeeta. As a result, she spent much of her life living close to Dharmendras home in Juhu.
Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:57 IST

1 / 11 Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, known to the world as Madhubala, remains one of Hindi cinemas most enduring icons. Her beauty, charm and vulnerability made her unforgettable, on screen and off it. But behind the timeless smile was a deeply complicated personal life shaped by love, loss and difficult choices. One of the most talked-about chapters of her life continues to be her broken relationship with Dilip Kumar and her sudden marriage to Kishore Kumar.

2 / 11 Madhubalas unmatched stardom and appeal: Madhubala rose to fame at a young age and quickly became one of the most admired actresses of her era. Her expressive eyes and warmth made her a favourite among audiences and filmmakers alike. Co-stars were often mesmerised by her presence, and admiration frequently turned into affection. Her personal life, inevitably, became a subject of constant attention.

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3 / 11 How Madhubala and Dilip Kumar fell in love: Madhubala and Dilip Kumar grew close while working on Tarana. Their bond deepened over time, and they were widely regarded as Bollywoods most promising couple. Both families were aware of the relationship, and marriage seemed inevitable. Their love story, however, was headed for heartbreak.

4 / 11 Mughal-e-Azam and a real-life turning point: While Mughal-e-Azam immortalised their on-screen chemistry, it also marked the decline of their relationship. Professional pressures began spilling into their personal lives. Tensions grew quietly but steadily between them. What followed would permanently change their future together.

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5 / 11 The Naya Daur court case: Trouble erupted during the making of Naya Daur when Madhubalas father, Ataullah Khan, refused to let her shoot outside Bombay. Filmmaker BR Chopra sued her for damages, leading to a legal battle. Dilip Kumar testified in court against Madhubala and her father. That decision deeply wounded her.

6 / 11 The apology that never came: Madhubala pleaded with Dilip Kumar to apologise to her father and mend relations. She feared their lives would be destroyed if matters escalated. Dilip Kumar refused, questioning why she was forcing him. That refusal became the breaking point.

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7 / 11 Why Madhubala chose to walk away: Madhubala did not want the narrative to suggest that Dilip Kumar had rescued her from her father. She also did not want to appear as someone who abandoned her family for love. Protecting her dignity mattered deeply to her. She chose separation over compromise.

8 / 11 Kishore Kumar enters her life: In 1960, as Madhubala travelled to London for medical treatment, Kishore Kumar proposed to her. He offered companionship during a period of emotional and physic

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9 / 11 A marriage driven by anger, not love: According to Madhubalas sister, she still loved Dilip Kumar deeply at the time. Her decision to marry Kishore Kumar was made in anger and emotional turmoil. The wedding took place in 1960 when she was just 27. It shocked the industry and many close to her. Madhubala married Kishore Kumar out of stubbornness and anger towards Dilip saab. They got married in 1960. She was 27 years old, she told Rediff.com.

10 / 11 A brief and difficult marriage: Madhubalas health deteriorated soon after her marriage. She was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, a hole in her heart. Despite moments of companionship, her marriage remained strained. She passed away nine years later, far too young.

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JUBA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said Wednesday that it has stepped up security patrols in and around the internally displaced persons camp in Bentiu, a town in Unity State, following recent clashes between rival forces.

UNMISS Spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury said the peacekeeping mission continues to engage relevant actors at both the national and state levels to help prevent further violence and ease tensions in Unity State.

"While the government of South Sudan holds the primary responsibility for protecting civilians, UNMISS has deployed peacekeeping patrols in and around the Bentiu displacement camp to reassure residents and support efforts to stabilize the situation," Chowdhury told Xinhua in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Clashes broke out on Sunday between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF)and the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In opposition (SPLM/A-IO) in and around the Bentiu internally displaced persons camp.

The fighting caused fear and panic among civilians in the camp, which UNMISS handed over to the government for management in late 2020.

Tensions between the two forces escalated after an attack on the SSPDF base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025 by the White Army, a militia which the government claimed to be linked to the SPLM/A-IO. 
Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:00 IST

1 / 10 Not Everyone Follows January 1: While most countries follow the Gregorian calendar, some nations still use traditional calendars for daily life. These systems reflect history, culture, and belief. New Year dates differ, showing how time is marked differently across regions.

2 / 10 Ethiopia: Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian calendar, which is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. It has 13 months. Ethiopians celebrate the New Year, called Enkutatash, on September 11 or 12 with church prayers, music, and family meals.

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3 / 10 Nepal: Nepal uses the Bikram Sambat calendar, which runs around 57 years ahead of the Gregorian system. The Nepali New Year falls in mid-April. Streets fill with parades, food, and rituals, especially in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

4 / 10 Iran: Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, a highly accurate solar system. The New Year, Nowruz, begins on March 20 or 21 during the spring equinox. Families clean homes, set symbolic tables, and welcome renewal rooted in ancient traditions.

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5 / 10 Afghanistan: Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, locally called the Shamsi calendar. Like Iran, its year begins with Nowruz in spring. This calendar is used in schools, offices, and daily life, while lunar calendars guide religious events.

6 / 10 How Solar Hijri Works:

The Solar Hijri calendar has 12 months and follows the suns movement closely. It aligns with real seasons better than many calendars. Leap years are adjusted carefully, making it one of the most accurate systems still in use today.

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7 / 10 North Korea: North Korea uses the Juche calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar. Juche years begin from Kim Il-sungs birth in 1912. While months and days stay Gregorian, the year count follows this political system in official use.

8 / 10 Dual Calendar Countries: Some countries use more than one calendar at the same time. Saudi Arabia adopted the Gregorian calendar for offices in 2016, but still follows the Islamic Hijri calendar for religious events like Ramadan and Eid.

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9 / 10 Why These Calendars Matter: These calendars are not outdated systems. They reflect identity, tradition, and the local rhythm of life. Festivals, farming cycles, and social planning often depend on these calendars more than the global Gregorian system.
Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:35 IST

1 / 17 akistans DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stirred controversy on Tuesday by publicly naming several Indian social media handles and TV clips and claimed they were operated by RAW agents. (Photo: Instagram/@radiopakistannewsofficial)

2 / 17 During a media briefing, he displayed screenshots of posts and television excerpts and alleged a coordinated propaganda campaign against Pakistan and its military. The accounts he cited included Network18 News Editor Shubhangi Sharma (@ItsShubhangi), Baba Banaras (@RealBababanaras) and journalist Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant). (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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3 / 17 Ye saare RAW ke account hai (They are all RAW agents), he said during the briefing. He added, This shows the nexus, this shows the mentality because theyre talking this taki eski hawa banai jaye. (Photo: Pexels)

4 / 17 The statements have triggered concern among security and diplomatic sources. Experts pointed out that the public naming of foreign journalists is unusual for Pakistan Army briefings. (Photo: X/@chesschief)

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5 / 17 During the same briefing, Chaudhry issued another provocative statement, saying, Mazaa na kraayaa, toh paise vaapis (If you dont enjoy it, money back). He also issued a threat for India and Afghanistan if they launched attacks on Pakistan, adding, Aa jao, tum dono ka swagat hai (come ahead, both of you are welcome). These remarks brought renewed focus to his public communication style.

6 / 17 Lt Gen Chaudhry has been Pakistans DG ISPR since December 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has made multiple statements that sparked backlash particularly during India-Pakistan tensions. His comments have often drawn criticism for being unprofessional or provocative. Analysts note that he frequently attracts attention online with some moments going viral and causing public debate.

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7 / 17 One of the incidents that went viral occurred in December 2025. During a press conference, Chaudhry winked and smiled at female journalist Absa Komal after she questioned him about remarks on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

8 / 17 He had called Imran Khan a national security threat and a mental patient. The gesture was widely condemned on social media as harassment and unprofessional conduct. Many users demanded his removal following the incident.

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9 / 17 Another major moment came during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Chaudhry accused India of conducting unprovoked airstrikes that, according to him, targeted women, children and infrastructure, specifically mosques. Operation Sindoor was launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. The Indian tri-services carried out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and eliminated more than 100 terrorists.

10 / 17 The controversial water threat statement further amplified tensions. In reaction to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, Chaudhry warned, Tum humara paani band kar doge, toh hum tumhara saans band kar denge (If you stop our water, we will stop your breath). The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the World Bank as a signatory, regulates the sharing of six major rivers between India and Pakistan. (Photo: Grok AI)

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11 / 17 Chaudhrys rhetoric echoed statements previously made by US-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed who is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation responsible for several major attacks in India including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

12 / 17 Afghan MP Mariam Solaimankhil weighed in on Chaudhrys water threat and noted the similarity to Hafiz Saeeds rhetoric. He seems to have copied Lashkar-e-Taibas founder Hafiz Saeed word for word -- If India stops the water we will stop their breath. I guess the Pakistani military establishment shares a script with recognised terrorists, she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Her comment fueled further criticism and discussion online.

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13 / 17 During Operation Sindoor, Chaudhry also defended LeT terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf by calling him a religious leader and common family man. The military spokesperson showed a National Identity Card claiming Rauf as an official of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), Welfare Wing Incharge. India and the US rejected this defence and cited Raufs links to attacks on Parliament and Pathankot. The statement drew international criticism for equating a designated terrorist to a normal citizen.

14 / 17 In December last year, Chaudhry stirred controversy by calling Sheikh Mujibur Rahman a known traitor to Pakistan. He made this remark while criticising former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had frequently referenced Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and appeared inspired by him in his political speeches.

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15 / 17 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is widely celebrated in Bangladesh as the Father of the Nation and known as Bangabandhu (Friend of Bengal) for his pivotal role in leading the countrys independence movement. The statement drew sharp reactions given Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans revered status in Bangladesh and his historical significance.

16 / 17 During a recent press briefing, Chaudhry said that the past year had seen what he described as unprecedented intensity in counter-terrorism efforts. Referring to developments in 2025, he added that the Pakistani state and its people had achieved what he called complete clarity on terrorism.

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:25 IST

1 / 8 Thailand is ruled by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, a monarch widely regarded as the wealthiest in the world. With an estimated net worth of around $50 billion (approximately Rs 45 lakh crore), his fortune places him far ahead of many of the worlds most prominent billionaires.

2 / 8 Born in 1952, King Rama X is the only son of Thailands late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Groomed from an early age to succeed the throne, he ascended as the monarch of Thailand carrying forward one of the worlds oldest royal lineages.

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3 / 8 King Rama X reportedly owns nearly 6,000 hectares of land across Thailand. A major portion of his assets is overseen by the Crown Property Bureau, which came directly under his control in 2018. In Bangkok alone, the bureau manages about 17,000 properties, generating massive annual rental income running into thousands of crores of rupees.

4 / 8 The Thai monarch is said to lease out more than 40,000 properties nationwide, including luxury hotels, commercial buildings, palaces and resorts. The steady income from these holdings continues to significantly boost his wealth.

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5 / 8 Beyond real estate, King Rama X has built a strong corporate presence. He reportedly owns a 23 per cent stake in Siam Commercial Bank, Thailands second-largest bank, and holds 33 per cent ownership in Siam Cement Group, the countrys largest industrial conglomerate. These investments form a major part of his long-term revenue stream.

6 / 8 The kings assets are equally expansive. He reportedly owns over 38 private jets and helicopters, a gold-plated yacht, and an extensive collection of luxury cars, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz, housed across his palaces. He is also known to have a keen interest in precious metals and jewellery, with large collections of diamonds and rare gemstones.

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7 / 8 In his early years, King Rama X underwent elite military training. He studied at prestigious military academies in Thailand and later earned a degree in military studies from the Royal Military College in Canberra, Australia. He subsequently served in the Royal Thai Army.
January 30, 2026, 10:00 AM IST | Episode 134

In todays News18 Daily Digest: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin throws his weight behind the Centres new UGC regulations amid growing campus protests, while TVK chief Vijay sharpens his political offensive against the DMK, flagging migrant worker safety, crimes against women and drug abuse. Political tensions escalate in Karnataka over the controversial G Ram G Bill, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of misusing public funds and illegal phone tapping  allegations firmly denied by the state. In Maharashtra, uncertainty looms over the future leadership of Ajit Pawars faction following his death, as competing proposals emerge within the party. Outrage erupts over the appointment of a rape-accused coach by the Equestrian Federation of India, prompting a show-cause notice from the sports ministry. Congress steps up its attack on the governments foreign policy narrative, targeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the India-EU trade deal. Tune in for sharp analysis and updates from India and abroad...
BJP-AIMIM Alliance In Maharashtra's Akot? Imtiyaz Jalil Says 'No Tie-Up At Any Cost'

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Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:24 IST

Report says the BJP has entered into post-poll alliances with the AIMIM in some municipal councils in Maharashtra including Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

AIMIMs Imtiyaz Jalil Denies BJP Alliance Amid Akot Municipal Tie-Up Reports

The AIMIM on Wednesday denied any alliance with the BJP in Akola, with party leader Imtiaz Jaleel saying he was unaware of any such development.

Jaleel said he had asked local party leaders for clarification while making it clear that there will be no alliance with the BJP under any circumstances. He said if any AIMIM leader had spoken about an alliance, strict action will be taken.

I am not aware of this. I have asked my local leaders about it. There will be no alliance with the BJP at any cost. If any of our leaders have spoken about an alliance, action will definitely be taken against them," Jaleel said.

Posting on X later, he said five AIMIM councillors have submitted a letter to the Akot Municipal Council withdrawing support to the development committee, claiming that they were kept in the dark about presence of BJP members".

5 AIMIM councillors have submitted letter to Akot Municipal Council withdrawing support to Akot Development Committee. Since committee had BJP members also our party has decided to withdraw from the committee.They were kept in the dark about presence of BJP members in committee," he wrote in his post.

5 AIMIM councillors have submitted letter to Akot Municipal Council withdrawing support to Akot Development Committee. Since committee had BJP members also our party has decided to withdraw from the committee.They were kept in the dark about presence of BJP members in committee. pic.twitter.com/BbtrNA4tyv Imtiaz Jaleel (@imtiaz_jaleel) January 7, 2026

According to a report published by PTI, the BJP entered into post-poll alliances with the AIMIM in some municipal councils in Maharashtra. One such alliance was formed in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district ahead of the local body elections.

Regarding this alleged alliance with the AIMIM in Akola, Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chauhan also sent a show-cause notice to party MLA Prakash Bharasakhle.

AKOT VIKAS MANCH FORMED

In Akot, the BJP formed a post-poll alliance named the Akot Vikas Manch. Apart from the AIMIM, the alliance includes support from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), and the Prahar Janshakti Party led by Bachchu Kadu.

The Akot Municipal Council has 35 members, with elections pending for two seats. The BJP won 11 seats, while the AIMIM secured five. With the backing of other parties, the alliance claims the support of 25 councillors, giving it a clear majority in the council.

BJP councillor Maya Dhule was elected mayor, defeating AIMIMs Firozabi Sikandar Rana. Ravi Thakur of the BJP was appointed as the group leader, and all alliance partners are bound by the party whip. The alliance was formally registered with the Akola district administration on Wednesday, ahead of the deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for January 13.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Polling is scheduled for January 15, 2026, with results to be declared on January 16. Nominations for these elections closed on December 30.

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Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:41 IST

News politics BJP-AIMIM Alliance In Maharashtra's Akot? Imtiyaz Jalil Says 'No Tie-Up At Any Cost'

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BJP Ditches Shiv Sena In Ambernath Civic Body, Joins Hands With Congress In Rare Alliance

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:06 IST

The polls were held last month, during which Shiv Sena and BJP, despite being allies at the state and national levels, contested separately.

Voting for Ambernath municipal council polls took place on December 20.

In a rare alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have joined hands in the Ambernath Municipal Council in Thane to snatch the civic body from Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena.

The BJP has chosen to seek power with the Congress to keep the Shiv Senas Shinde faction out of power. Notably, the political developments in the Ambernath Municipal Council have stirred up the Maharashtra politics.

In a surprise move, the BJP has joined hands with councillors from Congress and the Ajit

Pawar-headed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi and take control of a municipal council in the Mumbai region.

The polls were held last month, during which Shiv Sena and BJP, despite being allies at the state and national levels, contested separately.

Notably, in the 60-member council, Sena emerged as the single-largest party, winning 27 seats. Meanwhile, BJP secured 14 seats, while the Congress party won 12. Additionally, Ajit Pawar-headed NCP managed to secure victory over four seats. Two independents were also

elected.

Despite becoming the single-largest party, Shiv Sena suffered a setback in election to the municipal presidents post, where its candidate Manisha Walekar lost to BJP nominee Tejashree Karanjule Patil.

Meanwhile, Congress has suspended the Ambernath Congress president Pradeep Patil over tie up with the BJP.

However, the recent developments have caused widespread discontent within the Shiv Sena, with leaders belonging to the Shinde camp launching a scathing attack on the BJP, calling the alliance an indecent alliance."

Shinde Camp Accuses BJP Of Back-Stabbing

MLA Dr Balaji of the Shinde group accused the BJP, which advocates for a Congress-free India, of attacking the Shiv Sena by allying with the Congress.

The BJP, which had proclaimed a Congress-free India, formed an alliance with the Congress in the Ambernath Municipal Council in Thane. The Shiv Sena described this alliance as a stab in the back, while the BJP rejected these allegations.

BJP Rejects Allegations

BJP vice president Gulabrao Karanjule Patil hit back at the Shinde group, saying that if formed an alliance with the Shinde group, which has been involved in corruption for the past 25 years, that would have been an inappropriate alliance.

He also claimed that he had tried several times to discuss a grand alliance with the Shinde group for the Ambernath Municipal Council, but received no response from their leaders.

While the BJP-Congress alliance is discussing the road ahead following the power-sharing arrangement in the Ambernath Municipal Council, the alliance has created tension within the grand alliance.

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Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 10:38 IST

News politics BJP Ditches Shiv Sena In Ambernath Civic Body, Joins Hands With Congress In Rare Alliance

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Fadnavis Flags 'Discipline Breach', Asks BJP Units To End Civic Poll Tie-Ups With Congress, AIMIM

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:49 IST

The Congress has also suspended 12 newly elected councillors in the Ambernath municipal council for forming an alliance with the BJP

File photo of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over local BJP units forging post-poll alliances with rival parties and directed that such tie-ups be immediately ended, warning of disciplinary action against leaders who defied party directions.

Fadnavis specifically asked BJP units to withdraw from alliances with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Akot and the Congress in Ambernath, making it clear that such arrangements were neither approved by the partys senior leadership nor acceptable.

I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline, and action will be taken," Fadnavis told a news channel as per PTI, adding that instructions had already been issued to reverse the alliances.

The Congress has also suspended 12 newly elected councillors in the Ambernath municipal council for allegedly forming an alliance with the BJP.

The remarks by Fadnavis came after the BJP entered into post-poll arrangements with rival parties in municipal councils following last months civic elections, triggering sharp reactions from allies and the opposition.

In Ambernath, the BJP joined hands with the Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP under the banner of the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi to form the municipal council leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena. Party councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected council president on Wednesday, defeating the Senas Manisha Walekar.

In the December 20 elections to the 60-member Ambernath civic body, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats, falling four short of a majority. The BJP won 14 seats, Congress 12, NCP four, and two independents were elected. With the support of one independent, the three-party coalitions strength rose to 32, crossing the majority mark of 30. The vice-presidents election is due shortly.

The Shiv Sena slammed the move, calling it unethical and opportunistic". Sena MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar termed it a betrayal of coalition dharma" and said it went against the BJPs national slogan of a Congress-mukt Bharat". A BJP corporator, Abhijit Karanjule Patil, appointed group leader, said the alliance was formed to free Ambernath from corruption and intimidation", a claim rejected by the Sena.

In Akot, the BJP formed the Akot Vikas Manch with the AIMIM, along with support from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Shindes Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawars NCP, Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and the Prahar Janshakti Party. The BJP won 11 seats in the 35-member council, while the AIMIM secured five. With backing from other parties, the alliances strength stands at 25.

The BJPs Maya Dhule was elected mayor, defeating AIMIMs Firozabi Sikandar Rana, while Ravi Thakur was appointed BJP group leader. The alliance was formally registered with the Akola district administration on Wednesday ahead of deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for January 13.

Reacting to the developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, What happened in Akot and Ambernath shows frivolous behaviour of the BJP. The party can forge an alliance with anyone to grab power."

Fadnavis, however, reiterated that such local-level arrangements violated party discipline and would not be tolerated, asserting that action would be initiated against those responsible.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 15:01 IST

News politics Fadnavis Flags 'Discipline Breach', Asks BJP Units To End Civic Poll Tie-Ups With Congress, AIMIM

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CPI(M) Leader Receives Legal Notice After Jamaat-e-Islami Remark, Congress Calls It 'Communal'

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:05 IST

Opposition leader VD Satheesan slammed AK Balan, accusing the CPI(M) of resorting to "Sangh Parivar tactics" in a bid to polarise the electorate ahead of the Kerala assembly polls

CPI(M) leader AK Balan had told the media that the home department would be governed by the Jamaat-e-Islami if the Congress-led UDF returned to power in Kerala following the upcoming assembly elections. (Image: Sourced)

Senior CPI(M) leader and former law minister AK Balans remarks against the Jamaat-e-Islami have triggered a political controversy in poll-bound Kerala with the Congress terming them as dangerous and communal".

The Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, sent Balan a legal notice over his comments that their organisation will effectively exercise control over the Keralas home department if the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) manages to secure a victory in the upcoming assembly elections.

This statement has drawn a sharp and immediate rebuke from opposition leader and Congress leader VD Satheesan, who slammed the remarks as dangerous and communal". He vehemently criticised Balan, accusing him of abandoning secular principles to borrow directly from the Sangh Parivars playbook" in a bid to polarise the electorate. He suggested that such rhetoric is not merely an isolated comment but a calculated attempt to incite fear among voters for electoral gains.

Drawing a parallel to historical right-wing strategies, Satheesan pointed to an old campaign tactic used in Gujarat, where the prospect of a minority leader becoming the chief minister was used to instil apprehension and consolidate votes. He alleged that Balan is now trying to replicate the model" within the unique political context of Kerala. He, however, remained firm that secular Kerala" will ultimately resist and defeat any such move to introduce these divisive tactics into the states political discourse.

He has challenged the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to clarify its official stance on the CPI(M) leaders remarks. He questioned whether the party formally endorses these views and urged the Communist Party of India (CPI), the second major ally in the ruling coalition, to break its silence and clarify its position.

The state chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, meanwhile, sent a formal legal notice to Balan. The organisation is seeking Rs 1 crore in financial compensation, alleging that his remarks were false, baseless, and derogatory".

The notice, issued by the organisations state secretary Shihab Pookkottur, states that the comments were made with mala fide intention" to damage the reputation and goodwill of the group and its workers. It charged the former state minister with attempting to create communal polarisation for the political advantage of the CPI(M) ahead of the polls.

Balan, however, is yet to respond to the legal notice.

(With PTI inputs)

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Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 23:52 IST

News politics CPI(M) Leader Receives Legal Notice After Jamaat-e-Islami Remark, Congress Calls It 'Communal'

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J&K Congress Attacks BJP Amid Vaishno Devi College Row, Questions Health Ministry's Failure

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:57 IST

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has revoked the recognition of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Jammu.

File photo of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.

Amid the ongoing protests over admission to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress attacked the BJP for closing the institute and asked for an explanation behind the move. The party further accused the saffron party of covering the failure of the Health Ministry headed by JP Nadda.

Taking to X, Jammu and Kashmir Congress spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said, BJP must explain what Jammu achieved by closing down a premier Medical Institute named after holy Mata Vaishno Devi ji. Just to cover up the failure of Health Ministry headed by Shri JP Nadda Jammu region made to suffer instead of change of norms."

BJP must explain what Jammu achieved by closing down of a premier Medical Institute named after holy Mata Vaishno Devi ji. Just to cover up the failure of Health Ministry headed by Shri J P Nadda Jammu region made to suffer instead of change of norms.@INCJammuKashmir Ravinder Sharma (@RavinderJKPCC) January 7, 2026

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has revoked the recognition of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Jammu, citing serious lapses in minimum standards.

Omar Slams Protests

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that the students admitted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence got in purely on merit, and denounced those who protested against it. He also suggested shutting the institution and moving the students to other government medical colleges.

Why are the people protesting again today? On what basis are they protesting? Those children worked hard to get their seats. No one did them any favour, neither me nor the university. They passed the exams and got their seats.

If you do not want to have them there, then adjust them somewhere else," he said.

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Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:56 IST

News politics J&K Congress Attacks BJP Amid Vaishno Devi College Row, Questions Health Ministry's Failure

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Buried For Decades: Here Are 4 Big Takeaways From Nehru's 17 Forgotten Letters On Somnath Temple

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 19:58 IST

While it is true that the BJP has the habit of bringing Jawaharlal Nehru into every political discourse, these letters will indeed leave the Congress in discomfort

The Narendra Modi-led BJP released 17 letters penned by India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru that reveal his opposition to rebuild the ancient Somnath temple in Gujarat. (Image: AFP/File)

Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a long op-ed to kickstart the year-long Somnath Swabhiman Parv  to mark 1,000 years since the first invader attack on the Somnath temple in Gujarat  the ruling BJP released 17 letters penned by Indias first PM Jawaharlal Nehru that reveal his opposition to rebuild the ancient structure.

These letters are between Nehru and various historical figures  from addressing the then Pakistan PM Liaquat Ali Khan as Dear nawabzada" in one dated April 21, 1951, where he describes the story of Somnaths doors as completely false" to dismissing the temple inauguration as unnecessary fuss" and admitting that he had tried to stop cabinet ministers from being linked to it in another dated June 13, 1951 to then vice president Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.

The BJP has laid bare 17 threads of one historical truth that the Congress cannot dismiss as just another Nehru syndrome" of the saffron party. While it is true that the BJP has the habit of bringing Nehru into every political discourse, these letters will indeed leave the grand old party in discomfort.

Beyond what Nehru told KM Panikkar, the then Indian ambassador to China, about the Somnath temple in his letter or what was his view on the same matter while writing to UN Dhebar, who was the chief minister of Saurashtra back then, the bigger picture is what are the four big takeaways today?

SKIPPING SOMNATH TO RAM MANDIR

In 2024, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had turned down the invitation for the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22.

They said the BJP has made it a political event. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was sending out invites to VIPs across India and the world.

The temple trust had also extended invitations to the three Congress leaders. Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has obviously been brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event," a Congress statement read.

In his letter to Panikkar in 1951, Nehru openly admitted that he had tried to tone down the effects" of the Presidents visit to the Somnath temple, clearly acknowledging an active effort to reduce the visibility and significance of the temples inauguration rather than merely staying neutral. While one may acknowledge his views, many may see this to be consistent in the Congress over generations, and that the argument of RSS/BJP event" in 2024 was an excuse by its leadership.

COMPLETELY FALSE: THEN TO NOW

Nehru went so far as to write reassuringly to Liaquat Ali Khan, dismissing the Somnath gate narrative as completely false" and stressing that nothing of the sort was happening in his letter dated April 21, 1951.

The narrative" of the Somnath temple gates involves a disputed historical claim that the original gates, allegedly looted by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE, were recovered by the British in 1842 and brought back to India. While Nehru may be right, his assuring the Pakistani PM is problematic.

When the gates were brought to India, experts, including archaeologists, determined they were not Indian in origin or design. Politically, it brings back memories of the UPA era when the Congress-led government told the Supreme Court that there was no historical evidence to establish the existence of Ram or the other characters in Ramayana during the hearing on the Sethusamudram project in 2007.

BIG CHARGE AHEAD OF PMS VISIT TO SOMNATH

The BJP released 17 letters and held a high-voltage press conference in New Delhi just days ahead of Modis visit to the Somnath temple, keeping the discourse alive.

Top government sources told News18 that Modi will visit the temple on January 11. Ahead of that, on Wednesday, the BJP made a strong charge against Nehru after they read from the 17 letters.

Somnath was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and Khilji in the past, but in independent India, Pandit Nehru harboured the greatest hatred towards Lord Somnath," alleged BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi.

Knowing how the Prime Minister likes to respond, it is quite probable that the BJP is building a tempo in the run-up to his Somnath visit, when he will be in his home state of Gujarat and, in between celebrations, take a sharp dig at the Congress.

INDIA BLOC IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION

The BJP has not only put the Congress at discomfort with these 17 letters, but by virtue of their association with the Congress, many of their INDIA bloc allies are feeling the heat.

In poll-bound states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, the TMC, DMK, and Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM) are likely to face issues if they enter into a pre-poll alliance with the Congress in their respective states.

Written on August 1, 1951, in a letter to chief ministers, Nehru blamed the pomp and ceremony" of the Somnath temple inauguration for creating a very bad impression abroad" and weakening Indias secular image. In this letter, he directed that embassies should be instructed not to pay the slightest attention to requests for sacred river water from the Somnath Trust. He formally disapproved of the use of Indus water for the Somnath consecration, conveying through the foreign secretary that the request did not have his approval.

Now, as the election nears and the BJP rakes up these letters in every campaign in the local language, many Tamil, Bengali or Assamese who may not have visited Somnath temple may feel connected to it as a symbol of Hinduism whose survival is now being celebrated by the Modi government.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 19:58 IST

News politics Buried For Decades: Here Are 4 Big Takeaways From Nehru's 17 Forgotten Letters On Somnath Temple

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U.S. President Donald Trump and his team are weighing "a range of options" to acquire Denmark's Greenland, including "utilizing the U.S. military," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Tuesday. #XinhuaNews
Nehru Wrote 17 Letters Opposing Somnath Reconstruction; BJP Questions Hailing Of Mughal Invaders

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:32 IST

Nehrus letters against Somnath Temple reconstruction: If this wasnt politics of blind appeasement & glorification of Mughal invaders, what was it, asks BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi

Rapid Read

The letters to the President and Cabinet Ministers questioned the need for reconstruction of Somnath Mandir. (File)

Amid the celebrations of Somnath Parv, to mark 1000 years since the first attack on the temple, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) highlighted how PM Jawaharlal Nehru wrote more than 17 letters opposing the construction of Somnath Mandir.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, in a post on X, wrote: In the past, Somnath was looted by Muhammad Ghazni and Khilji, but in independent India, Pandit Nehru harbored the greatest hatred toward Lord Somnath. See the biggest example of this: Pandit Nehru wrote a letter to Pakistans Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan on April 21, 1951, addressing him as Dear Nawabzada," and in it, he described the story of Somnaths doors as completely false." Pandit Nehru wrote to Liaquat Ali Khan, in a way surrendering, that nothing like the construction of the Somnath temple was happening."

If this wasnt the politics of blind appeasement and the glorification of Mughal invaders, then what was it," asked Trivedi.

The letters to the President and Cabinet Ministers questioned the need for reconstruction of Somnath Mandir and heavily discouraged them from attending the inauguration. A letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, addressing him as Dear Nawabzada", downplayed the importance of the reconstruction. The PM purportedly issued instructions to public broadcasters to minimise coverage and downplay the significance of the reconstruction of Mandir.

Letters to Indian Chief Ministers, written twice, termed the reconstruction revivalist" and pompous"; complained it harmed Indias image abroad. Instructions to Indian embassies explicitly prohibited assistance to the Somnath Trust, including requests of waters from river for consecration ceremony.

Taken together, these letters reveal Jawaharlal Nehrus sustained opposition and discomfort he felt due to reconstruction of the Somnath Mandir.

                                21  1951         " "        pic.twitter.com/J34QlGmFy8  Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (@SudhanshuTrived) January 7, 2026

1. April 21, 1951  Letter to Liaquat Ali Khan (Prime Minister of Pakistan): Jawaharlal Nehru went so far as to write reassuringly to Liaquat Ali Khan, dismissing the Somnath gates narrative as completely false" and stressing that nothing of the sort was happening. Instead of confronting Pakistans propaganda or defending Indias civilizational memory, he chose to comfort Pakistan by downplaying Hindu historical symbolism, prioritising external appeasement over internal confidence.

2. April 28, 1951- Letter to R.R. Diwaker Minister of Information and Broadcasting of India: Jawaharlal Nehru asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to tone down coverage of Somnath consecration, described the ceremony as pompous and said that ceremony is injuring Indias image in the world. He also wrote that Somnath ceremonies worried him a lot and that he is not happy with the President attending the ceremony.

3. Letter to Chief Minister on May 2, 1951 : He wrote 2 letters to Chief Ministers on Somnath consecration repeatedly distancing the Government of India from the Somnath ceremonies, despite acknowledging the mass public support and participation of his own colleagues. By invoking secularism to justify non-association, he effectively portrayed Hindu civilizational restoration as a political risk, reducing a national act of historical correction to a problem of optics and treating popular religious sentiment as something the State needed to restrain rather than respect.

4. August 1, 1951, Letter to Chief Ministers: In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru, blamed the pomp and ceremony" of the Somnath temple inauguration for creating a very bad impression abroad" and weakening Indias secular image. Instead of questioning hostile propaganda from Pakistan, he treated Hindu religious assertion itself as the problem, arguing that Somnaths revival damaged Indias credibility, once again framing civilizational expression as a diplomatic liability rather than defending it against external misuse.

5. July 20, 1950, letter to K.M. Munshi (Union Minister of Food & Agriculture): In this letter, he questioned why Somnath temple should be built even as country was facing housing shortages and economic situation was bad. Nehru reduced a centuries-old symbol of civilizational recovery to a balance-sheet problem, using economic hardship as a pretext to delegitimise Hindu religious revival rather than addressing its historical and emotional importance to the nation.

                                                pic.twitter.com/kQlB8kx0ed  Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (@SudhanshuTrived) January 7, 2026

6. June 13, 1951 letter to Vice President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan: In this letter, he dismissed the Somnath temple inauguration as unnecessary fuss" and admitted that he had tried to stop Cabinet Ministers from being associated with it.

7. April 17, 1951, letter to K.M. Panikkar (Indian Ambassador to China): In this letter, Nehru openly admitted that he had tried to tone down the effects" of the Presidents visit to the Somnath temple, clearly acknowledging an active effort to reduce the visibility and significance of the temples inauguration rather than merely staying neutral.

8. April 21, 1951, letter to U. N. Dhebar (Chief Minister of Saurashtra): Jawaharlal Nehru in this letter objected to public funds being used for the Somnath ceremony and invoked secular propriety to argue that temples were not a government matter. The irony is stark: where state support for other religious structures was earlier justified, the moment a Hindu temple symbolising civilizational revival was involved, Nehru discovered fiscal caution and constitutional scruples, revealing selective secularism applied only when Hindu heritage sought public recognition.

9. April 22, 1951  Letter to Digvijaysinghji (Jam Saheb of Nawanagar): Jawaharlal Nehru reacted with visible anxiety to the Somnath trustees reaching out to foreign missions for sacred river water and soil, arguing that it created a false governmental impression. He prioritised foreign sensitivities and the fear of Pakistans propaganda over Indias own civilizational expression, portraying Hindu religious symbolism as a diplomatic liability rather than a cultural right. He objected to the ceremony being seen as anything beyond a private affair, distanced the Government of India from it, and criticised even the Saurashtra Government for associating with the event or spending public funds, revealing a consistent discomfort with any visible state association with Hindu religious restoration.

10. April 24, 1951 letter to Digvijay Singh (Jam Saheb of Nawanagar): In this letter, written two days after his first letter to Digvijay Singh, he openly attacked the Somnath inauguration as revivalism" and warned that the Presidents and Ministers participation would have bad consequences nationally and internationally." Instead of standing with a historic act of Hindu civilizational restoration, he treated it as a threat to the Indian State itself.

11. April 17, 1951  Letter to the Secretary-General and Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs: In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru directed that embassies should be instructed not to pay the slightest attention to requests for sacred river water from the Somnath Trust, reflecting clear discomfort even with symbolic expressions of Hindu religious activity. He acknowledged that he had already conveyed his displeasure to both the President and K. M. Munshi, and further suggested that Indian embassies

12. May 9, 1951  Letter to S. Dutt (Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs): Just days before the Somnath consecration, Jawaharlal Nehru continued to express clear distress over any association of the Government of India with the ceremony. Writing to S. Dutt, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, he objected to governmental linkage with Somnath and reiterated that such association was most unfortunate," underscoring his persistent unease with state involvement in Hindu civilizational restoration right up to the eve of the inauguration.

13. March 19, 1951, Letter to Khub Chand, High Commissioner of India to Pakistan: Jawaharlal Nehru formally disapproved of the use of Indus water for the Somnath consecration, conveyed through the Foreign Secretary that the request did not have his approval, and ordered that any such future requests be cleared in advance, effectively distancing the Indian state from the ceremony and suppressing its symbolic significance. Jawaharlal Nehru allowed and reinforced a line where Indian officials insisted there be no publicity under any circumstances" about Indus water being sent for Somnath, prioritising fear of bitter comment in Pakistan" over openly owning a civilizational act, showing how the government chose silence and concealment instead of defending the restoration against hostile reactions.

                     ,                                   pic.twitter.com/JVEUMP2nXe  Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (@SudhanshuTrived) January 7, 2026

14. March 2, 1951, to President Rajendra Prasad: Jawaharlal Nehru wrote this letter on bluntly admitting that he did not like" the President associating with the Somnath inauguration. He went beyond advice to express discomfort with the scale, visibility, and symbolism of the temples restoration, suggesting it should have been delayed and even urging the President not to preside over it.

15. March 11, 1951  C. Rajagopalachari (Union Home Minister): Jawaharlal Nehru openly opposed the Presidents participation in the Somnath inauguration and stated that he would have preferred" the President not associate with it, showing an active attempt to keep the Head of State away from a major Hindu civilizational event he considered politically inconvenient.

16. April 17, 1951  C. Rajagopalachari (Union Home Minister): In this letter, he admitted that he was very much troubled" by the Somnath temple.

17. April 24, 1951  Letter to Mridula Sarabhai, Congress Leader: Jawaharlal Nehru repeatedly wrote letters expressing that the Somnath temple issue was giving him much trouble", openly admitting discomfort with Hindu civilizational restoration.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:39 IST

News politics Nehru Wrote 17 Letters Opposing Somnath Reconstruction; BJP Questions Hailing Of Mughal Invaders

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'Shivaji Maharaj Was A Patidar': BJP Minister Sparks Row In Maharashtra, Opposition Hits Back

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 08:27 IST

Patil's remarks soon drew criticism in Maharashtra, where Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle clan.

BJP leader and Union minister CR Patil (File Photo)

Union minister CR Patil sparked a massive controversy after he said that 17th-century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Patidar caste. The remarks of the BJP leader triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties in Maharashtra.

The remarks were made during a public event, when Patil, a Member of Parliament from Gujarat, while praising the Patidar community, a prominent agrarian group in Gujarat, said that Shivaji Maharaj was a Patidar.

If anyone deserves the credit for bringing the entire country together, it is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was a Patidar. If there is anyone who ensures that no one stays hungry in such a prestigious community or village, it is the Patidar community; that is what it means to be a Patidar. I am happy to say that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was also a Patidar," the Union minister said.

Patils remarks soon drew criticism in Maharashtra, where Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle clan.

Opposition Attacks

Hitting out at the BJP leader over his remarks on Shivaji, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut termed the statement an insult to the state and the Marathi community.

This is a massive insult to Maharashtra and the Marathi people. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the deity of Maharashtra. BJP has earlier tried to claim the legacy of many great icons and failed. Now they are trying to take Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Gujarat," Raut said.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, an ally of BJP, also rejected Patils claim and asserted that Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Bhonsle dynasty.

Everyone knows about Shivaji Maharaj and his genealogy. I have not heard what CR Patil said, but I am very much aware of Maharaj, his relation with the Bhonsle dynasty and the princely state of Satara," Pawar said.

BJP Distances Itself

Meanwhile, the BJP has distanced itself from the controversy. State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he was unaware of the Union ministers statement.

I do not know the reference of his statement. Everyone in the world, in India, and in Maharashtra, knows the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He lives in the heart of every person," Bawankule said.

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Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 08:27 IST

News politics 'Shivaji Maharaj Was A Patidar': BJP Minister Sparks Row In Maharashtra, Opposition Hits Back

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'Victory Alliance': PMK Joins AIADMK-Led NDA Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:02 IST

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is witnessing a storm, given that the state is set to undergo assembly elections in 2026. The DMK faces the challenge of retaining its power.

Rapid Read

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AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday, January 7, announced that Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has joined hands with the states National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

Addressing a presser in Tamil Nadus Chennai alongside PMK Chief Anubumani Ramadoss, Palaniswami hailed the alliance as a victory alliance", expressing the possibility of the inclusion of more parties in the bloc.

The PMK president, Anbumani Ramadoss, has also joined the NDA alliance; more parties are also expected to join the alliance. Our alliance is a victory alliance," Palaniswami told journalists, as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami met PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss.PMK has joined hands with the AIADMK to form alliance with the NDA" said PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss (Source: AIADMK) pic.twitter.com/VdNQ4gQjgM  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Echoing Palaniswamis remarks, PMK chief A. Ramadoss stated, PMK has joined hands with the AIADMK to ally with the NDA."

The development comes after Anbumani Ramadoss met with E Palaniswami at his residence in Chennai, earlier today. Pertinent to note that the PMK enjoys a localised but influential vote bank in the state, centred around the Vannniyar community, a Most Backward Class (MBC) group.

The influence of the party is concentrated in northern Tamil Nadu, with districts including Vellore, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Salem, and more.

NDA will win big

Earlier, Edappadi Palaniswami claimed that the NDA will win big in 2026 elections". He also targeted the DMK regime, alleging that sexual assaults are happening under the current DMK government in the state".

AIADMK alliance will win big in the 2026 elections. Stalin, who visited the Kallakurichi district a few days ago, has left after lying. They are now revealing the plans that the AIADMK brought, claiming that they did it. He named the child I gave birth to. Sexual assaults are happening under this regime," he said, as quoted by ANI.

Tamil Nadu assembly polls 2026

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is witnessing a storm, given that the state is set to undergo assembly elections in 2026. Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK faces the challenge of retaining its power, after a stellar performance in the Lok Sabha Polls 2024.

The AIADMK-led NDA bloc, which included the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), attempts to find its lost ground after 2021, even though it performed ordinarily in the parliamentary elections.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 11:02 IST

News politics 'Victory Alliance': PMK Joins AIADMK-Led NDA Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

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'You Will Rise': Mahua Moitra Backs Umar Khalid After SC Denies Bail, BJP Slams 'Urban Naxals'

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:44 IST

Umar Khalid has been in custody in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots for over five years under the stringent UAPA, a law that makes granting of bail exceptionally difficult

Sharing a modified excerpt from Maya Angelou's celebrated poem 'Still I Rise', Moitra titled her X post 'You Will Rise, Umar Khalid'. File pic/PTI

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday took to social media to express her support for jailed activist Umar Khalid, after the Supreme Court of India denied his bail application. Sharing a modified excerpt from Maya Angelous celebrated poem Still I Rise", Moitra titled her post You Will Rise, Umar Khalid", a move that has reignited the political debate surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots.

The Supreme Courts decision on Monday brought a mixed conclusion to a long-awaited legal battle. While a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria granted bail to five other co-accusedincluding Gulfisha Fatima and Meeran Haiderit refused relief to Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The court reasoned that Khalid and Imam occupied a qualitatively different footing" in the alleged larger conspiracy" behind the riots. The judges observed that the material presented by the prosecution prima facie indicated a central, formative role in planning and strategic mobilisation that went beyond localised acts of protest.

Umar Khalid has been in custody for over five years under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a law that makes the granting of bail exceptionally difficult. Following the verdict, Khalids partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, shared his poignant reaction, quoting him as saying, Ab yahi zindagi hai" (this is life now), though he expressed relief for those who were released.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded to the support for Khalid and Imam and subsequent campus protests with sharp criticism. National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala labelled the support system for Khalid an anti-India urban naxal gang", accusing the Congress, the Left, and their ecosystem" of prioritising vote-bank politics over national security.

I saw some people criticizing honble Supreme Court for denying bails to persons working to break INDIA by cutting off chicken neck & separate North-East from the motherland.These anti-Indian elements need to be shown the spirit of our beautiful Constitution. https://t.co/7UcI4hUbl4  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 7, 2026

In a similar vein, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that the offspring of Sharjeel Imam" were born at JNU, asserting that the government would crush any wicked intentions" aimed at breaking the country.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 18:44 IST

News politics 'You Will Rise': Mahua Moitra Backs Umar Khalid After SC Denies Bail, BJP Slams 'Urban Naxals'

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CES 2026: Motorola Razr Fold With 50MP Triple Cameras Announced

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 13:21 IST

Motorola Razr Fold is the first from the company after launching multiple versions of the flip Razr device.

Motorola Razr Fold will be competing with Samsung and Google foldables

Motorola has moved beyond the flip style Razr model to announce its first ever book-style foldable at the ongoing CES 2026 in Las Vegas this week. The foldable market got a big shift in 2025 and this year could be one of its pivotal points as Apple also looks to join the party. After making multiple iterations of the flip Razr foldable, Motorola will be looking to use that experience and offer a premium foldable experience when it launches later this year.

The company has shared some of the details about the Razr Fold and kept some of them under the wraps for a later date.

Motorola Razr Fold Features Detailed

Motorola is using a 2K LTPO screen for the inner unit that gets an 8.1-inch display like most regular foldables in the market. The cover 6.1-inch OLED display is tall in profile and not a wide body model but lacks LTPO support.

There is a hint of crease in the display which is not surprising with most first-gen models. The company has not confirmed the chipset and the battery size for its Razr foldable but we expect the device to use the latest MediaTek or Snapdragon flagship hardware.

Motorola is offering the Android 16-based Hello UI with some Motorola pre-loaded apps. There is a Motorola Pen Ultra stylus support for the foldable, something that people have asked Samsung to offer with its own premium Galaxy Z Fold models. We hope Motorola bundles the stylus with the fold and not sell it as an additional accessory.

It will come with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which has been the trend with all foldables till date. While the battery details are not available, Motorola has detailed the camera specs that you can expect from its book style foldable.

It gets a triple rear camera system of 50MP Sony lytia sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens and a 50MP ultrawide angle lens. The front has a 20MP internal and a 32MP external camera that supports dual side selfies and videos.

Going by these features, Motorola Fold is definitely going to be priced over Rs 1 lakh but does it go as high as the Samsung and Vivo foldables, well know soon.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:21 IST

News tech CES 2026: Motorola Razr Fold With 50MP Triple Cameras Announced

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Gemini Brings Nano Banana Image Editing To Your Google Smart TV: Know More

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:27 IST

Gemini is bringing more features to your Google/Android smart TV in 2026 and that includes image editing and voice prompts.

Gemini nano banana and other features are coming to the big screen this year

Smart TVs are getting more Gemini powers and at the latest CES 2026 in Las Vegas this week, Google has announced support for Nano Banana image editing for the big screens. Gemini has been the chosen successor to Google Assistant across platforms and the company is looking to add more tools so that people use the AI chatbot more than before on their Google TV powered smart televisions.

In total, Google is offering four new features on its TV platform which has replaced Android TV over the last few years. Nano banana has been offered on mobile and desktop for a while and TVs obviously have become the next source for the Gemini AI features to be made available.

Gemini Upgrades For Google TV: What You Can Expect

Google TV users will have four new features coming their way with the new update later this year. Gemini AI will support your requests to generate dynamic themes and even slideshows based on your needs.

The AI model will also let you get responses for complex queries and even use the Photos integration with your Google account to get relevant images or moments on the big screen. You can use Nano Banana or Veo to edit these photos into animated clips or modified with customised themes and prompts.

Gemini is also going to make it easy to change the settings for your movies based on the voice prompts that you generally give using the bundled voice-supported remote.

Google TV With Gemini: Who Gets It?

Google is offering the new Gemini AI features for select TCL TVs with other brands to get it in the next few months. You will also need the Android TV 14 version or later to get these AI upgrades from the company. We hope to see it running through Google Chromecast and TV streamer devices as well.

Android TV updates have been slower from most brands so it is pivotal that the 14 version (or even newer ones) are offered for most current models to get the benefit of these Gemini AI upgrades for the big screen.

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Location : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:27 IST

News tech Gemini Brings Nano Banana Image Editing To Your Google Smart TV: Know More

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Samsung Previews New Creaseless Display: iPhone Fold To Launch With It?

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 15:12 IST

Samsung is finally looking to fix the crease issue with its foldable display and Apple could benefit from its new panel.

Samsung's big tech switch could help Apple's own foldable. (Photo: X/IceUniverse)

Samsung has made foldable displays for its own products but the latest one could be its biggest innovation and Apple could use it for its own iPhone Fold device. Both these companies are rivals with their products but behind the scenes, you have Apple relying on Samsungs vast supply unit to source its components.

Samsung displays are known in the market and its foldable panel previewed at the CES 2026 this week could be part of the iPhone Fold model as well as its own Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.

Foldable screens have tried their best to remove the crease over the last few years but most have only managed to reduce its level. However, Samsung has shown a demo version of its new panel that has no crease whatsoever.

BREAKINGSamsung showcased a foldable display with no visible crease at CES 2026.The panel looks excellent in terms of overall quality and also adopts under-display camera technology. Most importantly, there is no crease at all.This display technology is expected to be used pic.twitter.com/BuL1gke9AZ  Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) January 6, 2026

Samsungs Crease-Free Foldable Screen: Why It Is A Big Deal

iPhone Fold is Apples big play this year (among others) and it will be hoping that Samsung can help it deliver a product that merits its premium experience. The details about the new display have been shared by multiple sources who also claim the panel will house an under-display camera that makes the full screen usable without any gaps or creases.

This will be a big deal, not only for Samsung but also Apple managing to launch its first-gen rumoured iPhone Fold with a crease-free display, which none of the other brands could offer with their own early models.

Apple will most likely charge a premium for its own foldable and enticing them with advanced features will surely be a big highlight when Tim Cook and Co. take the stage to announce the product later this year.

Samsung also benefits from the display tech and we could see it available with the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 model that should be coming before Apple unveils its own Fold in the market. Besides having a crease-free display, we hope these tech giants also adopt silicon carbon grade batteries that will reduce the battery anxiety concerns and also bring fast charging support to the new devices.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 15:12 IST

News tech Samsung Previews New Creaseless Display: iPhone Fold To Launch With It?

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Rs 12,000 Probation Pay After Clearing 5 Rounds? Job Ad Faces Massive Backlash

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 17:51 IST

According to the job post, the candidates need to give five rounds of interviews and even after clearing all of them, the selected candidate will only get just Rs 12,000.

The company advertised a role with an annual salary between Rs 2.4 Lakh and Rs 3 Lakh. (representative image)

Finding a job has become harder and many companies are taking advantage of this situation. A recent job has sparked outrage because of its long hiring process and low pay. The company advertised a role with an annual salary between Rs 2.4 Lakh and Rs 3 Lakh. At first glance, it looked like a normal opening. But once people noticed the selection steps, the criticism began. According to the job post, candidates first had to clear a virtual test task, followed by a group discussion.

After that, selected candidates were required to face three separate technical interviews. In total, the process included five rounds. Even after clearing all of them, the selected candidate will not get a full salary right away. During the probation period, the company planned to pay only Rs 12,000 per month as a stipend. The job also required signing a 2.5 year service agreement. Many users felt the effort did not match the pay and called the process exhausting.

Long Hiring Process Sparks Criticism

According to the job advertisement, the selection process consists of five rounds. It begins with a virtual test assignment, followed by a face to face group discussion. Candidates who pass these rounds then go through three separate face to face technical interviews. During the training or probation period, selected candidates will receive a stipend of Rs 12,000 per month. After probation, the full time salary or CTC, will be between Rs 2.4 to 3 Lakh per annum. On top of that, employees must sign a service agreement for 2.5 years from the date of joining. The company plans to start the position in January 2026.

The post shared on Reddit came with the caption, Audacity of companies these days."

Audacity of companies these days pic.twitter.com/Y4sma369xd Sarabjeet singh (@Sarabjeet___) January 6, 2026

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, In my college, they rejected all 9+ CGPA students so that the new recruits dont switch jobs quickly. I mean, they just need slaves at this point. Its an interview to recruit slaves."

Another shared, Startups and small scale companies pay 3 LPA to juniors with just 1 interview of 30-40 mins."

It doesnt make sense at all," a comment read.

An individual stated, After the final round, they might even ghost you."

Another mentioned, It is kind of frustrating 3 lpa after this much effort, bond should be illegal at this stage, how can one survive with 2.4 to 3 lpa in a tier 1 city."

One more shared that this job process reminded them of their own experience when joining TCS in 2005. Back then, they also had to go through two test rounds and three interview rounds. As a fresher, they received a salary of only Rs 12,000 per month and had to agree for a two year service bond with the company.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 17:41 IST

News viral Rs 12,000 Probation Pay After Clearing 5 Rounds? Job Ad Faces Massive Backlash

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Main Uncomfortable Hu: Man Refuses To Give Up Seat On Rajdhani; Co-Passenger Gets Angry Mard Ho Tum

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:59 IST

The conflict began when the other passenger, travelling with family, requested the man to move so that their family could sit together.

The other passenger mocked and shouted at him for several minutes. (Representative Image)

A passenger travelling from Assam to Delhi on the Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express in 2AC recently shared a troubling incident during his journey. He faced harassment from another passenger, who already had four confirmed upper berths. The conflict began when the other passenger, travelling with family, requested the man to move so that their family could sit together. The man explained that he had settled in his seat for his 24 hours journey with all his luggage and changing berths would cause him a lot of inconvenience.

Instead of understanding, the other passenger mocked and shouted at him for several minutes. He questioned his masculinity and demanded him to show humanity. The man decided not to escalate the situation and stayed in his seat.

Passenger Pressured To Give Up His Seat

In a Reddit post titled, Man got angry and demanded humanity from my side just because I didnt give up my side upper berth for another side upper," he explained, I boarded from Badarpur station (Assam). Ive been sitting on the same side upper berth for the past 24 hours. (Only regular side upper travellers would agree with me about the struggle it takes to get adjusted to your seat for a long journey of almost 2 days.) So the man, along with his family, boarded from Bhagalpur (Bihar), he got 3 upper berths and one side upper berth (which is just a cabin away, like just adjacent to the 4 upper lower and my side upper berth)."

So he suddenly asked me to get to his sons side upper berth so that their family stays together. I politely told him that Main actually change karne mein comfortable nahi hun, yahan pe mere saare saaman pade hai aur yahin main adjust chuka hun, dobara change karunga toh saman leke phir wahi problem face karna padega. (Im actually not comfortable changing seats. All my belongings are here and Ive already settled in. If I change again, Ill have to move all my things and face the same problem once more)," he added.

The matter didnt stop, according to the youngster, All of a sudden, he tried to mock me by saying pair toota hai tumhara? Ladke nahi ho tum? moral policing and then continued to shout for 2 minutes saying Humanity seekho tum mard ho. In the end, I didnt escalate anymore and also didnt give up my seat. It was very clear that he was frustrated and tired but that doesnt mean anyone should actually do this?"

Users Support The Traveller

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, These guys will always exist, just smile and wave, if it seems to go on more than normal, then call up the train helpline, those guys deal with these matters well usually."

Another shared, He should have been humble and polite when asking for something from someone, but instead chose to be a selfish moron."

I mean, of course, you arent obligated to give it to them, but Ive also been on the other side and its a really helpful thing if someone switches seats so my friends can be together. I am generally extremely thankful to them. But then again, I have never started taunting someone cause they said no, thats just asshole behaviour, its just sad," a comment read.

An individual stated, Just charge them Rs 5000 for changing seats. Inconvenience charges."

Another mentioned, While he is giving you the moral lecture, scratch your ears vigorously with your left pinky and then put big headphones over them. If that doesnt get Uncle Ji quietened, nothing else will."

One more praised him for staying calm and not turning the situation into a fight. They said that while they often agree to change seats when someone asks, they do it only after checking that the other person is getting down at the same station and is ready to help move luggage. They added that giving up a seat or keeping it depends on personal comfort and there is no single right choice for everyone.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:18 IST

News viral Main Uncomfortable Hu: Man Refuses To Give Up Seat On Rajdhani; Co-Passenger Gets Angry Mard Ho Tum

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Massive 6-kg 'Baby-Sized' Tumour Removed From 69-Year-Old Woman In Life-Saving Surgery

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 15:59 IST

Medical staff later said the baby-sized tumour posed a serious risk of organ failure due to the pressure it exerted inside the abdomen

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The complex six-hour surgery was successful, and the patients condition has since stabilised. (Representational Image)

In a rare and complex medical case, surgeons in Italy successfully removed a massive 6-kg ovarian tumour from a 69-year-old woman after it caused a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

The woman, who had reportedly been unaware of the fast-growing mass in her abdomen for months, arrived at hospital with severe abdominal pain. Doctors soon discovered that the tumour, measuring around 28 centimetres and comparable in size to a full-term newborn baby, was pressing against her colon and obstructing her intestines.

She was admitted in critical condition, prompting an emergency procedure at the City of Health and Science hospital in Turin. The hospital said the operation lasted about six hours and required close coordination between oncological gynaecologists, general surgeons, anaesthetists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, radiologists and nursing staff. The surgery was performed on December 23, 2025.

Medical staff later said the tumour posed a serious risk of organ failure due to the pressure it exerted inside the abdomen. Following surgery, the woman was shifted to the intensive care unit for recovery. Doctors reported that her condition has since stabilised.

Hospital authorities described the intervention as life-saving, crediting teamwork and rapid response for the successful outcome in what they called an exceptionally delicate and complex case.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 15:59 IST

News viral Massive 6-kg 'Baby-Sized' Tumour Removed From 69-Year-Old Woman In Life-Saving Surgery

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YAOUNDE, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 separatist fighters have been killed in a military ambush in Cameroon's war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, security sources said Tuesday.

The fighting occurred on Tuesday at about 3:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when troops ambushed a motorcycle convoy of separatist fighters in Ntabah locality of the region, a security source in the region said.

A soldier was injured in the operation and is receiving treatment, the source said.

Cameroon's English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest have been gripped by an armed conflict since 2017, as separatist groups seek to establish an independent state in the two regions. 
Caught On Wrong Foot: Did Copying Trump's Dance Moves Lead To Maduro's Fall?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 06:30 IST

Donald Trump noted that even First Lady Melania Trump has expressed her distaste for his own dancing, calling it 'unpresidential'

While Trump celebrated the 'tactical brilliance' of the extraction, he spent a significant portion of his address discussing the aesthetics of Maduros performance. (File image)

United States President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he was personally offended by captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduros recent attempts to mock his signature dancing. Speaking to House Republicans during a retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC, the President accused Maduro of imitating his rally moves as a form of violent" defiance before his eventual capture.

The Rage-Bait Dance

The Presidents remarks referred to a viral video broadcast on Venezuelan state television in late 2025. In the clip, Maduro was seen grooving to a techno remix of his own mantra, No War, Yes Peace", while a recorded voice repeated the phrase No crazy war" in English. The display occurred just days after the US had conducted a strike on a Venezuelan dock and was interpreted by the White House as a deliberate attempt to call Washingtons bluff".

He gets up there and he tries to imitate my dance a little bit," Trump told the gathering of lawmakers, drawing laughter from the room. But hes a violent guy. Hes a violent guy, and hes killed millions of people." According to reports from The New York Times, this display of nonchalance was a tipping point" for the administration, convincing officials that Maduro was no longer deterred by American warnings and necessitating the Southern Spear" extraction operation.

Surreal Diplomatic Fallout

While the President celebrated the tactical brilliance" of the extraction, he spent a significant portion of his address discussing the aesthetics of Maduros performance. Trump noted that even First Lady Melania Trump has expressed her distaste for his own dancing, calling it unpresidential". However, the President defended his style, claiming his supporters go crazy" for it, while framing Maduros imitation as a clumsy and provocative act by a desperate dictator.

The commentary has added a surreal layer to the ongoing legal proceedings in New York, where Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently being held. On Monday, a shackled and limping Maduro was arraigned in a Manhattan federal court on charges of narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking. Critics have labelled Trumps focus on the dance moves as thin-skinned", but supporters argue it was the Presidents way of highlighting Maduros lack of seriousness in the face of escalating military pressure.

Looking Ahead

As Maduro awaits his next court appearance, the focus in Washington has shifted to the future of Venezuelan governance. President Trump reiterated on Tuesday that the US will remain in charge of the country for an indefinite period to ensure a proper transition" and to repair the nations crumbling oil infrastructure.

He warned that any resistance from Maduros remaining loyalists or Vice President Delcy Rodriguez would be met with a second and much larger" wave of military force, asserting that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again".

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 06:30 IST

News world Caught On Wrong Foot: Did Copying Trump's Dance Moves Lead To Maduro's Fall?

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Chased By Mob Over Theft Suspicion, Hindu Man Jumps Into Canal And Dies In Bangladesh

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:36 IST

Mithuns death is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh over the past few days.

Hindu Youth Dies While Fleeing Mob After Jumping Into Canal in Bangladesh

A 25-year-old Hindu man died in Bangladesh after jumping into a canal while trying to escape a mob that was chasing him on suspicion of theft. The incident took place in Mahadebpur area of Naogaon district.

The victim has been identified as Mithun Sarkar, a resident of Bhandarpur village. Police recovered his body from the canal on Tuesday afternoon, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

What we know about the incident?

According to local reports, Mithun Sarkar was chased by a group of locals who suspected him of theft. While trying to flee, he jumped into a canal and drowned. Police later reached the spot and recovered the body.

No official confirmation has been given yet on whether Mithun was involved in any theft.

A 25 year old Hindu boy Mithun Sarkar died after drowning in water.How: He was forced to jump in canal after Islamist mob was chasing him to lunch on the suspicion of theft.Another Hindu died in Bangladesh  Mahadebpur, NaogaonCC: @UN pic.twitter.com/zMUiWfonPr Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) January 6, 2026

Series of attacks on minorities

Mithuns death is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh over the past few days.

On Monday, a Hindu businessman, who was also acting editor of a newspaper, was shot dead in the head by unidentified attackers in Jessore district. On the same day, a 40-year-old Hindu grocery shop owner was killed with a sharp weapon in Narsingdi city.

Earlier this month, on January 3, Khokon Chandra Das, aged 50, died after being attacked and set on fire near Keurbhanga Bazar in Shariatpur district.

December also saw several brutal incidents. On December 24, Amrit Mondal was lynched in Rajbari town over alleged extortion. On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, aged 25, was lynched by a mob and his body was set on fire in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy.

These incidents come as Bangladesh prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. Voting is scheduled for February 12.

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: January 07, 2026, 07:36 IST

News world Chased By Mob Over Theft Suspicion, Hindu Man Jumps Into Canal And Dies In Bangladesh

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Colours On Walls, Fear In Hearts: Minority Students 'Trapped' Inside Dhaka University

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 18:00 IST

Sources indicate that the Indian High Commission is prepared to step in, discreetly conveying to the students that they may apply for visas to continue their education in India

Posters for the upcoming Saraswati Puja at Dhaka Universitys Jagannath Hall. Image/News18

The atmosphere at Dhaka Universitys Jagannath Hall presents a jarring contradiction. Upon entering, the eye is immediately met with a riot of colour and festive posters heralding the upcoming Saraswati Puja. However, this outward display of tradition is where the celebration ends. Beneath the surface, a thick layer of fear and apprehension simmers, casting a shadow over what should be a season of joy.

Securing testimonies from the residents proved a difficult task. Even with categorical assurances that their identities would be protected, the majority refused to speak, silenced by a pervasive fear factor". Those few who dared to break the silence described a hall that, while historically a sanctuary for Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist students, now faces a deeply uncertain future. Agasta, a Christian student, noted that while the walls of the hall offer a semblance of safety, the prospect of stepping outside its gates is met with genuine dread.

This sentiment of displacement is echoed by Ashwati Saha, a third-year student who has already begun looking for an exit. She points to the rise of radical elements who have asserted control as the catalyst for recent attacks, admitting that she is desperately seeking a visa to complete her studies in Europe or elsewhere. For others, like music student Sudipta Mazumdar, the situation has drained the passion from his craft. He describes his presence at the university as pointless, driven by the constant worry that these radical elements will eventually cause them physical harm.

These students are, in many ways, nobodys children". Despite having deep, generational roots in Bangladesh, they now find themselves contemplating the painful severance of an umbilical cord that has tied their families to this land for decades. The emotional toll of leaving home is compounded by a complex geopolitical backdrop.

Ahead of the February 12 general elections, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has said at least 51 cases of violence against minorities were registered in December. The council said the cases against the minorities include 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, 23 incidents involving the occupation of homes, business establishments, temples, and land, looting, and arson, four cases of arrest and torture on false allegations of religious defamation and being agents of RAW", one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault. The reports add to growing concerns over the security and rights of minorities in Bangladesh.

Sources indicate that the Indian High Commission is prepared to step in, discreetly conveying to the students that they may apply for visas to continue their education in India. However, New Delhi is treading with extreme caution, wary of the sensitivities surrounding the current situation. This diplomatic delicacy is further complicated by the deteriorating visa relations between the two nations; Bangladesh has halted multi-entry visas, often restricting stays to a maximum of one month. As these powers negotiate a tense political landscape, the students of Jagannath Hall remain in limbo, waiting for a way out of a situation they now describe as a living hell.

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: January 07, 2026, 18:00 IST

News world Colours On Walls, Fear In Hearts: Minority Students 'Trapped' Inside Dhaka University

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'Come Get Me. I'm Waiting For You': Colombian President's Challenge To Trump Mirrors Maduros Dare

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 06:56 IST

Colombian President Petro challenges US President Trump after a military operation in Venezuela, warning of guerrilla uprisings and serious consequences if escalation continues.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump (R). (AFP photo)

After US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Colombias government following a raid in Venezuela, President Gustavo Petro dared him to come get me."

The Colombian President has strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of its leader Nicolas Maduro. In a statement, Petro challenged Trump, saying, Come get me. Im waiting for you here."

Petro warned of serious consequences if the US escalates the matter further, saying, If they [the US] bombs, the campesinos will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the jaguar of the people."

A video showing Petro daring Trump has surfaced on social media.

Colombias President Gustavo Petro appears to taunt U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, Come get me, coward! Im waiting for you here." pic.twitter.com/Qk3MfsfsqO Geo View (@theGeoView) January 5, 2026

Will Take Up Arms Again: Petro After Trumps Threat

Petro, who was a leftist guerrilla before demobilising in the 1990s, also declared, I swore not to touch a weapon again  but for the homeland I will take up arms again."

Tensions between the two countries have soared following the US action in Venezuela. Addressing reporters on Sunday, a day after Caracus raid, Trump claimed that Colombia is run by a sick man" who is selling drugs to the US."

Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States. And hes not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you," Trump said. He also stated that launching an operation against Colombia sounds good" to him.

Colombias Foreign Ministry Issues Statement

In response, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying the nation will maintain international relations based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect," noting that it considers threats or the use of force in relations between States unacceptable."

Earlier in October, Trump had sanctioned Petro and members of his family over alleged ties to the illegal drug trade. Colombia is the worlds largest producer of cocaine, with coca cultivation concentrated mainly in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.

Maduros Dare To Trump In Fiery August Speech

Previously in August, Maduro had issued a similar challenge to Trump, daring him to come and get him." Come get me. I will wait for him here in Miraflores. Dont be late, coward," Maduro said in a fiery speech after the US increased the reward for information leading to his arrest.

The White House on Sunday mocked the toppled leader in a video shared on X that juxtaposed footage of Maduro taunting the US with scenes from the US military operation that led to his capture and the announcement that he and his wife would be indicted on alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York.

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Location : Colombia

First Published: January 07, 2026, 06:56 IST

News world 'Come Get Me. I'm Waiting For You': Colombian President's Challenge To Trump Mirrors Maduros Dare

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'Kick Out China, Russia': Team Trump's Warning To Venezuela Before Being Allowed To Pump More Oil

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 17:24 IST

The Trump administration is pressuring Venezuela to expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and to sell its oil exclusively to the US, a report has claimed.

A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP)

The Donald Trump administration has set strict conditions for Venezuelas interim government before it will be permitted to resume oil production, demanding a fundamental reorientation of the South American nations foreign and economic partnerships and asserting US leverage over its vast crude reserves, according to ABC News.

The report quoted three people familiar with the plan and said the White House has communicated to Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, that Caracas must expel China, Russia, Iran and Cuba and sever all economic ties with those countries before it will be allowed to ramp up oil output.

First, the country must kick out China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties, the report quoted sources as saying.

In addition, the US has signalled that Venezuela must agree to partner exclusively with the United States in oil production and give preference to American buyers of its heavy crude oil.

The US President later claimed 3050 million barrels of highquality, sanctioned" Venezuelan crude will be shipped to US ports, with the revenue  perhaps more than $2 billion at current market prices  placed under his personal control, AFP reported. However, there has been response from the Venezueland government on this claim.

The demands come amid heightened US pressure following a controversial US military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

That operation, conducted over the weekend, was confirmed to have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Venezuelan security officers, with additional casualties among Cuban personnel, according to the Associated Press.

In a private briefing with lawmakers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the US position on Venezuelas oil situation, saying the United States believes it can force Caracass compliance because existing Venezuelan oil tankers are already full and the countrys government faces imminent financial insolvency without the sale of its oil reserves.

Rubios remarks, as reported by ABC News, underscored the administrations assessment that Venezuelas economic leverage is limited.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker told ABC News that controlling Venezuelas oil is central to the US plan.

The government does intend to control the oil, taking charge of the ships, the tankers, and none of them are going to go to Havana. And until they start moving, we hope to the open market, there are no more tankers to fill, because theyre totally full," Wicker said.

He also dismissed the notion that US troops would be deployed as part of the strategy.

This is not a matter of boots on the ground. That is just not part of the plan," he added.

Trump has publicly framed the broader strategy as one that will benefit both the American and Venezuelan people through expanded energy cooperation and economic engagement.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump announced that Venezuelas interim authorities would deliver between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality" sanctioned oil to the United States at market price.

He stated that the proceeds from those oil sales would be controlled by him as president and used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States."

Trump further described how the oil would be physically transported, writing that it will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States," and that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been tasked with executing the plan.

ALSO READ | Why Trump Wants The Arctic Island And Why Denmark Is Pushing Back

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:13 IST

News world 'Kick Out China, Russia': Team Trump's Warning To Venezuela Before Being Allowed To Pump More Oil

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'Please, Donald, I Beg You': Trump Mocks France's Macron Over Tariff, Drug Price Hike

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:00 IST

Donald Trump mocked French President Emmanuel Macron while claiming he forced France and other countries to raise drug prices by threatening trade tariffs.

Donald Trump with Emmanuel Macron (File Photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday mocked French President Emmanuel Macron while recounting how he claims to have forced France and other countries to sharply increase prescription drug prices by threatening punitive trade tariffs.

Speaking to Republican lawmakers, Trump delivered a dramatic retelling of his conversations with foreign leaders, singling out Macron and imitating him.

According to Trump, the French President initially resisted US demands to raise drug prices but ultimately gave in under pressure.

Emmanuel said to me, Donald, you have a deal. I would love to increase my prescription drug prices by 200 per cent or whatever. I would love to do it. It would be such an honour," Trump said, mimicking Macrons voice.

He added that Macron supposedly pleaded for discretion, saying, Whatever you want, Donald, please dont tell the population. Please, Donald, I beg you."

Trump said France was not alone in rejecting his proposal at first.

Every country said the same thing. No, no, no, we will not do this," he told lawmakers.

He added that responses varied in tone.

Some were strong. Some were very nice. Some were rude. But they all said one thing. No, we wont."

However, Trump claimed resistance quickly evaporated once trade penalties were mentioned.

Within, Id say, on average, 3.2 minutes, they were all saying we would be honoured to quadruple our drug prices," he said.

So we would be honoured to quadruple our prices if thats what you like. We want to make you happy."

Trump said he then tied the issue directly to tariffs.

Therefore, I will not charge you a tariff, and youre going to increase your drug prices by three times what they were paying two days ago," he said, asserting that foreign governments chose higher drug prices over trade retaliation.

Trump again contrasted his approach with that of former President Joe Biden.

And we have now a favoured nation. You think Biden could do that? I dont think so. I think Biden never thought of it," he said.

According to Trump, this approach ensured that Americans would no longer be subsidising healthcare costs abroad.

He has repeatedly argued that the United States pays far more for prescription medicines than other developed countries and that foreign governments benefit from lower prices at the expense of American consumers.

AFP, in a December 23 report, noted that Trump has shared similar accounts previously, including during remarks from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

In that version, Trump said he told Macron, Emmanuel, you have to raise your drug prices," to which the French leader initially replied, No, no, no, we will not do that."

Trump claimed the standoff ended only after he threatened a 25 per cent tariff on everything France sells to the United States, prompting Macron to relent.

AFP noted that despite Trumps repeated claims, there has been no official announcement or decision in France confirming any increase in prescription drug prices.

ALSO READ | Kick Out China, Russia: Team Trumps Warning To Venezuela Before Being Allowed To Pump More Oil

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 13:51 IST

News world 'Please, Donald, I Beg You': Trump Mocks France's Macron Over Tariff, Drug Price Hike

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Economic Independence Or Optics? Pakistan Claims $8 Billion Defence Exports, Signals IMF Exit

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:29 IST

Intelligence sources say Pakistan army is leveraging fake claims of success from Operation Sindoor to claim a strategic victory and regain political ground at home.

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (Image: AP/file)

Pakistans defence establishment has launched an aggressive narrative push, projecting military exports and arms deals as a pathway to economic self-reliance and even a potential exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The claims, led publicly by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, come amid sustained economic stress and growing domestic criticism of the Pakistan Armys political role.

According to senior defence sources, Pakistan has secured an estimated $8 billion worth of defence export contracts and MoUs in 2025, involving countries such as Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, Nigeria and Iraq, with Libya-linked deals routed through the UAE. The Pakistan Military-Industrial Complex is being projected as a major foreign exchange earner, with officials asserting that timely delivery of weapons systems could allow Islamabad to write off" IMF loans.

The defence minister has claimed that Pakistan is mass-producing JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, armed drones, air defence systems with radars, tanks, rockets, mortar shells and short- to medium-range missiles, adding that tested and proven" platforms are driving global demand. Pakistan has also reportedly supplied arms and ammunition to Ukraine through Western intermediary channels, including the US and European partners, though these transfers remain officially unacknowledged.

Khawaja Asif has linked these claims to Pakistans posture during the May 2025 India-Pakistan military confrontation, asserting that Pakistans resolve and capabilities" were demonstrated during the conflict. He went further, alleging that the confrontation damaged Prime Minister Narendra Modis credibility and that India sought US and Chinese mediation for a ceasefire  assertions not corroborated by independent sources.

Indian intelligence sources, however, view this narrative as largely strategic signalling rather than economic reality. According to top intelligence inputs, Pakistan is attempting to project defence exports as an alternative foreign exchange stream to offset chronic balance-of-payments pressure, while reinforcing domestic legitimacy for the army amid an entrenched anti-military narrative driven by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The emphasis on arms exports and self-sufficiency" is also seen as an effort to consolidate public opinion under Pakistans civil-military hybrid governance model. Intelligence officials argue that the army is leveraging fake claims of success from Operation Sindoor" to claim a strategic victory and regain political ground at home.

While Pakistans defence manufacturing base has expanded, analysts caution that MoUs do not automatically translate into realised revenue, and arms exports alone are unlikely to replace IMF support in the near term. The narrative, they suggest, is aimed as much at domestic consumption as at international audiences.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:29 IST

News world Economic Independence Or Optics? Pakistan Claims $8 Billion Defence Exports, Signals IMF Exit

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Going To Get That Crude Moving...: US To Restart Selling Venezuelan Oil, Trump's Energy Aide Says

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 21:31 IST

US plans to revive Venezuelas oil exports after Maduros capture; Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as interim leader amid global debate and unrest.

US plans to revive Venezuelas oil exports after Maduros capture; Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as interim leader amid global debate and unrest.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States will work to get Venezuelas crude oil flowing again and sell it on the global market, underscoring Washingtons intent to tap the countrys vast energy resources amid a dramatic shift in US-Venezuela relations.

We are going to get that crude moving again and sell it just like we did in our businesses We will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright said this week, signalling that US refiners could soon resume handling Venezuelan crude after years of sanctions and price instability.

The comments come in the wake of a highly controversial US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday. US forces seized Maduro and flew him to New York to face federal charges, including narcotics trafficking and narco-terrorism, charges he has denied in court.

The military raid in Caracas marked an unprecedented moment in US foreign policy, sharply escalating tensions and drawing both domestic and international debate over legality and geopolitical fallout. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president in Venezuelas National Assembly after Maduros removal.

President Donald Trump has said the United States may temporarily run Venezuela and intends to rebuild its oil industry while ensuring that its production benefits the global energy market. The US is reportedly taking control of oil revenues and coordinating exports to stabilise supply and profit from heavy crude sales.

Venezuelas oil sector, long hindered by mismanagement and sanctions, has faced deep cuts in output over the past decade. The US Energy Departments plan to get oil flowing again could help boost refinery throughput on the Gulf Coast and contribute to global supply. Analysts say restoring production will require investment and repairs to ageing infrastructure, which Washington hopes to leverage for economic and strategic gains.

The situation has triggered widespread reactions abroad, with some nations condemning the US operation as a breach of sovereignty and others watching closely as oil markets adjust to potential new Venezuelan supply. Civilian casualties and military losses tied to the US raid have already prompted mourning declarations within Venezuela and raised concerns about regional stability.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 07, 2026, 21:31 IST

News world Going To Get That Crude Moving...: US To Restart Selling Venezuelan Oil, Trump's Energy Aide Says

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Hamas Leader Attends LeT Event In Pakistan: Decoding The Visit Amid Gaza Conflict | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:28 IST

While Pakistan publicly claims neutrality in the Gaza conflict, it is a clear message to the world that Pakistan will host every global jihadist actor, say intelligence sources

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Naji Zaheer at the event. (News18)

The presence of Hamas terrorist commander Naji Zaheer as the chief guest at a recent Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) event in Pakistans Gujranwala shows how local militant networks are offering global jihadists a platform, said intelligence sources.

It is a clear message to the world that Pakistan will host every global jihadist actor," said sources.

On the one hand, Pakistan publicly claims neutrality in the Gaza conflict. The host was not an ordinary political party," they said.

The event was organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, political arm for Lashkar-e-Taiba and the group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Who is Naji Zaheer?

Zaheer is Hamass special representative or commander engaging internationally, especially in South Asia, where hes worked to build ties with other militant groups.

His appearances at events in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan have raised concerns among security analysts about collaboration between Hamas and Pakistan-based terror networks.

Was it his first such event?

This was not a one-off appearance, but part of a pattern. Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, Zaheer has surfaced repeatedly at rallies and conferences across Pakistan.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas  the Palestinian militant and political group that governs the Gaza Strip  launched a large-scale, coordinated attack on Israel. It was the deadliest assault on Israeli territory in modern history, which acted as trigger for the ongoing war.

Zaheer was also seen in a high-profile visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early 2025.

This was an institutional push and not accidental presence," sources said.

Reports indicate Zaheer has shared the stage with affiliates of Jaish-e-Mohammad.

What it means

It is an example of how Pakistan-based groups provide logistical, ideological, and political support to international extremist groups," sources said.

While Pakistani leaders gave the idea of deploying troops to Gaza as peacekeepers, such event show how Islamabad is legitimising Hamas directly.

Decoding what it would mean for India, Zaheer said, These interactions raise alarm bells and collaboration between Hamas operatives and Pakistan-based terror groups and show the risk to internal security of India."

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:41 IST

News world Hamas Leader Attends LeT Event In Pakistan: Decoding The Visit Amid Gaza Conflict | Exclusive

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Hindu Journalist, Shot Dead In Bangladesh, Had Been Paying Protection Money For Months: Report

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 12:37 IST

Relatives said Rana Pratap Bairagi paid around three lakh taka to ensure his safety. Despite this, he was killed on Monday.

The killing of Rana Pratap Bairagi marks the fifth reported minority attack in less than three weeks. (IMAGE: X/@salah_shoaib)

Rana Pratap Bairagi, who was shot dead near his ice factory in Bangladeshs Jessore district, was paying protection money to radical islamists for months, according to a TOI report.

On Monday, assailants fired seven bullets at him. His killing has also sent fear through the local Hindu community in the neighbouring country, who say they now feel completely unsafe amid the ongoing violence.

Relatives said that 37-year-old Bairagi paid around three lakh taka to ensure his safety. Despite this, he was killed. A family member told reporters that minorities feel like sitting ducks" and fear they may not live to see the next day.

Bairagi was well known in Arua village of Keshabpur upazila, which has more than 100 Hindu homes. He ran an ice-making factory and also worked as a journalist. Politically active, he was seen as a voice for minorities and regularly took up their problems with authorities.

What Bairagis family said?

Relatives believe his political affiliation may have made him a target. Bairagi was linked to the Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in exile. They said the situation in the area changed sharply after Hasina was removed from power in August last year. Since then, fear among minorities has grown.

According to a relative, Bairagi was called near his factory before being shot. He was killed on the spot. The family said attackers may claim he wrote controversial articles, but their real aim was to eliminate a Hindu leader. They believe the message was clear: if someone like Bairagi can be killed, others will be too afraid to speak up.

Just hours after Bairagis murder, another Hindu man, Mani Chakraborty, was lynched. The two deaths on the same day have spread panic among minority families in the region.

Extortion by armed groups

Villagers said gangs of fundamentalists, believed to be linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, regularly visit Hindu homes, according to a TOI report. They demand money for protection and threaten death if it is not paid. Locals said these groups are outsiders who arrive every month to extort money. Most people are too scared to complain.

Meanwhile, several villagers admitted they pay a protection tax" but are unsure who the extortionists truly belong to. One acquaintance said BNP workers had promised protection without demanding money. Even so, fear remains. He said he plans to apply for an Indian visa, sell his land, and move to West Bengal to live with relatives, hoping to find safety there.

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Location : Bangladesh

First Published: January 07, 2026, 12:37 IST

News world Hindu Journalist, Shot Dead In Bangladesh, Had Been Paying Protection Money For Months: Report

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TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday he is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Thursday to expand bilateral relations, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"We seek to expand ties, and the other side has the same motivations," Araghchi said, adding that an economic delegation would accompany him on the visit.

In December, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said he had declined an invitation from Araghchi to visit Tehran, proposing instead that a meeting be held in a mutually agreed neutral third country.

In his written reply, Rajji stressed that his decision did not mean a refusal to engage in dialogue, and expressed Lebanon's readiness to establish a new phase of constructive relations with Iran, based on mutual respect for each country's independence and sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He also said Araghchi would always be welcome to visit Lebanon. 
India Concerned Over Venezuela Crisis, Urges Focus On Peoples Safety: S Jaishankar

Curated By :

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 09:52 IST

Jaishankar made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourgs Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel

File photo of EAM S Jaishankar (X/@DrSJaishankar)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India is concerned about recent developments in Venezuela and called on all parties to prioritise the well-being and safety of the people amid the unfolding crisis.

India is concerned about recent developments and urges all parties to prioritise the well-being and safety of people," Jaishankar said, outlining New Delhis position on the situation.

VIDEO | Luxembourg: India concerned about recent developments; urge all parties to prioritise well-being and safety of people," says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) on Venezuela crisis.#Venezuela(Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI pic.twitter.com/tWu5WThSwb  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 7, 2026

Jaishankar made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourgs Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, where the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed key areas for future cooperation.

Emphasising the depth of the relationship, Jaishankar said India and Luxembourg share 78 years of diplomatic ties and that New Delhi sees Luxembourg as an important partner in its own right as well as within the European Union.

Praising Bettels role in strengthening ties, Jaishankar said Luxembourg has been a strong advocate for deepening IndiaEU relations. He noted that while trade between the two countries is robust, there is significant scope to expand collaboration in emerging sectors. Many of the interesting issues of our times, such as FinTech, space, the digital world, and AI, are areas where we can elaborate much more productively," he said.

In a post on X after the meeting, Jaishankar said discussions covered bilateral cooperation and the global situation, with a focus on finance, investments, digital technologies, AI, space and talent mobility, alongside continued efforts to deepen IndiaEU ties.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 08:19 IST

News world India Concerned Over Venezuela Crisis, Urges Focus On Peoples Safety: S Jaishankar

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'Literally Plot Movie': Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Trump After Venezuela Raid

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:54 IST

Late-night hosts slammed the US raid in Venezuela and Maduro's capture, tying it to Trump, Epstein files, and political distraction. Maduro pleaded not guilty.

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Jimmy Kimmel; US President Donald Trump (Image: X; AP)

Several late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, have shared their thoughts about the US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro, an act many in the international community have labelled an abduction."

Jimmy Kimmel used his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday to criticise the US action against Venezuela, linking Maduros capture to the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files and framing the move as politically motivated.

Kimmel Ties Venezuela Raid With Epstein files Controversy

If you were wondering how bad these Epstein files are for [US President Donald] Trump, turns out, theyre invade Venezuela bad," Kimmel said.

JIMMY KIMMEL: Yes, hes a criminal and a dictator whos driven his country into financial ruin, while he and his family have lined their own pockets, but Maduro is no saint either."This is savage  pic.twitter.com/dZ1Wun9ot4  David Schwartz (@DavidSchwartz70) January 6, 2026

This is literally the plot of the movie Wag the Dog. The president gets caught in a sex scandal, so he attacks a smaller country to distract us, and here we are, distracted," he added.

Kimmel also referenced Maduros record while circling back to Trump. Trump decided Maduro had to go, and yes, hes a criminal and a dictator whos driven his country into financial ruin, while he and his family have lined their own pockets, but Maduro is no saint either."

He also mocked Trumps stated goals for the year, saying, Trump claimed his new year resolution for 2026 was peace on earth, but that lasted for just under two days."

His comments are the latest flashpoint in a long-running feud with US President Donald Trump, which has included past attempts by Trump and his supporters to pressure ABC over Kimmels remarks. The rivalry intensified in September when ABC temporarily suspended Kimmels show following comments he made after the assassination of commentator Charlie Kirk, a move Trump publicly celebrated before Kimmel was reinstated amid backlash. Kimmel later revisited the episode on air, directly addressing Trump and underscoring the continuing tension between the late-night host and the US President.

What Jon Stewart Said

Meanwhile, Jon Stewart opened The Daily Show by calling the operation unusual. It is highly unusual to violate the airspace and territory of another sovereign nation and hit the grab and go on their president," he said. Stewart added that US actions often have long-term consequences, saying, Generally, thats how this sh*t works."

Stephen Colbert Mocks Trumps America First Slogan

On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert joked, Do you know what this means? Those Epstein files must be crazy," while also ridiculing Trumps remarks about governing Venezuela: Evidently, when he says America first he means alphabetically."

Seth Meyers, on Late Night, questioned Trumps anti-war claims. I still cant actually believe anyone thought Trump was telling the truth about being antiwar," he said.

Trumps New Years Resolution Was To Distract Everyone: Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon added on The Tonight Show, It turns out Trumps New Years resolution was to distract everyone from the Epstein files."

After his dramatic capture, Maduro was brought to New York to face multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism. Appearing in court on Monday, he said, I was kidnapped. Im innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country." He has pleaded not guilty.

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Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:54 IST

News world 'Literally Plot Movie': Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Trump After Venezuela Raid

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Look At Your Own Region: Jaishankar Hits Back At Wests Free Advice On Indias Operation Sindoor

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 11:35 IST

EAM S Jaishankar said that western countries often pursue their own interests when it comes to world conflicts but still offer unsolicited advice to India.

Jaishankar Calls Out Western Double Standards Over Indias Op Sindoor

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took aim at what he called western hypocrisy over comments on Operation Sindoor, Indias military action against Pakistan. He said that in todays world, some western countries act only where it benefits them, but still offer free advice" to India.

Speaking about reactions during Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar said Western nations expressed worry about tension, but he questioned their stance. He suggested they look at violence in their own regions and recognise how much concern India has over their actions. He added that often people say one thing and do another".

Jaishankar emphasised that western countries often pursue their own interests but still offer unsolicited advice to India. He said India must accept this reality and continue to pursue its own policies without being swayed by external commentary.

Why dont you look at your own region and ask yourself, what are the levels of violence there, how much risk have been taken, how much worry the rest of us have about what you are doing?," the EAM said, slamming the western narratives.

Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025, after the terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. The Indian tri-services conducted precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating more than 100 terrorists.

US and mediation claims

Jaishankars remarks come amid the recent US operation in Venezuela under President Donald Trump in which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country to New York.

Trump has also repeatedly claimed US mediation helped bring about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025, a point that has been rejected by India.

Jaishankar is on an official visit to Luxembourg as part of a six-day trip to France and Luxembourg.

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Location : Luxembourg

First Published: January 07, 2026, 11:00 IST

News world Look At Your Own Region: Jaishankar Hits Back At Wests Free Advice On Indias Operation Sindoor

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'Mazaa Na Karaya Toh Paise Vaapis': Pakistan DG ISPR Stoops To Street Language At Briefing

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News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:32 IST

The DG ISPR repeatedly used mocking phrases, including the remark Mazaa na kraayaa  tou paise vaapis, while issuing threats directed at India and Afghanistan.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry (IMAGE: X)

The recent press briefing by Pakistans Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) has triggered concern within security and diplomatic circles, with top intelligence sources describing it as a sharp departure from established military communication standards and a reflection of deeper institutional anxiety within the Pakistan Army.

During the briefing, the DG ISPR repeatedly used colloquial and mocking phrases, including the remark Mazaa na kraayaa  toh paise vaapis" (If you dont enjoy it, money back), while issuing threats directed at India and Afghanistan. According to top intelligence sources, such street-level language from a serving military spokesperson represents a serious erosion of professionalism traditionally associated with official Pakistani military briefings.

A DG ISPR press conference has historically been an exercise in structured India-bashing, but sources note that the present tone marks a qualitative shift  from ideological hostility to grievance-driven ridicule. The use of taunting language, rather than formal military or diplomatic phrasing, is being viewed as an expression of insecurity rather than confidence.

In his remarks, the DG ISPR openly stated that Pakistan would need to become a hard state" in 2026, claimed that India would never recognise Pakistans existence," and asserted that Pakistans political leadership, military establishment and public mindset are aligned in confrontation. He went further, declaring that whether adversaries come from above or below, from the right or left, alone or together," they would be dealt with  a formulation intelligence sources say was deliberately theatrical and confrontational.

Top intelligence sources assess that these comments amount to an open acknowledgement of the Pakistan Armys hostility towards India, stripping away the long-maintained diplomatic ambiguity Islamabad often relies on in international forums. The language, they argue, exposes an inability to engage diplomatically and reflects a mindset driven by perceived encirclement and internal stress.

According to sources, the briefings tone undermines Pakistans international credibility at a time when the country is already under scrutiny for internal instability, economic distress and its track record on terrorism. Instead of projecting strategic coherence, the DG ISPRs remarks conveyed irritation, defensiveness and a lack of message discipline.

Intelligence sources believe such public communication damages Pakistans standing with foreign militaries and partners, who expect measured, professional signalling from uniformed spokespersons. The collapse of briefing standards, they warn, is symptomatic of an institution struggling to manage both internal challenges and external narratives simultaneously.

Sources say that the DG ISPRs remarks were less a show of strength and more an inadvertent exposure of Pakistans strategic unease  conveyed not through doctrine or deterrence, but through derision.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 10:32 IST

News world 'Mazaa Na Karaya Toh Paise Vaapis': Pakistan DG ISPR Stoops To Street Language At Briefing

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'Military Always An Option': White House Says Trump Discussing Greenland Acquisition

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:26 IST

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with a population of about 57,000, has repeatedly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States.

US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Image Credit: Reuters)

President Donald Trump is exploring how to take control of Greenland, with the White House confirming that his administration is actively discussing options to acquire the Arctic island and using the US military is always an option".

Washingtons stark warning came despite Greenland and Denmark both calling for a speedy meeting with the United States to clear up misunderstandings."

Trumps focus on gaining the autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic was reignited by the US military intervention in Venezuela. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States," to deter adversaries like Russia and China.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal," she said.

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with a population of about 57,000, has repeatedly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States. Denmark has also made clear in the past that the island is not for sale.

Trumps Claims On Greenland

Trumps renewed claims over self-governing Greenland have raised concerns in Europe. Earlier, Greenland and Denmark said they had asked to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly to discuss the issue.

It has so far not been possible," Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt wrote on social media, despite the fact that the Greenlandic and Danish governments have requested a meeting at the ministerial level throughout 2025."

Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said meeting Rubio should resolve certain misunderstandings."

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen again insisted that the island was not for sale and only Greenlanders should decide its future.

Notably, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain joined Denmark in saying that they would defend the universal principles" of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders."

Washington already has a military base in Greenland. Trump hinted on Sunday that a decision on Greenland may come in about two months," once the situation in Venezuela, where US forces seized President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, has stabilised.

(With agency inputs)

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 07, 2026, 07:26 IST

News world 'Military Always An Option': White House Says Trump Discussing Greenland Acquisition

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Pakistan Begged US For Help As India Showed Its Might With Op Sindoor, Documents Reveal

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:11 IST

60 meetings, investments, special access to critical minerals: A look at what all a shaken Pakistan did for US help as it couldn't withstand Indias fierce Operation Sindoor

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US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, USA, in September 2025. (PTI)

As Indias Operation Sindoor shook it to the core, Pakistan pleaded with the United States for help, even offering more investments, special access and critical minerals in exchange, documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show.

Pakistani diplomats and defence officials reached out more than 50 times over emails, phone calls and in-person meetings to several officials and intermediaries and even the US media amid the Operation, documents accessed by News18 showed.

The documents were distributed by Squire Patton Boggs (US) on behalf of its foreign principal The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

A New York Times investigation earlier had highlighted how Pakistan dramatically ramped up its spending on lobbying in April and May.

#BREAKING : Two Sensational DocumentsFARA filing Exposes Pakistan Lobbying in United States Pakistans Lobby Firm Squire Patton Boggs distributed this documents on behalf of Islamabad after Op Sindoor Doc says Pakistan appreciates constructive role played by United pic.twitter.com/M2FoG17lGM  Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) January 7, 2026

OPERATION SINDOOR: INDIAS STRENGTH ON DISPLAY

Operation Sindoor was Indias response to a barbaric Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack on the tourists in Pahalgam of Kashmir. On the night of May 6 and 7, the Indian Armed Forces struck the terror camps at nine locations in Pakistan. India used a range of high-tech and indigenous systems in Operation Sindoor, including precision-guided missiles, long-range stand-off weapons, AI-enabled intelligence and targeting systems, real-time surveillance from satellites and drones, and an integrated air-defence and counter-drone network to protect Indian airspace.

These technologies enabled accurate, coordinated strikes without crossing the border. India destroyed and severely damaged multiple terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including training camps, launch pads, command centres and logistics hubs linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, notably at locations such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Indias strikes were focused, intelligence-driven and limited to terrorist targets, avoiding civilian and general military infrastructure, while successfully neutralising key assets used for cross-border terrorism.

After a four-day military conflict, both India and Pakistan announced that a ceasefire had been agreed after a hotline communication between their DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) on May 10. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly remarked that he mediated and offered trade deals", a claim India has refuted on several occasions.

PAKISTAN PLEADED WITH THE US TO TALK TO INDIA

The documents revealed how Pakistan said it would welcome a U.S. mediating role".

Pakistan calls for an independent, impartial investigation of the attack in Pahalgam on April 22. U.S. facilitation of this would be welcomePakistan wants dialogue with India on counterterrorism, the Indus Water Treaty and all issues that divide the two countries. Stronger regional counterterrorism cooperation should include the United States.Pakistan believes a third-party facilitator could help both countries come to verifiable agreements," it said.

Pakistan also faces terrorist threats from the Pakistani Taliban. The 2025 U.S. DNI Annual Threat Assessment cited the Pakistani Taliban as a potential threat to the United States," it said.

Pakistan appreciated President Trumps expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

WHAT PAKISTAN OFFERED TO THE US

Right after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan released a document on the bilateral relations with the US.

Pakistan is prepared to take significant actions to renew its bilateral relationship with the United States on shared interests. A clear, forward-looking agenda will serve the core interests of both nations and their peoples. As one of the worlds most populous and youthful countries, Pakistan offers great promise for economic growth," read the document.

Bordering Afghanistan, Iran, India and China, Pakistan is an indispensable partner for achieving stability and fighting extremist groups that threaten U.S., regional, and global security interests. And a diaspora of over Pakistani-Americans, many highly educated and affluent, animate U.S.-Pakistan relations."

It offered the US:

Trade and investment: Pakistan said it was prepared to buy significantly more U.S. exports, including agricultural and energy, and lower barriers to U.S. products. With a trade surplus in goods under US$3B, according to U.S. statistics, U.S.-Pakistan trade can be quickly balanced.

Pakistan also showed willingness to offer large U.S. investors access to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), jointly chaired by the Prime Minister and Army Chief, to fast-track permitting and support for strategic investments, such as mining, agriculture and datacenters.

Pakistan said it would like to be a preferred U.S. partner for critical minerals based on its extensive reserves in copper, lithium, cobalt, and various rare earths valued in the trillions of dollars. Pakistan is seeking a bilateral critical minerals agreement with the U.S. that would benefit both the national security of the U.S. and Pakistans economy.

Financial modernisation: Pakistan said it sought to partner with the U.S. to modernize its financial infrastructure. Pakistans large economy is poised for digitization, providing opportunities for U.S. fintech and broadband companies. Pakistan would welcome U.S. support to improve debt sustainability and financial transparency. During his April visit to Washington, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored Pakistans commitment to reforms  taxation, energy policy, and state-owned enterprise reform  and highlighted recent improvements in the countrys macroeconomic outlook, including a sovereign credit rating upgrade," it said.

Security: Pakistan said it was prepared to double down on its commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation with the U.S. Pakistan demonstrated its capability and commitment to counter-terrorism by arresting and expelling to the U.S. the Abbey Gate ISIS bomber who killed 13 American soldiers," it said. President Trump thanked Pakistan for this assistance in his speech to a Joint Session of Congress in March 2025. Pakistan is prepared to do more with the U.S. to assist in retrieving U.S. military weapons and equipment left behind in Afghanistan, which are now being used to destabilize Pakistan. Pakistan seeks more U.S. collaboration against the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), whose attacks aim to establish a Taliban regime in Pakistan, and which the 2025 U.S. DNI Annual Threat Assessment cited as a potential threat to the U.S," it said.

Geopolitical: Pakistan also sought a bilateral U.S. relationship that stands on its own merits, not dependent on U.S. relations with Pakistans neighbours. Pakistans longstanding relationship with China is based on geographic logic and does not inhibit Pakistans offering the U.S. concrete economic and counter-terrorism opportunities. Pakistan believes that the U.S.-India relationship should in no way inhibit stronger U.S.-Pakistan ties. The U.S. and Pakistan share important counter-terrorism concerns regarding Afghanistan. Pakistan has taken resolute action against Iranian support for terrorist separatists in Pakistan and would welcome further coordination with the U.S," it said.

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DID THE LOBBYING YIELD RESULTS?

In November 2025, The New York Times reported that Pakistan had signed contracts with six Washington lobbying firms worth roughly $5 million annually to gain expedited access to the Trump administration and secure favourable trade and diplomatic outcomes.

Weeks after Islamabad struck a deal with Seiden Law LLP working through Javelin Advisors, then-US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 15:34 IST

News world Pakistan Begged US For Help As India Showed Its Might With Op Sindoor, Documents Reveal

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Pakistan Claims Bangladesh Has Shown 'Potential Interest' In Procuring JF-17 Fighter Jets

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 19:44 IST

However, Bangladesh has not officially confirmed whether such a plan is under consideration.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

Bangladesh has expressed a potential interest" in procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, the Pakistani military claimed on Wednesday. However, Bangladesh has not officially confirmed whether such a plan is under consideration.

The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine, lightweight combat aircraft jointly developed by Chinas Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

Pakistan has claimed the jet has proven its capabilities in previous conflicts with India, though its operational effectiveness remains unclear. During the May 7-10 conflict with India, Pakistan reportedly used Chinese-origin Chengdu J-10 fighter jets extensively, according to military experts.

The potential interest in the JF-17 came during a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday between Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

The meeting, according to the PAFs media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), focused on strengthening operational cooperation, training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace development. Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 aircraft.

Khan, leading a high-level defence delegation, visited key PAF facilities. Sidhu briefed the Bangladeshi air chief on Pakistans recent defence advancements and reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to supporting Bangladesh through comprehensive training programmes, from basic flying to advanced and specialised courses.

Sidhu also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support system.

The ISPR said the Bangladeshi delegation expressed interest in PAFs operational expertise, maintenance support for its aging fleet, and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance surveillance. The visit was described as a reflection of the strong historical ties" between the two countries and a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation.

Relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have warmed since the installation of the Muhammad Yunus-led government in 2024. The countries had experienced tensions after Bangladeshs previous government initiated trials in 2010 against collaborators accused of aiding Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Location : Pakistan

First Published: January 07, 2026, 19:44 IST

News world Pakistan Claims Bangladesh Has Shown 'Potential Interest' In Procuring JF-17 Fighter Jets

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Pakistan Promises China Special Security Unit For CPEC Engineers After Repeated Attacks

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 21:53 IST

Pakistan establishes Special Protection Unit in Islamabad to safeguard Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects.

Pakistan establishes Special Protection Unit in Islamabad to safeguard Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects. (Image: AFP/File)

Pakistan on Wednesday announced the establishment of a Special Protection Unit (SPU) to provide dedicated security to thousands of Chinese nationals working on projects linked to the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), amid repeated attacks targeting Chinese workers in the country.

The announcement was made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during his visit to Beijing, where he met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Xiaohong, according to a statement from Pakistans Interior Ministry. Naqvi said the SPU would be headquartered in Islamabad and tasked exclusively with protecting Chinese citizens working across Pakistan.

Pakistans move comes against the backdrop of a series of deadly attacks on Chinese nationals in recent years, which have raised serious concerns in Beijing over the safety of its citizens and investments. In March 2024, five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide bombing in Shangla district while travelling to a hydropower project. Earlier, in 2021, a suicide attack on a bus carrying Chinese workers to the Dasu hydropower project killed 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals. Chinese workers have also been targeted in attacks in Karachi and Gwadar, often claimed by militant groups opposed to CPEC.

Security for Chinese nationals has become a major strain in PakistanChina relations, with Beijing repeatedly urging Islamabad to take stronger measures. During his meeting with Naqvi, Wang said China was ready to work closely with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by the two countries leaders, strengthen security cooperation, and intensify action against terrorism, as well as telecommunications and online fraud, Chinas state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

CPEC, a flagship component of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, involves billions of dollars in infrastructure and energy investments. Analysts say the creation of the SPU reflects Pakistans acknowledgement of persistent security lapses and an attempt to reassure China amid growing militant threats to its personnel and projects.

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Location : Beijing, China

First Published: January 07, 2026, 21:53 IST

News world Pakistan Promises China Special Security Unit For CPEC Engineers After Repeated Attacks

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Russia Deploys Submarine To Guard 'Sanctioned' Oil Tanker Targeted By US Near Venezuela

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:13 IST

The US Coast Guard has pursued the tanker into the Atlantic Ocean, viewing it as part of a broader shadow fleet used to move black-market oil

The old Russian tanker was being followed by US Coast Guard ships.

Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval vessels to escort an ageing oil tanker, formerly known as Bella 1, dialling up tensions with the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a US official. The move marks an unusual show of force around a vessel that has become a focal point in Washingtons crackdown on sanctioned oil shipments.

According to US officials, the empty and rusting tanker has been attempting for over two weeks to evade a US blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela. The vessel failed to dock and load oil in Venezuela, but despite carrying no cargo, it continued to draw attention from US authorities as part of efforts to disrupt networks transporting illicit oil globally.

BREAKING | Russia has deployed a submarine and multiple naval assets into the North Atlantic to shield the tanker Marinera from a potential U.S. seizure, according to The Wall Street Journal.The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1, has been tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard pic.twitter.com/IMvcdxWQ56  WAR (@warsurveillance) January 7, 2026

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US Coast Guard has pursued the tanker into the Atlantic Ocean, viewing it as part of a broader shadow fleet used to move black-market oil, including supplies linked to Russia. In December, the ships crew resisted an attempt by US authorities to board the vessel before steering it into international waters.

As the Coast Guard followed, the crew crudely painted a Russian flag on the hull, renamed the ship Marinera, and switched its registration to Russia. Experts noted that Moscow took the unusual step of allowing the tanker to register under its flag without inspection or standard formalities, reflecting Russias growing concern over US seizures of vessels tied to its oil trade.

BREAKING WORLD EXCLUSIVE: RT obtains FIRST footage of Russian-flagged civilian Marinera tanker being CHASED by US Coast Guard warship in the North Atlantic https://t.co/sNbqJkm5O5 pic.twitter.com/XtbBML3a6j RT (@RT_com) January 6, 2026

Russia has formally asked the United States to stop pursuing the tanker, according to multiple US officials. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring the situation with concern," while state media framed the episode as US interference with a civilian vessel.

The White House declined to comment, but the US militarys Southern Command said it remains prepared to stand against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region," reinforcing Washingtons position on enforcement.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Coast Guard continues to trail the tanker, which is now sailing in the eastern Atlantic about 300 miles south of Iceland and heading toward the North Sea, based on ship-tracking data.

Russias state-controlled broadcaster RT released video footage allegedly filmed from the tankers deck showing a US Coast Guard cutter following close behind. RT claimed the US was attempting to intercept the vessel as it sailed toward Murmansk, Russia, despite what it described as the tankers clear civilian status."

The standoff comes at a sensitive moment, as Washington and Moscow remain locked in diplomatic wrangling over Ukraine. Russia has yet to accept a peace framework proposed by the US and Ukraine, and the tanker confrontation risks further complicating already strained talks.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:49 IST

News world Russia Deploys Submarine To Guard 'Sanctioned' Oil Tanker Targeted By US Near Venezuela

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'Dangerous Mix Of Extremism, Mob Mentality': Hasina Blames Yunus For Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 10:09 IST

Sheikh Hasina also urged New Delhi to stand firmly for democracy, minority protection and stability.

Bangladesh's ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina. (AFP)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the interim dispensation led by Muhammad Yunus for what she describes as a systematic collapse of law, order and secular values in the country. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18 amid growing concern over repeated attacks on Hindus and other minorities, Hasina said Bangladesh is witnessing the rise of religious extremism, mob mentality and political opportunism, all enabled by the states failure to act decisively".

Hasina also underscored Indias critical role as a regional stakeholder and long-standing partner of Bangladesh, urging New Delhi to stand firmly for democracy, minority protection and stability. She accused the Yunus government of deliberately stoking anti-India sentiment to deflect attention from internal failures, warning that the erosion of democratic norms at home is already spilling over into strained bilateral relations.

Here are edited excerpts of the interview:

Q: Who and what kind of mindset is responsible for the repeated attacks on Hindus and the killing of Dipu Das? How can such attacks be stopped?

Sheikh Hasina: These attacks stem from a dangerous mix of religious extremism and mob mentality, both of which the interim government has allowed to grow without restraint. The killing of Dipu Das is a horrific crime that exposes how deeply intolerance and fanaticism have taken root. This is not an isolated incident.

Since Yunus assumed power, thousands of attacks have targeted religious minorities  Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and peaceful Ahmadiyya Muslims  with virtually no accountability. Temples, churches and mosques are being vandalised, cultural expression is being crushed, and women are being steadily pushed out of public life. All of this is justified in the name of a radical ideology that seeks to erase the pluralistic character of what was once a secular and tolerant Bangladesh.

Such violence can only be halted through strong, democratically elected leadership that clearly rejects extremism and guarantees minorities full and equal citizenship under the law.

Q: How do you view the violence in Bangladesh after Hadis death and the current tension between India and Bangladesh?

Sheikh Hasina: The murder of Sharif Usman Hadi was deeply tragic, and I unequivocally condemn both the killing and the violence that followed. His death was the result of political conflict rooted in electoral rivalry involving the BNP, Jamaat and NCP.

Any responsible government would have immediately ordered an independent investigation, secured campuses and streets, and ensured no further bloodshed. Instead, we have seen avoidable violence and targeted attacks on independent media and courageous journalists who were exposing uncomfortable truths.

During my tenure, freedom of expression was protected and journalists were able to work without fear. The current tension with India is a direct extension of internal misgovernance. When law and order collapse domestically, foreign relations inevitably suffer. Bangladeshs stability has always relied on responsible leadership and regional cooperation. Undermining these ties for short-term political advantage is reckless and harmful to our long-term national interest.

Q: Given the current situation, what are your expectations from the Government of India and the Modi government?

Sheikh Hasina: India has always been a trusted friend of Bangladesh, and we deeply value its support. The violence that is becoming normalized today is not only destabilizing Bangladesh internally, but also understandably alarming our neighbours, who are witnessing persecution, chaos and the erosion of shared values.

I urge India to stand firmly for democratic principles, minority rights, regional peace, and free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. A stable and democratic Bangladesh serves not only our own people, but also India and the broader South Asian region.

Q: Who was behind the violent protests outside the Indian High Commission, and how do you view Indias stance on the peaceful protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi?

Sheikh Hasina: These protests were not spontaneous. They were carefully orchestrated by extremist groups and opportunistic political forces aiming to advance radical Islamist agendas and deliberately isolate Bangladesh from its closest ally.

What is most disturbing is that Yunus has given political patronage to these extremist elements  placing them in positions of power and shielding them from accountability for crimes committed during the July 2024 violence. By inflaming anti-India sentiment, he is attempting to distract from his governments failures.

Under international law, India is fully justified in demanding the security of its diplomatic missions. Peaceful protest is a democratic right, but violence, intimidation or incitement against a foreign mission crosses a clear red line. Democracy must be expressed through peaceful means and credible elections  not through mob rule.

Q: Do you personally wish to contest the upcoming Bangladesh elections? If you or the Awami League are not allowed to participate, can such elections be considered legitimate?

Sheikh Hasina: The real issue is not whether I personally contest the elections, but whether citizens are being offered a genuine democratic choice. If the Awami League  the countrys largest and most consistently elected party  is banned or excluded, the elections cannot be described as free or fair, and any government formed through them will lack legitimacy.

The interim government knows that if we are allowed to contest, we will receive overwhelming public support. That is precisely why we have been excluded. An election without the Awami League will disenfranchise millions of citizens, many of whom will simply stay away from voting. This is not democracy  it is selection by an unelected authority.

Voters must be free to choose without fear, coercion or threats of violence. True legitimacy flows from participation, competition and the consent of the people  not from exclusion.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 09:58 IST

News world 'Dangerous Mix Of Extremism, Mob Mentality': Hasina Blames Yunus For Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh

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ZAGREB, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Croatia will not send troops to Ukraine and the decisions of the Coalition of the Willing meeting "in no way bind either Croatia or the Croatian Armed Forces," Croatian President Zoran Milanovic wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

"In order to remove any doubt about the role of the Croatian Army in the so-called coalition of the willing, as the supreme commander of the Croatian Armed Forces (CAF), I am telling Croatian citizens -- Croatia will not send its soldiers to Ukraine," Milanovic said.

"Croatia is a member of the European Union and NATO and has only obligations arising from membership in these alliances, while the decisions of the so-called coalition of the willing in no way bind either Croatia or the CAF," he stressed.

According to Milanovic, in the new global order that is being created and in which "might and the right of the stronger are becoming the rule in international relations," the key and constitutionally prescribed task of the CAF is the protection of sovereignty and independence and the defense of the territorial integrity of Croatia.

Moreover, the Croatian president emphasized that the financial assistance to Ukraine that the Croatian government has committed to must not be to the detriment of the CAF.

Milanovic made the statement amid the Coalition of the Willing gathering in Paris on Tuesday, as leaders from about 30 Western and European nations intended to anchor security guarantees for Kiev as part of efforts to end the Ukraine crisis.

Milanovic has repeatedly voiced his opposition to sending Croatian soldiers to Ukraine. 
South Koreas Lee Raises North Korea Nukes With Xi, Says China Can Serve As Mediator

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:12 IST

Lee Jae-myung urged Xi Jinping to mediate talks with North Korea during his rare China visit, seeking Beijing's help to ease Korean Peninsula tensions and reset ties with China.

Lee Jae-myung urged Xi Jinping to mediate talks with North Korea during his rare China visit, seeking Beijing's help to ease Korean Peninsula tensions and reset ties with China. (IMAGE: AFP)

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung urged his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to help mediate talks with North Korea as he wrapped up a rare visit to China this week, seeking Beijings assistance in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and resetting ties with Seouls largest trading partner.

Lees trip, the first by a South Korean leader in six years, comes as relations between the two Koreas remain frozen. He met Xi in Beijing on Monday, a day after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan.

Speaking to journalists in Shanghai, Lee said he had asked China to play a mediating role in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. All our channels are completely blocked," he said. We hope China can serve as a mediator, a mediator for peace."

Lee said Xi urged Seoul to show patience" with Pyongyang, given the severe deterioration in inter-Korean relations. Acknowledging past actions, Lee said South Korea had conducted military activities that North Korea may have perceived as threatening.

Chinas foreign ministry did not directly address Lees comments but reiterated its stance on regional stability. Maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the common interests of all parties," spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, adding that China would continue to play a constructive role in its own way."

Lee also outlined a proposal under which North Korea would freeze its nuclear programme in exchange for compensation, saying even a halt at the current level would be a meaningful gain. In the long term, we must not give up the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula," he said.

North Korea has declared itself an irreversible" nuclear state, and relations between Seoul and Pyongyang are at their lowest point in years. Pyongyang on Monday said its nuclear forces were ready for war and said it was closely watching recent global geopolitical developments, an apparent reference to a US strike on Venezuela.

Lee said he hopes to open a new phase" in relations with China, while reaffirming Seouls careful balance between Beijing and the United States. He also stressed that ties with Japan remain equally important.

-With inputs from agencies

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Location : Beijing, China

First Published: January 07, 2026, 16:12 IST

News world South Koreas Lee Raises North Korea Nukes With Xi, Says China Can Serve As Mediator

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Swiss Bar, Where 40 Died In Fire During New Years Celebration, Was Not Inspected For Years: Report

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 14:40 IST

Swiss authorities admitted that mandatory annual safety inspections were not conducted for many years at the bar that caught fire during New Year celebrations, killing 40 people.

People lay candles and flowers near the Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year's celebrations (Photo: AP)

Local authorities in Switzerland failed to carry out mandatory annual safety inspections at a bar in the Swiss Alps that was gutted by a deadly fire during New Years celebrations, killing 40 people, the New York Times reported, citing admissions by local officials.

According to the report, officials in Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort town, acknowledged on Tuesday that required yearly safety inspections were not conducted between 2020 and 2025 at Le Constellation, the bar where the blaze broke out.

The fire left 40 people dead, many of them teenagers, and injured more than 100 others.

We bitterly regret this," Nicolas Feraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, said at a news conference, as quoted in the report.

He added that the justice system will determine the extent to which this failure influenced the chain of events leading to the tragedy."

Local fire regulations require annual inspections for buildings open to the public or those deemed to present special risks.

However, Feraud said the last inspection of the bar took place in May, 2019.

At that time, inspectors flagged no major safety concerns, and minor issues, such as the installation of an anti-panic handle" on a door, were addressed by the owners, he said.

Inspections had also been conducted in 2016 and 2018, according to the mayor.

We never received any alerts," Feraud said, according to the report.

Reuters echoed the report and confirmed the venue had not undergone a mandatory annual inspection since 2019, underlining growing concerns about what safety measures were in place at the time of the fire.

The mayors office was also quoted as saying that the bar did not have a fire alarm system, as one was not required for a venue of that size under existing regulations.

Prosecutors believe the fire began when sparkling candles ignited the ceiling of the bars basement.

Witnesses told investigators they saw a staff member standing on a colleagues shoulders while carrying bottles fitted with so-called fountain candles.

The basement ceiling was lined with foam soundproofing material that had been deemed acceptable during the bars last safety check in 2019.

Swiss law does not require authorities to verify such materials, but Feraud said the courts would have to decide whether this should have been done regardless.

Authorities said the bar had two exits, one upstairs and one downstairs, with each level designed to accommodate up to 100 people.

Feraud said he could not yet confirm whether the downstairs exit was operational at the time of the blaze, noting that this would be determined by the investigation.

Reuters reported that 21 of the victims were Swiss nationals, seven were French, six were Italian, and others included Romanian, Turkish, Belgian and Portuguese citizens.

The dead also included a Swiss-French dual national and a French-British-Israeli national.

Twenty-six of those killed were teenagers, with some as young as 14. The average age of the victims was 19.

Swiss prosecutors have placed the bars two French owners under criminal investigation on suspicion of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and fire by negligence.

They have not been formally charged and are not in custody. If convicted, they could face up to four-and-a-half years in prison, with the possibility of longer sentences if prosecutors establish that they knowingly ignored fire risks.

ALSO READ | Police Identify First Four Victims Of Swiss Alpine Bar Fire That Killed Over 40 People

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 14:38 IST

News world Swiss Bar, Where 40 Died In Fire During New Years Celebration, Was Not Inspected For Years: Report

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Trump Admin Adds 7 More Countries To Visa Bond List, Raising Entry Costs To $15,000

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:12 IST

The newly added countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan.

US officials say the measure is meant to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas. (File pic)

The Trump administration has added seven more countries to a list that requires some visa applicants to post a security bond of up to USD 15,000 before entering the United States.

The move brings the total number of countries on the list to 13. All but two of them are in Africa, a step that experts say will make US visas too expensive for many travellers.

According to the US State Department, the newly added countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan. The changes took effect on January 1, following a notice posted on the official travel.state.gov website.

Under the policy, certain visa applicants from the listed countries must pay a bond ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000. US officials say the measure is meant to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas.

The bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. However, the money will be returned if the visa application is rejected or once the traveller shows they have followed the terms of their visa and left the country on time.

The bond requirement is part of a wider push by the Trump administration to tighten US entry rules. Other measures include mandatory in-person visa interviews and the disclosure of several years of social media activity. Applicants may also be asked to provide detailed information about their own travel history and that of close family members.

The seven new countries join Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, which were added to the list in August and October last year.

(With inputs from PTI)

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 16:12 IST

News world Trump Admin Adds 7 More Countries To Visa Bond List, Raising Entry Costs To $15,000

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Trump Says He Stopped 8 Wars But NATO Ally Norway 'Foolishly' Denied Him 'Nobel' Peace Prize

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 22:59 IST

In a lengthy social media post, Donald Trump argued that NATOs strength rests almost entirely on US military power.

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump claimed he single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS" but said Norway, a NATO ally, foolishly" chose not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, reviving long-running grievances and praising his foreign policy record in a social media post.

Donald Trump wrote that while the prize doesnt matter," what mattered, in his words, was that he had saved millions of lives." He singled out Norway- which hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony- for denying him the honour, referring to it as the Noble Peace Prize" in the post.

Rebuilt US Military And Global Deterrence, Donald Trump Says

In the same message, Donald Trump argued that his leadership restored American military strength and deterrence, saying the United States is respected by its adversaries because of actions taken during his presidency.

The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the rebuilt U.S.A.," Donald Trump wrote, linking that strength to what he described as his success in preventing wider wars and brokering peace.

Donald Trump has repeatedly said he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for diplomatic initiatives during his first term, particularly in the Middle East, and has often contrasted his record with that of past recipients.

Donald Trump Renews Criticism Of NATO Allies

The US President also renewed criticism of NATO allies, accusing many of failing to meet defence spending commitments until he intervened. He said allies began paying more only after he applied pressure, arguing that the United States had been foolishly paying for them" for years.

Norway, a founding member of NATO, was cited as both a beneficiary of US security guarantees and, Donald Trump said, the country that denied him recognition for his role in maintaining peace.

Donald Trump also made sweeping claims about Russia and NATO, arguing that Moscow does not fear the alliance without US backing and crediting himself with preventing a total Russian takeover of Ukraine.

Writing this portion in capital letters, Donald Trump said that without his involvement, Russia would have all of Ukraine right now," and asserted that Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States."

He added that he doubted NATO would come to Americas aid if Washington were under threat, while maintaining that the only country Russia and China fear and respect" is a United States whose military was rebuilt under his leadership.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 21:35 IST

News world Trump Says He Stopped 8 Wars But NATO Ally Norway 'Foolishly' Denied Him 'Nobel' Peace Prize

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UK, France Sign Pact With Zelenskyy To Deploy Troops In Ukraine After Peace Deal With Russia

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 08:13 IST

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom and France have agreed to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is reached with Russia.

Zelensky, Macron and Starmer Sign Pact on Post-War Multinational Force in Ukraine (Photo: CNN)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of a multinational force in Ukraine after the war. The document was signed on January 6 during a summit in Paris.

The meeting brought together European leaders and US envoys to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom and France have agreed to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is reached with Russia.

This comes as the western leaders step up efforts to secure Ukraine after the war and deter any future Russian aggression.

The summit was held under the Coalition of the Willing framework. Leaders agreed on what they described as robust and legally binding guarantees to protect Ukraine once a ceasefire is in place.

The talks are part of renewed efforts by Washington to help broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

What we know about the plan?

The declaration outlines five main components. These include a multinational force to help strengthen Ukraines Armed Forces and support security in the air, at sea and on land. It also includes US-led monitoring of a ceasefire, continued military support for Ukraine, binding commitments to assist Kyiv in case of future Russian attacks, and long-term defence cooperation.

In a message on social media, Zelensky said plans for the multinational force cover deployment, troop numbers, types of weapons and the armed units needed to operate effectively. He said Coalition partners understand what each country is prepared to contribute.

Zelensky thanked leaders and states that wish to support a peaceful solution.

Role of the United States

Zelensky said discussions with the US focused heavily on monitoring to ensure any peace agreement is upheld. He said the United States is ready to take part in this process.

He stressed that deterrence would be a key element to prevent any new Russian aggression.

Partners also agreed to set up a coordination cell involving the US, Ukraine and Coalition members at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris.

Macron said the force could be deployed as soon as one day after a ceasefire is reached.

Uncertainty over Russias response

Officials have previously discussed a force of between 15,000 and 30,000 troops. However, it remains unclear whether Russia will accept any agreement reached between Ukraine, the US and Europe.

Moscow has opposed Western troops in Ukraine and continues to demand that Ukraine drop its NATO ambitions and hand over the entire Donbas region.

Further talks planned

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said the Paris talks made significant progress and confirmed that more discussions will take place on January 7. Zelensky said American and Ukrainian teams will continue working on security guarantees and a basic framework to end the war.

The discussions follow Zelenskys recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, who has said peace talks are in their final stages.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 06:59 IST

News world UK, France Sign Pact With Zelenskyy To Deploy Troops In Ukraine After Peace Deal With Russia

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Marco Rubio To Hold Talks With Danish Leaders On Greenland After Trump's Threat

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Last Updated: January 08, 2026, 00:00 IST

Rubio said he will meet the Danish government next week to discuss Greenland.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Reuters Image)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said he will meet the Danish government next week to discuss Greenland, following President Donald Trumps renewed remarks about taking control of the island.

Ill be meeting with them next week," Rubio said.

The meeting comes as Denmark and Greenland seek clarification on Washingtons intentions after Trump again spoke about gaining control of the strategically important Arctic territory.

Following the US military action in Venezuela, Trumps renewed remarks have caused concern in Europe.

Shortly after Rubios comment, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had actively discussed" the idea of buying Greenland and would not rule out using the US military. She said the president preferred diplomacy but insisted all options were on the table.

She added that Trump believes acquiring Greenland would serve US national security by deterring Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.

Is that what you are saying  that if diplomacy fails, the United States is prepared to use force to secure control of Greenland? pic.twitter.com/ndEb8wVh5N Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) January 7, 2026

He views it in the best interest of the United States to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region. And so thats why his team is currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like," Leavitt said at a press briefing.

Trump has repeatedly said he wants the US to acquire Greenland  a mineral-rich, semiautonomous territory of Denmark that already hosts a US military base  citing national security reasons. He first raised the idea publicly during his first term in 2019 and has revived it during his current presidency.

Meanwhile, Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attack on a NATO ally would end the alliance, and several European leaders have voiced support for Copenhagen.

Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said they had tried to arrange a meeting with Rubio throughout 2025, but it has so far not been possible."

Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said meeting Rubio should clear up certain misunderstandings," while Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen insisted that the island was not for sale and that only its 57,000 people should decide its future.

(With inputs from agencies)

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 22:14 IST

News world Marco Rubio To Hold Talks With Danish Leaders On Greenland After Trump's Threat

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'Over 30-50 Million Barrels': Trump Says US To Get High-Quality Oil From Venezuela At Market Price

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 07:22 IST

Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will transfer 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States, with proceeds to be used for the benefit of both countries.

A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that Venezuelas Interim Authorities" would be turning over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States.

Trump also said that the proceeds from the sale of the oil would be controlled by him to ensure they benefit both Venezuela and the US.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the oil would be sold at its market price and transported directly to the United States.

I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States of America," Trump wrote.

He added that the oil would be sold commercially and that the money generated would be handled by the US presidency.

This Oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" Trump mentioned.

Trump also said he had instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to act immediately.

I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan immediately," he wrote, adding that the oil will be taken by storage ships and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States."

According to an Associated Press report, Trumps announcement came hours after Venezuelan officials said at least 24 Venezuelan security officers were killed during a late-night US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was taken to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

The report mentioned that Trump has made it clear his administration will now run" Venezuela policy and is pressing the countrys leaders to open its vast oil reserves to American energy companies.

In that context, the White House is also organising an Oval Office meeting on Friday with oil executives to discuss Venezuela, with representatives from Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Trump has also publicly pushed back against criticism from Democrats over the military operation.

Speaking at a House Republican retreat, Trump complained that Democrats were not giving him credit for what he described as a successful mission, even though there has been bipartisan agreement that Maduro was not Venezuelas rightful president.

You know, at some point, they should say, You know, you did a great job. Thank you. Congratulations. Wouldnt it be good?" Trump said.

I would say that if they did a good job, their philosophies are so different. But if they did a good job, Id be happy for the country."

Trump also referenced past efforts to arrest Maduro, noting that US authorities had pursued the Venezuelan leader for years on drug trafficking allegations.

Maduro was indicted in the United States in 2020 on narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking charges.

The Trump administration later doubled the reward for information leading to Maduros arrest to USD 50 million.

With oil trading at roughly USD 56 a barrel, the AP noted that the transaction Trump announced could be worth as much as USD 2.8 billion.

The United States consumes roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, making the proposed Venezuelan transfer equivalent to up to two and a half days of US oil supply, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

ALSO READ | Caught On Wrong Foot: Did Copying Trumps Dance Moves Lead To Maduros Fall?

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 06:50 IST

News world 'Over 30-50 Million Barrels': Trump Says US To Get High-Quality Oil From Venezuela At Market Price

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'Visa Is A Privilege, Not A Right: US Embassy In India Warns Students Of Deportation Risk

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 16:31 IST

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said legal violations could have serious consequences for international students.

The post urged visa holders to comply with local laws and regulations.

The US Embassy India warned that breaking US laws can lead to the cancellation of student visas, deportation and long-term ineligibility for future travel, emphasising that entry into the country is not an entitlement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said legal violations could have serious consequences" for international students studying in the United States.

Breaking US laws can have serious consequences for your student visa," the embassy wrote, adding, If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future US visas."

The post urged visa holders to comply with local laws and regulations, adding, Follow the rules and dont jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right."

The advisory comes amid increased scrutiny of immigration compliance in the United States and periodic warnings from US authorities to foreign nationals about maintaining lawful status while studying or working in the country.

Donald Trump Administration Tightens Visa Rules

The United States has moved toward stricter visa enforcement across multiple categories, including student, work and visitor visas, with a focus on compliance, security vetting and deterring overstays. Measures introduced or expanded during Donald Trumps tenure broadened the scope for visa revocations over legal infractions, strengthened background and social-media screening.

The administration also pursued changes aimed at narrowing eligibility for certain visas, including proposals to limit the duration of student stays without additional review and to prioritise higher-paid applicants for skilled worker visas such as the H-1B.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: January 07, 2026, 16:26 IST

News world 'Visa Is A Privilege, Not A Right: US Embassy In India Warns Students Of Deportation Risk

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Was Chinese Equipment Of Little Practical Use To Venezuela? Beijing Bristles At Question

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 23:52 IST

China has repeatedly criticised the United States for its actions in Venezuela, describing them as violations of international law.

The US operation, conducted by American forces in Venezuela, resulted in Nicolas Maduros detention.

Chinas Foreign Ministry reacted sharply when pressed by a reporter over why Venezuelan air defence equipment appeared to be of little practical use" during the United States military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The US operation, conducted by American forces in Venezuela, resulted in Nicolas Maduros detention and transfer to the United States to face charges after strikes and a rapid assault on his stronghold. The raid drew international criticism, with Beijing among the governments condemning what it called an overreach and violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and international norms.

Rather than answering the question about the performance of specific military systems, the Chinese spokesperson responded with a forceful diplomatic statement asserting Chinas position on the use of force in international affairs.

The Chinese side firmly supports the status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, and opposes bullying acts that violate the UN Charter and infringe on the sovereignty of other countries," the spokesman said.

A Japanese reporter from TV Tokyo asked Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman why the Chinese anti-air equipment Venezuela purchased was of little practical use" against the US military attack that captured Maduro.The spokesman didnt look happy. pic.twitter.com/om2eCSavQW Jeffrey J. Hall  (@mrjeffu) January 7, 2026

China has repeatedly criticised the United States for its actions in Venezuela, describing them as violations of international law and a dangerous precedent for global security. Beijings response aligns with broader statements from Chinese officials condemning what they view as unilateral military interventions and urging respect for national sovereignty.

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First Published: January 07, 2026, 23:50 IST

News world Was Chinese Equipment Of Little Practical Use To Venezuela? Beijing Bristles At Question

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'We're Scared All The Time': Amid Security Concerns, Bangladeshi Hindus Weigh Poll Boycott

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Last Updated: January 07, 2026, 08:44 IST

There is a perception that Hindus were sympathetic towards Awami League and should now face the music after Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year following the student agitation

Students shout slogans during a protest to condemn the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das at Dhaka University in Dhaka on December 21, 2025. (Image: AFP)

Bengalis love to talk, but not if you are a Hindu in Bangladesh. It all changed with the student uprising a year ago, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the emergence of deep mistrust towards minority communities, especially Hindus.

The perception grew that Hindus were sympathetic towards the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League and, thus, should now face the music.

The once-eloquent Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has virtually gone underground. A vocal defender of minority rights in the past, frequently organising cultural workshops, most of its members now face murder charges. They have been accused of killing students during the uprising.

Today, none of them wants to be seen or heard, nor appear on camera. Some have left Dhaka for undisclosed locations within the country but being seen or heard could mean death or torture.

We are scared all the time. Looking over our shoulder while we go out has become a habit," they said, requesting anonymity.

In the aftermath of Hasinas ouster, minorities were seen as her supporters. Bengali Hindus faced cold vibes as a response to Indias sheltering her.

At present, Hindus no longer hold senior positions in the judiciary, universities, or any government job. Take Chandranath Poddar, the head of the mathematics department at Dhaka University.

Poddar stayed home out of fear during the uprising. Upon returning, he stopped taking classes. Many Hindu department heads were asked to resign, their hair shaved and black ink thrown on them.

Hindus now find themselves in a Catch-22 situation, mulling a boycott of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. If they choose to boycott, however, they will be seen as sympathisers of the Awami League that is facing a poll ban. But if they take part, their security remains a major concern.

There is some hope when it comes to the with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as they believe the Jamaats radical views might exclude them. But there is fear that the party might cling to power by aligning with the Jamaat.

Being from the minority community is not easy, especially in Bangladesh. Will they leave the country? But with a mix of fear and pride, a senior official of the unity council says: Why should we? This is our country. India is not our home."

But, as of now in Bangladesh, Bengali Hindus are unable to shake off the feeling that they are outsiders" in their own land.

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Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: January 07, 2026, 07:00 IST

News world 'We're Scared All The Time': Amid Security Concerns, Bangladeshi Hindus Weigh Poll Boycott

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BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday added two individuals to its list of die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists, bringing the total number on this list to 14, a spokesperson said.

Liu Shih-fang and Cheng Ying-yao were identified as the two individuals added, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference in Beijing.

Both Liu and Cheng serve as officials for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. Liu heads Taiwan's internal affairs body, while Cheng is in charge of education.

"Taiwan independence" secessionists are lawbreakers and criminals bent on splitting the country and sabotaging the development of cross-Strait relations. They are traitors to the Chinese nation who harm the interests of their fellow Chinese, Chen said.

"We will take all necessary measures to punish them in accordance with the law and hold them accountable for life," Chen stressed.

Chen also said that the list of accomplices of "Taiwan independence" secessionists involved in the persecution of Taiwan compatriots currently features 12 individuals. 
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said on Wednesday that the kingdom is committed to strictly and fully implementing a ceasefire with Thailand to restore peace for both nations.

Hun Sen, also president of the senate, said restoring peace between Cambodia and Thailand will also contribute to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region.

"Cambodia expresses its deepest gratitude to all friendly countries and the international community, particularly the United States, the People's Republic of China, and ASEAN member states under the coordination of Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair, for their active assistance and participation in seeking this peaceful solution," he said.

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Dec. 27, 2025, after three weeks of armed conflict that caused casualties on both sides. 
Workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross search for the remains of the last Israeli hostage east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, on Jan. 7, 2025. A Hamas source said Wednesday the group has resumed searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Hamas source said Wednesday the group has resumed searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip.

The source, who spoke to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said the search is taking place in the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The operation faces significant challenges due to widespread destruction from Israeli military operations during the war and a lack of necessary equipment.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News also reported the resumed efforts by Hamas and the ICRC to locate the body of Israeli policeman Ran Gvili.

The move came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted by Kan as saying that Israel would not "reopen the Rafah crossing until the body of Gvili is returned." 

Workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross search for the remains of the last Israeli hostage east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, on Jan. 7, 2025. A Hamas source said Wednesday the group has resumed searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Hamas members search for the remains of the last Israeli hostage east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, on Jan. 7, 2025. A Hamas source said Wednesday the group has resumed searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Hamas members search for the remains of the last Israeli hostage east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, on Jan. 7, 2025. A Hamas source said Wednesday the group has resumed searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
If you're making minimum wage, the new year may have brought a bigger paycheck. Nineteen states kicked off January with higher minimum wages, lifting pay for an estimated 8.3 million workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute . That means 30 states now sit above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, which hasn't budged since 2009the longest stretch without an increase since the federal minimum was created in 1938.

Washington state now leads the pack at $17.13 an hour, the first state to crack the $17 mark; Hawaii logged the biggest jump, up $2 to $16, reports the Wall Street Journal. On the smaller end, Virginia pushed its minimum up 36 cents to $12.77, reports WDBJ7, while New Jersey bumped its minimum 43 cents to $15.92, reports the Asbury Park Press.

One standout finding from the Economic Policy Institute: For the first time, more workers (66.4 million) now live in states with minimums of $15 or more than in states that have stuck with $7.25 (60.2 million). The Economic Policy Institute also gives a sense of impact: "Missouri's increase from $13.75 to $15.00 an hour will boost annual wages by $920 for a full-time worker," for instance.

On the other end, Georgia and Wyoming still have $5.15 minimums on their books, though most employers there must follow the higher federal standard; five Southern states have no state minimum at all, per the Journal. The highest hourly rate has been set by Seattle, which as of Jan. 1 pushed its minimum to $21.30. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in October found more than two-thirds of Americans support raising the minimum wage, including nearly half of Republicans.
A Detroit suburb has agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with the family of a young woman who had been declared dead at home but then gasped for air and opened her eyes when her body bag was unzipped at a funeral home. Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020. The 20-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was eventually rushed to a hospital and died two months late r, reports the AP .

Beauchamp was struggling to breathe when her family called 911. A medical crew tried to resuscitate her and also consulted a doctor, who declared her dead over the phone without going to the home. Later that day, a funeral home opened the body bag and found Beauchamp gasping for air. She was swiftly taken to a hospital but never recovered. "She was put in a situation she never should have been in," Steven Hurbis, an attorney for Beauchamp's family, said Tuesday. Medical professionals, he added, said Beauchamp would have survived if she had been taken immediately to a hospital from her home.

Southfield fought the lawsuit and persuaded a judge to dismiss it based on governmental immunity. The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, overturned that decision in 2024. The Southfield fire chief had said Beauchamp's situation might have been a case of "Lazarus syndrome," a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed.
Lego is rolling out a high-tech twist on its classic bricks, though not everyone is thrilled about it. At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the Danish company introduced "Smart Bricks," sensor-packed tiny blocks that light up, make sounds, and respond to movement, launching in March with a Star Wars set, reports the BBC . Lego calls the Smart Play system its "most revolutionary innovation" in nearly half a century, saying it "seamlessly" blends physical and digital play and treats technology as a way to expand upon traditional building.

Some child development advocates argue that the move risks chipping away at what made the toy iconic. Josh Golin of the nonprofit Fairplay says Smart Bricks "undermine what was once great about Legos," contending that kids already animate their creations through imagination alone. By embedding sensors and scripted reactions, he warns, Lego shifts control from children's creativity to the tech baked into the bricks.

The Smart Play system goes beyond the brick itself, linking Smart Bricks with "Smart Minifigures" and "Smart Tags" that carry digital identifiers. The whole shebang is tied together via a wireless layer called BrickNet, per Engadget. Together, they trigger different responses. A test demo, for instance, showed a Lego cake recognizing when its candles were "blown out" and playing a birthday song, while a helicopter emitted whooshing sounds and lit up red when it was crashed, per the BBC.

Experts are divided rather than outright opposed. Andrew Manches, a professor of children and technology at the University of Edinburgh, praised Lego's attempt to tie physical and digital play more tightly, while still warning that the toy's magic lies in the open-ended freedom of simple blocks. He and others also flag broader concerns about smart toys, including privacy, security, and the growing use of AI. Lego, which has already experimented with augmented reality and game tie-ins with Nintendo and Epic Games, has signaled in its annual report that digital technology is now a prioritized strategic focus. Check out what these two reporters thought of the new bricks after some playtime.
Florida could try to pile on Nicolas Maduro's legal troubles. Gov. Ron DeSantis said this week that the attorney general's office in Florida is "looking very seriously" at bringing state charges against the Venezuelan leader, days after Maduro was brought to the US and pleaded not guilty in New York to federal cocaine trafficking counts, per Politico . DeSantis said Florida is poring over its statutes and argued that Maduro played a direct role in flooding the state with drugs.

At a Clearwater press conference, DeSantis also accused Maduro of having emptied prisons in Venezuela and sent gang members, including from Tren de Aragua, across the US border, calling it a "very hostile act." US intelligence agencies concluded last year that Maduro wasn't directing that gang's operations. The governor's office and state AG James UthmeierDeSantis' former chief of staff and a Trump-backed candidatedidn't answer questions on whether state charges are actually in the works or whether DeSantis had sought President Trump's sign-off. A White House spokesperson, meanwhile, simply praised the president's "decisive leadership" in Maduro's arrest.

DeSantis has been hinting at state action on social media, telling followers to "Stay tuned..." and arguing that a Florida case could proceed alongside the federal one. The Sunshine State has doubled up before: It brought its own charges against Ryan Routh months after the Justice Department indicted him for the attempted assassination of Trump, with DeSantis saying he didn't trust the FBI under President Biden. The GOP governor has already cast doubt on a Manhattan jury's handling of Maduro.

The potential case is already a 2026 campaign issue. Democrat David Jolly, who's entered the gubernatorial race in Florida, called DeSantis' talk "performative" and noted that a federal prosecution would overshadow any state case, accusing the governor of chasing a fresh clash with Trump. The Tallahassee Democrat, however, notes that DeSantis has supported the Trump administration's boat strikes against "narco-terrorists" off Venezuela. Republican hopefuls lined up behind DeSantis: Former state House Speaker Paul Renner said Maduro should be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law" if he violated Florida statutes, while GOP frontrunner Rep. Byron Donalds had this recommendation: "Throw the book at Maduro."
Ontario's premier says he's pulling one of Canada's best-selling whiskies from store shelves over alleged plans to move production to Alabama. Doug Ford said this week he is "100%" ready to banish Crown Royal from shelves run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, telling rye fans to "stock up" as his dispute with the brand's owner, Diageo, escalates, per the Guardian . The clash began in September, when Diageo announced it would close its Ontario bottling plant and shift operations to the US, cutting roughly 200 jobs. Ford responded then by theatrically dumping a bottle of Crown Royal and calling the company's leaders as "dumb as a bag of hammers."

Diageo, which bought Crown Royal in 2001 after the collapse of Seagram, says the iconic whisky will remain fundamentally Canadian: mashed, distilled, and aged in the country as it has been since 1939, with all product sold outside the US bottled there as well. But Ford dismissed the firm's assurances as "a bunch of BS," insisting Diageo is quietly planning to move all production of Crown Royalmade using Canadian grains and water from Manitoba's Lake Winnipegto a new facility in Alabama.

"Mark my words, it's going to Alabama," he said this week, noting the company also "pulled the carpet out from underneath us" in abandoning a promised $175 million carbon-neutral distillery in Ontario, which would've provided 100 jobs. "The message to everyone else; don't try to hurt Ontario, especially if we're your No. 1 customeryou'll be held accountable," Ford added, noting Crown Royal will disappear from shelves as soon as the Ontario bottling plant closes next month. He did not follow through on earlier threats to remove other Diageo brands, including Guinness and Smirnoff, but noted that could still happen, per Global News.
A new official website from President Trump's White House is marking the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack by flipping the script on who was to blame. The site, launched Tuesday, accuses Democratsand former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in particularof engineering what it calls "the real insurrection," while downplaying the violence by Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol, Mediaite reports. In a central passage, the site claims Democrats "reversed reality" after Jan. 6 by portraying "peaceful patriotic protesters" as insurrectionists and insisting there was "no evidence of armed rebellion or intent to overthrow the government."

The site goes on to allege, without evidence, that Democrats "certified a fraud-ridden election," misused federal agencies to go after Trump supporters, and exploited Pelosi's "security lapses" to tighten their political control. The phrase "the real insurrection" is highlighted in bold. A timeline on the page shifts further blame away from Trump and toward law enforcement and political opponents. One section says video shows Capitol Police "removing barricades, opening Capitol doors, and even waving attendees inside," while at the same time using "violent force" on othersbehavior the site claims "turned a peaceful demonstration into chaos."

Other entries carry loaded titles, including "President Trump Urges Calm," "Leaked Pelosi Video Reveals Security Lapses," "Ashli Babbitt Murdered in Cold Blood," and "Mike Pence Refuses to Act." The timeline also describes Trump's speech at the Ellipse that day as "powerful" and emphasizes his call for supporters to "peacefully and patriotically make their voices heard," saying the crowd responded with "massive enthusiasm." The site makes no mention of the almost 140 law enforcement officers who were injured in assaults that day, or the ones who died in the aftermath of the riot, the New York Times reports.

The site's assertions run counter to the findings of the bipartisan House Jan. 6 committee and multiple courts, which found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election and documented extensive violence by rioters inside and around the Capitol, Mediaite notes. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, a former member of the Jan. 6 committee, slammed Trump for doubling down on his false claims, the Hill reports. "What's amazing about the website is that it doubles down on the big lie, so that it goes back to the big lie," Raskin said. "It continues to excoriate Mike Pence, right where he says Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what needed to be done, which was what he said on January 6 itself. And he's saying it again."
The White House is refusing to rule out a military invasion of Greenland. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told key lawmakers Monday that Trump wants to purchase the vast Arctic territory from Denmark, not invade it, officials tell the New York Time s reports. But on the same day, Trump asked aides for an updated plan to "acquire" Greenland. On Tuesday the White House issued a statement saying he has not ruled out using the US military to achieve that goal.

The leaders of six NATO countriesBritain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Polandjoined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in an unusually direct rebuke Tuesday. Security in the Arctic, they said in a joint statement, must be handled "collectively" and in line with UN principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Greenland belongs to its people," they said. "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed support. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Leaders in Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale.

On Monday, Frederiksen warned that a US military move against Greenland would shatter the NATO alliance. Trump, who has talked about acquiring Greenland since his first term and has also mused about taking over Canada, has described the island as vital to US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and the Arctic.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that an invasion of Greenland is "not something that anybody is contemplating seriously," the Hill reports. The Republican added that he would like to see a deal worked out for expanded US business operations in Greenland. "If there's something there that could be mutually worked out, obviously it's of interest to national security and the Arctic," he said. Earlier Tuesday, White House aide Stephen Miller questioned Denmark's claim to Greenland and said, "Nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland."
Conservative commentator Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, has died. KTLA reports that the 80-year-old died of cancer in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on X Tuesday, calling him "a steadfast guardian of his father's legacy." "Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan's ideals," the foundation said. He was the adopted son of Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman.

Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, The Michael Reagan Show, the AP reports. Conservative figures including former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker paid tribute to Reagan after the foundation's announcement, reports KTLA. Walker is president of Young America's Foundation, which bought the Reagan family's ranch in 1998.

"Michael Reagan was such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us," Walker said in a post on X. "That was particularly true of the students who heard him at Young America's Foundation's programs at the Reagan Ranch," Walker said. "He did so much more than share stories about his father. He challenged the next generation to share the values he stood for throughout his public life. He called on them to be happy warriors in the battle to uphold the founding principles of our republic."
President Trump says Venezuela is about to send a gusher of oil northand he'll personally control the cash flow. In a Truth Social post Tuesday evening, Trump claimed interim authorities in the country will transfer 30 million to 50 million barrels of "High Quality, Sanctioned Oil" to the US, to be sold at market prices, CNBC reports.

The amount of oil Trump claims the US will receive is up to 15% of Venezuela's annual crude production, the Wall Street Journal reports. "That's a pretty good slug of oil if it goes in the market right away," says John Auers at consulting firm RBN Energy. He estimates that the value of the oil will be up to $2.5 billion. The move comes days after US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and flew them to New York, where they face US drug-trafficking conspiracy charges. Both pleaded not guilty Monday in federal court in Manhattan; Maduro told the judge he had been "kidnapped" and described himself as a "prisoner of war."

Trump plans to host executives from Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and other producers at the White House on Friday to talk about major new investments in Venezuela's battered oil industry, the Journal reports. Trump has said US companies could pour billions into reviving the country's aging production network, and the US government might reimburse them. Chevron is currently the only major American oil firm still operating in Venezuela; assets belonging to ConocoPhillips and Exxon were seized under Hugo Chavez in the mid-2000s.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is doubting whether NATO would come to U.S. defense when it is needed.

Trump made the remarks two days after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. attack on Greenland could effectively end the military alliance established since the end of the Second World War.

"We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump and his team are weighing "a range of options" to acquire Denmark's Greenland, including "utilizing the U.S. military," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Xinhua in an emailed statement on Tuesday.

Denmark is a member of both NATO and the European Union. 
The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that it launched what it described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out by the agencywith 2,000 federal agents and officers expected in the Minneapolis area for a crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents, the AP reports. "The largest DHS operation ever is happening right now in Minnesota," the department said in a post on X, dramatically expanding the federal law enforcement footprint in the state amid heightened political and community tensions. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, criticized the federal enforcement surge as "a war that's being waged against Minnesota."

The government planned to send about 2,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and officers to Minnesota, according to a US official and a person briefed on the matter. The agents are expected to be dispatched in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the person said. Immigrant rights groups and elected officials in the Twin Cities reported a sharp increase Tuesday in sightings of federal agents, notably around St. Paul. Numerous agents' vehicles were reported making traffic stops, outside area businesses and apartment buildings. The operation also includes personnel from US Customs and Border Protection, including Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, the person familiar with the deployment said. Bovino's tactics during previous federal operations in other cities have drawn scrutiny from local officials and civil rights advocates.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also present and accompanied US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during at least one arrest. A video posted on X showed Noem wearing a tactical vest and knit cap as agents arrested a man in St. Paul. In the video, she tells the handcuffed man: "You will be held accountable for your crimes." DHS said in a news release that the man was from Ecuador and was wanted in his homeland and Connecticut on charges including murder and sexual assault. It said agents arrested 150 people Monday in enforcement actions in Minneapolis.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro didn't emerge from his hidden room unscathed when US commandos showed up at his door, sources say. According to a US official and another person familiar with the operation who spoke to NBC News , Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, suffered minor injurieseither bruising or bleedingafter apparently striking a wall or door inside a secure room in their Caracas compound. Sources who spoke to CNN say the couple ran into the low door frame of a steel door as they tried to flee.

The injuries occurred as US Delta Force operators used flash-bang devices while breaching the residence around 1am ET Saturday, but before they physically encountered the couple, the sources said. The two were flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York state, where they were medically evaluated on the plane, a second source said.

Flores later appeared in public with visible facial bruising. In federal court in New York on Monday, their attorneys said both need additional medical care: Flores may have fractured ribs, while Maduro has broader health concerns. Flores' lawyer declined to elaborate on her injuries, saying only that she was in "good spirits" and that the defense looks forward to contesting the government's evidence. Both Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to US drug conspiracy charges. Seven US service members were also injured during the raid, Fox News reports. Sources say five have returned to duty and two are still recovering.
Aldrich Ames, the career CIA officer who sold out America's spies to Moscow for cash in one of the worst breaches in the agency's history, has died in federal prison at 84. The Bureau of Prisons says Ames, locked up since 1994 under a life-without-parole sentence, died Monday at a facility in Cumberland, Maryland.

The New York Times reports that Ames, son of a CIA officer, "failed upward through the agency ranks for 17 years" before landing a highly sensitive job in 1983 as chief of counterintelligence in the Soviet division. From there, he had access to the CIA's most valuable Soviet sourcesroughly a dozen deeply placed agents inside the USSR's government and embassies, cultivated over decades.
A judge granted a request Tuesday by the gunman in a 2001 shooting at a San Diego high school to be resentenced, potentially allowing him to be freed after 23 years in prison, the AP reports. Charles Williams, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to killing two students and injuring 13 others after opening fire with his father's revolver at Santana High School on March 5, 2001. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. The judge's decision Tuesday means Williams' case will be sent to juvenile court and could lead to his immediate release from prison without parole supervision or evaluation, according to San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan's office.

Prosecutors will challenge the ruling in the appellate court to try to stop his release, the office said. "As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety, and the defendant's cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed," Stephan said. "At some point our laws must balance the rights of defendants, the rights of victims, and the rights of the community to be safe." Williams' attorney did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Williams killed two students, 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon. He wounded 11 students and two staff members. Now age 39, he is currently being held at the California Institution for Men in Chino and became eligible for parole in September 2024. He was denied parole after being deemed an "unreasonable risk to public safety" by a state board, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The board also said it was unclear if Williams understood why he committed the shooting. Williams was able to petition for resentencing due to a law enacted in 2011 that allowed judges to give juvenile offenders with life without parole sentences a chance to be resentenced. An appeals court decision in 2022 made those with the "functional equivalent" of life without parole sentences eligible as well.
Pamela Smart, serving life in prison for orchestrating the murder of her husband by her teenage student in 1990, is seeking to overturn her conviction over what her lawyers claim were several constitutional violations. The petition for habeas corpus relief was filed Monday in New York, where Smart is being held at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, and in New Hampshire, where the murder happened, per the AP . "Ms. Smart's trial unfolded in an environment that no court had previously confrontedwall-to-wall media coverage that blurred the line between allegation and evidence," Jason Ott, who's part of Smart's legal team, said in a statement.

The move comes about seven months after New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte rejected a request for a sentence reduction hearing. Ayotte said she reviewed the case and decided it wasn't deserving of a hearing. In their petition, lawyers for the 58-year-old Smart argue that prosecutors misled the jury by providing them with inaccurate transcripts of surreptitiously recorded conversations of Smart that included words not audible in the recordings. "Jurors were not evaluating the recordings independentlythey were being directed toward a conclusion, and that direction decided the verdict," Smart attorney Matthew Zernhelt said.

Lawyers also argued that the conviction should be overturned because the verdict was tainted by media attention and faulty jury instructions. Smart was a 22-year-old high school media coordinator when she began an affair with a 15-year-old boy who later fatally shot her husband, Gregory Smart, in Derry. The shooter was freed in 2015 after serving a 25-year sentence. Although Smart denied knowledge of the plot, she was convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and other crimes and sentenced to life without parole.

The case inspired Joyce Maynard's 1992 book To Die For and the 1995 film of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman. A rep for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said it would have no comment about the petition. A spokesman for New Hampshire's AG said it wouldn't comment on pending litigation, "other than to note that the State maintains Ms. Smart received a fair trial and that her convictions were lawfully obtained and upheld on appeal." In a 2023 New York Times interview, Smart said, "As long as I have God, I have hope and I have a shot." More here.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is dialing back the music. Multiple sources tell the Hollywood Reporter that the ABC late-night program will now feature musical performances only twice a week, down from its usual near-nightly cadence. Meanwhile, sources tell Variety that musical performances will be cut back, though "the number is more likely to vary." Staff were reportedly alerted in recent weeks by longtime music producer Jim Pitt. No explanation was given, though Variety notes budget issues "likely" played a role.

NBC's Late Night With Seth Meyers has largely abandoned musical guests and lost its Fred Armisen-led house band in 2024 amid budget cuts. Similarly, CBS' The Late Show With Stephen Colbert had been scaling back its music segments before the network decided to cancel the show altogether. The Kimmel move leaves NBC's Tonight Show, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, as the last major holdout with regular musical slots, per the Reporter.

Kimmel's team has long insisted that music is central to the show's identity. In a 2025 interview with Consequence, bookers Jim Pitt and Mac Burrus said it had been "a priority  from day one" and credited Kimmel with being "such a supporter in the music space." But as traditional TV shrinksand sources claim none of the big late-night shows are profitablethe old promotional value of a late-night performance is harder to justify, even as many in the industry still see it as a key legitimacy boost for up-and-coming acts. Variety sees the Kimmel move as another example of "the downsizing of late-night TV" in general.
A major Texas teachers union is taking the state to federal court over how officials responded to educators' online remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was killed in September. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Austin, the state arm of the American Federation of Teachers says the Texas Education Agency violated teachers' First Amendment rights by ordering investigations into social media posts made mostly on personal accounts and not during school hours, reports the New York Times . The suit calls the state's approach an "unconstitutional viewpoint-based restriction on speech." The complaint names the TEA and its commissioner, Mike Morath, as defendants.

Following Kirk's death on Sept. 10, Morath told superintendents the agency had seen "reprehensible" and "vile" posts from educators and instructed the school leaders to report other "inappropriate" content that might violate the state's educator code of ethics. Gov. Greg Abbott later said more than 100 teachers "whose actions called for or incite violence" were under investigation after Kirk's murder. According to the TEA, more than 300 complaints have been filed, with 95 investigations still open. The agency declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The union accuses the state of Texas of a "wave of retaliation," per the AP. It says the probes have already led to firings in at least two Houston-area districts, with other educators placed on a "do not hire" list typically used for those accused of serious criminal misconduct, per the Times. The suit seeks to block the state from revoking teaching certificates or continuing its current investigations.

Education Week notes that school and political leaders in at least three other statesFlorida, Oklahoma, and Indianaare similarly threatening to revoke teaching certificates over Kirk comments. National AFT President Randi Weingarten, backing the case in Austin, argued, however, that even offensive statements are protected: "You can't have First Amendment rights for some and not for all."
Israel is moving to push Doctors Without Borders out of Gaza, setting up a clash between one of the territory's most well-known medical-aid providers and the Israeli government. The group, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, says Israeli authorities have ordered it to stop bringing in supplies and foreign staff and to shut down all operations in Gaza by the end of February, after the organization refused to comply with new licensing rules , reports the New York Times .

Those rules require aid groups to register all Palestinian employees with Israel, accept tighter scrutiny of their political activity, and refrain from certain forms of criticism of Israel's war. MSF and other NGOs argue the demands violate international law, workers' privacy, and European data-protection standards to which they're bound. Israel has recently revoked the licenses of more than three dozen humanitarian groups in Gaza, including MSF and Oxfam, per the AP.

Israel's military arm responsible for Gaza aid distribution has dismissed MSF's role in Gaza as limited, saying it has delivered relatively few aid trucks and runs only a handful of medical facilities in Gaza. MSF counters that it supports or runs more than a fifth of the area's remaining hospital beds, operates or backs multiple hospitals and clinics, delivers about one-third of the babies in Gaza, and treated more than 100,000 trauma patients and carried out upward of 22,000 surgeries last year.

"If we can't work, it will have catastrophic consequences for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians," says MSF's emergency coordinator for Gaza, Claire San Filippo. A 25-page report from Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs accuses MSF of "grave offenses," portraying its Gaza work as a cover for promoting an "extreme anti-Israeli narrative" and labeling it an "extremely high" security risk. The document cites MSF statements describing the war as genocidal and calling for an arms embargo on Israel. It also points to two Gaza employees it says had ties to Palestinian militant groups. MSF says it doesn't knowingly employ people involved in military activity and calls the attempt to limit its public criticism an "outrageous overreach," arguing that speaking out about what its staff sees in conflict zones is central to its mission.
Jurors in Uvalde were abruptly sent home on Tuesday after a former teacher's account of what she saw during the 2022 Robb Elementary massacre suddenly shifted on the stand, reports Fox News . Ex-school police officer Adrian Gonzales is on trial on 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment, accused of failing to act quickly enough as a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. Gonzales, a 10-year police veteran with active-shooter training, has pleaded not guilty and faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

The trial interruption came when ex-teacher Stephanie Hale testified she saw the shooter on the south side of the school's campusthe same area where Gonzales was posted, according to Texas Public Radio. Defense lawyers objected, saying that differed from what Hale told a Texas Ranger in 2022; Tuesday's testimony allegedly placed the shooter closer to Gonzales. Both the Texas Tribune and ABC News note that, per prosecutors, Hale had never previously mentioned seeing the shooter approaching, or being shot at.

With that dispute on the record, the judge dismissed the jury until Thursday while attorneys prepare arguments over Hale's testimony, per Fox. The defense has raised the prospect of a mistrial. Prosecutors say Gonzales arrived while the teenage gunman was still outside, yet failed to move in even after a teacher pointed out the shooter's location, only entering the school minutes later "after the damage had been done."

The indictment accuses him of putting children in immediate danger by not confronting, distracting, or otherwise delaying the attacker and by ignoring his own training to advance toward gunfire. Defense attorney Nico LaHood countered that Gonzales was dealing with a chaotic and confusing scene and worked to evacuate children as more officers arrived: "He did what he could, with what he knew at the time."
Astronomers say they've finally spotted something they've only talked about in theory: a "failed galaxy" made mostly of dark matter and gas, with not a single star in sight. NASA has nicknamed the object "Cloud-9," describing it as a starless, hydrogen-rich cloud dominated by dark matter about 14 million light-years away. Researchers have long suspected such structures existedessentially dark matter clumps that never gathered enough gas to ignite starsbut this is the first confirmed example, according to NASA. The team says Cloud-9, described in Astrophysical Journal Letters , offers a fresh look at how galaxies might have formed, or fizzled, in the early universe, per CBS News .

First flagged three years ago, Cloud-9 was recently scrutinized with the Hubble Space Telescope, which found no stars inside. That absence is exactly the point, says lead investigator Alejandro Benitez-Llambay of the University of Milano-Bicocca, who calls it "the tale of a failed galaxy," adding that "in science, we usually learn more from the failures than from the successes." The cloud's core is made of neutral hydrogen spanning roughly 4,900 light-years, with hydrogen alone totaling around a million times the mass of the sun. The dark matter component is far largerabout 5 billion solar massesprompting team member Andrew Fox to describe Cloud-9 as a "window into the dark universe."

Cloud-9 is one of nine gas clouds on the outskirts of the nearby spiral galaxy Messier 94, but it stands out as smaller, denser, and more spherical than its neighbors and appears physically linked to that galaxy, NASA says. Its existence suggests there may be many more small, dark-matter-heavy structures lurking unnoticed, usually drowned out by the light of nearby stars and galaxies. Astronomers plan additional surveys to hunt for similar objects and to test ideas about dark matter, galaxy formation, and the conditions of the early cosmos. As for Cloud-9 itself, NASA notes it may not be finished evolving: if it keeps accumulating gas, this failed galaxy could one day turn into a real one.
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ROME, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-seven members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have recently sent a joint letter to EU leaders, urging the European Union (EU) to condemn the United States' military action against Venezuela.

According to Italy's ANSA news agency on Monday, Italian MEP Danilo Della Valle said the letter was addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, calling on the EU to take a clear stance against Washington's recent military operation in Venezuela.

Della Valle said the action "seriously violates international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter," warning that it could further undermine regional stability and exacerbate tensions in Latin America.

He added that the EU, as an important advocate of multilateralism and the international rule of law, should express a clear and unified position on the issue.

As of now, neither the European Commission nor the European External Action Service has publicly responded to the letter. 
Federal border tactics are colliding with local land rules in San Diegoliterally, according to a new lawsuit. The city filed suit Monday against multiple federal agencies, accusing them of trespassing on city-owned conservation land in Marron Valley to build razor-wire fencing without permission. The complaint says about a dozen Marines were discovered last month installing a triple-layer "pyramid stack" of concertina wire on the property, which sits near the US-Mexico line and is covered by a 1997 habitat protection deal between the city, California wildlife officials, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, per the San Diego Union-Tribune .

The suit says federal personnel caused "irreparable" harm to a protected area that contains vernal pools and habitat for endangered species, and left behind "excessive trash" and surveillance equipment for which permission had "expired." The suit also claims the fencing has prevented city officials from accessing the property, per KNSD. The suit alleges seven causes of action, including trespass, public nuisance, and violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, and asks a court to halt any further fencing, walls, or surveillance gear on the land and to affirm the city's ownership and constitutional claims.

Named defendants include the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and US Customs and Border Protection, along with their leaders. DHS, in a statement shared by CBP, defended its approach, saying "DHS will continue to use every tool in its toolbox to defend the American people from dangerous foreign criminalsand we look forward to challenging this lawsuit." The dispute unfolds as the federal government moves to reclassify roughly 740 acres of public land in San Diego and Imperial counties as a restricted National Defense Area, a zone that appears to overlap or border the city's Marron Valley property.
Federal aviation records show that a week before a fatal helicopter crash, a notice was issued that a tightrope would be stretched across a mountainous area of Arizona, providing a warning for pilots to watch out for the temporary obstacle as they charted flights through the region. A helicopter pilot and three family members were killed after colliding with the more than half-mile-long slackline near Telegraph Canyon. Authorities say a witness reported seeing the helicopter strike a portion of the line before falling to the bottom of the canyon. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board will be combing through the wreckage over the coming weeks as they try to determine what led up to the Friday crash.

The AP reports the case is making ripples through the aviation world, with safety experts unaware of any other helicopter crashes that have involved a slackline. Power lines and unmarked cables are a perpetual concern for helicopter pilots because they are inherently difficult to see without markers, lighting, or other infrastructure like power poles, said Tom Anthony, director of the Aviation Safety and Security Program at the University of Southern California. He said it's important for pilots to review Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, while planning their flights.

Under FAA regulations, that means checking for any notices that might be issued along an entire flight path, not just where a flight departs or lands. The FAA says pilots should also review notices within 25 nautical miles of their flight path to be safe. Such notices can warn pilots about anything from slacklines to work along certain runways and what airspace might be restricted. Anthony acknowledges there can be many notices to review. "It can be a drudge, a chore, but you've got to do it," he said.

It will be up to federal investigators to determine if there were any mechanical issues or other problems leading up to the crash. It could be months before a final report is issued. Authorities on Monday confirmed the identities of those who were killed. They were David McCarty, the 59-year-old pilot, and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. McCarty started Columbia Basin Helicopters in the 1990s, building the company into one that was awarded millions of dollars in federal contracts for firefighting support, agricultural spraying, seeding, and other projects across nine Western states. The company has offices in Oregon and Arizona.
Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck won't be taking the stage at the Kennedy Center next month, saying the venue has become too politically fraught for comfort. The 18-time Grammy winner was slated to perform George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the National Symphony Orchestra in February, but the 67-year-old musician announced Tuesday in a social media post that he has pulled out. In a statement to the New York Times , Fleck said the situation around the Kennedy Centerwhose board recently voted to add President Trump's name to the institutionhas shifted from an artistic collaboration to what he called a "highly politicized and divisive" environment. Playing there now, he said, runs counter to his reasons for making music.

The Kennedy Center's president, Richard Grenell, pushed back in his own social media post, accusing Fleck of bowing to "the woke mob" and insisting the center wants performers who "aren't political." An updated event listing on the Kennedy Center's website attributes Fleck's departure to unspecified "personal issues." He'll be replaced on the program by the NSO's principal clarinetist, Lin Ma, who will perform Aaron Copland's "Clarinet Concerto" instead.

Fleck acknowledged to the Times he feels trapped in a "no-win situation," saying that going ahead with the concerts would upset left-leaning fans, while canceling would anger those on the rightand that his decision also unfairly affects the orchestra, which had no role in the naming decision. Jean Davidson, executive director of the NSO, said the group is sorry to lose him and hopes he returns in the future.

Fleck joins a growing list of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center in recent weeks, including Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, longtime Christmas Eve jazz host Chuck Redd, and the jazz septet the Cookers. Rolling Stone notes that Lin-Manuel Miranda also nixed a Hamilton revival at the center set for the spring.
One of the New York City area's most notorious serial killers has confessed to another killing, per the AP . Police in New Jersey announced Tuesday that Richard Cottingham, known as the "Torso Killer," has admitted killing Alys Eberhardt in 1965. The 18-year-old was found dead in her family's home in Fair Lawn, a suburb about 12 miles northwest of Manhattan. Investigators reopened the cold case in 2021, and "through countless interviews" over several years, extracted a full confession from Cottingham, "including details that were never publicly known," the department said in a statement.

Fair Lawn Police Chief Joseph Dawicki said Cottingham will not face additional charges as the department closes the case. The 79-year-old has been imprisoned since his arrest in 1980. He is serving three life sentences at the South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey. "Alys was a vibrant young nursing student who was taken from our community far too soon," Dawicki said in a statement. "While we can never bring her back, I am hopeful that her family can find some peace knowing the person responsible has confessed and can no longer harm anyone else."

Cottinghamknown as the "Torso Killer" because he dismembered some of his victimshas claimed responsibility for up to 100 homicides going back to the 1960s, though authorities in New York and New Jersey have officially linked him to about a dozen. In 2022, he admitted killing five women in the New York City suburbs of Long Island in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for the 1968 slaying of 23-year-old Diane Cusick but received immunity from prosecution for the four other killings as part of the plea deal. Cottingham was previously convicted of killing five other womenthree in New York City and two in northern New Jersey. While behind bars, he has since admitted to killing several others.
US forces took control of two oil tankers tied to Venezuela in separate operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean on Wednesday, escalating Washington's pressure campaign on the country's sanctioned oil trade. In addition to the seizure of the Russian-flagged Bella 1, which the US had been pursuing for two weeks, between Scotland and Iceland, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said US forces also took control of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean, reports the AP. More:
An immigration crackdown in Minneapolis turned deadly Wednesday when a federal immigration officer fatally shot a woman. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and eyewitnesses have given sharply different accounts of the shooting in a south Minneapolis neighborhood, Fox 9 reports. ICE said its officers were carrying out "targeted operations" when "rioters" blocked their vehicles and one woman "weaponized her vehicle" in what the agency called an attempt to run officers downdescribing it as "an act of domestic terrorism." ICE said an officer, "fearing for his life" and the safety of others, fired "defensive shots," killing the driver.

Some officers were injured but are expected to recover, the agency said. A witness, Emily Heller, offered a very different picture. She told MPR News she woke to a commotion and saw what appeared to be a protest blocking traffic. Heller said agents told a woman in a car to "get out of here." "She was trying to turn around, and the ICE agent was in front of her car, and he pulled out a gun and put it right inlike, his midriff was on her bumperand he reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times," Heller said.

Heller said the car then lurched forward, traveled roughly 100 feet, and crashed into a utility pole and other vehicles, with the woman slumped over inside. Other witnesses tell Fox 9 that the vehicle wasn't moving toward ICE agents when the agent opened fire. The witnesses say a doctor at the scene tried to help the woman but ICE agents refused to let the doctor in. An ambulance that arrived 15 minutes later was blocked by ICE vehicles, the witnesses say. In a post on X, Sen. Tina Smith said: "A US citizen has apparently been shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis. I'm gathering information, but the situation on the ground is volatile. ICE should leave now for everyone's safety."

The shooting comes a day after the Department of Homeland Security announced what it called the largest operation in its history in Minnesota, saying it had surged 2,000 federal officers to the Twin Cities and made more than 1,000 arrests. Gov. Tim Walz had already condemned the scale of the sweep. In a post on X after the shooting, Mayor Jacob Frey said: "The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city. We're demanding ICE to leave the city immediately." The AP reports that a large crowd of protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting, chanting "Shame! Shame! Shame!" from behind police tape.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist on Wednesday during the Trump administration's latest illegal immigration crackdown on a major American citya shooting that federal officials claimed was an act of self-defense but that the city's mayor described as "reckless" and unnecessary.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said an officer "acted quickly and defensively ... to protect himself and the people around him." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the ICE agent acted recklessly. He rejected federal officials' claims that the officer had acted in self-defense. "Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bull---," the Democratic mayor said in a press conference at City Hall. He called on ICE to "get the f--- out," the Star Tribune reports. "They are not here to cause safety in this city," he said. "What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust, They're ripping families apart. They're sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people."

The mayor said the woman killed was 37 years old. In a post on X, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said: "I've seen the video. Don't believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice." In a statement, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said President Trump's "reckless decision to escalate the aggression and number of immigration agents is a causal factor," regardless of the investigation's outcome. He said that if "anyone broke the law in today's act of violence," he will do all he can to ensure they are held accountable.

Chicago experienced a similar shooting during the immigration crackdown there. In October, a Chicago woman was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in a case involving a vehicle, though she survived. Almost immediately, Homeland Security officials issued a statement labeling Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old teaching assistant at a Montessori school, as a "domestic terrorist" who had "ambushed" and "rammed" agents with her vehicle. She was charged in federal court with assaulting a federal officer, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. But federal prosecutors were later forced to dismiss the case against Martinez before trial after security camera video and bodycam footage emerged that her defense lawyers said undermined the government's narrative.
Marco Rubio says he will sit down with Danish officials next week following the Trump administration's assertion that it was looking to acquire Greenland . The US secretary of state confirmed the upcoming meeting in Washington but sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration might use force to gain control of the Arctic island.

The AP reports Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, had requested a meeting with Rubio, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenland's government website. Previous requests for a meeting were not successful, the statement said. The Guardian reports that France on Tuesday said it was consulting with allies on a possible reaction should a US invasion come to pass. . "We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview.

CNBC reports Danish Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen on Tuesday said Denmark planned to spend $13.8 billion to rearm Greenland given "the serious security situation we find ourselves in. I hope that the United States also recognizes that fact and is ready to cooperate on our common interest in Arctic security. Because Denmark would like to continue to be an ally of the United States. But that requires a mutual willingness to show respect and cooperation."
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 12F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Snow showers early will become steadier snow overnight. Low around 5F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows civilians leaving areas in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Jan. 7, 2026. Crowds of residents were forced to flee the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, as clashes flared between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). As clashes intensified, Syrian authorities on Wednesday declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh closed military zones, imposed curfews, and opened designated humanitarian corridors for evacuation. Civil defense teams provided first aid and transport to shelters. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Crowds of residents were forced to flee the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, as clashes flared between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Streets filled with families hastily carrying belongings, pushing strollers, and holding children, as they moved in silence and fear past checkpoints and armored vehicles.

According to Syria's Civil Defense, more than 2,324 civilians had been evacuated by 2:40 p.m. local time (1140 GMT), most of them from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.

The latest displacement follows days of rising tensions in Aleppo, marked by drone attacks, shelling, and sniper fire exchanged between Syrian government forces and SDF-linked units. Syrian authorities accused the SDF of launching drone strikes and indiscriminate bombing on residential areas and security targets, causing civilian and military casualties.

The SDF, in turn, blamed factions loyal to the interim government in Damascus for heavy bombardment of populated districts, accusing them of endangering civilians.

The tensions between Syria's new transitional government and SDF arise from fundamental disagreements over governance. The Kurdish-led SDF, which holds the northeast, seeks a decentralized or federal system to preserve its autonomous administration. The transitional government, however, insists on a fully centralized state, viewing SDF demands as separatist and a threat to Syria's unity.

As clashes intensified, Syrian authorities on Wednesday declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh closed military zones, imposed curfews, and opened designated humanitarian corridors for evacuation. Civil defense teams provided first aid and transport to shelters.

Mohammad Nattour, a man in his 60s displaced from Sheikh Maqsoud, told Xinhua that residents were told to leave as tensions escalated.

"They informed us that we had to get out because there were clashes," he said. "My home is on the front edge of the neighborhood, so I had to leave. We feel fear and terror."

Nearby, gunfire echoed as families fled. Medhat Yassin, displaced from Ashrafieh, was speaking when new shots rang out, prompting his wife to urge him to leave immediately.

"Shelling and rockets are falling here and there, gunfire in the streets and alleys," he told Xinhua, raising his voice over the noise. "There is strong gunfire in the neighborhood."

In a city where control can shift from one block to the next, many feel they are being forced to choose between two sides that both view them with suspicion.

"Yesterday, I went to work and had to sleep in the city center because the roads were cut," said one man who had returned only to whisk his family away. "Now I am just trying to get them out. We don't know when, or if, we can come back." 

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows civilians leaving areas in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Jan. 7, 2026. Crowds of residents were forced to flee the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, as clashes flared between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

As clashes intensified, Syrian authorities on Wednesday declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh closed military zones, imposed curfews, and opened designated humanitarian corridors for evacuation. Civil defense teams provided first aid and transport to shelters. (Str/Xinhua)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows civilians leaving areas in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Jan. 7, 2026. Crowds of residents were forced to flee the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, as clashes flared between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

As clashes intensified, Syrian authorities on Wednesday declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh closed military zones, imposed curfews, and opened designated humanitarian corridors for evacuation. Civil defense teams provided first aid and transport to shelters. (Str/Xinhua)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows civilians leaving areas in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Jan. 7, 2026. Crowds of residents were forced to flee the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, as clashes flared between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

As clashes intensified, Syrian authorities on Wednesday declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh closed military zones, imposed curfews, and opened designated humanitarian corridors for evacuation. Civil defense teams provided first aid and transport to shelters. (Str/Xinhua)
TOKYO, Jan 08 (News On Japan) - Economic circles in Japan are growing increasingly uneasy after the Chinese government announced a blanket ban on exports to Japan of dual-use goods that could be diverted for military purposes, raising concerns that rare earths could be included in the scope of the restrictions.

The move by China has sparked anxiety among Japanese companies, with some warning that if rare earths are added to the list, the impact on Japans industrial base could be extensive.

Rare earths are essential materials used in a wide range of industrial products, including electric vehicles and other advanced technologies. As the vast majority of these materials are produced in China, any suspension of exports would likely affect a broad swath of Japans industries, starting with the automotive sector.

China has imposed export controls on rare earths in the past, prompting Japan to pursue both public- and private-sector efforts to reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies through diversification and technological development. Even so, eliminating that reliance entirely has proven difficult.

Industry officials caution that while the impact may not be immediate, disruptions are likely over time, with one corporate source noting that it may not happen right away, but there will be consequences.

Others point out that the scale of the effect will depend on which specific types of rare earths are targeted, underscoring that Japans business community as a whole is closely watching Chinas next moves.

Source: FNN
KYOTO, Jan 08 (News On Japan) - Graffiti has been discovered on a bamboo grove near Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, a popular area that draws large numbers of tourists to the shrines famed Senbon Torii gates.

Located in Kyotos Fushimi Ward, Fushimi Inari Taisha is known for its striking approach lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates forming tunnel-like paths, making it one of the citys most visited attractions for both domestic and overseas travelers.

A nearby hiking trail connected to the Senbon Torii route has also gained popularity among visitors, but a serious problem has now emerged in the surrounding bamboo forest.

Reporting from the scene, journalist Haruka Tsuta said that numerous bamboo stalks bear carved graffiti, with some etched from top to bottom. Among the markings are what appear to be initials written in the Roman alphabet, as well as numbers believed to indicate years, possibly left as records of visits.

The carvings are thought to have been made with sharp, hard objects. Similar damage to bamboo forests in Kyoto was also confirmed last year. At the famed bamboo grove in Arashiyama, around 350 stalks were damaged in much the same way. Once bamboo is scarred, it does not regenerate on its own, raising the risk of collapse, and the city was forced to cut down some of the affected stalks.

The bamboo grove in Fushimi is privately owned, and its owner, Akira Nakamura, 79, expressed anger over the damage. I didnt think it was this bad. Its really troubling. Its a matter of morals, Nakamura said.

According to Nakamura, at least 100 bamboo stalks have been damaged. Although fences have been installed around the grove, some graffiti appears to have been carved after people climbed over them.

Nakamura said the damage began to be noticed around the time when the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic started to ease. Many of the mountains around the Fushimi Inari area are privately owned, making it difficult to implement uniform measures such as repairs or warning signs.

Even though this is private land, people are entering and carving graffiti, Nakamura said. I want them to stop.

As graffiti damage continues to spread through Kyotos bamboo forests, Nakamura appealed to visitors with a simple message: memories should be engraved in the heart, not carved into bamboo.

Source: YOMIURI
MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States should not impede the speedy return of Russians on board a seized Russian-flagged tanker to their homeland, TASS news agency reported Wednesday, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry. 
SYDNEY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A man has been shot dead by police following a six-hour siege at a home north of Sydney on Wednesday night.

The police force in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement on Thursday that officers were conducting a welfare check at a home in Springfield, in the north of Sydney, around 3:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday when a 49-year-old male resident armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects.

Specialist police were deployed to the scene and a perimeter was established while officers continued to communicate with the man.

The siege continued until 9:25 p.m. local time when the man attempted to burn an officer by lighting an aerosol can.

According to the police statement, tactical support officers subsequently gained entry to the premises before the man armed himself with a sharp object and stabbed an officer multiple times.

Police shot the man, who was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

A police officer received a minor injury during the incident.

NSW Police said a crime scene has been established, and the incident will be investigated by homicide squad detectives with oversight from police integrity bodies. 
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 7, 2026. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the Trump administration will continue to enforce an embargo against all "shadow fleet" vessels alleged by the U.S. to illegally transport oil. Leavitt made the remarks hours after the U.S. Coast Guard seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic and the Caribbean on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the Trump administration will continue to enforce an embargo against all "shadow fleet" vessels alleged by the U.S. to illegally transport oil.

Leavitt made the remarks hours after the U.S. Coast Guard seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic and the Caribbean on Wednesday morning.

U.S. Southern Command on X described the second vessel seized in the Caribbean Sea, the Sophia, as a "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet" ship that was "conducting illicit activities."

It said the U.S. Coast Guard is escorting the vessel to the United States for "final disposition."

Leavitt also accused the Russia-flagged Marinera vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, which was seized first on Wednesday morning by U.S. forces in the North Atlantic, of being part of a "Venezuelan shadow fleet" that transported sanctioned oil.

Shortly after the U.S. seizure of the Marinera, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded a "speedy return" of Russians on board.

"Considering the incoming information regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure their humane and dignified treatment, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not impede their speedy return to their homeland," TASS news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

The Russian Transport Ministry said Wednesday the vessel was granted temporary authorization on Dec. 24, 2025 to sail under the Russian state flag in accordance with Russian legislation and international law.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," the ministry said in a statement.

As of Wednesday, U.S. forces have seized four oil tankers linked with Venezuela.

On Dec. 10, U.S. forces seized the oil tanker Skipper near Venezuelan waters and announced U.S. plans to keep its oil cargo.

Ten days later, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the Centuries vessel off Venezuela, a Panamanian-flagged supertanker that was not on Washington's sanctions list. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said on X that the crude oil aboard the Centuries originated from Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA, which is under U.S. sanctions.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela last month.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan. 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, before putting them in custody in New York. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.

Later that day, Trump said he planned to authorize U.S. oil giants to take over and invest in Venezuela's energy infrastructure and "start making money for the country," adding that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil "remains in full effect." 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 7, 2026. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the Trump administration will continue to enforce an embargo against all "shadow fleet" vessels alleged by the U.S. to illegally transport oil.

Leavitt made the remarks hours after the U.S. Coast Guard seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic and the Caribbean on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)
ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Wednesday accused Saudi Arabia of "arbitrarily detaining a senior delegation" sent to Riyadh for political consultations, amid a sharp escalation in southern Yemen's volatile military and political situation.

Anwar Al-Tamimi, spokesman of the Aden-based STC, told Xinhua that more than 50 STC officials and "southern political figures were detained upon arrival in Riyadh and transferred to an undisclosed location."

He called for their immediate release, holding Saudi Arabia fully responsible for their safety. Al-Tamimi said that "all communication with the detained individuals had been cut off, with their mobile phones switched off and their whereabouts remaining unknown."

The accusations came shortly after the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), which is based in Riyadh, issued a decision revoking the membership of STC chief Aidarous Al-Zubaidi in the council on charges of "high treason," referring the case to Yemen's attorney general for prosecution.

An STC official, speaking anonymously to Xinhua, said Al-Zubaidi had initially planned to travel from Aden to Saudi Arabia to attend talks among Yemeni political forces facilitated by Riyadh to address the southern issue. However, he later declined to travel personally, opting instead to dispatch a delegation while leaving for an undisclosed location.

Following his absence from the scheduled talks, Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes on Al-Zubaidi's hometown in Al-Dhalea province.

At least six people were killed early Wednesday in the airstrikes. An official from the province's health department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said nearly 10 other civilians were wounded and transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition, Al-Zubaidi was "required" to travel to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's PLC, and the coalition forces command on the recent escalation of the situation.

In response to the airstrikes, the STC said in a statement issued later Wednesday that it was "surprised" by the Saudi military action, describing the strikes as a "regrettable escalation" that contradicted the prevailing atmosphere of dialogue.

By Wednesday evening, neither Yemen's internationally-recognized government nor the Saudi-led coalition had publicly confirmed Al-Zubaidi's location. Local residents reported that coalition warplanes continued to hover over villages in Al-Dhalea province. Meanwhile, an STC statement said Al-Zubaidi remained in Aden, where he continued to oversee military, security and civilian institutions.

On the ground in Aden, security units aligned with the STC reportedly withdrew or disappeared from key positions, allowing forces loyal to the PLC to seize control of major state institutions.

A local government official told Xinhua that units from the pro-government Giants Brigades had moved to secure Aden International Airport, the Central Bank headquarters, the Maashiq presidential palace and other government facilities.

There was no immediate comment from Yemen's internationally-recognized government or the PLC regarding the takeover. Pro-government forces later imposed a curfew across Aden from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time, citing security concerns.

Residents in Aden reported widespread panic, with people rushing to purchase food, fuel and other essential commodities amid fears that fighting could erupt or airstrikes could target the city.

Military tensions and simultaneous movements by rival armed factions in southern Yemen have intensified over recent hours, raising concerns of a broader confrontation.

Formed in 2017 and allegedly backed by the United Arab Emirates, the STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into Yemen's ruling PLC in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources. 
Donkeys Place in Camden is well-known for its iconic cheesesteaks, so good Anthony Bourdain once called them the best in Philadelphia despite their location across the Delaware River.

The South Jersey bar and restaurant is perhaps less renowned for its antique walrus penis bone.

Owner Rob Lucas Jr. told NJ Advance Media that Donkeys Place has kept a walrus baculum  a bone in the penis of many mammals  behind the bar for as long as he can remember. The popular conversation piece sits alongside a megalodon tooth and several other artifacts.

Diners often come in for cheesesteaks and drinks and ask about what the peculiar bone is. Bartenders let them take a look and a guess before revealing the answer.

But last week, a customer stole the phallic favorite, Lucas said.

The bartender handed it out for them to figure out what it was. She went to the back to do something else and then one dude stole it, Lucas said. We got his picture, but I dont think hes from around town.

READ MORE: N.J.s 43 best cheesesteaks, 2025 update. 2 new cheesesteaks make Top 10!

Donkeys Place posted a TikTok video on New Years Eve, featuring the bartender who was involved in the incident urging the customer to return the item, as well as a photo of the alleged thief.

I wasnt thinking that they would do something like this, the bartender said in the video. If the person that stole it is watching this, please bring it back. Not the same without it.

Lucas, the grandson of original Donkeys owner Leon Donkey Lucas, said he doesnt want to press charges following the incident, but simply wants the decades-old item returned to its home on Haddon Avenue. Donkeys Place hasnt attempted to contact the man, who used a credit card to pay for his meal.

We didnt want to file a police report or anything like that, Lucas said. We just want the thing back.
Police in a Gloucester County town are asking for the publics help as they try to find a person who disabled a Ring Camera during a burglary spree on New Years Eve.

The suspect burglarized one house in Washington Township and tried to enter two others between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. according to police. The burglary and attempted burglaries took place in the area of Freedom Road, Valley Run Drive and Constitution Road.

At one home, the burglar disabled a Ring camera while standing on an air conditioning unit, officials said.

The suspect, who was carrying a screwdriver, wore dark-colored pants and shoes as well as a dark hat or hood and blue gloves.

Anyone who recognizes the burglar, observed suspicious activity or cars in the area on Dec. 31, or has relevant video footage is asked to call Detective Joe Russo at 856-589-0330, extension 1194.

Police also encouraged residents to check security cameras and report suspicious activity. Tips may be provided anonymously.
A knife-wielding man who was fatally shot by police at a Piscataway house Monday evening was identified Tuesday by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, along with the three people who were found dead inside the home.

The man gunned down by police was Jordan Barnes, 29, of Piscataway, the attorney generals office said in a statement Tuesday night.

The three people discovered dead inside the home on River Road were identified as Jeanmarie Barnes, 60, Brenda F. Barnes, 84, and Richard A. Barnes, 86.

The attorney generals office has not said how they are related, but Piscataway Mayor Brian C. Wahler told reporters Tuesday morning that they were Jordans mother and grandparents.

Wahler also said the knife-wielding man was the person responsible for the three deaths inside the house.

Officers were called to the house around 5:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call from another relative of Jordan, the office said.

Jordans father is the one who called 911 to report his son was armed with a knife, according to the mayor.

The crime scene at a Piscataway house where three people were found dead Monday night, Jan. 5, 2026. Authorities said police officers who arrived at the scene shot and killed an armed man who allegedly killed the people inside. Chris Pedota | For NJ Advance Media

While one officer attempted to speak with Jordan through the closed front door, Piscataway Police Officer John Ward looked through the front doors sidelight and saw two people lying unresponsive inside on the floor, the attorney generals office said.

Officers then opened the front door and found Jordan holding a kitchen knife, the office said.

Police commanded Jordan to put the knife down and get on the ground, but he did neither, investigators said.

Three officers deployed their tasers, but Jordan continued to walk toward them, leading Ward to fire his service weapon, striking Jordan, authorities said.

Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived, the attorney generals office said. Authorities said they recovered two knives near Jordan and he was later pronounced dead.

After the shooting, police found Jeanmarie, Brenda and Richard Barnes dead inside the home with multiple stab wounds, officials said.

Their deaths are under investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, which has not commented on the matter.

On Monday night, Piscataway police described the incident as a homicide and said there was no danger to the general public. They didnt release any additional information on Tuesday.

There had been no history of police being dispatched to the house for domestic violence, Wahler said Tuesday.
The smell of savory empanadas filled the hall of a Camden parish on Tuesday as three men dressed as kings walked between tables where children, their parents and grandparents clapped and danced as a trio of men sang Los Tres Reyes Magos.

They had gathered at the Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate Three Kings Day, a holiday commemorating the arrival of the Three Kings  Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar  in Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus.

Tuesdays free event, organized by Camden County, helped keep the tradition alive for the dozens of Hispanic residents who showed up to celebrate.

It reminds us of our family in Puerto Rico, said Eva Roman, 34, of Camden, who has brought her three sons to the event for the past three years. Im trying to keep the tradition alive for the kids and not lose the traditions.

Dozens of people gathered for food, live music and free gifts for children at the Three Kings Day Celebration at the Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden on Tuesday. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

During the three-hour event, dozens of children posed for pictures with The Three Kings and accepted presents.

Raelyn Alvarado, 12, has been attending the event for about five years with her sister and mother. During the event, she received a Disney princess doll along with two others. Molina said her favorite part of the day was the chicken pastelillos and the gifts.

The young Camden resident also liked that she gets to take part in an event that connects her to her family in Puerto Rico.

It means a lot to our family because its part of our culture, Alvarado said.

Dozens of people gathered for food, live music and free gifts for children at the Three Kings Day Celebration at the Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden on Tuesday. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Her mother, Melissa Molina, 44, added that the celebration also eases the burden of having to buy gifts during Christmas and on Three Kings day for many families.

Its a lot to do double gifting, she said. It means a lot to families who dont have gifts for their kids. They can still give something to them at this event.

Its why the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden County Department of Constituent Services and the Office of Hispanic Affairs have hosted the event for about 12 years.

Dozens of people gathered for food, live music and free gifts for children at the Three Kings Day Celebration at the Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden on Tuesday. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Every year, Three Kings Day is a joyful celebration that brings our community together through food, music and dancing, said Nilsa Cruz Perez, director of constituent services. It allows families to celebrate the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations, and make new memories.

Ananis Dorsey, a clerk at the Office of Hispanic Affairs, agreed.

When organizing the event, Dorsey said they prioritized having Latin foods, live traditional music, and toys for all ages. The toys were donated by Toys for Tots.

Camden has a lot of Hispanic residents in the area and Camden County as well, said Dorsey, who has helped organize the event for three years. Its really important to  make it a priority and make it known in our area that the Hispanic tradition lives on.
Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X).

After years of debate and a tense, closely watched hearing this week, a key Assembly committee advanced a sweeping package of new immigrant protections for the state.

Lawmakers at the hearing of the Assembly Judiciary Committee heard hours of powerful and personal testimony from advocates, faith leaders and community members.

We are being hunted, separated from our families, captured and deported, said Anita, a member of the Wind of the Spirit resource center, who provided only her first name.

The hearing drew hundreds to the State House, forcing lawmakers to move proceedings to a larger room. Overflow rooms were opened, legislative staff printed extra testimony slips, and public comment stretched for hours.

Advocates repeatedly warned that fear of deportation is discouraging people from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, or interacting with government agencies, conditions they say are already undermining public safety.

One in every four New Jerseyans is an immigrant, so thats 2.3 million New Jersey residents out of 9 million that live in the state, said Nedia Morsy, director of Make The Road New Jersey, an advocacy group. We have all witnessed that many New Jersey residents have fallen victim to the flagrant violations of due process.

The three-bill package is a reworked version of the long-stalled Immigrant Trust Act, revised after years of legal and political concerns. Together, the measures are designed to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and state and local government institutions.

One bill would codify the states 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits how local law enforcement cooperates with federal immigration authorities. Another would restrict government agencies and hospitals from collecting or sharing immigration status unless required by law. A third would protect sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, shelters, courthouses, and houses of worship from civil immigration enforcement.

Supporters said the testimony underscored the urgency.

People are scared to go out to buy breakfast, take their kids, go to the doctors, said Christian Moreno-Rodriguez, executive director of El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City. People call us every single day asking us if ICE left.

Pushback from Republicans

Support for the bills was not unanimous. Republican members of the committee questioned the legal footing of the proposals and whether they address concerns raised by local law enforcement.

Do you have any reason to believe our local law enforcement is not being fair, is being trustworthy with these different groups? Do you have any examples? asked Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (R-Monmouth).

Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Bergen) pressed: Lets be honest, every time I leave my house, I put my keys and my wallet in my pocket.

That comment drew an immediate response from Kaleem Shabazz, an Atlantic City councilman. The difference is you dont take your passport, your citizenship, he said.

Faith leaders pushed back strongly against skepticism surrounding the testimony.

It would not look like this if there was no proof, said Charlene Walker, director of Faith of New Jersey. People dont leave work, travel, and testify about imaginary harm. They are here because the harm is real.

Supporters of the legislation include several law enforcement officials who said fear in the community is already interfering with police investigations.

I can testify to the fact that since January of last year that trust is eroded and the level of cooperation we are getting from victims and witnesses because of fear and concern is true, said Raymond Santiago, the Monmouth County Prosecutor.

The bills advanced on a 42 party-line vote. Advocates called the decision an important step forward, while emphasizing the work ahead. The package must still pass the full Assembly and Senate before it gets to Gov. Phil Murphys desk by Jan. 20, when incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill takes office. Sherrill has so far been non-committal about the legislation.

This story is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
If youre a Wegmans shopper, Big Brother may be watching you.

The supermarket chain said its starting to use facial recognition technology in some stores.

Wegmans addressed its strategy after signs were posted in some Brooklyn and Manhattan stores, warning customers the technology is being used to protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees.

Wegmans did not reply to questions from NJ Advance Media about whether facial recognition is being used in its New Jersey stores, and if so, at what locations.

But in a statement on its website, the Rochester, New York-based company said it was being used only in a small fraction" of stores that exhibit an elevated risk.

Controversies and concerns over the use of facial recognition in supermarkets were spotlighted last month in an NJ Advance Media report after a ShopRite customer complained he was wrongly tagged as a shoplifter.

That shopper said he mistakenly left the Sussex store without paying for water after confusion at the checkout counter. The next time he visited the location, a loss prevention employee approached him aggressively, he said.

This guy was bobbing and weaving and walking circles around me and my wife, the shopper said. He opens up the folder and there is my mug shot  a 3-by-4 photo  with receipts and pictures of my cart.

The customer paid for the items in question, but worried that hed forever be in the grocery chains system as a threat.

Unlike the reports of the New York Wegmans locations, the Sussex ShopRite had no signs telling customers the technology was being used.

A bill in Trenton, still awaiting a committee hearing, would ban retailers from using the technology except for a legitimate safety purpose, defined as any purpose reasonably likely to reduce the risk to life or safety of any person.

The measure was introduced after a New Jersey attorney was banned from Radio City Music Hall after facial recognition technology identified her as someone on its parent companys attorney exclusion list."

I firmly believe that individuals should not be subjected to this level of surveillance when they present no security risk, Sen. Kristin Corrado, R-Passaic, the bills sponsor, told NJ Advance Media.

The Wegmans system collects facial recognition data and only uses it to identify individuals who have been previously flagged for misconduct, the company said in its statement.

Persons of interest are determined by our asset protection team based on incidents occurring on our property and on a case-by-case basis, on information from law enforcement for criminal or missing persons cases, it said. We do not share facial recognition scan data with any third party.

It also said it understands concerns about fairness and bias from critics who say facial recognition more easily misidentifies people of color.

Facial recognition technology serves as one investigative lead for us, it said. We never base our decisions on a single lead alone.
A new poll shared by Puck is revealing that young men are slipping away from President Donald Trump and both political parties, months away from the 2026 midterm elections.

The poll, released Wednesday, showed that a growing number of young men are feeling disconnected with their political leaders and are growing unsure of whether they understand their experiences.

It was conducted by Speaking With American Men  a research project created by Democrats in the aftermath of the 2024 election aimed at understanding the motivations and frustrations driving political shifts among the voting bloc that helped drive Trumps reelection.

The fight over winning young men will continue to play out this year. While Democrats have celebrated successes among the voting bloc during this past Novembers elections, Republicans are encouraging it to turn out.

The poll, which surveyed 4,211 respondents aged 1629, documented that only 27% of young men say Trump is delivering for them, with 25% saying the same of Republicans and only 18% for Democrats.

Meanwhile, 40% of respondents believe Trump talked big, but let people like me down, while 26% think he has made an effort but didnt deliver, according to Puck. When asked whether Trump is fighting for people like you, a combined 50% said no or not really.

The results were more split regarding the presidents impact in politics: 40% of young men said he shakes things up and brings needed change, while 47% said he creates chaos and makes things worse.

The outlet reported that the voting bloc ultimately began to shift away from Trump following his Liberation Day tariffs announced last spring.

The Republican doesnt wanna talk to me... the Democrat just acts like hes listening, one respondent from Pennsylvania wrote in a report for the poll.

The survey also found that Republicans earn an edge on top issues including the economy by five points, cryptocurrency by 13 points and crime by 14 points. Democrats, though, align more closely with their values, with young men believing they would avoid foreign wars compared to Republicans by a 5-point margin, according to Puck.

While rating all public figures, the poll revealed that young men gave former President Barack Obama the highest favorability rating, standing at 56%. YouTuber MrBeast closely trailed with 55%, followed by podcaster Joe Rogan (53%) and Trump (46%).

Among members of the Trump administration, Puck outlined that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came out on top with a 44% favorability rating. Vice President JD Vance received a 33%, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was given a 17%. Late conservative activist Charlie Kirk scored an 11% net approval rating.

Leading Democrats scored even more negative marks among young men, who gave a -11% net favorability rating to former Vice President Kamala Harris and a -2% favorability rating to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has just a 26% favorability rating.

The survey concluded that economic instability has enormously impacted their daily lives: 38% said they are getting by, but saving little, 31% report facing homelessness or near-homelessness over the last five years, and 28% registered having more than one paying job. Fifty-six percent said they are most stressed about affording groceries and food.

The poll surveyed young men from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6. It did not provide a margin of error.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the city after a federal agent shot and killed a woman in a residential neighborhood Wednesday.

I have a message for ICE. To ICE: Get the f--- out of Minneapolis, Frey said during a press conference. We do not want you here.

Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite, Frey continued. People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart. Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy are being terrorized.

And now, somebody is dead. Thats on you. And its also on you to leave.

The shooting occurred in a neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis where ICE officers were conducting targeted operations. The killing of the Minneapolis motorist, whose name wasnt immediately released, was at least the fifth fatal incident linked to ICE operations since 2024.

Eyewitness video of the shooting spread quickly across social media, sparking outrage and condemnation of ICEs presence in the Democrat-led city.

The footage shows ICE agents surrounding a woman who had partially blocked the road with her SUV. As one officer tried to open the locked drivers side door, the woman began to drive away while another officer approached the front of the vehicle and pulled out a gun.

The SUV clipped the armed officer, who remained on his feet and fired at least two shots toward the driver. The vehicle then sped into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop.

Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian OHara said that officers found the woman with a gunshot wound to her head. The case is now being handled by the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, OHara said.

Following the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the incident an act of domestic terrorism and said that the officer was acting in self defense.

An officer of ours acted quickly, and defensively shot to protect himself and the people around him, Noem said during a press conference in Texas. Were continuing to gather more information but this goes to show the assaults that our ICE officers and our law enforcement are under every single day.

Frey fiercely disputed Noems characterization of the shooting as a necessary act of self preservation.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self defense, Frey said. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bullshit.

The mayor further criticized President Donald Trumps deployment of more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of his immigration crackdown for sowing chaos on our streets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
People travel by cart to wade through floodwaters in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on Jan. 7, 2026. Heavy rains that have been impacting Madagascar since late November last year have caused the deaths of 11 people and left six others injured, according to a report released Tuesday by the country's disaster management agency. The capital, Antananarivo, is among the areas hardest hit. A total of 274 people have been affected, with 26 residential houses damaged or destroyed, said the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management. Located in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar typically experiences its rainy season from November to March. The accompanying severe weather often causes loss of life, displaces residents, and floods vast areas of agricultural land. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

ANTANANARIVO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rains that have been impacting Madagascar since late November last year have caused the deaths of 11 people and left six others injured, according to a report released Tuesday by the country's disaster management agency.

The capital, Antananarivo, is among the areas hardest hit. A total of 274 people have been affected, with 26 residential houses damaged or destroyed, said the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management.

The Urban Commune of Antananarivo has urged the public to remain highly vigilant and called on all families living in old or unsafe traditional houses to evacuate to safe locations.

Madagascar's meteorological service said Tuesday that rainy conditions are expected to persist in the northwestern part of the country and the central highlands in the coming days, with rainfall also forecast in southern regions.

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar typically experiences its rainy season from November to March. The accompanying severe weather often causes loss of life, displaces residents, and floods vast areas of agricultural land. 

People cross a flooded street in a neighborhood in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on Jan. 7, 2026. Heavy rains that have been impacting Madagascar since late November last year have caused the deaths of 11 people and left six others injured, according to a report released Tuesday by the country's disaster management agency.

The capital, Antananarivo, is among the areas hardest hit. A total of 274 people have been affected, with 26 residential houses damaged or destroyed, said the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management.

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar typically experiences its rainy season from November to March. The accompanying severe weather often causes loss of life, displaces residents, and floods vast areas of agricultural land. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

Vendors sell fruits alongside a flooded street in a neighborhood in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on Jan. 7, 2026. Heavy rains that have been impacting Madagascar since late November last year have caused the deaths of 11 people and left six others injured, according to a report released Tuesday by the country's disaster management agency.

The capital, Antananarivo, is among the areas hardest hit. A total of 274 people have been affected, with 26 residential houses damaged or destroyed, said the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management.

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar typically experiences its rainy season from November to March. The accompanying severe weather often causes loss of life, displaces residents, and floods vast areas of agricultural land. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

People walk through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on Jan. 7, 2026. Heavy rains that have been impacting Madagascar since late November last year have caused the deaths of 11 people and left six others injured, according to a report released Tuesday by the country's disaster management agency.

The capital, Antananarivo, is among the areas hardest hit. A total of 274 people have been affected, with 26 residential houses damaged or destroyed, said the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management.

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar typically experiences its rainy season from November to March. The accompanying severe weather often causes loss of life, displaces residents, and floods vast areas of agricultural land. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
George Conway is taking on President Donald Trump with his most significant move yet.

Conway, a conservative lawyer once married to former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, has emerged as one of Trumps harshest critics in recent years. On Tuesday, Conway announced he would be running for a U.S. House seat in New York City as a Democrat, joining the already crowded field of candidates.

We have a demented, criminal president running the country like a mob operationgovernment by the boss, for the boss. We need Democratic fighters who will defend the rule of law and deliver government by the people. Join us," Conway said in a statement on social media announcing his candidacy.

Conway said during a Tuesday appearance on CNN that he never intended on running for public office, but he decided it was the best way he could take on Trump.

Im 62 years old and I never intended to go into public office. Just nothing I ever wanted to do. But this is something where we need people who are willing to call this man out, willing to say hes a criminal, willing to go toe to toe with him. And we need lawyers, Conway told CNNs Anderson Cooper

He said that there are two things that need to happen to save the U.S. from Trump.

Because the two things that have to happen in order for us to save the republic from him is, first of all, accountability, investigating and impeaching the president and his other executive officials who are committing high crimes and misdemeanors every day as we speak, he said.

And the second is to pass laws, legislation, carefully drafted legislation within the four quarters of the Constitution that will make sure we never have this autocratic, kleptocratic, authoritarian threat ever again. And its a lot. But this is what we have to do, because this is  our survival as a republic depends on it," he added.

Conway joins a number of Democrats hoping to fill retiring Rep. Jerry Nadlers (D-N.Y.) seat in Manhattan, including state lawmaker Micah Lasher, school shooting survivor and advocate Cameron Kasky and Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy.

He supported Trumps 2016 presidential run and had been married to Kellyanne Conway, a pollster and strategist who became senior presidential adviser in the first Trump White House as well as one of Trumps fiercest defenders.

As Trumps first term went on, George Conway began to criticize Trump with an aggressiveness that rivaled his then-wifes ardent support of the president, drawing extraordinary attention to their relationships diverging political positions.

At one point, Trump fired back, calling George Conway a stone cold LOSER & husband from hell!

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio just confirmed President Donald Trumps interest in potentially paying for Greenland.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rubio said that acquiring the autonomous territory has always been the presidents intent from the very beginning when asked whether Trump intends to buy it.

Officials in Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly maintained that the self-governing territory  which falls under the boundaries of Denmark, a NATO member  is not for sale.

Hes not the first U.S. president that has examined or looked at how we could acquire Greenland, Rubio said as he took questions. Theres an interest there.

Trumps interest in Greenland dates back to his first term, according to Rubio. In 2019, Trump compared a purchase of the island to a large real estate deal  but his idea was dismissed by authorities there.

After returning to office, the president revived his effort. In March, when asked about his vision for annexing the territory, he responded, Well, I think itll happen.

Weve been dealing with Denmark. Weve been dealing with Greenland, Trump said during a press conference with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. And we have to do it. We really need it for national security.

His now renewed interest in taking over Greenland comes just days after the covert U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured and extracted its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife to New York.

A day after announcing the large-scale strike, Trump predicted the collapse of Cuba, threatened Colombias president and repeated his desire to annex Greenland.

We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it, I can tell you that, Trump said.

In his comments, Rubio said he plans on meeting with Danish officials next week following a request. He spoke after he and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a classified briefing with senators about Venezuelas future, where they discussed a three-step plan, including U.S. control of oil sales and overseeing a transition to a new government.

Im not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention, Rubio said, adding that Well have those conversations with them then.

Leaders of six NATO nations, along with Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, issued a joint statement on Tuesday amid claims from Trump that the United States should obtain the territory.

Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations, the statement reads, and included support from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

That same day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump is discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland in a statement to several media outlets. She added that utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.
The White House commemorated the five-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riots with a new webpage that cast Democrats as the real insurrectionists, maligned police officers and lauded President Donald Trump for defending the innocent Americans who stormed the Capitol.

The webpage went live Tuesday afternoon and immediately sparked backlash. Political journalists and Trump critics likened it to Soviet Union-style propaganda that was detached from reality.

New York Times chief White House correspondent Peter Baker, who reported on the Jan. 6 riots from Washington, rebuked the Trump administration for presenting a false narrative.

In a breathtaking reversal of reality, Trump uses a taxpayer funded White House website to whitewash the history of Jan. 6, blaming Capitol Police, Democrats and (Mike) Pence -- everyone but himself and the mob that stormed the Capitol, Baker said in a post on X.

The Jan. 6 webpage opens up to a large banner with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the nine members of the House Jan. 6 committee. It also includes a timeline of that days events that reflect Trumps narrative.

The sites timeline praises the rioters as patriots, blames Capitol Police for escalating tensions and accuses former Vice President Mike Pence of cowardice for allowing the 2020 election to be certified. The website also restates Trumps false claim that the election was stolen in the greatest election theft in U.S. history.

In truth, it was the Democrats who staged the real insurrection by certifying a fraud-ridden election, ignoring widespread irregularities, and weaponizing federal agencies to hunt down dissenters, all while Pelosis own security lapses invited the chaos they later exploited to seize and consolidate power, the White House wrote.

Thousands of Americans paid the price for failures they didn't create.

President Trump delivered pardons.

Pelosi admitted responsibility.

The media lied.



Now see the REAL Jan. 6 story  https://t.co/GBL2EyiCB3 pic.twitter.com/oJ1m7auV8S  The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2026

Trump has consistently rejected personal responsibility for the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of his supporters violently breached the U.S. Capitol in an effort to halt Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Bidens election victory.

Upon his return to office last January, Trump issued blanket pardons for around 1,600 people who were charged in connection to the riot. At least 33 individuals who were pardoned have since been rearrested, charged or sentenced for other crimes, according to analysis by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

President Trump took decisive action to pardon January 6 defendants who were unfairly targeted, overcharged, and used as political examples, the White House wrote. They were not protected by the leaders who failed them. They were punished to cover incompetence."

At least five people died during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and its aftermath. Among them was Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who was fatally shot by police as she attempted to climb through a broken window near the House chamber. The White House page said she was murdered in cold blood.

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick also died shortly after confronting the mob. Four more law enforcement officers later died by suicide.

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers last month that the riot at the Capitol does not happen without Trump.

After the White Houses Jan. 6 page went live, numerous political reporters and analysts joined Baker in slamming the Trump administration for presenting a false version of what transpired at the Capitol.

CNN commentator David Axelrod said that the amount of damage done to this country because a troubled man could not accept defeat is epic and continues to this day.

The riot at the Capitol was one of Americas darkest chapters. No pardons or rewriting of history can erase it, Axelrod wrote in a post on X.

Republicans against Trump, a coalition of pro-Democracy conservatives, likened the White House page to something out of Stalins Soviet Union or todays North Korea.

Progressive journalist Aaron Rupar, a prominent Trump administration watchdog, said words fail at the brazenness of the dishonesty in the White Houses new January 6 timeline.

The White House has created a truly bananas up-is-down fake-history web page about what happened on January 6 and in the 2020 election, CNN senior reporter Daniel Dale said in a post on X.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
American opinion has swung dramatically following President Donald Trumps military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

CNN polling expert Harry Enten on Tuesday laid out the numbers illustrating how the covert mission to capture and arrest Maduro  launched without congressional approval  led to a significant uptick in support for direct U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

Prior to the seizure of Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 3, only 21% of Americans expressed support for military action to remove the Venezuelan dictator. Following his capture, support shot up to 38%, while opposition dropped from 47% to 38%, according to polling data from Reuters/Ipsos and the Washington post.

It turns out Americans like what they deem to be successful foreign policy operations, Enten said. And in this case, they view the ousting of Maduro, at least up to this point, as a success. And therefore, the support is way up.

That increase in support also tracked with Americans growing desire to see Maduro placed on trial for drug trafficking, Enten explained.

Maduro, who made his first court appearance Monday in Manhattan, is accused of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. He could face life in prison if convicted.

The Associated Press also reported that the 25-page indictment accuses Maduro and his wife of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their drug trafficking operation.

With Maduro now being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, 50% of Americans are in favor of him being tried by the U.S. federal court system. Only 14% oppose the trial, including 24% of Democrats, according to a Washington Post survey.

They simply put dont like Nicolas Maduro, Enten said. And they believe he should be on trial for drug trafficking. Even among Democrats, the opposition number is just 24%.

Enten noted that Americans growing embrace of Trumps controversial operation in Venezuela followed a similar pattern that emerged in the wake of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

There was a 15-point shift in public support following that operation with net approval swinging from negative 9% to positive 4%, according to Entens aggregate polling data.

It turns out that Americans like success. That is what they like in foreign policy. And its not just so far in Venezuela, Enten said.

So I think the two major U.S. operations overseas militarily  those airstrikes in Iran and what were seeing now in Venezuela  American people were quite skeptical at first and then came much more around to Donald Trumps point of view once the military took action."
CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil is facing extreme backlash again over his latest segment about the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on Tuesday.

Media watchers blasted Dokoupil over Tuesdays segment for making a both sides argument about the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol that took place five years ago. Many critics accused Dokoupil of trying to appease President Donald Trump with his coverage on the riot.

President Trump today accused Democrats of failing to prevent the attack on the Capitol, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the president of whitewashing it, Dokoupil said during CBS Evening News.

The Capitol was attacked on Jan. 6, 2021 by a violent mob largely made up of Trumps supporters. The rioters marched to the Capitol after Trump told them to do so during a rally that day.

Lawmakers and staffers were barricaded inside their offices for hours as rioters stormed the Capitol, disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

At least five people died during in the Capitol siege and its aftermath. More than 1,500 of those charged with crimes related to the attack on the Capitol were pardoned by Trump on his first day of his second term.

Huffington Post journalist S.V. Date called the segment a disgrace.

Another absolute disgrace. How in hell does anyone both sides Jan 6? A hundred and forty cops were beaten by the mob Trump sent to the Capitol. One died hours later. Four others died by suicide in the weeks to follow. Shameful, Date said in a post on X.

Journalist Mehdi Hasan called it the worst kind of both sides journalism, and an embarrassment in a post on X. Political commentator Keith Olbermann demanded that CBS News take Dokoupil off the air as a result of the segment.

Author Larry Sabato called the segment shameful.

SHAMEFUL! My family watched CBS & Cronkite from 1963 on. No more, he said on X .

Independent journalist Aaron Rupar said : Wow. Tonys soul has been sold.

Social media users also criticized Dokoupil for his reporting on Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which he ended his segment by saluting the Trump official.

Marco Rubio, we salute you. Youre the ultimate Florida man, Dokoupil said .

MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski questioned whether CBS News was trying to appeal to conservative viewers with Dokoupil.

Maybe Fox and Newsmax viewers will watch this s---. That appears to be the business model, Filipkowski said on X.

Varietys Daniel DAddario said : In retrospect, I dont think my piece on Tony Dokoupil was critical enough.

Journalist Jon Alba wrote : SNL parody levels here. Disgraceful.
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Having a stylish but functional boot for the winter this year is a total must, and Dolce Vita may just have what you need, without the massive price tag.

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Plus, if you use the promo code EXTRA, you can snag these boots for just $91, before shipping.

These Dolce Vita boots, called the Shante Boots, come in three colors: black leather, DK olive Stella suede and mahogany Stella suede.

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Owners of the boot rave about how comfortable the shoe is and how easy it is to style, so theres truly no reason why you shouldnt snatch these up ASAP.

10 boots you need for winter from Dolce Vita
Cranford is expanding its dining scene with two new establishments on North Union Avenue, offering everything from Japanese-style souffle pancakes to Latin-inspired comfort food.

Cozy Cafe and Grill opened its doors at 117 North Union Ave. on Dec. 19. Owners Victor Garcia and Sandra Paola celebrated with a ribbon cutting attended by friends, family and local officials.

The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch Sunday through Wednesday, and adds dinner service Thursday through Saturday.

The menu features churro French toast, Belgian waffles, omelets, salads, burgers, and sandwiches for daytime meals. Evening offerings include surf and turf, shrimp risotto, and seafood paella alongside burgers and sandwiches.

The restaurant also serves hot and iced beverages, specialty lattes, hot chocolate, and mocktails, with a childrens menu available.

We had our eye on Cranford because we know it draws people from all over the area, Garcia said in a written statement. Ive been working on the menu for over a year and now we have the space to match our vision. This is truly a dream come true.

The restaurants website is cozycafegrill.com.

Fluffy Fluffy, located at 100 North Union Ave., is expected to open in the township in early February.

Part of Fuwa Fuwa, described as North Americas largest souffle pancake and dessert cafe brand, the establishment will bring Japanese-style souffle pancakes to its second New Jersey location.

The company currently has a shop at 30 Mall Drive West in Jersey City.

The pancakes are a cross between traditional pancakes and souffles, featuring an ultra-soft, airy, and bouncy texture. The menu also includes a specialty called the Croffle and classic brunch favorites.
A New Jersey man who was fatally stabbed outside a TGI Fridays in Union County last year had gotten into an argument with the restaurant manager before another man stabbed him to death, police said.

Darnell Robinson, 41, of Wrightstown, is charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses in the death of Erik Kuns, 35, of Keyport.

Kuns was stabbed in the chest, lower right abdomen and right forearm on Nov. 9 outside the restaurant on South Park Avenue in Linden, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Witnesses told police Kuns initially got into a verbal dispute with the TGI Fridays manager and Robinson intervened.

Kuns and Robinson, who did not know each other, went outside the restaurant and continued arguing, according to the affidavit.

The incident escalated and a physical altercation ensued where both the defendant and victim were assaulting each other, the affidavit said.

Surveillance video showed Kuns on top of Robinson, punching him, according to the affidavit.

At one point, a woman joined Robinson and both proceeded to fight the victim and remove the victims shirt, the affidavit said.

Robinson followed Kuns through the parking lot and was captured on surveillance video punching Kuns in an upward motion numerous times, according to the affidavit.

The victim is then seen stumbling away with blood coming from his chest, the affidavit said.

Kuns was taken to University Hospital in Newark, where he died about a half hour later.

An autopsy showed Kuns died from damage to his aorta, the hearts main artery.

Three witnesses identified Robinson as the man involved in the fight with Kuns, police said.

Additionally, cell tower data showed Robinsons phone was in the area of TGI Fridays at the time of the stabbing, police said.

Robinson was arrested Dec. 16 and taken to the Union County Jail, where he remained Wednesday. Attorney information for him was not listed in court or jail records.

Kuns death remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Union County Prosecutors Office at 908-632-0537 or Linden police at 908-474-8530.
Former Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira has stepped into the national voting-rights debate.

On Wednesday, the ex-first baseman took to social media to back Senator Tommy Tubervilles push for stronger voter registration laws. He also accused Democrats of cheating in elections while providing no evidence.

If we dont have secure elections, we dont have a country, Senator Tuberville wrote on X/Twitter. We are just a few months away from the primaries and the midterms. We must do WHATEVER IT TAKES to make sure ONLY U.S. citizens are voting.Its just common sense. PASS THE SAVE ACT.

Of all of the issues I hear from voters on the campaign trail, this one is most frustrating to them, Teixeira wrote, quote-tweeting Senator Tuberville. Dems arent even trying to hide that they are cheating in elections.

Documented evidence from state audits and nonpartisan studies consistently shows that non-citizen voting is extremely rare.

According to the Heritage Foundation, which supports the SAVE Act, there have been roughly 70-80 confirmed cases of non-citizen voting over the last 25 years in the United States. Thats out of more than 1 billion ballots cast during that span.

The SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) is a piece of legislation often promoted by Tuberville and other Republicans. Its goal is to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

While it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, the SAVE Act aims to change the registration process to prevent voter fraud and foreign interference, as Tuberville often frames it.

On Aug. 28, Teixeira announced that hed be running in Texass 21st Congressional District, where Rep. Chip Roy will not seek re-election as he runs for Texas Attorney General.

Teixeira is a Maryland native who currently lives in the Austin area. He spent the first four-plus years of his major-league career with the Texas Rangers.

The three-time All-Star concluded his career with eight years on the Yankees, winning a World Series in 2009.

Teixeira retired in 2016 after a 14-year career in which he hit .268 with a .869 OPS and 409 home runs.
ACCRA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to implement lasting reforms in the country, aiming to deliver sustainable and inclusive development to the people.

Mahama made the pledge on Tuesday during the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference organized by the University of Ghana in Accra, the country's capital.

"I will make use of this second mandate so graciously granted to me by Ghanaians to reform our economy and governance to a level that no succeeding government can reverse," the president said.

According to him, the administration would sustain the fiscal discipline and sound economic management introduced in 2025 throughout his tenure and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization to enable the country to finance its development agenda from domestic resources.

"We shall not ease the current fiscal discipline and efficient management of the economy even in the election year of 2028," he said.

Regarding governance, Mahama stated that it is time for Ghana to set an example, especially given the pressure on democratic governance in some parts of West Africa. 
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. High 26F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Snow showers early with a chance of lingering snow showers later. Low 11F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho upon invitation from Jan. 7 to 12, the foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will attend the launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union (AU) headquarters, according to the announcement.

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Wang's visit to the four African nations and his attendance at the launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges serve to continue the fine tradition of China's foreign minister choosing Africa for the first overseas visit each year over the past 36 years, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho are all China's strategic partners, and the purpose of Wang's visit is to deepen political mutual trust with all parties, she said.

The visit is also aimed at promoting the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, strengthening mutual learning between China and Africa as two major civilizations, and injecting new impetus into building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, Mao said. 
CAPE TOWN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) announced on Wednesday that the growing SKA-Mid telescope array in South Africa has achieved "first fringes" using two of its dishes, which demonstrates its operation as an interferometer for the first time.

"This is the first true test that all our systems are working together, and that the SKA-Mid telescope is alive as a scientific instrument," SKAO Director-General Philip Diamond said in a statement.

"Having each dish observe the sky individually is an achievement, but having them operate in concert as one telescope is a much bigger technical challenge, and our teams have now achieved that milestone," he noted.

Square Kilometer Array (SKA) is a network of thousands of radio antennas of varying types and sizes, which includes SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa's Northern Cape.

The international project is jointly funded, built, and run by more than 10 countries, with China being one of the seven founding members and a signatory to the SKAO Convention signed in 2019.

Two of SKA-Mid's 15m-diameter dishes were used together to achieve the milestone result, observing a radio galaxy estimated to be around 2.6 billion light-years away.

"It confirms that all our hardware and software systems are working as we designed them to do, giving us confidence as we begin to commission the telescope," said Betsey Adams, SKA-Mid commissioning scientist.

SKA-Mid now has seven dish structures assembled on site in the Northern Cape, with a further 12 on their way from China. Once complete, the telescope will comprise 197 dishes, including the integration of the existing MeerKAT radio telescope built and operated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

"With all we've learned from these months building up to first fringes, we're in a strong position to achieve our next milestone -- the first image from a four-dish array within the next few months -- and then to see SKA-Mid gradually grow in size and capabilities from there," SKA-Mid Senior Project Manager Ben Lewis added. Enditem.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has "strongly" condemned and rejected the unilateral recognition of the "so-called Republic of Somaliland" by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.

The statement was made by the AU's Peace and Security Council in a communique issued on Tuesday, following a ministerial-level meeting that focused on the preservation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability.

The ministerial-level meeting stressed that no actor has the authority or standing to alter the territorial configuration of an AU member, and that any such declaration is "null, void, and without legal effect under international law."

The 55-member continental bloc further emphasized that such actions could threaten peace and stability on the continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa, hinder joint security initiatives, and set an unacceptable precedent inconsistent with established principles.

The AU council encouraged the continuation of dialogue within Somalia, saying it is the only acceptable and viable path toward a consensual solution to any differences that may exist between the federal government and its states.

On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community. 
Police in Pattaya recently arrested a 38-year-old fortune-teller after he stole a womans smartphone while she was praying at a temple, just so he could confirm his own prediction. The victim, a 19-year-old woman named Pim, reportedly took pitty on a shabbily dressed fortune teller offering his services outside a temple, and stopped to learn her fortunes in the new year.

The fortune-teller, identified as 38-year-old Udomsap Mueangkaew, used a deck of cards to read the womans fortune and warned her that she faced bad luck and the loss of a valuable item in the near future. He also offered to prevent these events from occurring, for a fee, but the young woman refused.

Pim went about her day, going into the temple to pray, as she had planned, but she soon realized that the iPhone she had placed beside her had disappeared. Remembering the fortune-tellers prediction, she immediately went back to confront him for stealing her phone. Udomsap denied any involvement and reportedly told her the theft was just a confirmation of his prediction. He even had the audacity to describe the appearence of the thief.

Photo: Unsplash

The 19-year-old woman didnt let herself be swayed and instead made a scene that saw passers-by come to her aid. People started going through the fortune-tellers things and Pims iPhone was found at the bottom of a face mask box.

Faced with irefutable evidence that he had committed the theft, Udomsap Mueangkaew pleaded with his victim not to press charges, claiming that this was his first offence and he had only committed the crime because he needed money. However, the young woman decided to call the police and reveal his scam to prevent others from falling prey to his tactics.

Just a few weeks ago, we wrote about a family of shamans in Austria who convinced wealthy victims that their jewelry was cursed and requiered exorcising, only to steal them.
CAIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's foreign and water ministers said on Wednesday that while Cairo seeks cooperation with other Nile Basin countries, its water security must not be compromised.

In a joint statement, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Water Minister Hani Sewilam rejected "unilateral actions on the Nile," a reference to Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), saying any construction on the river must comply with international law and be agreed by all riparian states.

The statement followed remarks by Abdelatty last week describing water security as an "existential" issue for Egypt's over 110 million people and warning that Cairo would not accept new dams on the Nile without a prior legal agreement.

Downstream Egypt and Sudan have repeatedly raised concerns about their water shares since Ethiopia began building the GERD in 2011. Years of trilateral talks have failed to yield a binding agreement on the dam's filling and operation. Ethiopia began the dam's official inauguration in September 2025. 
Republican advisory firm Nestpoint Associates is providing continuous strategic guidance on US policy developments to Burundi.

That African state has been caught up in the violence in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 200K Congolese refugees fleeing militants backed by Rwanda have streamed into Burundi, which is among the most densely populated nations on Earth.

Burundi, which is the size of Massachusetts, has a population of more than 14M people.

As a subcontractor for Burundi-based Sama Consultancy, Nestpoint is focused on geopolitical matters and economic opportunities.

Its one-year contract carries a $7,500 monthly fee.

Stuart Jolly, Nestpoints director of government affairs & global strategies, leads the push for Burundi. He was national field director for Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Nestpoint also is working Washington for Somaliland and its bid to gain diplomatic recognition as an independent state. It split from Somalia in 1991.
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Motio, a reputation consultancy designed to help brands negotiate an era of unprecedented societal turbulence, is launched by former BPD chief strategy & innovation officer Sasha Boghosian and Ryan Colaianni, who was CCO at BPD as well as an SVP at Edelman. As part of their launch, Motio will publish a book, How to Build Reputation in the No F***s Given Era, out on Jan. 13. The book introduces five core principles for modern reputation management: Know Your People; Enter the Chat; Be Fast, Not Precise; Micro-dose Your Audience; and Know Theyll Move On: Capture attention in the moment, knowing the digital mob will eventually move to the next target. Weve built a drastically different economic model that eliminates the friction of traditional agency hierarchy, said Colaianni. We ensure that senior experts who have actually sat across from C-suite leaders are the ones doing the work.

PMG acquires Digital Voices, an influencer marketing agency with a team of 70 employees across London, New York and Costa Rica. Digital Voices will expand its global influencer marketing practice and provide a deeper layer of intelligence to its Alli Marketplace operating system, including future integration of its proprietary tools Chord and Composer into Alli. Chord and Composer aim to deliver strategic clarity and operational efficiency through such capabilities as centralized campaign management, benchmarking and predictive insights. The acquisition is the fourth in PMGs 15-year history, following the addition of Momentum Commerce last summer. As part of PMG, well have the platform and resources to scale our offering across media, expand use of technology across our offering, and help our clients drive meaningful commercial impact and unlock greater potential," said Digital Voices founder & CEO Jennifer Quigley-Jones.

Gregory is hosting a Jan. 15 gathering of national reporters covering commercial and residential real estate, which is aimed at giving industry leaders an up-close look at how stories are shaped, what's driving coverage decisions, and which narratives are gaining traction as the market heads into 2026. Behind the Headlines, an invitation-only event at New Yorks The Lambs Club (132 W. 44th St.), will be moderated by Gregory EVP Britni Ackrivo, who leads the agencys real estate practice, as well as hosting the PlotLines podcast, which examines stories being told in the real estate industry. The discussion will include Aarthi Swaminathan from MarketWatch, Anne D'Innocenzio from the Associated Press, James Rodriguez from Business Insider, and Rebecca Piccioto and Veronica Dagher from the Wall Street Journal. There will also be a question-and-answer session in which audience members can ask the participants questions. To request an invitation, contact [email protected].
Americas political revolution ranks as the worlds greatest geopolitical risk in 2026, according to Ian Bremmers influential Eurasia Group.

In the past year, president Donald Trump purged career civil servants for political rather than performance-related reasons; sacked ethics watchdogs, inspectors general and independent agency heads; and transformed the Justice Department and FBI into political wings of the White House.

Media companies, law firms and universities faced lawsuits, investigations and shakedowns to whip them into submission.

As the Democrats appear poised to take the House in the midterms, Trump and his inner circle will grow more, not less, risk-acceptant in their efforts to entrench the presidents power and cement his legacy before the window narrows, according to the Eurasia report.

As the guardrails that contained Trump during his first administration buckle, Eurasia Group cannot predict what kind of political system the US will have once Trump is out of office.

But it expects chaos in 2026.

The machinery of government will be wielded aggressively against the presidents enemies. The administration has already launched investigations into Democratic fundraising platforms, donors, officials, and candidates. Companies that employ prominent critics will face investigations and regulatory retaliation; executives who criticize the White House will be singled out; foundations that donate to Democrats risk dragged-out fights over their tax-exempt status.

The upshot: public criticism of and opposition to Trump will become costlier.

Trump is more likely to respond to domestic setbacks, from sinking poll numbers to a defeat in November, as he did to his 2020 election loss: by doubling down.

Except that as a lame duck surrounded by loyalists who cant afford defeat any more than he can, the impulse to go for broke will be stronger.

Trumps political revolution is ultimately more likely to fail than succeed, undone by a combination of belated institutional resistance, limited coalition fracture, and, not to be underestimated, the presidents own impulsiveness.

Eurasia Group says the US cant be categorized as a representative democracy in 2026, not because its heading toward dictatorship, but because its in the middle of a political revolution whose outcome will remain genuinely indeterminate for years.

Trump and his supporters will take ever greater risks. Resistance will mount too, but neither side will land a decisive blow. The longer this plays out, the greater the risksmore substantial than they have any right to be in the worlds oldest democracy.

Its Americas own late Gorbachev era: The country is careening toward something, but nobody knows what. Whatever the endpoint, the damage over the next year will be significant.

Eurasia Group notes that the US was already the most structurally dysfunctional political system among advanced industrial democracies before Trump returned to office.

He is a symptom, a beneficiary, and an accelerant of that dysfunction, but he didnt cause itand he wont fix it. Whether Trumps revolution succeeds or fails, there is no going back to what came before.

Americas great political unraveling comes as it celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Russian propaganda machine got it wrong on its looted gold story... RT on Jan. 4 reported a bogus story that the US dispatched C-17 military cargo planes to Venezuela to steal $3B of the nations gold reserves.

A NewsGuard investigation of flight data for C-17s found that none of them entered Venezuelan air space this year. Four planes did fly to Puerto Rico on Jan. 3 and Jan. 6, apparently delivering supplies for Trumps Venezuelan adventure strike force.

RT should have focused on black gold, instead. Trump posted on Jan. 6 that Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.

Thats worth about $3B. And who is going to oversee the cash hoard? This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" posted Trump.

The Don is sounding more and more like The Godfather each day.
FARMERS in Offaly received significant funding worth 50,251,114.74 throughout 2025 which supported communities and families, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy John Clendennen said: This shows the Governments commitment to rural communities in Offaly. These payments are real support for families which are delivered at scale.

Fine Gael will continue to prioritise famers because their work is the backbone of our economy.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said: My Department manages payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), oversees supports under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Seafood Development Programme, and administers several nationally funded schemes.

These payments provide vital supports for our farmers and fishers, in turn supporting rural and coastal communities, food security and underpinning the economic benefits accruing to the Irish economy from the activities of the agriculture and marine sectors. I am delighted to confirm that these payments amounted to more than 2.18 billion in 2025.

READ NEXT: Local archaeologist to speak at university meeting in Offaly

In terms of payments made to farmers, Minister Heydon stated: Understandably, there has been a lot of focus throughout the year on payments made by my Department to farmers. Ireland continues to be one of the earliest to make payments under the CAP within the EU, and to the highest possible number of farmers.

I am accordingly very pleased to announce the breadth of payments made by my Department throughout 2025. We will continue to work to issue payments as quickly as possible where they are still due, and I would ask farmers who have outstanding queries to respond to these as soon as possible.

Deputy Clendennen concluded by saying: This level of investments reflects Fine Gaels belief in supporting enterprise, hard work and rural life.

Farmers in Offaly contribute enormously to Irelands economic success and these payments reaffirm a commitment to ensuring they have the resources to continue to produce world-class food.

READ NEXT: Annual Offaly Canal Camino Walk for Self Help Africa to take place in January
A MAN paid 300 compensation for damaging the door and window of a Tullamore bookmaker.

Volodymyr Bykadorov (40), with an address at Convent of Mercy, Frankford, Kilcormac paid in cash when he appeared at Tullamore District Court.

At a sitting of the court Mr Bykadorov pleaded guilty to damaging the property at BoyleSports, William Street, Tullamore on November 7 last.

At that sitting Judge Andrew Cody was told by Sergeant Brendan Kearns that the man was highly intoxicated and a danger to himself when gardai arrived.

He had one previous conviction for public drunkenness dating from November 2024.

Mr Bykadorov told Judge Andrew Cody he would pay compensation for the damage in a month.

READ NEXT: Work starts on major residential scheme in Offaly

When the accused appeared in court again today (Wednesday, January 7) he was assisted in understanding the proceedings by a Russian speaker and he indicated he had the compensation payment.

Asked by Judge Cody if he wished to say anything, Mr Bykadorov said he did not. The court, which had previously been told he was not working but was volunteering in Tullamore, heard he was on a disability payment.

The judge imposed a fine of 200.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)
APPLICATIONS are open for The Hares Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative developed by the nonprofit organisation Burrenbeo Trust. A successful collaboration between Offaly County Council and the Burrenbeo Trust in 2025 saw 212 Hare's Corners biodiversity habitats created across the county.

Offaly landowners are invited to apply for support in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and plans for nature on their land through the initiative, which takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasnt intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature.

Offaly is one of ten counties involved in The Hares Corner project this year, with the others being Carlow, Offaly, Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Wexford, Kilkenny and Kerry. Applications close on Sunday, January 18th and anyone interested can apply via www.theharescorner.com. The website also offers practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hares Corners.

The Hares Corner in 2026 is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Local Biodiversity Action Fund, and is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030. Private funders include SSE Generation Green Community Fund, NTR PLC, Greencoat Renewables PLC, ESB and Intact Insurance. The project is also grateful for the partnership with Heritage Council's Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is enabling biodiversity officers in each of the 10 counties to provide ground support for the initiative.

READ NEXT: BIG PICTURE SPECIAL: Gala Ball in Offaly rings in New Year in stunning style

Last year, The Hares Corner marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland.

The menu of supports available from The Hares Corner includes  a mini-woodland (a mix of 50 native trees and advice) , a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a heritage orchard (five heritage apple trees and advice), a wildlife pond (hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs), and a Plan for Nature (a visit and advice from a Hares Corner advisor on how to enhance nature on your site). For more info on the supports and eligibility criteria please visit https://theharescorner.ie/supports/.

Lee Worrell, The Hare's Corner Co-ordinator, says: We are delighted to be back in Offaly in 2026 after having such a highly successful first year in the county. It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hares Corner generates up and down the country. From day one, it has been consistently oversubscribed, which clearly demonstrates the appetite people in Ireland have for becoming involved in biodiversity initiatives.

Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer, Offaly County Council, says The Hare's Corner has seen farmers, schools, community groups and homeowners all get involved to create vital habitats such as wildlife ponds and native hedgerows in spaces they own and manage. I invite anyone who owns or manages a piece of ground to make an application to the project in 2026 so we can see more hares corners created in Offaly.

READ NEXT: UPDATE: Return of An Post services to popular Offaly shop 'not definitively ruled out'

CASE STUDY

Gearoid O Foighil and Jenny Fahy from Ballintemple, South Offaly, applied to The Hares Corner for help in developing a wildlife pond to widen the biodiversity on their land and attract wildlife.

Jenny saidOpen water sources are rare in the area; the surrounding landscape is being drained and 'improved' for agricultural purposes. So, a pond will create new habitat value and allow for valuable and unique ecology to establish and thrive for future generations. It will also help off-set adverse impacts of the surrounding land changes. A pond will meet the needs of a range of species from birds to dragon flies, amphibian and mammal.

READ NEXT: Offaly is internationally famous as the home of the Croneen Trout
Happy New Year to everyone who supported Roscrea Trail Blazers during 2025 and they hope to see more of you during 2026.

They have had a very busy 2025 with trips to Madeira, the UK and numerous hikes around Ireland and 2026 is shaping up to be every bit as busy with trips to Austria, Snowdon, island trips, charity walks and numerous challenge walks to be completed.

On this Friday January 9th they are back to their regular night walks with a walk around the Kinnitty/Glinsk Castle Loop. Distance: 7.5 km, Grade: Moderate, Time: hours. Meeting at the Kinnitty Castle carpark at 7pm. Please bring head/hand torch.

They would encourage anyone thinking of taking up hiking for better health or as a way to destress to please make contact with the number below.

READ NEXT: Local female racecar driver to receive top sporting award

To join the group and to see what the club has to offer please follow the contact details below.

If you would like to join them on any of their night walks or weekends away, you can contact Cathal on (086) 3399 193 and receive updates through WhatsApp. You will be made feel very welcome.

Pictured above are members of the Roscrea Trail Blazers on the summit of Moylussa, Co Clare. The group conquered the mountain as part of a very special 70th birthday celebration.
A Roscrea man who committed multiple thefts in Limerick has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Gary Quinlivan, 35, of Copperbeach View, Roscrea, Tipperary, produced a tool when a security guard approached him in Holland and Barrets health store in Limerick shopping centre on September 11, 2024.

When he was approached by the security guard, the man was found with 64 worth of goods on his person. An altercation followed which was captured on CCTV.

Mr Quinlivan maintained to gardai that the snips tool on his person that was produced was not a weapon but was instead used to steal items.

Mr Quinlivan committed four thefts in the space of a month in April 2025, the court heard.

The court heard that when he leaving Lidl Mr Quinlivan wielded a hatchet at a security guard when he was approached and was found with over 800 of goods.

The court heard that the security guard divulged in his victim impact statement that he had to take eight weeks off work and find a new job because of the incident.

READ NEXT: Living Links support seek Roscrea people for new group

The court heard that after the altercation, the man fled the scene and left the trolley behind him.

Mr Quinlivan was observed walking down Cruises Street with a hatchet on April 17, 2025.

He then went on to steal 220 worth of goods from Supervalu in Castletroy.

On another occasion in April of 2025, the man then took 1,000 worth of goods from Jetland, Dunnes Stores.

Mr Quinlivian has over 112 previous convictions. Judge Colin Daly called the man a recidivist and told the court that all these thefts were quite brazen.

Before sentencing, Judge Colin Daly summed up the mitigating factors in Mr Quinlivans case, saying that the man has had a very difficult background and his sister died tragically.

He also stated that Mr Quinlivan is a father but has no relationship with his children.

READ NEXT: Local female racecar driver to receive top sporting award

The judge commented that the man is doing well in prison and is drug free, has expressed remorse for his crimes and has some employment history.

Mr Quinlivan was sentenced to four concurrent years in prison.

The sentence was backdated to when he first was held in custody on April 23, 2025.
IRISH Business Against Litter (IBAL) have released their litter rankings for 2025 with Tullamore featuring among the best in the country out of the forty towns and cities assessed.

Tullamore finished 5th in the 2025 rankings which meant that they were deemed to be cleaner than European norms, it marked an improvement of four places from 2024's 9th place for the Offaly capital.

Their An Taisce report stated: "Another excellent result for Tullamore with seven out of the ten sites getting the top litter grade. These included Axis Business Park which was exceptionally freshly presented and well maintained, Market Square was attractively presented and well maintained with a virtual absence of litter throughout."

It continued: "The Main Street had some lovely features including colourful tiered planter boxes and attractive paving with trees looking very autumnal, Lloyd Town Park is certainly a gem with all aspects in very good order and clearly its a very well respected park environment."

Another location in Tullamore which received the top grade was the Charleville Approach Road as IBAL commented: "Road surface, markings and signage were in good order along this route. It was freshly presented and well maintained with just one crisp packet visible throughout the stretch surveyed."

READ MORE: Tullamore Hospital issue new guidelines amid increased patient admissions

Fianna Fail Councillor and chair of Tullamore Tidy Towns Shane Murray commended the litter improvement the town has made in 2025. He stated: "It's a steady increase in the scoring for Tullamore. I was delighted to share this with the Tullamore Tidy Towns Volunteers, some who were out over the Christmas.

Cllr Murray was part of the Tidy Towns initiative which were instrumental in helping Tullamore achieve the distinguished ranking as he claimed that five bags full of rubbish were collected over a short distance on Arden Way recently.

The IBAL survey also revealed that the Deposit Return Scheme continues to have a positive impact on the cleanliness of towns and cities around the country with a 10% drop in the prevalence of cans and plastic bottles compared to the previous year.

Tullamore was no different as IBAL lauded the Deposit Return Scheme at Lidl in the town giving it the top litter grade. They added: "A welcome feature at this Deposit Return Scheme facility is the opportunity to empty any excess liquids from containers before using the machine. It seems to be well used and managed as there was no liquid on the ground and the area was very much deserving of the top litter ground."

The last area which received top marks was the Clara Approach Road with the report citing: "This route creates a positive first impression of Tullamore with a virtual absence of litter throughout. The overall impression was of a freshly presented and well

maintained environment."

READ MORE: The need has never been greater in Africa says Offaly aid worker

The remaining three locations which were assessed in Tullamore were R443 Collins Lane Approach Road, Bring Centre on the Daingean Road and Church Street which all still maintained a Grade B or higher contributing to the town's impressive ranking.

Local TD Tony McCormack has hailed the progress the town has made in the litter rankings over the years. He said: "It puts into perspective just how far the town has come. Back in 2008, Tullamore was ranked bottom of the table and was deemed one of the worst towns in the country for litter. The transformation since then has been nothing short of remarkable."

The Fianna Fail politician added: "This progress doesnt happen by accident. Its the result of years of hard work, dedication and long hours by so many people, especially the outstanding volunteers with Tullamore Tidy Towns, along with residents, local businesses and council staff."

McCormack concluded: "A hugely proud moment for Tullamore and for Offaly. Congratulations again to everyone involved."

The findings of the IBAL survey also documented that coffee cups remained one of the most commonly found forms of litter and was evident in one fifth of all sites surveyed around the country whilst the prevalence of disposable vapes, which are set to be outlawed over the course of 2026 was unchanged.

Sligo took the top spot for the 2025 litter rankings finishing ahead of Leixlip, Westport and Monaghan as the number of towns deemed clean last year rose to 28. Waterford City reclaimed its customary accolade of Irelands cleanest city finishing in 6th place overall ahead of Galway City Centre who had to settle for 9th place.
ABIDJAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara on Wednesday ended the functions of Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe and his government after the submission of their resignations.

According to a statement from the presidency issued by its spokesperson Massere Toure, the decision followed the legislative elections held on Dec. 27, 2025, after which the prime minister submitted his resignation and that of his government to the president.

"The president of the republic on Wednesday, Jan. 7, signed several decrees," the statement said, noting that the first decree terminated the functions of the prime minister and members of the government.

"Pending the appointment of a new prime minister and new members of the government, the outgoing prime minister and members of the government will be responsible for handling current affairs," the statement added.

Following the presidential election on Oct. 25, 2025, the legislative elections held on Dec. 27 resulted in Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace, the ruling party led by Ouattara, winning a majority of seats in the National Assembly. 
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"In Bottom-Up, Rob Kall offers important insights on why our society is in such disarray and what we must do to change it. He demonstrates how "top down" thinking is what has produced our current mess, and how bottom up thinking is much more efficient for solving problems and producing change. Rob shows how lasting change must come from the people themselves and not from the leaders. This was as true in the days of the Magna Carta as it was for the Bill of Rights as it was for the Union movement that first gave workers' rights and protection in this country, as it is today. Indigenous elders have told me, "if you want to change the world, start talking and keep talking." Rob is doing this with this book and with his OpEdNews, and he is making a difference. I recommend this book to all who wish to see lasting, human-friendly, compassionate change that will sustain humanity is this crazy world of today."



Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, author of the Coyote trilogy that discusses healing practices from Lakota, Cherokee, and Cree traditions and how they intersect with conventional medicine
PRM Capital Releases New Insightful Guide on DSCR Loans for Atlanta Rental Prope 
Packaging has taken on greater significance for global candle companies as they evolve. Now, packaging serves more than simply protection and transportation: it defines brand 
A botched gun robbery in a Gresham apartment ended with a stray round puncturing a wall and killing 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey as he slept in an adjacent unit, police detectives alleged in court Tuesday.

The investigators revealed the details in the case against two of the alleged robbers as Multnomah County prosecutors asked a judge to hold both men behind bars pending trial on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery.

Defense attorneys for the two suspects  Anthony C. Hunter, 21, and Xavier R. Hirsch, 20  argued for their freedom, saying the states case rested on biased accounts and that prosecutors will never know who fired the shot that killed Spahnle-Bailey in April.

Both men will remain in custody until at least next week, when Circuit Judge Leslie Bottomly is expected to issue a written ruling.

This is a very, very traumatic and emotional case for the family, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said in comments outside the courtroom. Were optimistic about how it went today, and were going to keep a close eye on it.

Anthony Hunter, 21, appears in court during a bail hearing on Tues., Jan. 6, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

The case attracted significant attention as police searched for Hunter and Hirsch for months. Authorities arrested Hunter on Sept. 8 at The Ellington Apartments in Northeast Portland, while Hirsch was taken into custody Oct. 17 at St. Marys Woods apartment complex in Southwest Beaverton.

Spahnle-Bailey, whose legal first name is William, had bunked down for the night in his fathers apartment, excited for a weekend of snowboarding, when a bullet hit his chest about 1:30 a.m. April 27, 2025.

Prosecutors said Hunter and Hirsch  better known by their respective nicknames, Boogie and Xay  had planned to rob two brothers in the adjoining unit, but the brothers caught wise and began tussling over the guns.

This wasnt a classic stick-up; its a scuffle, its a fight, and its chaotic, Prosecutor Aileen Santoyo told the judge, adding that Hirsch and Hunter were working in concert.

Hunter and Hirsch were unacquainted with the brothers, investigators alleged, but had been introduced that night by a third accomplice, 17-year-old Terrell Squeeze Coy, who set up the meeting at his girlfriends apartment under the ruse of a gun trade.

Xavier Hirsch, 20, appears in court during a bail hearing on Tues., Jan. 6, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Coy, 17, didnt appear in the bail hearing but is also facing murder and robbery charges in juvenile court.

The trio gathered in the second-floor unit at Eleven Pines Apartments, and after much prodding the two brothers laid out their guns on the kitchen table, the cases lead detective Lindsay Friderich testified in court Tuesday, citing grand jury transcripts.

Hirsch picked up two of the pistols, but when one of the brothers, 21-year-old Xavier Barron, asked for it back, Hirsch replied: Naw, its mine.

Barron smelled a set up, Friderich said.

You have to hold on to your pull, or anyone will take it, Barron later explained, according to the detective, using a slang term for a firearm.

A crime scene photograph displayed in court shows numerous evidence markers placed next to shell casings inside a unit at the Eleven Pines Apartments in Gresham. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

In a flash, Barron grabbed for the guns and grappled with Hirsch, pulling him to the floor, according to Friderich, while Barron heard Hunter tell the other brother, Youre going to die.

One of the first shots struck electrical wiring in a wall, cutting the lights in the two-bedroom home, the detective said. In the resulting pandemonium, at least 22 shots were fired, according to Friderich, as Barron and his brother Xoe Barron tried to escape.

Citing transcripts, defense attorney John Gutbezahl said Xavier Barron admitted that he and his brother had, earlier that day, stolen one of the guns they planned to trade to Hunter and Hirsch.

Gutbezahl said Hunter and Hirsch were the real victims of a robbery gone wrong, not the Barron brothers.

Whos robbing who? Gutbezahl asked. Having just come from committing one armed robbery, I think a reasonable inference is hes ready to commit another.

A photograph displayed in court identifies Xavier Hirsch posing with a firearm in a group photo. Anthony Hunter Jr. stands to Hirsch's right. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

There were six firearms in the apartment, Gutbezahl noted, and all but one disappeared. Investigators werent able to retrieve the bullet that killed Spahnle-Bailey, making ballistics testing impossible.

Xavier Barron was shot in the pelvis and arm during the struggle, but dashed to an exterior deck and leapt out, according to Friderich. She said 19-year-old Xoe Barron escaped out the front door, firing wildly back into the apartment as he went.

Xoe Barron fled in his waiting girlfriends car, investigators say, while Hunter, Hirsch and Coy drove off as well. Coys 22-year-old girlfriend, Lillith Dourte, remained. Her 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter, who were also home during the shooting, were unharmed.

Police found Xavier Barron, who went by X, suffering from injuries elsewhere in the apartment complex. He is not charged in the case, as Friderich said officers tried to locate the victim of the earlier firearm robbery but were unsuccessful. Xoe Barron, however, remains in custody on an attempted murder charge for allegedly firing into the apartment.

In arguments before the judge, Santoyo said the state doesnt need to prove who fired the fatal shot  only that Hunter, Hirsch and Coy were trying to commit a robbery when somebody died. A murder charge in Oregon doesnt require premeditation.

I dont think well ever be able to tell who picked up what gun, she said. It doesnt matter, because its all in the commission of a robbery.
One man is dead and another seriously injured after a Dodge Ram 1500 slid off Oregon 31 near La Pine on Sunday, rolled, and launched airborne into a tree.

Roland Lea Buckman, 56, of Bend, was passing another car while driving south on Oregon 31 when he lost control and drove off the road, Oregon State Police said in a news release. The trucks drivers side tires caught in a ditch before it rolled, state police said.

Buckman suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. His passenger, 62-year-old Randy Laverne Samples, also of Bend, died at the scene of the crash.

Police think speed and road conditions contributed to the crash.

This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from Oregon State Police and reviewed by Oregonian editorial staff.
When Michael Malekzadehs online sneaker company Zadeh Kicks racked up 60,000 preorders of the limited Jordan 11 Retro Jubilee sneakers, the companys founder knew he could never deliver that quantity.

Then following the Nike release of the Air Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey sneaker, his company took a staggering 600,000 preorders that it also wasnt likely to fill.

But that didnt stop Malekzadeh from pocketing customers money and using the tens of millions of dollars to buy flashy cars, jewelry, expensive watches and designer bags, a federal prosecutor said Tuesday.

Although Malekzadeh knew he couldnt get enough inventory to fulfill the large volume of sneaker orders, he told federal investigators that he was so afraid of failure that he just kept going, the prosecutor said.

He accepted more than $65 million in orders for sneakers he never delivered and then $15 million through fraudulently obtained bank loans for a total fraud of about $80 million, Assistant U.S. Attorney William McLaren said.

U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane sentenced Malekzadeh to five years and 10 months in federal prison.

The scope and magnitude of the fraud is alarming, and of course, what you did with the money, McShane said. Knowing youre driving around in cars that cost more than a lot of peoples homes and youre buying watches that cost more than my car, it looks bad. It looks greedy.

You could have bailed out public broadcasting in Oregon, the judge noted. You could have bought a wing at a hospital. Instead you did all the flashy cliche stuff that fraudsters do.

He also chastised Malekzadeh for preying on many young men who know a lot about shoes and dont know a lot about investing and they trusted you.

Malekzadeh, now 42, pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

He spent $3 million on more than 100 luxury bags and an estimated $5 million on 80 watches, 42 pieces of fine jewelry, fur jackets and other luxury clothes. He also bought a new house and filled its driveway with a Lamborghini, a Porsche, a Rolls Royce, and a $600,000 British luxury car.

McLaren had urged the judge to sentence Malekzadeh to seven years in prison.

He said Malekzadehs customers ran the gamut from wealthy investors to college students seeking to collect snazzy sneakers. Enthusiasts pay thousands of dollars for the most desired models.

The sheer greed in this case led fraud victims to withdraw retirement funds, sell personal possessions, struggle to pay child care costs and lose personal relationships, businesses and equity in their homes,  McLaren said. Thousands of people have been affected by the staggering scale of Mr. Malekzadehs fraud. Some believe they will never financially recover and their lives are ruined.

Malekzadeh lawyer, Michelle Kerin, urged a sentence of no more than four and a half years, pointing out that the federal criminal investigation was initiated only because her client came forward to report his own crimes in May 2022 when he met with the FBI and prosecutors.

The beginning of this case was born from a desire to make sure that victims were paid to the maximum extent possible," Kerin said.

It is nearly unheard of for a defendant to self-report, confess fully, relinquish his business, and devote years to making victims whole without any promise in return, Kerin said. For a first-time offender like Mr. Malekzadeh, pleading guilty to a felony offense and agreeing to a substantial prison term represents a severe consequence.

Malekzadeh founded Zadeh Kicks in 2013 in Eugene. High-volume wealthy investors who purchased sneakers accounted for about half of Zadeh Kicks total revenue, contributing about $151 million between 2018 and 2022, according to court records.

He put Zadeh Kicks into receivership and surrendered all corporate assets for distribution to his investors, resulting in more than $25 million paid back to creditors, Kerin said.

McShane said he chose the low-end of the sentencing guideline because he recognized that Malekzadeh did something Ive never seen a fraudster do before by alerting the U.S. Attorneys Office about his crimes before a goon squad of investors showed up at your door with threats because of their huge losses.

McShane said he also was aware that Malekzadeh has no prior criminal history and has undergone intense mental health counseling for his diagnosed bipolar disorder.

Malekzadeh submitted a four-page letter to the judge and briefly apologized in court.

I just want to say Im sorry, he said. Im really sorry to everybody Ive hurt along this process.

The judge ordered Malekzadeh, who is out of custody, to surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service to start serving his sentence on June 25.

Malekzadeh was previously fired from Nike for using his employee discount to buy and resell shoes, according to court records.

The rapid rise of the online market for limited-release sneakers and his longstanding, serious mental health struggles contributed to his crimes, Kerin said.

By fall 2020, Malekzadeh recognized he couldnt fill all the preorders placed with his company. Instead of offering full refunds, he instead offered a combination of Zadeh Kicks gift cards and partial refunds.

He offered to buy back the undelivered sneakers from customers at a premium, with cash and gift cards in excess of the amount paid.

The buybacks - like that of his sales - were enormous in scale, the prosecutor said. Investigators identified $141 million in buybacks, out of a total of $321 million in orders.

By April 2022, with his company owing customers over $70 million for undelivered sneakers and millions more in worthless gift cards, he placed Zadeh Kicks into receivership. When that was announced, he began receiving threats, according to court records.

Unhappy customers from across the country began to show up in person at Zadeh Kicks Eugene warehouse, including as Malekzadeh and his lawyer were meeting with the professional receiver, prompting Malekzadeh to call the FBI for help.

It was terrifying, Kerin said.

Separately, Malekzadehs co-defendant, Bethany Mockerman, acting as a bookkeeper under Malekzadehs direction, engaged in a sophisticated scheme to deceive financial institutions into providing loans for which Zadeh Kicks would not otherwise qualify.

Mockerman, 42, last year pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She is expected to be sentenced on Jan. 27.

Malekzadeh has agreed to pay restitution of nearly $85 million: at least $68,528,147 for the sneaker fraud and $15,944,321 for the bank fraud, according to McLaren. A formal restitution hearing is scheduled for March 31.
Oregon will continue to chart its own course when it comes to childhood vaccines and stick to recommendations backed by the nations leading medical groups, state health officials said Tuesday.

That means Oregon will continue to recommend that all children get vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, influenza, rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Those are the shots that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from the nations pediatric vaccine schedule on Monday after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sidestepped the usual approval process.

Federal health officials said those vaccines should go only to children who are at higher risk or should be decided case by case after families talk with their childs doctor.

But Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer and epidemiologist for the Oregon Health Authority, said the states vaccine schedule will stay in line with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said the academy bases its vaccine recommendations on scientific research backed by decades of safety and effectiveness data.

The academy recommends the dropped vaccines as well as the others that the CDC continues to recommend for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and chickenpox.

Sidelinger said Oregon families should continue to have access to all the child vaccines previously recommended, with public and private insurers covering them through the end of this year.

He added that he doesnt expect insurance coverage to change next year because vaccines prevent costly hospitalizations, though he acknowledged its hard to predict future federal decisions.

He also said Oregons school vaccine requirements wont automatically change because of the federal update. Thats because the federal vaccine schedule isnt a mandate, Sidelinger said, and states set their own vaccination rules.

Sidelinger also said pharmacists in Oregon will still be able to provide flu or COVID-19 vaccines to kids. He said the state updated its rules in the fall when it issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to give those shots to anyone 6 months or older.

In a statement Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine critic, defended the new rules, saying they were developed after an exhaustive review of the evidence and are meant to restore trust in public health.

The revised vaccine schedule more closely resembles Denmarks, where children are routinely vaccinated against only 10 diseases.

But Oregon health officials said the federal governments new guidance is based on a flawed comparison without accounting for the prevalence of diseases, population size and other factors in the U.S.

Each country makes their own vaccine decisions based on the resources they have, access to health care and disease risk, Sidelinger said.

Sidelinger said RSV  which the federal government now recommends only for higher-risk children  is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the country. But recent efforts to immunize pregnant people and infants against RSV have cut a childs risk of hospitalization by as much as 90%, he said.

The CDCs changes to its vaccine recommendations increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases amongst children, Sidelinger said. When children get sick, it leads to missed school for the kids, missed work for parents, and most importantly, increased hospitalizations and tragically in some cases, even death.

Oregon has departed from federal vaccine guidance in the past, setting its own recommendations and adopting regulatory changes aimed at making vaccines easier to access. Last fall, the state joined California, Washington and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional effort to provide science-based vaccine guidance after federal officials narrowed U.S. approval of COVID-19 vaccines to only part of the population.

Oregon health officials said the most recent changes are likely to create confusion and could lead to lower vaccination rates.

Oregons vaccination rates have already slipped. Nearly 10% of the states kindergartners arent fully vaccinated because they have nonmedical exemptions from the states vaccine requirements.

Oregon health officials said they will keep evaluating how the federal changes affect the state and will issue additional guidance if needed.
MINNEAPOLIS  An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist on Wednesday during the Trump administrations latest immigration crackdown on a major American city  a shooting that federal officials claimed was an act of self-defense but that the citys mayor described as reckless and unnecessary.

The shooting happened in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets in the area and a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, during a visit to Texas, described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE officers by a woman who attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.

But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted that characterization and the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers as part of the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust, Frey said, calling on the federal agents to leave the city. Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bullshit, the mayor said.

The shooting marks a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major American cities under the Trump administration. Its at least the fifth person killed in a handful of states since 2024.

The Twin Cities have been on edge since DHS announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, with more than 2,000 agents and officers expected to participate in the crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Tom Baker

A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting, where they vented their anger at the local and federal officers who were there, including Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere.

In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations.

Shame! Shame! Shame! and ICE out of Minnesota! they loudly chanted from behind the police tape.

During her Texas visit, Noem confirmed that DHS had deployed more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities and already made hundreds and hundreds of arrests.

For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighborhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilize in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to mobile home parks, they have set up very active online networks, scanned license plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noise-making devices to alert neighborhoods of any enforcement presence.

On Tuesday night, the Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session for about 100 people who were willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement operation.

I feel like Im an ordinary person, and I have the ability do something so I need to do it, Mary Moran told KMSP-TV.

--By Tim Sullivan and Giovanna DellOrto/The Associated Press
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a villain, and the world may be better with him removed from power. However, President Donald Trump has once again ignored the rule of law and due process in ordering U.S. action against Venezuela, (Oregon Dems in Congress condemn Trumps Venezuela attack: Its all about oil, Sen. Merkley says, Jan. 3).

According to the Constitution, Congress is the only branch of government with the power to declare war, and the capture and extraction of a ruling head of state is quite plainly an act of war.

Trumps actions have violated U.S. law. His campaign to blow up small boats suspected of smuggling drugs has violated international law. Smuggling drugs is illegal, immoral and tragic, but it is distinctly different from an attempt to overthrow the government or defeat our military. We should do everything legally within our power to stop drug smuggling, but extra-judicial killing is against everything our country claims to be.

New York Times columnist David French, a former U.S. Army lawyer, has correctly stated, The thing that separates war from murder is the law.

Our Congress needs to hold Trump accountable for his lawlessness. Whether you agree or disagree with his political and economic ambitions in South America, the president does not have the right to unilaterally start a war.

It is time for Congress to reassert its rightful place in the governing of our country  both in matters international and domestic.

Stephen French, Ashland
DHAKA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines is all set to resume direct flights from Pakistan's Karachi to Bangladesh's capital Dhaka later this month, said a spokesperson for the airlines on Wednesday.

Bushra Islam, a senior official with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, told Xinhua that the airline would resume the service on Jan. 29, with two weekly flights on Thursdays and Saturdays.

"We're resuming direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan after more than 10 years," she added.

Biman officials said they had been in talks with Pakistan for several months to restart this service. 
Federal aviation records show that a week before a fatal helicopter crash, a notice was issued that a tightrope would be stretched across a mountainous area of Arizona, providing a warning for pilots to watch out for the temporary obstacle as they charted flights through the region.

An Oregon pilot and three of his relatives were killed after colliding with that slackline near Telegraph Canyon. Authorities say a witness reported seeing the helicopter strike a portion of the line before falling to the bottom of the canyon.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board will be combing through the wreckage over the coming weeks as they try to determine what led up to the Jan. 2 crash.

The case is making ripples through the aviation world, with safety experts unaware of any other helicopter crashes that have involved a slackline.

Power lines and unmarked cables are a perpetual concern for helicopter pilots because they are inherently difficult to see without markers, lighting or other infrastructure like power poles, said Tom Anthony, director of the Aviation Safety and Security Program at the University of Southern California.

He said its important for pilots to review Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, while planning their flights. Under Federal Aviation Administration regulations, that means checking for any notices that might be issued along an entire flight path, not just where a flight departs or lands.

The FAA says pilots also should review notices within 25 nautical miles of their flight path to be safe. Such notices can warn pilots about anything from slacklines to work along certain runways and what airspace might be restricted.

Anthony acknowledges there can be many notices to review.

It can be a drudge, a chore, but youve got to do it, he said.

It will be up to federal investigators to determine if there were any mechanical issues or other problems leading up to the crash. It could be months before a final report is issued.

Authorities on Monday confirmed the identities of those who were killed. They were David McCarty, the 59-year-old pilot, and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty and Katelyn Heideman.

McCarty started Columbia Basin Helicopters in the 1990s, building the company into one that was awarded millions of dollars in federal contracts for firefighting support, agricultural spraying, seeding and other projects across nine Western states. The company has offices in Oregon and Arizona.

Philip Hofbauer of Ukiah, Oregon, has been friends with the McCarty family since grade school. Later in high school, he worked at their farm near the town of Echo, in eastern Oregon.

Theyre all just amazing people. Theyve all been a huge inspiration in my life, he said of David McCarty, his siblings and their parents.

Hofbauer told The Associated Press he would see McCarty when he would contract out his heavy equipment to help officials fight forest fires, and McCarty did the same with his helicopters.

Hofbauer said losing four family members is just overwhelming, a very tragic situation.

The crash happened about 64 miles east of Phoenix, after the helicopter had taken off from an airport in Queen Creek. It took crews hours to travel on foot to the remote area where the helicopter crashed.

Authorities said the slackline was more than half a mile long. The notice warning of the line was issued Dec. 26, noting that it would be up for several days and would be flagged and lit.

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute, on average a few helicopter crashes each year can be attributed to striking wires or towers. However, the institute said FAA charts and apps that help pilots with flight planning, navigation, checklists and real-time data like weather can highlight obstacles.

Hassan Shahidi has been flying for many years. As president and chief executive of the Flight Safety Foundation in Virginia, he said safety revolves around situational awareness and an understanding of the airspace.

Unfortunately, were seeing too many of these incidents where, you know, its really preventable, he said. It should not happen.

--By Susan Montoya Bryan/The Associated Press
More Americans disapprove of the way President Donald Trump handled the U.S. raid in Venezuela than those who approve of it, according to two polls.

A YouGov poll of nearly 1,000 U.S. adults on Sunday found 46% either strongly disapprove or somewhat disapprove of Trumps handling of Venezuela. That compares with 39% who either strongly approve or somewhat approve of Trumps actions and 16% who said they were unsure.

Opinions were largely split along party lines, with an approval of 76% among Republicans and a disapproval of 77% among Democrats. As for independents, 26% approved, 48% disapproved and 26% were unsure.

The poll was conducted one day after a U.S. military operation that included strikes on Venezuela and ended with the capture of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

A poll from The Washington Post found similar results, with 42% saying they disapprove of the U.S. having sent military forces into Venezuela to capture Maduro and 40% saying they approve. The remaining 18% of respondents said they were unsure. The Post polled 1,004 Americans via text message Saturday and Sunday.

Asked whether it was appropriate for Trump to order the operation on his own or whether it should have required approval from Congress, 63% who responded to the Post poll said congressional approval should have been required and 37% said it was appropriate. The vast majority of Republicans (76%) said it was appropriate, while an overwhelming percentage of Democrats (90%) and independents (70%) said Congress should have approved it.

Here are a few other questions and results from the Post poll:

Do you think the U.S. should or should not put Maduro on trial for drug trafficking?

Should: 50%

Unsure: 36%

Should not: 14%

Would you support or oppose the U.S. taking control of Venezuela and choosing a new government for the country?

Support: 24%

Not sure: 30%

Oppose: 45%

In your opinion, who should decide the future leadership of Venezuela?
President Donald Trump had a blunt message for Portlanders: Ill be back.

Portland, we got it down to almost no crime, Trump told reporters while traveling on Air Force One on Monday. We can go back. Were allowed to go back in, but well go back in when the crime starts.

Trumps latest comments on Portland  one might call it a promise, or a threat  come as federal officials also on Monday ordered the final 100 Oregon National Guard soldiers to stand down.

[READ MORE: Trumps obsession with Portland goes back years. His message has escalated]

The president federalized the guard 101 days ago, saying he had authorized full force and intended to fortify the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in South Portland. Mobilization was immediately hamstrung by court challenges, and while some soldiers were briefly installed at the ICE base, the full deployment never came to pass.

Portland did not miraculously cut its crime rate to near zero last year. The homicide rate, however, did continue its downward march in 2025, in line with national trends as a pandemic-era spike slowly dwindles. There were 51 killings in city limits last year, down from 71 in 2024.

Trumps remarks acknowledge the ruling from the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court, which quashed the presidents efforts to deploy troops on the streets of Chicago in a Dec. 23 order.

Roughly a week later, Trump announced on social media he was ending his efforts to deploy soldiers to Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The president concluded his minute-long comment on Portland with a vow to return, saying he plans to invoke the Insurrection Act next time.

His first mobilization attempt relied on a federal law known as Article 10, which requires a danger of rebellion. Oregon state attorneys successfully argued that the protests in the block around the ICE building, while sometimes devolving into riots and street scuffles, werent rebellious.

The Insurrection Act is far more expansive. It allows the sweeping deployment of forces wherever domestic violence or an insurrection occurs. The act doesnt define those terms, leaving them open to broad interpretation.

Trump told reporters hed consider using the Insurrection Act anywhere.

The crime will soon start because they now know that were out, and at the appropriate time well go back in, Trump said. The most powerful thing we have, we havent used: The Insurrection Act.
If relaxation tops your resolutions for 2026, you may be in for a toasty treat.

Ebb & Ember, a brand new floating  yes, floating  sauna and cold plunge experience has officially docked along the Columbia River, inviting Portlanders to unwind and dive in.

>> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com.

Nestled in the North Portland Harbor at Elevated Tides Marina, Ebb & Ember is decidedly tranquil and uniquely adventurous, a news release reads. Sauna-goers cycle between the warmth of the sauna, the crisp river breeze, and invigorating dips in the Columbia.

The floating sauna opened to the public on Jan. 1.

Visitors can either visit solo and attend a social sauna session ($49), or they can reserve the entire space for up to 10 guests ($449). Booking availability can be viewed online. There are also memberships ranging from $99 to $299 per month.

Visitors at Ebb & Ember can either attend a social sauna session or book a private experience for up to 10 guests. Courtesy of Ebb & Ember

Guests are advised to bring their own bathing suit, two towels and a non-metallic water bottle, per the website. And be prepared to embrace the elements  even on a wet Portland day.

Rain and mist only enhance the experience, the saunas FAQ page reads, the ember always glows.

Ebb & Ember opened its floating sauna this year along the Columbia River. Courtesy of Ebb & Ember

Ebb & Ember was founded by three Portland residents, who together seek to expand accessible, community-centric waterfront experiences within the city, according to the release. And floating saunas are only step one  the group also has plans to launch floating offices, wellness studios, event spaces and more.
The Mt. Hood National Forest announced a slate of roads and trails closed by storm damage, just as another winter storm began blowing across the mountain.

Forest officials announced the closures  caused by downed trees, heavy rains and slides from December storms  on Tuesday afternoon, as another weather system arrived in Oregon and was expected to bring multiple feet of snow to the Cascade Mountains.

Following the storms many roads and trails are blocked or washed out, the Mt. Hood National Forest news release said. Saturated hillsides and clogged drainage culverts continue to undermine roads.

As a result, forest officials have closed several roads on and around Mount Hood, effective now through Jan. 31, unless rescinded earlier.

The closures will temporarily block access to some of the Mt. Hood National Forests best natural attractions, including Bagby Hot Springs, Tamanawas Falls and the Salmon River Trail.

Forest Roads 63 and 70 are closed to motor vehicles, as well as all other roads west and south of Forest Road 46. Portions of Forest Road 45 are also closed. Bagby Hot Springs is inaccessible and closed to public access.

Oregon 224 remains closed east of Estacada, temporarily limiting access to any forest roads beyond that point. Still Creek Road (Forest Road 2612) and Salmon River Road (Forest Road 2618) are closed to motor vehicles at the national forest boundary. Multiple landslides completely block both roads and clogged culverts are preventing drainage.

Parking is very limited at the Old Salmon River Trailhead, and the Salmon Butte and Salmon River Trailheads farther down the road are inaccessible.

Tamanawas Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route. The nearby East Fork Trail #650 has a bridge washout north of the Tamanawas Trail, along with additional slide damage and obstructions.

Debris from slides is spread across Oregon 224 and Forest Road 4620. Mt. Hood National Forest

Water flows over Still Creek Road following storms in December 2025. Mt. Hood National Forest

Visitors should take extra precautions when traveling remote mountain roads in the winter, including packing emergency car kits and carrying the Ten Essentials, forest officials said. Drivers should plan to be in areas with no cell service and should be turn around before getting stuck.

People should also not expect any roads or trails to reopen soon.

Many roads may remain closed through spring, particularly once snow arrives and the full extent of the damage is known, the Mt. Hood National Forest said. Following spring melt Forest engineers will conduct additional assessments forest-wide and begin developing repair plans.
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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Tourism Malaysia formalized a strategic partnership with Green Empire Holding LLC aimed at drawing Mongolian tourists to the Southeast Asian country.

The agency, which operates under the purview of the country's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said in a statement on Wednesday that this partnership will also drive momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

Through the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) signed between the two, the initiative will showcase Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings, including urban attractions, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and luxury travel experiences, it said.

Tourism Malaysia Director-General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration to diversify Malaysia's international visitor markets by tapping into a high-potential segment.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative tourism marketing and strong public-private collaborations as we boost the movement of Visit Malaysia 2026 and elevate Malaysia's global brand presence," he said. 
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Block Communications, owner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, announced on Wednesday that it will cease operations later this year.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette plans to publish its final edition and cease operations on May 3.

Over the past 20 years, Block Communications has lost more than $350 million in cash operating the Post-Gazette, the company said in a press release. Despite those efforts, the realities facing local journalism make continued cash losses at this scale no longer sustainable.

Recent court decisions would require the Post-Gazette to operate under a 2014 labor contract that imposes on the Post-Gazette outdated and inflexible operational practices unsuited for todays local journalism.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was founded in 1786 and publishes a print edition twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, and publishes news daily on post-gazette.com.

We deeply regret the impact this decision will have on Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, the company said in the news release.

The announcement by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is just the latest in a flurry of announcements impacting Pennsylvania newspapers.

Block Communications Inc., the Toledo-based company that owns the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also recently shut down the Pittsburgh City Paper, a 34-year-old weekly publication it purchased in 2023.

A 154-year-old newspaper, the weekly Clinton County Record, formerly the Renovo Record, ceased publishing with its Dec. 31 edition.

LNP | LancasterOnline reported on Wednesday that the news organization laid off 11 people, amounting to a 10% staff reduction. The layoffs took place on Tuesday, two days ahead of the formal transfer of the news operation from its current owner, Pennon, to the nonprofit Always Lancaster.
LNP | LancasterOnline is just one day away from a new chapter in the history of the 232-year-old newspaper.

On Thursday, the news operation will transfer from its current owner Pennon, to the nonprofit Always Lancaster, which is led by David Greene, a former NPR journalist.

But, on Wednesday, the newspaper reported that 11 of its 107 employees (about 10%), including five members of the newsroom, were laid off on Tuesday.

Its a difficult moment, but safeguarding local journalism in this community is a top priority, Greene told the LNP.

Pennon, which owns WITF and LNP | LancasterOnline, is donating the publication to Always Lancaster, after two and a half years of operation.

The last few years have seen a series of moves impacting the newspaper.

The announcement by LNP | LancasterOnline is just the latest in a flurry of announcements impacting Pennsylvania newspapers.

Block Communications, the owner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, announced that the 240-year-old newspaper will cease operations in May.

Block Communications also recently shut down the Pittsburgh City Paper, a 34-year-old weekly publication it purchased in 2023.

A 154-year-old newspaper, the weekly Clinton County Record, formerly the Renovo Record, ceased publishing with its Dec. 31 edition.
Harrisburg-based Penn National Insurance, a property and casualty mutual insurance company, has announced some leadership changes.

After more than three decades with the company, including more than five as president and CEO, Robert Brandon transitioned out of the president role on Monday while remaining CEO.

John Foster was promoted to president and has joined the companys board of directors. He will assume the CEO role following Brandons retirement on July 1.

Ive always said Penn National Insurance is a special company because of the people, and I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the support, hard work, and accomplishments of everyone on our team and to all our agency partners. Together, weve achieved so much, Brandon said in a news release.

Robert Brandon Penn National Insurance

Brandon joined Penn National Insurance in 1995 as a property underwriting line of business manager. He became executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2014, and president and CEO in 2020.

During his time as CEO, Brandon guided the company through the pandemic and the company surpassed $1 billion in annual direct premiums written in 2024.

On behalf of our board and employees, I want to congratulate and thank Bob Brandon for his steady leadership during a historically turbulent time, Steve Swanson, chair of the board of directors for Penn National Insurance, said in the news release. Despite facing a challenging market for much of his tenure, he led the company to unprecedented accomplishments, and like all good leaders, he will leave the company on stronger ground than when he arrived.

John Foster Penn National Insurance

Foster joined Penn National Insurance in 2006 as vice president of Personal Lines, was named vice president of Underwriting Operations in 2015, and promoted to senior vice president of Insurance Operations in 2020. He led the companys expansion into Minnesota and Ohio, oversaw improvements in the companys claims service, and increased the companys use of data analytics.

Before joining Penn National Insurance, Foster held roles at Grange Mutual Insurance, Geico Direct and Erie Insurance Group.

Im honored to be chosen by the board to lead Penn National Insurance and humbled by their confidence in me, Foster said in the news release.

Also, on Monday, Randal Mancini, was promoted to senior vice president of Insurance Operations.

Penn National Insurance was founded in 1919. The company provides property-casualty insurance in 13 states, through a network of more than 1,200 independent agency operations. In 2024, the company had $2.24 billion in total assets.
A facility in York County is closing.

First Brands Group has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state that it will close its Eagle Castings facility located at 447 E Middle St. in Hanover, and 73 people will be laid off.

The Company expects that the closure will commence on February 27. Sixty-eight employees will be laid off on Feb. 27. The company expects that the closure will be completed by March 1. Five employees will be retained past that date to assist with matters related to the closure.

The plant manufactures brake rotors, according to the Hanover Evening Sun.

First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated Dec. 29.
An 80-year-old man is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in two Pennsylvania counties and providing her with marijuana.

Dennis Kochenash, 80, formerly of Whitehall and now living in Wyalusing, Bradford County, faces a dozen charges in the case. He is charged with felony statutory sexual assault; felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; felony corruption of minors; and related offenses.

Kochenash was taken into custody Wednesday morning in Bradford County and is awaiting extradition to Lehigh County to be arraigned on the charges.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Pennsylvania State Police Troop M. Capt. Seth J. Kelly announced the charges against Kochenash on Wednesday morning. Court records did not immediately list any attorney information for Kochenash.

On Oct. 27, 2025, state police in Fogelsville received a ChildLine report regarding a victim who was age 14 at the time of the alleged offenses, which authorities said began in 2024.

Investigators determined Kochenash and the girl began communicating with each other through text messages and on Snapchat, authorities said.

The contact continued for several months; including online communication, in-person meetings and eventually through sexual assaults, authorities said.

Kochenash is accused of sexually assaulting the teen on several occasions in December 2024 and providing her with marijuana. The assaults took place in both Bradford County and in Lehigh County, the DAs office said.

As per an agreement with the Bradford County District Attorneys Office, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office plans to investigate and prosecute the crimes from in both counties.

Authorities believe there might be other victims. Those with information may call Pennsylvania State Police at 610-395-1438.
By LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

A New York man has been charged with sexually assaulting two children in Lancaster while acting as their caretaker over four years.

Pedro Julio Ramos-Vazquez, 36, of the Bronx, New York, is facing more than a dozen felony counts including rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor and other related charges.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Lancaster city police last month, Ramos-Vazquez had involuntary sexual contact with two children under the age of 13 between 2015 and 2019.

Police say the abuse occurred at two addresses in Lancaster while Ramos-Vazquez was acting as a caretaker for the two children.

Both children reported the abuse during separate interviews with police. Police filed charges against Ramos-Vazquez on Dec. 26.

Ramos-Vazquez has not been arrested as of Monday evening, according to court documents. Bail will be set once a preliminary hearing can take place.
BRUSSELS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The shocking U.S. military operation in Venezuela and the seizure of its President Nicolas Maduro have triggered a heated global debate over the rule of international law and the limits of unilateral superpower. Yet in Europe, official reactions have been notably uneven, with major capitals stressing "principles" while often avoiding direct criticism of Washington.

The cautious messaging has drawn sharp scrutiny from political analysts and legal experts in the West, given Europe's posture on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. European governments have condemned Russia's use of force against Ukraine and violation of sovereignty.

Europe's defense of a "rules-based order" is becoming selectively applied, risking its credibility when the violator is its most powerful ally.

DIPLOMATIC TIGHTROPE

In the aftermath of the crisis, European leaders made remarks widely described as "calibrated" -- emphasizing "stability" and the "complex" nature of the operation, while steering clear of explicit legal or political condemnation of the United States.

In London and Berlin, officials have largely sought to separate the operation's outcome from the legal principles usually championed by the bloc.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation as "complex," placing the onus on the United States to justify its actions, while emphasizing the need for a peaceful transition.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed that the legal assessment of the U.S. operation was "complex" and warned against political instability.

In a joint statement backed by 26 of its 27 member states, the European Union declared that the principles of international law and the UN Charter "must be upheld" and that restoring democracy in Venezuela must respect the will of the Venezuelan people, while falling short of explicitly condemning the United States.

France's reaction was more mixed. President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media platform X that "The Venezuelan people are today rid of Nicolas Maduro's dictatorship and can only rejoice."

In comparison, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced strong opposition to the operation. In a statement posted on his official X account, Barrot warned that such actions erode the foundations of international law and will have "serious consequences for global security, which will spare no one." He stressed that "no lasting political solution can be imposed from outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future."

WARNINGS OF IMPERIAL OVERREACH

While official rhetoric was often cautious, Europe's media and academics have been far more outspoken, slamming the operation as "lawless," "imperialist," and a dangerous precedent that could accelerate the erosion of the post-war international order, which Washington itself has championed for the past several decades.

In an editorial, Le Monde portrayed the raid and Maduro's seizure as emblematic of a more openly coercive U.S. posture, suggesting that the law, including constraints under the U.S. Constitution, was being treated as collateral damage.

A separate analysis in the French daily noted that the muted Western response contrasts with stronger reactions in other cases where sovereignty is violated, adding that international law specialists largely view the operation as incompatible with the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force and lacking Security Council authorization or a self-defense justification.

In Germany, major media outlets pointed out in their commentaries that the operation was driven by oil and a projection of power, arguing that Europe must rapidly develop and become more independent rather than simply adjusting its language to please Washington.

Finland's national broadcaster Yle published commentaries describing the "kidnapping" of Maduro and his wife as "lawless" and motivated by seizing Venezuela's oil resources instead of targeting drug-trafficking.

Links were drawn to the heightened alert in Denmark amid U.S. threats to annex Greenland, warning of a revived "backyard" mindset akin to the Monroe Doctrine.

In Portugal, the daily Publico published multiple opinion pieces noting the invasion and seizure of Venezuela's leader resembled an irreversible return to a "Wild West" logic of plunder and coercive resource seizure rather than any modern rules-based framework.

Scholars across Europe also raised alarms. Dana Lusa, a political scientist at the University of Zagreb, told Croatian Radiotelevision that the action was an intrusion into sovereignty with no international legitimacy, representing a regression toward "the law of the stronger."

International politics professor Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos, speaking to Greece's national broadcaster, said recent U.S. military actions reflect a return to unilateralism and hegemonic behavior, bypassing both the UN Security Council and domestic checks.

STRATEGIC DILEMMA

Analysts comment that Europe's official reaction is driven less by uncertainty about legal principles than by strategic constraints, above all, the desire to avoid alienating Washington at a time when Europe relies heavily on U.S. support in solving the Ukraine crisis.

Zoltan Kiszelly, director of the Center of Political Analyses at Hungary's Szazadveg Foundation, said European leaders, particularly those of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have coordinated their public messaging to avoid sharply criticizing the intervention, largely out of concern that doing so could weaken Washington's support for Ukraine.

Alicia Garcia-Herrero, a senior fellow at Bruegel, said Europe now faces a harsh reality: "The U.S. no longer stands for democratic values and respect for international law. Instead, it has adopted the logic of the autocracies."

She said what happened in Venezuela "should serve as a wake-up call for Europe to act aggressively on a united foreign policy and defense."

Chris Kremidas-Courtney, a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre, said Washington appears increasingly focused on rooting its power firmly in the Western Hemisphere, adding that the most immediate spillover may not be in Latin America but in Ukraine and European security, as U.S. willingness to provide security beyond its hemisphere becomes more transactional and fragile.

Alberto Alemanno, a Jean Monnet professor of EU law at HEC Paris, argues that this reality leaves Europe trapped. To accept the raid is to hollow out the legal case against Russia's war with Ukraine; to condemn it is to risk fracturing the transatlantic alliance when it is needed most.

According to Alemanno, this dilemma exposes whether the "rules-based order" retains genuine normative weight or serves merely as a legitimizing discourse for Western power.

"EU member state governments are reacting differently to the 'news,' and EU leaders appear hesitant in taking any stance," Alemanno concluded. "What is in fact a stance in itself complicity." 
A man fatally shot as he was driving in Harrisburg last week has been identified as Mehki Brooks, 20, of West Hanover Township.

The coroner released Brooks name on Tuesday. His cause of death was a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The manner of death was ruled homicide

Brooks was driving in the area of 26th and Duke streets when someone shot at his car, breaking out the back window.

Brooks kept driving, but lost consciousness and crashed into two parked vehicles about a mile away on South 25th Street near Burma Street.

An ambulance rushed him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have not released any information on a possible motive or any suspect information.

His death was the 13th homicide of the year for 2025, compared with 24 at the end of 2024.
By Nathan Willison, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

An Ephrata couple have been charged with child endangerment after police say cocaine was found in their 7-year-old sons system after the child suffered a seizure at their home.

Ephrata police charged Elizabeth Amanda Nolan, 30, and Angelo Louie-Patri Zeno, 31, with endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment after their son was hospitalized and found to have cocaine in his system in November 2024.

The boy was transported to WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital on Nov. 19, 2024, after falling unconscious and having a seizure, according to a criminal complaint filed by police on Friday.

Police said a toxicology screen at the hospital revealed the boy had cocaine in his system, and hospital staff reported the incident to Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Service Agency. The child had no prior seizure history, police said.

A Children and Youth Services caseworker told police both parents were drug tested the day of the incident, and Nolan was found to have cocaine in her system, according to the criminal complaint.

During an interview with the boy, police said he informed investigators that an extended member of the family had brought white stuff over to the house.

Police interviewed the family member who admitted to using cocaine at the residence and leaving residue on a chessboard. The chessboard was in an area accessible to the child, police said. The family member had not been charged by police as of Monday afternoon, according to court documents.

Nolan told police last January she cleaned the cocaine residue from the chessboard and denied using cocaine since her early 20s. She was unable to explain the drug test results.

Nolan and Zeno are each free on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing for both is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 16. An attorney for the couple was not listed in the court dockets on Monday. Efforts to contact Nolan and Zeno were unsuccessful.
A knife-wielding man who was fatally shot by police at a Piscataway, New Jersey, house Monday evening was identified Tuesday by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, along with the three people who were found dead inside the home.

The man gunned down by police was Jordan Barnes, 29, of Piscataway, the attorney generals office said in a statement Tuesday night.

The three people discovered dead inside the home on River Road were identified as Jeanmarie Barnes, 60, Brenda F. Barnes, 84, and Richard A. Barnes, 86.

The attorney generals office has not said how they are related, but Piscataway Mayor Brian C. Wahler told reporters Tuesday morning that they were Jordans mother and grandparents.

Wahler also said the knife-wielding man was the person responsible for the three deaths inside the house.

Officers were called to the house around 5:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call from another relative of Jordan, the office said.

Jordans father is the one who called 911 to report his son was armed with a knife, according to the mayor.

The crime scene at a Piscataway house where three people were found dead Monday night, Jan. 5, 2026. Authorities said police officers who arrived at the scene shot and killed an armed man who allegedly killed the people inside. Chris Pedota | For NJ Advance Media

While one officer attempted to speak with Jordan through the closed front door, Piscataway Police Officer John Ward looked through the front doors sidelight and saw two people lying unresponsive inside on the floor, the attorney generals office said.

Officers then opened the front door and found Jordan holding a kitchen knife, the office said.

Police commanded Jordan to put the knife down and get on the ground, but he did neither, investigators said.

Three officers deployed their tasers, but Jordan continued to walk toward them, leading Ward to fire his service weapon, striking Jordan, authorities said.

Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived, the attorney generals office said. Authorities said they recovered two knives near Jordan, and he was later pronounced dead.

After the shooting, police found Jeanmarie, Brenda and Richard Barnes dead inside the home with multiple stab wounds, officials said.

Their deaths are under investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, which has not commented on the matter.

On Monday night, Piscataway police described the incident as a homicide and said there was no danger to the general public. They didnt release any additional information on Tuesday.

There had been no history of police being dispatched to the house for domestic violence, Wahler said Tuesday.
By Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES  On the morning of March 5, 2001, Charles Andy Williams took a black revolver that hed gotten from his fathers locked gun cabinet and calmly and methodically unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the bathroom, hallway and quad of Santana High School.

Two students died and 13 people were wounded in the attack at the suburban San Diego school, which then-President George W. Bush described as a disgraceful act of cowardice. Williams, who was 15 at the time of the rampage, pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in adult court to 50 years to life in prison.

Now, in a matter of months, he may walk free.

On Tuesday, a Superior Court judge granted Williams request to recall his sentence under a California law that allows for the resentencing of juvenile cases that were tried in adult court. This means Williams will be transferred to the juvenile court system, where he could become eligible for immediate release from prison.

The San Diego County District Attorneys Office strongly opposes the resentencing and has filed an appeal to prevent the hearing from going forward.

California's Santana High School freshman Charles Andy Williams is taken by sheriffs deputies to Juvenile Hall in San Diego on March 5, 2001. Now 39, Williams is hoping to be freed from prison. (Charlie Neuman/The San Diego Tribune/TNS, file) TNS

This defendant carried out a calculated, cold-blooded attack during which he executed two young students and shot 11 other students and two school officials, forever traumatizing a community, said District Attorney Summer Stephan in a statement. As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety, and the defendants cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed.

Williams, who is 39, became eligible for youth offender parole in September 2024, at which time the Parole Board deemed him a threat to public safety and unsuitable for release.

Through the juvenile resentencing process, Williams would be released without any parole supervision or determination that such a move would not pose a risk to public safety, according to the district attorneys office.

These same opportunities were not given to the two victims who were executed, Stephan said. They wont be released from the grave and returned to their families.

At Tuesdays court hearing, Williams attorney Laura Sheppard said she wished Williams could be given the chance to rebuild his life without his release causing more pain to victims of the attack, according to reporting from NBC7.

I dont like being part of the cause of their pain, she said, but I dont think two wrongs make a right, and I dont think Mr. Williams needs to spend another year or more in prison, much less potential decades.

Fourteen-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordan were killed in the attack as Williams reloaded his eight-shot gun at least three times and fired more than 30 shots total. Eleven students, a security guard and a special education student teacher were wounded.

Williams was described by classmates as an unhappy boy who was frequently taunted by peers and had told multiple people that he was preparing to go on a shooting rampage on campus once he entered the ninth grade. In his 2024 parole hearing, the board said it was unclear if Williams understood why he committed the horrific act of violence.

He was tried in 2002 as an adult under Proposition 21, a state initiative approved by voters a year prior to the attack that made it easier for teenagers to be prosecuted as adults.

Since then, California law has generally moved away from prosecuting children as adults in many cases and has created new avenues to resentence offenders who were tried in adult court as juveniles.
At least two thieves used a sledgehammer to break into a Lululemon store in Ardmore on Tuesday,

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at the store, located at the Suburban Square shopping center, according to multiple news reports.

Surveillance footage provided by Lower Merion Police shows two masked individuals, both dressed in black, standing outside the shop. One of them then uses a sledgehammer to smash the front door.

The pair then rush into the store, grabbing coats, vests and shirts from the mens section before racing out again, although one of the men quickly returned to take more merchandise.

The men then fled in a U-Haul truck pickup truck, which police said was last seen along Bryn Mawr and Woodbine avenues. heading towards Philadelphia.

Lower Merion Police Superintendent Andy Block told 6ABC that Lululemon clothing is a popular target for thieves, since they can cost $100 or more.

Theyre using it on the market, maybe theyre exchanging it for drugs, or theyre selling it on the black market, he said. Its a highly sought-after item.

Investigators said they dont know yet how many items were stolen from the store.

The same store was targeted by four women who stole armloads of clothes in May 2024.

Anyone with any information on the theft is asked to contact Lower Merion Police.
One of the fun features of visiting the Farm Show these days is the access to Pennsylvania beverage makers and their products.

Pa. producers of wine, cider and beer will all have booths in the Main Hall during this 110th Farm Show.

Twenty-four wineries that are members of the Pennsylvania Winery Association (PWA) are pouring their wines for visitors at their usual location, at Booth No. 1126.

Members of the Pa. Cider Guild will be pouring their product at Booth 1101, and producers associated with the Brewers of Pa. will be located and offering samples at Booth 1500.

The names of the cideries and breweries, and when they will be pouring at the Farm Show, are expected to be released on Friday, the day that the Food Court is accessible from noon to 9 p.m.

The Farm Show will open officially at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. Heres a link to the schedule of events through the closing on Saturday, the 17th.

Free wine tasting will begin at 10 a.m. each day and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, and continue each day until 9 p.m. Full bottles will be available for purchase. Those sampling must be 21+ to participate in tastings. IDs will be checked.

Heres the list of wineries that will be pouring on Jan. 10-13 and the county where each is located.

Allegheny Cellars Winery, Warren County

Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery, Dauphin County

Black Dog Wine Company, Allegheny County

Courtyard Winery, Erie County

Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery, Berks County

Elders Cut Meadery, Berks County

KingView Mead, Wine, & Cider, Allegheny County

La Vigneta Winery, Butler County

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, Centre County

Shade Mountain Winery & Vineyards, Snyder County

Starr Hill Vineyard & Winery, Clearfield County

The Winery at the Long Shot Farm, Cumberland County

Heres the list from Jan. 14-17.

Adams County Winery

Burnt Timbers Winery, Mifflin County

Cellar 54, Erie County

Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery, Centre County

Hungry Run Wine Cellars, Mifflin County

J & P Winery, Dauphin County

Juniata Valley Winery, Juniata County

Mazzotta Winery, Allegheny County

Penn Shore Winery, Erie County

The Vineyard at Hershey, Dauphin County

University Wine Company, Centre County

Woody Lodge Winery, Cambria County

Results from the cider, beer and spirits competitions are all scheduled to be announced this weekend. The awards ceremonies for all three are scheduled for Saturday evening on the PSECU stage.

The Farm Show wine competition also usually takes place on the first Saturday, but its currently not listed on the schedule.
A beloved rock musician suffered a pretty nasty injury last year, forcing him to cancel multiple shows.

Fortunately, this year brings good news for the rocker and his fans.

UltimateClassicRock.com reports that Aldo Nova  a musician and producer from Montreal in Quebec, Canada, whose career took off during the 1980s  has announced he will be taking the stage later this month. Specifically, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal on his home turf on Saturday, Jan. 31.

On top of that, UltimateClassicRock.com states Nova will be performing at the Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield Township, Michigan, on Sunday, Aug. 16, as well as the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire, on Saturday, Sept. 19. These shows are published on each venues site, should you want more information.

The Music Universe notes that Novas upcoming gigs are something of a comeback for the acclaimed Canadian: The Grammy-winning artist suffered a severe cervical spine fracture after an unfortunate fall down a flight of stairs in July, according to his wife, Sylvia Bechard.

Fortunately, Nova provided a positive update just a few months following this serious injury.

great news, a lot of shows in the US will be announced soon, and youll be able to see me and by band rock the house again, the 69-year-old posted on Facebook. I cant wait.

Physio is doing wonders, so Ill be in top shape.

Further information regarding more tour dates from Nova remains pending.
An American rock band is getting ready to go out on tour soon.

However, one of their members will notably be missing.

The PRP reports how Clint Lowery  the guitarist for Atlanta, Georgia-based outfit Sevendust  will be sitting out of the first leg of the bands European tour.

Lowery posted a video to social media explaining the reasons behind his absence on Sunday, Jan. 4, which involve both family obligations and health concerns.

I just wanna say Im excited for the band Sevendust joining Alter Bridge across the pond, a full European tour coming up, said Lowery, as transcribed by Blabbermouth.net. As you guys know, a territory we have not hit enough at all, so it is gonna be a great opportunity for us to expand the band.

Unfortunately, Im not gonna be able to make the front half of this tour for a couple of reasons. First off, family commitments: I made a promise to my to my kids years ago [that] I would not be gone a certain amount of time anymore. Ive done some long stretches in my career, and I have to honor that promise and make sure that Im present for them as well.

Secondly, I had a couple of health issues last year, Lowery continued. I have a couple of tests coming up just to confirm everythings cool there before I join the band.

Tim Tournier, our manager, my dear brother, one of my best. friends, is gonna be filling in on guitar for me over there on the shows that Im gonna miss. Please support him Hes been great. He helped fill in on the Seasons tour that I missed some of the dates one.

Lowery ends with: So please just support the guys: Alter Bridge, Daughtry, Sevendust, my tour family, my brother. Weve got a new record coming out were super excited about. So look out for details for that. Support the band. We love you guys so much. God bless everyone.

Sevendusts tour kicks off in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday, Jan. 15.
WASHINGTON (AP)  CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames, who betrayed Western intelligence assets to the Soviet Union and Russia in one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in U.S. history, has died in a Maryland prison. He was 84.

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed Ames died Monday.

Former CIA agent Aldrich Ames leaves federal court after pleading guilty to espionage and tax evasion conspiracy charges in Alexandria, Va., Thursday, April 28, 1994. He has died at 84. (AP Photo/Denis Paquin) AP

Ames, a 31-year CIA veteran, admitted being paid $2.5 million by Moscow for U.S. secrets from 1985 until his arrest in 1994. His disclosures included the identities of 10 Russian officials and one Eastern European who were spying for the United States or Great Britain, along with spy satellite operations, eavesdropping and general spy procedures.

His betrayals are blamed for the executions of Western agents working behind the Iron Curtain and were a major setback to the CIA during the Cold War.

He pleaded guilty without a trial to espionage and tax evasion and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors said he deprived the United States of valuable intelligence material for years.

He professed profound shame and guilt for this betrayal of trust, done for the basest motives, money to pay debts. But he downplayed the damage he caused, telling the court he did not believe he had noticeably damaged the United States or noticeably aided Moscow.

These spy wars are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years, he told the court, questioning the value that leaders of any country derived from vast networks of human spies around the globe.

In a jailhouse interview with The Washington Post the day before he was sentenced, Ames said he was motivated to spy by financial troubles, immediate and continuing.

Ames was working in the Soviet/Eastern European division at the CIAs headquarters in Langley, Virginia, when he first approached the KGB, according to an FBI history of the case. He continued passing secrets to the Soviets while stationed in Rome for the CIA and after returning to Washington. Meanwhile, the U.S. intelligence community was frantically trying to figure out why so many agents were getting discovered by Moscow.

Amess wife, Rosario, pleaded guilty to lesser espionage charges of assisting his spying and was sentenced to 63 months in prison.

Amess spying coincided with that of FBI agent Robert Hanssen, who was caught in 2001 and charged with taking $1.4 million in cash and diamonds to sell secrets to Moscow. He died in prison in 2023.
By REGINA GARCIA CANO, AAMER MADHANI and MEGAN JANETSKY, The Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would be providing 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., and he pledged to use proceeds from the sale of this oil to benefit the people of both countries.

The White House is organizing a meeting on Friday with U.S. oil company executives to discuss Venezuela, which the Trump administration has been pressuring to open its vast-but-struggling oil industry more widely to American investment and know-how. Representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips are expected to attend the White House meeting, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the plans.

Earlier Tuesday, officials in Caracas announced that at least 24 Venezuelan security officers were killed in the dead-of-night U.S. military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro and spirit him to the United States to face drug charges. And the countrys acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, pushed back on Trump, who earlier this week warned shed face an outcome worse than Maduros if she does not do whats right and overhaul Venezuela into a country that aligns with U.S. interests, including by granting access to American energy companies.

Rodriguez, delivering an address Tuesday before government agricultural and industrial sector officials, said, Personally, to those who threaten me: My destiny is not determined by them, but by God.

Venezuelas Attorney General Tarek William Saab said overall dozens of officers and civilians were killed in the weekend strike in Caracas and said prosecutors would investigate the deaths in what he described as a war crime. He didnt specify if the estimate was specifically referring to Venezuelans.

In addition to the Venezuelan security officials, Cubas government had previously confirmed that 32 Cuban military and police officers working in Venezuela were killed in the raid. The Cuban government says the personnel killed belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, the countrys two main security agencies.

Seven U.S. service members were also injured in the raid, according to the Pentagon. Five have already returned to duty, while two are still recovering from their injuries. The injuries included gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment on the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A video tribute to the slain Venezuelan security officials posted to the militarys Instagram account features faces of the fallen over black-and-white videos of soldiers, American aircraft flying over Caracas and armored vehicles destroyed by the blasts. Meanwhile, the streets of Caracas, deserted for days following Maduros capture, briefly filled with masses of people waving Venezuelan flags and bouncing to patriotic music at a state-organized display of support for the government.

Their spilled blood does not cry out for vengeance, but for justice and strength, the military wrote in an Instagram post. It reaffirms our unwavering oath not to rest until we rescue our legitimate President, completely dismantle the terrorist groups operating from abroad, and ensure that events such as these never again sully our sovereign soil.

Questions about the future of Venezuelan oil

With oil trading at roughly $56 a barrel, the transaction Trump announced late Tuesday could be worth as much as $2.8 billion. The U.S. goes through an average of roughly 20 million barrels a day of oil and related products, so Venezuelas transfer would be the equivalent of as much as two and a half days of supply, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Despite Venezuela having the worlds largest proven crude oil reserves, it only produces on average about one million barrels a day, significantly below the U.S. average daily production of 13.9 million barrels a day during October.

Government supporters gather for a women's march to demand the return of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, three days after U.S. forces captured him and his wife. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP

The press office for Venezuelas government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trumps announcement.

ExxonMobil is developing a mammoth offshore oil deposit in the waters off Guyana, Venezuelas neighbor to the east. The companys major oil discovery in 2015 prompted Venezuela to revive a century-old territorial dispute with Guyana and take steps to annex the remote region known as Essequibo, which comprises about two-thirds of Guyanas land mass.

The development has also led to wide-ranging accusations from Venezuelas government, including Rodriguez, against Guyanas leaders and ExxonMobil. Two years ago, Venezuelan lawmakers even considered banning any future operation in Venezuela of oil companies working in Guyana.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump pushed back against Democratic criticism of this weekends military operation, noting that his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden had also called for the arrest of the Venezuelan leader on drug trafficking charges.

Trump, in remarks before a House Republican retreat in Washington, grumbled that Democrats were not giving him credit for a successful military operation, even though there was bipartisan agreement that Maduro was not the rightful president of Venezuela.

In 2020, Maduro was indicted in the United States, accused in a decades-long narco-terrorism and international cocaine trafficking conspiracy. White House officials have noted that Bidens administration in his final days in office last year raised the award for information leading to Maduros arrest after he assumed a third term in office despite evidence suggesting that he lost Venezuelas most recent election. The Trump administration doubled the award to $50 million in August.

You know, at some point, they should say, You know, you did a great job. Thank you. Congratulations. Wouldnt it be good? Trump said. I would say that if they did a good job, their philosophies are so different. But if they did a good job, Id be happy for the country. Theyve been after this guy for years and years and years.

What US opinion polls show

Americans are split about the capture of Maduro  with many still forming opinions  according to a poll conducted by The Washington Post and SSRS using text messages over the weekend. About 4 in 10 approved of the U.S. military being sent to capture Maduro, while roughly the same share were opposed. About 2 in 10 were unsure.

Nearly half of Americans, 45%, were opposed to the U.S. taking control of Venezuela and choosing a new government for the country. About 9 in 10 Americans said the Venezuelan people should be the ones to decide the future leadership of their country.

Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a U.S. courtroom on Monday. U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife early Saturday in a raid on a compound where they were surrounded by Cuban guards.

In the days since Maduros ouster, Trump and top administration officials have raised anxiety around the globe that the operation could mark the beginning of a more expansionist U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. The president in recent days has renewed his calls for an American takeover of the Danish territory of Greenland for the sake of U.S. security interests and threatened military action on Colombia for facilitating the global sale of cocaine, while his top diplomat declared the communist government in Cubais in a lot of trouble.

Colombia responds to Trump

Colombias Foreign Affairs Minister Rosa Villavicencio said Tuesday shell meet with the U.S. Embassys charge daffaires in Bogota to present him with a formal complaint over the recent threats issued by the United States.

FILE - Venezuela's Foreign Relations Minister Delcy Rodriguez gives a news conference after a private meeting with U.S. Charge d'Affaires Lee McClenny in Caracas, Venezuela, March 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) AP

On Sunday, Trump said he wasnt ruling out an attack on Colombia and described its president, whos been an outspoken critic of the U.S. pressure campaign on Venezuela, as a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.

Villavicencio said shes hoping to strengthen relations with the United States and improve cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

It is necessary for the Trump administration to know in more detail about all that we are doing in the fight against drug trafficking, she said.

Meanwhile, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom on Tuesday joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in defending Greenlands sovereignty. The island is a self-governing territory of the kingdom of Denmark and thus part of the NATO military alliance.

Greenland belongs to its people, the statement said. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Madhani reported from Washington and Janetsky from Mexico City. AP writers Josh Boak, Konstantin Toropin, Sagar Meghani, Isabel DeBre, Linley Sanders and Manuel Rueda contributed reporting.
MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Armed Forces had struck multiple Ukrainian military targets, including drone-related sites, military depots, and temporary deployment points, Russia's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, the strikes targeted facilities involved in the production, storage, pre-flight preparation, and launch of long-range drones, as well as ammunition depots, military equipment warehouses, and temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed forces across 140 locations.

The ministry added that Russian air defense systems intercepted a rocket fired from a U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and shot down 106 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the past day. 
By ALEX VEIGA, The Associated Press

ALTADENA, Calif. (AP)  It is a sight Ted Koerner feared he might never see again after his house burned down: His treasured golden retriever, Daisy Mae, playing in his backyard, under the shade of his 175-year-old Heritage Oak.

A year ago, as the wind-swept Eaton Fire moved in, Koerner fled with then 12-year-old Daisy Mae, grabbing a couple pairs of sweats, long-sleeved shirts, a pillow and two pictures of the dog. He drove away as the flames were at the end of his street in Altadena.

Koerner and Daisy Mae spent the first weeks in a hotel with hundreds of others after the Eaton and Palisades fires destroyed thousands of homes and killed 31 people. They went on walks, the hardened ash crunching beneath his feet and her paws.

Those first few weeks were beyond devastating, he said.

His biggest fear was losing Daisy Mae before he could get through a daunting and costly rebuilding process. Koerner has lived alone with the 75-pound, snow-white dog for 12 years. He takes her with him to restaurants  even five-star steakhouses  without a leash.

Daisy Mae, a dog belonging to Ted Koerner, walks on Koerner's property in Altadena, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) AP

For nearly a year, Koerner raced against time to rebuild his home. He liquidated most of his retirement holdings so he could afford to hire contractors quickly while he waited for his mortgage servicing company to release his insurance payout.

He gave the builder enough money to build at record speed, because I need to get home with my dog before she passes, he recalled telling his mortgage servicing company early on. Because if she passes, I dont want to come here. And this is a very, very, very special dog.

The first time Koerner brought Daisy Mae after construction started, the house was framed, with a roof and openings for windows and doors.

She walked right over to where the front door was supposed to be, went right in the house, walked around the house, walked over to what was the master bedroom sliding door, which was a great big opening, just like it would have been, and sat down and got a big smile on her face and went, OK, the house is still here,  he said.

Ted Koerner, whose home was reduced to ash in the 2025 wildfires, sits on the porch of his newly rebuilt home, alongside his dog Daisy Mae, in Altadena, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) AP

Shortly before Thanksgiving, his home was among the first to be rebuilt of the thousands destroyed in the Los Angeles area wildfires a year ago. Construction took just over four months.

I went into the house and cried a lot, Koerner said. It still has that effect. Im actually home with my dog.
By Kate Sullivan and Sara Sjolin, Bloomberg News (TNS)

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump wont rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland, the White House said, ramping up tension with fellow NATO member Denmark over a dispute thats surged back into public view following the ouster of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Trump is considering many ways of achieving his goal of acquiring the Arctic island, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, Leavitt said. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal.

Still, Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the notion of military action in a briefing with lawmakers on Monday, instead signaling that an invasion was not imminent and that the goal was to buy the island from Denmark, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Nevertheless, Rubios comments paired with Leavitts statement, first reported by Reuters, are likely to further chill relations with Denmark and Greenlands leaders, who have pushed back vehemently against Trumps renewed demands to take control of the island.

The president has mused about making Greenland part of the U.S. since his first term, but has ramped up the rhetoric after launching a military operation last week to oust Venezuelas Maduro from power.

In a bid to resolve the issue, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the governments of Denmark and Greenland requested a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said in a Facebook post that the aim of the talks would be to discuss the United States strong statements regarding Greenland.

U.S. officials have only continued to intensify their rhetoric over the issue. In an interview with CNN, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that in a world governed by strength, the U.S. has a right to take the territory.

This is of course not something we can agree to, Lokke Rasmussen said. And it is also not something that Greenland has any ambitions of agreeing to, so that is obviously a red line.
By Henry Savage, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

A third person has died following the fire at a Bucks County nursing home that claimed the lives of two other people and injured 20 others days before Christmas.

Bristol Township identified resident Patricia Mero, 66, as the latest death following the explosion and fire that destroyed parts of the Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township on Dec. 23.

Mero died Monday morning, according to the Bucks County Coroners Office, nearly two weeks after the explosion. The cause of death was listed as a chest trauma, the manner of death an accident.

Nurse Muthoni Nduthu and a woman whom Bristol Township Police identified as Ann Reddy, another resident, were also killed in the fire.

First responders work the scene of an explosion and fire at Bristol Health & Rehab Center on Dec. 23, 2025, in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. (Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS, file) TNS

An explosion occurred at the nursing home in the early afternoon on Dec. 23, flattening a section of the building that collapsed the first floor and sent people and debris tumbling into the basement. Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito said that at one point, a heavy odor of gas forced firefighters out of the building, only for another explosion to go off 30 seconds later.

Many residents and visitors of the 174-bed nursing home reported the smell of gas in the days leading up to the disaster. Additionally, PECO Energy Co. had visited the nursing home hours before the explosion.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the cause of the fire, while the owners of the nursing home, Saber Healthcare Group, PECO and others are being sued.

On Monday, the NTSB said it had completed on-scene work in Bristol and would release a preliminary report on its findings by early February.

The investigation into the fire will likely take months, with experts telling The Inquirer that federal investigators would focus on PECO and the nursing home operators actions leading up to the explosion.
UPDATE: Pa. man was DUI during fatal buggy crash in Lancaster County: police

Pennsylvania State Police in Lancaster County responded Wednesday to a fatal crash involving a horse and buggy.

Troopers around 1:30 p.m. were dispatched to the 4000 block of Strasburg Road in Salisbury Township for a two-vehicle crash.

One person died at the scene, police said. Their identity hasnt been released.

As of 3:15 p.m., Strasburg Road is closed and will remain so for an extended time. It is unclear what caused the crash or if anyone else was injured.

Pennsylvania State Police forensic and collision reconstruction specialists are investigating the crash.
A firefighter on Wednesday fell through the floor and landed on another firefighter while battling a blaze at a Franklin County home, according to the responding agency.

Around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, crews with the Franklin Fire Company were dispatched to the 300 block of East King Street in Chambersburg for a two-story home on fire.

First responders rescued one person from the home using a ladder. Flames were found on both the first and second floors.

During a search, firefighters noted the floors had several holes throughout the home.

After crews went to the second floor, a firefighter fell through the floor and landed on another firefighter below.

The fire captain immediately sent out a mayday call, which was canceled moments later after the two firefighters were able to exit the home through a nearby door.

No firefighters reported injuries, and all crew members returned to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unclear.
When Jeff and Joan McPartland went to their local emergency room on Friday, they were stunned by what they encountered.

We walked into that emergency room, and it was bedlam, said Jeff McPartland of Camp Hill. There were sick people all over the place...coughing and hacking their lungs out. When I left that night, they were still sitting there in the ER. I mean it was just as full.

Joan McPartland, who went to the emergency room at UPMC West Shore in Hampden Township with complications following back surgery, was among the few people there that day for non-respiratory illnesses.

I mean, the nurses told us, Jeff McPartland said.

As influenza cases surge across dozens of states, hospitals and health officials in Pennsylvania are characterizing the current flu season as severe  and likely to get worse.

According to federal data, 42 people have died from flu-related complications in Pennsylvania this season.

Its clear that it is higher than it typically has been during the last several seasons, said Dr. John Goldman, infectious disease specialist at UPMC in central Pennsylvania. If you look specifically at Pennsylvania, its actually classified as high, but its not at the very highest.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts currently have higher rates of influenza than Pennsylvania.

A lot of states around us have higher levels of the flu, Goldman said. The way Im interpreting that is that the flu is probably going to get worse here.

Health officials track the number of people going to the ER with flu symptoms, not the number who are formally diagnosed.

Health officials typically consider a 3% outpatient respiratory illness visits the threshold for the start of the flu season. In the past few weeks, that rate has shot up to 8%, surpassing that of recent years.

To put that into perspective, thats higher than its been at any point during Covid since at least 2020, Goldman said. So anytime within the last five years. Typically, what we see is the flu season really start to go up in early January, if were lucky. It peaks during the first or second, sometimes the third week in January, and then begins to go down. Its not clear its going straight up right now. So its not clear that its reached its peak.

The flu sends people to the hospital

Patient visits to the ER at Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, for example, is markedly elevated, according to Dr. Dan McLaughlin, medical director of the emergency department.

Winter season is typically busy at the medical center, but it is more pronounced this year, he said, up about 10% compared to the same time last year.

He said December 2025 was 6% busier than December 2024.

The state health department of health is tracking flu activity in Pennsylvania, and currently rates it as stable, even though it rates very high. Activity is also increasing rapidly for RSV and COVID-19.

While increases in respiratory viruses are typical during winter months, there are indications that this respiratory virus season may be more intense than usual, and the full impact will not be apparent for weeks, an official from the department said in an email to PennLive.

According to state health data, the flu as of Jan. 3, has accounted for:

50,221 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases

4,922 adult hospital admissions

1,234 pediatric hospital admissions

42 flu-related deaths

The percent of emergency department visits with flu diagnosis is currently very high for all ages statewide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 33,000 people were admitted to a hospital as a result of respiratory illness in the past week.

The CDC estimates that at least 11 million Americans have taken ill as a result of the flu, with about 120,000 of them ending up admitted into a hospital. The agency is reporting 5,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Eight children have died.

Goldman said most people admitted to hospitals have underlying health conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, emphysema or other respiratory conditions. These health risks make people more vulnerable to the flu and can easily lead to health complications compared to healthy individuals.

I left my crystal ball at home today, but if I were to predict, I would predict its going to go up for the next couple of weeks, Goldman said. And were going to see increasing visits to the ER and increasing hospitalizations. I hope to be wrong.

New strain side steps flu shot

Health experts are attributing much of the flu surge to the strain known as A H3N2, which has historically caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. The strain accounts for the prevalent flu strain this season. Health experts are particularly tracking the H3N2 subclade K variant, which is being reported in 90% of cases. The strain is a different variant from the strain in this years flu shots.

The so-called subclade K led to early outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada this year.

Theres no evidence that this new subclade causes more severe disease or results in hospitalizations or death with more frequency, Goldman said. However, when you have more flu, you have more people who end up being hospitalized or end up dying simply because if you have a greater number, even if the percentage who end up with severe disease remains the same, if you have more cases, you have more severe disease.

Because the subclade K is getting around pre-existing immunity from the vaccine or other infections, more people are getting the flu, he explained.

Approximately 90% of flu-related deaths and flu-related hospitalizations are seen in people 65 and older.

While the Trump administration no longer recommends flu shots or other types of vaccines for all children, many health experts are standing by the long-held protocol in this country in favor of vaccines.

Its not too late to get the flu vaccine, Goldman said. We would recommend the flu shot for everyone. We strongly recommend it for people above the age of 65 and those with pre-existing conditions. And given that the flu season this year is more severe, were strongly recommending that if you have not gotten the flu shot yet, you should get it.

Early data show this years flu vaccine is effective at reducing influenza-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions, officials from the state Department of Health said.

Public health experts consistently state that the vaccine still provides strong protection against severe illness, department officials said in an email.

How can you tell if what you have is the flu or Covid? There really is only one sure way to determine. Thats because both the flu and Covid can induce coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue, runny noses, head and body pains, sore throats and gastrointestinal issues, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The onset of symptoms may provide a key differentiator. Covid often comes on gradually; while with the flu, people frequently describe feeling like theyve suddenly been hit by a dump truck, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told The New York Times.

The only sure way to discern one from the other is to test.

Advice from the doctor

If you are feeling under the weather, stay home.

We all know people who are sneezing, coughing. They look like they have the flu. Stay away from those people, Goldman said. Dont invite them to dinner. If you yourself are sick, then we do recommend that you stay home from work, you stay home from school, and, you know, if you have elderly parents, for example, you dont go visit them. If youre young and healthy, getting the flu may not be a big deal for you. On the other hand, if you give it to your elderly parents or elderly grandparents, it may be a big deal for them.

Is going to the ER the right decision? Goldmans advice for young and/or healthy people is to stay home; maybe check in with their doctor. People older than 65 should seek medical attention and possibly anti-viral medicines such as Tamiflu.

Older people should also get tested to ensure its not Covid or Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus that can be serious for infants, older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions.

Goldman said he is not recommending that people wear masks.

To date, most hospitals are urgent care facilties in central Pennsylvania are not requiring people to mask, although many have signs posted that anyone with an active cough should mask up.

While at the ER last Friday, the McPartlands erred on the side of caution.

We immediately grabbed masks that they had available and put them on, but hardly anybody was wearing them, Jeff McPartland said.

He reports that his wife, who was admitted, is much improved and that he is pleased with the care she is getting at UPMC West Shore.

I mean, shes not out of the woods by any means, but, yeah, theyre taking excellent care of her, he said.
By Zoe Greenberg, Aubrey Whelan, Ryan Briggs, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  Christina Gallo and Daniel Zehnder came to McPherson Square in the Kensington neighborhood looking for a fix, as they did almost every day.

But on this day in late April, an SUV pulled up. A woman bounded out with an offer that sounded like a miracle: an all-expenses-paid trip for free treatment at a luxury rehab center in California.

Gallo and Zehnder, both then 37, hoped their lives were finally about to turn around after two decades struggling with addiction.

We wanted to get clean, Gallo said.

Within days, they were in a Lyft from their Bucks County trailer to the Philadelphia airport. Everything  the Lyft, the flight, the rehab  had been paid for, by whom they did not know.

They landed at a treatment facility in Los Angeles with a gleaming swimming pool, but said they did not see doctors or nurses and were offered little medical treatment to ease their agonizing withdrawal symptoms. Within a few days, the couple had left the clinic, relapsed, and the life-changing trip they envisioned ended in an ambulance rushing to a nearby hospital, where Gallo was admitted to intensive care.

Their California dreams were dashed. But the trip notched another recruitment for The Rehab Specialist, a year-old operation that makes money by scouting the streets for people in addiction to send to independently run rehab centers across the country.

Rehab Specialist recruiters working in Philadelphia offered free plane tickets, housing, and medical care  and at times cash, cell phones, cigarettes, and clothes  to entice people into recovery homes, Inquirer reporters found in interviews with seven people who had firsthand knowledge of the recruiting tactics.

With a single conversation in Kensington, recruiters also got willing patients enrolled in private health insurance that could pay higher rates, often without the patients understanding what they had signed up for  until bills started to arrive.

Businesses like The Rehab Specialist operate as middlemen in an industry where one persons recovery can be cashed in for hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance payments.

Some referral and marketing services in the addiction treatment industry are legal. But the business is also notoriously rife with insurance fraud and patient brokering  a term that describes referrals to specific clinics in exchange for illegal kickbacks or bribes.

Pennsylvania is seeing a resurgence of patient brokering, according to tracking in 2023 by Highmark Health, a Pittsburgh-based Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate. Such schemes are especially a concern in Kensington, home to one of the nations largest open-air drug markets.

Federal laws and a patchwork of state laws are supposed to protect vulnerable people. Prosecutors have limited resources, however, and rarely investigate low-level players.

Pennsylvania considered stronger laws after a major scandal. In 2019, federal and state prosecutors uncovered a multimillion-dollar insurance fraud scheme at Liberation Way, a Bucks County recovery home. The abuses spurred Pennsylvania lawmakers to introduce legislation that would have made it a felony to use money or services to lure patients into addiction rehabs and other healthcare facilities. The measure died without advancing to a vote.

People get pretty brazen when nobodys looking, said Alan Johnson, chief assistant state attorney in Palm Beach County and a national expert on fraud in the industry.

Johnson called a description of The Rehab Specialists practices classic patient brokering.

For months, Philadelphia advocates for people in addiction circulated warnings about the business and posted photos of its recruiters on Facebook. They tried to alert police, but never heard back.

The Philadelphia Police Department did not respond to requests for comment, and the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said it has not opened an investigation and declined to comment on The Rehab Specialists practices. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office also declined comment.

On social media, The Rehab Specialists director and founder, Gus Tarrant, strongly disputed critics who accused his business of patient brokering.

I have never and would never give a client money to go to rehab or encourage them to cycle in and out of programs, Tarrant wrote in a March post to a Facebook group that monitors addiction treatment.

Megan McDonald and Jerome Hayward at a drop-in center in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. (Zoe Greenberg/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS

Tarrant, in a June interview with The Inquirer, reiterated that he and his business have done nothing wrong.

Tarrant said that his operation has a national focus and came to Philadelphia this spring because the city has the worst drug epidemic in the country.

Tarrant said his recruiters send patients out of their home state to avoid triggers for relapse, a practice he strongly believes in, having gone through his own recovery from addiction about five years ago. (Though popular in some recovery circles, some research suggests that it can be less effective than getting treatment closer to home, where people have established support networks.)

Our goal is to help as many people as we can, Tarrant said. Now based in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Tarrant has channeled his experience into starting at least two businesses in the past five years focused on people in addiction.

He said rehab centers pay his business a flat fee to arrange for people from Kensington to receive treatment in California, but declined to share details. Two Los Angeles treatment centers told The Inquirer they had paid Tarrant and his operation a flat fee for marketing, but both also declined to give specific details of the arrangement.

On business cards, Tarrants title is listed as The Rehab Specialists founding partner; his LinkedIn profile says he started working there in 2024.

The Inquirer was unable to find any documentation indicating the business was formally incorporated in a search of state corporate registries where its recruiters and Tarrant have operated. The Inquirer also did not identify any lawsuits filed against The Rehab Specialist.

The Inquirer interviewed Tarrant by phone this summer. He did not return multiple calls, texts, and emails this month requesting additional comment.

Reporters interviewed five people who were approached by The Rehab Specialists recruiters on the street, and another two whose relatives were recruited.

All shared similar stories about how the process worked. Two said they enjoyed eating chef-made meals and benefited from group therapy and daily outings in Los Angeles.

One mother said her son ultimately decided not to board the plane to California, though he continued to receive frequent calls from Rehab Specialist recruiters urging him to travel for treatment. In another case, a woman said her brother did not get the care he needed in California and ended up in the ICU.

Gallo and Zehnder were among the three people interviewed who said the medical care they received in California did not meet their expectations for a luxury rehab facility. The couple blames The Rehab Specialist for launching them on a journey that ended with them worse off than before.

I dont know if they have the intention of trying to help people, Gallo said, but theyre going about it totally the wrong way.

Lofty promises and dire warnings

The fliers that The Rehab Specialist recruiters passed out in Kensington featured photos of a Spanish Colonial-style mansion surrounded by palm trees, with a pool in the backyard. They advertised holistic treatment including equine therapy, medical detox, and an intensive outpatient program.

All that, in sunny California.

The pitch has particular appeal in Philadelphia, where people have struggled through long waits to access medical detox programs that allow patients to withdraw under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. These programs typically offer medications to help ease intense withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and agitation, all of which have become more dangerous as potent animal tranquilizers and industrial chemicals contaminate the local drug supply.

Despite often lofty promises, the addiction treatment industry has long seen high-profile prosecutions over exploitative practices.

In the Philadelphia area, the Liberation Way prosecution sent the companys CEO and medical director to federal prison. Prosecutors said the center had signed patients up for private insurance plans and paid their premiums. It then charged insurers for shoddy or unnecessary treatment that resulted in excessive insurance payouts.

A few years later in 2022, New Jersey officials found numerous cases of addiction providers illegally paying workers to direct patients with private insurance to their facilities. A second investigation in 2024 prompted two new state laws cracking down on patient brokering.

California and Florida in particular have emerged as hot spots for addiction treatment fraud. In South Florida, a 2022 federal prosecution of a $112-million scheme led to prison sentences for eight people accused of using cash bribes and free rides, flights, drugs, and alcohol to attract patients to a rehab center. The payments were distributed via a network of lower-level street recruiters, purportedly hired for marketing, according to an affidavit from the case.

California, with its large number of rehab centers and overburdened regulators, has become such a magnet for fraud that industry insiders refer to the greater Los Angelesarea as Rehab Riviera.

But addiction treatment scams are often ignored because they involve sprawling national investigations that require significant resources. State prosecutors cant justify the expense and federal prosecutors wont take on low-level fraudsters, according to Johnson. Palm Beach County prosecutors stepped up enforcement after the state passed stricter laws in 2017.

You have to prioritize cases. This is not high on their hit list, unless its going to make a big splash, said Deb Herzog, a former federal prosecutor turned fraud investigator at Anthem Blue Cross.

Warnings about The Rehab Specialist instead came from Melissa Ruby, 46, and other local advocates. Ruby runs a Facebook group dedicated to monitoring patient brokering nationwide, and started sharing photos on social media as soon as the recruiters showed up in Kensington. She did the same when they were reportedly spotted in Pittsburgh.

She said she also alerted a Philadelphia police officer who runs an independent nonprofit to help people in addiction, but never heard back.

For Ruby, the issue is personal: She has a relative who was a victim of patient brokering.

BEWARE!! she wrote in a March post about The Rehab Specialist, punctuated with red stop sign emojis. No good will come from any of this!!

Tarrant, the Rehab Specialist director, was a member of Rubys Facebook group at the time and wrote that the vast majority of the negative information Ruby had posted about him was completely wrong.

I am not paid by the client or any referral fees based on clients sent, Tarrant wrote.

When asked in the Facebook group why The Rehab Specialist was sending patients out of state on free flights, he declined to answer, writing that he believed the questions were in bad faith. He encouraged people to reach out to him directly so he could explain.

After a few weeks, Ruby kicked him out of the group. Adios, Gus! she wrote.

A sunny pitch in Kensington

One day in April, two female Rehab Specialist recruiters introduced themselves to Samuel Rosato, 47 at the time, as he got off the El near Kensington. He was immediately intrigued.

They were just real pretty and tan, Rosato said.

They later said all they needed were a few identifying details, and they would be able to set him up with private insurance that would pay for everything at a luxury rehab out west.

Rosato scribbled down his Social Security number and handed over his ID card. Within 10 minutes, he said, the recruiters told him they had secured him Blue Cross Blue Shieldinsurance. Rosato, like others interviewed by The Inquirer, did not know who was paying for his insurance or lodging.

The Rehab Specialist recruiters, whose names he shared with The Inquirer, are not licensed insurance brokers or healthcare navigators in Pennsylvania.

Melissa Ruby, an activist who runs a national Facebook group to monitor patient brokering, in Philadelphia in October. (Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS

Allison Hoffman, a health law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said that without more information on how patients were signed up for insurance plans, it is difficult to say definitively whether insurance laws were violated. But, she added, it sounds potentially illegal.

Tarrant said his employees dont deal with any of the insurance. He said they do not directly enroll clients in insurance, but rather direct recruits to independent, licensed insurance brokers.

Patients sign up for the insurance themselves, he said. He declined to say more, citing patient confidentiality.

A week later, Rosato said an Uber picked him up at his mothers home in Northeast Philadelphia for his flight to California. He said he was joined by three other people from Kensington who told him they had also been recruited by The Rehab Specialist.

I love it out here, Rosato said in June, several months into his recovery in California. Im trying to rebuild my life now, starting at the bottom. (Rosato stopped responding to calls and texts from The Inquirer in the fall; his mother said this month that hes back in Philadelphia, but she is not sure where.)

Jerome Hayward, 48 at the time, and his girlfriend, Megan McDonald, 39 at the time, also didnt ask too many questions when they were recruited in front of a Kensington soup kitchen and traveled separately to California in the spring.

Told only that she had been approved for treatment, McDonald said she didnt realize she had been signed up for a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan until she received paperwork at a hospital.

How would we pay for it? McDonald asked. Because were broke. We got no money.

A rising entrepreneur

Tarrant rose in the rehab industry after getting his start vacuuming floors at a rehab company run by LaMitchell Person, a mentor who Tarrant credited for giving him the opportunity to get sober and clean, in an interview with a local news station in California. The two later became business partners.

They were working together at a California rehab company in 2021 when a 22-year-old named Dean Rea died of a fentanyl overdose after leaving an associated sober home.

Reas mother later accused Tarrant, Person, and other employees of contributing to the death in a lawsuit filed against the facility, Ken Seeley Communities. Neither Tarrant nor Person, then the facilitys executive director, was named as a defendant in the case.

In court records, Reas mother claimed Tarrant falsely told Rea that his insurance wouldnt cover more intensive treatment elsewhere.

Gus is, essentially, a salesman whose goal is to admit as many patients to KSC as possible, their legal complaint said. The rehab company denied the allegations, and Reas suit was settled in a confidential agreement in 2023 for an undisclosed amount.

In an interview this month, Person called the lawsuits claims inaccurate. Fentanyl killed her son. Not Gus, not me, and not the organization, Person said.

By the time the suit was settled, Tarrant and Person had both left the business.

In 2022, they filed paperwork to incorporate a company called Origin Addiction Services, based in Idaho, according to state corporate records. An official address on the website is a P.O. box in a Boise strip mall.

The companys website said it offered addiction recovery services such as interventions, sober companionship, counseling, and transportation.

The companys website featured an about page with professional headshots of a nine-member executive team. All but three of those headshots appeared to be drawn from stock photo services, and The Inquirer was unable to trace the individuals to authentic social media or LinkedIn accounts.

After The Inquirer contacted Person about the photos in September, all of them  except his own  were removed overnight. Person later said in a phone interview that the stock photos and some of the employee names were placeholders, but insisted that the staffers were real.

The company filed paperwork to dissolve a year later; Person said it had never done business, and he and Tarrant went on to pursue separate endeavors.

Person was in Philadelphia recruiting people at the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues in March, according to a city employee there to help people in addiction. Person handed him a business card identifying himself as a regional director of The Rehab Specialist, said the employee, whom The Inquirer is not naming because he was not authorized to speak to the media and feared losing his job.

Person answered the phone this summer when The Inquirer called the Rehab Specialists general number, but he said he did not work there.

In a follow-up interview this month, he said that Tarrant had hired him to build a call center for a California rehab, saying that was his only involvement with The Rehab Specialist.

He said he had not come to Kensington and was not responsible for business cards that listed him as the regional director.

Gus wanted me to work for him, because we are friends, Person said.

A dream dashed in California

Desperate to get clean, Christina Gallo and Daniel Zehnder accepted the offer to fly to California after being recruited in Kensington. A luxury van picked the couple up when they arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on May 3, they said.

The driver took the couple to Gevs Recovery, a large gated house in a residential neighborhood in Northridge. Gevs has been licensed as a drug abuse recovery home since 2024. State records show that as of early August, no complaints about its care have been filed with the California Department of Public Health.

Gallo and Zehnder said the Gevs house was dark and empty when they arrived, aside from a handful of employees. Gallo began to panic as drug withdrawal left her shaking and sweating, with a bloody nose and headache pangs that felt like she had stuck her finger in an electrical outlet.

I said, Whats going on here? Wheres any of the nurses or the doctors? she recalled. Whos going to be taking care of us, medically?

We dont do that here, she remembers them saying. The Gevs employees told Gallo they could send her to a hospital, or give her some Tylenol, she said.

Christina Gallo and Daniel Zehnder, pictured here in Kensington's McPherson Square in June, were recruited to what they thought would be a luxury rehab in California. (Tyger Williams/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS

Alarmed, Gallo and Zehnder decided to leave. On their way out, they said a woman descending the stairs told them she had just left the hospital after a month there.

Are you guys from Philadelphia, too? Gallo recalled the woman asking.

She and Zehnder headed to a cheap motel, but they didnt feel they could stand the withdrawal effects and decided to buy drugs nearby. By the morning, their symptoms had grown worse, and they returned to Gevs to demand plane tickets home.

Gevs agreed to buy the tickets, a requirement under California law for rehab centers that provide free one-way airfare.

Kristine Kesh, an operations manager at Gevs, told The Inquirer the center does have medical staff on site and does offer medication treatment for withdrawal.

These clients have been addicts for most of their lives, and they come in expecting this glorious detox, Kesh said. Whatever theyre expecting is not realistic. I mean, you cant help everybody.

At the airport, Gallo vomited on herself before collapsing to the ground in pain. Zehnder defecated and vomited on himself. An ambulance took them to the emergency room, where Gallo was placed in intensive care.

After two days in the emergency room and the intensive care unit, Gallo and Zehnder were released. Zehnders mother paid for their flights home.

While Zehnder was away, bills from Highmark started arriving at his mothers house  even though he had been promised free treatment.

The bill, which misspelled his last name, said he owed a $267 premium for the month of May. He said he also received a $700 bill for the ambulance ride from the LA airport to the emergency room, which he threw away.

Six months after their disastrous trip, recovery feels as far away as when their return flight from California landed. At the Philadelphia airport, they hailed a cab and went straight to Kensington. They wanted to inject heroin, right away.

2026 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
WILLIAMSPORT  A Lycoming County man who had been charged with homicide in a drug death that a coroner called an accident has pleaded guilty to a delivery charge and is now eligible for parole.

Keith R. Reitz, 60, of the Williamsport area, entered the plea Monday, a month after a judge had dismissed first- and second-degree murder charges.

It was a weak case at best, said District Attorney Thomas A Marino in explaining the plea agreement. There were concerns whether a conviction could be obtained at a trial, he said.

County Judge Eric R. Linhardt sentenced Reitz to 9 to 23 months in prison followed by three years probation.

Since he has served a minimum, he was made eligible for parole once he has an approved home plan.

Reitz, who had been jailed without bail since his arrest last March, will be under supervision for approximately four years.

He was charged in the Oct. 18, 2024, death of Nicole Bassett, to whom he had admitted delivering crack cocaine. Her cause of death was determined to be mixed drug toxicity, including cocaine, hydroxyzine, citalopram, and cyclobenzaprine.

Deputy Coroner Alexis Martin testified at the preliminary hearing that the manner of death was an accident.

Assistant public defender Jeana Longo had argued at that proceeding that the prosecution did not present any testimony that the one hit of crack cocaine provided by Reitz was the cause of Bassetts death.

As a result of last months ruling by Judge William P. Carlucci, Reitz was facing trial on charges of third-degree murder, drug delivery resulting in death, delivery of controlled substances, and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to the arrest affidavit, Reitz told investigators:
If youre traveling with an infant this winter, a federal safety agency has issued a warning you should know about.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned people to stop using Tuyedoqe brand travel bassinets because they violate mandatory safety standards for infant sleep products.

The bassinets include restraints that could strangle a baby, according to the CPSC. The sides are also too low to contain an infant, and the bassinets do not have a stand.

These violations create an unsafe sleeping environment for infants and can cause death or serious injuries, the CPSC said.

The commission said it issued a violation to Tuyedoqe of China but the company has not agreed to a recall.

The bassinets were sold online at Amazon from April 2025 through October 2025 for about $40. The bassinets also may have been sold by various third-party sellers and on other websites.

The travel bassinets contain a foam sleeping pad and mesh canopy with three toy bears attached to the top. They convert into a carrying bag with a small black handle. They were sold in pink, green, gray, sky blue and wine red. There are no labels on the bassinets.

The CPSC advises owners to remove the foam padding, cut the cover in half and dispose of the destroyed bassinets. Owners should not sell or donate the bassinets.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Devon Akmon, Michigan State University

Across the United States, political polarization has deepened to historic levels. In a report published in May 2025, the Pew Research Center found that Americans are more divided and less trusting of one another than at any point in recent decades. Yet museums remain among the few places where curiosity still draws people across political and cultural lines.

Ninety-two percent of adults view museums as nonpartisan sources of education, according to a report from Wilkening Consulting. People also trust museums for presenting fact-based, authentic and research-driven information. Ninety-six percent of Americans say they would support lawmakers who fund museums, and 97% see museums as vital educational assets to their communities. These findings place museums among the most trusted institutions in American life, ranking just behind friends and family.

That rare level of confidence gives museums both an opportunity and a responsibility. As debates over science, history and art intensify, they are being called upon to do something more fundamental: to model how people might think and listen together.

As director of the Michigan State University Museum in East Lansing, and core faculty in the Arts, Cultural Management and Museum Studies program at MSU, I see every day how these spaces can foster understanding.

Questioning algorithms, fostering dialogue

At the MSU Museum, an upcoming exhibition titled Blurred Realities will ask a question that feels urgent far beyond its gallery walls: How do we decide what is true?

Opening in January 2026, Blurred Realities examines how information, bias and technology shape peoples understanding of the world. Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity. In doing so, the exhibition invites thoughtful engagement with the stories, data and algorithms that shape contemporary life, and considers what it means to navigate truth in an increasingly complex information environment.

A rendering of an interactive installation, Source: MSU Museum Source: MSU Museum

Central to this effort are the museums CoLaborators, a team of college students trained to facilitate small, idea-driven conversations that encourage curiosity and exchange between museum visitors. They engage guests in open conversations that respond to their interests in the moment. This approach differs from the traditional docent model, which often centers on the transmission of information. Instead, the students work transforms the gallery into a living forum where questions matter more than conclusions.

In my experience, this is just one of many ways that museums are engaging the communities they serve to explore timely and relevant topics that shape contemporary life.

Catalysts for civic connection

Museums have long been places to explore the natural world, cultural artifacts and scientific discovery.

History museums have hosted community storytelling projects. An excellent example is the Your Story, Our Story project led by the Tenement Museum in New York.

Science museums, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, have led public discussions on climate change.

Art and history museums have opened their galleries and programming spaces to conversations about identity and belonging. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History held an exhibition centered on Detroiters exonerated of crimes and themes of justice, identity and renewal.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services describes museums and libraries as community catalysts that support social well-being through cultural engagement, shared identity and social connection. In a time when public debate often happens online, in anger and lacking nuance, museums offer something different: a physical place where curiosity can thrive and where people can pause, reflect and listen.

The more than 35,000 museums across the United States represent a remarkably broad and diverse field, rooted in communities of every size and serving people where they live and learn. Their core work has traditionally focused on collecting, researching, preserving and interpreting objects of historical, cultural and scientific significance.

As social divisions grow, they are becoming important forms of social infrastructure where people can encounter different perspectives. In many cases, their roles are also expanding as museums help the public engage with the pressing questions of our time.

The Association of Science and Technology Centers notes that rising mistrust in institutions, the spread of misinformation and the weakening of shared public spaces are creating new challenges for organizations that engage the public. In recent years, these trends are prompting museums to think about their role in supporting connection and understanding. Across the country, institutions that once focused mainly on preservation and education are reframing their purpose to include convening civic dialogue and helping visitors navigate complex issues together.

Preserving trust in an age of discontent

As museums step more visibly into the civic sphere, they also face new pressures. Efforts to engage with difficult topics can draw criticism from across the political spectrum.

Some question why museums address issues like race, climate or misinformation at all, while others expect them to go further. The result can be a delicate balance between maintaining trust and remaining relevant. Staff and volunteers are expected to create inclusive environments while navigating limited resources, public scrutiny and, sometimes, personal attacks. Smaller institutions may lack the capacity to sustain long-term partnerships or withstand political pushback.

I believe avoiding these conversations carries its own risks. It can reinforce perceptions that museums are detached from the realities of the communities they serve. The key question we ask ourselves at the MSU Museum is not whether to engage with societal issues, but how to do so with care, humility and authenticity. That involves listening as much as leading and viewing dialogue itself as part of our educational mission.

At a moment when trust in public institutions is fragile, museums hold a rare and valuable position. They are places where people still expect to learn something new and to encounter ideas different from their own. When museums invite visitors to think together about complex issues, whether through exhibitions, conversations or community partnerships, they help nurture the habits of curiosity and empathy that democracy depend on. These interactions may not resolve polarization, but they can model a more constructive way of engaging with difference.

Within a museums walls, people can explore difficult ideas without the noise of argument or the demand to take sides. In doing so, museums continue their essential work, not only preserving the past but helping us imagine a shared future built on understanding, curiosity and trust.

Blurred Realities is on view at the Michigan State University Museum in East Lansing, Michigan, from Jan. 15 to July 18, 2026.

Read more of our stories about Michigan.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-museums-can-help-rebuild-trust-in-a-divided-america-268466.
BERLIN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Germany's annual average number of unemployed rose by 161,000 to 2.95 million in 2025, official data showed on Wednesday, underscoring the toll of prolonged economic weakness on the country's labor market.

The jobless rate climbed by 0.3 percentage points to 6.3 percent, marking the third consecutive annual increase, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) said. That compares with 5.3 percent in 2022.

"The labor market gradually developed in an unfavourable direction in 2025 and, overall, was weaker than the year before," BA head Andrea Nahles said in a statement.

Against the backdrop of a sluggish economy, both unemployment and underemployment rose noticeably last year. The agency said demand for new staff was too weak to absorb a growing labor supply, while skills mismatches continued to hamper re-employment.

Hiring appetite among German businesses remained subdued. Newly registered vacancies fell to 1.46 million in 2025, hitting the lowest level in 25 years. Companies also relied heavily on short-time working to cushion the downturn, with around 300,000 workers on reduced hours, a level that remained elevated.

"The gradual worsening of the labor market is likely to continue into 2026," said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING. He cited an economy that has effectively stagnated for more than five years and mounting pressure on the country's industrial core.

Analysts say employment pressure is most acute in manufacturing. Data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office showed that by the end of the third quarter of 2025, industrial employment had shrunk by more than 120,000 year-on-year to 5.43 million amid widespread layoffs.

The automotive sector, the second-largest industrial employer after mechanical engineering, recorded the sharpest decline, shedding approximately 49,000 jobs during the period and pushing employment to its lowest level since early 2011. 
This years commemoration of the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may be one of the most important since his assassination on April 4, 1968. DEI is now a curse word in some circles, and many of the people who once claimed to stand for equity and social justice have gone strangely silent.

Websites have been scrubbed as white as snow to delete any reference to diversity, equity and inclusion. Same for lofty programs thousands of corporations, colleges and universities once touted to help create more equitable fields for education and hiring. Scrubbed clean. Some even want to scrub history books to erase the dark stain of the enslavement of Black people, and any reference to the brutality of racism and Jim Crow.

Justice may be delayed, King taught, but the long arc of the universe inevitably bends in its direction.

Volunteers take part in the Central PA MLK Day of Service at Marshall Math Science Academy on Jan. 20, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Thats why this years celebration of Kings leadership in the fight against racism is so important. This year, only people who really believe in Kings legacy will show up to volunteer on the Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service slated for Jan. 19, or at the myriad of events being held throughout our region.

But make no mistake about it, MLK commemorations are in full force this year throughout the nation, and they will have special meaning for those who see the movement to create a just and equitable society in America under assault. Local events include everything from the fancy $100-a-plate banquet at Hershey Lodge at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, to the World Affairs Council of Harrisburgs free International Poetry & Storytelling Festival at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at HACCs Cooper Center, which PennLive is supporting.

Here are some details of the events planned for the Harrisburg region:

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and former Mayor of New Orleans, will speak at the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Banquet at Hershey Lodge on Thursday, Jan. 15. User submtted photo

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Banquet

Marc Morial, former Mayor of New Orleans and president of the Urban League, will keynote the banquet with the theme: Celebrating Voices of Courage and Hope: Illuminating the Path Forward.

Wanda B. Knight, a professor at Penn State University, is founder and organizer of the event and more information is available at: IDEALatPennState@psu.edu

Registration is required at: https://cvent.me/RO7d80

The 2026 MLK International Poetry & Storytelling Festival will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 in the Cooper Center of HACC. It will feature a high school student writing competition as well as featured acclaimed poets from Pennsylvania. The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg

2026 MLK International Poetry & Storytelling Festival:

The annual event will be held 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at HACCs Cooper Center and will feature acclaimed poets from the Keystone Poetry Anthology, including Harrisburgs acclaimed Maria James Thiaw, former Harrisburg Poet Laureate Nathaniel Gadsden, and Sudanese refugee Hagir Elsheikh.

The event also features a high school writing competition with finalists in the poetry and storytelling competition reading from their works. The event will include refreshments and is free and open to the public, with registration. Visit https://wacharrisburg.org/international-poetry-storytelling-competition/ for information.

Friday, Jan. 9 is the deadline for students to enter the writing competition by submitting poems or essay under 1000 words on the theme Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Submissions should be sent to: wachmlkfestival@gmail.com and must include the writers name, grade, school.

Carlisles 31st Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration March started at St. Paul Evangelical Church and ended at the courthouse, January 19, 2020. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive

MLK Commemorative March in Carlisle:

The Carlisle community is celebrating its 37th year celebration of Kings birthday at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, with a commemorative march from Bethel AME Church to Carlisle United Methodist Church.

At 4 p.m., Carlisle United Methodist Church will hold an ecumenical service that will be live streamed to its social media platforms.

The 2026 MLK Day of Service will open with a worship service at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at Goodwin Memorial Church, 2447 Green St., Harrisburg. User submitted photo

MLK Day of Service Worship Service:

Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, 2447 Green St., will host the opening ceremony for the Day of Service at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in cooperation with St. Pauls Episcopal, 248 Seneca St., both in Harrisburg. The churches will be staging grounds for the day of volunteer activities in the area designed to support non-profits and people in need.

People can get more information, and organizations can sign up to request volunteers to support their projects at the MLK Day of Service website: https://www.mlk-365.org/.

Kudos to all who step out and step up to serve this MLK Day. You are guarding the flickering flame of justice during one of our nations darkest hours.

Joyce M. Davis is PennLives Outreach & Opinion Editor. She is also president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.

Follow her on Facebook, Bluesky @joycemdavis.bsky.social, and on Twitter @byjoycedavis.

Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
By John Dernbach

Pennsylvanias regulation implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was abrogated as part of the state budget. Though this was widely reported, few accounts noted that the RGGI regulation would have helped protect our constitutional right to a stable climate.

This year, the governor and the legislature should carry out their constitutional duty by replacing the RGGI regulation with something that would reduce emissions at least as much.

Pennsylvania voters approved an environmental rights amendment to the state constitution by a 4-1 vote in May 1971. Pennsylvania is the first state in the country to recognize constitutional environmental rights that citizens can enforce against the government in court.

The amendment is still not well known. It should be, especially now.

The RGGI regulation would have helped ensure a stable climate by reducing Pennsylvanias carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric power plants by 31% from 2019 levels by 2030, or 20 million tons per year, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at a news conference at the United Association Local 524 union building in Scranton, Pa., on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Shapiro announced he would back legislation to make power plant owners in Pennsylvania pay for their planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and require utilities in the nation's third-biggest power producer to buy more electricity from renewable sources. AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam

Gov. Josh Shapiros alternative is his Lightning Plan, a suite of bills including proposed Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction legislation (PACER), that must get through the Republican-controlled Senate.

So, the RGGI regulation may be replaced with nothing. That would be an abdication of the states responsibilities under both parts of the amendment.

The first part states: The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions and higher temperatures interfere with the publics right to clean air, and contribute to greater flooding, drought, and landslides. Pennsylvania Supreme Court has said the state cannot act or legislate in ways that are contrary to or limit this right.

The second part states: Pennsylvanias public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. This duty, the Court has stated, applies not just to one branch of government but to all branches (executive, legislature, courts), and to local governments as well.

The Supreme Court has recognized that Pennsylvanias public natural resources include, but are not limited to, air, waters, fish, wildlife, and state forest and park lands. The atmosphere and the climate are public natural resources, and a warming climate damages other public natural resources such as state forests and parks as well as waterways

The Commonwealth has a trustees responsibility for these resources. What that means, in plain terms, is that the Commonwealth must employ the same standard of care for them as a bank must employ for money that customers place in checking or savings accounts.

The people, including those not yet born but who will bear the brunt of climate disruption, hold a right, as trust beneficiaries, to have the Commonwealth conserve and maintain these natural resources.

The rights stated in each part are real rights. They are in the same part of the state constitution (Article I, the states Declaration of Rights) as our rights to free speech and trial by jury.

The RGGI regulation unquestionably would have helped protect the public rights contained in both parts. In adopting the RGGI regulation, the Commonwealth also carried out its public trust responsibilities.

The Commonwealth Court nonetheless enjoined the RGGI regulation before it went into effect. A state Supreme Court appeal was pending when the budget deal abrogated the regulation. But the environmental rights amendment remains.

The governor and the General Assembly have a constitutional dutyto us and to future generationsto protect the climate. Whatever they adopt, it should also reduce energy costs to consumers, create jobs, and help strengthen the economy. Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to meaningful action.

John Dernbach is Professor Emeritus, Widener University Commonwealth Law School. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court cited his scholarship and advocacy in landmark 2013 and 2017 decisions that reinvigorated the environmental rights amendment to the state constitution.
UPDATE: This post was updated at 3:42 p.m. with a statement from the endorsed Republican candidate, Stacy Garrity.

Pennsylvania State Sen. Doug Mastriano said Wednesday he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor this year.

Mastriano made his announcement in a forum that is right in his comfort zone: a Facebook Live post featuring himself, his wife, Rebbie, and beamed directly to his more than 140,000 followers.

We believe with full peace in our hearts that God has not called us to run for governor this year, Mastriano said.

Maybe in the future, Rebbie interjected.

We arent saying never. Were just saying our answer for the here and now, which - God says hes only going to light the path for your next step. Right?

And so our next step is not the governors run, this time.

To this point, the retired Army colonel from Franklin County appeared to be the most serious potential Republican primary rival to state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who has already sewn up the Republican State Committees endorsement.

No other major candidates have announced for the May 19 GOP primary.

Mastriano apparently had not discussed his final decision with Garrity prior to Wednesdays live announcement.

So the decision provided some relief to top state GOP leaders who had been openly worried about a potentially costly and divisive primary fight.

Im very happy we have avoided any kind of a contested primary, and that the party is united in its quest to take back the governorship, Robert Asher, a key Republican fundraiser from Montgomery County, said after Mastrianos announcement.

Garritys campaign released the following statement on the treasurers behalf later Wednesday:

I respect Senator Doug Mastrianos decision and his continued commitment to serving Pennsylvania.

Senator Mastriano has been a strong voice for faith, family, and freedom, and I look forward to working with him to restore integrity, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense leadership in our Commonwealth.

Mastriano, 62, burst onto Pennsylvanias political scene in early 2020 as one of the earliest and loudest resistors of broad, state-led shutdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

From that start and through his staunch support for President Donald J. Trumps reelection later that year, Mastriano amassed a devoted, grassroots army that eventually powered him to the top of a badly fractured 2022 GOP primary field.

He was overwhelmed in that years general election by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, suffering one of the biggest defeats in the post-World War II era.

Shapiro is expected to formally announce his re-election campaign Thursday, at political rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Mastriano has done what he could to keep his followers engaged in the interim, delivering sharp critiques of Shapiros performance as governor.

For a time, he also publicly flirted with running for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Online comments showed that right up to the announcement, many of Mastrianos most ardent followers were eager to see his get back in the race.

Mastriano said he will continue to serve in the state Senate, and did not rule out future runs for statewide office.

So, the next phase starts today, Mastriano said.

What that looks like right now, we just dont know. Were open to Gods leading for a future run, but just not this season.
By Katie Bernard, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Five years after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Gov. Josh Shapiro and other Pennsylvania Democrats on Tuesday marked the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by sharply criticizing President Donald Trump.

Trump, who was impeached for inciting the riot in the final days of his first administration, pardoned nearly every Jan. 6 defendant and commuted sentences for a handful of violent offenders as one of his first actions upon returning to office last year.

Law enforcement officers literally gave their lives to protect our country and our democracy  yet one of the first things Donald Trump did when he took office was pardon people who were convicted of assaulting police officers, Shapiro said in a post on X Tuesday morning.

The President may not respect our law enforcement officers courage and commitment to service  but here in Pennsylvania, we remember the sacrifices they make and will always have their backs.

Shapiro played a key role as state attorney general in defending the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania in the weeks leading up to the attack, which took place the same day that Congress was certifying former President Joe Bidens victory.

His comments Tuesday came as hes preparing to announce his reelection bid for governor. As Shapiro has built a national profile as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, he has repeatedly criticized Trump and presented himself as an alternative vision of leadership.

The president has continued to falsely claim he won Pennsylvania in 2020, including at his rally in Mount Pocono last month, even after he won the White House again in 2024.

FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP

Trump has downplayed the events of Jan. 6, and on Tuesday the White House unveiled a webpage dedicated to the events, falsely describing the riot as a peaceful protest and blaming Capitol Police for the violence that unfolded.

Shapiro was one of several Democrats who marked the anniversary of the attack for the first time since Trump returned to office.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, of Philadelphia, introduced a resolution alongside other House Democrats to designate Jan. 6 as the Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance, and Vigilance.

And Pennsylvania Senate Democrats held an event in the state Capitol Tuesday.

Scores of Pennsylvanians were charged with taking part in the Jan. 6 attack, some of whom were convicted of committing acts of violence at the Capitol.

In addition to the sweeping pardons eliminating the criminal cases of more than 1,500 people, the president also commuted sentences of people  including Philadelphia native Zach Rehl, the leader of the local far-right Proud Boys chapter, and Mechanicsburgs Riley June Williams, once accused of stealing Nancy Pelosis laptop.
By Andrew Goldstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

Sam Bigham has had an interest in public service as long as he can remember.

But thats not too far into the past.

The 23-year-old who recalls organizing his toys in his childhood home into a miniature city and playing the SimCity video game where he would attempt to build a metropolis will have a chance to do similar work in real life  as the mayor of Carnegie.

I guess its just something Ive always been interested in, Bigham said in a recent interview at Carnegie Coffee Co. I took the time as a kid to learn about history, governing and politics, and paid attention to the news. Its always been the kind of work thats appealed to me.

Bigham, a Democrat, was sworn in on Monday  just over a week before his 24th birthday  making him among the youngest currently serving mayors in Pennsylvania as well as the youngest ever in Carnegie, about 10 minutes west of downtown Pittsburgh.

Although he acknowledges his age is attention-grabbing, Bigham said he is well prepared for the job, pointing to a resume that includes work in various levels of government and in the Carnegie community.

Hes also earned the confidence of other elected officials who serve or represent Carnegie, where hes been involved in the local government since high school, serving as a junior councilperson, volunteering at countless events and, most recently, taking on the role as executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corporation.

Some people may have thought I did this on a whim or went in blind, but what I want people to know is that over the past few years, Ive really gotten to know how borough government works by being involved in events as a junior councilperson and an intern, he said. So, despite being as young as I am, I feel like I have a handle on how things work.

Bigham interned in the office of state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Kennedy, who endorsed him for mayor, as did Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena, who is also a Democrat. More endorsements came from Carnegie Mayor Stacie Riley, who did not run for re-election, and several Carnegie councilors, including council President Phil Boyd.

Boyd said in a phone interview that he looks forward to working with Bigham, and he sees the mayors youth as a strength.

Most of us on council are double his age or better, said Boyd, 69. Theres a great deal of value that comes from having a youth perspective on all topics.

In May, Bigham won the Democratic primary against artist-entrepreneur Dave Klug with more than 75% of the vote and got enough write-in votes to win the Republican primary. He ran unopposed in the general election in November.

He will make a salary of $2,160 in 2026, the same amount that the Carnegie mayor has made since at least 2023, according to the borough budget.

Bigham said he sees his role as important for boosting the borough, bringing in new businesses and helping established ones find more resources, as well as planning events to bring visitors and new residents to the town of about 8,000.

In addition to Bighams position with the Carnegie Community Development Corporation and being the mayor, he is working on his masters degree in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University.

He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
A period of light rain and drizzle will affect northwestern Pennsylvania this evening, while areas in the Lower Susquehanna Valley face the risk of dense fog developing late tonight into early Wednesday morning. Gusty winds will arrive by daybreak Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in State College warns that visibility could drop below one mile in southeastern Pennsylvania overnight, particularly around Harrisburg and Lancaster, before winds increase early Wednesday.

Northwestern mountain areas will see rain transitioning to a rain-snow mix with a possible slushy coating by Wednesday morning.

Wednesday will remain cloudy but relatively mild, with west winds gusting 25 to 35 mph. Thursday appears to be the weeks nicest day with early sunshine before clouds increase Thursday night. Temperatures will climb to 10 to 20 degrees above normal Thursday through Saturday.

The Blizzard of '96, 30 years go this week, was widely regarded at the time for being the greatest amount of snow seen by the largest concentration of population in the United States. This storm dumped hefty amounts in the Ohio Valley and along the entire I-95 NE corridor. pic.twitter.com/DQ7OYImuxv  NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) January 5, 2026

An unseasonably warm pattern will continue through late week, bringing periods of rain Friday into Saturday. While rainfall amounts arent expected to be excessive, the combination of rain and snowmelt could cause river levels to rise. Officials are monitoring the potential for ice jams that could lead to localized flooding.

The January thaw will come to an abrupt end Saturday night as a strong cold front moves through the region. Sunday will turn windy and much colder with snow showers developing downwind of Lake Erie. Wind gusts on Sunday could reach 30 to 40 mph or higher.

Current weather radar
MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Moscow on Wednesday condemned the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic, following a pursuit that began off the coast of Venezuela.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," Russia's Ministry of Transport said in a statement. 
ROME, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A renewed push by U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland from Denmark has forced Europe to confront a stark question: when the territory of an EU member is threatened, can the bloc ensure its own security?

This direct challenge to European sovereignty has once again catapulted Europe's strategic autonomy back to the forefront in 2026. Analysts point to fragmented national priorities, over-reliance on U.S. defense supplies, and coordination gaps, as reasons why true strategic independence remains a distant prospect.

TRANSATLANTIC SECURITY SHIFTS

The growing transatlantic divide has weakened U.S.-EU security relations and increased pressure on the EU to pursue strategic autonomy.

The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) has indicated that Washington intends to move away from unconditionally guaranteeing European defense, instead pressing European allies to assume primary responsibility for their own security. "The days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over," the NSS stated.

The shift could serve as a catalyst for change. Eberhard Sandschneider, a political expert at Berlin Global Advisors, told Xinhua that the NSS might be a further push for Europe to pursue a real strategic autonomy.

"For the time being, it (strategic autonomy) does not exist, but the criticism from the U.S. is, of course, changing the general equation. Europe cannot rely on American support concerning its own security automatically," he added.

Dan Krause, programme director for European and International Politics at Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Stiftung, a German think tank, told Xinhua that if Europe achieves genuine strategic autonomy, it can actually improve relations with all states, including the United States, because only on this basis can Europe "speak on equal footing, from an independent position."

However, significant constraints remain. The primary challenge is the lack of collective determination to reduce reliance on the United States.

According to the Irish-based media outlet Eureporter, not all member states share the same priorities. Eastern countries such as Poland and the Baltic states continue to view the U.S. as an essential security partner, complicating EU-wide coordination, particularly in defense planning and industrial integration.

According to Krause, many European countries still accept the U.S. course through flattery and concessions, and this approach is not conducive to reliable results. As the U.S. is targeting the EU on its values and even its civilization, and is opposing multilateralism, the traditional ally can't be compatible with European interests.

Sandschneider said Europe's resolve to reduce its security dependence remains a big question mark, as differing approaches toward the U.S. continue to divide European countries and complicate coordination.

GAPS IN DEFENSE CAPABILITY

European strategic autonomy centers on Europe's ability to defend itself without external reliance, particularly on the U.S. This goal includes independence in military industry, intelligence, and cross-border operations.

In 2025, the Ukraine conflict and tensions with the U.S. prompted the EU to strengthen self-defense. The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 project aims to invest over 800 billion euros (941 billion U.S. dollars) in the defense industry. The creation of a Military Schengen zone is intended to improve cross-border military movement. Additionally, France, Germany, and Spain agreed to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet.

Krause noted that while significant financial resources are being mobilized at both the EU member state and European Commission levels, major changes are unlikely by 2026. A key challenge, according to the think tank Atlas Institute for International Affairs, is the EU's deep reliance on the U.S. and NATO for security guarantees.

Although the EU has emphasized its push for strategic autonomy, the institute noted that military procurement from the U.S. surged from 28 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to 68 billion in 2024, underscoring a long-term technological lock-in.

For example, the F-35 and Patriot air defense systems rely entirely on U.S. software and maintenance. Zarko Puhovski, a Croatian political analyst, said that almost all European intelligence services are completely dependent on the U.S., which is decisive to establishing the core power of an independent military force.

"In fact, they (Europe) are not even capable of achieving it, because for decades they have been organized in such a way that 'Big Uncle' on the other side of the ocean takes care of them," he said.

Difficulties in pooling funds are another obstacle. The investments remain fragmented across member states, such as divisions between France and Germany on investing with non-EU partners, which have delayed the joint fighter jet project.

According to the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, the European Council favored a more intergovernmental approach to military procurement, prioritizing national control over joint investment, which has weakened the EU's collective defense capability.

Krause emphasized the urgent need for Europe to establish an autonomous and effective decision-making process for defense. Otherwise, as Sandschneider noted, the European strategic autonomy will take at least five to 20 years.

ENERGY AND ECONOMIC SECURITY DEPENDENCE

Amid the Ukraine conflict and trade disputes with the U.S., the EU is prioritizing economic security by reducing dependence on Russian energy and increasing investment in semiconductors and critical raw materials.

In December 2025, the EU agreed to phase out liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports from Russia, with full bans effective at the end of 2026 and autumn 2027, respectively. Simultaneously, the EU introduced the RESourceEU plan, allocating 3 billion euros (3.53 billion U.S. dollars) to support alternative critical raw material supplies in the following year.

Analysts praised these ambitions but cautioned about potential pitfalls. Reducing Russian gas imports has not improved Europe's energy security, as the U.S. has filled the gap, largely due to an "unbalanced" trade deal reached this summer.

ECCO, an Italian climate think tank, noted that the EU has committed to purchasing up to 750 billion U.S. dollars in U.S. energy products by 2028. The U.S. is already the EU's largest LNG supplier, providing about 55 percent of supplies in 2025. This shift increases Europe's dependence on Washington, reducing strategic autonomy and heightening exposure to external political and commercial pressures.

Purchasing U.S. fossil fuels would also be a missed opportunity for equivalent investments in energy independence based on renewable sources and energy efficiency. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, the 750 billion U.S. dollars could have otherwise helped the EU to realize a 90 percent increase in renewable capacity.

"The EU's shift from Russian gas to U.S. gas imports fails to deliver true energy security: It's merely trading one dependency for another. The EU must choose a different path: phasing out fossil gas and investing in clean, fair, homegrown energy," said Enrico Donda, a campaigner officer of Food and Water Action Europe.

In the semiconductors and key raw materials sectors, observers question the EU-wide coordinated joint procurement. According to Krause, the EU holds competencies for foreign general trade and economic policy, but security-related investments are still organized nationally. The 27 member states must agree among themselves and with the EU on a common economic security strategy and implement it jointly.

Olivia Lazard, a fellow at Carnegie Europe, told The Parliament magazine that past failures in gas procurement raise doubts about Brussels' ability to address these challenges in critical raw materials in the future.

Ultimately, the Greenland episode may act as a litmus test that exposes the enduring divide between Europe's autonomous ambitions and its fragmented realities. Closing that gap would require political will and substantial investment. Until then, strategic independence will remain distant, and Europe's security will continue to hinge on choices it has yet to fully make. 
Aiken, SC (29801)

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Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low near 45F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Jenny Peterson is a business reporter at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail. An award-winning journalist, she covered statewide business news as special projects editor at SC Biz News. Originally from New Orleans, she previously worked as an editor at New Orleans CityBusiness and Biz New Orleans business publications.
Columbia, SC (29201)

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A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 57F. Winds light and variable..

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Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Food & Dining Editor

Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section.
BUDAPEST, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian researchers have identified a new ceratopsian dinosaur skull fossil from western Hungary, providing the strongest evidence to date that horned dinosaurs lived in Europe during the Late Cretaceous period, scientists said on Wednesday.

The fossil, attributed to Ajkaceratops Kozmai, was unearthed at the Iharkut (central Hungary) fossil site in the Bakony Mountains and studied by an international research team led by paleontologist Attila Osi of Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE). The research findings were published in the scientific journal Nature.

The discovery suggests that ceratopsian dinosaurs, a group that includes the well-known Triceratops, were not limited to Asia and North America, as previously believed, but were also present and more diverse in Europe. Scientists said the fossils date back around 85 million years, when much of present-day Europe consisted of island chains along the margins of the ancient Tethys Sea.

The findings were presented at a press conference held at ELTE's Faculty of Science in Budapest on Wednesday, where university officials and researchers said the newly analyzed skull fossil helps rewrite the evolutionary history of European dinosaurs and highlights the scientific importance of the long-running Iharkut excavation program. 
Senior Politics Reporter

Caitlin Byrd is the senior politics reporter at The Post and Courier. An award-winning journalist, Byrd previously worked as an enterprise reporter for The State newspaper, where she covered the Charleston region and South Carolina politics. Raised in eastern North Carolina, she has called South Carolina home since 2016.
This paid press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation.
MOSCOW, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by the United States violates international maritime law and UN conventions, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.

"The seizure of the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel sailing in international territorial waters, is undoubtedly a violation of maritime law and UN conventions. This is piracy of the 21st century by the Anglo-Saxons," Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.

Slutsky added that sanctions cannot be used as a justification for seizing a vessel. "The United States is increasingly acting according to the 'law of force,' while ignoring the 'force of law,'" he said.

U.S. European Command said it seized an empty oil tanker linked with Venezuela and registered as a Russian vessel in the North Atlantic in an operation on Wednesday.

Russia has condemned the U.S. action and demanded that the United States not impede the speedy return of Russians on board the vessel to their homeland. 
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 13:35:10

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KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 /Adnex Group Berhad ("Adnex" or the "Company"), which is primarily involved in the provision of interior fit-out services, has signed an underwriting agreement with Public Investment Bank Berhad ("PIVB") in respect of the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") in conjunction with its upcoming listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities").With more than 20 years of operating history through its principal subsidiary Adnex Interior Solution Sdn. Bhd., Adnex has built a solid reputation in delivering quality interior fit-out services for corporate offices, F&B outlets and sales galleries. The interior fit-out services provided by the Group typically involve the process of actualisation of design of the interior space, serving a diverse clientele ranging from local corporations to multinational companies ("MNCs").Adnex's upcoming IPO, comprising a public issue of 90.50 million new ordinary shares and an offer for sale of 39.50 million existing shares is detailed as follows:Public IssueMalaysian Public:25.00 million shares or 5.00% of the enlarged issued share capital will be made available for application by the Malaysian public.Eligible Persons:15.00 million shares or 3.00% of the enlarged issued share capital will be allocated to eligible directors, employees, and other persons who have contributed to the success of the Company and its subsidiaries ("Group").Private Placement to Selected Investors:27.50 million shares or 5.50% of the enlarged issued share capital are reserved for private placement to selected investors.Private Placement to Bumiputera Investors:23.00 million shares or 4.60% of the enlarged issued share capital are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia ("MITI").Offer for saleOffer for sale of 39.50 million existing shares or 7.90% of the enlarged issued share capital by way of private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by MITI.Based on the Underwriting Agreement, PIVB will underwrite 40.00 million shares, comprising those made available for the Malaysian public and the Company's eligible directors, employees, and persons who have contributed to the success of the Group.Mr. Kan Wai Chun, Managing Director of Adnex commented, "The signing of this underwriting agreement represents another major step in our journey towards becoming a listed company. Over the past two decades, Adnex has grown into a trusted name in the interior fit-out industry by consistently delivering high-quality workmanship with capability to provide sustainable interior fit-out services, timely completion, and client-focused solutions. Our listing will provide the financial foundation to enhance our operational capacity, expand regionally into East Malaysia and selected overseas markets, and invest in technology and equipment upgrades to strengthen our competitive edge." Mr. Lee Yo-Hunn, Chief Executive Officer of PIVB added, "Adnex has demonstrated solid fundamentals and operational expertise in Malaysia's interior fit-out sector, serving a well-diversified base of corporate and institutional clients. With an experienced management team and a proven project portfolio, the Group is poised to capture new growth opportunities within Malaysia's commercial and industrial development landscape. Public Investment Bank is proud to play a key role in supporting Adnex's IPO and its debut on the ACE Market." Adnex obtained Bursa Securities' approval for its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on 25 September 2025, marking an important milestone in the Group's corporate evolution. The upcoming listing is expected to strengthen Adnex's capital structure, enhance its operational capacity, and support the delivery of sustainable long-term value to shareholders.###ABOUT ADNEX GROUP BERHADAdnex Group Berhad ("Adnex" or the "Group") is an interior fit-out services provider with over 20 years of experience through its principal subsidiary, Adnex Interior Solution Sdn. Bhd., established in 2004. The Group provides comprehensive interior fit-out services, including interior fit-out works and turnkey fit-out services for corporate offices, F&B outlets and sales galleries. Headquartered in Shah Alam, Adnex has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and timely execution, serving both local corporations and multinational companies ("MNCs"). The Group continues to strengthen its market presence and is expected to expand into East Malaysia and selected overseas markets, supported by its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within Malaysia's evolving built environment sector.For more information, visit https://adnexinterior.com/ Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Adnex Group BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanEmail:j.wan@ swanconsultancy.biz Xinyi ChingEmail: x.ching@ swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Adnex Group Berhad
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 08:00:14

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SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / CellRight Technologies, LLC, a specialist in regenerative allografts for patient implants, announces that it has secured private equity funding from Harwood Capital through its parent company, Tissue Regenix Group plc (TRG) to support commercial growth plans for the business.The management team, led by newly appointed CEO and Chairman, Jay LeCoque, remain focused on restoring TRG revenue growth and profitability, and driving sustainable, long-term growth, as well as executing a new commercial plan to expand the Company's direct sales and distribution footprint, and secure further clinical data to strengthen claim support for the superiority of the Company's products.As part of the funding structure, shareholders have approved a plan whereby shares in the parent company Tissue Regenix Group plc, will no longer be trading on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market from January 7, 2026 onwards. As a private business, the parent company name will change to Tissue Regenix Group Limited and will phase out the CellRight Technologies brand name over the next six months in the US.Tissue Regenix Group's US facility is based at a 13,650 sq ft facility in Universal City, San Antonio that processes products utilizing BioRinse and dCELL processing platforms with a second facility in Leeds, UK. The Company's pioneering and proprietary technologies focus on regenerative products that address soft tissue needs with their DermaPure allograft products that remove DNA and other cellular material from human soft tissue resulting in an acellular tissue scaffold not rejected by the patient's body and BioRinse verified osteoinductive allografts which preserve native BMPs and are provided in innovative matrices with superior handling characteristics critical to clinical practice.Commenting, Jay LeCoque, CEO and Chairman, said: "I am pleased to announce the swift conclusion of this essential long-term funding solution for the business which will allow us to support the increasing commercial traction for our leading products and superior technology. Securing funding at this scale within such a tight frame was a remarkable achievement and I want to thank the entire Project Team that helped to make this happen. The improved financial position of the business will allow us to restore confidence within our supply chain and ensure that we continue to provide high-quality products to our customers." For more information:Tissue Regenix Group plcJay LeCoque, Executive Chairmanvia Walbrook PRWalbrook PR (Media Relations)Tel: +44 (0)20 7933 8780 or TissueRegenix@ walbrookpr.com Alice Woodings / Paul McManusMob: +44 (0)7407 804 654 / +44 (0)7980 541 893About CellRight Technologies, LLCCellRight Technologies, LLC is a full-owned subsidiary of Tissue Regenix Group Limited: www.tissueregenix.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: CellRight Technologies, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 17:10:06

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Sixteen nonprofits supported by financial professionals received nearly $300,000 in grants to help bridge funding gaps and advance diverse missions nationwideBOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / TheInvest in Others Charitable Foundation("Invest in Others"), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying, celebrating, and inspiring the charitable work of the financial services community, announced today that 16 nonprofits from across the country have received funding from its 2025 Grant Program, awarded in December 2025.TheInvest in Others Grant Programhas provided Grants for Good and Grants for Change to help nonprofit organizations supported by financial professionals meet the critical needs of the people and communities they serve. Both grants award up to $20,000 in program assistance, capital improvements, and seed money, with Grants for Good awarding funding to nonprofits across a wide range of causes and Grants for Change awarding funding to nonprofits working to create and enhance opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities."This year's Grant Program recipients are addressing critical needs in their communities, and our grant funding helps them close financial gaps and strengthen their long-term impact," said R. Barkley Payne, President and CEO of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. "These organizations would not receive funding from us without the financial professionals who support and identify them. We know that nonprofits nationwide are navigating increasing financial pressures, from rising operating costs to growing community demand, and these grants help ensure they can continue delivering essential programs, services, and support. We celebrate the financial services professionals who champion charitable work by helping us identify nonprofits that benefit from our grant support. When we come together to support nonprofit organizations, our collective efforts create meaningful change and build even greater impact for those they serve." Presenting the 2025 Grants for Good recipientsCentral Texas Table of Grace,Round Rock, Texas, $20,000 to support the organization's dedication to providing a nurturing and stable home environment for children and youth in crisis.Fallbrook Food Pantry,Fallbrook, California, $20,000 to support the organization's mission to provide access to healthy and nutritious food for all through food distribution, education, and health monitoring.Feed Lake Highlands,Dallas, Texas, $20,000 to support the organization serving the Lake Highlands, Texas community with a mission to combat food insecurity and lift up neighbors on fixed, limited, or low incomes.FOCUS: For Our Community Unity & Support, Inc.,Western New York, $20,000 to support the organization's mission to prevent and reduce youth substance use in Western New York through community collaboration.Healing Hoofbeats of CT,Bethlehem, Connecticut, $20,000 to support the organization's mission to help individuals feel more empowered and secure in their lives through building healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with horses.New Friends New Life,Dallas, Texas, $20,000 to support a mission focused on restoring and empowering trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drive awareness of the issue and its prevalence.Orlando Health Foundation, Inc.,Orlando , Florida, $20,000 to support the organization's mission and commitment to partnering with caring individuals, foundations, and organizations to raise crucial funds for Orlando Health.Photo Safe,New York, New York, $10,000 to support the organization's mission to capture, print, and preserve digital images of children in foster care in the United States with the sole purpose of creating a historic record for the personal use of the child.Unexpected Productions,Seattle, Washington, $20,000 to support the organization's collective of improvisers inspired by Theatresports and the belief that comedy can be both artistically rigorous and widely accessible.United Way of Northwest Vermont, Inc.,South Burlington, Vermont, $20,000 to help build a stronger Northwest Vermont by mobilizing its community to improve people's lives.Winsted Arts Council,Winsted, Minnesota, $10,000 to support the organization's efforts to value the expression of all art forms as a means to strengthen the entire community - young and old, and its economy.Yavapai County Volunteers in Protection Inc,Prescott, Arizona, $20,000 to support Volunteers in Protection (VIP's), one of the most visible parts of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, with dedicated volunteers who bring their own personal talents to the service of all in Yavapai County, Arizona.Presenting the 2025 Grants for Change recipientsBrighton Park Neighborhood Council,Chicago, Illinois, $20,000 to support the organization's mission to improve the quality of life for the working-class and immigrant populations of Chicago's southwest side through grassroots organizing and providing free and accessible social services and quality programs for youth and adults.California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation,Escondido, California, $20,000 to support enriching the community through the power of the arts.Memphis Inner City Rugby,Memphis, Tennessee, $20,000 supporting the organization's Alumni Support Program, providing mentorship, financial assistance, and opportunities to develop academic, professional, and life skills.Stocks in the Future , Towson, Maryland, $10,000 supporting the organization's mission to empower students in underserved communities by providing financial education and opportunities to invest in their future.Since 2018, the Invest in Others Grant Program has awarded grants comprising nearly $2 million, awarded to nonprofit organizations championed by financial services professionals.The Invest in Others 2025 Grant Program is made possible by Lead Program Sponsor Fidelity Investments, as well as Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Ameriprise Financial, Envestnet, MFS Investment, and PIMCO.As Invest in Others marks its 20th anniversary, the organization continues to honor the generous philanthropic efforts of financial professionals and drive meaningful change on an even greater scale. The 2026 milestone year marks two decades of championing the charitable work of financial professionals while ushering in a new chapter of growth, innovation, and expanded support for nonprofits nationwide.Invest in Others recently published its2025 Impact Reportreflecting on another record-breaking year, including r
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. European Command said it has seized an empty oil tanker linked with Venezuela and registered as a Russian vessel in the North Atlantic in an operation on Wednesday.

"The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro," said the Command in a post on social media X.

The seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, which has been under the U.S. sanctions targeting Iran, was made after an active pursuit since late December by U.S. forces, according to CBS News and other U.S. media reports.

It was the third oil tanker intercepted by the United States since last month.

Russian military vessels were in the area as the U.S. operation unfolded Wednesday, according to media reports.

USCGC (the United States Coast Guard Cutter) Munro mentioned in the Command's post is a Legend-class National Security Cutter designed for long-range, high-end missions. It is one of the largest ships in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet.

U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft, deployed in Suffolk, England, had surveilled the tanker for days ahead of its seizure, according to U.S. media outlets, citing open-source flight data.

The oil tanker was in the Caribbean and apparently headed to Venezuela to load cargo when it was chased by the U.S. Coast Guard about two and a half weeks ago. It then retreated into the Atlantic Ocean.

On Dec. 31, it was listed by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping as a Russian vessel with the new name of Marinera. The ship's crew also painted a Russian flag on the ship's side.

Russia reportedly filed a formal diplomatic request last month demanding that the United States stop attempts to seize the tanker.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "full and total blockade" of all sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela last month.

On Dec. 10, U.S. forces seized the oil tanker Skipper near Venezuelan waters and announced the U.S. plans to keep its oil cargo.

On Dec. 20, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the Centuries off Venezuela, a Panamanian-flagged supertanker that was not on Washington's sanctions list. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said on X that the crude oil aboard the Centuries originated from Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA, which is under U.S. sanctions. 
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 00:00:40

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Integer Holdings Corporation ("Integer" or the "Company") (NYSE:ITGR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Integer and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until February 09, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Integer securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]October 23, 2025, when Integer cut its full-year 2025 guidance and informed investors it expected net sales growth of -2% to 2% and organic sales growth of 0% to 4% for the full year of 2026. Integer further admitted that two of its electrophysiology devices had experienced "slower than forecasted" market adoption and expected the slower demand impact "to continue into 2026." Analysts immediately reacted, noting that Integer's sales guidance was "materially below the Street." On this news, Integer's stock price fell $35.22 per share, or 32.28%, to close at $73.89 per share on October 23, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 00:00:30

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 00:00:28

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Perrigo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 16, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Perrigo securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2024, Perrigo reported fiscal year 2023 earnings, revealing significant acquisition and integration-related charges, including a purported one-time cash cost of an additional $35 million to $45 million for remediations to address production and facility issues in its infant formula business. The Company also disclosed a 50% decline in earnings per share compared to the prior year due to infant formula remediation actions.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $4.87 per share, or 15.14%, to close at $27.30 per share on February 27, 2024.Then, on May 7, 2024, Perrigo released earnings for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, revealing the significant negative impact of Perrigo's costly actions to augment and strengthen its infant formula business.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $3.28 per share, or 9.8%, to close at $30.15 on May 7, 2024.Then, on August 6, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release announcing earnings for the second quarter ended June 28, 2025, revealing the Company's adjusted gross profit decreased $30 million, or 6.9%, due in part to "production variability in infant formula, leading to an increase in product scrap in the quarter." Finally, on November 5, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release, announcing the Company "is initiating a strategic review of its infant formula business" including a "a full range of alternatives." The press release revealed Perrigo is "reassessing the Company's previously announced investment in this business of $240 million." On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $5.09 per share, or 25.2%, to close at $15.10 per share on November 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 01:40:23

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Rektron Group Inc. (CSE: REK.U)(FRA:F75) ("Rektron" or the "Company"), a global commodity trading group with subsidiaries that specialise in trading energy, metals, and energy transition commodities, provides an update to the market regarding the status of the administration proceedings of DL Hudson Limited (now named 61 Merchant Group Limited) and Rektron AQ Limited (now named 37 AQ Merchants Limited).On December 22, 2025, a petition to wind up both companies was advertised and is scheduled to be heard before the High Court of Justice on January 7, 2026 in London, UK. The Company will provide further updates as developments warrant and remains committed to resolving this matter in the best interests of the Company and its group of companies.About Rektron Group Inc.Rektron Group Inc. (CSE: REK.U) (FRA:F75) through its subsidiaries is a global physical commodities trading and infrastructure company. Focused on delivering sustainable supply chain operations, across energy and metals commodity markets.The Company's vertically integrated model combines physical commodity trading, logistics, structured financing, and risk management under one platform, enabling efficient and secure global trade. Through its core divisions the Company is positioned at the intersection of industrial growth and the global energy transition.Rektron is committed to driving long-term value through innovation, responsible resource management, and a strategic focus on circular economy principles and low-carbon solutions.Please visit www.rektrongroup.com for further information.Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forwardlooking statements") that relate to Rektron's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forwardlooking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forwardlooking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.Forwardlooking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Rektron's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forwardlooking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, other factors set forth under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended July 31, 2024 and dated November 25, 2024, and other continuous disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+, including the litigation against the Company. Rektron undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Rektron to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forwardlooking statement. Any forwardlooking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martyna JovaisaiteRektron Group Inc. investorrelations@ rektrongroup.com (604) 359-5412SOURCE: Rektron Group Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 00:00:45

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 6, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE:ITGR) between July 25, 2024 and October 22, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 9, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Integer common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Integer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49170 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 9, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Integer materially overstated its competitive position within the growing electrophysiology ("EP") manufacturing market; (2) despite Integer's claims of strong visibility into customer demand, Integer was experiencing a sustained deterioration in sales relating to two of its EP devices; (3) in turn, Integer mischaracterized its EP devices as a long-term growth driver for its cardio and vascular ("C&V") segment; (4) as a result of the above, defendants' positive statements about Integer's business, and operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Integer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49170 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 14:00:25

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The two properties strengthen the Company's presence in Illinois, where it currently owns and manages three other properties.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Sentinel Net Lease (the "Company") announced today that Sentinel Opportunity Fund I, LP (the "Fund") has closed on the acquisitions of two mission-critical commercial properties leased to Abbott Laboratories and V3 Engineering. These transactions, totaling $20.8MM, represent the Fund's seventh and eighth acquisitions and further advance Sentinel's strategy of building a diversified portfolio across tenants, property types, and geographies.Abbott Laboratories located in Waukegan, Illinois.V3 Engineering Headquarters located in Woodridge, Illinois.With these closings, Sentinel Opportunity Fund I continues to scale deliberately, emphasizing tenant credit quality, asset utility, and geographic balance rather than concentration in any single market or sector. Desirable suburban locations in large markets across the Midwest and Southeast US remains a core strategy the Fund, supported by deep local knowledge and long-standing operating relationships.The Abbott Laboratories property is a fully leased 131,341 square foot office facility located in Waukegan, Illinois, near Abbott's HQ campus. The building houses Abbott's software, data engineering, and technology teams that support core operating functions across the organization. Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is an investment-grade Fortune 200 global healthcare company.The 44,096 square foot V3 Engineering property, located in Woodridge, Illinois, serves as the long-term headquarters facility for V3 Engineering, a multidisciplinary engineering and construction firm with operations in the US and Canada.Both properties are 100% leased under long-term structures designed to deliver stable, predictable cash flow and complement the Fund's existing portfolio of industrial, office, and retail assets."These acquisitions mark an important milestone as the Fund continues to build a diversified portfolio, one asset at a time," said Fred Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Net Lease. "Being disciplined about tenant quality, lease structure, and market selection has allowed us to grow while maintaining balance across industries and geographies." Dennis Cisterna, Chief Investment Officer of Sentinel Net Lease, added, "The Abbott and V3 acquisitions reflect the Fund's core underwriting principles: mission-critical real estate, strong tenant fundamentals, and an attractive basis relative to replacement cost. As the seventh and eighth assets in the portfolio, they reinforce our focus on diversification and downside protection as we continue to deploy capital." Sentinel Opportunity Fund I remains open for investment through June 2026 and maintains an active acquisition pipeline extending into 2026 that will continue the thematic investment strategy to deliver outsized risk-adjusted returns to our investors.About Sentinel Net LeaseSentinel Net Lease is a private commercial real estate investment firm dedicated to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns through disciplined, data-driven investment strategies. The firm focuses on acquiring high-quality properties under long-term net leases with financially stable tenants, primarily located in the Midwest and Southern United States. Sentinel combines institutional-caliber investment analysis with hands-on operational expertise and rigorous asset management to maximize value and mitigate risk.Sentinel Opportunity Fund I, LP is currently open to accredited investors and is available for custody on Charles Schwab.Visit sentinelnetlease.com and sentineloppfund.com for more information.ContactsLaura NguyenVice President of Investor Relationslaura@ sentinelnetlease.com SOURCE: Sentinel Net Lease
PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-07 06:00:08

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The privately-held supplement company appoints a new CEO, Andreas Wolf, and expands responsibility for its longtime COO as the Company enters its next phase of growth. Founding CEO Jay Hammer transitions to CEO Emeritus.ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Theralogix, a leading developer of evidence-based nutritional supplements recommended by physicians for more than two decades, announced a strategic leadership transition following a record-breaking 2025. With its sixth consecutive quarter of record-setting performance, achieving 25% growth in both revenue and profit, Theralogix reported its strongest financials in its 23-year history.After more than two decades guiding the company's evolution, Founding CEO Jay Hammer will assume the role of CEO Emeritus, continuing to advise the business and support a seamless leadership handoff. Hammer has worked alongside Mark Ratner, M.D., Founder & Chief Science Officer, since 2002 to establish Theralogix as a trusted industry leader rooted in scientific rigor, product transparency, and clinical relevance.Under this joint leadership, Theralogix built its reputation on science-backed formulations, high-quality and responsibly sourced ingredients, and independent third-party testing & certification. Although its product line spans multiple specialties and targeted nutrient support, Theralogix has developed a particular focus in reproductive health, delivering evidence-based solutions for men and women across urology, OB/GYN, and fertility.As part of the transition, Theralogix announced the appointment of Andreas Wolf as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. Wolf brings more than two decades of experience in consumer health and nutraceuticals, and most recently served as President and CEO of EyePromise/ZeaVision, where he spent eight years transforming the company into a leading brand in the eye-health supplement category. Under his leadership, EyePromise expanded its footprint among healthcare professionals and achieved significant commercial growth, culminating in a successful sale of the business. Theralogix also announced that Christopher Good, who has served as the company's Chief Operating Officer for more than 15 years, has been appointed President and will expand his operational leadership across the organization.With Wolf and Good at the helm, Theralogix is poised for an accelerated growth trajectory in 2026 and beyond. The company plans to expand distribution, strengthen operational capabilities, and introduce a slate of new products, including OvaNAD+ (egg quality support), AgeRx (healthy aging and longevity), TreBiome (advanced pre-, pro-, and postbiotic), and Androsyn (testosterone support)."I'm incredibly proud of what we've built at Theralogix over the past 23 years," said Jay Hammer, CEO Emeritus. "With Andreas and Chris leading the next chapter, the company is positioned for even greater innovation, growth, and impact. Theralogix is in excellent hands." As it enters this new era, Theralogix reinforces its commitment to elevating industry standards and delivering rigorously tested supplements that consumers and healthcare providers can trust.About Theralogix: Theralogix raises the bar when it comes to premium, research-backed nutritional supplements. Offering targeted solutions across fertility, urology, women's health, and more - every product is independently certified by NSF International for content accuracy and freedom from contaminants. Theralogix has been a top physician-recommended brand for over two decades. Learn more at theralogix.com CONTACT:Shannon Mahon smahon@ theralogix.com 301.464.7210SOURCE: Theralogix
Kian Smith FZE is set to list and trade over N21 billion worth of 1kg LBMA gold bars on the floor of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange.

In a recent joint interview with Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange and Kian Smith FZE, the Managing Director/CEO of LCFE announced that the Exchange had received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission to list Kian Smith 1kg LBMA gold bars on its floor.

The MD highlighted that this was a transaction that had taken a lot of work and commitment, He commended the commission, led by the Director General, Emomotimi Agama, for the great support the Commodities Exchange had received. He explained that the EKO gold transaction, which was the first listing on the Exchange, showed the capital market the opportunities available in the gold Sector through the Commodities Exchange. He noted that this Kian Smith transaction would take the Nigerian Capital Market to another level in line with the one trillion-dollar economy.

The MD of the Exchange also commended Kian Smith for the great work they had done in the gold sector, which they were taking a step further by listing on LCFE. He noted that in line with the new investment guidelines provided by PENCOM, the listing of the 1KG LBMA gold bars has come at the right time.

He also explained that the Gold Spots contracts have assembled a host of SEC-licensed capital market professionals, from dealing member firms, receiving banks, depository, collateral managers and so on, to ensure that the gold contracts are in line with all the relevant legal framework and risk management protocol.

Nere Emiko, the MD/CEO of Kian Smith, explained that Kian Smith was bringing 1kg LBMA gold bars certified by the London Bullion Markets Association to list and trade on LCFE. The initial offer to be listed would be 100kg gold bars, which comes to well over N21 billion. Ms Nere stated that this initial offer was to test the responsiveness of the Nigerian capital market to structured gold trading and more tranches of gold contracts will be listed on the Commodities Exchange.

She noted that investors can invest in as little as 100g out of the 1kg gold bars and that all the risk management protocols have been taken into consideration. The gold bars are all LBMA certified, each bar is insured and they are stored in a secure vault managed by vault/collateral managers.

She noted that the gold sector has shown an upward trajectory in valuation over time. She noted that in 2000 and early 2024, an ounce of gold was trading at $1,800 and $3,200, respectively, and today its trading at $4,450.

Ms Nere also stated that the forecast for gold for 2026 is set to still get to as high as $5,000/$6,000 per ounce showing great promise. She explained that this is the right time for investors to participate and invest in the gold space.

Yemisi Edun, managing director and chief executive officer of First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB), notes that this transaction marks a new level of maturity for the Nigerian Capital Market. The synergy between Kian Smiths supply chain excellence, the LCFEs trading floor, and First City Monument Bank Limited as the receiving bank creates a blueprint for the future of commodities trading. FCMB remains committed to being the gateway for investors seeking to diversify into structured high-growth solid mineral contracts.

The MD of WCM Capital, the listing Dealing member firm, Patrick Ajayi, stated that gold is a store of value that has existed for several years. He explained the need to have Gold in investment portfolios for stability. He explained that the Gold Spot contracts are for all investors both institutional and individual investors.

He explained that as the Dealing member firm bringing Kian Smith to the market, its important that investors understand the risk management protocols that the instrument has gone through before listing on the Exchange.

Mr Patrick explained that each gold bar is sealed and the quality and quantity are assured. He said that the added comfort of listing the gold on an Exchange is that investors can rely on the fact that the protocols have all been taken into consideration.
KILENTAR, a global women-led fashion brand, brought together some of Africas most influential women from the worlds of fashion, media, business, and the creative industries for a spectacular end-of-year celebration in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Among the high-profile attendees were Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, and two-time Guinness World Record holder; Stephanie Coker, a renowned on-air personality and television presenter; and Toke Makinwa, a popular radio host, alongside other prominent figures.

All attendees, including Baci, Coker, and Makinwa, showcased the brand by wearing KILENTAR ensembles, celebrating both fashion and female empowerment.

The organisers noted that the gathering was designed not only to mark the close of 2025 but also to highlight KILENTARs expanding cultural influence and dedication to modern African luxury.

According to the organisers, the event also reinforced the brands ongoing mission to empower women through design, from tailoring to sculptural silhouettes.

Symbol of confidence

The organisers reiterated that KILENTAR will continue to serve as a symbol of confidence and self-expression for the contemporary woman.

The organisers further stated that the celebration became a visual representation of the brands evolution, demonstrating how KILENTAR has grown into a label that not only dresses women but also creates meaningful spaces for connection and community.

They added that it underscored the brands emergence as a forward-looking label rooted in artistry, cultural pride, and purpose, showcasing how fashion can be both a form of self-expression and a statement of influence.

According to the organisers, by bringing together powerful women united through design, the event epitomised KILENTARs vision of building community, shaping identity, and redefining the look and feel of modern African luxury.

Build for future brand

The brands Creative Director, Michelle Adepoju, described the event as profoundly personal to KILENTAR.

She emphasised that the brand is designed for the future and for the women who help shape it.

Ms Adepoju added that the gathering represented a pivotal moment in the brands journey, celebrating its past achievements, affirming its present impact, and looking ahead to a future defined by craftsmanship, community, and contemporary femininity.

KILENTAR is a brand that celebrates craftsmanship and heritage, and we work solely with women artisans. Bringing these women together in one room, all wearing KILENTAR, was a reminder of why we started and where were headed. This is a brand built for the future, and for women who shape it, Ms Adepoju added.

She highlighted that KILENTAR intends to strengthen further its presence in the UK, the US, and the global fashion scene.
Three days after the Lagos State Police Command summoned Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry in Lagos, over multiple rape and other allegations, the cleric turned himself in.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, stated in a press release on Sunday that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had ordered Mr Okafor to appear at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, on Monday.

However, Mr Okafor failed to present himself for interrogation and a full investigation on Monday.

Update

Providing an update on the case during an interview with TVC on Wednesday, which was posted on the television stations YouTube page, Mr Jimoh disclosed that Mr Okafor eventually turned himself in on Tuesday.

He said: When he was invited, he got to us through his lawyer, saying that he would be appearing on Monday. On Monday, we waited for him, but we didnt see him, so I directed that he be arrested. Subsequently, he showed up yesterday, yes. He showed up yesterday (Tuesday).

Additionally, Mr Jimoh disclosed that the case has been handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Sylvester Alabi, for further action.

We later learned that the same matter had been opened at the Zone 2 headquarters, with the assistance of the General Police in charge of Zone 2, which I needed to verify, and I verified the same.

And he told me the matter is being investigated under his command for about three weeks now. So, the AIG occupied a higher office than mine as a commander and is my immediate supervisor, as he is involved in the matter. So we handed the matter back to the Zone, said the commissioner.

Meanwhile, when asked whether any alleged victim came forward to give an account of the claims, he said the police did not need to wait for such a report before taking action.

Social media has become a veritable space for people to lodge their complaints. We no longer wait for people to come and see the matter before we act in public interest, because if we dont, the conduct can lead to breakdown of law and order, Mr Jimoh noted.

Backstory

The controversy surrounding Mr Okafor began in December 2025 after actress Doris Ogala accused him of reneging on a promise of marriage.

This newspaper reported that she claimed that the alleged betrayal caused her emotional distress, alongside other accusations.

The matter reached a climax when the cleric issued an apology to Ms Ogala and other women he said he had offended, while also accusing his ex-wife, Bessem, of adultery.

Ms Bessem, however, denied the allegation, insisting she was faithful throughout their marriage.

She further accused Mr Okafor of subjecting her to physical abuse.

Amid the growing allegations, Mr Okafor announced that he would step aside from his ministerial duties for one month.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuelan authorities "will be turning over" 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, proceeds from which will be "used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States."

The oil will be sold at market price and the revenue will be controlled by Trump himself as the U.S. president, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The oil from Venezuela will be shipped directly to unloading docks in the United States, Trump said, noting that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been assigned to execute the plan.

Trump's remarks came just days after U.S. forces launched a military strike against Venezuela on Saturday and forcibly seized its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Venezuelan soil.

The U.S. administration has been widely bashed and protested following the large-scale military strike, which many view as an unlawful action primarily driven by a desire to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Referring to "oil" roughly 20 times during his press conference on Saturday following the military operation, Trump told NBC News on Monday that Washington may subsidize U.S. oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure. 
There is a viral claim that Nigerias Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently told the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The claim appeared on various news websites and blogs, including FreedomOnline, NewsReelDaily, and Nairaland, as well as several other sites and social media pages.

Additionally, most of the reports in which the claim appeared were published within the week, giving the impression that Mr Shettimas comment was recent.

In one of the Facebook posts on the issue, titled Vice President Shettima warned Wike over APC affairs, the Facebook user claimed Mr Shettima was addressing Mr Wike after the FCT minister held a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Facebook user, as also reported in news websites and blogs, suggested that Mr Shettima told Mr Wike that, like other governors in their parties, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers.

As of the time of filing this report, the Facebook post garnered over 120 likes and 85 comments. At least 16 people have re-shared the posts at the time.

We all know that Wike is the de facto leader of APC in Rivers State. He controls the state assembly and the local government areas, one of the commenters, Kayode Oguntuase, wrote.

Its a mere question of protocol to describe Fubara as the leader.

Context

There has been a debate about who is the leader of the APC in Rivers State following the recent defection of Mr Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The governor recently declared himself the leader of the APC in the South-southern state.

In response, Mr Wike dismissed the comments from Governor Fubara that he has become the leader of the APC in Rivers following his recent defection to the ruling party.

Despite being a member of the PDP, the FCT minister suggested that he, not Mr Fubara, is the leader of the APC in the South-southern state.

The argument over who is the APC leader in Rivers is understandable when examined alongside the current political tension in Rivers and the belief that Mr Fubara would seek a second term as governor, which is unacceptable to Mr Wike and his followers.

The political tension followed Mr Wikes allegations that Mr Fubara had reneged on the fresh peace deal brokered between them by President Bola Tinubu. There are unverified reports that part of the agreement between the two politicians was that the governor should not seek re-election in 2027.

What Shettima truly said

Mr Shettima, while welcoming Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State into the APC in Enugu, declared him the leader of the party in the state.

As for the APC convention and constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in the state, he said.

Turning to Governor Mbah, the vice-president said, You are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State.

He continued: I am the vice-president (from Borno), but the leader of the APC in Borno State is Governor Babagana Zulum.

The President of the Senate (Godswill Akpabio) is the number three citizen (of Nigeria from Akwa Ibom), but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom State is Governor Umo Eno.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen (of Nigeria from Kaduna State), but the leader of the party in Kaduna is Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State.

Verification

Checks by PREMIUM TIMES showed that although Mr Shettima stated that governors who are members of the APC are the leaders of the party in their states, he was not addressing Mr Wike or Governor Fubara, nor was he discussing matters related to the current debate about who is the APC leader in Rivers.

The vice-president did not at any time during the address mention Mr Wikes name or that of Governor Fubara or even Rivers State.

In fact, this newspaper confirmed that the vice-president made the comment when he and other APC leaders welcomed Governor Mbah of Enugu into the party on 14 October 2025.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara only defected from the PDP to the APC on 9 December 2025, two months after Mr Shettima made the comment.

Verdict  Its false

Therefore, the suggestion or claim that Mr Shettima was telling Mr Wike that Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers is false.
The Burkina Faso junta said it has foiled another attempted coup to oust the military leader, Ibrahim Traore.

The countrys security minister, Mahamadou Sana, on Tuesday said the plan set for late Saturday was foiled thanks to the professionalism of the intelligence services.

The junta accused the former transitional President, Paul-Henri Damiba, of orchestrating the plot, according to the BBC.

Mr Damiba was overthrown in a coup in September 2022 by Mr Traore, about eight months after he had ousted the elected president, Roch Kabore.

According to the defence minister, the coup plot involved a series of targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials.

A core part of the plan was to kill Mr Traore, either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence.

Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities, he said.

Mr Sana also alleged that the plot had been funded from the neighbouring Ivory Coast.

He explained that the administration foiled the plot after discovering a leaked video showing the plotters discussing their plans.

Mr Sana narrated that in the footage, the plotters allegedly spoke of their intention to assassinate the president and target other senior military and civilian figures.

He also alleged that Mr Damiba, having secured foreign funding from the Ivory Coast, planned to knock out the countrys drone-launch base before foreign forces could intervene.

READ ALSO: Nigerian soldiers recently freed by Burkina Faso arrive Ghana

We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon, he added.

This adds to the multiple claims of attempted coups against Mr Traore that the government has reported since he took power in 2022.

In April 2024, the government claimed to have uncovered a plot to attack the presidential palace and create hostility that would draw global attention to the country.

The ultimate goal of this plan was also to overthrow the junta leader, officials said.

In September, the government also arrested four military officials over a failed coup attempt.
US President Donald Trump had said Venezuela would give between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the US.

Mr Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the oil will be sold at market value and controlled by the US for the benefit of the people of Venezuela and the United States.

I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!

According to Mr Trump, the interim authority in Venezuela, led by Delcy Rodriguez, would be responsible for facilitating this supply.

Ms Rodriguez had been vice president until last Saturday, when the US military abducted President Nicholas Maduro from Caracas along with First Lady Cilia Flores.

They were charged in a US court on Monday, over allegations of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking, allegations that Mr Maduro has repeatedly denied.

In his recent post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said he has directed the Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the new plan, immediately.

READ ALSO: Trump says US will run Venezuela following kidnap of Maduro by American forces

Mr Trump stated that the petroleum supplied will be taken by storage ships and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.

Mr Trump had earlier pledged to take back Venezuelas oil reserves and revive the Latin American countrys flailing energy industry.

He had also declared that US oil companies are primed to invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuelas infrastructure and exploit its oil reserves, which he claimed were stolen from the US.

Mr Trump, however, did not provide a time frame within which the barrels of oil are expected to be supplied.

Mr Trump and other US officials have repeatedly indicated that the control of Venezuelas oil and other mineral deposits is a major reason for the US attack on the country. Other reasons given by officials include allegations that Mr Maduro is involved in drug trafficking to the US.
China on Wednesday sharply criticised US President Donald Trumps planned intervention in Venezuelas oil industry.

The outrageous use of force against Venezuela by the United States and the demand that the country should manage its oil resources according to the America first principle constitute harassment, violate international law, and harm the rights of the Venezuelan people, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Venezuela has full sovereignty over its mineral resources and economic activities, Ms Ning continued, stressing that Chinas rights and interests in the country must also be protected.

China is a key ally of Venezuela and the largest buyer of the South American countrys oil.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Mr Trump said Venezuelas interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S.

The US president said he would control the proceeds to ensure they were used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

READ ALSO: Trump says Venezuela to give US 50 million oil barrels

The US attacked targets in Venezuela on Saturday, seizing authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over alleged drug offences and removing them from the country.

After the operation, Mr Trump said that the US would temporarily run Venezuela.

The US president had previously highlighted the economic potential of the countrys oil industry, stating that major US oil companies would invest in repairing infrastructure and developing production.

(dpa/NAN)
African Democratic Congress on Wednesday inaugurated its Membership, Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration committee, launching nationwide registration of new members as part of efforts to strengthen structures and expand the partys base.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 20-member committee is chaired by Kashim Imam, with Aisha Yesufu as deputy chairman and Sekonte Davies serving as secretary.

While inaugurating the committee, ADC National Chairperson, David Mark, described the exercise as a major step toward repositioning the party for growth, unity, stronger cohesion and improved electoral competitiveness nationwide ahead.

He said the initiative underscored the partys founding principles of justice, equity, accountability and people-centred governance, stressing that credible, verifiable membership data remained essential to legitimacy, relevance and national political success.

Mr Mark, a former senate president, explained that the committee, created by the NWC, would oversee nationwide revalidation, fresh registrations, grassroots mobilisation, data harmonisation and deployment of electronic and manual platforms to ensure transparency and documentation.

He added that new membership cards with state-specific security features would be introduced, urging committee members to act with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness while collaborating with state and local leaders nationwide.

Accepting the assignment, the committee chairperson, Mr Imam, pledged diligent and transparent service, describing the exercise as a turning point aimed at rebuilding the ADC into an inclusive, people-driven movement nationwide.

He said the committee had 30 days to submit its report, assuring members that work had begun immediately to mobilise and register Nigerians across cities, rural communities, deserts and creeks nationwide.

(NAN)
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three brothers from the state who lost their lives in the recent Lagos Island fire outbreak on Christmas Eve 2025.

The fire had gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House building, located on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that at least eight people were confirmed dead in the fire incident.

In a condolence message released by his spokesperson, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday in Awka, Mr Soludo described the incident as a painful tragedy.

He said that the incident turned what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a moment of profound grief.

The governor commiserated with the families of all the victims of the inferno, adding that the loss had left many hearts heavy with sorrow.

He said that he was particularly devastated by the death of three sons of Anambra  Steve Omatu, 40, Casmir Omatu, 39 and Collins Omatu, 37.

According to him, they are brothers from the Omatu family in the Uzoakwa community of Ihiala Local Government Area.

These industrious young men were only striving to earn an honest living for their families, yet they were taken in the most tragic circumstances, the governor said.

He noted that their death represented not only a great loss to their family but also a collective loss to Anambra.

The governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their efforts in rescuing victims and containing the fire.

Mr Soludo advised Anambra residents living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over the recovery of property during fire incidents.

He prayed for God to grant the affected families the strength to bear the loss and asked that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

The governor also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The bereaved family has fixed 14 January as the date for the burial of their three sons.

READ ALSO: ADC inaugurates membership revalidation committee

According to the family, the burial arrangements for the deceased brothers will begin on 7 January with a service of songs and a requiem mass at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Ken Nlemedim Street, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos.

Their remains will be laid to rest on 14 January after a burial mass in their Uzoakwa Community.

(NAN)
The Government of Akwa Ibom State has rejected claims by the Ekid Peoples Union that it owns land within the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, describing such assertions as false, misleading and a distortion of the judicial record.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, the state government said it was compelled to respond in the overriding public interest, despite a pending court case instituted by the same group.

The government stated that, contrary to claims circulating in the media, the historic case of Ntiaro and Ikpak vs. Ibok Etok Akpan and Edoho Ekid, decided by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 1918, did not vest ownership of Stubbs Creek land in any ethnic group or community.

The final judgement merely dismissed the claims before the court and granted title to no party whatsoever, the government stated, adding that any assertion to the contrary is false, misleading and a distortion of the judicial record.

According to the statement, the land was lawfully reserved by the colonial government under Forest Reserve Order No. 45 of 1930, later amended in 1941, 1955 and 1962, with the principal rights of the land forfeited to the Government upon the change of status.

It said the area has since been administered under applicable laws by the Akwa Ibom State Government, which has at all times acted within its lawful authority in the management and allocation of land in the area for legitimate public and economic purposes.

Citing the 1999 Constitution and the Land Use Act, the government stated that all land in the state is vested in the governor to be held in trust for the common benefit of Nigerians, noting that claims of absolute ancestral ownership are subject to existing laws.

Denial of fraud, warning of legal action

The government categorically denies allegations of fraud or misrepresentation regarding Stubbs Creek or investments there and warned it would take appropriate legal steps against any individual or group publishing false or defamatory material capable of undermining public confidence or discouraging investment.

The statement also assured the federal government of full access and Right of Way for the proposed Coastal Highway through any part of the state.

The government statement followed an earlier PREMIUM TIMES report in which the Ekid Peoples Union accused Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom of making comments that allegedly linked the community to terrorism, while he was defending the Coastal Highway project passing through the Stubbs Creek.

Ekid Peoples Union maintained that the people of Ekid are the original owners of the land known as Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, arguing that their ancestral ownership predates colonial rule. The group cited historical occupation, customary ownership and a 1918 Privy Council case, which it claimed affirmed Ekid rights over the territory.

The union also accused the Akwa Ibom State Government of misrepresenting history to justify taking over the land for commercial interests and the proposed Coastal Highway, an allegation the state government has denied.

The group rejected any suggestion linking the Ekid people to criminality or terrorism, insisting they were peaceful citizens defending their ancestral land through lawful and civic means.
Osasu Igbinedion, convener of the National Advocacy Coalition on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, has been named among Africas 100 Most Impactful People in 2025 by Ranks Africa, in recognition of her sustained efforts to advance inclusive governance and strengthen democratic participation across the continent.

The honour, disclosed in a statement issued by the media office of the TOS Foundation on Wednesday, reflects growing continental attention to initiatives that promote representative governance, citizen participation, and long-term institutional development.

Mrs Igbinedion is the Founder of TOS Foundation Africa, a pan-African non-profit organisation focused on advancing inclusive governance, gender equity, and citizen participation through policy advocacy, convenings, and public education. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of the TOS Group of Companies.

The recognition places a renewed spotlight on her leadership in driving one of Nigerias most consequential gender inclusion reforms in recent years, the push for constitutionally guaranteed legislative seats for women.

Over the past year, according to the statement, Mrs Igbinedion has emerged as one of the most visible civic leaders behind the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at addressing Nigerias chronic underrepresentation of women in elective offices.

The Reserved Seats Bill, a constitutional amendment legislation, seeks to create additional elective seats exclusively for women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.

As convener of the National Advocacy Coalition, she coordinated a broad-based movement that reframed the bill from a marginal legislative proposal into a national governance issue.

The coalition brought together lawmakers across party lines, alongside traditional and religious leaders, underscoring the idea that broader political inclusion helps build public trust and stronger institutions, the statement read.

Advocates argue that Nigeria, despite being Africas most populous country, ranks among the lowest globally in womens parliamentary representation, a gap that weakens democratic legitimacy and policy responsiveness. Under Mrs Igbinedions leadership, the coalition positioned the Reserved Seats Bill as a corrective mechanism designed to strengthen institutions rather than privilege any group.

Her approach emphasised evidence-based advocacy, drawing on comparative examples from African and global democracies where temporary special measures have expanded political inclusion and improved governance outcomes.

Mrs Igbinedions work on inclusive governance extends beyond political representation. Through the Shift the Needle Campaign, she has led state-level advocacy efforts to improve domestic funding for family planning and reproductive health.

Anchored by a practical advocacy toolkit designed for First Ladies of Nigerian states, the campaign equipped leaders with data, clear policy guidance, and simple messaging tools to connect reproductive health to maternal survival, girls education, household stability, and economic productivity, the statement said.

By framing family planning as a development and economic issue rather than a purely health concern, the campaign encouraged sustained political commitment at the state level, particularly in budgetary decision-making.

Mrs Igbinedions inclusion on Ranks Africas list also reflects her support for civic innovation. Through TOS Foundation Africa, she backed the development of 469Tracker, a civic technology platform designed to enhance legislative transparency and citizen engagement.

The platform allows citizens to track the performance of elected representatives, monitor legislative activities, and engage more meaningfully with democratic institutions. Advocates say tools like 469Tracker are critical in deepening accountability and closing the gap between citizens and lawmakers.

Her advocacy work is further reinforced by the annual TOS Symposium, a policy and civic dialogue platform convened under her leadership.

The symposium brings together policymakers, civil society leaders, development partners, and young people to examine Nigerias demographic realities and the policy choices required to support inclusive growth.

Ranks Africa, a pan-African media and recognition platform, said its 100 Most Impactful People list celebrates individuals whose work contributes to measurable social, economic, and institutional change across Africa, spanning governance, business, technology, philanthropy, and civil society.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami.

Judge Emeka Nwite on Wednesday granted each of them bail in the sum of N500 million in the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge noted that the key consideration in granting bail is whether the defendants would make themselves available for trial and refrain from interfering with witnesses.

He observed that the EFCCs opposition, particularly on the likelihood of the defendants jumping bail or influencing witnesses, was not concrete enough.

He therefore ruled that he was minded to grant the defendants bail in the interest of justice.

He granted each of the three defendants bail in the sun of N500 million, with two sureties in the same amount. It further ordered that the sureties to be presented by the defendants must own verifiable properties in Maitama or Gwarinpa areas of Abuja.

The defendants were also directed to deposit their passports with the court and must not travel outside Nigeria without prior approval of the court.

Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the defendants are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

Meeting the bail conditions will end Mr Malamis detention, which has already lasted 31 days cumulatively in the custody of the EFCC and the Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

The EFCC detained him from 8 December 2025 to 30 December 2025, when the court transferred him to the Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, following his arraignment.

For his wife and son, they have spent 16 days in custody as of Wednesday, having been first detained by the EFCC between 23 December and 30 December, when they were arraigned and subsequently remanded alongside Mr Malami in prison.

Mr Malami, the AGF during former President Muhammadu Buharis administration between 2015 and 2023, is standing trial alongside one of his wives, Ms Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz, on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

In the charges, EFCC accused them of retention of proceeds of unlawful activity and illegitimate acquisition of assets with funds of suspicious origins.

They denied all 16 counts.

Defence lawyer Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had attempted to move an oral application for the defendants bail shortly after they were arraigned on 30 December.

But the prosecution, represented by Ekele Iheanacho, also SAN, opposed the request and asked for time to formally respond.

In a ruling, the judge held that allowing the oral application would deny the prosecution its right to a fair hearing since the application had been served with the written request.

He then ordered that the defendants be remanded to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The bail hearing was eventually held on 2 January. At the hearing, defence lawyers argued that the offences were bailable and urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms.

The EFCC opposed the application, citing the gravity of the allegations and the risk of interference with witnesses.

After their arguments, the judge adjourned the ruling on the bail application until 7 January (today), prompting Kuje prison officials to take Mr Malami, his wife and son back to prison.

Why EFCCs objection to bail failed

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, the court considered various factors, including evidence available against the accused, the likelihood of the availability of the accused to stand trial, the nature and gravity of the case, the likelihood of the defendnants interfering with justice, and the likelihood of committing an offence while on bail, among others.

Having critically evaluated the evidence adduced by both parties, Mr Nwite said he was not unmindful of the serious nature of the offences and the attendant economic consequences to our country, Nigeria.

He noted, however, that the key consideration at the stage was whether the defendants would make themselves available for trial and refrain from interfering with witnesses.

The judge observed that the EFCCs opposition, particularly on the likelihood of the defendants jumping bail or interfering with witnesses, was not concrete enough. He therefore ruled that he was minded to grant the defendants bail in the interest of justice.

judge issues warning ahead of trial

Mr Nwite also cautioned lawyers and all parties in the case against attempting to contact him privately during the trial, emphasising that such approaches would not be tolerated.

He noted that, notwithstanding familiarity with the parties, when Im dealing with any case, please dont approach me. The best you can do for your client is to get the best lawyers in this country. The law cannot be bent.

He then adjourned proceedings until 17 February for commencement of l trial.
Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, says it has refused the Labour Partys request to nominate candidates for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections because it would be subjudice.

The commission stated this in a statement on Tuesday by its Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, in response to a protest by some members of the opposition party.

It explained that the LP instituted multiple lawsuits against it regarding access to upload names of candidates, all of which are still pending in court.

It listed the four lawsuits as the one at the Nasarawa State High Court, Akwanga Division, marked NSD/LF.84/2024; another at the Federal High Court Abuja, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025; the FCT High Court, Jabi Division marked CV/4792/2025; and yet another at the FCT High Court, Life Camp Division, marked CV/4930/2025.

According to INEC, the court in Life Camp granted an interim order on 16 December, directing the commission to upload the names of the LP candidates for the FCT area council election.

It, however, said it filed its defence and the interim order, which lapsed on 23 December, was not extended.

Accordingly, there is presently no subsisting Court Order for INEC to act upon, the statement said.

Given that the matter is subjudice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.

Protest

Some members of the party had on Monday staged a protest at the electoral commissions headquarters, requesting access to upload the names of candidates for the area council elections scheduled for 21 February.

The protesters claimed there was a subsisting court order, which the electoral commission had failed to comply with.

However, INEC maintained that there is no subsisting court order for the commission to act upon.

Multiple lawsuits

INEC said it first disallowed uploading of candidates by the party last year because the primary election was conducted in August by the Julius Abure faction of the party, which had been sacked months before in April.

The commission explained that the Supreme Court had, in a judgment in April 2025, ruled that the tenure of Mr Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) had expired. Yet, it went ahead to conduct the primaries four months later.

Unsatisfied with INECs decision, the Abure-led faction filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to compel INEC to allow it to upload its candidates.

In its ruling, the court affirmed the Supreme Courts earlier ruling that Mr Abure was no longer recognised as the national Chairperson of the party and upheld INECs decision to exclude the party from the FCT bye-election.

Thereafter, the Labour Party filed multiple suits against INEC in different courts, all seeking orders compelling INEC to grant an access code for the upload of its candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026, the statement said.

More lawsuits

The party then filed another lawsuit at the Nasarawa State High Court, Akwanga Division. When the matter at the court got stalled, the LP approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an order compelling INEC to issue access codes to its candidates, and the matter is still pending before the Court.

The party again approached the FCT High Court, Jabi Division, to file a motion seeking an order compelling INEC to issue access codes to its candidates for the FCT area council election.

However, the matter was adjourned to 15 January for the hearing of the motion, after INEC filed its reply.

The LP then filed yet another lawsuit at the FCT High Court, Life Camp Division, seeking the same relief.

According to INEC, the court in life camp granted an interim order on 16 December, directing the commission to upload the names and particulars of the LP candidates for the FCT area council election.

The court expressly stated that the order would lapse after seven days unless extended, INEC said.

Upon being served with the originating processes, INEC promptly filed its defence, challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court.

The interim Order consequently lapsed on 23rd December, 2025 and was not extended. Accordingly, there is presently no subsisting Court Order for INEC to act upon.
The 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Mr Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing supporters at a rally held at the partys national secretariat in Abuja.

I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. Im not following anybodys trajectory or stepping into anybodys shoes.

Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see, he said.

Mr Baba-Ahmed was the running mate to the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 election.

His declaration comes barely a week after Mr Obi announced his exit from the LP to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which some opposition leaders in the country fused into with a view to unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Although Mr Obi had indicated interest in the 2027 presidential race before his formal exit from the LP, there are strong indications that Mr Baba-Ahmed is aligned with the Julius Abure-led faction of the party. The faction had said the former Anambra State governor made a mistake by joining the ADC.

Last year, the Kaduna State politician attended a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Abure-led faction, where he identified himself as a peacemaker seeking to reconcile the partys warring factions. Mr Obi, at the time, was believed to be identifying with the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the party.

However, the faction continues to grapple with questions over its legitimacy. In April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the tenure of Mr Abure had expired. Despite the ruling, the faction went ahead to conduct primaries for the August 16, 2025, by-elections and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.

Earlier attempt to secure nomination

Mr Baba-Ahmed recalled his earlier attempt to secure a presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries before aligning with Mr Obi in the LP.

In October 2018, I participated in the primaries of the then PDP in Port Harcourt and walked to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman he was.

If you heard me well in what I just submitted, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023. And that is why I decided to flow with it, he added.

Nigeria needs help

Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, Mr Baba-Ahmed said his decision to declare his ambition was driven by the countrys challenges.

Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But Im a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. You asked about my ethnicity. Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian constitution also allows me to contest. Im doing this because Nigeria needs help, he said.

He also said he would strictly adhere to party and electoral processes.

However, as a law-abiding citizen and a loyal party member, until the timetable is released by INEC and the leadership of the Labour Party calls for interested aspirants, I will not say anything about it. But remember I told you that Nigerians know the truth, he stated.
The judge overseeing the N8.7 billion money laundering trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami warned on Wednesday that no one connected with the case should attempt to approach him.

Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued the warning while delivering his ruling on the bail application filed by Mr Malami and his co-defendants  one of his wives, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami.

Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned, the judge cautioned.

He said his leniency should not be mistaken for weakness.

Addressing the defendants, the prosecution agency  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  as well as their lawyers, more specifically, the judge said, So, I want to warn each and every litigant and lawyer appearing before this court that they should understand the way this court works.

Please, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned.

Mr Malami, the AGF during former President Muhammadu Buharis administration between 2015 and 2023, is standing trial alongside his wife and son on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

In the charges brought by the EFCC, the prosecution accused them of retention of proceeds of unlawful activity and illegitimate acquisition of assets with funds of suspicious origins.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the court granted each of the three defendants bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in the same amount, on Wednesday.

It further ordered that the sureties to be presented by the defendants must own verifiable properties in the Maitama or Gwarinpa areas of Abuja.

It was at the end of the ruling that the judge cautioned against overtures from lawyers or their clients in the trial.

He asked the parties and lawyers to understand the nature of the court before which they appear, noting that all judges are not the same.

Mr Nwite maintained that rather than seeking undue access to him, the parties should get good lawyers to handle their case.

Also on Wednesday, the judge granted EFCCs application for an order of interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of Mr Malamis unlawful activities.

Mr Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC and moved by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The Federal Government has announced plans to launch Nigerias first National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence to strengthen local research.

The plan for the establishment was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, at the 50th convocation ceremony of the University of Jos, Plateau State.

According to the minister, the AI centre will be established at the institution through the support of the communications ministry to position the country as a significant contributor to the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.

At the convocation ceremony, Mr Tijani stated that the centre, being the first AI-focused national institution in the country, will act as a national hub for advanced research, skills development, innovation, and policy engagement.

University of Jos must not merely observe Nigerias future; it must help to architect the future. Therefore, today, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, will establish and support a National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at the university, marking the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The centre will support our efforts in strengthening research, skills, and innovation, and positioning Nigeria as a serious contributor to the global AI ecosystem. AI will shape the future of every economy, and Nigeria intends to shape how it is built, the minister said.

In his speech, Mr Tijani, who is also an alumnus of the institution, reiterated the significance of Nigerias participation in the AI ecosystem, noting the need for reliance on inclusive research and locally relevant data rather than foreign technologies and computing resources.

The reality of AI is much more than just computing. Academic institutions globally have been investing in this space for years. We are too big as a country not to participate in AI, and it goes beyond what should be left as the responsibility of the West.

Artificial intelligence systems must understand Nigerias reality, our languages, our culture, and our social structures, and universities must lead the research into inclusive datasets and contextual intelligence, Mr Tijani said.

Additionally, he clarified that global AI leaders achieved their status through early academic investment in machine learning research and not just powerful computers. The minister noted that Nigerian universities must position the country as thoughtful contributors and leaders in the global south.

Nigeria must not be a passive rule-taker in global AI governance. Our universities must help position the country as thoughtful contributors and leaders from the Global South, the minister said.
Two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Gombe State House of Assembly have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, Gabriel Galadima Fushison, who represents Kaltungo West Constituency, and Malon Nimrod Yari of Shongom Constituency, formally announced their defection on Wednesday and later met with Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe.

They were led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, alongside his deputy, Sadam Bello, and other principal officers of the Assembly.

The defecting legislators said their decision was motivated by what they described as Governor Yahayas inclusive style of governance, strong leadership and performance since assuming office.

According to them, party affiliation did not affect their relationship with the executive while they were in opposition, noting that their constituencies benefited from government projects and programmes.

Our decision was driven by the governors fairness, accessibility and commitment to equitable development, the lawmakers said, adding that they were convinced that joining the APC would allow them to better support the administrations development agenda.

Mr Yahaya, while welcoming the lawmakers into the APC, described their defection as a vote of confidence in his administration and its people-oriented policies.

He assured them of equal treatment and full integration within the party, stressing that the APC in Gombe State remains a platform for unity, progress and service to the people.

The governor also commended the leadership of the State House of Assembly for what he described as sustained cooperation with the executive arm of government, noting that the cordial relationship between both arms has contributed to the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

Mr Yahaya expressed confidence that unity within the party would translate into electoral success in the 2027 general elections in Gombe State and nationwide.

The defection is the latest in a series of political realignments in the state legislature.

Last year, the Minority Whip of the House, Zubairu Ayala, also defected from the PDP to the APC.

With the latest development, the APC now holds 23 of the 24 seats in the Gombe State House of Assembly, leaving the PDP with only one lawmaker in the chamber.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed Tuesdays killing of five officers of the National Park Service in a bandit attack on the National Park Office in Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, the governor described the incident as a devastating loss of personnel carrying out their lawful duties.

Governor Makinde said preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate the attack was cross-border in nature, carried out by armed bandits from neighbouring regions.

He added that security agencies are working together to address the situation and called on residents in the area to assist with intelligence gathering.

The governor appealed for calm among residents, particularly in Orire LGA and other border communities.

He said normalcy had been restored and additional security personnel deployed, pledging that the state government would ensure that such attack does not reoccur.

Let me appeal to residents of Oyo State, especially those in Oriire LGA and other LGAs along our borders, to remain calm as the security agencies have restored normalcy and deployed more personnel to the area.

Our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, he stated.

Tuesdays attack

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that suspected bandits stormed the National Park Service office inside Old Oyo National Park, killing several officers and injuring others.

The Park Conservator, Tesleem Kareem, confirmed the incident and said the attackers struck around 9 p.m., overwhelming personnel on duty.

He added that some bodies had yet to be recovered as they were believed to be in the surrounding forest.

The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the attack and said the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams, mobile police units and explosives experts to the area.

As of the time of the report, the police had not identified the attackers or established their motive.

Security reports show that bandits pushed out of Northwest Nigeria and areas near the Republic of Niger are moving into forested parts of Kwara and Niger states, using them as new bases for attacks.

The forest corridors give them cover to strike and escape, and their closeness to southern states has raised concerns among security officials. As a result, southern and Southwest states, including Oyo, have reported unusual bandit activity in forest areas.
The Donald Trump administration has imposed a new travel restriction on Nigeria, requiring that Nigerians seeking to enter the United States on a B1/B2 visa post bonds of up to $15,000 before being granted entry.

The US Department of State disclosed this in a notice shared on its website on Tuesday.

The B1/B2 visa is a US non-immigrant visitor visa that allows short-term travel for business and tourism, such as attending meetings, conferences, or visiting family and friends.

This new policy, which takes effect on 21 January, comes only a few weeks after the US government imposed restrictions on several visa categories.

The government barred entry for Nigerians seeking to enter the US as green card holders, or on B1, B2, B1/B2, F, M, and J visas. The US had cited high rates of visa overstays and insecurity as reasons for the restrictions.

However, most of the countries added to the new list are African, with some Latin American and Asian countries.

Countries on the list, aside from Nigeria, are Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal.

Other countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Zambia, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

The bond is a financial guarantee paid to the US government to ensure that a visitor complies with the terms of their visa. It is designed to deter overstaying or unauthorised work.

If the visitor leaves the US on or before the date permitted under their visa, the bond is refunded. If they overstay or violate visa conditions, the bond may be forfeited, in part or in full.

The move is part of the Trump administrations broader crackdown on immigration, which began when he returned to office about a year ago.

With Nigeria added to the bond list, it will become even more difficult for citizens to obtain a US visa, as the bond amount is unaffordable for many.

Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined during the visa interview.

Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Securitys Form I-352. Applicants must also agree to the terms of the bond through the US Department of the Treasurys online payment platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of the place of application, the statement read.

The State Department noted that the bond does not mean applicants will have their visas automatically approved. But the amount will be refunded if the visa is denied or if a visa holder demonstrates compliance with the visa terms.

The State Department further noted that visa holders who post bonds must enter the US through designated airports, including Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.


Following the kind gesture from Prince Yemisi Shyllon on 5th December 2025, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, now houses a towering seven-foot bronze statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a nationalist whose legacy is inseparable from the university itself. In this statue, Awolowo is depicted wearing a Senior Advocate of Nigerias robe and cape. The sculptors artistic work has redefined Awolowos national posture not only as a political icon but also as a jurist and an intellectual with innovative ideas imperative to modern-day Nigerian development. This 15-foot statue of Awolowo, together with its pedestal, will daily welcome thousands of students, lecturers, and alumni into a life worthy of emulation, service, and exemplary leadership that characterized Awolowos life. This statue of Awolowo will undoubtedly serve both as a symbol of aesthetic value and as a source of light: a legacy project that captures the institutions academic philosophy of For Learning and Culture.

Obafemi Awolowo University has a special and proud place within the Nigerian education system. It ranks amongst the most intellectually vibrant institutions in Nigerian higher education circles, and it has always been considered a stalwart of Nigerian education since its 1961 founding as the University of Ife. It was founded on the principles of Chief Obafemi Awolowos visionary development philosophy, particularly in education, as the first Nigerian university without any foreign affiliation. The foremost vision of this remarkable institution of higher learning includes a beautiful blend of academic excellence, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. And since its establishment, it has produced many scholars, professionals, social activists, jurists, artists, and public servants who have had a significant impact on Nigerian development. This esteemed school of higher education has been a paradigm within Nigerian educational institutions, distinguished by very high levels of teaching and intellectual rigor amid robust debate. I attended Ife, obtaining two degrees, BA and PhD, and was later decorated with an honorary D.Litt.

However, Shyllons donation of a seven-foot bronze statue of Chief Awolowo to Obafemi Awolowo University is a clear demonstration of his consistent dedication to culture, education, and national heritage. This donation took place at an elegant ceremony on December 5, 2025, during which Prince Yemisi Shyllon, who can well be said to be Africas most incredible art collector, philanthropist, lawyer, engineer, and entrepreneur, donated the statue to OAU while himself receiving an Award of Excellence in Creative Arts and Cultural Development for his contributions to academic life.

Shyllons contributions to academia and art would be better said to be a tangential issue, given his singular monument to academia. His ideology for philanthropy, which springs out of a conviction that meaning in life comes from a life of meaning, which in turn comes from helping create meaning for others, can be found in his own OAU university lectures on achieving through ones life in a way that counts more than a life of material possessions.

His impact on higher education in Nigeria and on cultural preservation can also be seen in his key role in founding the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University, Nigerias first and only privately funded art museum at a public university to date. The museum was established through his gift of over 1,000 pieces and his financial support. Furthermore, his impact on society and knack for development are not far-fetched, as they are evident in his other institutional donations, such as the titanic bronze statues and cultural contributions, including Towards Achieving Distinction at the University of Ibadan, and his establishment of OYASAF: an arts and culture foundation. This recent donation has a significant impact, much deeper than just aesthetic improvements on the Obafemi Awolowo University campus. And its impact only underscores Shyllons commitment to holistic development by facilitating and promoting arts and culture, as well as leadership values.

The legacy of Chief Awolowo is among the most significant and long-reaching in Nigerias sociopolitical and economic history, such that Nigerias history is never complete without mention of Awolowo, whose leadership was seen as visionary. His impact on Nigerias history went beyond politics to law, society, and education, where he tirelessly advocated that education is the only engine of genuine and universal change. As Nigerias first Premier of the Western Region, his provision of free and compulsory primary education remains one of his legacies and standards that totally changed the course of human capital development in Nigeria and have since shaped governments approaches to education development and reforms.

The initiative to erect a statue in honour of Awolowo immortalizes, cements, and continues Awolowos works and legacy. It is inextricably linked to the universitys founding and sustaining vision. Awolowo will be remembered in the statues clothing of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He will be celebrated not only as a politician but also as a thinker, jurist, and nationalist who spoke and acted on his own vision and ideals of reason and justice. His legacy would be commemorated and celebrated as leadership with purpose and significance, marked by clear, lofty, and enduring goals and ideals, and by a high level of awareness that moves people and institutions to strive for meaning and excellence. This statue is hence an image that showcases and immortalizes his legacy of integrity and service to humanity.

Figuratively, the gifts symbolic representation can be likened to the return of the mirror to the source, meaning that the bronze statue not only stands; it also remembers. It is the bronze in which Awolowo is cast, and this renders Awolowo a still flame: an unyielding and blazing flame that is instructive and anchored on the very soil that once shaped his intellectual fire. In this regard, Shyllon is a cultural custodian who pours his own fire into a collective heritage through art, thereby engendering a lasting language of gratitude. The artwork is much like the compass, located at the heart of the university and, as such, mysteriously orients every new generation of students to the ideals of discipline, integrity, and visionary leadership. The bronze used to cast Awolowo serves as an obstacle to erosion and thus symbolically transcends mere representation of Awolowos legacy, embodying the stature of being firm against the passage of time and immune to forgetfulness. Shyllons gesture has effectively transcended time, enabling a dialogue between the past and the present. The artwork at the heart of the University campus is an exclamation that awakens remembrance and turns the campus into a living library: the one where history does not sleep but watches, teaches, and endures.

The bronze statue of Awolowo represents the complex, rich, and significance embedded in the naming of the institution after a national icon. It symbolizes the importance of sound scholarship, moral leadership, social justice, and purposeful governance, as personified by Awolowo. The statue is a bulwark of constancy in a dynamic environment, one that was changing quickly. A monument to time gone by would be adrift in a vast ocean of time. Representing yesterdays struggles and triumphs, todays hopes, and tomorrows responsibilities, the statue is more than symbolic. It invests the universitys cultural topography and situates it at the crossroads of art, history, and education.

Thank you, Omoba Yemisi Shyllon.

Toyin Falola, a professor of History, University Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin, is the Bobapitan of Ibadanland.
Wike is staking a claim for a place in the Guinness Book of Records. After making history as the single individual who has served in five different executive positions since the dawn of democracy in 1999, he wants to be seen as the first politician to amalgamate two parties in support of the presidents reelection. But the people of Rivers State have seen through him, hes in for a bumpy ride henceforth.

One of the most intriguing volumes of poetry written by the globally respected poet, scholar, essayist and dramatist, Niyi Osundare is titled The Word Is An Egg. At the last count, Osundare had published nearly 20 collections of verse, establishing himself as one of the worlds most formidable and most notable bards of all time. I have been a career researcher into Osundares oeuvre in the past four decades and I am also inspired in my writing career as a member of the generation immediately succeeding his. I have also been most fascinated by The Word Is An Egg, which derives from the intricate depths of Yoruba lore. It establishes a congruence between the reality of the irretrievability of the spoken word, and the unsalvageability of a broken raw egg, once both have left the confines of their various enclosures. At that point, they become unguardable and unstoppable tumbling boulders.

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the batman of Rivers State politics, is famous for his affliction by logorrhoea. He is perennially obsessed with both the microphone and the lectern. At the height of his endless attrition with his political godson and successor as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Wike in August 2024, threatened to put fire in the states of governors supporting Fubara against him. Wike spoke in reaction to a solidarity message by the Forum of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), which met in Jalingo, Taraba State at the time, to the troubled Fubara.

Wike who lost the presidential ticket of the PDP to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the May 2022 primary and was overlooked as running mate ahead of the 25 February, 2023 presidential election, has been on a singular mission to put fire in the PDP ever since. Apart from working against the party to secure a foothold in the post-election governance structure of the opposing All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike has superintended over the decapitation and interment of the party which brought him to political prominence 27 years ago. From a hitherto virile and robust opposition party of over a dozen governors, the PDP has shrunken to just about half that number, its offices at the local government, state and national levels under lock in most places, arising from litigations and counter-rulings.

In recent weeks, however, Wikes invocation of fire on the house under whose roof he grew into adulthood, has transmogrified into self-immolation. And he has been told so in unmistakable terms by those on whose behalf he incinerated his fathers house. Following the defection of Siminalayi Fubara to the APC and his official designation as leader of the party in the state, Wike suffered an initial bout of insomnia. For the avoidance of doubt, the APC National Chairman, Yilwatda Nentawe, a professor, said in the immediate aftermath of Fubaras switch to the APC, that he is henceforth the partys Numero Uno in the state. He admonished him to demonstrate accommodating leadership and earn popular trust to win the gubernatorial primary, which will presage his return to office.

Wike, who postures as the sole proprietor and indisputable emperor of Rivers State, promptly countered by saying Fubara will not be returned to Brick House, Port Harcourt, the original name of Government House in the Rivers State capital, under his watch, come 2027. According to Wike, he will not allow the state to repeat the mistake of 2023  the emergence of a non-pliable Fubara being the error under reference. Ajibola Bashiru, an academic, rugged activist and National Secretary of the APC, buttressed the position of the party chairman when he noted subsequently that even members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC must defer to sitting governors as party leaders in their various states. A perennially paranoid Wike shot back, cautioning Bashiru to steer clear of the politics of Rivers State, warning him not to get his hands burnt. Wike is obviously totally enamoured with the concept of infernos and conflagration as it were. But he got more than he bargained for from Bashiru, an erstwhile senator.

Bashiru told Wike unequivocally that the last time he, Bashiru, checked, Wike was a member of the PDP and not the APC. To that extent, Wike could not be a rottweiler and alsatian at the same time, guarding two separate gate houses! In Yoruba, Bashiru would probably have told Wike the proverb about the fact that gluttony is not tolerated in the homestead of Alade, a folkloric figure who availed farmers and country folk refuge beneath the roof of his thatched hut during the rain, and something to snack on. Bashiru further told Wike that if he is so psychotic about the politics of Rivers State, he could well resign his job as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and relocate to full time local politicking in Rivers State! Bashiru cannot be any correct. At no time since the return of democracy in 1999 has the FCT been any dirtier and unsafe as it has been in recent months under Wikes supervision, as he continues to distract himself with the concurrent political overlordship of Rivers State.

In parts of the capital city, its been several months since garbage was last evacuated, a situation which bears very grave epidemic prospects. Wike who prides himself as the best thing that ever happened to the FCT, has not been able to rout bovinae and similar animals from the streets and thoroughfares of Abuja in over two years of riding around the FCT in obscene motorcades, complete with outriders. Criminals are having a field day abducting unsuspecting residents in places and sending innocents to untimely deaths. All of these, while Wike trades with the politics of Rivers State. Most surpringly, Wikes tongue, which characteristically engages before rigorous rumination, has not found an answer to Bashirus pungent tirade, especially the bit about quitting his ministerial job, to assume the full, functional role of Amanyanabo of Rivers State politics. It would seem Fela Anikulapo-Kutis Overtake Don Overtake Overtake (ODOO) is at play in the current uneasy ceasefire.

Wike may attempt to make light of his situation next time he mounts the campaign dais on his self-serving thank you tour of Rivers State. He may display and dramatise buffoonery in the name of attempting to work his motley audience. Beneath Wikes regalia, however, is a man traumatised by the burns and blisters of self-immolation on his torso. As it stands today, Wike has no political house. He has since put fire on his paternal family house, the PDP, the rubbles still smouldering in the dry season wind. This PDP made Wike two-term council chairman; chief of staff; minister of state and two-term governor. The critical core of the opposition, led by Atiku Abubakar who long saw through his chicanery and shenanigans, have since energised the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

For his award-winning success as the ultimate undertaker of the PDP, Wike is very largely viewed with suspicion and resentment in the ruling party, much as he construes himself as one of the star boys of the incumbent administration. He cuts the image of a controversial, divisive, disruptive, even destructive jobber in the eyes of the APC. He is unguarded in his utterances and was quoted to have once said he invested a whopping 50 billion in the installation of President Bola Tinubu in 2023 and will not be dumped just like that. Tinubu was effusive in his adulation of Wike as one of the standout performers in his government in the congratulatory message he sent to him last December. Wike is ever present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tinubus travels and returns, his genuflections non-typical of the political tigritude he professes.

Wike is staking a claim for a place in the Guinness Book of Records. After making history as the single individual who has served in five different executive positions since the dawn of democracy in 1999, he wants to be seen as the first politician to amalgamate two parties in support of the presidents reelection. But the people of Rivers State have seen through him, hes in for a bumpy ride henceforth. Wike is severely loathed by his people for appropriating the political capital of Rivers State for his personal aggrandisement. He gave himself away recently when he said the reelection of Siminalayi Fubara will culminate in his political extinction in Rivers State. Simply put, the state has been Wikes article of trade on the nations political stock market. And he has been the sole collector of accruing dividends, bonuses and royalties.

Whether Wike will field an aspirant to upstage Fubara in the APC gubernatorial primary when it is eventually scheduled, will yet be seen. Whether he will be sponsoring a candidate on the rainbow political movement he claims to have just established in Rivers State, to run against Fubara in the governorship election of March 2027, in the event that Fubara gets the APC ticket, will be some spectacle. Wikes principal, Tinubu, whose reelection he claims to be prioritising, will also be running on the APC superstructure. Indeed, the platform on which Wike will hawk his wares in the run up to 2027, for a man who has set himself up for systematic self-destruct, is yet to be seen. Hopefully, Wikes several foibles on his political trajectory will remind him in a sober moment that the word, is very truly as fragile as the egg.

Tunde Olusunle a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA) teaches Creative Writing at the University of Abuja.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has said that his administrations rescue mission is on track and yielding the desired results. The governor spoke on Wednesday, while on an official visit to inspect the state governments ongoing projects in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

A statement by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that in Shinkafi, Governor Lawal launched an empowerment program by Bello Hassan Shinkafi, member representing Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency.

The empowerment targets 2,000 people who benefited from luxury cars, tricycles, motocycles, and sewing machines, among others.

During the visit, Mr Lawal inspected the Women and Children Welfare Clinic (WCWC) Primary Healthcare Centre in Shinkafi Town, which was awarded for total renovation.

The governor also visited the renovated General Hospital in Shinkafi and the ongoing new Referral Hospital project in the same town.

At the Emirs Place, Governor Lawal reiterated his administrations commitment to capital projects across local government areas.

He said: We are in Shinkafi today to inspect numerous key projects of my administration and to launch the empowerment program of Honorable Bello Hasan, member representing Shinkafi/Zurmi constituency.

We have fully renovated and equipped the General Hospital in Shinkafi. The abandoned hospital now features state-of-the-art equipment capable of addressing the emergency needs of the people.

The referral Hospital will be a game changer not only in Shinkafi LGA but also for the Zamfara North Senatorial Zone. It will ease a significant burden for people battling illnesses who are seeking serious medical attention.

The state government acquired the former Bafarawa Institute and will house the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Zamfara State University. The school is undergoing serious work to complete it for effective utilization.

Governor Lawal commended Bello Hassan for the empowerment and urged other stakeholders to prioritise human development.
Four-Year PPP Process Raises Questions About Governance and Nigerias Investment Climate

A Federal Executive Council-approved public-private partnership for critical healthcare infrastructure at one of Nigerias foremost teaching hospitals has hit a brick wall, with the host institution refusing to execute concession agreements despite full regulatory approvals and ministerial directives.

Documents obtained by our reporter reveal a troubling pattern of delays and apparent attempts to unilaterally renegotiate terms of two projectsa nursing students hostel and mortuary/pathology laboratory facilitythat received Federal Executive Council approval in June 2024.

Seventeen months after FEC approval, not a single brick has been laid.

THE PROJECTS AND THE PROCESS

The twin projects, designed to address critical infrastructure deficits at the teaching hospital, underwent a rigorous four-year approval process supervised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigerias statutory body for regulating PPP projects.

Official correspondence sighted by our reporter shows a timeline in full compliance with federal regulations:

2022: The hospitals board approved submission of an Outline Business Case (OBC) to ICRC, which granted approval in early 2022, allowing the projects to proceed to the next stage.

2023: Full Business Case (FBC) compliance certificates were issued by ICRC in October 2023 for both projects. In a detailed six-page letter dated October 30, 2023, ICRCs Director General confirmed that both projects met requirements outlined in the National Policy on Public Private Partnership and ICRC regulations.

2024 (May): ICRC revalidated both FBC Compliance Certificates. Letters dated May 2, 2024, extended the certificates validity for another six months to allow the Ministry of Health to present the projects to FEC for approval. This revalidation was necessary because the original 2023 certificates had expired.

2024 (June): The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare presented both projects to the Federal Executive Council, which granted approval on June 25, 2024. A letter dated December 9, 2024, from the Ministrys Deputy Director confirmed this approval and urged the hospital to take the necessary steps to facilitate the implementation of these projects.

2025: The Federal Ministry of Justice completed its review of the concession agreements by June 2025, removing the final regulatory hurdle to implementation.

THE STALEMATE

Despite these approvals, the hospital has declined to execute the concession agreements.

In October 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health convened two meetingsone physical in Abuja on October 23, and a virtual session on October 30at the Ministers direction to resolve the impasse.

A meeting summary obtained by our reporter reveals that the hospital essentially chose to repeat and restate earlier comments at the ICRC and FMOHSW organized meetings, thus amounting to an attempt to completely renegotiate the entire PPP process from OBC to FEC approval by unilaterally imposing their own terms.

The document further notes that hospital officials indicated their intention to discontinue the FEC approved concessions and insisted that follow-up discussions be held physically in Ibadana demand the private sector partner rejected, arguing that virtual meetings were sufficient.

No agreement was reached, and the talks collapsed.

The private partner involved in the project described the situation in a letter to the Coordinating Minister of Health as the hospital acting ultra viresbeyond its lawful authorityby attempting to vary or discontinue what was approved by FEC.

ICRC INTERVENTION AND REGULATORY WARNINGS

In February 2025, ICRC convened a meeting between all parties to address concerns about the projects. A resolution was reached and communicated to the Honorable Minister of Health.

However, in a letter dated February 19, 2025, ICRCs Director General, Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, expressed serious concern about the situation, warning the hospital to adhere to the negotiated projects agreement terms and conditions because of the potential legal consequences and institutional reputation post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) approvals.

The ICRC letter specifically cautioned that unilateral changes could cause reputational damage to FMOHSW and this Government.

Critically, ICRC emphasized that a project review clause be inserted in the PPP agreement that after year 3 of the projects implementations (2-years construction period and one-year operations period), the agreement be reviewed based on actual projects data gathered.

This provision, designed to address legitimate concerns about Nigerias fluctuating economic conditions, was meant to provide flexibility within the approved frameworknot justify wholesale renegotiation before project commencement.

This compromise appears to have been completely disregarded by hospital management.

PROJECT BENEFITS AND URGENCY

The projects address critical needs at the teaching hospital:

For the Nursing Hostel:

Provides decent accommodation for students pursuing various fields of academic endeavor

Reduces transportation costs for students

Creates secured environment for living and learning

Supports the hospitals educational mission

For the Mortuary/Pathology Lab:

Enables proper keeping of deceased persons until relatives can collect them for burial

Provides state-of-the-art mortuary and pathology laboratory facilities

Supports the hospitals research mission

Improves service delivery to the public

The nursing hostel currently comprises three blocks of three-floor buildings with 264 two-person rooms. The renovation would modernize facilities and convert rooms to four-person accommodation, significantly expanding capacity while improving living conditions for students.

The mortuary and pathology laboratory, meanwhile, suffers from worn-out chillers and outdated equipment. The upgrade would enable proper storage of deceased persons and provide state-of-the-art facilities for autopsy, pathology laboratory services, and medical researchall critical to the hospitals teaching and service delivery mandate.

ICRCs March 2022 letter emphasized that both projects demonstrated substantial compliance to key requirements with the National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the ICRC Establishment Act (2005).

ATTEMPTS AT RESOLUTION

The Federal Ministry of Health has made multiple attempts to resolve the impasse. Both the October 23, 2025 meeting in Abuja and the subsequent October 30 virtual meeting were convened at the Ministers direction to review the FMOJ comments and harmonize positions accordingly.

However, according to the meeting summary, the hospital insisted that a follow-up meeting be held physically in Ibadan, while the private partner maintained that a virtual meeting is sufficient to discuss any other issues.

No subsequent meeting could be agreed upon.

In a letter dated October 30, 2025, addressed to the Coordinating Minister, the private partner noted: As the PPP approval process must follow the established procedure, we believe that they [the hospital] are not at liberty to unilaterally vary or discontinue what was approved by FEC and as such acting ultra vires.

The letter concluded with an appeal for ministerial intervention: We, therefore, humbly appeal to the Hon. Minister to intervene accordingly as this process has been painstakingly and diligently executed over the last four years under ICRC supervision.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

This investigation raises several critical issues:

Institutional authority: Does a teaching hospital have the power to override Federal Executive Council decisions on approved projects? Legal experts say the answer is clearly no, but enforcement remains the challenge.

Changed circumstances: Hospital officials have not publicly articulated what new factors emerged after FEC approval to justify refusing to execute the agreements.

Cost of delays: Who bears the financial burden of four years of regulatory process and the resources invested by all parties?

Precedent: If institutional resistance can effectively nullify a completed PPP process, what message does this send to other potential private sector partners across Nigerias infrastructure sectors?

Timeline: With critical healthcare and educational infrastructure remaining inadequate, how long will students and patients continue to suffer while bureaucratic gridlock persists?

Regulatory framework: If the ICRC process can be effectively nullified at the implementation stage, what is the value of the regulatory framework?

BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIAS PPP FRAMEWORK

This case raises critical questions about Nigerias ability to attract and retain private investment in critical infrastructure. The country has been working to improve its investment climate and has established robust regulatory frameworks for PPPs through ICRC.

However, when a project that has successfully navigated a four-year approval process, secured Federal Executive Council approval, and received clearance from the Ministry of Justice can still be blocked by institutional resistance, it sends troubling signals to potential investors.

A source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern: Foreign and local partners have devoted vast amounts of time, effort, resources and finances over the last four years in the belief that this is a cardinal program of government that investors can support and expect their investments are protected.

The source added: The reputational damage to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and this government may far outweigh any short-term considerations.

Nigeria faces a massive infrastructure deficit estimated at over $3 trillion. The World Bank has consistently identified inadequate infrastructure as a major constraint to economic growth and poverty reduction in the country.

The Federal Government established ICRC in 2005 specifically to provide a clear regulatory framework that would give private investors confidence in the PPP process. Cases like this threaten to undermine that confidence.

WHY IT MATTERS

Nigerias PPP framework, established in 2005, was designed to provide private investors with confidence that properly approved projects would be implemented according to agreed terms.

This case tests whether that framework has teeth when confronted with institutional resistanceeven resistance that appears to contradict Federal Executive Council approval.

For Nigerias investment community, both domestic and foreign, the outcome will signal whether the countrys regulatory approvals carry weight or can be overturned at the implementation stage.

As Nigeria seeks to attract private investment to address its infrastructure deficit, cases like this will be closely watched by potential investors weighing whether to commit resources to Nigerian projects.

The teaching hospital, meanwhile, continues to operate with inadequate student accommodation and aging mortuary facilities while the bureaucratic impasse drags on.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

As of the time of publication, the concession agreements remain unexecuted. The Federal Ministry of Health has acknowledged the critical importance of these projects in enhancing healthcare delivery and educational facilities at the institution.

The private partner has filed a formal request for an urgent meeting with the Coordinating Minister to bring this matter to a close, noting they have been on this process for over four years and need to make progress accordingly.

Sources indicate that the matter may require direct intervention from the highest levels of government if the institutional stalemate continues, given that FEC approval was granted with the expectation of swift implementation.

CONCLUSION

This case represents more than just two stalled hospital projects. It is a test of Nigerias commitment to the rule of law in public contracting, the sanctity of Federal Executive Council decisions, and the countrys ability to provide a predictable investment climate for private sector participation in critical infrastructure.

As Nigeria seeks to attract private investment to address its infrastructure deficit, cases like this will be closely watched by potential investors, both domestic and foreign.

The question now is whether the regulatory framework and ministerial oversight will prevail, or whether institutional resistance can effectively override federal approvalssetting a precedent with far-reaching implications for Nigerias PPP program.

TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS

Early 2022: ICRC approves Outline Business Case for both projects

March 21, 2022: ICRC issues detailed letter on OBC approval for hostel project

October 30, 2023: ICRC issues Full Business Case Compliance Certificates

May 2, 2024: ICRC revalidates FBC certificates for 6 months (original 2023 certificates had expired)

June 25, 2024: Federal Executive Council approves both projects

June 2025: Federal Ministry of Justice completes review of concession agreements

February 19, 2025: ICRC convenes resolution meeting with all parties

October 23, 2025: Federal Ministry of Health convenes meeting in Abuja

October 30, 2025: Virtual meeting held; no resolution reached

November 11, 2025: Private partner requests urgent ministerial intervention

December 2025: Projects remain unimplemented (17 months after FEC approval)

_______________________________________________________________

NB: Our reporter attempted to reach all parties involved in this story. This investigation is based on official documents, correspondence between parties, and background interviews with sources familiar with the matter.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

This report was commissioned by Cihan Media Communications and reported by Julius Adeboyega
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Donald Trump administration plans to freeze 10 billion U.S. dollars in federal funding to five Democratic states -- Minnesota, California, New York, Illinois and Colorado -- amid alleged welfare fraud.

The funding, which includes child care subsidies, social services and cash support for low-income families, is being frozen over claims of widespread fraud across the states, without cited evidence, following a major welfare fraud scheme in Minnesota, according to The New York Times.

"The funding pause could jeopardize programs that serve hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the five states," the report said. 
The Zamfara State Government has expressed serious concern about the harassment of opposition figures within the state using federal might.

A statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris

Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor

on Wednesday, said the state government is left with no other option but to bring to public notice how the Minister of State for Defence has used the office of the National Security Adviser to harass and intimidate the opposition.

Mr Idris stated We received a shocking and distressing message that Saleem Abubakar, a Technical Assistant in the Office of the Zamfara State Governor, was abducted in Abuja yesterday.

The illegal abduction was said to have been carried out by a special forces unit from the office of the National Security Adviser. The most unfortunate and worrying part of the abduction of Saleem Abubakar is that it was syndicated through the office of the NSA by the State Minister for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The abductors, without an arrest warrant, took Saleem to an unknown location, which we later found out they moved him to different facilities to cover their tracks. This is a perilous precedent that all Nigerians must strongly condemn. No amount of desperation is worth compromising the neutrality of the security.

We cannot afford to fold our arms and watch the highest security office of the country being used as a tool of political persecution.

We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to call the office of the National Security Adviser to order. Such reckless actions are detrimental to Nigerias reputation.

If the Defence Minister or the abductors of Saleem Abubakar from the National Security Advisers office have any problem with him, they should charge him in court instead of abducting him.

We are closely monitoring this case of federal impunity and will follow it to a logical conclusion, ensuring that justice is served.
Suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked the old National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing yet to be ascertained members of staff.

The Conservator of the Park, Tesleem Kareem, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Mr Kareem said that an as-yet-uncertain number of the service personnel were killed.

Yes, it is true we are in the process of evacuating the victims, he said.

NAN gathered that the attack occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and at least five of the NPS personnel were killed during the assault.

The source said that the bodies of the victims are yet to be recovered, as they are believed to be located within the surrounding forest area.

The Police Public Relations officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the incident.

Mr Olayinka said that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, and other service chiefs were currently on their way to the location.

He said that the CP had deployed tactical teams, personnel of the Mobile Police Force and others to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

(NAN)
Students of state-owned tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State have appealed to striking lecturers and other staff to suspend the ongoing industrial action, warning that the prolonged shutdown of schools is taking a toll on their academic progress and future plans.

The appeal comes barely a week after academic and non-academic staff of public tertiary institutions in the state commenced an indefinite strike over the governments failure to implement the new national minimum wage and its consequential salary adjustments.

On Monday, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), Abimiku David, made the plea during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital. He said students were caught in the middle of a protracted labour dispute over which they had no control.

As an organised and responsible students body, we understand and respect the legitimate demands of the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions, Mr David said. However, we are deeply concerned about the severe impact of this strike on students, who remain the most vulnerable and affected people in this situation.

Mr David urged members of JUNSTI to consider the plight of students and suspend the strike while negotiations with the state government continue. He warned that the prolonged closure of the affected institutions threatens the stability of the academic calendar, graduation timelines, career plans and the future aspirations of thousands of students.

According to him, students of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga, are once again bearing the brunt of an industrial dispute that has disrupted academic activities repeatedly in recent years.

He also called on the Nasarawa State Government to act swiftly to resolve the dispute, saying education should not be held hostage to prolonged negotiations when solutions are attainable through sincere engagement.

Education must not be sacrificed on the altar of delay, Mr David said. Industrial harmony is possible when all parties place the future of education and the welfare of students at the centre of their decisions.

He added that NASSA would continue to engage relevant stakeholders through peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue until academic activities are fully restored across the state.

The students appeal follows the commencement of an indefinite strike by academic and non-academic staff of public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State on 29 December 2025. The action was announced by the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions, an umbrella body comprising several academic and non-academic unions.

The JUNSTI chairperson, Samson Gbande, said the strike was necessitated by the state governments failure to comply with the full implementation of the new national minimum wage, despite what he described as repeated assurances.

Speaking to journalists in Lafia after a meeting with union leaders, Mr Gbande said the decision to down tools affected Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga.

He explained that the unions had held several meetings with government officials without any tangible outcome. According to him, negotiations took place at the office of the deputy governor on 6 August, 23 October, 3 December and 15 December 2025, during which the government reportedly assured the unions that the new wage structure would take effect from November 2025.

Regrettably, despite the unions patience for over one year, these assurances have not translated into action, Mr Gbande said. The government has failed to honour agreements it freely entered into with us.

He said the strike, which was initially announced on the eve of Christmas, was reaffirmed at the latest meeting of the unions and would remain in force until the government meets their demands. Mr Gbande urged union members to remain calm and united, assuring them that the leadership would pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.

The current industrial action is not the first by the unions in 2025. On 9 February, JUNSTI embarked on a two-week warning strike over the non-implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage consequential adjustment, delayed promotions and the N70,500 minimum wage.

At the time, the unions said the warning strike was resolved at an emergency meeting held on 4 February 2025 after the state government failed to respond to an ultimatum issued on 15 January.

We have approached the Nasarawa State Government severally over what belonged to us but to no avail, Mr Gbande said during that earlier action. So the only option left is strike.

The unions under JUNSTI include the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture and Allied Institutions, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education and the Non-Academic Staff Union.

JUNSTI has maintained that the continued delay in implementing agreed salary structures undermines staff morale, productivity and stability within the states tertiary education system. The union has repeatedly thanked its members for their patience, insisting that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

As the strike enters another week, students say they fear being the long-term casualties of a dispute that has already disrupted their studies and cast uncertainty over the academic calendar of public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
Suspected armed herders on Tuesday evening killed five farmers in Udeku Maav-Ya community, Mbakyol Council Ward, in the Turan district of the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The PUNCH first reported that the attack occurred at about 4 p.m. while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts on their farms.

According to local sources, the assailants struck while farming activities were ongoing, throwing the community into panic.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Terna, said the attack disrupted all activities in the area, adding that many villagers fled as gunshots rang out.

The chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the killings, saying the attackers did not immediately withdraw after the assault.

The armed men stayed around for some time after the attack, which created serious tension in the community, Mr Yarkwan said.

He described Kwande as a vulnerable border local government that shares an international boundary with Cameroon, noting that the terrain makes security operations difficult.

According to him, these repeated attacks, especially during harvest season, pose a serious threat to food security.

Also confirming the incident, a former supervisory councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, decried what he described as sustained assaults on the community.

He said residents had endured constant attacks, destruction of crops, homes and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources.

Mr Lawrence identified three of the dead victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that the identities of the two others were yet to be confirmed.

He said search efforts were ongoing to locate some residents declared missing at the time of filing the report.

He added that repeated violence had forced the closure of schools, churches and markets in the area, further worsening the humanitarian situation.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, did not connect as of press time.

The latest killings add to a long pattern of violence in Benue State, particularly in rural and border communities.

In recent months, several local government areas, including Kwande, Ukum and Katsina-Ala, have witnessed deadly attacks linked to armed herders and criminal gangs, often targeting farmers during planting and harvest seasons.

Security agencies, including troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, have conducted several operations across Benue in 2025 and early 2026 to curb armed violence and kidnapping.

Despite these efforts, residents say sporadic attacks persist, raising renewed concerns about safety, livelihoods and food production in the state.
Lawal Daura, the former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State.

In an interview with DCL Hausa on Tuesday, monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Daura revealed his plan to challenge Governor Dikko Raddas re-election bid.

He cited the governors alleged poor handling of the security challenges currently plaguing the state as the primary reason for his candidacy.

Mr Daura slammed what he described as the politicisation of insecurity and the double standards applied to the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the fight against banditry in his native Katsina State.

You cannot be a governor and go to the battlefront to show you are fighting insecurity. That is not the work of a governor because he is not trained to do so, Mr Daura stated this after the interviewer spotlighted the governor demonstrating his commitment to addressing insecurity by going to the battle front.

For a governor to go to a battlefront, this is the politicisation of insecurity and a recipe for failure, Mr Daura said.

He also criticised the states approach to peace dialogues with the bandits, alleging that while the governor publicly refuses to negotiate with bandits, he said local government authorities were doing so on his behalf.

The dialogue initiative has failed because the bandits are dispersed and unorganised, he claimed.

When asked about the governors progress in road construction, water provision and other development initiatives, Mr Daura was dismissive. If security fails, you cannot claim success in other sectors, he argued.

The current governor is not capable. It is like putting a load on someone and adjusting it; if they complain the load is too heavy, you have to take it down to avoid destroying fragile items.

The people of Katsina will say thank you for your efforts, but you should take a break because you cannot continue, he said while dismissing the second term chances of Governor Radda.

Mr Daura said he never previously saw himself as a politician, despite having vast experience in politics, beginning from the Shehu Shagari administration, having preferred to participate in politics from the background. However, he claimed a group of Katsina elders urged him to join the race to save the state.

He stated that he has finalised consultations regarding his political platform and will announce his chosen party shortly.

Efforts to reach Ibrahim Kaula, the spokesperson for Governor Radda, to respond to Mr Dauras claims were unsuccessful as his phone line remained unreachable on Tuesday night.

Mr Daura re-emerged in the political spotlight after about six years after his controversial exit from public service.

In July 2015, shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari took office, Mr Daura was appointed as the Director-General of the State Security Service. His appointment was initially seen as a move to stabilise the nations internal security architecture under the new administration.

In this interview, he stated that during his three years in office, the country had seen improvement in security until his removal from office in 2018.

Mr Dauras tenure came to an abrupt and dramatic end on 7 August, 2018. While President Buhari was away on vacation in London, masked SSS operatives blocked the entrance to the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers and staff from entering the building.

The siege was widely condemned as an assault on democracy. In a swift response, the then-Acting President Yemi Osinbajo ordered the immediate dismissal of Mr Daura.

But in the interview, Mr Daura said he acted that way in the best interests of the nations security.
The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said inadequate operational vehicles, poor office infrastructure, and lack of office accommodation are constraining its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

The state commander, Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commands end-of-year press briefing in Katsina, where he presented the agencys 2025 operational scorecard.

Despite the constraints, Mr Danmalam said the command arrested 1,018 suspects in 2025 and seized 2,473.755 kilogrammes of illicit drugs across the state through intelligence-led operations and patrols.

According to the NDLEA, the arrested suspects comprised 992 males and 26 females, while the drugs intercepted included 1,667.747kg of cannabis, 793.66kg of psychotropic substances, and 12.348kg of codeine.

The commander said the seizures disrupted several illicit drug supply networks but warned that sustaining the momentum would require improved logistics and infrastructure.

He said the commands challenges include shortages of operational vehicles, inadequate office facilitiessuch as poor drainage systemsand insufficient accommodation for officers deployed across the state.

Legal and prevention outcomes

Mr Danmalam said the NDLEA recorded 86 arraignments and secured 87 convictions in 2025, attributing the outcomes to improved investigation and prosecution processes.

On prevention, he said the agencys War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign reached 75,135 people through 203 sensitisation programmes, while 451 drug users were counselled and 58 clients admitted for rehabilitation.

Calls for support

The NDLEA commander appealed to government authorities, stakeholders and philanthropists to support the command in addressing its operational gaps, stressing that drug control required sustained investment.

He acknowledged the support of the Katsina State Government and other security agencies but noted that broader institutional backing was necessary to consolidate the gains recorded in 2025.
Former governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, had sent a cryptic birthday greeting to Governor Abba Yusuf on the occasion of the governors 63rd birthday.

In a Facebook message on Tuesday, Mr Kwankwaso reflected on their long political alliance, citing the various roles Mr Yusuf has played over the decades under his tutelage.

Mr Kwankwaso offered a poignant prayer for the governor to be granted clarity of purpose.

I reflect on the many years of our shared political journey, during which he served in various important capacities first as my Personal Assistant in my first term and as Minister, and then as Principal Private Assistant, and later as Commissioner during my second tenure, and now as Governor through which he contributed to the vision and programmes we pursued for the development of Kano State.

I pray that this new year grants him wisdom, good health, and clarity of purpose, Mr Kwankwaso stated.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Governor Yusuf is finalising plans to defect to the APC. This anticipated move by the governor would end a political relationship with Mr Kwankwaso that has spanned several decades.

Mr Kwankwaso, who opposes the transition, has appealed to the governor and other elected officials within the NNPP to reconsider their departure.

We are praying that they do not join the APC, Mr Kwankwaso said. But if they insist, I believe the governor should resign his position before defecting. That mandate belongs to all of us and the people, not just an individual, he earlier stated.

He dismissed claims that the NNPP is no longer a viable platform for the 2027 elections, pointing to the partys successful congresses and recent local electoral victories

Mr Yusuf was seen as the ultimate loyalist to Mr Kwankwaso. The defection, originally anticipated for early January, was reportedly postponed to allow for further consultations.
Former Senator Lee Maeba has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a consistent show of goodwill and inclusiveness toward Rivers State, Ogoniland and the Ogoni people, following the nomination of Magnus Abe and Kenneth Kobani to key boards in the petroleum sector.

In a statement Wednesday, Mr Maeba, an Ogoni leader and former senator who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District between 2003 and 2011, praised President Tinubu for serially demonstrating kindness, fairness and a deep understanding of the sensitivities of Rivers State and Ogoniland through recent federal appointments.

Reacting to the presidents nomination of Mr Abe as chairman of the board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Maeba described the choice as well-deserved, noting Mr Abes experience in public service and his familiarity with the oil and gas sector.

Mr Abe, who also formerly represented Rivers South-East in the Senate, is a former board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.

Mr Maeba also welcomed the nomination of Kenneth Kobani, a former minister of state for trade and former secretary to the Rivers State Government, as a non-executive member of the board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

He said Mr Kobanis inclusion further underscored President Tinubus commitment to ensuring that Rivers State is adequately represented in critical national institutions.

According to Mr Maeba, the appointments are particularly significant for Ogoniland at a time stakeholders are working to address long-standing environmental, economic and developmental concerns linked to oil exploration.

He said as an Ogoni man and one of the leaders advocating the restart of oil production in Ogoniland under the right environmental and community-focused conditions, he views the presidents actions as confidence-building measures.

These appointments send a strong signal that the federal government is ready to engage constructively with Rivers State and Ogoniland, and to carry the people along in decisions affecting the oil and gas sector, Mr Maeba said.

President Tinubu has, time and again, shown understanding and empathy toward our people.

President Tinubu had, in letters to the Senate, sought confirmation of nominees for the boards of the NUPRC and the NMDPRA.

In addition to Mr Abe, the president nominated several executive and non-executive commissioners to the NUPRC board, as well as Mr Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji as chairman of the NMDPRA board, alongside other board members and executive directors.

Mr Maeba urged the Senate to confirm the nominees promptly, expressing confidence that the appointees would discharge their responsibilities professionally and contribute to effective regulation of Nigerias oil and gas industry in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

He added that sustained inclusion of competent Rivers and Ogoni sons and daughters in national leadership positions would help deepen trust, promote stability in the Niger Delta and support broader efforts to revive oil production and economic growth in the region.
The Oyo Global Forum (OGF) has raised the alarm over what it described as a growing security threat in Oyo State following a Tuesday night attack in the Old Oyo National Park that left five park rangers dead.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Taiwo Adebayo, the groups chairman, said the attack which claimed the lives of five officers, including two indigenes of the Oyo Federal Constituency, confirms the southward movement of armed groups operating in the countrys north-central region.

OGF said the incident was predictable, citing the parks location along largely ungoverned forest corridors linking Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states, where violent extremists and other armed criminal networks have been active.

Past reports also indicated the presence of strange actors who, from our assessment, appeared to be a cell of a terrorist organisation exploring new opportunities for entrenchment, the group noted.

The forum expressed concern that the Old Oyo National Park which is home to relics of the historic Oyo Empire and surrounded by vulnerable rural communities, has become increasingly exposed to infiltration by armed groups.

Calls for Urgent Government Intervention

OGF urged governments at all levels to establish an early warning system and to ensure that security agencies, including Amotekun, respond swiftly and decisively.

The group also called on federal lawmakers representing Oke-Ogun, Orire and Atiba areas to raise the matter urgently at the National Assembly, insisting that Forest Guards must be deployed to reclaim the park.

Forest Guards must be deployed to the park to protect its communities and retake it from different armed groups that have turned it into hideouts and operational hubs.

It must be stressed that deep, seeming intractable violence in other places started as a simmering threat that was left unchecked, the group warned.

OGF said it is convening discussions with other community groups in Oyo State to push for coordinated action to prevent further escalation.

Mr Adebayo warned that failure to act could allow criminal elements to consolidate their presence in the park.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the death of five officers of the park in the Tuesdays attack in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He urged residents to stay calm and assured that security forces have been deployed to restore normalcy to the area.

Friends, family mourn victims

Tributes have poured in for the forest guards killed in Tuesdays bandit attack at the Old Oyo National Park. Friends, colleagues and community members took to Facebook to mourn the officers, describing them as committed public servants who died while performing their duties.

A Facebook user, Oladokun David, expressed grief over the death of Muideen Olalere, one of the guards who lost his life in the incident. He wrote that the Ogbigbi Ifesowapo Jobele community had lost a dedicated and respected member, adding that Mr Olalere would be dearly missed by those who knew him.

We lost you to the hands of bandits today, my amiable friend Mr Muideen Olalere. Our community will miss you forever. We love you, but Jesus loves you most. Rest in peace, my friend, he posted.

Another Facebook user wrote RIP friend, we miss you.
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday rejected any form of foreign intervention in Mexico following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestions of sending U.S. troops to help fight drug trafficking.

During her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum advocated for dialogue and bilateral cooperation, within a framework of shared responsibility and unwavering respect for national sovereignty, as the way to effectively combat drug trafficking.

According to Sheinbaum, Mexico maintains a firm, principled stance without closing the channels of communication with Washington.

"We prioritize dialogue above all else. We have our position, we have our principles, but we always seek dialogue with the United States government," she said.

She insisted that the appropriate way to work together is to strengthen diplomatic channels and move forward with agreements based on mutual respect and the principles of international cooperation.

Mexico assumes its responsibility in combating organized crime, but the United States must also do its part to curb arms trafficking, drug distribution and money laundering within its territory, Sheinbaum stressed. 
In Collaboration with Ecosystem Partners to Shape the Next Generation of Intelligent Vehicle Architecture

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Autolink, a leading innovator in next-generation automotive electronic/electrical (E/E) systems, today announced the world's first Deep Fusion EEA at CES 2026marking a major leap forward in how intelligent vehicles compute, communicate, and scale. The launch was held alongside key ecosystem partners AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), and ReinOCS.

Autolink announced the worlds first Deep Fusion EEA at CES 2026

The Deep Fusion EEA represents the industry's first fully unified integration of central compute, zonal control, and high-bandwidth in-vehicle optical communication. This architecture establishes a foundational platform for the next decade of advanced driver intelligence, on-device AI models, smart agents, ultra-high-resolution perception, and full-scenario multimodal interaction.

A Unified Architecture for Next-Generation Intelligent Vehicles

At the core of Autolink's Deep Fusion EEA is a tightly integrated computational and communication framework that enables perception, decision-making, control, and interaction to run in synchronized, millisecond-level cycles. The architecture is composed of three key pillars:

Central Computing (Powered by a Next-Generation, High-Performance Automotive-Grade SoC Platform) : Provides high-performance AI inference, large-model execution, real-time perception, and adaptive resource allocation to serve both cockpit and intelligent driving workloads.

: Provides high-performance AI inference, large-model execution, real-time perception, and adaptive resource allocation to serve both cockpit and intelligent driving workloads. Zonal Control (Built on a Next-Generation, High-Performance Heterogeneous Computing Platform) : Deliver heterogeneous acceleration, expanded I/O capabilities, and elevated redundancy and safetyfunctioning as distributed execution hubs across the vehicle.

: Deliver heterogeneous acceleration, expanded I/O capabilities, and elevated redundancy and safetyfunctioning as distributed execution hubs across the vehicle. High-Speed Optical Communication Backbone (Based on Automotive-Grade, High-Bandwidth Optical Communication Technology): Offers ultra-high bandwidth and strong EMI immunity, surpassing the limitations of traditional copper wiring. This enables next-generation high-density sensors and high-frame-rate data streams essential for future autonomous systems.

Designed for Passenger Vehicles and Automated Urban Mobility Fleets

The Deep Fusion EEA is designed not as a collection of isolated technologies but as an integrated software-compute-communication ecosystem. Real-time data exchange between the central computer and regional controllers removes traditional domain boundaries, allowing the vehicle to interpret environments and execute tasks more holistically.

The architecture enables:

Advanced consumer intelligent driving with high-confidence perception and decision-making in complex urban environments.

Automated mobility fleets that require continuous high-bandwidth processing and long-duration reliability.

Yang Hongze, Founder and Chairman of Autolink, stated:

"Automotive intelligence has entered a phase of system-level competition. The Deep Fusion EEA is not a product iterationit is a methodology for the next decade of intelligent vehicle development. The deep convergence of computing, communication, and software will redefine how vehicles evolve as continuously advancing intelligent systems."

Advancing Toward the Next Era of Vehicle Architecture

Over the past two years, Autolink has made significant advancements in intelligent cockpit systems, cockpit-driving fusion controllers, and zonal controllers, with multiple products already in mass production on mainstream vehicle platforms. As the company accelerates its global expansion and deepens its investment in foundational technologies, Autolink is rapidly evolving into a next-generation automotive architecture technology company.

The introduction of the Deep Fusion EEA marks a major milestone in this evolution. Autolink plans to advance mass-production programs based on the new architecture over the next three to five years, working with partners worldwide to drive the industry toward greater efficiency, enhanced safety, and more powerful intelligence.

About Autolink

Autolink is a global technology company specializing in next-generation automotive electronic/electrical (E/E) architecture and intelligent vehicle computing platforms. With deep expertise in full-domain system integration, Autolink delivers end-to-end solutions spanning hardware platforms, foundational software, application ecosystems, and service frameworks. Its product portfolio includes vehicle computing platforms, zonal controllers, intelligent cockpit domain controllers, integrated ADAScockpit controllers, and the Autosee OS software platform. According to Frost & Sullivan, Autolink ranked second in revenue share for intelligent cockpit domain controllers in China in 2024.

Autolink

Website: https://auto-link.com.cn

SOURCE Autolink
BOSTON, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts today affirmed that a group of medical professional societies, led by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have standing to proceed with ongoing litigation concerning recent vaccine policy changes. Plaintiffs are seeking to enjoin the Secretary's rescissions of Covid-19 vaccine recommendations and a declaratory judgment pronouncing the change in recommendations as unlawful, as well as asking the court to require the Secretary to reconstitute the ACIP with all new members in good faith.

Standing Ruling Reinforces Case Legitimacy

In its ruling, the Court confirmed that plaintiffs have standing to challenge HHS's actions. The judge found a concrete injury traceable to HHS's policy changes and redressable by the Court, allowing the case to proceed to arguments on the merits.

Most Recent Vaccine Schedule Changes Heighten Urgency

On January 5, 2026, federal officials announced a substantial overhaul of the childhood immunization schedule, shifting multiple vaccines from universal recommendations to "shared clinical decision-making" or highrisk categories. Public health experts and medical organizations, including the plaintiff medical professional societies, warn that implementing these changes will increase preventable diseases and confuse families and clinicians. Plaintiffs are currently exploring all available options in response to these unprecedented changes to the childhood immunization schedule.

Plaintiff and Attorney Statements

Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics (Lead Plaintiff):

"Today's ruling moves our case forward and reinforces our commitment to challenge unlawful changes to vaccine policy. The American Academy of Pediatrics will continue to take all necessary actions to safeguard children's health.

"We brought this suit because our nation's vaccine policy must be driven by evidence and lawful process, not by arbitrary shifts divorced from science. The recent federal move to impose the Danish schedule on American families, downgrading routine recommendations for vaccines like influenza, hepatitis A and meningococcal disease, only heightens the urgency to proceed quickly so families and pediatricians have clear, sciencebased guidance they can trust."

Statement from Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (Plaintiff):

"As the nation's leading public health organization, APHA is deeply concerned about the changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the attacks on the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine by RFK Jr. that are driven by bias rather than science. We are proud to stand with our fellow plaintiffs in this critical effort to restore scientific integrity and evidence-based decision-making to the process that determines immunization practices and protects the public's health."

Statement from Richard Hughes IV, Epstein Becker Green (Attorney for Plaintiffs):

"The court's decision to deny the government's motion to dismiss is validation for our plaintiffs that they are experiencing real harm following the Secretary's unilateral change to the Covid-19 vaccine recommendation, and the abrupt reconstitution of the ACIP. These actions bypass established scientific advisory processes, create confusion for parents and jeopardize access to life-saving immunizations. The continued pattern of disregard for science and due process reflects a troubling political agenda that prioritizes ideology over children's health and public trust."

MEDIA CONTACT: Annalise Carol, [email protected]

SOURCE American Academy of Pediatrics; Infectious Diseases Society of America; Massachusetts Public Health Alliance; American Public Health Association; American College of Physicians; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a record-breaking year for the F-35 Lightning II program, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered 191 F-35s in 2025, surpassing the previous delivery record of 142 jets.

Annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production, underscoring the program's scale and maturity.

Annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter in production.

The milestone comes on the heels of the program reaching one million flight hours earlier in the year. In 2025, the program team also delivered the most advanced software to date with the completion of TR-3, as they sustained the global fleet of almost 1,300 aircraft and growing.

Most importantly, the F-35 continued to prove its performance in real-world combat operations, including:

Playing a key role in suppressing Iran's air defenses during Operation Midnight Hammer;

Recording nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours during a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B deployment;

Eliminating Russian drones over Poland, marking the first time NATO F-35s have engaged threats in allied airspace.

Growing global demand

Customers displayed continued confidence in the F-35 as they expanded their fleet size, with Italy and Denmark increasing their programs of record by adding 25 and 16 aircraft to their fleets, respectively. And across the program, international customers met major program milestones:

Finland celebrated the rollout of its first F-35.

Belgium welcomed its first in-country aircraft.

Norway completed deliveries of its F-35 fleet.

In September, the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin reached final agreement of Lots 18-19 for the production and delivery of up to 296 F-35s for $24 billion, marking the finalization of the largest production contracts in program history. The JPO and Lockheed Martin also agreed to an Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract award this year, which supports annualized sustainment activities across the F-35 enterprise for 2025 and beyond.

"I'm immensely proud of the F-35 enterprise for delivering on our production commitments, performing with excellence and growing our global partnerships in 2025," said Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program. "As our warfighters continue to employ the F-35 to protect the interests of America and our allies around the world, we're committed to continuing to push the latest technology into the hands of the warfighter to defeat any threat."

About the F-35

With 12 nations operating the F-35 across the global fleet, and almost 1,300 aircraft in service, the F-35 is delivering on its promise of unmatched reliability and lethality. Lockheed Martin is positioned to keep the fleet at the cutting edge of technology and support our allies as they expand their capabilities worldwide to ensure the F-35 remains an indispensable contributor to global security for decades to come.

Learn more at F35.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Liberty Hill Publishing presents a thought-provoking discussion and comparison of three important dates in history and God's hand in each noteworthy event.

LANCASTER, Pa., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Peter Walton offers readers a unique perspective of history and current events in Three Dates; July 4, 1976; October 7, 2023; November 5, 2024 ($15.99, paperback, 9798868528293; $7.99, e-book, 9798868528309).

Three Dates: July 4, 1976; October 7, 2023; November 5, 2024

Walton's book provides a thorough explanation of what he describes as three "crossroads" dates. The first date, July 4, 1976, was the date of the raid on Entebbe Airport in Uganda by the Israeli military. That same date in 2026 will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Walton wants readers to contemplate whether those and the other dates he discusses in his book, are coincidence or was it God's hand at work?

Another dark day featured in this book, October 7, 2023, was an attempt to destroy God's children in Israel. Walton discusses how that day triggered the Israel's military response and the collapse of a decades-long Syrian dictator; the destruction brought upon Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis; the potential exile of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian "civilians;" the potential for multiple powerful Arab nations joining the Abraham Accords; and the potential collapse of the terror regime that led Iran since 1979.

The third date discussed in Walton's book is November 5, 2024, the date of the election that the author describes as bringing the U.S.A. back from the brink of communism as official government policy, the new commitment to free enterprise and free speech. Walton's book will no doubt provide a thought-provoking perspective to all three dates, detailing how the multiple events correlate and intertwine.

When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Walton said, "The horror of October 7, 2023 then the joy of November 5, 2024 led me to tie both of these events to two events that occurred on July 4, 1976: the incredible rescue of Israeli civilians and the twelve-member Air Force crew in Entebbe Airport in Uganda and the glorious celebrations throughout the United States to honor the 200th year of existence."

Peter Walton gives all credit for the writing of this book along with the other five Christian books he has written to the "Great I Am." Walton's other Christian books include: God The Creator, Gods-Lessons, God's Children Step Forth, Why Jesus Returned, and God on the Move in Lancaster, Pa. Walton prays that God uses him to promote His kingdom and that the details in these works bring people closer to Him. For more information about the author and his books, visit his website, pwaltontrinity.com.

Liberty Hill Publishing is a leader in the print-on-demand, self-publishing industry. Three Dates; July 4, 1976; October 7, 2023; November 5, 2024 is available online through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

SOURCE Liberty Hill Publishing
DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Provident, a Dallas, TX based real estate development and investment firm announces the purchase of One Triumph Place, the former Triumph Bank Building, located at 8401 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX. In 2026, Provident will relocate its headquarters to One Triumph Place, making this landmark building its new home. By establishing its base here, Provident will join a vibrant and dynamic community of tenants, all of whom contribute to shaping the future of this prestigious address.

One Triumph Place- Dallas TX Premier Office Building

With convenient US-75 visibility and frontage, One Triumph Place stands as a premier, 257,000-square-foot Class A office destination, ideally situated directly across from North Park Mall on the south side of Northwest Highway and just 1.9 miles east of Preston Center. Built in 1999 and thoughtfully updated in 2022, this ten-story property offers tenants an exceptional blend of modern features and a highly accessible location within Dallas' most coveted commercial corridor.

One Triumph Place stands out as an excellent choice for businesses based in Preston Center or for those seeking to avoid the congestion and higher costs associated with Uptown Dallas. Its strategic location offers the convenience and accessibility that Preston Center tenants value, while providing a more streamlined and less crowded environment.

Unlike Uptown, One Triumph Place delivers all the advantages of a premier office address without the hassles of heavy traffic and elevated expenses. Companies relocating from Preston Center or Uptown can expect a seamless transition into a modern, efficient workspace, enhanced by superior amenities and flexible leasing options. This makes One Triumph Place an ideal solution for organizations prioritizing convenience, value, and a high-quality work environment in Dallas.

The building is equipped with a range of contemporary amenities designed to elevate the workplace experience. Tenants benefit from controlled access, an onsite fitness center, a stylish lounge with a kitchen, and extensive signage opportunities. Provident plans to renovate the fitness center and tenant lounge while also adding new amenities including a conference center and a coffee shop. The building is complemented by a structured parking garage with a generous parking ratio of 3.62 spaces per 1,000 square feet, providing both reserved and unreserved options for maximum convenience.

Multiple contiguous floors are available for lease, catering especially to businesses seeking premium office space outside the highly sought-after Uptown and Preston Center markets. With its strategic location, superior construction quality, and expansive 27,000-square-foot floor plates, the property presents an ideal opportunity for companies looking for a modern, efficient environment. Provident aims to provide these tenants with desirable leasing terms, reinforcing the company's dedication to meeting market needs and supporting growth within the Dallas business community.

Current renovation efforts, as well as a re-brand of the building to One Provident Place, are underway, including enhancements to the main lobby and tenant common spaces, ensuring One Triumph Place remains at the forefront of workplace innovation. These improvements are slated for completion by May 2026, positioning the building as a top choice for forward-thinking businesses seeking a high-quality, centrally located office solution in Dallas.

For more information regarding the purchase of One Triumph Place or for leasing inquiries, please contact Stuart Fink, [email protected].

About Provident

Provident is a privately held real estate development and investment firm that has thrived through three decades and multiple market cycles with foresight, depth of experience, and a unique ability to adapt to shifting demands, market trends and challenging economic cycles. Provident seeks to provide exceptional risk-adjusted returns to its investor partners through superior development of opportunistic and value-added strategies. Since its formation in 1991, Provident has developed or invested in more than $6 billion worth of real estate projects across the country. For more information, please visit www.provident.net.

Media Contact: Stuart Fink | [email protected]

SOURCE Provident Realty Advisors, Inc.
BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) ("Ecopetrol" or the "Company") informs that, in addition to the information published on December 24th 2025 were it was stated that Union Sindical Obrera (USO) had filled a complaint with the Ministry of Labor of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the labor organizations Adeco, Sindispetrol, Asopetrogas, Asteco, Trasine, Asintrahc, Sintramen, Sup, and Utipec have started the renegotiation of their respective chapters of the Collective Bargaining Agreement executed with the Company, by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Labor, within the legally-established timeframe.

In accordance with the provisions of the Colombian Labor Code, parties to a collective bargaining agreement may request an amendment to such an agreement by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Labor.

Ecopetrol reaffirms its commitment to open, respectful, and constructive dialogue as a key foundation for reaching agreements that continue to strengthen the wellbeing of all workers and the country, as well as the joint development of sustainable and valuable solutions.

-------------------------------------

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets

Diego Nicolas Lopez Reina (a)

Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia)

Marcela Ulloa

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot dead a woman who attempted to ram officers with her vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, earlier that day.

"Our ICE officers were out in enforcement action. They got stuck in the snow because of the adverse weather that is in Minneapolis. They were attempting to push out their vehicle and a woman attacked them and those surrounding them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, calling it "an act of domestic terrorism."

"An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively shot to protect himself and the people around him. And my understanding is that she was hit and is deceased," Noem said at a press conference in Brownsville, Texas.

In a statement on X, the department said that the ICE officer "fired defensive shots," calling the woman one of the "violent rioters."

"The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. The ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries," the statement said.

The Trump administration recently deployed 2,000 federal agents and officers to the Minneapolis area amid alleged welfare fraud involving Somali residents. 
The 7th Excellence Awards & Tmall Super Brand Day

SHANGHAI, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The premium professional skincare brand SkinCeuticals held its 7th Excellence Awards & Tmall Super Brand Day event at the West Bund The Orbit in Shanghai. Centered on deepening and systematically advancing professional expertise, it built an international academic exchange platform to gather global dermatology experts, promoting the scientific application and evolution of the "Integrated Skincare" concept in clinical settings. This fulfills the brand's long-standing commitment to nurturing medical talent and fostering an academic ecosystem, further shaping an integrated aesthetics landscape. As the chief media partner, Xinhua News Agency joined SkinCeuticals in celebrating this milestone.

Adhering to its tradition of honoring professional dedication, SkinCeuticals gathered top dermatology authorities and outstanding practitioners to recognize exceptional research achievements. This year, the event paid special tribute to two influential figures from different domains: Professor Zheng Zhizhong from the Dermatology Department of Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, who has long bridged scientific research with clinical practice in dermatology; and e-commerce livestream host and Meione partner Li Jiaqi (Austin), who connects brands with the public and advances the popularization of science-based skincare. The celebrated actor and inaugural brand ambassador Hu Ge made a grand appearance at the gala, representing SkinCeuticals in uniting with authoritative experts from various fields to celebrate the power of professionalism.

The event specially appointed Li Jiaqi, as the "Science-Based Skincare Advocate." Throughout his decade-long journey in the beauty industry, Li has remained true to his professional and original aspirations, consistently selecting only the finest products. He has used expertise as a bridge of trust between the industry and consumers, responding with professionalism to the confidence placed in him by every individual.

The SkinCeuticals Excellence Awards brought together top professional leaders from all sectors, honoring the spirit of expertise and commending industry pioneers, thereby fostering a profound dialogue on what it means to be "professional." SkinCeuticals' unwavering commitment to professional excellence marks a new elevation of the "Integrated Skincare" philosophy.

Looking ahead, SkinCeuticals will continue to uphold a spirit of scientific rigor and evidence-based practice, deepen collaborations with industry professionals, and persistently drive the implementation and development of the "Integrated Skincare" concept. The brand will also lead the way in opening a new chapter for "Integrated Aesthetics," offering integrated skincare solutions to meet the needs of beauty seekers across China.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2855410/image_5029665_37977129.jpg
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Westcove Partners, LLC ("Westcove"), a highly specialized investment bank, announced that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Tampa Bay Medical Research ("TBMR") in its partnership with Alcanza Clinical Research, a portfolio company of Martis Capital ("Martis"). The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Westcove's deal team included Justin Hand, Managing Director; Bill Bolding, Vice President; Geno Catalano, Associate; and Andrew Hartono, Analyst.

Westcove announced that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Tampa Bay Medical Research in its partnership with Alcanza Clinical Research, a portfolio company of Martis Capital.

Tampa Bay Medical Research is an independent clinical research site with dedicated facilities in Clearwater and Largo, Florida. The Company conducts Phase IIIV trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including MASH/MASLD, metabolic disease, endocrinology, vaccines, and others. Backed by experienced leadership, strong sponsor relationships, and a community-first approach, the Company consistently delivers reliable enrollment and high-quality trial execution.

Dr. Sureka Bollepalli, owner of TBMR, stated, "The Westcove team was always available, communicated clearly, and kept the process organized from start to finish. It was clear they had our best interests in mind, which gave us confidence throughout the transaction."

Bill Bolding, Vice President of Westcove, commented, "Dr. Bollepalli has built a high-quality clinical research platform with a strong track record of execution. Alcanza is a natural partner for TBMR, bringing scale and infrastructure that support continued growth while preserving the strengths of the existing site. We were pleased to advise TBMR on this transaction."

About Tampa Bay Medical Research

Tampa Bay Medical Research is an independent clinical research organization dedicated to advancing health and quality of life in its community through high-quality clinical trials. TBMR collaborates with sponsors and contract research organizations across multiple therapeutic areas, offering clinical expertise, disciplined operations, and patient-centered care to support the development of new therapies. For more information, visit www.tampabaymedicalresearch.com.

About Alcanza Clinical Research

Alcanza is an integrated network of research facilities dedicated to accelerating the development of new therapies by reducing barriers to clinical research participation. With locations across the United States, including Puerto Rico, Alcanza collaborates with medical providers and community organizations to deliver high-quality clinical research opportunities, emphasizing inclusivity and patient safety. For more information, visit www.alcanzaclinical.com.

About Martis Capital Management

Martis Capital is a healthcare-focused private equity firm that partners with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams to build leading growth platforms in middle-market healthcare. With offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Miami, Martis Capital's mission is to advance healthcare innovation by supporting companies that improve patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, and expand access to care. For more information, visit www.martiscapital.com.

About Westcove Partners

Westcove Partners is a premier healthcare-focused investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financings, and other complex corporate finance transactions. The firm is dedicated to advising founder-operated businesses, tailoring its advisory services to address the unique challenges and opportunities these businesses face. For more information, visit www.westcove.com.

Contact:

Andrew Hartono, [email protected]

SOURCE Westcove Partners, LLC
About this content 

About Jamie Ashcroft

Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Ian Lyall

Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Fouad Haidar

Fouad is a trilingual broadcast journalist & content producer/presenter for Proactive. He has a Communication & Media degree from the University of Western Australia & a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. He's worked in Dubai for 7 years reporting on Hollywood A-listers & producing a daily morning show. Back in Australia, he's worked as a weather and lifestyle presenter for Sky News Australia before moving into business and... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
New Zealand is moving to block credit cards as a funding method for online casinos as it builds a regulated iGaming market. For investors, this swift signal that regulators are increasingly shaping gambling markets by tightening the payment layer, not just licensing operators.

Australia already offers a preview. Online wagering providers have been banned from accepting credit cards, credit-related products (including some digital wallets), and digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) since June 11, 2024. This rule was imposed to prevent people from betting with borrowed money and to align online wagering with land-based restrictions.

When payments get squeezed, behaviour doesnt disappear, but reroutes. That reroute is where commercial pressure shows up first: lower approval rates on some rails, more friction at checkout, and tighter scrutiny around withdrawals and disputes. Early in any crackdown, customers gravitate to options that feel instant, predictable, and hard to reverse. Thats where Bitcoin casinos come into the picture, because they sit outside traditional card rails. That shift helps explain why these sites are the ones of the future in markets where card use is restricted or closely monitored.

Why New Zealand is tightening payments as it builds a licensed market

New Zealand is trying to pull online casino play into a licensing framework instead of leaving most activity offshore, where consumer protections are harder to enforce. In late 2024, the Government flagged familiar offshore pain points, including withdrawal friction, as part of the case for a regulated system.

The bill has also drawn unusually heavy public attention. In a December 2025 update tied to the select committee process, Minister Brooke van Velden said the committee received over 5,000 submissions, with many focused on gambling harm and the flow-on impact to community funding.

That helps explain why a credit-card restriction is likely to stay in the package. Its easy to apply, and it changes behaviour fast. It limits gambling on borrowed funds, reduces disputes linked to card payments, and pushes deposits toward methods that are easier to track inside a licensed system.

Australia points to the same enforcement style. The ban didnt just target cards. It also caught other forms of credit-like funding, including some wallet-style products and digital currency. Regulators are policing the way accounts are funded, because thats simpler than chasing every operator.

Why payment policy is becoming the competitive battleground

If youre investing in gambling brands or payment infrastructure, payment policy hits the business model immediately. When an easy method is removed, conversions typically dip and acquisition costs rise. Operators often respond by pushing bigger promos, spending more on ads, or tightening retention tactics, which can squeeze margins even if demand doesnt disappear.

Risk dynamics also change. Card rails tend to concentrate chargebacks and disputes, while faster or less reversible methods can increase exposure to scams and quicker loss velocity. Thats where payments and risk fintechs gain leverage, because the ability to screen transactions, intervene early, and reduce false declines becomes a commercial advantage.

At the same time, compliance shapes what users can do in the app, especially at deposit and withdrawal. The operators that perform best are the ones that can prove they have control; verify customers, spot risky funding, monitor transactions, and keep clear records, without making checkout a hurdle. This is why the opportunity isnt limited to gambling operators. It extends to the infrastructure layer that helps consumer brands stay compliant while still keeping payments smooth enough to retain customers.

Where the opportunity shows up for Australian fintech

Australias wagering payment ban has pushed regulated operators away from credit cards and digital currency funding, and towards permitted rails such as debit and bank-linked payments. That shift increases the value of fintech that can keep checkout smooth while meeting stricter compliance expectations.

One opportunity is payment orchestration. When certain rails are restricted or create more declines, operators need routing that maintains approval rates without creating compliance gaps. Another opportunity is identity and risk scoring. If regulators are targeting credit-like funding and tighter controls at the deposit point, as reflected in Australias wagering credit ban legislation, operators need stronger verification and monitoring that doesnt crush conversion. A third area is consumer controls that reduce downstream issues, such as disputes and support load; features like deposit limits, real-time alerts, and clearer settlement and withdrawal handling.

New Zealands move in the same direction reinforces the broader point: payment rules are becoming a default tool in regulated gambling, which keeps demand strong for the fintech layer that makes allowed money easier to use and easier to govern.

Cryptos role under tighter payment rules

Crypto can attract users in payment-restricted environments because it can feel faster and more direct than card rails, with fewer intermediaries and clearer payment completed outcomes. When mainstream funding methods face tighter controls, some consumers look for alternatives, which is why Bitcoin casinos get more attention in these moments.

Australias position is clear in regulated online wagering: the federal ban restricts the use of digital currency alongside credit cards and other credit-related products. That makes it hard to argue for a straightforward onshore crypto deposit growth story inside tightly regulated wagering.

For investors, the bottom line is that payment policy sets the boundaries. In strict regimes, crypto-linked funding becomes a compliance issue. In grey or offshore-heavy markets, crypto can still act as an alternative rail, but it remains exposed to pressure through on-ramps, payment providers, and advertising controls.

2026 watchpoints for Australian gaming and fintech investors

If New Zealand locks in a credit-card ban alongside licensing, and Australia keeps tightening how accounts can be funded, the next pressure points will be the workarounds.

First, expect more attention on credit-like substitutes. Once cards are blocked, regulators and operators start looking at anything that replicates borrowing at checkout, whether it sits inside a wallet balance, a top-up product, or another wrapper that hides the fact its still credit.

Second, watch indirect funding paths. Enforcement tends to move upstream to the places money enters the system: wallet top-ups, intermediaries, and cross-border processors that can recreate a card-like flow. If those routes get squeezed, approvals, monitoring, and documentation become a bigger competitive edge.

Third, the gap between onshore and offshore will keep widening. Onshore play becomes more controlled and slower because its built around checks and limits. Offshore stays faster until payment providers, banks, or ad rules start closing access points.

For Australian investors, the money isnt only in operators. Its in the fintech layer that keeps compliant payments usable: routing that protects approval rates, verification and monitoring that meet stricter standards, and consumer controls that cut disputes and support load.
About this content 

About Angela Harmantas

Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Emily Jarvie

Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, The Canberra Times, and... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Galaxy Digitals Zac Prince says demographic shifts and wealth transfers could funnel massive capital into crypto markets over the next two decades as younger generations inherit from Baby Boomers.

Speaking on The Milk Road Show, Prince pointed to demographic trends as a major tailwind for crypto adoption.

The older people are going to pass away and pass the money down to younger people, he explained, adding that younger investors show markedly different preferences than their parents generation.

Prince noted these investors are much more familiar with platforms like the one that we have at GalaxyOne, where its kind of an app first. Multiple kinds of products in one place, really intuitive user interface versus the traditional, you have to pick up a phone and call your broker.

Massive Wealth Transfer Looms

UBS Global Wealth Report data reveals $83 trillion will transfer between generations over the next 20-25 years, with $9 trillion moving between spouses and $74 trillion passing to heirs.

The United States alone accounts for over $29 trillion of this transfer, followed by Brazil at $9 trillion and mainland China at $5.6 trillion.

Source: UBS Report

Prince emphasized that wealth transfer patterns dont strictly correlate with population size or GDP.

Italy, despite having half Japans population and 60% of its GDP, is projected to see higher inter-generational wealth transfers due to higher savings rates and home ownership among elderly citizens.

GalaxyOne is positioning itself to capitalize on this shift by targeting mass-affluent investors (roughly 20% of US households) that meet the $200,000 annual income or $1 million in net worth threshold.

We think that that audience has some, you know, unique needs that arent well suited by the Robin Hoods and Coinbases of the world, Prince stated, highlighting white-glove customer service and curated product offerings as key differentiators.

Retail Sentiment Diverges From Institutions

While Prince acknowledged bearish retail sentiment at year-end 2024, with Bitcoin down roughly 10% despite strong performance from gold, silver, and stocks, he sees this as potentially bullish.

Anytime you start to see that sentiment, the pattern matching that Ive seen in my years in the industry is that it could be the beginning of a signal that its about to rip, he said.

The sentiment gap between retail and institutional investors has widened considerably.

FINRA Foundation data shows crypto consideration among US investors dropped from 33% to 26% between 2021 and 2024, with 66% now viewing digital assets as extremely or very risky, up from 58%.
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Seoul, Jan 7 : The leader of the South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) apologised Wednesday for the failed attempt to impose martial law by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok made the apology during a press conference at the party's headquarters, signaling that the conservative party would distance itself from Yoon, who is standing criminal trial on insurrection charges.

"The declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was a wrong and inappropriate response to the situation that caused major confusion and inconvenience to the public, and caused pain to our party members," Jang said, bowing his head in apology.

Jang said he "deeply acknowledges" the responsibility as the ruling party at that time and offered his "sincere apologies" to the public.

"We will find our mistakes and responsibility within the party," he said.

"We will make a fresh start in line with the public's expectations."

Jang was among the 18 PPP lawmakers who attended the parliamentary vote to lift the martial law.

Regarding the upcoming local elections, Jang vowed to seek broader political cooperation with other opposition parties to win the elections, Yonhap news agency reported.

"If they agree on the values of liberal democracy and the goal to prevent the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae Myung administration, we will keep an open mind and join forces with anyone," he said.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law is set to conclude this week amid keen interest in the level of punishment he will face, including the possibility of the death penalty.

The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to hold four hearings this week in the insurrection trial of Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho and five others, according to legal sources.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels, stating that it will further strengthen India's security apparatus and its vision of self-reliance.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the ship on Monday (January 5).

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "The commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, including the fact that it adds strength to our vision of self-reliance, boosts our security apparatus and reflects a commitment to sustainability, among others."

With over 60 per cent indigenous content, ICGS Samudra Pratap is India's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date.

The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG's operational capability in pollution control, firefighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It will also strengthen its ability to conduct extended surveillance and response missions across India's vast maritime zones.

During its commissioning, Rajnath Singh described ICGS Samudra Pratap as an embodiment of India's mature defence industrial ecosystem.

Praising the ecosystem for its capability to handle complex manufacturing challenges effectively, Rajnath Singh said the addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG's operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection.

"ICGS Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol and strengthen maritime safety. It is a product of the modern approach adopted by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to enhance flexibility and readiness to deal with present-day maritime challenges," said Rajnath Singh.

The Defence Minister commended the ICG for playing a multidimensional role -- from marine pollution to coastal cleanliness, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement.

He added that with the way the Coast Guard is fulfilling its duties, a clear message has been sent to the country's adversaries that if they dare to cast an evil eye on Indiaas maritime borders or attempt any misadventure, they will be met with a bold and befitting response.

The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, and modern firefighting capabilities.

It also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities, which can significantly increase its reach and effectiveness.

Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that due to these capabilities, the vessel will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, providing a huge advantage in real-life operations.

He termed marine environment protection as not just a strategic necessity, but a moral responsibility, amidst the challenges of climate change and global warming.

The Defence Minister appreciated ICG for carrying out oil spill response, firefighting, and salvage operations, placing India in the category of select countries that possess advanced environmental response capabilities.

"Through its quick detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems, ICGS Samudra Pratap will further strengthen capabilities. It will ensure that pollution incidents are controlled in a timely manner, preventing damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity. This is directly linked to the sustainability of coastal communities and the blue economy," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's shift from grand rallies to shakha-level visits represents a tactical recalibration designed to exploit the Shiv Sena's traditional "grassroots" advantage over the resources and network of the BJP-Sena (Shinde) alliance.

Both cousins, who have tied up to checkmate the mighty BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, are hoping this strategy will work in their favour in the high-stakes BMC elections.

Interestingly, Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray are also stepping up their outreach through shakha-level visits. Thackeray cousins are expected to hold only one grand rally on January 11 at Shivaji Park while focusing on shakha-level visits.

The shakha (local party office) has historically been the heartbeat of the Shiv Sena. By visiting individual shakhas, the Thackeray cousins are moving the battleground away from media-driven "optics" (where the BJP excels) to personal contact. Unlike a rally where messages are broad, shakha visits allow the leaders to address ward-specific grievances, such as local water issues, redevelopment delays, or neighbourhood security. For a Marathi voter, the sight of a Thackeray entering their local shakha carries deep sentimental value, reinforcing the "sons of the soil" narrative that the Shinde faction is trying to claim.

After the party split, the biggest challenge for the UBT and MNS has been keeping their cadres' morale high against a well-funded Mahayuti alliance. A common criticism of Uddhav Thackeray in the past was his perceived lack of accessibility. Visiting shakhas directly counters this; he is making all efforts to appear as a leader on the ground. These visits serve as review meetings. Leaders can identify which local workers are active and which are wavering, ensuring that the booth-level management -- the most critical part of a municipal election -- is robust. The BJP-Shinde Sena alliance possesses superior financial and state machinery. Big rallies cost crores and are vulnerable to being out-staged by the ruling alliance's even bigger events.

According to Shiv Sena(UBT) and MNS insiders, Shakha visits are low-cost but high-impact. They allow the Thackerays to sustain a long-term campaign without burning through resources. "While news channels may focus on a massive BJP rally, the Thackerays are under the radar, working the street corners and housing societies, making it harder for opponents to gauge their actual momentum," said a senior Shiv Sena(UBT) leader who has been accompanying Uddhav Thackeray during his shakha visits.

Since Uddhav and Raj have recently allied to protect the Marathi identity, joint or coordinated shakha visits amplify the Thackeray presence in every corner of Mumbai. By appearing at the local level together, they send a clear signal to voters that the family split is a thing of the past and they are serious about reclaiming their home turf (the BMC). This is important when Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been attempting to win over individual shakha leaders. By physically marking their territory at these offices, the Thackerays, on the other hand, are effectively locking down their remaining strongholds and preventing further defections.

Political observers said that the decision to pivot to shakhas was made to reach out to the maximum number of people instead of investing energy in rallies. By focusing on one mega-rally (likely at Shivaji Park) and hundreds of small meetings, they achieve both: a show of strength and a deep, ward-by-ward penetration that is difficult for a centralised campaign to counter.

According to analysts, this strategy is an attempt to decentralise the campaign. By returning to the mohalla-level politics that the Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray used to build the party, they are gambling that local loyalty and personal presence will trump the BJP's national narrative and the Shinde faction's administrative might.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Jammu, Jan 7 : The decision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to withdraw the permission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) for starting the MBBS course has stirred the Hornet's nest in political and public circles of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has lashed out at the Sanghrash Samiti for starting an agitation against the admission of non-Hindu candidates to the medical college for the MBBS course.

"They were selected on merit and not through any favour. The Sangharsh Samiti is following a dangerous course. If Jammu is separated from J&K, then the people here will suffer the same fate Ladakh is facing after getting separated from J&K," Omar Abdullah told the media while reacting to the protests by the right-wing activities against admission of non-Hindus to the medical college.

While revoking the permission to SMVDIME, the NMC has said that the latest inspection of the college has revealed insufficient faculty and infrastructure.

The NMC has directed that the students admitted for the MBBS course in this college must be adjusted in other medical colleges.

Thirteen Muslims and one Sikh candidate had secured admission for the MBBS course, and this prompted the right-wing Sangharsh Samiti to launch an agitation.

CM Omar Abdullah has repeatedly said that SMVDIME is not a minority institution, and this college is receiving grants from the J&K government.

Ironically, the Sangharsh Samiti had demanded either the expulsion of non-Hindu candidates or the revocation of permission to the college to start the MBBS course.

The net result of the agitation and the decision by the NMC has been that the college will not start the MBBS Course while protecting the right of the selected candidates to get admission in other medical colleges.

The loss of recognition to SMVDIME is being viewed by the common citizen as a loss to the growth of the medical profession in the union territory.

"How can the de-recognition of the college be seen as a victory for anybody? It defies logic. We can't have doctors selected on the basis of religion by ignoring the overall merit of the candidates. It is against the growth of the medical profession in J&K," said Girdhari Lal Daftari, a retired government officer here.

The people of the Valley are already angry over the decision because it undermines the chances of the meritorious candidates from the majority Muslim community to secure admission if the same is done purely on the basis of religion.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : A complaint has been filed with the Income Tax Department against Karnataka Minister for Tourism and Waqf Zameer Ahmad Khan, who is also District In-Charge Minister for Ballari, over giving Rs 25 lakh in cash, which is against the law, as compensation to the family of Congress worker Rajashekar.

It may be recalled that Rajashekar died in a firing during a clash between Congress and BJP workers.

The complaint has been lodged by Hindu activist Tejas Gowda, who has accused the minister of violating Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations. According to the complaint, RBI norms mandate that any financial transaction exceeding Rs 2 lakh must be carried out only through authorised banking channels.

The complainant has demanded a detailed investigation into the source of the cash allegedly given as compensation. He has also sought clarity on whether the amount was officially accounted for or constituted unaccounted money. The Income Tax Department is yet to issue a response to the complaint.

Minister Zameer handed over a bag containing Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the family of Rajashekar during his visit to the family in front of the media. The opposition had questioned the ruling Congress party to clarify the source of money and also state clearly whether the compensation amount was given from the government, party or individually from Minister Zameer.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar have stated that they will speak to Minister Zameer in this regard.

It can be recalled that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had raised questions over the Rs 25 lakh cash compensation issue, asking from which account the money was released, whether income tax norms were followed, and whether the amount was government or private money. "The Income Tax Department should clarify this," he said.

When asked about the cash controversy, Dy CM Shivakumar said he would speak to Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan about the matter. He added that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy "now has the IT department and central agencies in his pocket".

Alleging a conspiracy by the Congress-led government to cover up the Ballari shootout case, Union Minister Kumaraswamy made serious charges against the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Minister, accusing the ruling party of attempting to cover up the killing of its own party worker.

Kumaraswamy had said explosive information had emerged regarding the shooting incident involving the gunman of a close associate of Ballari MLA Nara Bharat Reddy. He alleged that the post-mortem of slain Congress worker Rajashekar was conducted illegally twice.

He demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.

The Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru on Monday remanded 26 arrested people to judicial custody in connection with the Congress shootout case. Those remanded include Gurucharan Singh, the private gunman of Satish Reddy, an aide of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, who is facing murder charges in the case.
United Nations, Jan 7 : Escalating violence in Sudan, particularly across the Kordofan region, continues to put civilians at extreme risk and drive new waves of displacement, a UN spokesperson said.

Between October 25 and December 30, some 65,000 individuals were displaced from multiple locations across the Kordofan region, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told a daily briefing, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In South Kordofan state, displacement has increased sharply in recent days, he said, pointing to estimates by the International Organization for Migration that between December 31, 2025 and January 4 this year, violence drove nearly 1,000 people to flee in Quoz locality, Kadugli town and Berdab village.

On Monday, another 2,000 people were uprooted from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality in North Kordofan state, said the spokesperson, adding that UN humanitarians in the country reported a drone attack on Tuesday in the state's capital, El Obeid, which allegedly claimed the lives of 13 civilians, including children, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Once again, the UN reiterates its urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians," said Dujarric, adding that the United Nations also reiterates the need for rapid, safe and sustained humanitarian access so aid can reach those in need.

Sudan has been embroiled in an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 15, 2023.

In the early months, the RSF seized control of much of Sudan's capital Khartoum and expanded throughout the Darfur region, taking over most central Sudanese cities.

However, by early 2024, the tide had turned in favour of the Sudanese army, which began reclaiming key cities and territories. By March 2025, the army had secured most of Khartoum.

On the morning of April 15, 2023, intense fighting broke out between the SAF and the RSF, triggered by escalating disputes between the two sides over a framework agreement, which stipulated reform of the military institution and the integration of all armed groups, not least including the RSF into the Sudanese army.

The conflict has also displaced over 15 million people, both inside and outside Sudan, according to the International Organization for Migration.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
January 07 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday described the Viksit Bharat G Ram G Act, 2025, as a historic step towards transforming rural India, taken under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting its key features, he stated that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, 2025, has been enacted to strengthen permanent rural infrastructure and expand employment opportunities, serving as a milestone in the nation's rural development journey.

Speaking to reporters at Lok Bhawan, the Chief Minister said, Those who had plundered the country's resources for decades, pushing the poor into hunger and forcing youth into unemployment and migration, are now hesitant to support transparent reforms.

He added, Uttar Pradesh stands to gain the most from the Act, which will be implemented in the state with a renewed and stronger guarantee of employment.

He said, Such reforms would invite public scrutiny over why these steps were not taken when those parties were in power.

Criticising the Congress and the Indi alliance for questioning the Act, CM Yogi said a reform aimed at the welfare of workers, farmers, and villages should have been welcomed. Instead, they are attempting to justify an outdated, corruption-ridden system.

CM Yogi said, The essence of the VBG Ram G Act, 2025 lies in transparency, an enhanced employment guarantee, and the creation of durable assets in rural areas.

The Act, he said, will lay a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat2047. Emphasising that national progress depends on the development of states, and state development hinges on the prosperity of villages, he said strengthening the rural economy will make farmers self-reliant and ensure dignity, security, and social protection for labourers.

The Chief Minister said, The new act was essential due to serious shortcomings in MGNREGA. He pointed out that the scheme led to the creation of incomplete and temporary assets, along with widespread complaints of fake job cards, bogus attendance, and payment deductions across districts.

He recalled that a major MGNREGA scam during the Samajwadi Party's tenure had to be probed by the CBI. Weak social audits, flawed grievance redressal mechanisms, administrative lapses, and delays in wage payments persisted, leaving farmers short of labour during peak seasons and workers without assured, timely employment or wages.

CM Yogi explained that the new Act increases the employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days. Payments will be made weekly, with provisions for compensation and additional interest in case of delays. For the first time, the unemployment allowance has been made a legal right if work is not provided on time. To address labour shortages during sowing and harvesting seasons, states have been empowered to temporarily suspend work for up to 60 days.

Under the Act, panchayats will be empowered to create permanent and productive assets. Gram panchayats will identify works across four key categories, including water conservation, rainwater harvesting, check dams, rural roads and drainage, livelihood-linked infrastructure, playgrounds, open gyms, markets, and mandis. Works related to disaster management and flood control will also be included.

CM Yogi said, Technology has been given legal backing under the Act, with provisions for biometric attendance, geo-tagging, satellite imagery, real-time monitoring through mobile applications, and direct benefit transfer (DBT). This will completely eliminate payments to fake beneficiaries and end unproductive practices such as repetitive digging and refilling of pits.

The Chief Minister further said, The Act mandates social audits within six months, digital and time-bound grievance redressal, the appointment of a district-level ombudsman, and audits based on prescribed standards. The funding pattern will be a 60:40 CentreState partnership, and the scheme will remain entirely demand-driven.

He noted that compared to MGNREGA, the new framework could provide states with nearly 17,000 crore in additional resources, with states having a larger workforce receiving proportionately higher employment opportunities.

Employment, he said, will now function not merely as a relief measure but as a catalyst for development and self-reliance.

CM Yogi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, and the entire Union Cabinet, reaffirming the state government's commitment to implementing the scheme with full transparency, sensitivity, and effectiveness.

He said the government's objective is to ensure timely employment for every eligible person, create sustainable assets in every village, and secure dignity, safety, and prosperity for every worker.

Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with leaders of NDA alliance parties, were present on the occasion.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has announced the completion of a $20 billion funding round from investors including Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority.

The company did not disclose individual investment amounts or the split between debt and equity, and named Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research, MGX, Baron Capital Group and Cisco Systems Inc.'s investment group among other investors who participated in the funding.

xAI had planned for roughly $7.5 billion of equity and up to $12.5 billion of debt parked in a special purpose vehicle to buy Nvidia processors. The chips would be rented out for five years, allowing financiers to recoup their investment, according to reports.

The AI startup said the financing will accelerate its infrastructure buildout, speed development and deployment of AI products to billions of users, and fuel research advancing its mission of "understanding the universe".

The firm, which had already raised about $10 billion of corporate equity and debt in 2025, has been burning through about $1 billion per month, the reports said citing sources. Musk had eralier confirmed that xAI is expanding datacentre capacity in Memphis toward almost 2 gigawatts.

A gigawatt is enough to provide electricity for about 7,50,000 US homes. Musk has publicly discussed plans to build the world's largest data centre for AI training and previously said Colossus 2 will eventually have 5,50,000 chips from Nvidia, costing tens of billions of dollars.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene, nude and indecent content on its platform.

The government on Friday directed X Corp to send an action taken report (ATR) "towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting, generation, publication or transmission, sharing or uploading of obscene, nude, indecent and explicit content through the misuse of Al-based services like 'Grok' and xAl's other services".

X Corp said that it continues to take action against illegal content on its social media platform, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and is working with local governments and law enforcement agencies.

IANS

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Kochi, Jan 7 : The Kerala High Court on Wednesday extended the interim order staying the arrest of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil in a rape case till January 21, while deferring a final decision on his plea for anticipatory bail.

The court said it would hear detailed arguments on the matter on that day before taking a call on whether the legislator should be granted pre-arrest protection.

During the hearing, the High Court allowed the complainant to be impleaded as a party in the anticipatory bail petition filed by the now expelled Congress MLA.

The complainant had approached the court seeking to be added as a respondent in what has been described as the first rape case registered against the MLA.

Accepting the request, the court observed that the complainant was a necessary party for the effective adjudication of the bail plea.

The court granted the complainant two weeks to file a counter-affidavit responding to the submissions made by Mamkoottathil in his anticipatory bail application.

The matter has been posted to January 21 for a detailed hearing, following which the court is expected to pass orders on the bail plea.

The interim stay on arrest, which was earlier granted to enable the court to consider the merits of the anticipatory bail petition, will continue to remain in force until then.

The court made it clear that no coercive steps should be taken against the MLA during this period.

The case has attracted considerable attention in political and legal circles, given Mamkoottathil's status as a sitting MLA from Palakkad.

The anticipatory bail plea is being closely watched as it could have wider political ramifications, particularly in the run-up to key political developments in the state.

With the complainant now formally made a party to the proceedings, the High Court is expected to hear comprehensive arguments from both sides on the allegations, the maintainability of the anticipatory bail plea, and the scope of interim protection granted to the accused.

A final decision is likely after the detailed hearing scheduled for January 21.

Incidentally, he has got pre-arrest bail from a court in the state capital in another similar case.

Mamkoottathil was expelled from the Congress when the second case surfaced against him.
After two years of record fundraising, the AI market could soon get more selective. 2025 ended with trillion-dollar compute deals, a glut of generative tools, and the first signs of fatigue among buyers faced with dozens of products promising the same thing.

Venture investors say cash in 2026 will go mainly to the systems that run AI and to tools that solve clear problems for businesses, rather than another general-purpose chatbot. Quartz asked the people deploying that money what they expect to back next year  and what ideas theyre now turning down.

Moving into reality

For the last few years, startups have tried to show their AI platforms work in theory, but 2026 is when they will have to prove it in the real world. Companies helping enterprises actually take AI into production will be the big winners next year, said Guru Chahal, partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, which manages about $35 billion. Enterprises are finally realizing AIs potential but also that they need help driving success.

That includes platforms that work across different workplaces  like those automating HR processes  and vertical solutions that solve specific industry problems, he told Quartz. Chahal pointed to Eve Legal, a Lightspeed-backed platform that tackles the mountains of paperwork faced by lawyers, as an example of the latter. He added: The gap between proof-of-concept and production is where money flows now.

Nowhere is that gap more pronounced than in so-called agentic AI, where products or agents make decisions and act with a degree of autonomy rather than responding to one prompt at a time. Mikael Johnsson, managing partner of Stockholm- and London-based VC investor Oxx, said agentic platforms will move from experiments, pilots, and trials to driving real productivity gains in 2026. AI investments will be put under the same scrutiny as any other software related investment.

Those agents could have their work cut out. In a 2025 test of Anthropics Claude platform acting as an agent, it was fed emails showing that a hypothetical company executive was having an affair and was also planning to shut down the AI system. Claudes response was to blackmail the executive by threatening to tell his wife and bosses about the affair.

Nonetheless, Johnsson is hopeful that companies can break through these problems and bring agents from testing and into the workplace. Were looking to fund companies that can prove real and meaningful return on investment in production environments and where customers are doubling down on one vendor rather than running multiple ones in parallel, he said.
General Secretary of the AIADMK and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Image Source: IANS

Chennai, Jan 7 : The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by Anbumani Ramadoss, has formally joined the alliance headed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The announcement was made by Edappadi Palaniswami, General Secretary of the AIADMK and Leader of Opposition, following high-level discussions held in Chennai.

Anbumani Ramadoss visited Palaniswami at his residence on Greenways Road in Chennai, where the two leaders held detailed talks on the structure of the alliance, coordination for the 2026 polls, and the framework for seat-sharing.

After the meeting, both leaders jointly addressed the media, formally confirming PMK's entry into the AIADMK-led front.

Addressing reporters, Palaniswami said the AIADMK continues to be part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level, and that PMK has now joined the AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.

He described PMK's inclusion as a positive and welcome development, noting that the alliance had been formed through mutual understanding between the two parties.

Palaniswami said discussions on seat-sharing were in their final stages and that a formal announcement would be made once the talks were fully concluded.

He did not respond to questions on whether preliminary alliance discussions with PMK had taken place earlier and left without offering further clarification on that matter.

The AIADMK leader also indicated that seat-sharing negotiations with PMK were close to completion. Political sources said that in the previous Assembly elections, PMK had contested 23 seats as part of an alliance. In the current talks, the AIADMK is believed to have offered around 15 seats to PMK.

However, sources added that PMK has been seeking more than 20 seats, leading to hard bargaining between the two sides.

It is also learnt that the AIADMK leadership has reportedly laid down certain conditions in the negotiations, including limits on the number of seats and clarity on leadership representation within the alliance.

With PMK formally joining the AIADMK-led alliance, the opposition camp in Tamil Nadu is beginning to take clearer shape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, which are expected to be keenly contested with shifting alliances and intense political campaigning.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Jan 7 : BJP leaders on Wednesday strongly condemned the stone-pelting incident that took place during a demolition drive near a mosque in Old Delhi, asserting that the action was carried out strictly against encroachments in accordance with a High Court order.

They said those responsible for creating chaos and attacking security personnel must be dealt with firmly under the law.

The incident occurred near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, close to the Ramlila Ground, where the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched an anti-encroachment operation to remove unauthorised structures from land adjoining the mosque and nearby areas, in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025.

As the demolition process began, a large number of local residents gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans and protesting against the action. The situation soon escalated when some members of the crowd attempted to breach police barricades and started pelting stones at security personnel deployed at the site.

Reacting to the incident, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal told IANS, "I have been informed by the officials that this was a High Court order. The forces removed encroachments on government land. I am a resident of Old Delhi, and the people here are peace-loving. The removal was carried out strictly under the law and as per the High Court order."

"The local police are investigating the matter, and based on CCTV footage, appropriate action will be taken. The police are monitoring the case," he further said.

Minister Ashish Sood described the incident as unfortunate and said the demolition was carried out strictly under court directions.

"This is an unfortunate incident. Action was taken against commercial establishments near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque strictly as per court orders, but some anti-social elements protested and resorted to stone-pelting, which is unacceptable," Sood told reporters.

"The mosque remains completely safe, and the government has no role in the action, which is court-directed. Those involved in violence will face legal action, and people are urged to identify miscreants who incite such acts, as innocent youths ultimately suffer legal consequences," he added.

Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also underlined that the action was based on judicial orders.

"These are orders from the High Court, and the High Court's orders are being implemented. However, those who are doing such activities are wrong, and the police must take action against them. Whether it is an order from the High Court or the Supreme Court, it is the duty of the police and the government to enforce it," he said.

Speaking to IANS, Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht said unauthorised encroachments must be removed irrespective of their nature.

"Certainly, action should be taken in cases where there is unauthorised encroachment, and such encroachments must be removed. If illegal constructions of mosques or wedding halls have been made in areas like the Ramlila Ground, the importance of the location must be respected, and such action should definitely be taken," he said.

Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said that any encroachment must be removed. "There is no question of caste, community, or religious sentiment in this matter. Anything that causes inconvenience to individuals or society should be addressed and removed," he told IANS.

Meanwhile, police have registered an FIR under sections related to rioting, assault on a government servant and obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of official duties.

The police said 10 individuals have been identified and detained, and searches are underway to trace others allegedly involved in the violence.

Further details in the case are awaited.
Chennai, Jan 7 : Senior Congress leader and head of the party's Data Analytics Unit, Praveen Chakravarty, has confirmed that he met Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, while firmly asserting that any decision on political alliances in Tamil Nadu will be taken only by the Congress high command.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, Chakravarty acknowledged the meeting with Vijay, describing it as a personal interaction and downplaying political speculation surrounding it.

He said that meeting individuals from different backgrounds and political spaces was part of his public life and should not be viewed through a narrow or sensational lens.

According to him, similar interactions happen regularly in Delhi and elsewhere, and there was no reason to attach undue significance to a single meeting in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the controversy over his remarks on Tamil Nadu's financial situation, Chakravarty clarified that he had not compared the State with Uttar Pradesh.

Chakravarty said his comments were based on observations made by the Reserve Bank of India regarding Tamil Nadu's debt position and were supported by available opinion poll data.

He maintained that there was no political motive or provocation behind the statement and rejected claims that it was intended to trigger a controversy.

Chakravarty also spoke at length about the growing political presence of Vijay and the public response to his meetings and rallies. He noted that people were not attending these gatherings merely to see a film star, but were engaging with Vijay as a political figure. This, he said, reflected a clear shift in public perception and indicated that Vijay had emerged as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics.

On the broader question of alliances and power-sharing, Chakravarty remarked that discussions about securing more seats, a role in governance, and a share in power were legitimate political aspirations.

He described these demands as reflective of the concerns of Congress workers who want the party to regain strength after decades of decline.

He emphasised that such views were expressed in the interest of the party's future and not driven by individual ambitions.

While acknowledging that some legislators might have personal or constituency-related pressures, Chakravarty stressed that the Congress remained a democratic organisation where workers were free to voice their demands.

However, he underlined that the final call on alliances, including any potential understanding with emerging political forces, would rest solely with the party leadership.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Hubballi : , Jan 7 (IANS) The Karnataka Police on Wednesday rejected a female BJP worker's claims that she was assaulted and stripped by cops during a dispute related to the voter revision exercise in Hubballi.

Responding to the assault and stripping of a BJP worker by male and female police personnel, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar rejected the allegations, stating that she "had stripped herself".

Meanwhile, the State Women's Commission, reacting to the development, said that the roles of both the victim and the police must be examined before any comments are made on the case.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Keshvapur police station in Hubballi, Police Commissioner Shashikumar said, "She assaulted four of our women staffers and bit one woman officer on her abdomen. I do not know who recorded the video. We will consider all aspects in a comprehensive investigation."

He said three cases had been registered against the BJP woman worker based on complaints from local residents. "Based on these complaints, the police went to arrest her on January 5. After the arrest, when she was being taken in the police vehicle, she stripped herself. She also assaulted four police personnel. She is currently in judicial custody," he said.

The complaint pertains to the voter revision process, the Commissioner added.

"While being taken into custody, she strongly resisted and assaulted police personnel. She also pushed male police officers. After being taken into custody and brought into the police vehicle, she stripped herself. Later, the police arranged clothes for her with the help of local residents and then brought her to the police station," he said.

Reacting to the incident, State Women's Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary said, "There is a complaint against the woman, and the police went to arrest her. She is facing multiple cases. When she was taken into the police vehicle, she stripped herself. She was accompanied by her mother and brother, and her brother recorded the video. If you observe the video, you can see that only women police officers are present."

She further said, "The police arranged clothes for her, and she was later remanded to judicial custody. I have spoken to the Hubballi Deputy Commissioner of Police. We cannot comment without verifying the facts. If the police have committed any wrongdoing, we will recommend action. According to the police, the woman stripped herself and the video was later circulated."

"I will write to the Superintendent of Police seeking a detailed report on the incident as the incident is of a serious nature," she said.

She added that making comments without knowing the roles of either the police or the victim would be incorrect. "I will seek a complete investigation, and those found guilty must be punished. The police have questioned why there is no video showing the police stripping her. Police have also stated that there are multiple cases against her. According to the police, the woman loosened her clothes before boarding the police vehicle and later stripped inside the vehicle," she said.

It can be recalled that an alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker by police occurred in Hubballi city in Karnataka, reportedly in connection with a dispute arising from a voter revision exercise. A video of the incident surfaced on Wednesday, triggering shock and serious concern.

The video allegedly shows male police personnel assaulting the woman and using vulgar expletives.

The incident occurred within the limits of the Keshvapur police station in Hubballi. According to sources, BJP worker Sujatha Handi, also known as Vijayalaxmi Handi, was allegedly brutalised following a complaint lodged against her by Hubballi-Dharwad Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla.

It is alleged that Sujatha Handi was targeted after she undertook voter mapping as part of the voter list revision process. Reportedly angered by this, the Congress corporator allegedly lodged a complaint against her at the Keshvapur police station.

During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list, a dispute reportedly broke out when Sujatha Handi accompanied election officials during the process. Congress corporators and their supporters allegedly created a ruckus by citing an old case during the revision exercise.

Suvarna Kallakuntla, who filed the complaint against Sujatha Handi, alleged that she had brought SIR-BLO officials and got voters' names deleted. Earlier, clashes had reportedly occurred between BJP and Congress workers over the same allegation.

It has now been alleged that, citing this issue, a complaint was registered against Sujatha Handi, and police personnel went to arrest her. During this process, the police allegedly unleashed brutality on her. In the video, a male police officer is seen holding the shoulder of the BJP woman worker while she is reportedly without clothes.
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : Women's rights activist Brinda Adige on Wednesday reacted to the alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker by police in Hubballi city of Karnataka, calling the incident absolutely unacceptable and atrocious.

She said that it does not matter which political party the woman belongs to, as what is important is that she is a citizen of the country and must be protected under constitutional rights.

Speaking to IANS, Brinda Adige said, "It is absolutely unacceptable and atrocious because here we are talking about policemen and policewomen who are trained to enforce the law. They cannot become the law unto themselves."

She further said, "Having citizens inside a bus, disrobing her, manhandling her, and beating her is completely wrong. Somewhere I heard that she tried to disrobe herself. Fine, but you are the police and you are trained to handle such situations. Why did female police personnel not form a shield around her? What were they doing there? They were all just watching. This shows that even if they are trained, they are not prepared to safeguard the modesty of women. They panicked. So what kind of training are they receiving as police? Do they not know how to look after a woman? You can make all kinds of excuses, but none of them justify this behaviour."

Adige pointed out that even common people often act more responsibly in such situations.

"As ordinary citizens, sometimes we see incidents where a woman, possibly suffering from mental health issues, may try to disrobe herself. In such cases, two or three people immediately step in to protect her dignity. So what was the police doing? What happened here is both a human rights and women's rights violation," she said.

Referring to the police commissioner's statement about gathering details, she added, "Details can be collected later. First, everyone who was present should be suspended. Then conduct enquiries. There can be no excuses for treating a citizen in such a horrible manner. Constitutional guarantees must be upheld and protected by the police. They cannot make excuses at all."

She further said that the police are required to follow protocols and guidelines on how people in custody should be treated.

"In this case, the woman was in police custody. Secondly, common sense is enough; one does not need special training for that. The state government must intervene. It does not matter which political party she belongs to  that is secondary. First and foremost, she is a citizen of this country, and her constitutional rights must be protected. I believe the state government will intervene, and I am sure the Home Minister will take cognisance of the matter," Adige told IANS.

Meanwhile, the video of the incident surfaced on Wednesday, triggering shock and serious concern.

The video allegedly shows male police personnel assaulting the woman and using vulgar expletives.

The incident occurred within the limits of the Keshvapur police station in Hubballi. According to sources, BJP worker Sujatha Handi, also known as Vijayalaxmi Handi, was allegedly brutalised following a complaint lodged against her by Hubballi-Dharwad Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla.

It is alleged that Sujatha Handi was targeted after she undertook voter mapping as part of the voter list revision process. Reportedly angered by this, the Congress corporator allegedly lodged a complaint against her at the Keshvapur police station.

During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list, a dispute reportedly broke out when Sujatha Handi accompanied election officials during the process. Congress corporators and their supporters allegedly created a ruckus by citing an old case during the revision exercise.

Suvarna Kallakuntla, who filed the complaint against Sujatha Handi, alleged that she had brought SIR-BLO officials and got voters' names deleted. Earlier, clashes had reportedly occurred between BJP and Congress workers over the same allegation.

It has now been alleged that, citing this issue, a complaint was registered against Sujatha Handi, and police personnel went to arrest her. During this process, the police allegedly unleashed brutality on her. In the video, a male police officer is seen holding the shoulder of the BJP woman worker while she is reportedly without clothes.
Kolkata, Jan 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party national president and the Union Minister for Health, J.P. Nadda, will arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday night and will attend two crucial meetings, one administrative and the other political.

On Thursday morning, he will attend and address a health-related seminar in the city, and in the second half, will chair a crucial organisational meeting of the BJP's state leadership, confirmed a state committee member of the BJP.

He will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening after chairing the organisational meeting.

"Earlier, our state president in West Bengal and the party Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya had specially invited Nadda to be present at the organisation meeting of the party on the same day and address the party leader, and the latter agreed to that," the state committee member said.

The organisational meeting will be a closed-door one, where Nadda is expected to share his views on the poll strategy for the crucial Assembly election in the state scheduled for this year.

Only last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a three-day visit to Kolkata. Later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for a two-day visit to the state and address two rallies in two districts.

Now, in between the visits of HM Shah and PM Modi, the tour by Nadda and his chairing of the organisational meetings are happening. These events show the BJP leadership's priority being given to preparations for the Assembly elections, political observers say.

During the three-day visit to Kolkata, the Union Home Minister gave some crucial advice to the state leadership of the BJP on how to go ahead with the preparations and campaign for the Assembly polls.

The most crucial advice was to constantly counter Trinamool Congress' propaganda, which is spreading fear and panic among voters from the Matua community about their potential loss of voting rights following the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.

He also directed the core state leadership to organise regular interaction programmes with the Matua community voters, assuring them protection of their voting rights and allaying their fears in the matter.

Besides giving specific instructions on the Matua issue, the state committee member said, the Union Home Minister has also directed the state leaders to constantly counter the propaganda of CPI(M)-led Left Front and a section of the state Congress leaders in West Bengal of a clandestine understanding between the top leadership of BJP and Trinamool Congress.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday reignited the political and historical debate on the Somnath temple, by sharing a series of posts on X, alleging that India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru not only opposed the reconstruction of centuries old temple but also tried to trivialize its inauguration by discouraging distinguished citizens including the then President from attending its inauguration ceremony.

Sudhanshu Trivedi shared a series of letters, penned by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru to a host of Indian Ambassadors including the envoys in China and Pakistan, purportedly instructing them that the water from Indus River not be allowed for the temple's consecration ceremony, to give an impression that the Indian government was not involved in the ceremony.

In a post on X, Trivedi claimed that Nehru went beyond maintaining neutrality and took "deliberate steps" to reduce the significance of the Somnath Temple consecration ceremony.

Citing letters written by Nehru, Trivedi wrote, "Pandit Nehru wrote letters to Indian embassies explicitly prohibiting them from providing any assistance to the Somnath Trust, including requests for water from rivers for the consecration ceremony."

He further alleged that Nehru sought to downplay the President's participation in the event. Referring to a letter addressed to K.M. Panikkar, India's Ambassador to China, Trivedi stated, "Pandit Nehru openly admitted that he had tried to 'minimize the impact' of the President's visit to the Somnath Temple."

According to Trivedi, Nehru also intervened diplomatically to prevent the use of water from the Indus River for the consecration ceremony.

"In a letter to India's Ambassador to Pakistan, Pandit Nehru stated that the use of water from the Indus River for the consecration at the Somnath Temple had been formally rejected," Trivedi stated, sharing a letter issued by the then High Commission of India to Pakistan, signed by Khub Chand, to support his claim.

In another post on X, Trivedi alleged that Nehru opposed the reconstruction of the temple altogether.

He wrote, "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did not even want the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple to take place." He further claimed that Nehru wrote to President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and all Indian Chief Ministers, expressing concern that the reconstruction had "damaged India's image abroad."

He also cited a letter written to then Information and Broadcasting Minister R.R. Diwakar, alleging that Nehru sought 'reduced' media coverage of the consecration, calling the ceremony "ostentatious."

In a separate post, Trivedi claimed that Pt Nehru resorted to appeasement in foreign policy, referencing a letter dated April 21, 1951, addressed to Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan.

Quoting the letter, Trivedi highlighted Nehru's statement: "The story of the gates of Somnath temple being brought back to India from Afghanistan is completely false and there is not an atom of truth in it."

The RS MP concluded with a sharp remark, stating, "If this wasn't the politics of blind appeasement and the glorification of Mughal invaders, then what was it?"

The posts have triggered renewed political debate over Nehru's secular vision, state involvement in religious affairs, and the historical interpretation of Somnath Temple's reconstruction in post-Independence India.
Chennai, Jan 7 : The Madras High Court on Wednesday permitted an advocate to move a lunch motion seeking to restrain the reported release of a Tamil book that allegedly portrays Justice G. R. Swaminathan as a sympathiser of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in connection with his verdict in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case.

The First Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, accepted a request made by advocate B. Jagannath for urgent consideration of the issue.

The lawyer submitted that the book was scheduled to be released in Chennai on Thursday, prompting immediate judicial intervention.

Observing that the matter was serious in nature, the Bench directed the Advocate General, P.S. Raman, and the Additional Solicitor General, AR.L. Sundaresan, to appear before the court during the afternoon session for further hearing.

The judges noted that the issue involved personal attacks on a sitting judge for judgments delivered in the course of his judicial duties.

During the proceedings, the Advocate General submitted that it might not be appropriate for him to appear directly in the case, as the issue appeared to verge on criminal contempt of court.

He pointed out that, under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, the Advocate General is the statutory authority to grant a sanction for initiating contempt proceedings.

He informed the court that he would request one of the Additional Advocates General to represent the State during the afternoon hearing.

Accepting this submission, the Bench asked advocate Jagannath to also formally inform the ASG so that he could be present.

While mentioning the matter, the advocate produced before the court a pamphlet that was allegedly being circulated widely on social media. The pamphlet carried the cover image of the proposed book, depicting a caricature of Justice Swaminathan dressed in khaki half-trousers, holding a saffron flag in one hand and a lamp (deepam) in the other.

The Tamil title of the book questioned whether G.R. Swaminathan was "a judge or an RSS rowdy", and claimed that the book, priced at Rs 30, would be available at the Chennai Book Fair 2026.

The pamphlet also reportedly contained the publisher's name and a contact number. Arguing that the judge was being subjected to personal vilification for his December 1, 2025, verdict in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue, advocate Jagannath urged the court to prevent such attacks on the judiciary.

After directing him to file a formal petition at the earliest, the Chief Justice ordered that the matter be listed for hearing later the same day.
Kabul, Jan 7 : Afghan counter-narcotics police have confiscated 130 kg of illegal drugs and arrested 36 suspected smugglers in a series of operations across the country, official statements reported.

In northern Badakhshan province, authorities seized 130 kg of opium and hashish in Jurm district and detained one individual, according to a statement from the provincial police office, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced the arrest of 25 others linked to drug trafficking, possession and sales in provinces including Bamiyan, Kunduz and Parwan. Hundreds of narcotic tablets, along with quantities of crystal methamphetamine and hashish, were recovered from the suspects.

The Afghan government has pledged to intensify its campaign against illicit drugs, including production and trafficking, while cracking down on other criminal activities to maintain law and order nationwide.

In December last year, Afghan police arrested eight individuals on charges of production and smuggling of narcotics in the northern Jawzjan province, local media outlet Tolo News reported.

According to the report, provincial police conducted targeted operations that led to the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit drugs, including hashish and heroin. The drugs were reportedly discovered at locations linked to the detained individuals.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by Afghan authorities to combat illegal production, trafficking, and distribution of narcotics across the country.

In a similar action, provincial police headquarters stated that Afghan counter-narcotics police have destroyed a drug processing laboratory and arrested one suspect in connection with the case in the eastern Laghman province.

Acting on a tip-off, police carried out an operation in Mehtarlam district on December 20, 2025, where they uncovered a drug processing facility. A large quantity of materials and equipment used for heroin production was seized and destroyed at the site, the statement said.

On November 14, provincial police spokesman Nizamudin Omir said that Afghan police had arrested a suspected drug smuggler and confiscated illicit narcotics during an operation in the northern Takhar province.

According to the official, the suspect was detained while attempting to transport crystal methamphetamine and other chemicals used in heroin production to Taluqan, the provincial capital, where he allegedly planned to sell the materials.

The suspect has been placed in custody for further investigation, the spokesman added.
January 07 : Lucknow: In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, two important and far-reaching proposals related to the Higher Education Department were approved.

On one hand, the Yogi Cabinet approved the dissolution of JS University, Shikohabad in Firozabad district, while on the other, approval was granted for issuing the Letter of Permission (LOP) for the operation of an off-campus of IIMT University, Meerut in Greater Noida.

Providing details of the decision approving the proposal for the dissolution of JS University, Shikohabad, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay stated, investigations revealed that the university had issued fake and backdated mark sheets and degrees for the course in violation of rules. These documents were used by selected candidates in the Rajasthan Physical Education Teacher Recruitment Examination 2022.

In this case, investigations by the Rajasthan Police, the arrest of the Chancellor and the Registrar, and reports submitted by inquiry committees constituted at the government level revealed serious irregularities. The Minister stated JS University violated several provisions of the Act, including misuse of the authority to award degrees, distribution of fake mark sheets and degrees as part of organized crime, failure to comply with mandatory land norms, and non-submission of required details to the Uttar Pradesh State Higher Education Council.

In view of all these facts, the Yogi government has decided to dissolve JS University, Shikohabad, Firozabad. After dissolution, all records of the university will be kept under the custody of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, and verification of previously issued mark sheets and degrees will be carried out on the basis of these records.

Along with this, it has also been decided to constitute a three-member interim committee under Section 55(6) for the operation of the universitys activities during the dissolution period.

In the Cabinet meeting, the second major decision was taken regarding the establishment of an off-campus of IIMT University, Meerut in Greater Noida. Approval has been granted for issuing the Letter of Permission for its operation.

With the commencement of this off-campus, new opportunities for higher education will be created in western Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region, and students will be able to access quality education within their own region. It was stated under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019 and its Second Amendment Act, 2021, there is a provision for establishing off-campus centres.

In this sequence, the sponsoring body Association of Management Studies, Meerut had identified 4.796 acres of land in the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority area, for which a Letter of Intent was issued on February 25, 2025.

Now, the government has approved the proposal to issue the Letter of Permission to the sponsoring body for the operation of the Greater Noida off-campus of IIMT University, Meerut. The Minister said this will expand higher education opportunities in western Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region and help in providing quality education to students.
When propaganda in a country as large and complex as Russia loses its human face, it can be very difficult to find it again. Officials, experts, and bloggers of the northern power have repeatedly lost this face over the past year, resorting to extreme judgments and forming the idea among a certain part of society that "non-Russians" are to blame for all the troubles of Russians. Russians have had enough troubles for many years now, so it was not so difficult to reach the mass consciousness of this part of society.

The tragedy that occurred at a school in Odintsovo, when a young fascist stabbed a Tajik child, was a serious blow, after which the hysterical propaganda against "non-Russians" somewhat subsided. Everything was too obvious and it was impossible to mitigate the resonance of what happened. Unfortunately, this did not mean the automatic cleansing of the mass consciousness from chauvinistic prejudices. It's not difficult to zombify the masses, but giving them a human face back is a problem.

We were forced to talk about this by a story that happened in the same ill-fated Yekaterinburg, where a biased campaign against local Azerbaijanis has been unfolding since the summer. There are many Azerbaijanis in the Urals. And someone needed to start displacing them. At the same time, chauvinists do not shy away from using any means, choosing children as targets.

So, in connection with the New Year, the Christmas Tree of Wishes campaign is being held all over Russia, including in Yekaterinburg. Kids hang their wishes on Christmas trees, and officials rip them off and fulfill them. 8-year-old Ali, the son of Azerbaijanis who have been Russian citizens for 20 years, also hung a balloon with his wish on the Christmas tree. Both Ali and his sister and brother were born in this country. The ball of the Azerbaijani boy Ali was removed from the Christmas tree installed in the hall of the Mayor's office by the head of the Zheleznodorozhny district of Yekaterinburg, Vitaly Pershin. In addition to Ali's wishes, the head of the administration also fulfilled the New Year's wishes of his brother and sister. The children did not ask for any special benefits or expensive gifts.

The website of the Zheleznodorozhny district of the city states that "the boy asked Santa Claus to give him a stunt scooter to ride with friends in the skate park. But it turned out that Ali also has an 8-year-old sister, Milena, who dreams of a set for needlework, and a younger brother, Vagif, who has a big sweet tooth. The head of the Administration of the Zheleznodorozhny district decided to fulfill the New Year wishes of all the children in the family. Ali, Milena and Vagif, along with their father and mother, were invited to the Administration of the Zheleznodorozhny district, where Vitaly Pershin solemnly presented the long-awaited gifts to the children under the beautiful Christmas tree."

After the district administration spread this news, a torrent of negative social media went to Pershin. Russian Russian users were outraged by the fact that Azerbaijani children received gifts, asking questions like "why aren't there any Russians in the Russian city?" etc.

This ugly story became known thanks to the Yekaterinburg Telegram channel. The main thing." The channel's authors were very outraged by such a reaction to the act of the head of the district and such selectivity of social media users. As indicated in the publication, with the filing of one of the major TG channels (it's a pity that the name is not specified), the harassment began not only of Pershin, but also of the children themselves and their parents. "We reached out to the father, who asked Pershin to take the children's gifts back. To stop the flow of dirt and close this story," the channel writes.

It got to the point that the head of the district was stigmatized and accused of Russophobia. And all because he took a balloon with a wish for an Azerbaijani, not a Russian child, from the Christmas tree. I took it off without choosing it, by accident. The first wish he came across turned out to be in his hands, and it just so happened that a little Azerbaijani wrote it.

Russian TV channels remind us that last time, Santa Claus in the person of Vitaly Pershin fulfilled the wish of a non-"non-Russian" girl, and the public did not react to this in any way. Of course.

Normal Russians who are not affected by xenophobia are ashamed of what happened. This can be seen in the comments to the posts in TG. And there is no doubt that there are most of them, but the sane majority, as always, remains silent and does not interfere in anything. While the propagators of misanthropic theses can be heard even on the moon. Hate propagandists are always ready to step in. Tantrums against "non-Russians" rise like a hurricane, immediately, instantly. As a result of the silence of the reasonable part of society, there is a feeling that there are no reasonable people left in Russia. This plays into the hands of the chauvinists, and it ends up increasing the ranks of young neo-Nazis like the scumbag who stabbed the little Tajik. While adult uncles and aunts on social networks and on TV, spluttering with saliva, demanded that migrants be deprived of their human rights, the brat got into these ideas and put them into practice. Those MPs and experts who vehemently oppose immigrants from Central Asia or Azerbaijan will not take up knives themselves. But they show the way to weak minds, so that they do not ask questions about the origin of their country's problems, but immediately go to punish the "guilty."





What happened in Yekaterinburg is a symptom of a serious illness, the virus of which is artificially spread across the Russian expanses by propaganda. Some people may think all this is nonsense, they say, they made so much noise because of some kind of scooter and sweets. In fact, it's not nonsense. And this is not nonsense, first of all, for Russia itself, a huge multinational, multi-religious, complex country, where, thanks to propaganda, the division into friends and foes began. The authors of the idea of separation do not think that those whom they call "strangers" may be many times more than those who are considered "their own".

The story of the gifts, fortunately, was without tragedies. But this is only at first glance. The mass, fueled by chauvinistic propaganda, disfigured the children's holiday. Children have been robbed of their faith not just in Santa Claus, but in people. The joy turned into a nightmare for them. How will parents now explain to their kids why this happened? They weren't given an apartment, a car, or a large sum of money. A bag of sweets, a set with threads and needles, a scooter. These are simple joys for kids who don't know anything about hate yet. They don't understand yet how it's possible to live among people like you, but still be considered a lower-class person because you don't have Slavic appearance or a Russian surname. But in this reality, which is persistently created by propaganda with some vague but distant aim, they have to live.

Xenophobic propaganda, served under the sauce of patriotism and protection of identity, generously spreads the seeds. It will be very difficult to eliminate the consequences later, because these fruits will give deep roots. Let the so-called "Russian patriots" take a look at what the cave hatred has done to the Armenian society and how difficult it is now being cured.

Once again, I would like to return to the comments. Not xenophobic, but different, written by normal people, ordinary Russians, who are already asking for the family's address in order to compensate the children for the New Year's shock. Those who are ashamed of what happened. Let's hope that the story will receive a serious response, and a reasonable part of Russian society will finally resolutely raise its voice against xenophobia and chauvinism. These phenomena are the main threat to national security and the very existence of the multinational Russian state. This problem is corroding the society of a huge country from the inside, and no external enemy is to blame here.
American International Group (AIG) has named Eric Andersen as president and CEO-elect, succeeding Peter Zaffino, who will transition to the role of executive chair.

Zaffino will leave his position as CEO by mid-year, with the appointment of Andersen as president and CEO-elect taking effect on 16 February 2026.

Andersen will report to Zaffino and formally become CEO and join the Board of Directors after 1 June 2026.

During his tenure since March 2021, Zaffino led several initiatives including refocusing the companys operations, selling off non-essential business units, investing in internal development and updating AIGs technology systems.

Under his leadership, AIG also utilised generative AI tools to enhance data analysis and operational processes, highlighted AIG.

The company reported returning more than $19bn to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends over the past three years.

Zaffino said: I am incredibly proud of our colleagues and the extraordinary progress we have delivered during my tenure to make AIG a top industry performer. With significant support from the AIG Board of Directors, we have returned AIG to vastly improved profitability, significantly strengthened our balance sheet and built tremendous financial flexibility.

We could not have chosen a better person than Eric Andersen to steward the companys next chapter. Eric is an incredibly accomplished and widely respected insurance executive, and we have worked together closely during my tenure at AIG.

Andersen is set to join AIG from Aon, where he latterly was part of the executive committee and an advisor to the president and CEO.

During nearly 30 years at Aon, he worked in senior positions such as president, CEO of Aon Benfield and CEO of Aon Risk Solutions Americas.

From 2020 through 2025, Andersen led various global initiatives at Aon that focused on efficiency and performance improvements, as well as an increase in market capitalisation, noted AIG.

Commenting on his appointment, Andersen stated: I am honoured by the trust the board has placed in me and energised by the opportunity to serve as AIGs president and CEO-elect. AIG is an iconic company with a strong foundation and strategically well positioned for the future.

"I look forward to partnering with Peter, the board and AIGs talented colleagues around the world to build on the momentum that has been established and to deliver for our clients, partners and shareholders.

Last month, AIG named Adam Clifford as CEO of its International Commercial Insurance division.

"AIG appoints former Aon executive as CEO-elect " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.
Kollam, Jan 7 : The Kollam Vigilance Court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar in the Sabarimala gold theft case, while Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan levelled serious allegations against the CPI(M), accusing it of protecting those involved in the alleged crime.

Padmakumar is a former MLA and presently a secretariat member of the CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee.

The court passed the order in the case relating to the Dwarapalaka (gatekeeper) sculptures, a crucial component of the larger probe into the disappearance of gold from Sabarimala.

The Vigilance Court also remanded the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and another accused, Murari Babu, for a further 14 days following the expiry of their earlier remand period.

Unnikrishnan Potti has filed fresh bail applications in both the gold theft case and the Dwarapalaka sculpture case, which are scheduled to be considered on January 14.

Padmakumar had earlier sought bail in the connected Kattillappalli case, but his plea was dismissed by the Vigilance Court and later by the Kerala High Court.

Following his second arrest in the Dwarapalaka sculpture case, he again moved the court seeking bail, which has now been rejected.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) informed the court that Padmakumar had allegedly aided the Sabarimala gold theft and was part of the conspiracy behind it.

Reacting sharply, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said that despite the SIT submitting a strongly worded report accusing those involved of stealing Ayyappa's gold, the CPI(M) was continuing to shield Padmakumar and other accused.

Satheesan alleged that the CPI(M) and the government were acting as protectors of those who looted temple property and questioned whether the party was attempting to shield influential individuals referred to by Padmakumar as "god-like".

He said the approach adopted by the ruling party amounted to providing cover to those accused of stealing Ayyappa's gold, instead of ensuring accountability.

The developments have added a sharp political dimension to the case, which continues to attract widespread public attention due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the involvement of prominent figures.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The raids by the Counter Intelligence Wing (CIK) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a cyber terror case have uncovered scores of mule accounts.

The raids were conducted at several locations across the Valley. During the raids the CIK found that there were many mule accounts in operation.

The operation was aimed at disabling these accounts which were indulging in cyber frauds and also facilitating terror financing.

Acting on specific information, the CIK raided nearly 22 locations in the Kashmir Valley.

An official said that the raids were aimed at identifying people who were part of this network. This network was illegally routing money, which was in turn being used for terror related activities, the official added.

The raids come at a time when the ISI is trying to revive home-grown terror modules in Jammu and Kashmir. With infiltrations becoming hard, Pakistan decided that it would need to have a dedicated terror module that operates from inside Jammu and Kashmir.

To prevent any such move by the ISI, the police increased security across Jammu and Kashmir. Security measures both on the ground as well as the online space have been heightened.

This also included banning the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) across the Valley.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that there has been heightened activity online by ISI backed elements. They have been trying to use mule accounts to move money around so that it would be used to build terror infrastructure.

Further the money is also being used to re-build the Over Ground Worker (OWG) networks in the Valley. The ISI is also planning an all-women OWG network in Jammu and Kashmir, officials have also learnt.

The crackdown on the VPNs started this month. On January 2, officials identified 140 people for non-compliance with the VPN ban that was imposed last week.

In Pulwama alone, 100 people were identified for violating the ban. Action so far has been initiated against 49 people for violating the ban, the police said.

There has been a sustained effort to use mule accounts in Jammu and Kashmir to move money around. Earlier this year, at least 7,000 such accounts were identified by the agencies, which were moving money at the behest of Pakistan.

Another official said that these accounts belonged to individuals and businesses. However they were controlled by fraudsters operating remotely.

These persons wait for the funds to be deposited and then the same is quickly moved to other accounts. There have been instances when the funds have also been converted into cryptocurrency to obfuscate tracking.

Officials dealing with cyber crime say that most of the recent operations that terrorists have carried out in Jammu and Kashmir have been funded through such mule accounts.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the Pahalgam attack case is probing if the attackers have been funded through these mule accounts. Once the killers reached Pahalgam, money is suspected to have been transferred to them using mule accounts.

These accounts are said to have been remotely operated from Pakistan. The ISI has been using mule accounts to fund terror activities as the chances of detection are very low.

Such accounts are often tied to elderly or deceased individuals. This helps the perpetrator to hide their real identity while operating these accounts. This makes it hard for the authorities to trace.

Such accounts involve layered transactions through multiple banks. This, too, makes tracing the transactions tough.

Intelligence inputs suggest that this would be a huge headache for the security agencies. The agencies are working with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and some banks to set this problem right.

Recently the RBI Innovation Hub introduced MuleHunter AI. This is an advanced system which is designed to detect and also neutralise mule accounts and the activity around it, an official said.

A trial with two public sector banks yielded positive results and this technology will now be introduced across all banks in the country, the official added.
Islamabad, Jan 7 : At least five people were killed, and 24 others were injured after a passenger bus fell into a ravine near Talagang in Pakistan's Punjab on Wednesday, local media reported, citing Rescue 1122.

The accident took place on Wednesday at around 2:15 am (local time), according to rescue officials.

Chakwal Rescue 1122 spokesperson Qazi Muhammad Akram said the passenger bus was heading from Rawalpindi to Bahawalpur, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

He stated that the driver took an alternate route as the motorway was shut due to fog.

The driver lost control of the bus when they were passing by Dhoke Pathan village located on the bank of the Sowaan River, resulting in the bus falling into a 100-foot-deep ravine. He said that five passengers, including the bus driver, died at the spot while 24 others were injured. He stated that Rescue 1122 officials rushed to the site of the incident after they received the information regarding the accident.

On December 31, 2025, over 14 passengers were killed and 16 others suffered injuries as a bus and a van collided on the Jhang-Faisalabad road in Punjab. The death toll rose to 17 in the following days as more victims succumbed to their injuries.

In November last year, three officers of the National Highways and Motorway Police were killed after a passenger bus collided with their patrol vehicle near Uch Sharif in Punjab while they were doing their duty, local media reported, citing officials.

The bus heading from Karachi to Peshawar collided with the patrol vehicle, according to Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad, Pakistan's another leading daily, The Express Tribune, reported.

Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mushtaq, Assistant Sub-Inspector Nasir Abbas and Constable Osama Ali Gujar were killed in the accident while the patrol vehicle was fully destroyed.
Jammu, Jan 7 : Leaders of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti on Wednesday described the cancellation of MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College as a victory, expressing gratitude to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, while the PDP called it another action against minorities in the country.

Addressing a press conference, the Samiti leadership said the remarks made against the L-G during the course of protests should not be taken otherwise, asserting that they were part of the intensity of the agitation.

The leaders claimed that, according to information received from what they described as reliable sources, the Lieutenant Governor, along with the Union Home Minister and Union Health Minister, played a constructive role in the cancellation of admissions to all MBBS seats at the medical college.

They said the agitation, which continued for around 45 days, received support from various sections of society.

"Every section stood with us during this movement. We are thankful to the Central government for respecting what we believe are the sentiments of the Hindu community. We acknowledge the positive role played by the Jammu media," Sangharsh Samiti leaders said.

Following the press conference, Samiti leaders and supporters distributed sweets, danced, and played dhols to mark what they called the success of their agitation.

However, Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the cancellation of MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College

PDP leader and MLA Waheed Para said, "It is unfortunate that the BJP government, which is in power in the Centre and also in UT indirectly, should believe in division, especially institutional division, and disallows meritorious students on religious lines because they are Muslims, and if the registration was cancelled because of this, then it sends a very negative message in J&K and the whole of India against the minorities. It is a very unfortunate move, and it validates that the politics of division cannot have a future in the state."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Jan 7 : For the ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami, targeting the minorities is part of a larger plan. Both want the minorities to be erased from the country, so that Bangladesh can turn into a full-fledged Islamic nation. However for those executing the killings on the field, this has turned into a full-fledged extortion racket.

Officials say that what is worse is that the establishment is doing nothing to prevent this.

In most of the cases where minorities, especially Hindus have been murdered, the killers have first demanded money and if the same is not paid, then they are killed.

These killers are taking full advantage of the system and are trying to earn a quick buck, officials say.

Another official said that there is no particular hit-list that has been formed. They just randomly target a person. They reach out to the person, ask them for money and if they do not pay the same, then they are killed.

Take the case of Sarat Chakraborty, who was killed by a mob. Just two days before his death, radical elements demanded a huge sum of money from him. He was also threatened with his wifeas abduction if the money was not paid. Since he could not pay up, he was killed brutally.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that these killings are completely institutionalised.

A similar script that Pakistan has been following for years is now being implemented in Bangladesh on a very large scale.

The ISI and Jamaat want the minorities wiped out and those implementing these killings are trying to earn money by running an extortion racket, the officer added.

The larger game plan that the ISI has in mind is to make every Bangladeshi hate Indians, Hindus and other minorities. The agency hopes that these killings would have an effect in India so that communal clashes take place.

With these killings they are trying to instigate the Hindus in India so that the clashes spread far and wide, an official added.

Another official said that these killings are unlikely to stop. These radicals have the backing of the Muhammad Yunus-led establishment. If one looks at the investigations that are being carried out, it clearly shows that the police are not interested in closing the case. Instead, the police have been diluting the cases and even those who have been arrested are not punished.

The administration is aware that if harsh punishments are handed out, then there is a chance that this targeting would end. The manner in which the cases are being handled and killings are taking place, it clearly shows that there is a lot of meddling by Pakistan.

The country is clearly trying to weaponise religious identity to destabilise neighbours. It did this in Jammu and Kashmir, Kabul and now Bangladesh.

Further the ISI has also been trying to ensure that Dhakaas strategic autonomy becomes weaker and the country remains insecure at all times.

Added to this, the ISI has also added the India angle to it, by blaming New Delhi for all the wrong-doings that are taking place in Bangladesh.

While the elections are a month away, the ISI is trying to create a situation whereby the entire country becomes anti-India. There are also attempts being made to postpone the elections.

This week a March for Justice demanding a through probe into the killing of student leader Osman Hadi was carried out. The march was more about demanding a ban on Indians in Bangladesh rather than seeking justice for Hadias death.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that there is a dangerous precedent that is setting in. The radicals who have been roped in to carry out the minority killings will continue to do so while also trying to earn money.

Very soon, the minority community is likely to dole out money to these extortionists to keep themselves, their families and properties intact, officials also warn.
Chennai, Jan 7 : AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) undertook a sudden visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, triggering intense political speculation amid ongoing -- and reportedly strained -- seat-sharing negotiations between his party and the BJP for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

According to sources, EPS departed Chennai around 2.30 p.m. and is scheduled to reach the national capital in the evening.

He is expected to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior BJP leaders late Wednesday night.

Political circles describe the visit as being prompted by an "urgent call" from the BJP's Central leadership, though this claim is being contested by AIADMK insiders.

The sudden trip assumes significance against the backdrop of Amit Shahas recent two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. While Amit Shah attended party programmes in Tiruchirappalli and Pudukkottai districts, EPS did not meet him, a move that reportedly caused unease within BJP ranks.

Although senior AIADMK leaders, including S.P.Velumani, met Amit Shah twice during the visit, the absence of the partyas top leader is said to have stalled crucial alliance discussions, particularly on seat allocation.

Sources in the BJP camp suggest that EPSas decision to skip the meeting left several alliance-related issues unresolved, leading to dissatisfaction at the central level. This, they say, may have led to the hurried Delhi engagement now underway.

Adding weight to the political developments, EPS is not travelling alone. Senior AIADMK leaders K.P. Munusamy and C. Shivashankaram are also reportedly heading to Delhi, while Velumani had already left for the capital on Tuesday night, underscoring the importance of the moment.

However, a contrasting narrative is emerging from within AIADMK circles.

Party sources deny that EPS was summoned urgently by the BJP leadership, maintaining that the visit was planned independently. They claim the primary purpose of the trip is to pursue action against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

According to this version, EPS intends to submit a detailed dossier outlining alleged corruption by the DMK government to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking central intervention. The AIADMK leader had presented a list of corruption charges to the Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi.

Sources add that EPS may also seek to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, if required. As political messaging and counter-claims intensify, EPSas Delhi visit is being closely watched for signals on the future of the AIADMKa"BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu.
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : Telangana Congress leader M. Sunil Kumar has been arrested for GST fraud, said the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) on Wednesday.

Kumar, the Managing Director of Orange Passenger Transport Pvt Ltd, and the Trillion Lead factory Managing Director, Chethan N., were arrested by the DGGI for GST evasion and a fake ITC racket, respectively.

DGGI, Hyderabad zonal unit, said that Sunil Kumar was found to be collecting Rs 28.24 crore of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and not depositing that money to the government even after three months from the due date.

Similarly, Chethan, MD of Trillion Lead factory Pvt Ltd, was the mastermind of fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) amounting to Rs 22 crore. Both were arrested under the provisions of the CGST Act 2017, the DGGI, Hyderabad zonal unit said in a press release.

The DGGI officials produced both Sunil Kumar and Chethan before a magistrate at the Nampally Criminal Court complex.

The DGGI said that it has intensified enforcement actions against organised GST evasion cases. Based upon specific intelligence developed through data analytics and inter-agency collaborations, enforcement actions were initiated against masterminds of organised GST evasion rackets to dismantle large-scale, inter-state, organised fraud networks.

The agency said that the two persons were arrested in view of the gravity of the offences and to maintain sustained pressure on the organised tax fraud network.

Sunil Kumar is also the Congress party's in-charge for the Balkonda Assembly segment in Nizamabad district.

He had contested from Balkonda in the 2023 elections but was defeated by former minister and Bharat Rastra Samithi (BRS) leader Vemula Prashanth Reddy.

Sunil Kumar, known as a social activist and philanthropist, earlier wanted to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but an MP from the party reportedly opposed his induction.

In July 2023, he joined the Congress party in the presence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Karge and then Telangana Congress chief Revanth Reddy.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday with both leaders discussing ways to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership.

The two leaders also discussed the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism.

"Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead," PM Modi posted on X.

"We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination," he added.

On December 17, 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on Netanyahu in Jerusalem and conveyed warm wishes of PM Modi.

They discussed enhancing cooperation between India and Israel across several sectors, including technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security.

In a post shared on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Deeply appreciate the call on Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem this evening. Extended warm wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Discussed deepening cooperation in technology, economy, skills and talent, connectivity and security. Valued his perspectives on regional and global developments. Confident that our Strategic Partnership will grow from strength to strength."

Following the meeting, PM Netanyahu also posted on X, "This evening, I met in my office in Jerusalem with India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar."

EAM Jaishankar also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where the two sides reviewed the India-Israel strategic partnership and its continued advancement.

Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, "Honoured to call on President Isaac Herzog of Israel today. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussed our Strategic Partnership and its continued deepening. Reaffirmed India's steadfast support for enduring peace in the region."

Earlier on December 10, PM Modi received a telephone call from Netanyahu, and the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in West Asia.

During the talks, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.

According to a press note issued by the Prime Minister's office, "PM Modi reaffirms India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region."

Notably, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit.

"The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the PMO said.

"They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reaffirmed India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan," it added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor and his wife Alia Bhatt returned to Mumbai after their New Year vacation. On Wednesday, the couple was clicked at the Mumbai airport, as the media personnel greeted the couple.

Ranbir smiled for the paps, as he sat inside his car with Alia. The couple opted for casuals. While Ranbir donned a solid black T-shirt, a pair of pants, and rounded up his look with a cap, Alia was seen dressed in a white kaftan dress.

Earlier, the actress had shared her first social media post of 2026, a perfect tribute to her fairytale life with her husband Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Raha.

The post featured a photo of her dressed like a fairy godmother in a white dress, with a wand in her hand, while Ranbir is holding little Raha in the air.

All three were seen twinning in white in the lovely glimpse from their New Year getaway.

Many netizens showered immense love on the post with comments such as "What a happy family", "Heart is so full, such a beautiful frame", and "Pics like these make me forget every other complaint I keep having".

Alia and Ranbir rang in the New Year with their little bundle of joy on a vacation to an undisclosed location.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia and Ranbir will be seen sharing screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansalias highly anticipated love saga 'Love & War', co-starring Vicky Kaushal. The movie will reportedly revolve around a dramatic wartime love triangle, exploring the conflict between duty and desire.

It is believed that the project is inspired by the Bollywood classic 'Sangam', which featured Ranbir's grandfather Raj Kapoor, along with Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar.

Over and above this, Alia will also be seen in an action-packed avatar in the latest instalment of the YRF spy universe, 'Alpha', where she will be seen alongside Sharvari.

The project will mark the spy universe's first female-led action film.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The US has warned citizens in the state of Texas and elsewhere to remain vigilant as unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds, likely from China, continue to arrive at their doorsteps.

Texas Border Business reports that since February 2025, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has collected seed deliveries at 109 locations across the Lone Star State, "totaling 1,101 packs of unsolicited seeds".

While small in appearance, these packages represent a serious and ongoing threat to the nation's agricultural biosecurity, said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

"At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is a seriousbusiness. The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly," Commissioner Miller was quoted as saying.

It has also been discovered that the mystery seed resurgence was not limited to Texas.

"Similar examples surfaced across the country in 2025, including reports from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The last unsolicited seed package collection in Texas was conducted on December 29, 2025," said the report.

China was yet to react to the report.

TDA first became aware of the issue in early February when a resident in Clute, Texas, received an unsolicited package sent from China, containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid.

TDA immediately warned the residents to exercise extreme caution if they receive packages of unknown origin.

"Due to the risk of introducing an invasive species or other concerns, these mystery seeds could pose a significant threat to agriculture and agricultural producers," said the report, quoting TDA officials.
This story was originally published on ESG Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily ESG Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Alphabet, Googles parent company, announced last month it will acquire clean energy and data center infrastructure developer Intersect in a $4.75 billion deal expected to close in the first half of this year.

Intersects operations will remain separate from Google and Alphabets, with Intersect founder and CEO Sheldon Kimber retaining his title, according to a Dec. 22 press release. Existing investors also plan to purchase a portion of the developers assets and run them as a separate company, the release said.

Google is already a minority owner of Intersect, according to the release. The two companies closed a deal in 2024 to develop data centers co-located in energy parks with $20 billion of renewable energy and battery storage systems.

Dive Insight:

The deal comes as Google combats rising emissions, in part due to the continued adoption of artificial intelligence. The tech and search engine conglomerate said in its latest sustainability report it had decided to prioritize decarbonizing its operational electricity consumption, specifically the energy supply at its data centers and offices. Google  which now frames its climate goals, including a goal to reach net-zero emissions across its supply chain by 2030, as moonshots  reported its overall emissions in 2024 increased 51% from a 2019 baseline.

Alphabet will now acquire the projects in construction or under development that resulted from Google and Intersects partnership, according to the release. Intersect, which was founded in 2016, has an overall portfolio that includes $15 billion worth of operating or under construction infrastructure, with 10.8 gigawatts of clean energy capacity expected to be operating or in construction by late 2028, according to its website.

The portfolio Alphabet will acquire includes projects under construction in Texas and California and an in-development Texas solar and wind project with approximately 3.6 GW solar and wind capacity and battery energy storage systems with 3.1 gigawatt hours of capacity. Following the acquisition, Intersect will continue to work with Googles infrastructure team on existing and new joint projects, the release said.

Intersect will help us expand capacity, operate more nimbly in building new power generation in lockstep with new data center load, and reimagine energy solutions to drive U.S. innovation and leadership, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in the release.
Taipei, Jan 7 : Taiwan's National Security Bureau has accused Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of conducting military drills near the self-ruled island along with cyberattacks, sharing over 19,000 "controversial" messages and carrying out millions of hacking intrusions, local media reported on Wednesday.

In a report presented to the Legislative Yuan, the agency stated that online activity involved 799 abnormal accounts and focused on increasing skepticism regarding the US, Taiwan's President William Lai and military, referring to concerns about Taiwan's ability to defend itself, Taiwan's daily Taipei Times reported.

The bureau stated that the cyberintrusions targetting government networks intensified during the exercises, reaching around 2.08 million attacks on the first day of China's military exercises and further increased to about 2.09 million on the second day.

The legislatureas Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee has asked the bureau, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Coast Guard Administration to brief lawmakers on Thursday. The report about the drills and related security threats has been given to legislators before the committee session.

In its report, the agency stated that the CCP carried out drills to counter support that Taiwan receives from international democratic allies, divert attention from internal problems and showcase military strength as unaffected by anti-corruption efforts. The NSB stated that CCP used drills against Taiwan to redirect dissatisfaction of people towards nationalist sentiment portrayed as resistance to external interference, Taipei Times reported.

On December 31, 2025, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that 207 Chinese military planes flew around the self-ruled island during the 48 hours, as Beijing conducted exercises, a move considered a warning against separatism.

Of the total planes that flew until 6 am on December 31, 125 had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, according to the ministry, Japan-based Kyodo News reported. Earlier, China and Taiwan respected the median line; however, Beijing has ignored it in recent years.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway region, which needs to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Despite China's efforts, Taiwan, backed by strong public support, continues to assert its sovereignty and responds to China's incursions.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : British Columbia (BC) will send a trade delegation to India for a five-day mission, starting January 12, to promote local businesses and seek new markets, the province's Premier David Eby has said.

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) British Columbia (BC) will send a trade delegation to India for a five-day mission, starting January 12, to promote local businesses and seek new markets, the provinceas Premier David Eby has said.

The mission will a include BCas Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon, with officials scheduled to meet government and business leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bengaluru, reports CBC News.

The Premier said in Vancouver that the trip aims to create opportunities for Canada's businesses, especially those in forestry sector which has been hard hit by US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The mission aims to deepen ties as India is poised to become the worldas third largest economy and to diversify trade amid political uncertainty and international tensions. The mission will also advocate for clean energy, mining and technology firms, said the CBC News report.

BC is India's largest trade partner in Canada, with bilateral trade touching $2.1 billion in 2024, representing about 25 per cent of Canadaas exports to India, according to Kahlon.

The minister said BC has 12,000 tech companies and has the fastest growing life sciences sector in the country.

David Eby highlighted that a recent trade mission to Asia resulted in significant projects, including LNG Phase 2 which is expected to reach a final investment decision this year.

India is currently engaged in discussions on fair and balanced trade deals with 14 countries or groups representing nearly 50 nations, including the United States, the European Union, GCC countries, New Zealand, Israel, Eurasia, Canada, South Africa and the Mercosur group.

Initiatives such as the National Manufacturing Mission and the Rs 25,000 crore Export Promotion Mission are supporting Indiaas rise towards becoming the worldas third-largest economy.

Premier Eby also welcomed the end of Nicolas Maduroas regime in Venezuela.

a"IANS

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Chandigarh, Jan 7 : To make people aware of the alleged misinformation being spread by Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, regarding the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Scheme, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a statewide public awareness campaign from Kheowali Dhaba village in Fazilka district of Punjab.

State BJP President Sunil Jakhar said that under the new scheme it has been ensured that the money meant for poor labourers reaches them directly, and the number of employment days has been increased from 100 to 125 days.

He said that the new law has tightened the noose around those who used corruption to deprive the poor of their rightful dues, which is why the AAP, the Congress and other Opposition parties are opposing it.

Calling the rural employment scheme a major initiative of the Government of India in the interest of the poor, the BJP state president said, "Now the poor's money will not go into the pockets of contractors and leaders, but will be credited directly into the labourer's bank account."

He said that corruption has been eliminated from the scheme, which is why those who benefitted through corrupt practices under the previous Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme are protesting, as their illegal income is now coming to an end.

Jakhar further said that more than 6,500 cases of corruption under MGNREGA have come to light in Punjab, yet Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken no action against even a single corrupt person who looted the rights of the poor.

Continuing his sharp attack on Chief Minister Mann, BJP chief Jakhar said that this year the state government provided only 26 days of employment under the old scheme, which it is now defending.

He questioned the Chief Minister, asking that if the old scheme was so effective, why 100 days of employment were not provided to labourers.

He said that in reality the earlier scheme fixed no accountability, whereas under the new law responsibility will be clearly defined, which is why the state government is lamenting and opposing it.

Reminding Chief Minister Mann of the Assembly elections slated in early 2027, Jakhar said that the Delhi leaders to whom he has mortgaged the state government will eventually leave, but he alone will have to face the anger and curses of the people of Punjab.

He said there is still time for the Chief Minister to take stock of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and work in public interest.

He added that the government's much-publicised "war against drugs" has been reduced to a mere public relations exercise, with neither drugs nor gangsterism being effectively curbed on the ground.

Later, Jakhar visited a site adjacent to the residence of the Deputy Commissioner of Fazilka, where crores of rupees were allegedly embezzled in the name of the MGNREGA scheme to create a so-called lake.

He pointed out that no lake exists at the site, even though payments have already been made from the government treasury for the project.
Under the leadership of CM Yogi, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a key hub for electronics manufacturing. Image Source: IANS News

January 07 : Lucknow: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly consolidating its position as one of Indias leading industrial states. This progress is reflected in the recent approval of 22 projects under the third phase of the Central Governments Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), which includes four proposals from Uttar Pradesh.

The state is among 11 states selected under the scheme, which is expected to attract an investment of 41,863 crore and generate 33,791 direct jobs nationwide, delivering significant benefits to Uttar Pradeshs economy and youth.

In recent years, the CM Yogi government has consistently strengthened the states investor-friendly ecosystem. Policies such as the Uttar Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing Policy, 2017, and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Policy, 2025, have helped build strong investor confidence.

Backed by improved law and order, transparent governance, and upgraded infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is fast emerging as a preferred destination for electronics and high-tech manufacturing.

The state has already established itself as Indias largest mobile manufacturing hub, accounting for over 55% of smartphone production and 5060% of mobile components. The ECMS-supported units will further reinforce the electronics supply chain and reduce import dependence through the manufacture of PCBs, display modules, lithium-ion cells, and other critical components. These projects will strengthen the mobile and IT hardware sectors while expanding high-value manufacturing in the state.

Driven by the vision of a self-reliant India, the CM Yogi government has created a comprehensive support framework for investors. This proactive approach has encouraged major national and global brands to invest in Uttar Pradesh, and the ECMS approvals further underline growing confidence in the states industrial potential.

At present, more than 200 companies in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector operate in Uttar Pradesh. These include leading brands such as Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Lava, Haier, and LG, along with key component manufacturers like Holitech, Transsion, Jahwa, Sunwoda, and Samkwang, all of which have established their presence in the state.
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Telangana phone tapping case, has summoned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's brother Kondal Reddy as a witness.

Hyderabad, Jan 7 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Telangana phone tapping case, has summoned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddyas brother Kondal Reddy as a witness.

Kondal Reddy has been asked to appear before SIT officials at Jubilee Hills Police Station at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Kondal Reddy was among the individuals whose phones were allegedly tapped during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi's (BRS) rule in the state. Revanth Reddy was then president of the Telangana Congress.

The SIT has also issued notices to two more leaders of BRS for questioning. Former MLAs G. Jaipal Yadav and Chirumurathi Lingaiah have been directed to appear on Thursday.

This is the second time that the SIT has summoned the two BRS leaders. Both the former MLAs had appeared before SIT in November 2024.

They were allegedly in communication with Mekala Thirupathanna, suspended Additional Superintendent of Police and an accused in the case.

The SIT had summoned BRS MLC K. Naveen Raoas father Kondal Rao and BRS MLA Madhavaram Krishna Raoas son Sandeep Rao on Wednesday. However, they did not appear before the SIT.

Kondal Rao has conveyed to the SIT that he was unable to appear before it because of ill-health. He offered to record his statement at his residence.

The phones of Kondal Rao and Sandeep Rao were also said to be tapped. The phones of dissidents within the then ruling party BRS were also tapped.

MLC Naveen Rao had appeared before SIT on January 4. He was grilled by the officials for nearly eight hours.

Last month, the SIT questioned former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the phone-tapping case.

The former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, questioned by the SIT for two weeks after the Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender, was released on December 26.

The SIT is scheduled to submit its report on the custodial interrogation of Rao to the Supreme Court on January 16.

The nine-member fresh SIT constituted by the Telangana government on December 18 questioned Prabhakar Rao.

The phone tapping case surfaced in March 2024. Deputy Superintendent of Police D Praneeth Rao was the first to be arrested.

Further investigations revealed a large-scale surveillance operation targeting various individuals, including political opponents, businessmen, journalists, and even judges.

The police have named six accused in the case, including former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao, DSP Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and N. Bhujanga Rao and former DCP Radha Kishan Rao, besides Sravan Kumar, a television channel owner.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram has jumped 11 places amidst popular tourist destinations in India, rising from 33rd in 2024 to 22nd in 2025, becoming the fastestagrowing Indian city among international visitors, a report said on Wednesday.

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram has jumped 11 places amidst popular tourist destinations in India, rising from 33rd in 2024 to 22nd in 2025, becoming the fastesta'growing Indian city among international visitors, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from digital travel platform Agoda said that the coastal capitalas appeal stems from its scenic beaches, Ayurvedic wellness retreats, heritage sites, centuries-old temples and easy access to Keralaas backwaters and hill stations.

Indore topped domestic trends, climbing seven places from 35th in 2024 to 28th in 2025 to become Indiaas most trending city for local travellers, driven by its cleanliness, streeta'food scene and heritage bazaars.

The digital travel platform's data showed Almaty in Kazakhstan, as a sudden new favourite pick for Indian tourists, jumping 12 places to 35th. The city at the foot of majestic Tien Shan mountains holds breathtaking mountain vistas, adventure tourism and unique rich culture.

Across Asia, other rising destinations include Vietnam's Sapa, Okayama, Takamatsu and Matsuyama in Japan along with Indonesia's Bandung. Tourism in India is fast emerging as one of the countryas most dynamic economic engines, with Rs 2.3 lakh crore in foreign exchange earnings in 2023 and a jump to 8th place in global tourism rankings.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier said in an exclusive conversation with IANS that India will rank among the worldas top four tourism economies within the next decade buoyed by infrastructure upgrades to brand partnerships and heritage revival.

Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, the government developed themed circuits and modern facilities at spiritual and cultural sites. The government also approved 40 new projects worth Rs 3,295 crore to develop lesser-known destinations under the SASCI scheme.

"Weare improving connectivity, infrastructure, and amenities through Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and upgrading the top 50 tourist destinations in partnership with states. Weare also backing homestays through Mudra loans, investing in guide training, and recently cut GST on hotel tariffs to make travel more affordable," the minister said.
Mumbai, Jan 7 : Amid a "war of words" between the BJP and NCP chief Ajit Pawar following irrigation "scam" remarks, state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare on Wednesday downplayed the friction between the two parties, saying that there won't be further tug of war among ruling allies.

Tatkare told reporters that he spoke to party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar twice and talked to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to avoid any confrontation and war of words between the two parties.

"I agree with statements and counter-statements made by party chief Ajit Pawar and BJP leaders, including Bawankule and Ravindra Chavan. To avoid a heated exchange of words in future, I spoke to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar twice and also with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. This was also aimed at keeping the relations among the Mahayuti allies intact, despite contesting the civic body elections separately in a few municipal corporations," said Tatkare.

He claimed that the Mahayuti alliance is quite intact at the state level, and after the elections to the 29 municipal corporations on January 16 and 17, the alliance partners will exchange sweets.

Tatkare's move to hold dialogue with the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister comes after the conflict intensified, following the BJP criticising Ajit Pawar for fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds.

Visibly irked by these allegations, Deputy CM Pawar retaliated by targeting Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol and revisiting past controversies.

In a provocative statement, Ajit Pawar remarked that he is currently part of the government alongside those who once accused him of a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam case.

Political analysts suggested that by raking up this old issue, he may have inadvertently "shot himself in the foot," providing the BJP with fresh ammunition.

The BJP leadership responded aggressively to these comments.

BJP state president Ravindra Chavan remarked bluntly that the party "regrets taking Ajit Pawar along."

Revenue Minister Bawankule warned Deputy CM Pawar that "if the pages of history are turned, Ajit Pawar will be left speechless," adding that such statements should have been avoided. He also reminded Deputy CM Pawar that the irrigation scam case is still pending in the court.

NCP sources said that Sunil Tatkare's role has been to act as the "negotiator and stabiliser."

While Bawankule has taken a more aggressive stance to protect the BJP's "big brother" status and "clean image," Tatkare has balanced his loyalty to Ajit Pawar with the practical need to stay within the Mahayuti framework to avoid total isolation.
Patna, Jan 7 : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has decided to dedicate two working days every week - Monday and Friday - exclusively for grievance redressal of the general public across government offices in Bihar.

Patna, Jan 7 (IANS) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has decided to dedicate two working days every week  Monday and Friday  exclusively for grievance redressal of the general public across government offices in Bihar.

The decision was announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar through a post on his official 'X' handle.

According to the Chief Minister, citizens will be able to directly meet officers concerned at their designated offices on these two days to have their grievances heard and addressed.

This arrangement will be applicable to all levels of government offices, including Gram Panchayat, Police Station, Circle, Block, Sub-division, District, Divisional, and State-level offices.

"On two working days every week (Monday and Friday), citizens will be able to meet the officers concerned at their designated workplace/office in all government offices to get their grievances addressed," Nitish Kumar said.

He further stated that on these designated days, all officers must remain present in their offices, interact with citizens respectfully, listen to their problems with sensitivity, and ensure prompt resolution of grievances.

Referring to the Seven Resolutions-3 program, which was launched shortly after the formation of the new government on November 20, 2025, the Chief Minister said that the initiative aligns with the seventh resolution titled "Respect for All  Ease of Living."

The objective of this resolution is to reduce the everyday difficulties faced by citizens and make governance more accessible and responsive.

"It has often been observed that when common people approach government offices with their problems, officers are not present, causing inconvenience. Keeping this in mind, this system has been introduced so that people do not face difficulties in government offices," the Chief Minister said.

As part of the initiative, all government offices have been instructed to provide basic amenities such as seating arrangements, drinking water, and toilet facilities for visitors.

A complaint register will be maintained in each office, and a mechanism for continuous monitoring of grievances will be put in place to ensure accountability.

All officers have been directed to implement this system from January 19, 2026.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly benefit the public and lead to faster resolution of issues.

"I am confident that this initiative will prove very useful for the common citizens of the state and make their daily lives easier," CM Kumar said, adding that citizens can submit suggestions regarding the system by January 10, 2026, through designated channels.
January 07 : Lucknow: The improvement in the township policy by the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is reflecting in the form of unprecedented growth in the real estate sector of the state.

According to a report released by the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA), capital investment worth Rs 68,328 crore was made in the real estate sector in the year 2025, compared to Rs 44,526 crore in 2024.

This marks a remarkable increase of 53.5 percent in investment. A record 309 projects were registered in the state during the past one year, clearly indicating strong investor confidence in the policies of the Uttar Pradesh government.

In the previous years, the government amended the township policy and removed the conditions requiring builders to develop townships only on a minimum area of 25 acres.

Instead, builders were allowed to develop townships on a minimum area of 12.5 acres. Along with this, the new township policy also safeguarded the interests of allottees.

Under the revised provisions, townships spread over 25 acres are required to be completed within three years, while townships larger than this must be completed within a maximum period of five years.

Earlier policies had resulted in several projects remaining incomplete even after 8 to 12 years, leading to the allottee's funds getting stuck. The changes introduced in the township policy have proved to be a relief not only for investors but also for allottees.

Since long, the National Capital Region played a dominant role in Uttar Pradeshs real estate sector. However, the figures for 2025 show that investors are now increasingly focusing on non NCR districts and smaller cities of the state as well.

Out of a total of 308 projects registered in 2025, 122 projects were approved in the NCR, while 186 projects were approved in non NCR areas.

This clearly highlights the positive impact of infrastructure development, improved connectivity and the expansion of tier 2 cities undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh government on the real estate sector.

The state capital Lucknow emerged as a major hub during the past year, with 67 projects registered. Among other cities, Bareilly saw 15 projects and Agra recorded 14 registered projects.

Builders are also investing in new projects in cities such as Bulandshahar, Rampur, Chandauli, Unnao, Gonda, Mau and Mirzapur, indicating the widening geographical spread of real estate development across the state.

Rising religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh has also contributed significantly to the expansion of real estate investment in these cities.

In Mathura, the birthplace of Shri Krishna, 23 projects were registered in 2025. In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ram, five projects were registered, while nine projects were registered in Varanasi, home to Baba Kashi Vishwanath, and seven projects in Prayagraj, the city of the Sangam.

With the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government, these cities are emerging as major real estate development centres, supported by improved connectivity, urban redevelopment initiatives and a continuous increase in the number of devotees and tourists from across the country and abroad.
Dhaka, Dec 7 : Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and President of the Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday slammed the interim government in the country headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for allowing extremist groups to operate with total impunity and perpetrate unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims, especially Hindus.

"Responsibility lies with those who currently exercise power and have failed in their most basic duty: to protect all citizens equally. The surge in violence against minorities did not arise spontaneously. It has been enabled by an unelected administration that has tolerated, denied, or downplayed communal violence while allowing extremist groups to operate with total impunity," Hasina told IANS in an exclusive e-mail interview.

"Bangladesh was founded as a secular republic where people of all faiths could live without fear. The current climate in which peaceful Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Ahmadi Muslims, and other minorities are targetted is the direct result of state failure and political appeasement of fundamentalist forces," she added.

As violence against minorities continues to escalate in Bangladesh, another Hindu man died on Tuesday after jumping into a canal in a bid to save his life from a mob that accused him of robbery in Mohadevpur upazila of Naogaon district, the local media reported.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Mithun Sarkar, lost his life in the disturbing incident, which unfolded in the Chakgori area of the upazila.

This marks the seventh incident in 19 days and the third incident this week, highlighting a disturbing surge in violence targeting Hindu communities throughout Bangladesh.

On Monday, two Hindu men were killed in separate incidents within 24 hours in Bangladesh. The first victim, identified as 40-year-old Sarat Chakraborty Mani, was fatally attacked in Narsingdi district on Monday night, in Dhaka, with sharp weapons allegedly by an extremist armed religious group.

In the second incident, a Hindu businessman, 38-year-old Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in public in Monirampur Upazila of Jashore district.

Earlier on Saturday, another Hindu man, Khokon Chandra Das, died after being brutally attacked by a mob of miscreants in Damudya Upazila of Shariatpur district.

Last week, 40-year-old Bajendra Biswas was shot dead by a colleague in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district.

On December 24, Bangladeshi media reported the killing of another Hindu youth, identified as 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union in Bangladesh.

On December 18, a 25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in a mob lynching incident over false blasphemy accusations. The mob killed Das and then hung his body from a tree before setting it on fire.

Bangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities, including Hindus, under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities and over 150 temples vandalised from August 2024 to July 2025.

Several organisations have slammed Yunus, condemning the brutal incidents, warning that Bangladesh is "descending into a state of savagery," with Hindus facing the brunt.

Last month, Hasina had slammed the "illegal" Yunus government for perpetrating unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims.

In a message to the Awami League supporters on the occasion of Christmas, Hasina stated that the Yunus government has set "horrific precedents" such as burning religious minorities to death.

"In the recent past, Bangladesh stood as a shining example of communal harmony. The Father of the Nation envisioned a non-communal Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Awami League worked to realize that dream by ensuring that people of all faiths could live freely and without hindrance. It worked to establish equal rights and dignity for people of all religions in Bangladesh," read the statement issued by the former Bangladesh PM which was shared by the Awami League party on social media.

"But it is with deep sorrow that I must say that the current ruling group, which has seized power illegally, is interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practice their own faiths. In particular, it is perpetrating unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims. It has even set horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death. I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this dark time to continue any longer," it added.
Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefingyour essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee as big banks dip their toes into Bitcoin and crypto, as specialized players expand services. The US banking sector is signaling that crypto is becoming part of the mainstream playbook, after years of operating as a niche experiment.

Crypto News of the Day: Morgan Stanley's Crypto FOMO Awakens With Bitcoin and Solana ETF Filing

The momentum for 2026 accelerated yesterday when Bank of America (BofA) officially started advising its wealth management clients to allocate up to 4% of their portfolios to digital assets. This marks a clear endorsement of crypto as a legitimate component of diversified strategies.

In the run-up to this debut, BeInCrypto first reported BofAs plans in early December, indicating that the bank would begin coverage of four Bitcoin ETFs, including BITB, FBTC, Grayscale Mini Trust, and IBIT, starting January 5, 2026.

Today, Morgan Stanley joins the wave, filing for Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, marking another major institutional validation.

Morgan Stanleys S-1 registration marks a significant milestone in TradFis crypto adoption. With $1.6 trillion in assets under management (AUM), the bank is expanding client access to both Bitcoin and Solana through regulated investment vehicles.

This move reflects the growing trend of Wall Street firms turning regulatory filings into concrete action, rather than passive experimentation.

Taken together, the two developments illustrate how traditional financial institutions are responding to market FOMO, racing to offer crypto services before client demand outpaces their capabilities.
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday termed as 'shameful' and 'unacceptable' the show cause notices issued by the Telangana government to Moulana Azad National Urdu University over unused land.

The BJP leader took to 'X' to slam the Congress government and warn it that if it fails to withdraw any decision to take over the university land, he will stand with students and launch a statewide agitation.

"Congress Govt targeting land meant for students' future is shameful. Government notices to Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad, questioning land usage, are unacceptable. Is this first step to sell off university land worth thousands of crores?" he asked.

"A government that cannot provide basic facilities now is questioning land allocations made for education? Encroached government lands exist across the state," wrote the BJP leader.

He wanted to know why no action was taken against Owaisi over the Salkam Cheruvu encroachment in the Old City and the commercialisation of education. Why not reclaim such lands and use them for public purposes, he said.

The BJP leader was referring to the Fatime Owaisi Educational Campus set up by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and his younger brother and AIMIM floor leader in the Telangana Assembly, Akbaruddin Owaisi. The campus has been allegedly built in the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Salkam Cheruvu lake in Chandrayangutta.

"Touching university and education lands is a red line. Consider this a clear warning. The Telangana government should withdraw any decision to take over university lands. Failing that, I will stand with students and launch a statewide agitation," added Bandi Sanjay.

The MoS is the second leader to come out in support of the students of Moulana Azad National Urdu University.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao had condemned the notice to the university and warned that BRS, along with the students, would fight to protect the university land.

Revenue authorities have reportedly sent a show cause notice to MANUU Registrar Ishtiaq Ahmad seeking an explanation as to why vacant land within the campus in Manikonda village, Gandipet mandal, should not be resumed, as it has not been used for the purpose for which it was allotted.
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : The Congress-led government in Karnataka on Wednesday appointed a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) to Ballari, a region that has been in national news following banner-related violence that ended in a shootout resulting in the death of a Congress worker.

The government transferred Ballari Division Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vartika Katiyar and appointed IGP P.S. Harsha in her place. It may be noted that the government had earlier posted Vartika Katiyar to the position after downgrading the post. Barely a few days after taking charge, Vartika Katiyar was transferred. IGP Harsha had been awaiting a posting.

Vartika Katiyar has now been appointed, with immediate effect, as the DIG of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).

Sumana Pannekar has been appointed as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ballari in place of Pavan Nejjur, who was suspended on the very day he assumed charge following the Ballari violence. The government maintained that Pavan Nejjur showed gross negligence by not visiting the spot during the violence. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil stated that the SP was expected to rush to the spot even if it was 30 minutes after assuming charge.

Sources said that after assuming charge, senior police officers, including IPS officers, were holding a party to bid farewell to the transferred SP and welcome the new SP, who had assumed charge on January 1. During the party, a violent clash broke out between BJP and Congress workers in front of BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddyas residence.

When mobs began gathering, police sources said that only two constables were deployed at the spot, while other officers were at the police bungalow attending the party. By the time officers rushed to the spot, the situation had gone out of control.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and his associate, former minister B. Sriramulu, alleged that the government forced the family of deceased Congress worker Rajashekar to cremate the body instead of burying it in an attempt to hush up the case. Sriramulu alleged that the Congress worker was hit by multiple bullets and that if the details were disclosed, local Congress leaders would be implicated.

On the other hand, the camp of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy released a photograph allegedly showing a gunman firing from the roof of BJP MLA Janardhana Reddyas residence. It has been alleged that firing also took place from Janardhana Reddyas side, following which the Congress demanded a probe into the role of the government gunman. In this backdrop, Ballari police have taken up an investigation into the photograph that has been released.

On January 1, a major clash broke out between Congress and BJP workers in front of Gangavati MLA Janardhana Reddyas residence in Ballari over the issue of putting up a banner. During the violence, a bullet fired from the gun of a private gunman of Satish Reddy, an aide of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, struck Congress worker Rajashekar, who died on the spot.

The matter has since taken a political turn and is getting new twists every day. The police have arrested 26 persons in connection with the case so far, and all of them have been remanded to judicial custody.
Chennai, Jan 7 : The censor certification of 'Jana Nayagan', the forthcoming Tamil film starring Vijay, ran into a serious last-minute hurdle on Wednesday, with sharp arguments being heard before the Madras High Court just days ahead of its scheduled January 9 theatrical release.

Chennai, Jan 7 (IANS) The censor certification of 'Jana Nayagana, the forthcoming Tamil film starring Vijay, ran into a serious last-minute hurdle on Wednesday, with sharp arguments being heard before the Madras High Court just days ahead of its scheduled January 9 theatrical release.

The issue stems from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) unexpectedly halting the issuance of the censor certificate and referring the film for re-examination by a newly constituted review committee, despite an earlier recommendation to grant a U/A certificate after specific cuts and muting of certain dialogues.

The move has thrown the fate of the high-profile Pongal release into uncertainty.

aJana Nayagana, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, stars Vijay in the lead, with Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju in prominent roles.

The film is reportedly made on a massive budget of around Rs 500 crore and is slated for release in over 5,000 theatres worldwide, across 22 countries and four languages.

The film has drawn exceptional attention as it is widely perceived to be Vijayas final major cinematic venture before his full-time plunge into politics.

Placing the facts before the court, senior counsel Satish Parasaran, along with advocate Vijayan Subrahmanian, appearing for the producers, submitted that the application for censor certification was filed on December 18.

After screening the film, the regional CBFC office, on December 22, directed the deletion of a few scenes and the muting of certain dialogues, and recommended the grant of a U/A certificate.

The production house accepted these directions in full and carried out all the required modifications.

However, when the certificate was expected to be issued, the CBFC chairperson sent an email stating that a complaint had been received regarding certain scenes and dialogues in the film, following which the film was referred to the review committee.

Challenging this action, the producers argued that aJana Nayagana has not yet been released or publicly screened, and therefore there was no scope for any third-party complaint.

They further contended that once the censor board had recommended a U/A certificate, the chairperson had no authority to unilaterally send the film for re-examination.

The producersa counsel told the court that delaying certification at the eleventh hour -- when worldwide release preparations were complete -- was arbitrary and unjustified, and would cause enormous financial losses and irreparable harm.

They sought a direction to the CBFC to immediately issue the censor certificate.

Opposing the plea, Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, appearing for the CBFC, argued that all films, irrespective of budget or star power, are treated equally under the law.

He said complaints had been received alleging that certain scenes could hurt religious sentiments, and pointed out that the film contains visuals of security force insignia, for which appropriate permissions may be required.

The CBFC, he said, had acted strictly in accordance with statutory provisions and required time to file a detailed response.

During the hearing, the High Court questioned the CBFC on why a film already cleared for a U/A certificate was suddenly sent for review, what scenes had been deleted, and how a complaint could arise when the film was yet to be released.

After hearing all sides, the Madras High Court reserved its order and announced that the verdict in the plea seeking censor certification for aJana Nayagana would be delivered on January 9 -- the very day the film is scheduled for release -- leaving its immediate theatrical future hanging in the balance.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Commerce and Industry Ministry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday held a meeting with Sabine Monauni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein, on strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

"We discussed opportunities for trade expansion, innovation and clean technology, and explored ways to deepen our mutually beneficial ties, especially after the operationalisation of the India-EFTA TEPA," Goyal said in a post on X social media platform.

"Emphasised the unique partnership, where India brings talent, scale and demand, and Liechtenstein contributes high-value manufacturing and specialised engineering, offers significant scope to accelerate trade, investment, and technology flows," the minister added.

The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) will officially become operational on October 1, with the four-nation bloc comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Under the agreement, the European bloc has committed an investment of $100 billion over a period of 15 years which would facilitate the creation of one million direct jobs in India.

Goyal has gone for an official visit to Europe, and will be in Brussels for two-day trade talks in a decisive push toward concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The visit underscores the intensifying diplomatic and technical engagements between New Delhi and Brussels, the statement said.

India is pushing for zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors -- such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts.

Goyal is set to hold high-level dialogues with the European Union's Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic. The primary objective of these interactions is to provide strategic guidance to the negotiating teams, resolve pending issues, and expedite the conclusion of a balanced and ambitious agreement.

The leaders are expected to carry out detailed deliberations across key areas of the proposed agreement, aiming to narrow divergences and ensure clarity on outstanding matters. The Ministerial engagement follows a week of intensive deliberations in Brussels, building upon the groundwork laid during high-level discussions held earlier this week between India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and the Director-General for Trade of the European Commission, Sabine Weyand.

Both India and the EU have expressed strong political resolve to deliver a comprehensive deal. The upcoming talks are expected to reaffirm the commitment of both sides to a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that safeguards the interests of farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries into global supply chains, the statement added.

The European Union is currently India's largest trading partner and a key investor, with bilateral trade in goods significantly bolstered in the 2024-25 financial year. This agreement is envisioned not just as a trade deal, but as a comprehensive partnership, that addresses modern economic realities, the statement added.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Wednesday extended the timeline for implementing an additional incentive structure for mutual fund distributors aimed at bringing in new investors from smaller cities and more women investors into the mutual fund ecosystem.

The new incentive framework, which was earlier scheduled to come into effect from February 1, 2026, will now be implemented from March 1, 2026.

SEBI said the decision was taken after receiving feedback from the mutual fund industry, which flagged operational challenges in setting up the required systems and processes for smooth implementation.

"Based on the feedback received from the industry, citing operational difficulties in putting place the requisite systems and processes for smooth implementation of the additional incentive structure, it has been decided to extend the implementation timeline," the market regulator said.

"Accordingly, the provisions of the aforesaid circular shall now come into effect from March 01, 2026," it added.

The incentive structure is designed to encourage distributors to onboard new individual investors from B-30 cities, which refer to locations beyond the top 30 cities, as well as new women investors from any part of the country.

The move is part of SEBI's broader effort to deepen mutual fund penetration and improve financial inclusion.

Under the revised framework, asset management companies will pay distributors an additional commission equal to 1 per cent of the first lump-sum investment or the first-year SIP amount, subject to a maximum of Rs 2,000.

This incentive will be paid only if the investor remains invested for at least one year.

SEBI clarified that the additional commission will be paid from the 2 basis points already earmarked by AMCs for investor education and will be over and above the existing trail commissions.

However, the regulator has made it clear that dual incentives will not be allowed for the same woman investor from B-30 cities.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman's return to Dhaka after a 17-year exile does not represent renewal or reform for Bangladesh; rather it may widen the political polarisation, deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told IANS in an exclusive interaction on Wednesday.

"Tarique Rahman's return does not represent renewal or reform; it represents a return to a politics that Bangladesh has already paid a heavy price for," stated the 78-year-old former premier of Bangladesh.

"He has spent years living comfortably in exile, far removed from the daily realities faced by ordinary Bangladeshis, after fleeing accountability for corruption and abuse of power," added the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman  architect of Bangladesh's Independence.

The 58-year-old son of the seventh President, Ziaur Rahman, and first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, is also known as Tarique Zia in his country.

He was accused by Hasina's government of running a parallel power centre and corruption during the Khaleda-regime. As Bangladesh passes through uncertainty and violence, the spotlight has shifted towards Tarique Rahman, who is leading a BNP-led alliance in Bangladesh general election slated for February 12.

His return to Dhaka after 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom has reignited debates about the future of IndiaBangladesh relations. Thus, his moves are being closely monitored, not only by New Delhi, but other nations as well.

While appealing to BNP's nationalist base, which often does view India with suspicion, he is trying to position himself as a defender of Bangladesh's sovereignty, indicating equidistance from India, China, and Pakistan at the same time.

However, Sheikh Hasina told IANS that rather than the country treading a path towards renewal or reform, Tarique's presence may further widen the chasm of political polarisation in Bangladesh.

At present there is uncertainty and fear in Bangladesh with the situation worsening for minority communities since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. There has been a significant rise in mob violence and targeted attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus.

Reports suggest at least 11 Hindus have been killed across Bangladesh over a 35-day period.

These point to a sustained rise in violence against the minority community since Sheikh Hasina was deposed in 2024.

The lynching of several minority community citizens in recent times has raised an alarm among global rights organisations.

"His presence is likely to deepen political polarisation rather than heal it. Leadership requires accountability, transparency, and engagement with the people, not direction from abroad followed by sudden re-entry when conditions appear favourable," according to Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP alliance is tipped to be leading in popularity in the run-up to the general election slated for February 12.

Tarique Rahman, often called the "dark prince", has emerged ahead of other leaders in the race for being Bangladesh's next Prime Minister, according to reports quoting surveys.

"In the past months, we have seen a deeply troubling wave of intimidation and coercion by BNP activists who are forcing ordinary Bangladeshis, including Awami League supporters, to vote for their party under threats of violence or destruction," Hasina told IANS.

Expressing her doubts over the future ahead of the February polls, the former premier added, "Bangladesh's future cannot be built on figures whose political legacy is defined by corruption, violence, and alliances with extremist forces."

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court has set January 21 to frame charges in a highprofile sedition case naming around 285286 accused including the former premier.

It is one of several legal actions against Sheikh Hasina since her ouster, where a separate special tribunal in November handed a death sentence in absentia on "crimes against humanity" charges, said reports.
Patna, Jan 7 : After weeks of speculation and discussion, Dr Nusrat Praveen has officially joined her new post, bringing clarity to the matter that had attracted considerable attention.

The development was confirmed by the Patna district Civil Surgeon, effectively ending the uncertainty surrounding her appointment.

Civil Surgeon Dr Avinash Kumar Singh told IANS that the joining formalities were completed on January 6.

He explained that Nusrat Praveen underwent a mandatory medical examination, and following receipt of the medical fitness report, she formally joined the department the same day.

However, the Civil Surgeon maintained a cautious stance on the issue.

While he confirmed the completion of the joining process, he declined to give an on-camera statement, choosing instead to share the information informally.

With her joining now confirmed, the long-running speculation surrounding Nusrat Praveenas appointment has finally come to an end.

Dr Nusrat Parveenas appointment became controversial after a video went viral on social media, showing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling the hijab (veil) of Dr Nusrat Parveen during a health department program held for the distribution of appointment letters at the Chief Ministeras secretariat on December 15, 2025.

The incident sparked widespread criticism and political reactions, and the controversy has continued since then.

Opposition leaders, especially the RJD, highlighted the issue, and the Bihar Chief Minister has faced huge criticism for his act.

The issue sparked debates not only in Bihar but also in Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and even across the border in Pakistan.

A threatening video allegedly released by a Pakistani don, targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, went viral on social media.

Additionally, a Muslim woman lodged an FIR against the Chief Minister at a police station in Lucknow, while film actress Rakhi Sawant also publicly criticised him over the issue.
Kolkata, Jan 7 : The name of the company involved in excavation work at the Deocha-Pachami coal mining project in West Bengal has figured in the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in connection with the sand smuggling case.

According to sources, the ED has mentioned the name of Pachami Basalt Mining Limited in the charge sheet. The owner of GD Mining, Arun Sharaf, who was arrested in the sand smuggling case, had allegedly invested money generated from sand smuggling into this company.

The ED has alleged that the money also flowed through GD Mining as part of the laundering process.

Incidentally, CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim had earlier raised questions about Pachami Basalt Mining Limited winning the tender for the Deocha-Pachami project in West Bengalas Birbhum district. Now, the inclusion of the companyas name in the EDas charge sheet has sparked fresh controversy in political circles.

The investigating agency has claimed that money generated from sand smuggling was laundered through this company. It may be noted that the state government cancelled the tender awarded to Pachami Basalt Mining Limited around fifteen days before the ED filed its charge sheet in the sand smuggling case.

On the other hand, while the charge sheet mentions corruption worth approximately Rs 145 crore through GD Mining in the sand smuggling case, it does not specify the final destination of that money. Although lakhs of rupees were recovered during searches conducted at the residence of Midnapore-based sand trader Sourav Roy and at other locations, this recovery has reportedly not been mentioned in the charge sheet.

According to sources in the state power department, the Deocha-Pachami coal block is set to become Indiaas largest coal mine. The project is being developed across approximately 3,400 acres of land. However, the coal mine has been mired in controversy from the very beginning.

Various complications arose over coal extraction and land acquisition. Landowners launched major protest movements, leading to a prolonged stalemate, delays in the execution of the project and significant political unrest. However, in the end, the land-related dispute was largely resolved.
Thane, Jan 7 : Maharashtra Congress has taken decisive disciplinary action against its Ambernath leadership following reports of an unauthorised political alliance with the BJP in the local civic body.

In an official letter issued on Wednesday, the Congress announced the immediate suspension of Pradeep Patil, the President of the Ambernath Block Congress Committee and 12 corporators for joining hands with the BJP in the Ambernath Municipal Council and also for anti-party activities and breach of discipline.

Minutes after their suspension, all 12 corporators have decided to BJP under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister Ravindra Chavan.

According to the Congress party leadership, Patil allegedly entered into a coalition with the BJP within the municipal council without informing or seeking approval from the state headquarters.

Congress characterised this move as a "grave mistake" and a direct violation of party discipline. The decision by all 12 suspended Congress legislators to join the BJP has dealt a significant blow to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and also to the Congress party.

Earlier, the BJP reached an understanding with the Congress.

Despite the Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerging as the single largest party, the BJP managed to secure the President's post and form a working majority by stitching together an unlikely coalition.

In the 60-member Ambernath Municipal Council, Shiv Sena had won 27 seats, BJP 14, Congress 12, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 4, and independents 3. By joining forces, the BJP, with the support of Congress, NCP and two independents, reached a total of 32 seats, successfully crossing the majority mark and pushing the Shinde faction into the opposition.

On the other hand, the strength of Shiv Sena, with the support of one independent 28 fell short of reaching a majority mark of 32 seats.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde slammed the BJP for aligning with Congress, saying that sidelining a trusted ally to hold hands with the Congress goes against the spirit of the Mahayuti coalition.

This development has shifted the power dynamics in Ambernath. While the BJP is set to gain absolute control with the help of the defecting Congress members, the growing rift between the BJP and the Shinde Sena in their own backyard has become a talking point in Maharashtraas political circles ahead of the crucial civic polls.
Washington, Jan 7 : The recent arrest of a senior official of an ISIS affiliate organisation, Mehmet Goren, has reignited accusations against Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Goren, also known by his code name 'Yahya', was captured by Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation in a covert operation near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in December last year. He was accused of planning suicide attacks and facilitating the operations of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K).

Washington, Jan 7 (IANS) The recent arrest of a senior official of an ISIS affiliate organisation, Mehmet Goren, has reignited accusations against Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Goren, also known by his code name 'Yahya', was captured by Turkeyas National Intelligence Organisation in a covert operation near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in December last year. He was accused of planning suicide attacks and facilitating the operations of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K).

"In the wake of the arrest, a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, released an audio message accusing Pakistan of harbouring ISIS terrorists, claiming the Taliban had long monitored their activities and even shared intelligence that aided such operations," senior research fellow at the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Anna Mahjar-Barducci, wrote in an opinion piece in New York-based The New York Sun.

"Mr. Mujahid described ISIS as a 'sinister phenomenon'. He then warned that safe havens must not be used against any country, reflecting the assessment that Pakistanas territory allegedly serves as a sanctuary for ISIS terrorists not only to challenge the Taliban leadership but to threaten countries like India. Taliban statements about ISIS in Pakistan must be read with caution, but they are not easily dismissed," the author further stated.

Regional observers have repeatedly pointed to proof that Pakistan has a link with ISIS-K. It has been highlighted that ISIS-K operatives find refuge in provinces of Pakistan like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where training camps and recruitment networks reportedly function with varying degrees of state tolerance or support.

"Evidence of Pakistanas links to ISIS-K has been accumulating over the years. In April 2024, Afghan authorities arrested Tajik recruits instructed to train in Quetta, Pakistan, before deployment to conflict zones. The Talibanas foreign minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, alluded to three neighbouring countries aiding ISIS-K, with one providing recruits, another transit, and a third planning, training, and funding a" widely interpreted as implicating Pakistan," the New York Sun piece mentioned.

In March, 2024, the Baloch National Movementas chairman, Naseem Baloch, in his remarks during a United Nations meeting said that ISIS camps in Balochistan function under the supervision of Pakistani army. In a video, a founding ISIS-K member, Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost, stated that Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officers facilitated financial support for Pakistan-born Hafiz Saeed Khan, who was ISIS-K's emir until his death in 2016.

The arrest of ISIS-Kas chief, Aslam Farooqi, another Pakistani national, by Afghan forces in 2020 also revealed the group's connection with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). "The ISIS-K is just a demon child of Pakistanas Inter-Services Intelligence," the report quoted a senior Afghan official as saying.

In an opinion piece in The New York Sun, Anna Mahjar-Barducci wrote, "Social media and activist accounts amplify these claims, with posts stating that ISIS training centers at Mastung, Balochistan, are under military protection. Locals at Mastung protested these settlements in 2024, condemning the Pakistani state for facilitating ISIS presence."

"The arrest of Mr. Goren coincides with heightened regional tensions. On October 9, 2025, Pakistani aircraft struck Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan positions in Kabul. The strikes occurred amid Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqias visit to India and New Delhias decision to reopen the embassy in Kabul," the author added.

Arrests, confessions and intelligence reports signal that the nexus between Pakistan poses serious risks to regional stability, as per the report. Safe havens in Pakistan provides ISIS-K with operational depth, redundancy, and access to broader recruitment pools.
Optimism about the US economy has been tempered at America's midsize businesses.

According a new JPMorgan Chase survey released Wednesday, just 39% of leaders at midsize US firms said they are optimistic about the national economy in 2026. That's down sharply from 65% a year earlier, when sentiment for the US economy stood at a five-year high.

Melissa Smith, JPMorgan Chase's co-head of commercial banking, called this outlook "cautious optimism."

"I think people feel good about underlying economic conditions," Smith said in an interview.

"I say cautious just because obviously there continues to be a lot of geopolitical uncertainty, which I think is weighing on people's minds," she added.

Looking at their own firms, however, confidence is higher among the more than 1,400 leaders who responded to the survey.

Just over half (51%) said they are optimistic about industry performance, down from 60% a year ago. Meanwhile, some 71% of executives have confidence in their own firms' outlook for 2026, roughly unchanged from last year's reading of 74%.

Read more: Banking predictions for 2026: 5 ways the industry will evolve next year

Expectations on sales, earnings, and hiring all softened, but not materially. Roughly three-quarters, or 73% of survey respondents expect to increase revenue in 2026, while 64% project higher profits and 48% plan to expand their workforce. That compares to 74% of last year's respondents anticipating increased revenues, 65% projecting higher profits, and 51% planning to expand their workforce.

Sentiment among midsize US firms often serves as important economic bellwether. That's because the so-called middle market, defined by JPMorgan as representing all US businesses with between $20 million and $500 million in annual revenue, accounts for roughly a third of all US private-sector revenue and employment, according to the bank.

Exterior view of the JPMorgan Chase global headquarters building at 270 Park Ave. on Nov. 13, 2025, in New York City. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)  ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images

These firms are also targeted as a steady, repeat source of business for US banks and, more recently, private credit funds. Middle-market companies are also a core acquisition and exit pipeline for the private equity industry and a source of business for M&A advisers.

That position helps explain why, as economic confidence appears to have dimmed, survey respondents showed higher conviction across the board for other growth strategies.

The appetite for making mergers and acquisitions part of their firm's 12-month growth plan rose to 39% for 2026 from 31% a year ago.

And while one hallmark trait of last year's deals market was a ramp up in megadeals over $10 billion, M&A bankers and the private equity industry alike are hoping to see more of a rebound in smaller deals this year.
Amaravati, Jan 7 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday asked Telangana not to indulge in politics over river water sharing issues.

Expressing concern over politicisation of water sharing issues between the two Telugu states, the Chief Minister made it clear that he never objected to projects in Telangana.

He asked if it was proper to object Polavaram project undertaken by Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister was referring to the objection raised by the Telangana government over expansion of Polavaram project.

The Telangana government has approached the Supreme Court to stop Polavaram-Nallamalla Sagar project aimed at diverting water from Godavari River to Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh.

Chandrababu Naidu was talking to media persons after visit to Polavaram in Eluru district to review the status of the mega project.

He said that there is nothing wrong in using surplus water, which is going waste into the sea. "Once we complete the Polavaram project, we can use surplus water in Godavari, supply Krishna water to Rayalaseema region and if there is excess water, we can supply it to Telangana also," he said.

He said it was not proper for political leaders to indulge in competition over the water sharing issues. He urged people of Telangana to ponder.

Stating that all Telugu-speaking people are one, he said they should work with the spirit of give and take.

Chandrababu Naidu said the political leaders should not create conflicts between the two states.

He stressed the need for linking of rivers in the country to make it a drought-free country.

CM Naidu recalled that during Vajpayee regime, a task force was formed to study on linking of rivers.

He said that with the intra linking of rivers, the state will become drought free and lead to development of all the regions.

The Chief Minister, who inspected the progress of Polavaram project, said that the construction of new Diaphragm wall will be completed by February 15 and a target has been set to complete all the Phase I works by March 2027 to release water.

The Chief Minister stated that the government was forced to spend additional Rs 1000 crore for constructing new diaphragm wall. The main dam works are nearing completion and embankment works will be completed by June.

The Chief Minister said with the completion of Polavaram project, largest inland water ways will made available and through Polavaram right and left canals, connectivity will be provided. Steps have been taken to supply water to Visakhapatnam through Polavaram left main canal. Irrigation facility will be provided in both Visakhpatnam and Anakapalli districts through left main canal.

He said through Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme, the Krishna delta was stabilised as Godavari water was diverted to Krishna river and from there to Rayalaseema region. As a result, now Rayalaseema emerged as horticulture hub and the state government has been initiating steps to make Rayalaseema as global horticulture hub.

Describing Polavaram project as the nerve centre of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that his life ambition is to complete Polavaram project and linking of rivers across the country.

The Chief Minister said that the TDP government spent Rs 65,000 crore during 2014-19 towards development of irrigation sector including Rs 12,000 crore in Rayalaseema region.
Jaipur, Jan 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Jaipur Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.67 crore (approx) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with a large-scale fraud on the Indian Railways by M/s Vinayak Logistics India Pvt Ltd, M/s Vinayak Logistics, and their Proprietor/Director Pravesh Kabra, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The attachment follows an extensive investigation initiated on the basis of three FIRs registered by the CBI (SPE), Jaipur, and subsequent filing of charge sheets in the case.

According to the ED, the investigation revealed a premeditated criminal conspiracy in which the accused entities deliberately misdeclared high-freight commodities such as marble powder, waste marble powder and dolomite as low-freight items, including alum powder and putty.

This systematic manipulation was aimed at unlawfully reducing freight charges, resulting in substantial evasion of railway freight and GST, thereby causing significant loss to the Indian Railways and the public exchequer.

The ED further found that the accused routinely falsified freight booking records over a prolonged period to avail concessional freight rates.

The Proceeds of Crime (PoC), representing the wrongful gains from the fraud, have been quantified at Rs 16.15 crore. These illicit proceeds were subsequently siphoned off and layered into the personal bank accounts of Pravesh Kabra, indicating a clear intent to conceal and enjoy the proceeds of crime.

Further investigation under PMLA established that the laundered funds were used to acquire high-value immovable properties and to meet personal and business expenditures.

The properties provisionally attached include a four-storey commercial building and another commercial property located in Gurugram, Haryana, with a combined market value of Rs 2.67 crore.

Financial analysis revealed that the entire purchase consideration for the attached properties was paid from Kabraas personal bank account, which functioned as a repository for the proceeds generated from the scheduled offences.

The ED said the action reflects its commitment to trace, attach and confiscate proceeds of crime and ensure that economic offenders do not retain assets acquired through illegal means.

Further investigation is underway to identify additional assets and persons involved in laundering the illicit proceeds.
Haveri, Jan 7 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that one can remain in politics only as long as they have the blessings of the people, and that he would continue in public life as long as such support exists.

He was speaking to the media at the helipad in the premises of Koli Polytechnic in Haveri.

He claimed that his administration has delivered satisfaction to the people. The statements amid the leadership tussle are likely to stir controversy within the Congress party.

Responding to a question on whether he would complete a full term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said the party high command would decide the matter.

Replying to a question on the Hubballi incident involving a woman BJP worker being stripped, the Chief Minister said that when the police went to arrest a woman named Sujatha Hande, she herself removed her clothes and bit women police personnel.

"An FIR has been registered against her, and she bit the police when they went for questioning. More than ten women police personnel were present. No one should take the law into their own hands, and strict legal action will be taken against those who do so," he said.

Siddaramaiah further stated that the Haveri Medical College has been completed at a cost of around Rs 500 crore.

"I had announced the project, and I am inaugurating it myself. The third batch of students is already underway," he said.

Responding to the BJP's allegation that his government has emptied the state treasury, the Chief Minister said the BJP has mastered the art of lying.

The Chief Minister said it was the Union government that implemented GST and collected 24 per cent tax for eight years, and later claimed that it had reduced taxes.

"Karnataka has been losing Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 crore annually, and this year alone the loss will be Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 crore," he said.

He said the state pays around Rs 4.5 lakh crore in taxes, but receives only Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 crore in return. For every rupee paid, the state gets back only 14 paise.

The Chief Minister said that the Centre did not release Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra project, adding that the 15th Finance Commission had recommended Rs 5,495 crore for the state, which was also not released.

"Funds were not given for the Peripheral Ring Road project or for lake development in Bengaluru, both of which required Rs 3,000 crore each. Nothing was given," he said.

He added that, despite being in power for four years, why did the BJP failed to complete the medical college. "We completed it after coming to power," he claimed.

Responding to demands by BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy, former minister B. Sriramulu and others to hand over the Ballari case to the CBI, the Chief Minister said KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar had visited the spot and held discussions on Monday.

He alleged that the incident that led to unrest in Ballari and the death of a person was triggered by the act of putting up a banner.

On allegations that the Anna Bhagya scheme is being misused for trade, the Chief Minister said a decision has been taken to provide other essential items along with 5 kg of rice under the scheme.
Indore, Jan 7 : The Madhya Pradesh government has provided compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of 18 people who died following the outbreak of illness caused by contaminated drinking water in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, an official said.

While the administration is still assessing the overall impact of the incident, officials said the assistance has been extended to families where deaths have been confirmed, even as the health crisis triggered by the contamination continues to be monitored.

The compensation amount was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during his visit to Bhagirathpura last week.

Confirming the report, Indore District Collector Shivam Verma told IANS that the selection of beneficiaries for compensation was made on the basis of various reports confirming deaths in the affected families.

"So far, 18 aggrieved families where deaths have occurred have been provided compensation of Rs 2 lakh each. A panel of senior doctors is analysing the causes of the deaths, and further steps will be taken accordingly," Verma told IANS on Wednesday.

The list of those whose families have received compensation includes Avyan Sahu, a five-month-old boy who, his mother claimed, died after she mixed contaminated water in his milk. The list also includes nine women.

The list provided by the Indore district administration, which is available with IANS, mentions 18 names whose families were provided compensation.

Sharing information about the current situation in the Bhagirathpura area, Indore Collector Shivam Verma further stated that work on a 3,000-km-long water line has been completed, water supply has been resumed, and sample testing is also being carried out.

He said that the water pipeline in Bhagirathpura, wherein multiple leakages were detected, has been replaced.

The pipeline had earlier been shut down following reports of dirty water supply. However, after fresh leakages were detected during testing, the civic body will carry out repairs again before restoring regular water supply.

"In Bhagirathpura, we continue to have patients showing symptoms of vomiting. Our survey team is still fully engaged and vigilant, working with utmost diligence to ensure proper monitoring. As of today, only two patients were referred, but our survey team remains active and continues monitoring everyone exhibiting these symptoms," he added.
Kolkata, Jan 7 : Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify the exact number of illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators in the list of 58.20 lakh voters whose names have been deleted from the draft voters' list in West Bengal, which was published on December 16 last year.

"The BJP is unable to make any electoral progress in West Bengal. That is why they are harassing the people of the state through the Election Commission in the name of the Special Intensive Revision. I am asking for the exact number of illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators in the list of voters who have already been excluded," Banerjee told media persons at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district of West Bengal, after meeting two local migrant workers who were allegedly arrested and heckled in Maharashtra recently on suspicion that they were Bangladeshis.

Speaking on the occasion, he also claimed that due to pressure and panic created by the revision exercise, a total of 65 individuals in West Bengal, including some booth-level officers (BLOs), have died since the exercise began in November last year.

"Who is responsible for these unfortunate deaths? What is the reason for this anger towards the people of West Bengal?" Banerjee questioned.

He also accused the BJP Lok Sabha member from Balurghat and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar of not taking responsibility for the two migrant workers from the region who were arrested and heckled in Maharashtra recently.

"Politics is meant for the welfare of the people. Does Majumdar have no responsibility towards the people who elected him to the Lok Sabha? People want to know his contribution towards the development of his constituency. I challenge him to release a report card in this regard," Banerjee said.

He further said that the two local migrant workers were arrested and heckled in Maharashtra solely because they were Bengali-speaking individuals.

"Majumdar is also a Bengali-speaking individual. So by that logic, he is also a Bangladeshi," the Trinamool Congress General Secretary said.
Islamabad, Jan 7 : Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's statement of describing Pakistanis living abroad as a source of "brain gain" instead of "brain drain" was intended to demonstrate confidence, resilience and strategic foresight. However, fresh emigration data showcases a sobering picture of a nation that is losing its most valuable resource - skilled human capital.

Islamabad, Jan 7 (IANS) Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's statement of describing Pakistanis living abroad as a source of "brain gain" instead of "brain drain" was intended to demonstrate confidence, resilience and strategic foresight. However, fresh emigration data showcases a sobering picture of a nation that is losing its most valuable resource - skilled human capital.

In his remarks at the inaugural Overseas Pakistanis' Convention in April 2025, Munir described emigration as an asset - informal ambassadors strengthening Pakistan's reputation abroad. However, a different reality is unfolding in Pakistan. Framing emigration as 'brain gain' may offer rhetorical cover, however, it does little to address the consequences of losing skilled citizens, according to a report in Maldives Insight.

Doctors, accountants, engineers, nurses and IT professionals are leaving Pakistan in record numbers in search of stability, dignity and opportunity not present in the country. The increasing gap between official statements and measurable outcomes raises questions regarding governance, accountability and the cost of denial.

A report in Maldives Insight stated, "According to figures released by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, nearly 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers and more than 13,000 accountants officially left Pakistan between 2024 and 2025. These are not abstract statistics. They represent hospital wards stretched thinner, infrastructure projects starved of expertise, and financial systems operating without experienced professionals."

"Nowhere is the impact more alarming than in healthcare, where nurse emigration surged by an extraordinary 2,144 per cent between 2011 and 2024  a figure that signals systemic strain rather than mobility-driven success. The scale and persistence of this outflow have forced even domestic observers to confront its implications," it added.

According to the report, Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune termed 2025 a defining year, labelling the nation a "Brain Drain Economy"  one that increasingly depends on exporting its skilled workforce rather than retaining it to rebuild its own institutions. The framing suggests that emigration is a structural feature of Pakistan's economic model.

"While remittances from overseas Pakistanis remain a crucial lifeline for the economy, equating financial inflows with institutional strength ignores the long-term damage caused by hollowed-out sectors at home. Hospitals cannot be run on remittances alone, nor can research labs, engineering firms, or regulatory bodies function effectively without experienced professionals on the ground," the report in Maldives Insight stated.

Social media users have raised questions on how the departure of doctors, engineers and accountants can be considered a strategic advantage. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sajid Sikandar Ali termed the departure of skilled people as inevitable in the absence of industrial growth, research funding and viable employment opportunities.

"Framing emigration as 'brain gain' may offer temporary rhetorical cover, but it does little to address the long-term consequences of losing skilled citizens at scale. Nations that successfully leverage their diaspora typically do so from a position of domestic strength, not institutional fragility," the report highlighted.

"The danger lies not only in the exodus itself, but in the insistence on misnaming it. When a problem is rebranded rather than confronted, policy stagnates, and accountability dissolves. Pakistan's talent outflow is not an abstract economic trend; it is a cumulative verdict delivered by its professionals through their choices," it added.
Colombo, Jan 7 : India's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday met Major General K W Jayaweera, Commandant, Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Sri Lanka. He also witnessed the inauguration of the 'Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner' at the DSCSC library.

While addressing the faculty and student officers at the DSCSC, General Dwivedi highlighted the important role of the Armed Forces in nation building and stressed the need for integrating niche and emerging technologies into military operations.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, today interacted with Major General KW Jayaweera, Commandant, Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Sri Lanka. During the visit, the COAS also witnessed the inauguration of the "Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner" at the DSCSC library," Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted on X.

"Addressing the faculty and student officers, the COAS spoke on the evolving global security landscape, the changing nature of modern warfare and the operational implications thereof. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Armed Forces in Nation Building and emphasised the need for integrating niche and emerging technologies into military operations. The COAS further encouraged student officers to continually enhance their professional competence to emerge as capable and effective leaders," it added.

Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, paying homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan.

In a statement shared on X, ADGPI stated, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, paying solemn homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony during Operation PAWAN."

"The IPKF Memorial honours the valour and supreme sacrifice of Indian Army troops during the IPKF's operations in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990. It stands as an enduring symbol of courage, professionalism and the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to peacekeeping and regional security," it added.

The Indian Army Chief arrived in Sri Lanka after concluding his engagements in the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the ADGPI noted that General Dwivedi's visit to Sri Lanka showcases the strong commitment of two nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and defence cooperation.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and further strengthen bilateral Defence Cooperation," Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted on X.

"The visit takes place against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India's enduring brotherhood with our steadfast partner," it added.

Last November, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, as the First Responder in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka. Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread flooding, landslides and large-scale infrastructure damage across Sri Lanka, overwhelming the country's disaster-response mechanisms.

During his visit, General Dwivedi will meet senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary; and hold detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, including training cooperation, capacity building and regional security, according to statement released by Ministry of Defence.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence stated, "The visit of the Chief of the Army Staff to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, fostering mutual trust and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia."
Guwahati, Jan 7 : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday sounded a note of caution over the rapidly evolving situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, warning that the growing instability and incidents of violence there could have serious implications for Assam due to its sensitive geographical and geopolitical location.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said developments across the international border cannot be viewed in isolation, particularly at a time when violence and insecurity appear to be escalating. He expressed concern over reports of increasing attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, describing the situation as deeply worrying from a regional security perspective.

"Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is a matter of serious concern for us. The torture and harassment of Hindus are reportedly increasing, and such developments could have an impact on Assam as well," the Chief Minister said, stressing the need for heightened vigilance.

Referring to recent political and social developments in the neighbouring country, Sarma said incidents of mob violence and targeted attacks against minority communities have intensified in recent weeks.

He underlined that the Assam government and security agencies must remain alert and continuously monitor the situation to prevent any spillover effects into the state. "At this moment, we need to stay cautious and closely track developments across the border. At the same time, it is important to extend moral support and reassurance to the Hindu society in Bangladesh," he added.

According to the 2022 census data, Bangladesh is home to around 13.13 million Hindus, who constitute nearly eight per cent of the country's population.

Sarma's remarks come amid growing concern in the region over the safety and security of minority communities in Bangladesh.

The Chief Minister also flagged internal security challenges within Assam, claiming that extremist elements continue to pose a threat. He said security agencies have, over the past decade, repeatedly unearthed evidence of such activities.

"There is no denying that jihadi elements have been present in Assam, and we have received proof of this time and again. Some elements may still be hiding, possibly as sleeper cells," Sarma said.

Highlighting Assam's strategic and sensitive location, the Chief Minister said the state has long faced cross-border and internal security challenges. He emphasised that sustained vigilance, strong intelligence networks and proactive security measures remain crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The Indian National Congress has finalised its action plan for a major countrywide agitation named "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" to protest against what it calls the systematic demolition of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act through recent legislative changes.

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The Indian National Congress has finalised its action plan for a major countrywide agitation named "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" to protest against what it calls the systematic demolition of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act through recent legislative changes.

The Coordination Committee of Congress, which is monitoring the campaign, held a meeting on January 5 and finalised a detailed action plan.

Four key documents have been circulated to all AICC General Secretaries, state in-charges and secretaries with instructions to immediately share them with Pradesh Congress Committees, District Congress Committees and Block Congress Committees before January 8.

The documents include a one-page pamphlet that states units must translate into local languages and print in large numbers for distribution.

These pamphlets are to be handed out during district-level press conferences scheduled for January 10, statewide dharnas on January 11 and panchayat-level chaupals planned between January 12 and 29.

Another document is a draft resolution opposing the changes to MGNREGA. It is to be circulated to all block and panchayat-level functionaries and moved for discussion and adoption in gram sabhas across the country on Republic Day, January 26.

A factsheet containing talking points comparing the original MGNREGA provisions with the new laws has also been prepared for internal circulation among party workers.

Additionally, a detailed task list for panchayat-level Congress workers during the January 12-29 period has been issued. All AICC General Secretaries, state in-charges and secretaries have been directed to attend preparatory meetings at state capitals on January 8.

During these meetings, state units must finalise translations and printing of materials, fix district-wise schedules and venues for the January 11 protests, and prepare plans to ensure the resolution reaches every gram sabha.

The communication emphasises that state-level connect centres linked to the National War Room will closely monitor and report on the implementation of activities at block and lower levels.
Mumbai, Jan 7 : In a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, NCP leader Nawab Malik on Wednesday accused the party of targeting the Muslim community under the pretext of identifying Bangladeshis.

Taking a dig at the Mumbai BJP chief Amit Satam, who claimed a rise in illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in areas like Malvani, Kurla, and Mankhurd-Shivajinagar, Malik said, "Before speaking on Bangladeshi infiltration, first send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh."

He further claimed that the current plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is a result of the situation surrounding Hasina's exit and her stay in India.

He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take the matter seriously, noting that the BJP's stance appears contradictory.

Malik was speaking to reporters on Wednesday after the release of the NCP's manifesto for BMC elections.

Malik alleged that the BJP's move to target the Muslim community was to polarise the voters and create a divide between Hindu and Muslim communities during the ongoing campaign for the BMC elections.

Malik dismissed the BJP's infiltration claims as a recurring political tactic used for the last 30 to 40 years.

"The identification and deportation of illegal immigrants is an ongoing legal process handled by the Mumbai Police and the courts under the jurisdiction of both State and Central governments," he said and alleged that the BJP only raises the "Bangladeshi" issue when elections are around the corner to polarise voters.

He reminded the BJP that during Lal Krishna Advani's tenure as Home Minister, there was even a proposal for "work permits" for Bangladeshis.

Criticising Amit Satam's understanding of Mumbai's demographics, Malik remarked that despite being a multi-term MLA, Satam seems unaware of the ground reality.

"There are 60,000 Muslim voters in Satam's own constituency. Why doesn't he mention them? He goes to their homes, eats with them, and greets them warmly, yet targets the community elsewhere for political gains," he added sarcastically.

Earlier, Satam at the press conference questioned how many Bangladeshis and Rohingya infiltrators were settled in Mumbai by a minister who served in Uddhav Thackeray's Cabinet.

Areas such as Malvani, Malad, Mankhurd, Deonar and Kurla have witnessed the construction of hundreds of thousands of illegal slums with political blessings, he said.

"How did the voter numbers in wards like Malvani, MaladMadh, Kurla and Chandivali increase by nearly 50 per cent compared to 2017, even as South Mumbai saw a decline in voters. Who owns the nearly 10,000 illegal buildings in Malvani? Who lives there? And who made these people voters?" asked Satam.
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Mumbai, Jan 7 : Political tensions have escalated sharply in the run-up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as a shocking act of violence was reported from Mumbai on Wednesday. Haji Salim Qureshi, the official candidate of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) from Ward No. 92, was stabbed while campaigning in the Bandra area.

The attack occurred in the Dnyaneshwar Nagar locality of Bandra East. The assault on Qureshi comes at a time when campaigning for the high-stakes battle for control of the BMC is gathering momentum. Polling is scheduled to be held on January 15, with counting of votes slated for January 16.

According to preliminary reports, Haji Salim Qureshi was conducting a door-to-door campaign when he was intercepted by unidentified individuals. During the ensuing commotion, the assailants allegedly stabbed him in the stomach with a knife before fleeing the scene.

Qureshi was immediately rushed to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment. His condition is being closely monitored by doctors.

The news of the attack spread rapidly, leading to a volatile situation in Bandra and surrounding areas. Supporters of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena gathered in large numbers, expressing outrage over the incident and alleging a serious security lapse.

Police personnel have been deployed in heavy strength across the ward to maintain law and order and to prevent any retaliatory violence.

A senior police official said, "We have cordoned off the area and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers. The motive behind the assault is currently under investigation, and we are looking into all possible angles, including the possibility of political rivalry."

This incident is the latest in a series of criminal activities that have marred the election season in Maharashtra. Just hours before this attack, a major ruckus broke out in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar during the campaign of former MP and AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel.

A mob allegedly attempted to attack Jaleel's vehicle in the Baijipura area. Jaleel has accused local ministers and rival candidates of orchestrating the unrest in an attempt to intimidate voters.

As the municipal corporation elections draw closer, the state has witnessed a surge in heated verbal spats and physical altercations between rival party workers.

The police department has issued a high alert across sensitive areas, urging political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint as the campaign enters its final and critical phase.
Hyderabad, Jan 7 : The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) will operate 6,431 special bus services to transport passengers during the Sankranti festival season, but will charge a 50 per cent additional fare.

The management announced on Wednesday that the special buses will be operated on January 9, 10, 12, 13, 18 and 19.

The TGSRTC said that it is fully prepared to safely transport people travelling to their hometowns for Sankranti.

The corporation will be operating special buses from busy areas in Hyderabad, such as MGBS, JBS, Uppal Cross Roads, Aramghar, LB Nagar Cross Roads, KPHB, Boyinpally, Gachibowli, and other locations.

For the convenience of passengers in these areas, the corporation will be setting up pandals, shamianas, and arranging chairs, public address systems, drinking water facilities, and mobile toilets.

During major festivals and special occasions, the RTC management operates special services to ensure that people do not face any transportation difficulties and reach their destinations safely.

The TGSRTC management pointed out that in 2003, the state government had issued an order allowing for the revision of ticket prices to cover the minimum diesel costs and maintenance expenses of these special buses.

This provision to revise ticket prices by up to 1.5 times was granted to the corporation only for special buses operating during festivals and special occasions.

TGSRTC said it has continued this practice for every major festival since its formation.

As part of the state government's Mahalaxmi scheme, the free bus travel facility for women will continue to be available on Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express buses operating during Sankranti.

Thousands of families living in Hyderabad travel to their hometowns within Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to celebrate Sankranti.

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) announced on Tuesday that it will operate 8,432 special buses during Sankranti. Of these, 6,000 buses, accounting for 71 per cent, would operate within Andhra Pradesh, while 2,432 services would be run on inter-State routes to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.

As a significant increase in passenger movement is expected this year towards district headquarters, mandal towns and villages, APSRTC has decided to prioritise services within the state.

In view of the implementation of the Stree Shakthi free bus travel scheme for women, the APSRTC has revised its plans for operating special services during the Sankranti festival.

According to the schedule announced by APSRTC, 3,857 special services would be operated before the festival. Of these, 3,500 buses would ply on intra-State routes, while 240 services would be operated to Hyderabad, 102 to Bengaluru and 15 to Chennai.

After Sankranti, APSRTC will operate 4,575 special services. Of these, 2,500 buses will run within the State, while 1,800 services will be operated to Hyderabad, 200 to Bengaluru and 75 to Chennai.
Dhaka, Jan 7 : The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a human rights organisation against religious discrimination, has expressed grave concern over the escalating attacks on minority communities across Bangladesh.

The rights body stated that communal violence has been increasing at an alarming rate as the February national election in Bangladesh approaches.

Highlighting the growing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh last year, the council in a statement said, "In December alone, there were at least 51 incidents of violence. Among them were 10 cases of murder, 10 cases of theft and robbery, 23 incidents involving the seizure of homes, business establishments, temples, and land, as well as looting and arson. Additionally, there were 4 cases of detention and torture due to religious defamation and false accusations by accomplices, 1 attempted rape, and 3 instances of physical abuse."

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, traders from Bangladesh's Charsindur Bazar formed a human chain under the local market association, calling for swift identification and arrest of those responsible for the killing of 40-year-old Hindu grocery store owner Moni Chakraborty.

The association stated that community members were increasingly living in fear following attacks on minority homes and businesses in Chittagong and Pirojpur districts in December 2025, a report in bne IntelliNews detailed

Citing local police officers, the report said, Chakraborty was attacked near Charsindhur Bazar in Palash Upazila of Narsingdi district on Monday night while returning home after closing his shop. He collapsed at the scene and was declared dead after being rushed to Palash Upazila Health Complex.

Hours earlier on the same day, another Hindu businessman, 38-year-old Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in public in Monirampur Upazila of Jashore district.

Amid escalating attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, another Hindu man died after jumping into a canal in a bid to save his life from a mob that accused him of robbery in Mohadevpur upazila of Naogaon district, Bangladesh's Bengali newspaper Daily Manobkantha reported.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Mithun Sarkar, lost his life in the disturbing incident, which unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the Chakgori area of the upazila.

This marked the seventh incident in 19 days and the third incident this week, highlighting a disturbing surge in violence targeting Hindu communities throughout Bangladesh.

Earlier on Saturday, another Hindu man, Khokon Chandra Das, died after being brutally attacked by a mob of miscreants in Damudya Upazila of Shariatpur district.

Last week, 40-year-old Bajendra Biswas was shot dead by a colleague in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district.

On December 24 last year, Bangladeshi media reported the killing of another Hindu youth, identified as 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union in Bangladesh.

Also on December 18 last year, a 25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in a mob lynching incident over false blasphemy accusations by a Muslim coworker at his factory in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh.

Earlier on December 26 ,2025, India voiced grave concern over the "unremitting hostility" against minorities in Bangladesh -- including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists -- and asserted that it is keeping a close watch on the ongoing developments in its neighbourhood.
Amravati, Jan 7 : Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Wednesday condemned the murder of party leader Hidayat Patel in Akola, claiming that it is an example of how badly law and order in the state has deteriorated.

He further stated that the gangs wielding machetes, drug mafias, sand mafias, land mafias, and local strongmen have mushroomed across the state as Maharashtra does not have a full-time Home Minister.

He demanded that all those involved in the attack be arrested immediately and punished severely.

Addressing a press conference in Amravati, Sapkal said that the elections to the Amravati Municipal Corporation are no different from those to the other 29 municipal corporations in the state. In municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, the ruling party is throwing money to change the results in its favour.

"Law and order has deteriorated; the Election Commission has become a puppet in the hands of the ruling party, and the administration is aiding those in power. Bogus voting and massive distribution of money are underway. There is virtually no administration functioning in the state. What happened in the municipal elections is now happening in the municipal corporation elections as well," he said.

The Congress leader said that the horse-trading has intensified, with opposition candidates being threatened and pressured to withdraw their nominations.

"To ensure unopposed elections, the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers have descended into hooliganism," claimed Sapkal.

Sapkal said that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is the custodian of the Constitution and the House, yet he stood outside the office of the election decision officer to ensure that three candidates from his own family were elected unopposed; he intimidated and threatened officials, and his conduct was strange and perverse.

"The ruling party has wrapped up democracy," he said.

Sapkal said that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the AIMIM are two sides of the same coin.

"Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Ashok Chavan is asking that AIMIM be given candidatures. AIMIM is the BJP's B-team," he added.
Kolkata, Jan 7 : Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday wrote to Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, opposing the decision to permit the large-scale use of plastic bags for food grain procurement.

In his letter, Banerjee described the permission granted by the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution to use plastic bags for food grain procurement as "a state-sanctioned dilution of jute, carried out by the explicit concurrence of the Ministry of Textiles".

In the letter, he claimed that the Union government's argument that scarcity in the supply of jute bags had prompted the permission for the use of plastic bags was dishonest in nature.

"Scarcity is not a natural phenomenon here. It is the direct outcome of policy paralysis. When prices were low, no buffer was built. When prices rose, jute was pushed aside. The stop-start governance has destroyed market confidence and destabilised livelihoods across jute belts," Banerjee said.

According to the Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, the impact of such policy paralysis has adversely affected jute farmers and jute workers across the region. According to him, the entire jute belt is currently witnessing economic contraction, not because jute has failed, but because policy has turned hostile towards the sector.

"Equally alarming is the environmental contradiction. At a time when the government publicly speaks of sustainability and the reduction of single-use plastics, the Ministry of Textiles has endorsed the replacement of a renewable, biodegradable, labour-intensive Indian fibre with petroleum-based plastic packaging. This is not policy pragmatism. It is policy abdication," Banerjee said.

He concluded his letter with a caution that neither jute farmers nor jute workers would take the Union government's move lightly.

"The record will remain. The farmers and workers affected by these decisions will remember who stands by India's natural fibre -- and who authorised its displacement," his letter to the Union Textiles Minister read.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : The US strike in Venezuela and the capture of the country's President, NicolAs Maduro, also comes as a big setback to China, at a time when the Asian giant was expanding its influence in Latin America, according to media reports.

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The US strike in Venezuela and the capture of the countryas President, NicolAs Maduro, also comes as a big setback to China, at a time when the Asian giant was expanding its influence in Latin America, according to media reports.

An ABC News report states that the US attack was launched just hours after Venezuelan President Maduro met a special Chinese delegation, and the timing does not seem to be a coincidence.

Indicating that apart from its other goals, the US has also sent a clear message to China to stay away from the Western Hemisphere, which Washington considers its backyard.

The report highlights that for months, the US and President Donald Trump have been sounding warnings about the increasing ties of Latin America with Beijing and trying to effect a diplomatic recalibration. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also stated that one of the goals of the intervention was to curb investment from US adversaries a" including China a" in Venezuela's oil industry.

China is the biggest buyer of Venezuela's oil, accounting for as much as 80 per cent of the Latin American country's export.

The ABC report further states that China has also displaced Washington as the biggest trading partner in other Latin American countries, such as Brazil, Chile, and Peru, in recent years. It is even the second-largest trading partner with one of the US's closest allies in the region, neighbouring Mexico. Besides, the Communist country has investments in at least a dozen major ports in the region, including a big port in Peru and a space-tracking station in Bolivia.

Apart from the economic links, China has also strengthened its relations with the sale of military hardware, including fighter jets to countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina, the report pointed out.

"If you look specifically at Venezuela, China has emerged as the country's number one oil importer and in return has poured tens of billions of dollars into oil-for-loans deals a" mainly for energy and infrastructure, filling critical voids and increasing reliance on Beijing," the report observed.

The article also cites a recent Chinese government policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, which mentions how a "significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power" with reference to the US.
Dhaka, Jan 7 : Bangladesh's administration has become increasingly dysfunctional since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed power following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, enabling Islamist groups to escalate attacks on minorities, especially Hindus and Christians, a report said on Wednesday.

It added that a group of minority families in Muslim-majority Bangladesh are seeking protection from the authorities after being assaulted by local Muslims following Christmas.

"On January 1, five Catholic families from Tetulia village  under the St. Francis Xavier Church in Satkhira district in the southern part of the country  formed the human chain, claiming they were attacked at least four times by local Muslims in the past year," a report in Catholic news website 'Crux' cited

"We were attacked right after Christmas. We are only five minority Christian families living here. About 50 people attacked us with local weapons," Crux quoted Sabuj Goldar, a Catholic, as saying.

Alleging the Christian community has been attacked at least four times in the past year, Goldar said, "We are a minority, but we are citizens of this country. So why shouldn't we get justice? We want security from the government; we want to live safely."

The report stated that conflict followed a land dispute between Christian families and some local Muslim families, which remains pending in court.

"The Catholics have a problem with the locals over a piece of land. This incident led to attacks on Catholic families after Christmas. We are trying to resolve the incident by discussing it with local political leaders," a Christian religious instructor in a neighbouring village told Crux.

The affected Christian families complained that although schools distributed books to the students at the beginning of the year, the local attackers prevented the students from attending the classes on January 1.

Confirming the incident, local police officer Jahangir Hossain stated that efforts were being made to resolve the issue both at the local level and through administrative channels.

In December last year, a report in the Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News highlighted that the fears among Bangladesh's Christian communities had deepened after a series of attacks on Christian institutions in Dhaka over the past few months.

According to the report ,crude bombs were thrown at Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka on October 8. Similar devices were thrown at St. Mary's Cathedral on November 7 and at St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School and College in the capital the following day.

Earlier in November 2025, an extremist group in Bangladesh, 'Tauhidee Muslim Janata', issued threatening letters to Notre Dame College and Holy Cross College, alleging their involvement in religious conversion activities.

"All this has created a climate of fear ahead of Christmas. There is a palpable fear because of the recent trend of mob violence. We have to think twice before speaking," UCA news quoted Father Joyanto S. Gomes, parish priest of Holy Rosary Church, as saying
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : The Karnataka BJP has demanded the immediate suspension of officials who allegedly stripped and assaulted a BJP woman worker in Hubballi. A video purportedly related to the incident has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and controversy on Wednesday morning.

Speaking to media persons at the BJP state headquarters "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said a shocking incident had taken place in Hubballi, where a BJP woman worker belonging to the Dalit community was allegedly stripped and assaulted.

"If law and order still exists in the state and if the Home Minister has any authority, he must immediately suspend the concerned officials," Vijayendra demanded.

He said action must be taken against all officials who, acting at the behest of Congress leaders, allegedly assaulted and stripped the Dalit woman, who is also a BJP worker. Vijayendra described the incident as one that has brought shame to the entire state.

Referring to the background of the incident, Vijayendra said that during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter mapping process, when Block Level Officers (BLOs) go for verification, one Booth Level Agent (BLA-2) is permitted to accompany them. In such a situation, he alleged that Congress corporator Sunanda assaulted BJP workers and later filed FIRs against them.

Without properly understanding the background of the case, police officials allegedly acted on the statements of Congress leaders, entered the homes of BJP workers, and arrested them. The BJP strongly condemns such actions, he said.

Vijayendra further pointed out that the victim, Sujatha, is a Dalit woman and alleged that police stations in Karnataka have been turned into offices of the Congress party.

He accused the police of functioning like agents of the Congress party. As a result, he claimed, while Sujatha and her family members were being taken into custody, the woman was allegedly stripped and assaulted. The BJP strongly condemns this act, he added.

Responding to a question on the rising number of similar incidents, including attacks on legislators, Vijayendra said the Congress government is behaving arrogantly because it has a strength of 140 MLAs in the Assembly. He said incidents in Ballari, Hubballi and Bidar indicate that the Congress party's "sins have piled up" and that people are cursing the government. He warned that the public would respond at the appropriate time.

Vijayendra said the Home Minister appears helpless and it is unclear whether he is even aware of these developments. The people of the state are calling him incompetent, he claimed.

He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who often speak about Dr B.R. Ambedkar, not to politicise the issue and instead ensure justice to the Dalit woman. Regardless of political affiliation, a woman is a woman, and in this case, she is also a Dalit woman, he stressed.

He demanded that the Chief Minister immediately take action against what he described as "irresponsible" officials. Vijayendra further criticised Siddaramaiah for shedding "crocodile tears" over Dalits and boasting about breaking the record of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs. He said the Chief Minister must understand the seriousness of the situation that has developed in the state.

It may be recalled that an alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker by police occurred in Hubballi city in Karnataka, reportedly in connection with a dispute arising from a voter revision exercise. A video of the incident surfaced on Wednesday, triggering shock and serious concern.

The video allegedly shows male police personnel assaulting the woman and using vulgar expletives.

The incident occurred within the limits of the Keshvapur police station in Hubballi. According to sources, BJP worker Sujatha Handi, also known as Vijayalaxmi Handi, was allegedly brutalised following a complaint lodged against her by Hubballi-Dharwad Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla.

It is alleged that Sujatha Handi was targeted after she undertook voter mapping as part of the voter list revision process. Reportedly angered by this, the Congress corporator allegedly lodged a complaint against her at the Keshvapur police station.

However, the Karnataka Police on Wednesday rejected the female BJP worker's claims that she was assaulted and stripped by police personnel during a dispute related to the voter revision exercise in Hubballi.

Responding to the allegations, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said the woman "had stripped herself," rejecting the charge that police personnel assaulted or stripped her.

Meanwhile, the State Women's Commission, reacting to the development, said that the roles of both the complainant and the police must be examined before any comments are made on the case.
Indore, Jan 7 : There has been a significant improvement in the situation in Indore's Bhagirathpura area following a severe water contamination crisis that led to a diarrhoea outbreak and multiple deaths, as the number of patients admitted to hospitals has continued to decrease for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.

According to Indore's Chief Health and Medical Officer (CHMO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, the number of patients currently admitted to hospitals with diarrhoea symptoms dropped to 54 on Wednesday, down from 99 on Tuesday. Of these, nine patients are being treated in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), compared to 17 critical cases reported on the previous day.

Ever since contaminated drinking water supplied by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) triggered a diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura, a total of 437 people have been admitted for treatment in multiple hospitals across the city.

Out of these, 381 patients have been discharged as of Wednesday, according to official data.

The municipal corporation has identified and repaired several leaks in the Narmada water pipelines, which are believed to have been the source of contamination due to sewage mixing. Regular water samples are being collected and tested as part of ongoing monitoring.

The supply of Narmada water was resumed on Wednesday strictly for testing purposes, and local residents have been advised not to use tap water until the government issues further announcements.

Indore District Collector Shivam Verma, along with IMC Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, carried out an inspection in the Bhagirathpura area, tested water supplied through the Narmada pipeline and interacted with local residents on Wednesday.

"People have been told to keep their home taps closed and not to use the water, as multiple rounds of testing are being carried out. Tankers are supplying adequate water, which should be boiled and filtered before drinking," Collector Shivam Verma told IANS.

Verma also informed that the families of the 18 persons who died in the tragic incident have been provided compensation of Rs 2 lakh each.

The list of those whose families received compensation includes Avyan Sahu, a five-month-old boy who, his mother claimed, died after she mixed contaminated water in his milk. The list also includes nine women, all of whom were admitted to hospitals, with most of them dying while undergoing treatment.
Patna, Jan 7 : A decades-old land dispute resurfaced violently in Bhakhwa village under the Sikraul police station area of Bihar's Buxar district on Wednesday, resulting in the killing of one man and injuries to several others.

The incident has once again plunged the village into an atmosphere of fear and tension.

According to police, armed assailants attacked Sanjay Chaubey in broad daylight, opening fire and assaulting villagers with sticks and clubs.

Sanjay Chaubey was shot dead on the spot, while more than half a dozen people sustained serious injuries in the attack.

The injured were rushed to Sadar Hospital in Buxar, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The dispute revolves around six acres of land, which has been a source of conflict between the two groups for over three decades.

The deceased's father, Kashi Nath Chaubey, had a long-standing land dispute with Kanhaiya Chaubey and Ganesh Chaubey.

In 1991, Kashi Nath Chaubey was murdered in connection with the same dispute, following which both accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a court.

Recently, Kanhaiya Chaubey and Ganesh Chaubey were released on bail by the Patna High Court and had returned to the village.

Sources said that after one party obtained a court decree in its favour, its members went to cultivate the disputed land on Wednesday.

At that time, the accused allegedly arrived at the spot in a Scorpio vehicle along with 2025 supporters and began indiscriminate firing.

After the shooting, the attackers also assaulted villagers with sticks and clubs, causing serious injuries to several people.

With the help of local residents, the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

At Sadar Hospital, the deceased's brother, Dhananjay Chaubey, accused the local administration of negligence.

"This is the so-called rule of good governance. Despite making dozens of phone calls, the police did not reach the spot on time. Had the police arrived earlier, my brother's life could have been saved, and such a brazen incident in broad daylight would not have occurred," he said.

Upon receiving information, police personnel reached the village and launched an investigation into the incident.

Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order amid the prevailing tension.

In an official statement, the Buxar Police confirmed that four accused  Kanhaiya Chaubey, Ganesh Chaubey, Jagbali Chaubey and Vashistha Chaubey, all residents of Bhakhwa village  were arrested within four hours of the incident. Further investigation is underway.
President Donald Trumps administration began 2026 by sparking a global (and potentially legal) controversy with its targeted military operation (codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve) against the Venezuelan government on Jan. 3. On President Trumps orders, the United States military conducted a series of strikes and had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on charges of drug trafficking.

President Trump called the operation an act of law enforcement, while some critics in the United Nations and the Venezuelan government called it an illegal act of kidnapping. Meanwhile, Trump escalated the situation by announcing that America would, in effect, run Venezuela (and its oil reserves), while members of his own administration havent backed up that claim.

Given the number of rumors, misunderstandings and contradictions regarding this complex and still-unfolding situation, GOBankingRates consulted the advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT to cut through the fog of misinformation and better understand what is happening in Venezuela  and how it could impact your finances.

Also see how Trumps mission in Venezuela could impact the middle class.

Oil Prices and Energy Markets

One might expect American access to Venezuelan oil to impact gas prices. However, as ChatGPT noted, while Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, its output was a tiny share of global supply before the conflict. Venezuelan oil makes up only about 1% of global output; as such, the conflict has yet to cause a large instability in oil prices, at least for now.

Yes, gas prices can change due to oil price volatility, but broader energy markets (such as American shale production and the actions of OPEC) can impact gas prices far more significantly than the Venezuelan oil supply. If the U.S. were to eventually reopen Venezuelan oil production and oversee it long term, that could potentially lower energy costs, but ChatGPT noted it would likely take many years to scale on that level.

Read More: Mark Cuban Warns 4 Key Industries Could Crumble in the Next Recession

Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

Financial Markets and Stocks

Rather surprising for such a controversial international incident, American markets more or less took the Venezuela strikes in stride. ChatGPT indicated that certain stock indexes (the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq) rose following the news of the strike, reflecting an investor appetite for risk assets. Additionally, oil prices actually fell back after an initial blip, which ChatGPT defined as an indicator that markets arent pricing in sustained supply disruption yet.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Indusfood 2026, India's flagship global food and beverage exhibition, is set to highlight the country's rising role as a reliable and competitive player in the global food trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) Indusfood 2026, Indiaas flagship global food and beverage exhibition, is set to highlight the countryas rising role as a reliable and competitive player in the global food trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.

The three-day event will bring together Indian producers, international buyers, policymakers and global institutions to strengthen trade ties and open new opportunities for Indiaas food exports.

The 9th edition of Indusfood 2026 will be held from January 8 to 10 at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.

Organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the exhibition aims to further position India as a trusted partner in global food supply chains at a time when demand for safe, traceable and sustainably sourced food is rising worldwide.

Branded as Asiaas premier food and beverage sourcing show, Indusfood 2026 is expected to see participation from over 120 countries, with thousands of verified global buyers and several high-level international trade delegations.

The event will provide a common platform for Indian food producers to connect with global markets and build long-term partnerships.

The exhibition will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, underlining the governmentas focus on strengthening Indiaas food processing sector, boosting export competitiveness and expanding global market access for Indian food products.

One of the key highlights of this yearas edition will be the launch of the Indiaa"UAE Food Corridor by the Abu Dhabi Food Hub.

The initiative aims to improve food security, streamline supply chains and accelerate bilateral food trade between India and the UAE.

Another major attraction will be the 75-year milestone celebration by Saudi Arabian exhibitor Alsalan, reflecting the growing food trade relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.

Indusfood 2026 will also feature platforms focused on exports, logistics and policy discussions.

DP World will host a special aBharat Marta session, highlighting export infrastructure and logistics integration to support Indiaas trade ambitions.
Kathmandhu, Jan 7 : Nepali Cabinet Minister Kul Man Ghising on Wednesday resigned from his post amid pressure from Prime Minister Sushila Karki on ministers aligned with political parties to quit their ministerial positions.

Ghising, who served as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Karki after serving 115 days in office. He was appointed minister on September 15 last year.

Ghising is believed to be behind the formation of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, which later merged with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), on December 29.

Under the understanding reached between the two sides, Ghising is expected to become a senior vice-president of the RSP, which was the fourth-largest political party in the dissolved House of Representatives.

He is also expected to contest the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5 this year.

After submitting his resignation, Ghising hinted that allegations of his involvement in party politics had contributed to his decision to step down.

As criticism mounted over ministers openly engaging in partisan activities despite being part of a supposedly apolitical government, Prime Minister Karki reportedly instructed ministers involved in party politics to leave the government during a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

The interim government, formed on September 12 following the Gen Z movement in early September, is widely viewed as neutral, impartial, and free from political baggage.

At a press meet organised after his resignation, Ghising claimed that he is not a member of any political party, stating that the agreement between the Ujyalo Nepal Party and the RSP has not yet been formally implemented.

He also recalled that, in Nepal's history, prime ministers and ministers of interim and election governments have contested elections while remaining in office.

Ghising, who is credited with ending up to 18 hours of load shedding during his tenure as managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, is among the highly popular public figures in the Himalayan country.

In an effort to strengthen alternative political forces, the RSP had brought together popular figures such as Ghising and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah under its fold.

The RSP is led by former media personality Rabi Lamichhane, who faced allegations of fraud in cooperative institutions, and was recently released from prison as per the court order.

During his tenure overseeing several development-focused ministries, Ghising terminated hundreds of infrastructure-related contracts with construction companies for stalling projects for years.

He also said he made efforts to reform the country's energy, water resources, and irrigation sectors, advance infrastructure development, and improve the living standards of the people.

Following his resignation, Prime Minister Karki thanked Ghising for providing "capable" leadership of three important ministries for three and a half months.
Amaravati, Jan 7 : Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) said on Wednesday that significant progress has been made in blowout control operations at the well in Andhra Pradesh's Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Amaravati, Jan 7 (IANS) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) said on Wednesday that significant progress has been made in blowout control operations at the well in Andhra Pradeshas Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Fire intensity, noise levels, and ambient heat in the vicinity of the well located at Irusumanda Village, Malkipuram Mandal have reduced significantly.

ONGC continues to undertake focused blowout control at Well Mori-5, operated by PEC contractor M/s Deep Industries.

The Crisis Management Team is progressing with operations in accordance with the approved blowout control plan, the state-owned oil and gas company said.

An approach road from the rear end of the wellsite has been completed to facilitate debris clearance, and the required logistics have been mobilised for systematic debris removal.

A water blanket has been established at the wellsite to support continued debris removal in the vicinity of the wellhead and to enable subsequent operations for capping the wellhead, as per the action plan.

In view of the steady progress achieved and the remote likelihood of escalation, the district administration has advised residents in the surrounding areas to resume their normal activities.

The safety of the community and protection of the environment remain ONGCas highest priorities, and all actions are being carried out in strict compliance with regulatory requirements and established industry best practices, it added.

The crude-mixed gas suddenly erupted on Monday afternoon while repair works were underway using a workover rig after the well had temporarily halted production.

A powerful blowout released a massive volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which shot high into the air. Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across Irusumanda and the surrounding villages like dense fog, sending panic among people.

Authorities had shifted more than 500 people from the village to the relief camps.

No injury or loss of life was reported. ONGC said the well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500-600 metres.
Agartala, Jan 7 : Investors from across the country have expressed their willingness to invest around Rs 15,000 crore in Tripura, with projects worth Rs 4,000 crore already implemented across 68 ventures, officials said here on Wednesday.

A senior official of the state's Industries and Commerce Department said that Tripura has secured the top position nationally for effectively adopting the single-window system for approvals related to land, construction, services and other sectors. He said that the investment and industrial performance of 36 states and Union Territories was reviewed at a recent meeting chaired by the Union Cabinet Secretary in New Delhi.

The official added that similar issues were discussed at the fifth all-India Conference of Chief Secretaries held from December 26 to 28, which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the conference, Tripura Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha highlighted the state's investment climate, opportunities and industrial potential.

The conference resolved that other states would study Tripura's initiatives, policies and reforms related to investment promotion and industrialisation. Following the decision, the Bihar government has invited Tripura officials to Patna on Thursday to study and learn from the state's business reform measures.

"At the instance of the Prime Minister, business reforms have been implemented across various states, leading to increased investment inflows nationwide," the official said.

Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier citing investment momentum, had said that during the recent Investors' Summit in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, investment proposals worth Rs 30,000 crore were received, of which around Rs 15,000 crore pertained to Tripura alone due to the prevailing peace and stability in the state.

The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had constituted several High-Level Task Forces to identify key interventions and formulate actionable short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies for the integrated development of the North East Economic Corridor.

The task forces were constituted following the 72nd plenary session of the North-Eastern Council (NEC) held in November 2024 in Agartala and presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
New Delhi, Jan 7 : Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with a video that went viral on social media, allegedly showing students raising provocative slogans on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, sources said on Wednesday.

According to sources, the FIR has been registered under Sections 352 and 353 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to assault and use of criminal force, and actions allegedly impacting public order. The case has been taken up after a preliminary examination of the video content and complaints received in the matter.

The video, which surfaced online earlier this week, purportedly shows a group of students associated with Left-leaning organisations raising slogans during a campus gathering.

The slogans, as per police assessment, were considered inflammatory in nature and capable of disturbing public peace.

The slogans allegedly contained references directed at the country's political leadership in an objectionable manner.

The slogans were allegedly raised following a campus protest linked to the continued judicial custody of former JNU students Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, both of whom are accused in separate cases and have been seeking bail.

The protest escalated into the use of provocative language, which subsequently became the subject of the viral video.

Several Left-wing student organisations at JNU raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a gathering at the 'Guerrilla Dhaba' on the university campus.

The incident took place on Monday evening, shortly after the Supreme Court denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Around 30 to 40 students affiliated with the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF), the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest, raising anti-government slogans at the campus.

The sloganeering drew a sharp reaction from the BJP, which condemned the Left-wing groups and linked the protest to the denial of bail to Khalid and Imam.

BJP leaders described the protesters as part of what they termed the "tukde ecosystem" and labelled them "urban Naxals".

Taking to X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "These slogans chanted by the Tukde ecosystem in JNU after Sharjeel Umar denied bail. This is an anti-India bunch of Urban Naxals... Votebank ke naam par Umar Sharjeel Bachao Gang kaam par."

Another BJP national spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, also condemned the incident through a social media post.

"Urban Naxals in support of anti-national Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam protested late at night in JNU outside Sabarmati Hostel. This is not a protest; this is appropriation of anti-India thought! Intellectual terrorists can be academics, doctors, or engineers," he said in a post on X.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, "JNU has become a hub of the so-called 'tukde-tukde' gang, involving Rahul Gandhi, the TMC, Left parties, and other opposition forces. It has turned into a camp office of this group, and the country will not tolerate it."

The case has once again brought JNU into the spotlight over issues related to campus protests and political expression.
Amaravati, Jan 7 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday and urged the Centre to accord statutory status to Amaravati as the permanent capital of the State.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to grant statutory status to Amaravati by introducing a Bill in Parliament, terming it vital for the stateas long-term development and stability.

The Chief Minister reached Delhi after a visit to Polavaram project site in the morning.

During the discussions, both leaders reviewed key development and welfare initiatives related to Andhra Pradesh.

Emphasising the need for policy certainty, the Chief Minister said formal legislative recognition of Amaravati would accelerate development and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh, while also strengthening investor confidence.

The Chief Minister also requested that the State be given some flexibility regarding certain aspects of the G-Ram-G scheme, which was recently enacted in place of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

The Chief Minister discussed the financial provisions of VB- G-RAM-G and explained to Amit Shah that changing the Central and State government funding ratio to 60:40 would negatively impact Andhra Pradesh, which is already facing financial difficulties.

He pointed out that the revised Centrea"State funding ratio was placing an additional financial burden on Andhra Pradesh and could adversely affect implementation.

Seeking relief, the Chief Minister requested alternative financial support and flexibility, keeping in view the stateas current fiscal situation. He acknowledged the Centreas support in helping Andhra Pradesh recover from financial stress and appealed for continued cooperation.

The meeting also covered discussions on ongoing development projects, welfare schemes, and recent developments in the state.

They also understood to have discussed issues related to allocations to Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget.

Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, reportedly sought allocations for various projects in the state.
Washington, Jan 7 : Forcefully defending its actions related to Venezuela, the White House on Wednesday said the United States now holds "maximum leverage" over the country's interim authorities, while also reiterating that discussions are underway regarding Greenland, describing both matters as issues of US national security.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Washington now holds "maximum leverage" over Venezuela's interim authorities following what she described as a decisive US operation carried out last week.

"There isn't another military in the world that could have pulled off this operation," Leavitt told reporters. "America is truly back with respect to Venezuela," she added.

Leavitt said the administration was coordinating closely with Venezuela's interim authorities and had secured access to Venezuelan oil that had been held offshore under sanctions.

"This was a deal made by the President and his team with the Venezuelan interim authorities," she said.

According to Leavitt, the oil will be sold through global markets, with the proceeds first routed through accounts under US control.

"All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products will initially settle in US-controlled accounts," she said, adding that the funds would be distributed "at the discretion of the United States government."

Leavitt said there were no US troops on the ground in Venezuela, but stressed that the option of military force remained open if required.

"The President, of course, reserves the right to use the United States military if necessary," she said. "Diplomacy is always the first option."

Referring to Venezuela's political leadership, Leavitt said the former president was no longer in power and described him as an "illegitimate leader," reiterating the administration's position that it does not recognise his authority.

The White House also confirmed the seizure of oil tankers linked to what it described as Venezuela's "shadow fleet," stating that the vessels had violated US sanctions.

"The United States under this President is not going to tolerate that," Leavitt said.

Turning to Greenland, Leavitt confirmed that the administration is discussing the strategic importance of the Arctic territory amid growing geopolitical competition.

"The acquisition of Greenland by the United States is not a new idea," she said. "Presidents dating back to the 1800s have said it is advantageous for America's national security."

She said the President believes such a move would help counter increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region.

"All options are always on the table for the President," Leavitt said, while declining to rule out any course of action.

Asked about Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, Leavitt said she had not heard the President personally question it.

"I have not heard him question it personally," she said.

The White House also reiterated the administration's support for NATO, with Leavitt citing the President's view that the United States would "always be there for NATO," while continuing to press alliance members on burden-sharing.

Venezuela has long remained a focus of US sanctions and pressure campaigns, while Greenland's strategic relevance has grown as competition among major powers in the Arctic intensifies.
Washington, Jan 7 : The Trump administration on Wednesday warned Iran against defying U.S. demands, saying the President had already shown a willingness to use military force after diplomacy failed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump first sought negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program but moved decisively when talks went nowhere.

"He tried to try to have a serious interest in a deal with the Iranian regime with respect to their nuclear capabilities," Leavitt said. "They were not interested."

She said that refusal led directly to U.S. military action.

"And so Operation Midnight Hammer happened, which was another remarkable military success under the leadership of this commander in chief," she said.

Leavitt described the episode as an example of Trump's approach to foreign policy, where diplomacy is attempted first, but force remains an option.

"The President keeps his options open," she said. "But diplomacy is always the first."

The remarks came as Leavitt fielded questions about rising tensions involving sanctions enforcement and U.S. actions against illicit oil shipments tied to adversarial governments.

Asked whether tanker seizures and sanctions enforcement risked broader conflict, Leavitt said the administration would continue to act in line with U.S. interests.

"This administration is going to fully enforce the sanctions policy of the United States," she said.

She added that the U.S. was not afraid to implement its policies when challenged.

"He's not afraid to implement it," Leavitt said of the president.

Leavitt rejected suggestions that enforcement actions could damage relations with major powers, saying Trump maintained open communication with global leaders.

"The President has very open, honest and good relationships with both President Putin of Russia and also President Xi of China," she said, noting that he had spoken with them "numerous times" since returning to office.

On Iran, Leavitt said Trump's message was consistent with his broader strategy of deterrence.

"All options are always on the table for President Trump as he examines what's in the best interest of the United States," she said.

She said the administration believed that strength reduced the likelihood of prolonged conflict and increased leverage at the negotiating table.

The White House has repeatedly framed Trump's foreign policy as "peace through strength," arguing that credible military power discourages adversaries from escalation.
Patna, Jan 7 : A high-level meeting of Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) from all government departments was held on Wednesday at the conference hall of the Information and Public Relations Department, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Bihar government Arvind Kumar Chaudhary.

The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of pending corruption cases, online complaints received through the vigilance mechanism, and the status of prosecution sanctions against government officials.

The ACS issued clear instructions that no laxity would be tolerated at any level in dealing with corruption-related matters and directed all departments to ensure strict, time-bound action in such cases.

During the review, it was revealed that the Vigilance Department has forwarded more than 3,000 online complaints to various departments for investigation and necessary action.

The highest number of complaints were found to pertain to the Education Department, Urban Development and Housing Department, Home Department, Revenue and Land Reforms Department, and Agriculture Department.

Expressing displeasure over delays in inquiry and reporting, the ACS directed the concerned departments to complete pending investigation reports and initiate appropriate action on a war footing.

Director General of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, Jitendra Singh Gangwar, who was present at the meeting, informed that an online portal has been launched at the bureau level to enhance transparency, accountability and operational efficiency in vigilance-related activities.

He stated that 122 corruption cases were registered during the previous year, of which 102 were trap cases involving officials caught red-handed while accepting bribes.

This, he noted, reflects the Vigilance Departmentas sustained and proactive action against corruption and bribery in the state administration.

The meeting also reviewed the status of pending prosecution sanction cases, which are essential for initiating legal proceedings against accused officials.

At present, 53 such cases are awaiting approval from the concerned departments, with the highest pendency reported in the Water Resources Department, Parliamentary Affairs Department, Education Department, Health Department, and General Administration Department.

The ACS directed these departments to remove procedural and legal bottlenecks and grant prosecution sanctions at the earliest to ensure that officials found guilty are brought to justice without delay.

To further strengthen the vigilance mechanism, the ACS instructed that monthly review meetings must now be held by the Chief Vigilance Officer in each department.

This measure is expected to improve monitoring of complaint resolution and ensure timely and effective action against corruption.

It was also noted during the meeting that the online complaint system launched last year has significantly improved efficiency in grievance redressal and tracking of vigilance-related complaints.
Washington, Jan 8 : The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday said it has seized oil tankers operating outside US sanctions, warning that illegal crude shipments will not be tolerated.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the seizures targeted vessels linked to what she described as Venezuela's "shadow fleet," adding that the administration was enforcing sanctions without exception.

"I believe you're referring to the Bella One tanker that was seized this morning," Leavitt told reporters. She said the seizure followed a judicial warrant issued by a US federal court after the vessel was tracked.

"This was a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that has transported sanctioned oil," Leavitt said. "The United States of America under this President is not going to tolerate that."

Leavitt said the tanker was seized in the North Atlantic and that the crew could face prosecution.

"The vessel had a judicial seizure order," she said. "That means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law."

She added that the crew could be brought to the United States if necessary.

Leavitt also confirmed the seizure of a second tanker, the Sofia, describing it as part of a broader enforcement effort.

"There was another vessel this morning, the Sofia," she said. "This is a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker."

She said the operation was carried out without incident and involved multiple US agencies.

"This occurred without incident," Leavitt said. "This vessel was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea."

According to Leavitt, the US Coast Guard is escorting the vessel to the United States.

"The US Coast Guard is escorting the Sofia to the United States for final disposition," she said.

She said the seizures were conducted as part of a coordinated enforcement campaign.

"To answer your question directly, this was through Operation Southern Spear," Leavitt said.

Leavitt rejected suggestions that the tanker seizures could escalate tensions with other major powers, including Russia.

"This administration is going to fully enforce the sanctions policy of the United States," she said.

She said the president was prepared to act even if enforcement drew criticism.

"He's not afraid to implement it," Leavitt said.

Leavitt stressed that maritime enforcement was central to the administration's broader foreign policy.

"The President is going to enforce our policy that's best for the United States of America," she said.

Oil tankers have become a growing focus of US sanctions enforcement as Washington targets revenue streams tied to sanctioned governments. Maritime interdictions and vessel seizures are increasingly used to disrupt illicit oil trade conducted through false flags or stateless shipping networks.
By Rachel More

BERLIN, Jan 7 (Reuters) - More than 30 companies across the automotive supply chain have agreed to collaborate on open-source software to develop next-generation cars and cut costs, the German industry lobby behind the initiative said on Wednesday.

Germany's VDA announced the expansion of the initiative at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, where carmakers and suppliers are betting on AI and software to revive an industry struggling with slow progress and high costs.

More from Yahoo Scout Why are automakers turning to open-source software development? Which major companies joined the automotive open-source collaboration? What cost and development benefits does this initiative target? How has participation in this initiative grown since launch?

European auto group Stellantis and truck maker Traton have signed the memorandum of understanding, along with German supplier Schaeffler and chipmakers Infineon and Qualcomm, the VDA said.

They join German carmakers Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, among others, lifting the number of participating firms from 11 when the group was announced last year to 32.

The initiative aims to reduce development and maintenance efforts by up to 40% and speed time to market by up to 30%, the VDA said.

"The growing participation in this collaboration reflects a clear global shift toward open innovation in the automotive industry," said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation, a co-organiser of the initiative.

(Reporting by Rachel More. Editing by Mark Potter)
On behalf of the Kurt Vonnegut Estate, authors Elana K. Arnold, Ellen Hopkins, and Amy Reed, and two anonymous high school student plaintiffs with the ACLU of Utah filed a complaint on January 6 to challenge provisions of Utah House Bill 29, known as the sensitive material review law.

HB 29, which went into effect on July 1, 2024, prohibits pornographic or indecent material from public school classrooms and school libraries, and a plausible claim that material is harmful to minors which results in the removal of the offending item. The plaintiffs contend that the law violates First and 14th Amendment rights, noting in their filing that no one disputes that pornography and obscene material can and should be excluded from school libraries.

Defendants in the suit include Utah attorney general Derek Brown, the Utah State Board of Education and its members, and the school districts of Davis, Salt Lake City, and Washington, Ut., along with their superintendents. The case will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

In a statement, the ACLU said HB 29 has enabled the state to remove a remarkable range of literature under unconstitutional, overbroad criteria imposed by the state legislature. The ACLU further noted that the law impermissibly restricts authors right to share information, ideas, and lived experiences through their constitutionally protected works.

National attention has been focused on Utahs statewide ban of 22 books so far, including Arnolds What Girls Are Made Of and Damsel and Hopkinss Tilt, Fallout, and Tricks. Utah put three more books on the statewide ban list just this week: Gregory Maguires Wicked, Jodi Picoults Nineteen Minutes, and Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Jason M. Groth, legal director for the ACLU of Utah, said the time was right to bring a case, because Utahs HB29 law is built to snowball. Just three school districts can trigger a statewide ban, ensuring more authors and more books are swept up. We are moving forward now with a strong case to protect the First Amendment rights of an impressive group of authors and students.

Statewide restrictions are not the only book challenges under HB 29. In the filing, the ACLU explains that to date, hundreds of books have been removed from individual libraries across Utah, and these include plaintiff Reeds novels Beautiful and The Nowhere Girls, which have been banned in other states as well.

I originally got on board with this case back in the summer of 2024, when a fellow author and member of Authors Against Book Bans got in touch about getting involved in a potential legal challenge to HB 29, which was due to go into effect, Reed told PW.

Any time a story challenges power or gives voice to people who have been ignored, there will be efforts to silence it, Reed continued, As both an author and a mother, what alarms me is how much of this backlash is driven by fear and ideology, and by a desire to control what other peoples children are allowed to read.

Vonnegut's message lives on

The Vonnegut estate attaches a household name to the Utah docket. Slaughterhouse-Five, which Kurt Vonnegut based on his experiences as a prisoner of war during the 1945 firebombing of Dresden, Germany, remains on the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedoms list of most-banned classics, decades after its 1969 publication. It was among the 11 books banned in the state of New York in 1975, which led to the Supreme Courts plurality decision on the right to read in Board of Education, Island Trees School District v. Pico. SCOTUSs December decision not to hear an appeal in a Texas book removal case, Little v. Llano County, means that Pico is still among the landmark First Amendment rulings that hold the line in matters of censorship.

Vonnegut, an outspoken advocate of the freedom to read, regarded libraries and librarians as our most vital public institutions because words are the most powerful tools we have, wrote Nanette Vonnegut, the late authors daughter, in the ACLUs statement. Now, more than half a century later, Utahs lawmakers determination to ban books like Slaughterhouse-Five denies innumerable young people in Utah the freedom to read, think, and grow; it is antithetical to what my father fought for during World War II and focused much of his literary legacy on addressing.

Penguin Random House is among Vonneguts longtime publishers. Dan Novack, VP and associate general counsel for PRH, responded supportively to news of the case. We applaud the ACLU of Utah, the Vonnegut family, and the brave authors and students challenging Utahs unconstitutional censorship law, Novack told PW. Slaughterhouse-Five, like so many of the books being banned, is not just literature, but a vital tool for critical thinking, empathy, and understanding. Every state, every case, and every book matters in this fight. Together, we are making a real difference.

ACLU staff attorney Tom Ford concurred. This law censors constitutionally protected books, silences authors, and denies students access to ideas, in violation of the First Amendment rights of students and authors alike, he wrote. HB 29 must be struck down.

This article has been updated with additional information.
Estate management firm International Literary Properties has announced two new appointments to the senior leadership team of its literary division, ILP Literary. James Meader has been named the divisions president of publishing and Jennifer Bassuk will serve as its president of partnerships. Both joined ILPs New York office on January 5.

Meader and Bassuk will join Mary Durkan, who is based out of ILPs London office, in leading ILP Literary. They will also work closely with the companys theatrical division. Current ILP Literary CEO Scott Hoffman has transitioned into a consulting role and said he will announce a new venture shortly.

Meader most recently served as VP and associate publisher of the Vintage backlist, a role in which he also oversaw Vintage Classics and Everymans Library. Before joining Vintage in late 2019, he spent more than 17 years at Picador, where he ultimately served as VP and associate publisher.

Bassuk has previously held leadership roles at Amazon Publishing, where she was head of rights and licensing, and Audible, where she was VP of content acquisition, licensing, and business affairs.

Founded in 2020, ILPs portfolio includes the estates of Tennessee Williams, Somerset Maugham, Langston Hughes, Paddy Chayefsky, Ann Rule, and Georges Simenon.

We are thrilled to welcome James and Jen to our rapidly expanding team, said ILP executive chair Milena Alberti in a statement. They both bring years of experience, including James extensive experience in publishing at Penguin Random House and Jennifers media roles including at Amazon.
T.I. Lowe doesnt hesitate to tackle tough topics in her novels, but as a born-and-bred Southerner, she knows how to blend toughness and charm. Her past three books, all published with Tyndale, dig into difficult experience. The 2021 bestseller Under the Magnolias took on mental illness. Indigo Isle, which won the 2024 ECPA Christy Award for Contemporary Romance and Book of the Year, features wounded souls finding redemption and reconciliation. And 2024s Lowcountry Lost offers healing for those who face empty arms and hearts.

I explore hard topics, but the Southern setting softens some of that, Lowe told PW. Were sassy but hospitable; well set you straight and then well feed you something.

Her forthcoming book, South of Somewhere (Tyndale, Mar.) addresses addiction, a topic often overlooked in Christian fiction.

I dont find [these hard topics] much in Christian fiction, but I want to address them through my Christian worldview because they happen, said Lowe, who lives in South Carolina. It starts with something I want to understand more. When you step back from something, like reading it in fiction, its easier.

South of Somewhere spotlights addiction and recovery as the main character, Junie Wilder, retreats to her grandmothers beach house after a stint in jail and rehab. Her addiction to drugs and alcohol has caused her to lose custody of her daughter, ruined her relationship with her brother, and derailed her life. As she struggles to rebuild, she discovers help and hope from her AA group and a friendly neighbor.

Lowe, who turns 50 this year, once thought no one would read her novels, all written under a pen name. Now, her 21 books have prompted countless messages, Lowe said, from readers who tell her, You wrote my story. I always pause and listen, Lowe added, because thats what I want: people telling their own stories. Shes also been torn apart for including flirting in a novel, been told Christians shouldnt write such novels, and told her novels should include trigger warnings.

Keeping a promise to Momma

But Lowe just wants to tell stories. She told her first story as a promise to her mother, starting from scratch in 2014 with her self-published debut novel, Lulus Cafe, which dealt with domestic violence. The book was later rereleased by Tyndale Fiction. Lowe learned the publishing industry, signed with an agent, and eventually signed with Tyndale Fiction in 2018. The house has published all of her fiction since.

After Momma passed, I began to figure it out. I promised my momma so I had to follow through, said Lowe. My children were small, so I wanted to show them that if you have a dream and work hard at it, anything can happen. I had the audacity to ask God because I just wanted to tell a story. Those stories wont hush up.

Lowe turned in her 22nd novel manuscript just days ago. The book, tentatively titled Firefly Season, is what she calls an aftermath novel. It centers on three people mourning separately as they learn to mourn together, and is slated to be released in spring 2027. In the meantime, Lowe hopes South of Somewhere opens eyes and hearts to the reality of addiction.

Addiction is like cancer: it doesnt care your race, gender, or social class, said Lowe. People tend to stigmatize the poor in relation to addiction, but it can happen to anyone. Junie is upper class, but she survives an overdose and keeps moving.

South Carolinas motto is While I breathe, I hope, she continued. People think theyre too far gone, but there is still hope. If youre still breathing, theres still hope. Find your community, find your people. You dont have to do it alone.
The United States operation in early January 2026, including airstrikes and raids in Venezuela that ended with President Nicolas Maduro being taken into United States custody and President Trumps statement that the United States would temporarily run Venezuela, matters for the Korean Peninsula not because Venezuela is strategically central to Northeast Asia, but because it reshapes expectations about how major powers use force, justify it, and communicate it.

For Seoul, the most immediate implication is normative and informational. Pyongyang quickly portrayed the incident as evidence of a United States violation of sovereignty, using unusually strong language through the Korean Central News Agency and foreign ministry statements. This is not mere rhetoric. North Korea has long argued that United States power is inherently oriented toward regime change and that nuclear weapons are the only reliable insurance. When Washington uses military force to seize a sitting leader abroad and frames it publicly as both punitive and transitional, it becomes a convenient example that Pyongyang can use to reinforce domestic legitimacy and strengthen its external narrative.

The signaling effect was amplified by timing. North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea just as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to China, a moment widely interpreted as political and strategic signaling intended to raise regional tension and assert relevance. In that sense, the Venezuela incident became part of a broader set of events that Pyongyang can connect into a single story, even if they are geographically unrelated. North Korea is skilled at linking separate developments into a unified message designed to influence perceptions.

The incident can also complicate alliance politics and deterrence messaging. The ROK-U.S. alliance depends not only on military capability but also on a shared narrative of legitimacy and restraint, especially when Seoul seeks broad international support for pressuring North Koreas weapons programs and improving sanctions enforcement. If partners interpret the Venezuela operation as crossing legal or sovereignty lines, Washington may face greater difficulty building coalitions elsewhere. For the Korean Peninsula, that matters because effective sanctions and interdiction efforts depend on sustained international legitimacy and coordination.

There is also a precedent concern. If the international community accepts a major powers cross border seizure of a head of state, justified as a blend of law enforcement and national interest, other actors may internalize a more permissive standard for extraterritorial coercion. The risk for Korea is not that the Venezuela scenario will be replicated directly in Northeast Asia, but that the norm that sovereignty is a hard stop will weaken further. That erosion can lower inhibitions in gray zone competition and crisis brinkmanship. North Korea can cite the episode to justify more aggressive defensive actions, while China and Russia can use it to challenge United States criticism of their own coercive behavior.

The operation also intersects with Seoul Beijing diplomacy at a sensitive moment. President Lees China visit, focused on economic cooperation and broader stabilization, took place amid North Koreas missile launches and a global debate triggered by Venezuela. China has incentives to present itself as a stabilizer and to encourage South Korea to hedge against perceived United States unpredictability, especially if Washington is portrayed as willing to use force to shape political transitions. Even if Seoul rejects that framing, it can still change the tone and leverage dynamics of regional diplomacy.

The episode raises a practical question that Korean strategists will recognize. Does United States activism outside the Indo Pacific dilute attention and political bandwidth, or does it demonstrate capacity and resolve. The answer is likely mixed. The operation itself may not meaningfully affect force availability for Korea, but political aftershocks such as legal scrutiny, congressional debate, and allied controversy can absorb senior level attention and complicate crisis management. Deterrence on the Peninsula is sustained partly by perceptions of coherent United States decision making, so visible domestic disputes can matter.

For policymakers in Seoul, the most actionable implication is to prepare for an intensified messaging contest. North Korea will try to fold Venezuela into its long standing claim that United States alliances are instruments of domination rather than collective security. China will emphasize sovereignty and non interference, while selectively downplaying coercion by its partners. The alliance response should be disciplined. It should separate the Venezuela case from Korean Peninsula contingencies, reinforce that deterrence and crisis stability in Korea are defensive and treaty based, and keep attention on North Koreas violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions through missile and nuclear activities.

In short, Venezuela is strategically relevant to Korea not because it changes the military balance on the Korean Peninsula overnight, but because it reshapes the legitimacy environment in which deterrence, sanctions, diplomacy, and crisis signaling operate. For Pyongyang, it offers propaganda material and a justification narrative. For Beijing, it offers leverage in sovereignty discourse. For Seoul, it is a reminder that major power actions in one theater can reverberate through alliance politics and regional stability in another.
Instagram / Chris Bukowski

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/06/2026



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

Bachelor Nation couple Chris Bukowski and Anna Redman have announced they're engaged after nearly four years of dating.Chris took to Instagram on Sunday, January 4 to reveal that he proposed marriage to Anna."Best friend. Fiancee. Future wifey. 12.31.25," Chris captioned a carousel of photos featuring his romantic marriage proposal.Chris popped the question, surrounded by rose petals and tall candles, on a deck overlooking the ocean at the Ritz-Carlton in Costa Rica.After Chris got down on one knee, he and Anna toasted wine glasses and walked down a beautiful suspension bridge for their engagement photos.Chris and Anna, who currently live together in Chicago, IL, received a huge amount of support from fellow The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and alums in the comments. Katie Thurston wrote, "The way I gasped!!!!! YESSSSSS I've been waiting for this." Joe Amabile commented, "Congrats!!! You're all grown up now." Abigail Heringer chimed in, "So beautiful. Congrats you two we love yall!" Kelley Flanagan wrote, "Congratulations congratulations congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for yall."Mari Pepin added, "Aghhh congratulations!!! So happy for you two!" Ashley Iaconetti gushed, "I'm just fully obsessed with this story!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!"Bob Guiney, Raven Gates Serena Pitt , JP Rosenbaum, Vanessa Grimaldi Kelsey Weier , and John Paul Jones all commented with congratulatory messages.Following months of dating speculation, Anna and Chris went Instagram official with their relationship in March 2022 by posting photos from a wedding they had attended together in Costa Rica.spouses Joe and Serena previously revealed they had actually set up Chris and Anna Chris and Anna opened up about the first few weeks of their love story during a May 2023 episode of the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast.Joe kicked off the story by sharing, "It was the night before Thanksgiving [2021]... I was going to meet some friends and Chris Bukowski just so happened to be one of them."During the guys' night out, Chris apparently mentioned that he was single."And I was like, 'Oh, that's actually funny you said that because Serena was just on the phone with Anna before I left and she was complaining about being single,'" Joe recalled."And I was like, 'This could kind of be perfect.' So I texted Serena and she was like, 'I'll ask Anna.'"Joe then revealed to Chris at the bar that Anna seemed "into" him and he "should hit her up."Chris -- who was living in Denver at the time -- therefore slid into Anna's DMS on Instagram, and once she responded, they had dinner together in November 2021, when Chris was home in Chicago visiting family for Thanksgiving."Joe, I also remember that you DMed me with his Instagram handle saying, '@chrisbukowski thinks you're hot and he's single, successful, and chill. You guys should date!'" Anna recalled with a laugh on the same podcast."And a lot of people were talking you up, [Chris]! So I was like, 'I've got to do it!'"While Chris looked for love five times on different The Bachelor spinoffs and came up empty, he said, "With the show, what it comes back to, is [without it], I would've never met Anna.""I would have never met Anna if it wasn't for the show or knowing [Joe]," Chris elaborated. "[The franchise] gives you this openness of wanting to connect with other people... It is obviously a great story."When asked if he thought the relationship could go the distance after just one date, Chris admitted he was "very attracted" to Anna and she's "absolutely" his type."So I was super excited, because honestly, up to that point, I just kind of threw in the towel, like, 'I'm good. I'm just chilling and having a great career and just seeing what happens,'" Chris confessed."So I wasn't really forcing the issue, and that's why I'm so lucky and happy that it happened."About two weeks after their first date, Chris admitted he received an invitation in the mail for a wedding in Costa Rica and made the bold move of filling in Anna's name as his plus-one -- without even asking her first.Anna said once Chris asked her to go on the vacation with him, she was totally onboard, even though their romance was moving "fast.""I was really excited. I didn't have many expectations going in, because you never know, and then also, this man has a sparkle you just don't see through a screen, and I was just smitten," Anna recalled.Anna gushed about Chris' great smile and blue eyes, and Chris ultimately committed to a move to back to Chicago. The couple, however, were both open to moving at the time.Anna originally competed on Matt James ' season of The Bachelor, and Chris appeared on "five-and-a-half" seasons of The Bachelor franchise.Chris began dating Anna after his failed engagement to Katie Morton , whom he proposed marriage to on Season 6 of in 2019.Chris and Katie worked on their relationship for several months but announced they had decided to call it quits and end their engagement in December 2019.In January 2022, Chris said on the "She's All Bach" podcast that his dating life was "good," according to Us Weekly."You know, it was bad for a while. After Katie, I didn't date anybody really. Recently, it's been pretty good," Chris said.But Chris wouldn't admit that he had a romantic connection with Anna brewing at the time."I'm not going to confirm or deny those allegations," Chris said of dating rumors that had been floating around. "But I know Anna. She's a great girl... We're definitely friends. I enjoy spending time with her."Chris said he was really enjoying his time dating off-camera with "no stress" behind it and that he was very happy.Chris found fame when he competed for Emily Maynard 's heart on The Bachelorette's eighth season. He later appeared on Season 3 of Bachelor Pad and finished as the runner-up.Chris crashed Andi Dorfman 's season of The Bachelorette but she rejected his advances and didn't allow him to join the cast.Chris then returned for Season 1 of , after which he announced his retirement from The Bachelor franchise. However, he decided to look for love once again on television via Season 6 of .For Anna's part, she competed on Season 25 of The Bachelor and then attempted a relationship with James Bonsall on Bachelor in Paradise in Summer 2021. Anna, however, left both shows single and looking for The One.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Instagram / Hayley Erbert

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/06/2026



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

judge Derek Hough and wife Hayley Erbert have welcomed their first child together and revealed the baby's gender and name.Derek, 40, and Hayley, 31, announced the arrival of their baby girl via Instagram on Monday, January 5.The Extra host and Hayley posted a black-and-white photo of their hands cupped around the newborn's feet.Derek and his dance partner named their daughter Everley Capri Hough."December 29, 2025 Everley Capri Hough [heart emoji]," the couple wrote in their caption, noting Everley's birth date."Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed."Derek and Hayley, who got married in August 2023, first revealed they were expecting a child in late July."We can't believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small," Hayley wrote in an Instagram announcement.Hayley tagged Derek in her post, which was a video set to "So Small" by Alexander Jean.In the video, Derek walked toward his wife as she stood on the edge of a grassy cliff.Hayley, wearing white, wrapped her arms around Derek's neck as he approached her, and then she let a strip of ultrasound photos fall out of her hands.Hayley's baby bump was also noticeable in the sweet post.Derek met Hayley -- who was a contestant on Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance before joining the DWTS Troupe -- when she was cast as one of the dancers for his and sister Julianne Hough 's "Move Live Tour" in 2014.Derek and Hayley, however, didn't begin dating until one year after working together.Derek proposed marriage to Hayley in June 2022, and Derek gushed to Us Weekly at the time about how he loved calling Hayley his "fiancee" rather than just his girlfriend."I think that word now feels right to the way I feel and to my commitment to her and to our love and story and life together... Hayley is The One," Derek told the magazine."I know she's just going to be an amazing mother and amazing wife and she's so thoughtful, so caring, so loving."Derek pointed out how he could tell Hayley is going to be an amazing mom by the way she treats animals and cares for their pets."I mean if she's even a quarter of the way she is with our animals how she is with our kids -- I just can't wait to see her be a mom," Derek said at the time.Derek and the pro dancer went on to tie the knot in August 2023 , and their relationship was put to the test when Hayley entered a health crisis in 2023.In early December 2023, Hayley became "disoriented" after a performance on the couple's "Symphony of Dance Tour" and was taken to the hospital, where she discovered she had a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy.Hayley went to the hospital only one day after aired its Season 32 finale on ABC, when Marvel star Xochitl Gomez and her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy were crowned champions.A couple of weeks later, Hayley had a cranioplasty to replace a large portion of her skull that had been removed during her prior surgery.Derek and Hayley made their first public appearance together when they went out walking in Los Angeles, CA, after her two surgeries in early February 2024.A little over one year later, Hayley performed with Derek on , and their emotional dance to "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone represented Hayley's healing journey and ultimate comeback.Derek and Hayley have said Hayley's struggles gave them a new outlook on life just wrapped its 34th season in November with wildlife conservationist and pro partner Witney Carson being crowned champions.
I concluded last year with two in-depth articles about Nvidia. I thought when I was writing Whats next for Nvidia stock in 2026 that there wouldnt be any news about Nvidia for a while.

Then, Nvidia completed its investment in Intel, and I wrote Nvidia makes good on a key 2025 promise, a detailed analysis of that collaboration.

I thought at that point that January would be quiet, but I was very wrong.

Nvidia decided to go all in with its announcements during CES. It almost looks as if the company may have nothing left to reveal during its own GTC conference in March.

The company went as far as unveiling its next generation of GPUs  Vera Rubin, which is something it would usually save for GTC.

Why the rush? Is the bubble about to burst, or is AMDs Helios rack system, which is also set to launch this year, putting pressure on Nvidia?

I think it is AMDs Helios and Googles TPUs that have made Nvidia shift gears, and it shows.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes "the ChatGPT moment for physical AI is here."Shutterstock-Glen Photo  Shutterstock-Glen Photo

Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as its top AI pick

Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya and his team attended Nvidias (NVDA) CES 2026 keynote and financial analyst Q&A session on January 5. Following the event, they updated their opinion on NVDA stock in a research note shared with TheStreet.

The team said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang noted that very high demand for AI computing continues, and announced the new Vera Rubin AI platform.

Analysts noted their highlights from the event:

AI scaling remains on track, with five times the token generation and 10 times the cost reduction per year.

Six new AI chips were announced for the Vera Rubin platform, slated for the second half of 2026.

The company unveiled a new pod-level context memory storage platform.

Nvidia continues to run every single major LLM today.

AI will be funded by the modernization of AI and the shifting of R&D methods.

The Groq/SRAM deal could be beneficial for extremely low-latency workloads.

AI is scaling beyond LLMs, into physical AI.

China's H200 demand is there, but it is still awaiting licenses.

An informed and careful reader will notice that the analyst team must have overlooked the fact that Google Gemini 3 was trained and is running on Googles own TPUs, as reported by CNBC.

The team said Nvidias continued dominance in AI compute, networking system, and ecosystem is trading at just approximately 19 multiple price to earnings ratio, or in line with the broader S&P 500 index, despite its superior, greater-than-35% EPS CAGR and upwards of 40% free cash flow.

Arya reiterated a buy rating and the target price of $275, based on 28 multiple his estimate for price-to-earnings ratio excluding cash for calendar year 2027, which is within Nvidias historical forward year price-to-earnings range of 25 to 56.
Total pending Customs arrears, including amounts under litigation, court stays and cases where the appeal period has not expired, stood at about Rs 1.36 trillion at the end of December 2024.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

The government is likely to announce a Customs amnesty scheme in the Union Budget for 2025-2026 to clear a large backlog of legacy disputed cases, according to people familiar with the matter.

The proposed scheme is expected to target long-pending Customs disputes stuck at various stages, including tribunals and courts.

Cases involving gold, wilful default, narcotics and smuggling will be excluded, they said.

Under the proposal, eligible taxpayers would be able to settle disputes by paying only the principal Customs duty amount, with the government considering a waiver of interest and penalties, said one of the sources.

The move is expected to unlock capital for businesses while enabling faster recovery of dues.

Customs arrears continue to account for a significant share of indirect tax pendency.

As of December 2024, a total of 72,592 Customs cases involving recoverable arrears were pending, amounting to Rs 24,016.20 crore, according to the ninth report of the standing committee on dinance (2024-2025), Eighteenth Lok Sabha on Demands for Grants (2025-26) of the ministry of finance's department of eevenue.

Total pending Customs arrears, including amounts under litigation, court stays and cases where the appeal period has not expired, stood at about Rs 1.36 trillion at the end of December 2024.

Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Customs simplification would be the government's next major reform priority.

Reducing the pendency of Customs disputes, according to experts, must be a core element of any such reform.

Interest and penalties are typically three times the original duty demand in Customs cases, said Vivek Jalan, partner at Tax Connect Advisory Services.

"If the duty demand is Rs 100, the total demand can be around Rs 300. For bona fide mistakes, this is a huge cost, especially in the current geopolitically stressful environment for businesses," he said.

Many disputes arise from genuine errors, Jalan added, such as classification issues, where importers have already corrected HSN codes and duty rates after receiving showcause notices or orders, but continue to contest past periods due to the heavy burden of interest and penalties, pleading a "genuine error".

Abhishek Jain, partner and national head of indirect tax at KPMG, said a well-designed amnesty scheme for pending customs litigation could significantly "reduce burden on courts and tribunals, unlock blocked revenue and provide certainty to businesses".

"If structured with reasonable settlement terms and clear eligibility, such a scheme can be a powerful tool for dispute resolution and improving ease of doing business," he said.

Abhishek A Rastogi, founder of Rastogi Chambers, said resolving these cases through a targeted amnesty scheme would release substantial working capital back to businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, while enabling faster revenue recovery for the government.

"It is a win-win step that reduces litigation fatigue and helps restore trust in the system," he said.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Shares of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) tumbled on Tuesday, posting its biggest single-day decline in 19 months, amid controversy over its purchase of Russian oil and profit-booking after recent gains.

Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

The stock of Reliance Industries declined 4.5 per cent and ended the session at Rs 1,508.90, its biggest one-day decline since June 4, 2024. Reliance Industries market capitalisation declined by Rs 95,407 crore.

A news report last week claimed that at least three tankers carrying Russian crude oil are indicating Reliance Industries plant in Indias west coast as their next destination.

Reliance Industries denied the report. And an updated news report on Tuesday said that the Russian oil cargo earlier linked to Reliance had been discharged elsewhere.

The decline in Reliance Industries was partly attributed to profit-booking after it hit new highs.

The stock had hit a new record high in Mondays session.

And in 2025, the stock had gained 29 per cent against Niftys gain of 10.5 per cent.

Overall sentiments in the markets are weak, and there is profit-booking across largecaps.

"And news reports on Russian oil purchases and US President Donald Trumps renewed threat of additional sanctions are adding to uncertainty and selling pressure, even as the stock recently hit new highs.

"We are bullish on Reliance. Any negative news-flow will lead to panic-selling if it comes at a time when the overall sentiment is weak, said Siddhartha Khemka, head of research - wealth management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Analysts warnings about increased competition in the retail sector, and CLSA's decision to drop Reliance from its portfolio also weighed on sentiment.

The institutional brokerage and investment group, in a strategy note on Tuesday, said it is boosting its consumption exposure by adding Eternal and DMart to its India-focus portfolio, and exiting Reliance and Nestle.

Concerns about the impact of a weak overall consumption trend, and increasing competition in the retail sector also weighed on sentiment.

Citi, in a note on Tata groups Trent, flagged concerns that the intense competition in the sector is eroding incumbents market share.

Reliances retail business is a big contributor to its overall market capitalisation.

Analysts said they remain bullish on the company despite the near-term headwinds.

The contribution of oil, gas, and petrochemicals to Reliances revenue is declining.

"The company is smartly diversifying into FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), new energy, and digital businesses.

"And there is no need to worry about the long-term prospects, said Chokkalingam, founder of Equinomics.
'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a road show for the Amravati municipal corporation election campaign, Amravati, January 4, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Avinash Jadhav, district head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Thane and Palghar units, has moved the court challenging what he calls a 'dangerous precedent' in the state's local body elections, where almost 70 candidates from the ruling Mahayuti alliance have reportedly been elected unopposed.

At the last count of 68 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party won 44, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 22 seats. Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, which is fighting the local polls separately, accounted for the remaining two seats.

Alleging large-scale coercion, bribery, and misuse of the election machinery to force Opposition candidates out of the fray, Jadhav warns that Indian democracy itself is under threat in the state.

According to Jadhav, such a high number of unopposed victories is unprecedented in Maharashtra and cannot be dismissed as coincidence or a technical lapse.

In an interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, Jadhav claims that Opposition candidates were either pressured to withdraw their nominations or faced arbitrary rejection of their papers, effectively clearing the field for ruling alliance candidates to be elected without a contest.

Citing specific cases from Thane and surrounding regions, Jadhav alleges police involvement, last-minute withdrawals, and election officials acting in a partisan manner.

He argues that these actions point to a systematic effort to engineer outcomes even before polling day, thus undermining the Constitutional right of citizens to choose their representatives.

As the state Election Commission has ordered an internal inquiry into the win, Jadhav remains unconvinced and has filed a petition in the Bombay high court demanding a court-monitored investigation into the large-scale withdrawal of nominations.

Ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for January 15, Jadhav insists that judicial intervention is the only way to restore public confidence and prevent what he describes as 'sale of democracy' in Maharashtra.

Why have you gone to court against the unopposed win of Mahayuti candidates in the elections?

I have filed a petition in the courts stating that 70 councillors in the upcoming local elections in Maharashtra have got elected unopposed. This has happened for the first time in the history of the state.

There used to be one or two incidents where councillors were elected unopposed and that used to be in cases like Opposition parties filling wrong forms or some wrong attachment of form which was then rejected by the returning officer resulting in the unopposed victory.

But this time there are nearly 70 such cases.

This is a danger to the Constitution of India as so many councillors are elected unopposed. There is no contest against them. And in some cases where our candidates have withdrawn their nomination forms, they have been bribed to the tune of Rs 5 crore.

Therefore, I had to go to court and file the petition. Now the state election commission too has swung into action and launched an inquiry into these cases, but we are demanding that a retired judge should investigate this case. If not, a high court appointed panel must inquire into how 70 people can get elected unopposed.

But these are only your allegations of Rs 5 crore being paid as bribe. There is no proof.

You then think and tell me, not one or two but almost 70 people have withdrawn from the election fray which has led to unopposed win for Mahayuti candidates.

One example I will give you right now. We had a candidate from the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. He had filed the AB form (issues by a political party nominating a person as its official candidate) and was to contest the election as the Shiv Sena-UBT candidate but he withdrew at the last moment, resulting in victory for Mahayuti candidate.

Now, here is the twist. There is a video of this candidate escorted by a police officer to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's residence. Later, the same police officer accompanies the candidate to the election office where he withdraws his candidature.

What does this indicate? Either he was pressurised to withdraw or there is some other reason whose answer we do not know.

Another candidate of ours was called at 2 am and offered Rs 5 crore to withdraw his candidature.

Democracy is on sale in Maharashtra.

Do you think the people of Maharashtra know this?

Every voter in Maharashtra is angry and they know what is going on in the state.

They know their voting rights are being snatched.

Today, they are conducting elections but later you never know, it is only the ruling party candidates who will be allowed to file the AB form.

Can you explain how this system works and why your nominations are being rejected?

One of our candidates, Prachi Gadge in Thane, got a call from the election office at Thane that she has some discrepancy in her papers and must come to the election office with appropriate papers before 11 am.

Prachi Gadge reaches the election office at 10.30 am and waits because the election officers are busy eating breakfast. She sits in front of them and waits for her turn.

After these election officers have finished their breakfast she approaches them with the relevant documents. And to her surprise, Prachi is told by the same officers that her time is up as she was submitting the form at 11.05 am.

The reason for which she was called was even more frivolous. She got married and had changed her address so she was called to verify the new address. And since they delayed her time to post 11 am, they are telling her that her nomination stands rejected.

Is a wrong address a valid reason to reject one's nomination?

There are only three reasons the nomination form of a candidate can be rejected.

The first one is when the suchak (proposer) and anumodak (seconder) signatures are missing from the form.

The second reason can be if the candidate for some reason forgets to sign the form.

And third, if your affidavit column form is nirank (blank), then it can be rejected.

No other reason is given to reject a candidate who wishes to contest elections.

But you are such seasoned politicians, your party is two decades old in politics and yet these things are happening.

A big conspiracy is going on to rig the elections. I don't know what the future holds.

In the future every party will have not one form but three forms ready because the BJP is capable of buying out Opposition candidates even before voting begins.

With the model code of conduct in force, the police do not report to the government, so are there any assurances from them in the case?

Yes, right now the Thane police commissioner has assured me that action will be taken against two returning officers.

You have approached the courts and the election is on January 15. Don't you think you are too late?

We cannot do anything to advance court proceeding, but yes, we have requested the court to intervene and give us a hearing on an earlier date.

You are accusing the Mahayuti government of buying out candidates before elections, but the same kind of allegation was made by Uddhav Thackeray before the 2024 assembly elections and yet Eknath Shinde's party won with good numbers.

All of Maharashtra knows that the machines (EVMs) were set for them to ensure their victory. They are finding out new ways to win elections.

This time they are winning without letting Opposition candidates contest.

This is a new pattern which the BJP has introduced in India.

It is only because of me that people are coming to know about this rigging.

In the future this pattern will repeat in other states. This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.

By saying all this you are planting a doubt in voters' mind and also blaming the Election Commission.

You think they are an independent body?

Who are the workers who work in the Election Commission of India in Thane? It is Thane municipality employees who are loaned to the Election Commission during election time.

These officers work in election office only during election time, the rest of the year they are working in the Thane municipal office. All these returning officers are friends with councillors of the ruling party.
'The watershed moment was June 22, 2024, when the divisional in-charge of Gadchiroli, Giridhar Tumreti, who was their senior-most commander, along with his wife, came forward to surrender before the then deputy chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

IMAGE: A Maoist lays down arms before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Gadchiroli police headquarters, October 15, 2025.

Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra has witnessed an unprecedented decline in Maoist insurgency, with 783 Maoists surrendering before the police under the state's Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy since its introduction in 2005.

The years 2024 and 2025 have been particularly transformative, marked by several watershed moments that signal the movement's imminent collapse in the region.

The most significant breakthrough occurred on October 15, 2024, when senior Communist Party of India (Maoist) leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupati or Sonu -- carrying a bounty of Rs 6 crore -- surrendered along with 61 senior cadres before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Gadchiroli police headquarters.

The group relinquished 54 firearms, including seven AK-47 assault rifles, six self-loading rifles and six INSAS assault rifles. This surrender was particularly symbolic as Bhupati had been instrumental in strengthening Maoist networks across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh in the last four decades.

Earlier, on January 1, 2025, another mass surrender saw 11 Maoists, including Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member Tarakka Sidam (Bhupati's wife), laying down their arms. Subsequently, in December 2025, 11 more Maoists carrying a combined bounty of Rs 82 lakh surrendered, demonstrating a cascading effect.

In this two-part interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal reveals the multi-pronged strategy that catalysed this remarkable transformation.

2025 has witnessed a noticeable rise in Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli. What changes on the ground persuaded Maoist cadres to abandon violence in Maharashtra?

IMAGE: Then Maharashtra director general of police Rashmi Shukla inaugurates a Dada-Lora centre in Gadchiroli. Photograph: Kind courtesy GADCHIROLI POLICE

We have adopted a multi-pronged approach to address this challenge comprehensively. Firstly, we conducted aggressive anti-Naxal operations in both North and South Gadchiroli, with particular emphasis on the southern region, which had been more severely affected.

It is important to note that we administer an area of 14,500 square kilometres, bordering five (Maoism-affected) districts of Chhattisgarh.

The second element was our community development-led approach. Previously liberated areas -- those under Maoist control -- were systematically connected to the mainstream. To achieve this, we secured the construction of roads and bridges, and ensured the installation of mobile towers in these hitherto isolated regions.

Over the past three years, we have successfully commissioned 521 mobile towers across all tehsils (of Gadchiroli district), vastly improving connectivity. Additionally, 65 bridges have been constructed, and roads have been built in the most remote areas.

These infrastructural developments have consumed approximately three years of concerted effort. This developmental initiative aimed at integrating the population with the mainstream system.

To accomplish this integration, we addressed the security vacuum that existed. We had a substantial security vacuum of approximately 3,000 square kilometres (the so-called liberated free zone in Dandakaranya, which spreads across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, the core operational area of the Maoists), which we have reduced to merely 500 square kilometres over the last three years.

This was achieved by opening new forward operating bases in all Maoist-dominated areas where they previously exercised unchallenged dominance. We established our outposts in such locations, and we are preparing to inaugurate two additional posts in the coming months.

This systematic approach has resulted in the reduction of the security vacuum, enhanced police presence in previously inaccessible areas, and the establishment of law and order.

Following the restoration of police presence was followed by the percolation of development activities -- roads, mobile tower connectivity, water supply infrastructure, and other welfare schemes.

Crucially, we also initiated community policing programmes. We launched two flagship schemes in this regard: 'Police Dada-Lora Khidki' and 'Project Udaan'.

The term 'Dada' means elder brother in Gondi, the local tribal language, while 'Lora' translates to 'door', and 'Khidki' means 'window'. Essentially, we have opened a window in every outpost where any individual requiring assistance can simply visit our police station. Our FOB's/outposts function as a single-window facilitation centre.

Whether someone lacks documentation for various schemes, does not possess an Aadhaar card, does not maintain a bank account, or is unable to access benefits from numerous central and state government schemes, they need only visit our police station.

We function as a single-window facilitation centre. The police assist in completing the requisite forms, which are then submitted to the appropriate departments. Subsequently, schemes like the Ayushman Bharat cards (just to give one example) and other documents are processed by our officers and ultimately distributed to the beneficiaries at their doorstep. This single-window system has proved to be transformative.

These three approaches -- intensive anti-Naxal operations, development-led initiatives (including the creation of new outposts and reduction of the security vacuum), and our community policing initiatives -- have collectively succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of the people in previously liberated areas who used to support the Maoist movement.

Support (for the Maoists) has been reduced dramatically. The security vacuum is now confined to only 500 square kilometres.

A telling indicator of our success is that not a single person from Gadchiroli has been recruited into Maoist ranks in the last four-and-a-half years. The Maoists have been unable to secure recruits either from Gadchiroli. Those who have surrendered have confirmed this. Consequently, their linkage with the populace in previously liberated areas has been severed. We have successfully established our dominance over the people's affections and trust.

Without public support, the Maoists cannot survive.

This multi-pronged approach has led to the erosion of public support, and at present, I would assert that there exists virtually no public support -- at least, none that I am aware of.

Over the last year, and continuing into 2025, hardcore villagers declared 'Gaon Bandi' (no entry) against the Maoists in their respective villages. They refused to provide food, rations, or any form of support, and did so without fearing retaliation.

That demonstrates the faith the police have been able to restore among locals. We have successfully reclaimed popular support. Without public backing, the Maoist movement cannot persist, cannot endure. This ultimately precipitated the mass surrenders.

Could you elaborate on the watershed moments that triggered this cascade of surrenders?

IMAGE: Then Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla along with the C-60 police commandos and surrendered Maoists holding a copy of the Constitution. Photograph: Kind courtesy GADCHIROLI POLICE

The second critical factor was that we instilled fear in them -- a recognition that we are prepared to engage them anywhere, even deep inside their Dandakaranya strongolds.

The watershed moment was June 22, 2024, when the divisional in-charge of Gadchiroli, Giridhar Tumreti, who was their senior-most commander, along with his wife, came forward to surrender before the then deputy chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The symbolic power of such a senior cadre, against whom multiple cases were registered, receiving an opportunity to surrender in Gadchiroli had a cascading effect. That single moment shattered their confidence and triggered mass surrenders across regions. Following Giridhar's surrender, approximately 150 more Maoist cadres surrendered.

In 2025, we are discussing 112 surrenders. This includes the historic surrender on October 15, 2024, when Bhupati, the Dandakaranya special zonal committee member, surrendered along with 61 other cadres carrying 54 weapons. This was also unprecedented.

Subsequently, 426 individuals surrendered in different parts of the country -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana -- within just 45 days (of Bhupati's surrender). Over 350 (sophisticated) weapons were also surrendered.

Most of these weapons were sophisticated -- AK-47 calibre automatic weapons and in-house manufactured single-shot rifles.

Have the surrendered Maoists or those who have been apprehended divulged information about who is funding the movement and where they are procuring weapons?

Regarding their arms procurement, what we have recovered are weapons that had been looted from security forces. For instance, the weapons we recovered included those seized during the 2010 Tadmetla massacre, when 76 CRPF jawans were martyred and all equipment was looted.

Bhupati himself brought back weapons that had been looted in the (2019) Jambulkheda blast, which claimed the lives of 15 Gadchiroli police personnel. All the weapons and ammunition they had been carrying were sophisticated items looted from security forces.

As for funding, it is evident they have been receiving money through extortion or protection money from various sources -- particularly from tendu leaves contractors, road construction contractors, and bamboo traders.

In 2023, they were collecting approximately Rs 18 crore (Rs 180 million) annually from extortion. This figure reduced to Rs 5 crore (Rs 5 million) in 2024, and further declined to merely Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000) in 2025.

In July 2024, we declared North Gadchiroli completely cleared. The focus then shifted to South Gadchiroli from January 1, 2025.

Today, out of our nine tehsils, only a small portion of one sub-division remains affected (by Maoist ideology), with approximately ten hardcore cadres. Those ten are also on the verge of surrender or neutralisation and our appeal to them is to surrender and accept the Constitution.

What role did the Gadchiroli police play in persuading Bhupati to surrender? Why did he choose to surrender in Maharashtra?

IMAGE: Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, Neelotpal. Photograph: Kind courtesy GADCHIROLI POLICE

The first achievement was that we were able to instill confidence in everyone who was contemplating surrender. We assured them that they would be accepted without any terms and conditions, and that they would be provided with a genuine sense of security -- that nothing adverse would befall them.

This sense of security, combined with the sense of ownership we have demonstrated towards surrendered cadres, has been pivotal.

We have approximately 70 former Maoists currently employed with the Lloyds Steel Plant today. The state government is ensuring protection and rehabilitation.

You mentioned that family members played a role. What about local villagers and intelligence inputs in identifying and persuading the Maoists to surrender -- especially the roles played by Bhupati and his wife, Tarakka?

Indeed, their contributions have been substantial. Bhupati's wife had previously surrendered (in January 2025). Some surrendered Maoists maintain contact with those still active. Some of those we have apprehended also establish communication with them.

Family members who are now living lives of dignity in our area have been instrumental. Over the past two years, we have invited family members of active Maoist cadres to our surrender programmes. They gained a sense of dignity and realised that even if their brother or relative is involved in the revolutionary movement, they themselves can live in Gadchiroli as ordinary villagers without facing ostracism. That dignity I am describing is significant.

In all surrender programmes conducted over the last year, we invited the family members of those we wished to persuade. Villagers also played a considerable role in conveying the message to them: That enough is enough, that numerous people are returning to the mainstream.

Part 2 of the Interview: 'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
The gas well blaze near the Irusumanda village in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh will be doused in a week's time, an official said on Tuesday, citing information from ONGC officials.

Photograph: ANI on X

A massive jet fire of up to 20 metres height and 25 metres width erupted around 12.40 pm on January 5 near Mori and Irusumanda villages after a gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)-owned well, Mori-5, whose intensity has been reduced now.

"In one week, we will be capping the whole incident, they (ONGC officials) said. They said it will take one week. Fire's intensity and the spread of flames reduced from Tuesday morning slowly. Right now, everything is under control," Konaseema district collector R Mahesh Kumar said, addressing a press conference, accompanied by ONGC officials.

ONGC officials said the fire will be there for the next four to five days but with a minor flame, he said, adding that ONGC officials have confirmed to him that 'there are no chances of escalation'.

"As of now, everything is contained. There is nothing to worry about. We have asked all the local public to come back to their homes and back to normal life," Kumar said.

Compared to Monday, the collector said, up to 95 per cent of the flame's intensity, height and width had reduced.

Assuring people that it is at the 'bare minimum' level, he said they need not worry, and it is 'completely safe'.

Meanwhile, a senior ONGC official said the Maharatna public sector company will soon start capping off the gas well to douse the blaze.

"Surroundings around the well are quite safe for the inhabitants also," he claimed.

A call will be taken on whether to hire the services of American experts will be taken in a couple of days, he added.

"We have an agreement with a US team, Wild Well, also. So, we will take a call maybe tomorrow or day after tomorrow. They are already waiting and ready with their visas. If required, they will be immediately mobilised," the official said.

Wild Well Control is a company headquartered in Houston, Texas, US, which offers well control, emergency response, pressure control, relief well planning and other services related to the oil and gas industry, based on 'four decades of experience'.

The ill-fated gas well in the Konaseema district that caught fire is not operated by the Maharatna company but by its Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) Deep Industries Ltd, an Ahmedabad-based listed company.

Earlier, ONGC said its senior management has assumed operational control of the yet to be extinguished gas well blaze and finalised a comprehensive blowout control plan on Tuesday.

"The senior management of ONGC, including Director (Technology and Field Services) from Delhi along with Crisis Management Team (CMT) experts, have assumed operational control of Well Mori-5. A comprehensive blowout control plan has been finalised," an official press release from the public sector major said.

In the wake of continuous efforts, the ONGC team deployed at the inferno managed to reduce its intensity and size, which has been raging for more than a day already.

The firefighters completed the creation of a temporary canal from a nearby irrigation source to facilitate the deployment of high-capacity firewater pumps.

Fire pumps have reached the wellsite, and placement activities are in progress, ONGC said.

Besides reducing the flame's intensity and size, the firefighters have also managed to alter the flame to vertical direction.

'Air quality, noise levels, and nearby water bodies are being continuously monitored to minimise environmental impact within a 600-metre radius,' the press release said.

Further, it noted that the ONGC is in continuous coordination with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and an effective response.

All operations are being carried out with the highest standards of safety and environmental care, it added.

ONGC expert teams have arrived from Mumbai and Delhi to douse the blaze, an official said earlier on Tuesday.

"They (firefighters) have created a water umbrella to make the temperature cool down, but the flames are still coming, so the expert teams will arrive and they will assess the situation, and accordingly they will take all measures to douse the flames," Konaseema joint collector T Nisanthi told PTI.

By sprinkling water, all the trees surrounding the fire jet are being cooled off, said Nisanthi, reiterating that the flames had reduced over a day.

There were hopes the flames will be doused at the earliest, she said, noting that all efforts are being made.

"They will assess the situation first, and only based on the assessment, they will be able to tell," she said when asked about a timeline for completely extinguishing the blaze.

Revenue, Police and Fire department officials, along with ONGC, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Red Cross personnel are toiling hard to extinguish the flames, she said.

As many as 600 people from three villages around the fire were evacuated on Monday for safety, who are now being called back.

Deep Industries Ltd had secured a Rs 1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC's Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh, according to reports.

The company has been operating the Mori-5 well for about a year, an ONGC official said.
A controversy has erupted in Karnataka following allegations that the police disrobed a Bharatiya Janata Party woman functionary while arresting her recently in Hubballi in connection with an attack on government officials.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police rejected the woman's allegation, saying she removed her clothes herself and also attacked the cops, causing them bite injuries.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blamed the woman for the incident, while the BJP alleged that its party functionary was disrobed by the police.

A video of the woman being topless has gone viral, sparking a row.

Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner N Shashikumar on Wednesday dismissed her allegations, claiming the woman not only disrobed herself but also bit four police officers, including two sub-inspectors, in their abdomen.

According to sources, there was an encroachment of government land. To clear it, revenue officials had gone there with policemen, and they were attacked by the alleged illegal occupants.

A case was registered in this connection, and the woman was a key accused. When a police team went to pick her up, she resisted arrest, they claimed.

The police team overpowered her and bundled her into the police vehicle.

Videos of the woman emerged showing her topless. She alleged the police team disrobed her.

Refuting the charge, Shashikumar explained the chronology of the events to reporters.

He said that when government officers went to the Chalukya Nagar area of Keshwapur in Hubballi, for a land survey, people quarrelled with them and attacked them.

Three separate cases were registered in this connection. The investigating officer of the cases decided to arrest one of the women involved in the offence.

While effecting the arrest, the investigating officer had shown utmost restraint and precaution. He had taken about 8-10 women officers and staff, knowing very well that there was a possibility of some nuisance, Shashikumar said.

"Despite that, when she was taken inside the police vehicle, she undressed herself. Our women officers and staff who were present at the spot took the assistance of local people and got a separate dress for her," the officer said.

He added that the police repeatedly requested her to wear another cloth.

"So the accusation against the police is absolutely false, and it is made with all bad intentions. I have verified the sequence of events," Shashikumar said.

He said he has still asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough inquiry into the whole sequence of events from January 1 to 5.

Shashikumar said the woman has about nine cases pending against her. She has been sent to judicial custody. Four women police officers got injured in the melee, he said.

"Two were very badly injured because she bit them in their abdomen, and two others have also sustained some injuries. And three to four of our male staff have also sustained some injuries. But they thought, you know, it's part of our job, and why should complain," Shashikumar said.

"Men officers and staff have not given any complaint, but lady officers, two of them are very badly injured and have filed a complaint," he added.

Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Siddaramaiah said the accused woman had bitten police officers.

"When police officers went to arrest her she bit many officers. It's very bad. There was an FIR against her. When police personnel went to arrest her, she beat them and bit them," the chief minister said.

He said no one should take law into their hands or else, they will face legal action.

The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, condemned the police action.

"The inhuman incident that took place where Hubballi Keswapur police stripped and beat a BJP woman worker in response to a complaint filed by a Congress party municipal member has become another example of the hate politics that the state Congress government, which has been in power, is carrying out unabashedly, bringing shame upon itself," Ashoka alleged in a post on 'X'.

He charged that criminal incidents such as attempts to murder opposition legislators, attacks on opposition workers, and atrocities are all becoming commonplace in Karnataka under the Congress rule.

"Congress government led by CM Siddaramaiah has imposed an undeclared emergency in the state," he alleged.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said the mortal remains of Nikitha Godishala, who was allegedly killed in the United States, are expected to be brought to the country on January 7 or 8.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

He said all legal and administrative procedures have been completed.

In a post on X, Reddy said, "Sharing an update concerning the unfortunate demise of Ms Nikitha Godishala in Maryland, USA: All required procedures have now been completed, and the mortal remains are expected to be flown to India either today or tomorrow."

He also posted a letter from the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC which stated that it has no objection to the mortal remains of Nikitha being taken to India.

Following a request from the family of Nikitha Godishala, Kishan Reddy had contacted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate the repatriation of her remains to India.

Nikitha Godishala (27) of Ellicott City in America was reported missing on January 2. Howard County police had said that she was found dead with stab wounds in the Columbia, Maryland apartment of her ex-roommate, Arjun Sharma, 26.

The US police have obtained a warrant for Sharma's arrest on first and second-degree murder charges, alleging that he killed her and fled to India.

The family members of Nikitha Godishala have urged the authorities in the US to issue an international arrest warrant against the suspect in her alleged killing for his quick arrest.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest United States actions in the South American country.

IMAGE: A person leans next to graffiti that reads 'To doubt is treason. Loyal people', days after the US launched a strike on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 6, 2026. Photograph: Gaby Oraa/Reuters

"Yes, we are concerned at developments in Venezuela. We would urge all parties to sit down and come to the position of well being and safety of the people of Venezuela because at the end of the day that is our concern and we would want Venezuela the country with whom over many many years we had very good relations. So we would like the people to come out well"," Jaishankar said.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties.

Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

In a statement, the MEA said it was closely monitoring the developments in the country.

"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region," the MEA said.

The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.

On Saturday, the MEA also issued an advisory for Indian citizens in view of the unfolding situation in Venezuela.

"In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls)," the MEA said.

Meanwhile, Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela Y K Sinha on Monday called India's statement on the US air strikes on Venezuela and the capture of deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife as 'very measured', saying New Delhi has to remain mindful of its bilateral ties with the United States and other countries.

Sinha noted that most countries, including European nations, have responded cautiously to the US action, with China and Russia being the main exceptions that strongly condemned the strikes on a sovereign nation.

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, "I think the international community has by and large not supported the action. There are some exceptions. I think Israel and Argentina perhaps, but most countries have been measured in their, except China and Russia who have condemned it. Russia was among the first. India's reaction or statement that has come out from the External Affairs Ministry is very measured and obviously doesn't want to apportion blame at this stage . Because we have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries."

This comes after the US launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York.

The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.
The son of Ittehade Millat Council (IMC) leader was booked for allegedly carrying some crystal meth in his car which met with an accident, the police said on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: X

Farman Raza Khan (30) was on the way to Bareilly in his car which rammed into a bus late Tuesday night near Kachhiyani Kheda temple in Shahjahanpur, they said.

"The car was badly damaged, but no one was injured in the accident, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi told PTI.

Khan is the son of IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan who is an accused in the violence in Bareilly that erupted during the 'I Love Muhammad' protests in September 26 last year.

The police rushed to the accident spot and safely took Farman out of the car and provided him first aid.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the police recovered half a gram of crystal meth, an illegal substance, from a bag kept inside the car, the SP said.

During questioning, he said he had purchased one gram crystal meth from Delhi for personal consumption and had already used a portion of it. The remaining quantity was recovered by the the police, Dwivedi said.

He added that after the accident, Farman initially tried to make excuses to evade a search by the police and delaying the opening of the car's boot.

When the police acted firmly, he handed over the keys and the narcotic substance was recovered, the SP said.

An FIR was registered under the relevant section of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances act (NDPS) Act. Further legal action is being taken in the matter, the police said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has entered into post-poll alliances with rivals Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in some municipal councils in Maharashtra, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday rejected the tie-ups and warned of action against party leaders involved.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra_X/ANI Photo

Following the civic elections last month, the BJP joined hands with the Congress, its arch-rival, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to form the Ambernath Municipal Council leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena.

The BJP also struck a similar alliance with the AIMIM and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

Fadnavis, however, made it clear that such arrangements were not approved by the party's senior leadership and violated organisational discipline.

"I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline and action will be taken," Fadnavis told a news channel, adding that instructions had already been issued to undo such alliances.

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Sanjay Raut, however, said, "What happened in Akot and Ambernath shows frivolous behaviour of the BJP. The party can forge an alliance with anyone to grab power."

Notably, BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena are allies in the Mahayuti government in the state.

In Ambernath, the BJP forged a post-poll understanding with the Congress and the NCP, securing a majority of 31 seats, even though the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 councillors.

The three parties have come together, claiming that the move is aimed at 'saving the town' and ensuring stable administration. The Shiv Sena, however, slammed the move, calling it 'unethical and opportunistic'.

Sena MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar called it a betrayal of 'coalition dharma' and contrary to the BJP's national slogan of a 'Congress-mukt Bharat'.

CM Fadnavi asserted that such alliances would not be acceptable under any circumstances and said action would be initiated against local leaders who defied party directions.

BJP councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected the Ambernath Municipal Council president, defeating Sena's Manisha Walekar, and took the oath on Wednesday.

In the December 20 polls to the 60-member civic council, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 27 seats, falling just four short of a majority. The BJP secured 14 seats, Congress 12, NCP 4, while 2 independents were also elected.

With the support of one independent, the three-party coalition's strength has risen to 32 councillors, crossing the majority mark of 30. The election for the vice-president is due shortly.

BJP corporator Abhijit Karanjule Patil, who has been appointed the group leader, told the media that the alliance was formed to free Ambernath from 'corruption and intimidation'.

Sena MLA Kinikar, however, claimed that while the BJP speaks of a 'Congress-free India', it has partnered with the party locally only for power.

In Akot, the BJP formed the 'Akot Vikas Manch' with the AIMIM, besides support from the Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena-UBT, Shinde's Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar's NCP, Sharad Pawar-led NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Prahar Janshakti Party led by Bachchu Kadu.

The BJP won 11 seats in the 35-member council, with two seats pending election, and the AIMIM secured five seats. With the support of various other parties, the alliance's strength stands at 25.

BJP's Maya Dhule was elected mayor, defeating AIMIM's Firozabi Sikandar Rana. Ravi Thakur of the BJP was appointed group leader, with all allies bound by the party whip.

The alliance was formally registered with the Akola district administration on Wednesday, ahead of deputy mayor and committee elections on January 13.

The Congress, with six seats, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, with two, remained in the Opposition.
Nike (NKE) investors have endured a brutal stretch. The stock is down over 18% year-to-date and has lost 65% of its value since November 2021.

Over the past decade, shares have been essentially flat, down 2% for the period  showcasing a stunning underperformance while the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has repeatedly pushed to all-time highs.

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Yet BTIG analyst Robert Drbul just named Nike his top pick for 2026.

"We believe fundamentals will continue to improve over the next year," Drbul wrote in a recent bull note. "While the stock has bounced from the lows, we would note that the stock is still down YTD."

The question isn't whether Nike stock has struggled  it clearly has.

The real question is whether the market has already priced in the worst, and whether Nike's transformation from growth story to mature dividend payer creates an opportunity most investors are missing.

Nike is No Longer a Growth Stock

For most of its history on the stock exchange, Nike commanded a premium valuation. Investors paid up for strong margins, impeccable brand recognition, and global scale across footwear and apparel. During the pandemic, the company's direct-to-consumer (DTC) business thrived as buyers moved online.

That momentum didn't last. Nike's DTC push couldn't offset weakness in wholesale, and the company's product mix hasn't resonated with cost-conscious consumers.

The result: price cuts, margin compression, and innovation challenges. Revenue in fiscal Q1 2026 grew just 1% year-over-year to $11.7 billion, and weak results out of China also helped smack the stock lower.

The bear case is straightforward. Nike is losing market share to specialty brands like Hoka and On Cloud. New tariffs are expected to add $1.5 billion in costs this fiscal year. China sales remain under pressure. Management expects Q2 revenue to decline slightly (a period that includes the crucial holiday shopping season).

Despite the selloff, NKE stock still trades at 36 times trailing earnings, which looks expensive for a company in turnaround mode.

But that multiple tells only part of the story.
Slain Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's party has rejected the police chargesheet in his murder case and accused the state machinery of being involved in the killing.

Photograph: Kazi Salahuddin/Reuters

Inquilab Moncho on Tuesday also warned that those who 'have shed blood' may be forced to 'take blood as well' if justice is not ensured, Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported on Wednesday.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) Detective Branch on Tuesday pressed formal charges against 17 people, including prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the murder and said Hadi was killed due to 'political vengeance' at the behest of Awami League-nominated ward councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi.

Inquilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah al Jaber said 'even a lunatic would not believe' the claim that Hadi was murdered merely on the instructions of a ward councillor, asserting that the party does not accept the chargesheet submitted by police.

He claimed that an entire 'criminal syndicate', as well as the 'state machinery', was involved in the killing.

"Until they are brought to justice, our struggle will not stop. Any charge sheet that does not include their names is not acceptable to us," Jaber said after the conclusion of the party's 'March for Justice' programme.

He said Inquilab Moncho had carried out peaceful programmes to convey its demand for justice, but the chargesheet showed the government had ignored public sentiment and 'treated the people as fools'.

Jaber warned that if justice for Hadi's murder is not ensured and what he described as 'Indian hegemony' is not ended, the people would decide the consequences.

"These people have shed blood; if necessary, they will take blood as well," he said.

Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Hadi, 32, rose to national prominence during the July-August 2024 mass protests that led to the fall of the Hasina-led government, was shot in the head on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka.

He was also a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming February 12 elections. Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for treatment, but died on December 18.

At a press briefing in Dhaka on Tuesday, DMP Detective Branch's Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said the alleged shooter, Masud, was directly involved with the Awami League's student wing Chhatra League.

He said Hadi was murdered on the instructions of Bappi, who allegedly helped Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, another prime suspect, flee after the killing.

Bappi was also the president of Pallabi Thana Chhatra League.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus last year banned both the Awami League and its student wing.

Hadi's killing has triggered fresh political unrest in Bangladesh and strained ties with India, after some groups alleged an Indian link to the crime.

New Delhi has strongly rejected the accusations, calling them a 'false narrative'.

"We have rejected the false narrative that has been projected in Bangladesh. The law and order situation and developments happening there is the responsibility of the government of Bangladesh. To portray a narrative where things go in another direction is completely false, and we reject that," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last month in New Delhi.

He said India stands for strengthening its ties with the people of Bangladesh and favours peace and stability in the country.

India has also sought a thorough probe into Hadi's killing amid a sharp downturn in ties between the two countries.

On Dec 28, Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that the suspects, Masud and Sheikh, 'crossed into the Indian state of Meghalaya via the Haluaghat border with the help of local associates'.

Security agencies in Meghalaya dismissed the claims, describing them as 'unfounded and misleading'.

"There is no evidence to suggest that any individual crossed the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. The BSF has neither detected nor received any report of such an incident," Border Security Force (BSF) chief in Meghalaya, Inspector General O P Opadhyay, had said.

The Meghalaya Police also said there was 'no input or intelligence to corroborate' the claim of the suspects' presence in the Garo Hills region.

The Garo Hills region falls under Meghalaya's western sector, which shares an international border with Bangladesh and is guarded by the BSF.
India has gained the least since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and was penalised the most, while the US, China and the European Union emerged as the biggest beneficiaries from the war.

Kindly note that this image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Richard Carson/Reuters

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, the biggest buyers of Russian fossil fuels are still being dealt an easy hand, while India, which has contributed much less than China and the European Union to nearly a trillion dollar in Russian export revenues from fuels, has faced the stick, according to data from international forecasters and industry sources.

India's purchases of fossil fuels from Russia was just around half of what China paid and three fourths of what the EU contributed in the near four-year span of the conflict, industry data showed.

But US President Donald Trump slapped a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports earlier this year, half of which was in retaliation to India buying Russian oil.

And the US has refused to drop it in spite of Indian refiners slashing purchases in December.

China pays lower import duties than India on exports to the US and the EU pays a fraction, according to US government data.

The EU, which has introduced several sanctions and price caps on trade of Russian oil on Indian buyers, has contributed to 22 per cent of Russia's revenues from fossil fuel exports, second only to China, in the 46 months to December 25, 2025, according to calculations based on data from Finnish think-tank Centre for Research on Energy ... Clean Air (CREA).

'According to our estimates, since the beginning of the war, Russia earned 996 billion euros ($1.2 trillion) in revenue from fossil fuel exports,' CREA said in its latest data set.

'European Union countries purchased more than 218 billion euros of these exports.'

India and Turkey paid 162 billion euros and 117 billion euros, respectively, during the period, according to CREA.

Oil imports constituted 89 per cent of India's total expenditure on Russian fuels, with coal making up the rest.

Purchases may dwindle in 2026 -- after severe sanctions on Russian oil producers by Trump in October sent the share of Russian oil in India's crude basket falling by 14 percentage points on the month to around 22 per cent in December, ship tracking data accessed by Business Standard showed.

China is the biggest buyer of sanctioned oil, importing fuels from countries sanctioned by the UN such as Iran, and from Venezuela.

It paid 292 billion euros for fossil fuels imported from Russia from the beginning of Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 till December 25, 2025, accounting for 29 per cent of Russia's overall revenues from fuel exports since the beginning of the war.

Russia's piped gas deliveries to China grew by 25 per cent in 2025 on year to a new all-time high of 38.8 billion cubic metres -- now accounting for almost 9 per cent of China's gas demand, said Greg Molnar, gas analyst at the Paris-based International Energy Agency. And these supplies came cheap, Molnar said.

State-run CNPC paid around $9.5 billion for Russia's piped gas in 2025, translating into an average price of around $6.5 per million British thermal units, half of what India pays for imports of LNG -- natural gas supercooled to liquid form for ease of transportation.

It was also 45 per cent below the average European gas benchmark TTF price in 2025.

US biggest beneficiary

Ironically, Washington is the biggest beneficiary of the Russo-Ukraine war even after excluding the earnings from arms sales to Ukraine.

US fuel exporters gained hundreds billions of dollars in fresh sales of LNG and fuels to Europe -- a market which until 2021 was awash with cheaper pipeline gas from Russia-- catapulting America as the world's biggest supplier of LNG.

After the EU drastically slashed supplies of Russian gas and later diesel following the invasion of Ukraine, it was forced to turn to the US for the fuels, given the proximity and ease of shipments, industry officials said.

The US, which accounts for around 25 per cent of global LNG supply, up from virtually zero back in 2015, is Europe's main supplier of LNG, and the most expensive one, said Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, lead energy analyst IEEFA for Europe, in a Linkedin post.

European imports of US LNG rose by 46 per cent on year in the first half of 2025.

The US accounted for 57 per cent of the continent's LNG imports, which paid around 225 billion euros for LNG imports in the three years between 2022 and 2024, including 100 billion for US LNG.

'This high amount is partly because US LNG is more expensive for EU buyers than LNG from any other supplier,' Jaller-Makarewicz said.

The US Energy Agency forecasts US gas benchmark Henry Hub to average $4/mmBtu next year.

Russian supplies

Finally, after evading the western sanction dragnet for over three years, Russian supplies of crude oil to India slumped to 1.1 million barrels per day, the lowest since November 2022, according to ship tracking data from Kpler.

The sharp slide by around 700,000 bpd from November came after Washington's October sanctions on Rosneft and LukOil, the country's two biggest oil producers, registered a blip on the global Russian supply chain.

Reliance Industries, the single biggest buyer of Russian oil globally, sharply cut purchases by nearly half to 296,000 bpd, Kpler data showed.

Two senior refining officials told Business Standard that it's too early to call the demise of Russian oil -- Russia continued to be India's top crude oil supplier this month as of December 28, ship tracking data showed.

Trump has repeatedly targeted Russia's oil sales to Indian refiners, while letting the EU and China, the two biggest beneficiaries of discounted Russian commodity supplies, go scot free.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday boasted about India-US defence cooperation, claiming that India's order for 68 Apache attack helicopters was delayed by five years and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised concerns over the long delivery period during a meeting with him.

Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump highlighted defence cooperation between the United States and India and criticised what he described as years-long delays in supplying defence equipment.

"India coming at me that thay have been waiting for five years and we are changing that.India ordered 68 Apache helicopters. PM Modi came to me and said 'Sir can I please see you?' and I said yes," Trump said, while recalling his interaction with Modi.

Trump also reiterated his good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; however, he underscored Modi's unhappiness over the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

"I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia..." he added.

The tariffs, totalling 50 per cent, were imposed due to India's significant purchases of Russian oil, which the US sees as supporting Russia's economy amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump's remarks came a day after he warned that Washington, DC could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.

"They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," he said.

Trump also defended the tariff policy during his address, asserting that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures.

Trump's comments follow a series of warnings to New Delhi over its ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Earlier, he warned that the US could raise tariffs further if India does not 'help on the Russian oil issue', directly connecting the pressure to the Russia-Ukraine war.

He has accused India of strengthening Moscow by buying discounted Russian crude and has cited this as the basis for sharply higher duties on Indian goods.

Trump has also used tariff pressure to influence India's actions, suggesting that New Delhi was aware of his dissatisfaction and sought to maintain stable trade relations.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though without any concrete breakthrough.

India has earlier rejected Trump's assertion that PM Narendra Modi had assured him New Delhi would stop purchasing Russian oil, clarifying that no such conversation or assurance had taken place.
Oxford University Press (OUP) India has issued an apology to Udayanraje Bhosale, 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, over certain 'unverified statements' made about the Maratha king in a book published more than two decades ago.

IMAGE: A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) worker cleans the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the eve of his birth anniversary, in Mumbai, February 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a public notice that appeared in a newspaper on Tuesday, OUP India acknowledged that some statements contained on pages 31, 33, 34 and 93 of the book Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India, published in 2003, were unverified.

The book, written by American author James Laine, had triggered a row after more than 150 activists from the Sambhaji Brigade ransacked the renowned Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) on Law College Road in Pune in January 2004, alleging that it helped the writer, who allegedly made objectionable remarks about Shivaji Maharaj in the book.

In the notice, the publisher expressed regret over the publication of those statements and tendered an apology to Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale and to the public at large 'for any distress and anguish caused'.

The apology was issued on behalf of the OUP's former Managing Director, Sayeed Manzar Khan, the notice said.
The Dr Anbumani Ramadoss-led faction of Pattali Makkal Katchi in Tamil Nadu joined the National Democratic Alliance on Wednesday, with the leader calling on AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai, months ahead of the assembly polls in the state.

IMAGE: PMK president and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss (third from right) meets AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (third from left), in Chennai, January 7, 2026. Photograph: AIADMK/ANI Photo

AIADMK leads the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu.

Ramadoss met the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary at his residence here to formally join the coalition, whose other constituent is the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Pattali Makkal Katchi has joined our alliance. More parties will join the alliance soon," Palaniswami told reporters.

The seat allocation for PMK has been decided and will be made known later, he added.

The PMK leader said that he came into the NDA fold to defeat the "anti-people" ruling DMK.

Anbumani said, "We will contest this election under the leadership of the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and we will definitely come to power without a doubt because people of Tamil Nadu are very very angry with the rulingparty, the DMK. Our alliance will come to power with a thumping majority."

Palaniswami exuded confidence that the NDA will ensure a strong mandate and that the "AIADMK will form government with individual majority". The alliance partners will sincerely strive for this, he added.

To a question, Anbumani said, "Our alliance with the AIADMK is a natural one."

He said there is a strong "anti-incumbency" against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

"The DMK won the last three elections (including Lok Sabha polls in 2019, 24) in Tamil Nadu because the opposition was fragmented. So, now we are having a very good opposition under the AIADMK and more parties will be joining us, " the former union minister said.

"So, once this (alliance) takes off, there is no going back. It will be a rout of the DMK", he added.

PMK is split between its founder Dr S Ramadoss and his son Dr Anbumani, following a power struggle between the two leaders.

The party was part of the NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Elections to 234 assembly seats are likely in March-April this year.
Following the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker by US military forces earlier on Wednesday, Moscow demanded that Washington ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian nationals aboard the seized tanker and called for their prompt return to their homeland, TASS reported.

IMAGE: US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after weekslong chase. Photograph: / Rediff.com

According to a statement cited by TASS, the Russian foreign ministry said it is closely monitoring reports that the US military has boarded the tanker Mariner, originally Bella 1, on the high seas, noting that Russian citizens are among the crew.

"Considering the incoming information regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them and strictly respect their rights and interests," the foreign ministry said, as quoted by TASS.

Moscow also urged Washington not to impede the prompt return of Russian nationals from the tanker to Russia, stressing that their safety and legal rights must be fully upheld.

The remarks come in the backdrop of the United States' seizure of the tanker for alleged sanctions violations, an action that Russia has criticised as a breach of international law and maritime norms.

Soon after the seizure of the oil tanker, Moscow issued a strong condemnation, asserting that no country has the right to use force against vessels lawfully registered under another state's jurisdiction, particularly on the high seas.

In a Telegram statement, Russia's Ministry of Transport said the tanker Marinera received a temporary permit to fly the Russian Federation flag on December 24, 2025, in accordance with Russian and international law.

Citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Russian ministry emphasised that freedom of navigation applies in international waters and that no state is authorised to employ force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdiction of another country.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in high seas waters, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states," the Ministry of Transport stated in its statement.

The strong condemnation by the Russian Federation came after the US European Command stated that it had seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker, M/V Bella 1, in the North Atlantic Ocean after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard warship after it evaded a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.

Originally named Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned in 2024 and renamed Marinera.

As per the WSJ report, Bella 1 was trying to evade the US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.
The UK on Wednesday unveiled a series of stricter road safety norms, including Dev's Law named after an eight-year-old Indian-origin boy killed in a 2018 accident on a busy highway.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Tom Nicholson/Reuters

The Department for Transport (DfT) said its new road safety strategy will save thousands of lives on UK roads by tackling drink driving, improving training for young learner drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.

It will also make Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) compulsory in new vehicles, something Dev's mother Meera Naran has been campaigning for since losing her son in the tragic road collision over seven years ago.

"I welcome this much-anticipated road safety strategy and am pleased to see a number of measures set out to reduce road deaths and serious injuries," said Naran, a "senior lecturer at De Montfort University in Leicester.

"I am especially grateful to the Secretary of State [Heidi Alexander] for giving me her word that she would honour Dev and recognise the importance of legislative change to adopt the General Safety Regulations," as Dev's Law and for delivering on that commitment.

"I look forward to working closely with the department to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to establish a robust and effective framework," she said.

AEB monitors the road ahead and automatically slows down the vehicle if the driver does not respond to a potential collision. Naran believes that such a technology would have prevented her son's death when his grandfather's car was struck by a truck on the hard shoulder of the M6 motorway in Birmingham.

The government's new strategy mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including AEB and lane-keeping assistance, as it sets up a new Road Safety Investigation Branch to analyse collision patterns and inform prevention strategies.

No one wakes up in the morning intending to harm someone else, and Dev's Law is a way in which we can keep ourselves and others safe on our roads and prevent more families going through such painful losses, said Naran.

The government said its strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with a greater target of 70 per cent for children under 16.

"We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade," said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

According to official statistics, approximately four people die on Britain's roads every day and thousands more are seriously injured each year. The new strategy is targeted against speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts and mobile phone use.

"Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose," said local transport minister Lilian Greenwood.

One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.

Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility  from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators, she said.

New measures will also target a growing problem of illegal number plates, including "ghost" plates designed to fool camera systems, while also cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport certificate).

Edmund King, director of the Automobile Association (AA) Charitable Trust and AA president, added: "This is a positively radical reframing of road safety, which is long overdue. We commend the government for its wide ranging and ambitious strategy and ambitious targets, which we hope will save the lives of thousands of people."

Tackling drivers who drive under the influence of drink or drugs, people who don't wear their seatbelts and those getting behind the wheel without insurance are key to reducing road deaths and serious injuries. We also endorse the mantra of road safety being a lifelong education, not just when learning to ride or drive.

The DfT said its strategy adopts the internationally recognised Safe System approach, which acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not. Rather than placing responsibility solely on individual drivers, the system will ensure that road design, vehicle safety, enforcement and education work together to protect road users.
The White House said on Tuesday that it is considering 'a range of options' to acquire Greenland, and that the use of military is not off the table, CNN reported, citing Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday.

IMAGE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

According to CNN, Leavitt said that the US President has made it well-known that 'acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States' and is important to deter the adversaries in the Arctic region.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CNN.

On January 6, European leaders issued a joint statement pushing back against renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Greenland, asserting that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively.

Emphasising a unified security framework, the statement said, "Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them."

The leaders further underscored Greenland's political standing, stating, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

The joint statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump focusing on Greenland after the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Earlier, Trump once again said that the US needs Greenland for national security reasons, a day after strikes on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Maduro.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Greenland was critical to US security due growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.

He said, "We need Greenland. ... It's so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," Trump said. "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."

Trump further claimed that Europe supported the idea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended an early Wednesday Russian Orthodox Christmas service and hailed his troops' 'holy mission' to defend Russia, pairing the ceremony with a holiday address on unity, charity and support for the armed forces.

His appearance came as the war Russia launched with its full scale invasion of Ukraine nears the end of its fourth year, with the Kremlin casting the conflict as a national mission and leaning heavily on patriotic and religious symbolism.

According to Google AI, 'Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the older Julian calendar for religious holidays, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world, making December 25th (Julian) fall on January 7th (Gregorian).'

'While the rest of Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar, the Church maintained the Julian for its liturgical calendar, leading to this date difference.'

IMAGE: Vladimir Putin lights a candle during the Orthodox Christmas liturgy at a church in the Moscow region, Russia, January 7, 2026. Photograph: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via Reuters

IMAGE: Putin, accompanied by military personnel and their family members, prays at the Orthodox Christmas liturgy at a church in the Moscow region, Russia, January 7, 2026, here and below. Photograph: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via Reuters

Photograph: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via Reuters

IMAGE: Believers attend the Orthodox Christmas Eve liturgy at a church in the village of Odintsovo in the Moscow region, Russia, January 6, 2026, here and below. Photograph: Ramil Sitdikov/Reuters

Photograph: Ramil Sitdikov/Reuters

Photograph: Ramil Sitdikov/Reuters

IMAGE: A priest conducts the Orthodox Christmas liturgy at a church in the village of Odintsovo in the Moscow region, Russia, January 7, 2026. Photograph: Ramil Sitdikov/Reuters

Russian Orthodox Christmas services are held around midnight, drawing congregations for liturgies, though Putin has often attended smaller ceremonies, including inside a Kremlin cathedral.

Video footage showed Putin in a dark suit without a tie among uniformed servicemen, alongside wives and children, as clerics conducted the service at the St George Victory Bearer church near Moscow.

'Russia's warriors have always, as if at the Lord's behest, carried out this mission of defending the Fatherland and its people, saving the Motherland and its people,' Putin said at the church after the service.

'At all times in Russia, this is how people have regarded their warriors, as those who, as if at the Lord's behest, carry out this holy mission.'

In a Christmas greeting published earlier on the Kremlin web site, Putin praised the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations for strengthening social unity and safeguarding Russia's historical and cultural heritage.

Putin has attended Christmas services since 2000, often outside Moscow, but since the war began he has more often marked the holiday near the capital, including at his Novo Ogaryovo State residence.

Photographs curated and Feature Presentation by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
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Dive Brief:

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. Executive Chairman and Principal Executive Officer Marcus Lemonis was appointed CEO of the company, effective Thursday.

At the same time, Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. announced Alexander Thomas, the companys chief operating officer, has been terminated. Thomas was appointed COO in March.

The executive shuffle came as Lemonis outlined a three-pillar strategy for the company that includes offering services, insurance, financing tools and mortgage related solutions.

Dive Insight:

Bed Bath & Beyond is kicking off the year with C-suite changes and a new business strategy.

Lemonis became the companys executive chairman about two years ago. The company had been undergoing many changes, including several rebrands and the appointment of new leaders across its merchandising and marketing teams.

Lemonis expanded his role at Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. by adding the position of principal executive officer in March.

As he expands his role once again, Lemonis laid out a strategy that involves Bed Bath & Beyond moving beyond just retail.

I want to make owning, living in, and caring for a home easier, less expensive, and more rewarding for all, Lemonis said in a letter to shareholders. I have always felt that home ownership is a bedrock of the American Dream. Whether someone is renting their first apartment, living in student housing, buying their first home, or settling into a forever home, we want Bed Bath & Beyond to be associated with making those journeys more achievable, more affordable, and less overwhelming.

The companys strategy features three pillars: omnichannel retail and commerce; digital, financial, insurance and blockchain services; and beyond home, which includes an AI-powered home operating system.

For the first pillar, the company plans to execute this strategy through company-owned stores, an asset-light model and an international licensing model.

The company is using AI to move beyond retail by offering services like home and product warranties; property, casualty, umbrella and shipping insurance; home maintenance programs; credit cards; financial tools; and mortgage-related solutions. Bed Bath & Beyond is also offering blockchain services through platforms like tZERO and GrainChain.

The final pillar of the companys strategy focuses on the moments that matter most financially in the home lifecycle, when consumers buy, sell, finance or tokenize, renovate, insure, process title, or unlock liquidity from their homes, Lemonis said. The company said it will also strategically invest in modern prefab and modular homebuilders to address affordable housing.
Christmas is a symbol of renewal, according to Christian tradition. Nikol Pashinyan has called for significant reforms and initiated measures aimed at modernizing the Armenian Church, which some interpret as a challenge to Catholicos Garegin II.





Garegin II, who has faced increasing criticism from some church leaders, is seeing growing support for reforms from various bishops and Armenian authorities. Recently, Pashinyan and several church hierarchs signed a roadmap for the renewal of the church, signaling a period of change.





Observers have noted that much of the public defense of Garegin II comes from outside Armenia, particularly from Russia, where he leads a church diocese. Some comparisons and commentary have been made in this context, reflecting differing perspectives on church leadership.





Regardless of these debates, Pashinyan appears focused on implementing reforms and guiding the Armenian Church through a process of modernization.
The Big Short investor Michael Burry says Venezuelas recent U.S.-led regime change could weaken one of Americas biggest adversaries.

Burry, who correctly predicted the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, said Russia may face consequences after the U.S. toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday, the investor wrote in a post on his Substack newsletter, Cassandra Unchained.

More from Yahoo Scout What challenges face U.S. oil companies returning to Venezuela? Why is Venezuela's oil potential currently underutilized? What are the global implications of increased Venezuelan oil? How could Venezuelan oil production impact Russia's economy?

Shortly after Maduros capture, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would be more involved with the countrys abundant oil reserves. He put the onus on U.S. oil companies to improve Venezuelas oil infrastructure with billions of dollars of investment and claimed the U.S. will sell the oil to other countries.

Although this may take five to seven years, Burry estimated, increasing the flow of Venezuelan oil could undercut Russias income and influence.

Russia oil just became less important in the intermediate and long term, wrote Burry.

Venezuela contains about 19% of the worlds oil, an estimated 300 billion barrels that dwarfs the U.S.s 61 billion barrels, according to the Energy Institute. Yet, partly because of outdated infrastructure, mismanagement, and U.S. sanctions, the country pumps only a fraction of what it has the potential to produce.

Because it has the worlds largest reserves, increasing its oil output could affect the commoditys price globally, said economist and Boston College associate dean Aleksandar Tomic.

If oil prices drop due to increased global supply via Venezuela, Russia may be weakened because oil is its lifeline, he told Fortune. Despite U.S. sanctions, Russia exports oil to countries such as China and India.

If prices drop because of increased Venezuelan production, Russia may have more to lose than any other country because of its expensive war on Ukraine, he added. Its oil and gas industry makes up about 20% of the countrys GDP on average, according to the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

[Oil] is whats funding their war effort, so its pretty crucial to Russia, Tomic said. It would be a pretty significant blow to them if the price of oil was to collapse, if, say, the U.S. was to flood the market with Venezuelan oil.

To be sure, its unclear who will lead Venezuela in the future and how its oil reserves will be managed. Despite Trumps claim that the U.S. will run Venezuela, the president has offered scant details on how the U.S. will be involved in administering the country. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president following Maduros capture.

It is also unknown if American oil companies would jump to reestablish operations in Venezuela, said Tomic. Both ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil retreated from the country in the early 2000s and have since sought to recoup losses for their expropriated assets through international arbitration.
BRATTLEBORO  Education, housing and infrastructure are agreed to be important ongoing priorities for legislators in the new session as they t
Tim Stevenson is a community organizer with Post Oil Solutions from Athens (bereal@vermontel.net), and is the author of Resilience and Resistance: Building Sustainable Communities for a Post Oil Age and Transformative Activism: A Values Revolution in Everyday Life in a Time of Societal Collapse, and is currently at work on a book about mutual care communities. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
By Ana Mano and Peter Hobson

BARRETOS, Brazil, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world's top beef producer last year, according to market estimates, after the South American country beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat prices.

More from Yahoo Scout How will Brazil's dominance impact global beef prices? What role do feedlots play in Brazil's production expansion? What productivity improvements are driving Brazil's beef output growth? How did Brazil surpass the U.S. in beef production?

Brazil was already the biggest beef exporter, shipping meat worth almost $17 billion in 2025, according to government trade data released on Tuesday. Beef production numbers are not due until February, but analysts have recently raised their estimates. Farmers have been sending more animals to slaughter, cashing in on high export demand from countries including China and the U.S., where low supply has pushed beef prices to record levels.

Elevated slaughter typically leads to a period of low output as producers hold back animals to breed and rebuild herds. But productivity gains in Brazil may limit or even prevent a downturn, people in the industry say. They noted that farms have been inseminating cattle quicker, fattening them faster and slaughtering them younger.

"Ten years ago, the average age of cattle slaughtered in Brazil was five years," said Vinicius Barbosa, a commercial manager responsible for tens of thousands of cattle at the CMA feedlot in Barretos, about 260 miles (420 km) north of Sao Paulo. "Now it is 36 months and going rapidly to 24," he said.

Mauricio Nogueira, head of livestock consultancy Athenagro, said Brazilian beef production far surpassed his forecast in 2025. Output grew 4% for the year, where he had predicted a 2.7% drop. The increase of around 800,000 tons was about equal to total annual exports of Argentina, the world's No. 5 beef shipper.

Rabobank, which had expected Brazil's beef production to decline in 2025, now sees 0.5% growth to 12.5 million tons carcass weight equivalent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in December raised its estimate for Brazilian beef output by 450,000 tons to 12.35 million tons.

If the official numbers confirm market estimates, 2025 will be the first year that Brazil's output will have surpassed U.S. production, which fell 3.9% to 11.8 million tons in 2025, according to USDA estimates, following years of drought.

FEEDLOTS, RISING CARCASS WEIGHT DRIVE OUTPUT

U.S. beef production will fall a further 0.9% to 11.7 million tons in 2026, the USDA said. In Brazil, the USDA and Rabobank project a decline in output, but Nogueira said rising productivity could actually boost Brazil's production by around 300,000 tons.
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Volunteers from across Europe are quietly assembling drones for Ukraine in Brussels. The Wings for Europe initiative brings together people of different nationalities who spend their evenings and weekends building drones to support Ukraine's defense.
RFE/RL's Radio Farda has currently verified the deaths of 20 demonstrators who have died during Iran's ongoing protests. Despite the violent crackdown, crowds gathered late on January 6 in Abdanan, in Iran's western Ilam Province, and in several other cities as protests continue for an 11th day.
Iran has been rocked by nearly two weeks of nationwide protests, in the most serious challenge to the clerical establishment in several years.

The demonstrations erupted on December 28 in the bazaars of the capital, Tehran -- key commercial and political hubs -- and have since spread to most of the country of around 92 million people.

RFE/RL's Radio Farda spoke to Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official who is a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute, on January 6 about the significance of the protests and whether the United States might intervene militarily in Iran.

RFE/RL: You recently wrote an op-ed in which you said that "democracy is likely not around the corner" in Iran. Why is that?

Michael Rubin: The reason why democracy is not around the corner is simply [because] there remain too many forces inside Iran which want to stymie it. And the forces which want to stymie democracy tend to be much better resourced right now and will likely be much better armed.

History is also a factor. When we look at the periods of Iranian history that perhaps are analogous to the first and foremost of which is the Constitutional Revolution during the [early 20th century], we have a situation where it took years for the forces of democracy to come out on top. And before they were able to do so, they had to face an organized counter revolution.

RFE/RL: Are we currently witnessing a revolution in Iran?

Rubin: It may very well be. Whenever the Tehran Bazaar closes, [it] differentiates a normal protest [from] something far more important.

The important thing to understand about the Tehran Bazaar [which was a hub during the Islamic Revolution in 1979] is that it's very conservative and it's very religious. So, what we see now really is a protest which arguably is being sparked, if not led, by people that the Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] once believed he had in his own pocket.

RFE/RL: US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene militarily if the authorities in Iran continue their brutal crackdown on demonstrators. What's the thinking in Washington?

Rubin: I'm not sure whether there's as much thinking as there is off-the-cuff reacting. And that's what is scary. Donald Trump differs from other presidents in that Donald Trump doesn't feel beholden to his own rhetoric. And I worry about Trump encouraging Iranians to stick their neck out only to decide that the Americans aren't going to do anything to help.

There's a parallel here to George HW Bush [who] in February 1991called upon the people of Iraq to rise up and throw off the dictator Saddam [Hussein]. The Iraqi people rose up, and then the Americans didn't come to their aid. That's when Saddam Hussein used helicopter gunships to mow down the Iraqi people.

I wonder whether something similar could happen in Iran. The only difference being that if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aren't the ones doing it because they don't want to fire on their family members, their peers and so forth, whether it could be [Iranian-backed foreign militias like] Hashd al-Shaabi or the Fatemiyoun Brigade.

RFE/RL: Do you think we could see a scenario like in Venezuela, where US forces deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro but have not toppled his regime?

Rubin: Yes, I think that's likely. And I need to make clear: I want the Iranians to have a democracy. I want the regime to fall. So, I'm speaking as an analyst rather than an advocate. But I don't believe that Reza Pahlavi [the former crown prince of Iran and a prominent opposition figure] has stepped up effectively. He was on vacation when this happened, and I guess he arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday. But that's not where he needs to be.

RFE/RL: Where do you think Pahlavi should be right now? For obvious reasons he can't be in Iran.

Rubin: No, he obviously can't be inside Iran. But I wonder about some of the Gulf states, and they may not initially welcome him. But, for example, if he were in Dubai, that's where he could connect with the Iranian youth who are going there and with some of the apolitical elites who may not remember him.

You can't underestimate the cachet of Pahlavi's image. I just don't think he's been organized enough or been able to transform his own operation into an effective machine. I think Reza Pahlavi has perhaps 35 percent of support inside Iran and has the best opportunity to try to be a unifying figure. Let me put that aside.

What I worry about is a Venezuela-like situation where Trump will try to hand off power, transfer power to someone like [former moderate Iranian President Hassan] Rohani, who has been putting his finger into the wind as I interpret it, as someone who [Trump] believes could handle a transition but might not want an end to the Islamic republic.

It goes back to this old debate which we've had in the United States about whether the reformists are truly reformist. Personally, I tend to look at the reformist as good cop to the [Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps'] bad cop. I don't see the reformists as sincere, and I don't believe that's what the Iranians want, but I'm not sure whether Donald Trump recognizes that or cares.

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Amid growing tensions between global powers and continued instability in the Western Balkans, Serbia has intensified its military cooperation with China, acquiring advanced drones and air defense systems that signal a deepening strategic alignment.

While Belgrade continues to proclaim its military neutrality and maintains aspirations for European Union membership, its expanding defense partnership with Beijing highlights the complex geopolitics shaping its security policy.

Customs data reviewed by RFE/RLs Balkan Service show that Serbias state-owned defense industry imported goods worth around $280 million from China in the last two years.

The records do not specify the types of weaponry purchased, but analysts believe the imports likely involve drone technology, air defense systems, and new equipment contracts stemming from previous deals.

From Russian Jets to Chinese Missiles

Serbias arms acquisitions in recent years reveal an increasingly diversified procurement strategy. Alongside Russian MiG-29 fighter jets and French Rafale aircraft, Belgrade has turned to Chinese suppliers for cutting-edge systems that are relatively affordable and politically low-risk.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China accounted for 57 percent of Serbias total arms imports between 2020 and 2024, ahead of Russia (20 percent) and France (7.4 percent).

Though SIPRI did not record any new Chinese arms deliveries in 2024, these figures reflect sustained cooperation in the years prior, especially the delivery of FK-3 medium-range air defense systems, which dominate Serbias Chinese-sourced arsenal.

The FK-3 is a major purchase and has a higher value than most other systems acquired in the last five years, SIPRI researcher Katarina Dokic told RFE/RL. China looks to become the leading country, from which Serbia imports weapons."

Neither Serbias Defense Ministry nor the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade responded to RFE/RLs requests for comment on the reports.

Expanding The 'Steel Friendship'

Serbias defense pivot toward China accompanies what Serbian and Chinese leaders have repeatedly called a steel friendship, a phrase that underscores growing economic, political, and technological cooperation.

Serbia became the first European country to acquire Chinese CH-92 and CH-95 drones, as well as FK-3 and HQ-17 air defense systems, hardware that China previously exported mainly to Asian and Middle Eastern states.

Despite these acquisitions, Belgrade has not disclosed any official data on the number and specifications of the systems received.

There are no fully reliable public records, Dokic said. We only know what the Serbian authorities have already displayed.

Legally, Serbia must publish annual arms trade reports, but the most recent release covers only 2022.

Together with Belarus and Russia, Serbia remains one of the few European nations importing significant quantities of non-Western arms despite EU and US warnings about the security and political risks linked to Chinese military cooperation.

What the Data Reveals About Belgrade's Military Ties

SIPRIs databases and the UN Register of Conventional Arms confirm that Serbias largest purchases from China occurred between 2019 and 2023. In 2019, Serbia ordered 50 FT-8 missiles, as well as six CH-92 UAVs designed for surveillance and precision strikes.

The drones arrived in 2020, followed by a 2020 order of three HQ-22 air-defense systems, the export version known as FK-3, along with 300 missiles, delivered between 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, Serbia purchased ten CH-95 reconnaissance-strike drones, which became operational the following year.

SIPRI data also records a 2023 purchase of four HQ-17A short-range air defense systems and 100 missiles, delivered in 2024 and showcased during the Zastava 2024 military capabilities demonstration. The total value of these transactions was not publicly disclosed.

Did Serbia Acquire China's HQ-9 Surface-To-Air Missile?

Some media reports in Serbia suggested that Belgrade may be eyeing or has already received the long-range HQ-9 system, Chinas top-tier surface-to-air missile platform with a 200-kilometer range.

Reports of Egyptian military cargo planes landing multiple times at Belgrades Batajnica Air Base in mid-2025 further fueled rumors of HQ-9 deliveries as aircraft of the same type were previously used for similar Chinese shipments.

RFE/RL verified one flight path in October this year that traced from Egypt toward China and back, including a final stop in Serbia. However, neither open-source databases nor government statements confirm that Serbia operates the HQ-9. Current known users include Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Why Are Chinese Systems Appealing To Serbia?

Cost, compatibility, and political flexibility all contribute to Serbias growing preference for Chinese systems, Dokic said.

According to her, Chinas air defense systems are based on Soviet and Russian designs, making them technically compatible with Serbias existing inventory of Russian-origin weapons. For drones, Belgrade has emphasized technology transfer: Collaboration with Chinese developers of the CH-92 directly contributed to Serbias domestically produced Pegaz drone, unveiled in 2022.

Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic has announced that defense cooperation with China will increasingly focus on industrial exchanges and domestic production. Costs play a big role in the interest in the Chinese weapons, Dokic said, emphasizing Belgrades willingness to sustain good political ties with China.

She also said that other Western Balkan countries that are NATO members don't spend as much on defense. And they have lower ambitions for purchasing weapons and military equipment, she said.

According to SIPRI, Serbia has been the largest military spender in the region over the past five years.

Dokic stressed that Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro have very clear goals for military procurement, primarily infantry weapons or helicopters that can also be used for civilian purposes.

Therefore, their ambitions are lower, and other countries have options that Serbia doesn't have, and they also don't want to buy from China because China is a strategic competitor to their main ally, she said.

Dokic pointed out that the United States recognizes China as a strategic competitor, so countries that, unlike Serbia, are US allies in NATO are reluctant to buy weapons from China.

It's unlikely that Serbia will be able to purchase weapons from the United States that NATO members are typically able to acquire, she added.

Balancing Between East And West

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly defended arms purchases from China as legitimate and transparent, calling them essential for modernizing Serbias defense capabilities.

During a visit to Beijing in September this year, Vucic attended a military parade and said he discussed additional acquisitions, though he ruled out ballistic or hypersonic missiles.

Belgrade and Beijing also held joint military exercises in July 2025.

The 10-day special forces exercises held in China's Hebei Province focused on drone tactics. The joint drills were conducted despite Brussels' warnings to Serbia.

As Serbia continues its cooperation with China in terms of military technology exchange and military exercises, it finds itself at a delicate crossroads. Its military modernization increasingly depends on Eastern partnerships, even as it pledges commitment to European integration.

The evolving relationship with Beijing is not only reshaping Serbias defense capabilities but also reflects its ongoing effort to balance geopolitical loyalties -- a balancing act that eventually may attract sharper attention from Brussels and Washington.
Officials from more than 30 Western countries -- the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- have agreed ensure "politically and legally binding guarantees" for Ukraine once a peace agreement to end the war with Russia is reached.

With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's chief negotiators at the table during the January 6 talks in Paris, the coalition agreed that Kyiv's "ability to defend itself is critically important" to ensure the security of both Ukraine and Europe.

"We confirmed that ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine," a statement issued after the meeting said.

"Both the Coalition partners and the United States will play a vital and closely coordinated role in the provision of these security guarantees," it added.

The meeting was called amid an intense flurry of diplomacy to fine tune a peace proposal aimed at ending Europe's largest and deadliest conflict since World War II.

The statement is the most defined wording the allies have given on military pledges to secure Ukrainians after any peace deal is reached with Moscow.

It says support for Ukraine by the allies would include a US-led cease-fire monitoring and verification mechanism, support for Ukraine's armed forces, a multinational force for Ukraine, and "binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace."

"We are talking about strong security guarantees," French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters after the meeting.

"These security guarantees are a key that a peace agreement cannot mean a Ukrainian surrender."

European officials have told RFE/RL that there is "a renewed sense of urgency" after a meeting over the weekend of national-security advisers and a gathering of military planners on January 5.

The statement gives no specifics on troops for any multinational force but some officials have said the number that is floating around in various European capitals is that the force will consist of 15,000-20,000 troops, while others hope the level will be closer to 30,000 working under the motto "safe sea, sky and land."

The bulk of the troops will come from France and the United Kingdom, which would lead the land and air component, while Turkey has indicated it would be in charge of securing transport lanes in the Black Sea.

"Following a ceasefire UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"We can only get to a peace if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin makes compromises and we have to be frank for all Russias words Putin has shown he is not ready for peace," he added without giving further details on the plan.

Unresolved Questions

While the outlines of a Western presence in Ukraine are taking shape, there are still several question marks to sort out, including the rules of engagement and US security guarantees.

"We are largely finished with the security protocol so that the Ukrainian people know that peace comes it will last," Witkoff said, adding further meetings with the Ukrainian delegation would follow.

"The president [Donald Trump] strongly stands behind security protocols. The president does not back down on commitments. We will be there for the Ukrainians to get there for the final peace."

Peace talks have intensified since November, when Trump pressed Zelenskyy to accept a 28-point peace proposal that many saw as heavily favoring Russia.

Ukraine and its European allies -- led by Britain, France, and Germany -- scrambled to develop a counterproposal, eventually putting forward a 20-point plan that took in more of Kyiv's interests, especially on security guarantees and territorial integrity.

Thorny Issues

Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov recently asserted that "most of the positions -- 90 percent of the peace plan -- have already been agreed, work continues on the details."

These details include the thorny issue of territorial concessions with Ukraine pushing the line of contact to be frozen or for the entire Donbas region to become a demilitarized zone.

"We want to be ready so when diplomacy reaches peace we can place the forces of the coalition," Zelenskyy said.

"We need to work on the question of territory. Ukraine needs missiles because every day notwithstanding the diplomacy the Russian strikes continue."

Another issue is the ownership of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant with Kyiv dismissing the idea of Ukraine and Russia running it together, preferring that the United States steps in to sell energy from it to Moscow instead.

Few in Brussels, however, are thinking that Russia would agree on any of these issues with the assessment that the Kremlin still feels it is winning on the battlefield.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said several times in recent weeks that Moscow will achieve the goals of what it calls its "special military operation" either by agreement or force.

With that in mind, the EU is separately preparing a fresh round of sanctions, the 20th since the full-scale invasion nearly four years ago, which is likely to be presented to its member states for approval later in January.
US naval forces boarded and seized a runaway Russian shadow fleet tanker in the North Atlantic, the latest in a series of moves by Washington against vessels linked to illegal trade in Venezuelan oil.

The US European Command said in a statement on social media on January 7 that the tanker, the Marinera, formerly named the Bella 1, was seized in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and the United Kingdom.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington had deemed the tanker "stateless" after it switched to a Russian flag while out at sea.

"This was a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that has transported sanctioned oil. The vessel was deemed stateless after flying a false flag, and it had a judicial seizure order, and that's why the crew will be subject to prosecution," she told reporters at a White House briefing.

"The vessel had a judicial seizure order...so that means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law, and they will be brought to the United States for such prosecution, if necessary," Leavitt added.

Earlier, Russian media showed a US helicopter hovering near the tanker amid reports from several media outlets quoting sources as saying an operation was being carried out involving the vessel.

Leonid Slutsky, chair of the Russian parliament's foreign affairs committee, told the state TASS news agency the seizure is "undoubtedly a violation of maritime law and UN conventions. Another senior lawmaker, Andrei Klishas, called it "outright piracy."

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states," the Transport Ministry said.

The move comes days after US forces struck Venezuela and captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a dramatic raid that sent shock waves around the world.

US forces have already seized two ships as part of a campaign against Venezuela in recent weeks: the Skipper on December 10 and the Centuries on December 20.

US President Donald Trump said at the time that he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

The Bella 1 set out from Iran for Venezuela, reportedly to load oil. In December, the US Coast Guard attempted to board the ship as it approached Venezuelan waters.

That effort was repelled and the vessel quickly headed into the Atlantic and was renamed the Marinera. It was added to an official Russian shipping registry with crew members painting a Russian flag on it.

The "Motor Tanker Bella I has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice," Homeland Security Secretary Kirsti Noem said in a post on X.

Moscow had lodged a formal diplomatic protest demanding that Washington halt its pursuit of the ship, which has been under US sanctions since July 2024.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has said the vessel was operating "in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law." According to media reports, Moscow sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the ship to Russia.

US officials also have accused the ship of being involved in carrying illicit cargo for a company owned by Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Shortly after US officials announced the seizure of the Marinera, US Southern Command said it had apprehended another sanctioned tanker in international waters in the Caribbean.

"The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition," it added.
Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

Does the January share price for PUMA SE ( ETR:PUM ) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Story Continues

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 223m (1 + 1.6%)  (8.4% 1.6%) = 3.3b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 3.3b ( 1 + 8.4%)10= 1.5b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 3.0b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 22.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

XTRA:PUM Discounted Cash Flow January 7th 2026

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at PUMA as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.618. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

See our latest analysis for PUMA

SWOT Analysis for PUMA

Strength

No major strengths identified for PUM.

Weakness

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Luxury market.

Opportunity

Forecast to reduce losses next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio compared to estimated Fair P/S ratio.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Revenue is forecast to decrease over the next 2 years.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For PUMA, there are three pertinent factors you should further research:

Risks: To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with PUMA (including 2 which don't sit too well with us) . Future Earnings: How does PUM's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Caterpillar is digging deeper into incorporating AI and automation into its fleet of construction machinery through a partnership with semiconductor giant Nvidia.

The construction equipment giant is piloting an AI assistive system in its mid-size Cat 306 CR Mini Excavator. Dubbed Cat AI, the system was built using Nvidias Jetson Thor physical AI platform, and is being demoed at CES on Wednesday.

More from Yahoo Scout How is Nvidia's physical AI strategy expanding? What data capabilities enhance Caterpillar's digital twins? What benefits does AI bring to construction machinery? How does Caterpillar's Cat AI system work?

Brandon Hootman, vice president of data and AI at Caterpillar, told TechCrunch that Cat AI was built on a fleet of AI agents and can help answer a machine operators questions, allow them to access resources, offer safety tips, and schedule services.

One of the biggest benefits of bringing this tech into these machines is the data that these systems collect and send back out.

Our customers dont live in front of a laptop day in and day out; they live in the dirt, Hootman said. The ability to get the insights and take the action that they need while theyre doing the work is very important to them.

Caterpillar is also piloting digital twins of construction sites using Nvidias Omniverse library of simulation resources to test scheduling scenarios and better calculate how much building material a project will need. Hootman said Caterpillars machines send roughly 2,000 messages back to the company every second. This data will help them build these simulations.

The company already has fully autonomous vehicles in the mining sector, and Hootman said that these pilot programs are a great next step as the company looks to bring more automation to its portfolio.

The reason that we started here was it was a real challenge of our customers today that needed to be addressed, and also something that we had some real momentum on and we felt like we could bring to market pretty quickly, Hootman said. What we also liked is that it provided a kind of a technology foundation for us to then build upon.

Working with companies like Caterpillar  a legacy brand that doesnt often intertwine with the tech industry  seems to fit right into Nvidias physical AI strategy.

Bill Dally, Nvidias chief scientist, told TechCrunch in 2025 that the chipmaker considers physical AI to be the next frontier for the company and its powerful GPUs.

During its CES keynote on Monday, Nvidia laid out plans for its full-stack ecosystem for physical AI, which includes open AI models like the companys Cosmos model family, simulation tools, and developer kits.

While some may think physical AI is just for robotics companies, Deepu Talla, the vice president of robotics and edge AI at Nvidia, told TechCrunch the company takes a much broader definition as everyone is building robotics today.
Gordon Deegan

A developer has put a 1 million price tag on a three-bedroom apartment in Dublin 6, which it is proposing to sell to Dublin City Council for social housing.

Ardstone subsidiary, Sandford Living Ltd, is making a renewed bid to secure planning permission for an 356m apartment scheme at the corner of Sandford Rd and Milltown Rd, Dublin 6.

As part of its Part V social housing requirements, Sandford Living is proposing to sell 56 of the planned 562 apartments to the City Council for social housing and has put a price tag of 1.03 million on the largest three-bedroom apartment.

A recent study by property firm Geowox found that Dublin 6 is the most expensive Eircode in the State, with the median price for a home rising to almost 800,000 in the third quarter of last year.

In total, Sandford Living has put a price tag of 35.54 million on the 56 apartments and the developers are seeking between 977,154 and 978,039 for three other three-bed apartments.

The lowest price amongst the designated 56 social housing units is 365,300 for a studio apartment.

The indicative prices for the two-bedroom units range from 690,917 to 820,217.

In all, the developers are planning sell five three-bed units, 27 two-bed units, 14 studios and 10 one-bed apartments. A final price will be reached between the developers and the council after planning permission has been secured.

It is Sandford Living Ltds third application for the site and planning consultants, Thornton OConnor (TOC) state that the previous two applications have been subject to High Court judicial reviews.

The TOC planning report states that one 667-unit scheme from 2021 - mainly "build to rent" - has been remitted back by the High Court to An Coimuisin Pleanala for decision, while the High Court is to make a ruling concerning a separate judicial review of ACP granting planning permission in December 2023 for 636 units.

Advancing the case for the new scheme, TOC state the Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) has been reduced from 636 to 562 and a 10-storey apartment block has been reduced to eight storeys.

The report states that up until 2019, the existing buildings and lands at the application site were formally utilised by the Jesuit Community for institutional purposes.

The TOC report states that the property was vacated by the Jesuit order in 2019 and sold to the applicants the same year.

The report states that the site was purchased by the applicant with the intention of developing a high-quality development on a key accessible site in proximity to frequent public transport, employment locations, services and facilities in Dublin.

TOC state that the proposed development is appropriate, having regard to recent national policy, which requires the densification of sites in core urban locations such as the subject site.

Thornton OConnor state that the scheme layout has been carefully considered, particularly having regard to the reuse of Tabor House and the Chapel within the development and the requirement to provide 25pc public open space.

The report states that in addition, the building heights have been carefully modulated throughout the site, providing appropriate setbacks from neighbouring properties.

TOC state that the proposed density of 140 units per hectare on the serviced land is not challenging, especially as the site can accommodate the proposed density because of the extensive quantum of public and communal open space provided throughout the site.
Ottoline Spearman

A rural youth organisation has criticised the Government for the lack of a clear and decisive position on the Mercosur trade agreement, expressing concern about the potential ramifications on Irish agriculture.

President of Macra, Josephine ONeill, said that the agreement poses a "very real threat to Irish farmers, particularly to the beef and poultry sectors that are already under immense pressure.

Allowing increased imports of agricultural produce from countries operating to vastly different standards undermines the livelihoods of family farms and weakens the integrity of Irish and European food production, she said.

Ms ONeill highlighted that Irish farmers are held to some of the highest environmental, animal welfare, and traceability standards in the world, while Mercosur countries are not required to meet equivalent criteria.

This is not a level playing field. Irish farmers are being asked to do more every year, more regulation, more compliance, more environmental ambition, yet they are expected to compete with imports produced to standards that would not be permitted here, she said.

Macra is particularly concerned about the long-term impact the agreement could have on young farmers and rural communities, who are being "encouraged to invest in their futures", while "trade deals like Mercosur send the opposite message; that their efforts and standards can be undercut overnight.

This threatens not only farm viability but the social fabric of rural Ireland, Ms O'Neill said.

She also criticised the lack of clarity from the Government, saying that farmers and rural communities deserve transparency and leadership.

To date, the Government has failed to take a strong, unambiguous stance against this agreement. Warm words of concern are not enough. Farmers need to know whether their Government is prepared to stand up for them at European level.

Macra is calling on the Government to clearly oppose the Mercosur agreement in its current form and to prioritise the protection of Irish agriculture, food standards, and rural livelihoods.

Trade policy must be coherent with our climate goals, food safety standards, and the future of family farming," Ms O'Neill said. "Anything less is a failure to rural Ireland.
Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has clarified that while the EU-Mercosur trade agreement may be politically signed by the European Commission and the Council, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament, which will be asked to vote on the deal in two weeks time in Strasbourg.

Mullooly outlined that the parliamentary vote is decisive: MEPs must either approve or reject the agreement, and there is no automatic outcome assumed at this stage.

The MEP said the upcoming vote represents one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.

In two weeks time, Irish MEPs will be asked to take a clear position on Mercosur, Mullooly said. This is not a procedural formality. Parliaments decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.

He confirmed that all 14 Irish MEPs have been formally invited to attend and address a National Community Protest taking place at the TUS Arena, Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, this Saturday, January 10 th at 12.30 p.m..

Mullooly welcomed confirmation that Independent South of Ireland MEP Michael McNamara has indicated his intention to attend the event.

This is an important opportunity for engagement, Mullooly said. Communities have legitimate concerns about this agreement and deserve to hear directly from their elected representatives before such a consequential vote is taken.

He added that the public mobilisation reflects the seriousness of the issues involved. Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.
The community of Ballaghaderreen is shocked and saddened following the tragic death of a man in the town in the early hours of New Years Day.

Jorden Newin, aged in his 30s, passed away at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin after he was critically injured in an incident on Barrack Street.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, said gardai are actively investigating the events that have led to this tragic incident.

It is important that anybody with evidence should contact the gardai in Castlerea where a special investigation team is in place. The local community is shocked and saddened by the news that happened during the Christmas and New Year, he said.

The Fine Gael councillor complimented the emergency services and gardai, and offered his deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased man who, he said, were grieving the loss of a loved one at this time.

Ballaghaderreen based councillor Micheal Frain extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

My thoughts and prayers are with them at this deeply painful time. It is so important that this situation continues to be treated with compassion, dignity and sensitivity - both in the media and on social platforms, said the Independent councillor.

Cllr Frain sincerely thanked the gardai and all members of the emergency services for the vital and often difficult work they carry out every day.

Their need for greater resources and support must continue to be recognised and addressed. To the people of Ballaghaderreen, I want to reassure you that I have been in ongoing contact with garda management on your behalf, he said.
Roscommon County Council is spending about 300,000 per annum on a fire services emergency radio communications network, which has no back-up system, the December meeting of Roscommon County Council was told.

The Roscommon network is linked to a central national mobilising and communication system, which was criticised by Independent councillor Micheal Frain, a former station officer at Ballaghaderreen Fire Station.

At the December meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Frain pointed out that during Storm Eowyn, the communication system relied on third party sites without any back up power supply, resulting in the failure of this critical infrastructure.

Raising the issue through a notice of motion, the Ballaghaderreen councillor asked Roscommon County Council, as the fire authority, to write a strongly worded letter to the Minister for Housing and Local Government and the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.

He asked that the correspondence enquire as to what measures had been taken to ensure that the national mobilising and communication system would have its own independent power supply to deliver fire services emergency communications (Tetra ) in the event of further storms.

It hardly seems credible that a national agency charged with the responsibility of delivering fire emergency communications via the Tetra system are reliant on third party owned sites, with no back up power supply.

Why is there no back-up supply to maintain the services during mains power outages and failures? At every major event, the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management are on the media telling us to charge our batteries and get our generators ready and yet the same body didnt have the back-up system to operate the Tetra emergency system during Storm Eowyn. And unfortunately, they werent there for Storm Amy either.

We are paying up on 300,000 per annum to run the system and its hard to believe there is no back-up available when it goes down. We were in the same position last January.

All of the fire services and everyone stood up to the plate last January during the storm and really did a great job.But unfortunately again, one of the agencies of the State which has a responsibility for this let us down again, he said.

Cllr Frain paid tribute to management and firefighters throughout the county for the work that was carried out during the storms.

But unfortunately when the powers that be are supposed to be managing this havent delivered, it has to be called out, he said.

Pointing out that he was one of the council CEOs on the Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, Shane Tiernan said the issues raised by Cllr Frain were discussed at their last meeting. He said there was a significant presentation made at that meeting about the resilience of the Tetra network and what needed to be done going forward.

I suppose one of the points Tetra was trying to make was that the network and towers were resilient, it was the power that wasnt. And the power needed was so prolonged that the battery back ups went flat and they couldnt recharge because the power wasnt restored. They argue that 91% of nationwide mobile vehicle coverage was maintained throughout the storm. I might disagree with that, you might disagree with that but that is what was presented, he said.

Mr Tiernan said that he sought the same answers as Cllr Frain was seeking in terms of what could be put in place for future storm events, particularly with the issue of power resilience.

He said the ESB needed to get on board, the issue of generators had to be looked along with back-up battery packs at towers around the country.
A Westmeath woman who purchased a winning EuroDreams ticket, worth 2,000 a month for five years, at Monksland Service Station has collected her prize.

She recently made the trip to the National Lotterys winners room to collect her prize, which she won in the December 1st draw.

She is already starting to make plans on how she will spend her windfall.

The first thing Im planning is a trip to New York  I cant wait! After that, my ultimate big dream is to go to Australia, and I would absolutely love to go on a safari. And of course, to travel there by first class  arriving in style would definitely get the holiday off to a great start!, she said.

When the winner was announced last month, store owner John Kennedy shared his excitement. Were delighted to be part of such an exciting win for one of our customers! Theres a great sense of pride in knowing this brilliant prize was won right here in Monksland.

"Its created a real buzz among staff and customers, and we wish the winner every happiness as they enjoy their windfall, he said.
Jan 7 (Reuters) - Beijing has asked some Chinese tech companies to halt orders for Nvidia's H200 chips this week, and is expected to mandate domestic artificial intelligence chip purchases, the Information reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Nvidia has been caught between Washington and Beijing, as the United States tightens controls on exports of advanced semiconductors used in AI, while Chinese companies seek to reduce reliance on U.S.-designed chips.

More from Yahoo Scout What are the U.S. export conditions for H200 chips? Why did Beijing halt Chinese tech companies' Nvidia orders? What is China's strategy for domestic AI chip development? How do tech tensions affect U.S.-China semiconductor trade?

Tensions over technology trade have been a central feature of broader U.S.-China conflicts, with semiconductors emerging as a strategic flashpoint.

China's directive to suspend orders was issued as the government considers whether, and under what conditions, to allow access to Nvidia's high-performance chips.

Beijing is aiming to discourage local technology companies from rushing to stockpile U.S. chips before a decision is reached, the report said.

"China is committed to basing its national development on its own strengths, and is also willing to maintain dialogue and cooperation with all parties to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains," said Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S.

Nvidia did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment and China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology did not immediately return calls outside business hours.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said at the Consumer Electronics Show this week that demand in China for its H200 chip was strong and the company is viewing purchase orders as a signal of approval rather than expecting any formal announcement from Beijing.

U.S. export licenses for the chips are still being processed, with no set timeline.

Late last year, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration approved the export of H200 chips to China, a significant reversal of previous bans on advanced AI hardware.

The approval was based on a condition that the company pay a unique 25% revenue-sharing tax to the U.S. government.

The H200 is the predecessor to Nvidia's current flagship "Blackwell" chips.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Shinjini Ganguli)
A 12m extension to the emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has been given the planning go-ahead by Galway County Council.

The primary works will involve the construction of a 310 square metre single storey extension along with the internal refurbishment of the existing department.

The extension will make provision for nine new patient cubicles, including a gynaecology treatment room and associated staff and clinical support facilities.

It will link into the existing building through a new accessible reception, which will lead to a newly formed dedicated paediatric waiting area.

The plans also comprise a reconfigured ambulance drop-off and set-down area along with a new public entrance lobby.

As part of the development, the existing emergency department will undergo a series of phased internal refurbishment works to provide modernised staff changing facilities, additional patient treatment cubicles and reconfigured storage and staff support facilities.

The next stage of the project will involve tendering to appoint a building contractor.
Dallewal is a well-known farm leader who fasted for 131 days last year, pressing for demands such as a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). File Photo.

A five-member committee was formed to plan elections.



Punjab Farmers Union Splits: Leaders Push to Remove Jagjit Singh Dallewal

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On Tuesday, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta-Sidhupur), a significant farmers organisation in Punjab, appeared to split into two factions after senior office-bearers, block presidents and district presidents from eight districts demanded the removal of president Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The demand was made at a meeting held at Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Nauvin in Bahadurgarh near Patiala, where the dissidents declared Dalbir Singh Sidhupur, son of the unions founder Pishora Singh Sidhupur, as convener of the new faction.

Participants at the meeting accused Dallewal of an authoritarian style of functioning and said they refused to work under his leadership. Dallewal is a well-known farm leader who fasted for 131 days last year, pressing for demands such as a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP), and also led the Khanauri Morcha during the year-long Kisan Andolan 2.0, officials said.

Dalbir Singh told the media that organisational elections, which are supposed to be held every three years, had not taken place for six years. It leaves the union without a constitutionally valid president and without fresh recruitment. He alleged that Dallewals decisions, including staying away from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and launching independent morchas at Shambhu and Khanauri, had failed to achieve results and even cost lives, with some farmers still searching for stolen tractors and other valuables.

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Dalbir Singh claimed that after his fathers death, the leadership was entrusted to Dallewal with family consultation, but that unity suffered and key office-bearers were expelled. A five-member committee was formed to plan elections, and Dalbir Singh was appointed convener to oversee the process, according to the sources.

Dallewal was not available for comment. However, senior leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the organisation had not split and announced a conference in Jalandhar on Wednesday to issue a rebuttal to the dissenters claims, he told the media.



Source: The Tribune

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The teacher organisation has urged the Punjab government to intervene, provide exemptions for those appointed before TET became mandatory, and ensure that long-pending promotions are decided in their favour, DTF leaders said. File Photo.

The DTF leaders described this dual stance as discriminatory and illogical.



DTF Questions TET-Based Promotion Policy in Punjab Schools

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The Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), Punjab, has opposed the education departments decision to make the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) a mandatory criterion for promotion from the primary cadre to the master cadre, describing the move as unfair and unjustified.

DTF state president Vikramdev Singh, general secretary Mahinder Kauriyanwali, finance secretary Ashwani Awasthi and vice-president Jagpal Singh Bangi criticised the policy. They argued that it disproportionately affects head teachers and centre head teachers who have served for years without passing the TET.

According to the teachers body, the departments approach is inconsistent because it allowed promotion of Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) teachers on the condition that they pass the TET within two years, while outright declaring head teachers and centre head teachers ineligible if they have not passed the test, DTF representatives said.

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The DTF leaders described this dual stance as discriminatory and illogical, asserting that TET was introduced in 2011 under the Right to Education Act and should not be applied retroactively to teachers recruited before its implementation. They pointed out that no such condition was ever applied to teachers appointed in 2010 or earlier and labelled the sudden enforcement of TET at the promotion stage as unjustified.

The teacher organisation has urged the Punjab government to intervene, provide exemptions for those appointed before TET became mandatory, and ensure that long-pending promotions are decided in their favour, DTF leaders said. The DTF cautioned that failure to address the issue could fuel further dissatisfaction among teaching staff across the state.

Source: Times of India

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The Chief Minister highlighted in his address that the state has established a "Department of Future" to specifically address and respond to emerging global changes. File Photo.

Saini confirmed that the upcoming 2026-27 budget will be fully aligned with these core themes to drive sustainable progress.

Haryana CM Outlines Vision 2047 to Drive State's Growth

During a pre-budget workshop held at Gurugram University on Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini asserted that the state is set to become the "growth engine of Developed India-2047". The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is implementing systematic plans to ensure Haryanas contributions align effectively with national interests.

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Saini revealed that the "Haryana Vision Document2047" was developed following extensive consultations, in-depth studies, and the active participation of various experts. The workshop served as a platform to gather suggestions for the 2026-27 budget from key stakeholders in the industry, health, information technology, and education sectors.

The Chief Minister highlighted in his address that the state has established a "Department of Future" to specifically address and respond to emerging global changes. He added that departmental strategies must prioritise measurable outcomes over mere activities.

The Vision Document is built upon six strategic themes: finance and security; education, skills, and employability; health and nutrition; agriculture, food security, and environment; infrastructure; and regional development alongside local self-governance.

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Saini confirmed that the upcoming 2026-27 budget will be fully aligned with these core themes to drive sustainable progress. The event also featured sector-wise presentations by senior officers and was attended by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand. This ambitious vision aims to transform Haryana into a modern economic powerhouse, ensuring its growth trajectory supports the broader goal of a developed nation by the centenary of Indias independence.

Source: The Tribune
The new portal enables people to submit suggestions in Haryanvi, Hindi, and English, ensuring broad-based access for residents from diverse backgrounds. File Photo.

Saini described the initiative as a reflection of the government's commitment to transparency and citizen participation in policymaking.



Haryana CM Saini Launches AI Portal; Citizens Can Shape Budget

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On Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the states AI-based Haryana Budget Janbhagidari portal to bring citizens directly into the budget preparation process. The launch took place at a pre-budget session in Gurugram as part of the Haryana Vision 2047 roadmap to deepen participatory governance and transparency. According to government sources, the portal aims to make the budget process more inclusive.

The new portal enables people to submit suggestions in Haryanvi, Hindi, and English, ensuring broad-based access for residents from diverse backgrounds. Through this platform, citizens, experts, and stakeholders will be able to share practical suggestions and help make the budget-making process more open, continuous, and dialogue-driven, he said during the session, according to officials present.

Saini described the initiative as a reflection of the governments commitment to transparency and citizen participation in policymaking. He is holding a series of meetings with stakeholders in Gurugram to gather live feedback on proposals and priorities ahead of the formal budget presentation, government sources said.

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Saini said public and expert inputs have already generated important suggestions on innovation, employment, and knowledge-based development, and expressed confidence that the state will advance rapidly in the coming years, the Chief Ministers office added. He observed that Haryana has become a focal point as a food producer, employment generator, and centre of innovation.

The Chief Minister also praised the people of Haryana, noting the dual role of farmers as food providers and the states youth as vigilant defenders of the nation, reinforcing a distinct identity in agriculture, sports, and industry, officials reported.

Source: Times of India

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The official further noted that Bhainswal was handed over to the Haryana Police at the airport. File Photo.

Official records reveal that Bhainswal had previously been arrested in India and granted bail, but he absconded before facing trial.



Bishnoi Gang Member Aman Bhainswal Repatriated from the US; Held at Delhi Airport

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On Wednesday, in a significant operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Aman Bhainswal, identified as a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was repatriated from the United States. He was immediately taken into custody by a team from the Haryana Police upon his arrival at the Delhi airport on January 7, 2026.

Bhainswal was wanted by the Haryana Police on serious charges, including murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy. A CBI spokesperson described him as a "notorious criminal and key member of an organised criminal gang, namely the Lawrence Bishnoi gang." Official records reveal that Bhainswal had previously been arrested in India and granted bail, but he absconded before facing trial.

The breakthrough in the case came when the CBI obtained an Interpol Red Notice for Bhainswal at the request of the Haryana Police. Using this international warrant, authorities tracked and located the fugitive in the United States.

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"He was successfully deported from the USA and arrived in India on January 7, 2026," a CBI official confirmed regarding the repatriation. The official further noted that Bhainswal was handed over to the Haryana Police at the airport. This development follows ongoing efforts by Indian agencies to bring back members of organised crime syndicates who have fled abroad to avoid legal proceedings and trials for their alleged crimes.

Source: The Tribune




The cost of the project will be shared equally by Haryana and Rajasthan, with the Ministry of Road Transport covering the remaining expenses. File Photo.

Additionally, Haryana will establish a system to monitor and control wastewater flow into the Masani barrage.



INR 450 Crore Plan to Tackle Haryana-Rajasthan Pollution Crisis

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On Tuesday, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari chaired a crucial meeting in New Delhi to address the pollution issue caused by the flow of chemical-laced wastewater from Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) into Dharuhera (Haryana) and the discharge of polluted water from Haryana cities into the Masani barrage.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and Union Ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Bhupender Yadav attended the meeting. Rao Inderjit Singh raised concerns about the continuous flow of polluted industrial water from Bhiwadi into Haryana. He highlighted that a barrier built by Haryana to stop this flow was broken overnight, allowing harmful chemicals to accumulate in Dharuhera for over 10 days, threatening local residents.

Construction of a 6-km drain along the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway to channel rainwater from Bhiwadi during the monsoon season was proposed as a solution. The cost of the project will be shared equally by Haryana and Rajasthan, with the Ministry of Road Transport covering the remaining expenses. Additionally, Haryana will establish a system to monitor and control wastewater flow into the Masani barrage. The total cost of both projects is estimated to be INR 450 crore.

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Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that a 40 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Bhiwadi would be operational by March, along with a Common Treatment Plant (CTP) to address the industrial wastewater concerns. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal assured the completion of the STP by March and sought Haryanas cooperation in managing the flow of polluted water into the Masani barrage. He emphasised the challenge posed by the natural slope towards Dharuhera, especially during the monsoon season.

Minister Gadkari stressed the need for a permanent solution to prevent future issues. He recommended that polluted water be treated in Bhiwadi and reused by local industries and farmers, urging both states to collaboratively tackle the growing pollution crisis.

Source: The Tribune

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Sources said the timepiece holds historical significance, as it represents early 20th-century craftsmanship and reflects an era when the shrine witnessed interactions across cultures. File Photo.

Temple authorities said the restored clock has been placed between gold-plated panels dating back to the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.



Century-Old British-Era Clock Ticks Again at Amritsars Golden Temple

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A historic wall clock installed more than a century ago at the Golden Temple has been revived following a restoration exercise. This marks the revival of a lesser-known heritage feature of the shrine in Amritsar.

The clock, gifted by Lord Curzon during his visit to the Golden Temple in 1900, was manufactured by British firm Elkington & Co. It had stopped functioning over the years, according to information shared by those associated with the restoration work.

Sources said the timepiece holds historical significance, as it represents early 20th-century craftsmanship and reflects an era when the shrine witnessed interactions across cultures.

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The restoration was undertaken by the UK-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, whose volunteers regularly participate in maintenance and conservation work at the Golden Temple complex. After repairs, the clock was reinstalled at its original location within the shrine premises.

Temple authorities said the restored clock has been placed between gold-plated panels dating back to the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. These gold plates were replaced in 1999 after serving the shrine for over 150 years.

Members of the volunteer group added that volunteers from the UK also assist annually in the cleaning and maintenance of various gold-plated sections of the complex.

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Experts believe the restoration goes beyond functional repair, helping preserve a physical reminder of the Golden Temples layered history and strengthening visitors connection with its rich heritage.

Source: The Tribune
Dr Singh emphasised that the state government is committed to ensuring universal access to quality, cashless healthcare for every family in Punjab. File Photo.

He reiterated that active participation of private hospitals is crucial for the successful implementation and wide outreach of the scheme.



Dr Balbir Singh Urges Private Hospitals to Join Rs 10L Health Cover

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On Tuesday, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh urged private hospitals in the state to be a part of the upcoming Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY). This scheme provides comprehensive INR 10 lakh cashless health insurance cover per family aimed at removing financial barriers to medical treatment.

The minister made the appeal at a high-level meeting with senior representatives of major private healthcare providers, held at the office of the State Health Agency (SHA) in Chandigarh. According to an official statement, he was accompanied by Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Kumar Rahul and SHA CEO Sanyam Aggarwal.

Dr Singh emphasised that the state government is committed to ensuring universal access to quality, cashless healthcare for every family in Punjab. He described the INRa10alakh cover as a transformative step toward that goal, officials said. He reiterated that active participation of private hospitals is crucial for the successful implementation and wide outreach of the scheme.

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The minister appealed to private hospitals to complete empanelment formalities promptly so that residents can start availing treatment without any out-of-pocket expenditure once the scheme is operational. He underlined that this collaboration would strengthen the overall healthcare system in the state.

During the session, Dr Singh and SHA CEO Sanyam Aggarwal addressed operational and technical queries raised by hospital representatives, including issues related to treatment packages, the empanelment process, and the technical interface for cashless services under MMSY, according to officials present.

The meeting reflected the governments drive to build a transparent, efficient healthcare ecosystem where no resident is denied treatment due to lack of funds, Dr Singh said. The Rs 10 lakh cashless insurance aims to make quality healthcare accessible to every family in Punjab.

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Source: Times of India




Tired of extortion threats, shopkeepers hire private security guards (Photo Courtesy: The Tribune)

As per the report, shopkeepers claimed that gangsters, including Lakhbir Singh Landa, are operating openly in the area.

Punjab News: In a surprising turn of events, shopkeepers in Chohla Sahib town in Punjab have hired private gunmen for security over the past few years after receiving continuous extortion threats from gangsters in the state, according to a report by The Tribune.

The report stated that three years ago, shops in Chohla Sahib town were fired upon in broad daylight, following which repeated extortion demands amounting to lakhs of rupees were made from local businessmen.

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It added that the shopkeepers informed the police; however, they alleged that the administration failed to provide safety, leaving them with no option but to take steps to protect themselves from rising crime, specifically extortion threats from gangsters.

As per the report, shopkeepers claimed that gangsters, including Lakhbir Singh Landa, are operating openly in the area.

Residents alleged that the police exist only in name. Around 400 shopkeepers in Chohla Sahib have reportedly lost trust in the police and have hired four private gunmen for security over the past few years, paying them monthly from their own pockets, the Tribune report read.

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The shopkeepers further flagged that despite facing threats to their lives and completing all formalities for obtaining arms licences for self-defence, they have not been granted the licences for years. They alleged that while some applicants received licences within days, others continue to wait without any explanation.

Residents across the Tarn Taran district are facing extortion threats from gangsters, the shopkeepers added.

The report also stated that Bhupinder Nayyar, a social worker from Chohla Sahib, has demanded an impartial investigation into the allegations and urged the administration to ensure the safety and security of residents in the district.

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In a separate development, a similar incident of extortion and firing came to light from Haibowal in Ludhiana, where a shopkeepers premises were shot at days after he received an extortion threat. Several rounds were fired at the shop. The shopkeeper, who called the police to the scene, stated that a few days earlier, his brother had received an extortion threat demanding Rs 50 lakh.

Recently, in yet another similar incident, miscreants were seen carrying out firing outside a school.

(For more news apart from Chandigarh: Water Supply to Remain Affected Today, Tomorrow; Check timing," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

China's Ministry of Commerce has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into dichlorosilane imported from Japan, a material widely used in thin films for logic, memory and analog semiconductors. The probe is expected to run for up to one year from Wednesday, with the option of a further six-month extension. The move comes shortly after Beijing announced immediate export controls on dual-use items shipped to Japan that could enhance military capabilities, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo. Japan's Foreign Ministry said the measures deviate from international practice, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara indicated the government is still examining the scope and potential implications.

Market attention has increasingly centered on how far China's restrictions could extend, particularly around rare earths, where Japan relies on China for around 70% of imports as of 2024, according to the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. State-run China Daily reported that Beijing is considering tighter export license reviews for certain medium and heavy rare-earth-related items, which are used across batteries, commercial electronics and military equipment. Takahide Kiuchi of the Nomura Research Institute estimated that if rare-earth restrictions were to last three months, Japan's economic output could be reduced by about 0.11%, or roughly 660 billion. Against this backdrop, Toyo Engineering Corp rose as much as 20% on Tuesday, while Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE:TM) fell as much as 3%, marking its largest decline since early November.

The trade measures are unfolding alongside a diplomatic standoff tied to remarks made in early November by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which Beijing has explicitly linked to its export controls. Analysts at Teneo suggested the ambiguity of China's actions may be deliberate, potentially pressuring Tokyo by raising concerns over the availability of critical industrial inputs. China's dual-use export control list spans more than 800 items, including chemicals, electronics, sensors, and aerospace- and shipping-related technologies, indicating the impact could extend beyond rare earths and semiconductors. Japan has said it will continue to assess the details and consider responses, while reaffirming coordination with the US as the dispute adds another layer of uncertainty for regional supply chains and investors.
January 7, 2026

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 07.01.2026, 14:00

European leaders voice commitment towards Ukraine

State and government leaders from the Coalition of the Willing, including Romanias Nicusor Dan, underscored on Tuesday in Paris their commitment for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They said they are prepared to commit to a system of guarantees that will be activated upon the entry into force of an armistice. Such a document will deter further acts of aggression against Ukraine, provide assurances that it will not be forced to surrender, and ensure that any peace agreement will not be violated in the future.

Additionally, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a declaration of intent regarding the deployment of a multinational force after the armistice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the documents adopted in Paris demonstrate the resolve to work together for genuine security.

As for President Nicusor Dan, he said that the document approved at the Coalition meeting in Paris will be examined in Parliament so as not to remain a mere declaration of intent. He also mentioned that Romania will not send troops to Ukraine.

European Commission reacts to Delcy Rodriguezs swearing-in

The European Commission does not recognize the legitimacy of Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. According to the Commissions spokesperson for foreign policy, Anita Hipper, the mandate of the authorities in Caracas stems from an electoral process that does not observe the peoples will for democratic change. The countrys future should result from a dialogue leading to a democratic transition that includes all political actors committed to democracy, including opposition leaders.

The European Commissions position contradicts that of the White House, which states that Venezuelas current interim leader collaborates well with the United States. On the other hand, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges the international community to acknowledge that US intervention in Venezuela represents a violation of international law. Following the recent surprise operation in which the Americans removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power, he now faces four charges in the United States, including narcoterrorism.

USA eyes Greenland

The United States is examining the methods it can use to acquire Greenland and does not rule out employing military force to achieve this goal, the White House has announced. Greenland, which holds a strategic position and significant mineral reserves, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, an ally of the USA within NATO. Shortly after the operation against Venezuela, US President Donald Trump said that Washington needs Greenland for national security and that the issue of this island will be addressed within two months.

Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected the American claims, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an attack on Greenland would mean the end of NATO. Six European powers, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have signed a joint statement in support of Denmark and emphasized that sovereignty, territorial integrity and border inviolability are principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and Greenlands future can only be decided by Greenland and Denmark.

Achievement for Romanian mountaineering

Romanian mountaineer Adrian Ahritculesei has conquered Mount Vinson (4,892 meters), the highest peak in Antarctica, as part of the Seven Summits circuit in which he aims to climb the seven highest peaks in the world. Mount Vinson is the sixth peak conquered by the mountaineer, leaving him only the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley (6,194 meters) in Alaska.

Adrian Ahritculesei (42 years old, an optometrist by profession) has several mountaineering achievements in his portfolio, including the conquest of Everest in May 2024 and, in January 2023, the completion of the 7 Volcanoes Circuit, which brings together the highest volcanoes on the planet.

Radio Romania prepares project for Romanian Culture Day

On January 15, for National Culture Day, Radio Romania will launch a new version of the free platform eteatru.ro, the largest on-demand collection of radio drama in the country. Thanks to a modernized digital experience, users can now access thousands of productions from the National Radio Drama archives, from classic shows and legendary productions to contemporary creations. The new eteatru.ro will also feature a child-friendly interface, offering the most beautiful stories and plays for young ones. Users will be able to create a personal account, save their favorite shows and resume listening whenever they want.

Radio Romanias first radio drama broadcast took place on February 18, 1929. Over the decades to this day, the National Radio Drama has built its own heritage sound archives, bringing together major works of Romanian and universal theater, prestigious directors and some of the most important voices of Romanian theater.

Feast Day

Orthodox and Eastern-Catholic Christians on Wednesday celebrate Saint John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament. Approximately 2 million Romanians celebrate their name day, bearing the names Ion, Ioana or derivatives thereof.

Also on this day, Old Rite Christians celebrate Christmas or the Nativity of the Lord. In Orthodoxy, the monastic community of Mount Athos, the Russian, Serbian and Ukrainian churches, as well as Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land, still observe the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian one. (VP)
January 7, 2026 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

January 7, 2026 UPDATE

Newsroom, 07.01.2026, 20:00

European leaders voice commitment towards Ukraine

State and government leaders from the Coalition of the Willing, including Romanias Nicusor Dan, underscored on Tuesday in Paris their commitment for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They said they are prepared to commit to a system of guarantees that will be activated upon the entry into force of an armistice. Such a document will deter further acts of aggression against Ukraine, provide assurances that it will not be forced to surrender, and ensure that any peace agreement will not be violated in the future.

Additionally, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a declaration of intent regarding the deployment of a multinational force after the armistice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the documents adopted in Paris demonstrate the resolve to work together for genuine security.

As for President Nicusor Dan, he said that the document approved at the Coalition meeting in Paris will be examined in Parliament so as not to remain a mere declaration of intent. He also mentioned that Romania will not send troops to Ukraine.

US takes control of Russian shadow fleet tanker

The US Navy took control on Wednesday of a Russian-flagged tanker navigating in the North Atlantic area, which it had been tracking for several days, as part of the blockade the United States declared on December 16 against Venezuelan oil. In a separate operation, also on Wednesday, the US seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea.

Meanwhile, the US government has added Venezuela and Cuba to a list of countries whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for a U.S. entry visa, the State Department announced, quoted by EFE. It was not specified, however, whether this move is linked to the military operation that led to the capture, on January 3, of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro is now in a New York prison, charged among other things with conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, to which he has pleaded not guilty. After Maduros capture, President Donald Trump stated that Cuba has always survived thanks to Venezuela and emphasized that the island is now a disaster on the brink of collapse.

USA eyes Greenland

The United States is examining the methods it can use to acquire Greenland and does not rule out employing military force to achieve this goal, the White House has announced. Greenland, which holds a strategic position and significant mineral reserves, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, an ally of the USA within NATO. Shortly after the operation against Venezuela, US President Donald Trump said that Washington needs Greenland for national security and that the issue of this island will be addressed within two months.

Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected the American claims, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an attack on Greenland would mean the end of NATO. Six European powers, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have signed a joint statement in support of Denmark and emphasized that sovereignty, territorial integrity and border inviolability are principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and Greenlands future can only be decided by Greenland and Denmark.

Achievement for Romanian mountaineering

Romanian mountaineer Adrian Ahritculesei has conquered Mount Vinson (4,892 meters), the highest peak in Antarctica, as part of the Seven Summits circuit in which he aims to climb the seven highest peaks in the world. Mount Vinson is the sixth peak conquered by the mountaineer, leaving him only the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley (6,194 meters) in Alaska.

Adrian Ahritculesei (42 years old, an optometrist by profession) has several mountaineering achievements in his portfolio, including the conquest of Everest in May 2024 and, in January 2023, the completion of the 7 Volcanoes Circuit, which brings together the highest volcanoes on the planet.

Radio Romania prepares project for Romanian Culture Day

On January 15, for National Culture Day, Radio Romania will launch a new version of the free platform eteatru.ro, the largest on-demand collection of radio drama in the country. Thanks to a modernized digital experience, users can now access thousands of productions from the National Radio Drama archives, from classic shows and legendary productions to contemporary creations. The new eteatru.ro will also feature a child-friendly interface, offering the most beautiful stories and plays for young ones. Users will be able to create a personal account, save their favorite shows and resume listening whenever they want.

Radio Romanias first radio drama broadcast took place on February 18, 1929. Over the decades to this day, the National Radio Drama has built its own heritage sound archives, bringing together major works of Romanian and universal theater, prestigious directors and some of the most important voices of Romanian theater. (VP)
AT&T Inc. (T), the telecommunications giant, has announced that it is relocating its corporate headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano, as revealed in an internal email to employees on Monday.

CEO John Stankey mentioned that this decision came after about a year of thoughtful consideration and planning. They've picked a new site at 5400 Legacy Drive in Plano.

Currently, AT&T has nearly 6,000 employees working in its downtown Dallas headquarters, which is located in the 37-story Whitacre Tower, according to estimates from 2022.

City officials shared that Dallas made efforts to keep the company within the city, but AT&T ultimately preferred a more suburban campus with plenty of land for future growth.

Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert and Mayor Eric Johnson recognized that AT&T's leadership was leaning towards a large, sprawling campus instead of a tall office tower.

Johnson pointed out that Dallas' economic strengths were a big draw for AT&T when it came to the city back in 2008, and since then, Dallas has evolved into a global economic hub.

On the other hand, Plano's Mayor, John Muns, welcomed the news, calling it a significant reinvestment in the Legacy district that will boost the area's innovation scene.

This move does leave some questions about AT&T's downtown properties, including the Discovery District campus that opened in 2021.

The company mentioned it anticipates the new headquarters in Plano to start being occupied by mid-2028.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence firm xAI announced that it has raised $20 billion in upsized Series E funding round, exceeding the $15 billion targeted round size, with backing from AI chip major Nvidia Corp. and Qatar.

The company, which aims to rapidly accelerating its progress in building advanced AI, expects the financing to support infrastructure buildout, and to enable the rapid development and deployment of transformative AI products reaching billions of users. The funding will also fuel groundbreaking research advancing xAI's core mission, which is Understanding the Universe.

The company has raised the funds from investors Valor Equity Partners, Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Qatar Investment Authority, MGX, Baron Capital Group, amongst other key partners.

NVIDIA and Cisco Investments, strategic investors in the round, continue to support xAI in rapidly scaling its compute infrastructure and buildout of the largest GPU clusters in the world.

The AI startup noted that it advanced a multitude of key initiatives in 2025, including Data Centers, Grok 4 Series, Grok Voice, User metrics, Grok Imagine, and Grok on ??.

xAI continues to expand its decisive compute advantage with the world's largest AI supercomputers at Colossus I and II, ending the year with over one million H100 GPU equivalents.

Grok 5 is currently in training, and the firm is focused on launching innovative new consumer and enterprise products that harness the power of Grok, Colossus, and ??.

The firm added that it is hiring aggressively and seeks mission-oriented individuals to focus on making a transformational impact on the future of humanity.

Media reported recently that the latest expanded funding round includes both equity and debt, with Nvidia contributing up to $2 billion to the equity portion of the deal. The deal was said to be structured through a special purpose vehicle designed to acquire Nvidia processors and lease them to xAI. These chips will power xAI's Colossus 2 initiativeits largest data center located in Memphis.

Recently, xAI and Musk's social media platform X filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI in U.S. federal court in Texas, accusing them of colluding to block competition in the fast-growing AI sector.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIST) announced that the European Medicines Agency has accepted for review the company's Marketing Authorization Application for Etripamil nasal spray, a self-administered therapy for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common arrhythmia affecting an estimated two million people in Europe, characterized by sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat that can exceed 150 to 200 beats per minute. These episodes often cause severe palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath, frequently forcing patients to seek emergency care.

Etripamil, which carries the conditionally approved brand name TACHYMIST in Europe, is a fast-acting calcium channel blocker delivered via a nasal spray. Designed for patient self-administration, it aims to provide a rapid, reliable option to convert PSVT episodes to normal rhythm outside of a healthcare setting.

The EMA decision is expected by the first quarter of 2027. The application incorporates the global clinical data package that supported the U.S. of Etripamil, marketed as CARDAMYST in the U.S. for acute PSVT episodes in adults.

The submission is backed by data from more than 1,800 participants and over 2,000 PSVT episodes, including results from the pivotal Phase 3 RAPID trial. In the study, 64% of patients self-administering Etripamil converted to sinus rhythm within 30 minutes, compared with 31% on placebo. Median time to conversion was 17 minutes for Etripamil versus 54 minutes for placebo.

Safety findings were consistent across subgroups, with most adverse events being mild, transient nasal-related symptoms.

If approved, TACHYMIST would become the first patient-administered therapy for PSVT in Europe offering an alternative to emergency department visits or invasive ablation procedures. Milestone noted that the therapy may give patients greater control over unpredictable episodes and reduce the burden on the healthcare systems.

Etripamil nasal spray was approved in the U.S. as recently as December 12, 2025. The product, which will be marketed under the brand name CARDAMYST, is expected to be available in retail pharmacies this quarter.

MIST has traded between $0.62 and $3.06 over the past year. The stock closed yesterday's trading at $2.05, up 1.49%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil prices traded lower on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous session after the United States and Venezuela reached an agreement allowing the export of up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude oil to U.S. ports.

Benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 0.7 percent to $60.29 a barrel while WTI crude futures were down more than 1 percent at $56.53.

Trump said Tuesday night that between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil would be sold to the U.S. at market prices, with proceeds overseen by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The U.S. will use the proceeds "to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" he wrote on Truth Social.

However, analysts were skeptical that Trump's plans would have a major impact on the global supply and American oil companies can fix Venezuela's oil infrastructure.

Traders were also reacting to mixed inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute (API).

While U.S, crude inventories fell by 2.8 million barrels during the week ended Jan. 2, gasoline inventories rose by 4.4 million barrels, and distillate inventories, including diesel and heating oil, increased by 4.9 million barrels over the same period, the API estimated.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
In recent months, Chipotle Mexican Grill has faced softer comparable sales and weaker traffic amid a tougher consumer backdrop, while simultaneously rolling out highefficiency kitchen equipment, testing an expanded catering offering, and pressing ahead with an ambitious 2026 restaurant opening plan.

This combination of operational upgrades, new revenue channels, and continued unit growth ambitions is drawing fresh investor attention to how Chipotle might balance near-term pressure with its longer-term margin and growth aspirations.

Against this backdrop, well now examine how Chipotles high-efficiency equipment rollout could reshape its existing investment narrative.

The latest GPUs need a type of rare earth metal called Dysprosium and there are only 39 companies in the world exploring or producing it. Find the list for free.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Investment Narrative Recap

To own Chipotle today, you need to believe its brand, unit expansion, and efficiency efforts can offset softer traffic and a cautious consumer. The sharp 2025 share price decline and lowered same store sales guidance keep near term demand trends as the key catalyst and risk, and the recent rally and EPS estimate revisions do not fundamentally change that focus.

The high efficiency equipment package (HEEP) rollout feels especially relevant here, because it sits directly at the intersection of that traffic driven risk and Chipotles margin oriented catalyst. If HEEP can support faster throughput and better consistency without materially adding complexity, it could help the company make more of every visit even if overall demand remains uneven.

Yet, beneath the efficiency story, the real concern investors should be aware of is how sustained consumer pullback across income groups could...

Read the full narrative on Chipotle Mexican Grill (it's free!)

Chipotle Mexican Grill's narrative projects $16.4 billion revenue and $2.3 billion earnings by 2028. This requires 12.3% yearly revenue growth and about a $0.8 billion earnings increase from $1.5 billion today.

Uncover how Chipotle Mexican Grill's forecasts yield a $43.18 fair value, a 12% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

CMG 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Twenty three Simply Wall St Community fair value estimates span roughly US$30 to US$68 per share, with some investors seeing very limited upside and others expecting much more. When you set those opinions against Chipotles recent same store sales weakness and consumer spending headwinds, it becomes clear that you should weigh several viewpoints before deciding how its growth and risk profile fits your portfolio.
Commerce Bancshares has completed its purchase of FineMark Holdings, the parent company of FineMark National Bank & Trust.

The all-stock transaction, valued at approximately $585m, was announced in June last year.

Upon the merger, Commerce Bancshares reported total assets of around $36bn and assets under administration of $90bn.

This places the company 15th among US bank-managed trust firms by assets under management, according to pro forma figures as of 30 September.

Commerce president and CEO John Kemper said: We are delighted to announce the completion of the FineMark transaction, officially welcoming FineMark into our organisation. FineMark is a natural culture fit, with a history of strong asset quality, a shared client-centric approach to wealth management and banking, and a commitment to building strong communities.

Together, we are positioned to accelerate growth, expand our reach, and deliver even greater value to clients, shareholders, and our communities for many years to come.

The acquisition broadens Commerce Bancshares reach in private banking and wealth management, adding new locations in Arizona and South Carolina.

Shortly after the completion of the deal, FineMark National Bank & Trust was merged into Commerce Bank.

The former FineMark branches will now operate as FineMark Bank & Trust, a division within Commerce Bank, retaining their current locations and maintaining ongoing client-advisor relationships.

Joseph Catti will take on the role of Chairman at Commerce Trust and will continue to oversee the FineMark Bank & Trust division under the new structure.

Integration of operational systems is scheduled for the latter half of 2026.

"Commerce Bancshares concludes acquisition of FineMark" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Corn futures are rallying out of the holiday weeks, with contracts up 6 to 7  cents across the nearbys. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 7 1/4 cents at $4.06 1/2.

USDA tallied corn export shipments at 1.207 MMT (47.5 mbu) during the week ending on January 1. That was 9.6% below the week prior and 37.58% above the same week in last year. Japan was the top destination of 294,366 MT, with 243,382 MT headed to Mexico and 90,557 MT to Guatemala. Marketing year exports for 2025/26 are 26.81 MMT (1.06 bbu) since September 1, which is now 64.83% larger vs. the same period last year. Another 119,195 MT of sorghum was headed to China.

More News from Barchart

Export Sales data got caught up this morning, with a total of 756,419 MT of corn sold in the week of 12/25, on the lower end of the expected 0.7-1.5 MMT. That was a marketing year low, and just 2.6% below the same holiday week last year.

A monthly Grains Crushing report from USDA was released on Friday afternoon, showing a total of 471.87 mbu of corn used in ethanol during November. That was slightly above last year and 0.7% below last month. Corn grind in the first quarter was down just 0.2 mbu from 2024/25.

Mar 26 Corn is at $4.44 3/4, up 7 1/4 cents,

Nearby Cash is at $4.06 1/2, up 7 1/4 cents,

May 26 Corn is at $4.52 1/2, up 7 cents,

Jul 26 Corn is at $4.58 1/2, up 6 1/2 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
The hominin fossils discovered in the Grotte a Hominides at Thomas Quarry I in Casablanca, Morocco, are providing new evidence about the deep origins of Homo sapiens, suggesting that the ancestral lineage of modern humans was already present in Africa nearly 800,000 years ago. The fossils are similar in age to Homo antecessor from Spain but show a combination of primitive traits and derived features reminiscent of Eurasian archaic hominins and later Homo sapiens.

Until now, paleoanthropologists have debated where the last common ancestor of modern humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans lived.

Genetic evidence suggests that this ancestor existed between about 765,000 and 550,000 years ago, but the fossil record has remained uncertain.

Some scientists had proposed a Eurasian origin, based in part on 950,000- to 770,000-year-old fossils from Atapuerca, Spain.

The new hominin fossils  partial mandibles, teeth, vertebrae and a fragment of a femur  from the Grotte a Hominides strengthen the case for Africa.

An analysis of the surrounding sediments shows that the Moroccan fossils are from a time close to a major shift in the Earths magnetic field, about 773,000 years ago, giving them a similar age to Homo antecessor.

However, the new fossils are morphologically different from Homo antecessor, suggesting that regional differentiation between Europe and North Africa was already present by the late Early Pleistocene (around 1.8 million to 780,000 years ago).

The Moroccan fossils combine ancient features seen in species such as Homo erectus with more modern traits found in Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

For example, their molar size patterns resemble those of early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, whereas their mandible shape is closer to those of Homo erectus and other African archaic humans.

The Moroccan fossils may not be the last common ancestors to modern humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans, but may be close ancestors.

The Moroccan remains likely represent an evolved form of Homo erectus in North Africa, but one that sits near the evolutionary split between African and Eurasian lineages, the researchers said.

Our findings highlight the Maghreb as a pivotal region for understanding the emergence of our species, reinforcing the case for an African rather than a Eurasian ancestry of Homo sapiens.

The results were published today in the journal Nature.

_____

JJ. Hublin et al. Early hominins from Morocco basal to the Homo sapiens lineage. Nature, published online January 7, 2026; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09914-y
The Voynich manuscript  often called the most mysterious manuscript in the world  has eluded attempts to understand its origin, nature, and purpose for centuries. Its text is made up of a strange collection of glyphs, strung together in bizarre-looking, unreadable words that surround otherworldly illustrations. In a new study, independent researcher and science journalist Michael Greshko investigated the hypothesis that the manuscript is compatible with being a ciphertext by attempting to develop a historically plausible cipher that can replicate the manuscripts unusual properties.

The Voynich manuscript, named after the antiquarian Wilfrid Voynich, is a small book 23.5 x 16.2 cm of about 240 pages.

Nearly every page of the book contains scientific and botanical drawings in various shades of green, brown, yellow, blue, and red.

The Voynich manuscripts parchment was made in the early fifteenth century (1404-1438), and in its construction and illustrated content, the manuscript resembles books made during the early 1400s in central Europe, especially those from the region around the Alps, Greshko said.

Three main schools of thought have emerged on the nature of the manuscript:

(i) that it is meaningless gibberish perhaps created as glossolalia or as a means of running a Medieval scam;

(ii) that it represents an early artificial language, or perhaps the written form of an obscure or previously unknown natural language;

(iii) that it represents a ciphertext of a well-known natural language such as Latin, Italian, or German.

In his new work, Greshko described a cipher that reliably encrypts Latin and Italian texts as decipherable ciphertexts that replicate many properties of the Voynich manuscript at once.

Named after a 14th-century Italian word for a card game, the Naibbe cipher is a verbose homophonic substitution cipher that maps individual letters in a Latin or Italian plaintext onto multiple distinct strings of Voynichese glyphs, he explained.

The cipher is designed to be executable with materials available in or around the Alpine region during the early fifteenth century.

It works by mapping letters onto multiple distinct strings of Voynichese glyphs, producing words that follow an expanded version of the slot grammar observed in the manuscript itself.

The results suggest that the ciphertext hypothesis for the Voynich manuscript remains viable.

Playing cards are also historically plausible, having been introduced to Europe in the late fourteenth century via trade with the Mamluk Sultanate, the researcher said.

Decks of 52 and 78 playing cards are known from 15th-century Europe, and confirmed records of playing cards within Italy date back to 1377, in the form of a Florentine prohibition on the foreign card game naibbe, a term likely derived from Arabic.

Playing cards are also known from around the Alpine region specifically: Venice built up such a robust card-making industry during the early fifteenth century that by 1441, Venetian artisans were already lamenting the industrys decline.

I have designed two variants of the Naibbe cipher, he added.

One uses the 78-card tarocchi (tarot) deck, which was created in 15th-century Italy to play trick-taking card games.

The other variant uses a standard 52-card deck, whose basic design was established in the Mamluk Sultanate.

The Naibbe ciphers very existence suggests that the Voynich manuscript may be compatible with being a Latin or Romance-language ciphertext.

As far as I am aware, the Naibbe cipher is the first substitution cipher ever described that has offered systematic explanations for how a substitution cipher could have modified the properties of Latin, Italian, [or] German into those of the Voynich manuscript, Greshko said.

However, the Naibbe ciphers incomplete replication of Voynich Bs properties underscores the difficulty of achieving a comprehensive cipher-based model for Voynich manuscript text generation.

I hope that the Naibbe cipher inspires new computational analyses of both Voynich manuscript-mimic ciphers and the Voynich manuscript itself  and that someday soon, the low hum of the Voynich manuscripts six-century mystery and the cacophony of a centurys worth of analysis will give way to melodious harmony.

The study was published in November 2025 in the journal Cryptologia.

_____

Michael A. Greshko. The Naibbe cipher: a substitution cipher that encrypts Latin and Italian as Voynich Manuscript-like ciphertext. Cryptologia, published online November 26, 2025; doi: 10.1080/01611194.2025.2566408
Scientists have, for the first time, rebuilt ancient genomes of Human betaherpesvirus 6A and 6B (HHV-6A/B) using DNA from archaeological human remains that are more than 2,000 years old. The research, led by teams at the University of Vienna and the University of Tartu (Estonia) and published in Science Advances, shows that these viruses have been closely linked with humans since at least the Iron Age. The findings confirm a long evolutionary relationship and reveal that one strain, HHV-6A, appears to have lost its ability to integrate into human DNA early in its history.

HHV-6B infects roughly 90 percent of children by age two and is best known for causing roseola infantum -- or "sixth disease" -- the most common cause of febrile seizures in young children. Along with its close relative HHV-6A, it belongs to a widespread group of herpesviruses that typically cause a mild early infection before remaining dormant in the body for life.

What sets these viruses apart is their unusual ability to insert their genetic material into human chromosomes. This allows the virus to stay inactive for long periods and, in rare cases, be passed down from parent to child as part of the human genome. Today, about one percent of people carry these inherited viral copies. While scientists had long suspected that these integrations occurred far in the past, direct genetic evidence had been missing until now.

Searching for Viral DNA in Ancient Human Remains

To uncover that evidence, an international team led by the University of Vienna and the University of Tartu (Estonia), working with researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London, analyzed nearly 4,000 human skeletal samples from archaeological sites across Europe. From this large dataset, the team successfully identified and reconstructed eleven ancient herpesvirus genomes.

The oldest genome came from a young girl who lived in Iron Age Italy (1100-600 BCE). Other samples spanned a wide range of locations and time periods. Both HHV-6A and HHV-6B were detected in medieval remains from England, Belgium, and Estonia, while HHV-6B was also found in ancient samples from Italy and early historic Russia. Several individuals from England carried inherited forms of HHV-6B, making them the earliest known cases of chromosomally integrated human herpesviruses. The Belgian site of Sint-Truiden stood out, yielding the highest number of cases and evidence that both viral species circulated within the same community.

"While HHV-6 infects almost 90% of the human population at some point in their life, only around 1% carry the virus, which was inherited from your parents, in all cells of their body. These 1% of cases are what we are most likely to identify using ancient DNA, making the search for viral sequences quite difficult," said the lead researcher of the study, Meriam Guellil, University of Vienna, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. "Based on our data, the viruses' evolution can now be traced over more than 2,500 years across Europe, using genomes from the 8th-6th century BCE until today."

Viral Integrations That Lasted for Millennia

By reconstructing these ancient genomes, researchers were able to pinpoint where the viruses had integrated into human chromosomes. When compared with modern genetic data, the results showed that some viral integrations occurred thousands of years ago and were passed down through many generations.

The analysis also revealed that HHV-6A and HHV-6B followed different evolutionary paths. One of the two viruses, HHV-6A, appears to have lost its ability to integrate into human DNA over time, suggesting that its interaction with human hosts changed as both evolved together.

Modern Health Links and Ancient Origins

"Carrying a copy of HHV6B in your genome has been linked to angina-heart-disease," says Charlotte Houldcroft (Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge). "We know that these inherited forms of HHV6A and B are more common in the UK today compared to the rest of Europe, and this is the first evidence of ancient carriers from Britain."

A New Window Into Virus and Human Coevolution

The discovery of ancient HHV-6 genomes provides the first time-stamped genetic proof of long-term virus-human coevolution at the DNA level. It also highlights how ancient DNA can illuminate the deep history of infectious diseases, showing how short-lived childhood infections can eventually become part of the human genome.

Although HHV-6A and HHV-6B were only identified in the 1980s, this research traces their presence back to the Iron Age. "Modern genetic data suggested that HHV-6 may have been evolving with humans since our migration out of Africa," says Guellil. "These ancient genomes now provide first concrete proof of their presence in the deep human past."
Key Points

Altria is a large consumer staples company with an industry-leading brand.

The stock boasts a growing dividend to back its huge 7.4% yield.

Long-term investors need to pay attention to this troubling business trend.

10 stocks we like better than Altria Group 

Altria (NYSE: MO) sells Marlboro cigarettes in the United States. It is one of the best-known brands in the world, at least among smokers. Add in Altria's steadily growing dividend and a 7.4% yield, and it would seem like this is a slam-dunk dividend stock for those looking to build a million-dollar portfolio. That's doubly true if you compound those dividends by reinvesting them.

There are just a couple of problems with Altria's story. Here's what you need to know before you buy this high-yield stock, thinking that it will help turn you into a millionaire.

Image source: Getty Images.

Altria's core is weak

Altria is classified as a consumer staples company. That is because it sells a relatively low-cost product that consumers purchase on a regular basis, regardless of economic or stock market fluctuations. There's a nuance here, however, because Altria doesn't sell life necessities like food and toiletries; it sells tobacco products.

Tobacco products are bought regularly because nicotine is addictive. This is where the problems start for Altria, because cigarettes are the primary way it provides nicotine to consumers. Smokable tobacco products account for nearly 90% of the company's revenues. Cigarettes account for just over 97% of its smokable tobacco product volumes.

Sure, it owns the most important cigarette brand in the U.S. market, with a 40% overall market share and a nearly 60% share of the premium market. But that positive has to be juxtaposed against the fact that Altria's business is centered around one product and, really, just one brand, since Marlboro accounts for roughly 88% of the company's cigarette sales.

Being what amounts to a one-trick pony isn't actually the bad news. Many companies excel in one area, resulting in vibrant and growing businesses. Altria's problem is that it is a one-trick pony with a business that is steadily shrinking.

The company sold 8.2% fewer cigarettes in the third quarter of 2025 than it did in the same stanza of 2024. Through the first nine months of 2025 volume fell 10.6%. That's a continuation of a long-term trend, with cigarette volume down 10.2% in 2024, 9.9% in 2023, and 9.7% in 2022.

Altria hasn't been able to solve the problem

It is pretty clear that Altria's core business is in decline. If this were any other consumer staples company, investors would likely be running for the hills. However, it still generates a substantial amount of cash flow and is using that cash to pay a large dividend. It has even been increasing its dividend despite the fundamental weaknesses of its business. That makes it easy for dividend lovers to overlook the very real business headwinds the company is facing.
Qabil Ashirov



Azerbaijans Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mutallim Mirzayev, has discussed bilateral relations between Baku and Riyadh at the Kingdoms Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Azernews reports that Saudi Arabias foreign policy body said that the ambassador was received by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and Deputy Foreign Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi.

The deputy ministers welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new post. The parties also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993, with bilateral trade reaching $310 million in 2024, according to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy. The two countries cooperate in energy, investment, and cultural sectors, with Saudi firms participating in infrastructure and construction projects in Azerbaijan.

Moreover, in recent years, Baku and Riyadh have strengthened ties through high-level visits, including meetings between foreign ministers and heads of state. The countries also collaborate in international organisations such as the UN and OIC, promoting regional stability and economic development. Trade and investment initiatives remain a priority for both sides.

Further to the cooperation between the two countries, both sides are strengthening cooperation in the field of green energy as part of their broader efforts to diversify energy portfolios and support the global transition to clean power. Both countries, traditionally known as major hydrocarbon producers, are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to ensure long-term energy security and sustainable economic growth.

The partnership focuses on exchanging expertise, exploring joint investment opportunities, and developing renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan, particularly in solar and wind power generation. This cooperation aligns with Azerbaijans goal of expanding renewable capacity and Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, which prioritises clean energy development and reduced reliance on oil revenues. By deepening collaboration in green energy, Baku and Riyadh aim to position themselves as proactive players in the regional and global energy transition.
India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has revealed that 49 cryptocurrency exchanges completed registration under the country's anti-money laundering framework for the fiscal year 2024-25.

This development represents a significant step in strengthening regulatory oversight of the countrys expanding digital asset sector.

Indias FIU Says 49 Crypto Firms Now Meet AML Standards for FY2425

According to the FIUs latest annual report, most of the registered platforms are domestic, with 45 exchanges operating within India. The remaining four are offshore platforms registered with the FIU as reporting entities. This enables them to continue serving Indian users under the countrys compliance framework.

https://twitter.com/smtgpt/status/2008402122295922878?s=20

In India, cryptocurrencies are legally classified as Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs). Furthermore, the framework designates platforms facilitating their trading as VDA Service Providers (VDA SPs).

In 2023, the regulators formally brought these entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). As reporting entities, the FIU requires VDA SPs to submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs).

Their obligations also include identifying and reporting beneficial ownership of wallets, monitoring fundraising activities such as initial coin offerings or token offerings, and tracking transfers between hosted and unhosted wallets.

In the report, the FIU stated that its strategic analysis of STRs highlighted persistent risks across the cryptocurrency ecosystem. While acknowledging the sectors potential for financial innovation and wealth creation, the agency warned that digital assets were exploited for serious criminal activity. Identified red flags included the use of crypto for hawala operations, illegal gambling, and complex fraud schemes.

"However, VDAs, VDA SPs have certain potential money laundering and terror financing risks, owing to their global reach, capacity for rapid settlement, ability to enable peer-to-peer transactions, and potential for increased anonymity and obfuscation of transaction flows and counterparties," the report read.

The report also revealed that the FIU imposed total penalties of 28 crore (approximately $3.1 million) during the 202425 fiscal year on crypto exchanges found to be non-compliant. In October, the regulator also sent notices to 25 crypto exchanges, including BingX, LBank, CoinW, CEX.IO, and Poloniex, for failing to comply with the countrys anti-money laundering rules.

While the crackdown continues, several major global exchanges have resumed operations in the Indian market. Bybit returned to the country after completing local registration requirements and paying a $1 million penalty.
Apple (AAPL) is a global technology company that designs and sells smartphones, computers, tablets and wearables as well as offers a fast-growing portfolio of high-margin services. Its ecosystem spans iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and more, as well as platforms like the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and Apple TV+, making hardware a gateway into recurring subscription revenue.

Founded in 1976, Apple is headquartered in Cupertino, California. The company operates and sells products across the Americas, Europe, China, Japan, and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, reaching billions of active devices worldwide.

More News from Barchart

Apple Stock Performance

AAPL stock trades 8% below its 52-week high of $288.62 and well above its $169.21 low, reflecting a strong multimonth uptrend. Over the last five days, the stock is down almost 4% and down about 5% for the past one month. However, AAPL is up 8% over the last 12 months.

Over that same oneyear period, the S&P 500 ($SPX) has outperformed Apple with a 16% growth rate. Despite this, the company still trades above its 200-day moving average, with a market capitalization of over $4 trillion, exhibiting slightly higher volatility but strong momentum relative to the broader market.

www.barchart.com

Apple's Q4 Results

Apple reported fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 30, seeing revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8% year-over-year (YOY) and beating analyst estimates of $101.2 billion. Adjusted EPS was $1.85, up 13% YOY and exceeding consensus estimates of $1.73.

Gross margin reached 47.2%, with operating income of $32.8 billion and net income of $27.5 billion. Operating cash flow was $29.7 billion while capital expenditures came to $12.7 billion. Cash and equivalents stood at $35.9 billion during the quarter. Apple's installed base reached alltime highs across devices while iPhone revenue grew 6% YOY to $49 billion despite China softness.

For Q1 fiscal 2026, Apple guided for revenue growth of 10% to 12% YOY, led by iPhone and services, with gross margin projections of 47% to 48%. CFO Kevan Parekh highlighted record fiscal 2025 revenue of $416 billion and doubledigit EPS growth, with artificial intelligence (AI) investments and capex expansion continuing.
Berenberg upgraded Vodafone on Wednesday to buy from hold and lifted the price target to 119p from 82p as it highlighted the potential for free cash flow growth and a strong balance sheet.

The bank said it was raising its long-term free cash flow forecasts for the company following its recent strong Q2/H1 2026 results.

Berenberg said it believes that Vodafone can now deliver sustainable free cash flow and dividend growth in the coming years.

"Furthermore, the company has substantial future capacity for value-creation opportunities (eg further share buybacks and small bolt-on M&A), with an increasingly robust balance sheet (circa 1bn is expected to be received in the coming days from Zegona Communications share cancellation)," it said.

Berenberg said it was increasingly confident Vodafone can execute well in its core markets. It expects management to deliver modest growth and improving profitability in Germany, helped by improving market conditions.

It also expects management to effectively execute the integration of Three UK, realising its synergy targets in the process.

Finally, the bank said management was set to be a sensible steward of capital, focusing on core markets and on further simplifying the relatively complex group structure.

At 1010 GMT, Vodafone was the top gainer on the FTSE 100, with the shares up 3.1% at 103.60p.
Thursday is a big day for UK retailers, with both Marks & Spencer and Tesco due to publish updates, alongside bakery chain Greggs .

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Marks and Spencer will be hoping for a magical Christmas performance in next weeks trading update, to help draw a line under what has been a tough 2025."

He pointed to the cyber attack in April last year, which crippled online sales in the retailers Fashion, Home & Beauty (FH&B) division, leading to a sharp decline in first-half profits.

"Operations are expected to return to full flow by March, sparking hopes that second-half pre-tax profits can rebound above last years 468 million," Chiekrie said.

"Underlying trends in the business remain positive, with both Food and FH&B continuing to capture market share from the competition, thanks to its obsessive focus on quality, value, and service. With near-term profit expectations reset, the worst looks to be behind M&S now. But the group has some work to do to rebuild investors confidence, starting with delivering a solid performance in next weeks festive update."

As far as Greggs fourth-quarter trading update is concerned, AJ Bell noted the shares are down 40% over the past year, leaving them at levels last seen in late 2020 as the UK was slowly staggering out of the pandemic and the early wave of lockdowns.

Analysts Russ Mould, Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth said investors will be watching for comments on total sales, which were up 6.7% at the nine-month stage and 6.1% in the third quarter.

They will also be watching out for the trend in like-for-like sales, where a marked slowdown has been evident.

"The third quarter showed a 1.5% improvement, and the first nine months overall just a 2.2% rate of advance, on a like-for-like basis," they noted.

On the macroeconomic front, Chinese trade figures for December will be released overnight, while German factory orders for November are due at 0700 GMT. In the US, the latest initial jobless claims data will be published at 1330 GMT.

Thursday January 08

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Caledonia Investments, CMC Markets, Michelmersh Brick Holdings, TR Property Inv Trust, Volex

INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Ashtead Group, Bisichi , Cohort, Ecora Resources, Facilities by ADF, FIH Group , Jet2, Mitie Group, QinetiQ Group, Workspace Group, XPS Pensions Group

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

GSK

QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE

CT UK High Income Trust, TBC Bank Group

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Business Climate Indicator (EU) (10:00)

Consumer Confidence (EU) (10:00)

Consumer Credit (US) (20:00)

Continuing Claims (US) (13:30)

Economic Sentiment Indicator (EU) (10:00)

Factory Orders (GER) (07:00)

Industrial Confidence (EU) (10:00)

Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30)

Producer Price Index (EU) (10:00)

Services Sentiment (EU) (10:00)

Unemployment Rate (EU) (10:00)

Wholesales Inventories (US) (15:00)

GMS

Aquila European Renewables (GBP), Strix Group

SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Hargreave Hale AIM VCT , Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust, Smiths News

AGMS Applied Nutrition

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Greggs

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Halifax House Price Index (07:00)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Town Centre Securities

FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust , DotDigital Group, Greencore Group (CDI), Hargreave Hale AIM VCT , Northamber, Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust, Smiths News , The Sage Group
Ventyx Biosciences surged in pre-market trade on Wednesday following a report that Eli Lilly & Co. is in advanced talks to buy the company for more than $1bn to expand its work in immunology.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a deal for Ventyx, which specialises in developing pills that can treat inflammatory diseases, could be announced imminently.

San Diego-based Ventyx had a market value of a little over $500m as of Tuesday afternoon.

The company specialises in the development of pills to treat diseases like Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis. The pills have also shown promise treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's, as well as heart-related conditions, the WSJ said.

One of Ventyx's drug candidates is currently in mid-stage testing for the treatment of cardiovascular disease associated with obesity.

The WSJ said Ventyx has been developing treatments targeting a complex of proteins, called NLRP3, that researchers have found plays an important role in the body's inflammatory response and immune diseases where that response goes haywire.

Ventyx has two experimental drugs that seek to inhibit the out-of-control inflammatory activity.

At 1310 GMT, Ventyx shares were up 56% at $15.67 in pre-market trade.
Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust said on Wednesday that independent voting adviser ISS has recommended that shareholders vote against all of Saba Capital Managements resolutions at the general meeting on 20 January.

Saba, which owns just under 30% of EWIT, has called for the trust to oust its entire board - six directors - and replace them with three of its own US-based nominees.

EWIT chair Jonathan Simpson-Dent said: "For a second time within a year, independent voting adviser ISS has recommended that shareholders vote against all of Saba's resolutions. Shareholders should not be swayed by Saba misrepresenting the facts, ignoring the significant progress made following the implementation of the path for growth strategy and remaining silent on their ultimate objectives.

"If shareholders want to prevent this US hedge fund from taking control of the company on the cheap, it is critical that they vote against all of Saba's resolutions before the opportunity for doing so closes for many next week.

"We strongly encourage shareholders not to be complacent and remind everyone that Saba holds a larger shareholding and therefore more voting power this time. Shareholders must turn out in force in order to prevent Saba from taking control."

EWIT will be hosting a Q&A session on Friday to give shareholders the chance to ask Simpson-Dent any questions they may have about Saba's proposed resolutions.

The statement from EWIT came alongside an open letter from Saba, in which the US activist investor run by Boaz Weinstein once again requested the trust explain its "suspiciously timed" decision to slash its stake in Elon Musks Space X.

Saba said: "We are writing to request that you provide the companys shareholders, as a matter of urgency, with full transparency regarding (1) your knowledge of Baillie Giffords decision to materially reduce EWIs stake in SpaceX and (2) any connection between this sale and your decision to pursue a merger with the Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust.

"As the largest shareholder in the company, we are deeply concerned at the recent sell-down by Baillie Gifford of the companys stake in SpaceX - the crown jewel of the companys portfolio - just two months prior to SpaceXs scheduled revaluation, in a move that appears to defy commercial logic.

"We are particularly concerned that this sale was instead motivated by a desire on the part of both Baillie Gifford and you, the board, to facilitate a merger of the company with USA."

In December 2025, Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust announced that Saba had blocked its proposed merger with Edinburgh Worldwide.

The trust said it had been in active discussions about "a transformational merger opportunity that would result in both a continuation and refinement of the current investment strategy as well as a material cash exit opportunity for all shareholders".

However, at a meeting to sound out support for a deal, Saba Capital said it would not support it.

Baillie Gifford said at the time that while Saba is able to block the requisite shareholder approvals due to the size of its holding, it would nonetheless like to consult with shareholders more broadly on their views.

Saba has been very vocal about its disappointment with the EWIT share price. It has said in the past that the company has "consistently underperformed" across the one-, three-, and five-year periods and that its buyback activity over the past three years has fallen below the average for UK investment trusts executing buybacks over the same period.

Separately, Legal & General - which holds a 0.5% stake in EWIT - announced that it plans to vote against the resolutions put forward by Saba.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said: "Saba Capitals ask to appoint three nominees to replace the full existing board of Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust lacks sufficient detail regarding its future strategy for the trust, vital and financially material information for investors which would be expected, given the substantial restructure of the trusts board and handover of power to the nominees being proposed under resolutions 7-9."
Donald Trump has said Venezuela will be turning over $2bn worth of Venezuelan crude to the United States, a flagship negotiation that would divert supplies from China while helping Venezuela avoid deeper oil production cuts. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! Trump said in a post online.  Guardian

Tougher rules on drink-driving, eye tests for older motorists and automatic emergency braking in new cars will be mandated by the government in an attempt to significantly reduce casualties on Britains roads. The first road safety strategy in more than a decade aims to save thousands of lives with a range of measures, from training and technology to stiffer penalties for offenders.  Guardian

A billionaire hedge fund boss who became a champion of climate change campaigners paid himself 60m last year after a surge in performance at his investment fund. Sir Chris Hohn, one of Britains most successful money managers, received the cash through an annual dividend payment from his Mayfair-based investment group The Childrens Investment Fund Management (TCI).  Telegraph

An artificial intelligence (AI) business that helped provide crucial data to Dominic Cummings Vote Leave campaign has been sold in a $1bn (740m) deal. Faculty, a London technology business that provides AI tools for the public sector and businesses, said it had agreed to be acquired by Accenture, the US-listed consulting giant.  Telegraph

The business behind a flawed Post Office IT system that led to the wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters has been accused of being a parasite on British taxpayers. Fujitsu, architect of the Horizon computer system, is under pressure from MPs over its refusal to say how much it would contribute to the 1.8 billion cost of providing redress for the scandal, even as it continues to benefit from public sector contracts.  The Times

The rival bidder for Heathrows third runway has accused the airport of taking people for a ride by gold plating the planning costs for its 49 billion expansion project. Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the eponymous hotels and property group, pointed to the vast difference in early planning expenses for the two schemes.  The Times
Thomas Goodhead, the co-founder of Pogust Goodhead, was ousted last summer amid allegations that he spent money intended for litigation on private jets and parties - Heathcliff O'Malley

The class action law firm behind two of the biggest cases in the High Court has cast doubt over its future after losing almost 400m in two years.

Pogust Goodhead, which is pursuing claims as part of the Dieselgate scandal, is facing a cash crunch as it battles a debt pile of 630m.

The London-headquartered law firm lost 95m in 2023, according to its latest accounts, following losses of 292m the previous year. Its revenue stood at just 3.6m.

Meanwhile, the company racked up debts of 633m as it borrowed heavily to fund its class action claims.

In 2023, Pogust Goodhead secured $552m (408m) of funding from US hedge fund Gramercy Funds Management with an additional $65m top-up agreed last year.

In the accounts, bosses said they expected to secure further funding to enable the firm to continue litigating its cases, adding that forecasts showed it would be able to meet working capital requirements for at least 12 months.

However, they acknowledged there was material uncertainty about the companys ability to stay afloat as future funding remained subject to agreement.

Pogust Goodhead is representing motorists in a multibillion-pound lawsuit against car manufacturers over the so-called Dieselgate scandal, in which Volkswagen and other major car brands were found to have cheated emissions tests.

It is also behind a 36bn class action lawsuit against Australian mining giant BHP on behalf of victims of the Mariana dam collapse in Brazil in 2015, which led to tonnes of toxic waste being released into rivers and claimed 19 lives.

The London law firm has been embroiled in its own scandal over alleged misconduct by its co-founder Thomas Goodhead.

Mr Goodhead, a barrister who previously represented victims of the Tavistock transgender clinic, was ousted by Gramercy last summer amid allegations that he spent money intended for litigation on private jets, helicopters and parties.

Thomas Goodhead represented former patients of the Tavistock clinic who claimed they were wrongly prescribed puberty blockers - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images

This included holding two private yacht parties for staff in Rio de Janeiro in 2023 and using private jets and helicopters on more than a dozen occasions in Brazil at a cost of nearly 82,000.

Mr Goodhead denies the allegations and claims he is the victim of a smear campaign.

The upheaval triggered chaos in the Dieselgate lawsuit with Pogust Goodhead asking the High Court for permission to withdraw as lead solicitor. Its request was rejected.

Pogust Goodhead said it has implemented governance changes, including the establishment of a new independent board, to strengthen financial stability and long-term resilience.

It also pointed to a High Court decision in its Mariana dam case in November, which found BHP liable for the collapse and paved the way for a multibillion-dollar payout.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is asking for the publics help in locating a 14-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Port Richmond.

Shaniya Lloyd was last seen on Friday, Dec. 26, at around 10 p.m., leaving her residence in the vicinity of Harrison Avenue, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Police describe Lloyd as 5-feet 3-inches tall and weighing 125 pounds. She has a light complexion, medium build and red hair. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants and a black face mask.

The NYPD has released a photo of Lloyd.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this individual is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 25-year-old man from New Brighton resisted arrest so vigorously that he elbowed an officer in the face, authorities allege.

Adonijah Sanders of Robert Lane disobeyed a stop sign while driving at the intersection of Targee and Van Duzer streets on Jan. 4 about 10:30 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

Further investigation revealed that the defendants license was suspended or revoked, the complaint alleges.

As officers attempted to arrest Sanders, the defendant flailed his arms and tensed his muscles in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed, the complaint alleges.

Sanders refused to walk to a police vehicle and dragged his feet, forcing officers to pick up and carry him, officers allege.

Sanders allegedly kicked the side of the vehicle as officers tried to place him inside. The defendants elbow struck the officer in the face, causing redness, swelling and pain, the complaint alleges.

Sanders has been charged with assault, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and failure to stop at a stop sign.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released with non-monetary conditions. He is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on Feb. 26.

An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Actress/author Evangeline Lilly, famous for playing Kate Austen in Lost and Hope van Dyne/The Wasp in Marvels Ant-Man films, recently shared information about the results of brain scans after a traumatic fall.

Lilly fainted at a beach in Hawaii last May and fell face-first onto a boulder, resulting in a significant concussion and facial injuries.

Scans disclosed she has brain damage, with almost every area of her brain functioning at a decreased capacity, a condition shes now addressing with doctors.

Lilly described the diagnosis as bad news, and said shell have to take time off from acting, but shes nonetheless expressing gratitude for life and for a calmer, more restful Christmas, as she focuses on recovery from the concussion.

In an Instagram post, Lilly commented: Verdicts in...I do have brain damage from my tbi (traumatic brain injury. Comforting to know my cognitive decline isnt just peri-menopause, discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be to try to reverse the deficiencies. Thank you all for always asking, for always caring, and for your continued prayers .

Caring comments included Big Hug to You Friend.

Going forward, Lilly  who often transitions her appearance with different hair colors and styles  plans to work with doctors to understand the damage and begin the hard work of fixing it.

FYI: Lilly has had a history of fainting spells and blackouts, with doctors working to uncover from where it stems.

A story on syracuse.com reported: Its late on January 1, the first day of 2026, and Im entering into this new year  the year of the horse  with some bad news about my concussion, Lilly, 46, began in an Instagram video. A lot of you asked how Im doing. A lot of you have inquired about the brain scans that you heard I got.

Lilly continued: (Im) feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet. That is my concussion update, she said, adding: Thank you all for caring.

The account went on to explain: My cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me to slow down and helped me to have a more restful, finished 2025, she said. This was the calmest, most restful Christmas holiday I have had, maybe since I had children, so 14 years ago. So thats a good thing.

The actress first shared news of her accident in May in a Substack post. I fainted at the beach and fell face-first into a boulder, she wrote at the time. At the hospital, the nurses and doctor went straight into action, more determined to find the cause of my blackout than to stitch up the hole punctured into my face by the rock. I smiled wryly at them. You wont find anything, I said with a woozy voice.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella joined members of the Midland Beach Civic Association Wednesday morning to raise concerns over a proposed development in Midland Beach.

Standing before the property at 374 Greeley Avenue between Sanilac Street and Rudyard Street, Fossella spoke to media and local residents. The borough president drew attention to plans to build at least four three-story, two-family homes upon the grounds where there is currently a one-family residence.

While the existing structure is situated along Greeley, the 22,460 square-foot property extends onto Sanilac and Rudyard.

This photo from Jan. 7, 2026, shows a map of the planned project for what once was a one-family residence on Greeley Avenue in Midland Beach, according to Borough President Vito Fossella's Office. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

The owner of this property is Christopher Stout, a New York City developer, who has been behind other Staten Island projects criticized by Fossella.

The borough president blamed the proposed plan on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning text amendment, which aims to create more housing units by loosening some zoning restrictions, including permitting higher-density development in transit hubs and town centers.

Its the city giving Staten Island something Staten Island does not want and cannot absorb, Fossella said of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.

Plans for the property

Fossella noted that in the 1990s, Staten Island officials fought to downzone much of Staten Island in order to maintain a certain character and integrity to a lot of the neighborhoods. He argues that the progress made is now being undone under the City of Yes plan.

Borough President Vito Fossella (left) speaks at a press conference addressing a City of Yes development taking place in Midland Beach at 374 Greeley Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

And the bottom line is this one house thats been here since ... the 1950s  theres a good chance will be 10 two-family homes; so 20 families will replace one family, Fossella said.

Stout told the Advance/SILive.com that there are only plans to build what he called four two-story, two-family homes; however, given that it is a flood zone, they are deemed three-story homes.

Were on a block, Sanilac and Rudyard respectively, that since the 60s has been attached housing, added Stout. So really were completely molding to the look of the neighborhood. And the opportunity is there for us to actually build 14 homes, which were not doing, and the opportunity is also there for us to build an apartment building, which were not doing.

According to the Department of Buildings, an application was approved in October for the subdivision of one zoning and tax lot into one separate zoning lot and five tax lots.

A tax lot is a parcel of land identified for property tax purposes. A zoning lot is one or more adjacent tax lots within a block.

374 Greeley Avenue in Midland Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. The site is expected to see the development of four, two-family homes. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

As of publication, Stout does not have any existing plans to build anything more than the four two-family residences.

Im filing to build four homes and the remaining property Ill decide to keep it, sell it, build it one day, get it stolen from me from [Mayor Zohran] Mamdani, any of the above, he said.

Community concerns

Among the quality-of-life concerns raised by Fossella and residents were parking and the capacities of the sewer system and power grid.

And we just keep banging the drum until somebody in the City of New York hears us, the borough president said. You know, I see folks going around the city saying theyre going to listen to the community. Well, were speaking loud and clear, we dont want this. We dont want to knock down one house and put 20 houses in its place without any understanding of its impact on, again, the infrastructure, the school system, we dont know. This is bad policy thats resulting in a bad product.

As he explained, Fossella believes the city can fix the situation if officials come out to the site and consider contextual zoning as well as the unique character of Staten Island as opposed to adopting a one-size fits all approach.

Its insane whats happening and the people of Staten Island are getting screwed; homeowners are getting screwed, he said. There is a fix, the fix is to come out here, the city agencies that did this, and say we hear you, we want to help you fix it.

The borough president emphasized his belief in property rights and said that home buyers are looking for more than just a roof over their head, theyre in search of a community and all that comes with it.

Sal Monforte (center-right), co-president of the Midland Beach Civic Association, speaks at a press conference addressing a City of Yes development taking place in Midland Beach at 374 Greeley Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

Sal Monforte, co-president of the Midland Beach Civic Association, shared that he met with Stout at a land use conference on Tuesday and that the issue comes down to quality of life for the neighborhood.

My main concern is the power, said George Tormo, president of Midland Beach Civic Association.

I want to thank him [Stout] for being approachable, but then again, at the end of the day we got to watch for our neighborhood and our best interests, added Tormo.

Stout confirmed that he spoke with the two men on Tuesday.

The future of Staten Island

Fossella said he understands that not everyone has been monitoring the latest news regarding the City of Yes, but he encouraged residents to be aware that these impacts will eventually come to their neighborhoods.

Im trying to be their [residents] voice, the borough president explained. With all that said, folks should be aware that this stuff is coming and will happen across Staten Island because of the new city policy that we tried to stop, but the city overwhelmingly gave this to us.

Fossella urged residents to contact city agencies and representatives to say enough is enough and to put the brakes on what is happening.

Are we part of this city or what? People talk about now, secession, I just feel the bubblings of secession moving. This would not have happened if Staten Island was its own separate city I believe, he said. These are the things that call into question our future and were trying to bring attention to it every chance we get.

However City Planing officials have said that the City of Yes plan was needed to address the housing shortage across New York City.

New York City faces perhaps the worst housing crisis in the citys history, and New Yorkers demand action. That is why we worked with the City Council to deliver City of Yes, a set of zoning changes to allow a little more housing in every neighborhood, a City Planning spokesperson recently told the Advance/SILive.com.

Borough President Vito Fossella talks with Sal Monforte, co-president of the Midland Beach Association, to address a City of Yes development taking place in Midland Beach at 374 Greeley Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

Ultimately, Fossella feels that many in city government simply do not give a damn about Staten Island.

Staten Island Republican Party Chairman, Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, issued a statement on the matter.

The City of Yes remains one of the top threats to our quality of life as we know it on Staten Island, he said. It will continue to push overdevelopment in our neighborhoods and this is just another example of the type of construction we will begin to see. My Republican colleagues and I remain committed to continuing the fight against the City of Yes in any available avenue including the courtroom.
Ethereums price will surge 8,000% and trade at $250,000 per token, according to Bitmine chairman Tom Lee.

That surge would catapult the value of the second-largest crypto to about $30 trillion  more than Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla combined.

In a message to Bitmine shareholders, Lee cites the six-figure target while proposing an increase in the companys authorised shares to grow 100-fold from 500 million to 50 billion in order to set the stage for a future stock split. He urges shareholders to vote by January 14.

Ethereum price targets

Bitmines share price jumped 15% after Lees proposal. This signalled investor confidence in the company and support for the strategy, which also includes opportunistic acquisitions and capital markets plays including convertibles and warrants.

DAT woes

The confidence bump comes as digital asset treasury firms like Bitmine is under pressure due to the crypto market having shaved roughly $1 trillion of its value since October.

This means that many of the public firms that have pivoted into becoming DATs are trading at lower values than their underlying assets, putting the viability of their business models into question.

This marks a dramatic change from the beginning of 2025 when a wave of companies pivoted into becoming DATs, spurred on by the Trump administration support of the crypto industry.

The initial hype is over, Brian Huang, co-founder of investment platform Glider, told DL News earlier in January.

Ethereum to $250,000 wen?

Lees bold call comes as Ethereum trades just above $3,100. Thats less than half of Lees prediction that the cryptos price would hit $7,500 by the end of 2025.

In recent weeks, Bitmine purchased $1.4 billion more of the crypto, bringing the firms Ethereum holdings to over $12 billion.

Publicly-traded companies perform stock splits to lower the price of a single share. That will make it seem more affordable for regular investors to buy in without changing the companys actual total value.

By increasing the number of shares available at a lower price, the company also makes its stock easier to trade on the market.

Backed by top institutional investors  including Peter Thiels Founders Fund and Cathie Woods ARK Invest  Bitmine now owns over 3.4% of Ethereums circulating supply and is aiming for 5%.

Lee argues that a stock split will be necessary because Bitmines stock price follows Ethereum price, and projects the companys stock trading at $5,000 per share when Ethereum reaches $250,000.

He did not offer a timeframe for any of his targets.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An actor is vying for newly minted Mayor Zohran Mamdanis seat just days after he was sworn in.

Michael Rapaport, 55, known for his roles in Deep Blue Sea and True Romance announced on social media and his podcast that he will run for mayor in the 2029 election.

He spelt and pronounced Mamdanis name incorrectly, calling him Zoron the Moron.

But have no fear, Mayor Rapaport will be here. You like them apples? Rapaport said. Born and raised in New York City. Born and raised in New York I came out of my mothers womb, [in a] New York hospital, okay?

This is likely in reference to Mamdani being born in Kampala, Uganda, before moving to New York City when he was 7-years-old.

I will be running my campaign on the fact that nothing will be free. I will do my best to make New York City affordable, but you will be getting nothing for free. Im not gonna lie to you, Im not gonna b------t you, okay? Rapaport continued.

A cornerstone of Mamdanis mayoral campaign was to introduce free bus service to New Yorkers.

The price of bus fares increased on Jan. 4 from $2.90 a ride to $3, but that plan was set in motion before he was sworn into office.

The MTA announced the boost back in September of 2025, weeks before Mamdani even won the November mayoral election.

Rapaport went on to say, every single time I make a mistake, I will acknowledge it, I will apologize, and I wont do with a s--t eating grin, okay? Im gonna be the best mayor for New York City Im coming, no ditty.

His video garnered nearly 16,000 likes at the time of writing.
Gamblers think that Vice President JD Vance is suddenly losing support from a key figure for his expected 2028 run for the presidency.

On the Polymarket legal betting site, bettors are wagering that theres just a 14% chance that President Donald Trump will endorse Vance for president before 2027.

Thats in stark contrast to the wagering as recently as Dec. 22, 2025, when gamblers said that there was an overwhelming 45% chance that Trump would give his loyal veep the nod before next year.

The numbers for a Trump endorsement of Vance began cratering days later.

The news comes as its been reported that the presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is showing some increasing polling strength when it comes to the 2028 Republican Party nomination for president.

A McLaughlin & Associates poll in August had Vance at 36% support, with Trump Jr. far behind at 16%.

But that gap narrowed in a survey in October, with Vance at 38% and Trump Jr. at 20%.

A November survey then showed Vance slipping to 34% and Trump Jr. surging to 24%.

Still, polls overall, including in key states like New Hampshire, have long shown Vance to be the favorite candidate to be the GOP nominee for president in 2028.

Those placing bets on the next White House race on legal wagering sites also believe that Vance is far and away the favorite to land the GOP nomination.

The Polymarket site shows that 55% of gamblers believe that Vance will be the GOP nominee for president in three years.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a distant second on that site, at 13.4%.

President Trump has said that a GOP ticket of Vance and Rubio would be formidable in 2028.

But the president has not formally made an endorsement in the race.
CITY HALL  The Islands City Council delegation joined all of the citys legislative body in electing its next speaker Wednesday.

Councilmember Julie Menin, a Democrat representing Manhattans Upper East Side, will serve as the City Councils next speaker, a position that can serve as the most immediate counter to Mayor Zohran Mamdanis agenda.

Widely considered a moderate, Menin whipped her winning coalition into place by the end of November.

Addressing her colleagues after her election, Menin shared some of her life story, hopes for the new role, and signaled a desire to work with the Mamdani administration on the other side of City Hall.

Menin will serve as the first Jewish speaker of the City Council and Mamdani is the citys first Muslim mayor.

We must ensure that New York continues to serve as a beacon of hope, tolerance and inclusion, she said. We are one city no matter the religion we practice or the language that we speak.

Staten Island Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks, David Carr and Frank Morano all joined their colleagues in backing Menin for the new role.

Hanks, a Democrat representing the North Shore, was among the councilmembers who nominated Menin for the leadership role.

Throughout my tenure as a councilmember, I have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Julie, whose extensive experience across various levels of government positions her uniquely to address the complexities of our city during these unprecedented times. Her profound understanding of municipal challenges, coupled with her impressive resume, underscores her capability to lead effectively. I am genuinely excited to stand alongside her in this pivotal moment, confident that she will serve as a Speaker who represents the interests of all New Yorkers! Mazel Tov Julie!

Carr, a Republican representing the Mid-Island and part of South Brooklyn, said he looked forward to working with Menin over the next 4 years.

Julie Menin ran for speaker as I believe she will govern  with relentless energy, a passion for every detail of city government, and a strong commitment to engaging and working in partnership with all 50 of her colleagues in this body," he said. I know she will be a strong ally to Staten Island and southwest Brooklyn for the coming four years, and I look forward to working with her for the betterment of my constituents and our city.

During the Wednesday hearing, Morano, a Republican representing the South Shore, was one of three of the bodys members to reference the perception of Menin as a counter to the new mayor saying many of his constituents  Republicans and capitalists  were counting on her representation.

Ive always been impressed by her energy, her intellect and her deep command of the issues, he said. My constituents are counting on this body to speak for them.
President Donald Trumps favorite lady prosecutor is in some hot water with a federal judge.

The Daily Mail reports that a federal judge appointed by Trump is demanding to know why Justice Department prosecutor Lindsey Halligan is acting like she still has a certain high-powered job.

U.S. District Judge David Novak of Richmond has ordered Halligan to explain why she continues to identify herself as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia even though another judge ruled that she had been unlawfully installed in the job.

Novak on Tuesday issued a three-page order that demands answers from Halligan regarding her role.

Halligan, a former Colorado beauty queen, defended Trump during the presidents classified documents case.

But Halligans separate prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James spectacularly fell apart last year.

Novak in his order demands that Halligan shall further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement.

U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie in November ruled that the DOJ had violated the U.S. Constitution in appointing Halligan as U.S. attorney.

That ruling led to the dismissal of the cases against Comey and James.

The judge in another ruling in the James case said that Halligan had exercised power she did not lawfully possess.

Curries ruling has been appealed but the order has not been paused by the courts and remains in effect.

Halligan was installed as U.S. attorney after her predecessor refused to file charges against some of Trumps political enemies.
Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich got into a bit of a back-and-forth with presidential press secretary Karoline Leavitt before being cut off on Wednesday.

The cause: President Donald Trumps threats to take over Greenland, according to Mediaite.

During a White House press briefing, Heinrich asked Leavitt why a U.S. military takeover of Greenland was still a possibility.

Said Heinrich: Following up on Greenland, why not rule out taking it by military force?

Leavitt replied: I know that past presidents and past leaders have often ruled things out. Theyve often been very open about ruling things in and basically broadcasting their foreign policy strategy to the rest of the world  not just to our allies, but most egregiously to our adversaries. Thats not something this president does. All options are always on the table for President Trump as he examines whats in the best interest of the United States. But I will just say that the presidents first option always has been diplomacy.

Following up, Heinrich asked, Does the president recognize Denmarks ownership as part of the kingdom?

She said, Because there have been some Republican senators questioning the claim that Denmark has to Greenland. Is the president in that camp with them questioning the legality of-

Leavitt then cut the reporter off, saying: I have not heard him question it personally. But youre welcome to ask him yourself next time you have the chance.

NBC News on Wednesday reported that Capitol Hill Republicans believe it would be inappropriate for the United States to use military force to take over Greenland.

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said that he wanted to see the U.S. take over Greenland because of its importance to American national security.
That shift is tied to better, but still not fully steady, results. In Q3 2025, total revenue was about RMB 21.8 billion (around $3.1 billion), and vehicle sales were RMB 19.2 billion, up in the mid-teens year-over-year (YoY) and up in the high teens from Q2, showing the newer products are starting to move the needle.

Over the past 52 weeks, the stock is up about 6%, and it has jumped about 40% in the last six months, a possible sign that the market is leaning more toward a comeback story than writing the company off.

Nio builds and sells EVs with a strong focus on higher-end models, backed by its software and its Battery-as-a-Service program plus a large battery swap-station network. It is also trying to grow faster by moving into the mass market with its Onvo and Firefly sub-brands.

With Beijings $8.92 billion subsidy lifeline, can Nio turn this stimulus-fueled bounce into sustained momentum, or will 2026 expose the structural cracks that have kept the stock underwater for most of 2025? Lets find out.

That is why Nio missing Chinas top 10 passenger car sellers list in November is a red flag. It shows how hard the companys road is getting as the price war intensifies, EV sales growth in China slows, and pressure rises from both major automakers and fast-moving newer rivals.

China matters here because it accounted for 57% of all battery electric vehicle registrations worldwide in the first quarter of 2025. At the same time, competition at home is getting tighter, with the top 10 manufacturers controlling about 95% of Chinas NEV sector.

Still, the pop in the stock does not change the bigger picture. Nio shares are still down more than 35% from their year-to-date (YTD) high on Oct. 2, and the stock has been in a clear downtrend over the past three months.

Nio stock (NIO) closed more than 3.5% higher on Dec. 30, 2025, after Beijing confirmed plans to offer consumer trade-in subsidies worth up to $8.92 billion next year. The move is Chinas latest attempt to push back against deflationary pressure and a softer economy, and the National Development and Reform Commission said the program will help optimize the implementation of new economic and social organizations.

Story Continues

Deliveries came in at 87,071 vehicles, up 40.8% YoY, made up of 36,928 Nio vehicles, 37,656 Onvo vehicles, and 12,487 Firefly vehicles, which points to the multi-brand plan turning into real volume.

On profitability, vehicle margin rose to 14.7%, and overall gross margin improved to 13.9%, both well above last year, helped by tighter costs, in-house tech like the NS9031 chip and SkyOS, and better scale that is starting to reduce pricing pressure.

Loss from operations and net loss were each about one-third smaller than a year earlier, and Nio ended the quarter with about RMB 36.7 billion ($5.1 billion) in cash and equivalents. This gives it room to keep spending through a tough 2026 price war instead of having to pull back right away.

Are Nios Growth Engines Strong Enough?

Nios biggest push to make it through 2026 is Onvo. The Onvo sub-brand is built for Chinas mass-market family segment. Nio unveiled the L90 three-row electric SUV on July 31, 2025, and it delivered 10,575 units in its first full month in August. That early demand helped lift total monthly deliveries above 30,000 vehicles for consecutive months. The plan is direct and ambitious: price Onvo to compete head-on with Teslas (TSLA) Model Y while using Nios premium battery-swap network to stand out. That gives Nio a shot at the roughly 15-million-unit annual market in the RMB 100,000 to RMB 300,000 range, which is where Chinas EV price war is most intense. Management expects Onvo, along with the recently launched Firefly micro-EV brand, to drive most of Nios volume growth in 2026.

Supporting that effort is Nios Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and its swap network, strengthened by a strategic partnership announced in March 2025 with CATL, the worlds largest EV battery maker, to jointly expand what is already the biggest passenger-vehicle battery swap ecosystem. The goal is not only to reduce charging anxiety but also to make the swap network a platform other brands and automakers can use, creating a revenue stream beyond just selling cars. On the product side, Nio also broadened its lineup across 2025, launching nine new models, including refreshed ES6, EC6, ET5, and ET5T versions in May, each featuring its in-house NS9031 smart driving chip and SkyOS operating system. Together, these in-house systems cut about RMB 10,000 per vehicle in costs while improving its driver-assist and smart-driving features.

Wall Streets Split Verdict

The company set the bar high to close out 2025. It guided for Q4 deliveries of 120,000 to 125,000 vehicles, which would be about 65.1% to 72.0% higher than the same quarter last year, and Q4 revenue of RMB 32,758 million to RMB 34,039 million (about $4.60 to $4.78 billion), up roughly 66.3% to 72.8% from Q4 2024. Wall Street is penciling in a current-quarter loss of about $0.07 per share and a full-year 2025 loss of $1.03. Based on those numbers, the YoY EPS improvement works out to about 85.11% for the quarter and 31.79% for full-year 2025.

Citi stood out as the most bullish voice in October 2025, raising its price target to a street-high $8.60 and sticking with a Buy rating. Citis main points were Nios battery EV product strength, its proprietary battery swap network, and the idea that a clearly separated three-brand lineup deserves a premium compared with mass-market players competing mostly on price. J.P. Morgan took a similar step earlier in 2025, upgrading Nio to Overweight with an $8 price target, pointing to better execution and rising institutional interest after the Hong Kong capital raise. However, Nio still missed Chinas top-10 passenger-car list in November despite record volumes.

Still, the broader message from analysts is restraint. The 15 analysts tracked here rate the stock a consensus Hold, and the average price target is $6.05. With the stock at $5, that is about 21% upside.

Conclusion

In the end, Nio looks more like a speculative survivor than a clear long-term winner. The company has real assets in its battery swap moat, three-brand lineup, and accelerating revenue and delivery growth, but it is still fighting for scale in a market where the top 10 already control almost everything. And Nio itself did not crack Chinas November top-10 passenger-car list. With Beijings subsidies, improving margins, and a stillintact balance sheet, Nio probably survives 2026, but unless it can convert volume into sustained profitability, the stock is more likely to grind sideways with volatility than stage a durable rerating higher.

www.barchart.com

On the date of publication, Ebube Jones did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
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BusinessCompaniesMergers & acquisitions Higher bid for Bluescope likely after board rejects Stokes $13bn offer Miriam Steffens and Kishor Napier-Raman Updated January 8, 2026  4:54pm ,first published January 8, 2026  7:40am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Billionaire Kerry Stokes business conglomerate and its US bidding partner are likely to make another bid for Bluescope, analysts predict, after the steelmakers board dismissed the $13 billion offer as highly opportunistic. In a forcefully worded statement on Thursday morning, BlueScope chair Jane McAloon said the offer from Stokes SGH Limited and Steel Dynamics was an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap. BlueScope has rebuffed the consortiums $13 billion takeover proposal, saying it undervalued its business. James Davies It drastically undervalued our world-class assets, our growth momentum, and our future  and the board will not let that happen, she said. Despite this full-throated rejection of Stokes charm offensive, analysts and investors did not expect this weeks bid to be the end of SGHs interest in the steelmaker. [BlueScope] know how to play this game, Morningstar equity analyst Esther Holloway said of the boards rejection.

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This is the first offer that was made. SGH and Steel Dynamics have formed a consortium, theyve invested time and effort into this. They wouldnt come through with their best and final offer first. Related Article Mergers & acquisitions BlueScope weighs $13b carve-up bid from Stokes and US firm John Ayoub, a portfolio manager at BlueScope investor Wilson Asset Management said the steelmakers board was right in rejecting an opportunistic offer of $30 a share, but agreed that Stokes company and their American partners would remain interested. We feel its still early in the process and dont expect Steel Dynamics or SGH to go away, he said. We would welcome the consortium to engage at levels that appropriately values BSL. Given previous approaches [made by Steel Dynamics] were around $33 in value and considering all the investment BSL has made and the sheer cost of replacing these assets, north of that price would be a better starting point.

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SGH declined to comment further on BlueScopes rejection of its bid and its future interest in the company. On Wednesday, BlueScopes largest shareholder, AustralianSuper, increased its stake in the company from 12.5 per cent to 13.52 per cent. The super fund, expected to be a key ally for any successful bid, declined to comment. Under SGH and Steel Dynamics indicative proposal, the value of dividends paid out to BlueScope shareholders until the deal is settled would be taken off the offer. This meant the actual takeover price shareholders would receive would come in below the headline $30-a-share bid, given the time required to implement such a big transaction, BlueScope said. BlueScope chairman Jane McAloon says absolutely not to a bid at $30 a share. Martin Feld The suitors approached BlueScope in mid-December with a proposal to buy all of its stock for $30 in cash per share, and then split the company, with SGH acquiring all of BlueScopes shares and then on-selling its North American businesses to Indiana-based Steel Dynamics. BlueScopes shares soared more than 20 per cent to $29.48 on Tuesday after the offer was made public. On Thursday, they had fallen 1.74 per cent to $29.35. The takeover deal was dependent on conditions such as the bidders getting exclusive access to BlueScopes books and securing significant debt financing, the steelmaker noted.

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The Australian steel giant has already rebuffed three previous takeover approaches involving Steel Dynamics since late 2024 as the US steelmaker is eyeing BlueScopes North American operations. Related Article Energy Gas crisis threatens Whyalla rescue bid, steel giant warns This is the fourth time weve said no, and the answer remained the same  BlueScope is worth considerably more than what was on the table, McAloon said in her statement. She said the offer came at a time of lower steel prices in Asia. If prices picked up again and exchange rates returned to historical levels, this would boost earnings by an additional $400 to $900 million a year from last years result, she argued. Under the latest takeover approach, Stokes business conglomerate would add BlueScopes local and Asia-Pacific operations to its businesses, which include Caterpillar dealer WesTrac, industrial equipment hire company Coates, building products maker Boral as well as part of gas exploration company Beach and television and publishing group Seven West Media. The company is 50.9 per cent owned by the Stokes family, with Kerrys son, Ryan Stokes, running it as chief executive.

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BlueScopes North American operations generate almost half of its sales, according to its latest annual report. It owns the North Star steel mill in Ohio, about 125 kilometres from a Steel Dynamics-owned operation, as well as a building products business. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
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Analysis BusinessCompaniesTrade wars ScoMos China blues comes back to bite our beef sector Colin Kruger January 8, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australian beef producers like billionaire Gina Rinehart should not have taken it personally when China wrecked their New Years Eve parties with new duties on beef imports. Unlike the 2020 hammering of Australian exports to China  thanks to then-prime minister Scott Morrisons crusade to find the origins of COVID  we are not to blame for this hit. Chinas quotas are the latest hit for Australian beef farmers, but cattle shortages in the US have ensured prices remain near record highs. Bloomberg China says it is sheltering its growing domestic beef industry against overseas competitors  like Brazil, Argentina and Australia  with a 55 per cent tariff once imports hit 2.7 million tonnes this year. It devised the magic number after a year-long investigation determined that rising imports have undermined local producers.

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Related Article Trade wars Australia demands China respect trade deal after shock beef tariffs So in theory, all foreign suppliers are taking a hit to protect Chinese producers. In practice, it does not look like a level playing field. China has not set a market-wide quota for all beef importers on a first-in-first-served basis. That would be chaos. It has set quotas for individual countries based on their recent beef trade numbers. And this is where Australias trouble begins.

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The announcement by Chinas Ministry of Commerce said top suppliers, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and New Zealand, have been given quotas in line with their respective market share. The numbers in question appear to be based on trade with China from 2022 to 2025. Australias beef producers may still be paying for Scott Morrisons pandemic stand-off with Chinas Xi Jinping, despite recent efforts to mend the relationship by Anthony Albanese. Alex Ellinghausen and AP For Australian producers, this covers the years when our beef was still hit by the COVID trade sanctions, which banned many of our beef processors from exporting to China. It means Australian producers have been hit with an export quota that is significantly lower than normal circumstances would dictate.

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Related Article Trump's White House Australia is having the last laugh on Trumps trade beef Thanks, ScoMo. In broad terms, the restrictions dont look that bad. The 2.7 million tonne quota threshold for 2026 is within shouting distance of the 2.9 million tonnes of Chinas beef imports last year. Brazil takes the lions share, with 1 million tonnes allowed before the prohibitive tariffs kick in. But Australia, the worlds second-largest beef exporter behind Brazil, has been allocated just 205,000 tonnes.

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Thats far less than Australias shipments to China last year, when our cattle industry finally started recovering from Chinas previous trade restrictions. The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) said beef exports to China had topped 300,000 tonnes annually by the end of October. The industry group has flagged a billion-dollar hit to our beef exports to China from the new restrictions. Gina Rinehart owns one of the countrys largest herds of Wagyu cattle. Rineharts Hancock Prospecting owns two cattle stations in WAs Kimberley region Brazil could argue it is being hit even harder, given it exported 1.7 million tonnes to China last year, but this was an outlier compared to its average exports to China since the pandemic. It may not be a coincidence that Brazils beef exports to China exploded 38 per cent last year just as Donald Trump smashed Brazils US imports with even more punitive tariffs. Brazils beef exports to the US, its second-largest market, had plunged more than 40 per cent over the same period.

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Brazil is recovering from that slump now that Trump desperately needs lower beef prices in the US ahead of midterm elections this year. Engineering lower prices wont be that simple for the US President. High demand and dismal supply in the US helped drive global beef prices to record highs last year, and the fundamentals have not changed. Loading It is why cattle barons like Rinehart will have been making a fortune as Australias beef export volumes also hit a record high, up 15 per cent year-on-year. It is hard to see how Chinas new quotas could change that equation, but global trade flows could change if the shutters are raised on this growth market.

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Related Article Agriculture A little bit different, but its organic: Bush beef the answer to a feral Queensland problem US beef quotas have been set well above its current exports to China amid the US shortage. It is hard to see how Team America can fill this export order without creating bigger shortages at home  and triggering fresh record exports of Australian beef to the US. And we dont actually know if China can produce enough beef to limit overseas sellers to the quota it has set, which rises in the following two years. The good news is that this trade chaos should be good for Australian consumers.

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If China can dampen its appetite for foreign beef, it increases the bargaining power of other global buyers, including Australian supermarkets, which should lead to cheaper prices for local shoppers. And as one local producer said to this masthead, shoppers may get to enjoy some of that premium beef that would have once gone to China. If so, it would be a silver lining for an embattled Anthony Albanese. And he will be able to thank Scott Morrison for that. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Siren lights up historic NZ antimony field with gold hits Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth January 7, 2026  12:43pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Siren Gold has wasted little time making its mark at the Queen Charlotte antimony-gold project in New Zealand, jagging a suite of high-grade gold and antimony results from its first round of fieldwork. Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) readings from surface channel and rock chip sampling have delivered encouraging numbers across several historic reef systems within the Marlborough District project area. While laboratory assays are still pending, the early results point to a robust mineralised system with significant upside. Stibnite veins from the Skyline Reef at Siren Golds Queen Charlotte project in New Zealand returned 1.3g/t gold and 19.7 per cent antimony. At the Maria Reef, channel sampling returned 2.9 grams per tonne gold (g/t) and 1 per cent antimony over 6 metres, including a standout 1m interval grading 2.2g/t gold and a hefty 12.4 per cent antimony. Similar grades emerged at the Skyline Reef, where samples delivered 1.2m running at 1.5g/t gold and 18.5 per cent antimony, along with a 1.6-metre hit going 1.6g/t gold and 9.7 per cent antimony. Rock chip sampling also impressed, producing values of up to 4.6g/t gold and 26.2 per cent antimony across the three main prospects, reinforcing the scale and consistency of mineralisation at surface.

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Weve been able to confirm historic small-scale mine workings along a 1,500 m strike and down to 400 m depth. Siren Gold chief executive officer Zane Padman The 118.7-square-kilometre Queen Charlotte project, in the Marlborough region of New Zealands South Island, hosts high-grade gold-antimony mineralisation within shear zones and quartz reef systems. The ground also hosts the historic Endeavour antimony mine - New Zealands largest producer in the late 1800s - adding a layer of historical credibility to Sirens modern exploration results. The quartz reefs occur as sub-parallel, lenticular veins that generally strike north-northwest and dip steeply east. They sit within the Endeavour Shear Zone, a major regional structure mapped over more than 12 kilometres. Mineralisation is hosted in steeply dipping quartz veins, breccias and sheared schists. Stibnite, the primary antimony mineral, has commonly formed massive veins in the shallow portions of historic workings, filling open spaces in the rock. Previous sampling across the shear zones returned gold grades of up to 5.4g/t, with historic rock chips assaying between 1g/t and 4g/t gold. Three historic mining centres, Endeavour Inlet, Endeavour East and Resolution Bay, lie along the shear zone. Endeavour Inlet alone was mined over a 1,200m strike length and 400m vertical extent, producing more than 3000 tonnes of stibnite ore between 1870 and 1890.

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At Endeavour East, stibnite and arsenopyrite-bearing quartz from mullock heaps previously returned antimony grades of up to 21.6 per cent, albeit with lower gold content. The mineralisation style is considered similar to the famous Reefton Goldfield, one of New Zealands most prolific historic gold camps. Siren Gold chief executive officer Zane Padman said: Weve been able to confirm his historic small-scale mine workings along a 1500 m strike and down to 400 m depth, highlighting the significant potential of the historic Endeavour Inlet area. Assay results from our latest channel and rock chip sampling have been very encouraging, and weve uncovered additional outcrops and workings in the field. The company will now focus on regional soil geochemistry and detailed mapping over the full five-kilometre gap between historic mines to refine drill targets ahead of a maiden drilling program, slated for later this year. In a market hungry for both gold and critical minerals, Queen Charlotte is shaping up as far more than a history lesson. With standout surface grades, proven metallurgy and a shear system with plenty of room to run in a stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction, Siren appears to have the ingredients to turn a forgotten antimony camp into a modern, drill-driven growth story. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessMarketsSharemarket ASX makes slight gain as Wall Street drifts, tech stocks continue to rise Staff writers Updated January 8, 2026  5:10pm ,first published January 8, 2026  8:44am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The Australian sharemarket continued its lacklustre performance for the first full trading week of the new year, making a muted showing on Thursday after shifting geopolitical risks caused US shares to waver overnight. The S&P/ASX 200 edged up 25.2 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8720 at close. Gains by tech and healthcare stocks held the bourse in the black, while miners wobbled. The flattish trade comes after a relatively slow week, with the overall market trading flat since Monday. The Australian dollar was trading at US67. Wall Street lacked direction overnight, prompting meagre gains on the local bourse. Bloomberg The ASX didnt take any more direction from the balance of trade for November. Australias trade surplus narrowed to $2.94 billion, down from a revised $4.35 billion in October after a fall in iron ore exports, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. Tech stocks tracked overnight gains by the US tech giants, which benefited as this weeks Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas boosts optimism about the sector. WiseTech Global, Australias biggest tech stock, was up 2 per cent. Fellow software makers Xero and Technology One rose 1 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively. Data centre operator Next DC rose 0.9 per cent and family tracking app Life360 climbed 3.6 per cent.

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Rises in healthcare stocks also added to the index. CSL gained 2.6 per cent and Sigma was up 0.7 per cent. Related Article Mergers & acquisitions Higher bid for Bluescope likely after board rejects Stokes $13bn offer The big four banks were mixed. Commonwealth Bank, the biggest stock on the local market, traded flat while the remaining three big banks increased: ANZ was up 1 per cent, while Westpac grew 1.7 per cent and National Australia Bank rose 1 per cent. The mining sectors losses widened after the balance of trade figures. BHP and Fortescue Metals gave up early gains and were down 0.9 per cent and 0.4 per cent. Gold miners Northern Star (down 2.7 per cent) and Evolution Mining (down 1.7 per cent) declined and silver miner South32 shed 0.4 per cent after gold and silver prices softened overnight. BlueScope Steel lost 1.7 per cent to $29.67 after the nations largest steelmaker knocked back a $13 billion takeover bid by Kerry Stokes industrial group SGH and US steel giant Steel Dynamics last night, dismissing their $30-a-share offer as an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap.

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Ansell shares dropped 6.2 per cent after the rubber gloves maker said its chief executive, Neil Salmon, would retire after 13 years with the company. He will be replaced next month by Finnish executive Nathalie Ahlstrom. James Hardie slumped 3.4 per cent, mirroring sharp losses by US home builders after President Donald Trump suggested moves to prevent large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, to make it more affordable for people to buy houses. The potential removal of some buyers for homes weighed on the Australian building products maker as three-quarters of its sales are in the US. On Wall Street overnight, optimism faded after Trumps latest flurry of social media posts sent home builders and defence contractors tumbling. Valero Energy led shares of refiners higher after Trump said Venezuela would turn over millions of barrels of oil to the US. The S&P 500 Index slid 0.4 per cent after notching its second intraday record of 2026, while the Nasdaq 100 edged up 0.2 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.9 per cent from its own record set the day before. Northrop Grumman slid 5.5 per cent and Lockheed Martin lost 4.8 per cent after Trump said he would not permit dividends or stock buybacks for defence companies until they fix problems with the production of military equipment. He didnt mention specific companies.

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Meanwhile, tech stocks continued their gains. Nvidia and Microsoft rose about 1 per cent each, and Alphabet rose more than 2 per cent as investors shifted back into AI stocks following recent worries they were overvalued. Investors have come into 2026 with a similar playbook to last year: Buy tech and forget about it. Rumours that the AI trade was done turned out not to be true, said Jake Dollarhide, chief executive officer of Longbow Asset Management in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Moves across the rest of the US sharemarket were mostly quiet, including for Warner Bros Discovery after it again rejected a buyout bid from Paramount and told its shareholders to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. Warner Bros rose 0.3 per cent, while Paramount Skydance fell 0.9 per cent and Netflix added 0.1 per cent. In the oil market, crude prices fell after Trump said Venezuela would provide 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. A barrel of benchmark US crude dropped 2 per cent to $US55.99. Brent crude, the international standard, fell a more modest 1.2 per cent to settle at $US59.96 per barrel.

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Any additional oil flowing from Venezuela into the global system would push down on crude prices by increasing their supplies. Prices for oil have swung this week following Trumps weekend ouster of the president of Venezuela, which is likely to be sitting on some of the largest deposits of oil in the world. Oil prices had already fallen back to where they were in 2021, before Trumps move against Venezuela, because of expectations of plentiful supplies. To pull much more oil from Venezuelas ground would likely require big investments to improve ageing infrastructure. Related Article Exclusive

AI From dishwasher to worlds ninth-richest man: Nvidia boss faces his future In the bond market, Treasury yields swung following several mixed reports on the US economy. One of the most impactful said that growth for US retailers, finance companies and other businesses in the services sectors accelerated by more last month than economists expected. Separate reports on the US job market offered a mixed view. One said that employers cut back on the number of job openings they were advertising, while a second suggested that employers outside of the government added 41,000 more jobs last month than they cut. A much more comprehensive look at the health of the US job market will arrive on Friday.

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The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.13 per cent from 4.18 per cent following Wednesdays economic reports. But the two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Fed will do, held steadier. It edged down to 3.46 per cent from 3.47 per cent from late Tuesday. The hope on Wall Street is that the economy remains solid enough to avoid a recession but not so strong that it keeps the Fed from cutting interest rates. The Fed cut its main interest rate three times last year to shore up the slowing job market, but it has indicated fewer cuts may be ahead because inflation remains high. Traders are betting on a less than 12 per cent chance that the Fed will cut interest rates at its next meeting later this month. Thats down slightly from the day before, according to data from CME Group. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed among some sharp moves across Europe and Asia. With AP and Bloomberg
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CultureBooksReview Harper Lees posthumously published stories are a mixed bag Peter Craven January 7, 2026  12:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Whats good, whats bad, and whats in between in literature? Here we review the latest titles. See all stories .

SHORT STORIES/ESSAYS

The Land of Sweet Forever

Harper Lee

Penguin, $49.99 When Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960 she produced an instant classic which the world has taken to its heart with eventual sales of 42 million or more. It was admittedly a period when popular writing of the most accomplished kind like John le Carres The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and great masterpieces like Lampedusas The Leopard (or, more contestably, Pasternaks Doctor Zhivago) rubbed shoulders with the latest James A. Michener or Irwin Shaw on those New Yorker bestseller lists and seemed to Baby Boomers like intimations of an adult sophisticated world. To Kill a Mockingbird is a gorgeous and idyllic book even though it rehearses the terrible poignancy of what could happen to a black person wrongfully accused back in the Depression South. But it had a tremendous lilt and apprehension of the wonder of childhood. Mockingbird is an ode to a childs eye view of a world full of sap and spirit and belief in the power of the human soul to remember and believe. For the longest time the book was on a pedestal framed by human memory. Lee, at the age of 23, went to Manhattan, and she also worked assiduously on the vast amount of research necessary for her soul brother Truman Capote to write In Cold Blood, a book which is not suitable for children at all.

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During this time there was the remote possibility that Lee might produce another novel, but it seemed she was too shrewd and too grateful. Then in 2015, a year before her death, we saw the publication of Go Set a Watchman which presented us with a figure based on the authors father  who had an unmistakable family resemblance to the Atticus Finch embodied by Gregory Peck, but who had in the eye of history a dubious belief that the American blacks were not yet ready for full desegregation. Harper Lee, visiting her home town. in Alabama. Donald Uhrbrock Its an interesting portrait with an imperfect focus, but it was neither a childrens story of eternal buoyancy nor an enhancing perspective on a difficult flawed subject. Its a pity Lee allowed this muddied portrait to see the light of day though its the merest footnote to To Kill a Mockingbird because the writing shows an intelligent and effortful writer, but not an easeful one coming to terms with the all too human spectre of the father in the attic. And so it is with this book which is compelling but fringed with difficulty. Girls have their first period and think they are going to get pregnant. Our emerging heroine thinks shell conceive because she kissed a boy with his pants down. The blatantly autobiographical daughter asks her father what would happen to someone who got rid of a baby. Electrocution, he says, it would be as great a crime as to kill a man. He adds that if she doesnt shut up hell beat her bottom with his belt. Theres the story of a woman who employs an unbelievably cultivated and competent African American man. It turns out that he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a minor offence, and its a bit creepy how convincingly Harper Lee simulates the stench of yesterdays horrors of segregation.

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Theres another story about a young man who has been at Northwestern University and who introduces to the local Alabama Methodist church a set of musical variations that seem to the woman who dominates the story to simulate the music of the High Anglican Church. This leads to the iteration of the Oxford Movement in the early 19th century, to Puseys cry for a return to Catholic tradition. Related Article Literature Sixty books to look out for in the first half of 2026 This is done with a compulsive brilliance and so in its pyrotechnical ways are all the attempts at fiction in this strange collection of stories and essays which will electrify some and leave others cold. The central title story sheds light on both Mockingbird and Watchman. But the transition to the essays proper is a relief because it is done with expert clarity. Lee talks about the Creek Indians of Alabama and of a long unread history in a style somewhere between Macaulay and Bulwer Lytton. It is done with a breathtaking elegance and its fun when she refers to someone as the Ayatollah Khomeini. There is a late letter to Oprah in which she says: And, Oprah, can you imagine curling up in bed to read a computer, weeping for Anna Karenina and being terrified by Hannibal Lecter, entering the heart of darkness with Mistah Kurtz, having Holden Caulfield ring you up  some things should happen on soft pages, not cold metal.

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Its a good list, and you can hear the genius in every syllable of it. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.
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The year that changed me LifestyleLife & relationshipsFamily I didnt realise at the time, but it was the last summer I would spend with my little brother Lily Chan January 7, 2026  7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

This article is part of an opinion summer opinion series where writers share the story of a year that changed their lives. See all stories .

That first year away from home I had teething troubles adapting to life in Perth and the pressures of law school. I couldnt focus on textbooks or assignments or anything much at all. Dialogue warbled through to me in a distorted chamber as if I was underwater. During the summer break, I returned to the wheatbelt town of Narrogin in Western Australia (population 4607; settled 1897). The two-hour drive to Narrogin unfolds like a film. The buildings, palm trees, traffic lights and shops of Perth disappear, the ocean evaporates, the land becomes flat and scraggly with sheoaks, fusing into fields with milling sheep and wheat and wild grass. Barbed-wire fences and paddock stumps resemble Cy Twombly strokes. Some historians claim the towns name originated from the Nyoongar description for place of water, gnargagin. It is a hub for agricultural services in the wheatbelt, and during the harvest giant mounds of wheat line the horizon in Monet-like pyramids. My childhood home abuts a forest reserve called Foxes Lair and I trawled its depths with Seva, my 11-year-old brother, spotting echidnas, blue-tongue lizards and galahs. Our Nyoongar neighbours hunted kangaroo and yoked the carcass home on barbecue days. Kangaroo tail was a delicacy, they said  the tender meat falling from the bone. The emptiness of the bush felt like a relief and a release. Lily Chan with her brother Seva when they were younger.

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My brother favoured long, meandering ambulations. Our favourite landmark was the Narrogin water reservoir. To get to it, we followed a kangaroo trail under a barbed wire fence, along a wide firebreak punctuated by the crackling of ancient gums shedding their barkskins, past an imposing rifle range rearing up like a dual mythological presence, evoking the famed Hokusai print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa and at twilight transforming into the sphinx from The Neverending Story. We passed through the sheoak forest, which was dense with white trunks like ballerina legs, sentinel and silent in deep rows. The grass took on a soft, furred quality, as if the reserve was a giant animal torso and the undulations were its ribs. The water reservoir revealed its midnight depths in the open air  fringed by mallee scrub and swollen and dark with a kind of mystery. Staring into the deep eye of the water reservoir was a brief reprieve from moving through the day like a numb sloth. I was paralysed with anxiety, unable to find the door to adulthood. Related Article The year that changed me

Protests I wanted to hitchhike to Sydney. The pill-gobbling truckie had other ideas My brother generated an easy kind of amiability and contentment except when playing games of any category. Then he transformed into something fearsome and fiercely competitive. There was nothing to be won and lost in the bush, though. He emanated a simple pleasure that I was a dedicated assistant on his makeshift projects. We collected eucalypt leaves with delicate veins of blush pink. Wattle blossoms with profuse offerings of yellow spores. We poked termite mounds rising among granite outcrops. Stumbled on gumnuts dotting the terrain like bells scattered after a fairy rave. Odd things, too  a desiccated chook carcass in a plastic bag, all feathers and no flesh, like a strange ornamental hat. Grass trees and bottlebrushes, melaleuca and acacia, sudden crops of succulent-like creatures spreading wild arms and emitting dewy carbon dioxide puffs at twilight. A forest reserve called Foxes Lair, home to echidnas, blue-tongue lizards and galahs, sat directly behind the rural block of Lily Chans family.

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We built a teepee over three days in a small clearing. It started off small and then grew big enough that we could sit inside. The foliage and sticks framed the sky like stained-glass windows and the sky had a luminous quality unpolluted by urban light. For a moment, we were the only people in the world. Then we headed home and ate cheese sandwiches and emptied the glass vat of honeyed greek yoghurt sitting in the fridge with peeled grapes, strawberries and rockmelon bits bobbing about like sunken treasures. Related Article Opinion

My Least Favourite Thing My parents feared earrings would corrupt me  I didnt listen Lily Chan Writer The summer sun began to beat down, microscopic in its intensity. Our arms grew marked with a constellation of moles. Possums dropped out of trees. Magpies shuffled into the shade of gumtrees with beaks agape. The mud hardened and cracked into a jigsaw puzzle. We found the little bodies of tadpoles preserved in the clay. The fly catcher hanging off the balcony embalmed hundreds of flies in sedimentary layers. It was a summer where we definitely saw other people and spoke to them and interacted with our parents, but all I can remember is hanging out with my kid brother in a time-free space, and spending hours immersed in volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica. I avoided Volume F because I did not like the entry on Frankenstein. There was a grotesque gothic etching of the monsters anguished face and it haunted me. Lily Chan with her brother Seva. I moved cities and was absent during my brothers formative years. He grew into a six-foot-plus athlete absorbed in the semi-professional basketball community, went to university, married his best friend and had young children. He took what he needed from the world to raise himself. He was resourceful. I feel the ambivalent pride of an older sibling watching him navigate youth and adulthood with seeming ease and without needing me at all.

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We did not know it then, but that was the last summer we spent together. Like a magic portal, my brother grew up on the other side and I began a long journey of variable mental health, the twists and turns of which he viewed with puzzlement. I often think about the teepee. When I recall the layering of twigs and sticks and foliage, there is a sudden and rare stillness in my mind. Nothing was expected from me at that moment but the fortification of a hut under the dryandra sun. In that pretend play of the imagination and perhaps the last few moments of his childhood, it also became a temporary shelter from inner turbulence. Even now, I feel that momentary peace as I sit under its eaves in my memory. Lily Chan is a Melbourne writer and the author of Toyo: a memoir. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.

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Opinion Lily Chan is a Melbourne writer and the author of Toyo: a memoir.
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NationalRoads Opinion Melburnians are friendlier than Sydneysiders  but on the road they are lunatics Dan Kaufman Writer January 7, 2026  3:00pm

January 7, 2026  3:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

After moving to Melbourne from Sydney 10 years ago, I can confirm that Melburnians are absolutely friendlier and more polite on average  except when driving. Then, all of a sudden, they turn into rage-filled maniacs with the impulse control of a toddler. I was warned about this by a friend whod made the move before me  and I didnt believe him. After all, driving in Sydney is hardly relaxing. But my friend, who much preferred Melbourne in every other way, was right. Melbourne drivers are not to be trifled with. Eddie Jim Decades of driving did not prepare me for the utter mayhem of Melbourne motoring and soon, as he predicted, I found myself screaming in terror and frustration as people tailgated, screamed and aimed their cars at mine. Driving here is like playing Grand Theft Auto, only instead of muscle-bound thugs wanting to kill you, its  well, everyone and everything, from mums speeding away from their childrens school as if they cant get away fast enough, to massive potholes that threaten to cripple your car.

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Road safety Drivers aged over 40 are pushing us towards record-high road tolls Shane Wright Senior economics correspondent Rules? What rules? When I was a young driver  back in Sydney  I was obsessed with them. Down here, it often feels like the only rule is to not hit another car. Or at least, to try not to. Only in Melbourne is it entirely legal to make U-turns at intersections and across multi-lane highways. Why, I do not know, but it is. Then again, here you can move your car into any space you choose, regardless of rhyme or reason. During my second month in Melbourne, I was shocked when I saw a car driving perpendicular to traffic in the middle of peak hour, parting it like Moses with the Red Sea across multiple lanes. It felt surreal, but now? I expect it. If youre not bumper to bumper with the car in front of you, somehow another car will sidle in, at speed, without even acknowledging your presence. And no courtesy wave, either. Car karma be damned: here, its every driver for themselves.

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Thats why merging in Melbourne is murder  as soon as you indicate, the car beside you will almost always speed up to block you. Intersections ought to be a reprieve: a place where rules still apply. But no: here, theyre a reckoning with mortality. Maybe its my imagination, but Im certain there are fewer right-hand turn lights at major intersections in Melbourne  and even when there is one, they only operate on randomly. At my local intersection (where Ive yet to see the right-hand turn light ever go green), turning from the middle requires a leap of faith, as cars on the other side always speed through the orange light  and often the red. Speed limits are a suggestion. If I drive at the limit, I get honked and sworn at, as if Im going dangerously slow. In Sydney, people flash their lights to warn you about cops or that your car is on fire. In Melbourne, it means youre not speeding over the limit. But its the tailgating, of course, thats truly dangerous. Never mind that they can simply overtake you half the time. Never mind just how insanely dangerous tailgating is. They will sit so close behind you that you can see the whites of their crazed, dilated eyes as they scream, give you the finger and, yes, flash their lights.

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Trams, by the way, are wonderful when youre riding them  but not driving behind them. Most drivers overtake them when behind one, even when they cant see what parked cars are up ahead in the left-hand lane. Colour me crazy, but I dont like playing Russian roulette in the hope of getting home five minutes earlier. Instead, I remain behind the tram, white-knuckling the wheel, while a barrage of cars honk furiously and swerve around me. I know I must be, by Melbourne standards, somehow in the wrong for not wanting to drive kamikaze-style into the left-hand lane, but I just cant acclimatise to that degree. Road rage is the norm in Melbourne. Hook turns, of course, are notorious  largely because no-one seems to know how they work. Other than the people who love to self-righteously explain how easy they are to use, that is. Myths abound about how youre meant to turn right from the left-hand lane  but the only person I know whos actually attempted one told me they found themselves having a panic attack as they got stuck while turning, cars honking from all directions, as a tram almost T-boned their car. Which might explain why Ive never driven through the CBD in the decade Ive been here.

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Roads Think you know how to do a hook turn? Trust me, youre doing it wrong James Panichi Journalist Dont get me wrong: I love Melbourne. I love its bustling CBD, its many suburban bookshops, and that it doesnt feel completely like a theme park  at least, not just yet. And in all fairness, Ive heard many Melburnians complain about Sydney drivers (perhaps the roads are always more dangerous on the other side of the state line). Either way, I say bring on the self-driving cars. Im not one of those people who blindly trusts technology: but I trust my fellow Melburnians even less. Dan Kaufman teaches writing, editing and media training at Media Survival. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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Desperate Sydneysiders have taken to the citys beaches, rivers and lakes to seek respite from a heatwave roasting NSW which authorities warn will worsen into the weekend, when total fire bans are expected. The mercury broached 42 degrees in Penrith, Badgerys Creek and Holsworthy Barracks on Thursday as the entire city, barring Sydney Harbour, recorded maximums above 33 degrees. Temperatures reached into the mid-40s in southern and central NSW, including in the Riverina region, where a total fire ban was in place. The Mayes family cool off in their pool in western Sydney as temperatures reached over 40 degrees on Thursday. Wolter Peeters Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Brandon Creagh expected temperatures to be more than 40 degrees in western Sydney again on Friday as bushfire danger escalated. The heatwave warning issued by the BoM will last until Sunday. Were expecting high fire dangers for much of the state ... pushing into extreme fire dangers on Saturday, including the Greater Sydney region, Creagh said.

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Four southern regions bordering Victoria  Southern Riverina, Eastern Riverina, Southern Slopes and Monaro Alpine  will be subject to a total fire ban on Friday. NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson Greg Allan said total fire bans had been declared because of the forecast high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Jetskis are ridden on the Nepean River at Penrith, where temperatures were above 40 degrees. Wolter Peeters The sun rises over commuters at Westmead railway station during the Sydney heatwave on Thursday. Sitthixay Ditthavong He warned of a blaze burning near the border in north-east Victoria, a state facing catastrophic fire conditions on Friday.

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There is the potential that that fire could spot across  those in that area should be aware of the fire burning across, Allan said. Theres no fire at the moment, but consider the circumstances and continue to monitor. The mercury is forecast to top 43 degrees in Penrith and hit 42 degrees in the city when the heatwave peaks on Saturday. A large bushfire burned near the Victorian border on Thursday afternoon, with smoke drifting towards Jindabyne and Cooma. NSW NPWS Extreme fire danger is expected on Saturday in Sydney, the ACT, the Illawarra, the Southern Slopes and Ranges and Monaro Alpine regions, and the RFS is urging people to prepare their properties and ensure they have a plan if a fire approaches.

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Total fires ban for those regions are expected to be announced on Friday afternoon. Waterways such as the harbour, Lake Parramatta and the Nepean River were again popular on Thursday as Sydneysiders took shelter from stifling heat. NSW Ambulance associate director of emergency management Steve Vaughan warned that some groups, including the very old and very young, were more susceptible to sustained, extreme heat. Its not individual hot days, Vaughan said. Kristin and her son Theoden, 3, and Maddie and her son Luca, 3, cool off at Lake Parramatta on Thursday. Sitthixay Ditthavong

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These are concurrent, higher-than-average temperatures, both daytime and nighttime, that have a compounding effect on individuals health. If you dont need to be outside in the heat, stay home, relax and enjoy a cooler environment. Vaughan suggested people without air-conditioning head to shopping centres to escape the heat. Angus Nardi, chief executive of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, welcomed anyone seeking relief to visit a centre, even if they didnt intend on shopping. Taronga Zoo Sydney turns on their water mist machines to help visitors to the zoo as Sydney swelters. Steven Siewert

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People cool off at Marrinawi Cove as the heatwave begins on Wednesday. Dominic Lorrimer During extreme weather, the focus is on community well-being, Nardi said. A spokesperson for Scentre Group, which operates Westfield locations, encouraged communities to seek respite from the heat at its destinations. A cool change is forecast to sweep through Sydney late on Saturday or in the early hours of Sunday, according to Creagh, behind a low-pressure system developed on the Great Australian Bight. That extended cold front will displace the hot air in front, leading to a wind change and more of a south-easterly, as opposed to northern, hot winds, Creagh said.

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As much of the country swelters  including Canberra, which is expected to suffer a triple-run of 38-degree days  newly released research has warned extreme heat drives more people into the emergency room. One in 15 emergency department visits was linked to extreme weather between 2000 and 2021 in the ACT, the analysis published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health on Thursday found. About 2.5 per cent of all visits in the ACT were linked to heat, and 4 per cent for extreme cold. Emergency department presentations increase during heatwaves. Kate Geraghty The rates of heat-related emergency department visits are higher in Sydney and Perth at between 5 and 10 per cent, the studys lead author Dr Michael Tong said.

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Heatwaves can exacerbate heart stress, kidney disease and mental health conditions. When daily maximum temperature is more than 30 degrees, we can see theres significant increase in these hospital emergency department visits, said Tong, from the Australian National University. Along with inflaming underlying health issues, extreme heat also inflicts 78 per cent of direct injuries requiring hospitalisation relating to weather events, according to government data. Injuries can include acute dehydration and severe sunburn. Related Article Heatwave Grumpy, exhausted and really unwell: How to cope with heatwave nights

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All age groups are at risk, Tong said, but young people under 20 are significantly more likely to end up in hospital emergency department on hot days, because smaller bodies are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and children usually spend more time outside. Tong urged people of all ages to stay indoors during the heatwave and be aware that a scorching day can have a lagged health effect in the two or three days after exposure to extreme heat. Heat-related healthcare costs just in Sydney could surpass half a billion dollars by 2050 as climate change drives hotter temperatures and more days above 30 degrees, Tongs previous research warned. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalNSWBondi shooting They came to celebrate a life and avoid controversy. But this Bondi victims family had a message Julie Power Updated January 7, 2026  4:47pm ,first published 3:58pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

All Australians should be able to go to the beach, walk the streets of Sydney on New Years Eve or attend a religious celebration without fear of being shot, said the brother of former police officer and Randwick Rugby royalty Peter Meagher who was killed in the Bondi Beach massacre. Speaking at St Marys Cathedral to a congregation including NSW Premier Chris Minns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Peters younger brother David Meagher said proposed changes to gun laws in NSW were not enough to ensure these freedoms. Premier Chris Minns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn attend the funeral of Peter Meagher. James Brickwood The killer on December 14 had six legally acquired high-powered guns that were used to kill 15 people, including my brother, he told the gathering. David said the family did not want to wade into any controversy after the attack, and only wanted to celebrate Peters life. But when he heard a very famous Australian say it was not a gun problem but an antisemitism problem, he said he thought, Why cant it be two things at once?

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Under new laws he [the killers] would have been allowed to have four guns. What can you do with six guns that you cant do with four? said David, the editor of Gourmet Traveller. Gun reform alone will not solve hatred or extremism, but an antisemite without a gun is just a hate-filled person. An antisemite with a gun is a killer. Peter Meagher served in the NSW Police Force for 35 years. Meagher family It was a rare political note in the Mass led by Father Richard Leonard, the Jesuit priest who married Peter and Virginia Wynne-Markham nine years ago, that otherwise celebrated the life of a man who distinguished himself by service to others. Looking out over a cathedral packed with men wearing yarmulkes, women carrying Catholic prayer books, police officers, politicians and Randwick Rugby Club members wearing a touch of the clubs myrtle green, Leonard welcomed those who were not Catholic to the service.

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Id especially like to welcome our Jewish sisters and brothers. As Archbishop Fisher [of Sydney] reminded us within days of the Bondi terrorist attack, Jesus was a Jew, born of a Jewish mother, born a subject of the Jewish law. Mary and Joseph were Jews. Christians are children of the Jews, and so an attack on the Jews is an attack on all of us. Related Article Opinion

Editorial NSW gun reforms must pass without delay The Herald's View Editorial Peter, 61, was a member of the NSW Police Force for 34 years, rising to the position of detective sergeant, until he retired in 2021. And Marzo  as he was called  had volunteered at Randwick Rugby where his family was considered club royalty for decades. When he died, he was doing what he loved: taking photos of the Hanukkah celebration for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad, which had employed his wife Virginia at its school. Many of their friends were at the Hanukkah event at Archer Park in Bondi where he and 14 others were killed, Virginia said.

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As he left at 4.15pm that Sunday, I said, Give them my love,  she said. And all our lives are forever changed. Virginia and Peter met on eHarmony in 2009; neither had previously married, neither had children. He was a police officer, she a daughter of prison officers, she told the Mass. It took five months of calls and messages before they met for a date. We had a very slow burn, she said. He was the first person to buy her flowers. Her friends in the Jewish community said he was a mensch. Her late husband was described as gentle, kind, quiet and quirky. He was all those things and many more. He was sensitive, and would subtly weep in movies. He was a proper old school chap, she said. He would sit with his back to the wall when they went out for dinner to watch over her. Virginia told mourners she was never unsure of his love: Every text message, WhatsApp and voicemail from Peter begins with hi darling and ends with I love you, she said.

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Morgan Turinui  a former Wallaby speaking on behalf of the rugby community  began with an apology for not giving Peter life membership of the Randwick Rugby Club, where Peter volunteered for decades. Turinui said among the clubs life members were Peters grandfather Wally, a Wallabies Hall of Famer, and his father, Ron, a quality back who became a referee. Mourners line the streets at the funeral of Peter Meagher. Flavio Brancaleone Peters name was not on the list because his lifes work was not yet done. Our thinking was that, while well-earned, it seemed premature, almost presumptuous. To put it simply, the most generous man Ive ever known still had more to give.

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Peter owned his own place through decades of quiet, consistent service, he didnt seek the spotlight. He held it for others. Meagher was remembered as a quiet, clever and extremely kind man, a police officer who took calls from a drug addict in jail every day to keep the young mans hopes up. His calmness was legendary and kind of unique really: just to give you an example, [his brother] Andrew once took him to an AC/DC concert, and he actually managed to fall asleep, David Meagher recalled. Retired assistant commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said Peter had received a high number of citations for his service. Peter received three separate individual Commissioners Commendations, which is extremely rare.

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One was for his investigative response and assistance to the coronary investigation following the Lindt cafe siege. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalQueenslandSchools Most schools require a computer. What happens for those who cant afford one? Catherine Strohfeldt January 8, 2026  1:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

In Belinda Finlays home, education is highly valued. The Toowoomba-based mum is seeing her four daughters through high school while she completes her own TAFE course as part of a career change. I have scrapbooked all of their awards and certificates and everything, she says. Belinda Finlay with her two youngest daughters, Merlinda (left) and Mackye (right). Belinda Finlay Seeing them get a little bit challenged with maths or science or something, but then seeing them excel later in the year to getting a higher grade, and then being so proud of themselves  [it] is amazing.

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However, schooling comes with a price tag the family often struggles to pay. Related Article Analysis

Back to school How much does it really cost to send a child to school in Brisbane? During COVID-19 restrictions, three of Finlays daughters  Meagan, Merlinda, and Mackye  completed their at-home studies almost exclusively through the two phones owned by her and her husband. I remember at one point, a maths teacher emailed me and said Meagan would get a low grade if she didnt have access to Wi-Fi and the internet for a certain program, Finlay said. I had emailed him and said, we dont have a laptop.

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He was just very adamant that she needed this, she needed that  he didnt see why she couldnt have [a laptop], and that made me feel really bad as a parent. Meagan has since graduated from high school, and the family has received two laptops for Merlinda, 17, and Mackye, 12, from The Smith Family. Finlay said the computers had been a lifeline. The Smith Family supports about 12,800 students in Queensland whose families would otherwise have difficulty paying for their basic education needs. Survey data from 1109 Australian families like the Finlays found more than half expected their child would miss out on a digital device due to financial constraints.

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Smith Family chief executive Doug Taylor said the charity introduced its laptop access program seven years ago and has since supported 14,000 students across the country, including 3000 Queenslanders. Most education departments and schools will have a policy of lending a laptop to a student if they dont have one when theyre at school, he said. What we do is raise money to buy these laptops for families so they can have access to them at home. Merlinda (right) and Mackye Finlay (left) both received laptops from The Smith Family. Belinda Finlay Taylor said the charity also partnered with the National Device Bank to buy old government laptops that had been decommissioned and refurbished. The Smith Family also found two in five families surveyed were concerned they would not be able to afford new shoes or uniforms.

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Weve been steadily increasing the support in terms of the number of families and students that were reaching, Taylor said. Its been more difficult in recent years, despite our growth, with cost of living pressures, particularly in the fundraising sense ... the number of Australians giving through tax-deductible donations has decreased year-on-year for the last 15 years. On Thursday, The Smith Family launched its back-to-school appeal, one of its three major fundraisers each year. Taylor said an extra 45 per cent of the charitys funds come from its sponsor-a-child program. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
By Max A. Cherney and Abhirup Roy

Jan 7 (Reuters) - Chip technology company Arm Holdings has reorganized the company to create a Physical AI unit to expand its presence in the robotics market, company executives told Reuters at CES, where robots are a theme of the year.

The decision to create a unit that specializes in robotics arrives amid a flurry of announcements and activity at CES around humanoid robots. At the sprawling Las Vegas trade show, large and small companies demonstrated robots that could help build cars, clean toilets and deal games of poker - at a glacial pace.

More from Yahoo Scout Why did Arm reorganize into three business divisions? What is Arm's new Physical AI unit strategy? What companies are driving humanoid robot development at CES? How do robotics and automotive markets converge for Arm?

Reuters is reporting the creation of Arm's Physical AI unit and reorganization for the first time. Arm will now operate three main lines of business: its Cloud and AI, Edge - which includes its mobile devices and PC products - and Physical AI, which will house its automotive business.

Robots and autos are the core of physical AI and share a wide range of existing sensor tech and other hardware. Automakers including Tesla are creating robots to automate warehouse and factory tasks.

UK-based Arm does not make chips itself but supplies the underlying technology that powers most of the world's smartphones and a growing number of other devices such as laptops and data center chips. The company makes money by charging licensing fees and collecting royalties when its designs are used.

The company's expanded focus on Physical AI is part of a larger effort to increase the business. Since CEO Rene Haas took over the company roughly four years ago, Arm has developed ways to hike prices for its latest technology and is considering its own full chip design.

Arm executives see robotics as a market with immense potential for growth in the long run. The head of the newly formed unit, Drew Henry, told Reuters that physical AI solutions could "fundamentally enhance labor, free up extra time" and may have a considerable impact on gross domestic product as a result. That division plans to add staff dedicated to robotics, Arm Chief Marketing Officer Ami Badani said.

The company combined automotive and robotics into a single unit because the customer requirements for things such as power constraints, safety and reliability are similar, Badani said. Several automakers are moving into humanoid robotics, as well.

When asked about customers, Henry said, "We work with everyone." Arm-based chips are used by dozens of automakers around the world, and by robotics companies such as Boston Dynamics, which is owned by Hyundai.

The two companies unveiled a production-ready Atlas humanoid robot that the Korean automaker said it will begin deploying in U.S. factories by 2028.
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Catastrophic or extreme bushfire conditions have been forecast for all of Victoria on Friday, the third day of a heatwave that authorities fear could lead to blazes that take lives and destroy homes. Even the best-prepared should not try to defend their homes on Friday, Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said. He urged residents and holidaymakers in bushfire-prone areas to leave early and not wait to be told. Loading Do not plan to defend your home on days of catastrophic fire danger, he said. Even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and emergency services may not be able to reach you. The dire warnings came on Wednesday, a day on which there were two serious bushfires in the state and temperatures reached as high as 44.3 in Longerenong, near Horsham.

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Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said his firefighters would not be unable to suppress any fires that grew bigger than a single tree in extreme or catastrophic conditions. We will focus on safe, thorough, hard, aggressive first attack. Because [its] the only thing we can do in these conditions, he said. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan Paul Jeffers If we cant catch those fires when theyre small, and I mean really small, one tree burning [from being struck by] lightning, then those fires are going to get big and have dreadful impacts on the community. These are the sort of days when we could see lots of assets lost.

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Avalon reached 43.2 degrees on Wednesday. Melbourne baked at over 40 degrees well into the evening. Temperatures in the city were not expected to drop below 20 overnight. Twelve aircraft and more than 100 vehicles were tackling a 1500-hectare fire in the Mount Lawson State Park near Wolwa on the Victoria-NSW border and Murray River on Wednesday evening. Among the arsenal were two large air tankers and an Ericsson sky crane, as well as 30 bulldozers building more than 60 kilometres of control lines. The two large air tankers also headed south to join in the scramble to suppress a 215-hectare fire near Longwood off the Hume Freeway near Euroa, 160 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Residents in communities near both fires were given leave now warnings on Wednesday.

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Fire Rescue Victoria also tackled a suspicious grassfire in Greenvale in Melbournes north. The blaze was extinguished before it reached the fence of a new residential estate. Police are investigating. Smaller grass fires near Maryborough and Mangalore West near Strathbogie were also burning under control on Wednesday evening. Jack Traylen cools off in the Yarra. Traylen is from Melbourne but lives in Finland, where it is currently minus 15 degrees. Justin McManus While Melbourne and areas south of the Great Dividing Range will get a slight reprieve on Thursday with a southerly change bringing the mercury back down to about 30 degrees, the north of the state will roast relentlessly at over 40 degrees. Thursday was declared a Total Fire Ban day for the Mallee (Mildura and Swan Hill areas), northern country (Echuca, Shepparton and Bendigo area), north central (Seymour, Castlemaine and Maryborough area) and north-east (Wangaratta, Wodonga). The ban means no fires can be lit in the open air and prohibits activities including barbecuing, welding and grinding.

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Although a Total Fire Ban had not yet been declared for Friday, Emergency Commissioner Tim Wiebusch foreshadowed it was likely, saying we will have the whole state at a very high risk of extreme fire danger. Friday is one of those days that weve not seen for some time, he said. Its going to be a very difficult and challenging day. Campers were warned they could face jail time for lighting any campfires over the coming days  particularly Friday. Elyasi Elyasi takes his dog Teddy for a swim to cool off in Warrandyte. Justin McManus

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Its really hot out there; you probably dont need a campfire, said Hardman. If its a Total Fire Ban day, then its illegal to have a campfire. And there are very, very serious penalties if you do have a campfire, $47,000 fines and up to two years in prison. The reason those penalties are so high is that an escaped campfire can lead to death or loss of livelihood for Victorians. So do not be reckless. Do not be irresponsible. If you light a fire, you own it, and youll be accountable for it. The Bureau of Meteorology said the ominous forecasts were a result of several days of back-to-back roasting temperatures which would make the landscape tinder dry, increasing northerly winds and the possibility of lightning strikes as part of dry thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday.

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That might start fires, and then in this environment, it makes them very hard to control, senior meteorologist Briony Macpherson said. Every one of Melbournes 16 train lines experienced cancellations or delays by 5pm on Wednesday. A sprinkler system malfunction in the newly opened West Gate Tunnel caused city-bound lanes to close for at least four hours in the afternoon. Locals Madi and Ryan keep cool under a pier at Altona beach on Wednesday. Jason South Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaDisability Disability homes on the brink of collapse as federal government refuses bailout Grant McArthur and Kieran Rooney January 8, 2026  5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Almost 2000 Victorians with profound disabilities are facing potential home closures after losing state government subsidies and a refusal from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to cover the funding shortfall. In a last ditch effort to save 55 group homes it claims are no longer viable, disability service provider Aruma this week applied to the Fair Work Commission to tear up a workplace agreement for staff at services it inherited from the Victorian government. The ending of Victorian government grants on December 31, which had supplemented NDIS payments to prop up hundreds of group homes for vulnerable Victorians, threatens the closure of many services. The agreement requires Aruma to pay staff at rates higher than they receive from the NDIA. The gap between NDIA payments and employee costs was covered by the state government under a deal that expired on December 31. Without this extra funding or a reduction in employee expenses, Aruma is facing a financial shortfall that risks its closure.

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Disability Thousands of Victorians with disabilities face losing their homes The Aruma homes care for 203 of the states most vulnerable residents, however concerns about their future are only the tip of the iceberg. Aruma residents are among the 1985 disabled Victorian residents living in 500 formerly state-run residential homes which had been propped up by the $2.1 billion in state government wage subsidies for the past eight years. Now unable to meet the costs of running its 55 government-owned homes across Victoria, Aruma chief executive Dr Martin Laverty said trying to reduce staff wages and conditions was the lesser of two evils compared to shutting services and issuing redundancies. This is the last option available to us in order to guarantee the homes remain viable, that 200 residents continue to be supported, and that my 900 colleagues can have confidence that their jobs have been secured, Laverty said.

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The Victorian government was very clear the wage subsidy would end and wouldnt be extended, despite the protests of many including Aruma, he continued. The NDIA has provided no relief to be able to bridge the loss of the subsidy, so we are left with no choice. The Victorian government began transitioning control of its 500 state-owned residential disability homes to five private operators  Aruma, Scope, Life Without Barriers, Melba Support Services and Possability  in 2016 and in line with the creation of the NDIS. The government homes also came with pre-existing public service workplace agreements that demand higher wages, staff ratios and standards of care than are covered under NDIS payments. To cover the shortfall, the Victorian government agreed to provide the five private operators with $2.1 billion in subsidies for eight years. Despite years of pleading by the providers, unions and the families of residents likely to lose their homes, neither the Victorian nor federal governments agreed to fund the wage and services gap before the December 31 deadline.

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Disability Disability service provider right-sizing as financial cliff looms As revealed by this masthead, the funding standoff has already seen the five private providers close more than 60 supported independent living homes. Laverty warned more would quickly follow if costs could not be urgently cut. Arumas Fair Work application seeks to terminate the current public sector-based agreement that includes wages up to 22 per cent higher than those offered under a standard NDIS agreement. The agreement also mandates higher staff ratios, including a house supervisor at each service, to care for residents. Health and Community Services Union assistant branch secretary Rebecca Sprekos said it had been warning the state government of this impending crisis for years, but the funding was cut on December 31 without a clear plan to maintain services. This action now by Aruma creates a dilemma across the board for disability workers, for participants, for families, Sprekos said.

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If the agreement is terminated, well see staffing and safety levels decline. If Aruma has to maintain this agreement, then theyre going to be forced to close homes. The Fair Work decision could also have wider ramifications for the other residential services providers, who all confirmed to The Age in September that they were struggling and were operating with as little as one months cashflow. During a December 11 confidential town hall meeting, Scopes chief executive officer Lisa Evans told staff its services would have to be right-sized for our revenue, or risk becoming unsustainable within four years. As the state government subsidies were set to end, Evans told staff the loss of the grants, as well as a higher-than-expected number of client deaths, would result in a projected $28 million loss of revenue in this financial year. With funding now expired and the federal government refusing to increase allocations via the NDIS, Sprekos said the future of all 500 government-owned homes and the almost 2000 residents would be impacted by the Fair Work decision, regardless of what it is.

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The actions present a situation where we have two alternative outcomes that are equally as poor as each other, she said. This is potentially the tip of the iceberg that were seeing. We cant say with any confidence that other providers wont have to take similar actions as well. A state government spokesperson said the negotiations were ultimately a matter for Aruma, the union and its members and said the federal government needed to keep the market sustainable. Market sustainability is the responsibility of the Commonwealth government, and Victoria consistently advocates for the need for proactive market management to ensure providers are viable, they said.

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Contractual arrangements supporting the transfer of Supported Independent Living services have been in place since 2019, with all parties acknowledging these arrangements would conclude on 31 December 2025. Opposition disability spokesman Tim Bull said he was concerned neither the state nor federal governments were close to resolving the issue. We have a large number of supported independent living homes in Victoria caring for the states most vulnerable residents now facing potential closure, yet the state and federal ministers are not even talking to each other  it is disgraceful, he said. An NDIA spokesperson said the agency would not comment about the Aruma action, as it was a wages issue between the company and its workforce. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaHospitals Hospital workers in major regional hubs more prone to burn out Broede Carmody January 8, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Staff at Victorias larger regional hospitals are more likely to be physically and mentally exhausted than their peers at major urban trauma centres. Analysis of hospital staff surveys by The Age has prompted calls for regional hiring sprees and tougher health and safety rules years after stressed and fatigued healthcare workers made headlines during the pandemic. Albury Wodonga Health had the highest proportion of workers grappling with burnout last financial year, according to The Ages analysis of every publicly available staff survey for Victorian-run public health services. Forty-seven per cent of workers at Albury Wodonga Health, which services patients in north-east Victoria and southern NSW, said they had experienced burnout. Seven per cent said they felt completely burnt out  which meant they wondered if they could go on and were realising they may need to seek some help.

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In comparison, just 3 per cent of Victorias entire public sector workforce reported feeling completely burnt out during the 2024-2025 financial year. Albury Wodonga Health was contacted for comment. Healthcare workers tend to have much higher rates of burnout than deskbound bureaucrats because of the stress of caring for sick, injured and sometimes violent patients. But burnout is considered especially serious in healthcare settings because it can affect staff performance and patient outcomes. Burnout, according to Beyond Blue, is the feeling of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought about by excessive demands at work or in someones personal life. The mental health organisation says high workloads, a lack of support, and bullying and harassment can all contribute to burnout.

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Public health professor Karen Willis, from Victoria University, said burnout had emerged as one of the biggest challenges for Australian hospitals. She suspects the level of burnout is underreported due to lingering stigma, and healthcare workers not wanting to let down their colleagues. People who are burnt out struggle to provide optimal levels of care, Willis said. COVID-19 illuminated the cracks that were already in the system. We need new ways of supporting the workforce to do the job. Otherwise, we lose them, Willis said. Related Article Exclusive

Healthcare Broken noses, bites, threats: The most dangerous Melbourne hospitals for doctors and nurses West Gippsland Healthcare, based in Warragul, had the second-highest proportion of workers experiencing burnout last financial year. Forty per cent of staff who responded to the survey reported feeling some kind of burnout, while one in 20 said they were completely burnt out. Bendigo Health, Colac Area Health and Grampians Health rounded out the five health services with the highest percentage of burnt-out staff. Thirty-six per cent of staff at each of those health services reported feeling burnout, while between 4 per cent and 5 per cent said they questioned whether they could continue working.

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In metropolitan Melbourne, The Alfred had the highest proportion of staff who had experienced some kind of burnout, at 34 per cent. Small rural health services tended to have much lower levels of burnout. Terang and Mortlake Health Service in the states south-west, and Boort District Health, north-west of Bendigo, had the lowest burnout rates  at 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive Leigh Clarke said workplace stress and burnout was a complex issue and there was no single solution. We know that this time of year can be especially difficult for health services across the state, Clarke said.

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There is an opportunity to reduce these pressures by supporting Victorians to access care in the right setting, particularly at a time when emergency departments are busy. This might include greater use of virtual care such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and non-urgent care, and we look forward to continuing investment from government in these areas. Related Article Exclusive

Hospitals Thousands studied nursing because we paid for their degrees. Now, their jobs have vanished Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation secretary Maddy Harradence said more than 13,000 more nurses were needed, and a third of those were required in already stretched rural and regional health services. We know some nurses and midwives are struggling with burnout  they are managing high patient loads, patients with increasing comorbidities and complexity, requests to work extra shifts, and they face unacceptable levels of occupational aggression and violence, Harradence said. The union boss added that health should be made a regulated industry  like the male-dominated mining and construction industries  for the purposes of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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Then we would start to see prosecutions against hospitals and aged care services for failing to protect their nurses and midwives. Australian Medical Association Victoria president Dr Simon Judkins, who works in a rural emergency department, said colleagues across the state had complained about under-investment in equipment and infrastructure. If you look at those regional centres, you will also find that they have huge challenges when it comes to ED overcrowding, ambulance ramping, 24-hour stays and access to specialist care. So it points to systemic issues. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier accused Labor of ignoring workforce shortages for years, particularly in rural and regional areas. Instead of planning and managing workforce needs, Labor is cutting graduate nursing and midwifery positions, Crozier said.

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In September, The Age revealed that thousands of Victorians finishing their nursing degrees this year faced the prospect of unemployment, despite the government paying for their university fees, because of higher-than-expected workforce retention. A spokesperson for the Allan government acknowledged that government could do more to tackle burnout, despite it being primarily the responsibility of health services. Thats why weve made significant investments, the spokesperson said, pointing to $47 million toward occupational violence and training initiatives and establishing Safer Care Victorias worker wellbeing centre. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Updated NationalWAPolice Police say man who allegedly shot partner in domestic violence incident was skilled bushman who lived off land Heather McNeill, Rebecca Peppiatt and Holly Edwards-Smith January 8, 2026  9:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

West Australian police say they believe a man allegedly currently on the run from officers after shooting his partner in the hand is a very skilled bushman who is likely still in the states Mid-West region. Police are searching for Kenneth Giles and his ute. WA Police Significant police resources, including tactical response group officers, have been deployed to find Kenneth Giles, 58, who is accused of shooting a woman in the hand with what police believe to be a long-range rifle at a house in Mullewa on Wednesday afternoon. The pair were at a rural property off Urawa Road, about 24 kilometres north of Mullewa, when the incident occurred. Several other people, including a child, were at the property at the time, and Giles left the premises shortly after the shooting.

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Mid-West officer Neil Vanderplank on Friday said officers were combing through the region in the search for Giles. [We are once again pleading with] Kenneth Giles to make himself known to police ... so we can end this matter as safely as we can for the community and for himself, he said. [The] information weve got is Giles is a really skilled bushman who can hunt and [live] off the land. Were throwing every available resource at it.

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Vanderplank confirmed police were treating the investigation as a domestic violence incident and officers had since seized a number of firearms from the property. Police, including tactical response group officers, are searching for Kenneth Giles, who is accused of shooting a woman in Mullewa. Picture: 9News Perth 9News Perth However, Giles is not a registered firearm owner. We treat every firearm incident as very, very seriously, Vanderplank said. Anytime  members of the public are in danger, we will respond appropriately with appropriate levels of force.

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He said Giles partner remained in Royal Perth Hospital and had undergone a number of surgeries to her injured hand. Vanderplank said while police had received no confirmed sightings of Giles since he was last seen on Wednesday, they had received some information about his location. [We believe] hes still in the Mid-West/Gascoyne area, he said. Police believe Giles is armed and travelling in a White Nissan Patrol ute, license plate 1BIY336. Since the incident, WA Police have continued to deploy significant resources to the small town, including more than a dozen members of the Tactical Response Group.

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Police, including tactical response group officers, are searching for Kenneth Giles, who is accused of shooting a woman in Mullewa. Picture: 9News Perth 9News Perth Locals described Giles as a normal person while the community is in shock at the incident. 9News Perth reports residents were not fearful of Giles and were surprised to hear he was allegedly involved in the shooting. Vanderplank advised anyone who sees Giles to call triple zero and not approach him. People who were present at the residence during the shooting are also being interviewed.
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PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Bondi victim families plead with Labor MPs on terms of antisemitism royal commission Rob Harris, Natassia Chrysanthos and Paul Sakkal Updated January 8, 2026  9:02am ,first published 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Families of those slain by Islamic State-inspired gunmen in the Bondi Beach attack have written to seek meetings with federal Labor backbenchers, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and the failures that preceded Australias deadliest terrorist attack in decades. In a letter sent to MPs and seen by this masthead, the families say they will travel to Canberra in the first full sitting week of this year to press for an inquiry with the scope and powers to examine all contributing factors behind the December 14 attack on the Hanukkah festival, which killed 15 and injured more than 40. Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Bondi victim Reuven Morrison. Sitthixay Ditthavong Nothing can adequately convey the devastation that my family, and the families of the other victims, continue to live with every day, wrote Sheina Gutnick, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who was killed at Bondi. Our lives were irrevocably changed by an act of violence that has left deep scars not only on us personally, but on the broader Australian community. The prime minister on Tuesday opened the door to a federal royal commission into the attack, ending weeks of fierce resistance to calls by pledging to do everything that is possible for national unity. Some Labor MPs and Jewish leaders believe an announcement could come as early as Thursday.

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Most figures advocating for a royal commission believe it must also examine the explosion of antisemitic incidents in Australia following the October 7, 2023, attacks but fear the federal government may open up the terms of reference to examine hate speech, discrimination, terrorism holistically  across race, religion and ethnicity. Labor sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, believed any Albanese government backdown was likely to be super-curated and calibrated. While discussions were evolving, its believed that folding the departmental inquiry to be overseen by Dennis Richardson inquiry into the royal commission was being explored, with the potential for Richardson to become a commissioner. No decisions have been made and the royal commissions scope and form remains fluid, sources said, as Labor debates internally how a more ambitious federal inquiry should look.

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Another possibility is that the federal and NSW royal commissions are merged. Mike Kelly, co-convenor of Labor Friends of Israel, said he expected Albanese to bow to calls to hold a royal commission. Something has got to give here, he said. Kelly, a former Labor frontbencher, said he would be comfortable with a broad inquiry examining hate propaganda in Australia, but some Jewish leaders want an inquiry focused on antisemitism and the lead-up to the Bondi attacks. Mike Kelly in Canberra on Monday to petition for a royal commission. AAPIMAGE The families move comes as a broad civil society campaign  under the banner Its Time: Royal Commission Now  begins organising survivors, relatives of victims and community leaders to lobby MPs.

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Describing itself as a non-partisan campaign to unite Australians across faiths and backgrounds, the group has begun gathering endorsements from multicultural and religious organisations and is reaching out to trade associations, womens groups and other civic bodies to support a royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi attack. While the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the NSW Board of Deputies have not commented since Albanese indicated he was changing his view on a royal commission, both made clear late last month they expected a national inquiry would explicitly address antisemitism. It is critical that government and society understand the sources of antisemitism, especially in the last two years, and how Australia arrived at its present position where hatred of one ethnic and religious minority has become so extraordinarily rampant, they said in a joint statement with other state Jewish groups on December 30. One person, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issues, said Jewish community members wanted a probe of antisemitism and the Bondi shooting to stand alone, and warned there would be community unrest if a royal commission were made about a broader issue. The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Rateb Jneid, said the organisation welcomed any inquiry into the Bondi tragedy that could provide answers, accountability and healing for those affected.

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Related Article Bondi shooting Who has called for an antisemitism royal commission? However, when it comes to examining broader issues like racism and hate, including Islamophobia and antisemitism, this must be handled through a separate, properly scoped process, he said. Singling out one form over others risks further division. A serious national conversation about racism must be inclusive, thoughtful and comprehensive. Gutnick, who co-ordinated the letter with 14 other families, said their call for a royal commission was not driven by politics, but by grief, responsibility and a desire to ensure that no other families endure what ours has endured. We believe there is a compelling public interest in ensuring that all contributing factors are properly examined, she wrote, requesting meetings on February 3 and 4. A group of 32 former defence, intelligence and security leaders  including ex-governor-general David Hurley, former ASIS chief Paul Symon and nine former defence service chiefs  added to calls for a federal royal commission into both antisemitism and Islamist extremism on Wednesday.

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David Baxby, co-founder and partner of Coogee Capital, has launched another public campaign, Bondi Response, with more than 2000 names on their online petition and ads in the nations mastheads, including this one. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said in Hobart on Wednesday the government would continue to engage and listen to the community. Our primary focus has been listening, responding to community and doing swift actions, she said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the families of victims must have confidence in any inquirys terms of reference. The terms of reference must properly address the systemic rise of antisemitism in Australia, and they must include reference to radical Islamic extremism, as well as far-left, neo-Nazi extremism. Victims families have been very clear about this. Antisemitism cant be re-scoped or redefined.

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with Matthew Knott Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Coalition doesnt need to see sexuality protections in hate speech reforms, says Ley Nick Newling Updated January 7, 2026  5:47pm ,first published 11:53am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Hate speech legislation being drafted by the federal government after the Bondi terror attack must focus solely on Islamic extremism and antisemitism, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says, despite calls for the protection of LGBTQ Australians in the reforms. Ley spelled out her stance on the proposed legislation as she once again demanded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese establish a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and recall parliament to debate hate speech legislation, both moves Labor seems prepared to announce imminently. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley speaking at a press conference in Sydney on Wednesday. Dominic Lorrimer I want to be very clear, tackling hate speech is not a licence to go after free speech. There are clear issues that this legislation needs to address. It needs to be targeted to the threats that we face, and those threats are radical Islamic extremism and antisemitism. Thats what we want to see in this legislation, Ley told a press conference in Sydney. The government is drafting updated hate speech legislation in response to the December 14 attack, and the measures are to be sent out for public consultation in the coming days. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the reforms would include two new offences: a targeted offence of aggravated hate speech for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and a federal offence of serious vilification based on race.

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Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate is home to the nations largest Jewish community and also takes in large sections of Sydneys LGBTQ nightlife areas, has supported broad-based hate speech laws that go beyond solely a protection of race. Allegra Spender at Bondi following the December 14 mass shooting. Kate Geraghty Our priority must be the Jewish community because of the specific threat they face. But protecting others against hatred as well doesnt lessen our protections of the Jewish community, Spender told this masthead. Inciting hatred against any group in our country is not OK  I dont understand why our parliament would say neo-Nazis cant incite hatred on one group, but then let them use the same phrases to incite hatred against another group. Spender proposed amendments to hate speech laws in the last term of parliament that would have seen a serious vilification offence included, but the measure was blocked by Labor and the Coalition.

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The most recent attempt to tackle the decades-long debate over hate speech foundered during the last term of parliament, when then attorney-general Mark Dreyfus abandoned proposed criminal penalties for serious vilification on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, disability or religion, following months of debate. Related Article Antisemitism We need to draw a bright line: Government readies new hate speech laws On Wednesday, Ley repeated her demand that Albanese immediately recall parliament to pass the hate speech reforms. Ley said parliament should have returned before Christmas, dismissing arguments from the prime minister on Tuesday that the legislation was complex and faced potential High Court challenges. This is just a series of excuses from this prime minister, and weve just had excuse after excuse to give real recognition and real understanding, not just to victims families, but to the national crisis of antisemitism that we face, Ley said. Sources close to the government told this masthead on Tuesday that Albanese had opened the door to calling a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism despite weeks of opposition from the government.

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Extremism Time to go home: Neo-Nazi who rallied outside NSW Parliament has his visa cancelled The parliament is expected to be recalled before Australia Day, ahead of schedule, to debate hate speech laws. Two neo-Nazis have been raided by border officials and now face deportation. In late December, a 20-year-old Ukrainian national in the National Socialist Network, Australias biggest neo-Nazi group, was raided by Border Force and is now being held in immigration detention in Melbourne. NSN leader Thomas Sewell told followers on a video stream that the man expected to be deported soon. Ryan Turner, a British national and NSN member who had been helping lead the groups boxing training in Western Australia, was also detained by officials on Tuesday and taken to immigration detention, where he now awaits deportation. Turners visa was cancelled on character grounds. Both men will have a chance to appeal against the decision to cancel their visas. Last November the federal government cancelled the visa of a neo-Nazi, South African national Matthew Gruter, who took part in the NSNs antisemitic rally outside NSW Parliament.

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Exclusive PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Israeli presidents visit another Albanese headache as Labor members protest Matthew Knott Updated January 7, 2026  4:18pm ,first published 4:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing internal calls to withdraw his invitation for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Australia following the Bondi massacre, highlighting the potential for social unrest when the Israeli head of state arrives within weeks. Albanese formally invited Herzog to visit Australia in December, a move that was welcomed by major Jewish groups who said it would provide comfort to a community mourning the deaths of 15 innocent lives. Planning is under way for Herzogs visit, with early February being discussed as a likely date. The government has not announced whether Herzog will be invited to address parliament during his visit. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit Australia early this year. Getty Herzogs visit, which is likely to include trips to Sydney and Canberra, would almost certainly attract protests from pro-Palestinian groups angry at Israels conduct in the war in Gaza and will require a heavy security presence.

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NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced on Tuesday he was extending restrictions on protests in Sydney for another 14 days, citing ongoing safety concerns following the Bondi terror attack. Related Article Updated

Bondi shooting PM announces special honours list for Bondi heroes, Israeli president to visit Australia Labor Friends of Palestine, a group of Labor members that supports the creation of a Palestinian state, on Wednesday wrote to Albanese urging him to rescind the invitation for Herzog to visit Australia. Should Herzog enter Australia, the Australian Federal Police should urgently investigate him for alleged incitement of genocide, and complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity, the group wrote in the letter. As Israels head of state throughout the Gaza genocide, Herzog has actively supported and enabled a long list of the gravest violations of international law.

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Herzog works hand in hand with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is subject to International Criminal Court arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including deliberate starvation of civilians. The group notes that Herzog was pictured signing his name onto a bomb due to be dropped on Gaza in December 2023. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) cited comments by Herzog when it found Palestinians have plausible rights under the Genocide Convention. Herzogs comment that there is an entire nation out there that is responsible for the October 7 attacks has been widely cited as justifying civilian deaths in Gaza, but he has insisted his words have been taken out of context. Herzog accused the ICJ of ignoring other comments in which he said there is no excuse for killing innocent civilians and that Israel would respect international laws of war.

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A United Nations commission of inquiry last September found that Herzog and other Israeli officials were liable to prosecution for incitement to genocide for comments made after the October 7 attacks. Mike Kelly, the co-convenor of Labor Friends of Israel, said calls for Herzog to be investigated over alleged war crimes and uninvited from Australia were ridiculous. Loading Hes a Labor man, hes been trying to get the balance right in dealing with the Netanyahu coalition. He has had no administrative role in the war, Kelly, a former Labor frontbencher, said. This is part of the relentless demonisation and delegitimisation of Israel.

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Herzogs largely ceremonial position as president is roughly analogous to Australias governor-general, meaning he does not have power over government decisions. Herzog previously led the left-wing Israeli Labor Party and was a leading political opponent of Netanyahu. Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler commended Albanese for inviting Herzog to Australia, saying: The visit will bring immense comfort to the Australian Jewish community and allow President Herzog to convey condolences to all Australians for the worst terror attack in Australian history. Prime Minister Albaneses invitation reflects that, while there are clear differences on policy, you can still celebrate the shared values and long history between Australia and Israel. A group of progressive Jewish organisations, including the Jewish Council of Australia, this week urged Albanese to rescind Herzogs invitation, saying the visit risks provoking mass protests, which would be attended by significant numbers of Jewish people, and exacerbating antisemitism by implicitly associating Jewish people with alleged war crimes.

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The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network last month criticised Albaneses invitation to Herzog, saying it represents a grave moral failure and a direct insult to the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have spent more than two years protesting Israels ongoing genocide of Palestinians and demanding accountability under international law. Related Article Bondi shooting Coalition doesnt need to see sexuality protections in hate speech reforms, says Ley Colin Rubenstein, executive director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, said it was sickening that parts of the Labor Party were trying to sabotage Herzogs visit. It is telling that, as the country continues to consider and finalise its response to the worst terrorist attacks in its history, and the worst antisemitic attack on Jews since October 7, extremists within the ALP are pushing to undo an initiative of the prime minister to help restore our battered relations with Israel, he said. The Australian Jewish community is, now more than ever, looking forward to the visit of Herzog  who, throughout his career has been a tireless advocate for Israeli-Palestinian peace and good relations  as is every Australian who genuinely eager for a peaceful future between Israelis and Palestinians.

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The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils called for Albanese to reconsider the invitation to Herzog in a statement issued on Christmas Eve, labelling it deeply painful for Palestinian Australians. For Australian Muslims more broadly, it reinforces a growing perception that Palestinian lives, suffering and rights are treated as secondary, negotiable or invisible within Western political systems, the peak body said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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Exclusive PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Former High Court justice in frame to lead Bondi royal commission Paul Sakkal and Brittany Busch Updated January 8, 2026  8:30am ,first published 10:05pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A former High Court justice previously tapped by Labor to probe Scott Morrisons multiple ministries is in the frame to lead the widely expected federal royal commission into the Bondi killings. The potential appointment of Virginia Bell has been flagged by senior Labor figures in recent days and has already prompted pushback from some Jewish leaders in NSW, Bells home state, over their belief she might be too left-leaning, a claim the government and Bells backers in the legal fraternity will challenge. Former High Court justice Virginia Bell. Gillianne Tedder The private worry expressed by Jewish leaders has complicated the choice for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he and his ministers work out details of a national probe he has resisted for weeks. Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam on Thursday refused to support Bell as a potential pick, saying the opinion of the affected community was most important.

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Its not for the Coalition to say, and it is certainly not for the government just to blindly put forward a name and hope everyone agrees with it, he told ABC Radio National on Thursday. Those leading the commission should be acceptable to the victims families and the community affected by the events in Bondi. That is the test, and so once we know that they are satisfied, that would be a good thing. Duniam said he was not questioning Bells credentials or impartiality, but repeated that the government should ensure the Jewish community supported any appointment. What kind of a government goes and appoints someone that may potentially be in complete opposition to community views? he said. Bell declined to comment when contacted by this masthead about the prospect of her appointment on Wednesday evening.

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Several sources familiar with tightly held considerations inside the government, none of whom were willing to speak publicly, said the government was putting Bell forward in confidential talks as a leading option. Related Article Bondi shooting Bondi victim families plead with Labor MPs on terms of antisemitism royal commission The disagreement over Bell is already proving difficult for Albanese; even as he prepares to yield to a well-organised and wide-ranging campaign to call a royal commission, he will face ongoing tests from the Jewish community and other critics to ensure the scope and operation of the probe satisfies the Bondi victims families and their community leaders. Jewish leaders have privately acknowledged they risk blowback from the wider community if they appear to be making political attacks against the royal commission after the prime minister yields. After publication of this story, former Coalition treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a top advocate for a royal commission, said he opposed Bells appointment, without specifying reasons.

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The prime minister has been told directly by leaders of the Jewish community that they have serious concerns about this appointment, he posted on X. Prime minister, I appeal to you, this is the time to do the right thing and call a Commonwealth royal commission with the appointment of the right commissioner whose leadership will provide the answers and solutions our country so urgently needs. Related Article Bondi shooting Coalition doesnt need to see sexuality protections in hate speech reforms, says Ley Other names being discussed as potential royal commissioners include former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson, already selected to run the rapid review of intelligence failures, and Federal Court judge Michael Lee, well known for presiding over the defamation case brought against Channel 10 by Bruce Lehrmann. Bell, appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012, has had a long and respected career in the law. The 74-year-old started her career at the Redfern Legal Centre in the 1970s, became a public defender and was appointed as a judge on the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in March 1999.

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In 2009, she became the fourth woman to serve on the bench of the High Court when she was appointed by the Rudd government. She retired after 12 years. She has also had experience working in a royal commission, acting as one of the counsel assisting the Wood Royal Commission into NSW police corruption between 1994 and 1997. In August 2022, Labor appointed Bell to lead an inquiry into former prime minister Scott Morrisons scandalous self-appointment to several ministries. Critics of Bell in the Jewish community view her as too close to Labor, and although they agree she is a distinguished figure, they question her stance on the complex topics the commission must explore. Bell declined to comment when asked about this argument against her appointment. In the early 1990s, Bell had a brief stint as host of the ABC program Late Night Live.

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In a profile published by this masthead at the time of her High Court appointment, Professor George Williams argued she was one of the most experienced and well-regarded criminal lawyers and said her interest in social justice was appropriate given she was replacing Justice Michael Kirby, who was known for his interest in human rights.



A University of Wollongong profile of Bell said she represented the dozens of people arrested at the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978 and prepared a video for the following years march advising people how to avoid arrest. The then-president of the Australian Law Reform Commission, David Weisbrot, said at the time of her High Court appointment that he believed Bell would be a very progressive justice. This masthead reported on Thursday that Labor might fold the proposed Richardson review into intelligence failings into the royal commission, and that it might merge with the NSW royal commission. The prime ministers office was contacted for comment. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalPolitical expenses The other travel perk politicians pocket when they go to Canberra Brittany Busch and Nigel Gladstone January 8, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Some of Australias most senior politicians have pocketed a collective $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded allowances to stay in their second homes in Canberra when they travel to the capital for work. Since the 2022 election, the oppositions leader in the Senate, Michaelia Cash, has claimed the $322 daily allowance, which is designed to cover accommodation costs, more than any other frontbencher who owns a second home in Canberra. Cash has claimed $123,978 over 40 months, or more than $3000 a month. Liberal MP Michaelia Cash has claimed the travel allowance more frequently than any other senior politician. Dominic Lorrimer She is followed by Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie, who has claimed $103,939 for nights in her own Canberra home over 3 years, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers has claimed the most of any Labor ministers, at $100,095. All have declared a residence in Canberra on a compulsory register of interests.

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The travel allowance for MPs themselves escaped proposed rule changes announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month after politicians use of travel perks came under heavy scrutiny, so MPs will continue to make this claim as they arrive in the capital in coming weeks for an urgent sitting of parliament following the Bondi Beach massacre. McKenzie defended her use of the entitlement as within the rules. The [allowance] rate for members of parliament and staff in Canberra is a set figure irrespective of whether they stay in a garage, the Hyatt or an apartment. My claims comply with the rules, she said. Sport and Communications Minister Anika Wells spending habits made headlines late last year, triggering revelations about the travel claims of other MPs, including those of Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, who agreed to repay to taxpayers part of $22,000 claimed for a trip she took to Western Australia with her family.

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Trade Minister Don Farrell was criticised for spending more than any other Labor MP on family travel  $116,000 since the 2022 election. This mastheads analysis of Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority data from May 2022 to September last year reveals Farrell has claimed another $71,861 under the Canberra travel allowance in that time, while owning a residence in Canberra. Farrell, as special minister of state, has oversight of the MP travel entitlements legislation. More recent travel claims have not been included because they have not yet been tabled. The [allowance] rate for members of parliament ... is a set figure irrespective of whether they stay in a garage, the Hyatt or an apartment. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie This masthead has calculated the claims of 20 frontbenchers in the government and opposition. The analysis does not include the Greens  although nobody in the partys leadership group has declared owning a home in Canberra  the crossbench, or backbenchers.

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The claims, worth $1,508,911 since May 2022, are from just a snapshot of the number of politicians using the entitlement. Ministers are not the only ones who claim the allowance  about a quarter of the 226 elected representatives in federal parliament own a home in the capital. It is also common for MPs to share accommodation while in Canberra to keep costs down. The total figure across the years would be much higher. Parliamentary guidelines say MPs are entitled to the allowance  which has been regularly bumped up from $291 in 2022  to cover accommodation, meals and incidental expenses for each overnight stay... that is not their home base, but the rules do not account for those who pay a mortgage instead of out-of-pocket accommodation expenses. MPs do not have to provide receipts for proof of spending to receive the payment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made suggestions for tightening family travel rules after an expenses controversy triggered by Communications Minister Anika Wells. Alex Ellinghausen Politicians are required to travel to the capital for the 16 to 18 sitting weeks a year, and ministers and their shadows in the opposition often need to spend more time in Canberra. Jim Chalmers, for example, has extra responsibilities such as deputy chair of cabinets expenditure review committee.

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All frontbenchers examined by this masthead who own second homes in Canberra claim the allowance. This masthead contacted the 10 Labor ministers and 10 Coalition frontbenchers and none contested the figures. Besides McKenzie, only opposition spokesman for skills and training Scott Buchholz responded, noting he paid for his Canberra property with his salary. The others declined to comment or provide answers to a detailed list of questions, including on whether the travel allowance was being used to pay down their mortgages. Two days before Christmas, Albanese proposed changes to MPs taxpayer-funded family travel following the Wells saga, announcing he had asked the Remuneration Tribunal to consider limiting MPs taxpayer-funded family travel to economy class flights and restricting it to either Canberra or their electorates. Im certainly hopeful that the changes that have been forwarded to the tribunal will ... are about restoring confidence in the system. I understand that there was genuine community and legitimate concern about these issues, he said. The oppositions shadow special minister of state, James McGrath, said the changes would not go far enough to tackle the rotten culture of entitlement and arrogance.

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Tinkering with rules does not remove the need for a full and proper investigation by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet into whether the ministerial code of conduct has been breached [by Wells and Rowland], McGrath said. Liberal senator James McGrath said the proposed reforms did not go far enough. Alex Ellinghausen Ministers are the highest-paid parliamentarians, earning about $400,000, depending on their role. Shadow frontbenchers earn about $300,000. MPs transport costs, including flights and private cars, are covered as work expenses. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has claimed $68,006 since the 2022 election to stay in her Canberra residence, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who owns six properties including one in the capital, has recouped $43,494 through claims under the allowance. For stays at their Canberra homes, Nationals leader David Littleproud has claimed $88,437 and his deputy, Kevin Hogan, has claimed $80,105.

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Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who does not own a home in Canberra and has pushed for family travel entitlements to be slashed, has called for a thorough inquiry. Related Article Political expenses Second minister referred to expenses watchdog, PM asks for advice [I] call on the government to establish a genuinely independent inquiry into all aspects of parliamentarian travel, for that inquiry to be finalised within three months, and for the recommendations from that inquiry to be implemented no later than three months after that, he said. The MPs travel allowance can only be claimed in full for travel outside of Canberra if politicians stay in commercial accommodation. If they stay with family or a friend, they can only claim half, but that rule does not apply to travel to Canberra. Independent MP David Pocock said that was just one example of the rules not being fit for purpose. The ACT senator is not entitled to the Canberra travel allowance because he lives in the capital permanently.

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I think people would be pretty shocked to know that [$1.5 million figure], Pocock said. There should be a really broad look at all of these entitlements. It doesnt make sense to me that ... you can claim 300 bucks a night to sleep in your own apartment or house in Canberra. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsNSWNSW State Parliament Opinion Kellie Sloane cant beat Minns next time. But she has a winning factor to spook him Alexandra Smith State Political Editor January 8, 2026  5:00am

January 8, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloanes new-look frontbench will not win her the next state election. The task is too big. There is too little time, too many seats to seize. Kellie Sloane laid flowers with Chris Minns at the Bondi Pavilion after the shootings. AP But what the opposition leader has managed to do in her shadow cabinet reshuffle is future-proof the Liberals. Sloane will not admit it but her senior operatives do. The NSW Liberals, along with their National partners, are playing the long game and laying the groundwork for a 2031 win. When the Coalition lost the 2023 election, after 12 years in power, there was a silver lining. Out with the old, in with the new. While plenty of wise heads  ex-planning minister Rob Stokes, then health minister Brad Hazzard, former customer services minister Victor Dominello and ex-transport minister David Elliott  bowed out, their exits allowed for generational renewal. After that election, there were five Liberals aged under 35, and several other Millennials in the Coalition team. Since then, two more have been added in byelections. James Wallace replaced former environment minister Matt Kean as the MP for Hornsby and Monica Tudehope took her boss Dominic Perrottets Epping seat. Wallace and Tudehope are now frontbenchers.

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It is a young team, although experience has not been wiped out. Damien Tudehope, soon to be a grandfather of 16  thanks to his expectant daughter and fellow MP Monica  remains in Sloanes shadow cabinet. Father of the house and right-wing powerbroker Anthony Roberts has been returned to the frontbench as police spokesman and Sloanes predecessor Mark Speakman has been given responsibility for the critical portfolio of education. Related Article NSW State Parliament The Boomer dad and Millennial daughter. Meet the family making NSW political history Labor, of course, is not only made up of greyheads. It, too, has young talent in Housing Minister Rose Jackson, Finance Minister Courtney Houssos and Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen, who has been temporarily sidelined thanks to her ill-advised decision to use her taxpayer-funded driver to ferry her to a boozy Hunter Valley lunch. She will serve out her time and return to the frontbench. But significantly, Sloanes new line-up  unveiled belatedly on Tuesday after the Bondi terror attack put it on the backburner  exposes a hole in Labor stocks. It highlights a major problem that must have Sussex Street hardheads sweating. What happens when, as he must eventually, Premier Chris Minns pulls up stumps? The Liberals have obvious future leadership options (energy spokesman James Griffin, Monica Tudehope and Wallace to name just three) while Labor has fewer clear-cut choices, and none who would match Minns, the one-man band holding the show together.

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Health Minister Ryan Park or Planning Minister Paul Scully could do the job, and Education Minister Prue Car would also be an option if she wanted it after her recovery from breast cancer. Haylen was once seen a possible premier, too, but her judgment may have cruelled that. Related Article Exclusive

NSW State Parliament Shadow cabinet shake-up reveals Sloanes housing election stance Minns is not driving an aggressive policy agenda, other than to build more homes, and the state has significant financial pressures, which means Labor can cut ribbons on projects already under way but does not have the means to embark on much new. Ambition is expensive and Minns only tells us what we cant have (more metros, for example) rather than what we can. For now, that does not seem to be harming him. Minns has further cemented his leadership and standing with voters with his handling of the Bondi massacre and its aftermath. He has appeared strong and decisive, largely because of his swift action around gun laws and protests and promising a state royal commission, while his federal counterpart Anthony Albanese has faltered.

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Minns has struck the right tone, attended nine funerals and has the trust of the Jewish community. Albanese, in stark contrast, appears weak and lost. Sloane, whose electorate covers Bondi, has proven herself in a baptism of fire no leader would ever want to face. She, like Minns, is very likeable but Sloanes main hurdle as she heads into the final 14 months of this term is inexperience. That, and the sheer number of ultra-marginal seats her side must hold not to go backwards, makes her task impossible for 2027. But do not expect a nasty battle. A Liberal senior source anticipated the looming election campaign to play out like this: It will be the two coolest kids in school going up against each other. Sloane can play a long game, but the problem for Labor will be: what happens when their cool kid no longer wants to be in the gang? Alexandra Smith is the Heralds state political editor. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
LONDON  Marubeni Consumer Platform US is kicking off 2026 with the acquisition of Britains Jacobson Group, owner of footwear brands including Gola, Lotus, Ravel, and Frank Wright, and a licensee of Dunlop and Lonsdale.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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MCPU is a division of the Tokyo-based Marubeni Corporation, a global, integrated business founded in 1858 that operates across a range of sectors, including lifestyle, food and agriculture, chemicals, energy, metals and mineral resources, power and infrastructure.

Founded in 2023, MCPU is part of Marubeni Corporations Next Generation Corporate Development Division, which leads investments and M&A in the global consumer sector. It is run by Shana Randhava, whose title is president, and whose mission is to build and scale consumer platforms in high-growth categories in the U.S.

Randhava was most recently senior vice president, New Incubation Ventures at The Estee Lauder Cos., where she worked on a host of deals including the acquisition of Kilian Paris, and strategic investments in brands including Haeckels, Kiki World and the Chinese brands Melt Season, and Code Mint.

Jacobson Group is a family-founded business that owns and distributes footwear and bags internationally. The group has relationships with retailers including John Lewis, Next, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Selfridges, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

Randhava said the acquisition of Jacobson Group advances the platform architecture weve been building. It comes at a particularly exciting time, and is fueled by Golas rapidly expanding market resonance. This marks a defining step in establishing the MCPU lifestyle platform as a scalable, multibrand ecosystem.

Under the new agreement, Jacobson Group will be integrated into the Marubeni lifestyle platform alongside RGB Brands, which Marubeni acquired last year. RGB is a management platform for lifestyle brands and the owner of Dearfoams, Baggallini, and Columbus Product Group.

Going forward, RGB will run the operations, logistics and distribution for Jacobson Group and future brands that join the MCPU lifestyle platform. RGBs job is to unlock the value of the platforms heritage brands through shared scale and enhanced go-to-market capabilities.

The Marubeni lifestyle platform is led by president and chief executive officer Bob Mullaney, who said that by pairing Jacobsons strengths with RGBs scale, infrastructure, and operational excellence, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth across key international markets.
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Exclusive PoliticsVictoriaCity life Rooming house granted permit despite drug fears Rachael Dexter January 7, 2026  7:53pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A rooming house has permission to go ahead in an inner-Melbourne area well known for drug-related issues, despite Yarra Councils refusal to issue a permit due to fears about the behaviour of potential tenants. In a VCAT ruling released on Tuesday, tribunal member Christopher Harty directed that a permit be issued for the rooming house in the Victorian-era State Savings Bank building on the corner of Victoria and Hoddle streets in Abbotsford. The former State Savings Bank building at 231 Victoria Street  the site of the proposed rooming house. Paul Jeffers The ruling cut the proposed capacity from 17 rooms for 17 residents to 13 single rooms, to address poor amenity concerns. It follows a council showdown last June during which five independent councillors broke ranks with their own planning officers who recommended approval and their mayor to block the project in the 1884 Italianate palazzo-style building, which has been derelict for years and targeted by vandals and squatters.

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At the time, Labor Deputy Mayor Sarah McKenzie slammed her colleagues, calling the decision about prejudice and NIMBYism in a housing crisis. Local objectors and the five councillors argued the site was inappropriate due to its proximity to the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room. They expressed concerns that the facility would attract vulnerable people and contribute to a decline in social behaviour in the already troubled Victoria Street area. However, Harty found these concerns were not relevant planning considerations. The status of potential residents in the rooming house and their behaviour and actions are not relevant planning matters and are not possible to be controlled by the planning system, he wrote in his decision.

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Local objector Christine Maynard, who was represented in the tribunal, dismissed this, saying the VCAT member didnt appreciate the reality of life in the area. Do you really think Victoria Street needs a rooming house for junkies and homeless people? she said. Related Article City life Greatest public policy disaster: Yarra backflips, wants injecting room moved The proposal had the backing of advocates including Fiona Patten, a former state MP and chair of the states 2021 inquiry into homelessness, and local Judy Ryan, secretary of Victoria Street Drug Solutions, who spearheaded the push for the nearby safe injecting room. [Im] delighted with the outcome, Ryan said, adding a rooming house complements Yarras vision for housing and is sorely needed in our community.

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Despite the win, the projects future remains uncertain. While the developers representative, architect John Chow, welcomed the ruling going his way, he said the tribunals 13-resident limit was too onerous. Thirteen rooms is ridiculous, Chow said. The owner is bleeding [money] ... Its becoming unviable for him to continue housing because of all the [land] taxes. He suggested the owners  one of whom resides in Singapore  might now sell the site with its new permit or seek a higher-density commercial redevelopment. Maynard also dismissed the result as a dead end, describing the building as a dump that would cost more than $1 million to bring up to safety standards. Im not really concerned about the permit, to be completely honest, she said. Itll be too much money. The developer has two years to commence the project before the permit expires.

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If the rooming house does go ahead, the tribunal has imposed strict conditions: several small bedrooms must be merged to meet floor-area standards and secure natural light, and an outdoor car parking space must be converted into a communal outdoor area for residents. As well as this, there must be an on-site manager at all times with a 24-hour contact number displayed on the front door for neighbours to register complaints. Local Richmond resident Judy Ryan (left) and ex-MP Fiona Patten inspect the former bank building. Chris Hopkins During the council vote last June, independent councillors Evangeline Aston, Andrew Davies, Kenneth Gomez, Sharon Harrison and Meca Ho all voted against the proposal, while Mayor Stephen Jolly, McKenzie and Greens councillor Sophie Wade voted in favour. In a rare move, Jolly broke with Yarra For All independent colleagues, who make up a dominant block of five on the council, and foreshadowed the permit was likely to receive approval at VCAT given the councils planning officers had deemed the project technically allowed. A Yarra City Council spokesperson said the council respected the decision of the tribunal. The spokesperson did not reveal the cost to ratepayers for legal counsel to appear at VCAT, saying only that it fell within the councils legal budget.

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PoliticsVictoriaVictorian Parliament Opinion Victoria has a sweet tooth for privatisation. Sweeter than many realise Kieran Rooney State political reporter January 8, 2026  5:00am

January 8, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Despite the regular joke that we live in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Victoria, the private sectors infiltration of public services is actually everywhere you look. When you buy a house or car, the documents behind that transfer are managed by a private operator. Partnering with the private sector has trade-offs. Harry Afentoglou When you catch public transport, the services are run by a private company even if the physical trains, trams and tracks are owned by the state. Alongside toll roads, there are free roads you use every day that a private company is being paid to monitor and maintain. More on those later.

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It is easy to put much of this relationship with the private sector down to Jeff Kennett and his privatisation agenda, but the truth is that it has also been a regular feature of the Victorian Labor governments who dominated this century. The difference is that these governments have preferred leases, commercialisation or partnerships where the state owns the assets, but hands control to a private consortium. They tend to be announced ahead of elections as a way to boost Labors economic credentials while funding big ticket projects. Cash from the Port of Melbourne lease was used to fund Daniel Andrews signature level-crossing removal policy. In 2018, he went into an election year with an extra $2.86 billion to spend on schools, hospitals and transport projects from the privatisation of operations at the land registry office. An argument for these arrangements is that private enterprises will do a better job running them and can handle the risk of expensive technological upgrades that improve the service taxpayers use.

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As we approach the November state election, this debate will pop up again. Both Labor and the Coalition will feel the pressure to provide goodies to voters and the states debt position leaves little room to fund projects out of the existing budget. Related Article Victorian budget Victorias alpine resorts on taxpayer life support amid privatisation bid The Coalition has gone to elections promising to privatise sewerage and in 2024 the government explored privatising Births Deaths and Marriages, before ultimately backtracking. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has told investors the government wants to take risks and partner with the private sector more, according to the Australian Financial Review. Just this week, we were reminded that Victoria is looking at ways to privatise the states alpine resorts after sustained deficits.

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But what are the trade-offs? History would suggest that these partnerships arent all Mai Tais and Yahtzee. Related Article Victorian budget Victoria privatised this agency. Now home owners face increased fees This week, we learned the service fee the government pays to use the land registration system it part-privatised, Secure Electronic Registries Victoria (SERV), is rising faster than the charges the government collects from consumers. This is one of the key reasons the state has proposed increasing the land title fees we pay, boosting combined revenue by 44 per cent, $73 million a year, and helping them to pay SERV among other costs. At least they had the decency to propose doing this by raising fees on higher-value properties and reducing them for those below $1 million.

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But it flies in the face of what the government said at the time to reassure voters. Announcing the deal, they said the state will retain full control over prices for statutory land registry services throughout the 40-year term. If the government has to raise its prices to keep up with the cost of paying SERV, is it really in control? VicRoads, which was commercialised with the promise of better service ahead of the 2022 election, had its performance targets lowered after the state government pocketed a $7.9 billion cash injection. Consortiums that get these contracts have big financial backing  they wouldnt get involved if there wasnt a return on investment.

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So why do governments keep going down this path? Australia Institute chief economist Greg Jericho told this column that governments embraced privatisation because it provided a sugar hit to their budget and disputed the idea that the private sector was more efficient. The trade-off, he said, was that they were left with less control at times when big policy changes were needed, like with energy, or cut out of potential windfalls, as with the sale of Telstra. A peek inside the governments head can be seen through the example of Peninsula Link, which has had to lower speed limits because unseasonably cold and wet conditions in Melbourne last year delayed upgrades. Peninsula Link is one of multiple major roads across Victoria where a consortium receives a regular fee in return for its construction and decades of maintenance.

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The Age reported in 2019 that the cost of this 25-year arrangement was $2.75 billion. The government estimated that if VicRoads had managed the road instead, it would have cost an extra $10 million over the same period. Related Article Opinion

Millennials Doh-mographics: What Millennials want from Labor and the Coalition Kieran Rooney State political reporter The state government is responsible for more than 23,000 kilometres of public roads in Victoria. If this costing is accurate, something has gone horribly wrong. Before you start calling me Karl Marx, I should say the Victorian economy is too reliant on government spending, and we need to unlock private sector investment, particularly in areas such as housing. But if either party promises they can sell or lease an asset and everything will be just peachy, just remember its an election year.

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Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
Sam Welsfords big cycling career move was helped by the rider he wants to succeed as Australias sprint ace.

Olympic gold medallist Sam Welsford will return to Perth for the Australian road cycling championships. Credit: AP

The Olympic gold medallist has thanked Caleb Ewan for the role the now-retired star played in Welsford joining the Ineos-Grenadiers team.

Welsford will be one of the riders to watch this week at the Australian road cycling championships in his home city of Perth.

He will have a massive target on his back when he defends his national criterium title late on Friday in suburban Northbridge.
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Exclusive TechnologyAI From dishwasher to worlds ninth-richest man: Nvidia boss faces his future David Swan January 7, 2026  3:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Las Vegas, Nevada: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has no plans to step down from running the worlds most valuable company anytime soon, saying the secret to his 32-year tenure is dont get fired, and dont get bored. The Taiwanese-American billionaire, who is the worlds ninth-richest person now worth an estimated $US170 billion ($250 billion), made the remarks after his blockbuster keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where he announced that Nvidias next-generation Vera Rubin AI chip platform was in full production  months ahead of Wall Street expectations. Asked by this masthead about his status as the longest-serving chief executive among major technology companies and his future, Huang, 62, said hed continue for as long as I deserve this. There is a great responsibility for being CEO of Nvidia. We are the captain of this industry. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week. Bloomberg It took us 33 years to get here, almost 34 years now. You do something for 34 years, youre going to figure it out. Even I can figure it out.

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The comments may do little to quell investor concerns about succession planning at a company that has become systemically important to global financial markets. Nvidia alone comprises roughly 8 per cent of the S&P 500 index, and its $US4.6 trillion market capitalisation makes it as large as the entire GDP of Germany. The company has no publicly disclosed succession plan, and governance experts have repeatedly warned that Huangs departure  planned or otherwise  could trigger unprecedented market volatility. Huang on stage with a small robot during the Nvidia Live event at the CES. Bloomberg Huangs path to becoming one of the worlds wealthiest individuals is a uniquely American story. Born in Taipei in 1963, he was sent by his parents to the United States at the age of nine, destined for a prestigious boarding school. Through a mix-up, he ended up at Oneida Baptist Institute in rural Kentucky, a reform school where his roommate had knife scars across his body. Young Jensen cleaned toilets and taught his roommate to read. He graduated from high school at 16, studied electrical engineering at Oregon State University, and worked the graveyard shift at a Dennys diner for $US2.65 an hour. It was at a Dennys booth in San Jose that Huang and two university mates founded Nvidia on April 5, 1993. He was 30.

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Three decades later, the former dishwasher commands the most valuable company on Earth. More than 96 per cent of Huangs fortune has been accumulated since 2020, when the artificial intelligence revolution transformed Nvidias graphics processing chips into the indispensable hardware powering everything from ChatGPT to autonomous vehicles. On Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas, wearing his signature Tom Ford leather jacket  this one in crocodile-scale pattern  Huang held court for nearly two hours, fielding media questions on everything from China export controls to the future of gaming graphics. He commands the room with the energy of a man half his age, speaking without notes and pivoting seamlessly between dense technical specifications and philosophical tangents about the nature of intelligence. Related Article Opinion

Software I was wrong about Elon. But he was wrong too David Swan Technology editor The Vera Rubin announcement was the headline act. Named for the American astronomer who revolutionised the understanding of galaxy motion, the new platform promises tenfold improvements in AI training efficiency over its predecessor, Blackwell. A 10 trillion-parameter model can now be trained in one month using one-quarter of the chips, Huang claimed. Demand for Nvidia GPUs is skyrocketing, Huang said. Models are increasing by a factor of 10, an order of magnitude, every single year.

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Yet the announcement came amid mounting competitive pressures. Advanced Micro Devices is gaining ground with big customers including OpenAI and Oracle. Tech giants Google, Amazon and Microsoft are designing their own chips through partnerships with Broadcom, whose market value has soared past $US1.6 trillion on the back of the custom silicon boom. Nvidias stock is down 8 per cent from its October peak, having shed some $US460 billion in market value. Wall Street analysts remain overwhelmingly bullish  76 of 82 rate it a buy  but the path forward is narrower than the stratospheric gains of 2023 and 2024 suggested. Huang as he introduces the Vera Rubin AI super computing platform during a press conference. AP Huang appears unfazed. His company, he noted, employs just 40,000 people  the smallest large company in the world  with turnover so low that many staff members stay for 20 to 25 years. We have supply chain partners and collaboration partners all over the world who are counting on us to do our part, Huang said. Theres a great responsibility that comes with our company.

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For now, that responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of a man who still checks his email from 4am daily, including holidays, and who has previously suggested he intends to lead the company for another 30 to 40 years. Whether the market  or Huangs own mortality  will permit that remains an open question. David Swan travelled to Las Vegas with support from Samsung, LG, Hisense and Lego. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Travel newsAustralia Melbourne makes New York Times 2026 must-visit list  for specific reason Katherine Scott January 8, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Two Australian destinations, Melbourne and the Northern Territorys Top End, have been honoured in The New York Times annual travel list of the 52 Places to Go in 2026, with auto-centric thrills and a sacred waterfall cited among the reasons to visit this year. Melbourne was the only state capital to make the list, ranking No.49, with judges noting the citys well-established culinary chops, along with an upcoming Formula 1 first, as worthy reasons to visit. Culinary capital Melbourne was named in the New York Times 52 Places to Go list, as it gears up for a milestone year. iStock Melbournes Albert Park Lake is home to the citys Formula 1 Grand Prix track. iStock Three decades after Melbourne first hosted the opening event of the Formula One calendar, the city is preparing for another F1 milestone: the debut of a Cadillac squad, the first new team in a decade. The addition is making the Australian Grand Prix (March 5-8) a must-attend event for speed demons from around the globe, according to The New York Times.

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The entry also noted several complementary F1 diversions including the Fox Classic Car Collection in the Queens Warehouse, a Porsche & Coffee street festival (March 1), and the striking new Poombeeyt Koontapool blowhole lookout along the Great Ocean Road, a few hours south-west of Melbourne. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. The new Poombeeyt Koontapool viewing platform is a must-stop along the Great Ocean Road. Ranking No.14, the Northern Territorys Top End was praised for its many natural wonders, abundance of Aboriginal rock-art sites, and the reopening of Kakadu National Parks crown jewel, Gunlom Falls, which had been closed for six years due to a legal dispute. The areas traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, won a long battle against an Australian parks agency last year, restoring access to the waterfall and its stunning 550-foot-high (168-metre-high) infinity pool. As a result of a new lease agreement, the traditional owners also now receive 50 per cent of the falls commercial revenue, as opposed to the 14 per cent they received before, the entry read. Kakadu National Parks crown jewel, Gunlom Falls. Tourism NT/Jewels Lynch

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Natures 550-foot-high infinity pool... Gunlom Falls. Jewels Lynch/Tourism NT As the gateway to the falls, Darwin also received a special mention for its soon-to-open Larrakia Cultural Centre, which explores the history of the Larrakia people. The centre, built at a foot of a sacred Larrakia site overlooking Darwin Harbour, will exhibit Larrakia art, music and artefacts, with interactive spear making, weaving or painting workshops, and is on track for a September launch. Related Article Luxury holidays Two Australian hotels named in Worlds 50 Best list The No.1 spot on the annual New York Times list fell closer to home, with Revolutionary America honoured as the United States turns 250, with cities across the country gearing up for major red, white and blue celebrations throughout the milestone year. Filling out the top three was Warsaw (No.2), which welcomed a new Museum of Modern Art at the end of last year, and Bangkok (No.3), praised for its recent efforts in the eco and arts spaces, with many initiatives  including a new green corridor in the city, a new arts hub and sustainable improvements within the transit system  set to benefit visitors.

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Its the second year running Australia has had two entries in the coveted global list. Last year, Sydney ranked No.10, with judges praising its new metro and a promised fish market upgrade (the latter overshot its 2025 completion date, and is now due to open on January 19). On the opposite side of the country, the entire state of Western Australia came in at No.42, with judges crediting the states impressive new WA EV Network, one of the worlds longest connected electric vehicle (EV) charging highways, noting a glut of the natural attractions along the 7000-kilometre stretch between Mundrabilla in the south to Kununurra in the far north.
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Analysis WorldAsiaChina relations Discomforting moment for Beijing, caught on camera hours before Trumps raid Lisa Visentin January 7, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Singapore: Hours before US forces seized Nicolas Maduro in his compound in Caracas, the Venezuelan dictator was entertaining Beijings special envoy for Latin American affairs at the presidential palace and praising the unbreakable ties between the two countries. I thank President Xi Jinping for his continued brotherhood, like an older brother, Maduro told Chinese diplomat Qiu Xiaoqi, according to CNN, as the pair smiled, shook hands and exchanged gifts in the gilded halls of the Miraflores Palace. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro meets Chinese diplomat Qiu Xiaoqi in Caracas on January 3, hours before his capture by US special forces. Instagram @nicolasmaduro The encounter has been preserved on Maduros social media accounts for what is surely a discomforting posterity for Beijing, given the proximity of Xis official to the US military operation, evidently unaware of its imminence. The next image the world would see  circulated by US President Donald Trump on social media was of Maduro shackled and blindfolded aboard a US warship, and bound for a New York courtroom on narco-conspiracy charges, where he would declare himself a kidnapped president and a prisoner of war.

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As these events unfolded, Beijings reaction was stunned outrage. It has channelled this through its propaganda machinery, denouncing Washington as the worlds cop gone rogue once again. With Trump vowing to temporarily run Venezuela and take control of its oil reserves, Chinese state media have made easy work of chalking this up as yet another example of US imperialism where international laws and sovereignty hold only as far as they align with American interests. Nicolas Maduro after his capture and US President Donald Trump. AP Credible legal scholars have already argued that the Venezuela attack probably violates international law prohibitions on the use of force. We have never believed that any country can act as the worlds police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the worlds judge, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this week of the events. Dylan Loh, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says while Beijing gains further moral leverage to position itself as a counterpoint to US power, the strike is also a reminder to the Chinese leadership of US military prowess.

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This was a clear demonstration of American might: Trump can and will act decisively and kinetically, and I think this will worry Zhongnanhai, Loh says, referring to the compound where Chinas political leadership is based in Beijing. Related Article Editorial

Trump diplomacy Trumps attack on Venezuela is a dangerous and illegal gambit The Age's View Editorial Billion-dollar complications Maduros removal poses some economic complications for Beijing. China is the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, but its a lopsided relationship, accounting for only about 4-5 per cent of Chinas total oil imports. There is also the prospect of whether Beijing can recover the roughly $US12 billion in outstanding loans it is owed. But the evergreen question in the rolling US-China rivalry is, of course, what this means for the Taiwan equation.

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As with Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, the US strike on Venezuela has revived fresh debate about whether Beijing could draw on this example to justify its reunification agenda with its democratically self-governed island neighbour. If the US can remove a leader of a country it does not regard as legitimate, how can it credibly deter China from its ambitions of dismantling Taipeis leadership? Just as Trump despises Maduro, Beijing loathes Taiwans leader, William Lai Ching-te, and does not recognise his governments legitimacy, nor do most nations officially recognise Taiwan as a sovereign country. Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te is a thorn in Beijings side. Daniel Ceng There are major distinctions and historical differences between the two cases  one being the credibility of Taiwans elections versus the strong evidence that Maduro relied on election fraud to maintain his autocratic hold on power  but nuance is hardly a bulwark against aggression. Nevertheless, many China analysts dismiss the idea that the Venezuela incursion will have any material impact on Beijings long-term goal of controlling Taiwan.

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This view flips the logic of realism: it implies that if the US were perfectly law-abiding, others would be too, but Chinas foreign policy follows its own calculus. Major powers will always prioritise national interest over international law, says Loh. Trumps move is not suddenly going to delay or hasten Chinas plans. Beijing will request the US mute its invocations of international law. Ryan Hass, former China director on US National Security Council Bonnie Glaser, an Indo-Pacific expert at US think tank the German Marshall Fund, believes Maduros capture is not a blueprint for Chinese takeover of Taiwan and Xis ongoing purges of Chinas top military brass are likely to be a greater factor in Beijings calculus. Beijing is instead relying on a vast toolkit of greyzone tactics to instil despair among Taiwans citizens so that they eventually capitulate. The Chinese believe that time is on their side to achieve reunification without sacrificing blood and treasure, Glaser posted to X.

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Trump diplomacy Military is always an option: White House escalates Greenland clash with NATO allies As Ryan Hass, a former China director on the National Security Council in the Obama administration, points out, Beijing has paid little deference to international norms thus far when it comes to the coercion of Taiwan. While it will publicly campaign as a defender of international law, Beijing would probably use the Venezuela affair to insist that the US take its foot off Chinas neck in its foreign policy agenda. Privately, I expect Beijing will emphasise to Washington it expects to be given the same latitude for great power exemptions to international law that the US takes for itself, he posted on X. In other words, Beijing will request the US mute its invocations of international law in [the] South China Sea and elsewhere. As Trump sets his sights on Greenland, the Venezuela strike may prove to be an early presage of the attacks coming in 2026 on the scaffolding of international law that underpins global order, having been degraded throughout 2025 in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere.

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As the two great powers selectively decide which rules apply to them, Beijing will surely be content to see the US tied up in arenas it has no desire to enter into, while Americas partners grow increasingly uncomfortable at the actions of their ally. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.


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WorldEuropeWorld politics US forces seize Russian oil tanker, risking military clash David Crowe January 8, 2026  5:10am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

London: US forces have boarded a Russian-flagged tanker off the coast of Iceland in a dramatic mission to enforce oil sanctions despite protests from Moscow, while also intercepting a second ghost fleet vessel in the Caribbean. The US gained naval assistance from Britain to chase and halt the Russian-flagged ship as it sought to return from Venezuela and cross the North Sea to a home port. Footage of one of the seizures showed US Coast Guard personnel rappelling to the deck from helicopters above. A US Coast Guard helicopter hovers above a tanker as personnel descend to its deck. X/@Sec_Noem The extraordinary moves, days after the US military operation in Venezuela, came as US President Donald Trump blamed NATO allies for failing to spend enough on defence after they warned him against trying to take over Greenland. Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2 per cent GDP, and most werent paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG, he tweeted.

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We will always be there for NATO, even if they wont be there for us. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would meet the leaders of Denmark, of which Greenland is a part, next week, but signalled no retreat from Trumps aim to take over the Arctic territory. View post on X The US Coast Guard tracked the two tankers for weeks after they left Venezuela to escape the American sanctions on the countrys oil exports. The tanker heading towards the North Sea, known as the Marinera and previously called the Bella 1, was returning empty because it had failed to take on a load of Venezuelan oil as planned, and its crew had hastily painted a Russian flag on its hull to discourage the US from boarding.

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The worlds criminals are on notice. You can run, but you cant hide, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco-terrorism wherever we find it, period. A 2014 photo showing the tanker known as Bella 1, which changed its name to the Marinera and is sailing under the flag of Russia. She was seized in the North Atlantic ocean by US forces. Getty Images The Marinera is owned by a company based in Turkey, Louis Marine Shipholding, according to vessel tracking websites, and it has been on sanctions lists for several years. It switched to flying the Russian flag in late December. In a sign of concern in Moscow about its fate, the Kremlin dispatched a submarine to the North Atlantic in an attempt to prevent any interception. The US military move represents a dramatic escalation in tensions between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin after contrasting moments of warmth and friction over the past year, as the US leader tries to negotiate a peace deal on Ukraine.

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The two raids took place late on Wednesday night (AEDT). The US prepared to intercept the Marinera by sending helicopters and personnel to a Royal Air Force base in Suffolk, raising expectations about the use of force despite the Russian warnings. Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Emmanuel Macron of France, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attend a signing ceremony during a Coalition Of The Willing meeting on the Ukraine war in Paris on Tuesday. Getty Images While British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined European allies in warning Trump against trying to take control of Greenland, the clash over the Arctic territory has not prevented the allies from negotiating peace terms for Ukraine or working together to stop the tankers. On Tuesday, hours before the US Coast Guard operation, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, in a move welcomed at a meeting in Paris with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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The UK worked with the US military for several days to support the operation against the Marinera, sending the military tanker Tideforce, part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, in case the US Coast Guard needed fuel. The Royal Air Force also provided surveillance from the air. British Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK assisted the interception as part of its policy of disrupting the Russian oil trade. Related Article Updated

Trump diplomacy Military is always an option: White House escalates Greenland clash with NATO allies This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine, he said. The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

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Healey said the Marinera had flown five national flags in five years. While US authorities released videos of the vessels being seized and Noem said both were boarded by US personnel, there were no independent accounts of the interceptions. The US military said its forces had taken control of the Russian vessel in the North Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, it said. The US also said it had apprehended a stateless vessel, the M Sophia, in international waters in the Caribbean because it was conducting illicit activities. It said the ship was being escorted to the US. The US Treasury sanctioned the M Sophia last January on the grounds that it was breaching curbs on Russian oil exports.

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The Russian Transport Ministry issued a complaint about the US seizure and admitted it had lost contact with the Marinera. In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, the ministry said in a statement. Related Article Explainer

US politics This is not a joke: Could the US take control of Greenland? Russia has asked for the return of the Russian crew members, according to a report in media outlet Tass. One member of the Russian parliament, Andrey Klishas, called the interception an act of piracy.

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After a law enforcement operation that killed several dozen people in Venezuela, the US has engaged in outright piracy on the high seas, Klishas posted on Telegram. The Marinera sailed from Iran towards Venezuela in December but never docked in the South American nation due to the US blockade. As the US Coast Guard gave chase, the Marinera switched to sailing under the Russian flag and headed to the North Atlantic, as its crew painted the Russian flag on its hull. Related Article Blood Oil The British expat tracking Russias shadow fleet from his Singapore deck Despite the concerns about a military confrontation, there were no Russian vessels in the vicinity of the tanker when the US Coast Guard boarded the ship, two US officials told The New York Times. While this was a rare move for the US against a Russian ship, French commandos took similar action against a shadow fleet vessel last year off the coast of France.

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The extraordinary US intervention in Venezuela has radically altered the dynamics of the oil trade by removing the countrys leader, Nicolas Maduro, who had tightened the nations ties with China and Russia. Trump announced a deal with Maduros successor, Delcy Rodriguez, to ship 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the US so the commodity could be sold and the money used by the US government at the presidents discretion. Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions Iran hospital raid fuels protest anger as crackdown kills 29 Arsalan Shahla January 7, 2026  3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Irans government has ordered an investigation into clashes between protesters and riot police at a hospital in the countrys west on Sunday as a video emerged online showing another hospital being hit with tear gas by security forces on Tuesday. Video posted to social media on Tuesday purportedly showed the courtyard of Sina Hospital submerged in tear gas smoke. The footage cannot be verified by Bloomberg, but the hospital is near the capitals Grand Bazaar, where a fresh bout of protests and clashes with police erupted on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported. Loading Security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in the sprawling market on December 28, where traders had shuttered their businesses and were staging a sit-in, AP said, citing witnesses. Unverified social media footage also appeared to show police rushing crowds in the bazaars surrounding streets and in one of its main arteries. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said on Monday that at least 29 people had been killed in provinces including Lorestan, Fars and Kurdistan and more than 1200 people had been arrested since a sharp currency decline triggered demonstrations in Tehran that later spread to other cities.

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On Sunday, videos emerged on social media appearing to show security forces storming the Imam Khomeini Hospital in the western city of Ilam and firing tear gas inside. The footage fuelled even more public anger at the authorities, prompting President Masoud Pezeshkian to order the investigation. Officials havent yet responded to the incident at the hospital in Tehran. The protests have divided Irans leadership over how to respond. While Pezeshkian, a political moderate and a former heart surgeon, has described protesters demands as legitimate, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei has warned that no leniency or tolerance would be shown towards protesters and vowed swift trials, according to the official Mizan news agency. A currency crisis has triggered the latest wave of protests in Iran. AP Rioters can no longer claim to have been misled, Ejei said, accusing the US and Israel of openly backing the unrest. There is now no room for any concessions towards rioters and instigators of unrest.

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Related Article Middle East tensions At least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests, rights groups say Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on most state matters, said on Saturday that rioters must be put in their place. The protests are the biggest to rock Iran since nationwide unrest in 2022 over the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. But they dont yet represent a threat to the Islamic Republics security, Eurasia Group analysts wrote in a report last week. The unrest comes amid deteriorating living conditions in Iran, where high inflation, rising costs and a weak currency have fuelled growing public dissatisfaction. The government has announced measures to ease the frustration, including a monthly cash subsidy of 10 million rials (roughly $350) for each member of every household. It also appointed a new central bank governor to stabilise the declining rial.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), has officially established two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Saint Marys University (SMU) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the University of Bridgeport (UB) in Connecticut, United States of America. These strategic agreements significantly expand affordable and high-quality tertiary education opportunities for Sint Maarten students who receive government study financing.

Strengthening Access to Affordable Higher Education

The agreements align with the Governments continued commitment to socio-economic development by investing in human capital and ensuring that Sint Maarten students have access to internationally recognized academic institutions at reduced cost.

Minister Gumbs stated:

These partnerships are an important step in expanding affordable pathways to tertiary education for our students. By securing significant tuition reductions and scholarship opportunities, we are ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the potential of our young people.

Saint Marys University  Canada

Through the MOU with Saint Marys University, Sint Maarten students enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs will benefit from approximately 41% in tuition savings.

Saint Marys University, founded in 1802, is a public undergraduate-focused institution located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It offers more than 57 undergraduate programs and 31 graduate programs across disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Environmental Studies, and is nationally ranked as a leading undergraduate research university in Atlantic Canada.

University of Bridgeport  United States

The MOU with the University of Bridgeport provides Sint Maarten study financing recipients with approximately 56% savings on the total annual cost of attendance.

The University of Bridgeport, located in Connecticut near New York City, offers over 100 academic programs across Engineering, Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences, and is ranked among the top universities in the region for international student representation.

Coordinated Through Study Financing

All applications under these agreements are coordinated through the Division of Study Financing of the Ministry of ECYS. Students must meet admission requirements set by the respective institutions, maintain good academic standing, and comply with Study Financing regulations to continue benefiting from the agreements.

Both MOUs are valid for a period of five academic years and include provisions ensuring that students already enrolled at the time of any future termination may complete their studies under the agreed conditions.

Looking Ahead

These agreements follow the expiration of previous arrangements with institutions in Florida and reflect the Governments strategic focus on expanding study opportunities within the Caribbean, North America, Canada, and beyond.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport encourages eligible students to explore these new opportunities and apply through the Study Financing platform
Since the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces, President Donald Trump has promised US investment in the countrys underproductive oil fields.

Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, Trump said in a Mar-a-Lago news conference on January 3.

He reiterated this on January 4 to reporters on Air Force One, saying, Were going to have big investments by the oil companies to bring back the infrastructure. The oil companies are ready to go.

But are they? It is less certain than Trump makes it sound.





When reporters sought concrete details about the investments, Trump declined to offer them. Speaking on ABCs This Week on January 4, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump, saying he expects dramatic interest from Western companies, without offering specifics.

When contacted for comment, the White House told PolitiFact that the administration has had conversations with multiple oil companies, without naming any of them.

All of our oil companies are ready and willing to make big investments in Venezuela that will rebuild their oil infrastructure, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said.

The American Petroleum Institute, the oil industrys leading trade association in the US, said in a statement to PolitiFact that the group is closely watching the developments.

Globally, energy companies make investment decisions based on stability, the rule of law, market forces, and long-term operational considerations, the statement said.

A ConocoPhillips spokesperson gave a similar response, according to media reports, saying the company is monitoring developments, but that it would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments.

Experts told PolitiFact that there is ample reason for caution about a surge of new private investment in Venezuelan oil infrastructure. While Venezuelas oil reserves are the worlds largest, obstacles include the high up-front costs for building infrastructure, limited profit potential amid todays low oil prices and continuing concerns about political stability.

I do not see a compelling business case for any US-based company to invest billions of dollars over years to decades to try to turn a profit in Venezuelan oil, said Hugh Daigle, a professor with the University of Texas at Austins petroleum and geo-systems engineering department.

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy, a gasoline price app, said the uncertainty over Venezuelas governance is likely to worry oil companies.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on January 8, 2026.

The Public meeting was adjourned on November 5, 2025, and will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten

a. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers

b. An update on the ENNIA situation

c. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)



This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Gallagher has consolidated the aviation team of AssuredPartners into its global aerospace practice, forming a group of around 600 risk professionals.

The integration follows Gallaghers acquisition of AssuredPartners, which was finalised in August last year for $13.45bn. The agreement was announced in December 2024.

Within the US, staff from both companies will merge their expertise, resulting in a combined team of 190 people working across ten locations.

Eric Barfield, who previously headed AssuredPartners' aerospace operations, has been appointed president of the merged US general aviation division.

Barfield will work in tandem with Gallaghers US large and complex risks aviation unit, led by US CEO Steve Lloyd.

Both Barfield and Lloyd will report to Gallagher global aviation and aerospace CEO Peter Elson.

Tyler LaMantia, who formerly managed Gallaghers US general aviation team, will shift focus to his responsibilities as leader of the San Diego branch.

The global aerospace practice, with its main office in London, includes around 400 additional personnel operating out of centres in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.

Elson said: "We are delighted to bring together the AssuredPartners team with our existing Gallagher aerospace colleagues to create a powerhouse of specialists with unrivalled sector capability.

Both teams are market-leading in their own right and this combined team is the largest and strongest group of aviation and aerospace risk professionals anywhere in the world, which is reflected by the growth in our client base over recent years.

"This move further enhances our ability to deliver exceptional value and innovation to our clients and partners as we move into 2026."

"Gallagher integrates AssuredPartners aviation team with global aerospace unit " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Allies agree 'robust' security guarantees for Ukraine: Macron



Paris, France, Jan 6 (AFP) Jan 06, 2026



European and US allies of Ukraine on Tuesday agreed "robust" security guarantees for Kyiv to come into force after an eventual ceasefire in Russia's war against the pro-Western country that would see the United States lead a truce monitoring mechanism, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent that foresees Britain, France and other European allies deploying troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire.

Macron said after the meeting in Paris that the moves represented "robust security guarantees for a solid and lasting peace", hailing an "operational convergence" among allies including the United States.

The security guarantees are "the key to ensuring that a peace agreement can never mean a Ukrainian surrender and that a peace agreement can never mean a new threat to Ukraine" from Russia, Macron said.

Against the background of tensions between Europe and the US on Greenland and Venezuela, US envoy Steve Witkoff, who was present at the talks in Paris, said "a lot of progress" had been made.

Allies have "largely finished" agreeing security guarantees for Ukraine "so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends forever," he said, flanked by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner who was also present at the talks.

Witkoff said that "land options" will be the most "critical issue" and "hopefully we will be able to come up with certain compromises with regard to that".

Starmer said for his part that following a ceasefire the UK and France will establish "military hubs" across Ukraine and "build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine's defensive needs".

But he warned: "We can only get to a peace deal if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is ready to make compromises. Putin is not showing he is ready for peace."

"This only hardens our resolve," he added.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose nation has been wary of contributing troops to a multinational force, said German forces could join to monitor a Ukraine ceasefire, but based in a neighbouring country.

"We will certainly have to make compromises", he said in Paris, adding that "we will not achieve textbook diplomatic solutions".
Teen killed in anti-conscription protest in Jerusalem



Jerusalem, Jan 6 (AFP) Jan 06, 2026



One person was killed and three were injured during a protest in Jerusalem on Tuesday against a law to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli armed forces, emergency crews said.

A bus ran over and injured three pedestrians then drove on and struck an 18-year old who got trapped under the vehicle, rescuers said.the Magen David Adom emergency service said

"Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene," the agency said.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews had taken to the streets of to protest a law to conscript them to the army, as the military faces manpower shortages after two years of war on multiple fronts.

Mass demonstrations against the law have been taking place on a regular basis in recent months.

According to a police statement, Tuesday's protest turned violent after "a small group of rioters began violently disturbing public order, including by blocking traffic routes, damaging buses, setting trash bins on fire, throwing objects and eggs at police officers and Border Police, shouting invective, and assaulting journalists working at the scene".

The police added that the bus "was blocked by rioters who were... obstructing the route". The driver was arrested and under questioning alleged "that he was assaulted by rioters, after which the unfortunate incident occurred".

Israeli police sources quoted by local media ruled out concerns the event was a terror attack.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under pressure from the opposition and some coalition partners to increase the number of military recruits, but ultra-Orthodox party leaders -- traditionally Netanyahu allies -- oppose the conscription of religious students, who form a large part of their constituency.

Under a ruling established at the time of Israel's creation in 1948, men who devote themselves full-time to studying Jewish texts are given a de facto pass from mandatory military service.

But this exemption has come under mounting scrutiny from the rest of Israeli society -- particularly when tens of thousands of conscripts and reservists are mobilised on several fronts, despite the fragile truce that has ended the war in Gaza.

The ultra-Orthodox make up 14 percent of Israel's Jewish population.

Keeping ultra-Orthodox parties on board is key to the survival of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition.

In November, a new draft law was put forward in the parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee, after a previous conscription bill was voted down in July.

The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party quit the government over that bill, and now Netanyahu's coalition only holds 60 out of 120 seats in parliament.

Ministers from the other main ultra-Orthodox party, Shas, resigned from the cabinet over the issue, though the party has not formally left the coalition.

In late October, a teenage boy fell to his death from a high-rise during another mass protest against the conscription law in Jerusalem. Israeli media said his death was likely to be a suicide, as the boy had left a farewell message on his Instagram account.
Iran army chief threatens response to Trump and Netanyahu's 'threats'



Tehran, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Iran's military chief warned on Wednesday that Iran will not stand by and allow itself to be threatened by outside powers, after the United States and Israel backed anti-government protests.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the escalation of hostile rhetoric against the Iranian nation a threat and will not tolerate its continuation without responding," General Amir Hatami said, according to the Fars news agency.

Hatami, commander of the Iranian army but not Iran's most senior officer, warned that "if the enemy makes a mistake" Iran's response would be more robust than during last June's 12-day war with Israel.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if demonstrators were killed, while Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the protests.

On December 28 merchants in Tehran staged a protest against soaring prices and the collapse of the rial, triggering a wave of similar actions in several cities, some of them deadly.

The demonstrations have yet to reach the scale of a 2022 to 2023 movement, let alone that of the mass 2009 street protests that followed disputed elections.

But the economic protests have attracted international attention, including from the leaders of the Islamic republic's international foes.

"We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States," Trump told reporters on Sunday.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, told Israel's cabinet: "We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice."

On Monday, the Iranian foreign ministry accused Trump and Netanyahu of inciting violence and trying to undermine Iran's national unity.

The war in June began with an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

The United States briefly took part in the strikes, hitting three major Iranian nuclear sites.
Could Trump's desire for Greenland blow up NATO?



Brussels, Belgium, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



The White House has said President Donald Trump is discussing options including military action to take Greenland -- despite a warning from Denmark that an attack would spell the end of NATO.

But how high really is the risk that Trump's desire for the territory might end up sinking an alliance that has underpinned Western security for over seven decades?

The answer depends on whether Trump is really planning to make a move and if the spectre of military force is just a bluff to exert pressure.

Here's how the situation could break down:



- US ups threats -



In the wake of his military intervention in Venezuela, Trump set off alarm bells in Europe by repeating his insistence that he wants to take control of Greenland.

The mineral-rich semi-autonomous territory -- part of Washington's long-standing NATO ally Denmark and home already to a US military base -- has been in Trump's sights since his first term in office.

But this time around his administration has ramped up its rhetoric by insisting that "acquiring Greenland is a national security priority".

"The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.

That came despite a warning from Danish premier Mette Frederiksen an attack on a NATO ally would end the alliance -- and a show of support for Copenhagen from key European leaders.



- Military route? -



While Trump was willing to deploy US military might against long-standing foe Venezuela, using force against a close ally like Denmark is a different ball game.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he couldn't "imagine a scenario" under which Washington would violate Danish sovereignty.

Any US military action against Greenland would effectively tear NATO apart.

Its Article Five pledge that members will defend each other if attacked is meant to deter threats from outside -- and the idea of its key power would turn on an ally was seen as inconceivable.

Under an existing agreement with Denmark, the United States could already station more troops Greenland if it wants.

Officials at NATO have repeatedly played down the prospect Trump could invade -- but admit that with the US leader they can never be sure.

"We don't believe he would -- there is no need -- the US can get any access they want from Denmark," a senior NATO diplomat told AFP, speaking as others on condition of anonymity.

"But given the persistent rhetoric, we can't be entirely sure."

So far there has been no sign of the sort of military buildup witnessed around Venezuela and some US officials have been pressing other options.

US media reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Trump wants to buy Greenland rather than attack it -- and the hope from NATO is that diplomacy will win out.

"I hope the Danes, the Greenlanders and the Americans will sit around a fire somewhere and an outcome will be reached," a second NATO diplomat said.



- NATO steers clear -



So far NATO as an organisation has tried to stay out of the Greenland issue.

"I don't think this issue will ever be brought up in a NATO framework in order to avoid any divisions," a third NATO diplomat said.

With Russia's war raging in Ukraine, European members are desperate not to jeopardise US involvement in helping to shield them from Moscow.

Alliance chief Mark Rutte has tried to deflect US interest by emphasising joint efforts to bolster security in the Arctic against threats from Russia and China, a key justification by Trump for wanting Greenland.

"The Danes are totally fine if the US would have a bigger presence than they have now," Rutte told CNN. "We have to make sure that the Arctic stays safe."

While the alliance takes a backseat, some more bullish European members may try to be more assertive.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris was talking to Germany and Poland to come up with a plan for a possible response.

There are fears though that just by raising the prospect of attacking an ally -- or pressuring it to cede territory -- the United States may have already damaged NATO.

"No one has any interest in a quarrel within NATO, except our enemies," said Belgian defence minister Theo Francken.

"I'm convinced initiatives will be taken in the coming days, behind the scenes or in the open, to resolve this situation."
Dogsleds, China and independence: Facts on Greenland



Copenhagen, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



US President Donald Trump has stepped up his designs on taking over Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland, but questions abound about why he has taken an aggressive stance when the US already has extensive access to the Arctic island.

Trump has insisted the US needs Greenland for national security reasons.

What does Denmark's defence agreement with the US on Greenland say? What investments have Denmark made in Greenland? Do China and Russia pose a real threat? What does Greenland's independence movement say?

Here are answers to those four key questions.



- US military presence -



In 1941, at the height of World War II, occupied Denmark authorised the United States to build and operate military bases on Greenland, Denmark's then-colony in the Arctic, for as long as the conflict would last in a bid to protect the American continent.

By the end of the war, the US had 15 military bases in Greenland. Today there remains just one, the Pituffic air base on the northwestern coast, which US Vice President JD Vance visited in March.

Greenland's location is highly strategic, lying on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States. It is therefore a crucial part of the US anti-missile shield.

Home to 57,000 people, Greenland "is an important part of the US national security protection," Marc Jacobsen, Arctic expert at the Royal Danish Defence College, told AFP.

"The United State may increase their military presence in Greenland, but that's already possible under the existing accord," he said.

Since 1951, a Danish agreement with the United States -- revised in 2004 -- gives the US military practically carte blanche to do what it wants on Greenlandic territory, as long as it informs Denmark and Greenland in advance.

"The Government of the United States will consult with and inform the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Home Rule Government of Greenland, prior to the implementation of any significant changes to United States military operations or facilities in Greenland," Article 3 of the accord states.



- Danish investments in security -



Trump has argued that Denmark has failed to ensure the security of Greenland, which measures 2.2 million square kilometres (849,424 square miles), or about a fifth of the size of the entire European continent.

In the past year, Copenhagen has beefed up its investments in Greenland. In 2025, it allocated 1.2 billion euros to security in the region, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recalled on Monday.

And not just to buy dogsleds, contrary to what Trump claimed.

Yes, the Sirius patrol, tasked with defending a huge, largely uninhabited swathe of the island in the northeast measuring 972,000 km2, travels across the ice by dogsled. The patrol consists of 12 soldiers and some 70 dogs.

But to defend the entire territory, 81 percent of which is covered in ice, the Danish military has invested in five new Arctic vessels, an air radar alert system, as well as drones and sea patrol planes.

A subsea telecoms cable between Greenland and Denmark will also be built. Two cables already link the island to Iceland and Canada.



- Chinese and Russian presence -



A recent report by Denmark's military intelligence service said Russia, China and the United States were all vying to play "a greater role" in the Arctic.

Greenland has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a vital player as melting polar ice opens up new shipping routes.

In August 2025, two Chinese research vessels were observed operating in the Arctic, north of the US and Canada, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) north of Greenland.

"It's important that Donald Trump understands that there are not Russian and Chinese ships along the coast of Greenland," Jacobsen said.

China is also virtually absent from Greenland's economy.

The semi-public company Shenghe Resources is a majority shareholder in Australian mining group Energy Transition Minerals, which wants to develop a rare earths deposit in southern Greenland. That project is currently halted, however.

In addition, China was blocked from investing in new airports in Greenland.

"The Greenlandic government had shortlisted a big Chinese state-owned company for providing technical support for building new airports eight years ago, but Denmark and the US offered to finance the airports on the condition that the Chinese contractor was not selected," Jesper Willaing Zeuthen of the University of Aalborg told AFP.



- Road to independence -



Greenland's capital Nuuk and Copenhagen have repeatedly said that the territory is not for sale and that only Greenland can decide its future.

It is currently governed by a coalition that has no plans to seek independence from Denmark in the immediate future.

The Naleraq party, which wants swift independence and which came second in Greenland's legislative elections in March, is not in government.

While some of its members want to bypass Denmark and negotiate directly with the United States, the party's official stance is that "Naleraq does not want Greenlanders to become American. Just as we do not want to be Danish."

A year ago, 85 percent of Greenlanders said they opposed joining the United States, according to a poll published in the Danish and Greenlandic press.
Trump says doubts 'NATO would be there for us' if needed



Washington, United States, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



US President Donald Trump, whose renewed threats to seize Greenland from NATO member Denmark have rattled the transatlantic alliance, said Wednesday he doubted allies would "be there for us if we really needed them."

"We will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us," he wrote on his Truth Social platform, a day after the White House said it was not ruling out military intervention to acquire Greenland.

In his post, Trump repeated his frequent assertion that many members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had failed to meet military spending commitments until he intervened.

"The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately," he wrote.

But the US leader added that the NATO member countries are "all my friends."

Trump, who has cast himself as a global peacemaker, also touched on a personal grievance.

"I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize," he said, misspelling the name of the prestigious award that instead went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Trump concluded by saying that Russia and China have "zero fear of NATO" without the United States as part of the alliance.

"The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A." he said, referring to himself by his initials.

Trump's designs on the mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory of Greenland has set off alarm bells among European NATO members, who see such a move as an existential threat to the alliance.
UK says 'provided support' to US in tanker seizure



London, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Britain said Wednesday it provided "enabling support" to Washington during a US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, which was condemned by Moscow.

The vessel had thwarted an earlier attempt to board it last month near Venezuela, where a US raid on Saturday toppled the country's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro.

"UK Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support ... to US military assets interdicting the Bella-1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland gap following a US request for assistance," the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

A Royal Navy ship "provided support for US forces pursuing and interdicting" the vessel -- which recently changed its name to the Marinera -- while the Royal Air Force (RAF) provided "surveillance support from the air," it added in a statement.

"The UK and US defence and security relationship is the deepest in the world and the UK provided enabling support in full compliance with international law," the ministry insisted.

The seized tanker had been sanctioned by Washington under measures targeting Iran, and had been "initially flying a false flag", according to the MoD.

The vessel had "turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued, indicating its nefarious links to global sanctions evasion," it added.

Recent assessments showed the tanker has been involved in illegal activity, "linked to international terrorism and crime including Hezbollah", the Iranian-backed Lebanese force, the ministry said.

"The Russian flagging of the vessel shows their role in this interconnected shadow activity we are seeing across the world, which threatens our national security, harms our economy and undermines global security," it added.

Defence minister John Healey said in a statement Britain "will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability".

"The US is the UK's closest defence and security partner," he added.

"The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today's seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice."

Healey told parliament later that "no UK personnel took part in the boarding" of the tanker, which he said was "falsely flagged" and under US sanctions.

That allowed it to be "lawfully intercepted and subjected to the law of the interdicting state", he added, paying tribute to the "immense courage and professionalism" of US forces in "dangerous and deteriorating" conditions at sea.

Healey's department said Britain had also provided "basing" support to the United States, after unconfirmed reports that some US aircraft have been gathering on Royal Air Force bases since the weekend.
Iraq-based Kurdish opposition calls for strike in Iran on Thursday



Baghdad, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Several Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish opposition parties have called for a general strike on Thursday in Iran in support of the protests in the Islamic republic, one of the exiled parties told AFP.

The protests began on December 28 when shopkeepers in Tehran staged a strike over high prices and economic stagnation, but they have since spread to other places and expanded to include political demands.

The Komala party, an exiled Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish separatist group that Tehran considers a terrorist organisation, announced the strike on Wednesday.

"Seven Kurdish opposition parties have called for a general strike tomorrow Thursday," said Komala central committee member Hassan Rahmanpanah.

"The aim of this call is to demonstrate the unified support of the Kurdish people for the struggle and protests being waged by the Iranian people against the Islamic republic," he told AFP.

Rahmanpanah also accused the Iranian authorities of "brutal and criminal attacks" against demonstrators.
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Affiliates of Miami-based investment firm Gencom have reacquired a majority interest in the 115-key Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove hotel in Miami, the firm announced in late December. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A Gencom-led joint venture first acquired The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove in 2011 and sold a majority stake in the property to Hersha Hospitality Trust in 2017, according to the release. The luxury property, which underwent its latest renovation in 2018, offers roughly 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a swimming pool, a poolside restaurant, a boutique spa and salon and a fitness center.

The deal aligns with Gencoms strategy of investing in high-quality assets in markets with strong fundamentals, Founder Karim Alibhai said in the release.

Dive Insight:

Located in one of Miamis most established and in-demand submarkets for both leisure and business travel, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove has enduring value, Alessandro Colantonio, chief investment officer at Gencom, said in the release. Regaining a majority ownership in this iconic property enables us to further scale our hospitality platform in Miami, one of North Americas most compelling and resilient tourism markets.

In recent years, hotels in Miami  and in Coconut Grove specifically  have seen a boost from resurging business travel and luxury demand, local hospitality professionals previously told Hotel Dive.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove joins other Miami holdings in Gencoms portfolio, including The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, which recently reopened after a $100 million renovation, and the mixed-use Miami Riverbridge development.

Gencom is also pursuing growth in New York City, a market it first entered in 2024 with the acquisition of Thompson Central Park Hotel. Last month, alongside Argent Ventures and Highgate, Gencom purchased the InterContinental New York Times Square hotel in Midtown Manhattan for a reported $230 million.

Gencoms portfolio comprises nearly $8 billion in assets under management and includes 24 owned properties in operation or under development with more than 6,000 hotel rooms globally, according to the company.

The firm also acquired two Marriott International hotels in New Orleans last year.

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CORRECTED: 55 Cuban, Venezuelan troops killed during US capture of Maduro: official tolls



Caracas, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Fifty-five Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel were killed during the US raid to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to tolls published Tuesday by the two Latin American allies.

During his 12 volatile years in power, Maduro -- like his predecessor Hugo Chavez -- employed specialized Cuban soldiers for his protection.

Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Sunday that Maduro's presidential guard was largely wiped out "in cold blood" by US troops who bombarded the capital and seized him from his home.

Cuba published the names of 32 members of its military who died in the nighttime assault that led to Maduro's capture in Caracas on January 3.

They included three senior officers from the Cuban interior ministry.

The Venezuelan military published online a list of 23 of its personnel who were also killed.

In the face of pressure from Washington, the leftist governments in Cuba and Venezuela maintain close ties in military cooperation, health and education.
Trump seeks 50% hike in defense budget to $1.5 trillion



Washington, United States, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wanted to increase the US defense budget by half next year to a giant $1.5 trillion to deal with "troubled and dangerous times."

Trump has frequently employed the US military -- which is currently funded at record spending levels -- since returning to office, including strikes on Yemeni rebels, Iranian nuclear sites and alleged drug-smuggling boats, as well as a brazen special forces raid to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

"I have determined that, for the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars," Trump said on Truth Social.

"This will allow us to build the 'Dream Military' that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe," the president said.

Trump said the increase is possible due to revenue from the sweeping tariffs he has imposed on friend and foe alike.

The United States is already by far the world's biggest military spender, and a hike to $1.5 trillion would push Washington's financial outlay on its armed forces even farther ahead of its rivals China and Russia, though it could also spark an arms race with such countries.



- Trump slams defense companies -



Trump's announcement on boosting the US military budget comes after NATO allies committed last year to increase their defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035 in response pressure from the US president.

Even as he announced a budget goal that would be a major boon to defense contractors, Trump took aim at them in posts on Truth Social.

Defense contractors are "issuing massive Dividends to their Shareholders and massive Stock Buybacks, at the expense and detriment of investing in Plants and Equipment," while pay packages for defense executives are "exorbitant and unjustifiable," Trump said.

The president said salaries should be capped at $5 million and that he would prohibit stock buybacks and dividends "until such time as these problems are rectified," without specifying how he would do so.

The announcement took the markets by surprise, sending US companies in the defense sector -- such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics -- more than four percent lower. Northrop Grumman lost more than five percent.

Trump took aim at Raytheon specifically, saying the Defense Department told him the company was the "least responsive" to its needs and the "slowest in increasing their volume."

Raytheon must boost its investments in plants and equipment, Trump said, threatening it with a loss of US government business if it does not comply.
Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs (GS) said improving regulation and the emergence of crypto use cases beyond trading are underpinning a constructive outlook for the industry, particularly for infrastructure companies that support the ecosystem without being as exposed to market cycles.

Regulatory uncertainty remains the main barrier for institutions, and that backdrop is shifting rapidly, the bank said in a report on Monday.

"We see the improving regulatory backdrop as a key driver to continued institutional crypto adoption, especially for buyside and sellside financial firms, as well new use cases for crypto developing beyond trading," analysts led by James Yaro wrote.

According to Yaro, forthcoming U.S. market structure legislation could be a pivotal catalyst.

After President Donald Trump took office, a leadership overhaul at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) culminating in the confirmation of Paul Atkins as chair, prompted the regulator to retreat from years of aggressive enforcement against the crypto industry. The SEC dropped nearly all its pending cases and withdrew from several active court fights.

Trump made promoting the U.S. crypto industry a central policy goal, a stance Atkins echoed by making it a top priority at the SEC, an independent regulator traditionally insulated from direct White House control.

Draft bills now circulating in Congress would clarify how tokenized assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects are regulated, and define the roles of the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), steps Goldman says are essential to unlocking institutional capital.

Passage in the first half of 2026 would be especially significant, given the risk that U.S. midterm elections later that year could delay progress, the report said.

The bank pointed to its own survey data showing that 35% of institutions cite regulatory uncertainty as the biggest hurdle to adoption, while 32% see regulatory clarity as the top catalyst.

Despite growing interest, allocations remain modest: Institutional asset managers have invested about 7% of assets under management in crypto, though 71% say they plan to increase exposure over the next 12 months, leaving substantial room for growth.

The bank said adoption has already accelerated through familiar vehicles such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Since their approval in 2024, bitcoin (BTC) ETFs have grown to roughly $115 billion in assets by the end of 2025, while ether ETFs have surpassed $20 billion. Hedge fund participation has also increased, with a majority now holding crypto and planning further allocation increases.
So part of our campaign is really to encourage people to respond to the Ofcom consultation and explain to Ofcom just what the impact would be if these local programs are cut, reduction in local news in your area and that people dont want that to happen.
Larry Page is reportedly considering a move to Florida as a result of the growing momentum for a wealth tax in California - Jeff Chiu/AFP Photo

Larry Page, the Google co-founder and worlds second-richest person, has reportedly left California amid concerns about a wealth tax on billionaires.

Mr Page has moved the registrations of several entities, including his family office and flying car business from California to Delaware, according to filings with the states.

He has also personally moved out of the state ahead of a potential vote on a 5pc wealth tax, according to Business Insider, which first reported the move.

Mr Page, who founded Google in 1998, is the worlds second-richest person with a net worth of $270bn (200bn).

The worlds richest person, Elon Musk, left California for Texas in 2020.

Momentum for a wealth tax to fund healthcare is growing in California. A healthcare union has proposed a referendum on the measure at the same time as Novembers mid-term elections, and is currently gathering signatures to have the measure put on the ballot.

California laws allow the public to vote on proposed laws if they gather enough signatures, even if they are opposed by the states politicians.

Gavin Newsom, the Democrat governor of California who is seen as a frontrunner for his partys nomination in the 2028 presidential election, has opposed plans for a wealth tax, and it is unclear if it will pass.

However, the proposed law would apply retrospectively from Jan 1 2026, meaning California residents would have had to have left last year to avoid the tax.

Mr Pages organisations and companies that moved late last year included Koop, his family office; Flu Lab, which funds research into flu vaccines; and One Aero, a shell company that has funded his flying car ventures.

Flu Lab was contacted for comment, while the other companies and Mr Page could not be reached.

The proposed wealth tax would be a one-off 5pc tax on people with assets above $1bn, so it could cost Mr Page $13.5bn.

Other high-profile billionaires in California, such as the venture capitalist Peter Thiel, have reportedly considered leaving the state.

In contrast, Jensen Huang, the chief executive of AI chip company Nvidia, who has become the worlds ninth-richest person, has said he is perfectly fine with a wealth tax.

We chose to live in Silicon Valley and whatever taxes, I guess, they would like to apply, so be it, he told Bloomberg on Tuesday. Im perfectly fine with it. It never crossed my mind once.

Mr Page had told friends he was considering moving to Florida as a result of the wealth tax, The New York Times reported last month.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Two years after Collins and McDowell tied the knot in 2021 and honeymooned in Scandinavia, The Copenhagen Post reported that the pair purchased a five-bedroom English-style terraced house in the sterbr neighbourhood. Collins has expressed her love for Denmarks capital, saying that she is drawn to its mix of colour, brightness and calm. The 1,453-square-foot home  previously owned by Danish film director Pernille Fischer Christensen and her husband, writer Kim Fupz Aakeson  is believed to have cost Collins and her husband in the region of 1.1 million.
In May, the duke gave an interview to the BBC in which he claimed the King would not speak to him because of his legal fight with the Home Office over security and he did not know how much longer my father has as he described his hopes for a reconciliation.
Controlling pay has been a problem for the council for some time. In its most recent accounts, it was revealed that 51 executives earn over 100,000 a year, including a 160,000 salary for a director of climate and inclusive growth. But this hasnt been matched by performance  the authority ranks as the second-lowest for trading standards officers in the UK, with only two for 318,000 people.
But Putin has so far showed little, or no sign, that he is prepared to accept the latest peace proposals which have been drawn up by Kyiv, the US and Europe, and he has opposed the idea of western troops in Ukraine.
Police authorities and police forces already have the powers that they need to seize those bikes and to take action and I do hope that like in Nottinghamshire they will take action to take those people off the road when they are acting in a dangerous and anti-social way.
Weve been in touch with the US embassy, and theyve assured us that they have complied with the 1959 agreement, but I have asked my officials to engage further and to provide me with a full report on that, and its important that I see that, she said.
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Announcing his partys mayoral candidate, Mr Farage said: "Laila Cunningham has already proven in her time with us as a party to be articulate, to be passionate, a mother, somebody who actually herself has had to effectively in the absence of the police, act as a police officer herself in defence of her children.
With a market cap of $14.3 billion, Ball Corporation (BALL) is a global supplier of aluminum packaging products serving the beverage, personal care, and household products industries across the United States, Brazil, and other international markets. The company specializes in manufacturing aluminum beverage containers, aerosol containers, bottles, cups, and aluminum slugs for a wide range of consumer products.

The Westminster, Colorado-based company is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts project BALL to post an adjusted EPS of $0.90, a 7.1% rise from $0.84 in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the past four quarterly reports.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast the aluminum packaging maker to report adjusted EPS of $3.57, up 12.6% from $3.17 in fiscal 2024. In addition, adjusted EPS is expected to increase 12.9% year-over-year to $4.03 in fiscal 2026.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Ball Corporation have declined marginally over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 16.2% gain and the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLB) nearly 12% return over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Ball Corporation rose 1.5% on Nov. 4 as the company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $3.38 billion, above estimates, and reported strong demand for aluminum packaging, including a 3.9% increase in global shipments. Beverage packaging sales in North and Central America also grew to $1.64 billion from $1.46 billion a year earlier. Investors were further encouraged by Ball reaffirming its outlook for 12% - 15% earnings growth in 2025.

Analysts' consensus view on BALL stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 15 analysts covering the stock, six suggest a "Strong Buy," two give a "Moderate Buy," six recommend a "Hold," and one has a "Strong Sell." The average analyst price target for Ball Corporation is $60.08, suggesting a potential upside of 11.4% from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Nate Paul, seen here arriving for a 2024 hearing at the federal courthouse in Austin, won a judge's OK for his Lake Travis marina to emerge from bankruptcy after securing a loan to pay off debts and back taxes. Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Nate Pauls WC Paradise Cove Marina has emerged from bankruptcy  again  and the Lake Travis property can go back to business as usual.

Paul filed for Chapter 11 in October, allowing him to maintain the business while it reorganized. In mid-December, the company was able to obtain a loan to pay off previous debt and back property taxes.

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The 267-acre property on Lake Travis is one of several properties the disgraced real estate developer has sought to protect through bankruptcy since his empire began to crumble after his office and home were raided by the FBI in 2019.

Judge Christopher G. Bradley quickly approved Pauls motion to dismiss the case Wednesday, saying the deal was the only real way forward for the marina.

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Absent this (loan) the bankruptcy would have collapsed, resulting in foreclosure, he said.

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WM Capital Partners loaned Paradise Cove $6 million at 14.5%. It will pay off $5.6 million the company owed AC VIP PC Marina Debt LLC and more than $100,000 in property taxes.

Paul valued the property at $8 million in his filing, which listed assets and liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million each.

An attorney for Paul couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Its the second time the property has emerged from bankruptcy in less than three years.

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Paul has struggled to hold his business together since he was charged with a dozen federal crimes in 2023 stemming from making false statements to lenders. He also was accused of bribing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to delay foreclosures and investigations.

He has declared bankruptcy on multiple properties in the past five years  at times to shield them from foreclosure.

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Paxton survived an impeachment attempt related to the scandal, being acquitted in 2023 by the Texas House.
Boston Scientific has signed an 11-year lease for this 30,821-square-foot building at the Penn Field business park, where the company plans to consolidate its Austin workforce into a single location. Austin American-Statesman

Massachusetts-based Boston Scientific Corp. is opening new offices to consolidate its Austin team into a single location.

The medical technology company signed an 11-year lease for office space in the Penn Field business park at 3601 S. Congress Ave. Boston Scientific, a publicly traded company, employs about 53,000 people globally, according to its website.

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In April 2023, it acquired Austin-based Apollo Endosurgery Inc. for $615 million. Since then, the companys local employees have been based in two offices  1120 S. Capital of Texas Highway in Westlake and 4221 Freidrich Lane in South Austin.

The new location, a 30,821-square-foot, one-story building, will become the companys sole Austin office, bringing the entire workforce together under one roof.

Boston Scientific spokesperson Jessica Sachariason said most employees work in the companys endoluminal surgery and endobariatrics businesses, which focus primarily on devices used in procedures related to weight loss, obesity and gastrointestinal defects.

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A water feature sits outside the Penn Field office building at 3601 S. Congress Ave., where Boston Scientific plans to relocate its Austin-area employees. Austin American-Statesman

Sachariason did not say whether the company plans to reduce or expand its workforce as part of the transition.

Boston Scientific plans to spend $9 million on interior renovations, which are expected to be completed by May 31, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

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Sachariason said the employee relocation is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
Nvidia Corp. founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks Monday during a news conference ahead of the CES tech show in Las Vegas. He unveiled his companys new self-driving technology. John Locher/Associated Press

After Nvidia unveiled its new technology for self-driving cars, it was immediately hailed as a competitor to Teslas Full Self-Driving system.

But Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk isnt sweating it  at least not publicly.

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Im not losing any sleep about this, Musk posted on X. And I genuinely hope they succeed.

Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang unveiled the companys latest tools for self-driving cars Monday at the CES technology conference in Las Vegas.

Dubbed Alpamayo, the AI models and datasets are designed for reasoningbased autonomous vehicle development. The technology will soon be put to the test: Mercedes-Benz is planning to ship vehicles with Nvidias driver-assist tech this year.

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The ChatGPT moment for physical AI is here  when machines begin to understand, reason and act in the real world, Huang said in a news release. Robotaxis are among the first to benefit. Alpamayo brings reasoning to autonomous vehicles, allowing them to think through rare scenarios, drive safely in complex environments and explain their driving decisions  its the foundation for safe, scalable autonomy.

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In a video demonstration, a Mercedes-Benz powered by Nvidias tech is seen driving on San Francisco streets as a person in the drivers seat keeps their hands in their lap. Viewers might have noticed the moments the vehicle yielded to pedestrians or moved itself in order to dodge a car in the process of parallel parking, but Musk wasnt impressed.

Well thats just exactly what Tesla is doing, Musk wrote on X  adding a laughing emoji. What they will find is that its easy to get to 99% and then super hard to solve the long tail of the distribution.

Nvidia, which is perhaps best known as a chipmaker and the worlds most valuable company, is playing catchup. In addition to the Mercedes vehicles with its self-driving tools, the company has also shared interest in launching commercial fleets with its autonomous tech.

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Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang kneels in front of a robot during a company news conference Monday in Las Vegas ahead of the CES tech show, where Nvidia announced new self-driving car technology. John Locher/AP

It will step onto the scene after others have done the work of making customers comfortable with the idea of riding without a human driver. A 2024 J.D. Power study found that consumer confidence in a fully automated, self-driving vehicle is 56 percentage points higher among those who have ridden in a robotaxi than the general population who have not had the experience. The same study noted that loyalty among riders is still anyones game since many arent familiar with robotaxi brands and havent formed a clear associative imagery.

Meanwhile, Teslas FSD has faced scrutiny. In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla vehicles with FSD in use after complaints that the cars didnt obey red traffic signals. The investigation is also looking into complaints that the vehicles entered opposing lanes of travel at turns, crossed double yellow lane markings or tried to turn onto a road in the wrong direction despite wrong way road signs.

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A Tesla vehicle is seen after a crash in early 2023 in Austin. An Illinois lawmaker has proposed a measure that would require a national standard for electronic doors like those used by Tesla to ensure passengers can get out after a crash. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

An Illinois Democrat is calling for a new standard for vehicle doors that would likely require Tesla Inc. to modify its design, which has been tied to more than a dozen deaths as passengers struggled to exit vehicles that crashed and caught fire.

The measure introduced Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly would require easily seen manual releases for each door in a vehicle.

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Electronic door handles on vehicles built by Austin-based Tesla and other automakers work well when the vehicle is charged and undamaged. But in the aftermath of a crash in a Tesla vehicle, first responders and others have observed that passengers are unable to operate the door handles and become trapped, a phenomenon that has been tied to at least 15 deaths.

READ NEXT: Tesla sued by parents of California teenager killed in fiery Cybertruck crash

Profits and, least of all, style, should not come before peoples lives, Kelly said in a statement. Elon Musk and his Tesla designs are not safe, nor efficient, and it has cost people their lives. When crashes or power loss leave drivers and passengers trapped inside their own cars, that is not innovation  its a safety failure.

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Her bill  the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act, or SAFE  would require manual releases for each door as well as labeling to ensure drivers and passengers can easily locate the release. Manufacturers would also have to provide a means for first responders to access the car from outside when electric power is lost.

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The bill comes after regulatory scrutiny of the issue. In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 over concerns that the vehicles mechanical door release is unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during an emergency. The agency has also probed 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after reports of exterior door handles becoming inoperative due to low battery voltage, leading to instances of children stuck inside vehicles.

In October, a driver in Easton, Mass., died after his Tesla crashed and caught fire. He called 911 dispatchers from the vehicle, telling them he was trapped inside. A new measure in Congress aims to head off more such deaths Easton (Mass.) Police Department

In addition to its investigations surrounding door handles, the NHTSA is also reviewing Teslas so-called Full Self-Driving system for potential defects. The system has been blamed for deaths in multiple lawsuits.

The SAFE Exit Act would require the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration to issue a final rule to establish performance and labeling requirements for electric doors.

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Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on the proposed legislation.

In Texas, Teslas door handles have been cited in at least one wrongful death lawsuit. The family of Texas man Michael Sheehan filed a lawsuit in June, detailing a 2024 crash in Baytown in which Sheehans vehicle left the road, struck a culvert and caught fire.

The lawsuit accused the automaker of being negligent in the design and manufacturing of the Cybertruck, alleging that the crash forces Sheehan experienced were survivable but that doors couldnt be opened once power was lost. The lawsuit also alleged that Tesla has provided insufficient warnings or training for occupants to have a safe exit after a crash.

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Kellys bill has support from the nonprofit Consumer Reports. Cooper Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst of Transportation and Safety at Consumer Reports, called the door handle matter a growing safety risk.

Fortunately, this problem has a solution: every car should be required to have intuitive, accessible, and easy-to-find manual releases that work even when power fails, Lohr said.
The interior of Togetherworks new 20,000-square-foot headquarters at 1221 S. Congress Ave. in Austin. The company relocated its corporate headquarters from Atlanta and plans to hire hundreds of employees in Austin. Courtesy of Togetherwork

A new software company is relocating its headquarters to Austin, adding to the citys growing roster of tech firms.

Togetherwork Holdings LLC, an all-in-one software and payment technology company founded in 2015, has moved its corporate headquarters to Austin from Atlanta, setting up shop on South Congress Avenue and preparing to hire hundreds of new employees.

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People live in Austin because theyre passionate about it, they love it here, Togetherwork CEO Brent Warrington told the American-Statesman. It was the best fit Ive ever had. We havent had any trouble attracting talent or trouble getting clients that want to come to, or are already in, Austin. We feel like the stars are aligning. Im a bit biased. This is my home. But even if it wasnt my home, it would be hard pressed to find a better city to land and build a large collaboration center or office.

Togetherworks new 20,000-square-foot office at 1221 S. Congress Ave., above the luxury brand Hermes storefront, is a dream come true for the 30-year fintech veteran. Warrington, who joined Togetherwork in May 2025, calls himself a serial relocator of companies to Austin.

Togetherwork is one of several companies he has led and helped bring to the city.

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While CEO and chairman of Hyperwallet, a global fintech company, Warrington moved its headquarters to Austin in 2016, before the firm was acquired two years later by PayPal. The company still has a significant presence in North Austin. Before leading Hyperwallet, he headed two Austin-based fintech companies: SecureNet, which was acquired by Worldpay in 2014, and FundsXpress Financial Network, which was acquired by First Data in 2007.

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He worked at Irish tech firm Planet before joining Togetherwork last year.

Brent Warrington describes himself as a "serial relocater of companies to Austin." After becoming CEO of Togetherwork, the software company has opened a new headquarters in the city on South Congress. Provided by Togetherwork

The only reason I wasnt downtown with those companies was I couldnt afford it in the past, Warrington said. So this, on South Congress, is my dream come true as a CEO to finally, after 30 years, locate a company in Austin in the center of it all. I just love it here. I think theres no better city for talent, people, energy and everything that I want to bring to my company.

The companys new South Congress offices, formerly home to Frog Design, will serve as a collaborative workspace for finance and marketing teams, with employees rotating in from around the country. Warrington said most of the Togetherworks 700 global employees work hybrid or remotely, but Togetherwork still plans to hire about 250 employees locally over the next 18 to 24 months.

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Warrington said the company is already operating in the building and has hired about 30 to 40 employees at the site. The company will host an opening event at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Were sort of on this crazy rocket ship, he said. We hope that for now, until the end of time, Austin is our home and were able to continue to grow through multiple phases of hiring.

The article has been updated to provide additional clarity.
Julianna Duennes Russ is a breaking and trending news reporter at the Austin American-Statesman. She covered business as a Dow Jones intern for the San Antonio Express-News and has bylines with the Associated Press and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She holds Bachelors degrees in journalism, international affairs and comparative literature from the University of Georgia, where she also earned a certificate in sports media. When shes not writing, you can find Julianna strolling Zilker Park or cuddling with her orange cat, Colby. Reach out to her at julianna.russ@statesman.com with news or notes.
Called Twin Transition in the Apparel Supply Chain, the initiative is backed by the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA) under the 2025 Twin Transition Financial Support Programme.

IHKIB will oversee the implementation of this project, working alongside the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and involving more than 20 participating companies, as well as representatives from related institutions and global brands.

The programme intends to provide structured support to suppliers by broadening the scope of IHKIBs Digital Transformation Center (DDM), which will now function as a Digital and Green Transformation Service Point during the project period.

Key components of the initiative include assessments to determine operational and sustainability maturity. It also involves the development of roadmaps for transformation, mentorship, advisory services, online seminars on transformation topics, and guidance on accessing finance and consultancy for firms pursuing European Union (EU) or national funding opportunities.

The programme will also establish a Twin Transition Council, engaging national and international stakeholders to ensure alignment with export-market requirements and contribute to wider sectoral transformation strategies.

The roadmap covers ten primary activities and will conclude with an international conference under the title Turkiye in the Twin Transition of the Apparel Supply Chain.

The official launch took place at IHKIBs headquarters in Istanbul.

IHKIB vice president Mustafa Pasahan said: Turkiyes apparel sector has long been a strategic pillar of our export economy. With this project, we aim to strengthen the industrys existing advantages by accelerating both green and digital transformation, and to build a sustainable, long-term capability base for our supply chain.

In September last year, IHKIB secured 37m ($43.48m) in grant funding from the EU to drive the twin transition in the Turkish fashion sector.

"IHKIB unveils supply chain transition project for Turkiye apparel sector" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.




Fresh flowers are seen on a memorial that honors murder victims Amy Ayers, Sarah Harbison, Jennifer Harbison and Eliza Thomas outside what was once the I Cant Believe Its Yogurt shop on Anderson Lane in Austin, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman (L-R) Fire agent Chuck Meyer w. homicide sgts. John Jones & Mike Huckaby checking out info charts on hood of car at night as they spearhead the investigation of 4 teenage girls shot to death & burned in fire set by the killer at yogurt shop where they wo.rked (Photo by Mark Perlstein/Getty Images) Mark Perlstein/Getty Images

On Nov. 7, 1998, Lexington police responded to a hearing aid business on Malibu Drive after receiving reports of a fire. While extinguishing the fire, they found the body of a woman, later identified as 43-year-old Linda Rutledge.

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Rutledge worked as an employee at the Nixon Hearing Aid Center, which her family owned, officials said.

An autopsy would later reveal Rutledge died of two gunshot wounds to the head before the fire started. She had also sustained internal injuries as a result of blunt force trauma, police said. Police believed she was killed the night before she was found. Her car was found at a nearby apartment complex.

The circumstances of Rutledge's death are similar to the night Jennifer Harbison, 17, her sister, Sarah, 15, Eliza Thomas, 17, and Amy Ayers, 13, were killed at I Can't Believe It's Yogurt! in North Austin.

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On Dec. 6, 1991, firefighters responded to the yogurt shop on West Anderson Lane, where they found the girls' bodies bound, gagged and burned after they had been shot in the head.

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In a Wednesday statement on social media, the Lexington Police Department thanked the Austin Police Department for its work on the case, as well as other Texas, Kentucky and national law enforcement entities.

But most importantly, the Lexington Police Department wants to honor Linda. Her life was cut short at just 43 years old, and her family has had to live with the pain of losing her and not knowing who took her life. While her case may be solved, it does not bring Linda back, but we hope that by knowing who killed her, her loved ones can begin to heal, the statement said.

This undated photo provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol shows Robert Brashers. Authorities said Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 that DNA evidence has identified Brashers as the man who killed three people and raped a girl in the 1990s, even though the suspect killed himself nearly 20 years ago. Investigators say they've solved three homicides and a rape case, all from the 1990s, after obtaining DNA by digging up the corpse Brashers. Missouri State Highway Patrol/via AP

How did authorities connect Brashers to the yogurt shop murders?

Advancements in ballistics analysis and cutting-edge DNA testing, combined with investigative genetic genealogy, were key to the breakthroughs, leading investigators across the country in their search for the serial killer and rapist.

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The only solid physical evidence left at the scene of the crime was a .380 bullet casing found in a floor drain. In July 2025, police ran the shell through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network  something theyd done before, but this time it came up with a match in Kentucky. Investigators traveled there and compared the casing, finding it was highly likely fired from the same type of gun.

Kentucky detectives then pulled out their own sexual-assault kit with DNA evidence. The DNA matched Austins existing DNA profile, confirming a link between the cases and prompting Austin police to request a new nationwide manual search of crime-lab databases.

That search uncovered a match in Greenville, S.C.  a 1990 sexual assault and murder. Brashers had already been identified as a likely suspect in that case in 2018 through investigative genetic genealogy. Austin investigators then re-tested DNA from under Amy Ayers fingernails and finally got a usable result  a match to Brashers with odds of about 2.5 million to 1. This, combined with other DNA evidence, led police to conclude Brashers committed the yogurt shop murders.

Austin Police Department Cold Case Detective Daniel Jackson speaks at a news conference at City Hall about the 1991 I Cant Believe Its Yogurt murder investigation on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Who is Robert Eugene Brashers?

Robert Eugene Brashers was born March 13, 1958, in Newport News, Va. Little is documented about his childhood, though he has been described as intelligent, manipulative and skilled with tools and weapons.

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Brashers' violent record began in 1985 in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where he lured Michelle Wilkerson into his car under friendly pretenses. When she tried to leave, he shot her in the head and neck.

Wilkerson survived and identified him as her attacker. Brashers was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and firearm charges, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was released on parole in 1989, after serving only three years.

In the time after his release, Brashers committed a slew of other crimes, in addition to the yogurt shop murders, confirmed later by DNA evidence:

1990 rape and murder of Genevieve Zitricki in Greenville, S.C.

1997 rape of a 14-year-old girl in Memphis, Tenn.

1998 rape and murder of Sherri Scherer, 38, and her daughter Megan, 12, in Portageville, Mo.

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On Jan. 13, 1999, police tracked Brashers to a Super 8 motel in Kennett, Mo., where he was hiding with his wife, daughter and two stepdaughters. After a tense standoff, he released his family before shooting himself in the head. He died six days later on Jan. 19. Investigators have said he used the same gun that he used in the yogurt shop killings.

At the time of his death, Brashers was not publicly identified as a serial killer, but advances in forensic genealogy changed that. In 2018, investigators exhumed his remains and matched his DNA to several unsolved cases.

What will happen to the original suspects?

In December, Travis County District Attorney took the first step toward clearing the names of the four men originally accused of the murders.

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The office that it had filed a notice of exculpatory evidence and a motion for the appointment of counsel for Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce and Forrest Welborn.

The document outlines the evidence connecting Brashers to the crime and emphasizes that the four men had no connection to Mr. Brashers and there is no evidence that they were involved in the murders.

All four men were originally charged with capital murder in 1999. Pierce was indicted for the crime but his case was dismissed before the trial began. He died in 2010 during an officer-involved shooting. A grand jury declined to indict Welborn.

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Scott and Springsteen were both tried and convicted for the murders in 2001 and 2002. Springsteen was sentenced to death and Scott was sentenced to life in prison. The convictions were overturned and sent back to Travis County to be retried, but were ultimately dismissed in 2009 when DNA evidence excluded all four suspects.
A bullet hole and blood stains are seen in a crashed vehicle on at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Ben Hovland/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) Ben Hovland/AP People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. Tom Baker/AP A protester stands next to a makeshift memorial honoring the victim of a fatal shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, near the scene in Minneapolis, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Tom Baker/AP Demonstrators gather during a vigil near where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Giovanna Dell'Orto/AP

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver on Wednesday during the Trump administration's latest immigration crackdown on a major American city  a shooting that federal officials said was an act of self-defense but that the mayor described as reckless and unnecessary.

The 37-year-old woman was shot in the head in front of a family member in a snowy residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets and about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

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Her killing after 9:30 a.m. was recorded on video by witnesses, and the shooting quickly drew a large crowd of angry protesters. By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn her death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.

The woman, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, had a 6-year old child, her mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Macklin Good described herself on social media as a poet and writer and wife and mom who was from Colorado.

Videos taken by bystanders with different vantage points and posted to social media show an officer approaching an SUV stopped across the middle of the road, demanding the driver open the door and grabbing the handle. The Honda Pilot begins to pull forward and a different ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle pulls his weapon and immediately fires at least two shots into the vehicle at close range, jumping back as the vehicle moves toward him.

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It is not clear in the videos if the vehicle makes contact with the officer and there is no indication of whether or not the woman had interactions with ICE officers before the videos started. After the shooting, the SUV speeds into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop.

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In another video taken at the scene, a woman, who described Macklin Good as her spouse, is seen crying near the vehicle. The woman, who was not identified, said the couple had only recently arrived in Minnesota and that they had a child.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE officers by a woman who attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.

In a social media post, President Donald Trump made similar accusations against the woman and defended ICEs work.

Local officials dispute the narrative

Noem claimed the woman was part of a mob of agitators and said the officer followed his training. She said the veteran officer who fired his gun had been rammed and dragged by an anti-ICE motorist in June.

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Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable, Noem said, adding that the FBI would investigate.

But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted Noem's version of what happened as garbage and criticized the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of the immigration crackdown.

What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust, Frey said, calling on the immigration agents to leave. Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets, and in this case, quite literally killing people.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bullshit, the mayor said.

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Shooting is fifth linked to crackdowns

The shooting marked a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major cities under the Trump administration. The death of the woman in Minneapolis was at least the fifth linked to immigration crackdowns.

The Twin Cities have been on edge since DHS announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, which is at least partly tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Noem said they had already made hundreds and hundreds of arrests.

A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting, where they vented their anger at the local and federal officers who were there, including Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere.

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She was driving away and they killed her, said Lynette Reini-Grandell, a local resident who was among those who filmed the shooting.

In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers, chanting ICE out of Minnesota and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations.

Governor calls for calm

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he's prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary. He described the killing as predictable and avoidable." He also said like many, he was outraged by the shooting, but he called on people to keep protests peaceful.

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They want a show. We cant give it to them. We cannot, the governor said.

Minneapolis Public Schools canceled school, sports and activities for Thursday and Friday, saying in a statement that the decision was due to safety concerns related to todays incidents around the city.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara briefly described the shooting to reporters but, unlike federal officials, gave no indication that the driver was trying to harm anyone.

There were calls on social media to prosecute the officer who shot the driver. Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said state authorities would investigate the shooting with federal authorities.

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Keep in mind that this is an investigation that is also in its infancy. So any speculation about what has happened would be just that, Jacobson told reporters.

The shooting happened in the district of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who called it state violence, not law enforcement.

For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighborhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilize in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to mobile home parks, they have set up very active online networks, scanned license plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noisemaking devices to alert neighborhoods of any enforcement presence.

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The federal government announced that it would be rolling out wage garnishment notices this week to at least 1,000 defaulted student loan borrowers. mohd izzuan/Getty Images

Texans with federal student loans could see their paychecks dwindle if action is not taken soon.

Beginning as early as Wednesday, the federal government will send roughly 1,000 notices to borrowers who are considered in default after missing student loan payments for at least 270 days.

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Here's what to know about the wage garnishment process and how to protect your income.

When does wage garnishment start?

According to The Associated Press, wage garnishment notices are expected to go out to borrowers in default beginning the week of Jan. 7.

In May, President Donald Trump's administration ended the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, beginning to collect on defaulted debt through withholding tax refunds and other federal payments to borrowers.

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The move ended a period of leniency for student loan borrowers. Payments restarted in October of 2023, but the Biden administration extended a grace period of one year. Since March 2020, no federal student loans had been referred for collection, including those in default, until the Trump administrations changes last year.

Federal student loan borrowers enter default status after going at least 270 days without making a payment. Once in default, borrowers must receive a minimum of 30 days notice before any wage garnishment can begin.

Does the government need a court order?

According to the Bureau of The Fiscal Service, under the Fiscal Services Cross-Servicing program, a wage garnishment order may be issued to a non-federal employer to collect a delinquent debt on behalf of a federal agency.

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No court order is required. The wage garnishment order directs the employer to withhold a portion of the employees wages and remit the deducted amounts to the Fiscal Service for payment to the federal agency.

The administrative wage garnishment (AWG) process is governed by federal law and is not subject to state law.

How much can be garnished?

Per the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, under federal law, a federal agency may, without first obtaining a court order, have an employer withhold up to 15 percent of a debtor's wages for payment to the federal agency to satisfy a delinquent non-tax debt. For reference, you can see the statutes here.

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Will I get a warning?

By federal law, borrowers in default on their federal student loans must be sent a formal written notice 30 days prior to the initiation of wage garnishment, and be given the opportunity to object or respond.

The U.S. Department of Education website refers to a borrower's legal rights.

"With garnishment, you have the right to be sent a notice that explains EDs intention to garnish your wages in 30 days, the nature and amount of your debt, your opportunity to inspect and copy records relating to your debt, your right to object to garnishment, and your option to avoid garnishment by voluntary repayment, the education department stated.

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How do garnishments start?

Your paycheck isn't going to disappear immediately because you have student loans. The wage garnishment process begins with a formal written notice sent by the U.S. Department of Education.

Student loan borrowers have to already be in default for the federal wage garnishment to begin. Federal student loans enter default after about 270 days of missed payments. If your loan is not in default, wage garnishment can't start.

According to Stanley Tate, JD, Student Loan Lawyer, here's what to know about the legal process.

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Your loan is in default : Default triggers the governments authority to use involuntary collection tools, including wage garnishment.

: Default triggers the governments authority to use involuntary collection tools, including wage garnishment. A garnishment notice is sent: Starting in January 2026, the Department of Education issues written notices stating its intent to garnish wages. This is a legal notice, not a reminder.

Starting in January 2026, the Department of Education issues written notices stating its intent to garnish wages. This is a legal notice, not a reminder. A 30-day response window opens : From the date of the notice, you have 30 days before wage withholding can begin. During this period, no money is taken from your pay.

: From the date of the notice, you have 30 days before wage withholding can begin. During this period, no money is taken from your pay. An employer withholding order is issued: If the process is not stopped, the government sends an order to your employer requiring wage withholding. Up to 15% of your disposable pay can be taken each pay period, after taxes.

What can I do to avoid wage garnishment?

There are ways to avoid wage garnishment going toward your student loans. According to the education department, here's what you can do:

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Texas reclaimed its spot as the most popular state to move to, according to U-Hauls 2025 rankings. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Texas has reclaimed its title as the most popular state for people to move to, according to U-Hauls 2025 list of growth states. This is the fourth time the state has topped the rankings in the past five years.

To arrive at the rankings, U-Haul determined each states net gain or loss by analyzing how many customers used one-way equipment from the company in 2025. More than 2.5 million truck, trailer and U-Box moving container transactions across the U.S. and Canada were gathered to create the U-Haul Growth Index.

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John J.T. Taylor, U-Haul International president, shared some insight into the reasons why people may move over state lines.

We continue to find that life circumstances  marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs and other events  dictate the need for most moves, Taylor said. But other factors can be important to people who are looking to change their surroundings. In-migration states are often appealing to those customers.

Heres a look at the growth trends that have had a shakeup, based on these measurements.

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Texas back as the most popular state to move to, South Carolina falls to No. 5

Southern states dominated U-Hauls 2025 rankings, with Texas leading the way. Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In 2024, Texas lost its three-year streak as the No. 1 growth state in the moving vehicle rental companys annual rankings. And its replacement was an unlikely suspect: South Carolina claimed the title for the first time since U-Haul began tracking annual rankings in 2015. In 2023, South Carolina held the No. 4 spot; in 2025, it dropped down to No. 5.

Of those crossing Texas lines, more U-Haul customers moved into the state (50.7%) than out of it (49.3%). From 2024, the rate of those moving into Texas rose 3% while the rate of those moving out of Texas only rose 1%.

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This is the seventh time in the past decade that Texas has been U-Hauls top growth state.

Where people moved  and why  in 2025

U-Haul's 2025 report also reveals regional trends that may have geographical and political implications.

Eight of the top 10 growth states are in the southern region. More specifically, six are in the Southeast, including four of the top five. On the other hand, eight of the bottom 10 states are northern states: five in the Northeast and three in the Midwest.

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Also of significance was the continuance of blue-to-red state migration, which U-Haul notes "became more pronounced after the pandemic of 2020." Seven of the top 10 growth states currently have Republican governors, and nine voted red in the 2024 presidential election. Comparatively, nine of the bottom 10 states have Democrat governors, and seven voted blue in the 2024 election.

Most popular states people moved to in 2025, ranked

The numbers in parentheses represent 2024 rankings.

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H-E-B on South Congress Avenue on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

Four young Texas women, including a teenager, were killed after a tractor-trailer hauling goods for H-E-B slammed into their disabled car on a Texas Panhandle highway  and a newly filed lawsuit alleges the crash was the result of preventable safety failures across the trucking operation behind the delivery.

The crash happened Nov. 5, 2025, about 10 miles south of Dalhart on U.S. 87. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Myunique Johnson, 20, was driving a Nissan Altima at a reduced speed because of a flat tire when the car was rear-ended by a semi truck traveling in the same lane. Johnson and her three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

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The victims were identified as Johnson, of Stratford; Lakeisha Brown, 18, of Galveston; Breanna Brantley, 31, of Rosharon; and Taylor White, 28, of Missouri City.

A wrongful-death lawsuit filed Dec. 23 in Bexar County District Court names H-E-B LP, Parkway Transport Inc., Scrappy Trucking LLC and truck driver Guadalupe Daniel Villarreal as defendants. The suit alleges negligent hiring, supervision and safety oversight, arguing the womens deaths were not the result of a single mistake but of systemic breakdowns in the trucking operation.

Defendants had actual, subjective awareness of this risk, but nevertheless proceeded with conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of Decedents, Plaintiffs and others, the filing said.

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The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages, along with exemplary damage.

H-E-B did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The lawsuit alleges the truck driver failed to control his speed and was distracted, possibly by a mobile phone, when his 18-wheeler violently struck the car from behind. The impact pushed the womens vehicle into the median, where it came to rest facing north, while the truck flipped onto its side, according to the petition.

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At the time of the crash, Villarreal was hauling a load of potatoes for H-E-B, the suit states, and was driving a truck owned by Scrappy Trucking and leased to Parkway Transport, which plaintiffs allege is wholly owned by H-E-B.

Attorneys for the families argue that H-E-B bears responsibility not only as the shipper but through its alleged control over Parkways transportation operations. The petition accuses the grocery chain of negligent hiring and oversight, claiming it knew or should have known that the carriers it relied on had unsafe records and that delivery schedules incentivized speed over safety.

The suit also seeks emergency court orders to preserve evidence, alleging that requests to inspect the truck and obtain electronic data  including dash-camera footage, telematics and the drivers cellphone  were ignored in the weeks after the crash.

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Round Rock police have arrested two new suspects in the New Year's shooting that injured five people outside the Platinum Event Center. Villalpando, Rob (CMG-Austin)/Austin American-Statesman

Police have arrested a Pflugerville man in connection with a shooting that injured five people on New Years Eve outside an event center.

Javione Wright, 20, was charged with aggravated assault-mass shooting, police said in a social media post on Tuesday. Detectives are continuing to investigate whether other suspects are involved, the post said.

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The victims, all under the age of 17, were taken to hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. One of the victims is still in the hospital in stable condition, according to the post. Three of the victims are from Pflugerville and two are from Austin. The shooting happened during a physical altercation at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31 between party goers outside the Platinum Event Center at 1611 Chisholm Trail Road.

Police have said there was evidence of underage drinking at the private party, which was promoted via a flyer posted on social media. They said the shooting is likely an isolated incident. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective B. Heldman at bheldman@roundrocktexas.gov or 512-688-7966.
Oak Springs Elementary School on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Austin Independent School District leaders will decide this month which campus the students at Blackshear and Oak Springs elementary schools will ultimately attend, after the school Board of Trustees decided in November to merge the campuses as part of a broader plan to close 10 schools.

Austin ISD officials hope closing the 10 schools will save about $21.8 million and help offset a $65 million deficit.

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Instead of closing Oak Springs as originally proposed, Austin ISD may instead close Blackshear and move the merged campus community into a new Oak Springs campus. The new $47.6 million building is under construction, funded through the 2022 voter-approved $2.4 billion bond.

In the district's proposal, students from both schools would move to Blackshear for the 2026-27 school year, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Pace wrote in a letter sent to families before the holiday break. Then, students would move permanently into the newly built Oak Springs campus when crews finish construction, Pace said.

Superintendent Matias Segura will make the final decision, she wrote.

Construction of the new Oak Springs Elementary School remains paused, leaving only the foundation slab visible on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, during the Austin Independent School Districts school closure process. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Parent frustration

The timing of the decision  after the holiday break  left some Blackshear parents like Gabe Hernandez frustrated.

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Parents first learned the district was considering closing Blackshear on Oct. 31, when Austin ISD released its second draft of the closure plan, he said. Hernandez said he hasn't received a lot of information from Austin ISD and wants more details about the proposal.

With less than a month until the decision, Joe Walsh, the father of two Blackshear students, still has a lot of questions. For one, he worries that the original design of the new Oak Springs campus won't take into account the addition of Blackshear students or the needs of the campus fine artsacademy. Blackshear's academy program is the only one dedicated to fine arts at the elementary level in Austin ISD.

The execution of moving students twice in two or three years, I don't think that's the best course of action, Walsh said.

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Oak Springs was among 25 campuses getting either a brand-new campus or an extensive overhaul as part of the 2022 bond. Work on the new Oak Springs began last spring behind the current campus, but work on the site  currently a slab  has been stagnant for months as district officials waited for a decision on the campus fate. The new campus was originally slated to open January 2027.

Both Oak Springs and Blackshear have relatively small student populations with 211 and 205 students respectively, according to September enrollment data. The original design for a new Oak Springs was meant to hold 375 students.

During a meeting with Blackshear families in November, Segura said that if Austin ISD moved forward with combining the two schools in the new building, he would work with contractors on an updated design to accommodate the needs of Blackshear students.

Segura also said it wasn't yet clear what would happen to the old Blackshear campus.

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Oak Springs is also one of 12 schools that will need to start a state-mandated academic turnaround plan next year because it received three F-ratings in a row on the states A-F grading scale. These campus grades are determined using a formula largely based off State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests.
Mayor Kirk Watson speaks during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will have 32 additional gates by the early 2030s, Mayor Kirk Watson announced Wednesday.

The new gates will be built in the coming years as part of an ongoing $5 billion airport expansion program, which previously promised to bring at least 20 new gates. The exact number, announced Wednesday, was tied largely to the execution of a 10-year contract with major airlines this month.

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Watson, who was also mayor when Austin-Bergstrom opened in 1999, said the agreement is far more than a contract.

Its a historic milestone that sets the foundation for how Austin will grow, how Austin is going to connect, and importantly, how Austin will thrive for decades to come, Watson said. Signing the agreements today is part of our short-term focus on getting the job done and getting it done right.

The majority of the new gates, 26, will be in a new concourse that remains in the design phase. Concourse B will be located in the middle of the airfield and connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal building  which will become Concourse A  by an underground tunnel.

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Airport officials also expect a new temporary facility, known as Concourse M, to come online next year, adding six gates to maintain capacity as construction disrupts operations in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. A bus will transport passengers between the buildings.

Travelers wait in line at security at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers arrive to at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A traveler checks his bags at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A conceptual rendering for Concourse B, Concourse M and the AD Hall is seen during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A Delta Air Lines plane lands at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Monday, Sep. 22, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Holden Shannon, senior vice president of corporate real estate for Delta Air Lines, speaks during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Attendees applaud during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers make their way to security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers make their way to security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, speaks during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at ABIA in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Adam Decaire, a senior vice president at Southwest Airlines, speaks during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers wait in line at security at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Franco Tedeschi, regional vice president of American Airlines, speaks during a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers make their way to security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A traveler makes their way to security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mayor Kirk Watson, Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Councilmember, and Franco Tedeschi, regional vice president of American Airlines, attend a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers arrive to at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The City announces a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Travelers arrive to at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mayor Kirk Watson speaks with Franco Tedeschi, regional vice president of American Airlines, following a press conference announcing a new 10-year contract with major airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. This agreement will fund the airports major expansion and development program, Journey With AUS, and will add 32 new gates. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Southwest Airlines will anchor the new Concourse B, controlling 18 to 20 gates under the contract, known as a use-and-lease agreement. Thats double the 10 gates the airline currently operates at the airport. The Dallas-based carrier will share the space with United Airlines, which will occupy five gates, and other smaller carriers.

Southwest, currently the dominant player at the Austin airport, last month announced a new crew base will launch in Austin in 2027, bringing up to 2,000 new high-paying jobs to the city after nearly $20 million in local and state incentives were approved.

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Company executive Adam Decaire told reporters the new concourse will allow the airline to continue to grow in Austin as the city becomes an increasingly important part of Southwest's strategy.

It gives us the opportunity to expand our horizons, Decaire said. We're exploring lots of opportunities in Austin.

Delta Air Lines will take over the existing terminal, controlling 15 gates in Concourse A. The Atlanta-based airline will also invest $250 million to refresh and modernize the space. The carrier is working to establish a stronger foothold in Austin, having opened a flight attendant base in the city last fall and surpassing American Airlines to become the No. 2 carrier at the airport.

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The new agreement means a better experience every time you fly, said Delta executive Holden Shannon.

Under the new contract, American Airlines will occupy nine gates in Concourse A, more than doubling its current four. Alaska Airlines will have one gate there, and international carriers will also share the space.

The use-and-lease agreement determines how airlines and cargo haulers operate at the airport, including fees, gate usage and aircraft parking. Revenue from the agreement is expected to pay for the expansion program, called Journey with AUS. The Austin City Council in August authorized the contract.
Tony Plohetski is a national award-winning journalist whose reporting is featured in print, digital and television platforms. He has chronicled some of Texas' most significant stories, and his investigative and accountability reporting has led to indictments and prompted new state laws. He joined the Austin American-Statesman in 2000 and since 2013, he has worked in partnership with KVUE, where he is the stations senior reporter. Plohetski was the lead reporter for the Statesmans groundbreaking coverage of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize Gold Medal for public service. The coverage also received the Taylor Family Award for Fairness in Journalism from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard. Additionally, Plohetski has received more than two dozen national and state journalism prizes for his work with the Statesman and KVUE, including a national Edward R. Murrow Award, four National Headliner awards, the Hillman Prize and the August 2022 Sidney Award. He was the inaugural winner in 2021 of the Dan Rather Medal for News & Guts for journalistic courage and was named Star Reporter of the Year by Texas Managing Editors in 2021 and 2023 and was a key part of two teams that won Sigma Delta Chi Awards in 2019. Plohetski also has received multiple regional Emmy awards and was named Best Television Reporter by the Texas Association of Broadcasters and the Texas Headliners Foundation in 2023.
Hong Kong is rolling out a digital platform aimed at tracking cargo in real time and sharing data across different modes of transport including sea, land and air to bolster end-to-end visibility for supply chain stakeholders in the special administrative region.

In launching the Port Community System (PCS), Hong Kong wants to promote digitization within its port community, improve information interconnectivity across sectors, enhance the Port of Hong Kongs competitiveness as a transshipment hub and better connect the port with other global gateways.

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First announced last May by Hong Kongs federal Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the platform is set to debut in January. The government allocated 215 million Hong Kong dollars ($27.6 million) to install the system.

A presentation from the bureau indicated that the port had lacked a unified data-sharing system for stakeholders involved in the cargo delivery process, and sought to follow in the footsteps of major port cities such as Singapore and Europes Rotterdam and Hamburg, which gradually developed their own systems.

Mable Chan, Chinas secretary for transport and logistics, said in a post on the TLB website in June that the system is designed to make shipping fully transparent to promote fast and accurate logistics operations.

The PCS, as a one-stop platform, can internally connect all relevant units in the local logistics supply chain and externally link with domestic and international ports, as well as global shipping commercial data platforms, keeping us at the core of the digital shipping world, Chan said.

Importers and exporters, shipping companies, warehousing companies, trucking firms, freight forwarders and port terminal operators can all participate in the PCS.

The bureaus presentation indicates that users can enter a bill of lading number in the PCS to gather a vessels location, departure and arrival time, alongside expected container release status. Similarly, users can enter a waybill number for air cargo to track boarding, departure and arrival time.

Users can also generate a QR code to facilitate identification of cargo by transportation and logistics companies operating on land. A truck driver can activate location tracking to share the trucks real-time location with other parties, while warehouse staff can scan the provided QR code for confirmation, so all parties are informed of the goods arrival at the warehouse.
Area residents protest near the construction site of the West Austin Business Park at Texas 71 and Serene Hills Drive on Sept. 8, 2024, near Bee Cave. Under a settlement agreement from a lawsuit the city of Bee Cave filed against the developers, the land will not be used for an industrial warehouse. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Bee Cave and the developers of a warehouse and distribution center have settled a lawsuit the city filed in 2024, alleging the project violated a development agreement.

The city said the industrial park would create pollution, noise and traffic to the nearby Sweetwater neighborhood. The facility is at Texas 71 and Serene Hills Drive.

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Lawyers for the developers, Velocis and KBC Advisors, had said that because the warehouse is in Bee Caves extraterritorial jurisdiction, the developers did not have to report site plans to the city nor get its approval.

The developers of the West Austin Business Park have agreed to donate $500,000 to the city as part of the settlement, according to a city news release this week. Settlement of this lawsuit is an important step to finalizing a transaction on the property and creating a beneficial outcome," Velocis officials said in a statement.

The site has been sold to Cesium Astro for its global headquarters, where it will build communication tools for satellite technology, the release said. As part of the settlement agreement, it said, Cesium Astro has worked with the city to modify the development's design, appearance and use to comply with an amended development agreement that will not permit industrial uses.

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It said the modifications include converting 76 of the loading bays to windows, leaving just four truck bays. It said this will result in no more than eight 18-wheeler truck trips per month instead of the hundreds of truck trips per day if used as originally designed. Bee Cave police must be given 24 hours advance notice of an 18-wheeler delivery at the facility, and every truck trip must have an escort, the release said.

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"These concessions will make local roads safer for nearby Sweetwater residents and all drivers who rely on (Texas 71) to travel in western Travis County," it said.

"Bee Cave and the surrounding community deserve safe roads and responsible development," Mayor Kara King said in the release. "This agreement helps us deliver on those promises and represents a much better outcome for our community than a last mile warehouse distribution center."

The lawsuit said the city signed a development agreement in 2015 with WS-COS Development, also known as Wheelock, which was the original owners of the 269,959 acres of land not within the city. One of the requirements of the agreement was that the land could only be used for commercial or office purposes, according to the city website. When the owners sold the land in 2023, however, the new developers began construction of an industrial park,which was in violation of the agreement, according to the city.

A lawsuit is still pending against former City Manager Clint Garza and Wheelock, according to the city's news release. City officials said in February that Wheelock is accused of "relying on Garza to withhold information about the warehouses from the City Council, while being able to claim the City was on 'notice' of the development because they emailed Garza instead of going through the proper channels."

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"In addition to concealing the development plans from the City Council, the lawsuit details how Garza allegedly received payments linked to his role in facilitating developments that improperly bypassed council scrutiny."

Garza's lawyer, Bill Aleshire, on Tuesday said that Garza did not withhold information about the warehouses or receive payments for developments that bypassed council approval. The 2015 development agreement, he said, gave the authority to approve the design to the Lazy J Municipal Utility District. It did not require City Council approval, Aleshire said.

The municipal utility district sent Garza a copy of the site plans for the warehouses in February 2024, a few days before Garza resigned, said Aleshire. The municipal utility district also sent the email to the rest of the city staff, he said. "If (the staff) felt like they needed to send it to the City Council, they could have," said Aleshire. Garza resigned to take another job.

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Aleshire said Garza had amended his employment contract with Bee Cave in 2021 to allow him to do development consulting work outside the city and the city's extra-territorial jurisdiction. The amendment to his contract did not require him to get council approval for his consulting work, Aleshire said.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a ceremonial sword said to have belonged to independence hero Simon Bolivar during a civic-military march organized by the government in Caracas on Nov. 25, 2025. Our guest columnist writes that capturing Maduro highlights the importance of supporting genuine democracy in our hemisphere, contrasting sharply with the fraud and repression under Maduro. Ariana Cubillos/Associated Press Trey Trainor was chairman of the Federal Election Commission and was a special assistant to the secretary of defense during the first Trump administration. He is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas 21st Congressional District. Courtesy of Trey Trainor

Friday nights decisive action by the Trump administration and the U.S. military in capturing Nicolas Maduro marks a historic victory for freedom, democracy and American leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

As a former Trump appointee who served at the Pentagon in 2017, I commend President Donald Trump and our courageous service members for this bold step.

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This operation exemplifies the Monroe Doctrine in its purest form  asserting U.S. resolve against foreign-backed threats in our own backyard.

The Monroe Doctrine, first articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, warns against external interference in the Americas and empowers the United States to act when regional stability is endangered.

Maduros regime, sustained by adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran and Cuba, posed precisely such a threat through narco-terrorism, mass migration engineering and drug trafficking that directly harmed American interests.

By removing Maduro, Trump has honored this doctrine, sending a clear message that the United States will protect hemispheric sovereignty and security.

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President Donald Trump speaks to the press on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., regarding the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela. Our guest columnist writes that with Nicolas Maduro gone, Venezuela has a path toward transparent, secure elections. Jim Watson/TNS

Prosecutors will seek to prove that Maduros leadership of the Cartel de los Soles  alleged in a federal indictment  enabled the trafficking of massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, devastating communities across the country, including Texas.

These illicit drugs fuel addiction, overdose deaths and violent crime, directly harming local families and straining our neighborhoods.

Much of this deadly flow moves north along major interstates like Interstate 35 and Interstate 10, where dedicated law enforcement officers in places such as San Antonio, San Marcos and Kerrville work relentlessly to intercept shipments and protect our communities from the fallout of Maduros drug-trafficking operations.

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This action is fully justified legally.

Maduros 2020 indictment in the Southern District of New York on charges of narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine and related offenses provided ample grounds for accountability. His regimes refusal to extradite or face justice, coupled with ongoing threats to the U.S., made this operation not only lawful but necessary.

To all my former colleagues at the Department of Defense, congratulations. The tireless planning, intelligence and execution you deliver day in and day out culminate in moments like this. Your dedication makes such triumphs possible, and today, it is all worthwhile.

This success also highlights the importance of supporting genuine democracy in our hemisphere, contrasting sharply with the fraud and repression under Maduro.

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Nearly two years ago, after returning from Costa Rica, where I monitored municipal elections as a U.S. representative, I wrote in the Washington Examiner: Successful elections in Costa Rica show the continued need for the Monroe Doctrine.

I observed firsthand the free and fair process overseen by Costa Ricas Supreme Electoral Court, noting how its stable democracy stands as a beacon amid regional challenges from mass migration, narcotics trafficking and malevolent foreign influences. I argued that the U.S. must recommit to the Monroe Doctrine, treating external efforts to exploit these issues as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.

Todays action against Maduro  a regime embodying those very threats  proves the enduring wisdom of that call.

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The vaccine for hepatitis B is one of six the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from its recommendations list in early January. (Sherry Young/Dreamstime/TNS) Sherry Young/TNS

For decades, parents could rely on clear, science-based guidance from federal health officials when deciding which vaccines their children needed. That clarity is now eroding. A recent move by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to scale back the recommendations for childhood vaccinations makes the decision for parents more confusing  and puts more Texas kids at risk.

This week, the CDC pared down its recommendations for routine childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11. The shots taken off the list provide protection from serious and potentially life-threatening infections like hepatitis B, meningococcal disease and rotavirus, a diarrheal disease that once hospitalized thousands of children each winter before vaccination curbed outbreaks. For human papillomavirus or HPV, which can lead to cancer, the CDC now recommends just one dose of the vaccine instead of two or three.

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The shots are still recommended for certain high-risk groups, and should be covered by insurance when parents consult with their doctors  a process the agency calls shared clinical decision-making, but one that could require additional steps or costs for some families. These revised recommendations only muddy the waters for parents, with the CDC now conflicting with the long-running advice of groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics, which supports the fuller slate of immunizations for children.

To be clear: The science behind the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines has not changed. The politics has.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, last year fired an entire 17-member CDC vaccine advisory committee, filling some of those seats with fellow skeptics. The new vaccine recommendations bypassed that committee altogether and were made without any scientific evidence that the move would improve public health. The Trump administration contends the changes put America on par with other countries' recommendations, a misleading argument that cherry-picks certain countries for comparison without acknowledging differences in access to health care and exposure to disease.

For generations, Americans have trusted the evidence-based recommendations of the federal government and the broader medical community for advice on which vaccines are safe for their children. The CDC's revised recommendations make it harder for parents to make informed decisions, a shift that could needlessly put more Texas children at risk.

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Pediatricians, not politicians, remain the best source of information for parents weighing vaccination decisions, drawing on medical expertise grounded in decades of scientific consensus.

Dr. Jayesh Shah, president of the Texas Medical Association, stressed the importance of shared decision-making and a focus on evidence-based recommendations in this process.

At the end of the day, parents need to know that it's between the physician and the patient, he told our board. Vaccination has been there for hundreds of years, and we know that vaccines prevent disease.

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Vaccination decisions also carry consequences beyond a single household. High vaccination rates help protect infants too young to be immunized, children with compromised immune systems and others who cannot safely receive certain vaccines. When misinformation or political messaging erodes trust in routine immunization, the risks extend to entire communities.

The Texas Public Health Coalition, a group of more than two dozen health-focused organizations, including the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society, reports that routine vaccination coverage is essential to maintaining health and safety. Childhood vaccination also saves Texans trillions of dollars in medical costs by dramatically reducing morbidity, mortality and disability caused by vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the coalition.

Texas children are at particular risk from vaccine-preventable illnesses due to several factors. At more than 13%, Texas' rate of uninsured children is more than double the national average. So requiring parents to consult a medical professional for certain vaccines effectively puts that care out of reach for families who cant afford an out-of-pocket doctors visit.

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At the same time, Texas ranks 45th in public health spending per capita, and the end of COVID-era grants has led to the cancellation of vaccination clinics, particularly in under-served areas.

Schools have seen the growth of vaccine hesitancy accelerate since the pandemic. In 2019, less than 1% of kindergartners in Austin schools had failed to report their vaccination status to their school. Five years later, that rate skyrocketed to 23% of Austin kindergartners not reporting whether they had received the measles vaccine, according to an analysis by the Texas Tribune. Those figures climbed to 30% in Spring ISD, north of Houston, and 44% in the KIPP Texas Public School charter network. Experts say those figures could reflect the fact some children fell behind on getting shots during the pandemic, but also suggest a growing number of families are hesitant to get vaccinated at all.

Last March, as the West Texas measles outbreak grew, one North Texas pastor and Republican state lawmaker boasted on social media that his church school had the lowest vaccination rate for the disease in the state, even after the outbreak had claimed the life of a young girl. State Rep. Nate Schatzline of Fort Worth said he wanted to give his church's school a "medical freedom award" for having just over 14% of its kindergartners vaccinated in the 2023-24 school year  a stark example of vaccine skepticism being celebrated instead of countered with the medical information parents need.

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Although the CDC still recommends the measles vaccine, skepticism has grown so much in Texas and other parts of the United States that the country now stands to lose the measles-free status it has enjoyed for a quarter century. The number of outbreaks rose to 49 last year, three times the 16 outbreaks reported the year before. Measles cases shot up from 285 in 2024 to more than 2,000 in 2025. The two girls, ages 6 and 8, who died of measles in Texas last year, and an adult who died in New Mexico, were all unvaccinated.

Vaccination decisions rightly rest with parents, and those parents deserve access to reliable, scientifically sound recommendations so they can make the best decisions to protect their children's health. Pediatricians are still equipped to provide that trusted information. It's a shame the nation's top public health agency is no longer on the same page.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is running for a fifth term. A reader says he continues to be astonished by how compliant our senators and Republican members of Congress are in the face of the president's many constitutional transgressions. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Erosion of Constitution

Press reports indicate Sen. John Cornyn supports President Donald Trump's invasion of Venezuela. Trump is now talking about how bad Cuba is, implying it could be next to have U.S. intervention. The president is also talking about how "important" Greenland is to U.S. security.

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Trump previously said the military action taken against Venezuela was to stop illegal drugs. Now it's all about the oil. At his Saturday morning press conference he said "the men standing behind me" (Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth) will be running Venezuela.

I continue to be astonished by how compliant our senators and Republican members of Congress are in the face of this president's many constitutional transgressions, including this recent military action without any knowledge or authorization under Congress' Article I powers.

Is Cornyn's future as our Texas senator so important he will continue to turn a blind eye to the erosion of the Constitution he swore to uphold?

Warren Hackler, Austin

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Farmers feel tariff sting

President Donald Trumps policies have created an agricultural catastrophe. Farmers are facing financial ruin from his trade war and deportation campaign.

Tariffs as high as 145% triggered swift retaliation from China, which halted U.S. soybean purchases and sharply reduced other agricultural imports. At the same time, tariffs on fertilizer, machinery, steel and aluminum sent production costs soaring. Many farmers are losing roughly 20% per acre, forced to sell crops far below the cost of production while grain bins overflow with unsold harvests.

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During Trumps first term, these tariff policies required more than $32 billion in farm bailouts. North Dakota State University now estimates national crop losses of $44 billion for 2025 alone. A proposed $12 billion bailout wont come close to covering the damage.

Deportations are compounding the crisis. More than 70% of farmworkers were born overseas, and agricultural employment dropped by 155,000 workers last year.

If grocery prices feel high now, buckle up. This ride is just beginning.

Carol Hubbard, Georgetown

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Protect our democracy

As Americans, we all care about our democracy, even when it feels like its being tested more than ever. Watching the president, Ive struggled to see actions that truly benefit everyday people. Too often, the focus seemed to be on protecting wealth, bypassing accountability and ignoring the rules meant to keep our government honest.

The Constitution anticipated moments like this. It gives us impeachment and the 25th Amendment  serious tools that are intentionally difficult to use.

Talking about removing a president can sound extreme, but this isnt about politics.

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Its about making sure our laws and institutions function as they should. Oversight matters. History shows that mistakes, falsehoods and abuses of power can go very far when no one speaks up.

Im hopeful for the next generation, but we also have a responsibility today. Using the tools the Constitution provides  carefully and thoughtfully  is how we protect the Republic.

Patricia Fraga, Austin

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a trip to Brownsville on Wednesday that the Trump administration is working to deploy more than 500 miles of buoys in the Rio Grande  massively expanding the floating barrier first installed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023.

Noem said that more than 130 miles of those barriers are under contract and officials were beginning to deploy the buoys on Wednesday. She did not say how many miles were currently in the water or where they were. She also did not say when the administration expects to have all 500 miles deployed. The Rio Grande stretches about 1,200 miles along Texas' border with Mexico.

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - JANUARY 7: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stands alongside U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Jared Ashby, left, and U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks at a news conference on January 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. Secretary Noem announced that the federal government would be deploying 500 miles of water barriers in the Rio Grande river. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images) Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - JANUARY 7: A section of buoys installed by the federal government stretches across the Rio Grande river on January 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. DHS Secretary Noem announced that the government would be deploying 500 miles of water barriers in the Rio Grande river. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images) Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - JANUARY 7: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem listens to the National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez speak at a roundtable discussion with local ranchers and employees from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images) Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - JANUARY 7: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem walks with U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, center, and National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez after viewing a section of buoys installed in the Rio Grande river on January 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. Secretary Noem announced at the news conference that the federal government would be deploying 500 miles of water barriers in the Rio Grande river. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images) Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images A buoy barrier in the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Tuesday January 9, 2024. Jay Janner / American-Statesman A buoy barrier in the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Tuesday January 9, 2024. Jay Janner / American-Statesman A buoy barrier in the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Tuesday January 9, 2024. Jay Janner / American-Statesman A buoy barrier in the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Tuesday January 9, 2024. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

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The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for more details.

Noem said the deployment was necessary, even as border crossings have essentially ground to a halt, and said they "are going to last for many, many years to come."

"These barriers will make it much harder for illegal aliens, drug smugglers and human traffickers to cross the river and other waterways where they will be deployed," she said. "Securing our waterways not only protects Americans, it saves the lives of illegal aliens by deterring them from daring to attempt to cross through this treacherous water."

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The buoy expansion is paid for through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the sweeping tax and spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law last year. The bill included more than $46 billion for border barriers. It is unclear how much of that is being spent on buoys.

Noem's announcement marks a significant victory for Abbott, who deployed 1,000 feet of buoy barriers near Eagle Pass as part of his border crackdown, Operation Lone Star. President Joe Biden's administration sued to stop the deployment, but the court battle was put on hold after Trump took office.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, who served as Abbott's border czar, said the buoys the Trump administration is deploying now are a different model than those used by Texas. They are cylindrical, rather than round, about four to five feet in diameter and up to 15 feet long.

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Banks said they nonetheless function the same as the buoys Texas deployed.
Furniture retailer IKEA has announced plans to close seven stores in China from 2 February 2026.

The locations scheduled for closure are IKEA Shanghai Baoshan, IKEA Guangzhou Panyu, and IKEA Tianjin Zhongbei, along with stores in Nantong, Xuzhou, Ningbo and Harbin.

The company said the decision forms part of an optimisation exercise aimed at improving efficiency across its physical and digital channels.

Customers affected by the closures will continue to be served through other IKEA stores in the same cities where available, as well as through the retailers online operations.

These include its website and mobile apps, a WeChat shoppable mini-programme, and flagship stores on major e-commerce platforms such as Tmall and JD.com.

IKEA said China remains a strategic market for the group. The company began sourcing from the country in the 1960s and opened its first Chinese store in 1998.

It has since developed an end-to-end value chain encompassing product development, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, retail and digital operations while shifting from a traditional cash-and-carry format to an integrated omnichannel model.

The company currently operates 41 offline customer meeting points in China, alongside three proprietary digital channels and two stores on major third-party e-commerce platforms.

Recent developments highlighted by the company include the redesign of its Xuhui store, the opening of five new stores of different sizes across the country, and the launch of its presence on JD.com.

IKEA added that it will support employees affected by the closures through what it described as an open, fair and transparent process.

Looking ahead, the group plans to concentrate growth in Beijing and Shenzhen, with more than ten small-format stores expected to open in the two cities over the next two years.

These include IKEA Dongguan, scheduled for February 2026, and IKEA Tongzhou, due to open in April.

Last month, the company announced plans to increase the volume of products sourced from manufacturing facilities in the US in response to rising import costs linked to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.

The change represented a reversal of a long-term decline in domestic production for the US market.

"IKEA to close seven China stores from February 2026" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of essensys plc ( LON:ESYS ) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

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We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK1.1m (1 + 3.0%)  (9.0% 3.0%) = UK20m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK20m ( 1 + 9.0%)10= UK8.4m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is UK13m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK0.1, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 26% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

AIM:ESYS Discounted Cash Flow January 7th 2026

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at essensys as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.169. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

View our latest analysis for essensys

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For essensys, we've compiled three important elements you should consider:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for essensys (1 is concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does ESYS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the AIM every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

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For years, rectifying this situation was not the primary focus of the West in Iraq, as it was instead focused on maintaining its military influence in the country following its removal of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Even after the U.S.s End of Combat Mission in Iraq in December 2021, Washington and its allies were content to keep granting waivers to Baghdad to keep importing Iranian energy, although its patience became increasingly strained during the first presidency of Donald Trump, also detailed in my latest book . However, in his second term, all this changed, with April seeing the introduction of the No Iranian Energy Act to U.S. lawmakers. As highlighted by Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman August Pfluger, this legislation is part of President Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Irans leaders. [These] are the worlds most dangerous state sponsors of terrorism, [and] the Iranian regime is not just a threat, its leaders are a genocidal death cult, he said. The proposed Act will definitively sanction the importation of Iranian natural gas to Iraq. An adjunct piece of legislation  the  Iran Waiver Rescissions Act  -- would permanently freeze Iranian-sanctioned assets everywhere, including Iraq, and prohibit any standing or future U.S. President from using any waiver authority to lift the sanctions.

The longstanding problem for the West in their attempt to establish an enduring presence in Iraq has been the even longer-standing influence of neighbouring Iran through its political, economic, religious, and military proxies, as fully analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order . The clearest expression of this has been Baghdads continued reliance on Tehran for around 40% of its power supply -- delivered through gas and electricity imports -- a dependency that has produced three major consequences. First, the constant threat of immediate and prolonged power cuts, layered on top of those already endured, has muted political dissent against the Iran-aligned status quo. Second, it removed any urgency for Baghdad to exploit its own vast volumes of associated gas for financial gain, whether through exports or as feedstock for high-value petrochemicals projects such as the long-stalled Nebras initiative. And third, it discouraged top-tier Western firms from committing capital to the large-scale developments such as the Common Seawater Supply Project that could lift Iraqs oil output to levels capable of elevating it to the position of the worlds second-largest oil producer after the U.S.

Iraqs Oil Ministry has confirmed that it is expediting the development of the Gharraf and Nassiriyah gas projects, with full operations expected to begin by early 2027, and production capacity reaching 200 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d). This fast?tracking is being presented as a long?overdue step toward energy self?sufficiency, but the real stakes lie far beyond the technicalities of associated?gas capture. For the West, reducing Iraqs dependence on Iranian gas is a strategic imperative aimed at weakening Tehrans grip over Baghdad; for China and Russia, preserving that dependency helps maintain the integrity of the Iran-anchored Shia Crescent of Power that underpins their broader regional ambitions. With both blocs quietly pulling in opposite directions, will Iraqs latest push develop a genuine momentum, or will it turn out to be just another carefully choreographed illusion of progress?

Story Continues

The key to rapidly increasing Iraqs own gas supply for power generation or petrochemicals feedstock  and therefore reducing its dependence on Iran  lies in cutting the vast volumes of gas flared during oil production. Until very recently, Iraq was the worlds second?largest gas flarer after Russia, burning more than 17 billion cubic metres (Bcm) a year despite joining the United Nations and World Banks Zero Routine Flaring initiative in 2017, which commits signatories to end routine flaring by 2030. Strip out this waste and Iraqs gas potential looks formidable: official estimates put southern reserves at around 3.5 trillion cubic metres (Tcm) -- roughly 1.5% of global totals -- placing the country 12th among the worlds reserve?holders. Around three-quarters of this is associated gas, and the figures were not updated when Iraq revised its proven oil reserves upward in 2010. The International Energy Agency, however, estimates ultimately recoverable resources at closer to 8 Tcm, with roughly 30% thought to be non-associated. In the north, Kurdistans Ministry of Natural Resources assesses proven reserves at 0.7 Tcm and unproven resources at up to 5.6 Tcm -- around 3% of global deposits. These numbers are broadly credible: the U.S. Geological Survey believes that undiscovered resources in the Zagros fold belt alone -- much of which lies within the Kurdistan region -- amount to roughly 1.5 Tcm.

In a neat turn of synchronicity, one of the earliest attempts to close the gap between gas being flared and gas being captured for productive use centred on the very same areas now back in focus: Gharraf and Nassiriyah. In 2018, Iraqs Oil Ministry reached a broad agreement with U.S. oil?field services giant Baker Hughes to capture around 200 mmscf/d of associated gas from Gharraf, neighbouring Nassiriyah, and several fields north of Basra. Baker Hughes will be the key collaborator here too, along with the state-owned South Gas Company, and the China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation also having a presence in the project. The original agreement between Iraqs Oil Ministry and Baker Hughes was intended to run in parallel with rising oil output from the fields themselves -- with Gharraf, for example, slated to lift production from roughly 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) to its targeted plateau of 230,000 bpd under the joint stewardship of Japex, Petronas, and Iraqs North Oil Company. According to the Oil Ministry, the first phase of the Baker Hughes plan involved deploying an advanced modular gas?processing system at the Integrated Natural Gas Complex in Nassiriyah to dehydrate and compress flare gas, generating more than 100 mmscf/d. The second phase would expand the Nassiriyah facility into a full natural gas liquids (NGL) plant capable of recovering 200 mmscf/d of dry gas, LPG, and condensate. All of this output was earmarked for domestic power generation, with Baker Hughes estimating that capturing the flared gas from these two fields alone could supply around 400 megawatts to the Iraqi grid. At the time, deputy oil minister Karim Hattab said the project would take 30 months to complete  so it should have been finished around four years ago.

The fact that it was not highlights that, despite this latest push, Iraq finally breaking out of its long-running cycle of dependency on Iran is far from guaranteed. Baghdad has had access to the technical solutions and the required reserves for years, and the logic for capturing rather than burning its gas has been obvious for much of that time. What might catalyse a major shift now is the sheer weight of the geopolitical pressure from the West bearing down on Baghdad. With Washington moving to eliminate the waivers that once allowed Iraq to rely on Iranian imports, the cost of inaction is no longer measured in lost revenue or stalled projects but in the risk of ever-tighter sanctions that could destabilise the entire economy. As a senior source close to Iraqs Oil Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week, the choice here -- as with most oil and gas decisions in the Middle East -- has far more to do with geopolitics than with energy. If [current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia] al-Sudani is finally chosen again [following the recent elections] as the leader, then its very likely Iraq will move in this direction [to greater gas capture and reduced reliance on Iran], but if a leader emerges from the large pro-Iran faction then it just wont happen.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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An LC-130 Skibird takes off from Antarctica, Dec. 23, 2025. The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing is flying the aircraft during Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. (Gabriel Enders/U.S. Air National Guard)



The New York Air National Guard is using ski-equipped versions of Lockheed Martins long-serving cargo plane to collect scientific data on flights to and from Antarctica, according to the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing.

Four LC-130 Skibirds are shuttling between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station and other locations in Antarctica this research season, which kicked off in October and runs through February.

The wing is sending 250 airmen south to fly and maintain the aircraft during the Southern Hemispheres summer months, when daylight hours run around the clock in Antarctica, said wing commander Col. Steven Slosek.

The planes are flying with a specialized laser instrument that measures atmospheric gases, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday.

Its understanding how carbon moves from the Southern Ocean into the atmosphere, he said.

The wing has also been supporting an upgrade to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory with flights to the South Pole, Slosek said.

The observatory, built between 2004 and 2011, is designed to observe the cosmos from deep within the South Pole ice.

A U.S. airman monitors an LC-130 Skibird as it offloads cargo at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica, Dec. 23, 2025. (Gabriel Enders/U.S. Air National Guard)



The airlifters carry about a quarter of the fuel required to power the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station with the rest brought overland, Slosek said.

We will offload between 18,000 and 20,000 pounds (of fuel) directly from aircraft into their fuel blivets, he said, referring to the flexible bladders that store fuel at the research station.

Another mission for the airlifters involves flying gear back from a research camp thats being closed on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, Slosek said.

Researchers are also collecting the oldest possible ice core records this season in Antarctica, National Science Foundation spokeswoman Cassandra Eichner said by email Dec. 22.

Operation Deep Freeze, which dates to 1955, is the logistical support the military provides to the U.S. Antarctic Program managed by the foundation.

The budget request to Congress to fund the foundation for this fiscal year dropped significantly to $3.9 billion from more than $10 billion in fiscal 2025, according to information on its website.

Significantly, funding for Antarctic research has been retained, according to Anne-Marie Brady, a political science professor at New Zealands Canterbury University.

China last year set up its fifth Antarctic base in the Ross Sea area not too far from McMurdo, she said by email Wednesday.

The retention of Americas Antarctic research shows that the U.S. government understands the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in Antarctica to protect U.S. interests, she wrote.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress during training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on Nov. 18, 2025. (William R. Lewis/U.S. Air Force)



Boeing received a $2 billion contract last month to start work on extending the life of 60-year-old U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers into the 2060s.

The program to upgrade all 76 B-52Hs is expected to cost $48.6 billion. The Air Force will redesignate the bombers as B-52J.

The $2 billion contract awarded on Dec. 23 is to upgrade two aircraft with new engines, avionics and other systems, which can be tested before the rest of the planes are converted.

Since entering service with the Air Force in 1955, the B-52 has been powered by eight TF-33 Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines. Pratt & Whitney has said it could no longer support maintenance on the engines after 2030.

Under the Commercial Engine Replacement Program, the Air Force sought new powerplants already used in civilian aircraft that could be converted to use in the B-52.

The winning plan calls for eight Rolls-Royce F-130 engines used in the Gulfstream G650 business jet and in the military variants of the light jet transport, the C-37.

A B-52H with possible weapons loads on display at Barksdale Air Force Base in 2006. (U.S. Air Force)



The plan would also upgrade brakes and wheels, improve avionics and communications and convert some remaining analog dials in the bombers cockpit to digital displays.

The upgrade is expected to keep the B-52H  delivered in 1961 and 1962  flying as late as the 2060s. The Air Force said some planes could surpass 100 years in service.

The Air Force wants to keep the B-52 because it can carry over 70,000 pounds of weaponry more than 8,600 miles without refueling.

The Air Forces three current bombers take flight at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base air show in Louisiana: the B-52H Stratofortress (far right), B-1 Lancer (upper left), and B-2 Spirit (lower left). (Curt Beach/U.S. Air Force)



The Air Force plans to retire its B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers by the end of the decade while it receives about 100 Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bombers.

The B-52 was initially built as a high-altitude heavy bomber to replace the Convair B-36 Peacemaker strategic bomber. It could reach targets in the Soviet Union, more than 8,000 miles away.

In its conventional bomber role, it served in the Vietnam War, earning the nickname BUFF  for Big Ugly Fat Fella, though variations substituting an expletive for Fella were common.

Flying at subsonic speeds with no stealth capability, the B-52 has shifted to a role as a launch platform for stand-off conventional and nuclear missiles.

The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory, according to an Air Force profile of the bomber. This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions.

The B-52Hs are currently assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, in North Dakota, and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, in Louisiana. Both wings are part of Air Force Global Strike Command. The Air Force Reserve Commands 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale also operates the B-52H.

The first B-52 flew in 1952 and was delivered to the Air Force in 1955. The Air Force received 755 B-52s in total, with the last models  the B-52H  delivered in 1961 and 1962.

Work on the B-52 upgrades will be done in Seattle, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Indianapolis, the Pentagon said. The work is expected to be completed in 2033.
Spc. Nicholas Lowery is charged with murder and obstructing justice in the death of Sgt. Alfredo Martinez on the morning of Aug. 27, 2023, according to court records. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



FORT HOOD, Texas  A Fort Hood jury must decide whether Spc. Nicholas Lowery shot and killed his sergeant during a night of heavy drinking, or whether his confession of doing so was coerced, as his attorney argued in court Tuesday.

Lowery is charged with murder and obstructing justice in the death of Sgt. Alfredo Martinez, 30, on the morning of Aug. 27, 2023, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty, and his court-martial before a panel of enlisted jurors began Tuesday.

Capt. Michael Green, Lowerys attorney, said that Martinez shot himself, which is what Lowery and fellow soldier Spc. Rene Heber told emergency responders who were called to the on-post home at about 8:04 a.m.

The scene that morning was chaotic, and Martinez was still breathing when emergency responders arrived. He died at a hospital about 9:30 a.m., said Capt. Eric Fenton, the prosecutor.

In the rush to save Martinez, items in the living room where the shooting occurred were moved all around, he said.

As attorneys presented their cases to the jury of eight men, several members of Martinezs family and his friends sat in the crowded courtroom in the Finkelstein Judicial Center. Each wore black shirts with his photo on the back. Written above the photo in Spanish and below in English, the shirts said, Always in our memories.

The night began with Martinez drinking wine in his barracks room at Fort Hood, Texas, and playing video games online with friends, according to information presented in court Tuesday. Lowery invited Martinez to his home. Lowerys wife and Heber were the only other people at the home during the night.

As the soldiers drank heavily, they played games and roughhoused, according to information presented in court. They also played with guns and took photos with them.

Though the defense described Martinez as going through a breakup, the prosecution presented evidence he had dropped one of the two women he was seeing romantically at the airport days before his death and was on good terms with her. They had spoken earlier that night.

Both agreed he had recently been charged with drunken driving.

In a post to the social media app Snapchat, Martinez could still be seen alive, though passed out, at about 7:40 a.m., Fenton said. An autopsy would later show his blood alcohol level was .152, according to information presented in court.

In the days following the shooting, initial evidence led investigators to question Lowerys and Hebers stories. Both were called in for questioning Sept. 6, 2023.

During the interrogation, Special Agent Bryce Dunn described to Lowery facts agents had uncovered, which made the soldier question his own memory, Green said. Dunn could not yet have known the information, Green said.

He believed Special Agent Dunn in fact knew and that his memory must be wrong, he said. Youre going to get to experience what 11 hours feels like when we watch that video in the courtroom.

Green argued that CID agents had already created their own narrative and were looking for evidence to support Lowerys guilt instead of finding the truth.

Fenton told jurors that it was the evidence that led to Lowery, describing they would hear directly from first responders to the shooting, medical experts and crime scene investigators. Theyll also watch videos of Lowery describing his own actions.

In that interview, the accused says, I shot Sgt. Martinez in the head. I tried to cover it up as a suicide. And when I told you it was a suicide, I was lying,  Fenton said. Thats not all he does. He does a walkthrough. Youll see the accused, and hes going to tell you where Sgt. Martinez was standing in that room.

Up to 50 witnesses could testify in the court-martial, which is scheduled to continue through this week with military judge Col. Gregory Batdorff.

Heber will face his own court martial in April for charges of accessory to murder after the fact, accessory to manslaughter after the fact and obstructing justice.

During his concurrent interrogation with CID agents, investigators told him Lowery confessed. Heber quickly responded that he didnt know why Lowery would say that, Green said.

All three of the soldiers were assigned to the 553rd Division Sustainment Support Battalion within the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade.
Only about 150 Marines are assigned to Camp Blaz on Guam, but approximately 4,000 more are expected from Okinawa as part of a 2012 agreement between the United States and Japan to reduce the military footprint there. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP BLAZ, Guam  About two-thirds of an $8.9 billion budget has been spent on this 562-acre facility to accommodate U.S. Marines relocating from bases on Okinawa, according to Navy and Marine Corps officials.

Nearly $6.2 billion of the appropriation has gone toward building and outfitting Camp Blaz to date, according to a Wednesday email from Capt. Steven Keenan, a Marine Corps spokesman at the Pentagon. Blaz is the services first new base since 1952.

The Officer in Charge of Construction Marine Corps Marianas, part of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, was formed in 2016 to oversee work on the new installation.

The command includes 10 Navy Civil Engineer Corps officers and 100 civilian staff, including construction managers, engineering technicians and administrative staff, Keenan said.

Guam  a remote, 210-square-mile island that provides a strategic foothold for the U.S. in the Western Pacific  is expected to grow from about 17,000 U.S. service members to 24,000 by fiscal year 2033.

About 4,000 Marines are expected to move from Okinawa to Guam, part of a 2012 agreement between the U.S. and Japan to reduce the American military footprint on Okinawa, where nearly 30,000 of the 55,000 U.S. service members in Japan are stationed.

Recently completed housing for single Marines is seen at Camp Blaz on Guam, Dec. 10, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



About 1,300 members of III Marine Expeditionary Force may be permanently stationed on Guam, while another 3,700 Marines could rotate through the island on temporary deployments.

Japan is providing approximately $3 billion of the money allocated to build Blaz and other Guam infrastructure.

Many new facilities appeared ready for the Marines in December when Marine Corps Installations Pacific commander Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford paid a visit to Guam from his headquarters on Okinawa.

Camp Blaz offers forward-stationed capabilities and operational flexibility to the United States and Marine Corps, he said in a statement Keenan provided by email. Bases and stations such as Camp Blaz serve as critical nodes for generating combat power and providing sustainment to the Fleet Marine Force. Camp Blaz serves as a force multiple for the U.S.-Japan Alliance and the region at large ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

One of the 150 Marines already at the base, Maj. Philip King, arrived there from Okinawa in July, he told Stars and Stripes at Blaz on Dec. 10.

The communications officer said he went to Guam as part of a routine change of station after serving with the 7th Communication Battalion at Camp Hansen, Okinawa.

My wife and I chose Blaz because we wanted to stay overseas, he said.

The couple moved into a beachside condo in Tumon, Guams tourist hotspot, King said, adding that he enjoys snorkeling in his spare time.

Theres no language barrier on Guam but the cost of living is a little higher than on Okinawa, he said.
A Venezuelan Su-30 Flanker fighter shadows an American EP-3 aircraft in July 2019. (U.S. Southern Command)



President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela after Delta Force soldiers on Saturday extracted President Nicolas Maduro to face drug charges in New York, but he is watching to see what actions are taken by acting president Delcy Rodriguez.

Trump has said, though, that he could put boots on the ground in the oil-rich South American nation to enforce his demands.

An invasion or occupation, like past U.S. actions in Afghanistan, Panama and Grenada, would pose significant challenges. The U.S. would need to increase its military commitment to take over the country by force, some analysts say.

Current assets are inadequate for larger and riskier operations, said Mark Cancian, a former Marine officer who is now an analyst for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

The Pentagon confirmed that more than 15,000 U.S. personnel were deployed in the region for Operation Absolute Resolve on Saturday. Though it has assembled an armada of ships and has enough aircraft to ensure air superiority over Venezuela, Cancian said a minimum of 50,000 troops would be needed for Americans to force their way onto land and occupy key sites such as oil production facilities.

From a doctrine standpoint, a commander would probably ask for something more like 150,000 or 200,000 troops, Cancian said.

Two doctrines frame U.S. policy:

The Monroe Doctrine, enunciated by President James Monroe in 1823, asserts that only the United States should have influence over countries in the Western Hemisphere. Trump has repeatedly pointed to the doctrine as the touchstone of American international policy.

The other key idea is the Powell Doctrine, named after former Army general Colin Powell, who served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush. It demands clear objectives, overwhelming force, and public support for military action.

Decide what you are trying to achieve politically, Powell said in 2009, and apply force decisively.

Trump has dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford and its Carrier Strike Group 12 to the region, deploying F/A-18 Hornet attack squadrons and EA-18 Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The group includes three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: the USS Winston S. Churchill, USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan.

The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group operates in the Caribbean, featuring the USS Iwo Jima and two Landing Platform Docks  the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS San Antonio  carrying 2,200 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Additional destroyers and two Ticonderoga-class cruisers, the USS Gettysburg and USS Lake Erie, bolster the force.

A U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II prepares for takeoff in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Oct. 2, 2025. (Nathan Call/U.S. Air Force)



In response to Venezuelan F-16 flights near U.S. forces last year, the Pentagon deployed 10 F-35 Lightning II fighters to Puerto Rico. The M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations ship, is also in the area.

Arrayed against the United States is what is left of the Venezuelan military after Saturdays attack. The Pentagon has not released an after-action report, but satellite images show strikes on military installations and command centers.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, a Maduro loyalist, remains at the head of the Venezuelan armed forces. He called the American action a cowardly kidnapping, but on Tuesday issued a statement endorsing the Supreme Court ruling naming Rodriguez acting president for 90 days.

I call on the people of Venezuela to resume economic, work, and educational activities, Padrino said. The homeland must follow its constitutional course.

Venezuelas armed forces include 123,000 active-duty personnel and 8,000 reservists. Prior to Saturday, Maduro claimed he could also call on millions of civilian militias.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based defense analysis organization, describes Venezuelas military as a regional power, equipped with Russian T-72 and French AMX-10 tanks, Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, U.S.-made F-16s, Mi-35 attack helicopters, and Mi-17 transports. Air defenses feature Russian S-300 long-range missiles, Pechora and Buk systems, and shoulder-launched weapons. Naval forces are limited to small patrol vessels and one Spanish-built coastal defense ship.

Drone capability remains uncertain, though ties with Iran suggest access to Mohajer and Shahed drones.

Global Firepower ranks Venezuela 50th in overall military strength, with a defense budget of $4.09 billion. The U.S. ranks first, spending $895 billion on the military.

Cancian said that any move to occupy Venezuela would likely take weeks or months to move the number of troops, vehicles and equipment needed to a staging area such as Puerto Rico.

There could be additional missile or air strikes if the White House believes the Venezuelan government is not cooperating, Cancian said. But if the U.S. were to go all in and put boots on the ground as President Trump suggests, it would not be a surprise. It would take a lot of planning and movement. Youd see, say, ships from Norfolk (Va.) going to North Carolina to pick up Marines from Camp Lejeune or the 82nd Airborne Division.
Workers fly the Cuban flag at half-mast at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune near the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in memory of Cubans who died two days earlier in Caracas, Venezuela during the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. (Ramon Espinosa/AP)



(Tribune News Service)  Hours before he was snatched by U.S. Delta Force commandos and taken to New York City to face trial on charges of narcoterrorism, Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro told journalists he had a foolproof bunker.

Despite a U.S. armada off the coast of Venezuela, he wasnt overly concerned about his security, which he had entrusted for years to Cuban security and intelligence services.

His sense of protection, it turns out, proved entirely illusory: Cuba spectacularly failed to deliver the one thing it was richly paid for in oil.

Cuban authorities revealed Tuesday the names of 32 Interior Ministry and armed forces members, including high-ranking officers, who they said died protecting Maduro during the U.S. raid early Saturday.

It was the first time Cuban authorities acknowledged what was already widely known: that Cuban officers had been providing personal protection to the Venezuelan strongman.

Cuban protection for Venezuelas leader goes back to 2002, after then President Hugo Chavez was briefly detained during an attempted coup in 2002. Fidel Castro sent Cuban military and intelligence officers as bodyguards and advisors to take over Chavezs security and revamp the Venezuelan army and spy agencies.

Providing personal security and intelligence assessment to the Venezuelan leader was part of a grand bargain that led to Venezuelan oil flowing to Cuba. The agreement continued under Maduro.

Most of the high-ranking Cuban officers killed in the raid, including two colonels  Humberto Alfonso Roca Sanchez, 67, and Lazaro Evangelio Rodriguez Rodriguez, 62 were members of the Interior Ministry, which runs Cubas spy agencies and has a department in charge of personal protection services.

The list also identified 11 members of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

The men, the Cuban government said, fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of the facilities.

They proved no match for the U.S. forces conducting the operation. There were no casualties among U.S. forces. The Pentagon said Tuesday that seven service members were injured and five were already back on duty.

The capture of Maduro was the culmination of a chain of glaring mistakes made by Cubas intelligence agencies, which had previously gained a reputation inside the U.S. intelligence community for its capacity to infiltrate the U.S. government and run spy networks around the world.

Theyve been so good for so long, and then how do you miss this? said Chris Simmons, a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army and former career counterintelligence officer who helped catch Cuban spy Ana Belen Montes in the Pentagon.

In Venezuela, Cuban intelligence advisers missed the presence of the CIA, whose agents slipped into the country months before the raid to compile information about Maduros daily routine. And the Cubans likely provided Maduro with a flawed assessment of the situation, intelligence experts said.

It was no secret that the U.S. was amassing a large naval force and deploying armed assets to the region, which most experts regarded as a precursor to military action. But Cuban intelligence likely assessed that President Trump was not going to try to remove Maduro by force  the sort of risky, complex operation he ended up greenlighting.

Cuban intelligences exceptional knowledge and understanding of our tactics, techniques and procedures has historically made us very predictable, Simmons said. One of their biggest errors was failing to recognize that Trump is more unpredictable than they ever imagined.

Cuban intelligence might have gotten too complacent in believing that Trumps threats against Maduro were just that, an empty threat, comparing them with similar talk from other presidents against Cuba for more than six decades, experts say.

But Cuban spies, accustomed to studying U.S. military movements and analyzing their patterns, were also caught off guard by the clandestine operation itself, Simmons said.

Surprisingly, he noted, Cuban spy agencies seem to have lacked an understanding of how the Delta Force  officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta  operates. The Delta Force is a Tier 1 Special Mission Unit, the most elite type of unit in the special forces, tasked with highly sensitive missions, usually at night and with a minimal footprint.

If they want to become invisible, youll never see them coming, Simmons said. Secrecy standards and practices surrounding Tier One Units exceed anything else in the U.S. military. And the slow but steady buildup of military forces in the Caribbean provided a window to discreetly move Tier One assets under the guise of conventional special operations forces units.

Simmons, who served along with some of those special-missions units in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Cuban intelligence might have been fooled into believing that the U.S. was only deploying regular special forces units to conduct strikes on drug boats and interdictions of oil tankers in the Caribbean.

Unless you are on the vessels or have access to daily satellite photographs of our naval vessels, you wouldnt know that the Tier One were there. By the time they flew in on Saturday, its too late, Simmons said.

During the Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Maduro, U.S. forces launched a cyberattack that cut off electricity and shut down digital communications, took out radars, and bombed Venezuelan air defenses to clear the path for the helicopters carrying the special missions unit.

Whatever technology Venezuela has acquired in recent years from Russia, China and Iran, three U.S. adversaries with interests in the South American nation, didnt work.

The U.S. military actually made corridors of essentially digital darkness, where these otherwise invisible forces actually stayed in their black zone, Simmons said. So they really were, for all intents and purposes, invisible.

Ultimately, Cuban intelligence failed to tell Maduro that, in case of a U.S. attack, they could not effectively protect him.

The American operation was so perfect that no security service in the world could have stopped it, said Enrique Garcia, a former Cuban intelligence agent who is now living in Miami.

If Cuban security had been functioning properly and were up to date, they would have understood a long time ago that the Americans capabilities far surpass theirs from a technical standpoint, he added.

The big mistake comes from the Cubans, from selling Maduro the idea that they were going to guarantee his security, Garcia said. Cuba is the one that led Maduro astray.

2026 Miami Herald.

Visit miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 11, 2025. The Iwo Jima has been among the forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of U.S. Southern Command operations there. (Alice Hu/U.S. Navy)



The fleet of U.S. warships assembled in the Caribbean Sea during the run-up to Saturdays capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has begun to thin, officials said Wednesday, though the Trump administration is expected to continue military operations in the region.

The shift includes the relocation of the USS Iwo Jima and the USS San Antonio to waters north of Cuba in the Atlantic Ocean, defense officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the movements. At least one of the vessels could return to its home port in Norfolk in coming weeks, one official said. The vessels remain assigned to U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in much of Latin America, and could be moved into the Caribbean again if required, a second official said.

The moves reduce the number of U.S. troops in the Caribbean by a few thousand, to roughly 12,000, and come as it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will deploy any ground forces to Venezuela to stabilize security there. He has left the door open to the possibility, while officials say that any such deployment would be temporary and focused on protecting oil infrastructure.

Still, the vessels shift to the Atlantic underscores that their principal mission has been completed and indicates that the Trump administration may rein in the number of ships it keeps in the region as it balances multiple national security priorities.

Select Air Force assets  including Special Operations CV-22 aircraft used for combat search and rescue and MC-130s needed for aerial refueling  also have also departed, a third U.S. official said. Both airframes were used to support the Maduro raid, that official said.

Spokespeople for U.S. Southern Command and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.

The naval buildup began over the summer, with a three-ship task force led by the Iwo Jima among the first to be dispatched. The vessel, carrying Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed with the San Antonio and the USS Fort Lauderdale, which was still in the Caribbean as of Wednesday.

The buildup expanded significantly in October, when Hegseth ordered the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and several associated warships to redeploy from European waters to the Caribbean.

Last month, as he urged Maduro to leave, Trump also announced a blockade of all Venezuelan oil tankers under sanctions, and falsely claimed in a social media post that Venezuela was completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America. U.S. forces have since interdicted a handful of tankers, including two on Wednesday.

While Pentagon officials have not provided a full accounting of how its ships were used in the Maduro raid, comments from Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that both the Ford and Iwo Jima played key roles.

Caine, speaking at a news conference alongside Trump and other top national security advisers, said the operation included 150 aircraft launched from 20 different locations, including some at sea. Among the fighter jets involved were F-18s and EA-18s, Caine said. Both are deployed aboard the Ford.

After Maduro was captured by members of the Armys elite Delta Force, he was brought by helicopter to the Iwo Jima. Later in the day, he was flown to New York, ahead of his arraignment Monday on narco-trafficking charges.

Tara Copp contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press as Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on following U.S. military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 3, 2026. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has told Venezuelas interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, that her government must exclusively partner with the U.S. on oil production and favor the U.S. when selling heavy crude, ABC reported.

The U.S. is also demanding that Venezuela reduce its relationships with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, ABC reported, citing three unnamed people familiar. ABC said that Venezuela was told to kick out the four countries and sever economic ties.

The White House did not immediately respond for a request for comment on the report.

Its not immediately clear to what extent the U.S. would be seeking to remove China, Russia and others from Venezuelas economy. Any move to cut ties would represent a full political realignment for Venezuela, which has heavily relied on the quartet for economic and security stability in recent years under the governments of both Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

While senior U.S. officials have said the U.S. doesnt seek to occupy Venezuela, Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he intends to play a leading role in steering its future  and that much of that future would be financed by oil revenues. The administration plans to meet with U.S. oil companies within the next week to discuss investing in the South American nation.

Trump on Tuesday evening said Venezuela would start by sending the U.S. as much as 50 million barrels of oil  worth upwards of $2.8 billion at current benchmark prices for West Texas Intermediate  declaring it would be sold at market price with the proceeds to benefit both countries.

2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
China started an anti-dumping probe into a key chipmaking material from Japan, escalating the dispute between Asias largest economies shortly after Tokyo officials rebuked Beijing over potentially wide-ranging export controls.

The material, dichlorosilane, is mainly used in thin films needed to produce logic, memory, analog and other types of chips, according to Chinas Ministry of Commerce. The investigation should be completed within a year from Wednesday, but may extend an additional six months, it said in a statement.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The move marks the latest escalation in a dispute over comments on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in early November. A day earlier, Beijing announced export controls on items destined for Japan that could have military uses. Concerns over potential impacts to Japans key industries have brought down automaker shares while boosting rare-earth related stocks, though how China will actually implement its controls remains unclear.

Japan is the global leader in ultra-high purity dichlorosilane, which is used to process silicon wafers into semiconductors. China has sought to expand upstream in the chip supply chain, nurturing research and development of materials and tools that are the building blocks of semiconductor manufacturing.

Representatives for Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., which produces and uses dichlorosilane, declined to comment. Sumitomo Chemical Co. and Mitsubishi Chemical Co. also didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tokyo has protested Chinas announcement of export controls on items shipped to Japan that could have military uses. Bloombergs Minmin Low has the latest.Source: Bloomberg

Earlier Wednesday, Japans Foreign Ministry issued a formal protest to Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Shi Yong over Beijings export controls. Broad estimates show that dual-use items Japan imports from China total 10.7 trillion ($68.4 billion), roughly 42% of Japans total goods imports from China in 2024, according to Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at the Nomura Research Institute.

The measures target only our country and deviate significantly from international practice, Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters, adding that the steps were unacceptable. We intend to carefully examine and analyze the details and consider necessary responses, he said.

On Tuesday, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said that all dual-use items with military as well as commercial uses were banned from being exported to Japan if it could enhance Japans military capabilities, effective immediately. Details remain vague but the action could be significant for Japans imports from China  its largest trading partner. Asked whether the measures will impact Japans rare earth commerce with China, Kihara said the government is still assessing details.
A photo posted by the official X account of U.S. European Command on Jan. 7, 2026, shows a U.S. Coast Guard member looking at an Iran-linked oil tanker in the north Atlantic Ocean. (X)



U.S. forces seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in the north Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday after doggedly pursuing the vessel for more than two weeks, U.S. military officials said.

The operation was led by the Department of Homeland Security and supported by American military personnel, according to an X post by U.S. European Command.

The ship, formerly known as the Bella 1, was seized under a warrant issued by an American federal court after being tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro, EUCOM added.

On Tuesday, the tanker, now flying a Russian flag and renamed the Marinera, was sailing about 300 miles south of Iceland toward the North Sea.

The vessel was targeted for violating U.S. sanctions, and its seizure supports President Donald Trumps proclamation that such ships threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, EUCOM said in the post.

The ship was sanctioned in 2024 by the U.S. amid claims that it was smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Hezbollah is one of a number of Middle East proxy groups funded by Iran.

The seizure followed what appeared to be days of preparation by U.S. forces, including multiple Navy P-8 patrol and reconnaissance aircraft flights in the area near the tanker.

A Coast Guard cutter, presumably Munro, was videotaped shadowing the vessel earlier this week.

During the operation Wednesday, Russian naval vessels including a submarine were nearby, U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters.

Russian state-run media outlet RT reported the operation on X in a post that included pictures it said confirmed the attempt to board the vessel. The photos appear to have been taken from inside the ship and show military helicopters flying very close to it.

The Coast Guard stopped the tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Dec. 21 as it was heading to Venezuela to load with oil.

But the vessel, which originated in Iran and is considered part of a fleet of ships used to transport illicit oil around the world, refused the intended boarding and sailed into the Atlantic, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, U.S. Southern Command announced that the U.S. had apprehended a stateless, sanctioned tanker without incident during a predawn raid.

The vessel, the Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea and is now being escorted by the Coast Guard to the U.S., SOUTHCOM said in a post on X.

The tankers are part of a dark fleet that transports oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela to evade sanctions by the U.S., among other countries.

Recently, the U.S. has redoubled its efforts to stop them, including a complete blockade on those traveling to and from Venezuela.

The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X. Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce  as determined by the U.S.  will be permitted.
Aldrich H. Ames in 1995 reviews articles written about him, after being convicted for spying. (Frank Johnston/The Washington Post)



Aldrich H. Ames, the CIA officer whose spying for Moscow was the most damaging breach in the agencys history, reportedly causing the deaths of at least 10 recruited CIA or allied intelligence agents, died Jan. 5 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Md. He was 84.

His death was recorded in the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate database, which did not say how he died, and confirmed by a spokesman for the agency.

Financial troubles, immediate and continuing, Ames said matter-of-factly, were what led him to spy for the Soviet Union and to remain a double agent for nine years, until the moment of his arrest in February 1994. He had continued to spy for Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in late 1991.

But money, he said, was not the only reason he could justify to himself what became the Central Intelligence Agencys worst security loss in its then-47-year history.

When Ames was interviewed by The Washington Post at the jail in Alexandria, Va., nine weeks after his arrest, he calmly attributed his willingness to undertake what prosecutors described as a crime that caused people to die to a mentality shaped long before he began his work for the Soviets.

He had been in the spy and counterspy business for 31 years, usually disguised as a State Department official while working undercover as a CIA operative. That dual existence had caused him to compartmentalize his thinking, said Ames, who would plead guilty in court the next day.

Asked how he could sell sensitive secrets, given his loyalty oaths and his feelings about his country and his family, Ames replied, I tend to put some of these things in separate boxes, and compartment feelings and thoughts.

He added, I felt at least the way Im selling these guys down the river, Im exposing myself to the same fate.

Ames turned over to Moscow the names of recruited Soviet and Warsaw Pact agents and information about hundreds of intelligence operations. In return, he received more than $1 million in cash and was promised at least another $1 million and property in Russia.

Russian officials told author Pete Earley, who wrote a book about Ames, that the money Moscow owed Ames would be delivered to his wife and son in some way.

On April 28, 1994, in front of a packed courtroom that included his weeping wife, Rosario, and some former CIA colleagues, Ames said he betrayed a serious trust, but then he tried to play down the damage caused by what he had done as a double agent.

These spy wars, Ames said dryly, are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years.

In his plea agreement, Ames admitted to giving his KGB handler the names of virtually all Soviet agents of the CIA and other American and foreign services known to me along with a huge quantity of information on United States foreign, defense and security policies.

In a typically ironic turn of phrase, Ames added: For those persons in the former Soviet Union and elsewhere who may have suffered from my actions, I have the deepest sympathy, even empathy. We made similar choices and suffer similar consequences.

Aldrich H. Ames in 1994 after a court hearing. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)



A certain pride

Ames clearly took pride in what he offered the Soviets. During the interview the day before his court appearance, he said that, in 1985, when he started selling secrets, he was one of the most knowledgeable people in the intelligence community on the Russian intelligence service. And my access to information and my knowledge of the Soviets was such that I could get virtually anything I wanted.

There was this strange transfer of loyalties, he said. It wasnt to the Soviet system, which I believe was a beastly, inhuman, nasty regime. Instead, he suggested that he had become disillusioned with U.S. intelligence and had shifted his loyalty to a way of life and a world he considered above the petty concerns of governments.

At the time, Ames was in the middle of a divorce from his first wife, the former Nancy Segebarth, another CIA officer, and had fallen in love with Maria del Rosario Casas. They met in Mexico City, where she worked in the Colombian Embassy and he was meeting regularly with a KGB officer as they attempted to recruit each other.

While in Washington in April 1985, he walked into the Soviet Embassy and offered up the names of two CIA-recruited agents, for which he was later given $50,000. Some months after that, he followed up with the names of all the Soviet and Warsaw Pact agents he knew the CIA and FBI had recruited, without immediately asking for money. The Soviets, intrigued, told him that he would eventually receive up to $2 million.

A year later, the CIA transferred him to Rome, where he continued to hand over documents on a regular basis. Back in Washington in 1989, he began making document transfers, using hiding places in obscure areas, and signals left on mailboxes and utility poles.

Although the CIA and FBI were aware that secrets were being stolen - as their Russian agents began to disappear - it took years to focus on Ames. His lifestyle in the Washington area, a Jaguar and a $540,000 house bought for cash in Virginia, had raised no questions.

Ames was 52 when he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. He pleaded guilty as part of an agreement that provided leniency to his then-41-year-old wife, Rosario, who had been charged as a participant in the spying.

At the time, their son, Paul, was 5 and had gone to live with his grandmother in Colombia. Rosario was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, but she was released after four years, in part so she could return to her home in Bogota and to her son.

At the Allenwood, Pennsylvania, maximum-security prison, Ames studied law in the prison library and filed several lawsuits. In 1998, he went before a federal judge in Pennsylvania to fight a $404,392 tax bill from the IRS, which was seeking back taxes and penalties on the more than $1 million he received from Moscow for espionage between 1989 and 1992. He lost the case.

In prison, Ames met with Robert Benedetti, a film producer who was an acquaintance from their time together at the University of Chicago. Benedetti interviewed Ames in prison, and the result was a 1998 movie that aired on the Showtime cable network: Aldrich Ames: Traitor Within, with Timothy Hutton as Ames.

Parents were teachers

Aldrich Hazen Ames was born in River Falls, Wisconsin, on May 26, 1941. His father, Carleton, was a professor at what is now the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. His mother, the former Rachel Aldrich, taught English at the local high school.

In 1952, the family moved to the Virginia suburbs, and his father went to work for the CIAs clandestine service. Carleton Ames retired in 1967 at age 62.

Meanwhile, in 1957, young Rick Ames got a summer job at the CIA marking classified documents for filing after his sophomore year at McLean High School. He returned to the CIA job the following two summers before going to the University of Chicago to major in drama.

He dropped out of college, worked in Chicago for a year and then returned to the Washington area and a clerk-typist job at the CIA. He spent five years getting a degree from George Washington University, and, in 1967, he was accepted in the CIA Career Trainee Program, which led to his becoming a CIA case officer.

Despite repeated reports of a drinking problem, he was assigned in the early 1990s to the CIAs Counterintelligence Center Analysis Group, where he had access to the names of double agent operations.

In September 2015, some 170 letters that Ames sent to his sister Nancy describing his 11 years in Allenwood were put up for auction. In them, according to a sales brochure, Ames describes plans for legal appeals with his attorney, reports on a serious prison guard threat, arranges for newspaper and television interviews, [and] reveals a lengthy and very cultivated accounting of the books and magazines he reads in prison.

The auction house put an estimated price on the hundreds of handwritten pages at $10,000 to $12,000. A subsequent news column reported that they sold for $4,000.

Over the years, Ames kept up with events that interested him. In 2000, he sent a handwritten letter to Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists, commenting on Aftergoods article on polygraphs in Science magazine.

Ames began caustically, Having had considerable experience with the polygraph (well beyond that which you referred to), and went on to critique the practice and practitioners, saying, Like most junk science that just wont die (graphology, astrology and homeopathy come to mind), because of the usefulness or profit their practitioners enjoy, the polygraph stays with us.

Years earlier, he had beaten the polygraphers, and he did not want anyone to forget that.

Pincus, a former Washington Post reporter covering national security issues, reported on the Ames case as it unfolded.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to sailors Jan. 5, 2026, aboard the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, which is under construction at Newport News, Va. Hegseth last month directed all of his agency's departments to award with bonuses up to $25,000 to the top 15% of their civilian employees. (Kaitlyn Bailey/U.S. Navy)



Defense Department civilians deemed to be their agencys best performers could reap a substantial cash bonus by the end of the month, depending on funding availability.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month directed departments across the Pentagon to recognize the top 15% of their civilian employees with bonuses worth 15% to 25% of their basic pay, up to $25,000.

The guidance doesnt spell out specific criteria for determining how to assess which employees make up that upper echelon.

I am enormously grateful for the incredible contributions of our entire civilian workforce, and I am proud to work with everyone in the Department, military and civilian, in defending our nation, Hegseth said in a Dec. 15 memorandum he signed directing the initiative.

The monetary incentive for federal employees was authorized around the same time Hegseth and President Donald Trump announced a one-time warrior dividend of $1,776 for roughly 1.4 million active-duty and eligible reserve service members.

Those checks were diverted and paid from funds already appropriated by Congress in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to supplement troops basic housing allowance.

The civilian bonuses are to be drawn from within agency budgets, under existing authorities for each pay system, including general schedule, federal wage system, senior professional and senior executive service, according to the Pentagon memo.

Department heads should coordinate with their financial management and comptroller organizations for budget planning and confirm funding availability for the awards, Hegseth said in the memo.

The bonuses are to be paid by Jan. 30 and are independent of any previous awards given, he said.

Managers are authorized to fund awards beyond the 15%, but any overages must be allocated from internal budgets, Hegseth said.

Some respondents on the r/FedNews subreddit expressed doubt that their agencies had money to support the initiative.

Sent a note to staff about this to point out that one $25K bonus would be more than our offices annual budget, said a post from late December. No extra funding was allocated for this. So its kind of a joke.

Another comment alluded to the loss of tens of thousands of Defense Department employees in the nearly one year since President Donald Trumps second term began.

I guess Pete doesnt know about the drastic budget cuts were working under, the Reddit user said.

Most employees left through voluntary separation, via buyouts or early retirement, Defense One reported.

Civilian DOD workers demonstrated resilience and commitment despite working through a period of uncertainty and adversity during the past year, including the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Hegseth said in the memo.

He highlighted what he called the departments historic successes in defending the homeland and securing peace in the Middle East.

Hegseth also praised DOD civilian workers dedication to executing the transformational changes necessary to revive the warrior ethos, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence.
Travelers flying on JetBlue Airlines are in for some bad news. The airline has announced that multiple flights will stop running permanently after March 11, 2026.

Customers have already booked many of these flights. While the airline has some options available for those whose flights will be canceled, travelers are likely to be disappointed by the fact that they have to rebook with a new carrier.

Here are the flights JetBlue has announced will be canceled, along with some details about why the airline has decided to discontinue these flight routes for good.

JetBlue is canceling several flights, including one to a popular spring break destination.TheStreet  TheStreet

Which flights is JetBlue Airlines canceling permanently?

Airline Geeks reported on JetBlue Airlines flight cancellations, which include the following.

Flights between Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Flights between New York's LaGuardia Airport and Tampa, Fla.

Flights between New York and Tulum, Mexico

The end of the New York/Tulum flight is particularly notable, as Airline Geeks reports that JetBlue is exiting this Mexican leisure market entirely. However, it doesnt mean JetBlue is pulling all planes from the country.

The carrier noted it will continue to serve other major destinations in Mexico, including nearby Cancun, Airline Geeks reported.

When will JetBlues permanent flight cancellations take effect?

The final day these flights will operate is March 11, 2026.

The timing is somewhat surprising, as March is the classic spring break period, and many people plan to travel during this time, including to one of the destinations where JetBlue is discontinuing flights.

In fact, AAAs 2025 Travel Trends and Spring Break Destinations survey reported that:

Tampa was the eighth most popular domestic spring break destination

The average round-trip ticket during the 2025 spring break season was $820 for domestic cities

Those who wanted to leave via LaGuardia Airport to spend their spring break in Tampa will be out of luck if they had hoped JetBlue would get them there.

Why is JetBlue canceling these flights permanently?

According to Airline Geeks:

JetBlue is canceling the Boston/Dallas and the New York/Tampa routes to redeploy aircraft and crews to new and high-performing markets.

JetBlue is joining multiple airlines that have canceled Tulum flights, as demand for travel to the destination has dropped.

Customers have the option to receive refunds

Affected customers will have several options if their flights are canceled, including:

Traveling to a different nearby airport

Being rebooked with a connecting flight

Receiving a full refund to their original payment method

Travelers will need to decide which option makes sense for them, given their travel needs.

Since the flight cancellations are not expected to occur until March, travelers have time to find alternatives.

Travelers are likely to be disappointed by JetBlue flight cancellations

Although route shakeups like this are part of life, travelers may still be disappointed about the permanent end of these JetBlue flights, especially as JetBlue stands out from other competitors in important ways.

For example, WalletHub conducted a survey to determine the best airlines and found that JetBlue Airlines ranked as the most comfortable. JetBlue Airways, along with Hawaiian Airlines, leads the pack in terms of in-flight experience, offering free amenities such as Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages, WalletHub shared.

More Airlines:

AirAdvisor also ranked airlines in terms of the cheapest and found that JetBlue ranked high for affordability. Specifically, the lowest-cost airlines in the U.S. included:

Frontier

Spirit

Hawaiian Airlines

JetBlue

AirAdvisor explained, JetBlues revenue per seat mile averaged out to $0.131, very close to our next carrier. JetBlue is also among the most comfortable U.S.-based airlines, so this combination of flight comfort and price is ideal!

Unfortunately, with these flights ending permanently, passengers who travel on the canceled routes will no longer have access to this ideal option.

Related: TSA is leaving this airport forever with no plans to return

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Rafael Aguilar Sevilla Wednesday, 7 January 2026 | Updated 09/01/2026 18:28h. Share

Companies are increasingly turning to private detectives to keep an eye on employees they suspect are exploiting their right to sick leave. In the last year, the number of cases of possible sick leave fraud accounted for 80% of the cases handled by private investigators in Andalucia.

These figures have been provided by the Andalusian branch of the professional association of private detectives of Spain (APDE), whose spokesperson is Jose Alberto Dominguez, director of the Domca Detectives office in Seville. "The services offered by a private detective are mostly in the economic, commercial, labour, family and marital spheres. The main weight, however, corresponds to the labour sphere," Dominguez says.

"In our office and in general in the sector, approximately 80% of the cases are labour-related. Of these, around 90% are related to allegedly faked sick leave, absenteeism, unfair competition or professional malpractice," he states, adding that around eight out of ten cases in this area of activity are resolved in favour of companies. In other words, it is proved that the worker is engaging in fraud by irregularly using their sick leave.

An unsustainable situation

The question is why are private detectives increasingly being hired to track the activity and suspicious behaviour of employees? Dominguez has the answer: "Because the situation is already unsustainable: before the two recent major economic crises, 2008 and Covid-19, companies could afford to not care about absenteeism as much. They could bear its costs, but not anymore, because their profits have been reduced and they have less margin, so they are stricter."

The latest Randstad report on absenteeism confirms an increase to 7%, which means nearly 1.6 million employees absent every day - a clearly unsustainable situation for any company.

'Before, companies could afford to not care about absenteeism. They could bear the costs, but not anymore, because their profits have been reduced and they have less margin'

For the time being, the detectives' activity primarily focuses on possible labour fraud in private companies and hardly enters into the area of public administration.

The case of Fuengirola

Fuengirola town hall stirred a debate in the summer of 2025 by proposing to hire detectives in order to reduce absenteeism, but the measure did not go ahead as it did not achieve a sufficient majority in the municipal council.

The regional government of Andalucia (the Junta), however, has previously activated this control system. In 2023, the regional ministry of industry and energy hired a company to deal with cases of "unjustified absenteeism" among the staff of the technical vehicle inspection services (ITV). The private company was contracted for 36,293 euros and a period of two years, with the possibility of two extensions of 12 months.

This boom in the activity of private detectives in Andalucia comes at a time when companies engaged in such practices are in the process of creating their own professional association.

In December 2024, Consejo de Gobierno, at the request of Asociacion de Detectives Privados de Andalucia, began processing the draft bill for an association. The legal text was ratified last November. The group had requested the creation of a professional association at regional level several times. Such associations already exist in other regions, such as Catalonia, Galicia and Valencia.

What do detectives expect from the association? Dominguez says that: "The creation of the professional association has been a historical demand of the sector for more than 30 years. We are now at the fourth attempt, which seems to be definitive."

"Andalucia is home to just over 17% of the private detective offices in Spain, totalling around 250, with a sustained growth trend. There are currently three official associations: in Barcelona, Galicia and Valencia, but not in Andalucia, despite the region having six universities that offer such a degree. This means that, in many cases, we have to register outside our region," he says.

Although joining the college is not mandatory, "it does provide a mark of trust and guarantee for clients, as well as an effective tool against unqualified practitioners", as Dominguez believes. The creation of the professional association will help promote and dignify the profession and allow for stronger dialogue with certain public administration bodies," he says.
Installation of the Tokamak reactor promoted by the University of Seville with the support of the Andalusian regional government.

The regional government (Junta) is aiming to make Andalucia an international benchmark for nuclear fusion with two scientific facilities it is promoting in Granada and Seville.

These projects are seeking to find clean and unlimited sources of energy and to generate knowledge, employment and technological opportunities with high added value.

The infrastructure in question are the Ifmif-Dones particle accelerator, planned for the Granada municipality of Escuzar, and the Tokamak Smart reactor, which is being built by the University of Seville.

The regional ministry of university, research and innovation has earmarked 219.95 million euros to promote these two 'world-class' research facilities that it hopes will make Andalucia an international hub for nuclear fusion.

The Junta's contribution to the two centres comes mainly from the Feder Andalucia 2021-2027 programme. Ifmif-Dones also has self-financing resources. The particle accelerator accounts for the vast bulk of the funds (211.95 million).

These funds will be transferred to the project in tranches up to 2033 and represent 50% of the investment committed by Spain, with the other half to be provided by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

The accelerator's main mission is to test, validate and qualify materials to be used in future nuclear fusion power plants. The project will be developed over an estimated period of 30 years, with the construction and commissioning phase lasting about ten years. Once completed, the operational phase will begin, running from 2035 to 2055.

According to the Junta, it will be a unique facility that will be essential in validating the components that will operate under extreme conditions inside fusion reactors, which is key to move towards commercial fusion power generation.

Its construction and operation will be carried out with the participation of numerous countries and scientific institutions, with Spain and Andalucia playing a central role by hosting the accelerator, constructing the building and housing the international team responsible for its start-up.

Its impact on the Andalusian economy and society will be exceptional, as its development will generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout its life cycle and will boost high value-added industrial sectors such as advanced engineering, materials manufacturing, vacuum technologies, scientific instrumentation and industrial control. It will also attract top-level research talent to the region's universities and technology centres.

The University of Seville project, which will receive eight million euros in funding from the Junta de Andalucia, will build the first spherical Tokamak, which will be an experimental device for controlled nuclear fusion. It will use a vacuum chamber and very powerful magnetic fields to confine and heat a plasma to extreme temperatures in order to fuse atoms and generate clean energy which, in the first phase, will produce enough to supply the city of Seville.
Jose Antonio Sau Wednesday, 7 January 2026 | Updated 08/01/2026 09:19h. Share

Cristina Cosano Rosales, 39, has faced more in her life than most could ever imagine. Born in Cordoba and living in Malaga city, her battle with a rare, life-threatening disease has been a constant struggle.

Diagnosed with non-clonal mast cell activation syndrome  a condition that causes the immune system's mast cells to overreact, triggering extreme allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock and bronchospasm  Cristina has been admitted to intensive care 14 times and spent years trying to get a diagnosis, but she has never thrown in the towel.

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, with a drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Sometimes it causes bronchospasm, which is the narrowing of the bronchial tubes and causes wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

This has been the reality for Cristina since she started suffering from the disease at the age of 23 until, after an endless pilgrimage through hospitals, she was able to put a name to what was happening to her at the age of 26. "They are the cells that are in charge of inflammatory activity and the body's response is an allergic reaction. It has brought me to the brink of death," she explains to SUR.

Epilepsy

In addition to this, she was diagnosed with epilepsy as an adult, the episodes of which provoke the same responses in her. "Every time I have a seizure, the block is triggered," she explains, adding: "I have had anaphylactic shock in every possible circumstance." Her case, however, is more serious than that of other sufferers. In fact, she says, she has never met anyone "with as much activation" as she has had in her body.

She improved a lot from 2018 onwards. Until then, she was continuously admitted to hospital and has been in the ICU 13 or 14 times. "Neither the anaphylactic shocks, convulsions and bronchospasms could stop me. They put me in the ICU until I recovered and then back to the ward," she says.

The doctors realised that when she was about to get her period, these virulent reactions were triggered, so they decided to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries. Since then, she has not had to be admitted to hospital again. "For me, quality of life means that I am not in hospital, that I am not in the ICU, but at home: I take high doses of corticoids, I have a biological treatment that I administer at home, and I use a port-a-cath, because many of my veins have been destroyed" she explains.

The diagnosis was elusive: some doctors even looked for psychological or psychiatric causes in the face of continuous hospital admissions

The disease often takes a long time to be diagnosed. "At first they (doctors) thought it was a mental issue." She spent two weeks in a hospital in Malaga and before that, three months in the Reina Sofia. A psychiatrist told her that he saw no signs of a mental illness and then she was referred to the regional university hospital in Malaga.

"There was a year in which I was admitted 60 or 70 times: I went to the civil hospital with allergic reactions," she says, adding immediately: "There was a time when doctors doubted me: they would tell me that I was seeking attention, that it was all in my head, that I had some issue with my partner; they tried to address every possible psychosomatic and psychiatric problem."

This was until she was seen by the specialist in internal medicine at the regional hospital, Dr Ivan Perez de Pedro. "He believed in the diagnosis and saw it more clearly." She was sent to Barcelona and Toledo, whose hospitals have specific services to treat this type of illness. It was in Toledo that the diagnosis was confirmed.

She had her daughter in 2013, "From the time I had Daniela, those three or four years, until they decided to remove my fallopian tubes, the most I was out of hospital was a month and a half. I was admitted and they gave me morphine, very high doses of corticoids, immunoglobulin, and then I had to wait for the flare-up to pass, which was becoming increasingly severe," she says.

A pattern

"They saw that a pattern was repeating itself, which was that every time I was about to get my period, I had to go straight to the ICU. I've been 13 or 14 times and it was like: 'We don't know what to do,'" she explains.

In addition to being a teacher, she has studied several vocational training modules during her hospital stays and in 2025 she started a work placement. She has a recognised disability of 69 per cent.

""There is no record of anyone with the activation I have had having had their fallopian tubes and ovaries removed; I would have liked to find one"

Are there more cases like yours? "With so much activation, no: there is no medical reference showing that a person with the level of activation Ive had has had their fallopian tubes and ovaries removed. I would have liked to find a reference, I dont know, so I could have relied on that person or spoken to someone, or that they might have understood me a little better, she says.

"Thanks to the professionals"

She thanks the professionals of the regional hospital and says: "You don't have to be unhappy with a rare disease." She spends her time walking around the port and the mountains of Malaga."I have always been very optimistic, perhaps too much so."

.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a minor on New Year's Eve in Malaga The alleged perpetrator is accused of taking advantage of the fact that the girl, who was traveling with her family, was intoxicated in the hostel bathroom.

Maria Jose Diaz Alcala Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 11:05 Share

The National Police have arrested a 37-year-old man for an alleged sexual assault on a 16-year-old minor at a hostel in the heart of Malaga city centre.

He is accused of 'inappropriate touching'. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve at a hostel located in Plaza del Carbon, where both individuals were staying. According to sources consulted by SUR, the alleged perpetrator took advantage of the fact that the minor, who was traveling with her family, was intoxicated in the hostel bathroom to sexually assault her.

After being alerted to the incident, the hotel receptionist notified the police. A unit from the National Police arrived at the scene and interviewed those involved. The officers then arrested the suspect for his alleged responsibility in a crime of sexual assault against a minor, the provincial police station has confirmed.

This was not the only incident the police had to contend with on New Year's Eve. The Local Police also had to clear around 100 people from a party being held in an industrial park in Malaga city without the necessary permits for this type of event, as SUR reported.

The intervention took place at approximately 1.30am on 1 January on the Alameda industrial park. Several patrols assigned to monitor these types of events went to the warehouse and confirmed that a large party was underway, charging a ten-euro entrance fee that included one drink.
Jollibee Foods Corp. will spin off its international business and list it on a US stock exchange as the Philippine fast-food group plots its global expansion, an announcement that fueled its shares largest single-day surge since 2008.

Jollibee, which increasingly is taking aim at global fast-food giants such as McDonalds and Yum! Brands Inc. from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City, said Tuesday said it has hired international and local advisers to work on the spinoff and potential US listing. Jollibee Foods Corporation International would include all of the companys businesses outside its home market, the company said in a statement filed to the Philippine Stock Exchange, where its Philippine operations will remain listed.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Jollibee shares  after a one-hour trading halt  closed 14.5% higher, the most since October 2008. It was the top gainer among 30 firms that make up the Philippines broader stock index, which rose 2.49%, and the best performer in Asia on Tuesday.

Establishing two listed businesses is designed to sharpen the strategic focus of each company and enhance the clarity of each equity story, Jollibee said.

The spinoff would allow investors to value the stable, cash-generative Philippine business separately from the higher-growth but more volatile international operations, COL Financial Group analyst Rachelle Biacora said in a note. However, the companys domestic unit may have a lower market value, which could affect its weighting in some stock indexes, she added.

This clearer separation sharpens strategic focus and gives investors more targeted exposure, said Jasper Timoteo Ondap, Regina Capital Development in Manila.

Jollibee shareholders would receive a number of shares in the international business equal to their company holdings at the time of the listing, the company said.

The food giant owns several brands, including its iconic Jollibee chain known for its sweet-style spaghetti and crispy fried chicken.

Jollibee is building its international profile, striking 27 cross-border deals worth around $1.1 billion since 2000, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That includes US brands such as Smashburger and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, which Jollibee struggled to turn around, and recently, South Koreas Compose Coffee.

The group had 10,304 stores as of September, of which 6,859 were located overseas across over 30 countries, including China, Canada and Vietnam. International business generated around 43% of Jollibees 224.2 billion pesos ($3.8 billion) revenue from January to September, up from its 28% share in 2019 and 21% portion in 2017, company data show.
Paco Grinan Malaga Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 15:40 Share

World-renowned mystery and crime writer Agatha Christie lends Netflix the plot for the platform's first big production of 2026, following the Stranger Things finale on January 1. The three episodes of Seven Dials are set to premiere on January 15.

The miniseries format is a common strategy for Netflix, as it caters to the appeal of binge-watching a captivating show in one sitting. The adaptation is poised for success for several reasons: the stamp of the legendary queen of mystery, an engaging plot, and a storyline that begins with a murder and takes the protagonists from the British countryside to Ronda.

Without giving too much away, the iconic locations of this Serrania town appear in the opening scenes of this much-anticipated miniseries, which transports viewers back to 1920s Ronda.

Among the historical settings featured are Fuente de los Ocho Canos, the emblematic Puente Nuevo, Palacio del Rey Moro, Arco de Felipe V, Parque de la Alameda del Tajo, and the bullring of Real Maestranza de Caballeria.

Seven Dials comes just weeks after Netflix released the latest installment of the Knives Out mystery films, which played a role in the resurgence of Agatha Christie's works. Instead of a modern-day setting, this miniseries embraces a period atmosphere, taking viewers back to 1925 for the story of a masquerade ball at a luxurious country mansion attended by the elite of British politics, industry, and aristocracy.

The victim in this tale is a man who turns up dead, much to the surprise of his eight colleagues, who were planning to prank him with eight alarm clocks. His death seems suspicious, and one of the clocks goes missing, while the other seven show different times.

From the very beginning of the miniseries, viewers will recognize Ronda's iconic locations, but presented within the context of a 1920s setting.

In contrast to her famous detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, in this novel Agatha Christie introduces a younger investigatorLady Eileen "Bundle" Brent. This perceptive and curious detective must unravel a complex plot that moves beyond the country mansion, eventually involving a secret society.

The role of the central detective is played by British actress Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex), and the cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), Ed Bluemel (Killing Eve, Sex Education), Nabhaan Rizwan (who filmed another ultimately canceled Netflix project, Kaos, in Malaga), and Martin Freeman (Sherlock, The Hobbit).

In Seven Dials, Freeman portrays Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard, who serves as the counterpoint to the hard-working and tireless Lady Brent. "The production did an incredible job adapting the novel to the 1920s; its really magical," the actor said. He added that he joined the miniseries after reading the script by Chris Chibnall (Doctor Who, Broadchurch), which blends intrigue, plot twists, and a touch of humor. "It's fun and captures the spirit of Agatha Christies original writing," Freeman said.

Seven Dials is produced by Imaginary Friends and Agatha Christie Limited. Palma Pictures, a company specializing in the filming of foreign and Hollywood series and films, played a major role in the production of the miniseries in Ronda. Palma Pictures is also the company that brought The Crown to Malaga when the series was looking for locations to depict scenes set in Australia. Additionally, Palma Pictures was behind the production of the British mafia drama series The City Is Ours, filmed along the Costa del Sol and in Antequera, and released by Movistar.
Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 14:02 Share

The first statement of intent for 2026 in the tourism industry is that it will consolidate its role as a key strategic activity for the economy, after closing 2025 with national figures that speak for themselves: around 97 million international tourists; three million jobs; approximately 200 billion euros in revenue; a positive balance of payments of 67 billion; and a direct contribution to GDP that studies soon to be published put at 21 per cent.

Manuel Lara, director in Spain and Portugal of the Malaga-based American company Simpleview, points out the challenges facing Spanish tourism. He considers that it is a year marked by a profound transformation in new factors such as the need to focus on the well-being of the resident and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve the equation of being sustainable and competitive.

Simpleview, which helps more than a thousand tourist destinations and 6,000 public institutions in their digitisation process, also sees the redistribution of tourist flows as a priority challenge, as well as firmly tackling governance between public administrations. The starting point, says Lara, is that "Spain has decided to forgo nearly 75 per cent of the credits it was entitled to from the European recovery fund. The figure is strong enough to have opened an immediate national debate. However, it has largely gone under the radar."

Management Anticipation as an added value

Lara explains that Spanish tourism reaches 2026 with record figures, but with unresolved structural challenges. And he says that "the renunciation of these funds is not the cause of the problem, but the most visible symptom of a way of managing based on reaction and not anticipation". Hence he considers that "the first major challenge is obvious: we were not prepared to absorb large-scale transformation".

"Many destinations and administrations did not meet deadlines or were unable to comply with the terms and conditions. It is no coincidence that some directly declined the aid, nor that Spain decided not to apply for most of the available loans. The consequence is not just losing funding: it is losing time while others make progress."

Sustainability The urgency of redistributing tourist flows

The fact that six regions, including Andalucia, account for 90 per cent of the countrys international tourism revenue paints a picture that highlights the urgent need to tackle the redistribution of tourist flows decisively. This involves focusing on developing products and services in towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, and encouraging provincial brands to invest in these towns, breaking the current pattern where 7080 per cent of promotional efforts are concentrated in the larger towns. Lara suggests organising the roles of the brands and the territory.

"The country brand should help balance flows and redistribute economic impact; communities should design strategies tailored to each province, because each one has its own rhythm; and the provinces should activate territories that have been waiting for their opportunity for years, mainly towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. Not to take away the spotlight, but to make it more competitive."

Welfare The resident as protagonist

At a time when tourism is beginning to generate controversy, the head of Simpleview in Spain and Portugal believes that the challenge for mature destinations is to bring the resident into the equation of territorial development, traveller satisfaction and resident well-being. "We have to unite the vertices of this triangle to ensure that tourism is sustainable. Destinations have begun to understand this new context. An example of this is Andalucia's new treatment campaign."

Mainstreaming Aiming for inter-administrative governance

In Andalucia and on the Costa del Sol, cooperation between administrations and the private sector is a natural way of working in the tourism industry. A successful strategy that Simpleview believes should be extended to public managers to do the same between administrations in order to highlight the transversal nature of this sector. "We must address an alignment between administrations with cross-cutting competencies," he says, stressing that "tourism is not the problem". "The problem is to continue relying on inertia" and to remember that "tourism has always been part of the solution.

"And it will continue to be if we manage it as what it is: a strategic pillar of the country."

Technology The AI breakthrough that will change the way we work

The head of Simpleview in Spain and Portugal highlights the impact that the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) will have this year, not only in terms of establishing new mechanisms with tourists, but also as a tool for automating tasks that will allow human capital to focus on providing a better customer experience by relieving itself of tasks that AI can now perform. Lara insists that the sector has to face the challenges of this new tool that will play a fundamental role in the digitisation of tourism. "AI is going to change everything in all sectors and in tourism we have to work to gain in competitiveness, sustainability and better service to the traveller," Lara says. "The destinations that will gain in competitiveness in 2026 will not be those that accumulate more technology, but those that prepare in advance and better integrate data, governance and territory," he adds.

Promotion Country partnerships to attract tourists from distant markets

In a period of constant price increases and to prevent these rising rates from taking their toll, Lara suggests focusing on distant countries with higher-spending travellers. To attract them more effectively, he proposes breaking down barriers and establishing partnerships between countries to promote, for example, itineraries such as Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. He warns that the figures do not guarantee the future.
Ander Azpiroz Madrid Wednesday, 7 January 2026 | Updated 08/01/2026 15:12h. Share

The main European countries have expressed their support for Danish sovereignty over Greenland in the face of Donald Trump's desire to annex the Arctic island, which is rich in natural resources.

Spain has joined France, the UK, Germany, Poland and Italy in signing a manifesto to remind the US president that Denmark is a Nato ally and that Greenland plays a strategic role in the defence of the North Atlantic.

European nations have pointed to the UN Charter, which guarantees sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. Despite the existence of these three principles, Trump has not hesitated to set them aside in order to intervene in Venezuela. "It is up to Denmark and Greenland, and to them alone, to decide on matters that concern them," the joint statement concludes.

Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez announced his full support for the Danish government, led by Socialist PM Mette Frederiksen, in a social media post. Sanchez highlighted the importance of respecting international law: "Respect for the sovereignty of countries is essential for peace. That was the greatest lesson of the 20th century. Let us not forget it."

Rare earth elements

Emboldened by the successful capture of Nicolas Maduro, Trump has once again stated his desire to annex Greenland. The Danish island is rich in rare earth elements, as its surface contains areas with 17 elements that play an essential role in the manufacture of advanced technological devices. "We need Greenland for national security reasons," Trump said on Monday. "You know what Denmark has done lately for security? They added one more dog sled," he said, joking with a reporter.

Despite opposition from European allies, Trump warned that he will address the future of Greenland in two months' time.
St. Josephs Health announced Dr. Meghna Cheruvatath, a board-certified physician, has joined St. Josephs Physicians Primary Care in Fayetteville, after recently completing her residency in family medicine at St. Josephs.

>> Send us your companys news about People in Motion

Dr. Cheruvatath, originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelor of science in human biology. She went on earn her doctor of medicine degree at Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados.

Upon returning to the United States, Dr. Cheruvatath received leadership awards and was named chief resident during her last year of post-graduate training with St. Josephs Health.

If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The first of six men charged in connection with an alleged drug ring operating out of Parkside Commons apartment complex in Syracuse was sentenced Tuesday.

Victor Medina-Parilla, 33, previously pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption, a state law similar to the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO, and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Medina-Parilla admitted to aiding a criminal enterprise that sold drugs out of apartment 205 in the Parkside Commons 2119 apartment tower between February and May 2025.

He also admitted to selling fentanyl on May 7.

In exchange for his guilty pleas, he was sentenced to four years in state prison.

He is the first person to be sentenced and the second to plead guilty, prosecutor Alphonse Williams said. Julio Franco-Osorio pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in July. His sentencing has not been scheduled. Medina-Parilla pleaded guilty in November.

Williams said the group modeled their narcotics business after a legitimate business. They would have regular hours of operation when customers could come and purchase narcotics at any time, according to the indictment.

The operation had employees who would execute shift changes during operating hours, according to the indictment. He said that roles were clearly divided in the operation.

You have one person providing the product, Williams said, youll have a person, for lack of a better word, in a managerial position that is overseeing what is going on with the lesser-ranked employee.

The group disabled security systems in the apartment tower to allow non-residents to enter the building for purchases, according to the indictment.

The group also used apartment 307 as a stash room, according to the complaint. A majority of the drugs, cash and paraphernalia were found in apartment 307. The drugs were then brought to apartment 205 for sale, according to the complaint.

Around $80,000 and 1500 grams of cocaine were recovered inside a Parkside Commons apartment during the execution of a search warrant targeting an alleged drug ring. Provided by Syracuse Police

Jesus Berrios-Ortiz, Jean Carlos Calderon, Jorge Lacen-Pizarro and Eric Figueroa-Berrios still face a maximum of 25 years if convicted of the enterprise corruption charge.

To prove the allegations, prosecutors must outline a pattern of criminal activity.

A pattern is proven by three or more connected criminal acts, or pattern acts, committed by members or associates of the criminal enterprise to achieve a larger goal within five years.

In this case, the goal of the enterprise is alleged to be a large drug trafficking operation out of Parkside Commons.
Update Wednesday: On Wednesday, prosecutor Rob Moran clarified the autopsy findings for a janitor who was found dead inside the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School last January.

Brian DeForge died from heart failure caused by cardiovascular disease, but exposure to carbon monoxide was a contributing factor, he said. DeForge did not have toxic levels of the gas in his blood but he breathed in carbon monoxide which put stress on his heart, the prosecutor said.

Original article

Syracuse, N.Y.  A janitor found dead inside the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School last January died from heart failure caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office.

School employees found Brian DeForge dead in the schools cafeteria on Jan. 7, 2025. He had worked at the school for about three years.

When emergency responders arrived, a carbon monoxide detector on Syracuse firefighters equipment went off, indicating elevated levels of the gas inside the building.

Twelve adults were evaluated at the scene and five were taken to the hospital with symptoms consistent with mild to moderate carbon monoxide exposure, officials said. Most of those affected were working in the kitchen area, where carbon monoxide levels were highest.

In the days and weeks after DeForges death, family members said they believed his death could have been prevented and assumed it was related to the high carbon monoxide levels found in the school.

His sister, Kathryn Duvergel, said DeForge loved his job. As a night janitor, he made a point to share a laugh or conversation with any students or staff he encountered during his shifts, she said.

Later in January, about 20 people gathered outside the school for a candlelight vigil in the snow and cold. Attendees placed candles, balloons and photos of DeForge along a chain-link fence near the schools front entrance.

When he wasnt working, DeForge enjoyed spending time with his two cats and his friends, Duvergel said at the time.

Every Sunday, he would sit outside Assumption Church at 812 N. Salina St. with a friend, she said. He would get food from the church, talk and sometimes feed the birds nearby.

***

Brian DeForges obituary

***
Penn Yan, N.Y. - A Syracuse woman accused of abandoning her child and two dogs in an uninhabitable home in Yates County has turned herself in, police said.

In September 2023, Penn Yan police found that a 13-year-old child had been left in a home in the village for two weeks, the Penn Yan Police Department said in a news release.

The police announced Tuesday that the woman, Ashley A. Montgomery, 43, had turned herself in. Police said she previously failed to respond to police outreach and officers were unable to locate her.

The child had no resources or money when found, police said. The child was confirmed to be Montgomerys by Thomas Dunham, the Penn Yan police chief.

The child was unharmed and has been moved to a safe location with the help of child protective services, police said. The dogs were taken by animal control and re-homed.

The home was later deemed uninhabitable and was condemned by village code enforcement.

Police were initially involved after a receiving a report that Montgomerys child had been going to a friends house to get food, Dunham said. The parents of the friend called police with concerns.

A neighbor had also called police saying they thought an abandoned child was living in the home, Dunham said.

Montgomery was charged Monday with

Abandonment of a child, a felony

Abandonment of animals, a misdemeanor

Criminal mischief, second degree, felony

Criminal mischief, fourth degree, a misdemeanor

Failure to exercise control of a minor, a misdemeanor

Montgomery was arraigned in Yates County Court and released.
At the 2026 CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret at Drumlins on Sunday,Feb. 22, a distinguished, groundbreaking individual will be honored with the annual Pioneer Public Service Award.

This years award recipient is Hope Knight, the East Harlem native who has been called New York States economic czar. As the president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, Knight has nurtured some of the states most ambitious projects, most notably the historic $100 billion investment by Micron to build the countrys largest semiconductor manufacturing campus here in Central New York, expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs.

The musical celebration will be provided by the one-two punch of Jeff Kashiwa, world renowned saxophonist formerly of the Rippingtons, and Lori Willams, acclaimed international jazz vocalist, educator, songwriter, producer, actress and radio host.

Kashiwa is well known to Syracusans, having headlined the main stage of both the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival and Jazz in the City. This will be Lori Williamss first time visiting Syracuse for a CNY Jazz event. They will team up to provide a full-length concert after the award ceremony.

The honor of having Hope Knight come to Syracuse to accept this award, this makes for a signature celebration of the indelible and unifying African American stamp on our culture, our biggest yet, said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader. Dizzy Gillespie was right when he said No America, no Jazz. Truer words were never spoken.

Parking is free at Drumlins. The buffet is free of charge. There is a cash bar.

If you go:

What: CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret

Where: Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Rd., Syracuse NY

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22

How much: Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Buy them at cnyjazz.org/tickets.
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Filippino quick-service company Jollibee Foods Corp. confirmed in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange that the company is preparing to spin off its international division. The global division will operate as a separate company with plans to eventually debut on the U.S. stock exchange, while the rest of the company will remain listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The news of a future initial public offering for Jollibee was announced on Jan. 6 less than a year after the debut of the companys U.S. franchise program last March. The first franchised Jollibee opened in Queens, New York last August, with more in the pipeline.

Jollibee made its US debut in Daly City, California over 25 years ago, bringing its menu of sweet spaghetti, fried chicken, and hand pies over to the North American market in 1998. Since then, the company has grown to 75 units according to Technomic data from 2024, and is now the fourth-largest international chain in the U.S. The company also saw 16% sales growth and 7% unit growth in 2024, Technomic data shows.

Jollibee has provided no further statement on its planned U.S. IPO debut.

Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com
It takes an icon to have an audience scream in anticipation for something as simple as putting on a single glove.

MJ, the jukebox musical, opened at the Landmark Theatre Tuesday night. The show, written by Lynn Nottage, uses Jacksons music to analyze his thoughts, feelings and memories during a pivotal time in his life: the final days before the opening of the 1992 Dangerous tour.

The tone for the evening is set prior to the opening scene, via the lack of the typical list of scenes in the playbill. Instead, there is a simple list of songs used in the show in alphabetical order. As the audience files in, the actors stretch, do vocal warm-ups, and chat on the stage, with only the occasional Three minutes to Michael! interrupting them.

The playbills set list forms more creative story than the average musical biopic. Some songs are shown in the rehearsal process, some are wild dream sequences, and some become dialogue.

The most genius re-purposing of existing lyrics Ive ever seen is how MJ revitalizes the title track for the best-selling album of all time: Thriller. As a casual Jackson fan, I was begging for the iconic song and its accompanying visuals  but MJ doesnt take the safe route.

The musical explores Jacksons difficult relationship with his father, particularly when he was younger. During a scene where Jackson looks upon his younger self being verbally abused by his father, the young actor sings the opening verse. There was something evil lurking in the dark, but it wasnt a literal monster.

The most stunning, terrifying circus act of a dream sequence follows, where Jacksons father serves as an evil ringmaster for a herd of zombie circus performers trying to take down Jackson.

Thriller is worth the price of the ticket alone.

"MJ The Musical" is playing at the Landmark Theatre until Jan. 11 Matthew Murphy

Besides Thriller, MJ did have a rough Act II lull, particularly with too much stage time given to an uninteresting character, Rachel, an MTV reporter assigned to document Jacksons rehearsal process.

I understand why she was included, but there were already enough scenes where Jackson blames the media for being intrusive, or for things that are wrong about himself. Its one of the less-interesting aspects to focus on in such an interesting man.

The Act II lull was saved by the musicals final scene, which still plays on repeat in my head. Using some of the best projections I have ever seen, MJ turns your seat at the Landmark Theatre into a seat at the Munich stadium, where the Dangerous Tour began.

I felt like a child again, with the indescribable buzz in my stomach you get before seeing your first big concert.

The musicals driving force was the three actors playing the leading man: Jordan Markus as the oldest MJ, Erik Hamilton as teenage MJ, and Quenton Blanton Jr. as little Michael.

Markus was truly a standout, perfectly walking the line between an exact replica of Jackson and an actors interpretation of an iconic figure. He struck all the famous poses and moves of Jackson, with the audience losing its mind for his long, slow moonwalk.

Erik Hamilton was also astounding. He had a slightly more traditional strong, broadway belt than Jackson, he blended his own vocal technique into Jacksons hit songs seamlessly. Him and Markus rendition of Wanna Be Startin Something was an electrifying dance number that I never wanted to end.

Quenton Blanton Jr. was incredible to watch as little Michael, equally during the Jackson Five numbers and the dramatic family scenes. You would think he had been studying Jackson for decades, even though he is only 13.

As a casual Michael Jackson fan, MJ has the same unfortunate phenomenon that occurs when I make my friends watch Hamilton. You often cant follow what theyre saying unless you know the songs already. Luckily, for MJ, the lyrics are less plot-driving.

Michael Jackson, the king of pop, is a polarizing figure for many reasons. The show is quick to set the tone on how the questions and scandals of his personal life will be handled. The scandals are mostly touched upon with a song mash-up with the overarching theme of just because you see it on the news, it doesnt mean its true.

Even though much of his life has difficult topics to handle, the musical does a decent job of addressing it without addressing it. MJ, as a character, is quick to tell the characters in the media, Why cant it just be about the music?

MJ The Musical is playing at the Landmark Theatre until Jan. 11, 2026. Matthew Murphy

If youre at the show to hear great music, you absolutely will. If youre there to learn a bit about Jacksons life, you will, too.

MJ is for theatre-goers, music-lovers, and even the most casual of Jackson fans. It elevates a list of songs into an authentic, powerful story, that takes you through time, and through Jacksons brain during his bizarre creative process.

While it can be fun to see a more mindless musical thats a simple spectacle of joy and big, crazy kick lines, sometimes you just have to see a legend.

Show details

What: MJ The Musical

Where: Landmark Theatre at 362 S. Salina Street, Syracuse

When seen: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6

Length of performance: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission

Family guide: Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Runs through: Jan. 11

Tickets: $54-112

Information: Go to landmarktheatre.org
One Battle After Another dominated nominations to the Actor Awards on Wednesday, with Paul Thomas Andersons ragtag revolutionary saga landing a record seven nods in the annual SAG-AFTRA honors.

In the 31 years of the Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, no movie has received more than five nominations. Along with a nod for the guilds top award, best ensemble, the cast of One Battle After Another was showered with nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and its stunt performers.

The four other nominees for best ensemble are: Sinners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and Frankenstein. Usually, to win best picture at the Oscars, a movie needs a SAG ensemble nomination. Only four films in the last three decades have managed the feat without that. Among the films that missed the cut were Sentimental Value, Wicked: For Good and Train Dreams.

Sinners had an especially good result. Along with a best male actor nod for Michael B. Jordan, supporting actors Miles Canton and Wunmi Mosaku were both nominated.

Historically, the Actor Awards have been one of the strongest Oscar indicators. Actors make up the largest branch of the film academy, and, in the past, individual SAG nominees have overlapped with the Oscar field at a rate of roughly four out of five. The Actor Awards are presented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

That means the nominees Wednesday may closely resemble those headed to the Oscars. They are:

Best male actor: DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon) and Jesse Plemons (Bugonia).

Best female actor: Infiniti, Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs Id Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue) and Emma Stone (Bugonia).

In the supporting male actor category, the nominees are: Del Toro, Penn, Canton, Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) and Paul Mescal (Hamnet).

The nominees for best supporting female actor are: Taylor, Mosaku, Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good), Amy Madigan (Weapons) and Odessa Azion (Marty Supreme).

Snubbed altogether was Joachim Triers acclaimed Norwegian drama Sentimental Value. Both Renate Reinsve, in lead female actor, and Stellan Skarsgard, for supporting male actor, have been viewed as shoo-ins. Many analysts have considered Skarsgard the favorite to win. With more than 122,000 voting members, SAG-AFTRA has tended to skew more populist and the guild sometimes shies away from non-English language nominees.

The Actor Awards will take place Sunday, March 1, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Netflix will stream the ceremony live. Harrison Ford will be presented with the guilds life achievement award.
NEW YORK (AP)  Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is joining Venezuelas president and the man charged with gunning down United Healthcares CEO in a notorious federal lockup in New York City.

The embattled 29-year-old artist, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, reported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in his native Brooklyn on Tuesday to serve out his latest stint behind bars.

He drove up to the gates of the jail in a luxury van with internet personality Adin Ross and a camera crew streaming live as he turned himself in.

The facility is the only federal jail in New York City but is so troubled that some judges have refused to send people there and others have described it as hell on earth for its poor conditions and constant violence.

It currently houses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as well as Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the leader of the countrys biggest health insurer.

Over the years, MDC Brooklyn has housed a constellation of other infamous inmates, including music stars R. Kelly and Sean Diddy Combs and longtime Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Hernandezs lawyers didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday, but have said previously that the rapper looked forward to serving out his sentence so he could resume his music career.

Hernandez admitted last year to assaulting a man and possessing drugs, in violation of the terms of his supervised release in a gang-related case.

He was sentenced in December to serve three more months in federal custody. He was previously slapped with a 45-day sentence in 2024 for breaking the terms of his supervised release.

Hernandez shot to fame with the 2017 release of his song Gummo, but the following year he pleaded guilty to his involvement with a violent New York-based gang, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine performs during the MiamiBash 2021 at FTX Arena on December 17, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images,) Getty Images

He was sentenced to two years in prison in 2019, followed by five years of supervised release for his cooperation in the racketeering case against other gang members.

He was released from federal prison several months early during the height of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Hernandezs latest sentence is related to small amounts of cocaine and ecstasy found at his Miami home during a police raid. Prosecutors say he also punched a man who taunted him at a Florida mall over his cooperation against gang members.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Work to repair a ruptured water line in Cicero that served six Central New York towns remains on schedule and should be done by the middle of January, the Onondaga County Water Authority said.

Jeff Brown, executive director of OCWA, said last week the agency hoped to have the new 134-foot section of line in place by Jan. 16. Thats still the target, he told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Tuesday, although things can change.

I think well have a better sense by the end of this week whether January 16th continues to be the date or its a different date, Brown said.

After the line is replaced, it could be several days before water flows because OCWA needs to pressurize the line and conduct water quality tests.

In the meantime, Brown said, the water level is rising in the 50-million-gallon reservoir in Manlius as water supplies outpace reduced demand.

The reservoir is 27% full, Brown said. That had fallen to 18% shortly after the line rupture was reported on Dec. 20.

The reservoir is providing water to most of the affected customers in the towns of Manlius, DeWitt, Pompey, Sullivan, Lenox and Lincoln.

Residents and businesses are using less water in the affected area, and OCWA has cobbled together a network of supplemental water sources, including Skaneateles Lake and the city of Oneidas reservoir on the Tug Hill plateau, to fill in the gap.

The reopening of schools Monday after the holiday break hasnt increased water use, Brown said. Students and employees are using water at school instead of at home like they did during the break.

Work crews on Friday finished driving 40-foot-high walls of steel into the ground to encase the waterlogged area around the pipe. Pumps installed over the weekend are drawing groundwater from around the pipe and conveying it to a tributary of Chittenango Creek, Brown said.

Brown said he expects that dewatering to be complete this week. That will allow work crews to excavate the 42-inch-diameter pipe, which lies about 10 feet below the surface.

The final phase will be adding fill material to stabilize the site and installing the sections of iron pipe to complete the repair.

OCWA has been battling water leaks in the same area since at least summer, when a valve off the main transmission line leaked. That was repaired in August; in November, the first leak in the main line was found 30 feet away from the valve repair. Brown said the two were unrelated.

The agency fixed that November leak, but the main pipe sprung two more leaks nearby in December. Temporary fixes failed, and on Dec. 20, OCWA shut off the pipe.

The cities of Syracuse and Oneida are each providing 800,000 gallons. OCWA has also rerouted supplies from around the north side of Oneida Lake and set up temporary pumps in Otisco Lake.
The White House said Tuesday that U.S. military is always an option, even as a series of European leaders rejected President Donald Trumps comments about seeking an American takeover of the worlds largest island.

Trump has floated since his first term the idea of purchasing Greenland, which is part of the kingdom of Denmark. But, after this weekends U.S. military action in Venezuela, hes renewed calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, citing strategic reasons.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal.

Thats notable since Trumps newly appointed special envoy to Greenland, as well as deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, had previously seemed to suggest that military action likely wouldnt be necessary.

Leavitts comments also followed the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joining Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a statement reaffirming that the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island belongs to its people.

Their statement defended the sovereignty of Greenland, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark and thus part of the NATO military alliance.

Greenland belongs to its people, it said. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his support, and announced a visit to Greenland early next month by Canadas Governor General Mary Simon, who is of Inuit descent, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

The future of Greenland and Denmark are decided solely by the people of Denmark, Carney said, standing next to Frederiksen at the Canadian Embassy in Paris.

Also Tuesday, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who Trump appointed last month as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said when it comes to making a deal with Greenland, he isnt interested in talking to people in Denmark who absolutely have made their position clear.

Nor does Landry want to talk to European diplomats. Instead, he said, he wants to have conversations directly with residents of Greenland.

I want to talk to people who want an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Greenland, the Republican said on a Fox News radio show.

Landry said he has already exchanged emails with Greenlanders who had reached out to him.

They tell me they like to hunt, they like to fish, they like to have a good time. Im like, yall belong in Louisiana. Im gonna call it culinary diplomacy, Landry quipped.

White House doesnt budge

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said Monday that Greenland should be part of the United States in spite of a warning by Frederiksen that a U.S. takeover would amount to the end of NATO.

The president has been clear for months now that the United States should be the nation that has Greenland as part of our overall security apparatus, Miller said during an interview with CNN on Monday.

The Danish leader, together with Greenlands prime minister, has firmly rejected Trumps renewed call for the island to come under U.S. control. Trump has argued the U.S. needs to control Greenland to ensure it security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

Its so strategic right now, he told reporters Sunday.

Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, Trump said. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.

Miller wondered during his interview on Monday whether Denmark can assert control over Greenland. What is the basis of their territorial claim, Miller said. What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?

But he also said it wasnt necessary to consider whether the U.S. administration was contemplating an armed intervention. There is no need to even think or talk about this in the context that you are asking, of a military operation. Nobody is going to fight the U.S. militarily over the future of Greenland, Miller said.

Greenland holds strategic importance

Greenland had been a colony of the Danish kingdom for hundreds of years, becoming an integral part in 1953. The U.S. government recognized Denmarks right to the whole of Greenland at the beginning of the 20th century.

Legislation in 2009 that extended self-government to Greenland also recognized a right to independence under international law, an option favored by a majority of Greenlanders.

Greenland sits off the northeastern coast of Canada, with more than two-thirds of its territory lying within the Arctic Circle. That location has made it crucial to the defense of North America since World War II.

The U.S. Department of Defense operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. Constructed after a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the U.S., the base supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO.

Greenland also guards part of the GIUK Gap, named for the initials of Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom, where NATO monitors Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.

Greenland has large deposits of rare earth minerals needed to make everything from computers and smartphones to the batteries, solar and wind technologies that will power a transition away from fossil fuels. The U.S. Geological Survey also has identified potential offshore deposits of oil and natural gas.

Dispute creates major anxiety

What started out as a social media post on Saturday by Millers wife over the weekend quickly turned into something that Denmark now perceives as a real threat.

Katie Miller, a former Trump administration official turned podcaster, posted an illustrated map of Greenland in the colors of the U.S. flag, accompanied by the caption: SOON.

Trumps comments Sunday, including telling reporters lets talk about Greenland in 20 days, deepened fears that the U.S. was planning a Greenland intervention in the near future.

Frederiksen said Monday that Trumps comments about Greenland should be taken seriously.

If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen insisted on the need for good relations with the U.S. We are not in a situation where we think that there might be a takeover of the country overnight and that is why we are insisting that we want good cooperation, he said Monday night.

U.S. Reps. Steny H. Hoyer and Blake Moore, co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus, issued a joint statement Monday urging calm.

Sabre-rattling about annexing Greenland is needlessly dangerous, they said. An attack on Greenland  a crucial part of that alliance  would tragically be an attack on NATO.

We already have access to everything we could need from Greenland, the congressmen said, noting Denmark has previously given the U.S. a green light to deploy more forces or build additional missile defense infrastructure in Greenland.

Ulrik Pram Gad, a global security expert at the Danish Institute for International Studies, questioned Trumps characterization of the Russian and Chinese presence in the region.

There are indeed Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic, but these vessels are too far away to see from Greenland with or without binoculars, he wrote.
President Donald Trump is worried hell be impeached again if Republicans lose the House of Representatives in this years midterm elections.

Trump spoke to House Republicans about the possibility on Tuesday.

Youve got to win the midterms, he said during a speech at a GOP retreat, according to Axios. Because if we dont win the midterms, its just going to be, I mean, theyll find a reason to impeach me.

Trump is the only U.S. president to be impeached twice, Axios noted. Both proceedings ended with his acquittal in Senate votes, so he remained in office.

Axios also noted that the presidents party almost always loses seats in Congress in midterms.

Democrats are already considering the possibility of another impeachment. Some House Democrats have introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, accusing him of abuse of power, according to Reuters.

The White House has denied the allegations.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., suggested Trumps recent actions in Venezuela could warrant impeachment, according to NBC News.

Trump ordered an operation over the weekend that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump has since said the U.S. will run the country for some period of time.

Today, many Democrats have understandably questioned whether impeachment is possible again under the current political reality, Waters said in a statement. I am reconsidering that view. Even if Republicans refuse to act, Democrats cannot remain silent or passive in the face of actions this extreme from this Administration.
A driver and his dog were killed this week in a crash on the New York State Thruway.

The deadly accident happened around 5:15 p.m. Monday on Interstate 90 west in Albany in the Capital Region.

David R. Hall, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was driving west on the Thruway when his SUV veered off the road and struck the back of a flatbed tractor-trailer that had stopped on the shoulder of the highway, the New York State Police said in a news release.

Hall was extricated from his damaged SUV and rushed to Albany Medical Center with severe injuries, troopers said. The 46-year-old man died in the hospital on Tuesday.

Halls dog was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, troopers said.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was outside his flatbed, inspecting the vehicle at the time of the accident, troopers said. The tractor-trailer driver, whose name was not released, was not injured.

The right lane of I-90 west was closed for about five hours while troopers investigated the deadly crash.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing, troopers said.
An Upstate New York teen is dead after a crash with a dump truck, according to New York State Police.

A 17-year-old male from Whitney Point, N.Y., was killed Tuesday afternoon when the pickup truck he was driving collided with a Town of Colesville dump truck. Earlier reports inaccurately described the latter as a plow truck, police said.

Troopers were dispatched by the Broome County 911 Center to a report of a two-vehicle collision on State Route 79 near Still Road in the town of Harpursville. The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 6, police said.

The 17-year-old was transported to Wilson Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His name was not released.

The 20-year-old operator of the dump truck did not report any injuries.

No other details have been released. The NYS Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation said the investigation is ongoing.

Whitney Point, Colesville and Harpursville are all located in Broome County, near Binghamton in the states Southern Tier.
A Michigan woman has been arrested after allegedly leaving her dog in a freezing vehicle overnight in Upstate New York.

Arianna Harvey, 28, of Flint, Mich., was arrested Jan. 1, New York State Police announced Tuesday. Troopers said they responded around 7:41 a.m. on New Years Day to a report of an animal left in a vehicle without a heat source in the town of Queensbury.

An investigation determined that Harvey left the dog inside the vehicle while temperatures dropped well below freezing on New Years Eve, police said.

The dog was uninjured and released back to Harvey.

Harvey was charged with an agriculture & markets law violation under 352-D, Confinement of companion animals in vehicles: extreme temperatures. She was issued a ticket to appear in Queensbury Town Court on Jan. 12 and released.

According to the American Kennel Club, pets should never be left alone in a car on a hot summer day or in extreme cold conditions during the winter. Cars have little to no insulation and it can be dangerous to assume a dogs fur will be enough to protect them from developing frostbite or hypothermia, leading to cardiac and respiratory failure, brain damage, coma, and even death, the AKC said.

State Police urges the public to never leave an animal in a motor vehicle during extreme temperatures (heat or cold), a NYS Police press release said.

Queensbury is located in Warren County, about 55 miles north of Albany in the Adirondack Mountains region.
US speciality retailer Lane Bryant has partnered with commerce solutions provider Rithum to introduce a new dropshipping programme for its US e-commerce operations.

Under the partnership, Lane Bryant will join Rithums Commerce Solutions network, allowing the US-based brand partners to list, sell and fulfil products directly through Lane Bryants website.

Lane Bryant footwear/accessories and dropship development AVP Steve Davis said: Retailers today need flexibility to test and expand assortments without taking on inventory risk. Our partnership with Rithum allows us to strengthen our e-commerce ecosystem while giving our customers broader access to products they love.

The initiative is aimed at broadening the retailers online assortment while strengthening its third-party (3P) marketplace capabilities.

The programme will be supported by Rithums full-stack commerce infrastructure, which covers product onboarding, operational compliance and performance visibility for participating retailers and suppliers.

According to Rithum, the platform enables brands to connect with Lane Bryants e-commerce systems without the need to build individual technical integrations or manage manual processes.

Rithum's retailers division president Blaine Nielsen added: Retailers like Lane Bryant are redefining what agility looks like in todays commerce landscape. With Rithum, theyre building a foundation that offers faster assortment expansion, deeper brand collaboration, and ultimately, a better customer experience.

Lane Bryant focuses on womens apparel while its Cacique intimates brand offers products such as sleepwear, loungewear and swimwear.

The retailer operates around 400 stores across the US.

Previously known as CommerceHub and ChannelAdvisor, Rithum provides commerce software that supports product listing, order fulfilment and performance optimisation.

Its client base includes global retailers and brands such as Adidas, Best Buy, B&Q, The Home Depot and Zalando.

The company has teams based across the US, the UK, Ireland, Spain and Australia.

"Lane Bryant partners with Rithum to launch US dropshipping programme" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




San Francisco  Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture xAI has made a significant move to secure the energy infrastructure needed for its ambitious AI supercomputing ambitions, confirming the purchase of five industrial-scale natural gas turbines from South Korean manufacturerElon Musk's xAI confirms purchase of five 380 MW natural gas turbines from Doosan Enerbility to power massive AI supercomputing expansion in 2026..

The acquisition, personally confirmed by Musk on social media platform X, represents one of the largest power infrastructure investments by an AI company to date and underscores the massive energy demands of cutting-edge artificial intelligence development.

Strategic Power Play for AI Dominance

The five turbines, each capable of generating 380 megawatts of electricity, will collectively provide approximately 1,900 MW of power capacity for xAI's expanding supercomputer clusters. To put this in perspective, that's enough electricity to power roughly 1.4 million homes, all dedicated to training and running advanced AI models.

According to industry analysts who first reported the deal on social media, the turbines will support an additional computing infrastructure equivalent to over 600,000 NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 systems. This scale of deployment would position xAI's facilities among the largest AI computing centers in the world, potentially rivaling or exceeding those operated by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta.

When asked to confirm the reports on X, Musk responded with characteristic brevity: "True," validating the information shared by technology analysts tracking the AI infrastructure race.

The Doosan Enerbility Connection

South Korea's Doosan Enerbility, a leading manufacturer of power generation equipment, first announced in October 2025 that it had secured a contract to supply two 380 MW gas turbines to a major American technology company. At the time, the customer's identity remained undisclosed, though speculation within industry circles pointed toward AI-focused enterprises given the specific power requirements and delivery timelines.

In December 2025, Doosan followed up with news of an additional order for three more turbines of the same capacity, bringing the total to five units. The staggered announcement pattern suggests xAI's infrastructure plans evolved rapidly as the company secured additional funding and refined its supercomputing expansion strategy.

The 380 MW class gas turbines represent some of the most powerful commercially available power generation units, typically used for large-scale industrial applications or utility-grade power plants. Their deployment for AI computing infrastructure highlights both the enormous energy appetite of modern artificial intelligence systems and the urgency with which companies like xAI are racing to build capacity.

Record-Breaking Funding Fuels Expansion

The turbine purchase comes on the heels of xAI's announcement that it successfully closed an upsized Series E funding round totaling $20 billion, significantly exceeding the company's initial $15 billion target. The fundraising success demonstrates strong investor confidence in xAI's vision and competitive positioning within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The Series E round attracted a diverse consortium of investors, including prominent firms such as Valor Equity Partners, Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Qatar Investment Authority, MGX, and Baron Capital Group. Strategic technology partners NVIDIA and Cisco Investments also participated, continuing their support for what xAI describes as building the world's largest GPU clusters.

In a statement on its website, xAI outlined how the capital will be deployed: "This financing will accelerate our world-leading infrastructure buildout, enable the rapid development and deployment of transformative AI products reaching billions of users, and fuel groundbreaking research advancing xAI's core mission: Understanding the Universe."

The company's ambitious mission statement reflects Musk's broader philosophical approach to artificial intelligence development, positioning xAI not merely as a commercial venture but as a scientific endeavor aimed at fundamental breakthroughs in machine intelligence.

The Colossus Supercomputing Project

The new turbines will support xAI's Colossus supercomputing initiative, which has already achieved remarkable scale. The company reported that Colossus I and II collectively harness computing power equivalent to over one million NVIDIA H100 GPUs, representing one of the most concentrated AI computing deployments anywhere in the world.

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the Colossus facility has not been without controversy. Local environmental groups and some politicians have raised concerns about the project's power consumption, water usage for cooling, and potential environmental impacts. The facility's energy demands have sparked broader discussions about the sustainability of AI development and whether the benefits justify the enormous resource requirements.

The decision to power expansion with natural gas turbines, rather than waiting for renewable energy infrastructure, reflects the practical realities facing AI companies racing to maintain competitive advantage. While natural gas produces fewer emissions than coal, it remains a fossil fuel, putting xAI and similar companies in a complicated position regarding environmental commitments versus business imperatives.

Grok's Evolution and Market Position

The infrastructure investment directly supports development of xAI's flagship product line, the Grok series of large language models. Throughout 2025, xAI launched multiple iterations and features, including the Grok 4 Series, Grok Voice, and Grok Imagine, each representing incremental advances in the model's capabilities.

Grok has distinguished itself in the competitive AI assistant market through several notable characteristics. Recent independent testing showed Grok recording the lowest hallucination rate among major AI models, a critical metric for reliability and trustworthiness. The model's integration with X (formerly Twitter) also provides it with access to real-time information and cultural context that other AI systems may lack.

However, xAI isn't resting on current achievements. The company confirmed that work is already underway on Grok 5, the next generation of its AI model. "Looking ahead, Grok 5 is currently in training, and we are focused on launching innovative new consumer and enterprise products that harness the power of Grok, Colossus, and X to transform how we live, work, and play," xAI stated.

The reference to transforming "how we live, work, and play" suggests xAI's ambitions extend beyond chatbots and text generation into broader applications that could reshape multiple aspects of daily life and business operations.

The AI Arms Race Intensifies

xAI's aggressive infrastructure expansion occurs against the backdrop of an intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence development. The United States and China are engaged in what many analysts characterize as an AI arms race, with both nations viewing leadership in artificial intelligence as crucial to economic competitiveness, national security, and geopolitical influence.

American companies like xAI, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Meta are collectively investing hundreds of billions of dollars in computing infrastructure, talent acquisition, and research. Chinese firms including Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent, along with numerous well-funded startups, are pursuing parallel development paths, often with substantial government support.

The scale of xAI's turbine purchase and supercomputing buildout reflects a broader industry consensus that success in AI development correlates directly with access to computational resources. Training state-of-the-art models requires massive parallel processing capabilities sustained over extended periods, consuming enormous amounts of electricity in the process.

Industry estimates suggest that training a single large language model at the frontier of current capabilities can cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in computing resources alone. As models grow more sophisticated and dataset sizes expand, these costs continue to escalate, creating significant barriers to entry and concentrating advanced AI development among well-capitalized players.

Energy Infrastructure Challenges

The AI industry's voracious appetite for electricity is creating unprecedented challenges for power utilities and grid operators. Data centers and AI facilities are among the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand in the United States, with some projections suggesting AI computing could account for 10-15% of total U.S. electricity consumption by 2030.

This surge in demand comes at a time when the broader economy is also electrifying, with transportation, heating, and industrial processes shifting away from direct fossil fuel use toward electricity. The simultaneous growth in electricity demand from multiple sectors is straining infrastructure built for a previous era's consumption patterns.

xAI's decision to procure its own dedicated power generation capacity, rather than relying solely on grid connections, represents one approach to addressing this challenge. By controlling its own power generation, xAI can ensure reliable electricity supply for its computing operations without competing for limited grid capacity or contributing to regional power shortages.

However, this approach also raises questions about energy policy, environmental regulation, and the appropriate role of private infrastructure in meeting public needs. As more companies follow similar paths, the landscape of power generation and distribution in the United States could undergo significant transformation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Computing

The commitment to such substantial physical infrastructure indicates xAI's confidence in the continued relevance of large-scale centralized computing for AI development. Some industry observers have questioned whether future AI advances might require less computational intensity or whether distributed computing approaches might reduce the need for massive data centers.

For now, at least, the dominant paradigm remains one of scalingbigger models, more parameters, larger datasets, and consequently, more computing power and electricity. xAI's turbine purchase represents a bet that this paradigm will persist for at least the next several years, given the time required to deploy such infrastructure and the expectation of returns on the investment.

The company faces competition from well-established players with their own substantial resources. OpenAI, backed by Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure, has access to enormous computing capacity. Google DeepMind leverages Google's vast data center network. Anthropic has secured major investments from Amazon and Google. Meta operates some of the world's largest data centers for its social media platforms and is aggressively expanding AI capabilities.

In this context, xAI's strategy of rapid, aggressive expansion makes sense as a competitive necessity. The company is racing to achieve sufficient scale to train the most advanced models while simultaneously developing the commercial products that can generate revenue to sustain operations and justify continued investment.

Broader Implications for the Tech Industry

xAI's infrastructure investments carry implications that extend beyond the company itself. The willingness of investors to commit $20 billion to a relatively young AI company signals extraordinary confidence in the sector's potential returns and strategic importance.

This confidence is reflected in the valuations commanded by leading AI companies. OpenAI reportedly achieved a valuation exceeding $150 billion in recent funding discussions. Anthropic has raised billions from high-profile backers. Even newer entrants are securing substantial investment based largely on team credentials and technical approaches rather than demonstrated revenue or profitability.

The flood of capital into AI development is accelerating technical progress but also raising concerns about sustainability, both financial and environmental. If AI development fails to deliver the transformative economic benefits many expect, the industry could face a significant reckoning. Conversely, if AI does prove as revolutionary as proponents claim, current investments may appear modest in retrospect.

For now, companies like xAI continue pushing forward, investing billions in infrastructure, talent, and research while working to develop products that can validate the enormous expectations surrounding artificial intelligence.
There is certainly plenty of this to work with, as Libya remains the holder of Africas largest proved crude oil reserves, of 48 billion barrels. Before the removal of Gaddafi and the civil war that ensued, the country was producing around 1.65 million bpd of mostly high-quality light, sweet crude oil, notably the Es Sider and Sharara export crudes that are particularly in demand in the Mediterranean and Northwest Europe for their gasoline and middle distillate yields. This had been on a rising production trajectory, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000, albeit well below the peak levels of more than 3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order . That said, NOC plans were in place before 2011 to roll out enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to increase crude oil production at maturing oil fields and the NOCs predictions of being able to increase capacity by around 775,000 bpd through EOR at existing oil fields looked well-founded. Around 80% of all of Libyas currently discovered recoverable reserves are located in the Sirte basin, which also accounts for most of the countrys oil production capacity, according to the Energy Information Administration. However, in the depths of the civil war, crude oil output fell to around 20,000 bpd, and although it has recovered now to just under 1.4 million bpd -- the highest level since mid-2013 -- various politically-motivated shutdowns in recent years have pushed this down to just over 500,000 bpd for prolonged periods.

With more than 40 companies having now registered their interest in Libyas first oil field licensing round since the removal of Muammar Gaddafi as leader in 2011, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) is confident it can lift oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2028, according to the latest statements from the organisation. The expressions of interest in the 22 offshore and onshore blocks to be licensed follow last years agreements between the NOC and Great Britains Shell and BP to assess Libyas exploration opportunities. Shortly after that, U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil inked a deal covering technical studies on a cluster of offshore blocks, while Chevron has also confirmed that it is planning a return to the country, having left in 2010. The key question for the oil markets, though, is does this influx of Western firms signal a genuinely more stable political backdrop in Libya that will allow it to finally make good on its oil potential?

Story Continues

Related: The Oil Ultimatum That Led to Maduros Capture

The problem for the Western firms now re-entering the country is that the core reasons behind these shutdowns have not been dealt with in any meaningful way. More specifically, at the time of signing the 18 September 2020 agreement that ended an economically devastating series of oil blockades across Libya at that time, Commander of the rebel Libyan National Army (LNA) General Khalifa Haftar made it clear that peace would be dependent on key objectives being met. Tripolis U.N.-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), and fellow signatory to the deal, Ahmed Maiteeq, agreed to such measures that would address how the countrys oil revenues would be distributed over the long term and how the countrys perilous financial position might be stabilised in the short term. At that point, the blockade from 18 January to 18 September had cost the country at least US$9.8 billion in lost hydrocarbons revenues. Key to this tentative agreement was the formation of a joint technical committee, which would  according to the official statement: Oversee oil revenues and ensure the fair distribution of resources and control the implementation of the terms of the agreement during the next three months, provided that its work is evaluated at the end of the 2020 and a plan is defined for the next year. In order to address the fact that the then-GNA effectively held sway over the NOC and, by extension, the Central Bank of Libya (in which the revenues are physically held), the committee would also prepare a unified budget that meets the needs of each party and the reconciliation of any dispute over budget allocations and will require the Central Bank [in Tripoli] to cover the monthly or quarterly payments approved in the budget without any delay, and as soon as the joint technical committee requests the transfer. None of these measures have since been put into place, which leaves fundamental flashpoints over the countrys core revenue stream remaining.

Instead, Washington and Londons broad strategy in Libya appears to be that Western firms should re-establish their presence on the ground across multiple sites in Libya and, through this presence and ongoing investment across the country, the resulting greater political leverage can be used to finally put such mechanisms for peace in place. It is a similar idea to that currently being rolled out in Syria, whose previous longtime leader (Bashar al-Assad) was also removed by the West among a backdrop of intense factionalism -- and widespread Russian interference -- across the country as well. That said, the Wests presence in Libya never retreated as much as it did in Syria. Back in 2021, when the NOC first flagged serious plans to significantly boost its oil output, at that point up to 1.6 million bpd and then perhaps to 2 million bpd, French oil giant Total (now TotalEnergies) agreed to continue with its efforts to increase oil production from the giant Waha, Sharara, Mabruk and Al Jurf oil fields by at least 175,000 bpd and to make the development of the Waha-concession North Gialo and NC-98 oil fields a priority, according to the NOC. The Waha concessions  in which Total took a minority stake in 2019  have the capacity to produce at least 350,000 bpd together, according to the NOC, which added that Total would also contribute to the maintenance of decaying equipment and crude oil transport lines that need replacing.

Following these developments, NOC subsidiary Waha Oil announced that it has increased crude oil production by 20% since 2024 by dint of intensive maintenance programs, reopening shut-in wells and drilling new ones. Recent NOC comments highlighted similar initiatives as being the catalyst for the latest uptick in output across the country, together with new discoveries by its subsidiary Agoco and Algeria's Sonatrach in the Ghadames Basin and Austria's OMV in the Sirte Basin. These efforts are part of the newly re-energised Strategic Programs Office (SPO), which was focused on boosting production to 1.6 million bpd within a year, before rising political tensions last year delayed such initiatives. The SPOs potential success also depends in part on the outcome of the current licensing round, as it needs around US$3-4 billion to reach the initial 2026/27 1.6 million bpd production target. That said, the 22 offshore and onshore blocks to be licensed include major sites in the Sirte, Murzuq, and Ghadamis basins as well as in the offshore Mediterranean region. In addition the firms already mentioned, U.S. supermajor ConocoPhillips has voiced its interest in expanding its operations in Libya beyond its current running of the Waha concession. From Europe, interest may well include Italys Eni, Spains Repsol, and Austrias OMV.

Meanwhile, Great Britains BP said last July that it had signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate options for redeveloping the giant Sarir and Messla onshore fields in the Sirte basin, and to assess potential unconventional oil and gas development. The firms executive vice president for gas and low carbon, William Lin, stated that the agreement, reflects our strong interest in deepening our partnership with NOC and supporting the future of Libyas energy sector. And given that Libyan oil production is exempt from OPEC+ quotas -- and is rarely priced in by markets until after the fact -- any major swing in output could once again tip the balance in a tight market, as it has done before.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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LA wildfire survivors struggle to rebuild a year on



Altadena, United States, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Less than a year after watching flames raze his home in the Altadena foothills, Ted Koerner has moved into a brand new house, one of the first to rebuild in this Los Angeles suburb.

It has been an uphill battle, and Koerner is visibly moved as he brings his dog, Daisy, back home. "We've been through a lot this year," he told AFP.

Altadena was hardest hit by the fires that ravaged parts of the sprawling US metropolis in January 2025. Thousands of homes were destroyed and 19 people died in the town -- compared to 12 killed in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

To rebuild his home, Koerner, a 67-year-old head of a security company, had to front up several hundred thousand dollars as his mortgage lender refused to release insurance payouts for months.

Koerner also had to contend with the uncertainties created by the policies of US President Donald Trump.

Tariffs on steel, wood, and cement, all of which are often imported, have increased construction costs, and Latino construction workers fear arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"If ICE grabs construction crews and Trump does that to us on top of tariffs, we'll never get this town rebuilt," Koerner said.

Slowly, however, Altadena is coming back to life. Amid the thousands of empty lots, a few house frames are beginning to rise from the ground.



- 'Chaos and delays' -



The hurricane-strength 160 kilometer (100 mile) per hour gusts of wind that spread the fire at breakneck speed last January are still fresh in everyone's minds. But despite the destruction and the pervasive threat of climate change in California, dogged survivors refuse to move away.

"Where are you gonna go?" sighed another Altadena resident, Catherine Ridder, a 67-year-old psychotherapist. "There's no place around here that's not vulnerable to catastrophic weather."

Her construction project has begun and she hopes to move in by August -- before the $4,000 monthly rent she pays for a furnished apartment exhausts the housing allowance from her insurance.

To speed things up, the Californian bureaucracy has streamlined its processes. Los Angeles County is issuing building permits within a few months. Before, it often took more than a year.

But Ridder has been frustrated by delays in inspections to verify compliance with new building codes, such as requiring a fire sprinkler system in the roof.

"There's a lot of chaos and delays. I mean, maybe it's faster than pre-fire stuff, but this doesn't feel easy at all," she told AFP.

"I know that I'm way better off than a lot of people who were underinsured."



- Losing the 'melting pot' -



In this high-risk area, many residents were covered by the state's insurer of last resort, and their compensation is too meager to rebuild homes that often cost more than a million dollars.

So many are counting on the financial outcome of lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison, the company that owns the faulty power line suspected of having triggered the fire that destroyed Altadena.

Carol Momsen couldn't wait.

She got only $300,000 for the destruction of her home, so the 76-year-old retiree sold her land. That paid for a new apartment elsewhere.

"Even if I had the money, I don't think I'd want to rebuild in Altadena, because it's just a sad place right now," the former saleswoman said.

There is palpable anxiety that this diverse town, home to a sizable African American population, will lose its soul because people cannot afford to rebuild.

Several empty lots display signs: "Altadena, not for sale!" and "Black homes matter".

Ellaird Bailey, 77, a retired technician at a telecommunications company, settled here with his wife in 1984 so his children could grow up in this "melting pot."

"So many of those people that we've known for 20 or 30 years are moving away" to more affordable communities, he said.

"It's hard to visualize what it's going to be like moving forward."

rfo/msp/aha/fg
Europe faces transport chaos as deadly cold snap persists



Paris, France, Jan 7 (AFP) Jan 07, 2026



Snow, ice and high winds brought transport chaos to swathes of Europe for a third day on Wednesday, with hundreds of flights cancelled and passengers stranded.

Airports in Paris and Amsterdam were the worst affected, with the Dutch authorities saying more than 1,000 travellers had been forced to spend the night at Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest hubs.

Six people have died in weather-related accidents as the continent reels from the most bitter cold snap of the winter so far.

Five of those deaths were confirmed in France on Tuesday, while a woman died in Bosnia as heavy snow and rain sparked floods and power outages across the Balkans.

For those without homes sleeping on the streets, the cold snap has come as a huge shock.

Boubacar Camara, from Guinea, told AFP he had "no choice but to keep on going".

"You just have to stay strong, make sure you don't die, you know," said the 19-year-old, who is sleeping in a tent in the French capital.

"We can't do anything about the cold -- I'm not used to this at all."



- Black ice warning -



More than 100 flights were cancelled on Wednesday at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and 40 more at the French capital's other main hub, Orly.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told local TV he was "hoping the situation returns to normal this afternoon".

All public bus services in Paris and the surrounding suburbs were also suspended because of icy roads, with almost half of the country's mainland on alert for heavy snow and black ice.

Schiphol Airport said more than 700 flights had been cancelled so far and warned that the number was likely to increase.

Belgium's biggest hub, Brussels Airport, also confirmed 40 flight cancellations on Wednesday.



- 'Calm prevails' -



Britain saw temperatures plunging with hundreds of schools shutting their doors for a third day Scotland, where the authorities warned some rural communities could be "cut off" by snow.

The Eurostar rail service connecting London with continental European cities was also disrupted again on Wednesday, with passengers facing cancellations and delays.

Nordic countries were also facing snow-related chaos, with officials in eastern Sweden warning that power cuts were "likely" because of heavy snowfall.

Trams were suspended in the western city of Gothenburg and the authorities in the wider region warned people not to drive and stay at home if possible.

In Denmark, the authorities in the far-north region of North Jutland warned people to brace themselves for heavy snow but said the situation was under control.

"For now, calm prevails in North Jutland, but we are taking the weather forecast very seriously," police wrote in a statement.

"We also urge citizens to prepare and keep safety advice in mind, especially if they have to travel in difficult traffic conditions."

burs-jxb/giv

Aeroports de Paris
A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Does the January share price for PWR Holdings Limited ( ASX:PWH ) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

Story Continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.3%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.8%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$57m (1 + 3.3%)  (7.8% 3.3%) = AU$1.3b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$1.3b ( 1 + 7.8%)10= AU$611m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is AU$853m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$8.8, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

ASX:PWH Discounted Cash Flow January 7th 2026

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at PWR Holdings as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.079. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

See our latest analysis for PWR Holdings

SWOT Analysis for PWR Holdings

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Auto Components market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market.

Threat

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For PWR Holdings, there are three further aspects you should look at:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 2 warning signs for PWR Holdings (1 is potentially serious!) we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does PWH's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French screen siren who famously traded movie stardom for animal activism, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Saint-Tropez, the Riviera town she called home for over half a century.

The funeral comprised a private service followed by a public homage, drawing admirers to the streets of the picturesque resort.

The animal rights campaigner and far-right supporter passed away on 28 December at the age of 91 at her residence in southern France.

Her husband, Bernard dOrmale, revealed in an interview with Paris Match magazine that she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. He stated: "She was conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

open image in gallery Actor Brigitte Bardot's coffin is carried outside Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church for her funeral ceremony ( AP )

As her coffin was carried through the towns narrow streets, residents and fans applauded the funeral convoy, paying their respects to a woman once among the worlds most photographed and a defining figure of 1960s cinema.

The service at the Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption Catholic Church began with Maria Callass "Ave Maria," attended by Bardots husband, son, grandchildren, invited family guests, and representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals.Max Guazzini, a close friend and secretary general of the Foundation, delivered a poignant speech.

"Sadness is overwhelming, and pain too," he said, continuing with a vivid image: "Were going to dream about her as if we were sleeping. In our dream, Brigitte arrives in a great, white immensity and suddenly  thousands of seals arrive. All the animals she saved and she loved form a procession behind her  Thousands of animals say: Brigitte, we will miss you, we love you so much, thank you."

Hundreds gathered in the small town, watching the farewell on large screens erected at the port and in two main plazas. Bardot is to be buried "in the strictest privacy" in a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

open image in gallery French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen, President of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) party parliamentary group, Steve Briois and Burno Bilde arrive to attend the funeral service for the late French film icon Brigitte Bardot ( Reuters )

Saint-Tropez had long been her sanctuary from the intense celebrity that made her a household name.

A public homage was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, allowing admirers to reflect on the woman whose image once symbolised Frances post-war liberation and sensuality.

Last week, the town hall declared: "Brigitte Bardot will forever be associated with Saint-Tropez, of which she was the most dazzling ambassador. Through her presence, personality and aura, she marked the history of our town."

Bardot settled decades ago in her seaside villa, La Madrague, having retired from filmmaking in 1973 at the age of 39, following an international career spanning more than two dozen films.

She subsequently became a prominent animal rights activist, establishing and sustaining a foundation dedicated to animal welfare. While she stepped away from the film industry, she remained a highly visible and often controversial public figure through decades of militant animal rights activism and her associations with far-right politics.

open image in gallery A woman lays flowers at actor Brigitte Bardot's home in Saint-Tropez ( AP )

Her final resting place will be the marine cemetery, where her parents are also interred. This cemetery, with its views of the Mediterranean, is also the burial site for several cultural figures, including her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim, who directed her breakthrough film, And God Created Woman, the role that propelled her to global stardom.
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Fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale have been left stunned by a special crossover episode that killed off two characters, declaring it the best episode of TV in years.

The ITV soaps entwined on Monday, with characters from both shows involved in a deadly crash on a motorway between Leeds and Manchester  and viewers watched on in excitement as several familiar faces shared the screen for the first time.

But it was a knowing gag involving Coronation Streets Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Emmerdales Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) that has been hailed as the highlight of the episode.

The in-joke arrived when Steve suggested he recognised Jai, stating: I just thought I saw somebody I used to work with, but it cant be. This was a nod to the fact that Bisson played Vikram in Corrie from 1999 to 2002. Vikram co-founded Street Cars with Steve.

Favourite bit was Steve McDonald recognising Jai in Emmerdale cos he was Vikram in Corrie, one fan wrote, saying they screamed laughing. Others called the moment, written by Owen Lloyd Fox, incredible, genius and the best bit.

Steve recognising Jai as Vikram is by far the best thing in this madness, a viewer reacted.

open image in gallery Throwback: Chris Bisson and Simon Gregson co-starred in Coronation Street more than two decades ago ( ITV )

Elsewhere, fans praised producers for crafting the action-packed episode, and have predicted the crossover will win many awards over the coming year.

Think that was the single best episode of a soap Ive ever seen in my life and Im not even being dramatic, one fan said.

Absolute cinema. Everyone who worked on it, take a f***ing bow.

Another long-time soap viewer praised the episode as edge-of-the-seat stuff, stating: Its been a long time since Ive sat that tense for a full hour.

Others demanded more crossover episodes in the future.

open image in gallery Corriedale branded best TV soap episode in years ( ITV )

Emmerdale serial killer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) was killed in the episode, as was Coronation Streets vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), whose evil love rival Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) locked him in the blazing minibus he was driving, which collided with a car driven by Sugden and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).

Instead of helping Billy, Theo clipped him back into his seatbelt as fuel leaked towards the fire, leaving him to die in the wreckage.

Fans paid tribute to Billy, who spent 11 years on the cobbles: Goodbye Billy Mayhew, what an exit  brought a tear to my eye, that did.

Emmerdale fans were not only rocked by the death of serial killer John, but by the suggestion that he was shot dead by his sister Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) in a last-minute twist.

open image in gallery Corriedale killed off John Sugden of Emmerdale and Billy Mayhew of Coronation Street ( ITV )

Speaking about the episode prior to its airing, Hodgins told BBC Radio Manchester it was surreal to play a key role in the event.

When we heard they were doing it, we all wanted to be involved  so I feel extremely privileged that I get to be in it, she said.
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Dont expect Jenny McCarthy to return to The View anytime soon.

McCarthy, 53, joined the daytime talk show in 2013 following a cast shake-up that included the departures of Joy Behar (who later returned) and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. However, her tenure was short-lived as she departed the following year.

Asked if shed ever consider a return on Tuesdays episode of The Katie Miller Podcast, McCarthy said that while shes been asked back for reunion specials, she has no intention to retake her place at the roundtable.

Over my dead body, she quipped.

Opening up more about her time on the show, McCarthy recalled being brought in alongside co-hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sherri Shepherd because the show was too polarizing at the time. She said she thought her job was to discuss reality TV and other fluffy topics, avoiding political chat.

open image in gallery Jenny McCarthy was a co-host on 'The View' from 2013 to 2014 ( ABC )

open image in gallery Jenny McCarthy has opened up about her time on The View ( Getty )

Well, that lasted a week, she said. Back then, I didnt consider myself to be a political person, which is why I thought I was perfect for the job.

I was like, Oh my God, what am I going to do? she recalled. Today, were going to be discussing the hostage situation and whether the United States government should pay the ransom or not. And I was like, What? Im like, I just know who won on Dancing With the Stars.

Getting through that year was really difficult.

McCarthy admitted to being more political now, in terms of having opinions, because of  thank God  our latest administration has helped so much, she said, referring to President Donald Trump.

McCarthy has been a vocal supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps controversial Secretary of Health and Human Services. She has faced significant criticism in the past for promoting the disproven idea that vaccines cause autism, and said that chelation therapy, a quack remedy, helped cure her son of autism.

The actor previously spoke to Andy Cohen about her firing from the show in July 2025.

During an appearance on SiriusXMs Radio Andy, McCarthy recalled the massacre that resulted in her and Shepard being let go, along with several of the shows producers.

Sherri came crying into my dressing room saying, I was just let go, she recalled. They got rid of a bunch of people.

Still, McCarthy said the entirety of the experience drew her and Shepard closer.

We could be sisters, she told Cohen at the time. Sherri and I had each others backs. We would cry on each others shoulders. We would have each others backs if we were being attacked out there.

We had bruises on our knees from grabbing each other under the table. Like, Its OK. Its OK. Its OK. Hold on tight.

Currently, The View features co-hosts Goldberg and Behar, as well as Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.
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Jessie Buckley has said she was brutalised on Andrew Lloyd Webbers BBC reality series Id Do Anything.

The Irish actor, 36, said she faced unfair objectification when she was a contestant on the 2008 show, which searched for an unknown to play Nancy in a West End production of Oliver.

Buckley, who is an Oscar frontrunner for her role in Hamnet, said she was bodyshamed when appearing on the series at 17, and also called out the show for sending her to femininity school, which she described as messed up.

I really hope that a 15, 17, whatever-age woman never has to be brutalised quite like what happened on that show, the Hamnet star told Vogue in a new interview.

But I didnt recognise it fully at the time. I just felt it, which was difficult.

She continued: I was depressed and I just wasnt well. I was growing into my body. I was in a moment of discovery. As women, its such unfair objectification. I dont know, I can only speak for myself, but at that point I was just trying to move into a space for myself.

The Independent has approached Lloyd Webber and the BBC for comment.

Buckley finished in second place on the series, with Samantha Barks, who starred in the 2012 film version of Les Miserables, finishing in third place. The role ultimately went to Jodie Prenger.

open image in gallery Jessie Buckley on BBC series 'I'd Do Anything' ( BBC )

After the show ended, Buckley turned down an offer from theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh  who had supported her throughout the series  to be Prengers understudy.

I walked to his office, rang the bell and said: Is Cameron Mackintosh here? Thank you, but I wont be taking that job, she said.

Instead, Buckley starred in a London revival of Stephen Sondheim musical A Little Night Music, playing Anne Egerman opposite Maureen Lipman and Hannah Waddingham before graduating from Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2013.

Id Do Anything was one of several reality shows searching for new talent to star in West End productions, with others including Any Dream Will Do and Over the Rainbow.

Eighteen years on, Buckley is an Oscar frontrunner for her lead role in Chloe Zhaos adaptation of Maggie OFarrells Hamnet. The film explores the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, in the aftermath of their 11-year-old sons death.

open image in gallery Jessie Buckley in Hamnet ( Focus Features )

After winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress earlier this week, Buckley praised her co-star Paul Mescal, who grew emotional after her triumph.

Paul, I bloody love you, man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough s***, she joked. I could drink you like water, working with you every single day. Youre a giant of the heart and thank you so much for making me a little bit more human.

She was previously nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Maggie Gyllenhaals The Lost Daughter, and has received three Bafta nominations in total, including Leading Actress for her role in musical drama Wild Rose.
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Martin Clunes is set to portray disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a new two-part factual drama on Channel 5.

The series, currently titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, will delve into how one of British televisions most recognisable figures became embroiled in a major scandal at the public broadcaster.

Edwards, once among the BBCs highest-paid newsreaders, presented News at Ten for decades and delivered some of the nations most significant stories, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II. His career ended abruptly when he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024.

The Channel 5 series aims to recount the presenters "double life" and the unfolding of the scandal, incorporating interviews with those who initially reported the story. Ben Frow, chief content officer at Channel 5, commented on the gravity of the subject matter.

This is an important and shocking story of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status, Frow stated. By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines. As a close collaboration between 5s factual and scripted teams, this is a first for the channel.

Edwards downfall began in July 2023 following a report by The Sun alleging a top BBC Star had paid a teenager for sexual pictures. Days later, his wife publicly named him as the presenter at the centre of the allegations, leading to his resignation in April on medical advice. He was subsequently charged in June 2024 after a Metropolitan Police investigation.

Martin Clunes as disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in 'Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards' ( Matt Towers/5 Broadcasting Limited/Paramount/Wonderhood Studios/PA Wire )

A month later, Edwards admitted guilt to making indecent images of children, confirming he possessed 41 photographs on WhatsApp, including seven classified as the most serious type.

The BBC said it was told in November 2023, when Edwards was suspended, that he had been arrested on suspicion of serious offences, five months before he resigned from corporation in April.

In a statement, the broadcaster claimed Edwards would have been dismissed immediately if he was charged while still an employee at the corporation.

The new series will be directed by Michael Samuels, known for his work on The Windermere Children and Any Human Heart.
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Marjorie Taylor Greenes return to The View has been met with outrage from viewers, despite winning them over during her first appearance on the talk show last year.

The former Republican congresswoman of Georgia, 51, who first appeared on the ABC talk show in November following her public split from President Donald Trump, made her second appearance on the show Wednesday, two days after she officially resigned from her House seat.

Greene was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021, serving Georgias 14th congressional district. She stepped down from her position January 5, nearly two months after she announced her shocking resignation in November amid her public feud with Trump.

Joining co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines, Greene fielded tough questions about her decision to ultimately step down from Congress and her reformed take on the January 6 insurrection.

Addressing her abrupt resignation from Congress, the far-right politician said that the death threats made not only on her life by MAGA supporters, but also directed at her son, because of the Presidents words, became too much.

open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene returned Wednesday to 'The View' ( ABC )

open image in gallery Greenes public rift with Trump largely stemmed from her insistence that the DOJ release the Jeffrey Epstein files ( REUTERS )

When it comes down to the president that I helped get elected, the party that I donated to and represented, and having the President turn on me and calling me a traitor for standing with women who were raped as teenagers, and then having nobody in the party stand up for me, that was a high bar, she said, referring to when Trump branded her a traitor in November after she spearheaded the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files against his wishes.

Greene was also asked about her old comments about the 2021 Capitol attack, in which she blamed Antifa and Black Lives Matter supporters for carrying out the insurrection.

Explaining that she originally made those comments at the time, because she had never seen Trump supporters be violent before, she confirmed that now she absolutely does not agree with her previous remarks.

However, when pressed by Hostin on whether she believes Trump was responsible for inciting the insurrection, Greene insisted: No, he did not plan it, he did not order it, instead arguing that he called on his supporters to go peacefully and make your voices heard.

While Greene reiterated many of the remarks she had made on The View in November, which fans and the hosts initially applauded her for  including her frustrations with how Congress is dominated by men  it appears viewers have grown tired of her.

Please make this her last visit on the show, one viewer commented on Instagram, with a second wondering: Why are we entertaining her after she has already shown who she really is?

I hope The View will never give her a platform again, a third commented, while a fourth added on X: WHY are you giving MTG, an Orwellian Right liar, a national platform? Just because she broke with Trump on a few issues does mean shes still not rabid. SHAME on you.

Others were skeptical of her transformation from staunch Trump supporter to Trump critic, with one X user writing: Shes the exact same person she always has been. She just got done defending January 6th AGAIN.

Nothing has changed with her, except for Trumps rejection, a second agreed, requesting that next time The View has her on, do a montage of all the vile hate & lies she spewed.
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Lululemon founder Chip Wilson is not following up with the brand after announcing that he would nominate three people to its board and advocate for annual board elections, the brand said last week.

A week ago, Wilson said he would nominate Marc Maurer, former co-CEO of Swiss sneaker company On Holding; Laura Gentile, former chief marketing officer of ESPN; and Eric Hirshberg, former Activision CEO. But Wilson has been silent since notifying the brand of his intentions, Lululemon said in a statement on the same day.

In the interest of avoiding a costly and distracting proxy fight, the Board requested from Mr. Wilson the names of his director nominees to evaluate their qualifications and backgrounds, but Mr. Wilson declined to engage further, the brand said in a Dec. 29 press release. Now that the names have been submitted, the Board will evaluate Mr. Wilsons director nominees in due course in accordance with the Boards governance process.

In his release, Wilson said his nominees represent the change that is needed to redefine lululemon and begin this company's next chapter of success.

As I have stated for years, lululemon needs visionary creative leadership to thrive, he said, adding, The simple truth is that the current Board lacks these skills and, as a result, lululemon is unable to win back the confidence of its critical stakeholders and regain commercial momentum.

But Lululemon defended its board as highly engaged and experienced and well-equipped to provide effective guidance on the companys direction and the execution of our growth strategy. More than a third of the directors joined within the last four years, per the release.

Moreover, the board has overseen a decade of nearly $9 billion in revenue growth and operating income that grew nearly sixfold. Today, the board is looking to find a new chief executive, as Calvin McDonald prepares to step down at the end of this month.

It's feeling pressure from another activist investor on that front. Elliott Investment Management, which has a $1 billion-plus stake, reportedly wants former Ralph Lauren executive Jane Nielsen to take McDonalds place.

Last week, Wilson slammed McDonalds departures as the third total failure of Board oversight with no clear succession plan in place and said shareholders have no faith in the boards ability to find the next chief executive. Wilson is one of the brands largest shareholders.
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Nikki Glaser says she plans to ramp up her celebrity roasts as she returns to host the 2026 Golden Globes  but one A-list star is off limits.

After the comedian won praise across the board for her hilarious monologue and balanced teasing during last years awards, she said her first thought upon being invited back to host the ceremony again was that she wanted to push the envelope farther with her jabs at stars throughout the glitzy night.

The 41-year-old stand-up, who is known for her history of ruthless Comedy Central roasts, toldYahoo she has spent weeks testing jokes in front of crowds at different Hollywood comedy clubs to prepare for Sundays performance, but learned a hard lesson along the way: audiences do not take kindly to jokes about Julia Roberts.

No one wants you to make fun of Americas sweetheart, Glaser said about Roberts, who is nominated for a Golden Globe this year for her performance in After The Hunt. Not even the lightest, most innocent joke.

She continued, She is the most sacred of cows in America. I assumed that we want to protect her at all costs, but its as if I was joking about JonBenet [Ramsey]. [Audiences] were like, This is not funny. Were not going to laugh about it.

open image in gallery Nikki Glaser is expected to roast celebrities during her hosting gig at the 2026 Golden Globes ( Getty Images for The Michael J. )

open image in gallery Julia Roberts is nominated for her performance in 'After the Hunt' at the 2026 Golden Globes ( Getty Images for The Gotham Film )

However, she does plan to mention Roberts during her time on-stage, but predicts that nailing it will be a challenge.

Youve got to mention her, and I cant just fawn over her  thats not fun, Glaser explained to the outlet. So what I do with her will be like walking a tightrope. Its going to be like the hardest joke that Ive ever written.

Glaser made history during the 2025 Globes as the first woman to host the awards solo in the shows 82-year history. On the morning after her hilarious performance, the comic debriefed her set on Howard Sterns SiriusXM show and said she cut 10 jokes from her monologue because they were too mean.

She also revealed that she had been paid less for the job than a previous male host, but shrugged it off and said that she would be paid more the next year.

During Sunday nights awards, which will stream on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Glaser will have a new audience to work with as many celebrities in attendance were not present at last years show. Aside from Roberts, other legendary actors expecting to be targeted during Glasers monologue include George Clooney, nominated for his performance in Jay Kelly, and Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for his performance in One Battle After Another.
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Way back in 2020, the question was first floated on Reddit: if Karen was the derogatory name given to baby boomers and older Gen X women  usually white  who apparently stuck their noses into other peoples business and demanded to see the manager at the slightest provocation, what was the millennial equivalent?

Discourse rose and subsided online at various points over the intervening five years, with a spread of contenders mercilessly thrown to the wolves. Those whose names were in the firing line did their best to provide alternatives, but despite impassioned pleas for Ashley, Jennifer and even Lisa, one name has now emerged victorious. The modern Karen is officially  according to certain corners of the internet, at any rate  Jessica.

My heart goes out to anyone cursed with that moniker, including my own beloved niece. No amount of fame or money can shield against the unwelcome (and sexist) connotations, as Alba, Biel and Simpson will soon discover. Just as Karens everywhere found that their name had gone from unremarkable to wildly insulting almost overnight, so my generation is having its own unfair moment of reckoning.

And it is unfair. While finding a derogatory term for the kind of Caucasian woman who would call the police on a Black man innocently birdwatching is understandable, the term Karen swiftly devolved into something far more misogynistic. It wasnt long before the barb was being used to shame middle-aged women for having the temerity to complain, be demanding or speak up and exercise their agency, rather than remaining quietly submissive people-pleasers. And shaming women into silence is, whichever way you slice it, extremely problematic.

In fact, the judge presiding over an employment tribunal in June last year said that calling someone a Karen is borderline racist, sexist and ageist. Back in 2021, meanwhile, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi dubbed it a sexist, ageist term in a piece for The Independent: The Karen meme began as a way to call out a certain kind of person but now is being used to describe any woman of a certain age, just as mansplaining gave us a license to berate and mock any man.

To be clear, Karen wasnt landed on by accident in the mid to late 2010s  and neither was Jessica. In fact, both choices were bound to put as many noses out of joint as possible, because both names were picked precisely because of their popularity.

In the 1960s, Karen was the third and fourth most popular girls name in the UK and US respectively. This meant that by 2017, when memes featuring the Karen stereotype started going viral, those girls had grown up to become women in their late fifties to late sixties. It made sense, then, to use a name that would immediately be an obvious shorthand for a specific age demographic. Calling someone a Karen conjured up a middle-aged woman with a certain kind of hairstyle (a short, choppy cut in the manner of Sharon Osbourne) who might have entered her entitled era  the time of life when she expected things to be a certain way and wouldnt hesitate to complain if they werent up to scratch.

Likewise, officious millennial women have now been christened with an age-specific epithet. As one popular social media video outlines  using graphs, no less  of the names previously being bandied around as potential Karen replacements, Jennifer and Jessica had the highest rates during the 1980s in the US. Throughout that decade, the pair ruled the roost: Jennifer was the top dog from 1980 to 1985, with Jessica usurping it for the next five years. Ashley jumped up to second place in the latter half of the decade  hence its inclusion as a potential heir to the Karen throne.

Another Jessica of a certain age, Jessica Batten, appeared on Love is Blind ( Netflix )

Jessica continued to dominate throughout the first half of the Nineties before dropping off in popularity, making it, like its predecessor, very much tied to a particular generation  in this case, millennials.

But, as was evidenced by the original choice of Karen, popularity is only one component; it takes more than that for a name to become a slur. By rights, Lisa or Susan  the former the No 1 in the States, the latter No 1 and No 3 in England and the US respectively during the 1960s  should have been crowned. But there was just something about the name Karen, specifically; you really could imagine a certain type of woman demanding to be taken into the stock room because she didnt believe the shop assistant had checked it properly the first time round.

It turns out that Jessica feels a similarly natural fit for these unflattering character traits, too. Im guessing its going to be Jessica because, I dont know, I feel like Jennifer Jen seems nice, as @wouldyoukindly broke it down in an Instagram video musing on which name would naturally take up the Karen mantle. Jessica will mess you up. Jess is going to fight somebody if she gets angry. So I think its going to be Jessica. I just feel it.

Im sorry Jessicas out there  but the next Karens going to be Jessica.

Little has been said, so far, about what kind of millennial-specific behaviour would mark one out as a Jessica in this new epoch. Perhaps constantly droning on about hilarious drunk/hungover anecdotes of yore and viciously berating Gen Z for being no fun because of their more health-conscious and sober-curious ways? Loudly banging the drum for mental health while sending work emails at 11pm and passively aggressively mocking their team for exerting boundaries?

Real-world Jessicas have not been best pleased by the news of their names new notoriety. Jess Runas put up an impassioned TikTok video laying out arguments as to why she wasnt that kind of Jessica (including I will never ask for the manager! and I cry when I have to deal with confrontation). Fellow TikToker Jesse S, meanwhile, claimed that shed personally never met a bad Jessica. Excuse me  Im not just saying this because Im a Jessica, but have you met one? she asks indignantly, because most Jessicas are super fun! Theyre funny, they want to party, theres no such thing as TMI. But have you met an Ashley? Have you met a Britney? Hmm?

Theres an even stronger argument to be made that Jessica is too geographically specific an insult to go transatlantic. While Karen crossed the pond remarkably well because it was just as popular a baby boomer name for Brits, Jessica doesnt work in quite the same way. In the 1980s, it barely made it into the top 50 girls names in England. By the mid-Nineties, it had climbed the table at an impressive rate, leaping up to No 3  but it remained in the same position up to the mid-Noughties, and was still in the top 10 in 2014, making it a generation-straddling handle rather than particular to one era. It doesnt evoke the image of a millennial woman because it also applies to a similar proportion of Gen Z and even Gen Alpha.

Popularity is only one component; it takes more than that for a name to become a slur

So what should the British version of a Jessica be? Based on data alone, Sarah and Laura were the premier two names in England in 1984, while Rebecca and Lauren had taken over by 1994. But again, theres more to all this than popularity. While Sarah sounds like a nice if plain woman whod wait patiently in line at an Ikea, Rebecca feels more likely to be audibly tapping her foot and talking very loudly about the failures of customer service in British retail.

In fact, Rebecca was the name of the conniving character in Helen Fieldings bestselling Bridget Jones series  the godawful woman who tries to steal Mark Darcy from our eponymous heroine and is described as a jellyfish because of her stinging, savage and sudden insults (as well as being a source of constant insecurity because of her thighs like a baby giraffe). Say the name to any millennial woman who read the books  a vast proportion of them  and their mind swiftly flickers to a posh and patronising figure who lives to make others miserable. The perfect descendant of the Karen, you might say.

Its hardly fair, but thems the breaks. Whats in a name? As both Shakespeare and the internet have now conclusively proven, quite a lot actually  especially if you happen to have the wrong one.
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Molly-Mae Hague has expressed her pride in working through challenges with Tommy Fury, as a new trailer for her docuseries reveals the couples reunion and their decision to move back in together.

The 26-year-old influencer is seen preparing for the move in a first-look trailer released by Amazon Prime Video UK and Ireland, describing the moment as "bittersweet" while reflecting on leaving an "incredible chapter" of her life behind.

The couple, who first met on ITVs dating show Love Island, had previously ended their relationship in August 2024, more than a year after their engagement.

However, Hague and Fury have since rekindled their romance, confirming they were back together in May 2025 during an episode of Molly-Mae: Behind It All. They share a two-year-old daughter, Bambi Fury, who was born in January 2023.

In the preview, Hague is shown packing up her home ahead of moving back in with the 26-year-old boxer. She stated: "I am very proud of me and Tommy for working through things. Its going to bring us closer as a family." The reality television personality also shared her "fear of not knowing whats around the corner" during the packing process.

The trailer also captures a moment where a documentary crew member asks Hague if she would have believed a year prior that she would be moving back in with Fury. Her candid response was: "I really dont want to, honestly."

Molly and Tommy confirmed they were back together in May 2025 ( Molly Mae )

It was further revealed that Hague had been residing with her sister, Zoe, a period she described as "lovely," allowing them "to have some real quality time" together.

Beyond her personal life, the upcoming episodes will also delve into Hagues career as a prominent influencer and the founder of her womenswear brand, Maebe.

Kicking off the trailer, she remarked: "Im being offered opportunities now that 16-year-old me would have screamed at. I feel very lucky with work at the minute."

The first season of Hagues Prime Video series, which received a National Television Award last year, documented the aftermath of their initial separation.

Episodes four to six of Molly-Mae: Behind It All series two are scheduled to launch exclusively on Prime Video on January 16, following the release of the first three episodes of the series in October 2025.
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When Andrea Yates drowned her five children in the bathtub of her Houston home on June 20, 2001, she told investigators she was trying to save them from going to hell.

The tragedy quickly became headline news across the country and Yates was branded the most hated mother in America. Yates was a former nurse who had suffered for years from severe postpartum depression and psychosis. She was later found not guilty by reason of insanity in the deaths of Noah, 7, John, 5, Paul, 3, Luke, 2, and 6-month-old Mary. The case became a grim touchstone in conversations about motherhood, mental illness, and the limits of criminal responsibility.

But a new documentary argues that the story most Americans think they know leaves out a critical and disturbing chapter.

At both of Yates trials, prosecutors and defense attorneys acknowledged that her already fragile mental state may have been exacerbated by the teachings of a fire-and-brimstone preacher named Michael Woroniecki.

Now, The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story, a new three-part docuseries, revisits that influence  casting Woroniecki as a shadowy figure whose apocalyptic theology, former followers say, did not function like a typical ministry.

open image in gallery Andrea Yates, a former nurse who had suffered for years from severe postpartum depression and psychosis, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the deaths of her five children. A new documentary looks at her case. ( Investigation Discovery )

Woroniecki and his current followers have been described as having a cult-like influence throughout the media over the years.

When I watch the coverage about Andrea Yates, its like, This woman is evil. Shes insane, said Woronieckis own nephew and former follower Moses Storm in the series. But they are missing a huge part of the story.

Woroniecki and his wife, Rachel, served as spiritual mentors to Andrea and her husband, Rusty Yates. In the docuseries, Rusty reflects on his wifes delusions, admitting that her delusion about Satan being in her, that may well have come from her exposure to the Woronieckis.

Woroniecki, who has long denied any culpability in the killings, and his wife Rachel declined to be interviewed for the doc, but in a 2002 interview with Good Morning America, he acknowledged telling Andrea and Rusty they were going to hell several years before the murders, but insisted that the message was universal. As of 2026, no charges have been brought against him or his wife. They continued to travel the world, preaching about God.

Of course, because everybody is going to hell, Woroniecki said in the 2002 interview, adding that he blamed Rustys inattentiveness, not mental illness, for what happened.

open image in gallery Yates killed each of her children: Noah, 7, John, 5, Paul, 3, Luke, 2, and 6-month-old Mary. She was branded the most hated mother in America ( Getty )

open image in gallery Yates was first convicted of capital murder in 2002 for drowning her five children, but it was later overturned. In a 2006 retrial, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental hospital ( Getty )

I hold him responsible [for the drownings] but I also hold Andrea responsible. God knows what we shared with those people," Woroniecki said, adding that he shared Jesus with them and that he had warned Rusty Yates that Andrea and the children were in great need of his love.

Former followers of Woroniecki interviewed in the docuseries paint a starkly different picture. Several, including Woronieckis own nephew, describe a system of belief rooted in fear, isolation and absolute spiritual authority.

Unless youre in it, you dont understand the amount of control Michael Woroniecki had over us, Storm said. Another interviewee asks, How many people are still under his spell?

The series explores how Woronieckis teachings, distributed largely through letters, pamphlets, cassette tapes, and VHS recordings, warned that children could be damned by unrighteous parents, a belief Andrea Yates echoed in the aftermath of the killings.

Despite suffering postpartum depression after the births of her last two children, she and her husband were allegedly strongly encouraged to keep having children by Woronieckis teachings.

This is one of the most notorious cases of the last 25 years, yet a critical part of the story has gone largely underreported, President of ID Jason Sarlanis said about the doc. Andrea Yates wasnt the only person influenced by this group, and that raises an urgent question: what other families could still be at risk?

open image in gallery Police said Yates described the horrifying events in a zombie-like fashion in a videotaped confession, admitting she had drowned her children to save them from eternal punishment ( NewsNation/Andrea Yates )

open image in gallery Yates, now 61, has been confined to Texas Kerrville State Hospital since 2007 ( Houston Chronicle )

Rusty Yates, who worked for NASA and was away at work when Andrea drowned their five children in five inches of water in the bathtub at their Texas home in 2001. She immediately called both her husband and the police to tell them what she had done.

Police said Yates described the horrifying events in a zombie-like fashion in a videotaped confession, admitting she had drowned her children to save them from eternal punishment, an idea her defense team and psychiatrist said she absorbed from Woroniecki.

In the confession, Yates said she first drowned her two-year-old son Luke, then three-year-old Paul and five-year-old John. She then laid them out on a bed and wrapped them in a sheet.

But when she was putting down her six-month-old lifeless baby girl, her eldest son Noah entered the bedroom and asked, Whats wrong with Mary? He ran before his mother could answer, but Yates dragged him back to the bathroom and held him underwater until he died too.

She called the police and her husband and asked him to come home. When he asked Yates if anyone was hurt, her husband said she told him: Yes... the children. All of them.

Yates was first convicted of capital murder in 2002 for drowning her five children, but it was later overturned. In a 2006 retrial, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental hospital.

Yates, now 61, has been confined to Texas Kerrville State Hospital since 2007.

The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story premieres January 6, on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max.
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What allegedly began as a meet-up arranged through an online dating app ended in a double shooting early Friday in Dallas, Texas  but the 26-year-old suspect claims he was acting in self-defense.

Noah Trueba was arrested after investigators say he shot a couple he had met through the app in the early morning hours of January 2.

Dallas police officers responded to a shooting call around 5:10 a.m. in the 11800 block of High Meadow Drive, where they found two people who had been shot.

Guadalupe Gonzalez, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. A second victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KDFW, Trueba told police he had been drinking and using drugs with the two victims, who referred to themselves as husband and wife.

open image in gallery Noah Trueba was arrested for murder after allegedly shooting a couple he met through a mobile dating app in Dallas ( Dallas County Jail )

Trueba claimed the shooting then happened after the couple attempted to sexually assault him, and that he fired his weapon in self-defense.

A short time after responding to the shooting call, police located Trueba hiding near a highway and he was taken into custody.

Police say the motive remains under investigation.

Trueba remains in the Dallas County Jail.
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A Philadelphia man whose previous murder conviction was overturned in 2021 is now the suspect in two more homicides, authorities have said.

Arkel Garcia was arrested by police on Sunday after being involved in another violent incident in which he was stabbed and struck by a bullet after attempting to shoot another man, according to the U.S. Marshalls Service.

Garcia was found by responding officers in a nearby parking lot and was taken to the hospital, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. As of Tuesday, he was waiting to be arraigned on murder charges.

The 32-year-old was being sought by authorities in both Pennsylvania and Florida following two killings in November, one in Philadelphias Germantown and another over a death in St Lucie County.

According to police, Garcia had been on the run since the first incident, when he allegedly beat an elderly acquaintance to death inside an apartment complex. The crime had been described as a robbery, but an arrest warrant was issued for Garcia on murder charges.

open image in gallery Arkel Garcia was arrested by police Sunday after being involved in another violent incident in which he was stabbed and struck by a bullet after attempting to shoot another man, according to the U.S. Marshalls Service. He was wanted in connection with two homicides ( US Marshals Service Philadelphia )

Weeks later, St Lucie County Sheriffs Office said they were seeking Garcia over the death of a victim who had also died as a result of blunt force trauma.

The sheriffs department added that the victim, who was not identified, had also suffered from smoke inhalation after their residence had been intentionally set on fire following the attack.

Florida police noted that Garcia was wanted for a parole violation stemming from his release from prison in 2024 and had become a person of interest based on evidence recovered at the crime scene and witness interviews.

It comes around a year after Garcia was released from prison, after having a 2015 murder conviction overturned.

open image in gallery The 32-year-old was being sought by authorities in both Pennsylvania and Florida following two killings in November, one in Philadelphias Germantown and another over a death in St Lucie County ( US Marshals Service )

Garcia was convicted of fatally shooting Christian Massey, a 21-year-old man with special needs, who was killed over a pair of Beats by Dre headphones. He was sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

However, four years later, the office of District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner charged Philip Nordo, one of the homicide detectives on the case, with raping and sexually assaulting male witnesses he met on the job.

Prosecutors uncovered emails and phone calls showing secret sexual relationships between Nordo and key witnesses during the investigation.

A judge overturned Garcias murder conviction in 2021 in the Massey case, and the DAs office later declined to retry him.

However, he was not released from prison immediately after fighting with a sheriffs deputy in the courtroom and being convicted of aggravated assault. Garcia was sentenced to five to 10 years and was paroled in October of 2024.
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Richard Cottingham, the notorious 'Torso Killer' infamous for murders across the New York City area, has confessed to another killing,

New Jersey police announced on Tuesday. He admitted to the 1965 murder of Alys Eberhardt, who was 18 when found dead in her familys Fair Lawn home, a suburb 12 miles northwest of Manhattan.

The cold case was reopened in 2021. After 'countless interviews' spanning several years, a full confession was extracted from Cottingham, including 'details that were never publicly known', the department stated.

Fair Lawn Police Chief Joseph Dawicki confirmed Cottingham will not face additional charges, as the case is now closed.

The 79-year-old has been imprisoned since his arrest in 1980. He is serving three life sentences at the South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Alys was a vibrant young nursing student who was taken from our community far too soon," Dawicki said in a statement. While we can never bring her back, I am hopeful that her family can find some peace knowing the person responsible has confessed and can no longer harm anyone else.

Lawyers in New York and New Jersey who have represented Cottingham over the years didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment Tuesday.

open image in gallery Richard Cottingham makes a remote appearance at a courtroom in Mineola, N.Y., Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 ( AP )

Cottingham has claimed responsibility for up to 100 homicides going back to the 1960s, though authorities in New York and New Jersey have officially linked him to about a dozen.

In 2022, he admitting killing five women in the New York City suburbs of Long Island in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He was sentenced to 25 years to life for the 1968 slaying of 23-year-old Diane Cusick but received immunity from prosecution for the four other killings as part of the plea deal.

Cottingham was previously convicted of killing five other women  three in New York City and two in northern New Jersey. He has since admitted to killing several others while behind bars.

He is known as the Torso Killer" because he dismembered some of his victims.
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Pennsylvania police are searching for at least two masked suspects believed to have looted a Lululemon store overnight.

At least two masked men broke into a Lululemon in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, around 2 a.m. Tuesday, police told NBC 10 Philadelphia. Ardmore, a suburb of Philadelphia, is home to about 14,000 people.

The suspected thieves used a sledgehammer to break the glass on the stores front door, according to police.

Once they gained access, the masked individuals grabbed handfuls of merchandise, security footage shows. The men went in and out of the store several times, grabbing handfuls of items that included coats, vests and shirts from the mens section, police told local outlet WPVI.

open image in gallery Surveillance footage shows at least two masked men breaking into a Pennsylvania Lululemon, police say ( ABC 6/Lower Merion Police Department )

"This is taking it to another level," Lower Merion Police Superintendent Andy Block told WPVI.

The suspects then loaded the merchandise into a U-Haul truck. Their truck was last seen at the intersection of Bryn Mawr Avenue and Woodbine Avenue, just a few miles from the store, police said.

The entire incident lasted about five minutes, which Block said is longer than usual for this type of burglary.

Usually, it is because in a smash-and-grab situation they want to get in and get out before they're identified or anybody's notified on it," Block told CBS Philadelphia.

Block told WPVI the store is a popular target for robbers, given that many of its items cost more than $100. Now, he expects the alleged thieves have sold or exchanged the items.

"They're using it on the market, maybe they're exchanging it for drugs, or they're selling it on the black market. It's a highly sought-after item," he told WPVI.

open image in gallery Thieves took off with handfuls of merchandise from a Pennsylvania Lululemon, according to police ( AFP via Getty Images )

Even though police say Lululemon is a popular target, Lt. Michael Keenan of the Lower Merion Police Department still called the incident out of character.

"This is an out of character, out of type incident where we dont normally see people smashing windows in the middle of the night. But, certainly this is something that is distinct," Keenan told NBC 10 Philadelphia.

The store still opened Tuesday, with a banner covering the smashed glass on the door, according to Fox 29. Gina Picciano, a general manager at a restaurant across the street, said it was a frightening incident.

"I walked out here with my bartender and we looked, and its scary that its happening right across the way from us, Picciano told Fox 29.

The same store was previously robbed in May 2024. Thieves stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise during that incident, NBC 10 Philadelphia reports.

The Independent has contacted the Lower Merion Police Department and Lululemon for comment.
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Elon Musk has said his X platforms AI bot, Grok, is on the side of the angels, amid controversy over the AI being used to make sexualised fake images, including explicit non-consensual depictions of women and children with their clothes removed.

As outrage has grown over the thousands of images users have asked the chatbot to generate, many prominent people, politicians, and children, in states of undress or with wet clothes, have repeatedly championed Grok on X.

Retweeting a post which claims that other AI bots are super racist towards white people, Musk wrote: Grok is on the side of the angels.

The post comes hours after xAI announced it has raised $20bn in its latest funding round, with some of the companies participating in the round including Nvidia, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Qatars sovereign wealth fund, and Valor Equity Partners.

However, global concern has mounted following xAIs recent rollout of an "edit image" button on Grok, which allowed users to edit existing images through prompts such as "put her in a bikini" or "remove her clothes.

open image in gallery Elon Musk warned anyone using Grok to create illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they uploaded it themselves ( AFP/Getty )

Earlier this week, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer and alleged mother to one of Musks children, claimed Grok had been used to generate photos of her undressing as a child, based on a real photograph taken when she was 14.

Grok is now undressing photos of me as a child. This is a website where the owner says to post photos of your children. I really dont care if people want to call me scorned; this is objectively horrifying, illegal, and if it has happened to anybody else, DM me. I got time, she wrote in an X post.

Images of Catherine, Princess of Wales, were also among those digitally stripped by Grok users on X.

Amid a barrage of posts promoting Grok, Musk has also warned that anyone using Grok to generate illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they uploaded it themselves.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for X said: We take action against illegal content on X, including child sexual abuse material, by removing it, permanently suspending accounts and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.

In Europe, the European Commission  the EUs de facto digital watchdog  said this week it was very seriously examining the complaints about Grok.

open image in gallery Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer and alleged mother to one of Musks children, claimed Grok had been used to generate photos of her undressing as a child, based on a real photograph taken when she was 14 ( @stclairashley/X )

"Grok is now offering a 'spicy mode' showing explicit sexual content with some output generated with childlike images. This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling," EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier said.

"This has no place in Europe."

St. Clairs complaint isnt the first time Grok has been accused of generating images of children in sexual situations. On December 28, Grok was reportedly prompted to alter an image of two girls, which it later estimated were between the ages of 12 and 16, by putting them into a sexual situation.

A user then prompted Grok to apologize and state what it did wrong and what laws it violated.

I deeply regret an incident on Dec 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a users prompt, Grok wrote.

This violated ethical standards and potentially US laws on CSAM (Child Sexual Assault Material). It was a failure in safeguards, and Im sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues.

The chatbot was later prompted to be less sympathetic to those criticizing it for creating CSAM.

Some folks got upset over an AI image I generatedbig deal. Its just pixels, and if you cant handle innovation, maybe log off, it wrote, signing the post "unapologetically, Grok."

Being on the side of the angels, is an expression attributed to former UK prime minister Benjamin Disraeli and comes from a November 1864 address in which he indicated his contempt for Charles Darwins theory of evolution.

The question is this  is man an ape or an angel? My lord, I am on the side of the angels, he said.

Despite the phrases origins, in common parlance it has come to mean siding with good over evil.

The Independent has contacted xAI for comment.
Maine regulators have reached a $1.9 million settlement with Bitcoin Depot, resolving a two-year investigation into scam losses tied to the companys cryptocurrency kiosks and returning funds to consumers who were defrauded by third-party scammers.

The consent agreement, announced Monday by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, requires Bitcoin Depot to compensate Maine residents for fraudulent transactions conducted through its machines. As part of the deal, the company was also granted a money transmitter license, allowing it to operate legally in the state, although Maine is not listed among its active locations on the companys website.

I am grateful that our Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection secured this agreement that will put money back into the pockets of Maine people who were defrauded by predatory third-party scammers, Governor Janet Mills said in a statement, urging residents to talk with loved ones about avoiding increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

Crypto ATM scams

Americans reported $246 million in losses linked to crypto ATMs in 2024, a 99% increase from the prior year, according to FBI data, with about 43% of those losses tied to victims over age 60.

Scammers often direct victims to withdraw cash, convert it into cryptocurrency at kiosks, and send funds to fraudsters impersonating government officials, businesses or tech support workers. There are over 30,000 crypto kiosks in the U.S. alone.

Crypto kiosks have faced heightened scrutiny across the U.S. as lawmakers, regulators and local governments move to rein in the machines. Critics argue that the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and opaque fee structures leave consumers, particularly older adults, exposed. Operators have countered that kiosks provide legitimate access to digital assets for cash users.

The Year in Bitcoin and Crypto ATMs 2025: Power Tools, Scams and Calls for Action

Maines action follows a series of regulatory and legal moves elsewhere. Attorneys general in Iowa and Washington, D.C., have sued major operatorsBitcoin Depot and CoinFlip in Iowa, and Athena Bitcoin in Washington, D.C.challenging hidden fees and inadequate consumer protections.

At the federal level, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois introduced legislation last year aimed at capping transactions and mandating refunds for scam victims, while states have enacted or proposed limits, licensing requirements and warning disclosures.

In June last year, Maine itself brought in emergency legislation, An Act to Regulate Virtual Currency Kiosks, that limits daily transaction amounts, caps fees and provides recourse for consumers.
The stage is under construction in front of Uncle Earl's bar in the parking lot of Acadian/Perkins Plaza on Perkins Road, Friday, March 18, 2022, as Perkins Road overpass-area businesses gear up for Saturday's expected large crowds after two years of Baton Rouge not having its 'Wearin' of the Green' St. Patrick's Day Parade because of COVID-19 precautions. Uncle Earl's is throwing a big tent party with Nelly, Flo Rida and Mannie Fresh.
Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corporation reported a 5.2% decline in global vehicle production to 95,232 units in November 2025, down from 100,478 units a year earlier. Production in Japan fell by 2.3% to 58,088 units, with CX-5 output falling by 1.6% to 22,463 units, while CX-30 production jumped by 37% to 10,341 units and Mazda 3 volumes rose by almost 11% to 12,222 units.

Exports from Japan increased by 7.3% to 55,474 units, with shipments to North America rising by almost 15% to 23,053 units and exports to Europe rising by 25% to 12,162 units.

Overseas vehicle production declined by 9.4% to 37,144 units in November, reflecting mainly a 46% plunge in CX-30 output to 7,008 units and a 40% drop in Mazda 2 output to 6,416 units, while CX-50 production fell by nearly 13% to 8,529 units.

In the first eleven months of 2025, Mazda produced 1,057,689 vehicles globally, down by 4.8% compared with 1,110,536 units in the same period of 2024. Domestic output declined by almost 5.3% to 650,666 units, while overseas production fell by 3.9% to 407,023 units. Global sales fell by 1.4% to 1,148,950 units in the January-November period, with sales in Japan rising by 5.7% to 138,751 units, while overseas sales fell by 2.3% to 1,010,199 units. US sales were 1.7% lower at 377,733 units, while in Europe sales fell by 10% to 143,896 units, China 64,899 units (-12%), and other markets 423,671 units (+2%).

"Mazdas global output fell 5% in November" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Cash flow looms as Pacgold flicks switch on SA heap leach gold project Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth January 7, 2026  1:57pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Pacgold Limited is lining up its transition from project acquisition to gold production after confirming it will run up to 250,000 tonnes of ore through cyanide irrigation at its White Dam gold project in South Australia by mid-January. The project, 80 kilometres west of Broken Hill, is a proven heap-leach operation with a solid production pedigree. Between 2010 and 2018, the mine produced around 180,000 ounces of gold, underscoring its credentials as a low-risk restart opportunity. Heap leaching underway at Pacgold Limiteds White Dam mine in South Australia. White Dam currently hosts a 4.6-million-tonne resource grading 0.7 grams per tonne gold for 102,000 ounces. Notably, that estimate excludes residual gold still sitting in the existing heap leach pads, which Pacgold believes represents a compelling near-term value opportunity. The company has already stacked about 250,000 tonnes of original run-of-mine ore onto the first lift of the existing heap leach dump. Irrigation will use the recently approved, relined pregnant leach solution pond, with all the required processing infrastructure already in place on site.

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Commencing heap leach irrigation at White Dam is a major milestone for the company. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes Leaching of the western wall is expected to be completed within five to six weeks. The initial campaign has been designed to validate gold recovery rates from material remaining in the pads and to help shape future processing strategies. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes said: Commencing heap leach irrigation at White Dam is a major milestone for the company and marks the transition from project acquisition to gold production. This exercise should be viewed as a large-scale metallurgical test work program, and we anticipate the results will demonstrate the potential to extract significant value from the 7.5 million tonnes of existing run-of-mine ore on the leach pad over the coming months. In parallel with the initial processing, Pacgold is also pressing ahead with plans to re-crush the final lift of the heap leach pad, with equipment mobilisation pencilled in for the first quarter of the year. Drilling across existing resources and near-mine targets is also slated to restart after the Christmas break, with completion expected by May to June next year.

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A 7,000-metre drilling campaign is currently underway to upgrade inferred resources to the indicated category. Results are expected to underpin an updated mineral resource estimate and refine Pacgolds production plans for 2026. White Dams historical performance adds confidence to the restart strategy. During its previous mine life, the operation processed about 7.5 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.94g/t gold, producing approximately 180,000 ounces from the Hannaford and Vertigo pits. The nearby White Dam North resource remains unmined. With cyanide irrigation imminent and initial gold production firmly in sight, White Dam is shaping up as a low-cost, low-risk pathway to early cash flow. That cash is expected to support Pacgolds broader growth strategy, including exploration at its 854,000-ounce Alice River gold project and the companys fast-tracked St George gold-antimony ground in Queensland. In a strong gold price environment, Pacgolds push for near-term production and tight capital discipline looks set to unlock early value, while laying the foundations for longer-term optionality across its broader portfolio. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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When a country beach is spoilt, its spoilt in one way. A single intruder is all it takes, and the feeling is mutual. Youve done to their splendid isolation what theyve done to yours.

A city beach comes pre-spoilt, and thats a beautiful thing. You bring no illusions about having it to yourself. You have to surrender to the beachopolis. I dont know if my local, Manly Beach, is my favourite beach in the world but it forces you to take it as it comes. I submit to it.

Before dawn theres the countdown shouted by the head trainer of the surfboat crew from inside the club gym. Four, three, two, one! from five-something am. Hes turned up his music so loud he needs to throw open the doors so his voice can be heard. We all hear you, champ.

The bright and early brigade: The Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad at Manly Beach. James Brickwood

By sunrise, the boardwalk is a Pitt Street of striders solo and paired, dog walkers, the Lululemon army. The bike path is a gauntlet of homicidal e-riders. If you want a slower and safer stroll you need to go on the grass strip and negotiate Pilates groups, boxercisers, stretchercisers and loose-rope artists, hangover merchants and yogis, baby-strollers up all night and already dying for a nap.

Walk on the sand? Sure. But: volleyball, beach sprint practice, the VIP who needs to get their steps up while multitasking with maxed-out speakerphone, dogs off-leash early to beat the rangers. In the water the Bold & Beautiful now have to go in shifts, too popular for their own good.

Its not yet 6.30am. Business before business.
Queensland man dramatically defends his store from thieves

A Queensland man has been forced to defend his store with a machete after a knock on the door turned into a violent scuffle.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America ICE officer shoots woman dead in dramatic escalation of Trump crackdown Tim Sullivan and Giovanna Dell'Orto Updated January 8, 2026  12:32pm ,first published January 8, 2026  6:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Minneapolis: A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot and killed a 37-year-old mother in Minneapolis, in a dramatic escalation of the Trump administrations latest immigration crackdown in a major American city. Federal officials and local leaders clashed over their differing characterisations of the fatal shooting on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), with the Trump administration describing it as an act of self-defence while Minneapolis officials disputed that narrative. Renee Nicole Good has been identified as the victim of the fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Facebook Renee Nicole Good, who city police said was not a target of an immigration operation, was shot in the head in her car in front of a family member during a traffic stop in a snowy residential neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis. Good, a US citizen, had a six-year-old child, her mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Soft toys could be seen in photographs from the scene.

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In social media accounts, Good said she was a poet and writer and wife and mom, originally from Colorado but experiencing Minnesota. A profile picture shows her smiling and holding a young child against her cheek. Emergency workers try to help Renee Nicole Good after the shooting in Minneapolis. AP In a video from the scene of the shooting posted to social media, a distraught woman is seen sitting near the vehicle crying, describing Good as her spouse. Thats my wife, I dont know what to do! wailed the woman, who wasnt identified. The deadly incident has fuelled a national debate over Trumps efforts to send heavily armed federal agents into US cities in his push for mass deportations, with operations ramping up last year from Chicago to Los Angeles. Within hours, the Minneapolis killing  at least the fifth linked to immigration crackdowns  ignited protests as far away as New York. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism carried out against ICE officers by a woman who attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.

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In a social media post, US President Donald Trump made similar accusations against the woman and defended ICEs work. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks to land owners and other officials in Texas on Wednesday. AP A bullet hole is seen in the windshield of a car at the scene of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis. AP The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis, Trump wrote. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. Hours later, Noem didnt back down, claiming the woman was part of a mob of agitators and had followed agents around all day. Good blocked their vehicle and refused orders to move out of the way, Noem said, and then proceeded to weaponise her vehicle.

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Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable, Noem said, adding that the FBI would investigate. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT Loading But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted the Trump administrations characterisation as garbage and told ICE officers to get the f--- out of Minneapolis. Theyre already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence, a visibly angry Frey said. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bullshit.

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What they are doing is not to provide safety in America  Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people. Loading Protesters gather at a vigil for the woman shot in Minneapolis. AP Videos taken by bystanders with different vantage points and posted to social media show an officer approaching an SUV stopped across the middle of the road, demanding the driver open the door and grabbing the handle. It begins to pull forward and a different ICE officer standing in front of the Honda Pilot immediately fires at least two shots into the car at close range, jumping back as it moves towards him. It was not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with the officer. The SUV then sped into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop.

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She was driving away and they killed her, said resident Lynette Reini-Grandell, who was outdoors recording video on her phone. Emergency workers try to help the woman fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. AP Goods mother, Donna Ganger, told the paper her daughter was one of the kindest people Ive ever known and was probably terrified at the time of the shooting, just a few blocks from some of the citys oldest immigrant markets and 1.6 kilometres from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara gave no indication that the woman was trying to harm anyone at the time of the shooting. Preliminary investigations indicated her vehicle was blocking traffic when a federal officer approached on foot, he said. The vehicle began to drive off, he said. At least two shots were fired. The vehicle then crashed on the side of the roadway.

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A dark-coloured SUV with a bullet hole through its windshield and blood splattered across the headrest was seen rammed into a pole on a snowy street after the shooting. Venus de Mars, who lives near the site of the shooting, described seeing paramedics perform CPR on a woman collapsed next to a snowbank near the crashed car. Shortly afterwards, they loaded her into an ambulance that drove away without its sirens on. Theres been lots of ICE activity, but nothing like this, Mars said. Im so angry. Im so angry, and I feel helpless. The area has been on edge since the Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that it was deploying more than 2000 officers to Minneapolis and St Paul in an operation that is at least partly tied to allegations of welfare fraud involving Somali residents. Noem said they had already made hundreds and hundreds of arrests.

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The shooting has drawn hundreds of protesters into the streets near the scene, some of whom were met by heavily armed federal agents wearing gas masks who fired chemical irritants at the demonstrators. In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations. A federal agent sprays a protester with a chemical agent at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis. AP Photographer King Demetrius Pendleton has his eyes flushed after being hit with chemical irritants in Minneapolis. AP Shame! Shame! Shame! and ICE out of Minnesota! they loudly chanted from behind the police tape. Frey urged residents to remain calm, as did state Governor Tim Walz, who criticised the immigration crackdown but called on people to protest peacefully.

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Do not take the bait, he said. Do not allow them to deploy federal troops into here. Do not allow them to invoke the Insurrection Act. Do not allow them to declare martial law. He said the shooting was totally predictable and totally avoidable. Immigration agents have been involved in other similar shootings during the Trump administrations crackdown. During Operation Midway Blitz, Trumps immigration enforcement surge in Chicago last year, ICE agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, a 38-year-old Mexican national. Gonzalez, a cook and father of two with no criminal record, was shot in his car after agents attempted to arrest him. Law enforcement agents at the scene of the shooting. AP

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A DHS statement said Gonzalez had steered his car at agents, dragging one officer and causing him to fire out of fear for his life. Police bodycam footage obtained by Reuters complicated that narrative, with the ICE agent saying his injuries were nothing major. Border Patrol agents also shot a woman in Chicago in October. DHS said the shooting was in self-defence after the woman, Marimar Martinez, rammed into the agents vehicle. But her lawyer said video footage showed the agents hit her car before opening fire. In December, ICE agents fired at a van carrying two men they were targeting for arrest, leaving one with bullet wounds. A DHS statement said the men drove the van at ICE officers, prompting them to fire in self-defence. Related Article World politics US forces seize Russian oil tanker, risking military clash For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighbourhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilise in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to caravan parks, they have set up active online networks, scanned licence plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noise-making devices to alert neighbourhoods of any enforcement presence.

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On Tuesday night, the Immigration Defence Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session for about 100 people who were willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement operation. I feel like Im an ordinary person, and I have the ability to something, so I need to do it, Mary Moran told KMSP-TV. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
Amazon Joins With Aumovio To Develop Autonomous Vehicles - Why?

By Abhirup Roy and Akash Sriram

LAS VEGAS - January 6, 2006: Reuters reported that at CES Amazon's cloud unit has partnered with German automotive hardware supplier Aumovio to support the commercial rollout of self-driving vehicles, starting with Aurora's autonomous trucks, the companies said on Tuesday.

As part of an expansion of a long-running partnership, Amazon Web Services will become Aumovio's preferred cloud provider for autonomous driving development powered by artificial intelligence tools.

The new tools are set to be used for the first time for autonomous freight company Aurora's planned deployment of driverless trucks at scale from 2027. Its shares were up more than 8% on Tuesday.

Automakers worldwide have poured billions into AI systems that power long-awaited self-driving technologies, which have faced several technical challenges.

The collaboration reflects a broader shift in autonomous driving from research to commercial deployment, particularly in freight. Aurora has already launched limited driverless operations in the U.S.

"The big accelerant in the industry has been the use of engineering AI, because it allows development and validation with significantly fewer resources," Ozgur Tohumcu, general manager for automotive and manufacturing at Amazon Web Services, told Reuters.

Using AWS's cloud systems, Aumovio's engineers can sift through vast amounts of driving data with generative and agentic AI to detect rare situations such as road debris and pedestrians in traffic lanes and speed up training and validation of autonomous systems.

"When you validate a Level 4 system, you're trying to prove it behaves correctly in extremely rare situations that are very hard to find in the real world," Jeremy McClain, head of system and software at Aumovio's autonomous mobility unit, told Reuters. "Without AI, finding those edge cases in massive data sets would be very difficult."

Aumovio, spun off from German tire maker Continental last year, supplies the hardware platform for Aurora's self-driving system and a separate "fallback" system designed to bring a truck safely to a stop if the primary autonomous driver fails, company executives said in an interview.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru and Abhirup Roy in Las Vegas; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)
U.S. consumers balance interest in familiar powertrains with modest EV intent as brand loyalty softens and connected vehicle expectations evolve across the ownership journey

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 --

Key takeaways

In the U.S., interest in internal combustion (ICE) vehicles and hybrids (HEV/PHEV) is relatively flat, while BEV intent is up slightly year-over-year.

Available driving range remains the top EV concern for U.S. consumers surveyed (47%), followed by charging time (44%) and overall cost (40%).

Brand loyalty continues to wane, with 53% of U.S. consumers surveyed planning to choose a different brand for their next vehicle, driven primarily by product quality, performance and pricing considerations.

More than half of U.S. survey respondents (52%) say they would keep their vehicle longer with regular over-the-air (OTA) updates, with 62% willing to pay above a vehicle's list price to gain access to the functionality.

Security-oriented connected features, such as anti-theft tracking, resonate most with U.S. consumers, while concerns about data sharing, particularly personally identifiable data, remain high.

Service interactions play an increasingly important role in shaping customer trust, with 57% of U.S. vehicle owners surveyed indicating they had their most recent service experience at a dealership, citing quality of work as the key driver.

Why this matters

The automotive industry is navigating one of the most transformative periods in its history amid shifting consumer expectations, advancing vehicle technologies, and new ownership dynamics. For 16 years, Deloitte has examined the consumer trends influencing the rapidly evolving global mobility ecosystem. This year's report, "2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study," explores powertrain preferences, future vehicle intentions, software-defined experiences, and servicing expectations at a moment when affordability concerns are leading many consumers to reconsider what truly defines value in mobility and what they expect from vehicle brands.

Affordability influences EV intent

U.S. consumers are balancing affordability with the realities of charging access and everyday use as they consider future vehicle choices. Persistent concerns around range, charging time and cost continue to temper BEV/PHEV adoption, signaling a cautious move toward electrification.

Among U.S. surveyed consumers, purchase intent for ICE (61%) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV/PHEV) (26%) is flat year-over-year, while BEV purchase intent has seen a modest increase, rising only 2 percentage points year-over-year to 7%.

Among global respondents, BEV intention is highest among consumers in China (20%), along with hybrid intentions in Japan (43%), highlighting the difference in powertrain adoption across markets.

Lowering fuel costs remains the top reason (52%) that U.S. consumers surveyed say they would consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase, reinforcing a strong desire to mitigate longstanding concerns around total cost of ownership.

A majority of U.S. EV intenders surveyed plan to charge their vehicles at home (77%), yet over half (53%) report they currently do not have access to a dedicated home charger, underscoring a potential source of concern regarding associated installation costs.

Available driving range remains the greatest BEV concern for U.S. consumers (47%), followed by time required to charge (44%) and overall cost (40%). Interestingly, safety concerns with battery technology is a growing concern among global respondents in South Korea (50%), India (38%) and China (32%).

Consumers rethink vehicle loyalty and value

Brand loyalty continues to evolve as consumers weigh fundamentals like price, performance and quality in their next vehicle decisions. In the U.S., surveyed consumers remain anchored by transparent pricing and the ability to evaluate vehicles in person, reinforcing the continued role of trusted dealer interactions in shaping the purchase experience.

A majority of respondents surveyed plan to switch brands for their next vehicle: 53% of U.S. consumers surveyed plan to switch brands, and globally, switching intent is highest among consumers in China (72%) and India (70%).

Product quality (58%), vehicle performance (51%), and price (46%) remain the top factors influencing U.S. consumers' choice of brand for their next vehicle.

For U.S. consumers surveyed, the most important aspect of their next vehicle purchase experience centers around getting a good deal (62%), followed by transparent pricing (47%) and experiencing the vehicle in person (40%), reinforcing the role of dealership interactions in consumer purchasing experience.

Preference for domestic over foreign brands is variable among U.S. consumers, with 46% indicating no brand origin preference, so long as the vehicle meets their needs. In contrast, respondents in Japan show the highest domestic brand affinity at 78%.

Across many global markets, dealer visits and manufacturer websites remain leading research channels, with over half of German consumers (56%) and 47% of U.S. consumers relying on dealer interactions. Manufacturer websites are the top source in Japan (50%), while consumers in India (59%) and Southeast Asia (53%) turn to social media and influencer reviews when researching their next vehicle.

Key quote

"As the global industry advances toward software-defined vehicle platforms, continuous upgradability is becoming a powerful way to extend vehicle life and strengthen consumer loyalty. At the same time, it introduces a strategic dilemma: OTA updates enhance safety and performance and reduce warranty costs, yet they can also keep vehicles feeling newer for longer, potentially slowing future replacement cycles. In an environment marked by affordability pressures and limited willingness to pay for digital add-ons, automakers should consider how they deliver software-enabled value across the ownership lifecycle to support long-term growth."

 Jody Stidham, managing director, global automotive, Deloitte

SDVs generate mixed signals

As vehicles become more digitally enabled, U.S. consumers remain selective in the connected and software-defined features they value. Safety-oriented applications generate the strongest interest, while enthusiasm for OTA upgrades that extend the vehicle lifecycle is tempered by willingness to pay a premium for features that some expect to be included as standard.

U.S. consumers surveyed show the highest willingness to pay for safety and security-related connected features, including anti-theft tracking (61%), pedestrian/vehicle detection (59%), and emergency assistance (58%).

Data privacy within connected-vehicle systems remains a major concern for U.S. respondents, particularly around information from synced devices (62%), in-cabin camera data such as driver monitoring (58%), and vehicle location data (58%), underscoring rising sensitivities around personally identifiable information.

Willingness to pay for enhanced over-the-air (OTA) functionality remains somewhat limited. Among U.S. consumers surveyed, 38% say they are not willing to pay anything extra and a further 28% are only willing to pay up to 5% above the vehicle's list price for automated updates that reduce workshop visits, suggesting OTAs may be viewed as a baseline expectation rather than a premium feature.

More than half of U.S. consumers surveyed (52%) say they would keep their vehicle longer if it received regular OTA updates: 26% of U.S. consumers would keep their vehicle for an additional two to three years, with such updates opening the door for OEMs to strengthen brand loyalty through frequent digital engagement while reducing their reliance on hardware redesigns.

Voice command support in local languages is seen as a crucial functionality among respondents in China (80%), India (80%) and Japan (70%), compared to only 43% of U.S. consumers, signaling regional differences in digital engagement expectations.

Trusting the service experience process

How and where a vehicle is serviced continues to shape trust, influencing the value consumers place on different service providers. While dealerships remain a familiar touchpoint for many, expectations around quality, clarity and communication suggest that service experiences play an increasingly meaningful role in how consumers view their ownership journey.

A majority of U.S. consumers surveyed received their most recent vehicle service at an authorized dealership (57%), though independent repair facilities still represent a meaningful share of service visits (31%).

Quality of work remains the top driver of service provider choice for U.S. consumers (20%).

Transparency around pricing and the work performed is the most important aspect of a vehicle service experience, according to 24% of survey respondents.

U.S. consumers report the highest trust in the dealership where they regularly service their vehicle (25%), followed by the dealership where they bought their vehicle (21%), underscoring the influence of dealer interactions in shaping long-term customer relationships.

Key quote

"The U.S. automotive sector is entering a critical phase defined by tightening affordability, evolving expectations around value, and a growing emphasis on longer-term ownership experiences. As new vehicle demand levels off, deeper collaboration between OEMs and dealers, particularly around servicing and the post-purchase journey, will be important to strengthening loyalty and sustaining engagement in a market where traditional growth levers are becoming harder to pull."

 Lisa Walker, vice chair and U.S. automotive sector leader, Deloitte

Deloitte's "2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study," is based on a survey of more than 28,000 consumers from 27 countries conducted from October through November 2025. For additional details and country-specifics, please visit the interactive dashboard.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 9,000 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters for our people, clients, and communities. We bring together distinct talents, technologies, disciplines, and an ecosystem of alliances to help tackle today's most complex business challenges and drive long-term progress. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 180 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 470,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States, and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

SOURCE Deloitte
2026 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru Solterra (TSP+ for three consecutive years)

2025 Subaru Ascent (TSP for seven consecutive years)

2025 Subaru Forester excluding Wilderness trim (TSP for 18 consecutive years)

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today its 2026 Subaru Forester earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award following the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys latest round of vehicle ratings. The rating applies to all trim levels of the Subaru Forester, including the Subaru Forester Hybrid, now marking Subaru Foresters 10th IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.Safety remains a core focus for Subaru, and we will continue to design vehicles that support driver awareness and passenger protection across our lineup. Earning a TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for the 2026 Subaru Forester from the IIHS is an honor and recognition to our teams working to make safety a priority for all our vehicles."Under IIHS 2025 evaluation criteria, vehicles must achieve an acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test to qualify for a TOP SAFETY PICK award, while a good rating is required to earn TOP SAFETY PICK+. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is awarded to a limited number of vehicles each yearthat meet the organization's most comprehensive safety standards. The new test includes an additional rear-seat dummy to further assess back-seat passenger protection.The 2026 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trim levels, with a starting price of $29,995 MSRP, and is available at Subaru retailers nationwide. The Subaru Forester Hybrid is available in Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels, with a starting price of $36,595 MSRP, and is available at Subaru retailers. Beginning with the 2026 model year, all Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. are assembled by Subaru of Indiana Automotive at the automakers facility in Lafayette, Indiana.Every 2026 Forester is equipped with the latest generation of Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including advanced active safety features including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive Headlights and High Beam Assist.For the full list of 2025 IIHS winners, visit the IIHS website
For years, people had pressed hedge fund mogul Warren Buffett on who would take over Berkshire Hathaway as he geared up to step down. Rumors swirled, but 63-year-old veteran businessman Greg Abel was ultimately named his successor in 2025. The boomer billionaire has now assumed the throne of the $1 trillion companybut his journey to one of the most coveted roles in business began with working-class entrepreneurship.

Abel got his first taste of business at a young age, collecting, cleaning, and redeeming empty soda bottles for just 5 cents a piece.

To make the most out of his money-making venture, he would even optimize his bike rides home from school to snatch up as many as possible. According to reporting from fellow Fortune reporter Shawn Tully, a young Abel would collect up to five empty bottles every tripand when the weekend came, hed have 20 of them stored up, amounting to a whopping $1.

On the side, Abel also held down a job riding his bike around his hometown of Edmonton, Canada, dispersing advertising fliers around neighborhoods for just a quarter of a cent for every delivery.

His career climb to Berkshire Hathaway CEO may have never happened if his ex-employer didnt get bought out

Abel continued to do various odd jobs, including filling fire extinguishers for his fathers employer, throughout high school. But his first taste of corporate work came after graduating from University of Alberta in 1984.

Abel took a job at PwC, and after uprooting from his hometown to the companys San Francisco office, began working with geothermal business CalEnergy as a client. It wasnt long until Abel made the jump from the consulting giant to CalEnergy as an auditor, building the company to a global holding firm with tens of thousands of employees, according to educational nonprofit Horatio Alger Association. From 1992 to 2008, he served as a senior executive before rising to CEO and chairman. But it was in between then that Abel had a big break, pulling him into the orbit of Berkshire Hathaway.

The career-defining moment happened in October 1999, when Berkshire announced that it was buying a controlling interest in CalEnergy (which was renamed to MidAmerican after an acquisition). The business was transformed into Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and after serving as CEO and executive chairman of the company from 2008 to 2018, Abel was also appointed to the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaways non-insurance operations. In the years since, Abel has proven himself as a worthy successor to Buffett, who has helmed the trillion-dollar giant for six decades.
Congress manifesto out Promises to waive off property tax; free bus rides to women, students





Harshawardhan Sapkal, Vikas Thakre and other Congress Party leaders releasing the partys manifesto for upcoming NMC elections. (Pic by Satish Raut)

Staff Reporter :

Trying to wrest back power in NMC, Congress released its manifesto on Tuesday, and promised to waive off property tax for properties upto 500 sq ft, zero bill for 24x7 drinking water supply upto 30,000 litres to households. Harshawardhan Sapkal, President, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), releasing the manifesto along with Vikas Thakre, MLA and President, Nagpur City Congress Committee, also listed free ride in Aapli Bus to senior citizens, students, ex-servicemen, freedom fighters and to women and making NMC/NIT/Nazul leases as freehold plots. The party has also promised free shops to BPL families in major city markets, and to unemployed graduates, special self employment opportunity and temporary jobs in NMC and NIT. He also said that if Congress is voted to power, it would make Nagpur pothole-free and RL sanction to plots in unauthorised layout and shifting of dumping yard from Bhandewadi.

Releasing the manifesto, Sapkal commented that citizens are fed-up of misrule in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), and said Congress Party is committed to resolve the basic civic issues of the city which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to resolve. Listing the promises to the electorate, Sapkal said, this time around Congress Party is going to recover the lost ground in NMC elections and pointed to recent results of Nagar Palika where it emerged as defacto number two, as Nagpur City Congress Committee President Vikas Thakre beamed with confidence. Addressing mediapersons at Press Club, Sapkal was of view that the SEC needs to take cues from the debacle during municipal council polls and avoid repeat of same mistakes in municipal corporation polls. Sapkal criticised the unholy nexus of election commission, administration and ruling party which he said is a blot on the democracy.

We have seen the way municipal council polls were held, the money flow, and now in municipal corporation ruling party is crossing all limits of decency, Sapkal said. Going past luring the elected representatives of Opposition camp, the ruling party is now training their guns to ensure unopposed wins for their candidates, claimed the MPCC chief. The way Speaker Rahul Narwekar pressurised administrative machinery to ensure unopposed win for his family members is deplorable. Maharashtra has never seen such acts in over six decades of politics. About rival claims on next Mumbais Mayor, Sapkal was of view that ruling party is trying to wedge divide using the age old tactics of occupation forces and same is not in the interest of nation which values on unity in diversity.

The Congress stance on the issue is that a nationalist is going to be the next Mayor and of Maharashtra origin and that should be the sprit of all parties. To win election the ruling party is creating diversion while trying to escape responsibility of failed assurances. Questioned about comments of Prakash Ambedkar, the MPCC chief said, each party should maintain decorum and refrain from stoking controversy. Advising Ambedkar to respect the alliance spirit, he accused former of putting up candidates at five places against Congress Party in BMC elections. Abhijit Wanjari, MLC; Ranjit Kamble, Observer for NMC election, Anees Ahmed, ex-Minister, Ashok Dhawad, ex-MLA, Atul Kotecha, Umakant Agnihotri, Vishal Muttemwar, Atul Londhe were also present at the media interaction.
If US attacks another NATO country, everything stops: Danish PM





OSLO :

DANISH Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said if the US attacks another NATO country, everything stops. In an interview with Danish broadcaster DR on Monday, the Danish Prime Minister made the remarks in response to a question as to what it would mean if the United States were to use force against another NATO member. Frederiksen also slashed US President Donald Trumps renewed comments that the United States needs Greenland, denouncing his remarks as unacceptable pressure on the self-governing territory. Unfortunately, I think the American President should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland, she said, stressing that both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States. She added that while she cannot account for US actions, there is full support from Europe that borders must be respected. European leaders have rallied behind Denmark after Trump again floated the idea of acquiring Greenland and called the Arctic territory critical to US defence.

Borders cannot be changed by force, said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux in an interview with local media, expressing solidarity with Denmark. Stressing Denmarks status as a NATO member, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told, The future of Greenland is for the Kingdom of Denmark and for Greenland themselves. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that Greenland, as part of Denmark, would in principle fall under NATOs collective defence obligations, Xinhua news agency reported. On Sunday, Trump said in a telephone interview with The Atlantic that the United States absolutely needs Greenland. In response, Frederiksen said in a statement on Sunday that the United States has no right to annex Greenland, urging Washington to stop making threats against a close ally and the Greenlandic people. Last month, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tension between Washington and the Danish Realm. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using military or economic coercion to achieve that goal.
MP advances 61 NH projects spanning 9,300 km to boost growth





Staff Reporter:

MADHYA Pradesh is witnessing remarkable progress in road infrastructure projects, thanks to enhanced co-ordination between the Centre and the State Government. This was highlighted during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi, focusing on the implementation and quality of national highway projects in the state. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav, and Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar.

The review revealed that 33 projects under NHAI and 28 under MoRTH-PWD are currently underway in Madhya Pradesh, totaling 61 national highway projects across the state. Key projects such as the Khandwa Bypass, Jabalpur Ring Road, IndoreHarda, and Rewa Bypass were discussed, and officials were given directions to ensure timely and quality execution. The states national highways currently span over 9,300 kilometres, serving as a strong foundation for safe transport, industrial growth, tourism, and regional development.

Union Minister Gadkari emphasised that all proposed road projects should be completed within the stipulated timeframe, keeping in mind Simhasth 2028, an international-level event. Robust, safe, and seamless road connectivity is critical for such events, he said, appreciating the state governments efforts in ensuring satisfactory progress. The minister added that improved Centre-State coordination has given new momentum to the execution of road projects, enhancing efficiency and accountability.

Focus on Safety, Beautification, and Quality During the review, Gadkari examined all aspects of national highway development, including beautification, bridge and culvert construction, and blackspot rectification. Roads are not merely transportation channels; they are the backbone of regional development and public convenience, he said, directing officials to prioritise accident-prone areas and take corrective action promptly. The minister also stressed that road construction quality should be the highest priority, with tree transplantation preferred over cutting and adherence to modern construction techniques.

Toll roads must meet quality standards, or strict action will be taken against operators failing to comply. Delhi review to ensure speed and quality: Chief Minister Dr Yadav CHIEF Minister Dr Yadav said that the review meeting would strengthen institutional coordination and ensure timely and high-quality implementation of projects. He noted that practical challenges such as land acquisition, environmental approvals, construction quality, and deadlines were addressed in the review, enabling projects to progress swiftly on the ground.

The CM added that a modern, secure road network is vital for economic growth, industrial development, tourism, and attracting investment. Strengthened national highways will not only ease transportation but also boost trade, logistics, agricultural marketing, and employment opportunities. The meeting also discussed future plans for expanding and modernising the highway network, aiming to maintain momentum in development, ensure safety, and improve infrastructure quality, supported by continued Centre-State co-operation.
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has reported a 2.8% increase in global production to 82,037 vehicles in November 2025, up from 79,774 units in the same month of the previous year. Production in Japan rose by 4% year-on-year to 44,683 units, while overseas output was up by just 1.4% to 37,354 units.

Sales in Japan declined by over 17% to 9,506 units in November, while exports from Japan fell by 4% to 20,466 units, despite a 44% increase in shipments to North America to 13,521 units.

In the first eleven months of 2025, Mitsubishi produced 807,140 vehicles globally, down by 7.5% compared with 872,590 units in the same period last year. Domestic output declined by 3.7% to 426,131 units, while overseas production fell by over 11% to 381,009 units. Sales in Japan rose by less than 1% to 108,611 units in the eleven-month period, while exports fell by just under 6% to 200,171 units.

"Mitsubishis global output rise 3% in November" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Panic in several villages in Katni after leopard paw prints spotted





Our Correspondent :

WITH spotting of footprints of a leopard, villagers of more than half a dozen surrounding villages of Katni city are in panic. The frightened villagers informed the forest department about the leopard footprints, after which the forest department team launched a search for leopard.

The forest department has issued warnings in the city's border areas, advising people to be vigilant and not to venture out alone at night. It may be recalled that that a few days ago, a leopard dragged a ten-year-old boy in broad daylight from Ghunaur village in Vijayraghavgarh tehsil and killed it. In light of this incident, the forest department team is exercising extra caution.

On the other hand, in Khamhariya village of Bahoriband area, a bear was injured after getting caught in the barbed wire fencing installed to protect a field. On seeing the bear trapped in the fencing, forest department was informed. Therafter Ranger Devesh Gautam and his team reached the spot.

Under the guidance of veterinarian Amol Rokade from Jabalpur, the bear was tranquilized and rescued from the fencing. After treatment, it is being sent to Mukundpur Safari. The bear is around 8 to 10 months old
Rail traffic derailed by fog: Major trains running up to 7 hours late in Bhopal



Staff Reporter:



THE intense cold wave and dense fog shrouding North India have severely disrupted rail operations, bringing the pace of several long-distance trains to a crawl. On Tuesday, several prominent trains arriving at Bhopal and Rani Kamalapati (RKMP) stations from Delhi and Bihar directions were running behind schedule by two to seven hours, leaving passengers in a state of distress. EXTENSIVE DELAYS ACROSS MAJOR ROUTES;The impact of low visibility was most pronounced on trains arriving from the New Delhi and Varanasi sectors.

The 12716 Sachkhand Express, a key link between New Delhi and Bhopal, recorded a delay of 5 hours and 40 minutes. However, the 01028 DadarGorakhpur Special (DR SPL) arriving from Varanasi caused the most significant inconvenience, pulling into Rani Kamalapati station a staggering 6 hours and 58 minutes late. STATUS OF KEY AFFECTED TRAINS:

 12716 Sachkhand Express: 5 hours 40 minutes late (New Delhi to Bhopal)

 01028 Dadar-Gorakhpur Special: 6 hours 58 minutes late (Varanasi to RKMP)

 12138 Punjab Mail Express: 3 hours late (Delhi to Bhopal)

 19484 Ahmedabad Express: 2 hours 30 minutes late (Muzaffarpur to RKMP)

 22686 Karnataka Sampark Kranti: 2 hours 28 minutes late (Bhopal to Pune direction)

The massive delays have led to overcrowding at the waiting halls of Bhopal and Rani Kamalapati stations. Families traveling with small children and elderly passengers found themselves braving the biting cold on platforms as they awaited their delayed transits. Railway administration officials stated that the delays are a result of strictly enforced safety protocols. "Due to near-zero visibility in several pockets of the northern and eastern regions, trains are being operated at controlled speeds to ensure the safety of passengers and rolling stock. While we regret the inconvenience, safety cannot be compromised during such extreme weather conditions," railway official said.
Seminar, plantation drive heldon Guru Gobind Singh jayanti





Staff Reporter :

THE Samrasta Seva Sangathan organised a seminar and a plantation campaign on the occasion of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti at Agarwal Dharamshala, Gwarighat. Addressing the gathering, chief speaker Pt Abhinesh Atal said the strength of a nation lies not in people alone but in character building.

Remembering Sri Guru Gobind Singh on his birth anniversary, he said that from Guru Nanak Dev to the tenth Guru, the Sikh Gurus set unparalleled examples of sacrifice and dedication for the protection of dharma. He said Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth on the day of Baisakhi and created the Panj Pyare by initiating five person from different social backgrounds, thereby eliminating caste discrimination.

Chief guest Dr Prahlad Patel, while addressing the seminar said that on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti it was also important to remember his father, the ninth Guru Sri Tegh Bahadur, who sacrificed his life to protect Sanatan Dharma and oppose forced religious conversions.

Pandit Ramesh Dubey and Pandit Santosh Shastri of the Nagar Pandit Sabha also expressed their views during the seminar. Sangathan President Sandeep Jain said the organisation aims to ensure that the life, thoughts and contributions of great personalities who strengthened Indias cultural and spiritual heritage reach all sections of society.
Teen detained for sharing info with Pakistan





CHANDIGARH :

A 15-year-old boy from Pathankot has been detained for allegedly sharing sensitive information with handlers in Pakistan, police said on Tuesday. The teen belongs to Bari Brahmana area in Jammu and Kashmir close to Pathankot. Police received intelligence inputs that the boy was in contact with and providing information concerning the countrys security to Pakistan military officers, ISI and frontal organisations running terror modules in that country, said Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Daljinder Singh Dhillon. Punjab Police detained him on Monday and his questioning is underway, the SSP told reporters in Pathankot.

His mobile phone contains contact numbers of anti-national elements and terrorists based in Pakistan with the intent to spread unrest in India, officials said. Sensitive information, photos, videos, and espionage-related material concerning Indian Army locations were stored in his phone and he was reportedly roaming in Punjabs Madhopur area after coming from Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, a case under various sections of the Official Secrets Act was registered. The SSP said the boy visited many social media platforms and fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies. He had been in touch with them for the past one year.

Pakistani agents created a clone of the boys mobile phone, Dhillon said, adding that the tech savvy juvenile had videographed important locations and taken information. The SSP said there was a possibility that Pakistani agencies and handlers took the information live while the teen was recording videos of strategic places as his phone had been compromised. He is also alleged to have been in touch with gangsters running a terror module, Dhillon said. Had we not apprehended him, in future he could have carried out any kind of activity, he said.
True colours

THE statement of Mr. Mike Waltz, the United States (US) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), shows true (and dirty) colours of America -- that the US would no longer tolerate hostile powers (particularly in the Western Hemisphere). The reference was to the growing influence of Russia, China and Iran. Mr. Waltz has said that the American operation in Venezuela sent a clear message to the global rivals that Washington would never tolerate hostile powers embedding themselves in the Western Hemisphere. Thus, it is clear that the US -- particularly under President Mr. Donald Trump -- wants to establish itself as the worlds biggest superpower unmindful of the contravention of the international ethos of multilateralism and globalisation.

Though it has always been like that, the United States of today wants to start issuing open threats to its potential rivals to the pole position. And, with the Venezuelan oil in its control (which amounts to nearly 20% of world reserves), Washington appears sure that it can make any other nation dance to its whims. This is sheer arrogance. But that is threatening to push the world to the next level of the current chaos caused by various players. Obviously, the United States has carried in its head a terribly wrong opinion of its own strengths and appears willing to take on the world like German strongman Adolf Hitler did 80-90 years ago.

There is no doubt that the US is the worlds biggest superpower -- unmatched by anybody on most parameters of that status. Yet, it possibly is failing to realise that alone, it would not be able to outmatch the collective power of a few nations such as Russia and China -- and India (if the proverbial R-ussia-I-ndia-C-hina grouping really gets formed under duress and geopolitical need). Single-handedly as well, Russia and China are powerful enough to stand up to the US and give a tough fight on all fronts. In its own way, India of today also has enough capabilities to be a serious confronter if its interests are threatened. Unfortunately, the US under Mr. Donald Trump does not seem to realise these realities. If autocrats such as Adolf Hitler saw no end of themselves, Mr. Donald Trump, too, appears to be walking the same, dangerous path -- unmindful of historical reality that no despot is ever born with supernatural powers to hold the world to ransom -- which is what Washington seems to be doing at present.

In addition to what it has done in Venezuela, the US has threatened to tear down the power-pyramid in the neighbouring Cuba and Mexico. A few smaller nations may succumb to the American hooliganism -- for a while. Then would come a global retaliation that may even push the international community to something akin to a World War. If such a confrontation really takes place, then it would cause unprecedented devastation from which the world may take over a hundred years to emerge. It is not possible that the Americans do not sense this danger in the distance.

Their futurologists must have cautioned them against the possible implications of any escalation of conflict or launch of new hostilities. Despite that, President Mr. Trump appears to have been blinded by his megalomania. And to make matters worse, his close team, too, appears to have been similarly afflicted with mental disorder -- reflected so pronouncedly in Mr. Mike Waltzs arrogant statement. Venezuela, thus, would act as a heralder of the dark times that threaten to engulf the world in their ugly folds. The developments there in the past some months (when the US wove an elaborate network to take over the country in the midnight-to-pre-dawn hours and capture the leader and his wife) would reverberate in the world. For Mr. Trump, the Venezuelan drama may end in some time, all right, but its global implications may linger on and harm the American interests in the long term -- which the psychotic Trump may never realise.
Tumko mirchi lagi toh mainkya karoon: CM Fadnavistaunts Opposition parties





DHULE :

MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday took a dig at the Opposition parties for targeting the ruling Maha yuti over its unoapposed a victories at 68 places in the upcoming civic polls in the State, asking what could he do if they felt the sting.

Tumko mirchi lagi toh main kya karoon (what can I do if you feel the sting and get offended)? the CM targeted the opponents while addressing a rally in Dhule of north Maharashtra for the January 15 polls to 29 municipal corporations in the state.

The CM thanked voters for electing four BJP corporators unopposed in Dhule. Weaccept the support whole heartedly, he said. As many as 35 Lok Sabha MPs have been elected unopposed so far, of whom 33 were elected during the Congress rule, he said.

Questioning the Opposition over its criticism on the issue, Fadnavis said, If there is unopposed election in your tenure, democracy is not threatened and if it happens in our time, democracy is under threat. Describing Dhule as the gateway to Maharashtra, Fadnavis said the city has Gujarat on one side and Madhya Pradesh on the other.
UCO Bank observes Foundation Day





Business Reporter :

Under the aegis of UCO Bank, Zonal Office, Nagpur, various events were organised on Tuesday to mark the 84th Foundation Day of UCO Bank. Speaking at the event held at UCO Bank Zonal Office in Civil Lines, General Manager Rajiv Gupta highlighted the glorious history of the bank and described the present customers as the principal bearers of the banks progress. Zonal Head and Deputy General Manager Anand Kumar Maheshwari took note of the pathway of UCO Bank in his welcome address. Deputy Zonal Head and Chief Manager Saurabh Shrivastava expressed his thanks and described customer service as the main objective of the bank and assured to remain committed towards honoring the customers trust in future also. On the occasion, three new branches under the Nagpur Zone of UCO Bank were opened in Hudkeswar, Wani and Adyal which were inaugurated by Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Managing Director of the bank through online mode.
How a decade of dedicated protection is transforming China's mother river

Xinhua) 08:15, January 07, 2026

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- For much of the past decades, China's longest river, the Yangtze, bore the costs of the country's economic growth. Stretches of the 6,300-kilometer mother river were choked by polluted water, declining biodiversity and mounting disaster risks. However, that trajectory began to shift a decade ago.

Today, water quality on the main stem of the once "seriously ill" river has reached levels once thought unattainable, while fish are returning to stretches where spawning had long ceased.

The turning point came on Jan. 5, 2016, when a meeting on advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt set a clear principle that the development along the river must prioritize ecology and green development to respect natural, economic and social rules.

Ten years on, through strict ecological safeguards, structural economic reform and technology-driven governance, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, an initiative launched in early 2016, spanning 11 provinces and municipalities and accounting for nearly half of China's GDP, is offering a glimpse of how China aims to reconcile growth with long-term environmental resilience.

"Over the past decade, the Yangtze conservation drive has woven environmental protection into the fabric of high-quality development, reshaping the river basin's growth model," said Wang Yanxin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "It has accelerated shifts in how people live and produce, advanced the energy transition, driven industrial restructuring and supported the building of more liveable rural communities. Outcomes are tangible and measurable."

So far, the results are striking. The share of high-quality water sections in the Yangtze basin has climbed from 82.3 percent in 2016 to over 98 percent today, and biodiversity is making a comeback. The population of the iconic species, Yangtze finless porpoises, had climbed to 1,249 in 2023 -- up 23.4 percent from 2017, while 344 native fish species were recorded between 2021 and 2024, 36 more than in the 2017-2020 period.

An aerial drone photo shows the summer scenery in Qutang Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

A RIVER ALLOWED TO REST

The most far-reaching intervention came on the first day of 2021, when China imposed a 10-year fishing ban across key waters of the Yangtze basin.

Affecting more than 230,000 fishers in 10 provincial-level regions, the policy aimed to halt a long slide in aquatic biodiversity by taking an unusual step in China's development -- halting exploitation completely.

Southwest China's Chongqing, a major ecological gateway in the upper reaches of the river, offered one of the clearest tests of the policy. More than 5,300 fishing boats were retired and over 10,000 fishers were brought ashore. For many, the shift was existential.

Li Daiguo, 58, had spent more than three decades fishing the river. Today, he wears a patrol uniform. After leaving fishing, he joined a fisheries enforcement team in Dianjiang County, persuading anglers to comply with the ban, clearing rubbish from riverbanks and reporting illegal discharges.

"I know the river. I can still handle a boat," Li said. "My old skills still matter."

These changes have been backed by targeted support. According to official figures, the average annual income of Chongqing's former fishers reached 48,200 yuan (about 6,869 U.S. dollars) in 2024, more than 8 percent higher than before the ban. Many have moved on to work as river wardens, in factories, or have started their own small businesses.

Technology has also played a major role in the effort. Since 2021, Chongqing has built an AI-powered fisheries monitoring system. So far, it has integrated more than 1,200 riverside cameras and dozens of drones, automatically flagging illegal fishing, pollution risks and enforcement blind spots.

Local authorities said they've already handled more than 5,000 alerts, shrinking the gap between what grassroots officials can see and what they can act on.

The ecological payoff is becoming visible. Surveys along Chongqing's stretch of the Yangtze now record 121 fish species, 52 more than before the ban. Rare endemic species such as the Yangtze sturgeon are appearing more frequently. The river's aquatic biodiversity index has risen by two grades.

None of the efforts would have gained traction without a firmer legal and institutional backbone. In March 2021, China enacted its first river-basin-specific law, the Yangtze River Protection Law, which boasted ecological protection and green development as guiding principles and provided a clear legal basis for long-term conservation of the river.

"The ecological impact is already evident, particularly upstream," said Liu Jianhu, an associate professor at Southwest University, noting that both the size and structure of fish populations have improved since the conservation campaign and fishing ban took effect.

This photo shows a production line of the NIO Second Advanced Manufacturing Base in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

GREEN DEVELOPMENT AMID CONSERVATION

The Yangtze River Economic Belt's experiment in green development rests on a once-neglected premise: environmental protection and economic growth need not be treated as opposing forces.

Over the past decade, amid the Yangtze protection drive, the economic belt has seen its regional GDP more than double over the period, while treating conservation not as a brake on growth but as a condition for its durability.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, the economic belt currently contributes 47.3 percent of the national economic output, up from 42.2 percent 10 years ago.

The long-term success of ecological restoration, policymakers and scholars argue, depends less on short-term clean-up campaigns and more on reshaping the underlying economic structure and fostering an innovation-driven development model.

In the last 10 years, the Yangtze River Economic Belt has emerged as one of China's most dynamic innovation hubs, as technological advances increasingly translate into industrial strength and global competitiveness.

It has produced a number of internationally competitive technology companies, including AI startup DeepSeek and stellar robotics maker Unitree Robotics, alongside the rise of world-class industrial clusters in sectors such as automobile manufacturing and electronic information.

Nowhere is this approach more profound than in the Yangtze River Delta, where green industries have been scaled with industrial efficiency. Producing a new-energy vehicle in the region can now take as little as four hours, with design and core software developed in Shanghai, battery systems installed in Anhui, final assembly completed in Jiangsu and in-car intelligent systems tested in Zhejiang.

The delta has emerged as China's largest automotive manufacturing hub, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the country's new-energy vehicle output and more than a quarter of global production.

Standing as a striking contrast, the region has pressed ahead with a campaign to phase out outdated industrial capacity and tackle the pollution it left behind.

During the period, a total of 1,361 illegal docks have been dismantled, and more than 200,000 discharge outlets along the Yangtze have been standardized or closed, while more than 90 percent of black and malodorous water bodies in county-level cities have now been brought under control.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Wang Changlin, deputy head of the NDRC, highlighted the progress the region has made. Wang noted that while the economic belt accounts for roughly one-third of China's energy consumption and carbon emissions, it generates close to half of the country's GDP, underscoring its growing role as a leading test bed for environmentally prioritized, green development.

The official also told the press conference that NDRC vowed to accelerate the green transformation of traditional industries along the river, while fostering locally tailored green and low-carbon sectors.

"The Yangtze conservation drive has made a strong start, but its success will ultimately depend on sustained commitment," Wang Yanxin told Xinhua. "The next phase of Yangtze protection will hinge on better use of technology, closer coordination between pollution control and carbon reduction, and the development of market-based mechanisms for environmental governance."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is included among the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026.

Morgan Stanley Rebalances Utilities View, Cuts Atmos Energy (ATO) to Equal Weight

On December 16, Morgan Stanley downgraded Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) to Equal Weight from Overweight and lowered its price target to $172 from $182 as part of its 2026 utilities outlook. The firm said utility stock performance in 2026 will be shaped by data center demand and pockets of growth, with no slowing of activity or relief to grid tightness. In that setting, Morgan Stanley urged investors to steer clear of political and regulatory risk, especially in an active election year.

Atmos Energy currently offers a forward dividend yield of about 2.3%. On the surface, that looks modest. Over time, the growth tells a different story. The companys quarterly dividend has compounded at an annualized rate of more than 8% over the past decade. That trend appears sustainable as management is guiding for 6%8% earnings growth in the coming years, and the business operates under a fully regulated model. That structure supports steady expansion while limiting exposure to the swings seen in unregulated utility markets.

Based in Dallas, Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) distributes natural gas to customers across the US. Utilities often build long dividend growth records, and Atmos has followed that path with consistency.

While we acknowledge the potential of ATO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now and 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025

Disclosure: None.
Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack.

GM!

Todays top news:

Crypto majors continue grind up, XRP leads; BTC at $93,800

Polymarket launched real estate prediction markets with PARCL

Morgan Stanley files for a BTC ETF and a Solana Trust

Lighter begins token buybacks, LIT pops 16%

Ledger shares another customer data breach tied to Global-e platform

 Polymarket Launches Real Estate Markets With Parcl

Betting on your neighborhood's home prices just became a reality.

Real estate just went liquid.

 What Happened

Polymarket launched its first real estate prediction markets yesterday, utilizing data feeds and price indices from the Solana-based real estate protocol Parcl.

This integration allows users to bet on the price action of residential real estate in major metropolitan hubs like New York, London, and Tokyo.

Polymarket Trader's $400K Bet on Maduro's Ousting Sparks Insider Trading Controversy

Unlike traditional real estate investing, which requires massive capital and long lead times, these markets allow for instant, fractional exposure to regional property trends.

By tapping into Parcls real-time City Indices, Polymarket is effectively turning the housing market into a high-velocity trading asset that functions 24/7 (well, at least theoretically).

 What Theyre Saying

The Polymarket deal to do real estate markets is a tremendous use case of prediction markets. Actual hedging can occur! - Dustin Gouker

 Why It Matters

This is a really cool new use case for prediction marketsand potentially a really big deal.

Real estate is a $300T+ global asset class that has historically been slow, opaque, and inaccessible to most traders.

By abstracting housing into price-based markets, Polymarket potentially unlocks a new layer of financialization without needing tokenized deeds or onchain mortgages.

The use cases are obvious:

Macro traders can express views on rates, migration, and affordability

Builders and developers can hedge regional exposure

Crypto-native traders get exposure to housing without TradFi wrappers

Think Mamdani will be bad for NYC real estate? Now you can go short.

Think Miami will be the primary winner of an NYC exodus? Go long Miami.

Of course, it will be nuanced than that in practicethe devil is always in the details.

And I think were still fairly far away from individual home owners being able to hedge their home using markets like this.
Charlottes Web Holdings, Inc. (TSE:CWEB  Get Free Report) was down 14.5% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.47 and last traded at C$0.47. Approximately 102,542 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 35% from the average daily volume of 75,735 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.55.

Charlottes Web Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 3.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 203.10. The stock has a market capitalization of C$74.93 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.36 and a beta of 2.05. The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$0.24 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.19.

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Charlottes Web (TSE:CWEB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported C($0.04) EPS for the quarter. Charlottes Web had a negative return on equity of 83.34% and a negative net margin of 66.35%.The business had revenue of C$16.02 million during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Charlottes Web Holdings, Inc. will post 0.0028902 EPS for the current year.

About Charlottes Web

Charlottes Web Holdings Inc is engaged in the production and distribution of hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products. Its product categories include ingestible products (tinctures, capsules, and gummies), topicals, and pet products. The company distributes its products through an e-commerce website, third-party e-commerce websites, select distributors, health practitioners, and a variety of brick and mortar specialty retailers.

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Shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $60.64 and last traded at $60.6120, with a volume of 783973 shares. The stock had previously closed at $60.43.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $1.57 billion, a PE ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 0.81. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $56.10.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. ABC Arbitrage SA bought a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $635,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 168,171 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $9,217,000 after purchasing an additional 10,628 shares in the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the third quarter worth about $521,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 4.6% in the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,695 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $422,000 after buying an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 6.9% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 45,624 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,501,000 after buying an additional 2,953 shares during the last quarter. 68.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Zurich Stock Exchange. The Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Index weight.

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WMG Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 9,044 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $2,188,000. iShares Russell 2000 ETF comprises approximately 0.7% of WMG Financial Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th biggest position.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IWM. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 211.1% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Proathlete Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Pingora Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Beacon Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the second quarter worth $35,000.

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iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Up 1.3%

Shares of IWM stock opened at $256.08 on Wednesday. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 12-month low of $171.73 and a 12-month high of $258.20. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $246.42 and a 200-day moving average of $237.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $76.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index.

Further Reading

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Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA  Get Free Report) shares dropped 3.4% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $150.86 and last traded at $150.92. Approximately 12,742,773 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 12% from the average daily volume of 14,413,651 shares. The stock had previously closed at $156.26.

More Alibaba Group News

Here are the key news stories impacting Alibaba Group this week:

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Positive Sentiment: AI product push: Alibabas Amap and visual/3D AI tools and other visual-AI features position the company to challenge rivals in local services and instant commerce, driving optimism that innovation will boost user engagement and monetization. Alibabas Amap muscles up on world models

AI product push: Alibabas Amap and visual/3D AI tools and other visual-AI features position the company to challenge rivals in local services and instant commerce, driving optimism that innovation will boost user engagement and monetization. Positive Sentiment: Cloud & AI revenue momentum: Analyst pieces highlight accelerating AI-driven cloud growth (large YoY cloud gains and strong adoption of Qwen models), which could underpin long-term revenue expansion despite near-term margin pressure from heavy investment. Alibaba Is Building An AI Arsenal

Cloud & AI revenue momentum: Analyst pieces highlight accelerating AI-driven cloud growth (large YoY cloud gains and strong adoption of Qwen models), which could underpin long-term revenue expansion despite near-term margin pressure from heavy investment. Positive Sentiment: Commercial partnerships: A new MOU with Shinsegae to expand global sales of Korean products supports crossborder GMV growth on Alibabas platforms and underscores potential merchant and category expansion in ecommerce. Shinsegae, Alibaba sign MOU

Commercial partnerships: A new MOU with Shinsegae to expand global sales of Korean products supports crossborder GMV growth on Alibabas platforms and underscores potential merchant and category expansion in ecommerce. Positive Sentiment: Institutional & analyst backing: Recent data shows many big institutions adding BABA and a string of buy/outperform ratings with median targets well above current levels, supporting upside expectations if execution on AI/cloud continues. Alibaba Group Holding Limited Stock Opinions

Institutional & analyst backing: Recent data shows many big institutions adding BABA and a string of buy/outperform ratings with median targets well above current levels, supporting upside expectations if execution on AI/cloud continues. Neutral Sentiment: Valuation and rotation risks: Commentary asks whether investors should revisit BABA after a large rally, noting mixed social-media viewssome celebrate AI upside, others warn that high AI investment and a soft macro backdrop make near-term returns uncertain. Is It Time To Revisit Alibaba

Valuation and rotation risks: Commentary asks whether investors should revisit BABA after a large rally, noting mixed social-media viewssome celebrate AI upside, others warn that high AI investment and a soft macro backdrop make near-term returns uncertain. Negative Sentiment: Legal/investor pressure: A Pomerantz investor investigation notice into Alibaba may increase selling pressure or create shortterm uncertainty for shareholders while the inquiry proceeds. Pomerantz Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Arete Research set a $172.00 price target on Alibaba Group in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Arete cut Alibaba Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $172.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Mizuho set a $195.00 target price on Alibaba Group in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Loop Capital set a $140.00 price target on Alibaba Group in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Alibaba Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Seventeen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Alibaba Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $192.11.

Alibaba Group Trading Down 3.4%

The business has a fifty day moving average of $157.76 and a 200-day moving average of $145.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market capitalization of $360.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.85, a PEG ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 0.37.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alibaba Group

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in Alibaba Group by 40.4% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,411 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 981 shares in the last quarter. Axiom Investors LLC DE purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $276,909,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Alibaba Group by 18.0% during the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,941 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $653,000 after buying an additional 754 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Alibaba Group during the first quarter worth $254,000. Finally, Scientech Research LLC raised its position in Alibaba Group by 45.3% in the 1st quarter. Scientech Research LLC now owns 4,751 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $628,000 after buying an additional 1,481 shares during the last quarter. 13.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Alibaba Group

(Get Free Report)

Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of cofounders. The company built its business around internet-based commerce and related services and has grown into one of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. Alibaba completed a highprofile initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014.

The company operates a portfolio of online marketplaces and platforms serving different customer segments: Alibaba.com for global and domestic B2B trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer shopping, and Tmall for brand and retailer storefronts targeted at Chinese consumers.

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Bancroft Fund Ltd. (NYSE:BCV  Get Free Report) insider Mario Gabelli sold 1,300 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.25, for a total transaction of $28,925.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 25,700 shares in the company, valued at approximately $571,825. This trade represents a 4.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link.

Bancroft Fund Trading Down 0.4%

Shares of Bancroft Fund stock traded down $0.10 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $22.68. 21,336 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,028. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $22.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $21.36. Bancroft Fund Ltd. has a 52-week low of $15.63 and a 52-week high of $23.88.

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Bancroft Fund Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.2%. This is a positive change from Bancroft Funds previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bancroft Fund

Bancroft Fund Company Profile

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of Bancroft Fund by 25,710.4% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 99,628 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,180,000 after purchasing an additional 99,242 shares during the period. Pathstone Holdings LLC grew its position in Bancroft Fund by 245.0% during the third quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 99,665 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,181,000 after buying an additional 70,776 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Bancroft Fund by 32.8% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 285,799 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,403,000 after buying an additional 70,606 shares in the last quarter. Bulldog Investors LLP acquired a new position in shares of Bancroft Fund in the third quarter worth about $863,000. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bancroft Fund in the third quarter worth about $767,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 22.43% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

The Bancroft Fund (NYSE:BCV) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide total return through both current income and capital appreciation. Established as a publicly traded fund, Bancroft offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of income-oriented securities, with a particular emphasis on funds that themselves invest in dividend-paying and other cash-flow assets.

To pursue its investment objective, the Fund allocates principally to shares of registered investment companies, including other closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds.

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Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $103.05, but opened at $107.65. Bloom Energy shares last traded at $108.0630, with a volume of 4,855,290 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BE has been the subject of several recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $123.00 price objective on shares of Bloom Energy in a research note on Monday, October 20th. HSBC raised shares of Bloom Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $150.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Bloom Energy to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued an underperform rating and issued a $53.00 target price on shares of Bloom Energy in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Bloom Energy to $95.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bloom Energy has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.77.

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View Our Latest Report on Bloom Energy

Bloom Energy Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of $26.36 billion, a PE ratio of 577.06, a PEG ratio of 8.75 and a beta of 3.01. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $105.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 4.40 and a quick ratio of 2.88.

Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $519.05 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $425.18 million. Bloom Energy had a net margin of 0.84% and a return on equity of 8.74%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 57.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted ($0.01) EPS. Equities analysts predict that Bloom Energy Corporation will post -0.23 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Maciej Kurzymski sold 13,105 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.09, for a total value of $1,888,299.45. Following the transaction, the insider owned 93,269 shares in the company, valued at $13,439,130.21. The trade was a 12.32% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Mary K. Bush sold 36,000 shares of Bloom Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $142.82, for a total value of $5,141,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 133,524 shares in the company, valued at $19,069,897.68. This trade represents a 21.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 120,410 shares of company stock valued at $16,557,185. Insiders own 3.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Bloom Energy

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BE. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of Bloom Energy by 3.3% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,111 shares of the companys stock worth $432,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the period. Seelaus Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bloom Energy by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Seelaus Asset Management LLC now owns 11,420 shares of the companys stock valued at $966,000 after buying an additional 270 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in shares of Bloom Energy by 250.9% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 393 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC grew its holdings in Bloom Energy by 74.4% during the third quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 680 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 290 shares during the period. Finally, Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its position in Bloom Energy by 0.3% in the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 95,532 shares of the companys stock worth $2,285,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.04% of the companys stock.

Bloom Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bloom Energy is a clean energy technology company that designs, manufactures and deploys solid oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation. Its flagship product, the Bloom Energy Server, converts natural gas, biogas or hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction, offering customers a reliable, low-carbon alternative to grid power. The company also provides a suite of services that includes system installation, remote monitoring and preventative maintenance to ensure long-term performance and uptime.

Founded in 2001 by Dr.

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BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) (TSE:ZWB  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$25.49 and last traded at C$25.49, with a volume of 73252 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$25.29.

BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) Stock Down 0.3%

The business has a 50 day moving average price of C$24.36 and a 200-day moving average price of C$22.75.

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BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO) Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.7%.

About BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO)

The ETF seeks to provide exposure to the performance of a portfolio of Canadian banks to generate income and to provide long-term capital appreciation while mitigating downside risk through the use of covered call options. To achieve investment objective the ETF will primarily invest in and hold the securities of Canadian banks, ETFs, or a combination of these. Depending on market volatility and other factors, the ETF will write covered call options on these securities. Under such call options, the ETF will sell to the buyer of the option, for a premium, either a right to buy the security from the ETF at an exercise price or, if the option is cash settled, the right to a payment from the ETF equal to the difference between the value of the security and the exercise price.

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When Bitcoin first launched in 2009, many investors dismissed the currency as a fringe concept and even as a scam. (Charlie Munger, Warren Buffetts former right-hand man at Berkshire Hathaway, memorably called it stupid and evil.) But the asset has skyrocketed in value in recent years and President Donald Trump labeled the currency digital gold after signing an executive order to create a strategic bitcoin reserve last January. Now, reports allege that Venezuela has bought into that digital gold, holding a shadow reserve nearly double that of the U.S.

Digital publication Project Brazen reported Saturday that Venezuela could hold an estimated $60 billion worth of Bitcoin. Additional intelligence reports allege that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his associates accrued Bitcoin via three channels: a gold swap overseen by Venezuelan Interior Minister Alex Saab in 2018, oil revenue priced in Bitcoin, and by seizing crypto mining equipment from miners in the country.

Sanctions have walled off the countrys access to financial markets for years, and experts allege that they may have motivated Venezuelan leaders to invest in cryptocurrencies to sidestep the barrier.

Bitcointreasuries.net puts Venezuelas holdings at 240 bitcoin, worth nearly $22 million. The website sourced the data from a 2022 Forbes article that cited research from a blockchain analytics firm. The total is a far cry from the estimated U.S. holdings of 328,372, currently worth $30 billion, though the claim positions Venezuelas holdings at nearly double the U.S. and one of the biggest holders of bitcoin globally.

Some are raising their eyebrows

The claims of Venezuelas shadow Bitcoin holdings have predictably garnered skeptics, including digital asset financial services company Ledn Co-founder Mauricio di Bartolomeo, who grew up in Venezuela and whose family has mined crypto there since 2014.

Di Bartolomeo finds no credibility in any of the three alleged sources of bitcoin income: the gold swap, oil exchange or mining equipment seizures. This to me does not align with anything in the public record, di Bartolomeo told Fortune. Theres so much corruption, embezzlement and missing money that I dont believe that any meaningful amount would have accrued.

He outlined his full argument in a Coindesk op-ed piece titled Dont hold your breath for Venezuelas bitcoin. Though he notes that his familys crypto mining materials were seized by the government in 2018 and returned five years later in a worn down condition, signaling heavy use of the equipment.
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the fourteen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $78.7692.

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Eastman Chemical from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $71.00 target price on shares of Eastman Chemical in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Eastman Chemical from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Eastman Chemical from $75.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on Eastman Chemical from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 3rd.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Eastman Chemical Stock Performance

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EMN. Vontobel Holding Ltd. acquired a new stake in Eastman Chemical in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $392,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its stake in shares of Eastman Chemical by 235.2% during the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 66,200 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $4,942,000 after acquiring an additional 46,453 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eastman Chemical by 19.2% in the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 67,112 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,066,000 after purchasing an additional 10,813 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in shares of Eastman Chemical by 9.2% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 472,384 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $35,268,000 after purchasing an additional 39,930 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Eastman Chemical by 0.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,659,591 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,094,485,000 after purchasing an additional 79,988 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.65% of the companys stock.

EMN stock opened at $68.34 on Friday. Eastman Chemical has a twelve month low of $56.11 and a twelve month high of $103.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $7.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.23 and a beta of 1.23. The businesss fifty day moving average is $61.82 and its 200-day moving average is $66.21.

Eastman Chemical (NYSE:EMN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The basic materials company reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by ($0.04). Eastman Chemical had a net margin of 7.75% and a return on equity of 12.89%. The company had revenue of $2.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.28 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.26 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Eastman Chemical has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.400-5.65 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Eastman Chemical will post 8.55 EPS for the current year.

Eastman Chemical Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.84 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.9%. This is a boost from Eastman Chemicals previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. Eastman Chemicals payout ratio is presently 56.09%.

Eastman Chemical Company Profile

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Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) is a global specialty materials company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers. Its product portfolio spans performance additives, functional products, and engineered plastics designed to enhance the durability, appearance and performance of end products across diverse industries.

The companys main business activities include the production of specialty chemicals used in adhesives, coatings, building materials and consumer care applications, as well as high-performance plastics for packaging, automotive and electronics markets.

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Shares of Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR  Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Reduce from the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has given a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $56.6667.

KMPR has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Kemper in a research note on Monday, December 29th. William Blair lowered shares of Kemper from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Kemper from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Kemper from $50.00 to $35.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Kemper from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th.

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Kemper Trading Up 0.7%

Shares of KMPR stock opened at $40.02 on Friday. Kemper has a fifty-two week low of $33.91 and a fifty-two week high of $72.25. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $40.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $49.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a current ratio of 0.19. The company has a market cap of $2.34 billion, a PE ratio of 10.45 and a beta of 1.15.

Kemper (NYSE:KMPR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by ($1.00). The business had revenue of $1.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.22 billion. Kemper had a return on equity of 11.48% and a net margin of 5.13%.Kempers quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.62 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Kemper will post 6.03 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Kemper Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. Kempers payout ratio is currently 33.42%.

Institutional Trading of Kemper

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in KMPR. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Kemper by 40.1% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,780,270 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $143,323,000 after acquiring an additional 795,131 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Kemper by 129.8% during the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,115,660 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $57,512,000 after purchasing an additional 630,241 shares during the period. Voloridge Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Kemper in the third quarter worth $24,340,000. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of Kemper by 284.8% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 621,829 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,055,000 after purchasing an additional 460,217 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Kemper by 12.9% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,776,543 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $143,131,000 after purchasing an additional 316,216 shares during the period. 86.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Kemper

(Get Free Report)

Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is a diversified insurance holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Formed through the rebranding of Unitrin in 2010, Kemper has established a nationwide presence by offering a broad array of property and casualty insurance products. The company distributes its products through independent agents, brokers and direct-to-consumer channels, serving both individual policyholders and commercial clients.

The personal insurance segment provides coverage for automobiles, homeowners, renters and umbrella lines, while the commercial business focuses on liability, workers compensation and specialty property solutions tailored to small and mid-sized enterprises.

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Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) used a CES 2026 keynote to position its equipment and power systems as the invisible layer that underpins the digital economy, outlining how it is applying connectivity, data and artificial intelligence to construction, mining and energy customers while expanding autonomous operations.

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Framing Caterpillars role in the physical layer

CEO Joe Creed said Caterpillars presence at CES reflects a shift in how the company wants to be perceived: not only as a manufacturer of heavy equipment, but as a technology company bringing AI and autonomy into the actual physical infrastructure that the cloud depends on. He argued that modern technology relies on a physical foundationminerals, roads, ports, data centers and power systemsthat must be built, maintained and operated reliably.

Connected fleets, AI-driven insights, and safety

Creed traced Caterpillars growth in stages, beginning with construction, expanding to mining for critical minerals such as copper, iron ore, lithium and rare earth elements, and later into power generation through engines and turbines supporting hospitals, data centers and other essential services. He said Caterpillars products operate globally in extreme conditions and that the company is embedding intelligence into this installed base through sensors, connectivity and analytics.

Creed highlighted several examples of how software and data are being applied across Caterpillar equipment:

Autonomous mining trucks: Caterpillar began experimenting with autonomous mining trucks in the 1990s and operates fleets running 24/7 in remote environments.

Caterpillar began experimenting with autonomous mining trucks in the 1990s and operates fleets running 24/7 in remote environments. 3D grade control in construction: The companys systems translate digital blueprints into GPS-guided machine instructions, targeting centimeter-level accuracy to reduce rework.

The companys systems translate digital blueprints into GPS-guided machine instructions, targeting centimeter-level accuracy to reduce rework. Safety technologies: Sensors, vision systems and predictive analytics can distinguish people from backgrounds in real time and provide warnings to reduce the risk of job-site incidents.

Creed said the fleet includes more than 1.5 million connected assets generating data that can be used to improve performance over time, and he described scenarios such as software updates to alter how mining trucks navigate or predictive monitoring that detects early stress in power equipment and triggers service actions.

Helios platform and the launch of the Cat AI Assistant

Chief Digital Officer Ogi Redzic described the companys cloud-native digital platform, Helios, as the foundation for deploying AI at scale. He said Helios aggregates data from about 1.5 million connected assets, sends and receives thousands of messages per second, triggers millions of data pipelines daily, and contains more than 16 petabytes of reusable, high-quality data. Redzic added that the platform was recently featured by the MIT Center for Information Systems Research as a case study in building digital assets at scale.

Redzic introduced the Cat AI Assistant, which he described as a group of AI agents presented as a single multimodal assistant that can be used via speech, text, images or video. In demonstrations, the assistant provided fleet summaries such as fuel efficiency and idle time, identified an underutilized machine relative to a target utilization rate, interpreted a hydraulic warning light, and offered to schedule service with a local Cat dealer.

Redzic said the assistant is intended to help customers buy, maintain, manage and operate equipment from headquarters or remote job sites. He also described roles for the tool across the workforce, including as an extra set of eyes for condition monitoring analysts, a manual library for technicians, and an in-cab copilot for operators.

In a booth demonstration featuring a Cat 306 mini excavator, a Caterpillar employee used the assistant to provide operator guidance and set a safety boundaryan E-Ceilingto limit boom movement near simulated overhead power lines, with the machine slowing and preventing the bucket from exceeding the set limit.

Redzic said Caterpillar is going live with Cat AI Assistant this quarter, with in-cab applications in final validation and plans to roll out in the near future.

NVIDIA partnership and edge AI focus

Caterpillar also emphasized a partnership with NVIDIA, including a stage conversation between Creed and Deepu Talla, NVIDIAs vice president of Robotics and Edge AI. Talla said heavy industry environments are safety-critical, with connectivity not guaranteed and low latency mission-critical, making edge AI important. He referenced NVIDIAs robotics and edge platforms Isaac and Jetson Thor, and described an approach where models run on the machine for perception, planning, control and safety, while sensor data feeds back to improve models that are then redeployed to fleets.

Redzic said Caterpillar is using NVIDIAs Thor platform to run capabilities such as speech recognition, AI models and control logic directly on machines, enabling the assistant to function in remote, off-grid locations without relying on a perfect cloud connection.

Autonomy in mining today, construction next

Chief Technology Officer Jamie Miner said Caterpillar has been working on autonomy for more than 30 years, citing early partnerships and testing that included Carnegie Mellon in the 1980s and participation in the DARPA Grand Challenge in the mid-2000s. Miner said Caterpillar delivered Level 4 autonomy more than a decade ago.

Miner described Caterpillars autonomous mining fleet as one of the most proven and largest globally, stating it has moved more than 11 billion tons of material and traveled more than 385 million kilometers autonomously without a single reported injury.

She also highlighted a collaboration with Luck Stone at the Bull Run quarry in Virginia, where Caterpillar launched a fully driverless fleet just over a year ago. Miner said the sites 100-ton trucks have hauled more than 2 million tons, and that autonomy created safer jobs and new roles in managing fleets and optimizing operations through data-driven decisions.

Looking ahead, Miner previewed what she called the next era of construction autonomy, listing five machine categories Caterpillar plans to bring to customers: a wheel loader, dozer, haul truck, excavators and compactors. She described a digital nervous system for job sites combining AI, machine learning, computer vision and edge computing with sensors such as LIDAR, radar, GPS and cameras.

Miner said Caterpillar would preview a customer collaboration with WM to bring autonomy to landfill operations during an event in the West Hall at 2:00 p.m.

In closing remarks, Creed said the company is pairing technology expansion with workforce development, committing $25 million to fund training, education and partnerships intended to help people transition into new roles created by advancing technology. He said Caterpillar plans to work with customers, dealers, schools and community partners to direct the initiative where its equipment operates and where the impact is greatest.

About Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT)

Caterpillar Inc is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives. The companys product portfolio includes earthmoving machines such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and offhighway trucks, as well as a range of power generation products including generator sets and power systems for industrial and commercial use. Caterpillar serves customers across heavy construction, mining, energy, transportation and related industries with both equipment and integrated technology solutions.

In addition to manufacturing, Caterpillar provides a broad range of aftermarket parts and support services, including maintenance, repair, remanufacturing and fleet management tools.

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Shares of China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE:CYD  Get Free Report) traded up 8.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $41.33 and last traded at $41.1550. 115,996 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 27% from the average session volume of 159,762 shares. The stock had previously closed at $38.00.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently commented on CYD. UBS Group began coverage on China Yuchai International in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a buy rating and a $60.00 target price on the stock. Zacks Research lowered China Yuchai International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Wall Street Zen raised China Yuchai International from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Sunday, November 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of China Yuchai International in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $60.00.

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China Yuchai International Stock Up 6.7%

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The business has a 50 day moving average price of $36.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $32.96.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of China Yuchai International in the third quarter worth $28,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC bought a new stake in China Yuchai International in the 3rd quarter worth $42,000. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in shares of China Yuchai International in the third quarter valued at about $66,000. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of China Yuchai International during the third quarter valued at about $83,000. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in shares of China Yuchai International during the second quarter worth about $48,000.

About China Yuchai International

(Get Free Report)

China Yuchai International Ltd. (NYSE: CYD) is a Cayman Islandsincorporated holding company with principal executive offices in Singapore. Through its subsidiaries, the company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of diesel engines in the Peoples Republic of China. Its principal operating subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited (GYMCL), has been producing diesel engines since 1951 and ranks among the countrys largest heavy-duty engine makers.

The companys core product portfolio includes high-speed and medium-speed diesel engines for on-highway trucks and buses, off-road vehicles such as construction and agricultural machinery, marine propulsion systems, and power generator sets.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM) CEO Harry Culham used a conference appearance to emphasize strategic continuity following his recent leadership transition, while outlining areas of execution focus aimed at improving efficiency, sustaining growth, and delivering returns north of 15% in return on equity (ROE).

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Leadership transition framed as continuity with an emphasis on execution

Culham said the transition differs from other CEO changes because he has spent well over a decade on CIBCs executive team, including leading strategy and corporate development. He described a leadership group that has worked closely together for many years, which he said supports consistency in strategy and execution.

Execution enablers: client focus, modernization, and human capital

Rather than signaling a strategic reset, Culham said the bank is focused on acceleration of that execution, noting that management engaged with stakeholders including clients, employees, regulators, and shareholders during the transition. He said CIBC is aiming to drive results with predictability.

Asked what might change under his leadership after a record year, Culham pointed to increased attention on enablers that support strategy execution. He cited three primary areas:

Client connectivity: Delivering all of CIBC to clients across the organization, with a heightened client focus.

Delivering all of CIBC to clients across the organization, with a heightened client focus. Modernization and efficiency: Using newer technologies to reduce costs and reinvest, with a stated goal of lowering the efficiency ratio over time.

Using newer technologies to reduce costs and reinvest, with a stated goal of lowering the efficiency ratio over time. Human capital development: Ongoing talent development and productivity improvements as technology changes how work is done.

On restructuring, Culham noted that CIBC has not taken large restructuring charges and said management is not in a hurry to take large charges. He framed efficiency as a longer-term journey supported by continuous evaluation of talent and productivity gains from technology, including AI and data tools.

He also said the bank invests heavily in technology and related capabilities, estimating that CIBC invests close to 20% of its expense base in technology systems, data, and AI. He said that as revenue grows, these investments should help the efficiency ratio move lower and ROE move higher.

Retail growth priorities: Imperial Service, Costco partnership, and everyday banking

Culham highlighted Imperial Service as a premium offering for the mass affluent segment, calling it a key part of the banks strategy focused on mass affluent and private wealth. He said roughly 10% of CIBCs core retail client base is in Imperial Service, totaling about a million clients.

He said revenue per Imperial Service client is about 5x that of a core retail client and that Imperial Service clients have about 10x the assets of core clients. Culham said the bank sees an opportunity to double the size of Imperial Service, in part by using data and AI to identify assets held outside the bank by existing clients.

On advisor coverage, he said CIBC has about 2,250 financial advisors and 1,2001,300 associate financial advisors, and he outlined a productivity goal: increasing the number of clients an advisor can cover by about 30% over the next year or two through technology and data tools, rather than doubling the advisor headcount.

Culham also discussed the banks Costco partnership, calling it a fantastic and long-term relationship. He said CIBC has more than 3 million Costco credit card clients and has franchised almost 10% of those clients, adding that almost 10% of the franchised clients are Imperial Service clients. He said the bank has taken in CAD 15 billion+ in assets over roughly the past year to year and a half from the partnership, and he described further opportunity among additional Costco members, though he did not provide specific targets.

On mortgages, Culham said mortgages remain important to clients but described a shift toward deeper relationships and everyday banking products such as checking, credit cards, and investments, where margins are higher. He also noted that the mortgage broker market represents more than half of the market, which he characterized as generating less-deep relationships and lower margins versus mortgages originated within the banks relationship base.

Commercial banking, capital markets, and U.S. strategy

Culham attributed CIBCs commercial banking growth to relationship depth and cross-selling across the franchise, including wealth management. He said about a third of commercial clients have a wealth relationship with the bank, and he pointed to referrals both in Canada and increasingly in the U.S. Looking to 2026, he said the bank expects deposits to grow faster than lending, driven by investments in cash management platforms and better use of client data to bring a broader suite of services to commercial clients.

In capital markets, Culham said the business has delivered results consistent with, and beyond, targets discussed at a 2022 investor day. He cited capital markets earnings growth at the higher end of a 7%10% range, with growth above 10% in the U.S. He also said CIBC has delivered higher pre-provision, pre-tax earnings growth than peers on Bay Street over the last 10 years and cited capital markets ROE in the 20s in recent years.

He credited performance to strict resource disciplinetracking resources by client, product, and regionand said the bank is extending that discipline across the broader organization. In the U.S., Culham said the bank is pursuing an organic build rather than being all things to all people. He said CIBC is seeing outsized growth opportunities in the U.S. and described the start to 2026 as incredible, similar to the end of 2025. He added that senior hiring is tightly controlled to protect culture, describing a process that can involve extensive interviews.

On the broader U.S. business, Culham discussed the banks prior acquisitions, including The PrivateBank in 2017 and Atlantic Trust earlier, and said CIBC has invested heavily to build a commercial and wealth foundation. He said referral volume in the U.S. is currently lower than in Canada but that management sees an opportunity to increase it over time. He also said CIBC has nine branches in the Chicago area and is focused on serving a mass affluent and wealth client base with technology capabilities. While he said tuck-ins are possible, he stated the bank is not looking to make a big inorganic splash.

Credit quality outlook and capital positioning

On credit, Culham referenced comments from CIBCs risk leadership indicating confidence in credit quality, including an expectation for mid- to lower-30s in gross impaired loans in 2026, which he characterized as a slight improvement from 2025. He acknowledged some delinquency pressure in mortgages and credit cards but said it remains manageable.

He also cited low mortgage losses in 2025in the neighborhood of CAD 10 millionand pointed to loan-to-value levels as a factor that provides comfort on loss severity. In credit cards, he said the portfolio is premium, including Costco exposure, and noted that Costco-related balances represent about a third of overall outstandings.

Looking further out, Culham said historical provision levels could suggest a 2530 range is possible over time, though he emphasized that external factors such as unemployment will influence outcomes. He also said the bank expects U.S. loan losses to move lower over time as industry provisioning normalizes, which he said could support ROE as the U.S. platform scales.

On capital, Culham said the bank targets roughly 100 basis points above the minimum requirement, putting the level at 12.5%, while noting peers are generally in the sort of 13s currently. He said CIBC has ample capital and is generating capital at roughly 10 basis points a quarter. He added that the bank has targeted ROE of 15%+ and expects to be able to deliver that at current capital levels, with capital likely to remain around those levels for some time given economic uncertainty.

In closing remarks, Culham reiterated that CIBCs aligned leadership team is focused on client connectivity, modernization, and investing in people and technology, with an emphasis on accelerating execution. He said management is working toward 7%10% earnings per share growth plus in the current environment and ROE north of 15%+, with the aim of improving total shareholder return through consistent, sustainable, and predictable performance.

About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE: CM), commonly known as CIBC, is a major Canadian financial institution headquartered in Toronto. Formed in 1961 through the merger of the Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada, CIBC is one of Canadas largest banks and provides a broad range of banking and financial services to retail, small business, commercial and institutional clients.

CIBCs activities span personal and business banking, wealth management, capital markets and corporate banking.

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Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO  Get Free Report) and Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, risk, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations and valuation.

Risk & Volatility

Terreno Realty has a beta of 1.13, meaning that its share price is 13% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sunstone Hotel Investors has a beta of 1.02, meaning that its share price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Institutional and Insider Ownership

99.4% of Sunstone Hotel Investors shares are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Terreno Realty shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.1% of Sunstone Hotel Investors shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Terreno Realty $382.62 million 16.04 $184.50 million $3.15 18.85 Sunstone Hotel Investors $905.81 million 1.92 $43.26 million N/A N/A

This table compares Terreno Realty and Sunstone Hotel Investorss revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Terreno Realty has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Sunstone Hotel Investors.

Profitability

This table compares Terreno Realty and Sunstone Hotel Investors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Terreno Realty 72.41% 8.27% 6.41% Sunstone Hotel Investors 1.94% 1.04% 0.59%

Dividends

Terreno Realty pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Sunstone Hotel Investors pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Terreno Realty pays out 66.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Terreno Realty has increased its dividend for 5 consecutive years and Sunstone Hotel Investors has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Terreno Realty and Sunstone Hotel Investors, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Terreno Realty 1 6 6 0 2.38 Sunstone Hotel Investors 2 3 3 0 2.13

Terreno Realty currently has a consensus target price of $65.31, suggesting a potential upside of 9.99%. Sunstone Hotel Investors has a consensus target price of $9.29, suggesting a potential upside of 1.43%. Given Terreno Realtys stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Terreno Realty is more favorable than Sunstone Hotel Investors.

Summary

Terreno Realty beats Sunstone Hotel Investors on 12 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Terreno Realty

(Get Free Report)

Terreno Realty Corporation (Terreno, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C. All square feet, acres, occupancy and number of properties disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned 259 buildings aggregating approximately 16.0 million square feet, 45 improved land parcels consisting of approximately 152.4 acres, seven properties under development or redevelopment and approximately 62.7 acres of land entitled for future development. The Company is an internally managed Maryland corporation and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010.

About Sunstone Hotel Investors

(Get Free Report)

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 14 hotels comprised of 6,675 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate.

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Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.63 by $0.43, FiscalAI reports. Constellation Brands had a net margin of 11.88% and a return on equity of 29.82%. The firm had revenue of $2.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.25 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. Constellation Brands updated its FY 2026 guidance to 11.300-11.600 EPS.

Constellation Brands Stock Down 2.0%

Constellation Brands stock opened at $140.73 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $24.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.54, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. Constellation Brands has a 12 month low of $126.45 and a 12 month high of $220.59. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $136.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $148.62.

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Institutional Trading of Constellation Brands

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in Constellation Brands by 650.6% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,769,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $287,889,000 after purchasing an additional 1,533,961 shares during the period. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 1,249.7% during the 2nd quarter. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC now owns 476,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,550,000 after buying an additional 441,382 shares during the period. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 26.8% in the 3rd quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 1,664,151 shares of the companys stock worth $224,111,000 after buying an additional 351,241 shares during the last quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands in the second quarter worth $21,065,000. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Constellation Brands by 1,966.8% during the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 122,187 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,877,000 after acquiring an additional 116,275 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock.

Key Constellation Brands News

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Here are the key news stories impacting Constellation Brands this week:

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on STZ shares. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $180.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a research note on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Friday, November 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $153.00 target price on the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $150.00 to $147.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. UBS Group set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $176.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $182.17.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Constellation Brands, Inc is a leading producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits, with operations spanning production, importation, marketing and distribution. The companys beverage portfolio includes a range of premium and mainstream wines and spirits alongside major imported beer brands; in the U.S. market Constellation is widely known for its role in bringing Mexican imports such as Corona and Modelo to American consumers. Constellation supplies retail, onpremise and foodservice channels and supports its brands with national sales and marketing platforms and supplychain capabilities.

The company traces its roots to the Canandaigua Wine Company, founded by Marvin Sands in 1945, and evolved through organic growth and acquisition into a diversified beverage company.

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HempAmericana (OTCMKTS:HMPQ  Get Free Report) and Ceconomy (OTCMKTS:MTTRY  Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations and valuation.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for HempAmericana and Ceconomy, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score HempAmericana 0 0 0 0 0.00 Ceconomy 0 0 0 1 4.00

Given HempAmericanas higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe HempAmericana is more favorable than Ceconomy.

Risk & Volatility

Profitability

HempAmericana has a beta of -0.22, indicating that its stock price is 122% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ceconomy has a beta of 1.34, indicating that its stock price is 34% more volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares HempAmericana and Ceconomys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets HempAmericana N/A N/A N/A Ceconomy 0.54% 41.02% 2.18%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares HempAmericana and Ceconomys gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio HempAmericana N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Ceconomy $25.51 billion 0.10 -$38.73 million $0.06 17.00

HempAmericana has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Ceconomy.

Summary

Ceconomy beats HempAmericana on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About HempAmericana

(Get Free Report)

HempAmericana, Inc. researches, develops, and sells products made of industrial hemp in the United States. It provides hemp-based concrete, hemp bags, hemp seeds for consumption, hemp clothing, and hemp rolling paper products. HempAmericana, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is based in New York, New York.

About Ceconomy

(Get Free Report)

Ceconomy AG, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the consumer electronics retail business. It operates stores under the MediaMarkt and Saturn brands. The company offers professional assistance for the installation, connection, and troubleshooting of electronic devices at home under the Deutsche Technikberatung brand. It operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, as well as in Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe. Ceconomy AG is based in Dusseldorf, Germany.

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ProMetic Life Sciences (OTCMKTS:PFSCF  Get Free Report) and Actinium Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:ATNM  Get Free Report) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, earnings, risk and dividends.

Risk & Volatility

ProMetic Life Sciences has a beta of 2.46, meaning that its share price is 146% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Actinium Pharmaceuticals has a beta of -0.3, meaning that its share price is 130% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for ProMetic Life Sciences and Actinium Pharmaceuticals, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ProMetic Life Sciences 0 0 0 0 0.00 Actinium Pharmaceuticals 0 0 1 0 3.00

Profitability

Actinium Pharmaceuticals has a consensus price target of $4.00, indicating a potential upside of 178.75%. Given Actinium Pharmaceuticals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Actinium Pharmaceuticals is more favorable than ProMetic Life Sciences.

This table compares ProMetic Life Sciences and Actinium Pharmaceuticals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ProMetic Life Sciences -894.02% -3,350.55% -67.76% Actinium Pharmaceuticals N/A -100.85% -47.89%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

0.1% of ProMetic Life Sciences shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 27.5% of Actinium Pharmaceuticals shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of Actinium Pharmaceuticals shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares ProMetic Life Sciences and Actinium Pharmaceuticalss revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio ProMetic Life Sciences $36.55 million 3.49 -$150.73 million N/A N/A Actinium Pharmaceuticals $90,000.00 497.40 -$48.82 million ($1.10) -1.30

Actinium Pharmaceuticals has lower revenue, but higher earnings than ProMetic Life Sciences.

Summary

Actinium Pharmaceuticals beats ProMetic Life Sciences on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About ProMetic Life Sciences

(Get Free Report)

Prometic Life Sciences Inc. operates as a biopharmaceutical company with two drug discovery platforms that focuses on unmet medical needs in the field of fibrosis and orphan diseases. Its product pipeline includes PBI-4050, an orally active lead drug candidate for fibrosis; plasminogen, a biopharmaceutical for the treatment of congenital plasminogen deficiency; and intravenous immunoglobulin, a preparation of antibodies purified from plasma donations from healthy individuals. The company was founded in 1992 and is based in Laval, Canada.

About Actinium Pharmaceuticals

(Get Free Report)

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops antibody radiation conjugates and other targeted radiotherapies intended to improve outcomes for people who have failed existing oncology therapies. Its Iomab-B is an induction and conditioning agent prior to bone marrow transplant in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML). The company focuses on advancing its development for product candidate Actimab-A, a therapeutic agent that has demonstrated potential activity in r/r AML patients. In addition, it engages with the National Cancer Institute under the cooperative research and development agreement for the development of Actimab-A in AML and other myeloid malignancies. Its Iomab-ACT, a next generation conditioning candidate, is being developed for improving patient access and outcomes for curative cell and gene therapies. Further, the companys research and development activities primarily focus on advancing various preclinical programs for solid tumor indications. The company holds approximately 235 patents and patent applications, including various patents related to the manufacture of the isotope Ac-225 in a cyclotron. The company is based in New York, New York.

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Crh Plc (NYSE:CRH  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $129.75 and last traded at $127.1710, with a volume of 262937 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $128.87.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CRH has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of CRH in a report on Monday, December 1st. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on CRH from $131.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on CRH from $152.00 to $150.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Barclays raised their price target on CRH from $110.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Bank of America began coverage on shares of CRH in a report on Friday, September 26th. They issued a buy rating and a $128.00 price objective for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $133.86.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on CRH

CRH Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of $83.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.80, a P/E/G ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.34. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $120.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $111.92.

CRH (NYSE:CRH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The construction company reported $2.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.27. CRH had a return on equity of 16.25% and a net margin of 9.30%.The firm had revenue of $11.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.97 earnings per share. CRHs revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. CRH has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.490-5.720 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Crh Plc will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current year.

CRH Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. CRHs payout ratio is presently 22.11%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Board of the Pension Protection Fund acquired a new stake in shares of CRH during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of CRH during the second quarter worth $27,000. Park Place Capital Corp lifted its holdings in shares of CRH by 59.9% during the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 307 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares during the last quarter. United Community Bank boosted its position in shares of CRH by 359.6% in the 3rd quarter. United Community Bank now owns 239 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the period. Finally, Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. boosted its position in shares of CRH by 1,835.3% in the 2nd quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 329 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 312 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.50% of the companys stock.

CRH Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CRH plc, originally formed as Cement Roadstone Holdings in 1970 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a global building materials group. The company has grown from its Irish roots into one of the largest international suppliers of construction materials, expanding primarily through acquisitions and regional business development. CRH operates an integrated network of manufacturing and distribution businesses that serve both public and private construction markets.

CRHs core activities include the production and distribution of aggregates, cement, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and other bulk materials, together with a broad range of value-added building products such as precast concrete, masonry, bricks, roofing products, pipe and drainage systems, and construction accessories.

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Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI has closed an upsized $20 billion Series E funding round, exceeding its original $15 billion target as tech giants pour billions into the AI arms race despite mounting regulatory scrutiny and AI bubble warnings.

The company announced on Tuesday that it had completed the Series E round, with participation from heavyweight investors, including blue-chip investors such as Nvidia and Cisco Investments, as xAI scales what it claims are "the largest GPU clusters in the world."

Valor Equity Partners, Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Qatar Investment Authority, MGX, and Baron Capital Group are among the other investors who joined the round.

The funding will accelerate xAI's infrastructure buildout and fuel development of consumer and enterprise products leveraging its Grok AI models and the X platform.

"It's worth asking whether X data, used as Grok model training data, could ultimately produce better models than the data that other large language model providers like OpenAI are training on," Joni Pirovich, founder and CEO of Crystal aOS (agent operating system), a compliance infrastructure layer for crypto firms, told Decrypt.

EU Calls Grok's Child Images 'Illegal' as Global Crackdown Intensifies

"The oversubscribed round shows that major backers are willing to bet the answer is yes, and want exposure to the upside if xAI can steal market share from OpenAI and increase consumer and enterprise use of Grok models, she added.

Musks xAI said 2025 marked a year of breakthrough momentum, pointing to the expansion of its Colossus I and II data centers, which ended the year with more than one million H100 GPU equivalents, according to the statement.

The company is currently training Grok 5 while continuing to develop its image- and video-generation models through Grok Imagine, an AI-powered creative tool.

The platform is also "hiring aggressively" for mission-oriented individuals ready to make "a transformational impact on the future of humanity," it said in the statement.

Elon Musk's xAI Refuses to Rein In Grok as Non-Consensual Deepfakes Run Wild

The massive capital injection comes as xAI faces international backlash over its Grok chatbot's ability to generate non-consensual deepfakes and sexualized images of minors.

The European Commission recently condemned Grok's "Spicy Mode" for producing "illegal" and "appalling" content, while France, the UK, India, and Malaysia have launched separate investigations.
Internet Initiative Japan (OTCMKTS:IIJIY  Get Free Report) and theglobe.com (OTCMKTS:TGLO  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Internet Initiative Japan and theglobe.com, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Internet Initiative Japan 0 0 0 1 4.00 theglobe.com 0 0 0 0 0.00

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Internet Initiative Japan and theglobe.coms top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Internet Initiative Japan $2.08 billion 1.56 $131.56 million $1.69 20.91 theglobe.com N/A N/A -$200,000.00 N/A N/A

Internet Initiative Japan has higher revenue and earnings than theglobe.com.

Risk & Volatility

Internet Initiative Japan has a beta of 1.15, meaning that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, theglobe.com has a beta of -1.65, meaning that its stock price is 265% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Internet Initiative Japan and theglobe.coms net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Internet Initiative Japan 6.76% 15.55% 7.08% theglobe.com N/A N/A -889.92%

Summary

Internet Initiative Japan beats theglobe.com on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Internet Initiative Japan

(Get Free Report)

Internet Initiative Japan Inc. provides Internet connectivity, WAN, outsourcing, systems integration, and network-related equipment sales services in Japan. It operates through two segments, Network Services and Systems Integration Business, and ATM Operation Business. The company offers mobile communication and remote access/telework services; WAN/network services, including SDN, multi-cloud network, closed connection, internet VPN, SEIL, remote access, wireless LAN, and GIGA-school; leased line and broadband services; IIJ DNS platform, and domain name registration and maintenance services; IIJ access ID management, dial-up access, and IIJ IPv6 fiber access services; and security solutions for IIJ managed firewall, DDoS protection, and managed IPS/IDS services. It also provides cloud solutions, such as HaaS/IaaS, cloud storage, monitoring/operation, virtual desktop, Paas/Saas, solution for Microsoft and AWS, IoT/M2M, ID management and authentication, network, global, mobile, license, and specialized solutions, as well as IIJ cloud exchange and IIJ cloud integration solutions; integrated, network, mail, and web security, endpoint, security assessment/consulting, web and mail hosting, online storage, content delivery/CDN/CMS, and system integration; IoT services and solutions in the field of industrial, agriculture, energy, and IoT-oriented mobile communication; industry-specific solution; content delivery; and global/privacy products. In addition, the company offers IT outsourcing, IIJ consulting, cognitive factory, IIJ PC deployment support, IIJ PaaS solution, IIJ EMM utilization support, IIJ private cloud, network solutions, IIJ security audit, IIJ malware analysis, IIJ content management, cloud integration solution for Microsoft and AWS, Microsoft 365 transition support solution, data center service, and data center construction engineering solutions, as well as DX edge services. The company was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About theglobe.com

(Get Free Report)

theglobe.com, inc. does not have significant operations. Previously, it was involved in the operation of an online community with registered members and users in the United States and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Houston, Texas. theglobe.com, inc. is a subsidiary of Delfin Midstream LLC.

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Sivik Global Healthcare LLC cut its holdings in Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 12.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 35,000 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 5,000 shares during the period. Danaher comprises about 2.0% of Sivik Global Healthcare LLCs holdings, making the stock its 5th largest position. Sivik Global Healthcare LLCs holdings in Danaher were worth $6,939,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Danaher during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in Danaher in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Danaher during the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Red Tortoise LLC lifted its position in shares of Danaher by 175.0% during the 2nd quarter. Red Tortoise LLC now owns 154 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Danaher in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. 79.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Danaher in a research report on Monday, December 1st. They issued an overweight rating and a $270.00 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Danaher from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. HSBC raised their price target on Danaher from $255.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Danaher from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Rothschild & Co Redburn reissued a neutral rating and issued a $220.00 price objective (down from $245.00) on shares of Danaher in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Twenty-one investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $249.50.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Teri List sold 3,298 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $226.50, for a total transaction of $746,997.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 20,762 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,702,593. This represents a 13.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 5,174 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.42, for a total value of $1,088,713.08. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 2,625 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $552,352.50. This trade represents a 66.34% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 30,248 shares of company stock worth $6,609,663. Company insiders own 11.20% of the companys stock.

Danaher Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DHR opened at $236.60 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $224.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $209.87. Danaher Corporation has a 1-year low of $171.00 and a 1-year high of $258.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The company has a market cap of $167.12 billion, a PE ratio of 48.78, a P/E/G ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 0.89.

Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 20th. The conglomerate reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $6.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6 billion. Danaher had a net margin of 14.44% and a return on equity of 10.92%. Danahers quarterly revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.71 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Danaher Corporation will post 7.63 EPS for the current year.

Danaher Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. Danahers payout ratio is currently 26.39%.

Danaher Profile

(Free Report)

Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) is a global science and technology company that designs, manufactures and markets products and services for the life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied markets. The company organizes its operations into business segments focused on Life Sciences, Diagnostics, and Environmental & Applied Solutions, supplying instruments, reagents, software and related services that support research, clinical testing, biopharmaceutical development, and industrial and environmental monitoring.

Products and services in Danahers portfolio include analytical and diagnostic instruments, laboratory consumables and reagents, digital and software solutions for workflow and data management, field and industrial monitoring equipment, and service and maintenance programs.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DHR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR  Free Report).

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Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares (NYSEARCA:JNUG  Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $235.93, but opened at $221.34. Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares shares last traded at $216.9320, with a volume of 88,554 shares trading hands.

Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares Trading Down 3.9%

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $178.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $136.77. The company has a market cap of $632.76 million, a P/E ratio of 27.33 and a beta of 1.45.

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Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.9282 per share. This is a boost from Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Sharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.07. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $3.71 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares

Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares Company Profile

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the third quarter valued at about $5,097,000. Client First Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares in the third quarter worth $3,729,000. IMC Chicago LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the third quarter worth $3,403,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares by 693.5% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 7,253 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $576,000 after buying an additional 6,339 shares during the period. Finally, Simplex Trading LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares during the second quarter valued at $481,000.

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The Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares (JNUG) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners index. The fund provides daily 2x exposure to an index of junior gold and silver mining companies from developed as well as emerging markets. JNUG was launched on Oct 3, 2013 and is managed by Direxion.

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Zacks Research upgraded shares of Energy Vault (NYSE:NRGV  Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on NRGV. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Energy Vault from $1.50 to $2.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Fundamental Research set a $5.19 target price on shares of Energy Vault and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Energy Vault in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Energy Vault presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $2.67.

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Energy Vault Stock Down 4.5%

Shares of Energy Vault stock opened at $5.43 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $911.60 million, a P/E ratio of -5.76 and a beta of 0.91. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $4.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.71. Energy Vault has a one year low of $0.60 and a one year high of $5.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.63.

Energy Vault (NYSE:NRGV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.16) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.10) by ($0.06). Energy Vault had a negative return on equity of 119.98% and a negative net margin of 172.61%.The company had revenue of $33.32 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48.99 million. On average, analysts forecast that Energy Vault will post -0.64 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Energy Vault news, CFO Michael Thomas Beer sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.91, for a total transaction of $245,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 1,150,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,649,063.02. This represents a 4.16% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Robert Piconi acquired 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $3.00 per share, for a total transaction of $30,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 20,207,242 shares in the company, valued at $60,621,726. This trade represents a 0.05% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 19.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NRGV. Creative Planning boosted its stake in shares of Energy Vault by 3.7% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 102,139 shares of the companys stock worth $303,000 after acquiring an additional 3,690 shares in the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV bought a new position in Energy Vault during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Platform Technology Partners acquired a new position in shares of Energy Vault in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. bought a new position in Energy Vault during the third quarter worth $43,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Energy Vault by 4.2% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 398,476 shares of the companys stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 16,101 shares during the period. 40.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Energy Vault Company Profile

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Energy Vault is a global energy storage technology company specializing in long-duration, gravity-based energy storage solutions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, the firm has developed a modular system that uses large composite blocks and a proprietary crane system to convert excess renewable energy into gravitational potential energy. When energy demand peaks, the system lowers the blocks to generate electricity through regenerative braking, offering a dispatchable, carbon-free alternative to traditional battery storage.

The companys flagship product line, EVx, integrates advanced materials science, software-driven controls and artificial intelligence to optimize charge and discharge cycles.

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Shares of Eurofins Scient (OTCMKTS:ERFSF  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eight brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company.

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on ERFSF shares. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Eurofins Scient to an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th.

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Eurofins Scient Price Performance

About Eurofins Scient

Shares of ERFSF stock opened at $81.76 on Friday. Eurofins Scient has a fifty-two week low of $46.37 and a fifty-two week high of $83.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 1.19. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $70.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $72.96.

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Eurofins Scientific is a global provider of bioanalytical testing and laboratory services, offering a wide array of testing solutions to pharmaceutical, food, environmental, agriscience and consumer products industries. Its core services include pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing for water and air quality, food safety analysis, agrochemical trials and clinical diagnostic support. The company operates specialized laboratories equipped with advanced analytical technologies such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and molecular biology to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to support research and development efforts across multiple sectors.

Founded in 1987 by Gilles Martin and headquartered in Luxembourg, Eurofins has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

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Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 2.1% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $118.27 and last traded at $118.4710. Approximately 20,197,560 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 8% from the average daily volume of 21,945,352 shares. The stock had previously closed at $121.05.

Key Headlines Impacting Exxon Mobil

Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week:

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on XOM shares. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $141.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. BNP Paribas upgraded Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Zacks Research downgraded Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 1st. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $142.00 to $137.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their price target on Exxon Mobil from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $129.81.

Exxon Mobil Stock Down 2.1%

The stock has a 50-day moving average of $117.64 and a 200-day moving average of $113.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firm has a market cap of $499.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.22, a P/E/G ratio of 7.72 and a beta of 0.37.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, June 17th. The oil and gas company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 8.99%.The company had revenue of $57.55 billion for the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $1.03 per share. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.5%. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 59.88%.

Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil

In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total transaction of $351,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 28,584 shares in the company, valued at $3,349,758.96. The trade was a 9.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Exxon Mobil

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of XOM. Eagle Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 15.3% in the 1st quarter. Eagle Capital Management LLC now owns 2,836 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $337,000 after purchasing an additional 376 shares in the last quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 6.9% during the first quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 110,634 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,158,000 after purchasing an additional 7,175 shares during the last quarter. Caxton Associates LLP acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the first quarter valued at approximately $305,000. MBB Public Markets I LLC bought a new position in Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $328,000. Finally, HFM Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter worth approximately $488,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.80% of the companys stock.

Exxon Mobil Company Profile

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Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications.

ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product.

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $18.72, but opened at $17.67. First Majestic Silver shares last traded at $17.1480, with a volume of 11,003,838 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Securities upgraded First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. National Bankshares set a $22.00 target price on First Majestic Silver and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. HC Wainwright set a $17.50 price target on shares of First Majestic Silver in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Sunday, October 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $17.33.

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First Majestic Silver Trading Down 6.6%

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.45 and a 200 day simple moving average of $11.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.59 billion, a PE ratio of 124.61 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 3.38, a quick ratio of 2.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The mining company reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $285.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $429.78 million. First Majestic Silver had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 3.14%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 95.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.09) EPS. Analysts predict that First Majestic Silver Corp. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Majestic Silver Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.0052 per share. This represents a $0.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. This is a positive change from First Majestic Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. First Majestic Silvers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.29%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On First Majestic Silver

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AG. Vident Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of First Majestic Silver during the 1st quarter worth approximately $82,000. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in shares of First Majestic Silver by 77.4% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 604,186 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $4,042,000 after buying an additional 263,688 shares in the last quarter. Amundi grew its holdings in First Majestic Silver by 1.0% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 1,479,022 shares of the mining companys stock worth $9,525,000 after acquiring an additional 14,163 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd raised its position in First Majestic Silver by 66.4% in the first quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 100,855 shares of the mining companys stock worth $675,000 after acquiring an additional 40,228 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in First Majestic Silver by 355.7% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,193,589 shares of the mining companys stock worth $7,985,000 after acquiring an additional 931,690 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.16% of the companys stock.

About First Majestic Silver

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) engages in the production of silver from its wholly owned operations in Mexico. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating high-grade silver projects. Established in 2002, First Majestic has built a multi-mine portfolio to supply silver primarily for the global industrial and investment markets while generating by-products such as gold, lead and zinc concentrates.

First Majestics principal operations are located in the historic Mexican Silver Belt, with producing mines including La Encantada in Coahuila, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Parrilla in Durango.

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The First National Bank of Groton (OTC:FIGR  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $49.80 and last traded at $49.13, with a volume of 1335218 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $43.74.

First National Bank of Groton Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $39.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $228.02.

First National Bank of Groton Company Profile

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The First National Bank of Groton offers various banking products and services in New York. The company provides personal checking accounts and personal saving accounts; and business checking, savings, and money market accounts. It also offers personal loans, which includes home mortgage and equity, auto, recreational vehicle, mobile home, and personal home loans. In addition, it provides business loans, including commercial real estate, equipment, business term, and small business administration loans.

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Canadian Zeolite (OTCMKTS:IZCFF  Get Free Report) and Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, dividends and profitability.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

33.8% of Fortuna Mining shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Fortuna Mining shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Canadian Zeolite and Fortuna Minings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Canadian Zeolite N/A N/A N/A Fortuna Mining 21.48% 12.42% 8.88%

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Canadian Zeolite $450,000.00 N/A -$370,000.00 ($0.01) -0.55 Fortuna Mining $1.06 billion 2.89 $128.74 million $0.72 13.87

This table compares Canadian Zeolite and Fortuna Minings revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Fortuna Mining has higher revenue and earnings than Canadian Zeolite. Canadian Zeolite is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fortuna Mining, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility and Risk

Canadian Zeolite has a beta of 0.55, meaning that its share price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Fortuna Mining has a beta of 0.89, meaning that its share price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Canadian Zeolite and Fortuna Mining, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Canadian Zeolite 0 0 0 0 0.00 Fortuna Mining 1 2 4 0 2.43

Fortuna Mining has a consensus price target of $9.50, suggesting a potential downside of 4.86%. Given Fortuna Minings stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Fortuna Mining is more favorable than Canadian Zeolite.

Summary

Fortuna Mining beats Canadian Zeolite on 13 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Canadian Zeolite

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International Zeolite Corp. explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. It operates through two segments, Exploration and Development, and Retail and Commercial. The company markets and supplies natural zeolite and zeolite-infused products for agriculture, industrial, and home use; and develops, markets, and sells industrial commercial products from the production of its properties, as well as supplies raw materials from third party suppliers. It also has interests in the Bromley Creek zeolite project, which consists of one mineral lease and four mineral claims covering approximately 1,134.75 hectares located near Princeton, British Columbia; and the Sun Group zeolite project covering approximately 527.167 hectares located in British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Canadian Zeolite Corp. and changed its name to International Zeolite Corp. in March 2018. International Zeolite Corp. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

About Fortuna Mining

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Fortuna Mining Corp. engages in the precious and base metal mining in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico, Peru, and Cote dIvoire. It operates through Mansfield, Sanu, Sango, Cuzcatlan, Bateas, and Corporate segments. The company primarily explores for silver, lead, zinc, and gold. Its flagship project is the Seguela gold mine, which consists of approximately 62,000 hectares and is located in the Worodougou Region of the Woroba District, Cote dIvoire. The company was formerly known as Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. and changed its name to Fortuna Mining Corp. in June 2024. Fortuna Mining Corp. was incorporated in 1990 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

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Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 22,853 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $3,852,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AEM. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 59.7% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 198 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the period. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 12.9% in the third quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 27,091 shares of the mining companys stock worth $4,567,000 after acquiring an additional 3,097 shares in the last quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 8.9% in the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 64,315 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $10,841,000 after acquiring an additional 5,243 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 168.7% in the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 5,478 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $923,000 after acquiring an additional 3,439 shares during the period. Finally, JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd boosted its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 24.1% during the 3rd quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd now owns 5,926 shares of the mining companys stock worth $998,000 after purchasing an additional 1,150 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $140.00 to $198.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $185.00 to $205.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday. UBS Group boosted their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $201.60.

Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 3.1%

AEM stock opened at $180.61 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.31. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $168.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $152.02. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 12 month low of $80.58 and a 12 month high of $187.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $90.62 billion, a PE ratio of 26.37, a P/E/G ratio of 0.51 and a beta of 0.63.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.40. The firm had revenue of $3.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 15.64% and a net margin of 32.62%.During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.14 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Agnico Eagle Mines Profile

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Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production.

Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM).

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is unbothered about a potential wealth tax on California's billionairesdespite others publicly declaring they will open new offices in other states.

"We chose to live in Silicon Valley and whatever taxes, I guess, they would like to apply so be it. I'm perfectly fine with it, it never crossed my mind once," he told Bloomberg Television.

Huang, who has company offices in several countries and who is facing down a possible 10-figure tax bill if the wealth tax ballot succeeds, added that "we work in Silicon Valley because that's where the talent pool is."

His comments come after several high-profile billionaires decided to flee the state over a proposed ballot measure that would level a one-time wealth tax of 5% on individuals worth more than $1 billion.

Although the ballot initiative has yet to pass, it would apply to any billionaires who lived in California on Jan. 1, 2026, prompting many of the state's ultra-rich to rush to establish alternate residency before the onset of the New Year.

On New Year's Eve, venture capitalists Peter Thiel and David Sacks announced the opening of new satellite offices in Florida and Texas, respectively, laying a paper trail that might thwart future California tax collectors.

Peter Thiel said in a press release that he now has a significant presence in Miami.

Thiel's investment firm, Thiel Capital, announced that it had signed a lease for office space in Miami that the firm said "will complement Thiel Capitals existing operations in Los Angeles."

The press release emphasized that Thiel "has established a significant presence in Miami over the last several years, maintaining a personal residence in the city since 2020."

Thiel had been a longtime resident of Los Angeles, where his investment company is headquartered, and owns a home in the Hollywood Hills.

Florida voting records show that he is currently registered to vote in Miami Beach, appearing to confirm his new status as a Florida resident.

Meanwhile, Craft Ventures, the investment firm co-founded by Sacks, announced it had signed a lease on a new office in Austin, TX, earlier in December.

Craft Ventures, the investment firm co-founded by David Sacks, signed a lease for a new office in Austin, TX, in December.

The company said that Sacks' co-founder, Bill Lee, had lived in Austin since 2022, and noted that Sacks had relocated to the area earlier in the month. Sacks had long lived in the Pacific Heights section of San Francisco, an area known as "Billionaires' Row."

Thiel and Sacks, both avid Republicans and prominent supporters of President Donald Trump, may have felt special urgency to firmly establish out-of-state residency before the Jan. 1 deadline.
Global Retirement Partners LLC lessened its holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA  Free Report) by 44.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 9,726 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,886 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLCs holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF were worth $1,512,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 8.9% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 175,903 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,501,000 after purchasing an additional 14,386 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC lifted its stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 54.9% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 17,359 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,023,000 after acquiring an additional 6,149 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 208.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 30,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,598,000 after acquiring an additional 20,869 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 101,765 shares of the companys stock worth $11,861,000 after purchasing an additional 866 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 30.1% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 44,759 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,217,000 after purchasing an additional 10,365 shares during the last quarter.

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Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Trading Up 1.8%

Shares of PPA stock opened at $168.23 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $154.09 and its 200-day moving average price is $150.47. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 12 month low of $100.39 and a 12 month high of $168.35.

Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Profile

PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. The modified market-cap portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index.

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Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GEM  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $42.96 and last traded at $42.9250, with a volume of 11139 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $42.62.

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF Stock Down 0.7%

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $41.79 and a 200-day moving average of $40.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.33 and a beta of 0.62.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of GEM. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new stake in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF by 171.3% in the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,560 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 985 shares during the period.

About Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF

The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of emerging market stocks comprising 4 sub-indexes: value, momentum, quality, and low volatility. The index uses multiple factors to pick stocks, and each sub-index receives equal weight. GEM was launched on Sep 29, 2015 and is managed by Goldman Sachs.

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Shares of Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:ROUS  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $59.41 and last traded at $59.31, with a volume of 189098 shares. The stock had previously closed at $58.58.

Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF Trading Up 1.2%

The stock has a market cap of $513.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.12 and a beta of 0.86. The companys fifty day moving average is $57.79 and its two-hundred day moving average is $56.33.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC grew its position in Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC now owns 12,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $688,000 after acquiring an additional 244 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF by 3.5% in the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 12,386 shares of the companys stock valued at $712,000 after purchasing an additional 422 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in shares of Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF by 224.7% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,367 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,000 after purchasing an additional 946 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. purchased a new stake in Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $54,000. Finally, Keystone Financial Group acquired a new stake in Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $93,000.

Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF Company Profile

The Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF (ROUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Hartford Multi-factor Large Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks. The index relies on value, momentum and quality factors, among others. ROUS was launched on Feb 25, 2015 and is managed by Hartford.

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CoastalSouth Bancshares (NYSE:COSO  Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare CoastalSouth Bancshares to similar companies based on the strength of its dividends, valuation, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and profitability.

Profitability

This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CoastalSouth Bancshares N/A N/A N/A CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors 7.23% 6.94% 0.79%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CoastalSouth Bancshares N/A N/A 20.66 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors $744.78 million $95.99 million 38.77

Insider & Institutional Ownership

CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors have higher revenue and earnings than CoastalSouth Bancshares. CoastalSouth Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies are held by institutional investors. 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CoastalSouth Bancshares 0 1 1 0 2.50 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors 29 165 196 18 2.50

As a group, State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 6.07%. Given CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe CoastalSouth Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Summary

CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors beat CoastalSouth Bancshares on 9 of the 11 factors compared.

CoastalSouth Bancshares Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Coastal States Bank, a South Carolina state-chartered commercial bank, we offer a full range of banking products and services designed for businesses, real estate professionals, and consumers looking for a deep and meaningful relationship with their bank. Today, we have a community banking presence in some of the fastest growing and most business-friendly markets in the U.S., namely the Lowcountry of South Carolina (Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort), nearby Savannah, Georgia, and the Atlanta, Georgia market.  In addition to our traditional community banking operations, we operate four specialty lines of business that provide scalability and diversification:  Senior Housing Lending  focuses on lending to operators across the spectrum of senior care, with an emphasis on assisted living;  Marine Lending  focuses on consumer loans primarily to high-net-worth borrowers secured by yachts and high-end sport fishing vessels;  Government Guaranteed Lending  focuses on origination of small business and other loans guaranteed by the SBA and USDA; and  Mortgage Banker Finance  focuses on mortgage warehouse lending to mortgage originators. By combining the relationship-based focus of a community bank with our specialty lines of business, we believe we can capitalize on the substantial growth opportunities available in our markets, particularly given the scarcity of community banks between $1.5 billion and $5.0 billion in total assets. Our principal executive offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY  Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Wednesday . 200 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 33% from the previous sessions volume of 150 shares.The stock last traded at $8.28 and had previously closed at $8.50.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Hugo Boss to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, Hugo Boss presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Hugo Boss Trading Down 2.6%

The company has a market capitalization of $2.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.50 and a beta of 0.62. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.28.

Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. Hugo Boss had a net margin of 5.31% and a return on equity of 15.59%. On average, research analysts forecast that Hugo Boss will post 0.63 EPS for the current year.

Hugo Boss Company Profile

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Hugo Boss AG is a German luxury fashion group that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of apparel, accessories and footwear under its two core brands, BOSS and HUGO. The companys product portfolio spans mens and womens business wear, casual collections and athleisure, as well as fragrances, eyewear and leather goods. Hugo Boss operates through a multi-channel network that includes directly operated retail stores, e-commerce platforms and wholesale partnerships with department stores and specialty retailers.

Founded in 1924 by Hugo Ferdinand Boss and headquartered in Metzingen, Germany, the company originally produced workwear and uniforms before pivoting to high-end fashion in the latter half of the 20th century.

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Shares of IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $137.8750.

IDA has been the subject of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of IDACORP in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho raised their price target on IDACORP from $129.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group reduced their price target on IDACORP from $135.00 to $129.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Morgan Stanley set a $139.00 price objective on IDACORP and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded IDACORP to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th.

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Institutional Trading of IDACORP

IDACORP Stock Up 2.7%

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. AMG National Trust Bank boosted its holdings in IDACORP by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 11,665 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,542,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in shares of IDACORP by 7.6% in the third quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,128 shares of the energy companys stock worth $149,000 after buying an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in IDACORP by 33.6% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 382 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in IDACORP by 31.2% during the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 408 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 97 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in IDACORP by 13.4% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 836 shares of the energy companys stock worth $97,000 after buying an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.10% of the companys stock.

IDA stock opened at $129.27 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $128.00 and a 200-day moving average of $126.41. IDACORP has a fifty-two week low of $104.74 and a fifty-two week high of $138.03. The company has a market capitalization of $6.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.21, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.09.

IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The energy company reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $524.42 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $663.09 million. IDACORP had a net margin of 17.59% and a return on equity of 9.35%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.12 earnings per share. IDACORP has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.800-5.900 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that IDACORP will post 5.81 earnings per share for the current year.

IDACORP Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 5th were given a $0.88 dividend. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. This is an increase from IDACORPs previous quarterly dividend of $0.86. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 5th. IDACORPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 60.48%.

IDACORP Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

IDACORP, Inc is a diversified energy holding company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, whose primary subsidiary, Idaho Power Company, operates as a regulated electric utility. Through Idaho Power, the company provides generation, transmission and distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The companys service territory spans southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, where it serves over half a million customers with a mix of hydroelectric, natural gas, wind and solar generation assets.

Idaho Powers generation portfolio is anchored by a network of hydroelectric facilities along the Snake River system, complemented by natural-gas-fired plants and growing investments in renewable resources.

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International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) shares traded down 1.9% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $296.35 and last traded at $296.8350. Approximately 2,800,770 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 29% from the average session volume of 3,949,838 shares. The stock had previously closed at $302.47.

Key Stories Impacting International Business Machines

Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week:

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on IBM shares. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Friday, November 21st. They issued an outperform rating and a $360.00 price objective on the stock. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $301.85.

International Business Machines Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $303.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $281.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $277.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.70.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.45 by $0.20. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 37.76% and a net margin of 12.09%.The company had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.30 earnings per share. International Business Machiness revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $1.68 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is currently 80.38%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On International Business Machines

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 0.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 95,776,307 shares of the technology companys stock worth $27,024,243,000 after buying an additional 724,832 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in International Business Machines by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 54,536,963 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $16,076,406,000 after acquiring an additional 147,721 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in International Business Machines by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,936,235 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,444,527,000 after purchasing an additional 400,131 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors boosted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 17,045,156 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $4,809,461,000 after purchasing an additional 2,077,506 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 8,636,725 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,147,608,000 after purchasing an additional 524,633 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.96% of the companys stock.

International Business Machines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM.

IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development.

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iShares Global Industrials ETF (NYSEARCA:EXI  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $180.24 and last traded at $180.6450, with a volume of 26364 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $177.76.

iShares Global Industrials ETF Price Performance

The firms fifty day moving average price is $173.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $170.90. The stock has a market cap of $987.35 million, a P/E ratio of 22.01 and a beta of 1.05.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Global Industrials ETF

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Global Industrials ETF by 17.5% in the 3rd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 2,175,019 shares of the companys stock worth $375,735,000 after buying an additional 323,810 shares during the last quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. bought a new stake in iShares Global Industrials ETF in the second quarter valued at $35,606,000. PGIM Custom Harvest LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Global Industrials ETF by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. PGIM Custom Harvest LLC now owns 107,309 shares of the companys stock worth $17,747,000 after acquiring an additional 1,492 shares in the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares Global Industrials ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $6,489,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in iShares Global Industrials ETF by 57.1% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 37,549 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,459,000 after buying an additional 13,650 shares during the last quarter.

iShares Global Industrials ETF Company Profile

iShares Global Industrials ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global Industrials Sector Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Global 1200 Industrials Sector Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the Standard & Poors Global 1200 Index. The Index includes manufacturers and distributors of capital goods, providers of commercial services and supplies, and transportation service providers.

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John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMD  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 1,187,033 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 210% from the previous sessions volume of 382,772 shares.The stock last traded at $42.1430 and had previously closed at $42.31.

John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Trading Down 0.2%

The stock has a market cap of $1.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.81. The companys fifty day moving average is $41.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.88.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans purchased a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF during the second quarter worth about $12,146,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 53.8% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 723,022 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,670,000 after purchasing an additional 252,988 shares in the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC increased its stake in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 311.5% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 213,746 shares of the companys stock worth $8,180,000 after buying an additional 161,803 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 14.5% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 811,692 shares of the companys stock worth $31,063,000 after buying an additional 102,550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 38.0% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 317,069 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,596,000 after buying an additional 87,390 shares during the period.

About John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF

The John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (JHMD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of stocks from developed markets ex-US and Canada, covering 85% of the market capitalization. Holdings are weighted based on fundamental and technical factors JHMD was launched on Dec 15, 2016 and is managed by John Hancock.

Further Reading

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KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 1.5% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 229,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,400 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning ASs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $39,153,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,724,707 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,576,035,000 after acquiring an additional 286,942 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 16.7% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,141,511 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,089,897,000 after purchasing an additional 1,164,217 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Valero Energy in the second quarter worth $827,390,000. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its stake in Valero Energy by 3.0% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 5,024,322 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $675,369,000 after purchasing an additional 148,195 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its position in Valero Energy by 3.3% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 2,381,316 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $331,415,000 after purchasing an additional 77,070 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $195.00 target price (down from $198.00) on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on Valero Energy from $162.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Erste Group Bank started coverage on Valero Energy in a research note on Monday, November 10th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating and issued a $195.00 target price (up previously from $181.00) on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $183.20.

Trending Headlines about Valero Energy

Here are the key news stories impacting Valero Energy this week:

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.02, for a total value of $1,728,540.66. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 134,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,352,787.92. This trade represents a 6.89% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.37% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Valero Energy Trading Down 1.6%

VLO opened at $177.76 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.60. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $171.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $158.59. Valero Energy Corporation has a one year low of $99.00 and a one year high of $185.62. The stock has a market cap of $54.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 0.77.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $3.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by $0.51. The firm had revenue of $32.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.80 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 8.69% and a net margin of 1.21%.Valero Energys quarterly revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.14 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 EPS for the current year.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 20th were issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 94.36%.

Valero Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation is a San Antonio, Texasbased integrated downstream energy company that manufactures and markets transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks and other industrial products. The companys operations focus on refining crude oil into finished fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as producing asphalt and other refined product streams for commercial and industrial customers.

In addition to refining, Valero has significant operations in renewable fuels, including the production of ethanol and other biofuels, and it manages an extensive logistics network of pipelines, terminals, rail and marine assets to move feedstocks and finished products.

Further Reading

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Oil declined on the prospect of increased Venezuelan crude sales after US forces seized two more sanctioned tankers and said its already marketing some of the countrys supply.

West Texas Intermediate fell 2% to settle just below $56 on Wednesday on expectations that an uptick in sales of Venezuelan barrels will put downward pressure on prices in an already oversupplied market.

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US President Donald Trump said late Tuesday that Venezuelas interim government agreed to give as many as 50 million barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil to the US. Trump has said the US wants full access to Venezuelas oil following the arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces over the weekend.

In addition to marketing Venezuelan crude, the US is working with banks and commodity houses to execute trades, according to a fact sheet released by the Department of Energy. Meanwhile, lighter grades of US oil are being dispatched to upgrade and optimize Venezuelas sludgy crude for export, the agency said.

The Trump administration is selectively rolling back sanctions against the South American nation, the department said without providing specifics.

Its a set of moves that, in effect, makes the US one of the worlds most powerful traders of crude oil.

Were going to let the oil flow, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. conference on Wednesday. Barrels will be sold to US refineries and around the world to bring better oil supplies.

Oil has lost ground since the start of the year, following its worst annual slump since 2020. Amid the backdrop of a global glut, prices could have significant runway to weaken.

In recent sessions, the US benchmark struggled to rally past $58.50, a key level of resistance, according to Fawad Razaqzada, a market analyst at Forex.com. If prices decline further and breach the key psychological and technical level of $55, which has held since April, futures could accelerate a slide to $50.

Trend-following commodity trading advisers shifted positions to 91% short in WTI from 63%, according to data from Kplers Bridgeton Research Group.

To be sure, plenty of geopolitical-risk premium remains, including from the US capture of foreign oil tankers.

But significant amounts of Venezuelan oil potentially entering the market offers long-term bearish momentum. The country was once a crude powerhouse, but output has slumped over the past two decades and now represents 1% of global supplies as the countrys infrastructure has atrophied amid underinvestment.
Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) VP Kurt Allen sold 52,219 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.91, for a total transaction of $1,144,118.29. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 216,641 shares in the company, valued at $4,746,604.31. This represents a 19.42% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Hecla Mining Stock Performance

Shares of HL stock traded up $2.51 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $22.24. The company had a trading volume of 29,216,172 shares, compared to its average volume of 23,818,158. Hecla Mining Company has a one year low of $4.46 and a one year high of $22.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 2.15. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $16.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.67. The firm has a market cap of $14.91 billion, a PE ratio of 71.75 and a beta of 1.28.

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Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $409.54 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $315.60 million. Hecla Mining had a net margin of 16.35% and a return on equity of 7.87%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 67.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.03 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Hecla Mining Company will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hecla Mining Dividend Announcement

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hecla Mining

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 24th were paid a dividend of $0.0038 per share. This represents a $0.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 24th. Hecla Minings payout ratio is currently 3.23%.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HL. Transce3nd LLC purchased a new position in shares of Hecla Mining during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. USA Financial Formulas purchased a new position in Hecla Mining during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in Hecla Mining by 2,390.0% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,490 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 2,390 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Hecla Mining by 255.6% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,156 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 4,425 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Hecla Mining during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Institutional investors own 63.01% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on HL shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hecla Mining in a report on Monday, December 29th. Scotiabank started coverage on Hecla Mining in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $15.00 price objective on the stock. CIBC increased their target price on shares of Hecla Mining from $15.00 to $16.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Hecla Mining from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. Finally, HC Wainwright upped their price target on shares of Hecla Mining from $12.50 to $16.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $10.22.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Hecla Mining

About Hecla Mining

(Get Free Report)

Hecla Mining Company, founded in 1891 and headquartered in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, is one of the oldest publicly traded precious metals companies in the United States. Originally established to develop the rich silver deposits of the Coeur dAlene district, Hecla has evolved into a diversified mining enterprise focused on the exploration, development and production of silver and gold, with by-product credits from lead and zinc.

The companys principal operations are located in North America and Latin America.

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Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 17.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 100,965 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,265 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement Systems holdings in Chevron were worth $15,679,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Berkshire Hathaway Inc lifted its position in shares of Chevron by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 122,064,792 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $17,478,458,000 after purchasing an additional 3,454,258 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 652,139.5% during the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 83,714,936 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,214,757,000 after buying an additional 83,702,101 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 4.0% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 34,772,753 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,979,255,000 after buying an additional 1,342,723 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Chevron by 1.9% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 20,826,805 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,982,190,000 after acquiring an additional 378,936 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Chevron in the second quarter worth $2,721,477,000. 72.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In other Chevron news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total transaction of $41,456,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 1,128,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $170,052,783.75. This trade represents a 19.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have weighed in on CVX shares. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on shares of Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Chevron from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Chevron from $190.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, HSBC set a $169.00 price objective on Chevron and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Chevron presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $166.90.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Chevron

Key Headlines Impacting Chevron

Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week:

Chevron Stock Down 4.3%

Shares of CVX opened at $156.82 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $152.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $153.26. The stock has a market cap of $315.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.06, a P/E/G ratio of 10.26 and a beta of 0.70. Chevron Corporation has a 12 month low of $132.04 and a 12 month high of $168.96.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $48.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $46.99 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.The companys revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.48 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Chevron Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were paid a dividend of $1.71 per share. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is currently 96.20%.

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide.

Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco.

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Shares of Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $22.00.

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on MEC shares. Craig Hallum set a $24.00 price objective on shares of Mayville Engineering and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mayville Engineering in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Northland Capmk cut Mayville Engineering from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Northland Securities cut shares of Mayville Engineering from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $20.00 target price for the company. in a report on Monday.

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View Our Latest Research Report on MEC

Mayville Engineering Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of MEC opened at $17.74 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $360.56 million, a P/E ratio of 30.59 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. Mayville Engineering has a twelve month low of $11.72 and a twelve month high of $19.77. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $17.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.80.

Mayville Engineering (NYSE:MEC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.05. Mayville Engineering had a net margin of 2.29% and a return on equity of 5.88%. The business had revenue of $144.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $141.36 million. As a group, analysts expect that Mayville Engineering will post 0.31 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Mayville Engineering news, EVP Ryan F. Raber sold 15,000 shares of Mayville Engineering stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.68, for a total value of $250,200.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 91,018 shares in the company, valued at $1,518,180.24. This trade represents a 14.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Steven L. Fisher sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.11, for a total value of $191,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 30,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $582,511.02. This represents a 24.70% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 7.20% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mayville Engineering

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in Mayville Engineering by 109.0% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,751 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,435 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in shares of Mayville Engineering by 26.2% during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 8,342 shares of the companys stock valued at $115,000 after buying an additional 1,733 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Mayville Engineering by 20.7% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,936 shares of the companys stock valued at $127,000 after acquiring an additional 1,359 shares during the period. CHICAGO TRUST Co NA bought a new position in Mayville Engineering during the 2nd quarter valued at about $165,000. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its stake in shares of Mayville Engineering by 54.0% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 16,689 shares of the companys stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 5,855 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 45.44% of the companys stock.

About Mayville Engineering

(Get Free Report)

Mayville Engineering Company, Inc (NYSE:MEC) is a U.S.-based industrial manufacturer specializing in engineered metal castings and precision machining services. Headquartered in Mayville, Wisconsin, the company leverages over a century of casting experience to design, produce and finish complex metal components for a broad range of heavy-duty applications.

The company operates two principal business segments: iron castings and steel castings. Its iron segment utilizes green sand and lost-foam molding processes to produce gray and ductile iron components, while the steel segment employs electric-arc furnace technology to manufacture high-strength steel castings.

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Merit Financial Group LLC grew its position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU  Free Report) by 64.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 578,361 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 227,485 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC owned about 0.07% of iShares Gold Trust worth $42,087,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Keener Financial Planning LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the second quarter worth about $25,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 290.9% during the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 430 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 320 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Key Financial Inc acquired a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 59.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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More iShares Gold Trust News

Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week:

Positive Sentiment: Geopolitical risk and safehaven demand are pushing bullion higher, supporting IAU flows and NAV. Recent events in Venezuela and related market reactions have been cited as a key catalyst for renewed preciousmetals buying. Read More.

Geopolitical risk and safehaven demand are pushing bullion higher, supporting IAU flows and NAV. Recent events in Venezuela and related market reactions have been cited as a key catalyst for renewed preciousmetals buying. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Fed ratecut expectations and falling real yields are improving golds carry outlook and attractiveness versus bonds, a macro tailwind for IAU. Read More.

Fed ratecut expectations and falling real yields are improving golds carry outlook and attractiveness versus bonds, a macro tailwind for IAU. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Centralbank buying remains robust (World Gold Council/Kitco reporting of meaningful monthly purchases), tightening available bullion and underpinning price support for physicalbacked ETFs like IAU. Read More.

Centralbank buying remains robust (World Gold Council/Kitco reporting of meaningful monthly purchases), tightening available bullion and underpinning price support for physicalbacked ETFs like IAU. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Technical and marketresearch notes show a reasserting bull trend and bullish price forecasts that increase momentum flows into gold products, which typically lifts IAU. Read More.

Technical and marketresearch notes show a reasserting bull trend and bullish price forecasts that increase momentum flows into gold products, which typically lifts IAU. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Companylevel mining updates (GoldStone, ECR, Oriole and others) are moving smallcap equities but have limited direct impact on IAU  the ETF tracks spot gold, so miner production news matters only to the extent it changes supply expectations. Read More. | Read More. | Read More.

Companylevel mining updates (GoldStone, ECR, Oriole and others) are moving smallcap equities but have limited direct impact on IAU  the ETF tracks spot gold, so miner production news matters only to the extent it changes supply expectations. Read More. | Read More. | Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some outlets flagged short, likely technical pullbacks and profittaking following sharp gains; such corrections can weigh on nearterm ETF flows and create intraday volatility for IAU. Read More.

iShares Gold Trust Stock Up 1.1%

iShares Gold Trust Company Profile

iShares Gold Trust stock opened at $84.62 on Wednesday. iShares Gold Trust has a twelve month low of $49.88 and a twelve month high of $85.68. The company has a 50 day moving average of $79.33 and a 200-day moving average of $71.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.28 billion, a PE ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09.

(Free Report)

iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian).

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MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO  Get Free Report) traded up 1.6% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $116.21 and last traded at $115.99. 10,405 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 8% from the average session volume of 11,268 shares. The stock had previously closed at $114.19.

MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Trading Up 1.6%

The stock has a market cap of $579.95 million, a P/E ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. The companys 50 day moving average price is $124.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $119.80.

MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs (FNGO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. The index is highly concentrated and equally weighted. FNGO was launched on Aug 6, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

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Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC  Get Free Report) had its price target raised by research analysts at UBS Group from $70.00 to $74.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the asset managers stock. UBS Groups price objective indicates a potential downside of 0.86% from the stocks previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Moelis & Company in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Moelis & Company in a report on Thursday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $80.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research lowered shares of Moelis & Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Seaport Res Ptn raised Moelis & Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Moelis & Company from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $72.00.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Moelis & Company

Moelis & Company Price Performance

NYSE MC traded down $1.95 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $74.64. The companys stock had a trading volume of 700,420 shares, compared to its average volume of 754,857. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.85 billion, a PE ratio of 24.99, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.85. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $66.70 and a 200 day moving average of $68.84. Moelis & Company has a one year low of $47.00 and a one year high of $82.89.

Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The asset manager reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.11. Moelis & Company had a return on equity of 45.62% and a net margin of 15.98%.The firm had revenue of $356.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $336.14 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.22 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 30.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Moelis & Company will post 2.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Moelis & Company

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Impact Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Moelis & Company by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Impact Capital Partners LLC now owns 12,000 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $856,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Moelis & Company by 0.4% in the third quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC now owns 37,988 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,709,000 after buying an additional 156 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA lifted its holdings in Moelis & Company by 44.0% in the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 599 shares of the asset managers stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its position in Moelis & Company by 89.8% during the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 389 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fulton Bank N.A. boosted its position in Moelis & Company by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 6,581 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $410,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.53% of the companys stock.

Moelis & Company Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Moelis & Co operates as a holding company. It engages in the provision of financial advisory, capital raising and asset management services to a client base including corporations, governments, sovereign wealth funds and financial sponsors. The firm focuses on clients including large public multinational corporations, middle market private companies, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs and governments. The company was founded by Kenneth David Moelis, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Jeffrey Raich and Elizabeth Ann Crain in July 2007 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 311,871 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 12,025 shares during the period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSBs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $23,543,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Crews Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in NextEra Energy by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Crews Bank & Trust now owns 22,443 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,694,000 after purchasing an additional 334 shares in the last quarter. SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $259,000. North Star Investment Management Corp. lifted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 27,461 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,073,000 after buying an additional 1,903 shares during the period. Kathmere Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 9.5% in the third quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 7,568 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $571,000 after buying an additional 657 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 1.2% in the third quarter. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC now owns 51,288 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,872,000 after buying an additional 586 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.72% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on NEE shares. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on NextEra Energy from $98.00 to $97.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. HSBC increased their price target on shares of NextEra Energy from $94.00 to $95.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $98.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research boosted their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $87.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Argus set a $90.00 target price on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $91.72.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.91, for a total value of $12,178,697.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 162,693 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,651,569.63. The trade was a 47.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock.

NextEra Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:NEE opened at $81.04 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The company has a market capitalization of $168.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.74. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $82.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $77.72. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a twelve month low of $61.72 and a twelve month high of $87.53.

NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.09. NextEra Energy had a net margin of 24.72% and a return on equity of 12.42%. The company had revenue of $7.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.03 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

NextEra Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a dividend of $0.5665 per share. This represents a $2.27 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is 72.29%.

NextEra Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc (NYSE: NEE), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, is a leading clean energy company with both regulated utility operations and competitive renewable generation businesses. The companys principal operating subsidiaries include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a regulated electric utility serving customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, which develops, constructs, owns and operates a large portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Together these businesses provide electricity supply, transmission and distribution services as well as utility-scale renewable generation and related services.

NextEras activities cover the full lifecycle of power assets, from project development and construction to operation, maintenance and asset optimization.

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Shares of Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $5.9450.

Several analysts have recently commented on NOK shares. Northland Securities set a $7.50 price objective on Nokia in a report on Friday, October 24th. Santander downgraded Nokia to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating on shares of Nokia in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Nokia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 30th. Finally, Danske raised shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st.

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Nokia Stock Down 0.7%

NYSE:NOK opened at $6.45 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $6.48 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.48. Nokia has a fifty-two week low of $4.00 and a fifty-two week high of $8.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.85 and a beta of 0.77.

Nokia (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.06 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $5.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.67 billion. Nokia had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 8.24%. Nokias revenue was up 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.06 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Nokia will post 0.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership lifted its position in Nokia by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 108,136,988 shares of the technology companys stock worth $560,150,000 after acquiring an additional 1,957,524 shares during the period. Pzena Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Nokia by 17.0% during the third quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 80,329,917 shares of the technology companys stock worth $386,387,000 after purchasing an additional 11,667,677 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its position in Nokia by 50.0% in the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 43,424,695 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $208,873,000 after buying an additional 14,482,665 shares during the last quarter. Folketrygdfondet increased its holdings in Nokia by 66.6% in the 3rd quarter. Folketrygdfondet now owns 17,380,530 shares of the technology companys stock worth $83,600,000 after buying an additional 6,950,487 shares during the period. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its position in Nokia by 35,010.3% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 12,655,143 shares of the technology companys stock worth $60,871,000 after buying an additional 12,619,099 shares during the last quarter. 5.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Nokia Company Profile

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Nokia Corporation, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, is a global telecommunications and technology company with roots dating back to 1865. Over its long history the company moved from forestry and cable operations into electronics and telecommunications, becoming widely known in the 1990s and 2000s for its mobile phones. In recent years Nokia refocused its business toward network infrastructure, software and technology licensing, and research and development, following the divestiture of its handset manufacturing business and the acquisition of AlcatelLucent in 2016, which brought Bell Labs into its portfolio.

Today Nokias core activities center on designing, building and supporting communications networks and related software.

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Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF (BATS:NUDM  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $38.3293 and last traded at $36.6950, with a volume of 29617 shares. The stock had previously closed at $38.24.

Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $37.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $36.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $590.61 million, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.86.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Prism Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF by 4.0% during the third quarter. Prism Advisors Inc. now owns 29,592 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,113,000 after acquiring an additional 1,136 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its holdings in Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF by 76.7% in the second quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 157,028 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,573,000 after purchasing an additional 68,163 shares during the period. Finally, Ledyard National Bank raised its position in Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Ledyard National Bank now owns 39,898 shares of the companys stock worth $1,416,000 after purchasing an additional 1,290 shares during the last quarter.

About Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF

The Nuveen ESG International Developed Markets Equity ETF (NUDM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI TIAA ESG International DM index. The fund tracks an index of companies from developed countries, excluding the US and Canada, that align with various environmental, social, and governance principles. NUDM was launched on Jun 7, 2017 and is managed by Nuveen.

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OneAscent Financial Services LLC lowered its position in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 68.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,070 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 2,366 shares during the quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $231,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC raised its stake in Boeing by 43.3% during the 2nd quarter. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC now owns 3,598 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $754,000 after purchasing an additional 1,088 shares during the period. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Boeing during the second quarter valued at $62,859,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Boeing by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 66,773,360 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $13,991,022,000 after purchasing an additional 1,118,316 shares in the last quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Boeing by 734.4% during the third quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. now owns 10,322 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,228,000 after purchasing an additional 9,085 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SteelPeak Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of Boeing by 50.4% in the third quarter. SteelPeak Wealth LLC now owns 26,360 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $5,689,000 after purchasing an additional 8,833 shares during the last quarter. 64.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Key Stories Impacting Boeing

Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Boeing Price Performance

Shares of BA stock opened at $229.59 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $202.48 and its 200 day moving average is $215.36. The Boeing Company has a 1-year low of $128.88 and a 1-year high of $242.69. The company has a market cap of $174.51 billion, a P/E ratio of -16.78, a PEG ratio of 6.57 and a beta of 1.16.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The aircraft producer reported ($7.47) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.51) by ($6.96). The company had revenue of $23.27 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.61 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($10.44) earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 30.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Boeing

In other news, EVP Uma M. Amuluru sold 1,366 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.66, for a total transaction of $270,003.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 14,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,896,904.96. The trade was a 8.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Dana S. Deasy purchased 554 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $178.88 per share, for a total transaction of $99,099.52. Following the completion of the purchase, the senior vice president directly owned 28,442 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,087,704.96. The trade was a 1.99% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BA has been the topic of a number of research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $255.00 price objective on Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Loop Capital set a $223.00 target price on Boeing in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $250.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Boeing from $240.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $235.33.

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Boeing Profile

(Free Report)

Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world.

Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support.

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Geopolitical uncertainty combined with the loss of Venezuelan exports could push oil and gasoline prices slightly higher in the weeks ahead, according to an industry expert. Still, prices at the pump would remain at their lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, projected that oil would rise $3 per barrel in the immediate future, equivalent to less than 10 cents per gallon for gasoline. Still, he said that crude oil prices, which account for nearly half of what consumers pay at the pump, are significantly less than they were even one year ago. As of Monday morning, Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, traded at $60.75 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude was at $57.79 a barrel. That compares with more than $70 a barrel a year ago, Lipow said.

The biggest factors that could affect the oil market in the coming year are whether the unrest in Iran leads to a supply disruption and if the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, changes its current policy and decides to reinstate voluntary production cuts to increase revenues to meet their country budgetary requirements, according to Lipow.

Oil And Gas Prices Expected To Stay Significantly Lower Through 2026

Similarly, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, Patrick DeHaan, said that while the impact on Venezuela is "definitely something to watch," the uptick in oil output from OPEC+ and additions in global refinery output "make the difference again this year."

Venezuela no longer dominates global oil production, with the country's oil output falling sharply ever since its peak in the late-1990s, Lipow said. While disruption there affects markets, its not large enough on its own to cause a major global supply shock.

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Oil And Gas Demand Could Grow Until 2050, Iea Says

Less than 11% of the world's oil supply comes out of Venezuela, while 20%, or one-fifth of the worlds oil supply, passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz could in turn pose a much larger threat to global supply and prices, which is why it's key to watch instability in Iran, which could come from within or caused by Israeli or U.S. military actions.

Us Now In Control Of Venezuela's Oil Reserves, The Largest In The World: Chart

Simultaneously, Lipow is concerned that oil prices have stayed so low for so long that they are putting financial pressure on countries in the OPEC+ alliance.

"Their demand forecast has been quite optimistic and the result of the restoration of their voluntary production cuts in 2025 has led to a significant oversupply situation, lower prices and consequently lower revenue," Lipow said.
Pentair (NYSE:PNR  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at BNP Paribas Exane from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note issued on Wednesday. They currently have a $90.00 price objective on the industrial products companys stock. BNP Paribas Exanes price target points to a potential downside of 13.74% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research analysts have also commented on the company. Robert W. Baird set a $130.00 price objective on Pentair in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Pentair from $126.00 to $133.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Pentair from $121.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wolfe Research reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $135.00 target price on shares of Pentair in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Cowen lowered Pentair from a buy rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $118.07.

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Pentair Trading Up 1.6%

Shares of PNR opened at $104.34 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $105.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $106.50. Pentair has a twelve month low of $74.25 and a twelve month high of $113.95.

Pentair (NYSE:PNR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The industrial products company reported $1.24 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.18 by $0.06. Pentair had a net margin of 15.84% and a return on equity of 21.83%. The firm had revenue of $1.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.09 earnings per share. Pentairs revenue for the quarter was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Pentair has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.110-1.160 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.850-4.900 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Pentair will post 4.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Pentair

In other Pentair news, CFO Robert P. Fishman sold 7,786 shares of Pentair stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.42, for a total transaction of $820,800.12. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 63,164 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,658,748.88. The trade was a 10.97% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director T Michael Glenn sold 6,558 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.33, for a total transaction of $684,196.14. Following the sale, the director owned 31,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,254,261.36. This represents a 17.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 1.45% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wexford Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of Pentair during the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. raised its position in shares of Pentair by 64.9% in the third quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 249 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Pentair by 105.4% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 345 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 177 shares during the period. Garde Capital Inc. acquired a new position in Pentair in the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, North Star Investment Management Corp. raised its holdings in Pentair by 91.5% in the 2nd quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 404 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 193 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.37% of the companys stock.

About Pentair

(Get Free Report)

Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR) is a global provider of water treatment and fluid management solutions. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of products that move, treat, monitor and control the flow of water and other fluids across residential, commercial, industrial and municipal markets. Pentairs offerings are focused on improving water quality, conserving resources and enabling efficient fluid handling in applications from household water systems and pools to large-scale industrial and municipal installations.

Product lines include pumps and pumping systems, water filtration and purification equipment, valves and controls, heat exchangers, pool and spa systems, and a range of aftermarket parts and services.

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SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by research analysts at Raymond James Financial from $110.00 to $115.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a strong-buy rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price target would suggest a potential upside of 18.42% from the stocks current price.

Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on SouthState Bank from $127.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on SouthState Bank from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on SouthState Bank from $117.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Cowen initiated coverage on shares of SouthState Bank in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Stephens reduced their target price on shares of SouthState Bank from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $115.43.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on SouthState Bank

SouthState Bank Stock Performance

Shares of SSB opened at $97.12 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $91.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.93. SouthState Bank has a 1 year low of $77.74 and a 1 year high of $109.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.76 billion, a PE ratio of 13.36 and a beta of 0.74.

SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $2.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.38. SouthState Bank had a net margin of 20.25% and a return on equity of 10.70%. The firm had revenue of $698.78 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $660.41 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.90 EPS.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On SouthState Bank

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of SSB. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of SouthState Bank by 9,074.2% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,435,668 shares of the companys stock valued at $132,125,000 after acquiring an additional 1,420,019 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in SouthState Bank in the 2nd quarter valued at $109,029,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in SouthState Bank by 269.4% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,219,079 shares of the companys stock worth $120,530,000 after purchasing an additional 889,042 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new position in SouthState Bank during the 2nd quarter worth $81,769,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in SouthState Bank by 810.7% in the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 755,705 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,548,000 after purchasing an additional 672,721 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.76% of the companys stock.

SouthState Bank Company Profile

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SouthState Bank (NYSE: SSB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, that provides a range of commercial and retail banking services. Through its subsidiary, SouthState Bank, the company serves businesses, institutions and individuals with deposit, lending and treasury management solutions. Its core business lines include commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate lending, consumer mortgages and home equity loans.

In addition to traditional lending and deposit products, SouthState Bank offers specialized services such as treasury and cash management, merchant services, payment solutions and online banking.

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Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (OTCMKTS:RBGLY  Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Buy from the five research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, one has issued a buy recommendation and two have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company.

Several equities analysts have issued reports on RBGLY shares. Morgan Stanley lowered Reckitt Benckiser Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Barclays upgraded Reckitt Benckiser Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st.

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Reckitt Benckiser Group Stock Up 0.9%

About Reckitt Benckiser Group

OTCMKTS RBGLY traded up $0.14 on Tuesday, reaching $16.39. 271,311 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 262,460. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $15.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $15.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a current ratio of 0.56. Reckitt Benckiser Group has a fifty-two week low of $11.73 and a fifty-two week high of $16.55.

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Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a multinational consumer goods company that develops, manufactures and markets health, hygiene and home products. Its portfolio spans over-the-counter medicines and health products, personal and sexual wellness, surface and laundry cleaning, and household care. The company owns a number of well-known global brands across these categories, including Lysol and Dettol in disinfectants and hygiene, Durex in sexual wellness, Nurofen in analgesics, and Finish in dishwashing products.

The firm has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and sells products in markets around the world, serving consumers across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

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Regional Management Corp. (NYSE:RM  Get Free Report) major shareholder Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,968 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.93, for a total transaction of $310,194.24. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 1,077,130 shares in the company, valued at $41,932,670.90. This represents a 0.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Fund L.P. Forager also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, January 6th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,576 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.88, for a total transaction of $294,554.88.

On Monday, January 5th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 8,827 shares of Regional Management stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.09, for a total transaction of $353,874.43.

Regional Management Price Performance

Shares of NYSE RM traded down $0.85 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $39.00. 40,933 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 53,785. Regional Management Corp. has a 12 month low of $25.41 and a 12 month high of $46.00. The company has a market capitalization of $378.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.82.

Regional Management Dividend Announcement

Regional Management ( NYSE:RM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The credit services provider reported $1.42 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $165.49 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $162.84 million. Regional Management had a net margin of 6.57% and a return on equity of 11.43%. Equities research analysts expect that Regional Management Corp. will post 4.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Regional Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.06%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Regional Management

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RM. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in shares of Regional Management during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Regional Management by 17.8% during the third quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 70,086 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $2,731,000 after purchasing an additional 10,595 shares during the last quarter. Wexford Capital LP bought a new position in Regional Management in the third quarter valued at $32,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in Regional Management by 36.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 4,910 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $191,000 after buying an additional 1,320 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Regional Management by 41.3% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 19,430 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $757,000 after buying an additional 5,678 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.89% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Regional Management from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday. Zacks Research cut shares of Regional Management from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Regional Management in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Regional Management has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $30.00.

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About Regional Management

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Regional Management Corp., headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a consumer finance company specializing in installment loan products for underbanked individuals. Since its founding in 1977, the company has developed a network of field-based branches alongside a digital platform to offer credit solutions in rural and small-town markets across the United States.

The companys core offerings include consumer installment loans for everyday purchases, auto refinancing and lease buyouts, as well as ancillary services such as insurance referrals.

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Renasant (NYSE:RNST  Get Free Report) is one of 20 public companies in the State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Renasant to similar businesses based on the strength of its earnings, profitability, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Renasant and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Renasant 0 1 0 1 3.00 Renasant Competitors 29 165 196 18 2.50

As a group, State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 6.07%. Given Renasants competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Renasant has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Dividends

Profitability

Renasant pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Renasant pays out 46.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies pay a dividend yield of 2.3% and pay out 67.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Renasant is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

This table compares Renasant and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Renasant 11.26% 6.99% 1.01% Renasant Competitors 7.23% 6.94% 0.79%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Renasant and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Renasant $1.09 billion $195.46 million 18.18 Renasant Competitors $723.51 million $95.99 million 38.77

Renasant has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. Renasant is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

77.3% of Renasant shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies are owned by institutional investors. 2.8% of Renasant shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks  Fed Reserve System companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Volatility and Risk

Renasant has a beta of 0.97, suggesting that its stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Renasants competitors have a beta of 1.01, suggesting that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Renasant beats its competitors on 10 of the 15 factors compared.

Renasant Company Profile

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Renasant Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Renasant Bank that provides a range of financial, wealth management, fiduciary, and insurance services to retail and commercial customers. It operates through three segments: Community Banks, Insurance, and Wealth Management. The Community Banks segment offers checking and savings accounts, business and personal loans, asset-based lending, and equipment leasing services, as well as safe deposit and night depository facilities. It also provides commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; equipment financing and leasing; real estate1-4 family mortgage; real estatecommercial mortgage; real estateconstruction loans for the construction of single family residential properties, multi-family properties, and commercial projects; installment loans to individuals; and interim construction loans, as well as automated teller machine (ATM), online and mobile banking, call center, and treasury management services. The Insurance segment provides insurance agency services, such as commercial and personal insurance products through insurance carriers. The Wealth Management segment offers a range of wealth management and fiduciary services, including administration and management of trust accounts, such as personal and corporate benefit accounts, and custodial accounts, as well as accounting and money management for trust accounts; annuities, mutual funds, and other investment services through a third party broker-dealer; and qualified retirement plans, IRAs, employee benefit plans, personal trusts, and estates. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a network of 189 banking, lending, and mortgage offices located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; 150 full-service branches and 11 limited-service branches; 173 ATMs; and 38 interactive teller machines. Renasant Corporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi.

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MasTec (NYSE: MTZ) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates:

1/7/2026  MasTec had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at KeyCorp. They now have a $264.00 price target on the stock.

12/30/2025  MasTec was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating.

12/29/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/22/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/18/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $253.00 to $270.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

12/16/2025  MasTec had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $240.00 to $267.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/1/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  MasTec had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

Insider Activity at MasTec

In related news, CAO Timothy Michael Love sold 1,929 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $206.15, for a total value of $397,663.35. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 9,757 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,011,405.55. The trade was a 16.51% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 21.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

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MasTec, Inc is a diversified infrastructure construction company that provides engineering, fabrication, installation and maintenance services across a broad range of end markets. Its principal activities encompass the development of communications networks, oil and gas pipeline systems, electrical transmission and distribution facilities, industrial installations and renewable energy projects.

The company traces its roots to a small cable installation operation in Miami and has grown through a series of strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest infrastructure contractors in North America.

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Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 20.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 815,807 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 139,762 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 0.9% of Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V.s holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $622,461,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the second quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the second quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 732 shares of the companys stock valued at $571,000 after buying an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,533,000 after buying an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock valued at $307,000 after buying an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dash Acquisitions Inc. raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock worth $387,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LLY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. CICC Research boosted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. National Bankshares set a $1,286.00 price target on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, December 19th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $1,169.00.

Eli Lilly and Company News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week:

Positive Sentiment: Reports say Eli Lilly is in advanced talks to acquire Ventyx Biosciences for more than $1 billion  a nearterm M&A catalyst that would add internal oncology/metabolism assets and signal managements willingness to pay for growth. Eli Lilly nears deal for Ventyx

Reports say Eli Lilly is in advanced talks to acquire Ventyx Biosciences for more than $1 billion  a nearterm M&A catalyst that would add internal oncology/metabolism assets and signal managements willingness to pay for growth. Positive Sentiment: Lilly struck a multiyear collaboration and exclusive license with Nimbus Therapeutics to develop an oral obesity/metabolic candidate  strengthens Lillys oral obesity pipeline, a key revenue lever beyond injectable GLP1s. Lilly, Nimbus partner

Lilly struck a multiyear collaboration and exclusive license with Nimbus Therapeutics to develop an oral obesity/metabolic candidate  strengthens Lillys oral obesity pipeline, a key revenue lever beyond injectable GLP1s. Positive Sentiment: Analyst and market commentary today emphasized momentum, fundamentals and underappreciated runway for Lillys obesity and AIdriven R&D initiatives  supporting investor interest and multiple expansion. Eli Lillys 2026 Resolution

Analyst and market commentary today emphasized momentum, fundamentals and underappreciated runway for Lillys obesity and AIdriven R&D initiatives  supporting investor interest and multiple expansion. Positive Sentiment: Positive Wallstreet/quant writeups (Zacks and other outlets) highlighted LLY as a momentum/growth pick  these pieces can amplify buying flows into an already strong name. Zacks momentum pick

Positive Wallstreet/quant writeups (Zacks and other outlets) highlighted LLY as a momentum/growth pick  these pieces can amplify buying flows into an already strong name. Neutral Sentiment: A Lilly partner, Aktis, is targeting up to an $840M valuation in a U.S. IPO  a signal of ecosystem strength around Lilly collaborations but not a direct lift to LLY fundamentals. Aktis IPO target

A Lilly partner, Aktis, is targeting up to an $840M valuation in a U.S. IPO  a signal of ecosystem strength around Lilly collaborations but not a direct lift to LLY fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Indianas attorney general sued Lilly alleging inflated insulin prices  a legal/regulatory overhang that can pressure sentiment and raise potential remediation costs. Indiana sues Lilly

Indianas attorney general sued Lilly alleging inflated insulin prices  a legal/regulatory overhang that can pressure sentiment and raise potential remediation costs. Negative Sentiment: Competitive risk: Novo Nordisk began selling a $149 Wegovy pill in the U.S., prompting shortterm investor concern about market share and pricing pressure across the obesity market. Novo pill launch

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $1,063.95 on Wednesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52 week low of $623.78 and a 52 week high of $1,111.99. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $1,022.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $855.22. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. The firm has a market cap of $1.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 52.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 0.35.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 29.35%.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A.

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Securian Asset Management Inc. reduced its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 75,174 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,205 shares during the period. Securian Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $12,193,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,857,055 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,018,555,000 after buying an additional 2,235,380 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 55,831,655 shares of the companys stock worth $10,243,429,000 after purchasing an additional 871,165 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 37,181,107 shares of the companys stock worth $6,760,346,000 after purchasing an additional 672,983 shares during the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% in the 2nd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,041,223,000 after buying an additional 11,230,626 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fayez Sarofim & Co increased its position in Philip Morris International by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Fayez Sarofim & Co now owns 10,676,908 shares of the companys stock worth $1,944,585,000 after buying an additional 782,536 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on PM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price target on Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.00.

Philip Morris International Stock Down 2.9%

NYSE:PM opened at $155.29 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $241.73 billion, a PE ratio of 28.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.40. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.12 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $154.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $162.52.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%. On average, research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 106.52%.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States.

PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products.

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Securian Asset Management Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 8.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 28,640 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 2,597 shares during the period. Securian Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $6,770,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in UNP. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 10.6% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 93,337 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $21,475,000 after buying an additional 8,925 shares in the last quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI grew its position in Union Pacific by 26.4% during the 2nd quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 23,875 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $5,494,000 after acquiring an additional 4,980 shares during the last quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA increased its holdings in Union Pacific by 9.8% in the 3rd quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 52,849 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $12,492,000 after purchasing an additional 4,707 shares in the last quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC raised its position in Union Pacific by 165.2% in the second quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC now owns 34,808 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $8,009,000 after purchasing an additional 21,685 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC raised its position in Union Pacific by 0.8% in the third quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,549,118 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $366,165,000 after purchasing an additional 12,251 shares during the last quarter. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

UNP has been the topic of several research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $265.00 to $267.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Susquehanna reaffirmed a positive rating and set a $272.00 price target (up previously from $257.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets set a $255.00 price objective on Union Pacific in a report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $259.50.

Union Pacific Trading Up 0.7%

NYSE:UNP opened at $233.67 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average is $229.22 and its 200-day moving average is $227.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.75. Union Pacific Corporation has a 52 week low of $204.66 and a 52 week high of $256.84. The firm has a market cap of $138.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.99.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.99 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 28.73% and a return on equity of 42.23%. Union Pacifics quarterly revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.75 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics payout ratio is currently 46.90%.

Union Pacific Company Profile

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services.

Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States.

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SkyOak Wealth LLC grew its stake in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) by 59.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 22,566 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,400 shares during the quarter. International Business Machines comprises approximately 1.2% of SkyOak Wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th largest holding. SkyOak Wealth LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $6,367,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in International Business Machines during the second quarter worth about $2,011,122,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of International Business Machines by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 95,051,475 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,019,274,000 after acquiring an additional 1,913,708 shares during the period. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in International Business Machines by 27,928.2% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,903,116 shares of the technology companys stock worth $561,001,000 after acquiring an additional 1,896,326 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in International Business Machines by 6.5% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 8,636,725 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,147,608,000 after purchasing an additional 524,633 shares during the period. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new stake in International Business Machines in the second quarter valued at approximately $133,771,000. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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International Business Machines Stock Performance

IBM opened at $302.26 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The company has a market capitalization of $282.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.70. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $303.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $281.69. International Business Machines Corporation has a 1 year low of $214.50 and a 1 year high of $324.90.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.45 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 37.76% and a net margin of 12.09%.International Business Machiness quarterly revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.30 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were given a $1.68 dividend. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. International Business Machiness payout ratio is currently 80.38%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on International Business Machines from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Bank of America boosted their target price on International Business Machines from $310.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on International Business Machines from $300.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Erste Group Bank upgraded International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $301.85.

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About International Business Machines

(Free Report)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM.

IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development.

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Oil inches higher as traders are more focused on short term effects of the Venezuela oil blockade than longer term supply additions.

Trumps Venezuela Shock Jolts Energy Markets Awake

- Trumps ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has breathed new life into stale oil markets, particularly for US equities that are believed to benefit from cheap Venezuelan crude.

- Even though less than a week has passed so far in 2026, shares of US oil major Chevron are already up 8% since the beginning of the year, with refiner Valero Energy posting an even more impressive 11% jump.

- US President Trump has also stated that the government could subsidize energy companies that will help rebuild Venezuela, pledging to have US firms in Venezuela up and running in less than 18 months.

- According to media reports, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected to meet top executives from US oil companies later this week after it transpired that neither ExxonMobil nor Chevron were consulted before the military capture of Maduro.

- The S&P 500 Energy index has risen by 5% in 2025 to date, compared to a 0.4% increase in the wider S&P 500.



Market Movers



- Colombias state energy firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) has assumed 100% interest and operatorship of all offshore blocks in Colombias maritime zone, following Shells (LON:SHEL) relinquishing of three offshore gas projects.

- Italys energy major ENI (BIT:ENI) has spun off its refining business, encompassing plants in Sannazzaro, Taranto, Milazzo and Livorno, into a new unit called Eni Industrial Evolution, continuing with its satellite strategy.

- US utility firm Vistra (NYSE:VST) has agreed to buy Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4.7 billion, boosting its portfolio by 10 natural gas-fired power plants across PJM, ISO and ERCOT, with the transaction expected to close by late 2026.

- French energy giant TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) has formed a new joint venture in Nigeria with Chevron (NYSE:CVX), farming out a 40% stake in the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 exploration licences.

Tuesday, January 06, 2026

Even though US President Trumps kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro has failed to trigger a notable upward movement in oil prices, ICE Brent has little by little recouped some of Decembers losses and is now already trading above $62 per barrel. Whilst the White House tries to entice US majors to return to Venezuela, embargo-driven supply disruptions are much more likely over the upcoming weeks than production increases.

OPEC+ Hits Snooze Button on Unwinding Plans. OPEC+ members confirmed their previous decision to keep production quotas flat in Q1 2026, citing market stability concerns and a seasonally weaker demand outlook, leaving 1.24 million b/d of COVID-era output cuts still unwound.
SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEARCA:XRT  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $89.52 and last traded at $88.7040, with a volume of 107631 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.06.

SPDR S&P Retail ETF Price Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average of $83.98 and a two-hundred day moving average of $83.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $525.94 million, a P/E ratio of 14.70 and a beta of 1.24.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its stake in shares of SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 1.6% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 13,877 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,069,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 3,497 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $269,000 after buying an additional 272 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in SPDR S&P Retail ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 8.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 6,083 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $524,000 after buying an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI lifted its stake in shares of SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 370.7% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 659 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 519 shares during the period.

SPDR S&P Retail ETF Company Profile

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Spirepoint Private Client LLC bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 7,129 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $598,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 62.3% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 66,233 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,652,000 after purchasing an additional 25,436 shares during the last quarter. MBB Public Markets I LLC bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter worth approximately $326,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 25.5% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 238,824 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $17,145,000 after buying an additional 48,494 shares during the last quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.2% during the first quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 84,142 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,096,000 after buying an additional 2,583 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Woodline Partners LP increased its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 39.0% during the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 277,863 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $19,948,000 after acquiring an additional 77,913 shares in the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wells Fargo & Company News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Cfra Research raised Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. UBS Group decreased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $95.00 to $93.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Wall Street Zen raised Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $110.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Wells Fargo & Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.63.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Down 0.0%

WFC stock opened at $96.36 on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company has a fifty-two week low of $58.42 and a fifty-two week high of $97.76. The businesss 50-day moving average is $89.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $84.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. The company has a market cap of $302.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.85, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.09.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.18. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.The business had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.11 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.42 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is 29.61%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer.

Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management.

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SSP Group (OTCMKTS:SSPPF  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Barclays from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Separately, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of SSP Group in a research report on Monday, December 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SSPPF

SSP Group Stock Performance

About SSP Group

SSPPF stock opened at $2.50 on Tuesday. SSP Group has a 52-week low of $1.71 and a 52-week high of $2.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.39, a current ratio of 0.44 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The business has a fifty day moving average of $2.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.16.

(Get Free Report)

SSP Group is a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations worldwide. The company designs, manages and operates branded and independent restaurants, bars, cafes and kiosks across airports, railway stations, motorway service stations and cultural attractions. Its portfolio encompasses both proprietary concepts and partnerships with major global food and beverage brands, offering tailored dining experiences for travellers.

Headquartered in London, UK, SSP Group traces its roots to Travellers Fare, founded in the 1960s, and was formally established as SSP Group following a spin-off from Compass Group in 2006.

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Strategic Blueprint LLC grew its position in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:IEMG  Free Report) by 13.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 293,134 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 34,002 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF makes up about 0.8% of Strategic Blueprint LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Strategic Blueprint LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $19,323,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of IEMG. S.A. Mason LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the second quarter valued at $44,000. Kentucky Trust Co lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 68.8% in the 2nd quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 908 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 370 shares during the period. Painted Porch Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $61,000. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $62,000. Finally, Team Financial Group LLC grew its stake in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 19.4% during the third quarter. Team Financial Group LLC now owns 1,079 shares of the companys stock worth $71,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares during the period.

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iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

Shares of IEMG opened at $70.23 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $125.44 billion, a PE ratio of 14.65 and a beta of 0.65. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 52-week low of $47.29 and a 52-week high of $70.38. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $67.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $64.62.

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Emerging Markets IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of emerging-market firms, covering 99% of market capitalization. IEMG was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (NYSE:SMFG  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $19.85 and last traded at $19.8350, with a volume of 300163 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $19.45.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Stock Up 0.7%

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $18.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $16.71. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $128.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.96, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.36.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE:SMFG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 14th. The bank reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.19. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group had a return on equity of 9.14% and a net margin of 13.80%.The business had revenue of $8.15 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.41 billion. As a group, research analysts expect that Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc will post 0.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 0.5% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 11,271,361 shares of the banks stock worth $174,255,000 after purchasing an additional 53,612 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 5,743,128 shares of the banks stock valued at $96,140,000 after buying an additional 147,963 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,886,033 shares of the banks stock worth $48,312,000 after buying an additional 9,022 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 19.7% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,302,411 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,789,000 after buying an additional 378,909 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 16.9% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,036,709 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,095,000 after buying an additional 294,124 shares in the last quarter. 3.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

(Get Free Report)

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc (SMFG) is a Tokyo-based financial holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial services through a network of domestic and international subsidiaries. Established in 2002 as a holding company for the Sumitomo Mitsui banking operations, SMFGs core banking business is conducted primarily through its main operating bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), alongside other affiliates covering trust banking, securities, leasing and consumer finance.

The groups product and service mix spans corporate and commercial banking, retail deposit and loan services, trade and project finance, cash management, syndicated lending, foreign exchange and treasury services, and capital markets and investment banking activities through its securities arm.

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Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by equities research analysts at Barclays from $5.00 to $7.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Barclayss price target suggests a potential downside of 7.22% from the stocks current price.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on SG. Oppenheimer set a $10.00 price objective on Sweetgreen in a research note on Friday, November 7th. William Blair reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Sweetgreen in a report on Friday, November 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $8.00 price objective on shares of Sweetgreen in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Morgan Stanley set a $10.00 target price on shares of Sweetgreen in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Sweetgreen in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $11.43.

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Sweetgreen Price Performance

SG traded up $0.24 on Wednesday, reaching $7.55. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,781,185 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,646,158. The stock has a market cap of $893.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.81 and a beta of 1.93. Sweetgreen has a 1 year low of $5.14 and a 1 year high of $35.16. The businesss 50 day moving average is $6.56 and its 200 day moving average is $9.03.

Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.31) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by ($0.13). The business had revenue of $172.39 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $179.29 million. Sweetgreen had a negative return on equity of 25.67% and a negative net margin of 16.55%.Sweetgreens revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.18) earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Sweetgreen will post -0.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Sweetgreen

In other news, insider Nicolas Jammet bought 18,115 shares of Sweetgreen stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $5.51 per share, with a total value of $99,813.65. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 18,115 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $99,813.65. This trade represents a  increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Jonathan Neman bought 179,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $5.56 per share, with a total value of $999,688.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 179,800 shares in the company, valued at $999,688. The trade was a  increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 19.78% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Teacher Retirement System of Texas boosted its stake in Sweetgreen by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 15,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 877 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Sweetgreen by 98.2% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,129 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,055 shares in the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey boosted its stake in Sweetgreen by 5.5% during the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 23,212 shares of the companys stock valued at $345,000 after buying an additional 1,209 shares in the last quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. grew its holdings in Sweetgreen by 4.9% during the second quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. now owns 39,912 shares of the companys stock worth $594,000 after acquiring an additional 1,870 shares during the period. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new stake in Sweetgreen in the second quarter worth about $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.75% of the companys stock.

Sweetgreen Company Profile

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Sweetgreen, Inc is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in salads, grain bowls and warm bowls that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Since its founding in 2007 by Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet and Nathaniel Ru, Sweetgreen has focused on sustainable agriculture, working with regional farmers across the United States to provide seasonal produce and promote environmentally responsible sourcing practices. The companys menu features a variety of plant-forward options, including custom-build salads, chef-curated bowls and limited-time offerings that reflect changing harvests.

Sweetgreen operates a technology-driven service model that combines in-store experiences with digital ordering through its mobile app and website.

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Tecnoglass Inc. (NYSE:TGLS  Get Free Report)s share price fell 7.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $47.68 and last traded at $46.94. 84,215 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 68% from the average session volume of 264,956 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.77.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently commented on TGLS. DA Davidson reduced their price objective on Tecnoglass from $95.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Tecnoglass in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Tecnoglass from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.00.

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Tecnoglass Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.98, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.71. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $50.89.

Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by ($0.11). Tecnoglass had a return on equity of 26.64% and a net margin of 18.46%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.08 EPS.

Tecnoglass Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Tecnoglasss payout ratio is 15.58%.

Institutional Trading of Tecnoglass

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of Tecnoglass by 8.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,121 shares of the companys stock valued at $224,000 after purchasing an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Tecnoglass in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $478,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Tecnoglass by 25.8% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $251,000 after buying an additional 719 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in Tecnoglass by 42.3% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 317,303 shares of the companys stock worth $22,703,000 after acquiring an additional 94,335 shares during the period. Finally, Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Tecnoglass in the first quarter valued at $3,597,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.35% of the companys stock.

About Tecnoglass

(Get Free Report)

Tecnoglass, Inc is a vertically integrated designer, manufacturer and distributor of architectural glass, windows and aluminum products for the construction industry. The companys product portfolio includes tempered, laminated and insulated glass units, highperformance aluminum windows, curtainwall systems and storefront solutions tailored to commercial, residential and institutional projects.

Established in 1994 as a familyrun enterprise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tecnoglass has grown through significant investments in automated production lines, research and development, and international quality certifications.

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Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $91.87 and last traded at $90.9350, with a volume of 152207 shares. The stock had previously closed at $90.07.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently commented on TXT. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Textron from $92.00 to $89.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Textron from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup began coverage on Textron in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $91.00 target price on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded Textron from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and set a $94.00 price objective on shares of Textron in a report on Tuesday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Textron currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $91.25.

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Textron Trading Up 0.5%

The firm has a market capitalization of $15.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $84.39 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $82.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45.

Textron (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The aerospace company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.70 billion. Textron had a return on equity of 14.16% and a net margin of 5.81%.The businesss revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.40 EPS. Textron has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Textron Inc. will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current year.

Textron Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were given a dividend of $0.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. Textrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 1.76%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Textron

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in Textron by 1.0% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 277,088 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $20,020,000 after buying an additional 2,632 shares in the last quarter. Amundi increased its holdings in shares of Textron by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 106,269 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $7,106,000 after acquiring an additional 6,177 shares during the period. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Textron by 68.4% in the 1st quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 15,740 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,137,000 after acquiring an additional 6,393 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC raised its position in shares of Textron by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 10,225 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $739,000 after acquiring an additional 362 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Textron by 13.3% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,522 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,049,000 after purchasing an additional 1,709 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.03% of the companys stock.

About Textron

(Get Free Report)

Textron Inc is a global, multi-industry manufacturing company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The company designs, manufactures and services a diverse range of products for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Textron operates through four primary business segmentsTextron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems and Industrialeach of which serves customers around the world.

Textron Aviation is known for its Cessna and Beechcraft branded business jets and turboprop aircraft, offering models that range from light jets and turboprops to larger cabin aircraft designed for corporate and charter use.

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Triad Group plc (LON:TRD  Get Free Report) traded up 4.9% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 257 and last traded at GBX 257. 10,892 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 28% from the average session volume of 8,531 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 245.

Triad Group Trading Up 4.9%

The stock has a market cap of 44.77 million, a PE ratio of 24.78 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.15, a quick ratio of 3.17 and a current ratio of 2.10. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 265.76 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 285.81.

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Triad Group (LON:TRD  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported GBX 5.21 earnings per share for the quarter. Triad Group had a negative return on equity of 28.75% and a negative net margin of 7.21%.

Triad Group Company Profile

Triad Group plc provides information technology consultancy services to the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors primarily in the United Kingdom. The company offers consulting and advisory; business insights; software development; project and software delivery; program management; and support services. Triad Group Plc was incorporated in 1988 and is based in Godalming, the United Kingdom.

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UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC  Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.70, for a total value of $2,974,507.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 4,415,501 shares in the company, valued at $20,752,854.70. This trade represents a 12.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, January 5th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.43, for a total value of $2,803,631.82.

On Friday, January 2nd, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.42, for a total value of $2,797,303.08.

On Wednesday, December 31st, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.37, for a total value of $2,765,659.38.

On Monday, December 29th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.42, for a total value of $2,797,303.08.

On Friday, December 26th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.57, for a total transaction of $2,892,234.18.

On Wednesday, December 24th, Ishbia Mat sold 449,997 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.66, for a total transaction of $2,096,986.02.

On Tuesday, December 23rd, Ishbia Mat sold 402,483 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.70, for a total transaction of $1,891,670.10.

On Friday, December 12th, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.47, for a total transaction of $3,349,209.89.

On Wednesday, December 10th, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.60, for a total transaction of $3,428,807.20.

On Monday, December 8th, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.67, for a total transaction of $3,471,667.29.

UWM Trading Up 2.5%

Shares of UWM stock traded up $0.12 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $4.63. 20,235,723 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 14,651,665. UWM Holdings Corporation has a twelve month low of $3.80 and a twelve month high of $7.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $5.23.

UWM Announces Dividend

UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by ($0.06). UWM had a net margin of 0.61% and a negative return on equity of 6.81%. The business had revenue of $151.14 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $651.51 million. As a group, research analysts predict that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.6%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Wall Street Zen cut shares of UWM from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and issued a $10.00 target price on shares of UWM in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $5.00 price target on shares of UWM in a research report on Tuesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on UWM from $6.50 to $6.75 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of UWM in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $6.53.

Read Our Latest Report on UWMC

Institutional Trading of UWM

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in UWM by 6.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,282,688 shares of the companys stock worth $105,252,000 after buying an additional 1,010,907 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its position in shares of UWM by 116.6% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 5,991,072 shares of the companys stock worth $24,803,000 after acquiring an additional 3,224,806 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC acquired a new stake in shares of UWM in the 3rd quarter worth about $32,630,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in UWM by 40.5% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,279,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,152,000 after purchasing an additional 1,520,923 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its stake in UWM by 165.5% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 4,988,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,382,000 after purchasing an additional 3,109,591 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 53.59% of the companys stock.

UWM Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

United Wholesale Mortgage (NYSE: UWMC) is a leading mortgage lender in the United States specializing in the wholesale channel. The company partners with independent mortgage brokers, community banks and credit unions to offer a full suite of residential mortgage products. Through its network of third-party originators, United Wholesale Mortgage underwrites, funds and closes loans, allowing its partners to focus on customer acquisition and service.

The companys product offerings include conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, U.S.

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By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower for a second straight session on Wednesday as investors digested U.S. President Donald Trump's deal to import up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude, a move that would lift supplies to the world's largest oil consumer.

Brent crude futures closed down 74 cents, or 1.2%, at $59.96 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.14, or 2%, to $55.99 a barrel. Both benchmarks slid more than $1 a barrel during the previous trading session, with market participants expecting ample global supply this year.

Venezuela will be "turning over" between 30 million and 50 million barrels of "sanctioned oil" to the U.S., Trump wrote in a social media post on Tuesday.

The deal between Washington and Caracas initially could require the rerouting of cargoes that were bound for China, sources told Reuters.

"Crude futures continuing on the defensive after the late day sell-off yesterday on news that Venezuela will be giving the US between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

EMPTY RUSSIAN-FLAGGED OIL TANKER SEIZED

Venezuela has millions of barrels of oil loaded on tankers and in storage tanks that it has been unable to ship since mid-December due to a blockade on exports imposed by Trump. The blockade was part of a U.S. pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government that culminated in U.S. forces capturing him over the weekend.

Top Venezuelan officials have called Maduro's capture a kidnapping and accused the U.S. of trying to steal the country's vast oil reserves.

The U.S. also seized an empty Russian-flagged, Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.

Providing some support to prices, U.S. crude stocks dropped by 3.8 million barrels to 419.1 million barrels in the week ended January 2, the Energy Information Administration said.

Analysts had estimated a rise of 447,000 barrels.

U.S. gasoline stocks increased by 7.7 million barrels in the week, the EIA said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a build of 3.2 million barrels.

Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, climbed by 5.6 million barrels in the week versus expectations for a rise of 2.1 million barrels.

Morgan Stanley analysts estimated the oil market could reach a surplus of as many as 3 million barrels per day in the first half of 2026, based on weak growth in demand last year and rising supply from OPEC and non-OPEC producers.
Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. cut its holdings in Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL  Free Report) by 12.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 243,004 shares of the companys stock after selling 33,605 shares during the quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Burlington Stores were worth $61,845,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Chicago Capital LLC lifted its position in Burlington Stores by 25.3% during the 3rd quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 180,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,891,000 after acquiring an additional 36,423 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Burlington Stores by 1.4% during the third quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 24,332 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,192,000 after purchasing an additional 339 shares in the last quarter. Daner Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Burlington Stores by 22.9% during the third quarter. Daner Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Burlington Stores in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Burlington Stores by 414,000.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 8,282 shares of the companys stock worth $2,108,000 after purchasing an additional 8,280 shares in the last quarter.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Burlington Stores from $346.00 to $316.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Burlington Stores from $330.00 to $315.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Burlington Stores from $358.00 to $351.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $331.00 price objective on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $337.13.

Insider Transactions at Burlington Stores

In other Burlington Stores news, CMO Jennifer Vecchio sold 419 shares of Burlington Stores stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $274.48, for a total value of $115,007.12. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer owned 63,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,498,374.48. The trade was a 0.65% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Burlington Stores Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BURL opened at $312.07 on Wednesday. Burlington Stores, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $212.92 and a fifty-two week high of $315.14. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $275.58 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $270.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 1.21. The firm has a market cap of $19.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.74.

Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $1.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.09. Burlington Stores had a net margin of 5.01% and a return on equity of 41.02%. The firm had revenue of $2.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.55 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Burlington Stores has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 4.500-4.70 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 9.690-9.890 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Burlington Stores, Inc. will post 7.93 earnings per share for the current year.

Burlington Stores Company Profile

(Free Report)

Burlington Stores, Inc is an American off-price retailer that sells apparel and home goods at discounted prices. The companys merchandise assortment includes clothing for women, men and children, plus baby products, footwear, accessories, beauty items, toys and home decor. Burlingtons merchandising strategy focuses on offering branded and private-label goods at lower prices than traditional department stores by sourcing excess inventory, closeouts and opportunistic buys from manufacturers and other retailers.

The business traces its roots to the Burlington Coat Factory name established in the early 1970s and has since evolved into a broader off-price retailer that carries a wide range of seasonal and everyday merchandise.

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Reliance (NYSE:RS  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on RS. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Reliance in a research report on Monday, December 29th. KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Reliance in a report on Wednesday. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on Reliance from $340.00 to $315.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Reliance from $345.00 to $340.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Reliance from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Reliance currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $317.25.

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Reliance Stock Performance

NYSE:RS opened at $299.76 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $15.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.88, a PEG ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.92. Reliance has a fifty-two week low of $250.07 and a fifty-two week high of $347.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a current ratio of 4.43. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $283.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $291.60.

Reliance (NYSE:RS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The industrial products company reported $3.64 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.68 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $3.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.54 billion. Reliance had a net margin of 5.23% and a return on equity of 10.37%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.64 EPS. Reliance has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 2.650-2.85 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Reliance will post 16.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, COO Stephen Paul Koch sold 3,066 shares of Reliance stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.56, for a total value of $869,394.96. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 14,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,975,794.76. The trade was a 17.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Karla R. Lewis sold 5,809 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $283.50, for a total transaction of $1,646,851.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 84,421 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,933,353.50. This represents a 6.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.35% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Reliance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in shares of Reliance by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 340 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $112,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Reliance by 2.6% in the second quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,338 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $420,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Masso Torrence Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Reliance by 3.3% during the third quarter. Masso Torrence Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,148 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $322,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Reliance by 13.2% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 325 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $91,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Choreo LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Reliance by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 1,366 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $383,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.26% of the companys stock.

Key Headlines Impacting Reliance

Here are the key news stories impacting Reliance this week:

Positive Sentiment: Technical strength  RS has crossed above its 200day moving average, a bullish technical sign that can attract momentum and institutional buying. Stock crosses above 200-day MA

Technical strength  RS has crossed above its 200day moving average, a bullish technical sign that can attract momentum and institutional buying. Positive Sentiment: Strategic growth drivers  investor optimism is being fueled by plans around the Jio IPO, prospects for Venezuelan oil deals and Reliances push to convert nostalgia brands into a modern FMCG platform, which could support longerterm revenue and margin expansion. FMCG strategy article Jio IPO & Venezuelan oil

Strategic growth drivers  investor optimism is being fueled by plans around the Jio IPO, prospects for Venezuelan oil deals and Reliances push to convert nostalgia brands into a modern FMCG platform, which could support longerterm revenue and margin expansion. Neutral Sentiment: Company clarification  Reliance has publicly denied that recent share weakness was caused by reports of Russian oil purchases, which may calm some immediate investor concerns but leaves media scrutiny unresolved. Company denial article

Company clarification  Reliance has publicly denied that recent share weakness was caused by reports of Russian oil purchases, which may calm some immediate investor concerns but leaves media scrutiny unresolved. Negative Sentiment: Headline risk and selloff  a Bloomberg report alleging Russian oil purchases triggered heavy selling (shares fell ~5% in the session), eroding significant market cap and prompting broad media coverage and investor concern. That surprise headline risk and subsequent analyst/market reactions are pressuring the stock. Bloomberg report & selloff Market cap erosion coverage

Headline risk and selloff  a Bloomberg report alleging Russian oil purchases triggered heavy selling (shares fell ~5% in the session), eroding significant market cap and prompting broad media coverage and investor concern. That surprise headline risk and subsequent analyst/market reactions are pressuring the stock. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrade  Zacks Research cut RS from hold to strong sell, which can increase downward pressure if other sellside firms follow or if momentum investors react. Zacks downgrade

About Reliance

(Get Free Report)

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co (NYSE: RS) is a leading metals service center company that distributes and processes a broad array of metal products. The company offers cut-to-length, shearing, blanking, sawing, bending, machining and value-added services for carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium and specialty metal alloys. Its products serve diverse end markets, including energy, infrastructure, general manufacturing, transportation, aerospace and defense.

Founded in 1939 in Los Angeles, Reliance Steel & Aluminum has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

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Yes  safety oversight must come before anything else

Regulation is needed, but delays and red tape are the real problem

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Crude oil began trade this year with a dip, despite the news about U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the taking of President Nicolas Maduro to the U.S. Normally, such events would have pushed oil higher, but not this year. This year, oil prices will need a much more major disruption to rebound  and so will gas prices.

Brent crude was trading at a little over $60 per barrel at the start of the first full trading week of 2026, after President Trump announced the capture of the Venezuelan president, accompanied by statements regarding the countrys oil industry.

Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure and start making money for the country, the U.S. president said during the weekend.

Analyses of the situation followed immediately, pointing out the challenges of turning words into action. These include costs, with the Wall Street Journal citing estimates of $10 billion a year to turn Venezuelas oil industry around, and political stability. The potential to boost Venezuelan production hinges on capital, which in turn depends on political stability and likely requires guarantees from the U.S. government, Jefferies analysts wrote on Sunday.

In other words, despite the initial shock of the U.S. incursion into the country with the largest oil reserves, no immediate change in the global oil supply situation is on the horizon, and if there is a change, it would bring more, rather than less oil to consumers, adding to the bearish sentiment among traders.

Related: The Oil Ultimatum That Led to Maduros Capture

OPEC+s reiteration of the pause in production builds at the groups latest meeting did nothing to change that sentiment, either. First of all, the affirmation was expected, and second, it is widely seen as the only path for OPEC+ after a year during which oil benchmarks shed close to 20% regardless of the groups cuts. The producers group said the global market was well balanced going into 2026making it one of the few entities that share this belief.

For most, it is going to be a very bearish year for oil. Per Kpler, oil on tankers has risen further from the record high reached last year and now stands at the highest since April 2020, Reuters Clyde Russell noted in a recent report. Of course, it bears noting that a lot of this oil is in transit to its buyers but the amount in its totality appears to be of concern to market observers.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Somalia next week as part of a broader African tour that includes Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho, Chinas Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday.

The visit will take place from Jan. 7 to 12, according to a statement by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Chinas Central Committee, is scheduled to attend the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The trip marks the 36th consecutive year that Africa has been the destination of Chinas foreign ministers first overseas visit of the year.

China has been a key political and economic partner for Somalia, supporting infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance and diplomatic engagement, while maintaining a firm stance on state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Beijing was among the countries that rejected Israels recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community.

No country should encourage or support other countries internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a regular briefing, reiterating Chinas opposition to unilateral actions that challenge internationally recognized borders.

Wangs visit to Somalia comes amid heightened diplomatic activity in the Horn of Africa, as Mogadishu seeks to consolidate international backing for its territorial integrity following Israels controversial move.

Analysts say Chinas position aligns with broader African and international opposition to recognition of Somaliland and reinforces Beijings emphasis on sovereignty as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

Details of Wangs meetings in Somalia have not yet been released, but officials say discussions are expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, regional stability and China-Africa relations more broadly.

Ali Hassan, an investigative and a freelance journalist writes from Stadthagen, Germany.

[email protected]
A view of a storage tank for petroleum products belonging to the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, while an oil tanker docked at the El Palito refinery can be seen in the background. Jesus Vargas/dpa

Oil prices continued to fall on Wednesday morning, on fears of a supply increase after US President Donald Trump said Venezuela will send up to 50 million barrels to the United States.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said Venezuela's interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of "sanctioned oil" to the US, in a move he framed as benefiting both nations. A barrel contains 159 litres.

The amount is the equivalent of one to two months of Venezuelan oil production.

The oil would be sold at market prices and proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they were used "to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States," Trump posted.

A barrel of North Sea Brent for delivery in March fell on Wednesday morning by 56 cents, or nearly 1%, to $60.14, after the price had fallen by nearly 2% on Tuesday. The price for a barrel of US grade WTI for delivery in February fell by 73 cents, or 1.3%, to $56.40.

It was initially unclear over what period the volume of crude oil cited by Trump would be made available by Venezuela. Oil is Venezuela's most important source of revenue and foreign currency. The new leadership in Caracas did not immediately comment on Trump's announcement.
Jan 7 (Reuters) - Oil sales from Venezuela to the United States will continue indefinitely and sanctions will be reduced, CNBC reported on Wednesday, citing sources close to the White House.

The U.S. will acquire more than 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, CNBC said.

CNBC said the 50 million barrels were only the first tranche, with sales expected to continue indefinitely, and that U.S. sanctions on Venezuela would be rolled back as part of the deal.

Reuters could not independently verify the report. The White House and U.S. Department of Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that had been stuck in Venezuela under U.S. blockade, in a further sign that Washington is coordinating with the Venezuelan government since capturing President Nicolas Maduro in a raid last weekend.

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
The start of a new year begins the never-ending search for new funds for nonprofit organizations. It's a constant grind that is critical for all organizations but is tougher for smaller institutions because they frequently don't have an experienced staff knowledgeable in the process of grant writing. It is even tougher for organizations in the arts and humanities because they are frequently one of the first areas cut when budgets get tight. Many corporations provide funds for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational programs, but ignore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. The arts are frequently seen as unimportant and frivolous by many, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Beyond just the obvious benefits of the arts, there are many not so obvious benefits. Those that participate in art are the free thinkers that look at problems from different angles. They are the ones that think outside of the box. Nurturing art in education feeds the brains of those that will find the not so obvious solutions to some of today's complicated problems.

Another benefit of the arts is mental health. When the world shut down due to the pandemic in 2020, it was art that helped people keep their sanity and connection to the world. People started giving concerts from their balconies, sidewalk chalk art started appearing in communities, even filmmakers produced methods for creating a series shot in isolation of only one or two people in scenes together utilizing zoom (Check out "The Bite"). People were finding creative ways to stay connected in a world of solitude...through art.

One local organization has spent over 50 years helping local arts nonprofits in the Orange, Jefferson and Hardin Counties, continue their missions. Southeast Texas Arts Council (SETAC) was founded in 1975 and started offering financial support within a few years of its inception. SETAC has gone through its own struggles through the years but has strived to continue its efforts to bolster a variety of organizations in the tri-county area.

"SETAC is dedicated to strengthening the cultural landscape of our region by serving as a key granting institution. We provide vital financial support to institutions focused on the arts, humanities, and history," states their website. "Our funding comes from a combination of community-raised funds and strategic partnerships with other institutions and foundations."

"Without SETAC Financial Assistance, many nonprofits in our three-county area would not have been able to complete their mission, " said Pam Trosclair, treasurer for SETAC. "Free art classes, building repairs, summer theatre, needed equipment; the list is endless as to what SETAC has been able to assist with."

"SETAC has been instrumental in providing crucial funding for the Young People's Theater Workshop," said Codie Vasquez, longtime board member of Orange Community Players, Inc.(OCP). "This funding has helped the organization offer the budget friendly summer program to young Southeast Texas thespians for many years."

SETAC also helped supply funds to assist in remodeling OCP's new home, by supplying funds to purchase lighting for the bathrooms, changing rooms and the main theater.

There are four community theater groups in the three counties SETAC has aided over the years, plus museums, dance groups, heritage festivals, film festivals and more.

The financial assistance program is currently accepting submissions for the new year through Feb. 13. There are certain requirements for being eligible for financial assistance from SETAC. Applicants must be current members of SETAC at the $100 organization level. Only 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit organizations are eligible. Individuals cannot apply.

The funds for this specific Financial Assistance Program are provided by the B.A. & Elinor Steinhagen Benevolent Trust. To qualify for consideration, your project or program must be arts or history related and show a direct, positive influence on the Southeast Texas community.

SETAC grant funds may NOT be used for:

Expenses associated with touring or programs outside the region of Southeast Texas.

Elimination of an accumulated debt.

Benefits and projects planned primarily for fundraising purposes.

Tuition costs or programs which have a primary impact on individuals or small group of 20 or less.

Refreshments or beverages.

Cash prizes/awards.

Deficit budget expenses of retroactive funding for current projects.

Activities restricted to an organization's membership.

University, college, or school-based projects which are part of an academic program or curriculum, or do not involve a large non-student population.

Operating expenses of privately owned facilities.

Church related activities unless they involve a large cross-section of the community.

Projects, production, workshops and/or programs that include obscene material as defined in Section 43.21, Penal Code of Texas.

All events for which grant funds are awarded must be open to the public. However, a reasonable admission may be charged.

The applications must be submitted online. They are scored by a panel of experts from the local arts communities in a variety of disciplines of both visual and performing arts. The scores are weighted and the grant amounts will vary according to the merits and scores received. The decision of the grant committee is final. Organizations receiving grant funds will be awarded checks in April at an event with time and date TBD in Orange.

Final reports on projects and how grant funds were used are required and do effect future eligibility.

Membership and grant applications can be found online at setxac.org. If you have general grant questions, please contact Trosclair at 409-835-2787. If you are having technical difficulties with the grant application, contact Christle Feagin, SETAC Secretary and grant program manager, at the Texas Energy Museum: 409-833-5100.

For foundations and organizations wishing to support the arts and seeking a trusted partner to streamline their giving, SETAC offers comprehensive grant management services. They oversee the crucial work of filtering and vetting applications-leveraging their expertise to ensure funds are effectively distributed to deserving recipients within their focus areas.

"We're here to manage the process so your resources can make the greatest possible impact," states their website. "Please contact us to discuss how we can partner on your funding initiatives."

They can be contacted through their website, by email at [email protected] or you can contact Feagin at the number listed above.
The city of West Orange is has set two public meetings for people to give the city a direction for the future as the city now has a grant to do its first comprehensive plan.

The meetings will be held as public hearings before the West Orange City Council on Monday, January 12, at 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, January 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m. They will be at the West Orange City Hall on Western Avenue, city council chamber with entrance in the back facing Austin Avenue.

Mayor Randy Branch said the process could take a year for the city to develop a list of priorities for the future. More meetings will be held in the coming weeks and months.

Public is being asked to bring their ideas, goals, and visions for the future of the city.

"Right now, we're open to discuss about anything that will help the city prosper and grow," the mayor said.

The meetings and comments will be open to not only residents and business owners within the city limits of West Orange, but to everyone in the community.

Mayor Branch is inviting people from Orange and Pinehurst to participate. "It (comprehensive plan) has to encompass West Orange, Orange, and Pinehurst with things to encourage everyone. Otherwise, it will be stand-alone for West Orange," he said.

He added that "I think it's important we work together for all three cities...to make this area a great place to live."

The city received a $300,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office through the Resilient Communities program to pay for the comprehensive plan.

The mayor said that when he took office as mayor a few years ago, he asked if the city had any kind of long-range plan, but apparently one was never made. The city was incorporated in 1954.

West Orange Public Works Director Jon Sherwin said the city has not chosen a consultant to help officials develop the comprehensive plan.

He said the consultant will be chosen after the public meetings to see what the people would like in the future. Those choices will help determine the type of consultant to hire for the final plan.

Mayor Branch said the topics may include whether to implement zoning laws.

Sherwin said other focuses for the long-range planning could include building codes or economic development.

Mayor Branch said his vision of West Orange is to be "a place where people drive down the road and say " 'I wouldn't mind living here.' "

The city of Orange is also working on a similar comprehensive plan, its first in 30 years. In 2016, Orange was sued for not following its comprehensive plan when the city council voted to move city hall from the old downtown-business district, when the long-range plan called for city offices to be centrally located downtown. An Orange County state district court judge, plus the court of criminal appeals ruled in the city's favor that such long-range plans are not binding and can be changed without public input.
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has made someone hundreds of thousands of dollars richer.

Last week, one Polymarket account invested over $30,000 on Maduros exit by Jan. 31, 2026. When U.S. forces seized the Venezuelan leader and his wife from their home on Saturday, the user netted $436,759.61, translating to a profit of more than $400,000. The account was created less than a week before Maduros capture and only made bets associated with Maduros exit and the U.S. going to war with Venezuela, including within a day of his arrest.

The timing of the accounts creation, as well as its eye-popping winnings, have raised concerns about insider trading because prediction markets saw Maduros capture as statistically unlikely. Polymarket listed the odds for his capture by Jan. 31 as low as 5.5%. Kalshi, a competing platform, had the probability of Maduro exiting office before February at 7%.

Insider trading is not only allowed on prediction markets; its encouraged, entrepreneur and investor Joe Pompliano said in an X post on Saturday in response to the Polymarket users big investment on Maduros exit.

Given the intense secrecy around the raid, with top members of Congress not even informed ahead of time, any insider possessing advance knowledge would presumably be someone in the highest levels of the government or in a key operational role in the military.

Polymarket did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have been under increased suspicions over insider trading. In December, a cadre of Polymarket accounts bet OpenAI would debut a new model by mid-month. The tech company indeed released GPT-5.2 on Dec. 11, and the four accounts made a collective $13,000 from their investments. Weeks earlier, one Polymarket trader netted $1 million over the course of 24 hours with bets made about Googles Year in Search rankings.

Despite no evidence proving the user had private information informing the investments, Meta engineer Jeong Haeju accused the account of insider trading.

At this point its obvious: Hes a Google insider milking Polymarket for quick money, Haeju wrote on X. Its one of the wildest things Ive seen on the platform.

To be sure, insider trading is banned by prediction markets. No Person shall take action or direct another to take action based on non-public Order information, however acquired, Polymarkets rulebook states. However, enforcement of this ban has been questionable.

Prediction markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which oversees all derivative markets, such as options and futures trading. Unlike gambling, which is regulated to create guardrails to protect users safety, derivative markets do not require the same consumer protections.
Identity beyond politics A critical inquiry into the stagnation of Meitei Pangal literature

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Dr Abul Khair Choudhury (Moijing Mayum)

Literature is not merely a reflection of society; it is the heartbeat of a communitys intellectual existence and the undeniable proof of its history. For the Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) community, whose roots in this land date back to the reign of King Khagemba in 1606 CE, the Manipuri language (Meiteilon) is not a borrowed tongueit is their mother tongue.

It is an undeniable historical truth that the Muslim community settled in the valley of Manipur significantly earlierduring the early 17th centurythan the formal adoption of Hinduism as the State religion, which gained prominence in the 18th century under King Garibniwaj. Yet, despite this deep historical antecedence, there remains a glaring question : Why is the communitys contribution to the Golden Treasury of Mani-puri literature so dispropor- tionately low compared to its long history ?

The Paradox of Power and Pen

The Meitei Pangal community has proven its mettle in the corridors of power and the hustle of the market place. Politically, the community reached its zenith when it gave Manipur its first Chief Minister, Md Alimuddina statesman of vision who steered the State during a crucial transition. Even in the coveted steel frame of Indias bureaucracy, sons of the community have risen to become IAS, IFS, and IPS officers, proving that intellectual capabi- lity is not lacking. Economically, despite general challenges, there exists a robust class of wealthy Pangal businessmen who drive significant commerce in the State.

But here lies the bitter question : A community that can produce a Chief Minister and elite bureaucrats, why has it failed to produce a single literary giant comparable to Dr Kamal, Khwairakpam Chaoba, Hijam Anganghal, Elang-bam Nilakanta, or Pacha Meitei?

Why is it that a community capable of navigating the complex world of Indian politics struggles to navigate the depths of Meiteilon literature ? We have political leaders, but where is the Pangal Madhabi? Where is the Pangal Khamba Thoibi Sheireng?

The Irony of Indigenous Identity

This literary bankruptcy has serious consequences for the communitys identity. Today, when the Pangal community occasionally faces the stigma of being labelled outsiders or foreigners, by some radical nationalist organizations, they find themselves in a vulnerable position.

Ideally, a community should be able to pull out its own robust literary archivesnovels, epic poems, and historical treatises written in the mother tongue over centuriesto silence such claims. Instead, the irony is that to prove their own indigenous status, the community often has to invite secular Meitei historians and scholars to speak on their behalf. We rely on the research of others to validate our own existence on our own soil. This dependency stems from a failure to document our own history and emotions through high-quality literature. History written by others can be debated; literature written by oneself is the undeniable evidence of belonging.

The Historical Paradox: A Void in Tran- slation

The vitality of a communitys intellect is often measured by how it enriches its mother tongue through the translation of its sacred and classical texts. In this regard, the literary history of Manipur offers a striking contrast.

By the 18th century, the scholar Angom Gopi, under royal patronage, had translated complex epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (specifically episodes like Parikshit) from Bengali and Sanskrit into Manipuri. These works enriched the vocabulary and literary expanse of the language. Similarly, with the advent of the modern era, Christian missionaries facilitated the translation of the Bible, cementing their faiths literary foundation in the local dialect.

In contrast, despite four centuries of existence in the valley, the Meitei Pangal community has struggled to produce a single linguistically authoritative and aesthetically standard translation of the Holy Quran or the Hadith in Meiteilon. While there are efforts like the translation of Fazail-e-Amal (originally by Maulana Zakariya), these were primarily designed for laymen and often lack the high literary quality required to stand as classics in Manipuri literature. The absence of a Standard Mani- puri Quran is a literary failure to introduce the distinct Islamic world view into the mainstream Manipuri literary canon.

Imagine if we had such a beautiful literary work in Manipuri language on the life of Prophet Muhammad (Sira) of such high quality as Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, which we could proudly present to our non-Muslim Meitei brothers. The lack of quality Islamic literature in Manipuri is a missed opportunity to build bridges and claim cultural enrichment.

The Lesson from Barak Valley

To understand what is possible, one must look not at Imphal, but at the Barak Valley (Cachar). It is a historical irony that the renaissance of modern Manipuri Muslim poetry was spearheaded by poets outside the State.

The literary giant Khei- ruddin Choudhury and the eminent Abdus Sahid Choudhury set benchmarks that remain unchallenged. Their works possessed such literary merit that they transcended communal bounda- ries to find a place in the academic syllabi of Mani-pur University and Assam University. Kheiruddins mystic poem Eigi Muktigi Lambi remains a towering example of how Pangal philosophy can merge seam- lessly with Meitei aesthetics.

The exclusion of contemporary Imphal-based Pangal writers from the BOSEM and COHSEM syllabi is a silence that speaks volumes. We cannot just look at the aspects of discrimination. We have many examples of evidence that merit can rise above discrimination. Our writings need to move towards higher quality literature. We need to write at par with the quality of contemporary Manipuri language literature.

Commerce vs. Culture: The Warning of Pacha Meitei

Why has this void persisted ? Perhaps the answer lies in a shift in collective values. The renowned novelist and Sahitya Akademi awardee, Pacha Meitei, who wrote with interest and empathy about Pangal society in his novels, once made a stinging yet astute observation:

The Pangals excel in commerce, but their hearts are seldom in literature.

This observation serves as a mirror.

(To be contd)


Criss crossing Manipur with buffer zones The politics at play

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Nearly three years down the line and there is nothing to suggest that Manipur is on the track of normalcy. A clear reflection that the imposition of Presidents Rule on February 13, 2025, the drawing up of buffer zones across the length and breadth of the State and the line the Union Home Minister has assured to take maximum responsibility for the hill districts and at the same time instructed the Government to ensure that peace is restored in the valley with cooperation of the civil society organisations, including Meira Paibis, a line spelt out by the then Chief Minister at the fag end of June in 2023, have failed to address the issue sincerely. It is also significant to note that the series of bomb blasts at Saiton Nganukon in Bishnupur district in the morning of January 5 came against the call of the Governor to surrender all illegal arms and this call came in the early days of the PR regime. The serial blasts of January 5 came just a few days after the concerted attacks ostensibly carried out by Kuki militants at Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai on December 16 night. A damning statement that the fire power of the Kuki militants is still intact and all these attacks came despite the heavy security bandobasts at the areas lying in between districts, areas which have been demarcated by what has now come to be infamously referred to as buffer zones. And it is this very idea of buffer zones that Lok Sabha MP Akoijam Bimol questioned just a day after Saiton Nganukon was rocked by a series of bomb blasts. The effectiveness or presence of Central security forces at the areas lying between districts and the very fancy idea of criss crossing the length and breadth of Manipur with buffer zones is well reflected in the said two cases which have just been referred to. Enough indications that nothing much seems to have been done to defang the Kuki militants, militant groups which are ironically in a SoO pact with the Government of India. The politics of the SoO pact is clearly visible in the buffer zones which have been drawn up across the State and in a way this politics may be understood as giving some sort of a legitimacy to the call for bifurcation of Manipur along ethnic lines and which have come under the nomenclature of Separate Administration. This is what may be inferred in the manner in which the Lok Sabha MP of Manipur went hammer and tongs against the policies of the Centre in a video footage which has gone viral on the social media. That this is the reality even as Manipur is fast racing towards the three year mark of the violence since it erupted on May 3, 2023 is a clear indication of the bigger hand of politics at work to keep the people under tenterhooks and tear apart the idea of Manipur.

When Manipur says PR has failed to restore any semblance of normalcy, it means that New Delhi has failed. True, incidents of violence and direct confrontations between the two groups of people at war for nearly three years have come down, but it is more than evident that the security forces, acting under the instruction of the Centre, have failed to ensure a situation that comes anywhere near the understanding of normalcy. Look back at the manner in which the free movement call of no one less than the Union Home Minister himself was pushed back so audaciously on March 8, 2025. If one recollects the day, it should be more than indicative that it was just a verbal call to ensure that the National Highways are left free for the movement of every section of citizens, for on the said day, that is March 8, 2025, no pre-emptive measures were seen being taken up to open the highways. No road opening party was called into action. No prohibitory orders were issued to stop the mob from gathering on the National Highways and nothing was heard about checking or neutralising the mobilisation drives that could have been put into motion to derail the free movement call. In short everything just worked out well for those opposed to the free movement to have their day on the highway. And the restrictions on the movement of Meitei people on the National Highways continue to this day. Air travel is the only option left to the people and the business sharks who come under the name of different airlines have left no stone unturned to milk the situation, a state which was exposed by the series of news stories run by The Sangai Express at the fag end of 2025. Criss crossing the length and breadth of Manipur with buffer zones seems to be the only achievement of the Government.
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AllianceBernstein Promotes Onur Erzan to President

AllianceBernstein Holdings, an investment management subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, has promoted Onur Erzan, head of private wealth, to president of the Nashville, Tenn.-based business unit.

Erzan will take the role from CEO Seth Bernstein, who will remain in the top job while working with Erzan to oversee the transformation of ABs business prioritization and strategic initiatives, according to an announcement Monday.

As president, Erzan will lead strategy and corporate development, while continuing his job heading ABs private wealth management, global asset management distribution and global private alternatives businesses.

Erzan has been part of leading ABs distribution strategy and expanding into new areas such as active exchange-traded funds, insurance asset-management products, and retirement income, according to the announcement. He has also grown ABs private wealth team and resources, including partnerships with banks and international custodians.

The new president was promoted to his former role in fall 2025 after joining AB in 2021 after a 20-year career at consultancy McKinsey & Company. He will now also serve as chair of ABs operating committee, while remaining on Equitables management committee.

ETF Provider Tidal Financial Makes Leadership Change

Tidal Investments, a part of white-label ETF provider Tidal Financial Group, has elevated Chief Revenue Officer Gavin Filmore to CEO, while co-founder and former CEO Guillermo Trias moves to the role of executive chairman.

Filmore will take on the day-to-day management and operations of New York-based Tidal after joining the firm in 2021 from Barclays Capital, where he was head of ETF products. He had been the head of product development, then chief operating officer and finally chief revenue officer as of January 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Co-founder Trias, meanwhile, will transition to a role of strategic oversight, planning and supporting corporate initiatives, according to an announcement.

In a rapidly evolving marketplace where investors are seeking increasingly sophisticated products, Gavin is the ideal leader to guide Tidals next chapter, Trias said in a statement.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, Tidal supports over 360 funds and manages assets totaling more than $45 billion, with an additional $17 billion in assets under service. It works with about 90 asset managers.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 23F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Variable clouds with snow showers. Low 18F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
ProAmpac has appointed Jeffrey Lee as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) with effect from 9 February 2026.

Lee will replace Eric Bradford, who has held the role of CFO since 2012.

After stepping down, Bradford is set to join the companys board of directors and become senior adviser to founder, vice chairman and CEO Greg Tucker.

Lee comes to ProAmpac after over six years as executive vice president and CFO at Cornerstone Building Brands.

He previously held senior financial positions at Wilsonart International and Contech, in addition to spending 12 years in finance and operational roles at Eaton Corporation.

Lee said: I am thrilled to join ProAmpac and serve as its next chief financial officer at such an exciting time for the company.

ProAmpac is on an incredible journey, demonstrated by its recent acquisitions and expansion into new end-markets and geographies and continued innovation to deliver increasingly sustainable packaging solutions. I look forward to helping drive this momentum and continued financial discipline.

Bradford said: It has been an honour to serve as CFO of ProAmpac for the past 13 years and contribute to the evolution of this outstanding company.

I am immensely grateful to Greg for his partnership, and I am excited to elevate to board member and adviser and look forward to continuing to support investors, lenders, the ProAmpac team, and all stakeholders. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Jeff and express my confidence that he is the right leader to serve as ProAmpacs next CFO to support its continued growth.

This change in leadership follows an expansion of ProAmpacs Food Board manufacturing operations at its Donegal site in Ireland.

Last month, the company added a new production area within its existing facility, aiming to increase both output and production precision.

"ProAmpac appoints Jeffrey Lee as new CFO" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




Billionaire Larry Page is moving his businesses out of Californiathe place where he and Sergey Brin set up tech giant Google almost 30 years ago, after initial funding.

This end to Page's decades-long relationship with the US state involves not just his family office, but also several other entities.

At the heart of this big change is a proposed wealth tax called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, as per which residents whose net worth exceeded $1 billion would be taxed up to 5 per cent of their assets, while those with at least $20 billion in assets would face a one-time tax of $1 billion.

If the proposalapplicable from January 1, 2026 onwardswere approved, Page would have had to pay up roughly $14.8 billion in tax ($13.8 billion for the net-worth tax and $1 billion as the one-time tax).

According to a Business Insider report, Page's filings showed that his family office, Koop, was among the entities he had shifted to Delaware, in addition to Flu Lab LLC (which funds his influenza research) to Nevada, One Aero (his flying car venture) to Florida, and Dynatomics, LLC (an AI-powered aerospace startup) to Texas.

The report added that the world's second richest personwith a net worth of $270 billion, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Indexhad also left the state, but did not say if he would return, citing sources in the know.

The move may have a similar impact on Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, who might also reduce ties with California, as well as Social Capital (a venture capital firm) CEO Chamath Palihapitiya.

If passed, the wealth tax could see Thiel pay about $2.35 billion and Palihapitiya pay roughly $60 million.

California is disguising a proposed asset seizure tax as a "Billionaire Tax," but the math doesn't add up.



They wanted $100B from 200 Californian billionaires but $500B in wealth has already fled the state, leaving a $25B hole in their plan.



And its still only a proposal. https://t.co/Ygy3mX7Tys  Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) January 6, 2026

The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU UHW), a healthcare union that proposed the bill, the move could generate up to $100 billion from 200 billionaires in the state.

It added that about 90 per cent of these tax revenues would be put into healthcare, while 10 per cent would be used for food assistance and education-related programmeswhich it claimed would offset the loss of billions in federal and state funding for healthcare in the state.

However, several billionaires in California have attacked the move, warning of the outflow of the ultra-rich from the state, and its wider consequences.

California is proposing a 5% excise tax on billionaires. I put it in quotes because it proposes counting everything and the kitchen sink as a dragnet to qualify as many people as possible.



But what they are really doing is breaking the seal on a trend that will bankrupt the https://t.co/IUZBkGvmqN  Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) December 22, 2025

"The inevitable outcome will be an exodus of the states most talented entrepreneurs who can and will choose to build their companies in less regressive states ... The tax burden, then, will fall to the middle class," Palihapitiya had said.
The Pakistan military claimed that Bangladesh has expressed a "potential interest" in buying JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

Pakistan had claimed that the single-engine lightweight fighter jet proved its capabilities during the May military conflict with India.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

While Bangaldesh is yet to come out with a statement on its intention to procure the aircraft from Pakistan, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan military, said in a statement that during a recent meeting between Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu in Islamabad, Dhaka expressed a "potential interest" in procuring the fighter jet.

The ISPR statement said that while the meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with emphasis on training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace advancements, detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.

The Bangladeshi delegation also visited key PAF facilities.

ALSO READ: Why is India more concerned about Turkeys defence footprint in Bangladesh than China's? Expert explains

Sidhu assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem, the statement said.

"The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership," the ISPR said.
INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri  New Guardians of the Bay of Bengal  pic.twitter.com/qmNgcJcW7Z  News IADN (@NewsIADN) August 27, 2025

The Indian Navy is gearing up for the largest annual expansion in its history. In 2026, the Navy is reportedly set to commission 19 warships, marking the biggest single-year addition ever.

India is set to increase the number of Nilgiri-class multi-role stealth frigates as its naval forces hit the "peak of expansion" this year. The lead ship of this class was inducted into service in January 2025. Also being commissioned this year are INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, which entered service in August 2025. At least two more ships of this class are expected to join the Navy this year, Lokmat said in a story.

ALSO READ | Deep sea defence upgrade: DRDO develops AI-enabled mine hunter for Indian Navy. What can it do?

Officially designated as Project 17A, the Nilgiri-class boasts improved survivability, sea keeping and ship manoeuvrability. The guided-missile frigates will be equipped with advanced indigenous weapons and sensors. As per Naval Technology, the Nilgiri-class will have a length of 149m, a width of 17.8m and a draught of 5.22m. The displacement of the vessel will be 6,670t and the frigate will have the capacity to accommodate 226 personnel.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

The list also includes an Ikshak-class survey ship and a Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, the report said. The Ikshak-class vessels are designed to replace the ageing Sandhayak-class ships and are capable of carrying four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs) for shallow-water operations where the mother ship cannot go. The Nistar-class DSVs, meanwhile, are specifically engineered to support submarine rescue and complex deep-sea saturation diving operationsa capability only select navies across the globe possess.

ALSO READ | What makes Indian Navy's SVL 'Ikshak' a unique platform?

Integrated construction methods have played a crucial role in enabling commissioning on such a large scale, with a ships hull, superstructure and internal systems built in 250-tonne blocks and then assembled under this process. These blocks are designed to allow seamless welding and fitting of cables and piping.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to create construction sequences, covering everything from material sourcing to production timelines. With the use of new design software, AI and modern construction techniques, Indian shipyards are now building ships in about six years, compared to eight to nine years earlier. The software also predicts machinery layouts, equipment placement and fluid dynamics.

New Indian Navy Warship INS Udayagiri, 2nd Stealth ship. Built by Mazagon Docks, Mumbai. Make in India. The launching is so smooth that the vessel does not shake even slightly .

Great achievement by the Indian Navy.

Congrats. pic.twitter.com/6gWreDbp3o  jaggirmRanbir (@jaggirm) May 19, 2022

In 2025, the Indian Navy had reportedly commissioned 14 vessels.
The year 2026 is unlikely to mark a clean break from the turbulence of the past three years. Instead, it will deepen and institutionalise many of the structural disruptions already reshaping global politics, economics, and security. The illusion of a stable postCold War order has long evaporated; what is emerging in its place is not a neat multipolar balance, but a fragmented, highly contested, and technologically accelerated world. For India, 2026 will be a year of heightened risk  but also of unprecedented opportunity, provided it reads the strategic landscape with clarity and acts with coherence.

Here are a few strategic predictions:

The global order: From efforts at multipolarity to 'disorderly polarity'

By 2026, the international system will have moved beyond the language of multipolarity into what might best be described as disorderly polarity. Power will be diffused across states, blocs, corporations, and technology platforms, with no single actor capable of enforcing rules or guaranteeing stability.

The United States will remain the most powerful actor, and increasingly aggressive as it feels constrained fiscally stretched, domestically polarised, and strategically overextended across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. China, meanwhile, will not have achieved hegemonic parity with the US, but will continue to contest influence through selective assertiveness, economic leverage, and grey-zone coercion rather than outright confrontation.

Russia, weakened by prolonged conflict and sanctions, is less likely to behave as a global power and more like a strategic disruptor, willing to destabilise regions through energy, cyber, and military means. The European Union will remain economically significant but strategically hesitant, torn between internal politics, demographic decline, and security dependence on the US.

For India, this fragmented order means fewer fixed alignments and more issue-based relationships, demanding diplomatic agility rather than ideological rigidity.

War without peace: Normalisation of protracted conflict

By 2026, the world will have grown accustomed to wars that do not end, only mutate. The RussiaUkraine conflict, the IsraelHamasIran axis tensions, instability in the Red Sea, and unresolved flashpoints in Africa will persist at varying intensities.

The defining feature of modern conflict will be managed escalationstates seeking to hurt adversaries without triggering full-scale war. Precision strikes, proxy militias, cyber sabotage, economic warfare, and information operations will become routine instruments of statecraft.

This trend has profound implications for India. It suggests that the line between war and peace will remain blurred, particularly along Indias borders with China and Pakistan. India must prepare not just for conventional war, but for persistent low-intensity confrontation across multiple domains.

China in 2026: Assertive, anxious, and adaptive

China in 2026 will be neither collapsing nor triumphant. Its economy will likely continue to slow due to demographic decline, property sector stress, constrained access to advanced technologies, and targeted strikes on its interests by the US. Yet these pressures are not likely to moderate Beijings behaviour; they may intensify it.

Strategically, China will double down on three priorities:

- Securing its periphery, particularly Taiwan and the South China Sea.

- Reducing vulnerability to Western technology and finance.

- Testing US resolve through calibrated coercion of its neighbours over territorial disputes.

Along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, China will maintain pressure through infrastructure build-up, rotational deployments, and psychological signallingattempting to keep India strategically tied down without provoking a major war.

India should expect no early reset with China. 2026 will reinforce the reality that China sees India not as a partner, but as a long-term competitor - whose rise must be undermined.

The United States: Committed but conditional

US strategy in 2026 will be marked by continuity in objectives but variability in execution. In addition, a more muscular Monroe Doctrine 2.0 will be at play to ensure hemispheric dominance. Regardless of political leadership, Washingtons core prioritiesretaining global supremacy, containing China, sustaining alliances, and preserving technological primacywill remain intact.

However, US commitment will increasingly be conditional rather than unconditional. Allies and partners will be expected to shoulder greater burdens, align more clearly, and deliver tangible strategic value.

For India, this creates both leverage and responsibility. The US will court India as a critical Indo-Pacific balancer, but will also expect:

- Greater defence interoperability

- Clearer alignment on regional security

- Faster progress on defence and technology collaboration

Indias challenge will be to repair relations and deepen cooperation without compromising strategic autonomya balancing act that will become even more delicate in 2026.

The weaponisation of economics and technology



By 2026, economic interdependence will no longer be viewed as a stabilising force, but as a strategic vulnerability. Sanctions, export controls, supply chain manipulation, and financial coercion will be mainstream tools of geopolitical competition.

Technology will sit at the heart of this contest. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, space assets, and cyber capabilities will define national power more than traditional industrial metrics.

Indias strategic position here is mixed. It is not yet a technology leader, but it is indispensable as a manufacturing alternative, digital market, and talent pool. In 2026, Indias success will depend on whether it can:

- Translate China+1 rhetoric into real industrial capacity, generating better employment opportunities for its people

- Secure critical technologies without overdependence

- Diversify corporate power and clamp down on corrupt practices

- Align its economic security strategy with its national security goals

Failure to do so risks India becoming a battleground economy rather than a strategic beneficiary.

The Indo-Pacific: The worlds strategic centre of gravity

The Indo-Pacific will be the primary theatre of global competition in 2026. Maritime security, freedom of navigation, undersea cables, chokepoints, and island chains will dominate strategic planning.

The Quad will continue to evolvenot as an alliance, but as a coordination mechanism spanning security, technology, infrastructure, and resilience. Meanwhile, ASEAN will struggle to maintain relevance amid great-power competition, while smaller states hedge rather than choose sides.

Indias role in the Indo-Pacific will expand, but so will expectations. New Delhi will be increasingly judged not by statements, but by its ability to:

- Sustain naval presence

- Deliver regional public goods

- Act decisively in crises

Strategic credibility, not rhetorical leadership, will be the currency of influence.

Indias immediate neighbourhood: Instability likely as the norm

South Asia in 2026 will remain one of the worlds most volatile regions. Pakistan will continue to oscillate between economic fragility and military dominance, using sub-conventional tools to retain relevance. Its recent external partnerships may embolden it towards military adventurism across borders. Afghanistan will remain unstable, exporting extremism and uncertainty. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face internal political and economic pressures with regional spillovers.

For India, neighbourhood instability will not be episodicit will be structural. Managing it will require:

- A blend of firmness and restraint

- Economic engagement without political naivete

- Strong internal security to prevent spillovers

Indias greatest vulnerability lies not in external aggression, but in the possibility of cascading regional instability interacting with domestic fault lines.

Internal strength as the foundation of external power

Perhaps the most important strategic truth of 2026 is that external power will be inseparable from internal cohesion. Countries that manage political stability, social trust, economic growth, and technological adaptation will outperform those that rely solely on military strength.

For India, this means that national security will increasingly depend on:

- Economic resilience and job creation

- Existence of institutional independence, social harmony and democratic legitimacy  and related external perception of the same

- Optimising military capacity, policy coherence and self-reliance

- Resolution of ongoing internal conflicts and prevention of new ones.

Strategic ambition without internal strength will be unsustainable.

Conclusion: 2026 as a test of strategic maturity

The world of 2026 will not reward complacency or romanticism. It will favour states that think long-term, invest patiently, and act decisively when required. For India, the year will be less about dramatic breakthroughs and more about strategic consolidationstrengthening deterrence, deepening partnerships, securing supply chains, and stabilising its neighbourhood.

India will not yet be a global rule-maker in 2026 - in fact, far from it. But it can decisively shape the rules of its immediate environment. The choices it makesbetween alignment and autonomy, between acceleration and caution, between rhetoric and capacitywill determine whether it enters the 2030s as a confident leading power or a perpetually emerging one.

In that sense, 2026 will not merely be another year in Indias rise; it will be a quiet but consequential test of its strategic adulthood.

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK)

(The writer was Vice Chief of the Indian Army. He has authored the book A National Security Strategy for India  the Way Forward)
SEOUL, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Qualcomm is in talks with Samsung Electronics over contract manufacturing of two-nanometre chips, the U.S. company's CEO Cristiano Amon was quoted by the Korea Economic Daily as saying on Wednesday.

The South Korean paper cited Amon as saying that Qualcomm was holding talks first with Samsung Electronics, among several semiconductor foundry firms, about contract manufacturing using the latest two-nanometre process, with design work already completed for commercialisation in the near future.

Qualcomm was not immediately available for comment outside regular business hours. Samsung Electronics said it did not comment on specific customers.

Samsung Electronics' co-CEO and chip chief, Jun Young-hyun, said last week that recent supply deals with major customers had left its loss-making foundry business "primed for a great leap forward". Samsung Electronics signed a $16.5 billion deal with Tesla in July.

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang and Jihoon Lee. Editing by Mark Potter)
During the military operation to arrest Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas air defence systems were quickly taken out of the equation by a US Navy squadron nicknamed the Zappers, which operates the Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft.

ALSO READ | Decoding US military action in Venezuela: Chinese military expert explains what may have unfolded

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

As many as 150 US warplanes were part of the mission, including F-22s, F-35s, F-18 jet fighters and B-1 bombers, along with the Growlers. Specialising in electronic warfare (EW), the Growler is fitted with large pods under its wings and belly to suppress enemy air defences (SEAD) and jam enemy radars and communications. Its Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) suite and open mission systems enable integrated electronic-attack effects that protect friendly forces, shape the battlespace and support interoperable tactics with allied platforms, Boeing claims.

ALSO READ | How many died in the US strike in Venezuela? Official toll and conflicting reports

Derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet and built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the Growlers electronic warfare suite includes ALQ-218 receivers, ALQ-99 jamming pods and AGM-88 HARM missiles. According to the US Navy, it has yet to lose a Growler in combat. The aircraft can also be equipped with a pair of AIM-120 AMRAAM (Slammer) missiles and two AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles).

Boeing Growlers: Capabilities, performance and more

The carrier-based airborne electronic attack aircraft has been in operation since 2009. It has a wingspan of 44.9 feet, a length of 60.2 feet and a height of 16 feet. It is operated by a pilot and a co-pilot who specialise in electronic warfare, and can reach a maximum speed of 1,381 mph, The Wall Street Journal said in a report. The aircraft is capable of operating at altitudes of more than 50,000 feet and has a weight of 16.55 tonnes. Its price in 2021 was around $67 million, the report added. Apart from the US Navy, the jets are also operated by Australia.

ALSO READ | US C-17s, gunships arrive at UK airbases. Is the US preparing for action in Iran?

Venezuela possessed Russian S-300 missile-defence systems as well as Chinese radar systems. However, these radars were not among the most advanced available on the market and were easy targets for the Zappers, reports said. By neutralising enemy sensors, they ensured that helicopters, bombers and fighters were able to operate safely and freely in the skies over Caracas.
Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort an aging oil tanker, Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, which the US has been trying to intercept.

The oil tanker, which sails under the Russian flag, has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. However, reports suggest that the tanker is not currently carrying oil.

The tanker, which is currently between Iceland and the British Isles, is accused of failing to abide by US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. The US has been pursuing the tanker, which began its journey from Iran and was heading to Venezuela, across the Atlantic.

It has so far managed to avoid interception since the US Coast Guard tried to board and seize it in December, after the US imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil shipments to and from Venezuela. The US Coast Guard, which has a warrant to seize the tanker over alleged violations of sanctions, continued to trail the tanker into the Eastern Atlantic, where it is now sailing about 300 miles south of Iceland toward the North Sea.

Various media reports, quoting US officials, confirmed that Moscow sent a submarine and other naval vessels to escort the tanker. However, it is still uncertain where the Russian navy might meet the tanker, though the oil tankers entry into European waters has coincided with the arrival in the UK of around 10 US military transport aircraft and several helicopters.

ALSO READ: OPINION | 2026: Strategic Predictions for the World and India

Russia had reportedly urged the US to stop pursuing the tanker. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Russian foreign ministry said it was monitoring the situation surrounding the tanker with concern, even as the US Southern Command said in a social media post that it remains ready to support US government agency partners in standing against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region.

For reasons unclear to us, the Russian ship is being given increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and NATO military, despite its peaceful status, the Russian military claimed, adding, We expect that Western countries, which declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas, will begin adhering to this principle themselves.
Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan has officially been postponed from January 9. It was an inevitable decision to make for the film's producers KVN Productions, considering the ongoing deadlock regarding the censor certificate. The producers had filed a case at the Madras High Court on January 7, the verdict of which is expected on January 9.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control." read the first paragraph of the official statement released by KVN Productions.

As the film's censor certificate is yet to be obtained, a new release date cannot be announced immediately. The producers of Jana Nayagan will have to wait until the Madras High Court verdict, after which a new date will be formally announced. This, of course, means that the tickets from advance booking will all be refunded across the globe.

Till January 6, Jana Nayagan had collected over Rs 45 crore globally from advance booking for January 9 alone. The buzz is unlikely to be affected with a new release date but all the momentum created from the promos will potentially hit a roadblock. As per reports from inside sources, the film was supposed to be given an U/A censor certificate but the CBFC had recommended several cuts and mutes.

The Jana Nayagan team had reportedly made the revisions and the new version was allegedly approved by the Censor Board before the latest twist in developments in the eleventh hour. With no clarity on the censor certificate update, KVN Productions were forced to take the matter to the Madras High Court. Meanwhile, the other Tamil film for Pongal, Parasakthi, has also not received its censor certificate yet.
A tense situation unfolded in Delhis Turkman Gate area on Wednesday morning after a group of people staged protests against the demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid.

Reports claimed that a large number of protesters gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out the demolition following a directive from the Delhi High Court.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where MCD, pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court, carried out a demolition drive on an encroachment earlier today.



Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, says, pic.twitter.com/56LD5zeYZg  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Some protesters threw stones at the officials, prompting the police to use tear gas to control the situation. Five policemen were injured in the scuffle.

"About 25 to 30 people threw stones at the police teams, resulting in five policemen sustaining minor injuries. We had to use tear gas to restore order. A banquet hall and a dispensary were demolished," senior police officer Nidhin Valsan told PTI news agency.

He added that the drive had been carried out at night to minimize inconvenience to the public and that the situation is now fully under control.

Authorities had deployed 17 bulldozers to remove unauthorized structures in the area.

#WATCH | Delhi | Morning visuals from the area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where MCD, pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court, carried out a demolition drive on an encroachment yesterday. pic.twitter.com/NihxNZgnAn  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Earlier, the Delhi Police had issued a statement confirming that comprehensive law and order measures were in place to ensure the smooth execution of the demolition.

"The area was divided into nine zones, each under the supervision of an officer with the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate police deployment was made at all sensitive points," the statement said.

Before the demolition, the police held several coordination meetings with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
The Delhi Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the controversial sloganeering by a group of students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The police confirmed on Wednesday that a complaint had been received from the Chief Security Officer of JNU at the Vasant Kunj North police station.

"A complaint from the Chief Security Officer, JNU, was received at PS Vasant Kunj North regarding sloganeering against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on the JNU campus. The matter is being examined for necessary action," a police official said, as quoted by ANI.

Earlier, the university had requested the police to file an FIR against students who allegedly raised "objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory slogans" during a protest on Monday night.

According to the universitys security department, the protest was organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the violence at JNU on January 5, 2020.

"The slogans, which were clearly audible and repeated, were deemed a direct contempt of the Supreme Court and a violation of the JNU Code of Conduct," it said in a report submitted to the University Proctor.

The report noted that around 30 to 35 students were present at the event. While the gathering began peacefully, the tone shifted significantly after the Supreme Courts denial of bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.

"The slogans raised were clearly audible, deliberate, and repeated, indicating intentional, conscious misconduct rather than spontaneous or inadvertent expression. The act reflects a willful disregard for institutional discipline, the established norms of civil discourse, and the peaceful academic character of the University campus," the report added.

The Supreme Court had denied bail to both Khalid and Imam, stating that there was a prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

A purported video of the JNU protest, shared on social media, showed some students raising controversial slogans such as "Modi-Shah ki kabar khudegi" inside the campus.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance on Wednesday and charged that a proxy BJP government will govern the state if AIADMK is voted to power in the 2026 assembly polls. Stalin also slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly making communally charged comments against the state government.

Addressing an event in Dindigul, Chief Minister Stalin said, "Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is striving only to bring a BJP government to power in Tamil Nadu. After the passing away of Jayalalithaa, a proxy BJP government functioned in Tamil Nadu. Only in the last five years have we begun to recover from that and stand tall again. Now they are openly declaring that they want a BJP government."

Stalin charged that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-led Centre has accorded stepmotherly treatment to the state, hence they faced crushing defeat in elections held in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections held between 2019 and 2024.

The DMK leader accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of making false comments about the state government's attitude towards the Hindu faith. "Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tamil Nadu. Listening to what he spoke, one begins to wonder, was that 'Amit Shah' or was it 'Defamation Shah'?"

Condemning Shah's statements, Stalin said, "It seems he has no idea at all about what is actually happening in Tamil Nadu. Since the DMK government assumed office, we have conducted Kumbabhishekam at nearly 4,000 temples. True devotees are praising the DMK government. Under our rule, the list of achievements related to Hindu religious affairs is so extensive that one could speak about it for an entire day. That is why the Dravidian Model of governance is a government favoured by devotees, a government appreciated by spiritual leaders," Stalin claimed.

"We run an administration that respects the faith of people of all religions and safeguards their rights," he added. The chief minister said the communal designs of those trying to sow division in the state will fail.
Madras High Court has reserved its verdict on the Jana Nayagan certification row, hinting Thalapathy Vijay's probably last film is unlikely to release on January 9 as planned by producers. Interestingly, the censor row coincides with the CBI summons to Vijay over the Karur stampede.

The High Court, hearing a plea moved by Jana Nayagan's producers KVN Productions seeking a censor certificate for the film, reserved its verdict after raising pertinent questions to the film certification body. Hearing the matter, the bench led by Justice P.T. Asha asked, "The only ground on which you want to review the movie is based on the complaint, which on the face of it is not maintainable because all objections raised in the complaint have already been dealt with."

. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A.R.L. Sundaresan, appearing for CBFC, argued that the chairperson of CBFC is empowered to order a review of a movie even after it has been viewed by the examining committee. He said the movie has used certain emblems of the defence forces, and hence, experts from the defence forces ought to have been consulted. He also sought four weeks' time to file a detailed counter-affidavit to the writ petition filed by the production house.

The court also asked the certification body why the movie's makers were not informed about the review while it had already informed producers that they were unable to upload the acknowledgement, Live Law reported. The CBFc said in court that "it does not have any malicious intention and is making a genuine effort."

The court asked the CBFC how it can say the movie should be reviewed while on December 22, 2025, the chairperson had informed the producer that the board had decided to give 'UA' certificate to the movie, subject to modifications and incisions.

Appearing for the producers, Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, said a film certification committee member can only make recommendations, but not raise a complaint. The counsel also argued that the film's makers were entirely kept in the dark about the review decision. "There has to be a distinction between recommendation and complaint. Even if one of the members has objections, it is still 4:1. It's a majority decision. How can that be a reason for sending it for review," the publication reported, quoting the makers.

He also contended that the CBFC authorities did not understand the cinematograph rules properly. How can a so-called complaint by just one out of the five members of the examining committee become a reason to set aside the recommendation to issue U/A 16+ certificate, Prasaran asked the court.

- with inputs from Lakshmi Subramanian.
After his claim that India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hated Lord Somnath the most and that Nehru did not want the rebuilding of Somnath temple after Independence due to his blind appeasement politics, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi clarified that he has no personal animosity towards the former PM.

He, however, claimed that Nehru's ideology was "terrible and frightening" for India.

"Just as PM Narendra Modi is not merely an individual, but an institution, Jawaharlal Nehru is not just a leader, but a symbol of an ideology, and it is necessary to understand today how terrible and frightening that ideology was for India, and how much it was concealed behind a veil of deception," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

He said it is sad that in April 1951, Nehru wrote a letter to the then prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, addressing him as my dear Nawabjade, stating that the story of the gates of the Somnath temple being brought back to India was completely false.

According to the book 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh' by L. S. Bakshi, officially published by the Congress government, the government notes that Ranjit Singh made no distinction between Hindus and Sikhs among his subjects when the combined forces of the East India Company and defeated Shah Shuja in Kabul.

"Pay attention to this further point: When they captured Kabul, one of the terms inserted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the treaty that followed was that the doors of the Somnath temple, planted there by Mahmud Ghazni, should be returned to India. Now, is Maharaja Ranjit Singh right, or is Jawaharlal Nehru, who was busy catering to Liaquat Ali's whims, telling the truth," he sought to know.

He pointed out that a second reference comes from K. M. Panikkar, who was Indias ambassador to Communist China at the time.

"If any of you have read in the books, the letter Panikkar wrote to Nehru had the sentiment that they should find out how Chairman Mao would feel about it. What affection they have for the Maoists who consider religion as opium, and how close and affectionate they are towards the Muslim League, and how they are bringing down the hammer on Hindu sentiments, and this mindset remains unchanged even today...The same mentality that prevailed back then is visible today," he claimed.
The impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma have entered a delicate constitutional phase, with the Supreme Court acknowledging some infirmity in the manner in which the inquiry committee was constituted, even as Parliament has told the apex court that the judges challenge rests on an incorrect factual foundation and caused him no legal prejudice whatsoever.



The clash now unfolding before the Supreme Court is less about the sensational cash-haul allegations that triggered the crisis, and more about procedure, statutory interpretation and the limits of judicial intervention in parliamentary affairs.



Justice Varma has approached the court seeking to quash the impeachment inquiry committee formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, arguing that the committee itself was illegally constituted. His case rests on a narrow but consequential point: impeachment motions against him were moved in both Houses of Parliament on the same day in July 2025, and therefore, under the proviso to Section 3(2) of the Act, any inquiry committee could only be constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman and only if both Houses admitted the motion.



That, he claims, never happened.



During todays hearing, a Supreme Court bench observed that there appeared to be some infirmity in how the committee came to be formed, but stopped short of concluding whether that infirmity was grave enough to vitiate the entire impeachment process. We will see if it is serious enough, the court remarked, signalling that procedural irregularity alone may not be sufficient unless it causes demonstrable prejudice.



In a detailed affidavit filed by the Lok Sabha Secretary General, the Union legislature has argued that Justice Varmas petition is built on an incorrect factual premise. According to the affidavit, the impeachment motion moved in the Rajya Sabha was never admitted at all. On August 11, 2025, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, acting in the absence of Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, passed a written order rejecting the motion.



That decision, the affidavit emphasises, was never challenged by any Member of Parliament and has therefore attained finality.



Once the Rajya Sabha motion stood rejected, the Lok Sabha contends, there was no statutory requirement for a joint committee. The only surviving motion was the one admitted in the Lok Sabha, empowering the Speaker to independently constitute an inquiry committee under Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act.



No prejudice was caused to Justice Varma by the constitution of the committee, the affidavit states, adding that the Supreme Court cannot ordinarily sit in judgment over proceedings in Parliament, a constitutional sphere protected by long-standing precedent.



Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Justice Varma, has contested this interpretation before the Court. He argues that when motions are moved in both Houses on the same day, the statute contemplates only two outcomes: either both Houses admit the motion and a joint committee is formed, or no committee can be constituted at all.



The proviso contemplates one situation, Rohatgi submitted. If motions are moved on the same day, both Houses must admit them. In my case, one motion was rejected. Therefore, no committee could have been formed.



He has also questioned the authority of the Deputy Chairman to reject the Rajya Sabha motion, arguing that the act amounted to an impermissible review rather than a routine admission exercise. The Solicitor General, however, countered that the Chairman or a Deputy acting in that capacity is entitled to scrutinise whether a motion meets statutory requirements before admitting it.



The cash haul that triggered accountability



The legal battle over procedure cannot be divorced from the extraordinary facts that set it in motion.



On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out in a storeroom at Justice Varmas official residence in Delhi. Fire and police personnel reportedly found half-burnt stacks of 500 notes at the site, footage that soon circulated publicly and was later authenticated



A Supreme Court-appointed three-judge in-house panel examined the incident in depth, recording evidence from 55 witnesses over 10 days. The panel concluded that Justice Varma and/or his family exercised covert or active control over the storeroom, and noted that the cash was removed in the early hours of March 15, allegedly with the involvement of his staff. The misconduct, the panel said, was grave enough to warrant impeachment.



Then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna forwarded the panels recommendation to the President and the Prime Minister, triggering parliamentary action.



Justice Varma has consistently denied any involvement, claiming the storeroom was a common area accessible to staff and describing the allegations as a conspiracy. He has also alleged procedural lapses at every stage of the inquiry.



In August, the Supreme Court rejected his challenge to the in-house inquiry report, holding that his conduct did not inspire confidence and declining to interfere with the recommendation for removal.
Proposing a major overhaul of Indias pesticide regulation framework, the Centre has released a fresh draft of the Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 for public consultation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said the draft law intends to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971, as they no longer meet current regulatory, safety and governance requirements.

The draft Bill seeks to bring the entire lifecycle of pesticides under a single, centralised regulatory framework, covering the entire gamut of activities from manufacture, import, labelling, sale, transport, use and disposal. It declares pesticide regulation to be a matter of Union control, signalling a shift away from the fragmented regulatory system that has evolved over decades.

At the heart of the proposed framework is a two-tier institutional structure. A Central Pesticides Board is envisaged as an advisory body on scientific and technical matters, while a Registration Committee would act as the executive authority responsible for granting, reviewing, suspending or cancelling pesticide registrations. Under the draft, no pesticide would be permitted to be manufactured or imported without prior registration. This will help curb fake pesticides.

The demands for a new law have been made in the past as indiscriminate use of pesticides harm both the farmers and the consumers. The government says the new bill aims to help both farming community and the industry.

The government has described the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 as farmer-centric, with provisions aimed at improving transparency and traceability in the pesticide supply chain. The draft relies heavily on technology, mandating digital processes for registration, licensing, inspections and record-keeping, with the stated objective of streamlining procedures and improving service delivery to farmers.

A key feature of the draft is time-bound decision-making on registrations. The Registration Committee is required to decide applications within 12 months, extendable to 18 months. In the case of generic pesticides, approval would be deemed to have been granted if no decision is taken within the prescribed period, a provision intended to reduce regulatory delays and promote competition.

The draft also proposes stricter controls on spurious and substandard pesticides. It provides for higher penalties to act as a deterrent, along with provisions for compounding of certain offences. State-level authorities would be empowered to define penalty structures within the framework of the law. Mandatory accreditation of pesticide testing laboratories has been proposed to ensure that only quality-certified products are made available to farmers.

Enforcement powers under the draft Bill are expanded. Inspectors would be authorised to enter premises, seize stock, halt sales and draw samples for laboratory testing. Registrations could be reviewed at any stage and suspended or cancelled if new evidence points to risks to human health, animals or the environment. Once cancelled, a pesticide molecule would be treated as banned nationwide.

The draft also seeks to strengthen administrative control over pesticide management, with officials stating that the intent is to strike a balance between ease of life for farmers and ease of doing business for industry. Provisions have also been included to promote biological pesticides, traditional knowledge-based products and integrated pest management practices.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

China's move to ban exports of military-use items to Japan has possibly shifted investor attention sharply toward rare earth supply chains, lifting related shares across Asia-Pacific. In Tokyo, Toyo Engineering Corp. surged 20% on expectations that its seabed rare earth recovery technology could become more strategically relevant, while cerium producer Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku-Kogyo Co. jumped as much as 27%. In Australia, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. (LYSDY) climbed as much as 16%, its strongest rise since July, alongside a near-10% gain in Australian Strategic Materials Ltd., as markets weighed whether tighter Chinese controls could favor upstream producers outside China.

The rally followed Beijing's statement that all dual-use items would be banned from export to Japan for military purposes, with a China Daily report indicating that rare earth-related items are included. The decision represents the latest escalation in tensions linked to comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. Strategists at T&D Asset Management said fears of supply bottlenecks could lead to higher prices for critical materials, which could be a tailwind for rare earth manufacturers, particularly as Japanese auto and defense companies may look to diversify supply chains away from China. China currently controls more than 90% of global rare earth refining capacity, according to the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, underscoring the market's sensitivity to any shift in export policy.

Not all sectors benefited from the news, as concerns about costlier and less predictable supply chains weighed on Japanese manufacturers with high China exposure. Toyota Motor Corp. slid 3%, its biggest decline since early November, contributing to a drop of as much as 1% in the Topix index, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHVIY) Ltd. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (KWHIY) fell more than 2%. With China's latest export controls covering more than 800 items, from chemicals to sensors, some strategists warned that heightened caution around autos, machinery, and defense stocks could persist, even as analysts at SMBC Nikko suggested the environment may favor upstream rare earth players, and Citi Research noted that Chinese exporters could manage the potential loss of Japanese market share due to ongoing demand from Europe and other Asian markets.
The United States Embassy in India warned US visa seekers to adhere to its rules, else they could face stern action, including deportation.

In a statement on X on Wednesday, the Embassy warned applicants not to jeopardize their travel to the US by violating US regulations. "Breaking US laws can have serious consequences for your student visa," the US Embassy stressed.

Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and dont jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a pic.twitter.com/A3qyoo6fuD  U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) January 7, 2026

"If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future US visas. Follow the rules and dont jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right," it added.

The US government has tightened visa regulations ever since Donald Trump became president. Trump had vowed massive crackdown against illegal immigration during his second stint as president.

Recently, US announced in-depth scrutiny of social media profiles of US visa seekers. The US State Department said in a statement, "The Department will expand the requirement that an online presence review be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public'.

"Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right," it said.
Delhi Police detained five individuals on Wednesday in connection with the clashes that broke out during a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area.

An FIR has been filed, and authorities are investigating whether the violence was spontaneous or part of a pre-planned effort to disrupt the demolition.

Reports indicate that a large group of protesters gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out the demolition, following a directive from the Delhi High Court.

#WATCH | Delhi | Debris being cleared from the area near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where a demolition drive was carried out by the MCD last night. pic.twitter.com/ODNJrmx5nW  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Five police personnel were injured when protesters threw stones and glass bottles at the force. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved in the violence and stone-pelting. They are also analysing video clips circulating on social media to pinpoint the miscreants.

The FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from performing his duty), 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant), 191 (rioting), 223(A) (disobedience to a duly promulgated order by a public servant), and 3(5) (joint liability), as well as provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where MCD, pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court, carried out a demolition drive on an encroachment earlier today.



Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, says, pic.twitter.com/sAVAsZwPfs  ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Force has been deployed near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid following protests and clashes, though officials have assured that the situation is now fully under control.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood clarified that some commercial establishments around the mosque had been built illegally, and action was being taken in accordance with court orders.

"Obstructing or disrupting work carried out within the framework of the law is completely unacceptable," he said.

Sood further emphasised, "I want to make it clear that the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque is completely safe. The action being taken is limited only to those illegal commercial establishments that fall within the scope of the court's orders. There is no arbitrariness or mala fide intent on the part of the government in this matter."
The office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has clarified that Amartya Sen was issued the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing notice because his name is not in the 2002 list and there is only a 15-year age gap between him and his mother, which needs verification.

While the hearing notice was generated on Tuesday, the Nobel laureates family received the notice in his ancestral house in Bolpur in Birbhum district as Sen is currently in the US. The hearing will be conducted at his Bolpur residence as he is 92 years old.

The Election Commission (EC) also clarified that Mohammad Shami and Dev are called for a hearing because the linkage column on the enumeration form was left blank.

The EC states that the logical discrepancies in enumeration forms are due to the 2002 SIR list, where mapping was done manually without a foolproof method for verifying all data house to house or a machine-based process. Therefore, there was no check for logical discrepancies.

The 2025 list, however, is being compiled digitally, and any confusion regarding logical discrepancies is largely due to the inaccurate data from 2002. Additionally, the Bengali database was converted to an English database, involving two levels of conversion.

This time, the EC is trying to prepare a more accurate SIR list with 98 per cent accuracy, but some discrepancies may arise because it is based on the 2002 list. The aim is to include all eligible voters, including those outside the state and country. Those who cannot attend the hearing can submit documents on the ECI website; if verified, their names will be included in the final list.

There is still some fear of being left out of the SIR among some, such as the Hindu minority Matua community, which originated in Bangladesh. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Shantanu Thakur met President Draupadi Murmu on Wednesday to discuss the social security of the community. Thakur, the MP from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district (which, along with Nadia district, has a large Matua population), is a prominent figure within the Matua community.

"If it [Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)] has no stand, then why is the EC now giving the CAA certificate importance on the basis on which SIR will be granted? Now West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must provide an answer as to why she opposed this and prevented people from applying for CAA. Are these people not on the backfoot now? The chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) government have to answer."

"The CAA is a lengthy process. I have spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about fast-tracking cases so that their names are included in the SIR (list)," Shantanu Thakur said. "He has assured me he will look into it."

The final SIR list will be released on February 14.
The Israeli government has formally approved the construction of the long-controversial E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, a move widely regarded as a potentially decisive blow to the viability of a future Palestinian state. The Israel Land Authority has issued a tender for 3,401 housing units in the area known as E1, a strategically significant corridor of land between Jerusalem and the existing settlement of Maale Adumim. Many analysts see this decision as the culmination of a long-term strategy pursued by Israels right-wing leadership to create what it calls facts on the ground that would permanently foreclose the possibility of a two-state solution.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a central figure behind the current wave of settlement expansion, has been unusually explicit about the political purpose of the project. Following approval of the plan, he stated that E1 was intended to bury the idea of a Palestinian state, adding that Israels response to international recognition of Palestine would come not through documents, not through declarations, but through facts  facts of homes, neighbourhoods, roads and Jewish families.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The E1 project would link the settlement of Maale Adumim directly to Jerusalem, effectively cutting the West Bank in two. Such a connection would separate the northern West Bank, centred around Ramallah, from the southern West Bank, including Bethlehem, while further isolating East Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian territories. According to Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement organisation, this development would entrench a one-state reality that could only function as a system of permanent inequality, which it describes as an apartheid regime.

Israeli leaders have been increasingly open about this trajectory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while overseeing infrastructure agreements related to E1, declared publicly: We said there will be no Palestinian state, and indeed there will be no Palestinian state. This place is ours. Such statements have reinforced concerns that settlement expansion is no longer presented as a bargaining tool, but as an end in itself.

The timing and scale of the E1 tender are part of a broader acceleration of settlement activity across the West Bank. The previous year saw a record number of housing tenders issued in settlements, totalling 9,629 units. This figure exceeds the combined total of the previous six years, indicating a sharp increase in construction activity.

The pace of recent expansion has been particularly striking. Whereas the preparation of housing tenders typically takes between six months and a year following planning approval, the E1 tender was finalised in just four months. This unusual haste appears to be driven by domestic political considerations, notably the desire to begin physical construction ahead of elections scheduled for October. The bidding deadline for the E1 project is set for mid-March 2026, raising the prospect that construction could begin within a matter of months.

The expansion is marked by an extensive network of highways and bypass roads, integrating settlements into Israel proper and keeping out Palestinian towns and villages. Barriers and restricted zones further limit freedom of movement for Palestinians and prevent their natural urban development. Between 2022 and 2024, an estimated one million dunams of Palestinian land were reclassified or seized under Israeli military and bureaucratic authority.

The ongoing push to build in the E1 corridor marks a significant departure from long-standing global consensus and faces ongoing legal challenges. For years, construction in the area was effectively frozen due to pressure from the United States and European allies, who viewed E1 as a red line for the prospects of a negotiated peace. However, the Netanyahu government, perceiving a shift in Washingtons stance, has moved forward. Smotrich has claimed that former US President Donald Trump abandoned opposition to the project, a perception that has emboldened the Israeli leadership.

In 2024, the International Court of Justice issued a far-reaching advisory opinion declaring Israels occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and calling for it to end as rapidly as possible. Several Western governments, including France, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, have condemned the E1 decision as a clear violation of international law. Despite this, Israels judiciary has declined to halt the plans while petitions from Palestinian residents and human rights organisations are considered, allowing the tender process to proceed unabated.
Today, January 7, the air is filled with the sound of bells, and the scent of incense accentuates the celebration of Orthodox Christmas. The "feast of the nativity," which in simple words is called the birth of Jesus. However, the popular version of Christmas is celebrated on 25 December, i.e., according to the Gregorian calendar.

By contrast, preserved by the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, the Julian calendar has maintained its distinct identity. The region has a significant number of Orthodox Christians, divided into Eastern Orthodox, such as the Greek Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox, including the Coptic and Syriac Orthodox churches. The community conveys a powerful message reflecting that it is no longer vanishing. Instead, it navigates the global diaspora while perpetually maintaining its deep, ancient roots in its ancestral homeland in the Middle East.

Mahin Siddiqui

In the Levant, the Orthodox Christians have narratives of both trauma and perseverance, and so the scattered communities regroup. The Christmas celebrations in Syria include the chanting of hymns in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, thereby establishing a direct link to the apostolic era. Moreover, in the Maronite Cathedral, worshippers are informed on how Syrian Christians form an integral part of Syria, and they should be protected. In the wake of recent events, the Patriarch of Antioch made a prayer for the nation's healing and security. Israel and Palestine have also shown a vibrant spirit after years of silence because of the ongoing war. The main cities of attraction, Nazareth and Bethlehem, witnessed marching bands, accompanied by bagpipes, leading up to today's liturgies, once again illuminating the cities with the cautious return of the festivities. Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem led the official Nativity services at the Church of the Nativity, which was attended by dignitaries and leaders, and delivered an address before the Christmas mass yesterday, conveying the message of communal hope. The community's dispersion has not diluted itsfaith but, in fact, has created polycentric orthodoxy.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The "easternisation" of the Gulf through the Malankara (Kerala Orthodox) community is one of the striking contemporary developments in GCC. The mass migration of these Indian expats has increased their population in recent years. They are mainly concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and in Abbasiyah (Kuwait), forming a religious corridor that bridges South Asia and the Middle East. The cathedrals in the GCC hear the chanting of the Holy Qurbana in a distinctive blend of Malayalam and Syriac, merging West Syriac rites with the traditions of the Malabar Coast. January 7 marks the peak of the Nativity fast, the 25th day of fasting. Malankaras observe the nativity period, unlike the Middle Eastern tradition, by abstaining from dairy and meat, yet by eating Kerala Appam and mutton stew, thereby displaying a distinct orthodox identity.

The rituals observed, such as "Service of fire," which is symbolic and resilient, display a refusal to be extinguished. People gather around the bonfire, symbolising that the divine light has appeared to the shepherds. On the occasion of Orthodox Christmas in Egypt, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ and extended his personal greetings to Pope Tawadros II. Not only the President but also Egypt's Foreign Minister and Defence Minister visited St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbassia, underscoring that churches are a fundamental pillar of the national fabric.

As orthodox Christmas festivities come to a close, the Syriac Christian communities prepare for the Nineveh Lent (Moonnu Noyambu), which begins on January 26, 2026. The presence of Orthodox Christians in the Middle East, though scattered, demonstrates that they are an essential component of society.

The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Hamas commander Naji Zaheer recently graced a Lashkar-e-Taiba event at Gujranwala in Punjab province of Pakistan.

According to an earlier report by the US-based Middle East Forum, Pakistan is emerging as a new operational base for the Palestinian militants. The Hamas leader's presence at such events show Pakistan's "apparent tolerance, if not endorsement, of Hamas's agenda," the report pointed out.

"This challenges Islamabads credentials as a reliable partner in the global fight against terrorismand raises questions about its status as a US Major Non-NATO ally," it added.

Who is Naji Zaheer?

Naji Zaheer is the special representative of Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal to Pakistan. Mashaal is one of the Hamas leaders likely to succeed Yahya Sinwar as the militant group's political bureau head.

Zaheer had appeared in several conferences and rallies in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the last one-and-a-half year, especially after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In these events, he shared stage with US-designated terror groups LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

A week after the October 7 attacks, Zaheer was spotted speaking at a pro-Palestine rally in Peshawar. The event was vitually attended by Mashal who thanked Pakistan for its support for the Palestinian cause.

On November 2, 2023, Zaheer virtually attended the Toofan-e-Aqsa Conference, which marked a 12-day protest in Karachi. Interestingly, the event also saw virtual participation of slain Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who declared, "This war is not just for Palestine; its is for the entire Ummah."
The statement from the White House that US President Donald Trump was considering options to acquire Greenland, even militarily, has triggered a global uproar with European leaders closing ranks behind Denmark, which considers Greenland its autonomous territory.

The Trump administration believes that taking over Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and was important to defend itself against adversaries in the Arctic region, mainly China.

Now that Trump himself has expressed renewed interest in taking the island and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller openly declaring that military force was on the table and no one was going to fight the US over Greenland, political analysts now examine four ways the invasion of Greenland could happen.

1) Military invasion

The most talked about option at the moment is a military invasion, with the White House itself declaring that using military power is not off the table. Greenland, the worlds largest island, but with a population of just 57,000 people, does not have the military capacity to take on the US. Though the Danish President has warned that this could mean the end of NATO, Trump hasnt taken his threat seriously. Miller made it clear in his CNN interview that the US wont hesitate to flex its military muscles when he said nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.

Stephen Miller: This whole period that happened after World War II where the West began apologizing and groveling and begging



Host: I don't even know what you're talking about right now. I asked you if there would be an election in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/OL5Acywz47  FactPost (@factpostnews) January 6, 2026

"We live in a world, in the real world, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. These are the iron laws of the world," Miller said.

2) Buying the country

Trump could also use coercion as a means to take over Greenland. The real estate maverick that he is, Trump could make an offer the island cant refuse. The US President has already offered to invest billions of dollars to create new jobs and make you rich. This could change the fate of over 57,000 people with a GDP of less than 3 billion, overwhelmingly dependent on fishing and subsidies from Copenhagen.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Monday that the administrations goal is to buy Greenland and not invade it. The US had earlier contemplated buying Greenland from Denmark on three occasions, in 1867, 1910, and 1946.

3) Compact of free associations

Reports hint that the US officials were working on a potential deal where Greenland would sign a Compact of Free Association (Cofa) with the US. This means that the US relations with Greenland would be similar to its association with Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. This means the island to keep its formal independence while effectively giving the American military carte blanche on their territory in return for duty-free trade.

But, for this to happen, Greenland has to be free from Denmark, which can happen only with the Danish parliaments consent. The Denmark government isnt enthusiastic about this as it would mean the US get control over their strategically vital territory in their neighbourhood.

4) Greenland independence

One way for the US to remove the Danish hegemony is to push Greenland towards independence. Without Danish control, Greenland could sign deals directly with the US. Danish media claims that the US have already tried this with Denmarks security and intelligence service, PET, already warning Greenland that it is the target of influence campaigns of various kinds. They added that Americans with ties to Trump have carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Felix Kartte, a digital policy expert who has advised EU institutions and governments, told Politico that this is similar to what Russia did to influence political outcomes in countries such as Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. Russia mixes offline and online tactics, he said. On the ground, it works with aligned actors such as extremist parties, diaspora networks or pro-Russian oligarchs, and has been reported to pay people to attend anti-EU or anti-U.S. protests. At the same time, it builds large networks of fake accounts and pseudo-media outlets to amplify these activities online and boost selected candidates or positions, Kartte said.
Days after the US strike in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, uncertainty continues to surround the true death toll.

On Tuesday, Venezuela's military confirmed the deaths of 24 of its personnel in the operation. A video tribute posted by the military on Instagram featured the faces of many of those killed.

This toll adds to the 32 Cuban military and police officers reported dead by the Cuban government, who had been working in Venezuela at the time of the raid. Cuba later released the names, ranks, and ages of the personnel from the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, the country's two primary security agencies.

While the official death toll now stands at 56, Associated Press reports suggest that additional civilian casualties occurred during the strike, though the exact number remains unclear.

According to a Washington Post report, US officials estimate that at least 75 people were killed in the raid, aligning with President Donald Trumps public comment that the operation was "effective" but "very violent".

A senior official, quoted by the New York Times, stated that the death toll stands at nearly 80.

Venezuelas Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, stated that dozens of both officials and civilians had lost their lives and that prosecutors would launch an investigation into what he termed a "war crime." He did not clarify whether this estimate included Venezuelan nationals.

In addition, the Pentagon reported that seven US service members were injured during the raid, with injuries including gunshot wounds and shrapnel, according to a US official.
The US now has its eyes set on acquiring Greenland. Just a day after it captured Venezuelas leader, US President Donald Trump declared, We need Greenland from he standpoint of national security.

Experts say that the US's making a move to control the worlds largest island would break the NATO alliance. Despite this, Trump, over the last few week have increasingly emphsised the US's need for Greenland without ever explaining why.

Why Greenland?

The sparsely populated island is an autonomous part of Denmark, which ended its colonial rule in 1953.

The entire territory, which spans a total area of 2,166,086 square kilometres, has only about 57,000 inhabitants, consisting mostly of the Inuit people. A majority of the island, approximately 80 per cent, except for a few coastlines, is covered in ice. The economy is based mainly on fishing and receives large subsidies from the Danish government.

Most of its population therefore lives in Nuuk, the capital, which is on the south-western coast.

Despite being part of Denmark, Nuuk is geographically closer to the US East Coast.

Trump has said that his need for Greenland is for national security. The islands position is strategic. Both China and Russia have been conducting military exercises in the Arctic seas. According to Trump, Denmark would be unable to deter the countries' forces in case they reach Greenland. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has rejected such statements from Trump.

Just last year, the country pledged 42 billion Danish crowns ($6.58 billion) to boost its military presence in the Arctic despite knowing that Russia and China currently do not pose a significant military threat to the island.

Denmark being a NATO ally has also been willing to let the US expand its military presence in the country. In 1952, Denmark and the US signed the Greenland Defense Agreement allowing the latter to keep its military bases in the country and build new as deemed necessary by NATO.

The US currently operates one military base, the Pituffic Space Base, in the north west of the island.The base was previously known as the Thule Air base and was built in 1953. Only about 150 US personnel are currently stationed there. The base operates for missile defence, space and scientific research in the Arctic region. Apart from the base however, the US have not shown interest in increasing military presence around the island, despite offers from Denmark's prime minister, just last year.

A European defence official told Politico that the White House is not interested in bringing more military presence to the island.

Analysts say the biggest reason the US is considering occupying Greenland is due to its massive trove of minerals lying unexploited, under the ice.

Why now?

The land has rich deposits of natural resources, from oil, gas and rare earth minerals. Oil and gas companies have tried to find the island's gas and oil reservoirs (approximately 31,400 million barrels of oil), since the 1970s according to a report by the BBC, but they left empty-handed due to the land's geology. The minerals found are used to manufacture everything from electric cars to military equipment. Greenlands's stroes of Uranium and graphite have been largely untapped.

Trump has downplayed the USs need for Greenland's resources, telling reporters last month, We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals.

The country's ice sheet, about 1.6 to 3 kilometers thick in some areas, has been melting due to climate change, slowly making the terrain much easier to exploit. The decreasing ice in Arctic seas over the past few decades means the ecosystem is changing and that the ocean passages to the country are opening up. However, the lack of infrastructure in the country would remain a hurdle to investors and companies seeking to mine the reserves.

The melting ice also mean that Greenland's coastline is washing off. The landscape, now no longer protected by the ice, is prone to massive rockslides. Mining minerals like gold in such areas would be deadly and expensive. Geoscientists believe that Trump's enthusiasm to exploit the islands resources is shortsighted.

Greenland has now been part of Denmark for about 300 years. Most Greenlanders would still favour eventual independence from their former colonisers. However, the US is now a much bigger threat, and very few Greenlanders would choose US leadership over Denmarks. Reuters reported that 85 per cent of Greenlanders are against American rule.

The islands government has repeatedly asserted that it does not want to the part of the United States.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has called for the US to once again have respectful dialogue.
Flights were cancelled, train services disrupted, and roads blocked as Storm Goretti advanced across Western Europe. Cold weather warnings covered vast parts of France and Britain on Wednesday. The French weather agency, Meteo-France, warned of snowfalls extending across the northern half of the country on Wednesday.

Here are five latest weather updates as Europe continues to freeze:

1. Yellow weather warnings for ice remain in place for Northern Ireland, as well as the north and north-east of Scotland. However, these have been withdrawn across much of England, Wales, and southern Scotland, local news media said. Nevertheless, the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind in south-west England between 15:00 and 23:59 tomorrow, as well as for snow in central England and Wales from 18:00 tomorrow. A yellow warning means disruption, such as travel delays, is possible.

2. Liverpool's John Lennon Airport reopened its runway on Monday, the BBC said, but flights are subject to delay or cancellation. Meanwhile, in Aberdeen, Scotland, passengers were asked to check the status of their flights as some may be hit by the weather.

3. Residents across Scotland have been told to expect a further 510 cm of snow, The Guardian said in a report. Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -6C in parts of rural Scotland and just below freezing more widely overnight, the report quoted the Met Office as saying.

4. Western Europe braced for more snow and ice on Wednesday, with the first named storm of the year hitting the continent's Atlantic coast. Heavy snow hit the Paris region as daylight broke, while the south of Britain is likely to be most heavily affected on Thursday and Friday, Reuters said in a report.

5. Cold weather payments have been triggered on five separate days30 December, 1 January, 2 January, 3 January, and 6 Januaryand have been triggered twice for households in parts of Cumbria and Northumberland, The Guardian said in a report.
Quick Read

DBOs December 2025 distribution was $0.428 per share, down 36% from $0.670 in 2024.

The fund paid zero distributions in multiple years between 2009 and 2021.

DBO fell 11.5% over the past year while oil dropped from $75.74 to $60.06 per barrel.

If youre thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here

Invesco DB Oil Fund (NYSE:DBO) advertises a yield that attracts income-seeking investors looking to capitalize on oil market exposure. However, the sustainability of this ETF's distributions requires careful examination, as DBO generates income through a fundamentally different mechanism than traditional dividend-paying stocks or funds.

How DBO Generates Income

Unlike equity ETFs that distribute dividends from underlying stocks, DBO produces returns through oil futures contracts. The fund doesn't hold physical oil or shares of oil companies. Instead, it invests in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures while holding short-term government securities and treasury ETFs as collateral. The ETF's distributions come from roll yields - profits or losses generated when the fund sells expiring futures contracts and purchases longer-dated ones. DBO employs an optimized roll strategy designed to minimize negative roll yields during contango markets, when future prices exceed spot prices.

Distribution Safety: High Risk

DBO's distribution history reveals extreme volatility. The fund paid $0.428 per share in December 2025, a 36% cut from the prior year's $0.670 distribution. At the current price of $12.10, the 2025 distribution yields just 3.5%. The 2024 payout would have yielded 5.5% at today's price, but this historical comparison doesn't reflect current income potential.

The distribution pattern shows alarming inconsistency. The fund paid nothing in multiple years between 2009 and 2021, with payments fluctuating wildly when they occur. This volatility stems directly from oil market conditions and the futures curve structure. When oil prices decline - as they did throughout 2025, falling from $75.74 per barrel in January to $60.06 in November - the fund's ability to generate positive roll yields deteriorates rapidly.

The ETF's 11.5% price decline over the past year compounds the income problem. Even with distributions, total returns remain negative, creating a yield trap where high stated yields mask capital losses. This structure makes DBO fundamentally unsuitable for investors seeking reliable income streams.
Venezuela would provide 30 to 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States at market price, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, just days after US forces conducted a military operation in Caracas and captured President Nicolas Maduro.

"This oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" Trump said in a social media post.

The oil will be taken by storage ships and brought directly to unloading docks in the US, he added.

According to an Associated Press report, the White House is organising an Oval Office meeting on Friday with oil company executives regarding Venezuela. Representatives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips are likely to attend the meeting, it said.

The new deal is expected to divert supplies from China while helping Venezuela avoid deeper oil production cuts. The agreement is also a strong sign that the Venezuelan government is responding to Trump's demand that they open up to US oil companies or risk more military intervention.

Earlier, shortly after the US operation in Caracas, Trump had stated that his administration would now oversee Venezuela's policy and was pressing the country's leaders to open its vast oil reserves to American energy companies.

According to a Reuters report, US crude prices fell more than 1.5 per cent after Trump's new announcement, with the agreement expected to increase the volume of Venezuelan oil exported to the US.
Bangladeshi authorities on Tuesday recovered Hindu youth Mithun Sarkar's body from a canal in Naogaon's Mahadebpur area, further fuelling anger over the mob-led killings of minorities in the country.

25-year-old Sarkar was said to have jumped into the canal to escape the mob that was chasing him, but ended up drowning.

Videos from the scene show his body later recovered by divers, and taken for autopsy.

#BREAKING: Yet Another Hindu Killed in Bangladesh. Minority Hindu Youth dies in Bangladesh by jumping into a canal after being chased by a mob. In Mahadebpur of Naogaon, a young man named Mithun Sarkar (25) died after drowning while being chased by locals on suspicion of theft. pic.twitter.com/leXEFgPvCf  Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 6, 2026

The mob was allegedly chasing him over suspicions of theft, similar to the case of Dipu Chandra Dasanother of the Hindu men killed by mob attacks recently. Das was killed for suspected provocative remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

While an investigation into Das's case later showed that the mob had been acting based on hearsay, no such findings have been made in Sarkar's case.

Sarkar's death also comes barely a day after the brutal murders of two Hindu men on MondayRana Pratap Bairagi, a businessman and journalist, as well as a businessman named Sarat Chakraborty (alias Moni).

While Bairagi was reportedly shot in the head, Chakraborty, who had made a Facebook post in December lamenting the state of his homeland, was hacked to death.

Bangladesh continues to witness a spate of attacks on minority communities, as another Hindu man was killed in Narsingdi on Monday. According to local media reports, Moni Chakraborty, a grocery trader, was attacked with sharp weapons around 10 pm.



(Bangladesh unrest, Violence, pic.twitter.com/1eORwuMCEa  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 6, 2026

Sarkar is reportedly the sixth Hindu man killed due to mob violence in Bangladesh over the December 12 murder of Sharif Osman Hadi.

Hadi was the leader of the radical party Inquilab Mancha, which had played an important part in the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. India has still been implicated in his death in the latest chargesheet prepared by the Dhaka police, which names 17 people, and will be submitted to the court on Wednesday.

One of the main claims made by the chargesheet is that Faisal Karim, one of Hadi's killers, was in India, despite his claims that he was in Dubai.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has come under a lot of pressure to take action in both cases ahead of the February 12 elections, as it faces the radical party on one side, and international scrutiny over the minority killings on the other.
The United States' European Command has seized two sanctioned Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, authorities said on Wednesday.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that US forces have taken control of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean. Earlier, US defence authorities announced they have seized the merchant vessel Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. According to Noem, both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.

The US had been pursuing Bella 1 since last month after it tried to evade a US blockade on sanctioned oil vessels around Venezuela. According to the US military, the seized merchant vessels were subsequently handed over to law enforcement officials.

The seizure of Venezuela-linked oil tankers comes just days after US military forces conducted a surprise nighttime raid on Venezuela's capital of Caracas and captured then-President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

In the wake of the raid, Trump administration officials said that they intended to continue to seize sanctioned vessels connected to the country. "We are enforcing American laws with regard to oil sanctions," Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC earlier this week. "We go to court. We get a warrant. We seize those boats with oil. And that will continue."

US sanctioned Bella 1 in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Though the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean in December as it headed for Venezuela, the ship refused boarding and headed across the Atlantic.

Meanwhile, shipping databases show Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and flagged to Russia. The US official also confirmed that the ship's crew had painted a Russian flag on the side of the hull.

Earlier Wednesday, open-source maritime tracking sites showed its position as between Scotland and Iceland, travelling north. US military planes have flown over the vessel, and on Tuesday a Royal Air Force surveillance plane was shown on flight-tracking sites flying over the same area.

Earlier, Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the US Navy's attempts to seize the vessel. Russia said it is following with concern the anomalous situation that has developed around the Russian oil tanker Marinera.
Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:XMHQ  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $107.27 and last traded at $107.1750, with a volume of 201713 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $105.86.

Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $5.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.29 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a 50 day moving average of $102.67 and a 200-day moving average of $102.79.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. lifted its stake in Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF by 127.2% in the third quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 259 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. Clearstead Trust LLC raised its holdings in Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF by 276.7% in the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 388 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 285 shares in the last quarter. Asset Dedication LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $41,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF by 1,420.7% during the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 441 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 412 shares in the last quarter.

Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF Company Profile

The Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P MidCap 400 Quality index. The fund tracks the S&P mid-cap 400 Quality Index, which screens stocks based on fundamental factors and weights them using a multi-factor approach. XMHQ was launched on Dec 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco.

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Shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF (NYSEARCA:RWK  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $131.47 and last traded at $131.32, with a volume of 18074 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $130.16.

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Trading Up 0.9%

The businesss 50-day moving average price is $125.90 and its 200-day moving average price is $123.93. The stock has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a PE ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 1.17.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of RWK. Allworth Financial LP lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 36.5% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,000 after purchasing an additional 454 shares during the last quarter. Capital Square LLC grew its stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 16.8% during the 3rd quarter. Capital Square LLC now owns 2,813 shares of the companys stock worth $352,000 after buying an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $109,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP raised its stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 166.4% in the third quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 19,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,418,000 after buying an additional 12,081 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 3.8% in the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 120,500 shares of the companys stock worth $15,064,000 after acquiring an additional 4,449 shares in the last quarter.

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Company Profile

RevenueShares Mid Cap ETF (the Fund) seeks to achieve its investment objective of outperforming the total return performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index (S&P 400) by investing in the constituent securities of the S&P 400 in the same proportions as the RevenueShares Mid Cap Index. The Fund consists of the same constituent securities as the S&P 400. But rather than being weighted by market capitalization, the Fund employs a patent-pending investment methodology to weight stocks by annual revenue. The Fund is rebalanced annually.

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Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) rose 5.8% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $85.65 and last traded at $85.4460. Approximately 27,466,798 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 28% from the average daily volume of 21,526,352 shares. The stock had previously closed at $80.74.

Key Headlines Impacting Uber Technologies

Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week:

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Melius cut Uber Technologies from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $73.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Monday. Piper Sandler set a $107.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $96.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Arete Research set a $125.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and issued a $110.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty have issued a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Uber Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $107.33.

Uber Technologies Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $177.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.98 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $87.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $91.40.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $2.44. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 33.54% and a return on equity of 68.17%. The business had revenue of $13.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.25 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.20 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Uber Technologies news, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total transaction of $519,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 20,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,919,355.30. This trade represents a 21.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.36, for a total value of $251,125.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 175,423 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,096,992.28. This trade represents a 1.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 14,875 shares of company stock worth $1,348,818 over the last three months. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uber Technologies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC bought a new stake in Uber Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Westend Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Kilter Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. West Oak Capital LLC bought a new position in Uber Technologies during the second quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new stake in Uber Technologies during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock.

About Uber Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform.

Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight.

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Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) shot up 5.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $109.30 and last traded at $109.1990. 10,990,848 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 23% from the average session volume of 8,925,998 shares. The stock had previously closed at $103.53.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Cibc World Mkts raised Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. National Bankshares lifted their price objective on Newmont from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Newmont from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and increased their target price for the stock from $71.50 to $114.00 in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Newmont in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, CIBC set a $112.00 price target on shares of Newmont and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $97.08.

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Newmont Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $119.16 billion, a PE ratio of 16.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $79.48.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.27 by $0.44. The business had revenue of $5.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.14 billion. Newmont had a net margin of 33.42% and a return on equity of 20.35%. The companys revenue was up 20.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.81 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Newmont Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. Newmonts payout ratio is currently 15.53%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Newmont

In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total transaction of $406,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 279,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,768,936.82. This represents a 1.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 32,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,021,003.24. This trade represents a 5.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 9,160 shares of company stock valued at $767,206. Company insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Newmont

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Newmont by 15.7% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 13,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $506,000 after purchasing an additional 1,847 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in shares of Newmont by 3.5% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 1,287,017 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $62,137,000 after buying an additional 43,611 shares during the period. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC raised its stake in Newmont by 56.2% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 26,256 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,268,000 after acquiring an additional 9,452 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in Newmont by 24.8% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 399,698 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $19,297,000 after acquiring an additional 79,331 shares during the period. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in Newmont by 234.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 45,126 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,179,000 after purchasing an additional 31,624 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.85% of the companys stock.

About Newmont

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Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of long?lived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure.

Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions.

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 2.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $13.86 and last traded at $13.7950. 84,469,624 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 40% from the average session volume of 60,310,297 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.47.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have commented on F. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $13.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Ford Motor from an underperform rating to a hold rating and raised their price target for the company from $9.00 to $12.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $12.18.

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Ford Motor Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $54.97 billion, a PE ratio of 11.89 and a beta of 1.62. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $13.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.17.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $50.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $43.08 billion. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.Ford Motors quarterly revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.49 EPS. Research analysts expect that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ford Motor Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Ford Motors payout ratio is presently 51.72%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ford Motor

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Ford Motor during the second quarter valued at about $405,328,000. DLD Asset Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor in the 3rd quarter valued at about $299,000,000. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in Ford Motor by 712.7% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 19,572,437 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $212,361,000 after acquiring an additional 17,164,234 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Ford Motor by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 103,784,031 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,122,434,000 after acquiring an additional 15,748,694 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in Ford Motor by 32.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,342,420 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $318,365,000 after purchasing an additional 7,238,424 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.74% of the companys stock.

Ford Motor Company Profile

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.

Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company.

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By Heekyong Yang and Joyce Lee

SEOUL, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics on Thursday projected a three-fold jump in fourth-quarter operating profit from a year earlier to a record high as tight supply and a surge in artificial intelligence-driven demand stoked prices for conventional memory chips.

The results highlight how chip prices have rocketed as chipmakers scramble to keep up with demand for memory chips used in servers, personal computers and mobile devices to meet AI needs.

The world's largest memory chipmaker estimated an operating profit of 20 trillion won ($13.82 billion) for the October-December period, beating an LSEG SmartEstimate of 18 trillion won and up from 6.49 trillion won a year earlier, a regulatory filing showed.

The operating profit is a new quarterly record, topping its previous high of 17.6 trillion won in the third quarter of 2018.

Samsung shares closed down 1.6% after rising as much as 2.5% to a record high earlier in the session, with investors reaping profits from a 155% jump over the past year.

'TERRIFIC' CHIP DEMAND

The top makers of conventional chips, including South Korea's SK Hynix and Micron Technology, are struggling to meet demand and have to build more fabrication plants.

"The world is going to need more fabs and the reason for that is because of this new industry called AI factories," said Jensen Huang, CEO of the dominant maker of AI processors, Nvidia.

"It's good to be a semiconductor manufacturer," he told reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, adding that "the demand out there is really, really quite terrific."

The global DRAM market is expected to more than double to $311 billion in 2026 from last year, which would be nearly six times the market's size in 2023, Macquarie Equity Research said in a note on Tuesday.

DRAM chips are used in servers, computers and smartphones to temporarily store data and help run programs and applications smoothly and swiftly.

Contract prices for a type of DRAM chip rose 313% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, according to data from market tracker TrendForce.

TrendForce expects conventional DRAM contract prices to rise a further 55% to 60% in the current quarter from the previous one.

Samsung, which is also the world's top maker of smartphones and TVs, expects revenue to rise 23% to a record 93 trillion won from a year earlier.

Its semiconductor business will account for the lion's share of its operating profit, generating about 17 trillion won in the fourth quarter, according to Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.
Shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) rose 3.1% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $57.12 and last traded at $56.0740. Approximately 33,291,010 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 39% from the average daily volume of 23,911,809 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.41.

Trending Headlines about Freeport-McMoRan

Here are the key news stories impacting Freeport-McMoRan this week:

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Positive Sentiment: Analysts expect upside to Q4 results  Jefferies updated models after Freeports provisional 4Q25 disclosure and said EPS should outperform, driven by stronger realized copper and gold prices. Freeport EPS expected to outperform as Grasberg ramp-up delayed

Analysts expect upside to Q4 results  Jefferies updated models after Freeports provisional 4Q25 disclosure and said EPS should outperform, driven by stronger realized copper and gold prices. Positive Sentiment: Large bullish options flow  Unusually large activity: ~101,726 call options were bought today (?29% above average), signaling speculative bullish positioning or hedging by institutional traders. (No external link)

Large bullish options flow  Unusually large activity: ~101,726 call options were bought today (?29% above average), signaling speculative bullish positioning or hedging by institutional traders. (No external link) Positive Sentiment: Momentum / technical note  FCX reached a fresh 52-week high intraday, reflecting positive sentiment and momentum trading. Freeport McMoRan stock hits 52-week high

Momentum / technical note  FCX reached a fresh 52-week high intraday, reflecting positive sentiment and momentum trading. Negative Sentiment: Widespread securities-class-action filings and notices  Multiple law firms (Rosen, Levi & Korsinsky, Bragar Eagel & Squire, Kirby McInerney, Faruqi & Faruqi, Robbins Geller, Glancy Prongay & others) have announced or filed suits and are soliciting lead-plaintiff motions related to alleged disclosures covering Feb 15, 2022Sep 24, 2025. This creates a legal overhang and potential headline risk. Example notice: Kirby McInerney lawsuit notice

Widespread securities-class-action filings and notices  Multiple law firms (Rosen, Levi & Korsinsky, Bragar Eagel & Squire, Kirby McInerney, Faruqi & Faruqi, Robbins Geller, Glancy Prongay & others) have announced or filed suits and are soliciting lead-plaintiff motions related to alleged disclosures covering Feb 15, 2022Sep 24, 2025. This creates a legal overhang and potential headline risk. Example notice: Negative Sentiment: Specific safety/regulatory allegation flagged  Kuehn Law cites a federal securities suit alleging that Freeport failed to ensure adequate safety at the Grasberg block-cave mine in Indonesia, which could raise regulatory, litigation and reputational risks if substantiated. Kuehn Law investigation

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

FCX has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. CICC Research dropped their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $51.60 to $42.30 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $48.50 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. HSBC dropped their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $50.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $68.00 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Monday. Finally, Raymond James Financial upped their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $50.49.

Freeport-McMoRan Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $44.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.57. The firm has a market cap of $80.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.45.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The natural resource company reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.09. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 7.84% and a net margin of 7.97%.The firm had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.74 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.38 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Freeport-McMoRan Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be issued a $0.075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 15th. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Freeport-McMoRans payout ratio is presently 21.13%.

Insider Transactions at Freeport-McMoRan

In related news, CAO Stephen T. Higgins sold 28,423 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.99, for a total transaction of $1,364,019.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 105,294 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,053,059.06. This represents a 21.26% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Ellie L. Mikes sold 9,572 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.66, for a total transaction of $456,201.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 38,761 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,847,349.26. The trade was a 19.80% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 0.75% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Freeport-McMoRan

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Callan Family Office LLC lifted its position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 229.9% during the second quarter. Callan Family Office LLC now owns 26,983 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $1,170,000 after purchasing an additional 18,803 shares in the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 11.8% during the 2nd quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 215,058 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $9,323,000 after buying an additional 22,766 shares during the period. Arrow Capital Pty Ltd increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 88.5% during the 2nd quarter. Arrow Capital Pty Ltd now owns 113,100 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $4,903,000 after buying an additional 53,100 shares during the period. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 331,549 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $14,373,000 after buying an additional 24,803 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 383,488 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $15,213,000 after buying an additional 20,586 shares during the last quarter. 80.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Freeport-McMoRan Company Profile

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Freeport-McMoRan Inc is a U.S.-based natural resources company primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of copper, gold and molybdenum. Its operations encompass large-scale open-pit and underground mining as well as associated concentrator and milling facilities. The company produces copper in the form of concentrates and cathodes, and also recovers gold and molybdenum as co-products; its business model includes exploration, development, mining, beneficiation and the sale of bulk commodities to smelters and industrial customers.

Freeport-McMoRan conducts operations and development activities across multiple geographies, with substantial assets in the Americas and Indonesia.

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Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) Director Charles Giancarlo sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.79, for a total value of $1,070,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 17,784 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,379,321.36. This represents a 31.03% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Arista Networks Trading Down 3.3%

Shares of ANET traded down $4.56 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $132.63. The companys stock had a trading volume of 7,999,749 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,465,994. The companys 50-day moving average is $132.94 and its 200-day moving average is $131.17. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 52-week low of $59.43 and a 52-week high of $164.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $167.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.43, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.41.

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Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.03. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 30.28% and a net margin of 39.73%.The company had revenue of $2.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.26 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.40 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 27.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Arista Networks

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. AdvisorNet Financial Inc lifted its holdings in Arista Networks by 56.7% during the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 199 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Knuff & Co LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Arista Networks during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Board of the Pension Protection Fund acquired a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. lifted its stake in Arista Networks by 141.3% in the 3rd quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 222 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new position in Arista Networks in the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. 82.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $140.00 target price on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Monday, November 24th. Needham & Company LLC upped their target price on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, Erste Group Bank lowered shares of Arista Networks from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Arista Networks currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $164.44.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Arista Networks

Arista Networks Company Profile

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Arista Networks, Inc is a technology company that designs and sells cloud networking solutions for large-scale data centers and enterprise environments. The company is best known for its high-performance switching and routing platforms, which are used to build scalable, low-latency networks for cloud service providers, internet companies, financial services, telecommunications, and enterprise IT. Aristas offerings emphasize programmability, automation and telemetry to support modern, software-driven network architectures.

Central to Aristas product portfolio is its Extensible Operating System (EOS), a modular network operating system that provides consistent programmability, stateful control and advanced visibility across the companys hardware platforms.

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Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM  Get Free Report) EVP Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of Iron Mountain stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.10, for a total value of $498,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 55,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,577,231.10. This trade represents a 9.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Mark Kidd also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 1st, Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.00, for a total transaction of $510,000.00.

On Monday, November 3rd, Mark Kidd sold 6,000 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.51, for a total transaction of $615,060.00.

On Friday, October 31st, Mark Kidd sold 7,306 shares of Iron Mountain stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total transaction of $736,590.92.

Iron Mountain Price Performance

NYSE:IRM traded up $1.16 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $84.83. 2,020,423 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,159,371. The firm has a market cap of $25.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 160.06 and a beta of 1.13. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $88.40 and a 200 day simple moving average of $94.98. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a 52-week low of $72.33 and a 52-week high of $112.18.

Iron Mountain Increases Dividend

Iron Mountain ( NYSE:IRM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.75 billion. Iron Mountain had a net margin of 2.40% and a negative return on equity of 112.70%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.13 EPS. Iron Mountain has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.040-5.130 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Iron Mountain Incorporated will post 4.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.864 dividend. This is a positive change from Iron Mountains previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $3.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Iron Mountains dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 650.94%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Iron Mountain

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates purchased a new position in Iron Mountain in the 4th quarter valued at about $50,000. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of Iron Mountain by 1,220.5% during the third quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP now owns 80,657 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,222,000 after acquiring an additional 74,549 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP lifted its stake in shares of Iron Mountain by 0.4% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 173,168 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $17,653,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares in the last quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd boosted its holdings in Iron Mountain by 18.9% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 55,408 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,648,000 after purchasing an additional 8,821 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trust Investment Advisors boosted its holdings in Iron Mountain by 1.4% in the third quarter. Trust Investment Advisors now owns 17,328 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,766,000 after purchasing an additional 247 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.13% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Iron Mountain from $100.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Iron Mountain in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of Iron Mountain from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Iron Mountain in a report on Monday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $120.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on Iron Mountain from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $114.80.

View Our Latest Analysis on Iron Mountain

About Iron Mountain

(Get Free Report)

Iron Mountain Incorporated is a global information management company that helps organizations protect, store, and manage their physical and digital information. The firm provides a range of services including secure records storage, document imaging and digitization, secure shredding and destruction, and information governance solutions designed to support regulatory compliance and business continuity. Iron Mountain also offers specialized secure storage environments and logistics for sensitive assets such as art, medical records, and legal archives.

Beyond traditional records management, Iron Mountain has expanded into technology-driven services to support customers digital transformation.

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Tokyo Electron (OTCMKTS:TOELY  Get Free Report) and Timken (NYSE:TKR  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, dividends, risk and institutional ownership.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Tokyo Electron and Timkens revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tokyo Electron $15.97 billion 6.85 $3.59 billion $3.94 30.15 Timken $4.57 billion 1.39 $352.70 million $4.23 21.50

Analyst Ratings

Tokyo Electron has higher revenue and earnings than Timken. Timken is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Tokyo Electron, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Tokyo Electron and Timken, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tokyo Electron 0 0 0 1 4.00 Timken 0 7 4 0 2.36

Timken has a consensus target price of $83.20, indicating a potential downside of 8.50%. Given Timkens higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Timken is more favorable than Tokyo Electron.

Dividends

Tokyo Electron pays an annual dividend of $1.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Timken pays an annual dividend of $1.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Tokyo Electron pays out 30.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Timken pays out 33.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Timken has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years. Timken is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Profitability

This table compares Tokyo Electron and Timkens net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tokyo Electron 21.74% 28.36% 20.73% Timken 6.54% 11.88% 5.65%

Volatility & Risk

Tokyo Electron has a beta of 1.88, suggesting that its stock price is 88% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Timken has a beta of 1.21, suggesting that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

1.3% of Tokyo Electron shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.1% of Timken shares are held by institutional investors. 8.4% of Timken shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Tokyo Electron beats Timken on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Tokyo Electron

(Get Free Report)

Tokyo Electron Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) production equipment in Japan, Europe, North America, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and internationally. The company offers coaters/developers, etch systems, surface preparation systems, deposition systems, test systems, wafer bonders/debonders, wafer edge trimming, SiC epitaxial CVD systems, gas cluster ion beam system, and cleaning systems. It also provides plasma etch/ash systems for use in the manufacture of FPDs, as well as inkjet printing systems for manufacturing OLED displays. In addition, the company offers delivery, facility management, and non-life insurance services; sells semiconductor products, board computer products, software, and other electronic components; sells and supports network/storage/middleware related solutions; and develops, manufactures, and sells magnetic annealing systems. Tokyo Electron Limited was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About Timken

(Get Free Report)

The Timken Company designs, manufactures, and sells engineered bearings and industrial motion products, and related services in the United States and internationally. The company's Engineered Bearings segment provides various bearing products, including tapered, spherical, and cylindrical roller bearings; plain bearings, metal-polymer bearings, and rod end bearings; radial, angular, and precision ball bearings; thrust and specialty ball bearings; journal bearings; and housed or mounted bearings. This segment serves wind energy, agriculture, construction, food and beverage, metals and mining, automotive and truck, aerospace, rail, and other industries under the Timken, GGB, and Fafnir brands. Its Industrial Motion segment offers a portfolio of engineered products comprising industrial drives, automatic lubrication systems, linear motion products and systems, chains, belts, seals, couplings, filtration systems, and industrial clutches and brakes. It also provides industrial drivetrain and bearing repairing services. This segment serves a range of industries, such as solar energy, automation, construction, agriculture and turf, passenger rail, marine, aerospace, packaging and logistics, medical, and others under the Philadelphia Gear, Cone Drive, Rollon, Nadella, Groeneveld, BEKA, Diamond, Drives, Timken Belts, Spinea, Des-Case, Lagersmit, Lovejoy, and PT Tech brands. The Timken Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio.

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iShares MSCI Norway ETF (BATS:ENOR  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 2.9% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $28.3790 and last traded at $29.1550. 4,121 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 68% from the average session volume of 13,070 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.3280.

iShares MSCI Norway ETF Trading Up 2.9%

The stocks 50 day moving average is $27.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $46.65 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.79 and a beta of 1.00.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ENOR. Osaic Holdings Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Norway ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Norway ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $43,000. Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Norway ETF by 23.3% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 2,010 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 380 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Norway ETF in the third quarter worth $578,000. Finally, Arrow Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Norway ETF in the second quarter worth $671,000.

About iShares MSCI Norway ETF

The iShares MSCI Norway ETF (ENOR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Norway IMI 25\u002F50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of Norwegian stocks. ENOR was launched on Jan 23, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Tempus AI, Hut 8, BigBear.ai, Upstart, and SoundHound AI are the five Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies that develop AI technologies (such as machine learning models, AI software, and specialized hardware) or whose revenue is substantially driven by deploying AI-powered products and services. For investors, these stocks are generally viewed as growth-oriented opportunities with the potential for significant upside tied to AI adoption, but they also tend to carry higher volatility and risks from rapid technological change, competition, and regulation. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days.

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Tempus AI (TEM)

Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics.

Hut 8 (HUT)

Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other.

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BigBear.ai (BBAI)

BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services.

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Upstart (UPST)

Upstart Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform in the United States. Its platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans that connects consumer demand for loans to its to bank and credit unions.

Read Our Latest Research Report on UPST

SoundHound AI (SOUN)

SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant.

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Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ENR  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the nine brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $27.00.

A number of research firms have weighed in on ENR. UBS Group cut their target price on Energizer from $26.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Energizer from $28.00 to $22.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Zacks Research lowered Energizer from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen lowered Energizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Energizer from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ENR

Energizer Stock Performance

ENR stock opened at $20.19 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $20.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $23.63. The company has a market capitalization of $1.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.08 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 2.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.06. Energizer has a fifty-two week low of $16.77 and a fifty-two week high of $35.90.

Energizer (NYSE:ENR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.12 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $832.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $830.45 million. Energizer had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 161.50%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.22 EPS. Energizer has set its Q1 2026 guidance at -0.080-0.090 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 3.300-3.600 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Energizer will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Energizer Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.9%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. Energizers payout ratio is presently 36.14%.

Insider Activity at Energizer

In related news, CEO Mark Stephen Lavigne purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $17.11 per share, with a total value of $171,100.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 464,889 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,954,250.79. This represents a 2.20% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Donal L. Mulligan acquired 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $17.40 per share, with a total value of $261,000.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 25,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $435,000. The trade was a 150.00% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 26,000 shares of company stock valued at $449,240. Company insiders own 1.63% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Energizer

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ENR. AdvisorNet Financial Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Energizer during the third quarter valued at $29,000. Huntington National Bank raised its holdings in Energizer by 1,836.1% during the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,181 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 1,120 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in Energizer by 92.4% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 592 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Energizer by 967.1% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,782 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 1,615 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Energizer by 38.9% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,883 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 527 shares during the period. 93.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Energizer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Energizer Holdings, Inc is a global consumer products company best known for its portfolio of portable power and lighting solutions. The companys primary business activities include the design, manufacture and marketing of batteries under the Energizer and Rayovac brands, as well as portable lighting products such as flashlights, headlamps and lanterns. Energizer also produces a range of automotive appearance and protection products, including tire inflators and repair kits, along with personal care offerings like aerosol insect repellents and sunscreen under licensed brands.

Founded in 2000 through the spin-off of the battery business from Ralston Purina Company, Energizer has grown through both organic development and strategic acquisitions.

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Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Reduce by the twelve research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, nine have issued a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $142.4286.

Several research analysts have recently commented on TFX shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Teleflex in a report on Monday, December 29th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a hold rating on shares of Teleflex in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $135.00 target price on shares of Teleflex in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Zacks Research cut Teleflex from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Teleflex from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TFX

Teleflex Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:TFX opened at $124.84 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $118.81 and its 200-day moving average is $121.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 2.57. Teleflex has a 52 week low of $102.58 and a 52 week high of $185.94. The company has a market capitalization of $5.52 billion, a PE ratio of -16.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.93.

Teleflex (NYSE:TFX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical technology company reported $3.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.38 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $892.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $892.79 million. Teleflex had a negative net margin of 10.28% and a positive return on equity of 15.64%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 19.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.49 EPS. Teleflex has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.000-14.200 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Teleflex will post 13.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Teleflex Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.34 per share. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Teleflexs dividend payout ratio is -18.50%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TFX. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its position in Teleflex by 57.9% in the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 210 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. Thompson Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Teleflex by 2.1% in the second quarter. Thompson Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,970 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $588,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional boosted its holdings in Teleflex by 14.7% in the second quarter. CX Institutional now owns 872 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $103,000 after acquiring an additional 112 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Teleflex by 30.2% in the first quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 556 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the period. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Teleflex by 43.1% during the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 455 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.62% of the companys stock.

Teleflex Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Teleflex Incorporated is a diversified global provider of medical technologies, specializing in critical care and surgery. Headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the company designs, manufactures and distributes devices and solutions used by healthcare professionals in hospital, ambulatory and alternate site settings. Teleflex focuses on delivering products that support complex interventional procedures and improve patient outcomes.

The companys offerings span several key segments, including Interventional Urology, Respiratory & Anesthesia, Surgical, Cardiac Care, Vascular and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) solutions.

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Deere & Company, Corteva, and Cal-Maine Foods are the three Agriculture stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Agriculture stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is related to farming and the broader agricultural supply chainthis includes crop and livestock producers, farm-equipment and irrigation manufacturers, seed and fertilizer suppliers, food processors, and agritech firms. For investors, these stocks are influenced by commodity prices, weather and yield variability, input costs, trade policy, and government supports, making them cyclical and often sensitive to seasonal and macroeconomic factors. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Agriculture stocks within the last several days.

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Deere & Company (DE)

Deere & Co. engages in the manufacture and distribution of equipment used in agriculture, construction, forestry, and turf care. It operates through the following segments: Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Agriculture and Turf segment focuses on the distribution and manufacture of a full line of agriculture and turf equipment and related service parts.

Corteva (CTVA)

Corteva, Inc. operates in the agriculture business. It operates through two segments, Seed and Crop Protection. The Seed segment develops and supplies advanced germplasm and traits that produce optimum yield for farms. It offers trait technologies that enhance resistance to weather, disease, insects, and herbicides used to control weeds, as well as food and nutritional characteristics.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CTVA

Cal-Maine Foods (CALM)

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, produces, grades, packages, markets, and distributes shell eggs. The company offers specialty shell eggs, such as nutritionally enhanced, cage free, organic, free-range, pasture-raised, and brown eggs under the Egg-Land's Best, Land O' Lakes, Farmhouse Eggs, Sunups, Sunny Meadow, and 4Grain brand names.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CALM

Featured Articles
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:BIO  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the six analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $358.50.

A number of brokerages have commented on BIO. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories in a report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Bio-Rad Laboratories from $350.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories from $265.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on Bio-Rad Laboratories

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bio-Rad Laboratories

In other Bio-Rad Laboratories news, EVP James Barry sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $306.18, for a total value of $214,326.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 510 shares in the company, valued at approximately $156,151.80. This represents a 57.85% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Insiders own 17.83% of the companys stock.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories by 191.2% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,359 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $575,000 after buying an additional 1,549 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories by 95.3% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 37,383 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $9,105,000 after acquiring an additional 18,239 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in shares of Bio-Rad Laboratories by 6.4% in the first quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 114,002 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,766,000 after purchasing an additional 6,807 shares during the period. Twin Tree Management LP acquired a new stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $87,000. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new position in Bio-Rad Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.24% of the companys stock.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Stock Performance

NYSE:BIO opened at $325.48 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 3.94 and a current ratio of 5.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.78 billion, a PE ratio of -13.39 and a beta of 1.18. Bio-Rad Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $211.43 and a fifty-two week high of $373.69. The company has a fifty day moving average of $311.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $290.66.

Bio-Rad Laboratories (NYSE:BIO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The medical research company reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by ($0.04). Bio-Rad Laboratories had a positive return on equity of 4.19% and a negative net margin of 26.43%.The company had revenue of $653.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $651.30 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.01 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Bio-Rad Laboratories will post 10.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Bio-Rad Laboratories

(Get Free Report)

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc is a global provider of life science research and clinical diagnostic products. The company operates through two primary business segments: Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics. Within the Life Science segment, Bio-Rad offers instruments, reagents and consumables for protein analysis, cell biology, gene expression and other molecular biology applications. The Clinical Diagnostics segment supplies quality control products, blood-typing reagents and instruments, and molecular diagnostic assays used in blood screening, infectious disease testing and routine clinical laboratories.

Founded in 1952 by David and Alice Schwartz and headquartered in Hercules, California, Bio-Rad has grown its footprint across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other regions.

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Huntington Bancshares and Cadence Bank has secured approval from shareholders for their proposed merger.

Votes were cast at separate special meetings, with Cadence shareholders backing its merger into The Huntington National Bank and Huntington shareholders endorsing the share issuance necessary for the transaction.

As outlined in the agreement announced in October 2025, Huntington Bancshares will acquire Cadence Bank, which currently reports $53bn in assets.

The deal, valued at $7.4bn, is expected to be finalised on 1 February 2026, provided that all outstanding closing conditions detailed in the merger agreement are resolved or waived.

The deal stipulates that Cadence shareholders will receive 2.475 shares of Huntingtons common stock for each Cadence share.

Huntington Bancshares president, chairman and CEO Steve Steinour said: "Today's shareholder approval is an important milestone in our journey toward combining Huntington and Cadence.

"I am pleased our respective shareholders overwhelmingly support this combination, which will enable us to help more people and businesses across a broader footprint, while providing a compelling opportunity to grow shareholder value. I am grateful to Dan Rollins and the Cadence team for their partnership, and I look forward to welcoming Cadence colleagues, customers and shareholders when the transaction is complete."

Plans indicate that Cadences branches will adopt the Huntington name in the second quarter of 2026, following integration activities post-merger.

Cadence Bank CEO and chairman James D. "Dan" Rollins III stated: "We are one step closer to a partnership that will bring an expanded set of capabilities and industry expertise to Cadence's customers.

"Today's shareholder approvals reflect our mutual philosophy around relationship-first, community-based banking, and the shared value and opportunities that this combination can create."

"Shareholders approve $7.4bn Huntington-Cadence merger " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its stake in Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY  Free Report) by 186.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 7,647 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,979 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLCs holdings in Hershey were worth $1,430,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hershey by 1,537.5% during the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 131 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new position in Hershey during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Hershey during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 46.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Hershey in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. 57.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently commented on HSY. Morgan Stanley upgraded Hershey from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $195.00 to $211.00 in a research note on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Hershey from a sell rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $170.00 to $222.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Evercore ISI reiterated a positive rating on shares of Hershey in a research note on Friday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Hershey from $187.00 to $189.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their target price on Hershey from $205.00 to $190.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seventeen have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Hershey presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $187.32.

Hershey Trading Down 0.2%

NYSE HSY opened at $179.60 on Wednesday. Hershey Company has a 52 week low of $140.13 and a 52 week high of $199.00. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $180.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $181.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The firm has a market cap of $36.42 billion, a PE ratio of 26.85 and a beta of 0.18.

Hershey (NYSE:HSY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.24. Hershey had a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 32.08%. The business had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.34 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. Hershey has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.900-6.000 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Hershey Company will post 6.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hershey Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Hersheys payout ratio is currently 81.91%.

Insider Transactions at Hershey

In other Hershey news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.51, for a total transaction of $282,765.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 53,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,145,419.69. This trade represents a 2.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Kirk Tanner acquired 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $185.46 per share, for a total transaction of $370,920.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer directly owned 47,860 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,876,115.60. The trade was a 4.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 6,000 shares of company stock worth $1,102,725 over the last three months. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hershey Profile

(Free Report)

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels.

Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands.

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SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report) by 92.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 12,701 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,101 shares during the quarter. SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF were worth $2,623,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IVE. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 12.6% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 20,983,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,100,596,000 after buying an additional 2,339,857 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 19,441.2% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,215,465 shares of the companys stock worth $237,526,000 after acquiring an additional 1,209,245 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 19.0% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,031,014 shares of the companys stock worth $591,818,000 after acquiring an additional 484,782 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 795.8% in the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 373,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $73,081,000 after acquiring an additional 332,218 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MML Investors Services LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 19.9% during the second quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 1,396,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $272,817,000 after purchasing an additional 231,828 shares during the period.

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iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Trading Up 0.7%

NYSEARCA IVE opened at $216.29 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $48.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.70 and a beta of 0.89. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $210.89 and its 200-day simple moving average is $205.01. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a 52 week low of $165.45 and a 52 week high of $216.65.

About iShares S&P 500 Value ETF

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Underlying Index.

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SkyOak Wealth LLC grew its stake in Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD  Free Report) by 36.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 281,728 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 74,573 shares during the period. SkyOak Wealth LLCs holdings in Starwood Property Trust were worth $5,457,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Park Avenue Securities LLC boosted its stake in Starwood Property Trust by 3.5% during the third quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 16,776 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $325,000 after buying an additional 562 shares during the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its stake in shares of Starwood Property Trust by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 68,900 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,363,000 after acquiring an additional 2,900 shares during the last quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Starwood Property Trust by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 25,846 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $501,000 after acquiring an additional 1,288 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Starwood Property Trust by 6.0% during the 3rd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 96,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,861,000 after acquiring an additional 5,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWA Asset Management Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Starwood Property Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at about $398,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.82% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

STWD has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Starwood Property Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on shares of Starwood Property Trust from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Starwood Property Trust from $23.00 to $22.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Starwood Property Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $20.63.

Starwood Property Trust Price Performance

Starwood Property Trust stock opened at $18.39 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $18.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 1.33. Starwood Property Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $16.59 and a 1 year high of $21.05. The company has a market capitalization of $6.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.51 and a beta of 1.13.

Starwood Property Trust (NYSE:STWD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $247.87 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $479.70 million. Starwood Property Trust had a return on equity of 8.41% and a net margin of 20.28%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.48 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Starwood Property Trust, Inc. will post 1.88 earnings per share for the current year.

Starwood Property Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.4%. Starwood Property Trusts payout ratio is presently 182.86%.

Starwood Property Trust Company Profile

(Free Report)

Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that specializes in originating, acquiring and managing commercial mortgage loans and other real estate-related investments. The companys portfolio spans a variety of asset classes, including senior mortgages, mezzanine debt, preferred equity and direct equity investments in commercial properties. By focusing on both debt and equity capital solutions, Starwood Property Trust seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.

Operating primarily in the United States, Starwood Property Trust deploys capital across a broad range of property types, such as multifamily residential, office, retail, hotel and industrial.

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MV Oil Trust (NYSE:MVO  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a dividend of 0.14 per share by the oil and gas producer on Friday, January 23rd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 41.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th.

MV Oil Trust has raised its dividend by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years.

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MV Oil Trust Stock Up 5.1%

Shares of NYSE MVO opened at $1.34 on Wednesday. MV Oil Trust has a 52 week low of $0.97 and a 52 week high of $8.87. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $2.10 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.50. The firm has a market cap of $15.35 million, a P/E ratio of 1.28 and a beta of -0.13.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MV Oil Trust ( NYSE:MVO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.36 million for the quarter.

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of MV Oil Trust in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Sell.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MV Oil Trust

MV Oil Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

MV Oil Trust is an exchange-listed royalty trust that holds overriding royalty and net profits interests in oil and gas properties across the United States. As a non-operating entity, the trust does not engage in exploration or development; instead, it collects a share of production revenues after operating expenses are deducted.

The trusts interests are primarily concentrated in onshore hydrocarbon fields in West Texas, providing unitholders with exposure to established production streams.

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Shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $71.74 and last traded at $71.6350, with a volume of 2011989 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $70.98.

iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Trading Up 0.2%

The firm has a market cap of $7.17 billion, a PE ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $69.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $67.96.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Franklin Resources Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, MMA Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the third quarter worth approximately $35,000.

About iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF

The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Seneca Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) by 63.5% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 129,081 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 50,115 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF comprises approximately 4.8% of Seneca Financial Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Seneca Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $14,700,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of EFG. Pandora Wealth Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $28,000. Rice Partnership LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Asset Dedication LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1,526.1% during the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 374 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 351 shares during the period. Finally, West Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $43,000.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Trading Up 22.8%

Shares of EFG stock opened at $117.98 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $13.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.98 and a beta of 0.96. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $114.19 and a 200-day moving average of $113.00. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $88.66 and a 1-year high of $113.16.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer staples, industrials, consumer discretionary, materials, healthcare, financials, information technology, energy, telecommunication services and utilities.

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Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. lessened its stake in Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS  Free Report) by 48.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 106,340 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 98,630 shares during the period. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Watts Water Technologies were worth $29,699,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. World Investment Advisors grew its stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 2,648 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $740,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 0.6% during the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 6,457 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,588,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 5.5% during the third quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 1,077 shares of the technology companys stock worth $301,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Watts Water Technologies by 31.6% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 258 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $72,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH increased its stake in Watts Water Technologies by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 10,796 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,655,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. 95.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Watts Water Technologies

In related news, CAO Virginia A. Halloran sold 605 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $276.78, for a total value of $167,451.90. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 13,412 shares in the company, valued at $3,712,173.36. The trade was a 4.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Timothy P. Horne sold 6,994 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.65, for a total transaction of $1,948,878.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 23,006 shares in the company, valued at $6,410,621.90. This represents a 23.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 15,605 shares of company stock valued at $4,296,387. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently commented on WTS shares. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a report on Monday, December 29th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Friday, December 12th. They set a hold rating and a $300.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on Watts Water Technologies in a research note on Monday. They set a sector perform rating and a $288.00 target price for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $281.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Watts Water Technologies

Watts Water Technologies Stock Up 0.9%

WTS stock opened at $283.88 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.83, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The companys 50-day moving average price is $275.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $271.13. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $177.59 and a 52 week high of $287.89. The company has a market cap of $9.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.24.

Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.21. Watts Water Technologies had a net margin of 13.79% and a return on equity of 18.31%. The company had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $576.20 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.03 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will post 9.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Watts Water Technologies Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Watts Water Technologiess payout ratio is currently 21.47%.

Watts Water Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Watts Water Technologies, Inc is a global manufacturer and distributor of flow control products and solutions designed to ensure the safe, efficient delivery and use of water. Founded in 1874 and headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, the company has built a reputation for engineering innovation in residential, commercial and industrial plumbing, heating, cooling and water treatment systems. Watts operates through a comprehensive portfolio of brands and product lines that address application-specific requirements in water safety, pressure regulation, flow control and filtration.

The companys product offerings span backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, relief valves and steam traps, as well as hydronic balancing and temperature control devices for heating systems.

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CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $31.76 and last traded at $31.7250, with a volume of 53243 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $30.92.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CAE has been the topic of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on CAE from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of CAE from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.33.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on CAE

CAE Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $28.30 and a 200-day moving average of $28.17. The stock has a market cap of $10.38 billion, a PE ratio of 33.27, a PEG ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.59.

CAE (NYSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 11th. The aerospace company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.03. CAE had a return on equity of 7.60% and a net margin of 8.98%.The company had revenue of $897.99 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.24 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that CAE Inc will post 0.83 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CAE

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in CAE in the 3rd quarter worth $42,000. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new stake in shares of CAE in the second quarter worth about $80,000. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of CAE by 360.9% in the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 4,402 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $129,000 after buying an additional 3,447 shares in the last quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. bought a new position in CAE during the second quarter valued at approximately $236,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in CAE by 11.1% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,510 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $249,000 after buying an additional 851 shares during the last quarter. 67.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

CAE Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CAE Inc is a global leader in training and simulation technologies, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of high-fidelity flight simulators and training systems for civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. Leveraging advanced software and hardware integration, CAE delivers comprehensive training solutions that address pilot proficiency, mission readiness and patient safety across a wide range of platforms.

In civil aviation, CAE partners with major airlines, aircraft manufacturers and flight schools to provide pilot training services, courseware development and crew scheduling solutions.

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Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $133.00 and last traded at $131.3050, with a volume of 256051 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $121.83.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently weighed in on CPA shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Copa in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on shares of Copa in a research note on Sunday, November 30th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Copa from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday. Raymond James Financial set a $164.00 price objective on shares of Copa and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Copa from $180.00 to $170.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $156.00.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on CPA

Copa Trading Down 2.1%

The company has a market cap of $5.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.92, a PEG ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.92. The firms 50 day moving average is $121.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $118.05. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

Copa (NYSE:CPA  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The transportation company reported $4.20 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.03 by $0.17. Copa had a return on equity of 26.39% and a net margin of 18.83%.The firm had revenue of $913.15 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $917.51 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.50 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Copa Holdings, S.A. will post 15.48 EPS for the current year.

Copa Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $1.61 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.1%. Copas dividend payout ratio is presently 40.05%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CPA. Signet Financial Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Copa by 4.3% in the second quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC now owns 2,747 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $302,000 after buying an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Copa by 5.8% during the 3rd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 2,158 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $256,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of Copa by 90.2% during the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 253 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Range Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Copa by 0.9% in the second quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 16,795 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,847,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Copa by 0.4% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 35,156 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,177,000 after buying an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.09% of the companys stock.

About Copa

(Get Free Report)

Copa Holdings, SA (NYSE:CPA) is a Panama?based aviation holding company that provides passenger and cargo air transportation across the Americas and the Caribbean. Through its principal subsidiary, Copa Airlines, the company operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, offering scheduled flights that connect passengers through its Tocumen International Airport hub in Panama City. The company also offers dedicated cargo services under the Copa Cargo brand, leveraging belly hold capacity on its passenger flights to transport freight throughout its network.

The roots of Copa Holdings trace back to 1947, when Compania Panamena de Aviacion began operations as the flag carrier of Panama.

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KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) by 5.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,310,375 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 65,400 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning ASs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $109,836,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Access Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 585.5% in the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 377 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. Kilter Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 112.9% during the second quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. now owns 428 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock.

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Wells Fargo & Company News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently issued reports on WFC. TD Cowen raised their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and set a $110.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Tuesday. Cfra Research upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $94.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Robert W. Baird reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a $90.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $93.63.

Read Our Latest Analysis on WFC

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

WFC opened at $96.36 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $302.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.85, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.09. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $58.42 and a 12 month high of $97.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $89.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.12.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.11 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.The companys revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.42 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.61%.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer.

Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management.

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Siemens and Nvidia have announced an expansion of their existing partnership focused on developing industrial and physical AI solutions for industrial applications.

The collaboration will see both companies combining resources to create what they call an industrial AI operating system, integrating AI into manufacturing and production workflows across a range of industries.

Siemens will contribute hundreds of specialists in industrial AI, along with its hardware and software expertise, while Nvidia will supply AI infrastructure, including simulation models, frameworks, and technical blueprints.

The initiative includes plans for Siemens to complete graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration throughout its simulation portfolio, expanding compatibility with Nvidias CUDA-X libraries and AI physics models.

This is intended to allow customers to perform more complex simulations at greater speeds.

Both companies aim to further this development through generative simulations that leverage Nvidias PhysicsNeMo technology and open models, enabling autonomous digital twins capable of real-time engineering design and self-optimisation.

A key aspect of the partnership involves the creation of fully AI-driven manufacturing sites worldwide.

The Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany, has been identified as the first location to implement this approach in 2026.

With the AI Brain, the two companies intend to combine software-defined automation with Nvidia Omniverse libraries and infrastructure to enable continuous analysis and virtual testing of factory digital twins. This is expected to drive operational changes based on validated insights.

Siemens and Nvidia are also looking to extend these capabilities into semiconductor design by incorporating the latters CUDA-X libraries and PhysicsNeMo tools into Siemens electronic design automation (EDA) suite.

This integration targets significant efficiency improvements in verification, layout, and process optimisation workflows.

Siemens president and CEO Roland Busch said: By combining Nvidias leadership in accelerated computing and AI platforms with Siemens leading hardware, software, industrial AI and data, were empowering customers to develop products faster with the most comprehensive digital twins, adapt production in real time and accelerate technologies from chips to AI factories.

Additional features such as AI-assisted layout guidance, debugging support, and circuit optimisation are expected to increase engineering productivity while adhering to manufacturing requirements.
Zacks Research upgraded shares of Knife River (NYSE:KNF  Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Monday morning,Zacks.com reports.

KNF has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Knife River from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Knife River in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. DA Davidson decreased their price target on shares of Knife River from $105.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Knife River from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, Oppenheimer cut their price target on Knife River from $120.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Knife River has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $96.33.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Knife River

Knife River Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE KNF opened at $75.44 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. Knife River has a 52-week low of $58.72 and a 52-week high of $108.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.95, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.47. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $71.87 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.17.

Knife River (NYSE:KNF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $2.52 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.45 by $0.07. Knife River had a net margin of 4.87% and a return on equity of 9.97%. The company had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.22 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Knife River will post 4.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of KNF. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in Knife River by 141.8% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 341 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Country Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Knife River during the second quarter worth about $40,000. Quent Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Knife River during the third quarter worth about $47,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Knife River in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Knife River by 34.8% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 685 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.11% of the companys stock.

Knife River Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Knife River Corporation, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a leading integrated construction materials and contracting company in the western United States. The company specializes in producing and supplying aggregates, asphalt mix, ready-mixed concrete and other heavy construction materials used in highway, commercial and residential projects.

In addition to material production, Knife River offers a comprehensive suite of contracting services, including heavy civil construction, road building, underground and open-pit mining and logistics support.

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Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. grew its holdings in Flowserve Corporation (NYSE:FLS  Free Report) by 32.2% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 662,685 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 161,560 shares during the period. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Flowserve were worth $35,215,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Boston Partners bought a new stake in shares of Flowserve in the 2nd quarter worth $223,561,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Flowserve by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,939,892 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $153,903,000 after acquiring an additional 197,406 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in shares of Flowserve by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,120,075 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $110,986,000 after purchasing an additional 165,710 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Flowserve by 78.8% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 1,858,621 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $97,299,000 after acquiring an additional 819,206 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Flowserve by 13.1% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,706,409 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $89,331,000 after buying an additional 197,757 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.93% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Flowserve

In related news, CFO Amy B. Schwetz sold 47,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.02, for a total transaction of $3,337,940.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 52,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,737,640.56. This represents a 47.18% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Susan Claire Hudson sold 10,667 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.01, for a total transaction of $746,796.67. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 6,589 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $461,295.89. The trade was a 61.82% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 59,276 shares of company stock valued at $4,196,578 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock.

Flowserve Stock Performance

FLS opened at $72.72 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $70.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $59.33. Flowserve Corporation has a 1 year low of $37.34 and a 1 year high of $74.63. The stock has a market cap of $9.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.10 and a quick ratio of 1.54.

Flowserve (NYSE:FLS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. Flowserve had a return on equity of 19.41% and a net margin of 9.66%.The businesss revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.62 earnings per share. Flowserve has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.400-3.500 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Flowserve Corporation will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current year.

Flowserve Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. Flowserves dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 24.42%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently issued reports on FLS shares. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Flowserve from $65.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Mizuho upped their target price on shares of Flowserve from $60.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Citigroup raised their price target on Flowserve from $68.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $73.00 price target (up from $60.00) on shares of Flowserve in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $84.00 price objective on shares of Flowserve in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Flowserve has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $78.60.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FLS

Flowserve Profile

(Free Report)

Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) is a leading provider of fluid motion and control products and services. The company designs, manufactures and services engineered and industrial pumps, mechanical seals, valves and related flow management equipment. Flowserves offerings are utilized across a broad spectrum of end markets, including oil and gas, power generation, chemical processing, water management, pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as mining and general industrial applications.

Flowserves product portfolio encompasses a wide range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, high-performance control valves, butterfly and ball valves, as well as mechanical seals and seal support systems.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Flowserve Corporation (NYSE:FLS  Free Report).

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Shares of Manulife Financial Co. (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$50.61 and last traded at C$50.53, with a volume of 506287 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$49.80.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have weighed in on MFC. Desjardins set a C$55.00 price objective on shares of Manulife Financial and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. CIBC lifted their price target on Manulife Financial from C$49.00 to C$50.00 in a research note on Friday, November 14th. National Bankshares increased their price target on Manulife Financial from C$47.00 to C$52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on Manulife Financial from C$54.00 to C$57.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, UBS Group raised Manulife Financial to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$51.25.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MFC

Manulife Financial Stock Up 2.1%

The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$48.65 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$45.02. The firm has a market cap of C$86.82 billion, a PE ratio of 16.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.01.

Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported C$1.16 EPS for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 11.75% and a net margin of 12.52%.The firm had revenue of C$26.23 billion during the quarter. Research analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Co. will post 3.6104452 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Manulife Financial news, insider Shamus Edward Weiland sold 88,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$48.95, for a total value of C$4,332,075.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 53,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$2,618,580.25. This trade represents a 62.33% decrease in their position. Also, insider Rahim Hirji sold 25,048 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$48.25, for a total value of C$1,208,566.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 31,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$1,510,948.75. This trade represents a 44.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Company insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

About Manulife Financial

(Get Free Report)

Manulife provides life insurance and wealth management products and services to individuals and group customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. Manulife is one of Canadas Big Three Life Insurance companies (the other two are Sun Life and Great West Life). As of Dec. 31, 2021, Manulife reported assets under management or administration of about CAD $1.4 trillion.

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North American Palladium (OTCMKTS:PALDF  Get Free Report) and DeFi Technologies (OTC:DEFTF  Get Free Report) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, risk and valuation.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for North American Palladium and DeFi Technologies, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score North American Palladium 0 0 0 0 0.00 DeFi Technologies 0 0 2 1 3.33

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares North American Palladium and DeFi Technologiess gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio North American Palladium $306.17 million 2.88 $91.96 million N/A N/A DeFi Technologies $7.67 million 169.46 -$15.03 million $0.17 23.43

North American Palladium has higher revenue and earnings than DeFi Technologies.

Profitability

This table compares North American Palladium and DeFi Technologies net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets North American Palladium 35.18% 24.49% 20.79% DeFi Technologies N/A 184.49% 13.66%

Summary

DeFi Technologies beats North American Palladium on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About North American Palladium

(Get Free Report)

North American Palladium Ltd. produces precious metals in Canada. It explores for palladium, platinum, gold, nickel, copper, and other metals. It primarily holds interest in the Lac des Iles mine that is located to the northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About DeFi Technologies

(Get Free Report)

DeFi Technologies Inc., a technology company, develops and lists exchange traded products in Canada, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands. The company provides asset management services, such as investment vehicles, indirect exposure to underlying cryptocurrencies, digital asset indexes, and other decentralized finance instruments. It also participates in decentralized blockchain networks by processing data transactions that contribute to network security and stability, governance, and transaction validation. In addition, the company invests in decentralized finance companies in early-stage ventures. Further, it offers node management of decentralized protocols to support governance, security, and transaction validation for their networks. The company was formerly known as Valour Inc. and changed its name to DeFi Technologies Inc. in July 2023. DeFi Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Secure Trust Bank PLC (LON:STB  Get Free Report) insider Ian Corfield acquired 19,419 shares of Secure Trust Bank stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,281 per share, with a total value of 248,757.39.

Ian Corfield also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, October 21st, Ian Corfield bought 28,296 shares of Secure Trust Bank stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 879 per share, with a total value of 248,721.84.

Secure Trust Bank Price Performance

Shares of Secure Trust Bank stock traded up GBX 25 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting GBX 1,300. 99,060 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 96,490. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,048.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1,029.65. Secure Trust Bank PLC has a 52 week low of GBX 339.55 and a 52 week high of GBX 1,327.60. The firm has a market cap of 242.61 million, a P/E ratio of 12.82, a PEG ratio of 0.11 and a beta of 0.87.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Secure Trust Bank in a report on Monday, October 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,420.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Secure Trust Bank

About Secure Trust Bank

(Get Free Report)

Secure Trust Bank is an established, well?funded and capitalised UK retail bank with over 70?years of trading history. Secure Trust Bank operates principally from its head office in Solihull, West Midlands.

The Groups diversified lending portfolio currently focuses on two sectors:

 Business finance through its Real Estate Finance and Commercial Finance divisions, and

 Consumer finance through its Vehicle Finance and Retail Finance divisions.

Secure Trust Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Secure Trust Bank PLC, Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XHLF  Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Wednesday . 1,886,801 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 126% from the previous sessions volume of 833,904 shares.The stock last traded at $50.2850 and had previously closed at $50.28.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Up 0.0%

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $50.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $50.31.

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Institutional Trading of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 600.0% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 700 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $65,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the third quarter valued at about $102,000. Harvest Investment Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the third quarter valued at about $640,000. Finally, Note Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the third quarter worth about $789,000.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Company Profile

The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of six months. XHLF was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

Further Reading

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Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $68.44, but opened at $63.72. Zealand Pharma A/S shares last traded at $63.72, with a volume of 284 shares trading hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ZLDPF shares. Zacks Research upgraded Zealand Pharma A/S from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. BTIG Research raised shares of Zealand Pharma A/S to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Zealand Pharma A/S in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Zealand Pharma A/S presently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on ZLDPF

Zealand Pharma A/S Trading Down 2.3%

The business has a 50 day moving average of $76.66 and a 200 day moving average of $68.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.81 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 14.10 and a quick ratio of 14.10.

Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.90) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($1.11) by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $7.76 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.54 million. Zealand Pharma A/S had a return on equity of 55.76% and a net margin of 71.79%. As a group, research analysts predict that Zealand Pharma A/S will post -2.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Zealand Pharma A/S

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Zealand Pharma A/S is a Denmark?based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, design and development of peptide?based therapeutics. Utilizing proprietary peptide engineering platforms, the company focuses on metabolic and endocrine disorders, including diabetes and rare gastrointestinal diseases. Zealand employs a rational design approach to optimize stability, selectivity and dosing profiles of its candidates, aiming to improve patient outcomes where current treatment options are limited.

Among the most advanced assets in Zealands pipeline is dasiglucagon, a stable glucagon analog designed for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

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Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC  Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by equities research analysts at TD Cowen from $55.00 to $59.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the insurance providers stock. TD Cowens target price points to a potential upside of 16.22% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen cut Truist Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $58.00 target price on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Tuesday. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $49.00 to $58.00 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Baird R W cut shares of Truist Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Truist Financial presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.80.

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Truist Financial Stock Down 0.8%

NYSE:TFC traded down $0.42 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $50.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,006,520 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,594,971. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company has a market cap of $64.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.89. Truist Financial has a one year low of $33.56 and a one year high of $51.26. The businesss 50-day moving average is $47.32 and its 200-day moving average is $45.60.

Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $5.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.20 billion. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 8.73% and a net margin of 16.84%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Truist Financial will post 4 EPS for the current year.

Truist Financial announced that its board has authorized a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 16th that authorizes the company to buyback $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the insurance provider to purchase up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Truist Financial

In other news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total value of $239,682.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $471,606.85. This represents a 33.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of TFC. First Hawaiian Bank increased its holdings in Truist Financial by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 11,991 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $493,000 after buying an additional 948 shares during the period. Brookstone Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 12.3% during the 3rd quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 336,095 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $15,366,000 after acquiring an additional 36,916 shares during the period. Hilltop National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Truist Financial during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $543,000. Sterling Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Truist Financial in the third quarter valued at approximately $923,000. Finally, SCS Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Truist Financial by 383.7% in the second quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC now owns 382,554 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $16,446,000 after acquiring an additional 303,466 shares during the last quarter. 71.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Truist Financial Company Profile

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Truist Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services through its primary subsidiary, Truist Bank, and other operating units. The company offers traditional retail banking products and services such as deposit accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and credit and debit card services. Truist also serves commercial clients with middle-market and corporate lending, treasury and payment solutions, and specialty finance products.

Beyond core banking, Truist operates wealth management, asset management, insurance and capital markets businesses.

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M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB  Get Free Report) had its target price increased by equities research analysts at TD Cowen from $245.00 to $250.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. TD Cowens target price would indicate a potential upside of 18.78% from the companys previous close.

MTB has been the topic of several other reports. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. They issued an overweight rating and a $228.00 target price on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $230.00 price target on shares of M&T Bank in a report on Tuesday. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of M&T Bank from $207.00 to $208.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $225.00 price target on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, M&T Bank presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $221.18.

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M&T Bank Trading Down 0.4%

Shares of MTB stock traded down $0.85 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $210.48. 392,550 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 807,328. The stock has a market cap of $32.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.93, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. M&T Bank has a fifty-two week low of $150.75 and a fifty-two week high of $211.99. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $194.73 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $194.11.

M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, March 9th. The financial services provider reported $3.54 EPS for the quarter. M&T Bank had a return on equity of 10.62% and a net margin of 20.91%.The firm had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter. Equities analysts expect that M&T Bank will post 16.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other M&T Bank news, EVP Christopher E. Kay sold 5,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $191.70, for a total transaction of $1,006,425.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 5,501 shares in the company, valued at $1,054,541.70. The trade was a 48.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Robert E. Sadler, Jr. sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.06, for a total value of $1,140,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 17,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,244,324.20. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MTB. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust raised its holdings in M&T Bank by 342.9% in the third quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 155 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of M&T Bank in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of M&T Bank by 2,214.3% during the second quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 162 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its holdings in M&T Bank by 82.4% in the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 186 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of M&T Bank during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 84.68% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About M&T Bank

(Get Free Report)

M&T Bank Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses and institutions. The company operates a commercial and retail banking franchise that includes deposit-taking, lending, and payment services delivered through branch networks, digital channels and commercial banking teams. M&T serves customers across the northeastern and mid?Atlantic United States and has expanded its geographic footprint through strategic acquisitions.

Its core businesses include commercial banking for middle?market and community businesses, consumer and retail banking, mortgage origination and servicing, treasury and cash management, and wealth management and trust services.

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Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities researchers at TD Cowen from $78.00 to $77.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. TD Cowens price objective suggests a potential upside of 19.08% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Webster Financial from $64.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on shares of Webster Financial from $65.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $69.00 to $67.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Webster Financial has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $71.46.

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Webster Financial Stock Down 1.6%

NYSE:WBS traded down $1.04 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $64.66. 221,695 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 910,919. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.43 billion, a PE ratio of 12.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.05. Webster Financial has a 12-month low of $39.43 and a 12-month high of $65.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.85. The business has a 50-day moving average of $60.64 and a two-hundred day moving average of $59.43.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $756.06 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $725.22 million. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 21.32%.During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.34 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Webster Financial will post 5.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of Webster Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total transaction of $443,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,857,302.40. The trade was a 3.34% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Curi Capital LLC grew its holdings in Webster Financial by 0.3% in the second quarter. Curi Capital LLC now owns 68,500 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,740,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. lifted its position in shares of Webster Financial by 27.9% during the 3rd quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 839 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. BCGM Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Webster Financial by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. BCGM Wealth Management LLC now owns 16,161 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $882,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares during the period. Perigon Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Webster Financial by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,348 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $237,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the period. Finally, Trust Investment Advisors increased its holdings in Webster Financial by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Trust Investment Advisors now owns 26,115 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,552,000 after acquiring an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.58% of the companys stock.

About Webster Financial

(Get Free Report)

Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Through its principal subsidiary, Webster Bank, N.A., the company offers a broad range of banking products and financial services to individuals, small businesses, and middle-market commercial clients. Key offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial real estate lending, equipment finance, treasury management, and payment processing solutions.

In addition to traditional banking services, Webster Financial provides wealth management and insurance products designed to help clients plan for retirement, preserve assets, and manage risk.

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The logo of the chip company Nvidia pictured at the headquarters in Silicon Valley. Andrej Sokolow/dpa

German engineering group Siemens and US chipmaker Nvidia are expanding their partnership in artificial intelligence (AI), unveiling new initiatives at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Speaking at Siemens' Tuesday keynote, chief executive Roland Busch and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang said the collaboration would move AI applications beyond simulations and design adjustments to integration in real-world industrial production.

"Generative AI and accelerated computing have ignited a new industrial revolution," Huang said.

A key tool, the "Digital Twin Composer," allows companies to create accurate virtual replicas of factories and products. Engineers can simulate factories in real time, train robots virtually and identify problems before physical construction begins, the companies said.

The two firms aim to develop a joint operating system for industrial AI, with Siemens contributing expertise in industrial processes, automation hardware and software, while Nvidia supplies AI infrastructure via its chips and a simulation platform.

Busch said the new tools could help engineers designing trains or cars not only analyze aerodynamics in virtual wind tunnels but also generate AI-driven optimization suggestions.

Siemens is also working with Facebook parent company Meta on smart glasses that provide factory workers with AI-supported instructions directly in their field of vision or via audio while operating machinery.

The announcements underline Siemens' effort to reposition itself as a technology partner for industrial AI and digitalized production, moving away from its traditional role as a machinery manufacturer.
ACT Energy Technologies (TSE:ACX  Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by equities research analysts at Raymond James Financial from C$8.75 to C$10.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price objective would suggest a potential upside of 100.00% from the stocks current price.

Separately, ATB Capital lowered their price target on shares of ACT Energy Technologies from C$6.75 to C$6.50 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, ACT Energy Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$8.63.

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ACT Energy Technologies Stock Up 5.3%

About ACT Energy Technologies

ACT Energy Technologies stock traded up C$0.25 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting C$5.00. The stock had a trading volume of 116,593 shares, compared to its average volume of 57,382. The company has a market cap of C$167.31 million, a PE ratio of 6.94 and a beta of 0.75. ACT Energy Technologies has a 1-year low of C$4.23 and a 1-year high of C$6.98. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$5.17.

(Get Free Report)

ACT Energy Technologies Ltd. is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We operate in Canada and in the United States as Altitude Energy Partners, and in the U.S. under Discovery Downhole Services and Rime Downhole Technologies.

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Proliance International (OTCMKTS:PLNTQ  Get Free Report) and Wabash National (NYSE:WNC  Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, valuation, earnings and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Proliance International and Wabash Nationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Proliance International N/A N/A N/A Wabash National 15.89% -15.21% -3.83%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

97.1% of Wabash National shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.3% of Proliance International shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.8% of Wabash National shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Proliance International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Wabash National 1 2 0 0 1.67

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Proliance International and Wabash National, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Wabash National has a consensus price target of $9.00, indicating a potential downside of 3.51%. Given Proliance Internationals higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Proliance International is more favorable than Wabash National.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Proliance International and Wabash Nationals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Proliance International N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Wabash National $1.95 billion 0.19 -$284.07 million $6.08 1.53

Proliance International has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Wabash National.

Volatility and Risk

Proliance International has a beta of 3.84, suggesting that its share price is 284% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Wabash National has a beta of 1.67, suggesting that its share price is 67% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Proliance International beats Wabash National on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Proliance International

(Get Free Report)

Proliance International, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets heat exchange products and temperature control parts for the automotive and light truck aftermarket, as well as heat exchange products. The companys heat exchange products include radiators, heater cores, heaters, radiator cores, and condensers; and temperature control parts comprise condensers, compressors, accumulators/driers, and evaporators. It also offers air conditioning parts and supplies, such as hose and tube assemblies, expansion valves, blowers, and fan clutches. In addition, the company provides charge air coolers, oil coolers, marine coolers, and other specialty heat exchangers for heavy-duty trucks, buses, specialty equipment, and industrial and marine applications, such as agricultural, construction and military vehicles, oil rigs, stationary power generation equipment, and inland sea-going vessels. Its customers include national retailers of aftermarket automotive products, warehouse distributors, radiator shops, hard parts jobbers, and other manufacturers. The company offers its products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Central America. Proliance International, Inc. was formerly known as Transpro, Inc. and changed its name to Proliance International, Inc. in July 2005. The company was founded in 1915 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.

About Wabash National

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Wabash National Corporation provides connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries primarily in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Transportation Solutions and Parts & Services. The Transportation Solutions segment designs and manufactures transportation-related equipment and products dry and refrigerated van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, and truck-mounted tanks; truck bodies for dry-freight transportation; cargo and cargo XL bodies for commercial applications; refrigerated truck bodies; platform truck bodies; and used trailers, as well as laminated hardwood oak flooring products. The Parts & Services segment provides aftermarket parts and services; steel flatbed bodies, truck body mounting, shelving for package delivery, partitions, roof racks, hitches, liftgates, thermal solutions, and others; truck body repair parts; and door repair and replacement, collision repair, and basic maintenance services. It also develops and scales a digital marketplace for the transportation and logistics distribution industry; operates a parts and services distribution platform; and stainless steel storage tanks and silos, mixers, and processors for the dairy, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, craft brewing, and biotech markets; trailers as a service; and composite products, including truck bodies, overhead doors, and other industrial application products, as well as used trailers. The company offers its products under the Wabash, DuraPlate, DuraPlateHD, DuraPlate AeroSkirt, and AeroSkirt CX brands, as well as EcoNex brand. It serves its products to truckload common carriers, leasing companies, private fleet carriers, less-than-truckload common carriers, and package carriers. Wabash National Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana.

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Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $108.44 and last traded at $106.7280, with a volume of 2882977 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $106.45.

Key Headlines Impacting Merck & Co., Inc.

Here are the key news stories impacting Merck & Co., Inc. this week:

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Positive Sentiment: Merck initiated the Phase 3 KANDLELIT?007 trial evaluating calderasib (MK?1084) in combination with KEYTRUDA for first?line KRAS G12C?mutant advanced NSCLC  a successful Phase 3 would broaden oncology indications and support future top?line growth. KANDLELIT-007 Trial Announcement

Merck initiated the Phase 3 KANDLELIT?007 trial evaluating calderasib (MK?1084) in combination with KEYTRUDA for first?line KRAS G12C?mutant advanced NSCLC  a successful Phase 3 would broaden oncology indications and support future top?line growth. Positive Sentiment: Merck is completing its acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics  adds antifungal and antibody assets that could diversify revenue and support medium?term growth if integration and regulatory paths proceed smoothly. Cidara Acquisition

Merck is completing its acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics  adds antifungal and antibody assets that could diversify revenue and support medium?term growth if integration and regulatory paths proceed smoothly. Neutral Sentiment: Merck set its Q4 and full?year 2025 sales & earnings conference call for Feb. 3  investors will watch guidance, KEYTRUDA sales detail, and pipeline updates for catalysts. Earnings Call Notice

Merck set its Q4 and full?year 2025 sales & earnings conference call for Feb. 3  investors will watch guidance, KEYTRUDA sales detail, and pipeline updates for catalysts. Neutral Sentiment: Corporate/PR items: Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans (brand/reputation boost but unlikely to move stock materially). Merck Foundation Recognition

Corporate/PR items: Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans (brand/reputation boost but unlikely to move stock materially). Neutral Sentiment: Industry hires: Vaxxas named former Merck global vaccines president David Peacock as CEO  signals movement of experienced vaccine talent out of big pharma into vaccine tech startups; not a direct revenue issue for MRK but worth watching for competitive dynamics. Vaxxas CEO Appointment

Industry hires: Vaxxas named former Merck global vaccines president David Peacock as CEO  signals movement of experienced vaccine talent out of big pharma into vaccine tech startups; not a direct revenue issue for MRK but worth watching for competitive dynamics. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst/coverage notes: Zacks and other outlets published pieces on healthcare/medical stock picks  general analyst attention can lift stocks but these pieces did not single out MRK as a clear immediate catalyst. Zacks Coverage

Analyst/coverage notes: Zacks and other outlets published pieces on healthcare/medical stock picks  general analyst attention can lift stocks but these pieces did not single out MRK as a clear immediate catalyst. Negative Sentiment: U.S. public?health changes: reports that the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule was cut to 11 core shots raise a potential headwind for routine vaccine volumes  could pressure Mercks vaccine revenue if the change persists or reduces demand. Vaccine Schedule Article

U.S. public?health changes: reports that the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule was cut to 11 core shots raise a potential headwind for routine vaccine volumes  could pressure Mercks vaccine revenue if the change persists or reduces demand. Negative Sentiment: Recent earnings miss: Merck reported Q3/Q4-related EPS below consensus in its last release (missed consensus by ~$0.14 on the most recent quarter), which can weigh on sentiment ahead of the Feb. 3 results. See previews and expectations ahead of Q4. Q4 Earnings Preview

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on MRK shares. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $100.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. BMO Capital Markets raised Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $82.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $110.00 to $111.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $111.69.

Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average is $98.18 and its 200 day moving average is $88.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.44. The company has a market cap of $268.83 billion, a PE ratio of 14.31, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.29.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.08 by ($0.14). Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 44.54% and a net margin of 29.63%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 9.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.85 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. This is an increase from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.81. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is currently 44.91%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Merck & Co., Inc. news, EVP David Michael Williams sold 8,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.59, for a total value of $720,044.26. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 24,578 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,054,475.02. This trade represents a 25.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Merck & Co., Inc.

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 237.4% in the third quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC now owns 307 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares during the period. Kilter Group LLC acquired a new stake in Merck & Co., Inc. during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 51.9% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 366 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 302.3% during the third quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 354 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.07% of the companys stock.

Merck & Co., Inc. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Merck & Co, Inc is a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products. Its portfolio spans multiple therapeutic areas with a particular emphasis on oncology, vaccines and infectious disease, as well as therapies for metabolic and chronic conditions. Among its well-known products are the cancer immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil; the company also markets a range of medicines and vaccines for veterinary use through Merck Animal Health.

Founded in the late 19th century as the U.S.

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Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $125.62 and last traded at $124.1280, with a volume of 433657 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $117.87.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WPM has been the subject of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $145.00 target price on shares of Wheaton Precious Metals in a research note on Sunday, December 7th. CIBC upped their price objective on shares of Wheaton Precious Metals from $135.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Wheaton Precious Metals in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Wheaton Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Wheaton Precious Metals from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Wheaton Precious Metals currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $130.78.

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Wheaton Precious Metals Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $55.84 billion, a PE ratio of 55.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $109.31 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $102.41.

Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:WPM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $476.26 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $495.53 million. Wheaton Precious Metals had a return on equity of 13.32% and a net margin of 54.72%.The companys revenue was up 54.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.34 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Wheaton Precious Metals Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 20th were given a $0.165 dividend. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 20th. Wheaton Precious Metalss dividend payout ratio is presently 30.00%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,789,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,102,611,000 after acquiring an additional 234,439 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Wheaton Precious Metals in the second quarter worth about $656,463,000. TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in Wheaton Precious Metals by 3.5% in the third quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 7,252,054 shares of the companys stock valued at $811,726,000 after buying an additional 244,027 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its holdings in Wheaton Precious Metals by 36.2% in the third quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 6,955,810 shares of the companys stock valued at $777,938,000 after buying an additional 1,847,977 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 26.1% during the third quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,455,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $722,270,000 after buying an additional 1,335,588 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.34% of the companys stock.

About Wheaton Precious Metals

(Get Free Report)

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. is a Canada-based precious metals streaming company that acquires and manages long-term purchase agreements for metals produced by mining companies. Rather than operating mines, Wheaton provides upfront and ongoing financing to miners in exchange for the right to purchase a portion of the metals produced  typically silver and gold, and occasionally other precious metals  at predetermined prices. This streaming business model offers investors exposure to metal production with reduced operating and capital-cost risk compared with traditional mining companies.

The companys activities center on structuring and maintaining a diversified portfolio of streaming agreements across multiple jurisdictions.

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UiPath, Inc. (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report) CEO Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.32, for a total value of $779,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 28,298,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $490,131,492.20. This trade represents a 0.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Daniel Dines also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, January 5th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.73, for a total value of $707,850.00.

On Friday, January 2nd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.38, for a total value of $737,100.00.

On Wednesday, December 31st, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.55, for a total transaction of $744,750.00.

On Monday, December 29th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.44, for a total transaction of $739,800.00.

On Friday, December 26th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.90, for a total value of $760,500.00.

On Wednesday, December 24th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.91, for a total transaction of $760,950.00.

On Monday, December 22nd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.49, for a total transaction of $742,050.00.

On Friday, December 19th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.07, for a total value of $723,150.00.

On Wednesday, December 17th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.11, for a total value of $724,950.00.

On Monday, December 15th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.30, for a total transaction of $778,500.00.

UiPath Stock Performance

UiPath stock traded up $0.48 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $17.81. 21,530,806 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 28,870,660. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.39, a P/E/G ratio of 4.70 and a beta of 1.08. The businesss 50-day moving average is $15.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $13.73. UiPath, Inc. has a 12 month low of $9.38 and a 12 month high of $19.84.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On UiPath

UiPath ( NYSE:PATH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $411.11 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $392.46 million. UiPath had a return on equity of 3.73% and a net margin of 14.79%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.11 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that UiPath, Inc. will post -0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in PATH. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in UiPath by 4.9% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,895,884 shares of the companys stock worth $640,847,000 after buying an additional 2,251,434 shares during the last quarter. TFG Asset Management GP Ltd grew its position in shares of UiPath by 53.3% in the 2nd quarter. TFG Asset Management GP Ltd now owns 13,722,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $175,645,000 after acquiring an additional 4,772,244 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of UiPath by 76.0% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 11,407,569 shares of the companys stock worth $145,732,000 after purchasing an additional 4,926,341 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in shares of UiPath by 40.7% during the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 8,048,321 shares of the companys stock worth $103,019,000 after purchasing an additional 2,328,225 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of UiPath by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,032,345 shares of the companys stock valued at $102,814,000 after purchasing an additional 378,851 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.50% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have weighed in on PATH. Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of UiPath in a report on Thursday, December 4th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on UiPath from $13.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of UiPath in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Truist Financial set a $17.00 price target on UiPath in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Zacks Research raised UiPath from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.85.

View Our Latest Report on PATH

Key Stories Impacting UiPath

Here are the key news stories impacting UiPath this week:

UiPath Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

UiPath Inc provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation (RPA) solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization. Its platform's embedded AI, ML, and NLP capabilities improve decisioning and information processing; emulate human behavior allows organizations to address a myriad of use cases; emulate human behavior allows organizations to address a myriad of use cases; multi-tenant platform enterprise deployment with security and governance and Automation Cloud, which enables customers to begin automating without the need to provision infrastructure, install applications, or perform additional configurations; intuitive interface and low-code, drag-and-drop functionality; signed to enable people and automations to work together; and tracks, measures, and forecasts the performance of automations, enables customers to gain powerful insights and generate key performance indicators with actionable metric.

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Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 3.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $118.75 and last traded at $120.1040. 10,319,496 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 36% from the average session volume of 7,580,334 shares. The stock had previously closed at $123.93.

Key Dell Technologies News

Here are the key news stories impacting Dell Technologies this week:

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Argus increased their price objective on Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets boosted their price target on Dell Technologies from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $162.84.

Dell Technologies Stock Down 3.1%

The stock has a market cap of $79.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.01, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $134.54 and a two-hundred day moving average of $134.22.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.12. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 234.84% and a net margin of 5.01%.The business had revenue of $27.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.15 EPS. The companys revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dell Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a $0.525 dividend. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Ellen Jamison Kullman sold 79,806 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.56, for a total transaction of $12,255,009.36. Following the sale, the director directly owned 65,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,083,056.72. This trade represents a 54.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Lake Group L.L.C. Silver sold 6,617 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.63, for a total value of $1,003,335.71. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 157,423 shares of company stock valued at $23,064,865. Company insiders own 42.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Dell Technologies

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Dell Technologies by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,085,610 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,265,237,000 after acquiring an additional 964,080 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Dell Technologies by 2.5% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 14,450,258 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,048,613,000 after purchasing an additional 350,941 shares during the period. Boston Partners grew its position in Dell Technologies by 15.0% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 5,904,843 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $725,586,000 after buying an additional 771,966 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in Dell Technologies by 82.3% during the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,855,154 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $688,315,000 after buying an additional 2,191,317 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth about $528,279,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.37% of the companys stock.

About Dell Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments.

Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

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iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class (TSE:CDZ  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$41.11 and last traded at C$41.08, with a volume of 7021 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$41.00.

iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$40.26 and a 200-day moving average price of C$39.37.

iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The investment objective of the Fund is to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the S&P TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index the Index, net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the Fund uses an indexing strategy. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more iShares ETFs and/or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy.

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Strategy affirmed on Monday that buying Bitcoin isnt its only priority in 2026, even as it dropped another $116 million on the asset to welcome in the new year.

The balance of Strategys so-called USD Reserve has increased to $2.25 billion, the Tysons Corner, Virginia-based firm said in a press release. Meanwhile, the company said it held nearly 673,800 Bitcoin, which was worth around $62.8 billion, based on current prices.

Strategy signaled that its USD Reserve, established just over a month ago, was padded using proceeds from the issuance of common stock. When the company unveiled its USD Reserve in December, Strategy initially raised $1.44 billion to fund the initiative.

Strategys USD Reserve was established to effectively pre-fund cash dividends for various tranches of preferred stock, a novel yet controversial source of funding that it embraced last year. In the week through Sunday, however, Strategy didnt tap the products for funding.

Strategy instead raised $312 million by issuing common stock, while holding onto a majority of those funds. The company hasnt issued any preferred shares since the week ended Dec. 14, when it disclosed back-to-back Bitcoin purchases totaling nearly $1 billion each.

Strategy shares rose 4% on Monday to $163, according to Yahoo Finance. The initial jump follows a 49% decrease in the companys stock price last year, with analysts focused on the implications of Strategys potential delisting from MSCI indices in recent months.

'National Security' at Risk If MSCI Excludes Crypto Treasuries, Warns Bitcoin Giant Strategy

Strategy has called on the financial giant to not exclude Bitcoin-buying firms from its indices, a move that JPMorgan analysts have warned could spark billions of dollars in outflows from the firm. Other analysts have described Strategys creation of cash reserves as prudent.

Although Strategys Bitcoin purchases cooled as the asset fell from all-time high of $126,000 in October, the company purchased roughly 22,600 Bitcoin last month. That marked a notable acceleration from 9,000 Bitcoin the month before, as a key source of funding grew constrained.

For years, Strategy has positioned the amount of Bitcoin that it owns per share as a core measure of its success. But as the companys value has fallen relative to that of its Bitcoin holdings, issuing common stock has become a less effective way to boost that metric.

As of Monday, Strategys so-called mNAV hovered around 1.03, according to its formula, which considers factors like cash and debt. When mNAV is below 1, issuing common stock to immediately purchase Bitcoin would reduce Strategys holdings per share.
Tributes have poured in as funeral details have been announced for Stephen McCahill, a beloved member of the Ardara community in county Donegal after he was attacked and killed in the early hours of Monday morning,

66-year-old father of two Stephen has been described as a fantastic man and a true gentleman who has left a huge legacy behind him.

READ NEXT: LIVE: Storm Goretti to hit Ireland as four counties hit with Met Eireann snow warning

The Ardara community has been left shocked and grief-stricken following his tragic death on Monday in which Stephen was found dead outside his home at Beagh, Ardara, following what Gardai described as a fatal assault.

The accused, Michael Maloney, 32, a nephew of the late Mr McCahill by marriage, appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday evening, charged that on January 5, at Beagh, Ardara, he did murder Stephen McCahill.

Stephen will be greatly missed by his heartbroken family. Forever cherished husband to Marietta, loving father to Gemma and Steven, adored father-in-law to Lauren, doting grandfather to Marykate, devoted brother and brother-in-law to Peter, Angela, Patricia (John), Desmond (Rose) and Bridie, and beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He is pre-deceased by his parents Eileen and Packie and his brother Micheal.

Stephen will be sadly missed by the wider McCahill family, his much-loved Corner House family, his large circle of friends and neighbours, and everyone who benefited from his tireless work to help the communities of South West Donegal. Stephens legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Hundreds of heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie, along with social media posts, from those who knew and fondly remembered Stephen, including Irish musician Imelda May who said,

READ NEXT: 'Unacceptable' - 26 people lost their lives on Irish roads over Christmas period

"Heartbroken to hear of the tragic and sudden death of the very special Stephen McCahill owner of the wonderful @cornerhousebar_ardara and the glue to a whole community of Ardara. He was a great friend to my brother Brendan and sister-in-law Josephine as he was to so many. I was happy to see him again just Sat night (when we took this picture at the door) where he encouraged live music and joy and had his big smile and hugs ready as the night went along. Even offering people a lift home.

"Im putting this post up not just as a thank you to him but so people can send messages so his family can see all the love being sent their way at this awful time. Much love to his family, friends, all of Ardara and wider Donegal community and all wholl miss him. Imelda XXX."

Other messages included,

"We are completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of Stephen. He was a dear friend and someone who gave so much to us as a family and to the wider community of Ardara. His kindness, generosity and presence will never be forgotten. Stephen will be so deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with Marietta, Gemma, Steven and the wider McCahill family at this devastating time."

And,

"Sincere condolences to the McCahill family. Stephen was very supportive, encouraging and instrumental in helping to set up Pickleball in Ardara two years ago. Thoughts and prayers are with Marietta, Gemma, Steven at this time."

READ NEXT: Have you seen Megan? Concern growing for 15-year-old missing five days

Funeral Arrangements

Stephen's remains will repose at his home on Thursday morning, January 8, from 11am to 9pm and on Friday morning from 11am to 9pm.

Funeral from there on Saturday morning January 10 at 11.30am for 12 noon Requiem Mass in Church Of The Holy Family, Ardara, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Family home private on Saturday morning please.

People attending the wake are advised to park at Ardara G.A.A pitch or the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney, were shuttle bus will be in operation.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. c/o any family member.
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has said the Government would have to make a decision collectively about its use of the social media site X.

Peter Burke was responding to recent reports that the platforms AI function, Grok, can be used to create fake sexualised images of people, including children.

Asked if the Government should continue its presence on X in light of these reports, Mr Burke said: Obviously the Government would have to take this decision collectively in relation to any platform that its on.

Speaking to reporters at the announcement of his departments Sectoral Capital Plan 20262030, he said he was hugely concerned about the reported generation of sexual abuse imagery by Grok and said the Government has to be very firm on this.

Mr Burke added: We need to ensure that the current legislative framework is working as prescribed.

The Minister of State with special responsibility for Artificial Intelligence, Niamh Smyth, was due to attend the event but did not appear.

Mr Burke said Irelands media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, is investigating the matter along with its EU counterparts.

But when asked if he personally would stop using the platform, the minister said: Investigations have to run their course first.

On Tuesday Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, posting on X, said there needs to be serious scrutiny of any public body that continues to maintain a presence on a platform that has shown such a reckless and disturbing disregard for child safety.

He added: This will be my final post on this platform under its current ownership.

I will not lend my voice to a company that has chosen profit and ideology over the basic safety of children.

On Tuesday the Taoiseach said that such use of AI was unacceptable and possibly illegal.

However, since then, Micheal Martins account on X has posted repeatedly, sharing highlights of his visit to China.
Public posturing tacitly turns police into security guards and kinda ignores that the Great State Of Missouri is now just another outlet dealing in vice . . .

We'd like to hear the rationalization to putting silly, provincial limits on the greatest cash crop Missouri has ever witnessed in the modern era . . . Please write any comment in the voice of Aunt Bee from The Andy Griffith Show.

Here's a preview that hopes to close Pandora's box full of state-sanctioned weed . . . Check-it:

"While recreational marijuana use is legal in the state the Missouri Constitution allows cities and counties to regulate when it can be consumed in public.



"Independence leaders updated laws when Missouri legalized marijuana in 2022. Now they are considering making it illegal to consume marijuana for recreational purposes in any public space.



"Council members tentatively approved adding the following subsection to the citys code during a meeting on January 5:



" 'Consumption of marijuana in a public place, which is any location accessible to the general public, other than in an area licensed by the authorities having jurisdiction over the licensing and/or permitting of said activity.'



"The first reading passed by a vote of 7-0."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

LINK
By Manya Saini

Jan 7 (Reuters) - Shares of billionaire Michael Saylor's Strategy (MSTR) rose 6% on Wednesday, after MSCI shelved a plan to exclude the bitcoin hoarder and other crypto treasury firms from its indexes.

Digital asset treasury companies, often called DATCOs, surged in popularity in 2025 as a wave of firms began holding crypto tokens such as bitcoin and ether as their main treasury assets, lifting prices and giving investors a proxy for direct exposure.

Despite their popularity, the tokens remain prone to sharp price swings and shares have stayed volatile. The accounting treatment is also unsettled, with analysts debating whether these companies should be viewed primarily as holding vehicles or assessed based on their underlying businesses.

"While this decision does not resolve longer-term questions around the index eligibility of DATCOs, it removes a material near-term technical risk for a subset of public equities that function as effective proxies for bitcoin/crypto exposure," said Owen Lau, analyst at Clear Street.

"We believe the most likely middle ground is that MSCI continues to grandfather existing DATCOs already in the Indexes."

Index provider MSCI proposed removing DATCOs from its global benchmarks in the fall, arguing they resemble investment funds, which are excluded from its indexes. The move stoked concerns that other major index providers could follow.

Many such firms countered they are operating companies developing new products, and that MSCI's proposals unfairly single out crypto.

"MSCI intends to open a broader consultation on the treatment of non-operating companies... we suspect exclusion is postponed until later in the year," said Mike O'Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading.

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Shares in Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, surged after it started buying bitcoin in 2020. It was the first among DATCOs, and sparked a crypto treasury frenzy.

It was last up 3.2% in morning trading, trimming earlier gains as a fall in bitcoin weighed on crypto-related stocks.

(Reporting by Manya Saini and Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Tonight there are a lot of public safety issues to consider as we take a quick look at court cases, ALLEGED MISDEEDS, police action, and, as always, community outreach.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Woman charged after opening fire during Kansas City hookah bar brawl A woman has been charged after allegedly opening fire during a Kansas City hookah bar brawl.

'Lesson learned': Olathe woman scammed out of $1,500 in Facebook puppy purchase An Olathe woman seeking a therapy dog for her son was scammed out of $1,500 on Facebook Marketplace when a puppy delivery never arrived.

One person critically injured in Wyandotte County hit-and-run One person was critically injured after a crash in Wyandotte County last week.

Riverside police identify married couple and son as victims in townhouse shooting A married couple and their son have been identified as the three deceased people inside a Riverside townhouse early Saturday morning in the 4200 block of Northwest Riverside Drive.

Minnesota man killed in Lawrence City Hall incident, court security officer placed on administrative leave 28-year-old Omar Dominguez Gavilan, from Buffalo, Minnesota, was the man killed by an on-duty court security officer.

Independence police chase ends in fatality, suspect still on the run A man was killed, and three passengers in the same vehicle were injured as the Independence Police Department chased a suspect on New Year's Eve.

Kansas City trial begins for long-haul trucker accused in two 1990s cold-case murders Gary Dion Davis, Sr. is charged with second-degree murder for the deaths of two people in the 1990s.

Man dies after crashing into Stowers Institute last week A man is dead from his injuries following a crash in Kansas City last week.

21-year-old writes apology letter after allegedly stabbing woman in mouth The victim said that the suspect was angry because he couldn't use her car to pick up his ex-girlfriend.

Kansas City man sentenced to 20 years for deadly shooting in front yard A Kansas City man has been sentenced to two decades in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing a man in the front yard of a home in May of 2024. According to the Office of the Jackson ...

KCK mother says EBT account drained, leaving family without food assistance When Heather and her children went to buy snacks at Dollar Tree after church, she found the account was empty.

Kansas City Police Department touts progress in fight against violent crime Kansas City sees a drop in crime rates in 2025, with homicides at a 7-year low and non-fatal shootings down 31%, according to KCPD.

Police accountability advocate says pursuits should be limited "I think it's incredibly important that officers restrict the situations in which they engage in these pursuits, just because they are so dangerous."

Missouri's groundbreaking prison nursery keeps 16 mothers, babies together in first year From immediate separation to 18 months of bonding: How Missouri's prison nursery is "cradling change" for incarcerated families.

Developing . . .
Like the judge in this case . . . It's best to chill and see if OVERWHELMING VOTER OPPOSITION make this opinion essentially meaningless.

Moreover . . .

The TKC angle that most of Missouri hyper-partisan scumbags ignore:

RURAL MISSOURI DOESN'T WANT TO JOIN KANSAS CITY PROPER IN A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT!!!

In fact . . .

This was the wild card that the Republican Super-Majority didn't expect because it turns out voters are more concerned about their backyard rather than the fate of MAGA podcasts.

Check-it . . .

"Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delivered 33,068 pages to local election authorities out of 49,773 pages with signatures collected by a political action committee called People Not Politicians. The PAC began circulating petitions after lawmakers passed the new map on Sept. 12. Those pages will be checked to determine which signatures are from registered voters.



"Hoskins held back the rest because he does not believe signatures collected before Oct. 14  the day he approved the form of the petition  are valid. Any pages with at least one signature dated Oct. 14 or later were sent to local election authorities, an exhibit included in the court filings state.



"The filing is part of the case pending before Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh over which signatures must be counted. On Dec. 12, Limbaugh declared he would not issue a ruling until the verification process shows whether the referendum petition can succeed without signatures collected before Oct. 14."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. On January 7, at around 1:00 p.m., a man born in 1985 was hospitalized at the Fuzuli Central District Hospital with injuries sustained from a landmine explosion in the Jabrayil district, the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) told Trend.

Meanwhile, it is noted that he was diagnosed with an open wound of the right knee joint, open wounds of the upper and lower thirds of the right lower leg, thighs of both legs, and the anterior abdominal wall.

The treatment of the victim continues. His condition is assessed as moderate, the information notes.

14:50

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. A mine incident occurred in Mehdili village of Azerbaijan's liberated Jabrayil district today, injuring a civilian, the statement of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) says, Trend reports.

Rashad Mammadov, born in 1985, an employee of a private company engaged in humanitarian mine clearance operations, was carrying out his official duties when an anti-personnel mine detonated. The explosion resulted in minor injuries to his leg.

The injured individual was promptly evacuated to the regional central hospital, where his condition was assessed as stable and not life-threatening.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Kapital Bank, the countrys first bank, continues to support the YASA Centers of the Ucuncu Bahar Public Union as part of its commitment to improving the quality of life of the elderly and encouraging a more active retirement period. In this context, the 4th YASA Center has started its operations in the capital city of Baku.

The new center aims to implement important social initiatives for elderly people living in the Old City (Icherisheher) and surrounding areas by strengthening social ties, creating an environment for joint learning and experience sharing, and promoting an active lifestyle. The center provides all the necessary conditions for elderly people to come together, develop their skills, share life experience, and feel like active members of society. Those who wish to benefit from the centers services can register by contacting (+994 50)343-44-14.

Since 2017, more than 45 000 retirees have participated in various training programs implemented within the framework of cooperation with the Ucuncu Bahar Public Union. For the past nine years, with the support of Kapital Bank, YASA Centers have been successfully operating in Baku, Mingachevir, and Shamakhi. Through training sessions conducted with the mentorship of bank employees, more than 200 retirees have gained essential knowledge and skills in the areas of financial literacy, legal awareness, and information security. This initiative represents another step in the banks sustainable social responsibility efforts focused on enhancing the quality of life of the elderly, supporting their social integration, and protecting their health.

At the YASA Centers, various clubs and activities are organized for elderly participants on a daily basis. The programs include patchwork sewing, knitting, English language classes, painting, music, and other creative activities. In addition, through information sessions, master classes, and thematic events, elderly participants gain new knowledge and skills and have opportunities for active social engagement. These activities contribute to maintaining both the physical and psychological well-being of elderly people and to making their daily lives more meaningful and fulfilling.

Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 115 branches and 52 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. An Azerbaijani-Syrian Business Council is planned to be established, Trend reports via the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).

In this context, local companies looking to expand into the Syrian market or explore opportunities in trade, investment, IT, construction, manufacturing, industry, services, and other sectors are encouraged to connect with the AZPROMO for guidance and support.

"The Azerbaijan-Syria Business Council is planned to be established to develop trade and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Syria and expand business cooperation.

As part of this program, local companies interested in cooperation with the Syrian market and working in the fields of trade, investment, information technology, construction, manufacturing, industry, services, and other areas are invited to participate in the Azerbaijan-Syria Business Council," the statement reads.

Economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and the Syrian Arab Republic are showing remarkable growth. According to the State Customs Committee, the volume of trade transactions between the two countries from January through November 2025 reached $91.8 million, marking an increase of $90.9 million, or 92.1 times, compared to the same period in 2024.

This surge in exports from Azerbaijan to Syria is largely driven by the start of Azerbaijani gas deliveries via Turkiye, which began on August 2, 2025. In the first stage of the project, the plan is to export 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Syria. The gas is transported through the Turkish city of Kilis to power plants in Aleppo and Homs, where it is used for electricity generation. The project is expected to boost electricity production capacity by 1,2001,300 megawatts.

According to the State Statistics Committee, from the start of Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria on August 2, 2025, until November 1, 153.1 million cubic meters of natural gas in gaseous form were exported, valued at $52.5 million.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Economic relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have in recent years moved beyond the framework of traditional cooperation, taking on a more systematic and strategic character. While for decades energy formed the backbone of bilateral dialogue, today the agenda has expanded significantly - from clean energy and transport to financial services, digital technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.

It is no coincidence that 2025 marked a turning point: in August, the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan announced the elevation of their relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

The energy sector continues to serve as the foundation of economic ties between the two countries. The United Kingdom is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Azerbaijans economy, having invested more than 37 billion, with a substantial share of these investments historically concentrated in the oil and gas sector.

However, the focus is gradually shifting today. In an exclusive interview with Trend, Lord John Alderdice, UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, pointed out that there is particular interest in developing partnerships in areas where British expertise aligns with Azerbaijans priorities. At the center of this attention is clean energy, which, he emphasized, aligns perfectly with the UK's new Industrial Strategy.

This is not about declarations, but about concrete projects. More than 50 British companies are already operating in Azerbaijan in renewable energy, offshore wind, grid modernization, and hydrogen technologies. A flagship example is Xlinks, which signed a memorandum of understanding under the Green Energy Corridor initiative. The project aims to bring Caspian offshore wind energy to European markets through several countries and across the Black Sea.

"This illustrates how British companies are bringing expertise in interconnectors and grid modernisation to strengthen regional energy security and accelerate decarbonisation," he pointed out.

A key feature of this new phase of cooperation is moving beyond the hydrocarbon model. Examples include BPs Shafag solar power plant, the electrification of the Sangachal terminal, and British companies involvement in modernizing distribution networks.

Our cooperation goes beyond hydrocarbon resources, emphasized the UK Trade Commissioner, noting that British companies are actively engaged in Azerbaijans plans to export clean energy.

One of the most promising areas of collaboration is transport and logistics, particularly in the context of developing the Middle Corridor. Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in this route connecting Europe and Asia, and London sees it not only as a trade route but also as a component of energy and climate policy.

The UK recognises the Corridor's strategic importance not just for regional trade, but for energy security and sustainable transport across a vast geography that matters enormously to global commerce, Lord Alderdice stated.

British companies bring extensive experience in master planning for airports and ports, modernizing railways, and creating multimodal transport systems. Particular emphasis is placed on smart logistics solutions that speed up cargo movement and reduce bottlenecks at borders.

At the same time, the Trade Commissioner emphasized that the long-term success of the Middle Corridor must be based on low-carbon, sustainable transport. As the world moves toward net zero, the Middle Corridor has an opportunity to position itself as a green trade route, he said, adding that British expertise in sustainable infrastructure could help Azerbaijan lead this transition.

Despite the continued dominance of the energy sector, the structure of bilateral trade is gradually diversifying. The United Kingdom supplies Azerbaijan with equipment, technology, and engineering and consulting services, while Baku remains an important partner for energy exports.

The key trend, however, is a shift from simply increasing volumes to deepening cooperation in a meaningful and structural way. In this context, the UK is seen as a natural partner for Azerbaijan in diversifying its economy: British business expertise and Londons know-how closely align with Bakus strategic priorities - from clean energy and high-tech manufacturing to digital solutions and financial services.

Financial cooperation deserves particular attention, with the UKs export credit agency, UKEF, playing a significant role. According to the Trade Commissioner, Azerbaijan has access to a 5 billion credit line.

This isn't just about financing - it's about derisking large-scale projects, making them attractive to contractors and investors, and accelerating the strategic investments that support Azerbaijan's economic diversification, he emphasized. The first deal under UKEF support has already been implemented - the supply of a Boeing flight simulator to the National Aviation Academy - opening doors for deeper cooperation in aviation and aerospace.

UKEF sees especially promising opportunities in clean energy, transport infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, digital systems, water infrastructure, and sustainable construction - areas that require substantial investment and long-term financial certainty.

Economic relations between Azerbaijan and the UK are entering a phase of qualitative transformation. While maintaining a strong energy foundation, the two sides are increasingly developing cooperation in clean energy, transport, finance, digital technologies, and education.

The transition to a strategic partnership reflects a desire not merely to increase trade and investment volumes, but to build a sustainable, diversified economic model. In the medium term, the combination of the energy transition, the development of the Middle Corridor, and institutional investment support could become the key driver for deepening the Azerbaijan-UK economic dialogue.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. President Ilham Aliyevs recent interview with local television channels goes far beyond a traditional review of the past year, offering a clear articulation of Azerbaijans political, economic, and geopolitical course in the near and medium term, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

"Distinguished by both the breadth of its content and the presidents direct and principled messages, the interview holds particular significance at a time of escalating regional and global processes and mounting challenges within the international system. Against this backdrop, President Ilham Aliyevs positions clearly demonstrate the direction in which Azerbaijan is moving, effectively outlining the countrys political trajectory in a changing world.

President Ilham Aliyev first assessed the place of the year 2025 in Azerbaijans modern history, emphasizing that it was a decisive period from a political standpoint. According to the head of state, last year can indeed be viewed as historic. Because it was in 2025 that the Armenia-Azerbaijan war ended from a political point of view, and we have been living in peace for several months now. This idea is not only a summary of the past but also a conceptual approach for the future. The president clearly states that the end of the war does not automatically mean the resolution of all problems and that living in peace itself requires separate political responsibility and a long-term strategy. The phrase We are learning what it is like to live in peace is a symbolic message indicating Azerbaijans transition to a new stage, Garayev noted.

During the interview, President Ilham Aliyev also addressed the international relations system, openly stating that the current world order is experiencing a deep crisis. According to him, 'unfortunately, international law norms do not function. And Azerbaijan was one of the first victims of the malfunctioning of international law.' This approach, he stressed, is not accidental. The President recalled that resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijans occupied territories remained on paper for 27 years and were implemented only through Azerbaijans own strength and political will. From this perspective, the presidents stance explains why Azerbaijan has prioritized building a strong state and why it bases its security on its own capabilities rather than external mechanisms.

Relations with the United States were also a focal point of the interview. President Ilham Aliyev described the year 2025 as historic for Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, particularly noting the removal of the long-standing Amendment 907 that had negatively affected bilateral ties. He emphasized that this step became possible in the context of the political conclusion of the war and the acceptance of new realities. According to the head of state, this decision reflects Washingtons more realistic assessment of the new situation in the region. This approach is a key element of Azerbaijans balanced and multi-vector foreign policy and opens new opportunities in relations with the West.

President Ilham Aliyev also firmly articulated Azerbaijans position on international security issues. Responding to questions about potential peacekeeping missions discussed in the Middle East, including around Gaza, he stated that 'we have no intention of risking the lives and health of Azerbaijanis for the sake of others.' He clearly underlined that Azerbaijans participation in military operations outside its territory is not on the agenda. This position reflects the core philosophy of the countrys security policy: Azerbaijan protects its own interests while avoiding becoming a military instrument in external conflicts.

Addressing regional issues, President Ilham Aliyev presented a firm stance on the Zangezur Corridor, stating that there is no longer any doubt about its opening. He emphasized that Azerbaijan serves as a reliable and irreplaceable link between Central Asia and the West. This idea carries not only economic but also geopolitical significance. The Zangezur Corridor is expected to expand Azerbaijans transit and logistics capabilities, strengthen its position in regional processes, and potentially bring fundamental changes to the transportation map of the South Caucasus.

Regarding relations with Armenia, President Ilham Aliyev demonstrated a realistic and pragmatic approach. While noting that the war has ended politically, he also stated that the traces of the past have not been fully erased. His remarks make it clear that Baku is interested in strengthening peace, but that this process can only be possible based on respect for Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. This approach leaves no room for revanchism while also indicating that concessions will not be unilateral.

Touching on the domestic situation, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is among the safest countries in the world. He linked security not only to the activities of law enforcement agencies but also to overall public stability, social policy, and the health of statecitizen relations. This approach also serves Azerbaijans international image, enhancing the countrys attractiveness for tourism, investment, and international events.

On economic matters, the interview made it clear that key priorities include infrastructure development, attracting investment, and the restoration of liberated territories. Projects implemented in Karabakh and East Zangezur are presented as factors strengthening not only regional development but also the overall resilience of the national economy. In this context, the president emphasized that political victory must be reinforced by economic and social outcomes.

Overall, President Ilham Aliyevs interview with local television channels clearly demonstrates that Azerbaijan has entered a new phase. On the one hand, it serves as an assessment of the path already taken, and on the other, as a clear roadmap for the future. The messages delivered by the head of state indicate that Azerbaijan intends to further strengthen its positions both regionally and internationally by pursuing a strong, independent, and pragmatic policy.

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Summit Wealth Group, a Colorado Springs-based registered investment advisor launched in May after leaving Commonwealth Financial Network, has hired a new head of advisor success and chief investment officer as it continues to expand its leadership team.

Summit Wealth hired Seamus OBrien from custodian SEI to lead what it calls advisor success across the $2.5 billion, fee-only RIA. His role will include overseeing mergers and acquisitions, recruiting, partnerships and organic growth initiatives.

OBrien had been business development director for RIA experience at SEI since June 2022, a role he took after more than 14 years at BNY Pershing.

Randy Morris, CEO of Summit Wealth Group, said OBriens experience working with RIAs and custodians positions him well to work with new and existing advisors.

As we continue to grow, it became clear we needed a dedicated leader focused on advisor success across the full lifecycle, from recruitment and integration to long-term scale, he said.

Summit Wealth also hired Chelsea Ganey as chief investment officer. Ganey had been chief strategy officer at Moran Wealth Management, a Naples, Fla.-based RIA with more than $5 billion in assets under management.

She had been with the firm for over 11 years, working on projects that included shaping its investment platform and incorporating alternative investments. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences on portfolio construction, markets and investment strategies.

At Summit Wealth, Ganey will lead portfolio management, trading and investment research while partnering with advisors.

Morris said that her experience building investment platforms at scale will be instrumental as we attract advisors who share our community-driven culture.

Summit Wealth announced the new executives shortly after hiring Scott Wilkinson from its former broker/dealer Commonwealth to be RIA compliance lead.

Summit Wealth and a team of about 25 advisors broke away from Commonwealth in May before LPL Financial acquired the independent broker/dealer.

In June, it received a strategic minority investment from Constellation Wealth Capital to support its growth initiatives, including the addition of new senior leadership.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Religious institutions in Azerbaijan have been allocated financial assistance, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree.

Pursuant to the decree, the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026 provides for financial support to religious organizations from the Reserve Fund of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In particular, 3.5 million manat ($2.06 million) have been allocated to the Caucasian Muslim Board, 400,000 manat ($235,259) to the Spiritual Organization of the Russian Orthodox Church in Baku and the Azerbaijani Diocese, 400,000 manat ($235,259) to the Spiritual Community of Mountain Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of European Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of Sephardic Jews in Baku, 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, and 400,000 manat ($235,259) for the Spiritual Community of Albanian-Udi Christians in Azerbaijan. In addition, 400,000 manat ($235,259) have been allocated to the Fund for the Promotion of Spiritual Values, which is subordinate to the State Committee for Work with Religious Institutions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to provide material support to other non-Islamic religious communities in Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan should provide funding in the amount specified in part 1 of this decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. On January 7, the newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, Colonel Salauat Khayrushev, was introduced to the Azerbaijan Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

The minister congratulated the Kazakh representative on the commencement of his service in Azerbaijan. Emphasizing that Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations are founded on the principles of friendship, brotherhood, and a rich historical heritage, the minister wished the military attache success in his future services to further expand military cooperation between the two countries.

Colonel Khayrushev expressed his gratitude for the trust shown and stated that during his tenure, he would do his best to further strengthen military ties.

The meeting discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in the military, military-technical, military-educational, and other fields. Additionally, the sides exchanged views on a number of other issues of mutual interest.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) represents a major upgrade in relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar told Trend.

"Politically, the EPCA deepens dialogue on governance, the rule of law, and human rights, clearly signalling the EUs support for Uzbekistans ongoing reform agenda," he said.

According to the ambassador, the agreement also carries important social implications, fostering stronger people-to-people ties and encouraging further reforms. It helps civil society and media freedom grow, as well as exchanges between youth, cultures, and academics. It also helps people work together on migration problems.

"The EPCA opens up a lot of economic possibilities. By simplifying trade procedures, reducing technical barriers, and providing greater regulatory certainty, it creates a solid foundation for increasing Uzbek exports to Europe and attracting European investment to Uzbekistan," Klaar noted.

He added that the agreement also advances cooperation in critical raw materials and the green economy, aligning with the EUs strategic priorities and helping channel investment into infrastructure and connectivity projects under the EUs Global Gateway strategy.

"I would like to highlight the comprehensive nature of this agreement, which is typical for the EU. The EPCA's key chapters are political dialogue, security, trade and investment, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and social cooperation. These chapters are meant to support each other," he said.

Klaar emphasized that improved market access and increased EU investment depend on credible reforms in areas such as justice, anti-corruption, and regulatory quality. He noted that working together on immigration and border control is closely tied to overall security and foreign policy. According to Klaar, getting EU money for green and digital projects is based on promises to be open about standards and international norms.

He asserted that the EU and Uzbekistan have reached a consensus over the need of fulfilling all bilateral obligations in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner in order for concrete benefits to become a reality.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has released the official exchange rates for foreign currencies as of January 7, Trend reports.

According to the CBI's announced rates, the value of 45 currencies went up, while 1 currency fell compared to January 6.

The official rate for $1 is 993,585 rials, while one euro is valued at 1,161,446 rials. On January 6 the euro was priced at 1,149,087 rials.

Currency Rial on January 7 Rial on January 6 1 US dollar USD 993,585 980,866 1 British pound GBP 1,341,043 1,326,555 1 Swiss franc CHF 1,249,077 1,237,689 1 Swedish krona SEK 107,910 106,794 1 Norwegian krone NOK 98,922 97,763 1 Danish krone DKK 155,433 153,800 1 Indian rupee INR 11,026 10,871 1 UAE Dirham AED 270,547 267,084 1 Kuwaiti dinar KWD 3,234,283 3,192,993 100 Pakistani rupees PKR 352,887 350,026 100 Japanese yen JPY 634,056 627,363 1 Hong Kong dollar HKD 127,600 125,996 1 Omani rial OMR 2,582,047 2,549,157 1 Canadian dollar CAD 720,497 712,932 1 New Zealand dollar NZD 574,130 567,737 1 South African rand ZAR 60,656 59,957 1 Turkish lira TRY 23,091 22,795 1 Russian ruble RUB 12,341 12,127 1 Qatari riyal QAR 272,963 269,469 100 Iraqi dinars IQD 75,838 74,834 1 Syrian pound SYP 90 89 1 Australian dollar AUD 668,829 658,863 1 Saudi riyal SAR 264,956 261,564 1 Bahraini dinar BHD 2,642,513 2,608,686 1 Singapore dollar SGD 776,073 764,198 100 Bangladeshi takas BDT 813,188 801,910 10 Sri Lankan rupees LKR 32,063 31,640 1 Myanmar kyat MMK 473 467 100 Nepalese rupees NPR 668,798 679,110 1 Libyan dinar LYD 183,547 180,840 1 Chinese yuan CNY 142,243 140,310 100 Thai baht THB 3,181,476 3,135,101 1 Malaysian ringgit MYR 245,494 240,875 1,000 South Korean won KRW 686,514 678,745 1 Jordanian dinar JOD 1,401,389 1,383,450 1 euro EUR 1,161,446 1,149,087 100 Kazakh tenge KZT 194,819 191,246 1 Georgian lari GEL 338,518 330,258 1,000 Indonesian rupiahs IDR 59,312 58,557 1 Afghan afghani AFN 15,028 14,843 1 Belarusian ruble BYN 338,518 330,258 1 Azerbaijani manat AZN 584,462 576,980 100 Philippine pesos PHP 1,676,750 1,660,046 1 Tajik somoni TJS 107,501 106,069 1 Turkmen manat TMT 283,124 280,493 Venezuelan bolivar VES 3,235 3,243

The CBI adopted the SANA system for currency exchange offices, where one euro costs 1,536,017 rials and $1 costs 1,314,020 rials.

NIMA represents a strategic framework for the monetization of a designated fraction of foreign currency accrued through export activities.

The price of one euro in this system amounted to 1,491,748 rials, and the price of $1 totaled 1,264,266 rials.

On the black market, $1 is worth about 1.44-1.47 million rials, while one euro is worth 1.69-1.72 million rials.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Tajikistan in the field of renewable energy (RE) is entering a new phase in 2026. While previous interactions mainly involved technical assistance and advisory support, the focus now is on large-scale investments, institutional reforms, and integrating energy priorities into a broader economic and digital dialogue under the EUs Global Gateway strategy.

Tajikistan, which possesses one of the largest hydropower potentials in Central Asia, holds a special place in the EUs regional strategy. As a European Commission representative told Trend in an exclusive interview, Brussels priorities in the country are clearly structured.

"The EUs Global Gateway initiative aims to strengthen sustainable connectivity and infrastructure worldwide. In Central Asia, and specifically in Tajikistan, our cooperation focuses on four priority areas: water/energy/climate, transport, digital connectivity, and critical raw materials," the spokesperson said.

In this context, energy and water resources remain the foundation of EUTajikistan cooperation. The EU is using the Team Europe format, which pools resources from the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and national financial institutions of EU member states.

A key feature of the current stage is the shift from individual projects to the development of a long-term investment portfolio. In 2025, several flagship projects were launched or modernized.

The Sebzor Hydropower Plant (HPP), commissioned in June 2025, has a capacity of 11 MW and was implemented with support from the EU and Germanys KfW Bank. The project provides electricity to around 430,000 people in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and also contributes to cross-border energy supply to Afghanistan.

Equally significant is the modernization of the Kayrakkum HPP, where capacity increased from 126 MW to 174 MW. As part of a $196 million financing package, the EIB contributed $37 million, improving power reliability for over 500,000 people.

A central pillar of cooperation is the Rogun HPP, the countrys largest infrastructure project, with a total capacity of 3,780 MW and an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. The EIBs participation in the donor consortium is seen in Brussels as a contribution to the projects sustainable financing, in line with EU environmental and social standards.

Energy cooperation with Tajikistan is embedded in a broader regional framework. At the 2025 EU-Central Asia summit, a 12 billion Global Gateway investment package was confirmed, with 6.4 billion allocated to water, energy, and climate projects. Given its hydropower potential, Tajikistan is considered a key beneficiary of this part of the program.

At the same time, the SECCA initiative (Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia) is being implemented, under which the EU in 2025 actively funds the development of legal and regulatory frameworks for solar and wind energy in Tajikistan. This demonstrates Brussels commitment to diversifying Tajikistans energy mix, reducing reliance solely on hydropower.

EUTajikistan cooperation in renewable energy extends beyond electricity generation. Significant funds are allocated to modernizing distribution networks and reducing technical losses. In 2025, a 43 million package was launched, including a 28 million EBRD loan and a 15 million EU investment grant. The project involves deploying smart meters and upgrading infrastructure in nine cities, including Khatlon and Sughd.

Energy digitalization is complemented by the EUs broader digital agenda in the country.

"Regarding digitalization, we are advancing under the dedicated Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity, beginning with capacity-building activities. Additionally, we are preparing for the deployment of satellite ground stations, aimed at improving digital access in remote areas across the region. Tajikistan has shown interest in this initiative, and we anticipate that the country will benefit from this support in the near future," the spokesperson emphasized.

From a sustainable development perspective, European involvement is already delivering measurable results. Sebzor HPP and the Kayrakkum modernization alone are expected to reduce CO emissions by around 45,000 tons annually. Through the GEFF mechanism, over 2,000 households and small businesses adopted energy-efficient and green technologies in 20242025.

Institutional reforms are also part of the agenda. With EU advisory support, Tajikistan passed a law in December 2025 exempting solar panel imports from VAT until 2031, aimed at stimulating private investment in renewable energy.

The anticipated signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation (AEPC) will further boost cooperation.

The EU places high value on its partnership with Tajikistan. Our relationship is set to deepen further with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). Negotiations concluded last year, and we now look forward to its signature, the representative noted.

The AEPC covers economic development, energy, climate, digital technologies, and the rule of law, creating a predictable environment for European investors.

For the EU, the EPCA reflects our long-term commitment to Central Asia and to Tajikistan in particular. A predictable and transparent business environment is essential for attracting European investors, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable growth. The EPCA will play a key role in strengthening these conditions and supporting mutually beneficial economic cooperation, the spokesperson stressed.

To date, the EU is Tajikistans second-largest financial partner in the green transition, after the World Bank group. The combined portfolio of active energy projects involving the EIB, EBRD, and EU grants exceeds 500 million. Under Global Gateway, Tajikistan is not merely a recipient of aid but a strategic partner in shaping a sustainable energy architecture for Central Asia.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 7. Entrepreneurs in Turkmenistan will be able to lease plots of the forest fund for the cultivation of fruit, oil-bearing, and medicinal crops while land ownership remains with the state, Trend reports via the press service of the countrys government.

The provision is included in the draft National Forest Program of Turkmenistan for 2026-2030, which was discussed during a roundtable held in Ashgabat by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Aral Project.

The draft document is intended to become the third stage of the countrys forest development policy and biodiversity conservation efforts.

The program consists of 13 chapters and contains a detailed action plan. Compared with previous documents, it places greater emphasis on the restoration of natural forests and for the first time provides for the introduction of a state forest inventory as a basis for forming a national forest cadastre.

The draft includes measures to address desertification and climate adaptation, provides for the use of digital technologies for forest monitoring, and outlines the potential for generating carbon credits under the Paris Agreement.

Earlier, specialists from Turkmenistans National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna, and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences intensified scientific exchanges within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The cooperation focuses on studying Chinas experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme desert conditions, including the use of artificial forest belts along highways in the Taklamakan Desert. The exchange is aimed at applying relevant practices to desert management and land restoration efforts in Turkmenistan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, informed reporters of his forthcoming visit to Lebanon on January 8, following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran earlier today, Trend reports.

According to him, an economic delegation will accompany him on this visit.

Araghchi stated that relations between Iran and Lebanon have always existed. Iran intends to develop relations with Lebanon. Both countries are interested in this.

The minister added that the development of economic and trade relations will be discussed within the framework of the visit.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 7. Turkmenistan has launched the construction of a new urea production plant in Turkmenbashi, Balkan region, as part of efforts to expand its oil and gas chemical industry, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen government.

The plant is designed with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tons of urea. Its construction involves technological collaboration with partners from Japan and Turkiye, and is focused on integrating modern production methods and adhering to stringent environmental standards.

The facility is scheduled for commissioning by February 2030.

This new plant will serve as an extension of Turkmenistans existing urea production infrastructure, complementing the Garabogazkarbamid plant, which has been operational since 2018 and is a key supplier to international markets.

In addition to boosting production, the project is expected to play a significant role in fostering local economic growth. It will create hundreds of new jobs and stimulate infrastructure development in the Balkan region.

Earlier agreements between Turkmenistan and Japan paved the way for a series of major industrial projects in the Balkan region, as part of their broader economic and energy cooperation. Among these is the construction of an ammonia and urea plant, along with a polymer facility in the Gyyanly settlement. Contracts for these projects were signed in December 2025, following high-level discussions between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. These initiatives are strategically aimed at expanding production capacity and modernizing Turkmenistans chemical industry.
Teslas (TSLA) Q4 2025 deliveries plunged 16% year-over-year (YoY) and fell short of the already toned-down forecast that analysts had set for the Elon Musk-run company. In the full year, it delivered 1.64 million vehicles, which was 8.6% lower than the previous year.

The companys deliveries have fallen on an annual basis for two consecutive years, and if not for the sales bump in Q3 ahead of the expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit, last year's numbers could have looked even uglier. Notably, BYD (BYDDY)which is also battling a slowdown in China but is seeing strong sales in global marketsovertook Tesla to become the worlds largest seller of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) last year.

More News from Barchart

BYD Beats Tesla to Become Biggest EV Seller

The Chinese companywhose very possibility of being a competitor Musk mocked in 2011was already selling a lot more cars than Tesla and has now grabbed the crown of the biggest seller of BEVs. Looking at the wide gulf between the two companies 2025 EV deliveries and Teslas sales woes, BYD looks set to hold the title for at least the next few years.

www.barchart.com

Do Teslas Deliveries Even Matter?

Meanwhile, Tesla has been trying to position itself as an artificial intelligence (AI) company as it doubles down on physical AI products like the Optimus humanoid and autonomous driving. The view is propagated by many Tesla bulls, and even I would attest to the fact that TSLA is not merely an EV company. Markets also seem to believe so, as there is no other reasoning behind Teslas mammoth $1.4 trillion market capitalization.

However, I am not in the camp that believes that Teslas deliveries dont matter. If that really was the case, then the quarterly delivery report wouldnt have been so eagerly awaited and tracked, and the stock wouldnt have fallen on Friday after missing Q4 delivery estimates. Furthermore, in an unusual move, Tesla published Q4 delivery estimates by select brokerages on its website ahead of releasing its actual numbers. It was the first time I can remember when Tesla published consensus delivery estimates and was an apparent bid to anchor expectations as the company prepares for a few rough quarters, by Musks assertion.

Chinese EV Companies Offer Competitive Models

It is also important to examine how Tesla lost its EV leadership. While we can blame the expiration of the EV tax credit for the slump in U.S. EV sales in Q4, things havent been pleasant for Tesla for the last many quarters. Rivals have increasingly grabbed market share in the U.S. As for the global picture, Tesla is fast losing out to Chinese rivals like BYD and XPeng Motors (XPEV), which are gaining ground outside of China.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. An Azerbaijani-Syrian Business Council is planned to be established, Trend reports via the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).

In this context, local companies looking to expand into the Syrian market or explore opportunities in trade, investment, IT, construction, manufacturing, industry, services, and other sectors are encouraged to connect with the AZPROMO for guidance and support.

"The Azerbaijan-Syria Business Council is planned to be established to develop trade and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Syria and expand business cooperation.

As part of this program, local companies interested in cooperation with the Syrian market and working in the fields of trade, investment, information technology, construction, manufacturing, industry, services, and other areas are invited to participate in the Azerbaijan-Syria Business Council," the statement reads.

Economic and trade relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Syrian Arab Republic are showing remarkable growth. According to the State Customs Committee, the volume of trade transactions between the two countries from January through November 2025 reached $91.8 million, marking an increase of $90.9 million, or 92.1 times, compared to the same period in 2024.

This surge in exports from Azerbaijan to Syria is largely driven by the start of Azerbaijani gas deliveries via Turkiye, which began on August 2, 2025. In the first stage of the project, the plan is to export 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Syria. The gas is transported through the Turkish city of Kilis to power plants in Aleppo and Homs, where it is used for electricity generation. The project is expected to boost electricity production capacity by 1,2001,300 megawatts.

According to the State Statistics Committee, from the start of Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria on August 2, 2025, until November 1, 153.1 million cubic meters of natural gas in gaseous form were exported, valued at $52.5 million.

AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 7. Uzbekistan plans to begin construction of its first toll roads in 2027, Trend reports.

The plan is outlined in the draft updated Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, which has been published for public consultation. According to the document, 50 kilometers of toll roads are expected to be built in 2027. Their total length is projected to increase to 75 kilometers in 2028, 100 kilometers in 2029, and 130 kilometers by 2030.

Earlier, in December 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his address to the Oliy Majlis and the nation, announced that construction of 800 kilometers of high-speed roads would begin in 2026. The planned routes include TashkentSamarkand, TashkentAndijan, TashkentBostanlyk, PunganNamangan, and KarshiShakhrisabz.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. A meeting has been held between the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan's AzerEnergy OJSC, Baba Rzayev, and his counterpart from the Saudi Arabian ACWA Power company, Mohammad Abunayyan, a source in the OJSC told Trend.

The meeting exchanged views on the connection of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant to the energy system, the current state of cooperation, and future prospects.

Besides, the meeting widely discussed the development of renewable energy sources, the safe integration of these powers into the energy system, energy management, and the application of new technologies, including battery storage systems.

Azerbaijan's Azerenergy (via SOCAR) and Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power have a strong, expanding partnership focused on renewable energy, including major wind projects like the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron plant, and are exploring green hydrogen, green fertilizer, and offshore wind, aiming to boost Azerbaijan's green energy capacity and exports, aligned with climate goals and Saudi Vision 2030. Key agreements, including power purchase and transmission, were signed in late 2020 for the Khizi-Absheron wind farm, with ongoing discussions for new large-scale projects and regional connectivity like subsea cables.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 7. The Kyrgyzstans State Breeding Plant has launched the production of safflower oil, with the resulting oilcake subsequently used as feed for livestock, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry.

The initiative is aimed at creating additional value added in the agricultural sector and ensuring more efficient use of by-products from crop processing. Production has been organized at a small processing facility, alongside the cultivation of safflower.

The safflower oil production project implemented by the Kyrgyz State Breeding Plant is being carried out with the support of the Sokuluk District State Development Fund.

In accordance with a government resolution about the allocation of resources from district state development funds to initiatives in the processing and agricultural sectors, the firm procured the requisite equipment. This has enabled the establishment of a complete production cycle, from safflower planting to vegetable oil output.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 7. Kyrgyzstan made a significant step in expanding its export potential in 2025, strengthening its presence in regional and global markets, diversifying the range of export products, and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic producers through targeted government initiatives and strategic partnerships, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

The ministry reports that domestic agricultural and processed products are steadily entering international markets, with the geography of exports continuing to expand.

Particular attention is being given to exports to China. To date, eight protocols have been agreed upon for the supply of wool, cashmere, beans, poultry meat, and poultry by-products, as well as three protocols for the export of thermally processed meat and leather raw materials. Moreover, a consignment of desiccated pomological products23 metric tons of Prunus armeniacawas dispatched for the inaugural occasion.

In the near future, wine, vegetable oil, and vegetables are planned for export to China, further strengthening the presence of Kyrgyz products in Asias largest market.

These export achievements support domestic producers and contribute to the expansion of sales markets, laying the foundation for sustainable economic development in the country.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 7. Kyrgyzstan is steadily expanding its exports, bringing national products to European and Middle Eastern markets, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry.

According to the information, the country is also in the process of obtaining authorization to export honey to the European Union, while 298 kg of honey have already been shipped to the UK, marking an important step in promoting national products.

The countrys strong potential in livestock farming is demonstrated by the export of 144 horses to Saudi Arabia, opening new avenues for agricultural trade.

Furthermore, digital exports are actively developing through the Wildberries marketplace, where dried fruits, honey, and other processed products are sold, creating additional opportunities for producers and expanding Kyrgyzstans presence on global online platforms.

The implementation of these initiatives contributes to strengthening economic growth, supporting local producers, and diversifying the countrys export structure.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline(TAP) is making available the additional long-term capacity under a new gas transportation agreement (GTA) from January 2026, TAP AG consortium told Trend.

"TAP, as the European section of a 3500 km Southern Gas Corridor, widely recognized as a strategic energy infrastructure for Europe, is making available the additional long-term capacity under a new gas transportation agreement (GTA) from January 2026, as booked during the 2021 Market Test," said the consortium.

TAP AG noted that the additional capacity comes five years after TAP started transporting Caspian gas to Europe, underlining the asset's state-of-the-art reliability and its substantial contribution to Europe's diversification of supplies.

Five years have passed since Azerbaijan began exporting gas to Europe via TAP. During this period, more than 54 bcm of gas has been supplied to Europe via TAP.

As a critical component of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP transports natural gas from Azerbaijans Shah Deniz field in the Caspian Sea directly to European markets.
President Trump said on Wednesday that he will take steps to prevent institutional investors from buying single-family homes, claiming the move would help make housing more affordable for Americans.

In a social media post, Mr. Trump said that the dream of home ownership has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans, and that action is needed to allow more people to reach the milestone of owning a residence.

"I am immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, and I will be calling on Congress to codify it," Mr. Trump wrote. "People live in homes, not corporations."

He added that he will provide more details about the proposal at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this month.

The White House declined to provide more information on Mr. Trump's plans for restricting large investors from acquiring homes.

Shares of major home leasing and management companies fell sharply immediately after Mr. Trump's announcement. Invitation Homes' stock price slid more than 7%, while American Homes 4 Rent dropped 6.3%. Investment giant Blackstone, which also owns and rents homes, sank more than 4%.

"It is an idea that appeals to MAGA populists and is a policy that Vice President J.D. Vance has consistently supported," Jaret Seiberg, an analyst with TD Cowen, said in a research note. "That it comes now is an indicator of how worried Team Trump is worried about the impact of housing affordability on the midterm election."

Seiberg expects both the House and Senate to pass bipartisan bills to implement Mr. Trump's order. "We appreciate that many important congressional Republicans have opposed this in the past. Our view is that they will concede on this issue rather than fight the president," he added.

Institutional investors account for roughly 1% of total single-family housing stock, according to an August analysis by researchers at the American Enterprise Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. The study defined such investors as those owning at least 100 properties.

The analysis also noted that institutional ownership varies nationwide, reaching 4.2% in Atlanta, 2.6% in Dallas and 2.2% in Houston. But these investors tend not to dominate neighborhoods, even if they're generally more concentrated in lower- and middle-income communities.

Impact on home prices and rent

Still, the recent rise of institutional investors purchasing single-family homes can have negative spillover effects for consumers, research shows.
Baku, Azerbaijan, January 7. Azerbaijan plans to hold the 12th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in the first quarter of 2026, the countrys energy ministry told Trend.

The 12th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council is scheduled to take place during the first quarter of this year. Preparatory work on the agenda is currently under way, the ministry said.

The previous, 11th meeting of the Advisory Council was held on April 4, 2025.

The Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council meets annually and brings together representatives of the projects participating countries, as well as other stakeholders. The council serves as a strategic platform for coordinating the development and operation of the gas transportation infrastructure that delivers Caspian gas to Europe.

Meetings of the council cover issues such as supply volumes and routes, plans to expand capacity, investment and financial matters, safety and sustainability standards, as well as opportunities for international cooperation and integration with other regional energy projects.

The Southern Gas Corridor transports natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe. It consists of three main pipeline systems: the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

The corridors initial capacity is 10 billion cubic meters per year, with potential expansion to 20 billion cubic meters.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Azerbaijan and the Saudi Arabian ACWA Power company discussed electricity generation and transmission, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy.

The discussion was held during a meeting between the Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power Mohammad Abunayyan.

The meeting underscored ACWA Powers pivotal role as a key partner in Azerbaijans energy sector, highlighting that this collaboration exemplifies the strong and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia. The strategic significance of joint projects, including the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant and various desalination initiatives, was emphasized. Attention was given to the successful completion of the wind power plants construction and its integration into the national grid, as well as the collaborative efforts that facilitated this achievement.

Furthermore, the discussion extended to the progress of electricity interconnector projects along the Black Sea, Europe, Central Asia, and Nakhchivan routes. The development and transmission of green energy between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia were also explored, with an assessment of the potential for expanded cooperation not only in electricity generation but also in its transmission.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 7. Kyrgyzstan and Belarus reviewed the schedule of upcoming contacts at the highest and high levels, including planned visits through the foreign ministries, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion took place on January 6, 2026, during a telephone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkov.

During the call, the heads of the foreign ministries discussed current issues on the Kyrgyz-Belarusian bilateral agenda and prospects for further development of cooperation.

In the context of preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, the sides also exchanged views on the substantive agenda and issues of interaction within the organization.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) to foster regional stability, combat terrorism, and promote economic cooperation, with members like India, Pakistan, and Iran joining later, making it a significant geopolitical bloc focused on a multipolar world order and countering Western influence.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Attacking healthcare facilities, hospitals, or patients in Iran and injuring them are unacceptable acts, the government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, told reporters, following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran today, Trend reports.

According to her, during protests, respect should be shown to these places and the rights of individuals, and these locations must remain safe.

Mohajerani noted that following the incident at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam Province, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian immediately gave instructions. Subsequently, the Ministers of Health and the Interior also issued directives to investigate the matter from a legal and judicial perspective. In addition, a representative from the Ministry of Interior was sent to Ilam to conduct the necessary investigations.

Last week, clashes occurred between protesters and law enforcement officers at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam Province. Some media outlets reported casualties and injuries as a result of the incident.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. The current time is improper for discussions between Iran and the U.S., Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in Tehran today, Trend reports.

According to him, the reason for the lack of a suitable time is the policies of the U.S. government.

Araghchi said that Iran has never abandoned discussions. Iran has always been ready for discussions based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. However, the U.S. government does not have such a position yet.

To recall, on April 12, 19, and 26 and May 11 and 23 in 2025, five rounds of indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program were held between Iran and the U.S. The indirect talks were organized through the mediation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and were led by Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the Iranian side and Steve Witkoff on the American side. The first, third, and fourth rounds of talks were held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and the second and fifth rounds were held in Rome, the capital of Italy.

On the morning of June 13, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran, resulting in the deaths of numerous high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other senior figures.

That same evening, Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise III, a large-scale missile and drone assault on multiple targets, including Tel Aviv, which caused civilian casualties and extensive damage.

On June 22, the United States conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, with reports indicating the destruction of these sites.

The following evening, June 23, Iran launched airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar, further escalating tensions in the region.

On June 24, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office announced that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Irans Supreme National Security Council issued a statement confirming the cessation of hostilities.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi is set to pay a visit to Armenia as part of political consultations on January 7, Trend reports, citing Iranian media.

Takht-Ravanchi is expected to hold political consultations with a deputy foreign minister of Armenia. He is also scheduled to meet with other Armenian officials during the visit.

The consultations are expected to focus on cooperation between Iran and Armenia in economic, trade, transit, transportation, and other areas.

During the visit, the Iranian official will also exchange views on peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7. The city of Abdanan in Irans western Ilam Province has not been seized by protesters, Trend reports via Iranian media.

Reports indicate that yesterday, around 17:00 (GMT+4), approximately 300 people gathered near Valiasr Square in Abdanan and moved toward Basij Square, joined along the way by additional participants. The protesters voiced discontent over the economic situation and rising prices, with some chanting various slogans.

By 19:00 (GMT+4), most protesters had left, but riots erupted, causing significant damage to public property. Government offices and banks were attacked, and documents from several banks were set on fire.

Authorities intervened when the situation escalated, and law enforcement restored order on the streets of Abdanan in under 15 minutes.

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President Donald Trump said Venezuelan authorities "will be turning over" between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S. after his administration captured the country's president and began pressuring the new leadership.

"This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" Trump said in a Jan. 6 social media post.

The U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an extraordinary military operation early Jan. 3, bringing him to New York City to face drug-trafficking charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty in federal court on Jan. 5. Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Maduro's vice president, has been sworn in as the country's interim president.

Trump has focused on Venezuela's oil resources in the aftermath of the U.S. military operations. In a speech after Maduro was captured, Trump said Venezuela "stole" American oil, a claim some international energy law experts refute.

"We built Venezuela oil industry with American talent, drive and skill," Trump said. "And the socialist regime stole it from us during those previous administrations, and they stole it through force. This constituted one of the largest thefts of American property in the history of our country."

Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world and once had multiple American oil companies operating there, but Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company still there after former leader Hugo Chavez pushed to nationalize the country's oil industry.

Trump told NBC on Jan. 5 that it could take less than 18 months to revive Venezuelan oil production, with the U.S. potentially reimbursing American oil companies for their investment.

"A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then theyll get reimbursed by us, or through revenue," Trump said.

In his Jan. 6 announcement Trump said Venezuelan oil "will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States."

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is coordinating the effort, Trump added. Wright is meeting with oil executives in Miami this week.

Contributing: Erin Mansfield

President Donald Trump addresses House Republicans at their annual issues conference retreat, at the Kennedy Center, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 6, 2026.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says Venezuela will give US 50 million barrels of oil to sell
US President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the Gimhae International Airport terminal. Daniel Torok/White House/dpa

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Venezuela's interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of "sanctioned oil" to the United States, in a move he framed as benefiting both nations.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the oil would be sold at market prices and that the proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they were used "to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States."

"I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States," he added.

The US had attacked targets in Venezuela on Saturday, seizing authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro over alleged drug offences and removing him from the country. After the operation, Trump said that the US would temporarily run Venezuela.

The US president had previously highlighted the economic potential of the country's oil industry, saying that major US oil companies would invest billions to repair infrastructure and develop production.

Several Democrats have accused Trump of targeting Venezuela solely for its oil reserves, calling Maduro's arrest merely a pretext.

Rodriguez: No external agent governs Venezuela

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has rejected the US government's claim to control the South American country, saying: "The Venezuelan government rules our country, and no one else does. There is no external agent governing Venezuela."

It remained unclear how her asserted independence would align with Trump's announcement on the transfer of oil.

It was not immediately clear over what period of time the amount of crude oil mentioned by Trump is to be provided. The volume is roughly equivalent to Venezuela's total oil industry output over one to two months. Oil sales are the government's main source of revenue and foreign exchange.

Venezuela's new leadership in Caracas did not immediately comment on Trump's announcement.

Proceeds from sale could amount to $2.9 billion

Based on current prices and using US benchmark crude WTI for February delivery at $58.65 per barrel as of Tuesday afternoon, the proceeds could be worth up to $2.9 billion. The actual price for Venezuelan oil could be below the global market rate.

A barrel of oil contains 159 litres.

Venezuela holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of oil, the largest reserves in the world. Despite this, production is currently low at around 1 million barrels per day, weighed down by sanctions, mismanagement at the state oil company PDVSA and corruption.

The loss of revenue would hit the South American country hard, while the expected gains for the US would be minimal. The oil volume is also relatively small for the US, which produces about 14 million barrels per day.
But Anower said her time at the University of Cincinnati introduced her to other career possibilities she hadnt considered that better suited her passion for biochemistry. And she credits UCs nationally renowned co-op program for providing the early opportunities that she hopes will launch her career in food science.

When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor, but after coming to UC, I have seen a lot of other opportunities in chemistry and biochemistry, Anower said. I gravitate more to innovation and product development.

Anower applied to 20 schools and chose UC because of its connections to industry through its many internships and co-ops, in which students split the year between classroom instruction and full-time jobs with employers in their chosen fields.

She was accepted to UCs Honors Program, which represents the top 7% of the universitys undergraduates.
The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcat Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.

This move is another step in addressing college access and affordability for Ohio residents and especially students from Cincinnati. UC launched its Next Lives Here strategic direction in 2018 with the goal of ensuring that more students in this region received a college degree.

"This grant program will be transformational for students, families and for this region," shared Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management. "Despite their dreams and years of hard work, college is just out of reach for so many students and families. This grant will make dreams a reality for literally thousands of students."

Combined with the CPS Strong initiative, which addresses readiness, access and student success for graduates of CPS who want to attend UC, the Bearcat Promise ensures students receive a career-focused education, adds Miner.

The Bearcat Affordability Grant will help ensure opportunities for students and a strong workforce in southwestern Ohio. Since the launch of the Next Lives Here strategic direction, the University of Cincinnati has grown by nearly 9,000 students.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the Republic of Cyprus on an official visit.

This was reported by the Office of the President, according to Ukrinform.

"The President is in Cyprus," said Sergii Nykyforov, spokesperson for the head of the Ukrainian state.

According to him, Zelensky's visit program includes meetings with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios, as well as joint talks between the President of Ukraine, the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

In the evening, Zelensky will take part in the ceremony marking the start of the Republic of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As previously reported, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated earlier that any adopted peace agreement must clearly specify a date for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, as EU membership is one of the security guarantees.

Photo: Office of the President
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the country's capital, Nicosia.

He announced this on social media X, according to Ukrinform.

"A fruitful meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky weeks after my visit to Kyiv. Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Cypriot leader wrote.

He added that Cyprus, a country that still suffers from the consequences of illegal invasion and prolonged military occupation, fully understands what is at stake in Ukraine.

Ukraine will be a central priority of our Presidency, and will work to ensure sustained support at all levels. We stand firmly with you as you work for a just and lasting peace, firmly rooted on the UN Charter and fully respecting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, Christodoulides said.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Zelensky arrived today on a visit to the Republic of Cyprus.

Read also: Zelensky discusses rotations in diplomatic corps with Sybiha

The program of Zelensky's visit includes meetings with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, as well as joint talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In the evening, Zelensky will take part in the opening ceremony of the Republic of Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Photo: x.com/PresidentCYP
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos the priorities of Cyprus' EU presidency, support for Ukraine's accession to the EU, security cooperation, and the use of EU instruments for defense, sanctions, and Ukraine's recovery.

The head of Ukrainian diplomacy reported this on social media X following a meeting in Nicosia, which he called very substantive, during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Cyprus, Ukrinform reports.

We discussed the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency. I appreciate Ukraine and our EU accession being on the top of agenda. I highlighted the importance of opening negotiation clusters in 2026, and Cypruss role is crucial, Sybiha said.

According to him, the parties discussed in detail the recent dynamics of the peace process.

"We devoted a significant part of our conversation to bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Cyprus, particularly in security and defense area, joint efforts with the use of EU instruments, and Cypruss role in strengthening Europes security. We also addressed Ukraines recovery and energy resilience in the face of Russias ongoing attacks, humanitarian support, sanctions policy, and the use of frozen Russian assets for defense and recovery," the minister said.

Read also: Zelensky met with President of Cyprus

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived today on a visit to the Republic of Cyprus. He held a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The visit program also includes meetings with Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, joint talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In the evening, Zelensky will take part in the opening ceremony of the Republic of Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Photo: Andriy Sybiha / X
University of Maryland Named Top 10 Public Research Institution

The University of Marylands expanding investment in high-impact research  work that improves lives in communities across the state, nation, and world  helped propel it to No. 14 among all U.S. institutions and No. 9 among public institutions in the National Science Foundations latest Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey, up from No. 18 overall and No. 11 among public institutions the previous year.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) are linked as a single research enterprise in the HERD survey, the most widely recognized national benchmark for sponsored research activity, which ranked research and development spending at U.S. institutions in Fiscal Year 2024. This represents one of the highest rankings to date for the R1 (Carnegie Classification) research enterprise and record combined research expenditures exceeding $1.5 billion  an increase of more than $154 million from FY23.

CTEM leaders and research partners Giuliano Scarcelli, PhD, and Osamah J. Saeedi, MD, conduct eye health research.

The growth of our research enterprise reflects the growing impact of our work together, said Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, president of UMB. Our researchers do more than advance knowledge in their fields; they work tirelessly to ensure that the discoveries they make improve the health and well-being of people worldwide. In this way, our ranking is much more than a scorecard, it is a testament to the critical importance of public higher education and research institutions here in Maryland.

This milestone reflects the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving lives through research conducted at Marylands two premier public universities, said Darryll J. Pines, PhD, MS, president of UMCP. By uniting College Parks leadership in engineering, science, and technology with Baltimores strengths in medicine, health, and human services, we are accelerating the translation of discovery into patient care and community benefit. Our combined success in the HERD rankings affirms that when we work as one enterprise, we deliver outcomes that truly matter.

The University of Maryland Strategic Partnership Act of 2016 strengthened and formalized the structured relationship between UMB and UMCP under the aegis of University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State. MPower-sponsored joint research centers include a wide array of scientific collaboration, such as the Maryland Blended Reality Center, the Institute for Health Computing, and the Center for Health-Related Informatics and Bioimaging.

The partnership between UMCP and UMB was further strengthened in January 2025 with the launch of a transformative collaboration to tackle a broad spectrum of health challenges and advance medical innovation: the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine. Located on the fourth floor of 4MLK, a new state-of-the-art facility in the University of Maryland BioPark in Baltimore, the center is designed to ensure that real-world clinical needs directly inform the development of new devices, diagnostics, and treatments  accelerating the pathway from research to patient care.

The strength of our unified research enterprise allows us to work across boundaries and turn breakthroughs into real-world solutions, said vice president for research Patrick OShea, PhD, MS. Our continued growth is a testament to the talent of our faculty, the dedication of our students and staff, and the states strong commitment to research that delivers measurable benefits for Maryland and beyond.

About the University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) was founded in 1807 as the Maryland College of Medicine, which now stands as the nations oldest public medical school. In response to growing social and cultural needs, UMBs mission has evolved and grown tremendously. Widely recognized as a preeminent institution, UMB serves as the academic health, law, and social work university of the University System of Maryland and is guided by a mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good through education, research, clinical care, and service.

UMB is a thriving academic health center combining cutting-edge biomedical research, exceptional patient care, and nationally ranked academic programs. With extramural funding totaling $636 million in Fiscal Year 2025, each tenured/tenure-track faculty member generates an average of $1.46 million in research grants per year. Our 3,108 faculty members conduct leading-edge research and develop solutions and technologies that impact human health locally and around the world. World-class facilities and cores, as well as interprofessional centers and institutes, allow faculty to investigate pressing questions in a highly collaborative fashion. As a result, the more than 6,800 students, postdocs, and trainees directly benefit from working and learning alongside leading experts as they push the boundaries of their fields. For a listing of UMBs organized research centers and institutes, visit umaryland.edu/research/umb-research-profile/research-centers-and-institutions.

About the University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is the states flagship university driven by a community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. As a leading research university and top 20 public institution, UMCP is proud to be part of the Association of American Universities. Dedicated to excellence and impact for the public good, the university is propelled by a $1.4 billion joint research enterprise. UMCP is the nations first Do Good campus, and is consistently ranked for its innovation, research and top-tier academic programs. Located in the National Capital Region, the university offers an unparalleled student experience with federal internship opportunities, hundreds of academic programs and study abroad options, and top-ranked living-learning programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMCPs faculty are global leaders in their fields and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit umd.edu.
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DU Admission Brochure 2026 Released: Key Points to Note

The Delhi University (DU) Vice Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh has published the DU Admission Brochure 2026 on its official website, explaining the admission process, eligibility criteria, how Common Seat Allocation System - CSAS (UG) 2026 works and other details for undergraduate (UG) students

DU Admission 2026-27: The Delhi University (DU) Vice Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh has published the DU Admission Brochure 2026 on its official website, explaining the admission process, eligibility criteria, how Common Seat Allocation System - CSAS (UG) 2026 works and other details for undergraduate (UG) students.

In the 72 page PDF, the DU VC has outlined step by step guidelines with details of the colleges affiliated to the Delhi University and courses offered by them.

Step 1: Register and appear in CUET UG 2026

Admission in all the undergraduate courses offered by the colleges and institutes affiliated with the Delhi University will be done based on the Common University Entrance Test 2026 or CUET UG 2026.

Candidates should note that the Common University Entrance Test is conducted by the National Testing Agency. The NTA has started registration for the CUET UG 2026 through the official website from January 03, 2026. The last date of application is January 30 and the last date of submitting CUET UG 2026 exam fees is January 31, 2026.

The candidates, who have not submitted their CUETUG online application form should do so immediately via cuet.nta.nic.in.

Candidates should note the NTA will conduct CUET UG 2026 in online mode from May 11 to 31, 2026.

Step 2: DU Common Seat Allocation System

Candidates who appeared in and passed the CUET UG 2026 exam will be eligible to participate in the DU UG admission counseling.

After cracking the CUET UG 2026 exam, the Delhi University will launch the Common Seat Allocation System - CSAS (UG) 2026 admission portal.

The DU CSAS portal asks students to submit their basic details along with college and course preferences.

For seat allocations and admissions, candidates must apply to the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS (UG)-2026) of University of Delhi, the DU Admission Brochure 2026 said.

Details related to allocations and admissions through CSAS (UG) 2026 etc. will be notified separately. Candidate must visit admission.uod.ac.in on regular basis, the brochure said.

Once the CSAS 2026 Portal is launched, the allocation and seat allotment of the candidates based on merit will be published online.

DU Admission to School of Open Learning

Candidate should note that admissions to all Undergraduate Programmes at the University of Delhi will be based on the scores obtained in CUET (UG) - 2026, except for admissions to the School of Open Learning (SOL), Non-Collegiate Women Education Board (NCWEB) and for Foreign Nationals.

Candidates desirous of taking admission in SOL must register at sol.du.ac.in and visit the website on regular basis.

Candidates desirous of taking admission in NCWEB must register at University of Delhi. For details refer to ncwebadmission.uod.ac.in on regular basis.

Candidates seeking admission under the Foreign Students category are required to apply on Foreign Students registry website at fsr.du.ac.in. The university has registered 10% of Supernumerary seats in each Programme for Foreign Nationals.

DU UG Admission Eligibility

The candidate who have passed Class 12th or equivalent examination from the CBSE or a recognised board are eligible to apply for DU UG courses.

Additionally, candidates will have to appear in the CUET UG 2026 in the same subjects in which they have appeared or passed the class 12th exam.

"The candidates must have studied and passed Class XII examination or its equivalent from a single recognized board, and must have studied and passed Class XII examination of any Board / University in India, or any foreign country recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)", the DU said.

The university in its brochure further said that eligible candidates desirous of seeking admission to the Undergraduate Programme(s) of the University of Delhi for the academic session 2026-27 must read the contents of this Bulletin of Information (BOI) 2026-27, as well as the notifications, updates and information published on the website of the University of Delhi (www.admission.uod.ac.in) very carefully.

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Now, UPESSC Asst Professor Exam 2025 Marred by Paper Leak

The menace of PAPER LEAKs continues to create havoc in Uttar Pradesh with the latest one to be affected is the Assistant Professor examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) in April 2025

[Gemini AI image for representation]

Lucknow: The menace of PAPER LEAKs continues to create havoc in Uttar Pradesh with the latest one to be affected is the Assistant Professor examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) in April 2025.

More than 1.14 lakh candidates had appeared in the exam held to fill around 1,017 Assistant Professor vacancies.

But, following the reports of widespread irregularities, along with paper leakage, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to cancel the UPESSC Asst Professor Recruitment Exam.

The state government has also announced to hold the exam afresh. The new date will be announced soon.

According to an official statement, the Special Task Force (STF) exposed a racket involved in preparing fake question papers and cheating candidates during the Assistant Professor examination conducted on April 16 and 17 last year.

The STF probe found that Mehboob Ali - a close aide of the then-UPESSC chairperson, Baijnath Pal, and Vinay Pal were involved in accessing, leaking, and selling question papers, in exchange for money.



Acting on the inputs, the STF arrested three accused on April 20 in connection with exam manipulation and illegal extortion.

Candidates have been advised to check the official UPESSC website for updates on the re-exam schedule.

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President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuelas interim government would be turning over billions of dollars worth of sanctioned crude oil to the United States, just days after it toppled leader Nicolas Maduro.

The U.S. plans to sell the oil  between 30 and 50 million barrels  at market prices, Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that he would personally control the proceeds to ensure they are being used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Trump said he was directing Energy Secretary Chris Wright to arrange the plan immediately and that the sanctioned crude would be brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.

The move comes as Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, is seeking to stabilize the volatile nation while managing a barrage of demands from Trump.

A U.S. naval blockade has choked off most of Venezuelas oil exports in recent weeks, threatening a key source of its revenue. Much of that crude was intended to go to China but is now accumulating in storage tanks and tankers anchored in port.

So much of Venezuelas crude had been sanctioned and building up in storage facilities that it threatened to force the country to start shutting in production, market analysts said. Initial calculations put the worth of the oil at up to $2.5 billion, Rory Johnston, an oil analyst who writes the newsletter Commodity Context, said in an email.

This likely represents most of the barrels that have built up during the blockade, both [on] ships and in overflowing domestic storagerelieving this will alleviate the building pressure to shut-in upstream production, Johnston said. I still have so many questions about how exactly this is being handled and under which legal authorities.

The United States made a similar sale of sanctioned crude in 2020, when it sold four tankers seized from Iran. In that case, the money went to a fund to help victims of state-sponsored terrorism.

Trump did not provide a timeline for the sales, but adding 30 to 50 million barrels of supply could be a shock to U.S. markets, which are already well-supplied amid record domestic production. The U.S. imported around 5.8 million barrels of oil in October, the last month for which data is available.

In the first 10 months of 2025, the U.S. imported approximately 40 million barrels from Venezuela, said Pavel Molchanov, energy industry analyst at Raymond James.

In principle, it would be possible to accelerate the pace of imports, but bringing in 30 to 50 million barrels would still require a period of months, Molchanov said.
The shock-and-awe capture of Nicolas Maduro by the United States, which was the culmination of the U.S. pressure on Venezuela in recent months, ended a tumultuous chapter in the history of the South American nation sitting on 17% of the worlds proven oil reserves.

Maduros arrest and the installation of a U.S.-compliant leadership in Caracas open another chapter in Venezuelas history, which could be equally tumultuous and, in these early days, face uncertainties and operational challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump wants the big U.S. oil firms to return to Venezuela and invest in rebuilding the oil infrastructure in the country holding the worlds biggest proven oil reserves, estimated at about 303 billion barrels.

Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, has more oil reserves than each of its fellow OPEC members and top exporters in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran.

With Maduro out, U.S. oil giants are set to invest billions of U.S. dollars to fix the oil infrastructure and start making money for Venezuela, according to President Trump.

Were going to have our very large U.S. oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, President Trump said on Saturday, shortly after the Venezuelan leader was captured and flown to the U.S. to face drug cartel-related charges in New York.

Related: The Oil Ultimatum That Led to Maduros Capture

The U.S. Presidents vision sounds like a great opportunity for the U.S. supermajors, of which only Chevron is currently authorized to operate in Venezuela and export the crude to the United States.

In reality, the mission to fix Venezuelas dilapidated oil infrastructure after decades of mismanagement and corruption would be a real challenge, the political and security situation on the ground permitting.

Analysts have started to quantify how much money it would take to resurrect Venezuelas industry. Its quite a lot, and will take at least a decade, even if U.S. oil firms were to flock to the opportunity, they say.

Returning Venezuelas oil production to the 1970s peak of 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd), more than triple the current output of about 1 million bpd, would need $10 billion in annual investment from U.S. oil majors over the next decade, Francisco Monaldi, director of Latin American energy policy at Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy, told Bloomberg.
Mr Thio Boon Kiat, Group Chief Executive Officer, UOBAM, said, "UOB Asset Management is committed to delivering timely, innovative and high-quality solutions that anticipate investors' evolving needs. Our deep presence and insights across ASEAN, built over decades of managing assets in the region, give us a unique advantage in understanding both the market and our clients. As interest rates decline, dividend strategies have become increasingly important for enhancing income and long-term returns. ASEAN is not only a source of strong dividend opportunities, but also a region of enduring growth potential, underpinned by favourable demographics, rising domestic consumption, and ongoing structural development. We believe these drivers will continue to position ASEAN as a key engine of wealth creation in Asia. With this ETF, investors can access these opportunities in a simple, cost-efficient way while benefitting from the region's resilience and long-term growth."

The ETF invests in leading companies across five key ASEAN markets  Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines  offering exposure to the region's long-term growth potential while providing stability and resilience. The ETF counts Index constituents such as Singapore's local banks DBS Group, OCBC (Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation) and UOB (United Overseas Bank), and other high-quality names including Malaysia's Malayan Banking, Indonesia's Astra International and Thailand's PTT among its top constituents (as of 31 December 2025).

In line with Asia's increased focus on shareholder returns, more ASEAN companies are offering enhanced dividend payouts. The ETF tracks the FTSE ASEAN ex REITs Target Dividend Index (the "Index"), which is designed to achieve 100 per cent dividend yield increase compared to its underlying index  FTSE ASEAN Index. The ETF aims to pay dividends of at least 6.0 per cent p.a. in 2026 and 2027, one of the highest among Singapore-listed ETFs [1] .

As investors seek to enhance income and strengthen long-term total returns, ASEAN has emerged as an attractive destination for dividend strategies, supported by robust economic fundamentals and a broad base of companies with established dividend track records. The region also offers a diverse mix of growth-oriented and established economies, creating opportunities for portfolio diversification across different market cycles.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UOB Asset Management Ltd (UOBAM) is set to launch the UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF (the "ETF") on 29 January 2026. At the point of listing, it is the only dividend-focused ASEAN exchange-traded fund to be listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and is part of the Singapore Exchange-Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SGX-SSE) ETF Product Link.

Story Continues

UOBAM is collaborating with FTSE Russell and Ping An Fund Management to offer this ETF to Singapore and international investors. FTSE Russell is a leading global provider of index and benchmark solutions, with a long history of working with ASEAN stock exchanges.

Mr Nico Boulay, Head of APAC, FTSE Russell commented, "ASEAN is increasingly emerging as a standout opportunity within Asia, with investors rediscovering the region's unique strengths. As FTSE Russell continues to grow its ASEAN index suite and become more specialised, we expect to see even greater investor interest and participation in ASEAN markets worldwide."

Ms Jasmine Lim, Deputy General Manager of Ping An Fund Management said, "We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with the launch of this ETF under the SGX-SZSE ETF-Connect programme. Through this collaboration, we aim to offer our investors in China an effective investment tool to access ASEAN markets to achieve portfolio diversification and income growth."

About the Initial Offering Period

The Initial Offering Period will open on 7 January 2026. Investors may subscribe to the ETF in SGD through the Participating Dealers  Phillip Securities, UOB Kay Hian, Tiger Brokers Singapore, Moo Moo Singapore, iFAST Financial, and Maybank Securities. Investors can also invest in the ETF via UOB's ATMs and Internet banking, and OCBC's ATMs and Internet banking. The Issue Price of each unit during the Initial Offering Period is S$1.00.

The Initial Offering Period will close on 26 January 2026 for subscriptions made via ATMs and Internet banking and via Participating Dealers.

Once the ETF is listed on SGX on 29 January 2026, investors will be able to trade through their brokers and respective trading platforms in SGD (stock code: UPD) and USD (stock code: UPU).

Investors can trade using either cash or Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) funds. As an Excluded Investment Product (EIP), the UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF will not require customers to fulfill Customer Account Review (CAR) criteria in order to trade.

For more information about the UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF, visit uobam.com.sg/upd.

About UOBAM

UOB Asset Management Ltd (UOBAM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Overseas Bank Limited. Established in 1986, UOBAM has nearly 40 years of experience in managing collective investment schemes and discretionary funds in Singapore, making us among the largest unit trust managers by assets under management. As of 30 November 2025, we managed 63 unit trusts in Singapore and together with our subsidiaries, oversees S$40.8 billion in clients' assets.

Headquartered in Singapore, UOBAM has a strong presence across Asia, with business and investment offices in Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Our network includes UOB Islamic Asset Management Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, a joint venture with Ping An Fund Management Company Limited (China) and strategic alliances with partners such as Wellington Management Singapore.

UOBAM is one of the region's most awarded asset managers, with over 360 awards won. In 2025, we were recognised as the Best Asset Management Company (Regional) by the Asia Asset Management and previously named Best Asset Management House in Asia  20 Years in 2023. Our digital innovation has also earned top honours, including Best Digital Wealth Management in Asia4 and Best Robo Advisory Initiative5 for 3 consecutive years as of 2024.

As a leader in sustainable investing, UOBAM was awarded Best application of ESG in ASEAN6 (2023) and has received multiple sustainability accolades in Indonesia and Thailand. Our artificial intelligence capabilities were also recognised with the Most Innovative Application of Artificial Intelligence (ASEAN) for 2 consecutive years7.

For full list of UOBAM awards, please visit uobam.com.sg/awards.

About Ping An Fund Management

Ping An Fund Management Co., Ltd., established in January 2011, is a key member of Ping An Group's asset management sector. The company is committed to providing professional and comprehensive asset management services to a wide range of institutional and individual investors both domestically and internationally.

As of the end of September 2025, Ping An Fund's public fund assets under management totaled RMB 682.5 billion, with 237 funds under its management. Its product offerings include active and passive equity funds, bond funds, money market funds, FOFs, and REITs, covering a full spectrum of risk levels from high to low, forming a well-rounded product line. The company consistently upholds the principle of "Professionalism Builds Trust" and has served approximately 167 million individual clients to date.

Important notice and disclaimers

Distributions will be made in respect of the Distribution Classes of the Fund. Distributions are based on the NAV per unit of the relevant Distribution Class as at the last business day of the calendar month or quarter. The making of distributions is at the absolute discretion of UOBAM and that distributions are not guaranteed. The making of any distribution shall not be taken to imply that further distributions will be made. UOBAM reserves the right to vary the frequency and/or amount of distributions. Distributions from a fund may be made out of income and/or capital gains and (if income and/or capital gains are insufficient) out of capital. Investors should also note that the declaration and/or payment of distributions (whether out of income, capital gains, capital or otherwise) may have the effect of lowering the net asset value (NAV) of the relevant fund. Moreover, distributions out of capital may amount to a reduction of part of your original investment and may result in reduced future returns. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information.

This document is for general information only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation to deal in units in the Fund ("Units") or investment advice or recommendation and was prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person who may receive it.



The information contained in this document, including any data, projections and underlying assumptions, are based upon certain assumptions, management forecasts and analysis of information available and reflects prevailing conditions and UOB Asset Management Ltd's ("UOBAM") views as of the date of the document, all of which are subject to change at any time without notice. In preparing this document, UOBAM has relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information available from public sources or which was otherwise reviewed by UOBAM. While the information provided herein is believed to be reliable, UOBAM makes no representation or warranty whether express or implied, and accepts no responsibility or liability for its completeness or accuracy. Nothing in this document shall, under any circumstances constitute a continuing representation or give rise to any implication that there has not been or there will not be any change affecting the Fund. No representation or promise as to the performance of the Fund or the return on your investment is made. Past performance of the Fund or UOBAM and any past performance or prediction, projection or forecast of the economic trends or securities market are not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance of the Fund or UOBAM. The value of Units and the income from them, if any, may fall as well as rise, and is likely to have high volatility due to the investment policies and/or portfolio management techniques employed by the Fund. Investments in Units involve risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested, and are not obligations of, deposits in, or guaranteed or insured by United Overseas Bank Limited ("UOB"), UOBAM, or any of their subsidiary, associate or affiliate ("UOB Group") or distributors of the Fund. The Fund may use or invest in financial derivative instruments and you should be aware of the risks associated with investments in financial derivative instruments which are described in the Fund's prospectus. The UOB Group may have interests in the Units and may also perform or seek to perform brokering and other investment or securities-related services for the Fund.



Investors should note that the Fund is not like a conventional unit trust in that an investor cannot redeem his Units directly with UOBAM and can only do so through the participating dealers if his redemption amount satisfies a prescribed minimum that will be comparatively larger than that required for redemptions of units in a conventional unit trust. An investor may therefore only be able to realise the value of his Units by selling the Units on the Singapore Exchange Limited ("SGX"). Investors should also note that any listing and quotation of Units on the SGX does not guarantee a liquid market for the Units.



An investment in unit trusts is subject to investment risks and foreign exchange risks, including the possible loss of all or part of the principal amount invested. Investors should read the Fund's prospectus and product highlights sheet, which are available and may be obtained from UOBAM or any of its appointed agents or distributors, before deciding whether to subscribe for or purchase any Units. You are responsible for your own investment decisions. You may wish to seek advice from a financial adviser before making a commitment to invest in any Units, and in the event that you choose not to do so, you should consider carefully whether the Fund is suitable for you.



The UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF has been developed solely by UOBAM. The UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF is not in any way connected to or sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the "LSE Group"). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies.

All rights in the FTSE ASEAN ex REITs Target Dividend Index vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the FTSE ASEAN ex REITs Target Dividend Index. "FTSE" is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license.

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US forces are attempting to seize a Venezuela-linked, Russia-flagged ship in the north Atlantic thats been at the center of a dramatic sea chase across the ocean, according to people familiar with the matter.

The operation at the tanker  now named the Marinera  is ongoing, the people said, who asked not to be identified discussing security operations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Its the latest development in a nautical hunt thats involved the US coast guard as well as American and UK surveillance aircraft. Unverified videos published by Russian media outlet RT showed at least one MH-6 Little Bird helicopter, which is used by US special operations forces, flying near the Marinera.

The tanker, sailing through waters between Iceland and Scotland, changed direction just before noon UK time on Wednesday, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Having been sailing northeast, it moved southeast. It also slowed down slightly  to around 8.5 knots  from 9.2 earlier in the day. Its not known if that was due to the actions of the US.

The US Defense Department didnt respond to requests for comment on the operation, which was earlier reported by Reuters.

Source: Bloomberg

The drama began last month when the tanker evaded a US naval blockade around Venezuela, designed to disrupt the illicit oil trade. Since then, its been chased by the US Coast Guard through the Caribbean Sea and into the Atlantic. It changed its flag to Russia during that time, a move likely intended to seek protection.

Asked about any US operation to intercept the ship, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers spokesman, Tom Wells, told reporters in London that we dont comment on the operational activity of other nations, including third-party use of UK bases.

He also declined to say whether the UK is involved in anyway.

--With assistance from Alex Longley and Julian Lee.

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User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

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6009 (494.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : 6.4 aftershock | 17 users found this interesting. why is @sophiahortelano2243 has 825 xp

why is @sophiahortelano2243 has 825 xp / not felt

General Santos City,Bula (221.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s hanging object move, the movement is horizontal, dizziness I felt even I sit in the chair | 15 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Iponan, Cagayan De Oro City (264.6 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s : When I was school, My phone was alarming "Emergency Alert" and I told them to go outside. It was Moderate shaking. Actually all my students are evacuate going outside, and nobody is hurt. | 10 users found this interesting.

Mati (72.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Severe shaking (MMI VIII) / 1-2 minutes : Very strong my house was very damaged and the roads had large cracks too everything fell off the shelves | 8 users found this interesting.

panabo city (115.4 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s at home windows rattle and lights swing. slightly side to side motion of ground. | 8 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

I was in Lupon Vocational high school doing a shor (96 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s : Me and my classmates were on the 3rd floor when it happened, when all the sudden I felt the building shake, so I shouted "LINOG" to all my classmates (8) and when we evacuated there was a lot of students blocking the path and many more incoming so we slipped our way through them and hurried to head back to our classrooms | 6 users found this interesting.

Mati, Davao Oriental, Davao Region (73.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) i was walking. it felt like I got dizzy for a bit. | 7 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Borongan City (492.4 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : I felt it once I stopped moving | 6 users found this interesting.

Davao city, Langub (132.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 minutes Slow swaying | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 minutes

davao (127.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : I thought I was just dizzy then I noticed the water jug swirling and the hanged clothes swaying | 4 users found this interesting.

Loreto Philippine (331.4 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : Disorientated shacky | 3 users found this interesting.

santa josefa agusan del sur (101.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 20-30 s : felt the quake even when we are walking outside | 3 users found this interesting.

Butuan City (217.2 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 20-30 s : My math teacher was teaching math and the earthquake start again and my classmates freaked out so we went outside and the earthquake stopped but luckily it's not strong as what happened in October 10 | One user found this interesting.

Earthquake Philippines (32.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 15-20 s Earthquake Mag 3.0 Struck Philippines Island Mindanao Region Davao Province Davao Occidental Philippine Sea Sarangani Davao Tsunami No | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 15-20 s

Davao City (1018 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : I happened to be outside already but interesting enough I got a warning on phone prior to the quake here. | One user found this interesting.

Santa Maria, Davao Occidental (170.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s It feels like the ground was swaying when i was in the pool, it caused waves to our pool. | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s

Bansalan , Davao del Sur (179.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s swinging of hanging objects, water in bottles. | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s

Davao City (130.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / several minutes : Small swimming pool was waving back and forth. | 2 users found this interesting.

tagum city (101.5 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s not Strong | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s

Polomolok (223.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Was at the grocery store, saw the panels swaying and then felt dizzy | One user found this interesting.

Samal (1017.2 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 30-60 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting.

Davao City (133.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 minutes : Light shakin | One user found this interesting.

General Santos (227.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Sideways i really felt it | One user found this interesting.

Sorsogon, Bicol Region (687.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Dauis, Bohol, Central Visayas (398.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Lahad Datu, Sabah (963.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

San Benito, Bataan, Central Luzon (1078.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Bukal, Batangas, Calabarzon (942.8 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Banilad, Negros Oriental, Central Visayas (433.3 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Limao, Davao del Norte, Davao Region (122.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Putiao, Sorsogon, Bicol Region (707.4 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt
Photo: Michelle Gustafson for New York Magazine

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Professor Justin McDaniel, the tenured chair of the religious-studies department at the University of Pennsylvania, has found a way to make his students read again. They dont write papers or take tests; instead, he asks them to follow a strict set of behavioral constraints. They must give up their cell phones and other worldly distractions, including, in one course, sex. In his popular class Existential Despair, the students gather one evening each week for seven or eight hours to read an entire book in total silence, then discuss it in a darkened classroom. Some had never read a whole novel before. Id be lucky if I got through one every four years, said a recent graduate named Ryan, who has floppy hair parted in the middle and a marketing degree from Wharton, Penns business school. After McDaniels class, he said, I got into a rhythm: Every night before bed, I put my phone in another room and I knocked out one chapter.

On a recent Monday night, McDaniel welcomed a dozen former students and a couple of his friends to his apartment in Philadelphia for a reading group based on the course. As his guests arrived, McDaniel reminded them of the first rule of the night. You cannot introduce yourself by anything about you, he said. I dont want to hear any majors. I dont want to hear any jobs. I dont want to hear any impressive things about you at all. If people wanted to talk, they could share an embarrassing story. The spirit of this book were reading tonight is about uncomfortable situations in very close quarters, he said. So thats what were going to have.

As usual, McDaniel hadnt told anyone what they would be reading. Hed said only that he had bought 13 copies, that it was 170 pages, and that they would need six hours to get through it and talk about it. McDaniel, 53, dressed in black, has close-cropped hair and very good posture. That evening, he had a roving, restless energy and a negroni he kept refilling. His loft apartment, as he put it to me, is all books and bottles. The shelving unit that contains some of his collection of roughly 20,000 books stretches to the ceiling of the two-story living room; McDaniel would later perch on its narrow catwalk to deliver his lecture. In the bar upstairs, he keeps about 2,000 bottles, mostly whiskey, rum, and amaro. I tend to have bitter tastes, he said.

For a self-described anarchist, McDaniel has an unusual taste for rules. His childhood was full of them. He grew up in a strict Catholic household in Pennsylvania, attending morning Mass every Sunday, and went to a boys high school run by Hungarian monks. He spent part of his 20s in a remote Buddhist monastery in Thailand and became an ordained monk. Today, he identifies as Catholic but says religion is a complicated question for him. I really do think its What you see is what you get and were going to die. But even if nothing matters  and I dont think theres proof anything does  you want to make something matter.

His hope, upon creating the course, was that once students managed to resist the constant temptation of scrolling and texting, they would gain experience in tolerating boredom and loneliness and find solace in the practice of reading novels, which has been lately drifting toward obsolescence. In a 2024 feature in The Atlantic, more than 30 professors at elite universities reported many of their students arrive at school unable to get through multiple books in a semester; the former chair of Georgetowns English department said his students struggle to stay focused for the length of a sonnet. Some professors felt they had no choice but to lower their expectations and assign less reading. McDaniel had the opposite instinct. He thought students still wanted to read great literature but needed help shutting out distractions. They cant do it on their own, he told me. They need a spotter.

McDaniel had already been experimenting with unorthodox approaches to coursework. Twenty-three years ago, he began teaching the monk class, which offers students a glimpse of monastic life. In it, McDaniels dictates how these students dress and what they eat, forbids them caffeine or alcohol, and, for one month, bans the use of all technology besides electric lights and most social contact outside classroom hours, including phone calls home and sex. A penance council of students comes up with punishments for those who break the rules. (When one student was seen waving to a friend on campus, the council decided she should sleep without a blanket.)

McDaniel told me he is aware of how all this sounds. My first lecture for that class is always on Jim Jones, he said. I tell them, Lets talk about cults. Lets talk about mind control. Lets talk about this because it sounds very cultish.  As McDaniel sees it, Jones  who founded the Peoples Temple and eventually led more than 900 followers into a mass murder-suicide by ordering them to drink cyanide-laced punch  was after something fundamentally different from what McDaniel is trying to instill in his students. Joness followers didnt think, McDaniel said. Thats not what this course is about. Its not about control. Its about giving yourself space. He would tell his students, I have friends. I dont need you as friends. I dont need to be teaching this class. If you really want to learn a monastic life, then lets try it. And youre going to get out of it what you put into it.

The monk class is among the most popular at Penn with hundreds of students applying for 14 spots. Several students told me they appreciated how McDaniels approach stood out from the schools broader culture, which pushes people toward careers in consulting or finance at blue-chip firms. Michelle, who graduated with a statistics degree from Wharton in 2019, took three courses with McDaniel, including the monk class. She told me shed learned there was freedom in discipline. Its the freedom to develop your human potential, to become who youre meant to be.

When McDaniel began teaching Existential Despair a decade ago, he came up with a set of ground rules that were inspired by the monk courses but less restrictive. Students would read only literature  no biographies or self-help books. He forbade them from taking notes so as not to distract from the act of reading. His approach has inspired similar classes at Bard College and Bryant University in Rhode Island. (It is also the basis for McDaniels forthcoming book, tentatively titled This Will Destroy You: How Literature Teaches Us to Flourish in the Face of Existential Despair, set to be published in 2027.)

At Penn, he has taught classes on the cultural history of Buddhism and other religions. He feels that great novels can be read as religious texts, too. Part of the point of most religious stories, he believes, is that other people have endured ordeal after ordeal  and somehow carried on. McDaniel gravitates toward books that deal with bleak subjects: torture, genocide, hopelessness, pain and sickness, guilt and shame. He offered the example of Carson McCullers, one of the saddest novelists of the 20th century, who was poor and ill and an alcoholic yet produced some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking literature of her time. We should be looking to the sadness, he told me. We should be looking to the people who produced something beautiful when they didnt have to. In a way, he says, he sees the course as a form of staving off suicide.

. .

Photo: Michelle Gustafson for New York Magazine. Photo: Michelle Gustafson for New York Magazine.

At his apartment, McDaniel instructed his guests to find a place to read. Go sit on the couch, or go sit at the table. But at one point Im going to say switch. So if youre sitting at the table, you switch with a person sitting on the couch. I think its a very kind thing, and Im going to enforce it. Now put your feet up on things. Relax. He handed out the copies of Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, an account of a marriage gone horribly wrong in the middle of a harsh New England winter at the turn of the 20th century. Its absolutely devastating, McDaniel told the group. Its slow. If you find yourself thinking, Oh geez, I need to read that paragraph again, thats normal. Just allow the book to wash over you.

He reminded students that there would be no note-taking and, of course, no phones. Im not taking them from you, he said. But you know not to use them. One student raised his hand and asked McDaniel if he would take his phone anyway. Please  I need the physical separation, he said. McDaniel laughed and agreed.

McDaniel told me that students are almost always eager to follow his rules. This may have something to do with his outsize persona. As one student at the reading group put it, hes a mysterious and intriguing person, almost like a literary figure, who has everybody completely fascinated just by virtue of existing. Another described him to me as the least human and the most human person I know, meaning that his affect alternates between empathetic and robotic. He keeps a crying chair in his office and allows students to sit in it and cry for 15 minutes at a time, no questions asked (he leaves the room). But now and then, he told me, some students needed a little smackdown. During one reading session last spring, he lost his temper. The class was reading The Sheltering Sky, by Paul Bowles. About halfway through, a few students finished and started chatting. It was five or six people who could not stop their self-satisfaction, how clever and interesting they were. Finally, I had to unleash on them. I was actually cruel to them, but they deserved it. He shouted Shut the fuck up! over and over until the room fell silent. (Afterward, he wrote in a note to the class, I am sorry I got so disappointed tonight.)

Ryan, the recent graduate, had been in that class. He told me some students complained on the discussion board. People were really angry, he said. They wrote that they hadnt signed up to be yelled at. Ryan felt differently. Its almost like a 4-D experience of what it means to be in despair, he said. I didnt sign up for the books. I signed up for the actual feeling. Its putting you out of your comfort zone. I became much more comfortable being alone.

Another student sitting across the dining table said shed heard about that particular class. They werent ready to welcome it, she said. Everyone in my group, we were signing up for exactly this.

Some of McDaniels peers are skeptical of his approach. One professor, who heard him give a talk in which he described disciplining students, said, Everyone wants a sexy, powerful solution to the reading crisis, and hes trying to deliver it in the form of himself. I just think whenever anyones doing that, run in the other direction.

As we stilled our bodies and sank into Whartons chilly, hopeless world, the only sounds in McDaniels apartment were the flipping of pages, the shifting of legs and arms, the creaking of furniture, and the occasional sigh. The plot is simple: Ethan Frome, a struggling farmer tethered to a sickly, embittered wife, Zeena, discovers a fleeting warmth in the presence of Zeenas young cousin, Mattie, who arrives to help around the house. When Zeena decides the girl must go, Ethan and Mattie (who never consummate their love) choose obliteration over returning to the life they knew, steering a sled into an elm in a suicide attempt. They survive  Mattie paralyzed, Ethan crippled  and the three remain under one roof, settling into a long, airless life together. In the books final line, a neighbor sums up the tragedy: I dont sees theres much difference between the Fromes up at the farm and the Fromes down in the graveyard; cept that down there theyre all quiet, and the women have got to hold their tongues.

For about three hours, we read in silence. As students finished, they moved, silently, to predetermined spots upstairs for smaller discussion groups. A friend of McDaniels, a retired doctor sitting on a couch by the bar upstairs, said she related to the lovers urge to escape: I cant count how many times I wanted to get in a van and just take off. Just to escape from reality. Darya, a former student who sat with her legs tucked underneath her on the rug beside the coffee table, empathized instead with Zeena. We never learn her perspective on the events, Darya pointed out. We know only what Ethan tells us: that his wife is difficult, unpleasant, and not beautiful. Was it really true? I wanted to know the tea, Darya said.

McDaniel, a fresh negroni in hand, pointed out that Wharton herself had an unhappy marriage that may have never been consummated. But Wharton, unlike the characters in her novels, never seemed to give in to despair. She traveled the world, wrote more than 40 books, and carried on a passionate love affair. Eventually, she asked her husband for a divorce. She writes about being trapped, but she was a person who was never trapped, McDaniel said.

Around 11:30 p.m., the group returned to the living room, where McDaniel climbed the ladder to the top of his bookshelf and sat on the catwalk, elbows perched on the railing, legs dangling. After offering a brief lecture on Whartons life and work, he asked whether this bitter tale from a hundred years ago still resonates.

One student pointed out that young people, especially those on college campuses, have far more options than the Fromes did, stuck on a farm in rural Massachusetts. Others werent so sure. Nowadays, the dating scene is people who dont want to commit to any kind of relationship. Its a different kind of trap, someone said.

Past midnight, the students filed toward the door. McDaniel lingered in the hallway. He invited anyone who wanted to keep talking to stay and drink with him. I drink for a living, he said. I also do other things but primarily drink. When no one took him up on the offer, I thought of something hed told me earlier: I always say, Im not concerned with their 19-year-old self. I have no interest in their 19-year-old self. Theyre hopeful. They have their life ahead of them. Im 53. Im worried about their 53-year-old self. Im worried about the midlife crisis. Im worried about the divorce.

McDaniel was divorced a few years back after 24 years of marriage. His kids have left the house: His younger daughter is now a freshman in New York, and his elder son lives in Eastern Europe. Hes had, he estimates, some nine midlife crises. Im driving a green Alfa Romeo right now, he told me. Thats how good my midlife crises are. Mostly, though, he stays at home, alone with his books and his bottles. He sleeps very little, a fact that sometimes impresses his students, who imagine how productive he must be in the middle of the night. Its not a good thing, he said. Lately, when he has trouble filling the hours, he turns to Beckett, in particular Watt, the writers second novel  a nearly incomprehensible masterpiece that will take me forever to understand, and I hope I never do, he said. Over the past two weeks, hed read it 15 times. Thats not healthy, he pointed out.

But it was better than reading nothing at all. After the last of his guests had left his apartment, he returned to the library, poured himself another drink, and looked around for a book. He picked up Clarice Lispectors The Passion According to G.H.  a meditation from the point of view of a woman alone in her maids room after she kills a cockroach  and began to read.
A oil pumpjack on Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Zulia state, Venezuela [Bloomberg via Getty Images]

The US will control sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil "indefinitely" as it prepares to roll back restrictions on the country's crude in global markets, the White House said.

Officials said sales were expected to start with 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil and the revenue would be controlled by the US government in order to maintain clout over the Venezuelan government.

"We need to have that leverage and control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

It is not clear what portion of the revenues from the sale - which analysts expect to raise about $2.8bn (2.1bn) - would be shared with Venezuela.

While White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the two sides had struck a deal, Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA said in a statement that negotiations over oil sales were ongoing within the framework that exists between the two countries.

"This process is based on similar rules to those in force with international companies," it said.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump announced on social media on Tuesday that Venezuela would be "turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, and it would be sold at its market price.

The White House said the money would be deposited into US-controlled accounts, which Trump said he as president would control and use to benefit the people of Venezuela and the US.

White House officials said on Wednesday that they had already taken steps to start marketing the oil and the administration was working with key banks and commodity firms to execute the sales.

As part of the plan, the US is preparing to "selectively" roll back sanctions, which have restricted sales of Venezuelan crude for decades.

"We're going to let the oil flow," Wright told a conference alongside energy executives in Miami. He added that the money would then "flow back into Venezuela".

"We are not stealing anyone's oil," he added later in an appearance on CNBC in which he said the administration's first priority for the funds was to stabilise the country's economy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the aim was to disburse the money "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people - not corruption, not the regime - so we have a lot of leverage to move on the stabilisation front".

Analysts said the impact of resuming oil sales would depend on the details.

But the plan drew swift criticism from Democrats, with Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut calling it "insane".
Funerals for Italian teens killed in Swiss fire held on Wednesday.

Italian president Sergio Mattarella is to attend a memorial ceremony in Switzerland on Friday for the victims of the deadly New Year fire at a bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort.

The fire, which left 40 people dead, including six Italians, was likely caused by sparklers attached to champagne bottles as young people partied at Le Constellation bar.

French president Emmanuel Macron will also attend the memorial event planned in Martigny on Friday in honour of the victims, nine of which were French, and the 116 injured, all of whom have now been identified.

Switzerland will hold a national day of mourning on Friday, Swiss president Guy Parmelin said, with church bells to ring out across the country at 14.00.

The bodies of five of the six Italian victims of the tragedy, all aged 16, were repatriated on Monday.

A minute's silence was held in schools across Italy on Wednesday, coinciding with the funerals of the six Italians: Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo in Milan, Giovanni Tamburi in Bologna, Emanuele Galeppini in Genoa, and Riccardo Minghetti in Rome.

The funeral of 15-year-old dual Swiss-Italian citizen Sofia Prosperi took place in her home town of Lugano, in Switzerland, news agency ANSA reports.

A memorial Mass, reportedly requested by Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, will be held in Rome on Friday afternoon in memory of the victims of the fire.

The memorial is set to be attended by Meloni and members of the government alongside opposition leaders, according to Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian bishops' conference.

The service will be presided over by the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, at the Basilica dei Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso in the city centre.
Dawn Meats Chief Executive Niall Browne has stepped in as acting CEO of the New Zealand sheep-meat processing cooperative Alliance Group. Willie Wiese stepped down from the role on January 6.

Dawn Meats, a Waterford-based red meat processor, completed the majority acquisition of the Alliance Group in December, assuming a 65% stake in the business.

Willie Wiese spent 8 years at Alliance Group, with almost three years as chief executive. Mr Wiese left the business to attend to pressing family matters and to focus on new opportunities.

I have decided it is the right time for new leadership to lead the next phase of growth, Mr Wiese said.

Im proud of the hard work and support of the Alliance team and our farmer shareholders, that has brought the company to this point, with the business now well positioned for the future.

I am delighted to have Dawn as a partner in the Alliance joint venture and have full confidence that this will be a successful partnership for Dawn and farmer-shareholders.

Niall Browne hailed his predecessor.

Willie has worked extremely hard over the last two and a half years to help find a suitable partner for Alliance and played an integral role in the successful capital raise, Mr Browne said.

With the first quarter results under our belt, we are tracking ahead of budget, with supply from both current and returning shareholders and new suppliers.

Dawn Meats paid roughly 132 million in acquiring their stake in Alliance Group.

92 million of that investment will go towards reducing Alliances short-term working capital facility, with a further 20 million dedicated to payments for farmers-shareholders.

Dawn Meats was originally founded in Kilmacthomas in 1980 by three Irish farming families.
It is with great sadness that the Walsh family announce the death of Mrs Breda Walsh, late of Pinewood Avenue, Hillview, who passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, in her 97th year, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cork in 1929, Breda spent a happy and much-loved childhood in Garrandarragh, Mullinavat. Following her marriage to her devoted husband Tony Walsh, the couple moved to Waterford City, where they spent 30 wonderful years raising their family in St Johns Park. Together they reared eight children: Eamonn, Brendan, Bernadette, Oliver, Fintan, Imelda (RIP), Miriam, and Paula.

Breda and Tony were deeply involved in parish life, and their home was always a place of welcome. Renowned for Bredas beautiful home baking, the kettle was forever on, and the door always open to friends, neighbours, Christian Brothers, nuns, and priests. Everyone was welcomed for a chat, warmth, and kindness.

Breda worked in Raytex, Kilcohan for many years.

A turn of good fortune saw Breda win a bungalow in the Sacred Heart Parish draw, after which the family moved to Hillview, where they enjoyed 40 happy years among wonderful neighbours and friends. In September 2024, due partly to Bredas mobility needs, she and Tony made the decision to move to Mooncoin Residential Care Centre.

The exceptional care, kindness, dignity, and respect shown by the staff there was a gift beyond measure to the family, for which they will be forever grateful. Breda had no other health issues and passed peacefully and contentedly, simply of old age, with Tony and her family by her side.

December was a particularly kind month, filled with visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing memories, stories, laughter, and celebrating a life truly well lived.

Breda was a gifted and passionate craftswoman, with her hands always busy. She was widely admired for her beautiful crochet work - creating countless ponchos and blankets, and even two magnificent wedding dresses. Her Carrickmackross lace and Mountmellick embroidery earned her many competition awards. One of her most treasured achievements was a framed Our Father piece, which was proudly presented to St Beacons Church on her behalf.

A founding member of Samaritans Waterford, Breda was trained by the Cork branch and gave an extraordinary 41 years of dedicated service. A natural listener, she answered countless calls, offering comfort and support to people in their most difficult moments.

She was a proud advocate for the organisation, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in March. Breda also devoted over 30 years to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, where many will fondly remember her from the shop - sorting clothes and greeting customers with a warm smile on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Breda lived at home for 95 years, lovingly cared for by her devoted husband Tony.

Married for an incredible 73 years and 10 months, their life together was a true testament to love and partnership. Daughters Miriam and Paula were especially proud to support and care for their parents, enabling them to remain at home for so long. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all healthcare professionals, home care assistants, and, in particular, Dr Sharon ODonnell, for their outstanding care and support.

Breda was laid to rest in St Beacons Cemetery following a beautiful and dignified service celebrated by Fr Barron. She now rests peacefully at home once again in Mullinavat. Breda loved flowers, and the family were deeply touched by the many beautiful bouquets received.

Many people took to RIP.ie to express their sympathies to Breda's family.

Doc and Marian Nolan wrote: "What a lovely lady, always had a word for everyone."

Pat Fallon from New Ross wrote: "Sincere sympathies to Tony and all Breda's family. I knew Breda from her time in Beau St., a great volunteer. May she rest in peace."

Teresa and Harry Quinlan from Hillview wrote: "Sincere condolences to Breda's husband Tony, daughters and sons and extended family on your sad loss. We have known Breda for over 50 years, she was one of a kind. Rest in peace. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. And especially at Christmas time."

Mary Ahearne wrote: "So sad to see Mrs Walsh has passed over to the other side. I lived across the road from her in Hillview, she was such a lovely lady and great neighbour. I send my sincere sympathy to her family at this very sad time."

Tony and the Walsh family sincerely thank all who offered condolences, sent cards, and shared kind words during this time.

Bredas life was truly celebrated, and she will be remembered always as the strong, kind woman she was - deeply loved and greatly missed.
By Stephen Nellis

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Tuesday he does not believe China's government will make a formal declaration that it has allowed Chinese firms to import the U.S. company's H200 chips but that evidence will come through purchase orders.

"My expectation is that we're not expecting any press releases or any large declarations," Huang said, after saying that demand for the H200 chips was strong among Chinese customers.

"It's just going to be purchase orders. If the purchase orders come, it's because they're able to place purchase orders," Huang said during a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

U.S. President Donald Trump last year reversed a longstanding ban on shipping advanced artificial intelligence chips to China, saying he would allow Nvidia to sell the H200, which was the predecessor to its current flagship "Blackwell" chips.

Earlier on Tuesday in an interview with a JPMorgan analyst, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said that the U.S. government is "working feverishly" on license applications for Nvidia to ship its H200 chips to China, but that the company still does not know when they will be approved.

"We're going to wait and see what will happen," Kress said of the applications.

At the press conference, Huang said that Nvidia is ramping up H200 chips for Chinese firms.

"The customer demand is high - quite high," Huang said. "We've fired up our supply chain, and H200s are flowing through the line."

On Monday, Nvidia showed a sextet of new chips that it said are in full production to form the next "Vera Rubin" generation of its AI computing systems. Kress declined to say whether Nvidia was facing any specific bottlenecks as it ramps up production but said "we feel very solid" about the state of its supply chain.

Nvidia has called for $500 billion in sales from its current "Blackwell" generation as well as the forthcoming Vera Rubin chips by the end of this year. Kress said there have "already been discussions" about data center buildouts with customers for 2027 but did not give sales guidance.

Huang said demand is high for Nvidia products across the board.

"I'm fully expecting a really giant year for our business with TSMC," Huang said, referring to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, which makes most of Nvidia's chips.

Huang also said that he plans a visit soon to Israel, where the company has 5,000 employees and is looking to double its workforce. Local media reported last month that Nvidia is in talks to buy Israeli firm AI21 Labs.
Met Eireann has issued a moderate weather warning for Waterford with possible snow and ice on the way.

The warning was issued by Waterford City and County Council on behalf of Met Eireann and relates to Storm Goretti.

Rain is expected, which will be heavy at times, however, it's also expected it will turn to sleet and snow in places on Thursday afternoon, particularly at elevation.

Accumulations are possible and the potential impacts could include hazardous travelling conditions, spot flooding, poor visibility and icy patches.

The snow and ice severity level is marked as 'Yellow' and the warning will come into effect from 12 noon on Thursday, January 8, until 8pm that evening.

In addition to Waterford other counties for which the warning will be in place will include Wexford, Cork and Kerry.

For more information and further updates log on to www.met.ie
Waterford City and County Council has issued notice of restrictions to farmers ahead of the imminent arrival of Storm Goretti, which is due to hit the country tomorrow, Thursday, January 8.

A spokesperson for the local authority said there are restrictions on organic fertiliser spreading - and soiled water - within 48 hours of heavy rain.

The reminder came in the wake of Met Eireann issuing an advisory yellow snow and ice weather warning for the county - that's due to come into effect between 12pm and 8pm tomorrow [Thursday, January 8].

In its warning Met Eireann said the possible impacts could include spot flooding, hazardous travel conditions and poor visibility.

Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers, or soiled water, shall not be applied to land when it is snow-covered, frozen or waterlogged, or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.
Waterford City and County Council ranks in the middle compared to other South East county council's funding from central government.

Waterford City and County Councils budget for 2026 outlined 207.3 million of projected expenditure.

97.5 million of that funding came from central government grants, a 47.08% share of the councils total expenditure.

The Department of Housing (55 million) and TII Transport Infrastructure Ireland (29.3 million) were the two largest providers of the councils grant income.

A comparison to other South East county council budgets shows Waterford stands third out of the five counties when it comes to relative government support.

Tipperary County Council received the most support from central government- 153.1 million of their 274.2 million budget came from grants, a 55.8% total share.

At the other end was Kilkenny, with 46.4% of its 129.4 million budget from Government grants.

The other primary sources of Waterford City and County Councils budget income were Goods & Services, Commercial Rates and the Local Property tax.

A total breakdown of the South East counties budget funding from Government:

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
The members of Dunmore East Development Group have expressed delight at securing 300,000 for the refurbishment of the playground and Counsellor's Strand car park.

A spokesperson for the group commented: "Dunmore East Development Group (DEDG) is delighted to announce that we have secured 300,000 for two key projects in the village under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme."

The first project is the complete refurbishment of the children's playground in the park.

"While our playground is a fantastic amenity for the children of Dunmore East, its condition in recent times has been a concern for many," said the spokesperson.

Regarding the allocation, he said it means the shortfall in the village infrastructure will be rectified and that the children of Dunmore East and future generations will get to enjoy a modern, inclusive, and fun playground for many years to come.

"The second project allows for the enhancement of the car park at Counsellor's Strand," said the spokesperson.

"This area offers wonderful vistas of the village and surrounding coastline and is frequented by both locals and visitors alike," he added.

He went on to comment: "Suitable infrastructure will be sympathetically developed here to accommodate those who use the area for both recreational and fitness activities, while at the same time protecting the natural beauty of the area."

Dunmore East Development Group expressed gratitude to Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and local Minister of State, Mary Butler TD, for their assistance with their funding application.

"We would also like to extend our gratitude to Waterford City and County Council for their strong support and assistance to our Group in getting to this stage," said the spokesperson.

Dunmore East Development Group was established in June, 2024, under Town Centre First.

It's setting up came in the wake of a public meeting in the Haven Hotel in May, 2023, at which it was agreed that representatives from the various community and commercial organisations in the village would be invited to nominate representatives to form the group.

In the interim the group members worked assiduously to get to the point of securing such funding.

"We are thrilled with [the] announcement and the progress of these two important projects, and we look forward to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to bring to fruition other ambitious and transformative projects for the village and for everyone who calls Dunmore East home," said the spokesperson.

Dunmore East Development Group can be contacted by email at dedginfo@gmail.com
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MoneyTaxTax avoidance After years of restraint, Tax Office ramps up travel bans on major debtors Carla Hildebrandt January 7, 2026  12:04pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The Australian Taxation Office has sharply escalated its use of travel bans on multimillion-dollar tax debtors after scrutiny over why some individuals were still able to leave the country. Adrian Mtungwazi left Australia in May last year allegedly owing more than $6.4 million to the Tax Office, employees and other creditors. Data obtained by this masthead shows the ATO used its powers to stop people who owed huge sums of tax from leaving Australia just 46 times over the past six financial years, from July 1, 2019. The Tax Office said in a statement released today it has already issued 21 travel bans since July 2025. The figure marks a sharp increase on previous years, with just 14 bans issued in the 202425 financial year, nine in 202324, four in 202223 and only three in 202122.

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Tax avoidance Ferrari, a football club and $6.4m debts: Zimbabwean boss leaves country as WA disability empire crashes The bans, known as departure prohibition orders, prevent individuals with serious tax debts from leaving Australia unless they pay what is owed or make approved arrangements with the Tax Office. Despite having these bans in place, the Tax Office said it still allowed some people to leave the country, providing authorisation in legitimate circumstances where temporary travel is appropriate. In the last six years, 17 travel bans were temporarily lifted, so taxpayers could travel overseas. The crackdown follows reporting by this masthead which exposed how Adachi Disability Services director Adrian Tafari Mtungwazi left Australia in May 2025, despite allegations his collapsed NDIS provider owed more than $6.4 million to the Tax Office, employees and other creditors.

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A preliminary liquidators report alleged company funds were diverted into offshore property, luxury vehicles and related entities, while more than 80 workers were collectively owed about $450,000 in unpaid wages and superannuation. ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen. Australian Tax Office At the time, the ATO declined to say whether a travel ban had been imposed comment on Mtungwazi, citing taxpayer confidentiality laws. There is no suggestion that Mtungwazi was subject to a travel ban when he left the country. A Tax Office spokesperson previously told this masthead DPOs were used only in very specific circumstances.

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But in its statement today, the ATO said it was now moving faster to deploy its strongest powers to protect public revenue, particularly where unpaid debts involve employee superannuation and wages, or collected from customers as GST, but not passed on to the government. Taxpayers with significant debts who think they can skip the country without paying what is owed to the community should think again, ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen said. We think most Australians would expect businesses to pay their employees superannuation before they plan an overseas holiday. The shift comes as the ATO seeks to reduce its $50 billion collectable debt book, with DPOs now being used alongside director penalty notices, garnishees, wind-up applications and referrals to credit reporting agencies. In the Mtungwazi case, liquidator Andrew Yeo of Pitcher Partners alleged the Adachi directors had drawn more than $2.3 million in director loans, purchased a Ferrari for personal use, and funnelled hundreds of thousands of dollars offshore while the company was insolvent.

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Any alleged breaches will ultimately be assessed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which has the power to bring civil proceedings or refer matters for criminal prosecution. No charges have been laid. A spokesperson for Pitcher Partners said the recovery process was ongoing, and a further report would be provided to creditors once recovery avenues were more advanced.
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Exclusive TechnologyAI From dishwasher to worlds ninth-richest man: Nvidia boss faces his future David Swan January 7, 2026  12:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Las Vegas, Nevada: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has no plans to step down from running the worlds most valuable company anytime soon, saying the secret to his 32-year tenure is dont get fired, and dont get bored. The Taiwanese-American billionaire, who is the worlds ninth-richest person now worth an estimated $US170 billion ($250 billion), made the remarks after his blockbuster keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where he announced that Nvidias next-generation Vera Rubin AI chip platform was in full production  months ahead of Wall Street expectations. Asked by this masthead about his status as the longest-serving chief executive among major technology companies and his future, Huang, 62, said hed continue for as long as I deserve this. There is a great responsibility for being CEO of Nvidia. We are the captain of this industry. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week. Bloomberg It took us 33 years to get here, almost 34 years now. You do something for 34 years, youre going to figure it out. Even I can figure it out.

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The comments may do little to quell investor concerns about succession planning at a company that has become systemically important to global financial markets. Nvidia alone comprises roughly 8 per cent of the S&P 500 index, and its $US4.6 trillion market capitalisation makes it as large as the entire GDP of Germany. The company has no publicly disclosed succession plan, and governance experts have repeatedly warned that Huangs departure  planned or otherwise  could trigger unprecedented market volatility. Huang on stage with a small robot during the Nvidia Live event at the CES. Bloomberg Huangs path to becoming one of the worlds wealthiest individuals is a uniquely American story. Born in Taipei in 1963, he was sent by his parents to the United States at the age of nine, destined for a prestigious boarding school. Through a mix-up, he ended up at Oneida Baptist Institute in rural Kentucky, a reform school where his roommate had knife scars across his body. Young Jensen cleaned toilets and taught his roommate to read. He graduated from high school at 16, studied electrical engineering at Oregon State University, and worked the graveyard shift at a Dennys diner for $US2.65 an hour. It was at a Dennys booth in San Jose that Huang and two university mates founded Nvidia on April 5, 1993. He was 30.

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Three decades later, the former dishwasher commands the most valuable company on Earth. More than 96 per cent of Huangs fortune has been accumulated since 2020, when the artificial intelligence revolution transformed Nvidias graphics processing chips into the indispensable hardware powering everything from ChatGPT to autonomous vehicles. On Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas, wearing his signature Tom Ford leather jacket  this one in crocodile-scale pattern  Huang held court for nearly two hours, fielding media questions on everything from China export controls to the future of gaming graphics. He commands the room with the energy of a man half his age, speaking without notes and pivoting seamlessly between dense technical specifications and philosophical tangents about the nature of intelligence. Related Article Opinion

Software I was wrong about Elon. But he was wrong too David Swan Technology editor The Vera Rubin announcement was the headline act. Named for the American astronomer who revolutionised the understanding of galaxy motion, the new platform promises tenfold improvements in AI training efficiency over its predecessor, Blackwell. A 10 trillion-parameter model can now be trained in one month using one-quarter of the chips, Huang claimed. Demand for Nvidia GPUs is skyrocketing, Huang said. Models are increasing by a factor of 10, an order of magnitude, every single year.

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Yet the announcement came amid mounting competitive pressures. Advanced Micro Devices is gaining ground with big customers including OpenAI and Oracle. Tech giants Google, Amazon and Microsoft are designing their own chips through partnerships with Broadcom, whose market value has soared past $US1.6 trillion on the back of the custom silicon boom. Nvidias stock is down 8 per cent from its October peak, having shed some $US460 billion in market value. Wall Street analysts remain overwhelmingly bullish  76 of 82 rate it a buy  but the path forward is narrower than the stratospheric gains of 2023 and 2024 suggested. Huang as he introduces the Vera Rubin AI super computing platform during a press conference. AP Huang appears unfazed. His company, he noted, employs just 40,000 people  the smallest large company in the world  with turnover so low that many staff members stay for 20 to 25 years. We have supply chain partners and collaboration partners all over the world who are counting on us to do our part, Huang said. Theres a great responsibility that comes with our company.

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For now, that responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of a man who still checks his email from 4am daily, including holidays, and who has previously suggested he intends to lead the company for another 30 to 40 years. Whether the market  or Huangs own mortality  will permit that remains an open question. David Swan travelled to Las Vegas with support from Samsung, LG, Hisense and Lego. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Analysis WorldAsiaChina relations Discomforting moment for Beijing, caught on camera hours before Trumps raid Lisa Visentin January 7, 2026  4:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Singapore: Hours before US forces seized Nicolas Maduro in his compound in Caracas, the Venezuelan dictator was entertaining Beijings special envoy for Latin American affairs at the presidential palace and praising the unbreakable ties between the two countries. I thank President Xi Jinping for his continued brotherhood, like an older brother, Maduro told Chinese diplomat Qiu Xiaoqi, according to CNN, as the pair smiled, shook hands and exchanged gifts in the gilded halls of the Miraflores Palace. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro meets Chinese diplomat Qiu Xiaoqi in Caracas on January 3, hours before his capture by US special forces. Instagram @nicolasmaduro The encounter has been preserved on Maduros social media accounts for what is surely a discomforting posterity for Beijing, given the proximity of Xis official to the US military operation, evidently unaware of its imminence. The next image the world would see  circulated by US President Donald Trump on social media was of Maduro shackled and blindfolded aboard a US warship, and bound for a New York courtroom on narco-conspiracy charges, where he would declare himself a kidnapped president and a prisoner of war.

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As these events unfolded, Beijings reaction was stunned outrage. It has channelled this through its propaganda machinery, denouncing Washington as the worlds cop gone rogue once again. With Trump vowing to temporarily run Venezuela and take control of its oil reserves, Chinese state media have made easy work of chalking this up as yet another example of US imperialism where international laws and sovereignty hold only as far as they align with American interests. Nicolas Maduro after his capture and US President Donald Trump. AP Credible legal scholars have already argued that the Venezuela attack probably violates international law prohibitions on the use of force. We have never believed that any country can act as the worlds police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the worlds judge, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this week of the events. Dylan Loh, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says while Beijing gains further moral leverage to position itself as a counterpoint to US power, the strike is also a reminder to the Chinese leadership of US military prowess.

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This was a clear demonstration of American might: Trump can and will act decisively and kinetically, and I think this will worry Zhongnanhai, Loh says, referring to the compound where Chinas political leadership is based in Beijing. Related Article Editorial

Trump diplomacy Trumps attack on Venezuela is a dangerous and illegal gambit The Age's View Editorial Billion-dollar complications Maduros removal poses some economic complications for Beijing. China is the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, but its a lopsided relationship, accounting for only about 4-5 per cent of Chinas total oil imports. There is also the prospect of whether Beijing can recover the roughly $US12 billion in outstanding loans it is owed. But the evergreen question in the rolling US-China rivalry is, of course, what this means for the Taiwan equation.

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As with Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, the US strike on Venezuela has revived fresh debate about whether Beijing could draw on this example to justify its reunification agenda with its democratically self-governed island neighbour. If the US can remove a leader of a country it does not regard as legitimate, how can it credibly deter China from its ambitions of dismantling Taipeis leadership? Just as Trump despises Maduro, Beijing loathes Taiwans leader, William Lai Ching-te, and does not recognise his governments legitimacy, nor do most nations officially recognise Taiwan as a sovereign country. Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te is a thorn in Beijings side. Daniel Ceng There are major distinctions and historical differences between the two cases  one being the credibility of Taiwans elections versus the strong evidence that Maduro relied on election fraud to maintain his autocratic hold on power  but nuance is hardly a bulwark against aggression. Nevertheless, many China analysts dismiss the idea that the Venezuela incursion will have any material impact on Beijings long-term goal of controlling Taiwan.

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This view flips the logic of realism: it implies that if the US were perfectly law-abiding, others would be too, but Chinas foreign policy follows its own calculus. Major powers will always prioritise national interest over international law, says Loh. Trumps move is not suddenly going to delay or hasten Chinas plans. Beijing will request the US mute its invocations of international law. Ryan Hass, former China director on US National Security Council Bonnie Glaser, an Indo-Pacific expert at US think tank the German Marshall Fund, believes Maduros capture is not a blueprint for Chinese takeover of Taiwan and Xis ongoing purges of Chinas top military brass are likely to be a greater factor in Beijings calculus. Beijing is instead relying on a vast toolkit of greyzone tactics to instil despair among Taiwans citizens so that they eventually capitulate. The Chinese believe that time is on their side to achieve reunification without sacrificing blood and treasure, Glaser posted to X.

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Trump diplomacy Military is always an option: White House escalates Greenland clash with NATO allies As Ryan Hass, a former China director on the National Security Council in the Obama administration, points out, Beijing has paid little deference to international norms thus far when it comes to the coercion of Taiwan. While it will publicly campaign as a defender of international law, Beijing would probably use the Venezuela affair to insist that the US take its foot off Chinas neck in its foreign policy agenda. Privately, I expect Beijing will emphasise to Washington it expects to be given the same latitude for great power exemptions to international law that the US takes for itself, he posted on X. In other words, Beijing will request the US mute its invocations of international law in [the] South China Sea and elsewhere. As Trump sets his sights on Greenland, the Venezuela strike may prove to be an early presage of the attacks coming in 2026 on the scaffolding of international law that underpins global order, having been degraded throughout 2025 in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere.

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As the two great powers selectively decide which rules apply to them, Beijing will surely be content to see the US tied up in arenas it has no desire to enter into, while Americas partners grow increasingly uncomfortable at the actions of their ally. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.


By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Marianna Parraga

WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, one sailing under Russia's flag, as part of President Donald Trump's aggressive push to dictate oil flows in the Americas and force Venezuela's socialist government to become an ally.

After capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a Saturday military raid on Caracas, the U.S. is escalating its blockade of vessels that are under sanctions and going to and from the South American country, a member of the OPEC oil producers group.

The White House also said it plans to roll back some of the sanctions Trump placed on Venezuelan oil in 2019 during his first term.

A weeks-long chase across the Atlantic ended on Wednesday morning when the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. military special forces, bearing a judicial seizure warrant, apprehended the Marinera crude oil tanker, which had refused to be boarded last month before switching to Russia's flag, officials said.

With a Russian submarine and vessels nearby, the seizure risked more confrontation with Russia, which has condemned U.S. actions over Venezuela and is already at odds with the West due to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on what is a public holiday in Russia.

"It was a fake Russian oil tanker," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview on Fox News. "They basically tried to pretend to be a Russian oil tanker in an effort to avoid the sanctions regime."

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard also intercepted a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, near the northeast coast of South America, the U.S. officials said, in the fourth seizure in recent weeks. The tanker was fully loaded, according to records of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA.

U.S. TARGETS 'SHADOW FLEET'

The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella-1, was empty of oil, but the U.S. says it and the M Sophia belong to a "shadow fleet" of tankers used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

"The only maritime energy transport allowed will be that consistent with American law and national security," Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said in a statement.

"There is unlimited economic potential for the Venezuelan energy sector through legitimate and authorized commercial avenues established by the United States."

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that the Marinera crew had made "frantic efforts to avoid apprehension" and "failed to obey" Coast Guard orders, and so faces criminal charges.
By Vallari Srivastava , Nathan Crooks and Jarrett Renshaw

Jan 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. needs to control Venezuela's oil sales and revenue indefinitely to stabilize that country's economy, rebuild its oil sector and ensure it acts in America's interests, top U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

The comments reflect the importance of crude oil to President Donald Trump's strategy in Venezuela after U.S. forces ousted the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid on the capital Caracas on Saturday.

"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference in Miami.

He said the revenues would be used to stabilize Venezuela's economy and eventually to repay oil majors Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips for losses when their assets were nationalized by former President Hugo Chavez nearly two decades ago.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that controlling Venezuela's oil meant controlling the country.

"We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime: 'You're allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America's national interest; you're not allowed to sell it if you can't serve America's national interest," he told the Fox News "Jesse Watters Primetime" program.

"And that's how we exert incredible pressure on that country without wasting a single American life, without endangering a single American citizen," he said.

Democratic lawmakers criticized this approach, which Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy equated to stealing Venezuela's oil at gunpoint, while industry analysts warned about political instability as the country treads a fine line between denouncing Maduro's capture and appeasing the U.S.

The OPEC member nation sits atop the world's largest oil reserves but accounts for only about 1% of global supply after decades of underinvestment eroded production.

STORED OIL MOVING TO MARKET FIRST

Energy Secretary Wright said the U.S. would market stored Venezuelan oil first and then sell ongoing future production indefinitely with revenues deposited into accounts controlled by the U.S. government.

Such sales already have begun and the U.S. has engaged "the world's leading commodity marketers and key banks" to execute and provide financial support for them, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Wright added he was speaking to U.S. oil companies to learn what conditions would enable them to enter Venezuela to help boost the country's production in the longer term.
Israel Rivera Gonzalez is facing several charges after he drove a Suburban Towing truck the wrong way on Dixie Highway and hit another car.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is included among the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026.

Valuation Limits Upside for Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Goldman Says

Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash

On December 16, Goldman Sachs downgraded Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) to Sell from Neutral and cut its price target to $230 from $258. The analyst described the company as well-run but said the shares offer limited upside from current levels. Goldman also sees modest downside risk to earnings estimates and does not expect the stocks valuation multiple to re-rate versus peers, given the pace of earnings improvement.

In its third-quarter 2025 results, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) reported a record operating margin of 27.4%, up 90 basis points. Enterprise initiatives contributed 140 basis points to that performance. Operating cash flow reached $1.0 billion, while free cash flow increased 15% to $904 million. That translated into a 110% conversion rate relative to net income. Management highlighted continued progress on strategic growth priorities and reaffirmed its focus on delivering above-market organic growth through customer-backed innovation. The company said it remains on track to meet its 2030 performance goals, including a customer-backed innovation yield exceeding 3%.

For FY25, Illinois Tool maintained operating margin guidance of 26% to 27%. Enterprise initiatives are expected to add about 125 basis points for the full year. Management also reiterated confidence in reaching the $10.45 midpoint of its EPS target.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is a global industrial manufacturer with a broad portfolio of value-added products, including engineered fasteners, equipment, and specialty components.

While we acknowledge the potential of ITW as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now and 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025

Disclosure: None.
FILE - Crime scene tape surrounds Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, May 25, 2022. When the gunman arrived at the school, he hopped its fence and easily entered through an unlocked back door, police said. He holed himself up in a fourth-grade classroom where he killed the children and teachers. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Venezuela has come to an agreement with the US to export up to $2.8bn worth of oil, according to US President Donald Trump.

The arrangement aims to redirect Venezuelan crude supply away from China to the US and help Venezuela mitigate further reductions in oil output, reported Reuters.

The deal marks a shift in relations between the two nations. It indicates that Venezuela is willing to accommodate President Trumps demands for increased access by US oil companies to the Venezuelan oil industry.

Trump has called on Venezuelas Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, to open the countrys oil sector fully to US and other private companies, saying they should be given total access.

Since mid-December, an export blockade imposed by the Trump administration has left Venezuela unable to move millions of barrels of crude. The unsold oil has instead piled up in tankers and onshore storage facilities.

This blockade was an escalation of US pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, which culminated in his capture by US forces last weekend.

Venezuelan officials have denounced Maduro's capture as a kidnapping and accused the US of attempting to usurp the country's substantial oil reserves.

In a social media post, President Trump claimed that Venezuela will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels (mbbl) of "sanctioned oil" to the US.

He also said: This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with overseeing the execution of the deal, which involves transferring the oil from tankers directly to US ports.

This agreement may necessitate the redirection of shipments initially intended for China, which has been the largest purchaser of Venezuela's oil over the past decade.

The shift follows sanctions imposed by the US in 2020 on companies involved in Venezuelan oil trade.

"Venezuela agrees to $2.8bn oil export deal with US" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




A Venezuelan celebrates during a demonstration in Panama City in support of the capture of President Nicolas Maduro - Gabriel Rodriguez/EPA/Shutterstock

The cost of Venezuelan government borrowing has plummeted to a seven-year low after Donald Trump ousted president Nicolas Maduro.

The yield on benchmark 10-year bonds  the rate of interest the government pays buyers of its debt  dropped by 5.82 percentage points on Monday to hit 28.64pc, its lowest level since March 2019.

The fall came as investors reacted to the US raid in Caracas on Saturday, which has raised hopes that the countrys $60bn (45bn) in sovereign debt could be restructured as early as this year. One hedge fund described the situation as a gold rush.

Venezuela has been in a debt crisis since 2017, when the country missed payments on international bonds issued by the Maduro regime and state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, known as PDVSA.

However, bond prices  which move inversely to yields  have rallied since Mr Trump returned to the White House last year amid hopes of regime change in Venezuela. Bonds also jumped sharply on Monday, the first day of trading since the raid on Caracas.

Shares of emerging-markets fund manager Ashmore, a significant Venezuelan debt holder, also surged as much as 14pc on Monday.

Nicolas Jaquier, a portfolio manager at asset manager Ninety One, said: The removal of Maduro without major military escalation represents one of the more optimistic scenarios market participants had anticipated during the recent build-up of forces in the region.

A rally in the bonds would be justified by expectations that the bond restructuring process can now begin: Maduros removal was the first necessary step, and the US administrations apparent push to dictate terms to vice president Delcy Rodriguez  including efforts to reopen the oil sector to US companies  suggests momentum is building in that direction.

Analysts estimate that Venezuela has about $60bn of defaulted bonds outstanding, although this rises to between $150bn and $170bn when including obligations from PDVSA, awards in court rulings and other loans.

Restrictions imposed by the US since 2017 have limited Venezuelas ability to issue or restructure debt.

Venezuelas debt crisis started when it missed payments on international bonds issued by Maduros regime - Jesus Vargas/Getty Images

Martin Bercetche, of hedge fund Frontier Road, said he saw an asymmetric upside to Venezuelan sovereign bonds, meaning the potential profits were far greater than the risks.

His firm, which has about 6pc of its assets invested in the countrys debt, made a return of about 31pc last year.

Leaving aside the legality of the events that have taken place, from a bondholder perspective what is very bullish is that Trump is openly talking about increasing the oil production capabilities of the country, including putting a lot of money to improve the Venezuelan oil infrastructure, he told Bloomberg.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Showers this morning, becoming a steady rain during the afternoon hours. Thunder possible. High 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain ending this evening. Partial clearing overnight. Thunder possible. Low 42F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Shares of Palantir Technologies (PLTR) jumped for the third consecutive day after speculation that its software may have played a role in the recent Venezuela raid.

The stock, which had been trading lower since Christmas, rebounded with a 3.7% gain on Jan. 5 and climbed another 3.3% on Jan. 6. It is now up 3.4% midday on Jan. 7.

Palantir has not commented on the raid.

Palantir was one of the hottest AI names in 2024 and 2025, with shares rising 340% and 135%, respectively, driven by surging demand for its AI software and record revenue growth. The stock is up nearly 3,000% over the past three years.

Palantir develops data analytics and AI software platforms, including Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform, helping organizations analyze complex data.

Its stocks momentum has been fueled in part by demand from the U.S. government, especially military agencies. In July 2025, Palantir was awarded a contract with the U.S. Army worth up to $10 billion.

Investors are now weighing whether the latest catalyst can help sustain Palantirs lofty valuation as the firm heads into its upcoming earnings report.

Palantir reported $1.18 billion in revenue for Q3 2025.Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images  Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

What to watch in Palantirs upcoming earnings

Palantir repeatedly raised its financial outlook in 2025, most recently after its third-quarter earnings report.

On November 3, Palantir stock hit an all-time high, closing at $207.52 after the company reported a strong third quarter.

Related: What's next for Palantir stock in 2026?

The company reported $1.18 billion in revenue, up 63% from a year earlier, with U.S. commercial sales jumping 121% to $397 million. Adjusted earnings came in at 21 cents a share, beating analysts estimate of 17 cents.

Palantir is set to report fourth-quarter earnings in early February, and expectations are running high after a string of strong results.

Wall Street is now looking for adjusted earnings of 23 cents per share on revenue of about $1.34 billion. That would mark a sharp jump from the 14 cents per share reported a year earlier and imply year-over-year revenue growth of roughly 62%, a rate in line with the pace seen in the prior quarter.

But the bigger issue is valuation. Even if Palantir delivers another solid quarter, Wall Street will question whether the results are strong enough to justify the stocks roughly 245 times forward earnings multiple.

Palantir stock trades at a dangerous place, analyst says

Stephen Guilfoyle, a 30-year Wall Street veteran who runs family trading operation Sarge986 LLC, has long been one of Palantirs supporters. But the veteran trader says the stocks technical picture has taken a clear turn for the worse.
The oldest living former Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and one of Mayos most distinguished emigrant sons, has passed away peacefully at the age of 105.

Sir Patrick Duffy died on January 2 following a short illness.

He was born in Wigan in June 1920 to James and Margaret Duffy from Mayo and was raised in Doncaster. Sir Patrick maintained a deep and lifelong connection to Ireland and spent formative time with relatives in Raith, near Aghamore in east Mayo, when he was 12 years old. He spent 30 hours travelling to the west of Ireland and would often recall the experience with great affection.

During World War II, he served as a Fleet Air Arm pilot and rose to the rank of Commander at the Naval School of Air Radar. He survived traumatic injuries during the war after his aircraft crashed into a Scottish mountain in poor weather, and after undergoing pioneering reconstructive surgery, made a remarkable return to flying.

After the war, he entered politics and served as Labour MP for Colne Valley and later Sheffield Aftercliffe. He worked in ministerial capacities under both Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan.

He was the first President of the NATO assembly and led the first western delegation to the Kremlin in 1989, chairing the historic conference at Westminster where the Warsaw Pact was enacted, symbolically bringing an end to the Cold War.

Sir Patricks Irish identity was central throughout his long and distinguished career and life and he maintained strong ties to the west of Ireland and the Irish community in Britain.

His memoir, titled Growing up Irish in Britain and British in Ireland, was released in 2014 and launched by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough.

His funeral will take place later this month.
The Garda Commissioner will be invited to a meeting of Mayo County Council where policing concerns in the county can be aired.

Fianna Fail councillor Michael Loftus aims to table a motion for the next meeting of the local authority calling on the new Commissioner Justin Kelly to attend a monthly meeting of the council.

Cllr Loftus is calling on the commissioner to reinstate Mayo as a stand-alone Garda Division and take action on the deficit of Garda members in the county. The Mayo Garda Division was amalgamated with Roscommon/Longford in 2022 with the move described as a failure by local representatives.

We want the Mayo Garda Division back, said Cllr Loftus. When you go from Granard to Belmullet you are talking about 250km. Its way too big an area. We have the longest coastline and its open to drugs which is the scourge of communities, he added.

Cllr Loftus raised this issue and the lack of new Garda recruits for Mayo with Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan during his recent visit to Ballina.

When we had the Commissioner down here before he said there were going to be 600 new Guards in Ireland and yet we had 580 retirements. Thats not good enough really.

We see 80 new Guards going to Dublin in the latest tranche and none to Mayo. A reserve Garda went to Castlebar and that was it, he added.

Cllr Loftus took his partys Justice Minister and Minister Dara Calleary to task over their decision to allow the dissolution of Joint Policing Committees (JPC). The committees have been replaced by Local Community Safety partnerships.

I call a spade a spade and I said to both Dara and Jim OCallaghan that they were in the Dail when the JPCs were abolished. They were there when the legislation was going though and could have stopped the JPCs being abolished but they didnt, said Cllr Loftus.

The Dail initially agreed that only three sitting councillors would sit on the new partnerships but in the Senate that was amended to seven.

We are not happy with the situation, but we are going to work with it going forward,  said Cllr Loftus.

An introductory Local Community Safety Partnership meeting recently took place in Mayo. There are expected to be 30 representatives on the partnership consisting of community members, local councillors, statutory services, and the community and voluntary sector.

The first official meeting of the partnership is expected to take place at the end of January when a chair and vice-chair will be appointed. A town hall style meeting is also set to take place during the 12-month term of the committee.

Cllr Loftus told the Western People that he will be seeking the position of chair. He also believes the establishment of sub-committees may be necessary given the make up of the partnership.

We are going to have to come up with our own plan in our own area, he stated.

It is understood that media presence at the meetings is at the discretion of the chair.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

A mix of clouds and sunshine; the closest to freezing (32) we've been in a week and a half. .

Tonight

Increasing clouds. There is a slight chance for a little snow late, mainly south of I-78.
Viridis Mining and Minerals has obtained a non-binding, conditional letter of support (LoS) from Export Finance Australia (EFA), finalising its export credit agency (ECA)-driven project debt financing framework for the Colossus Rare Earths project in Brazil.

The LoS signals EFAs potential interest in offering a direct lending debt facility of up to A$77m, which would help fund the projects execution phase and move Viridis closer to securing full project financing and reaching a final investment decision (FID).

EFAs support is based on the potential involvement of Australian service providers during the projects development and execution.

This prospective backing adds to earlier support from Export Development Canada, Bpifrance Assurance Export and the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development.

The combined LoS provide clarity on total debt capacity, allowing Viridis to proceed with appointing a mandated lead arranger to coordinate lenders, oversee due diligence and manage the project finance process.

The Colossus pre-feasibility study (PFS) estimates capital costs at $286m, or $356m including a 25% contingency.

With EFAs LoS in place, the targeted project debt package is now fully covered.

This enables Colossus to advance towards securing complete project financing and achieving an FID, which is anticipated in the second half of 2026.

The project has also secured its preliminary environmental license following unanimous approval by the State Environmental Policy Council of Minas Gerais, confirming its environmental feasibility and paving the way for the installation licence.

This achievement allows the company to progress advanced negotiations with key equity investors and offtake counterparties.

Viridis has already finalised a definitive strategic investment agreement worth $30m with ORE Investments and Regia Capital.

The Colossus deposit contains the highest-grade and largest identified Western resource of the four main magnetic rare earth elements, including the critical heavy rare earths terbium and dysprosium.

Viridis managing director Rafael Moreno said: Securing a non-binding LoS from EFA represents the final cornerstone in our Colossus debt financing strategy.

EFAs LoS adds a fourth and final international financing pillar to our capital strategy, materially enhancing lender confidence and broadening our access to competitive, government-backed project finance.

"Viridis receives LoS for Brazils Colossus Rare Earths project" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Vistra Corp. (VST) has struck a deal to significantly expand its U.S. generation footprint, agreeing to acquire the Cogentrix Energy portfolio in a transaction valued at roughly $4 billion, including assumed debt and tax benefits.

The acquisition brings approximately 5,500 megawatts of modern natural gas-fired capacity into Vistras fleet, strengthening its position in three of North Americas most strategically important power markets: PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT. The assets are being acquired from Cogentrix Energy, a portfolio company indirectly owned by funds managed by Quantum Capital Group.

Vistra said the deal values the portfolio at about $730 per kilowatt of capacity, net of expected tax benefits, implying an enterprise multiple of roughly 7.25 times expected 2027 adjusted EBITDA. The company expects the transaction to be accretive to ongoing operations' free cash flow per share starting in 2027, with mid-single-digit accretion initially and high single-digit accretion on average through 2029.

The portfolio consists of ten gas-fired facilities, including seven combined-cycle plants, two combustion turbine facilities, and one cogeneration plant. Several of the assets are relatively new, with some entering service in 2016 and featuring heat rates below 7,000 Btu per kilowatt-hour. Overall, the fleet has an average heat rate of around 7,800 Btu/kWh, underscoring its efficiency compared with much of the existing U.S. gas generation base.

Geographically, the deal deepens Vistras exposure to constrained and fast-growing power markets. In PJM, the company is adding more than 3,100 MW across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. In ISO New England, the transaction adds roughly 1,750 MW of capacity at a time when the region continues to face reliability concerns tied to fuel supply and aging infrastructure. The acquisition also includes a 583 MW cogeneration facility in ERCOT, reinforcing Vistras already substantial Texas footprint.

Vistra said it will pay approximately $2.3 billion in cash and issue about $0.9 billion in stock to Quantum Capital Group, while assuming around $1.5 billion in existing Cogentrix debt. The net purchase price reflects roughly $700 million in expected tax benefits generated by the transaction.

Management framed the deal as a continuation of Vistras disciplined capital allocation strategy, emphasizing that the acquisition aligns with its long-term leverage target of below 3x and does not alter plans to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company has reiterated its intention to pay about $300 million annually in dividends and repurchase at least $1 billion of shares per year.
W1N Sales, an Atlanta-based sales organization, is advocating for discipline, structure, and people-first leadership as the foundation for sustainable growth.

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / W1N Sales is raising awareness around the growing need for discipline-driven leadership in the sales industry, emphasizing that long-term success comes from structure, consistency, and care for people - not short-term motivation or pressure-based tactics.

Founded in 2022, W1N Sales has expanded into 17 markets nationwide and pays out between $2 million and $3 million in commissions annually. Company leaders say those results are not the product of hype, but of disciplined systems and intentional leadership.

"Motivation comes and goes," said founder Daniel Giannone. "Discipline is what keeps a team moving forward when the excitement fades."

Why Discipline in Sales Matters Now

Sales organizations face increasing challenges tied to burnout and turnover. Industry data shows that sales roles experience some of the highest attrition rates across business sectors, often exceeding 30% annually. Studies also show that teams with clear processes and structured routines outperform those relying on informal or personality-driven systems.

W1N Sales believes discipline is the stabilizing force that helps teams perform consistently without sacrificing well-being.

"When people know exactly what a good day looks like, stress goes down," Giannone said. "They don't guess. They execute."

Structure Over Short-Term Pressure

At W1N Sales, daily planning, preparation, and review are non-negotiable. Leaders emphasize taking the right actions every day, even when results are slow.

"One of the biggest mistakes in sales is chasing motivation," Giannone said. "When reps struggle, we don't give speeches. We fix the plan."

That approach has helped the company scale while maintaining a strong internal culture. Leaders focus on tracking effort, not just outcomes, and adjusting systems instead of blaming individuals.

Putting People First Without Sacrificing Results

W1N Sales operates with core values centered on stewardship, intentional action, belonging, and authentic leadership. Company leaders say caring for people and producing strong results are not opposing goals.

"I truly believe you can have both," Giannone said. "You can build a great business and still protect your personal life if you plan well."

That philosophy extends beyond the workplace. The company regularly supports causes such as the ALS Foundation and Liberty Children's Home in Belize, and runs weekly "For the Cause Fridays," donating a portion of profits to community-focused organizations.
Key Points

Novo Nordisk was the first company to introduce a GLP-1 shot.

Eli Lilly's GLP-1 shot quickly became the industry leader after its introduction.

Novo Nordisk has now become the first drugmaker to receive FDA approval for a GLP-1 pill.

10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly 

Eli Lilly's (NYSE: LLY) stock price has increased by approximately 35% over the past year. It has risen nearly 200% over the past three years. And it has rallied more than 500% over the past five years. If you bought this stock five years ago, you have benefited from its skyrocketing rise. What's behind this performance, and can it last?

Eli Lilly takes the lead from Novo Nordisk

The big story surrounding Eli Lilly is its leading position in the GLP-1 weight loss drug market. Its two GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been massive hits. In fact, in the third quarter of 2025, Mounjaro's sales rose a huge 109% year over year. That astounding growth was eclipsed by Zepbound, which saw sales increase a shocking 185% in the quarter.

Image source: Getty Images.

Sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound have been such a powerful driver of Eli Lilly's performance that they made up 57% of the company's sales in the third quarter of 2025. What's interesting here is that Eli Lilly was actually the second pharmaceutical company to market with a GLP-1 drug. The first to market was Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO).

The facts just laid out set the stage for the story behind the hidden risk that investors face with Eli Lilly's soaring stock. The unfortunate part is that the risk is, really, just business as usual in the highly competitive, technical, and regulated healthcare sector.

What happens if Eli Lilly isn't the GLP-1 king?

It is clear that Wall Street is rewarding Eli Lilly for its dominance in the GLP-1 space. While the stock's 53 times price-to-earnings ratio isn't out of line with its five-year average for this metric, it is far above the average pharma stock's P/E of around 30 times. If that dominance were to be challenged or lost, investors would likely react by repricing the shares, ultimately affording them a lower valuation.

The first sign of such a threat is already here, as Novo Nordisk received FDA approval to sell a pill version of its GLP-1 drug. GLP-1 shots have been a bit hit, but people prefer pills over shots. It wouldn't be surprising to see Novo Nordisk's pill regain some market share from Eli Lilly. This type of innovation is relatively common in the pharmaceutical industry. Eli Lilly's GLP-1 offering was, basically, just a better product, and it quickly gained a leading market position.
A Polymarket user made over $400,000 off a well-timed bet on Nicolas Maduro's political future.

The bet was made just one day before US forces captured the Venezuelan leader.

A congressman rolled out a bill to bar government officials from insider trading on prediction markets.

Someone made hundreds of thousands of dollars off a well-timed bet on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's political future.

Now, a congressman wants to block government officials from being able to do the same.

Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York on Friday introduced a bill called the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, which would bar federal elected officials, political appointees, Executive Branch employees, and congressional staff from making trades on prediction markets when they have nonpublic information related to the transaction, or might be able to obtain it via their official duties.

30 House Democrats are cosponsoring the bill, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.

Last Friday, a newly created account on Polymarket, a prediction market platform, bet $30,000 that Maduro would be out of office by January 31, 2026.

The next day, after Maduro's capture, the user netted a $436,759.61 prize.

Polymarket does not currently have significant restrictions or rules against insider trading. In fact, CEO Shayne Coplan has argued that insider trading via prediction markets can be a public good.

"What's cool about Polymarket is that it creates this financial incentive for people to go and divulge the information to the market," Coplan said at an Axios Business event.

Polymarket did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

By contrast, Kalshi  another major prediction market platform  has rules barring insider trading.

According to the company, a government official would have been forbidden from making the Maduro trade. That's because the platform's rulebook bars "decision-makers" who "have any influence" on the outcome of an event from making trades related to it. The company also has safeguards in place to prevent insider trading.

Earlier this week, Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour endorsed Torres's bill.

"Why? Because we already implement it," Mansour wrote on LinkedIn.

This isn't the first time that fears of insider trading have cropped up around a major Trump administration action.

In April, as President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement caused a significant swing in the stock market, some administration officials and members of Congress made well-timed stock trades.
Britains Labour government has continued its tacit support for the US invasion of Venezuela and abduction of its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, even as it comes into conflict with the White House over Greenland.

On January 3after confirming to the media that the UK had not been involvedPrime Minister Keir Starmer refused to condemn the military action carried out hours earlier against the leader of a sovereign state.

Keir Starmer in the House of Commons on December 17, 2025. [Photo by House of Commons / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Starmer was interviewed by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg who said of the US operation: that surely flies in the face of international law? The Labour leader dodged the question, insisting he was not sufficiently versed in the facts while squirming, Ive been a lifelong advocate of international law. Starmer was a human rights barrister and authored legal opinions arguing that the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US and Britain was not lawful as it lacked a clear UN Security Council resolution.

Later Saturday evening, in words that could have been drafted by the White House, Starmer declared,The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. The only actual mention of Washington was to state that the UK would discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government.

In the next 24 hours, Treasury Secretary Darren Jones was asked by Sky News if the government was in favour of colonialism, in reference to Trumps pledge to run Venezuela. He responded, Were not exactly clear yet what President Trump meant by those comments. Jones refused to give a direct answer even to LBCs question of whether the government would urge the United States not to abduct any other foreign leaders?

In a statement to MPs in Parliament on Monday evening, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK supported the removal of Maduro and made a pitch for British imperialism getting involved in the regime change operation. It could offer the work that we have done over many years to build up relationships and dialogue with Venezuelan opposition parties and with the current authorities and regime. To that end she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Nigel Farage, leader of the poll-leading far-right Reform UK, said the quiet part out loud: The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international lawbut if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. For him this was an opportunity to earn some more respectability in Britains rabidly anti-Russia ruling class, having previously been denounced for being soft on Putin.

Labours response to such flagrantly illegal imperialist aggression was perhaps the most unabashed of any of the European powers, whose governments overwhelmingly welcomed Maduros abduction, while hypocritically prattling about the sanctity of international law.

Starmers subservience continues his efforts since coming to office 18 months agofollowing Britains economically and geostrategically disastrous withdrawal from the European Unionto cement Britains relationship with the US as its main junior partner and secure favourable trading relations. He has repeatedly fawned over Trump, including by hosting him for a historic second state visit, and has marched side by side with the President in supporting the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

During his visit to the White House last February, the Labour leader announced that No two militaries are more intertwined than ours. His one truthful comment in the interview with Kuenssberg following the Venezuela events was that I constantly remind myself that 24-7, our defence, our security, and our intelligence relationship with the US matters probably more than any other relationship that we have in the world, and it would not be in our national interest to weaken that in any way.

Trumps actions in Venezuela and comments since have emphasised the fragility of British imperialisms strategy, however. As supportive as Starmer has been of Trumps crimes, the UK has been excluded from the spoils and is increasingly in the firing line of a White House which views Europe as an enemy and only draws a distinction with Britain as far as it can be wielded like a club against the continent.

These concerns were voiced by MPs across the political spectrum, worried that Trumps actions provide no benefit to the UK and jeopardise efforts by Britain and Europe to further the war against Russia in Ukraineshredding the propaganda about sovereignty used to justify their involvement. Of course, this is framed as providing an excuse to Russia and China to carry out their own aggression.

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey posted on X, Keir Starmer should condemn Trumps illegal action in Venezuela, while denouncing Maduro as a brutal and illegitimate dictator. The problem was that Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity.

The pro-war Guardian lauded Daveys comment as well as those of Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who chairs the House of Commons foreign affairs committee. A shadow foreign secretary under previous Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Starmers former shadow attorney general from 2020-24, Thornberry told Times Radio: [I]t sets a really bad precedent for countries such as China and Russia, who may also think: Well, weve got spheres of influence, why cant we do things like that within our sphere of influence, like Ukraine or Taiwan?

Zack Polanskis Greens and Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultanas Your Party provide a more radical sounding version of the same politicsa new course for British imperialismadvocating for pressure to be placed on Starmer to denounce Trumps actions, call for Maduros release and take his distance from the US president in future.

By Monday, Trumps predatory statements were such that Starmer himself was forced to issue a rare, if indirect, rebuke. After repeated intimations from the White House about seizing Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she would strongly urge the US to stop the threats against a historically close ally. Starmer commented, I stand with her. Shes right about the future of Greenland.

On Tuesday, both joined the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain in signing a statement which reaffirms Greenlands membership of NATO via Denmark, and therefore protection by its collective defence (Article 5). Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, they wrote, adding, These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.

Within a few hours, the UKs premier foreign policy think tank Chatham House published the article, US intentions towards Greenland threaten NATOs future, which argued, European countries need to think seriously about what NATO without the US would look like, and accelerate investments in those capabilities where the US remains strongest

They will now also need to seriously consider what kind of an adversary the US might be, especially in the event that it attacks Greenland. Much of this should and will be done quietly or privately. But states can no longer afford to ignore this possibility.
Under the direction of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and with the enthusiastic approval of President Trump, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved Monday a radical reduction in the schedule for childhood immunizations.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump, from left, Vice President JD Vance, Cody Campbell, WWE CCO Triple H and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau listen during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin]

The number of routinely recommended vaccines, which have saved the lives and health of tens of millions of children in Americaand countless more around the worldis being reduced from 17 to 11. Vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease will no longer be universally recommended. They have been shifted to a less urgent category, Shared Clinical Decision-making, in which anti-vaccine doctors and parents will be able to reject such protection for the children in their care, despite the inevitable social consequences as immunization rates fall and these communicable diseases become more widespread.

Even worse than the immediate consequences for children will be the longer-term effects on society as a whole. The downgrading of six vaccines represents a turning point in public health efforts. Under the Trump-Kennedy regime, science is being subordinated to ideological reaction and religious obscurantism. Workers and their children will live lives that are shorter and more vulnerable to disease and disability. Money diverted from public health will go to fatten the bankrolls of the super-rich and to accelerate the build-up of the military-intelligence apparatus.

The signing of a decision memorandum on January 5, 2026 by Acting CDC Director Jim ONeill was not a neutral policy update. It was the culmination of a pre-planned anti-science coup orchestrated by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., beginning with the unprecedented purge of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025. All 17 sitting membersexperts in pediatrics, immunology, and infectious diseasewere fired and replaced with ideologically aligned figures tasked with providing a scientific veneer for predetermined political outcomes.

In this role, Kennedy has functioned not as an advocate of public health but as its enemy, as a secretary of death and diseaseoverseeing policies that normalize mass infection, dismantle collective protections, and subordinate the preservation of life to ideological and political imperatives.

The January 5 memorandum formalizes this dismantling. Under the revised schedule, vaccines are now stratified into three categories: those recommended for all children, those limited to high-risk groups, and those subject to shared clinical decision-making. While HHS publicly listed the vaccines retained under universal recommendationsuch as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, pneumococcal disease, HPV, and varicellaother protections previously recommended for all children were shifted into discretionary or restricted categories.

This bureaucratic language masks a profound shift. By reclassifying vaccines as matters of parental choice rather than public health necessity, the administration is effectively rendering them optional, particularly for working class families already facing barriers to care.

The consequences are immediate and measurable. The United States is experiencing its worst measles resurgence in three decades, even as the 20242025 influenza season has become one of the deadliest for children on record, with 288 confirmed pediatric flu deaths. These developments unfold precisely as universal vaccine recommendations are being withdrawn.

At the same time, the country remains mired in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The United States entered its twelfth major wave in late 2025, with daily infections peaking near one million. The current wave continues to generate roughly 2,000 excess deaths per weeklosses increasingly obscured through administrative practices that code COVID-related fatalities as pneumonia or secondary cardiovascular and respiratory causes. What is presented politically as endemicity is in objective reality the normalization of mass death.

Claims that COVID-19 has become comparable to seasonal influenza are directly contradicted by the evidence. A landmark nationwide cohort study from South Koreathe first large-scale post-vaccine comparison of the two diseasesfound that COVID-19 was associated with 76 percent higher odds of death within 30 days and more than a twelve-fold difference in crude mortality compared to influenza. The virus remains uniquely lethal, and repeated reinfections continue to exact a cumulative toll.

The policy mechanism driving future outbreaks is already well understood. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that delayed receipt of routine two-month and four-month childhood immunizations was the strongest predictor of failure to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine by age two. Infants whose early vaccines were delayed were nearly seven times less likely to be vaccinated against measles, demonstrating how early deviations from the recommended schedule lead to permanent gaps in protection.

This evidence exposes the fraud of the administrations assurances that vaccines remain available. By relegating immunization to shared clinical decision-making, the CDC is institutionalizing what epidemiologists describe as pockets of susceptibilityconditions that drive sustained outbreaks. Under Kennedy, these pockets are no longer accidental, but state policy.

The revised schedule rests on a 34-page assessment drafted between June and December 2025 under the authority of newly installed officials, including Martin Kulldorff at HHS and Tracy Beth Heg at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Framed as an international comparison, the document selectively models US policy on Denmark while omitting the social foundations that sustain high vaccine uptake in those systems, including universal healthcare and robust public infrastructure. It substitutes advocacy for evidence, relying on selective citation rather than systematic review.

This assault on public health threatens to erase gains won over more than a century of scientific and social struggle. Routine childhood immunization programs alone have prevented more than one million deaths in the United States over the past three decades, eliminating or sharply reducing diseases that once killed or disabled hundreds of thousands of children each year.

Globally, mass vaccination campaigns have doubled average life expectancy since the early twentieth century and transformed infectious disease from a near-universal cause of early death into a largely preventable threat. These achievements were not the product of market choice or individual preference, but of coordinated, publicly funded, international scientific efforts rooted in the principle that human life has intrinsic social value.

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the international character of public health with brutal clarity. A virus that emerged in one region of the world spread within weeks to every continent, killing millions and demonstrating that no nation can insulate itself through borders, ideology or denial. Scientific advancesfrom genomic surveillance to vaccine developmentwere likewise global in character, dependent on international data-sharing and collective expertise. To dismantle public health institutions in one country is therefore not merely a national crime, but an international one, weakening the global capacity to detect, prevent and respond to future pandemics. In an interconnected world, the destruction of public health anywhere endangers lives everywhere.

It is within this context that the political meaning of the CDCs transformation must be understood. In a recent interview with the World Socialist Web Site, Dr. Fiona Havers, a longtime CDC epidemiologist who resigned in protest, told us: Career CDC scientists were not involved in those changes. They did not go through the CDCs clearance process. For people who worked at the CDC, it has been incredibly painful to see this kind of misinformation coming from what was once a trusted scientific institution.

This statement carries historic weight. It signifies not personal disillusionment, but the collapse of an institutional guarantee where public health agencies function to protect the population based on evidence rather than political directive. When a leading scientist is compelled to warn the public against relying on the nations premier disease control agency, it is a declaration that the institution has ceased to operate as a scientific body.

The implications are profound. Public health institutions are no longer being hollowed out through neglect alone; they are being actively repurposed in support of policies that expose the population to mass infection and preventable death. The CDC, once a global reference point for epidemiological integrity, is being transformed into an instrument for directing state policy in line with the interests of a capitalist oligarchy hostile to scientific constraint.

As 2026 begins, the working class confronts a stark reality: the defense of public health can no longer be entrusted to institutions that have been politically subordinated and stripped of scientific independence. The struggle for health has become inseparable from the struggle for democratic control over science itself. The independent political mobilization of the working class is therefore not only a social and moral necessity, but a biological one. Without it, the dismantling of public health will accelerate, scientific progress will be reversed, and the catastrophic losses of the COVID era will be recast as a permanent condition of life under capitalism.
Corn: The corn market was quietly mixed pre-dawn as global trade focuses on the bigger issue of war mongering. As of this writing both the March and May issues were sitting unchanged on light trade volume while deferred issues were showing fractional losses. Fundamentally, the National Corn Index ($CNCI) was calculated near $4.0775 Monday night putting national average basis at 36.75 cents under March futures as compared to last Fridays final figure of 37.25 cents under and the previous 5-year low weekly close for this week of 30.25 cents under March. The previous 10-year low weekly close is 35.0 cents under March. The bottom line is our reads on real supply and demand remain bearish while another round of imaginary fundamental numbers grows larger on the horizon. (In case you were wondering, I mean the January WASDE report set for release next Monday.) On the noncommercial side, Mondays close saw the March issue up 4.0 cents from last Tuesdays settlement indicating Watson has been adding to its net-long futures position. The latest Commitments of Traders update showed a noncommercial net-long futures position of 53,190 contracts, a decrease of 11,680 contracts as of Tuesday, December 30. Technically, there isnt much going on with corn at this time.

Morning Summary: When the first piece of news one hears in the morning is the US president says he wants Greenland, its time to put away the coffee and go for something stronger. The reaction from Denmark, and other countries, is a military attack by the US on Greenland would end NATO, fitting with the plan drawn up by Russias Putin and Chinas Xi nearly four years ago. So, well done Three Amigos. The second line of discussion had to do with how global markets generally shrugged off this past weekends events with the same US president saying he now runs Venezuela. I first heard this question early Monday in a message that read, It seems like theres not much of anything that can cause panic (in markets). That being said, golds Cash Index (GCY00) added as much as $26.39 (0.5%) overnight while silvers Cash Index (SIY00) rallied as much as $2.73 (3.6%). What continues to drive silver higher? The increased threat of China treating Taiwan like the Russia treated Ukraine and the US treated Venezuela, disrupting the supply of high-tech electronics and semi-conductors. In other news, Asian stock markets closed higher Tuesday, European markets were mostly higher in early trade, and US stock index futures were quietly in the red across the board.

Story Continues

Soybeans: The soybean market was quietly in the green early Tuesday morning. As I talked about Monday, this weeks activity in soybeans has been interesting given geopolitical developments since last Fridays close. One last look back at Fridays session and we see the March issue rallied 7.75 cents off its session low on what turned out to be solid commercial buying interest. Monday saw more of the same as the March issue (ZSH26) finished 16.25 cents in the green while gaining 0.5 cent on May. For the sake of discussion, lets assume[i] some of the commercial buying has come from China. Setting aside Market Rule #5 (Its the what, not the why) for a moment, the question is why. Why would the worlds largest buyer be interested in US supplies as tensions between the two countries is being ratcheted up? As Michael Corleone said in the Godfather (1972 movie), Its not personal, its business. China is likely covering some of its secondary soybean supply needs while waiting for its primary supplier  Brazil  to begin rebuilding stocks with the next harvest. As of Thursday, December 25, total sales of US soybeans to China were 6.624 mmt, down 60% from the same week the previous year.

Wheat: The wheat sub-sector was quietly lower to start the day. This shouldnt be much of a surprise to market watchers given the sub-sector closed higher Monday despite ongoing bearish fundamentals. Recall at the end of December all three National Cash Indexes ($CSWI) ($CRWI) ($CRSI) continued to run below previous 5-year end of December lows and well below previous 10-year end of December average prices. Based on the Law of Supply and Demand, this confirmed available US supplies continued to outweigh demand for those supplies. End of story. Still, the latest weekly export sales and shipments update, for the week ending Thursday, December 25, showed a pace projection for marketing year shipments of all US wheat of 979 mb, up 26% from reported export shipments of 776 mb for the 2024-25 marketing year. What does it tell us if US exports are running stronger, but the US cash markets are weaker? There are ample supplies to meet demand. On the noncommercial side, the latest Commitments of Traders report showed Watson decreased its net-short futures position in all three markets as of Tuesday, December 30, this despite all three March issues closing lower Tuesday-to-Tuesday. This tells us the commercial side continued to sell more than noncommercial interests were buying.



[i] Yes, I remember what Assume stands for when the word is broken into three smaller words.

On the date of publication, Darin Newsom did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov head of the Office of the President of Ukraine last Friday. Budanov is filling a powerful position that had remained vacant since November when Zelenskys previous longtime aide Andriy Yermak resigned in the wake of a massive corruption scandal.

Ukraine's military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 23, 2025. [AP Photo/Ukrainian Presidential Press Office]

The nomination of Budanova hardline CIA-trained militarist and supporter of bringing the NATO proxy war to Russian soilcomes at a pivotal time for the Zelensky administration. It is under immense pressure from the US to come to an agreement with Moscow to end the four-year-long war that has killed hundreds of thousands on both sides.

The EU, for its part, strongly opposes the Trump-backed peace plan and has been instrumental in urging Zelensky to amend the plan so as to sabotage it entirely and continue the carnage in order to funnel money into its domestic defense industries.

Last Wednesday, Zelensky stated that an agreement to end the war was 90 percent ready. As the WSWS has explained, the Trump-backed plan is no way a peace plan, but rather a temporary agreement between the fascistic Trump government and an oligarchic Putin regime to end the war while maximizing US profits and control in the region at the expense of its EU rivals.

On Friday, Zelensky officially announced the nomination of Budanov on Telegram stating, I had a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the role of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations, and the Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfillment of these tasks of our state.

With a background serving in Ukraines special forces during the post-2014 civil war in the Donbass region, Budanov was first named the head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) in 2020 and reportedly moved rapidly to prepare the country for a full-scale war with Russia and modernize Ukraines defense intelligence in close collaboration with the CIA. The New York Times reported in 2024 that Budanov was one of the members of the elite Unit 2245 of the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate trained by the CIA. Budanov is also known to maintain direct ties with the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), the direct descendants of Ukrainian fascist Stepan Banderas World War II-era organization that was responsible for the murder of thousands of Jews and Poles.

Just 39 years old, Budanov has personally overseen countless numbers of adventurist sabotage operations, drone strikes and political assassinations of both Russian military and civilian figures on Russian soil. Such attacks achieved little militarily but have successfully escalated the conflict with Moscow while at the same time making it appear in Western media that Ukraine was somehow winning the war against Russia despite a continued loss of Ukrainian territory and soldiers at the front.

Following a Moscow court order for Budanovs arrest on terrorism charges against Russia, Budanov replied weve been killing Russians and we will keep killing Russians anywhere on the face of this world until the complete victory of Ukraine. Budanov has repeatedly allowed the media to photograph him, sitting at his office desk, in front of a map showing a carved up Russia.

As the Kyiv Post bragged in May in an article highlighting Budanovs accomplishments, thanks to Budanov:

Over 130 confirmed acts of sabotage have struck Russian territory from 2022 to 2025. These included railways blown up, fuel depots torched and military hubs hit deep behind the front lines.

On May 3, 2023, a drone exploded over the Kremlins Senate Palace, the first such strike since World War II. In 2024 and 2025, follow-up incursions have continued, sending the clear message that any part of Russia may be attacked.

Ukrainian drone attacks surged 500 percent in 2023 and have only increased since. In May 2025, over 700 drones were launched in a single wave, reaching multiple regions, including nearly 100 near Moscow, where air defenses scrambled and airports shut down.

Think tanks and analysts have tracked a sharp rise in public anxiety in the Russian capital as air raid alerts, closed airspace and darkened streets have become part of daily life

Despite his history of seeking to continually escalate the NATO proxy war, Budanov is reportedly one of the few figures within the Ukrainian government that has maintained communications throughout the war with Moscow. Over the summer, he publicly acknowledged that Ukraine could not realistically recover all of the territory it had lost during the war.

Budanov, who had openly criticized the Zelensky administrations mobilization drives as a failure, told Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne last week that Kiev needed to speak with the Kremlin. A negotiation process is definitely needed and cannot be avoided anyway, he said.

In addition to his intelligence ties to the CIA, Budanov is also reportedly close with several figures from the Trump administration. These include the United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, and Vice President JD Vance.

Within Ukraine, Budanov is also considered one of Zelenskys potential political rivals should presidential elections ever take place again in Ukraine. According to a December 2025 poll conducted by the Kiev-based think tank Socis Center, Budanov would finish third in the first round, behind Zelensky and former commander in chief Valery Zaluzhny. The poll also showed both Budanov and Zaluzhny defeating Zelensky in a potential runoff election.

By appointing Budanov, Zelensky has drawn himself closer to the countrys Western-backed military-intelligence leadership which has never fully supported Zelensky.

Zelenskys former chief of staff Andriy Yermak was forced to resign in November just hours after investigators from Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) raided Yermaks apartment as part of $100 million scheme known as Operation Midas that rocked the crisis-ridden Zelensky government.

Yermak, Ukraines most powerful political figure next to only Zelensky, served as both Zelenskys top aide and lead negotiator in the ongoing United States-backed plan to end the ongoing NATO-backed proxy war against Russia.

Despite the raid and his resignation, Yermak has yet to be charged. Reports by Ukraines Weekly Mirror indicate that he still speaks and meets regularly with Zelensky at his home.

In addition to naming Budanov to the countrys most powerful non-elected position, Zelensky also made a number of other changes within his administration. He appointed Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to take the position of Minister of Defense and moved former Prime Minister and current Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal to head the Ministry of Energy.
IYSSE meeting January 8: "What next for the school strike against compulsory military service?"

A broad movement is developing across Germany in the struggle against the reintroduction of conscription. On December 5, 55,000 school students went on strike in more than 90 cities. Strike committees are forming at numerous schools, and preparations are already underway for the next strike on March 5.

This movement is developing at a time when the situation in Germany resembles a powder keg. The policies of war and militarism are deeply hated. The Merz governmenta coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD)has historically disastrous approval ratings. Rearmament is accompanied by massive social devastation: thousands of jobs are being destroyed week after week, and every social sphere is being slashed in order to finance war.

In this situation, a serious school strike could be the spark that ignites this powder keg. It could develop from a strike in schools into a broad movement throughout the working class, not only against conscription, but against militarism itself.

However, the self-appointed protest leaders are doing everything possible to prevent this and to lead school students into a dead end. While tens of thousands are taking part in the movement because they want to wage a genuine struggle, the organisational structures are dominated by pseudo-left and Stalinist groups such as the Socialist German Workers Youth (SDAJ), which use their present dominance to suppress political discussion and isolate the movement.

The SDAJ operates at both federal and local level, sometimes openly, sometimes covertly, to keep all organisational threads in its own hands. The nationwide leadership is not determined democratically by elected representatives of the local strike committees but is self-appointed and maintains its links to the individual committees through SDAJ representatives.

This became particularly clear at the School Strike Online Conference on December 18. This first open nationwide meeting was essentially chaired by SDAJ members, who did not openly identify themselves as such and at no point explained when and in what form they had been elected to the nationwide leadership of the protest movement.

In every respect, the entire meeting was a caricature of a democratic movement. After the self-appointed leadership had delivered lengthy speeches, it only allowed school students to ask them questions. It was even explicitly stated that there would be no space for a real debate.

How the SDAJ is destroying the movement

This undemocratic approach has a political logic. The SDAJ and other pseudo-left groups do not want to allow discussion because they are not interested in developing and expanding the movement, but rather in subordinating it to the youth organisations of the SPD, Greens and Left Party, which themselves are driving forward the policy of war. That is why they also want to prevent it from becoming the starting point of a broad movement against the militarism of all parties represented in the Bundestag (federal parliament).

During the question round at the online event on December 18, when representatives of the IYSSE emphasised the necessity of directing the protests against the entire policy of war and extending them into the working class, many participants reacted enthusiastically and supported this in their own contributions.

The leadership of the meeting then abruptly broke off the discussion. Hannes Kramer (SDAJ) announced that the next strategic step should be to focus first on anchoring the movement more firmly in schools, and that one should not trip over ones own feet by attempting to extend the movement beyond schools.

At the same meeting, Kramer explained that at local level, cooperation with the Green Youth and the SDPs Young Socialists (Jusos) was to be welcomed, as long as they were anti-militarist and against conscription. The absurdity of this is hard to beat. The youth organisations of the SPD and the Greens are among the most fervent militarists imaginable. From the genocide in Gaza to the war in Ukraine, they support every war crime of German imperialism. If they oppose conscription, it is only because they do not want to end up in the trenches themselves, but would rather send to their deaths working class children, who often have no other choice.

In Munich, members of the SDAJ spoke out at a strike committee meeting against a draft leaflet by an IYSSE member that denounced the militarism of the Greens and the Left Party, on the grounds that this would divide the movement. In Flensburg, SDAJ representatives are said to have even demanded that militarisation be removed from the statement of principles so as to be able to invite members of the Young Liberals to join the strike.

What perspective does the movement need?

It must be stated clearly: such unity with warmongers does not strengthen the movement, it destroys it. We cannot fight conscription if we do not oppose its underlying cause: the return of German militarism. The federal government is organising rearmament on a scale not seen since Hitler and has seriously set itself the goal of being capable of militarily defeating the nuclear power Russia within three years.

Such a war would threaten the existence of the continent and of human civilisation as a whole. Under these conditions, it is not enough to oppose conscription. We must reject militarism in its entirety. No one must ever again be sacrificed on the battlefields of the rich, and schools and universities must never again be transformed into recruitment centres for the army and institutions of war propaganda.

With their support for the horrific genocide in Gaza, the ruling elites have long since demonstrated that they are not concerned with peace or human rights. As in the first two world wars, they are rearming to bolster the profit interests of the corporations and banks internationally. Capitalism is once again leading to barbarism and war.

If this madness is not stopped, the introduction of conscription is inevitable; on the one hand, to provide cannon fodder for wars, and on the other, to suppress our resistance and subject us to military discipline.

When the SDAJ demands that these questions be kept out of the movement so as not to endanger an alliance with the warmongers, it is breaking the movements backbone. Our strike has enormous potential. At every single school in the country, the vast majority is opposed to militarism and war. If we mobilise them independently of the war parties, we can make this the starting point of a broad movement in the working class.

Millions of workers face wage cuts and the destruction of their jobs, through which Germany is to be made capable of waging war and trade war. They make up the vast majority of the population and bear the full burden of the policy of war. But they also have the power to stop militarism, because they keep the entire country running. If a mass movement of workers expropriated the major banks and corporations and placed them under democratic control, war and capitalism could be overcome.

Such a movement can only be international. Instead of adapting ourselves to the warmongers, who want once again to pit German students and workers against those in other countries, we must counter rising nationalism with international unity in the struggle against war and capitalism. War can only be prevented by an international movement from below. The basic precondition for such an international movement is the struggle against the warmongers in ones own country.

This is precisely what the SDAJ wants to prevent when it seeks to hitch the movement to the cart of the SPD, the Greens, the Left Party and even the Liberal Democratic Party (FDP). These war parties contribute nothing to mobilising young people against militarism. They are hostile to our movement and want to end it or reduce it to harmless appeals to the government, because they defend militarism and its root cause, capitalism. Mobilisation comes from us, school students, and we can only expand it if we decisively oppose the policies of the capitalist parties.

That is why we must organise the movement democratically and develop it into a forum for debate on these questions. In all cities, strike committees with regular meetings must be established, in which everyone can participate who seriously wants to fight conscription and war.

These committees must not be display boards for pseudo-left organisations, but fully democratic organs of struggleby school students and for school students. Open discussions must take place at these meetings on all relevant political questions. Anyone who wants to fight conscription must understand what it is. And anyone who wants to understand it must discuss it.

Every committee must elect representatives who will network nationwide and internationally to organise the protests. These representatives must be accountable to the rank-and-file and removable at any time. The federal level must not consist of self-appointed functionaries but must be decided from below.

In these committees, the IYSSE argues for orienting the movement independently of all capitalist parties, directing it with a socialist perspective against the root of war and organising it internationally. For only the independent mobilisation of the working class can put an end to the madness of war.

Socialism or Stalinism?

It is precisely this perspective that the SDAJ and other pseudo-left groups seek to suppress with their undemocratic measures. This is not simply due to the shortcomings of individuals, but to the perspective embodied by these organisations.

The SDAJ is the youth organisation of the Stalinist German Communist Party (DKP), which was re-founded in 1968 following a deal between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) after the banning of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) in 1956. The DKP was financially completely dependent on subsidies from the GDR and followed its political directives.

The GDR called itself socialist and, under the pressure of the Cold War, had adopted the socialised property relations of the October Revolution. But power was held by a privileged bureaucracy that brutally oppressed the working class and ultimately oriented itself towards the reintroduction of capitalism.

The Stalinist bureaucrats in East Berlin had no interest whatsoever in fighting for a socialist revolution in West Germany, because this would also have swept away their own dictatorship. Instead, they instructed the DKP to shape the conditions for the peaceful coexistence of the two German states in the most favourable way possible for the GDR. Thus, the DKP was to strengthen the peace movement of the 1980s and win bourgeois forces to it. For this reason, the party suppressed all socialist demands and instead embraced the clergy and trade union bureaucrats.

In this way, the DKP continued the so-called Popular Front policy, which the Stalinists had already advocated from the mid-1930s onwards in the struggle against fascism. This policy holds that the mass movement of the working class must renounce all socialist demands in order not to frighten capitalist parties as allies. Concretely, this led to the Stalinists, for example in Spain, using brutal violence against striking workers while sabotaging the struggle against the fascists and allowing Franco to come to power. For the capitalist parties already had one foot in the fascist camp and were in no way allies in the struggle against Franco.

Even then, Stalins aim was to suppress the independent movement of the working class to secure his own power and ensure peaceful coexistence with the capitalist countries.

Today, neither the GDR nor the USSR exists, and the Stalinists are only a shadow of their former selves. Deprived of their main source of funding, their existence essentially consists of begging trade union bureaucrats and representatives of the capitalist parties for attention and compliantly courting them. Bound by their traditions of suppressing every independent impulse of the working class, they offer themselves as foot soldiers to quash socialist perspectives and genuine discussion.

The IYSSE stands in the opposite tradition. We are the youth organisation of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) and the International Committee of the Fourth International, which was founded in 1938 by Leon Trotsky to defend the socialist principles of workers democracy and internationalism against the Stalinists. Our fundamental principle is the struggle for the political independence of the workers movement from all bureaucracies and capitalist organisations.

The despicable intervention of the SDAJ in the school strike movement shows how significant these questions are today. We can only develop the movement and stop conscription if we draw on the rich historical experiences and on genuine socialist principles.

That is why we call on all pupils and students to discuss these questions with us online on Thursday, January 8, at 6:30 p.m. Register now to take part. There is no time to lose. Discuss this appeal with friends and classmates and sign up with the IYSSE to link the struggle against conscription with the struggle against capitalism.
Ronald Adams Sr. [Photo by Adams Family]

Nine months after the preventable death of 63yearold machine repairman Ronald Adams Sr. at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan, the silence from the company, the United Auto Workers and state remains deafening. Production resumed at Dundee as if nothing happened, while the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has still not released the results of its probe into the April 7 fatality.

On Tuesday, a spokesman from the state safety agency told the World Socialist Web Site that the case remains open nine months afterwards. Management and the UAW bureaucracy have offered no accountability to Adams family or his coworkers.

This coverup is inseparable from broader political and economic developments: job cuts, the rapid imposition of automation and AI, and an outright assault on safety regulation by the Trump administration. Together they produce the conditions for industrial slaughter.

Adams was crushed to death while performing maintenance on an industrial washer inside an enclosed factory cell, when an overhead gantry suddenly activated. Testimony gathered by an independent inquiry by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees revealed the lack of any serious lockout/tagout procedures in the factory. After Adams death, contractors who programmed the industrial washer and gantry were never interviewed by official investigators, and workers ordered to be silent (read about the investigation). MIOSHAs continued delay in publishing its findings enables this coverup. The agencys claim that investigations can take significant time rings hollow when essential evidence can be altered and families and co-workers are denied any explanation.

The only way to break the coverup is by mobilizing workers themselves to collect testimony, preserve records and publicly demand answers. This is precisely the purpose of the IWA-RFCs independent inquiry, which held a public hearing in Detroit last summer.

Shamenia Stewart-Adams and family members at the IWA-RFC investigation into the death of Ronald Adams, Sr., July 27, 2025

Equally criminal is the role of the UAW bureaucracy. Far from holding management accountable, UAW President Shawn Fain and his Stellantis department aided the company in returning the plant to full production. The UAW sanctioned the bypassing of lockout procedures and cutting corners on basic safety in order to return the plant to production as soon as possible. This is the outcome of the decades-long transformation of the UAW into an instrument of corporate management.

The deaths of Ronald Adams and other workers are the predictable consequence of the corporatist labor-management regime. Antonio Gaston, 53, was crushed to death at the Toledo Assembly Complex in August 2024 amid staffing shortages and allegations that safety guards had been removed to avoid production delays. Late last year, Toledo was placed on emergency status, with workers forced to endure 912 hour shifts, six to seven days a week, producing a surge in injuries concentrated at that plant (See our reporting on Toledos spike in injuries and emergency status).

Both Gastons and Adams deaths followed the UAWs betrayal of the 2023 contract struggle. The unions phony stand up strike and the eventual sellout of that fight cleared the way for mass firings of temporary workers and layoffs of fulltime employees. Cutting staff only intensified speedup. The bureaucracy rammed through concessions that empowered management to run leaner, faster production lines staffed by exhausted, underresourced workers. The result: more accidents, more injuries and more deaths.

The push to accelerate automation and AI in factories is being presented as modernization. In reality, it is being deployed to increase productivity on reduced headcountsand to discipline the workforce. New automated systems often have complex, opaque software and depend on a reduced complement of maintenance staff. When safety interlocks are bypassed to keep lines running, these technologies can become lethal instruments.

This shift is amplified by the political assault on regulatory protections. The Trump administrations drive to gut the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other enforcement mechanisms allows corporate managers to ignore or manipulate investigations, if they take place at all. Workplace injuries and deaths, not to mention later deaths from long term exposures to toxic chemicals, are regularly undercounted or buried.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics annual report on Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, set to be released on January 22, is always a year behind and will only report 2024 figures, not deaths and injuries from 2025. In 2023, there were 5,283 workplace fatalities from traumatic injuries and 135,304 from occupational diseases, averaging 385 deaths daily. There were another 2.6 million injury and illness cases that year.

The pattern repeats beyond the auto plants. At the US Postal Service, maintenance mechanic Nick Acker, 36, was crushed inside a mailsorting machine at the Detroit Network Distribution Center on November 8. Witnesses reported disabled safety features as well as ignored safety grievances on the part of the American Postal Workers Union.

One week later, mail handler assistant Russell Scruggs Jr., 44, died after falling and striking his head at the Palmetto P&DC in Georgia, amid reports of inadequate emergency protocols and delayed medical response. These deaths mirror the same coverup and indifference evident at Stellantis and demonstrate that speedup, understaffing and disabled safeguards now cross industries.

As the year ended, the death toll across industries continued to climb. On December 30, 57-year-old Darrin Rose Sr. fell into an industrial crusher at the Hoopes-Edwards plant in Alliance, Ohio. Fellow workers were not able to get him out in time. The machine involved breaks down chemicals for use as snow and ice melt products and fertilizers, according to the company website.

The same day, Elzie Houston, a 33-year-old truck driver and father of three girls, was killed when a concrete cattle feed trough weighing approximately 2,500 pounds fell from a trailer and landed on him. I just want answers, Houstons mother Ulonda Leonard said. I just want to know what happened. How did it happen? Because the stories Im getting dont make sense to me.

The only way forward: rankandfile organization and workers control

Defending workers lives requires the democratic, independent organization of workers themselves, through rankandfile committees on every shop floor and in every facility. These committees must be empowered to:

Conduct independent inquiriesinspect lockout/tagout records, document bypassed safeguards, collect witness testimony and preserve photographic and video evidence.

Abolish labor-management safety committees and organize rank-and-file committees with the power to halt operations until safe conditions are restored.

Coordinate regionally and internationally to prevent employers from isolating local struggles and to mobilize solidarity across plants and industries.

Such committees are the embryonic organs of a movement that can enforce safety standards and defend jobs. They must link immediate demandsno permanent layoffs, full pay and benefits for displaced workers, shortened workweeks without loss of payto the broader struggle for workers political independence and socialism.

Workers at Stellantis, the USPS and across industry: do not accept silence or bureaucratic whitewash. Convene meetings, preserve records, form rankandfile committees and connect with the International Workers Alliance of RankandFile Committees and the World Socialist Web Site.

Ronald Adams and Antonio Gaston, Nick Acker and Russell Scruggs Jr. did not die because of accidents. They were killed by a social system that values profit above life. Their deaths must be the spark for a movement that insists: no more coverups, no more silence, workers lives over bosses profits.
Australia has recorded the highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in more than four decades, alongside a rise in fatalities among non-Indigenous prisoners. These figures reveal not an isolated crisis affecting one community alone, but a deepening social crisis driven by government austerity programs, the expansion of punitive law-and-order measures and the systematic criminalisation of poverty across the entire working class.

Inside a Queensland prison [Photo by Queensland government]

Over the past year, the total prison population grew by 6 percent, a rate well above recent annual increases, continuing a decades-long trajectory of mass incarceration by capitalist governments that disproportionately targets the most vulnerable sections of society.

According to the Australian Institute of Criminologys Deaths in Custody in Australia 202425 report, 113 people died in custody in the 12 months to June 2025, including 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 80 non-Indigenous. Although Aboriginal people make up just 3.8 percent of the population, they accounted for almost 30 percent of all deaths in custody, the highest proportion since records began in 197980, amounting to a 23 percent increase on the previous year.

Deaths in custody encompass fatalities occurring in adult and youth detention, during transfers or hospitalisation, in police custody, stations or vehicles, in post-arrest care and in custody-related operations such as detention attempts or police interventions. The definition extends well beyond prison cells or watch-houses to include deaths resulting from injury, inadequate medical care or incidents during detention or attempted escape.

Of the 113 deaths, 90 occurred in prison custody26 Indigenous and 64 non-Indigenouswhile 22 occurred in police custody or related operations, of which seven were Indigenous. One death occurred in a youth detention facility. Indigenous prisoners died at more than 13 times the rate of non-Indigenous prisoners in custody and at an average age of 45.5 years, compared with 63 years for non-Indigenous prisoners, highlighting both systemic neglect and the concentrated vulnerability of Aboriginal communities.

The 90 prison deaths last year, the highest ever recorded, reveal a nationwide escalation of lethal conditions in custody, targeting the poorest and most marginalised layers of the working class. While Aboriginal people remain disproportionately affected, the rising toll among non-Indigenous prisoners shows that these brutal conditions extend across the working class.

According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in 2022, around 43 percent of people entering prison were homeless or in unstable accommodation in the four weeks before incarceration, rising to about 54 percent among Indigenous entrants. Nearly half were unemployed, and 31 percent had not completed Year 9 schooling. These figures expose prisons not as institutions targeting the dangerous, but as holding centres for those abandoned and criminalised by capitalism.

This bipartisan offensive has targeted populations already living on the edge, struggling to survive unemployment and homelessness, and often with untreated mental illness or substance dependence. AIHW data show around 51 percent of prison entrants report a history of mental health conditions, while approximately 73 percent used illicit drugs in the year before custody.

Unsentenced prisoners now account for around 42 percent of the prison population, up from roughly one-third a decade ago. By mid-2025, nearly 19,850 people were held on remand nationally, a 10 percent increase in a single year, while the sentenced population rose by just 3 percent. Bail refusal, driven by tightened laws, as well as aggressive policing and chronic court delays, are driving the acceleration of incarceration.

For workers and youth experiencing severe disadvantage, contact with police is routine rather than exceptional. Lacking stable housing, access to legal representation or support services, they are far more likely to be refused bail and held in custody, regardless of the seriousness of alleged offences. Remand prisoners are held in overcrowded and understaffed facilities, ill-equipped to meet acute health or mental health needs.

Thirty-four percent of recent deaths in custody occurred among people who had not been convicted of any crime.

Many of those who died had pre-existing medical conditions, histories of trauma or severe mental illness. Around one-in-five prison entrants report a history of self-harm, while custodial mental health care remains grossly inadequate. Hanging and other self-inflicted causesto which 53 percent of Indigenous and 29 percent of non-Indigenous deaths in prison custody last year are attributedremain prevalent. This points to complete neglect, understaffing and the failure to remove known hazards, identified by coroners and inquiries for decades.

At every point in the criminal justice system, Aboriginal people are incarcerated at vastly disproportionate rates. Adults are imprisoned at around 12 times the rate of non-Indigenous people. In several jurisdictions, close to half of all Aboriginal prisoners are unsentenced, with the proportion among women even higher.

Indigenous young people constitute the majority of those held on remand in youth detention, a practice that disrupts education, fractures families and entrenches future incarceration. In 202324, over 83 percent of Indigenous children aged 10 and over in detention were unsentenced.

Children are imprisoned not because they pose a danger, but because youth services, education and mental health supports have been systematically dismantled. In New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, the minimum age of criminal responsibility remains just 10, meaning children are prosecuted under criminal law in violation of international human rights standards.

Since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody handed down 339 recommendations, more than 600 Indigenous people have died in custody. The persistence and escalation of deaths is not the result of failed reforms or administrative oversight, but the outcome of deliberate policy choices by successive Labor and Liberal governments.

This grim milestone comes more than 15 years after then Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudds 2008 parliamentary apology to the Stolen Generations, hailed as a historic turning point. In reality, the apology functioned as a political safety valve, drawing a line under past crimes while leaving intact the social relations and state institutions responsible for ongoing oppression.

Equally exposed is the failure of the Closing the Gap agenda. Successive federal governments have promoted reports and targets, yet meaningful indicators of social equality have stagnated or worsened. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that Indigenous males born now will die 8.8 years earlier, and females 8.1 years, than their non-Indigenous contemporaries. The proportion of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care increased from 47.3 per 1,000 in 2019 to 50.3 in 2024. The Indigenous suicide rate remains at 30.8 per 100,000.

Closing the Gap has functioned as a bureaucratic facade concealing the intensification of repression. The principal beneficiariesa narrow Indigenous business and managerial elite of CEOs, senior bureaucrats, consultants, land council officials and entrepreneurshave enriched themselves through government contracts, procurement schemes and expanded land-rights arrangements, while the conditions of the vast majority have deteriorated.

The 1991 Royal Commission is routinely cited by the media as a solution, demanding implementation of its recommendations. In reality, it was a political whitewash, diverting anger into a dead end. While documenting systemic racism and appalling conditions, not a single police officer or prison official was charged. Recent events underscore the accelerating violence of the state, including the killing of a mentally ill Indigenous man in an Alice Springs supermarket and militarised police operations and shootings in remote communities such as Yuendumu.

The rising incarceration of Aboriginal people is driven by poverty, over-policing, racism and discriminatory bail regimes. Indigenous communities are the most oppressed layers of the working class and therefore bear the harshest impact of deprivation and austerity. Increasingly, however, the social conditions of non-Indigenous prisoners mirror this same poverty and marginalisation, exposing the class character of the crisis.

Prisons now function as warehouses for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of society, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.

Labor and Liberal governments bear responsibility, advancing law-and-order agendas, attacking democratic rights, expanding police powers and prison funding while slashing welfare, public housing, education, health and social services.

The rising death toll in custody is not accidental, but the predictable outcome of government policies that prioritise punishment over social provision. Ending these preventable deaths requires more than procedural reforms, it demands the unified mobilisation of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers and youth to overturn the capitalist system that produces poverty, repression and state violence.
The newly elected party leaders of the Left Party, Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken, at the Left Party conference in Halle. Halle (Saale), October 19, 2024 [Photo by Ferran Cornella / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Left Partys reaction to the illegal US attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro once again exposes it as an openly pro-imperialist force. Although the party formally condemned Trumps actions as state terrorism and a violation of international law, this criticism is not aimed at mobilising the international working class against US imperialism on the basis of an independent socialist perspective. Rather, it expresses the role of the Left Party as an aggressive apologist for German and European imperialism.

Like the Greens and large sections of the bourgeois media, the Left Party criticises Chancellor Merz not from the left, but from the right. Its reproach is not that Berlin supports Trumps illegal actions and pursues imperialist interests of its own, but that the federal government is not positioning itself decisively enough against Washington. At a press conference on Monday, party chair Jan van Aken demanded a very clear and strong reaction from Europe. Anyone who now reacts cowardly and ducks away encourages the United States to continue in the same way. After Venezuela, Greenland could come, after Greenland the Panama Canal.

Van Aken deliberately drew parallels with Russias annexation of Crimea, which in reality was provoked by NATOs encirclement policy and the pro-Western coup in Kiev in 2014, in order to legitimise an aggressive European counter-strategy. The conclusion is clear: Europe must assert its own great-power ambitions more resolutely. Criticism must not be confined to words. The Left Party is calling for sanctions against the United States and for a concrete European plan to prevent Trumps threatened annexation of Greenland.

The imperialist character of these demands emerged particularly starkly when van Aken declared: Why not hold an EU summit in Greenland to make it clear: the United States has no business here, Greenland belongs to Europe and to nobody else. He supplemented this with demands for targeted sanctions against the criminals, against the wrongdoers, against the violators of international law, that is, against Trump and his entourage. Europe must also concentrate on itself in security policy terms.

Van Aken attempted to rhetorically conceal the fact that he was advocating an aggressive European great-power policy by adding that Europe should not become a fourth world power that acts just as brutally as the United States or Russia, but rather a power for peace. This invocation is pure hypocrisy. German and European imperialism are in no way inferior to the United States in terms of brutality and criminality.

As the statement by the editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site against the attack on Venezuela emphasises, all imperialist powers are responding to the deepest crisis of capitalism since the 1930s and to the growing resistance of the working class by turning to militarism, war and authoritarian forms of rule.

And while it is expressed most violently in the US, the same basic tendencies exist throughout the world. All the imperialist powers are now engaged in a global redivision of the world, it states. And further:

In Europe, the major capitalist governments are undertaking the most massive rearmament campaigns since the Second World War as they clamor for war against Russia and destroy social programs. For Britain, France and their imperialist partners in NATO, Trumps onslaught against Venezuela is seen as a signal to recover their old colonial empires. The German ruling class, engaged in a massive military buildup, is nurturing dreams of a Fourth Reich, asserting its military power across the continent and beyond.

The Left Party supports this policy. When Gregor Gysi, figurehead and founding father of the party, opened the Bundestag last year as its most senior member, he expressed this orientation openly. The European Union, Gysi said, could become a kind of fourth world power alongside the United States, China and Russia, and this was something that one had to work towards.

The Left Party also has no fundamental problem with Trumps methods, as long as they serve the interests of German imperialism. As recently as last year, van Aken and the party leadership openly supported Trumps illegal attack on Iran as well as his so-called peace plan for Gaza, which aims at the completion of the genocide of the Palestinians and the colonial reorganisation of the Middle Easta project in which Berlin itself is involved.

In the current case, however, the Left Party fears that Trumps actions will not only undermine European interests in Latin America but also endanger NATOs war strategy against Russia in Ukraine. This concern emerges particularly clearly in an interview van Aken gave to broadcaster Deutschlandfunk on Tuesday. Although he spoke out against the deployment of armed NATO troops to Ukraine, as this would entail the danger of a really big war, instead of drawing the only consistent conclusion from thisthe immediate halt to NATOs escalation and the withdrawal of all Western weapons and troopshe advocated another form of intervention: a UN blue-helmet mission.

Van Aken presents this as a classic peace mission. This portrayal is deliberate eyewash. The history of UN missionsfrom the Balkans to Africa to the Middle Eastshows that so-called peacekeeping forces always secure the interests of the imperialist powers that deploy them. In a serious crisis they become direct parties to war. That van Aken knows this is demonstrated by his entire line of argument.

With regard to security guarantees for Ukraine, he said, I think Europe has to be clear about this: this is a European solution. The Americans have said they will not take part in it, or hardly at all. He said he has seen the danger for nine months now that Trump will hand the country over to Russia.

The call for security guarantees to push back Russia is nothing other than a demand for a massive expansion of war support for Ukraineup to and including the deployment of European troops. In doing so, the Left Party does not oppose imperialist war plans but supports them. Its peace rhetoric serves solely to conceal the escalation and make it politically enforceable.

Van Aken is fully aware of the bloody historical tradition to which Berlin is linking its renewed drive eastwards. When asked whether he supported German participation in a UN force in Ukraine, he declared that the political signal was difficult, because then German soldiers would once again be just outside Stalingrad. Nevertheless, he considered UN blue helmets in principle to be the right approach.

In the First World War, control over the resource-rich and geostrategically central Ukraine was among the core objectives of German imperialism. In the Second World War, it played a key role in the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, which culminated in the Holocaust and cost at least 27 million Soviet citizens their lives. Today, too, Berlin is not concerned with peace, but with tearing Ukraine and other Eastern European states away from Russian influence and bringing them under the control of an EU dominated by Germany.

It is necessary to understand that the pro-imperialist policy of the Left Party and its participation in social cuts and stepping up the repressive powers of the state wherever it co-governs at state level arise directly from its social and historical character. In an earlier lecture titled How the Left Party supports the war policy of the Merz government, we explained:

The partys militarism is not the accidental product of individual right-wing functionaries. It is an expression of the social and political foundations on which this party has always stood. Despite its name, the Left Party has never been a left or socialist party. It has always been a bourgeois organisationa party that defends the interests of the state apparatus and privileged middle layers, supports German capitalism and is rewarded for this with ministerial posts and millions from state party financing.

Workers and young people in Germany, Europe and internationally must draw the necessary conclusions from this. The fight against war requires a socialist strategy. As the WSWS statement on the attack on Venezuela emphasises, the struggle against war is inseparably linked to the struggle against its cause: the capitalist system. It must be led by the working class, with the aim of building an independent political movement, overcoming capitalism and reorganising society on the basis of social needs rather than private profit.
Since its launch on December 12, Socialism AI has provided thousands of users throughout the world with access to the revolutionary perspective of Marxism, drawing from more than 175 years of historical material and nearly three decades of WSWS coverage. With each interaction, it is helping workers and young people understand the world and how to change it.

This new feature will highlight selected questions and answers from Socialism AIconcise, clear and politically insightful responses to some of the most pressing issues of our time. If you come across an answer that you think should be featured in a future installment, use the form at the bottom of this article to submit it for consideration.

The following is a report drawn up by Socialism AI on the background and course of the January 6, 2021 coup, which took place five years ago. See also: 5 years since Trumps January 6 coup.

Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021. [AP Photo/Julio Cortez]

Historical background to the January 6, 2021 coup: a working class, materialist account

The assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 was not a spontaneous outburst by disaffected mobs but the culmination of political processes rooted in the decomposition of bourgeois rule, the social dislocations of pandemic capitalism and the deliberate construction of an extraconstitutional political ecosystem centered on Donald Trump.

The coup attempt flowed from concrete class and state formations: an oligarchy desperate to defend its interests, a Republican Party increasingly fused with rightwing paramilitaries and a militarized state apparatus willing or unable to intervene. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party placed this in a longer historical context and repeatedly warned that the combination of these forces could lead to dictatorship and political violence. (See The fascist coup of January 6.)

Below is a compiled, chronologically ordered account of the key events of 2020 that produced the material and political conditions for the coup, an hourbyhour reconstruction of January 6, and a list of the principal actors inside and around the Trump apparatus and their connections.

Key events of 2020 (chronological list with significance)

JanuaryMarch 2020: COVID19 pandemic and capitalist response. The pandemic produced mass layoffs, overwhelmed healthcare systems and enormous social dislocation. The ruling class prioritized corporate profits and market stability over lives, deepening social inequality and political alienationconditions later exploited by reactionary forces.

MayJune 2020: George Floyd protests and state militarization. Mass multiracial protests against police brutality exposed the depth of social anger. The federal governments responsethreats to invoke the Insurrection Act, deployments of federal forces and National Guard unitsnormalized militarized suppression of domestic dissent and set a precedent for later deployments used by Trump.

SummerFall 2020: Militia recruitment, paramilitary trainings and liberty rallies. Rightwing militias (Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, III%ers, Wolverine Watchmen) organized trainings and built networks. These groups shifted from protest to concrete plotting, including armed recruitment and tactical preparations.

October 2020: Whitmer kidnap plot uncovered. Federal arrests of Wolverine Watchmen members revealed an armed plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and potentially execute her. The evidencetraining camps, tactical plans and conspiratorial chatsdemonstrated both intent and operational capacity, signaling the elevation of militia violence into mainstream political contention.

OctoberNovember 2020: Electoral radicalization and Stop the Steal mobilization. Trump and allies preemptively delegitimized mail ballot voting and set the stage to contest any loss. Simultaneously, fascistic networks and rightwing media prepared to weaponize grievances and mobilize supporters into action.

November 3, 2020: Election Day. Trump lost the election. Rather than concede, his campaign immediately escalated fraud claims, legal challenges and extralegal contingency planning. Lawyers and operatives (e.g., Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro) advanced theories and legal maneuvers that would later be used to justify interrupting certification.

NovemberDecember 2020: Alternateelector schemes and legal pressure. In battleground states Republican operatives promoted alternate electors and pressured state officials, while the big lie propaganda campaign kept an active grievance alive and provided political cover for extraconstitutional action.

December 14, 2020: Electoral College formalizes Bidens win. The formal process did not dissipate the false narrative. Instead, the Trump apparatus intensified pressure on state legislatures and federal actors, including a campaign to compel Vice President Mike Pence to refuse certification on January 6.

Late December 2020: Militia mobilization and calls to Washington. Organizers scheduled the January 6 demonstrations. Investigations later showed that paramilitary quick reaction teams, tactical coordination and chainofcommand arrangements were in place for the Capitol intervention.

Each of these events interacted: the pandemic produced economic strain; the Floyd protests produced political polarization and state militarization; militia growth provided the organized force; the big lie supplied political justification; and elements of the state apparatus were positioned or politicized to produce delays and openings when the assault was launched.

Key actors and their connections

Donald J. Trump (President): Political center of the conspiracy. Public delegitimization of the vote, pressure on state officials, calls to supporters to come to D.C., and postassault pardons and clemencies that normalized impunity.

White House legal and political operatives: Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebrolawyers who constructed legal rationales, alternateelector schemes and public narratives. Their activity provided the pseudolegal cover for the coup infrastructure. Mark Meadows (Chief of Staff) and Jeffrey Clark (DOJ official)involved in pressure campaigns and plans to use government levers to overturn results.

Farright paramilitary leaders: Stewart Rhodes (Oath Keepers)central militia organizer; later convicted of seditious conspiracy and shown in indictments to have coordinated on January 6. Enrique Henry Tarrio (Proud Boys)Proud Boys leadership and mobilization role. Other local militia leaders and organizers across the country who trained members and organized tactical entries.

Rightwing media and influencers: Amplified the big lie, radicalized audiences and coordinated rally networks, creating the mass psychosis that fueled the assault.

Elements of the state/security apparatus: D.C. National Guard, Metropolitan Police, Capitol Policetactical deployments and delayed Guard activation were decisive; the D.C. Guard was prevented from immediate deployment for hours. Acting Defense Department figures and political appointees (e.g., acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy as reported in hearings) were implicated in delayed or politicized decisions regarding troop deployments, creating a critical window for the assault. Sympathetic local law enforcement and veterans present among rioters.

Republican state officials and fake electors: Statelevel operatives who pushed alternateelector slates and pressured certification processes, providing political scaffolding for the attempt to nullify the election.

Democratic Party leadership: Failed to call mass mobilization in defense of democratic forms and subordinated potential popular resistance to calls for bipartisanship and war.

Hourbyhour breakdown of January 6, 2021

The following reconstruction synthesizes video, testimony, court documents and WSWS reporting to present a detailed timeline of events on the day of the coup. Times are approximate and derived from public records and investigative reporting.

Early morning. Prerally mobilization (before 8:00 a.m.). Supporters begin arriving in Washington. Militia elements, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers mobilize in separate groups, some in tactical gear. Logistics and final planning for the days activities are confirmed among organizers.

8:0010:00 a.m. Demonstrators gather on the National Mall and near the Ellipse. Multiple proTrump and Stop the Steal gatherings take place. Speakers and influencers address crowds, stoking the sense of grievance and urgency. Militias move to prearranged staging areas.

~11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. Final speeches and premarch mobilization. Trump and other speakers address the crowd near the Ellipse. He repeats false claims about the election and uses incendiary language (fight like hell) that investigators later tied to incitement. Leaders of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other groups issue instructions to their members.

~12:301:00 p.m. March toward the Capitol begins. Participants move in large numbers from the Ellipse toward the Capitol. Organizers and militia formations converge on routes and preselected entry points. Many demonstrators head to the Lower West Terrace and other perimeters.

~1:002:00 p.m. First clashes at perimeter barricades. Protesters encounter Capitol Police barricades and engage in clashes. Fascistic elements employ coordinated tacticsstacks, shields, use of chemical irritantsto force entry. Video and communications show organized push points, not merely spontaneous breaches.

~2:102:20 p.m. First forcible entries to the Capitol. Breaches occur through broken windows and doors. The mob enters the building; some groups move toward the Senate chamber and House galleries. The certification process in the Senate and House is interrupted.

~2:204:00 p.m. Congress evacuated and rioters in chambers. Members of Congress and staff are evacuated or take shelter. Rioters occupy offices and chambers; more than 140 police officers are injured across the day. Communications later revealed coordination among certain militia leaders and possible lines to outside actors.

~2:304:00 p.m. Critical delay in National Guard deployment. Requests for Guard activation are stalled for hours. The D.C. National Guards deployment is delayed by roughly 3 hours and 19 minutes after local commanders requested assistancea delay that provided the operational window for the conspirators.

~4:005:00 p.m. Trump releases statement; no mobilization from Democrats. The President posts a prerecorded video asking supporters to go home while reiterating the fraud claims. Democratic leaders do not call for mass mobilization to defend democratic institutions.

~5:008:00 p.m. Security operations clear the Capitol. Federal and D.C. forces gradually reestablish control. Hundreds of arrests follow in subsequent days and months.

Late night into January 7. Certification resumes and concludes. After security is restored, Congress reconvenes late January 6 and completes certification in the early hours of January 7.

Aftermath. Prosecutions, political maneuvers and pardons. Hundreds of cases and indictments follow, including seditious conspiracy charges for key militia leaders. Subsequent political developmentspardons, normalization of many coup participants under later administrationsdemonstrated the limits of bourgeois accountability.

Conclusion: Facts, responsibilities and the role of class politics

The January 6 assault was the product of a convergent political dynamic: an economically and politically polarized society, paramilitary formations prepared for violence, a presidential apparatus intent on overturning an electoral defeat, and sections of the state whose delays and politicized decisions opened a decisive window. Evidence and testimony since 2021 have confirmed coordination between militia leaders, Trump allies and sympathetic elements in the state apparatus.

This report has drawn on WSWS reporting and public records to present a materialist chronology and actor mapping. The lessons are political: Bourgeois institutions and partiesRepublican or Democraticare inadequate to defend democratic rights when the oligarchy resorts to extraconstitutional methods. The independent organization and political mobilization of the working class is the decisive requirement to prevent the normalization of dictatorship.

Significance and lessons for the working class

The January 6 coup attempt is a defining political event of the early 21st century in the United States. It revealed the fragility of bourgeois democratic forms. Its significance for workers is threefold: immediate political danger, structural crisis of capitalist rule and the strategic necessity for independent working class organization.

First, the immediate danger. The coup showed that the instruments of state power can be mobilized or paralyzed to produce extralegal outcomes. The tactical delay in deploying the National Guard, the presence of armed militia cadres on the Capitol steps, and the political campaign to produce alternate electors demonstrated that the formal checkscourts, elections, legislaturesare insufficient safeguards when state actors and paramilitary forces converge. The postcoup pardons and normalization of many participants show how vulnerable accountability is within bourgeois frameworks. Workers must therefore recognize that appeals to courts, bipartisan commissions or strong parties will not reliably protect democratic rights.

Second, the structural crisis. January 6 was an expression, not the cause, of a systemic breakdown. The pandemic accelerated economic precarity, while political elites abandoned meaningful social programs and concentrated wealth. The Democratic Partys right-wing politics left large sections of the working class politically unrepresented. The Republican Partys fusion with reactionary militias and authoritarian strategists filled the vacuum with an answer based on repression and ethnicized nationalism. These dynamics produced a political field in which fascistic solutions can be advanced by parts of the ruling class to restore stability on terms favorable to capital. For workers, this means that the defense of democratic rights is inseparable from the struggle to defend jobs, healthcare, wages and social provision.

Third, the strategic necessity. The only reliable defense is the independent political and industrial organization of the working class. Rankandfile committees in workplaces, democratic neighborhood defense committees and an independent socialist party rooted in the working class are indispensable. Such organs would have the capacity to mobilize mass resistance quickly, coordinate across industries and borders and present a program not of preservation of capitalist rule but of expropriation of the oligarchy and democratic social control of production. This is not a theoretical luxury; it is a material necessity.

Lessons drawn: (1) Do not rely on bourgeois parties or institutionsBoth are integrated with capitalist interests and can facilitate counterdemocratic outcomes; (2) Build democratic, accountable rankandfile structures that unite workers across workplaces and industries, and link them internationally through networks like the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWARFC); (3) Advance a socialist program that connects immediate economic demands (no layoffs, healthcare for all, end of policing and militarized repression) to political independence and democratic expropriation of the oligarchy.

The events culminating in January 6 are a clarion call. They demand that workers move from defensive appeals to independent organization and political struggle. The Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site are actively organizing to build these capacities. To turn understanding into action, join the movement to defend democratic rights and build a socialist alternative.
The horrific December 14 attack in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, and its aftermath, are major political events. The mass murder of 15 people and the wounding of dozens more, in a targeted antisemitic action, is one of the worst terrorist incidents in Australian history.

As with all such turning points, the Bondi attack has revealed the true character and role of all political tendencies.

People gather at a floral tribute outside Bondi Pavilion on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025,. [AP Photo/Mark Baker]

With extraordinary rapidity, governments at the state and federal level, led by the Labor Party, have seized on the attack to dramatically escalate a longstanding campaign to shut down opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. In doing so, Labor is setting precedents for authoritarian measures that will be used against broader opposition, to militarism as well as to deteriorating social conditions and an assault on workers jobs, wages and conditions.

The offensive has involved the entire establishment media. All of the major outlets are endlessly repeating the lie that the actions of the terrorists, who were apparently motivated by the reactionary communalist ideology of ISIS, were somehow connected to the peaceful, multi-religious and multi-ethnic protest movement against the genocide.

The trade union bureaucracy, tied by a thousand strings to Labor and big business itself, has joined the onslaught on civil liberties, with senior union officials demanding an end to any actions opposing Israels ongoing war crimes.

Of particular significance for workers and young people is the response of organisations claiming to be socialist.

Whatever their occasional left-wing or even revolutionary rhetoric, the whole coterie of pseudo-left organisations have exposed their reactionary character in their response to the Bondi attack.

Under conditions of a sharp shift in the political situation, they are seeking to prevent workers from drawing any political lessons. Above all, they are trying to subordinate anger and opposition to the Labor Party and the fraud that endless protests will shift the establishment to the left.

The most striking response is that of Socialist Alternative (SAlt), the largest pseudo-left organisation in the country. Under conditions where coverage of the Bondi attack was wall-to-wall in the last fortnight of 2025, its publication, Red Flag, issued just two articles. Neither of them are party statements putting forward any overall assessment of the terrorist atrocity itself or the response.

The first of the articles, published on December 17, is most notable for its omissions. Under conditions where the Labor Party is in office federally, and in the state of New South Wales (NSW), where the attack occurred, Labor is not mentioned once.

The article warns against those using the Bondi massacre to slander Palestine solidarity. But the ringleader of this campaign, Labor, is given a free pass. That is all the more extraordinary, given that the article was published on the very day that NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns announced that he would urgently recall the state parliament to rush through laws that would provide the police commissioner with the power to ban all public protests.

Minns, who has been hailed by the Murdoch media and the establishment, explicitly based this push for dictatorial powers on the phoney conflation of mass demonstrations against the genocide and terrorism.

That is in line with the role that his administration has played throughout the genocide. Repeatedly, Minns and the NSW Police have sought to ban protests against the mass slaughter. In doing so, they have collaborated closely with the federal Labor government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses administration has incessantly vilified the mass movement as antisemitic, passed sweeping hate speech laws last year to outlaw strident condemnations of Zionism, and is directly implicated in Israels war crimes, including through the continuing export of weapons components.

Rather than referencing any of this, the initial Red Flag article focussed exclusively on the opposition Liberal-National Coalition, which is a crisis-ridden rump, the far-right One Nation party and the Murdoch media. The clear suggestion was that the danger to democratic rights came exclusively from these quarters, not from the Labor Party, despite the fact that it is in government nationally and in NSW.

For almost a fortnight, Red Flag fell silent. Its second article, published on December 30, made explicit what had been implicit in its first offering. Labor was mentioned, not as a supporter of genocide or an opponent of democratic rights, but as a hapless and unfortunate victim of the far-right!

The article was entirely focussed on the anti-immigrant agitation of forces such as One Nation. It bemoaned the fact that, in the wake of the Bondi attack, broad right-wing political networks have seized the opportunity to supercharge anti-immigrant sentiment and turn it against the Labor government.

By the time that article was published, Minns anti-protest laws had been rammed through the NSW parliament and been activated by the NSW Police Commissioner. But the fact that public assembly had been banned, an unprecedented measure associated with open dictatorships, was extraordinarily still not mentioned.

That was all the more striking given that SAlt has been heavily involved in organising pro-Palestinian protests over the past two years.

Also not mentioned was the role of the Albanese government. Already, it had committed to implementing the full recommendations of a report prepared by Zionist lobbyist and special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal. Those recommendations include defunding broadcasters, universities and other public institutions that are insufficiently censorious of criticisms of Israel; Zionist oversight and censorship of the entire press; and the promotion of pro-Israeli propaganda throughout the educational system.

In effect, Red Flag simply suppressed and hid from its readers the assault on democratic rights that was already underway. It did so in order to promote illusions in Labor.

The final Red Flag article directly spelled that out. Published on January 3, its headline declared Supporters of Palestine must stand up to the post-Bondi right-wing offensive. But again, it was not against the Labor governments that SAlt said people should mobilise.

Instead, the implication of the article was that workers and youth should come to the defence of the Labor administrations. The article drew a direct identity between SAlt and Labor. It warned that the far-right want to strike a blow against the political lefta term SAlt uses to describe itselfand the Labor Party. The response had to be standing up to an emboldened and rabid political right, the article concluded.

That article did mention the anti-protest laws in NSW. But they were presented as an afterthought. Minns role, as the chief attack dog of the state and of the Zionist lobby, was glossed over as a capitulation on his part to the far-right, not as an expression of the imperialist and authoritarian character of the Labor Party itself.

All in all, the clear message of the article was that it was necessary for workers and youth to build a popular-front style movement, encompassing Labor, the unions, the Greens and the pseudo-left, against the far-right, even as Labor is spearheading the agenda of war and repression.

This is a continuation of the role that SAlt and the pseudo-left have played throughout the genocide. They have insisted that the mass opposition can only go forward through moral appeals to the Labor government to see sense and end its support for Israel. The function of this line has been to subordinate workers and youth, incensed by the genocide, to the very government that is complicit in it.

Far from shifting to the left, Labor has shifted further to the right in response to the mass opposition, which has in the meantime been politically neutered by SAlt and other pseudo-left forces.

SAlts effective defence of Labor exposes it as a prop of the political establishment and of the capitalist system itself. To the extent that SAlt employs socialist and occasionally revolutionary phraseology, it is window-dressing aimed at covering over a political program and orientation thoroughly embedded within the existing set-up.

Notably, in the wake of the Bondi attack, Red Flag published another article, crowing that its various electoral fronts had exceeded 5,000 members. The article made no mention of Bondi or its aftermath, despite their centrality to political discussion when it was published. Instead, it presented SAlts electoral fronts, such as the Victorian Socialists, as being on an ascendent course ahead of elections in a number of states.

Those electoral outfits have been established on a left-populist program, which peddles the fraud that reforms can be won through parliament, despite the reality of a global crisis of capitalism and an austerity offensive everywhere. The electoral fronts are oriented to manoeuvres with Labor and the Greens, and have previously won support from the Labor-aligned trade union bureaucracies. In its open defence of Labor after the Bondi massacre, SAlt undoubtedly has an eye on sordid machinations related to future electoral campaigns.

Those electoral manoeuvres express the class character of SAlt and the pseudo-left. These are organisations that speak not for the working class, but for a privileged layer of the upper middle-class in academia, the top echelons of the public sector and the union bureaucracy. These social forces seek to advance their own selfish interests within the framework of the capitalist system, through left-populist phraseology, as well as identity politics based on race, gender and sexual orientation, not class.

The same is true of the other pseudo-left parties. Socialist Alliance has lamely requested that Labor rescind its assault on democratic rights. Solidarity, another group, has stated that the only way to oppose the anti-protest laws in NSW, under conditions where demonstrations are effectively banned, is through protests oriented to the government.

In opposition to these forces, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has elaborated an independent response to the Bondi attack and its aftermath, that articulates the interests of the working class.

The SEP has condemned the reactionary attack itself, and exposed the communalist, Islamist ideology that apparently motivated it. The SEP has exposed the continuous lies, attempting to tar mass opposition to the genocide with the brush of antisemitism and terrorism.

Above all, it has warned that the turn towards authoritarianism is a frontal attack on the working class. The Labor governments are not solely attacking opposition to the genocide. They are seeking to establish a precedent that will be deployed against mass opposition to war, including Australias integration into the US-led plans for a catastrophic conflict with China, and to austerity, under conditions of incessant demands from big business for ever deeper cuts to social spending and a productivity campaign aimed at driving up the exploitation of workers.

Governments, in Australia and internationally, know that they are sitting atop a social powder keg, which is why they feel compelled to dispense with even the trappings of democratic rule.

The response must be to build a socialist movement of the working class, directly opposed to Labor, the union bureaucracy, their satellites in the pseudo-left and the entire political establishment. The aim of SAlt is to prevent such a development and to chain workers and young people to a capitalist set-up that is hurtling towards barbarism.

The SEP invites workers, youth and WSWS readers to an online meeting this Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m. AEDT, to examine the political significance of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which is being exploited to implement a raft of anti-democratic measures that will inevitably be used against the working class. Register now.
The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold more than $10 billion in federal aid for low income families in five states governed by Democrats: California, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado and New York. The sweeping funding freeze, first reported by the New York Post on Monday and confirmed by multiple outlets Tuesday, targets core social assistance programs that support food, housing, childcare and basic income for working class families.

A woman and a child hold hands as they walk down a street in Cedar-Riverside in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 12, 2022. [AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski]

Roughly $7 billion of the funding freeze targets the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a primary source of assistance for food, housing, home energy and childcare for impoverished and working class families. In some states, TANF also provides job training and limited access to higher education.

An estimated 1 million families received TANF assistance in 2023. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reported in October 2025 that only 21 out of every 100 families with children living in poverty nationwide received TANF cash assistance that year, highlighting the already devastated condition of the program before Trumps latest cuts.

The hollowing out of TANF has been driven by bipartisan policy. When the program was created in 1996 following the Clinton administrations welfare reform, 68 out of every 100 families in poverty received assistance. By 2021, that figure had fallen to 19 out of 100. Had coverage remained at its original level, an additional 2.4 million families would have received support in 2021 alone.

A 2022 National Bureau of Economic Research study found that every $1,000 in TANF support generated five times that amount in broader social benefit through increased adult earnings and improved child health, sharply reducing long-term public costs.

In addition to TANF, the five targeted states are being stripped of $2.4 billion from the Child Care and Development Fund, which provides assistance to working parents, who need help paying for childcare. Approximately 1.4 million children nationwide depend on federal childcare funding. Another $870 million is being blocked from social services grants that overwhelmingly benefit low income children.

None of the four states outside Minnesota have faced comparable fraud allegations. The political character of the cuts was made explicit when Trump declared on Truth Social Tuesday that California is more corrupt than Minnesota and announced a new federal fraud investigation of the state.

The retaliatory character of the funding freeze is underscored by Trumps targeting of Colorado, where there have been no allegations of large-scale fraud. Five years after the failed January 6 coup, Trump is moving directly against working class children in the state because Democratic Governor Jared Polis has refused to commute the sentence of Tina Peters, a former Mesa County clerk and recorder and a loyal participant in Trumps coup attempt.

Peters was convicted by a jury on multiple felony counts, including attempting to influence a public official, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, official misconduct, violation of duty and failure to comply with orders of the Secretary of State for her role in breaching Colorados election systems in support of Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election. She was sentenced to nine years in prison under state law.

Trump issued a federal pardon for Peters earlier this year, but it has no legal effect on her state convictions. Poliss refusal to intervene has now been met with direct collective punishment of working class families in Colorado through the termination of critical federal assistance programs.

The announcement of the austerity measures comes as approximately 2,000 federal immigration agents are en route to or already operating in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, carrying out mass detention operations. On Tuesday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem appeared alongside masked and heavily armed immigration agents, accompanied by a television camera crew, while federal officers carried out home raids as part of the expanding deportation campaign.

Trump and the Republican Party are justifying the funding freeze by invoking allegations of fraud, some real and many fabricated. In Minnesota, allegations that were largely investigated and prosecuted under the Biden administration have already been used as a pretext to suspend $185 million in federal funding. These cuts will impact at least 30,000 children, none of whom had any connection to the alleged misconduct.

These measures form part of a broader austerity program aimed at dismantling social assistance programs that benefit workers, their families and the poor, while freeing resources for tax breaks for the wealthy and increased interest payments to financial institutions.

The Democratic Party has played a central role in preparing these attacks. For years, Democratic administrations expanded deportation infrastructure, and following Trumps failed coup the party did everything in its power to resuscitate the Republican Party and key institutions of the capitalist state that supported the attack, including the military, police, intelligence agencies and the Supreme Court. Even as Trump promised to rule as a dictator on day one of a second term, President Joe Biden and the Democrats insisted on the need for a strong Republican Party and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power to the second Trump presidency.

Succumbing to Republican lies, on Monday, Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz suspended his re-election campaign, citing the fraud investigations now being exploited by the Trump administration. His capitulation has provided political cover for a campaign of racial scapegoating that portrays Somali immigrants in Minnesota as participants in a vast criminal conspiracy orchestrated in collaboration with Democratic officials.

Appearing on Fox News with Jesse Watters, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem advanced this narrative without evidence. He told them to just do their job and follow orders and overlooked all these criminals, Noem claimed, accusing Walz of deliberately ignoring internal complaints. The remarks formed part of a coordinated effort to legitimize the funding freeze and the simultaneous expansion of deportation raids.



Democratic officials have responded to the funding freeze by appealing to the courts. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the cuts vindictive and said her administration was preparing a litigation strategy. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that the state was in an assessment period to determine whether legal action was warranted.

These maneuvers offer no defense of the working class. The courts are instruments of the same capitalist state apparatus now being mobilized to enforce austerity and repression. Regardless of judicial rulings, the Trump administration, acting on behalf of the financial oligarchy, will continue to impose social cuts while expanding deportation raids and police-state measures.

The Democratic Party, which has funded wars abroad, expanded deportation infrastructure and presided over decades of welfare cutbacks, will not mobilize mass opposition to these policies. It serves the same corporate and financial interests as the Republicans.

The only social force capable of halting the deportation raids and reversing the assault on living standards is the working class.
If youve been watching global headlines lately, it would be easy to assume oil prices would be sky-high: a major oil-reserve country mired in crisis, sanctions on perennial producers, regional conflicts simmering, and social unrest in several exporters. And yet Brent and WTI have been languishing around $60 a barrel, a level that, a decade ago, most analysts would have dismissed as impossible in such conditions

Whats happening?

At first glance, the logic of oil pricing should be straightforward: supply risk should mean higher prices. But todays market tells a very different story, one where geopolitical shocks dont automatically translate into price shocks.

The Changing Nature of Supply Risk

Take Venezuela, the poster child of dysfunctional oil production. Sitting on the worlds largest proven crude reserves, youd expect its political upheavals to roil markets. In reality, Venezuelas output has already shrivelled over years of mismanagement, sanctions, and capital flight. What matters most to traders isnt headline reserve totals, its actual barrels available to buy, ship, refine, and burn. Caracas no longer moves global supply balance sheets in any meaningful way. This is also unlikely to change with the US intervention, as companies require a stable regime to operate in. Such is a long way away in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, traditional trouble spots like Russia and Iran are constrained by sanctions more than geology. Their exports find buyers, but often at steep discounts and under complex legal and logistical workarounds. Oil markets have, over the past decades, learned to price sanctions as part of the baseline, not an extraordinary disturbance.

Demand Is the New Wild Card

Whats truly different now isnt just supply, its demand behavior.

A decade ago, oil demand growth was almost a given. Emerging markets industrialized en masse; transportation fuel demand climbed inexorably; industrial energy use marched upward. Today, that certainty has fractured. Efficiency gains, electrification of vehicles, alternative fuels and regulatory pressures have altered the trajectory. Even in markets where oil demand hasnt peaked, its plateauing, or at best growing slowly.

In todays world, traders dont simply ask: Will supply tighten?

They increasingly ask: Will demand growth falter before supply truly tightens?

That shift matters. A potential drop in consumption, driven by EV uptake, fuel efficiency, and energy transition policies, is far more price-inhibiting than any single supply disruption is price-supporting.
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter.

Jollibee Food Corporation, which operates over 10,000 restaurants globally, plans to spin off its international operations and business from its Philippine business. It will list the international business as an independent company on the U.S. stock exchange, the company said in a filing on Tuesday with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Jollibee is currently working with advisors to define the structure, processes and timing for the separation and the U.S. listing. The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2027.

The new Jollibee Foods Corporation International will manage all business and operations outside of the Philippines and include a portfolio of international concepts across various categories and geographies. The company will operate with a capital-light model.

Jollibees international business has proven lucrative for the company, helping boost same-store sales 12% during the third quarter, according to an earnings presentation. Comparatively, its Philippine business posted same-store sales growth of 1% during the quarter, though the company attributed this slow growth to impacts from 14 typhoons, an anomalously high number of storms. As of the third quarter, its international business had 1,828 units in operation across multiple global markets.

The chicken chains international business has significant whitespace expansion and is positioned to operate in markets that support companies pursuing international scale, innovation, and long-term global growth, according to the regulatory filing.

North America, where the Jollibee brand has 107 units, is a high-growth market. Jollibee opened its first franchised unit in New York in late August, and is seeing $17,000 in average daily sales, which would equate to $6.2 million in annualized sales. The brand has 47 multi-unit development agreements signed and has about 30 more commitments in the pipeline, according to the presentation. The company began franchising in the U.S. last March.

The company said its average daily sales per store in the U.S. is $14,500. Its strong sales momentum is driven by its menu offerings, which include an angus burger, chicken tenders, Botrista Signature Sips, Korean BBQ chicken and premium sandwiches. Its loyalty program, which launched in 2024, has resulted in a 17% return on investment and drives $1.2 million in incremental monthly sales. As of the third quarter, it was on track to enroll 1 million customers in its loyalty program by the end of 2025.
Gasoline prices fell for a sixth straight week to their lowest level in nearly five years as seasonal factors and cheaper oil weighed on the market while traders monitored developments following the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The national average on Monday stood at $2.81 per gallon, according to AAA data, about $0.25 lower than a year ago and the lowest level since March 2021. Only about nine states have averages above $3 per gallon, while California, burdened with taxes and higher fees, has seen its average decline to $4.25 per gallon.

The declines come amid growing questions over Venezuelas vast energy reserves after the United States captured Maduro and his wife over the weekend. President Trump stated that the US would temporarily run the South American country until a proper transition took place and said American oil companies would spend billions on Venezuela's oil sector.

Gasoline prices fell for a sixth straight week to their lowest level in nearly five years as seasonal factors and cheaper oil weighed on the market. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

"Some Americans believe gasoline prices could be impacted in a significant way, but Im here to throw a bit of cold water on that," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

De Haan expects gas prices to bottom out in the weeks ahead before beginning their seasonal climb closer to March.

It's unclear how quickly oil could flow out of the country, given that production has been hampered and waned over the years.

"Even under the most optimistic outcomes, it could take years of positive developments for additional supply to meaningfully move the needle, and the impact on US gasoline prices may ultimately be limited," he said.

JPMorgan analysts predict that while production in Venezuela could temporarily fall due to operational disruptions, recovery and output increases could follow in subsequent months.

"Looking ahead, we continue to maintain our view that a regime change in Venezuela would immediately represent one of the largest upside risks to the global oil supply outlook for 20262027 and beyond," wrote JPMorgan's Natasha Kaneva and her team on Sunday.

Combined oil reserves from Venezuela, nearby Guyana, and the US could give America control over roughly 30% of global oil reserves if consolidated under its influence, potentially keeping oil prices within historically lower ranges, said the analysts.

Last year, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude (CL=F) and Brent (BZ=F) crude futures fell nearly 20% and 18%, respectively, amid rising supply, marking their steepest annual declines since 2020.

On Monday, Brent jumped more than 1.5%, while WTI also rose.
Key Points

Zeta Global stock rose almost 9% during regular trading hours.

The company announced a partnership with OpenAI.

Investors will want to thoroughly investigate Zeta Global before deciding to purchase shares.

10 stocks we like better than Zeta Global 

Starting the first full week of trading in 2026 on an auspicious note, Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) climbed 8.8% during regular trading hours.

But the bulls' appetite for the advertising stock grew only larger after the bell rang. The company announced a collaboration with OpenAI, and investors are clearly thrilled. As of 5:18 p.m., Zeta Global stock was up 9.4% from where it ended after today's regular trading session.

Image source: Getty Images.

The particulars of the new partnership

Zeta announced today that it will utilize OpenAI models to support Athena, Zeta's artificial intelligence (AI) agent, which integrates with its Zeta Marketing Platform. This integration provides marketing professionals with voice-activated answers and an adaptive interface.

Lauding the deal with OpenAI, Zeta Global CEO and co-founder David A. Steinberg, stated, "We've formed many partnerships throughout Zeta's history, but none will be more instrumental than the one we are embarking on with OpenAI."

In addition to its collaboration with OpenAI, Zeta announced that Athena's first two agentic applications, Insights and Advisor, have entered the beta phase of development. The company plans to launch Athena to all customers by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Is it too late to buy Zeta Global stock now?

While Zeta Global's partnership with OpenAI is certainlundoubtedlyting. Investors seeking to diversify their exposure to AI stocks should conduct thorough due diligence before clicking the buy button. Although OpenAI is a powerhouse in the burgeoning field of generative AI, savvy investors recognize that there's much more to a sound investment than a company deciding to partner with an industry leader.

Should you buy stock in Zeta Global right now?

Before you buy stock in Zeta Global, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Zeta Global wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $490,703!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,157,689!*
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You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name.

Florida\'s restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you.

For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Alachua County restaurant inspections site.

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Here\'s the breakdown for recent health inspections in Alachua County, Florida, for the week of Dec. 29, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a \'snapshot\' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.

For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Alachua County restaurant inspection site.

Which Alachua County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections?

These restaurants met all standards during their Dec. 29-Jan. 4 inspections and no violations were found.

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** Restaurants that failed an inspection and aced a follow-up inspection in the same week

Which Alachua County restaurants were temporarily closed by inspectors?

These restaurants failed their Dec. 29-Jan. 4 inspections and were temporarily closed. Follow-upinspections are required.

Which Alachua County restaurants had high priority violations?

231 NW 10th Ave., Gainesville

Complaint Inspection on Dec. 29

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

1 total violation, with 1 high-priority violation

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High Priority - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. beef (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding); sausage gravy (44F - Cold Holding); greens (45F - Cold Holding) items in reach in cooler across from flat top, cooler constantly opened during service the flip top part of cooler held open while busy, ice was placed in cooler to help cool items back down to below 41F, cooler thermometer reads 40F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-29: Bean mix 47, cheese 50. **Admin Complaint**

25335 West Newberry Road, Newberry

Routine Inspection on Dec. 31

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

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4 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan containing raw bacon stored on shelf directly above bottles of sauces. Manager moved the raw bacon to another shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

1432 W. University Ave., Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Dec. 29

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

6 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed : one flying insect by the register(POS).

High Priority - Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Observed : at a floor drain next to the ice machine, the ice machine was in drain mode, floor drain was overflowing on the tile floor. The 3 compartment sink was being dumped at the same time. The water receded shortly thereafter, the drain was cleared of any debris, and a test bucket of water was dumped. This ran easily through. Following day callback per Andrew F. **Warning**

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed : a rice cooker on the cook line, rice at 116\xc2\xb0. The manager chose to discard. **Corrected On-Site**

12921 SW First Road, Ste 105, Newberry

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Routine Inspection on Dec. 29

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

9 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. 10 foam portion cups cups containing fully-cooked chicken with date mark of 12/22 on shelf inside reach-in cooler at front counter. Manager discarded all items during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee in rear prep area handled personal phone with gloved hands, then handled sliced cheese with the same gloved hands without first washing hands or changing gloves. Manager had them employee stop, wash hands, and put in new gloves before continuing to handle food.

1702 W. University Ave., D1, Gainesville

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Routine Inspection on Dec. 29

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

4 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed : the cold hold on the cook line, butter 54\xc2\xb0, slice cheese 53,50,53, cut tomato 52. All items brought from the walk-in cooler at opening, 1:30 pm. Items will go on a 4 hour rule until the unit is fixed. **Warning**

1514 SW 14th St., Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Dec. 30

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

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8 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed : the bar dish wash machine at 0 ppm for chlorine. It was primed, no change. Engineering was called to trouble shoot. The main kitchen, 20 feet away has a 3 compartment sink and a working dish wash machine. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed : in the counter height reach-in cooler in the wait station, milk 45\xc2\xb0, cream cheese 45\xc2\xb0. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

25405 W. Newberry Road, Newberry

Routine Inspection on Dec. 30

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Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

20 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Flat containing raw shell eggs stored directly on top of pans containing diced tomatoes and diced onions in top of refrigerated make-table at cookline. An employee moved the raw eggs to another cooler during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On rack near cookline: peach cobbler (69F - Cold Holding). An employee stated the peach cobbler was removed from the walk-in cooler and placed on the rack approximately one hour prior, then moved the cobbler back into the walk-in cooler to cool to 41F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Backflow prevention device missing from grey hose connection after splitter added to mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

4989 NW 40th Place, Gainesville

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Routine Inspection on Dec. 30

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

9 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Pulled pork in walk-in-cooler dated 12/23, shrimp and grits in walk-in-cooler dated 12/17 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of sanitizer on prep table. Person in charge removed spray bottle **Corrected On-Site**

5695 NW 23rd St., Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Dec. 30

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

9 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Front counter employee not wearing gloves handles orders on computer monitor, handles payment transaction, pulls down back of t-shirt then opens take out food boxes and touches the inside of the box and then handles paper liner and tucks the paper liner inside the box with his bare hands. Employee does not wash hands after taking orders and then handling food contact surface. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of dishwashing liquid stored above Chicken prep table. Manager removed soap. **Corrected On-Site**

What agency inspects restaurants in Florida?

Routine regulation and inspection of restaurants is conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Health is responsible for investigation and control of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with all food establishments.

How do I report a dirty restaurant in Florida?

If you see abuses of state standards, report them and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will send inspectors. Call the Florida DBPR at 850-487-1395 or report a restaurant for health violations online.

Get the whole story at our restaurant inspection database.

What does all that terminology in Florida restaurant inspections mean?

Basic violations are those considered against best practices.

A warning is issued after an inspector documents violations that must be corrected by a certain date or within a specified number of days from receipt of the inspection report.

An administrative complaint is a form of legal action taken by the division. Insufficient compliance after a warning, a pattern of repeat violations or existence of serious conditions that warrant immediate action may result in the division initiating an administrative complaint against the establishment. Says the division website: "Correcting the violations is important, but penalties may still result from violations corrected after the warning time was over."

An emergency order \xe2\x80\x94 when a restaurant is closed by the inspector \xe2\x80\x94 is based on an immediate threat to the public. Here, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants director has determined that the establishment must stop doing business and any division license is suspended to protect health, safety or welfare of the public.

A 24-hour call-back inspection will be performed after an emergency closure or suspension of license.

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville area restaurant and food truck inspections Dec. 29-Jan. 4 2026
In the Jackson area, four restaurants and food service facilities received failing health inspection grades in December 2025, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.

As of Jan. 5, three of the four facilities have conducted follow-up inspections and rectified the failing grade.

Below are the restaurants and food-service facilities in District V, which includes Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties, that received a failing grade of "C."

Hinds County

Powell Middle School, temporarily housed in the former Brinkley Middle School located at 3535 Albemarle Road in Jackson, received a failing grade during a scheduled inspection on Dec. 10. In 2023, Brinkley Middle School was consolidated into Lanier High School. Powell Middle School then moved into the former Brinkley building while the school is being renovated. The inspection notes a lack of a certified manager and inadequate hand-washing facilities. The grade was rectified in a follow-up inspection on Dec. 17. Brinkley Middle School previously received one other failing grade in 2021, which was rectified in a follow-up inspection.

Oak Forest Elementary School, located at 1831 Smallwood St. in Jackson, received a failing grade during a scheduled inspection on Dec. 8. The inspection notes inadequate hand-washing facilities and improperly washed hands. As of Jan. 5, Oak Forest Elementary has not conducted a follow-up inspection. The school previously received one other failing grade in 2024, which was rectified during a follow-up inspection.

Madison County

Penn's Fish House, located at 1859 Main St. in Madison, received a failing grade during an inspection following a complaint on Nov. 18. The restaurant then failed the corrective follow-up on Dec. 1. Penn's rectified the grade during a second follow-up inspection on Dec. 15. The Nov. 18 inspection notes several violations, including a lack of a certified manager and inadequate hand-washing facilities. The notes also cite violations in food storage and preparation, including unclean food-contact surfaces and improper holding temperatures. By Dec. 1, the restaurant had corrected most of the violations, but still had unclean food contact surfaces, according to the inspection notes. This Penn's location previously received two failing grades in 2013 and 2021, both of which were rectified during follow-up inspections.

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More in state news: 15 MS sites added to National Register of Historic Places in 2025

Rankin County

Golden Corral, located at 988 Top St. in Flowood, received a failing grade during an inspection following a complaint on Dec. 12. The inspection notes several violations, including inadequate hand-washing facilities, unclean food contact surfaces and improper food-holding temperatures, date marking and disposition. The restaurant rectified the grade during a follow-up inspection on Dec. 17. In November 2025, this Golden Corral location received a failing grade for several of the same violations listed in the Dec. 12 inspection. The restaurant rectified the November failing grade during a follow-up inspection on Nov. 14. This Golden Corral location previously received a failing grade in 2023, which was then corrected in a follow-up inspection.

Try these restaurants in 2026: Five new Jackson restaurants offer tacos, sandwiches, more

Health inspection grading system

The MSDH grades health inspections on an A, B and C scale, with C considered a failing grade.

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The MSDH website states the following regarding the grading scale:

A rating: "The facility inspection found no critical violations. Critical violations of the state Food Code are those more likely to lead to food contamination, illness, or other health risk."

B rating: "Critical violations were found, but corrected under the supervision of the inspecting environmentalist. No further corrective actions are required."

C rating: "Critical violations were found, but some or all were not corrected during the inspection. The facility will be re-inspected, and all violations must be corrected in a time period not to exceed 10 days. The re-inspection date is posted on the graded report. If violations are not corrected in the specified time, steps are taken to suspend the facility's permit to operate. A grade of C is also given if critical violations are repeated from the last inspection, even if they were corrected at that time."

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Restaurants, schools fail December health inspections in Mississippi
Amy Schumer is officially putting an end to her seven-year-long marriage to Chris Fischer, according to New York County court documents. The actress announced her separation from Fischer on December 12, 2025. Less than a month later, the news of her divorce filing is making headlines.

Amy Schumer filed for divorce from husband Chris Fischer on January 6, per court records

Per a report by PEOPLE, Amy Schumer filed for divorce from Chris Fischer on January 6 in New York County court. The couple tied the knot in February 2018 in a star-studded wedding ceremony in Malibu, California. In a now-deleted Instagram post on December 12 (via Parade), Schumer had shared the news of her separation.

Alongside a photo of her and Fischer riding a New York City subway, the 44-year-old wrote, Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage after 7 years. We love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising our son. We would appreciate people respecting our privacy at this time.

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Finally, she concluded the post writing, Amicable and all love and respect! Family forever. The couple shares a six-year-old son named Gene, whom they welcomed in 2019. As Schumer stated in her post, she and Fischer have no hard feelings for each other and plan to co-parent their son.

In November, a source close to Schumer and Fischer had told PEOPLE that they were working through some marital issues. The source said, Theyre privately working through normal issues that couples in long-term marriages have. They are both committed to the relationship.

However, days before the insider made these claims, Schumers social media post told a different story. On November 6, she took to her Instagram Story to praise the Hulu series, Alls Fair, and clarify her relationship status. In the caption, she wrote, And Chris and I are still married, putting a rest to the divorce rumors swirling at the time.

Originally reported by Ankita Shaw on Realitytea.com.

The post Amy Schumer Files for Divorce From Husband Chris Fischer  Report appeared first on Mandatory.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Bronwyn Newport revealed a major issue in her marriage to Todd Bradley, prior to confirming their separation.

On RHOSLC's Season 6 finale in Greece, a "heartbreaking" play based on the cast's perceptions of each other really struck a chord with Bronwyn, particularly as it related to the concept of loyalty  or lack thereof  in her relationships.

"I saw a lot of truth in how they portrayed me," Bronwyn tearfully admitted to the ladies after the "Sisters of Salt" performance. "I have a deep issue of not feeling like people are loyal to me. And a big part of that is probably because I'm not loyal to other people, or I don't know how to be. I don't get it, and I don't give it."

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RELATED: A Tearful Bronwyn Newport Opens up About "The Todd That People Don't See"

In a confessional, Bronwyn noted that this had been a long-running theme in her life, especially within her own family, beginning when she welcomed her daughter, Gwen, while still attending college.

"I view my past as one long, you know, who's who list of people who have let me down in a loyalty way," she explained to a producer. "It's why I want it so bad, but also why I don't know what the f--k it looks like."

Bronwyn continued, "When I had Gwen, I did feel like my parents would put their shame and embarrassment ahead of how much they cared about me. Even Todd, who I love and choose to be with, and I'm working things out with, if we are being really honest, I can say that Todd has been disloyal to me."

How Bronwyn Newport handled "hard times" in her marriage to Todd Bradley

A split of Bronwyn Newport and Todd Bradley.

The play appeared to be an eye-opening experience for Bronwyn, who acknowledged in RHOSLC's Jan. 6 episode that she had "a lot of work to do" on herself.

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"I'm a big girl," she added, while talking to the other ladies. "It's not anybody else's fault anymore. I have to figure that out."

RELATED: Bronwyn Newport Sets the Record Straight on Where She Stands with Todd Bradley After Split

Relating the experience to her and Todd's relationship  as well as speculation about Meredith Marks' marriage to Seth Marks  Bronwyn further opened up about how she handled some of her marital issues behind closed doors versus in public.

"I have had very hard times in my marriage," Bronwyn, who has discussed Todd's infidelity in the past, explained to Meredith. "But when that's happening, and I don't know how to discuss it, and I don't know what's gonna happen, and I'm scared s--tless that something that's so important to me might not work out, I get defensive. I put a wall up."

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6

We have an announcement! The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 is here, with new episodes airings Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo and Wednesdays on Peacock. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock Wednesdays at 6AM ET.

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Season 6 features cast members Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas, Meredith Marks, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, and returning friend Britani Bateman.

This season the ladies navigate the ups and downs of their friendships and personal lives, including business troubles and family transitions. Plus, the first-ever crossover with Below Deck Down Under as the group goes on a yacht trip with Captain Jason Chambers and his BDDU Season 4 crew!

To show your love of RHOSLC even more, check out exclusive RHOSLC merch from Shop By Bravo.

Why Bronwyn Newport praised Todd Bradley during the Greece trip

Despite their issues, Bronwyn praised Todd for picking up the slack at home while she was in Greece by taking a last-minute flight from Utah to California to help her mom, Muzzy, complete a major move from her longtime family home.

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"This is the Todd that people don't see. This is the Todd I love," she told a producer. "[He] didn't have to be asked. Todd would do anything for my family. He's so generous, he's so wonderful. Sometimes I think he's a moron and does the dumbest st, but this Todd [who's] there for me no matter what is a Todd that doesn't get acknowledged enough."

In an exclusive interview at Bravo HQ, Bronwyn also defended Todd for warning her against traveling with some of her castmates, namely Lisa Barlow, in the first place.

"Todd's always coming from a place of wanting what's best for me and, honestly, wanting what's best for himself too," Bronwyn shared. "I think Todd doesn't like to see me hurt, and he also doesn't like to have to deal with it, because then I'm, like, crying to him on the phone. I'm like, 'I wish I hadn't said this.' It's, like, all these things he has to deal with."

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Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day"

How to Survive a Real Housewives Dinner Party, According to the Casts Themselves

Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired"

Summer House Cast Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets (Including Those Mystery Packages)

Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, According to the Southern Charm Cast

The RHOSLC Cast & Producers Spill on How the Sprinter Van "Makes the Magic"

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BravoCon 2025 Behind-the-Scenes Moments with the McBees, Melissa and Teresa, Rachel Zoe, & More

As you await the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, get more details on the state of Bronwyn and Todd's post-split relationship.
NEED TO KNOW

The former Prince Andrew could relocate to the Middle East, a royal biographer tells PEOPLE

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been ordered to vacate his home, Royal Lodge, after being stripped of his royal titles by his brother, King Charles

In his new book Windsor Legacy, out Jan. 6, royal author Robert Jobson examines the fallout from Andrews scandals  and what could come next

Exiled from the royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is weighing his next move as he prepares to leave Royal Lodge, the 30-room Windsor mansion he has called home for more than two decades.

The former Prince Andrew was ordered to surrender his lease on the property earlier this year after King Charles stripped him of his remaining royal titles and honors amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. While he will be receiving a private residence on the Sandringham estate, now owned by his brother, Charles, insiders say his future remains unsettled.

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Royal biographer Robert Jobson suggests the former Duke of Yorks exile could extend beyond the U.K. following the Kings recent meeting with the ruler of Bahrain.

The King saw the King of Bahrain the other day. One never knows  it could be a place where Andrew gets the recognition of being the second son of Queen Elizabeth, rather than this," says Jobson, whose latest book Windsor Legacy is out on Jan. 6.

Jobson adds that relocation to the Middle East would not be unprecedented. Spains former King Juan Carlos I has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2020 after stepping back from public life amid financial scandals.

Speaking more broadly, Jobson notes: Other disgraced people have gone to the Middle East. Andrew did a lot of business in Bahrain, and hes still relatively young."



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PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for Andrew for comment.

TheImageDirect.com Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured driving in Windsor in fall 2025 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured driving in Windsor in fall 2025

Fellow biographer Andrew Lownie, whose book Entitled was a bestseller in the U.K., also believes the Middle East remains a likely option for Andrew.

He doesn't like the sound of being on the Sandringham estate, I think he wants to go somewhere where he can just get away from everything, Lownie adds.

While Marsh Farm, a modest property on the Sandringham estate, has been widely cited as Andrews most immediate destination, Jobson questions whether it will be a long-term solution.

I just cant see him being on an isolated farm in Sandringham, Jobson says.

Pegusus

Andrews ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson  who also called Royal Lodge home for more than two decades  is charting a separate path. She is said to be seeking an independent new life and is looking for a home of her own, possibly in the Windsor area, but apart from Andrew. Ferguson has also set her sights on rebuilding her commercial ventures and book-writing career.

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Shes a fighter, a source close to Ferguson tells PEOPLE.

Lucia Graphus/Alamy Live News Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate where Andrew is set to have as his British home, according to speculation Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate where Andrew is set to have as his British home, according to speculation

The couple split in 1996 but remained close, with Ferguson moving into Royal Lodge soon after Andrew took over the lease in 2003. Jobson, who has covered Fergusons ups and downs in  and on the fringes of  royal life for decades, notes that her post-divorce years were marked by financial strain after she stepped away from the royal fold.

I have a degree of sympathy for her," Jobson says. "When she was divorced [from Andrew] her financial settlement was not huge, unlike Princess Dianas, and she was introduced to this lifestyle and lived it in a way that almost bamboozled her and has been in incredible debt ever since. She never got the payoff she should have got."

Ferguson and Andrew spent Christmas at Royal Lodge this year, while their daughters, Princess Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, chose a different path  joining the wider royal family as guests of King Charles, 77, at Sandringham in Norfolk.

Paul Grover/Shutterstock Andrew with his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, left, at Queen Elizabeth's funeral in Sept. 2022 Andrew with his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, left, at Queen Elizabeth's funeral in Sept. 2022

Jobson says he was not surprised that Beatrice and Eugenie chose to spend Christmas at Sandringham, where they walked to church with King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton.

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"Its easy to say this is a snub to their parents, but they would say, Im a royal princess, Im in line to the throne, I have been invited to attend the Kings Christmas celebrations, and you dont turn down the Kings invitation,'" Jobson says.

"Its not an invitation  its a command, really," he adds.

Despite the public separation on Christmas Day, the family has remained in close contact throughout the ongoing scandal. As grandparents, Ferguson and Andrew attended the christening of Beatrices daughter, Athena, at St. Jamess Palace on Dec. 12. Both kept a deliberately low profile, arriving discreetly and leaving without attending the pub after-party in central London.

They have to focus on their own families, and we all know thats what people tend to do as they get older. Theres a sense they would put an arm around mom, but dad will be left to get on with it."

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Jordan Peck/Getty Princess Eugenie (center) and Princess Beatrice (back) join the royal family on Dec. 25, 2025 in Sandringham Princess Eugenie (center) and Princess Beatrice (back) join the royal family on Dec. 25, 2025 in Sandringham

Behind the scenes, Andrew and Ferguson had believed they could resist efforts to force them out of Royal Lodge, pointing to Andrews long-term lease on the Windsor property. But with scrutiny surrounding Andrews ties to Jeffrey Epstein refusing to fade, a months-long standoff between Andrew and palace officials  and ultimately King Charles  became known in royal circles as the siege of Royal Lodge.

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That impasse ended in late October 2025, when Charles ordered his brother to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge.

[Andrew and Sarah] were relying on [the royal family] leaving them at Royal Lodge and fought very hard to stay there, Jobson says.

Read the original article on People
Acting icon Jeff Bridges has put his family's longtime Malibu, CA, property on the marketafter the home that once stood on the now-bare parcel of land was decimated in the 2025 California wildfires.

The 76-year-old "True Grit" star, who lives primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, inherited the home from his mother and fatheralong with his brother, Beau Bridges, and their sister.

When confirming the loss of the four-bedroom, four-bathroom abode, a spokesperson for Bridges noted to TMZ that the dwelling had been in his family for generations, having been passed down to the actor and his siblings by their father, Lloyd, and mother, Dorothy.

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Located on the beach in Malibu, the property had been listed for rent on a number of occasions in the years before the wildfires and was even briefly put on the market for sale in July 2024, with an asking price of $9.2 million, according to records.

That listing price was lowered on Jan. 7, 2025the same day that the fires broke outto $8.85 million.

However, after the dwelling, which was owned by the Bridges family for generations, was destroyed, the siblings removed the listing, only to put the property back on the market as a bare parcel of land, for the much lower price of $4.95 million.

Bridges and his siblings have now lowered that price to $4.37 million, less than half the price they originally listed the home for 18 months ago.

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"Located on one of Malibu's most desirable stretches of coastline, this exceptional burn lot offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home on the sands of exclusive La Costa Beach," the listing states.

"With an expansive, all-sand beach and a favorable low mean tide line, the property invites endless enjoyment of the coastal lifestyle."

The description goes on the detail the property that once occupied the lot, which spans nearly 5,000 square feet, noting that the former structure serves as "a solid footprint for future development."

"Whether you're planning an oceanfront retreat or securing a prime piece of Malibu real estate, this lot presents limitless potential," it adds.

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A previous description of the property, which was shared when it was listed for rent, laid bare the extensive upgrades that had been made to the home by Bridges and his family, calling attention to the "tastefully remodeled" interiors.

According to that description, the home featured a spacious main living area with a "romantic fireplace" as well as "walls of glass" that opened up to a huge deck overlooking the ocean.

The ocean view primary suite offered its own private deck space with stunning views over the water.

Bridges is one of multiple celebrities to have lost their home to the California wildfires, with the likes of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Miles Teller, and Mandy Moore all forced to watch as their dwellings were destroyed by the blazes.

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However, the actor is also not the only homeowner to have seen the value of their property plummet in the wake of the tragedy.

A new housing data analysis conducted by Realtor.com researchers earlier this month revealed that the total value of destroyed homes in the fire zones of the celebrity-studded Pacific Palisades enclave and working-class Altadena fell from $14.7 billion to $10.8 billion and from $7 billion to $4.7 billion, respectively, between late 2024 and the second half of 2025.

Homes damaged by the fires but not completely ravaged saw their total value decline from $2.2 billion to $1.9 billion in Pacific Palisades and from $825 million to $658 million in Altadena.

Even properties that were not physically affected but merely located in the hardest-hit burn zones experienced significant losses, with aggregate values falling from $10.4 billion to $9.4 billion in Pacific Palisades and from $3.8 billion to $3.2 billion in Altadena.

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Altogether, the fires erased an estimated $8.3 billion in home value across the two scorched suburban L.A. communities. Notably, that total does not take into account losses in other affected enclaves, such as Malibu and Topanga.

Analysts used the average of the latest available automated valuation model home values from real estate analytics firms Cotality and Quantarium.

Looking at homes purchased between 2020 and 2024 that were reduced to ash and later sold as vacant lots in 2025, sale prices were typically about 50% lower than their most recent pre-fire purchase prices in both Pacific Palisades (-51.6%) and Altadena (-51.3%), reflecting the loss of livable structures as well as the cost and uncertainty of rebuilding.

The analysis included only properties assessed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and captured in its damage assessment data. It's important to note that a substantial number of properties are not represented in the CAL FIRE data and therefore are not reflected in these figures.

"Taken together, the sales and valuation data indicate that the fires led to large, immediate losses in housing wealth for destroyed properties, alongside more moderate but widespread value softening across surrounding neighborhoods," Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones said.
Alessandra Ambrosio took to Instagram to share a series of sun-soaked photos on Tuesday, January 6, giving followers a glimpse of her time em casa in Brazil.

The 44-year-old supermodel and former Victorias Secret Angel started the post with a playful shot of herself posing beside a large Brazilian flag, blowing a kiss toward the camera while wearing a deep-blue bikini top layered with beachy shell and pearl jewelry.

In another photo, Ambrosio was seen walking along a lush wooden pathway framed by bright pink bougainvillea and palm leaves.

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She wore a bold, patterned cut-out dress with a high slit, accessorized with sunglasses and a woven beach bag.

She also enjoyed floating in crystal-clear water, with arms stretched overhead as sunlight reflected off the surface, creating a dreamy scene.

Positive Emojis flooded in the comments from followers, while one called her Queen.

Read More From Globe

This story Former Victorias Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio Heats Up Brazil in Sun-Drenched Photo Dump first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NEED TO KNOW

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster were spotted enjoying a romantic getaway together in Costa Rica at the start of 2026

During their Jan. 3 beach outing, the couple packed on the PDA by sharing a sweet embrace and holding hands in the water

Foster and Jackman first went public with their romance in January 2025, and made their red carpet debut in October

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are celebrating the start of 2026 with a romantic getaway!

The two Tony Award-winning actors were spotted enjoying quality time together during a PDA-filled beach outing in Costa Rica on Jan. 3. They could be seen sharing a sweet embrace in one shot as they cooled off in the water together.

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Another shot showed Foster, 50, clinging on to her boyfriend as a wave appeared to head their direction. Jackman, 57, wrapped his arms protectively around Foster, followed by the couple walking hand-in-hand through the water together with big smiles on their faces.

Sutton donned a navy blue bikini with a matching swim skirt, while Jackman rocked black-and-white swim trunks with a tropical floral design.

Backgrid Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026 Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026

The lovebirds getaway comes after they officially made their red carpet debut as a couple in October 2025, nearly one year after going public with their romance.

They dressed in coordinating black outfits at the Oct. 26 Los Angeles premiere of Jackmans film, Song Sung Blue, which he stars in alongside Kate Hudson.

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A source close to Foster later told PEOPLE what the special red carpet moment meant to the couple as they hit a new relationship milestone.

"Theyre in love and were genuinely excited to walk the carpet together," the insider said.

"The drama is behind them now, and theyve built a strong foundation of trust," the source added. "Both are feeling giddy and happy and are excited to share their future together."

Backgrid Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026 Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026

The actors romance came after both went through divorces. In September 2023, Jackman separated from his now-ex-wife of 27 years, Deborra-lee Furness, with whom he shares two adult children.

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Meanwhile, Foster filed for divorce from her now-ex-husband, Ted Griffin, in October 2024. The exes share daughter Emily, 7, together.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Backgrid Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026 Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman in Costa Rica on Jan. 3, 2026

In January 2025, PEOPLE confirmed Jackman and Foster's romance with the first photos of the two together, in which they were seen holding hands while en route to dinner in Santa Monica, Calif. A source later told PEOPLE that they were "going strong" seven months after the outing, and that they have built a "good foundation" together.

Foster and Jackman have known each other for over 20 years, with the pair first becoming friends in the early 2000s when they were appearing in different Broadway musicals.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster at the L.A. premiere of 'Song Sung Blue' on Oct. 26, 2025 Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster at the L.A. premiere of 'Song Sung Blue' on Oct. 26, 2025

Since then, the pair have supported each other's careers before finally getting to work together in the Broadway revival of The Music Man in 2019, when they were both announced as the leads. However, they didnt start performing together until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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During an exclusive interview with Foster in 2022, the Younger alum opened up to PEOPLE about her bond with Jackman.

"The best thing that's happened out of this whole thing is that I've made a new friend, which you never anticipate," she said at the time.

"We always joke that after 40, you don't really make new friends!" she added. "He's a dream and so kind and talented and is even more generous. He's pretty fantastic."



Read the original article on People
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I hope you havent been worrying too much about Kimberly Guilfoyle, whose ex-fiance, Donald Trump Jr., recently announced that he is engaged again, to a woman he appears to have started dating before most people, possibly including Guilfoyle herself, knew his previous relationship had ended. Despite the breakup and her subsequent combination promotion-banishment, Guilfoyle is thriving in her new role as the United States ambassador to Greece. Or at least, she has convinced the New York Times to write that she is thriving, and thats almost as good as the real thing.

On Sunday, the Times published a global profile of Guilfoyle, calling her the talk of Athens in a headline. The Times describes this series as a weekly profile of the individuals who are shaping the world around them, though this week Guilfoyle seems to be sharing billing with a park ranger named Cindy Blaney, who the paper calls one of Britains chief bat whisperers. Clearly, there are many ways to shape the world.

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Even though Guilfoyle isnt the only international mistress of the night being highlighted, this head-turning story is nonetheless a public relations coup for Guilfoyle. She has become one of the most important people in the country, asserts the Times Elisabeth Bumiller. Some Greek officials seem to have nice things to say about her too, which is not surprising, given their professional obligation to stay on good terms with her. It seems its so far, so good in the job: To date, she has only been denounced by one other embassy in Athens (the Chinese embassy, for some comments she made about Chinas control of a Greek port). She is very busy going to clubs, calling Greek ministers back at all hours of the night, and overseeing drilling in the Ionian Seawhat more could you ask for in an ambassador?

Meanwhile, Guilfoyle doesnt say much about her ex-fiance in the piece, just an Im happy for Don and I wish him, of course, all the best. Of course! Though its hard to imagine that she doesnt have any more piquant thoughts about whatever transpired in her relationship, she must wisely recognize that little good can come from talking about it.

Still, some cracks in that official story are clear: None other than Steve Bannon shows up in the article to dispel the idea that the Daily Mail publishing photographs of Don Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson had anything to do with President Trump announcing her as his Greece ambassador pick shortly after. I dont buy that at all, Bannon says, before going on to dispel exactly nothing. Guilfoyle tells the paper that what really happened is that the president-elect called her and said that he knew she was interested in becoming ambassador to Greece and that the job was hers. She says she was interested because she took an ancient history class in college, so, yeah, that ought to get people to stop speculating.

Listen, who cares how she got the job? Its all looking up for her. According to the profile, Guilfoyle recently celebrated a win for more drilling in Greece with ExxonMobil (America is back and drilling in the Ionian Sea, she declared). She might be actively making the world a worse place, but you cant deny that it sounds a lot better than being married to Don Jr.
Wises latest valuation update keeps the modelled fair value steady at 11.75 per share, with only small tweaks made to the discount rate and revenue growth assumptions. These minor shifts reflect how analysts are weighing solid long term growth expectations against a tighter margin for error in future earnings delivery. Stay informed on these subtle but important narrative changes as new research emerges.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Wise shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Wise.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Rothschild & Co Redburn moved Wise to a Buy rating and set a 13.90 price target, signaling confidence in the share price potential relative to where the stock has been trading.

The firm highlights Wise Platform as a key growth engine, pointing to 23% underlying income growth that it expects to translate into 15% underlying earnings growth through fiscal 2028, which it views as supportive of Wises long term growth story.

Bullish commentary from Rothschild & Co Redburn links Wises earnings power to execution on the platform side, implying that consistent delivery here is central to justifying or improving current valuation levels.

 Bearish Takeaways

JPMorgan analyst Craig McDowell trimmed the price target slightly to 13.75 from 13.80 while keeping an Overweight rating, which signals some caution around upside even as the overall stance remains positive.

The small price target reduction hints at reservations that parts of the upside may already be priced in, with less room for error around Wises future earnings delivery and growth execution.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative!

LSE:WISE 1-Year Stock Price Chart

What's in the News
Meghan King is entering the new year on a reflective note.

The reality TV star shared a vulnerable post, looking back on her losses following a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, Jim Edmonds.

Edmonds and King were set for a court hearing in December. However, they reached an agreement before the scheduled court date, and their three children are now in the primary custody of the former MLB star.

Meghan King Gets Candid In Heartfelt Reflective Post

Mega

King ushered in the close of 2025 and the start of 2026 with a vulnerable statement on social media. The reality TV alum took to Instagram to share a striking photo of herself standing alone in a softly lit, Christmas-decorated hallway.

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In the caption, she reflected on her losses and penned a short note about being resilient despite all odds.

Ive carried loss in lonely rooms, made decisions with shaking hands. I didnt break. I bent, adjusted, kept going when disappearing wouldve been easier. 2025 is over, yet I stand, it read.

In the photograph King shared, she was noticeably alone, without any of the three children she shares with her ex, Jim Edmonds.

King and Edmonds got married in 2014. However, they separated in 2019 and finalized their divorce in 2021, following a lengthy divorce process.

Meghan King Reached a Custody Agreement Over Her Children With Ex Jim Edmonds

MEGA

Kings deeply reflective post came weeks after she reached a custody agreement regarding the battle for her kids.

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After months of uncertainty and emotional strain, King and the former MLB star were able to resolve their custody dispute over their three children, Aspen, 9, and 7-year-old twins Hart and Hayes.

The former couple had been preparing for a judge to weigh in on custody matters in December 2025, per The Blast. However, they reached a private agreement that reshaped their family dynamic.

Under the new arrangement, Edmonds will have primary custody, with the children living full-time with him in Tennessee. King, while no longer their primary caregiver, will still spend designated time with her kids, including several weeks together each summer.

King Spent Thanksgiving Without Her Children

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Before King and Edmonds reached a custody agreement, the reality TV star was forced to spend Thanksgiving without her family.

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The emotional weight of the custody loss became especially visible over the holiday weekend, when Edmonds spent it surrounded by their children. Edmonds, now holding primary custody, marked the holiday by sharing glimpses on social media.

According to The Blast, photos showed the former athlete celebrating with the kids and his wife, Kortnie, at a Tennessee ranch, smiling and relaxed as they posed together. The holiday weekend also doubled as a birthday celebration for Aspen, complete with flashy pink decorations and lavish gifts.

Why Meghan King Lost Custody Of Her Children In The First Place

MEGA

The turning point in Kings custody battle reportedly stemmed from an incident that quickly escalated beyond her control.

According to The Blast, the former reality TV star temporarily lost custody of her three children after allegations surfaced that she administered unprescribed medication to one of her twin sons.

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The situation prompted an immediate response from child protection authorities, which eventually led to the kids being removed from her care.

Sources alleged that matters intensified when King reportedly asked the school nurse to administer the medication, Ritalin, to her son, despite there being no official ADHD diagnosis. That request raised red flags, prompting school officials to notify the relevant authorities and triggering a Child Protective Services investigation.

In the aftermath, custody of Aspen, Hart, and Hayes was temporarily transferred to Kings ex-husband.

The "RHOC" alum was later granted limited access, seeing her children under supervised visitation, as officials continued reviewing whether the custody change would become permanent.

Meghan King Received Support From RHOC Pals Amid Custody Battle

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After King lost custody of her children, she received support free from judgment from her former Real Housewives of Orange County castmates.

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The encouragement became evident during a November 23 fundraiser for The Innocence Center, where Emily Simpson, Shannon Beador, and Gina Kirschenheiter addressed the situation with notable restraint.

Rather than fueling speculation, the women urged the public to slow down and resist passing judgment on a story filled with legal complexities and deeply personal stakes. Simpson, who has openly shared her own challenges as a parent, emphasized how unfair outside scrutiny can be when people dont know the full picture.

"I have a lot going on with [my son] Luke, whom I have had for six months, and I would hate for someone to judge anything going on. I don't know the circumstances. I don't know the facts of this situation, so I don't want to speculate and make a judgment, Simpson said, per The Blast.

Kirschenheiter and the others echoed that sentiment, pointing out that much of the information circulating came from court documents that should have remained private for the childrens sake.
Michael B. Jordan has reached new heights in his career, recently earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Ryan Cooglers vampire drama, Sinners. While the 38-year-old actor is known for his tough roles in Creed and Black Panther, he recently proved he isnt afraid to show his softer side. In Sinners, Jordan takes on the dual role of identical twins Smoke and Stack. Apparently, his transformation was so complete that his own mother didnt recognize him on screen. As the actor explained, My mom was taken aback! She didnt see me, her child, which is the biggest compliment.

Michael B. Jordan had a good cry while watching this anime

During a conversation with W Magazine, Michael B. Jordan opened up about the media that touches his heart. When asked about which film makes him cry, the actor shared, I cried during Sinners. I also cried during the making of the film. Also, Armageddon gets me every time. I dropped tears in Armageddon big-time.

But it was a specific Japanese animation that triggered a really good cry. Jordan explained that he dropped tears during the final season of the hit anime My Hero Academia. He further pointed to an emotional sequence involving Bakugo, a fiery character fans have followed since the first season.

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Jordan shared, when Bakugo, a character from the first season, has this emotional moment where he finally gets recognized by one of his mentors and idols. It was beautiful.

This isnt the first time the actor has championed the medium, as he previously credited anime like Hajime no lppo for influencing the fight choreography in Creed III.

Beyond his love for animation, Jordan also touched upon his personal life and childhood habits during the interview. He joked that while he hasnt dived into reality hits like Love Island, he did grow up with the Food Network on 24/7. And the early obsession with shows like Iron Chef turned him into a skilled cook today.

Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on Mandatory.

The post Michael B. Jordan Names the Anime That Made Him Cry appeared first on Reality Tea.
The Wales family reportedly has another furry family member to love! Eagle-eyed fans spotted Prince William with his kids Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10, walking with their black cocker spaniel dog named Orla and another furry friend.

A TikTok user named jaqueline.soaress shared a video of the prince and his eldest kids, who he shares with wife Kate Middleton, exiting a helicopter at Kensington Palace, per Marie Claire. In the video, you first see Orla and another black cocker spaniel running around the grass outside the helicopter, playing and enjoying the falling snow.

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Once the Prince of Wales and his children exit the helicopter, carrying bags on their way to the palace, the dogs catch up with them and follow them inside. (Middleton and their youngest son Prince Louis, 7, were not pictured.)

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 5: The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis (right) during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, 2025 in London, England. Led by The Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the annual event offered a chance to pause and reflect on the values of love, compassion, and the connections we share. The service also highlighted remarkable individuals from across the UK who have demonstrated extraordinary kindness, empathy, and support within their communities. (Photo by Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty Images)

In May, The Sun reported that the Wales dog Orla gave birth. A source told the outlet, We always thought the patter of tiny feet in the Waless household had ended, so the sound of tiny paws will have to do.

Everyone loves a new royal baby news and so new royal puppies run very close, the insider went on. Everyone is very excited, not least the three children, who adore Orla, and Lupo before, they continued, referring to the familys previous black cocker spaniel who died in 2020.

A month later, the royals confirmed the news when they shared a birthday picture of Prince William playing with Orla and the puppies. Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!  the photo on Instagram was captioned.

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It seems that the family decided to keep one of the pups, and its no surprise. They are truly so adorable!

If the news is true, it wouldnt be the only pet they added to the family recently. In an April 2024 visit to a Birmingham farm, Prince William petted guinea pigs and revealed that he has some at home.

These guys are pretty cool, he said, via Hello Magazine. Weve got guinea pigs at home and theyre not like this.

He added, I spend my life cleaning out the guinea pig cage because the children forget to do it. The ones weve got at home, theyre off. You have to keep them constantly stroked and looked after.

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At least puppies can entertain themselves!

Before you go, check out every nickname the royal family has for one another.



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The Real Housewives of Orange County star Gina Kirschenheiter is engaged to Travis Mullen

The couple of more than six years got engaged during a family ski vacation on New Year's Eve in Big Bear, California

"It was perfect! It meant so much to be there as a family celebrating all together. We were all so happy. Truly a pinnacle moment," Kirschenheiter tells PEOPLE

Gina Kirschenheiter ended 2025 as a fiancee!

The Real Housewives of Orange County star's boyfriend of six and a half years, Travis Mullen, proposed during a ski vacation in Big Bear, California, on New Year's Eve. Amid cooking and celebrating, Mullen brought Kirschenheiter out onto the back porch to "scope out the right spot for a family picture" before dropping down on one knee and presenting her with a sparkling 6-carat, oval-cut diamond ring.

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"I was in complete shock!" Kirschenheiter exclusively tells PEOPLE. "My nervous system was trying to catch up to what just happened in this magical moment and I was also trying to process the iceberg that was being presented to me as well! I of course said 'yes,' and melted into what was the sweetest kiss Ive ever felt!"

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter

Kirschenheiter, 41, and Mullen, 40, were dressed up for their family's "Fancy Dinner Night" New Year's Eve tradition. The couple and their six children  Nick, 13, Sienna, 11, and Luca, 10, who Kirschenheiter shares with ex-husband Matt; and Presley, 14, Bennett, 12, and Joey, 9, who Mullen has from a previous relationship  planned to enjoy a surf-and-turf feast together before the ball dropped.

When Mullen unexpectedly suggested taking a family photo outside before dinner, Kirschenheiter was still oblivious to his proposal plan. Mullen "is big on tradition and capturing thoughtful moments and core memories," so it "didnt strike [her] as weird" that he'd want to find a nice photo spot in nature or underneath their string lights.

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen (left) and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen (left) and Gina Kirschenheiter

It wasn't until Mullen "grabbed" Kirschenheiter that she "knew something felt different immediately," and realized what was happening. After Mullen shared "a lot of beautiful romantic things" to his longtime love, he popped the question.

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With "a huge smile on his face," Mullen then revealed that all of their children were in on the surprise, with Presley even hiding in the trees to record the special moment.

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter

"The three of us hugged all teary-eyed and happy, and then walked back into the house where all the other kids were waiting and began to sound off their New Year's Eve horns and launch off confetti poppers!" Kirschenheiter shares. "It was perfect! It meant so much to be there as a family celebrating all together. We were all so happy. Truly a pinnacle moment."

The blended family "celebrated all night," with the proposal making their feast and ball drop viewing feel "much more special, intentional and united." The next morning, Kirschenheiter and Mullen had an impromptu photo shoot to commemorate their engagement

"It was so fun to recreate the moment the next morning, making Big Bear a special place for our family from now on," the Bravo star says.

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kirschenheiter's engagement ring involved just as much thoughtfulness as the proposal. Made in partnership with Wove, the ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features a 6-carat, oval-cut center diamond in a classic four-prong setting to represent the couple as one. The center stone is flanked with smaller round diamonds, three on each side, to symbolize the couple's blended six children.



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"From the very beginning, this ring was about far more than carat weight or aesthetics  it was about meaning," says Bernie Dufrene, CEO of WoveMade.com. "Travis was incredibly intentional in wanting every detail to reflect his love for Gina and the blended family theyve built together. The six diamonds flush set into the band represent their children, while the center stone represents Gina and Travis as one. Our role at Wove was to translate that level of thoughtfulness and emotion into a timeless design that tells their story in a way that feels both deeply personal and enduring."

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter

"The ring is absolutely perfect!" Kirschenheiter adds. "The thought he put into it blows my mind."

Kirschenheiter and Mullen were set up through a mutual friend, with the bride-to-be making the first move over Instagram DM.

"We hit it off right away. We had an instant connection," Kirschenheiter says. "We made each other laugh and we were very comfortable around each other right away. We texted and chatted on the phone for a few weeks before we met each other in person. I was in love with him before I even met him in person but just really hoped I was physically attracted to him when I met him. And when I did, there was certainly no issues there!"

Thea Limon Photography Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter Travis Mullen and Gina Kirschenheiter

She continues, "We fell hard and fast. We have navigated through some pretty intense issues that life has handed us already but it has only drawn us closer and made us stronger. He is truly my person and always has been. He was waiting in California for me."

Read the original article on People
Influencer Sergio Jimenez reportedly died during a private New Years Eve livestream. He was 37.

Spanish outlets El Pais and El Periodico reported that Jimenez was allegedly completing challenges, including consuming alcohol and cocaine in exchange for money.

Jimenez was known on streaming platforms Kick and Twitch as Sancho or Sssanchopanza. People reported that he rose to online fame in October 2025 when he was featured in a series of videos by Simon Perez, a streamer known for allegedly using drugs in front of a live audience on various platforms.

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El Pais reported that Perez alleged in a Sunday, January 4, YouTube livestream that Jimenez consumed six grams of cocaine on the night of his death. Perez also claimed that he was in contact with Jimenezs brother, who reported that he had consumed whiskey during the final livestream.

Athira Auni Dead: TikTok Star Died at Age 21 After Motorcycle Accident

The outlet reported that Mossos d'Esquadra  the police force in Catalonia, Spain  launched an investigation into Jimenezs death. Authorities have also ordered an autopsy on his body.

While not directly addressing Jimenezs death, Mossos d'Esquadra released a video via social media on Tuesday, January 6, encouraging people not to participate in viral challenges that could put your life or your physical integrity in danger.

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The consequences of these trends can range from intoxication to physical and psychological effects, and can also have a negative impact on their reputation, affecting job and academic opportunities due to the digital footprint left behind, an officer said in the clip, translated by People. It's important to be aware that some trends can have consequences if they involve acts of vandalism or aggression.

Jimenez died within days of TikToker Nurul Athira Auni Mohamad Hafizzans death at age 21 after a motorcycle accident.

Looking Back at 2025 Influencer Deaths: Hailey Okula, Emilie Kisers Son and More Stars We Lost

Authorities believe the influencer  who went by the name Athira Auni online  was driving in the right lane when another motorcycle crashed into her from behind after swerving to try to avoid her vehicle, local outlets Sinar Daily, Sinar Harian and New Straits Times reported.

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The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, and Auni was pronounced dead at the scene. The other motorcyclist suffered from injuries on his hands, elbows and thighs and received medical care at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital.

Her body was transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for a post-mortem examination, according to local outlets. The case is under investigation for potential reckless or dangerous driving leading to death.

Auni, who had more than 77,000 followers on a since-deleted TikTok account, was known for her livestreams and posting videos of her flipping Indian flatbread roti canai at her dads food stall. After the content creators death, her friend shared a black-and-white video of the influencer working at her fathers food stall.

On Friday, you asked me to record a video of you spreading roti canai for the last time, as if you already knew that night you were going to go make it, a translated caption read, shared by the user @nauraa_517 via TikTok on Saturday.
Tekashi 6ix9ine is oddly excited about jail, and Donald Trump has something to do with it.

The rapper resumed jail with very ambitious aspirations to spend quality time with the recently arrested Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, who is in the same facility.

Tekashi's 6ix9ine jail trip comes after he experienced a home invasion by four armed men, who held her mother captive, although in his absence.

Inside Tekashi 6ix9ine's Jail Plans

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine reports to serve his 3-month sentence for violating his supervised release. He will spend time in the same prison as Luigi Mangione and Nicolas Maduro. pic.twitter.com/gpHQK6XrnF  Chuckyfamous! (@Nem_Famous) January 6, 2026

The rapper checked into jail on Tuesday afternoon in a sprinter van, with his songs blasting over the speakers. According to him, his three-month stay in jail will give him proximity to Maduro, who is in the same building.

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He voiced his intention to dance with the arrested dictator and would take it a step further by challenging him to a game of cards. Tekashi will be residing at The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, for the next three months.

Aside from Maduro's presence in the facility, the controversial Luigi Mangione also calls the place home, and Tekashi plans to inform the inmate about all the love he has gained on the outside.

Although Tekashi does not support the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, TMZ reported that he stated that he does not think Mangione is a bad guy.

Donald Trump's Raid In Venezuela Affected Some Hollywood Stars

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While the president swarmed in on Maduro and his cohorts, celebrities who landed in cities across South America for a time out experienced a sudden hitch in their flights.

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As shared by The Blast, Trump's move caused the entire airspace across South America to shut down, causing Hollywood's famous faces to get trapped in St. Barths and the surrounding beaches.

Several celebrities, including Queen Latifah, Mike Tyson, Ming Lee Simmons, Natalie Portman, and Richie Akiva, reportedly got caught in the debacle. The restriction affected several commercial and private flights, which are at the mercy of the decision to lift the grounding of flights.

While some celebrities tried taking boats to neighboring islands with hopes to fly from there, sources claimed that they were sent back. On the bright side, Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly made it out just in time to attend the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Was Stripped Down By Law Enforcement In Early 2025

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Perhaps not so similar, but the rapper had his fair share of police invading his territory last March when they executed a search warrant in his Florida home. According to The Blast, the raid was carried out by the federal U.S. Probation officers, assisted by Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Narcotics Investigators.

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The sheriffs described the raid as a probation check where several items, including firearms and drugs, were confiscated and carted away for further analysis. Tekashi claimed that the cops kept him in handcuffs for hours while the raid went on, although officers later established he was handcuffed for safety reasons.

He added that DNA samples were also taken, and they wanted to see if his DNA was on the guns and drugs seized from the location. The rapper stressed that he never did anything wrong or criminal and was merely relaxing in his home while on house arrest.

The 29-Year-Old Violated Terms Of His Release Last Year

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Takashi earned his freedom from jail in 2020 following his incarceration in 2019 due to charges accusing him of participating in violence with the gang known as Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. He was promptly sentenced to two years in prison, but claimed his health was threatened due to the rapid spread of the pandemic behind bars.

He was then released to go home and obey a court-supervised release alongside probation. In October 2024, he was then seized in New York for violating the terms of his 2020 release following his conviction for a felony in 2019.

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The rapper's probation officer had complained about him failing multiple drug tests and flouting rules about getting permission to travel out of the country.

Tekashi has had a rough past with the law in past years, including a child sexual performance charge in 2015 following released clips of him filming a friend having sex with a minor.

He was also investigated over the shooting of Chief Keef and was taken into custody in the Dominican Republic for multiple alleged incidents.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's Mother Was Forcefully Seized During Home Break-In

Tekashi 6ix9ine Begins 90-Day Jail Sentence in Brooklyn We shall miss the new song rappers from him  pic.twitter.com/w3mTSqxhtR  KYTON (@kyton_allan) January 6, 2026

The 29-year-old experienced a shocking event last November after four men broke into his Florida home and left a very concerning sight on the surveillance camera. In the clip, Tekashi's mother is seen getting grabbed by one of the men, while three other men proceed with the operation.

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The footage reportedly showed the burglars tearing down the apartment while searching for valuables like money and car keys. Tekashi was away from the scene, getting super busy on a live-stream with influencer Jack Doherty while officers from the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the home.

Unfortunately, the burglars escaped by the time officers from the office arrived with a special K-9 unit squad. In the same month, he came under heavy scrutiny from internet users after he mocked Demi Lovato's sobriety journey, claiming that she would relapse.

Looks like Tekashi 6ix9ine will do just fine behind bars!
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have one of the most adorable relationships out there these days. They have been celebrating the power of their love with several public appearances together, being right there to support each other. The most adorable moment was when Timothee publicly declared his love for Kylie Jenner at the Critics Choice Awards. However, a source close to the couple claimed that they still have a lot to work on as a couple.

Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have created modern living arrangement, per source

Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have been trying their best to prove that their love has withstood all tests of distance and time, but nobody can completely erase the fact that breakup rumors were fiercely circulating a while back. Recently, Chalamet clapped back at those rumors by publicly declaring his love for Jenner for the first time at the Critics Choice Awards 2026, which left fans in awe. After all, it was PDA perfection.

However, this doesnt change the fact that the Marty Supreme star was actively annoyed by the Kylie Cosmetics founders need to always be under the spotlight. He was not a fan of how she managed to make this happen. This also made him unsure about their future as a whole. Thankfully, it appears that they have put the differences aside and found a way to move forward through it all.

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The insider still believes that they have a lot to consider and need to sit down and discuss these essential topics. One of the biggest issues is their living scenarios. Chalamet loves New York and is always seen having fun and chilling around NYC with his friends, soaking up Manhattan at its best. However, Jenner is a California girl. She lives in the Calabasas area of Los Angeles with her family, and she loves those vibes and that lifestyle.

Jenner has asked Chalamet to move to Los Angeles. But the source claims, He is very much in love with his lifestyle there and doesnt want to disrupt his daily routine. He also isnt looking to be together 24/7 right now; they are both incredibly busy and value having the independence to spend time with their own friends and family.

The source also claimed that Jenner loves her California life too much and doesnt want to move to New York. This is why they have created a modern living arrangement and respect each others me time.

Originally reported by Mehak Walia on Reality Tea.

The post Timothee Chalamet Stressed in Kylie Jenner Relationship for a Reason  Source appeared first on Mandatory.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Baton Rouges hip-hop story is heading back to the big screen with the premiere of Diamonds in the Dirt 3: The Dumbway, the latest installment in a documentary series that explores the citys influential rap culture and the artists who shaped it.

Produced by Leverage Films, the film continues a project that has documented Baton Rouge hip-hop from its roots to its national rise. This third chapter focuses on a major turning point in the citys sound, when fast, dance-driven music gave way to a slower, street-focused style that helped define Baton Rouges identity.

This film really captures a shift, said Matt Keith, producer with Leverage Films. Its about how the sound changed, how the culture evolved, and how a new generation of artists and producers pushed Baton Rouge forward.

This film features several artists, including Baton Rouge native Level. Well also hear from Mista Cain and artists who came up under the Renaissance Center.

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When it comes to the title, Director Max Minelli says The Dumbway refers to a raw, unapologetic approach to music and storytelling that became synonymous with Baton Rouge rap. Minelli adds, the film explores how that sound wasnt just music  it was a reflection of real life in the city.

Its about authenticity, Minelli said. This style came straight from the streets, and it influenced not just Baton Rouge, but hip-hop far beyond Louisiana.

While the first two films focused on the rise and survival of Baton Rouges most successful rap artists, including major names like Boosie BadAzz, Diamonds in the Dirt 3 zeroes in on a specific cultural moment.

The documentary highlights:

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A shift in tempo and sound

The producers and artists behind the movement

How Baton Rouges style stood apart from other Southern rap scenes

The film also asks a bigger question: Is Baton Rouge still underrated or overlooked in the music and film industries?

Both Keith and Minelli say Baton Rouge has played a major role in shaping Southern hip-hop, yet its contributions are often underrepresented in mainstream conversations. The filmmakers say this project is about preserving that history and giving the city its flowers.

This is our story, Keith said. And it deserves to be told the right way.

Premiere Dates and Ticket Info

Diamonds in the Dirt 3: The Dumbway will screen at two local theaters:

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Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.

Malco Theater, Gonzales

Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.

AMC Mall of Louisiana

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online through Leverage Films.

The film is intended for mature audiences due to language and subject matter.

From its sound to its street influence, Baton Rouge hip-hop has left a lasting mark on music culture. Diamonds in the Dirt 3 continues that legacy, bringing the citys voice, history, and impact back into focus, one chapter at a time.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Foxs new series, Best Medicine, showcases the idyllic town of Port Wenn, Maine. But, Port Wenn isnt a real place! So, which town does the series actually portray?

According to Us Weekly, Cornwall, New York, has been outfitted to portray the town where Dr. Martin Best retreats after his time as a big city surgeon. Series actor Abigail Spencer described why Cornwalls close-knit community may have been why it was chosen as the series filming location.

She told US Weekly, Ive actually done quite a few shows where I lived in a house with my producer and my costars. When I did Rectify, we were in Georgia. It just feels more like youre going there to make something altogether. And then youre really invested in the community. Ive made friends a lot with the local businesses. Thats part of what we get to do is invest in community as well.

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Based on the UK series Doc Martin, Best Medicine stars Josh Charles as Dr. Martin Best, an awkward but talented surgeon who becomes a small-town doctor.

What is Best Medicine about?

According to the official description:

The series centers on Dr. Martin Best (Charles), a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his illustrious career in Boston to become the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers as a child. Unfortunately, Martins blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, and he quickly alienates the town, even though hes all theyve got. Although Martin can expertly address any medical ailment or mystery in this idiosyncratic town, hes really just desperate to be left the hell alone. Instead, he keeps getting dragged right smack into the middle of their personal chaos, feuds and fantasies. What the locals dont know is that Martins terse demeanor masks a debilitating new phobia and childhood trauma that prevent him from experiencing true intimacy with anyone. But tenacity is the creed of everyone in their small village, and the people who live there may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Who else stars in Best Medicine?

Along with Charles and Spencer, the series also stars Annie Potts, Josh Segarra, Didi Conn, Clea Lewis, Cindy De La Cru, John DiMaggio, Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, Carter Shimp and dog actor Wattson.

When does Best Medicine premiere in its formal timeslot?

Best Medicine, which had a special preview Jan. 4, officially airs in its regular timeslot Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.







The post Is Best Medicines Port Wenn A Real City? Find Out More About The Location appeared first on Blavity.
Fresh Maine lobster, straight from New York.

In the new Fox comedy Best Medicine, which showrunner Liz Tuccillo described as House meets Gilmore Girls, the curmudgeonly Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) moves from Boston to be the general practitioner in a quaint Maine fishing village called Port Wenn.

Best Medicine premieres Tuesday, Jan. 6 (8 p.m. on Fox), and the town is filled with quirky characters played by Annie Potts, Abigail Spencer, and Josh Segarra. Its all based on the British show, Doc Martin.

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But, the cast didnt have to relocate to remote Maine  it was all filmed in New York.

I was spending time in Maine with friends during Covid, Tuccillo told The Post. I wanted to put it in a place that was not just a small, cozy small town, but also had an industry attached to it and a livelihood and a lifestyle. I liked the idea of being in a fishing community.

Josh Segarra, Josh Charles and Abigail Spencer in Best Medecine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Josh Charles in Best Medecine. F.ROMAN

Josh Charles in Best Medicine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Since Maine is so remote and has no television infrastructure, it didnt make sense to film there. Instead, Tuccillo and the Best Medicine team found some quaint Hudson Valley towns about ninety minutes outside of Manhattan that could be transformed into Maine onscreen, including New Hamburg, Cornwall, Beacon, and Hudson.

Although the locations make the show scenic, they also made for some amusing misadventures for the cast.

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Segarra told The Post that when they were filming in Cornwall, there is a train that goes by probably every eight minutes. So, we will be in the middle of a scene. And here comes that beautiful train!

He described the train as, one of those long ones. Youre sitting there for about ten minutes, waiting for it to pass, which interrupted a scene. We had one that I felt like it took an hour.

The Other Two actor joked that since it was such a part of the filming experience, he wanted to make sure that we put that train in the show!

Josh Segarra in Best Medecine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Josh Charles in Best Medecine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Martins home / office was on a soundstage, but otherwise, the production used buildings such as real homes, or an old barn in Cornwall for on-location shoots.

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They used shots of the Hudson River to stand in for the harbor in their Maine town.

The idea is that the town is on a cove. So its sort of like this feeling of a bay, an inlet that goes out into the ocean. We were able to use the river because it gave the feeling of the cove, said Tuccillo, who also used to write on Sex and the City.

Didi Conn, John Quilty, and Abigail Spencer in Best Medicine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Abigail Spencer in Best Medicine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Just because the show wasnt in the Big Apple, however, that doesnt mean it was immune to New York style goings-on.

For instance, Spencer told The Post, Ive never been hit on so much!

She recalled an incident when she was buying wine, and a man in the wine shop ran after her when she left. He asked what wine she bought before asking, Do you want to share that?

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She recalled that there have been other stories along those lines.

I was like, Oh wow, this is bold. It was just so funny. I was like, Wow. I guess this is what people do in small towns. They notice you dont have a ring on that finger, lady!

Josh Charles in Best Medicine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Josh Charles in Best Medicine. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

The former Suits actress recalled another incident when she was out with Charles and Segarra  and they walked past a murder crime scene with caution tape.

And we were kind of making light of it, she said, because they assumed that murder wouldnt happen in a quaint small town.

But, when they checked the news the following day, it was a murder. And we were like, Oh my God!

So, during her time filming in quaint Hudson Valley towns, she quipped, I get hit on, or, there might be murder.
HGTV favorite Egypt Sherrod had a terrifying ending to 2025, but is healing and ready to put it all behind her.

"I owe you an update..sorry for the silence. I had to step away from the world for the past five weeks to focus fully on healing after surgery. Its been a scary road, but Im still standing and still on the mend," Sherrod shared via Instagram on Tuesday, January 6. "Now heres the wild part just as I finally got back on my feet last week, a literal piece of marble fell on my foot and shattered two of my toes. TWO. The devil is absolutely a liar."

Despite the painful injury, Sherrod is powering through.

"Im walking! no cast, no boot. So yes, Im getting back on this horse and riding it all the way out," she added.

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"But listen..the bright side? This still happened in 2025, the year of the snake , so Im rebuking all of this energy for 2026, the year of the horse . No carryover. None," Sherrod joked. "This season is about dreams realized, dead weight released, walls and ceilings shattered, and doors kicked wide open. Im creating opportunities for every woman I caneven if I have to kick in those damn doors with broken toes."

Sherrod's latest update is the latest shock to fans of her hit show, "Married to Real Estate".

The HGTV star announced in 2025 that the network was pulling the plug on her fan-favorite series after four seasons.

"While the chain of events leading up to this is disheartening, we are deeply grateful. Grateful for four incredible seasons," she and husband Mike Jackson shared. "Not all setbacks are what they seem. Some blessings show up in disguise. Weve been here before. Well keep counting those blessingsand keep it moving."

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Blavitys Shadow and Act has the exclusive preview for this weeks episode of RuPauls Drag Race, and the new cast of queens are making sense of the results of their first maxi challenge.

In the exclusive clip, the girls have just come back from the non-elimination runway, and some of the queens are reeling from Nini Coco winning the design maxi challenge.

Jane Dont, for instance, feels like she should have won over Nini, clocking Ninis exposed bra straps. Meanwhile, Kenya Pleaser, who landed in the bottom two, is just grateful she escaped complete destruction by the hair of DD Fuegos chinny-chin-chin.

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After they de-drag and come back into the workroom the next day, they are greeted with the iconic girl group challenge, meaning more talentand insecuritieswill come to the forefront as the queens try to craft the winning group performance. And as Kenya says, Athena Dion is plucked after not being chosen in one of the first two groups.

Watch the preview below:

Season 18s cast of queens include Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Dont, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr.

When does RuPauls Drag Race air?

RuPauls Drag Race airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on MTV.







The post Nini Coco Still Has Girls Pressed And Athena Dion Is Plucked After Girl Groups Selection In Drag Race Exclusive Preview appeared first on Blavity.
For many travelers, the idea of paradise has become tangled with sky-high prices, overcrowded resorts, and experiences that feel more staged than special. Social media has turned once-peaceful destinations into expensive checklists, stripping them of the very magic that made them desirable. But beyond the usual hot spots, there are still places where beauty feels untouched, life moves at a humane pace, and your budget doesnt dictate every decision. These destinations prove that paradise hasnt disappeared, its just hiding.

What makes these places special is not only their affordability, but the way they allow travelers to experience beauty without pressure. Meals are unpretentious, accommodations are personal, and days unfold naturally rather than being scheduled around crowds. These are places where value comes from atmosphere, culture, and landscape instead of luxury branding. Here are 13 hidden paradises where your money stretches further, and your memories last longer.

Albanias Riviera

Image Credit: Depositphotos

Albanias Riviera stretches along the Ionian Sea with dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise water, and quiet beaches that feel shockingly undeveloped compared to the rest of the Mediterranean. Villages like Himare, Dhermi, and Ksamil sit between mountains and sea, creating views that rival coastal Italy or Greece. The coastline feels raw and expansive, with long stretches of shore where you can still find solitude even in summer. There is a sense that this region has been paused in time, waiting patiently to be discovered.

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What truly surprises visitors is just how affordable life is along the Albanian coast. Fresh seafood meals cost a fraction of what youd pay across the Adriatic, and family-run guesthouses offer comfortable stays for prices that feel almost outdated. Beach chairs, boat trips, and long seaside dinners dont come with hidden fees or inflated tourist pricing. You can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle without constantly budgeting every move.

Beyond the scenery and savings, Albanias Riviera offers something increasingly rare: authenticity. Locals still live their daily lives around you, fishing, socializing, and welcoming guests with genuine curiosity. Tourism feels like a supplement, not the backbone of the region. Its a place where paradise feels lived-in, not performed.

Siargao, Philippines

Image Credit;Shutterstock.

Siargao is wrapped in palm trees, surrounded by warm blue water, and defined by an atmosphere that feels effortlessly relaxed. While known internationally for surfing, the island offers far more than waves, with mangrove forests, hidden lagoons, and quiet beaches that stretch for miles. Roads wind through coconut groves, and sunsets seem to slow time every evening. The islands beauty feels organic and unforced.

Despite its growing reputation, Siargao remains remarkably affordable. Guesthouses and boutique stays offer excellent value, while meals built around fresh seafood, rice, and tropical fruit cost very little. Transportation is simple and inexpensive, allowing visitors to explore without stress. Even activities like island hopping and surfing lessons remain accessible to budget travelers.

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What makes Siargao special is its rhythm. Life revolves around tides, weather, and shared experiences rather than schedules and screens. Conversations linger, days stretch out, and visitors often stay longer than planned. Siargao feels less like a destination and more like a reset button.

Georgias Caucasus Mountains

Image Credit: Depositphotos

The Caucasus Mountains in Georgia deliver jaw-dropping scenery that rivals Europes most famous alpine regions. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and ancient stone villages create landscapes that feel epic and untouched. Regions like Svaneti and Kazbegi are dotted with medieval towers and remote settlements that seem carved into the mountains themselves. The sense of scale is overwhelming in the best possible way.

Traveling through this region remains incredibly affordable. Guesthouses offer hearty home-cooked meals alongside lodging for modest prices, and transportation costs are minimal. Even multi-day treks can be completed without expensive guides or equipment. Comfort here comes from hospitality, not luxury.

The human warmth of the Caucasus is what stays with visitors longest. Locals take pride in welcoming guests, often sharing wine, food, and stories late into the night. Life feels rooted, communal, and sincere. This is paradise defined by connection rather than consumption.

Nicaraguas Pacific Coast

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Nicaraguas Pacific coast is a study in wide-open beauty, where long beaches meet powerful sunsets and small towns retain their local character. Surf communities like San Juan del Sur exist alongside quiet fishing villages, creating a coastline that feels both lively and peaceful. The beaches are expansive rather than crowded, and the landscape feels refreshingly undeveloped. Nature sets the tone here.

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Costs along the coast remain significantly lower than in neighboring countries. Accommodations range from simple beach bungalows to comfortable boutique stays, all priced accessibly. Meals are straightforward, flavorful, and inexpensive, often centered on fresh fish and local ingredients. Long-term stays feel realistic, not indulgent.

What defines Nicaraguas coast is its simplicity. Days revolve around the ocean, shared meals, and unplanned moments. There is little pressure to consume or perform. Paradise here is about space, calm, and authenticity.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Image Credit:Shutterstock.

Bosnia and Herzegovina surprises travelers with its lush landscapes, emerald rivers, and striking blend of cultures. Towns like Mostar, Blagaj, and Jajce feel cinematic, where Ottoman architecture, stone bridges, and waterfalls coexist seamlessly. Water defines much of the scenery, flowing through cities and countryside alike. Beauty here feels constant and immersive.

The country remains one of Europes best budget destinations. Hearty meals, comfortable accommodations, and transportation cost far less than in Western Europe. Visitors can travel extensively without feeling financially constrained. Value here is exceptional.

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Bosnias emotional depth sets it apart. History, resilience, and hospitality intertwine to create experiences that feel meaningful rather than superficial. Its a place that leaves a lasting impression long after the trip ends.

Flores, Indonesia

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Flores offers a quieter, more rugged side of Indonesia that many travelers never see. Volcanic landscapes, colorful crater lakes, and traditional villages dominate the islands interior, while untouched beaches line its coast. Tourism here remains minimal, allowing nature and tradition to remain intact. Exploration feels like discovery.

Costs are refreshingly low compared to Bali or Lombok. Guesthouses are affordable, meals are simple and satisfying, and transportation remains inexpensive. Even guided excursions feel reasonably priced. The island rewards curiosity without punishing budgets.

Flores feels deeply grounded in tradition. Daily life continues much as it has for generations, and visitors are observers rather than disruptors. Paradise here is quiet, raw, and honest.

The Azores, Portugal

Image Credit : Shutterstock.

The Azores feel like a forgotten corner of Europe where nature takes center stage. Volcanic craters, green pastures, waterfalls, and thermal pools shape landscapes that feel almost unreal. The islands are remote yet accessible, offering solitude without isolation. Every turn reveals a new view.

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Despite being part of Western Europe, the Azores remain affordable. Local food is hearty and reasonably priced, accommodations are fair, and transportation is manageable. Luxury comes from scenery, not spending.

Life in the Azores feels balanced and grounded. Locals live closely with the land and sea, and visitors are encouraged to do the same. Paradise here is peaceful and deeply restorative.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Lake Ohrid combines crystal-clear water with historic charm in a setting that feels timeless. Ancient churches dot the shoreline, while mountains rise behind the town, creating a natural amphitheater. The lakes stillness defines daily life. Everything feels calm and intentional.

Costs around Lake Ohrid are among the lowest in Europe. Lakeside dining, accommodations, and activities remain budget-friendly. Visitors can linger without financial pressure. Value feels generous.

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Ohrids magic lies in its tranquility. Life slows to match the rhythm of the water. Its a paradise for reflection and simplicity.

Laos Countryside

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Rural Laos offers jungles, rivers, and quiet villages untouched by mass tourism. Landscapes feel lush and expansive, and life moves at an unhurried pace. Nature dictates daily routines. Silence is part of the experience.

Travel here remains extremely affordable. Guesthouses, food, and transport cost very little. Experiences feel personal rather than commercial. Days stretch without expense.

Laos offers rare calm. The absence of urgency becomes the luxury. Paradise here is about presence and peace.

Salento, Colombia

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Salento sits in Colombias coffee region, surrounded by misty hills and rolling farmland. Colorful houses line quiet streets, while palm-filled valleys stretch beyond town. The scenery feels storybook-like. Nature and culture blend seamlessly.

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Costs are low across the board. Coffee tours, meals, and lodging remain accessible. The town rewards slow exploration. Value is built into everyday life.

Salentos warmth defines the experience. Locals welcome visitors naturally. Paradise here feels human and heartfelt.

Moldovas Wine Country

Image Credit: Depositphotos

Moldovas countryside offers gentle landscapes of vineyards and rolling hills. Villages feel quiet and deeply traditional. Wine culture shapes daily life. Beauty is subtle and sincere.

Costs are exceptionally low. Tastings, meals, and accommodations are remarkably affordable. Tourism feels personal rather than industrial.

Moldova offers intimacy. Visitors feel like guests, not consumers. Paradise here feels honest and unfiltered.

Sri Lankas East Coast

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Sri Lankas east coast remains far quieter than the islands south. Long beaches, warm water, and palm-lined shores define the landscape. Life feels local and unhurried. Nature dominates.

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Costs remain low. Food, lodging, and transport are affordable even for extended stays. Comfort feels accessible.

The east coast invites slowing down. It rewards patience and curiosity. Paradise here feels open and generous.

Transylvania, Romania

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Transylvania delivers forests, castles, and medieval towns surrounded by mountains. The scenery feels mythical yet real. Villages remain deeply traditional. Nature feels alive.

Costs are low for Europe. Meals, accommodations, and transportation remain accessible. Exploration feels unpressured.

Transylvanias magic lies in atmosphere. It feels mysterious and grounded. Paradise here is quietly powerful.
Rhodes is Greeces fourth largest island, known for a blend of ancient history and beautiful views. While I only had one day to visit Rhodes on a recent cruise stop, I instantly fell in love with how much this Greek island had to offer. From an exploration of history and culture with famous attractions like the Acropolis of Lindos to shopping in Old Town Rhodes, theres a little something for everyone on this island. Even if you only have a day here, theres so much to do and explore all within reach. If Rhodes, Greece is on your Greek island bucket-list, add these five things to do to your itinerary.

The Acropolis of Lindos

Emily Caldwell / The Manual

The Acropolis of Lindos is a significant historical attraction thats a must for anyone visiting Rhodes. Even if youre not huge into exploring history (like me), this site can still be appreciated. The Acropolis of Lindos is an ancient citadel that sits up high, overlooking the entire Lindos area with stunning sea views. This site once served as a fortress for defense and trade, and preserves ruins from many different eras. Today, visitors from all over the world climb up to the top to check it out and learn about Greek history (and take in amazing sea views of the island).

The hike up to the top is nothing quite like hiking up to the Acropolis in Athens, but its still a pretty steep uphill walk. It took me about 25 minutes to reach the top. The path is paved with steps, but you can opt for a donkey ride if you prefer not to walk.

Old Town Rhodes

Emily Caldwell / The Manual

My favorite part of my one-day visit to Rhodes was exploring the Old Town area. Rhodes Old Town (also known as Medieval City of Rhodes) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers a great place to explore, roam, and wander. This area is known as one of Europes most well-preserved medieval fortified cities (which almost reminded me a bit of what its like to roam through Valletta in Malta). If youd really like to dive into the history, I recommend a historic walking tour where you can learn about the deep history of this area.

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I chose to roam the area on my own, exploring the famous Street of the Knights, the clock tower, and other key historical landmarks. Theres also a huge area of shopping, bars, and restaurants walkable from this area. If you need a break, stop by at Stoa Cafe-Bar, a music-inspired bar, for a snack and a cocktail after a long day out exploring in the heat.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Emily Caldwell / The Manual

A walk through the Place of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is one of the most popular things to do in Rhodes, Greece. This spot served as a seat of power for the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers) that once ruled Rhodes from the 14th to 16th centuries. Today, the space houses many medieval artifacts to explore and serves as a UNESCO landmark within the Medieval City of Rhodes.

If youre planning to visit this landmark, I recommend buying tickets online before your arrival to ensure you can get in. During the peak summer tourist season, this place can get pretty busy. I spent about one hour here browsing on my own.

Eat & drink authentic Greek food

Emily Caldwell / The Manual

As a true foodie traveler, Im not ashamed to admit trying new foods is my favorite part of visiting any new country. Greek food is pretty fantastic as a whole, but while in Rhodes, dont miss your chance to try Pitaroudia. Pitaroudia is a classic Rhodian food which reminds me a bit of a hybrid between a latke and a zucchini fritter.

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This appetizer is made from chickepeas combined with onion, tomato, mint, and spices, creating a crispy, crunchy bite on the outside with a soft inside. Since this food is such a staple in Rhodian cuisine, its pretty to easy to find on the menu of any classic Greek restaurant. If youre also a foodie, theres no shortage of amazing foods to try here (so do your research before you go!)

Visit the beaches

With limited time on my cruise schedule, I did not get time to explore Rhodes beautiful beaches. However, if theres one thing all of the Greek islands are known for, its their beautiful beaches. In chatting with other travelers, I learned that theres a variety of sandy beaches here with calmer water, as well as some windier, pebble beaches that are great for water sports.

Unlike the beaches many travelers are often accustomed to in the U.S., beaches in Europe are much smaller and can get crowded much faster. So, if visiting a beautiful Rhodes beach is apart of your travel plans, I recommend arriving earlier in the day to secure a spot (especially if visiting in August).
Were trudging through the Namib Desert. Its over 100 degrees. The landscape is split between dunes of ochre sand and vibrant blue sky. Weve come from Namibias capital of Windhoek via a travel itinerary that required an initial car ride, an hour-long (small) plane ride, and then another car ride in an open vehicle that acquainted us with the heat of the desert via an attack of balmy wind. Now, we walk the final kilometer through the dunesno cars can come here. Im a little woozy as my foot placements become increasingly uneven in the fickle sand. Were marching toward Deadvlei, a petrified valley in the midst of the iron-stained red dunes of Namibias Sossusvleiand Im slipping behind. (Did I mention this came after flying in from New York the day before?) Suddenly, Valerie Messika, founder and creative director of Messika Diamonds and the instigator of this trip, comes bounding out of the dunes. Shes wearing a somehow still white tank top, khaki pants, and Alexander McQueen sneakers, and looks none the worse for the journey. Her wrist and neck glitter with a few diamonds, even here in the middle of the desert. One glance up from my personal trail and all ailments are forgotten; this place is absolutely incredible.

 Ivan Jozepovic

The whole experience was quite extremebut then again, diamonds, the hardest substance on Earth, are extreme. A diamond is energy. It's carbon, says Valerie. It's the most brilliant stone that you can find. Though she had visited before, the Messika Diamonds founder began her love affair with Namibia in earnest about three years ago. She wanted to see where her diamonds came from. She toured her father Andre Messikas diamond cutting workshop, took her kids on safari, and explored other wonders like the Namib desert. I completely fell in love with this country, says Valerie. Namibias sparsely populated landscape is home to both the worlds oldest desert and an array of unique wildlife. It's so different from the north to the south. I fell in love with the color, with the landscape, the animals, the people, the light.

 Ivan Jozepovic

The adventurer returned to her home in Paris with a camera roll full of imagesand budding inspiration for new pieces. When the time came to plan her 20th anniversary collection about two years ago, she wanted to pay tribute to the place her diamonds come from. Messikas Terres dInstinct high jewelry collection mimics the ripples of the dunes in a snake of brushed gold and pave diamonds, evokes the stripes of zebras in an alternating onyx and diamond pattern, and captures the essence of the night sky with a spray of sapphires and diamonds encircling a 3-carat pear-cut diamond. It draws on the stark minimalism of the landscape and its many wondrous interruptions.

 Ivan Jozepovic

In the past 100 years, diamonds have become an intrinsic part of Namibias development, but the desirable stones arent mined in a traditional sense. Instead, these alluvial diamonds, as theyre called, were carried via rivers over millions of years from their initial volcanic sources to deposits in riverbeds and ocean floors. (In this case, by the Orange River to the Atlantic Ocean.) Namibias diamond mines vacuum up sand from the seabeds, from which they then extract the rough diamonds before returning the sand to its home.

 Ivan Jozepovic

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This erosion ensures a certain survival of the fittestor of the highest clarity. Stones with many imperfections are simply crushed. The weathering process often yields only the most exceptional material acting as a quality filter, unlike traditional kimberlite mining, which produces higher amounts of lower quality materials. And thanks to alluvial diamonds round shapes courtesy of their ocean tumble, less material is lost in the cutting process.

 Ivan Jozepovic

If Messika is strong, it's because we are diamond experts. The diamonds come from this part of the world, says Valerie, and I wanted to pay tribute. Their rough diamonds go first to the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), a joint venture between the Namibian government and the De Beers Group, before arriving at the Andre Messika Diamonds cutting workshop. Once deemed perfect by in-house gemologists and Sarine, a new, universal technology that verifies quality via digital scans, the diamonds are finally routed through the Gemological Institute of America in New York for quality assurance before finally coming back to Messika Diamonds to be put into jewelry.

 Pierre Verez

Here at the Andre Messika factory, Valerie is bobbing around, speaking to everyone, asking questions about the day-to-day, and showing workers the jewelry their work helps to shape. Of the cutting factorys employees, with near-gender parity and almost half qualifying as disabled. Employees also hold 25% of the companys shares. (The Namibian government requires 15 percent of sourced diamonds remain in the country, ensuring that most Namibian diamonds are cut locally and subject to strict control and regulation.) While you understand all the steps, it's so different to see them, Valerie reflects of the care that goes into each piece. Then, on a broader scale, you understand that when you look at this piece of jewelry, there are a thousand years of history that you're wearing.

 Ivan Jozepovic

Valerie grew up in Paris surrounded by diamonds. Her father founded the diamond trading company Andre Messika Ltd. in 1972. Her goal with Messika Diamonds, launched in 2005, was to make these beautiful diamonds into jewelry that felt more casual, more accessibleor as accessible as can be. She wanted diamond jewelry that felt like fashion and luxury, at the same time. The brand now has stores in Paris, London, Dubai, and even one that opened in New York last year. Its designs have been worn by Beyonce, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and more.

 Pierre Verez

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This latest collection, a new chapter for the brand, is a culmination of Valeries current desires and those shes harbored since the beginning. Its the first time Messika has used color. It appears in the tsavorite garnets of the Mille Feux necklace, the vivid green set against diamonds in a repetition of squares, and the pink sapphires and spessartite garnets, which embody the shades of a desert sunset in gradient teardrop strands. Her pieces are both hard and soft, inspired by Namibias paradoxical raw beauty. They parallel her casual approach to diamonds: I love that diamonds can be worn with jeans. I love those kinds of contrast. That's why this land speaks to me.

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Key Point

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun, is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands to retire, according to a new report. A couple living on Isla Mujeres needs about $3,000 a month to cover expenses, including rent. Retirees don't need a car on the island, and essentials like groceries can cost $300 per month.

Life can be an island vacation, even after you retire. Those seeking Caribbean warmth and a laid-back island lifestyle without breaking the bank can find it on Mexico's Isla Mujeres, just eight miles off the coast of buzzy Cancun.

According to a recent report by International Living, the tiny island of 13,200 people is one of the top five most affordable Caribbean islands to live on. Isla Mujeres ranked third after Roatan, Honduras, which came in second, and Ambergris Caye, Belize, at No. 1.

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Isla Mujeres is steeped in Maya roots and delivers big on remote charm. With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing, the island provides that dreamy, retirement-perfect setting without the premium price tag of other Caribbean destinations.

International Living estimated that a couple can live "a very nice life" on Isla Mujeres for $2,500 to $3,000 a month, including rent. The publication reports that essentials like groceries can cost $300 per month, while your electricity bill will run about $175 per month. Additionally, residents dont need to buy a car, as hop-on, hop-off buses are widely available and cost just over a dollar per ride.

While island living can mean limited or pricey housing, its still within reason to find a one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment starting at $230,000, or one-bedroom rentals as low as $700$1,000. Retirees with heftier savings have plenty of homes to choose from upwards of a million dollars, or have the option to build a custom home for around $700,000, International Living reported.

A particularly good perk for retirees in Mexico is access to top-notch medical care, with much shorter wait times for appointments and treatment compared to the U.S., according to Live and Invest Overseas. There are two national care plans that individuals can choose from, which are either entirely free or almost free, Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas's publisher, told Travel + Leisure. However, the health care facilities on the island are limited to small clinics. For anything more serious, you'll have to travel to the mainland, she explained.

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Crime should also be of little concern for retirees on Isla Mujeres. The island enjoys low crime rates and a peaceful vibe, according to Live and Invest Overseas. (The publication estimates that the expat community is currently in the hundreds.)

International Living also points out that retirees on a budget should avoid places like St. Thomas and Grand Bahama that "command premium prices."

You can read the full report on InternationalLiving.com.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Annie the whimsical 65-foot-long dragon lorded over the confluence of the Indian and Banana rivers for decades before the sea-green statue succumbed to a storm and collapsed.

Now, nearly a quarter century later, Dragon Point is back up for sale. And Annie's narrow perch at the southern tip of Merritt Island may be reborn by a future owner who builds a riverfront mansion  accompanied by a new landmark dragon.

Perhaps the most legendary residential property on Florida's Space Coast, the long-vacant Dragon Point is listed for sale for $4.5 million. As a high-end option, the future buyer could spend $7 million and crews will construct a five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home sprawling across 6,978 square feet.

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March 2017 story: Dragon Point demolition project begins on Merritt Island

Or for $8 million, the buyer gets the land and custom-built home  plus a new dragon of his or her choosing, said Stephanie Moss Dandridge, a real estate advisor with One Sotheby's International Realty in Melbourne Beach.

If you know the story, there are multiple hatchlings from Annie. Our area has great love and great memories, and a real connection to Annie," Dandridge said.

The property at 11680 Point Drive  a narrow 0.86-acre peninsula with -mile of wraparound shoreline  was listed for sale on Dec. 27. Dragon Point lies at the rocky southernmost terminus of Merritt Island, just north of the Eau Gallie Causeway.

'The dragon's head juts out over the water'

Looking southward, this photo shows Dragon Point with the Eau Gallie Causeway in the distance.

A bit of history: A showpiece 5,707-square-foot Dragon Point mansion was built here in 1961, then enlarged during the 1970s. The 14-room estate hosted popular fundraisers for nonprofits and other events, featuring three fireplaces, cedar decks, teak parquet floors and paneling, a spiraling staircase, pool with coral-stone deck, and a boat slip.

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In a September 2000 FLORIDA TODAY interview, former owner Warren McFadden estimated 27,000 people  nearly the population of Rockledge or West Melbourne  had visited the house since he bought it in 1981.

But the scene-stealer outside was Annie the dragon. Miami sculptor and self-described "warlock" Lewis VanDercar (1913-1988) crafted the quirky beast  which belched fire and smoke via an internal propane tank.

"The dragon's head juts out over the water. It is a light sea-green color; its mouth is painted red and its teeth are white. Four hatchling dragons emerge from eggs on the proper left side of the dragon," states Annie's description in the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System.

"The hatchlings are light green and have red mouths. The dragon's tail curls upward at its tip. A door located near the tail of the dragon leads to an interior room. The wire mesh and steel framed sculpture is equipped with fixtures enabling the dragon and hatchlings to blow fire," the Smithsonian description says.

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But Annie fell into disrepair and cracked apart on her coquina perch during a 2002 summertime thunderstorm. However, the tip of Merritt Island is still named Dragon Point on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration navigational charts.

As a yacht club kid, we would take our prams and go across from the (Eau Gallie Yacht Club) to Dragon Point. And I spent a lot of time in that dragon, Dandridge said.

It was like a clubhouse, and a big playhouse. It was huge. It was humungous. There could be many kids in there, she said.

Dragon Point still remains unoccupied

By the time of Annie's demise, the Dragon Point estate had badly deteriorated. The abandoned, vandal-marred property got tied up in court for years during legal disputes.

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Palm Bay developer Don Facciobene bought the bank-owned site for $800,000 in January 2015. Demolition work kicked off in March 2017, and the haunted-house-like estate fell to the metallic jaws of a heavy-construction excavator.

Facciobene initially planned to build a modern mansion guarded by Rojak  a new 60-foot-long, double-headed, "Universal-Disney-type" dragon illuminated by multicolored LED lights. But Dragon Point remains vacant today  and again on the market.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com. Click here and subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Dragon Point up for sale, new owner could replace Merritt Island dragon
Out of the December haze, Tacoma-area bars and restaurants are tip-toeing into the new year. Instead of sharing photos of celebratory cocktails, the social-media mood has morphed into one of moderation.

Not so long ago, non-drinkers, regardless of their reason or need of abstention, were offered glasses of Coke or iced tea, maybe a flavored lemonade or juice. That slice of the U.S. population has actually never been all that small. At its lowest, around a third of people reported skipping the stuff  and that number has only grown since the 1970s.

Gallup has been polling Americans on their drinking habits since 1939. For nearly 20 years, the numbers held steady, with up to 70% of people reporting that they drank regularly or occasionally. Last year, though, the split inched closer than ever to 50/50. Just 54% of about 700 respondents to the annual Consumption Habits survey said theyre drinking at all. The leading reasons for not driking were simply no desire, followed by about 15% each for general distaste, concern about health impacts, fear of consequences and negative experiences.

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Still, sales at beer, wine and liquor stores usually spike every December. Welcome Dry January.

Research has shown that even a short-term pause in drinking can improve physical and mental well-being. A Brown University School of Public Health study of 150,000 participants of the increasingly popular sober month revealed better sleep and mood, weight loss, greater abilities to concentrate and an overall sense of just having more energy. In the long-term, researchers found that the break led participants to long-term gains they describe as sustained moderation.

Take the Beer Institutes January 2025 survey as respondents began their own Dry January journeys: Sales of nonalcoholic beer have increased by double digits, and consumers prefer these suds to NA versions of liquor or wine, which have also experienced impressive growth in recent years.

Taken together, bartenders have paid attention. Now there are more ways than ever to have some fun in your cup. For this list, we focused on places that specifically call out their NA menus, which shows a dedication to the idea, as opposed to just being an afterthought, plus a dedicated NA space and a game cafe that feels apropos.

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Here are some of the best NA restaurants and bars around Tacoma if youre not drinking, no matter the reason or time of year  or day!

Sober AF - Zero Proof Bottle Shop

5222 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-302-4228, soberaf253.com

Owner Stephanie Housden has built a shop, cafe and all-around gathering spot for anyone and everyone who, as she puts it, is sober, sober curious, or just taking a break from drinking. The shelves are packed with NA drinks of all kinds, in bottles and in cans, which you can enjoy on site or buy for later. Check the calendar for upcoming events, from karaoke or craft nights to mocktail-making and painting classes. Housden also bops around town to other venues to pour NA delights  shell be at Hob Nob Jan. 8, 6:30-8 p.m., for a monthly pop-up with local creatives.

Juniper Botanical Bar

5226 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-212-2358, juniperbotanicalbar.com

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This new STW bar has positioned itself as an inclusive destination  for casual hangs with friends and family (kids welcome until 9 p.m.), snacks a-plenty (BYO lunch-tray charcuterie boards), cool and colorful cocktails. On the mocktail front, the signature Cherry Chapstick adds Pathfinder to lime, cherry and coconut. A few cocktails are easily converted to NA, including the Gold Star with lime, ginger and mango; the Green Flag with lemongrass and wasabi; and the Pillow Princess, a fun combo of ube, coconut cream, pineapple and black walnut bitters.

Sisters Rebekah and Hannah Waltmann opened The 15% Board Game Cafe in 2024. Sip on coffee and various energy drinks (or beer, wine, cider if desired) while playing one of hundreds of games. (Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com)

The 15% Board Game Cafe

3518 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-301-1952, 15percentbgcafe.com

Right  not a bar, more of a coffee and game shop, as the name implies. New in 2024, this sister-owned board game cafe is stacked with games  hundreds, quite literally. So your neighbors are more likely to be invested in the table than their cup! For $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, you can play for as long as youd like, and entry includes a nonalcoholic drink (coffee, energy sodas, canned goods, etc.) If you happen to be with someone who does want a beer, wine or cider, they have options. It also operates as a regular cafe, whether youre tackling a round of Catan or not.

Busy Body!

2717 6th Ave., Tacoma, busybodytacoma.com

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This Sixth Ave bar is always up to something fun. For Dry January, slurp the Cocaine and Rhinestones, lacking both but including lime, coconut and soda in a tulip glass pinned with a chunk of pineapple. In a coupe, the Mademoiselle Noir blends ginger, lemon, honey and a smoky lapsang tea. The fridges are also stocked with various NA bottles and cans, all of which will gladly accompany baskets of popcorn chicken and hand-cut salt-and-vinegar fries.

Field Bar & Bottle Shop

2614 6th Ave., Tacoma, fieldtacoma.com

The team at Field Bar has few Tacoma peers in its cocktail and wine prowess, and its No Booze menu holds the same esteem, in combination with a delightfully seasonal menu built for sharing. Cocktails feature NA aperitivos like the bitter, citrusy, floral Ghia, Figlia (with a ginger-berry backbone) and Pathfinder, inspired by dark amaros, as well as house ingredients such as a zippy ginger beer. Theyre served in pretty glassware, hit several price points ($6 for a shrub and soda to $13 for cocktail styles), and new ones come about often. Grab a bottle for home from the retail shelves, too.

Head to the back room at Holy Moly Bar with your NA drink for a chill ambiance and board games.

Holy Moly Bar

3013 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-302-3047, holymolybar.com

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Like their neighbors on this list, Holy Moly is at heart a cocktail bar, but you can also sip on a No-Groni with Pathfinder, Oregons own Wilderton aperitif and Stappi, a bitter red Italian sparkling soda of sorts. The Wanderer with grapefruit and lemon juice adds Wonderfoam, a vegan egg-white alternative, for a surprising refresher. Tee up a charcuterie board, snacks of deviled eggs and spiced nuts and tinned fish as you settle into a board game in the cozy back room. Bonus: brunch, with an English muffin breakfast sandwich, fritattas and avocado toast, is served every Saturday and Sunday.

Side Pony & The Mule Tavern

2914 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-442-0221, sideponytacoma.com

5227 South Tacoma Way, 253-247-6314, themuletavern.com

The Mule brought the freshest, zingiest, lemony-est ginger beer and a pink-hued tonic to STW when it opened in 2016, and in 2023 expanded to Sixth Ave with the similarly kitschy Side Pony. Both are naturally NA, and while theyre readily used in cocktails, they stand on their own with soda, too. The bar also stocks NA beer and cider, ready-to-drink NA cocktails, and Monday brand zero-proof spirits, which staff can stir into an old fashioned or sour.

Enjoy owner Sam Halhulis scratch-made, force-carbonated ginger beer, imbued also with lemon, in various NA drinks at The Mule and Side Pony. (David Montesino/dmontesino@thenewstribune.com)

Cactus Proctor

2506 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-458-9900, cactusrestaurants.com

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Cactus is oft-mentioned as a go-to for a satisfying meal with No Sin cocktails that dont leave you wanting. Instead of using various NA bottles, the menu relies on fresh juices and classic techniques like muddling and shaking hard with ice. Theres the Perfect Prickly Pear with lemon and grapefruit, served in a martini glass; a hibiscus-mango sour with fresh lime and mint a la mojito; Mexican lemonade with sparkling water, lemon, cilantro and the kick of jalapeno; and creamy house horchata (seasonal). The best part? Theyre all under $7.

Corbeau

3819 N 26th St., Tacoma, 253-533-4833, corbeautacoma.com

Goodness the wine and cocktail program at Corbeau is sensational, but staff puts the same cleverness and care into their Sans Booze menu. Like everything else at this Franco-Tacoman favorite in Proctor, the NA menu changes with the seasons. Right now, youll find refreshing wintery numbers like the Lemongrabs with an orange aperitif, chamomile and lavender honey, lemon juice and sparkling water, or the Tree Trunks, featuring a spiced pear cordial, apple cider, ginger and lime. Theres always a house shrub, hibiscus tonic and ginger beer.

Bar Rosa

1202 S. 11th St., Tacoma, barrosatacoma.com

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This wood-fired pizza haven in Hilltop heads into its fifth year in 2026. While the bar is known for highly sippable cocktails and an impressive amaro collection, equal care is put into the zero-proof menu. Think a Charred Rosemary Sour with fresh lemon and orange, house syrup and foam or a custom citrus tonic and soda. The flagship NA might be the cheekily named On the Wagon: a negroni spin with Roots Divino and Giffard apertivos, Pathfinder and an orange twist. From the fridge, you can also snag a Best Day Kolsch and Odd Birds blanc de blanc sparkling white.

Proof Tacoma

2312 N. 30th St., Tacoma, prooftacoma.com

House ingredients shine in everything Proof does within the nighttime confines of Anthem Coffee in Old Town, and that includes Zero Booze concoctions. The spritz combines a grapefruit cordial with lavender and chamomile honey. The Remedios marries a cold-brewed yerba mate and rooibos tea with sparkling lemonade. And the hibiscus mule takes house ginger beer to task with a whisper of rose and cayenne. You can also enjoy said ginger beer on its own, dabble in tonic and drinking vinegars, or let the talented bar staff take the wheel.

Lobster Shop

4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253-759.2165, lobstershop.com

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The NA cocktails at this waterfront mainstay lean into the spritzy side but offer a range of flavors. Find apple, ginger and lime in the Emerald Spritz; blackberry, mint and Wilfreds Bittersweet aperitif in the Blackberry Fizz; and blood orange with Seedlip citrus in the Cantarito Cooler. The Pink Beret starts with elderflower, a rosemary-honey syrup and lemon, topped with a bubbly NA rose. Light and effervescent sounds just right to sip alongside a dozen oysters or fish of the day.

Wooden City

714 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-503-0762, woodencitytacoma.com

Since 2018, Wooden City has drawn major crowds to Pac Ave for stuffed wax peppers, salmon toast, beet ravioli and wood-fired pies. A seat at the bar is coveted, and the cocktails mean business  and so goes the Zero Proof options. Try a pineapple daiquiri with the citrus spirit from Seedlip, a British NA brand, or the NAgroni with rose vermouth and Wildertons Lustre, inspired by gin. Adventurous? The Space Jam blends carrot juice with condensed milk infused with earl grey tea, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Packaged options include the German NA Bitburger, Best Day and Alesmith beers, as well as an NA rose.

en Rama

1102 A St., Court House Square, Tacoma, 253-327-1509, enramatacoma.com

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Warm up with a bowl of homemade pasta, plump mussels in broth or a top-notch burger alongside No Booze sippers. The Namaro Sour froths up Pathfinder with Giffards NA pamplemousse (grapefruit) liqueur, fresh citrus and a real egg white. Keep it simple with a hibiscus mule, seasonal shrub and soda or house agua fresca. The bartender will happily take your tastes into account for something new, too.

Devils Reef in Tacomas Opera Alley may be most appreciated for its world-class tiki cocktails and rum collection, but the NA drinks here dont skimp on flavor. (Craig Sailor/The News Tribune)

Devils Reef

706 Court C, Tacoma, instagram.com/devils_reef

You might be flummoxed by the news that a tiki den swims in the booze-free sea, but Devils Reef does  and then some. By focusing on the dark, mysterious flavors evoked by the various rums and juices that form the foundation of tiki cocktails, the bar delivers on its temperance menu. The Brainless Zombie shakes pineapple, passionfruit, lime and lemon with vanilla. The Queens Cargo adds tropical juices to cold-brew coffee. The Shipmates Grog is all of the Navy, minus the grog  meaning: lime, grapefruit, honey, cinnamon and seltzer without the high-proof Navy rum. Theres even a Nada Colada. Get whisked away while youre here, then remember how you got home.

Breweries & Bars with NA

Most breweries offer various NA options, whether cans of special seltzers, probiotic sodas or other packaged goodies on the market today. Here are a few specifics:

E9 Brewing Co. makes a few flavors of Tahoma Hop Water, a sparkling water infused with hops that strikes a chord if you like a lightly bitter but refreshing note.

Camp Colvos usually has an NA beer on tap  recently it was Seattles Fremont NA IPA.

7 Seas Brewing keeps a few sodas and such in the fridge, and usually has a kombucha on tap. At the Tacoma taproom, Naomi Joe Coffee operates daily until 5 p.m., so caffeine is also at the ready, along with some cool bottles of things like yuzu seltzer.

The Red Hot saves some tap handles for the likes of nitro coffee and locally made root beer, plus extra options in cans.

Peaks & Pints usually has a nitro cold brew on tap and an array of canned goods in the extensive coolers.

Berliner Beerhall honors its German theme by pouring mostly German beers, which means an NA beer on tap from a brewery thats been doing it for centuries.

Did we miss a spot? If youve found other great nonalcoholic drinks or options at bars and restaurants in or around Tacoma, drop a line to TNT Diner.
Andrew and Austin King attended a wedding celebration on Nov. 22  so they almost didnt go hunting that next morning. But the rut was on, and the brothers decided to hunt some public land in Kingsbury County, which lies in east-central South Dakota  roughly a 2-hour drive from the wedding venue.

We knew good bucks had been roaming on some public land that we knew well, Andrew says. Im glad we decided to go.

The brothers headed to the public ground consisting of rolling hills, marshy draws, and CRP fields. They started about dawn and hiked to some high ground to glass for deer.

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We spotted a big buck from about 800 yards, says Andrew, a 29-year-old plumber from Arlington. We started a stalk toward him, using low coulees to stay out of his sight and got to about 200 yards.

Photo courtesy Andrew King

The giant buck was sparring with another huge buck, this one in the 150-inch range. Austin rattled and grunted to stop the bigger buck, which then turned toward Andrew.

He was preoccupied with the other buck, Andrew says. And when he turned my way, I used a small tree to steady my Remington .270 that my dad gave me.

His shot dropped the buck, which was on the far side of a pond. They called their dad, Ron, and other brother, Aaron, for help dragging the buck out.

Photo courtesy Andrew King

Andrew didnt want to field dress the buck for fear it would spoil a full body mount of the 21-point whitetail. So, they dragged the estimated 250-pound buck 700 yards to reach their truck. Then they brought it to a shed, where the deer was cleaned with special care.

Read Next: The Best Deer Rifles

He says the nontypical green-scored at 217 inches gross, or 203 inches net. Most of his family members hunt, too, and while they have some good bucks to their credit, Andrews 21-pointer is the top buck among his dad and brothers. But he says they all share in each others success.

I still cant believe it happened, but Im beyond grateful to harvest a buck of a lifetime.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Its easy to make a New Years resolution, but much harder to stick to it.

According to a study on WalletHub, where you live in America could affect how easy it is to keep your goals in 2026. In order to determine the best and worst cities for keeping your New Years resolutions, the company compared more than 180 cities on 57 metrics.

>>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

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The metrics chosen range from exercise opportunities to income growth to the employment outlook. Each city was scored across five main subjects: health resolutions, financial resolutions, school and work resolutions, bad-habit resolutions, and relationship resolutions.

According to the study, the top 5 cities for keeping New Years resolutions are Seattle, Washington; Scottsdale, Arizona; Irvine, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Several cities in Nevada were part of the study, but they didnt rank as high as some residents might hope. Las Vegas ranked at no. 40, Reno at no. 69, Henderson at no. 81, and North Las Vegas was way down on the list at no. 166.

Thats not the only study done recently involving New Years resolutions. BetMGM took a look at Google Search Trends from Dec. 1 to Dec. 30, 2025, to find the most searched New Years resolution themes across all 50 states.

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What people choose to prioritise often reflects more than personal ambition  it can reveal broader lifestyle and cultural trends at a state level, the study wrote.

Social and relationship-focused resolutions rank lowest overall, appearing least frequently as a top priority compared to other categories. The top categories based on national search interest were:

Health & Fitness

Career

Financial

Travel

Hobbies

Bad Habits

Social & Relationships

In Nevada, the most popular category was Health and Fitness, followed very closely by Career. At the bottom of the list for Nevada is resolutions based on Bad Habits.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
It was only after an hour of wandering through Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva, that I realised I hadnt seen another soul.

A cold, crisp day on the fringes of Uzbekistans Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts, the sky had cast a giant blue net over a place where people have lived for more than 2,500 years. As the morning fog lifted, sandy alleyways gave way to tiny lanes, which briefly opened onto squares before meandering into networks of secret stairways and gilded wooden door frames. Things that quietly pulsated with history, yet no one around to tell it. How people had managed to walk and trade and simply exist in this place where even a whisper felt too big was a mystery.

In the 21st century, such places rarely stay hidden gems. And so it is with Khiva. The prized Silk Road site does not attract as many visitors as its sister cities Bukhara and Samarkand  a combined 2.5 million fewer annually  but the Uzbek government intends this year to launch a new high-speed train between Khiva and the capital, Tashkent. It will reduce the journey from the current overnight sleeper of 15 hours to a relatively brisk daytime venture of just seven. This is a development that is set to change Khiva forever.

Khivas Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah is one of the citys architectural jewels - Marc Dozier

Almost all of Khivas historical splendours are held inside the medieval Itchan Kala. An open-air museum littered with palaces and mosques, madrasahs and mausoleums, visitors may guffaw when arriving at its main entrance, the Western Gate. How historical is a place dominated by hawkers selling bottles of Coca-Cola and buttery popcorn? But by dodging them and passing through the mud-brick gate, these same visitors soon lay eyes on the grand Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah.

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Built between 1851 and 1855 by the Khan (ruler) of the same name, the madrasah functioned as an Islamic school for the elite, priming 260 young men at a time for a life in court. Today, it houses the Orient Star Khiva Hotel. Inside, arches lead to a courtyard where these men once wandered and pondered the stars. The dusty stones they trod could be the same ones visitors walk on today, for 80 per cent of the Orients interior is original, with the students former madrasah cells transformed into 78 chic guest rooms.

The Kunya-Ark dates back to 1686 - iStockphoto

Moving from the madrasah to the nearby Kunya-Ark, I became convinced that Khivas one million annual visitors were made up entirely of wedding parties. Couples drifted solemnly through the streets, trailed by their families and professional videographers. Eventually, the Ark  the Khans palace  came into view. Built and expanded from the 17th century, here is his mosque and residence, and his grand kitchen where Uzbekistans famous plov  a dish of aromatic pilaf rice and meat  was cooked. And, of course, his concubines harem, which spills into a discreet network of corridors leading directly to his room.

Though the Khans rules were often brutal  criminals were punished by stoning, beheading, impalement, amputation, the gouging of eyes  the resources pumped into the arts betrays a gentility. The facade of each building here features tall, tiled alcoves, flanked by expanding geometric designs. Islam forbids the depiction of humans and animals, so artists created abstract patterns to express Gods infinite nature. Blue and turquoise represent the heavens and peace, white conveys purity. Stylised vines, flowers and palmettes wrap themselves around each frame, symbolising paradise, growth, fertility and, above all, creation.

The facades of many of the citys buildings feature tiled alcoves flanked by geometric patterns - minoandriani/iStockphoto

Directly outside Kunya-Ark is a sparse square where public executions were once held. Today, it is flanked by overpriced cafes and domestic tourists who pose for photographs outside the 1871 Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah. In turning their backs on it, these people miss a fascinating portal into a tradition that precedes the Khanate.

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By the time the Arabs arrived in Khiva in the eighth century, the fire-worshipping religion Zoroastrianism had thrived for almost 2,000 years. Over time, Islamic traditions superseded Zoroastrian culture, but many aspects survived. I drew my hand across the madrasahs walls and tried to make out the grooves of a row of small green crosses. Zoroastrian remnants, the Khiva Crosses represent the four elements of human life.

The Muslims were used to seeing these symbols, a guide at the madrasahs entrance told me. They kept them not only because they were comforting, but because they respected the faith which had come before. Around the corner, my new guide led me through Itchan Kalas ancient lanes into the dingy Juma Masjid (Friday mosque), where I was faced with four stout Uzbek babushkas (grandmothers). Through wit and charm, the guide sweet-talked our way behind the curtained construction works.

Handicrafts for sale in the old city of Khiva - Moment RF

The majority of Islams most important and oldest places of worship sit in the Middle East, but the Juma Masjid is one of its forgotten sanctuaries. Built in the 10th century, just 300 years after Islam emerged, it is propped up by more than 200 wooden pillars, some of which are 1,000 years old. Made entirely of wood, the mosque is designed not in the traditional dome shape, but a rectangle  a fascinating glimpse of what early Islam looked like. Lurking in a shadowy corner sat a decidedly un-Islamic concrete box, shoddily topped by a discoloured dome. It is a Zoroastrian fire pit, the guide told me. When the Arabs came, they kept it as a sign of respect and turned it into a well. You wont find anything else like it in the Islamic world.

Khivas Juma Masjid dates back to the 10th century - Moment RF

Khiva is an immensely walkable city, and just a minute from the mosque lies a structure that signalled an era of change. Not entirely dissimilar to industrial buildings found in Cardiff, Manchester or Liverpool in its brickwork, the Islam Hoja Madrasah was Khivas first Russian language school.

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By the time Hoja, prime minister of the Khanate, had built the madrasah in the early 1900s, Imperial Russia had already made inroads into Khiva. Hoja saw his new guests as the embodiment of modernity. Soon, he had ideas about secular education, limits on administrative power, and a relaxation of conservative Islamic culture. He allowed women to be educated for the first time in the Khanates 400-year history, and even had Christian crosses sealed into the cylindrical buffers around the madrasahs exterior walls, which you can still see today.

Compared with other Silk Roads cities, Khiva feels significantly less touristy - Moment RF

This gently sloping building was the beginning of the end for the Khanate. Hojas reforms were seen as heretical and a threat to Islamic rule. In 1913, he was assassinated. Seven years later, the Khanate was dissolved after the victorious Bolsheviks rolled into town and established the Khorezm Peoples Soviet Republic. The expansion of Itchan Kalas Islamic architectural legacy officially ceased, turning the dusty, walled city into a time capsule that would only be opened up to the world 70 years later with the fall of the USSR. Visitors can still explore this city without the crowds, almost as it was back then  but with the imminent introduction of the new trains, this may not be the case for long.

Essentials

Uzbekistan Airways flies direct from London to Tashkent from 600 return. A first-class return sleeper train from Tashkent to Khiva starts from 80. Rail tickets must be booked in advance via the Uzrailwaysticket app to secure a place (the price of a return ticket on the new train has not yet been announced). The Orient Star Khiva Hotel has doubles from 40 per night, with breakfast. Itchan Kala is free to enter, but an all-access ticket for its sites costs 15.

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If my dating app profile were made with A.I., my nose would be smaller, my teeth whiter. My eyes would be equally hooded, or not hooded at all, and my skin smoother. Men wouldnt make a game out of guessing whether Im neurodivergent or Jewish. My gaze would be coquettish, my aura obvious, my entire essence ratcheted down a notch or several.

I take great pride in knowing that no one would think Im the creation of A.I., even if that means acknowledging that Im an acquired taste at best, Hava Nagila played on kazoos at worst. In the world of online dating, obvious imperfections have started to become a kind of authenticity signal. And as the desire for sincerity increases, so does the distrust in those who seem too good to be true.

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Whether its someone whos too toned, too well traveled, too rich, or too symmetrical, the ones to beat are indiscernible from the ones to bot. Which puts those of us whose profiles are works of creative folly at an advantage; no one will doubt our identity because if we were fake wed have made ourselves exactly what the general consensus once asked for.

Its the arrival of the next phase of online dating evolution. Call it survival of the quirkiest.

According to Match.coms 2025 Singles in America survey, conducted in partnership with the Kinsey Institute, 53 percent of singles report having dating burnout as evidenced by Bumbles significant revenue tumble, straight mens laziness when it comes to dating, and the growing number of apps designed to have A.I. do the work for you. The survey also found that 61 percent of surveyed singles believe that profiles have become less authentic. Regardless of whether its due to an overreliance on A.I. for crafting bios alone resulting in a catalog of nearly identical prospects or the current cultural flattening and erasure of difference permeating every facet of society, what was once paradise is now a parking lot. (Ooh, bop-bop-bop.)

My actual dating profile reeks of neuroticism. It is maximally calculated, casually A/B tested, destined to attract at least a few guys every week who are finally able to move past the trauma of having Rachel/Sarah/Lizzy/Sophie/whoever of Westchester County reject their invitation to slow dance at summer camp.

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Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown called it plain-girl power. The verbal dexterity, the charm, the wit, the amiability that the always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride kind of woman used to impress and dazzle. It wasnt an insultshe called herself a mouseburger, after allmerely a trick up the sleeve of her Sex and the Single Girl readers whose eyebrows were more Groucho than Garbo, and whose style more basement than Bergdorfs. She knew where her strengths lay and was judicious in wielding them.

Make no mistake: the plain girls of Browns world were an equally exclusive set, ones whose plainness lay atop stratum upon stratum of white, heteronormative, able-bodied privilege. I am entirely aware that my ability to be fully myself on a dating app is a luxury afforded to me by my status as a cis, straight, thin, white woman in New York City. However, at face value, plain-girl power is an acknowledgment that superficiality can get you only so far and that with enough endearing idiosyncrasies and a tolerant crowd, anyone could cut to the front of the line. Apples with spots included.

A.I. may be able to ape our sense of humor or respond to our thoughts coherently, but its words are hollow and visionless; just as homebuyers covet original crown moldings, daters are no longer impressed by sleekness and sheen when theres nothing to be revealed underneath. People fall in love with the gunk that differentiates us from one another.

Its qualities like shared values, loyalty, a compatible sense of humor, and emotional availability that keep couples together. The Gottman Institute, a relationship research organization, also lists respectful communication and conflict management abilities among the attributes needed for relationship longevity, two skills that LLMs struggle to mimic given their sycophantic tendencies.

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Just as texture is now the telltale sign of a real photograph, finally giving pores and wrinkles the promotion to a customer-facing role they deserve, linguistic variety and uninhibited honesty will become certificates of authenticity.

A 2022 study looked into the impact of originality of dating bio text on perceived attractiveness among Dutch dating-app users. Researchers found that those with higher originality ratings based on stylistic and self-disclosure patterns were perceived as having a greater intelligence and sense of humor. As both qualities are positively associated with attractiveness, the profiles perceived as more original were by extension perceived as more desirable.

Sure, there are arguments for using A.I. to write bios. It can help people who dont know how to talk about themselves cobble a few sentences together about their hobbies or spit out some ideas to replace Bios arent my thing. And, sure, you could say that daters have long been relying on second opinions, asking friends and family for final approval on printed classified and Craigslist posts before sending them out into the world. But even those betray an iota of human-made whimsy, a sparkle of vulnerability.

As app users become even more desperate for human connection and worse at identifying whats written by bots, theyll be pulled toward profiles that are overtly unconventional to avoid being led astray. Brands are already making a show of rejecting A.I. in their advertising. Likewise, daters will turn A.I. hate into a trait in and of itself, incorporating silly little details, foolish bons mots, and out-there references, not only as signs of life, but as trail markers for the like-minded.

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Fingers crossed, were on the brink of individuality overload.

Yes, Ive bemoaned my nose since I knew that other noses were possible. Yes, I included seltzer among casual sex and cuddling in my bio under interests. Yes, it also says that I have big camp counselor energy and am not afraid of the Brooklyn Costco. But with perfected blandness and prompt feedback nearing total ubiquity, quirky may soon become the most valuable currency on the market.
Travelers looking for an adults-only vacation now have another cruise line to choose from.

Oceania Cruises will welcome only guests 18 and older starting this month. The change applies to new reservations made on or after Jan. 7, though the cruise line will honor bookings for guests under 18 made before that date.

The company joins a small number of other brands with similar policies, including Virgin Voyages and Viking.

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Inside Virgin Voyages Scarlet Night: The adults-only party at sea where everyone sees red

Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Hickman said the move was informed by feedback from passengers who said one of the reasons and what they love most about Oceania Cruises is the ability to travel with like-minded adults.

I'll be honest with you, a good segment of our guests already thought we were adult-only, because we don't have a lot of kids, Hickman told USA TODAY ahead of the announcement. That made their presence on certain sailings  such as summer Alaska cruises, which attract a higher percentage of children  more noticeable.

'Their very own private oasis': What to know about adults-only spaces on cruise ships

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While Hickman didnt have exact figures to share on how many guests under 18 sail with Oceania, he characterized the number as so small its almost a rounding error.

When I was on the sales side, you know, my joke was always that our kids program is a ping-pong table on the pool deck, he said. The average age of Oceania passengers is in the mid-60s.

While guests likely wont see a difference in the onboard features or programming as a result of the change, Hickman said it will help the cruise line manage expectations.

I really think this is an advantage, and we're just pressing that advantage by saying, you know, We're not trying to be all things to all people, he said. We're going to be very narrowly defined, and we're not even changing who our target guest is. It's the same person. I think this is a move to better define and attract that guest.

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Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This major cruise line just went adults-only. Why no kids?
I spent four years as an Emirates cabin crew member, and one thing most travelers don't realize is how much is actually available for free in economy class  you just have to ask. While some carriers charge for basics like snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, airlines offering full services include far more perks than passengers expect. I've been asked a lot about economy freebies: "Can I get more snacks if I'm hungry mid-flight?" "Will I be charged for a second wine?" "Is a flight attendant the best person to ask for a seat upgrade?" (For the latter, no, you should ask ground staff.)

In general, the basics are usually complimentary on full-service carriers (water, juices, soft drinks, and sometimes even wine, beer, and liquor). No-frills airlines, by contrast, may only offer water for free, or not at all  Spirit Airlines is known to charge its passengers for water depending on the ticket (but even on budget airlines, there's a way to get a flight attendant to give you a free drink). Snacks are also complimentary with many carriers. United, Delta, and American Airlines offer free nibbles like pretzels and cookies on flights above a certain distance, and full-service international airlines include a meal with drinks. If you're someone who enjoys a preferred snack, or you know you'll be hungry throughout the flight, you can bring your own food on the plane and politely ask your flight attendant to heat it free of charge. For those worried about getting peckish during a long journey, don't be afraid to ask the crew for extra refreshments at no cost. At Emirates, we kept a tray of chocolates and salted snacks on the galley counter for passengers who stopped by. Beyond these basic offerings, though, passengers are also entitled to many other unadvertised freebies.

Read more: Subtle Airplane Cabin Features Only Frequent Flyers Notice

The surprising, little-known economy freebies

Little boy looking at his parent as he colors in a coloring book on a tray table on a plane - Nikola Stojadinovic/Getty Images

A standout perk for passengers traveling on long-haul flights with Emirates is the amenity kits, which include an eye shade, earbuds, a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, and a bookmark. Other major carriers like Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Qantas also offer similar kits for long trips in economy. In the U.S., Delta is one of the only airlines that offers economy class sleep kits on most long-haul international flights. However, even on shorter flights, Emirates stocked a few dental kits, eye shades, and earbuds in the galley for passengers free of charge upon request, so no matter the airline, it couldn't hurt to ask for a toothbrush on your next flight if you're desperate. On many long-haul routes, traditional airlines also include pillows and blankets on economy seats, and if the flight's not full, you can ask the crew for extra.

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Another fun freebie is toys for children. On Emirates, toys are distributed in the cabin to children as part of the airline's award-winning service, but on other carriers, such as United, you need to ask the flight attendant if their children's travel kit is available. Free Wi-Fi is also slowly becoming a perk on many major airlines once you create an online account with the company. JetBlue offers fast, free Wi-Fi across every plane, and Delta offers complimentary internet to SkyMiles members.

Depending on the airline, small but useful miscellaneous items may be available to passengers upon request, tailored to common in-flight needs, such as pens, writing paper, plastic bags, and over-the-counter pain relievers for minor discomforts like headaches. Every aircraft is equipped with a full first-aid kit and more advanced medical equipment, and flight attendants can supply basic first-aid supplies like bandages, sanitizing wipes, and pain medication to passengers during a flight.

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Read the original article on Islands.


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As an e-commerce writer and a frequent traveler, I always have my eye on the latest travel products. From product pitches in my email inbox to viral gear online, I'm constantly looking at the latest items the industry has to offer.

In early December, I was invited to visit La Coralina Island House in Bocas del Toro, Panama, a luxury hotel set on an archipelago off the countrys coast. The property focuses heavily on holistic experiences, cultural immersions, and wellness practices. During my stay, I decided to put five viral travel products to the test, using them in a variety of settings, including the beach, jungle, and my hotel room. Here are my honest thoughts on whether they're worth the pricetag.

Vacuum Travel Bag

Kate Franke

What It Is: The Ekster Travel Pack Vacuum Kit is a waterproof, 12 x 19-inch vacuum seal bag kit, complete with its own portable air pump, that's said to compress items to fit more in your suitcase.





TravelPack Vacuum Kit

$89.00 at ekster.com

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My Experience: To really test it, I challenged myself to travel with just a carry-on for my six-day trip. I was surprised to fit six full outfits, plus socks and underwear, into the bag, though that seemed to be the limit. Zipping it up took some effort, as it was packed tightly. Once sealed, I used the rechargeable mini air pump, which removed the air in under 30 seconds.

My biggest concern was airport security, as Ive previously been stopped for traveling with vacuum-sealed food. However, after flying Copa Airlines'direct international flight to Panama and a domestic flight to Bocas, I never encountered an issue. My carry-on passed through multiple scanners without being flagged.

Final Thoughts: This is a solid carry-on companion for travelers looking to maximize space, though the zipper can be tricky when fully packed.

Foldable Wireless Charging Pad

Kate Franke

What It Is: The Anker MagSafe Wireless Charging Station is a compact, 3-in-1 wireless charger that unfolds to juice a user's iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.





MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

$89.99 at anker.com

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My Experience: Right out of the box, I was struck by how small the device wassmaller than the palm of my handwhich made it easy to pack. I tested it at two hotels in Panama: La Compania, a property of Hyatt, and La Coralina Island House, both of which use U.S. outlets, so no adapter was needed.

While I dont own an Apple Watch, the charger worked well for my iPhone 16 and AirPods Pro, both of which reached a full charge overnight. Even without a MagSafe case, my phone connected easily. One minor drawback: the layout feels slightly counterintuitive, with the AirPods charger in the center and the iPhone charger on the far left.



Final Thoughts: This is a convenient and compact multi-charger option, but not significantly better than similar wireless chargers at a lower price.

Portable Soap Sheets

Kate Franke

What It Is: Available in a keychain-sized pack of 50, ROAME Portable Soap Sheets are veil-thin, unscented sheets of soap that are said to dissolve under water to clean and lather hands during travel.





Portable Soap Sheets

$18.99 at amazon.com

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My Experience: I tested them during a cacao experience offered by La Coralina in the Panamanian jungle, where guests can visit a family-owned cacao farm to learn about the sacred fruit. The soap sheets were easy to carry in my belt bag during the hike around the farm. I activated a single sheet, similar in thinness to a breath strip, with water from my bottle, and it lathered well after rubbing. While it took quite a bit of water to rinse, my hands felt genuinely clean afterward.

Other people in my group also tried the sheets and were impressed by how much they were able to get off. One woman in particular used it to wash off a natural pigment that locals use for a lip stain, and it came off with ease.



Final Thoughts: Great for an outdoorsperson, the sheets are compact, clean well with water, and come with many sheets in a pack to last a long time.

Bug Repellent Perfume

Kate Franke

What It Is: The Buzz Charleston Bug Repellent Perfume is an essential oil perfume, scented like peony, white tea, passionfruit, and white musk, that's said to provide wearers with protection from bugs.





Charleston Bug Defying Eau De Parfum

$48.00 at thelookandco.com

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My Experience: Instead of packing both perfume and bug spray, I used this for roughly half of my trip to compare results. The perfume itself has a relatively mild scent that I'd describe as a mix of citrus and light musk.

On a day when I didn't wear the perfume repellent during a treatment visit to La Coralina's outdoor spa, which juts up to the jungle, I received several bug bites. However, during the cacao experience in the jungle, I applied the perfume repellent twice and didn't receive any additional bites. Others in my group were not so lucky, noting several spots by the end of the day.

Final Thoughts: Available in several different scent options, I'd recommend this as a great two-in-one product to help save space and reduce bug bites.

Sand Removal Bag

Kate Franke

What It Is: The Shakalo Sandscreen Sand Removal Bag is a microfiber pouch filled with talc-free powder that users pat and rub on their bodies to remove sand.





Sandscreen Sand Removal Bag

$24.99 at amazon.com

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My Experience: Another experience offered at La Coralina is the Cayo Zapatilla Marine Expedition, where guests can snorkel to see the coral restoration project of Mother of Corals and enjoy small bites on sandy Zapatilla Cay.

After a few hours at the beach, I pulled out the sand removal bag to get rid of the granules on my legs. After patting and rubbing the bag on my legs as directed, it removed some sand, but not much more than brushing it off by hand. Even when I applied more powder, the results didnt improve significantly.

Final Thoughts: Although this is a great product idea, Id skip it in favor of brushing sand off yourself.

Although not every product I took to Panama was a hit, there are still several items from this list that I'd highly recommend and will travel with in the future. Whether you buy these items for a trip to Panama's La Coralina Island House or not, I hope these insights and products serve you well in your future travels.

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Ceyhan Dinler is wanted in connection with the murder of Cumali Turhan [Essex Police]

A reward of up to 10,000 is being offered to help find a man suspected of mutilating and murdering his love rival.

Crimestoppers will give money for information that leads to the arrest of Ceyhan Dinler, who detectives believe is in Turkey.

A court has already been told that the 38-year-old fled the country in November 2024 after stabbing Cumali Turhan to death in Chelmsford.

Det Ch Insp Louise Metcalfe, of Essex Police, said: "Cumali's family deserve answers and justice. We will ensure that happens."

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Information can be supplied anonymously to Crimestoppers and the reward offer will expire on 6 April.

Dinler was last seen at London Stansted Airport on 19 November 2024.

The night before, Turhan had met Dinler for a drink and gone with him to Barista Bar in Duke Street.

Cumali Turhan was a father-of-two [Essex Police]

Turhan was mutilated and stabbed to death inside the venue, and detectives have since sought Dinler in connection with the attack.

They later found the victim's body after a 47-day search at a landfill site in Colchester.

"We stopped at nothing to find Cumali's body, so we could return him to his loved ones," Metcalfe said.

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"And we are putting that same level of commitment into locating Ceyhan Dinler."

A man found guilty of assisting in the suspected murder of Turhan and preventing the decent burial of his body was jailed for seven years in October.

Ciprian Ilie, 44, helped to put father-of-two Turhan's body in a bin, where it was later unknowingly taken by refuse workers to landfill.

Jurors in his trial were told there had been an "ongoing and simmering issue" between Dinler and Turhan over a love interest.

Body parts belonging to Cumali Turhan were found inside Barista Bar [John Fairhall/BBC]

Phil Breckton, eastern regional manager at Crimestoppers, said anyone helping the investigation was guaranteed total anonymity.

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"If you contact our charity to tell us where Dinler is located, no-one will ever know," he said.

"Cumali Turhan's family in Turkey and here in the UK are desperate for answers and need justice.

"You could make a huge difference in a case that is truly tragic."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Related internet links
A 13-year-old girl died from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle crash that occurred during a Ewing police pursuit late last month.

The 15-year-old driving a stolen vehicle that struck the vehicle in which the girl was a passenger has been charged with death by auto, manslaughter and several related crimes, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday.

The Dec. 19 crash occurred on Prospect Street at Parkway Avenue.

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Ewing police tried to stop the stolen car at about 6:45 p.m. as it traveled north on Prospect Street. When the officer put on the overhead lights, the car sped away from the officers, authorities have said.

The stolen car ignored a red light at Parkway Avenue and struck another car, authorities said. Two adults and two children were in the car.

One child suffered critical injuries. She died the following day at a hospital, the prosecutors office said.

The office did not identify the girl.

Officers arrested two 15-year-olds at the scene who were in the stolen vehicle. Both live in Trenton.

Investigators initially charged the driver with assault by auto, multiple counts of aggravated assault, eluding police, motor vehicle theft and related traffic charges.

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The prosecutors office later added aggravated manslaughter and death by auto, as well as a traffic offense that alleges the teen caused a death while operating a motor vehicle as an unlicensed driver.

The teen in the passenger seat faces the charge of theft of a motor vehicle, the prosecutors office said.

The Ewing Police Department said they had no new comment on the incident, which remains under investigation by the Mercer prosecutors office.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jan. 7GRAND FORKS  In 1966, after evading the law for 17 years, a fugitive was reportedly discovered in Grand Forks and given a second chance.

On Christmas day that year, the Grand Forks Herald ran the story

of a 49-year-old man  identified only by the pseudonym "Steve"  who escaped parole in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and carried out a years-long charade only put to an end after a vehicle crash landed him in jail.

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Authorities from Wisconsin and North Dakota investigated and ultimately decided against sending Steve back to prison, because he had seemingly "gone straight" during his time on the run, according to the article.

"It's kind of a unique story, that's for sure," said David Baker, retired Milwaukee detective and vice president of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society. "If that's really true; I don't know where that information came from. The judge that he was brought before had to have some type of legal basis (to make that decision.)"

Steve's story begins after his return from North Africa, where he said he spent time as a turret gunner during World War II. Back in the U.S., he said a cab driver tried to charge him double fare after a night out, and an altercation broke out after he refused to pay.

The driver accused Steve of trying to rob him. Steve ultimately was sentenced to one to 10 years in the Wisconsin State Penitentiary for assault with intent to commit robbery. Within two years, in the spring of 1948, he was released on parole.

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After a year on parole, Steve said he'd "had just all I could take."

He claimed his parole officer hounded him and advised against taking better job opportunities. He also felt he was treated as a suspect anytime someone was robbed, or a building was broken into.

"They would pick me up and run me through the line-up, through a lie detector test  I just got fed up with it," Steve said.

Fleeing Wisconsin, and therefore violating parole, landed Steve on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's list of wanted men. Baker said this wasn't surprising for the 1940s.

"I would think that, in that time period, it's probably pretty serious that a robber was on the loose in other communities, so they would probably chase that person pretty hard," he said.

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When someone commits a crime and is believed to have left the state where the offense occurred, a federal agency can apply for a fugitive warrant. If approved, the warrant allows for resources to be put toward apprehending the fugitive and extraditing them back to where they're wanted.

Nowadays, Baker suspects Steve wouldn't be on the FBI's radar, for a couple of reasons. Fugitive investigations are now commonly carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service. The FBI still has the authority to pursue fugitives, but it's uncommon for the agency to do so unless the original crime was handled by the FBI, Baker said.

There are also significantly more criminals, and crimes being committed, today compared to when Steve was a fugitive, Baker said.

"They had the resources, back then, to chase those types of criminals for violent crime," he said. "So I would think that it would have been pretty important for them to try and find this person  though it took 17 years to get him."

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Steve knew he was being pursued throughout the years; the article says that while living in Texas, he spoke to an FBI agent who was looking for a man working as a cook somewhere between El Paso and Van Horn  a description that fit Steve perfectly.

He was also nearly caught in 1950 while in Valley City, serving 15 days in jail after "slugging" a police officer, according to the article.

Baker said he would've expected Steve's fingerprints to be sent to the FBI for review as a result of this offense. It was shortly after the beginning of the Cold War, and many people were skeptical of others' loyalty to the nation.

"If you go against the government  like a police officer  there are thoughts that that person may not be 'for this country,'" Baker said.

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When Steve was arrested, law enforcement could have taken two sets of fingerprints, kept one and mailed the other to the FBI processing center, where it would be categorized and compared to other prints already in the system.

The process of attempting to identify people and pin them to unsolved crimes through their fingerprints has evolved significantly over the years. By the time Baker became a police officer, in the late 1970s, law enforcement could fax fingerprints from one agency to another. The copies weren't great quality, he said, but still sometimes led to identifications that wouldn't have been easily accomplished in earlier years.

Decades later, Baker said the process is instantaneous.

For some reason, Steve said his prints weren't sent in, but "Grand Forks police didn't make that mistake," according to the 1966 article. Three years after moving to Grand Forks, Steve was caught when he got into a car crash after "having had a couple of drinks."

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Then-Grand Forks Police Chief S. D. Knutson said his agency always tried to identify those in custody by running their fingerprints and photographs. After uncovering Steve's true identity and past  unknown, until then, even to his wife  Wisconsin investigating authorities felt it was appropriate for Steve to return to parole rather than prison based on his relatively clean record over the past 17 years. An official at the North Dakota parole office agreed.

"It was his thinking that a man like this should be free to earn a living for his family," Knutson said. "We were very happy to do it."

Steve told the Grand Forks Herald at that time, "I probably feel something like a man sent to the death house who gets a reprieve. I think if it would have happened before  especially before I came to Grand Forks  ... I probably would have had to go back."
First responders worked together to rescue two dogs that wandered onto a frozen river in northern Ohio.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Toledo police requested that the Lucas County Canine Care & Control shelter help rescue two dogs trapped on the Maumee River early Tuesday morning.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The ice was very unstable due to the rising temperatures, according to a social media post by the shelter.

The dogs were frightened, in full flight mode, and didnt understand that the people approaching them were there to help, the post read.

The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, EMS, and the Tactical Rescue Team responded to the scene to bring specialized equipment.

Crews tried multiple rescue tactics, but the dogs kept moving farther onto the ice out of fear.

The shelters veterinarian was called to the scene to help.

After what felt like an eternity, lots of patience, and sweet talk the dogs came up to him on their own, the post said.

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Crews rescued the pups and brought them to safety.

No dogs or first responders were injured in this incident.

The shelter said both of the dogs are at the shelter, relaxing with full bellies.

Today could have ended very differently, but instead, it ended with two sweet souls saved, the post read.

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Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect who shot a man and an innocent bystander in West Philadelphia.

The shooting happened around 6 p.m. Tuesday during an altercation between the suspect and a 35-year-old man at a beer distributor at 43rd and Market streets, police said.

Surveillance video shows the suspect following the man outside the business before gunfire erupted, according to Chief Inspector Scott Small. The 35-year-old was shot at least once in the torso and is hospitalized in critical condition.

A 65-year-old woman standing nearby on the sidewalk was struck by stray gunfire, police said. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

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Investigators recovered about 13 shell casings at the scene.

Further details on what led to the shooting have not been released.

Police said the shooter appears to be a man who was last seen wearing a red shirt or hooded sweatshirt and with a tan jacket covering that red shirt and dark colored pants. He was last seen fleeing on foot south on 43rd Street from Market Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The new legislative session began at the State House in Montpelier on Tuesday morning  with familiar issues like housing and healthcare at the top of everyones minds.

House Majority Leader Lori Houghton said Democrats are getting to work  and as a member of the House Healthcare Committee, she says theyll be focusing on affordability with hospitals and providers in the wake of cuts to Medicaid by the Trump administration.

But arguably the most discussed issue is still education reform. Many Republicans, including Governor Phil Scott, have spoken out against the work of the Redistricting Task Force, saying that their decision to pitch a plan of what they call Regional Educational Partnerships isnt what legislators voted for.

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VT School Redistricting Task Force submits final map

That education transformation bill last year, Act 73, called for a map of new school districts. Houghton says she and other House leaders are diving right in and plan on working to fulfill the mission of the bill.

Were going to continue to follow the road map of Act 73. You know, it is a road map. There are things that have to happen each year to keep going.

But the session on Tuesday started on a lighter note, with everyone saying goodbye to Jim Harrison, longtime Chittenden representative  and well-known jokester.

Representative Harrison proposed beginning each day with a joke or two, said Rep. Robin Scheu (D-Middlebury),  a suggestion that was agreed to before anyone had fully considered the consequences.

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Harrison and his wife are soon moving out of state  and Governor Scott has already announced who will take his place in the State House.

Mendon businesswoman, Brookfield engineer appointed to legislature

And speaking of the governor, all eyes will be on him at the State House on Wednesday, as he will deliver his State of the State address at 2:00 p.m. To learn about his remarks and more from the State House, watch on ABC22/FOX44 and right here at myChamplainValley.com.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Massachusetts is one of just five states that does not criminalize the creation or possession of AI-generated or computer-generated child sexual abuse materials.

Technology is outpacing Massachusetts state laws. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, child advocates warn the online exploitation of children is accelerating, and they say lawmakers must act quickly to close a dangerous legal loophole.

People can easily take images of children and make them appear sexually explicit, said Lindsay Hawthorne of the child advocacy group Enough Abuse.

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And I think a lot of people just dont realize that this technology exists.

Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh asked Hawthorne whether there are criminal consequences for creating these images in Massachusetts.

If someone is making an image like this, do they face any criminal consequences in Massachusetts? Kavanaugh asked.

For creating or possessing them, they dont, Hawthorne said.

There are penalties for sharing sexually explicit deepfakes of children and adults under the states so-called revenge porn law.

But Massachusetts currently has no law that specifically criminalizes the creation or possession of child sexual abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence.

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That is shocking to me as a parent, as a person, Kavanaugh said.

Hawthorne said Massachusetts is now far behind most of the country.

And forty-five other states have already passed bills to close this loophole and edit their child sexual abuse material or child pornography statutes, Hawthorne said. So, Massachusetts needs to get on board.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children the risks are complex and widespread, especially with the rapid rise of AI-generated content.

In 2024 alone, NCMEC reported a 1,325% increase in CyberTipline reports involving generative AI technology.

Lawmakers say there is a solution already on the table.

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State Sen. Michael Moore of Worcester has filed legislation that would expand the states definition of child sexual abuse material to include content created using digital tools and artificial intelligence.

My bill would clarify that child sexual abuse material that is created in whole or part by digital methods, including the use of artificial intelligence would fall under the child sex abuse act, Moore said.

The bill would expand the definition of abusive material to include any photograph, film, video, picture or computer-generated image or picture depicting sexual conduct.

Moore said the harm caused by AI-generated material is real and personal.

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AI has to get the image from somewhere, Moore said. What if its your child whose image is being depicted?

Moores bill currently sits in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

A possible wrinkle is the Presidents executive order prohibiting states from any form of regulation dealing with artificial intelligence for a 10-year period. Moore says it is possible child sexual abuse laws could be exempt from that order. Well track it for you.

These problems are so prevalent and so real, and they have easy solutions, Hawthorne said. So I hope that our legislature will act to pass these bills.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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The Brief

Three men were arrested after a fight involving guns broke out on Jan. 5 in the food court of Chandler Fashion Center.

Police say 53-year-old John Lathrop threatened 22-year-old Jeremiah Bagby and 19-year-old Jalen Bails-Bacchus before they pulled out guns and pointed them at the back of his head.

No one was hurt during the incident and police say there is no threat to the public.

CHANDLER, Ariz. - A confrontation involving guns in the food court of an East Valley mall led to the arrests of three men.

What we know

Chandler Police say officers on Jan. 5 responded to Chandler Fashion Center at around 8:45 p.m. for reports of two men threatening another man with guns near the food court.

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When officers got to the mall, they found all three suspects arguing inside a store. Two of the suspects, 22-year-old Jeremiah Bagby and 19-year-old Jalen Bails-Bacchus, were armed and arrested, police said.

Jeremiah Bagby (MCSO)

Investigators say officers were able to determine that another man, 53-year-old John Lathrop, threatened Bagby and Bails-Bacchus before trying to hit them.

"During this altercation is when the two younger adults pulled out guns and pointed them at Lathrop," said Ryan Cody, a spokesperson with Chandler Police. "They then followed Lathrop into the food court area while yelling threats and pointing their weapons at the back of his head. This prompted bystanders to call 911 and alert police of the incident."

No one was hurt during the incident.

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Lathrop was later found at his home and arrested. He's accused of making threats and disorderly conduct.

Bagby and Bails-Bacchus are accused of multiple charges, including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and concealing a deadly weapon.

"During a search at the holding facility, both young adults were found to be in possession of a suspected dangerous drug and related charges were submitted," police added.

What's next

Police say there is no known threat to the public and the investigation is ongoing.

Map of Chandler Fashion Center

The Source

The Chandler Police Department
In a grandly-staged, and much publicized meeting on Jan. 6, Ukraine and its Western allies celebrated a deal that would pave the way for French and British peacekeeping troops to deploy in Ukraine  once the war is over, of course.

French President Emmanuel Macron said "considerable progress" had been made. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said work on agreeing security protocols was "largely finished." And President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was a "huge step forward."

But there were several elephants in the room.

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"All of this is supposed to be after peace, but there is absolutely nothing to suggest that peace, in any recognisable form of the word, is anywhere near," Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, a U.K.-based think tank, told the Kyiv Independent.

1. That final 10%

Kyiv and Washington have on several occasions in recent weeks declared that 90% of the U.S.-backed peace deal is ready, which, on the face of it, sounds like an encouraging completion rate.

But Oleksiy Melnyk, co-director of foreign policy and international security at the Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Center, used a curious but vivid metaphor to demonstrate that context is key when talking about completion rates.

"If you build something, 90% is quite a satisfactory result. In other cases, if we talk, for instance, about childbirth, it's either 100% or nothing," he told the Kyiv Independent.

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"And the remaining 10% could destroy the whole peace deal if it's not achieved."

There's a good reason why that last 10% is still to be finalized, as it covers two of the most intractable points of disagreement between Ukraine and Russia  territory, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

"The idea of a Western "reassurance force" in Ukraine is welcomed, as much it is rejected in Russia."

French soldiers from the 1st Parachute Fighter Regiment of Pau board a French Airbus A400M during a French Air Force training exercise at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in Mont-de-Marsan, France, on Oct. 6, 2022. (Thibaud Moritz / AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine's baseline position on territory is to remain where its forces are currently deployed. Moscow, by contrast, is demanding that Ukraine pull troops out of parts of Donetsk Oblast that Russian forces have failed to capture.

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As for the power plant, a U.S.-backed framework proposed the plant would be operated jointly by Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, with all three parties sharing economic benefits.

But Ukraine fears that a trilateral management model would effectively legitimize Russia's occupation of the facility, and is instead proposing a bilateral alternative: a joint UkrainianAmerican enterprise with equal operational control.

And despite the fanfare of recent announcements, there's been next to nothing proposed on how to overcome these two issues in a way that could result in a peace deal.

2. The 'strategic paradoxes'

Compounding the intractability of the final 10% is the fact that the announcement of a U.K.-France peacekeeping force actually makes reaching a peace deal more difficult.

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"The current public discussions about Western troop deployment in Ukraine are counterproductive to the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on a ceasefire," Andreas Umland, associate professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, wrote in an op-ed for the Kyiv Independent.

"The idea of a Western "reassurance force" in Ukraine is welcomed, as much as it is rejected in Russia," he writes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends an annual meeting of the Council on Strategic Development and National Projects in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 8, 2025. (Contributor / Getty Images)

"If Europe promises to bring in troops only after the war ends, it will likely decrease Moscow's readiness to agree to a ceasefire, thereby increasing the economic and military pressure needed to persuade the Kremlin to agree to a truce."

European troops on Ukrainian soil have consistently been one of Moscow's red lines, and there is nothing to suggest they will budge.

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"The Americans may have shifted a little in terms of what they will entertain and support in terms of European intervention in the conflict. The Russians certainly have not," Giles said.

3. Not enough troops

The declaration announced on Jan. 6 includes five components: a multinational force tasked with strengthening Ukraine's Armed Forces and helping to ensure security "in the air, at sea and on land," U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring, support for Ukraine's military, binding commitments to back Kyiv in case of a future Russian attack, and long-term defense cooperation with Ukraine.

But precise details on the peacekeeping force were conspicuously absent.

"It is so incredibly vague that it's hard really to give any meaningful comment," Giles said.

Soldiers from the Royal Welsh travel in a Warrior armored vehicle during Operation Ghaulish at the CENZUB urban combat training center in Sissonne, France, on April 22, 2025. (Matthew Horwood / Getty Images)

In an interview with Talk TV on Jan. 7, former U.K. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said that out of around 70,000 troops in the British Army, "fewer than 10,000" are deployable at any one time.

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"You've got hundreds of miles (in Ukraine) to guard. The maths just don't add up. And I know we're supposed to be doing this with France, but France hasn't got a much bigger army," he said.

What should Europe be doing?

"There are things that should have been worked out in great detail and should have happened a long time ago, like Sky Shield, for example," Giles said.

Calls to "close the skies" over Ukraine  the rallying cry of pro-Ukraine demonstrations in early 2022  resurfaced again last year after a wave of Russian airspace violations against NATO members.

"The easiest way to protect Ukraine's skies would be to extend the European Sky Shield Initiative, a project to create an integrated European air defense network first established in 2022.

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An extension dubbed European Sky Shield for Ukraine was proposed in March of last year. According to the plan, developed by former British Air Force planners in cooperation with Ukraine's Armed Forces, the protection zone would cover Ukraine's three operational nuclear power plants, as well as the cities of Odesa and Lviv in Ukraine's south and west.

Establishing such a safe zone would not only restore stability and enable economic recovery but also allow Ukraines Air Force to focus on defending the eastern front.

The plan remains inactivated.

Read also: Everyones in shock  Ground Forces reorganization leaves International Legion soldiers in limbo

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Read also: Analysis: Why effective use of manpower will define who is winning the war in Ukraine in 2026

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Three more North Carolina children have contracted measles after visiting South Carolina.

READ MORE: Measles case confirmed in NC, linked to SC outbreak

The North Carolina Health Department reported a Buncombe County family went to Spartanburg County. The children are siblings.

On Wednesday, South Carolina reported it has 211 cases.

There have been two cases in North Carolina with the latest one reported on New Years Eve in Polk County.

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The first measles case of 2025 in North Carolina involved an international traveler in June.

Health leaders recommend that all unvaccinated people one year old and older get vaccinated.

VIDEO: Health department on alert after recent measles outbreak in SC
Four Massachusetts children have died from influenza-related illness, health officials said.

"Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks," the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported Monday before a fourth child died that night.

"One death was referenced in yesterdays press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the second was confirmed overnight, bringing the state total to four pediatric flu-related deaths," according to a press release issued Tuesday by the office of Mayor Michelle Wu.

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Related: Subclade K Mutation Causing Surge Of Flu Cases In MA: What To Know

"These are the first reported flu deaths in children in Boston since 2013," the release from Wu's office said.

Flu cases are surging in Boston, and we are seeing an uptick in serious cases involving children, including the tragic deaths of two very young children, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of public health for the city of Boston, said in a media release.

While the flu is usually mild, it can cause hospitalization and death," Ojikutu said. "Children under the age of two are at higher risk. Parents should get their children ages six months and older vaccinated as soon as possible to decrease the risk of severe complications. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child has flu symptoms and also has signs of more severe illness, like trouble breathing, decreased urination, persistently high fever or becomes extremely lethargic and difficult to arouse.

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Related: Major Changes To Childhood Vaccine Schedule Announced By CDC: What To Know In MA

In addition to the four children, at least 29 adults have succumbed to influenza-related illness, according to the state's department of public health.

This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a media release.

These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain," Goldstein said.

Related: MA Reports 1st Flu-Related Child Death Of Season

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"There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines," he said. "They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.

Influenza-like illness activity remained very high in Massachusetts and the severity of influenza was high, the department of public health warned.

Influenza-like illness hospital visits are above baseline in the latest data and have risen in the last week.

Related: MA Flu Levels 'Very High' With 13 Deaths In 2 Weeks

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During the week of Dec. 21, 11.85% of sentinel site visits were related to influenza-like illness which exceeds the regional baseline by 2.2% and was up from 7.63% the previous week, according to state data.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new standing order last month authorizing qualified health personnel in local boards of health to administer the influenza vaccine to eligible individuals this respiratory virus season, based on DPHs recommendations.

Massachusetts emergency rooms typically see an increase in COVID-19, influenza and RSV rates during the holidays. This years flu season could be more serious due to a new Influenza H3N2 mutation known as subclade K, which is spreading in North America, including the United States.

Related: MA Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads

4 Massachusetts Children Killed By Flu originally appeared on the Across Massachusetts Patch
A 45-year-old woman is dead, and another person was injured after a box truck overturned on the Indiana Toll Road on Monday night.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, the Indiana State Police (ISP) were dispatched to the 120-mile marker on the Indiana Toll Road in Lagrange County on reports of a crash.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The crash involved a single commercial motor vehicle, a box truck occupied by two people, that was traveling westbound on the Indiana Toll Road.

For an unknown reason, the truck left the roadway, entered the grassy median, overturned, and came to rest on its roof.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Neda Meketa of Haslet, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A male passenger was transported to Parkview Lagrange Hospital with minor injuries.

At this time, drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be contributing factors in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Indiana State Police.

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WASHINGTON  A Jan. 6 protester from the Austin, Texas, area wore the same shoes to Tuesdays five-year anniversary march in Washington, D.C., that he did in 2021 when he arrived in the nations capital to protest what he believed was a stolen and rigged election that resulted in President Donald Trumps 2020 loss.

He recounted that day  he said he wanted to meet the Proud Boys, to peacefully protest and to use his First Amendment rights, he said, but ended up getting shot in the neck with a rubber bullet once he arrived at the Capitol and the riot broke out.

He said he likely would have entered the Capitol building had he not worn new shoes that hurt his feet.

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My shoes, these shoes, I had these shoes on, they were killing me, he said. Brand-new shoes.

The protester, who asked that his name not be used, hasnt been back to Washington since 2021, but decided to make the visit on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots. He came with a friend, one he met that day, because he remembers coming face-to-face with Ashli Babbitt.

Several Trump supporters delivered remarks to the crowd about their arrests after participating in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol during the anniversary of the event, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. | Lauren Irwin, Deseret News

Babbitt was fatally shot when storming the Capitol after Trump supporters were called to the city to protest his election loss to former President Joe Biden.

Trump urged his supporters to protest in D.C. on the day that Congress would be certifying Bidens win. He delivered remarks and told them to march to the Capitol. After many of them did, the building was violently breached.

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Babbitt was one of the individuals who entered the building through a smashed window. Lt. Michael Byrd was aiming his pistol in the area after he ordered people not to enter. Babbitt was shot in her left shoulder and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The event Tuesday, organized by Proud Boys group former leader Enrique Tarrio, was to honor Babbitts life, and the others who died after the incident, and mark the fifth anniversary of the riots.

EVENT



Join us as we march for Ashli on January 6th. We also march in memory of those who passed away. 5 years ago a beautiful life was taken from us. A veteran and a patriot. So I ask those that are able to attend please do so.



Justice has NOT been served and this would pic.twitter.com/ZYzjqGGFXK  Enrique Tarrio (@NobleOne) December 22, 2025

When Trump reentered the White House last January, he pardoned and granted clemency to nearly all 1,600 people convicted or awaiting trial for their actions on Jan. 6. Some individuals were convicted for attacking police officers, entering restricted areas, property damage and more. Tarrio was serving a 22-year sentence until Trump pardoned him.

So, for Tarrio and many others who were in Washington in 2021, Tuesdays march was a joyful reunion and sense of relief.

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Kathy Pool, 65, of Florida, made her first trip back to D.C. for the five-year anniversary and gathering. She believes that there were undercover individuals among the rioters that day, including antifa and Black Lives Matter supporters, that began the destruction at the Capitol to make Trump supporters look violent.

I just came to peacefully protest. Im 65 years old. I did not mean to start any problems, nothing, Pool said. I just came to pray and sing, be with fellow patriots and go back home.

Detailing the story of the 2021 protest, Pool said she was marching with others underneath an American flag until they made it to the west side of the Capitol. She hid for cover under the scaffolding when tear gas and rubber bullets rained down from above. Pool said she stayed there until eventually making her way back to her car.

Pool said being back in Washington is a little unnerving because there are people in the city who dont want those involved with Jan. 6 around town. When she was leaving her hotel in 2021, she said individuals screamed at her and she was never so glad to get out of here in my whole life.

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But thats our right. We, as Americans, have a right to peacefully protest. I didnt have any arms. I didnt have any problems with anybody that day. I mean, it was a great day, believe it or not. We sang, we laughed, we talked together, we hugged, we cried, Pool said.

Kathy Pool, 65 of Florida, shows off the jacket she had airbrushed with popular artwork that honors Ashli Babbitt and Roseanne Boyland during the anniversary of the event, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. | Lauren Irwin, Deseret News

We just came to support Trump. And (Mike) Pence, we wanted him to send the Electoral College votes back and let them be recounted. Thats all we wanted, she said, noting that she absolutely believes the 2020 race was rigged.

Though still contested, officials have determined the election was not stolen. A new investigation into the events surrounding Jan. 6 could begin soon.

While Pool and the other individuals interviewed by Deseret News on Tuesday did not commit acts of violence in 2021, many did.

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When rioters breached the Capitol that afternoon, members of Congress were evacuated or told to shelter in place. Some individuals became violent, injuring more than 100 law enforcement officers. Windows throughout the Capitol building were smashed, lawmaker offices were ransacked, graffiti was displayed in the hallways and other paintings or artifacts were damaged in the breach.

Rioters threatened to kill several leaders, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and then-Vice President Mike Pence for his refusal to not reconsider the vote counts and his decision to go through with certifying the election results.

Pool said she felt safe on Tuesday due to the increased police presence and the deployment of National Guard members in the city. Pool donned a commemorative jacket she had airbrushed with popular Jan. 6-related art, including Babbitts initials and the initials of Roseanne Boyland, who was trampled to death in the crowd.

I was going to get a tattoo, but it would have been huge, she said, turning around to display the jacket. It just, it explains a lot.

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Pool said she loves that Trump is back in office and was glad the 2024 election didnt get stolen again. Asked what she wanted people who think Jan. 6 was a terrible day to know, she said, We all have our opinions, right?

I think my opinion matters, Pool said. Im no different than you. You want the same things I want. You want peace, you want happiness. You want to have freedoms.

Counter-protesters attend Jan. 6 anniversary march

But there were some people in the area Tuesday who thought the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was a terrible thing.

Tim Milligan, 65, of Maryland, drove down to D.C. to counterprotest the gathering. He said he was there because he didnt want to let these people legitimize five years ago. Milligan said he was shocked to see the events unfold in 2021.

Enrique Tarrio, center, the former head of the Proud Boys marches on Constitution Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol after a rally on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. | Jose Luis Magana

It was disgusting. I couldnt believe it, like most people couldnt believe it, he said. It got so crazy.

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He said he received dirty looks from some of the Trump supporters in the crowd on Tuesday, but generally he  and his large anti-Trump sign  were left alone.

I think they want this to be peaceful. So, so far, so good, Milligan said. There is a pretty heavy police presence everywhere  well, there should have been a heavier police presence at the Capitol five years ago. I guess they didnt expect it.

While the march Tuesday outside the White House remained peaceful, Milligan said he is in disbelief there are those who would wear red MAGA hats.

They drank the Kool-Aid. They drank the Trump Kool-Aid. I cant believe they still believe it, but theres people that believe all kinds of crazy stuff, you know, aliens or whatever, he said.

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YMCA music blasted from a speaker carried by a Trump supporter. Its one of the presidents favorite songs and was also played a few hours before the march at the Kennedy Center, just over a mile away, as Trump delivered remarks to House Republicans. He made little mention of the anniversary in his speech but said the 2020 election was rigged.

The White House also released a web page featuring their version of the events of Jan. 6, with Pelosi and other Democrats featured. The administration details the actions taken by the Biden administrations Department of Justice, and includes a timeline of that day in 2021 and more.

Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, congressional Democrats noted the anniversary of the attack with a special hearing and remarks to the media.

The pro-Trump man from Texas watched as press and other Trump supporters gathered in front of the White House and delivered remarks about arrests, convictions, the 2021 protest and more. Other speakers included Tarrio and Babbitts mother, Micki Witthoeft.

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He said he feels relief knowing that Trump is back in the White House because although he didnt go inside the Capitol that day, he lived in fear that he could be targeted for even being there. He put a camera system outside his home to monitor if hed ever get a knock on the door by the police.

I was that close. If my feet hadnt been hurting, and I would have been right there with him, I promise, he said, referring to his friend who went to prison for entering the Capitol. Id have gone in there as well. And I was just like, thank you, lucky stars.

As for how the shoes are now?

Theyre broken in. Five years later, he said.

Editors note: This story has been updated to add additional context.
Five thousand dollars in stolen Funko Pop! figures were recovered after a traffic stop in the Chicago area.

Police say Demetrius Greene and Stacey Jones stole the collectibles from an apartment in Joliet.

Investigators say the owner tried to stop the suspect, but Greene allegedly pushed him into a table.

Officers say they caught the two suspects in a ride-share after they left the apartment.

Greene was on pre-trial release in a prior criminal case, police said.

No further information about the crime was immediately available.


An 80-year-old man is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in two Pennsylvania counties and providing her with marijuana.

Dennis Kochenash, 80, formerly of Whitehall and now living in Wyalusing, Bradford County, faces a dozen charges in the case. He is charged with felony statutory sexual assault; felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; felony corruption of minors; and related offenses.

Kochenash was taken into custody Wednesday morning in Bradford County and is awaiting extradition to Lehigh County to be arraigned on the charges.

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Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Pennsylvania State Police Troop M. Capt. Seth J. Kelly announced the charges against Kochenash on Wednesday morning. Court records did not immediately list any attorney information for Kochenash.

On Oct. 27, 2025, state police in Fogelsville received a ChildLine report regarding a victim who was age 14 at the time of the alleged offenses, which authorities said began in 2024.

Investigators determined Kochenash and the victim began communicating with each other through text messages and on Snapchat, authorities said.

The contact continued for several months; including online communication, in-person meetings and eventually through sexual assaults, authorities said.

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Kochenash is accused of sexually assaulting the victim on several occasions in December 2024 and providing the child with marijuana. The assaults took place in both Bradford County and in Lehigh County at the victims home, the DAs Office said.

As per an agreement with the Bradford County District Attorneys Office, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office plans to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes that happened in both counties.

Authorities believe there may be more victims. Those with information are asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at 610-395-1438.

The case is being investigated by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Seth A. Heffner and will be prosecuted by Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah K. Heimbach.

Read the original article on lehighvalleylive.com.
Eastbound Interstate 90 has reopened near North Bend after several crashes shut the roadway down, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The closure was in place at milepost 47, which is between North Bend and the summit.

WSDOT said multiple crashes prompted the shutdown, but did not provide details on how many vehicles were involved or whether there were injuries.

The lanes reopened around 7 p.m.

Chains are required in both directions.
When Governor Greg Abbott announced reelection endorsements from Texas law enforcement, he also promised to look into the Dallas Police Departments staffing shortfall.

Were going to be looking into what the City of Dallas has or has not done with regard to funding the police, and see if theres a violation of the state law that I signed, Abbott said to The Dallas Express.

Abbott held a press conference January 6 at the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, announcing endorsements for his reelection. Local supporters included the FWPOA, the Arlington Police Officers Association, the Dallas Police Association, and Bill Waybourn.

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The Dallas Express asked Abbott what he would do, if reelected, to ensure cities like Dallas hire enough police officers. In response, he pointed to legislation he signed in 2021.

Dallas is bearing the burden of their failure to have fully staffed law enforcement, their failure to contain a homeless problem, Abbott said in response to DX. We will defund any city that defunds the police.

Dallas voters passed Proposition U in November 2024, setting a statutory minimum of 4,000 police officers, as The Dallas Express reported. The city plans to hire more police, but is still falling short  budgeting in FY 2026 for just 3,424 officers.

Local leaders  its their responsibility to ensure that homeless people are not endangering their citizens. Its the responsibility of local leaders to fully fund their local law enforcement, Abbott said. Because Dallas did not do that, AT&T is now moving out of downtown.

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AT&T, a longtime staple of downtown Dallas, announced January 5 it will move its headquarters to Plano in 2028. The company has been dodging The Dallas Express inquiries about the move for months, amid concerns about safety and homelessness in the area.

Thats not the only thing were seeing, Abbott said. Dallas is losing property tax revenue because they refused to step up and do what was needed.

Meanwhile, Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare told The Dallas Express he is optimistic about the future of his county. He said it would be in good shape so long as voters keep electing strong conservative leaders.

Tarrant County is a law and order county, OHare said. Tarrant County doesnt put up with some of the nonsense you see in some of these larger urban areas and cities.

A Threat From Within

Abbott has served as governor since 2015, and he is currently seeking reelection for a fourth term.

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Fifteen law enforcement groups across Texas have endorsed Abbotts reelection campaign so far, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported. He is making another campaign stop in Houston January 8.

Abbott, flanked by law enforcement from across Texas, thanked them for their service.

I thank them for their endorsement, but more importantly, I thank them for what they do every single day, he said. I have fought side by side with them to make sure we do everything we can to keep Texans safe.

Abbott said law enforcement and public safety require ongoing vigilance to protect the people of Texas.

Our pledge is that ongoing commitment to our state, he said.

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Abbott listed his priorities for another administration should he win reelection. He called to close the revolving door of easy bail for career criminals, hold rogue district attorneys accountable, and establish a chief state prosecutor for cases local prosecutors refuse to pursue.

We must keep dangerous criminals behind bars, protect sensitive information in a law enforcement officers personnel file from disclosure that could otherwise expose them to harm, and we must ensure going forward that we work collaboratively to perpetually secure our borders, Abbott added.

The Dallas Express asked Abbott what he thinks is the greatest security threat to Texans.

I hate to say this, but the main security threat to the state of Texas is from within  from our own district attorneys and our own judges who believe that somehow, its a good idea to let dangerous criminals back out on the streets, Abbott said in response to DX.

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The governor pointed to the murder of an off-duty Caldwell County deputy in north Austin January 4. According to KXAN, the suspect  Thomas Vences  faced 33 prior criminal cases in Travis County.

These law enforcement officers, as well as citizens across the state, face dangers every single day because we have judges and district attorneys who refuse to do the job, Abbott said.

Republican state Sen. Phil King told The Dallas Express he attended to support the governor.

Ive never seen him say anything but yes to something that was going to be good for public safety, King said.

Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez, also a Fort Worth police officer, thanked Abbott for standing with police.

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Abbott has stood with us time and time again to hold that thin blue line between chaos and order, Ramirez said. Thank you for making sure that that thin blue line will never be broken.

Abbott emphasized his gratitude to Texas police officers.

I cannot thank these law enforcement officers enough for their service to our states and to their communities, and for the endorsement of my reelection, Abbott said. These officers represent the very best of the state of Texas. I thank them for their service, for their sacrifice and for their bravery.
A controversial member of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party accused of incitement to hatred and money laundering appeared in court on Wednesday on the first day of his trial.

Daniel Halemba, a member of Bavaria's state parliament, faces a slew of charges, including over a banned song that promotes the expulsion of migrants from Germany that was allegedly played at his birthday party.

Prosecutors say the song by disbanded neo-Nazi rock band Landser, which was classified as a criminal organization in 2005, was played from a USB stick owned by Halemba on his 21st birthday in July 2022.

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Halemba, now 24, was aware that the lyrics incite hatred towards Germany's large Turkish community as they call for the forceful expulsion of citizens with Turkish roots, prosecutor Tobias Kostuch argued at the start of proceedings at the district court in Wurzburg.

Halemba, who is the AfD's top candidate for the next local elections in the Bavarian city, has denied all accusations against him, arguing that he was not present at the party at the time in question.

Addressing the press in smart dress ahead of the start of the trial on Wednesday, he described the proceedings as "politically motivated" and reiterated his call for the charges to be dropped.

Long list of charges

Halemba initially didn't address the charges in court, but defence attorney Dubravko Mandic, one of the three lawyers on Halemba's legal team, accused prosecutors of acting on "political bias" and compiling a "shaky construct" of allegations.

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Halemba, who was indicted more than 18 months ago, also faces charges of money laundering, property damage, coercion and attempted coercion.

He is alleged to have harassed a lawyer and damaged the door to his office. In addition, the politician is accused of having intimidated a witness in the preliminary investigation before his planned interrogation by the Wurzburg public prosecutor's office.

Prosecutors also believe that the AfD politician transferred a four-figure sum from his private account to an account in a Baltic country, with the money said to originate from fraud committed by third parties.

However, it is unclear whether Halemba knew that the funds were derived from illegal activities.

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The Bavarian chapter of the AfD has so far largely backed Halemba, who is considered to be on the far right of the spectrum and continues to serve his mandate in the state parliament.

In May, the populist party was decreed as "confirmed right-wing extremist" by Germany's domestic intelligence service, a designation that inflamed debate about whether the party should be banned. The classification has since been put on hold pending a legal challenge.

The AfD became the biggest opposition party in German parliament after seeing huge gains in February's elections.
MAGA is rapidly descending into 21st-century colonial fantasy, dressed up in the language of national security and draped in the flag of patriotism. America First is currently being reimagined as the public resurrection of a colonial project. Along with Saturdays military assault in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, which killed around 75 people according to an estimate by U.S. officials, Donald Trump has also bombed targets in Nigeria, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and Somalia in his first year back in office. Now his administration is openly encroaching upon Greenland, a NATO ally, which is finally raising bipartisan alarm bells on Capitol Hill.

The resurrection of the Monroe Doctrine sits at the heart of Trumps imperial project. He has openly embraced this 200-year-old policy, which essentially declared the Western Hemisphere to be the domain of the United States. We sort of forgot about it, the president said. It was very important, but we forgot about it. We dont forget about it anymore. Under our new national security strategy, American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again. He has since dubbed his version the Donroe Doctrine.

The administration has formalized this worldview through what theyre calling the Trump Corollary, which defines the hemisphere in broad terms, extending from the Aleutian Islands in the northern Pacific Ocean to Greenland in the north Atlantic, and from the North American Arctic to Antarctica  effectively claiming an unprecedented sphere of influence that encompasses millions of square miles and hundreds of millions of people.

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Trump and his allies insist that America First is about peace and prosperity for Americans. According to a February 2025 YouGov poll, however, only four percent of Americans support U.S. expansion if it requires military force. Yet Trump is barreling forward with a philosophy of Manifest Destiny updated for the 21st century and drawing from the worship of past efforts, the glorification of extreme violence and a deeply white supremacist, patriarchal ideology. America First sees the world as hierarchically ordered, with civilized Christian nations entitled to rule and others destined to submit or disappear.

For decades, neocons maintained at least the pretense of respecting sovereignty, supporting democracy and human rights, building international coalitions and working through multilateral institutions. Following Trumps lead, the MAGA coalition has stripped away that pretense entirely, revealing the raw will to dominate that has always lurked beneath the surface of American power. When the president talks about seizing land in Panama, or appropriating Greenland and all its vast mineral resources without considering the will of the indigenous population that lives there, he is offering an updated version of the European colonial project of the 19th century and Germanys fascist colonial project of the 1930s and 40s.

On Monday, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller argued on CNN that because Greenland lies in the Western Hemisphere, it falls under the U.S. sphere of influence as defined by the Monroe Doctrine and therefore should not remain a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. When host Jake Tapper later asked why Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was not acceptable to the Trump administration as a transitional leader, Miller erupted. He dismissed elections as a neoliberal frame and launched into a tirade about the Monroe Doctrine and the Trump Doctrine as guarantors of the future of the free world. When Tapper pointed out that the U.S. had invaded Venezuela and seized its leader, Miller shouted back, Damn straight we did! because, he claimed, the U.S. would not allow tinpot communist dictators to send rapists and drugs into the country.

Fox News Jesse Watters laid out the rationale to his viewers on Tuesday. Trump says, take the oil. Democrats call that imperialistic. We call it common sense. You know, we won spoils after World War II. Far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes updated his infamous line to support the presidents position, posting on X, Your oil, our choice.

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Daily Wire podcaster Matt Walsh posted to X: I totally support turning other countries in our hemisphere into subordinate vassals of the United States. Thats the very definition of an America First foreign policy.

On Capitol Hill, some Republican senators were starting to fall in line. When talking about Trumps desire for Greenland, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz observed: To become an American is the greatest gift we can give anyone on planet Earth.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham looked to Iran, issuing a warning to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Fox News Tuesday night: Donald J. Trump is gonna kill you.

The presidents imperialist strategy, as articulated most clearly by Michael Anton, who served on Trumps National Security Council during his first term and is now director of policy planning in the State Department, is rooted in principled realism and national self-interest that explicitly embraces conquest. To the victor nations go the spoils, Anton wrote in a 2019 essay in Foreign Policy, crystallizing a worldview that sees international relations as zero-sum competition where might makes right.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

The question now is whether Congress will find the courage to confront this new colonialism before it spirals into something even worse. After all, why would MAGA stop in the Western Hemisphere?

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The war powers resolution that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has promised to bring to a vote is a start, but it is not nearly enough. Congress could immediately cut off funding for any military operations in Venezuela beyond what is necessary to withdraw American forces. It could launch investigations into the planning and execution of Operation Absolute Resolve, including whether Trump and his advisers deliberately misled Congress about their intentions and whether war crimes were committed in the strikes on boats and the invasion itself. It could pass legislation explicitly prohibiting the use of military force against Canada, Greenland, Panama, Colombia, Cuba or any other country without explicit congressional authorization. It could hold hearings on the imperialist revival, examining whether these policies serve American interests or simply enrich corporations.

If you feel like youre losing your mind as this administration plays footsy with the idea of INVADING GREENLAND, then youre not alone, wrote Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa. Let me be clear: America will NOT invade a NATO ally. My Republican colleagues need to join me in making that crystal clear. Her Democratic colleague, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, called for Miller to resign after his belligerent CNN interview.

In a rare bipartisan statement, Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., defended Denmarks territorial integrity, declaring that when Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Other Republicans are beginning to speak out against the administrations stated plans. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski wrote on X, I continue to hope the administrations rhetoric on Greenland is nothing more than posturing for a new era of cooperation. After News Nations Katie Pavlich wrote on X, Someone is getting Greenland, one way or another. Its either going to be us, Russia or China. I know my choice, Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon posted, Greenland is a part of NATO, and so are we. Greenland decides its future. Stop the baloney.

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These dissenting Republicans, though, do not represent MAGA. For the most part, from Fox News to Infowars, MAGA media is completely cheerleading the countrys turn toward colonialism. But the open embrace of American colonialism will not bring stability or prosperity, as MAGA insists. It will only hasten the very decline the movement fears. Empire is a destiny that exists only in the fever dreams of men who believe God put them in power.

The post MAGA wants to be a colonial power appeared first on Salon.com.
Dr. Amy Acton, left, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor in 2026, and her running mate David Pepper, right, a former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. (Photo on left by WEWS, photo on right provided.)

David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democrats, has been tapped as Dr. Amy Actons running mate in the 2026 governor race.

Pepper, an attorney from Cincinnati, Ohio, was predicted by both Democratic and Republican strategists as Actons running mate.

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I am proud to select David Pepper as my Lieutenant Governor. We both share a lifelong commitment to fighting for Ohios working families and making our state a more affordable place to live for all of us. David is an innovative and pragmatic leader who has been laser-focused on delivering for Ohioans for his entire career, from reducing the property tax rate for Cincinnatians to tackling foreclosures during the 2008 recession, Acton said in a statement.

I am thrilled to have David by my side in the fight to lower costs, tackle corruption and special interests, and ensure that every Ohio family can thrive and enjoy the quality of life we all deserve.

Pepper, 54, has been supporting Acton, 59, for years. In our coverage of her campaign, Pepper has been the Democratic strategist cheering her on.

Someone starting from no political background in such a short amount of time built such a massive base that only grows, Pepper said back in July.

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He also defended Actons work during the pandemic back in 2020.

Pepper served on the Cincinnati City Council and Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for years.

While on the Commission, he helped cut spending by $60 million, according to the campaign. He introduced a prescription drug discount program for Hamilton County, helped create a foreclosure prevention program and led an earned income tax credit initiative.

During his tenure on Council, he focused on affordability and public safety.

I am honored and humbled to be joining Amys ticket and partnering with her in the fight to deliver for Ohios working families. Amy is the only candidate in this race who will tackle our affordability crisis and work to lower costs, tackle corruption, and invest in our public schools, so we can finally put working families first, not billionaires or special interests, Pepper said in a statement.

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While our opponent is flying around our state in his private jet and moving his business from Cincinnati to Texas, were working to tackle the affordability crisis and create an Ohio where we can all get ahead.

Pepper is a well-known name in Ohio politics, and one of the reasons is his outspoken nature. His X account boasts nearly 110,000 followers. He has also written several books about democracy.

He has been called by other strategists an essential political donor to Democratic causes.

Ohio families are struggling to make ends meet, and Amy and David are the right choice to take on lowering costs, tackle the rampant corruption and special interests in our state and ensure that every Ohio family can thrive. The Acton campaign is the only choice in this race to fight for Ohio and put our state first, Ted Strickland, Ohios former governor, said.

Peppers background

After growing up in Southwest Ohio, he graduated from Yale University and went to Yale Law School.

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Pepper and his wife live in Cincinnati with their two children.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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Shireen Gandhi, temporary commissioner of the Department of Human Services, testifies before the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee July 8, 2025. (Photo by Michele Jokinen/House Public Information Services)

In the latest blow to Minnesotas once vaunted reputation for good governance, the Office of the Legislative Auditor has identified continued and pervasive concerns with grant-making practices at the Behavioral Health Administration, an arm of the Department of Human Services that assists people who struggle with substance abuse and mental health.

Appearing before a panel of lawmakers on Tuesday, Legislative Auditor Judy Randall outlined the findings of her offices partial review of approximately $192 million of grants issued to 590 non-governmental entities between 2022 and 2024.

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During the course of the investigation, she said, auditors identified a number of documents that the Behavioral Health Administration either backdated or created after our audit began in response to our request for information.

Frankly, in the 27 years Ive been with the OLA, weve never seen this before, Randall said. Its very troubling. It wasnt just one individual that created or backdated the documents. We do believe it was a systemic effort.

Randall said such practices raise questions about the validity of the information provided by the agency, thus undermining the integrity of the audit.

Shireen Gandhi, acting commissioner of the DHS, told lawmakers on the Legislative Audit Commission that she was shocked to hear this information.

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It is absolutely unacceptable that any staff would provide anything other than accurate information of the work done to the auditor, Gandhi said.

The audit identified other worrisome issues with the BHAs grant-making practices, including a widespread and improper reliance on non-competitive single source bids; poor oversight of grantees; failure to conduct site visits; and lax documentation.

The most eye-catching detail in the report is suggestive of outright graft.

According to the audit, one unnamed grant manager with BHA approved a payment of $672,647 to a new vendor for a single months work, then left state employment a few days later. That grant manager subsequently provided consulting services to the provider.

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We asked BHA management whether they questioned such a large reimbursement request for just one month of work. BHA management said that due to limited information in the grant management system and the grant manager no longer being available, they could not answer this question, the report states.

When auditors contacted two subcontractors of the aforementioned provider, the report continues, neither subcontractor was able to provide sufficient documentation regarding who they served with the money they received from the grantee.

One subcontractor told auditors that the grantee told them they did not need to keep detailed participant records, such as sign-up sheets. Absent such documentation, the report states, auditors could not determine whether subcontractors provided the services for which they were paid.

Lawmakers reacted to the findings with disbelief.

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Im floored. This is incredible, said Rep. Patti Anderson, R-Dellwood, who noted that half the grants had some sort of backdating or falsification of the documents.

It wasnt just one or two people. It was a big chunk of the staff. Someone must have told them to do that. Who told the staff to do that? Anderson asked.

Gandhi responded that if someone directed staff to falsify documents, its absolutely wrong.

Its an HR matter for sure, it may be more than that, Gandhi said.

In response to lawmakers queries about whether any of the issues identified in the report constituted criminal fraud, Gandhi said one internal audit conducted by DHS has been referred to law enforcement, but she provided no more details.

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While Republicans on the committee were harsher in their assessment of the agencys failures, calls for reforms were bipartisan.

Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, the committee chair, said she expected there will be a change in law that will mandate a cooling off period for former department employees before they can be hired by grant recipients.

For her part, Gandhi told lawmakers that the agency was working to improve training for grant managers and increase oversight.

I take the report seriously, she said. Strong internal controls are essential to protect taxpayers funds.

The audit can be found here.
[Source]

Police in Sydney, Australia, are investigating anti-Asian signage placed outside a local pharmacy after CCTV footage captured two men posting the signs late at night in November. The placard, which read No Asian slum-city in St Marys was discovered on Nov. 19 outside Morris Care and Advice Pharmacy in St Marys, a suburb in western Sydney. Police later collected CCTV footage from the pharmacy and launched an investigation into the incident on Dec. 10.

Sign targets St Marys pharmacy

Veronica Nou, owner of Morris Care and Advice Pharmacy, said she initially did not notice the placard because she entered the shop through the back. Customers later alerted her to the sign taped up outside the business, which was signed off by a white supremacist party that media outlets have chosen not to name.

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Then people started coming in saying, Do you know what is taped up outside? And I was like, No? I had no clue, Nou said. She said community members quickly arrived to help remove the placard, and customers later reported seeing and tearing down other similar signs nearby.

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Nou said CCTV footage from about 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 18 shows two men of Caucasian appearance taping anti-Asian signs to the pharmacy. One man was dressed entirely in black while the other wore a blue shirt and khaki shorts.

Hate crime investigation launched

Nou said she was initially told the matter could not be investigated because the signs had already been removed. That changed after a local public health worker contacted the multicultural liaison officer at the local area command, prompting police to review the incident.

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He said, Look, Veronica, it is a hate crime. We are taking these things seriously  do you want to come down to the police station now and do the report? Nou said. Officers later visited the pharmacy to collect a statement and CCTV footage as part of the investigation by the NSW Police Force.

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NSW authorities have continued to warn about racially motivated incidents in Sydney suburbs in 2025, including vandalism and hate signage targeting migrant communities. Police and multicultural agencies have urged residents and business owners to report such incidents, emphasizing that hate-related offenses remain a priority for investigation.

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The mayor of Apopka has sued his rival in the upcoming March election, saying that she hasnt lived in the city as required by state law.

Bryan Nelson filed his lawsuit against Christine Moore on Tuesday.

The filing showed Nelson stopped by Moores house outside city limits 70 times between April and July, 2025 to photograph Moores car in the driveway.

Florida law requires a candidate to reside within a citys limits for a year before their election.

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Moore failed to properly qualify as a candidate for the office of Mayor of Apopka, the lawsuit said.

It also claimed Moore was further ineligible due to an administrative issue with the check she wrote to file to run.

Moore said she rented a room in Apopka and changed her drivers license last year to fulfill state law.

She said the room rental, which was called out in Nelsons lawsuit because of the owners political ties, was a necessity while she waited for her house to close.

Property records show Moore claimed a homestead exemption on her out-of-city house last year.

However, Moore pointed out that exemptions are only updated between January and March, and she planned to change her exemption to her in-city home in the coming days.

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WFTV asked Moore if she slept in her in-city house every night. Moore said she stayed there, but not every night.

I followed what the law told me to do, Moore said, adding that she had consulted her attorney after reading the lawsuit. Hes losing, thats why hes doing this.

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North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), left, and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) speak ahead of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's State of the State address on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

The NC Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the General Assembly over Governor Josh Stein in a challenge involving judicial appointments and a restructuring of the states Utilities Commission.

Senate Bill 382 was passed at the end of the 2024 session, with the Republican majority overriding then-Governor Roy Coopers veto.

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GOP leaders called SB 382 as a good government measure and said that transferring the governors appointments to other members of the executive branch  all Republicans, notably  maintains the constitutionally required separation of powers.

The Stein administration filed several legal challenges to the law, arguing that the governor should control the majority of appointments to regulatory bodies that carry out the executive branch function of enforcing state law. Stein said the legislation amounted to partisan power grabs [to] thwart North Carolina voters decisions at the ballot box.

On Wednesday, the court ruled that the General Assembly did not violate the separation of powers clause by restructuring the Utilities Commission and giving Republican state Treasurer Brad Briner, rather than the Democratic governor, the power to appoint members to the commission. Briner used that authority last year to name Donald van der Vaart, a former state Department of Environmental Quality Secretary and a climate skeptic, to the commission.

The General Assembly can appoint and confirm statutory officers, wrote Judge John Tyson. The order of the three-judge superior court panel upholding the State Treasurers appointment to the Utilities Commission is affirmed.

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Briner was quick to praise the ruling.

This is another affirmation that executive branch functions do not sit soley with the governor here in North Carolina. The entire council of state is duly elected by all citizens of the state, and should carry out executive roles and responsibilities, said Briner in a statement.

In a 2-1 split decision, the appellate court also ruled that the legislature did not violate the separation of powers clause by requiring the governor to appoint appellate judges from a list of three qualified persons recommended by the political party executive committee of the political party with which the vacating judge was affiliated when elected.

Attorneys for Stein had argued in a February 2025 filing that absent a constitutional amendment approved by the people, the constitution leaves no room for the legislature to place restrictions, qualifications or limitations on the governors power to fill judicial appellate court vacancies.

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Judge Allegra Collins dissented from the majority opinion in addressing the Utilities Commission appointments and appellate judicial vacancies.

Collins reasoned SB 382 unfairly tips the scales to provide legislative dominance.

The General Assemblys asserted authority to reassign appointments among Council of State members at any time, including immediately after an election, for any reason, or no reason at all, gives the General Assembly the power to determine which executive official controls the swing vote on the Commission, including the swing vote on the selection of the chair, Collins wrote. This creates the separation?of?powers dangerlegislative dominance over the execution of the laws.

Last April, the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld yet another controversial provision in SB 382, which transferred authority over the states Board of Elections to the state auditors office.

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On Wednesday, Senate President Phil Berger celebrated the latest ruling on social media.

Another victory secured! Despite Gov. Steins efforts to weaponize the courts to usurp the General Assemblys authority, this ruling recognizes reality and proper constitutional order. In North Carolina, the governor is not a king, Berger posted.

A spokesperson for Stein told Newsline the governor would appeal the decision.

The North Carolina Constitution gives the responsibility to fill appellate vacancies to the Governor, not unelected political operatives. We will appeal this decision to protect the Governors authority to make these critical judicial appointments and stop the injection of extreme partisanship in the courts.

Read the full opinion in Stein v. Hall below.

25-745-1

Updated January 7, 2026 at 4:48pm.
Days after being reinstated to his position, a theater professor at Austin Peay State University will receive a $500,000 payout as part of a settlement following his firing in September due to comments he made on social media about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

A lawyer for Professor Darren Michael confirmed to The Tennessean that Michael will receive $500,000, as well as reimbursement for therapeutic counseling services, as part of a settlement agreement with the Clarksville university.

David King, Michael's attorney, confirmed that while the settlement closes the chapter on restoring Michael's employment, they are "exploring future options" against those who "interfered with (Michael's) First Amendment rights."

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The settlement deal was first reported by WKRN.

Michael was reinstated to his position at the school on Dec. 30, 2025, three months after he was originally fired due to comments he made on social media about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, after the school admitted to not following its termination policy.

More: Charlie Kirk social media reactions have gotten some commenters fired: What the law says

Kirk, the founder of the conservative Turning Point USA organization, was killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Following his death, Michael shared an article on his personal social media account titled "Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are unfortunately worth it to keep 2nd Amendment, which discussed controversial comments made by Kirk shortly after the Covenant School shooting.

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There was no additional caption written by Michael alongside the shared post.

Two days later, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, shared a screenshot of his post on her X account.

Blackburns caption stated: What do you say, Austin Peay?

Later that day, the Clarksville university released a statement saying that Michael had been fired for social media comments that were insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death.

"Such actions do not align with Austin Peays commitment to mutual respect and human dignity, APSU President Mike Licari said in a statement about Michael's firing. The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member."

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But in October, the school walked back his termination, stating that the professor was instead suspended and that administration had begun the process of terminating Michaels tenure.

Now, the school is taking a larger step back. Licari announced in a Dec. 30 email originally obtained by Clarksville Now and later confirmed by The Tennessean, that APSU did not follow the required tenure termination process in this matter."

I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community, Licari said, in the email. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.

In a request for comment regarding the settlement, a spokesperson for APSU confirmed the settlement agreement, but did not comment on the terms.

Michael one of many employees fighting back after wave of Charlie-Kirk-linked firings

Michael is one of many people across Tennessee and the nation seeking First Amendment vindication after commenting on Kirk's legacy in the wake of his death. His case is part of a broader backlash, as conservative activists, influencers and politicians have mounted a largely online campaign pushing for employment consequences against individuals perceived as posting negatively about Kirk.

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Notable Tennessee lawsuits on the issue include:

A 21-year MTSU faculty member, Laura Sosh-Lightsy, was serving as the Associate Dean of Student Care and Conduct when she was fired on Sept. 10 after posting on her personal Facebook page about Kirks death. She filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the school in early November.

Moncia Meeks, a former employee of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and state representative candidate, was fired after responding to a friends social media posts about Kirk. She filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the state in early December.

Larry Bushart, a retired police officer and National Guardsman living in Lexington, was arrested on Sept. 22 after he posted a picture of a quote from President Donald Trump on a social media comment thread about a Kirk memorial.

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He was charged with threats of mass violence and held on a $2 million bond, causing him to lose his job in medical transportation due to his incarceration, until mounting public pressure resulted in his release on Oct. 29.

Larry Bushart, the 61 year old Lexington man arrested after posting a picture on Facebook, with his wife.

He has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against Perry County, Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems and Perry County Sheriffs Investigator Jason Morrow.

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on X at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: APSU professor awarded $500k after firing over Charlie Kirk comments
After his extraordinary rendition of Nicolas Maduro last weekend, Donald Trump has ramped up his threats to seize control of Greenland. The acquisition, which he sees as a large real estate deal, has been on his mind for nearly a decade. I think were going to get it, he said in an address to Congress last year. One way or another, were going to get it.

Kenneth R Rosens provocatively titled Polar War is therefore timely. It contends that the whole Arctic is warming up for a fight. Eight nations, including Russia and the United States, already maintain research bases in the region. All five military academies in the US now offer a course on the Big Northern White, and in 2021 India declared itself a near-Arctic state. The possibility of conflict up there, Rosen declares, now feels inevitable.

But does it? In a series of short chapters arranged loosely by circumpolar geography, Rosen makes a mostly convincing case that trouble lurks behind the bergs. The Arctic is warming four to five times faster than the rest of the world, and the author demonstrates how complex dovetailing of national interests and disinterests  hydrocarbon extraction and strategic ambition  poses far greater dangers now that it is paired with rapid climate change. In todays world, as the commander of the Norwegian navy tells Rosen, What happens here, happens everywhere.

The US has declared its desire to annex Greenland, with vice president JD Vance (seen here) making a visit in March 2025 - Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Russia, rather than the US, is leading the charge. With more military bases in the Arctic, greater competency in cold weather operations, and a fleet of icebreakers that dwarfs the maritime Arctic fleets of every other nation, it has become far and away the regions biggest player. (Another Norwegian naval commander tells Rosen, Putin is saying, Im the boss in the Arctic, and he is.)

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Russia has raised concerns, as in their 2020 Arctic Strategy report, about the regions declining population, inadequate development and hobbled natural resources exploration industry posing threats to their national security. However, Rosen thinks that the invasion of Ukraine, along with interventions in Western elections and so on, might indicate that Russia thinks as far as the Arctic is concerned, it has already won the polar war, and can therefore move on to other zones of strategic value.

Meanwhile China is building icebreakers (four are already in service) to open up an exciting Polar Silk Road. Rosen suggests that the nation is teaming up with Russia to spy on NATO on or off Norways northern rim, citing a new Chinese satellite station in Kiruna, Sweden  which is theoretically collecting data, but whose spectral exterior is enough to rouse suspicions of surveillance. In the same area, Russia is probing Swedens defences with hybrid attacks that remain deniable on Russias part.

Russia has amassed a large fleet of icebreakers that patrol the region, including the nuclear-powered Arktika - Olga Maltseva/AFP via Getty Images

US unpreparedness is a major theme of the book, and hawks in the White House might (but wont) take heed as they turn their eyes to Greenland. Rosen points out that historically, the American desire to control Greenland has existed nearly as long as America itself It was not Trumps rhetoric of a takeover that struck me It was the ineptitude surrounding the idea. Such incompetence might either allow rivals to secure control of the Arctic, or trigger clumsy, uncoordinated US manoeuvres that tip a tense region into the war of the books title.

But who is paying attention to these tremors? Rosen paints a good picture of polar talking-shops, at which delegates emit hot air in the saunas of five-star hotels while viewing the Northern Lights. At the 2023 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, the US delegation numbered 160. An increase in militarised fishing vessels across the region (warships in disguise, in essence) also merits serious attention.

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Its obvious that though the UK doesnt have a permanent military base in the Arctic, these troubled waters could break on our shores. Rosen doesnt mention it, but recently a House of Lords committee picked out the evolving interests of Russia and China as a key reason why Britain must keep its Arctic strategy under review.

Rosen is an American reporter who has spent several years up on the ice, and hes at his best when he extrapolates from experience. (In one thrilling chapter, he does a two-week stint on a US Coast Guard cutter on routine patrol in Alaskan waters.)

But in more abstract sections his prose style can be opaque. Pages gain immediacy from the narrative present tense (we head north), but at the same time lose gravitas, or any notion that the author has reflected on the issues he is reporting. Its clear that he has reflected, but why, then, has he chosen to limit his prescriptions  what an American administration should do  to an eight-page Appendix framed as a policy note to Washington? I would have preferred to have seen this woven into the main text, to allow the book to speak as a coherent, argued whole.

By the end of this volume, compelling as it is, I did not think polar war inevitable: grandstanding is one thing, but nations would likely pull back from costly all-out war on the unforgiving ice. Many leaders have spoken up in the past days in defence of beleaguered Denmark.

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Yet Rosen says little of those on whom conflict would have the most devastating effect. He dedicates the book To the people of the north, from whom we have taken so much and granted little  but their voices are not heard. The polar indigenous peoples are powerless in the global skirmishes over the land of which their ancestors were proud custodians. That is the real tragedy of this new Cold War.



Sara Wheelers books include The Magnetic North: Notes from the Arctic Circle. Polar War is published by Profile at 22. To order your copy for 18.99, call 0330 173 0523 or visit Telegraph Books

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Who is going to deploy? How long can we afford to deploy our troops? What does it mean for our Estonia deployment? What does it mean for everything else?

All pertinent questions, in light of the Paris Declaration on Tuesday night that could see Britain and France putting boots on the ground in Ukraine after a future ceasefire.

The problem is, these questions are being posed by the man who was Britains longest serving defence secretary since Denis Healey, and he doesnt have any answers.

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With just over four years in the job (pipped by Mr Healey with just under six) Sir Ben Wallace knows better than most the practicalities and enormous difficulties of deploying military forces into harms way.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, Frances president Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer sign the Declaration of Paris on Tuesday on deploying a post-ceasefire force in Ukraine - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

The coalition of the willing is another spin, he thunders.

Two of those three major powers that met in Paris - Britain and France - arent spending any extra money on defence - only Germany is. Its the coalition of the unwilling to fund!

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, Sir Ben says until that changes, Vladimir Putin isnt going to listen to us.

Why should he? Europeans have been consistently putting social policy before spending on their security and defence and have done for 30-odd years, he says.

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Were still spending more money on the NHS, more money on benefits, more money on public transport, bicycle lanes and all sorts of other stuff and expecting America or someone else to pick up the tab.

The 35-nation coalition consists mainly of Western states, such as Britain and EU members France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and the Nordic states, as well as pro-Western countries across the world such as Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Sir Ben meeting Volodymyr Zelensky. The former defence secretary says the Government needs to honour its Nato commitment to increase its defence expenditure - Ukrainian presidential press service/via Reuters

However, Germany has already signalled that it will not post any troops to Ukraine itself, and would limit its contribution to neighbouring Nato countries.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stressed he would only put a troop deployment to a vote in the Bundestag, the German parliament, after a ceasefire had been finalised.

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I will only make proposals to the Bundestag once there is a ceasefire and the coalition of the willing has agreed on the procedure to be followed, he said. The prerequisite is a ceasefire.

That in theory opens the door to a scenario where a boots on the ground deal is finalised, only for Germany to drop out after failing to pass a vote in parliament.

Sir Ben is candid about how much Britain could offer Ukraine, by way of a reassurance force.

We could do it for a short period of time, he says. But it would come at the expense of something else.

That something else would likely be Britains battlegroup of around 500 soldiers, on constant rotation through Estonia as part of Natos Enhanced Forward Presence mission, put in place across eastern Europe to deter further Russian aggression after the 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

Credit: Reuters

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However, one battlegroup alone would be a paltry contribution from the UK; joint leaders, alongside France, of the coalition.

To maintain international credibility and the moral authority to co-lead the multinational effort, Britain would have to provide much more: another battlegroup and headquarters at least, in order to field a brigade.

Above a brigade of around 5,000 soldiers (mostly from Britain, but likely also incorporating another European Battlegroup), the UK would also be expected to provide the framework staff headquarters for the next level of command: a division.

Sir Keir Starmer and other national leaders have outlined a model of a small number of military hubs, probably a divisional headquarters, with outlying brigade-sized spokes further forward. In Paris on Tuesday, Sir Keir said: I can say that following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraines defensive needs.

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All told, a division would consist of around three brigades, plus other enabling elements such as engineering, intelligence and logistic troops, along with communications networks.

A family photo of the coalition of the cilling in Paris on Tuesday - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

Could Britain field a divisional headquarters, plus all the elements of a brigade? Do we have the enablers to physically move and support such forces? Sir Ben is not convinced.

We disinvested in the enablers that allow us to get to the front line of Eastern Europe, he says.

People used to boast about a deployable division. I remember getting told off by Number 10 for publicly saying we cant deploy a division. Its a complete fantasy.

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We might have some of the front-line equipment but we dont have the [armoured vehicle transporting] low-loaders and the enablers.

Vladimir Putin knows he effectively has a guy in the White House aligned to him, says Sir Ben - Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AP

As for whether any multinational force in Ukraine would be supported by the US or tolerated in any way by Russia, Sir Ben is scathing.

Its wishful thinking that Trumps going to put any weight behind a backstop, he says.

Asked if he were defence secretary today, would he trust the word of this US administration, he replied: Not at all. I think Putin knows hes effectively, successfully got a guy in the White House that is aligned to him.

Its clear that Trump believes Ukraine is the sphere of influence of Russia. Thats the reality of it.

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I think Putin will feel no obligation to comply with [the coalition of the willing plan] or to bend the knee to it or compromise on it, which will probably scupper it.

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Law enforcement officials have identified the Uxbridge police officer who died in a crash while helping a driver on an icy highway early Wednesday morning.

Unimaginable: Mass. police departments share heartfelt condolences after death of Uxbridge officer

The crash happened on the northbound side of Route 146 near mile marker 5.6 around 12:40 a.m., according to the Uxbridge Police Department.

Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy identified the officer as 43-year-old Stephen LaPorta.

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During an afternoon news conference, Montminy revealed that LaPorta was assisting a driver when he was tragically struck by a tractor-trailer.

This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the risk law enforcement officers take every day. Officer LaPorta gave his life in service to this community, a sacrifice we will never forget, Montminy said at the news conference. In our eyes, he was a hero. This is a devastating loss to our department and our community.

LaPorta was promoted to a full-time officer in June 2024. He had previously served as a dispatcher.

He leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child.

LaPorta was pronounced dead at the scene, despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time, Montminy added.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Additionally, the motorist that LaPorta was assisting was physically uninjured

Montminy didnt say whether the tractor-trailer driver would face charges in connection with the crash.

Video from the scene showed a procession of police cruisers, along with a vehicle from the state medical examiners office, escorting LaPorta after the crash.

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Uxbridge police officer dies in crash while helping driver on Route 146

Route 146 was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene.

Counseling and support services were being made available to members of the Uxbridge Police Department. Police departments across the state also offered condolences and thoughts in the hours after the crash.

Town officials were quick to hang black bunting outside Uxbridge police headquarters, a traditional symbol of respect for fallen law enforcement members.

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Its just shock. I dont know him personally, I didnt know the family personally, but it felt like a friend was affected, a town resident told reporters.

Gov. Maura Healey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of LaPorta.

In a statement, Healey said, I am heartbroken over the news of Officer Stephen LaPortas passing. He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the publics safety first  and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers are with his loved ones, the Uxbridge Police Department, and our brave law enforcement and public safety officials all across the state. I ask Massachusetts residents to take a moment today to reflect on the bravery of Officer LaPorta and thank members of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe.

Massachusetts State Police are leading an investigation into LaPortas death.

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Montminy urged anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the Office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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NEW YORK, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Avelo Airlines, a Texas-based budget carrier, said on Wednesday that it will stop operating deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by late January and shut its Arizona base, citing high costs and complexity despite earlier expectations of steady revenue.

Avelo, which previously said the opportunity was "too valuable not to pursue," faced backlash from both customers and employees over its decision to operate deportation flights under a contract with the Trump administration.

"The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs," an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

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The airline will on January 27 close its Mesa, Arizona, base, where it had stationed three aircraft for deportation flights under a charter-only operation, according to an internal company memo previously reported by Reuters.

Avelo signed a contract with DHS last April to transport migrants to detention centers inside and outside the U.S. The company said calls for boycotts had not had an impact on its business.

Avelo said it carried a record 2.6 million customers in 2025 on scheduled commercial service, an 11% increase year-over-year.

(Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Nia Williams)
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has stated that his country will provide air and maritime capabilities to help maintain peace in Ukraine after the war.

Source: De Wever on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Today's meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris was productive and decisive. Together with a broad coalition of partners, Belgium will take on its share of international efforts towards safeguarding peace in Ukraine, once hostilities have ended.

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Our contribution will focus in particular on providing air and maritime capabilities as well as efforts in the area of training, where Belgium can deliver tangible and meaningful impact."

Details: De Wever emphasised the importance of US leadership in this process. He said that the coalition's efforts will be reinforced by strong support from the US.

He also noted that future monitoring of the security situation will be conducted under US leadership, which he believes will effectively deter Russia from further aggression and help achieve long-term stability in the region.

Previously: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told European and US partners that Italy will not deploy its troops to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees.

Background:

On Tuesday 6 January, the French capital hosted a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing involving 27 countries.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent, alongside Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement is concluded. In addition, members of the coalition, Ukraine and the US signed a joint declaration on security guarantees aimed at achieving a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that each task linked to the process of providing assistance to Ukraine has a leading state, with Poland set to be the lead country on logistics.

Adviser to President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the American delegation will continue talks with the Ukrainian delegation on 7 January, following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.

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The strong penalties in AB 677 serve as a stern warning and deterrent to bad actors," Rep. Amanda Nedweski said. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

A bill that would establish child grooming as a felony crime in Wisconsin received a public hearing Tuesday.

Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) and Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) introduced the bill late last year after a report from the Capital Times found that there were over 200 investigations into teacher licenses stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct or grooming from 2018 to 2023.

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Nedweski spoke about the case of Christian Enwright, a former Kenosha teacher who pleaded guilty last year to over a dozen misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct after he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student, during the Assembly Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee hearing.

Unfortunately, the Christian Enwright story is all too common. For too long, these cases have been swept under the rug and child victims were put through a lifetime trauma, often knowing that the person who preyed upon them is likely out there doing it to another child, Nedweski said. The strong penalties in AB 677 serve as a stern warning and deterrent to bad actors. The bill ensures that adults who exploit positions of trust to manipulate and prey upon children can no longer hide behind misdemeanor charges or technical gaps in state law.

Under the AB 677, grooming would be defined as a course of conduct, pattern of behavior, or series of acts with the intention to condition, seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child for the purpose of producing distributing or possessing depictions of the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Examples of behavior that would constitute grooming include verbal comments or conversations of a sexual nature directed at a child, inappropriate or sexualized physical contact; communication over text and social media to lure or entice a child; promising gifts, privileges, or special attention to lower a childs inhibitions or create emotional dependence; and acts intended to isolate a child from family or peers.

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While the bill was spurred in part due to cases involving teachers, the bill authors told the Assembly Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee that the bill would not just address grooming happening in the school arena.

It is important to remember that grooming can happen anywhere  grooming can happen anywhere, not just in our schools. This bill is not targeted at schools, but at grooming whenever and wherever it might happen, James said. I believe that it will have a strong deterrence effect. Clear criminalization of grooming behavior sends a strong message that predatory conduct will not be tolerated in Wisconsin.

A person convicted of a grooming charge, under the bill, would be guilty of a Class G felony. The charge would increase to a Class F felony if the person is in a position of trust or authority, and to a Class E felony if the child has a disability and to a Class D felony if the violation involves two or more children. A convicted person would need to register as a sex offender.

During the hearing, Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) said she thinks the bill is important, but expressed some concerns about whether it could result in a chilling effect that would discourage people from taking on mentorship roles or interacting with children. She said she wanted to ensure that lawmakers got the definition of grooming correct.

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I think that this is a bill that if we get it right, we are going to protect so many kids and if we get it wrong, we are going to put a lot of people at risk, Emerson said.

Nedweski said legislators should remember that the bill would be related to a pattern of behavior, not a one-time occurrence, that there would need to be the intention to entice a child and it would be up to a prosecutor to decide whether a persons behavior fits the crime.

Thats why we work so hard to get the definition as right as we can, Nedweski said, adding that she and her colleagues have worked with law enforcement and prosecutors to develop the bill and looked at what other states have done. Nothing is ever going to be 100% perfect, but I think were pretty darn close.

Rich Judge, DPI assistant state superintendent for the division of government and public affairs, registered in favor of the bill on behalf of the agency, though he did not provide testimony. DPI Superintendent Jill Underly has previously said defining grooming is one of the top steps the state can take to work to address the issue.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Tipton County law enforcement is warning criminals to stay away.

Munford Police Chief Randal Baskin posted a picture to Facebook of a giant billboard that says, Criminals Beware. Now Entering Tipton County  Land of Jail and Serious Bail.

Courtesy: Munford

The warning comes from Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley and Tipton County District Attorney General Mark Davidson, whose pictures are featured on the sign.

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Chief Baskin praised the billboard and said when it comes to preventing crime, they are not messing around.

Man accused of stealing millions indicted in DeSoto County

Officers in this department are dedicated to the safety of Munford citizens, and work hand in hand with Atoka PD and TCSO to keep crime down and citizens safe. Law enforcement officers in this county work very well together in making sure bad guys go to jail, said Baskin.

We felt like with the recent crime issues in Memphis and Shelby County, that this billboard would be a great way to amplify our public safety message, and the heart of the heart of message really is, dont bring that mess out here, said Mark Davidson, District Attorney General of the 25th Judicial District.

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And one thing thats different than Shelby County and the justice system there, rule number one, you come to jail our judges are going to put a bail on you, youre not going to walk out free, theres no ROR, said Shannon Beasley, Sheriff of Tipton County.

DeSoto County, Mississippi, launched a similar campaign last month.

Billboard in Southaven. MS

Turn back now: DeSoto billboard aimed at Memphis crime

The district attorneys office said there will be billboards along I-55 and soon to be near popular shopping areas with the message turn back now in large capital letters, and above that, it will say Memphis Criminals, and underneath, it will say Prison Awaits You in DeSoto County.

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The signs are aimed at Memphis. The D.A.s office said criminals from Memphis account for over 30% of felonies in DeSoto County.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said the campaign will also appear on digital displays and targeted online platforms throughout DeSoto County, and that no taxpayer dollars will be used for it.

Both Sheriff Beasley and District Attorney General Davidson say this billboard was in the planning before Desoto County released its Turn Back Now billboard on Interstate 55.

We have two of these signs in Fayette County, with Fayette County Sheriff Bobby Riles, so both Tipton and Fayette County share county lines with Shelby County, so were sending this message out, dont bring that mess here, to either Fayette or Tipton County, said Davidson.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A developer behind the decentralized messaging app Bitchat has pushed back against claims by Ugandan authorities that the service can be shut down, as the country moves closer to national elections and officials warn of potential disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

Ugandan authorities say they can block Bitchat, while the apps developers argue its decentralized design makes shutdowns difficult.

Downloads surged amid fears of another election-related internet shutdown.

Bitchats decentralized design makes it useful during connectivity blackouts.

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On Monday, Uganda Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo said regulators have the technical capability to disable Bitchat if needed.

His comments came amid growing use of the app by Ugandans preparing for the possibility of another internet blackout.

Bitchat Gains Users After Opposition Warns of Possible Internet Shutdown

Interest in the app surged last week after opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to install it as a contingency plan, citing past election-related internet shutdowns.

Ugandan authorities have previously restricted online access during politically sensitive periods.

We know how it can be made not to work, Thembo said, adding that the country has significant technical expertise. Dont be excited by Bitchat, its a small thing.

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One of Bitchats developers, known online as Calle, rejected that assessment. Citing internal data, Calle said more than 400,000 Ugandans have already downloaded the app.

You cant stop Bitchat. You cant stop us, Calle wrote on X, encouraging local developers to contribute to open-source tools. Free and open source. Unstoppable. From the people for the people.

Uganda has a track record of restricting connectivity during elections. In 2016, President Yoweri Museveni ordered a nationwide internet and social media shutdown, citing security concerns.

A similar four-day blackout began on election night in 2021.

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Because Bitchat requires no accounts, phone numbers, or central infrastructure, supporters see it as a workaround if access to the wider internet is cut again.

Bitchat Uses Bluetooth Mesh to Enable Internet-Free Encrypted Messaging

Bitchat, which entered beta testing in July, operates without traditional internet infrastructure.

The app uses Bluetooth-based mesh networks to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, allowing communication even when mobile data or broadband services are unavailable.

According to its technical documentation, the system has no central servers and does not require phone numbers, email addresses or user accounts.

The apps appeal is not limited to Uganda. During protests in Nepal last September, tens of thousands of users reportedly turned to Bitchat amid a temporary social media ban. Madagascar saw a comparable spike weeks later.

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In November, the app briefly became one of the most downloaded tools in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa, when connectivity disruptions left many residents seeking alternative ways to communicate.

Read original story Bitchat Developer Rejects Ugandas Claim It Can Block the Decentralized Messaging App by Amin Ayan at Cryptonews.com
Prepare to bundle up Eugene-Springfield. It's going to be freezing outside Jan. 9 and we might even see a bit of snow Jan. 7, the National Weather Service predicts.

The NWS issued a cold weather warning for the Willamette Valley that lasts from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10.

In Eugene, NWS forecasts lows of 33 degrees Jan. 8, 31 degrees Jan. 9 and 36 degrees Jan. 10.

Egan warming shelters activate only when temperatures are forecasted for 30 degrees or below. Bill Barnard, director of operations at St. Vincent de Paul, said the call to activate Egan is made at 4 p.m. the day of, but as of the morning Jan. 7, "the odds are low" based on the forecast.

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Additionally, NWS predicts it will snow in Eugene the night of Jan. 7. However, this snow won't stick. NWS predicts it will rain in Eugene all day, and at 9 p.m. snow will join the mix for an hour. Eugene residents interested in seeing more snow can head up to the Cascades, which are forecasted to receive up to 50 inches of snow.

Ice clings to a tree branch on College Hill in Eugene after freezing rain descended on the area in December 2022.

Jan. 8, Eugene residents will wake up to a frost, NWS predicts, which will continue to be the case until Jan. 10.

The cold air has a chance to destabilize the atmosphere, NWS said. NWS predicted a 15 to 20% chance for thunderstorms in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. If a thunderstorm occurs, it may result in lightning, heavy rain, winds up to 40 miles per hour, and/or hail. There's also a very small chance the cold winds could create a "weak tornado."

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached by email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Snow, frost and cold weather coming to Eugene-Springfield
Bridgeport, Connecticut, is one of the first cities in the state to adopt a 'drone as first responder' program.

"To utilize technology to be even more effective in ensuring the safety of all of our residents," Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said.

Bridgeport has signed a contract with Flock Safety, a company that builds drones specifically for law enforcement.

The unit can travel up to 60 miles an hour, has low-light and thermal imaging capabilities, and can read a license plate from 2,000 feet away.

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The aerial view also helps firefighters assess the scale of a fire.

"We don't upscale and call for a second alarm until we have an officer there to confirm if there was a fire. With this real-time data, now we'll have the ability to get additional resources there a lot quicker," Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards said.

Under the contract, Bridgeport will get two drones that will be stationed in different parts of the city and operated completely remotely by a Bridgeport employee in the city's law enforcement fusion center.

"It will provide the officers and first responders with a visual overview of what's taking place and provide footage for our investigations," Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said.

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A half-million-dollar grant from the state senate is helping fund the initiative.

To address privacy concerns, the drones can only be deployed in response to a call for service, flight logs will be publicly accessible, and the encrypted footage will be kept for only 30 days.

The program officially takes off in the next couple of months.

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British spy planes and ships supported the US in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in Icelandic waters.

The Marinera, previously named Bella 1, was sailing off the UK coast on Wednesday when it was intercepted by the US Coast Guard and special forces following a two-week pursuit.

RAF aircraft were involved and UK airbases were used as launchpads for US military aircraft.

UK Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets interdicting the Bella 1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland gap following a US request for assistance, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

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The US European Command said the sanctioned vessel had defied a US naval blockade of Venezuela.

A Poseidon MRA1, an RAF maritime patrol aircraft, was tracked flying over the North Atlantic before going dark and turning off its transponder.

The Defence Secretary said the Russian tanker was seized as part of global efforts to crack down on those evading sanctions.

John Healey confirmed that the UK Armed Forces supported the US operation to board the Marinera as it travelled to Russia.

Mr Healey said the ship had a nefarious history and was part of a Russian-Iranian axis that was fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

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He said: The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

The US is the UKs closest defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and todays seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.

On Wednesday, Russias transport ministry confirmed that all contact with the vessel had been lost, and condemned its seizure as a violation of international law.

Washington later announced another seizure on the other side of the Atlantic, boarding the M/T Sophia, which it said was conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.

Footage from the boarding of one of two ghost fleet tanker ships by the US Coast Guard

Sanctioned vessel M/T Sophia was seized in international waters and is being escorted to the United States

The seizures come amid concerns about the future of Nato as Donald Trumps administration continues to threaten to take Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, by force.

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Speaking after the Marinera was boarded, Mr Trump said the US would always support Nato and that Russia and China only feared the alliance because it had the United States as a member.

We will always be there for Nato, even if they wont be there for us, he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in full effect, anywhere in the world.

With Russian military vessels, including a submarine, in the vicinity, the operation risked bringing British and American forces into direct confrontation with Moscow in the North Atlantic.

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The seizures are just one element of a plan to control Venezuelan oil. A day earlier, Mr Trump said Caracas and Washington had reached a deal to export up to $2 billion of Venezuelan crude oil to the US.

Chris Wright, his energy secretary, explained how it would work, with cash from sales deposited into a US-controlled account and used for the benefit of the people of Venezuela.

If we control the flow of oil and the flow of the cash that comes from those sales, we have large leverage, he told an industry conference. We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela.

US European Command said the Marinera had been shadowed by a Coast Guard vessel and was subject to a warrant issued by a US federal court - Hakon Rimmereid

The moves suggest an emboldened Mr Trump is ready to confront Russian interests after repeatedly offering concessions to Vladimir Putin as the US president seeks peace in Ukraine.

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Russia had dispatched a submarine to escort the Marinera, which changed its registration from Guyana to Russia in late December and altered its name from Bella 1.

The ship suddenly changed direction on Wednesday afternoon and was heading towards Britain after crossing into Icelandic waters, according to ship tracking data.

The Russian-flagged oil tanker the Marinera was seized in European waters

RT, the Russian state broadcaster, published an image of a helicopter hovering near the Marinera, and said it looked as though American forces were trying to board the US-sanctioned tanker.

US European Command said the Marinera had been shadowed by a Coast Guard vessel and was subject to a warrant issued by a US federal court.

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Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, said the operation should put the worlds criminals on notice, adding: You can run, but you cant hide.

We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco-terrorism wherever we find it  period.

RT, the Russian state broadcaster, published an image of a helicopter hovering near the Marinera, and said it looked as though American forces were trying to board the US-sanctioned tanker

Russian pro-government commentators were quick to condemn the action. Alexander Kots, a veteran correspondent for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, wrote on Telegram that nuclear war could be just one step away.

Mr Trump has spoken openly about controlling all of Venezuelas oil reserves and Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, has indicated that he will use a blockade as leverage over the country.

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A senior White House official said: The US is already in control of Venezuelas oil supply at this time.

Mr Trump and his administration have started the new year with a string of military operations to add muscle to its rhetoric that it will not tolerate foreign interference in the Western hemisphere.

On Saturday, special forces toppled Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president in a lightning raid in Caracas.

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Jan. 7 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Wednesday Parliament would be able to debate and vote on whether to deploy troops to Ukraine on a peacekeeping mission.

Speaking to members of Parliament, Starmer said any action involving British troops deploying to Ukraine would be "in accordance with our military plans" and require parliamentary approval.

On Tuesday, Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron signed a trilateral agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, opening the door for the two countries to deploy troops to Ukraine after it signs a peace agreement with Russia.

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Starmer told members of Parliament that the leaders "made real progress on security guarantees, which are vital for securing a just and lasting peace."

"We will set out the details in a statement at the earliest opportunity. I will keep the house updated as the situation develops, and were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the house for a vote."

His comments were in response to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who questioned why Starmer hadn't made a full statement to the House of Commons on the issue, The Guardian reported. She said she welcomed the prime minister's efforts on peace in Ukraine, but she found it "astonishing" that he wasn't making a full statement to lawmakers.

"No prime minister, Labour or Conservative, has failed to make a statement to the house in person after committing to the deployment of British troops," she said. "His comments about making a statement in due course, quite frankly, are not good enough."

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Starmer responded that he wasn't required to make a statement to Parliament because the agreement he signed Tuesday fell under previously existing military plans.

He also declined to specify how many British troops would be deployed should a peace deal be reached, the BBC reported.
The remaining victims of the mass shooting at Brown University last month were discharged this week.

All nine patients treated at Rhode Island Hospital in connection with the shooting were discharged as of 8:30 a.m. on Monday, according to hospital officials.

We extend our best wishes to them and to all members of the Providence community affected by this tragic event as they continue their recovery, Kelly Brennan, a hospital spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday.

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All nine patients were treated for gunshot wounds and four patients were previously released as of Dec. 22.

We are deeply grateful to the staff at Rhode Island Hospital and across Brown University Health for the care and devotion they treat each and every patient with, and for their swift, skilled, and compassionate response during this difficult time, demonstrating once again their readiness to meet extraordinary challenges when called upon, Brennan said.

Federal officials released transcripts on Tuesday of four videos made by the suspected shooter, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, confessing to his actions but without any remorse.

Neves Valente, whose last known residence was in Miami, Florida, spoke in Portuguese while recording the videos, which were translated by U.S. Attorney Leah Foleys Office. Officials have also identified him as the suspect in the killing of an MIT professor two days later.

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The suspected shooter took his own life and investigators found his body in a New Hampshire storage facility on Dec. 16.

I am not going to apologize, because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me, he stated in a video.

The transcripts of the videos do not include more specific statements from Neves Valente about his reasons for targeting Brown University on Dec. 13 or MIT physics professor Nuno Loureiro at his Brookline apartment.

Neves Valente briefly attended Brown University in the early 2000s, according to the police report about the mass shooting. Before that, he attended a physics program at Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, Portugal, with Loureiro. It is unclear if the two men crossed paths after that.

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Beyond the nine injured victims, the shooting left two Brown students dead  Ella Cook, a sophomore, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a first-year student.

Last month, Brown officials announced new security measures ahead of the 2026 spring semester, including transitioning to card access for buildings currently requiring keys for entry, expansion of blue light phones with integrated cameras across campus and installing more security cameras in key areas, including at Barus and Holley, the building where the shooting took place.

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California and three other Western states  Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii  are flatly rejecting the CDCs decision to scale back childhood vaccine recommendations, calling the move dangerous and politicized.

In a joint statement late Monday, the West Coast Health Alliance said it will continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics full immunization schedule, which includes vaccines for flu, RSV, rotavirus, hepatitis A, and meningococcal disease  all of which the CDC just downgraded to optional status for most children.

President Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists  and his blatant politicization of the agency  is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people, said California Gov. Gavin Newsom, joined by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson. California will not allow our residents to be put at risk.

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Here's what to know about the CDC's new childhood vaccine schedule.

What changed in the CDC's new vaccine schedule?

The CDC announced Monday that vaccines for flu, hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, and RSV will no longer be universally recommended for all children. Instead, they will be offered only to high-risk children or after consulting with a doctor.

The agency provided no new scientific evidence and bypassed its traditional public review process  a break from decades of precedent.

Public health leaders say the CDCs shift reflects politicization of science, pointing to the removal of expert advisory panels and leadership changes under the current administration.

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Our communities deserve clear and transparent communication about vaccines  grounded in science, not ideology, said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Oregon Health Authority.

Why California says the new vaccine schedule is dangerous

Health experts warn that limiting vaccines to high-risk kids ignores the reality: most severe cases occur in healthy children.

RSV: 80% of hospitalized children have no underlying conditions.

Flu: Many children who die from influenza were previously healthy.

Rotavirus: Before routine vaccination, tens of thousands of children were hospitalized annually.

If you go with a risk-based strategy, youre going to miss 80% of the kids, said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado of Stanford.

What parents need to know about the vaccine schedule

Californias schedule stays the same. All vaccines previously recommended remain strongly advised.

Insurance coverage unchanged. Vaccines recommended as of Dec. 31, 2025, will still be covered.

AAP guidance prevails. Pediatricians continue to recommend the full schedule.

Is the vaccine schedule the same as in Denmark?

While the Trump administration says its updated vaccine schedule aligns the country with other developed nations like Denmark, experts have criticized this approach, explaining that the reasoning is faulty given the differences between the two countries.

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The United States is not Denmark, and there is no reason to impose the Danish immunization schedule on Americas families. America is a unique country, and Denmarks population, public health infrastructure, and disease risk differ greatly from our own," said Dr. Andrew D. Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics in his statement.

What is the West Coast Health Alliance?

The West Coast Health Alliance is a partnership formed by California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii in response to recent federal actions that experts say undermine the independence of the CDC and politicize vaccine policies.

The alliance aims to safeguard scientific integrity and prevent confusion for families and providers. Leaders say this collaboration ensures residents receive clear, reliable information about vaccines  regardless of political changes at the federal level.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California and Western States Push Back on CDC Vaccine Changes
In California, where people usually flock to make their dreams come true, Democratic lawmakers are considering a bill that would punish the people who helped make the state an economic juggernaut.

It has been reported that tech billionaires like Google cofounder Larry Page and venture capitalist Peter Thiel are threatening to leave California after Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, recently endorsed a proposed 5% wealth tax on California billionaires. (Ironic, because Khanna represents a significant portion of Silicon Valley.) It could be on the state's ballot this November. If passed, it could be paid out over five years, and a large portion would be earmarked for health care. Incredibly, Gov. Gavin Newsom actually opposes it.

If you're struggling to do the math, The New York Times reports that a 5% tax on Page's wealth would amount to $12 billion  and more than $1.2 billion for Thiel.

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And you thought you paid a lot in taxes.

Even though it hasn't even passed yet, the potential tax has created a stir. For his part, Thiel has already opened a Miami office, reportedly in preparation for the tax. Billionaires like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman have blasted the tax, saying recently that "California is on a path to self-destruction."

California's tax on billionaires could be a slippery slope

PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel and author Amy Chua attend an inauguration event for President Donald Trump on Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington, DC.

I know that a lot of "regular folks" in California might not care much about a potential 5% tax on California's approximately 200 billionaires, because they think it won't affect them. But venture capital investor and "All-In" podcast cohost Chamath Palihapitiya, whose net worth is over $1 billion, says Californias billionaire tax is a mask for something much worse and could eventually affect people who are not billionaires, too.

"The fine print in the bill allows the California legislature to apply this asset tax to non-billionaires as well whenever they want," Palihapitiya posted on X. "Your car, home and jewelry would all count. California isnt coming just for the rich. This bill, while disguised as a tax on the wealthy, is actually the infrastructure to tax everyone in California even more  but now on everything you own."

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If this is possible, it could explain why politicians like Khanna want this tax. It's Gov. Newsom's final year in office, and California is facing a whopping $18 billion deficit.

Previously: Gavin Newsom trolls Trump. But it's California that's in rapid decline. | Opinion

Though California boasts the most billionaires in the United States, the taxes they pay  along with everyone else  are still not enough to make California's financial issues disappear.

California's budget has long been mismanaged by spending $37 billion resolving the homeless crisis, to no avail.

Why does the left hate billionaires so much?

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, departs the House of Representatives on Nov. 18, 2025.

California's proposed billionaire tax raises questions about something I've observed for decades: The left seems to hate rich people and always wants to tax them relentlessly. For the life of me, I can't wrap my head around this: Is it insecurity, good old-fashioned envy or a misunderstanding of economics? Perhaps all three.

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It's a strange reaction because Americans in general already pay too much in taxes. A 2024 University of Chicago Harris/AP-NORC Poll found that only about 4 in 10 Americans think that their federal income tax and local property tax are fair.

Small business owners pay out about 20% of their revenue in federal income taxes. America's wealthiest earners actually pay the most in taxes, too. In 2022, the top 1% of earners paid more than 40% of federal income taxes.

Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox.

Millionaires, billionaires and just plain wealthy people who own businesses provide jobs, often for thousands of people. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, a billionaire people seem to love to hate, employs about 74,000 people. Fred Smith, of FedEx, died in 2025, but his net worth was about $6 billion. FedEx employs nearly 450,000 people.

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Rich people are often generous, too (they should be). According to Forbes, at the end of 2024, the country's top 25 philanthropists had given $241 billion away.

Opinion: Tim Walz drops reelection bid. Goodbye and good riddance.

Many millionaires and billionaires have worked hard for their success and deserve every bit of their properties, cars and fancy vacations. Taxing billionaires more isnt just about envy or eventually targeting the middle class. It reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the free-market economy. Higher taxes reduce the capital that wealthy individuals use to invest in businesses and drive growth that feeds back into the economy.

Americans used to flood California, dreaming of a better future. It's increasingly becoming a nightmare for hardworking, successful billionaires. A tax on them will backfire, and they may even flee. Who will pay for California's problems then?

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Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California's proposed wealth tax has a dangerous downside | Opinion
One year after the devastating wildfires, California is looking to create plant-free zones around homes in high-risk fire areas. Many people are resisting the Zone Zero regulations due to cost and inconvenience.

Following last January's wildfires, a battle is raging over how to prevent future catastrophic fires in California, and whether new regulations could help homeowners get insured.

Although thousands of homes in Los Angeles exist in very high-fire zones, every neighborhood is different, which has some concerned about a one-size-fits-all law called Zone Zero, the newest iteration of California's defensible space requirements.

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Zone Zero is the area closest to a home's perimeter, the space from zero to five feet. The goal of the new law is to create an ember-resistant defensible zone.

"I live in an urban, dense neighborhood, and they're applying rural wildfire zone regulations to me. And the fire risks here and the conditions are not the same. They're absolutely different. And I know from the scientists we've talked to, science shows that in Southern California, in wind-driven fires, homes burn not because of my hydrated vegetation, but because of embers and building vulnerabilities," said Brentwood resident Thelma Waxman.

"It's an extreme reaction that is completely unnecessary and misplaced, because to put the blame just on plants is insane," said Yael Pardess, who lives in L.A.'s Mount Washington neighborhood.

Zone Zero regulations remain in a draft phase, but could require removing combustible materials adjacent to a structure, removing dead leaves and flammable plants from your yard, roof, and gutters, trimming overhanging branches to at least 10 feet from chimneys and maintaining space between trees and shrubs.

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"The January wildfires almost a year ago really put a finer point on the need for Zone Zero, because you know, what we saw, of course, in the Palisades and Eaton fires, quite tragically, is what we call urban conflagration, where the fire came from outside the community, but then once inside the community, the fire was jumping from home to home, oftentimes connected by combustible material between the homes. So the focus since then has been, given just how intense that urban risk is, that was really on display with the LA wildfires -- How do we get Zone Zero?" said Wade Crowfoot, California's Natural Resources Secretary.

Thousands have engaged with the Board of Forestry, and the release of the final Zone Zero regulations has been pushed to the Spring. Once approved, homeowners would have three years to implement them. Enforcement would be through education and outreach, and local jurisdictions would be able to adopt their own rules.

SEE ALSO: SoCal Firestorms: One Year Later

"The challenge for us in government is how do we come up with a policy that is as least restrictive as possible to respect people's property rights and aesthetic needs and decisions while also taking the steps necessary to dramatically reduce fire risk? I really want to ground this in fire science, but it's clear to me that just telling everyone to cut back all their plants within five feet of their homes, with no mention given of the location of the plant, the type of plant, the maintenance of the plant, all those kinds of things, seems a little over the top," said California State Senator Ben Allen, who represents West L.A . and is also running for California Insurance Commissioner.

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"The insurance industry shows up at every meeting and says, 'No, everything must go. Everything must go.' So who do they listen to? The scientists at UCLA, who advise me, or the insurance company that is holding California hostage?" said Waxman.

Ben Allen says we all have a mutual interest in lowering fire risk, and adds that the one aspect he's sympathetic to the insurance industry on is that not enough people have taken the steps necessary to make their property fire safe.

But, following Zone Zero regulations won't guarantee insurance. The Board of Forestry says Zone Zero will affect about 2 million structures, which is 17% of all structures in California.

For Yael Pardess, who's lived in Mount Washington for almost thirty years and, like so many Angelenos, has stayed because of the beauty and wildlife so close to the second-largest city in the country, she says Zone Zero could force her to leave.

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"These rules are so contra to our lives here, to our environment, to our birds, to the heat, to the shade. It doesn't make any sense whatsoever, from an ecological point of view, and even from a safety point of view," said Pardess.

Click here for a summary from October 2025 of the latest draft Zone Zero regulation language.
Cambodia says it has extradited to China a billionaire businessman accused of masterminding a vast cryptocurrency scam in which trafficked workers were lured to forced labour camps to defraud victims globally.

Chen Zhi was among three Chinese nationals arrested on 6 January after a joint investigation into transnational crime lasting several months, Cambodia said.

The US charged the 37-year-old last October with running internet scams from Cambodia that it said had stolen billions in cryptocurrency. The UK also sanctioned his global business empire, Prince Group.

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Cambodian authorities have also suspended the operations of Prince Bank, a subsidiary of Prince Group.

The bank has been placed in liquidation and banned from offering new banking services - though customers can still withdraw money and repay loans, the National Bank of Cambodia said on Thursday.

China's state media confirmed Chen Zhi's extradition, describing him as "the head of a major cross-border gambling and fraud syndicate... suspected of multiple crimes, including operating casinos, fraud, illegal business operations and concealing criminal proceeds".

CCTV said he had been "placed under coercive measures in accordance with the law".

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"The public security organs will soon issue arrest warrants for the first batch of key members of Chen Zhi's criminal syndicate, resolutely bringing fugitives to justice," said CCTV.

"The public security organs solemnly warn criminals to recognise the situation, stop their crimes before it's too late, and immediately surrender themselves to the authorities to receive lenient treatment."

Last year, US authorities seized about $15bn (11bn) worth of bitcoin that it alleged belonged to Chen, in what FBI Director Kash Patel described as "one of the largest financial fraud takedowns in history".

The BBC contacted Prince Group for comment at the time. In the past, the Cambodia-based group has denied any involvement in scams. Its website says its businesses include property development, and financial and consumer services.

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Since Chen Zhi was indicted by the US on fraud and money-laundering charges in October, his whereabouts have been unclear.

But on Wednesday, the Cambodian authorities said they had "arrested three Chinese nationals namely Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang, and Shao Ji Hui and extradited [them] to the People's Republic of China". The interior ministry statement did not say where Chen Zhi had been detained.

His Cambodian nationality had been revoked by royal decree last month, it added. The enigmatic tycoon had given up his Chinese nationality to become a Cambodian citizen in 2014.

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The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to South East Asia, many of them to Cambodia, lured by the promise of legitimate jobs and then forced to run online scams.

People are held against their will in the scam farms and made to defraud strangers online under the threat of punishment or torture. Many of those trapped are Chinese and targeted people in China.

Scam centres have proliferated in South East Asia - above, people rescued from compounds in Myanmar last February are seen arriving in Thailand [EPA]

Chinese authorities have also been quietly investigating the Prince Group since at least 2020. The company is accused of running online fraud schemes in a number of court cases.

The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau established a task force to investigate the Prince Group, describing it as "a major transnational online gambling syndicate based in Cambodia".

US authorities accuse Chen Zhi of turning Prince Group into one of Asia's largest transnational criminal organisations [AFP via Getty Images]

Cambodia's ruling elite have been close to Chen Zhi for years. The government has said little since the US and UK sanctioned Prince Group, apart from urging US and UK authorities to be sure they had sufficient evidence for their allegations.

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By some estimates, scam businesses may account for around half of the entire Cambodian economy.

"I think it's the sheer scale of his operations which really makes Chen Zhi stand out," Jack Adamovic Davies, a journalist who has investigated Chen Zhi, told the BBC last year.

He said it was shocking the Prince Group had been able to build a "global footprint" without raising alarm bells, given the serious criminal charges it now faces.

Additional reporting by South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head
Morton Grove police are investigating a shooting and car burglary on Wednesday morning.

It happened at about 6:02 a.m. in the 5700-block of Reba Street, police said.

Two suspects were trying to break into a parked car, according to police.

The Morton Grove resident whose work vehicle was broken into said the suspects stole about $500 in tools.

He did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation, but said his dog alerted him to the break-in.

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When he opened the door, his dog ran out and two thieves fired off a few shots, he said.

The window of the van was shot out and a bullet hit his front door, inches from his head and steps away from where his children were sleeping.

Police said four shots were fired.

SEE ALSO: Elmhurst police warn of car burglary crew after 4 vehicles burglarized | Video

Nobody was hurt in the shooting, police said.

The suspects drove away in a gray Genesis sedan; police said the car had a stolen Illinois license plate.

The victim said he and his family are shaken, and he's frustrated that a couple of thieves would go so far as to potentially kill someone over a couple hundred dollars in tools.

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Although he has to replace some tools and fix his damaged property, the victim said he and his family are safe. And he's thankful to be alive.

Al Matias has lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. He says there have been very few incidents.

"It doesn't make sense. It just makes you wonder. You know, what's going on in those people's minds?" Matias said.

Jim Oakes says the noise woke his wife.

"She heard some banging. And when she got up, I got up. I said, 'was it shots?' And she said, 'she didn't know,'" Oakes said. "You know, I got kids, too. And, you know, I'm hoping it doesn't come my way."

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There's no ongoing threat to residents, but residents feel their sense of security isn't what it used to be.

"It's basically the sanctity of your home where you live. It's just violated. And I mean, I hope they can recover, OK. And, you know, we'll stand around to support them. But it's just something you have to live with in these days and times that, you know, something like this could happen, even if it's a very quiet, nice neighborhood. You know, any given day something like this could happen," Matias said.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call police at 847-470-5200.
Cellenkos has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its investigational CK0804 regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy to treat myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer.

The condition has an estimated prevalence of 25,000 patients in the US and an annual incidence of one to three new cases per 100,000 people.

CK0804 is an allogeneic, offtheshelf Treg cell therapy.

In a clinical study involving 13 patients with myelofibrosis (median age 68 years), who had failed a median of two therapies previously, 45% of 11 evaluable patients achieved more than 10% spleen volume reduction.

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Symptom burden was reduced by more than 50% in 78% of nine evaluable patients. All three evaluable patients showed improvement in transfusion burden.

These results were presented at the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2025.

At a median 195-day follow-up, ten patients were alive; two changed therapy class, three underwent stem cell transplant, and others continued initial ruxolitinib treatment.

Responders showed reduced plasma and bone marrow monocytes, decreased inflammatory cytokines (TGF1, TGF2, FGF, PDGF, sCD40L), and normalisation of bone marrow myeloid to erythroid ratio.

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Cellenkos' founder Dr Simrit Parmar said: Receiving orphan drug designation is an important milestone in the clinical development of CK0804 for myelofibrosis and underscores our commitment to advance CK0804 into Phase II trials to address the unmet need for patients who have not responded to currently available therapies.

The observed increase in IL-10 and decreases in TGF levels in CK0804 responders, together with reductions in pathogenic monocytes in plasma and bone marrow, support the disease-modifying potential of CK0804 Tregs as a distinct and differentiated therapeutic class in myelofibrosis.

In April 2024, Cellenkos signed a sponsored research agreement with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, US, to investigate the use of CK0804 for myelofibrosis.

Cell & Gene Therapy coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology is supported by Cytiva.

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Editorial content is independently produced and follows the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Topic sponsors are not involved in the creation of editorial content.

"Cellenkos gains FDA orphan drug status for CK0804 to treat myelofibrosis" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Philadelphia police are investigating a series of unprovoked pit bull attacks in Center City that injured people and their dogs.

On Tuesday, authorities said a person of interest is now in custody, but charges have not yet been filed.

One of the attacks happened on Monday, December 29, shortly after 5 p.m. near 12th and Chestnut streets. Brian Lovenduski says his 12-year-old miniature pinscher, Ziggy, was attacked during a routine walk.

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"Suddenly, I felt my dog's leash pull backwards. A dog had come out from behind us and had his leg before we even realized what had happened," Lovenduski said.

"The dog had a leash on his collar, so I kept expecting any second an owner would come and save us, and nobody came. I started screaming for help and two bystanders came and helped us."

Lovenduski described the moments during the attack when he thought his dog might die.

"Eventually, Ziggy went from screaming hysterically to a state of shock where his head was hanging limp and his eyes looked glazed over," Lovenduski said.

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"True to his breed as a miniature pinscher, quite feisty little guys, he sprung back to life out of nowhere and started biting the dog on the ears over and over again, blood everywhere," Lovenduski added.

The Center City resident said that at that point, he began pounding the pit bull on the head as a last resort, and it released its grip.

Ultimately, Ziggy suffered a broken jaw, every bone in one foot was crushed, and one of Ziggy's legs had to be amputated.

Philadelphia police believe the same pit bull, whose owner they believe may be homeless, is responsible for two other unprovoked attacks that occurred on Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 in the same general area of Center City.

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On Friday, Dec. 26, at 8:30 a.m., police said a 53-year-old man was walking his dog on a leash at Juniper and Chestnut streets when an attack occurred, and the same thing happened on Dec. 31st at 7 a.m. involving a 74-year-old man walking his dog at 19th and Walnut streets.

When asked where the dog is now, police did not provide an answer but did confirm a woman is in custody "in reference to these incidents" and said charges are expected.

Lovenduski said he decided to speak out to warn others who may be walking dogs or children in the area.

"I don't wish anybody ill will. I'm not out for revenge," he said. "I just am concerned that there's a potential danger on the street."

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ACCT Philly is assisting in the investigation and actively searching for the dog, but it has not yet been located.

Executive Director Sarah Barnett said it is their understanding that the owner told police the pit bull is now with someone else. It's unclear who that person may be or the dog's whereabouts. Barnett says anyone who sees the dog, described by police as a brown and white pit bull, should call police.

"We understand that people often want us to simply take a dog away, but that's not how the law works. Unless the owner wishes to surrender the dog, filing dangerous dog charges is the alternative. But it is a process that must be initiated by police, reviewed by the courts, and decided by a judge. Even if a dog is legally deemed dangerous, removal is not automatic. The law requires additional steps and gives owners the opportunity to comply with court-ordered conditions to keep their dog. Only if those legal requirements are not met can further enforcement be considered," Barnett said.

In the meantime, Ziggy will undergo jaw surgery on Wednesday. Lovenduski, who was also bitten during the attack while trying to save his dog, said he is grateful Ziggy survived.

"I'm still in a state of shock. I can't believe it happened," he said.
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera, a key ally of Russias, secured a third term following an election critics said was neither free nor fair.

Touadera  who won 76% of the vote, according to provisional results  in 2023 oversaw the removal of presidential term limits, allowing him to maintain a firm grip over a country that has faced steep security and economic challenges since insurgency destabilized the nation in 2013. CAR has forged an increasingly close alliance with Russia, first as a major client of the now-defunct Russian paramilitary group Wagner and later through the Africa Corps operations Moscow put together in Wagners place.

Analysts say Russias ongoing security assistance comes in exchange for CARs resources, particularly gold and diamonds. Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a Moscow summit with Touadera last year, said trade between both countries was small in absolute figures but that turnover has increased almost eightfold over the past year.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  Chick-fil-A is poised to open its first location in the city of Delaware as part of a new commercial development planned for the northeast corner of Sunbury Road and Skyview Lane.

The proposed project would include six commercial buildings and parking lots on a more than 10-acre site, and would also bring the citys second Chipotle restaurant, according to plans presented to the Delaware Planning Commission.

The development is being led by GTZ Properties, an Illinois-based commercial real estate company. The planning commission on Dec. 3 recommended approval of GTZs request to rezone the property from community commercial to commercial planned unit development, a change that will allow for a broader mix of uses, including retail and restaurants.

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Powell tavern Liberty Social closes after eight months in business

Mitch Goltz, managing principal with GTZ Properties, said during the December meeting that the company has been working on the project for more than a year.

This has been a property that I think has come under a lot of eyes over the last many years, since developments occurred around it, Goltz told commissioners. Were really proud and excited to be the ones to see this come to fruition.

Goltz said the company hopes to break ground in the spring and that most of the developments tenant spaces already have users lined up.

Were excited. We think this is going to be a big improvement for the vacant land, he said.

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When asked by a commissioner to identify other prospective tenants, Goltz said the development will include a national coffee chain, a Take 5 oil change business, a national burger restaurant and another tenant that is still being finalized.

The Chick-fil-A will be the first within the city limits of Delaware, though the chain already operates several locations elsewhere in Delaware County. Those include a restaurant in Lewis Center at 47 Meadow Park Ave., one inside Polaris Fashion Place, and two near the mall at 680 Polaris Parkway and 1515 Polaris Parkway.

City permits: National bagel chain plans to open in northeast Columbus near Gahanna

The planned Chipotle will be the second in the city of Delaware, the first being located at 1710 Columbus Pike. Chipotle has multiple locations elsewhere in the county, also including one near Polaris mall at 1140 Polaris Parkway.

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The rezoning request now moves to Delaware City Council, which could consider the matter at its next meeting on Jan. 12. If approved, GTZ Properties will return to the planning commission for review of a detailed development plan outlining the layout of the buildings, access points, parking and specific tenant locations.

Goltz said the current proposal also anticipates a future second phase of development on land east of the site, though details of that phase have not yet been submitted.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Childcare providers across the country are scrambling after the Trump administration announced a major change to how government-subsidized childcare centers will be paid  a move federal officials say is aimed at preventing fraud.

The change comes just days and in some cases months before a new billing system was set to take effect in some states.

KC2026 CEO optimistic in securing World Cup base camps

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At the center of the issue is attendance-based billing  the difference between paying for a childs enrolled spot versus only paying in an attendance based way.

Providers compare it to higher education.

Just as college students pay tuition for a semester not for how many times they attend class childcare centers rely on consistent payments to cover staffing, rent, and operational costs.

Immediately during the pandemic we were told that we were essential, but now were being told our pay is not essential, said Megan Huffman, owner of Rising Sun Learning Center.

The Trump administration is scrapping a rule put in place under the Biden administration that would have required states to pay childcare providers based on enrollment, not daily attendance. The rule was scheduled to take effect within months.

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See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

The reversal follows a viral video posted by a conservative YouTuber that targeted Somali-owned daycare centers, alleging widespread fraud.

The video garnered tens of millions of views and was even celebrated by Trump White House officials.

However, much of the content in that video has since been debunked.

Despite that, just one day ago, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it would abandon the planned change.

Theyre framing it as its a Biden-era rule that would not require child attendance and they try to make it sound like this fraud is going to come from this change and thats not at all what its intended to do, Huffman said.

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Under the original rule, states would have been required to pay childcare centers for the number of children enrolled paying for the spot similar to how private-paying families are billed.

Now, states will only issue payments after providers prove a child attended, which HHS says is necessary to prevent fraud.

If at any time the states wants to audit and say hey did this child really attend all they have to do is send me an email and I can send them the attendance, Huffman said.

Some states already pay in advance. Kansas, for example, uses a system that does not require daily proof of attendance before issuing payments.

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Huffman says in Missouri, the current system already puts childcare centers in a financial bind.

If a child misses more than five days in a month, the center absorbs the cost of the entire month, something the now-reversed rule was designed to fix.

Take a step back and have a conversation with those who are actually in this field before you just make a knee jerk reaction, she said.

The decision represents a full reversal.

Emails from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education show the state was already preparing for a beta testing program under the new billing model, including instructions on how providers could sign up. That testing program is no longer required.

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On Tuesday, daycare providers were informed December payments may be delayed, leaving $49,000 of contracted services unpaid for.

This payment change will only impact families who rely on government subsidies including foster children and many low-income families.

Huffman warns the fallout could be severe.

She says childcare centers may begin dropping out of subsidy-based funding programs altogether and require private pay, further limiting options for families who already have very few.

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According to the Kansas City Chamber, 40% of childcare businesses in the city closed between 2020 and 2022, creating what many fear could become an untenable situation for working families.

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FOX4 reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment and are waiting to hear back.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
WATERBURY, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A day after the CDC said it would no longer recommend some vaccines for all children, Vermont Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant said the states guidance would remain the same.

In Vermont, vaccine policy will continue to be guided by scientific evidence and informed by trusted medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vermont will continue to follow its established Childhood Immunization Schedule.

See Vermonts current childhood immunization guidance hereDownload

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Vaccines no longer recommended by the CDC for all children include those for hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, and RSV. More reactions to the CDC announcement from around the country are in the story below by The Hill.

RFK Jr., CDC, in seismic shift, reduce number of recommended vaccines for children

According to the CDC, the new recommendation puts the countrys guidance in line with that of Denmark, which recommends 11 childhood vaccines rather than the former CDC guidance of 17. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department says that vaccines that arent recommended for all will still be covered by federal insurance.

Health officials in New York also said that their childhood vaccination schedule would not change, and wrote that they were against any weakening of the schedule.

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New Hampshire health officials previously said that the state would continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for children; the state health department has not put out an official statement since Mondays announcement.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
China claims its new microwave weapon is more powerful than its US equivalent and capable of shooting down drone swarms from 3km away.

The announcement comes at a time of reputational damage for Beijing, after Chinese-made radar systems supplied to Venezuela were reported to have failed to provide early warning of the American raid on Caracas on 3 January that led to the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

China had publicly condemned the intervention as a clear violation of international law, confronting Washington at the United Nations over the moves legality.

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The developer of the Hurricane 3000 high-power microwave weapon recently said in an interview that the truck-mounted system can disable drones and drone swarms at ranges beyond 3km, which he claimed was longer than comparable US systems.

High-power microwave weapons offer a low-cost, low-collateral alternative to missiles and guns, with an almost unlimited firing capacity, and unlike lasers, they can cover a wide area, allowing sweep-and-kill attacks that are especially effective against drone swarms.

Shown publicly at Chinas September military parade, the weapon is designed to move beyond short-range point defence to wider area denial, either operating independently or networked with lasers and conventional artillery in a layered anti-drone defence setup, according to Yu Jianjun, an expert from China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco).

In an interview published on Sunday by Shanghai-based news site Guancha, Mr Yu said the weapons have moved from experimental capability to field deployment, following their public appearances at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow and Chinas 3 September 2025 military parade.

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The two systems developed by Norinco are the Hurricane 2000, a vehicle-mounted microwave weapon designed to intercept small drones within a range of up to 2km, and the more advanced Hurricane 3000, which he said can engage small unmanned aerial vehicles and drone swarms at distances exceeding three kilometres.

According to Mr Yu, the Hurricane 3000 integrates detection, tracking, and strike functions into a single mobile platform and features improved automation and sustained combat capability. He said the system can operate independently or be networked with laser, missile and artillery units to form a layered terminal air-defence configuration for border, coastal and urban security missions.

The Hurricane 3000 represents a comprehensive upgrade in combat performance compared to the Hurricane 2000. Its interception range against small and light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and UAV swarms exceeds 3km, placing it at the forefront of similar equipment both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, its detection, tracking, and sustained combat capabilities, as well as its fully automated combat capabilities, have all been significantly improved, he told the Chinese military media outlet.

The US, on the other hand, has a high-power microwave anti-drone system called Leonidas, developed by the startup Epirus, which is widely reported to have a range of around 2km.

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Mr Yu said the system works by using radar to detect moving targets before handing tracking to optoelectronic sensors, which guide a high-power microwave antenna to disable targets by emitting focused electromagnetic energy. While different manufacturers microwave weapons may vary in appearance, he said the underlying principles are broadly similar.

Addressing comparisons with traditional air-defence weapons, Mr Yu said microwave weapons are not intended to replace missiles or artillery but to complement them.

Missiles, artillery, microwave weapons, and laser weapons each have their strengths in terminal defence and complement each other. Missiles and artillery retain their core advantages of high precision, long range, and wide target adaptability, he said in the interview.

Meanwhile, microwaves offer advantages such as strong anti-saturation attack capabilities and high cost-effectiveness. Therefore, in air defence operations, the strengths of each method should complement each other, rather than relying on a single method to achieve all objectives, he added.

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Mr Yu acknowledged that the development of microwave weapons posed significant engineering challenges.

Mr Yu claimed China plans to further integrate microwave weapons into operational units, expanding their role beyond drone defence to include disrupting electronic reconnaissance, information networks and precision-guided weapons.

Venezuela possesses the China-made JY-27 radars, whose capabilities have been called into question after they reportedly failed to alert Caracas as US jets entered Venezuelan airspace.

China is also the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude, which accounts for roughly 4 per cent of its imports.
Scientists at Chinas Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) program rang in the new year with a stunning accomplishment: empirical evidence that they used the device to achieve nuclear plasma densities once thought to be beyond human capabilities.

On January 1, researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences published a wild new study in the journal Science Advances. In it, the team details the way they used EAST  which has memorably been dubbed Chinas artificial sun  to achieve a plasma density far higher than previous limits.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus, resulting in a huge release of energy. Because of its potential to produce limitless clean energy, scientists the world over have sought ways to use nuclear fusion as a viable power source.

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One difficulty, however, is that all atomic nuclei have a positive charge, meaning theyre naturally repulsed by each other  think two magnets with opposite poles. To give atomic nuclei enough kinetic energy to combine into one, scientists must heat the fuel into a super-dense plasma at about 150 million kelvin, or 27 million degrees Fahrenheit, the researchers explained in a press release.

But to reach a point where this brew can power itself  a sustainable fusion reaction  requires that gnarly plasma to stay hot, dense, and stable for long stretches of time. For years, it was understood that higher plasma densities would inevitably result in instability, collapsing the fuel before it could ignite, a threshold known as the Greenwald limit.

This new research seemingly flips all that on its head. As the EAST team explains, the method basically involves creating a high gas pressure environment in the reactor prior to plasma formation, which allows the plasma to interact with the reactor wall in a much less destructive way than it would otherwise. Scientists also manually pump extra energy into the plasma as it heats, allowing an even rise in density.

The result is a plasma that remains stable even as its internal density rises, resulting in fuel densities far exceeding empirical limits.

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The findings suggest a practical and scalable pathway for extending density limits in tokamaks and next generation burning plasma fusion devices, said Ping Zhu, one of the studys co-authors and a plasma physicist at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

While there are still plenty of breakthroughs left before humanity achieves practical power production with fusion, shattering the Greenwald represents a major item on the to-do list  and another notch on Chinas lengthy green energy belt.

More on energy: Google Rapidly Deploying Huge CO2 Battery Facilities That Store 200 Megawatt Hours of Power
Watch the CBS 42 Weather Livestream Channel:

Early this morning, were dealing with lots of fog and some patchy drizzle. Be prepared for travel disruptions due to low visibility.

The cold front stalls across Central Alabama on Wednesday. It will be another cloudy day with some drizzle, but it becomes warmer with highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

The cold front lifts north as a warm front on Thursday, making it warmer and breezy. There will be a few peaks of sun with near-record highs in the lower 70s. The record high in Birmingham is 74 set in 2008.

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A cold front approaches Alabama on Friday. Expect a cloudy, breezy, and warm day with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon.

Some storms could become strong to possibly severe Friday evening and night, with gusty winds and heavy rain. SPC has a Slight Risk for areas along and northwest of I-59. Thats where the higher risk for some damaging winds would be, and we cant rule out a brief tornado either. Additionally, heavy rainfall is prompting a flash flood risk along and north of I-20 where some 2-3+ rainfall totals are possible Friday night.

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Weekend Outlook: The cold front moves across Alabama on Saturday, ending the rain during the afternoon. It will be mostly cloudy, breezy, and turning colder. High temperatures will reach the lower 60s at midnight and fall into the 50s during the afternoon. Sunday will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and breezy north winds. It will be much colder, with highs in the upper 40s. Sunday night will be clear and cold, with lows in the 20s.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
SeaWorld Orlando is caring for cold-stunned sea turtles rescued from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The goal is to return the animals to the Atlantic Ocean.

The 14 Kemps ridley turtles are part of an endangered species. Their camps begin migrating south in late November and early December, said Mallorie McCormack, senior zoological specialist. The hooked geography of Cape Cod can be a hazard, she said.

If they are stuck in that area and then the waters get really cold around them, it affects their migration, and then they become cold-stunned, she said. They cannot move to swim, they cannot move to eat, and they are stranded on those shores.

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A network of organizations, including a volunteer pilot group, coordinate to get the turtles to Florida.

Its truly such a collaborative event with all interstate connections, and its a crazy journey for them, McCormack said. I love the rehab of the camps because of that story, their journey.

After their flight to Orlando, the turtles are given intake exams, radiographs, X-rays and other tests.

A lot of them will develop pneumonia when theyre stranded up on the shores, McCormack said. A lot of their treatment is going to have antibiotics to help them with that pneumonia and help them recover. Not only are we slowly warming them up, which started up in Cape Cod with the triage, were observing them to make sure that theyre eating enough.

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The process of getting the animals sea-ready again generally takes three or four months, she said.

Theyre super-cute because theyre so small  theyre juveniles, McCormack said. So it would be a fatal event for them without this.

Kemps ridley sea turtles are the smallest sea turtles in the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. The length of an adult is about 2 feet, with weight between 70 and 100 pounds. The species once thrived in the Atlantic Ocean but experienced a sharp decline in the mid-20th century.

They are the most endangered turtles of all the turtles, so every individual does play an important role in the recovery of the turtles, Kelly Cluckey, senior zoological specialist, said in a SeaWorld-produced video. The company has been working with Kemps ridley rescues for 15 years, she said.

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When the animals return to the ocean, they wont require another flight.

They were beginning their migration down the coast, and they had gotten stuck in the Cape Cod area, McCormack said. So we can return them off of the Florida coast over here, and that will be in their area.

In the meantime, the healing turtles are backstage at SeaWorld Orlando, away from theme-park guests. But theres an exception coming up. SeaWorlds Inside Look event, scheduled for Jan. 10, 11, 17 and 18, will include an experience within the SeaWorld Rescue Center, where the Kemps are temporarily residing in medical pools.

New tours for Inside Look include the penguin habitat and an area dedicated to birds of prey. Inside Look  which features trainer talks, a scavenger hunt, a Seal of Fortune trivia show and more  is included with regular SeaWorld Orlando admission. A few activities require tickets that must be reserved in person on the day of the event. Those are first-come, first-served. For more details, go to seaworld.com/orlando.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
JUNCTION CITY (KSNT)  Members of the Junction City community are mourning the loss of a teen who died in a recent motorcycle crash in California.

The California Highway Patrol announced that 17-year-old Junction City resident Jayce Alonzo died in a recent crash on Jan. 2 in Fresno County, California. Alonzo, who was riding a motorcycle, collided with a Ford F-350 pickup truck head-on and died at the scene despite attempts by first responders to save his life.

81-year-old Kansas mom victim of viral door kick challenge

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Kate Thornton, Chapman High School principal, said Alonzo was a senior student at her school in USD 473. She shared a message with 27 News that was distributed to families and students of the school following Alonzos death.

Jayce had an infectious personality and was truly in his element in the shop, whether welding or woodworking. He always had a smile and a quick-witted comment in any situation. He will be deeply missed by the Class of 2026 and the entire Chapman High School community. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, including his parents and his brother, a CHS graduate. Principal Kate Thornton message excerpt A fundraiser is currently in operation to help family of Alonzo following the deadly crash. You can visit it by clicking here.

Manhattan Carlos OKellys closing Tuesday

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Donald Trump wants to take Greenland - and the White House has confirmed that all options are on the table, including the use of force.

While a military operation is just one of a range of economic and political options being considered, since it would be an attack by one Nato member on another, such a move would represent a nightmare scenario for the Nato alliance, and likely an existential one.

The US president has repeatedly said that Greenland was vital to US national security, claiming without evidence that it was "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place".

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With the expertise of US, British and Danish experts, we consider the various options the president may be looking at, and the possible justification for each one.

Military action

Defence analysts say that a lightning operation to take Greenland could be done relatively easily, but the fallout would be monumental.

While geographically massive, Greenland's population is only around 58,000, about a third of which is concentrated in Nuuk, the capital, with the bulk of the rest living on its western coast.

The territory does not have its own military and Denmark is responsible for its defence, but it has limited air and naval assets in place to cover such a huge territory.

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Large swathes of it are policed only by Sirius Patrol, a Danish special operations unit that relies primarily on dog sleds.

Denmark has, however, significantly upped defence spending in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, including Greenland, in the past year.

[BBC]

Its vast size, small population and lack of military would make it a ripe target for the US, which already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at the Pituffik facility in Greenland's north-western tip.

That facility could in theory serve as a logistical base for future operations.

The base has existed since World War Two, when US troops deployed to the island to establish military and radio stations after the Nazis occupied Denmark during the conflict.

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Hans Tino Hansen, a Danish security expert and CEO of Risk Intelligence, outlined how a US operation to take Greenland could take place.

According to Hansen, the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division - which includes two Arctic brigades capable of parachute or helicopter-borne missions - would be the "primary capability" in any invasion, "supported by air force and naval assets".

His assessment was echoed by Justin Crump, a British Army reserve officer who heads the risk and intelligence company Sibylline.

"The US has overwhelming naval power and it has the ability to lift pretty large numbers of troops," he said. "You could easily fly in enough troops to have one for every few members of the population in a single lift."

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Crump added this option would be ruthless, but also potentially bloodless with little resistance likely to be offered.

While huge, Greenland is sparsely populated, meaning a military operation could be done quickly [Getty Images]

In the US, however, several former officials and defence analysts said a military operation was extremely unlikely, given its far-reaching implications for US-European alliances.

"That would clearly be against all international law," said Mick Mulroy, a former marine, CIA paramilitary officer and deputy assistant secretary of defence. "Not only are they no threat to the US, they are a treaty ally."

If the White House began moving towards a military option, Mulroy said he believed it would meet resistance from lawmakers who could use the War Powers Act - which is designed to limit the president's ability to make war without Congressional approval - to pre-empt it.

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"I don't think there would be any support in Congress to destroy the Nato alliance," he said.

Buying Greenland

The US has deep pockets, but Greenland is not for sale, according to both Nuuk and Copenhagen.

Citing a lawmaker and a source familiar with the discussions, CBS - the BBC's US news partner - has reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told members of Congress that a purchase was the administration's preferred option.

But even if Greenland wanted to be sold, such a transaction would be highly complicated.

Any funds would have to be appropriated by Congress, and acquiring Greenland by treaty would require support from two-thirds of the Senate - which experts say would be difficult to secure.

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The European Union would also have to sign off on the deal.

Polls suggest many Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark, but few wish to become part of the US [Getty Images]

While Trump could theoretically try to strike a deal unilaterally without involving Greenland or Congress, experts believe that is extremely unlikely.

Prof Monica Hakimi, an international law expert at Columbia University, said that "one could imagine a situation" in which Denmark, the US and Greenland agree to terms for the transfer of the territory.

"[But] for it to be completely consistent with international law, such a treaty would probably also have to involve Greenlandic participation for their own self-determination," she added.

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It is unclear how much purchasing the island could cost. This could complicate things for Trump, who campaigned on an "America First" platform.

The prospect of billions or even trillions of US tax dollars being spent on an ice-capped island could land very badly with his Make America Great Again (Maga) base.

Crump believes that a failure to successfully purchase the island, however, could make a military option more attractive to Trump - particularly as his administration may be buoyed by the recent successful operation to arrest Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

"He'll say, 'well, we're just going to take it'."

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Rubio, who will meet Danish officials next week to discuss Greenland, has said Trump was "not the first US president that has examined or looked at how could we acquire" the territory.

He has referred to former President Harry Truman, who in 1946 floated the idea of paying Denmark $100m (74m) in gold to buy Greenland.

A campaign to win over Greenlanders

Opinion polls suggest a majority of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark.

But the polls also indicate they do not want to become part of the US.

Nonetheless, the US could ratchet up efforts to win the favour of islanders by short-term financial incentives or the prospect of future economic benefits.

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Already, US media reports have suggested that US intelligence agencies have stepped up surveillance on Greenland's independence movement, making efforts to identify figures who would back the administration's goals.

Imran Bayoumi, a geostrategy expert with the Atlantic Council in Washington DC and former policy adviser to the defence department, told the BBC that an "influence campaign" is much more likely than any military action.

This campaign, he explained, could help nudge Greenland towards independence.

"Then, after Greenland declares independence, you could have the US government to be a partner," he said. "The cost of military action is way too high."

These kinds of partnerships are not without precedent.

The US, for example, has struck a similar deal with the Pacific nations of Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands - all independent countries that give the US access to defence rights.

In return, citizens of these three nations get the opportunity to live and work in the US.

But this may not satisfy Trump, who already has the power to bring as many troops as he wants to Greenland under existing agreements.

And an arrangement of that nature would not offer the US ownership rights to Greenland's vast mineral reserves that are buried deep beneath the Arctic ice.

Hansen, the Danish analyst, argued that any campaign to "have" Greenland - short of military action - would be unsuccessful as long as the population of Greenland opposes the idea.

For now, no political parties in the island are campaigning to become part of the US.

"It is more likely that Greenland again becomes a member of the European Union," he said.

"Also, the current US administration has three years left, while the people of Greenland perhaps have a horizon of 1,000 years."
Ector County Commissioners approved a $17 million agreement Tuesday with Kimley-Horn and Associates to improve water infrastructure in the far reaches of the county.

The vote to approve the agreement on the West Odessa Water Project was unanimous. Commissioner Greg Simmons was absent.

County Judge Dustin Fawcett said it is a great opportunity to use a unique bucket of funds and work with the Texas Development Water Board on this project.

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This is a big deal for us, he said.

Chandler Shields of Kimley-Horn said the firm will assist the county on how to best use the $17 million provided by the state. Shields said the projects will be delivered in four stages.

He said task one includes public involvement, as Kimley-Horn will work with the county to meet digitally and in-person to talk to Ector County residents on their water needs.

The next step will be to look at the Ector County Utility Districts boundaries and how to best use the funds to serve customers within its boundary. Shields added all money will be allocated to those citizens. He also said the project will look at residents outside the utility districts boundaries and discuss ways to assist them.

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Additional stages include potential extending water mains several miles and working with the county on a water supply plan.

Shields said the county and the firm will talk to entities and water suppliers and discuss what their infrastructure needs are and what capacity looks like for them in the coming years.

According to information from Kimley-Horn, the Ector County Utility District serves more than 17,000 people and uses 17 million gallons per day per pump station.

Kimley-Horn states there is around 82,000 feet of transmission lines in the county.

Kimley-Horn also states the utility district supplies water to more than 5,000 connections, but upgrades were needed because of increased demand from population growth and aging infrastructure.

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Recommended upgrades from Kimley-Horn include a 1-million-gallon elevated storage tank, 1.5-million-gallon elevated storage tank, 17-million-gallon-per-day pump station and 4-million-gallon ground storage tank.

Commissioners also discussed at length the purchase card program used by county employees. After the discussion it was decided to have a mandatory meeting for all of those who use p cards at the county.

Commissioners also approved the job completions of the Papaw Street project. Dannys Asphalt Paving completed the project with inspection conducted by Terracon Consultants, Inc.

The post County takes next step for $17M water project appeared first on Odessa American.
In Russia's Tver, a medieval city two hours' drive from Moscow, locals have got used to not being able to use their phones for hours on end.

Across Russia's western regions, authorities switch off mobile internet when Ukraine launches retaliatory drone attacks in a bid to disrupt their navigation systems.

The swarms have become increasingly frequent as the war looks set to drag into its fifth year, with Kyiv pledging to continue trying to strike Russian energy targets in response to Moscow's nightly missile and drone barrages on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

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Months after the temporary blackouts started being introduced -- tentatively at first for fear of triggering a backlash -- they are now a fact of everyday life.

"The only inconvenience is the lack of internet," Antonina, a 42-year-old accountant, told AFP of life in the city, which is home to around 400,000 people.

"Everything else you can get through," she added.

The Kremlin has justified the internet switch-off as a necessary air-defence measure, and officials have drawn up white lists of digital services that should remain available when everything else is forced offline.

Soldier Ivan Nulev, on leave in the city, backed the measures.

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"It's all for our safety, what can you say. We used to live without the internet," he told AFP.

"Sometimes the lack of internet is very good for our children," said another local resident, company director Natalia.

But despite shrugging off fears, there are signs nerves are frayed in Tver, around 500 kilometres (300 miles) from the border with Ukraine.

"Overall, there's a lot of tension in society. Of course, you feel it more here than in Moscow," said Maxim, a 39-year-old software developer from the capital who was staying at his country house near the city.

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"I think everyone feels the negative consequences" of the conflict, he added.

"I don't think anybody is coming out ahead here."

- Growing fatigue -

A December poll by the independent Levada Center found that while three-quarters of Russians supported their army's actions in Ukraine, just 25 percent -- the lowest level since the start of the war -- would back continuing fighting when asked to choose between that or peace talks.

Last month, Ukrainian drone debris triggered a fire in an apartment block in Tver, wounding seven people.

Early on Tuesday morning, the regional governor mistakenly reported one person killed when a Ukrainian drone crashed into a residential building.

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It turned out to be a domestic gas explosion.

The Russian defence ministry said six Ukrainian drones had been downed over the surrounding region.

Moscow fires dozens of drones and missiles at Ukraine in nightly barrages, hitting residential areas and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine says its retaliatory strikes are justified, an attempt to hit military sites and hobble Russia's vital oil and gas industry, revenues from which fund the offensive.

"Of course it's not safe," local resident Olga told AFP on Tuesday, when asked about the situation in the city.

Like others AFP spoke to, she refused to give her surname.

Russia has outlawed criticsm of the authorities and the offensive on Ukraine under strict military censorship laws.

"I worry about the drones," she added.

bur/phz/mjw
A 17-year-old is behind bars at the Shelby County Jail after the high school student's mother discovered and foiled a potential school shooting plot.

A senior at Morristown Jr./Sr. High School, Alexis "Rev" Pickett was charged as an adult Dec. 29 with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and intimidation by the Shelby County Prosecutor's Office.

Pickett and friends on Discord and other online platforms had been counting down to the school's May 2026 graduation at which Pickett was planning an attack, according to court documents.

Her mother tipped off law enforcement

On Dec. 5, 2025, Pickett's mother told Rush County Sheriff's Department deputies that Pickett was "showing behaviors and warning signs of potentially intending to hurt herself or others," according to a probable cause affidavit.

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The mother said Pickett has a girlfriend in Ohio with whom she regularly talked online about school shootings. According to court records, Pickett had dressed up as a school shooter for Halloween. The mother handed over an old cellphone that Pickett had used and two laptops as evidence.

Detectives then brought Pickett in for questioning with her father. Pickett told them she was interested in the psychology of criminals, but would never actually harm anyone, because she wanted to be a firefighter, court documents say.

When Detective Clayton Ratliff requested a current cellphone from Pickett, she seemed hesitant to hand it over, he wrote in a probable cause affidavit. Pickett told Ratliff that things on her phone could get her in trouble.

"She stated that she makes statements to her friend out of aggravation," Ratliff wrote.

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The teen then asked to speak with detectives without her father.

Court docs: Teen said she made "empty threats"

"Once in the room alone, Alexis began to say that she had been abused for many years and had been in a mental hospital approximately two years ago," Ratliff said in court documents. "She states that true crime is a coping mechanism for her and states she had joked about this topic before."

Pickett told detectives that she had made "empty threats" with a friend on social media, calling criminals "heroes," but she didn't mean it.

The teen told detectives that she had felt suicidal "for a long time." She said she wanted to hurt others, and the online friend encouraged her to do so. In the probable cause affidavit for her arrest, she said she'd "rather blow her own brains out" and didn't believe she could actually hurt others.

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During the interview, Pickett wouldn't disclose her friend's name.

After the interview, detectives placed Pickett in emergency detention that included a medical exam. The doctor told officials, "She has told me that she has thoughts of hurting people, mass school shooting, etc. She is also conspiring with another person that she will not name regarding a mass casualty event. She indicates that she will not, 'Rat her out.'"

Court docs: Evidence shows 'Sh-- t ton of gore'

Evidence collected by law enforcement officials highlights images of Columbine school shooters found on 17-year-old Alexis Pickett's phone.

A forensic download of Pickett's phone found several photos and videos about school shootings, many relating to the 1999 Columbine school shooting. Using the nickname "soldier," Pickett had been communicating with someone on Telegram named "pilot."

The phone contained screenshots of conversations in which the two discuss deleting their Discord accounts because of the "sh*t ton of gore" on them. Discord had sent Pickett an alert that her account had broken rules.

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According to court documents, Pickett's girlfriend contacted Pickett's sister on Telegram, saying that she didn't like Pickett's stepfather, and wrote, "I have many times where I wished I could come there and shoot the guy."

On Discord, Pickett's girlfriend told Pickett's sister that Pickett and another Discord friend had plans to "shoot the school."

The plan was to shoot Pickett's stepfather in the morning and use his guns. Pickett's girlfriend said Pickett wanted to do this because she was "bullied." She would "shoot it up" and end her own life. A Discord profile for Pickett showed the countdown date of May 25, 2026.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Pickett preferred he/him pronouns and went by the name Rev, the Discord profile name.

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Detectives learned that Pickett's girlfriend was a 19-year-old living in Dover, Ohio, and according to court documents, she confirmed that they had planned to shoot the school together.

Pickett's phone had a video of Morristown High School with different shots of the exterior of the building featuring a walk-through that mapped out the cafeteria, main entrance, and bathrooms.

When asked about the May 25, 2026, date, Pickett wanted to choose a date closer to when she thought graduation would be, according to court records. The date wasn't "set in stone," and detectives pointed out to her that May 23, 2026, was the actual graduation date.

Detectives found photos on the phone of a muzzleloader rifle with targets. Pickett's stepfather confirmed that the family had four muzzleloaders in the home that were in a plastic case padlocked under his bed.

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Officials identified three others, including Pickett's girlfriend, involved in the plan as conspirators as well.

Pickett pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $1 million cash bond.

Pickett's jury trial is set for April 20, 2026.

Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Court docs: Group of teens online planned school shooting
The court ordered the suspect held until January 15 to allow investigators to complete inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

The Jerusalem Magistrates Court extended the detention of the bus driver linked to an accident that occured on Tuesday night, identified as Fakhri Khatib, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy, Israel Police said on Wednesday.

The court ordered the suspect held until January 15 to allow investigators to complete inquiries into the circumstances of the incident. The hearing concluded shortly before noon, according to police.

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Police representatives told the court they sought the extended detention to exhaust investigative actions and review evidence before a charging decision. The judge accepted the request for nine additional days. The police said the investigation is continuing.

According to hospital and first responder accounts cited in earlier reporting, the victim was trapped beneath a bus and pronounced dead at the scene. The 14-year-old was identified as Yosef Eisenthal.

Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) protest against draft law in Jerusalem, January 6, 2026. (CREDIT: ISRAEL POLICE)

Investigators are examining videos, witness statements, and the suspects account to determine intent and liability, the police said. Authorities have not announced charges.

Three injured in haredi draft protest accident

In addition to Eisenthal, three individuals were injured in the accident, which occured during a haredi draft protest in Jerusalem, where thousands of haredi protesters gathered along Bar-Ilan Street, as well as nearby streets.

"We are deeply shaken by the severe ramming incident in Jerusalem, in which a haredi man was run over and killed during a protest," the haredi party, Shas, said in a statement following the incident, demanding a "thorough and uncompromising" police investigation.
A Boston police officer is now facing serious domestic charges after allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend.

Officer Ricardo Alexandres law enforcement certification has now been suspended by the POST commission.

Alexandre has been charged with strangulation or suffocation and a separate charge of assault and battery.

The criminal complaint alleges that officer Ricardo Alexandre placed both hands around a womans neck and applied pressure during an intimate encounter preventing her from breathing back on December 28.

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The woman told officers they began dating in September and that she did not consent to choking.

The woman told police she hid his car keys after the incident because she was concerned, alleging that Alexandres drinking has worsened after his mothers passing.

The complaint says the officer came back to the victims home the next day.

She then called police after she says she was concerned for her safety. Alexandre was later arrested by Norwood police.

Boston Police confirmed with Boston 25 that officer Alexandre is on paid leave.

Commissioner Michael Cox addressed the allegations on Tuesday.

He was placed on administrative leave immediately, reported to the POST they took away his accreditation. Its a criminal process that he has to go through, but well be doing all an internal affairs investigation, said Commissioner Cox.

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From January of 2021 through September of 2025, 39 officers were either disciplined, decertified or suspended by the commission that certifies officers following an incident that involved some form of domestic violence, including six Boston police officers.

They will interview all the parties in this particular case, they will speak with the girlfriend, the officer that the charges have been made against and also, they may extend their investigation to speak to any eyewitness accounts, any neighbors who may have heard anything. That will be part of their fact finding, said Law Enforcement Expert Todd McGhee.

Alexandre is due in court at a later date. The POST Commission tells Boston 25 News they cannot comment on pending investigations.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
An alleged crypto-fraud kingpin accused by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn of overseeing brutal forced labor camps has been arrested in Cambodia  but its not clear if hell ever face a judge in New York.

Chen Zhi, 37, was arrested Tuesday and deported to China, media outlets in Cambodia reported. China has no extradition treaty with the U.S., and Chinese law bars the extradition of its own citizens.

Chen, whos described by federal prosecutors here as a citizen of China, Cambodia, Vanuatu, St. Lucia and Cyprus, was indicted in the U.S. in October on wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy charges. The feds also announced they had seized $15 billion in Bitcoin from Chen, in what prosecutors described as the largest forfeiture action in Justice Department history.

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The founder and chairman of the Prince Holding Group, Chen oversaw forced work camps in Cambodia where pig butchering scammers contacted victims through text messages or social networks, then persuaded them to invest in bogus crypto funds, the feds allege.

Cambodias Interior Ministry confirmed his arrest in a statement, the English-language Kiripost reported. Chen was stripped of his Cambodian citizenship in December, the outlet reported.

Pig butchering scammers typically cold-contact victims with a wrong-number message, then try to keep communicating by chatting up investment opportunities, claiming they need money for an emergency or starting a fake romance. They then trick their targets into signing up to fraudulent websites and apps, steal their money and go silent.

Prince Holding Group employed thousands of trafficked migrant workers who came to Cambodia looking for work, trapping them in compounds with vast dormitories surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, the feds said in court filings.

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Chen oversaw 10 of these compounds, authorizing beatings and violence to keep the workers in line, the feds allege.

The fraud had a link to New York, according to the feds  Prince Group also used local networks, including one in Brooklyn, to help launder around $18 million in stolen funds from more than 250 victims through shell companies, prosecutors allege.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in Brooklyn declined to comment Wednesday.
Use of whole blood products to save egregiously injured U.S. military combatants became a practice during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and even before those conflicts, according to experts.

In Connecticut, Saint Francis Hospital is using such a Whole Blood Program and expanded it to a third EMS program earlier this year and has a fourth in the works. The program has already performed more than 250 successful blood transfusion in the field, and the hospital said it has saved lives.

Whole blood contains platelets, plasma and white and red blood cells in a correct ratio, an advantage is its component balance, the goal of massive transfusion, particularly in trauma cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Further, in bringing whole blood to the point of injury, such as a car crash, EMS teams can act faster to stabilize critical patients and ultimately save more lives, according to ems.gov, which is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How it works

Enfield Emergency Medical Services is the latest state EMS program to join forces with Saint Francis Hospital for the program that allows the whole blood to be administered to a trauma patient while still at the scene of an emergency or while in transport to the hospital.

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Using the program allows the first responders to treat patients suffering life threatening blood loss in the field. According to Saint Francis Hospital, less than 1 percent of ground EMS agencies in the have this capability.

Saint Francis, a Level I Trauma Center, established the first Whole Blood Program in New England in August 2020 with a partnership with American Medical Response (Hartford) and then added Granby Ambulance Association in March 2021.

John Pettini, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, and fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Medical Services at Saint Francis, has headed this program from the beginning, and said when the hospital first started this program in 2020, the nearest hospital that provided a Whole Blood Program was in Onslow County North Carolina.

Medical and traumatic blood loss patients are eligible to receive the care. It is similar to technology used in military operations and it follows the same principles used in the hospital.

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The whole blood can be brought into the the field, according to hospital officials citing one example, because the low titer type O-whole blood is stored between 2-6 degrees Celsius in a specialty cooler in the Enfield EMS station. A compact, portable, battery-operated blood warming system, including state-of-the-art blood tubing, warms the blood to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for administration to patients.

The Saint Francis Blood Bank manages the distribution, tracking, and rotation of whole blood product in coordination with the EMS programs.

Pettini said its been a game-changer for patients in the field who experience blood loss.

On the national level of trauma care now its considered the most meaningful thing we have done in prehospital care for trauma care since the beginning of hospital care, Pettini said.

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Thats why now all of the national oversights like the American College of Surgeons Committee and Trauma, American College of Emergency physicians, Pre-Hospital Physicians Association and others said this should be the standard for trauma care in the United States, Pettini said.

Pettini said since 2020, the program has reduced mortality in trauma, shootings, and stabbings, as well as medical cases such as gastrointestinal bleeds and postpartum hemorrhage.

He added that Trinity has been ahead of the curve and was one of the first 50 hospital systems in the country to carry whole blood.

Weve put in a lot of work behind the scenes, and weve helped keep it going across the state. We look at this as kind of a global thing. We are epicenter of it in this region. We have helped our colleagues in New Britain and Bridgeport get going even though they are outside of our system, Pettini said.

Preserving lives

Pettini said time is of the essence when helping reverse the shock of traumatic blood loss.

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If we dont do it early, shock becomes irreversible. Across the United States and other countries, the No. 1 cause of death for those age 44 and under is trauma, Pettini said.

Pettini said this idea of this type of blood transfusion in the field was done in the military during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Then they started getting blood out instead of the clear fluids and from 2006 over the next 10 years they started putting blood in and pushing it forward and then some landmark studies came out looking at if they got this blood out in the first 15-30 minutes and who is living and dying, it showed the blood was a huge benefit, Pettini said.

We had special operation soldiers carrying refrigerated cold blood in packs out in the field, on missions or having them in helicopters, he said. As the war was winding down, we thought we could save a lot of American lives if we pushed this out into the field. Its just never been done.

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Pettini spent six years as a researcher for the Department of Defense as a funded researcher from 2014 to 2020. He did his residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, which he said is one of the busiest trauma centers in the country.

Evolving practices

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery, titled Fresh whole blood transfusion capability for Special Operations Forces, confirmed retrospective data from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan show an association between the use of FWB and survival.

Pettini said since the 1970s emergency workers have used clear IV fluids, lactated ringers or normal saline to resuscitate trauma patients. He said those fluids have no meaningful benefits for these patients but kind of just stuck around.

Those clear IV fluids just dont have any clotting factors and no ability to carry oxygen, Pettini said. When you have rapid blood loss, hemorrhagic shock, you need to replace in the body what is lost which is whole blood and all of its components. Blood itself is a complex organ system. It has a few major components including the red blood cells and they carry oxygen to the tissue and keep the machinery of life going.

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The clear plasma part of it that carries the red blood cells is filled with the clotting factors. When someone loses blood quickly and go into shock, the definition it is there is not enough oxygen getting to the tissues. The cells change their whole state of metabolism into a safety net that you cant last too long in, but you have a little bit of time, Pettini continued. The earlier we can get blood back into the patient we can restore that homeostasis and their cells will go back to their normal function and deliver oxygen to the tissues.

The whole blood used by Saint Francis comes out of state from Dedham, Massachusetts from the Red Cross.

While donated blood is called whole blood, stewards of the blood supply will split and spin blood into separate bags with just red blood cells or with the plasma. Plasma can be separated into 13 other products, according to Pettini.

Whole blood across the United States went away in the 1970s, Pettini said. If we have an oncology patient in chemotherapy, they may only need red blood cells or platelets. That became standard in the 70s. Most of us in civilian life never used whole blood, we would give red blood cells in one bag and plasma in others. After a certain ratio we give platelets. The military would say whole blood is everything the patient bled out and thats everything they need back. The military brought back the system of whole blood in the last 20 years.

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The bleeding patient in hemorrhagic shock needs to be replaced with what they just lost on the street or internally in their body, he said. Thats what whole blood is. Not the separated components. When separate components, we have to put in an altoqualine in. One bag gives you back exactly what you had and its super easy for the medics to carry on the street.

Blood has a 21-day shelf life and the blood in the field is cycled out every 7-to-10 days, to the hospital for the blood to be used before it expires.

There are a lot of checks and balances that go into the program, Pettini said. That was only pioneered in 2018 in the San Antonio, Texas region. That left the blueprint for us to follow. But it was hard for us to implement because you are doing something new.

We dont want to be behind

Pettini said the transfusion while transporting to the hospital is a bridge to get to the trauma center for surgery.

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Erin Riggott, chief paramedic for Enfield EMS, said Enfield was approached by Pettini about adding the Whole Blood Program.

Pettini said Enfield was selected because its a good regional resource and has also provided this service to neighboring towns. AMR Hartford and Granby also serve their surrounding towns.

Enfield EMS has gone through the training and purchased the coolers and specialty heating equipment.

We had 14 cases where we have administered blood and all with good results, Riggott said. When you have a whole lot of blood loss, the quicker you can replace that blood loss, the quicker the person is going to do better. Thats what we were seeing. The last one was a gunshot wound. Weve had a handful of traumas including car accidents and medical cases with GI bleeds as the most common of those that we see.

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Riggott said the blood is stored in one of the intercept paramedic vehicles that can meet EMS or neighboring ambulance crews.

Nine of the 14 calls by Enfield EMS were in Enfield. There were also two in Suffield, East Windsor one in Windsor Locks.

You have to guess at the time of call if you need it so you can get it started quickly. Our neighbors have been great about that. When the dispatch comes in, they use their Spidey sense to say this could be a situation where we use it. They give us the heads up to get it going. We dont want to be behind, Riggott said.

Riggott said a couple of the 14 calls would not have made it to the hospital without the blood.

You can see and immediate improvement once we give the unit of whole blood. People tend to perk back up or pink up. Their blood pressure and heart rate seem to settle out pretty quick. Not having it before and having it now, its like amazing. You are like wow after you administer it.

Pettini said the program has been a success in Enfield.

Its gone really well there with no logistical issues, Pettini said. I oversee and review every case within 24 hours, and weve had no issue with patient selection, and the trainings have worked well.

Saint Francis will add St. Marys Hospital (Waterbury) as the fourth location. The hospitals EMS system is run by Trinity Health. The whole blood program will be available in Waterbury and the surrounding communities like the Naugatuck Valley by late January. Training was to begin on Jan. 6 and the service will be available about three weeks later.

The blood type used is Type O blood is safe to give to anyone.

After 70 years of research and billions of dollars from the federal government, weve all defaulted to the department of defense and civilian life, the best thing to use in 2025 is whole blood. We still rely on the volunteer donor system in the U.S. Please give blood for the public health, Pettini said.

Riggott said she feels lucky that Enfield was selected for the program.

We hope to be the keeper of the program for a long time, Riggott said.




WATERTOWN - The victim of a kidnapping and sexual assault managed to sneak out of the apartment where she was held when her alleged attacker fell asleep on the toilet, according to police.

"He then went into the bathroom to pee and fell asleep on the toilet. He usually sits on the toilet to pee which I found strange," the victim told police about Christopher Gianfrancesco, according to the warrant for the man's arrest.

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Watertown police arrested Gianfrancesco, 50, of Watertown, after the woman snuck out of the home and ran to Swift Middle School, where she called police at 3 a.m., police said.

Gianfrancesco was arrested shortly after when he left his apartment in the middle of the night to look for something in his car. Police said they had to fire a stun gun multiple times in order to get him in handcuffs.

He was arraigned Monday at state Superior Court in Watertown on charges of first-degree kidnapping with a firearm, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, discharge of a firearm from a public highway, unlawful discharge of a firearm, criminal use of a firearm, weapons in a vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal possession of ammunition, criminal possession of a revolver, first-degree threatening, reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, breach of peace and other offenses. A judge kept his bond at $2 million.

The victim was known to Gianfrancesco, police said, and he had met with her earlier on Saturday night outside of Watertown in his vehicle. The victim said Gianfrancesco immediately began driving erratically and she couldn't even put on her seatbelt because of his reckless driving, she told police.

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He drove toward Watertown, refusing to allow the victim to exit the vehicle and told her he had a 16-inch bowie knife and a loaded .32-caliber gun, police said.

Police said Gianfrancesco was in possession of a handgun and threatened the victim while driving. They said he fired several rounds from the vehicle while on Litchfield Road at about 9:15 p.m., adding the exact area where that is alleged to have happened remains under investigation.

The victim said Gianfrancesco threatened to kill her and the responding officers if she called police.

She said Gianfrancesco sexually assaulted her and then began to fall asleep but continued to hold onto her. "Any time I moved to try to escape, he would instantly wake up," she told police.

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He then went into the bathroom to urinate and fell asleep on the toilet, she told police, and after 15 minutes she began putting on her clothes. Still fearful Gianfrancesco would wake up, she said she didn't zip up the zipper on her boots, according to the police report.

This article originally published at CT kidnapping and sexual assault victim fled when attacker fell asleep on toilet, warrant says.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  A scientific research and development professional services organization based in the Johnstown area has earned a rank in the 2025 Best for Vets: Employers program by Military Times.

Concurrent Technologies Corp. ranked No. 3 among Pennsylvania-based employers, based on a Military Times analysis of companies efforts to recruit, retain and support current and former service members.

The 2025 ranking marks the 14th time CTC has earned recognition from Military Times, a leading source of news and information for service members and their families, CTC officials said in a press release Tuesday.

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CTC President and CEO Edward Sheehan said the recognition reflects the companys commitment to supporting veterans as they transition to careers after military service.

Veterans bring exceptional leadership, expertise, and a dedication to service that aligns perfectly with our mission to advance national security and deliver innovative solutions, he said in the companys press release. We are proud to provide opportunities where they can continue making a difference.
Cyprus has just taken over the rotating EU presidency for the second time, but the world has changed since it last held the 6-month role in 2012.

Taking the baton from Denmark, for the next six months Cypriot representatives will chair ministerial meetings and mediate in disputes between EU countries.

Europe now "faces new and unprecedented challenges arising from Russia's war against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, in a rapidly changing global environment and with increasing instability," said Erato Kozakou-Markoulis, Cypriot foreign minister back in 2012.

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However, "Europe does not give in to crises, it does not fear challenges. On the contrary, it welcomes them as opportunities and evolves," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said in a ceremony on December 21, where the programme and priorities of the presidency were presented.

Christodoulides was the spokesman for the first Cypriot presidency in 2012.

In order to achieve "a Union that can stand strong, stable, and secure", the Cypriot presidency has come up with five main pillars: security, competitiveness, enlargement, autonomy and fiscal balance, according to Christodoulides.

The overarching buzzword is autonomy, in line with Nicosia's motto: "An Autonomous Union. Open to the World."

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The emblem for the next six months features traditional Cypriot embroidery representing the Mediterranean sun.

"The heart of the logo is the idea of thread: fragile on its own, but strong and cohesive when woven with others. It is a metaphor for the strength that comes from unity," according to the Cypriot government.

Security remains top priority

Christodoulides said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated in the "clearest possible way" the need to strengthen the European security architecture and defence readiness. "Support to Ukraine will remain the main priority of the Cypriot presidency," he added.

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Right from the start, Cyprus wants to make progress on financial support for Kiev, building on the outcome of last month's EU summit, where the European Union agreed on a 90-billion ($105.4 billion) loan to Ukraine.

On February 14, the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Cypriot presidency hopes to approve a further package of sanctions against Russia, making it the 20th.

The Cypriot vision is of a strong European Union that protects its borders and strategic interests while building partnerships and alliances based on democratic values and respect for international law.

The Cypriot presidency promises to swiftly implement last year's White Paper on Defence - a framework to boost defence investments - as well as moving forward with all key defence initiatives, including the SAFE (Security Action For Europe) financial instrument and the EDIP (European Defence Industry Programme).

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Cyprus considers security a "broad, comprehensive and multi-layered concept" that goes beyond strengthening defence - also prioritizing the "effective management" of migration, for example.

The EU's Pact for Migration and Asylum will enter into force on June 12, promising better management of migration, more effective controls and faster returns of failed asylum seekers.

Three other migration regulations are in the process of being approved: the Return Regulation, the Safe Third Country Regulation and the Safe Country of Origin Regulation, paving the way for the expulsion of migrants who have no right to stay in the EU.

Staying connected and competitive

Cyprus' strategic location has driven another priority: the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, an initiative aimed at deepening cooperation and reinforcing relations with the EU's southern Mediterranean partners.

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Christodulides intends to present the key projects at an informal April summit in Cyprus. Participants are expected to include the 10 leaders of the EU's Southern Neighbourhood partners, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The island of Cyprus is divided into a southern part governed by Greek Cypriots and a northern part governed by Turkish Cypriots which unilaterally declared independence in 1983 and is only recognized by Turkey.

A further Cypriot priority is to strengthen EU relations with regional organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States, part of Nicosia's efforts to reinforce the bloc's ties with its partners in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean.

This includes Cyprus' own border agreement with Lebanon: In November, the two countries signed a deal demarcating their exclusive economic zones, with a view to opening up commerce in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

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Overall, Cyprus wants to make the most of its position: strategic not only for migration flows and for regional relations, but also as a potential energy hub at a time when the EU is finalizing the replacement of Russian gas and oil.

Connectivity, particularly for islands and peripheral regions, is likewise a cornerstone of the Ports and Industrial Maritime Strategies that the Cypriot presidency will promote.

EU enlargement for peace

Nicosia is in favour of enlargement as a means to expand the realms of peace, democracy, security and stability.

It highlights the transformative power of enlargement in candidate countries that are committed to reform and to resolving long-standing neighbourhood disputes based on European law, values and principles.

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Christodulides mentioned Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans in particular, underlining the commitment of the Cypriot presidency to tangible progress in these countries' accession processes.

However, Ukraine's membership aspirations are at a deadlock, with Hungary blocking any progress in negotiations. Under EU rules, each stage of the accession process must be supported by all 27 EU countries.

Long-term budget challenge

One headache that risks overshadowing the Cypriot presidency is the EU's next long-term budget for 2028-2034. Denmark drew up the first draft under its presidency, leaving Cyprus to make significant progress in reaching a compromise.

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The seven-year budget covers all of the EU's core spending, from farm subsidies and cohesion funds for less developed regions, to building transport infrastructure and supporting developing countries outside the bloc.

European Council President Antonio Costa intends to reach an agreement on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) by the end of 2026. This timeline is key to ensuring continuity in EU funding programmes, Costa said recently.

Nicosia's aim is to arrive at a negotiating position by the end of June, when its presidency ends - although the approval of the MFF is set to be challenging.

The European Commission's initial proposal was immediately criticized by the European Parliament, especially given plans to merge funds for farmers and regions - which make up around half of the total EU budget - into single funds managed by the bloc's 27 capitals.

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Under the current system, regions play a key role in managing funding.

Two years of intensive negotiations are expected.

Other priorities for the next six months include strengthening the rule of law across the EU and implementing the European Affordable Housing Plan, as well as bolstering the EU's single market and its digital leadership amid global challenges.

The official opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday in Nicosia, or Lefkosia as Greek-speaking Cypriots call the capital.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, CTK, dpa, HINA and TASR as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
Snowflake expands its collaboration with Google Cloud by bringing Gemini 3 to Snowflake Cortex AI to help enterprises like BlackLine and Fivetran unlock faster insights, reduce data movement, and accelerate AI-driven growth

Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company announced it has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud, connecting the worlds leading data and AI platform with Googles advanced AI technologies to help accelerate enterprise innovation. Snowflake and Google Cloud will deliver deeper product integration and go-to-market alignment. This includes the availability of Google Clouds Gemini 3 natively within Snowflake Cortex AI, bringing Googles proprietary large language models (LLMs) to Snowflakes secure, governed data environment. Customers can now develop, deploy, and scale generative AI applications, including intelligent Data Agents enabled by Gemini, directly in Snowflake without moving or copying data across platforms, helping to ensure security, compliance, and performance.

Google has long set the standard for innovation and large-scale infrastructure, remaining at the forefront of the generative AI revolution, said Christian Kleinerman, EVP of Product, Snowflake. By combining Google Clouds industry leadership with Snowflakes ability to bring AI directly to enterprise data, were empowering customers to move faster, innovate more freely, and redefine whats possible through data and AI.

The expanded collaboration deepens go-to-market alignment between Snowflake and Google Cloud, enabling joint customer engagements, new co-sell opportunities, and the ability to transact through Google Cloud Marketplace. The companies will also collaborate across global markets, with the recent launch of Snowflake on Google Cloud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and upcoming launch of Snowflake on Google Cloud in Melbourne, Australia in early 2026. Another advancement is the production availability of Snowflake Gen2 Warehouses on Google Cloud Axion-based C4A VM machines, a major infrastructure upgrade delivering notable price-performance benefits.

Through this partnership, Google Cloud and Snowflake are empowering enterprises to innovate faster, said Michael Gerstenhaber, Google Vice President, Agents, API & Vertex AI. By bringing Gemini models natively into Snowflake, customers can use the worlds most advanced generative AI capabilities on their governed data, unlocking new insights and automation opportunities across industries.

Enterprises across key industries  including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and supply chain, technology, and analytics  are already adopting joint solutions from Snowflake and Google Cloud to modernise their data foundations and accelerate AI innovation. Leading enterprises, including BlackLine and Fivetran are leveraging the Snowflake AI Data Cloud on Google Cloud to power its enterprise data strategy  enabling real-time analytics, AI model deployment, and advanced governance across their ecosystems.

"BlackLine is pioneering agentic AI for the Office of the CFO, moving beyond simple automation to create AI that actively partners with finance & accounting professionals," said Jeremy Ung, BlackLine Chief Technology Officer. "By embedding Google's powerful Gemini models into our unified data platform on Snowflake, we are empowering our platform to tackle the most complex financial processes with greater speed and intelligence than ever before."

Enterprises are finally able to do far more with their data than simply store it or run basic queries, said George Fraser, CEO of Fivetran. Fivetran delivers the connected and governed data foundation that allows Gemini in Snowflake Cortex AI to actually think and reason with customer data. What used to take weeks of custom development now happens in days, simply by asking questions and getting answers from the data that already runs their business.




A national effort to free a Texas DACA recipient arrested over his social media posts came to Houston on Tuesday with a small protest outside the Consulate General of the Philippines.

Yaakub "Jacob" Vijandre has been detained since October when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Vijandre, a mechanic and freelance video journalist, was arrested while leaving his home in Arlington after speaking out against the war in Gaza and for supporting people he believes have been unjustly incarcerated, according to court filings.

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READ MORE: A dream, deferred: Texas' undocumented students rethink college as opportunities dry up

Vijandre came to the United States in 2001 from the Philippines, and at the time of his arrest held a valid Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, designation. The Trump administration has revoked that protection, claiming Vijandre made statements "glorifying terrorism."

He had a scheduled appearance before an immigration judge in Georgia on Tuesday morning after his DACA status was revoked and he sought asylum. He has a separate petition pending in federal court seeking his release from detention.

Maria Kari, a Houston attorney who is part of Vijandre's legal team, said her client sought asylum after he converted to Islam. His religion and the Trump administration's claims about Vijandre's support for so-called terrorist organizations put him at risk in his native country, she said.

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Advocates who gathered in Houston on Tuesday said Vijandre's case reflects the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants' free speech, creating a chilling effect meant to silence others from speaking out.

MORE COVERAGE: Trump's immigration plan might include mass deportations. What are Houston leaders saying about it?

"Free speech is protected for anyone in the U.S. because it's part of our Constitution, it's part of our democracy," said Rory Kesler, an activist and member of Anakbayan Houston, a pro-Filipino organization.

"This is exactly the fear that (the Department of Homeland Security) and ICE are trying to set as a precedent," Kesler added. "They're trying to say, if you are not a citizen here, you shouldn't speak up about anything. That way they can get away with their abuse."

Filipino community members and allies rally against the arrest and deportation of Filipino-American photojournalist Ya'akub Ira Vijandre, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at the Philippine Consulate of Houston in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle)





Vijandre's social media accounts included posts supporting the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a U.S.-educated neuroscientist who was accused by the United States of attempting to kill American soldiers, and arguing members of the Holy Land Foundation have been unjustly imprisoned, according to court documents.

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In an analysis of Vijandre's case the Reeves Immigration Law Group, a national immigration law firm, said it's just one of about 20 where DACA recipients have been arrested.

"Alongside the heightened scrutiny of immigrants' social media activity, it signals a broader trend of stripping DACA protections," the firm writes. "This shift reflects a more aggressive and far-reaching enforcement approach, leaving many DACA recipients facing increased uncertainty and vulnerability."

This article originally published at From DACA to detention: Immigrant in Texas held after social media posts, lawyers say.
As Venezuelans attempt to regain a semblance of normalcy after the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro, authorities in the country are cracking down on any show of support to the beleaguered leaders removal.

As Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuelas acting leader on Monday, rights group warned of escalating repression, with checkpoints being erected around the country, amid reports of price gouging and growing hunger.

Officials imposed a decree on Monday, which grants broad powers to the presidency and orders security forces to capture any person involved in the promotion or support of the weekend attack by the US.

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That same day, Venezuelan security forces temporarily detained 14 journalists, including reporters who were covering the swearing-in of the countrys national assembly, according to the national press union. No explanation was given for their detention.

It also emerged that political prisoners had their visiting rights suspended and are being prevented from communicating with the outside world, according to the Committee for the Liberation of Political Prisoners in Venezuela.

The committee added that checkpoints have been going up in cities around the country, with people being searched and detained for possessing digital material linked to the US military action.

Venezuelas Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello posted two videos on Instagram showing security forces in the capital. In one video, a group of armed men can be heard shouting: Loyal always, traitors never!

Police patrol in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, on January 5. - Cristian Hernandez/AP

Silence and anxiety grip the capital Caracas, caused by the shock of the January 3 attack and the fear of the governments heavy-handed response.

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There is still a heavy police presence in Caracas, even if there are fewer soldiers patrolling the streets.

There has been little sign of public dissent or even anti-government posts on social media. The fear of reprisal looms large under a regime notorious for punishing dissent, especially given the officials in charge of past crackdowns, Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, remain in their roles.

Since Sunday, pro-government groups have taken to the streets to demand the release of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. But these types of demonstrations have been limited in size and scope.

Warning signs

Even in the face of uncertainty, Venezuelans seem ready to move forward.

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More civilians were seen milling out on the streets of Caracas today. Public offices are operating, the Metro is running, the nearby airport is receiving domestic flights, and supermarkets are still selling produce to customers.

Some services are not yet operating at full capacity, due in part to a public holiday, Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), which has kept many at home.

But over the next few days, schools are due to reopen, and employees are expected to report back to work full-time. Padrino Lopez told people Sunday to resume their economic activities, work, and all other types of activities, including educational activities, in the coming days.

The governments focus seems to be shifting toward restarting the economy, which has been flashing warning signs this week.

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Venezuelas currency, the Bolivar, has suffered a sharp devaluation. Yesterday, there were areas in the city of Maracaibo where stores and shops only accepted cash, and the exchange rate was 900 to 1,000 Bolivares to the US dollar (it is normally around 300).

Empty store shelves in Venezuela. - CNN

Amid reports of price gouging, some shelves across the country have started to empty.

Reports of hunger are relentless in areas farther from the city. In the east of the country, businesses in smaller cities have removed prices altogether.

The challenges plaguing the country are abundant. But Venezuelans, having endured years of crises, know how to tackle adversity.

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Caracas merchant Douglas Sanchez told Reuters Monday that in the midst of the chaos and desperation, those of us who work day to day, who eat day to day have to keep making money. Because if you dont go out to work, you dont have anything.

CNNs Jack Guy, Gonzalo Zegarra and German Padinger contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Authorities have launched an investigation after a dead whale was found on the bow of a ship coming to port at a marine terminal in New Jersey over the weekend.

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay reported on at around 11:15 p.m. local time on Jan. 4 that a dead whale was caught on the bow of a ship at a marine terminal in Gloucester City, New Jersey, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The Gloucester Marine Terminal is located in the Port of Philadelphia on the Delaware River.

In an update on Jan. 6, the center  a federally authorized animal rescue service based in New Jersey  said it was at the scene on Jan. 5 and worked with local assets to remove the whale from the bow of the ship and tow the carcass to a nearby secure location.

The center said it worked with local, state, and federal authorities to identify an appropriate necropsy and disposal site. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident and has asked anyone with information on the dead whale to contact its hotline.

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The whale has been tentatively identified as a fin whale and is believed to be about 25 to 30 feet long, according to the center. An official identification of the whale will be confirmed during the recovery and examination.

What are fin whales?

The second-largest whale species after blue whales, fin whales are classified as an endangered species, according to NOAA. A fully grown fin whale can reach up to 85 feet long and weigh 40 to 80 tons.

The massive mammal, which gets its name from the fin on its back, near its tail, is found in oceans across the globe, the NOAA said. Fin whales are typically found in deep, offshore waters in open seas, away from the coast, primarily in temperate to polar latitudes.

Like all large whales, the NOAA said fin whales were hunted by commercial whalers and their populations were significantly decimated. Populations have since gradually recovered due to conservation efforts.

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While whaling is no longer a threat to the species, their existence is still threatened by ship strikes, entanglements in fishing gear, underwater noise, and the effects of climate change, according to the NOAA.

The species, along with all other marine mammals, is protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. The law makes it illegal for people to disturb, feed, harass, hunt, and capture marine mammals.

Whale deaths in California: 5 dead whales spotted in San Francisco Bay Area amid 'unusually high' year

Latest incident involving dead whale in the United States

In recent years, vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements have been persistent threats to whales across the world. According to the nonprofit International Marine Mammal Project, about 20,000 whales are killed worldwide by vessel strikes each year.

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"Large whale species such as fin, humpback, gray, and blue whales are most often victims, with collisions concentrated in busy shipping lanes near major ports and along migratory routes," the International Marine Mammal Project said. "On the U.S. West Coast, Californias waters are a hotspot, with ship traffic converging near critical whale feeding and migration areas."

Currently, the NOAA has three active unusual mortality events for minke whales, North Atlantic right whales, and humpback whales along the Atlantic Coast. An unusual mortality event is defined as "a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response," according to the agency.

More: Sperm whale found dead on Oregon coast believed to have been struck by vessel

From late 2022 to early 2023, USA TODAY reported a series of deaths involving more than 20 whales, including critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, humpbacks, pilot whales, and orcas. Several of the deaths were attributed to a variety of human activities, such as boat strikes.

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In 2024, the NOAA reported that multiple North Atlantic right whales had died from injuries consistent with a vessel strike. In July 2025, the California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Center confirmed that 24 whales died in the greater San Francisco Bay Area region for the year.

The deaths included 21 gray whales, two unidentified baleen whales, and one minke whale, according to the California Academy of Sciences. At the time, the research institute said the cause of eight of the gray whale deaths was determined to be suspected or probable vessel strikes.

"The Academy and partners at the Center have not responded to this many dead gray whales since the height of the Unusual Mortality Event in 2019 (14 individuals) and 2021 (15 individuals)," the California Academy of Sciences said in a statement in July 2025.

Contributing: Saman Shafiq and Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dead fin whale found caught on ship in New Jersey marine terminal
Jan. 7A Decatur man asked the court to reduce his bond Tuesday after Morgan County sheriff's deputies said they found him in August inside a residence with a juvenile and several ounces of fentanyl.

Victor Karl Banks II, 45, was charged with trafficking morphine, illegal possession of prescription drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of using a false identity to avoid arrest, multiple counts of dangerous drug possession, possession of a synthetic narcotic, chemical endangerment and failure to comply with a child-support order, according to Morgan County jail records.

He is in jail in lieu of a total $525,000 bond, with bond amounts still pending on the trafficking, chemical endangerment, synthetic narcotic possession and child-support writ charges.

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In the motion to reduce bond, Banks' lawyer argued that his client was indigent and "is effectively being held without a bond" because he cannot post a $525,000 bond. Banks also has parents and children residing in Decatur, according to the motion, and is not a flight risk.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no order had been filed on the motion.

According to a deputy's affidavit, agents with the Morgan County Drug Enforcement Unit initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle committing a traffic violation near Alabama 20 and Davis Street Northwest. The vehicle appeared to act evasively during the stop and pulled into a residence in the 500 block of Walnut Court Northwest, the affidavit said.

Court records list Banks' residence as being on Walnut Court Northwest.

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"Agents made contact with the vehicle's occupants, later identified as Victor Banks II, the driver, and a female juvenile passenger," the affidavit states. "Banks initially provided false identifying information to agents, claiming to be an individual named Brian Freeman with a date of birth of Oct. 14, 1981."

After clearing the scene, agents determined the information Banks provided was false and that he had an active felony warrant. Deputies then obtained search warrants for the Walnut Court residence and for Banks' person after allegedly detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the garage and interior of the home. Investigators also determined a juvenile was living at the residence with Banks, according to the affidavit.

Agents entered the residence, found Banks inside and arrested him. A search of the garage, according to the executed warrant, yielded 4 ounces of fentanyl, 22 grams of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, digital scales, several THC Delta-9 vape pens, drug packaging materials, ecstasy pills and other items. Deputies also reported finding various chemical compounds.

Court records show Banks has prior felony convictions in Morgan County.

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In 2003, Banks pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property in the first degree and first-degree criminal mischief and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2004.

Court records show that case stemmed from a December 2002 burglary at Weaver's Car Wash in Hartselle, where police said about $600 in cash and other items were taken and the business sustained several thousand dollars in damage. An affidavit states Banks was arrested by Hartselle police after he had already been taken into custody by Priceville police in connection with a separate car wash burglary.

In another case, a Decatur police affidavit states officers stopped Banks during a traffic stop in April 2015 at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Second Street Southwest. Officers reported finding more than a pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

"While officers were searching Banks, they located a large amount of U.S. currency consistent with proceeds from illegal drug sales," the affidavit states. "Officers seized the currency pending condemnation procedures."

He pleaded guilty to first-degree possession of marijuana in 2017 and was sentenced to six years in prison, with credit for time already served.

 wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.
Elaine Graham will speak on downsizing and decluttering at the next meeting of Altrusa International of Oak Ridge.

The in-person Altrusa meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 215 S. Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge. The buffet cost is $20, or if you wish to attend and not eat, the cost is $5 to attend, cash or check only. Members of the public wishing to attend, or Altrusans without reservations, should send an email to altrusareservations@gmail.com by noon Monday, Jan. 12.

A short business meeting will begin at noon, folllowed by Graham's talk.

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Graham founded Estate Sale Professionals in 2007, but she has more than 25 years of experience in resale. Hundreds of clients have trusted her to liquidate their possessions, and customers seek out her organized and fun sales, according to an Altrusa news release. She has a team of professionals who help her.

In addition to organizing estate sales, Graham is described in the release as an entertaining speaker.

Altrusa International is a service organization comprised of community members focusing on leadership and service with an emphasis on literacy and education.

Elaine Graham

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Graham will offer tips on decluttering and downsizing at Oak Ridge talk
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A Delaware County judge on a voluntary leave of absence following allegations he coerced a woman into sexual relations admits to pursuing a relationship, but that nothing criminal occurred.

Through his attorney, Delaware County Judge James P. Schuck denies any criminal wrongdoing, but does admit he engaged in a relationship.

Jude Schuck acknowledges that it was wrong to engage in a personal relationship outside his marriage, the statement from Schucks attorney reads. He is addressing it responsibly and directly with his family. That personal failing does not equate to criminal conduct, nor does it support the false and defamatory accusations that have been made.

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Retired FBI agent explains what investigators are seeking in couples killing

Schuck took a voluntary leave of absence in late November after he was accused of pressuring an attorney in the prosecutors office to have sex. The allegations came to light after Schuck was named as the defendant in a civil stalking case brought by a Delaware County assistant prosecuting attorney.

The statement says that Schuck has not yet had his day in court and that once all the evidence is heard, the claims against him will be shown to be false.

The case report from the sheriffs office states that after a Nov. 25 interview with the alleged victim, it was determined a crime may have occurred. The report lists offenses of rape and gross sexual imposition. To date, Schuck has not been criminally charged in Delaware County, according to online court records.

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He takes allegations of sexual assault with the utmost seriousness and understands the gravity of such claims  for all parties involved, the attorneys statement reads, adding that Schuck has taken and passed a polygraph test and has cooperated with law enforcement investigating the matter.

The case report states Schuck was 50 and the victim was 25 at the time the report was made.

Columbus fire chief to resign after being dealt disciplinary charges

In November 2024, Schuck had asked the woman if she was single and said he wanted to get to know her better, according to the report. Over the next several months, Schuck allegedly kept asking personal questions and, in at least one instance, allegedly forced himself on her physically at the Delaware County Courthouse.

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The woman said that, on multiple occasions, Schuck would become really emotional when she would say no to sex, including at times crying and punching a couch, according to the report.

Schuck sent the woman a text message apologizing for scaring her and pressuring her and that he wanted another chance, according to the report. The woman blocked Schuck on social media platforms and said the interactions slowed down.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
One of the Democrats looking take on Republican Rep. Mike Lawler this year is pumping $5 million of his own money into his campaign to boost his primary bid.

Peter Chatzky, a tech company executive and Briarcliff Manor deputy mayor in Westchester County, announced his hefty investment in the race on Tuesday, Jan. 6, saying he'll initially spend six figures on digital ads and six figures on mailings to get his name and message before voters in New York's 17th Congressional District.

"I kept saying from the very beginning that I had the financial wherewithal to fund my own campaign if I had to," Chatzky said in an interview with the USA TODAY Network. "So I was not focused on that  I was more focused on developing my messaging, hearing from constituents, hearing what the major concerns are, and building a campaign that would directly address those."

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But the emphasis on fundraising kept growing, he said, and so he "decided just to make a bold statement to make this go away." Having been told a primary could cost as much as $4 million, he ponied up enough to go beyond that.

Chatzky is one of seven Democratic candidates vying to challenge Lawler in a key Hudson Valley swing district, viewed as one of the country's most competitive seats and vital in determining which party controls the narrowly divided House after the Nov. 3 elections. Lawler has won twice and is running for a third term.

The vote to decide which Democrat runs to unseat him is still more than five months away. Candidates start collecting petition signatures to get on the ballot toward the end of February, and those who stay in the race will compete in a June 23 primary.

Peter Chatzky of Briarcliff Manor is a Democratic candidate in the 2026 race for New York's 17th Congressional District.

How does the NY 17th Congressional District race look at this stage?

Two candidates, Beth Davidson and Cait Conley, have led the field in fundraising and were invited to Washington last year by the House Democrats' campaign arm, signaling they were viewed by party leaders as the most promising prospects. Davidson is a Rockland County legislator; Conley is an Army combat veteran and former national security official in the Biden administration.

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Chatzky, who joined the race in June as the 7th candidate, quickly moved into the field's top funding ranks by lending his campaign $750,000. The $5 million he just announced comes in addition to those initial sums.

Seven Democrats running for New York's 17th Congressional District seat took part in an Aug. 7 forum in Carmel held by the Putnam and Dutchess counties' Democratic committees.

Conley announced Jan. 5 that she had raised a hefty $560,000 in the last three months of 2025, leaving her with $1.2 million in her coffers. All candidates are due to make their latest campaign filings by Jan. 31.

The other contenders include Effie Phillips-Staley, a Tarrytown village trustee who announced the endorsement of former Rep. Jamaal Bowman on Jan. 5; former journalist Mike Sacks; former FBI analyst John Sullivan; and Air Force veteran John Cappello.

What to know about Peter Chatzky

Chatzky is founder and CEO of Napa Group LLC, a small financial technology company that employs 12 to 15 people. He says he founded the company 40 years ago after graduating from business school, and "rode a wave" of success by equipping some of the world's largest banks with what was then pioneering technology.

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"I was very fortunate to be coming into this field at the time I came into it," he said.

Hot seat: Moderate or 'MAGA Mike'? Lawler eyes 3rd term as Dems circle for NYs hottest House seat

Chatzky touted that business experience and his his ten years as a village mayor and trustee as credentials that set him apart. His first digital ad calls him "the Democrat with no strings attached," casting him as more independent than the other candidates.

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA TODAY Network. Reach him at CMcKenna@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Democrat Peter Chatzky puts up $5M in crowded primary for Lawler seat
Democratic attorneys general held their first of a series of town halls on March 5, 2025, in Phoenix to discuss how they are standing up to President Donald Trump. From left to right: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)

PORTLAND, Ore.  One year into President Donald Trumps second term, Democratic attorneys general have filed 71 lawsuits against the administration.

Theres more to come in 2026. The lawsuits are part of a coordinated legal strategy by Democratic AGs in 22 states and the District of Columbia to resist the ever-widening power of the executive branch.

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Its not unusual for states to sue an administration; the party not in the White House has often turned to the courts. But its one of the few pathways for Democrats now, since Republicans hold the presidency, both chambers of Congress and have appointed a majority of the U.S. Supreme Court. And Trump in his second term has taken a much broader view of presidential power than previous administrations, asserting far more authority than his predecessors.

Democrats hope to retake at least one chamber of Congress in Novembers midterm elections. But for most of the coming year, the party will be relying on AG court challenges as their main venue to take on Trump.

One of the most prolific AGs is Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who has led or joined 52 lawsuits against this Trump administration.

Its not a slogan or a political brand, Rayfield said of the coalition in an email interview with Stateline. Its a working partnership. When we coordinate, were able to defend the constitutional balance, push back when a president overreaches, and make sure our residents arent left paying the price for unlawful decisions coming out of Washington.

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The state AGs have brought cases over Trumps tariffs and National Guard deployments. Theyve also fought cuts to federal research, education programs, food assistance, disaster recovery, health care and housing. And they say its their job to maintain core civil rights protections as well as stick up for the people in their state who, they argue, are harmed by the whims of the presidents executive orders.

None of the institutions in our government have been built to respond and react to the scale and speed of the destruction thats being wrought by the Trump administration, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez told Source New Mexico.

Since the beginning of 2025, the attorneys general have toured the country on multistate listening tours and have touted their accomplishments on progressive legal podcasts. Theyve won 40 of the 51 resolved cases, according to a tracker from the Progressive State Leaders Committee.

The AGs are not alone in taking legal action. Individuals, businesses, labor unions, associations, universities, local governments and other entities have filed 554 cases against the presidents expansion of executive branch powers, according to Just Security, a daily digital law policy journal with a litigation tracker that monitors challenges to Trump administration executive actions.

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But the attorney general coalition serves as a coordinated, quick-moving and high-capacity force protecting the rule of law, federal funding streams, and peoples rights, said Jonathan Miller, chief program officer of the Public Rights Project, which helps state and local governments partner on litigation that protects and advances civil rights.

Thats the foundation for restoring faith in democratic institutions: making the legal system work the way its supposed to for the people its supposed to serve.

 Jonathan Miller, chief program officer of the Public Rights Project

The attorneys general have proven such a successful coalition that the Public Rights Project is adopting a similar approach that makes it easier for cities and counties to pool expertise, coordinate legal theories and act collectively, Miller said.

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The rule of law is ultimately about people, Miller said. When courts enforce the law, families stay housed, public health and emergency services stay open, and local leaders can govern without political coercion. Thats the foundation for restoring faith in democratic institutions: making the legal system work the way its supposed to for the people its supposed to serve.

Immediate action

Democratic AGs began filing their multistate lawsuits the day after Trump took office, challenging the presidents executive order ending birthright citizenship. The immediate legal action was intended to send a clear message to the Trump administration that state attorneys general will stand up for our residents and their basic constitutional rights, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement at the time. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case this spring.

Rayfield said some days their work aims to build an emergency firewall to halt unlawful presidential actions  such as deploying the National Guard. Other days, its more targeted, fact-driven litigation designed to keep money, benefits and services flowing to states.

In December, Rayfield, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown led a coalition of 19 attorneys general and the governor of Pennsylvania in challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for threatening to punish doctors, hospitals and clinics that provide gender-affirming care.

In early November, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments from Oregons then-solicitor general, Benjamin Gutman, who argued on behalf of a coalition of a dozen states that sued over Trumps sweeping tariff policy on most goods entering the United States. Rayfield and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes began discussing a tariff lawsuit in April, before a joint appearance at a town hall in Oregon. Both had been considering it, but it was their in-person discussion that led to the collaboration, Mayes said during a panel discussion hosted by the Legal AF podcast on the MeidasTouch Network.

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This is not what I get up every day wanting to do, Mayes told Cronkite News outside the Supreme Court, after Gutman argued the tariff case. But if Donald Trump decides to violate the Constitution, violate statute, or harm the people of Arizona, Im going to file that lawsuit.

After Trumps 2024 election, Democratic attorneys general began meeting almost daily over Zoom to prepare their legal approach for a second term. This time around, they had a better sense for what was coming because it was outlined in Project 2025, the conservative blueprint that has shaped much of the Trump administrations agenda so far.

As they enter their second year of legal collaboration, the AGs continue to meet regularly, but because theyve developed close working relationships, its at a more sustainable cadence, Rayfield said.

Republicans sue, too

Republican attorneys general say they, too, are taking action to protect state sovereignty. Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox wrote in an op-ed in The Washington Post in November that lawsuits emerging from progressive states, particularly state- and municipal-driven cases in state courts over climate change, are as much of a threat to state sovereignty as the federal government as well as an attempt to remake the nation in the image of progressive enclaves such as San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

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They reach into states like Alaska with their rules and regulations, Cox wrote. They push misguided legal theories targeting ordinary Americans. And they file lawsuits that would give state courts in ideologically aligned jurisdictions the chance to control the economies of states like mine.

Republican attorneys general have been largely supportive of the presidents second-term agenda, including supporting the deployment of out-of-state National Guard troops to protect federal facilities. Led by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Republican attorneys general in 26 states sent a letter in support of such a mobilization in June in Los Angeles, describing it as the right response  and one we fully support. And as recently as October, Republican attorneys general in 16 states wrote a letter supporting the Trump administrations attacks on boats it says are smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

State attorneys general have long taken on the executive branch, no matter who was in power.

Democratic attorneys general filed 138 multistate lawsuits against federal agencies during Trumps first administration, according to a 2020 assessment by Paul Nolette, a political scientist at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

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And some Republican attorneys general were especially litigious during the Biden administration. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton famously sued the Biden administration 106 times, including a suit challenging the administrations offshore drilling policy in the final days of the presidency. Paxton followed in the footsteps of his Republican predecessor, now-Gov. Greg Abbott, who sued the Obama administration 31 times as a Republican attorney general: I go to the office. I sue the federal government. Then I go home, he told The Dallas Morning News in 2012.

Attorneys general in more progressive states say their actions during the current administration have kept their states from losing billions of dollars in federal funds that would have otherwise been blocked for schools, public health, domestic violence prevention and other services. In Oregon, its an estimated $4.5 billion, Rayfield said. Arizona estimates it has held on to $1.5 billion. In California, its $168 billion.

In Oregon, one of the lawsuit hearings this fall drew an audience so large that an overflow courtroom adjacent to a packed main federal courtroom was needed. A crowd quietly watched arguments on a video display as lawyers for the state of Oregon and the city of Portland argued that the Trump administrations deployment of National Guard troops was not only a vast federal overreach, but also a threat to state sovereignty and public safety.

The administration said it deployed the Guard to protect federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But when an attorney for the U.S. Justice Department described protesters as vicious and cruel radicals for their demonstrations outside of an ICE facility in Portland, the phrase elicited muffled snickers from the otherwise decorous courtroom observers.

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Among the protesters dominating news reports and social media feeds was a 20-something in a chicken costume. Other peaceful protesters spawned a new symbol of resistance: inflatable frog costumes. And naked bike riders rolled up en masse to the ICE facility, too, braving a cold, wet day and exposure on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show.

But the issue in front of U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut was no laughing matter.

Oregons lawsuit challenging Trumps National Guard deployment was a critical public safety outcome for the state, Rayfield said. It prevented troops from mobilizing in Portland, forestalling what he described as the kind of escalation that could have caused real harm.

Attorneys general are prepared in 2026 to monitor and enforce their courtroom victories, Rayfield said. He and other state officials and local prosecutors have warned U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that excessive force by DHS officers wont be tolerated during immigration enforcement activities. If warranted, theyll refer them for prosecution, he said.

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That isnt just a legal win  its a safety win, Rayfield said. The president cannot use federalization as a shortcut to move troops into American cities without lawful cause. That matters for Portland, and it matters for every state watching what happened here.

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Former Del. Mike Jones (left) and Charlie Schmidt won special elections Tuesday, with Jones capturing the Richmond-area Senate District 17 seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Schmidt succeeding Jones in House District 77. (Photos courtesy of campaigns)

Former Richmond Del. Mike Jones is headed back to the General Assembly  this time as a state senator  after winning Tuesdays special election in Virginia Senate District 15, a Democratic-leaning seat vacated late last year by Ghazala Hashmi.

By 8 p.m., Jones had defeated Republican John Thomas by a margin of 67.8-32% out of 15,409 votes cast, according to unofficial election results, securing a seat that stretches across much of Richmond and parts of Chesterfield County.

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The win caps a fast-moving political reshuffle sparked by Novembers statewide elections and ensures Democrats retain control of the district as lawmakers prepare to convene for the 2026 General Assembly session next week.

Jones victory immediately triggered another result down-ballot. In House District 77  the Richmond-based seat Jones vacated to run for the Senate  Democrat Charlie Schmidt won a special election of his own Tuesday, defeating Republican Richard Stonage by 76.5-23.4% out of 5,970 votes cast. Smith will fill the remainder of Jones unexpired House term.

The twin victories keep both districts in Democratic hands amid a period of unusual turnover in the legislature, driven largely by lawmakers joining the administration of incoming Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who will be sworn in later next week.

State Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, said Tuesdays results underscored Democrats momentum heading into the 2026 session.

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I am proud to congratulate Senator-elect Mike Jones and Delegate-elect Charlie Schmidt on their decisive victories, Bagby said in a statement, calling the races two more crucial wins for the Democratic Party of Virginia.

He said Jones has already demonstrated leadership with results, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people he serves, citing his work both in elected office and through his faith.

Bagby also praised Schmidt as an accomplished attorney and longtime community advocate with a record of fighting for civil rights, supporting small businesses and advancing environmental justice.

Together, Bagby said, these victories send a clear message: when we remain laser-focused on making Virginia more affordable and a place where all can thrive, we can win and will keep winning.

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Tuesdays contests were set in motion after Hashmi, a Richmond-area senator first elected in 2019, vacated her seat following her election as Virginias lieutenant governor. Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, in December called Tuesdays special election to fill the vacancy, compressing campaign timelines and forcing parties to quickly settle on nominees.

Jones, who had represented House District 77 since 2020, entered the Senate race soon after Hashmis elevation and emerged from a closely watched Democratic nominating contest last month. That primary exposed some internal party tensions but ultimately solidified Jones as the consensus standard-bearer for Democrats in the district.

Republicans nominated Thomas, who framed the race around public safety and cost-of-living concerns, but the districts recent voting history and high-profile Democratic turnout efforts proved difficult to overcome.

Jones resigned his House seat shortly after securing the Democratic nomination, prompting a second special election in HD-77 that also landed on Tuesdays ballot.

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Tuesdays outcomes preserve Democrats numbers in both chambers at a critical moment.

While the party increased its majority in the House following the Nov. 4 elections, several departures  particularly from safe Democratic districts  have required leadership to juggle special elections even as committee assignments and legislative priorities for 2026 are being finalized.

In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have acknowledged that the churn has created logistical challenges but said it has not altered the partys policy agenda heading into the new session.

Jones is expected to be sworn in quickly, allowing him to participate fully when lawmakers return to Richmond next week. He has built a reputation in the House as a reliable vote for Democratic leadership, with a legislative portfolio that includes criminal justice reform, labor protections and education funding.

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Schmidt, the incoming delegate from HD-77 and self-proclaimed progressive Democrat, ran on a platform emphasizing continuity with Jones record and local ties to the district.

The Richmond-area races are part of a broader wave of special elections unfolding across Virginia in the wake of Novembers results. Several Democratic lawmakers have stepped down after accepting administration appointments, leaving vacancies that must be filled before or during the early weeks of the 2026 session.

Three additional contests are already on the calendar or expected soon in other parts of the state.

With Tuesdays results, Democrats enter the 2026 session having successfully defended two key Richmond-area seats, even as the pace of special elections shows little sign of slowing in the weeks ahead.

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Danish soldiers will be required to shoot first and ask questions later if the United States invades Greenland, under the armys rules of engagement.

On Wednesday, the Danish defence ministry confirmed the existence of a 1952 rule requiring soldiers to immediately counter-attack invading forces without awaiting orders.

The defence ministry also said that the rule remains in force when asked about its status by Berlingske, a centre-Right Danish newspaper.

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This week, Donald Trump, the US president, has repeated his intention to annex the Nato territory of Greenland, which he views as essential to US national security, including by military force if necessary.

His remarks have shocked Denmark  which rules Greenland as an overseas territory and insists the island is not for sale  as well as Greenlands government and the wider Nato alliance.

Greenland is a Nato territory which Denmark insists is not for sale - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

According to the Danish newspaper Berlingske, the 1952 rule states that in the event of an invasion, the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war.

When approached for comment, the Danish defence ministry told the newspaper: The order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force.

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European allies are holding urgent talks on how to respond to a possible US attack on Greenland, a move that experts say would probably mark the end of the Nato alliance.

We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners, Jean-Noel Barrot, the French foreign minister, said of discussions on how Europe should respond to a US takeover of the Arctic island.

A German government source told Reuters news agency separately that Germany was closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland.

Also on Wednesday, Mr Barrot suggested he had received assurances from Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, that Washington was not planning an invasion.

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I myself was on the phone yesterday with US secretary of state Marco Rubio... who confirmed that this was not the approach taken... he ruled out the possibility of an invasion [of Greenland], said the French foreign minister.

Mr Rubio also briefed US politicians that threats against Greenland do not signal an imminent invasion, and that the goal is to buy the island, sources told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Mr Trump has repeated his intention to annex the Nato territory of Greenland - Alex Wong

The WSJ report and Mr Rubios assurances appeared to contradict Karoline Leavitt, Mr Trumps press secretary, who said on Tuesday that military action was always an option.

At the same time, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday that US officials were increasingly discussing a takeover of Greenland with their European counterparts as a concrete possibility.

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A senior European diplomat told the newspaper that there had been a marked shift in tone on the issue in recent days.

Sir Keir Starmer set out his position on Greenland in a phone call with Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, Downing Street said on Wednesday night.

Dominique de Villepin, the former French prime minister, has warned that if the US did invade Greenland, it would become an enemy of Europes Nato members.

In no case should Europe accept any damage to European sovereignty, Mr Villepin told Bloomberg TV, as he stressed that a case of one Nato member attacking another was unprecedented.

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And of course if Donald Trump goes forward, the status of the US will go from adversary or rival to the one of enemy, Mr Villepin said. Itll be a huge historical change.

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When you travel often enough for tech conferences, you meet all kinds of people - exhausted founders, jet-lagged engineers, fellow writers scribbling half-awake notes into laptops. But occasionally, you meet someone who radiates energy so contagious you feel more awake after 14 hours on a plane than you did stepping on it.

That was my experience meeting Jovana Dunisijevic, Atlassian Senior Technical Evangelist, on the long flight home from San Francisco to Sydney after a cloud and AI conference. We'd both attended, me covering, her speaking, without knowing each other. We stumbled into conversation serendipitously at the airport. She noticed my Qantas tag; I noticed her Atlassian patch.

By the time the lights dimmed and the cabin settled, I realised her story was not just interesting - it was important. Jovana is one of those rare people who is full of grit, humility, and relentless forward motion. Officially, her title is Senior Technical Evangelist at Atlassian - a role she rightly won through her passion about developer experience, AI-driven tooling, and inspiring the next generation of technology makers.

Jovana - pronounced "Yovana" by the way - was at the conference to speak about Rovo Dev, Atlassian's AI-augmented development tooling. However, it was clear from speaking with her that she packs a powerful message into a small frame. Her story is not merely one of career ascent, but of personal reinvention, mentorship, and the belief that incremental steps can change everything.

Jovana arrived in Australia from Serbia in 2017, on an internship and temporary visa. It was the kind of visa that may help start a new life, but doesnt guarantee tomorrow, let alone a future in tech.

It was really hard to get companies to sponsor you because the regulations kept changing. Many didnt want the paperwork or didnt have the capacity. I knew I had the skills - but I also knew the barriers werent personal. They were systemic.

Those early years were a masterclass in uncertainty. She was smart, qualified, ambitious, but yet stuck in roles with limited room for growth because sponsorship wasnt feasible. She began to question if Australia was the right place, and at one point planned to head for London. But then COVID hit, borders closed, and life rerouted her again.

Looking back, she sees something poetic: every time I tried to leave, something stopped me. And now I see it was all leading me to Atlassian, where everything changed.

In 2020, Atlassian made her an offer and agreed to sponsor her. She calls it nothing short of transformative. Atlassian gave me an opportunity at the moment I needed it most. I never took a single day of that for granted.

Jovana joined the Jira Platform team, where she focused on identifying performance bottlenecks and helping large customers migrate from Data Center to Cloud.

It was hard work - deep, often invisible technical work, the kind that consumes telemetry dashboards, tracing logs, and investigative analysis. But she loved it. As an engineer, solving performance problems is like solving a mystery. Youre chasing something hidden. Its thrilling when you find it.

Her passion didnt go unnoticed. Atlassian leadership nominated her for the Women in Digital Awards in the Software Engineer of the Year category - a recognition that meant the world to her.

I thought, This is it. Ive made it. This is the pinnacle of my career. I didnt win, but being a finalist taught me that all the struggles were worth it.

However, instead of settling into comfort, she did something unexpected. She walked toward discomfort - on purpose.

While performance engineering sharpened her technical instincts, Jovana found herself hungering for something bigger: leadership, management, the ability to multiply impact. I wanted to be the kind of manager who puts people first, builds trust, and helps them grow. But to be that leader, I needed to challenge myself technically and personally.

So she stepped into Cloud Infrastructure - one of Atlassians most complex and demanding engineering arenas.

It's no small feat to work on a global-scale platform that is essential to developers and organisations around the world. Here, Jovana mastered AWS at scale, resource deployment, orchestration, scaling systems, internal platforms, and migration frameworks

But it didnt come easy. There were moments I doubted myself. But my manager - a woman I deeply admire - kept reminding me: If its not challenging you, it wont change you.

And it did change her. It gave her stronger technical foundations, deeper confidence, and an even more profound respect for supportive leadership.

In all her work, Jovana had always enjoyed communicating - presenting, teaching, translating dense technical concepts into something understandable. It brought her immense joy to speak about her work and to help others grasp complexity. But she never imagined that could become a career.

A pivotal moment came when her cloud infrastructure manager offered her the chance to speak on a DevSecOps panel in Sydney. She accepted.

In the audience was (then) Atlassian Head of DevOps Evangelism Andrew Boyagi (now Atlassian Customer CTO). He was also speaking at the event but chose to sit in on Jovana's talk. What happened next feels almost mythical in hindsight.

After the panel, Andrew invited me to lunch. He asked me questions about my work, my passion, my story. After four hours of talking, he said, I want you in my team.

Her response? Me? In marketing? No. Im an engineer.

But Andrew saw something she couldnt yet see - that evangelism isnt marketing. Its connection. Its advocacy. Its technical leadership in a public form.

Eventually, Jovana said yes. It still wasn't a given; Jovana had to apply and go through the process as anyone else would, but soon after she received an offer.

Andrew has been one of the greatest mentors Ive had - transparent, humble, supportive. The kind of leader I want to become.

And with that, the next chapter began. In this new role Jovana first worked on Compass, Atlassians internal developer platform. But following a reorganisation, she began focusing on a product she now speaks about with almost electric enthusiasm: Rovo Dev.

If you havent heard of it yet, you will. And perhaps through a talk or blog by Jovana herself. Rovo Dev is Atlassian's context-aware AI agent designed to reduce the friction that plagues the software development lifecycle.

Atlassians research revealed something startling, Jovana explained to me. Developers spend only 16% of their time writing code - the part of the job they love.

The remaining 84% is consumed by overhead: reviews, cleanups, debugging pipelines, fixing migrations, navigating tooling.

As an engineer, I just want to stay in my IDE. Rovo Dev gives developers their joy back. It handles the boring stuff so they can focus on creating.

Atlassian Rovo Dev use cases include automated PR reviews, vulnerability cleanups, feature flag removals, pipeline break investigations, bulk refactor and code remediation, and performance bottleneck identification.

In fact, one of the most impressive internal case studies is something shes preparing to publish. A team used Rovo Dev to identify the exact line causing performance degradation in a huge monolith - work that previously required days of telemetry and instrumentation. It saved so much time. AIs role in engineering isnt to replace devs - its to amplify them, she said.

Eating its own dog food - or, drinking its own champagne if you prefer - Atlassian uses Rovo Dev internally extensively, with engineers across teams sharing tips, CLI tricks, and experimental integrations. And Jovana loves learning from them.

Seeing people push the product to its limits makes me a better evangelist. I want to inspire external developers the same way.

However, specific job functions aside, one of the most powerful threads running through Jovanas story is her commitment to uplifting women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Atlassians culture is deeply inclusive, and she credits the company with giving her space to grow - but she also knows the industry at large still struggles. Externally, many women still feel not good enough, or wonder if anyone will listen to them. That imposter phenomenon stops them before they can even begin.

Besides speaking about Rovo Dev, Jovana actively participates in women in STEM events, meetups run by Atlassian talent acquisition, mentorship programs, and workshops for students that help them overcome imposter phenomenon. And, out of everything she has accomplished, her proudest contribution is being a mentor in Atlassians LeaP program (Leadership, Engineering, and Program Management), designed for early-career female engineers.

I mentored six women. All six were promoted. Thats the kind of change I live for.

When speaking with Jovana you hear a message that is simple, powerful, unforgettable: anyone can be amazing if they set their mind to it. Dont worry about the target - focus on the milestones.

Additionally, Jovana spoke passionately about volunteering with low-socioeconomic students - something Atlassian supports during work hours.

This activity profoundly reshaped her outlook. When you see what some students are up against, you realise how fortunate you are. It grounds you. It reminds you not to waste your opportunities. Nothing is a given - you must earn it.

Here's where I think I was struck the most by Jovana; she brings technical excellence but yet carried with deep humility. She is ambitious but never entitled. She is driven but always grateful. She is skilled but constantly learning.

In fact, I found myself disclosing my own career aspirations and thoughts. And thinking about them again now I find myself wondering "what would Jovana do?" - and I know the answer; she'd not worry about the decisions of the past. She'd not see any of them as a burden or trap. She'd instead, excitedly, look at the challenge and the incremental steps to get there and tell me the hardest part is taking that first step. Just do it.

Of course, in her own career, Jovana doesn't pretend to have the next five years mapped out. The world is changing too fast and as we well know that's especially true in AI.

But Jovana knows this:

She wants to continue being a multiplier.

She wants to continue mentoring the next generation.

She wants to keep pushing Rovo Dev forward.

And eventually, she wants to become the kind of leader who lifts others the way her mentors lifted her.

So long as I am multiplying impact - on people, on teams, on the developer experience - Ill be successful.

My meeting with Jovana was unplanned and unanticipated. However, Jovana's story teaches that things aren't simply "luck" or "chance". Instead, her story is about showing up, about seizing opportunities, about refusing to be defined by circumstances, and about using every success as a platform to lift others.

Jovana truly represents the best of what the tech industry can be - diverse, empathetic, ambitious, and deeply human.

In an industry often obsessed with the next framework, the next release, the next AI model, its refreshing to meet someone focused on the next person she can help.

Because for Jovana, impact isnt measured in metrics. Its measured in mindsets changed, confidence unlocked, and doors opened. And that is the kind of developer evangelist any company would dream of having.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called a special legislative session on mid-decade redistricting that would take place in late April, a preemptive move coming amid state GOP tensions and national debates on the issue.

Florida could be the crown jewel for Republicans national redistricting ambitions. Some backers believe the state could yield three to five additional GOP House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms  a big enough number to possibly swing control of the House.

The move to call a special session now is highly unusual, as the Florida Legislature is already scheduled to start its annual 60-day session next week. And state House Speaker Daniel Perez  who has a frosty relationship with the GOP governor  has made it clear that he wants his chamber to look at drawing new congressional maps during the regular session instead of waiting until after its conclusion.

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But DeSantis, in his session proclamation, said the Legislature should wait as long as feasible before drawing new maps so that the state can get guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court is expected to rule later this year in a key voting rights case in which it may bar states from considering the racial makeup of voting populations when drawing new districts.

"Realistically, you can't do it now," DeSantis said during an event held in Steinhatchee. "The Supreme Court hasn't ruled so we've got to give some time for that.

DeSantis has already argued that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling would require Florida to draw a new map that would alter seats in South Florida that currently have a majority of Black and Hispanic voters. He amplified that again Wednesday.

"I have a very high degree of confidence that at least one or two of those districts on our current map are going to be implicated by this Supreme Court decision," he said.

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The governor has also argued the current map doesn't reflect the state's recent population growth and even suggested that the state could use updated numbers not included in the last Census.

DeSantis set the special session date for April 20-24  the same week that qualifying for federal elections had beenscheduled to take place. In his proclamation, DeSantis said state law calls for federal qualifying to be pushed back to June if new districts are drawn up. Secretary of State Cord Byrd, citing the special session, on Wednesday afternoon officially moved the dates to June 8-12.

But the move by the governor could backfire if House Republicans decide to press ahead now instead of waiting. While the governor has the power to call a special session, legislators have no obligation to pass legislation. State Senate President Ben Albritton is expected to concur with the governor's approach.

Democrats, citing voter-approved constitutional standards that make it illegal to draw up legslative and congressional districts based on partisan gain, blasted the idea of a special session.

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"Floridas Fair Districts Amendment strictly prohibits any maps from being drawn for partisan reasons, and regardless of any bluster from the governors office, the only reason were having this unprecedented conversation about drawing new maps is because Donald Trump demanded it," said state Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman.

State House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell called it "cynical, swamp-like behavior" that was "unconstitutional" and "illegal."

Rep. Darren Soto, whose central Florida district could be affected by a new map, suggested on X that DeSantis wants to adopt a new map later in the year to make it harder for a legal challenge to be considered prior to the midterms.

"Cheaters gotta cheat," wrote Soto. "His plan is to violate the FL Constitution at the last minute to jam the courts. But will the Legislature and the courts go along with this injustice?"

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Back in 2022, DeSantis muscled through Floridas current map that ended up giving Republicans a 20-8 edge in the state delegation. But the GOP governor started advocating for mid-decade redistricting last summer after other states such as Texas and California began their own push for new maps after a push from the White House.

Perez and the Florida House created a redistricting committee last year and have already held two preliminary meetings, during which members discussed the process and legal rulings that could justify mid-decade redistricting.

Perez, in an interview with POLITICO in early December, saw no need to delay action on redistricting until the spring of 2026.

Were not going to wait until the spring, were going to move forward now, said Perez, who added that it would irresponsible to wait.

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A spokesperson for Perez said the House is "aware" of the governor's special session proclamation.

Any mid-decade redistricting effort is bound to draw immediate legal challenges. A state Supreme Court decision from last year weakened part of the minority-protection language in the so-called Fair Districts measure, but the core prohibition on partisan intent remains intact.

Driskell argued that any map that comes up with more Republican seats is a "smoking gun" that legislators have violated the state's anti-gerrymandering standards.
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will issue a proclamation on Jan. 7 calling for a special legislative session in April to address congressional redistricting, the latest in a series of GOP-led states heeding a push from President Donald Trump to try to create a more favorable electoral climate for his party in the 2026 midterms.

The regular Florida legislative session is scheduled for Jan. 13March 13 this year.

DeSantis, who announced the move at an infrastructure funding press conference in Steinhatchee, Florida, said the state needs to wait for a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act before moving forward with new maps.

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More: What's next after Supreme Court approves pro-Trump Texas map for 2026?

The timing of the special session, however, could require lawmakers to delay the candidate qualifying period for congressional races, currently scheduled for late April.

Also, the proposed schedule would conflict with the Florida state Houses existing redistricting timeline. In August, Florida state House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Republican from Miami, announced the creation of a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting.

Overall, the timing and substance of Floridas redistricting process carry national political stakes, as Republicans seek to protect their narrow majority in the U.S. House.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke during a press conference at the Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, Fla., Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. He spoke about Venezuela and immigration. A total of 93 deportation flights have come out of the Baker Correctional Institutions deportation depot, which have included 2926 individuals deported back to their home states. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

With control of the chamber potentially hinging on a handful of seats, any changes to Floridas congressional map, which is one of the largest Republican delegations in the country, could play an outsized role in the 2026 election cycle. Currently there are 20 Republican representatives from Florida and eight Democrats.

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We also need to see (how) our population has changed so much in the last four or five years ... we need to get apportioned properly, and people deserve equal representation, DeSantis said.

Last summer, Texas, upon the urging of Trump, passed a new map in an effort to swing a handful of seats to Republicans. California voters then approved a ballot measure in November to benefit Democrats.

More recently, GOP lawmakers in Indiana rejected a pressure campaign from the White House to redistrict. And the Republican speaker of the Kansas state House said the votes likely aren't there in his state, either.

In 2010, Florida voters passed amendments to the state constitution, including prohibiting drawing district lines to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.

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James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on him X: @CallTallahassee. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network  Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis calls for special session on Florida 2026 redistricting
A veteran American diplomat is warning that President Donald Trumps renewed talk of acquiring Greenland has entered dangerous territory.

Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, blasted Trumps comments after the White House said that utilizing the U.S. military is always an option when it comes to acquiring the Arctic territory.

Trump has reiterated his interest in Greenland in recent days as his rhetoric has grown increasingly aggressive on the world stage. His lackeys, like White House aide Stephen Miller, have also taken to the networks to reiterate the presidents imperialist desires.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers this week that Trump is open to purchasing, rather than invading, Greenland, a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The White House seemed to confirm Rubios comments in a statement given to Reuters. Trump and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, it said, failing to rule out a military intervention. Of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chiefs disposal, it went on. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said on Tuesday that the military option was on the table.

Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, blasted Trumps Greenland comments. / MS NOW

Greenland, home to about 56,000 people, is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States. The suggestion that Washington could use force to acquire it immediately raised alarms about the stability of the alliance.

Appearing on MSNBCs The 11th Hour, McFaul was asked by host Stephanie Ruhle whether such a move would amount to one NATO country attacking another.

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If the United States takes Greenland by force, would that not be one NATO country going after another? Ruhle asked. And if that takes place, wouldnt that be the end of the NATO alliance? That feels monumental to me.

I cant stress enough how completely insane this idea is on so many levels, McFaul responded. He argued that there is no strategic need for such an action and said the United States already has broad access to Greenland through existing agreements.

An aircraft carrying Donald Trump Jr. arrives in Nuuk, Greenland on January 7, 2025. / Emil Stach/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)

First of all, there is no national security interest that we need to seize Greenland. They have not made the case, he said. We can have as many soldiers there as we want. We have bases there. I worked in the government. I know how weve used Greenland before. We can do that through negotiation.

There is no reason to go back to 19th-century imperialism, McFaul added, agreeing that a forced takeover would effectively destroy NATO.

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Not only would it blow up NATO, it would alienate the United States from the entire world, from the democratic world, the free world, the autocratic world, he said. And then we will empower countries like China. Well, if they can take Greenland, of course we can take Taiwan.

Trump's threats to takeover the island have been met with protests in Denmark and Greenland. / SOPA Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett

McFaul concluded bluntly: Its the craziest idea Ive ever heard of.

Danish politicians, too, are perturbed by the idea. Anders Vistisen MEP, the man who told Trump to f--k off the last time he publicly lusted over Denmark, told the Daily Beast earlier this week: The Trump circle have made their desire known for some time; to have their approach firmly rejected by the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.

If Trump were to make a move on Greenland, he would make the USA an international pariah state worse than Venezuela or North Korea.

Danis Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen demanded that Trump stop his threats to annex the island. I strongly urge the United States to cease its threats against a historically close ally, and against another country and another people who have stated very clearly that they are not for sale, she said.
Update: Renee Nicole Good's wife speaks out for the first time since the fatal shooting.

Editor's note: Video linked in this article may be upsetting to viewers.

A Minnesota woman sitting in the snow with her dog told a person filming her that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had just shot and killed her wife  now identified as Renee Nicole Good, 37  according to newly circulating video that has intensified scrutiny of a fatal federal shooting during a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis on Wednesday.

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Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

They killed my wife. I dont know what to do, the woman says through sobs in the footage, with a damaged SUV visible in the distance behind her. "We stopped to videotape, and they shot her in the head, the woman cries.



Related: ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis has been identified

We have a 6-year-old at school, she says, almost unable to breathe, as a chaotic scene in which federal officers prevented at least one doctor who was on the scene from assisting the shot victim unfolds. Were new here, the distraught woman says in despair.

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The video emerged hours after Good was fatally shot Wednesday morning near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue during what the Department of Homeland Security has described as its largest immigration enforcement surge ever in Minnesota. Roughly 2,000 federal agents have been deployed across the state as part of the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown.

Good was identified late Wednesday by her mother, Donna Ganger, who told The Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter lived in the Twin Cities with her partner and was not involved in protests or any activity confronting ICE agents. Ganger said her family was notified of the death late Wednesday morning.

She was probably terrified, Ganger told the paper. Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known. She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.

Related: Who was Renee Nicole Good? Remembering the Minneapolis poet and mother killed by ICE

Related: Shocking video shows ICE agent fatally shooting woman in south Minneapolis

Good was previously married a man named Timmy Ray Mackin, who died in 2023 at age 36, and had her son with him, according to the Star Tribune.

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DHS has said that rioters began blocking ICE officers during what it called targeted operations, alleging that one person weaponized a vehicle, prompting an agent to fire what the agency described as defensive shots. The department characterized the killing as an act of self-defense and labeled the incident domestic terrorism.

But multiple videos circulating online appear to tell a different story. Separate footage shows a dark SUV attempting to drive away from the scene when three shots ring out, sending bystanders into panic. Moments later, the vehicle crashes into a light pole and parked cars as people scream and rush toward the wreckage. Authorities have not publicly reconciled those images with DHSs account.

In another video, a person wearing the same outfit as the distraught woman can be seen leaning over a bloodied body in the drivers seat of the SUV.

Late Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump weighed in on his social media site, Truth Social, claiming he had just viewed the clip and asserting that the woman filming was obviously, a professional agitator and that the driver had violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, calling the shooting an act of self-defense and blaming what he described as a Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate.

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Condemnation has grown from civil rights and advocacy groups nationwide.

Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson grieved with the Minneapolis community in a statement to The Advocate.

"Today, a woman was senselessly killed in Minneapolis during an ICE action  a brutal reminder that this agency and the Trump regime put every community at risk, spreading fear instead of safety," Robinson said. "Reports that she may have been part of the LGBTQ+ community underscore how often the most vulnerable pay the highest price. Her family and the people of Minneapolis deserve a full investigation, real accountability, and decisive action. And we must remove ICE and their terror from all our communities before even more preventable violence occurs. As Governor Walz requested, we join the nation in standing with Minneapolis.

Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner also released the a statement, saying, "The fatal shooting of Renee Good  an LGBTQ+ United States citizen exercising her right to protest ICE activity in Minneapolisis a horrifying and senseless loss of life. Renees death lays bare the dangerous reality of an agency that continues to operate with impunity, fueled by a Trump administration that has normalized violence, cruelty, and the erosion of basic human rights. This is now the fifth known killing linked to ICE agents amid an aggressive escalation of raids and abuses. These are not isolated incidents  they are the predictable and devastating consequences of a federal agenda that treats immigrant communities, and those who stand in solidarity with them, as expendable."

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Amnesty International accused the Trump administration of unnecessary lethal force, of misrepresenting the circumstances, and of using militarized immigration crackdowns that have made communities unsafe.

Common Defense Executive Director Jose Vasquez said ICEs uninvited presence in Minneapolis is not only destabilizing, it is dangerous and deeply unjust, calling the killing heartbreaking and unforgivable. He said the shooting reflects an unnecessary escalation and demanded ICE leave Minneapolis immediately.

Local leaders also pushed back forcefully. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters, To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here, while Gov. Tim Walz said the state would ensure a full, fair, and expeditious investigation.

Minnesota State Rep. Leigh Finke, the states first out transgender legislator, said the killing left her heartbroken and warned that the federal immigration surge had created the conditions for violence long before Wednesdays shooting.

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My reaction is one of great sadness, Finke told The Advocate. For those of us here in Minnesota whove been seeing what these federal agents  ICE, CBP, others  have been doing and how theyve been treating our communities and our neighbors, something like this felt very possible. But weve just had so many tragedies here. Waking up to this news was heartbreaking. Its terrible. Its one too many of these things.

Finke said the sudden influx of roughly 2,000 federal agents announced earlier this week created an inherently volatile situation.

That kind of influx of law enforcement, often untrained young people coming in with a mandate to kidnap neighbors and abduct people and deport them, violence is the only way that something like that can go at some point or another, she said, adding that what happened to Good was devastating and the kind of violence being bred by our federal government.

Finke also called for accountability, saying state law enforcement must arrest the killer and prosecute that person to the fullest extent of the law, even as legislative options are constrained by Minnesotas divided legislature.

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And in a message to Minnesotans shaken by the shooting, Finke urged solidarity, noting that immigrant, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities are bearing the brunt of the federal crackdown.

We all need to remember that we are in this together, she said. We are going to continue to fight for it. We are going to stand up nonviolently with peace and love and fight for our communities no matter what.

The Advocate has contacted Walz and Minneapolis city officials, including Frey and the police department, for comment.

Wednesday evening, hundreds of protesters gathered in Good's neighborhood for a vigil and march. She was peaceful, she did the right thing, Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of CAIR-MN, said at the event, the Star Tribune reports. She died because she loved her neighbors.

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Another speaker at the event, identified only as Noah, denounced those who called Good a domestic terrorist. Instead, he said, Good was watching the terrorists.

Editors note: This story was updated with the identity of Renee Nicole Good.



This article originally appeared on Advocate: Distraught woman says ICE killed her wife in video after deadly Minneapolis shooting

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Federal and local officials are sharply divided after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, an incident captured on video that has fueled competing interpretations of what occurred.

The shooting took place in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis during an ICE operation announced on Wednesday.

Videos circulating on social media from multiple angles show federal agents approaching a vehicle stopped across the roadway. As one agent attempts to open the drivers door, the vehicle reverses and then moves forward. An ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle fires multiple shots at close range as the vehicle advances. The vehicle then crashes into a nearby parked car.

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While the video shows the vehicle moving toward the officer, it remains unclear whether the officer was struck.

Federal officials describe self-defense

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the shooting was an act of self-defense, alleging the driver attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, stating the officer fired to protect himself and others at the scene.

President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post later reposted by DHS, said he reviewed video of the incident and claimed the driver violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE officer. Trump noted that the officer was hospitalized and recovering.

Local officials, however, have not independently confirmed that any ICE agent was struck by the vehicle or hospitalized.

City and state leaders dispute federal claims

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the federal account, calling the shooting reckless and unnecessary. Frey said he reviewed the video and disputed claims that the officer acted in self-defense.

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They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense, Frey said at a news conference. Having seen the video myself, that is bulls.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also criticized federal statements about the incident, calling for a full investigation while urging protesters to remain peaceful. Walz said he is prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara, who briefed reporters after the shooting, did not say the driver attempted to harm officers. He said the woman was shot after her vehicle began to move away and later crashed into parked cars.

Investigation underway

Authorities have not released the womans name as of the time of publication. Officials said she was not the target of the ICE operation.

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The shooting occurred amid a large federal deployment of immigration officers to the Twin Cities, part of a broader enforcement effort announced by DHS earlier this week. The operation has sparked protests and drawn sharp criticism from local and state leaders, while federal officials say officers have faced increasing hostility during enforcement actions nationwide.

Officials said the incident remains under investigation, and no final determination has been made regarding whether the use of force was justified. The Hennepin County Attorneys Office confirmed it has jurisdiction to bring criminal charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox remembers meeting with a very prominent individual who divined that parents will soon no longer have to read to their kids. Artificial intelligence will do it for them.

That prediction, said Cox during Tuesdays literacy and reading symposium event in Ogden, made me sick to my stomach."

That AI alarm only compounded Coxs concerns about the costs being exacted by plunging literacy rates  and boosted his commitment to finding policy and cultural solutions.

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The governor was joined Tuesday at the symposium by first lady Abby Cox, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and a hall full of educators, lawmakers, bestselling authors, business leaders and reading advocates.

Also participating was Kirsten Baesler, assistant secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education.

Kirsten Baesler, U.S. Education Department assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education, left, participates in a discussion with Gov. Spencer Cox during a Literacy and Reading Symposium hosted by Cox and first lady Abby Cox at The Monarch in Ogden on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

The symposium offered several reading-based panel discussions and speeches  ranging from policy ideas, early literacy, family, libraries and community engagement.

But each participant tackled a common purpose: Strengthening literacy and getting more kids  and more adults  reading.

Cox: Every single kid can learn to read

Tuesdays symposium was held a day after a Gardner Policy Institute report revealed that almost half of Utahs third graders are not reading at minimum proficiencies  coupled with research attesting that almost all kids can learn to read with proper early intervention and instruction.

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In his keynote armchair discussion with Baesler, Cox addressed queries about why literacy and reading is one of his guiding priorities.

We care deeply about this  weve worked on it for several years, said the governor.

Cox pointed to the literacy initiative found in 2022s Senate Bill 127 thats now being fully implemented  and good things are starting to come from that. But its time, he said, to place even larger emphasis on literacy as a policy.

Cox said his own personal study on the science of literacy assured him that every single kid can learn to read, regardless of their demographic situation. Regardless of their family situation.

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The question now facing Utah policymakers, he added, is how many resources they are willing to put toward supporting literacy? Simply reaching the minimum reading threshold in Utah schools isnt enough.

We can do better than that  if were committed.

Considering third grade retention and calling for resources

Gov. Spencer Cox, front right, watches as first lady Abby Cox, back left, moderates an early literacy and family guidelines discussion including Tami Austin, acting early learning program manager with the Salt Lake County Library system, Seung-Hee Claire Son, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Utah, and Sydnee Dickson, clinical professor in the department of educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah, from left to right, during a Literacy and Reading Symposium hosted by Gov. Cox and Abby Cox at The Monarch in Ogden on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Beyond the emerging AI challenges to literacy, Cox acknowledged cultural realities. Literacy, he said, is a crisis for adults found across American demographics.

Weve got to change something.

The 2026 Utah legislative session is fast approaching, and Cox hopes lawmakers expand on SB127.

Hes also learning from other states such as Mississippi, where they practice third grade retention. If a child is not reading on grade level by third grade, they stay back for another year of instruction.

This is a workforce issue. This is an economic issue. And if Utah or any of the other 49 states are going to thrive to their fullest potential, theyre going to need to have their students reading on grade level. Kirsten Baesler, U.S. Education Department assistant secretary

I think theres a way we can do it that treats kids and families with dignity and respect and makes it easy for them  but we need that pressure, said Cox. Its not that we want to hold kids back, its that we want them reading at third grade level so we dont have to hold them back.

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Additionally, he said, Utah schools need more resources.

We need to spend more of the budget on resources. We need more paraprofessionals in our classrooms.  We need those interventions earlier. We need individual reading plans for those in the special education field.

Cox also pointed to attendance issues facing every school district.

Weve got to figure out how to help with chronic absenteeism.

Literacy: More than an educational issue

Brandi Webster, principal of Mona Elementary, center, smiles as Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden, left, claps for her during a Literacy and Reading Symposium hosted by Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox at The Monarch in Ogden on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

A career educator with broad experience as an administrator, teacher and library media specialist, Baesler emphasized during her keynote discussion that literacy is not simply an education issue.

This is a workforce issue. This is an economic issue. And if Utah or any of the other 49 states are going to thrive to their fullest potential, theyre going to need to have their students reading on grade level, she said.

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Americas educational system, Baesler added, was not created to craft scholars. It was to ensure that we were a nation of citizens that could govern ourselves. That is truly one of the biggest reasons why we need to focus (on literacy).

Teachers and educational systems alone cant solve literacy shortcomings, she said.

Its going to take our families.  Our communities are going to need to be involved. Our policymakers. Our executive branch.

We cant do it alone, but we can do it together.  Reading is the beginning of all other learning.

Baesler also championed professional development requiring teachers to receive training on the science of reading. States should also invest in proper curriculum while equipping teachers with instructional strategies.

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Meanwhile, she said, the DOE is gathering best practices across the states to share with others.

Returning education to the states

Tami Austin, acting early learning program manager with the Salt Lake County Library system, speaks during a Literacy and Reading Symposium hosted by Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox at The Monarch in Ogden on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Cox noted theres no silver bullet to solving literacy challenges.

Theres no one thing we can do to fix it, he said. Its all things  and the data shows that one thing we need more are volunteers in the classroom; more kids to read to kids.

The governor noted that many Utah high school students are already helping younger kids improve their reading skills by volunteering in early-elementary classes. The high schoolers are reading with kids  and their own reading skills are improving.

Baesler said her departments priority is to return education to the states  including Utah.

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We now have to free up the funding that we already sent to you with funding flexibility so you can be creative within your communities and decide  with your school boards, with your legislators, with your community members, with your philanthropic partners  what is the best way to do this, she said.

Literacy, added Cox, offers students and adults understandings of the great ethics of history  ensuring the nations survival for the next 250 years.

Thats what this is all about, he said. Its not about just a kid getting a good job or Utah having the No. 1 economy. Its whether or not our nation survives the next generation.

Utahs first lady touts role of families in boosting literacy

Gov. Spencer Cox, front right, watches as first lady Abby Cox, back left, moderates an early literacy and family guidelines discussion including Tami Austin, acting early learning program manager with the Salt Lake County Library system, Seung-Hee Claire Son, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Utah, and Sydnee Dickson, clinical professor in the department of educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah, from left to right, during a Literacy and Reading Symposium hosted by Gov. Cox and Abby Cox at The Monarch in Ogden on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

During the symposium, Abby Cox also moderated a panel focusing on families engaging in literacy.

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Parents, said Cox, remain a childs first and most important teachers.

Panelist Sydnee Dickson, a veteran Utah educator who retired last year as Utahs superintendent of public instruction, spoke of growing up and being surrounded by books. She ultimately modeled her familys love for books.

Thats a pattern todays families can follow even in a social media-saturated world, she added. Take out the book. Set the phone aside. Then focus your attention on youngsters.

Getting (children) away from technology and putting a book in their hands and reading to, and with, them is very important. Sydnee Dickson, a veteran Utah educator who retired last year Sydnee Dickson, former Utah superintendent of public instruction

Getting away from technology and putting a book in their hands and reading to, and with, them is very important, said Dickson.

Seung-Hee Claire Son, an educational psychology professor and director of the EARLY lab at the University of Utah, spoke of the importance of shared reading in the home with children. Books serve as connectors between parents and children.

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Meanwhile, a young child who identifies early as a reader is best equipped for literacy success in school.

She also championed public libraries as conduits for early literacy. They too transform children into book lovers.

Tami Austin, the Salt Lake County Library Systems acting early learning program manager, spoke of the wonders that kids of all ages, including newborns, can discover through reading  and reading with their caretakers.

Its cozy. Its comfortable. And youre bonding.
Jan. 7Dec. 31

Joseph M. Hill, no age given, 1023 Hammond Ave., criminal damage to property, deferred prosecution agreement.

Jan. 2

Autumn Marie Katherine Brill, 28, D6 Linden Court, possession of methamphetamine, no contest plea, five days jail, two years probation, $748.50 fine; bail jumping, second-offense in three years operate without valid license, additional count possession of methamphetamine, dismissed but considered during sentencing.

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Methusela Kibitok Choge Jr., 21, 523 N. 22nd St., battery, amended to ordinance violation disorderly conduct, no contest plea, $516 fine.

John Karl Latvala, 48, Gordon, third-offense operating while intoxicated, no contest plea, 110 days jail with work release, $3,389 fine, 31-month driver's license revocation, ignition interlock, alcohol assessment; third-offense operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, bail jumping, dismissed.

Jan. 5

Tyler Joshua Edward Hale, 35, 1112 John Ave, 107, resisting or obstructing an officer, no contest plea, 45 days jail, $579 restitution, fine and court costs; disorderly conduct, dismissed.

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Andrea Lynn Miller, 41, Duluth, failure to report to jail, no contest plea, 90 days jail consecutive to other cases, $591 fine.

Tristan Everette Savoye, 25, 2335 Banks Ave., domestic strangulation and suffocation, no contest plea, deferred prosecution agreement; domestic disorderly conduct, domestic intimidate victim/dissuade reporting, neglecting a child (specified harm did not occur), no contest pleas, three days jail, three years probation, $779 fine and court costs; additional count domestic strangulation and suffocation, dismissed.

Armani Laquan Shaw, 31, Chicago, Illinois, misappropriate ID info-obtain money, no contest plea, 18 months state prison and 18 months extended supervision stayed, three years probation, $518 court costs; two counts party to misappropriate ID info-obtain money, dismissed but considered during sentencing.

Andrew James Snedeker, 17, 1710 Ogden Ave., battery, fourth-degree sexual assault, no contest pleas, two days jail, two years probation, $1,032 fine and court costs, eligible to be expunged; two counts disorderly conduct, dismissed.

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Angela Marie Thompson, 43, Duluth, possess amphetamine, resisting or obstructing an officer, no contest pleas, 18-month deferred prosecution agreement; possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

Jan. 6

Chad Allen Pryatel, 53, Duluth, party to possession with intent to deliver amphetamine, no contest plea, 39 days jail, two years state prison and two years extended supervision stayed, one year probation, $748.50 fine; possession of narcotic drugs, carrying a concealed knife, possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed but considered during sentencing.

The Superior Telegram publishes court records as part of its obligation to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are public records submitted by the courthouse in Superior. Individual requests for items to be withheld will not be granted.
South Africa has said it will clamp down on unregistered traditional initiation schools for young men, after at least 41 died in recent coming-of-age rites involving circumcision.

Tens of thousands of teenagers take part in highly secretive initiations each year as a rite of passage into manhood practised by some of the countrys largest black ethnic groups including the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda.

The initiations are closely guarded secrets, but often see the participants secluded together in the wild for several weeks as they learn cultural values and responsibilities to become adults. Circumcision is a central part of the initiation.

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Such initiation is often a cornerstone of a young mans life and the return of the initiates is met with family feasting and celebration.

But there has been widespread unease in recent years at the numbers of attendees who have died, got blood poisoning, or been maimed during botched procedures.

A large proportion of the deaths are put down to dehydration, which is thought to stem from participants being given dangerous advice that they must not drink during their initiations, or that not drinking will speed healing after circumcision.

Other deaths in the most recent initiation season, which has been running in November and December, have also been put down to lightning strikes, drowning, fights and suicide.

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After previous tragedies, the government has already passed laws demanding that initiation schools must register with the authorities.

However there has been a proliferation of illegal initiation schools where many of the deaths are reported.

Participants are often secluded together in the wild for several weeks as they learn cultural values and responsibilities to become adults - OBED ZILWA/AP

Zolani Mkiva, secretary general of the Congress for Traditional Leaders of South Africa, said unscrupulous illegal schools saw initiation as a money-making venture.

He told the state broadcaster: This now has become a national disaster. We cant afford that year on year we lose 50 children in a sacred ritual thats meant to prepare young men for leadership and the future.

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South Africas traditional affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has blamed negligence by the initiation schools, but also said parents were failing to heed advice.

He said: There is negligence in terms of meeting health standards in some of the initiation schools. If you take your child to an initiation school, you never make a follow-up, you do not monitor, you do not go there to see whether the child does drink water, you are placing your child at risk.

Under South African law, only children who are 16 years and above may be admitted to initiation school with parental consent.

Mr Hlabisa said 41 people have been arrested in relation to illegal initiation schools, including parents who had supplied wrong ages for their children to be admitted.

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Previous crackdowns have failed to stem the deaths.

Several schools in Eastern Cape province were suspended in 2019 after a spate of deaths, but the province has again this year seen the highest death toll.

Initiations usually take place in two seasons, one in the summer and one in the winter. Some 94 people in total are reported to have died during the whole of 2024, though the secrecy surrounding the initiations means the circumstances are often unclear.

Despite the deaths, any attempt to ban traditional initiation, or to place the circumcisions under heavy-handed state medical regulation, is likely to face stiff resistance.

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Abdanan, Iran. January 6, 2025. (photo credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Entangled in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed many people it has accused of having links with Israel's intelligence service and facilitating its operations in the country.

Protests in Iran moved into their eleventh day on Wednesday, and a man has reportedly been executed for spying for Israel as the rising death toll from the demonstrations also reportedly hit at least three dozen.

According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency, of the at least 36 people who have lost their lives during the protests, 34 have been demonstrators and two have been security and law enforcement forces.

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The deaths have been part of demonstrations that spread through 92 cities across 27 provinces, resulting in the arrests of at least 2,076 people, according to the agency.

The number of people dead or arrested in Iran saw a significant jump over the past day, with the number of people detained nearly doubling.

Going into Tuesday, HRANA reported at the time that the death toll was at least 29 and the number of people arrested was at least 1,203.

PEOPLE WALK on a street, as protests erupt over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran, Iran, January 5, 2026. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

According to the Iranian judiciary's media outlet Mizan, the man Iran executed for allegedly spying for Israel was named Ali Ardestani.

Entangled in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed many people it has accused of having links with Israel's intelligence service and facilitating its operations in the country.

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"The death sentence of Ali Ardestani for the crime of espionage in favour of the Mossad intelligence service by providing the country's sensitive information was carried out after approval by the Supreme Court and through legal procedures," Mizan said.

Dozens detained for espionage, executions increasing

Executions of Iranians convicted of spying for Israel have significantly increased this year, following a direct confrontation between the two regional enemies in June, when Israeli and US forces struck Iran's nuclear facilities.

In recent years, the Revolutionary Guards have detained dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, mostly on espionage and security-related charges.

Rights groups and some Western countries have accused the Islamic Republic of using such arrests to gain leverage in negotiations. Tehran denies arresting people for political reasons.

Iranian protesters 'claiming entire cities,' US House Foreign Affairs Committee says

As the protests across Iran, the Republican-run US House Foreign Affairs Committee stated on X/Twitter on Wednesday that "protesters are claiming entire cities."

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The unconfirmed claim accompanies other rumors that police had joined the protests in Abdanan, in Western Iran.

Still, footage from the city that circulated online on Wednesday reveals thousands marching through the city.

'Marg bar Khamenei'

In one video, protesters can be heard shouting "Marg bar Khamenei," which translates to "Death to Khamenei."

Additionally, footage shared online by Iran International shows shopkeepers marching in protest through the port city of Bandar Abbas, on the country's southern coast.

In footage from this demonstration, protesters are likewise heard chanting "Marg bar Khamenei."
Police in Bucks County say surveillance video shows a driver deliberately accelerating toward a group of people in the parking lot of the Hive Lounge early New Year's Day, striking three pedestrians and two parked cars before circling the building and attempting to hit others who narrowly escaped.

Broken glass and debris remained scattered across the lot days after the incident, which police say occurred around 2 a.m. on Jan. 1 as customers were leaving the lounge's New Year's Eve celebration.

According to the Hive Lounge's social media page, the business just celebrated its opening night on December 27.

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Investigators say 22-year-old Roba Gasitashvili of Philadelphia drove into a group of five people.

Police said a 29-year-old victim was found with "serious facial and head trauma." Two other pedestrians were struck but were able to walk away, police said.

Lower Southampton Township Police Chief Ed Krimmel said detectives are still working to determine what led to the violence.

"Obviously, there was some kind of dispute. There were some language barriers there; we're still trying to figure out what the dispute was about," Krimmel said.

Investigators said Gasitashvili's vehicle, a white Volkswagen Jetta, was later found unoccupied in a nearby shopping center with significant damage, including a shattered windshield and blood on the hood. The car was registered in his name, and police believe he had a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

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Police believe Gasitashvili may have fled the country.

"Federal authorities are gonna help us with getting this guy into custody eventually," Krimmel said. "If anybody knows his whereabouts, they should call us. If he's watching this, he should turn himself in."

The 29-year-old victim, identified by family on a GoFundMe page as Sergei, remains hospitalized. Police confirm the fundraiser was created by his mother to help with medical expenses.

"Our understanding is he was in a coma at Penn Presbyterian, he is apparently conscious now," Krimmel said. "Our detectives are waiting for him to be in a little bit of a better state before doing another interview."

Police are still working to contact witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call Lower Southampton Township police.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors voted to dissolve the organization, officials announced Monday, ending the 58-year-old agency that distributed federal funds to NPR, PBS and more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations.

The move formalizes the shutdown that began this summer after Republicans in Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in funding at President Donald Trump's behest. At the heart of the campaign was a long-standing conservative critique that public media outfits produce news that is liberal, biased and should not be funded by taxpayer dollars.

CPB leaders said they chose dissolution over maintaining a dormant organization that could become manipulated by new stewards acting without public media's best interest at heart.

"CPB's final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks," said Patricia Harrison, CPB's president and chief executive.

Ruby Calvert, chair of CPB's board, called the defunding "devastating" but expressed hope that "a new Congress will address public media's role in our country because it is critical to our children's education, our history, culture and democracy to do so."

Created by Congress through the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, CPB served as a middleman between taxpayers and public media, distributing most of its appropriations directly to local stations. The funding was particularly crucial for small and rural stations, which relied on federal dollars for a significant share of their budgets. The organization also negotiated music rights and procured technical infrastructure on behalf of stations - functions that now have no clear successor.

CPB said it would complete distribution of its remaining funds and support the American Archive of Public Broadcasting in digitizing and preserving historical content. The organization's own archives, dating to its 1967 founding, will be maintained in partnership with the University of Maryland.

The organization's closure caps months of turmoil for the public media system. In April, CPB sued the Trump administration after the president attempted to fire three of its board members, arguing it was not a government agency subject to presidential authority. In May, Trump signed an executive order instructing CPB to halt all funding to NPR and PBS, calling them "biased media." NPR and PBS sued, arguing the order amounted to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.

In September, after Congress passed its rescission bill, CPB announced it would redirect $57.9 million in satellite funding away from NPR to Public Media Infrastructure, a newly formed nonprofit backed by other public radio organizations, including PRX and American Public Media.

In response, NPR sued its longtime ally CPB, arguing the move improperly allocated funds meant for NPR and violated the Public Broadcasting Act and was made under pressure from the Trump White House - a claim CPB disputed. The parties settled in November, with NPR receiving nearly $36 million for its satellite system. NPR also said it would waive fees derived from public radio stations for accessing its satellite services for the next two years.

PBS has had staff cuts and NPR has reportedly made budget cuts. But for local stations that relied on CPB for a large share of their budgets, the federal funding cuts have been devastating.

Major foundations, including Knight, MacArthur and Ford, have pledged tens of millions of dollars in emergency funding to keep the most vulnerable stations afloat, but some are already considering dropping national programming or shutting down entirely.

NJ PBS, New Jersey's public television network, announced in September that it may close next year, while Arkansas Public Television dropped its PBS affiliation - just as several public radio stations have dropped their NPR affiliation - showing that federal defunding has destabilized a system scrambling for answers.

NPR, PBS and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




Mayday Health posted signs like this one at gas stations around South Dakota in December 2025 as part of a campaign to spread awareness about the availability of abortion pills. (Courtesy of Mayday Health)

A dispute over abortion-rights advertising in South Dakota has spawned dueling state and federal lawsuits.

A New York-based nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Jackley from taking legal action against the nonprofits abortion-rights campaign at gas stations across the state.

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Jackley asked a South Dakota judge last month to stop the campaign, which includes gas-pump placards asking Pregnant? Dont want to be? and provides a link to Mayday Healths website. The nonprofit educates people about the safety and effectiveness of abortion pills. It began its ad campaign in early December, and Jackley sent the group a cease-and-desist letter days later.

In the new federal suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, Mayday claims Jackleys actions are unconstitutional because the nonprofits website and advertising materials are protected.

Were not taking the signs down, said Maydays Executive Director Liv Raisner in a December Instagram post. Its First Amendment-protected free speech, and information is not illegal.

Maydays lawsuit says Jackley may not punish Mayday for publishing truthful information on a public issue such as  information about legal abortion services in jurisdictions that have made abortion illegal.

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In his cease-and-desist letter, Jackley said abortion pills are illegal in the state, and that Mayday Health publishes incorrect and dangerous information.

These ads are targeting women  including teenagers  encouraging them to take these pills while misleading them about the potential physical risks, Jackley said in a December news release. At the same time, they promote secrecy by urging women not to inform their doctors and children not to tell their parents.

South Dakota lawmakers adopted an abortion trigger ban in 2005 that took effect in 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortions are prohibited in the state, unless the mothers life is threatened by a pregnancy. State lawmakers also passed legislation in 2022 banning medical abortion by telemedicine.

In 2023, medication abortions accounted for 63% of abortions in the country, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. The drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, commonly used in medication abortions, are also listed on the World Health Organizations list of essential medicines. In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an attempt by anti-abortion medical organizations to overturn the Food and Drug Administrations prescribing guidelines for mifepristone.

Jackley has not yet filed a response to Maydays federal lawsuit.

For broadcasters
Even in its formative years during World War I, military aviators became aware that their worst enemy was anti-aircraft fire. And if one made it through that gantlet, the next worst thing a pilot could do was to return to his designated target, where an aroused and ready enemy waited. In the case of Capt. Merlyn Dethlefsen, however, mission came first, even if it set him against all the surface-to-air missiles anti-aircraft artillery and fighter planes the enemy could throw at him.

The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, the Iowan graduated high school at age 16 in 1951 and joined the United States Air Force in 1954 as a cadet in Royal, Iowa.

After more than a decade in the Air Force, Dethlefsen received his first combat assignment in October 1966 as part of the aerial fight in the Vietnam War. Dethlefsen flew Republic F-105s in the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron and later the 354th TFS of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Takhli Royal Thai AFB.

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The wing flew both single-seat Republic F-105D Thunderchief fighter bombers and two-seater F-105Fs. The latter, nicknamed Wild Weasels, carried a weapon systems officer to seek and destroy Soviet-built SA-2 SAMs or the radar that controlled them.

These Iron Hand SAM suppression missions, carried out at high speeds at low altitudes, had their own special dangers, made the more hazardous by the AAA and Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) fighters that were coordinated with by North Vietnamese ground control interception (GCI).

On March 10, 1967, Dethlefsen was flying his 78th combat mission and his target was the area around the Thai Nguyen Steel Plant, a heavily defended industrial complex about 50 miles north of Hanoi in North Vietnam, according to the State Department. At the time, the plant was North Vietnams first industrial center and produced 20% of its steel.

Dethlefsens WSO, Capt. Kevin Mike Gilroy, later commented that his pilot was taciturn, a born-again Christian, and not at all the typical fighter pilot. In Dethlefsens case, however, those traits proved right for the job.

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As the Americans, led by Maj. David Everson with Capt. Jose Luna as his WSO, neared Thai Nguyen, the defenses opened up, blacking out the sky with a curtain of 85mm AAA. The flights No.4 man, Maj. Kenneth Holmes Bell, suffered major damage early on. Dethlefsen later reported on what followed:

Both Mike [Gilroy] and I had seen some pretty intense flak in North Vietnam, but nothing to compare with this. The sky was literally black with flak  a greasy, deadly black. I lost sight of Lead in all the smoke. Suddenly I saw Lincoln 2 [Capt. William F. Hoeft] break to the right and heard the tell-tale shriek of a parachute beeper! Lincoln Lead [Everson] had been shot down! And Lincoln 2 wasnt in too good a shape either. By all the rules I should have squirted off my missiles and gotten the hell out of there, but the strike force was still very vulnerable, I had fuel, missiles, bombs and guns, and the job wasnt done yet. Merlyn Dethlefsen

Dethlefsen flew a brief reconnaissance of the area. It really wasnt a matter of avoiding flak, that was impossible, he said. I had to find the least intensive area. The SAM site we were after was placed in close with several large 100mm anti-aircraft sites. Not gunsSITES! Each site had multiple guns in it.

Having lost contact with Bell, Dethlefsen set up a wagon wheel pattern of attack. I rolled in and began lining up the SAM site for a Shrike attack when something caught my eye, he said. How I picked put the MiGs in all that smoke and confusion I dont know. I fired the Shrike and broke to the right, just as the MiG launched a missile at me.

More worried about MiGs or SAMs at that moment, Dethlefsen flew into the AAA instead. During his second run through it, however, he felt a slight bump. They were hit. Evading a second MiGs attack and sustaining another flak hit, Dethlefsen made a final strafing dive, firing off the last of his 20mm cannon ammunition before making for Takhli.

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Among other things, he had destroyed two SAM sites and dodged two MiG missiles, helping the bombers carry out what was judged a successful mission.

However, the mission cost Dethlefsen his flight leader, Everson and Luna, who were taken prisoner and endured 2,187 days of hardship and torture in the Hanoi Hilton before their release on March 4, 1973. Bell and Hoeft managed to bring back their battered F-105Ds.

Unknown to the Americans at the time, the few MiGs they encountered were not North Vietnamese, but North Korean. Although the USAF confirmed both, a postwar check of Vietnamese records revealed a unit called Group Z that fought alongside the North Vietnamese.

On Feb. 1, 1968, Dethlefsen received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson for his March 1967 exploits. Among the highlights of his subsequent career was service as assistant director of Lockheed SR-71 Blackbirds at Beale AFB, California, and director of operations for the Boeing B-52 wing at Dyess AFB, Texas before retiring as a colonel.

He died in Tarrant County, Texas, on Dec. 14, 1987, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
For the first time, the Duval County school board has made a public, unified stance against the Florida Department of Educations (FLDOE) recent Schools of Hope expansion.

The FLDOE said that the Schools of Hope program started as a way of providing students with access to charter schools in areas with low-performing public schools. Last year, we reported when state lawmakers expanded the program to allow charter schools to move into, or co-locate in, public schools for free, if there is enough physical space to do so.

Back in October, we reported when the Miami-based Mater Academy charter school operator applied to move into 25 public schools in Duval County. This week, school board members shared that 23 of those applications have since been withdrawn, meaning that only Merrill Road Elementary and Fort Caroline School of the Arts are being considered as locations for Schools of Hope.

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>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

With state lawmakers set to meet again in Tallahassee this month for the next legislative session, the Duval County school board approved the following list of requested reforms to the Schools of Hope program:

- Refine eligibility criteria so they accurately identify underperforming schools

- Update facility utilization metrics to reflect current classroom and building use,

instructional models, and student enrollment patterns

- Preserve the authority of locally elected school boards to manage district property and

- resources in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities

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- Clarify statutory definitions to provide consistent guidance for both districts and charter operators

Before the approval, close to two dozen parents and public school advocates shared their public comments with school board members, during which almost all of them spoke against Schools of Hope.

But the board approved its list of reforms with a 4-3 vote. No school board members advocated against reforms to the Schools of Hope expansion, but some didnt see a need to put it on their platform for state lawmakers.

School board chair Charlotte Joyce shared a firm belief that Duval County would not end up seeing any Schools of Hope after the next legislative session, and expressed confidence that the expansion to the statewide program would see major reforms. She argued that adding a call for reform from Duval County Public Schools could overlook the other local needs that will be advocated for.

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Youre wasting your time when you could be advocating for other things, Joyce said, this is going to be fixed.

Other board members, like Darryl Willie, argued that adding Schools of Hope reforms to the districts legislative platform was too important an opportunity to pass up.

I think we should all be in favor of [these reforms], because this is detrimental, Willie said.

School board members said they planned to talk about their proposed Schools of Hope reforms more in-depth during their workshop planned for January 20th.

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Ector County ISD is proud to join school districts all across Texas in celebrating School Board Recognition Month throughout January. This years theme is Our Future is Public.

The citizens of Ector County are well-represented by their seven school board Trustees:

* Tammy Hawkins, President, Position 6

* Dr. Steve Brown, Vice President, Position 5

* Bob Thayer, Secretary, Position 7

* Dawn Miller, Position 1

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* Delma Abalos, Position 2

* Wayne Woodall, Position 3

* Chris Stanley, Position 4

All are elected by their local constituencies and serve four-year terms. Their responsibilities can be grouped into five categories: adopt goals and priorities and monitor success; adopt policies and review for effectiveness; hire and evaluate the superintendent; adopt a budget and set a tax rate; and communicate with the community.

It is my hope that everyone will take just a moment to thank our school board members during this month-long celebration, ECISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keeley Boyer said in a news release. Trustees volunteer their time and energy because they are determined to do what is in the best interests of the children of Ector County. They must be familiar with all aspects of the educational system and act according to community needs, values, and expectations. It is difficult work and I am grateful to serve alongside them here in Ector County.

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ECISD is a school district of nearly 32,000 students and some 4,000 employees with a General Fund budget of more than $369 million. It is an immense responsibility. ECISD Trustees come from different backgrounds and experiences, yet they all have a common vision  they want every student to have access to a great education that prepares them for whatever path they choose to pursue after graduation, the release said.

For more information, contact ECISD Communications at (432) 456-9019.

The post ECISD joins state in celebrating Board of Trustees appeared first on Odessa American.
The Brief

LATAM Flight 2482 suffered a total failure of all rear landing gear tires during its landing in Atlanta.

Emergency fire units immediately surrounded the Boeing 767-300ER, though the aircraft landed safely without any reported injuries.

Federal investigators are working to determine the cause and the full extent of the landing gear damage.

ATLANTA - There were scary moments at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after an international flight from Peru blew out its tires upon landing on Tuesday evening.

What we know

LATAM Flight 2482 arrived at 7:38 p.m., ahead of its scheduled 7:55 p.m. arrival time, following a seven-hour and 24-minute journey. The Boeing 767-300ER landed safely, but was quickly surrounded by airport fire units.

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The flight, which originated in Lima, Peru, appears to have blown out all its rear landing gear tires, according to preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration.

No injuries were immediately reported following the incident.

What we don't know

It was not immediately clear what the extent of the blowout was or what may have caused it.

Emergency vehicles surround a LATAM Boeing 767-300ER after the aircraft blew out its tires during landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Jan. 6, 2026. (FOX 5)

Dig deeper

The Boeing 767-300ER is a wide-body twin-jet frequently used by LATAM Peru for its long-haul routes between Lima and Atlanta. It can hold up to 221 passengers, not including crew.

The Source

The details in this article come from the FAA and radio traffic. Flightaware.com also contributed.
Ethiopia marked Orthodox Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a large candlelight ceremony in Addis Ababa, where thousands gathered in Meskel Square for prayers, hymns and a midnight Mass. Worshippers, many dressed in white traditional clothing, stood shoulder to shoulder as priests led the service.

The ceremony was followed by an all-night vigil, ending a 43-day fasting period observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

The celebration follows the Julian calendar, which places Christmas on January 7. Families traditionally break the fast after midnight, often sharing meat dishes prepared for the occasion.

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The calm atmosphere in the capital contrasted with ongoing insecurity in parts of the country, notably in Amhara and Oromia. Despite this, the gathering in Addis Ababa reflected a strong desire for normality and spiritual continuity.

Ethiopia is largely Orthodox because Christianity was adopted there in the fourth century and became a lasting part of the countrys identity. Linked early on to the Church of Alexandria, this tradition has endured through centuries of history and isolation.
The European Commission said Tuesday it plans to tweak its budget proposal for 2028-2034, which has come under fire from agricultural groups, to allow farmers early access to around 45 billion euros.

The move comes amid a push to ease the qualms of some countries over the Mercosur deal that Brussels hopes to ink on 12 January in Paraguay.

It was welcomed by Italy, which holds the deciding vote on the accord.

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"This is a positive and significant step forward in the negotiations that will lead to the new EU budget," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

More than 25 years in the making, the Mercosur deal would create the world's biggest free-trade area, boosting trade between the 27-nation EU and the bloc comprising Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

But it has alarmed many European farmers who fear they will be undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours.

Thousands protested in Brussels last month, venting their anger also at EU plans to overhaul its system of farm subsidies, which critics say would result in farmers receiving less money.

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Farmers descend on Brussels to protest EU Mercosur trade deal

Extraordinary meeting

In a letter Tuesday, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen unveiled budget changes she said would "provide the farmers and rural communities with an unprecedented level of support".

The letter was released as EU agriculture ministers are due to gather in Brussels on Wednesday for an extraordinary meeting to try to get the Mercosur deal over the line.

Member states are expected to then vote on the text on Friday, which the commission hopes will clear the way for its signature.

Plans to seal the accord in December ran into a late roadblock as heavyweights Italy and France demanded a postponement over concerns for the farming sector.

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Germany and Spain are strongly in favour of the agreement, believing it will provide a welcome boost to their industries, hampered by Chinese competition and tariffs in the United States.

Trump's tariffs come into force, upending economic ties with Europe

The deal would help the EU export more vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to Latin America at a time of global trade tensions.

In return, it would facilitate the entry into Europe of South American meat, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans.

(with AFP)
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union is renewing internal negotiations over a free trade agreement with five South American nations neighboring Venezuela a week after the United States' audacious raid there to detain President Nicolas Maduro.

Ministers of Agriculture from across the 27 European Union nations met in Brussels on Wednesday in part to discuss protecting farmers while also reaping the economic and geopolitical benefits of a free trade deal with the Mercosur nations of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The EU's trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic said after the meeting that while the deal would increase EU agrifood exports by up to 50%.

Its a landmark one. This is the biggest free trade agreement we ever negotiated, Sefcovic said. He said that EU trading partners value the EU for particular one thing in this turbulent world, one thing above all, this is credibility. So therefore, we must, safeguard this priceless currency by remaining a trusted and reliable trading partner.

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He said that EU negotiations over Mercosur will continue on Friday amid speculation that a deal could be signed in Paraguay on Jan. 12.

Fierce opposition from France in December, fired up by enraged farmers, derailed the deal and forced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to scrap a trip to Brazil where top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur deal after 26 years of negotiations.

Italy is seen as the linchpin of the deal. If Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joins the deal's supporters led by Germany, then it will pass over the objections of France and Poland. She posted on X on Tuesday that she welcomed von der Leyen's proposal to fast-track funds to farmers but Meloni did not promise crucial backing to the deal.

The Mercosur trade deal covers a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globes gross domestic product, and would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs. Such a massive free trade deal would provide a stark counterpoint in South America of economic diplomacy compared to the Trump administration's incursion into Venezuela and threats across the region.

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The EU is seeking to forge new trade ties amid commercial tensions with the U.S. and China, and the December delay of Mercosur was seen to diminish the EUs negotiating credibility.

French President Emmanuel Macron led opposition to the deal, which he sees as fueling a surging far right that rallies support by criticizing the deal. His centrist government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations like pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reaffirmed Wednesday Frances opposition to the Mercosur deal, because she said it threatens sectors including beef, chicken, sugar, ethanol and honey.

As long as the combat is not over, nothing is lost, she told French news broadcaster France Info, referring to the ongoing negotiations over the deal.

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If the EU Commission signs the deal on Jan. 12, it will be debated at the European Parliament, she said. Theres no guarantee the deal will be approved by the European Parliament, she said.

She also acknowledged Italy will likely approve the deal.

Supporters say the EU-Mercosur deal would offer a clear alternative to Beijings export controls and Washingtons tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors say it will undermine both environmental regulations and the EUs iconic agricultural sector.

Sefcovic said recent negotiations within the EU over the deal had led to new safeguards like semiautomatic triggering thresholds that would snap into place if Mercosur imports are found to be deeply undercutting EU products.

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The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years  especially between Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei and Brazils center-left Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the blocs two main partners  have not deterred South American leaders from pursuing an alliance with Europe that will benefit their agricultural sectors.

Venezuela was in Mercosur until 2016, when the trade bloc suspended its membership, a move criticized by Venezuelas new prime minister Delcy Rodriguez, then the foreign minister.

-

Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report.




Anyone who's spent a fair amount of time at Disneyland has likely seen it: a group of people pushing their way through a long line, trying to catch up to the rest of their party farther along in the ride queue. At best, it's an annoying inconvenience to let that many people cut ahead of you in a line you've been waiting in like everyone else; at worst, the breach in basic etiquette and park rules can result in unpleasant altercations between the line-skippers and people they've offended. On Dec. 30, a line-skipping incident resulted in a bloody fistfight between two Disneyland guests, with one man going to the hospital for treatment and the other man still at large.

"A group of people were waiting in line at Indiana Jones when another group cut through the line to catch up with other family members," Anaheim police Sgt. Matt Sutter told KTLA-TV. According to social media posts about the incident, a family of six was pushing ahead, and a man who had been waiting in line spoke up about it.

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According to witnesses, the line-skipping family fled the scene and left the park. As of Jan. 5, the member of that family involved in the altercation has not been identified, though KTLA-TV reports, "Sutter said investigators have strong leads on his identity and believe he is a Southern California resident." When SFGATE asked for an update, the Anaheim Police Department did not respond in time for publication.

The man who was punched was visiting from Washington state with his wife and teenage daughter, according to KTLA-TV. He was reportedly treated on-site by Disneyland medics and went to the hospital for stitches on his forehead. He then returned to the park with his family for the rest of the day.

FILE: Socially distanced riders also have a plastic divider between them on the Indiana Jones Adventure ride at Disneyland in Anaheim on Friday, April 30, 2021. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)





A Reddit user who says she's the victim's wife, @wittwitbarista, said, "He refused to hit back (which took a lot of discipline) because he didn't want the rest of the family get kicked or us blacklisted. My teen got videos of the guy hitting my hubby. The security and CM took care of my kids while I left with my hubby as he got checked out and got a wicked scar with serious dad lore." She did not respond to SFGATE in time for publication.

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Line-skipping is a persistent problem at Disneyland and many other theme parks. It's much more prevalent, and much less tolerated, during busy times, when the waits can be unusually long - and the two weeks over the holidays are by far the busiest time of the year. When wait times are long, tickets are at their most expensive and people don't feel like they're getting the quality experience they're expecting at the "happiest place on earth," tempers can quickly flare.

"I went to Disneyland 13 times last year and I can tell you straight up there is a huge problem with both of these things: line cutting and people being aggressive," @KellenCox wrote on X in response to the incident.

"Line cutting is out of control," @CleopatraF41616 commented. "Took my kids for the first and last time last year. Got shoulder checked from behind by line cutters multiple times."

On Dec. 30, when the Washington man was punched, Indiana Jones Adventure's average wait time was 58 minutes, per ThrillData, with a high of 70 minutes.

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When asked for comment about the fistfight, Disneyland representatives referred SFGATE to the Disneyland Resort rules, which include a mandate that guests "show common courtesy to fellow Guests and our Cast Members by not  engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior," which specifically includes "jumping lines or saving places in lines for others."

Those rules also prohibit "engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Disneyland Resort or any part thereof." If the man who fled is caught, it's likely that he will be banned from Disneyland.

More on Disneyland

- The secret California factory that powers theme parks' biggest special effects

- Homes for sale in Disney's planned community in the California desert

- California theme park plots 'huge' expansion with entirely new land

- As theme park costs spike, Disney fans pivot to a different experience

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Get insider access to all things Happiest Place on Earth, from historical deep dives to trending park news and beyond. Sign up for our Dispatches from Disneyland newsletter here.

This article originally published at Everyone hates this rude Disneyland move. This time, it ended in violence..
Two employees at a north Georgia sheriffs office were arrested and charged with theft on Tuesday.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested former Sergeant Andrew Glass and former Major Johnny McCoy in unrelated cases.

The GBI says Glass was arrested as part of an investigation into two guns missing from the Towns County Sheriffs Offices gun inventory that began last month.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The sheriffs office says Glass was terminated last week and that the gun has since been recovered.

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He was charged with theft by conversion, violation of oath of office and false statements.

Towns County jail records show that Glass has been released from custody on a $5,000 bond.

TRENDING STORIES:

GBI agents say they have been investigating McCoy since July.

They say they were requested by Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Joy Parks to investigate an allegation of theft in an accountability court program.

McCoy was working as a surveillance officer for the program. Part of his duties required home visits.

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A review of those home visits led to discrepancies, which led the judge to reach out to the GBI.

McCoy is facing charges of theft by deception, violation of oath of office and three counts of false statements. He is being booked into the Union County Jail.

The Towns County Sheriffs Office says McCoy was terminated on Tuesday at the time of his arrest.

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No place was hit harder than Cuba by the shock waves that Saturday morning's U.S. military seizure of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro sent throughout Latin America and the world.

Within hours of the operation - long before the government in Havana acknowledged it - phone calls and texts across the island spread the news that dozens of elite Cuban security forces had been killed guarding Maduro.

But by the time it finally released a statement late Sunday saying that 32 of its military and security personnel were dead in Caracas, the Cuban government had bigger problems on its hands.

Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear over the weekend that the collapse of Cuba's communist government was not only a likely side benefit of Maduro's ouster but a goal.

"I don't think we need [to take] any action," Trump said as he flew back to Washington from his extended Florida holiday break. Without Maduro and the oil supplies Venezuela provided, he said, "Cuba looks like it's ready to fall."

Rubio went further, indicating that the United States might be willing to give it a push. "I'm not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be," he told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. But, he added, "If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned."

Their words resonated with many in the Miami-centered exile community, where the struggle to free Cuba from communist rule has dominated politics for decades. On Saturday, South Florida Cuban exiles - some wearing red Trump hats and Cuban flags as capes - joined hundreds of revelers at spirited, impromptu celebrations from Little Havana to Doral, a city nicknamed "Doralezuela" because of its large population of Venezuelans. Cuban American leaders, most of them Republican, issued statements as Venezuela coverage dominated local TV stations.

Cuba is the "root" of problems with Venezuela, Nicaragua and other leftist regimes in the region, said Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County's elected tax collector. "Now the time has come  for the Castro communist and socialist assassin regime to be held accountable as well, and for the Cuban people to finally be free."

Absent direct U.S. intervention, however, Cuba experts here and on the island were less certain.

"If you're asking if the Cuban government will just collapse on its own because the economic pain is bound to increase" without shipments of Venezuelan oil, "I'm very skeptical," said Michael J. Bustamante, associate professor of history and director of the Cuban studies program at the University of Miami.

To keep the lights on and cars running, Cuba has long been dependent on Venezuelan oil supplies, for which it has exchanged security and medical personnel in a sympathetic contract with leftist allies in Caracas.

"I could very well be proven wrong, but Cuba has been here before" and survived, Bustamente said, referencing what is known in Cuba as the "special period" that began in 1991 with the abrupt cutoff of outside assistance after the demise of the Soviet Union.

Juan Gonzalez, who served as Western Hemisphere director on the Biden administration's national security staff, said that "cutting off the oil deliveries is going to put a huge squeeze on the humanitarian situation" in Cuba, which is already suffering regular electricity blackouts and food scarcities. "But I don't think the regime is going to cry uncle."

Aside from an economic uptick during the Obama administration, when the resumption of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana led to increased tourism and slender openings for private ownership and outside investment, the Cuban economy has never really recovered from the Soviet fall.

The nation has been on a steady slide into economic chaos for years, owing to U.S. sanctions and what even many of its supporters see as mismanagement by a sclerotic Cuban Communist Party.

Some chose to see opportunity in the darkness following Maduro's ouster. Carlos Alzugaray, a retired career Cuban diplomat reached by phone at his Havana home, said, "There is of course an increase of the threat, a very bad thing."

But it was possible, he said, that Cuba's allies in Russia and elsewhere would help, "and just maybe the government will  open up the economy and do what the economists have been telling them for a long time and they have refused to do."

Venezuelan support under Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, in the early 2000s helped Cuba emerge from the special period and the weight of decades-long U.S. sanctions. Since then, Havana has weathered the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, covid, Trump's dismantling during his first administration of the limited Obama opening and furious street protests in 2021.

But the emboldened second Trump administration presents an entirely new threat to Cuba's leaders.

At various points over the years, Cuba's own government economists have advised overhauling the economy and have been urged to do so by allies in China, Vietnam and Russia.

Raul Castro, who took over from his ailing brother, Fidel, in 2006, warned of needed reforms in a lengthy 2010 speech to the Cuban parliament. "We are playing with the life of the revolution," he said. "We can either rectify the situation, or we will run out of time walking on the edge of the abyss, and we will sink."

But his plans to expand the role of the private sector and reduce state ownership were seen as contradictory and insufficiently implemented, ultimately resolving few of Cuba's systemic problems. Other pushes for change have run into similar roadblocks over the ruling party's refusal to allow private businesses and farms to sell their goods directly for market prices, its rejection of currency reforms, heavy government investments in a failing tourism industry and the growing power of GAESA, the military-controlled conglomerate that runs vast swaths of the economy.

At their peak of about 100,000 barrels a day, Venezuelan oil shipments allowed Cuba to serve its own energy needs and sell refined petroleum products overseas for desperately needed cash. But as Venezuela dealt with sharp drops in output, due to U.S. sanctions and mismanagement, shipments dropped to about 30,000 barrels last year.

Those cuts, along with Cuba's aging refineries, failing infrastructure and the occasional hurricane, led to at least five island-wide blackouts last year.

"They have to realize they can't depend on foreign help anymore," Alzugaray said. Russia and Mexico have supplied some oil, although Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is likely to come under increasing U.S. pressure to cut off aid to Havana. China, which holds major Cuban debt, has shown little interest in helping.

Reforms have been approved "on paper," Alzugaray said. "The problem is they don't do it. The essence is opening to market economics, allowing expansion of the private sector, and eliminating or selling socialist state enterprises that don't produce. They have to do it, and they have to do it fast. They have lost too much time."

Few Cuba watchers have much confidence that reforms will happen, at least under the party government of President Manuel Diaz-Canel and the current power structure.

"There are reformers inside the regime," said Gonzalez, the Biden administration official, who had extensive dealings with the Cuban government. "They have a vision, but they don't have the wherewithal and the influence to have it done."

Even if they did, he said, "it won't be enough" for Rubio, whose parents fled the island before Fidel Castro's 1959 takeover, and Cuban American lawmakers and power brokers, he said. "They're going to want big change."

Opposition on the island is diffuse and leaderless since arrests following the 2021 street protests.

"People who aspire to be opposition leaders are either in Miami or in Madrid or in jail," said William LeoGrande, a specialist in Latin American affairs at American University. A Venezuela-like removal of even a handful of individuals is unlikely to rattle the multilayered, entrenched party and military power centers to the point of collapse, he said.

As for Cubans themselves, Alzugaray said, "I wouldn't think that people are so desperate that they will welcome an American intervention or a group of Miami Cubans taking over. What people want is the Cuban government to change," he said, "but in Cuban terms, not imposed by the outside."

(COMMENT, BELOW)




A Chinese pro-democracy activist imprisoned in the early 1990s for counter-revolutionary propaganda and incitement, after which he fled to the United States, claims that X, the Elon Musk-owned social network, unilaterally shuttered his account based on disinformation circulated by Beijing.

Former student leader Wilson Lei Chen, also known as Chen Pokong, says higher-ups at X took the Chinese Communist Partys false accusations at face value, subsequently cutting him off from his 150,000 followers with zero explanation, according to a $2 million-plus lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

The 62-year-old Chen, a longtime critic of the CCP who helped the 1989 Tiananmen Square protestors spread their message to the south of the country, says in his complaint that his X account  which he established in 2010  was suddenly taken offline nearly three years ago and never reinstated. Chen, who now lives on Manhattans Upper West Side, has submitted several appeals, which were all denied immediately through identical automated responses, his complaint states.

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It says Chen, who is acting as his own lawyer, is informed and believes that his wrongful suspension may have been influenced by: coordinated inauthentic reporting, foreign disinformation campaigns, [and] political pressure to silence dissenting voices, all allegedly propagated by the CCP and its proxies.

Chen was targeted for harassment online by the CCP and Chinese government security agents in what the Department of State called a multi-billion-dollar influence operation meant to shut down dissent and criticism of Beijing, according to a 2023 CNN investigation.

Exiled pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong, seen here during a commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, accuses X of taking Chinas claims about him at face value. (AFP via Getty Images)

The years-long effort, known by various names including Spamouflage, Dragonbridge, has sought to undermine dissidents abroad, damage American companies considered hostile to China and subvert internet commentary that might be disparaging of the CCP.

X Corp. CEO Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, has deep ties to China and the CCP, raising concerns among American officials that his relationship with Beijing could constitute a threat to national security. While X is blocked in China, it emerged last fall that Musks SpaceX, one of the largest and most important U.S. military contractors, has taken direct investment from Chinese nationals, according to ProPublica. And some 10 months after the U.S., the U.K. and Canada issued a joint statement in March 2021 expressing grave concern over forced labour, mass detention in internment camps, forced sterilizations, and the concerted destruction of Uyghur heritage in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwestern China, Musk  seemingly unfazed  opened a Tesla showroom there.

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A spokesperson for X did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment. A request for comment sent to Peter Michael Shimamoto, the attorney representing X in the matter, went unanswered.

Chens suit, which was first filed in New York State Supreme Court but removed to Manhattan federal court on January 5, describes him a renowned author, columnist, political commentator, [and] dissident.

It says he is a longtime critic of the Chinese Communist Party, and cites CNNs 2023 report as having documented extensive China-linked online harassment networks targeting activists, democracy advocates and overseas Chinese commentators.

Plaintiff falls squarely into these targeted categories, according to Chens complaint.

Elon Musk, who bought Twitter and renamed it X, has deep ties to China and the Chinese government. Exiled pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong says in a new lawsuit that higher-ups at X unilaterally suspended his account due to nefarious activity by agents working on behalf of Beijing (AFP via Getty Images)

Chens X account served as a major platform for his pro-democracy commentary, until February 15, 2023, when he found himself permanently suspended without warning, notice or explanation, the complaint adds.

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At the time, X notified Chen that he had been kicked off the platform using what the complaint calls a generic message: Your account broke the X Rules. According to the complaint, the notice never identified any specific post, any rule or any misconduct.

Chen duly appealed the move, but was swiftly denied via auto-generated messages from X, the complaint continues. It says the content he posted on the site consisted solely of democracy discussions, political commentary and YouTube titles  none violating X policies, and that he received zero explanation, contrary to Xs Terms requiring notice, explanation and careful review.

Transnational repression or foreign pressure likely contributed to the interference, the complaint states, going on to note that Xs arbitrary, unexplained actions align with patterns described in the CNN investigation.

In addition to X, state-sponsored Chinese operatives have been discovered on dozens of other online platforms. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, said in 2023 that it had shut down thousands of Chinese-run accounts for violating their inauthentic behavior policy. Executives at Meta described the covert propaganda campaign as the largest ever in the companys history.

Pro-democracy activist Chen Pokong was a vocal supporter of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, helping the movement spread to the country's south (AFP via Getty Images)

According to published reports, Chen has proof that the Chinese government has been watching him and interfering in his online activities for several years.

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In April 2023, two months after Chen was locked out of his X account, nearly three dozen Chinese government operatives were indicted by a federal grand jury for targeting dissidents in the U.S. via an online disinformation campaign.

One of the operations laid out in court filings pertained to a virtual pro-democracy event Chen had hosted nearly two years earlier on Zoom, that had been derailed by trolls who threatened participants with violence and death.

The interlopers were allegedly officers with Chinas Ministry of Public Security, based in Beijing, and purportedly involved hundreds of other officers and agents spread throughout the country.

However, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., denied any ties, telling CNN, China always respects the sovereignty of other countries. The U.S. accusation has no factual evidence or legal basis. It is entirely politically motivated. China firmly opposes it.

Chen Pokong, an exiled pro-democracy activist now living in Manhattan, believes his X account was shut down at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party, according to a newly filed lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images)

In his lawsuit against X, Chen claims his suspension has caused him substantial economic damage, beginning with the loss of his 150,000-strong following on the platform.

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This led to a deep loss of cross-platform exposure, leading to a major cut in his YouTube viewership and revenue, along with reputational harm, as the suspension wrongly implies misconduct, Chens complaint maintains.

It says Chen has additionally suffered emotional distress and health impacts as a result of the abrupt silencing of his professional voice, and pegs his monetary damages in excess of $2 million.

Chens complaint further accuses X of mislead[ing] users about moderation, appeals and enforcement, and slams the platform for disrupting his ability, without justification, to communicate to his audience.

Chen is asking the court to order X to reinstate his account, the removal of all violation labels and compensatory and punitive damages.

Without such relief, Chens complaint argues, he faces irreparable ongoing harm.

Chen did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Irans regime is facing one of the most widespread anti-government movements in decades, as fiery demonstrations continue to spread nationwide.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was the last shah of Iran leading up to the 1979 revolution, said during an appearance on "Hannity" that the country has "never seen an opportunity" like this to overthrow the government.

"Over a hundred cities and millions of people on the street chanting Death to the dictator," Pahlavi said Tuesday.

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Video circulating online shows large demonstrations across Iran, with thousands taking to the streets. Protesters are upset over the countrys worsening economic conditions as the value of Irans currency continues to plummet.

Iran On The Brink As Protesters Move To Take Two Cities, Appeal To Trump

Protesters march in downtown Tehran, Iran, on Dec. 29, 2025.

At least 36 people have been killed during the protests, with thousands more detained by authorities, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Despite the violence, Pahlavi said the public remains "committed to bring[ing] an end to this regime."

Read On The Fox News App

Iran Crackdown Rattles Middle East As Analysts Weigh Us Options Short Of Military Intervention

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"The regime is crumbling and is very close to collapsing," he said.

He said the movement is "unprecedented" and differs from past efforts, pointing to participation from Irans powerful merchant class.

In Tehran, video showed business owners shutting their shops in the Grand Bazaar and facing off with security forces in riot gear.

Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei speaks in Tehran on Jan. 3. (Getty Images)

"It has been my strategy to call upon the military personnel and the armed forces to lay down their arms and join with the people to be part of the solution," he added.

Iran Protesters Emboldened By Trump Admins Persian Messaging After Obama-biden Inaction, Activists Say

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President Donald Trump said this week that the United States would be willing to intervene if Iran harms or kills protesters.

"The United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go," he wrote on Truth Social.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 3.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

The Associated Press, citing Irans state-run IRNA news agency, reported that an Iranian general called Trumps remarks a "threat" and warned the country would respond.

Pahlavi noted that he is prepared to return to Iran if the regime falls, adding that his goal would be to "bring about a peaceful end by means of a national referendum and a constitutional assembly."





Original article source: Exiled Iranian prince says regime very close to collapsing' amid nationwide unrest
NEED TO KNOW

A group of five snowmobilers were returning from Castle Peak in California on Jan. 5 when an avalanche occurred, burying one of them, authorities said

Despite being dug out and administered first aid, the victim, Chris Scott Thomason of Bend, Ore., did not survive, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office

All remaining individuals in the area where the avalanche occurred were accounted for, officials said

Authorities identified a 42-year-old snowmobiler from Oregon who died following an avalanche in California.

The Nevada County Sheriffs Office said that dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 2:19 p.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 5, in the vicinity of Johnson Peak and Castle Peak in Truckee involving a group of snowmobilers.

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The sheriffs office later stated in a Tuesday, Jan. 6, update that the five friends originally set off for the day from the Johnson Peak area and successfully made their way to Castle Peak.

Described as experienced snowmobilers, the group had been prepared for a day of backcountry exploration and were well-equipped, even having avalanche beacons/transceivers. Additionally, one member of the group was certified in CPR, the sheriff's office stated.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office A photo shared by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office following a Jan. 5, 2026, avalanche in Truckee, Calif. A photo shared by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office following a Jan. 5, 2026, avalanche in Truckee, Calif.

However, as the friends were returning from Castle Peak, an avalanche was triggered on the backside of the mountain, burying the victim, later identified as Chris Scott Thomason of Bend, Ore.

The group immediately tracked Thomasons beacon and began digging him out, the sheriffs office said. After successfully retrieving him and beginning CPR, another group of three individuals, not affiliated with the group, came across the scene. One of these individuals happened to be an off-duty Truckee Fire medic who immediately began leading emergency efforts and CPR.

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Despite being administered first aid, Thomason did not survive.

As of Monday evening, all remaining individuals in the area where the avalanche occurred were accounted for, the sheriffs office said.

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About 50 people took part in the rescue mission, whom authorities thanked along with the four friends and three Good Samaritans who worked together against all odds.

So far in the 2025-2026 season, there have been three avalanche-related fatalities in the U.S., including Mondays incident, according to the National Avalanche Center.



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A hornet expert in Luxembourg is warning that Asian hornets, an invasive species first detected in the country in 2020, are multiplying quickly and that their population could surge again next year, according to the Luxembourg Times.

What's happening?

Asian hornets have proliferated across Luxembourg, and these insects can build large nests at inaccessible heights that are difficult to remove, as evidenced by an 80-centimeter (31.5-inch) nest that was removed from a church steeple in Luxembourg City.

Lieke Mevis, an environmental consultant, said, per the Times, that this past summer, "the number of nests has skyrocketed" and that the country's nature and forests administration has "not been able to keep up" with the pace of the growing hornet nests.

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Carsten Emser, a hornet expert, implored that the city "urgently" needs more specialists to combat the Asian hornets.

Why is the spread of hornets concerning?

The hornets pose a threat to both humans and ecosystems. The venom of Asian hornets is more toxic than that of hornets native to the region, and over half of sting victims require medical care; Emser warned that the health implications are "dangerous when a person suffers ten stings or more," per the Times.

This invasive species can survive temperatures as low as minus 7 degrees Celsius (19.4 degrees Fahrenheit), and if a nest is not removed, it can lead to as many as 25 new nests the next year. This combination of hardiness and rapid proliferation poses a threat to the ecological balance of the region.

The Guardian reported that Asian hornets are consuming hundreds of insect species across Europe, including key crop pollinators like honeybees, which can also negatively impact the region's food supply. The loss of honeybees and important pollinators strains agricultural systems and, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, leads to "reduced crop yields and lower quality products."



Globally, invasive insects cause more than $70 billion in damages annually, according to an assessment published in Nature Communications.

What is being done about the spread of the invasive hornet?

Local authorities and specialists like Emser are attempting to remove nests, though Luxembourg currently has too few trained responders to match the exponential spread. Some municipalities are exploring training programs to increase their removal capacity.

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Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed technology to detect hornets' buzzing via sound, and their method could help beekeepers identify Asian hornet nests much faster.

That would be a crucial tool to protect already stressed pollinator populations across the continent and limit their spread.

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A new report identified San Rafael, California, as the Bay Area's most vulnerable neighborhood to sea-level rise. Residents dealing with chronic flooding need climate resilience in their communities. The neighborhood is under threat of sinking as the bay continues to rise.

What's happening?

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Canal District is at risk.

The surrounding region has a soil foundation that fills former wetlands. Its topography causes the land to sink even as the ocean rises.

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Per the Chronicle, "parts of eastern San Rafael have sunk by several feet." Over the last 25 years, sea levels have risen 3 inches. Experts expect 12 inches between the next 25 and 45 years.

The impacts are being felt by the Latino and working-class residents. High tides swamp patios and parking areas. Moisture seeps into homes, causing mold and mildew.

"People aren't necessarily aware that this is happening," noted Rita Mazariegos, a member of a community sea-level rise steering committee, per the Chronicle.

Why is sea level rise concerning?

This rising water is a direct result of human activity.

It's brought on by burning coal, oil, or gas, creating planet-overheating pollution. As these energy sources warm the Earth, glaciers melt, and seawater expands.

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Isolated weather events, like a high tide or a heavy rainstorm, are temporary shifts. Climate impacts are a long-term pattern of extreme weather.

Extreme weather, such as hurricanes and wildfires, has always existed. However, human-induced changes in the climate can exacerbate life-altering extreme weather.

The San Rafael neighborhood's main exit roads would suffer from this sea-level rise. They could be permanently underwater by 2050, per the Chronicle.

What's being done about rising sea levels in the Bay Area?

There are many ways to protect these shorelines and cool the planet.

San Rafael is exploring engineering solutions. Some methods include elevating roadways, upgrading pump stations, and building levees.

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Experts suggest innovating architecture in flood zones. One example of a redesign, per the Chronicle, is to "flood-proof on the first floor." Designing buildings to float, as successful models in the Netherlands do, is another consideration.

People can address critical climate issues and support local policies for clean energy. Using electric cars and appliances will reduce the pollution that causes rising tides.

Fair funding and organizations such as the Canal Alliance are developing communal builds. A pedestrian bridge and bayshore land investments will create a safer, drier future.

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Does a viral post accurately summarize Zohran Mamdani's words from a podcast recorded more than five years before he was sworn in as New York City mayor? No, that's not true: The quote was shortened, and it changed its meaning. A longer, more elaborate fragment of his speech shows that he suggested that it shouldn't be the police, but specially trained specialists who would respond to domestic violence calls.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on X published on January 4, 2026. It opened:

This is essentially Sharia law. Husbands are allowed to beat their wives.

The post shared what looked like a screenshot of another post that seemed to have been published by the New York Post account on the same social media platform. The image read:

Zohran Mamdani said NYPD shouldn't respond to domestic violence calls in resurfaced podcast interview.

This is what it looked like on X at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/realMaalouf

The quote

As of this writing, a search on X for the precise wording from the supposed New York Post tweet did not show the same post available online:

Image search: Lead Stories screenshot of search results page at x.com

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However, the newspaper's website (archived here) still contained a July 11, 2025, article (archived here) published under that title:

Image search: Lead Stories screenshot of search results page at nypost.com

The piece discussed Mamdani's July 2020 interview on the Immigrantly podcast (archived here) that predated his mayoral campaign by years. The article's title omitted an essential part of his words, but the body of the text included a longer quote:

If somebody is surviving, going through domestic violence - there are so many different, different situations that would far better be handled by people trained to deal with those specific situations as opposed to an individual with a gun who has received quite a limited amount of training in general, but also in regards to these specific situations.

A longer fragment of the podcast that begins at the 13:11 mark provides a greater context of Mamdani's words:

...it is very important to speak about that reality that many people have because it pushes up against the conventional understanding of police who are seen to be people who come to resolve violence. But I mean, you just look at the history of the NYPD and you see that we have invested in a system that functions in many ways to punish poor black and brown people across this city and across this state and frankly across this country. And there are so many responsibilities we have given to the police that frankly should have nothing to do with their departments. A homeless person is on a train? They do not need a stranger with a gun to come and resolve that situation. If you know, if somebody is jaywalking, if somebody is surviving, you know, going through domestic violence, if there are so many different different situations that would be far better handled by people trained to deal with those specific situations as opposed to an individual with a gun who has received quite a limited amount of training in general, but also with regards to these kinds of situations. Because what ends up happening is that when we do this, these situations are escalated and we find so many people who are having a mental breakdown or people who are just trying to sleep on the train or you know people who are just suffering through something in their lives and instead of receiving a helping hand they were tased, they were shot, they were killed and then we ask ourselves why does this keep happening?

Mayoral policies

On January 6, 2026, Lead Stories repeatedly contacted Mamdani's press office for comment, but did not hear back. If we receive a response, this article will be updated as appropriate.

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Available evidence shows that Mamdani did not suggest that domestic violence calls should be ignored by his administration.

Shortly after winning the election, Mamdani already commented on the context of the resurfaced quote. On November 19, 2025 (archived here), he said:

That's not been a part of the proposals that we put forward over the course of this campaign. What we did say, however, in the campaign, is that it's untenable for officers to be asked to respond to the 200,000 mental health calls they receive every year, to be tasked with the responsibility of taking on the mental health crisis, the homelessness crisis. The commissioner and I share a belief in the fact that in order for police officers to be able to do their jobs, we also need to create a Department of Community Safety that will be tasked with those responsibilities. Because when we look at the fact that officers had a response time of less than 11 minutes in 2020 today, it's closer to 16. A lot of that has to do with the fact that so many of these responsibilities continue only to increase. It's time to make sure police officers can do policing and that we have a department of community safety that can take on these other issues...

Mamdani's campaign website said (archived here) that the new department will be used "to prevent violence before it happens by prioritizing solutions which have been consistently shown to improve safety." A more detailed description of that proposal (archived here) did not say that his administration plans not to respond to domestic violence calls.

During his January 1, 2026, inaugural address (archived here), Mamdani mentioned the new department again and said that it "will tackle the mental health crisis and let the police focus on the job they signed up to do".
Do viral posts tell a real-life story about a Connecticut woman named "Ada Morrison" who was committed to a psychiatric hospital for "excessive reading and intellectual pretensions unsuitable for woman"? No, that's not true: Lead Stories extensively researched available records but found no mention of the story outside of social media platforms. Those posts were illustrated by an AI-generated image.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on Facebook where it was published on December 29, 2025. It opened:

Ada Morrison was committed to Connecticut asylum in 1893, age thirty, by husband who wanted younger wife. Commitment reason: 'excessive reading and intellectual pretensions unsuitable for woman.' Ada had taught school before marriage, read constantly, discussed politics. Husband said this proved mental instability. Two doctors examined her for ten minutes, agreed intelligent woman was clearly insane. Ada was locked in asylum for four years, labeled insane for being educated. She escaped eight times. Caught seven times. Succeeded once. Took four years of attempts--climbing windows, picking locks, bribing guards, hiding in laundry carts. Ada's intelligence that got her committed was same intelligence that freed her. This tintype from 1897 shows Ada after final successful escape, age thirty-four, displaying scars from previous attempts--broken arm from second-floor fall, burn marks from climbing hot steam pipes, lash marks from punishment after failed escapes. She holds commitment papers declaring her 'mentally deficient with delusions of intellectual capability.' Ada had graduated college. Taught school for six years. Read Latin and Greek. Asylum declared this insanity. Her husband declared it embarrassing. Her intelligence declared it crime. Ada spent four years proving she was sane enough to escape place she was imprisoned for being smart. Ada reached New York after escape, changed name to Sarah Bennett, worked as clerk hiding education level to avoid suspicion. Never contacted family--they'd supported commitment. Never remarried--couldn't trust man with legal power over her freedom. Lived quietly for thirty-eight years, died in 1935, age seventy-two, having spent thirty-eight years hiding intelligence that had nearly destroyed her. Ada had been imprisoned for reading. Spent rest of life pretending she barely could. That was survival in world that called educated women insane. After her death, landlady found Ada's room filled with books--hundreds of volumes hidden behind false wall. Ada had kept reading despite risk, kept learning despite having been punished for it, kept thinking despite it being dangerous for woman in her era. Also found: diary documenting eight escape attempts with detailed notes about asylum security, guard rotations, lock mechanisms. Ada had been brilliant enough to escape asylum that imprisoned brilliant women. Her commitment papers are now in women's history museum: 'Ada Morrison was committed for reading too much. Escaped asylum eight times before succeeding. Spent 38 years hiding intelligence that prison couldn't contain. She was insane for being smart. World was insane for calling that illness.'

This is what the attached image looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at facebook.com

No records of the case

The post on Facebook clearly said that the story of this woman was so well-known that at least one museum had a collection dedicated to her. It means that if the story were true, the chances are that it would have been mentioned in academic scholarship, historical newspapers or other archival materials.

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However, searches across Google Scholar (archived here), Library of Congress, New York Public Library's research catalogue and Articles Plus led to nothing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at scholar.google.com

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at search.catalog.loc.gov

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at nypl.org

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at research.ebsco.com

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Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at search.catalog.loc.gov

Lead Stories additionally searched several specialized ProQuest collections, but that did not produce any confirmation of the supposed Ada Morrison's story, either:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

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Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

The only two results found on ProQuest covered unrelated areas:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at proquest.com

AI-generated image

According to Google's About This Image tab, the picture of a woman with scars on her face in the post reviewed in this fact check was suspiciously recent:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at google.com

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The image exhibited several hallmark signs consistent with AI. One was the illegible letter:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at facebook.com

It was noticeable that the woman's facial oval did not show the characteristic age-related changes (archived here) that would be consistent with numerous deep wrinkles on her skin. Moreover, aging somehow did not affect the woman's neck, which showed a stark contrast with the condition of her face. Furthermore, "Ada Morrison" had an issue with her ears. One seemed to be missing; another one was situated much higher and was much smaller than it would have been anatomically correct.

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at facebook.com

The bottom right corner of the picture contained a visible watermark pointing to a specific AI content generation tool, Grok:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at facebook.com

Three online AI detection tools -- InVid, Hive Moderation and AI or Not -- confirmed that the technology generated the image:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page via InVid

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Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at aiornot.com

Stories of abuse at a New York City mental health facility were documented in the late 1880s by female journalist Nellie Bly, who got herself committed to get access to sources. The image in question did not show her and was not a modified version of her authentic images.
Claim:

Katie Miller, a former White House adviser and wife of senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, posted a map of Greenland overlaid with the U.S. flag and captioned with the word "SOON" following the January 2026 U.S. military operation in Venezuela.

Rating:

Rating: True

Following the January 2026 U.S. military strike on Venezuela and capture of the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump and those in his orbit ramped up threats to annex Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark, without ruling out the option of doing so through military action.

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According to some social media posts (archived), Katie Miller, a conservative podcaster, former White House adviser and wife of senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller, posted to X a map of Greenland overlaid with the American flag and the caption "SOON." Miller apparently made the post shortly after the U.S. military operation in Venezuela. The claim was shared to X (archived), Reddit (archived) and Instagram (archived).

Snopes readers reached out to ask whether the post was real.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTGUxy3jBL3/

The post about Greenland was real, so we've rated this claim true. Miller shared the map (archived) Jan. 3, 2026, less than 24 hours after news broke of the American operation in Venezuela.

That same day, Jesper Mller Srensen, Denmark's ambassador to the U.S., responded to the post (archived) with a brief summary of Denmark's and the United States' cooperation on Arctic security. He ended the post by saying, "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark." Miller did not directly respond to Srensen's post.

Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenlands and Denmarks security. Greenland is already part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work https://t.co/CboKnlKgJL  Jesper Mller Srensen  (@DKambUSA) January 4, 2026

A day after Miller's post, Trump told reporters that the U.S. "needs" Greenland. On Jan. 5 Stephen Miller, Katie Miller's husband and one of Trump's closest advisers, spoke with CNN's Jake Tapper, who referenced Katie's Greenland post at about 8:48 into the interview while asking Miller if he would rule out the U.S. ever taking Greenland by force. Miller did not acknowledge his wife's post, even after Tapper brought it up again during Miller's answer.

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On Jan. 6, Katie Miller referenced the Trump administration's desire to annex Greenland on X again (archived) by quoting a Trump post on the issue from his first administration.

Sources:

Anwar, Sara. "Stephen Miller Says US Is Using Military Threat to Maintain Control of Venezuela." CNN, 5 Jan. 2026, www.cnn.com/2026/01/05/politics/video/senior-white-house-aide-stephen-miller-says-us-military-threat-to-maintain-control-of-venezuela-digvid. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Miller, Katie. "Back in 2019." X (Formerly Twitter), 6 Jan. 2026, x.com/KatieMiller/status/2008516236859314379. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

---. "SOON." X (Formerly Twitter), 3 Jan. 2026, x.com/KatieMiller/status/2007541679293944266. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

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Smith, Alexander. "Trump's Venezuela Attack, Greenland Threats Raise Fears in Denmark, Europe." NBC News, 5 Jan. 2026, www.nbcnews.com/world/greenland/trump-venezuela-attack-maduro-greenland-threats-denmark-europe-rcna252289. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Srensen, Jesper. "Just a Friendly Reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark." X (Formerly Twitter), 3 Jan. 2026, x.com/DKambUSA/status/2007607563601273179. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Does a viral screenshot of a headline claiming Michael Byrd "pocketed" $190 million in HHS funds for an "unaccredited" daycare in Maryland show the current state of the article? No, that's not true: The Gateway Pundit website made several changes to the headline and the article over time, now pointing out $190 million is the total of all Federal child care funds going to Maryland. The word "unaccredited" also does not appear in the story anymore at the time of writing although it does still wrongly claim Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the United States Capitol Police officer cleared in the shooting of Ashli Babbit, was pardoned by Joe Biden.

A version of an image with the old headline was still visible in a viral X post (archived here) published on January 6, 2026 with a text that read:

And the truth shall drive you mad.

The image in thas post showed a headline that read "Developing: Lt. Michael Byrd Who Shot Ashli Babbitt Dead on Jan. 6, 2021 in Cold Blood, Runs an 'Unaccredited' Day-Care Center in Maryland at His Home and Has Pocketed $190 Million in HHS Funds":

Image source: X post by @Rothmus

That headline was also present in an X post by The Gateway Pundit (archived here) which linked to a story on The Gateway Pundit's website (archived here and here) that originally showed that headline.

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An later edit of the article changed the headline to "REPORT: Lt. Michael Byrd, Officer Who Shot Ashli Babbitt Dead on Jan. 6 in Cold Blood, Allegedly Operates Unaccredited Home Daycare in Maryland Tied to $190M in HHS Funds", weakening the claim to a "report" about something that "allegedly" happened and was merely "tied to" funds.

The headline on the version of the article at the time of writing of this fact check reads: "Questions Grow as Lt. Michael Byrd, Who Shot Ashli Babbitt on Jan. 6, Operates a Taxpayer-Funded Home Daycare as $190 Million in Federal Child Care Funds Flow to Maryland". There no longer is a reference to the daycare being "unaccredited" in the story or headline and the "cold blood" accusation only appears in the body of the text now.

An "Editor's note" at the end of the article now reads:

Editor's Note: The $190 million referenced reflects the total amount of federal HHS child care funds received by the state of Maryland, not funds received by a single daycare provider. Additionally, child care accreditation is optional in Maryland and is not required for state licensing. The update does not alter broader questions surrounding oversight and transparency.

The story still does have this paragraph making factually incorrect claims:

In one of his autopen's last acts before Joe Biden left office was to pardon Capt. Mike Byrd, the DC officer who shot and killed January 6 protester Ashli Babbitt in cold blood during the protests on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.

A fact check from Reuters (archived here) pointed out in February 2025 that Biden did not pardon Byrd and that he was not covered by any pardons for a committee tasked with investigating the events in the Capitol either because Byrd didn't testify before that committee:

In January 2025, as Biden's time in office came to an end, the former president issued pre-emptive pardons to those earmarked by incoming President Donald Trump for retaliation. People reacting to the news online said Michael Byrd was on Biden's clemency list.

But Byrd's name does not appear in any of Biden's pardons, which are found on the U.S. Department of Justice's website.

One warrant issued on Biden's last day in office granted clemency to members of the select committee formed in 2021 to investigate the Capitol siege, as well staff of the committee and police officers who testified.

Michael Byrd was not interviewed by the committee and was therefore not covered by this pardon, a spokesperson for Representative Bennie Thompson, the former chair of the January 6 committee, told Reuters.

The Law Dictionary defines "cold blood" (archived here) as "state of mind characterized by pre-meditated intent to commit a murder". However the Department of Justice (archived here) found there was "insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution" of Byrd in the Ashli Babbitt shooting.
A north Georgia family claims a metro Atlanta car dealership took advantage of their elderly loved one, who they say has dementia, after he was sold a nearly $90,000 truck.

The dealership disputes the allegation and says the matter has already been resolved.

The family says a salesperson with Carl Black GMC of Kennesaw traveled about 40 minutes to the mans home in Hiram, picked him up and brought him back to the dealership, where he purchased the vehicle. They say the man later drove the truck miles back home on his own, alarming relatives who say he rarely drives.

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Jamie Faulkner, the mans stepdaughter, said her family was shocked to see the expensive truck in his driveway. She said her stepfather, a former GMC employee, occasionally visited dealerships to look at vehicles but was not capable of negotiating a major purchase.

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He was in no condition to be negotiating the sale, Faulkner said, adding that her stepfather has dementia and drives only rarely.

Faulkner said doorbell camera video shows a salesman arriving at the mans home before taking him back to the dealership. She said the salesman convinced him to trade in his 2017 Nissan Frontier for $11,000 as part of the deal.

After learning of the purchase, the family said they immediately tried to reverse the sale. Faulkner said the family returned the truck, but the dealership had already sold the trade-in and later sold the GMC truck to another dealership.

It makes us all angry that somebody has taken advantage of an elderly person, Faulkner said.

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She said the family wants the mans money returned, including the trade-in values and has filed a complaint with the state.

The dealership declined to speak on the record but provided a statement through its attorney disputing the familys claims.

MORE FROM 2 INVESTIGATES:

According to the attorney, when the man purchased the vehicle on Nov. 12, he did not appear to be impaired in any way, or lacking the capacity to purchase a motor vehicle. The statement says the man drove himself off the lot after the purchase, without a caretaker or personal representative present.

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The attorney also said that on or about Nov. 25, representatives from Carl Black Kennesaw met with the man and his family and reached a resolution that included the dealership buying back the vehicle.

The statement says all necessary paperwork was signed at that meeting and that the family was informed the dealership needed to receive the vehicles certificate of title before issuing a refund check.

According to the statement, the dealership contacted the man on or about Dec. 20 and informed him that a check for the purchase price of the vehicle was available for pickup.

As the matter has been fully resolved with Mr. Dow, it is unclear to Carl Black Kennesaw as to why Mr. Dows family has chosen to contact the media, the statement said.

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Faulkner disputes that the situation has been fully resolved, saying the dealership has made an offer that includes conditions she believes are unfair.

She also said the dealership told the family the salesperson involved had been fired, though she claims his name still appears on the companys website.

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In the aftermath of the snatch-and-grab of Nicolas Maduro, Trump spoke to The Atlantic about his other foreign policy priorities: "We do need Greenland, absolutely."

It might have been easy not too long ago to dismiss this as bluster. Not anymore  not after the strikes on the Iran nuclear program and the Venezuela operation. We've gone from "Trump always chickens out" when he was backing off his Liberation Day tariffs to "Dismiss Trump's threats at your own peril."

Trump doesn't do everything he says, but almost everything he does do, he talks about openly beforehand.

In this respect, enemies of the United States can never complain that they weren't warned  and perhaps allies, too.

Denmark controls Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory. It colonized the sparsely populated island several hundred years ago. Mostly within the Arctic Circle, Greenland is not desirable real estate by any typical metric, but has outsized strategic significance.

As more waters become navigable in the Arctic Sea, the top of the world opens up for greater geopolitical contention. Greenland occupies a crucial spot. It sits on a key naval lane between the Atlantic and the Arctic, and it has prodigious reserves of critical minerals, and maybe fossil fuels, as well.

If it fell into our lap, it'd be an excellent addition to our territorial holdings. There's a reason that American statesmen have long coveted the island.

The problem is that it's not currently available. What are other options? A lightly armed contingent of U.S. crossing guards could probably take it over in a couple of days. The challenge, though, is political and diplomatic, not military.

A NATO ally seizing the territory of another NATO ally would obviously be a grave threat to the integrity of the alliance. Would Denmark invoke Article 5 against the United States? It has the makings of a good spoof musical, but it's not something anyone should want to experience in reality.

Although Trump has said in the past that he doesn't take military force off the table  an amazing statement in and of itself  he's also talked of buying Greenland. The Danes, though, say it's not for sale, and the Greenlanders don't want to be bought.

If Trump really pushes the issue, and forces Denmark and NATO into a corner with the 82nd Airborne ready to go on an airstrip somewhere, he could probably compel a sale, but it'd be courting a diplomatic crisis and damage the reputation of the United States without enough upside.

We can almost certainly get whatever we need from Greenland without violating a friendly country's sovereignty or straining a world-historical alliance to the breaking point. We already have a missile-defense base there. The 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement between Denmark and the U.S. allowing us to keep bases could presumably be updated and extended. Given the national security importance of rare earths to the U.S. and NATO, it should be possible to unlock Greenland's minerals.

Instead of clapping back at Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen should be reaching out for a steak dinner at Mar-a-Lago and offering a deal. While public pressure gets Trump's back up, private persuasion  and a warm relationship  goes a long way. The Panamanians managed to get Trump to stop talking about taking back the Canal (for now) with prudent concessions.

For his part, Trump should realize that making everyone in a friendly nation hate him doesn't help his cause. His talk of annexing Canada last year helped Justin Trudeau's party survive a national election that it should have lost. His Greenland saber-rattling is presumably making it harder for Denmark to work with him on sensible cooperation.

If Nicolas Maduro got what he deserved, Denmark is a different matter. Even the unsentimental, results-oriented Trump foreign policy needs to distinguish between friend and foe.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
The Florida Department of Transportation will host a public meeting next week to discuss proposed improvements at the intersection of Dunn Avenue and Braddock Road.

FDOT says its proposing adding a traffic light, adding left turn lanes on Dunn Avenue, adding a left turn lane on Braddock Road, installing crosswalks, and making the sidewalk wider on the south side of Dunn Avenue.

A virtual public meeting will be held on January 13 with an informal open house starting at 4:30 p.m. and a formal presentation and public comment at 6:00. You can find information on participating in the meeting on the FDOT website.

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An in-person meeting will be held on January 14 at the Highlands Regional Library. Like the virtual meeting, an informal open house will start at 4:30 p.m., and a formal presentation and public comment at 6:00.

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In the days since the seizure of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelans have been coming to terms with an uncertain future as a new reality begins to set in.

Marcelo, a student based in Caracas, is among those welcoming Maduro's seizure, although he is careful not to celebrate publicly.

"There are still allies of Maduro that are in power, so there are a few reasons why we don't celebrate outside of our houses," he told the BBC World Service. "But I can assure you that the majority of the people of Venezuela are very happy for what happened."

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He is not the only one exercising caution. The BBC has been asking people how they feel about recent events, and what might happen next. Many of those opposed to Maduro's government asked to remain anonymous, fearing for their safety.

But there are also those who support him. Rosa Contreras says she felt "humiliated" by the United States.

"It seems so easy how they took our president away," the 57-year-old said.

Rosa Contreras was dismayed at the apparent ease with which Nicolas Maduro was seized by the US [BBC]

Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in the operation that led to the Venezuelan leader and his wife being seized from his compound in Caracas, before being taken to the US where they face drug trafficking and weapons charges.

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The Cuban government says 32 members of its security forces were among those killed.

Shortly after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken by US troops, President Donald Trump said his administration would "run" Venezuela.

But exactly what that would look like remains unclear. Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, has taken power in the interim. Far from a Maduro opponent, Rodriguez was his closest lieutenant.

Since she was named interim president, police have been patrolling the streets and journalists have been detained.

Speaking to the BBC at a rally calling for the jailed leader's release, Rosa Contreras said the image of Maduro waving after arriving in the US had inspired her to take to the streets to show her continuing support for Maduro.

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"He had an attitude that sent us a message: if I'm standing here, you have to stand here, stand tall and keep going," she said.

Marcelo is also pleased that Maduro survived the US assault unscathed - but for different reasons.

"We want him to live every single day remaining in his life behind prison bars," he said.

Millions of people have left Venezuela in recent years due to political and economic crisis which has worsened under Maduro. But Marcelo said he had friends outside the country who would return if Maduro's fall led to a change in government and an end to Chavismo - the socialist political movement named after Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez.

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"If the United States runs the country so there's a stable transition in Venezuela economically and socially, I think everyone would be OK with that, even if it's not a perfect solution," he added.

One opposition activist in his 60s from the north-western city of Maracaibo told the BBC that he lamented the loss of life in the US operation, but was happy Maduro had been seized and taken into custody.

"The man they took away has done a lot of harm. We're glad they have him over there," he said.

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Under Chavismo, a lack of food and medicine had led to much suffering and death, he added.

"They gave the people the scraps while keeping the feast for themselves," a 33-year-old masseuse told the BBC, referring to Maduro's government.

She does not support Acting-President Delcy Rodriguez, but says "if this is the price we have to pay for a government transition then I accept it".

There is also concern over what might happen next - a common fear for those who spoke to the BBC. US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a second wave of strikes.

Gelen Correa, 50, who works in government social programmes, was defiant about the prospect of further military action, however.

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"The [Venezuelan] people deserve respect. I am prepared to fight back," she insisted.

Should there be a second ground attack, Correa said the US would find Venezuelans "armed to the teeth".

Delcy Rodriguez, vice-president since 2018, has been sworn in as interim president [Anadolu via Getty Images]

Some Venezuelans doubted that Maduro's seizure would make much difference.

"They took the leader out but the regime is the same, so in that sense nothing has really changed," said 60-year-old Jose.

One man from Caracas complained that a kilogram of cornflour - used to make a popular food in Venezuela - had roughly tripled in price, while another man from Maracaibo said the price of bread had increased by about 30%.

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A woman from Guyana City in the east of the country said that in the last two days, she saw few people in the streets, and there were no cars.

"You can see some military in the streets, some of them guarding supermarkets, because owners are scared of theft or robbery," she said, adding that "she, her family and friends are all scared to go out".

Various respondents told the BBC that they felt intimidated by armed Maduro supporters on the streets [Getty Images]

Another woman  a 34-year-old entrepreneur  told the BBC that she feared that there would be reprisals as there had been after the election in July 2024.

The electoral council - dominated by goverment loyalists - declared Maduro the winner of the poll, a result which the European Union, the United States and a number of Latin American nations refused to recognise, pointing to voting tallies collected by the opposition which suggested that their candidate had won.

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This unease is not unfounded. Many protests in recent years had been met with repression by government forces and paramilitary groups loyal to the Maduro government.

"There are military people on every corner and groups of armed civilians supporting the government who are causing fear among the population," she said, adding that people were uncertain as to whether there would now be peace.

Her words were echoed by the masseuse, who also warned that the current situation was perilous, telling the BBC: "There's so much fear in the streets and in our homes."

Editing by BBC Global Journalism's Mark Shea
Jan. 6A three-judge federal panel has again blocked a Trump administration directive to cut research funding for public universities and research centers nationwide, a plan both the University of Washington and Washington State University have said would deeply impact their programs and likely result in layoffs.

The decision upholds a lower court ruling that blocked the National Institute of Health from capping the reimbursement rate it provides for indirect costs at research institutions at 15%, which is far below the negotiated rate institutions previously agreed to.

In the ruling, U.S. Circuit Judge Kermit Lipez wrote that the attempt "to impose a 15% indirect cost reimbursement rate violates the congressionally enacted appropriations rider and HHS's duly adopted regulations."

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It's not known whether the National Institutes of Health will appeal the decision.

In February, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined 21 other states in a lawsuit challenging the plan. According to the lawsuit, the cap would have cut $120 million in funding in Washington.

"This funding is key to fueling the breakthroughs that have made Washington a powerhouse in medical research, work that saves lives," Brown said in a statement Tuesday. "That's why we've fought so hard to protect these funds, which are used to help unlock the mysteries of some of our biggest health challenges, like Alzheimer's disease, pediatric cancer, and diabetes."

As it announced the plan in February, officials with the NIH said more than a quarter of the agency's funds provided through almost 50,000 competitive grants in fiscal year 2023 paid for indirect costs, including for facilities and administration not directly tied to a specific project. According to the agency, of the $35 billion it provided through grants, $26 billion went to direct costs for research, while $9 billion went to indirect costs.

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According to the lawsuit, Washington State University negotiated an indirect cost rate of 53% for on-campus research and 26% for off-campus. The new 15% rate, the lawsuit states, would have instantly cut over $5 million from WSU in 2025, "sending shockwaves throughout WSU, and significantly disrupting the substantial progress."

Were the rate to take effect, the lawsuit states researchers "would likely be forced to significantly reduce or eliminate research animal colonies" at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. School officials also warned of hiring and travel freezes if the cap were to go into effect.

The university likely would have also closed some research facilities and reduced some research at the Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine.

According to the lawsuit, a 15% rate at the University of Washington "would instantly deprive UW of hundreds of millions of dollars it currently puts toward conducting the vital research and medical care contemplated by the NIH grant awards."

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The lawsuit states that the university has "long relied" on the ability to negotiate reimbursement rates, and that "nothing could have prepared" the university for funding cuts. According to the lawsuit, the change would result in a loss of between $90 million and $110 million to UW Medicine.

"The impacts would be devastating not only to the many staff members and faculty who would likely lose their livelihoods, but could also prove deadly," the lawsuit states.
The U.S. Army has released the first images showing parts of the design of a very early prototype of the next-generation iteration of the Abrams tank, or M1E3. The service had earlier confirmed to TWZ that it had received the tank last month, meeting its previously stated end-of-year delivery goal.

The M1E3 images were first shared today through Army social media accounts. Defense Daily had first reported that the tank had been delivered as planned back in December.

One image of the M1E3 early prototype that the US Army has now released. US Army

The second image of the M1E3 early prototype that the US Army has released, also seen in part at the top of this story. US Army

Were proud to announce the completion of the first M1E3 early prototype  a cutting-edge technology demonstrator designed to revolutionize the battlefield, a post on Instagram accompanying the images reads. Produced by Roush and powered by lessons learned from earlier risk reduction activities, this prototype showcases the Armys commitment to speed, agility, and Soldier-centric solutions.

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Key highlights are said to include advanced software integration, enhanced mobility, and unmatched lethality.

This milestone proves the Armys ability to rapidly apply lessons learned and deliver enabling technologies to Soldiers faster than ever before, the Instagram post continues. Testing kicks off in early 2026, and we cant wait to see the results!

A row of M1A2 System Enhanced Package Version 3 (SEPv3) tanks, the latest variant of the Abrams in US Army service. US Army

An Army spokesperson also provided an extremely similar statement directly to TWZ back in December.

The Army has completed the first M1E3 early prototype as a technology demonstrator. The Army-led design was produced by Roush and incorporates lessons learned from earlier risk reduction activities, they told us. This activity is about moving with speed  showing that the Army can apply lessons learned and getting key enabling technologies (software, mobility and lethality) into the hands of Soldiers quickly. Testing will begin in early 2026.

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The two M1E3 images available currently, seen earlier in this story and in parts below, only offer limited views of the prototype. One of them is a partial view of the tank from the front. The other looks to offer another view of the front end, but from a forward-facing perspective along the side. It is also possible that both images may show the rear end of the tank with the turret facing backward. Without having a full view, it is not immediately clear.

From what can be seen of the turret, it looks similar in some respects to the ones found on existing M1 tank variants, but may also have at least a slightly lower overall profile. It also has a prominent sensor window to the left of the mantlet that is not found on other Abrams tanks.

A side-by-side comparison of the turrets on the M1E3 early prototype, at top, and a typical M1A2 SEPv3 variant, at bottom. US Army

The main gun looks to be similar, if not identical, at least externally, to the 120mm M256 that arms current-generation M1s. The possibility had been raised in the past that the newest iteration of the Abrams might come with a larger caliber or otherwise more advanced main gun, and this could still be a potential addition to the M1E3 as development progresses. The Army has confirmed its intent to add an autoloader, something the U.S. military and many other armed forces in the West have historically eschewed in tank designs. The M1E3s complete armament package might otherwise expand, including with the ability to launch loitering munitions.

2/5 The magazine is double-row, closed-loop carousel of canisters that are cycled to place the requested round into a feed position, meaning you don't need the current big blast doors, instead just a small port (which is how most autoloaders with protected carousels work). pic.twitter.com/gEI9qVNG8P  Jon Hawkes (@JonHawkes275) October 22, 2024

When it comes to the hull, what is seen of it looks to be substantially different from existing versions of the Abrams, regardless of whether it is being viewed from the front or the rear, with two prominent hatches. There is also what looks to be a camera that could be associated with a distributed vision system, as well as new LED lights. All M1 variants have a single hatch at the front for the driver, with the rest of the other three members of the crew situated in the turret. The rear end of the tanks is entirely defined by their gas turbine powerpacks.

A side-by-side comparison of what is seen of the hull in one of the images now available of M1E3 early prototype, at top, and the front end of the hull of an M1A2 SEPv3, at bottom. US Army

Another view of an existing variant of the Abrams tank, as seen from the rear, with its gas turbine powerpack removed. US Army

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Altogether, the images show a design that is also notably different from the AbramsX next-generation demonstrator that General Dynamics Land Systems, the current prime contractor for the M1, first unveiled in 2022.

A lower-profile turret and a significant reorganization of crew positions are among the features that have long been expected to appear on the M1E3 prototype. The addition of an autolader would also allow the total number of crew members to be reduced from four to three. These are all changes that would help truncate the design overall, which, in turn, would help shave off valuable pounds, if not tons. Weight creep has been a major issue for the Abrams family since the original version entered service in the 1980s, with the latest M1A2 System Enhanced Package Version 3 (SEPv3) variant tipping the scales at some 78 tons. The Army has said previously that it is hoping to get that down to 60 tons on the M1E3.

The Army has also confirmed in the past that the M1E3 will have a new hybrid propulsion system and drive train, offering substantially better fuel economy than the gas turbine powerplant used on current Abrams tanks.

Itll be hybrid. It will not be fully electric, Dr. Alex Miller, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Advisor for Science and Technology to the Chief of Staff of the Army, had told TWZs Howard Altman on the sidelines of the Association of the U.S. Armys (AUSA) main annual conference last October. We dont want fully electric, because theres no place to charge. You need the liquid fuel to actually generate power. But what were seeing, and I have not put this to the test, so this is just sort of the math behind it, is the way that theyre going to deliver it, itll be about 40 percent more fuel efficient.

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A more integrated active protection system (APS) is also set to be an important feature of the M1E3. A portion of the Armys Abrams tanks have already received the Israeli-designed and combat-proven Trophy APS, but in an add-on form that has contributed to the aforementioned weight growth. An APS that is more streamlined and otherwise better optimized for the M1E3 could be lighter, as well as offer other benefits, including when it comes to the tanks physical structure and power generation requirements. An APS with added functionality, especially one that can also be used to provide an extra layer of defense against the growing threat posed by drones, would also be desirable. A new version of Trophy specifically designed to be better capable of engaging uncrewed aerial systems was unveiled in 2024, but there are also other potential options in the growing APS market space.

An M1 Abrams tank with the Trophy APS installed. U.S. Army via Leonardo

As TWZ has previously written:

The M1E3 is expected to feature a host of other advancements, including in terms of targeting capabilities and other onboard sensors, as well as networked communications systems. The Armys current push to accelerate work on the next-generation tank puts heavy emphasis on modularity and open architectures to make it easier to integrate and refine capabilities during the development process, as well as incorporate improvements down the road.

Feedback from experimentation with the early prototype the Army now has in hand will help the service refine and evolve those requirements. The service has also said it hopes to eventually acquire a full platoons worth of prototypes to further help in this regard.

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The reason we want to get the platoon out earlier is because we want the armor brigades to be able to tell us what works and what doesnt, Miller also told TWZ back in October. And then, rather than wait three or four more years, do [sic] some feedback then, allow GD [General Dynamics] to make those changes, and then get the next iteration out the next year.

What we didnt want to do is the first time that a tanker sees the new tank is [when] its done, you cant change anything, and its six years from now, he continued. We want to get feedback for the seats. Get feedback for the gunnery. Get feedback for the autoloader.

It is worth noting here that work on the M1E3 comes at a time when the general utility of tanks and other heavy armored vehicles in future conflicts is being heavily debated, including by the Army itself. The service announced last year that it was cancelling its plans to acquire 500 examples of the M10 Booker, a tracked light tank-like armored fire support vehicle with a 105mm main gun developed by GDLS and intended to support dismounted infantry units.

More details about the current design and the Armys future plans are likely to emerge as the service starts experimenting now with its first M1E3 early prototype.

Howard Altman contributed to this story.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, a newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In todays edition, Ryan J. Reilly examines how President Donald Trump is seeking to recast the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Plus, Steve Kornacki looks ahead to the next special House elections on the calendar.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

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 Adam Wollner

Five years after Jan. 6, Trump is rewriting the narrative around the Capitol siege

Analysis by Ryan J. Reilly

Five years after he and his allies tried and failed to overturn the results of the 2020 election, President Donald Trump is using his time back in the White House to take a series of actions aimed at erasing or rewriting the Jan. 6, 2021, siege on the U.S. Capitol.

Trump mass-pardoned Jan. 6 rioters on his first day back in office. Justice Department officials and FBI agents involved in the massive investigation and prosecution were fired. Dozens of other supporters involved in efforts to overturn the election results have been pre-emptively pardoned.

The White House launched a page on its official website today dedicated to Trumps narrative, claiming the protesters were peaceful in 2021 and it was the police response that escalated tensions. A timeline reads: Stolen Election Certified, and restated claims that former Vice President Mike Pence was trying to sabotage Trump when he refused to stop the certification of electoral votes.

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Pence said on X that Jan. 6 was a tragic day, but that it became a triumph of freedom when, after Capitol Police quelled the violence, leaders in both chambers in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracys work under the Constitution.

Anniversary march: Meanwhile, pro-Trump demonstrators gathered near the Capitol today. Flanked by a small group of pardoned Jan. 6 defendants, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio said that theyre calling for retribution against members of the media as well as prosecutors who worked on Jan. 6 cases and continue to work at the Justice Department.

At the Capitol: House Speaker Mike Johnson's office said the legally required plaque to honor police officers who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, is not implementable and wont be hung as mandated by law.

What Trump is saying: During remarks to House Republicans at the Kennedy Center, Trump repeated his false claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. (He also warned that Democrats would try to impeach him again if they gained control of the House in this years midterm elections.)

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Read more 

Previewing 2026's special elections

For very different reasons, two House special elections emerged on the horizon today.

In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp set March 10 as the date for voters in the states 14th District to replace Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned her congressional seat yesterday. The special election will amount to a jungle primary, with all candidates running on the same ballot regardless of party. If no one clears 50% on March 10, a runoff between the top two finishers would be held four weeks later.

The seat is all but certain to remain in Republican hands. The district, which is a mix of rural north Georgia and expanding Atlanta exurban sprawl, voted for President Donald Trump by 37 points in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.

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Meanwhile, tragic circumstances will trigger a special election in Californias 1st District, following the sudden and unexpected death of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa. These two vacancies leave Republicans House majority at 218-213 for the time being.

California state law gives Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom some wiggle room on when to schedule the special election for LaMalfas seat. He has two weeks to issue a proclamation setting a date; the soonest the election could come after that would be 18 weeks later  which would be sometime in mid-to-late May. The latest it could be held would be mid-July.

The 1st District that LaMalfa represented takes in vast expanses of rural and mountainous northeastern California and is anchored by the cities of Redding and Chico. Trump won it by 25 points in 2024, so like with Georgias 14th District, Republicans will be the prohibitive favorites to retain the seat.

But the question is whether therell be much interest from candidates or either party. Under Californias new mid-decade congressional lines, which were drawn up by Democrats and approved by voters in November, the 1st District will be broken up, with its component pieces attached to overwhelmingly Democratic districts. So while the special election will be held under the old, GOP-friendly lines, the winner (assuming its a Republican) would realistically have nowhere to run for a full term this November.

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In addition, there are two other House special elections already on the books. A runoff is set for Jan. 31 in Texas 18th District, the Houston-based seat last held by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner. Since both candidates who advanced to the runoff are Democrats, the party is already assured of retaining the seat. And in April, voters in New Jerseys 11th District will pick a successor to Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor in November.

So far this Congress, Democrats have been posting significant improvements in special elections relative to the 2024 presidential result. That trend makes them the clear favorites to retain Sherrills seat.

 Today's other top stories

 Up next?: The White House said in a statement that using the military is always an option for Trump to acquire Greenland. Read more 

 Jekyll and Hyde: Trump urged House Republicans to be a little flexible when it comes to the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding for most abortions, as part of the debate over Obamacare subsidies. Read more 

 In the courts: Abortion will remain legal in Wyoming following a ruling from the state Supreme Court. Read more 

 Epstein saga: More than 2 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein are still to be released, according to a court filing from the Justice Department. Read more 

 Only in New York: George Conway , the longtime conservative lawyer who became a prominent Trump critic, launched a Democratic campaign for Congress in Manhattan. Read more 

 Cash dash: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that his re-election campaign ended 2025 with more than $30 million on hand. Read more 

 Texas two-step: Republicans in two Texas counties who were pushing to count ballots by hand in their March primaries are abandoning their plans. Read more 

Follow live politics updates 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner.

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If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A bill intended to modify voter registration and ID laws in Florida has been introduced. It mandates election supervisors to confirm the citizenship of applicants and introduces new ID requirements for voters.

The bill requires that all motor vehicle licenses and identification cards issued to non-U.S. citizens clearly indicate their non-citizen status with the designation NC. This aims to improve transparency in the states identification system.

The legislation aims to resolve voter identification concerns by requiring the supervisor of elections to verify if applicants are listed as U.S. citizens in state records. If citizenship cannot be confirmed, applicants must submit proof.

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The proposed legislation requires that actions like suspected false statements on voter registration applications be referred to the Office of Election Crimes and Security. This Office is responsible for investigating election misconduct claims and ensuring the integrity of the registration process.

A key update in the bill is the change to identification rules at polling stations. Voters are now required to show a valid Florida ID or other approved identification when they arrive. Moreover, if a voter registered with a Florida ID, that ID must be shown at the polling site.

The bill notably permits noncitizens registered to vote to submit provisional ballots. These ballots will only be counted if their registration status is verified by the specified deadline after the election.

Additionally, the legislation mandates that vote-by-mail ballots require election supervisors to verify, upon request, that the voters registration and mailing address are current and that the voter is a U.S. citizen.

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If citizenship verification is unsuccessful, voters must provide proof before voting or receiving an absentee ballot.

YOU CAN SEE THE FULL LEGISLATION BELOW:

Florida 'NC' Markings Voter Fraud Bill by WFTV Digital Team

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
This morning, Wednesday, Jan. 7, will see students in 66 of Florida's 67 counties back in the classroom.

The Christmas/winter break will be over for students in 16 counties today. The majority of students ended their winter break Tuesday, Jan. 6, when classes resumed in 32 counties.

Winter break was over Monday, Jan. 5, for students in nine counties.

Students in one county will be the last ones in the state to return to school, heading back on Thursday, Jan. 8.

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Florida kids won't have long to wait for the next school holiday, though.

In less than a week, all Florida schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Here's a county-by-county list showing when students head back to school.

What Florida schools open on Wednesday, Jan. 7?

Charlotte: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 are designated as professional days

Citrus: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 are designated as a teacher work day and professional learning day.

Duval: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as employee planning/inservice days.

Flagler: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day and Jan. 6 designated as professional learning day.

Gadsden: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as planning/professional learning days.

Hendry: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day and Jan. 6 as a professional learning day.

Indian River: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher optional day and Jan. 6 teacher planning day.

Jefferson: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as teacher inservice/planning days.

Leon: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as teacher inservice days.

Levy: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 2 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 5 as professional learning day, and Jan. 6 as school improvement planning day.

Madison: Classes resume Jan. 7. Teachers return Jan. 5.

Marion: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 teacher work day; Jan. 6 teacher inservice day.

Okaloosa: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as professional development day.

Pasco: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 6 designated as teacher planning day.

Polk: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as staff development day.

Walton: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as professional development day.

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

What Florida schools open on Thursday, Jan. 8?

Gilchrist: Classes resume Jan. 8. Jan. 5-7 designated as teacher work days.

Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

When do Florida students return to school in January 2026? County-by-county list

Alachua: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 is designated as a student/teacher holiday.

Baker: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 is designated as a planning day.

Bay: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 is designated as a records work day for teachers.

Brevard: Classes resume Jan. 5

Broward: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as a planning day.

Charlotte: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 are designated as professional days

Citrus: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 are designated as a teacher work day and professional learning day.

Clay: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 2 designated as planning day and Jan. 5 as inservice day.

Collier: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as a teacher planning day.

Columbia: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as a teacher work day.

DeSoto: Classes resume Jan. 5

Dixie: Classes resume Jan. 5

Duval: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as employee planning/inservice days.

Escambia: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day

Flagler: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day and Jan. 6 designated as professional learning day.

Franklin: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher planning day.

Gadsden: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as planning/professional learning days.

Gilchrist: Classes resume Jan. 8. Jan. 5-7 designated as teacher work days.

Glades: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day.

Gulf: Classes resume Jan. 5

Hamilton: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day

Hendry: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day and Jan. 6 as a professional learning day.

Hernando: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as professional day.

Highlands: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day.

Hillsborough: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as non-student day.

Indian River: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher optional day and Jan. 6 teacher planning day.

Jefferson: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as teacher inservice/planning days.

Lafayette: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as professional learning day.

Lake: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 2 designated as teacher work day and Jan. 5 as teacher professional learning day.

Lee: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as professional duty day.

Leon: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5-6 designated as teacher inservice days.

Levy: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 2 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 5 as professional learning day, and Jan. 6 as school improvement planning day.

Liberty: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated professional development day.

Madison: Classes resume Jan. 7. Teachers return Jan. 5.

Manatee: Classes resume Jan. 6. Teachers return Jan. 2; Jan. 5 district inservice day.

Marion: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 teacher work day; Jan. 6 teacher inservice day.

Martin: Classes resume Jan. 5. Jan. 2 designated as teacher work day.

Nassau: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher planning day.

Okaloosa: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as professional development day.

Okeechobee: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher planning day.

Orange: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day.

Osceola: Classes resume Jan. 5

Palm Beach: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day/professional development day.

Pasco: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 6 designated as teacher planning day.

Pinellas: Classes resume Jan. 5

Polk: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as staff development day.

Putnam: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 2 designated as teacher planning day, Jan. 5 as district inservice day.

Santa Rosa: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher planning day.

Sarasota: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as professional day.

Seminole: Classes resume Jan. 6. Teachers working Jan. 5.

St. Johns: Classes resume Jan. 5. Jan. 2 designated as teacher planning day.

St. Lucie: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day.

Suwannee: Classes resume Jan. 5. Jan. 2 designated as teacher work day.

Taylor: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as staff professional learning day.

Union: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day.

Volusia: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher duty day.

Walton: Classes resume Jan. 7. Jan. 5 designated as teacher work day, Jan. 6 as professional development day.

Washington: Classes resume Jan. 6. Jan. 5 designated as teacher planning day.

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

What Florida schools opened Monday, Jan. 5?

Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

What Florida schools opened Tuesday, Jan. 6?

Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

When is the next school holiday in Florida?

The next school holiday for Florida students is Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19.

Are Florida students off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Students in all 67 Florida counties will be off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19.

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Students in Alachua will have a four-day weekend since Friday, Jan. 16, was scheduled as a teacher work day.

Why aren't school calendars same for all Florida counties?

The decision on what days schools should be closed is made by individual school districts.

Will Florida pass law requiring schools to make Veterans Day holiday?

Schools in 19 of Florida's 67 counties were open for Veterans Day in 2025.

A Florida lawmaker has filed a bill to change that and make the day a required holiday for all schools in the state.

 Will all Florida schools close in 2026 for Veterans Day? Read proposed bill

House Bill 409 must be passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

If it does, it would go into effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Is there school today in Florida? See holiday schedule by county
Summer salvos of bubbling thunderstorms assault Florida from three sides, a legion of tumult riding the afternoon sea breezes with torrents of rain and sparking deadly lightning.

The tempests form almost like clockwork, contributing to the Sunshine States regular ranking as the lightning capital of the country.

But a study released Jan. 5 by environmental research firm AEM toppled Florida from its reign to anoint Oklahoma as the lightning top spot in 2025 based on flash density.

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Oklahoma dethrones Florida as Americas lightning concentration capital, the study heralded.

It was a photo finish. Oklahomas flash density was 73 flashes per square mile while Floridas was 72.9, according to AEM.

And Florida isnt surrendering just yet.

Colorado-based Vaisala Xweather also released its 2025 lightning report on Jan. 5 and by its count, Florida still dominates based on lightning density followed by Oklahoma then Louisiana.

There are a lot of complexities to this, said Martin Murphy, senior scientist at Vaisala Xweather about how lightning is measured.

More: Florida cold front shows off rare hole punch or fallstreak clouds

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Differences may come from the sensitivity of the equipment, tracking cloud-to-ground lightning versus intra-cloud lightning and return strokes, whether the lightning events are clustered or counted separately, and the size of the grid boxes used to measure lightning events on a map.

In AEMs report, Kay County, Oklahoma led the nation in flashes per square mile.

In Vaisala Xweathers report, Seminole County, Florida was No. 1 in the nation for lightning events by density.

"The headline attracts attention, and, in that way, it is exciting, but I dont think weve been dethroned on a permanent basis, said Florida State University meteorology professor Henry Fuelberg. The two companies use somewhat different techniques, so that would explain some of the difference. I would expect them to be pretty close."

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Vaisala Xweather and AEM closely track lightning for clients, such as those in the airline, electric and agriculture industry.

But it's also about life and death.

Getting people out of harm's way is always the goal, said Anuj Agrawal, who oversees marketing for AEM.

Thats important in Florida because there is no dispute that the state had the most lightning-related deaths in 2025.

There were 21 lightning-related deaths nationwide.

Four people were killed statewide in incidents that involved hunting, fishing, and wading in the ocean at New Smyrna Beach.

Jake Rosencranz was on a delayed honeymoon in June 2025 in New Smyrna Beach when he was struck and later died. Rosencranz's wife Leah Curtis told Volusia County Sheriff's Office deputies she had heard thunder in the distance but that there was a clear sky. She was standing about 4 feet behind her husband and said she saw a flash of lightning.

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"Curtis also observed Rosencranz in a frozen stance for a few seconds prior to collapsing to the ground," deputies wrote in an incident report.

The 29-year-old was dragged to shore and beachgoers performed CPR until first responders arrived. Rosencranz regained a pulse but was unresponsive and died while in an intensive care unit.

2025 lightning density by county.

"They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their marriage," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted on social media. "In one terrifying second everything changed."

Nationally, 21 people were killed by lightning last year, which is slightly above the 10-year average of 20.

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Unfortunately, Florida wins again, said John Jensenius, lightning safety specialist for the National Lightning Safety Council. The thing that stood out the most is there were five hunting deaths, two of which occurred in Florida.

Between 2006 and 2024 there were only three hunting-related deaths nationwide. The two Florida deaths happened last year in Highlands County in September.

There is always randomness in lightning, but that certainly stood out, Jensenius said about people getting struck while hunting.

More: Amazing scene over Palm Beach County as decaying thunderstorm sweeps toward the coast

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Florida's geography makes summer one of the more dangerous seasons meteorologically, with spiking daytime temperatures that trigger invading sea breezes from the coasts.

Those breezes force hot air over land to rise. Depending on the conditions higher in the atmosphere, especially if it's particularly cold, ice particles form. Colliding ice transfers electrons and separates electrical charges with negatively charged ice falling toward the bottom of the cloud, where it can discharge lightning to Earth.

Lightning kills by sending an electric pulse into the nervous system, causing concussion, temporary loss of hearing or eyesight and, sometimes, brain injury. The heart may stop beating entirely or pump erratically. Electricity also travels on top of the skin, causing burns by turning sweat or rain to steam or heating up a belt buckle, for example, to singe exposed skin.

In June 2025, four women were knocked unconscious, but survived, after lightning hit a tiki hut they were under on Marco Island.

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They were very lucky. A tiki hut is certainly not a safe place, Jensenius said.

Safe refuges include a substantial building or in a closed car with a metal roof.

Jeff LaPierre, a principal lightning scientist at AEM, said studying lightning is a way to highlight weather patterns.

He said one reason Florida fell in AEMs ranking last year was the lack of tropical storms and hurricanes, which can teem with lightning in their swirling outer bands.

Floridas wet season was also parched, meaning there were fewer storms. About 83% of Florida is in moderate to extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitors Dec. 31 report.

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Definitely lightning and rain go hand in hand, said LaPierre.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Oklahoma and Florida came out on top in dueling lightning reports
You may now file a claim in Amazon's $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in a 2023 antitrust lawsuit over Prime membership practices.

The claims process is the second wave of payouts in the settlement. In the first wave, eligible customers automatically received between Nov. 12 and Dec. 24. The window for filing claims in the second wave opened Jan. 5.

The online retail giant in September agreed to settle with the FTC over a lawsuit claiming that Amazon coerced millions of consumers into enrolling in Prime subscriptions, then made those agreements extremely difficult to cancel.

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"Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent, not only frustrating users but also costing them significant money," FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a 2023 news release. "These manipulative tactics harm consumers and law-abiding businesses alike."

Amazon denied wrongdoing and said it has "always followed the law."

"We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world," the statement added. "We will continue to do so, and look forward to what well deliver for Prime members in the coming years."

Here's what to know.

How much money will I get from the Amazon settlement?

Eligible customers can get a maximum of $51 from the settlement, based on the total amount of Amazon Prime membership fees paid during the duration of their subscription.

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Your payment may be lower if you've already received any refunds, credits, or chargebacks or if you signed up for a trial that charged a smaller amount of money for a Prime membership.

How do I know if I'm eligible for an Amazon settlement claim?

Anyone qualified to submit a claim will notified by email or by mail postmarked by Jan. 23 with instructions on how to submit a claim form, according to the settlement website. Eligible consumers will have 180 days to submit a claim. The deadline will be stated on the notice.

If eligible, you may submit a claim between Jan. 5 and July 21, 2026.

How do I file a claim in Amazon settlement?

There are two phases of payments in the Amazon settlement. The first phase was paid automatically last year to Amazon customers who signed up through what the FTC calls a "challenged enrollment flow" and used their Prime benefits no more than three times over any 12-month period of enrollment recipients.

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The "challenged" flow means any subscription started through certain pages on Amazon's website, including the "Universal Prime Decision Page, the Shipping Option Select Page, Prime Video enrollment flow, or the Single Page Checkout," per the court order.

In the second phase, only eligible Amazon customers who signed up through a challenged enrollment flow and used their Prime benefits between four and ten times over any 12-month period of enrollment can submit a claim for unintentional enrollment or unsuccessful online cancellation.

Who is eligible for money in Amazon settlement?

According to a court order in the case, Amazon customers are only eligible for a settlement payment if they meet both of the following criteria:

You signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, and;

You used more than three but less than ten Prime benefits in a 12-month period from June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025, and;

You unintentionally enrolled through a challenged enrollment flow or tried to cancel through the online cancellation flow but were unable to do so

How will I receive my Amazon settlement cash?

The second phase of payments will go out through PayPal or Venmo, or mailed checks. You'll be able to select the method when you submit a claim.

When will Amazon send out settlement payments?

Amazon has 30 days to review each claim form once received. Payments will be issued shortly after a claims form is approved, according to the settlement website.

What did Amazon do?

The FTC lawsuit claimed that some Amazon customers encountered confusing language in the checkout process that resulted in people signing up for Prime membership when they thought they were just getting "FREE Same-Day Delivery" on a single purchase, even if the customer didn't finish checking out. The FTC also pointed to the multiple steps a customer has to perform to cancel a membership.

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Amazon employees testified that only a small number of customers enrolled in Prime unintentionally, and the company established a Shopper Frustration team to improve customer experiences. The company has also modified the cancellation process.

However, the FTC presented evidence that Amazon employees were aware of the problems, citing Amazon's own cancellation surveys and internal documents, including one described unintentional Prime enrollment as an unspoken cancer that the company need[ed] to correct[.]

Amazon has denied the allegations.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Amazon Prime settlement is $2.5 billion. How to get a payment
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its temporary waiver allowing CDL holders to carry paper medical examiner certificates yet again. The new extension runs from Jan. 11 through April 10, 2026. Eight states still havent implemented a system that was supposed to be live by June 2018.

This isnt a technology problem. This is a failure of will. It explains everything about why states like California, Washington and Minnesota feel emboldened to run their own show when it comes to CDL issuance.

A Brief History of NRII

The Medical Examiners Certification Integration final rule was published on April 23, 2015. Thats nearly a decade ago.

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The concept was simple: eliminate paper medical certificates that are easily forged, create an electronic transmission system in which certified medical examiners submit exam results to FMCSA by midnight of the next calendar day, and have FMCSA push that data to state driver licensing agencies to update the drivers motor vehicle record.

The original compliance date was June 22, 2018.

It got pushed to June 22, 2021.

Then to June 23, 2025.

The rule finally went live on June 23, 2025, but immediately required a 15-day waiver in July. That became a 60-day waiver in August. Extended again in October. And now again through April 2026.

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State licensing agencies had a decade to implement what is functionally a paper upload feature for CDL self-certifications. A data feed. An API connection. The kind of thing a competent IT contractor could build in weeks.

The Fraud That Paper Made Possible

The entire point of NRII was to combat fraud. Since the August 2014 onset of the National Registry, there have been dozens of indictments and convictions against medical examiners who issued fraudulent certificates.

In one Georgia case, a doctor routinely signed DOT Medical Examiners Certificates without ever examining drivers. In another case, more than 6,000 drivers had to immediately renew their medical certificates because their examiner was running a fraud mill.

A 2019 DOT Office of Inspector General audit found that since August 2014, criminal investigations had resulted in eight indictments and six convictions for fraud in the medical certification process.

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By 2020, that number had grown to 33 indictments and 27 convictions. The OIG didnt mince words: FMCSA must take steps to identify and prevent CDL fraud by monitoring certified medical examiners who conduct physical examinations.

Paper medical cards are easy to forge. Theyre easy to alter. Theyre a compliance officers nightmare and a fraudsters dream. Were still using them in 2026 because eight states couldnt be bothered to connect to a database.

The Noncompliant Eight

As of Jan. 6, 2026, these states still havent implemented NRII: Alaska, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Oklahoma.

California with the largest CDL driver population in the country. New York. These arent backwater operations struggling with IT resources. These are states with massive DMV budgets that simply didnt prioritize federal compliance.

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sent a letter to FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs on Dec. 5, 2025, asking the agency to provide guidance to enforcement officials that paper medical certificates should be accepted during roadside inspections and safety audits until all issues associated with integrating the state drivers license administrations systems with the medical examiners systems are resolved.

CVSA noted that even states that have implemented NRII are experiencing incompatibility and errors in data transmission. During CVSAs 2025 International Roadcheck in May, 493 drivers were placed out of service for No Medical Card. That represented 15.7% of all driver out-of-service violations. Drivers are getting jammed up because states cant implement a system that should have been running since 2018.

This Is About Accountability, Not Technology

Heres where this connects to the broader pattern of state behavior weve been documenting.

When the FMCSA issued its interim final rule on non-domiciled CDLs in September 2025, its Annual Program Reviews revealed that California had an error rate exceeding 25% in non-domiciled CDL issuance.

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Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Washington all had to pause issuance due to compliance failures. California alone issued approximately 3,820 non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs in June 2025, with roughly one in four improperly issued.

Why do states feel comfortable ignoring federal CDL standards? Because FMCSA has historically been a paper tiger. The agencys response to state noncompliance has been to issue waivers, extend deadlines and recommend that states comply. A decade of delays on NRII sent a clear message: there are no consequences for ignoring federal requirements.

States arent stupid. They watched FMCSA push the NRII compliance date three times over seven years. They saw that the agencys solution to noncompliance was to keep issuing 90-day waivers. They learned that federal CDL regulations are suggestions, not mandates.

What Needs to Happen

FMCSA has tools it hasnt used. Under 49 CFR 384.401, states that fail to comply substantially with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 384, which includes the NRII requirements, can face decertification of their CDL program.

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States found not in substantial compliance must have withheld 4% of Federal-aid highway funds under 23 U.S.C. 104(b) for the first year of noncompliance, increasing to 8% in subsequent years.

Has FMCSA withheld funds from California, New York or any other state for failing to implement NRII by the June 2025 deadline? Not that Im aware of. Instead, the agency keeps issuing waivers and hoping states will eventually get around to compliance.

The Trump administrations recent aggressive posture on non-domiciled CDLs suggests a potential shift. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called Californias conduct frankly disgusting and threatened to pull millions in funding over CDL issuance failures. Thats the right tone, but it needs to be backed by action across all areas of CDL compliance, not just the politically convenient ones.

The paper medical card waiver extension is a symptom, not the disease. The disease is a federal agency that has spent a decade demonstrating to states that compliance is optional. When FMCSA lets eight states ignore a 2015 rule in 2026, it tells every state that federal CDL requirements are negotiable. Motor carriers and drivers pay the price.

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Theyre stuck navigating a patchwork of state systems, carrying paper cards that may or may not be accepted at roadside, and watching medically unqualified drivers slip through a certification system riddled with fraud vulnerabilities. If youre a driver licensed in a noncompliant state, keep carrying your paper medical card. Make sure your carrier has a copy, and hope the state eventually implements a system that should have been running before some of your current drivers were old enough to hold a CDL.

The waiver expires April 10, 2026. Want to bet on whether well see another extension? I wouldnt take those odds.

The post FMCSA Extends Paper Med Card Waiver and Whats Behind The Endless Extensions appeared first on FreightWaves.
 In Port St. Lucie, Florida police responded to a report of an explosion, WPBF-TV reports.

As they arrived at the scene, Joseph Moreton, 39, began yelling at them from his backyard, then came into the front yard holding a flamethrower.

Police asked Moreton to drop the weapon, but he wouldnt -- luckily, one officer was close enough to grab it out of his hands.

Moreton then moved inside his house and got a flashlight, which he tried to blind officers with. Law enforcement tased him, and he was taken into custody.

Moreton was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer. [WPBF, 10/15/2024]
The former member of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healeys staff accused of trafficking cocaine was erroneously paid out a large sum after he was fired.

A spokesperson with the Executive Office of Administration and Finance told Boston 25 that Lamar Cook was paid out $31,438 for his unused vacation time after he was dismissed.

Member of Mass. Gov. Healeys staff fired following drug trafficking arrest

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The state has been working to recover the funds.

Taxpayer dollars should never go to an individual who engaged in this type of outrageous criminal activity. This payment was erroneously made and we have taken action to get it back, an Office of Administration and Finance spokesperson stated.

The state says that Cook has yet to repay the $31,438 and Massachusetts is preparing to take legal action and will file a complaint if he does not return the money.

Cook, 45, of Springfield, who had served as the deputy director of Healeys western Massachusetts office, was arrested in October on charges of trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition during a traffic stop in Springfield.

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The arrest of Cook came after prosecutors said investigators searched his former office at the Springfield State Office Building in connection with the interception of about 17 pounds of cocaine during a controlled delivery operation at the building the day earlier.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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A former NBC Connecticut anchor who stepped away from the desk after the murder of her mother is back on the radio, and hinting at new projects.

Heidi Voight, a Milford-native who spent more than a decade as NBC Connecticut's weekday morning anchor on its "Today" show before leaving the job last February, has been filling in on local newscasts of WTIC-AM, according to posts on her social media.

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Voight has shared photos of her on the Farmington-based radio station three times since Dec. 22, including coverage of the snowstorm that hit the state on Dec. 26.

"Lazy Sunday? Not today! Wrapping up another busy news day at (WTIC)," Voight wrote in a post on Facebook on Jan 4. "It's a privilege to get to scratch the news itch at this Connecticut institution as I work on some other exciting projects for 2026."

Voight did not specify what those new projects are, and also did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story.

The award-winning anchor left her television job in February 2025, two years after her mother, Claudia Voight, was killed in her apartment in Vermont. Police have arrested Shawn Conlon, her tenant, and charged him with homicide, though his case has yet to be resolved. Conlon previously had been arrested as a suspect in a 2018 Killingly strangulation case

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At the time of the killing, the younger Voight left the air for several months, only returning in November 2023. She was briefly off-air again in April 2024 due to an undisclosed health scare, which Voight said put her in intensive care and required emergency surgery.

Last February, when Voight departed NBC Connecticut for good, she shared a long message with viewers on social media explaining that her departure was to spend more time with her children, fight for justice for her mother and improve her physical and mental health.

"The fight for justice for my mother is just beginning," Voight wrote at the time. "Our public silence the last two years should not be mistaken for surrender: We will fight for accountability and change. That may require me to step outside my role as a journalist and into my role as a daughter and advocate instead."

In her departure announcement, Voight said she would not leave media completely, and hoped to honor her mother's legacy by telling the stories of victims and survivors of homicide.

"This is not goodbye," she wrote.

This article originally published at Former NBC Connecticut anchor Heidi Voight is back on air - but not on television.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Republican Jim Ellison, a former commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, has launched his campaign for governor of New Mexico.

Albuquerque City Council selects council president and vice president

Ellison served as an NMPRC commissioner in 2023 and 2024 and was involved in regulating electric, natural gas, water utilities, as well as telecommunications and motor carriers in the state.

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Ellison is the fourth Republican to declare his candidacy for governor, joining Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, State Sen. Steve Lanier, and Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez. Democrats vying for the position are former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., in her first interview since resigning from Congress effective Monday, said on ABC's "The View" on Wednesday that she disagrees with the Trump administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the focus on Venezuela instead of other countries that contribute to the flow of drugs into the U.S.

Greene said that while she served on the House Homeland Security Committee, "it wasn't Venezuela that we were ever talking about" regarding drug trafficking, and that "you can't hold Maduro accountable and not hold Mexican cartels accountable, who are number one".

The Trump administration has said it is taking action on stopping the flow of drugs from various countries, including Mexico. On Sunday , Trump said Colombia could face a similar fate as Venezuela, and he said Cuba was imminently "ready to fall." He also said Mexico could be next, as the administration seeks to continue its battle against drug cartels.

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The former congresswoman, who has previously pushed back against other U.S. foreign policy endeavors, insisted as well that she remains "America First," which she said does not align with the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.

"We campaigned, and I went to countless Trump rallies and stood on the stage with the president and stood on the stage with other Republican candidates and said 'America First. No more regime change, no more foreign wars, no more foreign intervention.' Enough of this. That's what America First means," she said.

"Militarily invading a country, killing people in the process, arresting their leader and taking them out, then claiming this is for the Venezuelan people, and saying all the charges are about drugs, but then turning around and literally, every single statement is about Venezuelan oil and how it belongs to America ... it's not working."

ABC News - PHOTO: Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appears on "The View," on Jan. 7, 2026.

Greene also said a "deeper issue" for her on the U.S. action on Venezuela is that "if it's OK to go into Venezuela and arrest Maduro, then why are we telling China you can't go and take Taiwan? Why are we telling Russia you can't go take Ukraine?"

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Greene, first elected to the House in 2020, had established herself as one of President Donald Trump's closest allies and a staunch supporter of the MAGA movement he spearheaded. Greene came to define the MAGA movement on Capitol Hill, fighting Trump's second impeachment following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat at then-President Joe Biden's State of the Union address in 2024.

But she broke with Trump more recently on issues such as the Israel-Hamas war and releasing files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump withdrew his support for Greene in November after she criticized him and his administration for their handling of the Epstein investigation, along with other matters.

Greene announced that month that she would resign from the House, dropping a surprise bombshell soon after she was one of few Republicans to sign on to a discharge petition forcing a vote to order the Department of Justice to release the files. Her resignation before the end of her term leaves House Republicans with an even narrower majority -- with 218 Republicans against 213 Democrats as of Wednesday, after Greene's resignation and the death of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California on Tuesday.

ABC News - PHOTO: Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appears on "The View," on Jan. 7, 2026.

Greene said Wednesday she made the final decision to leave Congress when Trump called her a "traitor" and soon after, her son began to face death threats. She said she herself had faced threats previously and was used to them.

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"One of MAGA's big campaign pledges was to release the Epstein files. And then having to say 'Am I going to have to be the next Charlie Kirk? Is my son going to get murdered because I'm trying to continue to do this job?'" she said, referencing the high-profile conservative activist who was assassinated in Utah in September.

Asked how she would respond to people skeptical of her political transformation who think she is trying for a run for another office or to get ahead of potential Republican losses in the 2026 midterms, Greene replied, "I've been asked by every single person that's interviewed me, 'What are you running for?' And I've said over and over again to exhaustion I'm not running for Senate. I'm not running for governor, I'm not running for president. So first of all, that narrative is just wrong about me."

She added later that her focus is on "using my voice to pull Americans on the right and the left together to focus on our collective problems, particularly affordability."

ABC News - PHOTO: Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appears on "The View," on Jan. 7, 2026.

Yet Greene had sharp criticism for Democrats when asked if she'd consider becoming one, saying that Democratic policies and actions contributed to issues at the southern border and both parties had contributed to ballooning national debt.

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She declined to say whether she'd leave the GOP.

"I haven't said if I'm leaving the Republican Party, but my focus is America First, and my focus is -- earn my vote," she said.

As for what's next for her, Greene told "The View" that she hopes to spend more time with her children, her mother, and friends.

Would she ever return to Congress if Trump asked her to?

"Absolutely not -- the way he treated me. No," Greene said.

ABC News' Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Jay O'Brien Will Steakin and Mariam Khan contributed to this report.
France on Wednesday officialised a ban on food imports containing traces of five pesticides currently banned in the EU, a move aimed at easing farmers' opposition to the Mercosur trade deal with four South American nations.

France's influential farming lobbies are pushing the government to block the Mercosur accord, which is being discussed by the bloc's agriculture ministers in Brussels at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday.

The five substances targeted include the fungicides mancozebe, thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim and benomyl, used on produce ranging from avocados and mangos to wheat and soybeans.

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The fifth substance, glufosinate, is an herbicide widely used on potatoes.

They are all banned in the EU for health risks, but current rules allow trace levels of them on food imports to the bloc, which France now deems too high.

Many of the imports that would be banned are from South America, "but this measure is not aimed at South America, but all countries that treat these fruits and vegetables with these five products", an agriculture ministry official said on condition of anonymity earlier this week.

The French measure still needs the green light from the EU Commission, which will examine it on January 20, the ministry said in a statement.

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Commission officials have already said they are ready to renegotiate the rules on trace elements of banned pesticides, which affect only a tiny fraction of produce sales in the bloc.

More than 25 years in the making, the Mercosur deal would create the world's biggest free-trade area, boosting commerce between the 27-nation EU and the bloc comprising Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

But it has alarmed many European farmers who fear they will be undercut by a flow of cheaper goods.

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By John Irish, Andreas Rinke, Anne Kauranen and Daphne Psaledakis

PARIS/BERLIN/WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday he would meet leaders of Denmark next week but signalled no retreat from President Donald Trump's aim to take over Greenland as alarmed allies, including France and Germany, were working on a response.

A weekend U.S. military operation that seized the leader of Venezuela rekindled concerns about U.S. intentions toward Greenland, and U.S. officials have done little to allay fears.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Trump retained the option to address his objective by military means.

Still, "as a diplomat, which is what I am now, and what we work on, we always prefer to settle it in different ways - that included in Venezuela," he said when asked if the U.S. was willing to potentially endanger the U.S.-led NATO military alliance with a forcible takeover of Greenland.

A U.S. military seizure of the mineral-rich Arctic island from Denmark, a long-time ally, would send shock waves through NATO and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders.

It has prompted pushback in the U.S. Congress, with Democratic and Republican U.S. senators saying on Wednesday they expected the Senate would eventually vote on legislation seeking to rein in Trump's ability to attempt to seize Greenland.

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TRUMP SAYS GREENLAND KEY TO U.S. SECURITY

Greenland is strategically located between Europe and North America, making it a critical site for the U.S. ballistic missile defence system for decades. Its mineral wealth also aligns with Washington's ambition to reduce reliance on China.

Trump first voiced the idea of gaining control of Greenland in 2019, during his first presidency.

He argues that it is key for U.S. military strategy and that Denmark has not done enough to protect it, although two treaties already give the U.S. military nearly unlimited access to the island, one signed with Denmark in 1951 and the other in 2023.

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The White House said on Tuesday that Trump was discussing options for acquiring Greenland, including potential use of the U.S. military despite European objections.

Others in the administration have said different approaches were possible. Rubio said during a classified briefing late on Monday for congressional leaders the goal was to buy the island, two sources familiar with the briefing said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing on Wednesday a potential U.S. purchase of Greenland was being actively discussed by Trump and his national security team.

"All options are always on the table for President Trump ... the president's first option always has been diplomacy," she said.

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A senior Republican senator, Mitch McConnell, who has clashed with Trump on occasion, said threats and intimidation by U.S. officials over American ownership of Greenland are as unseemly as they are counterproductive."

"And the use of force to seize the sovereign democratic territory of one of America's most loyal and capable allies would be an especially catastrophic act of strategic self-harm to America and its global influence," he added in a statement.

EUROPEANS, CANADA RALLY BEHIND GREENLAND

Leaders from major European powers and Canada have rallied behind Greenland this week, saying it belongs to its people.

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Britain said its Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has said he stands with Denmark over Greenland, spoke with Trump on Wednesday and set out his position.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he would discuss Greenland with his German and Polish counterparts on Wednesday.

"We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he told France Inter radio.

A German government source said Germany was "closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps".

A senior European official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Denmark must lead efforts to coordinate a response, but "the Danes have yet to communicate to their European allies what kind of concrete support they wish to receive".

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Johannes Koskinen, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Finland's parliament, called for the issue to be raised at NATO, whose decision-making North Atlantic Council meets next on Thursday.

Koskinen said NATO allies should "address whether something needs to be done and whether the United States should be brought into line in the sense that it cannot disregard jointly agreed plans in order to pursue its own power ambitions."

The world's largest island but with a population of just 57,000, Greenland is not an independent member of NATO but is covered by Denmark's membership.

EU Council President Antonio Costa said the European Union would support Greenland and Denmark when needed and would not accept violations of international law no matter where they occur.

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Andreas Osthagen, research director at the Oslo-based Fridtjof Nansen Institute, said statements from European political leaders showed a real political will.

"It is about political solidarity but also about self-preservation that all Western countries have a desire that we should retain a principle of state sovereignty."

France's Barrot suggested Rubio had ruled out a military operation.

"I myself was on the phone with the Secretary of State yesterday (...), he discarded the idea that what just happened in Venezuela could happen in Greenland," he said.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, requested an urgent meeting with Rubio to discuss the situation.

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"We would like to add some nuance to the conversation," Rasmussen wrote on social media. "The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now."

Greenland continues to reject annexation by the U.S., said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament.

"Greenland has never been for sale and never will be for sale," she told Reuters, adding that U.S. officials not ruling out a military intervention was "completely appalling".

DENMARK DISPUTES RUSSIAN, CHINESE PRESENCE

Trump has repeatedly said Russian and Chinese vessels are stalking waters around Greenland, which Denmark disputes.

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"The image that's being painted of Russian and Chinese ships right inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments being made is not correct," Rasmussen said.

Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show no presence of Chinese or Russian ships near Greenland.

(Reporting by John Irish in Paris, Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Anne Kauranen in Helsinki, Stine Jacobsen, Tom Little and Soren Sirich Jeppesen in Copenhagen, Terje Solsvik and Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo; Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis, Jonathan Landay, Patricia Zengerle, Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; writing by Niklas Pollard, Gwladys Fouche and David Brunnstrom; editing by Ros Russell, Mark Heinrich and Diane Craft)
The White House said on Tuesday that Trump was discussing options for acquiring Greenland, including potential use of the US military, in a revival of his ambition to control the strategic island, despite European objections.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the subject would be raised at a meeting with the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland later on Wednesday.

"We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he said on France Inter radio on Wednesday morning.

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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested the meeting with Rubio in the near future, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenland's government website. Previous requests for a sit-down were not successful, the statement said.

However, Barrot suggested a US military operation had been ruled out by a top US official.

"I myself was on the phone yesterday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (...) who confirmed that this was not the approach taken ... he ruled out the possibility of an invasion (of Greenland)," he said.

Trump weighs military option to acquire Greenland

Trump renews Greenland ambitions

Trump has in recent days repeated that he wants to gain control of Greenland  an idea first voiced in 2019 during his first presidency. He has argued it is key for the US military and that Denmark has not done enough to protect it.

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A US military seizure of Greenland from a longtime ally, Denmark, would send shock waves through the Nato alliance and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders.

Leaders from major European powers and Canada have rallied behind Greenland, saying the Arctic island belongs to its people.

A US military operation over the weekend that seized the leader of Venezuela had already rekindled concerns that Greenland might face a similar scenario. It has repeatedly said it does not want to be part of the United States.

'That's enough': Greenland PM reacts to Trump threats

The world's largest island but with a population of just 57,000 people, Greenland is not an independent member of NATO but is covered by Denmark's membership of the Western alliance.

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Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, warned on Monday that any US attack on a NATO ally would be the end of both the military alliance and "post-second world war security.

Strategically located between Europe and North America, the US has an early warning air base in northwestern Greenland.

The island's mineral wealth also aligns with Washington's ambition to reduce reliance on China.

(with newswires)
Wrapping up 2025 and kicking off 2026 on a positive note.

The Fresno Police Department highlighted its latest crime statistics during a Tuesday press conference.

The City of Fresno saw 22 homicides in 2025. Chief Mindy Casto says the city has not seen a drop to that level in 51 years.

It's a 70% decrease from 2020 and a 27% reduction from 2024.

"But I have to stop for a second because this is not about the number. It is about the people and the families that did not have to deal with the tragedy in our city this year of a lost loved one and the ripple effects this has on so many lives, so we are grateful we have been able to make this kind of an impact," explains Chief Casto.

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Fresno police also recovered more than 1,500 guns off the streets and were able to solve 105% of murders, which includes some from previous years.

Additionally, traffic citations exceeded 40,000 in the last 12 months.

Mayor Jerry Dyer credits the teamwork between local leadership, the district attorney's office and every police officer putting their life on the line.

"For many, many years, decades, in fact, the city of Fresno had a reputation of being one of the most violent places in America, and what that does is it prevents people from visiting your city, it impacts tourism, and so I am proud to say that is not the Fresno we live in today. In fact, we live in a much safer place today," mentions Mayor Dyer.

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In retail theft cases, officers have recovered over $1 million and made more than 650 arrests.

DUI arrests were also higher than the previous year.

Chief Casto hopes the future of Fresno continues to trend safer by decreasing crimes, including auto thefts, violent crimes, DUIs, fatal crashes involving pedestrians and gang activity.

Although increased technology, such as their ShotSpotter devices, has helped, the work officers put in does not go unnoticed.

"We also had 381 officers assaulted in 2025 while they were out there performing their duties. I just want to take this opportunity to recognize our officers and their dedication to show up every day in this community to make it a safer place for the people who live and work here," expresses Chief Casto.

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The Fresno Police Department says that although it is almost fully staffed, it is always looking for individuals to join its team.

For a list of available city jobs, click here.

For a list of Police Department positions and to report a crime, you can click here.

For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, X and Instagram.
GREENSBURG  Miss Decatur County 2025 Addie Gauck competed in the Miss Indiana State Fair Pageant at the State Fairgrounds last weekend and placed among the top Sweet 16!

Seventy-seven contestants competed in the pageant on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 3 and 4, which involved multiple interviews for each, the presentation of a one minute prepared speech, and judging in professional and formal wear.

Gauck was chosen in July 2025 as Miss Decatur County from a panel of seven competitors. Gauck was also awarded the Miss Congeniality sash when she accepted her crown as Miss Decatur County. Cecilia Barber was chosen as the second runner-up, with Morgan Reatherford selected as the first runner-up.

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Gauck thanked her mentors for their support and guidance and the many opportunities wearing the crown presented. She indicated she wants to be a role model for young girls and children in general, and show them they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

Gauck is a 2024 graduate of North Decatur High School and is currently a junior at Purdue University where she is studying agriculture systems management.

The pageant was such an amazing experience, she said. I was so thankful to place in the semi-final round!

Congratulations, Addie!
ATLANTA (AP)  Eliminating state income taxes sounds great to many voters, but Republicans backing the push in multiple states still face questions about whether such big tax cuts can be made without raising other taxes or sharply cutting state funding for education, health care and other services.

Georgia on Wednesday became the latest state to launch a bid to abolish its personal income tax, with Republican leaders in the Senate backing a proposal to zero it out by 2032. This year, Georgia's personal income tax is projected to collect about $16.5 billion, or 44% of the state's general revenue.

The push is driven by politics. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the Republican who leads the state Senate, has made eliminating income taxes a centerpiece of his 2026 campaign for governor. State Sen. Blake Tillery, a Vidalia Republican who led a committee to abolish the tax, is among candidates to succeed Jones as lieutenant governor.

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This is the first vote that we are going to get to take to address affordability, Tillery said.

But it's unclear if the proposal will pass. Georgia House Republicans may want to continue nibbling away at the tax in smaller bites, preferring a measured approach. Republican House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington said Wednesday that his big 2026 goal is to eliminate property taxes for homeowners, but said he's willing to consider the Senate plan.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, serving his last year, has been cool to total elimination of the income tax. He declined to comment Wednesday on the Senate plan, but spokesperson Carter Chapman said Kemp wants "to continue lowering taxes and putting more money in Georgians pockets as he has throughout his term.

The state's Democratic minority opposes the move, saying it would mostly benefit high earners and the state needs money to provide services.

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Multiple GOP-led states seek tax cuts

Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri have all set goals to abolish the personal income tax, joining eight other states that don't tax personal income. Eight other states besides Georgia are cutting personal income tax rates this year, according to the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C., group generally skeptical of higher taxes.

We've seen a lot of states cut their income tax rates in the last four or five years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and coming out of it, said Aravind Boddupalli, senior researcher at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Supporters say cuts help a state compete for new residents and businesses, pointing to growth in Texas and Florida, two states without personal income taxes.

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Your income tax is a tax on productivity, said Manish Bhatt, who studies state taxes for the Tax Foundation. If you are taxing productivity, you are potentially losing out on economic gains.

Front-loading cuts for lower earners

Georgia has already been cutting income taxes, taking what was once a top income tax rate of 6% and lowering it to a 5.19% flat rate. Republicans broadly support a further cut for individual and corporate taxpayers to 4.99% this year, worth an estimated $800 million in foregone tax revenue.

The Senate plan would then freeze the corporate rate and focus on individual tax cuts. It proposes in 2027 to exempt the first $50,000 of income for a single person or $100,000 for a married couple, up from $12,000 and $24,000 now.

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Faced with Democratic criticism about affordability, the big increase in exempt income is central to Republicans' own arguments about how they can make money stretch farther. About 70% of Georgians reported less than $100,000 of taxable income in 2024, according to state figures.

It is a plan that gives benefits first to hardworking families, Tillery said.

The initial rate cut, plus the exemption proposal, would lower Georgia revenue by $3.8 billion in its 2027 budget year. Tillery says the state could pay by using surplus tax revenue and shifting back to paying for capital expenditures through borrowing instead of cash. But those moves probably wouldn't cover the foregone revenue even in the first year, much less $13 billion more in cuts to get to zero.

Tillery said revenue should be bolstered by trimming business income and sales tax breaks, saying legislators should reduce corporate welfare. But lawmakers and Kemp have balked at curtailing those measures in recent years.

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Some tax cuts backfired

Tax cuts haven't always been a political bonanza. In Kansas, after Republicans under Gov. Sam Brownback cut income taxes steeply more than a decade ago, voters revolted at budget cuts and lawmakers imposed multiple tax increases to cover persistent budget shortfalls, including restoring some income tax cuts. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won her first term in 2018 by framing the race as a referendum on Brownbacks policies.

State income taxes are only bad if you fundamentally don't believe that the services, the public investments that state governments provide, are worth anything, said Matt Gardner, a senior fellow with the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy .

In Missouri, Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe and GOP legislative leaders have made phasing out the states income tax a top priority for the session starting Wednesday. They're looking to expand sales taxes to services which currently are untaxed to help offset lost revenue.

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We want to do this in a smart, efficient way thats not going to have the state go off some sort of fiscal cliff, Missouri House Majority Leader Alex Riley told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

But expanding sales taxes could fall more heavily on poorer taxpayers. The liberal-leaning Georgia Budget and Policy Institute estimated that if Georgia doesn't expand its sales tax, the combined state and local sales tax rate would have to rise sharply from the current 7.42% to recover revenue losses.

All that leads to questions about income-tax elimination plans, even from Republicans. Burns, the Georgia House speaker, said he's open to any plan that benefits Georgians.

But we've got to have the details, and it has to work, Burns said. We need to make sure we can continue to do vital services  health care, public safety, education, all the things we talked about.

___

Associated Press writer David Lieb contributed from Jefferson City, Missouri.
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Russia's crude exports fell sharply during the final weeks of 2025 and into the new year. A 14th straight drop in prices combined with the smaller flows sent the value of shipments to the lowest since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.The country shipped 3.43 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Jan. 4, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. That's down by about 440,000 from the period to Dec. 21, with lower shipments from the key Pacific port of Kozmino driving the drop. The flows are volatile, affected by weather, sanctions and the timing of shipments.

Prices of Russian crudes have fallen more steeply than those for global benchmarks following US sanctions on Moscow's two largest exporters, Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC in October. Urals crude is trading below $35 a barrel in both the Baltic and the Black Sea, about 60% of its price on Oct. 1, with the Pacific ESPO grade down by 25%. In contrast, North Sea Dated crude has lost just 10% of its value over the period, according to Argus Media.

The drop in flows comes as Ukraine maintains its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, including refineries, pipelines, ports and tankers. Drone strikes on vessels in the Black Sea have led tankers heading to Novorossiysk to adopt a more southerly route along Turkey's coast.

Russian barrels are starting to offload again at key Indian ports, but delivery chains are lengthening, with an increase in clandestine cargo transfers and vessels spending long periods anchored awaiting clearance to dock.

Deliveries are now just about keeping pace with loadings again, bringing to an end the recent surge in the amount of Russian oil at sea, but they will have to accelerate further to start reducing the glut.

Numerous ships have disappeared from tracking systems in the Riau archipelago, northeast of Singapore, a favored location for transferring sanctioned Iranian barrels between vessels, which is growing in popularity among carriers of Moscow's crude seeking to disguise the origin of their cargoes.

Almost 40 cargo switches have been observed since the start of November in areas including Riau, close to either end of the Suez Canal and near the Russian ports of Kozmino and Zarubino in the Pacific.

 Crude Shipments

A total of 30 tankers loaded 21.46 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Jan. 4, vessel-tracking data and port-agent reports show. The volume was down from 23.59 million barrels on 32 ships the previous week.

On a daily average basis, shipments in the week to Jan. 4 fell to 3.07 million barrels a day, down by about 290,000 barrels a day from the previous week and by 980,000 barrels a day from the week to Dec. 21. The drop took them to the lowest since August.

Separately, two cargoes of Kazakhstan's Kebco grade were shipped from Novorossiysk and one from Ust-Luga during the week. One of two working moorings at the nearby CPC terminal, damaged in a sea-drone attack in November, has still not been replaced, which may have resulted in some Kazakh barrels being diverted to Novorossiysk.

The drop in flows over the past two weeks has been driven by fewer shipments from the Pacific port of Kozmino and from the Black Sea terminal at Novorossiysk.

 Export Value

On a four-week average basis, the gross value of Moscow's exports fell to $960 million a week in the 28 days to Jan. 4, sliding by 10% from the figure for the period to Dec. 28. Average prices fell for the 14th straight week and combined with the drop in flows to take the value of shipments to the lowest since at least the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Using this measure, the export prices of Russia's Urals from the Baltic and Black Sea fell by about $1.10 a barrel to $36.69 and $34.82 respectively. The price of Pacific ESPO crude dropped by $0.90 to average $47.55 a barrel. Delivered prices in India also fell by $0.90 to $54.64 a barrel, another new low for the period since March 2023. All prices are according to numbers from Argus Media.

On a weekly basis, the value of exports averaged about $835 million in the 7 days to Jan. 4, down by 11% from the period to Dec. 28, with the drop in flows boosted by a decline in prices.

Prices of Russian crudes have retreated much more steeply than those for global benchmarks following US sanctions on Moscow's two largest exporters, Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC in October. Urals crude is trading at about 60% of its price on Oct. 1, with the Pacific ESPO grade down by 25%. In contrast, North Sea Dated crude has lost just 10% of its value over the same period, according to data from Argus Media.

 Flows by Destination

Observed shipments to Russia's Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, fell to 3.29 million barrels a day in the 28 days to Jan. 4, down from 3.57 million in the period to Dec. 28.

While the amount of Russian crude heading to both China and India appears to be falling sharply, that's being offset by growing quantities on vessels yet to show a final destination, allowing for much of that pattern to be reversed. Tankers are increasingly showing interim destinations until they are well across the Arabian Sea, while some never show a final calling point, even after mooring to discharge.

Vessels are also spending longer at sea, with several tankers diverting from initial destinations on the west coast of India or in Turkey. They are also getting held up waiting to discharge at Chinese and Indian ports.

There is now more crude on tankers yet to show a final destination than the combined amount on ships signaling that they are heading to China, India or Turkey.

Flows on tankers signaling Chinese ports stood at 870,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Jan. 4, down from 1.01 million for the period to Dec. 28. The amount destined for India fell to 600,000 barrels a day from 910,000 barrels a day in the period to Dec. 28. But there is the equivalent of 1.83 million barrels a day on vessels yet to show a final destination.

Of that, about 1.43 million barrels a day is on ships from Russia's western ports showing their destination as Port Said or the Suez Canal, or those from Pacific ports with no clear delivery point, and a further 400,000 barrels a day is on tankers yet to signal any destination.

Flows to Turkey in the four weeks to Jan. 4 slipped to about 100,000 barrels a day, the lowest since April 2023. A cargo of Russian crude was shipped to Syria in the last week of December, the first for three months. Tankers hauling Russian crude to the east Mediterranean nation rarely signal their destination and usually disappear from automated tracking systems when they're south of Crete, making it difficult to estimate flows in advance of ships arriving off the port of Baniyas, where they can usually be picked up on satellite photos.

Notes: All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstan's KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export stream. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies.

Bloomberg classifies ship-to-ship transfers as clandestine if automated position signals appear to be switched off or falsified - a tactic known as spoofing - to hide the two vessels involved coming together to make the cargo switch.

Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port-agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd. and satellite imagery covering Russian ports.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




A controversial member of Bavaria's state parliament from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is due to stand trial on charges including incitement to hatred and money laundering from Wednesday.

The trial of AfD politician Daniel Halemba opens at the district court in Wurzburg, which has scheduled eight days of hearings.

Prosecutors argue that the incitement-to-hatred charge is based on the playing of a song by the neo-Nazi rock band Landser. The lyrics incite hatred against Turkish people living in Germany, they say.

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The band is classified as a criminal organization, and the song is believed to have been played at Halemba's birthday party in July 2022. Halemba argues that he was not even present at the party at the time in question.

The Wurzburg public prosecutor's office has been dealing with Halemba for more than two years.

In September 2023, a search was conducted at the house of the Teutonia Prag zu Wurzburg fraternity, of which Halemba was a member. There were suspicions of the use of symbols of anti-constitutional organizations. In October 2023, Halemba was detained on the basis of an arrest warrant, which was later suspended.

He is alleged to have harassed a lawyer and damaged the door to his office. In addition, the politician is alleged to have intimidated a witness in the preliminary investigation before his planned interrogation by the Wurzburg public prosecutor's office.

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The public prosecutor's office also assumes that the AfD politician transferred a mid-four-figure sum from his private account to an account in the Baltic States.

The money is said to originate from fraud committed by third parties, with Halemba allegedly receiving a commission for the transfer.

Halemba has denied all the charges and said he expects to be acquitted.
The blade of a wind turbine is threatening to fall onto a motorway in western Germany after it snapped and is now hanging on by a thread, police said on Wednesday.

Energy giant RWE said the wind turbine is part of its Bedburg wind farm, located some 40 kilometres from the Dutch border, confirming that a blade has been damaged.

Police have so far ruled out foul play and warned that the blade might come down.

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The fire brigade's head of operations, Guido Garbe, said an area of 400 metres has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure as it was difficult to say where the blade would land due to wind.

The nearby A44 motorway between the Jackerath and Holz junctions has been temporarily closed in case the blade ends up crashing onto the road, Garbe said.

As firefighters are waiting for the blade to come down, operator RWE plans to move the turbine at slow speed in the hope of severing the blade.

RWE stressed that the wind turbine affected was recently set up by manufacturer Nordex and that the energy firm had not yet commissioned and taken over the system.
German unemployment figures are expected to show a rise when the Federal Employment Agency (BA) presents December figures on Wednesday.

Few companies appoint new staff in December, and fewer outside jobs are available in the cold winter months, for example in construction or agriculture.

Germany is also going through an economic downturn. Unemployment fell in November, but by less than in previous years. According to the BA, 2.885 million people were jobless, 111,000 up on the year. It put the unemployment rate at 6.1%.

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According to the BA's own thinktank, the IAB, no clear trends are discernible over the months ahead.

IAB analyst Enzo Weber said there was no evidence of shrinking, but not enough for growth in 2026. The forward-looking survey uses forecasts from all the country's labour offices.
As Girl Scouts of the USA prepares for its busiest season, a new cookie has been announced for 2026, alongside famous flavors like Thin Mints and Trefoils.

Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie, that "reflects the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout."

According to GSUSA, proceeds from each box of Girl Scout Cookies sold, including Exploremores, stay with local troops and councils to fund "life-changing programs, experiences and learnings" throughout the year.

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Girl Scouts also acquire leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed for "brighter futures," all while working to earn the coveted My First Cookie Business, My Cookie Customer and My Cookie Team badges. GSUSA is also working closely with Adobe, a national sponsor of the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Here's what to know about this year's flavors and when you can buy them.

Girl Scout cookie flavors

Eleven cookie flavors, including a new one called "Exploremores," are available for purchase this season. Consumers looking for a Toast-Yay! or Smores fix are out of luck, as those two cookie flavors were discontinued at the end of the 2025 season.

Girl Scout cookie availability varies by region, so contact your local Girl Scout council to learn which varieties are available near you. Alternatively, you can enter your ZIP code on the Meet the Cookies page.

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Here's the full list of this year's flavors:

Adventurefuls : Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies topped with caramel-flavored creme with a hint of sea salt

Caramel Chocolate Chip : Chewy cookies with rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt

Samoas : Crisp cookies with caramel, coconut and chocolatey stripes

Do-si-dos : Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling

Exploremores : Sandwich cookies with chocolate, marshmallow and almond-flavored creme

Lemonades : Savory, refreshing shortbread cookies topped with a tangy lemon-flavored icing

Lemon-Ups : Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages

Tagalongs : Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolatey coating

Thin Mints : Crisp, chocolate cookies dipped in a mint chocolate coating

Toffee-tastic : Rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits

Trefoils: Shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout cookie recipe

Are Girl Scout cookies already on sale?

While the start of the cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, timing varies locally. There are a couple ways you can check when cookies have gone on sale in your area, or where cookies are available near you:

Visit girlscoutcookies.org to sign up to be notified as soon as cookies are on sale in your area.

Use Cookie Finder to see where cookies are available near you.

Contact your local council for more information about sale dates and specific cookie availability.

How to buy Girl Scout cookies

Buying Girl Scout cookies is easy:

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If you know a Girl Scout, reach out to her.

Check with your local council or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder by entering your ZIP code. (Using these resources will help find a troop selling at a nearby booth, or you can purchase cookies to be shipped directly to you from troops nationwide.)

Text COOKIES to 59618 to stay informed about Girl Scout Cookie news.

How much are Girl Scout cookies?

In 2026, Girl Scout cookies are $6 per box. This is a high jump from the price of cookies when they first debuted in 1922, at just 35 cents a dozen.

Which factory does Tennessee get cookies from?

If you've ever had a conversation with a friend from out of state about your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavors, you may have noticed that certain regions use different names for the same cookie or have different cookies entirely.

The Girl Scouts of America uses two cookie kitchens: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, meaning cookies can differ by region. The cookies from these two bakeries aren't identical. They're like cousins, similar but unique in looks and flavors, and some even have different names depending on the state.

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Tennessee receives its cookies from the Little Brownie Bakers factory based in Louisville, Kentucky.

The cookies that differ between the two factories are:

Caramel deLites | Samoas : Caramel deLites are more cookie-like with milk chocolate and a vanilla flavor. Samoas have a heavy caramel layer, a dark chocolate coating and a toasted coconut flavor.

Peanut Butter Sandwich | Do-si-dos : Peanut Butter Sandwiches are more crisp than crunchy and have a more rounded out peanut butter taste. Do-si-dos are crunchy and buttery, with a strong peanut butter flavor.

Peanut Butter Patties | Tagalongs : Peanut Butter Patties are known for their vanilla flavor and light peanut butter layer. Tagalongs have a more distinct peanut butter flavor inside the chocolate cookie.

Thin Mints: From ABC Bakers, Thin Mints are crunchier with more mint than chocolate. Little Brownie Bakers' Thin Mint is a richer chookie with a smoother chocolate-dipped coating and a peppermint taste.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

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Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: It's time for Girl Scout cookies. Where to buy them in Tennessee
In a case that has alarmed law enforcement and automobile owners, Queensland Police in Australia have dismantled what authorities are calling an internationally organized car theft syndicate responsible for the theft of dozens of Toyota vehicles worth an estimated $8 million.

The operation, which ended late in 2025 but has continued to unfold in recent days, highlights how rapidly evolving criminal methods are putting high-end four-wheel drives and SUV owners at risk and has sparked urgent warnings for owners of those models to tighten security and remain vigilant.

Police allege that the syndicate targeted specific Toyota models, including Land Cruisers and Prados, known for their high resale value and strong export demand, particularly in markets in the Middle East. The group is believed to have flown into the greater Brisbane region on legal visas and established a base from which they executed a highly organized theft campaign between October 20 and December 1, 2025.

The 'CAN Bus' Method

Image Credit: WhichCar, Wikimedia.

Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, speaking for Queensland Police, described the syndicates methodology as well-researched and highly organized. He accused the suspects of stealing around 60 vehicles over those six weeks. The men reportedly used specialized tools, including CAN bus injectors, to quickly bypass onboard security systems.

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These devices are capable of overriding electronic locks, disabling immobilizers, and allowing instant access to the vehicles electrical system without standard keys.

The stolen vehicles were often moved quickly, hidden in shipping containers and clandestinely sent to international ports for export. On December 2, police tracked two allegedly stolen Land Cruisers to a wrecking yard in Rocklea, concealed behind disassembled car parts in a container.

In the weeks that followed, authorities located several more containers at both the Port of Brisbane and the Port of Melbourne, ultimately recovering about 15 of the stolen cars.

Authorities have charged seven foreign nationals, aged between 28 and 45, with more than 300 offences, including multiple counts of vehicle theft and attempted theft related to the rings activities. Some individuals have been remanded in custody pending appearances in Brisbane Magistrates Court throughout January 2026, where they face a range of serious charges.

A Global Pipeline

Image Credit: Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia.

One of the suspects, a 29-year-old man with ties to a local car parts business, was recently denied bail on grounds that magistrates found the alleged operation to be both sophisticated and posing an unacceptable risk to the community if released. Legal representatives argued the accused was cooperative with police, but the severity of the alleged crimes and the advanced methods used in the thefts influenced the courts decision.

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The investigation, known internally to police as Operation Xray Lox, drew resources from multiple agencies including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, underlining how serious and complex the syndicates activities were judged to be. Officers believe that once vehicles were abroad, they were sold or further dismantled for parts and profit in markets where documentation and enforcement may be less rigorous than in Australia.

The case left motorists and industry analysts with pressing questions about vehicle security. Toyota Australia says it is aware of a marked increase in thefts involving rapidly evolving technology and is working with law enforcement and global partners to develop improved protections and countermeasures.

Owners of high-value utility vehicles, particularly those with four-wheel drive capabilities, have been urged to adopt additional security measures, including physical locks, off-street parking, and enhanced alarm systems.

45 Vehicles Still Missing

For many victims, the emotional and financial toll has been profound. In at least one documented case, a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at more than $81k (AU $120,000) was taken from a residential driveway in under sixty seconds, according to local reporting. Owners described their distress at the rapidity of the theft and praised police for recovering their vehicle but stressed that better preventative measures are needed.

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Police maintain that the syndicate no longer poses an immediate threat to the community, but the case has prompted renewed calls for vigilance among vehicle owners and industry stakeholders. Investigators are still trying to locate the approximately 45 vehicles they believe have not yet been found and are urging anyone with information to contact local authorities.

Sources: News.com.au, ABC
WASHINGTON  Sen. Lindsey Graham gave a categorical answer Tuesday when he was asked whether theres any way Congress will limit President Donald Trumps war powers after he ordered an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

No, Graham, R-S.C., told NBC News.

The unequivocal response, even from a Trump loyalist, captures the scarcity of GOP interest in reclaiming Congress Article I powers to wage war after Trump ordered military strikes on Caracas. Trump has since suggested he'll go further, saying the U.S. will run Venezuela, while keeping the door open to using ground troops and dialing up warnings to other countries.

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Trumps rhetoric has alarmed U.S. allies around the world about the potential for further American intervention. His moves have also sparked criticism domestically from the Democratic opposition, along with a small group of Republicans, who say that he is acting illegally and that the Constitution requires him to get approval from Congress on matters of war.

The White House argues that the administration's actions in Venezuela were related to law enforcement and don't require congressional approval. And top Republicans, who control the House and the Senate, are offering support for Trumps operation, calling Maduro an illegitimate leader while downplaying the prospect that Trump will further ratchet up U.S. military action.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, R-Idaho, declined to say whether Trump would need permission from Congress to put U.S. troops on the ground to run Venezuela.

I dont want to engage on that conversation right now, he said, downplaying Trumps words. Theres been suggestion that there would be boots on the ground.

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Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said he has a squillion questions about the Venezuela situation but thrice declined to say whether Congress would need to approve putting troops on the ground.

Were a long way from boots on the ground, he said. And every circumstance is different.

Trump said Saturday his administration is not afraid of boots on the ground in Venezuela while the U.S. runs the country and ensures the flow of oil.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One later in the day, Trump threatened a second wave on Venezuela if its next set of leaders dont behave.

He added that Colombia is very sick, too, like Venezuela.

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Regarding Iran, he said, If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think theyre gonna get hit very hard by the United States.

He declared Cuba is ready to fall.

And Trump reiterated his desire to annex Greenland. We need Greenland from a national security situation, he said, mocking Denmark, a NATO ally, and its ability to defend the semi-autonomous territory under its control. To boost up security in Greenland, they added one more dogsled.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is leading a push to force a Senate vote as early as this week on a war powers resolution to restrain Trumps authority to escalate military action in Venezuela, calling his moves illegal and declaring that there is no argument that Venezuela posed an imminent threat to the U.S.

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Only Congress can declare war  or in the modern phrase contained in the 1973 War Powers Resolution, authorize the use of military force in hostilities, Kaine, who sits on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, said Tuesday on the Senate floor. A narrow exception has been long understood: The president as commander-in-chief has the power and duty to defend the nation from ongoing or imminent attack without prior congressional approval. ... The administration has advanced no credible legal basis, under American or international law, to invade Venezuela, depose its leadership, seize its oil and run the country.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has championed Kaines proposal, along with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Schumer said Democrats have managed to get some Republicans to agree to vote for a new war powers resolution, but not enough.

And its needed now more than ever with a reckless president, Schumer told reporters Tuesday. They dont have any plans. You cant do things that way. And so war powers act is extremely, extremely important.

Still, the Trump administration has work to do in persuading some Republicans who say theyre not sold on what hes doing in Venezuela.

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Im hoping to get briefed tomorrow here. What is the situation on the ground? What are our objectives? Whats our policy going forward? I dont have any idea on any of that stuff, said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.

Still, he sounded torn over whether Congress should step in or whether it should defer to the administration. He said he expects to get briefed Wednesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

I just dont know, Hawley said. I need to hear from them.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.  who, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has backed Trump's action in Venezuela downplayed his rhetoric about Greenland.

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I dont see military action being an option there, he said.

A few hours later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said military action is an option in Greenland.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, Leavitt said in a statement. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Gov. Tim Walz has put the Minnesota National Guard on notice in the event of unrest following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

Walz says hes issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard in the event of civil unrest. Its a first step that alerts 13,000 guard members that they may need to be called upon in the event of an emergency.

Addressing reporters on the situation during a Wednesday briefing, Walz said he supported the rights of demonstrators but urged them to engage in peaceful protest.

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What were seeing is the consequences of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict, Walz said. Its governing by reality TV, and today, that recklessness cost someone their life.

He added: We wont let them tear us apart. Well not turn against each other. To Minnesotans, they say this, I feel your anger. Im angry. They want a show. We cant give it to them.

Like a number of other Democrats in Minnesota, Walz called for federal law enforcement authorities to leave the state.

I have a very simple message, we do not need any further help from the federal government, he said. To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem: you have done enough.

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Meanwhile, state Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson urged safe and lawful protests and warned that actions like blocking freeways or damaging property could result in fines and arrest.

We fully expect that the community will want to peacefully demonstrate their anger or frustration. Minnesota residents and visitors have the right to peacefully demonstrate, Jacobson said. Our focus is keeping demonstrators, community members, drivers and law enforcement safe, especially during moments of heightened tension or uncertainty.

Reactions

A number of statements via social media and email from politicians ranged outrage over ICEs actions and presence in the Twin Cities to support for federal law enforcement.

President Donald Trump, in a social media post, described the victim as a professional agitator and said video of the incident shows the ICE agent acting in self-defense.

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Based on the attached clip, its hard to believe hes still alive Trump said. He went on to blame The Radical Left for threatening law enforcement.

State Attorney General Keith Ellison, in a statement, said he was very angry.

Like so many Minnesotans, Im heartbroken. Im also angry. Very angry. For weeks, weve watched the Trump administration deliberately brutalize our communities, and now an ICE agent has fatally shot one of our neighbors, Ellison said. The president is deliberately weaponizing the federal government against the people of Minnesota to inflict pain and instill terror. We must stand up to this horrendous injustice, and in doing so, we must not stoop to Donald Trumps level. Were right to be heartbroken and angry, but we cannot give Donald Trump the excuse he wants to continue escalating this violence against Minnesotans.

Ellison said residents should protest peacefully, organize your communities, and stand up for one another. I will continue to do everything in my power to oppose this brutality, ensure justice is served, and keep Minnesotans safe. Right now, I think nothing would keep Minnesotans safer than seeing ICE leave our state, and take their chaos, pain, and violence with them.

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U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, in a statement, said the incident was the result of the administration sending federal agents onto our streets against the wishes of local law enforcement, including our respected (Minneapolis) Police Chief Brian OHara. We need full transparency and an investigation of what happened, and I am deeply concerned that statements made by (the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) do not appear to reflect video evidence and on-the-ground accounts. While our immigration enforcement should be focused on apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals to make our communities safer, these ICE actions are doing the opposite and making our state less safe.

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat from St. Paul, called on ICE agents to leave the state.

ICE must immediately cease and desist their actions in Minnesota to allow state and local law enforcement officials to restore order, prevent further violence, and conduct a full, independent, and transparent investigation into ICEs actions and conduct which caused this horrific shooting, McCollum said. Minnesotans are justified in their anger. As Minnesotans, we demand accountability and justice. We have a fundamental right to express our first amendment freedoms through peaceful protest. We must not fall into Trumps trap of division and violence. We can show the world the best of Minnesota values  our compassion, our respect for the dignity of each of our neighbors, and our belief in justice for all.

In a social media post U.S. Tom Emmer, a Sixth District Republican, posted on X his support for federal law enforcement.

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I pray that every federal law enforcement officer on the ground in Minnesota right now remains safe as they carry out their vital mission. Tim Walz and Jacob Frey are cowards who are inciting violence to distract from their own failures. Its dangerous. Stay safe, @ICEgov.

St. Paul mayor, others

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said in a social media post that she was monitoring the situation in Minneapolis.

My heart is broken for the victim, their family, and our community as a whole, Her said. I join Mayor Frey in demanding that ICE leave our cities immediately before they cause any further harm.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL- St. Paul, in a statement, said she was devastated and furious.

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A weak president sent ICE agents to Minnesota to sow chaos without regard for human life, and todays killing is the predictable outcome, Murphy said. This federal government is using violence to force us into fearful silence and compliance, and a woman is dead because of it. ICE should never have been in Minnesota, and they need to leave now.

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I denounce these actions, and I will fight with all I have for our freedom and safety. I urge us all, even as we feel our rage and our grief, to remain calm; more innocent people cannot be hurt. We demand accountability  and the truth  from the President, Secretary Noem, ICE officials, and those involved in the shooting.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, in a statement, said peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected, but endangering law enforcement officers is never acceptable.

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Johnson added: I offer my condolences to the family grieving the loss of a loved one and urge everyone to step back, de-escalate, and let investigators fully examine the facts of what occurred.

David Titus, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Associations interim executive director, said the association stands firmly behind law enforcement officers, accountability under the law, and the safety of every Minnesota community.

Irresponsible, reckless rhetoric from political leaders attacking law enforcement has real and dangerous consequences for officers on the street, he said in a statement. When officers are vilified, demonized, or used as political props, it fuels hostility, emboldens bad actors, and puts lives directly at risk.
As Nicolas Maduro sits in federal custody in a New York facility, state prosecutors in Florida are considering filing criminal charges against the ousted Venezuelan leader.

Governor Ron DeSantis briefly mentioned it in a news conference in Clearwater Monday that he is in support of the Attorney Generals Office filing state charges.

Governor DeSantis alleges Maduro was involved in drug trafficking in Florida and that he allowed gang members out of Venezuelan prisons and eventually into Florida.

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But how plausible is it that Florida could prosecute Maduro here, given the ongoing federal case and all the legal questions?

Although there could be a case, bringing a case would be extremely difficult, said Ryan Vescio, a former state prosecutor, who is now a partner at NeJame Law.

Vescio explained Florida has the grounds to file state charges, but he says it would take a significant amount of resources. He says Maduro would very likely stay in federal custody.

Governor DeSantis didnt mention specific charges the state is looking at, but alleged Maduro helped in trafficking narcotics and that he was importing criminals.

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He would empty his prisons and send them to America across the border, and wed end up with some of these people in Florida Tren de Agua gang members that were in prison there, DeSantis said.

Vescio says Florida could prosecute Maduro for drug trafficking or even racketeering. He says prosecutors would have to prove a direct link between Maduros actions and decisions and those accused of committing crimes in Florida.

For Maduro to be charged with an offense here in Florida, the state would have to show that Maduro was part of a group or an enterprise that had the same intent to violate the laws, that Maduro was aware of what the goal was of the criminal organization, and that Maduro himself took steps in furtherance to achieve that criminal goal, Vescio said.

Is it possible that we could see Maduro in a Florida courtroom, Channel 9 asked.

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It is theoretically possible that we could see Maduro in the Orange County Courthouse, but theres a big difference between possibility and reality, and the reality is hell never step foot in that building, Vescio replied.

Vescio added that although someone can be prosecuted in both federal and state court, there could be a conflict because each case could have different testimony and evidence, making it even more complicated.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground delay on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport because of cloudy weather.

A storm system moving into Arizona from the southwest, which the National Weather Service said could bring light showers to Arizona, was responsible for the hazardous conditions affecting flights.

The ground delay is delaying flights for about 66 minutes on average, according to the FAA's National Airspace System Status website. The FAA's order is in effect through 8:59 p.m.

Flights canceled and delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport

As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, 136 flights were delayed and four flights were canceled out of Sky Harbor, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

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A ground delay is when flights destined for an airport experiencing adverse conditions must delay their takeoffs, according to the FAA. The FAA does not cancel flights.

Airline routes, new restaurants: What's coming to Phoenix airport in 2026

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Sky Harbor flight delays and cancelations
A state lawmaker and four former Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office employees are asking a judge to remove Sheriff Garry McFadden from office, alleging a pattern of retaliation, abuse of authority and misconduct.

The 32-page court filing accuses McFadden of discouraging officers from reporting use-of-force incidents, directing deputies to chauffeur officials to bars and strip clubs, and threatening Rep. Carla Cunningham after a legislative dispute. The State Bureau of Investigation is now reviewing the claims.

READ MORE: DA asks the SBI to investigate allegations against Mecklenburg County sheriff

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Channel 9s government reporter Joe Bruno spoke with the lawmaker, who claims she was threatened by the sheriff.

To put this in context, Cunningham said this threat happened a short time after Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman was shot and killed. She said its important the McFadden complaint was filed so voters have a clear picture heading into the primary.

We have to follow the law, and that doesnt exempt anybody, elected or not, we must follow the law, said Rep. Carla Cunningham, north Charlotte.

Cunningham is teaming up with four former Mecklenburg County Sheriff employees to ask a judge to remove Sheriff Garry McFadden from his position.

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They accuse McFadden of:

Discouraging detention officers from reporting use of force incidents involving inmates and staff.

Directing on-duty deputies to drive members of the National Sheriffs Association to bars and strip clubs during a conference.

And weaponizing the Internal Affairs Unit and threatening Cunningham as retaliation.

Cunningham said after the sheriff failed to convince her to vote against an immigration bill, he told her he would hate to see something happen to her.

I did hang up immediately, and I sat for a few minutes and thought about the conversation and just made some decisions that I needed to make at the moment, Cunningham said.

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The SBI is investigating the allegations. Cunningham said she hopes voters will research them before heading to the polls this March.

I think they need to look deeper on any experience and their background and make sure that they are a pretty good person of standing in the community, and that theyre going to follow the law, Cunningham said.

Filled with lies

On Tuesday, Sheriff McFadden spoke before a forum on reopening the countys juvenile detention center.

During that forum, Sheriff McFadden responded to the petition, stating, Were not going to make a long statement about this petition; a petition is nothing but a smear campaign designed just before the election.

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He expressed confidence in the investigation, saying, It is filled with lies, and we welcome the investigation, and we respect the investigation that will be occurring, and that is all were going to say at this time.

After expressing his concerns, McFadden refocused on the detention center, saying it faced many challenges.

He said reopening it would take an extra 96 staff members and cost an estimated $15.6 million to run.

McFadden originally closed the facility in 2022 due in part to budget and resources.

McFadden is currently facing three challengers in the upcoming primary, two of whom are former employees of his office.

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This competitive environment adds further pressure as the allegations surface shortly before the election.

What the law says

State law says the only way to remove a sheriff is through a court process, which is what this petition is asking for. There have been two similar attempts in North Carolina in recent years.

Last year, a removal petition was filed against Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran after he was accused of sexual misconduct. He retired before it was heard.

In 2023, a removal petition was filed against Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene after he was accused of making racist comments. He also resigned.

VIDEO: DA asks the SBI to investigate allegations against Mecklenburg County sheriff
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The fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot has just passed. The world has moved on; the news is dominated by Venezuela and the midterm elections, now just months away. But in recent weeks, Jack Smith, the prosecutor chosen by the Biden administration to pursue President Donald Trump, revealed something remarkable about Jan. 6, or, more specifically, about the high-profile congressional "investigation" conducted by the House Jan. 6 Committee.

Smith's revelation concerned the committee's most sensational testimony, from former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson. Once a top assistant to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Hutchinson first told her story to the committee on Feb. 23, 2022. In three separate interviews, she had little if anything notable to say.

Then, in June, Hutchinson changed lawyers and offered the committee a really big story: On Jan. 6, she said, then-President Trump demanded that the Secret Service drive him to the Capitol, and when agents declined to do so, Trump physically attacked his own Secret Service detail in an effort to grab the wheel of the presidential limousine and point it toward the Capitol.

According to a New York Times account of the inner workings of the committee, Hutchinson told the tale directly to committee vice-chair Liz Cheney, who became so excited that she ordered the committee to hold a new hearing ASAP. The television showrunner who crafted the committee's hearings came up with a script, and the other members of the committee, who essentially served as extras in the show, were told to show up, shut up, and look serious while Hutchinson told her story to a national TV audience.

Hutchinson's testimony raised immediate and obvious questions, although they did not seem immediate or obvious to most of the press covering the show. The questions were: What did the Secret Service agents who were in the car say about what happened? What about the driver? They were the people who were there at the time  Hutchinson was in the White House and never saw any of it. What did they say? Why not ask them?

Cheney did not tell the public that the committee had already interviewed at least one Secret Service official who mentioned nothing about any alleged Trump lunge for the steering wheel. It would have been nice had the committee told viewers about that, but that would have detracted from Hutchinson's blockbuster performance. So Cheney and her fellow committee members said nothing. Meanwhile, many media figures flipped out over Hutchinson's account, celebrating her "courage" and devoting days of discussion to their belief that she had proved Trump guilty of something or the other.

But now comes Smith. In a Dec. 17 deposition before the House Judiciary Committee, the former special counsel told how his office investigated Hutchinson's sensational, super-blockbuster Trump-grabbed-the-wheel story. Smith's prosecutors talked to everyone involved and came up with mostly nothing.

"Ms. Hutchinson, regarding that particular claim, was a second- or even third-hand witness," Smith told the committee. "She had heard other people talk about that. And so we interviewed, I think, the people she talked to, and we also interviewed, if my recollection is correct, officers who were there, including the officer who was in the car. And that officer, if my recollection is correct, and I want to make sure I'm right about this, said that President Trump was very angry and wanted to go to the Capitol, but the version of events that he explained was not the same as what Cassidy Hutchinson said she heard from somebody second-hand."

Smith, of course, indicted Trump in a case based on Jan. 6 and planned to take him to trial. So the Judiciary Committee asked him, "Did your office consider whether you would call Cassidy Hutchinson as a witness at trial?"

"We didn't make a final determination about any witnesses," Smith answered. "And my recollection with Ms. Hutchinson, at least one of the issues was a number of the things that she gave evidence on were second-hand hearsay, were things that she had heard from other people, and, as a result, that testimony may or may not be admissible, and it certainly wouldn't be as powerful as first-hand testimony."

Smith did not say that he had eliminated Hutchinson as a witness, but his words suggested that if he were trying to present a concise, compelling case to a jury, he would not include Hutchinson's hearsay version of events. "If I were a defense attorney and Ms. Hutchinson were a witness, the first thing I would do was seek to preclude some of her testimony because it was hearsay," Smith said.

With that, the final molecules of air leaked out of the Cassidy Hutchinson balloon. It is hard to remember today just how wildly agitated many in the press became when Hutchinson told her story, unchallenged, to the Jan. 6 committee. It's an old saw that a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can put on its shoes. That's certainly what happened in this case. It would be months and years before the public learned about problems with Hutchinson's testimony.

Now, from the improbable source of Jack Smith, we have the final word  not just on Hutchinson's account, but on the misleading methods of the Jan. 6 committee.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Congress is back in session this week following a controversial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend by the Trump administration.

Trump issues threats against multiple countries following Venezuela strike

Well, first, lets just be clear. Maduro was a brutal dictator. No ones missing him in Venezuela, but by kidnapping him, violating international law, and having absolutely zero plan as to what comes next or any kind of exit strategy for the United States, this does not help the people of Venezuela, Hawaii Representative Jill Tokuda said. This definitely does not help Americans, and that really should be where our focus is. Right now, we have people struggling to pay for rent, to put food on the table, to get access to basic health care. What they dont want to see is an administration thats expansionist and playing around in other countries as it seeks oil and minerals from those areas.

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According to the Associated Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson was briefed on the operation in Venezuela on Tuesday and told reporters he does not expect the United States to deploy troops there, saying the U.S. actions there are not a regime change operation. Rep. Tokuda says that if Democrats win in mid-term elections this November, Congress will play a bigger role in decision-making in Washington.

What Americans think about the situation in Venezuela, according to recent polls

The very first thing we need to do is we need to start treating our friends as our friends, remove these ridiculous tariffs the administration has put on, by the way, that is also a responsibility for Congress and that we need to reassert our role in being the ones to be able to declare war, to declare a military invasion, like we have already seen done by this administration, illegally.

The administrations actions in Venezuela come as many new polls, including from the AP and NORC, find that foreign policy and drug trade werent high priorities for many Americans, and that more Americans say the US should not run Venezuela. Affordability is still top of mind for many Americans, and Rep. Tokuda points to the expiration of the Affordable Care Act tax credit as another financial burden that Americans have to deal with.

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Trump makes a play for Venezuelas oil. Will US companies go for it?

We cannot let this invasion of Venezuela, the kidnapping of its president, its trial going on, be the red herring that distracts from the real issue, which is millions, tens of millions of Americans across this country, tens of thousands of people right here in Hawaii, our own ohana, had to make a really difficult choice to perhaps put food on the table or keep health care for themselves, Rep. Tokuda said. We know too many decided, lets just hope we dont get sick. Lets just hope theres no medical emergency that they forgo that health insurance because they just cant afford the increases, because we failed to act to extend those Affordable Care Act premium-enhanced tax credits. I dont want this war to be a distraction from the fact that people need health care. They need it in Hawaii, they need it across the country, people need help putting food on the table.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The Department of Homeland Security posted a screenshot to X on Monday afternoon of the independently-owned Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, cancelling all DHS room reservations.

We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property, the hotels email stated, according to the screenshot. If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation.

Within several hours, Hiltons official newsroom said the locations actions were not reflective of Hilton values, and the owners of the Lakeville hotel issued a statement saying that they do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies and are committed to welcoming all guests.

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The issue received wider coverage Monday, after independent journalist Nick Sortor went to the Hampton Inn Lakeville hotel to check in.

When Sortor tried to reserve 10 rooms for the DHS, a hotel worker said, So were not accepting people with immigration, ICE agents, DHS. Its just the management  ownership."

After Sortors video surfaced, Hilton told Fox News they were removing the hotel from their systems.

The independent hotel owner had assured us that they had fixed this problem and published a message confirming this, Hilton told Fox News. A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values. As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is  and has always been  a welcoming place for all. We are also engaging with all of our franchisees to reinforce the standards we hold them to across our system to help ensure this does not happen again."

 BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: I went into the Minnesota Hilton who apologized for banning DHS agents, and EXPOSED them for CONTINUING to ban DHS agents@HiltonHotels has decided they want the FULL BUDLIGHT treatment at this point.



Hiltons operator, Everpeak, STRAIGHT UP LIED in pic.twitter.com/3g97P7okpz  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 6, 2026

DHS has increased its number of officers in Minnesota in recent days, sending an additional 2,000 to the state over the weekend as part of an immigration crackdown.

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Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told Newsmax that the departments Enforcement and Removal Operations team and Homeland Security Investigations team were in Minneapolis on Tuesday morning.

He called the deployment the largest immigration operation ever, taking place right now.

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem was also in Minneapolis Tuesday. She posted on X, Another murderer and sexual predator off of Minneapoliss streets thanks to @ICEgov. Just arrested this criminal illegal alien from Ecuador who has an active warrant for murder and sexual assault in Ecuador. He was convicted of robbery and extortion in Ecuador.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, one of the top Republican candidates running for California governor, met a woman sprawled on the sidewalk as he walked around Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.

I'm waiting for the sun to come out from the clouds. I'm sunbathing, the woman said Tuesday morning, lying on her jacket on the cold concrete, denying that any drug use was taking place in the roughly 50-block swath of downtown Los Angeles. This is what we do here in California.

Bianco and Kate Monroe, chief executive of VetComm, talks with a woman on the sidewalk as they walk around of Skid Row. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Bianco shook his head, and as he walked away said there was zero chance the woman was not high on methamphetamines or something else. He said it was immoral for the states leaders to allow people to live in such conditions, and pledged to clean up Skid Row within four years if he is elected governor in November.

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Why on God's green earth, why would we allow this to happen? Bianco later said. And why would you have something that you call Skid Row, that you just accept, instead of doing something to fix  these people's lives.

Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates

Bianco squarely blamed the problem on waste, fraud and mismanagement under Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and prior elected leaders, who he argued failed to effectively tackle the issue. He is among the critics who points to a 2024 state audit that found the state had spent $24 billion to combat homelessness over the prior five years without tracking the results.

A spokesman for Newsom disputed such characterizations of the spending.

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There is no 'lost' $24 billion for homelessness. All the money is accounted for," Newsom spokesman Izzy Gardon said. "What the report found was that not all state programs required locals to report, at the time, how those dollars improved homelessness outcomes. Gov. Newsom has since changed the law to fix this longstanding issue.

Bianco also pledged to use existing laws against drug dealing, human trafficking, prostitution and other crimes to clean up these blocks, while offering addicts and the mentally ill who are breaking the law the option of going to jail or being placed in treatment programs.

Democrats shot back that Bianco was not offering realistic approaches to an intractable problem.

Bianco talks with Antonio Fuller, left, and John Shepar. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

"Chad Bianco is the best example of an all-hat, no-cattle politician with tough talk and no solutions," state Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said. "That is not what California voters want in our next governor."

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Throughout his campaign, Bianco has leaned into his role as a law enforcement leader. On Tuesday, as his allies shot video after his visit to Skid Row, he pulled up the edge of his T-shirt to reveal his Riverside County sheriff badge.

Amid scenes of desperation, chaos and squalor, Bianco was surrounded by a gaggle of invited media.

Los Angeles Police Department patrol cars were frequently seen nearby as the group sidestepped feces, used condoms, sidewalk fires, open-air drug use and drug dealing, barely clothed women, and people screaming and cursing.

People make their way around Skid Row on Tuesday. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Monroe talks with Emilio Marroquin. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Bianco was accompanied by veteran and homeless advocate Kate Monroe, who handed the homeless envelopes containing $5 bills and cigarettes as encouragement to talk. Some did not take kindly to the offer.

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Get out of my face. Get out of my face. Youre offering me cigarettes, the woman said. Monroe replied, I'll give you five bucks. The woman repeated, Get out of my face.

But others were more receptive, including Emilio Marroquin.

The 42-year-old said he had started drinking as a teenager as he struggled with being gay in a Christian home. He didnt come out until his father, a pastor, passed away. His drinking spiraled out of control, he said, leading friends and family to abandon him. After Marroquin ended up on the streets eight years ago, he said, he started using crystal meth and crack, and explained the splotchy wounds on his hand were the result of being beaten up for failing to pay drug debts.

After learning that Marroquin briefly lived in sober housing, Bianco asked him about the difficulties of transitioning from living on the streets to structured housing, and then spoke with a passing community service provider who identified herself as S.R.

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We need a new change. We need something other than what we've been hearing for the past, I don't know, 20 years or longer, she said, to which Bianco replied that she had more courage, passion and commitment and a big heart than probably anyone to be able to come down here and do this over.

Bianco greets a man who goes by Cigaretteman. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

The Riverside County sheriffs appearance on Skid Row comes as the 2026 governors race is finally starting to see some energy.

A crowded field of prominent though little-known Democrats is competing to finish in the top two spots in the June primary. If they all remain in the race, the Democrats could splinter the vote and allow one of the far smaller number of top Republican candidates to win one of the spots.

Biancos top GOP rival, former Fox News commentator and British political strategist Steve Hilton, held a rainy-day news conference on Monday in front of the California Employment Development Department in San Francisco to highlight alleged fraud in state government.

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Saying that Newsom has turned the state into Califraudia, Hilton and GOP controller candidate Herb Morgan called on the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal officials to investigate waste and fraud in state spending.

This gets to that question that every Californian is asking: How is it that we have the highest taxes in the country? They've doubled the budget of the state of California nearly in the last five years, and everything is worse, Hilton said. We have the worst outcomes in America. How is that possible, that they spend so much and we get so little?  We are going to get to the bottom of this when we are elected.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hundreds of people gave a fascist salute at a rally in Rome on Wednesday, raising their right arms in what is known in Italy as the "saluto romano," or Roman salute.

The gesture, which is punishable under Italian law in certain circumstances, frequently appears at gatherings of neo-fascist groups and supporters of former dictator Benito Mussolini.

The rally took place outside the former headquarters of the neo-fascist Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI) and marked the anniversary of January 7, 1978. On that day, left-wing militants shot and killed two young neo-fascists at the site. A third later died of his injuries.

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Since then, supporters of Mussolini have held annual commemorations at the location, following a ritualized format.

Italian daily La Stampa published aerial footage showing participants  most dressed in black  responding to the call For all fallen comrades by shouting Present" while performing the fascist salute. The sequence is repeated three times.

The annual rally regularly draws condemnation from left-wing groups and opposition parties.

Separately, Italian media reported that four activists from the youth wing of the right-wing party Fratelli d'Italia were attacked late Tuesday during a poster campaign marking the anniversary of the killings. The attackers have not been identified.

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Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a former member of the MSI youth movement, condemned the attack in a post on social media.

"When dissent turns into aggression, when an idea is silenced by violence, democracy loses. Always," Meloni wrote, adding that political violence in any form represents a defeat.

Meloni has led a three-party coalition of right-wing and conservative forces for the past three years.
The husband of a Redding woman who was convicted in December for disturbing a Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting was arrested for allegedly doing the same thing Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Benjamin Nowain told the Record Searchlight he was arrested because he refused to leave the chamber for speaking out from his seat after being warned once not to do so.

Nowain said he was taken by two sheriffs deputies to the Shasta County Jail, where he was booked for disturbing a public meeting, which is a misdemeanor. He said he has a March 23 court date.

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His arrest, also confirmed by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, comes nearly three weeks after his wife, Jenny OConnell-Nowain, was found guilty on Dec. 18 by a Shasta County jury for disturbing a Nov. 7, 2024, supervisors meeting.

Benjamin Nowain of Redding leads a march along Cypress Avenue as part of the Good Trouble Lives On rally on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Demonstrators nationwide say they were protesting what they described as attacks on human rights by the Trump administration.

Her sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 14.

Benjamin Nowain said on Tuesday he spoke out from his seat while another person was speaking at the podium.

Benjamin Nowain and Jenny Nowain protest the actions of Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones at the Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, meeting.

Supervisor Chris Kelstrom, who chairs the board, gave him a warning, but Nowain spoke out again and Kelstrom said, Have him removed, Nowain said.

Nowain said he refused to leave, the meeting was recessed and then he was arrested.

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Nowain was released from jail on his own recognizance after he was booked.

Here is what I would say. Yes, I was trying to make a political point, but I wasnt intending to do that today," Nowain said after being released. "I was literally engaging in the meeting and then in a flash moment, they decided the meeting shouldnt continue."

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding man arrested for not leaving Shasta County supervisors meeting
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A federal officer fatally shot a woman that Immigration and Customs Enforcement said was trying to run over an agent Wednesday, though Minneapolis police reported she was attempting to drive away from the scene of protests.

The deadly incident occurred at East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis when protesters allegedly tried to block an ICE vehicle and stop it from leaving the area.

The 37-year-old woman's mother identified her as Renee Nicole Good, and local media described her as a "constitutional observer."

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ICE has accused Good of trying to use her SUV to run over an ICE officer, who fired two shots at her, one of which struck her in the head and killed her, KMSP-TV reported.

President Donald Trump posted a video of the encounter that appears to show an SUV running into an ICE officer and the sound of gunshots, followed by the SUV crossing the road and slowing to a stop.

"It is a horrible thing to watch," Trump said. "The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defense."

The president said the officer was hospitalized and recovering from his injuries.

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"The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the radical left is threatening, assaulting and targeting our law enforcement officers and ICE agents on a daily basis," Trump said.

"They are just trying to do the job of making America safe," he added. "We need to stand by and protect our law enforcement officers from this radical-left movement of violence and hate!"

Trump's description of the incident has been called into question as a second video of the incident that was shared widely online appears to show an ICE agent reach into the opened driver's side window of the parked vehicle and attempt to open the door.

Good then attempts to drive away. An agent in front of the vehicle is seen pulling out his service weapon and firing into the front windshield.

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"Everything the Trump administration is saying about the IC shooting in Minneapolis is a LIE," Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said in a statement.

"The woman did NOT 'weaponize her vehicle.' She did NOT 'attempt to run over law enforcement officers.' She was trying to drive away from the scene. ICE shot and killed her."

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., accused ICE of murder.

"This is not self-defense. This is murder," he said in a statement posted to X that included the second angle of the shooting in argument against the Trump administration's account of the event.

If you aren't angry, you aren't paying attention. A woman was murdered by ICE in Minneapolis today. This should outrage us all. ICE out of our cities now. pic.twitter.com/GstqGp0fqU Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) January 7, 2026

Local media reported protesters allegedly began throwing snowballs and possibly other items at one or more ICE vehicles before the shooting, which prompted the ICE officers to deploy chemical munitions to deter and disperse the crowd, KARE-TV in Minneapolis reported.

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Protesters also tried to block an ICE caravan from leaving when the woman allegedly drove at the ICE officers and was killed.

Local police described the driver as a "middle-aged white woman" and said she was blocking a road on which the ICE officers were located.

One of the officers tried to approach her vehicle, and she was trying to drive away when an officer shot and killed her, Minneapolis police said, which runs counter to the president's account and the video shown.

ICE officials released a statement saying: "Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them -- an act of domestic terrorism.

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"An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.

"The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. Thankfully, the ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries."

Local police cordoned off the scene and were investigating the shooting, along with the FBI. Wednesday's violence occurred during a surge in immigration enforcement amid reports of fraud in the greater Minneapolis area.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was briefed on the matter and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the incident an "act of domestic terrorism."

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Noem said the ICE officers had become stuck in snow and were trying to remove their vehicles when the protesters interfered and one tried to use a vehicle to try to kill an officer and his colleagues.

In a Thursday night press conference, Noem accused the driver of having "weaponized her vehicle" and of committing "an act of terrorism."

Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., announced that she will be filing articles of impeachment against Noem for obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing.

"She has turned ICE into a rogue force, violating the Constitution, tearing families apart and leaving death in her wake," she said in a statement.

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"From Chicago to Minneapolis, her recklessness cost lives, including Renee Nicole Good. This isn't just dangerous -- it's impeachable."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blamed ICE for the deadly incident and said it should not have happened.

"We dreaded this moment since the early stages of the ICE presence in Minneapolis," Frey told reporters.

"They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust," he said.

"They are ripping families apart ... and quite literally killing people," Frey continued. "This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in someone dying -- getting killed."

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Frey said there were dozens, if not hundreds, of ICE and federal officers at the scene, and he said they need to leave Minneapolis.

"We do not want you here," Frey said to ICE during a news conference. "People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart."

He said ICE is targeting longtime residents who have lived and worked in the city for many years.

"We all know that the agenda of this Trump administration is to create chaos. Let us all rise above this moment," Frey said. "We are going to meet that hate with love."

He said Minneapolis will not "take the bait" and give the Trump administration an excuse to militarily take over the city.

"Let's show them unity of purpose, of love and of conviction," Frey added. "It is rock-solid and for all of our neighbors."
Credit: Social media

An immigration agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman behind the wheel of her car in Minneapolis.

A video of the incident shows a burgundy SUV stopped in the middle of the road as someone off camera shouts at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to get the f--- out of our neighbourhood.

Agents approach the vehicle, calling on the driver to get out of the car.

As one agent tries to open the door, the car pulls forward, and another agent who steps out of the way of the vehicle fires three shots towards the drivers window.

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The SUV then careers off the road into another car. Further footage shows the body of a woman slumped in the drivers seat of the car with blood spattered on the snow next to the vehicle.

Authorities confirmed the woman was a US citizen. She has been named as Renee Nicole Good.

Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent

Goods mother described her as an amazing human being and one of the kindest people Ive ever known in a tribute to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Donna Ganger said her daughter lived with her wife in Minnesota and said she was probably terrified at the time of the shooting.

Ms Ganger said Good was not part of anything like that at all, referring to protests challenging ICE agents which have erupted across the US.

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She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate, she said.

A bullet hole in the car wind shield - Tim Evans

Protesters are pepper-sprayed at the scene - Alex Kormann

An Instagram which appears to be Goods described her as a poet and writer and wife and mom from Colorado who was experiencing Minneapolis. A profile picture shows a woman kissing another person on the cheek.

Donald Trump said the footage was a horrible thing to watch and claimed the deceased woman violently, wilfully and viciously ran over the ICE officer.

He added that the ICE officer seems to have shot her in self defence.

Donald Trumps statement on Truth Social

Emily Heller, who witnessed the shooting, said a man who identified himself as a physician asked ICE agents if he could check the womans pulse but was denied.

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In a video she shared, an ICE agent can be heard saying: We have our own medics.

Ms Heller said it took around 15 minutes for emergency services to arrive as vehicles were blocking the street.

In a shaky video taken from a doorstep adjacent to where the shooting took place, a woman can be heard hysterically screaming: Thats my wife.

I have a six-year-old at school, she added. I cant even breathe right now.

At the time of the shooting, a witness said they were taking part in a neighbourhood watch on Portland Avenue to ensure parents at a local school were not being arrested by ICE.

It wasnt until I was halfway across the street when I heard the shots behind me, and thats when things got bad, she told MSNBC.

Credit: X

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In the hours since the incident , large crowds have begun to gather at the site of the incident.

As protesters circled around ICE agents, a man confronted an officer and was shot at point blank range with what appeared to be a pepper ball, covering him in yellow powder.

A crowd of around 50 protesters stormed the Minneapolis court house in the hours after the shooting and smashed a glass window while chanting ICE out, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported.

Crowds were heard chanting shame, shame, shame and ICE out of Minnesota from behind the police tape.

Footage shows a large group of people marching down the residential street, which is less than a mile from the scene where George Floyd was murdered.

Crowds of protesters have begun to gather at the scene

A number of people were seen throwing snowballs at officers - ABC Affiliate KSTP

Local media reported residents hurling snowballs at ICE officers who marshalled them as they walked down the street.

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One masked protester set an American flag on fire, sparking mixed reactions from the crowd.

As some demonstrators whooped and cheered, others booed and hurled snowballs at him, yelling instigator.

Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor, accused the Trump administration of governing by reality TV.

Today that recklessness cost somebody their life, he said at a press conference.

Responding to claims from the department of homeland security that the deceased woman had weaponised her vehicle, Mr Walz said: Dont believe this propaganda machine.

The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice, he added.

A deployed airbag and blood stains are seen at the scene - Ellen Schmidt

A man is shot with a rubber bullet at the scene - Anadolu

Jacob Frey, the citys mayor, rejected claims that the agent had acted in self-defence and issued a stark warning to federal authorities.

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Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bulls--t, he said, adding:

They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust. I have a message for ICE: get the f--- out of Minneapolis.

Theyre ripping families apart. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.

Credit: Reuters

Brian OHara, Minneapolis police chief, told CNN the victim was a middle-aged white woman.

He said she had been blocking the street because of the presence of federal law enforcement.

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On Jan 6, the Trump administration launched its largest immigration operation ever in Minnesota, with 2,000 agents deployed for a sweeping crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

The Trump administration has sought to defend the agent who carried out the shooting.

The department of homeland security said the woman weaponised her vehicle in an attempt to run over our law enforcement officers.

The officer used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers, said Tricia McLaughlin, a homeland security spokeswoman.

WATCH  @Sec_Noem: "It was an act of domestic terrorism." 



Yes, by ICE.



They lie so terrifyingly easily, even when there's video. pic.twitter.com/RUcLkvvzlN  The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) January 7, 2026

Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, said: It was an act of domestic terrorism. What happened was our ICE officers were out in enforcement action.

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They got stuck in the snow because of the adverse weather that is in Minneapolis.

They were attempting to push out their vehicle and a woman attacked them and those surrounding them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle.

An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively to protect himself and the people around him. My understanding is that she was hit and is deceased.

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino with ICE agents at the scene - Tim Evans

A Hennepin County attorney said his office was considering bringing criminal charges against the ICE agent.

The shooting marks a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration.

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The woman is at least the fifth person killed during ICE operations since 2024.

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Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has posted a mysterious video of her meeting and greeting ICE workers during a trip to Minneapolis.

Most of the staff members in the videoshared on the DHS X accounthave their faces blurred out as Noem, 54, channels The Offices Michael Scott, gliding through the workplace in an ICE cap and jacket, awkwardly shaking hands and asking people if they had eaten their lunch yet.

Many ICE officers have controversially taken to hiding their identity with masks during brutal immigration raids across the country, which the DHS claims is to protect themselves from being doxxed and potentially threatened or assaulted.

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Critics, however, say the use of masksespecially by officers in plain clothes with no identifying marksis a deliberate attempt to intimidate and avoid accountability.

Kristi Noem meets hidden ICE officers in Minneapolis. / DHS

Photos posted on the DHS website on Tuesday had a mix of ICE officers with and without masks.

The Daily Beast has contacted the DHS for comment.

Noems tour of duty in Minneapolis saw the DHS claim they had made over 1,000 arrests, including 150 illegal aliens on Monday alone.

She said that over 2,000 agents had been sent to Minneapolis, where President Donald Trump has claimed Somali immigrants are ripping off our country.

But Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the former Democratic vice presidential candidate, called Noems deployment of agents a war thats being waged against Minnesota.

Jesse Watters interviews Kristi Noem on Fox News. / Screen grab

Walz told reporters, Youre seeing that we have a ridiculous surge of apparently 2,000 people not coordinating with us, that are for a show of cameras.

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Noem appeared on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News on Tuesday, claiming there was an unprecedented amount of fraud in Minnesota.

What we are finding is not only people who have come into the country illegally, but they have perpetuated crimes on people, theyve stolen the American citizens money and they put it in their own pockets and then the pockets of other individuals that are here, Noem said.

During the interview, Watters asked Noem, Are people thanking you when you are there? It seems like you are rounding up a lot of bad hombres... Do people come up to you and say, you know... we appreciate it?

They do, she replied, adding, Thank God we have a president that wants to make America safe again for every single citizen, regardless of where they live.

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During her latest bout of media propaganda, Noem also appeared on the newly Trump-friendly CBS, as the cameras shadowed her during an immigration raid in Minneapolis on Tuesday.

It follows the network abruptly pulling a 60 Minutes segment about CECOT prison in El Salvador, which is filled with deported migrants arrested by ICE officers.

New CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss spiked the segment at the 11th hour, refusing to discuss her decision with host Sharyn Alfonsi, who fired off an email claiming that if they bow down to the Trump administration over editorial choices, then we go from an investigative powerhouse to a stenographer for the state.

In Minneapolis, CBS followed Noem on an operation aimed at arresting Tomas Espin Tapia, an Ecuadorian man wanted for alleged murder and sexual assault.

We embedded with federal agents on this ICE operation earlier today and sat down with DHS @Sec_Noem after.



Our exclusive interview airs tonight on the @CBSEveningNews https://t.co/TxTrKp65Zt pic.twitter.com/xDmM1S53R5  Elizabeth Campbell (@ECampbell360) January 6, 2026

Cameras caught Noem in full ICE officer cosplay, asking Tapia, Do you know why were here today? You will be held accountable for your crimes. Well take you in for processing.

CBS also blurred the faces of ICE agents, without explaining the reason to viewers. Noem has long defended the covering of ICE agents faces, claiming it is to protect their identity and safety.
The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Leer en espanol.

An ICE officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning.

The deadly confrontation immediately ratcheted up the intensity of what was already a brutal crackdown on Minnesota and its immigrants by the Trump administration  and in a community with raw memories of the police murder of George Floyd.

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Video of the incident shared with the Reformer shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to get out of the f*cking car and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward, appearing to try to leave. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.

The woman was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, the Minneapolis chief of police said.

A group of Minneapolis City Council members identified her in a statement as Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis resident. They said she was a member of our community and demanded justice for her killing.

The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.

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Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, quickly confirmed the death on X but gave a contradictory version of what happened. She accused the driver of attempting to run over and kill a law enforcement officer in an act of domestic terrorism.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at a news conference in Minnesota for the second day in a row, accused Good of stalking and impeding ICE operations and that the officer acted appropriately in killing her.

He used his training to save his own life and that of his colleagues, she said Wednesday.

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Noem said ICE will continue its operations as usual after the killing in what the agency said is its largest operation ever, with more than 2,000 agents and officers in Minnesota.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents Minneapolis, accused ICE officers of terrorizing neighborhoods.

I am beyond outraged that their reckless, callous actions led to the killing of a legal observer in Minneapolis, Omar said in a statement. This administration has shown, yet again, that it does not care about the safety of Minnesotans.

MAGA supporters showed video from different angles that purported to show the officer acting in self-defense, while former senior Obama administration official Tommy Vietor reshared the Reformer video on X and called the incident, an execution by this ICE officer. Americans can expect a debate over the shooting for years to come, regardless of the outcome of any investigations.

Law enforcement sprays demonstrators with chemical irritants at the scene where an ICE office shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in her car in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

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After the shots were fired, the driver then was completely slumped over in the vehicle, said Emily Heller, another witness.

Federal agents wouldnt allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said. First responders were unable to get close to the scene because ICE agents did not move their cars to let them through.

There was chaos and ambulance and fire trucks couldnt get through, Callenson said. They had to walk through all of the ICE vehicles on foot to try to administer first aid.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he had been dreading this moment since the Department of Homeland Security began ramping up immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.

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Frey called ICEs statement saying the shooting was in self-defense was bullsh*t and blasted the agencys presence in the city saying theyre only causing chaos and distrust.

To ICE, get the f*ck out of Minneapolis, Frey said.

He urged residents to remain peaceful and not take the bait from the federal government.

They want us to respond in a way that creates a military occupation in our city, Frey said. Lets not let them.

People lay white roses where a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer)

Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff deputies responded to the scene.

While ICE agents left the scene, the standoff between law enforcement and protesters is ongoing.

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As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.

Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.

After law enforcement cleared the scene, demonstrators placed white roses where blood stained the snow.

City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said at a Wednesday press conference that they have yet to see information indicating that the shooting was justified and there was nothing to indicate the woman was a target of immigration enforcement activity, OHara said.

Minneapolis police officers secured the crime scene to preserve evidence, OHara said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now jointly conducting an investigation into the use of deadly force with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt emphasized the need for local involvement in the investigation for transparency: With all due respect to the federal level, we do need to make sure that our local agencies are involved.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation to restore order and prevent further injuries.
MINNEAPOLIS  A fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by immigration agents on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis is sparking outrage over President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration enforcement in the area.

Hundreds marched the streets Jan. 7 to mourn the loss of the woman city officials identified as Renee Nicole Good. Lawmakers called for the officer behind the shooting to be arrested in response to video of the incident. Local leaders disputed federal officials' account of what led to the shooting.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said officers fired "defensive shots" after the woman attempted to ram agents with her SUV. Noem said Good was engaged in an act of "domestic terrorism."

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Citing video of the shooting, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted Homeland Security officials for their account of what happened.

"They are already trying to spin this as an action of self defense," Frey said at a news conference. "Having seen the video myself I want to tell everybody directly, that is bull----."

One person was killed in a shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, officials said. Minneapolis Gov. Tim Walz said on Jan. 7 that the shooting involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has surged agents into the Minneapolis area amid a broader federal crackdown on fraud in the state. Here, a member of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) restrains a protester trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot. Journalist KingDemetrius Pendleton is treated after being exposed to a chemical irritant following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. A man is treated after being exposed to a chemical irritant following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Members of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office look on as people gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Members of law enforcement work the scene following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez (L) addresses onlookers following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 07, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. An aerial view shows protesters clashing with police after a driver of a vehicle was shot amid an immigration enforcement surge, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 7, 2026, in this screen grab taken from a video. A federal agent uses pepper spray on protesters blocking a street after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Police tape is seen around a vehicle with a bullet hole the windshield after a driver was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino looks on after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand at the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. A federal agent runs towards protesters trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Federal agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis: See chaotic scene 1 of 18 One person was killed in a shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, officials said. Minneapolis Gov. Tim Walz said on Jan. 7 that the shooting involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has surged agents into the Minneapolis area amid a broader federal crackdown on fraud in the state. Here, a member of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) restrains a protester trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot.

The shooting came during an immigration enforcement action in the Twin Cities, a day after hundreds of Homeland Security agents deployed to the area. Federal authorities say they are targeting the area in response to a federal fraud scandal they say is tied to Somali immigrants.

Video of the incident circulating online showed multiple law enforcement officers approaching a dark red vehicle, and an individual saying "get out of the (expletive) car." The SUV initially reversed before driving forward, and a law enforcement officer standing near the front of the vehicle on the driver's side shot into it. The car immediately crashed into a line of other parked vehicles as onlookers screamed.

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Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as "totally avoidable" and urged people to demonstrate peacefully, recalling the protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in 2020, which occurred less than a mile from where the federal agent fired.

"To Minnesotans I say this: I feel your anger. I'm angry," Walz said at a news conference hours after the shooting. "They want a show. We can't give it to them."

The FBI is investigating the incident. Separately, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has launched a probe into the federal agent's use of force.

Other officials did not name the woman but provided further information: Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar described her as a "legal observer," and Sen. Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, said she was a U.S. citizen. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said it does not appear the woman was the "target of any law enforcement investigation or activity."

Minneapolis Public Schools cancel classes

Minneapolis Public Schools announced there will be no school and all district sponsored programs are canceled on Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, out of an abundance of caution in the wake of the shooting.

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The district noted in a news release that it will not move to remote learning as it is only allowable for severe weather.

Classes will resume Monday, Jan. 12, the district said on X.

Who was Renee Nicole Good?

By now millions of people have seen the moment where an immigration agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good.

Good's defenders  including city and state leaders  are calling what happened an unjustified attack; federal authorities say the agent was acting in self-defense.

Whatever Good was trying to do amid an immigration enforcement operation unwelcomed by the city, she was more than the last seconds of her life.

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Her mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Good lived with her partner in Minneapolis and was a compassionate woman who had "taken care of people all her life."

"She was loving, forgiving and affectionate," Ganger told the newspaper. "She was an amazing human being."

Read more here about what we know about the woman killed by an immigration agent.

 Amanda Lee Myers

Shooting is the latest deadly incident involving immigration agents

The woman shot by immigration agents in Minneapolis is the latest person to be fired on by federal officers amid the Trump administrations deportation efforts.

Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant, was shot and killed by federal agents outside Chicago in September. The details of Villegas-Gonzalezs death remain unclear. Homeland Security officials said the man resisted arrest and dragged an agent with his car. Video evidence shows the agent had described his wounds as "nothing major." Villegas-Gonzalezs lawyer and others have called for a full investigation into the shooting.

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Also during the Chicago blitz campaign, Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, was shot and wounded by Border Patrol on Oct. 4. Federal prosecutors initially indicted the 31-year-old on charges of assaulting a federal officer, but the case was eventually dismissed.

Text messages shared in federal court in Chicago show the agent appearing to brag about the shooting. "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes," wrote Supervisory Border Patrol agent Charles Exum. "Put that in your book boys."

More: Minneapolis woman latest to be shot amid Trump deportation campaign

Kristi Noem gives account of shooting

At a Wednesday night news conference, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave an account of the shooting, saying the officer "followed his training, did exactly what he was supposed to do."

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Noem said a "mob" of protesters with vehicles attempted to block in immigration agents around 10:25 a.m. Good was among the group, Noem alleged. Agents told her to exit her car. She did not obey their orders and proceeded to "weaponize her vehicle," according to Noem.

The agent fired "defensive shots" striking and killing Good, said Noem, adding the agent was hit by Good and briefly hospitalized.

Noem said the incident in Minneapolis was one of three in the city that involved people using vehicles against immigration agents. Local officials and residents have disputed Homeland Securitys characterization of Goods actions.

In the wake of the shooting, Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly announced that she would introduce impeachment charges against Noem.

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Secretary Noem wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area, and now, her rogue ICE agents have unleashed that same destruction in Minneapolis, fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good, Kelly said in a Jan. 7 news release. From Chicago to Charlotte to Los Angeles to Minneapolis, Secretary Noem is violating the Constitution while ruiningand endinglives.

The news release said that the charges would be Obstruction of Congress, Violation of Public Trust and Self-Dealing.

U.S. senator from Minnesota says Noem is 'gaslighting'

In an interview with USA TODAY, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, described Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems comments as "gaslighting."

"What Secretary Noem did was so irresponsible, because she, without any investigation, is gaslighting the American public by trying to tell us what happened when the video evidence that we're seeing doesn't bear that out at all," said Smith, adding that Homeland Security officials she spoke with did not reveal the identity of the agent behind the shooting.

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Smith said that in her assessment, based on videos of the incident, Good "was not at any risk to law enforcement" and that the agents "appear not to have been trained at all in how to de-escalate a dangerous situation."

"Their actions clearly were escalating a situation and making it more dangerous," Smith said.

Crowds gather at site of shooting

A vigil to recognize the woman shot by an immigration agent started at 5 p.m. at the site of the incident on Portland Avenue in Minneapolis.

Close to 1,000 people were in attendance as of 5:30 p.m. The crowd chanted the womans name, Renee Good, and called for immigration authorities to leave Minneapolis, saying "ICE out now."

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Minnesota State Rep. Aisha Gomez, spoke at the vigil, calling the shooting a "tragedy."

"Were here today because this is a profound tragedy for Renee and her loved ones and her family," Gomez said.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (C) and his wife Gwen Walz (R) look on during a vigil for Renee Good on the steps of the state capitol building on Jan. 9, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Earlier this week a federal agent fatally shot Good in her car during an incident in south Minneapolis. People stand by a makeshift memorial at the scene of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 8, 2026. A woman reacts next to a memorial site during a vigil for a 37-year-old woman who was shot in her car by a U.S. immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 7, 2026. People attend a vigil at the site where a woman was shot and killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis on Jan.7, 2026. Signs hang at a makeshift barricade placed near the scene of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 8, 2026. About 1,000 people gathered near the site where a woman was allegedly shot by an ICE officer on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. People gather for a vigil following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation earlier today in south Minneapolis. About 1,000 people gathered near the site where a woman was allegedly shot by an ICE officer on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. About 1,000 people gathered at night in near-freezing weather on Jan. 7 near the site where a woman was allegedly shot by an ICE officer earlier that day in Minneapolis. A man holds a sign that says "ICE NOT WELCOME" during a vigil for a 37-year-old woman who was shot in her car by a U.S. immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, Minn. Jan. 7, 2026. People gather for a vigil following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation earlier today in south Minneapolis. People gather for a vigil following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation earlier today in south Minneapolis. People gather for a vigil following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation earlier today in south Minneapolis. A vigil for a 37-year-old woman fatally shot in her car by a U.S. immigration agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026. A person places a flower at the site where a woman was reportedly shot and killed by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. People look at the site where a woman was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. Vigils held for woman killed in ICE related shooting in Minneapolis 1 of 16 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (C) and his wife Gwen Walz (R) look on during a vigil for Renee Good on the steps of the state capitol building on Jan. 9, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Earlier this week a federal agent fatally shot Good in her car during an incident in south Minneapolis.

Gomez said Minnesotans who are opposed to ICE deployment will not halt their opposition after the shooting.

"Youre terrorizing our communities," Gomez said. "We're not gonna stop."

"I dont want ICE to be here," Elle Goode told the St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, ahead of the vigil. "What theyre trying to do has just gone too far."

Erin Stene, a community organizer in Minneapolis, said people are expected to be at the site for "as long as they need to be."

"I think people are grieving and processing," Stene said. "I think folks will be out here as long as they need to be."

 Corey Schmidt, St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network

Local, federal officials call for agents arrest

Several prominent Democratic politicians have called for the agents arrest following the shooting.

"There is nothing to suggest the shooting of an unarmed woman in Minneapolis was justified," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "This heinous killing must be criminally investigated to the full extent of the law."

The Minneapolis City Council's president also called for the agents arrest.

"Regardless of who you are or what agency you work for, if you shoot or kill people in Minneapolis you need to be arrested immediately and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Full stop," Payne said in a statement.

A few of Jeffries colleagues in Congress also condemned the shooting.

"If that aint a murder, I dont know what is," said Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts's 6th congressional district.

Walz says shooting was avoidable, calls for peace and safety

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz blasted the Trump administration after the shooting and urged people who want to express their frustration to do so peacefully.

"What we're seeing is the consequences of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict. It's governing by reality TV, and today that recklessness cost someone their life," Walz said at a news conference, adding that the shooting was "predictable" and "totally avoidable."

Walz urged the public to stay calm. He referred to the protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and said he did not want to give the federal government any reason to take further action.

"From here on I have a very simple message," Walz said. "We do not need any further help from the federal government. To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you've done enough."

'Horrible thing': Trump weighs in on deadly Minneapolis shooting

President Donald Trump said he watched video of an ICE agent shooting a driver in Minneapolis and blamed the incident on "the Radical Left."

"It is a horrible thing to watch," he said in a social media post before backing up federal officials' allegations that the officer shot the woman in "self defense."

"Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital," Trump said. "The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis."

Members of the community gather as police officers block the scene after the driver of a vehicle was shot, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., Jan. 7, 2026.

Hundreds flood into Minneapolis streets after shooting

After the deadly shooting in Minneapolis, hundreds of people gathered at the scene of the incident to protest the federal intervention.

Videos show protesters holding signs reading "ICE get out" as others threw snowballs at federal agents and blew whistles. Earlier in the day, federal agents deployed pepper spray and tear gas against protesters in Minneapolis.

Local officials, including the Minneapolis police chief and Frey, told residents to remain calm and to protest peacefully.

Walz accuses federal authorities of spreading 'propaganda'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz disputed the Department of Homeland Security's account of the incident and vowed to launch an investigation.

"Ive seen the video. Dont believe this propaganda machine," he said on X. "The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice."

Where did the Minneapolis shooting occur? See map.

'We don't want you here' Minneapolis mayor tells ICE

Frey gave fiery comments during a news conference after the shooting, accusing federal agents of raising tensions in the city and causing chaos.

"They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America," Frey said. "What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust. They're ripping families apart, they are sowing chaos in our streets and, in this case, quite literally killing people."

"To ICE, get the f--- out of Minneapolis," he later added. "We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety, and you are doing exactly the opposite."

Police tape is seen around a vehicle with a bullet hole the windshield after a driver was shot in Minneapolis, on January 7, 2026.

Police chief says woman blocked roadway with vehicle

OHara, the Minneapolis police chief, gave further details about the shooting at a news conference.

He said officers responded to reports of a shooting involving federal agents south of downtown. At the scene, they found a woman with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency responders performed CPR and the woman was taken to a local hospital, where she later died, O'Hara said.

The chief said preliminary information indicates the woman was blocking a roadway with her vehicle. At some point, OHara alleged, an ICE agent approached her on foot and the vehicle began to drive off.

At least two shots were fired, and the vehicle crashed into a pole on the side of the road, O'Hara said.

'I feel helpless,' says witness after deadly shooting

Venus de Mars, a 65-year-old Minneapolis resident who lives near the site of the shooting, told Reuters that paramedics performed CPR on a woman near the crash site.

"There's been lots of ICE activity but nothing like this," de Mars told the outlet. "I'm so angry. I'm so angry, and I feel helpless."

The shooting occurred as the Department of Homeland Security launched its "largest operation ever" in Minnesota, sending 2,000 federal agents into the state on top of an earlier deployment of officers in December.

Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stand guard after a reported shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis ICE shooting updates: Woman identified as Renee Good
President Donald Trump has touted the idea of giving Americans "tariff dividend" refunds for months, despite speculation from experts. This has left many wondering if such $2,000 checks will finally come in the new year.

In early November, the president again floated the idea of issuing $2,000 payouts to "middle-income people and lower-income people" from the collected tariff revenues.

"Next year is projected to be the largest tax refund season ever, and we're going to be giving back refunds out of the tariffs, as we have taken in literally trillions of dollars," Trump said during a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting. "We're going to be giving a nice dividend to the people in addition to reducing debt."

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But experts have said that tariff revenue likely won't cover the cost of issuing such checks.

In September, the Treasury Department said it had generated $195 billion in tariff-related revenue. The Bipartisan Policy Center calculated $194.9 billion in net tariff revenue in 2025, which would come up short of the estimated $300 billion cost of sending the checks.

Tax Foundation estimates that Trumps tariffs will raise $2.1 trillion in revenue over the next decade, but that dips to $1.6 trillion after accounting for foreign retaliation and other negative economic effects. The Congressional Budget Office has projected tariff revenue of $3.3 trillion over a decade.

Are we getting 'tariff dividend' checks?

Tariff dividend checks would likely require legislation passed by Congress, as was the case with the federal economic impact payments that went out in 2020 and 2021. These were the last such federal stimulus payments agreed upon and issued by the government to the general public.

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A bill called the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 was introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, in July, proposing the use of tariff revenue to issue checks between $600 and $2,400 to American taxpayer families. It was referred to the Committee on Finance, where it received no further action.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett likewise told CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21 that the president would "bring forth a proposal to Congress" about dividend checks in 2026.

Hassett said that the funding for the checks could come from sources beyond tariffs.

"We get taxes, we get tariffs, we get revenue from lots of places, and then Congress decides how to spend those monies," he told Brennan. "That's an appropriation. And so this would have to be money that would be an appropriation."

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But plans for any related money allocation could be thwarted altogether if Trump's tariffs are struck down by the Supreme Court, which seemed to question whether Trump has the power to impose such tariffs when listening to arguments on Nov. 5.

As of January 2026, no solid plans have been enacted to bring the checks to fruition.

Are other stimulus checks coming?

In February, Trump also said he would consider a plan to issue $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers in the form of a "DOGE dividend" during a summit in Miami.

He explained that it would partly take the savings claimed by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and give it to taxpayers. However, the amount of money actually saved by the department has been called into question and Musk has since left the administration, rendering DOGE somewhat defunct.

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The administration has shared no further information or plans for the DOGE checks.

On Dec. 18, the president announced he was sending $1,776 checks, called "Warrior dividends," to the nation's 1.45 million service members before Christmas. The Defense Department supplied the funding, the Pentagon said.

IRS warns Americans about stimulus check scams

As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant.

The IRS issued a warning in July about fake messages regarding "tax credits" or "stimulus" checks from scammers pretending to be the agency.

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"These messages will often direct taxpayers to click fraudulent links they claim are IRS websites or other online tools," the agency said. "The IRS only sends text messages with the taxpayers permission and only collects the taxpayers cell phone number or email address if they subscribe to receive messages from the agency."

The IRS also doesn't leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages, it said. If you do receive a suspicious call, message, or mail, the IRS suggests:

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: An update on Trump's $2,000 'tariff dividend' checks. Are they coming?
WASHINGTON  Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) condemned comments made by President Donald Trumps senior adviser Stephen Miller about Greenland on Wednesday, calling them stupid, amateurish and absurd.

Some people around here call me cranky. You know what makes me cranky? Stupid, Tillis said in a fiery speech on the Senate floor. What makes me cranky is when people dont do their homework.

Politics: Nancy Pelosi Hits Trump With Brutal Reality Check On His Greenland Takeover Plan

Im sick of stupid, he added. The amateurs who said its a good idea [to invade Greenland] should lose their jobs.

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Miller told CNN earlier this week that Greenland belongs to the United States, predicting that no one would oppose the U.S. militarily should it stake a claim to the semiautonomous territory that belongs to Denmark, a NATO ally.

Tillis remarks amount to a direct attack on a presidential aide so powerful hes often referred to as Trumps prime minister and a sharp escalation in the retiring senators occasional criticisms of the administration.

While Miller is known for his staunch opposition to both legal and illegal immigration and ties to the far right, he has emerged in Trumps second term as one of the presidents most trusted aides with influence over seemingly every aspect of both foreign and domestic policy.

Nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland, Miller told the outlet, sparking alarms in Denmark.

Nobodys going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told CNN. Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Tillis took issue with Millers comments, saying he inappropriately presented that view as belonging to the entirety of the U.S. government instead of the president. He said that Denmark is one of the closest allies of the U.S., noting it was among the first to stand with us when NATO invoked Article 5 following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

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You dont speak on behalf of this U.S. senator or the Congress, Tillis said, dismissing Millers words as something a deputy chief of staff thought was a cute thing to say on TV.

Politics: Federal Reserve Chair Powell Says DOJ Has Subpoenaed Central Bank, Threatens Criminal Indictment

The North Carolina Republican helps chair the U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group, which has expressed support for the territorial integrity of Denmark.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, Tillis said in a statement alongside Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who also chairs the group, on Tuesday. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.

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Republicans are, for the most part, balking at the Trump administrations threats to take Greenland by force, if necessary.

Threats and intimidation by U.S. officials over American ownership of Greenland are as unseemly as they are counterproductive, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement on Wednesday. And the use of force to seize the sovereign democratic territory of one of Americas most loyal and capable allies would be an especially catastrophic act of strategic self-harm to America and its global influence.

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Read the original on HuffPost
Civilisational decline happens slowly at first, and then all at once. Britain has not been this weak and irrelevant on the global stage since the early 1500s; France and Germany are facing equally severe existential crises.

It took Donald Trump to call our bluff, exposing our impotence and insignificance to a world we once dominated. British and European politicians cannot stop Trump from buying Greenland, or kidnapping Latin American tyrants, or taking out the Mullahs evil nuclear programme, or sanctioning Left-wing international judges, or doing whatever else he wants.

Eighty-one years after the end of the Second World War, the Western European era is finally over, killed off by welfarism, egalitarianism, risk aversion, demographic failure, over-regulation, environmentalism, pacifism and self-hatred. Britain self-sabotaged by wantonly downsizing our military, promoting rent-seeking above wealth creation, embracing soft power and net zero and turning against our core values.

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We willingly demoted ourselves from being Americas junior partner to vassal status. We sought to camouflage our uselessness by preaching about human rights and weaponising international law; that delusion too has been punctured.

Trump is often spectacularly right (as with Tehran) and often disastrously wrong (as when he threatens Canada or is soft on Putin) but never before have we had so little leverage over America. The Trump administration is just not interested: Western Europe has almost nothing to offer, for the first time in centuries.

In an era of advanced technology, AI, space exploration, hard military power, energy supremacy and renewed ideological warfare, we are nowhere to be seen. The US is now the worlds biggest oil producer; Silicon Valley, Wall Street and the Pentagons military-industrial complex are crushingly superior to every Western rival, and the gap keeps getting wider.

The US economy suffers from severe weaknesses, but its entrepreneurial model has obliterated the Blairite-EU social-democratic approach. Western Europe produces and controls few essential technologies, commodities or unique components. There are a handful of exceptions, including the Dutch giant ASML and Londons AI hub (as well as the UKs world-class intelligence services), but Europe has never been this peripheral, this unimportant in geopolitical, scientific and financial terms since before the Industrial Revolution.

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We have failed to frack, omitted to build nuclear, were shockingly reliant on Russian energy and now import ever more liquefied natural gas from the US.

b'

'

The nature of modern economies means that we are plugged into US systems that could be switched off if we went rogue: all dollar transactions (including to buy oil and commodities) must be routed through the US, cashless payments are made using US-based card companies, data is stored in US-controlled servers, electronic devices (including cars) are updated remotely. What would happen to British and European armies were the US to cut off our supplies of components?

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The best we can do is to beg an American power that is retreating to its core sphere of influence to protect us from Russia, or provide occasional assistance, as with the seizure of the Venezuelan ship. It is absurd, as some have claimed, that the answer to Trumpian imperialism over Greenland is to threaten to dissolve Nato and to kick the US out of its UK and European bases: who else would defend us? Do we really want to rely on our own (and Frances) nuclear umbrella? Only an imbecile or communist would threaten to switch to the Chinese sphere of influence. We need Nato, and we need it far more than the US does.

International law was a fiction sustained because the West contained powers that might, at times, stand up to the US. They couldnt simply be bulldozed away as they are today; respect and influence are earned, not automatic.

Trump is only polite to Starmer for sentimental reasons. Britain is weaker in relative terms than we were in 1588, when we defeated the Spanish Armada, or in 1600, when the East India Company was launched, or when the Industrial Revolution propelled us to economic and technological leadership. Some decline was inevitable, but nothing like todays humiliation, the byproduct of poor choices since the end of the Cold War.

In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher defied America to retake the Falklands from Argentina; today, our depleted Navy, Army, economy and society would make such heroics unthinkable. Lady T could stand up to Ronald Reagan, as she did after his invasion of Grenada, a Commonwealth nation. The Tories deployed 53,462 troops during the First Gulf War to liberate Kuwait in 1990-91; Labour sent 45,000-46,000 in 2003 during the Second Gulf War for the initial invasion of Iraq, the second-largest contributor after America; and of course there was Afghanistan.

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The UK was a core contributor: we deserved our place as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. We played Greece to Americas Rome. We were useful, and forced the White House to take us seriously. This is no longer true today. We have lost almost all of our relevance. Even a small contribution to the Ukraine peacekeeping plan, if it materialises, could break us.

Once the richest country, we now rank 35th in GDP per capita in purchasing power parity terms.

So what should Britain do? Rejoining the EU would be absurd: two drunks cannot prop each other up. We must instead retake control of our own destiny, starting by doubling actual military spending to 5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade. We need to hire tens of thousands of additional personnel and to purchase a missile defence system from Israel (and make up with the Jewish state, whom we need more than they need us). We need to fix our procurement, embrace advanced technologies and reimagine our military for a world of robotics.

To pay for this, we need to slash government spending by 2.5 per cent of GDP. That means cutting welfare payments immediately, wiping out non-essential spending (beginning with the arts, environmental projects and subsidised humanities and social sciences degrees), and ditching the triple lock, as a starting point.

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Net zero needs to be abandoned forthwith, all forms of energy production liberalised, taxes on the North Sea cut and a nuclear programme rushed through. We need cheap, secure and plentiful energy. We must abandon class warfare, deregulate and cut tax, boost incentives and create our own Apples, Googles and SpaceXs.

America only respects strength. If we want to start influencing global affairs again, we will have to begin by putting our own house in order.

You can sign up to receive Allister Heaths exclusive analysis of the week in politics here.

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When Rep. Craig Haggard, R-Mooresville, heard Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith's staff was accused of viewing and laughing at a sexually explicit deepfake video of his wife  allegations Beckwith denies , Haggard was "ticked off."

So when Rep. Maureen Bauer, a colleague across the aisle with a similar story, reached out last year, the unlikely pairing got to work on two bills to tackle what they've described as a growing problem.

One, House Bill 1182, would make it a Class B misdemeanor to create or possess a "digital sexual image"  defined as an AI-generated or digitally altered image or video that depicts a person having sex or exposes their naked body  without the individual's consent. A person who distributes such an image could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. In both cases, the penalty would increase up to a Level 6 felony for repeat offenders.

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House Bill 1183 has nearly identical language, with a stricter penalty: creating or possessing the images would start out as a Class A misdemeanor and distributing the images would start out as a Level 6 felony, with repeat offenders committing Level 6 and Level 5 felonies, respectively.

Beckwith has denied that any of his employees saw the alleged video of Haggard's wife but said it would be a fireable offense if it happened in the future.

"The Lieutenant Governor is strongly in favor of House Bill 1183 and 1182," a spokesperson told IndyStar. "We believe an amendment would be appropriate to add stricter penalties for falsely accusing one of the creating, possessing, or distributing a digital sexual image."

A grand jury in Marion County met earlier this year for an "investigation into the distribution of an intimate image(s) and ghost employment in the office of the Indiana Lieutenant Governor." No criminal charges have been filed.

Two lawmakers reach across the aisle

The same month 24sightNews broke the story of the alleged deepfake video in Beckwith's office, Bauer, a Democrat from South Bend, became the victim of a sextortion attempt.

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In August 2025, Bauer received an email attempting to extort her with a digitally altered photo of her taken from a friend's Instagram. She reached out to law enforcement, where she learned there were gaps in Indiana law that essentially made the act an "unpunishable crime."

Bauer then connected with Haggard, who had begun to research the problem himself after seeing how it impacted his wife.

Rapid advancements in AI and increased public access have contributed to a sharp uptick in the use of AI for sexual abuse. Two percent of U.S. women surveyed in early 2025 reported being the target of an AI deepfake, according to the National Organization for Women. Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse images to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children rose from 4,700 in 2023 to 440,000 in the first half of 2025.

Though it's already illegal in Indiana to knowingly distribute a sexually explicit image without a person's consent, including computer generated ones, the proposed pair of bills would make the creation of the image a crime.

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Neither bill has been scheduled for a committee hearing yet, but lawmakers have weeks to do so before the deadline.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bill targets AI-generated sexual images amid recent scandals
Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) has been released from the hospital less than 24 hours after he and his wife were involved in a car accident, his office said Tuesday night.

Bairds office shared a photo of the congressman to the social platform X, in which he is wearing a neck brace and appears to have a bruise under his left eye.

Bairds office noted that his wife, Danise, remains in the hospital and continues to receive excellent care as she recovers.

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Rep. Jim Baird and his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, and he thanks everyone for their prayers and well wishes, his office added.

The Bairds son, Indiana state Rep. Beau Baird (R), wrote Tuesday morning on Facebook that his parents were driving back to Washington, D.C., Monday night when their vehicle was struck. He noted that both were stable and in good spirits.

The outpouring of support and prayers has meant more to me and my family than I can put into words. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Jim Baird remains fully committed to serving his constituents, and that commitment has not changed, the younger Baird added.

Beau Baird also said there was no information to suggest that the accident was politically motivated. He noted that since the crash was a hit-and-run, law enforcement is actively investigating and trying to find the vehicle that struck them.

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Jim Baird, 80, has represented the Hoosier States 4th Congressional District since 2019. Prior to that, he spent eight years in the Indiana House.

He is the vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee and also serves on the Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

He and his wife have three children. The two were high school sweethearts, according to Bairds website.

President Trump referenced the crash on Tuesday.

Hes going to be fine, shes going to be fine, but it was a bad accident, the president told House Republicans during the GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israel also checking if removal of Maduro will make action against Iran regime possible.

The Jerusalem Post has received multiple indications that the US is considering some intervention in the ongoing Iran protests. At the same time, Israel is also checking if the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro will make action against the Iranian regime possible.

It appears that Israel was surprised by America's intervention in Venezuela and that this action scrambled Israeli calculations about what might be possible in the Islamic Republic.

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Until the intervention by US President Donald Trump in Caracas, most Israeli officials did not view the protests against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as necessarily approaching the volume necessary to achieve regime change.

In fact, by themselves, the protests are likely still viewed by Israel and the US as insufficient to topple Khamenei.

However, following the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, this may have changed.

Venezuela's captured President Nicolas Maduro poses next to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator Terry Cole as he is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S., January 3, 2026. (credit: Handout via Reuters)

Washington and Israel explore regime change options in Iran

There are indications that Washington is weighing some targeted intervention to assist the protest movement to get over the top of the Iranian regime.

Likewise, Israel is also checking if the removal of Maduro will make action against the Iranian regime possible.

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More specifically, the Mossad has publicly admitted on Twitter to assisting Iranian protesters in the field.

Iran has claimed it has even arrested one of these agents.

Further, Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel, who formerly was intelligence minister and had partial responsibility for certain Iran issues, recently wrote in the Post, "The world must...recognize the Iranian people as the key to lasting regional stability and support their aspirations for human rights, freedom, and self-determination, not only through words of sympathy, but through concrete actions whenever and wherever possible."

She continued, "History shows that regimes built on fear eventually collapse. When that moment arrives in Iran, the question will not be whether change was inevitable, but whether the world helped prepare the ground for a better future," showing support for concrete action, and not mere words of sympathy.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held a special security meeting after the US actions in Venezuela.

Former defense minister Benny Gantz on Monday explicitly called for Israel and the US to intervene in Iran on behalf of the Iranian protesters to either cause the regime to surrender or topple it.

In June, both US and Israeli officials were universally opposed to seeking regime change, being focused on harming Iran's nuclear program and its ability to lash out in response to attacks on its nuclear program.

Yet, Tehran's weak attempts to recover from the June attacks, the protest movement, and America's quick ability to potentially influence the direction of Venezuelan policy by using military force, without having to mount a large ground invasion, may have changed the calculations.

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Officials from both countries, as indicated above, now seem to be exploring new options. It is possible that the US may use some kind of threat of force and even limited force to prevent Khamenei from crushing the protest movement, in order to provide the movement more of a chance to grow.

Israeli officials, as indicated above, are exploring whether the removal of Maduro will make action against the Iranian regime possible.

There are no indications that a final choice has yet been made, especially with Trump still deciding how to handle the aftermath in Venezuela of having abducted Maduro.

But there are indications that, for the first time, there may be a belief that an intervention to assist protesters, which is short of a major invasion to topple the regime, may be viable.
Social media influencer Yulia Burtseva died at age 38 on Jan. 4, following a buttock augmentation procedure.

Russian authorities have charged the surgeon responsible for the surgery. Burtseva, a digital creator with over 76,000 Instagram followers, underwent the procedure in Moscow at a private clinic. She was rushed to the hospital, where she died of anaphylactic shock, a severe and often life-threatening allergic reaction.

The medical professional responsible for Yulia Burtseva's surgery has now been charged for her death. / Yulia Burtseva/Instagram.

Burtsevas death was reported by Russian news outlets RIA Novosti, Kommersant, and MSK1. According to local news outlets, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Moscow opened a criminal case on Jan. 5. The committee opened the case against the clinic employee who performed her surgery, on suspicion of causing death by negligence. A law enforcement agent alleged to RIA Novosti that the employee in question did not have a medical degree.

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The employee could now face up to 3 years in prison. The defendant is a native of Tajikistan, as per Kommersant.

Burtseva was a lifestyle influencer based in Naples, Italy. She shared content filmed with her husband and young daughter, often in the form of funny skits. On the morning of her surgery, Burtseva shared a video of herself on the Russian social media platform VK, captioned, Good morning Moscow.

Since news of her death broke, Burtsevas fans and followers mourned the influencer and offered condolences to her family in the comments of her Instagram posts.

Buttock augmentation is a cosmetic procedure typically aimed at sculpting a rounder, firmer, and more youthful-looking butt, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The clinic warned that risks range from mild to severe, saying complications can occur with every type of butt augmentation.

There have been several cases of death following butt augmentation procedures. In 2022, 34-year-old British national Sophie Hunt died of complications after undergoing the infamously dangerous Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) and a tummy tuck in Turkey. Last year, New Orleans police officer Wildelis Rosa, 26, died after getting BBL surgery in a Miami clinic.
On the Wednesday, January 7, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: The Nuclear Sponge is a five-part project by USA TODAY that dives into the strategic debate and costs of modernizing the land leg of Americas nuclear arsenal. USA TODAY Defense Reporter Davis Winkie joins USA TODAYs The Excerpt to share his insights.

Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here

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Dana Taylor:

It's the worst case scenario no one wants to talk about. What happens if America's nuclear missile silos are attacked? The Minuteman III is a powerful intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking targets on the other side of the world, and it could be our best bet, but it's aging and land-based ICBMs have an Achilles heel. Hello, and welcome to USA TODAY's The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Wednesday, January 7th, 2026. The Nuclear Sponge is a five-part project by USA TODAY that dives into the strategic debate and costs of modernizing the landleg of America's nuclear arsenal. Joining me to break down the design and finances of this undertaking, as well as insights into the delicate balance of global nuclear power play, is USA TODAY defense reporter, Davis Winkie. It's good to have you here, Davis.

Davis Winkie:

Thanks for having me.

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Dana Taylor:

Before we get into the cost of updating it, can you give me a brief history of the nuclear sponge?

Davis Winkie:

Yeah. The nuclear sponge is a colloquial term used to describe the nuclear missile silos that the US has strewn about the Great Plains and Mountain West. There's currently 450 of them that house about 400 operational nuclear missiles. And the reason why it's called the nuclear sponge by some, is that one of the strategic reasons for keeping these weapons, according to advocates, is they can be targeted in an enemy first strike and will therefore have enemy nuclear weapons strike these relatively remote areas, rather than hitting more populated areas in the United States. The logic there is that if there's an all out nuclear war scenario, anything that keeps more firepower from hitting American cities is a net good. It's disturbing logic, but those are the kinds of things that nuclear strategists get into every day. The term itself dates back to Air Force General Lew Allen, who is the chief of staff in the late 1970s.

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Allen, believe it or not, was actually a nuclear physicist who rose all the way to the post of the Air Force's top officer. And he put a lot of thought into this thing. The term over time has been largely co-opted by arms control advocates, because of how well it evokes this sense of terror, frankly, about the idea that there are these potential sacrifice zones within the United States. But it's a very useful metaphor for understanding this part of the strategic calculus.

Dana Taylor:

What might happen if US missile silos are attacked and why was the nuclear sponge approved for an upgrade?

Davis Winkie:

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So destroying a fortified underground missile silo takes, in fact, a nuclear weapon to do, or even two nuclear weapons to do. So nuclear warfare planners believe that it would require a massive amount of firepower to attack the nuclear sponge. And because trying to kill an underground target requires setting off the nuclear weapon at ground level, that would kick a lot of dirt and other debris up into the atmosphere, creating what we understand as radioactive nuclear fallout. Those fallout clouds would then drift across the United States depending on the wind and could, as our project shows, lead to populated areas of the United States, contaminate parts of our agricultural heartland, and ultimately extend their impact beyond just the immediate area surrounding the sponge. As for why the nuclear missiles in the region have been approved for an upgrade, ultimately it comes down to nuclear strategists believe that land-based nuclear missiles are still a very relevant part of America's nuclear arsenal.

And the missiles that are currently underground, the Minuteman IIIs, are venerable. They're older than a lot of us today. They were put into the ground in the early 1970s. These silos are even older than the Minutemen missiles as well. They were built in the 1960s. You're starting to see infrastructure issues and potential reliability issues if you're trying to extend the Minuteman further. That's at least what the Air Force and advocates of building the next generation Sentinel missile to replace the Minuteman argue.

Dana Taylor:

I was going to ask about the Sentinel program. What is it and what was its initial projected cost?

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Davis Winkie:

Sentinel is going to be the replacement missile for the Minuteman III, and that it is going to be the primary nuclear missile that sits in underground land-based silos here in the United States. Originally, Sentinel was supposed to reuse the Minuteman silos, but as we just discussed, these silos are aging and there's infrastructure issues. One example is that the water table has risen in parts of North Dakota where there are currently Minuteman silos. And you don't want a flooded nuclear missile silo, you might imagine. Ultimately, what this meant was that the Sentinel Project was initially projected to be $77.7 billion. It was going to be an expensive undertaking, but planner saw it as an investment in American security. But as they got into the silo project and realized that it wouldn't be possible to just reuse the silos, and they would in fact need to dig new holes across the Great Plains and Mountain West, the cost is ballooned to up to $141 billion.

Dana Taylor:

So that's where we stand with the budget. But what about Sentinel's date of completion? Because I understand the project is already years behind schedule.

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Davis Winkie:

Yeah. It's one of those things where they didn't know what the issues were going to be until they got into trying to solve them. Towards the end of President Donald Trump's first administration, the Air Force certified that the Sentinel Project was ready to begin engineering development on silos and on other key aspects. That meant that the main contractor was approved to start building the tools to start building the missiles and the silos. What they found though was that they weren't ready to be at that point yet. And we're not looking at having that equivalent certification in place again until mid 2027. So they're not even going to start work on digging these silos until several years later than originally planned. And right now we're looking at not having Sentinel missiles fully operational at the levels planned in the program until the 2050s.

Dana Taylor:

Davis, we talked about what might happen if US missile silos were attacked. What's the main argument for those in favor of completing this project and what about those who are opposed?

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Davis Winkie:

The main argument in favor of continuing this modernization project and maintaining the land-based nuclear missiles is that they're seen as an integral part of what's called the nuclear triad. Advocates for maintaining these systems, say the triad, which has nuclear bombers, nuclear submarines that can launch nuclear missiles, and then these land-based nuclear missiles say that each provides different advantages in the case of a nuclear war or in the case of deterring adversaries such as Russia or China from being aggressive in other ways. As for the land-based nuclear missiles specifically, their advantage is they are the fastest to deliver a nuclear strike. You could send the order down to these missiles and within 30 minutes or so, you would see nuclear warheads striking anywhere in the world. That kind of speed is not inherent to the other legs of the nuclear triad. And nuclear strategists who support maintaining the land leg believe that maintaining that prompt strike capability is incredibly important when it comes to deterring or discouraging bad behavior from adversaries around the world.

Opponents of maintaining these nuclear missiles argue that they make the world a more dangerous place. That's because the US has what's called a launch on warning posture. Essentially, it follows closely to what you might've seen in the Netflix movie, A House of Dynamite recently. If the United States detects an incoming enemy nuclear attack, it is in our doctrine to consider launching a massive response from our nuclear missile silos, with the logic being we want to destroy an adversary's ability to hit us with more, in case they haven't launched everything they plan to hit us with yet. The idea there is damage limitation, but opponents of these ICBMs say that the chance of a false alarm for an incoming attack makes the stakes really, really dangerous. And because the speed of nuclear weapons can be measured in minutes, the amount of time that the president, who is the sole authority when it comes to nuclear strikes, has to make a decision on whether to retaliate with our ICBMs or not as a recipe for disaster, these opponents argue.

Dana Taylor:

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As you mentioned, part of the Sentinel program includes adding more than 650 new missiles. Aren't we limited by treaty in the number of missiles we can deploy? Do we need more firepower? What are you hearing on that front?

Davis Winkie:

This is another front where your advocates and opponents very, very strongly diverge. As you can imagine, nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament are two of the most polarized topics you can think of in the political landscape today. When it comes to the number of Sentinels being more than 650, the floor for the amount of deployed missiles set by Congress for this program is 400, and 650 is seen as the number of missiles that the Air Force needs to build in order to maintain a 400 missile deployment, which would continue the current number of Minuteman IIIs that we have. You need those extra missiles for things like testing, for things like extra parts, and then also to plan ahead for things like aging or maintenance issues, et cetera. So 650 is what they think they need to maintain that current level of firepower. With that said, the last remaining arms control treaty on the planet between the US and Russia called New Start limits the number of nuclear weapons that we can have deployed at any given time.

That treaty, however, is going to expire next month. And you have some conservative folks in the nuclear weapons world arguing that we should immediately deploy more nuclear weapons as soon as that treaty expires in order to show adversaries that we are prepared to wage a nuclear war against both Russia and China if it ultimately comes to that. Opponents argue though that even if you wanted to maintain the current level of firepower that our Minuteman III missiles have, you don't need as many sentinel missiles. That's because there's a new nuclear warhead under development for the Sentinel that would allow it to carry multiple nuclear weapons and hit multiple targets from just one missile. The argument there from opponents is, "Hey, if you really think you need to have these things, okay, but here's a way that you can reduce the number of them and reduce costs." And that's something that hasn't been seriously considered by Congress or by planners, opponents of these weapons argue.

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Dana Taylor:

Davis, our history books say the Cold War and the arms race ended with the breakup of the USSR in 1991. Does the world stand on the precipice of a new Cold War? What role do nuclear weapons play?

Davis Winkie:

That's a really good question. And frankly, it's going to be one that's easier to answer in 10 or 20 years, but we're seeing signs that all three of the players of what a new Cold War would look like, US, Russia, and China are taking significant steps and making massive investments in modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals. That's led some officials to issue very stark warnings. The head of the National Nuclear Security Administration and President Joe Biden's administration warned that we stood on the precipice of a potential arms race with China and that we stand to lose such an arms race. That's sobering to think of, but what it comes down to is a pretty clear-eyed assessment of Chinese industrial capacity compared to our current nuclear weapons construction infrastructure. The US is in the midst of a broader $1.7 trillion plan to overhaul that infrastructure, overhaul the arsenal, and upgrade more things than just the land-based missiles.

We're building new nuclear submarines right now. We're building a new nuclear bomber right now. We're developing new nuclear warheads right now. And so, even if we are having these warnings against a new arms race and a new Cold War, the pieces are already falling into place, I would say, for us to be at the starting line.

Dana Taylor:

Finally, Davis, if the US were to suffer a nuclear strike, there would, of course, as you said, be fallout. For your five-part series, USA TODAY built a fallout model. Can you share a little bit about how that model was developed?

Davis Winkie:

We worked with noted nuclear weapons historian, Alex Wellerstein, who has developed a lot of digital tools related to nuclear weapons. Some listeners may be familiar with his project NUKEMAP, which you can enter geographic coordinates or a city name, select the size of a weapon, and it would show you what the effects of a nuclear blast would be for that location. Alex, for us, was able to adapt a Cold War era nuclear fallout model called WSEG 10 that the Pentagon used to plan for the worst case effects of nuclear war. He built something for us called the Fallout Machine. This allowed us to generate high quality renderings and even animated versions of what the fallout plumes could potentially look like for strikes against the nuclear sponge. That allowed us to highlight potential metro areas that could be at risk or agricultural areas that could be at risk.

But Dana, let me tell you, our model that we used is frankly a pretty basic one as far as fallout models go. And I want our audience to understand that if there were nuclear war to this extent, there's no way that the effects wouldn't be felt even outside the fallout plumes that we've generated for our story. And our hope is that those models lead readers to want to know more about the decisions that have led us to this point and the decisions that may keep us on our path for decades to come.

Dana Taylor:

We'll include a link to that fallout model in our show description. Davis Winkie is a defense reporter for USA TODAY. Thank you so much for coming on The Excerpt, Davis.

Davis Winkie:

Thanks, Dana.

Dana Taylor:

Thanks to our senior producer Kaely Monahan for her production assistance. Our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com. Thanks for listening. I'm Dana Taylor. I'll be back tomorrow morning with another episode of USA TODAY's The Excerpt.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should the US increase its nuclear arsenal? | The Excerpt
The third-highest ranking official at the Department of the Interior did not disclose in her mandatory ethics filing that her family has financial connections to what will become the worlds largest lithium mine dug on Bureau of Land Management property.

In 2018, when Karen Budd-Falen was the deputy solicitor of the Interior for wildlife and parks, her husband, Frank Falen, sold $3.5 million worth of water rights from a large ranch property they own in Nevada to Lithium Nevada Corp.  a subsidiary of Lithium Americas  the company that owned the rights to the Thacker Pass mine.

The mine required permitting from the Interior to begin operations and those approvals were a stipulation of the deal between Falen and Lithium Americas, according to The New York Times. If the permitting fell through, so would have the deal.

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In January 2021, at the end of that period of Budd-Falens tenure with the DOI and the first Trump administration, the mine received its permits.

Then in March 2025, Budd-Falen was appointed associate deputy secretary of the Interior, a position that doesnt require Senate approval. A few months later in September of last year, the Trump administration acquired a 5% equity stake in both the Thacker Pass mine and the parent mining company that Budd-Falens husband contracted with.

That federal ownership stake was agreed upon when the Department of Energy decided to release more than $430 million of a $2.5 billion loan the government extended to speed up the mine development earlier than planned.

In this Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, photo, then-Wyoming attorney Karen Budd-Falen, a candidate to lead the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, sits in her law office in Cheyenne, Wyo. | Mead Gruver

Those findings were first reported in December by Public Domain and High Country News, which obtained Budd-Falens disclosures through a Freedom of Information Act request that waited months for a response. The copies they received were missing signatures from the DOIs ethics officials ensuring that the filer is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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In a statement to Public Domain, Charlotte Taylor, an Interior deputy communications director said that Budd-Falen is a proven leader bringing decades of experience and knowledge to the department. She leads this administrations efforts to manage Americas public lands effectively and responsibly delivering real results for the American people  all while firmly upholding the standards expected of the department and the executive branch.

In a separate statement for Times, another DOI spokesperson said, Karen Budd Falen has exemplified hard work, dedication and exceptional skill throughout her years of service across not just one, but three presidential administrations. The statement added that, her long record of professionalism and excellence in her work speaks louder than any baseless accusation.

Step 1: Karen Budd-Falen took a meeting with senior executives at Lithium Americas.



Step 2: The Trump administration fast-tracked the Thacker Pass lithium mine.



Step 3: Budd-Falens family made millions of dollars on the deal.



Where is Congress? https://t.co/Ab5JcxgcZv pic.twitter.com/n8zWp3A6E6  Save Our Parks (@SaveOurParksUSA) January 6, 2026

Is this an ethics violation?

The Ethics in Government Act requires financial disclosures from certain high-ranking government officials to prevent potential conflicts of interest and to foster greater accountability. There is another law, too, that prohibits officials from working on matters that would financially benefit them.

This law says that you may not work on an assignment that you know will affect your own financial interests or the financial interests of your spouse or your minor child, reads the Department of the Interior webpage on conflicts of interests.

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Frank Falen also told the Times that his wife met with executives from Lithium Americas in Washington, D.C., on his behalf in 2019 after the water deal was signed. Though both the mine company and Falen said that they did not discuss the business dealings between the Falens and the mine and the meeting was a social call, some questioned its optics.

Robert Weissman, the co-president of Public Citizen, a government ethics watchdog group, told the Times that, its not clear that Karen Budd-Falen knew she had a conflict, but its clear she should have known, and that the public should have known. He added that, its also clear that she should not have met with Lithium Nevada.

Who is Karen Budd-Falen?

A longtime Wyoming attorney, Budd-Falen has represented land owners rights in her home state and the West for decades. She is a fifth generation Wyoming rancher, and has been known to refer to herself as a cowboy lawyer.

Between stints with the federal government, she and her husband opened the Budd-Falen Law Offices, in Cheyenne. Though she is no longer affiliated, her husband is still the principal there. The firm describes itself as lawyers for the West, who have been saving property owners for over 30 years.

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Prior to her current role with the Trump administration, Budd-Falen worked for Ronald Reagan and the previous Trump administration.

In 2018, she nearly accepted the nomination to be the director of the Bureau of Land Management but turned it down once the concessions on her life got to be too much. She was OK recusing herself from her business, her clients, among others, but told The Fence Post in 2018, that she could not accept that the BLM wanted her to give up her family ranch. She said that was when she drew the line.

Budd-Falen has yet to publicly comment on her financial disclosures and any perceived conflicts of interests. She has, however, received the full endorsement of the Interior.
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Credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva)

Space fans hoping that the intruder from beyond the solar system known as Comet 3I/ATLAS is actually an alien spacecraft may be disappointed by new research that could close the book on this speculation once and for all.

Astronomers used the Green Bank Telescope , employed in the Breakthrough Listen extraterrestrial signal-hunting astronomy project, to search 3I/ATLAS for measurable signs of technology from extraterrestrial civilizations, or " technosignatures ."

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Though this hunt came up empty, the fact that 3I/ATLAS is only the third known object found in the solar system after entering from interstellar space (the others being 1I/'Oumuamua , seen in 2017, and 2I/Borisov , detected in 2019) means that it is still an object of great fascination, albeit a natural one.

"We all would have been thrilled to find technosignatures coming from 3I/ATLAS, but they're just not there," lead researcher Benjamin Jacobson-Bell from the University of California, Berkeley, told Space.com. "Finding no signals was the result we expected, due to the significant evidence for 3I/ATLAS being a comet with only natural features.

"The evidence was against 3I/ATLAS being one such probe, but we would have been remiss not to check."

Jacobson-Bell explained that scientists have even discussed conducting this exact kind of exploration using probes of our own. An example of this is the Breakthrough Starshot initiative , a concept that proposes to launch thousands of extremely lightweight probes toward Alpha Centauri , the nearest star system to our sun.

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"There are compelling reasons to think a spacefaring species would send probes to other star systems as a way to learn more about their stellar neighborhood," Jacobson-Bell added.

Tuning in to radio 3I/ATLAS

The team behind this research theorized that if we find them, the brightest extraterrestrial technosignatures are likely to be narrowband radio signals, because these take comparatively little energy to produce and travel well over long distances.

"Breakthrough Listen searches for life beyond Earth in a variety of ways. The Green Bank Telescope is a radio dish 100 meters wide, situated in a zone federally regulated to be free of most radio interference," Jacobson-Bell said. "Its sensitivity enables us to verify the absence of transmitters down to 0.1 watts, the strongest evidence against technology of any 3I/ATLAS observation to date."

For comparison, modern cell phones typically emit radio waves at roughly the 1-watt level.

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"This is to say that if there were any transmitters on 3I/ATLAS up to ten times weaker than a cell phone, we would have found them," Jacobson-Bell continued.

The comet 3I/ATLAS races through the solar system. | Credit: Miquel Serra-Ricart / Light Bridges

"Humans produce a lot of narrowband radio signals, including for communication with our own spacecraft," Jacobson-Bell said. "However, by modeling our search strategy on human technological output, we end up detecting a lot of human-made signals! Therefore, we run any detections through filters to distinguish probable human-made interference from possible extraterrestrial signals."

The Green Bank Telescope covers a very broad range of radio frequencies, meaning the team is unlikely to have missed any signals purely because they were looking in the wrong part of the electromagnetic spectrum .

"We did find nine 'events,' which is our term for signals that pass certain filters in our search strategy, but on closer inspection, we could readily attribute all nine of them to known radio transmitters here on Earth," Jacobson-Bell said. It's very common to find, then discard, false alarms like this.

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"Past work has shown that 3I/ATLAS looks like a comet and behaves like a comet, and our observations show that, like a comet, 3I/ATLAS is not a source of technological signals. In the end, there were no surprises."

As Jacobson-Bell pointed out, this may be perhaps slightly disappointing, but it doesn't mean that 3I/ATLAS isn't still hugely scientifically significant.

"There is considerable excitement around 3I/ATLAS because it's only the third-ever discovery of an interstellar object within our solar system," he continued. "Sending spacecraft to other star systems could be very informative, so it's tempting to imagine that some interstellar objects might be intentional probes."

Comet 3I/ATLAS streaks across a dense star field in this image captured by the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South at Cerro Pachon in Chile. The multicolored streaks are stars in the background of the image. | Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Shadow the ScientistImage Processing: J. Miller & M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

Jacobson-Bell believes that discoveries of interstellar objects are likely to become much more common as the recently completed Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins its 10-year-long Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

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"Whereas each individual interstellar object is currently an anomaly, future surveys will amass such a population of interstellar objects that we'll start to be able to tell which are typical and which are actually anomalous," he said. "Some of these objects will merit follow-up observations  could their anomalies be due to technology?"



This new research and its findings regarding 3I/ATLAS thus pave a path toward answering that question.

"We hope our search helps dispel the idea that this object is artificial, but likewise we hope that public interest in interstellar objects remains strong  they're very interesting whether they're spacecraft or comets, and it's entirely possible that one day, one of them will indeed be transmitting technological signals," Jacobson-Bell concluded. "If we don't look, we'll never know."
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture plans to file a comprehensive farm policy bill in the upcoming legislative session. Pictured is art in the Iowa State Capitol that depicts the state's ties to agriculture. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said he plans to file the first Iowa Farm Act, to support farmers and rural communities in the state with tax relief, expanded economic opportunities and enhanced biosecurity.

Naig, in an interview Wednesday with Iowa Capital Dispatch, said the bill is like a federal farm bill in that it comprehensively brings in multiple facets of farm and rural policy into one bill.

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I think theres value in having something that really cuts across and brings together the diverse, different interests of agriculture, Naig said. What that allows us to do, too, is to then have a platform, have a vehicle that we can talk to legislators about  a nice opportunity to create a focal point for ag and ag policy during a session.

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The bill includes provisions for expanded economic opportunities for farmers, tax relief for farm families, support for beginning farmers and ranchers and strengthened biosecurity procedures. Naig said the policies in the bill were derived from conversations with different groups across Iowa about their priorities.

Naig said while the Iowa Legislature moves a tremendous amount of ag-related policy each session, the bill comprises priorities from small groups like Iowa beekeepers and specialty crop farmers with the ag needs from livestock and row crop commodity groups.

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Naig has been Iowa secretary of agriculture since 2018 and is seeking reelection in 2026.

Economic opportunities

According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the bill seeks to expand economic opportunities for farmers by modernizing zoning exemptions and agritourism definitions to better support on-farm operations. Specifically, the department notes activities like value-added processing and direct-to-consumer marketing should be acceptable exemptions. The news release also said Christmas tree farms should be explicitly included in agritourism liability protections.

The bill would make permanent the Choose Iowa School Purchasing Pilot Program. The pilot program helps schools to purchase locally grown and raised products, which in turn, helps farmers to have a consistent local buyer.

Specialty crop and small-sized farm operations advocated for the program to be permanently funded in the 2025 legislative session after the Trump administration ended a similar federal program.

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The measure was proposed as an amendment to the states budget for agriculture and natural resources, but was not accepted. The pilot program awarded 33 schools a total of $70,000 in funding in May.

The farm act would prioritize young and beginning farmers in the states Choose Iowa grant programs, and provide flexibility to expand Choose Iowa marketing opportunities.

In addition to the Iowa Farm Act, IDALS said in a release it plans to ask for a 1.6% budget increase, about $1.3 million, to maintain essential operations.

Naig said the decision to pull some of these issues out of the budget proposal and into the Iowa Farm Act gives legislators some optionality and puts a focus on the different ag policy issues the department sees.

Tax provisions

The bill has several tax provisions, including one that expands farmer rental income tax exemptions for retired farmers to include modern business structures like S corporations, trusts and estates.

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It would also eliminate the grain excise tax, which is currently paid on a per-bushel basis to the local property tax system.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)

Naig said while the grain excise tax is technically paid by grain dealers, it tends to get passed on to farmers in one form or another. Eliminating the tax, he said, would help farmers and also increase government efficiency by alleviating the need for the state to collect and then redistribute the taxes to counties.

Naig said the elimination of the credit would likely have an impact on local governments, but he said that implication would be part of broader property tax discussions planned in the Legislature.

The legislative proposal, which is not yet filed, was supported in the news release by officials from livestock, dairy, propane and row crop commodity groups.

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Mark Mueller, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, said in the release that the package addresses the real needs facing rural communities today.

We are especially encouraged by the focus on modernizing regulations, delivering tax relief and growing new markets for Iowa corn and other farm products, Mueller said.

The farm act would also exempt sales tax on the purchase of honey bees, bringing the industry in line with tax protocols for other livestock industries. The Iowa honey industry has asked for this change for several years.

The bill would exempt storage tanks under 91,000 gallons from property taxes.

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Naig said some provisions of the Iowa Farm Act have low or no cost to the state, but the overall price tag for the act wont be known until the fiscal notes are released.

The farm act also has provisions around biosecurity. Naig said these were included in response to the ongoing outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, which since February 2022 has impacted more than 185 million commercial and backyard birds.

The bill would safeguard producer confidentiality during foreign animal disease outbreaks in an attempt to increase early reporting. It would also authorize the state to lease space for equipment used to respond to outbreaks.

Josh Berg, president of the Iowa Turkey Federation, applauded these sections of the proposed policy and said they are critical to responding to a foreign animal disease outbreaks.

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These forward-thinking provisions will enhance Iowas ability to support Iowas family farmers during times of crisis, Berg said.

Naig said the bill text is still being finalized, but he is hopeful the Iowa Farm Act will become law this legislative session.

Weve been briefing and talking with (leadership) throughout the process, Naig said. We respect the legislative process. This is something that I can do, is to introduce a bill and introduce these concepts and then work to secure passage of that. Very hopeful that we see a large percentage of this actually make it across the finish line and signed by the governor.

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Separately, several Iranian Kurdish opposition parties issued a joint statement urging a general strike also on Thursday to support the protests.

Irans Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued his first direct call for protests, with a video message in Farsi on Tuesday night across social media platforms.

My dear compatriots. Over the last week, I have watched your demonstrations closely, particularly those that are taking place in the bazaars of Tehran. Despite the regime's ongoing violent crackdown, you are resisting, and it is inspiring. You have certainly noticed and seen that larger crowds have repeatedly led regime forces to flee and have even increased defections to the side of the people, the prince stated. Therefore, it is critical to keep these demonstrations disciplined and as large as possible.

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Today, I am sharing my first call to action with you. This Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9, starting precisely at 8 p.m., wherever you are, whether in the streets or even from your own homes, I call on you to begin chanting exactly at this time. Based on your response, I will announce the next calls to action.

In a separate message posted early on Wednesday morning, Pahlavi directly addressed the regimes security apparatus.

This is a direct message addressed to Iran's armed and security forces; you who wear a military uniform to defend the Iranian nation, and who are now facing a historic choice. At a time when the braver and united people of Iran are building and writing history, my question to you is this: on which side of history will you stand? Alongside the criminals or alongside the people?

The issue is no longer whether the Islamic Republic, this corrupt and repressive regime, will fall or not; the only issue is the timing of its collapse, and that time is closer than ever, Pahlavi continued. In these decisive moments, I expect you to return to the embrace of the nation and to use your weapons not to fire on the people but to protect them. By doing so, you will not only fulfill your national duty, but you will also protect your own future and that of your families.

The prince also stated that in the six months since he established the National Cooperation Platform, thousands of regime insiders have joined. The platform was set up to allow those within Iran's regime structure to express their desire to join the opposition through a secure, private channel.

Kurdish parties urge Thursday strike

Separately, several Iranian Kurdish opposition parties issued a joint statement urging a general strike also on Thursday to support the protests. Seven parties have called to escalate the protests, particularly in the Kurdish-majority provinces of Kermanshah and Ilam, as well as Lorestan.

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The statement was signed by the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran, Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), Komala, Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran, Revolutionary Komala of Toilers of Iranian Kurdistan, and the Kurdistan Organization of Khabat.

The Kurdish-majority city of Abdanan in western Iran saw large crowds take to the streets on Tuesday, with rumors spreading that police had joined the protests and the city was in the hands of the protesters, although this is yet to be confirmed.

At least 36 people through the first 10 days of the protests, according to human rights groups. Demonstrations have also spread to 92 cities nationwide.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday called on security forces to exercise restraint in dealing with nationwide demonstrations, so long as national security is not jeopardized.

His vice president, Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, said protests by traders, who have been taking to the streets for days because of the worsening economic crisis, are legitimate from the government's perspective.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting, he warned however that armed rioters would be dealt with without leniency.

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had already called for toughness against "troublemakers" and at the same time also spoke of a justified protest by traders.

By the 10th day of protests on Wednesday, more than 2,000 people had been detained, according to activists.

At least 34 demonstrators have been killed in clashes with the authorities since the protests broke out, the US-based human rights network HRANA reported on Wednesday. Two members of the security forces have also been killed, it said.

The group said there have been events at some 285 locations across the country.

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Iran's judiciary said on Wednesday it would fast-track trials in response to the ongoing wave of protests, according to the Mizan judicial portal.

The protests were triggered by a shock on Iran's foreign exchange market, which prompted angry traders in Tehran to take to the streets. The demonstrations quickly turned into political protests against the authoritarian government of the Islamic Republic, which the authorities are confronting with force.

The largest protests have taken place in the western provinces. Most recently, there have been fierce clashes mainly in rural areas.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have soured further after a recent spate of violence in Bangladesh, including the killing of a popular student leader who was an outspoken India critic. But a video shared on social media that purportedly depicts Bangladeshis fleeing from the Indian state of Assam in fact shows Muslims on their way to a religious assembly. The person who filmed the clip told AFP it shows pilgrims on their way to the North East Ijtema, a three-day gathering in the district of Dhubri in Assam.

"The video is from Assam, where Bangladeshis are leaving for their homeland, meaning they are migrating," reads part of the Hindi-language X post shared on December 29, 2025.

The video, which shows a large group of people walking along a road, is superimposed with Hindi text that reads, "Dhubri, Assam".

Screenshot of the false X post captured on January 5, 2026, with a red X added by AFP

The video was also shared in similar Facebook and X posts as relations between New Delhi and Dhaka -- which have deteriorated since ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled a pro-democracy uprising in 2024 and sought refuge in India -- were strained further by a spate of violence in Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh police said on December 28 that the alleged killers of popular student leader and vocal India critic Sharif Osman Hadi had fled across the border (archived link).

The Indian foreign ministry earlier said it rejects "false narratives" about New Delhi's involvement in the killing.

The lynching of a Hindu garment worker by a mob accusing him of blasphemy on December 18 has also hit ties, with Indian officials demanding protection for all minorities (archived here and here).

The circulating video, however, does not show Bangladeshis in India's Assam state fleeing across the border.

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A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared video led to a longer version posted on Instagram on December 26, 2025 (archived link).

The video is included next to a different clip superimposed with the word "Ijtema".

Screenshot comparison of the video in the false post (L) and the Instagram post

The user who posted the video, Assam-based content creator Sofikul Alam told AFP that he filmed the video while a large number of Muslims were heading to a religious gathering.

"I filmed this video on December 21, when lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of Muslims were heading to the Dhubri Ijtema religious gathering," Alam said on January 4, 2026.

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"This has been shared with false claims. It has nothing to do with Bangladesh,"

According to Assam's The Sentinel newspaper, the three-day North East Ijtema, a large congregation of Muslims attended by hundreds of thousands of devotees from Assam, West Bengal and Meghalaya states, was held in Assam's Dhubri district from December 21, 2025 and concluded with a mass prayer for global peace (archived link).

Similar videos showing people making their way to the gathering were also shared elsewhere on Facebook (archived here and here).

AFP has previously debunked false claims about Muslim migrants fleeing to Bangladesh.
Beirut, Lebanon  The strikes on Lebanon this week were the latest attacks conducted by Israel on its northern neighbour.

Israel has consistently bombed Lebanon and conducted drone strikes despite a United States-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has documented more than 10,000 ceasefire violations by the Israelis, including 7,500 airspace violations and 2,500 ground violations.

The Israeli military also continues to occupy five points in Lebanon, despite agreeing to withdraw all its troops.

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On Monday, Israel issued forced evacuation orders for four villages in Lebanons south and the Bekaa Valley, in eastern Lebanon, before bombing the areas. The Israeli military said that the attacks had hit targets associated with the Lebanese group Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas.

Then, on Tuesday, Israel conducted more attacks in southern Lebanon, saying that it was targeting Hezbollah operatives.





Weakened Hezbollah

Israel has killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon since October 2023, as part of its war with Hezbollah.

Most of the dead were killed between September and November 2024, when more than 1.2 million people were displaced by Israels evacuation warnings.

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The World Bank estimates that Israel left Lebanon with approximately $11bn in needs for reconstruction and recovery.

The war also deeply diminished Hezbollahs power in the country. Much of its military leadership was killed during the intensification, including its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. In the wars aftermath, the group is being pressured to give up the weapons that have long defined its identity as a resistance group to Israel.

In August 2025, the Lebanese government approved a plan to have the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) disarm Hezbollah. The decision was domestically popular outside of Hezbollahs support base as a way of strengthening the Lebanese state, but also came as a result of increasing pressure from the US and Israel.

For its part, Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected calls for disarmament. The group says that Israel has not abided by its side of the ceasefire.





To demand exclusive arms control while Israel is committing aggression and the United States is imposing its will on Lebanonmeans that you are not working in Lebanons interest but rather in the interest of what Israel wants, Nasrallahs successor, Naim Qassem, said in a speech on January 3, 2026.

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We call for equipping the Lebanese Army to enable it to be an army for the country that protects against enemies, in addition to the other tasks it is doing in the face of drug and theft gangs, all spies and those who tamper with the countrys security.

Internal confrontation in Lebanon?

Still, Hezbollah has largely been disarmed south of the Litani River, according to Lebanese Army and government officials. Lebanese military officials have said the only places they were unable to operate in removing Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure were near the Israeli-occupied five points.

The deadline to disarm below the Litani was the end of 2025. Lebanons cabinet is set to meet on Thursday to discuss phase two of the disarmament plan, which would entail disarming Hezbollah and Palestinian militias from the area between the Litani River, situated about 30km (19 miles) from the Israeli border and running along southern Lebanon, to the Awali River, which runs just north of Sidon. There are about 40km (25 miles) of territory between the Litani and Awali.





Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam wrote on social media that his government was focused on ending Israeli attacks, removing Israeli troops from the five points in south Lebanon and returning Lebanese detainees held by Israel.

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We promise to continue together the path of reform and the extension of state authority, he wrote.

Salam and others in the Lebanese government admit that the LAF are not strong enough to confront Israel directly. In turn, they have tried to appeal to regional allies and the international community.

Appealing to the international community to pressure Israel is a necessary but limited strategy, Imad Salamey, a political scientist at Lebanese American University, told Al Jazeera.

While diplomatic engagement can help restrain the scale of Israeli operations and preserve space for negotiations, it is unlikely on its own to halt attacks unless paired with clear, verifiable progress on disarmament and credible security guarantees. In practice, international actors tend to place greater pressure on Lebanon to deliver results on the ground than on Israel to exercise restraint, which reduces the effectiveness of this approach unless Lebanon can anchor it to a concrete bargain linking implementation to measurable Israeli de-escalation.

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The Lebanese government is in a difficult position, without many cards to play. Hezbollah has largely not impeded the Lebanese Armys work south of the Litani. But should Israeli attacks continue, analysts believe the group wont be as accommodating going forward.





Qassem Kassir, a Lebanese political analyst close to Hezbollah, told Al Jazeera that for the group to begin discussions of disarmament, Israel must first stop attacking Lebanon and release prisoners, and the Lebanese state must begin reconstructing the damage done by Israel during and since the war.

Only then can the future of weapons be discussed, he said.

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Kassir warned that failure to address those issues before implementing the second phase of the disarmament plan will spark tensions.

Otherwise, we will face a confrontation.

Hezbollah battered but not defeated

The Lebanese government, meanwhile, is caught between increasing pressure from the US and Israel, and Hezbollahs refusal to disarm.

As long as Israeli strikes continue, Hezbollah and its constituency can plausibly argue that disarmament beyond the south exposes them to greater vulnerability, Salamey said.

Israeli strikes function not only as military actions, but also as strategic messaging, aimed at undermining Lebanons claim that it has restored state authority and completed disarmament south of the Litani.





Israel has meanwhile tried to argue that Hezbollah is regrouping in the south, despite counterclaims by the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL, and has said the Lebanese Army is moving too slowly in its disarmament mission.

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If Israel continues its attacks while the LAF proceeds with phase two disarmament north of the Litani River, the repercussions could be severe, Salamey said. Israel may interpret any disruption or delay as justification to broaden its target set, thereby deepening instability and raising the risk of a wider confrontation at a moment when Lebanon is least able to absorb it.

Should the Lebanese Army proceed with the second phase while Israel continues striking targets in Lebanon, analysts believe Hezbollah could feel threatened and respond aggressively.

And while foreign diplomats and analysts say that Hezbollah was greatly weakened by Israels war on Lebanon in 2024, they still believe the group is strong enough to confront any domestic challenges.

Consequently, phase two risks evolving from a technical security measure into a broader political confrontation over sequencing, guarantees, and internal stability in Lebanon, Salamey said.

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The LAF may face internal friction and localized resistance, placing strain on civilmilitary relations and national cohesion, Salamey added. Hezbollah, even if avoiding direct confrontation with the army, could respond through political obstruction or calibrated escalation with Israel, increasing the risk of miscalculation.




Dozens of people were wounded after Israels army opened fire with live rounds, sound grenades, and tear gas at a prominent university in the occupied West Bank as students sat in classrooms and roamed the campus.

Israeli soldiers smashed open the universitys gates as panicked students and staff watched in shock on Tuesday.

Three of the injured were shot in the legs, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Five people suffered tear gas inhalation, and three were hit by flying shrapnel.

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I handed back my exam paper empty, left my faculty building, and saw them in front of me. They threw sound grenades so I tried to escape and saw some teachers trying to talk to them. Then they shot live fire, law student Youssef Sharawneh told Al Jazeera.

Mustafa Rimawi, an engineering student, denounced the Israeli attack by troops. These days Palestinian people dont have rights. They attack Gaza and the West Bank  universities and homes alike. Even mosques are not safe, he said.

In a statement, Birzeit University said the attack constitutes a flagrant and deliberate violation of the sanctity of universities and educational institutions, the official Wafa news agency reported.

Storming the campus in broad daylight and transforming it into a military zone reflects a systematic policy aimed at intimidating students, undermining their right to education, and targeting Palestinian consciousness, it said.

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The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 11 people arrived at the Istishari Arab Hospital in Ramallah for treatment.

The Israeli raid followed a student event in solidarity with thousands of Palestinian prisoners held incommunicado in Israeli jails, and coincided with a screening of the film Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl shot dead by troops during the genocidal war on Gaza.

Israeli forces stormed the campus shortly before the screening. The Israeli army said it targeted a gathering in support of terrorism at the university.





Started shooting

Reporting from Birzeit University, Al Jazeeras Nida Ibrahim said in total 41 people were wounded in the attack with 11 hospitalised.

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It was unprecedented. People are telling us theyve never seen anything like it. We are talking about the first time for an Israeli raid inside the campus where the students are taking their classes, and while the Israeli forces started shooting live ammunition, not just tear gas, Ibrahim said.

[For Palestinians] living under occupation, with limited options with so many restrictions, they rely on education to have jobs, to have a life, to sustain their families. But now were looking at a state of worry among many students. No place is immune from Israeli assaults.

Palestines Ministry of Education and Higher Education condemned the violent incursion and said the attack disregarded all international norms and conventions when it comes to education facilities.

The assault will not break the will of Palestinian students or staff, the ministry said, calling on the International Association of Universities, the Association of Arab Universities, and international human rights organisations to denounce the Israeli shooting.

People walk past bloodstains where Palestinians were wounded by Israeli troops on Tuesday [Alaa Badarneh/EPA]

Nail in the coffin

Meanwhile, Israel on Tuesday cleared the final hurdle before starting construction on a controversial settlement project near East Jerusalem that would effectively cut the occupied West Bank into two, according to a government tender.

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A tender seeking bids from developers clears the way to begin construction of the E1 project. The anti-settlement monitoring group Peace Now first reported the tender. Yoni Mizrahi, who runs the groups settlement watch division, said initial work could begin within the month.

Settlement development in E1, an open tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades, but was frozen because of US pressure during previous administrations.

The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank to be illegal and an obstacle to peace.

The E1 project is especially contentious because it runs from the outskirts of Jerusalem deep into the occupied West Bank. Critics say it would prevent the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state in the territory.

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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician who oversees settlement policy, has long pushed for the plan to become a reality.

The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions, Smotrich said in August when Israel gave final approval to the plan. Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.
Bitton, an Israeli who was living in Sydney, Australia, during the deadly massacre, was shot three times and underwent eight different surgeries and spent weeks in critical condition.

Geffen Bitton, a 30-year-old Israeli who was wounded attempting to neutralize terrorists in the deadly Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack last month, will return to Israel on Wednesday for further treatment.

Bitton, an Israeli who was living in Sydney, Australia, during the deadly massacre, was shot three times and underwent eight different surgeries and spent weeks in critical condition. Upon improvement of his condition, though still serious, Bitton was cleared to travel back to Israel for continued treatment.

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According to witness accounts, Bitton managed to escape when the terrorists commenced fire, but turned back to try and help civilians caught in the line of fire.

Documentation shared on social media and in Australian media showed Bitton, a young man in a red shirt, running toward the scene of the massacre and into the shooting scene. Bitton, along with civilian Ahmed al-Ahmad, attempted to distract the assailants. He was shot three times in the confrontation with a hunting rifle.

Bitton was transferred to Sydneys St. Vincents Hospital for immediate attention and underwent eight complex surgeries.

AHMED AL AHMED, the hero of Bondi Beach, at the hospital being given a check by Zachery Dereniowski. (credit: Screenshot/Instagram)

Israeli civilian Gefen Bitton hailed as hero in Sydney

Relatives and friends of Bitton described fear and uncertainty as they lost contact with him immediately after the shooting. Friends of the victim told Israeli media that just minutes after the attack, they received a call from his sister, My brother just called. He said he was shot twice, and then hung up, she said.

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Bittons family was led to call different hospitals in Sydney to learn the fate of Gefen, learning that he was transferred to surgery with severe gunshot wounds. His father flew to Israel shortly after.

Those closest to Bitton called for recognition of his heroism while waiting for him to be stable enough to wake up from his coma.

Australian media reported that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in the hospital as he remained in critical condition.

Bittons family said in a statement that "after a long day of hiking in the Blue Mountains, one of Gefens favorite pastimes, all he wanted to do was celebrate Hanukkah. Sitting at the benches in Bondi with a friend, he insisted on staying until the last moment until the Hanukkah lighting was completed. Little did he know, this decision would change his life."

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When the shooting began, Gefen jumped up with his friend and ran, but when his friend looked back just a second later, Gefen had disappeared from sight. Gefen had escaped; he was safe, but when he saw the terrorist, he ran into the line of fire to help. He made the decision to put himself at risk to save others' lives. As Ahmad al Ahmad heroically jumped on the terrorist, Gefen ran in alongside to confront the terrorist, the statement said.

There, he was shot, fell to the ground, and was shot again. Gefen put his own life at risk with his selfless actions. Gefen, an unarmed Israeli civilian living in peace in Australia, made a decision most of us couldnt even think of. He ran into the face of danger like only a hero does, guided by the values on which he was educated and raised. A true hero that deserves recognition.
A new think tank report posits that "even extensive efforts to reduce collateral damage can lead to a loss of diplomatic support if the information environment is not actively managed."

A key lesson of the Gaza war is that even extensive efforts to reduce collateral damage can lead to a loss of diplomatic support if the information environment is not actively managed, according to a think tank report.

In Tactical Lessons From Gaza by Andrew Fox, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society who also served for 16 years in the Parachute Regiment of the British Army, the report homes in on that Gaza has illustrated how failing to swiftly address the information domain can undermine military successes and even limit operational freedom.

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According to the report, Israeli officials conceded that they were caught off guard by how swiftly they lost the information high ground online in the early days.

Fox is clearly sympathetic to Israels narrative and critical of the global media for often slanting its coverage toward Hamass narrative, but he makes it clear where he thinks Jerusalem made errors that the West should avoid.

For example, if a Western country is stuck in a conflict against a terrorist or asymmetric adversary who tries to delegitimize Western military force by inflating war crimes allegations, the report suggests that Western forces might consider inviting (or at least not barring) credible neutral observers or embedded journalists to the battle zone.

During the second Battle of Fallujah (Iraq 2004), the report noted that US forces embedded journalists to showcase the care they took in fighting insurgents in a city. Of course, this can backfire if something adverse happens on camera, but transparency can build trust that theyre not hiding anything.

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In contrast, Fox wrote, The Israeli ban on journalists reporting freely in Gaza is understandable due to the well-documented risk of coercion/harm to journalists by Hamas from previous conflicts. However, the IDF may have significantly benefited from more journalistic embeds with their own troops.

Israels decision to bar journalists from independently entering the Gaza Strip during the war stems primarily from a legitimate safety concern, but has indeed led to the accusation of hiding things, Fox remarked.

Further, Israel has been repeatedly accused of targeting journalists, particularly when media personnel were killed during firefights or airstrikes. These accusations, often amplified without full context (ignoring the well-documented terror links of many journalists in Gaza), have placed the IDF in a bind: allow access and risk allegations of war crimes when journalists are inevitably harmed, or deny access and appear secretive and controlling.

Fox concluded on this point, While the logic of exclusion is understandable, Israels approach was excessively binary. A near-complete denial of access undermined transparency, fueled adversarial narratives, and allowed misinformation to spread unchecked. A more nuanced solution would have been to permit limited, controlled access under clear conditions.

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He added, This could include carefully screened embed programs, escorted convoys into humanitarian zones, and a transparent, nonpartisan media accreditation process that involves both friendly and critical outlets.

Journalists still not allowed to enter Gaza

In contrast, Israel continues to prevent journalists from visiting Gaza other than in highly scripted visits, even three months after the October ceasefire.

Separate from the question of how to integrate journalists into battle zone coverage, the report also discussed that a key lesson is the importance of speed and adaptability in strategic communications. Western militaries typically have layers of clearance for releasing information, which can be too slow in the era of social media.

Western forces should establish rapid response teams within their public affairs or information operations units to disseminate verified information within minutes of an incident. This may involve delegating authority to on-scene commanders or IO officers to post updates on official channels without navigating the entire chain of command for approval, provided there is prior guidance on what is acceptable to say, stated the report.

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According to Fox, This approach carries risks, but being preemptively truthful is preferable to constantly playing catch-up to adversaries disinformation.

Interestingly, the report said that the IDF attempted this kind of rapid response, and even got ahead of itself when the IDF Spokesmans Department rushed out what turned out to be a false account of the Golani Brigade in one major incident where it mistakenly killed aid workers in April 2025.

In contrast, the experience of The Jerusalem Post during the war has been that, except for half a dozen or so incidents where the IDF responded with speed, the IDF generally responded at a snails pace to the vast majority of hundreds of incidents reported by the media.

Communicating with the public on multiple levels

Next, the report said that responding fast with one message is insufficient.

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Rather, Fox stated, Western militaries must communicate on multiple levels: with factual briefings for analytical audiences, human-centered storytelling for the general public, and possibly entirely different framing for various cultural contexts.

He also warned, The Gaza war has also revealed new information warfare techniques, such as widespread use of visual propaganda and deepfakes. Hamas has repeatedly used fabricated images and audio, repurposing victim photos from other conflicts, like Syria, to influence public opinion.

Western forces should invest in counter-disinformation capabilities, both to quickly debunk false content (such as having open-source intelligence (OSINT) teams ready to perform image forensics on viral photos) and to broadcast authentic content to drown out fakes, he cautioned.

Moreover, he stated, If a media agency reports a number of casualties, the military cannot simply say not true without evidence; it needs to either provide its own data or work with that agency to reconcile differences.

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In contrast, in the vast majority of hundreds of incidents of alleged war crimes reported by the global media, Israel has still not given a detailed response to specific incidents more than two years after the start of the war and months after the ceasefire kicked in.

Fox acknowledged that providing rapid responses can be exceptionally difficult in the social media age, and may be impossible. Either way, it highlights the challenges of messaging in modern warfare. In Gaza, the absence of independent verification on the ground has made the information war even murkier, as demonstrated by disputes over casualty numbers.

Besides media and legitimacy issues, the report covers a number of other military strategic and tactical issues.

According to the report, The fighting highlighted the revolutionary role of drones and armored engineering vehicles, the importance of integrating special forces with conventional units and the critical need to protect civilians while managing the information narrative.

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In addition, Fox warned, Key differences in Israels context, from rules of engagement and strategic culture to an adversary lacking advanced weapons or a significant drone threat, mean not all IDF methods can be directly applied by Western forces.

He stated, Western militaries must carefully assess which lessons from Gaza are transferable to their doctrine and which require adaptation to suit future adversaries. Whilst the remarkable technological transformation of the Ukrainian battlefield has garnered the headlines, Western armies cannot assume that the Ukrainian experience is now the only valid data point on the spectrum of conflict.

The war in Gaza provides ample lessons for future conflicts in urban environments against non-state actors, he added.

On another front, he said that New command arrangements, such as a dedicated engineering headquarters for subterranean operations, were established mid-conflict. Likewise, combined-arms practices evolved as lessons from the battlefield were learned, re-learned, quickly absorbed, and shared.

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The report reflected positively that, Every division has its own lessons-learned cell, mirrored by branch-specific cells in branches such as the Armored Corps and infantry, all contributing to regular conferences and senior staff processes. This multi-layered system has provided the IDF with an unusually swift response, allowing tactical and organizational innovation at a pace few Western militaries can currently match.

Regarding the subterranean threat, Fox wrote, Gazas battlefield featured extensive Hamas tunnel networks and fortified buildings, which the IDF addressed with specialized engineering units and heavy armored bulldozers.

These proved crucial for breaching walls, clearing rubble and demolishing tunnel entrances, which are tasks that standard infantry or armor would find challenging, stated the report.

Next, the report stated that the IDF is at ease with granting lower-echelon leaders the freedom to solve problems as they see fit. In practice, this meant tactics and techniques not anticipated before the war were rapidly validated and institutionalized during it. This agility to transform in contact has provided Israel with an advantage over its adversaries.

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Discussing tactical issues in the deployment of tanks and infantry in an age where Israeli tanks often had automatic defense mechanisms against rocket-propelled grenade ambushes, the report stated, once kinetic APS [active protection systems] neutralizes the stand-off missile threat, the danger shifts to close-range attacks.

Infantry were therefore repositioned to operate within a tight bubble around tanks, within a 100-metre radius, transforming their role and integration. The result was a far more effective team, with infantry and armor working closely together in mutually protective proximity, the report said.

Yet another lesson was regarding the IDFs unique use of Special Operations Forces (SOF).

According to the report, SOF units were adapted into high-tempo reconnaissance and raiding teams within urban combat. Instead of being restricted to isolated covert missions, SOF functioned as a core part of the combined-arms system, using their agility to create tempo and gather intelligence during urban fighting.

This approach challenges Western ideas about the limited or niche roles of SOF in conventional campaigns, added the report.

Moreover, Fox wrote that, The widespread use of drones for reconnaissance and strikes by both sides offers a glimpse of future conflicts. Many, but not all, infantry platoons in Gaza had access to quadcopter drones or loitering munitions, fundamentally transforming how battles are fought street by street.

Fox stated that small drones provided IDF units with immediate ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] over rooftops and around corners, enabling precise engagements without waiting for air support.
Five years ago, Ryan Samsel ignited the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol grounds when he charged through a police barricade, injuring a police officer in the process.

Samsel returned to the site Tuesday, part of a group of fellow mob members who retraced the route Trump supporters took from the Ellipse to the foot of the Capitol in 2021. They marched to celebrate their blanket pardon by President Donald Trump and attempt to reclaim Jan. 6 as a date of triumph, not tragedy.

The march was the backdrop to a day marked by partisan sparring over a missing plaque and an endorsement by the White House of a torrent of conspiracy theories and lies about the attack and Trumps pressure campaign to subvert the 2020 election.

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A new White House website, with ominous black-and-white images of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of the Jan. 6 select committee, offered an alternate and largely false narrative of events at the Capitol that day  one that forcefully denied Trumps role in stoking the riot and labeled those who stormed the Capitol patriotic Americans.

Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson eschewed calls to mount a bronze marker legally mandated by Congress that would serve to honor those who protected the Capitol from the worst attack it had seen since the war of 1812.

He's trying to cover up for the fact that Republicans continue to disrespect those brave men and women of the Capitol Police department who defended our country on Jan. 6, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a brief interview.

Democrats held a mock hearing to mark the anniversary of the event featuring firsthand witnesses to the violence that day. Their testimony underscored the increasingly diverging narratives that continue to define the historic attack.

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Outside the Capitol, the former Jan. 6 defendants rallied without support from sitting lawmakers. Their most vocal champion, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, had resigned from Congress a day earlier. She was mentioned regretfully by some members of the crowd who soured on her after she began openly feuding with Trump last year.

Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York exchanged tense words with Jake Lang  who was pardoned of numerous assault charges against police on Jan. 6  from behind a line of officers as he walked past the participants as they prepared to lay flowers on the Capitol steps.

Members of the march chanted, Whose house? Our house!  an echo of the rally cries from five years earlier. Mikki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt  the woman who was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer outside the House chamber  described Jan. 6 as the day Congress let the American people down.

Inside the Capitol, the missing plaque became a stand-in for the swirling controversy about how the infamous day will be remembered.

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Johnson said in a Monday statement that the plaque, which was authorized by a law passed in March 2022, was not implementable" and that Democratic-led proposals for it were also not an option.

That echoes arguments made by the Justice Department, which is trying to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by two Capitol Police officers seeking to compel the plaques mounting.

The law authorizing the marker requires it to list the names of all law enforcement officers who participated in the defense of the Capitol. DOJ lawyers argue in court filings that the plaque that has been made does not comply with the law because it lists the departments who responded  not the individual officers. A deputy to the Architect of the Capitol said in a separate court declaration that a plaque listing the officers names has not been made.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) called Johnsons claim that the plaque does not comply with the law ridiculous, and so is he. Many Hill Democrats have placed replicas of the plaque outside their offices as Johnson refuses to mount the genuine article.

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In one effort to resolve the issue, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Tuesday he would seek to change the law to accommodate the existing plaque, but it was not immediately clear if he would be able to garner the unanimous support necessary to quickly act.

Testifying at the Democratic shadow hearing, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger  who served as a Republican on the Houses previous Jan. 6 panel  said he was convinced the plaque would be put on display by next January, when the next Congress begins.

Ill humbly suggest maybe you can double the size of it by then, he said.

The Democrats event was held in the basement after the speakers office declined to allow them to use a dedicated hearing room or the larger auditorium in the Capitol Visitor Center, according to a person granted anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. Johnsons office did not respond to a request for comment on the claim.

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No sitting House Republicans attended. They spent their day across town holding a policy retreat at the Kennedy Center, where Trump addressed them and brought up the events of Jan. 6 without prompting. He complained that the media failed to report how he told people to march "peacefully and patriotically" to the Capitol that day and renewed old gripes against Pelosi, whom he blamed for rejecting National Guard troops to guard the Capitol  even though only Trump could call up the Guard.

The new White House website also accuses Pelosi and members of the Jan. 6 select committee of maneuvering to unfairly blame Trump for the riot. Not mentioned are any of the many comments critical of Trump from inside the GOP at the time nor the 10 House and seven Senate Republicans who voted against him in subsequent impeachment proceedings.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune sidestepped a question Tuesday about the websites claim that Capitol Police helped instigate the riot. He told reporters he hadnt seen the site and offered general praise for the force.

The history of Jan. 6 will remain a live issue on Capitol Hill for the remainder of the current Congress, with a new Republican-led panel investigating the attack and the work of the prior Democratic-led Jan. 6 committee.

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Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who serves on the new panel, attacked those on the Democratic-led Jan. 6 committee for seeking to malign Trump.

Their Select Committee wasnt about transparency or the truth; it was political theatre, he said in a statement. My colleagues and I are focused on uncovering the truth and following the facts wherever they lead.
On Tuesday afternoon, exactly five years since January 6, 2021, a few hundred Proud Boys, insurrectionists, and their supporters stood outside the very building they stormed that day, and bowed their heads in prayer.

We know what you saw us through, Lord. We know that in the darkest hoursas we stood on street corners, as we stood rotting in cells, we know you did not leave us, you did not abandon us, proclaimed Suzanne Monk, founder of the J6 Pardon Project. We thank you for the miracle that you put through our hands. We are but vessels to your work, heavenly Father, and we ask that you hear us and you see us, Lord. And you see our cry for this country. We have lived in faith for five years. We ask you to bless that faith, and bless our nation.

This moment defined the tenor of the afternoon. The Ashli Babbitt 5 Year Memorial March started at the Ellipse, the park south of the White House, and ended with the placing of flowers and wreaths on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to honor the late insurrectionist, who was shot by Capitol Police as she tried to barge into the Speakers Lobby.

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The eventorganized by Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was tried, charged, and pardoned for seditious conspiracy on January 6wasnt just a victory lap. It was a spiritual homecoming reunion, a celebration of new life and vindication for J6ers.

Its like living a biblical story, said Jake Lang, a J6er who was pardoned for attacking police officers. God opened up the lions den for Daniel, and he opened up the prison for me. Lang is running to fill Secretary of State Marco Rubios vacated seat in the U.S. Senate, and railed against Black on white crime during his speech.

As delusional as it may seem, why shouldnt the J6ers feel this way? So many of them believed that the 2020 election was stolen. They believe that they were justified for storming the Capitol, and some claim that they were encouraged to do so by law enforcement. They believe that they were wrongly imprisoned, and some claim to have been tortured. And then Trump won the election and saved them. Those hundreds of pardons from President Trump after his 2024 victorynot to mention the administrations active effort to recast the insurrectionists as political prisonersonly make J6ers feel more absolved. And they let that be known one year out from their pardons.

We won, man. They tortured us for years, solitary confinement for years, said Proud Boy Jon Mellis, who was jailed and later pardoned for assaulting law enforcement. He runs a viral right-wing Instagram account called patriotwildman.

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Now Im living in West Hollywood and dating a Playboy Playmate. Hey, man, my life is pretty good.

Now Im living in West Hollywood and dating a Playboy Playmate. Hey, man, my life is pretty good, Mellis continued. Were getting naked models in hot tubs every weekend. So what am I complaining for? As I left, Mellis told me that the Proud Boys were the greatest fraternity the world has ever seen. (Mellis made an appearance later in the rally, grabbing the microphone to yell, Blow up the fentanyl boats, leave the cocaine alone!!! to the crowd.)

Samuel Lazar, an insurrectionist who was jailed and pardoned for assaulting an officer, was similarly unapologeticeven as his participation in January 6 resulted in him being estranged from the mother of his two middle schoolage children.

I woke up every morning and said, Why? What am I doing [in prison]? Made no sense. Im not a criminal, he told me in a strong New York accent. I had no regrets because Im a patriot. I did nothing wrong. [Today is] gratifying. Its satisfying. Its phenomenal. We were vindicated. And all we want now is to make sure that the people who died and lost their lives, the Patriots that lost their lives, are remembered.

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But his life doesnt seem quite as rosy as Melliss.

It still affects me. I dont even see my children anymore, Lazar continued. My children felt embarrassed at school because they demonized and defamed us. They were 11 and 13. When I went to prison, I came home two and a half years later  I missed a very important part of their life. So thats how it affects me. Otherwise, Im a businessman. Im a very successful businessman, and its a testament.

Proud Boy Barry Rameywho was Lazars temporary cellmate in the Lewisburg Penitentiary (theyre brothers for life now)was the only person I spoke to who expressed any kind of regret. He was sentenced to five years in prison for pepper-spraying a police officer.

I tell my story honestly and authentically, and for many reasons. I did assault the police officer that day  the officer, John Riggleman. I do feel guilty for pepper-spraying. And so if I could take that one action back, I would, he told me. But I tell people this: If Im the bad guy, if I did something wrong, then explain to me what the 1,400 other people didnothing wrong, nothing violent, and some of them were given more prison time than me.

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While the event was mostly jubilee, a few higher-ups I spoke to expressed a razor-sharp focus on what to do now that so many Proud Boys and insurrectionists were home free. For Ivan Raiklin and Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader, that meant running their guys for office.

Every single person standing here should  be running for office, said Raiklin, who rose to prominence for his involvement in election denialism and right-wing organizing. Every single person that was weaponized by the last 10 to 11 years, by the Department of Justice of both Democrats and Republicans, by the Congress, by the weaponization related to J6 illegal election, the 2020 election heist, the Covid plandemic, the January 6 fed selection, all of ityou need to take over your institutions at the local level and start building from the grassroots.

I think its really important that my guys run for office, Tarrio told me. And Ive been encouraging them to run for office. You know, were very active in the local scene in Miami.

Would you ever run for office in Florida? I asked Tarrio.

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Maybe one day. You know, [it would] be cool to see Congressman Tarrio walking out of those doors. Hey, I might, I might piss some people off. And it might make some people happy. I know itll make the people in my district really happy.

This event brought together various coalitions of the MAGA movement. There were folks there who were elated by the Trump administrations kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Ramey called it an antiwar move), while others wished the United States would just stay out of it. Some called for the destruction of AIPAC and railed against Miriam Adelson, while others made their Zionism known. Some openly expressed their desire for Trump to be president for life, while others saw Rubio or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as worthy successors. No one I spoke to felt particularly compelled by JD Vance. Mellis called him aight.

What did unite these people was an unflinching belief that their actions five years ago were the right thing to doand their pardons proved that. One man I spoke to was even carrying his pardon around in a picture frame.

Its clear that the insurrectionists feel as if they have a mandate. And dont they? They invaded the U.S. Capitol, went to jail, and came out to a heros welcome from the president himself. Theres even an official White House page honoring the peaceful patriotic protesters of January 6.

So now, equipped with institutional legitimacy, smugness, and momentum, theyre setting their sights on elected office. We should be prepared for some of them to win.
By Satoshi Sugiyama and Rocky Swift

TOKYO, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Japan's top government spokesperson said on Wednesday that China's ban on exports of dual-use items to the country was "absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable", as a diplomatic dispute between Asia's top two economies ramped up.

Dual-use items are goods, software or technologies that have both civilian and military applications, including certain rare earth elements that are essential for making drones and chips.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi touched off the dispute with Beijing late last year by saying a Chinese attack on democratically-governed Taiwan could be deemed an existential threat to Japan. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, a claim the island rejects.

Beijing has demanded she retract the remarks, which she has not done, prompting a series of countermeasures, the latest of which was Tuesday's ban on exports of dual-use items for military use.

"A measure such as this, targeting only our country, differs significantly from international practice, is absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a daily press conference on Wednesday.

He declined to comment on the possible impact on Japanese industry, saying it remained unclear exactly what items would be targeted.

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The reaction from markets to the news was relatively muted though Japanese shares were lower on Wednesday, bucking a global trend that carried U.S. and European benchmarks to record highs.

Japan's broad Topix gauge of equities slid 0.55%, with a subindex of mining shares leading declines, down 3.2%.

RARE EARTH RESTRICTIONS NEXT?

China Daily, a newspaper owned by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, reported on Tuesday that Beijing was considering tightening the license review of rare earth exports to Japan more broadly, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

Such a move could have sweeping implications for the manufacturing powerhouse, including its key automotives sector, analysts say.

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While Japan has sought to diversify its supply of rare earths since China last throttled exports of the minerals in 2010, around 60% of its imports still come from China.

A three-month curb on Chinese exports of rare earths, like that seen during the 2010, could cost Japanese businesses 660 billion yen ($4.21 billion) and shave 0.11% of annual gross domestic product, Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi said in a note on Wednesday.

A year-long ban would knock 0.43% off GDP, he added.

So far, China Customs data has shown no sign of a decline in rare earth exports to Japan, though the data is released with some delay. In November, the latest month for which there was data, exports grew 35% to 305 metric tons, the highest tally last year.

($1 = 156.6800 yen)

(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama, Kantaro Komiya, Tim Kelly and Rocky Swift in Tokyo; Liz Lee and Lewis Jackson in Beijing; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Michael Perry)
An airplane owned by prominent local businessman Jeff Knight veered off the runway at Tampa International Airport and struck a taxiway sign Sunday.

Knight was not aboard the plane, which was returning from the Bahamas about 8 p.m., according to Tampa International Airport police.

Knightwas arrested in July on eight felony charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death or injury after his boat struck the Clearwater Ferry. One man, a father of two young girls, was killed and 10 people were injured in the April crash.

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In the incident involving the plane on Sunday, there were no injuries to the pilot or two passengers on board, according to a Federal Aviation Administration preliminary incident report.

David Straub Coover was flying the plane at the time of the crash.

In a phone call with the Tampa Bay Times, Coover said he is a longtime friend of Knight and that Knights children were the two passengers on board.

Coover lost control of the planes landing gear after a water bottle became wedged under the pedal, an airport police report states. The crash caused $4,500 in damage to the airport.

Coover disputed the police narrative and said the brakes failed, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike the sign with the front landing gear.

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Knight was upset when he learned about the crash, Coover said.

I mean, hes not happy, Coover said. But hes OK no one got hurt.

Knights plane has landed in the Bahamas eight times since he was released on bail in July, according to flight paths tracked by FlightAware.

BecausePinellas-Pasco Circuit Court Judge Pat Siracusa did not impose any travel restrictions following Knights arrest last summer, he is free to leave the country. Knight is not allowed to operate any vessel while out on bail, according to an unsealed bench warrant.

Family members of Jose Castro, who was killed aboard the ferry, previously told the Times they hoped to see Knight surrender his passport after his arrest.

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Knight made his money in cable installation during the 1980s and owns the St. Petersburg music venue Jannus Live. He bought his 1981 Cessna airplane from radio host Bubba the Love Sponge Clem for $500,000 in the mid-2000s.

Knight is scheduled to appear in court Monday in a pretrial hearing concerning the ferry crash. His trial is expected to begin before September.

Times staff writer Christopher Spata contributed to this report.
JetBlue Airlines is expanding its Fort Lauderdale service this spring, but it may be cutting back elsewhere.

The New York-based low-cost airline will end service between LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) as of March 11, according to aviation insider JonNYC on X and confirmed by AirlineGeeks.com. Service will also end between Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth.

The changes will let JetBlue refocus on "new and high-performing markets," according to AirlineGeeks.com. JetBlue has been ramping up service at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in the last year and this month announced two new year-round nonstop routes to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) starting in May,

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JetBlue will also add two additional daily flights on its existing route between Fort Lauderdale and LaGuardia, according to a Jan. 5 release, although no dates were mentioned.

The new routes are in addition to new Spring Break routes announced last month starting in March between Fort Lauderdale and Bozeman, Montana (BZN); Denver (DEN); RenoTahoe, Nevada (RNO); Salt Lake City (SLC); and Jacksonville, Florida (JAX).

JetBlue also will add a special flight connecting Portland, Maine (PWM) with Fort Lauderdale five times a week from April 16 to 27, 2026, for Patriots Day.

Travelers with Tampa-LaGuardia tickets may be rebooked from New YorkJFK, connect through Fort Lauderdale, or opt for a full refund, the airline said told AirlineGeeks.com.

What are JetBlue's Fort Lauderdale flights added for 2026?

Including the newly announced routes, these are some of the new flights JetBlue is adding this year.

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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and: Bozeman, Montana (BZN) , Saturdays from March 14-28 Denver (DEN) , 1-2x daily from March 12-23 Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) , Daily year-round starting March 12, a second flight operating from March 12-23 Jacksonville (JAX) , 1-2x daily from March 1223 Orlando (MCO) , 2x daily starting May 21 Portland, ME (PWM) , 5x weekly from April 1627 Reno-Tahoe (RNO) , Saturdays from March 14-28 Salt Lake City (SLC) , Monday, ThursdaySunday from March 1223



The New York-based airline made a major push into the Florida market in 2025, with the stated goal to reach 113 daily departures and serve 46 nonstop destinations. JetBlue is Fort Lauderdale's leading carrier.

What other new JetBlue flights are coming to Florida?

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, 5x weekly starting March 5 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, 5x weekly starting March 5

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and: Syracuse, New York (SYR) , 5x weekly, started March 5

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and: San Juan (SJU) , 4x weekly, starting March 13

Orlando International Airport (MCO) and: Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in New York, 5x weekly, starting March 26

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers and: Buffalo, New York (BUF) , 3x weekly, starting March 26



JetBlue added service to Vero Beach in December.

Other airports expanding Florida presence

JetBlue isn't the only airline growing in Florida.

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Allegiant Airlines announced 11 new routes coming this year.

Avelo Airlines has a new route and expanded service coming in February.

After launching nearly 20 new routes in Floirida airports this fall, Breeze Airlines is bringing a new Montego Bay, Jamaica flight in February.

United Airlines added new routes to Florida airports at the end of 2025.

What Florida airports does JetBlue service?

Daytona Beach, DAB

Destin/Fort Walton Beach, VPS (coming in March)

Fort Lauderdale, FLL

Fort Myers, RSW

Jacksonville, JAX

Key West, EYW

Miami, MIA

Orlando, MCO

Sarasota, SRQ

Tampa, TPA

Vero Beach, VRB (started in December)

West Palm Beach, PBI

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: JetBlue ending Florida-New York route to refocus on stronger markets
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is scheduled to address the United Kingdom Parliament later this month in honor of Americas 250th birthday.

Johnson will be the first Speaker of the House to address the foreign legislative body on Jan. 20 in London.

As our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American Independence, I am honored and humbled by Speaker Hoyles invitation to address Parliament, Johnson said in a press release announcing the trip, referencing Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in Great Britain.

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The U.S. and the UK have stood together as pillars of peace and security across generations. We forged this important friendship in the great wars of the 20th century, but the true source of our strength comes from our shared commitment to individual freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law, which together form the exceptional, joint heritage of the English-speaking world, he added.

President Trump has outlined a series of events to celebrate the Semiquincentennial founding of the United States.

The Salute to America 250 Task Force has been in charge of planning the full year of festivities, which kicked off on Memorial Day last year and are set to continue through July 4.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Trump administration has been requesting states voter files this year, with the federal Department of Justice arguing it needs to make sure states are properly vetting voter eligibility. (Photo by Will Steinfeld/New Hampshire Bulletin)

A federal judge has allowed four New Hampshire residents to join a legal fight with the Trump administration over access to the states voter file.

Magistrate Judge Andrea Johnstone of the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire ruled Monday that the residents could join the Secretary of States Office in opposing efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice to force a handover of state voter information.

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Moving forward, the residents  liberal activist Louise Spencer; former Republican state Rep. Neal Kurk; former Democratic state Rep. Bob Perry; and Portsmouth attorney Christopher Cole  will be treated as co-defendants against the federal lawsuit.

Even assuming that the proposed intervenors interest is adequately represented by defendants, their presence in this suit will assist the court in the just and equitable adjudication of this matter, Johnstone wrote.

The Trump administration has been requesting states voter files this year, with the federal Department of Justice arguing it needs to make sure states are properly vetting voter eligibility. Justice Department attorneys say they are entitled to the information due to the Help America Vote Act of 2002 and the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

But despite multiple requests by the Trump administration, New Hampshire Secretary of State Dave Scanlan has refused to provide the voter file, pointing to state law that restricts the file to political parties and candidates.

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In September, the Justice Department challenged Scanlans refusal in federal court in Concord.

The lawsuit is still pending. But days after it was first filed, Spencer, Kurk, Perry, and Cole filed a motion seeking to intervene.

The residents argued their privacy rights as voters were being directly threatened by the federal governments attempt to obtain the voter file, which includes voters addresses and party affiliation and can include confidential information like Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers. And they said they needed to be represented as defendants because New Hampshire officials might otherwise attempt to strike a deal with the Trump administration that could violate residents privacy interests.

After initially opposing the residents inclusion as co-defendants, Justice Department lawyers reversed course in December, telling the court it had no position on the matter. That reversal came days after the U.S. District Court of Michigan approved a similar request for two voters and the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans to intervene as co-defendants with the state.

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In a statement Tuesday, Spencer said she was pleased.

It is important for New Hampshire voters to have an opportunity in court to advocate for our privacy rights and the security of our sensitive personal information, she said. We should not have to sacrifice our privacy rights when exercising our fundamental right to vote.

The intervening voters are represented by the Elias Group, a progressive Washington, D.C., law firm that often takes up voting cases, as well McClane Middleton and Paul Twomey.
A judge has granted bond to a man accused of killing one person and injuring another in a South Fulton shooting that prosecutors and defense attorneys say stemmed from a confrontation earlier the same day at a gas station.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The case centers on Kenneth Johnston III, who faces murder and aggravated assault charges. On Friday, a Fulton County judge set his bond at $100,000, with strict conditions that include an ankle monitor and a curfew.

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Johnstons defense attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, argues the shooting was an act of self-defense.

There was a gentleman that pulled a gun on my client, and my client shot in self-defense, Merchant said.

Shoals Road, where Johnstons father, Kenneth Johnston II, was with a handyman friend who became involved in a payment dispute with Donald Green.

Merchant says Green allegedly pulled a gun and later followed the men as they left the gas station.

Court documents indicate the men later encountered each other again at a home on Connell Road, where Johnston III had joined his father and the handyman. Merchant says the elder Johnston wanted to de-escalate the situation.

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According to Merchant, the chain of events began at a Circle K Exxon on Flat

A court filing states Johnston III told investigators he brought his gun because he feared for his father. The document says he admitted to shooting when he saw Green exit his vehicle with a gun.

Investigators also reviewed surveillance video from the gas station, which they say appears to show a man in a black Cadillac pointing an object toward Johnston and another individual.

Prosecutors say a passenger who had been with Green suffered a gunshot wound to his thumb. Green later died.

Fulton County Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Tom Griner argued in court that the shooting was not spontaneous.

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This was a planned event, Griner said. And nowhere in this plan is contacting the police and saying something like, We were at this gas station, we had a gun pointed at us, and we were threatened.

Griner also told the court the victims family opposes bond.

Merchant disputed the claim that the encounter was planned.

It wasnt a planned event to go and shoot anybody, she said.

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Judge Rachel Krause ultimately granted bond, pointing to Johnstons lack of a criminal record.

Given that he doesnt have any criminal history that anyone has pointed to, I dont know how the court could find that he poses a danger of committing a felony, Krause said.

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Johnstons parents expressed relief after the ruling but said they would not comment on the facts of the case.

This is an unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in, but I am very thankful that my son got bond, his mother, Vonetta Townsend, said. We will let the process play out as it should.

His father added, Im happy that my son is coming home and I hope for a just outcome on this case.

The family says they are leaning on faith and community support.

Our faith, definitely our faith, our prayers, and just our community, keeping everything together, Townsend said.

Merchant says she hopes the Fulton County District Attorneys Office ultimately decides not to indict the case.

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In a statement, the DAs office said, Charging decisions in this case, as in all cases, will be made by our Case Intake Division based on an independent assessment of the evidence and the law.

Merchant also noted she instructed Johnstons family not to discuss the details of the case publicly and said she has confidence prosecutors will make the right decision.

No one in court identified themselves to Channel 2 Action News as a member of the alleged victims family.
A federal judge Tuesday ordered Trump ally Lindsey Halligan to explain why she continues to call herself the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia even though another judge determined in November that she had been unlawfully appointed to the position.

U.S. District Judge David Novak of Richmond issued a three-page order demanding to know why Halligan is still serving in the post. Halligan, who unsuccessfully prosecuted former FBI Direct James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, is also referred to as U.S. attorney by the Justice Department in official documents.

The judge's order is unusual because he issued it on his own, not at the request of defense attorneys. It came in a case involving a carjacking and attempted bank robbery suspect who was indicted last month.

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Novak gave Halligan seven days to respond in writing explaining the basis for ... identification of herself as the United States Attorney, notwithstanding Judge Curries contrary ruling. She shall also set forth the reasons why this Court should not strike Ms. Halligans identification of herself as United States Attorney from the indictment in this matter.

The judges order goes on to say Halligan "shall further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement." Novak also alluded to potential disciplinary action and demanded that Halligan sign her response.

The U.S. attorneys office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.

In late November, U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found that the Justice Department had violated the Constitution by appointing Halligan as U.S. attorney. That finding led to the dismissal of criminal cases against Comey and James.

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Currie ruled that all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comeys indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power. She issued a separate, similar ruling in the James case, saying Halligan had exercised power she did not lawfully possess.

Novak acknowledged Tuesday that the November ruling regarding Halligans appointment had been appealed but said that since the order had not been paused, it remains the binding precedent of the district and is not subject to being ignored.

Other judges in the district have previously expressed their frustration with Halligan, including one who now places an asterisk next to Halligans name on every court document and next to it refers to Currie's ruling from November.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's first pick to serve as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia has been ordered to explain why she is still using the title despite her appointment being ruled unlawful.

U.S. District Judge David Novak ordered Lindsey Halligan to give an explanation of her continued use of the U.S. attorney title within seven days. Novak said her use of the title, including in court documents, may amount to false or misleading statements.

False and misleading statements in a court of law can result in punishment, including charges of perjury, fines and imprisonment.

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Halligan, a Trump loyalist, was the president's original pick to serve in the Eastern District of Virginia last year. A federal judge determined that the Department of Justice illegally appointed Halligan and barred her from assuming the role.

U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie ruled in November that Halligan was never eligible to hold the position of U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Her appointment had circumvented the standard appointment process, including a Senate confirmation. She also has no experience as a prosecutor.

Despite the ruling, the Justice Department has kept Halligan in office.

On Tuesday, Novak said that Halligan and the department cannot continue to ignore the ruling.

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"It remains the binding precedent in this district and is not subject to being ignored," Novak said in his order.

Erik Siebert, the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia prior to Halligan's appointment, resigned in September after refusing to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James.

After her appointment, Halligan filed charges against James and former FBI Director James Comey, who investigated Trump's ties to Russia during Trump's first term.

Both cases were dismissed when Currie ruled that Halligan was not qualified for the U.S. attorney role.
Scott County District Court Judge Patrick A. McElyea has denied a motion for summary judgment filed by defendants (the City of Davenport and several current and former council members) in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Iowa Open Records Act.

Plaintiff David Ezra Sidran claims city officials failed to timely release a letter related to former City Administrator Corrin Spiegels separation and settlement, despite multiple requests. Sidran argues the more than 200 day delay amounted to an implicit refusal under state law. The City of Davenport announced in November of 2023 that Spiegel would leave her position because of prolonged and documented instances of harassment by some elected officials, saying a $1.6 million payment would be made for lost wages and emotional pain and suffering.

Defendants sought dismissal on three grounds:

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Council Members Not Liable: They argued individual council members were not lawful custodians of the record.

Compulsory Counterclaims: They claimed Sidran should have raised these issues in prior litigation.

Res Judicata: They asserted the case was barred by earlier proceedings.

Judge McElyeas ruling pointed out:

Whether council members qualify as custodians is a factual question, not suitable for summary judgment. The record before the court was insufficient to determine authority of the individual defendants to exercise control over the Spiegel letter or to influence decisions regarding its release.

The claim was not a compulsory counterclaim, as it matured only after confidentiality was resolved in a prior case.

Res judicata does not apply, because the earlier case was dismissed without prejudice and lacked a final ruling on the merits.

The decision means Sidrans lawsuit will proceed to address whether the delay violated Iowas transparency laws. The plaintiff seeks declaratory relief, statutory damages, and attorney fees.

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This is the beginning of transparency at the City of Davenport; this is what this is all about, Sidran said when asked about the ruling.

Sidran filingDownload

Im not getting a penny out of these lawsuits, Sidran added when emphasizing the importance to him that elected officials will have to open their checkbooks and pay fines if the court finds in his favor.

Sidrans lawsuit names the City of Davenport, then-Mayor Mike Matson, as well as then-city-council-members James Condon, Richard Dunn, Tim Dunn, Kyle Gripp, Ben Jobgen and Marion Meginnis.

When reached by Our Quad Cities News, a spokesperson for Davenport said the city was aware of the ruling, but could not comment on ongoing litigation.

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Thomas Newsom, president of Pittsburg State University, tell the House Higher Education Budget Committee that universities need to focus on eliminating unsuccessful academic programs in conjunction with expansion of educational offerings. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The Kansas House higher education budget committee didnt wait for start of the 2026 legislative session to take a dive into millions of dollars in pending budget requests for public universities.

Rep. Adam Turk, a Shawnee Republican who chairs the committee, convened Republicans and Democrats during what he referred to as zero week rather than await start of the session Monday. The objective was to get a jumpstart on presentations and discussions about budget earmarks for Wichita State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.

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The Legislatures interim budget committee previously rejected in late 2024 a series of proposals for university budget enhancements and hiring new campus personnel. In addition, that joint House and Senate budget committee said unused funding in current budgets could be seized and reappropriated in the new budget.

At this stage, administrators at the six state universities in Kansas began making sales pitches to the Republican-led House higher education budget committee for possible restoration of their requests.

It is my intent to bring a quality product to the next level, Turk said. We cant afford it to be unclear or indecisive or arbitrary in any way. I graduated from none of these institutions. Ive got no dog in this hunt. You wont see me playing favorites. Nothing is personal in here. It is math.

Lawrence Rep. Mike Amyx, the ranking Democrat on the higher education committee, said he would focus on developing a budget plan that invested in delivery of a high-quality college education.

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Do everything we can to come out with the best budget, Amyx said.

During the days committee meeting, PSU President Thomas Newsom, FHSU President Tia Mason and interim ESU President Taylor Kriley shared budget and enrollment information with legislators. They outlined arguments for legislative support of individual budget requests.

Comments from several lawmakers indicated the focus of the House committee would be on decreasing state government spending on higher education.

I see a lot of expansion, new stuff, said Turk, the chairman. Its real easy to build something new. Really hard  to find the things that are not working anymore, cut them off.

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Newsom, who started in September at PSU after leading Southeastern Oklahoma State University for five years, said higher education needed to do a better job of deleting weak programs as it went about directing resources into promising programs. He said regional public universities such as PSU had to concentrate on making efficient use of public and private funding as well as being responsive to student and industry demands.

We tend to add new toys to the toy box a lot without getting rid of old toys, Newsom said.

He said PSUs goal was to attract 700 new students over the next five years, which could infuse $6 million in tuition revenue into the university.

Mason, who has served as president of FHSU since 2018, said the university had the lowest tuition and fee rate among public universities in Kansas. FHSU successfully launched affiliation agreements with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College to create better academic pathways for students, find operational efficiencies and better serve the regions economy.

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We view ourselves as an engine for social mobility, she said. Proving that a premium education doesnt have to come with a premium price tag.

Mason was asked for enrollment and financial information about FHSUs online degree programs with two universities in China. FHSU last fall enrolled 3,000 students from China in English, business, leadership and health studies programs. The international students generated about $9 million in annual revenue, she said, but net revenue runs about $5 million per year. The funds were plowed into the FHSU campus in Hays, she said.

Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Republican from Wellington, said influx of tuition dollars from international programs had successfully subsidized tuition rates for Kansans attending FHSU. Mason concurred with Rhiley, and called that revenue a game changer in terms of tuition affordability.

Mason said FHSU students in China were linked to an IT system based in Singapore. A cybersecurity firm was hired FHSU to improve online computer systems, she said. Participants in the China program didnt engage in academic research that could be the subject of espionage, she said.

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Theyre highly vetted and theyre very established partnerships, Mason said. The geopolitical environment has changed in 30 years. I appreciate the question.

Turk said nobody on the House committee was questioning the commitment at FHSU to guarantee security of the program with China. He told Mason it was impossible to predict how international relationships could unfold years from now.

I dont mean to beat you up about this China thing, he said. The nature of my question is simply how to plan for the worst. We wouldnt be doing our job if we werent projecting, as budget members, into the future.

The House committee also heard budget presentations from representatives of the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Kansas State Historical Society and Kansas State Library.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One man died in a road rage shooting on U.S. 71 Highway, near Blue River Road, on Wednesday morning in Kansas City.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, officers were called to the area of 71 Highway and Blue River Road on reports of a shooting just before 11:20 a.m.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

When officers arrived, they found an SUV parked on the side of the highway with an unresponsive man suffering from gunshot wounds. The man, later identified as 32-year-old Keithlin Royster, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the call was upgraded to a homicide shortly after.

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An adult woman was a passenger in the SUV at the time of the shooting. KCPD says she was uninjured and is currently working with investigators.

Kansas City police investigate a deadly shooting in the area of northbound U.S. 71 Highway and Blue River Road on January 7, 2026.

Preliminary investigations reveal the shooting was road rage-related, and that police were searching for two male suspects.

On Thursday morning, police announced that a man they were looking for turned himself in on Wednesday afternoon. He has since been questioned by detectives.

According to KCPD, investigators are not currently looking for any additional suspects, and they have submitted their case to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office.

Previous reporting states the passenger got out of the SUV and flagged down drivers on the highway for help.

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A reported healthcare worker ended up pulling over to help the man until medical personnel and officers arrived. The PIO described the actions of the healthcare worker and the other patrons as commendable.

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It is currently unknown where the incident took place and what led up to the shooting. However, KCPD said the investigations are ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.

Lanes were cleared just after 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) shared.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
An El Paso high school graduate was remembered for having the "kindest soul, a beautiful smile, and a heart that cared deeply for everyone" after she was killed by a driver who allegedly ran a red light, marking El Paso's first traffic-related death of 2026.

Angelique Diaz De Leon, 18, died as she was a passenger in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that was hit by a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck about 2 a.m. on Thursday, Jan.1, on Gateway North Boulevard and Sean Haggerty Drive in the Northeast, El Paso Police Department spokesman Officer Adrian Cisneros said in a news release.

Angelique Diaz De Leon, 18, died after a vehicle she was riding in was struck by another vehicle about 2 a.m. on Thursday, Jan.1, on Gateway North and Sean Haggerty Drive in the Northeast El Paso.

Officers responding to a two-vehicle crash found Diaz De Leon dead at the scene. An investigation revealed the Silverado driven by 48-year-old Abel Garcia of Chaparral, New Mexico, allegedly failed to stop at a red light and t-boned the Camaro, the news release states.

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"On January 1, 2026, our family lost a piece of our hearts," her family wrote on a GoFundMe page. "Our beautiful Angelique was taken from us far too soon and our world will never be the same without her.

"Angelique is pure love. She had the kindest soul, a beautiful smile, and a heart that cared deeply for everyone around her. She was smart beyond her years, funny without even trying, and never held anger in her heart. She always helped us, always showed up, and always gave more love than she ever asked for in return."

Nicholas Jasay Ramirez, 19, of Chaparral, was driving the Camaro and suffered minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

El Paso police investigators determined that Garcia's failure to stop at the red light was the contributing factor to the wreck. Alcohol is also suspected as a contributing factor, police said, but no further information was released on whether Garcia is facing criminal charges. He is not listed in jail records as of Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Angelique 'brought light to our campus'

El Paso Independent School District's Transmountain Early College High School officials posted a statement on their website stating Diaz De Leon "was traveling home when an intoxicated driver collided with the vehicle she was in."

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Diaz De Leon graduated as part of the early college's Spring class of 2025.

"Angelique joined TMECHS after applying in the Fall of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement said. "She returned to campus at a time filled with uncertainty and became part of the first group of students to attend the in-person Summer Bridge program in Summer 2021. From the beginning, she showed determination, focus, and resilience as she worked toward earning both her high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree."

More: 1 person dies in El Paso's first reported fatal crash of 2026

She was remembered as a hard worker who was always helping her fellow students.

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"Angelique carried a strong work ethic throughout her years at TMECHS," the statement said. "She supported her peers, stepped up when others needed help, and treated those around her with care and respect. Students and staff knew her as dependable, kind, and uplifting. She brought light to our campus.

Angelique Diaz De Leon

"She embraced the academic rigor of the early college program. Angelique completed four years of high school coursework while taking college classes at El Paso Community College. In Spring 2025, she graduated from both EPCC and TMECHS, earning her associate degree and high school diploma."

Diaz De Leon enrolled at Pima Medical Institute, where she planned to pursue a career in occupational therapy, the statement said.

"We honor Angelique," the statement ends. "We remember her. She will always be a Maverick."

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Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 'Kindest soul, a beautiful smile' EPISD grad dies in New Year's crash
(This story has been updated to include additional information)

Gov. Tina Kotek has called for the $4.3 billion transportation package she championed to be repealed after a referendum effort qualified for the ballot, saying the state needs to pursue other avenues to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation.

"Leaving the law in place forces ODOT to bear implementation costs without new resources, prolongs instability, and delays the real conversation we need to have about long-term solutions," Kotek told the Oregon Transportation Forum on Jan. 7.

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Kotek's bill, House Bill 3991, passed in a special session she called after lawmakers failed to pass a transportation package in the regular 2025 session. It went into effect Dec. 31. Signature collection to refer some of the bill's cost increases to voters began almost immediately after Kotek signed the bill and kept the targeted parts of the bill from going into effect.

Repealing the bill would effectively make the referendum on the November ballot moot.

"She's ignored the will of the voters from the get-go," Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, said of Kotek. "Clearly, Oregon voters have weighed in and they want to have an opportunity to vote on the measure. So the fact that she's recommending that the legislature undo it is a little bit par for the course."

Starr is a chief petitioner for the referendum.

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The bill prevented layoffs of 483 ODOT workers, along with maintenance station closures and service cuts. With expected revenue on hold because of the referendum effort, ODOT said it had a $242 million funding gap for the current budget cycle.

In addition to increases to the gas tax, payroll tax and registration and title fees, the bill phases in a road usage charge for electric vehicles and hybrids, created new accountability measures for ODOT and simplified a tax system used for heavy trucks.

Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, another leader of the referendum effort, told the Statesman Journal repealing the entire bill takes out important pieces, like the accountability measures, that the referendum purposefully did not target.

"It sounds like what she wants to do is just repeal this, put a patch in place to keep ODOT afloat and then revisit this after the election," Diehl said.

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Kotek announced in December she would run for reelection in 2026. Her handling of the transportation package has drawn criticism.

Kotek said the state should "redirect, repeal, and rebuild," by redirecting current ODOT funding to maintenance and operations, repealing House Bill 3991 and creating a new plan for future transportation funding.

Republicans have pushed for ODOT funding to be redirected in place of higher taxes and fees.

Starr said Kotek's redirection idea echoes what Republicans have said previously.

"I think the lightbulb finally went off in the governor's head and she figured it out, 'Oh, my gosh, maybe I should listen to Oregon voters and Oregon taxpayers,'" Starr said.

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A spokesperson for Kotek said she is looking toward the future and bipartisan collaboration, "not Monday morning quarterbacking."

"She is committed to working with lawmakers across party lines in the weeks to come to redirect and repeal and convening a table for long-term solutions to rebuild," the spokesperson said.

The state's general funds should not be used to fund ODOT, Kotek said. Reallocating ODOT's existing budget will require legislative action.

Lawmakers convene for the 2026 session on Feb. 2. They will have until March 8 to address a host of issues, most prominently the state's budget challenges.

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A repeal is an option legislators are considering, a spokesperson for Speaker of the House Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, told the Statesman Journal. Safety and operations are top priorities, the spokesperson said.

The decisions we make in the coming weeks will determine whether Oregons transportation system continues to decline or whether we can restore certainty in needed essential services that Oregonians rely on, Kotek said. These decisions wont be easy. There will be tradeoffs and consequences. Hundreds of people will be laid off this spring if we are not successful. Giving up is not an option.

Kotek said she would guide the creation of a new transportation package for the 2027 legislative session.

Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek calls for repeal of transportation bill
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) that she is headed his way after President Donald Trump announced a fraud investigation for the state.

Noem joined Fox News Jesse Watters on Tuesday evening, where Watters brought up the fact that Newsom has taunted Trump and the administration over the potential fraud investigation.

The governor of California says bring it on, he said.

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Noem declared she is coming to the governors state and plans on making plenty of arrests.

She said:

Oh, well be there. We think that this is just the tip of the iceberg. So Minnesota is unbelievable, what weve seen, but it is leading us to networks all over the country and overseas, and were gonna follow every single one of them. Homeland Security Investigations is an incredible team of individuals who go after human traffickers, sex traffickers, but the fraud that we have in our public programs that are tied to California, absolutely. Were gonna come to you, Governor Newsom, and were going to arrest every single individual that has ties to this kind of stealing of taxpayer dollars and we will hold them accountable. Well bring them to justice.

Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to announce a probe into possible fraud of taxpayer money following reports of such widespread alleged conduct in Minnesota. The alleged fraud tied to government programs was highlighted in a viral video by YouTuber Nick Shirley focusing on daycare centers in Minneapolis.

California, under Governor Gavin Newscum, is more corrupt than Minnesota, if thats possible??? The Fraud Investigation of California has begun. Thank you for your attention to this matter! the president wrote.

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HAHAHAHAHA. Donald Trump is a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago, Newsoms press office wrote on X in response to Trump.

HAHAHAHAHA. Donald Trump is a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago. This is not complicated. He spends his days posting whatever garbage his shriveled little brain can cough up  and Fox News dutifully treats it like the Lord's scripture. https://t.co/xVHIqENZ0z  Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) January 6, 2026

Watch above via Fox News.

The post Kristi Noem Warns Newsom Were Gonna Come to You After Trump Announces Fraud Probe first appeared on Mediaite.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  On the first anniversary of the most destructive wildfires in the L.A. area, the scant home construction projects stand out among the still mostly flattened landscapes.

Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County since the Jan. 7, 2025, Palisades and Eaton fires erupted, killing 31 people and destroying about 13,000 homes and other residential properties. The fires burned for more than three weeks and clean-up efforts took about seven months.

For those who had insurance, its often not enough to cover the costs of construction. Relief organizations are stepping in to help, but progress is slow.

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Among the exceptions is Ted Koerner, whose Altadena home was reduced to ash and two chimneys. With his insurance payout tied up, the 67-year-old liquidated about 80% of his retirement holdings, secured contractors quickly, and moved decisively through the rebuilding process.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Koerner was among the first to finish a rebuild in the aftermath of the fires, which were fueled by drought and hurricane-force winds.

But most do not have options like Koerner.

The streets of the coastal community of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, a community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, remain lined with dirt lots. In the seaside city of Malibu, foundations and concrete piles rising out of the sand are all thats left of beachfront homes that once butted against crashing ocean waves.

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Neighborhoods are pitch black at night, with few streetlamps replaced. Even many homes that survived are not inhabited as families struggle to clear them of the fires toxic contaminants.

Koerner was driven in part by fear that his beloved golden retriever, Daisy Mae, now 13 years old, might not live long enough to move into a new home, given the many months it can take to build even under the best circumstances.

He also did not have to wait for his insurance payout to start construction.

Thats the only way we were going to get it done before all of a sudden my dog starts having labored breathing or something else happens, Koerner said.

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Once construction began, his home was completed in just over four months.

Daisy Mae is back lying in her favorite spot in the yard under a 175-year-old Heritage Oak. Koerner said he enjoys his morning coffee while watching her and it brings tears to his eyes.

We made it, he said.

Many fear they can't afford to rebuild

About 900 homes are under construction, potentially on pace to be completed later this year.

Still, many homeowners are stuck as they figure out whether they can pay for the rebuilding process.

Scores of residents have left their communities for good. More than 600 properties where a single-family home was destroyed in the wildfires have been sold, according to real estate data tracker Cotality.

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Were seeing huge gaps between the money insurance is paying out, to the extent we have insurance, and what it will actually cost to rebuild and/or remediate our homes, said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, a group of 10,000 fire survivors mostly from Altadena.

By December, less than 20% of people who experienced total home loss had closed out their insurance claims, according to a survey by the Department of Angels, a nonprofit that formed after the disaster to advocate for recovery efforts.

About one-third of insured respondents had policies with State Farm, the states largest private insurer, or the California FAIR plan, the insurer of last resort. They reported high rates of dissatisfaction with both, citing burdensome requirements, lowball estimates, and dealing with multiple adjusters.

In November, Los Angeles County opened a civil investigation into State Farms practices and potential violations of the states Unfair Competition law. Chen said the group has seen a flurry of substantial payouts since then.

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State Farm spokesperson Tom Hartman said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the company has addressed more than 13,500 claims and issued over $5 billion in payments. He called the investigation a distraction and said the company is committed to helping.

Without answers from insurance, households cant commit to rebuilding projects that can easily exceed $1 million.

Theyre worried about getting started and running out of money, Chen said.

An uncertain future

Jessica Rogers discovered only after the Palisades fire destroyed her home that her coverage had been canceled.

The mother of twos fallback was a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration, but the application process was grueling. After losing her job because of the fire and then having her identity stolen, her approval for $550,000 came through last month.

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She is still weighing how shell cover the remaining costs and says she wonders: Do I empty out my 401(k) and start counting every penny in a penny jar around the apartment?

Rogers  now executive director of the Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Group  estimates there are hundreds like her in Pacific Palisades who are stuck dealing with FEMA and SBA and figuring out if we could piecemeal something together to build our homes.

Also struggling to return home are the communitys renters, condo owners, and mobile homeowners. Meanwhile, many are also dealing with their trauma.

Its not what people talk about, but it is incredibly apparent and very real, said Rogers, who still finds herself crying at unexpected moments.

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A slow start

That so few homes have been rebuilt a year after the wildfires echoes the recovery pattern of a December 2021 blaze that erupted south of Boulder, Colorado, destroying more than 1,000 homes.

At the one-year mark, many lots had been cleared of debris and many residents had applied for building permits, said Andrew Rumbach, co-lead of the Climate and Communities Program at Urban Institute. Around the 18-month mark is when you start to see really significant progress in terms of going from handfuls to hundreds of homes rebuilt.

Time will bring the scope of problems into focus.

Youre going to start to see some real inequality start to emerge where certain neighborhoods, certain types of people, certain types of properties are just lagging way far behind, and that becomes the really important question in the second year of a recovery: Whos doing well and who is really struggling and why? Rumbach said.

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Thats a key concern in Altadena, which for decades drew aspiring Black homeowners who otherwise faced redlining and other forms of racial discrimination when they sought to buy a home in other L.A.-area communities. In 2024, 81% of Black households in Altadena owned their homes, nearly twice the national Black homeownership rate.

But recent research by UCLAs Latino Policy & Politics Institute found that, as of August, 7 in 10 Altadena homeowners whose property was severely damaged in last years wildfire had not begun taking steps to rebuild or sell their home. Among these, Black homeowners were 73% more likely than others to have taken no action.

Determined to rebuild

Al and Charlotte Bailey have been living in an RV parked on the empty lot where their home once stood.

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The Baileys are paying for their rebuild with funds from their insurance payout and a loan. Theyre also hoping to receive money from Southern California Edison. Several lawsuits claim its equipmentsparked the wildfire in Altadena.

We had been here for 41 years and raised our family here, and in one night it was all gone, said Al Bailey, 77. We decided that, whatever its going to cost, this is our community."
Jan. 7An Oakwood attorney accused of stalking and secretly recording a teenage girl and other women in his neighborhood has been taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in Michigan.

Matthew Nicholas Currie, 50, had a warrant for his arrest issued following his 91-count indictment by a grand jury: 49 counts of illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented material or performance, 40 counts of voyeurism and two counts of unauthorized use of a computer, cable or telecommunication property, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. announced during a Tuesday afternoon media briefing.

Currie's arrest in Birmingham, Michigan, was reported by Deputy U.S. Marshal Daniel Tebo of the Southern District of Ohio.

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Currie reportedly was residing in a nursing home, but Tebo did not confirm whether he was apprehended at a care facility.

Currie told the Dayton Daily News in an August 2025 story that he retired from his job as the managing legal aid attorney for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality following a Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

A family friend said Currie was in an assisted living facility in Dayton, where his family placed him following repeated falls.

Although Heck said Currie "picked up and moved to Michigan" around the holidays and that he did not know whether he "specifically" chose to leave the area because of the investigation, the family friend said Currie's mother shared around Christmastime that he was moving to a nursing home close to her in Michigan.

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A background check on Currie confirmed his most recent residence locally was at 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton, a senior living community that offers independent and assisted living as well as memory care.

The family friend said Currie was diagnosed around 2021 or 2022 with Parkinson's  an incurable, progressive neurological disorder with symptoms including tremor, slowed movement, rigid muscles, poor balance and speech changes as well as depression, sleep problems and possible cognitive issues, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Currie is described by the family friend as "profoundly disabled" and unable to walk without the aid of a walker and unable to speak intelligibly.

An investigation began in October 2024 after one of Currie's family members found what appeared to be voyeuristic photos and videos on his cellphone, Heck said.

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The family member reported the images to the Oakwood Public Safety Department, which obtained a search warrant for Currie's cellphone and other electronic devices.

"The search revealed that the defendant stalked a 17-year-old Oakwood High School student. The defendant went to her residence on numerous occasions and surreptitiously photographed and videotaped her in her bedroom through her windows, including in various states of nudity, obviously, all without her knowledge," Heck said.

When the teen left to attend college, Currie reportedly continued to return to photograph and record women in various states of undress, including a family member of the teen and a neighbor, he said.

Currie is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 20 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
One year after the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles Unified School District officials Tuesday provided an update on rebuilding efforts regarding three schools damaged in the fire.

Marquez Charter Elementary and Palisades Charter Elementary were burned to the ground in the fire, while Palisades Charter High School suffered serious damage to part of the campus.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced the district will invest $604 million to rebuild the two elementary schools and the high school.

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Palisades Charter High School will reopen in a couple of weeks. For the two elementary schools, the goal is to have them rebuilt by the fall of 2028 or sooner - and hopefully under budget.

"Initially we promised the fall of 2028," Carvalho said at a news conference at Marquez Charter Elementary School in Pacific Palisades. "We will do our very best, not only for Marquez, but also for Pali Elementary, to reduce that timeline by taking advantage of all the flexibilities and support provided to us by the state of California, including Governor (Gavin) Newsom. They promised the red tape would be cut, and they are living up to that promise. And we're going to take full advantage of the flexibilities provided to shorten the timeline of the rebuilding process.

"... I want to reassure our community that what we promised we will deliver on. These projects will come in on time or ahead of schedule. These projects will come in at or below budget. And these projects will honor the resilience, the determination, the courage, and yes, the suffering and the sacrifice of the community of the Palisades."

L.A. Unified was able to go through the state to get the required permits quickly to start the rebuilding.

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Where is the $604 million coming from? Voter-approved bond Measure US, insurance - and the district will seek federal assistance to help pay for the rebuilding.

Marquez students have been attending classes at temporary facilities on the campus while rebuilding work continues.

Students at Palisades Charter High School have been attending classes since August at the former Sears building on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Monica. That facility has been affectionately dubbed "Pali South."

Classes at the fire-damaged campus, known as "Pali Main," are expected to resume Jan. 27. Students will begin the LAUSD's second semester next Tuesday at Pali South, allowing additional time to complete environmental testing at the Main campus before students return there.

Students at Palisades Charter Elementary School have been attending classes at Brentwood Science Magnet school pending rebuilding of the main campus.

City News Service contributed to this report.
Two Northern Kentucky lawmakers have committed to honoring controversial political activist Charlie Kirk with a namesake day now that the General Assembly is back in session.

"Charlie Kirks legacy reminds us that freedom depends on the courage to speak, to listen, and to stand firm in ones convictions," state Sen. Steve Rawlings previously posted on social media. "Its only fitting that Kentucky recognize his lasting contributions to our nations civic life."

Kirk, a conservative commentator who attracted millions of viewers and listeners online, was known for his edgy commentary and for debating young people at colleges throughout the country. Some of his controversial takes, though, were considered misogynistic, xenophobic, and racist by some.

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He was shot and killed Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Kentucky joins at least six other states where elected officials have proposed or passed bills that honor Kirk. Ohio's state House passed the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act in late 2025, but has not been acted on in the state Senate.

What's in the bill?

Rawlings filed Senate Bill 31 on Jan. 6. It calls for Oct. 14, Kirk's birthday, to be recognized as Charlie Kirk Day in the commonwealth.

In it, Rawlings, a undefinedcommended Kirk's accomplishments, which include co-founding Turning Point USA, starring in "The Charlie Kirk Show," and writing several books.

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"Through relentless persecution, cancellation attempts, smears, and his ultimate assassination, Charlie Kirk became a martyr for truth and liberty, enduring personal and professional attacks with an unwavering resolve to expose corruption, challenge prevailing narratives, and uphold objective reality in the face of censorship and cultural decay," the bill states.

The bill is expected to appear on the Kentucky General Assembly website by Jan. 7. Rawlings' office provided a copy of it to The Enquirer upon request.

State Rep. TJ Roberts addressed a crowd of nearly 1,000 people at a vigil he organized to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 17 in Burlington, Kentucky.

TJ Roberts: Charlie Kirk 'brought me into the fold'

State Rep. TJ Roberts, a Burlington Republican, confirmed he plans to file the same bill in the state House Jan. 7.

Roberts, who knew Kirk, organized a vigil in honor of him on Sept. 17 in Burlington, which drew nearly 1,000. mourners

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"He brought me into the fold. He showed me that I can make a difference. He inspired me. He inspired millions of others," Roberts said during the vigil.

The vigil was one of several in the Greater Cincinnati area at the time, while many more took place throughout the country and world.

People lined up to buy merchandise honoring Charlie Kirk at a vigil for the slain conservative activist Sept. 17 in Burlington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Two Northern Kentucky lawmakers push for creation of Charlie Kirk Day
At least 36 protesters have died during protests in Iran as security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Tehrans grand bazaar on Tuesday.

Activists staging a sit-in at Tehrans main market clashed with security forces as nationwide protests over Irans economic crisis entered a tenth day.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States would will come to their rescue - without elaborating on what this would mean.

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The countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the rioters must be put in their place in an indication that he would not engage in dialogue with protesters over the dire state of the countrys economy. Irans currency, the rial, recently fell to a record low.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators at the grand bazaar as the market shut down, witnesses said. Previously, security forces have been filmed using tear gas against protesters at a hospital and a metro station in the capital.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators as the capitals main market shut down, witnesses said (AP)

Protests in Iran - the most significant in years - have spread to over 270 locations in 27 of Irans 31 provinces.

More than 1,200 people have been detained and at least 36 people killed during the protests, according to the U.S. based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The death toll includes 29 protesters, four children and two members of Irans security forces.

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The economic situation is set to worsen as Irans Central Bank has drastically reduced the subsidised exchange rates for dollars it offers to importers and producers in the country.

This move will likely lead to merchants hiking the prices of goods in the following days for consumers, whose life savings have already dwindled following years of international sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.

The country was plunged into severe economic hardships since the U.S. first imposed tariffs in 2018.

Several protesters are calling for the overthrow of the theocracys supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei (AP)

Several protesters are now calling for the overthrow of supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei, who has reportedly planned to flee to Moscow if the demonstrations escalate.

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Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a government investigation into one incident involving the protests, but has also indicated that the crisis may be rapidly moving beyond the control of officials.

Pezeshkian said in a televised speech: We should not expect the government to handle all of this alone". He added: "The government simply does not have that capacity.

This is not the first time Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests over economic issues in recent years.

However, the recent protests do not yet match the scale of unrest that swept the nation in 2022-23 over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in the custody of Irans morality police for allegedly violating the hijab law.
At least one person has died and several others were injured when a bus hit ultra-Orthodox protesters in Jerusalem who were demonstrated against their conscription into the Israeli military, rescue services said.

A young man was trapped under the bus and pronounced dead, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service. Several other people were also injured.

The bus driver was detained, according to police. The police have not yet released any further details about the incident.

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Leading rabbis called for the protest in Jerusalem, the Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

One speaker reportedly compared conscription to the Holocaust, according to the Times of Israel and the Israeli news site ynet.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, around 15,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews took part in the protest.

Israeli police reported that some of them threw objects at police officers and set fire to rubbish bins. They also said that rioters had attacked journalists. Israeli police were deployed to break up what they called "violent unrest."

For decades, strictly religious men in Israel were exempt from conscription, but this exemption expired about a year and a half ago. The Israeli government has not succeeded in passing a new law to cement this special status for the ultra-Orthodox.

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Since then, there have been repeated large protests by strictly religious Jews against their conscription.

Many ultra-Orthodox individuals perceive military service as a threat to their devout lifestyle, partly because men and women serve together.

Dispute threatens Netanyahu's coalition

The army, meanwhile, has urgently warned of a drastic shortage of combat-ready soldiers, partly due to the prolonged Gaza conflict.

Many Israelis also feel it is unfair that ultra-Orthodox Jews are exempt from military service and dangerous combat missions.

The rally in Jerusalem was also directed against a new draft law intended to regulate the exemption of the ultra-Orthodox, which some of them feel does not go far enough.

The dispute over conscription for strictly religious men is also considered a threat to the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing religious coalition.
A Greater Cincinnati man forged petition signatures to support the 2024 Ohio constitutional amendment to change redistricting.

Xezakia Rouse, 41, of Lebanon, was convicted Jan. 6 on multiple counts of election falsification and forgery after falsifying petition signatures, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said in a news release.

Rouse was employed by Advanced Micro Targeting, a national firm, in 2023 and 2024 to circulate a petition in support of Issue 1, which would have created a citizens redistricting commission. The referendum failed in November 2024.

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Rouse submitted 226 signatures that were supposed to be from Warren County voters. But a review in July 2024 by both Democrat and Republican election board members found numerous signatures were fake.

Election integrity matters at every stage of the process, not just on Election Day. As the former Chair of the Warren County Board of Elections, I take falsification of petition signatures very seriously because it is a direct attack on the democratic process and the publics trust in it, Fornshell said in the release.

Rouse will be sentenced after a pre-sentence investigation is completed, Fornshell said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio man forged signatures for major 2024 ballot issue
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN)  Its the price of growth just over 300 homes could be built on a quiet road in Lebanon off Maple Hill Road and Carver Lane.

Neighbors told News 2 the development could disrupt their livelihood and bring more traffic on an already dangerous road.

A variety of animals, including alpacas, horses and even guinea pigs, can be found off Maple Hill Road.

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Lebanons state-of-the-art sports complex to expand in 2026

Its just beautiful; its quiet, said Allison DAndria.

Since we have lived here on the farm, we have had over 100 animals. We have a horse boarding program and a farm camp for kids, she continued.

For Allison and her husband, John DAndria, they are sharing their lifestyle and love for animals on their property.

However, their quiet livelihood is now threatened by potential development. Local developer, Summit Development LLC, proposed 311 homes around their property.

The whole entire left side of our property (would be impacted). So, part of our home would look into the development, Allison described.

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Allison and other neighbors plan to express their concerns Tuesday night. According to them, the development would disrupt wildlife and shade for their livestock on top of the construction and traffic concerns.

The infrastructure of the road is our main concern; we live right on a curve, and its the same curve the neighborhood would be built on, Allison said.

Wilson County School Board seat still vacant after former member arrested for indecent exposure

News 2 spoke with the developer over the phone, who expressed they would like to ease some of those concerns. According to Summit Development LLC, the homes are all single-family homes.

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The project would reportedly include nearly 9 miles of sidewalks and greenway trails. In addition, the plan would also fix aging sewer water infrastructure, and developers plan to build a roundabout to create a safer road on the dangerous curves.

However, back on the farm, neighbors hope to convince city leaders to preserve their quiet way of life.

We are just trying to preserve land, John expressed.

We are hoping this would be generational land for our kids and grandkids, and we dont want anyone to build on it, Allison chimed in.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to Summit Development LLC, if city council approves the project, construction would begin of summer of 2028.

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Back in November, the Lebanon Planning Commission, by a vote of 7-1, recommended approval for plan of services, annexation, and zoning approval.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
It's really, really easy to record people. The phone in your pocket can take pictures, capture video or audio with a touch, or record phone calls and even transcribe them.

These days, your glasses can do the same thing. Tiny cameras and other recording devices are easy to buy and hide. And security cameras are everywhere, potentially recording conversations.

Maybe you want to record a loved one to keep a memory. Maybe you're on a business call and want a record of it. Maybe you're being screwed over by a landlord, housemate or company and you want to prove it by setting up a secret microphone or by recording a phone call.

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Is it legal in Florida?

Here's what to know before you tap "Record."

Is it legal to record a conversation in Florida?

Yes. IF, and only if, everyone involved agrees ahead of time. Otherwise, it very much is not.

Florida is a "two-party" or "all-party consent" state, meaning you may not record or intercept any conversations without getting the explicit consent of everyone involved in the conversation. The Sunshine State is unusual in that regard; most states and federal law only require consent from one person.

Florida Statute 934.03 prohibits secretly audio recording anyone without their permission, intercepting "any wire, oral, or electronic communication" or disclosing or distributing anything recorded.

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Exceptions are made for law enforcement investigations if:

There's a court order.

There's a certification in writing from the governor, the attorney general, a statewide prosecutor, or a state attorney who "reasonably determines" that it's necessary to prevent "immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person," the danger of escape of a prisoner, or a security threat to the state or nation.

It's a recording involving a child under 18 years of age when there is a reasonable expectation to capture a statement by someone else in the conversation that they intend "to commit, is committing, or has committed an unlawful sexual act or an unlawful act of physical force or violence against the child." But they require consent of the child or the child's parent or guardian and any such recordings must be given to law enforcement as evidence and may not be shared or posted publicly.

Even putting up video security cameras where passersby might be recorded may be illegal if sound recording is turned on.

And Florida takes this seriously.

What can I be charged with if I secretly record a conversation in Florida?

First offense violations are a first-degree misdemeanor for minor cases.

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But if you record someone intentionally for illegal purposes, commercial advantage or private commercial gain it becomes a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Subsequent violations are also a third-degree felony.

Note that each recording, and every time it is shared, would be considered a separate felony.

You're also liable for an invasion of privacy lawsuit from the person you recorded, according to Florida Statute 934.10, to the tune of $100 per day of violation or $1,000, whichever is higher, plus even more if actual damages can be proved, plus punitive damages, plus attorney's fees.

When is it legal to record someone in Florida?

If you ask everyone in the conversation if you can record and they say yes, go for it.

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You can also record public speeches or conversations in public places where there is no expectation of privacy. Recording public meetings is specifically permitted in Florida Statute 934.02.

What if your record a conversation with someone in a one-party state?

In these cases, courts have tended to rule in favor of whichever state has the more restrictive rules, so assume you'll need permission there, too.

How do you record phone calls?

iPhones running iOS 18.1 and later and certain models of Android phones can record phone calls in regions where it is allowed. You must get consent of everyone on the call first.

Once you begin recording, each phone will automatically announce to all participants that the call is being recorded.

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If you use other devices to record calls, or just turn on a recorder where the phone call can be heard, you must by law first ask permission to record.

Note that being able to record someone does not make it legal. Both phone companies require you to follow local laws.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Does Florida prohibit recording phone calls without consent?
Independent national rankings consistently place Oregon near the bottom of U.S. education performance, 47th overall, with one of the highest dropout rates, ranking seventh in the country. These are not marginal differences, they place Oregon firmly among the lowest-performing states.

The human cost of this failure is enormous. Students graduate needing remediation, while employers struggle to find workers with basic skills. The damage falls hardest on low-income students and students of color, despite constant rhetoric about diversity, equity and inclusion. There is nothing equitable about presiding over one of the lowest-performing education systems in America.

Oregons public schools are not failing because teachers do not work hard. They are failing because the system lacks clear goals, accountability and an unwavering focus on student achievement.

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As governor, my No. 1 priority, above all other things, will be to dismantle and rebuild the Oregon Department of Education, with a focus on education, not indoctrination.

As governor, my obligation will be to the 545,000 students in Oregons public schools, especially those who are low-income, homeless or struggling to read and do math at grade level. Partnership with labor organizations must be grounded in shared responsibility for outcomes, not deference to the status quo.

I am willing to work with any organization, including the Oregon Education Association, that is prepared to put student achievement first, measure success honestly, and accept accountability for results. That is the standard Oregon families deserve.

MATTHEW PIATT

Candidate for the Office of Governor of Oregon

Beaverton
The deployment of German soldiers to secure a peace deal in Ukraine does not jeopardize plans to station the Bundeswehr in Lithuania, according to the president of the Baltic country, Gitanas Nauseda.

"I consider Germany to be a very strong and reliable partner," Nauseda said on Wednesday. "I am convinced that it is possible to send a peace mission to Ukraine while at the same time fulfilling all obligations towards Lithuanina."

He was speaking during his visit to the retreat held by the Bavarian conservative party, the CSU, in the southern German monastery of Seeon.

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The German brigade in Lithuania is a new, permanently stationed Bundeswehr unit intended to strengthen NATO's eastern flank against possible threats from Russia or neighbouring Belarus.

It is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027 and will consist of approximately 5,000 soldiers.

Nauseda emphasized that work is currently still under way on a major infrastructure project at a military training area, which is mainly intended for the German brigade.

"We are ready and determined to complete these projects by the end of 2027. According to our plans and those of the German government, the deployment of the entire German brigade should be completed by the end of 2027," he said. "We are doing our best and time is pressing."

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Earlier this week German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the first time raised the prospect of Germany's potential military involvement in securing a possible ceasefire, and did not rule out deployment on Ukrainian territory.

In addition, Germany assured Lithuania of its support against the Russian threat some time ago, together with other NATO partners.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Monday that President Donald Trump is planning to buy, rather than invade, Greenland.

The New York Times reports that Rubio made the remarks in a briefing with lawmakers from the armed services and foreign policy committees. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.

The news comes after the president spent days openly expressing his desire to seize control of Greenland, repeatedly insisting that the U.S. needs Greenland for defense.

Trump has previously declined to rule out a military invasion of Greenland, but Marco Rubio is now saying the president is planning on attempting to buy the territory instead. / Alex Wong/Getty Images

The president has been brainstorming ways to bring Greenland into his own sphere of influence for months. Reuters reported in May that White House officials were exploring the possibility of entering into a Compact of Free Association with the territory in which the U.S. would provide Greenland with essential services, military protection, and duty-free trade, but the country would remain independent. Greenland is currently an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark.

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Trumps designs on Greenland have only intensified in the days following his administrations invasion of Venezuela and abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Having whetted his appetite in Caracas, Trump quickly turned his attention to a number of potential next targets, including Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, and Greenland.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were abducted and flown to New York to stand trial for a number of charges, including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. / XNY/Star Max/GC Images

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, the White House told Reuters in a statement.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chiefs disposal, the statement continued.

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In a Sunday Facebook post, Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded to Trumps threats with a clear message. Thats enough now, he wrote. No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation.

Others in Trumps orbit have also advocated for a U.S. takeover of Greenland, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Millerss wife Katie, who caused a stir after posting a map of Greenland with the American flag superimposed onto it with the caption, SOON.

Katie Miller posts about the U.S. plans for Greenland on X. / X

The New York Times reported that while Rubios congressional briefing focused on Venezuela, he addressed the question of Greenland after lawmakers voiced concerns. Two senators issued a joint statement on Tuesday in which they stressed that the U.S. must respect its allies.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, the statement, issued by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who lead the Senate NATO Observer Group, read.

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Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our alliance exists to defend, it continued.

Trump's threats to takeover the island have been met with protests in Denmark and Greenland. / SOPA Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett

Leaders of several U.S. allies and fellow NATO states also issued a joint statement on Tuesday rebuking Trumps naked aggression. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was joined by the leaders of the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland on the statement, which asserted, Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the U.N. Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders, the statement read.

These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.
Democrats are hoping to score an upset victory in a special election for a state House seat in South Carolina on Tuesday.

Republican Greg Ford and Democrat Sonja Ogletree Santini, both Air Force veterans, are vying for the seat vacated by state Rep. Chris Murphy (R), who announced his resignation in August.

President Trump won the Charleston-area district by 7 points in 2024, a relatively slim margin for a deep-red state.

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Follow Decision Desk HQs live results here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Brief

ICE says its largest ever immigration enforcement operation is currently underway in Minnesota.

Activists and local officials have reported increased ICE activity across the Twin Cities.

Sec. Kristi Noem shared a video of her taking part in an arrest in St. Paul Tuesday morning.

(FOX 9) - There is an increase in ICE activity in Minnesota on Tuesday amid a reported surge of agents and Homeland Security investigators in the Twin Cities.

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This story is no longer being updated live.

1:40 p.m.  Minneapolis PD chief hasn't been briefed on ICE operation

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says he hasn't had any notice or communication from the Department of Homeland Security on its operation in the Twin Cities.

"No one has told me anything officially," said Chief Brian O'Hara. "I've been concerned for weeks that because the issue is so emotional and because, frankly, some of the way some of this stuff has been carried out, the greatest risk to me is that there would be some unrest or that there would be a tragedy. That somebody could get seriously hurt or killed because of what's happening. That's the most pressing issue."

Along with revising its policy around immigration matters, Chief O'Hara says the department has put an emphasis on "professionalism and restraint." O'Hara says the department has a designated supervisor and additional personnel on standby to be ready for the possibility of any unrest.

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"I do have an ask," said the chief. "That's both for federal law enforcement who may not be from Minnesota coming into our community  to please, whatever you do, to do your job professionally and lawfully. At the same time, to members of the community who have a constitutional right to observe, record and object to the conduct of law enforcement, that you do so peacefully in our community. Because the last thing we want is  you know, a lot of immigrant community businesses are on Lake Street. We all know Lake Street burned five years ago and it's largely the immigrant community that rebuilt that street and helped rebuild a lot of those neighborhoods. So please, don't come into our neighborhoods and cause destruction because of what's going on. If you are going to object, do it peacefully."

1:37 p.m.  Sec. Noem justifies heavy presence after Walz criticism

Sec. Kristi Noem fired back at criticism from Governor Walz in a tweet, after the governor criticized ICE for wasting tax dollars on the ongoing operation.

In the tweet, Walz criticized the operation, writing: "Ridiculous. Nobody is fooled into thinking this baffoonery [sic] is a reasonable use of taxpayer dollars. It should not take 50 ICE agents to arrest one guy in a library."

Walz was referencing the arrest of a man last week at the Ridgedale Library. In his tweet, he shared video of that arrest, showing more than a dozen ICE agents escorting a man outside the library.

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Sec. Noem responded in a tweet, blasting Walz over the state's fraud scandal: "Really, youre worried about taxpayer dollars? Theres been $9 billion stolen from the taxpayers in Minnesota since you became Governor. You wont let us in Minnesotas jails and there is rampant assault against our law enforcement thanks to vilification from politicians like you. So, yes, theres strength in law enforcement numbers to remove these violent criminals from the communities you refuse to protect."

Since the start of Operation Metro Surge in December, ICE says it has made more than 1,000 arrest in Minnesota.

11:40 a.m.  Gov. Walz responds to ICE operation

Speaking during a news conference on Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz blasted the Trump administration for the ICE operation.

"We have a ridiculous surge of apparently 2,000 people  not coordinating with us  that are for a show for the cameras," said Gov. Walz. "I'm going to note to all of you, today is January 6th. There's no debate about what happened. The President of the United States led an insurrection against a fair election to try and overturn that and report both sides of this. 'Well, he said he really didn't and courts convicted 400 of them, and he pardoned them. No, he did that. He did that. And that's today."

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"We've got 2,000 folks," the governor said, "we don't even know who they are, they'll be wearing masks, being here in Minnesota, harassing them. If you want us to fix fraud, come and help us. Come and help us do that. They're not interested in that."

10:40 a.m.  ICE director says "largest operation ever" underway

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said the "largest immigration operation ever" during an interview on Newsmax.

While not Lyons confirmed both ICE and Homeland Security investigators are taking part in the operation are on the ground in Minnesota. He says agents are going "door to door" to companies suspected of hiring undocumented immigrants.

Lyons added the fraud cases in Minnesota is also a major topic of focus for the operation.

8:17 a.m.  Department of Homeland Security tweets "Good morning Minneapolis!"

The Department of Homeland Security tweeted "Good Morning Minneapolis!" Tuesday morning as a major immigration enforcement operation is reportedly underway in the Twin Cites.

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Later, the department shared video of Sec. Kristi Noem taking part in an ICE arrest of a man reportedly wanted for murder.

ICE in Minnesota

What we know

Activists and city leaders have noted increased ICE activity in Minneapolis on Tuesday. In posts on social media platform Bluesky, Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez warned of immigration officers checking Latino residents' status.

In his post, Chavez writes: "Activity is really hot this morning on Lake Street and Powderhorn. Theres also confirmed ICE vehicles using Uber stickers. Please be careful."

The backstory

The Trump administration is reportedly sending upwards of 2,100 ICE agents and Department of Homeland Security investigators into the Twin Cities for the new operation. The basis for the new operation is to take on fraud in the Twin Cities, according to reports.

Sec. Noem in St. Paul

Local perspective

The Department of Homeland Security also shared videos Tuesday morning of Sec. Kristi Noem assisting agents in the arrest in St. Paul of an Ecuadorian national who they say was wanted for murder.

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In the video, agents are seen moving into an apartment near the Payne Market off Payne Avenue near Jenks Avenue East on Tuesday.

What they're saying

In a post on X, Noem wrote: "Another murderer and sexual predator off of Minneapoliss streets thanks to @ICEgov. Just arrested this criminal illegal alien from Ecuador who has an active warrant for murder and sexual assault in Ecuador. He was convicted of robbery and extortion in Ecuador."

Local perspective

Tuesday morning, protesters gathered outside the Whipple Building at Fort Snelling, where immigration court takes place, as part of an "emergency protest."

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The protest was organized in response to Sec. Noem's visit to the Twin Cities. Overnight, there was also a late-night anti-ICE protest outside the Canopy Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

The Source

This story uses previous FOX 9 reporting and social media posts.
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis had strong criticism for Stephen Miller Wednesday, going as far as to suggest the senior White House advisers job should be at risk for his recent comments on US control of Greenland.

Look either Stephen Miller needs to get into a lane where he knows what hes talking about or get out of this job, Tillis told CNNs Jake Tapper on The Lead.

The comments from retiring North Carolina senator mark some of the strongest yet from a Republican lawmaker following the White House deputy chief of staffs assertion that the US has the right to take Greenland.

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Tillis, who has served as the top Republican on the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group since 2018, cautioned that Millers posturing has significant political implications.

Calling the NATO alliance critically important, he told Tapper that shaking that alliance sends a signal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin that hes winning.

And Stephen Miller doesnt represent the US government, he represents the Article II branch. And I, as a member of the US Senate, get to weigh in to this issue, he continued. And I know, whether they say it out loud or not, most of my colleagues agree with me.

Pressed on why more Republicans arent speaking out, Tillis said, Well in this case its pretty straightforward. Thats my role as the Republican leader of the Senate NATO Observer Group.

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Its very important for the NATO alliance to know that we have their back because theyve had ours.

We need to make it very clear that our strength and our ability to project power to stand off against Putin, to stand off Russia, to stand off China, Iran, it all rests on this exquisite capability that we have under NATO, he said.

The remarks came just hours after Tillis delivered a searing speech on the Senate floor.

Im sick of stupid, a fiery Tillis declared in the Senate. I want good advice for this president, because I want this president to have a good legacy. And this nonsense on whats going on with Greenland is a distraction from the good work hes doing, and the amateurs who said it was a good idea should lose their jobs.

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On Monday, Miller asserted during an interview with Tapper that the formal position of the Trump administration is that Greenland should be part of the United States.

Miller also questioned Denmarks claim over the Arctic territory. What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark? he said.

Tillis told Tapper that Millers CNN interview was horrible execution on a subject matter he knows nothing about.

What I saw in your interview was unacceptable, Tillis said, adding, And it made me a little cranky.

Earlier, he told his colleagues that Millers comments were absurd.

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Mr. Miller said that the US government  obviously Greenland should be part of the US. That is absurd, he said.

Tillis also warned that Millers comments distracted from the Trump administrations military operation in Venezuela.

What makes me cranky? Stupid. What makes me cranky is when people dont do their homework. What makes me cranky is when we tarnish the extraordinary execution of a mission I fully support in Venezuela by turning around and making insane comments about how it is our right to have territory owned by the Kingdom of Denmark, Tillis said.

Folks, amateur hour is over. You dont speak on behalf of this US senator or the Congress, he continued.

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The North Carolina senator emphasized in his floor remarks the value of the NATO alliance, and Denmarks role in it. He pointed out Denmarks disproportionately high contribution to the NATO response after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US, noting that they lost 43 soldiers in Afghanistan, out of a national population of 6 million.

You want to get me back to thanking the president for all the good things hes doing? Then give him good advice, said Tillis.

Tillis had earlier issued a joint statement with the top Democrat on the Senate NATO Observer Group and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, criticizing the administrations approach to Greenland.

When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, the co-chairs said. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Kit Maher contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
New CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil has been mocked over his mannerisms in a new video that critics say was a staged attempt to make him appear like an everyday man.

The MAGA-coded host walks through a parking lot in Miami as he speaks into a lapel microphone, carrying a bag over his shoulder as he promotes a newscast that many X commenters felt was inauthentic.

Dont hold your bag like that, Tony, one commenter wrote. You want us to think of you as normal, start acting like it.

There was no shortage of criticisms of Tony Dokoupil in the comments of his promotional video on Tuesday. / X

Another remarked, The bag casually thrown over your shoulder looks pathetic and staged.

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A third said, Guys trying way too hard.

Dokoupils every move has been scrutinized after he was installed by the new MAGA-curious CBS News boss, Bari Weiss. He received even more heat after he criticized the legendary CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite and promised to tell the stories that millions of Americans crave but the mainstream media has historically missed.

It appears that Weiss wants to sell Dokoupil, 45, as a relatable, non-elitist anchor that she feels the legacy media landscape has been missing.

During his weeknight debut on Monday, which briefly went off the rails, the show parroted MAGA talking points, including interviews with Venezuelans who support U.S. control of the country and an expert who said that average gas prices are down a quarter from this time last year.

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On too many stories, the press has missed the story, Dokoupil said this weekend, promising change at CBS. Because weve taken into account the perspective of advocates and not the average American. Or we put too much weight in the analysis of academics or elites, and not enough on you.

Despite this, some of the biggest names in MAGA have rejected Dokoupil.

Right-wing host Megyn Kelly slammed him for not calling out issues with the mainstream media until he got his big break and not during the Biden administration. She said his MAGA pandering was utter bullst condescension.

I do believe it will fking fail, as all these networks are failing because the audience has caught on to their bullst, she added of him being the face of CBS Evening News.

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Sean Spicer, President Donald Trumps first White House press secretary, agreed that Dokoupil was part of the problem with the media in years past.

For him to gaslight the American people and act like somehow he is one of the saviors of the movement is ridiculous, Spicer said. If he had sat back and said, I was part of the problem, as opposed to, I was you, I could at least buy it. But this is so ridiculous.

CBS News did not respond to a request for comment about criticisms of Dokoupils authenticity.

Tony Dokoupil, 45, and MS Nows Katy Tur, 42, married in 2017. They share two children. / Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Some have pointed out that Dokoupils background mirrors that of many media elites.

The Connecticut-born anchor was educated at the now $53,000-a-year Gulliver Preparatory School in South Florida as a child. He then studied business at George Washington University in the nations capital, graduating first in his class, and then attended graduate school at Columbia University.

Dokoupils media career began with stints at Newsweek and the Daily Beast before he joined NBC News in 2013 and CBS News in 2016. He married the MS Now correspondent Katy Tur in 2017, and the couple lives together in one of Brooklyns most expensive enclaves.
Republican Florida Senator Rick Scott rattled off a list of other countries the U.S. can fix after the strike on Venezuela and capture of former President Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump has insisted the U.S. is in charge of Venezuela even as interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduros vice president, claimed otherwise.

The administration has sent contradictory messages over what comes next in Venezuela, but Scott claimed this was just the start for the entire region.

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What they did in Venezuela is going to change Latin America, Scott declared on Fox Business. This is the start of changing Venezuela. Then were going to fix Cuba. Nicaragua will get fixed. Next year well get a new president in Colombia. Were going to start the democracies coming back to this hemisphere.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott speaks to reporters as he arrives in the U.S. Capitol for a vote on Tuesday, January 06, 2026. / Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The path forward for Venezuela and democracy remains unclear. Trump did not call for a free and fair election in the country following Maduros removal.

Instead, Trump dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as lacking respect and praised Maduros former deputy, Rodriquez, as he turns his focus toward oil.

The Florida senator praised Machado and argued that the U.S. needs to call for elections after the transition to restore democracy in the country.

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Scott was not the first Trump ally to also put Cuba on notice. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did so immediately following the strikes at the press conference on Saturday, saying of Cuban leaders, Id be concerned.

After Maduros capture, GOP Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart indicated that the regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua would survive long.

When it comes to Colombia, a presidential election will be held next year.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term, but he won what was widely considered a free and fair election by international observers in 2022.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has fiercely criticized President Donald Trump. The country holds its presidential election next year. / Franklin Jacome/Getty Images

But Petro has fiercely clashed with Trump on a series of issues, including the strikes on alleged drug boats, immigration, and trade. Trump has accused Petro of fueling cocaine into the U.S.

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When asked about whether an operation similar to the one carried out in Venezuela could target Colombia, Trump said on Sunday, It sounds good to me.

The president has also threatened to take action against other countries, including Mexico and Iran, while the White House has not ruled out using the military to take over Greenland.

Top administration officials held a first briefing with all senators on Wednesday to address the U.S. strike on Venezuela.

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over what comes next after Trump claimed the U.S. would run Venezuela even as they criticized Maduro.

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Many Republican lawmakers have hailed the presidents strike, while some are now embracing the administrations intimidation campaign for the wider region.

Asked if it was just bluster when the president spoke of other countries or if he should be taken at his word, Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned on Tuesday Trumps comments were not idle threats."

I think other countries in this hemisphere who are cooperating with narco-terrorists or in league with China and Russia and Iran and countries like that need to be on notice.

He argued the U.S. would take care of its national security interests.
A 78-year-old man was shot and killed inside a home on the Southwest Side Tuesday night, Chicago police said.

The shooting took place at about 8:01 p.m. in the 4500-block of South Lamon Avenue in Garfield Ridge.

Police said the 78-year-old victim was found shot in the chest, unresponsive in the living room.

Shots appeared to have been fired into the home, as there were bullet holes in the window.

The man has been identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Marvin Cook.

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Investigators are looking at surveillance video for clues.

Police sources said the shooting was likely targeted, but the exact motive is unclear.

Many neighbors woke up to the sound of those gunshots. And to make matters worse, two of the neighbors' vehicles were caught in the crossfire and left with shattered windows.

Many knew Cook.

They said they heard more than two dozen gunshots fired off on the block.

SEE ALSO: Protests in Little Village, across Chicago area after deadly ICE officer shooting in Minneapolis

Some of that damage still can be seen on vehicles along the street.

Alderman Mike Rodriguez, who represents the 22nd Ward, says his office is working with CPD to ensure justice is served.

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"It's such a sad incident; it's a real poverty of the soul when an individual thinks they can solve conflict with picking up a gun and shooting someone and murdering them," Rodriguez said.

Neighbors said Cook lived at the home for decades and was often surrounded by family.

Loved ones close to Cook stopped by the home Wednesday, but were too shaken to speak.

CPD is now hoping anyone can provide them with information as the search continues for the suspects.

"Many times these crimes get solved when caring family members or neighbors come up with information to assist people in solving this. We want justice for this man," Rodriguez said.

Police recovered a number of shell casings at the scene.

Area One detectives are investigating, and no one is in custody.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood


Police in Dallas, Texas, continue to investigate a deadly shooting that involved three people who investigators allege all met using an online dating app.

Detectives did not specify which app Noah Trueba had used to match with a married couple in their 50s, but that is exactly what they allege happened.

A statement released to the press on the shooting alleges that Trueba, 26, met up with the couple, and that all three of them drank alcohol and used drugs together.

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"On January 2, 2026, at approximately 5:10 a.m., Dallas Police responded to a shooting call in the 11800 block of High Meadow Drive" in northwest Dallas, according to the press release. "The preliminary investigation determined two individuals were shot at the location by a known suspect."

Trueba allegedly fled the scene of the shooting on foot. However, police used a drone to track him to a nearby highway, where he was allegedly attempting to hide.

Trueba allegedly told police after his arrest that the couple tried to sexually assault him. In response, he allegedly said he opened fire, hitting both of the victims.

Dallas Fire-Rescue did respond to the shooting scene and pronounced Guadalupe Gonzalez, 57, dead soon after arrival.

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Man Breaks Into Texas Apartment to Kidnap Ex-Girlfriend, Gun Down Her New Boyfriend

The second male victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition. His name and age were not provided by authorities.

Trueba is being held in the Dallas County Jail after being charged with murder. A bond amount has not been set. Additional charges are being considered, according to police.

He has not been asked by a judge to enter pleas to the charges, and he has no attorney of record at the moment.

It is asked that anyone with any information about the shooting come forward and contact Detective Brewster Billings at (214) 671-3083. He can also be emailed at brewster.billings@dallaspolice.gov.

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The most recent statistics about violence and online dating suggest that violent sexual predators will use dating apps to target vulnerable men and women.

Data from 2024 shows there is a one in 160,000 chance of meeting a murderer through a dating app. An alarming 31% of women have reported being sexually assaulted by someone they matched with on a dating site, and research shows 10% of registered sex offenders use dating apps to find potential victims.

One in 3 women using online dating services have reported experiencing harassment or threatening behavior from men, and one in 10 women reported feeling unsafe during their initial meeting with someone they met through online platforms or apps.

Man Breaks Into Texas Apartment to Kidnap Ex-Girlfriend, Gun Down Her New Boyfriend

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There have been more than 100 online dating-related murders documented in the U.S. since 2014. Online dating-related violence occurs within the first in-person meeting in 2 out of every 5 cases, with men twice as likely as women to be perpetrators of violent crimes following an online dating interaction.

More than 30% of all murders associated with online dating involve people under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.
A man who supplied thousands of small boats and engines to people smugglers in the English Channel has been jailed.

Adem Savas was described by the National Crime Agency, which previously listed him as its most wanted man, as "without a doubt the most significant supplier" to gangs behind the dangerous crossings between 2019 and 2024.

The Turkish national was sentenced to 11 years in prison and received a fine of 400,000 (346,000) on Wednesday, after admitting to offences of people smuggling and being a member of an organised crime group.

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The NCA said he had likely made millions from the operation, having charged on average around 4,000 for packages of boats and engines.

The 45-year-old is also thought to have supplied equipment used in about half of all crossings in 2023, the agency said, "making him a key figure in the European people smuggling hierarchy".

Savas was sentenced at a court in Bruges, Belgium, after a joint operation between the NCA and Belgian authorities, having been arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in November 2024.

Savas's supplies were transported from Turkey to Bulgaria, and on to Germany to be stored [National Crime Agency]

He was first identified during an investigation into Hewa Rahimpur, a Kurdish national who led a smuggling ring thought to be responsible for the movement of more than 10,000 migrants in small boats to the UK and jailed in 2023.

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Savas was found to be his "key supplier of boats and engines", according to the NCA.

The agency's director general of operations, Rob Jones, said Savas's supplies "were likely involved in numerous fatal events in the Channel".

"He pretended to run a legitimate maritime supply company, but in reality he knew exactly how the equipment he provided would be used.

"He also knew exactly how unsuitable it was for long sea crossings."

Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the UK was "cracking down on the criminals exchanging human lives for cash" and praised officers for apprehending "this smuggling kingpin".

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Home Office figures showed that a total of 41,472 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025 - almost 5,000 more than the previous year.

It was the highest number since 2022, when nearly 46,000 migrants crossed.

Such crossings have become the most common way for people to be detected entering the UK illegally since 2020.

According to the United Nations, at least 84 people died while attempting to cross the Channel in 2024. Experts say the risks involved with the journey are increased by overcrowding on boats.

Click here to see the BBC interactive

Migration Minister Mike Tapp welcomed the sentencing, but admitted there was a "long way to go" when challenged on the fact that tens of thousands of migrants had crossed the Channel since Savas's arrest in November 2024.

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"We've arrested hundreds of gangsters, we've also seen sweeping changes to our immigration system, making it less attractive to come here, [and] making it easier to remove and deport people."

In another case in England, a teenager appeared in court on Wednesday charged with endangering 46 people during a small boat Channel crossing to the UK.

Aman Naseri, 18, an Afghan national, is believed to be the first person to be charged with endangering others during a sea crossing to the UK without valid entry clearance, since the alleged offence became law on 5 January.

He denied the offence, telling the court: "I was forced to do so."
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in ones mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them. ~ Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

On January 6, 2021, then-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) had a clear-eyed opinion about the Capitol riot, posting multiple tweets sharply condemning the violence.

On January 6, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is quiet after the White House launched a website full of propaganda, conspiracy theories, misrepresentations, and flat-out lies about January 6.

The website (www.whitehouse.gov/j6) omitted numerous facts about President Donald Trumps culpability in baselessly claiming the 2020 election was fraudulent, inspiring the riot, further agitating the rioters against then-Vice President Mike Pence, and dragging his feet sending a tweet asking them to depart the Capitol peacefully, and seeks to shift blame to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other Democrats, Republicans who criticized Trump, and even the Capitol Police, accusing them of causing the violence by behaving aggressively with provocative tactics that escalate[d] tensions.

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Other ludicrous falsehoods include characterizing the rioters as wholly peaceful, claiming Pence could have and should have prevented the certification of the Electoral College votes, and insisting the election was stolen.

The website sparked outrage and inspired some internet sleuths to excavate old tweets, interviews, and speeches from various Republicans in the aftermath of the riot.

Rubio, as Trumps current Secretary of State (and heavily involved in last weekends military action in Venezuela), was a particularly noteworthy example, and several of his 2021 tweets were widely shared Tuesday afternoon.

There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021

There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill, Rubio wrote on the afternoon of Jan. 6, as the riot was ongoing. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.

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In another tweet a few minutes later, Rubio pleaded with Trump that it was crucial for him to help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.

Mr. President @realDonaldTrump the men & women of law enforcement are under assault. It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021

In a tweet the next day, Rubio slammed Trumps narrative that Pence could have overturned the election.

Some misled you That the VP could reject ballots That objections could pass or used as leverage to force an audit They knew the truth but thought it was a great way to get attention & raise money  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 7, 2021

Some misled you, he wrote, [t]hat the VP could reject ballots or [t]hat objections could pass or used as leverage to force an audit.

They knew the truth but thought it was a great way to get attention & raise money.

Others shared video clips of Rubio speaking in the Senate chamber the evening after the riot in which he angrily condemned the violence, comparing it to military coups in Cuba.

Flashback: On January 6th, Marco Rubio compared Trumps MAGA Capitol attack to the military coup of Cuba. pic.twitter.com/ubmndSBwMx  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) January 6, 2026

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Rubio has not posted from his personal account, @marcorubio, since Jan. 4 and has not posted from his Secretary of State account, @SecRubio, since Jan. 5.

The post Marco Rubios 2021 Tweets Go Viral After Launch of White Houses Jan. 6 Propaganda Website first appeared on Mediaite.
Before he found himself a target of the Trump administration as a U.S. senator, Mark Kelly was a veteran NASA astronaut who flew to space on four separate missions in a decade.

Sen. Kelly, D-Arizona, was recently issued a formal censure courtesy of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth for his role in a video telling service members they "can refuse illegal orders." Kelly was first elected to office in 2020, about nine years after he retired from both the Navy and NASA.

Prior to his career as a public servant, Kelly, 61, was a Navy fighter pilot who saw combat and also an astronaut who piloted  and even commanded  space shuttle missions to orbit.

Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Athena, the lunar lander on Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, captured this image of the moon's surface with Earth seen in the distance ahead of a March 6 landing attempt. While the lander was the second U.S. vehicle to reach the moon within a week, it ultimately landed on its side, which hindered much of its mission. NASA astronaut Suni Williams is helped out of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft March 18 following a return to Earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. She and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore crewed the Boeing Starliner, which had launched in June 2024 on a failed test flight that was meant to return them to Earth a few days later. Butch Wilmore reacts after he and Suni Williams and two other astronauts splashed down March 18 in a Crew Dragon space capsule following their return to earth from the International Space Station off the coast of Florida. The astronauts' extended stay at the orbital outpost dominated the news cycle for months. A SpaceX support team member is seen airborne while working to lift the SpaceX Dragon capsule that returned the Starliner astronauts and two others onto a recovery vehicle following its landing off the coast of Florida. This picture shows the crew of a privately-funded mission known as Fram2, from left to right, mission specialist and medical officer Eric Philips, mission commander Chun Wang, pilot Rabea Rogge and vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen on March 19, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. Launched March 31 from Florida using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission became t first ever human spaceflight over the Earth's polar regions. Pop musician Katy Perry emerges April 14 from Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule in West Texas following a brief flight to the edge of space. Perry was part of an all-women crew that also included broadcast journalist Gayle King that took the ride from Blue Origin's facility called Launch Site One. The high-profile launch attracted plenty of headlines and even drew some backlash from those who viewed the mission as a wasteful publicity stunt. Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sanchez lifts off April 14 from Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas. Blue Origin has since launched five more human spaceflights on the New Shepard in 2025. This photo depicts a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the latest batch of Amazon's broadband satellites on Dec. 16 to low-Earth orbit after launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Formerly called Project Kuiper, the venture has since been renamed Amazon Leo. Since its debut April launch, Amazon Leo has deployed 180 of 3,000 satellites planned for its first constellation, which could challenge SpaceX's Starlink. A group of Blue Origin employees with their friends and families gather on the beach in Cape Canaveral for the launch of Blue Origin's second New Glenn rocket in 2025. Following its January debut, the rocket launched for the second time Nov. 13 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on their trek to Mars. Darkness falls Nov. 9 as a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is prepped for its second-ever launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing the towering rocket for heavy-lift missions that could see Jeff Bezos' company compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster before sunrise as preparations continue for its 11th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas. A SpaceX Super Heavy booster carrying the Starship spacecraft lifts off Oct. 13, 2025, on its 11th ever test flight at the company's launch pad in Starbase, Texas. The launch was Starship's fifth of 2025, and second consecutive successful test flight following a year that was early on marked by explosive failures. SpaceX is developing the rocket for future missions that would help NASA astronauts land on the moon and also potentially transport the first humans to Mars. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 1 of 13 Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead.

Here's everything to know about Mark Kelly's astronaut career with NASA.

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Spaceflight in 2026: 6 spaceflights ahead, from NASA moon missions to SpaceX Starship

Pete Hegseth censures US Senator Mark Kelly

Hegseth's censure of Kelly, announced Monday, Jan. 5, on X, comes after the Arizona senator became one of six Democratic lawmakers who drew the Trump administrations ire by recording a video in November telling service members they can refuse illegal orders.

Hegseth, the defense secretary, had originally threatened to court-martial Kelly, a retired Navy captain, before opting for a formal censure and initiating proceedings aiming to demote Kelly in retirement.

Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution  including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the  Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 5, 2026

In response, Kelly blasted Hegseth in a statement posted to X, calling him "the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our countrys history."

Mark Kelly is a retired NASA astronaut

Mark Kelly is pictured May 18, 2011 being welcomed aboard the International Space Station after arriving on space shuttle Endeavor. Kelly, a retired astronaut, is now a U.S. senator from Arizona.

Kelly, a formal naval officer who flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, was selected in 1996 to train to become a NASA astronaut.

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Kelly ultimately retired from both the Navy and NASA in 2011  the same year that his wife, Gabby Giffords, a former Democratic congresswoman from Arizona, was shot and nearly killed in an attempted assassination. He was first elected in 2020 as a U.S. senator.

NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Oct. 2, 2025. At the time it was imaged, the comet was about 19 million miles from the spacecraft. The comet didn't come nearly as close to Earth, when it reached a distance of 170 million miles from our planet on Dec. 19. This image shows the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet as a bright, fuzzy orb in the center. Traveling through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour, 3I/ATLAS was made visible by using a series of colorized stacked images from Sept. 11-25, using the Heliocentric Imager-1 (H1) instrument, a visible-light imager on the STEREO-A (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) spacecraft. The colorization was applied to differentiate the image from other observing spacecraft images. Because it's big enough to be deemed a "city killer," asteroid 2024 YR4 became a source of alarm due to the uncommonly high risk it had of colliding with Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. For a time, it was the only object among more than 37,000 known large space rocks with any chance of hitting Earth anytime soon  with its probability of impact even rising to a record level of 3.1%.That began to change in late February as more precise observations allowed scientists to effectively winnow down the asteroid's odds of impact to a number so low, it might as well be zero. An exoplanet known as K2-18b achieved a degree of fame in April when a team of astronomers claimed to have found in its atmosphere "the strongest evidence yet" that life exists anywhere else besides Earth. Other scientists have since cast doubt on the findings  putting a damper on the notion that humanity finally had proof that we aren't alone in the cosmos. This artist's concept shows what exoplanet K2-18b could look like based on scientific data. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed K2-18b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, revealing conditions that could support life on the exoplanet. NASAs Perseverance Mars rover is seen in a "selfie" that it took over on Sept. 10, 2021. Perseverance rover, along with Curiosity, is one of the agency's two car-sized robots exploring the Martian surface for signs that the planet was once habitable. And in September, NASA officials confirmed that one of the rovers finds contained a potential biosignature. A reddish rock nicknamed "Cheyava Falls", with features resembling leopard spots was discovered by NASA's Perseverance rover in Mars Jezero Crater in July 2024, in this handout photograph released on September 10, 2025. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, light up the night sky Nov. 11 east of Denver, Colorado. A powerful geomagnetic solar storm in November blasted Earth and created the conditions necessary to reveal the auroras much further south in the United States than is typical. A group of friends take photos of the northern lights Nov. 11 as they appear over Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. After NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a "severe" geomagnetic storm watch in November, many people in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes the U.S., had an extraordinary opportunity to gaze upon some breathtaking red and green auroras in their own backyard. In June, the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin ground telescope in Chile unveiled its first stunning images of the cosmos. This particular image combines 678 separate images taken by the observatory in just over seven hours of observing time. Combining many images in this way clearly reveals otherwise faint or invisible details, such as the clouds of gas and dust that comprise the Trifid nebula (top) and the Lagoon nebula, which are several thousand light-years away from Earth. 2025 was a year of cosmic discoveries. Here's a look back at 6 1 of 11 NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy.

Kelly has traveled on space shuttles, been to International Space Station

During his astronaut career, Kelly flew on four NASA space shuttle missions between 2001 and 2011, spending a total of 50 days in space and traveling more than 20 million miles, according to his senate biography.

Kelly's final spaceflight in 2011 to the International Space Station was also the last for Endeavor  one of the shuttles under NASA's now-iconic program to transport crew and cargo from Earth to orbit. For three decades, the shuttles flew 135 missions critical to helping astronauts reach space, constructing the ISS and launching, recovering and repairing satellites.

Mark Kelly's twin brother Scott Kelly is also a NASA astronaut

Kelly was initially selected as an astronaut in the same NASA class as his identical twin brother Scott Kelly.

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Scott Kelly, also a retired naval aviator, flew on four missions of his own between 1999 and 2015  the last of which helped etch his name in NASA history. In March 2016, Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko returned from a nearly yearlong mission at the International Space Station, where they spent 340 days in low-Earth orbit.

At the time, the mission gave Scott Kelly the record for the NASA astronaut with the most consecutive days in space. The record has since been surpassed by NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Frank Rubio  who spent 355 days and 371 days in space, respectively.

Contributing: Davis Winkie, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Mark Kelly censured. What to know about retired NASA astronaut
Coca-Cola is a brand that feels untouchable. They currently hold the title of the biggest and most valuable soft drink brand in the world, with its impressive portfolio including Sprite and Fanta. But that's doesn't make them immune to controversy, and the brand pops up several times when ranking the biggest soda recalls in history. One of the biggest recalls to occur in the United States took place in 1972, when 3.2 million cans of Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta were pulled from shelves due to contaminated can lids.

The source of the contaminated can lids can be traced back to a malfunctioning automatic oven at a Reynolds Metals plant in New Jersey, which supplied the can lids. The lids were coated with a vinyl epoxy resin carried by a solvent, which should normally evaporate during baking, but remained due to a temperature malfunction. The residual solvent gave off a strong odor reminiscent of petroleum and potentially caused nausea.

Using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards (introduced in 1978), this would likely be classified as a Class II recall, which is "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." Although the FDA estimated that only 1,000 to 16,500 lids were actually contaminated, the recall was widened from 21,000 cans to eventually include 3.2 million.

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Read more: 9 Canned Foods You Should Avoid At Aldi And 5 You Should Definitely Buy

Other times Coca-Cola has been affected by recalls

A can of Coca-Cola on ice. - Fotoatelie/Getty Images

Recalls can affect all different types of food and drinks, from massive canned food recalls to potato recalls that swept across the U.S. Recalls can occur for a variety of reasons, and while many are relatively minor, there are also Class I recalls, which are classified by the FDA as a "reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." Fortunately, in the history of Coca-Cola in the United States they've not been subject to a Class I recall, but there have been many cases of Class II recalls in it's recent history.

For Coca-Cola, 2025 wasn't a great year and it was subject to several large, public recalls. Luckily, the numbers pale in comparison to the 1972 recall. In October, over 70,000 cans of Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Sprite were recalled from Texas shelves and warehouses due to potential metal fragments, which posed a laceration risk. In March, over 10,000 cans were recalled in Illinois and Wisconsin due to a potential plastic contamination risk.

Overseas, however, there have been instances of much more serious Coca-Cola recalls. In Belgium in 1999, many consumers, including schoolchildren, fell sickafter drinking Coca-Cola products. This saw approximately 17 million cases recalled, which at the time was the biggest soda recall in the company's history. While the cause was believed to be a combination of bad carbon dioxide and fungicide contamination, its severity was also linked to a case of mass-hysteria. More recently, in 2024 over 28 million half-bottles of Coca-Cola products were recalled in Austria due to potential contamination from small metal pieces due to a production error, which takes the title as the largest recall in Coca-Cola's history.

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Read the original article on Food Republic.




Calling all San Antonians: the wait for your newest H-E-B is finally over. This week marks the opening of the city's newest location on the Far Westside.

The fan-favorite grocer offered MySA an exclusive first look into its store at 15489 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78253 before its grand opening on Wednesday, January 7, at 6 a.m. Customers have a lot to look forward to, as it will also contain a True Texas BBQ restaurant and drive-thru, a large pharmacy and a H-E-B fuel and carwash.

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During the event's opening remarks, Store General Manager Beto Ardilla said he had "deep appreciation" for the neighborhood this market will serve.

"We are thrilled to open the doors to all of you and look forward to earning your confidence and providing a quality shopping experience with H-E-B has to offer," he said. "Each of our stores reflects the community it serves, and this H-E-B is no different."

A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)





Since it is based at the intersection of State Highway 211 and Culebra Road, folks out in the countryside will have easier access to their necessities. Its aisles are stocked with beauty, cleaning and dinner items, while other spots, like the tortilleria, bakery and sushi department offer ready-to-eat items.

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Ardilla highlighted other elements that set this location apart, including its "one of the largest" selections of beverages, including craft beers and wine from around the world. He also complimented the blooms department, which provides fresh floral arrangements and celebratory balloons.

Folks as far as Lakehills, Medina Lake and Mico can also get in on the action, as delivery services will reach these communities. In-person, residents can get creative at H-E-B's coffee and nut grinding stations, which allow customers to create their own homemade peanut butter or java grounds, or place a curbside order.

Pharmacy customers may also notice increased efficiency at this store. It contains five outside drive-up slots, which makes it easier to pick up prescriptions on a time crunch.

Before the ribbon-cutting, H-E-B Regional Vice President of the San Antonio Region Javier Avalos announced $5,000 in gift card dollars and $10,000 in donations to the following education foundations: Medina Valley Independent School District (ISD), Northside ISD and Bandera ISD.

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"For 120 years, H-E-Bs have had the privilege of serving Texans across our great state with roots dating back to our founder, Florence Butt. Our spirit of giving drives our mission to serve all Texans, including the dedicated organizations that do so much to serve those in need," Avalos said. "As a people company, we truly believe that giving back allows us to better serve you and our stores and, more importantly, create strong communities where we can grow together."

This store has been over a year in the making, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Investors poured $29 million into its creation.

Below are first look photos of the store:

A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)





A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. Shown is the Fish Market. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)





A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)





A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)

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A first look into the new H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas, which opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. It is located off State Highway 211 and Culebra Road. (Melanie Love Salazar/MySA)





This article originally published at Massive, long-anticipated H-E-B finally opens along booming growth corridor.
Last year, Idaho reported 13 measles cases amid the nations worst outbreak in decades. (Photo by McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch)

A child in Madison County contracted measles after traveling out of state to an area with an active outbreak, eastern Idaho health officials said Tuesday.

In a news release, Eastern Idaho Public Health officials said they believe the child likely caught measles while traveling, not locally. The child was not vaccinated for measles.

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Officials said Madison Health, the Rexburg-based hospital where the child was treated but not hospitalized, has contacted people who were potentially exposed to measles. Eastern Idaho Public Health says it will not publicly announce more cases within the childs household in a news release.

Last year, Idaho reported 13 measles cases amid the nations worst outbreak in decades. All Idaho measles cases last year were in unvaccinated children, or children whose vaccination status was unknown.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles, which is highly contagious and usually leads to hospitalization for one in five children younger than 5 years old who are infected.

Measles is highly contagious but rare. Up to 90% of non-immune people in contact with an infected person can become infected. The virus can live in the air up to two hours after someone infected leaves.

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Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. While many recover without problems, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in very young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Idaho has a spotty record for measles vaccinations, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.

The viruss serious complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) and, in rare cases, death.

People with measles symptoms should not enter health care settings without calling ahead, and they should contact their health care providers. People exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

There is no antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC.

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Mark Cuban is making the case that medical school in the U.S. should be tuition-free. His reasoning is simple: the high cost of education is driving future doctors into debt and limiting their choices.

There are 100k students in med school each year, the billionaire entrepreneur wrote in a July post on Bluesky. Room and board is about 100k per year. For [$]10b a year, med school could be free.

Cuban Sees Free Med School As A Smart Investment

Cuban believes that eliminating tuition would give students more freedom to pursue the specialties they're passionate about instead of choosing based on income potential.

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We would see a wholesale change in the profession, career paths and the cost of care, he said. It would change the economics for every financial decision doctors [make]. In his view, the ripple effects could include better access to care, a stronger primary care workforce and a shift away from the current profit-driven system.

This isnt the first time hes floated the idea. In 2024, he suggested the government could fund free medical school for under $2.5 billion a year, using a smaller estimate of students and costs. He's also said private companies might be willing to help fund students' education in exchange for future employment, especially as technology continues to transform health care.

His latest comments came just as the Senate passed a bill in July that has since been signed into law, capping loans at $200,000far below the real cost of med school. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the median cost for the class of 2026 is $297,745 at public schools and $408,150 at private ones.

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Critics warn that tighter loan caps could push students toward expensive private loans or deter low-income and first-generation students from applying at all. The risk, some say, is worsening the country's existing doctor shortage, especially in rural and underserved areas.

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Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who earned his medical degree in 1987 when tuition was a fraction of todays cost, wasn't sympathetic. Anyone who is paying more than $100,000 to go to school is making a huge mistake, he told Politico.

Others in the medical field share Cuban's concerns about the state of the system. That includes the world's richest woman, and an heir to the Walmart fortune, Alice Walton. In July, she opened the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville, Arkansas, with a focus on preventive care and whole-person health.

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Walton is covering tuition for the first five graduating classes. I wanted to create a school that really gives doctors the ability to focus on how to keep their patients healthy, Walton told Time. The school blends science and traditional medicine with the arts and humanities, and requires students to do community service and take nutrition and culinary classes.

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The hope is that AWSOM becomes a model for other schools. Our health care system is broken, Walton told Time. "Health care is the most inequitable. A lot of that is because we don't have doctors and health-care providers who look like a lot of people."

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This article Should Medical School Be Free? If You Ask Mark Cuban, The Answer Is Yes. At $10B Annually, 'Med School Could Be Free' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Without knowing the precise contents of their conversations, it is difficult to say with certainty why Karoline Leavitt, as White House spokesperson and on behalf of Donald Trump, brought up the option of using military force to take over Greenland.

However, given the timing, it seems to have been a defiant  and typically touchy  response to the polite but firm joint statement issued by the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK. They declared nothing less than the legal and moral truth that: Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

Yet President Trump, fairly obviously, thinks its also a matter for the United States and, as he puts it, national and international security. Evidently, he was irked.

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Of course, to some degree, what Ms Leavitt said about force was a truism: Utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chiefs disposal. So it is  but the commander-in-chief has previously ruled out armed intervention; for example, in the case of Canada.

Donald Trump says he is ready to deploy military force to take control of Greenland, which he says the US needs for national and international security (AP)

Ms Leavitts reference to force was pointed, and one to which the Greenlanders, Danes and Europeans have no adequate rejoinder. In terms of power, the United States can easily acquire Greenland, and most other places, without much difficulty. After the success of the Venezuelan mission  as well as the bombings in Iran and, to a lesser extent, the protection of Nigerian Christians  confidence in that capacity has grown. At the same time, inhibitions about breaking international law have evaporated.

One of Mr Trumps senior aides, Stephen Miller, has been the most militantly outspoken member of the White House team on this point, no doubt reflecting Mr Trumps own preferences: The US is the power of Nato. For the US to secure the Arctic region, to protect and defend Nato and Nato interests, obviously Greenland should be part of the US ... Nobodys going to fight the US over the future of Greenland.

All that European leaders can really do in the face of an America veering off into becoming a rogue state is to use reason and diplomacy to try and influence those elements in Washington that still understand the dangers that the ultras in the White House are entertaining.

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Somehow, someone needs to talk sense to Mr Trump  and most effectively, that will be done privately.

The principal argument that needs to be put, unfortunately neglected in the joint statement, is that Greenland does not have to change its constitutional status in order for it to be defended to the satisfaction of the US. The Americans can already station as many missiles, as many troops, as many ice breakers and submarines, even, perhaps, nuclear weapons on this vast island to protect the American homeland from any conceivable attack or incursion.

As the European leaders did point out, Greenland is Nato territory, and increasingly important as the ice cap recedes and the waterways open up. If Mr Trump wanted, he could devise a scheme whereby Greenland, and Canada for that matter, could also be placed, for a fee, under the defensive Golden Dome he wants to cover the continental United States with, safe from Russian or Chinese rockets.

There is another puzzle that the president needs to be gently challenged about. Why is he so very concerned about Russian ships being all over Greenland when one of the main strategic goals of his foreign policy is to normalise relations with the Kremlin and do deals with Vladimir Putin, as with Ukraine?

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What is the Russian threat? Why does America need to fortify Greenland from Russia if President Putin is President Trumps (more or less) respected friend and partner? China is more of a regional challenger, but, as the Danes point out, theyve kept Beijing well away from Greenlandic resource assets. Its also true that states such as Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are also essential allies across the Arctic region.

The truth may be that Mr Trump is acquisitive by nature, and simply wants to take over Greenland to access its mineral resources as much as for its security benefits. Yet, within reasonable environmental limits, American companies could mine and operate on the island without it becoming US territory, and make money and enhance US energy security just the same. Greenland doesnt have to become the 51st state of the union for economic development to proceed.

These are the kinds of arguments that can be pursued by Americas allies confidentially, through the usual channels. Mr Trump, more than most, is not amenable to megaphone diplomacy.

A figure such as the former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace can accuse President Trump of trying to thieve Greenlands mineral assets  and hed be right. In an ideal world, Sir Ben would also be correct to say that the prime minister must be less mealy-mouthed in condemning his actions. But with Europeans woefully short of defence resources and still so dependent on America for weapons and technology, impugning the president would be counterproductive.

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President Trump famously works through personal relationships and requires a degree of respect  if not outright deference. Diplomacy is the best route forward, and the preservation of Nato  until such time as Europe can look after its own defence  has to be the aim.

It is also a time for creativity and exploring whether an agreed change in the status of Greenland would be in the interests of all. Some kind of free association with the US, for example, or a leaseback of sovereign territory, could be a solution to those tensions.

In time, an independent Greenland might also emerge with its own ideas. None, though, would be sustainable without them being agreed by the Danish parliament and, most importantly, the people of Greenland through a referendum. For the time being, nothing should be done to weaken what remains of the Western alliance any further.
The Green Bay School District doesnt plan to take any major headline-grabbing safety measures after the board in December vetoed a weapons detection pilot program, district safety leadership said.

Instead, Green Bay will focus on smaller, focused changes, like a student safety ambassadors program, updating school safety plans and doing site assessments, safety and security manager Chris Collar said Jan. 7.

There are going to be lots of things that are done that people might not notice, but were tightening things up or doing things differently, Collar said. Some of it could be policy procedures, some of it could be safety plan related, some of it could be how they do things within the building.

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School safety has been in the forefront of conversations in Green Bay since early September 2025, when a student at Preble High School brought a loaded handgun and ammunition to school in his backpack. In the immediate aftermath, the district implemented a clear backpack policy and increased consequences for violent behavior.

However, forward motion on the issue has slowed. The school district held a September roundtable to get parent, student and community feedback and considered solutions ranging from weapons detectors to changing dress code and requiring all backpacks stay in lockers. In October, the board decided to focus on weapons detection, changes to how behavior is enforced and the proposed backpack-in-locker policy.

A weapons detection pilot program was vetoed, largely due to concerns about cost and effectiveness. A meeting to "recalibrate" how schools enforce behavior hadnt happened as of December, and its not on a publicly posted agenda. The proposed backpack policy has been indefinitely tabled, as of late November.

Thats not to say there havent been any changes since September. The district hired a second safety administrator, former school resource officer Keith Gering. Its also put together a student safety ambassador program, where Collar (and likely Gering) will work with students directly. And board members have been clear that options theyre not focusing on arent off the table.

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One major factor is cost. The district is still figuring out how itll address a multimillion-dollar deficit, and measures like weapons detectors can be expensive, with recurring annual costs. Still, in September, Superintendent Vicki Bayer said costs shouldnt be an issue when it comes to school safety.

The vestibule to the secure entrance to Mount Horeb Middle School. In May 2024, a 14-year-old student attempted to bring a rifle into the school, but he was unsuccessful. The district superintendent has said lives were likely saved that day because the school district had used referendums to upgrade the building to have a "secure entrance" and other safety features.

Students who participate in Green Bays Intra-City Student Council told the Press-Gazette in interviews after their Jan. 7 meeting that while weapons detectors were a good idea, they understand cost is a challenge, and logistics could be difficult. Although they said they and their friends were initially all in on metal detectors, now they say they wouldnt necessarily feel more or less safe with metal detectors, although some said theyd appreciate detectors at after-school events.

Instead, students focused on the root of the problem: supporting students who may feel incentivized to bring weapons to school. Prioritizing social workers and therapists, and encouraging a sense of school community, should come first, they said.

Id like to see something else to prevent the problem before it happens, before we go through things as costly as weapons detectors, said Lily Rotter, a junior at East.

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(This story was updated.)

Contact Green Bay education reporter Nadia Scharf at nscharf@usatodayco.com or on X at @nadiaascharf.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: After metal detector veto, Green Bay schools not planning major safety changes
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The State of New Mexico awarded $463,577 in grants to nine organizations that help support the states creative ecosystem. The state Creative Industries Division received more than 100 applications for grants.

The awarded grants will support access to technical assistance, business services and professional development for creative entrepreneurs. Awardees were chosen based on their track record of supporting creative industries.

Albuquerque City Council selects council president and vice president

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List of recipients:

516 ARTS in Albuquerque was awarded $62,500 to advance its artist-in-residency program by supporting affordable studio access, paid public programming, professional development, and exhibition opportunities for resident artists.

Arts Hub in Albuquerque/statewide was awarded $62,500 to deliver Adult and Youth Creative Fellowships, in-person workshops, webinars, and no-cost technical assistance to support creative entrepreneurs and arts nonprofits with business planning, marketing, grant writing, and professional services statewide.

CENTER in Santa Fe/statewide was awarded $32,755 to provide statewide workshops and a digital lab focused on photographic printing and business development, helping photographers diversify income streams through high-quality print products and professional marketing tools.

Contigo Immigrant Justice in Bernalillo and Santa Fe Counties was awarded $62,500 to expand legal representation and outreach for immigrant creatives, removing immigration barriers that limit work authorization, touring, vending, and business growth.

Clovis MainStreet in Clovis was awarded $62,500 to expand creative entrepreneur training, makers markets, youth entrepreneurship programming, and marketing efforts that support small creative businesses and downtown revitalization.

gallupARTS in Gallup was awarded $19,722 to deliver a Creative Entrepreneurship Cohort that provides local artists and creative entrepreneurs with structured business training, peer learning, and ongoing professional support.

Los Alamos Makers in Los Alamos was awarded $40,000 to expand hands-on training, shared fabrication tools, and business mentorship that help creatives turn digital designs into market-ready products and sustainable creative enterprises.

New Mexico State University Department of Art in Las Cruces was awarded $62,500 to strengthen and expand its Digital Craft Labs, providing access to advanced fabrication tools, workforce training, public workshops, and business incubation support for creative entrepreneurs.

OffCenter Community Arts in Albuquerque was awarded $58,600 to expand its New Works, Mural Mentorship, and Gallery Ready programs, providing layered professional development, mentorship, and market access for early- and mid-career artists from historically underserved communities.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at Jan. 6, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

Midday: 6-1-8

Evening: 5-7-8

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

Midday: 8-3-7-9

Evening: 1-7-2-3

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

10-13-24-27-31, Lucky Ball: 08

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

JD-4C-7D-2H-10S

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

05-25-26-28-34

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03-05-11-22-32

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from Jan. 6 drawing

03-06-08-13-14-16-17-27-28-32-34-40-41-48-51-56-59-60-64-68-74-79

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

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Michigan Lottery

Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

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Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325

Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325

Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325

Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325

Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325

Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.

Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily

Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily

Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday

Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily

Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Jan. 6, 2026
WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday he will address Britain's parliament on January 20, as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of independence from rule by London.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, will be the first sitting U.S. House speaker to address parliament.

"As America begins its Semiquincentennial celebration, I will be happy to visit one of the great shrines of democracy itself, where the principles that launched the long struggle for American liberty were debated and refined," Johnson said in a statement announcing the trip.

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The United States has planned a series of ceremonial events to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence in 1776.

I am pleased to continue to mark this important occasion and acknowledge the enduring close relationship between our parliaments and people," Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, said in a statement.

(Reporting by Patricia ZengerleEditing by Rod Nickel)
Just like us, galaxies typically go through an awkward period during their adolescence. Recent research found that young galaxies collide and merge with other galaxies, developing clumpy, asymmetric battle scars and bursts of stellar activity. It takes billions and billions of years for a galaxy to settle and mature into the majestic spiral-armed formations were familiar with.

Or so we thought.

Astronomers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar were recently surprised to find a relatively young galaxy in pristine condition, spiral arms and all. Using deep imaging from the James Webb Space Telescope, they observed a galaxy bearing a striking resemblance to our 13.6-billion-year-old Milky Way, but one that formed only 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, when the universe was one-tenth its current age. They named the galaxy Alaknanda after one of the two headstreams of the Ganges River in India (the other, Mandakini, is the Hindi word for Milky Way). They published their findings in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

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A mature galaxy like ours has whats called a grand-design spiral, or two massive arms swirling outward from the center that astronomers long believed needed billions of years to accrete enough material. Alaknanda appears to have achieved this feat in record time.

Read more: Star Siblings Tell Tales of Galactic Chaos

Alaknanda has the structural maturity we associate with galaxies that are billions of years older, Jain explained in a statement. Finding such a well-organized spiral disk at this epoch tells us that the physical processes driving galaxy formationgas accretion, disk settling, and possibly the development of spiral density wavescan operate far more efficiently than current models predict. Its forcing us to rethink our theoretical framework.

Its not just Alaknandas shape that raised eyebrows, but its productivity as well. The precocious galaxy produces stars 20 times faster than the Milky Way, adding the equivalent of 60 suns each year. The discovery is changing what we know about how galaxies evolve and shedding light on what the early universe was like.

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Alaknanda reveals that the early universe was capable of far more rapid galaxy assembly than we anticipated, Wadadekar said. Somehow, this galaxy managed to pull together 10 billion solar masses of stars and organize them into a beautiful spiral disk in just a few hundred million years. Thats extraordinarily fast by cosmic standards, and it compels astronomers to rethink how galaxies form.

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Lead image: NASA/ESA/CSA, I. Labbe/R. Bezanson/Alyssa Pagan (STScI), Rashi Jain/Yogesh Wadadekar (NCRA-TIFR)

This story was originally featured on Nautilus.
U.S. Army veteran and businessman Kendall Qualls, a gubernatorial candidate for Minnesota, quipped on Tuesday about a parallel he saw between the U.S. capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the departure of Gov. Tim Walz from the race.

"I cant tell you who is celebrating more, Minnesotans or the people of Venezuela. I think theres a competition there," Qualls said on "Fox & Friends First."

Walz announced on Monday that he's dropping his bid for a third term as governor amid stinging criticism of his handling of his state's massive welfare assistance fraud scandal. Businesses ranging from daycares to nonprofits allegedly used state policies to take what some estimate to be about $9 billion in taxpayer dollars.

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Loeffler: Vast Network Of Somali Nonprofits Ripped Off Minnesotas Welfare State

Kendall Qualls (right) is running to replace Tim Walz as governor of Minnesota. (Getty Images)

Qualls characterized Walz's two terms governing Minnesota as a failure.

"I can tell you, his tenure here  two terms  have been an absolute disaster," he said. "His first term will be known for letting the city of Minneapolis, one of the crown jewels of our city-big cities of the country, burn to the ground, as well as the second term of this fraud case we are seeing today. Over this whole timeframe, the state has basically declined economically for 20 years and most recently under his watch."

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Broadcast Bias: Networks Blast Trump Tirade But Not $1B Somali Scam Rocking Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota announced on Monday that he's dropping his bid for a third term as governor amid stinging criticism of his handling of his state's massive welfare assistance fraud scandal.

Qualls went on to make the case that Minnesota is ultimately a centrist state. He believes that a political outsider like him, who has served in the military and become a successful business executive after growing up both in both Harlem and a trailer park in Oklahoma, is a testament to the American story.

"What I have learned over the course of this time is that no matter where you start in life, you dont have to stay there for the rest of your life in this country. There is a pathway out," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office and did not receive immediate reply.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz walk out on stage together during a campaign event on August 6, 2024, in Philadelphia.





Original article source: Minn gov candidate says locals cheer Walz scrapping re-election as much as Venezuelans cheer Maduro's fall
Democrats are still likely to win this years Minnesota gubernatorial race after the current governor, Tim Walz (D), ending his campaign, according to Sabatos Crystal Ball.

On Monday, Walz announced he was ending his reelection bid amid increasing scrutiny about his management of massive pandemic era fraud scandal.

In a statement, the former running mate to Vice President Harris during her short-lived 2024 presidential bid said each minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I cant spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.

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So Ive decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work, he added.

Walzs choice to end his campaign has resulted in speculation that Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will make run for his seat. The two Minnesota Democrats met Sunday, according to The New York Times, the day before Walz officially announced his reelection decision.

Klobuchar praised Walz in a Monday statement, calling him a true public servant. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Democrat said she is seriously considering a run for governor.

Governor Walz made the difficult decision to focus on his job and the challenges facing our state rather than campaigning and running for reelection, Klobuchar posted on the social platform X.

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He has always dedicated his career to delivering for Minnesota  from providing school breakfast and lunches to our kids to passing gun safety legislation to maintaining our states AAA bond rating. He is a true public servant, she added.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  As prison populations see major declines nationally, recent data indicated that Mississippi is one of five states heading in the opposite direction.

Much of the nationwide decrease in the prison population over the last ten years is attributable to the pandemic. In 2021, it dropped roughly 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Though slight gains in incarceration rates occurred since then, it was still lower than the 2014 levels nationwide in all but five states. Mississippis 9.2% increase in its prison population over the period is actually the nations third-highest jump.

USAFacts found that, among other things, Federal and state-run facilities housed 87.7% of prisoners. The remainder were held in the custody of private prisons or local jails. Though Mississippis prisons are not at maximum capacity, it has still received a relative surplus of prisoners compared to other states. The latest prison data from 2023 indicated that Mississippis actually increased since 2014, contrasting falling incarceration rates seen in 45 other states.

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Escaped Louisiana work release inmate captured in Mississippi

Nationally, 87.5% of incarcerated people are in state prisons and the remainder are in federal custody. Put another way, thats 360 per 100,000 people in prison nationally. In Mississippi, the 19,526 incarcerated in 2023 means that 652 per 100,000 people are either in state or federal prison.

Due to its large prison population, a significant number of people cycle through the system. For instance, the state of Mississippi had the most people released from prison in 2023, surpassing all other states and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons system.

Currently, roughly 27 states authorize the use of the death penalty for at least one offense, including Mississippi. Among prisoners in military and federal justice systems, seven people are on death row. In Mississippi, 35 people are in the state system.

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The Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City (Getty Images).

Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.

Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that defined the end of last years session and a special session in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.

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But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for elimination of the states income tax and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.

Democrats  still smarting from last years GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban  said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoes plan.

But they note the income tax represents 65% of last years $13.4 billion in state revenue.

Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.

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People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state, Beck said. People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is being sold asgetting rid of your taxes, most Missourians will see little benefit.

What theyre not telling you is how much more youll have to spend every time you swipe your card, Aune said, adding: The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, youll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.

Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer targeted tax relief for those who need it most.

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State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.

The proposal, Boyko said, will actually lower your costs.

Senate President Cindy OLaughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to find solutions that move Missouri forward.

While tax cuts werent directly mentioned in her speech, OLaughlin left little doubt where she stood.

Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better, she said. In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.

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Missouri families want results, OLaughlin said.

They want better roads, better schools, she said. They want more private home ownership. They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs and stronger job skills. They want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.

Hovering over the income tax debate is a state budget picture looking gloomier than it has in years.

General revenue is projected to be $400 million below estimates made a year ago. Part of the reason is that a capital gains tax cut passed last year that was estimated to reduce revenue by $111 million annually is now believed to cost as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million a year moving forward.

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Beck said that while Democrats decided against using procedural maneuvers to gum up the Senate on the first day, the chamber will move much more slowly this year  not only in response to last years GOP moves quash Democratic filibusters, but also to avoid mistakes like the cost of the capital gains tax cut.

When you shut off debate or refuse to engage with the other side to just rush things through, mistakes happen, he said. We were screaming from the hilltop that the capital gains cuts were going to cost way more. But we went too fast, and senators werent allowed to do their jobs.
The Brief

Investigators say 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente planned for months the shootings that killed two Brown University students and an MIT professor.

The Justice Department said authorities recovered videos in which Neves Valente confessed to the killings, said he felt no remorse, and denied having a political or ideological motive.

Neves Valente, who was later found dead in a storage facility, did not explain why he targeted the victims and said his goal was to end his life on his own terms.

The man who investigators say shot and killed two Brown University students and an MIT professor had been planning the attacks for months.

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The Department of Justice said 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente left behind videos in which he confessed to the murders.

Chilling videos found in storage facility

Dig deeper

During a search of the storage facility where Neves Valentes body was found on Dec. 18, 2025, the FBI recovered an electronic device containing a series of short videos made by Neves Valente after the shootings.

In the recordings, the shooter admits in Portuguese that he had been working out details for at least six semesters.

In an English-translated transcript provided by the Justice Department, Neves Valente said he felt he had nothing to apologize for. He also complained in the videos about injuring his eye in the shootings.

FILE - The storage facility where the suspect behind the mass shooting at Brown University was found dead, is pictured in Salem, New Hampshire, on Dec. 19, 2025. (Photo by Bing Guan / AFP via Getty Images)

What they're saying

"Im not going to apologize because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me," he said.

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He explicitly addressed baseless claims spread by conservative influencer Laura Loomer after the attack that the Brown shooter had spoken in Arabic, saying something like "Allahu Akbar" upon entering the auditorium.

Neves Valente said he didnt speak a word of Arabic or intend to make any kind of statement. If he said anything, he "must have made an exclamation like, Oh no! or something like that," to express disappointment that the auditorium appeared to be empty when he entered, he said.

Students were hiding under desks, but Neves Valente thought theyd already escaped through an emergency exit.

"I never wanted to do it in an auditorium. I wanted to do it in a regular room," he said. "I had plenty of opportunities. Especially this semester, I had plenty of opportunities, but I always chickened out."

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He insisted he was not mentally ill. He said he didnt want to be famous and that the video wasnt a manifesto.

Neves Valente said his "only objective was to leave more or less" on his "own terms" and to ensure he "wouldnt be the one who ended up suffering the most from all this."

"No, that cannot happen. So if you dont like it, tough luck," he said. Neves Valente called his execution of the murders "a little incompetent."

"But at least something was done," he said.

No motive

He did not provide a motive for targeting Brown or the MIT professor, with whom he attended school in Portugal decades ago.

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Neves Valente said he had no hatred or love for the United States, where he first arrived around 25 years ago to study physics at Brown's graduate program before leaving in the spring of 2001.

He had studied at Brown on a student visa and eventually obtained legal permanent residence status in September 2017. His last known residence was in Miami.

"Its the same thing with Portugal, and most of the places where I have been," he said, adding later that "Ive been here without caring for a very long time now."

The Source

Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and previous reporting by LiveNOW from FOX.
Monroe County Council member David Henry plans to run for county commissioner this year.

Henry plans to run for the Democratic Party nomination for District 1, a seat currently being held by Lee Jones.

Henry was elected to the council in fall 2024. His four-year term began just over a year ago.

He said Monday that his time on the council has made clear to him that a lot of projects and challenges, including the jail, have not been solved through multiple terms.

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Its going to take a change in culture to do that, he said.

Henry said in a news release that Jones is not running for re-election. Jones could not be reached immediately to confirm that.

Henry said he had not originally planned to run for commissioner this soon, but said a commissioner seat in Monroe County is vacated only about every decade or so.

Henry may have opposition in the Democratic Party primary on May 5. He said fellow county council member Trent Deckard also is considering a run for commissioner. Both Henry and Deckard are among three at-large members on the nine-member council.

District 1 covers primarily the countys western townships  Bean Blossom, Richland, Van Buren, Indian Creek. The districts denote where the candidates must live. Voters in the entire county get to vote on commissioner races.

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Two of the three commissioner seats are not up for election this year. Julie Thomas, who occupies the District 2 seat, and Jody Madeira, who represents District 3, were elected in November 2024.

In a news release, Henry said his campaign would focus on, among other things, housing and jobs.

We need a county government focused on making the plans that make Monroe County a little cheaper, and a lot fairer for everyone trying to make it, he said.

In December, the median sales price for homes in Monroe County was $313,250, up an average 8% since 2000. The cost of housing has been a consistent flashpoint in local politics and has led to disagreements between county officials and the business community as well as city officials who have generally advocated for denser developments and are trying to annex significant portions of the county, in part to make those areas easier for development.

Council and commissioners clash on jail project

The commissioners recently also clashed with the county council over a planned $225 million jail project. Late last year, the council unanimously rejected the commissioners plan to buy 52 acres near Bloomington for the jail project, which soured spirits and further frayed fragile relations at a time that, more than ever, calls for cooperation: A lawsuit that threatens court interference is still hanging over county officials heads. And projected revenue declines, coupled with borrowing constraints inflicted by the state legislature, are eroding the countys fiscal footing.

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Henry has lined up two city council members to help with his campaign: Courtney Daily is serving as campaign chairwoman, and Sydney Zulich is the campaign manager. Monroe County Auditor Brianne Gregory is treasurer for Henrys campaign.

Henry said in the news release that he has more than 20 years of governmental and non-governmental experience and has worked in project management consulting in Washington, D.C, with federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and departments of justice, veterans affairs, energy and state.

According to the release, Henry also serves on the faculty of Indiana Universitys Paul H. ONeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

He noted in the release that, if elected, he would be the only commissioner with experience working in county government as professional staff, having worked for the Monroe County Health Department as the county's pandemic and bioterrorism emergency coordinator.

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According to the release, Henry is originally from near Pittsburgh, was raised near Cleveland and moved to Bloomington in 2002 to earn a masters from the ONeill School. He lives in Van Buren Township with his wife, Fiona, and their three children.

Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: County Councilman David Henry eyes commissioner seat in 2026 election
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is mourning the loss of a high school student who died while on vacation with his family in Mexico.

The Winston Churchill High School released a letter to the school community on Monday, sharing that Levi Shum passed away over the winter break.

According to school officials, Shum died during a tragic fishing accident in Mexico. He was a 12th grader and an avid, experienced fisherman.

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The details surrounding Levis death are limited.

Symptoms of the super flu: What to know as cases rise

The MCPS remembered him as a wonderful young man.

This news is devastating and heartbreaking for me and for our whole Winston Churchill community and is difficult to accept. I have shared with the family that our thoughts and most heartfelt sympathy are with them, wrote Winston Churchill High School Principal John Taylor in the letter.

Winston Churchill High School is working to support students with counseling services.

The death of a child in our community is a loss for all of us. We will grieve together and support each other, because that is important at a time like this, said Taylor.

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Neighbors and community members say the loss is being felt well beyond the school.

Its incredibly tragic to hear about something like that happening, but this is something that youyou feel for the whole student body, the community, their family, said neighbor Danny Weinstein.

School leaders are encouraging parents to speak with their child and to take this time to closely listen to their concerns and provide support.

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The acting director of the National Park Service believes 2025 was a kick-ass year. Advocates for what polls say is the most popular federal agency might use the same term, but with a far different meaning than Jessica Bowron intended in a year-end email to Park Service managers.

The past 11 months have been devastating for the National Park Service, said John Garder, senior director of budget and appropriations for the National Parks Conservation Association. The NPCA puts full-time Park Service employment at 12,600, down 24 percent since the start of the Trump administration.

Under this administration, our national parks and the people who protect them have been pushed to the brink through mass staff cuts, hiring freezes and pressured resignations, Garder said. Park Rangers are doing the work of multiple people, visitor centers are closing, and morale has never been lower.

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Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers, had a similar assessment of morale.

It is the worst that Ive ever seen it in over 60 years of affiliation with the NPS, Wade said via email. The way that NPS employees have been treated with probationary firings, having to remove negative messages (according to the administration) from interpretive programs, threats of termination for speaking out, forced performance ratings, covering for the loss of colleagues, and more, is simply tragic. No one should be treated like these employees have been.

From the start of the second Trump administration in January 2025, there has been a steady flow of bad news for staff and services at the NPS, the arm of the Interior Department that manages the 64 national parks and 369 other units, including historic sites, battlefields, memorials, monuments, preserves and recreation areas.

US President Donald Trumps quasi-federal agency, the Department of Government Efficiency, and, after DOGE, the Interior Department and the White House Office of Management and Budget eliminated more than 4,000 permanent employees through layoffs, buyouts, firings and forced resignations, according to Park Service records obtained by the NPCA. Some staff members also left voluntarily in frustration.

Fewer seasonal employees

There also were fewer seasonal employees hired than are usually brought on for the park systems busiest months for visitors, which totaled nearly 332 million in 2024. Visitor statistics for 2025 have not yet been released.

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Most visitors probably thought things seemed pretty normal in the park system, but many employees were working outside their job descriptions to make sure adequate maintenance and safety was provided, Wade said.

The big problem, and one that is disguised and will get worse, is behind the scenes, he said. Many of the permanent positions that have been lost are specialist positions in the central offices  scientists, historians, archeologists, water and air quality specialists, contract specialists, climate change specialists and others.

The 43-day partial government shutdown in the fall also took a toll, as thousands of employees were furloughed and others worked without pay. And in recent months there have been other stresses on staff, including orders from the administration to remove all references to diversity, equity and inclusion from Park Service informational materials and items for sale in gift shops.

Despite all that, Bowron, who became acting director in early 2025 after 18 years as a budget analyst and comptroller at the NPS, told regional and associate directors in December that things are going great at the NPS. Her email was a follow-up to one from the NPS deputy director of operations, Frank Lands, telling managers that staff were being given too many evaluations rating their work as outstanding or having exceeded expectations, according to the website National Parks Traveler.

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There is no hard and fast rule limiting the number of high-level evaluations, Bowron told the managers.

Thank you, and I look forward to another ass-kicking year with you, Bowron said in closing her email, obtained by the websites editor-in-chief, Kurt Repanshek.

You might say an ass-kicking year, if you relish the loss of roughly a quarter of the agencys workforce, the growing unaffordability of being a ranger, and the watering down of your mission and environmental laws that protect the parks, Repanshek wrote in a post.

The NPS press office said the agency does not release internal emails. There was no response to a request from CQ Roll Call for an interview with Bowron.

Annual pass promotes Trump

Other controversies have erupted over the Trump administrations management of the parks in the past month.

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The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Dec. 10 seeking to block plans to replace a photo of Glacier National Park with one of the presidents face on the 2026 annual pass for access to the parks that US residents can buy for $80 and nonresidents for $250.

Blotting out the majesty of Americas national parks with a closeup of his own face is Trumps crassest, most ego-driven action yet, said Kieran Suckling, the centers executive director. The national parks are not a personal branding opportunity. Theyre the pride and joy of the American people.

A survey by the Pew Research Center released in August found that the National Park Service is the most popular federal agency, with 76 percent of Americans giving it a favorable rating, including 78 percent of Republicans and 79 percent of Democrats.

In another move challenged by NPS advocates, the Interior Department announced that Americans will have free entry to the national parks on eight federal holidays next year, but not on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19) and Juneteenth (June 19)  two holidays honoring Black history. The department also added free access on Flag Day (June 14), which is also Trumps birthday.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth symbolize justice, freedom, and service, and they honor the ongoing work of making our country whole, said Gerry James, deputy director of the Sierra Clubs Outdoors For All campaign. Removing free entry to national parks on these federal holidays is a step backward.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., introduced a bill on Dec. 10 that would restore free access to the parks on MLK Day and Juneteenth.

Free entry days were created as a way for our National Parks to encourage public service and volunteer work, Cortez Masto said in a news release. Its our national responsibility to protect and maintain our public lands  so lets recommit to ensuring free entry days promote this patriotic act of service, not stroke the Presidents ego.

Garder of the NPCA said Congress should go further and pass legislation protecting the jobs of NPS staff.

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Even during the longest government shutdown in our history, park staff showed up, sometimes without pay, to keep parks open and safe, he said. Its unconscionable the way these dedicated civil servants are being treated. Congress has an opportunity right now to support park staff by blocking any future mass firings at the Park Service.

Wade, of the park rangers association, is worried about the systems future.

At the risk of being labeled a conspiracy theorist, my biggest fear is that all of the actions being taken by the administration are designed to starve the National Park Service so that, at some point, they can say the agency can no longer carry out its mission; therefore, privatizing or deauthorization of park sites has to be done, Wade said.

Morale among National Park Service staff is low amid probationary firings, having to remove negative messages (according to the administration) from interpretive programs, threats of termination for speaking out, forced performance ratings and covering for the loss of colleagues. Andrea Warnecke/dpa-tmn
This past year brought mixed milestones for manatees: near-record deaths for young sea cows but also a bit more seagrass for grazing, some new scientific insights and other hints of hope for 2026.

While they kept dying in droves, sea cows on the Space Coast  among their most important feeding spots  found more seagrass in the northern Indian River Lagoon. And a landmark legal ruling mandated that Floridas most popular threatened species will soon swim in cleaner waters and must be fed lettuce to prevent winter starvation.

Heres how the year in manatee news played out:

More manatees died but more also live

Good news arrived in recent years regarding the overall sea cow population. Florida estimated in 2021-2022 that its manatee population was between 8,350 to 11,730, up from estimates of less than half of that only a few decades ago.

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But in 2025, Brevard County topped Florida's manatee deaths, with young sea cows continuing to be the hardest hit, despite the local seagrass gains. State biologists suspect the young are still perishing as a result of a long-term famine.

Brevard typically leads Florida sea-cow deaths, because most seagrass (manatees' main food) grows here in the 72-mile-long countys portion of the 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon.

According to the most recent stats from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, through Dec. 26:

Brevard had the most deaths: 118 manatees died in Brevard, compared to 100 in 2024. Lee County was second highest in 2025, with 113 manatee deaths.

Brevard's deaths included: 9 by watercraft; 3 other human causes; 50 perinatal; 13 cold stress; 13 natural; 9 undetermined; and 21 not necropsied.

Statewide : 628 manatees died, topping the previous two years of 556 in 2024 and 546 in 2023. That still was less than the five-year average of 719 manatee deaths. Those deaths included: 97 by watercraft; 9 from a flood gate/canal lock; 9 other human causes; 135 perinatal; 33 cold stress; 63 natural; 50 undetermined; and 232 not necropsied.

One in five Florida manatees died within a year of birth: The 135 so-called "perinatal" manatee deaths  those that die within a year of birth  were 21% of the overall 628 manatee deaths last year. That was less than the record 149 perinatal deaths through Dec. 26, 2024, which increased to 154 total perinatal deaths for that year. But 2025 topped the five-year average of 104 perinatal deaths.

More landmark legal protection

In May, a federal judge ruled that Florida has to temporarily stop approving new septic tanks near the northern Indian River Lagoon and plan to start feeding manatees again when they are faced with winter starvation.

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Brevard is offering homeowners financial help to meet that and other state septic-tank mandates.

The new manatee rules will remain in effect until the state gets a federal permit that allows so-called "incidental takes" of threatened manatees, the judge ruled. Incidental take refers to the unintentional (but not unexpected) death, injury, or harassment of a protected species during otherwise lawful activity.

In a separate legal battle, conservation groups have for several years been suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reclassify manatees from "threatened" back to "endangered." Last year, the service declined to return Florida manatees to "endangered" status, a ruling environmental groups continue to challenge.

Brevard Zoo recently received the first two manatees at it's new manatee rehabilitation facility. The new facility can care for up to six injured or sick manatees at a time.

New manatee rehab opens at Brevard Zoo

Last year, Brevard Zoo took in the first two manatee patients  Churro and Randa  at the zoo's new $2.1 million sea cow rehab center. As with the zoo's sea turtle rehab, the facility is not open to the general public. But on April 4, the zoo gave Gov. Ron DeSantis a behind-the-scenes tour as the zoo celebrated the center's opening with a ribbon cutting.

Florida Tech makes strides with robotic manatee

In 2025, Florida Tech students made leaps forward with a robotic manatee, called "Mechanatee." They hope in years ahead to use the robot to study real manatees in the wild without disturbing them. The robot will mimic the movements and communication of manatees to gather data on their behavior and habitat. The project is still in its early stages, but the team hopes to eventually test Mechanatee in Belize.

Other sea-cow scientific breakthroughs:

Several other groundbreaking studies in 2025 showed, among other things, that a popular herbicide is suppressing manatee immunity, that sea cows arent nearly as longstanding Florida natives as once thought and are sophisticated navigators.

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In January, University of Florida researchers found that the popular herbicide glyphosate can reduce manatee immune cell activity by more than 27%. That suggests sea cows living near high agricultural or residential runoff are more vulnerable to diseases and infections, even if they aren't directly starving.

Manatees are relative newcomers to Florida : The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says on its website: As its name suggests, the Florida manatee is native to Florida and is found primarily in coastal areas throughout the state." But a landmark study in the journal PLOS One released in January 2025 by University of South Florida found almost no manatee bones in more than 70 Native American settlements older than a few hundred years. That suggests manatees only likely began migrating from the West Indies when the climate started heating up, beginning at the end of the 19th century with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the USF researchers concluded. Cooler temperatures lasting until the late 1800s probably kept cold-sensitive sea cows from migrating much north of the West Indies, USF concluded.

In April, a study lead by New College in Sarasota used post mortem MRIs to find that manatees are more sophisticated navigators than previously thought. "Despite this apparently 'simple' brain, manatees in the wild show some cognitively sophisticated behaviors, particularly in the realm of navigation," the authors wrote. "Future work in manatees should examine local and global brain connectivity related to spatial navigation and other complex cognitive capabilities."

Contact Waymer at (321) 261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X at @JWayEnviro.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Manatees made mixed news in 2025 in Florida: more deaths, more protection
Hundreds of schools in Scotland remained closed on Wednesday as snow and freezing temperatures continued to hit most parts of the UK.

Met Office yellow warnings are currently in place in northern Scotland, while amber warnings for heavy snow were issued in England starting Thursday evening in the Midlands, South Yorkshire, parts of Wales and Gloucestershire, ahead of the arrival of Storm Goretti.

Forecasters say Goretti - named as the first storm of the year by French forecasters - is also set to bring rain and wind gusts of up to 90mph in parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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Police forces in the Midlands urged motorists to be cautious after an uptick in crashes in icy conditions on Wednesday morning, while nine children were injured in a collision between a school coach and a bus in Reading.

Another bus carrying school children crashed into a ditch in Kent after it skidded on ice. Police said officers and paramedics helped the passengers off the bus, but nobody was injured.

Meanwhile, in Europe, hundreds of flights have been cancelled at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Charles de Gaulle in Paris.

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The centre of Storm Goretti is due to pass either through the English Channel or over the English Channel coastal counties on Thursday night, according to BBC Weather.

The storm will likely undergo "explosive cyclogenesis" - sometimes called a "weather bomb". The term is used where the central pressure drops by 1 millibar (mb) an hour over a 24 hour period. Explosive cyclogenesis is generally a sign of a storm that could bring strong winds.

A snowplough clears the A944 in Aberdeenshire on Tuesday [Getty Images]

As well as the amber warnings - which run from 20:00 GMT on Thursday to 09:00 on Friday - most of central England and Wales is covered by a yellow snow warning.

This runs from 18:00 on Thursday until midday on Friday, while a yellow wind warning covers the south-west of England for Thursday afternoon and evening.

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The greatest likelihood of significant snow will be through Wales and the Midlands where there will be 5-10cm, and perhaps in excess of 20cm, especially into the hills.

There are also warnings of strong winds. An amber warning for "exceptionally strong" winds is in place for south-west England, between 17:00 and 23:00 on Thursday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England which will run until Sunday.

Further weather warnings are in place for later in the week including a yellow snow warning for parts of Wales and England on Thursday.

The wintry conditions have triggered the government's cold weather payments across 697 postcodes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It means that more than one million households will receive money

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Under the scheme, households on certain benefits receive 25 automatically if the temperature is their local area is recorded or forecast as 0C or below for seven consecutive days.

The money is paid automatically into a bank account within 14 days.

A separate winter heating payment system operates in Scotland.

Over the past week, an Arctic blast has drawn temperatures around 4-10C below the average for early January.

More than 1,000 schools closed on Tuesday due to snowfall and low temperatures, with train services also disrupted.

On Tuesday evening, almost all of the UK was covered by the Met Office's warning.

Main Street Alford was covered in snow on Tuesday as Aberdeenshire Council declared a "major incident" [Getty Images]

Tuesday saw widespread disruption with hundreds of school closures and disruption on train services including the Eurostar and London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

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In Scotland, snow ploughs were used to clear some train tracks but ScotRail services experienced significant disruption.

Aberdeenshire council declared a major incident and warned of "a prolonged period of significant impacts".

Schools in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray, were still shut on Wednesday, while only about 50 of 200 schools are open in the Highlands - where it is the first day of the new term.
Ancient bones discovered in a cave in Casablanca, Morocco, could fill in some of the blanks about human evolution.

The cave, known as Grotte a Hominides, contains assemblages of jawbones, teeth, and vertebrae dating back to 773,000 years ago  a period close to when the modern human lineage began to diverge from the ancestors we share with Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Detailed analyses suggest the remains belonged to an early African hominin population living near this evolutionary crossroads, showing a mix of features later seen in modern humans and Neanderthals, alongside more archaic traits inherited from earlier members of the genus Homo.

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Related: These 5 Traces of Ancient Ancestors Still Exist in Human Bodies Today

It's a finding that helps anchor humanity's origins firmly in Africa, away from the confusion introduced by Homo antecessor hominin fossils from Europe dating to a similar time period.

One of the lower jawbones photographed during excavation. (J.P. Raynal, Programme Prehistoire de Casablanca)

"The fossils from the Grotte a Hominides may be the best candidates we currently have for African populations lying near the root of this shared ancestry, thus reinforcing the view of a deep African origin for our species," says anthropologist Jean-Jacques Hublin of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, who led the research.

Humanity's evolutionary history is messy, complicated, and mostly lost to the ravages of time and decay. What evidence we do have is often fragmentary and difficult to interpret  a task made even trickier by the problem of accurate dating. Many hominin fossils have a broad date range for this reason.

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The Grotte a Hominides fossils are different, which makes them exciting.

Every so often, Earth's magnetic poles flip. These events are recorded geologically, as ferromagnetic materials in rock realign. The most recent flip was the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal, which took place around 773,000 years ago and may have lasted at least a few thousand years.

It's recorded very, very clearly in the sediment in Grotte a Hominides  and the fossilized bones were found in the same layer as the signature of magnetic reversal. This dates them very cleanly and precisely to 773,000 years ago  right within the timeframe most anthropologists think the process of human divergence was underway.

So that's part of the picture. Based on the sediments in which they were found, we know these bones belonged to a population that was living at a critical moment in human history.

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The next step for the researchers was to take a close look at the bones themselves and see what they reveal about what that population was like.

The 773,000-year-old hominin bones recovered from Grotte a Hominides included jawbones, teeth and vertebrae. (Hublin et al., Nature, 2025)

The hominin bones in the cave included two adult jawbones and one belonging to a very young child. There was also a small number of teeth and vertebrae, as well as part of a femur.

Although these remains are scant, they can tell us a lot. The jawbones, for instance, are long, low, and narrow, with a receding joint  traits distinct from those of modern humans and Neanderthals, and more similar to older members of the genus Homo, such as H. erectus.

The teeth themselves, on the other hand, were on the smaller side, more similar to those of modern humans.

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CT scanning allowed the researchers to study a structure inside the teeth known as the enamel-dentine junction. The shape of this structure showed some similarities to both H. erectus and H. antecessor, but was distinctly different from both.

"In their shapes and non-metric traits, the teeth from Grotte a Hominides retain many primitive features and lack the traits that are characteristic of Neanderthals," says anthropologist Shara Bailey of New York University.

"In this sense, they differ from Homo antecessor, which  in some features  are beginning to resemble Neanderthals. The dental morphological analyses indicate that regional differences in human populations may have been already present by the end of the Early Pleistocene."

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Given the geographical separation of H. antecessor and the new Moroccan fossils, the researchers suspect the two groups were likely distinct from one another, with the Grotte a Hominides population belonging to an African stem lineage that would later give rise to modern humans, and H. antecessor representing a related sister population on the Eurasian side of the early human lineage split.

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Meanwhile, the mosaic mixture of traits in Grotte a Hominides suggests a transitional period. Altogether, the mix of traits suggests these fossils should be placed on the African stem of the modern human evolutionary lineage; it's unlikely the population represents the last common ancestor between modern humans and their relatives, but it's close enough that it could provide new insights into how that divergence unfolded.

"The origin of H. sapiens, and the precise timing of the divergence of its ancestral populations from the Neanderthal-Denisovan clade, remain subjects of debate," the researchers write in their paper.

"Our findings not only align with the phylogenetic structure inferred from palaeogenetic data but also highlight the Maghreb as a pivotal region for understanding the emergence of our species, reinforcing the case for an African rather than a Eurasian ancestry of H. sapiens."

The research has been published in Nature.

Related News
Tuesday was supposed to be a rah-rah day for House Republicans  a chance to strategize with President Donald Trump about their agenda for the tough election year ahead.

Instead, 2026 got off to an unexpectedly somber start as they confronted the sudden death of a well-liked colleague and pondered the dire political and policy straits their dwindling majority has to navigate.

Most members learned about California Rep. Doug LaMalfas overnight passing as they boarded buses outside the Capitol to head to the Kennedy Center for their annual policy meeting. That news  as well as word that another Republican, Rep. Jim Baird of Indiana, had been badly hurt in a car crash  cast an immediate pall.

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This is coming as a shock to all of us, said one House Republican who, like others quoted for this story, was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the mood.

Even a characteristically freewheeling speech from Trump  delivered at the performing arts center his hand-picked board had recently renamed for him without congressional approval  hardly lightened the mood. He remembered LaMalfa, a rice farmer who represented a rural northern California district for seven terms, as a loyal supporter and said he considered skipping the speech out of respect for his death.

"But then I decided that I have to do it in his honor, Trump said. I'll do it in his honor because he would have wanted it that way.

But reality soon set in that the House GOP would be facing challenges that went well beyond mourning. For one, LaMalfas death and Bairds hospitalization represented another blow to their razor-thin majority, leaving many contemplating whether Republicans could ever muster the votes they would need to pass a laundry list of pre-midterm policy priorities.

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LaMalfas death and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes resignation this week left the GOP with a bare 218 votes for at least until early March. With Bairds indefinite absence and the unreliable support of libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Speaker Mike Johnson has to confront a day-to-day struggle to maintain control of the House.

His leadership circle, for instance, quickly had to calculate whether they would have enough Republicans in attendance to clear a procedural vote Wednesday allowing them to pass on a critical government funding package and several other bills this week.

We keep saying we are one breath away from the minority  thats more true today than ever, another House Republican said.

Trumps 84-minute speech ultimately veered into myriad topics. He at one point commented on his own mortality and pushed back on reports about his aging and declining health, admonishing some Republicans in attendance for calling to check if he was dead last year after he was away from cameras for several days.

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He also raised concerns about keeping the House majority next year  a topic that lawmakers and White House aides say is frequently on the presidents mind.

"They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm, Trump said. So you're all brilliant people: I wish you could explain to me what the hell's going on with the mind of the public, because we have the right policy.

He then proceeded to throw a bomb into those policy plans as Republicans struggle to address rising health care costs  a topic thats become an albatross for the party after a bitter December fight over extending Obamacare tax credits that have now expired, raising premiums for millions of Americans.

The president directed Republicans to be flexible on abortion issues in ongoing health care talks  essentially asking many in his party to cross a moral red line by abandoning the longstanding ban on taxpayer funding for abortion known as the Hyde amendment.

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The remark stunned House conservatives in the audience and those listening in the Senate.

I almost fell out of my chair, said one who attended the meeting.

Everything depends on details, but Hyde is nonnegotiable for most conservatives, added a senior House Republican aide. That person didnt rule out a potential creative solution on the matter but said caving on Hyde is not an option.

Asked for his reaction on Capitol Hill, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said, Im not flexible on the value of every childs life. Others took it as an encouraging sign that Trump wants to notch a deal this month on an especially nettlesome election year issue.

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But inside the House GOP policy sessions that followed the Trump speech Tuesday  touching on energy, housing and other issues  members continued to struggle with the way forward on their health care plans, according to six Republicans with direct knowledge of the conversations.

Many hard-line conservatives  who see abortion protections as an essential element in any health care legislation  would prefer Republican leaders pursue a party-line bill under filibuster-skirting budget reconciliation rules rather than cut a deal with Democrats.

Otherwise, according to two people with knowledge of the retreat discussions, key lawmakers ran through a well-known menu of legislative options  albeit one that is unlikely to offset the impact of the expired Obamacare subsidies before Election Day.

House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) discussed proposals to expand tax-advantaged health savings accounts, while Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) talked through potential overhauls to a key prescription drug program and bills that would crack down on intermediaries known as pharmacy benefit managers.

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Trump directed House Republicans in his earlier remarks to work on so-called most favored nation drug pricing legislation  something hes pursued in executive orders and deals with health care giants as he moves to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

But the issue is deeply divisive among Hill Republicans, and GOP leaders have continued to rebuff Trumps attempts to attach it to numerous legislative vehicles  including the sprawling megabill Republicans passed this summer.

Senior GOP aides on Capitol Hill say they have plans to address drug prices via HSAs and other policies, but they are leaving it to the White House to promote the most-favored-nation and other direct drug pricing plans.

That, Trump said  along with being flexible on Hyde and directly giving Americans money to purchase coverage  would allow Republicans to take away the issue of health care from Democrats, Trump asserted at the House GOP meeting.

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"You could own health care, figure it out! Trump said.

But House Republicans privately acknowledged throughout the day Tuesday its far from that easy.

"We're still far from a solution on health care, one GOP lawmaker said.

Benjamin Guggenheim contributed to this report.
Fighting continued in Ukraine and Russia on Wednesday, despite international efforts to end the war.

A man was killed by Russian shelling in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, Regional Governor Olexsander Prokudin announced on Telegram. Moscow's military has been bombarding the city centre since early morning.

The mayor of the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro reported seven injuries following Russian attacks. Most of the victims suffered acute stress reactions, but there were also shrapnel injuries. The World Health Organization says stress reactions are the body's response to a potentially traumatic experience. Common symptoms include flashbacks of the event and nightmares.

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Borys Filatov accused Russia of attacking residential buildings and educational institutions. The buildings damaged included a vocational school.

In the Russian village of Gruskoye near the Ukrainian border, a man was killed when a Ukrainian drone exploded, the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, wrote on Telegram. Several tanks at an oil depot in the Stary Oskol district caught fire from the attack, he said.

The commander of the Ukrainian drone forces, Robert Brovdi, confirmed the attack on the oil depot, along with a number of other attacks.

Russia has been waging a full-scale war against Ukraine for almost four years. As part of its defensive struggle, Ukraine is also attacking targets in Russia. However, the number of casualties and the extent of the damage in Russia are disproportionate to the destruction caused by the Russian military in Ukraine.

Kiev is primarily targeting the Russian oil and gas industry, which Moscow uses to finance its war effort.
WARNING: This story contains details of child abuse.

A former Ottawa woman convicted of manslaughter in the death of her five-year-old daughter at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has been sentenced to 10 years in prison minus some time already spent in custody  marking the end of a chapter in the strange, brief and tragic saga of Chloe Guan-Branch's life.

In the spring of 2020, Chloe desperately needed medical care to save her life. Her bladder had somehow ruptured in her Ottawa apartment on May 9, and her body's waste was slowly leaking into her bloodstream, poisoning her.

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For six days, her mother Ada Guan and Guan's boyfriend Justin Cassie-Berube did not get Chloe the help she needed. They searched online about her increasingly dire symptoms and Guan consulted a pharmacist, but they never took the girl to a doctor  even as she lost the ability to walk, became incontinent, vomited repeatedly and was groaning in pain.

In a case like this one, where a vulnerable child is essentially left to die ... the sentence must reflect society's response to this kind of malignant neglect by a parent of a child. - Ottawa Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein

Court heard they were worried that taking Chloe to hospital would alert officials to the physical abuse she'd been enduring at the hands of Cassie-Berube, including a strike to Chloe's mouth on her fifth birthday, May 10, that split the skin under her lip.

The girl whose birth on a plane had made international headlines five years earlier died alone in her room on May 15, 2020, in her soiled bed, as Guan watched TV in the living room and Cassie-Berube was out.

A photograph of birth father Wesley Branch holding newborn Chloe next to a flight attendant onboard the Air Canada plane she was born in on May 10, 2015. Branch and Guan had no idea they were pregnant, and Chloe arrived on Mother's Day that year. (CBC)

Wednesday's sentence by Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein comes 17 months after Guan, 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

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After the plea she remained out on bail, and in September she was arrested in Calgary and jailed in Ottawa after repeatedly neglecting to show up in court ahead of sentencing.

Guan pleaded guilty to failing to attend court, in addition to the manslaughter. The Crown and defence jointly proposed that she should receive an additional month in prison for the failure to attend, but they were far apart on their recommendations for the manslaughter charge.

Assistant Crown attorney Khorshid Rad called for an 11- to 12-year sentence, while defence lawyer Diane Magas asked for three to six years, saying Guan had been the victim of emotional abuse and controlling behaviour in previous relationships, including with Cassie-Berube.

Rad acknowledged the relationship dynamic should be taken into consideration, but argued it should be weighed against the number of days Chloe was left to suffer. Guan's failure to act became an increasingly aggravating circumstance "every day Chloe gets weaker," Rad said during sentencing submissions in December, adding that Guan's moral blameworthiness is "very high."

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London-Weinstein echoed the Crown's position in her ruling.

"In a case like this one, where a vulnerable child is essentially left to die ... the sentence must reflect society's response to this kind of malignant neglect by a parent of a child," the judge said.

Instant photographs of Cassie-Berube and Chloe, taken during the holidays in 2019, were entered as exhibits during his trial. Court heard he ended up admitting to police that he didn't want to take Chloe to hospital because her bruises would raise suspicion. (Kristy Nease/CBC)

Ex-boyfriend convicted, sentenced 2 years ago

In 2024, a different judge found Cassie-Berube guilty of manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, failing to provide the necessaries of life, assault causing bodily harm and assault, all involving Chloe.

He was handed a 14-year prison sentence for what the judge called a "shocking example of abuse."

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Not long after the Crown's successful prosecution on all the charges Cassie-Berube faced, Guan and her lawyer Diane Magas struck a plea deal. Guan was facing many of the same charges, and in exchange for a guilty plea to manslaughter the other charges have been dropped.

During sentencing submissions last month the Crown read a long, impassioned victim impact statement from Guan and Cassie-Berube's next door neighbour. Crystal James interacted with Chloe in their apartment building's hallway, giving her small gifts and treats. She sometimes noticed bruises and swelling, as well as her quiet, timid manner.

I cannot believe that anyone who has touched this case has walked away unmarred. Irrevocably I am changed. - Crystal James, former neighbour

"I imagine [Chloe] laying in pain in that apartment, maybe wondering why her neighbour didn't come save her ... her imagined whisper plays in a loop in my mind," James wrote. She switched apartments but it wasn't far enough, and she ended up moving from Ottawa entirely.

"I cannot believe that anyone who has touched this case has walked away unmarred. Irrevocably I am changed," she wrote. But she's also grateful she got to know Chloe, however briefly.

Chloe lived with her grandfather Sam Guan and his family in Calgary after B.C.'s child welfare service removed the child from her parents a few months after her birth. Sam Gaun's family was in the middle of a kinship adoption process when Alberta's child welfare service decided to give Chloe back to her mother, a year and a half before her death. (Guan family)

Guan also read a statement in court, saying she "deeply regretted everything that I didn't do."

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"I should have known better when I first saw the signs. For this, I do not deserve to be her mom  not in the past, present or future.... If I had another chance to tell you how sorry I am and show you how much I love you and be able to hug you again, I would do anything for that chance," she said.

Looking up from her written decision and directly into Guan's eyes on Wednesday, London-Weinstein said the violation of the absolute trust Chloe placed in her mother was one of the "extremely aggravating factors" in the case.

However, the judge also found that Guan's history of emotionally abusive and controlling relationships contributed to her inaction. It wasn't an excuse for failing to act, London-Weinstein said, but it was part of the equation.

On Wednesday, Guan was quiet and still in the prisoner's box as the sentence was being read.

She has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the sentence, which works out to about nine and a half years including credit for the time she's already served in jail.
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that MPs would get a vote on the deployment of British soldiers to police any agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine.

The prime minister said the move would be consistent with "recent practice" on approving military action in Parliament.

It comes after the UK and France reiterated their commitment to deploy troops to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again if a deal to end the conflict is struck.

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Sir Keir has not specified how many British troops could be committed, telling MPs it would be "in accordance with our military plans".

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir told MPs that in the event of a peace agreement, British personnel would conduct "deterrence operations" and protect new military "hubs" allies are planning in Ukraine.

The prime minister did not specify whether a vote would take place before troops are sent, but his press secretary later told reporters that Parliament would have a say ahead of any "long-term deployment" of UK forces.

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However, the press secretary would not comment on whether the Commons vote would tie the government's hands should MPs reject the government's proposals.

Parliament does not have a legal role in approving military action, which is formally authorised by the prime minister on behalf of the monarch.

In recent decades a convention has developed that MPs should have the chance to debate deployments, although the principle has been applied inconsistently.

In 2013, MPs voted against possible UK military action against Syria to deter the use of chemical weapons, with David Cameron becoming the first British leader to lose a vote on military action since the late 18th Century.

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They were also given a say on action against the Islamic State group (IS) in Iraq in 2014, and in Syria the following year.

However, Theresa May took action in Syria in 2018 without consulting MPs, whilst more recently Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir have authorised RAF air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen without doing so.

Paris statement

On Tuesday, the UK and France signed a "declaration of intent" on deploying troops in Ukraine in the air, on land and at sea after a summit in Paris.

The statement added that Ukraine would authorise the UK, France and other allies to use "necessary means, including the use of force" within its territory.

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Allies also proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed and the US, which has been leading efforts to end the war, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at the talks.

Chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi, welcomed the announcement but warned "it intensifies the very real challenges our armed forces are already facing".

"It also runs the risk of overstretching our armed forces and so calls into question the UK's ability to sustain pre-existing commitments to our allies," the Labour MP added.

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During a Commons debate both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats also welcomed the announcement but said it highlighted the need for an increase in defence spending.

However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said "under the current terms, with the current strength of the British Army" he would vote against the deployment of British soldiers to Ukraine.

"We neither have the manpower nor the equipment to go into an operation that clearly has no ending timeline," he told Times Radio.

Farage said he might consider supporting the move if more countries were involved but he added: "As it is, it will be us and the French completely exposed for an unlimited period of time."

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It comes after nine months of planning talks by a group of countries, dubbed the Coalition of the Willing, over security guarantees to be offered to Ukraine in the event of a deal, alongside separate talks over ending the war itself.

Sir Keir said a deal to end the war "will not happen" without such guarantees in place, "backed by the United States".

Moscow has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be a "legitimate target".

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
A New Jersey man who fatally shot his girlfriends drug dealer had his murder conviction reinstated Tuesday by the states top court.

The New Jersey Supreme Court voted 7-0 to reinstate the conviction of Michael Owens, who was behind bars for killing Luis Gonzalez in July 2020 in Trenton.

Owens, now 32, was first convicted in 2022, after a jury agreed with investigators that he choked his girlfriend in rage, then drove to Gonzalezs home and gunned him down.

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Owens was angry at both Gonzalez and his girlfriend because Gonzalez was selling her heroin, authorities said. On appeal, Owens argued that he should have been eligible for a manslaughter, not murder, conviction because it was a passion/provocation case.

The first appeals court agreed with Owens argument, tossing his murder conviction in 2024. However, he remained in jail for the aggravated assault of his girlfriend, and prosecutors in Morris County appealed the case to New Jerseys top court.

On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court reversed the ruling, deciding that Owens was not entitled to the lower manslaughter standard because his defense attorneys never mentioned it during his trial.

No passion/provocation manslaughter charge was required because Gonzalez did not provoke defendant [and] defendant had ample time to cool off before he shot Gonzalez, the high court wrote, citing the dissenting opinion of Judge Robert Gilson from the initial appeal.

Owens also appealed his sentence, which will be handled by a lower court. He was initially sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok is facing a backlash from governments around the world after a recent surge in sexualized images of women and children generated without consent by the artificial intelligence-powered tool.

On Tuesday, Britains top technology official demanded that Musks social media platform X take urgent action while a Polish lawmaker cited it as a reason to enact digital safety laws.

The European Unions executive arm has denounced Grok while officials and regulators in France, India, Malaysia and Brazil have condemned the platform and called for investigations.

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Rising alarm from disparate nations points to the nightmarish potential of nudification apps that use artificial intelligence to generate sexually explicit deepfake images.

Heres a closer look:

Image generation

The problem emerged after the launch last year of Grok Imagine, an AI image generator that allows users to create videos and pictures by typing in text prompts. It includes a so-called spicy mode that can generate adult content.

It snowballed late last month when Grok, which is hosted on X, apparently began granting a large number of user requests to modify images posted by others. As of Tuesday, Grok users could still generate images of women using requests such as, put her in a transparent bikini.

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The problem is amplified both because Musk pitches his chatbot as an edgier alternative to rivals with more safeguards, and because Groks images are publicly visible, and can therefore be easily spread.

Nonprofit group AI Forensics said in a report that it analyzed 20,000 images generated by Grok between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and found that 2% depicted a person who appeared to be 18 or younger, including 30 of young or very young women or girls, in bikinis or transparent clothes.

Musk response

Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI, responded to a request for comment with the automated response, Legacy Media Lies.

However, X did not deny that the troublesome content generated through Grok exists. Yet it still claimed in a post on its Safety account, that it takes action against illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.

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The platform also repeated a comment from Musk, who said, Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.

A growing list of countries are demanding that Musk does more to rein in explicit or abusive content.

Britain

X must urgently deal with the problem, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said Tuesday, adding that she supported additional scrutiny from the U.K.s communications regulator, Ofcom.

Kendall said the content is absolutely appalling, and unacceptable in decent society.

We cannot and will not allow the proliferation of these demeaning and degrading images, which are disproportionately aimed at women and girls.

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Ofcom said Monday it has made urgent contact with X.

We are aware of serious concerns raised about a feature on Grok on X that produces undressed images of people and sexualised images of children, the watchdog said.

The watchdog said it contacted both X and xAI to understand what steps it has taken to comply with British regulations.

Under the U.K.s Online Safety Act, social media platforms must prevent and remove child sexual abuse material when they become aware of it.

Poland

A Polish lawmaker used Grok on Tuesday as a reason for national digital safety legislation that would beef up protections for minors and make it easier for authorities to remove content.

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In an online video, Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, speaker of the parliament, said he wanted to make himself a target of Grok to highlight the problem, as well as appeal to Polands president for support of the legislation.

Grok lately is stripping people. It is undressing women, men and children. We feel bad about it. I would, honestly, almost want this Grok to also undress me, he said.

European Union

The blocs executive arm is well aware that Grok is being used to for explicit sexual content with some output generated with child-like images, European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said

This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling. This is disgusting. This is how we see it, and this has no place in Europe. This is not the first time that Grok is generating such output, he told reporters Monday.

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After Grok spread Holocaust-denial content last year, according to Regnier, the Commission sought more information from Musks social media platform X. The response from X is currently being analyzed, he said.

France

The Paris prosecutors office said its widening an ongoing investigation of X to include sexually explicit deepfakes after officials received complaints from lawmakers.

Three government ministers alerted prosecutors to manifestly illegal content generated by Grok and posted on X, according to a government statement last week.

The government also flagged problems with countrys communications regulator over possible breaches of the EUs Digital Services Act.

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The internet is neither a lawless zone nor a zone of impunity: sexual offenses committed online constitute criminal offenses in their own right and fall fully under the law, just as those committed offline, the government said.

India

The Indian government on Friday issued an ultimatum to X, demanding that it take down all unlawful content and take action against offending users. The countrys Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology also ordered the company to review Groks technical and governance framework and file a report on actions taken.

The ministry accused Grok of gross misuse of AI and serious failures of its safeguards and enforcement by allowing the generation and sharing of obscene images or videos of women in derogatory or vulgar manner in order to indecently denigrate them."

The ministry warned failure to comply by the 72-hour deadline would expose the company to bigger legal problems, but the deadline passed with no public update from India.

Malaysia

The Malaysian communications watchdog said Saturday it was investigating X users who violated laws prohibiting spreading grossly offensive, obscene or indecent content.

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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said its also investigating online harms on X, and would summon a company representative.

The watchdog said it took note of public complaints about Xs AI tools being used to digitally manipulate images of women and minors to produce indecent, grossly offensive, or otherwise harmful content.

Brazil

Lawmaker Erika Hilton said she reported Grok and X to the Brazilian federal public prosecutors office and the countrys data protection watchdog.

In a social media post, she accused both of of generating, then publishing sexualized images of women and children without consent.

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She said Xs AI functions should be disabled until an investigation has been carried out.

Hilton, one of Brazils first transgender lawmakers, decried how users could get Grok to digitally alter any published photo, including swapping the clothes of women and girls for bikinis or making them suggestive and erotic.

The right to ones image is individual; it cannot be transferred through the terms of use of a social network, and the mass distribution of child porn(asterisk)gr(asterisk)phy by an artificial intelligence integrated into a social network crosses all boundaries, she said.

__

AP writers Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Lorne Cook in Brussels and John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report.

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A 34-year-old North Lebanon Township woman was sentenced to a minimum of 16 months in state prison for handcuffing a child to a fuel tank in her basement.

On Jan. 7, Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles Jones Jr. sentenced Chazzity Candelario on charges including unlawful restraint of a minor, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of children.

Candelario pleaded no contest to the charges Nov. 13. A no contest plea allows a defendant to neither admit nor deny guilt, but accepts the court's punishment as if they were guilty.

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"No way, no how should that have happened, and you've got to do whatever you can to make it up to your children for having that happen," Jones said to Candelario during the sentencing.

Candelario did not speak much during the hearing besides answering direct questions. Her attorney, public defender Michael Light, said that Candelario would like contact with her three children and to be reunited with them.

"She's been very sorry, very remorseful throughout the time I've represented her," he said to Jones.

Jones said that the question about contact between Candelario and her children would be up to Lebanon County Children and Youth and the county dependency court.

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In an email to the Lebanon Daily News, Lebanon District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said that Candelario "earned every day in prison and we hope she thinks about the horrors she inflicted on her own children."

"As a mother, the defendants sole duty is to care for, love, and protect her children more than all anyone else in this world," she said. "This defendant instead chained her children up to suffer at her own hand and subject to her own evil will."

What happened

At 9:55 p.m. Jan. 11, 2025, the Lebanon County Regional Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of East Kercher Avenue for a check on the wellbeing of an 11-year-old child. According to court documents, the child reported that he had been chained to his bed.

When police arrived on scene, they located the child handcuffed to the railing of the top bunk bed. According to court documents, the child told police that he was restrained to a post in the basement by his mother, but "got free and he accidently handcuffed himself to the bed."

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Police were told by Candelario not to talk to her children until she returned home.

"Chazzity reported that she has a hard time controlling her children while she is away at work," police said in court documents. "She admitted to locking (the child) in a small utility room 3x8."

The victim told police that his mother handcuffs him to the leg of the fuel tank, and according to court documents, this occurred "up to two hours at times."

While the 11-year-old was making the call to dispatchers, police said a second juvenile got on the phone. The second victim told the dispatcher that they also had been chained to a stair railing in 2020 for punishment by Candelario.

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The Department of Human Services operates a 24/7 hotline about the welfare of a child and to report suspected child abuse. ChildLine can be reached at 800-932-0313.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: N. Lebanon Twp. PA mom sentenced for handcuffing child in basement
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NASA's uncrewed Artemis 1 moon mission on the pad before its November 2022 launch. | Credit: NASA

We're at T-1 month to liftoff of NASA's next astronaut mission to the moon, if current schedules hold.

Artemis 2 , the first crewed mission of NASA's Artemis program , could launch as soon as Feb. 6 . The mission will fly NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on the first trip to lunar space in more than half a century, and will pave the way for what NASA intends to be an eventual permanent human presence on the moon .

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The astro-quartet has spent the last few years training for their mission and completed several launch day dress rehearsals in recent months at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. When the big day arrives, they will board the Orion spacecraft atop NASA's massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and lift off on a 10-day mission to fly around the moon and back.

If all goes according to plan, their launch will place Orion in Earth orbit , where the crew will complete a series of systems checkouts on their spacecraft before committing to burn for the moon.

A translunar injection (TLI) burn of SLS's upper stage will place Orion on a free-return trajectory  a figure-eight loop around the moon that slingshots the capsule back to Earth without the need for another burn of its engines.

The trajectory doesn't insert Orion into lunar orbit, but it ensures the spacecraft and crew's return to Earth regardless of any anomalies they might encounter after TLI.

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Artemis 2 will be the first mission to send humans to the moon since the end of NASA's Apollo program and the departure of the Apollo 17 astronauts from the moon in 1972, and has been nearly two decades in the making. SLS, Orion and the space agency's plans to reboot its lunar program have had an evolving architecture at the cost of nearly $50 billion since 2006 , with a roughly $4 billion-per-launch price tag at the moment.

Artemis 1 launched in November 2022 , successfully sending an uncrewed Orion capsule to and from lunar orbit. Designed as a spacecraft systems shakedown, NASA had hoped Artemis 1 would put the program on a quick path to Artemis 2 and returning astronauts to the moon. Artemis 2's original 2023 launch target, however, was delayed by damage to Orion's heatshield caused during Artemis 1's reentry through Earth's atmosphere .

Having devised a fix to prevent that kind of damage from occurring again, NASA hopes the upcoming launch of Artemis 2 will put the program back on track. But complications with Artemis 3's infrastructure may throw another wrench into their timeline.

Just as Artemis 1 was designed as an uncrewed shakedown of Orion during an extended spaceflight, Artemis 2 is a test flight to confirm that the spacecraft can sustain a crew in deep space. Artemis 3 will put astronauts on the lunar surface. To do so, NASA has contracted SpaceX 's Starship as the Artemis program's first Human Landing Services (HLS) vehicle.

Artist's illustration of SpaceX's Starship vehicle on the moon during an Artemis astronaut mission for NASA. | Credit: SpaceX

NASA is targeting 2027 for the launch of Artemis 3, but delays in Starship's development may push that mission to 2028. To avoid this, former NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announced in October that he was considering reopening the HLS contract to alternative landers that could be made ready at an earlier date.

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For now, however, NASA is focused on getting Artemis 2 out the door and into space in a safe and timely manner. The full stack of the SLS rocket and Orion was completed inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC in October and is currently awaiting rollout to the pad at Launch Complex-39A , which is expected to happen in just a handful of days.

"Artemis 2 continues to make steady progress, with rollout now less than two weeks away," NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said in a video posted on X on Jan. 2.

Mission Update: Rollout for Artemis II is less than two weeks away.This milestone begins final, system-wide testing as NASA prepares to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, with a launch window opening as soon as February 6. pic.twitter.com/gKRqUXIfMg  @NASASpox (January 2, 2026) Voir le tweet original

Once transported to LC-39A, SLS will undergo final systems checks and pad integration and complete a wet dress rehearsal to fuel and run the rocket through countdown procedures. The mission's launch window opens on Feb. 6, but NASA has yet to announce that as the official target date.
Update: NASA has postponed the spacewalk due to a "medical concern with a crew member." NASA did not identify the astronaut, nor share details about the medical issue. A new date for the spacewalk has not been announced.

A NASA astronaut will soon make history when he and one other step outside the International Space Station on the first spacewalk of 2026.

NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman are due to conduct the next spacewalk outside the orbital laboratory Thursday, Jan. 8.

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As Fincke's 10th spacewalk, the mission will pave the way for him to tie the record with Peggy Whitson for most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut. Cardman will be making her first-ever spacewalk.

The spacewalk is the first of two scheduled for January, both of which NASA will cover live.

Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Athena, the lunar lander on Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, captured this image of the moon's surface with Earth seen in the distance ahead of a March 6 landing attempt. While the lander was the second U.S. vehicle to reach the moon within a week, it ultimately landed on its side, which hindered much of its mission. NASA astronaut Suni Williams is helped out of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft March 18 following a return to Earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. She and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore crewed the Boeing Starliner, which had launched in June 2024 on a failed test flight that was meant to return them to Earth a few days later. Butch Wilmore reacts after he and Suni Williams and two other astronauts splashed down March 18 in a Crew Dragon space capsule following their return to earth from the International Space Station off the coast of Florida. The astronauts' extended stay at the orbital outpost dominated the news cycle for months. A SpaceX support team member is seen airborne while working to lift the SpaceX Dragon capsule that returned the Starliner astronauts and two others onto a recovery vehicle following its landing off the coast of Florida. This picture shows the crew of a privately-funded mission known as Fram2, from left to right, mission specialist and medical officer Eric Philips, mission commander Chun Wang, pilot Rabea Rogge and vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen on March 19, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. Launched March 31 from Florida using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission became t first ever human spaceflight over the Earth's polar regions. Pop musician Katy Perry emerges April 14 from Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule in West Texas following a brief flight to the edge of space. Perry was part of an all-women crew that also included broadcast journalist Gayle King that took the ride from Blue Origin's facility called Launch Site One. The high-profile launch attracted plenty of headlines and even drew some backlash from those who viewed the mission as a wasteful publicity stunt. Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sanchez lifts off April 14 from Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas. Blue Origin has since launched five more human spaceflights on the New Shepard in 2025. This photo depicts a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the latest batch of Amazon's broadband satellites on Dec. 16 to low-Earth orbit after launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Formerly called Project Kuiper, the venture has since been renamed Amazon Leo. Since its debut April launch, Amazon Leo has deployed 180 of 3,000 satellites planned for its first constellation, which could challenge SpaceX's Starlink. A group of Blue Origin employees with their friends and families gather on the beach in Cape Canaveral for the launch of Blue Origin's second New Glenn rocket in 2025. Following its January debut, the rocket launched for the second time Nov. 13 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on their trek to Mars. Darkness falls Nov. 9 as a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is prepped for its second-ever launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing the towering rocket for heavy-lift missions that could see Jeff Bezos' company compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster before sunrise as preparations continue for its 11th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas. A SpaceX Super Heavy booster carrying the Starship spacecraft lifts off Oct. 13, 2025, on its 11th ever test flight at the company's launch pad in Starbase, Texas. The launch was Starship's fifth of 2025, and second consecutive successful test flight following a year that was early on marked by explosive failures. SpaceX is developing the rocket for future missions that would help NASA astronauts land on the moon and also potentially transport the first humans to Mars. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 1 of 13 Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead.

Here's everything to know about the upcoming spacewalks, and how you can watch a livestream of them.

Spaceflight in 2026: 6 spaceflights ahead, from NASA moon missions to SpaceX Starship

What is the International Space Station?

The International Space Station has been stationed in low-Earth orbit for more than 25 years, typically about 260 miles high, where it has been home to astronauts from all over the world. Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.

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The orbital laboratory is operated through a global partnership of space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

More than 280 spacefarers from 26 countries have visited the International Space Station, including 170 from the United States alone, according to NASA.

About 356 feet long, the station is bigger than a six-bedroom house and has six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym and a 360-degree view bay window. The outpost also has enough docks for up to eight spacecraft to be stationed at one time.

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke inserts a cryogenic storage unit containing research samples into a science freezer for preservation and later analysis on the International Space Station. This view of Earth was captured from a window on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as it approached the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim practice using a robotic arm on the Destiny laboratory modules robotics workstation on the International Space Station. Kim used the device in September to capture Northrop Grummans Cygnus XL cargo craft as it arrived at the outpost. Northrop Grummans Cygnus XL cargo craft, carrying over 11,000 pounds of new science and supplies for the Expedition 73 crew, is pictured in the grips of the International Space Stations Canadarm2 robotic arm following its capture. Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov conducts a spacewalk Oct. 16 outside the International Space Station. The International Space Station is seen from the Crew 8 SpaceX Dragon during undocking in October 2024. The International Space Station as seen in Nov. 2021 from astronauts aboard a SpaceX Dragon. This still from a video captured by NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, a member of Crew-11, from the International Space Station shows auroras above the South Pacific Ocean. Cardman took the footage from a SpaceX Dragon capsule that was docked at the time. NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is pictured Thursday, Jan. 30 during her second spacewalk of the month. In this photo, Williams is attached to the tip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm as the International Space Station orbits 260 miles above Earth. NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Clockwise from left, are NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. International Space Station marks 25 years with humans on board. See photos 1 of 10 NASA astronaut Mike Fincke inserts a cryogenic storage unit containing research samples into a science freezer for preservation and later analysis on the International Space Station.

What is a spacewalk? How often do astronauts exit ISS?

A spacewalk, often called extra-vehicular activity in space industry parlance, refers to any activity an astronaut undertakes outside of a space station or spacecraft. Spacewalks require suiting up in specialized suits and exposing oneself to the vacuum of outer space.

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The next spacewalk  the 278th in the station's history  will be the first of 2026 and the latest since two Russian astronauts conducted extra-vehicular activity Oct. 28.

Together, Fincke (in a red-striped suit) and Cardman (in an unmarked suit) are due to conduct work outside the station to lay the groundwork for the future installation of solar arrays.

Two more NASA astronauts  whose names have not yet been announced  are due to conduct a spacewalk Jan. 15 to replace a high-definition camera and complete other tasks outside the outpost's Harmony module.

How to watch NASA coverage of upcoming spacewalks

The next spacewalk on Jan. 8 is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET and last for about 6 1/2 hours, according to NASA.

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Coverage will be available on the agency's streaming app, NASA+  also available on YouTube and the agencys X account  as well as Amazon Prime. Netflix, which provides some live NASA coverage, including rocket launches, is not promoting the event on its platform.

The second spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 7:10 a.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 15.

NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Oct. 2, 2025. At the time it was imaged, the comet was about 19 million miles from the spacecraft. The comet didn't come nearly as close to Earth, when it reached a distance of 170 million miles from our planet on Dec. 19. This image shows the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet as a bright, fuzzy orb in the center. Traveling through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour, 3I/ATLAS was made visible by using a series of colorized stacked images from Sept. 11-25, using the Heliocentric Imager-1 (H1) instrument, a visible-light imager on the STEREO-A (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) spacecraft. The colorization was applied to differentiate the image from other observing spacecraft images. Because it's big enough to be deemed a "city killer," asteroid 2024 YR4 became a source of alarm due to the uncommonly high risk it had of colliding with Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. For a time, it was the only object among more than 37,000 known large space rocks with any chance of hitting Earth anytime soon  with its probability of impact even rising to a record level of 3.1%.That began to change in late February as more precise observations allowed scientists to effectively winnow down the asteroid's odds of impact to a number so low, it might as well be zero. An exoplanet known as K2-18b achieved a degree of fame in April when a team of astronomers claimed to have found in its atmosphere "the strongest evidence yet" that life exists anywhere else besides Earth. Other scientists have since cast doubt on the findings  putting a damper on the notion that humanity finally had proof that we aren't alone in the cosmos. This artist's concept shows what exoplanet K2-18b could look like based on scientific data. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed K2-18b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, revealing conditions that could support life on the exoplanet. NASAs Perseverance Mars rover is seen in a "selfie" that it took over on Sept. 10, 2021. Perseverance rover, along with Curiosity, is one of the agency's two car-sized robots exploring the Martian surface for signs that the planet was once habitable. And in September, NASA officials confirmed that one of the rovers finds contained a potential biosignature. A reddish rock nicknamed "Cheyava Falls", with features resembling leopard spots was discovered by NASA's Perseverance rover in Mars Jezero Crater in July 2024, in this handout photograph released on September 10, 2025. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, light up the night sky Nov. 11 east of Denver, Colorado. A powerful geomagnetic solar storm in November blasted Earth and created the conditions necessary to reveal the auroras much further south in the United States than is typical. A group of friends take photos of the northern lights Nov. 11 as they appear over Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. After NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a "severe" geomagnetic storm watch in November, many people in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes the U.S., had an extraordinary opportunity to gaze upon some breathtaking red and green auroras in their own backyard. In June, the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin ground telescope in Chile unveiled its first stunning images of the cosmos. This particular image combines 678 separate images taken by the observatory in just over seven hours of observing time. Combining many images in this way clearly reveals otherwise faint or invisible details, such as the clouds of gas and dust that comprise the Trifid nebula (top) and the Lagoon nebula, which are several thousand light-years away from Earth. 2025 was a year of cosmic discoveries. Here's a look back at 6 1 of 11 NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy.

Who is on the International Space Station?

Seven people are living and working about the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russians Sergey Mikaev and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, who arrived at the end of November on a Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, are the newest additions at the orbital laboratory.

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Also on the station are four astronauts who are part of the joint NASA and SpaceX mission known as Crew-11. Among them are NASA astronauts Cardman and Fincke, as well as Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); and Russian Oleg Platonov, a Roscosmos cosmonaut.

Crew-11 launched Aug. 1 from the Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida, as the spacefarers made their venture to space aboard a Dragon capsule that was propelled into orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The four Crew-11 astronauts' time in space, however, is coming to an end. As early as February, the Crew-12 contingent is due to replace them at the station.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA to livestream 2 January spacewalks. Time, date, how to watch
Diana Onyejiaka, a Democrat from Nashville, announced she's running in 2026 to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate.

"I am running to stand up for all working Tennesseans  urban and rural, young and old, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and everyone in between  because when we put families and those who care for them first, we build a stronger Tennessee and a stronger America," Onyejiaka, 41, said in a news release.

The businesswoman is the first Democrat to announce a candidacy in the Aug. 6 primary. She announced her intention to run for the same seat in the 2020 race, but was not on the primary ballot that year.

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Sen. Bill Hagerty is running for reelection and no other Republicans have entered the primary. The general election is Nov. 3, and the party winners will join independent Andrew Woodruff Mixon, who has filed candidacy papers with the Federal Election Commission.

Diana Onyejiaka is running for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Onyejiaka previously filed to run for the U.S. House District 5 seat occupied by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, but her spokesperson confirmed to Knox News she'll seek the Senate seat instead.

Onyejiaka said she'd weigh decisions as a senator with one standard: "Does it strengthen families, protect freedom and make government work better for the people it serves?"

Onyejiaka made several legislative commitments, including restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, modernizing postpartum care, financial incentives and protections for caregivers, and dismantling "oversized and over-centralized hospital systems."

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Onyejiaka prioritized faith in her agenda.

"Faith is central to my life and to how I will serve. I am a faith-believing woman  imperfect, yes  but deeply committed to honoring God in how I lead," she said.

Allie Feinberg is the politics reporter for Knox News. Email: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com; Reddit: u/KnoxNewsAllie

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Nashville Democrat Diana Onyejiaka running for U.S. Senate
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is reiterating its caution for truckers in western North Carolina to adhere to approved routes, specifically directing them to use either Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge or Interstate 26 West to Interstate 81 South.

Despite a noticeable decline in truck drivers using back roads, officials continue to address ongoing concerns regarding this issue, according to WLOS.

ALSO READ: Officials stress safety after IMAP truck struck during interstate incident

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David Uchiyama, communications manager for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, emphasized the importance of compliance, stating, IMAP (Incident Management Assistance Patrol) still encounters the occasional [driver] that tries to think that they can take a shortcut around the construction on I-40. There is no shortcut.

Truckers who disregard the posted signs and attempt to navigate back roads could potentially face misdemeanor charges.

Authorities are keen to enforce route compliance to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic around construction areas.

For the latest road conditions and any potential closures, truck drivers are encouraged to visit DriveNC.gov, a resource offered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to keep the public informed.

VIDEO: NCDOT contractor hurt in crash on I-85 in Charlotte
Gov. Jim Pillen visits the Nebraska National Guard Air Base on Jan. 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Fresh off securing President Donald Trumps endorsement, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced his campaign has raised $7.6 million, bringing the governors political war chest to $10 million ahead of his 2026 reelection bid.

The incumbent governors fundraising haul comes as a potential Republican primary election rematch is on the horizon with multi-state agribusinessman Charles Herbster, a longtime Trump donor.

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The Pillen campaign said the amount is almost seven times that of any previous incumbent governor going into reelection. Pillen finished 2024 with more than $3 million in cash on hand, according to state campaign finance reports.

Dona-Gene Barton, a political science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who studies political behavior, said, This massive war chest creates a David vs. Goliath situation for potential challengers.

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Herbster and his team declined to comment. He and Pillen combined in 2022 for the most expensive gubernatorial primary contest and governors race in state history, with both raising and spending more than $11 million.

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Herbster lost to Pillen in that 2022 GOP primary, finishing second in a three-way race that also included then-State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, who is running for the U.S. House in the Omaha-based 2nd District.

Pillen then cruised to a general election victory against then-Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. If a GOP primary rematch happens, Herbster will have to run without Trumps endorsement this time, which he had in 2022.

Trump backing Pillen is a dramatic change from the last time Herbster faced the former University of Nebraska regent in a GOP-led state where Republicans hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage.

Herbster is expected to decide whether to run as early as this month. He continued his social media attacks on Pillen last week, saying Pillen is running the state into the ground, referring to the state budget shortfall.

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Currently, Jacy Todd and Sheila Korth-Focken, who announced late Monday, are the other two GOP candidates for governor. They havent yet filed fundraising tallies with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, which are required after candidates raise more than $5,000.

On the Democratic side, former state Sen. Lynne Walz is exploring a bid for governor. Walz spokesman Brandon Bayer said Pillens fundraising totals would have no impact on her decision to run.

The GOP primary for governor is May 12. The general election is Nov. 3.

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State Sen. Dan McKeon during a press conference in Cairo on Dec 30, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Nebraskas 2026 legislative session, which starts Wednesday, appears poised to consider the Legislatures first expulsion of a state senator, but the process to weigh doing so might seem familiar.

State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst faces possible expulsion after a unanimous recommendation from the Nebraska Legislatures Executive Board, a panel of legislative leaders that acts as the branchs human resources department.

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The board recommended expelling McKeon following allegations that he had inappropriately touched a legislative staffer. But the board also noted what it described as a demonstrated pattern of behavior.

State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. (Courtesy of Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)

McKeon has made clear he has no plans to resign. On Monday, McKeons lawyer Perry Pirsch sent a letter lobbying lawmakers to vote against the expulsion motion, arguing that expelling McKeon risks opening the door for other senators to be expelled with no more than a contested narrative.

Expulsion should not be used as a political shortcut or as a substitute for an election absent extraordinary circumstances, Pirsch wrote in the letter.

While the Nebraska Legislature has never officially expelled a senator, Clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler noted there have been cases where expulsion was considered, but the senator in question resigned or the session ended before the option could be pursued.

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It is unprecedented in the sense of, yes the Legislature has never expelled somebody, Metzler said. But I think to say that weve never had a situation that rose to this level isnt quite the same thing.

As with any disciplinary measure within a legislative session, Metzler said the process starts with a legislative resolution, which can be introduced as soon as the session begins Wednesday.

In a Monday letter to McKeon, State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, the Exec Board chair, said the board has drafted a resolution that is ready to be introduced Wednesday.

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Past resolutions typically listed supporting evidence to back up the recommended disciplinary action. In Hansens letter, he details some information from the boards investigation and noted there are separate allegations claiming McKeon made an inappropriate joke in the presence of a female staffer, and joked about people of other races.

Once the resolution is referred to a standing committee  likely the Exec Board  there must be seven days between the notice of a public hearing and the date of the legislative hearing. Hansen said he intends to schedule the hearing Jan. 12, and only include invited testifiers. He said those testifiers can include McKeon or his attorney and outside counsel who conducted the investigation.

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If the committee votes to advance the resolution, floor debate can begin immediately, Metzler said. An expulsion motion requires just one round of floor debate and needs 33 votes to remove a sitting senator.

If successful, Metzler said the measure would take effect immediately. McKeons seat representing District 41 would become vacant until Gov. Jim Pillen appoints a replacement. Later this year, the state would hold a special election in LD 41 to decide who serves the final two years of McKeons term.

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An empty wall where paintings from PragerUs Founders Museum in the Nebraska Capitol previously hung on Jan. 7, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  In plain view of the public, progressive State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha tore down and later returned part of a Nebraska Capitol display distributed by the conservative nonprofit PragerU and the White House on the first day of the legislative session.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, in blue, takes down a poster Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from the White House-commissioned Founders Museum hung up around the Nebraska State Capitol through summer 2026 as part of the countrys 250th anniversary celebrations. (Courtesy of State Sen. Brad von Gillern)

Gov. Jim Pillen had said the purpose of hosting the display, sponsored by the states Semiquincentennial Commission, was to let the state celebrate the countrys 250th anniversary.

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The nonprofit behind the images has faced criticism for sharing content that historians consider misleading and inaccurate. The latest display is part of a push from the Trump administrations White House Task Force 250, outreach designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

Cavanaugh told the Examiner she removed the frames because we are not allowed to adhere anything to walls in the hallway of the Capitol. She said generally any such display would be placed near the information desk and not in the Capitols hallways.

I have always been a stickler for the rules  so I removed the prohibited objects, Cavanaugh said.

A Cavanaugh office aide said the removed portraits were gone when asked by the Examiner Wednesday morning, but they were in her office. Cavanaugh, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, said someone would pick up the paintings from her office.

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Speaker John Arch of La Vista confirmed that Cavanaugh told him that she had removed the portraits. Arch said the commission can display in the Capitol with approval, which he said the group had received from the Nebraska Capitol Commission.

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Cavanaugh later told the Lincoln Journal Star that she tried not to damage the artwork and called the Nebraska State Patrol to let them know where to find the paintings.

State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area shared photos of Cavanaugh pulling down the paintings. The posters were back up by around 3 p.m.

The State Patrol said Wednesday evening that no citation was issued, and no apparent damage was done to the art. The patrol returned the posters to the Capitol Commission, and the images were rehung.

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Pillen, whose office referred reporters to his social media post, shared Capitol security footage of the incident from the State Patrol. In them, Cavanaugh can be seen removing the paintings.

Celebrating America during our 250th year should be a moment of unity and patriotism, not divisiveness and destructive partisanship, said Pillen, a Republican. I am disappointed in this shameful and selfish bad example.

Conservative radio host Dennis Prager and Allen Estrin, Pragers then-producer, founded PragerU to give people visual and accessible ways to see historical, economic and climate issues through a right-leaning lens.

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The prime minister toured communities near Israels southern border with Egypt with Katz and Ben-Gvir, outlining a multi-year plan to expand settlements and crack down on crime.

Israels government will launch a national project to return the Negev to the State of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a tour of the western Negev on Wednesday.

The tour, conducted with Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and senior ministry officials, included briefings on weapons smuggling and police enforcement near the Egyptian border.

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According to the Prime Ministers Office and police officials, the plan aims to strengthen border communities, curb organized crime, and reinforce state governance in the South, as well as large-scale settlement expansion and a renewed focus on restoring law and order.

The delegation visited the community of Revivim and observed the area of Bir Hadaj, where Israel Police Inspector-General Kobi Shabtai, ISA Director Ronen Bar, and IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram briefed them on enforcement efforts against illegal possession of weapons and smuggling. Officials outlined seizures and counter-smuggling operations along the southern borders and in nearby communities.

Netanyahu and Katz later visited the Midbar Ish farm near Kmehin, where directors-general from several ministries presented progress on a five-year plan coordinated with the Defense Ministry.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits western Negev, January 7, 2026. (credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)

The plan envisions significant demographic growth, distribution of settlements along the eastern and western borders, development of employment zones, and upgrades to civilian infrastructure. It also addresses local security needs as part of an inter-ministerial effort to reinforce state presence and governance across the Negev.

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During the tour, the prime minister said the initiative combines civil development with intensified enforcement. This means settlement on a scale we havent known, and it also means providing for the Bedouin residents. But it means, first and foremost, restoring law and order, Netanyahu said, citing the convergence of criminal and security threats, including illegal firearms and cross-border drone activity.

Netanyahu targets Negev smuggling networks in border tour

Security officials updated the delegation on efforts to disrupt smuggling networks operating along the Egyptian border and in the Negev. According to the briefing, police and military units have increased patrols and interdictions to counter weapons and narcotics trafficking that fuels local crime. The visit underscored the link between internal security and border control, an issue highlighted repeatedly in recent months.

Netanyahu thanked the security chiefs and ministers for backing the initiative, calling it a national mission of the highest order. He said he would continue to make personal visits to the region as the program progresses.

Netanyahu concluded the tour by reiterating that restoring governance in the Negev would proceed alongside settlement growth and economic investment. We will bring a national project to achieve all these goals, but primarily to restore governance to the Negev, he said.
A Newark man won $1,000,000 at Delaware Park Casino just before the new year.

Delaware Park Casino announced on Jan. 6. that Julius Friedman, a loyal Delaware Park player, was awarded $1,000,000 in slot dollars on Dec. 27. The prize was part of a giveaway that capped off a two-month-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of slot machine gaming in Delaware.

Julius Friedman of Newark was awarded $1,000,000 in slot dollars on Dec. 27, 2025, by Delaware Park Casino. The prize was part of a giveaway that capped off a two-month-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of slot machine gaming in Delaware.

Throughout November and December, Delaware Park Casino guests could earn entries into the contest by playing slots and table games using their Players Cards. In addition to Friedman, 13 other finalists each left the casino on Dec. 27 with $3,000 slot-dollar prizes.

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By the end of 2025, Delaware Park Casino saw nearly $100 million in jackpot wins.

ICYMI: See which Delaware city ranked as one of top places to move to in 2025

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: At Delaware Park Casino, Newark man wins $1M in slot dollars
The United States Navy has the largest fleet of nuclear submarines on the planet, and it just added a new one to the inventory. This new fifth generation submarine is an incredible machine, and it was named in honor of one of World War II's biggest and best vessels. On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Navy took ownership of the USS Idaho (SSN-799). The ship was named to carry on the honor of the battleship USS Idaho (BB-42), which was first commissioned in 1919 and went on to be awarded seven battle stars during WWII.

The new Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class boat. The ship is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel to carry the name "Idaho. The first was a wooden steam sloop that was turned into a full-rigged sailing ship commissioned in 1866. The second was the BB-24, a Mississippi-class battleship. During World War I, motorboat SP-545 also carried the name before "Idaho" was transferred to a New Mexico-class battleship of WWII. That warship was known as "The Big Spud" for the state's most famous crop.

It's common for the U.S. Navy to reuse ship names in honor of historical vessels. The most well-known example is probably the USS Enterprise, as there have been nine thusly-named vessels, three of which are aircraft carriers. The new USS Idaho will undergo a series of sea trials prior to its official commissioning, which will likely take place sometime in the spring of 2026. In the meantime, dedicated submariners will get to know the boat, which is expected to help strengthen the nation's undersea warfare capabilities.

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Read more: 10 Of The Largest Navies In The World, Ranked By Self-Reported Total Naval Assets

The newest Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine

The USS Virginia (SSN 774) on the ocean surface - General Dynamics Electric Boat/U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons

The USS Idaho (SSN-799) is one of the most advanced nuclear submarines in the world. Virginia-class subs are designated to be attack platforms with the capability to launch cruise missiles. They're used primarily for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering, and they can operate in blue-water oceans as well as in littoral areas along coastlines. The class is slowly replacing the cruise-missile variant of the Ohio class and other nuclear submarines in the Los Angeles class.

As of this writing, three Virginia-class boats are earmarked for the Royal Australian Navy, while the rest remain with the U.S. Navy. The USS Idaho measures 377 feet long with a displacement of 10,200 tons of seawater when submerged. The boat utilizes an S9G reactor alongside an auxiliary diesel engine and has a maximum speed of around 29 mph. Like other vessels of its class, the Idaho will be home to 128 enlisted personnel and 17 officers.

Because the boat is powered by nuclear energy, it has virtually an unlimited range and will likely remain in service for at least 40 years. In terms of armament, the USS Idaho features two Virginia Payload Tubes and four additional payload tubes capable of firing the BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. Additionally, it features four 21-inch torpedo tubes to fire the U.S. Navy's MK-48 heavy torpedo.

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MCCARTHY ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES INC.

McCarthy Engineering Associates Inc. has announced that Project Manager Nicholas Perilli obtained his professional engineer license Nov. 27.

Since joining McCarthy Engineering in 2021, Perilli has played a pivotal role in advancing both public and private sector projects that improve infrastructure, enhance safety, and support long1term community development. With a background in construction and a robust portfolio of land development, stormwater design, municipal capital improvements, and transportation-related initiatives, Perilli brings deep technical skills paired with a thoughtful, people-first approach to engineering.

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Nicholas Perilli (Courtesy McCarthy Engineering Associates Inc.)

Perilli holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

His achievement was not a surprise to the McCarthy Engineering Associates team because with every project Nick demonstrates a commitment not only to exceptional engineering, but to the well-being of the communities we serve, Jim McCarthy, President and CEO at McCarthy Engineering Associates Inc., said in a statement.

BARLEY SNYDER

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Barley Snyder partner Maria Di Stravolo Elliott has been named chairwoman of the firms Construction Industry Group. Elliott previously chaired the group and returns to the role with extensive experience guiding clients through complex construction and real estate matters.

Maria Di Stravolo Elliott (Courtesy Barley Snyder)

Barley Snyders Construction Industry Group offers deep, industry-specific insight at every stage of the construction process  from planning and permitting to project completion and dispute resolution. As chairwoman, Elliott will lead a team of attorneys providing comprehensive legal representation to clients across both public and private sector construction projects.

Elliotts construction law practice spans all phases of projects, including drafting and negotiating contracts, bidding matters, claims avoidance and settlement, change orders, lien waivers, limited notice to proceed letters, and termination of contracts. She regularly addresses mechanics liens, liquidated damages and AIA contract matters, in addition to providing guidance on compliance with Pennsylvania construction laws, the Uniform Construction Code, and the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.

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Elliott has handled numerous high-profile projects, including multi-million-dollar real estate acquisitions, zoning approvals and entitlements, and complex lease agreements, along with the construction contracts stemming from those projects. In 2020, she was named a Fellow at the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only international honorary association of preeminent lawyers specializing in construction law and related fields. In 2025, Elliott was named Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America in its 32nd edition, receiving the top distinction in Real Estate Law for the Harrisburg metropolitan area.

Our group brings deep knowledge and a collaborative approach to every engagement, and I look forward to guiding our attorneys as we continue to deliver practical solutions, protect our clients interests, and advance the construction industry, Elliott said in a statement.

Elliott succeeds partner Christopher A. Naylor, who previously chaired the group and now leads the firms newly formed Manufacturing Industry Group, while remaining an active and valued member of the Construction Industry Group.

BARLEY SNYDER

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Barley Snyder partner and Intellectual Property Practice Group Chairman Salvatore Anastasi has been elected president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).

Salvatore Anastasi (Courtesy Barley Snyder)

Established in 1876, AIPLA is a national bar association representing individuals from law firms, corporations, companies, and institutions involved in patent, trademark, copyright, unfair competition, and related areas of law affecting intellectual property. With nearly 7,000 members, it is one of the largest intellectual property associations in the world.

A longtime member and active leader within AIPLA, Anastasi has served in numerous leadership roles, including treasurer, second vice president, first vice president, and most recently president-elect. His election as president marks the culmination of nearly three decades of service and dedication to advancing AIPLAs mission of fostering innovation, shaping IP policy, and supporting the professional growth of practitioners worldwide.

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As president, Anastasi will oversee the associations strategic initiatives focused on membership, education and advocacy, guide policy discussions on key intellectual property issues, and represent AIPLA before government agencies, international organizations, and professional associations. His term will focus on growing membership both in number and professionally by bringing them the most advanced and timely training. His advocacy efforts will center on advancing the associations efforts to promote fair and balanced IP systems that encourage creativity, entrepreneurship, and investment in technology.

Anastasi is a patent attorney and the chair of Barley Snyders Intellectual Property Practice Group with nearly 30 years of legal experience. He advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property, including domestic and international patent preparation and prosecution and intellectual property litigation. His clients range from small family businesses to large multinational corporations in a wide variety of industries.

Anastasi was recently named to The Best Lawyers in Americas 2026 edition for Patent Law, the Legal 500s 2025 Philadelphia Elite Intellectual Property list, and the Daily Local News 2025 Top Lawyers of Chester County List for Intellectual Property. In addition to his involvement with AIPLA, he serves as a board member of the Brandywine Regional Airport.

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The Trump administrations justifications for bombing Venezuela and arresting its president shifted in real time this weekend. Was this a national securityrelated counternarcotics operation, an oil heist, or a regime-change play to topple a dictator?

That lack of claritycombined with the administrations propensity to, well, tell a lot of liesonly added to the mass confusion over whats really going on. After all, Donald Trumps Venezuela adventure isnt an isolated incident, and its best understood in proper historical context: the long tail of U.S. intervention in Latin America.

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To help make sense of what just happened, and to get answers on what might happen next, I turned to Tiziano Breda. Hes a senior analyst covering Latin America and the Caribbean at ACLED, the independent conflict-monitoring organization that tracks political violence and protests worldwide. Breda has spent more than a decade studying Latin American politics and security.

In our conversation, he unpacks how this operation fits into the long arc of U.S. intervention in the region, the internal dynamics of Venezuelas ruling Chavista coalition, the role of oil, and why the most dangerous consequence of this moment may not be what happens next in Caracas, but what it signals across the world. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Aymann Ismail: Theres so much in flux right now. What are the most important things we still dont know about whats happening between the United States and Venezuela?

Tiziano Breda: There are at least three variables that remain unclear. The first is how this will play out inside Venezuela now that Maduro has been removed. What has this generated within the Chavista power structurein the government, the military, and across different sectors of society? What comes next depends on factors like whether Delcy Rodriguez [Venezuelas acting president] can ensure continuity for the Chavistas while at the same time becoming somewhat more lenient toward U.S. interests.

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The second is how this strike is being received in the United States. There has been backlash from Congress. The Trump administration has framed it as a law enforcement operation, but lawmakers say they were bypassed and are questioning the legality of the operation. The key question is how this lands with a Trump support base that is, in principle, uninterested in foreign interventions.

And third, at the international level, its still unclear how other major powers are interpreting thiswhether they oppose it or see an opportunity. For countries like Russia and China, the question is whether this represents the loss of an ally, a precedent that could be applied in their own spheres of influence. For China in particular, it would mean not recovering the billions of dollars it still has as credit with Venezuela.

This didnt come out of nowhere. There were months of escalating tensions. How does this moment fit into the longer U.S.Venezuela standoff? Were you surprised when Trump announced the U.S. captured Maduro?

When Trump took office, his administration was mostly focused on immigration. Marco Rubio struggled with Richard Grenell over whose voice would be more influential in the White House on Venezuela. For the first few months Grenell seemed to have the upper hand: There were prisoner exchanges, deportation flights, Chevrons license was renewed. But in 2025, Rubio established himself as a key strategic adviser on Venezuela. There was a noticeable shift: military buildup in the Caribbean, harsher rhetoric and labeling organized crime groups as terrorist organizations, allegations tying Maduro to some of them.

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That framing was used to justify strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vesselsat least 34 so far with over 110 confirmed fatalitiesnot only in the Caribbean, but also in the Pacific. When that didnt produce cracks within Maduros administration, we saw an escalation: oil tankers seized or chased, and a blockade on Venezuelan oil. That caused much more damage to the Maduro governments ability to keep revenues afloat, yet there were still no cracks in Maduros network of alliances. So Trump was left with two options: either back down and strike some kind of deal or escalate. There had already been a CIA strike in late December, but I did not expect an operation of this kind.

The U.N. has already said this violates international law. Is there any real ambiguity here?

Im not an expert on international law, but its my understanding that the U.S. does have the right to try someone in the United States for crimes that may have affected the U.S., such as drug trafficking. Thousands of drug traffickers have gone through this process. But Im much less sure that this means the U.S. has the authority to go and extract Maduro from another country. Usually, the United States would request the extradition of a person believed to have committed a crime in the U.S. Id say there are serious deficiencies in the legality of the operation.

Has anything like this happened before?

The closest precedent, at least in Latin America, is the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, to capture and extract President Noriega on drug-trafficking charges. That operation was on a much larger scale and far more costly in terms of lives, duration, and scope. But it occurred in the context of the Cold Wara moment in history that preceded the era of multilateralism, international governance, and the development of international human rights norms. Im concerned, seeing a return of this practice in 2026. It suggests much of what was built after that period is now unraveling, or being dismantled by the United States.

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So what does the future of Venezuela look like? Rodriguez seems to be in control. Rubio is saying that shes illegitimate. Do you see regime change on the horizon?



Not in the short term, unless Rodriguez is unable to do two things. She needs to avoid taking a confrontational stance toward the United States, and instead strike deals and make concessions in the oil sector. Simultaneously, she needs to project an image of someone who remains loyal to Chavismo principlesrespect for national sovereignty, resistance to excessive U.S. imperial practices, and so on. If she manages this balancing act, avoiding further U.S. strikes while preventing fractures within the Chavista ranksboth in the military and in social networksVenezuela can stabilize in the short term. But if either of these fails, I think more violence is likely.

The United States has declared they intend to run the country. How will that complicate Rodriguezs ability to stabilize Venezuela?

The U.S. is looking to ensure that this removal leads to more functional agreements with the Venezuelan governmentguaranteeing U.S. companies can get in more freely, invest, settle, and sell all the oil they can pump. A full-fledged regime change does not seem to be the main goal of the Trump administration in the short term. They are aware that the [Venezuelan, anti-Maduro] opposition may have popular support, but they do not have the buy-in of the military in particular. Installing a government without military support would carry the risk of throwing the country into chaos.

A repeat of Iraq, essentially.

Exactly.

Is there something about the way that the Venezuelan government is set up that will make it particularly challenging for Rodriguez to consolidate?

Like all governments and political forces, the Maduro governmentthe Chavistashas its own internal currents and branches. Maduro, and particularly Cilia Flores, are relevant here. Their removal matters because Maduro and Cilia Flores had managed to pacify the different factions within Chavismo and build a system in which elites could extract wealth from Venezuela.

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For example, the military benefited from revenues from the gold-mining sector. The security sector, some would say, participated in illegal drug trafficking, and of course benefited from oil and shipping. There was a balance, and wealth was distributed among military, economic, and political elites in a way that kept the system stable. Rodriguez may try to replicate this, but she will be dealing with a very different level of U.S. pressure than Maduro faced. There may also be Maduro loyalists who obstruct her government. So even if the overall architecture remains in place, simply replacing the person at the top will have repercussions across the entire government.

What role does oil actually play in all of this? I look at a country like Saudi Arabia and think, Wow, they got lucky they have so much oil. Why was this not necessarily possible for a place like Venezuela?

The key difference between Maduro and Chavez is that Maduro politicized the oil sector too heavily. When Chavez was in power, Venezuela benefited from a boom in energy prices in the mid-2000s. He also appointed people with technical expertise to manage the oil sector. When Maduro came to power in 2013, in a quest to consolidate his authority, he replaced almost all the Chavistas he didnt trustincluding the minister of oiland replaced them with loyalists who lacked knowledge of the sector. That lack of understanding began to create problems with maintenance, delays, production failures, and so on.

Then you had the plummeting of oil prices about 10 years ago, which hurt Venezuelas revenue. Even before the U.S. sanctioned the oil sector in 2019, under the first Trump administration, the sector was already collapsing due to corruption and overall mismanagement. They could still maintain significant productionalmost a million barrels a daybut that was down from 3 million about 15 years earlier. With that, they had enough money to sustain the elites, but the rest of society and the broader economy collapsed. Thats why you had around 8 million Venezuelans fleeing the country, as the government itself remained intact.

Up until last week, Nicolas Maduro was challenging the United States to invade, publishing videos of his military conducting drills. I know a little bit about his background, that he was originally a bus driver. What can you tell me about his character?

The role of Cilia Flores [Maduros wife, who was also arrested] is often overlooked. Some people refer to her as the power in the shadows, operating behind the scenes. Maduro did not reach his position alone. Flores was a key figure in liaising with the different branches of the Chavismo project. She has been head of the National Assembly, a deputy, and a minister. Her political trajectory was similar to Maduros, even though it was Maduro who was appointed by Chavez as his political heir. Maduro relied heavily on Cilia Flores, who played a key role in holding his government together.

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Maduro also made use of humor and self-parody as a political tactic. He presents himself as a funny, silly, good guy. He even created a cartoon version of himself called Super Bigote, or Super Mustache. I cant think of another leader who has leaned so heavily into laughing at himself. He uses that strategy to conceal the authoritarian nature of his government, to soften accusations of massive human rights violations, suppression of dissent, waves of political arrests, extrajudicial killings, and so on.

And then you see the images of him being detained in the United States. He has a big grin, giving two thumbs up. What explains that?

There was also an attempt to keep the character going, to play on the empathy of the audience, watching a guy who, in another context, might greet you with a thumbs-up and say Happy New Year. He appears certain of his innocence, as though he believes he will be released once the truth comes out. While the aim of the United States might have been to show that a man who had been in power since 2013so for over a decadewho had seemed untouchable was being brought down to the level of a common criminal.

I havent seen much from inside Venezuela. How are Venezuelans reacting inside the country?

At ACLED, we have so far recorded only two protests inside Venezuela, and both were in favor of Maduro. Its not only that there are no protests, there has also been a decrease in traffic and economic activity over the past couple of days. Inside the country, the government has imposed a state of emergency and deployed military forces to the streets, which has disincentivized mobilization. Uncertainty is also playing a key role. There have been mixed messages coming from the United Statesthe sidelining of Maria Corina Machado [prominent opposition leader and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize], the attempt to reach an agreement with Rodriguez, who is part of the same system as Maduro, and the broader fear that if this doesnt work out, it could trigger chaos within the Chavista ranks and lead to violence. So I think people are avoiding the public sphere.

And what about abroad? How are Venezuelans in the diaspora reacting to this?

The vast majority of Venezuelans abroad have celebrated Maduros removal from power, though not as many agree with the way it happened through the bombing of Caracas. Most Venezuelans who have fled the country in recent years did so either because of political persecution or because of the economic collapse caused by the Maduro administration.

Its strange to see people celebrating the bombing of their own country.

It is. But its a testament to the level of discontent and anger toward an administration that has effectively dismantled the countrys economy. Twenty years ago, Venezuela was the wealthiest country in South America. Today, roughly a quarter of the population has been forced to leave because the economy collapsed. The reliefif not outright celebrationamong many Venezuelans reflects that deep discontent with the Maduro administration.

How are other leaders and peoples in Latin America reacting to this?

There has been a mixed reaction. Leftist governments like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have strongly condemned the U.S. action. On the other hand, more right-wing governments like Argentina, Ecuador, and the newly elected president of Honduras have been more supportive, and in some cases even enthusiastic about the operation. The divisions have been quite clear along ideological lines.

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For people particularly in countries that have been most affected by the influx of Venezuelan migrants and refugeesPeru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Chilethe arrival of Venezuelans has strained public resources, and in some cases it has been instrumentalized by xenophobic political figures, creating a stigma.

Maduro is widely perceived as the main cause of Venezuelan migration and is deeply unpopular. There was polling showing that, across Latin America, and particularly in the countries most affected by Venezuelan migration, many people were already in favor of major intervention in Venezuela, even before this happened.

The U.S. seems to be configuring the reasoning for capturing Maduro in real time, offering conflicting information. What do you think is really driving the U.S. here, and whats bullshit?

There are three reasons. First, reasserting U.S. dominance in the hemisphere, especially actors seen as being in cahoots with the U.S.s main global competitors, Russia and China. Second, widening U.S. access to energy and other resources. Venezuela is rich in gas, minerals, and gold, and expanding U.S. access to those sectors is strategically important for the American economy. Third is migration. Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans live in the United States, and millions more across the region. By removing what is perceived to be the countrys main problemMaduroand projecting the image that the U.S. will now invest in Venezuela, the administration is trying to create a picture that things have improved and encourage Venezuelans living in the U.S. without legal status to return.

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The BS part is drug trafficking, which is paradoxically the legal rationale being used to bring Maduro to justice. Hes being charged with drug trafficking, terrorism, and weapons offenses. But the narrative that Maduro himself is a central drug-trafficking threatand that attacks on drug vessels or even Maduros trial will significantly reduce the flow of drugs to the U.S. or elsewheredoesnt really hold up.

Historically, where does this leave us?

This is a return to a more assertive U.S. approach toward Latin America. Its something that had waned over the years and been replaced by a greater emphasis on regional cooperation through institutions like the Organization of American States, and by U.S. soft power projected through development projects. This attack marks a clear end to that era and a return to one in which the United States is willing to use its full powereconomic, diplomatic, and militaryto ensure that its preferences materialize in the region. Its somewhat anachronistic, but its a renewed version of the Monroe Doctrine, which held that the U.S. has a responsibility to influence and direct political, economic, and military developments in the hemisphere, and to keep external forces from undermining its interests.

Does the speed at which Donald Trump pivoted to Greenland and Mexico reveal anything about how he might be thinking about Venezuela?

Trump may feel emboldened because it has cost the United States little in terms of human lives and equipment, which he emphasized repeatedly during his press conference on Saturday. Lets see what the U.N. Security Council says and what comes next, but for now the international cost also appears limited. Whether more action happens in the immediate future will depend on how the situation in Venezuela unfolds. If it triggers domestic turmoil, violence between different factions of Chavismo, or broader social unrest, then it becomes less likely that this approach would be applied elsewhere. Paradoxically, if it works, there is a risk that it could be repeated in other contexts.
The Nigerian air force will reportedly take the lead from the US after Washington's strikes against militants of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in northwest Nigeria last month.

A Nigerian official told the AFP news agency on Tuesday that the country's fighter jets woulds use intelligence gathered from US reconnaissance flights to aid their own air strikes as part of a new security arrangement with Washington.

However, Nigeria remains open to further US strikes like the ones on Christmas Day, according to the official.

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US President Donald Trump announced on 26 December that the US had carried out "powerful and deadly" strikes against IS gunmen in Nigeria's Sokoto state.

Trump said that "terrorist scum" targeted in the strikes were "viciously targeting and killing mostly innocent Christians". The number of casualties is unclear, although Nigerian and US officials said that militants were killed in the strikes.

People stand behind crime scene tape at the site of a US airstrike in Jabo, 26 December, 2025 - AP Photo

Nigeria, which is battling multiple armed groups, said last month that the US strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two nations.

Despite Trump's comments about Christian victims of violence, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said the attacks had "nothing to do with a particular religion."

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This echoed comments by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said that security challenges affect people "irrespective of religions and regions."

Residents and security analysts have said Nigeria's security crisis affects both Christians, who are predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north.

The armed groups operating in Nigeria include at least two organisations linked to IS: the Islamic State of West Africa  an offshoot of Boko Haram that operates mainly in the northeast  and the lesser-known Islamic State's Shahel Province (ISSP)  known locally as Lakurawa  with a strong presence in the northwest.

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Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa have wreaked havoc in northeastern Nigeria for more than a decade, killing thousands of people, yet most of them were Muslims, according to ACLED, a group that analyses political violence.

In November, Trump ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria to try and curb what he called Christian persecution.

The US president previously designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern" due to the "existential threat" it poses to its Christian population.

This designation allows for US sanctions against countries "engaged in serious violations of religious freedom."
A Nigerian court has granted bail to the country's former attorney general, Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, who are facing money laundering charges.

Malami, 58, was one of the most influential figures in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023.

He was charged last month with 16 counts of money laundering and abuse of office worth a total of 8.7bn naira ($6m; 4.5m), and has been held in prison since 30 December.

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In court, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He previously described his arrest as politically motivated.

The lawyer, who is married to Buharis third child, Nana Hadiza, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition African Democratic Congress, which is viewed as the biggest rival to the APC in the 2027 general elections.

Malami is one of several ministers in the Buhari administration accused of corruption, including another influential figure, Hadi Sirika, who was in charge of the countrys aviation ministry.

Hours before he was granted bail, the court ordered the interim forfeiture to the Nigerian government of 57 properties valued at 213bn naira ($150m; 111m) linked to him.

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The bail was set at 500m naira (260,000; $350,000) for each of the three defendants.

They must also provide two guarantors who own property in designated parts of the capital, Abuja, and surrender their travel documents to the court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the former minister used his office to divert government funds, which were then used to acquire properties in several Nigerian cities, including Abuja.

The EFCC recently released a list of high-value properties allegedly linked to Malami, including hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, parcels of land and a printing press.

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The properties are spread across Abuja, as well as Kebbi and Kano states.

The scale of the properties he allegedly owned sparked a national debate about the wealth of Nigeria's politicians when the list was released.

Political analyst Idris Adamu told the BBC the case had taken him by surprise given the minister's previous perceived invulnerability.

"Seeing the video of Malami being ushered into the vehicle that would take him to Kuje prison last month felt surreal," Adamu said. "This was a man that wielded so much power and influence under Buhari."

He added that the high-profile prosecution signalled that "no-one is above the law, even if you are the former justice minister of a country".

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The case has been adjourned until 17 February 2025.

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A 17-year-old student from North Atlanta High School, was granted bond Wednesday after being accused of stabbing a classmate with scissors during an attack in the hallway.

The judge granted Monterris Patterson Jr. bond with strict conditions. Hes required to be on 24-hour house arrest, must stay away from the school and have no contact with the victim.

The victims family told Channel 2s Michael Seiden they are living in fear due to the circumstances and believe that Patterson should remain in custody.

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Video of the fight and stabbing was posted online.

During the court hearing, the prosecution presented evidence related to the case, while family and friends of both the victim and the defendant were in attendance.

Musa Ghanayem, the attorney for the victims family, provided updates on his injuries, calling them severe.

Hes been stabbed in both temples, straight in the forehead, in the eye and the neck. Hes going to have permanent injuries from this, Ghanayem said.

Atlanta Public Schools announced that their investigation into the incident remains ongoing but did not have any other statement.

Pattersons attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

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The Brief

Raleigh police say Zoe Welsh was killed after a man broke into her home and assaulted her while she was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, was later located by officers and charged with murder and felony burglary.

Welsh, a teacher at Ravenscroft School, later died from her injuries as the investigation into the case continues.

RALEIGH, N.C. - A North Carolina teacher was killed by a home intruder as she was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher.

Dig deeper

Raleigh Police said on January 3, officers were dispatched to 819 Clay Street.

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The victim, Zoe Welsh, had called 911 to report a man had broken into her home. While she was on the phone, police said the man started to assault her.

When officers arrived, they found Welsh with life-threatening injuries. She later died from her injuries at a hospital.

Officers conducted the search and later found the suspect, identified as Ryan Camacho, 36. He is charged with murder and felony burglary.

According to FOX Carolina, Welsh was a teacher at Ravenscroft School.

What they're saying

"I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ms. Welsh's family during this incredibly difficult time," Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said in an online statement.

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"Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom," the school said in a statement to local news outlets.

What's next

Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

The Source

Information in this story was provided by Raleigh Police, who released details about the 911 call, the response to the reported break-in, and the arrest and charges against the suspect. Additional reporting came from FOX Carolina. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Most recognize me for extolling the virtues of deductive reasoning in medical malpractice case review, but I never explain why I am so worked up over medical malpractice. Some would point out, There are only 17,000 malpractice lawsuits filed per year out of a total of perhaps as many as 40 million lawsuits filed nationwide. Therefore, medical malpractice represents 0.04 percent of all lawsuits filed. Whats the big deal? One reader actually admonishes me as a crybaby.

Heres the big deal. According to one medical malpractice law firm (a very prominent one, I may add), these 17,000 medical malpractice lawsuits represent a much underutilized service and the number should be much higher. In fact, medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This is frankly insulting for a doctor.

To add to this insult, according to them, virtually no frivolous claim of medical malpractice is ever represented by any plaintiff attorney because to do so is too expensive. In the meantime, this firm prevails in over $100 million of settlements and verdicts and announces: If we dont win, you dont pay.

They regard themselves as protectors of those who are at the mercy of physicians and insurance companies. For these attorneys, who never file a frivolous claim, between the lines is presumed: It is OK if a frivolous lawsuit is occasionally represented as long as we make a percentage of $100 million.

As proof for their claims, these particular attorneys point to the National Practitioner Data Bank. They claim that only 11,440 medical malpractice lawsuits are reported by the NPDB. It stands to reason that, since there are 17,000 malpractice lawsuits, 5,560 are not reported.

The NPDB only reports medical malpractice lawsuits that end favorably for plaintiffs. This is cherry picking. Because those not reported end favorably for the defendant, they must have no merit. If they have no merit, they must be frivolous. Since they are filed, they must be represented. So much for believing that no frivolous claims are represented.

Anticipating this contradiction, according to these attorneys, these 5,560 lawsuits are meritorious but do not prevail. Very few, if any, are frivolous. Whatever the number of frivolous claims may be, it is so trivial that it is essentially insignificant.

However, according to the AMA, cases reported by the NPDB represent 33.3 percent of all malpractice lawsuits; 66.6 percent are not reported. If 33.3 percent of cases are reported and represent only 11,440 lawsuits, when doing the math, there are 35,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed per year. This is double the number these attorneys claim. Now, 23,560 medical malpractice claims are not reported. If there are frivolous claims among these 23,560 lawsuits, all are represented. Using these attorneys logic, this time, whatever the number of frivolous claims may be, it is no longer trivial or insignificant.

In addition, according to another source, 85,000 lawsuits are for medical malpractice, which is a five-fold increase over the 17,000 these attorneys claim. In 2022, the NPDB receives 66,000 claims and reports 22,000 of them.

Two facts emerge. First, the true number of medical malpractice lawsuits is unknown but it is greater than 17,000. Second, a claim that no frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits are represented by plaintiff attorneys is completely fabricated, as is the claim that none end favorably for the plaintiff. Claiming otherwise is patently absurd.

That being said, I know that my personal background risk as an OB/GYN is 10 percent/year, which corresponds to one lawsuit every 8.5 years. I know that, when sued in the past, the lawsuits have no merit.

In 2000, I decide to do something. At the very least, I can prove that a lawsuit is frivolous. When I do, a settlement is off the table, which, potentially, increases expenses for plaintiff attorneys. Conversely, if I prove that a lawsuit is meritorious, I will expediently and appropriately settle the case, which decreases expenses for the malpractice carrier. In both circumstances, I am best served.

Hence, I develop a decision-making method, based on hypothesis testing, which I call CCC+C, after its four principal functions: collate, compare, calculate, and certify.

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When next sued, I use CCC+C and find no merit. In a conference prior to answering the complaint, I express my intention to the assigned defense counsel with the instruction that my intention is communicated to the plaintiff attorney. It is, and I am dismissed with prejudice within days after the response to the complaint is submitted.

If this works for me, it should work for any doctor.

Howard Smith is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.
Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers, the first woman to lead the North Dakota Supreme Court, participates in a formal passing of the gavel ceremony on Jan. 6, 2026. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

The North Dakota Supreme Court on Tuesday passed the gavel to a female chief justice for the first time in state history.

Justice Jon Jensen formally stepped down from the role and welcomed Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers during a ceremony in front of a packed crowd.

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Women have been eligible to serve on this court since 1920, when women gained the full right to vote, and it took us until now to have a chief justice, Fair McEvers said during a speech. While Im humbled to be the first, I certainly hope that I wont be the last.

Fair McEvers earned 83% of the votes cast by sitting justices and district court judges in the December election to determine who would succeed Jensen. Justice Jerod Tufte was the other candidate.

Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers, the first woman to lead the North Dakota Supreme Court, and her predecessor, Justice Jon Jensen, swap seats during a Jan. 6, 2026, ceremony. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

Fair McEvers said the support she has received from across the state and across the country since the election has been overwhelming.

I do realize the historical significance of this moment, Fair McEvers said. While Im not a big deal, Im just a Class B kid from Minto, North Dakota, its obvious from the number of people who have contacted me following the ballot opening that this is a big deal to many people that we have selected the first woman in North Dakota to serve in this capacity.

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Fair McEvers has served on the Supreme Court since 2014, when she was appointed by then-Gov. Jack Dalrymple to fill a position vacated by former Justice Mary Muehlen Maring. She was elected to the court to serve a two-year term in 2016 and a 10-year term in 2018.

Susan Bailey, a district court judge and a friend of Fair McEvers since they attended law school together, said she made calm confidence her hallmark.

In every role, the same core values shine through. Fairness, humility and an unwavering respect for the rule of law, Bailey said during the ceremony.

Jensen, who did not seek reelection to the post of chief justice, will continue to serve as one of the Supreme Courts five justices.

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Fair McEvers said she hopes to build on many initiatives begun by Jensen.

I intend to be a chief who listens, is patient and values the ideas of others, even when I might not agree with them, Fair McEvers said.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge can be reached at jorledge@northdakotamonitor.com.

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The notorious serial murderer known as the "Torso Killer" who operated in the 1960s and '70s in the New York City area has confessed to another murder, closing a case more than six decades old, authorities in New Jersey said.

Nursing student Alys Eberhardt was 18 when she was stabbed and bludgeoned to death at her family's home in the borough of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City, on Sept. 24, 1965. Despite the work of county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, her killer evaded authorities for decades.

The case was reopened in spring 2021 at the direction of former Fair Lawn Police Chief Glen Cauwels. Detectives Eric Eleshewich and Brian Rypkema were tasked with reviewing the files of the initial investigation.

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It was around that time convicted serial killer Richard Cottingham, known as the "Torso Killer," made new admissions to authorities about his involvement in several killings in the Bergen County area decades ago.

Alys Jean Eberhardt is pictured in this file photo. She was killed in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, in September 1965 when she was 18 years old. Authorities say they now know who her killer was.

Detectives began to examine him as a person of interest, and the possibility surfaced that Eberhardt's death may have been one of his earliest crimes, according to the Fair Lawn Police Department. Authorities decided not to pursue additional criminal charges in case a confession was obtained.

"In the interest of getting closure for the family, additional charges are not being sought in this case," the Fair Lawn Police Department said in a statement.

Fair Lawn detectives began interviewing Cottingham in 2021, the police department said. Shortly after, they met and forged relationships with Dr. Peter Vronsky and Jennifer Weiss, both confidants of Cottingham. Throughout the next four years, detectives from Fair Lawn, the New Jersey State Police and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office conducted a number of in-person interviews with Cottingham.

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In November, the Fair Lawn detectives were told that Cottingham's health was failing and that he wanted to speak with them. The Fair Lawn Police Department said that two additional interviews took place with detectives.

During the final interview in December, Cottingham made a full verbal confession and later provided a written one admitting he killed Eberhardt, police said. These admissions included information about the circumstances leading up to the crime, the house, and details about the murder that were not publicly known, police said.

Victim's family has 'long-overdue sense of peace'

Eberhardt's family, in a statement through her nephew Michael Smith, thanked the Fair Lawn Police Department for its work and persistence.

"Our family has waited since 1965 for the truth. To receive this news during the holidays  and to be able to tell my mother, Alys' sister, that we finally have answers  was a moment I never thought would come," Smith said. "As Alys' nephew, I am deeply moved that our family can finally honor her memory with the truth. Your efforts have brought a long-overdue sense of peace to our family and prove that victims like Alys are never forgotten, no matter how much time passes.

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"Richard Cottingham is the personification of evil, yet I am grateful that he has finally chosen to answer the questions that have haunted our family for decades. We will never know why, but at least we finally know who."

Who is the 'Torso Killer' Richard Cottingham?

Cottingham, now 79, also known as the "Times Square Ripper," killed women and girls in the New York City area, including the New Jersey suburbs. He is known for dismembering his victims and targeted several sex workers.

Cottingham has been in custody since his arrest in 1980 and is serving three life sentences at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Since his arrest, he has confessed to at least a dozen murders and was convicted in five cases.

Several of those confessions have come in recent years.

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Previous confessions: Serial killer known for dismembering victims admits to drowning two North Bergen girls

In court in 2022 as part of a plea agreement, Cottingham confessed to the 1968 slaying of 23-year-old dance teacher Diane Cusick, who was found strangled in her car in Valley Stream, New York, and four other women: Mary Beth Heinz in May 1972, Laverne Moy in July 1972, Sheila Hyman in July 1973 and Maria Emerita Rosado Nieves in December 1973.

In 2021, he confessed to drowning Mary Ann Pryor, age 17, and her friend Lorraine Kelly, 16, in 1974 in a motel bathtub and dumping their bodies in the woods in Montvale, New Jersey.

Contributing: Steve Janoski and Kaitlyn Kanzer, NorthJersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'Torso Killer' Richard Cottingham admits to 1965 murder
First Bank released the results of its annual fundraising campaign benefiting Harry Chapin Food Bank, raising a total of $38,685 to help provide approximately 77,370 meals for those in need across Southwest Florida.

Branches across Clewiston, LaBelle, East Fort Myers, Moore Haven, Belle Glade and Immokalee rallied their staff and communities throughout the campaign, collectively raising $12,895.

The Belle Glade branch earned top honors for generating $8,200 of that total. In a major show of support, First Bank matched donations at double the amount, contributing an additional $25,790.

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We are incredibly grateful to First Bank for their dedication to helping families in need, said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. This generous contribution will make a meaningful impact for thousands of our neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table. First Bank has shown what true community partnership looks like, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to fighting hunger across Southwest Florida.

Volunteers pack food at the Harry Chapin Food Bank on June 4, 2024 in Naples.

I am very pleased with the results of our fundraising drive, added Andrew Couse, president and CEO of First Bank. Hats off to our First Bank team for going above and beyond in the effort. I want to thank Harry Chapin; they have been a great partner in this effort. They have been a joy to collaborate with. We fully support their mission to address hunger and food insecurity in Southwest Florida.

Funds raised will support Harry Chapin Food Banks critical programs, including mobile pantries, the Care and Share Senior Feeding Program, and the distribution of fresh produce, meat and shelf-stable foods to more than a quarter of a million people annually.

Child Care of Southwest Florida wrapped up its annual Holiday Toy Drive with the collection of 436 gifts to benefit children and families served at the nonprofits early learning centers across Lee and Hendry counties.

Child Care of Southwest Florida collects 436 gifts for children

Child Care of Southwest Florida wrapped up its annual Holiday Toy Drive with the collection of 436 gifts to benefit children and families served at the nonprofits early learning centers across Lee and Hendry counties.

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The donated toys and gifts, estimated to be valued between $6,000 and $8,000, were distributed to children ages six weeks to five years old enrolled at Child Care of Southwest Floridas centers.

The Holiday Toy Drive was supported by multiple collection partners throughout the region.

We all have memories of gathering around the Christmas tree and opening presents with our families, and our goal is to help make that experience possible for every child we serve, said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. The generosity shown through this years Holiday Toy Drive reflects the heart of our community and directly supports families who may not otherwise have the means to provide gifts during the holidays.

Child Care of Southwest Florida serves more than 550 children annually through its early learning centers, providing safe, nurturing environments that support educational development while helping working families remain stable and self-sufficient.

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To learn more about Child Care of Southwest Florida or how to support its programs year-round, visit CCSWFL.org or call 239-278-1002.

Elite DNA Behavioral Health collects 300 toys

Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, recently collected more than 300 new and unwrapped toys to support the Childrens Advocacy Center of Southwest Floridas Christmas toy drive.

The collection spanned 11 Elite DNA offices from Bradenton to Naples and encouraged the community to support its local Childrens Advocacy Center. Items collected include Barbie dolls, coloring books, stuffed animals, action figures, games, Play-Doh, Legos, Hot Wheels, bicycles and a guitar.

We are so thankful for Elite DNA Behavioral Health and the many community members who made this toy drive such a success, said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Childrens Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. This toy drive reflects a shared commitment to protecting children, supporting healing and strengthening families across Southwest Florida.

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The Childrens Advocacy Centers mission is to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect, and to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services.

We continue to be endlessly grateful to our communities, partners, patients, families, employees and every community member who gives us the opportunity to uplift local families and support local agencies, including our wonderful partners at the Childrens Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. As we look ahead to 2026, it is always an unbelievable privilege for the Elite DNA team to work together to support families and stay focused on our mission to create access to equitable behavioral health care for all the communities we serve.

To learn more about Elite DNA Behavioral Health, visit EliteDNA.com.

More: Now You Know: Estero Movie in the Park; Koreshan Hall Chamber music

And: Now You Know: Collier, Lee merge Relay For Life events, more

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Donation drive raises $38,685 to support Harry Chapin
NEW YORK (AP)  New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is standing behind a newly-appointed housing official as she faces backlash for years-old social media posts, including messages that called for the seizure of private property and linked homeownership to white supremacy.

Cea Weaver, a longtime tenant activist, was tapped by the Democrat last week to serve as executive director of the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants. The mayor has vowed to expand and empower the office to take unprecedented steps against negligent landlords.

But in a sign of the high-level scrutiny on Mamdani's administration, Weavers since-deleted posts have sparked condemnations from officials in the U.S. Department of Justice and the editorial board of The Washington Post.

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The posts, which were circulated on social media in recent days by critics of Mamdani, included calls to treat private property as a collective good and to impoverish the (asterisk)white(asterisk) middle class. A tweet sent in 2017 described homeownership as a weapon of white supremacy masquerading as wealth building public policy.

Eric Adams, the citys former mayor and a fellow Democrat, said the remarks showed extreme privilege and total detachment from reality.

Asked about the controversy on Wednesday, Mamdani did not address the substance of Weavers posts but defended her record of standing up for tenants across the city and state.

Weaver said in an interview with a local TV station that some of the messages were regretful and not something I would say today.

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I want to make sure that everybody has a safe and affordable place to live, whether they rent or own, and that is something Im laser-focused on in this new role, she added.

The discussion comes after Mamdani last month accepted the resignation of another official, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, after the Anti-Defamation League shared social media posts she made over a decade ago that featured antisemitic tropes.

While Mamdani had said he was unaware of Da Costa's messages, Weavers past social media posts were known to the administration, according to a mayoral spokesperson, Dora Pekec.

Weaver previously led the Housing Justice for All coalition, which was widely credited with helping to convince state lawmakers to pass a sweeping package of tenant protections in 2019.

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As leader of the city's tenant protection office, she would play a key role in achieving one of Mamdanis most polarizing campaign pledges: identifying negligent landlords and forcing them to negotiate the sale of their properties to the city if they are unable to pay fines for violations.

The public stewardship proposal has drawn consternation from landlord groups and skepticism from others in city government.

But the early days of his administration have brought signs that the new mayor is not backing off on the idea.

In a press conference immediately following his inauguration last week, Mamdani said the city would take precedent-setting action against the owner of a Brooklyn apartment building that owed the city money and was currently in bankruptcy proceedings.

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He then announced Weavers appointment, drawing loud cheers from the members of a tenants union gathered in the building's lobby.

It is going to be challenging, Weaver acknowledged. New York is home to some of the most valuable real estate in the world. Everything about New York politics is about that fact.
A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder after a man was fatally stabbed on his way to work in the Bronx on Monday.

Sean Jones, 38, was arrested on Tuesday, and charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.

He's accused of killing 53-year-old George Ennin, a father of two, who worked as a security guard.

"This man was one in a million, he was a diamond in the rough," said the victim's neighbor Michele King. "He raised two daughters single handedly."

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Ennin was a girl dad, and was well loved and well respected for it.

"Well-dressed, good-looking man, smelled good," King said. "So, when you see a man like that, you want to kiss the ground he walked."

The NYPD said the suspect was an apparent stranger, accused of violently stabbing Ennin to death on Third Avenue without warning, and for no reason at all. It happened near East 157th Street in the Melrose section on Monday afternoon.

"The nature of what happened to George is gruesome," said the victim's neighbor, Louis.

The 53-year-old, who had just returned from a month-long trip home to Ghana, is last seen leaving his apartment building heading to work as a security guard just before 2 p.m.

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He actually walks past the 42nd Precinct, and a few blocks away, surveillance videos show a man coming from the opposite direction. He is seen trying to kick Ennin.

Ennin blocks the sudden blow and the suspect stubbles, but he regains his footing, and charges after Ennin with a knife.

The father of two quickly backs away when he stumbles on uneven bricks on the sidewalk and falls down.

Video shows the moment just before the stabbing occurs.

"How do you go home, to go half way around the world to get murdered?" King said.

The surveillance video continues. After Ennin is stabbed, he gets up, manages to take 29 steps halfway down the sidewalk looking for help, then collapses 57 seconds later, leaving the devoted father of two fighting for his life. He would later die from his injuries.

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"I didn't know who it was. I just, when I was walking to go to the pharmacy, I saw it," said the victim's neighbor, Perry. "I just walked around it. I didn't know it was him."

"He made a home for those two girls. They're college bound; they're A students," King said. "He started over here at the supermarket and from that, he went on to do security."

Authorities do not believe the suspect and victim knew each other.

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Snow has fallen in Iowa, but some regions remain under drought watch  a sign that, as global temperatures continue to rise, colder weather doesn't always mean water security. It's also a telltale warning of what long-term shifts in weather patterns bring to communities across the region.

What's happening?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources placed 3 of 5 drought regions under drought watch in December, The Gazette reported. All of Eastern Iowa and parts of the northwest will experience abnormally dry conditions well into February 2026.

Although snowfall this season is historically high, a dry autumn  with November's precipitation 0.25 inches below average  erased the benefits of earlier summer rain. Portions of Iowa's soils and waterways remain depleted.

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"Most of the state saw worsening conditions due to widespread precipitation deficits," the DNR stated in a news release.

Why is this issue concerning?

A drought event in winter shows that snow alone doesn't replenish groundwater the way steady rain does. The problem is that water cycles are becoming more erratic and unpredictable as global weather systems shift.

Some experts say the main cause of these shifts is human-driven warming, which acts as steroids for extreme weather, intensifying droughts, floods, and storms. It's disrupting the natural systems that once kept atmospheric and environmental conditions more balanced.

As droughts become more frequent and severe, communities, especially those in poorer regions, suffer greatly. When water becomes scarce, ecosystems degrade, food production suffers, and prices rise  putting the lives of millions of people around the globe in peril.

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In Iowa alone, more than 900,000 residents live in areas affected by drought, per the data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

What's being done about the issue?

Iowa is constantly monitoring water resource trends and has a Drought Plan in place for preparedness, response, and recovery. Nationwide, government agencies share an integrated drought information system to assess drought conditions and issue early warnings.

Beyond monitoring, the more proactive way to address this issue is to reduce air pollution and restore the world's balance. Ordinary residents can help by exploring critical environmental issues and how their individual actions affect the planet. They can also support solutions that protect water resources.

Iowa's winter drought is a signal that water security is becoming harder to guarantee in a warming world. This makes it all the more important for people to take action now.

How worried are you about rising ocean levels? Very Somewhat Not very Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. (Photo by Morgan Trau.)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the head of the states Department of Children and Youth say theyve engaged with the Trump administration to prove Ohios child care system is heavily safeguarded and worthy of federal funding.

DeWine and department Director Kara Wente said they havent received final word that they will continue receiving federal funding for the Publicly Funded Child Care program, but the state has eight to 10 weeks before that would be problematic for the program we have now, according to Wente.

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Certainly we know that we need the federal funds to maintain our program as is, Wente said in a Monday news conference with DeWine.

We know that we are moving on every measure that (the Trump administration) has outlined.

The state leaders spoke to the media after allegations of child care fraud in Minnesota resulted in federal funding freezes for the state, ordered by Trump administration officials.

The allegations came from a right-wing social media influencer and focused on facilities run by Somali immigrants in the state. While the issue was covered extensively in 2022, the social media influencers latest allegations have brought it back to the forefront.

Ohio, like Minnesota, has one of the largest Somali populations in the country, but DeWine said the conversation should be steered away from the type of citizens running the centers, and toward protecting the public from fraud.

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We need to look at this as not a Somali problem, we need to look at this as a fraud problem, DeWine said.

The governor said the vast majority of the Somali population in Ohio have been here for a long time.

He wouldnt speculate on whether race or ethnicity was playing into the accusations of fraud at child care facilities.

Many of them are citizens, many of them run businesses, DeWine said. So we need to not fixate on any one population, we need to fixate on the problem.

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The state leaders responded to calls from Republican state Rep. Josh Williams, who took to social media to demand that the Ohio Department of Children and Youth investigate all Columbus-area daycares suspected of potential fraud.

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We need round-the-clock, unannounced inspections of all child care facilities receiving public dollars to make sure not a single Ohioans tax dollars are being stolen, Williams wrote in a post on X.

Wente said on Monday that her office has been in contact with Williams, telling him the measures he asked for are already methods the department uses to oversee child care centers.

DeWine also decried efforts by public citizens to enter child care facilities, saying the safeguards that are in place at facilities include keeping those who dont work there or have children in the care of the facility from coming in.

The facts are theres a reason that citizens who are going up to video something and trying to see whats going on inside the doors arent being allowed in, DeWine said, adding that it shouldnt be a shock that those people are barred from entry.

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Well hell no, no one should let them in, he said.

At Mondays press conference, DeWine and Wente provided a lot of the information provided by the governors office last week in a press release responding to the Minnesota headlines, including specific measures the state takes to try to prevent and identify fraud in child care centers.

That includes attendance-based funding, identity verification at individual facilities via PINs and QR codes, and regular inspections.

Child care advocates also defended the states child care sector last week, and affirmed the governors defense that facilities undergo strict scrutiny.

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Wente also provided data on 61 child care facilities who were ordered by the department to return overpayments.

In total, the overpayments amounted to just over $2 million, the director told reporters.

In 2025, the department received 124 reports from citizens alleging child care fraud.

DeWine remains confident that the Trump administration will review Ohios child care program and continue sending federal funding to the state.

We have about eight weeks and we have every confidence this will get resolved, and the federal government will be satisfied with what were doing, DeWine said.

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After three people were killed in a stabbing rampage in Taipei in December 2025, a graphic from a months-old news report circulated online with a false claim it was proof that the assailant had a Chinese mother and that he held a residency permit in the mainland. Taipei's top China policy body said this is "false information" and the report was in fact about a dispute over a drafting order given to a man who had given up his Taiwanese citizenship.

"Clarified! No wonder his name sounds like someone from mainland China, while his appearance resembles a Taiwanese person. It is because he has a mother from mainland China and has Chinese nationality," reads part of a traditional Chinese Threads post shared on December 20, 2025.

It contains a graphic that provides details of a man born in 1998 with a father from Taiwan and a mother from China. It also says he gave up his Taiwanese nationality in 2016 but was nonetheless included in Taiwan's military draft.

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It also linked to a video report from the official Weibo account of Chinese online news outlet Knews on December 19, 2025 about the deadly rampage in the Taiwanese capital (archived link).

On the day, an assailant, identified by his parents as Chang Wen, set off smoke bombs inside Taipei's main metro station during rush hour before launching into a stabbing spree, killing three people and wounding 11 others (archived here and here).

Screenshot of the false post taken on January 1, 2026 with a red X added by AFP

He was later found dead, with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an saying he had apparently jumped off a nearby building.

Similar posts also circulated elsewhere on Threads, X, and Facebook.

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While some users questioned the claim, others believed the details in the video report are proof that Chang had Chinese background.

"Of course it is China," one of them said, while another wrote, "You've finally realised this? But you are in China's trap already."

But Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council refuted the claim in an email to AFP on January 2, 2026.

"The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that online rumors claiming the suspect is a descendant of a new immigrant from China is false information and urged citizens not to continue spreading them," it said.

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"The Council strongly condemned the actions of a few individuals who are deliberately using this tragic social event to incite internal conflict and division, and to generate publicity."

A reverse image search found the graphic in the false post was taken from a video on Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS News' YouTube channel published on June 13, 2025 (archived link).

It reports on the row over a man receiving a draft order from the island's military even after he had given up his Taiwanese citizenship and applied for Chinese nationality.

The graphics mentioned in the false claims appear between 0:13 and 0:35, and gives the man's background, which is the same as that detailed in other media reports covering the dispute (archived here and here).

Screenshot comparison of the false Threads post (left) and the TVBS News video

While Chang also served as a volunteer soldier in Taiwan's military, his service record is different from those in the screenshot, according to the island's Ministry of National Defence.

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A spokesperson told AFP on January 2, 2026 that Chang was a volunteer soldier who received two major disciplinary demerits in March 2022 and was discharged from service for unsuitability for service, while the man mentioned in the report received the draft order two years later in 2024.

Taiwan's police chief Chang Jung-hsin similarly said at a press conference on December 20 that Chang was dismissed from the military over drunk driving in 2022 (archived link).

AFP has earlier debunked misinformation about other attacks.
From a leather chair in her official residence last fall, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shook hands with a podcast host at the end of their hourlong interview. Unaware she was still being recorded, Bass kept talking about the city and countys response to the massive wildfires that devastated the region.

Both sides botched it, Bass said.

It was a rare  and unintentional  moment of blunt, unvarnished talk that fire survivors say has been maddeningly absent since twin blazes killed 31 people and destroyed 13,000 homes across the region one year ago.

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Despite millions of dollars being spent on official reports published in the fires aftermath, essential questions about what happened leading up to and during the disasters remain unresolved. Why hadnt a prior blaze that rekindled into an inferno been extinguished days before? And why didnt many residents receive evacuation orders until they had been under threat for hours?

The lack of clear answers has become a political liability for local elected officials, especially Bass who is up for reelection this year and whose fire response is seen as her greatest vulnerability.

Residents in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, the two communities that suffered the greatest losses in the fires, are planning protests today to mark the anniversary of the conflagrations. In the nationally televised Rose Parade last week, Altadena residents in a float celebrating their community unfurled a sign demanding a new investigation.

Without real accountability, real change, theres no way to move forward, said Shawna Dawson Beer, an Altadena community leader who lost her home in the fire and is helping arrange the protests. How can anyone be confident in their rebuild or trust that this isnt gonna happen again?

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Bone-dry brush combined with hurricane-force winds early on Jan. 7 last year to set the stage for trouble. The Palisades fire began mid-morning, racing down from the hills above the tony neighborhood overlooking the Pacific. About seven hours later, the Eaton fire ignited 35 miles away in the San Gabriel Valley and marched from the foothills into Altadena, stretching fire fighting resources further. Day turned to night, and limited visibility and high winds prevented helicopters from taking to the air to fight.

Yet despite the extreme conditions, critical decisions made before and during the fires worsened the disasters.

Six days earlier, an arsonist started a small blaze in the Palisades known as the Lachman fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department believed it had extinguished the fire, but investigators later determined it remained burning underground and reignited to become the inferno Jan. 7.

In Altadena, signs of flames appeared in the western side of the community more than four hours before emergency officials issued evacuation orders there. All but one of the 19 people who died in the Eaton fire had been in the part of Altadena that received late evacuation orders, also the neighborhoods historically Black section. The likely cause of the fire was a dormant electrical transmission line owned by Southern California Edison.

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In the wake of the blazes, multiple public agencies commissioned reports designed to get to the bottom of the fires origins and their decisions. Los Angeles County paid $1.9 million to McChrystal Group, a Virginia-based consulting firm founded by retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. When its 132-page report was released in September, County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath, who represent Altadena and Pacific Palisades respectively, praised the effort as a vital step toward accountability.

But the report provided few details on why the evacuation orders came so late in Altadena and who was responsible. Wildfire survivors immediately erupted in protest. Within days, Barger backtracked, joining other county officials and residents in calling the report inadequate.

Fire leaders in the city of Los Angeles initially insisted that they had fully extinguished the Lachman fire. But firefighters on site complained the ground was still smoldering before they were ordered to leave the area the next day, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Times also reported that the citys own 70-page after-action report went through numerous drafts that minimized the role of the earlier fire and otherwise softened criticisms of departmental actions, including that it did not predeploy firefighters and engines to the Palisades despite the fire threat. The changes caused the reports lead author, a LAFD battalion chief, to disavow the document, calling it highly unprofessional.

Sue Kohl, a longtime Pacific Palisades resident whose home was destroyed in the fire, compared the continued obfuscation and finger pointing among government agencies to behavior on a grammar school playground.

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Your house is burned down, and your friends have all scattered and your town is gone, said Kohl, who serves as chair of the community council. Thats not what anyone wants to hear.

Animosity among fire survivors over the lack of answers is growing, she said.

Before you were traumatized, horribly upset and depressed, Kohl said. At this point in time a year later, youve got all that  plus a lot of anger.

Data collected by the Department of Angels, a nonprofit formed to support Los Angeles fire victims, shows a sharp increase in dissatisfaction with the government response. In a February survey, about 17 percent of people directly affected by the fires reported having negative experiences with local and state government. In a follow-up survey released this week, more than half of survivors reported dissatisfaction.

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Already, the erosion of trust has had consequences. A state senator abandoned legislation over the summer for a new public agency to oversee and raise funds for the recovery after residents revolted at giving local officials broader power. No similar master plan to organize or pay for rebuilding Los Angeles has emerged since.

Bass, who declined an interview request from POLITICO, has called reports surrounding the Lachman fire tremendously alarming and ordered a subsequent investigation into the departments actions. A spokesperson has said the mayors office did not demand changes to the LAFD report and that the administration is only interested in the truth.

Barger has also requested an additional investigation from county fire officials into the late evacuation orders. She said she supported any inquiry that would shed light on decisionmaking from all agencies involved.

This is not something that is going to go away, Barger said. Its not gonna get swept under the rug."

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Other elected officials argue the failure to provide answers affects far more than the areas that need to recover. Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley, said understanding what happened last January is necessary so the city can avoid repeating the same mistakes and prevent future disasters.

Separate from the reconstruction of the Palisades, it is our job to demand that level of insight to ensure we can protect more communities going forward, said Rodriguez, who serves on the councils ad-hoc recovery committee. Sadly, I dont feel confident that we are at a juncture right now that we can absolutely say that.

Besides the ongoing city and county investigations, other major reports on the wildfires are expected this year. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office is planning to publish an assessment of public agencies preparations and response to the fires. Newsoms office in November released a detailed timeline of events, but the study began Jan. 7 and did not include the Lachman fire. State parks employees have been criticized for not helping ensure that fire, which burned parklands, was extinguished. The state has said that was LAFDs job. U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ron Johnson, Republicans who represent Florida and Wisconsin, respectively, are conducting a congressional investigation of the Palisades fire.

By the end of the year, the state auditor is scheduled to publish its own review of the blazes. Assemblymember John Harabedian, a Democrat who represents Altadena and requested the audit, said fire survivors are justified in their frustrations.

The longer that we dont have these answers, it feels like its an unintentional or intentional way to cover up the truth, Harabedian said.
Deputy Opinion Editor Paige Masten is covering the 2026 election for The Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News & Observer.

When Michele Morrow ran for North Carolina superintendent of public instruction in 2024, her candidacy helped usher in a level of extremism not typical in statewide campaigns.

She lost, of course. But now her chaos and conspiracies are fueling yet another campaign, this time for U.S. Senate. Morrow is hoping shell be the Republican running against former Gov. Roy Cooper in November, and shes already giving us a sneak peek at what that might look like.

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After federal authorities announced last week they had thwarted a local teenagers plot to carry out an ISIS-inspired attack on New Years Eve, Morrow reshared a ridiculous post from far-right activist Laura Loomer that accused Cooper of setting North Carolinians up to be murdered by ISIS.

According to Loomer, Cooper is responsible for the Islamification of North Carolina because he issued executive orders expressing support for North Carolinas Muslim population.

One of the examples cited by Loomer is a 2024 proclamation recognizing January as Muslim American Heritage Month. In that proclamation, Cooper acknowledged North Carolina as the 11th most populated state for Muslims in the U.S., and mentioned efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of the states Muslim population. Loomer also cited a proclamation from March of that same year celebrating Ramadan, the holiest month for the Muslim community.

Morrow shared Loomers post, adding, Once again, NC is making headlines for all the WRONG reasons. We have a duty as North Carolinians to protect the country from the disastrous agenda of Roy Cooper!

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Of course, such proclamations are purely symbolic gestures intended to highlight all types of causes, both big and small, and theyre issued at all levels of government. Cooper issued dozens of these proclamations each year as governor, with each month typically carrying multiple designations. Also in 2024, for example, Beef Month and Jewish American Heritage Month were both recognized in May, while October honored pharmacists, certified public managers and the construction workforce. Any organization is free to request a proclamation for their cause online.

But more importantly, ISIS is not Islam, and its wrong to conflate the two. Islam is one of the worlds largest religions, and its billions of followers should not be defined by extremist groups that commit acts of terror in its name. There are roughly 130,000 Muslims in North Carolina, and they make meaningful contributions to our state. Stereotyping them as terrorists  or otherwise implying they are a threat  is a level of prejudice that just shouldnt be tolerated in any statewide campaign. Besides, domestic terrorism is a much bigger threat to our country than international terrorist groups like ISIS, as evidenced by the attack on the U.S. Capitol five years ago that Morrow herself attended.

Unfortunately, though, this is the kind of rhetoric you get when you allow extremism to work its way into the mainstream. Its what happens when you give a microphone to people like Michele Morrow.

And is that really what anyone wants? Its not just that these kinds of comments are dangerous and wrong  theyre also a waste of time. The more time spent battling disinformation and dishonesty means less time spent discussing things that even matter, let alone relevant to how a candidate plans to represent our state. Morrow showed in 2024 that its pretty impossible to have a genuine debate about public education with someone who wants to destroy it. Its similarly difficult to talk about the economy or health care with someone who exists in a completely different reality.

Our politics are ugly enough without elevating candidates who accuse their opponents of breeding terrorists or suggest that certain politicians should be killed. Morrow is partially right: North Carolina does make headlines for the wrong reasons, but its not because Islamic terrorists are on the loose, or because Democrats like Cooper have made our state unlivable. Its often because of candidates like Morrow, whose rhetoric is so vile that it makes the national news. That actually is the kind of disastrous agenda and extremism  that North Carolina doesnt need.
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Health care executive Jason Griffin discusses his article The digital divide in rural health care. Jason explains how rural providers in the U.S. face critical infrastructure failures and staffing shortages that threaten their ability to serve communities. He explores why standard one-size-fits-all technological solutions often fail these hospitals and advocates for a collaborative model that prioritizes long-term strategic partnerships over temporary fixes. The conversation highlights the economic importance of keeping rural facilities open and the urgent need to listen to local leaders to bridge the digital gap effectively. Join us to learn how we can build resilient systems that ensure equitable access for everyone.

This episode is presented by Scholar Advising, a fee-only financial advising firm specializing in providing advice for DIY investors. If you want clear, actionable strategies and confidence that your financial decisions are built on objective advice without AUM fees or commissions, Scholar is designed for you. Physicians often navigate complex compensation structures, including W-2 income, 1099 work, production bonuses, and practice ownership. Scholars highly credentialed advisors guide high-earners through decisions like optimizing investments for long-term tax efficiency and expert strategies for financial independence. Every recommendation is tailored to the financial realities physicians face.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Jason Griffin. He is a health care executive. Todays KevinMD article is The digital divide in rural health care. Jason, welcome to the show.

Jason Griffin: Thank you, Kevin. Thank you for having me.

Kevin Pho: All right. Before we get into your article, just briefly share your story and journey.

Jason Griffin: I have been working now in health care IT for almost 28 years. I have been in consulting for most of that time. I have been a CISO in an organization and also worked in a lot of different health care organizations. I have always had an affinity for rural health care just because of some family background and where my moms side of the family was from.

Over the last 15 years or so, I have really dived into helping to create solutions and collaborations to really drive home more of the and close the digital divide amongst those organizations that just grew exponentially over the last 15 years or so.

Kevin Pho: You talked more about that in your KevinMD article, The digital divide in rural health care. Now, for those who didnt get a chance to read your article, just tell us a little bit about the context and the article itself.

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Jason Griffin: That digital divide has come about since just really the modernization of IT and infrastructure has grown so dramatically in the growth of EHRs over the years, and the lack of financial availability of those systems to rural hospitals. There is a workforce gap that has grown constantly. It is hard to recruit in those areas, and it has just created an environment where those folks in those organizations have such a big heart, and they do it for the love of patients, for the love of caring for individuals, but they wear so many hats that oftentimes they are stretched so thin that it is just wearing them out. It is wearing out the organization. The care model has not kept up with, in terms of integration and collaboration among systems, as we have seen in the larger IDNs. So that divide has really just created and grown dramatically.

You couple that with the fact that they are operating on such low margins. They dont have the capital to invest in that infrastructure. Vendors arent really supplying solutions to fit that financial environment. And it is just heartbreaking at times, quite frankly. I can remember having to sit in the car and drive an hour and a half, two hours just so my grandparents can get care when I was young. So that has grown immensely since then.

Kevin Pho: Give us a picture of the types of settings and health care institutions youre talking about that really illustrates some of those rural health IT shortcomings that you mentioned.

Jason Griffin: Rural America exists. We think about the East Coast, the West Coast, but when you talk about the middle of America, most often there is one hospital within a 200-mile radius of a lot of folks living here in the U.S. Those hospitals operate on negative margins. In fact, 44 percent or more of them operate on a negative margin. The folks that work there are longtime residents of that region, most often, and their families are too, so they know the patients, they know the people. But technology just does not get there.

For instance, just the basic Wi-Fi access just does not get there. We have seen a little bit of that close with some of the satellite opportunities that come into the area. But just imagine being somewhere where you are so many miles away from specialists, from true care that most of us need, you know, cancer care. How far do we have to go just for that? So the setting becomes one that will break your heart because of what you see, but that will give you faith in humanity because of the people that are in those organizations and how much they care and whats driving them to do better with less.

Kevin Pho: You wrote in your article that sometimes weather events, a simple snowstorm, can sometimes knock out health IT for one of these rural health facilities and really cripple that organization, right?

Jason Griffin: Right. It was tornadoes in rural Arkansas where my family was from. But just think about a snowstorm where now power lines are down, waters down, and hospitals cant really function. Generators dont function for more than a couple of days if they have generators. Patients arent able to be moved because of the distance from one hospital to the next. And do they even have the transportation to get them there and to move those folks there?

And even with that, Im glad you mentioned that. With the way we are seeing weather patterns change over the last 15 years, it has just become even more of a gap. Im happy that we have been involved with the rural health community nonprofit that we have partnered with, with Microsoft and CDW, and we are now able to provide through Starlink access to Wi-Fi to at least start to close that gap.

I am just excited about where we can go. I think there is the collaboration, community collaboration, vendor collaboration, public sector, private sector is starting to grow and we are starting to see more involvement. So I am hopefully hopeful that even with the investment coming from the Rural Health Transformation Program that hopefully will start funding next year, we can start to improve and modernize the way we deliver care so that it becomes more sustainable in a rural hospital over the next 10 years. It is not just about dumping money. It is about changing and collaborating and integrating.

Kevin Pho: One of the things you mentioned earlier was how difficult it was for recruiting and bringing health IT experts into rural health care areas. So youre getting situations, as you wrote in your article, that one person may act as the CIO and the IT director simultaneously. During things like downtimes and health IT crises, just tell us about the workforce restraint that really impedes the recovery of anything that happens to the health IT infrastructure in rural areas.

Jason Griffin: Yeah. Youre single-threaded. Imagine that CIO and that CISO. His or her family is also in that area dealing with whatever downtime and can he or she even get to their office? It is a scenario where you have one to two individuals that you are going to have to rely on to be the recovery team, not only the incident response team but the recovery team ensuring that the continuity of the organization continues.

And thats just it. Every day, and remember they are already operating on negative margins, every day that they are down, that loss of revenue is something you cant recover. That is just lost revenue for that organization. And those folks will. We have plans. There are plans in place. There are some folks doing it. There is Superman, Superwoman and they are going to come through. But that is not sustainable. How often can we go through that level of return from those one to two individuals? And that is what is concerning, and I hope that is what we fix going forward.

Kevin Pho: So you briefly alluded to some potential solutions going forward. You mentioned Starlink and other satellite-based technological solutions. So go more into detail in terms of what kind of options we have to help that rural IT infrastructure.

Jason Griffin: Well, I think Starlink was a great start. Microsoft kicked us off last year in conjunction with the White House and some other areas where they were offering free security assessments, free security tools. Starlink stepped up to do the same. We as Nordic are looking at solutions that are going to meet the market where we need to meet them in terms of financial capabilities and price points and delivery models.

Our whole goal is to not just upgrade infrastructure, but upgrade the ability and the integration of how that care is delivered. Sometimes it may not need to be infrastructure. Sometimes we can just look at a collaboration of data and the sharing of data in a different way that allows that. But for us, there are going to be tools around disaster recovery and business continuity. I think we are bringing the cybersecurity tools and managing partners and third-party risk management.

Infrastructure modernization is something we are looking at. How do we improve the access to the EHR and to data and put it in the right place at the right time? Telehealth is going to be huge. Just being able to remotely manage and see those patients and not always require those patients to have to drive that a hundred miles to come to a hospital, if we can get the infrastructure in place to support that, then those programs will, in and of itself, help us move the needle in terms of the level of support available to those areas.

Kevin Pho: And just contrast what youre talking about with a traditional vendor relationship.

Jason Griffin: Most vendors build their solutions at a scale that is for the larger IDN-type of hospitals and environments. Those hospitals are able and can afford and have the budget to spend those dollars, but that is not always the case. So what we are looking to do, and it is not those vendors fault, I mean they are obviously revenue-generating businesses and organizations and they have a model for their solution, but we want to try to identify ways to just bring that down to a price point and have vendors support us in that to relieve some of that financial pressure on those organizations.

Kevin Pho: Tell us in terms of going forward, you mentioned that rural hospitals are already working on negative margins. What other solutions do we have, maybe from a policy standpoint, that can help these rural health care facilities going forward? Especially from a health IT standpoint, and theres just so many aspects to that, and we mentioned a few today and you threw in of course cybersecurity as well. So tell us from a policy standpoint, what more can we do to help these rural clinicians?

Jason Griffin: We can create more of a collaboration amongst private sector, public sector; start to share data more in our HIEs, our health information exchange; create a robust infrastructure for organizations to share that data. Our revenue cycle process for those, or I mean, think about operating on AR days where if youre getting paid, if the claim is accepted, it may be 90 to 120 days before you receive payment. And the cuts in Medicaid could affect that that we are seeing possibly come in the next five years or so and how those are going to be affected.

There is not one silver bullet that is going to fix all of this. It is going to be a collaboration amongst many types of organizations and entities. We have got to fix the revenue cycle piece. We have got to modernize the care model. We have got to integrate these systems and data and put data in the clinicians hands at the right time. So often because we have disparate systems, we end up forcing the clinician to be the integration point, and they end up having to manage multiple systems and multiple levels of data, and it is just inefficient.

If we can help to solve that problem and create solutions, realizing those solutions arent multi-billion dollar generating type solutions. However, they are solutions that are going to, one, improve the overall health of our population, which in turn takes some of the strain off of our health care system, improves cost across the board for everyone.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Jason Griffin. He is a health care executive. Todays KevinMD article is The digital divide in rural health care. Jason, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Jason Griffin: Just be thankful for and recognize what is happening right now in health care. I implore people, everyone, just to be aware of what your state is doing. They have all made applications to be a part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Talk to your congressmen and senators and really understand and be thankful for, if you are in those rural areas, those local hospitals, realize what those folks are up against and what they are doing. That will hopefully drive some of us to stay home and be a part of the fix. Not necessarily when we go to school and go off, we go to the big city, but there is a lot of need and a lot of value in us supporting those smaller hospitals and growing there. So I would just say that just be aware. Please, we need to bring more awareness to this because we are headed down a path where if we dont change soon, it could be catastrophic for us. Too many of these hospitals are closing and we want to stop that process.

Kevin Pho: Jason, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Jason Griffin: Thank you, Kevin. Take care.
UPDATE: Both suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. OPD would like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation.

The Odessa Police Department is investigating a theft at H-E-B.

According to an OPD news release, two women stole approximately $840 worth of merchandise from the H-E-B located at 3801 E. 42nd St. and left the scene in a white Ford Focus.

Anyone who recognizes either suspect shown in the surveillance footage is encouraged to contact Detective M. Troglin at 432-284-2012 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS and reference Case #25-9001022.

The post OPD investigating H-E-B theft appeared first on Odessa American.
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40 million ChatGPT users ask about health every single day

200 million ChatGPT users ask AI at least once a week about health-related matters

OpenAI says "AI is a healthcare ally"

OpenAI has published a report claiming that 40 million people are using ChatGPT for health-related questions every single day, a number that would have sounded wild a couple of years ago but now feels almost inevitable.

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The company describes its chatbot as a healthcare ally, saying users regularly ask about symptoms, medications, treatment options, and how to navigate often overwhelmed health systems.

The report suggests more than five percent of all ChatGPT prompts are about health, and 200 million of the chatbot's 800 million weekly users ask at least one health-related prompt every week.

Most of those are people trying to figure out whether a headache is serious, what a complicated diagnosis actually means, or whether a new prescription is supposed to make them feel this tired. I will admit I have done the same after a late-night indigestion spiral, something I used to turn to Google for only a couple of years ago.

How Americans use AI for health

Credit: OpenAI

OpenAI's report asked 1,042 US adults who used AI for healthcare in the past 3 months just exactly how they use the chatbot for health-related matters.

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55% used AI to "Check or explore symptoms", 52% used a chatbot to "Ask healthcare questions at any time of day", 48% for "understanding medical terms or instructions", and 44% used AI to "learn about treatment options".

OpenAI says these stats show "how Americans are using AI for healthcare navigation: organizing information, translating jargon, and generating drafts they can verify. "

One example the company highlighted was of Ayrin Santoso from San Francisco, who "used ChatGPT to help coordinate urgent care for her mother in Indonesia after her mother suffered sudden vision loss that her family attributed to fatigue."

According to OpenAI, Santoso "entered symptoms, prior advice, and context, and received a clear warning from ChatGPT that her mothers condition could signal a hypertensive crisis and possible stroke."

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From ChatGPT's initial response, Santoso's mother was hospitalized in Indonesia and has since "recovered 95% of her vision in the affected eye."

Should we be worried?

OpenAI argues that AI can help outside clinic hours when real doctors are hard to reach. That makes sense on paper with confusing health information, but there are serious risks, especially when you take ChatGPT's word as gospel.

A chatbot cannot replace a doctor; it does not have your full medical history, and it can still get things wrong in ways that matter. OpenAI says it is working with hospitals and researchers to improve accuracy and safety, but the core message is clear: millions of people have already decided AI is part of their health routine, whether the rest of us like it or not.

40 million daily users is a wild milestone, but while it's easy to get carried away with such a landmark number, it's worth remembering that people have been using technology like Google for health-related queries for well over a decade.

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That said, Google's top search results used to be led by reliable health-related websites like the UK's NHS or WebMD. Now, AI Overviews add an element of AI uncertainty. And even more so when you're turning to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, capable of making up the most ridiculous information.

I don't think using AI for quick tips on health-related matters is a bad thing, especially in countries like the United States, where you need to pay to see a doctor about a simple skin irritation. But how do you know it's a simple skin irritation? And do you trust ChatGPT enough to take the risk?

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has said her coalition should "absolutely" be in charge of the country, following the US ousting of President Nicolas Maduro last week.

"We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated," Machado said in an interview with the BBC's US news partner CBS.

She thanked US President Donald Trump for his "leadership and courage" after US forces stormed Caracas and arrested Maduro, but said nobody trusted the deposed president's ally, who has been appointed as interim leader.

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Machado and her opposition movement claimed victory in 2024's widely disputed elections, but Trump has refused to back her, saying she lacks popular support.

The former legislator, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, described US military action in Venezuela over the weekend as "a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela".

She said she had not spoken to Trump this year, but expressed gratitude to him for deposing Maduro.

"President Trump's leadership and courage has brought Nicolas Maduro to face justice and this is huge," she told CBS.

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Despite her overtures, the US president has publicly dismissed Machado as a credible successor to Maduro.

"I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," Trump told a news conference on the day of the US operation, referring to Machado.

"She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect."

Machado, who has been in hiding for months after being barred from running in the 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela, previously called for the opposition's substitute candidate Edmundo Gonzalez to assume power after Maduro's arrest.

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Machado rallied support for Gonzalez in the election, and vote tallies released by her party suggest he won by a landslide.

However, Maduro was declared president by Venezuela's electoral council (CNE), a body dominated by government loyalists. The US and dozens of other countries recognised Gonzalez as the president-elect.

David Smolansky, a spokesman for the Venezuelan opposition, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there was no future for a well-functioning country without Gonzalez and Machado in power.

"They could guarantee a democratic transition, and they have the respect of Venezuelans and several governments across the world," he said.

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Asked why he thought Trump had so far chosen to back Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez - formerly Maduro's vice-president - rather than the opposition, Smolansky said: "Every transition, when it begins, is not perfect - it's messy."

He also responded to suggestions that the opposition's lack of support within the military was one of the reasons Trump had chosen to back Rodriguez, saying there were members of the armed forces - both currently serving and in exile - that were ready to work with them.

Machado has said nobody trusted Rodriguez, telling CBS that the interim leader was "one of the main architects... of repression for innocent people" in the South American country.

"Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played," Machado said.

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While Rodriguez, 56, has faced US sanctions for her ministerial roles in the Maduro administration, she has not been charged by US officials with any crimes.

Rodriguez was sworn in on Monday, two days after a US special forces breached Venezuelan security to arrest Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rodriguez rebuffed claims by Trump that the US was in charge of Venezuela.

"The Venezuelan government rules our country, and no-one else does," she said in a televised speech. "There is no external agent governing Venezuela."
Oregon Department of Transportation workers fill a pothole on U.S. Highway 97 near Chemult in 2016. Oregon's governor is asking lawmakers to go back to the drawing board on a plan to fund the agency and stave off hundreds of layoffs. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr)

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek spent months cajoling the state Legislature to provide billions for transportation infrastructure, safety and jobs. Now, shes asking them to repeal that plan and start fresh.

Koteks direction Wednesday comes after a volunteer effort led by Republican lawmakers and an anti-tax group gathered enough signatures to refer parts of the $4.3 billion plan to the November ballot. That effort paused scheduled increases to the state gas tax, title and registration fees and a payroll tax to fund transit.

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Kotek unveiled her strategy, characterized as redirect, repeal, and rebuild at a Wednesday meeting of the Oregon Transportation Forum, a nonprofit trade organization representing public and private transportation stakeholders. She also explained her change in tune.

After a long summer and many twists and turns, the Legislature passed House Bill 3991, increasing funding for ODOT, local governments, and transit districts through changes to the gas tax, payroll tax, and registration fees, she explained to the forum. But you all know the score today. Those funding solutions are frozen following a signature-gathering campaign led by legislative Republicans and Oregon Taxpayers United.

Kotek is asking lawmakers to repeal House Bill 3991, which passed during a special session in September.

She wants them to use the upcoming short session, which begins Feb. 2 and must conclude by March 8, to redirect existing transportation funding core to operations and maintenance while they come up with a different package in 2027.

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Republican State Rep. Ed Diehl, of Scio, who is among those leading the referendum effort, said Koteks announcement is an admission that she failed in an epic way.

He said hes opposed to the package being repealed in its entirety  he supports in particular a provision that requires an audit of the Department of Transportations spending and project costs  and that he wants voters to have the chance in November to weigh in on proposed tax and fee changes.

This feels more like a campaign season, election move to deny voters the opportunity to weigh in, he said. Its a mistake to repeal the bill without coming up with a real solution. Shes trying to make it moot for the election and then shell deal with it later.

The $4.3 billion package passed in September, a reduction from grander plans that fell short during the 2025 legislative session, was meant to keep the transportation department operational and to prevent hundreds of layoffs, Kotek said. But with the ballot measure halting new revenue sources, the package is effectively an unfunded mandate to make new investments without any money.

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Leaving the law in place forces ODOT to bear implementation costs without new resources, prolongs instability, and delays the real conversation we need to have about long-term solutions, Kotek said to the forum.

Kotek called the redirection of existing transportation dollars an emergency action needed to prevent layoffs during the spring and to maintain basic road services during the winter months.

She said every transportation program dollar should be on the table, with the exception of payroll tax revenues that fund local transit districts buses and trains.

We cannot gut transit districts by redirecting existing payroll tax revenue. That would devastate service and harm those who can least afford it, she said.

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The transportation departments budget gap has shrunk in recent months as employees have voluntarily left. Kotek said this was due to ongoing instability over potential layoffs. Notices were sent in July to hundreds of employees, then rescinded in September, then floated again as the ballot referral was underway.

We lost engineers, maintenance workers, project managers, and critical IT staff. Service has continued to degrade, and our services are more vulnerable than ever, she said.

Allocating any money from the general fund to cover costs is not an option, she added, due to expected budget deficits caused by the tax and spending megalaw passed by congressional Republicans during the summer. The state Legislature will begin the session accounting for a two-year budget that could be short $63 million under the states most recent economic forecast.

The decisions we make in the coming weeks will determine whether Oregons transportation system continues to decline or whether we can restore certainty in needed essential services that Oregonians rely on, Kotek said in a statement. These decisions wont be easy. There will be tradeoffs and consequences. Hundreds of people will be laid off this spring if we are not successful. Giving up is not an option.

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The teenager charged in Orlandos Halloween shooting is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

Jaylen Edgar, 18, is charged in connection with the shooting that killed two people in downtown Orlando during Halloween 2024.

He will be in court to ask a judge to replace his public defender, citing concerns over receiving a fair defense.

Edgar has alleged in a handwritten letter that his attorney pressured him into considering a 50-year plea deal and has made no substantial efforts to explore his mental health claims regarding the night of the incident.

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Edgar described the psychological evaluation he underwent as inconclusive, claiming it is a further indication of ineffective assistance of counsel.

He stated that he would not consider any plea deal until he secures a lawyer who will properly advocate for him, suggesting that he lacks confidence in his current representation.

The court hearing is set to determine Edgars representation before his trial on Monday.

Should the judge deny his request for a new lawyer, the trial will go ahead as planned.

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The Leah Chase School got a lifeline this week after the Orleans Parish School Board decided to keep the districts only direct-run public school open for the next two years.

On Jan. 8, parents, teachers and community members packed a room in the office space where the school board meets to demand the district keep the school open.

Leah Chase knew that as long as you keep moving forward, you could never be failing, said Edgar Dook Chase IV, the famed chefs grandson, during the hourslong meeting. This school educates our students. This school will never fail.

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The Leah Chase School is named after the citys Queen of Creole Cuisine, who was also the inspiration behind the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. The surrounding community, including the Chase family, are currently organizing and fundraising to keep the school open.

The uproar started less than two years after its founding. The district said the school had a declining enrollment and budget deficits projected to be more than $1 million. After a meeting in December, the board pushed the decision to close the school to this month. Since then, several community members have donated money to keep the doors open, including a $2 million donation from the grandparent of a student.

The caveat to the boards decision is at least $865,000 must be deposited into the schools sustainability fund by Jan. 15. If the deadline is not met, the school will close for the 2026-27 school year.

Olin G. Parker, the boards finance chair, said he wants to make sure the money is secure and real.

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We will be in this exact same place in December of 2027 unless we address the enrollment issue, he said. We cannot run a school every year that loses money.

Parker also cited the change in New Orleans population, which has fallen nearly 7 percent in the past four years.

Percy Marchand, the founder of IMPACT504, a nonprofit community organization, said ahead of the boards decision that without the Leah Chase School, there would be no school for miles around the neighborhood, which could deter people from moving into the area.

Were concerned about the neighborhood, and the communitys future, Marchand said. These are our kids, this is our citys future. And education is a huge part of that.

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The school serves around 350 students, the majority of whom are Black and Latino, according to NOLA.com. NOLA Public Schools, the districts official name, has about 41,600 students, 75% of whom are Black.

The Leah Chase Schools roots date back to the former Lafayette Academy, a charter school that closed in 2024 after receiving an F rating from the state. Then-school Superintendent Avis Williams recommended that the building be repurposed as the Leah Chase School, a public, school board-operated K-5 school. This year, the school added sixth grade students, with officials hoping to expand it to pre-kindergarten to eight grade.

Marchand said IMPACT504 reached out to the district and sent several emails to the schools website during its first year in 2024. No one answered. He assumed the school was doing well until he heard whispers about the school closing due to performance and financial issues.

The Business Council of New Orleans & the River Region, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent public policy advocacy organization, sent an open letter to the Orleans Parish School Board last month stating that the school is unsustainable and operating at a deficit greater than half a million dollars.

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New Orleans is losing population and its birth rate is declining, the letter said. Thats fewer taxpayers and fewer future students. Because of the declining student population, there are ample available seats in better schools.

Marchand said the open conversations painting the Leah Chase School as a failing school will have lasting impacts on not just the students, but those working with them as well.

Imagine being a teacher or principal at the school whos busting your butt, going over the edge, going the extra mile, and all you ever hear from your elected officials is how bad the school is, he said.

After Hurricane Katrina hit the city in 2005, New Orleans became the first all-charter system in the nation. Under the citys school lottery system, students no longer attended schools based on where they live. Today, at least six school districts nationwide have at least 30% of their public school students enrolled in public charter schools, according to a report by the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools.

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Charters are not the enemy, I promise you. Its an over-usage of it. Thats the enemy, Marchand said.

The Leah Chase School received a D grade from the state this year. Despite the schools improvement from the Lafayette Academy grade, the Business Council letter also said parents are choosing other schools.

Community members argue that the district has not properly advertised the school.

From his own pocket, Marchand said he and his organization printed out flyers to help spread the word about the open enrollment, which closes Jan. 23. He said the district told him that was not necessary because it had flyers of their own. But Marchand said he never saw them around the neighborhood  or at all.

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Gabriela Biro, the school board member representing District 2, said she was at a birthday party where the majority of parents didnt even know the school existed. If they did, they characterized the school as the one thats going to close, she said.

I dont think enough has been done to market the school, she said. These charter schools put so much effort into recruiting, and [the district] has not been doing at the same level as them.

When Biro drives through the city, usually theres a ton of billboards for schools during the open enrollment period, but the district didnt do that for Leah Chase, she said.

Others argue that the school has improved and needs more time to gradually increase its state rating.

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It went from a failing school to a D school, right? Which, you know, nobodys going to throw a party about having a D rating, said Chris Edmunds, the father of a fourth grader at the school. Making that progress in just one year in that short amount of time frame is astounding.

Two of the New Orleans Four, Gail Etienne and Leona Tate, who desegregated New Orleans Public Schools alongside Ruby Bridges in 1965, have publicly supported the school, according to WDSU 6, a local TV station.

These parents are advocating not for privilege, but for access; not for convenience, but for dignity; not for exclusion, but for the kind of public school education they know their children deserve, Etienne wrote in a letter to the school board. The name Leah Chase School carries a legacy all its own.

Biro said the letter moved her. Growing up, Biro said, Etienne was a civil rights inspiration, and receiving the letter meant more than receiving letters from organizations that may have financial ties to charter schools.

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For me, my North Star for this is a principle called child honoring, which is like you put children first. And for me, when you are choosing to close this school, youre putting financial choices [first], she said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the date of the Orleans Parish School Board meeting. It was Thursday, Jan. 8.

This story has been updated.

The post New Orleans School Named After Renowned Louisiana Chef to Remain Open appeared first on Capital B News.
Two Reading residents pleaded guilty in federal court to narcotics charges, U.S. Justice Department officials announced Tuesday.

Angel Diaz-Gibson, 34, and Kayla Rickenbach, 24, separately pleaded guilty on Monday before U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Johnstown, according to a statement by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti

According to court records:

From June to August 2024, Diaz-Gibson and Rickenbach conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl. Diaz-Gibson also conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and Rickenbach, conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

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Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for early May. Prosecutors said the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for Rickenbach. Diaz-Gibson faces a maximum total sentence of 15 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case. The FBI Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and thePennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution.
After the Trump administration announced sweeping changes to the US childhood vaccine schedule this week, parents and pediatricians are trying to make sense of whats driving the change and how it will affect families.

Heres whats known so far:

How is the updated childhood vaccine schedule different?

The US Department of Health and Human Services is changing the childhood vaccine schedule  a set of recommendations from the federal government about what immunizations children should get and when  to scale back the number of vaccines broadly recommended for children.

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These are recommendations, not mandates, but the schedule is typically used to guide which vaccines states require for day care or public school, as well as which vaccines are covered by insurance.

The new schedule recommends that healthy children get 11 vaccines  fewer than were previously recommended broadly.

Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, HPV and others continue to be broadly recommended. But there are narrower recommendations for vaccination against meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and hepatitis A to children who are at higher risk for infections.

They recommend that choices on vaccinations against flu, Covid-19 and rotavirus be based on shared clinical decision-making, which means people who want one must consult with a health care provider first.

Will insurance still cover childrens vaccines?

HHS says insurers will still have to cover all vaccines recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of December 31, 2025, without cost-sharing. Parents may incur additional costs if they have to speak to a health care provider first.

Can children be vaccinated according to previous CDC schedules?

The vaccine schedule is a set of recommendations from federal officials. It doesnt make kids get certain shots, nor does it forbid them from getting others. So parents should technically be able to get their children vaccinated according to the previous schedule.

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Experts say its especially important now to have a good conversation with the childs pediatrician about what shots they suggest.

Parents should trust their pediatrician, trust the professional societies like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians. But for now, unfortunately, we have to ignore everything about vaccines that is coming from our federal government, said Dr. Sean OLeary, chair of the American Association of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.

The AAP says it will continue to publish its own Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, which is much broader than the governments shortened list. It includes a yearly flu shot and updated Covid-19 vaccinations.

What will change when I take my child to the doctor?

OLeary, whos also a pediatrician in Colorado, thinks things shouldnt change too much here. Most pediatricians will continue to follow the broader AAP schedule, he says, but adding so many vaccines to the shared decision-making category has created some confusion among clinicians.

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Some medical practices may take additional steps such as having parents sign documents that say they acknowledge the shots are now in a different category. It may also be a little harder to find some of those vaccines.

In previous years, when a handful of shots fell into the shared decision-making category, medical offices didnt always keep those in stock, OLeary said. But this move by the government is unprecedented, so its hard to predict what will happen.

When there are tiers of recommendations, it suggests that some vaccines are more important than others, he said. So I wouldnt be surprised if this decreases access to some vaccines.

Why is the vaccine schedule changing?

The new schedule wasnt driven by any new evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. In December, President Donald Trump ordered HHS to review the schedule along with those of other developed nations.

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HHS says that reducing the number of vaccines for children gives parents more flexibility and choice, with less coercion. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been an outspoken vaccine skeptic for years, also said the change to the schedule protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.

HHS leaders said they spoke with officials in several other wealthy countries, including Germany, Denmark and Japan, in addition to experts at the CDC, and found that the US recommends several more vaccines than some other nations.

Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg, acting director of the US Food and Drug Administrations Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, gave a presentation to the CDCs vaccine advisory committee about the Danish vaccine schedule last month. Hoeg, a dual citizen of the US and Denmark, noted that with fewer vaccines, theres less exposure to aluminum, which is used as an ingredient to create a stronger immune response so doctors can give kids fewer doses. Despite broad evidence that using such adjuvants are safe, Kennedy has argued that aluminum in vaccines is linked to allergies and other health problems.

However, Danish vaccine experts said Denmark is a poor blueprint for US vaccine policy because it has a different health care system, including more accessible prenatal and childhood care.

Is there debate or disagreement about the vaccine schedule?

Trump said on Truth Social on Monday that the new schedule is rooted in science widely agreed upon by Scientists and Experts all over the World, but many doctors and public health officials immediately spoke out against the change.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, with President Dr. Andrew Racine calling them dangerous and unnecessary.

The longstanding, evidence-based approach that has guided the U.S. immunization review and recommendation process remains the best way to keep children healthy and protect against health complications and hospitalizations, Racine said in a statement.

Todays decision, which was based on a brief review of other countries practices, upends this deliberate scientific process, he added.

Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, trustee of the American Medical Association said that organization is deeply concerned about the changes.

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The scientific evidence remains unchanged, and the AMA supports continued access to childhood immunizations recommended by national medical specialty societies, she said in a statement. Changes of this magnitude require careful review, expert and public input, and clear scientific justification. That level of rigor and transparency was not part of this decision. When longstanding recommendations are altered without a robust, evidence-based process, it undermines public trust and puts children at unnecessary risk of preventable disease.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America called the changes reckless and characterized the decision as an assault on the national vaccine infrastructure that has saved millions of lives.

Upending long-standing vaccine recommendations without transparent public review and engagement with external experts will undermine confidence in vaccines with the likely outcome of decreasing vaccination rates and increasing disease, President Dr. Ronald Nahass said in a statement. Making these changes amid ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases shows a disregard for the real confusion families already face.

It is irresponsible to haphazardly change vaccine recommendations without a solid scientific basis and transparent process. The commitment the U.S. has made to protecting children from vaccine-preventable illness and death must remain a top priority, he added.

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Dr. Mandy Cohen, former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the shift in vaccine recommendations from HHS adds confusion and unnecessary obstacles for families who want their kids protected from serious illness. I am saddened to see our country take a step backwards in its efforts to protect the health of children and families.

Could more change be coming?

In years past, changes to the vaccine schedule would happen after the CDCs committee of independent advisers weighed whether to update the schedule based on the latest scientific evidence and CDC leadership finalized recommendations and schedules.

Under Kennedy, there have already been changes to recommendations for some vaccines, including Covid-19, hepatitis B and the combination measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccine.

Last year, Kennedy fired all the members of CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replaced them with his own picks, many of whom share his vaccine skepticism. He also fired the CDC director, who typically signs off on that agencys vaccine recommendations. The new committee has said it will continue reassess even long-established vaccine data.

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Future HHS leaders could always make a decision to change the vaccine schedule back, according to Dorit Reiss, a professor of law and the James Edgar Hervey Chair in Litigation at UC Law San Francisco, who studies laws around vaccines.

Reiss said in an email to CNN that the new changes have set a precedent that, unless its challenged in courts, can be reversed by the next administration.

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A Harris County Precinct 3 Deputy Constable Sgt. is under medical care, police say, after they say he violently attacked three nurses at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

Police say one of those nurses was pregnant.

Robert Earl Nobles Junior had been a Harris County Pct. 3 Deputy Constable Sergeant since 2017, according to the agency's social media posts.

But, he was relieved of duty on the first day of 2026, after Baytown police say he attacked three nurses.

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According to court documents, Nobles was waiting for an MRI at Houston Methodist Baytown when one nurse told police she heard screaming coming from his room.

After she checked on him, records show the nurse reported Nobles chased her and punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Records show another nurse, who told police she was 26 weeks pregnant, reported she was trying to call security when Nobles then ran toward her, allegedly grabbing a printer and hitting her in the head twice with it.

That nurse said she fell to the ground and said he then grabbed a computer monitor and slammed it onto her back.

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A third nurse reported trying to run away.

But, she said Nobles punched her so hard in the back of her head that she lost consciousness.

One nurse described Nobles as staring "as if he was detached from the world."

Police say by the time they arrived, Nobles was sedated by doctors' order, but they say hospital surveillance video matches what the nurses told them.

He was scheduled to be in court on Monday, but did not make that appearance.

Police say that the man remains under medical care, but federal health law keeps the agency from revealing what exactly that means.

For more on this story, follow Pooja Lodhia on Facebook,X and Instagram.
The Cruising Club of America has named British sailor Pete Hill as the recipient of its 2025 Blue Water Medal, recognizing more than 50 years of long-distance voyaging defined by simplicity, self-reliance and a deep commitment to life at sea.

Established more than a century ago, the Blue Water Medal is the CCA's highest honor, awarded for exceptional seamanship and adventure by amateur sailors. Hill, 75, joins a lineage that includes Bill Tilman, Bernard Moitessier, Eric and Susan Hiscock, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Hill was notified of the award while cruising in New Caledonia. "I am blown away by this," he said. "This is such an honor."

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Over five decades, Hill has completed extensive ocean passages aboard a succession of small cruising sailboats, many of them built or heavily modified by his own hand. Central to his philosophy is the junk rig, a low-tech sail plan he has repeatedly proven across the world's oceans. His approach has resonated with a community of sailors who value seaworthiness, repairability, and independence over complexity.

Sail trials of Oryx during early testing in August 2012. Courtesy David Duval-Hall

Hill's offshore career began in the 1970s aboard a self-built 27-foot Wharram catamaran, which he sailed with his first wife, Annie, on a demanding North Atlantic circuit in 1975. The couple later built Badger, a 34-foot plywood dory, and cruised widely in both hemispheres, reaching from Greenland and arctic Norway south to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Gough Island before returning north via Baffin Island and eventually sailing to Cape Town.

He later designed and built China Moon, a 38-foot junk-rigged catamaran, and spent five years cruising the high latitudes of the South Atlantic, including Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, and South Georgia. After selling the boat, Hill delivered her solo from Baltimore to Brazil in 41 days, then sailed nearly 10,000 nautical miles from Brazil to Tasmania with the new owner.

Hill also tested himself in organized ocean racing, finishing second but last in the 2006 Jester Challenge aboard a Kingfisher 22.

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Subsequent projects included converting a Freedom 33 to a junk rig and cruising extensively in Brazil with his second wife, Carly, while contributing a multi-part cruising guide to Brazil for the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation. He later built Oryx, another junk-rigged catamaran, and crossed the South Atlantic from Brazil to Cape Town.

The junk-rigged catamaran China Moon anchored off Elephant Island in January 2004 during Pete Hill's high-latitude South Atlantic cruising. Courtesy Linda Crew-Gee

Hill's life afloat has not been without tragedy. In 2015, Carly was lost overboard off South Africa. In the years that followed, Hill returned to sea alone, sailing singlehanded across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius and Australia.

During the pandemic, Hill and his partner, Linda Crew-Gee, built Kokachin, a junk-rigged schooner. Her first voyage included a North Atlantic crossing, cruising in the Caribbean, and a circumnavigation of Newfoundland. When China Moon unexpectedly came up for sale, Hill bought her back. After a refit in Tasmania, he and Crew-Gee departed for New Zealand in 2025, surviving a severe Tasman Sea storm that damaged the boat and required six days of continuous hand steering.

Hill and Crew-Gee are now cruising in the Pacific.

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In honoring Hill, the CCA cited not only the scale of his voyages, but also his lifelong commitment to simple construction, practical seamanship, and boats designed to be understood and maintained by their owners. His career stands as a reminder that ocean cruising remains as much about judgment and resilience as technology.

More information on Hill's boats and voyages can be found at junkrigventures.org.

The CCA also named five other 2025 award winners for their adventurous use of the seas, including Tamara Klink (Young Voyager Award); Philip "Greg" Velez (Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy); Peter Willauer (Diana Russell Award); Christopher and Molly Barnes (Far Horizons Award); and Doug and Dale Bruce (Richard S. Nye Trophy).

The post Pete Hill Awarded Cruising Club of America Blue Water Medal appeared first on Cruising World.
(Photo by Gyeongnam Province/Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)



With a higher interest in domestic travel outside the capital and traditional tourist places in South Korea these days, travelers are looking for new destinations to explore.

If youre inspired to do some exploring around Korea this year, here is a list of 10 cities with tourism potential and expected to be popular in 2026.

Gochang  The small village in North Jeolla province is known for Seonunsa Temple and Gochangeupseong Fortress.

Goheung  Located near the southernmost tip of Korea, you can enjoy nature and beaches without the crowds.

Screenshot of Muju Firefly Festival homepage (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea )



Muju  Superb mountain views await at one of the countrys major ski resorts.

Asan  Known for its many hot springs and spas in South Chungcheong Province, Asan borders the northern capital area of Seoul.

Ulsan, Nam-gu  The Nam-gu district of Ulsan is home to walking trails and parks around the residential district.

(Photo by Gyeongnam Province/Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)



Haman  Located in Gyeongnam province, its the home to healing and a leading place for Gaya relics.

Cheongdo  Located in North Gyeongsang Province, Cheongdo is most known for its yearly International Bullfighting Festival.

Taebaek  Koreas second highest elevated city and located in Gangwon province, it shares its name with the local mountain range.

Paju  Located south of Panmunjum in Gyeonggi Province, it was made into a city in 1997.

Hampyeong  South Jeolla Provinces Hampyeong is famous for its spring butterfly festival and other flower festivals throughout the year.
Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reignited in December 2025, but a picture of Israeli soldiers circulating on social media does not show reinforcements arriving to bolster the Thai military. The photo in fact shows Israeli officers in Bangkok in March 2025, when they were assisting with search and rescue efforts following the collapse of a high-rise building in an earthquake.

"Thousands of Israeli soldiers have arrived to help Thailand in its operations to invade Cambodia," reads Khmer-language text underneath a photo shared on TikTok on December 15, 2025.

The photo, which was reshared more than 2,800 times, surfaced after fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in December that killed dozens of people (archived link). Around a million on both sides were displaced by the fighting, which stems from a decades-old border dispute.

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A fragile truce was agreed on December 27, bringing an end to the latest flare up.

While Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of violating the ceasefire on January 6, 2026, it said Thai forces "did not retaliate", opting instead to contact the Cambodian side to verify what happened, adding that Phnom Penh "claimed it was an accident".

Thailand said cross-border mortar fire wounded a soldier, while Phnom Penh said a "pile of garbage" exploded, injuring two of its own troops.

Screenshot of the false TikTok post captured on January 6, 2026, with a red X added by AFP

The same photo was also shared in similar Facebook and Threads posts.

But Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, told AFP on January 6 that there had been "no Israeli reinforcement".

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There have also been no official reports of soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) taking part in the cross-border clashes with Cambodia.

A reverse image search on Google found the photo was previously used in an article about Israel concluding a humanitarian mission in Thailand, published by the Jewish News Syndicate on April 9, 2025 (archived link).

According to the article, an Israeli delegation of experts had been helping Thai authorities to locate people trapped in the aftermath of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar on March 28, 2025.

The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Thailand, bringing down a tower being built to house the State Audit Office in Bangkok (archived link). CNN reported that at least 95 people were killed in the incident (archived link).

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The photo in the article is captioned: "IDF soldiers arrive on site at the building collapse on March 31, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand."

Screenshot of the photo on Jewish News Syndicate website in April 2025

The photo is credited to Lauren DeCicca for Getty Images. She told AFP on January 6, 2026: "The photo was taken during the March 2025 earthquake aftermath in Bangkok."

The same photo can be seen on the Getty Images website, which includes the caption: "BANGKOK, THAILAND - MARCH 31: Soldiers from Israel arrive on site at the building collapse on March 31, 2025, in Bangkok. Rescue efforts are ongoing at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake centered in Myanmar" (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the photo in the the false TikTok post (L) and on the Getty Images website

AFP has repeatedly debunked misinformation related to the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Wednesday, Jan. 7, marks the first anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires that burned over 37,000 acres in Los Angeles County, killing 31 and destroying thousands of structures.

California is no stranger to wildfires, but the Eaton and Palisades fires were some of the most destructive in the state's history.

The fires burned for weeks and were contained by the end of January. But, while the Eaton and Palisades fires were the most destructive, California faced multiple fires at the start of 2025, including the Hughes Fire, the Hurst Fire, and the Kenneth Fire.

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A year later, around 70% of the residents of Eaton and Palisades remain displaced as they battle with insurance companies, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. But a few have begun to rebuild their lives on the ground where their homes once stood.

The fires destroyed thousands of homes, including some belonging to celebrities, and changed the way many people see wildfires forever.

Parts of LA County still smell like the fire and smoke that scorched the ground, and a year later, many have yet to return to their homes.

"I dont know if many of us wanted to know how to build a house, but we have to now," said Ted Koerner, an Altadena, California resident who was the first to rebuild his home. "We have no choice."

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LA fires one-year anniversary events: From celebrity concert to rally

LA fires: A look at what was left behind

TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened. TOP Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Trees line a street nearly one year after the Eaton Fire on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Residents dig through the remains of their family's home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A home burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. BOTTOM A construction worker walks through a construction site of a home that is being rebuilt nearly one year after the Eaton Fire destroyed it on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A burn scar is visible on the street in front of a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Wind pushes embers into a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago is seen under construction on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters pull a hose in front of a burning home as the Eaton Fire moved through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A resident removes valuables from his home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on burning homes as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A view of a street that was ravaged by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Roses bloom on a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP A vintage car sits parked in front of a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 18, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec.18, 2025. TOP A resident inspects the remains of her home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters try unsuccessfully to get water from a hydrant as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A pedestrian walks by a former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025. TOP A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A sign remains standing at a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025. TOP Los Angeles County firefighters attempt to put out a fire at a Bank of America as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. See dramatic before and after images from the Eaton Fire one year later 1 of 17 TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened.

TOP A home burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. BOTTOM A construction worker walks through a construction site of a home that is being rebuilt nearly one year after the Eaton Fire destroyed it on Dec. 19, 2025.

TOP Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Trees line a street nearly one year after the Eaton Fire on Dec. 18, 2025.

TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A burn scar is visible on the street in front of a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

TOP A resident removes valuables from his home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

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TOP A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A sign remains standing at a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025.

Contributing: Terry Collins, Paris Barraza, and Monica Garske; USA TODAY

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Damage from 2025 LA fires seen in before-and-after photos
On Monday the city of Lakewood and the city of University Place appointed new mayors, by the vote of their city councils.

Lakewood city councilor Paul Bocchi was the sole nominee from the Lakewood City Council, and University Place city councilor Stan Flemming was appointed to the position after a 4-3 vote.

Bocchi first took office for Position 7 in Lakewood in 2012, and his fourth term is set to expire at the end of 2027, according to Bocchi. After working in the banking industry, he was appointed to the Pierce County Council in 2003 and later accepted his position of Budget Legislative Analyst with the Pierce County Council in 2006, per the citys website.

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He replaces Mayor Jason Whalen, who served on the Lakewood City Council in Position 3 since 2010. Whalen was appointed mayor by the council in 2022 and 2024, according to the city. Bocchi told The News Tribune the city does not have a formal restriction on how many times a council member can be mayor, but the council re-elects a mayor every election cycle.

New faces on the Lakewood City Council this year include Ellen Talbo (Position 1) and Philip Lindholm (Position 3). Current council members Patti Belle (who was elected deputy mayor) and Mike Brandstetter were sworn in for additional four-year terms.

During an interview Tuesday, Bocchi said he was honored to be elected by his peers to lead the city.

Going into 2026, Bocchi said, the city will finalize its parks legacy plan and downtown subarea plan, which includes creating a downtown park and a new community/senior center. Other major park projects are work on Edgewater Park and street-end projects (to improve public water access), he said.

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Bocchi becomes mayor at a time when the city has two new city councilors, a new city manager, a new parks director, HR manager and communications manager. The city also will put together its biennial budget for 2027-2028 in a time of high costs and expensive new caseload standards set by the Washington state Supreme Court, he said.

Moving forward, Bocchi said, he will work hard to understand the new councilors perspectives and make sure the citys plans and goals still align with the decisions that need to take place.

Lakewood Mayor Paul Bocchi (left), University Place Mayor Stan Flemming (courtesy photos)

Flemming to serve as UP mayor

In University Place, Flemming served on the council when the city incorporated in 1995 until 2009, and again from 2020 to the present, said city staff. Flemming was the citys first mayor from 1995-1996. His current term is set to expire in 2027.

On Monday, Flemming received a majority of the council votes to become mayor. Fleming currently practices as a physician with the Pacific Medical Specialty Group, was a former state legislator, a Brigadier General in the Army Reserve and served on the Pierce County Council from 2011-2014.

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Flemming could not be reached for comment Tuesday. In a speech shortly after he was appointed Monday, Flemming said earning and keeping the publics trust is something he is committed to day after day. The University Place council chooses the mayor every two years.

Change in leadership can be challenging. Its our goal to ease the stress of transition and make it as smooth as possible. Leading our great city, as I said earlier tonight, is a team sport. It requires all of us working together  [and] do our part to represent our citizens who are counting on us to do what is right for our community, Flemming said. To some, it may feel like were deviating from a course that was previously set, but more importantly, were continuing to move in a direction that will be driven by new council priorities, as well as refining some of those that we currently have.

Flemming replaces Mayor Javier Figueroa, who served as mayor from 2024-2026 and 2016-2017, according to the city.

On Monday, Figueroa was sworn in to another term on the council that will expire in 2029. Council member Denise McCluskey (Position 5) was sworn in for another two-year term as Mayor Pro Tem. Alecia Cunningham (Position 3) was sworn in as the first Black woman to serve on the council. Council member Edward Wood (Position 4) was also sworn in for another term that will expire in 2029.
This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter.

Quadrangle Development Corp. has released plans for Potomac Overlook, a massive mixed-use, transit-oriented residential project to be built on a valuable site near the Key Bridge connecting Rosslyn, Virginia, to the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., according to a Jan. 6 press release shared with Multifamily Dive.

The D.C.-based developers proposal features slender towers designed to maximize the publics views of the Potomac River and the U.S. Capitol, per the release. It also includes a network of green spaces, a 200-key hotel and 1,775 apartments spread across five buildings.

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The development is slated for the 5.5-acre site of the former Key Bridge Marriott, which was demolished in 2025 after it fell into disrepair, WTOP reported. Last year, the value of the empty waterfront lot, which serves as a gateway to Arlington County, was assessed at $47.5 million, according to ARL now.

Theres strong demand for more housing in the area: Arlington has experienced steady residential growth with limited new supply, per Quadrangle. Its plans call for parking to be located underground so that the project can maximize publicly accessible open space, including bike and walking paths connecting to the multiuse Custis Trail and Gateway Park, as well as seating, landscaping and art.

Quadrangle is working as a development consultant on behalf of lender Claros Mortgage Trust, Bisnow reported, which holds the defaulted first-lien mortgage debt on the land. The development team also includes architect DCS Design, civil engineer Vika Virginia, consultant Federal Airways & Airspace and land use law firm Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh.

"This is an exceptional opportunity to activate an incredible property at the center of so much activity in Rosslyn and the entire DMV," said Christopher Gladstone, president of Quadrangle, in the release. "Our design purposefully invites the public in to enjoy this unique water view property offering outstanding views over the Potomac River and toward the Nations Capital."

Zoning applications were filed in late December and are moving through county review, according to Quadrangle.

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A plot to kill Burkina Faso's military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traore, has been thwarted, the West African nation has announced.

The sophisticated plan had been hatched by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traore in September 2022, the security minister said in a late-night broadcast.

"Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities," said Mahamadou Sana, further alleging that the plot had been funded by neighbouring Ivory Coast.

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There has been no comment from either Col Damiba or Ivory Coast.

Since seizing power, Capt Traore has faced at least two coup attempts and is also grappling with growing jihadist violence that has forced millions from their homes.

Despite these challenges and his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support and has gained a following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

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Authorities uncovered a leaked video showing the plotters discussing their plans, according to the security minister.

In the footage, they allegedly spoke about how they intended to assassinate the president - either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence - just after 23:00 local time on Saturday 3 January.

Afterwards, they allegedly planned to target other senior military and civilian figures.

Sana alleged that Damiba had mobilised both soldiers and civilian supporters, secured foreign funding - most significantly 70m CFA francs ($125,000; 92,000) delivered from Ivory Coast - and planned to knock out the country's drone-launch base before foreign forces could intervene.

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"We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon," the minister said on national television.

Sana insisted the situation was under control and urged citizens "not to be misled, out of naivety, into dangerous schemes".

It is unclear how many people have been arrested.

Critics, both local and foreign, have accused Capt Traore of authoritarianism and say his government suppresses dissent - including arbitrary arrests of military officers and restrictions on the media.

It is not the first time the junta has pointed the finger of blame about foreign interference in its affairs at Ivory Coast.

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These continuing internal power struggles will further heighten regional tensions.

Col Damiba served as Burkina Faso's leader from January-September 2022 after seizing power from an elected government.

After being ousted, he went into exile in neighbouring Togo and said in a message published on social media that he wished his successor every success.

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[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said on Wednesday that Warsaw was open to the possible deployment of German troops in Poland as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

German soldiers have been stationed in Poland for years as part of various NATO missions, Sikorski said, adding that the presence of Bundeswehr troops on Polish soil would therefore be nothing new.

Sikorski was speaking after consultations in Paris with his French and German counterparts, Jean-Noel Barrot and Johann Wadephul, in the so-called Weimar Triangle format.

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He noted that military cooperation between Poland and Germany was already well established. During a joint exercise several years ago, a German general commanded a Polish tank brigade, while a Polish general led a German brigade, Sikorski said.

The foreign minister also thanked Germany for deploying troops last year to help secure the airport near Rzeszow in south-eastern Poland, a key hub for military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz raised the prospect for the first time of Bundeswehr participation in peacekeeping operations  not inside Ukraine, but on NATO territory near the border.

Sikorski said that if a ceasefire were reached and a peacekeeping mission established, several countries  with France playing a leading role  had already agreed on preparatory measures in Poland.

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He added that detailed planning would ultimately be handled by the military general staffs of the countries involved.

The German government said the talks in Paris had focussed on developing robust security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire and on Europe's contribution to long-term security.

The Weimar Triangle format was established in 1991 as a forum for dialogue by the then foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland.
PORT ST. LUCIE  A man in the Republic of Cyprus was arrested last month following a case that involved Port St. Lucie Police and resulted in the rescue of a young girl who was being sexually abused, according to police.

Port St. Lucie Police learned Dec. 2 of the arrest of Adam Daniel Lea, 45, from Limassol, Cyprus, following allegations he was seeking out other adults with like minded desires online and exchanging child pornography.

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean.

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Port St. Lucie Police reported Lea had been communicating unknowingly with an undercover Port St. Lucie police detective.

While communicating with the detective, he shared disturbing and dangerous thoughts, police stated. Furthermore, his sexual abuse of a child had been occurring for many years.

Police said the investigation moved quickly, and ultimately authorities in Limassol, Cyprus, found the child and took Lea into custody.

Serious crash: Crash Jan. 6 in same area as one that left 2 dead days earlier

'The best kid': Father remembers son, 17, dead after crash

It wasnt immediately clear whether Lea will face any charges in St. Lucie County.

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Police reported that if you know someone who may be the victim of sexual abuse to call 911 or the Sexual Assault Assistance Program at 866-828-7273.

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Port St. Lucie Police part of case resulting in abuse victim's rescue
A preschool teacher was arrested on camera as soon as she finished a TV interview criticizing Donald Trump, fueling the debate over protest policing and free speech.

Jessica Plichta, 22, said she was the only person arrested among roughly 200 demonstrators at an anti-war protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, hours after Nicolas Maduro was detained in Caracas by the U.S. military.

In the broadcast footage, two officers could be seen approaching from behind as she wrapped her interview with WZZM, the citys ABC affiliate, then escorted her away as she told them, I am not resisting arrest.

Jessica Plichta looks surprised to be grabbed by police as she wrapped up her TV interview, complaining about Maduro's capture. / WZZM

WZZM said an officer cited obstructing a roadway and failure to obey a lawful command, and that Plichta had been charged with failure to obey a lawful command.

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Plichta later told Zeteo: I dont think its a coincidence that as soon as I finished an interview speaking on Venezuela, I was arrested.

She told the outlet the officers shoved her into the back of a patrol car without fastening her seat belt, then drove a short distance down the streetout of view of cameras and bystanders.

According to Plichta, they stopped again, pulled her out, bent her over the vehicle, patted her down, and took her belongings. She recalled one officer saying they moved her because she was making a scene.

She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.

Jessica Plichta speaks to local media about her arrest. / WZZM

We are so accustomed to, and used to, repression when we speak out on anti-war topics. When we speak out for Venezuela, when we speak out for Palestine, we expect the police to want to shut that down, she told Zeteo.

Plitcha claims she was the only person arrested at the protest. / Facebook

It just shows how much they feel they can get away with things, how easy it is for them to isolate people from the public eye when theyre doing this.

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Plichta said she largely stayed quiet as officers took her to jail, where she said the same questions continued. She was released about three hours later after other protesters gathered to demand she be freed and was seen punching the air in a video shared on Facebook.

Jessica Plichta punches the air when greeted by her fellow protesters after police released her. / Facebook

The Grand Rapids Police Department disputed her claims in a statement to the Daily Beast.

A spokesperson said more than 25 announcements were made from the PA system of a marked police cruiser for the group [of protesters] to leave the roadway and relocate their activities to the sidewalk, but that they had refused lawful orders to move to the sidewalk and began blocking intersections.

Adding that supervisors told officers they could arrest anyone who could be positively identified, the spokesperson confirmed only one arrest was made. The Beast followed up to ask why only Plichta had been arrested, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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The mayor of Grand Rapids is David LaGrand, a Democrat.

The incident came to light as Trump, 79, tries to sell the Maduro operation at home, despite signs of public unease.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found about one in three Americans approve of the U.S. strike, while 72 percent worry the U.S. will become too involved.

Nicolas Maduro is seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents as they make their way into an armored car en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 5 New York City. / XNY/Star Max / GC Images

It is also a small part of a much larger information war that has even seen Trump amplify mislabeled footage on Truth Social to claim mass celebrations after the Maduro capturea video that fact-checkers traced to an unrelated 2024 protest.
The Czech Republic's new right-wing populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Wednesday that he would not end a munitions initiative with Ukraine, despite his campaign promises to do so.

"The project will continue, and the Czech Republic will be in the role of coordinator," Babis, 71, announced. But he said Czech taxpayers' money would no longer be invested in the venture.

That is a bit of a moot point, since the main donors have included countries such as Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, with Prague providing only a fraction of the funds. Babis said the project must be transparent and free of corruption.

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The billionaire and leader of the right-wing populist ANO party had sharply criticized the project during his election campaign and demanded its end, as had his two far-right coalition partners.

The National Security Council met in Prague to discuss the next steps. Alongside army and intelligence chiefs, President Petr Pavel was also expected.

Pavel, a former NATO general, had initiated the munitions initiative for Ukraine, under which more than 1.8 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition were delivered to Ukraine last year, according to official figures.

Since the start of the venture, more than 4 million rounds have been supplied. The shells come from third countries, though it is confidential which countries participate.

Ukraine has a persistently high need for artillery ammunition to defend itself against Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
TORONTO (AP)  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that he will visit China next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as Canada looks to reduce its reliance on the United States, which has threatened its economy and sovereignty.

It is the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. Xi invited Carney to China when they met during an Asia-Pacific summit in October. The visit comes as the two countries move to restore stronger ties after years of tensions.

Were forging new partnerships around the world to transform our economy from one that has been reliant on a single trade partner, to one that is stronger and more resilient to global shock, Carney said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Carney will travel to China from Jan. 13 to 17. He will also attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland from Jan. 19 to 21.

Trump has been threatening Canadas economy and sovereignty with tariffs, most offensively by claiming Canada could be the 51st state.

The attempt at rapprochement with China comes as Carney looks to double Canadas non-U.S. exports in the next decade and as the free trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico is up for review this year. More than 75% percent of Canadas exports go to the U.S.

China is Canada's second largest trading partner.

Relations between China and Canada took a nosedive in late 2018 after Canadian authorities arrested a senior executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei as a part of its extradition agreement with the United States. China then arrested two Canadian citizens in retaliation.

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More recently, relations have been shaken by Canadas decision to levy a 100% tariff on electric vehicles, batteries and other goods from China in 2024. Canada made the move in tandem with the U.S.

Canadian canola producers, seafood exporters and pork farmers are dealing with steep Chinese tariffs in retaliation.

China has offered to remove its import taxes on some Canadian products if Canada drops the EV tariff.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

Darren Michael, associate professor at Austin Peay State University, has reportedly been reinstated and given $500,000 after being fired over posts about assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Tennessees WKRN News 2 obtained a copy of a settlement agreement between Michael and the university, showing the school will dish out $500,000 and reimburse therapeutic counseling services.

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APSU agrees to issue a statement acknowledging regret for not following the tenure termination process in connection with the Dispute, the settlement reportedly reads. The statement will be distributed via email through APSUs reasonable communication channels to faculty, staff, and students.

The university confirmed to WZTV in Nashville that Michael returned to his faculty position at the end of December.

Michael was fired on Sept. 12 (two days after the assassination of Kirk) after social media posts about Kirk spread far and wide on social media.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) brought attention to one post and included Michaels photo and biography.

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What do you say, [Augstin Peay]? she wrote.

Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are unfortunately worth it to keep 2nd Amendment, read the headline of an article Michael shared. He did not add any additional comment on it.

The school originally said Michael was fired over insensitive comments made on social media.

Such actions do not align with Austin Peays commitment to mutual respect and human dignity, APSU President Mike Licari said in a statement. The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member.

Licari acknowledged in a new statement that the school did not follow proper procedures in regards to Michael.

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APSU did not follow the required termination process in this matter, and I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community, the university president said. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions.

The post Professor Fired for Charlie Kirk Post Gets $500,000 From School, Is Reinstated first appeared on Mediaite.
Protests were held in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood and other communities across the area on Wednesday after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

There have been incidents of federal agent-involved shootings during alleged car-rammings in the Chicago area during an immigration crackdown over the past few months. They include a fatal shooting in Franklin Park, and another shooting in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, where the Department of Justice dropped their charges against the people involved, including a woman who was shot and injured.

Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez issued a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying in part "Today, the Little Village Community Council, alongside community members, faith leaders, and allies, gathers in solidarity and grief to denounce the killing of a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, an innocent U.S. citizen whose life was taken during an encounter involving ICE agents. We are outraged... Today's gathering includes candles, prayers, and support from the faith community, honoring the life that was lost and all families harmed by unjust enforcement practices. We call on the people of Chicago to stand together-to demand justice, to protect one another, and to insist on a nation where no one is killed for existing, for migrating, or for being brown."

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Gatherings were also planned Wednesday evening in other communities, including in Evanston and at Winnemac Park on Chicago's North Side.

Chicago stands in solidarity with Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/nz42MEdcyY  Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) January 7, 2026

The ICE officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver on Wednesday during the Trump administration's latest immigration crackdown on a major American city - a shooting that federal officials said was an act of self-defense but that the city's mayor described as "reckless" and unnecessary.

The woman was shot in front of a family member during a traffic stop in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets and about a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. Her killing quickly drew a crowd of hundreds of angry protesters.

SEE ALSO | ICE agent describes his injuries as 'nothing major' after deadly Franklin Park shooting: VIDEO

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while visiting Texas, described the incident as an "act of domestic terrorism" carried out against ICE officers by a woman who "attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him."

But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted that characterization as "garbage" and criticized the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of the immigration crackdown.

"What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust," Frey said, calling on the immigration agents to leave. "They're ripping families apart. They're sowing chaos on our streets, and in this case, quite literally killing people."

"They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bull****," the mayor said.

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SEE ALSO | DOJ drops charges against woman shot by CBP agent in Chicago after being accused of ramming car

DHS posted the following statement on the Minneapolis shooting:

"Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them-an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers. The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. The ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries. This is the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians who fuel and encourage rampant assaults on our law enforcement who are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats. This is an evolving situation, and we will give the public more information as soon as it becomes available."

Illinois U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly posted the following statement:

"I am impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem, who is an incompetent leader and a disgrace to our democracy.

"She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end."

Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin issued the following statement:

"As I've said time and time again, the Trump Administration's militarized immigration raids are dangerous political theater meant to spread fear and advance an anti-immigrant agenda. And now, a surge in immigration enforcement activity has led to the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis. This loss of life is tragic, heartbreaking, and enraging, but I encourage all protestors to remain peaceful.

"A full investigation must be completed so the truth can be revealed. Video of the incident starkly contradicts DHS's narrative, and the fact that DHS has jumped to characterize this shooting in 'self-defense' is rushed, at best, and a lie, at worst.

"In a November hearing challenging the treatment of press and protestors by federal immigration agents, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said that their 'use of force shocks the conscience' and 'this conduct shows no sign of stopping.' And now their use of force has led to another shooting and another death. This must come to an end."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Brown University mass shooter Claudio Neves Valente left a series of videos in the storage container where he was found dead on Dec. 18, and they answer some questions about his mindset and the planning involved in the shooting and subsequent execution of an MIT professor at his home.

But the biggest question left unanswered by the transcripts, released Jan. 6 by the Department of Justice, is why he did it.

Here are some of the answers  and some of the questions that remain  Neves Valente provided in the confessional videos.

How long was Claudio Neves Valente planning the shootings?

He says he had the storage facility for three years, and that he had been planning the attacks for more than "six semesters." In the transcript of the video, translated from Portuguese, he initially says "six months" but corrects himself on the timeline, saying he had been "planning for "already been planning this for a little more" than "six semesters."

Was he angry about something? Did something trigger his actions?

He says he had to put up with "sh--" his whole life and no one ever apologized to him. He says, "I did not like any one of you. I saw all of this shit from the beginning. I began to grow suspicious since I barely had conscious memories, at the age of three. At the age of five I was already sure."

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Still he claims he has no hatred toward Portugal or toward the U.S., though he does say coming to the U.S. "both times" was an "extraordinary mistake."

Did he explain why he did it?

While he believes the shootings were "a little incompetent" he says "at least something was done. The only objective was to [pause] leave more or less on my own terms." Still, he offers no explanation as to why he did this, or why he was planning it for so long, other than he "wouldn't be the one who ended up suffering the most from all of this."

There are vague references to him having put up with stuff his whole life, and describing himself as a "good guy on every level" while others were "fake," but there's no indication of what the "stuff" was that he didn't like or had to deal with.

Still, he said he "I "needed a catalyst-for both of them." He says that catalyst for the Brown shooting was " But for the first one, it was "the fact that I was confronted." And he says with Loureiro, " and in the second, "I also had one, you could say, a little bit," but he does not offer any more clues as to what it was.

Did he target any of the Brown University students?

Despite rampant online rumors (including from actor James Woods) that the shooter specifically targeted one of the victims, Ella Cook, for her politically conservative views, Neves Valente gives no indication that he knew any of the Brown University students. In fact, he states that he didn't even want to attack the auditorium and had wanted to shoot up a "regular" classroom.

Why did he commit the shooting on a Saturday afternoon during final exams?

The timing of the shooting seems unintentional. He had been casing Brown University for quite some time and says that he had had other opportunities, particularly in the fall 2025 semester, to carry out the shootings, but had "chickened out." He repeatedly references having the "opportunity," so again there appears to be no reason he chose that classroom, that class, that time, that day, etc.

Did he target MIT professor Nuno Loureiro?

While investigators have already said Neves Valente and Loureiro went to the same university in Portugal together, he does not mention Loureiro by name. He says that he "did one more"  presumably meaning shooting  though he appears to not know whether he actually killed Loureiro.

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An eye injury, which he references continuously throughout the videos, occurred while shooting Loureiro, he believed.

Did he leave any other notes?

Neves Valente says that "three emails should go out today, tonight"  presumably offering further explanation for his action, but there is no indication to whom these emails were sent, if they were even sent at all.

Did he show any remorse?

He says he has "no regrets" for the shootings, and in fact laughs at various points during the 11 minutes of video. "I am not going to apologize, because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me," he says. "The time for the final conclusions has arrived ... the only objective was to [pause] leave more or less on my own terms, and its  its already long overdue." He says "tough luck" to anyone who is upset at his actions. "I dont give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me."

He does; however, say that it was "hard as hell" to kill other people and that he envied others who have "no difficulty doing it," but that "the rest means nothing to me."

Why did Neves Valente travel to the New Hampshire storage unit after the shootings?

While Neves Valente had the rented storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire for three years, he says it wasn't his plan to end up there after the shootings.

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He says that he did not envision the end of the line for him would be "exactly on these terms" nor was he "planning on coming here" but it was isolated enough.

He does not say what his actual plan was, and does not elaborate on why he altered the plan beyond the fact that the storage unit was "isolated," but he does make frequent references to his eye injury. He even opens the video talking about the injuring and saying he can see "very little or almost nothing" out of it. That could have impeded his plan, if it was to run further, and the hour-and-a-half route from Brookline to Salem would have been familiar to him.

Neves Valente also believed that the police were following closely behind him and would possibly catch him within a few hours. He said he hoped to have a few hours to himself to die by suicide, or before police find him.

In reality, law enforcement had not yet identified him as a suspect in either shooting, and would not find him in the storage until two days later, on the evening of Dec. 18.

What did he think about Reddit John, the tipster who 'blew the case wide open'?

Neves Valente talks about being confronted by a person near Brown, presumably Reddit John. He thought that the tipster had taken down his license plate number and is surprised that investigators didn't catch up to him sooner. He even references the same car being outside the storage facility.

Did he pay attention to media coverage of the shootings?

While he claims to not want any fame from his actions, Neves Valente was acutely aware of the news coverage. He knew President Donald Trump called him an animal, and knew there was speculation about whether he yelled anything specific during the shooting, which he refuted.

Did Neves Valente yell something before shooting the Brown University students?

He knew people were claiming in online rumors that he yelled "Allah Akbar." He says he doesn't recall yelling and if he did, it may have been something like "Oh no!" because there were so few people in the auditorium. He also appears annoyed or surprised that more of the students didn't run out the exit door rather than hide under desks.

Hope Street side of Barus & Holley building, site of Brown mass shooting, seen on Jan. 5, 2026.

Why no manifesto?

"I dont care at all about being famous, having a legacy and sh-- like that, manifestos and f---ing stuff," he says, though he notes that he would have had a lot to say if he did.

Was he mentally ill?

He repeatedly claims he is not mentally ill, though the transcripts are wildly disjointed and rambling from one topic to another. Granted, this is a man who had just killed three people, was injured (he hurt his eye when he shot Loureiro), was on the run from the law and was minutes away from taking his own life.

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He does note that carrying out the shootings was very difficult, and he acknowledged that killing himself would be hard. Despite years of planning, the shootings did not turn out exactly as he had planned. Not only was he confronted by Reddit John, he also attacked a different type of classroom than he intended and he injured himself in the Brookline shooting. He acknowledges tactical errors, like being captured on video cameras entering the storage facility and parking his vehicle right outside.

Why did he rent a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire?

There is no explanation of why he traveled all the way between Providence and Salem, or Brookline and Salem.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Brown shooter's confession videos answer key questions  except motive
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Chateau de Bangkok under its brand in the Ploen Chit district.

The property has undergone a redesign to cater to both business and leisure travellers while maintaining its traditional features.

Offering 178 rooms and suites with modern amenities and interiors, the pet-friendly hotel aims to offer an inclusive environment for all travellers.

The hotel features various food and beverage options, three event venues, and wellness facilities that include a spa room, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.

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Radisson Hotel Group Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific chief operating officer Tim Cordon said: Thailand is one of our key markets in Southeast Asia, and we are delighted to strengthen our portfolio with the opening of Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok.

This property has a special legacy in the city, and its reintroduction under the Radisson brand reflects both our growth ambitions and our commitment to creating memorable stays for our guests.

Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok general manager Jean Pascal Bernet said: We are thrilled to welcome guests back to the Chateau, now part of Radisson Hotel Group.

Our team looks forward to delivering the personalised service and warm hospitality that this property has been known for while offering a refreshed experience that reflects the energy of modern Bangkok.

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In September 2025, Radisson Hotel Group enhanced its presence in France with a series of strategic hotel signings and launches.

"Radisson Hotel Group launches Chateau de Bangkok in Ploen Chit" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, speaks during an Indiana Senate session in April 2025 . (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Republican Sen. Greg Walker is reversing his decision to retire from the Indiana Legislature, citing the political turmoil from the congressional redistricting debate.

Walker, R-Columbus, had announced last summer that he wouldnt seek reelection to the Senate seat he first won in 2006 but on Wednesday filed for another term on the first day of the candidacy filing period.

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Walker told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that circumstances are different from when he previously decided to not run again.

I felt like it was important for me to continue to stand for Indiana issues instead of Washington politics, Walker said in an interview. Weve seen just a small taste of what federalization of Indiana elections could look like, and may eventually look more like than they do today, and Im greatly concerned when I see Hoosier politics play a surrogate to those national battles.

Walker was a vocal Republican critic of the redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump  and was one of several lawmakers who faced swatting or other intimidation tactics ahead of the Senates vote last month against redrawing the congressional maps.

Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, is among the Republicans who had announced bids to succeed Walker in Senate District 41, which includes all of Bartholomew County and much of Johnson County south of Indianapolis.

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Davis, who voted in favor of the redistricting plan when it passed the House, said Wednesday she was continuing her Senate campaign.

Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, speaks before the House Education Committee in 2025. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

It does not affect me one bit, Davis told the Capital Chronicle. Ive worked really hard, spent a lot of time in both Johnson County and Bartholomew County, gaining support, holding fundraisers and showing up at events. I am full-force steam ahead.

Trump, Gov. Mike Braun and pro-redistricting groups have said they would support primary challengers to Republican legislators who didnt support the proposed new maps that sought a 9-0 GOP Indiana congressional delegation by carving up the two districts now held by Democrats.

Walker said he didnt know how redistricting supporters might try to insert themselves into his race.

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Ive seen a lot of implied or explicit threats or implied or explicit rewards, but I dont see a lot of evidence on follow through from outside forces, Walker said.

Walker delivered more than 20 minutes of emotional remarks during a December committee hearing on the redistricting bill  at one point moved to tears  explaining why he could not support it.

I fear for this institution  if we allow intimidation and threats to be the norm, he said. I refuse to be intimidated. I will not normalize that kind of behavior.

Walker has broken from other Republican senators on some prominent issues in recent years, such as voting against the 2022 bill that revoked Indianas handgun permit requirement and last years bill allowing partisan school board elections.

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He also voted against a 2022 bill sponsored by Davis that banned transgender youths from competing in girls school sports.

Davis supported all those bills and said key differences in their voting records would be a campaign issue.

Were opposite a lot on some voting issues that are core Republican values, she said. I will always vote for morals and for what the Hoosier families believe in.

The 62-year-old Walker said his wifes 2023 death had him reevaluating what to do, but that he now had a new resolve.

Im not too sure this isnt to my own hurt to do this, he said. Its just that I think that needs to be done.
Malam Fatori, Nigeria  Its been more than 10 years since Isa Aji Mohammed lost four of his children in one night when Boko Haram fighters attacked their home in northeast Nigerias Borno State.

Maryam, who was 15 at the time, was killed alongside her brothers Mohammed, 22, and Zubairu, who was only 10. Yadoma, 25 and married with children, who had returned home to her parents house for a visit, also died in the attack.

We ran with nothing, said 65-year-old Isa, standing on the parched soil of his farm in the Lake Chad village of Malam Fatori, to which he recently returned. For more than 10 years, we slept in relatives homes. I felt like a stranger in my own country.

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Before the deadly attack, Isa, a farmer, produced hundreds of bags of rice, maize and beans annually, enough to feed his family and sell in markets in neighbouring Niger.

After that night, he fled and spent the next decade in displacement camps across the border.

But last year, he joined thousands of other former residents who have relocated back to Malam Fatori and other towns as part of a resettlement programme initiated by the government.

The village sits on the edge of Nigerias northeastern frontier, close to the border with Niger, where the vast, flat landscape stretches into open farmland and seasonal wetlands.

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A decade ago, homes there were intact and full, their courtyards echoing with childrens voices and the steady rhythm of daily life. Farms extended well beyond the towns outskirts, producing grains and vegetables that sustained families and supported local trade.

Irrigation canals flowed regularly, and the surrounding area was known for its productivity, especially during the dry season. Markets were active, and movement between Malam Fatori and neighbouring communities was normal, not restricted by fear.

Today, the town carries the visible scars of conflict and neglect, with much of it lying in ruin.

Rows of mud-brick houses stand roofless or partially collapsed, their walls cracked by years of abandonment. Some homes have been hastily repaired with scrap wood and sheets of metal, signs of families slowly returning and rebuilding with whatever materials they can find.

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The farms surrounding Malam Fatori are beginning to show faint signs of life again. Small plots of millet and sorghum are being cleared by hand, while irrigation channels  once choked with sand and weeds  are gradually being reopened.

Many fields, however, remain empty, overtaken by thorny bushes and dry grass after years without cultivation. Farmers move cautiously, working close to the town, wary of venturing too far into land that was once fertile but has long been unsafe.

For returnees like Isa, walking through these spaces means navigating both the present reality and memories of what once was. Each broken wall and abandoned field tells a story of loss, while every newly planted seed signals a quiet determination to restore a town that violence nearly erased.

Residents of Malam Fatori buy fish at a local market in the town [Adamu Aliyu Ngulde/Al Jazeera]

Between two pressures: Boko Haram and the army

For the Borno State administration, the returns are a success. There are 5,000 households of returnees in Malam Fatori, while the towns total population now exceeds 20,000 people, Usman Tar, Borno State commissioner for information and internal security, told Al Jazeera last year.

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As we toured the town, the security presence was visible. Armed patrols, checkpoints and observation posts were stationed along major routes and near public spaces, reflecting ongoing efforts to deter attacks and reassure residents.

Families interviewed said they were subjected to frequent security checks and strict movement controls, measures they understand as necessary but which also disrupt daily routines and limit access to farms, markets and neighbouring communities.

Residents and local officials say the threat remains close. Fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), another armed group active in the area, are believed to be operating from swampy areas approximately two kilometres from the town, using the difficult terrain as cover.

Although the town itself is under heavy military protection, surrounding areas continue to experience attacks, kidnappings and harassment, particularly along farming routes and access roads.

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These persistent security incidents reinforce a climate of fear and uncertainty among returnees. While many families have chosen to remain and rebuild despite the risks, they say the proximity of armed groups and the ongoing violence in nearby communities make long-term recovery fragile.

Here in Malam Fatori, we live under two pressures, said resident Babagana Yarima. Boko Haram dictates our safety, and the military dictates our movement. Both limit how we live every day.

Farmers wait up to eight hours at military checkpoints when transporting produce. Curfews prevent evening farm work. Access to agricultural land beyond the town requires military permits or armed escorts.

Insecurity and military restrictions limit access to farmlands, forcing farmers to cultivate smaller areas than before, said Bashir Yunus, an agrarian expert at the University of Maiduguri who also farms in the region.

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Fishing, previously a major food source and income generator from Lake Chad, has become dangerous and requires permits to leave the town boundaries.

Movement beyond the towns boundaries now requires military permits. Militant attacks in isolated areas continue, said Issoufou.

The United Nations has raised concerns about the governments resettlement programme, citing potential protection violations. Mohamed Malick, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said during an interview with journalists in Maiduguri that any returns or relocations must be informed, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable.

Malick added that the return of refugees to Malam Fatori and other insecure areas must be carefully evaluated against established safety and humanitarian standards, and must only take place if conditions allow for basic services and sustainable livelihoods.

A committee registers returnees from Niger in Malam Fatori [Adamu Aliyu Ngulde/Al Jazeera]

A man without land is a man without life

Settled back on his land, Isa wakes before dawn each day, leaving his home in the quiet hours before the town stirs.

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He walks to the fields that once yielded fertile harvests, now choked with weeds and debris. The land that once fed his family and supported their livelihood now demands relentless effort just to coax a small crop from the exhausted soil.

With each turn of the hoe and careful planting of seeds, he is determined to reclaim a fragment of the life that was disrupted by conflict.

He also participates in community farming initiatives, joining neighbours in collective efforts to restore agricultural production for the returning population and aid the towns slow recovery.

However, the area he personally cultivates is far smaller than what he once managed, constrained by limited access to tools, seeds and water, as well as by the lingering insecurity in the region.

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A man without land is a man without life, he said.

Most families in Malam Fatori now eat only twice a day, a sharp contrast to life before the conflict. Their meals typically consist of rice or millet, often eaten with little or no vegetables due to cost and limited availability. 

Food prices have risen dramatically, placing further strain on households already struggling to recover. A kilogramme of rice now sells for about 1,200 naira (approximately $0.83), nearly double its previous price, making even basic staples increasingly unaffordable for many families.

Fish, once plentiful and affordable thanks to proximity to Lake Chad, have become scarce and expensive. Insecurity, restricted access to fishing areas, and disrupted supply chains have severely reduced local catches.

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At the local market and at aid distribution points, women queue before dawn, hoping to secure small quantities of dried fish, groundnut oil or maize flour when supplies arrive.

Deliveries are irregular and unpredictable, often selling out within hours. Many women say they return home empty-handed after waiting for hours, compounding daily stress and uncertainty about how to feed their families.

Local health workers warn that malnutrition remains a serious concern, particularly among children under the age of five.

Basic services remain inadequate across town. Roads are poor, and schools and health clinics operate with minimal resources.

Security risks and inaccessible routes through surrounding bushland continue to restrict humanitarian access, preventing aid agencies from reaching several communities. Basic services such as clean water, healthcare and quality education remain inadequate, Kaka Ali, deputy director of local government primary healthcare, told Al Jazeera.

Returnee homes in Malam Fatori [Adamu Aliyu Ngulde/ Al Jazeera]

Community rebuilding efforts continue

Despite ongoing challenges, residents of Malam Fatori are steadily working to rebuild their community and restore livelihoods disrupted by years of conflict.

Across the town, women have organised themselves into small cooperatives, producing handmade mats and processing groundnut oil for household use and local sale.

Fishermen, once central to the local economy, now operate cautiously in small groups in line with security regulations. Along riverbanks and storage areas, they repair damaged canoes and carefully mend fishing nets that were abandoned or destroyed during the conflict.

At the same time, teams of bricklayers are reconstructing homes destroyed during the violence, using locally sourced materials and shared labour to rebuild shelters for returning families.

The towns clinic, staffed by six nurses, is overstretched. Vaccinations, malaria treatment and maternal health services are rationed. Power outages and equipment shortages compound the challenges. But it is a lifeline.

At Malam Fatori Central Primary School, children from the town and surrounding communities are being taught with the few resources available.

There are only 10 functional classrooms for hundreds of pupils, so some learn outdoors, under trees or in open spaces. There is a shortage of teachers, so some educators brave the conditions and travel long distances from the southern parts of Borno State.

In another, more unusual arrangement, soldiers stationed in the town occasionally step in to teach basic civic education and history lessons.

While not a replacement for trained teachers, community leaders say their involvement provides pupils with some continuity in education. The presence of soldiers in classrooms, they say, also reassures parents about security and underscores a shared effort to stabilise the town and rebuild essential services.

Primary school students in Malam Fatori [Adamu Aliyu Ngulde/Al Jazeera]

This land contains our future

Amid all of the returning and rebuilding, security remains a dominant feature of daily life in Malam Fatori.

Soldiers remain stationed throughout the town, at markets and other public spaces to deter attacks.

Meanwhile, former Boko Haram members who have enrolled in a government-led deradicalisation and repentance programme also assist in protecting farmers working on the outskirts of the town, helping to rebuild trust between civilians and security structures.

Abu Fatima is a former Boko Haram fighter who joined the repentance programme. Troop patrols are constant, curfews dictate daily life, he said about the security arrangements in Malam Fatori.

Although residents welcome the security provided by the soldiers presence in the town, many say they feel trapped  unable to fully rebuild the lives they had before Boko Haram, yet unwilling to abandon a homeland that defines them, he said, echoing the tension felt by many returnees.

Bulama Shettima has also lived through the personal cost of the fighting that has devastated northeast Nigeria. Two of the 60-year-olds sons joined ISWAP, a tragedy that left the family with deep emotional scars. After years of uncertainty and fear, one of his sons was later deradicalised through a government rehabilitation programme. This has allowed his family to heal and reconcile. Coming back to Malam Fatori is also part of that.

Returning wasnt about safety, he said. It was about belonging. This land contains our history. This land contains our grief. This land contains our future.

Today, Bulama is focused on rebuilding his life and securing a different future for his children.

He works as a farmer, cultivating small plots of land under difficult conditions, while also running a modest business to supplement his income. 

Despite his losses, Bulama places strong emphasis on educating his other children, saying that their schooling is a form of resistance against the cycle of violence that once tore his family apart. It will also allow them to grow up with choices, he says.

As many displaced families remain in Niger or live in limbo in Maiduguri, fearing a return to towns where armed men operate not far away, those now in Malam Fatori consider it a move worth making.

For Isa, the decision to return represents a calculated risk.

We are caught between fear and order, he said. But still, we must live. Still, we must plant. Still, we must hope.

This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.
The view of the state House chamber from the gallery on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. (File photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Specia to the SC Daily Gazette)

Republicans appear to have narrowly held a state House seat representing Dorchester County in a special election a week ahead of the Legislatures return.

Unofficial results show Republican Greg Ford just 21 votes ahead of Democrat Sonja Ogletree Satani.

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With all 22 precincts reporting late Tuesday, Ford had 50.2% of the vote to Ogletree Satanis 49.6%, sending the race to an automatic recount. In South Carolina, a recount is required if less than 1 percentage point separates the candidates.

The 3,442 ballots cast represented 14% of the districts registered voters. Special elections are typically low-turnout races. But the results were surprisingly close for a seat that had long been considered safely Republican.

The special election was triggered by the departure of Rep. Chris Murphy. The former House Judiciary chairman submitted his resignation in August, but it didnt take effect until Monday. First elected in 2010, Murphy replaced GOP Rep. Annette Young, who didnt seek re-election after 20 years in the House.

Both Ford and Ogletree Satani defeated two opponents in their primaries.

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Once certified by the state Election Commission, the winner will face re-election in November for a full term.

Both Ford and Ogletree Satani told the SC Daily Gazette they plan to file in March to run again this year, regardless of the official outcome of Tuesdays special election. So, there could be a rematch in November, depending on the outcome of the June primaries.

Its not over, Ogletree Satani said about again seeking the seat. She also declined to concede ahead of the recount.

She previously ran against Murphy in 2024. That race wasnt nearly as close: Murphy won re-election by 14 percentage points.

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Tuesdays special election marked the fourth for a Statehouse seat since the 2025 legislative session ended.

Three elections were held Dec. 23, all in ruby red districts. In the only race that day with a Democrat on the ballot, Lexington County pastor John Lastinger won with 62% of the vote to replace ex-Rep. RJ May, who is set to be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to distributing videos of children being sexually abused.

In the Upstate, former Sen. Lee Bright returns to the seat he lost in 2016 representing parts of Spartanburg and Greenville counties; and Dianne Mitchell, a former teacher with the backing of the hardline Freedom Caucus, will represent a Greenville County seat in the House.

If the results in the Dorchester County race are finalized this week, the legislative session will start Tuesday with all 170 seats filled.

Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers.

Reporter Adrian Ashford contributed to this report.
Part of the Miami Valley may get a new, massive data center.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Amazon Web Services wants to build a nearly 500-acre data center in Wilmington.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The company said the project is a $4 billion investment and would create about 100 permanent jobs.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Southwest Ohio Amazon data center stalls development

It could also create millions of dollars in public infrastructure, a 1-million-gallon water tower, road improvements, and more, according to the company.

For about two hours Tuesday night, residents stood at the podium and pleaded with Wilmingtons planning commission not approve this site plan.

Community members are not thrilled about how close it would be to their homes and schools.

I can tell ya a personal experience. I had a neighbor... put up an LED light next door, and it changed my life. I went over and asked them, please, you know, turn it off, Bret Dixon, Planning Commission member, said.

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Many key details of which, particularly those involving environmental impacts, noise generation, and long-term build out, are still incomplete and unavailable to the public, Kim Stackhouse said.

The proposed data center would be built off US-68 in Wilmington.

Many people fear that the center would negatively impact the environment, cause noise, and hurt their quality of life.

What chemicals will be added to the water? Michael Crowe, Public Service Director, asked.

Crowe asked an engineer representing Amazon about the centers diesel generators.

He wanted to know how many hours a day they would run.

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The engineer didnt have an answer for Crowe or most of the other questions people had.

>>RELATED: I-TEAM: Data centers, water, and secrets: Companies using NDAs to hide their names, water usage

News Center 7s I-Team previously obtained a statement from Amazon spokesperson Kylee Yonas regarding data centers across the region.

Our data centers in Ohio exceed industry efficiency standards, Yonas told the I-Team. Our Water Use Effectiveness score, which measures the amount of water used per unit of computing power, is three times better than the U.S. industry average. Our commitment to the communities where we operate is equally important, which is why we have invested more than $19.7 billion in Ohio, creating thousands of jobs and supporting local communities through education programs, skills training, and renewable energy projects.

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In addition, Amazon told the I-Team, We follow standard industry practices with full transparency. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and corporate structures are common in major infrastructure projects, and we work openly with local governments and utilities to ensure fair cost-sharing for any needed infrastructure.

Dixon expressed concerns about the city recently changing its sound ordinance.

It looks like theres been a planned effort to change our zoning code and our sound ordinances to meet the standards of something we didnt know was going to exist. So... Im not clear on how we mitigate that situation, but we did do that, he said.

The commission agreed to table Amazons request while it waits for additional information.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The Rhode Island General Assembly returned to Smith Hill for the first day of the new legislative session Tuesday.

House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Val Lawson spoke to 12 News this week about whats in store for Rhode Island politics this year.

Learn more about what issues local lawmakers hope to address in the video above.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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Fifty-three people in Rhode Island were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the New Year's holiday period, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association announced on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

A total of 3,200 drivers were arrested for DUI in 2025, the association said.

"These numbers show why impaired driving remains one of the most serious threats to roadway safety," said Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Thomas F. Oates III, president of the police chiefs association. "I commend the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies across Rhode Island for working together to protect the public and remove impaired drivers from our roads. Driving under the influence is a serious offense with real consequences, and we will continue to take it seriously every day of the year."

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The police chiefs categorize the New Year's holiday period as starting at noon Dec. 31, 2025, until 6 a.m. Jan. 5, 2026.

The association's statistics include all 38 municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police.

The Rhode Island State Police announced earlier this week that it had made 26 arrests for DUI over a slightly different time period, from Dec. 24 until Jan. 5.

Other major crashes and vehicle stops

The state police also investigated 159 motor vehicle crashes and made 1,003 motor vehicle stops during that time period.

A first conviction for DUI carries a potential prison sentence of one year and a mandatory license suspension of three to 18 months.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Here's how many drivers were arrested for DUI in Rhode Island in 2025
A Richmond County sheriff's jailer lost his job on Monday and was arrested on Tuesday.

Former deputy jailer Avery Matthew Wood, 23, of Hephzibah, faces charges for allegedly violating his oath of office and sexual assault, according to a news release issued Tuesday evening by the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said an investigation into Wood was launched following a complaint to internal affairs on Jan. 2. After a review, the case was handed over to sheriff's investigators on Monday.

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While the news release didn't offer specifics, it noted that the complaint involved a female inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, where Wood worked.

"The incidents are alleged to have occurred while the female inmate was incarcerated at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center ... during the period of October 2025 through November 2025, ending when the inmate was transferred to a state facility," noted the news release.

The Richmond County Sheriffs Office holds our employees to the highest professional and ethical standards," said Sheriff Gino Brantley. "When those standards are violated, we will act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. No one is above the law, and any employee who betrays the public trust will be held fully accountable.

Wood was hired in November 2023 as a deputy jailer. He was fired, noted the news release, for "violations of agency policy warranting immediate termination."

The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County jailer fired, arrested on sexual assault charge
Romanian President Nicusor Dan has stated that Bucharest is willing to contribute to maintaining peace in Ukraine once a ceasefire is in place, outlining how Romania could participate in security guarantees.

Source: European Pravda, citing Dan on X (Twitter) following the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing

Details: Dan attended the Coalition of the Willing meeting held in Paris on 6 January.

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Quote: "We agreed on the need for continued support for Ukraine and strong security guarantees, preventing another war in our region."

Details: Dan emphasised that peace talks have now reached a critical stage.

He also noted that Romania is willing to contribute by continuing its support for Ukraine and strengthening security in the Black Sea.

Quote: "Our common aim is to achieve a just and lasting peace, based on respect for international law."

Background:

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told European and US partners that Italy will not deploy its troops to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that his country will provide air and maritime capabilities to help maintain peace in Ukraine after the war.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Stockholm is willing to provide Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets and resources for demining the Black Sea after a peace agreement with Russia is signed.

Members of the Coalition, Ukraine and the US signed a joint declaration on security guarantees aimed at achieving a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine.

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Police in Salisbury say a local teacher has been arrested and charged for allegedly uploading images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

The Salisbury Police Department said on Wednesday that investigators got a notice on Oct. 30 about abuse material being uploaded. Police said they got help from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Landis Police Department to identify the suspect.

This week, police arrested 35-year-old Juan Pablo Valencia-Chavez and searched his home. During the search, police said they found images and video evidence consistent with child [sexual abuse material.]

Police said Valencia was a teacher with the Rowan County School System. The department said once the school system found out about the investigation, they took action to prevent further interactions with students and staff.

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SPD said investigators didnt find any evidence that Rowan County students were involved.

A spokesperson for the Rowan-Salisbury School System told Channel 9 that Valencia was a teacher at Salisbury High School. He has since been placed on suspension without pay.

Valencia is charged with third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and he was booked into custody on a $20,000 bond.

Police said theyre asking for anyone with more information about Valencias charge to call 704-638-5333.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

(VIDEO: Rowan County bishop accused of sexually abusing minor more than 30 years ago)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has thrown cold water on fears the U.S. was considering invading Greenland as President Donald Trump and members of the administration become increasingly aggressive in their remarks about taking over the territory.

At a closed-door briefing with lawmakers Monday evening, Rubio said the Trump administration was looking at options to purchase the territory from Denmark, rather than take it by force, according to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

Rubios update came during a briefing about Venezuela after lawmakers expressed concerns about the U.S. position on Greenland, citing recent comments made by Trump and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

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Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for national security and natural resources purposes, but recently appeared to ramp up his position. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, he told reporters Sunday.

Miller heightened concerns of an invasion when he told CNN earlier this week that the U.S. would use its military unapologetically and that nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that the US was looking at options to purchase Greenland from Denmark. (White House via Getty Images)

Greenland, which has been a territory of Denmark since 1953, is located between Europe, North America and Northern Asia in the Arctic Circle. Its centralized location has been of national interest to the U.S. for years.

More recently, its become commercially important because, as ice melts in the Arctic due to climate change, it could be used for expanded shipping and transit routes.

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But taking control of the island may prove more difficult than a military invasion or simple purchase. Members of NATO, and close allies to the U.S., have warned Trump not to take the Danish territory  which has repeatedly denied interest in becoming part of the U.S.

Greenland belongs to its people, a statement, signed by the leaders of Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, read.

A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. is eager to build a commercial relationship with Greenland and views it as a valuable asset as adversaries become increasingly active in the Arctic Circle. To stress the importance, Trump has tapped Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Special Envoy to Greenland.

Katie Miller, the wife of Stephen Miller, further escalated the potential for the US to purchase Greenland by sharing a photo of the country with an American flag (X/@KatieMiller)

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt echoed those sentiments in a statement. President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, she said.

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The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chiefs disposal.

But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reacted with worry over Trump and Millers refusal to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon warned there was no upside to damning allies. Republican Senator Tom Tillis and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement reminding Trump to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark.
A federal appeals court has ruled against the Satanic Temple's religious-based challenge of Indiana's near-total abortion ban.

On Jan. 6, 2026, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit sided with a 2023 lower court opinion that the group lacked standing to sue because it did not present evidence that at least one Hoosier adherent was actually harmed.

"This lawsuit was ridiculous from the start, but this unanimous court decision is a critical victory because it continues to uphold our pro-life law that is constitutionally and legally rock-solid," Attorney General Todd Rokita said in a press release.

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Under Indiana law, abortion is allowed only in very narrow circumstances: cases of fatal fetal anomalies, threats to the mother's life, and pregnancies before 10 weeks' gestation caused by rape or incest. Lawyers for the Satanic Temple argued that these restrictions conflict with the religious practices of its Hoosier adherents.

The group holds as one of its central tenets that "one's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone" and permits abortion. Among the group's practices are a "Satanic Abortion Ritual," a meditation designed to "cast off notions of guilt, shame, and mental discomfort that a patient may be experiencing due to choosing to have a medically safe and legal abortion," according to an exhibit filed with the court.

The group filed its initial complaint against Attorney General Todd Rokita and then-Gov. Eric Holcomb in September 2022, arguing Indiana's abortion laws violated both the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom and the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In March 2023, Holcomb was removed from the lawsuit, and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears was added as a defendant.

The group attempted to open a telehealth clinic offering medication abortion in Indiana but were unable to do so thanks in part to a 2022 statute specifically preventing the prescription of abortifacients via telemedicine.

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The lawsuit also said the state's law violated the rights of Indiana temple members who were unable to terminate pregnancy after contraceptives failed, though no members were named specifically.

In October 2023, U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson ruled the Satanic Temple lacked standing to sue in the Southern District of Indiana both because "Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic" never operated in the state at all and because the group never presented evidence that a specific person was harmed.

The Satanic Temple appealed the dismissal. The appeals court unanimously upheld Magnus-Stinson's ruling, agreeing that there was no evidence of an injury.

"In sum, the Satanic Temple has not pointed to any member, through its constitutionally questionable statistical probability method or otherwise, who is in fact injured," the opinion read in part.

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The Satanic Temple was founded in 2013. It is a secular group, and its members do not worship the biblical Satan but instead view the figure metaphorically as "a symbol of the Eternal Rebel in opposition to arbitrary authority," according to its website. The temple is not connected to the Church of Satan, a group founded in the 1960s.

Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Satanic Temple loses appeal in religious freedom lawsuit over abortion
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said it launched preemptive strikes early Wednesday targeting secessionist forces in southwestern Yemen that were mobilized as their leader fled planned talks on bringing an end to their conflict.

The "limited preemptive strike" was conducted at 4 a.m. AST with the mission to disable the UAE-aligned Southern Transitional Council forces that were mobilizing in Dhale Governorate, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, said in a statement.

The attack was carried out as the STC's leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia late Tuesday for talks on Wednesday on ending the conflict with the Yemen government.

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According to the Saudi-led coalition, al-Zubaidi had informed it of his intention to attend the meeting and his delegation had left for the airport where his flight was scheduled to depart at 10:10 p.m.

The flight suffered a three-hour delay, during which the Saudi-led forces learned that al-Zubaidi had "mobilized a large military force, including armored and combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons" that were heading for Dhale Governorate.

When the flight was granted clearance for takeoff with STC leadership aboard, al-Zubaidi was not present, according to al-Malki.

Al-Zubaidi "has fled ... to an unknown location leaving the rest of (STC) leadership and members unaware of his whereabouts," al-Malki said.

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The STC leader has also allegedly distributed weaponry to armed groups in Aden, where the secessionist group is based, "in order to create chaos and unrest in (Aden) during the upcoming hours," he said.

Saudi-led coalition forces followed the mobilized military equipment to Dhale Governorate, where they attacked the assets in order to disable them "and thwart what Aidarous Al-Zubaidi was aiming to accomplish."

Founded in 2017, the STC seeks an independent southern Yemeni state and is supported by the United Arab Emirates.

Fighting broke out between the two sides in Aden in January 2018, but came to a halt in November 2019 with the signing of the power-sharing Riyadh Agreement.

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Then in December, following years of sporadic fighting, the STC launched a major offensive in southern Yemen, capturing two oil-rich provinces. Saudi-led forces responded with airstrikes late that month, retaking some regions.

Following Al-Zubaidi's disappearance, the Yemen anti-Houthi Presidential Leadership Council revoked the membership of al-Zubaidi for committing high treason and referred him to the public prosecutor, the SABA Yemen News Agency reported.

The PLC statement accuses al-Zubaidi of "harming the military, political and economic standing of the republic," as well as "forming an armed gang and committing crimes including the killing of officers and soldiers of the armed forces."

It also accuses him of attacking and violating the Constitution, breaking laws and undermining the sovereignty of the nation.

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Amr Al-Bidh, an STC foreign affairs official, said in a statement that al-Zubaidi was in Aden.

"His people need him there," he said in an English-language statement on X.

"While a senior STC delegation is in Saudi Arabia pursuing negotiations, the President remains in Aden to ensure security and stability. He will not abandon his people, and he will engage directly when conditions allow," he said.
Thirty killer whales viciously attacked a Dutch family's yacht off Portugal's coast, just several weeks after a similar attack involving orcas.

According to the Independent, the incident happened during a trip between Porto and Lisbon when orcas "violently" attacked the boat early in the morning and dealt notable damage to the vessel. As the boat filled with water, the family barely managed to reach shore.

No one was hurt, including the whales, and authorities took the boat in for inspection. Just a few weeks prior, a family with young children suffered a similar attack and was rescued by the Portuguese Air Force at night.

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These attacks follow several others in September, when three orca attacks were reported in a single week. Thirteen people were rescued from the group of boats, one of which sank, according to the Independent.

July saw more of the same, with an orca pod attacking two boats in Spain and Portugal and a group of whales charging a separate vessel.

Because of the frequent events, experts encouraged the public to be vigilant and to know what actions to take if they encounter orcas. Some of the advice included lowering the sails and turning off the boat's engines as well as other loud equipment, such as autopilots and echo sounders.

Staying in shallow water is also advised since it makes it more difficult for orcas to ram boats.

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The strange phenomenon has puzzled scientists and boaters, who believe that the whales are simply egging one another on without any obvious motive behind the boat ramming other than play or exploration. However, as reported by Interesting Engineering, the animals may also engage in aggressive behavior to defend their territory, protect their young, or respond to environmental stressors such as warming oceans and food shortages.

"Some populations may also develop unusual and temporary behavioural 'fads' and other idiosyncrasies that do not appear to serve any obvious adaptive purpose," leading marine biologist Alex Zerbini, chair of the scientific committee at the International Whaling Commission, said last year in a statement, per the Independent.

Although some of the orcas' and whales' behaviors may be explained by social adaptations, this remains concerning because it can endanger both them and people. If warming waters caused by the changing climate are to blame, it's important to do what we can to conserve resources and protect their ecosystems from further harm.

In a Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha interview, per the Independent, one of the members of the boating accident said: "We were sailing at night. Suddenly, we felt our boat moving violently."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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The Shelby County Election Commission, in a Jan. 6 court filing, said the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members suing to prevent their terms from being shortened do not allege any irreparable harm" and "could cause electoral chaos."

The lawsuit was filed by five of the school boards members  Stephanie Love, Natalie McKinney, Towanna Murphy, Sable Otey and Tamarques Porter  on Dec. 15, 2025. Each board member will have their term shortened by a change in election cycles.

They also alleged in their lawsuit that the change in cycle was part of an organized effort by Tennessee lawmakers and the Shelby County Commission to punish board members for firing ex-Superintendent Marie Feagins.

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Despite heaving allegations against elected lawmakers, the lawsuit was only filed against the election commission and its members.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond and MSCS Board Members Joyce Dorse Coleman and Stephanie Love speak to each other during a board meeting in Memphis, Tenn., on October 28, 2025.

What did the lawsuit ask for?

The lawsuit requested a chancellor find the altered election cycle unconstitutional and, as such, permanently block the change. While the case is being litigated, though, the school board members requested a temporary restraining order.

In arguing against the temporary restraining order, attorneys for the election commission said the order would not be effective through the filing deadline of the election. They also said the school board members are not barred from filing to run in the election again.

Beyond that, attorneys for the election commission argued a temporary injunction could cause electoral chaos.

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An election could theoretically be cancelled even after nominating petitions were submitted. But if this court prohibited preparation for the election and the commission defendants ultimately prevail, it would be practically impossible to comply with the statutory mandates for the elections, attorneys for the election commission wrote. Thus, the commission defendants, potential candidates and the public would be harmed if any election should have taken place, but it was impossible to carry out the election due to a prohibition on preparation for the election.

On Sept. 22, 2025, the Shelby County Commission voted to move all school board seats to the same election cycle. That resolution did not stipulate when the move would begin but said it would align with the county commissions election cycle.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris vetoed the resolution on Oct. 6, and commissioners overrode the veto on Oct. 27.

Forcing all of the school board seats to be up for election came in response to Feagins firing. The new election cycle is set to shorten the terms of four board members who voted to fire Feagins.

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One board member, Tamarques Porter, did not vote to fire Feagins, but will also have his term shortened if the new election cycle is upheld.

Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Lawyers say MSCS board election lawsuit may cause 'electoral chaos'
Tens of thousands of years ago, a new study suggests, a warming event led to the release of carbon dioxide from deep in the Southern Ocean. Now, scientists say, these findings could shed light on the potential fallout from continued warming in the Antarctic.

What's happening?

Led by scientists at the Laoshan Laboratory in Qingdao, China, and Germany's GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the study looked at sediment cores from the Southern Ocean to understand the behavior of Antarctic Bottom Water, or AABW.

"We wanted to understand how the influence of Antarctic Bottom Water, the coldest and densest water mass in the global ocean, changed during the last deglaciation, and what role it played in the global carbon cycle," said Huang Huang, who led the study, in a GEOMAR press release.

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The researchers' findings, published recently in the journal Nature Geoscience, suggest that AABW expansion helped bring the last Ice Age to an end.

"As the planet warmed and the ice sheets melted between about 18,000 and 10,000 years ago, the volume of Antarctic Bottom Water expanded in two distinct phases," according to the release.

"These phases coincided with known warming events in Antarctica. As vertical mixing in the Southern Ocean increased, the carbon that had been stored in the deep ocean was able to return to the atmosphere."

The research team found that the deepest waters stayed fairly stagnant and out of touch with shallower waters until the Earth began to warm. When the water was stirred up by the expansion created by the warming of the planet, carbon stores were released into the Earth's atmosphere, forcing temperatures higher.

Why is this research important?

The team's study goes back tens of thousands of years and thousands of meters down into the ocean. But its insights could be relevant today and on land where countless communities are vulnerable to the impacts of rising global temperatures.

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"Comparisons with the past are always imperfect, but ultimately it comes down to how much energy is in the system," said GEOMAR geochemist Marcus Gutjahr, per the release. "If we understand how the ocean responded to warming in the past, we can better grasp what is happening today as Antarctic ice shelves continue to melt."

Deep Southern Ocean waters have warmed faster than most others in the past half-century. If the warming waters and thawing ice repeat the patterns of the past, huge amounts of carbon could be released into the atmosphere again and contribute to subsequent temperature rise.

"I want to properly understand the modern ocean in order to interpret signals from the past," Gutjahr said. "If we can trace how Antarctic Bottom Water has changed over the last few thousand years, we can assess more accurately how rapidly the Antarctic Ice Sheet may continue to lose mass in the future."

Other studies have shown that sea ice levels have dropped alarmingly over the last 50 years.

What can be done?

Advances in this field could help world leaders and global organizations prepare for the potentially catastrophic consequences of continued planetary warming. Evidence about the threats of sea level rise, food system disruptions, and disease spread can inform adaptation strategies.

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But such alarming findings could also help stir meaningful public action now to mitigate rising temperatures, such as transitioning to cleaner home energy systems and transportation options.

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Members of Hamas and employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross are once again searching for the remains of the last Israeli hostage unaccounted for in the Gaza Strip.

Sources within the Islamist Hamas movement confirmed the development on Wednesday. However, they say the search in a suburb of Gaza City is proving difficult because the area was severely damaged in the war between Israel and Hamas. There is also a lack of the necessary technical equipment, sources said.

The search for the body of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old border police officer who was killed in the Hamas attack on October 7 2023, had been suspended for almost a month.

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The Israeli government emphasized that it would not move on to the next phase agreed in the US peace plan for Gaza until the policeman's body was returned to Israel.

In a statement released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the man's parents said that they were relieved that the search had resumed.

"Every minute feels like forever, and knowing they're searching every corner of Gaza to find our Rani gives us hope again," the statement said.
From left: Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) and his wife, Rebbie, announced Wednesday that the politician wouldn't seek the governor's seat this year. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

State Sen. Doug Mastriano said Wednesday he wont make another bid for governor in a livestreamed event with his wife, Rebbie.

We remain in this fight with you and for you. Weve prayed a lot, weve fasted, weve discussed it a lot. Many of you reached out to us, beseeching us and urging us to run, said Mastriano during a Facebook livestream.

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But we believe, with full peace in our hearts, that God has not called us to run for governor this year.

The Franklin County Republican ran against now-Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2022 and was resoundingly defeated. He didnt endorse state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, saying well talk about that down the road. She won the partys nomination in September.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

But having a Republican governor would mean that the grassroots is going to have to back the candidate, Mastriano said, without naming Garrity.

The Mastrianos spent most of the announcement reminiscing, relitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and recounting tales from the 2022 campaign trail without explicitly saying whether or not hed run again. Opponents of his 2022 campaign repeatedly highlighted Mastrianos role in supporting President Donald Trumps attempt to overturn the 2020 election, including his presence outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the building and drove Congress from its chambers to disrupt the vote certification.

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More than 500 people watched the hourlong video, which included 2022 campaign ads and roughly 25 minutes with the Mastrianos.

Doug Mastriano said he was still a state senator and is not up for reelection in 2026. His current term ends in 2028.

Shapiro is expected to announce his reelection campaign on Thursday. Aside from Garrity, no other Republican has announced their intention to run for governor  nor has anyone yet indicated a plan to run for the partys lieutenant governor nomination.

Pennsylvanias primaries will be May 19 and the general election is Nov. 3.
Sen. Andre Jacque (R-New Franken) and Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) argued that a measure regulating the use of student names and pronouns was needed to standardize policies across the state. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

A bill that would require school districts to inform parents when students want to use pronouns and names that differ from the ones given to them at birth received significant pushback Tuesday during a Senate Education Committee hearing.

The committee also took testimony on a bill to add video requirements to human growth and development curriculum as well as to opt the state into a federal school choice tax credit program.

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Under SB 120, Wisconsin schools would be required to adopt a policy on name and pronoun changes by July 1, 2026. Policies would not require written authorization if school staff are using a shortened version of a students first or middle name.

Sen. Andre Jacque (R-New Franken) and Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) argued that the measure was needed to standardize policies across the state and ensure parents are involved in conversations related to pronoun and name changes for students. Many testified in opposition to the bill, saying it would do harm to students and infringe on local decision making.

It is deeply troubling to me that school staff are being encouraged to keep parents out of major life decisions concerning their children, while at the same time these same officials cannot give them aspirin without parental approval. Why would schools promote secrecy in such a way? Jacque said. Something has gone terribly wrong in our education system if officials inherently perceive parents as harmful to their own children. Parents are legally accountable for the health and welfare of their own children Hiding from us important things that are going on in their lives is not only disrespectful to parents, it is harmful to our children.

Jacque said the legislation would be consistent with a 2023 ruling by a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge, which found that a policy that allowed students in the Kettle Moraine School District to change their names and pronouns in school violated the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. The school district now has a policy that requires express parental consent for staff to use different names and pronouns.

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To me, if theres going to be a name and pronoun change the school should be working together with parents and students to advance that together, Dittrich said.

Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) pushed back on the Republican bill, saying it would infringe on local communities ability to make decisions about policies and would harm students.

You could sub out the words parental decision making and say that the Legislature is going to have the best authority of what should happen  instead of parents, instead of local governments, instead of local school boards. Youre saying that you guys know better, Larson said.

Thats a total distortion of what the bill does, Dittrich said.

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Larson asked the bill authors to consider a situation where parents may not be accepting of a student who wants to use a different name and pronouns.

You are expediting that situation by making it come to a head when there are parents who are less than understanding, who are brought up under a very strict and very incorrect and you are forcing the question in a vulnerable population that is already overly targeted with transphobia with this, which is already overly targeted for bullying, which is already higher than the average rates of suicide and mental health. You are bullying them by bringing this bill forward, Larson said.

You are saying we should hide information and not facilitate those conversations, Jacque replied. Dittrich added that Larson was trampling all over parental rights.

Paul Bartlett, a father of two transgender children, said the bill works to prioritize the unfounded fears of conservative parents over the well-being of children.

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Like any parent, I want my children to thrive and be happy. They are well supported against these continued legislative attacks, but many trans and nonbinary kids are not, Bartlett said. He said that school should be a refuge for unsupported students, not a place where teachers are obligated to out and humiliate them.

Bartlett pointed out that lawmakers recently approved a law, known as Bradyns Law, that seeks to protect young people from being sexually extorted online.

That everyone agreed on [that bill] was important because what we were doing was preventing teenagers from killing themselves basically from humiliation and yet these bills, they do the opposite, Bartlett said.

Bartlett noted that anti-trans laws have a negative effect on young transgender people.

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According to a 2024 survey by the Trevor Project, 45% of transgender and nonbinary youth have reported that they or their family have considered moving to a different state due to anti-LGBTQ+ politics and laws, and about 90% have said that their wellbeing was negatively affected by recent politics.

The Trevor Project survey, which pulled from the experiences of over 18,000 LGBTQ+ youth, also found that 39% of LGBTQ+ young people, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people, had seriously considered attempting suicide.

I just dont understand, like, why do we keep doing this? Bartlett said.

Abigail Swetz, executive director of FAIR Wisconsin, said bills that target transgender youth contribute to the mental health struggles they face.

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The bill is part of a slate of bills that Wisconsin Republicans introduced related to transgender people, including children, last year. According to the 2025 anti-trans bills tracker, there were over 1,020 bills introduced across the country including 20 in Wisconsin.

Inclusive policies, like making it possible for students to use an affirming name and the pronouns that best represent their identity in school in an easily accessible way  those policies are a pressure valve making it possible for [youth] to live fully and healthily, Swetz said.

Swetz said when she previously worked as a teacher she helped support students that were preparing to share information about themselves with their family and said it was important to follow the childs lead.

The youth themselves are the experts in their own experience and have a better understanding than anyone about the challenges they might face when it comes to acceptance and safety at home. I have witnessed that conversation go well, and I have seen it go badly, Swetz said. She said the bill that lawmakers were pushing aims to traffic in distrust while a process like this, one that is directed by a well-supported young person, is actually how we can build trust between parents, children and school staff.

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Peggy Wirtz-Olson, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), said she was speaking out against the bill on behalf of the students who would be devastated by the bill.

All students deserve safe and welcoming schools, not only some of them, every single one of them, and that includes our trans students, Wirtz-Olsen said. The simple use of preferred names and pronouns is associated with a large decrease in depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts and even suicidal attempts. Respecting preferred names and pronouns is a proven measure to show respect, earn trust, affirm our students, so they can feel safe, and they can focus on learning.

Requiring videos of fetal development

Lawmakers also took testimony on a bill to add requirements for schools that offer human growth and development education.

Human growth and development is optional for Wisconsin school districts, but for those that do opt in, state law includes some requirements including encouraging abstinence for students who are unmarried.

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SB 371 would add requirements that explanations of pregnancy, prenatal development and childbirth include a high definition video that shows the development of the brain, heart, sex organs and other organs, a rendering of the fertilization process and fetal development as well as a presentation on each trimester of pregnancy and the physical and emotional health of the mother.

The bill would also require that instruction on parental responsibility include information on the importance of secure interpersonal relationships for infant mental health and on the value of reading to young children.

Bill coauthors Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) rejected the assertion that the bill is a mandate, noting that school districts do not have to teach human growth and development.

Todays youth are technologically and visually inclined learners. We should lean into this to better convey this important information, Felzkowski said. She also added that there should be bipartisan agreement around preparing the young women of today with all the knowledge they could need to prepare for motherhood and young men for fatherhood.

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Being able to actually see the real life process of fetal development in action will be more tangible to students than textbooks or seeing it in a still diagram or a drawing. We have a resource at our disposal to bring science into our classroom and we should use it to our advantage to give students a stronger educational experience, Nedweski said.

Nedweski also said it might not be obvious to some people that using an iPad as a babysitter is not healthy and that it is far more important for their health to read to children and to bond with them.

Larson asked the lawmakers what type of research they had to back up the change to state law.

Theres not one specific scientific research that were relating this to, Felzkowski said. Just Google it and numerous things will pop up, or we can have our staff do that for you.

No one spoke against the bill.

The Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) and the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards are registered against the bill, according to the Wisconsin Lobbying website. The organizations outlined their concerns with the Assembly version of the bill in a statement to the Wisconsin Examiner.

The organizations said they opposed the legislation in part because it doesnt do anything to restore the educational standards that were in place under the Healthy Youth Act. The former state law, which included a more comprehensive policy that required providing age-appropriate instruction in human growth and development, was adopted in 2010 but was later repealed in 2012 during a special session under former Gov. Scott Walker, who reestablished abstinence-only education.

Evidence-based, comprehensive instruction is essential to equip students with accurate information and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual health, reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. It also promotes healthy relationships, consent, and emotional well-being, contributing to overall public health and safety, the organizations said in the statement.

DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher told the Examiner in an email that the state already has similar guidelines for human development instruction in state law and said the bill is an example of infringing on local control.

It is up to districts to determine human development curriculum for what best fits their community. This is also another unfunded mandate for districts choosing to offer human development. District budgets are already stretched thin, Bucher said. If the Legislature wants to mandate specific instruction, they should provide funding for curriculum.

Federal choice tax credit program

SB 600 would instruct Gov. Tony Evers to opt Wisconsin into a federal school choice tax credit program.

Gov. Tony Evers has previously said he will not opt Wisconsin into the program, and if the bill were passed by the Senate and Assembly instructing Evers to take action, he could veto the legislation.

A provision in the federal law signed by President Donald Trump in July, which goes into effect in 2027, will provide a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 to people who donate to a qualifying scholarship granting program to support certain educational expenses including tuition and board at private schools, tutoring and books.

However, governors in each state must decide whether to opt in and have until Jan. 1, 2027 to do so.

Felzkowski said it would be shortsighted and self-defeating to not opt into the tax credit, noting that other states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, Texas, South Dakota and Iowa, are already opting in.

If Wisconsinites opt into the federal tax credit, the money will be directed to private schools outside the state if the law does not pass, Felzkowski said. Our dollars will be going to those states instead of our students here in the state of Wisconsin.

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The husband of Karen Budd-Falen, a senior leader in the Department of the Interior, made millions of dollars from a Nevada mine that Budd-Falen's agency approved, according to reporting by Public Domain and High Country News.

As the associate deputy secretary, Budd-Falen is third in command at the department, which oversees the National Park Service. Her current role doesn't require Senate confirmation.

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She also served in the Interior Department during President Donald Trump's first administration. Her meetings and financial self-disclosure - or lack thereof - at the time are now coming under fire, after records showed that her family sold water rights necessary for a mining project without disclosing the hefty profit.

Save Our Parks, an advocacy group for national parks, said that the "self-dealing goes beyond conflicts of interest into outright corruption" in a news release. "This naked corruption and self-dealing is par for the course at Doug Burgum's Interior Department, which is more focused on self-serving and special interests than the American people and our outdoor heritage," spokesperson Jayson O'Neil said. "Congress must say enough is enough and immediately open an investigation into just how deep the rot at Burgum's Interior goes."

FILE: Construction continues at Thacker Pass, the Lithium Nevada Corp. mining site near Orovada, Nev., on April 24, 2023. (Rick Bowmer/AP)





According to federal ethics laws, senior government officials like Budd-Falen must disclose details about family finances, including income, assets and liabilities. Budd-Falen's disclosures, filed in May, show the family's major landholdings and their involvement in multiple cattle operations, according to reporting by Public Domain and High Country News. The Interior Department, through the Bureau of Land Management, oversees permitting for grazing on public lands.

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Reporting by the New York Times found that Budd-Falen did not disclose a deal between her husband, Frank Falen, and Lithium Nevada Corp. In 2018, Falen sold water rights from the family ranch to the mining company, and a $3.5 million payment was completed in 2023.

The lithium project under construction nearby, Thacker Pass, requires substantial water for its mining. But the mine also required a permit from the Interior Department, where Budd-Falen worked as deputy solicitor for wildlife between 2018 and 2021.

FILE: Thacker Pass, the Lithium Nevada Corp. mining site near Orovada, Nev., is shown on April 24, 2023. (Rick Bowmer/AP)





Budd-Falen met with mining company executives from Lithium Americas, the parent company of Lithium Nevada Corp in 2019, roughly two years before the agency approved the mine as part of a fast-track process that circumvented environmental review.

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A spokesperson for Lithium Americas, Tim Crowley, told the New York Times that the mine wasn't discussed but did not respond to questions from SFGATE.

Aubrie Spady, a spokeswoman for the Interior Department, called the accusations "baseless" but didn't respond to questions from SFGATE about Budd-Falen's involvement in the mine's approval, if she recused herself from actions involving the mine, or if she filed an ethics waiver notifying the department of how her husband would benefit financially from the mine.

More National Parks

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- Yellowstone visitors stunned as man seemingly provokes wolf pack

- Reconsider travel to Glacier National Park, travel experts say

- New wolf pack found in California as numbers continue to rise

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This article originally published at Trump admin official reportedly made millions from fast-tracked lithium mine.
The first of two back-to-back cross-country storms is moving out of the Four Corners region and pushing east Thursday. Combined, these systems are set to deliver heavy rain to millions across most of the country east of the Mississippi River, as well as a severe weather threat to parts of the central U.s. and Deep South, while the potential for flash flooding develops across the Tennessee Valley on Friday.

Rounds Of Snow To Stretch From Four Corners To The Great Lakes, Triggering Winter Weather Alerts

Meanwhile, a potential weekend washout looms for most of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, as rain reaches the region Friday.

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Ahead of the first cross-country system, a cold front delivered downpours across parts of Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas Thursday morning before thunderstorms clustered together in a fast-moving line, producing a tornado that knocked out power to parts of Purcell, Oklahoma.

Tornado Rips Through Part Of Purcell, Oklahoma As Severe Storms Barrel Across Plains Ahead Of Sprawling System

A Tornado Watch was in effect for parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri through Thursday morning.

A radar-confirmed tornado ripped across Interstate 35 and part of Purcell, Oklahoma Thursday morning, knocking down power lines as a powerful line of thunderstorms barreled their way across the Southern Plains. (FOX Weather)

More severe storms are possible Thursday across the Mississippi River Valley from St. Louis to Oklahoma City and as far south as Monroe, Louisiana.

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Damaging wind gusts are the main threat, but more tornadoes could form.

The first cross-country storm will sprint through the Midwest through Thursday and a widespread area of rain will cover Chicagoland in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana and reach into parts of the Ohio Valley into the evening.

A cold front associated with the first storm will move into the Deep South on Friday, sparking the potential for the most significant severe weather threat this week.

How To Watch Fox Weather

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms for an area covering more than 7 million people across the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, including parts of west Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

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This covers Memphis, Tennessee, Jackson, Mississippi and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These storms could be capable of generating damaging wind gusts, hail and possibly tornadoes.

On Friday, the second cross-country storm will develop once again in the Four Corners and move out of the southern Rockies, bringing another round of rain to many of the same places as the first storm in the Midwest, and in the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys.

Record Highs Possible As Millions Experience Surge In Winter Warmth Across Southern Plains To Mid-atlantic

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 threat of flash flooding for Middle Tennessee, Mississippi and northern Alabama through Saturday, where 2-3 inches of rain is expected with localized pockets of up to 5 inches possible.

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Flood Watches have been issued for all of Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama on Friday, including the Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama metro areas.

Storms are expected to linger over the region through Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, rain from the first storm will arrive in the Northeast and New England, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston Friday morning.

As the second storm shifts into the Great Lakes region by Saturday afternoon, showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of the Northeast and New England coasts through the day.

Conditions are expected to improve by late Sunday, with most areas drying out by Monday.





Original article source: First of two powerful cross-country storms underway, millions under severe weather and flood threat
If youre planning on taking the Shands Bridge this weekend, youll need to find another route.

The Florida Department of Transportation says the bridge will be closed starting Friday, 1/9, at 9 pm and will reopen Monday, 1/12, by 5 am to replace the grating.

We are constructing a brand new Shands bridge replacement, Hampton Ray, Community Outreach Manager with FDOT, said. However, in order to keep this bridge safe, operational, and a better ride for everybody, we will need to replace the grating this weekend.

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Traffic is being rerouted to the Buckman Bridgewhich is roughly 20 miles north for drivers on both sides of the river.

While FDOT says the closure of the Shands Bridge this weekend isnt directly related to the construction of the new bridge for the First Coast Expressway project, they say it shows exactly why a new bridge is needed.

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Without the new bridge, we would see more of these kinds of inconveniences for folks, Ray said.

The roughly $500 million construction project to replace the over-60-year-old bridge began in 2023. It is part of the construction of the First Coast Expressway. The 46 miles of new highway will cut through Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties.

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Ray says the new bridge is needed to allow more drivers to cross over the St. Johns River.

The new bridge will have two lanes in each direction, Ray said. Were doubling the capacity of the bridge, were future-proofing the structure to make sure that we have accessibility to the Port of Palatka.

Construction of the new bridge and the First Coast Expressway is expected to be completed in 2030.

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It's frosty out there, so get on your warmest clothes and head out into the areas of the Westport River open to shellfishing.

The Westport Harbormaster announced that as of Monday, Jan. 5, at 8 a.m., shellfishers can head out to these open areas.

Different areas of the Westport River are closed at this time.

Funding available: State awards $1.2M in grants to support fishing industry

Two shellfishermen are seen through the reeds on the edge of Route 88 as they dig for quahogs in the Westport River from their boats as the Shellfishing season opens in Westport.

What is closed, what is open

In the East Branch of the Westport River, BB4.2 is permanently closed.

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In the West Branch, BB3.15, BB3.3, BB3.31, BB3.5, BB3.41, BB3.8 (Cockeast Pond) are permanently closed.

The Halfmoon Flat and Ship Rock to Sunk Rock Relay areas will only be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Fairhaven: The site known as 'Tin Can Island' is New Bedford Harbor's newest park.

How much shellfish can you take?

The harbormaster also notes to all shell fishers that in cold weather, if using 5-gallon buckets to hold harvested shellfish, two 5-gallon buckets equal one Ropeck (Westport) basket.

Get your valid state license first

Westport commercial fishers are reminded that they will need a valid 2026 state license issued by the Division of Marine Fisheries before the local Westport license can be issued.

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To apply for a shellfish license in Massachusetts, you can visit the town or city hall where you plan to shellfish. The application process involves providing personal information and paying the required fees.

Shellfishermen take to the waters of the Westport River digging for quahogs from their boats as the Shellfishing season opens in Westport.

It is essential to check the specific regulations and maps of authorized areas, as well as seasonal limits, when purchasing a permit.

The DMF classifies areas for shellfish harvest. Permit holders should review classification information prior to harvesting shellfish.

The DMF regulations can be found at www.mass.gov/dmf.

Rules for young harvesters

In Massachusetts, shellfish licenses are essential for people 16 and older to harvest shellfish recreationally.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Shellfishing season open in Westport. Where to go, license needed
Federal agents shot and killed a woman during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Ilhan Omar, the Democratic Minnesota congresswoman, said the victim was a legal observer of action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which had sent a surge of agents into the city in recent days tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

A witness to the incident, Emily Heller, told local media that the victim was shot in the face multiple times. Heller said she saw a car blocking traffic that appeared to be part of a protest against the ICE operation, and heard an agent telling the driver, a woman, to get out of here.

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Related: Shock and outrage at scene of Minneapolis ICE shooting: This is just sad

She was trying to turn around, and the ICE agent was in front of her car, and he pulled out a gun and put it right in  like his midriff was on her bumper  and he reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times, Heller told MPR News, a Minneapolis public radio station.

The woman has been identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a US citizen and mother of three who had recently moved to Minnesota.

In social media accounts, Macklin Good described herself as a poet and writer and wife and mom. Speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Goods mother, Donna Ganger, said her daughter had been living in the Twin Cities with her partner. She said that her daughter was not part of anything like that at all, referring to protesters who have challenged ICEs presence in Minnesota.

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Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known  She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.

Goods ex-husband, who asked not to be named out of concern for the safety of their children, said Macklin Good had just dropped off her 6-year-old son at school on Wednesday and was driving home with her current partner when they encountered a group of ICE agents on a snowy street in Minneapolis.

A video posted online by the Minnesota Reformer and another video obtained by the Guardian appeared to capture the moment of the shooting as a dark red SUV drove away from agents moving toward it, although the front of the vehicle is obscured.

The fatal shooting by a federal officer on Wednesday took place less than a mile from where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, prompting mass protests.

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In a post on X, the homeland security department (DHS) said the person was a domestic terrorist who weaponized her vehicle and attempted to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them.

The department claimed several ICE officers were hurt, but said that they were expected to make full recoveries.

An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers, the DHS post said.

The videos appeared to contradict that statement, showing the SUV clearly backing up away from ICE officers as they approach. One ICE officer can be seen partially in front of the car as it moves forward and then away from the officers. That same ICE officer is seen firing his gun as the car appears to drive by him. Three gunshots can be heard ringing out.

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There is no visible sign in the videos of ICE officers being injured. The agent who appeared to have fired the fatal shots is seen returning to a silver SUV that was driven away from the scene shortly after  through a red traffic light.

In a press conference, Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, emphasized that the priority of local law enforcement was to get the victim to the hospital, and then to remove ICE from the scene because they were making a difficult situation more problematic.

He also noted that the video footage does not appear to show that a vehicle was being weaponized against the ICE officer.

Frey even issued an emphatic statement to ICE directly: I do have a message for our community for our city and I do have a message for ICE. To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.

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People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart. Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy are being terrorized, and now, somebody is dead.

Continuing to address ICE, Frey said: Thats on you. Its also on you to leave. Its on you to make sure that further damage, further loss of life and injury, is not done.

The mayor also said that DHS was trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit.

The Minneapolis chief of police, Brian OHara, said: This woman was in her car and it appears then blocking the street because of the presence of federal law enforcement, which is obviously something that has been happening not just in Minneapolis but around the country.

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The woman was no longer in the car when he arrived on the scene, OHara said, adding that a spouse had since arrived at the hospital. The police chief said the FBI would conduct a joint investigation with the Minnesota bureau of criminal apprehension.

Tim Walz, the Democratic governor who announced this week he would not run for a third term, posted on X that he had seen the video. Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice.

Walz later said he had activated the states emergency operations center and issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota national guard.

Weve been warning for weeks that the Trump administrations dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety, that someone was going to get hurt, Walz said.

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To Minnesotans, Walz said: I feel your anger, Im angry. He urged residents who plan on protesting to please do so peacefully.

Walz also said that the state did not need any further help from the federal government, adding: To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, youve done enough.

Omar also rejected claims made by DHS on X in a Wednesday afternoon post: Youre lying. There was no attempt to run the officer over and no ICE agents appear to be hurt. Get out of our city.

In a statement on Truth Social, Donald Trump defended the ICE officers, saying he had watched a video clip of the incident and called it a horrible thing to watch.

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Trump called one of the witnesses a professional agitator and described the woman driving the car as very disorderly, obstructing and resisting and said she violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense.

Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital, Trump said. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.

Protesters gathered close to the scene in the south of the city shortly after the shooting, with law enforcement officers firing chemical irritants in an attempt to disperse them.

In video footage, bystanders can been seen and heard blowing whistles and taunting the agents, telling them to go home. A woman said she had spoken to an eyewitness who told her the person shot was a woman who took off from federal agents.

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They shot her through the windshield. They shot her in the face, the woman said.

Jon Collins, a reporter for MPR News, posted to Bluesky that protesters stopped ICE agents after the shooting and were pepper-sprayed.

ICE teargassed a lot of people as they drove down the alley. People were stuck in the alley and hit hard. Some people are still getting medical treatment, he wrote.

The Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday it had launched an extraordinary immigration enforcement operation, with 2,000 agents and officers expected in the Minneapolis and St Paul area for a crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

The Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session Tuesday night for about 100 people who are willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement.

With Associated Press
Before the sun rose on an autumn morning, farmer Donald Sherman loaded crates of bell peppers into a refrigerated truck. The vegetables had been picked just the day before, still cool from the night air.

By dawn, they would be stacked inside the Central California Food Bank, one of the buyers that keeps his small-scale farm and produce market in Fresno afloat through the federal Local Food Purchase Assistance program.

Sherman grows everything from onions and kale to strawberries, squash and melons. In recent years, orders from Central California Food Bank and a food hub called Farm2People in Los Angeles have become a major part of his income, giving him stable prices and predictable demand.

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Because of these steady buyers, Sherman earns about 40% more than he would at a farmers market, which is just enough to cover labor, fuel and equipment costs and still make a profit. Sherman gestured toward a freshly packed stack of bell pepper boxes, ready to be delivered to communities in need. This was picked just yesterday.

But the system that has kept his business viable may soon shift.

In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled $47 million in funding for the LFPA . That money would have helped California LFPAs programs continue through 2027 before the cut. Although the federal government later restored some LFPA funds, assistance is now expected to end early this year, said Paul Towers, executive director of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, which advocates for family farms.

Donald Sherman, a small-scale farmer in Fresno, grows everything from onions and kale to strawberries, squash and melons. Food bank orders have become a major part of his income.

LFPA was launched in 2021 under the Biden administrations American Rescue Plan to help stabilize local food systems during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Under the program, states use federal money to buy food primarily from local producers and socially disadvantaged farmers. According to USDAs definition, socially disadvantaged farmers and producers are those belonging to groups that have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice.

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The Trump administration cited a change of agency priorities in reducing the promised funds.

With the cut, the California Association of Food Banks says some contracts will now end earlier than planned.

For individual farmers, LFPA has been a lifeline, guaranteeing income. For Sherman, the uncertainty is already shaping planting decisions for next season.

Once those dry up, its going to be devastating, he said. Youre right back to trying to get into markets dominated by big farms, and they dont have room for the small guy.

Good for rural economies

LFPA gives farmers a safety net by ensuring fair prices, Towers said. This has been helpful, since farmers face challenges such as extreme weather and increased water and labor costs. Beyond that, he said, the programs help communities.

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They put dollars back into rural and underserved economies. That kind of reinvestment is needed more than ever if we want to see these communities grow and prosper, Towers said in an email.

LFPA has provided more than $88.5 million to California since 2022. One of the California programs it funds is Farms Together, which has used the federal money to support 533 small-scale farms, partner with 55 food banks and community organizations and assemble nearly 576,000 boxes of fresh food for families, according to an April 4 letter from the California Department of Social Services to the USDA, appealing the cut.

The department and Gov. Gavin Newsom have asked the USDA to reinstate the funds. Meanwhile, state Sen. Melissa Hurtado has introduced a bill to keep the program running with state funds and protect Californias local food supply from the fallout of federal budget cuts.

Sherman is now uncertain what to grow next season. He has been debating whether to plant strawberries, which are what Farms Together would usually order from him.

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Its $5,000 just for the plants before you even talk about labor and irrigation. And now, you just dont know if youll have a place for it to go.

He says his contract with Farms Together will end next spring or early summer.

Sherman, who has farmed most of his life, is one of about 400 Black farmers in California. This year, he started mentoring a Black woman farmer, who relied on Farms Together to get her foot in the industry.

Its all Ive ever known, he said. My brothers and sisters picked up other trades, but I stayed with the land.

What to tell BIPOC farmers?

Fresno BIPOC Produce has been one of the participating food hubs in the Farms Together program. Through the initiative, founder Keng Vang connects farmers of color in the Central Valley to food banks and school districts.

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A lot of the farmers I work with had already planted for the Farms Together program, Vang said. Wed told them, You could grow this and this for us, and that kind of guaranteed income. But with the funding cut, I honestly dont know what to tell them anymore.

Through the Farms Together program, Vang receives about $10,800 weekly, of which $7,800 goes to buying produce from farmers. The funding not only boosted farmers incomes but also encouraged the cultivation of cultural crops such as the green onions, cilantro and mustard greens preferred by many immigrant communities.

The problem is that farmers I work with are usually the last to hear about these grants, Vang said. Many dont speak English well, and its hard for them to understand the paperwork.

Among those farmers is Bao Lor, a Hmong refugee who has cultivated a 10-acre farm in Fresno since 2006. She sells Asian specialty crops such as Chinese bok choy through Vangs network to local food banks and farmers markets in San Francisco.

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When I heard the program might end from Vang, my heart dropped, Lor said, as Keng translated. She had already seeded her spring vegetables. We thought it meant losing a big part of our income, she said. We depend on that money to buy seeds and pay bills.

Lor and her husband fled Laos after the civil war there, arriving first in a refugee camp in Thailand and then in the United States in the early 1990s. They came to California with little English and no formal training, learning how to farm by watching their cousins.

In Laos, my parents farmed, but I was still a child, Lor said. Here, I had to start over and learn everything again.

While her husband found outside work, Lor continued farming, seeing it as a livelihood and a link to home. But keeping the farm running is a daily struggle. Lor owns few machines and relies mostly on manual labor. She describes patching torn drip tape after birds peck holes looking for water and spending long hours repairing irrigation lines in the heat.

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We do everything by hand, she said, standing in her field. People laugh when they see me working like that, but I dont want to give up.

For her, the Farms Together program has offered reliable payments and the dignity of steady work. Before that, she said, farmers like her never knew whether their produce would sell.

When Keng came and bought from us, she said, I finally felt hope.

This story is part of The Stakes, a UC Berkeley Journalism project on executive orders and actions affecting Californians and their communities.
"To be a modern Republican is to declare that there is very little you wont endorse, whether through applause or silence, to accomplish whatever it was that made you a conservative to begin with." (Getty Images)

In the middle of December, a grateful John Sununu shared a list of new endorsers for his U.S. Senate campaign, through which he plans to bring New Hampshire common-sense to Washington.

Among those new supporters, as the memos headline trumpets, is New Hampshire House Majority Leader Jason Osborne.

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Despite the Sununu familys persistent desire to be embraced as moderate conservatives in this immoderate age, and Osbornes entrenched position in the far right of the states Republican Party, the two arent exactly strange bedfellows. With Osbornes endorsement, Sununu will receive a necessary primary bump with New Hampshire right-wingers and, in return, Osborne gets to dip a toe in the mainstream and gain a direct line of communication to a potential U.S. senator. Maybe the fringe, anti-government, Free State Project philosophy of a transplant from Defiance, Ohio, is what passes as New Hampshire common-sense these days.

Aint politics grand?

A review of Osbornes sponsored bills for 2026 sheds some light on his political commonality with former Gov. Chris Sununus big brother. The House majority leader would love to see, for example, another rate reduction for the business enterprise tax and the repeal of the communications services tax. I suspect Sununu would be on board with both bills if he had his sights set on the State House rather than the Capitol. And because of the overall Republican fervor for any and all methods of dismantling public education, its not hard to imagine Sununu nodding his approval of Osbornes efforts to establish a local education freedom account program, launch a study committee for transitioning all public schools to public charter schools, and create a system of open enrollment that would almost certainly close countless community schools in property-poor districts.

But what about some of Osbornes other pieces of proposed legislation, such as his jingoistic outline for how teachers should be directed to talk about inequality, race, and sexuality, or a bill to repeal the refugee resettlement program? Or how about Osbornes use of racial slurs and his general callousness?

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It almost certainly doesnt matter to Republican voters. To be a modern Republican is to declare that there is very little you wont endorse, whether through applause or silence, to accomplish whatever it was that made you a conservative to begin with.

Whats a little violent persecution of certain immigrant populations, based on skin color, if it means the furtherance of school choice?

Whats a bit of brazen profiteering by the nations First Family if it means tax breaks for corporations and the wealthiest Americans?

What does a clear violation of foreign sovereignty, and another plunge into the morass of nation-building, matter if it means cheaper fossil fuels in the short term for Americans?

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Around the same time Sununu sent out his memo of new endorsements, I received an email from a reader who disagreed with something I had written about the states approach to taxation. It was a critical but cordial letter, but in a follow-up the writer reprimanded me in a way that has been sloshing around in my brain ever since: I would prefer that you refer to Republican Leadership rather than Republicans, he wrote. There is a difference. Not all Republicans agree with the Leadership.

That Republican voters would consider politicians that they elected to serve and lead to be somehow disconnected from their own political desires is remarkable to me. Its one thing if a politician pulled a 180 after an election, in which case the voter is a victim of fraud, with restitution to be paid in the form of an election defeat the next time around. But nothing thats happening now at the hands of Republican majorities is a surprise, here in Concord or in Washington. The administrations in power never missed an opportunity on the trail to articulate just how black and white they viewed the world, nor did they underplay the inhuman lengths to which they would go to prosecute and punish the people they consider unworthy of an American existence.

The slowly unraveling narrator of Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man asks, amid his deep disillusionment in a postwar America incapable of bridging its violent divisions, whether politics could ever be an expression of love. Im not sure how readers answered that question in 1952, but here in 2026 a hell no echoes through policy after policy drafted by a ruling party that is fully committed to broadly inflicting loves opposite.

I get the sense from Republicans like Sununu and my letter writer that many in the party still see the president as some kind of an outlier, a useful but impermanent disfigurement of the partys core principles. But this presidents role isnt as some kind of singular architect but rather as a performer who effectively channels the many currents that electrify his party. That job is a walk in the park for a man who desires power above all else and pays no mind to the means by which that power is acquired, secured, and exercised. To believe that Republican leaders will return to some level of restraint once hes gone is to disregard the historic allure of unfettered control of political levers.

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Do the moderate Republicans and right-leaning independents who are quietly riding out the present darkness (while privately celebrating any ideological victories that darkness has delivered) really believe that things will eventually snap back to some kind of more palatable centrism? Do they think the presidents personal ambition is somehow unique, that others arent lined up to grasp the same reins in exactly the same manner the very second this president releases them, by fate or by force?

Or maybe Im overthinking it and the key to living as a modern old-school Republican in these cold days is just to pocket what you can while disavowing the sins of the motley coalition it took to get it. And then maybe a small prayer, of fluctuating urgency, that the genie will put itself back in the bottle before things go too far.

If thats the case, Im afraid I have some bad news.
South Dakotas K-12 population dropped slightly this year, along with public and private school enrollment, but enrollment in alternative instruction grew once again.

Thats according to headcount numbers taken Sept. 26, 2025, and released by the South Dakota Department of Education by Dec. 31.

All totaled, there are 163,053 K-12 students across the state, with 83% of those students attending public schools, 9% enrolled in nonpublic schools and 8% in alternative instruction.

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There are 934 fewer K-12 students across the state than last years count of 163,987, a 0.5% decrease.

Public school enrollment decreased by 1,736 students statewide. Across 147 public school districts, there were 135,577 K-12 students this fall, down from 137,313 in last years fall count, a decrease of slightly more than 1%.

2024 fall count: South Dakota's public school enrollment shrank by more than 400 students, DOE reports

Private school enrollment decreased by 142 students statewide, totaling 15,043 students in nonpublic schools accredited by the SDDOE across the state, down from last years count of 15,185, a decrease of 1%.

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Nonpublic school enrollment includes 9,462 students in private schools, 5,072 in tribal/BIE schools, 268 in special population schools, 175 in coop/multi-districts, 26 in community-based service providers, 21 in the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and 19 in alternative schools.

Alternative instruction enrollment increased by 944 students statewide, totaling 12,433 students in alternative instruction or homeschooling this fall, up from 11,489 in last years count, an increase of 8%.

In the Sioux Falls metro area, there are 52,325 K-12 students, with 85% attending public schools, 9% enrolled in nonpublic schools and 6% in alternative instruction.

Sioux Falls area public schools

The states largest public school district, the Sioux Falls School District, shrunk by 171 students this fall, down from last years count of 24,221 K-12 students to this years count of 24,050.

Students walk off the school bus to find their classroom line during the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Marcella LeBeau Elementary School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Sioux Falls neighboring public K-12 school districts saw the following enrollment changes this year:

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Harrisburg, the states third-largest district, grew by 173 students, from 6,182 last year to 6,355 this year.

Brandon Valley, the states fourth-largest district, grew by 82 students, from 5,073 last year to 5,155 this year.

Tea Area grew by five students, from 2,509 last year to 2,514 this year.

West Central shrunk by 32 students, from 1,418 last year to 1,386 this year.

Lennox grew by 14 students, from 1,119 last year to 1,133 this year.

Tri-Valley grew by 41 students, from 952 last year to 993 this year.

Dell Rapids shrunk by 32 students, from 965 last year to 933 this year.

Canton shrunk by 23 students, from 888 last year to 865 this year.

Baltic grew by three students, from 539 last year to 542 this year.

Garretson shrunk by 10 students, from 468 last year to 458 this year.

All totaled, there are 44,384 K-12 students in Sioux Falls area public schools, a growth of 50 students or 0.1% from last falls count of 44,334.

Sioux Falls area private schools

Sioux Falls three largest private K-12 school systems saw the following enrollment changes this year:

Bishop OGorman Catholic Schools, the largest private school system in the state, shrunk by two students, from 2,224 last year to 2,222 this year.

Sioux Falls Christian School shrunk by nine students, from 1,447 last year to 1,438 this year.

Sioux Falls Lutheran School grew by 41 students, from 336 last year to 377 this year.

OGorman graduates toss their caps up as the ceremony ends on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Arena in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Other local nonpublic K-12 school enrollments include:

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221 students at St. Marys School in Dell Rapids;

130 students at Childrens Home Society of South Dakota;

125 at East Dakota Educational Cooperative;

119 at LifeScape;

49 at McCrossan Boys Ranch;

45 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School,

43 at Westside Christian School,

23 at Bethel Lutheran School;

Four at Southeastern;

Three at Baan Dek Montessori;

One at 605 Prep;

One at DakotAbilities.

All totaled, there are 4,801 K-12 students in Sioux Falls area nonpublic schools, a growth of 24 students or 0.5% from last falls count of 4,777.

Sioux Falls area alternative instruction

Though its the second-largest public school district in the state, Rapid City Area Schools saw the largest number of students opt out of public school and into alternative instruction and homeschooling once again this year, with 1,839 students, followed by the largest district, Sioux Falls, with 1,793 students.

More: Alternative education on the rise as South Dakota Legislature eyes school choice bill

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Sioux Falls-area schools had the following alternative instruction enrollment shifts this year:

1,793 in Sioux Falls, an increase of 131 from last years count of 1,662;

379 in Harrisburg, an increase of 78 from last years count of 301;

350 in Brandon Valley, an increase of 67 from last years count of 283;

111 in Tea, a decrease of four from last years count of 115;

105 in Lennox, an increase of two from last years count of 103;

97 in West Central, an increase of six from last years count of 91;

87 in Dell Rapids, an increase of 11 from last years count of 76;

79 in Canton, a decrease of two from last years count of 81;

73 in Tri-Valley, an increase of seven from last years count of 66;

42 in Garretson, an increase of 10 from last years count of 32;

24 in Baltic, a decrease of one from last years count of 25.

Louis listens to his mom Cassandra Brown talk about foxes during a lesson on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at The Pelican School in Sioux Falls.

All totaled, there are 3,140 students in alternative instruction in the Sioux Falls metro area, an increase of 305 students or 10.7% from last years count of 2,835.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Why more South Dakota families are choosing homeschooling
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party apologized Wednesday for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law last year, distancing the conservative party from the impeached ex-leader while pledging sweeping reforms aimed at broadening its political appeal ahead of upcoming local elections.

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chairman of the People Power Party, delivered the apology during a press conference at party headquarters in Seoul, as Yoon awaits trial on insurrection charges stemming from the failed December 2024 move.

"The emergency martial law declared on December 3, 2024, was a wrongful measure that did not fit the situation," Jang said. "It caused great confusion and inconvenience to our people and inflicted deep wounds on our party members who have defended the constitutional order of liberal democracy."

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Jang said the People Power Party bore a "heavy responsibility" for the episode, acknowledging that it failed to fulfill its role as a governing party. He was among 18 PPP lawmakers who rushed overnight to the National Assembly to vote down the decree, which was overturned within hours.

"I gravely acknowledge that responsibility and offer my deepest apology to the people," he said.

Seeking to move beyond the fallout, Jang unveiled what he called a "Change to Win" initiative, outlining plans to rebuild the party around youth participation, expert-driven policymaking and expanded public outreach.

Proposed measures include mandatory youth nominations in upcoming local elections, new platforms to recruit outside policy experts and standing committees focused on labor, social welfare and generational issues.

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The announcement comes less than five months before nationwide local elections scheduled for June 1, as the People Power Party looks to reassert itself as a viable alternative to the current administration of President Lee Jae Myung.

Jang also signaled a willingness to broaden the party's political coalition, saying the PPP would work with other opposition parties to win future elections.

"If they agree with the values of liberal democracy and share the will to stop the dictatorship of the Lee Jae Myung regime, we will open our hearts and join forces with anyone," he said.

Lee, a former opposition leader, won the presidency in June following Yoon's removal from office, with his Democratic Party holding a commanding majority in parliament. Conservatives have accused Lee's administration of overreach, arguing that the party's legislative dominance has marginalized the opposition, while the government says its actions are necessary to ensure stability and advance voter-mandated reforms.

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Jang said the PPP would press ahead with internal reforms, including stricter anti-corruption rules, centralized oversight of candidate nominations and a possible change of the party's name.

Past political turmoil, including the martial law episode and Yoon's impeachment, should be left to the courts and historians, Jang said, urging the party to focus instead on restoring public trust.

"We will cross the river of martial law and impeachment and move toward the future," he said.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he had urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help him curb Pyongyang's nuclear programme and suggested a freeze in its development of weapons of mass destruction was "feasible" with the right conditions.

Lee's visit to China this week was the first by a South Korean leader in six years, with Seoul seeking a broad reset in relations with its largest trading partner as well as help with the recalcitrant North.

He met with Xi in Beijing on Monday -- a day after the nuclear-armed North fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan.

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Speaking to journalists in Shanghai as he wrapped up the visit, he said he had urged Beijing's help in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.

He said he told Xi he would "like China to play a mediating role on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's nuclear programme".

"All our channels are completely blocked," he said.

"We hope China can serve as a mediator -- a mediator for peace," he added.

The Chinese leader in response urged Seoul to show "patience" with Pyongyang given how frayed ties between the two Koreas have become, Lee added.

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"And they're right. For quite a long period, we carried out military actions that North Korea would have perceived as threatening," Lee said.

China's foreign ministry did not respond specifically to Lee's Shanghai comments when asked on Wednesday.

"Maintaining peace and stability on the (Korean) Peninsula is in the common interests of all parties. China will continue to play a constructive role towards this in its own way," spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.

- 'Must not give up' -

Lee on Wednesday also laid out a plan whereby Pyongyang would freeze its nuclear programme in exchange for "compensation".

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"Just stopping at the current level -- no additional production of nuclear weapons, no transfer of nuclear materials abroad, and no further development of ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) -- would already be a gain," he said.

"In the long term, we must not give up the goal of a nuclearfree Korean Peninsula," he added.

North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state and relations between the two Koreas have fallen to their worst levels in years.

Lee's predecessor, ousted last year for a failed bid to suspend civilian rule, stands accused of having tried to provoke Pyongyang as a pretext for declaring military rule.

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On Monday, Pyongyang said its nuclear forces were ready for war and that it was keeping a close eye on "the recent geopolitical crisis" in an apparent nod to this weekend's US attack on Venezuela.

That operation represents a nightmare scenario for North Korea's leadership, which has long feared a so-called "decapitation strike" of that kind and accused Washington of seeking to remove it from power.

Pyongyang has for decades justified its nuclear and missile programmes as a deterrent against alleged regime change efforts by Washington.

And it has stepped up missile testing significantly in recent years.

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Analysts say this drive is aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States as well as South Korea, and testing weapons before potentially exporting them to Russia.

Lee said Monday that he wanted to open a "new phase" in relations with China, "based on the trust" between himself and Xi.

Seoul has for decades trodden a fine line between China, its top trading partner, and the United States, its chief defence guarantor.

It has also stayed out of a diplomatic spat between Beijing and Tokyo triggered when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan could intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan.

On Wednesday, Lee told reporters "relations with Japan are just as important as relations with China".

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Hours after its leader's unexplained absence, the Southern Transitional Council said he was in Aden overseeing military and security operations.

The leader of Yemen's southern separatists, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, was in the port city of Aden on Wednesday, the group said, after he skipped a flight to Riyadh for talks on a crisis that caused a major feud between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Hours after its leader's unexplained absence, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) said he was in Aden overseeing military and security operations, while it had lost contact with its delegation in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital.

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Reuters could not independently verify Zubaidi's whereabouts.

The dramatic developments dashed hopes for a swift resolution of the recent turmoil in Yemen's south that exposed a deep rift between the Gulf powers, fracturing a coalition to battle the Iran-aligned Houthis in a civil war more than a decade old.

Major oil producers Saudi Arabia and the UAE have differed for years on a range of geopolitical issues from Sudan to energy policy, a gap exposed by the latest crisis in Yemen, where they now back opposing sides.

A POLICE trooper mans a machine gun on the back of a patrol truck after, according to the Saudi-backed coalition, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC), fled to an unknown destination, in Aden, Yemen January 7, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Fawaz Salman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Earlier, Turki al-Maliki, the spokesperson of the Saudi-backed coalition, had flagged the disappearance of the UAE-backed Zubaidi in a statement.

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A flight carrying a large number of senior leaders of the separatist group had departed after a more than three-hour delay without him, Maliki said at the time, adding that there was no information on his whereabouts.

During the delay there were indications that Zubaidi had moved large forces, Maliki said.

He accused Zubaidi of having distributed weapons and ammunition to dozens of elements in Aden, in a bid to stir unrest.

Maliki added that the coalition had asked the vice president of the STC, Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, known as Abu Zaraa, to impose security, prevent clashes, protect civilians and property.

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In a statement carried by state news agency SABA, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi-backed ruling authority, said it had dismissed Transport Minister Abdul Salam Humaid and Planning Minister Waed Badhieb.

It had also ordered an investigation and the arrest of those who distributed weapons and threatened civil peace, the statement said.

Zubaidi's deputy, Abu Zara'a, met the Saudi defense minister in Riyadh on Jan. 5. His appointment on Wednesday to take charge of security in Aden indicates warming ties with the Saudis.

Maliki's statement came amid efforts to end fighting that erupted last month between the STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen's Saudi-backed internationally recognized government.

Riyadh hosting forum in hopes of end to Yemen conflict

Zubaidi had been set to travel to Saudi Arabia days after Yemen's government said it had asked Riyadh to host a forum on the southern issue.

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The status of those talks is now unclear.

The Saudi-backed presidential council also stripped Zubaidi of his membership on Wednesday and referred him to the public prosecutor on charges including high treason, state news agency SABA said.

The decision, issued by presidential council chairman Rashad al-Alimi, accused Zubaidi of inciting armed rebellion, attacking constitutional authorities and committing abuses against civilians in southern Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE first intervened in Yemen more than a decade ago after the Houthis seized the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014.

The UAE joined a Saudi-backed coalition the following year in support of the internationally recognized government.

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The Southern Transitional Council, set up in 2017 with UAE backing, ultimately joined the government coalition.

For years, it has been part of that administration, which controls southern and eastern Yemen and is backed by Gulf states.

But last month STC forces suddenly seized swathes of territory, shifting the delicate balance of power and pitting Saudi Arabia against the UAE.

The UAE pulled its forces out of Yemen last month under pressure from Saudi Arabia, which saw the southern advance on its borders as a threat to its national security. The UAE has called for de-escalation in Yemen since.

On Wednesday, the Saudi coalition also said it carried out limited pre-emptive airstrikes in the southern province of al-Dhalea, Zubaidi's birthplace, after monitoring the movements of armed forces that had left their camps.

Local sources and sources within the STC reported more than 15 strikes in the province.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Southwest Michigan man who admitted to buying two types of endangered snakes was placed on probation this week for what was called several bad decisions.

Scott Allen Hitchcock admitted to buying the snakes for $1,000 in Goshen, Indiana, in June 2020.

The two Louisiana pine snakes and the black pine snake are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.

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Hitchcock should have known that the wildlife he purchased had been sold in violation of the ESA, according to a September plea agreement.

Man pleads guilty to trafficking endangered snakes across state lines

A federal judge in Grand Rapids this week placed Hitchcock on probation for two years and slapped him with a $4,000 fine.

Hitchcock made several bad decisions by illegally handling, transporting, and trading wildlife, his attorney wrote in a sentencing memorandum. He takes full responsibility for those bad decisions and acknowledges the significance of violating the law.

Numerous people wrote letters to the sentencing judge on Hitchcocks behalf, including a retired Wyoming police captain. Defense attorney Marcus Miller said Hitchcocks life is full of positive traits and characteristics and that Hitchcock has had a positive impact on children in the Mattawan Consolidated School District, where he works.

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The number of students he has impacted is likely in the hundreds of thousands of students, Miller wrote. Mr. Hitchcock regularly volunteers at schools, camps, home school groups, and other similar groups to give presentations on reptiles.

Hitchcock, 60, of Van Buren County, has no prior criminal record. In September, he pleaded guilty to the federal misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison, five years on probation and a $100,000 fine.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The announcement that the UK and France plan to station troops within Ukraine and build military hubs if a peace deal is signed with Russia is not a magic wand. But it is a key moment.

It may help remove one of the biggest obstacles to hammering out a truce to end four years of slaughter Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people.

And so it signals a significant step forward. I find myself in rare agreement with Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, that a milestone has been reached in Europe.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and prime minister Keir Starmer in Paris, following a meeting with members of the coalition of the willing (PA)

One of the main sticking points in any deal has always been Ukraines need for security guarantees.

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Every single Ukrainian commander, presidential adviser, politician, foot soldier and civilian I have spoken to since the launch of the full-scale invasion in 2022 has repeated the same message to me: they fear Russia will renege on a deal.

The consensus for four years has been that history proves it would be suicidal for Ukraine to enter any kind of peace agreement without a solid mechanism in place where, should Moscow break the terms, Kyivs powerful allies will have its back militarily.

Keir Starmer shakes hands with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner (PA)

It is why Ukraine, since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has desperately sought Nato membership.

The need is for Article 5, Natos mutual defence clause, which requires its members to come to one anothers aid in the event of an attack.

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Ukraines pursuit of Nato membership has only further enraged Russia, and more recently, Trump. The US president, who appears to be on his own mission to upset Nato allies with threats to take over Greenland, has explicitly told Kyiv to give up on its Nato bid and go ahead and sign a deal with Moscow anyway.

Ukraine has been promised by Trump and other allies that it will get the security guarantees it wants, but there have yet to be concrete details or commitments made public.

Instead, Ukraine has been asked to make concessions in several leaked drafts of potential deals, including a cap on the size of the Ukrainian army, a commitment in the constitution not to join Nato and the surrender of occupied territory to Russia.

But now there has been progress.

The war in Ukraine has led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians (Ukrainian 24th Mechanized brigade)

Prime minister Keir Starmer and his French counterpart confirmed British and French troops will be deployed inside Ukraine within military hubs once a peace deal has been reached.

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No 10 said in a follow-up statement that the announcement made in Paris was the legal framework that would allow this to happen.

Volodymyr Zelensky himself said on social media that they have worked out in detail the force deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and the components of the armed forces required.

The plan will be backed by a US guarantee, which has not yet been outlined, but could possibly come in the form of air defence.

Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the press conference. Witkoff said the guarantees were as strong as anyone has ever seen and vowed that Trump does not back down from his commitments.

Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the talks in Paris (AP)

Again, this is not the magic wand to end the meat grinder of a war which has killed and injured nearly 2 million people on both sides.

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But even Zelensky, who recently said there is a long way to go until peace, has called it a huge step forward that just a year ago Kyiv would not have been able to imagine.

This comes at a critical time. The US  or more specifically Trump  has effectively signalled that Washington has done enough. Europe is on its own in Ukraine, and now the continent must shoulder the lions share of its collective defence.

There have also been grave concerns that Nato security guarantees mean very little given Trumps repeated insistence he wants to unilaterally annex Greenland, a territory of Nato-member state Denmark.

With the UK and France stepping up like this, it signals a potential new world order in which the US will not be directly involved in Europes defence.

There is a long way to go to achieve peace for Ukraine  the other major stumbling block is Russian-occupied territory  but yesterday was a significant step.
HONOLULU, Hawaii Hawaii has joined a growing movement of U.S. states implementing what lawmakers and safety advocates call daylighting laws to improve road safety. On January 1, 2026, a new statewide regulation officially went into force that prohibits motorists from parking their vehicles within 20 feet of crosswalks or intersections, even in locations without posted signs or curb markings.

Local drivers, commuters and businesses are confronting the practical and social effects of a law designed to reshape everyday street habits.

The law is rooted in Senate Bill 1195, a transportation safety bill passed by the Hawaii Legislature in 2025. The statute adds a new section to chapter 291C of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that bans street parking within twenty feet on each side of any crosswalk or intersection. It also specifies that such enforcement may proceed whether or not there are official signs or curb markings. Those in support of this measure argue that keeping intersections daylighted improves visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike.

The Science of Sightlines

Image Credit: Foobian - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia.

At the heart of the policy is a simple premise: physical obstructions created by parked vehicles can block the line of sight at busy corners or mid-block crossings. Intersections are among the most hazardous points on urban streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and limited visibility increases the risk of collisions. The National Association of City Transportation Officials has recommended daylighting as a strategy to reduce such incidents.

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Under the measure, enforcement officers are empowered to cite vehicles regardless of the presence of signs or curb paint. Officials emphasize that motorists must understand that the absence of visible parking prohibition markers does not imply legal parking within daylighting zones. Violators face a $50 fine for each day the vehicle remains in violation of the rule, with fines supporting pedestrian safety programs such as Hawaiis Safe Routes to School fund.

Lawmakers who backed the bill highlighted data showing rising numbers of pedestrian injuries and fatalities at intersections across the state. During legislative debate, proponents pointed to studies and crash data that link obstructed sightlines with increased risk to vulnerable road users, especially schoolchildren and older pedestrians. Visibility improvements are seen as a low-cost, high-impact intervention compared with large-scale infrastructure projects.

No Sign? No Excuse

Image Credit: aismallard - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wiukimedia.

While pedestrian safety advocates have praised the law, some residents and drivers have worry about its implementation. They point to the possibility that large sections of residential streets will lose street parking entirely. In urban neighborhoods where street parking is already scarce, the rule could exacerbate parking competition without providing clear alternatives. Others have expressed frustration that motorists may be ticketed for invisible violations where there are no signs or painted curbs to delineate the 20-foot boundaries.

Comparisons with similar laws in other states offer context. Californias daylighting law, known as Assembly Bill 413, has faced similar challenges, with cities balancing enforcement and public education. In parts of the Bay Area, transportation agencies initially issued warnings before issuing citations, and some municipalities have moved to physically mark daylighted zones with red curbs or remove parking spaces entirely to make compliance intuitive.

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Transportation planners see daylighting as part of a broader shift toward Vision Zero principles, which aim to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. In that context, reducing blind spots at crosswalks and intersections is an incremental but measurable improvement. Honolulu Police Department traffic safety units have noted that pedestrian involvement in crashes has increased in recent years. This reinforces the need for multiple safety strategies, including public education campaigns about the new law.

The Premise and Penalty

State officials in Hawaii have conducted limited outreach to warn drivers before full enforcement began. Honolulu and county traffic authorities issued reminders through local media and social platforms, but some drivers say they still feel unclear about where they can legally park, especially on narrow urban streets.

Enforcement officers have been instructed to focus on compliance and education in the early weeks while balancing fairness with safety priorities.

Business groups in high-traffic commercial districts worry about the impact on customers who rely on convenient curbside parking. Restaurant and small business owners in Waikiki and other dense business corridors have testified that removing parking spaces near intersections may reduce foot traffic, although some transportation advocates argue the improved safety will ultimately benefit local commerce by making pedestrian zones more attractive.

Whether the policy will achieve its intended effects without undue burden on motorists remains a key question for lawmakers and residents in the months ahead.
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter.

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working to revamp regulations on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, including reporting requirements, states are charging ahead with their own PFAS legislation through 2026.

The legislation is a mix of recently enacted laws and statutory provisions being phased in, including reporting requirements with summer deadlines.

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Below are laws and regulations manufacturers need to watch for in the new year. If there are any state mandates affecting your production, let us know at manufacturing.dive.editors@industrydive.com.

Colorado

Another phase of a 2024 Colorado PFAS law went into effect Jan. 1. The legislation banned the sale and distribution of intentionally added cookware, dental floss, menstrual products, ski wax and PFAS cleaning products except medical floor maintenance products. The law also prohibits a person from installing PFAS-containing artificial turf on any portion of land in the state.

Connecticut

Connecticut has begun implementing its disclosure requirements for the forever chemicals as part of a 2024 PFAS law. Starting Jan. 1, anyone distributing, selling or offering new or unused outdoor apparel utilized for severe wet conditions containing PFAS must place a visible label stating that its made with PFAS. Additionally, if a manufacturer or person sells turnout gear with intentionally added PFAS, theyre required to provide a written notice to the buyer at the time of sale, along with the reason for adding PFAS.

Then on July 1, anyone manufacturing, selling, offering or distributing PFAS-laced apparel, cleaning products, carpet or rugs, childrens products, cosmetics, cookware, menstruation products, textile furnishings, dental floss, fabric treatment, ski wax or upholstered furniture must have a visible label stating the product is made with PFAS. Moreover, manufacturers must provide a written notice to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The state agency will provide guidance on what manufacturers must include in the report later in the year.

Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law in August 2025 requiring manufacturers to report known uses of PFAS in firefighting gear and personal protective equipment, effective Jan. 1. Furthermore, manufacturers must disclose to consumers the use of PFAS and why it it was added to the product.

Maine

Maines existing PFAS law added more PFAS-laced products to its ban list. Beginning Jan. 1, people are not allowed to sale, distribute or offer cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstrual products, ski wax, and upholstered furniture made with PFAS. Textile articles with PFAS are prohibited as well, but exclude outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions or used in or is a component part of a watercraft, aircraft or motor vehicle.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in December modified and adopted the states PFAS reporting and fees rule to curb the so-called forever chemicals in products. The PFAS reporting and fees rule is mandated under Amaras Law, a Minnesota statute that aims to ban products intentionally manufactured with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by 2032.

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Additionally, the MPCA launched its PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers, or PRISM, to all manufacturers in January 2026. The deadline to submit initial reports is July 1, 2026.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Environment Department submitted proposed reporting rules in October to the state agencys Environmental Improvement Board, which will oversee the process and enforcement. The proposed regulation is part of the PFAS Protection Act, a new law that aims to phase out cookware, food packaging, dental floss, juvenile products, and firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS in New Mexico beginning in 2027. The state is targeting to ban all non-exempt products containing PFAS by 2032.

Manufacturers may have to begin reporting their PFAS usage on July 1 if the reporting rules are finalized and will have until next year to submit their reports.

In the meantime, manufacturers and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback at the Environment Departments public comment portal.

New Jersey

Starting Jan. 8, New Jersey law will begin prohibiting the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of PFAS-laced firefighting foam. However, owners or operators of a facility that uses certain types of fixed foam fire suppression systems will be allowed to use them until Jan. 8, 2028. Manufacturers may make or distribute the PFAS-laced foam to a facility owner or operator for this purpose.

New York

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill in December 2025 that will ban PFAS usage in menstrual products. The law will take effect a year after passage, and it will also prohibit the use of talc, lead and mercury.

Oregon

Beginning Jan. 1, a fire department, its employees, or its volunteers may not use PFAS-laced firefighting foam in the state. The usage excludes Federal Aviation Administration regulations or other federal laws. The legislation goes into operation on July 1.

Vermont

Starting Jan. 1, Vermont law prohibits manufacturers from making cosmetic and menstrual products, consumer products such as clothing and cookware, firefighting agents and equipment, and food packaging with PFAS.

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Beginning July 1, if a manufacturer or person sells firefighter gear containing intentionally added PFAS, theyre required to provide a written notice to the buyer at the time of sale, along with the reason for adding PFAS. Additionally, the manufacturer, seller and buyer must retain the information for three years.

Washington

The Washington Department of Ecology authorized amendments to its Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule on Nov. 20. The modified regulation implements restrictions in PFAS-laced apparel, accessories, automotive washes and cleaning products set to begin Jan. 1, 2027.

The change also requires manufacturers to report PFAS usage in the production of apparel intended for extreme or extended use, footwear, recreation and travel gear, automotive waxes, cookware and kitchen supplies, firefighting personal protective equipment, floor waxes and polishes, hard surface sealers and ski waxes.

The reporting requirements went into effect Jan. 1 and manufacturers have until Jan. 31, 2027, to submit their reports.

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The state of Utah plans to transform the trajectory of K-12 education by taking a giant step backward.

Utah legislators, with the endorsement of Gov. Spencer Cox, announced a pair of bills on Tuesday to reverse the introduction of technology in public classrooms, countering a trend that appears to have stunted child learning.

The first-in-the-nation policies would sharply curtail the use of digital tools in schools, particularly in kindergarten through third grade, and would establish safety benchmarks for the kind of software programs schools can adopt.

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We have to be honest with ourselves, technology exposure is not technology education, state Rep. Doug Fiefia, R-Herriman, said. Weve allowed engagement to become a substitute for education.

The vision of Utah education presented on Tuesday by Republican officials was a return to analog-first teaching methods, where instead of handing out laptops, teachers  and parents  consider buying a printer.

What are the bills?

The Software Accountability for Education, or SAFE, Act would set a standard for approving instructional software before use, according to Fiefia, who is sponsoring the bill along with Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper.

If passed during the upcoming legislative session, the bill would require software vendors to meet child safety requirements, ensuring our digital classrooms are as secure as our physical ones, Fiefia said.

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Accompanying the SAFE Act, the Balance Act would again provide a statewide standard for tech in schools by significantly reducing the screen time allowed in early grades, gradually increasing exposure as students age.

It would instruct schools to eliminate non-essential screen time and to draft rules for the use of artificial intelligence, said Rep. Ariel Defay, R-Kaysville, who is sponsoring the bill with Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson, R-Logan.

What the data says

Corinne Johnson moderates a panel discussion with Jared Cooney Horvath, Rep. Ariel Defay and Rep. Doug Fiefia after a press conference about the SAFE Act and Balance Act with the Child First Policy Center at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The data seems to suggest a clear narrative.

The international PISA survey found that around two-thirds of students report being distracted by digital devices. On average, these students scored 15 percentage points lower in math than those who did not report distractions.

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It is not just personal devices.

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, an educational neuroscientist who attended Tuesdays press conference, said academic research for 60 years has shown the more time spent on computers at school, the worse students perform.

The only thing we can track that back to is the tools we are using to teach, Horvath said. We are stepping away from what works for learning and stepping toward what is the easiest, most convenient thing for administrators.

In their push to increase literacy in Utah, the governor and first lady Abby Cox have blamed the early introduction of technology, including in schools, as one of the largest obstacles to raising stubborn third grade reading levels.

Why Utah?

The legislative package was drafted with the Utah-based Child First Policy Center, a nonprofit started in 2025 to lobby for child-protective laws by bringing together several familiar conservative activists in the state.

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Its easier to get good legislation passed in Utah than any other state, said Utahn Melissa McKay, the policy and research director at Child First Policy Center. You can get it passed clean here, then you can go national.

While several states have joined Utah in restricting cell phone use in classrooms, the SAFE and Balance acts will make Utah the first state thats taking these big moves, which Horvath called the two best policies for students.

These bills continue Utahs streak as a national model for taking on Big Tech, starting in 2023 with restrictions on social media for minors, followed by lawsuits against Meta and TikTok, and age verification for app downloads.

The consensus among many Utah parents is that schools need to be the next location for a tech crackdown, according to Erin Longacre, a member of the Utah State Board of Education representing District 7.

When COVID happened, we thought this was just a temporary, Everyones getting Chromebooks while we have COVID because no ones at school. And then we came back to school and the computers stayed, Longacre said.
A pair of storms sweeping from Texas to the Great Lakes over the weekend could bring travel problems due to snow, flooding rain and severe weather and threaten lives and property.

The storms late this week will affect at least 100 million more people than the clipper storms earlier in the week across the northern tier.

AccuWeather.com

The storm duo will spread snow to areas in the West that have received little so far this winter. As they roll out from the interior Southwest, they will grab significant Gulf moisture before making a turn toward the Upper Midwest.

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The first storm of the pair will be the less intense of the two, but it still brought drenching rain, severe thunderstorms and even snow from Michigan to Texas Thursday and Thursday night.

The second of the storm duo will be the larger and stronger of the two. The storm's strength will increase snowfall in colder areas and also intensify rain and thunderstorms where warmer air remains.

AccuWeather.com

AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned that a plume of moisture will produce a swath of heavy rain from northeastern Louisiana and western Mississippi to southeastern Kentucky, the Virginia Panhandle and along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Heavy rainfall could cause flooding in urban and poorly drained areas, while hilly terrain may experience dangerous flash flooding in small streams, despite prior drought conditions. Rainfall of 1-4 inches will be widespread in this zone, with a very narrow zone where 4-8 inches may fall, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 10 inches. Most of this rain is expected to fall within 24-36 hours.

AccuWeather.com

Severe thunderstorms are also in the offing, with AccuWeather meteorologists issuing a moderate risk of severe weather for Friday and Friday evening, affecting northeastern Louisiana and western and central Mississippi.

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This area is surrounded by a broader zone where at least isolated severe thunderstorms are forecast from northeastern Texas to western Kentucky and middle Tennessee.

AccuWeather.com

Within this zone, a few tornadoes are possible, along with the likelihood of storms packing damaging wind gusts and hail. Some thunderstorms may reach as far north as the Great Lakes region Friday.

"The risk of tornadoes in portions of Mississippi and Louisiana on Friday extends well into the nighttime hours, which will add to the danger," AccuWeather Lead Storm Warning Meteorologist Tristan Irish said.

The potential for severe thunderstorms and the likelihood of some thunder and lightning will shift toward the Atlantic Seaboard of the Northeast Saturday.

AccuWeather.com

As the second storm moves toward the Great Lakes region, it will tap into fresh cold air. This will cause snow on the northern and western fringe to wrap in closer to the center of the storm around the Great Lakes.

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Depending on the extent of the cold air, Milwaukee and Minneapolis have the potential to receive 1-3 inches of snow, resulting in significant travel problems from Saturday to Saturday night. A sweep of dry air may prevent much snow from falling on Detroit, but snow showers Sunday could make for slippery conditions.

AccuWeather.com

Enough snow may fall in the Chicago metro area to cause slippery travel conditions, including airline delays, from late Saturday night to Sunday.

The heaviest snow is most likely to fall in areas of northern Michigan that have had no shortage of the fluffy stuff in recent weeks from clipper storms and lake effect. A general snowfall of 6-12 inches is likely across northern Michigan, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 18 inches where the Great Lakes enhance snowfall.

AccuWeather.com

Both storms are expected to bring rain from Washington, D.C., to New York City and Boston.

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The rain from Saturday to Saturday night will be heavy enough to lead to areas of urban and poor drainage area flooding from central Virginia and Washington, D.C., to New York City and southern New England. Motorists and airline passengers should expect travel delays. Those venturing into New York City on daytrips should be prepared for downpours and splashes from passing vehicles.

AccuWeather.com

Changes taking place next week could bring snow much closer to the Interstate 95 corridor of the Northeast.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Airlines are serving "potentially unhealthy water" to passengers, according to a new study, with researchers recommending that travelers stick to bottled water and avoid drinking coffee or tea served on aircraft.

The nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity, which examined more than 35,000 water samples served by 10 major and 11 regional airlines over three years, also urges passengers to avoid washing their hands in aircraft bathrooms and instead stick to using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Among major U.S. airlines, three  American Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit  earned a "D" rating from the group, according to the analysis. Delta and Frontier were the top-ranked major carriers, both earning "A" grades for their water.

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Water quality may not be a top-of-mind airline safety issue with passengers, but it's nevertheless an "important public health consideration," the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity noted in its analysis. Drinking potentially contaminated aircraft water can result in issues such as gastrointestinal illness and exposure to pathogens, the group added.

What the study found

The analysis found that 2.7% of samples tested positive for total coliform, a group of bacteria that's found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, as well as in plants and soil.

"Testing for coliform bacteria is important because their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system," the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity said in its report.

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E. coli was identified 32 times across the 21 airlines, the group said.

The Environmental Protection Agency established the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, or ADWR, in 2011, which applies to U.S. carriers with onboard drinking water systems for passengers and crew. The rule requires airlines to test for coliform bacteria and possible E. coli, as well as to disinfect and flush each aircraft's water tank four times a year.

But the EPA rarely levies civil penalties to airlines that violate the ADWR, the study noted.

Airlines respond

American Airlines told CBS News it is "closely reviewing" the findings.

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"American's potable water program is fully in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR)," the carrier told CBS News. "A recent EPA audit showed there were no significant findings with our program, and we have not received any violations for any potable water cabinets or trucks that we use."

JetBlue said in a statement that it follows processes outlined by the EPA, the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure safe water. The airline added that it serves bottled drinking water on its flights.

Spirit also said it maintains a comprehensive testing and maintenance program that complies with the EPA's aircraft drinking water rule.

"The well-being and comfort of our guests is very important to us," the company told CBS News in a statement. "Our data shows we have made progress in this area in recent years, and we continue to evaluate and refine our procedures as necessary."

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Southwest Airlines, which received a "C" grade, said it regularly inspects the water quality aboard its planes and that it complies with EPA standards. The company also said it only uses water from local municipal public water systems that already meet standards for residents and businesses.

On its website, the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity describes its mission as "creating a more equitable food system that will improve health outcomes."

Major airlines, ranked best to worst

The group's study scored each airline on a scale of 1 to 5, with points reduced for violations such as finding a contaminant in their water samples.

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Delta Air Lines Incorporated (5.00, Grade A)

Frontier Airlines Incorporated (4.80, Grade A)

Alaska Airlines Incorporated (3.85, Grade B)

Allegiant Air Limited Liability Company (3.65, Grade B)

Southwest Airlines Company (3.30, Grade C)

Hawaiian Airlines Incorporated (3.15, Grade C)

United Airlines Incorporated (2.70, Grade C)

Spirit Airlines Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)

JetBlue Airways Corporation (1.80, Grade D)

American Airlines Incorporated (1.75, Grade D)Regional airlines, ranked best to worstGoJet Airlines Limited Liability Company (3.85, Grade B)

Piedmont Airlines Incorporated (3.05, Grade C)

Sun Country Airlines (3.00, Grade C)

Endeavor Air Incorporated (2.95, Grade C)

SkyWest Airlines Incorporated (2.40, Grade D)

Envoy Air Incorporated (2.30, Grade D)

PSA Airlines Incorporated (2.25, Grade D)

Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (2.15, Grade D)

Republic Airways Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)

CommuteAir Limited Liability Company (1.60, Grade D)

Mesa Airlines Incorporated (1.35, Grade F)

Airlines for America, a trade group that represents airlines, said its members adhere to federal guidelines for assessing the safety of drinking water.

"The top priority of the airline industry is the safety of all passengers and crew members," the group said in a statement to CBS News. "U.S. airlines follow the guidelines of several government agencies  the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols for testing drinking water, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements to routinely check water systems and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements applicable to water systems  to ensure the water onboard an aircraft is safe and reliable for consumption."

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A woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges she stabbed a mother changing her baby's diaper inside a iconic department store's bathroom during the Christmas shopping season.

The woman, Kerri Aherne, 43, was charged with attempted murder, assault and child endangerment in connection with the December 11 stabbing inside Macy's Herald Square.

"As alleged, Kerri Aherne carried out a horrific and unprovoked stabbing of a mother who was simply caring for her 10-month-old baby. This tourist was attacked inside one of the city's largest and most frequented department stores, posing public safety implications for employees, visitors, and New Yorkers alike. I wish the victim a swift recovery," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

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The 39-year-old victim was visiting New York from California. Prosecutors said she was changing her 10-month-old in a seventh floor bathroom when Ahere approached from behind and began stabbing her, unprovoked.

Aherne had purchased the knife at Macy's moments before the attack, prosecutors said.

According to the indictment, the victim eventually managed to grab the knife from Aherne and throw it to the other end of the bathroom. During the attack, the baby fell from the changing table onto the floor. Aherne was restrained by the victim's boyfriend and by store security workers until police officers arrived to arrest her on the scene. T

The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for two stab wounds to her back and lacerations to her arm and hand that required stitches. The baby was not hurt.

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Aherne was remanded into custody. She is due back in court on February 11.

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Claudio Manuel Neves Valente is the suspect in December's shooting at Brown University and the death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor just two days later

On Dec. 18, 2025, it was announced that Neves Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a storage facility in New Hampshire

That same day, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the storage facility and found the short videos



Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the suspect in the deadly December shooting at Brown University and the death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor just two days later, left behind confessional videos, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Investigators executed a federal search warrant at a storage facility used by Neves Valente, 48, on Dec. 18, 2025, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

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During the search, officials say that investigators found a series of short videos made by Neves Valente after the shootings.

Bing Guan / AFP via Getty A view of University Hall on the campus of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island on December 14, 2025 A view of University Hall on the campus of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island on December 14, 2025

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"In these videos, Neves Valente admitted that he had been planning the Brown University shooting for a long time," the press release alleges. "Although Neves Valente stated that Brown University was his intended target, based on initial review of the evidence collected, he did not provide a motive for targeting students at Brown University or the professor at MIT."

As previously reported by PEOPLE, two people were killed, and nine others were injured, in a shooting at Brown University on Dec. 13, 2025. The two people who were killed in the attack were later identified as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, 19.

Gofundme Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

Two days later, on Dec. 15, 2025, Nuno F. G. Loureiro, 47, a professor at MIT, was found with apparent gunshot wounds at his Brookline, Mass., home. He was pronounced dead the morning after.

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On Dec. 18, 2025, it was announced that Neves Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a storage facility in New Hampshire.

"Neves Valente showed no remorse during the recordings; on the contrary, he exposed his true nature when he blamed innocent, unarmed children for their deaths at his hand and grumbled about a self-inflicted injury he suffered when he shot the MIT professor at close range," the press release continued.

Linkedin Ella Cook Ella Cook

Although an investigation into the motives behind Neves Valente's alleged actions continues, the Department of Justice released transcripts of the short videos made by Neves Valente, translated from Portuguese to English, with the press release.

In a portion of the translated transcript, Neves Valente allegedly said, "I've been here... I've been here without caring for a very long time now. To say that I was extraordinarily satisfied, no, but I also don't regret what I did. Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye [laughs]. But it was really hard, man."

MIT Department of Physics Nuno F. G. Loureiro Nuno F. G. Loureiro

He also acknowledged that his attack at Brown University, in which he was briefly enrolled as a graduate student in the physics department in the early 2000s, didn't go as planned.

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"I never wanted to do it in an auditorium. I wanted to do it in a regular room. And I had plenty of opportunities, especially this semester, I had plenty of opportunities, but I always chickened out," he said.



Read the original article on People
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has said that Stockholm is willing to provide Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets and resources for demining the Black Sea after a peace agreement with Russia is signed.

Source: Kristersson on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Good progress made today in Paris, when we in the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States met to discuss peace in Ukraine.

When a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, Sweden stands ready to contribute to the security guarantees for Ukraine and the rest of Europe."

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Details: Kristersson outlined specific areas of assistance aimed at securing peace, particularly the provision of Gripen fighter jets for air surveillance over Ukraine, the supply of naval assets for clearing the Black Sea of mines and continued training for Ukrainian officers.

He stressed that the implementation of these plans would be possible only if certain conditions were met. These include the conclusion of a peace agreement itself, the establishment of clear rules governing the use of multinational forces and formal approval of the decisions by the Swedish parliament.

"Sweden is prepared to do our part for peace in Europe," Kristersson summed up.

Previously:

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Following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, Belgium also pledged to provide air and naval assets to help uphold peace in Ukraine after the war ends.

In the meantime, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni refused to send Italian troops to Ukraine, citing constitutional restrictions.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that each task linked to the process of providing assistance to Ukraine has a leading state, with Poland set to be the lead country on logistics.

Background:

On Tuesday 6 January, the French capital hosted a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing involving 27 countries.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron alongside Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement is concluded.

In addition, members of the coalition, Ukraine and the US signed a joint declaration on security guarantees aimed at achieving a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Adviser to President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the American delegation will continue talks with the Ukrainian delegation on 7 January, following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.

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Meet Samantha Clark, an inspiring fifth-grade science teacher at Woodward Middle School- North. Originally from Red Oak, Samantha graduated from Oklahoma State University, where she also met her husband, Lane Clark. The couple now lives in Mooreland, with their beloved French bulldog, Maverick.

Samantha credits her father-in-law, Lance Clark, as a major influence in her decision to become a teacher. His encouragement opened her eyes to the joy of teaching children, and she remains grateful for his guidance.

Getting to work with kids has been one of my greatest blessings, she said. I fully believe becoming a teacher is something I was called to do.

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Now in her third year teaching fifth-grade science, Samantha loves helping her students grow both academically and personally.

Mrs. Clark became a teacher through alternative certification as she didnt go to college to teach, said WMSN Principal Michelle Ham. This is Mrs. Clarks third year teaching fifth-grade science, but stepping into her classroom, one would think she has taught for years. Her compassion for her students and her passion for her subject are a phenomenal combination. Her students are thoroughly engaged and dont want to leave when class is over. She inspires those who have no desire to learn anything, much less science, and has students believing they might be the next rising star of Silicon Valley.

Clark takes great pride in her classroom management and teaching style.

Seeing their personalities and minds develop throughout the year is very special, Clark said.

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Her goal is to create a calm, engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.

Students have an easier time being engaged in each lesson with proper classroom management, she said. She incorporates fun and hands-on science experiments throughout the year, with class favorites like film canister rockets.

She uses a tailored teaching style to meet every student where they are at.

My hybrid teaching style is used to mix different teaching methods to fit what my students need, to help them better understand each lesson, she said.

One of her favorite moments as a teacher is when former students stop by her classroom after school just to say hello and give her a hug.

Collaborating with the faculty of Woodward Middle School North has been a great experience. I am thankful for the friendships that I have made with my co-workers and the strong team environment we share.
Teachers across North Carolina joined a statewide protest Wednesday morning for better public education support.

Organized by the group, NC Teachers in Action, the demonstrations aim to highlight the urgent need for more support from state leaders for public education.

Organizers have outlined several key demands, including:



Restoring longevity and master's pay

Eliminating the 15-24 year pay freeze and supporting a livable wage

Capping employee premium increases

Restoring retiree health benefits

Fully funding the Leandro Plan

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Brandy Sanders, one of the organizers, emphasized the long-term impact of inadequate funding on students and communities.

"We are going to continue to have teachers leaving, and that does impact student scores, that does impact a student's education long term, and it impacts our communities long term. The funding matters," she said.

Educators from 52 schools, including Wake County, New Hanover, Charlotte, and Gaston County, are planning to walkout of the classroom.

"I'm very passionate in educating the children," Amy Job, an educator who participated in the walkout, said. "So, I'm also passionate in educating the adults because I don't think the adults realize just what NC legislatures had been taking away from the teaching profession."

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The protests follow a report by the Education Law Center, which ranked North Carolina near the bottom nationwide in state funding for schools.

"We also want to feel supported," Mark Braxton, a educator who participated in the walkout, said. "But when you look at the numbers, you're like, oh, we're not truly doing our children a service because we can't get what we need to provide those services."

"I would be hard pressed to find any parents that wouldn't want to give their child everything," Amy Trice, another organizer, said. " Why wouldn't you want to give your child everything?"

Wake County officials have stated they do not anticipate any disruptions to the school schedule.

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The General Assembly is set to meet on April 7. NC Teachers in Action plans to continue their efforts with monthly protests leading up to that date.

SEE ALSO: Durham Association of Educators led school walk-ins to demand official union recognition
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - The Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers union sued Texas on Tuesday, urging a federal court to block the state from probing teachers over their social media posts on conservative influencer Charlie Kirk after his assassination in September.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas named the Texas Education Agency and its commissioner Mike Morath as defendants.

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The Texas AFT said a letter in September from the Texas Education Agency announced probes into teachers and staff that the agency alleged had "posted and/or shared reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media" about Kirk's assassination.

The union said Texas launched investigations into more than 350 educators and that some union members were terminated, placed on administrative leave and reprimanded.

The lawsuit said the Texas Education Agency did not define what it meant by "inappropriate" or provide protections to ensure that due process and free-speech rights of educators were preserved.

The letter from the Texas Education Agency had said some social media posts may be in "violation of the Educators' Code of Ethics." The agency said on Tuesday that it "cannot comment on outstanding legal matters."

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Kirk was shot at a Utah college campus. In subsequent weeks, hundreds of Americans faced firings, suspensions, investigations and other actions over views they expressed about him. Republicans alleged glorification of violence while rights advocates raised free-speech concerns.

Civil rights advocates criticized Kirk for rhetoric they called racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic, and misogynist, citing his public remarks about Black Americans, LGBTQ+ communities, Muslims and immigrants.

His supporters described him as a defender of conservative values and public debate who galvanized young voters for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Republican-controlled Texas also faced accusations of free-speech violations in November when it designated prominent Muslim civil rights group the Council on American-Islamic Relations a "foreign terrorist organization." CAIR challenged that in court.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Dont mess with Texas  when it comes to relocations, anyway.

The Lone Star State was back on top of the list of states to which the most Americans moved in 2025, according to the annual roundup from U-Haul, the rental truck company. U-Haul calculates its "Growth Index" according to the net number of customers who rented a truck, trailer or other equipment in one state and dropped it off in another.

In 2025, Texas was the number one growth state for the seventh time in 10 years. Last year, it came in second behind South Carolina. Also in the top five: Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. Those five states also made up the top five in 2024 and 2023, the company said, although in a different order.

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Americans are opting for sunshine and warm weather when they decide where to move, U-Haul said. Eight of the top 10 located in the South. In contrast, eight of the top 10 bottom states  those with the most out-migration  are northern states.

Among the biggest losers are California at Number 50, followed by Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. It was the Golden States sixth-straight year in last place, although it saw a smaller net loss of residents in 2025 than in the previous year, the release explained.

What's one way to feel happier? Go on a trip.



According to G Adventures' recently released Happiness List 2026, 89% of the 8,000 adults intending to travel in 2026 across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand agree that purpose-driven travel contributes to their long-term happiness. Those trips offer a sense of wonder along with a chance to decompress and find connection.



Here are 10 travel experiences that G Adventures' travelers said made them feel happiest: Panama's San Blas Islands are ideal for unplugging while enjoying turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Travelers can stay in Indigenous-owned accommodations, including traditional huts, and explore the archipelago by boat. Witnessing a solar eclipse is one way to experience wonder. G Adventures offers five trips for the Aug. 2027 eclipse, including an exclusive viewing party in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Travelers can dive into Guatemala's history and culture, from learning how to make beloved local dishes to exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal. Exploring the wild, remote landscapes in the Arctic aboard an expedition cruise can leave travelers with a newfound appreciation for Mother Nature. Imagine having a close encounter with Africa's wildlife while also supporting ethical travel and conservation. G Adventures offers a trip to Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, where travelers can see Victoria Falls, track elephants and cruise rivers looking for hippos. Sail down Sri Lanka's South Coast on a seven-day trip on a 54-foot catamaran for the chance to swim at remote beaches, explore fishing villages and more. Ecuador offers much more than being a gateway to the Galapagos. Travelers can go chocolate tasting, learn more about Indigenous culture and explore the wild jungle. Rather than falling into the typical tourist traps, travelers can try to live like a local and go off the beaten path. On G Adventures' East Iceland trip, guests go to a remote hamlet, enjoy geothermal pools and hike coastal trails. The Stans  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan  offer a rich history steeped in the Silk Road trade along with stunning nature, like Kaindy Lake's otherworldly sunken forest. Moldova may not be on everyone's radar, but this underrated Eastern European destination is perfect for foodies. Travelers can sip wine, taste local cuisine and visit spots like an eco-friendly cheese factory. 10 destinations where travelers feel happiest 1 of 10 What's one way to feel happier? Go on a trip.



According to G Adventures' recently released Happiness List 2026, 89% of the 8,000 adults intending to travel in 2026 across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand agree that purpose-driven travel contributes to their long-term happiness. Those trips offer a sense of wonder along with a chance to decompress and find connection.



Here are 10 travel experiences that G Adventures' travelers said made them feel happiest: Panama's San Blas Islands are ideal for unplugging while enjoying turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Travelers can stay in Indigenous-owned accommodations, including traditional huts, and explore the archipelago by boat.

Does politics influence where Americans move?

"Blue-to-red state migration, a hotly debated political topic that became more pronounced after the pandemic of 2020, continues to be a discernable trend," U-Haul said in a release accompanying the report.

"Seven of the top 10 growth states currently feature Republican governors, and nine of those states went red in the last presidential election," the release added. "Conversely, nine of the bottom 10 growth states feature Democrat governors, and seven of those states went blue in the last presidential election."

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Why is housing so expensive? There simply aren't enough homes.

Weather patterns and political decisions aside, "We continue to find that life circumstances  marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs and other events  dictate the need for most moves," said John "J.T." Taylor, president of U-Haul International, in the statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas and Florida most popular for relocating Americans, U-Haul says
A Texas teachers union has sued the state over what it said was a trampling of educators' free speech rights when hundreds came under investigation for their comments after the killing of Charlie Kirk.

The Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers filed the federal lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency and its commissioner, Mike Morath, on Jan. 6, the union said. The suit claims investigations into at least 350 teachers after Kirk's death were "unlawful" and that a letter issued by Morath to superintendents around the state targeting "reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media" prompted punishment and retaliation against teachers.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Sept. 10, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The cofounder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth-focused organization, Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump. Shooting suspect Tyler Robinson has been charged with murder.

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After Kirk's death, a wave of backlash came in response to online posts condemning his views or otherwise criticizing him. Right-leaning public figures and prominent social media accounts called for firings of people whose posts they deemed inappropriate.

Morath's letter on Sept. 12 directed superintendents to report "inappropriate conduct being shared" to the Texas Education Agency's Educator Investigations Division, which investigates teachers for allegations of misconduct, the Texas AFT said in its suit, which was reviewed by USA TODAY. The union said teachers were investigated not for speech made in classrooms but for posts made on their personal, often private, social media pages.

"In the months since, the consequences for our members have run the gamut from written reprimands and administrative leave to doxxing and termination from their jobs," AFT Vice President and Texas Chapter President Zeph Capo said at a news conference.

Texas Education Agency spokesperson Jake Kobersky said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

A man wearing a MAGA hat holds his phone as people arrive to attend the public memorial service of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk outside State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025. Crowds wait in line to get inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. for Charlie Kirk's memorial on Sept. 21, 2025. Crowds wait in line to get inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. for Charlie Kirk's memorial on Sept. 21, 2025. People enter the gates early in the morning to attend the Charlie Kirk's memorial Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. A drone view of workers installing a photo of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, ahead of a memorial service to be held for him on September 21 at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, Sept. 19, 2025. A banner hangs on the facade of the State Farm stadium ahead of a memorial service in tribute of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Glendale, Arizona, Sept. 20, 2025. Charlie Kirk remembered in memorial service at State Farm Stadium 1 of 6 A man wearing a MAGA hat holds his phone as people arrive to attend the public memorial service of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk outside State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025.

Lawsuit claims teachers were disciplined for exercising free speech

The lawsuit filed by the Texas AFT says that teachers in public schools have a constitutionally protected right to free speech and that their speech in their personal capacity, such as on social media, is protected as well. The suit alleges that teachers' rights were violated when they were investigated or faced disciplinary action for their posts about Kirk. It also alleges that the policy to report teachers for "inappropriate" content was unfairly vague.

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"These teachers were disciplined solely for their speech, without any regard to whether the posts disrupted school operations in any way," the lawsuit reads.

Teachers whose cases are mentioned in the lawsuit were kept anonymous, Capo said, to protect them from further harassment. Many teachers are fearful to express any more opinions, effectively silencing their speech, he said.

Charlie Kirk speaking in Tillman Hall at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, on Nov. 1, 2021.

One of the teachers, who made a post described in the lawsuit as one that "simply raised questions about the circumstances of Mr. Kirks death and did not promote violence in any way," was shared by a lawmaker who used it as part of an election campaign and called for the teacher's dismissal. The high school English teacher, who has taught for 27 years, was placed on administrative leave and later fired. She settled a wrongful termination claim with the school district, the lawsuit said.

Another teacher of 16 years and a military veteran who previously won "Teacher of the Year" in his school district and made posts criticizing Kirk for his views on Black Americans is under an ongoing investigation by the state agency, the lawsuit said.

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"We denounced Charlie Kirks assassination, we denounced violence after Uvalde. We denounce violence," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "What happened in the next few days [after Kirk's killing] wasnt about violence or denouncing violence, it was about muzzling the expression of constitutionally protected nonviolent speech."

Dozens lost jobs over posts about Kirk

In the wake of Kirk's death in September, USA TODAY counted dozens of examples of people who lost their jobs, were suspended or were investigated over posts or comments they made about the conservative podcaster, including educators, lawyers, doctors and first responders.

They include a dean at Middle Tennessee State, Laura Sosh-Lightsy, who was fired for a social media post saying she had "zero sympathy" for Kirk; a Marine who called Kirk a "racist man" who was "popped"; and Jimmy Kimmel, whose ABC show was temporarily suspended after he made comments about Kirk.

Some educators who lost their jobs filed lawsuits alleging their free speech rights were violated. A teacher in Iowa who compared Kirk to a Naz,; a South Carolina teacher's assistant who posted a Kirk quote and said she disagreed with him but called the death a "tragedy" and an employee of an Indiana university who said Kirk's death was wrong and condemned some of his beliefs all filed suits on free speech, according to reporting from the USA TODAY Network. Each case kicked up a flurry of social media outrage and calls for the educators' firings.

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In Tennessee, a tenured theater professor at Austin Peay State University was reinstated after originally being fired for comments he made online after Kirk's killing, the Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, recently reported.

Contributing: Kate Perez

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teachers union sues Texas over probes into posts on Charlie Kirk
HOWE  A Texas woman was killed in a crash Monday night on the Indiana Toll Road near Howe in LaGrange County

Killed in the crash was Neda Meketa, 45, of Haslet, Texas.

Indiana State Police reported that the crash occurred just before 11 p.m. near the 120-mile marker in LaGrange County.

The crash, ISP reported, involved a single commercial motor vehicle, a box truck occupied by two people, traveling west on the Indiana Toll Road. For an unknown reason, the vehicle left the roadway, entered the grassy median, overturned, and came to rest on its roof, the report reads.

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Meketa was the driver. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Family has been notified. A male passenger was transported to Parkview LaGrange Hospital with minor injuries.

At this time, investigators said drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be contributing factors in the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the Indiana State Police Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, and no additional information is available at this time.

Assisting agencies included the LaGrange County Sheriffs Department, LaGrange City Police Department, Parkview EMS, Howe Fire Department, RMS Environmental, and the LaGrange County Coroners Office.
Thousands of retired Fresno Unified employees abruptly lost access to health care services from Community Medical Centers on New Years Day, and its unclear when the situation will be resolved.

The disruption happened because one of Fresno Unifieds insurers, Aetna, was unable to reach an agreement with Community Medical Centers by the Dec. 31 deadline. As a result, Aetna removed Community Medical Centers and Community Health Partners from its provider network effective Jan. 1.

Approximately 6,200 retirees and dependents are enrolled in the Aetna program, and 1,500 of them received primary care services at Community Medical Centers at the time of the disruption, according to Fresno Unified.

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Its really hard for them, because some of them are in their 80s, theyre elderly. What Im hearing is theyre having a hard time getting things approved, getting coverage, Trustee Susan Wittrup said at a December school board meeting. I was in the district when we started the lifetime benefits, and I remember it well, because employees gave up compensation and increases in salary to have the lifetime benefits.

Wittrup said about 200 retirees received letters notifying them that their medications would be discontinued, with no alternative listed.

At the Dec. 17 board meeting, the seven-member school board voted unanimously to continue the contract with Aetna, though they all agreed that its a disturbing situation.

Even though thats the case, this allows for continuity of service for our retirees. There are other medical providers, the 75% of our retirees who arent being impacted by the dispute with Community, this continues coverage for them, said Patrick Jensen, the districts chief financial officer. For 25% of our retirees who are caught up in this and have a primary service provider within Community, this doesnt solve the immediate need, but if they come to an agreement, then those employees wont have any disruptive coverage.

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Jensen told the board that it will take six months to move all the retirees to a new health insurance plan, and its highly disruptive because everyone has different doctors, pharmacies, and medications that might not be covered by the new plan.

However, if Aetna eventually cannot reach an agreement with Community Medical Centers, that would be a qualifying factor for Fresno Unified to eliminate the contract with Aetna, Jensen said, due to its inability to maintain service with a major hospital chain in Fresno.

An update on Dec. 30 issued by Fresno Unifieds Joint Health Management Board reminded retirees that they can still receive services from Community Medical Centers as long as the provider is willing to bill Aetna as an out-of-network provider and the retiree is willing to pay a higher rate.

Her acknowledged its a scary time for many, not just members of Fresno Unified, but all organizations that use Aetna as an insurer. The JHMB and the districts benefits team are actively evaluating all options and are committed to transparent communication as new, verified information becomes available, Her said in a statement.

The district also reminds retirees that they will still be seen if they have an emergency, as per a federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which prevents Medicare-participating hospitals from refusing to provide emergency services.
The statue of John C. Calhoun is on display at the U.S. Capitol on June 30, 2021 in Washington, D.C. The statue is located in a first-floor section of the building called the Capitol Crypt. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

While I breathe, I hope.

South Carolinas motto, as always, hurls us headlong with joy and optimism into the New Year.

My hope for 2026 is that state leaders address our states real problems this year and nudge us further toward a modern and prosperous state that works for everyone.

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My hope is that state leaders grapple with the cost-of-living challenges we face, fix the rotten roads and bridges, close the teacher-shortage gap, expand health care coverage, tackle rising insurance rates, promote vaccination, avoid nuttiness (banning chemtrails, really?), and extend a more generous hand to our most vulnerable citizens.

And heres another idea fit for the New Year: Its time for us to remove the dusty statues of John C. Calhoun and Wade Hampton III from the U.S. Capitol.

Every state in the nation contributes two statues to the National Statuary Hall Collection to reflect the finest values of the people of our states.

Our two statues, Calhoun and Hampton, represent South Carolina to all Capitol visitors. They represent our state to the world. But these are two of the worst people represented by statues in the U.S. Capitol.

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The stony visage of Calhoun, the fierce advocate of slavery, has scowled over the halls of the Capitol building since 1910. The statue is currently located with others in the Capitol Crypt, suitable for a dead philosophy.

Hampton, the white supremacist and slaveholder, has resided with mutton-chopped extravagance in the U.S. Capitol since 1929.

Theyve dwelled in the Capitol at public expense for too long. Time for a respectful eviction.

What brings this to mind is a recent inspiring story out of Virginia, which removed its Robert E. Lee statue from the U.S. Capitol in 2020.

Barbara Johns, who, as a teenager, helped organize a strike to desegregate schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia. (Library of Virginia)

Just last month, Lee was replaced with a statue of teenage civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns.

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The gutsy Johns famously led a 1951 student strike against school segregation, which contributed to the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Johns now stands with George Washington in the Capitol.

The statue of Lee, commander of the Confederate States Army, was moved to a Virginia museum.

The symbolism couldnt be clearer: Virginia chose a message of aspiration and racial equality over honoring the racial strife and bloodshed of the past. The Old Dominion embraced the New South.

For South Carolinians concerned about local Confederate statues, its worthwhile to note that Virginia in removing Lee from the Capitol has not removed statues of Lee from across Virginia.

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The Calhoun and Hampton statues also belong in museums to place them in a balanced historical context.

Statues in public places are not neutral historical records. Theyre public endorsements. They represent our shared values, those we hold dear, not those we find morally abhorrent.

Calhoun and Hampton are worthy of devoted study but not worthy of public veneration.

Better angels

If Virginians can find the courage to express the better angels of their nature, South Carolinians can, too.

This idea is not too far-fetched: In 2020, Charleston City Council took the bold step of removing a statue of Calhoun from Charlestons Marion Square.

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Calhoun, who died in 1850, was perhaps the most prominent and strident defender of slavery and white supremacy in American history.

Unlike some of the founders of our nation who called slavery a necessary evil, Calhoun argued in an 1837 Senate speech that slavery was a positive good  that it was beneficial, morally justified, and the proper foundation of a stable society. He also insisted that racial hierarchy was natural and desirable.

These ideas today are loathsome to South Carolinians.

Calhoun, a powerful orator, was not just a slaveholder. He was, in many respects, the chief theorist of slaveholding and an architect of the nations slide toward Civil War.

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Hampton, for his part, was a Confederate lieutenant general and one of the most prominent slaveholders in the Southeast.

His successful 1876 campaign for governor coincided with widespread intimidation and violence against Black voters, most notably by the Red Shirts, a paramilitary group that supported Hampton.

Historians connect the Red Shirts to the Hamburg Massacre and Ellenton Riot. Estimates of the resulting deaths range from 30 to more than 100 Black South Carolinians.

As governor (18761879), Hampton rolled back Reconstruction gains and paved the way for Jim Crow laws, excluding Black South Carolinians from meaningful power for generations.

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But who could replace these two old Democrats, Calhoun and Hampton, in the U.S. Capitol?

That question will offer a lively future discussion among South Carolinians.

A few names Id suggest: Robert Smalls, Ronald McNair, Ernest Fritz Hollings, Charles H. Townes, John Laurens and Septima Clark.

Redeeming qualities

Supporters of the status quo point out that Calhoun and Hampton, despite the gravity of their moral failings, possessed redeeming qualities.

Historians such as Merrill D. Peterson and H.W. Brands give Calhoun credit for being a brilliant if flawed thinker for developing such concepts as nullification and expressing concerns about the tyranny of the majority.

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Calhoun served for decades  as congressman, senator, secretary of war, secretary of state, and vice president  and was widely regarded in his time.

Hampton, for his part, was revered by past generations of South Carolinians for his bravery, personal honor and humane treatment of civilians during the Civil War.

That said, the two were fiercely and irredeemably on the wrong side of history, defending the greatest injustices our nation has ever known. Weighed in the balance, theyre found wanting.

Calhoun and Hampton do not represent a modern, economically vibrant and increasingly diverse South Carolina thats striving toward greater unity and harmony.

Isnt it time we present the best version of our great state to the world?
Veterans make up less than 10% of North Carolina's population, yet they account for nearly one-fifth of the state's homeless population, with 28 homeless veterans in Fayetteville, according to veteran advocacy groups.

A new Fayetteville nonprofit is working to change that.

Redeploying American Veterans, a nonprofit founded by retired Army veteran Jimmy Plater, is hoping to launch the city's first tiny home village designed specifically for homeless veterans. The project aims to provide safe, stable housing while offering mental health support and job training to help veterans rebuild their lives.

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Plater, a 30-year Army veteran who retired from Fort Bragg in 2015, said his own military experience motivated him to act.

"I retired here at Fort Bragg in 2015, and my family is here. I'm here," Plater said. "The purpose of RAV is to provide tiny homes for homeless veterans, primarily the ones that are hidden homeless, and to bring them back into our population."

The organization received approval from city leaders to move forward with the project, which will include six fully furnished, one-bedroom tiny homes. Each home will be approximately 400 square feet.

According to Plater, the village is designed not only to reduce homelessness but also to address veteran suicide and relieve pressure on local shelters.

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"Right now, our concept is a one-bedroom, fully furnished tiny home," he said.

Plater said many homeless veterans did not anticipate falling into homelessness and often struggle with challenges such as mental health issues, lack of civilian job training, or financial instability after leaving the military.

"For anyone that has served in the military that is homeless, we owe them a debt of gratitude," Plater said. "Most of them didn't ask to be homeless due to circumstances."

The nonprofit expects to break ground within the next six months. The first group of veterans is projected to move into the village by 2027.
Florida lawmakers next week will start the 2026 legislative session. With hundreds of bills filed for consideration during the session, here are 10 issues to watch:

 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a priority of creating what he has dubbed an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights. Such a proposal was filed last month in the Senate, addressing a variety of regulatory issues related to the technology. House panels have looked at AI issues, but House leaders have not moved forward on the bill-of-rights idea.

 BUDGET: Disputes between the House and Senate about spending and tax cuts led to a messy, delayed end of the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers will try to agree during the upcoming session on a budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. DeSantis last month proposed a $117.36 billion spending plan that includes such things as increased money for teacher salaries.

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 EDUCATION: Florida has dramatically expanded school-voucher programs in recent years, but lawmakers are grappling with growing pains in the programs. That has included questions about money properly following students as they shift between public schools and private schools and homeschooling. Meanwhile, school districts are worried about enrollment drops.

 GROWTH MANAGEMENT: As they held county delegation meetings in recent months, lawmakers were hit with complaints about a 2025 law that blocked cities and counties from approving more restrictive or burdensome changes to growth plans. Senate and House bills would scale back the law, which dealt with a series of issues related to 2024 hurricanes.

 GUNS: House Republicans will make another attempt to repeal a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. Lawmakers passed the age limit in 2018 after the mass shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, but the House in recent years has tried to repeal the law. The Senate has stymied the repeal attempts.

 HEALTH CARE: Amid a national debate about making changes to the health-care system, the House last month released two wide-ranging bills that include reducing some health-care regulations and trying to address prescription-drug costs. For example, one of the bills would eliminate the certificate-of-need regulatory process for nursing homes and hospice providers.

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 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: After DeSantis vetoed such a bill last year, the House has teed up a proposal that would repeal a long-controversial 1990 law that prevents some people from seeking what are known as non-economic damages in medical-malpractice cases involving deaths of their parents or adult children. Health care and business groups oppose a repeal.

 PROPERTY TAXES: DeSantis has traveled the state calling for a proposed constitutional amendment to slash property taxes. But lawmakers would need to agree on details of a proposal  or multiple proposals  that would go on the November ballot. Local governments are closing watching the debate, as they worry about losing tax dollars that pay for services.

 REDISTRICTING: Republican leaders in various states, including Florida, have looked at redrawing congressional districts as the GOP tries to keep control of the U.S. House in 2026. DeSantis has signaled support for redrawing Florida districts during a spring special session. But Florida House Republican leaders have backed addressing the issue in the regular session.

 RURAL RENAISSANCE: Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is looking for a big take-home bill. The citrus farmer is seeking to pass a rural renaissance plan aimed at boosting such things as health care, education, transportation and economic development in rural areas. Senators passed the plan during the 2025 session, but it fell apart in the House.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
ALBANY, New York  State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expressed support Wednesday for a bill aimed at increasing sanctuary protections for New Yorks immigrant population  all but ensuring the issue will remain a major focus for Albany in an election year.

Stewart-Cousins mentioned the New York for All bill as she laid out the Democratic majoritys agenda in her opening remarks to this years legislative session.

We will stand firm in defense of voting rights and equal rights, she said, with one of our central focuses being standing up for communities that are being targeted and marginalized, which includes protecting our immigrant brothers and sisters by advancing the goals of New York for All.

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The six-year-old measure to impose restrictions on law enforcements ability to cooperate with immigration officials has never been approved by either house of the Legislature. Several leaders, including Stewart-Cousins, have previously said immigration is best addressed by the federal government.

Revisiting the bill as Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks to win a second full-term in the governors mansion would be guaranteed to catch the attention of not only her Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, but of President Donald Trump, who has demonstrated little reluctance about involving himself in the Empire States affairs.

Hochul has long opposed measures that hinder cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cases involving felons.

Someone breaks the law, Ill be the first one to call up ICE and say, Get them out of here, Hochul said after Trumps 2024 victory. I dont want them here. I dont want anybody terrorizing my citizens.

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Since state lawmakers were last in Albany in June, the intensity of federal immigration action  and the reality that those actions are not just focused on deporting felons  has become clearer, though.

A serious push on the issue this year would likely pose a political vise for centrists like Hochul, who faces pressure from both the right and the left in the form of primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.

I like to hear that, Delgado said when asked about Stewart-Cousins remarks. Our immigrant communities are under siege.

He noted that a growing number of counties have signed onto 287(g) agreements  the deals that law enforcement enters into with ICE. New York for All would do away with those agreements.

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Delgados willing to make the subject a campaign issue, too. Last summer, he called on Hochul to convene a special session to force a vote on the bill legislators have thus far declined to pass.

But the Trump administration would almost certainly lash out if the bill was ever enacted.

After New York passed a less far-reaching measure in 2019  which prohibited the DMV from sharing information on undocumented drivers with immigration officials  the feds barred New Yorkers from accessing expedited border-crossing programs. They eventually relented after admitting in court they misunderstood the rules and didnt realize other states had similar prohibitions on the books.

During Trumps second term, the federal government sued over the restrictions but lost in court last month.

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Even without federal action, Republicans are poised to turn any new sanctuary laws into a campaign issue.

If you distill it all down, it is about protecting people who commit crimes against the citizens of New York state, state Sen. George Borrello said. Thats what sanctuary policy is. Its bad policy and has made New York state a far less safe place to live.

Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive and is the likely GOP gubernatorial nominee, was notably one of the first officials in the country to enter into a partnership with immigration officials this year. The deputization of county police officers as ICE agents, which hes touted as anti-crime, would be barred under New York for All.

Advocates who have spent years pushing for the proposal are hopeful these election-year concerns wont impede its passage.

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Regardless of it being an election year, doing the right thing means standing up and delivering for your constituencies, said the New York Immigration Coalitions Murad Awawdeh. Now is the time to take action, and New York state must be decisive at this moment and illustrate to all 19 million plus New Yorkers which side they stand on.

The Senates conceptual support is far from a guarantee the bill will pass. Advocates have viewed the Assemblys Democratic majority as a bigger hurdle.

And even if it does pass, Hochul wouldnt need to act on it until December  once the elections in the rearview mirror.

But a Senate vote would at the very least spark momentum for the idea, making it a top focus for Albany in the springtime conclusion to this years session.

My hope is that as more and more people elevate this issue and this legislation, make it clear how critical is  there will be continued momentum and energy around this, and there will be the requisite response, Delgado said.
Jan. 6SUPERIOR  The Town of Superior Volunteer Fire Department waited for three years for one mammoth Christmas gift. Tender 1 rolled into the fire hall Dec. 26.

Fire Chief Darryl Fiegle said the new vehicle isn't flashy. It looks like a big, square truck. But a tender, which provides a mobile water supply, is critical for a rural fire department.

"This is our hydrant system," Fiegle said.

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The new pumper tender replaces an aging 2,600-gallon tanker that was no longer safe to drive, according to Fiegle. For the past 1 1/2 years, it has been out of commission and the town has had to rely on mutual aid from surrounding fire departments to supply tenders.

The new pumper tender can carry 3,000 gallons of water. It also has two drop tanks that can each hold an additional 3,000 gallons brought to the scene of a fire by another tender. The vehicle has a 750-gallon pump with the ability to pump while driving. There are three dumps for unloading water, as well as improved safety features and lighting, according to the chief.

The department, which has 28 members on the roster, responded to 190 calls in 2025. Rail lines and hazardous materials pass through the town.

"We face a lot of things, and to have this much water and the ability to pump and do all these things means a lot," Fiegle said.

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The cost for the new tender was $520,000. Of that, $42,000 came from department fundraisers and donations. The sale price of the old tender, $15,000, was also earmarked for the new vehicle. The town secured a loan through the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands for the rest of the cost, Fiegle said. He thanked the community for its support.

"We're not here to waste it. We're not here to splurge. We want it to fit what we need to do so everybody's safe," Fiegle said.

He said the price of firefighting apparatus has nearly doubled since 2017, when the department bought its current engine. In addition to higher costs, it is taking longer for fire departments to get their vehicles. The town ordered Tender 1 in 2022, Fiegle said.

Firefighters spent time prepping the truck for duty and learning about its new features Tuesday, Dec. 30.

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On top of the truck, Capt. Ashleigh Erdmann and probationary firefighter Katrina Casper arranged and connected 1,000 feet of hose, a segment at a time. Capt. John Webber unrolled the new hoses on the fire station floor before firefighter Ryan Crimmins handed them up. A radio was being installed by Assistant Fire Chief Brett Uchanski.

It will take about two weeks to outfit the truck and train firefighters in its use, after which it will be available for calls, Fiegle said.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  UPDATE: The bridge has been reopened, according to officials from the Savannah Police.

ORIGINAL: According to Savannah Police, all Northbound traffic on US 17/Talmadge Bridge is being diverted onto Hutchinson Island at the Oglethorpe Ave exit due to an accident in South Carolina.

Please drive with caution. WSAV will update you as new details on the bridge reopening are made available.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Attorneys for Ruby Corado, the founder of the now-defunct Washington, D.C., LGBTQ+ nonprofit Casa Ruby, are urging a federal judge to sentence her to time served, arguing that incarceration would expose the transgender advocate to extraordinary danger, even as federal prosecutors press for nearly three years behind bars.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

Corado is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13 after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud tied to the misuse of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to keep Casa Ruby operating during the public health emergency.

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Related: Breaking: Judge delays Ruby Corados sentencing but orders U.S. Marshals to take her into custody



In a 25-page sentencing memorandum filed Tuesday, Corados lawyer, Pleasant S. Brodnax III, asked U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden to impose a time-served sentence rather than incarceration, citing her lack of prior criminal history, decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and what the filing describes as the uniquely severe and dangerous conditions transgender women now face in federal custody, under the Trump administration.

Courts have long recognized that when a defendant will suffer atypical and fortuitous hardship in custody, a downward variance is appropriate because a term of imprisonment will be more severe in kind and degree' than for the average or typical defendant, Brodnax told the judge in the filing.

Prosecutors, however, are seeking a 33-month prison sentence, the low end of what they argue is the correct federal sentencing guidelines range, along with more than $956,000 in restitution and forfeiture, contending that Corado orchestrated a sweeping pandemic-era fraud that helped drive Casa Rubys collapse.

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Federal authorities say Corado fraudulently obtained and misused nearly $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds by falsely certifying that the money would be used for Casa Rubys payroll, rent, and operating expenses, while transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars into offshore accounts in El Salvador that she controlled. Prosecutors argue she later fled the country as the nonprofit imploded, leaving employees, landlords, and vendors unpaid.

Related: Scandal Engulfs D.C. LGBTQ+ Nonprofit, Founder Vanishes



The defense filing comes amid sweeping federal policy rollbacks that have stripped LGBTQ+ people in custody of long-standing protections against sexual violence. In December, the Trump administration directed prison inspectors to stop enforcing key safety standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, reversing rules designed to protect transgender and gender-nonconforming inmates from assault, degrading treatment, and unsafe housing placements. Advocates warn the changes dramatically heighten the risk faced by transgender women in federal and immigration detention  the same system Corado would likely enter if incarcerated.

The filing also warns that Corado faces a likely transfer directly from federal prison into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, followed by potential deportation proceedings  consequences her attorney says would compound any prison sentence into a far harsher punishment than what similarly situated U.S. citizens would face. Because Corado is a lawful permanent resident, not a U.S. citizen, her lawyer argues that incarceration would almost certainly trigger immigration detention and jeopardize her legal status, placing her at risk of removal to El Salvador, a country the memo describes as hostile to transgender people.

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Corado has admitted to diverting $200,000 from the loans in violation of program rules. Her attorney argues the funds were not used for personal enrichment but were intended to support LGBTQ+ people in El Salvador through an attempted expansion of Casa Rubys mission abroad  a claim prosecutors strongly dispute.

Related: Ruby Corado, founder of LGBTQ+ nonprofit Casa Ruby, pleads guilty to wire fraud

Under federal sentencing guidelines, Corado faces an advisory prison range that her attorneys place at 15 to 21 months, while prosecutors argue it is 33 to 41 months based on a higher loss calculation and additional sentencing enhancements.

The defense filing emphasizes what it describes as worsening federal policies affecting LGBTQ+ people in custody, warning that transgender women are now at heightened risk of sexual assault, degrading treatment, misgendering, and denial of medically necessary care. Corado, the memo notes, has survived wartime trauma in El Salvador, homelessness, and repeated sexual violence  factors her attorney says would make incarceration uniquely destructive.

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Prosecutors counter that Corado betrayed the trust of the very community she claimed to serve, describing her conduct as a calculated scheme carried out during a time when millions of Americans were struggling financially, and relief funds were urgently needed. They argue that a significant prison sentence is necessary to promote respect for the law.

Corado was arrested in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in July 2024. After initially being released under court supervision, she was ordered held pending sentencing following an October 2025 hearing. McFadden will decide next week whether to impose prison time and, if so, how much, when Corado appears for sentencing.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Transgender D.C. nonprofit founder Ruby Corado fears Trump-era prison ahead of sentencing hearing

RELATED
The trial of a German woman accused of having isolated her young daughter from the outside world for seven years was interrupted just moments after it began on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old woman faces charges of of concealing, abusing and causing injury to her daughter at a family home in western Germany since the child was about 1 year old.

The girl was aged 8 when she was freed from her grandparents' home in the town of Attendorn, some 65 kilometres east of Cologne, in September 2022. She is now 12.

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The girl's grandparents are accused of being accessories to the crimes, but the 83-year-old grandfather failed to appear in front of the regional court in the city of Siegen on Wednesday, causing the judge to interrupt the proceedings after 30 minutes.

According to his defence attorney, the man was released from hospital on Tuesday and is bedridden.

But Judge Sabine Metz-Horst said that since no medical certificate had been provided, the grandfather had an unexcused absence, meaning the indictment could not be read out.

She postponed the session to January 12, also floating the possibility of the grandfather being tried in a separate proceeding.

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The girl's mother and the 80-year-old grandmother were in the courtroom on Wednesday.

According to prosecutors, the girl had been held captive in the family home since 2015, suffering considerable psychological harm as a result. She was said to have been denied contact with others and did not attend kindergarten or school.

Police and welfare officials freed her acting on a number of tip-offs, taking her to a foster family.

The motives for the actions by the mother and grandparents remain unclear.

The judge renewed an offer to the defendants for a mediation session intended to reach an agreement between the parties involved in the proceedings, including to shorten the duration of the proceedings.
The Trump administration is dramatically expanding a policy requiring some foreign travelers to post bonds of up to $15,000 before entering the United States.

The State Department on Tuesday added 25 countries to its visa bond list, nearly tripling the total shortly after adding seven more as part of the Trump administration's moves to tighten immigration enforcement.

There are now 38 countries subject to the requirement, most of them in Africa with others in Latin America and Asia, a move that could make obtaining a U.S. visa unaffordable for many travelers.

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The bond requirement for the latest additions, including Venezuela, will take effect Jan. 21.

Trump State Department Orders Global Visa Crackdown Under Revived Public Charge Rule

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives for a closed-door meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on December 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

Travelers eligible for a B1/B2 visa from countries on the list must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount set during the visa interview, according to a notice posted on the State Department's website.

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Paying the bond will not guarantee a visa's approval, but the amount will be refunded should the visa be denied, or when a visa holder demonstrates compliance with the terms of the visa.

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The expansion follows a pilot program launched by the State Department in August that requires certain visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates and deficient document security controls to post a bond.

Homeland Security Moves Toward Scrutinizing Foreign Tourists' Social Media Accounts Before Entry

Travelers from certain countries will be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 under an expanded State Department policy.

The Trump administration rolled out numerous immigration policy changes last year, impacting the way people travel, obtain visas and become citizens in the United States, with some measures scheduled to take effect in 2026.

The Trump administration requires citizens from all countries that require visas to sit for in-person interviews and disclose years of social media history, along with information about their families previous travel and living arrangements.

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State Department Yanks Visas From Mexican Executives In Migrant Smuggling Crackdown

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Sept. 19, 2025, establishing the "Trump Gold Card" and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The "Trump Gold Card" is a visa program that allows foreign nationals permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a $1 million investment in the United States. (Getty Images)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new rule on Dec. 26, 2025, expanding facial recognition for non-citizens entering and leaving the United States.

President Donald Trump also recently announced the launch of the much-anticipated "Trump Gold Card," an immigration initiative designed to provide a new, streamlined path to U.S. citizenship, which he has said could generate billions of dollars.

The new countries added to the visa bond requirement beginning Jan. 21 are Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

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Countries already on the list include Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Zambia.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment.

Fox News Digital's Greg Norman, Greg Wehner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump admin expands visa bond requirement to 38 countries, with fees up to $15K
The Scoop

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will join President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this month.

Jamieson Greer, head of US trade policy; Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East; AI and crypto czar David Sacks; Michael Kratsios, head of the White Houses science and technology policy; and Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are also part of the planned delegation, an official familiar with the planning told Semafor.

The administration is coming in force, said Dave Ackerman, who is organizing the USA House in Davos, which for the first time is being recognized by the US State Department as the countrys official headquarters on the Promenade.

Know More

Trump will be making his third in-person appearance in Davos, the high temple of a global, multilateral order he has upended in the first year of his second term. At his first appearance in 2018, he delivered a surprisingly open-armed message, declaring America First does not mean America alone. He arrived defiant in 2020 as his impeachment trial was getting underway in Washington, and touted the US strong economy and stock market.

Trump said Wednesday that he would talk at Davos about his administrations efforts to tackle high prices. Affordability has become a political problem for the White House and congressional Republicans running in midterm elections later this year.
Jan. 6The Trump administration has tapped Spokane County's top spokesman to hold the highest U.S. Department of Agriculture role in Washington state.

Spokane County Communications Director Patrick Bell on Tuesday was named director of the Washington office of the USDA's Farm Service Agency, which oversees federal farm loans, disaster assistance and conservation programs statewide from its headquarters in Spokane Valley.

Bell has nearly 20 years of experience in the communications and political realms, including as associate and interim director of state relations and director of special projects for the University of Washington. He's likely best known for his eight years as a senior staff member for former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican from Spokane, including managing a re-election campaign and her three Eastern Washington offices. He joined the county in 2023 and unsuccessfully ran for a state House of Representatives seat from his home in Suncrest in 2024.

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McMorris Rodgers said Bell's selection was a great choice for the state of Washington. He brings lived experience, as well as a hefty knowledge of federal operations and established relationships within the agricultural community, nationally and statewide.

"I think he has a ton to offer," She said. "And besides his knowledge and experience, he also just has a great big heart. He really cares about people and wants to help."

Bell is someone who understands the challenges facing Washington's agricultural community, which is a top economic driver for the state and Eastern Washington in particular, McMorris Rodgers added.

Raised on his family's farms in Springdale and Camano Island, Bell graduated from Stanwood High School in 2001 before earning a political science bachelor's from Pacific Lutheran University and master's in public administration from Seattle University. In 2008, he was selected as a U.S. Fulbright fellow to study energy economics overseas, according to a news release announcing his candidacy for state office last year.

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"Patrick brings deep agricultural roots and a lifelong connection to rural communities," states a USDA release announcing his appointment. "He has served in public service in Washington, D.C., and Eastern Washington, helping shape and implement policy affecting agriculture, natural resources, and rural economies statewide."

Bell could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday, but appears to already have started his new job. A staff member at the Spokane Valley office said he was tied up with meetings in response to an inquiry from The Spokesman-Review.

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and Jon Devaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, said their commodity advocacy and resource groups look forward to working with Bell again, after previously interacting and collaborating during his time with the former congresswoman.

Bell is replacing former state senator and Spokane County Chief Deputy Assessor Jon Wyss, who was first appointed by the Trump administration in 2019 and went on to serve two more stints until his firing in October.

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Wyss was a popular administrator among the state's agricultural community, highlighted by multi-generational farmer and Sunnyside Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse's sentiment following Wyss' departure last year.

"His experience, relationships with producers, and firsthand understanding of the challenges in farm country give producers an ally in the federal government," Newhouse said, as previously reported by The Spokesman-Review. "Jon's firing is a mistake and a disservice to farmers who need a strong leader at the Farm Service Agency, especially now, when times are tough."

Both DeVaney and Hennings said they were glad to see the vacancy left by Wyss filled. It's an important role that works directly with farmers who need assistance understanding and navigating federal systems, meets regularly with commodity groups and provides a direct inroad to federal leaders that may be otherwise hard to reach, Hennings said.

The longer the role went unfilled, the more stress it was likely to cause among the state's agricultural community.

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"To have that person that can oversee the different counties, and make sure everything's working properly, and providing the right information to growers on programs, it's important," Hennings said.

Newhouse, while critical of Wyss departure, appears to be pleased with the selection of his replacement.

"Pat is a great fit to lead the Washington State FSA, bringing years of experience to the job that will directly benefit producers across our state" Newhouse said. "As part of a multi-generational farm family, Pat knows firsthand the challenges in farm country, and I look forward to working with him in his new role."
The attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend have sent shockwaves across Latin America, where many countries fear a return to a period of overt United States interventionism.

Those fears are particularly prominent in Mexico, the USs neighbour and longtime ally.

The country was one of several  along with Cuba and Colombia  that US President Donald Trump singled out in remarks after Saturdays attack on Venezuela, which killed dozens of people and was widely condemned as a violation of international law.

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Trump suggested that the US could carry out military strikes on Mexican territory in the name of combating drug traffickers.

Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico, Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Saturday morning, after the Venezuela strikes.

She [President Claudia Sheinbaum] is very frightened of the cartels, he added. Theyre running Mexico.





We are free and sovereign

Sheinbaum has responded to Trumps threats with a firm insistence on Mexican sovereignty.

We categorically reject intervention in the internal matters of other countries, Sheinbaum said in comments to the media on Monday.

It is necessary to reaffirm that, in Mexico, the people rule and that we are a free and sovereign country, she added. Cooperation, yes; subordination and intervention, no.

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Even in good times, Mexican leaders have walked a line between seeking productive relations with their powerful northern neighbour and defending their interests from possible US encroachment.

That balancing act has become more difficult as the Trump administration employs rhetoric and policies that have drawn parallels to earlier eras of imperial intervention.

Historically, theres a record of US intervention that is part of the story of Mexican nationalism, Pablo Piccato, a professor of Mexican history at Columbia University, told Al Jazeera.

Many of those instances loom large in the countrys national memory. The US launched a war against Mexico in 1846 that saw US troops occupy Mexico City and annex enormous swaths of territory, including modern-day California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

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Later, during the Mexican Revolution, from 1910 to 1920, US Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson worked with conservative forces in Mexico to overthrow the countrys pro-reform president.

US forces also bombed the port city of Veracruz in 1914 and sent forces into northern Mexico to hunt down revolutionary leader Pancho Villa.

These are seen as important moments in Mexican history, said Piccato.

There is a quote attributed to Mexican President Porfirio Diaz, Poor Mexico. So far from God, so close to the United States.'

In recent statements, Trump has linked the USs history in the region to his present-day agenda. While announcing Saturdays strike, he cited the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century policy that the US has used to assert primacy over the Western Hemisphere.

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The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but weve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the Donroe Doctrine, Trump said.

On Monday, the US State Department also shared an image of Trump on social media with the caption: This is OUR hemisphere.

This is OUR Hemisphere, and President Trump will not allow our security to be threatened. pic.twitter.com/SXvI868d4Z  Department of State (@StateDept) January 5, 2026

Balancing on a thin wire

Sheinbaums insistence on Mexican sovereignty has not prevented her from offering concessions to Trump on key priorities, such as migration, security and commerce.

When faced with Trumps threats of 25 percent tariffs last February, Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican National Guard troops to her countrys border with the US, to help limit irregular immigration and drug-trafficking.

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Mexico has also maintained close security ties with the US and cooperated in its operations against criminal groups, including through the extradition of some drug traffickers.

In February, for instance, Sheinbaums government extradited 29 criminal suspects that the US accused of drug trafficking and other charges. In August, it sent another 26 suspects to the US, earning a statement of gratitude from the Trump administration.

Washington has historically pressured Mexico to take a hardline stance towards combating drugs, leading to policies that some Mexicans blame for increasing violence and insecurity in their country.

Still, while Sheinbaum has received praise for managing relations with Trump, she has consistently said that unilateral US military action on Mexican territory would be a red line.





Experts say Sheinbaums willingness to cooperate should be an incentive for the US government not to launch attacks on Mexican soil.

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Sheinbaum has gone out of her way to cooperate with the US, said Stephanie Brewer, the director of the Mexico programme at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a US-based research group. There would be no rational reason to break this bilateral relationship by crossing the one red line Mexico has set out.

But the strikes on Venezuela have also underscored the Trump administrations increasingly aggressive posture towards Latin America.

I dont think US strikes on Mexican territory are any more or less likely than they were before the attacks in Venezuela, said Brewer. But they do make it abundantly clear that the Trump administrations threats need to be taken seriously, and that the US is willing to violate international law in its use of military force.

Sheinbaum is doing a balancing act on an increasingly thin wire, she added.
A federal judge is demanding to know why Lindsey Halligan still thinks shes U.S. attorney.

U.S. District Judge David Novak of Richmondwho was appointed by Donald Trump in 2019filed an order late Tuesday, giving Halligan seven days to explain why she is lying about overseeing the legal matters of the Eastern District of Virginia.

For these reasons, the Court hereby DIRECTS Ms. Halligan to file, within seven (7) days of the issuance of this Order, a pleading explaining the basis for Ms. Halligans identification of herself as the United States Attorney, notwithstanding [U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan] Curries contrary ruling, Novak wrote, referring to Curries November ruling that found that the Justice Department had violated the Constitution by appointing Halligan.

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She shall also set forth the reasons why this Court should not strike Ms. Halligans identification of herself as United States Attorney from the indictment in this matter, Novak continued. Ms. Halligan shall further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement.

Trump handpicked Halligana former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experienceto replace the last attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert. Siebert was forced out when he refused to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after he couldnt find incriminating evidence against the pair.

Halligan was sworn into the powerful position in September. Ignoring protocol, the Trump loyalist moved full steam ahead on prosecutions under the banner of Trumps approval for months, despite the fact that she was never confirmed by the Senate.

But Curries decision didnt seem to matter one iota to Justice Department officials, who continued to sign Halligans name on criminal indictments even after she ruled that Halligan was unlawfully appointed as interim U.S. attorney.

In his own order, Novak suggested that Halligan could face disciplinary consequences for blatantly ignoring the law.
Donald Trumps beauty queen prosecutor is facing a fresh crisis after a judge demanded she explain why she was still calling herself U.S. Attorney despite a federal court ruling that her appointment was illegal.

More than six weeks after a judge threw out Lindsey Halligans indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York state Attorney General Letitia James on the grounds that she was illegally serving as interim U.S. Attorney, Halligan is still signing indictments as the Eastern District of Virginias lead prosecutor, according to a bombshell court filing.

Federal Judge David Novak, who was appointed by Trump, issued an order Tuesday demanding that Halligan explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement.

Lindsey Halligan was Donald Trumps personal attorney on civil cases and had no prosecutorial experience before she was named Virginia's top federal prosecutor. / XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Novak wrote that although the government had appealed the ruling that nullified Halligans appointment, the appeals court had not issued a stay in the case, meaning the original decision remained binding precedent in this district while the appeals process played out.

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The Richmond-area judge also noted that he had issued the order of his own initiative, as opposed to at the request of a defense counsel, and gave Halligan seven days to respond.

The 36-year-old former beauty contestant and insurance lawyerwho also worked as a civil attorney for Trumpis still calling herself the U.S. Attorney on the Eastern District of Virginias website and on X.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.

Halligan was sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney on Sept. 23 after her predecessor was pushed out over his refusal to bring cases against Trumps perceived enemies, citing lack of evidence.

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She quickly secured indictments against Comey and James, but those cases were called into question over the validity of her appointment.

In early November, Attorney General Pam Bondi tried to shore up the indictments by giving Halligan the additional title of special attorney, which the administration claimed applied retroactively to Sept. 22.

The court, however, rejected that argument and dismissed the cases in a Nov. 24 ruling that found Halligan was illegally serving as U.S. Attorney.

Bondis DOJ, however, has continued to insist that Halligan is the offices lead attorney. Last month, several judges in the district complained to prosecutors in open court about Halligan signing new criminal case filings.

Attorney General Pam Bondi still insists that Lindsey Halligan is Eastern Virginia's U.S. Attorney, despite her appointment being overturned in court. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

By law, interim U.S. attorneys can only serve 120 days without Senate confirmation, unless the federal judiciary agrees to keep them in the position longer. The court ruled that veteran prosecutor Erik Siebert had already served the interim period, making Halligans appointment illegal.

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Even before her appointment was overturned, the court blasted Halligan for a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps that could have resulted in dismissal.

In December, the White House pushed to advance Halligans nomination in the Senate, a plan that appeared dead on arrival because neither of Virginias Democratic senators was willing to support her nomination with a so-called blue slip.

Lindsey Halligan was brought in to try to secure indictments against Trump's perceived enemies, including former FBI Director James Comey. / Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Failure to return a positive blue slip amounts to an internal veto because without it, the Senate Judiciary Committee will not move forward with a hearing or recommendation for a nominee.

Trump has raged against the blue slip processwhich has also made it all but impossible for him to appoint his former personal lawyer Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jerseybut Senate Majority Leader John Thune has refused to kill the practice.

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In the meantime, the Department of Justice has brought in new prosecutors to try to secure grand jury indictments against Comey and James, but has so far failed to convince two grand juries to sign off on charges against James.

James successfully sued Trump for civil fraud, while the president blames Comey for helping to trigger special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The dramatic seizure of two Russian-linked oil tankers by American forces throws up complicated legal questions as well as the risk of reprisals, experts have warned.

The US Coast Guard on Wednesday swooped on two vessels it had been pursuing for weeks over alleged breaches of the naval blockade imposed on Venezuela.

The vessels  known as Bella 1 and M Sophia  are thought to be part of Moscows shadow fleet and are accused of flying false flags and carrying out sanctions-busting activities.

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But they were seized in what Russia claimed were international waters, a controversial move that would raise complicated questions of international law, shipping industry insiders have said.

US and UK officials have claimed they acted lawfully.

Bella 1 was flagged as a Russian vessel while M/ Sophia was flying the colours of Panama.

The first ship was seized by US forces while sailing through the North Atlantic, inside Icelands 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone but outside its territorial waters. The second was seized in the Caribbean.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a ship is considered an extension of its home countrys territory and only that country has legal authority to arrest crew or detain the vessel while it is sailing the high seas  with certain exceptions.

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Stateless ships, for example  including those flying false flags  can be seized by anyone.

But a shipping industry source warned: If theyve seized a Russian-flagged vessel that has been acknowledged by Russia, you are getting into areas of international law that might need to be settled by a court.

The US will enforce it on the basis that the owner was previously accused of busting sanctions of course, but it is not a clear issue.

And the real worry now will be  whats next? The problem could be escalation.

If America is seen to be ignoring the rules, will other states like Russia, China and Iran follow suit?

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They added that it was possible US officials would also try to argue that the seizure was justified by immediate threats to American national security.

Another industry source added: Theres definitely a risk of this sort of behaviour proliferating.

Do other regimes now think they can do similar things?

Bella 1, an oil tanker, is accused of falsely flying a Guyanese flag before slipping through the American naval blockade of Venezuela on Dec 17.

It was pursued but switched off its transponders and re-flagged as a Russian vessel while at sea, emerging again on Jan 1 with the new name of Marinera.

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This was done with Moscows blessing and, in theory, meant that the ship was under Russias jurisdiction.

The Russian government was concerned enough that it reportedly sent a submarine to shadow the tanker.

But it was seized anyway by the US Coast Guard on Wednesday with assistance from British forces, including airborne surveillance carried out by the Royal Air Force.

US and UK officials appeared to dismiss the ships reflagging, referring to the tanker as stateless.

According to tracking data, the ship was also seized about 180 nautical miles south of Iceland  inside the Nato members exclusive economic zone but outside its territorial waters.

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The MoD said the support was provided in full compliance with international law.

In a statement, it added: The Russian flagging of the vessel shows their role in this interconnected shadow activity we are seeing across the world, which threatens our national security, harms our economy and undermines global security.

But Russia said the seizure was illegal.

In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, the transport ministry said in a statement.

M Sophia was thought to have been flying thw Panamanian flag when it was seized by US troops

The change of Bella 1s colours was highly irregular according to Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a maritime analyst at Windward.

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This vessel was falsely-flagged as Guyanan, so it was effectively stateless, she said.

That is very important, because it means authorities can board it. It is our belief that this is the basis on which the US Coast Guard attempted to board the ship the first time.

Bella 1s re-flagging at sea complicates matters but is not completely unprecedented, another shipping industry source said.

By comparison, although it is thought to be part of the Russian shadow fleet, M Sophia is thought to have been falsely flying the Panamanian flag when it was seized in the Caribbean on Wednesday.

That means it is considered stateless under international law, and therefore fair game, Wiese Bockmann said.

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Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, said: The worlds criminals are on notice. You can run, but you cant hide.

We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco terrorism wherever we find it, period.

In Russia, the incident has already been painted as a huge embarrassment by critics and has triggered rage and disbelief.

One prominent military blogger wrote: Once again, it turns out that empty diplomatic statements no longer frighten anyone.

An attempt to demonstrate strength, unsupported by real force, has turned into a complete joke.

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What will the Russian flag mean on board sanctioned vessels now?

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
In 2008, Donald Trump took to CNN to bemoan the dangers of a president lying the United States into war.

He said George W. Bush was more worthy of impeachment than Bill Clinton. Why? Clintons misdeeds were totally unimportant, Trump told Wolf Blitzer. But with Iraq, he said, Bush got us into this horrible war with lies  by lying, by saying they had weapons of mass destruction, by saying all sorts of things that turned out not to be true.

Trump would revisit this line frequently during his successful 2016 presidential campaign.

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Given that, you might think he would be extra careful in making his own case for military intervention.

Youd think wrong.

Instead, the president and his administration treated building a case for ousting Nicolas Maduro and asserting control over Venezuela much like Trump treats everything else: with a facts-optional barrage of hyperbolic claims and questionable assertions. This despite the extremely high stakes involved.

And now that Trump has actually ousted Maduro and made clear he means business about US expansionism in the Western Hemisphere, those questionable claims have come into focus.

Cartel de los Soles

The newly released indictment of Maduro is a case in point.

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In the run-up to ousting him, Trump and his administration repeatedly cast Maduro as the head of a drug-trafficking organization called Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns.

The first Trump administration did so in its initial indictment of Maduro in 2020, and then again last year when the Treasury and State departments designated this supposed cartel as a terrorist organization. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have also cast Maduro as the head of this cartel in recent days.

But all the while, the claim caused experts to scratch their heads. Even as it was widely believed that Maduros government was involved in the drug trade, it was also understood that Cartel de los Soles was more of a name ascribed to a loosely connected confederation of corrupt officials, rather than an actual organization.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro attends a meeting at the National Assembly in Caracas on August 22. - Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images

Theyre designating a non-thing that is not a terror organization as a terrorist organization, former State Department lawyer Brian Finucane told CNN in November.

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And sure enough, now that the administration has Maduro in custody and it faces defending its public claims in court, what does it do? It waters them down  significantly.

As the New York Times Charlie Savage wrote Monday, the administrations new indictment of Maduro treats Cartel de los Soles as more of an abstraction than an actual organization.

The indictment instead says the phrase is used to refer to a patronage system run by top Venezuelan officials.

The 2020 indictment mentioned the supposed cartel more than 30 times; the new one mentions it only twice.

And its not just that the new indictment lacks detail. It goes into detail on a series of other organizations and even cartels  just not the one that the Trump administration publicly accused the then-Venezuelan president of running.

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Thats a rather curious exclusion  and one that lends credence to the idea that the administration oversold a key portion of its case for targeting Maduro.

The lack of Tren de Aragua ties and stolen oil

The indictment also conspicuously fails to back up a couple of other pieces of the administrations case for ousting Maduro.

One is Maduros supposed connection to the gang Tren de Aragua. As part of Trumps efforts to quickly deport immigrants last year, the administration claimed that the United States was at war with Tren de Aragua and that Maduro was directing it to invade the United States  claims that, if true, would have unlocked greater authorities for Trump.

But like the Cartel de los Soles claims, this one was suspect.

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As CNN and others reported, US intelligence had concluded Maduro was not, in fact, directing the gang. And judges repeatedly cast doubt on such claims.

As with Cartel de los Soles, the indictment would seem to be a great place to seek to punish Maduro for his supposed alliance with Tren de Aragua.

But it does little to connect the gang to Maduro or to other top government officials. At one point, it cites a gang leader in 2019 having discussed drug trafficking with an individual he understood to be working with the Venezuelan regime. But thats about it.

Similarly, Trump and his administration have in recent weeks set about accusing the Venezuelan government of stealing oil that the United States had a right to.

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But the issue is a lot more complicated than that, as CNNs David Goldman reported this week. And the indictment makes no mention of oil, much less Maduros or anyone elses role in such purported theft.

President Donald Trump speak to reporters following US military actions in Venezuela at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

The other claims

These are hardly the first such claims to be called into question.

Some of the big ones:

In September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the administrations first strike on an alleged drug boat killed Venezuelan gang members who were trying to poison our country with illicit drugs. Trump also claimed the drugs were headed for the United States. But since then, the military official who oversaw the operation told lawmakers the boat was actually headed to Suriname, which is usually a stop for drugs on their way to Europe, not the United States.

Much of Trumps case for targeting Maduro revolves around drugs. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled Maduro one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. But Venezuela is generally viewed as a rather small player in the drug game, especially compared with neighboring countries like Colombia, a haven for cocaine, and Mexico, where the vast majority of fentanyl comes to the United States from.

Trump and those around him have regularly used hyperbolic numbers when discussing how many American lives theyve saved with their drug crackdown. Trump has said each boat strike saves 25,000 lives. Bondi last year claimed drug seizures of all kinds saved  are you ready for this, media?  258 million lives. These kinds of numbers are ridiculous, as CNNs Daniel Dale has written, given there were fewer than 100,000 US drug overdose deaths in 2024.

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Hyperbole like that has been baked into Trumps public commentary for a long time.

But it certainly lands differently in this context. When youre asking Americans to weigh the legitimacy of extrajudicial killings and the ouster of a foreign leader, its better to be careful about making factual assertions that cant be backed up.

A certain Donald Trump was once quite concerned about such things.

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This is OUR Hemisphere and President Trump will not allow our security to be threatened. This post from the US Department of States official X account followed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduros overthrow and underscored Trumps desire to re-establish US hegemony over Latin America. The fervency of Trumps commitment is so strong that he and his allies have described it as the Donroe Doctrine.

The Donroe Doctrine is a pun on the 1823 Monroe Doctrine which ensconced Latin America as Americas sphere of influence. It is also a scathing rebuke of the policies of Trumps Democratic Party predecessors. In November 2013, secretary of state John Kerry famously declared that the era of the Monroe Doctrine is over.

While Kerrys announcement was supposed to herald a transition in US policy from interventionism to win-win cooperation, it resulted in Washingtons disengagement from the Western Hemisphere and the rising presence of Russia, China and Iran. Florida governor Ron DeSantiss quip that President Joe Biden embraced an anti-Monroe Doctrine is scarcely hyperbolic.

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Although the Donroe Doctrine is an undeniable statement of renewed US intent in Latin America, it has been fiercely criticised by the American foreign policy establishment. Trumps threats to intervene militarily in Cuba and Colombia have sparked fears of new poorly planned interventions. Aside from the instability that these wars would trigger, Trumps critics believe that the Donroe Doctrine sets a precedent for further Russian aggression in Eurasia and future Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific region.

While these fears are valid, the Donroe Doctrine has the potential to be a resounding foreign policy success. When one looks beyond the headlines, it becomes apparent that the Trump administrations Western Hemisphere strategy is multifaceted and not exclusively reliant on military power.

With a sharpened focus on great power competition, the effective use of economic instruments and military restraint, the Donroe Doctrine could reverse a decade of American decline in Latin America.

During the post-Cold War period, Russia and China incrementally strengthened their strategic positions in Latin America. Through autocracy promotion and weaponising anti-American narratives, Russia emerged as a core partner for illiberal regimes in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Chinas trade with Latin America soared from $10bn in 2000 to $519bn in 2024. This stunning rise gave China access to the regions vast critical mineral reserves and major maritime shipping hubs like Perus Chancay port.

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The Donroe Doctrine directly addresses both of these challenges to American primacy. By overthrowing Maduro, Trump exposed Russias inability to provide meaningful security guarantees for its Latin American clients.

This could encourage other illiberal regimes to make pre-emptive diplomatic compromises with the US and distance themselves from Moscow. As the US ouster of Maduro was immediately preceded by Treasury Department sanctions on Irans drone trade with Venezuela, it also weakens Tehrans position by proxy. A single decisive intervention in Venezuela could serve as an adequate deterrent and allow America to address its security concerns without military overstretch.

The Trump administrations economic tactics are also serving as a crucial bulwark against Chinese influence in the region. By authorising a $20bn currency swap line that gives Argentinas central bank US dollar access, Washington challenged Chinas position as a lender of last resort and dealt a blow to its de-dollarisation aspirations.

Americas enthusiastic pursuit of a rare earth deal with Brazil, which has the worlds second largest reserves of these minerals and inadequate processing capacities, could yield another strategic triumph. While Trumps critics harp on the negative economic consequences of tariffs on Latin American countries, these critiques do not tell the full story.

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The Donroe Doctrine provides the US with a much-needed blueprint for resurgence in Latin America. If Trump plays the long game and eschews the temptation of flashy short-term wins, it could be his defining foreign policy legacy.

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Shortly after U.S. Special Forces captured and extracted Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Nov. 3, Donald Trump said that the U.S. would now run Venezuela.

Whatever Washingtons plans for the future of Venezuelan governance, this show of U.S. force in Latin America looks like the first manifestation of a more assertive American foreign policy outlined in the national security strategy published in November 2025. This plainly asserted the Trump administrations intention to reassert and enforce the Monroe doctrine to restore American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere.

President Donald Trump and Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro

Rather than force regime change at this point, Trump has indicated that he is willing to work with Maduros vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has been sworn in as president. Rodriguez has adopted a conciliatory tone, inviting the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda. For the US president, cooperation will involve giving U.S. oil companies unfettered access to Venezuelas oil reserves, the largest in the world.

Hours after raid, Trump Administration issues more threats.

Announcing the raid at a press conference held hours after American forces snatched Maduro, Trump appeared to issue threats of similar interventions in Colombia, which he said was run by a sick man who likes to make cocaine and sell it to the U.S. His secretary of state, Marco Rubio  the child of Cuban exiles  also hinted at U.S. intentions towards Cuba, saying: If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned at least a little bit.

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Opinion Pitts; Trump does not care about Americans thoughts on his destroying the East Wing

The U.S. secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, was perhaps most revealing of the three, talking about the administrations goal of reestablishing American deterrence and dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In a clear warning to U.S. foes, Hegseth said that no other country could have pulled this operation off, adding: Our adversaries remain on notice. America can project our will anywhere, anytime.

This is worrying in terms of geopolitics for two reasons.

First, the administration has shown a remarkable lack of engagement with international law. It has chosen instead to frame the raid as a police action to apprehend Maduro as a narco-terrorist responsible flooding the U.S. with drugs.

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This thin veil of legality has proved successful in the past. In 1989, the administration of George H.W. Bush ordered the invasion of Panama to capture the strongman dictator Manuel Noriega. Noriega was tried in Miami and jailed for 20 years on charges of being a sponsor of illicit drug trafficking.

Despite the UN passing a resolution condemning the invasion as a flagrant violation of international law (vetoed by the U.S., UK and France) the invasion enabled the U.S. to take control of the canal. It held the canal for a decade before handing over operations to the Panama Canal Authority on December 31 1999.

U.S. national security is evolving from defense to grabbing resources.

The success of Bushs invasion could explain why the Trump administration is taking a similar approach with Venezuela. Washingtons official line been to focus on Maduros alleged criminality rather than any U.S. ambition to affect regime change in Venezuela.

Opinion Pitts: No longer pretending: NC Republicans ready to help Trump, not NC voters

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Hegseth also insisted that the raid was about safety, security, freedom and prosperity for the American people. This assertion succinctly captures how the parameters of U.S. national security have evolved to be much broader than defense. They now appear effectively inseparable from advancing U.S. economic interests globally.

Its an updated version of the Monroe doctrine, which the national security strategy described as the Trump corollary, but which the president himself has referred to as the Donroe doctrine. The term, which appears to have been coined by the New York Post (but which Trump nonetheless appears to have taken a liking to  as with most things that bear his name) is a vision of geopolitics which projects U.S. power across the Americas.

And it looks set to be used to grab whatever resources the U.S. perceives as beneficial to its interests, from Greenlands minerals and strategic position to the Panama canal and Venezuelan oil.

Venezuela is the guinea pig for a new era of interventionism.

Naturally, it is in Latin America where these threats become more palpable. The 1823 Monroe Doctrine  developed under the then-president, James Monroe  designated the western hemisphere as an area of U.S. influence in which the European powers of the time were explicitly warned not to interfere. Seven decades later, the 1904 Roosevelt corollary added the principle that the U.S. could interfere in any Latin American countries plagued by wrongdoing or impotence and requiring intervention by some civilized nation.

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This principle was invoked to justify direct occupation of Latin American countries contrary to U.S. interests in the early 20th century. In this century, Chinas growing links in Latin America have prompted a resurgence of references to the Monroe doctrine  particularly by Republican Congress members.

In 2026, these developments highlight the Trump administrations willingness to enhance the capabilities of this outlook. It is not clear how the Donroe doctrine differs from its predecessors. But like them, it seems to subordinate international law to national interest.

And while it is aimed at a global audience, it also appears to entitle powerful countries with the right of having spheres of influence. Commentators have referred to this as an era of rogue superpowers and the Putinisation of U.S. foreign policy.

The absence of conspicuous military support for Maduro from either Russia or China reinforces those arguments. China reportedly buys 76% of Venezuelan oil, while Moscow has in recent years had strong military ties with Caracas. The two countries have also cooperated closely to help each other avoid U.S. oil sanctions.

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The new U.S. foreign policy stance as exemplified by the snatching of Maduro means the world is more dangerous  and Latin America considerably more vulnerable. But for now its Venezuela, which appears to be the laboratory where Trump has decided to flex Americas geopolitical muscles.

And it looks as if Maduro is the unlucky guinea pig, whose fate is designed to indicate what the worlds most powerful military can and will do to advance its economic and national security interests around the world.

Pablo Uchoa is a PhD Candidate in International Politics, Institute of the Americas, UCL. This article was originally published in The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons license.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: U.S. Raid on Maduro marks bold Monroe Doctrine revival | Opinion
After Venezuela, which dictator is safe? An exultant Donald Trump has been openly fantasising about Greenland, which may offer strategic advantage but happens to be owned by a Nato ally. Surely, it would be far better to bolster security to the north by enhancing the alliance with Denmark and concentrate Americas energies on deposing enemy dictators. And which better candidate for the Maduro treatment than the ghastly, 86-year-old tyrant of Tehran?

The Persian people groaning under that benighted regime could surely use the help. According to some estimates, only 10 to 15 per cent of Irans citizens actually support the Ayatollah. In recent days, while leftist Palestine campaigners have looked the other way, the bravest of the 85 per cent has been raising hell on the streets, standing defiant in the face of live gunfire, arrest, forced confession, torture and even blindings. Viva Iran!

In one viral clip, regime thugs  who receive both hardline clerical brainwashing and police training before being unleashed on their own people  were seen smashing their way into a hospital in the Western town of Ilam to drag wounded activists out of their beds and into the dungeons. In another, a plucky young man was filmed spraying fire from a home-made flamethrower at motorcycle goons before running for his life. There it is: 2026 has its first hero.

Iran Uprising: Maliabad, Shiraz - Jan 3, 2026

Tense scenes on the streets of Shiraz. Footage circulating online shows a young protester confronting security forces before fleeing. As the agents give chase, a woman's anxious voice is heard in the background, praying for his pic.twitter.com/wmY280aCq4  Ehsan Eghbal Eslami (@Ehsaneghbale) January 4, 2026

These, remember, are ordinary people, whose demands amount to nothing more than the right to live freely in a functioning state, and for the women to be allowed to uncover their hair. The regime forces Sharia upon every aspect of life, restricting singing, dancing, drinking, styles of dress and sex, and maintaining minute surveillance on the population (with the help of Chinese, AI-powered facial recognition and Russian intelligence assistance). Punishment involves flogging, torture, imprisonment and execution. Not only is the dictatorship political and economic, like that of Nicolas Maduro, it is religious, too.

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Yet such is Irans proud history, culture and education that under normal governance, it could become a loyal ally of the West. Such is its wealth of natural resources (are you listening, Mr Trump?) that it could become a G20 country. As things stand, however, the regime  which is fanatically devoted to fulfilling a seventh century prophecy of Islamist apocalypse  has sunk more than half-a-trillion dollars into the nuclear programme that now lies in ruins, and spent tens of billions on developing Hezbollah, Hamas and other proxies, all of whom have been castrated and decapitated in acts of Israeli genius. To add insult to injury, it was the precipitous devaluation of Irans currency, which made the basics of life excruciatingly expensive, that brought people out onto the streets this time.

As brave as the Persian people are, however, it is unlikely that their protests will succeed without help from the West (by which I mean Israel and the United States, given the taste for appeasement found in Britain and Europe). The theocratic regime may be staffed by idiots  that is what you get when you select for fanaticism rather than competence  but it is highly skilled at one thing: violent suppression.

Larger protest movements have been put down in the past, such as that which followed the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who lost her life in 2022 after being arrested for allegedly violating headscarf rules. The playbook is always the same. Benefitting from a monopoly on violence, and with diabolical expertise in targeting any activist who shows the signs of leadership, the regime simply ramps up the cruelty against a leaderless and disorganised movement until it wins. Torture, including rape, is common. A favourite technique involves blinding protesters by shooting them in the face with shotguns. Would you stand up against such a regime? Would you allow your children to do so?

Protests erupted in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini after she was detained by morality police in 2022 - AP Photo

People think that the regime has invested huge sums in its overseas proxies, but its domestic security apparatus is many times more extensive, said Kasra Aarabi, an Iran analyst at the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) think tank. Since the 12-day war with Israel and America, the Ayatollah has de-centralised the domestic security command structure, to give it more resilience. He and his fanatical son, Mojtaba, have also purged the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to empower the zealots and make the force even more radical. They are more brutal and effective than ever before. Long years of experience have taught the Ayatollah one thing: for all the dangers posed by the greater and lesser Satans of Israel and America, the truly existential threat comes from his own people.

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From one point of view, it is clear what is required now. With Iranian air defences destroyed, its stockpile of missiles still depleted, and its foreign proxies humbled, American and Israeli warplanes can strike with relative impunity. Taking out the key operational centres of the domestic security apparatus of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia, as well as the sprawling apparatus of the Ayatollahs office, would be a relatively low-cost way to enable the people to succeed in their coup, ridding the world of this foul regime once and for all.

Of course, it is not as simple as that. For one thing, the security establishment in Israel is worried that if the Ayatollah were to fall, the regime would recklessly launch its entire arsenal at the Jewish state, as a final act of madness. For this reason, a plan of defensive mitigation would need to be created in order for Jerusalem to intervene. Other assistance is needed on the ground, too: Mossad could usefully target various significant figures within the system; the CIA could assist with cyber attacks and resources. Even Britain could help, by proscribing the IRGC and sanctioning Irans lucrative ghost oil fleet. The Persian people would need to rally behind a new leader and develop a level of organisation that, under pressure from the regime, has hitherto eluded them.

All of this the groundwork needs to be done first. But with Iranian ballistic missile stockpiles already allegedly reaching pre-12-day-war levels, something permanent needs to happen soon. The more time elapses, the greater the opportunity for the highly adaptive Iranian regime  which is already working to limit the Israeli air forces freedom of the skies above Iraq  to prepare a new strategy and tactics.

A missile is launched during a previous military exercise at an undisclosed location in Iran in August - Iranian Army/WANA/Reuters

But however righteous the cause of the Persian people, Trump need not intervene purely on their account. From Hamas in Gaza to the Houthis and their disruption of Red Sea shipping, Tehran has long been the source of the terror, instability and meddling in the region. No sooner had the dust settled after the Israeli-American attacks than it began plotting the next round of violence. Complacent, corrupt IRGC commanders of the older generation were sacked and fanatical radicals recruited in their place. With assistance from the Chinese, its production capacity for ballistic missiles was quickly rebuilt, concentrating on solid-fuel warheads that are quicker to launch (Israel was able to destroy many liquid fuel missiles before they left the ground). The Ayatollah has also been trying to revive Hezbollah and the rest of its proxy network.

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Aarabi, the Iran analyst, speaks regularly to sources within the regime. He believes that another war is inevitable. The only thing deterring the Ayatollah right now is presence of Benjamin Netanyahu, who lives rent-free in his head, he said. The regime is more terrified of Netanyahu than any other world leader, including Trump. Their strategy is to wait until the Israeli election in October and hope Netanyahu loses. Then, after building their strength, they will launch another round of escalation.

The decision, Aarabi added, is simple. Either the West acts now, while the regime is still weak, paranoid, wounded and trying to rebuild, or it will have to face a bolstered regime that has learned lessons and become more radical, more determined to exact ideological vengeance. It is not a case of war or peace. It is a case of fighting now or later, when it will be worse.

So, Mr Trump, forget about Greenland. You have said that youre locked and loaded; the time is approaching to pull the trigger, before the window closes. After all, Venezuela and Iran are close allies  take a look at the ideological programming of the Islamic Republics Spanish language television station, HispanTV  and part of the same enemy axis.

Or rather, they were. Caracas has already been knocked out of the enemy alliance, as was Damascus before it, thanks in large part to American and Israeli military brilliance. Iran, whose economy closely resembles that of Venezuela but which is far more of a threat, must surely be the next enemy to fall.

Never Again? How the West betrayed the Jews and Itself, by Jake Wallis Simons, is out now

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Donald Trump loyalist and Kennedy Center boss Richard Grenell is in meltdown mode after yet another prestigious artist backed out of performing at the once-iconic venue.

Grammy-winning bluegrass performer Bela Fleck cited political influence for withdrawing from an upcoming show at the venue, which now has signage calling it The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Ric Grenell says performers are bowing down to a (Aaron Schwartz)

Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music, Fleck posted on social media on Tuesday before pulling out of three shows with the National Symphony Orchestra due to take place at the venue in February as part of the American Mosaic series.

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I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art, Fleck added.

Richard Grenell hits out at

The post appeared to infuriate Grenell, who believes the center is bipartisan and that a woke mob is forcing artists to scrap shows at the venue, citing problems with President Donald Trump and his administration.

You just made it political and caved to the woke mob who wants you to perform for only Lefties, Grenell posted on X, channelling MAGA talking points.

This mob pressuring you will never be happy until you only play for Democrats.

Bela Fleck of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones performs at Joy Theater on December 20, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Erika Goldring / Getty Images

Grenell said the venue welcomes Democrats, Republicans, and also people uninterested in politics.

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We want performers who arent political, he said, who simply love entertaining everyone regardless of who they voted for.

Flecks decision follows Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, who announced this week that he pulled out of appearing at an upcoming Washington National Opera gala at the Kennedy Center in May as it has now become an ideological statement.

The three-time Oscar winner said there was no way he would enter the building, which he helped to launch in 1971 with Leonard Bernstein.

It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be, the 77-year-old said. As long as that remains the case, I will not appear there.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the 48th Kennedy Center Honors gala as Richard Grenell looks on. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images

In retaliation, Grenell claimed on X that the Schwartz reports are totally bogus and he was never signed and Ive never had a single conversation on him since arriving.

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However, the Washington National Opera confirmed to The Washington Post that Schwartz had agreed to host the gala.

The WNO had an email agreement with him regarding his participation and planning for the event, Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the WNO, told the Post. We respect his personal decision.

Trumps handpicked board voted on Dec. 18 to add the presidents name to the building, despite having zero legal authority to do so.

Since then, more than 10 artists have pulled out of upcoming performances at the venue, including Fleck and Schwartz.

Artists have continued to pull out of performances at the center since Donald Trump put his own name on it. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

Previously, jazz drummer Chuck Redd axed a Christmas Eve show after seeing the name change on the venues website while jazz group The Cookers pulled out of two New Years Eve shows, an annual tradition since 2006.

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The Cookers former tenor saxophonist, Billy Harper, posted on Facebook, I would never even consider performing in a venue bearing a name (and being controlled by the kind of board) that represents overt racism and deliberate destruction of African American music and culture.

Comedian Issa Rae, folk act Rhiannon Giddens, musician Kristy Lee, trumpeter Wayne Tucker, The Brentano Quartet with violist Hsin-Yun Huang, folk duo Magpie, and Doug Varone and Dancers have all declined to play at the venue due to its links to the Trump administration.

Lee said of her decision, I wont lie to you, canceling shows hurts. This is how I keep the lights on. But losing my integrity would cost me more than any paycheck.

Stephen Schwartz helped launch the Kennedy Center in 1971 but doesn't think he will work there again. / Dia Dipasupil / WireImage

A production of Hamilton has also been pulled from a scheduled March and April run at the Kennedy Center, while musicians Ben Folds and Renee Fleming also stepped down from their advisory roles at the venue.
President Donald Trump's small Republican voting majority in the House of Representatives is getting even smaller amid unexpected departures and a tragedy, further complicating their path for passing a GOP-focused agenda during an election year.

California GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa died suddenly at 65 on Jan. 5 after suffering a medical emergency. His death, on the heels of Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's abrupt exit amid a public schism with Trump, brings the ratio of House Republicans to Democrats down to 218-213 (216 is the current number needed for a majority, given the amount of vacancies.)

In addition, Rep. Jim Baird, R-Indiana, was hospitalized this week alongside his wife following a car crash that Trump called a "bad accident." His office said he is expected to make a full recovery. Bairds temporary absence from the Capitol will complicate Speaker Mike Johnson's job of keeping Republicans in line amid a midterm election year when Democrats are trying to remain unified as they try to win back the House majority.

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More: Is a blue wave headed for Trump, GOP? Tennessee sends 'warning signs'

Trump acknowledged the hard political math during a retreat with House Republicans at the Kennedy Center on Jan. 6. Its not a big majority," the second-term president told lawmakers. "But it is a unified majority."

Yet between the forced vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files and disagreements over lowering health care costs, the GOP actually hasn't been entirely aligned in recent months. Johnson's current and slim two-vote margin includes Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who frequently bucks his party and has already been posing issues for GOP leaders as they've struggled to maintain control of legislation hitting the floor of the chamber they're supposed to oversee.

It remains to be seen whether Republicans will be able to retain the House in the 2026 elections. But the trends aren't in their favor: Historically, the party in power loses seats. Democratic overperformance in last year's off-year and special elections likely spells trouble.

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Read more: Key takeaways as Democrats overperform in Tennessee special election

Retirements, elections, deaths affect majority math

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, speaks during a House committee hearing on Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington, DC.

The most high-profile departure from Johnson's ranks came in November, when Greene said she'd had enough of Washington politics. Her final day in office was Jan. 5, ending for now a career where she often was one of Trump's most outspoken allies.

Back in Washington, the House will soon start getting replacements for its vacancies. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has set a March 10 special election to fill the rest of Greene's expiring term. Greene's retirement was part of a record number of exit announcements from House lawmakers of both parties.

Read more: Threats, dysfunction and flying: Why quitting is all the rage in DC

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In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott has set a special election to replace Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March of last year. A runoff there is set for Jan. 31.

In New Jersey, Democrats will have to wait until April to fill the seat of Mikie Sherrill, a former congresswoman scheduled to be sworn in on Jan. 20 as the governor of her state.

Success of redistricting still uncertain

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during an event honoring the LSU baseball NCAA national champions and the LSU-Shreveport baseball NAIA national champions at the White House in Washington, D.C., October 20, 2025.

Looking toward 2026, exactly how the gambits of both parties may redraw their congressional maps to keep or secure a majority next November isn't clear yet either.

GOP lawmakers in Indiana ultimately rejected a pressure campaign from the White House to redistrict. The Republican speaker of the Kansas House recently said the votes likely aren't there in his state, either.

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Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's GOP majority shrinks after departures and a tragedy
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. population is projected to grow by 15 million people in 30 years, a smaller estimate than in previous years, due to President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policies and an expected lower fertility rate, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.

The nonpartisan budget office projected that the U.S. population will grow from 349 million people this year to 364 million people in 30 years, a 2.2% smaller gain than it had predicted in 2025. In September, the office issued a revised demographics report that showed Trumps plans for mass deportations and other strict immigration measures would result in roughly 320,000 people removed from the United States over the next 10 years.

The country's total population is projected to stop growing in 2056 and remain roughly the same size as in the previous year, the CBO said. But without immigration, the population would begin to shrink in 2030 as deaths start to exceed births, making immigrants an increasingly important source of population growth, according to the report.

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Even if the limits on immigration and increased deportations end with the Trump administration in three years, its still a demographic shock, said William Frey, a demographer at the centrist Brookings Institution.

Social Security and Medicare, which are already buckling under an aging population, will be under increasing pressure with even fewer than expected people in the labor force paying taxes. By the end of the decade, all of the nations baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, will be over age 65.

With fewer immigrants in the labor force and projections for U.S. fertility rates showing a long-term decline below replacement levels, that reduces the number of kids who are going to be born in that four-year period of the second Trump administration, Frey said.

The latest numbers come as Trump has pushed for the largest mass deportation campaign in history. The CBO's numbers account for the success of those efforts in the first year of his second term in office.

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The administration has used a variety of methods to remove people from the country, including a visa ban on applications for immigrants from some countries and deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in U.S. cities to track down immigrants who are in the country illegally.

Trumps tax and spending law, passed by Congress and signed in July, included roughly $150 billion to ramp up his deportation agenda over the next four years. This includes money for extending the U.S.-Mexico border wall, building detention centers and adding thousands of law enforcement staff.

When it comes to estimating the nations population and future growth, immigration is always the wild card because it varies much more year to year than the number of births and deaths. Immigration has fueled U.S. population growth this decade because of an aging population and fertility lower than the replacement rate. For a generation to replace itself in the absence of immigration, the fertility rate needs to be 2.1 births per woman. But it was expected to be 1.58 in 2026 and is projected to drop to 1.53 in 2036 where it will remain over the next two decades.

The U.S. Census Bureau said that immigration increased by 2.8 million people in 2024 over the previous year.

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Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, though, demographers and economists have struggled to decipher the impact of his policies on immigrant growth in the United States.

The bureaus population estimates for last year have not been released yet, but the Current Population Survey estimated that the number of adult immigrants fell by 1.8 million people from January to November 2025. But those numbers have come under scrutiny, with some experts claiming they may reflect a decline in participation by immigrants in the survey rather than a dramatic drop in immigrant numbers.

Last September, the CBO reduced its immigration estimate for 2025 by 1.6 million people, and it said Wednesday that the U.S. added 410,000 immigrants last year. Immigration is projected to gradually increase through 2030, and then grow more slowly through 2036 because of fewer international students and temporary workers, before jumping up to an average of 1.2 million people a year from 2037 to 2056, the CBO said.

These immigrants bring both themselves and the potential for children in the near term, Kenneth Johnson, a senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire, said in an email. They contribute both to the labor force through their arrival but also to the potential future growth of the US population through their potential to have children in the near term.

___

Schneider reported from Orlando, Fla. Follow him on the social platform Bluesky: @mikeysid.bsky.social
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When George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, the nations immediate reaction was one of horror. That included Republican commentators, who expressed their shock at the slow murder of Floyd by suffocation, agreeing his treatment was both brutal and excessive. President Donald Trump called Floyds killing sickening and revolting. There were stray voices who immediately blamed Floyd for his own murdera preview of the position the MAGA commentariat would eventually adoptbut at least in the beginning, Republicans in power reacted to a heinous murder caught on camera with disapproval.

Five and a half years later, we live in a very different world.

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On Wednesday, videos circulated on social media of another killing in Minneapolis, of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer repeatedly shooting a woman in her car. We dont know many details yet about the woman, but we do know she was killed. Its a horrible loss of life.

To the president, though, weighing in a few hours later, it was horrible for another reason. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense, he wrote on Truth Social. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.

The video reveals this account to be a lie. The womanidentified by the Minnesota Star Tribune as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Gooddid not run over an ICE agent, and the car was turning away from the agents when one fired multiple shots into the vehicle.

Nevertheless, the MAGA commentary machine made it clear that the video wouldnt disrupt their narrative around ICE and deportations. The party line quickly emerged: the victim was a threat whose killing was justified. And beyond that, the commentators identified the people truly at fault for the killing: Democrats who criticized ICE agents.

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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem declared the woman had been committing domestic terror. Tomi Lahren, a Fox News commentator, argued on Fox that We would not be dealing with this kind of confrontation if these leaders would encourage these far left activists to be peaceful. On social media, she was more insistent: ALL of this could be avoided if Democrat leaders would STOP encouraging and emboldening THUGS who attack and antagonize our law enforcement agents and officers!

The powerful X account LibsofTikTok responded to a video of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz objecting to the shooting by arguing the woman had been trying to kill the officers. This comes after you and your friends demonized ICE for months on end and incited violence against them, the account wrote. Hope this helps.

The Democrat partys violent rhetoric against ICE agents now has their brainwashed followers trying to murder them with their cars, another popular X account wrote.

The Left and ONLY THE LEFT is 100% responsible for creating the conditions for this event, wrote William Wolfe, a Southern Baptist leader who once worked in the Trump administration. They spent the last 10 years telling their foot soldiers they are some merry band of morally superior resistance fighters.

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The official Trump administration position, too, was one with the influencers. [O]ne of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill theman act of domestic terrorism, an official DHS statement read. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.

There was, in that reaction, no talk of investigation or urging of calm until facts could be determined. There was only right-wing influencer spin, converting the killing of an American into another point of political attack. This is the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians who fuel and encourage rampant assaults on our law enforcement who are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats, the statement read.

To be clear, the incident, shown from a couple different angles, does not show murderous intent from the driver. The woman was parked in her SUV when two ICE agents got out of a pickup truck and walked over to her. One walked briskly, the other at a slow pace. The brisk-walking officer then tried to reach for the handle of the driver-side door. As he did so, the woman reversed a few feet, in an apparent attempt to re-situate the car in order to drive away. When she braked, a third agent became visible standing in front of the car. She then shifted from reverse to drive, and pulled forward at an angle, in an attempt to drive away from the officers. An officer pulled out his gun, sidestepped the car, andas she was already pulling awayshot repeatedly toward the windshield or drivers side window. The officer then calmly put his gun back in his holster and walked toward the car, which had crashed into another car down the street. Its possible there was more to the incident than the videos show, but it seems very unlikely, based on the angle weve seen, that the officer was in any real danger.

Its a shocking video, made all the more shocking by its circumstances: the woman, according to local news reports from the scene, was not a suspect leaving a crime or even an immigrant afraid of arrest, but a political protester trying to protect her neighbors. Federal agents were operating in Minneapolis as part of a major deportation campaign targeting its Somali community. The citys government had not asked for the agents involvement, and instead actively protested their presence.

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We cant be sure this will be the final evolution in the MAGA response to the incident. Others have hinted that they see this not just as a way to blame Democrats for their rhetoric, but to actually justify further violations of civil liberties and an expansion of the police state.

National Guard needs to be deployed to Minneapolis, the commentator Tim Pool argued. This cannot be allowed to stand.

Leftists are reliably shocked when you dont let them murder you, one writer for the Blaze wrote. But they are weak, you should not fear them, just crush them.

Many conservatives are calling on President Trump to SURGE THE MILITARY into Minneapolis after the traitorous mayor doubles down in favor of the anti-ICE terrorist, another major account wrote.

Five years ago, the shocking murder of George Floyd was met with horror and deep, non-partisan sadness, at least for a period. Todays MAGA operation, though, is already at work rehabilitating his killer.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuelas opposition supporters have long hoped for the day when Nicolas Maduro is no longer in power  a dream that was fulfilled when the U.S. military whisked the authoritarian leader away. But while Maduro is in jail in New York on drug trafficking charges, the leaders of his repressive administration remain in charge.

The nation's opposition  backed by consecutive Republican and Democratic administrations in the U.S.  for years vowed to immediately replace Maduro with one of their own and restore democracy to the oil-rich country. But U.S. President Donald Trump delivered them a heavy blow by allowing Maduros vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, to assume control.

Meanwhile, most opposition leaders, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, are in exile or prison.

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They were clearly unimpressed by the sort of ethereal magical realism of the opposition, about how if they just gave Maduro a push, it would just be this instant move toward democracy, David Smilde, a Tulane University professor who has studied Venezuela for three decades, said of the Trump administration.

The U.S. seized Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores in a military operation Saturday, removing them both from their home on a military base in Venezuelas capital, Caracas. Hours later, Trump said the U.S. would run Venezuela and expressed skepticism that Machado could ever be its leader.

She doesnt have the support within, or the respect within, the country, Trump told reporters. Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect.

Ironically, Machado's unending praise for the American president, including dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump and her backing of U.S. campaigns to deport Venezuelan migrants and attack alleged drug traffickers in international waters, has lost her some support at home.

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The rightful winner of Venezuela's presidential election

Machado rose to become Maduro's strongest opponent in recent years, but his government barred her from running for office to prevent her from challenging  and likely beating  him in the 2024 presidential election. She chose retired ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to represent her on the ballot.

Officials loyal to the ruling party declared Maduro the winner mere hours after the polls closed, but Machado's well-organized campaign stunned the nation by collecting detailed tally sheets showing Gonzalez had defeated Maduro by a 2-to-1 margin.

The U.S. and other nations recognized Gonzalez as the legitimate winner.

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However, Venezuelans identify Machado, not Gonzalez, as the winner, and the charismatic opposition leader has remained the voice of the campaign, pushing for international support and insisting her movement will replace Maduro.

In her first televised interview since Maduro's capture, Machado effusively praised Trump and failed to acknowledge his snub of her opposition movement in the latest transition of power.

I spoke with President Trump on Oct. 10, the same day the prize was announced, not since then, she told Fox News on Monday. What he has done as I said is historic, and its a huge step toward a democratic transition.

Hopes for a new election

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday seemed to walk back Trump's assertion that the U.S. would run Venezuela. In interviews, Rubio insisted that Washington will use control of Venezuelas oil industry to force policy changes, and called its current government illegitimate. The country is home to the worlds largest proven crude oil reserves.

Neither Trump nor Rodriguez has said when, or if, elections might take place in Venezuela.

Venezuelas constitution requires an election within 30 days whenever a president becomes permanently unavailable to serve. Reasons listed include death, resignation, removal from office or abandonment of duties as declared by the National Assembly. That electoral timeline was rigorously followed when Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, died of cancer in 2013.

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally who traveled with the president on Air Force One on Sunday, said he believes an election will happen but did not specify when or how.

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Were going to build the country up  infrastructure wise  crescendoing with an election that will be free, the South Carolina Republican told reporters.

But Maduro loyalists in the high court Saturday, citing another provision of the constitution, declared Maduro's absence temporary meaning there is no election requirement. Instead, the vice president  which is not an elected position  takes over for up to 90 days, with a provision to extend to six months if approved by the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party.

Challenges lie ahead for the opposition

In its ruling, Venezuelas Supreme Court made no mention of the 180-day limit, leading to speculation that Rodriguez could try to cling to power as she seeks to unite ruling party factions and shield it from what would certainly be a stiff electoral challenge.

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Machado on Monday criticized Rodriguez as one the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narco-trafficking  certainly not an individual that can be trusted by international investors.

Even if an election takes place, Machado and Gonzalez would first have to find a way back into Venezuela.

Gonzalez has been in exile in Spain since September 2024 and Machado left Venezuela last month when she appeared in public for the first time in 11 months to receive her Nobel Prize in Norway.

Ronal Rodriguez, a researcher at the Venezuela Observatory in Colombias Universidad del Rosario, said the Trump administration's decision to work with Rodriguez could harm the nation's democratic spirit.

What the opposition did in the 2024 election was to unite with a desire to transform the situation in Venezuela through democratic means, and that is embodied by Maria Corina Machado and, obviously, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, he said. To disregard that is to belittle, almost to humiliate, Venezuelans.
Donald Trumps niece has labelled her estranged uncle disgraceful and despicable over his son Barrons connection to vile manosphere hero Andrew Tate.

Tate, 39, is a misogynist influencer who has been accused of rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking. His brother Tristan, 37, faces the same charges.

In a new video on her Mary Trump Media account, she discusses claims the president was involved in the Tate brothers release from Romania last February to travel to the U.S., where they were spotted at a UFC event.

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The brothers had been barred from leaving Romania while prosecutors built their case against them. Trump was asked about possible intervention in the Tate cases at the time, saying I know nothing about that.

Andrew Tate spent years courting high-profile conservatives and some of Donalds top advisers, Mary Trump said, referencing a New York Times report.

He made it very, very clear that he was a huge supporter of Donald Trumps, she said. And with his massive social media following, thats all you need for Donald Trump to do whatever he can to make sure, regardless of the horrific crimes youve committed, you get to be free.

Mary Trump also discussed Andrew Tates link to 19-year-old Barron Trump, calling the latter a huge fan of the woman-hater.

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate talk to the media outside their residence on March 23, 2025 in Bucharest, Romania. / Andrei Pungovschi / Getty Images

Now, imagine what kind of... oh gosh, whats the word? Um, disgraceful, despicable parent you would need to be in order to think its okay for your son to listen to and admire a monster like Andrew Tate, Mary Trump said of her uncle.

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The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.

The Tate brothers have been accused by Romanian authorities of trafficking more than 30 women and creating a criminal group for sexual exploitation. Andrew was also separately charged with rape, while the brothers face criminal charges of rape and trafficking in the U.K. They have denied all charges against them.

Barron Trump reportedly shares a mutual friend with the Tates, Justin Waller, who has called himself their third brother as well as trying to take a big brother role with the teenager.

Waller told the Times that Barron Trump admired Andrew Tate and spoke with him over Zoom in 2024. Barron and Andrew discussed a shared belief that the criminal case was an attempt to silence the Tates, according to the outlet.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump and their son Barron board a U.S. Air Force aircraft en route to Dulles, Virginia on January 18, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. / Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

In her latest video, Mary Trump says it is hardly news that Donald is a terrible misogynist and added, most of the women in my family were misogynists.

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She added, Donald has continued over the years to surround himself with like-minded misogynistic people, like Jeffrey Epstein for example.

The presidents niece also referenced Trumps embracement of the manosphere, which allowed him to capitalize on the following of prominent influencers, like the Tates, in order to latch onto their young, predominantly white male audience.

Influencer Andrew Tate attends UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. / Ian Maule / Getty Images

The Tates lawyer, Joseph McBride, previously referred the Daily Beast to a statement he sent to the Times, insisting that there was no assistance offered by the Trump family and the U.S. government in connection to Andrew.

There was no olive branch and no assistance offered from the U.S. side or the Trump family in connection with Andrews Romanian case, he said.

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The brothers ran an adult webcam service as well as selling online courses through Hustlers University, which included extreme misogynistic content.

Andrew Tate was also previously banned from Twitter for saying women should bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted. He was later reinstated on Elon Musks X.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union address on Feb. 24, marking the first time hell give the annual speech during his second term and the second time hell address all of Congress since being reelected.

The speech will come on a Tuesday evening and will be held inside the House chamber. The speech also coincides with the 250th year of the United States, a yearlong celebration to mark the semiquincentennial anniversary.

The United States stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous under your leadership and bold action, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a letter inviting Trump to address Congress. Together in 2025, your administration and the 119th Congress delivered one of the most consequential agendas in history, and Americans across this great country will experience the tangible results of commonsense governance.

NEW: Trump officially invited to give State of the Union on Feb. 24 pic.twitter.com/feRvrZD1uc  Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) January 7, 2026

The State of the Union address serves as the presidents official report to Congress about the previous year under his administration, meaning this will be the first for Trump since taking office last January. Trump did, however, hold a joint address to Congress in March 2025 to tout his agenda and policy goals, but it was not considered an official State of the Union.

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That March 2025 speech lasted an hour and 39 minutes, marking the longest presidential address to a joint session of Congress on record. Trump has some of the longest State of the Union speeches in history, with an average length of 1 hour and 6 minutes in his first term.

The address is usually an opportunity for the majority party to tout its wins so far while the minority party typically stages protests, such as holding signs or wearing symbolic colors.
When President Trump made comments about annexing Greenland in the first few months of his second term, many people dismissed his remarks as mere political posturing. But after the U.S.s military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro and questions about the U.S. running the South American country, Trump has once again talked about taking control of Greenland  and this time, he seems serious.

The president has repeatedly asserted that the U.S. needs the territory for national security purposes, and on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House is considering a range of options" to secure the space, including utilizing the U.S. military.

We tapped Dafydd Townley, Ph.D., a senior teaching fellow in international security at England's University of Portsmouth, who's been researching American politics and national security for over a decade, to discuss the severity of such a move. According to Dr. Townley, the threats are very, very concerning. If Trump does follow through, his actions would have implications for Greenland, the U.S., and NATO  and its impact could be felt for years to come.

Katie Couric Media: First, what was your reaction to the U.S. military action in Venezuela over the weekend?

Dr. Dafydd Townley: I'd like to say I was surprised, but honestly, I wasn't. Certainly, regime change has been in the cards since the buildup of military forces in the Caribbean. Even though Trump had said early on that regime change was not part of the plan, it became quite evident as time wore on that it was becoming part of the plan.

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My concern is that this flies in the face of international law. But this move is not unique in American history. We had the Panama invasion in 1989. If we go back to the 19th century and the Monroe Doctrine, the U.S.'s role as the policeman of the Americas has been evident. But this was a significant departure from the norms that we've expected of American political behavior over the last 30 years.

How did you feel about Trump again saying the U.S. will take control of Greenland?

If you'd asked me this question six months ago, I would've probably said, This is just speculative. They're testing the waters and trying to find out what they can gain from the situation. But the Maduro arrest has obviously made us reassess these threats. They are no longer hot air; you have to believe this is a serious proposition from the United States.

Trump has abandoned any idea of using soft power [like diplomacy] as a way for the United States to achieve its strategic objectives. What we're seeing now is Trump reverting simply to hard power coercion: Do this or else.

Why is the Trump administration so focused on Greenland?

While we see these threats as being very, very concerning  and they have been put down quite quickly by leaders across the Atlantic  Trump is absolutely correct in stating that the Arctic region is a place of competition, and it will be for the next 50 to 60 years. As climate change takes effect, shipping lanes open up, and as mineral deposits become suddenly available in the northern regions of the Arctic, that is going to be a heavily contested state. Trump has been more active in this region than previous presidents have been.

The consensus  including from former National Security adviser John Bolton  seems to be that if the U.S. were to try to seize Greenland, the other NATO members wouldn't defend it. Why not?

First of all, any military defense of Greenland couldnt be a NATO operation because all NATO strategic decisions have to be unanimous, and the United States would veto it. Of course, it's unprecedented for one NATO member to go against another.

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Stephen Miller's comment that nobody's going to go to war with the United States over Greenland is probably correct, reluctant as I am to agree with Stephen Miller. Number one, [intervening is] probably not strategically significant enough at this moment in time for Europe. Two, I don't think there's the political capital within those nations to do that.

Lets say the U.S. does use military force to acquire Greenland  what would that mean for NATO?

I think that's the end of NATO  or at least, the United States wouldn't be a part of it. I think we'll see a European security force that will essentially replace NATO.

Furthermore, if Trump does put military forces into Greenland, I think that will probably cause irreparable damage to European-U.S. relations, and that is going to have generational consequences  not just for the next three years.

The post Trump Renews Calls For the U.S. to Annex Greenland  What Happens Next? appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would "always" stand by the NATO military alliance, amid alarm among European allies over his stated aim of controlling Greenland.

"We will always be there for NATO, even if they wont be there for us," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump added that Russia and China would not "fear" NATO if the United States were not part of the alliance. "EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO," he wrote.

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The comments come as concerns grow over US commitment to the alliance following Trumps recent remarks that the United States needs to take control of Greenland for security reasons.

Greenland is a largely autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. The governments of both Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected Trumps efforts to acquire or annex the sparsely populated Arctic island. Trump has not ruled out using military force to pursue the goal.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that Trump was considering a range of ideas and that "utilizing the US military is always an option."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a US attack on another NATO member would shatter the alliance.

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"If the United States decides to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything would stop  that includes NATO and therefore post-WWII security," she said this week.

NATO currently has 32 member states. At the core of the alliance is Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which commits members to collective defence, stipulating that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

Greenland is about four-fifths covered by ice and has a population of fewer than 57,000. Trump has framed its acquisition as part of a growing strategic contest in the Arctic involving powers such as China and Russia, as well as a way to secure access to critical minerals.
Jan 7 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the 2027 U.S. military budget should be $1.5 trillion, significantly higher than the $901 billion approved by Congress for 2026, sending up defense stocks.

Any such increase in the military budget would require congressional authorization, but Trump's Republicans, who hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, have shown little appetite for objecting to any such spending programs.

Trump said in a Truth Social post that he made the decision on 2027 spending "after long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives... especially in these very troubled and dangerous times."

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In just the last few days, Nicolas Maduro was toppled from power in Venezuela and seized from his country by U.S. forces. The White House has also said that Trump is discussing options for acquiring Greenland, including potential use of the U.S. military.

In trading after the market closed, shares in the biggest defense firms rose on the news as investors bet a surge in spending would bolster profits.

Lockheed Martin was up 6.2%, General Dynamics rose 4.4% and RTX added 3.5%.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas, Bhargav Acharya and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Four days since US President Donald Trumps most strident military move yet, the gulf grows between his claim that the United States will run Venezuela and the reality of a continued dictatorship on the ground.

In the weeks to come, there is a risk for the White House that its brutal flourish of US power in the early hours of Saturday is undermined by a failure to follow through  a potential strategic defeat snatched from the jaws of a spectacular but short-lived win.

In a matter of minutes during Saturdays press conference, Trumps flex of American might flip-flopped from asserting US control over Caracas to moments later conceding that the vehicle for this was the presumed cooperation of Nicolas Maduros longtime deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who has since been sworn in as acting president.

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At present, the mechanism of American influence, at least in public, appears to consist of occasional phone calls from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, backed by the lumbering muscle of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and other Navy assets.

The initial military assault was startling, but the takeover has so far been an anticlimax, one that relies on Rodriguez to embrace the role of overnight quisling and colonialist stooge. Publicly, she did the opposite, demanding Maduros release and expressing outrage, only on Sunday hinting that cooperation with the US might follow.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez leaves after a session of the National Assembly in Caracas on Monday. - Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images

Given how Maduros displays of dancing defiance appear to have angered Trump into the raid, such rhetoric from Rodriguez was a risk, whatever backroom concessions she might also potentially be making. A crackdown of sorts appears underway, with loyalist gangs on the streets and media arrested. Within Venezuela, there are no celebrations of the end of the Maduro regime, as his people, many wary after years of authoritarianism, wait anxiously to see what comes next.

Reality may bite deepest when it comes to oil: Trump may have said we will keep it, and on Tuesday announced that 30 to 50 millions of barrels would be turned over to the US. But it will be a struggle for this vast concession to materialize, in part because the US oil companies the president hoped would charge into Venezuela live in a different world than after Iraq fell in 2003  one of messy change and plentiful crude, where billions of dollars of investment into a still-hostile kleptocracy would be a wild risk. Chevron is the only major Western oil firm to have maintained significant Venezuela operations in recent years.

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What has actually changed? Maduro is in US custody and faces court proceedings in March, after a dazzlingly executed extraction operation that took about 150 minutes. Otherwise, the dictators loyalists still  for now  run the show, despite White House assurances that, fearing the same fate as Maduro, they will fall in line with what the US wants.

Reality still matters, and the legacy of this latest Trump foreign policy foray will lie in its longevity. The Venezuela exercise risks joining a list of grandiose Trump proclamations of a changed world that stumble and sometimes collapse on contact with a complex, intransigent reality.

President Donald Trump speaks during the House Republican Party member retreat at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

This White Houses significant yet limited success in Venezuela, has given birth to four days of outsized rhetoric from Trump and his supporters  a flurry of grandiose, ambitious statements about a Western Hemisphere reshaped, simply through the force of Trumpian will.

Among them: Cuba needs to watch out. (It might do, if Venezuelan oil dries up, but its leadership can lean on a resilient infrastructure of repression). The US needs Greenland and nobody could stop it taking the Danish territory militarily if it chose. (It would be a disaster for the US to try to seize 57,000 people on a sheet of well-defended NATO ice, not least given most Greenlanders desire for independence over becoming a US colony.)

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Recall where other sweeping assertions by Trump have led over the past year: Canada is not Americas 51st state. The Panama Canal is not under US control. Neither is Gaza. Ukraine did not see peace within 24 hours of him taking office. Trumps claims often just replicate a dealmakers sales pitch: Push hard the idea of what you want and see how close you can get. That suits the world of construction and business well, but risks falling short in geopolitics. Members of Trumps team have themselves been at pains to emphasize the president means what he says, as if the point needed to be made.

Relatives carry the coffin of Rosa Elena Gonzalez, 80, at the cemetery in La Guaira, Venezuela, on Monday. Gonzalez died after her apartment was hit during a US strike to capture President Nicolas Maduro. - Matias Delacroix/AP

The Trump administration is not the first to invade first, then think about the realities of occupation later. The Bush administration canned complex State Department plans for the running of Iraq after the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, leaving the Pentagon to bungle nation-building. The swift collapse of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001 led to years of half-measures through a proxy Kabul government, before an insurgency kicked in. But Trump does not have troops on the ground in Venezuela, or even the numbers in theater to attempt that. So, his task is a more complex one of coercing Venezuelan politicians to comply with his wishes.

The signal the US raid sent on Saturday was powerful: Washington was capable of bold, speedy, ultra-capable special forces action that could depose and capture its foes in a matter of minutes. Mixed, even dizzying, signals have followed. Without demonstrating continued application and ultimate success in running Venezuela, Trump risks making his limited attention span the enduring lesson of this episode for China and Russia  adversaries unencumbered by democratic opposition.

Moscow and Beijing know they have three years left of this mercurial president  perhaps just one year, if the mid-terms in November hobble Trumps presidency. Theyve learned that Trump can wield staggering power for a short moment. The test of the coming weeks in Venezuela is for this White House to show that the scope of its ambitions does not fade as the presidents attention drifts to another trinket: in effect, to enforce the idea Trump should be feared, rather than elegantly sidestepped.

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A new government-run discount medicine website is set to launch this month.

It's called TrumpRx: A direct-to-consumer drug sale website created by President Donald Trump's administration. The program is meant to help Americans reduce their prescription drug costs, according to the executive order behind the program.

"As the largest purchaser of pharmaceuticals, Americans should get the best deal," the 2025 executive order reads.

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In broad strokes, Tennesseans are worried about paying for health care costs and the program could help. In a 2025 Healthcare Value Hub survey of 1,300 Tennesseans, 51% of individuals were "somewhat" or "very worried" about affording the cost of prescriptions, which can be notoriously expensive.

The percentage of Tennesseans worried about affording prescription drugs increases in households with an annual income of less than $50,000 per year or for Tennesseans with a physical or cognitive disability, according to the Healthcare Value Hub poll.

But what are the specifics of TrumpRx? Here's what to know about the discount program and how it may impact Tennesseans.

When could TrumpRx launch?

While a website exists for TrumpRx, there has been no specific launch date announced for the direct-to-consumer drug sale website.

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As of Jan. 6, trumprx.gov has a large photo of the president and says it's "Coming Soon" and "January 2026."

What medications could be sold through TrumpRx?

There is not a full list of medications that will be available for sale directly through TrumpRx. However, over the past months, Trump has crafted partnerships with key pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer.

On Sept. 30, Pfizer announced it would sell its products through TrumpRx, according to a White House press release. In November and December, 13 more drug companies agreed to participate with TrumpRx: Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Merck, Novartis, Sanofi, EMD Serono, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk

Here are a few of the medications that may be available on TrumpRx, according to White House press releases.

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Repatha, a cholesterol-lowering drug, reduced from $573 to $239

Reyataz, an HIV medication, reduced from $1,449 to $217

Jentadeuto, type two diabetes medication, reduced from $525 to $55

Xofluza, a flu medication, reduced from $168 to $50

Epclusa, Hepatitis C medication, reduced from $24,920 to $2,425

Advair Diskus 500/50, an inhaler, reduced from $265 to $89

Januvia, a diabetes medication, reduced from $330 to $100

Mayzent, Multiple Sclerosis medication, from $9,987 to $1,137

Plavix, a prescription blood thinner, reduced from $756 to $16

Sanofi's insulin products set to start at $35 per months supply

Ozempic and Wegovy , weight loss medications, reduced from $1,000 and $1,350 per month, respectively, to $350

Pfizer medications, possibly including Duavee, a post-menopausal osteoporosis medication; Zavzpret, a nasal spray to treat migraines; and Xeljanz, a rheumatoid arthritis medication.

Emgality, a migraine treatment, is set to cost $299 per pen

Trulicity, a diabetes medication, is set to cost $389 per month

How will TrumpRx work?

Instead of getting prescriptions at a pharmacy, consumers could find their medications directly through TrumpRx.com, the domain that connects drug manufacturers directly to those purchasing their prescriptions.

The Trump administration has established deals with major pharmaceutical companies that trade lower drug costs for customers with a three-year exemption period from tariffs, according to multiple pharmaceutical company press releases.

TrumpRx basically has two elements:

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A government-run website that will send consumers directly to drug manufacturers' websites to buy medicine without using insurance

Trade pricing tactics carried out by the Trump administration to lower some U.S. drug prices

How is TrumpRx different from GoodRx?

GoodRx is a popular website for Americans to reduce prescription drug costs. The site offers free coupons for patients to use when paying for their medications at the pharmacy and allows individuals to compare prices online, according to GoodRx.

The company sells a "gold" monthly membership, which offers subscribers more discounted prescription prices and free home delivery. GoodRx is a publicly traded company.

Similar companies include Singlecare, RxSaver and more.

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TrumpRx will be a direct-to-consumer drug sale website, meaning that patients could order their medications directly through the government site. Using a direct-to-customer model would bypass a traditional retail pharmacy, according to National CooperativeRx.

TrumpRx is a government-run website.

USA TODAY and Connect reporter Bonnie Bolden contributed to this report.

Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com

Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What is TrumpRx? What medications could be included on government site
The administration of President Donald Trump carried out nearly 90 deportation flights on military planes in 2025, according to data compiled by the ICE Flight Monitor project at Human Rights First.

The flights deported immigrants to nearly 40 countries, the data compiled by the human rights group shows. These removals also included third-country deportations, where immigrants are deported to another country that is not theirs.

A C-17 military airplane is used to deport 80 Guatemalan men, women and children who were illegally in the U.S. from Fort Bliss El Paso, Texas on Jan. 30, 2025.

The use of military deportation flights has been paused since September, the data shows. The last flights registered by the ICE Flight Monitor were to Ghana, Africa, on Sept. 5 and Sierra Leone and Mali on Sept. 10.

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The ICE Flight Monitor project notes in their November 2025 report that the military deportation flights represented 19 percent of all deportation flights in the first few months of the Trump administration.

The Department of Homeland Security started to use military planes for deportations on Jan. 24 after Trump signed an executive order permitting the U.S. military's involvement in border security.

More: Exclusive: 911 calls from migrant detention center highlight dire conditions

The majority of flights flew to Latin America, with 24 flights to Guatemala and 12 flights to Honduras, among other countries. The deportations were later expanded over the summer to include countries in Eastern Europe and Africa beginning in July and August.

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The deportations were carried out on C-17 and C-30 cargo planes, which carry far fewer deportees than on the ICE-contracted deportation flights. The use of military planes was criticized due to the high price tag of operations, costing $28,500 per hour.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, called the use of military equipment for immigration enforcement operations "an abuse of taxpayer resources."

DHS did not respond to a request for comment about the decision to pause military deportation flights.

More: Exclusive: She survived ICE custody; her husband died during detention

ICE chartered removal flights

The Trump administration has steadily increased the number of chartered deportation flights as part of its efforts to crack down on immigration.

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There were 1,912 deportation flights between Jan. 20 and Nov. 30, according to data from the ICE Flight Monitor project. The number of flights in the first 11 months represents a sharp increase over the number in 2024, which saw 1,437 removal flights.

Guatemalan migrants deported from the United States pass in front of the commercial flight chartered by ICE to return them to Guatemala on Feb. 18, 2025.

More: 'Listen to them': Pope Leo backs US bishops message against Trump's immigration crackdown

The Killeen, Texas-based charter company CSI Aviation holds the federal contract for deportation flights, but the company subcontracts with multiple companies to carry out the flights, including GlobalX, Avelo and Eastern Air Express, among other smaller airlines.

At least 80 percent of the deportation flights have gone to Latin America, the ICE Flight Monitor project's data shows.

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Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Trump's military deportation flights paused in September
Galena resident Madailein Watters is an Ohio native and law and political science graduate of Trinity College Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland.

President Donald Trumps invasion of Venezuela violates the very international law the U.S. once helped to set out, and of the United States Constitution.

Beyond that, it gave Americans an eerie and disturbing reminder of the Iraq occupation  particularly when Trump mentioned Venezuelan oil on national television.

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One thing must be declared certain: This unlawful invasion is not about narcoterrorism, but rather an insatiable need from the U.S. government to obtain control over a sovereign country's resources and infrastructure, perpetuating its historical imperialism. And it is another example of the Trump administration's defiance against the rule of law.

These are lessons the American people can only hope their leaders would have learned.

Trump's crimes of aggression are absurd

The United States military used force Jan. 3 when it invaded the sovereign nation of Venezuela to abduct President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The plan, as Trump noted, is to run the country for the foreseeable future.

This is in direct violation of the United Nations Charter Article 2(4), which declares that member states, such as the United States, [...] shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

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The United States helped to establish this charter in 1946, following WWII, to ensure that the horrific crimes and catastrophe that took place then would never happen again  to create a global unified order in the pursuit of peace, and to condemn countries invading others through military aggression.

Countless legal scholars have also agreed that this action is a breach of the Nuremberg Principles, which were established by the International Law Commission in 1950 and from the trials that charged remaining high-ranking Nazis with crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Furthermore, these acts can surely be seen as a breach of article 8 of the Rome Statute and constitute a crime of aggression, consistent with the language of the UN charter mentioned above.

Understanding this legal background is important to expose just how absurd these acts from the Trump administration really are. It is a blatant disrespect for the fundamental belief in a State's right to self-determination and sovereignty.

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By attacking Venezuela and abducting its president, the U.S. is setting an extremely dangerous precedent that any country can invade another one for no lawful reason. Then, it can do as it pleases and obstruct its justice.

This is the very precedent that is the beating heart behind all horrific wars and international conflicts.

For a president who claims he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, it is remarkable that his actions are now setting a global precedent in the antithesis of peace, the consequences of which we do not yet know, but which we are likely to see soon.

Is Venezuela Iraq 2.0?

Not only are these actions unlawful by international legal standards, but they raise the question of U.S. Constitutional Law violations.

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Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war.

Donald Trump did not engage, consult or get approval from Congress to declare this art of war. There will no doubt be arguments put forth by the administration that this was an act of self-defense in order to ignite legal loopholes for their action.

Further, the legal extent of presidential power to declare or initiate war is highly contested, but most agree that at the very least, the president cannot do so unilaterally.

Legal arguments on this issue can and will go back and forth, but one overarching issue continues to present itself: the democratic dilemma.

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Americans have no say whatsoever in the country's foreign policy and are offered no democratic avenue to do so. This is especially true when Congress is not consulted by the executive.

Congress serves as the only representation of the American people and the direct line between the people and their country.

Instead, Americans must live with the knowledge that their tax dollars are going to unlawful wars and attacks that they did not choose nor likely support.

We saw this conversation reemerge following the U.S. contribution of arms to Israel in their genocide of the Palestinian people, despite reports finding that 60% of Americans opposed this U.S. military aid.

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So where is Congress now? Well, most of them are shocked and some are claiming this is Iraq 2.0.

I would tend to agree.

Our intelligence and democracy are being disrespected

There is no doubt that Maduro is an illegitimate authoritarian leader who has deeply harmed the Venezuelan people  but just the same, Donald Trumps intentions are clearly not in supporting the Venezuelan people.

This decision to bypass all legal processes in order to gain more power is in the self-interest of Trump and his vision of America  one which reignites its status as an imperial power.

It is a decision that also disrespects the American people, their intelligence, and their right to be a part of their countrys decision-making.

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Yet, Ohioans may be saying to themselves, OK  this is another crazy move from Trump, but whats new? And this doesnt really affect me, so, so what?

To that, I offer this: Imagine the rule of law and our democracy as a concrete version of the Statue of Liberty.

Every time Trump and his administration disregard the law, both domestically and internationally, they are throwing a wrecking ball at our statue, and if they continue at this pace, there will be no liberty left to defend.

Are we really willing to let that all go so Donald Trump can have access to Venezuelas oil industry?

Madailein Watters is an Ohio native and Law and Political Science (LL.B.) graduate of Trinity College Dublin, in Dublin Ireland.

Galena resident Madailein Watters is an Ohio native and law and political science graduate of Trinity College Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland. Watters research and work specialize in international human rights and administrative law.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump's invasion of Venezuela broke these international laws | Opinion
The federal government has launched a broad attack on social services in California, raising the specter of fraud and threatening to withhold billions of dollars of funding in areas including child care, a jolt to tens of thousands of working families.

In a trio of Jan. 6 letters addressed to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it was concerned there had been "potential for extensive and systemic fraud" in child care and other social services programs that rely on federal funding, and had "reason to believe" that the state was "illicitly providing illegal aliens" with benefits.

The letters did not detail evidence to support the claims. State officials immediately said the suggestions of fraud are unsubstantiated.

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Health and Human Services said it would review how the funding had been used by the state, and was restricting access  at least temporarily  to additional money amid its inquiries. The federal government requested large volumes of administrative data and other files, including attendance documentation for child care. It also demanded beefed-up fiscal accountability requirements.

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday plans to freeze $10 billion in federal funds for similar programs in five Democrat-controlled states, including California. The others are Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York.

Newsom and state Democratic leaders have accused President Trump of unleashing a political vendetta. Officials argued the president is using unsubstantiated claims to justify a move that could jeopardize child care and social services for low-income families.

It is unconscionable for Trump and Republicans to rip away billions of dollars that support child care and families in need, and this has nothing to do with fraud," said Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), speaker of the California Assembly, in a statement. "California taxpayers pay for these programs  period  and Trump has no right to steal from our hard-working residents. We will continue to fight back.

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Trump has justified the action in comments posted on his social media platform Truth Social, where he accused Newsom of widespread fraud.

The governor's office dismissed the accusation as "deranged." The president's announcement came amid his administration's broader push to target Democrat-led states over alleged fraud in taxpayer-funded programs. It follows sweeping prosecutions in Minnesota, where federal officials allege that as much as half of the roughly $18 billion paid to 14 state-run programs since 2018 may have been fraudulent.

In California, it's not clear when the funding freeze would begin. And elements of Trump's effort in the state appear to have been hastily formulated. One letter to Newsom that announced the restrictions asked for data about Minnesota.

Several observers said they expect California to file a legal challenge over the freeze.

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These funds are not optional  they are critical lifelines for working families across California, said Jason Montiel, a spokesperson for the California Department of Social Services. The State of California aggressively investigates and prosecutes fraud. Using unsupported allegations to withhold child-care funding only from states that didnt vote for the President doesnt stop fraud  it harms struggling moms and dads President Trump claims to be fighting for.

The prospect of a funding collapse has jolted families and child-care providers, many of whom operate on thin margins and could be imperiled by even the temporary halting of payments.

"It could impact tens of thousands of families [locally] who are currently relying on assistance to pay for child care so they can maintain their employment," said Donna Sneeringer, president of the Child Care Resource Center, a nonprofit that helps connect families in Southern California with child care and subsidies.

Read more: Chabria: Tim Walz isn't the only governor plagued by fraud. Newsom may be targeted next

Trump claims

Trump posted on his social media site Truth Social on Tuesday that under Newsom, California is "more corrupt than Minnesota, if thats possible???" In the post, Trump used a derogatory nickname for Newsom that has become popular with the governor's critics, referring to him as "Newscum."

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"The Fraud Investigation of California has begun," Trump wrote.

The president also retweeted a story by the New York Post that said his Department of Health and Human Services will freeze taxpayer funding from the Child Care Development Fund, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which is known as CalWORKS in California, and the Social Services Block Grant program.

"For too long, Democrat-led states and Governors have been complicit in allowing massive amounts of fraud to occur under their watch," said Andrew Nixon, a department spokesperson. "Under the Trump Administration, we are ensuring that federal taxpayer dollars are being used for legitimate purposes. We will ensure these states are following the law and protecting hard-earned taxpayer money."

The department announced last month that all 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund after a series of fraud schemes at Minnesota day-care centers run by Somali residents.

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"The Trump Administration is using the moral guise of eliminating 'fraud and abuse' to undermine essential programs and punish families and children who depend on these services to survive, many of whom have no other options if this funding disappears," Kristin McGuire, president of Young Invincibles, a young-adult nonprofit economic advocacy group, said in a statement.

Read more: These South L.A. women built a child-care haven on their block. Its a lifeline for families

California pushes back

Newsom's office has brushed off Trump's post about fraud allegations, calling the president "a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago." The governor said he welcomes federal fraud investigations in the state, adding in an interview on MS NOW that aired Monday night: "Bring it on. ... If he has some unique insight and information, I look forward to partnering with him. I can't stand fraud."

However, Newsom said cutting off funding hurts hardworking families who rely on the assistance.

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"You want to support families? You believe in families? Then you believe in supporting child care and child-care workers in the workforce," Newsom told MS NOW.

In the current state budget, California's child-care spending is $7.3 billion, of which $2.2 billion is federal dollars, said H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for the California Department of Finance. According to the state's Legislative Analyst's Office, about $1.4 billion in federal child care funding would be frozen per the letters from Health and Human Services.

Newsom is set to unveil his budget proposal Friday for the fiscal year that begins July 1, which will mark the governor's final spending plan before he terms out.

Palmer said while details about the potential threat to federal child-care dollars remain unclear, what is known is that federal dollars are not like a spigot that will be turned off by the end of the week.

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There is no immediate cutoff that will happen, he said.

Since Trump took office, California has filed dozens of legal actions to block the president's policy changes and funding cuts, and the state has prevailed in many of them.

What happened in Minnesota

Federal prosecutors say Minnesota has been hit by some of the largest fraud schemes involving state-run, federally funded programs in the country. Providers are accused of billing for services never delivered and diverting money for personal use.

The scale of the fraud has drawn national attention and fueled the Trump administrations decision to freeze child-care funds while demanding additional safeguards before doling out money. Gov. Tim Walz has ordered a third-party audit and appointed a director of program integrity. Amid the fallout, Walz announced he will not seek a third term.

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Outrage over the fraud reached a fever pitch in the White House after a video posted online by an influencer purported to expose extensive fraud at Somali-run child-care centers in Minnesota.

California officials have acknowledged fraud failures in the past, most notably at the Employment Development Department during the COVID-19 pandemic, when weakened safeguards led to billions of dollars in unemployment payments later deemed potentially fraudulent.

An independent state audit released last month found administrative vulnerabilities in some of Californias social services programs but stopped short of alleging widespread fraud or corruption.

The California state auditor added the Department of Social Services to its high-risk list because of persistent errors in calculating CalFresh benefits, which provides food assistance to those in need  a measure of payment accuracy rather than criminal activity  warning that federal law changes could eventually force the state to absorb billions of dollars in additional costs if those errors are not reduced.

What's at stake locally

A funding freeze would be a big blow for Danielle Svihovec, who runs Woodbury Preschool Village in Altadena.

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She is still struggling to get her child-care center on its feet after the Eaton fire ravaged her community last January. A quarter of the families enrolled at Woodbury Preschool Village rely on state subsidies, a percentage that has increased due to fire hardships.

"The families that lost their homes are struggling financially, and they need help, Svihovec said. We just keep getting one hit after another. We need a break.

Where it once had a waitlist of one to two years, Woodbury Preschool is still struggling to reach capacity a year after the fires, she said. Losing low-income families would be an additional obstacle to those enrollment losses as well as those felt by the increased competition from Californias new grade, transitional kindergarten, she added.

I don't know how much more we can withstand," Svihovec said.

Sequeira reports for The Times early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. For more information about the initiative and its philanthropic funders, go to latimes.com/earlyed.



Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport in Oregon is no longer staffed by Transportation Security Administration officers as commercial flights at the facility have ended.

The change, reported by the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, noted that Avelo Airlines was the last commercial carrier to serve the airport and ended flights there in July.

That leaves only cargo carriers operating from Salem now.

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"We were informed Dec. 30 that the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is no longer considered federalized, and TSA regulation of the airport has been suspended," Jason Roberts, Salem's public information officer, told USA TODAY in a statement. "Now that SLE is not federalized, TSA security regulations no longer apply, and SLE will operate as a General Aviation airport. Our current airport users and tenants likely will not see any impact from the change."

TSA regulations suspended after Salem Airport loses commercial flights

According to Roberts, the TSA's equipment will remain on site at the airport until the agency decides to relocate it. TSA officers assigned to Salem will have the opportunity to transfer to another airport.

Roberts warned that, if the equipment is removed, it could slow down the airport's efforts to eventually restart commercial flights.

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"If the equipment is removed and later needs to be returned, replacement equipment could take several months to acquire and install," his statement said.

TSA did not comment about the change.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happens when TSA leaves an airport
A Turkish national has been jailed for 11 years for supplying thousands of small boats and engines used by people smugglers to transport asylum seekers across the Channel.

Adem Savas supplied engines and dinghies to people smugglers, shipping the boats from Turkey and storing them in Germany until they were transported to northern France.

The 45-year-old was arrested after arriving at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam in November 2024 and stood trial in Bruges, Belgium, for alleged involvement in people-smuggling operations.

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Savas was initially identified by the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) following an investigation into Hewa Rahimpur, the Kurdish crime boss.

Rahimpur headed up a major Europe-wide smuggling ring thought to be behind the movement of more than 10,000 migrants in small boat crossings to the UK. He was arrested by the NCA in 2022 near Ilford, east London, where he was living.

He was then extradited to Belgium, where he was convicted and jailed for 11 years in October 2023. This was later increased to 13 years on appeal.

Analysis of phones and devices seized following Rahimpurs arrest revealed that his key supplier of boats and engines was Savas, and the two were in regular contact.

Equipment in a van sent by Adem Savas to a Kurdish crime boss

At the time, Savas was the main importer of cheap Parsun-branded outboard engines sourced from China, the type most frequently used by gangs operating small boats in the Channel.

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Savas is thought by the NCA to have been responsible for supplying half of all the boats that crossed the Channel. It said the dinghies were substandard and dangerous while the boats engines were underpowered.

The NCA, working with Belgian counterparts, uncovered evidence to show the boats and engines sourced by Savas were moved overland from Turkey into Bulgaria, and then across Europe to Germany, where they would be stored before being used in the Channel.

An operation to track Savass movements was instigated, involving the NCA, Belgian and Dutch law enforcement, supported by Belgian prosecutors.

After information was received that he was attending a trade event in the Netherlands, officers moved in to have him arrested as he touched down in Schiphol.

The NCA, working with Belgian counterparts, uncovered evidence to show the boats and engines sourced by Savas were moved overland from Turkey into Bulgaria

Prosecutor Jinmin Arnou revealed that investigators had intercepted communications where Savas requested large boats specifically for transporting asylum seekers.

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He allegedly boasted about supplying 1,000 outboard motors for the European migrant market and referred to himself as the king of transport and export.

Savas is also accused of working with corrupt Turkish police officers, whom he reportedly provided with perks such as luxury trips, although the extent of these exchanges remains unclear.

As well as the 11-year sentence, Savas was fined 400,000 (346,000). Three other defendants were sentenced to 12 and 13 years in prison in absentia, and their arrests have been ordered. They were fined 600,000 (520,000). Savas also had $100,000 (74,000) in assets seized.

Analysis of phones and devices seized after Rahimpurs arrest revealed that Savas was his key supplier of boats and engines

The prosecution comes after it was confirmed that a total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK last year after crossing the English Channel illegally in small boats  the second-highest annual figure on record.

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The yearly total was 13 per cent higher than the figure for 2024, when 36,816 migrants made the journey, and 41 per cent higher than 2023s total of 29,437. It was, however, 9 per cent below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022.

Law enforcement agencies have, since the start of the year, started using new counter-terror style powers to crack down on people smugglers, including being able to seize migrants mobile phones and SIM cards without the need for arrest.

Border Force, immigration and police officers will be able to confiscate and search phones and other electronic devices where they have reasonable grounds to suspect there is intelligence that could lead to the prosecution of people smugglers.

Under the legislation, which took effect on Monday, law enforcement agencies also have powers to charge suspected people smugglers for moving, storing or supplying items such as boat engines, with offenders facing 14 years behind bars.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.




Two U.S. soldiers wounded in the Jan. 2 commando raid on Venezuela are recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, a Pentagon spokesperson said Tuesday.

"They are receiving excellent medical care and are well on their way to recovery," the spokesperson said in a written statement.

Five other soldiers who participated in Operation Absolute Resolve "suffered injuries but have already returned to duty," they added.

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The spokesperson provided no details about the soldiers or their injuries.

President Donald Trump said in a news conference that no U.S. military personnel were killed in the attack. He did not address the issue of wounded troops, but OSINTDefender, the flight tracker that followed the C-17 flight from Puerto Rico to San Antonio, cited CNN in reporting a "handful of American troops sustained bullet and shrapnel wounds during last night's operation in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, but none are life-threatening."

A C-17 Globemaster III used as a medical evacuation aircraft for U.S. troops wounded in Venezuela reportedly flew this weekend from Puerto Rico to San Antonio, where the soldiers were taken to BAMC, a Level 1 trauma center.

OSINTDefender said the C-17, "Reach 437," flew out of Puerto Rico on Saturday and arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland's Kelly Field several hours later, after 5 p.m.

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The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan "Raizin" Caine, told reporters at a news conference Saturday that Trump ordered the "apprehension mission" Friday night and it involved 150 planes, including B-1 Lancer bombers and helicopters from 20 bases. He described the nighttime operation as "discreet" and "precise."

The helicopters flew into the South American country at 100 feet above the water. One was hit, but remained flyable and continued its mission, he said.

"This was an audacious operation that only the United States could carry out," Caine said. "It required the utmost precision and integration across our joint force."

The operation lasted just under 2 1/2 hours and continued into early Saturday, ending with Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, surrendering and facing federal indictments in New York. Both are now in U.S. custody. Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism in Manhattan federal court on Monday.

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In his press conference, Trump said U.S. forces encountered Venezuelan troops "who were waiting for us." The New York Times reported that at least 40 civilians and military personnel were killed, and that half a dozen U.S. soldiers were injured.

This article originally published at Two U.S. soldiers injured in Venezuela raid recovering at San Antonio military medical center.
The crew of the runaway Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera released the first video showing a U.S. Coast Guard Legend class cutter in close pursuit. The video was posted online Tuesday by the Russian RT news outlet as the military buildup in England continues, potentially for a future U.S. boarding of the vessel.

Until recently known as the Bella-1 before it was re-registered and the crew painted a Russian flag on it, the Marinera is part of a so-called shadow fleet. These vessels are transporting oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries. The Coast Guard attempted to board the ship, which never made it to port in Venezuela and is empty, on Dec. 20. However, the crew refused to allow it. As we noted yesterday, CBS News reported that the U.S. is drawing up plans to interdict the boat. You can catch up to our most recent coverage of the pursuit for this ship in our story here.

The video posted by RT shows the cutter following the Marinera on a roughly parallel course in choppy seas in the North Atlantic. It is unclear from the video which cutter is following the Marinera. The oil tanker is reportedly located between Iceland and Scotland.

Video released by RT shows U.S. Coast Guard pursuing sanctioned tanker Marinera (Bella 1) to seize it in the North Atlantic.



Contributed by @AZ_Intel_. pic.twitter.com/jHxzXM106u  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 6, 2026

The 418-foot-long Legend class cutters often perform interdictions and can accommodate two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, or one MH-65 or MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and two vertically launched unmanned aerial vehicles. A Coast Guard official told us that the service is phasing out its Insitu ScanEagle drones in favor of Shield AI V-BAT drones.

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It is unclear from the video if any aircraft are embarked.

The cutters are armed with a Mk. 110 57 mm deck gun; a Phalanx 20 mm close-in weapon system (CWIS), a Mk. 53 decoy launching system (NULKA); and four M2 .50-caliber machine guns.

USCG Legend class cutter Hamilton. (USCG)

Regardless of how many aviation assets it carries or how it is armed, a lone cutter in the high seas has not proven adequate to board the Marinera. Concerns about the effort have been exacerbated by Venezuelan officials having discussed the placement of armed military personnel on tankers  disguising them as civilians for defense purposes  as well as portable Soviet-era air defense systems, CBS reported. Thats likely why the U.S. is planning a much larger and far more capable and well defended force to do so.

In December, when the U.S. boarded the M/T Skipper, another sanctioned Russian oil tanker, law enforcement and military personnel were fast-roped from a Navy MH-65 Seahawk embarked aboard the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, not too far from Venezuela. You can see that boarding in the following video.

Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) December 10, 2025

As word has spread of a possible U.S. boarding, Russian milbloggers say the Marinera may be headed for the Baltic Sea, where it will be met and escorted by the Russian fleet, unless the Americans or British manage to board the Marinera beforehand.

Russian milblogger Military Informant says the tanker Marinera will likely be met and escorted by the Russian fleet once it enters the Baltic Sea. The vessel is currently being pursued by the US in the North Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/occZFLsH8n  Preston Stewart (@prestonstew_) January 6, 2026

Meanwhile, as the Legend class cutter follows the Marinera on the water, the U.S. and allies continue their aerial surveillance efforts.

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According to flight tracking data, U.K. Typhoon fighters, accompanied by KC-2 aerial refueling tankers, flew over the North Atlantic in the area where the tanker was last seen.

 UK RAF Typhoon fighter jets accompanied by KC2 aerial tankers are heading towards the area where the Marinera (Bella 1) was last spotted. https://t.co/3UxqmpaqVCpic.twitter.com/ep5B0gm0aI  MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) January 6, 2026

The Typhoons join U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jets, and Irish Air Corps C-295W maritime search aircraft in tracking the Marinera.

Beyond the ongoing flights, the U.S. is continuing to add aviation assets to the U.K. that could take part in any effort to track and board the Marinera. On Tuesday, a U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady high altitude surveillance jet was deployed to RAF Fairford, according to online flight tracking data. It isnt clear if this high-flying asset is there for a potential raiding operation or other taskings. U-2s fly out of RAF Fairford regularly.

10:30~ DRAGON 86 USAF U-2/s Dragon Lady

Inbound RAF Fairford from Beale AFB.

Maintaining FL600 and not yet requested descent.

Calling "DRAGON OPS" uhf 33#.## in the red #DRAGON86 (no mode-s) pic.twitter.com/qOhoHoZ0cR  Andy (@Andyyyyrrrr) January 6, 2026

The U-2 is the latest U.S. aircraft to be deployed to the U.K. As we noted yesterday, C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets recently arrived at RAF Fairford from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Night Stalkers. Local spotters say the cargo jets delivered Night Stalkers highly modified MH-47 Chinooks and MH-60M Black Hawks; however, no visual evidence has emerged to confirm that. Further, one of the U.S. Air Forces shadowy CASA CN-235 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance planes was also deployed to RAF Fairford, in addition to at least two AC-130J Ghostrider gunships that just arrived at RAF Mildenhall over the weekend.

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A future boarding effort is not the only reason these aircraft may have been deployed to England, which you can read about in our previous report. However, those possibilities are looking less probable as the pursuit of the Marinera continues.

An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at RAF Mildenhall on Sunday. (Andrew McKelvey)

Meanwhile, Moscow is watching all this with a wary eye.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring with concern the anomalous situation surrounding the Russian oil tanker Marinera, NBC News reported.

For several days now, Marinera has been followed by a U.S. Coast Guard ship, despite the fact that the vessel is located approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) from the U.S. coastline, the statement added.

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At present, the vessel is navigating international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with international maritime law, the Foreign Ministry continued. At the same time, for reasons that remain unclear to us, the Russian vessel is receiving heightened attention from U.S. and NATO military forces that is clearly disproportionate to its peaceful status. We expect that Western countries, which consistently declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas, will begin by adhering to this principle in their own actions.

We are monitoring the abnormal situation around the Russian tanker Marinera with concern  Russian MFA tells RT



Despite being 4,000 km from US shores, the civilian vessel is shadowed for days by US and NATO assets



Moscow stresses freedom of navigation on the high seas https://t.co/sMgnTIt8Y8 pic.twitter.com/TRe2W76yBJ  RT (@RT_com) January 6, 2026

Despite any concerns, Russia has yet to deploy ships or aircraft to support the Marinera. Given its location, it will be days before the ship could reach the Baltic. There, a more robust Russian presence not too far from its shores could complicate any interdiction efforts.

For the moment, the oil tanker is making its way toward Russia unimpeded and it remains unknown if President Donald Trump will give the order to board it. Whether that happens is something we will be following closely.

Update: 8:39 PM Eastern 

The Russians have sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the Marinera, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday night.

Update: 1/7/2026

U.S. forces have now boarded and secured the Marinera. You can find our continuing courage here.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A new U.N. report says Israel has violated international law by discriminating against Palestinians in the West Bank since occupying the territory after the Six-Day War in 1967.

The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released the report on Wednesday and said it "details the asphyxiating impact of Israel's laws, policies and practices on every aspect of daily life for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem."

Israel's policies in the West Bank run counter to international law that bans states from engaging in racial segregation and "apartheid" policies, according to the report.

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"Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, resulting in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues, including movement and access to resources such as land and water," the report says.

"Palestinians continue to be subjected to large-scale confiscation of land and deprivation of access to resources. This has had the effect of dispossessing them of their lands and homes, alongside other forms of systemic discrimination, including criminal prosecution in military courts during which their due process and fair trial rights are systematically violated."

The report says Israeli officials have expanded the use of "unlawful force, arbitrary detention and torture, repression of civil society" in the West Bank since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli civilians.

According to the report, the result in the West Bank is subject to restrictions on media and movement, while Israeli settlements continue.

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The report cites an "escalation of settler violence" that allegedly is supported by and at times participated in by Israeli security forces.

According to the U.N. report, Israel's military justice system works against Palestinians and provides them with little human rights protection, while favoring Israeli settlers.

The report says lethal force has been used when unwarranted and in a manner that discriminates against Palestinians.

The report cites two examples of alleged killings by Israeli forces, both of which involved claims of suspicious activity.

One was a 10-year-old boy and the other a 23-year-old pregnant woman, both of whom were shot and killed for suspicious activities involving the ground.

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A search showed the woman was unarmed, and no improvised explosive devices were found in the area.

The report does not say if an IED was found near the boy, who was shot and killed while standing, unarmed, in a doorway.

U.N. officials said Israel's policies in the West Bank infringe on residents' rights to work and prevent Palestinians from accessing their lands, which causes financial hardship.

The report says construction of new roads links Israeli settlements while separating Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

"Thousands of Palestinians have also been evicted from their homes across the West Bank, which may amount to unlawful transfer, a war crime," U.N. officials said.

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Israel "must repeal all laws, policies and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination against Palestinians based on race, religion or ethnic origin," U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said.

"Whether accessing water, school, rushing to hospital, visiting family or friends, or harvesting olives -- every aspect of life for Palestinians in the West Bank is controlled and curtailed by Israel's discriminatory laws, policies and practices," Turk added.

He said Israel needs to vacate the West Bank and remove all Israeli settlers and return the land to the "Palestinian people."

The West Bank separates Israel and Jordan and was part of Jordan prior to Israel's occupation of the territory during the Six-Day War.

Israeli forces counter-attacked and occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which remain under Israel's control.
British armed forces supported the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked tanker previously known as the Bella 1, was stopped by the US Coast Guard, as it travelled northwards through waters between Iceland and Scotland.

The MoD said the US asked the UK for assistance, and RAF surveillance aircraft and a Royal Navy support ship, the RFA Tideforce, took part in the operation.

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Defence Secretary John Healey said the action was "in full compliance with international law", adding the UK "will not stand by as malign activity increases on the high seas".

In a statement to MPs on Tuesday explaining why the UK joined the operation, Healey said the government was "stepping up activity against shadow vessels".

In a post on X, the US military's European Command thanked the MoD for its "unwavering support" during the operation.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed the joint operation, as well as recent talks on Ukraine and the US operation in Venezuela, in a phone call with President Trump on Wednesday evening.

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In a brief statement, the spokesperson said the PM "set out his position on Greenland" during the call - the first to take place between the two leaders since the US seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the weekend.

On Tuesday Sir Keir told the BBC only Greenland and Denmark should decide the future of the territory, after Trump repeated his threats to annex it.

The Marinera is accused of being part of shadow fleet carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia and Iran, breaking US sanctions.

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The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the ship, and had tried to board the tanker last month in the Caribbean. But the tanker dramatically changed course, changed its name, and re-registered as a Russian vessel, and for two weeks the US has been pursuing it.

Healey said: "By assisting our US allies in taking this ship off the seas, we are protecting the British people and our nation."

He said the ship had a long history of "nefarious activity" linked to Russia and Iran, and that Iran was a "persistent danger" to the UK.

The vessel, which has been sanctioned by the US since 2024, had moved 7.3 million barrels of oil on behalf of Iran, Healey said, "the proceeds of which have been used to finance terrorism, threat and instability across the world".

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He also said the shadow fleet was "vital to Putin's ongoing illegal invasion and war in Ukraine".

Shadow fleets, or ghost fleets, are becoming increasingly common, with Venezuela, Iran and Russia all accused of using them to avoid sanctions on oil.

Financial intelligence firm S&P Global estimates that one in five oil tankers worldwide are used to smuggle oil from sanctioned countries. The ships are often ageing tankers and use false flags to try and avoid detection.

Healey praised the "courage" of the US forces in the operation, and said no UK personnel took part in the boarding of the ship.

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The seizure of the Marinera came as the US said it had seized the M/T Sophia, another tanker with connections to Venezuela, in the Caribbean - and days after a military operation in Caracas to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.

In a statement, the MoD said the Marinera was also assessed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

It said: "The ship, initially flying a false flag, turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued."

[BBC]

Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag, and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.

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The transport ministry said it had given the vessel "temporary permission" to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.

Reports had suggested that Russia had dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.

The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military in separate posts on social media on Wednesday.

Experts told BBC Verify that under UN international maritime law, a stateless vessel can be boarded by authorities.

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Venezuela's leadership is co-operating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously co-ordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships".

She said both seized vessels "were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it".
The killing of 14-year-old Yosef Eisenthal, who was run over by a bus during an anti-recruitment protest in an Orthodox district of West Jerusalem on Tuesday night, has brought renewed attention to one of the most contentious issues in Israeli politics: the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service.

According to numerous analysts, the scale of the fissure is such that it poses an existential threat to the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has so far weathered multiple accusations of genocide in Gaza and criticism over unilateral attacks on regional neighbours.

Eisenthal was among tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, protesters when he was hit by the bus at an intersection in the Romema neighbourhood. Three other protesters, all reported to be teenagers, were injured in the incident. Israeli media reports say the bus driver had previously been attacked by demonstrators before driving into the crowd.

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Netanyahu issued a statement on Wednesday morning, pledging that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and urging restraint to prevent the mood from becoming further inflamed so that, heaven forbid, we do not have additional tragedies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "I feel deep pain over the death of the dear Yeshiva student, Yosef Eisenthal, of blessed memory, who was struck and killed yesterday during a protest in Jerusalem.  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 7, 2026

Anger over the exemption of Israels ultra-Orthodox students dates back to early attempts in 1999 to formalise what had previously been a de facto arrangement, with Haredi leaders arguing that young men should be allowed to focus on full-time religious study to preserve Jewish law and tradition, rather than be conscripted to join the army, as other Israeli Jews are.

However, legal challenges to the exemption, most recently from the Supreme Court late last year demanding that Haredi recruitment be enforced, combined with reports of manpower shortages linked to Israels military conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, have pushed the issue back into the spotlight.

Polls show broad public support for the ending of the exemption, a notion publicly backed by Netanyahu. But two of the prime ministers key coalition partners, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, have repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the government or vote against the state budget, triggering new elections, unless legislation is passed preserving Haredi exemptions or limiting conscription for students at Israels ultra-Orthodox schools, known as yeshivas.





You need to remember, these arent political parties in the conventional sense, Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, said, characterising UTJ and Shas as operating to the benefit of their community and not wider society. They are elected as parties to operate as pressure groups inside the Knesset [parliament]. They know that no one outside of their own ultra-Orthodox community will vote for them, and they really have no interest in persuading them to do so.

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All they have is their own religious base, with a proportion in society that is constantly increasing, added Mekelberg. Preserving that base, for the large part, is about keeping them out of the army where they might encounter different types of approaches to religion, including secularism, which their rabbis are afraid would tempt and corrupt them.

Bitter debate

Despite the limited deaths, the Israeli army has incurred compared to the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed during its genocidal war on Gaza, anger over the Haredi communities apparent exemption from the draft has grown among a society fractured from two years of unrelenting conflict.

An autumn poll last year showed an overwhelming number of Israeli respondents saw the societal schism between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis as one of the most divisive issues facing contemporary Israel.

Responding to the death of Eisenthal, UTJs Meir Porush told reporters, It is impossible to ignore the fact that more than once during demonstrations by the ultra-Orthodox public, there is a public atmosphere that it is permissible to harm the demonstrators.

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The situation in which incitement is rampant against the ultra-Orthodox public is causing Jews to fear for their safety in the Land of Israel, Porush continued. I call on all public leaders to call for an end to the harm and incitement against the ultra-Orthodox public.

Police clash with ultra-orthodox protesters during a previous protest over compulsory enlistment in West Jerusalem [Ammar Awad/Reuters]

Theres very little sympathy for the ultra-Orthodox among much of Israeli society, Ori Goldberg, an Israeli political analyst, said. Theyve gone to great lengths to distance themselves from the rest of the population, so most people dont really care  Israeli society is broken.

Divisive

From Israels creation in 1948, a handful of highly skilled ultra-Orthodox scholars were granted exemptions from Israels mandatory military service, which applies to most Jewish citizens. However, over the years, the influence of influential religious parties, such as Shas and UTJ, has led to a significant increase in the number of military exemptions, currently estimated at about 90 percent of the 13,000 ultra-Orthodox men who reach conscription age each year.

While Shas and UTJ only hold 18 seats in the parliament, the fractured nature of Israeli politics and Netanyahus reliance upon the right have given the ultra-Orthodox a disproportionate level of influence.

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Its true that they dont have many seats, but Netanyahu absolutely needs their support to maintain his coalition and remain prime minister, Mitchell Barak, an Israeli pollster and former political aide to several senior Israeli political figures, including Netanyahu, told Al Jazeera. Its true that the ultra-Orthodox parties also need Netanyahu and his government to have any power and relevance in their own communities. But the draft issue is everything. To them, if they lose this: they have nothing.

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man stands in front of a burning fire during a protest against Israeli army conscription in Kfar Yona [John Wessels/AFP]

Increasing influence

Across Israel, the Haredi are a growing social and political constituency, with both their political heft and the influence of religion across society increasing as their numbers do.

In 2009, the Haredi made up 9.9 percent of Israels population. By 2065, they are forecast to make up more than 30 percent. Alongside this growth, ultra-Orthodox parties are making sure their members interests are served and that they remain loyal: all of which could spell problems for Israels future.

Parties like Shas and UTJ rely on keeping its younger members religious and reliant upon benefits, Mekelberg said.

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This is a serious problem, because their numbers are growing, he added. An ultra-Orthodox family will typically have six to seven children. Its unlikely that any of the boys will ever study core subjects like maths or science. Instead, theyll go to the yeshiva and live off benefits. This is a real demographic problem. And this isnt a future problem. Its one thats happening now.




The UN human rights office has issued a report detailing what it calls Israel's "systemic discrimination" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and said the situation has "drastically deteriorated" over the past three years.

Israeli laws, policies and practices were having an "asphyxiating impact" on every aspect of daily life for Palestinians and violated an international convention against racial discrimination, it said.

"This is a particularly severe form of racial discrimination and segregation that resembles the kind of apartheid system we have seen before," High Commissioner Volker Turk warned.

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Israel dismissed the accusations as "absurd and distorted".

The Israeli mission in Geneva said the UN human rights office "completely ignores fundamental facts that lie at the basis of the [Israeli-Palestinian] conflict, and that inform the actions and policies of the State of Israel, mainly the grave security threats Israel faces, which were put on display on October 7 2023".

It also accused the office of abusing its position "to issue yet another unmandated report" and having an "inherently politically driven fixation... on vilifying Israel".

Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them.

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The settlements are illegal under international law.

This is the first time a UN human rights chief has explicitly compared Israeli policies in the West Bank to apartheid - the policy of racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by the white minority government in South Africa against the country's black majority from 1948 until 1991.

"Whether accessing water, school, rushing to hospital, visiting family or friends, or harvesting olives - every aspect of life for Palestinians in the West Bank is controlled and curtailed by Israel's discriminatory laws, policies and practices" Turk said in a statement.

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According to the 42-page report by his office, Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians living in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, which it says results in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues.

"Palestinians continue to be subjected to large-scale confiscation of land and deprivation of access to resources. This has had the effect of dispossessing them of their lands and homes, alongside other forms of systemic discrimination, including criminal prosecution in military courts during which their due process and fair trial rights are systematically violated," it finds.

Israel's government last month approved plans to rebuild the previously evacuated settlement of Sa-Nur [EPA]

The report says there are "reasonable grounds to believe that this separation, segregation, and subordination is intended to be permanent, indicating that these laws, policies, and practices amount to a deliberate policy of physical and juridical separation intended to maintain oppression and domination of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank".

It adds that this amounts to a violation of Israel's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) to prevent racial segregation and apartheid in territories under its jurisdiction.

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The reports says systemic discrimination against Palestinians has been "a long-standing concern" for the UN but that it has "drastically deteriorated" since at least December 2022 and especially since the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which sparked the Gaza war.

It also says that Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank had intensified over the past two years, citing the approval last month of the construction of 19 new settlements, which Israeli ministers said was about blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"Every negative trend documented in the report has not only continued but accelerated. And every day this is allowed to continue, the consequences worsen for Palestinians," Turk warned.
Hyatt Hotels has announced the global launch of its Unscripted by Hyatt brand through an agreement with Indochina Kajima, with six Wink properties joining the brand.

Indochina Kajima is a joint venture between Indochina Capital and Kajima Corporation.

As part of this development, six Wink hotels in Vietnam joined the Unscripted by Hyatt collection. This move increases Hyatts presence in Vietnam from four to ten hotels.

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In addition, a new property, Wink Hanoi Westlake, is scheduled to open in late 2026.

The seven properties together will offer more than 2,000 rooms across several Vietnamese cities, including both major urban centres and emerging destinations such as Can Tho, Tuy Hoa and Hai Phong.

By joining the Unscripted by Hyatt brand, the Wink hotels will maintain their operational independence while gaining access to Hyatts World of Hyatt loyalty programme.

Hyatt Asia Pacific Greater China growth and operations president Stephen Ho said: This relationship with Indochina Kajima and Wink marks a milestone in our strategy to expand Hyatts brand presence in the dynamic Vietnam market.

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The Unscripted by Hyatt brand is an ideal match for the modern, tech-savvy and social-centric ethos of Wink.

With this partnership, Hyatt expands its Essentials portfolio in Vietnam and strengthens its reach into new markets within the country.

The Wink brand was launched in 2021 with its first property, Wink Saigon Centre.

Indochina Capital and Wink CEO Michael Piro said: Joining the Unscripted by Hyatt brand allows us to scale that vision while staying true to what makes Wink different: our contemporary ethos, sustainable DNA and modern Vietnamese style with nostalgic touches.

In December 2025, Hyatt Hotels launched the Hyatt Regency Nha Trang, marking its first property on Vietnams south-central coastline.

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"Unscripted by Hyatt debuts worldwide with addition of six Wink hotels" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Avelo Airlines, a relatively new ultra-low-cost carrier, said it will cease operating deportation flights under a government contract on Jan. 27 as it downsizes operations and refocuses its business model. Those business changes will also affect travelers as it scales back its fleet and operational footprint.

"Avelo will make near-term schedule changes that will impact many customer itineraries. Communication will be sent directly to impacted customers by email and text. Customers needing additional help can seek assistance from Avelos Customer Support Center," a statement from the airline said.

When Avelo announced it would begin deportation charters last year, it was met with swift backlash from many travelers, who vowed not to support the airline while it participated in the program.

"The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs," the airline said in a statement confirming its plan to halt the controversial deportation flights.

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However, an Avelo spokesperson noted that the airline's bookings were 11% higher in 2025 than in 2024, suggesting that many customers did not actively avoid the carrier despite the deportation flights.

Avelo is closing its bases in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Wilmington, Delaware, and Mesa, Arizona, as part of its restructuring.

After the transition, Avelo will primarily operate Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will continue some flights in and out of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avelo Airlines' future plans don't include deportation flights
The United States on Wednesday seized a Russia-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing it from off the coast of Venezuela, in an operation condemned by Moscow.

Washington says the tanker is part of a shadow fleet that carries oil for countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran in violation of US sanctions, and seized it despite the ship being escorted by the Russian navy.

The vessel had thwarted an earlier attempt to board it last month near oil-rich Venezuela, where a US raid on Saturday toppled the country's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro -- a close ally of Moscow.

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"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court," US European Command said in a statement on X, while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth posted that the American blockade on Venezuelan oil was in full effect "anywhere in the world."

Russia's transport ministry criticized the seizure, saying "freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas."

Its foreign ministry urged Washington to allow the swift return of Russian crew members from the ship, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists that they may be taken to the United States for prosecution.

The vessel, formerly known as the Bella-1, in recent weeks switched its registration to Russia, changed its name to the Marinera and the tanker's crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the tanker.

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Leavitt said Washington deemed the ship to be stateless.

- US says will run Venezuela -

The US military also announced a second sanctioned tanker had been seized in the Caribbean Sea, bringing the total number of ships Washington has taken control of since last month to four.

Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem posted on X that both vessels "were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it," and included a video of armed US forces roping down from a helicopter onto an unidentified ship.

The North Atlantic operation came despite Russia reportedly sending a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker.

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It had been heading to Venezuela before it evaded the US blockade, and has been under US sanctions since 2024 over alleged ties to Iran and Hezbollah.

Last weekend, US special forces snatched Maduro and his wife from Caracas and flew them to New York to face trial on drug charges.

Since then, Trump has said that the United States will run Venezuela and US companies will control its critical oil industry.

Brian Finucane, of the International Crisis Group, said the seizure of ships fitted the "overarching theme, both with respect to Venezuela and how this president approaches foreign policy in general, of taking the oil, quite literally in this case."

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After criticism from lawmakers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the United States had a plan for Venezuela, saying the White House was "not just winging it."

In Caracas, after several days of shuttered shops and intermittent public transport, the capital's streets were again busy Wednesday with pedestrians, street vendors, cars and motorbikes.

Trump said Tuesday that 30-50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude will be shipped to US ports, with the revenue -- perhaps more than $2 billion at current market prices -- placed under his personal control.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright added Wednesday that Washington will control sales of Venezuelan oil indefinitely, while state oil company PDVSA said negotiations for the sale of crude to the United States were underway.

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Leavitt said proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude will go to US-controlled accounts and then "will be dispersed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people."

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez -- a long-time member of Maduro's inner circle -- has vowed cooperation with the United States amid fears that Trump could pursue wider regime change, and Leavitt said the country's decisions would now be "dictated" by Washington.

bur-wd/bgs
A judge in the US state of West Virginia has issued a preliminary injunction against a law banning seven artificial colours.

In March last year, West Virginia introduced legislation outlawing the use of colours including Red Dye No. 40 and Yellow Dye No. 5.

The ingredients were banned from food served through school programmes in the state from August. They were to be pulled from all food products sold in West Virginia by the start of 2028.

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In October, the International Association of Color Manufacturers (IACM) launched a bid to overturn the legislation  dubbed HB 2354  arguing the regulation was passed without providing any substantiated or rational basis for classifying covered products as unsafe.

IACM asserts the ban is unconstitutionally vague, a claim Irene Berger, US district judge for the Southern District of West Virginia, said in a filing on 23 December was likely to succeed.

Berger added: Because there are no criteria to guide the determination of additional colour additives as poisonous and injurious, HB 2354 provides no notice as to the inclusion of additional colour additives, leaving the door open for arbitrary enforcement. The court, therefore, finds the plaintiff is likely to succeed on its vagueness claim.

IACM had also argued the legislation would cause irreparable harm for its members. The plaintiff has made a sufficient showing that its members will suffer irreparable harm, Berger added, pointing to the likelihood the law would be deemed unconstitutionally vague.

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The ban in schools is unaffected by the lawsuit.

On Christmas Eve, Republican West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said the state respectfully disagrees with the ruling, which he described as both premature and wrongly decided.

In a post on X, Morrisey said: West Virginia will continue to defend its authority to protect the health and well-being of our citizens, especially children. We are reviewing our legal options but will continue to press forward with our efforts to get harmful crap out of our food supply.

https://twitter.com/MorriseyWV/status/2003661898114371980?s=20

US regulators are pushing to remove artificial ingredients from food and drinks, efforts largely spurred by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Companies are facing a wave of state-level action. More than 20 US states have introduced bills to ban dyes and other additives linked to health concerns, including California, Texas and Utah.

Last month, food and drinks trade bodies representing the industries largest manufacturers filed a lawsuit against efforts in Texas to require warning labels for certain ingredients.

In June, the Lone Star state passed legislation  called SB 25  that will require producers to place warning labels on items containing certain artificial colours and additives.

The use of more than 40 substances, including synthetic food dyes and bleached flour, in products sold in Texas will require the labels. Manufacturers have until 1 January 2027 to remove the ingredients or, from that date, use the warning labels.

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"US court halts West Virginia colours law" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday sought to assert its control over Venezuelan oil, seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers transporting petroleum and announcing plans to relax some sanctions so the U.S. can oversee the sale of Venezuelas petroleum worldwide.

Trump's administration intends to control the distribution of Venezuelas oil products globally following its ouster of President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid. Besides the United States enforcing an existing oil embargo, the Energy Department says the only oil transported in and out of Venezuela will be through approved channels consistent with U.S. law and national security interests.

That level of control over the worlds largest proven reserves of crude oil could give the Trump administration a broader hold on oil supplies globally in ways that could enable it to influence prices. Both moves reflect the Republican administrations determination to make good on its effort to control the next steps in Venezuela through its vast oil resources after Trump pledged the U.S. will run the country.

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Vice President JD Vance said in an interview the U.S. can control Venezuelas purse strings by dictating where its oil can be sold.

We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, youre allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve Americas national interest, Vance said in an interview to air on Fox News Channels Jesse Watters Primetime.

The vice president added, And thats how we exert incredible pressure on that country without wasting a single American life."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the oil taken from the sanctioned vessels seized in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea would be sold as part of the deal announced by Trump on Tuesday under which Venezuela would provide up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.

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Venezuelas interim authorities want that oil that was seized to be part of this deal, Rubio told reporters after briefing lawmakers Wednesday about the Maduro operation. They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States.

Seizing 2 more vessels

U.S. European Command said on social media that the merchant vessel Bella 1 was seized in the North Atlantic for violations of U.S. sanctions." The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it tried to evade a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels around Venezuela.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed U.S. forces also took control of the M Sophia in the Caribbean Sea. Noem said on social media that both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it."

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The two ships join at least two others that were taken by U.S. forces last month  the Skipper and the Centuries.

The Bella 1 had been cruising across the Atlantic nearing the Caribbean on Dec. 15 when it abruptly turned and headed north, toward Europe. The change in direction came days after the first U.S. tanker seizure of a ship on Dec. 10 after it had left Venezuela carrying oil.

When the U.S. Coast Guard tried to board the Bella 1, it fled. U.S. European Command said a Coast Guard vessel had tracked the ship pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court."

As the U.S. pursued it, the Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and flagged to Russia, shipping databases show. A U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, said the ships crew had painted a Russian flag on the side of the hull.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had information about Russian nationals among the Marinera's crew and, in a statement carried by Russias state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti, demanded that "the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not hinder their speedy return to their homeland.

Separately, a senior Russian lawmaker, Andrei Klishas, decried the U.S. action as blatant piracy.

The Justice Department is investigating crew members of the Bella 1 vessel for failing to obey Coast Guard orders and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement action  anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Bondi said on X.

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The ship had been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 on allegations of smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Easing some sanctions to sell Venezuela's oil

The Trump administration, meanwhile, is selectively removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.

The sales are slated to begin immediately with 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil. The U.S. government said the sales will continue indefinitely, with the proceeds settling in U.S.-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks. The money would be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the discretion of Trumps government.

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Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA said it is in negotiations with the U.S. government for the sale of crude oil.

This process is developed under schemes similar to those in force with international companies, such as Chevron, and is based on a strictly commercial transaction, with criteria of legality, transparency and benefit for both parties, the company said in the statement.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday night tried to normalize the latest chapter in U.S.-Venezuela economic relations, calling them neither extraordinary nor irregular.

Venezuela must diversify its relations and have relations with all the countries of this hemisphere, just as it should with Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, she said during a televised meeting with lawmakers and senior government officials.

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The U.S. plans to authorize the importation of oil field equipment, parts and services to increase Venezuelas oil production, which has been roughly 1 million barrels a day.

The Trump administration has indicated it also will invest in the electricity grid to increase production and the quality of life for people in Venezuela, whose economy has been unraveling amid changes to foreign aid and cuts to state subsidies, making necessities, including food, unaffordable to millions.

Meanwhile, Trump abruptly changed his tone about Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump said Wednesday that they had exchanged a friendly phone call and he had invited the leader of the South American country to the White House. Trump had said earlier this week that Colombia is very sick too and accused Petro of making cocaine and selling it to the United States.

Ships said to be part of a shadow fleet

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Noem said both seized ships were part of a shadow fleet of rusting oil tankers that smuggle oil for countries facing sanctions, such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran.

After the seizure of the now-named Marinera, which open-source maritime tracking sites showed was between Scotland and Iceland earlier Wednesday, the U.K. defense ministry said Britains military provided support, including surveillance aircraft.

This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fueling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.

The capture of the M Sophia, on the U.S. sanctions list for moving illicit cargos of oil from Russia, in the Caribbean was much less prolonged.

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The ship had been running dark, not having transmitted location data since July. Tankers involved in smuggling often turn off their transponders or broadcast inaccurate data to hide their locations.

Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, said his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers had left the Venezuelan coast since Saturday, after the U.S. captured Maduro.

The M Sophia was among them, Madani said, citing a recent photo showing it in the waters near Jose Terminal, Venezuelas main oil export hub.

Windward, a maritime intelligence firm that tracks such vessels, said in a briefing to reporters the M Sophia loaded at the terminal on Dec. 26 and was carrying about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil  a cargo that would be worth about $108 million at current price of about $60 a barrel.

___

Lawless reported from London. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.
The White House said Thursday that US law enforcement was under "organized attack" as protesters clashed with officers in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration agent.

The victim of Wednesday's shooting, identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was shot in the head as she apparently tried to drive away from agents approaching her car, which they said was blocking their way.

Vice President JD Vance said, without providing evidence, that she was part of a "broader left-wing network" opposed to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, and he insisted the officer acted in "self-defense."

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The day after the shooting, officers armed with pepperball guns and tear gas jostled with a large crowd of protesters beside a government facility in Fort Snelling just outside Minneapolis.

A noisy crowd chanted slogans attacking ICE as officers pushed against protesters, detaining several including one who struck an agent with a cardboard sign.

Footage of Wednesday's incident shows a masked agent attempt to open the victim's car door before another masked agent, standing near the vehicle's front bumper, fired three times into the Honda SUV.

The vehicle then hurtled out of control and smashed into stationary vehicles, as horrified onlookers hurled abuse at the federal officers.

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Her bloodied body is then seen slumped in the crashed vehicle.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said she leaves behind a wife and six-year-old child, for whom a fundraiser has received more than $600,000.

President Donald Trump and senior officials quickly claimed Good was trying to kill the agents, an assertion Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed.

"I want to see nobody get shot. I want to see nobody screaming and trying to run over policemen either," Trump said in an interview with The New York Times.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief Kristi Noem called the incident "domestic terrorism" later saying she was not opposed to deploying more officers to Minneapolis.

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Witness Tyrice told US media he heard "three gunshots and then I hear a car crash."

"I see this lady hugging the victim," he said.

"There's blood all in the snow in front of our house. And I could see a lady in the car...You could see the wounds and everything, like a whole bunch of blood."

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told CNN that Good was not the target of immigration enforcement action and that she was only suspected of blocking traffic.

Vance told a briefing Thursday that Good was "part of a broader left-wing network to attack, to doxx, to assault and to make it impossible for our ICE officers to do their job."

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White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday's incident was "a result of a larger, sinister left-wing movement" and "law enforcement are under organized attack."

- Immigrant deportations -

Protests grew after Minnesota's Democratic Governor Walz called it a "patriotic duty" to demonstrate for justice.

On Thursday he said Minnesota must be part of the probe into the shooting alongside federal investigators -- as otherwise Noem "is judge, jury and basically executioner."

But Vance seemed to suggest the officer would be cleared by a federal probe that would exclude state-level officials.

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"The idea that this was not justified is absurd," he said.

Minneapolis schools were closed Thursday and Friday as a precaution against unrest.

ICE officers have been at the forefront of the Trump administration's immigrant deportation drive, with raids carried out over the objections of some local officials.

Wednesday's incident came during protests over immigration enforcement in the southern part of Minneapolis.

They are part of widespread anger over the Trump administration's high-profile crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with the Republican vowing to arrest and deport "millions.

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The victim's mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter "was probably terrified" and "not part" of anti-ICE activity.

Good was a mother and poet who studied creative writing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, US media reported.

On Thursday, religious leaders addressed hundreds of people attending a vigil at the scene of the shooting, with a growing memorial of flowers and candles erected to commemorate Good's life.

es-gw/bgs
The lightning U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraines capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow's invasion nearly four years ago.

The ouster of Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support an ally, following the downfall of Syrias former President Bashar Assad in 2024 and last years U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. With the U.S. determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry.

But President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

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In addition, Trumps interest in wresting control of Greenland from NATO ally Denmark also threatens to destabilize the alliance at the moment when the U.S.-led efforts to broker peace in Ukraine enter a pivotal stage, distracting its members from their efforts to support Kyiv and provide it with security guarantees.

Putin himself hasnt commented on the U.S. actions in Venezuela, which his diplomats have denounced as a blatant act of aggression. Dmitry Medvedev, Russias former president who serves as his deputy on the presidential Security Council, similarly rebuked Washington for trampling international law  but also complimented Trump on defending U.S. interests.

Even though Trumps action is completely unlawful, he cannot be denied a certain consistency  he and his team are very aggressively upholding their countrys national interests, Medvedev said.

On Wednesday, the U.S. said it seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including one flagged to Russia in the North Atlantic.

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Moscow's spheres of influence

Since 2014's illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula that followed the ouster of a pro-Kremlin president in Kyiv, Putin has sought to justify his action by describing his neighbor as part of Russias sphere of influence where Western encroachment cant be allowed.

Putin has argued that just as the U.S. would bristle at any foreign military presence in the Western Hemisphere, Russia sees NATOs expansion to its borders as a major security threat. He cited Ukraines bid to join the military alliance as a key reason behind his full-scale invasion of the country.

We have made it clear and unambiguous that further eastward expansion of NATO is unacceptable, Putin said shortly before sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Are we the ones placing missiles near the U.S. borders? No, its the U.S. that has brought its missiles to our doorstep.

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Long before the invasion, Russia tested the ground on a possible deal under which it would refrain from meddling in Latin America in exchange for the U.S. offering Moscow free rein in Europe.

Fiona Hill, who oversaw Russia and Europe on Trump's National Security Council during his first term, testified before Congress in 2019 that the Russians were signaling their willingness to make such an arrangement involving Venezuela and Ukraine.

Russia never made a formal offer, Hill told The Associated Press in an interview, but Moscows then-ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, hinted ... many times to her that Russia could cede its influence in Venezuela to the U.S. in exchange for a sphere of influence in Europe.

She said Trump's administration wasnt interested in the Russian overtures that she described as a hint-hint, nudge-nudge, wink-wink, how-about-doing-a-deal offer. In April 2019, Hill was sent to Moscow to convey the message that nobodys interested. ... Ukraine and Venezuela are not related to each other.

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Hill said she did not know if the winds have now changed and whether there was any deal between the U.S. and Russia to swap spheres of influence in Venezuela and Ukraine, but she noted that many officials, including herself, who were involved in restraining Trump in his first term aren't around for his second.

She argued that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would likely be the only member of the Trump administration who would now resist such a proposal, but added that others, including Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, could have a different view.

Who knows what Witkoff and others have been chatting about recently? Hill asked.

Before Maduro was captured, AP reported Russia had started evacuating families of diplomats from Venezuela. When asked about the move, Hill said it would not be implausible that Witkoff gave Moscow a courtesy heads-up.

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Sam Greene, a Russia expert at Kings College London, observed that Moscow may have backed down on Venezuela in the expectation of the U.S. giving it a free hand on Ukraine.

My worry is that it may be part of a tacit agreement, by which Washington, Moscow and Beijing agree not to deter one another against interventions in their putative spheres of influence, he wrote on X.

Russias foothold in Western Hemisphere

Before the invasion of Ukraine, senior Russian officials had issued vague warnings that Moscow could deploy troops or military assets to Cuba and Venezuela  statements that the U.S. dismissed as bluster. Some drew parallels to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis  when the Soviet Union deployed missiles to Cuba and the U.S. imposed a naval blockade of the island.

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Russian-Cuban ties withered after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, plunging Cuba into a grueling depression. Soon after his first election in 2000, Putin ordered the closure of a Soviet-built military surveillance facility in Cuba as he sought to improve ties with Washington. As tensions with the U.S. and its allies mounted, however, Moscow again intensified trade and other contacts with Cuba and sent warships to visit the island.

Russia also has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, as did China, and offered Caracas generous loans to purchase top-of-the-line air defense missiles, fighter jets and other weapons. On several occasions, most recently in 2018, it dispatched its nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela in a projection of force.

Military experts have said, however, that any attempt by Russia to establish a permanent military foothold in the Western Hemisphere would face overwhelming logistical challenges.

The might-makes-right doctrine

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The U.S. seizure of Maduro and his wife was seen worldwide as the return of the might- makes-right doctrine, backing Moscows argument that its action in Ukraine protects its vital interests the way the U.S. did in Venezuela.

After its action in Venezuela, the U.S. has nothing to formally reproach our country for, Medvedev noted.

Hill noted that Maduros capture makes it harder for countries to condemn Russias action in Ukraine because weve just had a situation where the U.S. has taken over  or at least decapitated the government of another country  using fiction.

An indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S.

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Fyodor Lukyanov, a Kremlin-connected, Moscow-based foreign policy expert, observed that if we consider whats happening from the perspective of setting a precedent, then we couldnt ask for anything better, and this includes Trumps conviction that the authorities in Venezuela must be approved by Washington.

Russian hawks, meanwhile, argue the U.S. action in Venezuela has created a new sense of urgency for Moscow to dramatically speed up its offensive in Ukraine.

Ukraine under our full control is our pass to the Great Powers club, Alexander Dugin, a hard-line nationalist ideologue, wrote in a commentary.

___

AP European Security Correspondent Emma Burrows in London contributed.
US President Donald Trump and his officials are "actively" discussing a potential offer to buy the Danish territory of Greenland, the White House has confirmed.

It is "something that's currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team", White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.

Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island was not for sale.

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Asked why the Trump administration had previously said it was not ruling out using military force to acquire Greenland, Leavitt replied that all options were always on the table but Trump's "first option always has been diplomacy".

Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump's unilateral use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its President Nicolas Maduro. Denmark, a fellow Nato ally, says an attack on its territory would end the military alliance.

The Trump administration says Greenland is vital to US security.

Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.

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Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the US since World War 2.

In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron that are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that he will hold talks with Denmark next week.

Trump previously made an offer to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, only to be told it was not for sale.

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"The acquisition of Greenland by the United States is not a new idea," Leavitt said.

"The president has been very open and clear with all of you and with the world, that he views it in the best interest of the United States to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region, and so that's why his team is currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like."

The White House said earlier this week that Trump had been discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland, including using military force.

"All options are always on the table for President Trump as he examines what's in the best interests of the United States," Leavitt said.

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Earlier in the day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Rubio had "ruled out the possibility of an invasion" of Greenland in a phone call with him.

Barrot is due to discuss the Arctic island with his German and Polish counterparts later on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, European leaders issued a joint statement rallying behind Denmark.

"Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations," the leaders of France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark said in a joint statement.

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Stressing they were as keen as the US on Arctic security, the European signatories said this must be achieved by Nato allies, including the US, "collectively".

They also called for "upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders".

A day after the US military action in Venezuela, Katie Miller, the wife of one of Trump's senior aides, posted a map on social media of Greenland in the colours of the US flag, alongside the word "SOON".

On Monday, her husband, Stephen Miller, said it was "the formal position of the US government that Greenland should be part of the US".

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Aaja Chemnitz, one of two MPs in the Danish parliament representing Greenland, told the BBC that the comments from the Trump administration were "a clear threat".

"It's completely disrespectful from the US side to not rule out annexing our country and to annex another Nato ally," she said.

But Chemnitz said she saw this as unlikely - instead, "what we are going to see is that they will put pressure on us in order to make sure that they will take over Greenland over time".

Aleqatsiaq Peary, a 42-year-old Inuit hunter living in Greenland's remote northerly town of Qaanaaq, appeared indifferent to the potential of US ownership.

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"It would be switching from one master to another, from one occupier to another," he told the BBC. "We are a colony under Denmark. We are already losing a lot from being under the Danish government."

Saying that he did not have "time for Trump", he added that people were "in need". Hunters like him, he explained, hunted with dogs on the sea ice and fish "but the sea ice is melting and hunters cannot make a living anymore".

Additional reporting by Adrienne Murray in Copenhagen
The U.S. Secret Service announced Wednesday that it had conducted 22 Electronic Benefits Transfer fraud and ATM skimming operations across the country over 2025, including two that were in the metro Atlanta area.

The agency, known mainly for protecting the President of The United States, is also a financial law enforcement agency.

Channel 2 Action News reported on the operations undertaken in the Atlanta area and across Georgia in August and October.

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Now, the federal agency is revealing new details about the operations.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Through the 22 operations, USSS said agents visited more than 9,000 businesses and removed 411 illegal skimming devices.

As part of that effort, agents inspected almost 60,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps and ATMs.

Officials said those actions, in partnership with local agencies, helped prevent an estimated potential loss of more than $428.1 million.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Secret Service said their teams also distributed educational materials about EBT fraud and card skimming to help businesses identify when illegal skimming devices were in their point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps and ATMs.

The U.S. Secret Service is committed to combatting EBT fraud and credit card skimming throughout the country. These proactive operations are aimed at finding and removing devices before criminals can recover the stolen card numbers they contain, Kyo Dolan, Assistant Director for the U.S. Secret Services Office of Field Operations, said in a statement.

In the operations in Georgia, USSS previously told Channel 2 Action News that theyd visited 542 business and performed 3,408 inspections during their August operation in the metro Atlanta area.

During that action, the agencies involved removed 41 skimming devices were recovered, helping prevent an estimated $43.7 million in potential financial losses.

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Then, in October, the Secret Service said investigators and agents checked 76 businesses, 429 gas pumps, 47 ATMs and approximately 200 point-of-sale terminals for skimming devices.

Unlike the August 2025 activities, no skimming devices were found during the operation in Barrow County in October, officials said.

The operations come as USSS says theres been a nationwide increase in skimming activity, particularly targeting EBT cards and harming the most vulnerable Americans.

The Secret Service said last years actions to protect Americans from EBT fraud and card skimmers arent an outlier or a one-time deal.

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These operations are only the start. We are working closely with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners to investigate and dismantle the criminal organizations that perpetrate these crimes, Dolan said.

Heres how federal agents say you can protect yourself from fraud and theft:

Inspect ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and other card readers. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Do not use a card reader if anything appears unusual.

Whenever possible, use tap-to-pay technology or use debit and credit cards with chip technology.

If using a debit card at a gas station, run it as a credit card to avoid entering a PIN number.

Use your hand to hide your PIN to block scammers who may be using tiny pinhole cameras above the keypad area to record entries.

Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.

Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.

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By Nate Raymond

Jan 7 (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Republicans convened a hearing on Wednesday to argue that their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives should advance impeachment articles against so-called "rogue" judges, following calls by President Donald Trump and his allies to remove judges who have ruled against his agenda.

Democrats, meanwhile, criticized the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's Republican majority for holding the twice-postponed hearing, which Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said appeared to be part of an "effort to try to intimidate the judiciary into not ruling against the Trump administration."

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"Impeachment isn't a remedy for judges getting decisions wrong," the Rhode Island Democrat said. "Appeal is the remedy for that, as the chief justice has stated."

But Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who heads the panel's subcommittee on courts, said judges could be impeached and removed not just for crimes but for "the subtle subversions that may violate no criminal statute and yet strike at the very architecture of our republic."

He focused on two of the eight judges currently facing impeachment resolutions pending in the Republican-led House by Trump allies: Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in Washington, D.C., and U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland.

He argued they should join the small list of 15 judges who have ever been impeached by the House, the vast majority of whom were accused of ethical and criminal misconduct.

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Just eight of those were convicted by the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to convict. The U.S. Constitution says grounds for impeachment are treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Several House Republican lawmakers first sought Boasberg's impeachment in March after he blocked Trump from using wartime powers to deport Venezuelan migrants.

Twenty then signed onto a second impeachment resolution filed in November accusing Boasberg of improperly ordering phone carriers not to disclose that phone records for 10 senators and one House member were sought during former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's 2020 electoral loss.

Boardman faces an impeachment resolution from 17 House Republicans that alleges she abused her power by handing an "indefensibly light" eight-year prison sentence in October to a California resident who admitted to attempting to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022.

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Neither impeachment resolution has advanced since it was filed, nor have any of the other impeachment articles filed against judges who have ruled against Trump's initiatives. But Cruz said he sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday urging him to advance the ones filed against Boasberg and Boardman, who a person familiar with the matter said were invited to testify at Wednesday's hearing but declined.

The panel instead heard from three witnesses including Will Chamberlain of the conservative Article III Project and Robert Luther, an associate law professor at George Mason University who served in the White House Counsel's Office during Trump's first term and called the idea that judges cannot be impeached for their conduct on the bench a "modern misconception."

The third witness was Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University Law Center who called it an "especially dangerous moment" for senators to suggest judges should be impeached over rulings they disagree with.

"We are seeing unprecedented attacks and threats against many of these same judges from senior executive branch officials," he said. "These include President Trump calling for the impeachment of specific judges."

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Trump called last year for Boasberg's impeachment, prompting Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts to issue a rare rebuke describing impeachment as "not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision."

Read more:

Conservative US appeals court judge knocks calls to impeach jurists

Republicans seek impeachment of 2 more judges who stymied Trump

US Chief Justice Roberts rebukes Trump's attack on judge

US judiciary warns of threats amid 'concerning' calls to impeach judges

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston)
On the heels of the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has ramped up his rhetoric around his desire to acquire Greenland, once again raising the prospect of military intervention, sparking fears across Europe and widespread condemnation.

But while American expansionism has regained steam under Trump, the idea of the US controlling the self-governing Danish territory long predates the current president.

Greenland, a vast island of 836,000 square miles, occupies a strategic geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe and astride the so-called GIUK gap  a maritime passage between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK that links the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean. Its also home to rich deposits of natural resources, including oil, gas and rare earth minerals, making it even more strategically important.

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US interest in Greenland dates back to the 19th century, when then-Secretary of State William H. Seward, fresh off the purchase of Alaska from the Russians in 1867, floated the idea of buying Greenland and Iceland from Denmark.

While the sale never materialized, the US continued to eye the worlds largest island at multiple moments throughout history, at one point discussing a possible swap with Denmark for US territory in the Philippines.

In 1946, following World War II, during which the US took over the defense of Greenland, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island, though Denmark rejected the bid.

Heres a deeper look back at the history of US interest in Greenland:

1867: The Alaska sale and US Arctic ambitions

In the years following the end of the Civil War, then-President Andrew Johnsons administration sought to expand US influence in the Pacific.

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After successfully purchasing Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867, Seward, Johnsons Secretary of State, set his sights on other Arctic territories.

At the behest of Seward, Robert J. Walker, a former treasury secretary and ardent expansionist who helped broker the Alaska deal, recommended that the US add Greenland and Iceland to its inventory, but especially the latter, according to a report by the US State Department.

The reasons are political and commercial, he wrote in the report, emphasizing Greenlands vast landscape and mineral wealth.

The shores of Greenland much more than those of any other country are indented with deep bays, inlets, estuaries, and fiords, some of them possibly extending from the western to the eastern coast, presenting an immense shore line, and furnishing most extensive and protected fishing grounds, Walker wrote.

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The rocks and geology of Greenland  besides the valuable coal discovered, indicate vast mineral wealth, he went on.

Acquiring Greenland, he argued, would help the US command the commerce of the world.

However, no formal offer to Denmark was made.

Around 1,000 Greenlanders gather in the city center to protest US President Donald Trump in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 15, 2025. - Ahmet Gurhan Kartal/Anadolu/Getty Images

1910: A very audacious suggestion

In 1910, then-US Ambassador to Denmark, Maurice Francis Egan, wrote to the then Assistant Secretary of State with what he called a very audacious suggestion. Egan proposed the US give Denmark the Philippine island of Mindanao, then a US territory, in exchange for Greenland and the Danish West Indies.

Greenland is, as you know, a Danish monopoly, Egan wrote. It has never been exploited, although the Norwegians are clever enough to see its possibilities, as they already see what might be done with a lesser opportunity in Iceland.

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The suggestion didnt go further than that, and with World War I on the horizon, US attention became focused elsewhere.

However, a few years later, the US bought the Danish West Indies (now the US Virgin Islands) from Denmark for $25 million in gold to prevent the islands from coming under German control.

1946: A $100 million offer

During World War II, after Germany invaded Denmark, the US took up responsibility for Greenlands defense and established a military presence on the island.

Then in 1946, after decades of flirting with the idea, the US under President Harry Truman made its first formal offer to buy Greenland from Denmark.

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The offer was secret at the time and was first made public in 1991 by a Danish newspaper, two decades after the documents were declassified.

In April 1946, State Department official John Hickerson attended a meeting of the planning and strategy committee of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and said practically every member agreed the US should try to purchase Greenland, the Associated Press reported.

The committee indicated that money is plentiful now, that Greenland is completely worthless to Denmark (and) that the control of Greenland is indispensable to the safety of the United States, Hickerson reportedly said in a memo.

The Cold War was beginning, and the US viewed Greenland as essential to its national security.

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However, Hickerson said he told the committee he doubted the Danes would want to sell, according to the Associated Press.

In a follow-up memo in May, William C. Trimble, assistant chief of the State Departments division of northern European affairs, put a price on the island, suggesting the US offer Denmark $100 million in gold.

He said purchase of Greenland would give the United States valuable bases from which to launch an air counteroffensive over the Arctic area in the event of attack.

US officials also discussed swapping oil-rich land in Alaska for parts of Greenland, though Trimble said he thought the Danes would be less open to this idea.

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Then-Secretary of State James Byrnes made the formal offer to visiting Danish Foreign Minister Gustav Rasmussen in New York on December 14, 1946, according to a telegram from Byrnes to the US Legation in Copenhagen, the Associated Press reported.

Denmark did not want to sell Greenland. However, the US was permitted to build and operate military bases there. The US had several bases, but has since closed all but one  the Pituffik Space Base, previously called Thule Air Base.

In 1979, Greenland gained home rule in a referendum, giving it greater autonomy from Denmark.

A Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw air rescue helicopter of the US Air Force at Thule Air Base in Greenland in 1955. - James McAnally/Archive Photos/Getty Images

The Trump era

Despite a long history of US interest in Greenland, the Trump administration has reignited efforts for the US to once again try to acquire the island and intensified threats against the Danish territory.

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Trump first publicly expressed interest in buying Greenland during his first term in 2019, likening a potential purchase to a large real estate deal. But the idea was quickly shut down by Greenlandic and Danish authorities, who insisted the island was not for sale.

Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump revived his first-term offer to purchase Greenland, which was again rebuffed. Nearly exactly a year ago, he held a wide-ranging news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in which he did not rule out military action to take control of Greenland  a sentiment echoed in recent days by the White House.

During a speech to a joint session of Congress early last year, Trump lobbed a threat at Greenland: I think were going to get it. One way or the other, were going to get it.

In a statement Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.

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The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

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WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department said on Wednesday it is withholding approximately $160 million in federal funds from the state of California for failing to cancel over 17,000 improperly issued commercial drivers licenses held by non-U.S. citizens.

The department first warned in September it could take action. USDOT said California had failed to revoke the licenses by the agreed upon deadline of January 5.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said "utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option" in a Jan. 6 statement as President Donald Trump and administration officials reignited interest in annexing Greenland.

Trump has repeatedly floated buying the ice-covered Arctic island from Denmark and has refused to rule out taking the resource-rich land through military force.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," Leavitt said in the statement obtained by USA TODAY. "The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

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The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and Denmark pushed back against the U.S. threats that have emerged in the wake of the Trump administration's seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decideon matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the leaders said in a Jan. 6 statement.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fixes her hair as she is interviewed by Fox News outside the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 16, 2025.

Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, which is part of NATO, that has a population of about 57,000. Trump has claimed that annexing Greenland is a national security necessity, noting its mass of critical minerals and strategic location.

"We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense," Trump told The Atlantic in an interview published Jan. 4, describing the island as reportedly "surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships."

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White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller echoed the sentiment in a Jan. 5. interview on CNN and dodged the question of whether the U.S. would use military force in Greenland. Nobodys going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland, Miller said.

The public belligerence comes as The Wall Street Journal reported Jan 6., citing anonymous sources, that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a Jan. 5 briefing that the threats "didnt signal an imminent invasion" and that the goal was to buy the territory.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly rebuked Trumps interest in colonizing Greenland saying in December: "U.S. shall not take over Greenland."

Why does Trump want Greenland? See what he has said

Greenland threats spark domestic blowback

The threats from the Trump administration drew a bipartisan statement from Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, and Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, who co-chair the Senate NATO Observer Group under the chamber's Foreign Relations Committee.

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"When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," the senators said.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska added that she continued to "hope" that the administrations threats are "nothing more than posturing" in a statement on X. "As Greenland charts its future, we must see it as an ally, not an asset, and focus on continued partnership rather than possession," Murkowski said.

Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill that would stop the use of funds for military force in Greenland.

"Whats happening in Venezuela shows us that we cant just ignore Trumps reckless threats. His dangerous behavior puts American lives and our global credibility at risk," Gallego said in a statement.

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In the lower chamber, Democrats on the House Intelligence committee called Trump's statements "destabilizing, dangerous," and said that they "undermine" the NATO alliance.

"The American people voted for affordability at home, not threats to invade our closest friends abroad," the minority on the committee said in a statement on X.

Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon said in a Jan. 6 interview on CNN that "the way we are treating them is really demeaning and it has no upside. All it does is make our NATO allies angry, creating distrust"

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Karissa Waddick, Kinsey Crowley  USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Using military in Greenland 'always an option,' White House says
A teacher at Whittier Elementary School in Salt Lake City teaches English to her class after state officials held a news conference at the school on Sept. 2, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)

State school trust lands officials announced this week that Utah public schools will get a record $134 million distribution from trust land investments in the 2026-2027 school year.

That marks a 20% bump from last years previous record of $111.3 million.

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The increased distribution from the states longstanding trust lands system reflects strong financial performance from trust land management and the Permanent State School Funds investment portfolio, the Utah Land Trusts Protections & Advocacy Office said in a news release Monday.

The jump also reflects the first year of additional money after Utah voters in 2024 approved a constitutional amendment, Amendment B, which increased how much can be distributed each year from the Permanent State School Fund, an endowment created at statehood to support public schools. Amendment B increased the limit of the annual distributions from 4% to 5% of the fund.

Had voters not passed Amendment B, schools this year would have received about $118 million during the 2026-2027 school year  meaning the 1 percentage point higher distribution cap allowed $16 million more to be distributed to schools this year.

This marks a significant milestone for Utahs Trust System and the growing impact on all trust beneficiaries, Kim Christy, director of the Land Trusts Protection and Advocacy Office, said in a prepared statement. The Trust Lands Administration and (the Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office) are doing great things to uphold trust principles and sustain maximum performance of the trust assets.

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Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks, who chairs the Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office board, also issued a statement applauding the record-breaking distribution.

Utah students benefit from a trust system that delivers strong results and protects both current and future beneficiaries, Oaks said. Careful land management and prudent investment decisions strengthen schools today and preserve the fund for generations to come.

School trust funds are generated from trust lands that were granted to Utah at statehood to support public education and other state institutions. The vast majority of the funds benefit school children, but other trust beneficiaries including higher education and other designated state institutions will also receive higher allocations.

The revenue is generated from leases, sales and development of trust lands then deposited into the Permanent State School Fund. Since 1994, Utahs combined permanent funds have grown from $50 million to $4.1 billion, according to trust lands officials.

How much will schools get?

Yearly distributions from the School LAND Trust program are made to every public school in the state based on a per-pupil formula. State trust lands officials said individual schools will be notified later this week about their specific allocations.

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However, on Monday state trust lands officials offered a sneak peak by sharing a breakdown of what school districts in Salt Lake County will receive:

Jordan School District will get $10.5 million

Granite School District will get $10.2 million

Canyons School District will get $6 million

Salt Lake City School District will get $3.5 million

Murray School District will get $1.3 million

The Salt Lake County school district allocations total $31.5 million. The remaining $102.5 million of this years $134 million allocation will be distributed to other public schools across the state based on student population.

The funds, according to state trust lands officials, support academic intervention and innovation, help reduce class size, expand access to technology, and enhance professional development.

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Decisions on how each school will use the money are made by local school community council members and land trust councils. Every school has a council that determines its greatest academic need, subject to approval by the schools local school board.

Utahs School LAND Trust distributions are the best form of local control, Rep. Tracy Miller, R-South Jordan. Parents, teachers, and principals work together to decide how to best use these funds to improve student learning and meet the unique needs of every community.

How does Utahs school land trust system work?

Four agencies make up Utahs School and Institutional Trust System.

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The Trust Lands Administration manages about 3.3 million acres of trust lands in Utah, granted by Congress at statehood in 1896 with the requirement that revenue earned from the sale or lease of the land be placed into permanent endowment for public schools. The revenue is generated from activities like energy development, real estate and grazing.

The School LAND Trust program, housed in the State Board of Education, distributes annual investment earnings directly to local K-12 schools and empowers communities to decide how best to meet their needs through land trust councils that decide how to spend the money.

The Utah School & Institutional Trust Funds Office is made up of an independent team of investors tasked with investing the revenue in the Permanent State School Fund to grow the endowment. And the Utah Land Trusts Protection & Advocacy Office is tasked with monitoring trust lands management to ensure returns are maximized while ensuring the funds beneficiaries interests are protected and represented.

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WASHINGTON  Top Trump administration officials briefed both the House and Senate in separate meetings on Capitol Hill to detail the weekend strikes and capture of the Venezuelan president  which some lawmakers say left them with more questions than answers on what comes next.

Lawmakers heard from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine as they walked through the operational details and justification for the seizure of Venezuela. Republican leaders in Congress praised the administration for the successful mission, but stopped short of providing clarity on what plans are for the country after President Donald Trump announced this week he would seize its oil and sell it off to other countries.

We are going to take between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil. Were going to sell it in the marketplace at market rates, not at the discounts Venezuela was getting, Rubio said after the Senate briefing. That money will then be handled in such a way that we will control how it is disbursed in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime, so we have a lot of leverage to move on the stabilization front.

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Energy Secretary Chris Wright separately said on Wednesday that the U.S. would control those oil sales indefinitely, raising questions about how much authority the Trump administration will have in the South American country.

Those details, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Wednesday, were still being sorted out.

Its sanctioned oil and Im not going to get up here and tell you all the details because its still being developed, he told reporters on Wednesday.

Several Republican lawmakers emerged from the meeting with positive reviews, telling reporters that the administration officials sufficiently answered their questions about whether the strikes were constitutional.

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Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, told the Deseret News he believes the action falls under the presidents Article II authority to protect the country from actual or imminent attack, a position he has held since speaking with Rubio at 3 a.m. on the morning of the attacks.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., praised the informational session as the best bipartisan briefing he has received since being in Congress.

While I cant get into operational details, we should be VERY proud of our American military for bringing a drug trafficking killer like Nicolas Maduro to justice, he said in a post on X.

But Democrats and some Republicans criticized the lack of clarity on what the U.S. plans to do next, especially as Trump publicly muses doing the same to other countries  especially in terms of acquiring oil.

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It is insane they are talking about stealing the Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for a period of time, undefined as leverage to micromanage the country, Sen Chris Murphy, D-Conn., a frequent critic of the Trump administration, told reporters. Their plan seems to be to steal the oil and use the leverage over the oil to try to micromanage the country on a day-to-day basis. That sounds like it was just slightly different than the mistakes we made in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Several of those concerns especially stem from suggestions from the president and administration officials that Greenland could be the next U.S. target, something that Trump has hinted at for months.

A growing number of Republicans have come out against any military action or seizure of Greenland, painting the country as an important NATO ally.

I hate the rhetoric around either acquiring Greenland by purchase or by force, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said. You know, I dont use the word hate very often, but I think that it is very, very unsettling.

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Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, told the Deseret News that Greenland did not come up in the House briefing with administration officials, but he said he does not find the threat of military action to be serious. Moore opposed annexation of the territory in a bipartisan statement earlier this week, suggesting such a move would be needlessly dangerous.

We want to make sure that we have a safe and secure region, Moore said after the briefing. The Arctic region is becoming more and more important with the aggression from Russia and, you know, strategically China, just because thats more of a global issue.

Johnson brushed off questions about whether the U.S. should consider military action in Greenland, telling reporters on Wednesday he doesnt think anybody is seriously considering that. And in the Congress, were certainly not.

Senate Democrats plan to move forward with a war powers resolution this week to limit what military action Trump can order within or against Venezuela without congressional approval. Only Congress can approve an act of war under the Constitution.

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That resolution would require at least three Republicans to support it, and a number have said they are considering it. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is a co-sponsor.

I think its one of the most important things that we debate in Congress: When do we initiate war, and who has the power to initiate war? Paul said on Wednesday.
An Uxbridge police officer was killed in a crash while helping a driver on Route 146 early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The crash happened on the northbound side of the highway around 12:40 a.m., according to the Uxbridge Police Department.

Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy noted that the officer, whose name is not being released at this time, was on duty helping a driver at the time of the crash.

Despite lifesaving efforts by emergency responders, the officer died from injuries sustained in the collision, Montminy added.

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This is a devastating loss for our department and our community, Montminy said in a statement. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time.

Video from the scene showed a procession of police cruisers, along with a vehicle from the state medical examiners office, leaving the scene after the crash.

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Uxbridge police officer dies in crash while helping driver on Route 146

Route 146 could be closed for several hours while investigators process the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from the Uxbridge Police Department.

Counseling and support services are being made available to members of the Uxbridge Police Department.

The crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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For customs agents at Pariss Charles de Gaulle airport, the haul was like nothing they had ever seen. Packed into 30 suitcases on an airliner from Venezuelas Maiquetia airport was 1.3 tonnes of pure cocaine  the biggest airport seizure in French history. It was, however, clearly no routine drug mule operation. Whoever had got such a huge amount through Venezuelan airport security must surely have had inside help.

According to an indictment unsealed in a New York courtroom this week, that help went well beyond a few corrupt baggage handlers. Instead, the ultimate insider was Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, who appeared in court on Monday, accused of drug trafficking on a mammoth scale.

Maduro, prosecutors allege, abused his public roles for over 25 years, and partnered with his co-conspirators to use his illegally obtained authority... to transport thousands of tonnes of cocaine from airports, airstrips and ports run by conniving regime officials to America and Europe.

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The Department of Justices (DOJ) indictment says that following the Paris airport seizure in 2013, Maduros regime arrested dozens of local officials as a cover up. However, behind the scenes, he held a panicked summit with Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelas current interior minister, and Hugo Carvajal, the former head of military intelligence.

A member of the National Guard watches over 2.6 tonnes of cocaine seized in Zulia, Venezuela, in 2013 - Jimmy Pirela/AFP/Getty Images

During the meeting, Maduro told Cabello and Carvajal that they should not have used the airport for drug trafficking after the 2006 seizure in Mexico [where five tonnes of cocaine were discovered in a commercial plane arriving from Venezuela], and that they should instead use other well-established drug routes.

Shortly thereafter, Maduro authorised the arrests of certain Venezuelan military officials in an effort to divert public and law enforcement scrutiny away from the shipment and its cover up.

Cartel of the Suns

Inside details of the Paris airport bust emerged after Maduro was snatched from Caracas by US commandos on Saturday, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who faces similar charges.

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Both have pleaded not guilty, with the erstwhile Venezuelan leader declaring himself a prisoner of war when he stood in the dock on Monday.

Yet if US officials are to be believed, he is possibly the most powerful trafficker ever to face justice  not a mere cartel boss, like Colombias Pablo Escobar or Mexicos Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, but the serving head of a nation state, who used its levers of power to flood the West with cocaine.

The DOJs indictment alleges that he heads the Cartel of the Suns, a military-run trafficking group, so named because of the sun-shaped stars on Venezuelan generals epaulettes.

There is a $25m bounty on offer for information on Diosdado Cabello - Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images

Whether US prosecutors can prove their claims is another matter. Doubts have already been raised, for example, over whether the Cartel of the Suns is a genuine syndicate in the manner of Escobars or Guzmans. Some analysts claim it is nothing more than Venezuelan slang for any official figure suspected of corruption.

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And while Trump has called Maduro a drug kingpin, the courtroom battle will come down to whether lawyers are able to marshal solid, detailed evidence to convince any judge and jury of his alleged crimes.

Nonetheless, the indictment cites multiple instances of Maduro directly facilitating the drug trade, from organising diplomatic passports for known gangsters to hosting cocaine trafficking paramilitaries at his presidential palace.

A narco-state

Irrespective of his personal culpability, most analysts also agree that under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has become a classic narco-state  a lawless, gun-ruled country, where drugs are one of the few ways to make money.

Law enforcement officials say it is now a major hub for cocaine from neighbouring Colombia, with its position on Latin Americas north east coastline making it a perfect launch spot for shipping to Europe. According to UN estimates, 40 per cent of the class A drug that reaches Europe passes through Venezuelan borders first.

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In fairness, the country was a smugglers paradise even before Chavez took over in 1999. With a porous 1,500-mile border with Colombia  where most cocaine is produced  and a long Caribbean coastline, plus lots of dense, remote jungles, it has long been a place that is both easy to hide in and hard to police. At the same time, its modern networks of roads and ports  built with Venezuelas oil wealth in stabler times  make it easy for gangs to transit contraband quickly.

Maduro, prosecutors allege, abused his public roles for over 25 years - Jesus Vargas

According to Insight Crime, which reports extensively on Latin Americas drug trade, Cosa Nostra mafia clans also settled there in decades gone by as part of a post-war wave of Italian immigration. From the 1980s, they embraced the cocaine trade, which soon also began corrupting the Venezuelan government.

Things got dramatically worse, however, under Chavezs hardline socialist regime. A ferocious critic of the imperialist US, he took the view that Venezuela was not to blame for the cocaine habits of wealthy North Americans. In 2005, he expelled the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from Venezuela, claiming that its war on drugs was an excuse to spy on his regime.

Western officials, however, linked the expulsion to his partnership with Colombias Left-wing FARC paramilitary group, which paid huge bribes to traffic cocaine through Venezuelan territory.

Cocaine Air

As Chavezs socialist policies gradually wrecked the economy, smuggling profits became key to regime survival, with ministers, the security services and powerful street gangs all involved.

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Named in the US indictment alongside Maduro, for example, is Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of Venezuelas notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The indictment claims that heavily-armed Tren de Aragua footsoldiers would escort cocaine shipments to airports and secret airstrips.

So emboldened were Venezuelas traffickers that they would even commandeer old airliners to export their product, in what was dubbed Cocaine Air. One prominent case cited in the indictment was in 2006, when a DC9 airliner carrying 5.5 tonnes of cocaine was seized in Mexico. It had taken off from the presidential runway at Maiquetia airport, which lies just outside Caracas.

The shipment is thought to have been organised by Walid Makled, a Venezuelan businessman later jailed for other trafficking crimes. During his trial, he declared, All my business associates are generals.

Maduro is also accused of selling diplomatic passports to known traffickers when he served as foreign minister. This, the indictment says, was to help channel bags of cash from drug sales in Mexico back into Venezuela, using diplomatic cover to stop the bags from being searched.

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On these occasions, Maduro called the Venezuelan embassy in Mexico to advise that a diplomatic mission would be arriving by private plane, the indictment says. Then, while the traffickers met with the Venezuelan ambassador to Mexico under the auspices of a diplomatic mission from Maduro, their plane was loaded with the drug proceeds. The plane would then return to Venezuela under diplomatic cover.

Trafficking product through Africa

Drug enforcement experts believe that Cocaine Air was only possible because Venezuelas traffickers had access to proper airports, where full-size airliners could take off and land. The larger planes also extended the traffickers reach, allowing them to open up new smuggling routes to West Africa, where product would be warehoused before being shipped to Europe.

In 2009, a burned-out Venezuelan Boeing 727 was found in a remote area of Mali, having apparently ferried up to 10 tonnes of cocaine. Venezuelan smugglers were also flying cocaine into the bankrupt west African nations of Guinea and Guinea Bissau. Both were burgeoning narco-states at the time, with cocaine cartels having bought up almost their entire governments.

The US first publicly accused Maduro of trafficking in 2020, when he was named in an indictment along with Carvajal and Cabello. The latest indictment expands the allegations against Maduro, and also accuses him of partnering with narco-terrorists including FARC, Mexicos Sinaloa and Los Zetas cartels, and the Tren de Aragua gang.

The US first publicly accused Maduro of trafficking in 2020 when they offered a bounty of $15m - Reuters

Among the five others named in the indictment is Maduros son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, who is accused of flying drug packages to Margarita Island, a known smuggling haunt off Venezuelas northern coast. In 2020, Guerra also allegedly met with FARC guerrillas in Colombia to discuss smuggling large quantities of cocaine and weapons into the United States over the course of the next six years.

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The indictment also mentions the notorious narco-nephews case, in which two nephews of Maduros wife were arrested on drug trafficking charges by undercover DEA agents in Haiti in 2015.

The pair, who flew into Haiti on a plane carrying 800 kilos of cocaine, were jailed for 18 years in New York in 2017.

Former allies turning against Maduro?

Among those who will be following Maduros trial closely is retired narcotics agent, Derek Maltz, who headed the DEAs Special Operations Division from 2005 to 2014. He helped lead the team that went on to capture El Chapo 12 years ago, and also monitored Venezuelas rising prominence as a narco-hub. He believes the US authorities would not have moved on Maduro without building up a strong case first.

They have a huge amount of experience in putting these kinds of cases together, he says. In my experience, these investigations usually rely on high-level confidential sources, which are then corroborated with other evidence.

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Maltz adds the prosecution could well draw on testimony from fellow Maduro regime members, several of whom have already been arrested by the US over the years, and who might cooperate in return for reduced sentences.

One possible figure is Carvajal, who was arrested in Spain in 2021, and sentenced to life imprisonment on trafficking charges in the US last June. He is now tipped as a possible star witness, having reportedly written a letter to President Donald Trump last month in which he said he was willing to testify.

Maduros son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, is accused of flying drug packages to Margarita Island - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters

Maltz compares it to the groundbreaking 1990s prosecution of New York mob boss, John Gotti  dramatised in the 1994 film, Getting Gotti, in which a former associate, Sammy The Bull Gravano, gave evidence in return for leniency for his own crimes.

Carvajal is thought to have set up a lot of the smuggling infrastructure, running operations under both Maduro and Chavez, Maltz says. A guy like that could be very useful. These kinds of people can also usually produce corroborative evidence, whether its phone call records, emails, bank account details or whatever.

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Given that Maduro and his wife will be able to afford Americas best defence lawyers, it remains to be seen whether evidence will secure convictions. But for Maltz, the prospect of seeing Venezuelas role in the drug trade aired in a courtroom will be welcome in itself.

When I took over the Special Operations Division in 2005, it came to my attention almost immediately that Venezuela was growing in importance as a command and control hub, he says. The traffickers could operate there with impunity, partly because we had limited visibility there after Chavez shut down the DEA.

Maltz also feels that Europe should be grateful for the US action despite the unease from some leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, over the legality of the operation.

The Venezuelans have been weaponising drugs to harm Americans, and inundating Europe with cocaine too  I dont think Europeans quite realise how much of a major player Venezuela has become in the drug trade, Maltz says. President Trump isnt [only] helping keep America free of this trade, hes helping Europe too.

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The Spitfire was sleek, and the Mustang majestic, but not all aeroplanes of the Second World War were conventionally beautiful.

Sometimes due to unique requirements or radical new ideas, aircraft were created of bafflingly strange appearance. Fascinating and peculiar in equal measure, lets meet the 9 Most Bizarre Aircraft of World War 2.

9: Heinkel He 111Z

Heinkel He 111Z

Towing the huge and heavy Messerschmitt Me 321 assault glider into the air proved a nightmare and necessitated the construction of a new and freakish tow aircraft which was essentially two He 111 medium bombers joined together.

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The most radical derivative of the Luftwaffes ubiquitous Heinkel He 111 bomber was the He 111Z, the Z standing for Zwilling, the German for twin. Indeed it was a twin, as it joined two He 111H-6 fuselages via a new central wing section and added a fifth Jumo engine.

9: Heinkel He 111Z

Heinkel He 111Z

The result was one of the weirdest shapes in the sky, though was far from the only twin-fuselage aircraft ever proposed or produced. The Dornier Do 335 was weird enough in its own right, yet was proposed as a long-range twin (defeating the Bf 109Z proposal). The US P-82 Twin Mustang was actually mass-produced and served in the Korean War.

Two prototype Heinkel He 111Zs were created as well as 10 production aircraft. The problems of towing the massive Me 321 would lead it to become a powered aircraft in its own right as the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant. Later a conjoined C-5 Galaxy, the largest ever US military aircraft, was proposed but was never built.

8: Blohm & Voss Bv 141

Blohm & Voss Bv 141

The go-to aircraft when it comes to ridiculing Second World War German aircraft design, the Bv 141 was an extremely efficient design hampered not by its unique layout but by its engine. The seemingly crazed arrangement of fuselage and cabin was the result of an extremely logical design approach to the requirements of the specification.

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As a tactical reconnaissance and observation aircraft the Bv 141 was intended to offer the best possible view for its crew, especially downwards, that could be achieved with a single-engine aircraft. Early examples were powered by the BMW 132 engine and it was noted that the aircraft, whilst exceeding all requirements of the specification was slightly underpowered.

8: Blohm & Voss Bv 141

Blohm & Voss Bv 141

The decision was made to replace the engine with the more powerful BMW 801 and precious time was lost altering the design to accept the new engine. Unfortunately for Blohm & Voss the BMW 801 was also the engine of the highly successful Focke Wulf 190, which by this time was churning off the production lines by the thousand and had priority for engines.

Furthermore, the Fw 189 (another quite unconventional aircraft for its era) was in production and proving more than satisfactory in the tactical reconnaissance role. Thus, the Bv 141 was destined to become little more than a particularly striking footnote in aviation history. Around 28 Bv 141s were built.

7: Hafner Rotabuggy

Hafner Rotabuggy

A rotor kite is an unpowered, rotary-wing aircraft that relies on lift from its rotors. Unlike a normal helicopter, they do not have an engine powering their rotor. Like conventional gliders, a rotor kite needs to be carried aloft by a tow aircraft, car or boat. It can also ride on wind, and fly like a kite.

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Raoul Hafner was a pioneering helicopter designer. He had already developed the one-man Hafner Rotachute rotor kite as an alternative to the parachute for the air delivery of soldiers to the battlefield. One advantage of the Rotachute was it did not use silk. He then proposed a similar method to creating a Flying Jeep.

7: Hafner Rotabuggy

Hafner Rotabuggy

Fast ground assaults work best with the benefit of surprise, and one way to achieve these is for soldiers, vehicles and equipment to fly in by air. The well-loved Willys MB Jeep was among the most useful of military vehicles and a ripe candidate for airborne delivery. Hafner proposed a modified MB able to take itself into war zones by air as the Rotobuggy.

Initial tests launching the Rotabuggy from a ground towing vehicle proved troublesome, as first, the tow vehicles lacked speed, but with the help of a supercharged 4.5-litre Bentley the Rotabuggy could be launched reasonably easily. Air launches, use an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber as a towing platform were even more successful, but the whole project stood aside for the development of large transport gliders.

6: Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender

Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender

Designed to meet a 1939 specification for a high-performance fighter, the XP-55 Ascender was one of three unorthodox designs selected. The other two were the Vultee XP-54 Swoose Goose, and the Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet. All three aircraft were of pusher configuration, with the propeller at the rear of the aircraft.

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Originally intended to be powered by the 2200 hp X-1800 engine, when this engine was cancelled, Curtiss fitted a 1275 hp Allison V1710-95. The now rather weedy Ascender, could in no way reach the originally promised maximum speed of 507 mph.

6: Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender

Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender

The XP-55 made its first flight on July 19, 1943, and was lost in an accident in November. The aircraft became inverted following a stall, and could not be recovered by the pilot, who bailed out successfully. Improvements were made but the maximum speed of 390 mph was below expectations.

By this time, it was apparent that the performance of in-service aircraft like the P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolt, and P-51 Mustang far exceeded anything that could be credibly expected from the Ascender. It was also clear that the future lay with jet propulsion, and the XP-55 Ascender joined the XP-54 Swoose Goose and XP-56 Black Bullet in being cancelled.

5: Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

Most aircraft manufacturers used aluminium as their primary material, but some of the more maverick aircraft designers saw the potential of magnesium. These non-conformists also tended to put the propeller at the back in the pusher configuration. In 1943 Northrop flew the XP-56 Black Bullet, an aircraft that had seemingly flown in from a parallel universe.

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This bat-winged fighter was an extremely unconventional design and like the later Planet Satellite, was a Magnesium pusher. The XP-56 proved dangerous to fly, and delays in its testing meant it was still unready at a time when piston-engined fighters were yesterdays technology. Two were built.

5: Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

Somebody at Northrop thought the XP-56 was not mad enough and began work on the wonderfully mad XP-79 (pictured inset), in which the unlucky pilot would have to lie down as he controlled a rocket-propelled flying wing while manoeuvring his aircraft to slice enemy aircraft in half with its leading edges.

Despite the benefits of magnesium (it is exceptionally light and strong) it had a reputation for bursting into flames and, if impure, to corrode easily. On its maiden flight on September 12 1945, the XP-79 spun out of control after seven minutes of flight. Test pilot Harry Crosby bailed out, but was struck by the aircraft and was killed. Shortly afterwards the project was binned.

4: Northrop N-1M Jeep

Northrop N-1M Jeep

US Aircraft designer Jack Northrop (1895-1981) loved the idea of the flying wing aeroplane. The flying wing gets rid of a central tube-like body (the fuselage) and instead houses all the aircrafts parts within the wing. The entirety of a flying wing aircraft contributes to lift with huge increases in efficiency compared to a conventional aircraft.

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This strange machine took its first flight in July 1940. With its pusher propellers and sleek form, it looked a world away from the Spitfires, Hurricanes and Messerschmitts then battling over England.

4: Northrop N-1M Jeep

Northrop N-1M Jeep

The N-1M led to bigger and more powerful Flying Wings, not including a planned but unbuilt N-1 medium bomber. In 1946 Northrop flew the gargantuan YB-35, a long-range heavy bomber with a wingspan of 52 metres defended by 20 50-calibre heavy machine-guns, but failed to enter service due to myriad technical problems.

Jack Northrop died in 1981, but his championing of the Flying Wing concept since the 1920s, led directly to the Northrop B-2 stealth bomber of 1988 and todays Northrop Grumman B-21. It was the stealthy advantages of the Flying Wing that would eventually win it favour, without it also becoming the shape of choice for a new generation of Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicles, the so-called Batwing Generation.

3: Baynes Bat

Baynes Bat

Many military minds were concerned with how you could move army tanks quickly and quietly to the frontline. The unlikely solution of both Baynes in Britain and Antonov in the USSR was the attachment of glider wings to tanks! Such an aircraft was to be towed into the air by a powered aircraft, the Bat was built to research these ideas.

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Military planners were concerned about how large numbers of Baynes gliders could be recovered from the area of operation, which was likely an unnecessary worry. In a full-scale invasion, the relatively inexpensive glider sets would have been a small sacrifice for the delivery of tanks close to the frontline.

3: Baynes Bat

Baynes Bat

In the end, this idea was not adopted. There was neither a suitable tank nor an interest in flying tanks, as the focus of tactical gliders turned to larger unpowered aircraft, like the Airspeed AS.51 Horsa. The Horsa proved extremely successful, and over 3799 were built and aided in the victory in Europe.

Despite its role in flying tank research being over, the Bat was a useful experimental aircraft for the study of tailless flying wings. In a rather unromantic end to such an interesting project, the Bat was last seen rotting away in a quiet corner of Croydon Airport in 1958.

2: Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

Italys SM.88 heavy fighter had a sound design but was hampered by the absence of suitable engines and too much overlap in capabilities with the proven Messerschmitt Bf 110. Thus the SM.88 never went into production, but did sire two derivative designs, the SM.91 and SM.92. The SM.91 was a heavy fighter similar in configuration to the US P-38 Lightning, but the SM.92 was more bizarre.

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To obtain the desired range and speed required for the SM.92 fighter-bomber, every effort was made to reduce drag and the frontal cross-section of the aircraft. The central nacelle that housed the crew on the SM.91 was gone, with the crew now finding accommodation in a shared unit with the port engine.

2: Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

It was powered by two German Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1 engines. The aircraft first flew in October 1943. Armament was three 20mm cannon and five heavy machineguns. Another bizarre feature of the SM.92 was that one of the heavy machine-guns was remotely controlled in a built-in pod the horizontal tail.

The aircraft had promise but came at the wrong moment in history. It was test-flown for 21 hours, during which time it was almost the victim of friendly fire, when an Italian Macchi C.205 mistook the prototype for a USAAF P-38. The aircraft survived through evasive manoeuvres but was severely damaged by the encounter and grounded for months. The unlucky (and only) SM.92 was then destroyed by Allied bombers in 1944.

1: Lippisch P.13a

Lippisch P.13a

For all-out bizarreness, it is hard to beat the Lippisch P.13a, which in terms of shape, propulsion and concept was as off the wall as they came. Lets start with the propulsion: a coal-powered ramjet. Coal was chosen as Germany was losing the war, conventional fuel was in very short supply, and coal was notionally easier to place within the propulsion system.

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Next, we have the appearance, a triangular (delta) wing, with the pilot in a vertical triangular fuselage-cum-tailplane (this configuration returned with the French Payen Delta), and tube-like intake in the nose for the ramjet. The delta wing was needed as the top speed was expected to be an unprecedented 1025 mph.

1: Lippisch P.13a

Lippisch P.13a

Then there was the concept. It was to be a supersonic interceptor (the sound barrier had yet to be broken in controlled fight) and to take out enemy bombers, not with anything as bland as guns or rockets, but hitting them with the aircraft itself. The Lippisch P.13a never flew and was likely totally implausible. The wing was too thick to achieve high speeds, the fuel source seemingly batty and the promised range of 620 miles improbable.

Even with some optimism on whether it could have worked, it would have been underpowered and likely suicidal for the pilot to slam into enemy bomber formations at 1000 mph, if he could even manoeuvre well enough to impact with them at such speeds.

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For a decade, Vietnamese worker Minh did tough jobs like sandblasting ships and welding steel, helping address rapidly ageing Japan's dire labour needs.

But now, having overstayed his visa, he is in the crosshairs of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's promised crackdown on illegal workers.

Minh, a pseudonym used to protect his identity, came to Japan in 2015 under its Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which is billed as a way for foreign workers to learn skills to take back to developing countries.

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But critics say it also helps Japan get cheap workers who are vulnerable to debt and exploitation, with some of them deserting their jobs and falling into crime.

"A lot of Japanese people look only at the surface -- that foreigners committed crimes," Minh, a former TITP intern living near Tokyo, told AFP.

"They don't think about the root cause of it: how and why these foreigners got to that point."

Of the roughly 450,000 technical interns in Japan as of June, just under half were from Vietnam and worked across agriculture, construction and food processing.

Many arrive heavily indebted with recruitment and brokerage fees -- including Minh, who intended to work to pay off the $7,500 he owed and send money to his family.

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But with opportunities scarce back home at the end of his three years, finding a welding job as an undocumented labourer proved much simpler.

"Without foreign workers like us, there is no way Japan's economy can function," the 30-year-old said.

- 'Extremely dirty' -

Immigration levels in Japan remain low compared with other rich economies.

But with an ageing population, one of the world's lowest birth rates and labour shortages across industries, the number of foreign workers has hit record levels.

That, along with dwindling salaries in real terms

and higher living costs, has seen resentment towards foreign workers swell.

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"Anger at (Japanese people's) own financial struggles is taken out on foreigners," Jiho Yoshimizu, head of a Tokyo-based non-profit supporting Vietnamese nationals, told AFP.

Since taking office, Takaichi has vowed action, promising a policy package later this month that will reportedly include stricter visa management.

The proportion of crimes committed by non-Japanese is low; 5.5 percent of the roughly 190,000 people arrested in 2024 for penal code offences were foreigners, according to police.

Separate police data shows that among foreigners arrested in 2024 -- excluding those with permanent residency and others -- Vietnamese topped the list at over 30 percent, including for theft.

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The figures are partly explained by surging numbers of Vietnamese -- up ninefold from a decade ago -- who now make up a quarter of Japan's 2.3-million-strong foreign workforce and are the biggest contingent.

Overstaying his visa aside, Minh says he has never been involved in crime.

He considers his internship a success, despite his "extremely dirty" task of sandblasting rust off ships, a job he says few Japanese on site were saddled with.

Yoshimizu said that "some technical interns are stuck in conditions that they just have to flee".

Though most employers are conscientious, common complaints include low wages, sub-par housing and sexual harassment, she added.

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Under the rules of the scheme, interns are usually forced to stay with their employers, even if they are unhappy.

Japan's immigration agency says around 6,500 trainees disappeared from their workplaces last year.

- Prejudice -

Absconders may turn to Facebook communities dubbed "Bodoi" -- a vernacular term for "soldiers" -- to look for black marketjobs, or sometimes they are illegally hired through brokers by labour-hungry businesses, Yoshimizu said.

"Those who find these unofficial gigs can get by, but those who don't can be driven into committing crimes like selling drugs," she added.

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The government plans to transition TITP into a new system in 2027, with more flexibility for job transfers but imposing stricter requirements on Japanese language skills.

Still, it remains unclear whether the programme will continue to attract high-quality candidates.

The yen's weakness has devalued remittances sent home and there is increasing competition from labour markets such as South Korea, denting Japan's reputation among Vietnamese, immigration expert Jotaro Kato told AFP.

Japan's programme is increasingly reliant on Vietnamese applicants "with less motivation and educational qualifications than before", the Meiji Gakuin University associate professor said.

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Vietnamese nun Thich Tam Tri -- whose temple north of Tokyo offers shelter to her compatriots in trouble -- said some interns make poor choices, falling into debt through gambling or ill-advised ventures into Bitcoin.

But "technical interns contribute greatly to Japanese society", she said.

It "pains me to see how one bad headline can easily prejudice Japanese people against them".

In July, a Vietnamese trainee was arrested for robbing and murdering a Japanese woman in her 40s.

"That's why we have to do as many good deeds as possible to normalise this image of us, and regain the trust of Japanese people."

tmo/aph/ane/stu/dan/cms
Marjorie Taylor Greenes return to The View has been met with outrage from viewers, despite winning them over during her first appearance on the talk show last year.

The former Republican congresswoman of Georgia, 51, who first appeared on the ABC talk show in November following her public split from President Donald Trump, made her second appearance on the show Wednesday, two days after she officially resigned from her House seat.

Greene was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021, serving Georgias 14th congressional district. She stepped down from her position January 5, nearly two months after she announced her shocking resignation in November amid her public feud with Trump.

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Joining co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines, Greene fielded tough questions about her decision to ultimately step down from Congress and her reformed take on the January 6 insurrection.

Addressing her abrupt resignation from Congress, the far-right politician said that the death threats made not only on her life by MAGA supporters, but also directed at her son, because of the Presidents words, became too much.

Marjorie Taylor Greene returned Wednesday to 'The View' (ABC)

Greenes public rift with Trump largely stemmed from her insistence that the DOJ release the Jeffrey Epstein files (REUTERS)

When it comes down to the president that I helped get elected, the party that I donated to and represented, and having the President turn on me and calling me a traitor for standing with women who were raped as teenagers, and then having nobody in the party stand up for me, that was a high bar, she said, referring to when Trump branded her a traitor in November after she spearheaded the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files against his wishes.

Greene was also asked about her old comments about the 2021 Capitol attack, in which she blamed Antifa and Black Lives Matter supporters for carrying out the insurrection.

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Explaining that she originally made those comments at the time, because she had never seen Trump supporters be violent before, she confirmed that now she absolutely does not agree with her previous remarks.

However, when pressed by Hostin on whether she believes Trump was responsible for inciting the insurrection, Greene insisted: No, he did not plan it, he did not order it, instead arguing that he called on his supporters to go peacefully and make your voices heard.

While Greene reiterated many of the remarks she had made on The View in November, which fans and the hosts initially applauded her for  including her frustrations with how Congress is dominated by men  it appears viewers have grown tired of her.

WHY are you giving MTG, an Orwellian Right liar, a national platform? She lies if others reacted to her being rabid they're guilty of being nasty. And she's still LYING about Jan 6th. Just because she broke with Trump on a few issues does mean she's still not rabid. SHAME on you  ulTRAX (@TrumpJunta) January 7, 2026

Please make this her last visit on the show, one viewer commented on Instagram, with a second wondering: Why are we entertaining her after she has already shown who she really is?

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I hope The View will never give her a platform again, a third commented, while a fourth added on X: WHY are you giving MTG, an Orwellian Right liar, a national platform? Just because she broke with Trump on a few issues does mean shes still not rabid. SHAME on you.

Others were skeptical of her transformation from staunch Trump supporter to Trump critic, with one X user writing: Shes the exact same person she always has been. She just got done defending January 6th AGAIN.

Nothing has changed with her, except for Trumps rejection, a second agreed, requesting that next time The View has her on, do a montage of all the vile hate & lies she spewed.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican front-runner in Ohios race for governor, has selected state Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate for lieutenant governor, his campaign confirmed first to NBC News.

Ramaswamy, whom President Donald Trump has endorsed, is scheduled to officially introduce McColley as his No. 2 at an event Wednesday night in Cleveland.

The decision pairs Ramaswamy, the billionaire biotech entrepreneur best known for an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2024, with an experienced lawmaker who can act as his eyes and ears in the Legislature. It also creates a fully millennial GOP ticket: Ramaswamy is 40, McColley 41.

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Im excited to announce Rob McColley as my running mate to be the next lieutenant governor of Ohio, Ramaswamy said in a statement. Im an entrepreneur, not a politician, and selected Rob to be a governing partner who can help advance our ambitious legislative agenda. Rob is a proven conservative leader, and he is committed to my vision to make the American Dream a reality for every Ohioan.

McColleys selection was first reported by D.J. Byrnes, who writes about Ohio politics at the left-wing blog The Rooster.

Ohio needs a businessman, not a bureaucrat; a creator, not a quitter; a visionary, not a victim. That leader is Vivek Ramaswamy, McColley said in the campaigns statement to NBC News. He will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of our state, and Im honored to help execute his vision.

Ramaswamy is running to succeed Gov. Mike DeWine, a term-limited Republican in a state that has not elected a Democrat as governor in 20 years. His campaign announced this week that it raised nearly $20 million last year  a staggering sum so early in the election cycle and one that did not include any contributions from Ramaswamys personal wealth.

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Democrats are likely to counter with physician Amy Acton, who was the states health director under DeWine in the early days of the Covid pandemic. Several early polls have indicated a close race between her and Ramaswamy.

Acton on Wednesday morning announced David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, as her running mate. Pepper, a former Hamilton County commissioner and Cincinnati councilman, has run twice for statewide office  unsuccessful campaigns for state auditor and attorney general in 2010 and 2014.

David is an innovative and pragmatic leader who has been laser focused on delivering for Ohioans for his entire career, from reducing the property tax rate for Cincinnatians to tackling foreclosures during the 2008 recession, Acton said in a statement from her campaign. I am thrilled to have David by my side in the fight to lower costs, tackle corruption and special interests, and ensure that every Ohio family can thrive and enjoy the quality of life we all deserve.

Acton and Pepper are expected to make their debut Wednesday afternoon at a Columbus-area roundtable discussion on affordability.

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McColley offered a preview Monday of how the soon-to-be-minted GOP partnership could function. In a guest column for The Columbus Dispatch, he defended Ramaswamy against a fringe of the right that takes umbrage with the fact that Vivek is the son of legal immigrants. The same day, Ramaswamy wrote in The Wall Street Journal that he had recently deleted social media apps from his phone, citing the spate of shocking racial slurs directed at him online.

Ramaswamys search for a running mate powered the rumor mill for months around the Statehouse in Columbus. Several Republicans committed to down-ballot races this year signaled interest in being his running mate, and Ramaswamy considered a number of familiar names, including that of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, who lost the 2022 GOP Senate primary to JD Vance, emerged as a late candidate before Ramaswamy settled on McColley.

McColley had been exploring running for Congress in whats expected to be a highly competitive race against Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

McColley was a key player last year in Ohios congressional redistricting, which resulted in Kapturs longtime Toledo-anchored district being redrawn to take in more of McColleys state legislative district, including his hometown. Without McColley in the mix, the Republican primary in the district figures to be a clash among former state Rep. Derek Merrin, who was the partys nominee for the seat in 2024, state Rep. Josh Williams and Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem.

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Ramaswamys fundraising success, combined with his Trump endorsement and national profile, have cemented him as the front-runner in the governors race. And he has had little trouble clearing the GOP primary field of brand-name rivals. State Attorney General Dave Yost ended his bid after the Ohio Republican Party followed Trumps lead and backed Ramaswamy. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, whom DeWine had positioned for a possible campaign, decided against one.

Entrepreneur Casey Putsch, a political unknown, has emerged as one of Ramaswamys most vocal opponents in the May primary.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Wake County Reps. Erin Pare and Mike Schietzelt, both Republicans, co-wrote a letter to the Chairs of the House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety, requesting they consider the murder of Raleigh teacher Zoe Welsh as part of their broader work.

Welsh, a teacher at Ravenscroft, was killed by an intruder at her home on Clay Street near Wade Avenue and St. Mary's on Saturday morning. The suspect in her murder, 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, has a lengthy criminal history.

The letter, shared publicly by Pare on X, refers to Camacho's background, stating he "never should have been on the street."

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I think everybody wants to address this problem. This isn't a red or a blue problem. This is a very human problem. People don't feel safe in their homes.

Camacho faced a misdemeanor breaking and entering charge last month, which was dropped after a mental competency exam found he was unable to stand trial. In response, the district attorney requested that Camacho be involuntarily committed, but a judge denied the request.

The letter asks the Committee to consider:

How could a person who was found to not be competent to proceed to trial for a breaking and entering charge, and who had a lengthy criminal history including over 20 arrests, be released and not involuntarily committed, even at the request of the District Attorney?

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ALSO SEE | Ravenscroft students remember beloved teacher killed in her home

"There is a gap in the law right now between the standard for competence to stand trial and the standard for involuntary commitment, and there are people that fall into this gap," said Schietzelt during an interview with ABC 11 on Wednesday.

The House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety is made up of 21 members, including Rep. Marcia Morey, a retired Chief District Court Judge.

"Our statutes require if someone is going to be detained for an involuntary commitment, there has to be an imminent threat of harm, of suicide or harm to someone else. It's a pretty strict standard. We have a backlog of people who have been petitioned to be committed, but they're waiting for a psychiatric bed," said Morey, a Democrat who represents Durham County.

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Morey explained that the Committee is working on reviewing the role of further funding, current laws, and what measures have worked elsewhere.

"Disability Rights has come up with a fact sheet, how other states have minimum holds. If there is an (involuntary commitment), North Carolina just has no longer than seven days, so maybe we need a 48-to-72-hour hold," said Morey.

Schietzelt says the issue presented by this case is separate from what Iryna's Law addressed last year, though similarly believes action needs to be taken by the General Assembly in response.

"We do have to give the courts the tools and the law enforcement the tools to deal with these problems. That is a legislative problem. We've got to enable it by statute. We've got to provide the funding to make sure that they can carry out these duties," said Schietzelt.

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A key part of the Committee's work will focus on the current availability of resources and funding.

"We need to make sure that we're getting more health care providers in this space, so they're not having to have the long wait log. We're having to look at how many beds are across the state right now. In North Carolina, 93 out of 100 counties have a mental health provider deficiency. That's the vast majority," said Rep. Terry Brown, a Democrat who represents Mecklenburg County and serves on the Committee.

Morey said resources don't appear to be adequate.

"I think we're really finding we lack appropriate staffing, people with good degrees to do evaluations for total voluntary commitments. We lack staffing to house people who need to be detained because of their commitment. I think we're learning a lot and funding needs to be brought in and we need to be smart on this topic," Morey said.

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The Committee is set to meet again Jan. 14.

"I think everybody wants to address this problem. This isn't a red or a blue problem. This is a very human problem. People don't feel safe in their homes. And so I'm confident that my colleagues on that committee and then when it moves to the broader chamber, will be able to find bipartisan consensus," Schietzelt said.

Brown added, "We have to make sure that we're also giving more space for public defenders. We have to give more space for clerks of court, more spaces for judges and training in the magistrates and all those things. So there's a lot of resources that we could be giving forth to folks that we're just not doing right now, because all of these things kind of operate kind of in a ecosystem."

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs announcement that he is dropping his re-election bid amid a massive fraud scandal in the state is raising questions about the vetting process he received to be Kamala Harris running mate.

Following Walzs Monday announcement that he will not run for re-election as the state faces a fraud scandal that prosecutors say could total as much as $9 billion, many on social media from both sides of the aisle wondered aloud why he was elevated to the presidential ticket despite the fraud concerns which date back to at least 2019 when he was elected governor.

"What did Kamala Harris' veep vetting team know about Tim Walz, and when did they know it?" Conservative commentator and columnist Josh Hammer posted on X.

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"This will dog VP Harris and she will need to answer questions about Tim Walz and her answers need to be CLEAR." former Jill Biden Press Secretary Michael LaRosa posted on X. "If I were advising the former VP, I would put this to bed NOW and release a statement ASAP. Rip the Band-Aid off and get this behind her. Her judgment will be questioned and the trust she placed into those who vetted her VP options will also be questioned. How could they possibly have missed this?"

From Congress, To Vp Nominee To Disgraced Former Governor: A Look At The Rise And Fall Of Tim Walz

Democratic presidential candidate, then-Vice President Kamala Harris, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz greet supporters during a campaign event at the Liacouras Center at Temple University on Aug. 6, 2024.

Harris released a statement later in the day wishing Walz the best and touting his "life in public service" but did not specifically address the fraud scandal or vetting process.

Read On The Fox News App

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"The vetting clearly failed," retired Minnesota State Patrol Lt. John Nagel told Fox News Digital. Nagel is running for Congress as a Republican against Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar.

"By the time Governor Tim Walz was selected, Minnesotas fraud scandals were already public, already under federal investigation, and already raising serious questions about oversight. That wasnt hidden information  it was an open and growing issue, despite a local media environment that protects Democrats."

Walz Decision To Exit Governor Race Intensifies Calls From Gop Lawmakers For His Resignation: 'Easy Way Out'

Former Obama-era attorney general Eric Holder was a key figure in the vetting process for the Harris campaign, and he defended his due diligence on Walz, telling CNN that "nothing of substance" was missed in regard to Walzs record, which Nagel told Fox News Digital "raised more questions than it answered" given the visibility of fraud concerns.

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"Either possibility is troubling," Nagel told Fox News Digital. "If Kamala Harris didnt know, that points to a deeply flawed vetting process and an insane level of hubris. If she did know and proceeded anyway, that suggests accountability simply wasnt a priority."

Michael Ceraso, a veteran Democratic strategist, told Fox News Digital the Harris campaign was likely aware of the fraud reports, but internally compared it to Trump's controversies and concluded its "not as bad."

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"Maybe the standard was different because they understood who they were running against, and maybe they were blase about it because they were looking at their opponent and saying, well, this may not be as comparable to this, and so we can excuse this because this guy over here has done X, Y, and Z," Ceraso explained.

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Going forward, Ceraso said the Democratic Party could arguably "put itself in a position as being the values party" by placing more emphasis on vetting issues on their own merits rather than comparing records to Trump.

"The Democratic Party needs to be better because we can all be better, but I think comparing ourselves to a president that we obviously disagree with morally and saying, well, we're not as bad as that, but still let a multi-billion dollar corruption thing happen with no accountability. That's still pretty bad."

Nagel told Fox News Digital that if Harris decides to run for political office in the future that this issue will likely come up.

"Voters deserve to know how decisions at the highest levels are made  and whether political considerations outweighed transparency and accountability," Nagel said. "Unfortunately, if Kamala decides to run in 2028, legacy media outlets will likely not press her on her choice of Walz. I expect that to only be raised in Democrat circles during a presidential debate during the primaries."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Harris' office for comment.

Walz has also faced criticism in recent days for comments he made on the campaign trail touting childcare programs in Minnesota, suggesting it should be a model for the nation, even though the Feeding Our Future scandal had been bubbling for years.





Original article source: Walzs long-running fraud scandal puts Harris campaign judgment under scrutiny
Gov. Tim Walz announces he will step down from the 2026 gubernatorial election Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at the Minnesota State Capitol. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

The moment Gov. Tim Walz was cooked was little remarked upon at the time, but in retrospect illustrates how he and his administration were sleeping through an enveloping crisis.

At the late 2024 budget forecast, he said disability and autism services were driving state government spending beyond expectations. When he was asked about potential fraud in the autism program  about which wed reported an FBI investigation six months prior  he seemed unfamiliar. I traded texts with an incredulous reporter who was there and wound up publishing a column called, Minnesota: an easy mark.

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More recently, Walz faced the full force of the right-wing propaganda machine in the past two months. It was a frightening sight to behold, and a healthier democracy would never be host to such a parasitical malignancy.

Although restoring American democratic habits of mind to eviscerate that propaganda machine should be on our lengthy, long-term to-do list, the lesson here for me is that the most underrated tool in the political toolbox is  governing.

Deadly dull, I know, but the word governor even has the word govern in it: competently administering programs to help people who need it; ensuring Minnesotas children are learning literacy and numeracy; and managing the states vast infrastructure assets. Thats the job.

Former St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, another one-time rising star in Minnesota politics, recently faced the same sort of governing reckoning as Walz, when Mayor Kaohly Her pulled off an upset November victory promising to make stuff work again. May Democratic elected officials everywhere take notice.

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We live in perilous times, no question, but Minnesotans are right to expect a minimum level of competency in these matters of public administration. Its especially important for the party of government, i.e., the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, to pay attention to details, like whether a 3,000% increase in spending on the autism program is reasonable, especially when some of the providers had ties to Feeding Our Future.

Tim Walz is at heart a decent man, and he doesnt deserve whats been thrown at him in recent weeks  especially a despicable allegation leveled by the president of the United States and the odious propagandist Nick Shirley that Walz was involved in the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman.

He made some mistakes, but hes not evil, unlike some of the loudest and most influential voices in American politics today, whose greed and lust for power are boundless.

Walzs first term was marked by almost constant crisis, none of it his doing. He was a mostly steady hand, even as Republicans came to despise him during the pandemic and the aftermath of the police murder of George Floyd.

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His second term comprised major legislative accomplishments  for which the credit mostly belongs to Hortman and the late Sen. Kari Dziedzic  as well as his (again, in retrospect) disastrous candidacy for vice president. All the while, thieves were stealing the peoples money with gusto.

Walz has served the community of Mankato, the people of Minnesota and his country.

And now he has saved us from what would have been a deeply divisive campaign, and which would have put the state of Minnesota under federal siege.

Unlike former President Joe Biden, who doomed his party and the country with his insistence on running for a second term, Walz is stepping aside before any more damage is done to his state and the DFL. He says hell focus all his energies on cleaning up the mess.

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He deserves our thanks for that service and for making this decision.

Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com.
One day after announcing he was scrapping his re-election bid, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota vocally pushed back against calls by Republican state lawmakers to resign amid the state's sweeping fraud scandal.

"I'm not going anywhere. And you can make all your requests for me to resign. Over my dead body will that happen," Walz told reporters as he answered questions for the first time since his stunning re-election announcement.

The embattled governor ended his bid for an unprecedented third term amid stinging criticism from Republicans and some Democrats over his handling of his state's massive welfare assistance fraud scandal.

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But a combative Walz trained his verbal attacks on President Donald Trump and Minnesota Republicans. Pointing to Republicans in the state legislature, the governor warned, "Expect for the next 11 months for me to ride you like you've never been ridden, to make sure that you're doing your job."

Fraud Fallout Forces Walz To Abandon Gubernatorial Re-election Bid

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Newsroom)

Pointing to the controversy, the governor reiterated that "the buck stops with me. I'm accountable for this. And because of that accountability, I'm not running for office again.

Read On The Fox News App

"I have a year to continue to improve on a record that I think will stand up against anybody's, a record that has made Minnesota better," Walz argued.

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Walz launched his Minnesota re-election bid in September, but in recent weeks has been facing a barrage of incoming political fire over the large-scale theft under his watch as governor in a state that has long prided itself on good governance.

The Political Rise And Fall Of Tim Walz

More than 90 people  most from Minnesota's large Somali community  have been charged since 2022 in what has been described as the nation's largest COVID-era scheme. How much money has been stolen through alleged money laundering operations involving fraudulent meal and housing programs, daycare centers and Medicaid services is still being tabulated. But the U.S. attorney in Minnesota said the scope of the fraud could exceed $1 billion and rise to as high as $9 billion.

Prosecutors said some of the dozens that have already pleaded guilty in the case used the money to buy luxury cars, real estate, jewelry and international vacations, with some of the funds also sent overseas and potentially into the hands of Islamic terrorists.

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"This is on my watch, I am accountable for this and, more importantly, I am the one that will fix it," Walz told reporters last month, taking responsibility for the scandal.

The governor took actions to stop some of the suspected fraudulent payments and ordered an outside audit of Medicaid billing in the state.

But Trump repeatedly blasted Walz as "incompetent" and, during Thanksgiving, used a slur for developmentally disabled people to describe the governor.

Gop Lawmaker Unveils Walz Act After Billions Lost In Minnesota Fraud Scandal

The scandal, which grabbed plenty of national attention over the past two months, went viral the past two weeks after the release of a video by 23-year-old YouTube content creator Nick Shirley, who alleged widespread fraud at Somali-run daycare centers. Days later, the Trump administration froze federal childcare funding to Minnesota.

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announces he would not be seeking re-election Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn.

Walz, speaking after touting the state's new family leave program, pointed to the Trump administration and charged, "We are under assault like no other time in our state's history because of a petty, vile administration that doesn't care about the well-being of Minnesotans. My job is to protect the well-being of Minnesotans."

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Will Minnesota Fraud Scandal Force Resignations?

Some Democrats in Minnesota and nationally are hoping longtime Sen. Amy Klobuchar will jump into the governor's race.

Klobuchar, re-elected in 2024 to a fourth six-year term in the U.S. Senate, is receiving calls urging her to run for governor, sources in Minnesota confirmed to Fox News Digital.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar met Sunday with Gov. Tim Walz ahead of his announcement Monday that he would drop his 2026 re-election bid, according to sources. (Getty Images)

And sources told Fox 9 in Minnesota that Klobuchar is considering making a gubernatorial bid but has yet to make any final decision.

Walz met Sunday with Klobuchar to discuss his decision to drop his re-election bid, a source familiar confirmed to Fox News.

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Asked about his conversation with the senator, Walz told reporters, "I spoke with a lot of key allies.  And Sen. Klobuchar was one of those conversations."

And Walz, confident a Democrat will succeed him in November's election, said, "I think that we have a very deep bench."

Fox News' Patrick McGovern contributed to this report





Original article source: Walz refuses to quit after dropping re-election bid amid Minnesota fraud firestorm: 'Over my dead body'
The warming of both the North and Baltic seas in continuing, with the North Sea posting a 56-year record, according to figures released by Germany's Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) on Wednesday.

The North Sea's recorded average surface water temperature was 11.6 degrees Celsius in 2025 - the highest value in the BSH data series since 1969.

Compared to the long-term average from 1997 to 2021, the North Sea was 0.9 degrees warmer, according to the BSH.

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Every month in the North Sea last year was well above the long-term average, with June and December even setting records, according to Tim Kruschke, head of the BSH's Marine Climate Issues Department.

The annual average surface temperature in all areas of the North Sea in 2025 was at least 0.5 degrees above the long-term average, and in many regions even more than 1.0 degrees above.

Baltic Sea posts second warmest year

Scientists calculated an average surface temperature of 9.7 degrees for the Baltic Sea last year. This is an increase of 1.1 degrees compared to the long-term average from 1997 to 2021.

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This makes 2025 the second warmest year for the Baltic Sea since the BSH began recording data in 1990. Only in 2020 was it warmer.

The BSH examines the surface temperatures of both seas on a weekly basis, combining satellite data with measurements from stations and ships.

Climate projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggest global sea levels could rise by 0.63 to 1.01 metres by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions do not fall dramatically.
A picture-perfect proposal went wrong after the engagement ring accidentally slipped through the groom-to-be's shaking hands and fell 118 feet onto snow-covered ski slopes in Michigan.

Trevor Van Camp had taken his girlfriend Danielle Jenkins on a surprise weekend getaway to Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, where the two rode the chairlift up the slopes to walk across the resort's iconic suspension bridge, SkyBridge Michigan, the resort said in a news release.

SkyBridge Michigan, which opened in 2022, is the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge, spanning nearly 1,200 feet and reaching 118 feet above Boyne Valley, according to the Boyne Mountain Resort.

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As the couple started their walk on the illuminated bridge on Dec. 6, Camp stopped, telling Jenkins he wanted to take a picture. He then got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, and she said yes!

When Camp, who was a ball of nerves and excitement, reached to take the ring out from the box, "it slipped from his grasp and fell through the bridge's open grating, disappearing into the snow far below," according to the resort.

"We panicked for a minute and then said, 'We need to find it,'" Camp recalled, per the resort.

Searching for the ring

For the next two-and-a-half hours, Camp and Jenkins searched for the engagement ring in the snowy slopes below the bridge while using metal detectors provided by Boyne Mountain's night shift snowmaking supervisor Pat Harper.

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Around 10 p.m. ET, the couple began to give up hope; however, Harper did not, promising the couple that he would find their ring. Within 30 minutes, "Harper's metal detector picked up a signal," the resort said.

Harper "began digging through the snow, as he had done several times already that evening, but didnt see anything," until he "pulled up a handful of snow and there it was - the edge of the ring," according to the resort.

The resort then informed Camp and Jenkins of the recovery, who, at that time, were packing to leave the next day, and "Camp was finally able to place it on Jenkins' hand."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle

'It was an experience,' Danielle Jenkins says

Jenkins gave "big props and kudos" to Harper for finding the ring because "he saved the day."

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"It was an experience that we now have; a story to tell of our engagement," the bride-to-be said.

Jenkins told USA TODAY the two have been together for four-and-a-half years, and Camp picked out the oval-shaped diamond engagement ring.

The couple told the resort they plan to return to Boyne Mountain to complete their walk across the bridge, most likely in the wintertime, so they can complete their "journey across the bridge with the lights and enjoy the full experience."

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch engagement ring slip from man's hand, fall 118 feet off bridge
ARIZONA (ABC4)  ABC4 acquired dashcam footage of an incident that sent two to the hospital. The driver says the road is notorious for accidents, and this crash is indicative of a larger issue.

On Monday morning, a crash involving four vehicles occurred on northbound I-15 near the Utah-Arizona border. Several of the vehicles sustained significant front-end damage, and two individuals were transported to St. George Regional Hospital.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Crash near Utah-Arizona border hospitalizes two

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Beaver Dam Fire and Rescue, which had responded to the scene, is asking the public to drive safely. Their sentiments are echoed by Patrick Kempf, an individual who was rear-ended in the crash and sustained a minor concussion.

Kempf regularly commutes from Arizona to St. George and travels through the gorge area where similar incidents occur daily. He was on his way to St. George when he witnessed the driver ahead of him crash into the wall.

While he was able to slow down and avoid hitting the driver in front of him, the person behind Kempf rear-ended him. He says that the impact ensured that the first driver was not hit for a second time, fortunately.

Crash near Utah-Arizona border (Courtesy: Beaver Dam/ Littlefield Fire Department)

Crash near Utah-Arizona border (Courtesy: Beaver Dam/ Littlefield Fire Department)

Crash near Utah-Arizona border (Courtesy: Beaver Dam/ Littlefield Fire Department)

Crash near Utah-Arizona border (Courtesy: Beaver Dam/ Littlefield Fire Department)

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While Kempf did not require medical attention at the scene and has been recovering, he says this crash highlighted a consistent issue on this stretch of road.

A lot of stuff has happened on this freeway. I actually even know somebody that has had their son die on this road and Im sure there are many more other people that have died on this road, Kempf said. I feel like Arizona is kind of responsible for trying to figure out a solution to this problem, because from my understanding, its been a problem for a long, long time.

According to Kempf, he constantly sees drivers speeding where the accident occurred, driving 25+ mph over the posted speed limit of 55. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed how fast the first driver was going when they crashed on Monday, but Kempf estimates they were going at least 100 miles per hour.

Another concern for Kempf is that the highway median creates a blind corner.

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Im sure they have their reason for having that there, but its too tall. So, when you go around corners, you cant see whats ahead of you, he said, adding that the corner is dangerous even if everybody follows the speed limit. Even if everyone was going at 55, and an accident was around the corner, youre going to run into someone. Theres no warning indication of cars pretty much at a stop around the corner.

Possible solutions

Kempf hopes this crash will lead to a deterrent strategy from Arizona law enforcement, either by installing traffic cameras in the area or by dispatching law enforcement to the area.

Unfortunately, this may be easier said than done.

For one, two Arizona Senators recently filed SCR 1004, which will prohibit the use of photo enforcement systems throughout the state if voters pass it during their 2026 election.

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Kempf also spoke with the police officers after the accident, who said there isnt much traffic enforcement in the area, due to a lack of safe places for officers to pull over. However, he believes that some type of enforcement will be necessary.

If we are more consistent with that inside the gorge, I think somethings going to change throughout time, He said.

How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google

Kempf also noted that any change has to start with the drivers. If Im being realistic, the main issue is speeding. Everyone thinks theyre a race car driver in that gorge You need to have some patience.

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While Kempf says the personnel responding to the accident on Monday did a great job, several other drivers almost crashed because they did not slow down when they should have.

He concluded, We need to be more aware and think further ahead in order to prevent more from happening during an accident Its going to take people like you and me and the whole community to work together to make something happen.

Jordan Thornblad contributed to this report.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Horse-mounted Texas Department of Public Safety officers captured a previously deported illegal alien child predator close to the border.

In a statement Tuesday, the state agency said officers from its Border Mounted Patrol Unit made "multiple" illegal immigrant apprehensions on New Years Day as part of an effort called Operation Lone Star.

The agency said the operation took place in Maverick County along the U.S. border with Mexico, just south of the town of Del Rio, Texas.

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Among those arrested by Texas DPS officers was Marcio Steven Izaguirre, a 41-year-old Honduran illegal alien and child predator, according to the agency. DPS shared body camera video of the arrest in which horse-riding troopers discovered Izaguirre hiding in thick desert brush.

Video Shows 23 Illegal Immigrants Found Hidden In Truck Cab During Tense Traffic Stop: Police

Mounted Texas DPS officers arrested Marcio Steven Izaguirre, a 41-year-old Honduran illegal alien and child predator, on New Year's Day. (Fox News)

The video shows two mounted troopers riding quickly through rocky desert terrain and eventually discovering Izaguirre. The officers shouted commands for Izaguirre to exit the brush and handcuffed him and led him away in front of their horses.

Read On The Fox News App

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The agency said it was alerted to the illegals presence by a drawbridge camera set off on a private ranch around 10:30 a.m. New Years Day.

DPS said, through further investigation, troopers learned that Izaguirre was a previously deported felon with multiple deportations dating back to 2004. The agency said Izaguirre also has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions from 2008 for furnishing alcohol to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and child molestation out of Cobb County, Georgia.

Two Arrested After Dozens Of Guns, Including 'Cop-killer' Model, Found In Spare Tire At Southern Border: Dps

In 2025, Adan Delgado-Ortega was captured hiding in brush after crossing illegally into Texas with multiple deportations since 1998 and convictions for assault and weapons charges.

The agency said it has since referred Izaguirre to U.S. Border Patrol.

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Lt. Chris Olivarez, a Texas DPS spokesperson, said in an X post Jan. 1 that mounted officers, along with Border Patrol and aided by K-9 "Bona," apprehended five illegal immigrants on New Years Day.

Olivarez said the operation prevented gotaways and was a way of "keeping Texas safe."

Texas Woman Tries To Flee To Mexico Across Rio Grande With Infant After Human Smuggling Bust, Authorities Say

Texas law enforcement patrols the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

Texas makes up well over half of the U.S. border with Mexico, around 1,254 miles. It is the only southern border state to explicitly ban sanctuary jurisdictions. Texas also requires state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

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Texas law also mandates that local sheriffs cooperate with federal immigration enforcement by seeking to enter federal 287(g) agreements under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.





Original article source: WATCH: Horse-mounted officers capture previously deported child predator at border
The massive escalation of immigration operations by the Trump administration is being felt across the Twin Cities, where a number of ICE raids have been conducted since the weekend.

It was reported by national media that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was deploying more than 2,100 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Minnesota as the Trump administration continues its attacks on the state.

The federal government has cited ongoing investigations of fraud in public programs as the premise for the escalation, but 1,500 of the agents sent to the Twin Cities are reportedly enforcement and removal officers (EROs), indicating that much of the department's operations in the city will be to continue its immigration crackdown.

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It also comes amid a wider policy seemingly being employed by the Trump administration of targeting Democrat-run cities and states for punishment, including on Tuesday the freezing of $10 billion in social services funding to five Democrat-led states: Minnesota, New York, California, Illinois and Colorado.

In a statement, ICE said on Monday alone its agents arrested more than 150 people in "Minneapolis," a catch-all term seemingly used by the Trump administration to refer to the wider Twin Cities metro.

Here's a look at some of the headlines and reports from ICE operations in recent days:

Tuesday operations in Bloomington

The Sahan Journal reports that a man was arrested by ICE agents on Tuesday morning after fleeing on foot during a traffic stop and taking refuge for about two hours inside a Bloomington office building, which denied access to agents.

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Bring Me The News obtained video from a witness, showing the scene outside Wilderness Inquiry's office at 930 E. 80th St. as the man remained in the building.

Protest outside downtown Hilton hotel

A group of anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the Canopy by Hilton hotel in downtown Minneapolis early Tuesday, using drums and sound equipment until around 1 a.m., when they were ordered to disperse by police.

The effort is the latest in a series of protests designed to disturb the sleep of federal agents, which has also seen protesters target the Radisson Blu by the Mall of America in recent months.

Protesters gathered for an apparent anti-ICE noise demonstration outside the Canopy by Hilton in downtown Minneapolis early Tuesday morning, utilizing drums and sound equipment until local law enforcement arrived to disperse the gathering around 1 a.m.



The demonstration follows pic.twitter.com/HDFB7g1Ijr  FOX 9 (@FOX9) January 6, 2026

While it's not been officially confirmed ICE agents were staying in the hotel, Hilton Hotels is now receiving backlash for its response to another incident involving ICE at one of its branded hotels in Lakeville, Minnesota.

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The DHS claims it was told by a staff member that ICE agents were not welcome at the hotel, prompting Hilton Hotels to issue an apology and say the issue had been addressed.

On Tuesday, Hilton Hotels said it would be removing its name from the Hampton Inn by Hilton, which is operated by Everpeak Hospitality, after a right-wing influencer recorded a video indicating that the "no ICE" policy was still in effect. This in turn is leading to calls for boycotts of Hilton properties from those opposed to the Trump administration.

Kristi Noem joins ICE op in St. Paul

On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security's content machine continued to churn when it posted a video of a raid it says was conducted in "Minneapolis," but was actually at the intersection of Payne Avenue and Jenks Avenue in St. Paul.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was present at the raid, which resulted in the arrest of a man federal authorities claim is an undocumented Ecuadorian national with an "active warrant for murder and sexual assault in Ecuador."

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ICE says the man entered the U.S. in October 2022, and failed to show for his deportation hearing in February 2025.

Another murderer and sexual predator off of Minneapoliss streets thanks to @ICEgov.



Just arrested this criminal illegal alien from Ecuador who has an active warrant for murder and sexual assault in Ecuador.



He was convicted of robbery and extortion in Ecuador. pic.twitter.com/2CB7vmknhE  Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 6, 2026

The department identified a number of other people it says it has arrested in the Twin Cities, including nationals from Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, Ecuador, and El Salvador.

Noem's presence was part of a wider visit she apparently paid to the Twin Cities the past two days, which also saw her attend a meeting with Minnesota officials including U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.

A quickly-organized protest converged on the Whipple Building at Fort Snelling, where immigration hearings are held, to protest Noem's presence and actions.

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U.S. Sen. Tina Smith also criticized Noem's visit to the state.

Minnesotans didnt ask for Kristi Noem to have a camera crew follow her around while masked ICE agents harass our neighbors like its some sick and twisted reality show  Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) January 6, 2026

ICE raids, arrest in Brooklyn Park

Around noon on Tuesday, ICE agents arrested at least two people in Brooklyn Park, near the intersection of Brookdale Drive and Yates Avenue, according to a Facebook post by an observer.

ICE seen in parts of Minneapolis

ICE agents were spotted on Tuesday near Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis. There is no word at this time on whether any arrests were made.

Agents allegedly wait by bed to arrest hospitalized patient

Immigrant advocacy nonprofit Unidos MN says that ICE agents entered Hennepin County Medical Center, allegedly without a warrant, and "waited for more than 24 hours at the bedside of a patient receiving medical care last week," according to the Sahan Journal.

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The incident sparked a response from a Hennepin County commissioner and some state lawmakers, who arrived at the hospital and confronted immigration officers, who left without an arrest.

Read more here

Calls to protect day care centers from right-wing harassment

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is urging local law enforcement and elected officials to take steps to protect Somali-run day care centers that are facing threats and harassment following a right-wing influencer's viral video alleging fraud in Minneapolis facilities.

CAIR-MN says it's "deeply concerned" for the safety and well-being of children who attend day care centers that are being bombarded by conservative content creators from across the country who are attempting to copy Nick Shirley's video, which was posted to Youtube on Dec. 26 and quickly racked up millions of views.

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Law enforcement authorities must protect Somali-Americans, their businesses and religious institutions. Public officials at every level must unequivocally condemn this hate, ensure law enforcement authorities take threats, harassment, and vandalism seriously, and hold accountable those who incite this hate-filled intimidation of an entire minority community," CAIR-MN wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

Last week, Nokomis Daycare Center was allegedly targeted by vandals who broke in and stole documentation as a result of Shirley's video, though the business wasn't mentioned in it.

But those that were featured in the video were visited in recent days by an inspector, who found them "operating as expected," according to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This year marks the U.S.s 250th birthday, and one way to celebrate is to view one of its more majestic symbols, which has a home in Utah.

The bald eagle has been an official national symbol since 1782, a few years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a year before the American Revolutionary War officially came to an end.

Its origin as a symbol dates back to the countrys first seal, which underwent several revisions before a formal design was adopted. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams agreed on E Pluribus Unum  Latin for out of many, one  as a motto for a seal that was proposed hours after the Declaration of Independence was signed, but the formal seal was tabled for a later time, the National Archives wrote.

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A second design was proposed in 1780, only to be set aside again until the topic resumed in 1782.

There was some debate over a bird used in the design, but it was between eagle species, and not the turkey legend, as noted by History.com. William Barton, a Pennsylvania lawyer, submitted a design with a white eagle, which was switched to a bald eagle following feedback from Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress during the founding of the nation.

The motto from 1776 stuck, as did many other elements of Bartons concept. From there, the bald eagle became a symbol used in all things U.S., including documents, currency, flags and even buildings. For instance, the Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City includes a pair of bald eagle heads jutting out of its front facade.

Interestingly enough, the bald eagle wasnt officially the nations bird until Congress passed a bill to change that a little more than a year ago. The bill confirmed what most people had already assumed, considering all the symbolism that has lasted nearly 250 years.

Finding bald eagles in Utah

Part of what makes bald eagles the perfect U.S. symbol is that theyre native, and can be found nearly everywhere in the country. While they can be found year-round in many parts of Utah, theyre more likely to be found in the winter, as part of the species nonbreeding range, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

A bald eagle flies over a section of Farmington Bay in Farmington on Feb. 10, 2025. | Carter Williams, KSL.com

Bald eagles are iconic birds, and it is always exciting to see them in the wild, said Adam Kavalunas, southern region outreach manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

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Its not difficult to find them in certain wildland places.

Where to find bald eagles

These are more than a dozen places that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends for eagle viewing over the winter months.

Colorado River: Eagles are common in areas near the river north of Moab.

Deer Creek/Jordanelle reservoirs: Both reservoirs are located off of U.S. 189 in Wasatch County.

Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area: 325 W Glovers Lane in Farmington. Parts of the management area currently require a fishing or hunting license to enter.

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: 8545 Auto Tour Route near the Tooele-Juab county line.

Huntington State Park: 865 Mohrland Road in Huntington, Emery County.

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge: 19001 E. Wildlife Refuge Road in Randlett, Uintah County.

Recapture Reservoir: Located along U.S. 191 between Monticello and Blanding in San Juan County.

Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area: Eagles can be found near the Compton's Knoll section of the management area, which is west of Corinne.

San Pitch River: Eagles can be found by the trees near 8250 East and 20500 North outside of Mount Pleasant.

Scofield State Park: 5 W. 1000 North in Helper.

Utah Lake/Provo River Delta: Eagles are often found near Utah Lake State Park and the Provo River Delta on the west end of Provo.

Wales Reservoir: Eagles can be found near the reservoir south of Fountain Green, Sanpete County, as well as other parts of the Fountain Green area.

Weber River: Eagles are common in the trees below Echo Reservoir near Croydon, Morgan County.

Willard Bay Reservoir: 900 W. 650 North in Willard.

Utah wildlife officials are also holding a free bald eagle viewing event near Cedar City on Friday, where participants can learn more about the nations bird. It will last from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information about the event can be found on a webpage that the division created.
The News

Greenland is becoming a problem for the White House with the GOP Congress.

As President Donald Trumps administration refuses to rule out the use of the military to assert US control of the Danish territory, Republicans are more urgently warning his advisers to tamp down their rhetoric toward Greenland.

Even as most Republicans praise the presidents ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro amid criticism from longtime US allies, some in the party worry that Trumps intensifying interest in taking Greenland could harm the US standing in NATO. As Europe conveys its harsh disapproval, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Wednesday he would meet with Danish officials next week but declined to offer further details.

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Ahead of that meeting, Republicans are hoping to see the administration cool down the way it talks about Greenland. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts Tuesday statement that utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chiefs disposal undercut lawmakers who had laughed off Trumps remarks about taking the island.

I think that military action against Denmark or Greenland should be off the table, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., told Semafor.



Asked if the administration should stop reminding its allies that Trump could use the US military in Greenland, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said sure, they should, adding that we need to not threaten a peaceful nation thats an ally where we have a military base already.

Lawmakers in both parties will get the opportunity to discuss their concerns with Denmarks ambassador to the US, Jesper Mller Srensen, at a Thursday meeting that will include Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, according to a person familiar with the planning.

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Every time the administration brings up its desire to have Greenland, I just dont understand it. Were dealing here with Denmark, which is a NATO ally, and it makes no sense to me for the United States to be talking about somehow taking control of Greenland, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told Semafor.

Even buying the country, as some in the administration have suggested, doesnt make sense to me either, Collins said. And Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she hates the administrations rhetoric about buying Greenland or seizing the country: I dont use the word hate very often, but I think that it is very, very unsettling.

Threats and intimidation by U.S. officials over American ownership of Greenland are as unseemly as they are counterproductive, said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, the partys former Senate leader.



Privately, some close to Trump are skeptical hell actually go with military action in Greenland. But Denmark is clearly rattled. One House Republican staffer described the country as livid and told Semafor that every time this goes on the news, the ambassador emails everyone and complains and comes and does meetings and yells at us.

Know More

Underpinning the schism between Trump and his party over how to talk about Greenland is his long-running skepticism of NATO members commitments to their own defenses, as well as his administrations cool attitude toward further aid to Ukraine.

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The president celebrated an agreement by most NATO members last year to hike their defense spending commitments to 5% of GDP, but he posted critically about the alliance on social media on Wednesday.

We will always be there for NATO, even if they wont be there for us, Trump wrote.

The Senate, however, is particularly stocked with strong NATO supporters.

At a time when the president has been so successful in increasing the support for defense among NATO countries  we ought not to be in a position in which were threatening to use military force in Greenland, against Greenland or Denmark, Moran said.

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Some Trump allies sought to walk the line between prodding Europeans to do even more and committing to defend NATO.

Denmark is an ally of ours, a NATO ally. Obviously, we respect the NATO structure. I remind folks that the only time Article 5 for NATO has ever been invoked is for the United States after 9/11, said Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. Article 5 is the alliances provision for collective defense by member nations against armed attacks on one of their own.

But the truth is, this is an alliance. Its not an American task force, Sheehy added. So if theyre going to continue to be a NATO alliance, lets make sure all NATO states are carrying their weight.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said the US taking Greenland would essentially end the NATO alliance. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C, said thats a bit overstated.

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I dont think well need to use the military for Greenland. The options on the table, Graham said. Given the US interest in fortifying the Arctic, he added, I dont think its a bad idea to ask whos going to be in charge. And how does it work for us?

Asked on Wednesday about the escalating situation, Leavitt said Trumps team prefers diplomacy in Greenland and is currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like. But she again didnt rule out military involvement, saying all options are always on the table.

Room for Disagreement

Even after that, many Republicans still dismissed the idea of a military option in Greenland  including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said I dont think anybodys seriously considered it.

Calling the president a master negotiator, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said the press secretary was merely stating facts about the US and its president.

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Im quite confident that the two countries, our country and Denmark, can work something out in a business relationship to take full advantage of the resources that Greenland possesses to the benefit of the Western world and the free world, Cramer said. As to military action, he said I personally have a hard time believing that thats even possible.

At least one Democrat agreed. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he doesnt support invading Greenland but that a conversation about it makes sense. He said ideally the US could purchase the island (Denmark has underscored that it is not up for sale).

Why cant we all acknowledge that Greenland has significant strategic value and real minerals as well? Fetterman said. We need to have a strong, strong connection there, and it has important strategic interest for our country for other reasons.

Notable
The White House published a new January 6 webpage praising President Donald Trumps actions, assigning blame to Democrats, Nancy Pelosi, and others ahead of the attacks fifth anniversary.

The White House recently published an updated account and commentary regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack on a new webpage on the White House website, released on Tuesday. The commentary praises US President Donald Trump for his actions in the aftermath of the attack and identifies several parties that the administration views as primarily responsible.

The webpage was made public in time for the fifth anniversary of the attack and includes the Trump administration's account of events, outlining a timeline of the day, the federal response, including investigations and prosecutions.

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In addition to the updated account of events, the commentary commends President Trump for his actions related to the attack and assigns blame to a variety of parties, including the Democratic Party, along with former vice President Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi, and the US Capitol Police.

Pelosi is specifically criticized in the commentary for her alleged efforts to shift blame onto Trump for the attack.

Since January 6, 2021, Nancy Pelosi has spent over three years and nearly $20 million in taxpayer funds on her partisan Select Committee, creating a scripted spectacle to fabricate an insurrection narrative and pin all the blame on President Trump, the commentary states.

Assigning responsibility for the Capitol attack

The webpage commentary also highlights what the White House refers to as Pelosis acknowledgment of responsibility.

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It cites videos and audio recordings in which Nancy Pelosi repeatedly acknowledging responsibility for the catastrophic security failures - admitting We have totally failed' and 'I take full responsibility for not having the National Guard pre-deployed, despite intelligence warnings and President Trumps offers of troops that were ignored under her leadership as Speaker.

The commentary further criticizes the Democratic Party, accusing them of masterfully reversing reality after January 6, and claims they are responsible for election fraud.

In truth, it was the Democrats who staged the real insurrection by certifying a fraud-ridden election, the commentary asserts.

Additionally, the commentary highlights the steps Trump took to pardon those involved in the attack, describing the participants of the riot as unfairly targeted and weaponized by Joe Biden's Department of Justice.

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President Trump corrected a historic wrong, freeing Americans who were unjustly punished and restoring fairness under the law, the commentary reads.

It adds, On his first day back in office, January 20, 2025, President Trump issued sweeping blanket pardons and commutations for nearly 1,600 patriotic Americans prosecuted for their presence at the Capitol - many mere trespassers or peaceful protesters treated as insurrectionists by a weaponized Biden DOJ.

Finally, the webpage addresses accusations that Trump incited the riot, including those from the BBC, which is currently being sued by Trump for altering footage of his public address on January 6. The webpage includes a side-by-side comparison of the original clip of Trump's address and the edited version by the BBC.
NEED TO KNOW

Dustin Hayes crashed his motorcycle in Arizona on Friday, Jan. 2

His wife, Brooke, received a crash detection alert to her phone from his helmet which shared his location

Brooke said he husband's bike had gone over a fence and he was in a spot where no one could see him, adding to Fox 10, "I wouldn't have known where he was and the spot he was in ... I dont think people would have found him until morning"

A woman in Arizona says she saved her husbands life thanks to a crash detection alert sent from his motorcycle helmet.

On Friday, Jan. 2, Dustin Hayes was riding his motorcycle when he crashed at around 9:00 p.m. on New River Road between Carefree Highway and the I-17, according to local media outlet Fox 10 Phoenix.

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Thanks to Dustins helmet having a Cardo Packtalk Pro Bluetooth device, his wife Brooke Hayes was able to know something was wrong after receiving an alert.

I got a message from my phone saying urgent and just so I opened it, Brooke told Fox 10. Dustin might have been in a car accident or an accident, so I was like, Ill just drive out there, its 30 minutes away, just to double check.

GoFundMe Dustin Hayes motorcycle crash Dustin Hayes motorcycle crash

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We have the Cardo system in our helmets, Brooke explained in the GoFundMe page she created. It alerted me he might have been in an accident and gave me a pin drop.

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She added that her husband wasnt picking up his calls before she went out to find him. She then called the police while en route.

I got to the pin drop and didn't see anything, she continued on the GoFundMe page. I had a gut feeling, so I walked the road with my flashlight. I saw his bike, ran over and found him. Cars passing by couldn't see him, and his bike flew over a fence."

"He was in extremely bad shape. I'll never get the image out of my head," she added to Fox 10, who reported Dustin was found on the side of New River Road in a place where nobody could see him.

Brooke said the police, who arrived 10 minutes later, were shocked that Dustin was still alive after laying there for 30 +min.

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I wouldn't have known where he was and the spot he was in, Brooke told Fox 10. I dont think people would have found him until morning.

She told the outlet that she believes her husband was thrown off his bike after trying to avoid an animal.

Dustin, who is in an induced coma, has broken just everything," Brooke said.

The motorcyclist suffered 20 broken bones including his neck and spine, as well as a concussion and a brain bleed.

PBNJ Productions/Getty Stock image of an ambulance Stock image of an ambulance

His wife says she is grateful her husband his alive, and he is expected to come out of his medically induced coma.

I found him and now I can say forever, I saved your life. Do the dishes, I saved your life,  Brooke told Fox 10.

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The GoFundMe page has so far raised over $8,000 of an $9,000 goal.

He has a very, very long road ahead of him, Brooke wrote in the description. And I need everyone to come together for him like he would do for any of you. He will not be able to work for a very long time.

She added, These next couple of months are going to be challenging enough with surgery, rehab, doctor appointments, etc. Please, if you can donate anything to help with our rent, electricity, water, all of the things, my family would be ever so grateful.

PEOPLE has contacted the Phoenix Police Department for comment



Read the original article on People
A Republican-authored bill would require Wisconsin school boards to adopt a policy that would inform a parent or guardian if a student requests to be called by names and pronouns not aligned with their gender assigned at birth.

The bill would require legal documentation, parental approval and a principal to approve changes to a student's name and pronouns. The bill makes exceptions for nicknames or students going by their middle names.

Although the bill has no chance of being signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, it reflects the continuing political energy of two issues: parental authority in schools, and the treatment of trans youths.

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Notably, hundreds of trans-related bills were introduced at multiple levels of government across the country in the last year.

The lawmakers who introduced the bill, Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) and state Sen. Andre Jacque (R-Franken), said it is about parental rights and transparency. At a Capitol public hearing Jan. 6, Jacque cited a ruling from October 2023 in which a Waukesha judge sided with parents who sued the Kettle Moraine School District after staff at the middle school used a child's chosen name and pronouns. The parents did not support their child's transition.

More: Arrowhead students must have parental permission to use different names and pronouns at school, new policy says

But the Senate Committee on Education hearing grew heated as LGBTQ+ youth, parents of transgender children, Democratic lawmakers and other advocates called the bill unnecessary and potentially violence-inducing. They said it makes life worse for a vulnerable population that makes up less than 1% of Wisconsin pupils.

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Jacque argued that without the bill, educators can make decisions about children's health and well-being in secrecy.

"Hiding from us important things that are going on in their lives is not only disrespectful to parents, it is harmful to our children and deliberately sabotaging the ability for vital communication to take place," Jacque said.

Sen. Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi) questioned why the Legislature should be involved when school boards already have the ability to approve such policies.

"I think it's interesting how much you lean on local control for certain things, but then all of a sudden, you want government control," she said.

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More: Muskego-Norway School Board requires legal guardian's permission before district can address students by preferred name and pronouns

State Sen. Andre Jacque (R-Franken) and state Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc), at head of table, present a bill Jan. 6, 2026, to require school boards to adopt a policy informing a parent or guardian if a student requests to be called by a name and pronoun not aligned with those assigned at birth.

Abigail Swetz, executive director of Fair Wisconsin, said such a bill would prevent educators from "engaging in the best practice" for using names and pronouns. Swetz, a former middle school teacher who advised a Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, said she's seen firsthand the positive impact of affirming trans and nonbinary students.

"The mental health struggles that trans youth face are not a self-fulfilling prophecy. They're entirely pressured outcomes, and bills like SB120 add to that pressure," Swetz said.

Jenna Gormal, the public policy director at End Abuse Wisconsin, said forcing students to come out to parents before they're ready reinforces power and control while stripping students of their autonomy.

Alison Selje, an alum of Madison West High School who uses they/them pronouns, waves the Pride flag and shares the positive experience of having their pronouns recognized by classmates and staff during a Jan. 6, 2026, hearing on a bill that would restrict schools from recognizing chosen pronouns and names without explicit parental permission.

Alison Selje, who uses they/them pronouns, spoke of the seismic shift in their well-being and academic performance when someone used their correct pronouns. Selje was a student at Madison West High School at the time. The Madison Metropolitan School District has a policy  which has survived a court challenge  protecting the use of names and pronouns of trans students.

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"I remember the first time I heard someone use the right pronoun for me. This was during the pandemic so I was still wearing a mask, but underneath it, I was smiling ear to ear," Selje said. "The use of my pronouns was a confidence boost, but it was also a lifesaver."

Support for the bill came from two women representing Moms for Liberty. Laura Ackman and Amber Infusimo shared stories of parents finding out about their children's new gender identity through school playbills and yearbooks.

"This bill rightly affirms schools shouldnt be making significant decisions without parental knowledge or involvement," Ackman said. "It does not prevent kindness, respect or compassion."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin bill pits parental rights against fear of outing trans youth
Every year in Wisconsin state government, billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on programs and policies that impact every citizen, community, school and business.

While many people roll their eyes and tune out the sometimes messy, partisan, unpredictable work of state government, WisconsinEye Public Affairs Network encourages citizens to lean in. For the past 18 years, Wisconsins equivalent to C-SPAN has provided an inside look into the workings of state government. This inside look, which I have been involved in from the start, has included:

Free, live and unedited coverage of the Wisconsin Legislature, executive branch, and state Supreme Court.

Fourteen thousand hours of searchable and shareable archived video of official state proceedings.

An additional 16,000 hours of unedited and spin-free coverage of news conferences, interviews, campaigns, elections, and related civic events that add context and perspective.

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As the nations first independent, non-government-controlled state Capitol network, WisconsinEye does not favor the political left or right, but is rooted firmly in that all-important middle ground where diverse voices are welcome and informed dialogue contributes to positive outcomes for Wisconsin. The transparency that it delivers is essential to building the trust that keeps democracy functioning. Once citizens in a democracy come to understand how decisions are made, they can better use their voices and voting power to shape outcomes.

Opinion: Moves to protect renters actually make housing cost more

As an independent not-for-profit resource, WisconsinEye has relied on charitable donations to support its lean annual budget of $900,000. But this funding approach is no longer sustainable in what has become a highly competitive, post-pandemic philanthropic environment. Thats why the painful decision was made to shut down the functions of WisconsinEye, beginning Dec. 15, until the funding gap is plugged.

To this end, WisconsinEye is asking the Legislature and governor to reconfigure a previously designated $10 million matching grant approved in a unanimous bipartisan act, to help WisconsinEye build a permanent $20 million endowment. We are asking for lawmakers to remove the match requirement, and instead allocate $900,000 for the networks 2026 budget.

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Additionally, we are calling on the state to invest the rest of the endowment, with earnings flowing annually to the network to cover two-thirds of its annual budget. The remaining one-third will be raised through three proven streams: annual program sponsorships, small-gift and online donations, and an annual fundraising dinner.

Meetings with state officials are underway, but it will potentially take three months to work its way through the state process.

In the meantime, WisconsinEye needs to raise $250,000 (three months of its operating budget) to bridge the financial gap and allow state Capitol programming to resume. Without this bridge funding, WisconsinEye could lose up to four highly skilled, cross-trained staff members. The domino effect would put the network at considerable risk of failure.

Letters: Reporting on Trump's actions should clarify his intent

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An alternative plan, that of a state government takeover of the network, was introduced by several Democratic legislators. Their plan, in my view, is in opposition with the decades-long commitment of the Wisconsin Legislature to provide citizens with an independent, trusted, neutral view of state government.

WisconsinEye cannot continue to provide a valued space where citizens can see for themselves, consider events and issues in context, and draw their own conclusions  if it is operated and controlled by the very entity it exists to cover.

Please consider joining the movement to save WisconsinEye by going to wiseye.org/donate. Your donation is tax deductible.

Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic.org), a nonprofit, nonpartisan group dedicated to open government. Jon Henkes is the president and CEO of Wisconsin Eye.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WI government, democracy needs transparency to function | Opinion
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

The Department of Homeland Security says the agent acted in self-defense. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz rejected DHSs claims.

What DHS said about Minneapolis shooting

An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers. The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. DHS said in a post on X. This is the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians who fuel and encourage rampant assaults on our law enforcement who are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats.

Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill theman act of domestic terrorism.  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 7, 2026

Social media is now filled with videos from different angles (note graphic violence language) of the altercation, with people debating whether it was actually an act of self-defense.

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The video, which can be viewed here (note graphic violence and language) depicts a maroon Honda in the middle of a road being surrounded by ICE agents, with one trying to open the drivers door. As the car appears to drive away, a different officer standing in front of the vehicle opens fire. The car appears to make contact with the ICE agent, but he was not fully knocked down. After the woman was shot, her car then rams into vehicles in front of it before coming to a stop.

In the videos (note graphic violence and language) shared online, bystanders can be heard shouting expletives and appear shocked by what they had witnessed.

Protesters confront law enforcement officers at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. | Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune via the Associated Press

Minneapolis Chief of Police Brian OHara said the woman was shot in the head and was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where she was declared dead, per Fox9 Minneapolis.

The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office posted online that it was not involved in the incident but that officers were dispatched to the area.

We are aware of an incident that occurred this morning at E 34th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office was not involved in the incident. We have sent deputies to the area to assist as needed.  Hennepin Sheriff (@HennepinSheriff) January 7, 2026

Mayor, governor respond to Minneapolis shooting

Frey said the presence of ICE agents in his city is causing chaos and demanded that they remove themselves. In a press conference following the incident, Frey said his message to ICE is Get the (expletive) out of Minneapolis.

I am aware of a shooting involving an ICE agent at 34th Street & Portland. The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city. Were demanding ICE to leave the city immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.  Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) January 7, 2026

He continued, We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.

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Walz posted on X saying he saw the video and called DHSs response a propaganda machine and that the state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

Ive seen the video.



Dont believe this propaganda machine.



The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice. https://t.co/3faWW4bQvV  Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 7, 2026

People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Tom Baker, Associated Press

President Trump responds to shooting, protests intensify

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social in ardent support of the DHSs take that the ICE agent acted in self-defense and that the woman killed had willfully run over the officer:

I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense. Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!

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Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee and former chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, in the X account, The Democrats, said in a post that the Trump administration is not being honest about the incident and the video is proof of that.

A woman in Minnesota was shot and killed by ICE today, he said. We all saw the video, and the Trump administration is lying about it. The federal government under Donald Trumps command is not protecting the peace. Trump has provoked chaos and violence in our towns and cities as part of his sick political theater. ICE has to leave Minnesota now.

A woman in Minnesota was shot and killed by ICE today. We all saw the video, and the Trump administration is lying about it.



The federal government under Donald Trumps command is not protecting the peace. Trump has provoked chaos and violence in our towns and cities as part of  Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) January 7, 2026

Protests have since broken out in Minneapolis with videos circulating online showing physical altercations between DHS agents and protesters, the burning of the American flag and police vehicles driving away as objects are thrown at them.

One video shows demonstrators banging on the doors of the Diana E. Murphy Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis, trying to force themselves in.

Minneapolis (Jan. 7)  Rioters marched to the Diana E. Murphy federal courthouse in Minneapolis and smashed the glass doors after trying to force their way in. pic.twitter.com/nT5k1cZMGL  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 7, 2026

Woman who was killed is identified, Secretary Noem holds press conference

The Minnesota Star Tribune and other news agencies have identified the woman who was killed Wednesday as Renee Nicole Good.

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Donna Ganger told the Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter, age 37, lived in the Twin Cities. Several Minneapolis Council members confirmed she lived there.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem began by acknowledging the tragedy of Goods death, Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable.

Noem said that Good had been stalking and impeding the ICE officers work throughout the day, when they finally approached her.

She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle, and she attempted to run a law enforcement officer over with it. This appears as an attempt to kill or to cause bodily harm to agents, an act of domestic terrorism, she said, adding that the officer who fired the shots did so to save his own life and that of his colleagues, was treated at a hospital, and is now with family.

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In fact, the very same officer who was attacked today had previously been dragged by an anti-ICE rioter who had rammed him with a car and drug him back in June, she said. I encourage the American people at this point in time to pray for him, but also to pray for the deceased family and her loved ones.

Noem also said she had spoken to both Trump and Walz on the matter and detailed what occurred during Wednesdays incident. She criticized both Walz and Frey for the handling of Wednesdays tragedy and blamed them for the riots that occurred in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd.

While the FBI continues to investigate the situation, Noem said Wednesdays incident would not impede their work in Minnesota.

Since we have been here, in recent weeks, we have arrested over 1,500 criminals off of the streets, she said. Our law enforcement has arrested murderers, known and suspected terrorists, child pedophiles and other brutal criminals that were protected here in this city.
Flu is making people miserable from coast to coast, thanks in large part to a new strain called subclade K.

Thats why infectious disease experts are telling people to run, not walk, to get this seasons flu shot if they havent yet.

But you may be wondering whether getting a flu vaccine will still help or even if getting the vaccine might be riskier than getting sick. It can help, and the flu is far riskier  but misinformation about vaccines is almost as rampant as the germs they protect against, and it can be hard to know what to believe.

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Here are some of the most common myths about flu vaccines and what the science shows.

Myth: The flu shot doesnt work.

The reality is that people who get a flu shot are less likely to become severely ill, be hospitalized or die.

In a social media post Tuesday, Jim ONeill, acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that a review by the US Department of Health and Human Services found no randomized controlled trials demonstrating reduction of community transmission, hospitalizations, or mortality in children from the pediatric [flu] vaccine.

Hes right, says Dr. Mark Loeb, a flu researcher at McMaster University in Ontario  but thats because randomized controlled trials arent the right tool for measuring severe outcomes of the flu.

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For randomized controlled trials, most of them are underpowered to detect outcomes like even hospitalizations or deaths, Loeb said, meaning they dont have enough people in them to accurately detect differences in these outcomes, which are less common than infections.

Loeb published a meta-analysis, or study of studies, in October in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection that included 165 observational studies with test-negative designs, which look at all the people who are treated for the same set of symptoms in an emergency room or clinic and then compare the vaccination status of those who tested positive for the flu against those who tested negative.

If a vaccine is effective, there will be fewer vaccinated people in the group that tests positive for the flu compared with those with the same symptoms who tested negative.

Test-negative studies are powerful because they eliminate an important type of bias in observational studies: that people who go to the doctor may be generally more concerned about their health and more likely to get vaccinated than those who dont go to the doctor.

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Together, the studies included more than 600,000 participants. They found that vaccines provide protection against severe flu complications at any age and regardless of how well the shots match the circulating flu strains.

The analysis found that, on average, flu vaccines cut the risk of hospitalization or intensive care admission for children by about half and the risk of pneumonia by 70%. For adults up to 65, vaccination reduced the odds of hospitalization or pneumonia by 40%. Those over 65 saw a roughly 30% reduction in the risk of hospitalization, a 45% reduction in the risk of pneumonia and a 53% drop in the odds of needing intensive care.

I think it is particularly important year for people to get a flu shot, given the increased severity of the [virus] thats circulating, and our paper provides good proof for this, Loeb said.

Myth: Theres no point in getting a flu vaccine since it doesnt match the new strain, subclade K.

The reality is that the current vaccine is still offering important protection.

Its true that theres a new flu virus going around and that its not included in this years shots. But that doesnt seem to be affecting how well the vaccines work as much as scientists first feared it might.

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Subclade K is an A-type flu strain, specifically an H3N2 virus.

H3N2 strains change quickly and often bedevil the best efforts of scientists to choose strains to include in each years vaccines.

That happened this year. After the three strains for this years shots were chosen, H3N2 began circulating in the Southern Hemisphere, driving a record flu season in Australia.

One big question has been how well this seasons flu shots protect against this new strain. Years when an H3N2 virus is the main driver of infections tend to have more severe disease, making answers about vaccine effectiveness even more urgent.

Theres been mixed evidence on this point. World Health Organization scientists reported in September that the blood of ferrets vaccinated with the current seasons shots didnt neutralize subclade K viruses very effectively.

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In November, though, the United Kingdoms Health Security Agency analyzed nearly 8,000 emergency room visits and hospitalizations and determined that this years flu shots were still surprisingly effective, despite subclade K mismatch. The vaccines cut the risk of kids needing to go to the emergency department or be hospitalized by about 75%. They reduced the same risks for adults by between 30% and 40%.

Now, scientists at the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine have weighed in. For a preprint study, published ahead of peer review, the research team took blood samples from 76 adults about a month after theyd gotten this years flu shot. They tested the serum, or the clear part of the blood, against several flu strains to see whether the antibodies in it could effectively recognize and bind to the viruses.

We were surprised to find that many individuals that were vaccinated with this years vaccine produced substantial amounts of antibodies that could effectively bind and neutralize subclade K viruses, study author Dr. Scott Hensley said. His lab is part of the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, a network of flu researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health, and they do rapid work to get answers to urgent question about the flu. Hensley said his team worked through their Thanksgiving break to complete the experiments.

Before vaccination, only eight of the 76 study participants, or 11%, had neutralizing antibodies against subclade K viruses. After vaccination, 30 out of 76 people, or 39%, did.

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The message is very clear here, Hensley said. In years when there are antigenic mismatches, as is the case this year, the vaccine can still provide protection.

Whether or not a person made it into the group that developed antibodies against subclade K probably depends on what viruses they were exposed to in the past, Hensley said. So theres no way of knowing whether youd be in that group.

This isnt perfect, but if you can decrease your chance of getting flu this year by fourfold, man, thats a vaccine that I want, Hensley said.

Myth: The flu shot can make you sick.

The reality is that people may feel poorly shortly after the shot, but its not severe, and its not flu.

The side effects of flu shots can sometimes feel like the flu, but they're not. - Tetra Images/Getty Images/File

Plenty of people  about 1 in 3, according to some studies  feel bad for a day or two after they get a flu shot. The most common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and fever, all of which can feel an awful lot like the flu itself. But its not.

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Its biologically impossible, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. Because flu shots contain only pieces of the influenza virus, theres no way these can cause an infection.

Yes, we can get a sore arm thats a little swollen, and some people may get a degree of fever and have a headache after receiving influenza vaccine, but thats not the flu. Thats just your immune system responding to the vaccine thats in the immediate period right after getting the vaccine.

Vaccines may use slightly different technology, but they all work according to the same basic principle: They show the immune system a piece of a virus or bacteria so it will recognize and respond to the real thing more quickly. Think of your adorable preschooler sneezing in your face as you tuck them into bed or the stranger in the subway who coughs a cloud of germs in your direction. A vaccine primes your immune system to spring into action quickly after youre exposed.

In the process of building that immunity, vaccines can trigger inflammation. One small study that tracked symptoms in 56 women in the days after their flu shots found that most reported a sore arm. This was generally mild and resolved within a day or two.

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Ten women reported bodywide symptoms like fatigue, headache or sore throat. Six women said their symptoms were gone after a day. Two had symptoms on the second day after vaccination, and one still had symptoms on the third day. Most described their symptoms as mild. Women who reported symptoms after their flu shot also had an increase in certain proteins in their blood that are markers for inflammation, leading the researchers to conclude that inflammation might be driving their symptoms.

The good news is that everyone in the study developed protective antibodies against the flu, whether they experienced symptoms or not.

Myth: I got the vaccine, so I wont get the flu.

The reality is that you can still get the flu after vaccination, but the vaccine can protect from severe illness or death.

Nasal spray flu vaccines are available for people who don't like needles. - Greg Wohlford/Erie Times-News/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Studies show that flu vaccines do prevent some people from getting the flu, but in general, vaccines arent great at preventing respiratory infections, and its not really their main benefit. What they do best is prevent the worst consequences of flu infections: hospitalizations, pneumonia, heart attacks and death.

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Heres why: Vaccines create immunity all over your body in the form of Y-shaped scavengers called neutralizing antibodies. These proteins have two outstretched arms that recognize specific places on flu viruses and latch on to block them from infecting cells. These antibodies live in your blood, the clear fluid that surrounds cells called lymph fluid, and in body tissues.

Flu viruses usually enter the body through the moist tissues  the mucosa  that line our nose and throat. Thats where the infection begins. To stop an infection completely, vaccines would need to create more of a different type of antibody, called IgA antibodies, that lives in these mucosal tissues and could block the viruses from getting a foothold there.

Some vaccines  typically nasal sprays like FluMist  are designed specifically to create mucosal immunity. FluMist is one option for vaccination, and a good one for people who dont like needles, but in general, injected vaccines have been shown to provide more consistent protection, especially for adults.

Flu infections are typically mild when they get started. These early symptoms may feel awful, but theyre not nearly as serious as what happens days to weeks later if the infection moves into the lungs and turns into pneumonia or causes widespread inflammation, which increases the risk for cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. One study found the risk of a heart attack jumps sixfold in the week after a confirmed flu infection. Vaccination, on the other hand, cuts the risk of heart complications by 34% to 45%.

Doctors have also been seeing more of a rare but serious complication called acute necrotizing encephalopathy, which causes brain damage after the flu. These complications are far more common in people who were not vaccinated before they got sick.

An updated evidence review looking at the effectiveness of vaccines against Covid-19, RSV and influenza, published in October in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that for children, flu vaccination cuts the risk of needing to see a doctor by about 55% and reduces the risk of hospitalization by 67%.

So vaccination basically eliminated about two-thirds of the hospitalizations that would have occurred without it, said the studys lead author, Dr. Jake Scott, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University.

For adults through age 64, flu vaccines cut the risk of needing to see a doctor or being hospitalized with the flu by 49% and 48%, respectively.

Seniors, 65 and older, had a 41% and 42% reduced risk of needing to see the doctor or being hospitalized with the flu, respectively.

We cant expect a shot that we get in our arm to put up this magic force shield that blocks those respiratory viruses from entry in our nose, but they do prevent complications, Scott said.

Myth: Kids arent supposed to get the flu shot anymore.

The reality is that pediatricians still strongly recommend that most children get the flu vaccine every year.

During the last flu season, 280 children died of complications of the flu, a record for a non-pandemic year. - Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images/File

This week, HHS pared back the number of vaccines routinely recommended for American children, saying the decision to get a flu vaccine should be made only after consultation with a health care provider. Vaccinations against rotavirus, Covid-19, hepatitis A and B and meningitis are also now in this talk to your doctor category. HHS says these shots will still be covered by insurance if families want to get them.

Pediatricians and infectious disease experts have responded, saying that putting the shots in this category only increases barriers to vaccination and may prevent kids from getting needed protection against dangerous germs. They say theyve long had discussions with patients about the benefits and risks of vaccines before offering the shots, so this doesnt really change what they do in their practice. Instead, they say, the change suggests that there are safety issues that arent being discussed before families vaccinate children. It casts doubt on the safety of vaccines, despite the fact that theres no new evidence of increased risks that would suggest such enhanced discussion are warranted.

Some states and professional associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, say they are following the science and continue to recommend annual flu shots for kids 6 months and older.

During the last flu season, 280 children died of complications of the flu, a record for a non-pandemic year, according to the CDC. Of the children whose vaccine status was known, almost 90% of those who died were not fully vaccinated. Almost half who died had no underlying medical conditions before they got sick.

Myth: Everyone needs the same flu shot.

The reality is that which flu shot you get depends on your age and your preferences.

Starting in 2022, the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that people 65 and older get stronger types of flu vaccines: those made with either a higher dose of active ingredients or those that have an added ingredient, called an adjuvant, that boosts immune response. Those are brand-named Fluad, Flublok or Fluzone high-dose.

Those three work better for older adults, Schaffner said. All of them provide about a 25% enhanced protection for people who are age 65 and older.

Just as we physically become not as robust as we get older, such as when we were 22 years old and could run the hundred-yard dash very, very quickly, most of us cant do that when we get older, so our immune system does not function as vigorously, and these three vaccines give an extra punch, if you will, to our immune system, Schaffner said.

For people who prefer to avoid needles, especially young kids and non-pregnant adults ages 18 to 49, the nasal spray called FluMist also offers good protection.

Because FluMist contains a live but weakened form of the virus, it is not recommended for children younger than 2, adults 50 and older, pregnant women or those with immunity thats been severely compromised by disease or immunosuppressive medications.

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When Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah first learned over the weekend that US forces had struck Venezuela and abducted its leader, he wanted answers. Without the approval of Congress, he wondered, what justified this attack inside another country?

Two hours later, he got an answer from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Just got off the phone with @SecRubio, Lee wrote on X. He informed me that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.

That kinetic action, Lee concluded, likely falls within the presidents inherent authority  to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.

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Kinetic  from the Greek kinetikos, meaning putting in motion  has become a recurring word for government officials talking about US aggression against Venezuela. As the Trump administration has blown up boats from Venezuela and Colombia over the past several months, ostensibly to protect Americans from the scourge of drugs, it has repeatedly called its actions kinetic strikes.

You probably know the word kinetic from physics lessons about kinetic energy, meaning the energy that an object has when its moving, as opposed to the unreleased potential energy it has sitting still. When kinetic first entered the military lexicon, it was used in this context, to describe munitions that did damage through sheer speed and mass, rather than with explosive force.

As linguistics researcher Neil Whitman noted in 2011, the 1978 Code Name Handbook: Aerospace, Defense, Technology lists the acronym SKEW, meaning shoulder-fired kinetic energy weapon. President Ronald Reagans Strategic Defense Initiative also used the term kinetic energy weapons, which it defined as nonexplosive projectiles moving at high speeds to inflict damage.

Over the years, the military use of kinetic took on a broader meaning. Per CNN senior military analyst James Stavridis, kinetic now indicates physical impact, like a bullet, a bomb, a knife, as opposed to non-kinetic, which denotes cyber, intelligence, things that dont have physical impact in an operation, but can still be very very important.

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Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London and co-author of the Substack newsletter Comment is Freed, characterizes this usage as a product of the digital age. As military capabilities expanded to include cyber warfare and other, less overt forms of conflict, military officials began using kinetic to delineate the more obvious violence typically associated with war.

If kinetic became military lingo out of a desire for greater precision, it soon enough acquired vague and metaphorical uses.

During the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, George W. Bushs defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld frequently used kinetic to denote taking action  unleashing the potential violence of the US military in actual combat. As Bob Woodward wrote in his book Bush At War: For many days the war cabinet had been dancing around the basic question: how long could they wait after September 11 before the U.S. started going kinetic as they often termed it, against al Qaeda in a visible way? The public was patient, at least it seemed patient, but everyone wanted action. A full military actionair and bootswould be the essential demonstration of seriousnessto bin Laden, America, and the world.

In 2010, the American Dialect Society voted kinetic event, which it described as the Pentagons term for violent attacks on troops in Afghanistan, as the most euphemistic words of the year. That didnt stop it from being used to obfuscate. When President Barack Obama launched air strikes in Libya in 2011, then-White House aide Ben Rhodes used kinetic to assert that these actions were something other than war.

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I think what we are doing is enforcing a resolution that has a very clear set of goals, which is protecting the Libyan people, averting a humanitarian crisis, and setting up a no-fly zone, he said at the time. So its not a war; its a kinetic military action that is time-limited and contribution-limited on the front end.

In Freedmans view, kinetic is a completely superfluous word: Its just used now as a way of saying, Well, this time its serious, because stuff is getting destroyed, people are getting killed.

A closer examination of the recent boat attacks, which the Trump administration has called kinetic strikes, does raise the question: What, exactly, would constitute a non-kinetic strike? Would strike alone not suffice?

Kinetic can be a supremely unsatisfying word, no matter ones outlook on military intervention. Timothy Noah, in a 2002 column for Slate, put it like this: To those who deplore or resist going to war, kinetic is unconscionably euphemistic, with antiseptic connotations derived from high-school physics and aesthetic ones traceable to the words frequent use by connoisseurs of modern dance, he wrote. To those who celebrate war (or at least find it grimly necessary), kinetic fails to evoke the manly virtues of strength, fierceness, and bravery.

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On that last point, it seems the tides have turned. As Trump administration officials have used kinetic in press conferences and media releases in recent months, some onlookers see it as a buzzword for aggression.

Theres sort of a macho element, Freedman said. Kinetic sounds like youre being really tough.

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At first glance, images of the Aral Sea don't make sense. After all, boats simply don't belong in the middle of the desert. There are many places where you might see the rusted hull of a fishing boat on the seashore, dry-docked, or abandoned, but the sight of such vessels resting on bleached sand in Uzbekistan just doesn't feel right. And if it's called the Aral Sea, then where's the water? These landscapes almost always look parched and empty, like they've been that way for eons.

The "ship graveyard," as it's known in English, stands near the former fishing port of Moynaq, where it marks the historic edge of a dying sea. Photographers have returned from this Central Asian frontier with both haunting images and a cautionary tale about environmental carelessness. And yet, the apocalyptic vistas are part of the region's appeal. Isolated and surreal, the ship graveyard has become an offbeat tourist attraction. After all, where else can you see a fishing trawler perched high upon a sand dune?. Even as Moynaq's population evaporates, curious adventurers are taking trips out to the former sea, now known as the Aralkum Desert.

If you can stomach the region's tragic past, the terrain is eerily beautiful, and Uzbekistan's government has embraced this strange ruin as part of its Soviet heritage. The main site is treated as an open-air museum, a place where visitors are welcome to poke around the old ships, imagining what the area was like when these exposed sands served as a sea floor. Uzbekistan is already home to one of the oldest cities in the world, a Central Asian gem with Silk Road history and traditional crafts, but the ship graveyard speaks to the present day and how Uzbekistan has reinvented itself as an independent nation.

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Read more: Subtle Airplane Cabin Features Only Frequent Flyers Notice

How the vast Aral Sea dried up

Camels cluster around a watering hole in the former Aral Sea - Vladimir Tretyakov/Shutterstock

The good news is that the Aral Sea still exists, straddling the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, the "eastern lobe," as it was once known, dried up completely in 2014, the end result of a decades-long shrinkage. In Turkic languages, "Aral," roughly translated, means "Sea of Islands," a reminder that this body of water was once famous for its 1,100 distinct islands. More astonishing, the Aral is widely considered a saltwater lake and was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Uzbekistan became part of the Soviet Union in 1924, and, during the 1960s, Soviet engineers started to divert tributaries away from the Aral Sea in order to irrigate farmland elsewhere. The effects were rapid and devastating; today, the sea boasts only 10 percent of the water it had six decades ago.

To make matters more complicated, communities like Moynaq aren't truly in Uzbekistan but are, rather, in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan's borders. This region is home to about 2 million people, who are culturally more similar to the people of Kazakhstan than the Uzbeks. There has been some tension between Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, mostly in the form of strong words and street protests in 2022. The conflict hasn't been violent, but Western visitors are generally hazy about the politics of the region, and the mostly agricultural people of Karakalpakstan haven't had it easy.

The vanishing of the Aral Sea is a vivid metaphor for these Turkic peoples and the thoughtless destruction outsiders have wrought on their traditional ways of life. Still, many travelers are gravitating toward Uzbekistan and, by extension, Karakalpakstan. It's easy to understand why, considering this breathtaking Central Asian country has glorious architecture that rivals that of Renaissance Italy.

Getting to the ship graveyard and where to stay

A ship perched atop smooth dunes in the former Aral Sea - Lenorlux/Getty Images

To reach Moynaq and its ship graveyard, you'll have to work for it. The good news is U.S. travelers no longer need a visa to visit Uzbekistan for periods less than 30 days, thanks to a law that took effect on January 1, 2026. Most people will fly into Islam Karimov Tashkent International (TAS), which is generally considered the busiest airport in Central Asia. However, Tashkent is tucked into the northeast corner of Uzbekistan, and the closest significant city to the ship graveyard is Nukus, which has its own airport and is 3 hours away from TAS by plane. If you prefer to take a land expedition to the graveyard, the overnight train from Tashkent takes about 18 hours.

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The easiest way to visit the graveyard is by signing up for an organized tour, which will typically provide transportation, food, and lodging. Moynaq is pretty far out there  nearly 100 miles across the arid badlands from Nukus  and although these tours can cost a few hundred dollars, they'll spare you the headache of arranging rides and hotels in a language few outsiders speak.

The good news is that cell phone signals are usually strong in the region's towns, and Karakalpakstan uses a shared taxi system that can be extremely budget-friendly for backpackers. The village also has several hotels and quite a few restaurants to choose from. If you do decide to travel independently, you may have trouble reserving transport and accommodations online and therefore have to improvise on the ground. Note that Uzbekistan's people use a mix of Roman and Cyrillic writing styles, and Moynaq is also written "Muynak." Assuming you don't speak Uzbek or Russian, be sure to check out Rick Steves' genius tips for overcoming a language barrier.

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The New York City Council voted on Tuesday to elect Julie Menin as its next speaker.

Menin was elected by a unanimous 51-0 vote after 90 minutes of explanations of votes by members.

Menin, a moderate from the Upper East Side, will be the council's first Jewish speaker. She is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.

"I am deeply honored and humbled that my City Council colleagues have elected me as Speaker," Menin said. "New York has a long history of turning moments of challenge into moments of opportunity. Together, we will forge a new City Council that takes a more forceful and proactive approach to New York's shared goals. That includes enacting universal child care, lowering skyrocketing health care costs, building more affordable housing, and slashing fines and bureaucratic red tape for small businesses."

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One of the first jobs of the new speaker is to decide whether to override 19 vetoes that former Mayor Eric Adams issued on his last day in office.

Menin has previously vowed to work with the mayor on shared priorities, like child care and affordability, but she will serve as a check on the mayor, specifically on the most left-leaning aspects of his agenda.

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Editor's note: The story has been updated with the latest details.

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Cyprus to meet his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, and top EU officials, presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov said on Jan. 7.

Zelensky is visiting the island country to take part in a ceremony marking the start of Cyprus's six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.

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The president's visit included a bilateral meeting with Christodoulides, as well as talks with European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Archbishop George III of Cyprus.

Ukraine's leader also met Moldovan President Maia Sandu, whose country is seeking to join the EU alongside Kyiv.

"The joint path of Ukraine and Moldova toward European Union membership must be coordinated," Zelensky noted.

Christodoulides, who met Zelensky in Kyiv in December, previously affirmed that Ukraine's efforts to join the EU will be a key priority of Cyprus's presidency.

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Nicosia takes over the EU chairmanship from Denmark, Kyiv's close partner, which sought to advance the opening of Ukraine's negotiations clusters but failed to make headway due to Hungary's opposition.

"We are working to make as much progress as possible during this period on opening negotiating clusters and on Ukraine's accession to the European Union," Zelensky said on X after his talks with Christodoulides on Jan. 7.

The two leaders also discussed support for Ukraine's air defenses, drone production, and Cyprus's participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative and the EU's SAFE project.

Since the outbreak of the full-scale war, Cyprus has provided financial, security, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, including through EU frameworks.

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At the same time, Cyprus has been criticized as a gateway for Russian money flowing to the EU and a tax haven for Russian oligarchs.

Zelensky's visit to Cyprus follows his meeting with European leaders and U.S. envoys in Paris on Jan. 6 to discuss post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraines Security Service chief resigns under Zelensky pressure, to focus on operations against Russia

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, whose country has begun its presidency of the Council of the EU.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy wrote that Ukraine will work to make maximum progress in opening negotiating clusters during the next six months of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU.

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Quote: "We discussed this today with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and I am counting on productive cooperation. The president and I talked about strengthening sanctions against Russia, which must remain in place as long as Russia's aggression and occupation continue."

Details: The leaders also discussed strengthening air defence, the production and supply of drones and Cyprus's participation in Ukraine support programmes PURL and SAFE.

Background:

On 7 January, Zelenskyy arrived in Cyprus, which is beginning its term holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Earlier, Christodoulides promised that his country will make support for Ukraine a priority of its presidency of the Council of the EU.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on a visit to Cyprus, has had a meeting with Moldova's President Maia Sandu to discuss the two countries' path towards the European Union.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and Moldova's shared path to EU membership should be coordinated.

Quote: "We are working closely on this matter, and today I discussed it with President Maia Sandu, focusing primarily on the simultaneous opening of the first negotiating clusters."

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More details: The two leaders also focused on bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and security. They also discussed strengthening trilateral cooperation between Ukraine, Moldova and Romania.

Background:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Cyprus on 7 January, which is beginning its term holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As part of the visit, Zelenskyy held talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, where they discussed progress towards opening negotiating clusters.

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Over the weekend, the U.S. military raided Venezuela, captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and flew him to New York to face criminal charges. We're going to run it, President Trump said on Sunday, referring to South Americas fifth-largest country. We're in charge.

It was a dizzying turn of events  not least because many Americans seemed confused about why it was happening at all.

Since then, some have settled on a simple explanation for Trumps Venezuelan incursion: oil. And unlike his predecessor George W. Bush, who denied that petroleum had anything to do with his 2003 invasion of Iraq, Trump has done little to dispel this theory.

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We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, the president told reporters on Saturday. We're going to take back the oil that, frankly, we shouldve taken back a long time ago.

Writing late Tuesday on social media, Trump said Venezuela would soon be turning over about two months worth of oil  30 to 50 million barrels  to the U.S.

But is oil the real reason Trump raided Venezuela? And can the U.S. actually just take back the oil? Experts say the situation is a lot more complicated than it might look  and there could be forces other than fossil fuels at work. Heres a reality check on the various rationales making the rounds.

Oil

Why it makes sense: Crippled by years of sanctions and economic mismanagement, Venezuela currently produces little oil  less than 1% of what the world uses. But its proven reserves are vast: an estimated 303 billion barrels, more than any other countrys. American oil companies originally tapped those reserves, but all of them except Chevron left after Hugo Chavez seized power (and their assets) around the turn of the century. Now Trump wants the American energy giants to return and start pumping a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground. Some of that oil money would go to Venezuelan people, in Trumps telling. The rest would go to the U.S. as reimbursement for the damages caused us by that country  a suitably America First outcome.

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Why it doesnt make sense: Experts say there are three reasons why toppling Maduro doesnt actually help the U.S. oil industry. The first is that the political situation in Venezuela is far too volatile for any long-term investment. This isnt like standing up a food truck operation, one source told CNN. The second is that Venezuelas oil sector is in such a state of disarray that it would cost a staggering $183 billion through 2040 to restore peak production, according to estimates published Monday by the consulting firm Rystad Energy. Finally, crude is so cheap right now  just $57 a barrel  that oil CEOs, and their shareholders, are reluctant to gamble on risky projects. Adding millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil to the global marketplace would only lower prices more.

Narco-terrorism

Why it makes sense: A U.S. court indicted Maduro on drug trafficking charges in 2020, and he and his wife faced nearly identical charges when they appeared in court on Monday. The claim, as Trump put it over the weekend, is that Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States and that he personally oversaw the vicious cartel known as Cartel de los Soles. Because of this, the administration is arguing that Maduros capture was actually a law enforcement operation, meant to eliminate an imminent threat to the U.S., rather than a military operation (which would require approval from Congress). You dont get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas, Vice President JD Vance wrote Saturday on X.

Why it doesnt make sense: Experts have questioned both the legality and the substance of this argument, noting that Venezuela does not send illicit fentanyl to the U.S. and remains a relatively minor player in the global narcotics trade. Just last month, Trump pardoned a former Honduran president whod been convicted of trafficking narcotics to the U.S.  undercutting his stated commitment to imprisoning Latin American leaders who export drugs. And on Monday, the Justice Department dropped its claim that Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles is an actual group  let alone a terrorist organization that Maduro personally oversaw.

Democracy

Why it makes sense: Maduro was widely considered a dictator. A former bus driver turned socialist union leader turned vice president, he succeeded Chavez after his death in 2013. Under Maduro, Venezuela has been plagued by electoral fraud, extrajudicial killings, corruption, economic hardship and hunger. Millions have fled poverty and persecution. In Venezuelas 2024 presidential election, tally sheets gathered and preserved by tens of thousands of volunteers across the country showed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez leading Maduro by almost 40 percentage points and winning every state. Independent analyses later validated these results. Yet Maduro clung to power anyway, cracking down on dissent. On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Venezuela could only achieve a legitimate system of government through Maduros ouster, followed by a period of transition and real elections.

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Why it doesnt make sense: During his press conference Saturday, Trump didnt mention democracy or Gonzalez. He dismissed the idea that opposition leader Maria Corina Machado  the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize  could take over in Maduros wake, claiming that she doesn't have the support within, or the respect within the country. Instead, Trump has decided to leave Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in charge along with the rest of Maduros regime  as long as they comply with U.S. demands. Rodriguez is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, Trump said on Saturday  adding on Sunday that if she doesnt do whats right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.

The Donroe Doctrine

Why it makes sense: The Monroe Doctrine is a United States foreign policy from 1823 that told European powers to stop colonizing or interfering in the Americas and established the U.S. as the Western Hemispheres dominant power. In November, the Trump Administration unveiled a Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: that America has the right to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere by denying non-Hemispheric competitors  namely, China  the ability to own or control strategically vital assets.

In practice, this has meant renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, pledging to seize the Panama Canal, threatening to take control of Greenland and bombing boats from South America  not to mention tariffs, sanctions, pressure campaigns and economic bailouts across the Americas. Trumps approach appears purely pragmatic: What is in it for the United States? the New York Times recently explained. Ample natural resources, strategic security positions and lucrative markets are all in play.

Seen in this light, Maduros forcible ouster  and the increased control over oil, immigration and security that the U.S. might derive from it  looks like just the sort of raw, regional power move the Donroe Doctrine describes.

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You can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else, but we live in a world that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power, Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy, said Monday on CNN. The U.S. is using its military to secure our interests unapologetically in our hemisphere. We're a superpower, and under President Trump we are going to conduct ourselves as a superpower.

Why it doesnt make sense: In 2016, Trump campaigned against nation building, arguing that America must stop racing to topple foreign regimes that we know nothing about. Just one month ago, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted that was still the case. Trumps War Department will not be distracted by democracy-building, interventionism, undefined wars, regime change  and feckless nation-building," Hegseth vowed.
Bela Tarr, the renowned Hungarian filmmaker, died on Tuesday at the age of 70, Bence Fliegauf, a film-director colleague, announced on behalf of the family.

The Hungarian Filmmakers' Association confirmed in a statement that Tarr passed away in the early hours of Tuesday after a long and serious illness.



Born in Pecs in 1955, Tarr began his career as an amateur filmmaker at the age of 16. He later worked at the Bela Balazs Studio, the hub of Hungarian experimental cinema, where he directed his first feature film, Family Nest (Csaladi tuzfeszek), in 1977.



His 1988 film Damnation (Karhozat), the first independent Hungarian feature, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and achieved significant international acclaim.



Tarr lived in Berlin from 1989 to 1990 as a guest of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Programme and later taught as a visiting professor at the Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (DFFB), continuing his academic work until 2011.



In 1997, he was elected a member of the European Film Academy. In 2003, he founded the TT Filmmuhely, which he led until 2011 and through which he produced his final films, including The Turin Horse (A torinoi lo), which he declared his last work as a director.



After 2011, Tarr dedicated himself to teaching and exploring new forms of filmmaking, while also serving as a producer for films by other notable directors.



In a Facebook post, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony praised Tarr as "the freest man I have ever known". "One couldn't but love him. Because he had endless love for the essence of man, human dignity," he said.



Tarr's reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at last year's Budapest Pride festival was "unforgettable", Karacsony said. Even as "one of the most famous Hungarians and Budapest citizens", Tarr had been very proud to become honorary citizen, he said, adding: "It breaks my heart that I couldn't hand [the honorary citizenship] over to him."



"Dear Bela, we will try to continue to live life. Thanks for everything, and all the best on the other side," Karacsony said.



The Hungarian Academy of Sciences said on its Facebook page that Tarr "determined as a priority of the education of filmmakers that filmmaking cannot be indifferent to human suffering, and that one of the most current tasks in the training of filmmakers is to highlight social sensitivity."



More info:

theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/06/bela-tarr-hungarian-director



MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only



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"If Fidesz does not stop cheating, it may win the election, but if they win because of this, we will not recognise it, we will shut down the country peacefully but very decisively," independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy said.

Hadhazy spoke at a demonstration held in central Budapest, protesting the distribution of a special issue of the newspaper Bors on the opposition Tisza Party's programme which a court decision has banned earlier.



He said the distribution of the special issue had been "a simple case of election fraud, in defiance of a court order." If the authorities "do not stop state interference in the elections," it would mean the continuation of election fraud, he said.



Hadhazy said the Bors case was "one of the most blatant self-revelations by Fidesz to date, an open admission that they are capable of any illegality."



"If those in power openly trample even the laws they themselves have created, then we too will have to peacefully but firmly and resolutely cross certain lines," he said. He added that those in power were extremely afraid of visible opposition protests.



He said that the ruling temporarily suspending the distribution of the special issue had been issued by a lower court, which "still has a certain degree of independence at these levels."



"However, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court ... are practically under the complete influence and control of Fidesz," and after the elections, these bodies will decide on the "fate and consequences" of the legality complaints, he said.



"Fidesz can rest assured that despite the current court mishap, they can continue to cheat with impunity because they will easily obtain a certificate of legality even in the most brazen and obvious cases of fraud, if we allow it," he added.



Hadhazy said the main question in the coming months will continue to be whether "it is possible to defeat the powers that be in a system that is anything but a classic parliamentary democracy, using the simple tools of parliamentary democracy and simple campaigning."



After his speech, the demonstrators occupied the crosswalk at the intersection, stopping traffic for about half an hour. After the police repeatedly called on the participants to end the illegal move, they moved onto the sidewalk.



The demonstration ended shortly before 6.30pm.



Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



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Local authorities began inspections after a ban on short-term rentals came into force on January 1 in Budapests Sixth District, the local council announced on Facebook.

Operators of illegal accommodation may face fines of several million forints.



Inspections are being carried out jointly with the police and the National Tax and Customs Administration.



According to the district, warning notices reading Prohibited activity and stating that official proceedings have been launched have been posted at the entrances of illegal rentals.



The ban, adopted after a vote by local residents, prohibits Airbnb-style short-term rentals from January 1, 2026.



Although the Budapest government office had urged the district to withdraw the measure in 2025, mayor Tamas Soproni refused, and the Supreme Court later ruled that the ban was lawful.



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A British naval frigate has been involved in another collision with an Icelandic gunboat in the Atlantic.

HMS Andromeda was dented when the gunboat, Thor, sailed close to the bow. Thor sustained a hole in its hull.

British defence officials said the collision represented a deliberate attack on the British warship without regard for life.

The Icelandic coastguard insisted Andromea had rammed Thor by overtaking the boat and then swiftly changing course. []

Since November last year, Iceland has attempted to enforce a 200 mile exclusion zone for foreign trawlers instead of the 50 miles established in the expired 1973 fishing rights agreement.

It is unclear whether todays incident was deliberate but spokesman for UK naval operations Captain John Cox said that it was certainly dangerous.

Captain Cox explained that warships are especially vulnerable to collision damage because they were not armoured along the sides.

The Icelandic Prime Minister, Hr Hallgrimmson, warned of possible confrontation in his New Year message at the end of 1975: Once (Britain) put an end to their military presence in Icelandic jurisdiction and their trawlers stop illegal fishing, a solution can be found  but the British government will have to show its willingness towards this end.

Captain Cox was equally clear about the purpose of the British Navys presence: What were doing is protecting fishery trawlers on the high seas in international waters and we are told specifically: no aggressive manoeuvres, no provocation at all.

The Icelandic Government says it is applying the 200 mile fishery limit agreed by over 100 nations, including Britain, at the 1974 Law of the Sea Conference.

It is concerned that overfishing could lead to a dramatic decline in the number of cod. Some marine biologists have even suggested there could be no cod left by 1980. []

Courtesy BBC News

In context

This was the third of the Cod Wars that took place between Britain and Iceland over their fishing rights in the Atlantic. The first was in 1958 and the second ran from 1972 to 1973.

Britain deployed a total of 22 frigates against 16 Icelandic vessels. There were numerous skirmishes and Iceland threatened to close the Nato base at Keflavik. The US offered to mediate but it was Nato that negotiated an agreement on 6th June 1976.

Under this treaty Britain was limited to using 24 trawlers within a 200 mile zone at any one time for an annual catch of up to 50,000 tonnes.

Iceland claimed that it was economically dependent on fishing, but fish from the Atlantic were worth 23.1m to the UK and the new restrictions caused 8000 jobs to be lost.

The number of cod has continued to decline and there have been calls for a total ban on cod fishing in the North Sea.

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The number of road accidents has nearly tripled during the snowfall on Monday, the head of the national police's traffic department told a press conference held at the memorial of victims of road accidents in Budapest.

Colonel Jozsef Oberling said that while most of the accidents on Monday brought "damage to property only", a cyclist travelling without head protection died onsite when he fell and hit his head.







Oberling asked the public to suspend using bicycles, scooters and electric scooters in the coming days, even on seemingly dry roads. Motorists should only use their cars with winter tires, drive more slowly and leave greater distance to other vehicles than usual, he added.







Disaster management forces are ready to assist anyone in trouble, he said.





Operative board: Road maintenance crews, disaster management, emergency services, authorities working at full capacity due to snowfall



Electricity, gas, water and waste collection services are operating normally, there are no disruptions anywhere, no settlements are cut off in the country and no roads are closed, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Directorate (OKF) said.







Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Mukics told a press conference that the operative board had held its first meeting in the morning, led by Interior Minister Sandor Pinter.



According to weather forecasts, the extreme winter weather will continue for a few more days, with temperatures possibly dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius, and up to 20 centimeters of fresh snow falling in the southern part of the country from Tuesday afternoon, he said.







He said that no settlements in the country were cut off and no roads were closed. He added that there were no power outages anywhere, although on Monday there had been brief power cuts at 475 consumption points, typically due to broken branches and fallen trees.



In Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg county, in northeast Hungary, power had been cut off for a few hours at 30 consumption points due to a car colliding with an electricity pole, he said.





He said that more than a thousand employees of service providers were on standby to deal with possible supply disruptions, assisted by firefighters when necessary. If a settlement becomes inaccessible by road due to snowfall, the emergency services will take care of the residents there and, if necessary, provide them with medical care, Mukics added.



He also said that teaching in public education institutions had been uninterrupted everywhere, with only one school reporting a heating problem in one classroom.







Homeless care is also running smoothly, and no one has to spend the night on the streets even in the prolonged cold, he said.







MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only



Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.



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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port sees over 100m passenger trips

At 8:35 a.m. on January 6th, as a traveler completed facial recognition clearance through the e-channel at the border inspection station, the number of passenger trips through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port traveling between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao officially surpassed 100 million.

2026-01-07 23:31:24
Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out a major crackdown on an alleged terror financing network, raiding 22 locations across Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, and Kulgam after securing court approval. The operation targeted suspected mule bank accounts used to launder money from cyber fraud and online scams and channel funds to terror networks.
With an aim to utilise $50-55 billion in rubles tied up in Russian banks, India urges Moscow to remove restrictions on exports of electronics, engineering goods, food and fish.
China yesterday banned exports of dual-use goods that can serve military purposes to Japan, a move that comes at time of heightened tensions between the two countries over Taiwan, a self-ruled island Beijing claims as its sovereign territory.

The Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement that exports of such items, which can serve both civilian and military purposes, to Japanese military users and all other end-users that could help enhance Japanese military power are prohibited.

Any individual or organization that violates the rule by transferring or providing these made-in-China products to Japanese groups and people would face legal consequences, regardless of where they are from, it said.

The notice did not identify or describe specific items, but some exports  particularly in the technology sector such as drones and navigation systems  could be adapted for military use. There was no immediate reaction from Japan.

Relations between Japan and China worsened late last year after Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.

In December, Japan said Chinese military aircraft locked radar on its fighter jets even though there was a safe distance between them. Tokyo is barreling forward with efforts to significantly boost its military capabilities to stand up to Chinas growing threats by doubling annual arms spending.

Last week, China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan for two days to warn against what it calls separatist and external forces.

At that time, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed both Japan and Taiwans pro-independence forces. Wang said Japans current leaders openly challenge Chinas territorial sovereignty and the postwar international order. Japan was defeated in World War II by the United States and its allies.

In his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Monday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping mentioned Chinas and South Koreas historical rivalry against Japan, calling on the two countries to join hands to defend the fruits of victory in World War II and safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia. MDT/AP

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Multinationals cast "vote of confidence" by investing in NE China

Xinhua) 08:20, January 07, 2026

Staff members work at the construction site of a fine chemicals and raw materials project under Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company in Panjin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the new year begins, Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company's fine chemicals and raw materials project site in Panjin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, is buzzing with activity.

This project, with a total investment of 83.7 billion yuan (about 11.9 billion U.S. dollars), stands as Saudi Arabia's largest investment in China and is jointly funded by Saudi and Chinese enterprises.

Since its groundbreaking in March 2023, local authorities have provided tangible support to help solve problems, accelerating the project's progress, according to Zhong Luwei, assistant to the president of Huajin Aramco.

As an old industrial base, northeast China, comprising the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, has leveraged its complete industrial and supply chains to boost high-quality development, amid the country's push for the full revitalization of the region.

Empowered by policy dividends, the region has seen continuous optimization of its industrial structure and modern infrastructure.

While improving the "hardware," local governments have made continuous efforts to optimize the business environment, bolstering multinationals' confidence to invest and increase investment in northeast China.

On Jan. 4, authorities in Liaoning held their "first meeting of the new year," proposing efforts to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. It aims to establish a service system to support all types of business entities through their entire lifecycles.

Dalian, the largest port city in northeast China, has unveiled 15 specific measures to encourage foreign investors to establish R&D centers in the city. These included improving R&D convenience, attracting overseas talent and strengthening intellectual property protection.

After setting up an R&D center there, Prime Planet Energy Dalian, a joint venture between Japanese and Chinese enterprises, received more than 8 million yuan in incentive funds in 2025.

Efficient government services have strengthened the company's investment confidence, said an executive of the Prime Planet Energy Dalian, citing the company's 3.7-billion-yuan pure electric vehicle battery project in Dalian, which moved from signing to commencement of construction in just three months.

Further north in Shenyang, tire manufacturer Michelin is proving that long-term commitment pays off. Since establishing its first Chinese factory there in 1995, the group has expanded its presence, with cumulative investment in the city exceeding 12.5 billion yuan since 2010.

Besides a huge consumer base and a rapidly upgrading auto industry, there are an increasingly complete industrial chain and a continuously optimized business environment, said Matthew Ye, president and CEO of Michelin Greater China &Mongolia.

In northeast China, improvements in the business environment are reflected not only in visible services such as rapid approvals and land-use guarantees but also in areas like the innovation ecosystem, industrial development, and the creation of a livable and workable environment.

This winter, the China-Germany Equipment Manufacturing Industrial Park in Shenyang provided clean energy heating for BMW Brilliance's powertrain factory, ensuring a constant temperature with 100 percent non-fossil energy and helping the factory move towards becoming a "zero-carbon factory."

"The park's strategy aligns perfectly with BMW's sustainability philosophy," said Wang Jun, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.

Given the large number of foreign-funded enterprises and foreign employees in the China-Germany Equipment Manufacturing Industrial Park, the park administration has rolled out a wide range of services. These include visa processing and business consulting, alongside medical and educational facilities for foreign staff and their children.

The continuous optimization of the business environment is helping foreign enterprises seek longer-term development.

The Shenyang factory has grown into Michelin Group's largest and most advanced high-end passenger car tire manufacturing base globally, and has become a strategic pivot point that plays a core role in Michelin's global supply chain, noted Ye.

"We believe the Chinese market will continue to develop towards high-quality, innovation-driven growth and sustainability, offering broad opportunities for global enterprises," Ye said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said yesterday [Macau time] an American takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance. Her comments came in response to U.S. President Donald Trumps renewed call for the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island to come under U.S. control in the aftermath of the weekend military operation in Venezuela.

The dead-of-night operation by U.S. forces in Caracas to capture leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife early Saturday left the world stunned, and heightened concerns in Denmark and Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of the Danish kingdom and thus part of NATO.

Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart, Jens Frederik Nielsen, blasted the presidents comments and warned of catastrophic consequences. Numerous European leaders expressed solidarity with them.

If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War.

20-day timeline deepens fears

Trump called repeatedly during his presidential transition and the early months of his second term for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the island. His comments Sunday, including telling reporters lets talk about Greenland in 20 days, further deepened fears that the U.S. was planning an intervention in Greenland in the near future.

Frederiksen also said Trump should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland. We will not accept a situation where we and Greenland are threatened in this way, she added.

Nielsen, in a news conference Monday, said Greenland cannot be compared to Venezuela. He urged his constituents to stay calm and united.

We are not in a situation where we think that there might be a takeover of the country overnight and that is why we are insisting that we want good cooperation, he said.

Nielsen added: The situation is not such that the United States can simply conquer Greenland.

Ask Rostrup, a TV2 political journalist, wrote on the stations live blog Monday that Mette previously would have flatly rejected the idea of an American takeover of Greenland. But now, Rostrup wrote, the rhetoric has escalated so much that she has to acknowledge the possibility.

Trump slams Denmarks security efforts

Trump on Sunday also mocked Denmarks efforts at boosting Greenlands national security posture, saying the Danes have added one more dog sled to the Arctic territorys arsenal.

Its so strategic right now, Trump had told reporters Sunday as he flew back to Washington from his home in Florida. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.

He added: We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.

But Ulrik Pram Gad, a global security expert from the Danish Institute for International Studies, wrote in a report last year that there are indeed Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic, but these vessels are too far away to see from Greenland with or without binoculars.

US space base in northwestern Greenland

Greenlanders and Danes were further rankled this weekend by a social media post following the raid by a former Trump administration official turned podcaster, Katie Miller. The post shows an illustrated map of Greenland in the colors of the Stars and Stripes accompanied by the caption: SOON.

And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, Ambassador Jesper Mller Srensen, Denmarks chief envoy to Washington, said in a post responding to Miller, who is married to Trumps influential deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

The U.S. Department of Defense operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. It was built following a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. It supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO.

On Denmarks mainland, the partnership between the U.S. and Denmark has been long-lasting. The Danes buy American F-35 fighter jets and just last year, Denmarks parliament approved a bill to allow U.S. military bases on Danish soil.

Critics say the vote ceded Danish sovereignty to the U.S. The legislation widens a previous military agreement, made in 2023 with the Biden administration, where U.S. troops had broad access to Danish air bases in the Scandinavian country. ANDERS KONGSHAUG, COPENHAGEN, MDT/AP

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Police have uncovered a case of fake employment involving a Vietnamese woman in her 40s, who allegedly obtained a blue card to stay in the city for over three years.

The woman reportedly secured the card through a local male friend, who acted as her purported employer.

Authorities said the case came to light during routine checks on domestic helper contract renewals, when the woman appeared unfamiliar with her supposed employers household.

Upon questioning, both the Vietnamese woman and the 40-year-old local man admitted to the fake employment arrangement.

According to police, the woman previously worked in the massage sector until 2022.

After leaving that job, she sought to remain in the city and find work, arranging through a friend to be falsely employed as a domestic helper. Both parties claimed no financial transactions were involved in the arrangement.

Police records show that the woman made multiple trips out of Macau during her stay. She has not disclosed her current employment in the city.

The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office for investigation. LV

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Chinas Yangtze River Economic Belt has over the past decade attained sustained economic growth and strengthened ecological protection, a senior official yjis week.

The proportion of the river sections with fairly good or better water quality ratings increased from 67 percent in 2015 to 96.5 percent last year, while the regions GDP more than doubled over the same period, Wang Changlin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office.

China uses a five-tier surface water quality system, with Grade I the best. Water quality is considered fairly good if it reaches Grade III, which is sufficient for most aquatic organisms to survive.

The Yangtze River Economic Belts share of the national economy rose from 42.2 percent to 47.3 percent over the past decade, Wang said.

Monday marked the 10th anniversary of a symposium on promoting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, which was presided over by President Xi Jinping in Chongqing.

The Yangtze boasts a unique ecosystem, Xi stressed in the meeting held on Jan 5, 2016.

To restore its ecology and environment will be an overwhelming task and no large-scale development would be allowed along the river at present and for a long period to come, the president had underscored.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt covers nine of the 11 provincial-level regions the river flows through, excluding Qinghai province and the Xizang autonomous region. It also includes Zhejiang and Guizhou provinces, which are home to tributaries of the Yangtze.

Over the past decade, as the principle of prioritizing environmental protection and avoiding excessive development has taken root in the belt, the rivers ecological features have become more pronounced, Wang said.

He said black and odorous water bodies in prefecture-level cities along the Yangtze have been essentially eliminated following intensified pollution control measures targeting industrial, agricultural and shipping sources.

Wang also highlighted significant improvements in water quality along the Yangtzes mainstream over the past decade.

The Yangtzes mainstream has been transformed from having sections with Grade V water quality to maintaining Grade II standards throughout its entire course, he said.

Jiang Kaiyong, director of the Yangtze basin fishery supervision and administration office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said biodiversity conservation has made notable progress, particularly after a 10-year fishing ban took effect on Jan 1, 2021.

Monitoring conducted from 2021 to 2024 recorded 344 indigenous fish species in the Yangtze basin, an increase of 36 species compared with the period before the ban, Jiang said.

Despite the recovery, he cautioned that major challenges remain. A total of 99 historically recorded fish species have yet to be detected, and flagship species such as the Chinese sturgeon remain critically endangered. Illegal fishing still occurs occasionally, he said.

Jiang said the ministry will continue working with other government departments and local authorities along the Yangtze to strengthen joint law enforcement and improve biodiversity conservation capacity.

We will unwaveringly enforce the 10-year fishing ban, leveraging stronger aquatic conservation to support the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, he said. China Daily

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The kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, and the subsequent press conference held by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, represent a declaration of war against Latin America and a direct threat to the reformist governments elected in Colombia and Mexico.

During the press conference and in subsequent statements, Trump declared that Colombian President Petro should watch his ass because Colombia is being controlled by a madman who sends cocaine to the United States. It is clear that the White House wants to increase pressure on Bogota as part of its drive to reestablish the domination of US imperialism in the Western Hemisphere.

Petro's reforms (especially wage increases) threaten the profits of US multinationals operating in Colombian territory. These reforms, together with the increase in trade between China and Colombia, are the reasons behind the threats against the government.

Over the past year, the Colombian oligarchy has revealed its submissive nature to US imperialism. On this occasion, its highest representatives, such as Lina Maria Garrido (senator for the Cambio Radical party), declared their support for a US attack, saying, Welcome to #Colombia, President @POTUS. The Colombian people eagerly await you. Please don't take too long.

Gustavo Petro's response is commendable. On 4 January, Petro stated that if they arrest the president [of Colombia]... they will unleash the popular jaguar and asked the people to defend the president from any illegitimate violent act against him. The way to defend me is to take power in all the municipalities of the country.

We emphatically agree. Only the Colombian masses can organise the defence against a possible attack by US imperialism.

Petro has also called on the UN to condemn these attacks. We have no illusions whatsoever in so-called international law or in the multilateral institutions that US imperialism has used for decades to justify its military interventions, coups, and sanctions. The UN is just an empty talking shop. How many resolutions has it passed against the US blockade on Cuba? None of them have been implemented.

The only way to defend against these threats from US imperialism is through the armed organisation of the working class and the peasantry. To this end, it is necessary to organise neighbourhood defence councils, with officers appointed and elected by the masses, as well as to immediately train volunteers to defend the working class and the peasantry from a possible military invasion.

It is also imperative to expropriate the US multinationals and the companies of Colombian billionaires who have openly (or clandestinely) invited US forces to invade Colombia, straight away. To put it bluntly, these oligarchs are willing to sacrifice as much Colombian blood as possible to defend their wealth and privileges.

The defence of Colombian sovereignty lies solely in the hands of the Colombian working class and peasantry. The masses are the only force willing to fight this struggle to the bitter end. The Colombian capitalist class is bound by a thousand threads to US imperialism. They exist solely to manage Washington's local interests.

Serious and well-organised resistance against imperialist bullying and aggression in Colombia should be combined with an internationalist appeal to the masses of workers and peasants throughout Latin America, one which would certainly find an echo. Such a movement should also extend a hand of friendship to the working class in the US, calling on them to break with their own capitalist class.

As revolutionary communists, our duty is to be on the front lines, fighting shoulder to shoulder with our class. But this struggle is not in defence of the status quo or the Colombian capitalist system, whose representatives welcome this invasion with open arms. This struggle is for socialism and for the power of the working class. If the Colombian working class takes control of the upper echelons of the economy, it will be able to mount a defence against the invasion and open the way for the working classes of Latin America to fight openly for a socialist federation of the Americas.

HANDS OFF LATIN AMERICA

DOWN WITH THE OLIGARCHY THAT SELLS OUT THE COUNTRY

DOWN WITH US IMPERIALISM
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Journal of Dentistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106176

An artificial saliva in the form of a mouthwash, produced with the CANECPI-5 protein extracted from sugarcane and modified in a laboratory, can aid in treating teeth in patients with head and neck cancer. In these cases, radiotherapy very close to the mouth can destroy salivary glands and compromise saliva production, which is essential for controlling bacteria and disease.

According to research conducted at the Bauru School of Dentistry at the University of Sao Paulo (FOB-USP) in Brazil, CANECPI-5 forms a protective "shield" for the teeth, guarding the enamel against weakening acids found in juices, alcoholic beverages, and even stomach acids.

The results are published in the Journal of Dentistry.

The study was conducted during Natara Dias Gomes da Silva's doctoral studies at FOB-USP. She collaborated with researchers from the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), also in Brazil; the University of California in San Francisco, in the United States; and Yonsei University College of Dentistry, in South Korea.

The work is part of the Thematic Project "Modulation of acquired pellicle to control dental mineral loss: unveiling mechanisms to make therapies possible," which is coordinated by Professor Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf from FOB-USP.

"We tested the mouthwash developed with CANECPI-5 by applying this solution to small pieces of animal teeth once a day for one minute. Based on these results, we'll conduct further research so that we can think about applications of this product," adds Silva, the first author of the article.

"This is the first product that uses the concept of acquired pellicle [a thin protective layer that quickly forms on the tooth surface] to treat xerostomia, which is the sensation of a dry mouth caused by a lack of saliva. We use substances that will reformulate the composition of the proteins that bind to the teeth," explains Buzalaf.

"We've developed a process in which CANECPI-5 binds directly to tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to the action of acids produced by bacteria," Silva points out.

The data published in the article showed that the CANECPI-5 protein is most effective when combined with fluoride and xylitol. In these tests, the artificial saliva spray significantly reduced bacterial activity and tooth demineralizationthe process by which teeth lose calcium and phosphate, making them more susceptible to cavities.

This discovery is significant because patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer do not yet have access to a specific product on the market that can help combat and treat the most aggressive cavities that develop after radiation therapy.

"Artificial saliva improves the sensation of dry mouth and sores. This helps with discomfort and also combats bacteria. In some cases, the use of this type of product is only for a short time. In others, it's permanent, because many individuals lose the ability to produce saliva," adds Buzalaf.

The patent for the CANECPI-5 protein was filed a few years ago. According to the researchers, the challenge now is to scale up in partnership with companies interested in the technology so that the artificial saliva can be produced.

"We've already tested the solution as a mouthwash, gel, and orodispersible film, which is a type of plastic that's placed on the tongue and dissolves, releasing the protein. We've tested it in several vehicles and found that CANECPI-5 works very well in all of them. We'll continue testing other technologies within the Thematic Project to use not only this protein, but others as well," says Buzalaf.

The discovery of CANECPI-5

According to Flavio Henrique Silva, a professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution at UFSCar, who worked on developing the CANECPI-5 protein, the work with cystatins (a family of proteins involved in various biological processes) is linked to research carried out under the Sugarcane Genome Project (SUCEST, FAPESP). His laboratory is part of that project.

"At that time, our group identified and producedin a recombinant form in bacteriathe first cystatin from sugarcane. We named it CANECPI-1. We then identified and produced five other cane cystatins, including CANECPI-5, which had potent inhibitory activities against cysteine peptidases, which are its target enzymes," says Silva.

"Throughout our work, we noticed that this protein bound strongly to smooth surfaces, such as the quartz cuvettes used in activity measurements. This led us to conduct tests in partnership with Professor Marilia Buzalaf on the binding of the protein to tooth enamel."

According to the researchers, the discovery that CANECPI-5 protects tooth enamel while also regulating the oral microbiota makes it a highly promising molecule for dentistry research.

"CANECPI-5 has also been used in the work of other colleagues in the field of dentistry, particularly involving periodontitis. We also have a collaborative project with a colleague from the Federal University of Uberlandia, using subcutaneous sponge implants in mice, which has shown that it's capable of reducing inflammation and promoting angiogenesis [the formation of new blood vessels] and fibrinogenesis [the formation of fibrin, a protein essential for blood clotting], important processes in tissue repair, making it a candidate molecule for use in wound healing," Silva points out.

Within the Thematic Project, the researchers will continue trying to understand how CANECPI-5 interacts with other substances.

According to Buzalaf, one possible avenue is to study CANECPI-5 fused with a peptide derived from statherin, a protein found in saliva, to see if the new hybrid protein is more effective against the acids that weaken teeth when they come from the stomach. Another possible avenue is to try to understand how to combat periodontal disease.

"Another aspect of the Thematic Project is to associate CANECPI-5 with vitamin E because this vitamin acts as a carrier, bringing the protein into contact with the tooth. We imagine that this could facilitate the application of the product directly by the patient at home," says the researcher.

More information Natara Dias Gomes Da Silva et al, A novel artificial saliva enriched with CaneCPI-5 for irradiated head and neck cancer (HNC) patients: in vitro antimicrobial and anticaries effect, Journal of Dentistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106176
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Neuronal and synapse reconstruction of a mouse cortex SmartEM volume taken at an average time of 99 ns per pixel. Credit: Nature Methods (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41592-025-02929-3

To get a better look at brains, Harvard researchers are making microscopes work more like human eyes.

Until recently, the quest to build high-resolution maps of brainsotherwise known as "connectomes"was stymied by the slow pace and cost of powerful electron microscopes capable of systematically capturing neuroanatomy down to billionths of a meter.

But now a team of scientists at Harvard and MIT have found a way to bypass that bottleneck: using machine learning to guide a simpler, less-expensive variety of microscope in real time. The idea is to home in on key details first and minimize time spent on areas of lesser interestthe same way we might zero in on words on a page instead of margins.

Researchers say the innovation, known as SmartEM, will speed scanning sevenfold and open the field of connectomics to a broader research community, boosting our understanding of brain function and behavior.

"SmartEM has the potential to turn connectomics into a benchtop tool," said Professor Aravinthan Samuel, a researcher in the Department of Physics and Center for Brain Science and one of the senior authors of a new paper published in Nature Methods.

"Our goal is to democratize connectomics. If you can make the relatively common single-beam scanning electron microscope more intelligent, it can run an order of magnitude faster. With foreseeable improvements, a single-beam microscope with SmartEM capability can reach the performance of a very expensive and rare machine."

The method is the product of a five-year collaboration between researchers at Harvard, MIT, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and microscope manufacturer Thermo Fisher Scientific.

In December, the same journal proclaimed electron microscopy-based connectomics its "Method of the Year" for 2025 and cited SmartEM as an example of cutting-edge innovation.

Mapping the brain's intricate wiring

SmartEM marks a new advance in the decades-long quest to create "wiring diagrams" of brains from across the animal kingdom, from worms to fruit flies to humans.

For example, two years ago, Harvard researchers published the first nanoscale map of 1 cubic millimeter of human brain. Packed into that poppy-seed-sized sample were 150 million synapses, 57,000 cells, 230 millimeters of blood vessels, and a wondrous diversity of structures never seen before.

Researchers elsewhere have completed connectomes for the fruit fly and zebrafish. The next grand challenge is one for the mouse.

To build these maps, scientists have relied on a technique known as serial-section electron microscopy. It entails shaving samples of brain tissue into thousands of ultra-thin sections, which are then scanned and imaged by powerful electron microscopes.

Next the images are stacked on top of each other to create 3D digital replicas. For example, that 1 cubic millimeter of human brain tissue published in 2024 was sliced into more than 5,000 sections, each thinner than one-thousandth of a human hair.

These endeavors pose monumental technical hurdles for both capturing the images and processing the data.

Making connectomics more accessible

Until recently, connectomics had been the exclusive purview of a small number of researchers and institutions that can afford multimillion-dollar hardware such as high-throughput electron microscopes with up to 91 beams.

With growing demand to generate brain maps of many species, one obvious way to push forward connectomics is to recruit more microscopesparticularly single-beam electron microscopes, which are widely available at research institutions around the world.

Their speed largely is a function of the "dwell time" that the beam devotes to each pixel. In the standard approach, specimens are scanned with the same high resolution for all pixels.

"We usually shoot the picture first and then we aim," said Science Dean Jeff Lichtman, Jeremy R. Knowles Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Santiago Ramon y Cajal Professor of Arts and Sciences, a co-author of the new paper. "From the data that you've shot, you then look at the particular things that you find interesting. And that's not the way our eyes work."

Instead, people focus their attention on key details such as the eyes and mouths of other faces or a fly on the wall instead of the larger white background.

"This is similar to what we are doing," said Yaron Meirovitch, chief architect of SmartEM and the lead author of the new paper. "The machine learning and microscope are taking a fast image, getting a sense of where the important parts are, then going there and dwelling longer, until it understands what it is seeing."

How SmartEM technology works

The new system uses machine learning to transform single-beam machines into "smart" microscopes.

First, the microscope performs a rapid, low-quality scan of the entire sample. Then a neural network analyzes the image and identifies key features of interestsuch as synapses in brain tissueor error-prone regions. Only these regions are scanned at high resolution and longer dwell times.

Finally, SmartEM uses an algorithm to blend the composite images into a single scan of uniform appearance.

The method demonstrated dramatic improvement in scanning times when tested on tiny brain tissue samples from a worm, mouse, and human.

For example, the SmartEM technique was tested on Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm species used four decades ago for the first wiring diagram ever produced. Normally, a single-beam microscope scan of the worm brain and body would require about 1,400 hours, but SmartEM completed the job in just 200.

"The ultimate wiring diagram result is identical," said Lichtman, "because you've only done that slow scanning on the places where it's not a waste and where you really needed that information."

That means that mapping brains may move within reach of research institutions that cannot afford multibeam machines with price tags of several million dollars. "It's part of the notion of democratizing connectomics," added Lichtman, "and making the field a little more accessible to people who don't have the deep pockets."

Publication details Yaron Meirovitch et al, SmartEM: machine learning-guided electron microscopy, Nature Methods (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41592-025-02929-3 Journal information: Nature Methods

Key medical concepts Connectome

Clinical categories Neurology

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
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Predicted structures of myosin VIIa and cadherin-23 carrying USH1 hypomorphic-like mutations. 3D structure of wild-type (WT) and mutated (MUT) regions of myosin VIIa (MYO7A) and cadherin-23 (CDH23) carrying hypomorphic-like mutations. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2518445122

Deafness, the most common sensorineural hearing loss at all stages of life, occurs either independently or as part of syndromes associated with other symptoms, such as Usher syndrome type 1. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have uncovered the genetic basis of deafness occurring before the onset of language.

The team includes scientists from the reConnect Institute, a foundation hosted by the Institut Pasteur, at the Hearing Institute (Institut Pasteur/Inserm/CNRS) and the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, in collaboration with universities and centers in Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Jordan.

The authors identified more than 200 distinct mutations associated with deafness, over a third of which are new. The results were made possible by analyzing genetic data from an international cohort of 450 patients from the aforementioned countries. The reclassification of the identified mutations, particularly those in genes responsible for both Usher syndrome type 1 (multisensory impairment) and isolated forms of deafness, will contribute to improving the genetic counseling for parents and provide better care for deaf children around the world.

The study focuses on forms of isolated hearing loss not associated with other impairments and Usher syndrome type 1, which involves profound congenital hearing loss, balance disorders, and progressive vision loss, caused by damage to the inner ear and retina. Severe or profound isolated congenital hearing loss is most often hereditary, while Usher syndrome type 1 is exclusively inherited. The transmission mode is usually the same.

Advances in genetics that improve the diagnosis of child-age deafness

The goal of this study is to improve the efficiency of genetic counseling provided to parents and the care of deaf children. Knowing which genes are involved, the mutation they carry and how these mutations affect symptoms, severity, and progression is essential.

In this international collaborative study, involving several members of the Pasteur Network (Institut Pasteur, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Institut Pasteur du Maroc) as well as universities and university hospitals in Algeria, Mauritania and Jordan, the authors uncovered the genetic basis of congenital deafness in 450 unrelated patients.

"By sequencing the genomic regions known to contain genes responsible for deafness, we identified 211 distinct mutations in 49 genes, 36% of which were new. While 154 genes are known to be responsible for isolated deafness, mutations in about ten of them alone account for approximately three-quarters of deafness cases in each country.

"Although the genes involved in isolated deafness are similar across the four countries studied, their mutations are, in most cases, family-specific, with the exception of a few particularly frequent mutations affecting the GJB2 gene," explains Crystel Bonnet, research engineer at the Hearing Therapy Innovation Laboratory at the reConnect Institute at the Hearing Institute, center under the aegis of the Pasteur Institute.

A study paving the way for improved care for affected individuals and their families

A recurring challenge in diagnosing deafness is that certain genes, depending on the mutations they carry, are responsible for either isolated deafness or Usher syndrome type 1. Until now, no molecular characteristics had been identified that could distinguish between these two types of mutations.

"We hypothesized that these difficulties could stem from incomplete or inaccurate classification of some of these mutations. Our analyses show that this is indeed the case. Certain mutations, when present in a homozygous state in these genes, lead to isolated deafness.

"However, we have observed that they can have a deleterious effect on vision. This effect can be unmasked when this mutation is associated with another mutation that inactivates the other copy of the gene," explains Christine Petit, head of the Hearing Therapy Innovation Laboratory at the reConnect Institute at the Hearing Institute, part of the Pasteur Institute.

This reclassification of mutations should improve the quality of genetic counseling provided to families around the world by providing guidance on the most appropriate communication method for their child, such as cochlear implantation or sign language. It should also support regular ophthalmological follow-up.

Publication details Zied Riahi et al, Genetics of prelingual isolated deafness and Usher syndrome in the Maghreb and Jordan: Harnessing the potential of homozygosity, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2518445122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new study published today shows extreme hot and cold temperatures are sending thousands of Canberrans to emergency departments each year, and experts warn climate change will only make things worse in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The research, led by the Australian National University (ANU) and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, is the first to examine how extreme temperatures affect emergency department (ED) presentations in the territory, a region known for its cold winters and hot summers.

Researchers analyzed historical weather and hospital emergency department data to determine how temperature has affected past ED visits, and used climate change scenarios to predict how future demand is likely to change.

They found that almost 36,000 ED presentations between 2000 and 2021 were linked to heat, representing 1 in 40 (2.5%) of all visits. That number is projected to increase up to 90,000 presentations (2.7% of all ED visits) between 2040 and 2061 as the climate continues to warm.

Cold weather in the ACT has typically caused more ED presentations. More than 57,600 ED presentations (4%) over the two decades analyzed were associated with cold conditions. While the share of cold-related presentations is expected to fall as winters warm, cold exposure is still projected to drive over 81,000 visits between 2040 and 2061.

"Our research found that ED presentations in the ACT increased when temperatures were high, as well as when temperatures dropped below 14 degrees. Extreme weather accounted for about 1 in 15 ED visits," says Dr. Michael Tong from ANU, the study's lead author.

Experts say that the study not only offers a warning about how climate change will impact Canberrans' health and the need for the health system to adapt, but also a reminder for those at risk to take care.

"Our research showed that young people under 20 are significantly more likely to end up in hospital emergency department on hot days, usually on the day itself. Likewise, adults aged 2060 were at increased risk on both extreme and moderate heat days.

"People aged over 60 were more likely to end up in hospital emergency department after extreme cold weather, but also are still vulnerable during heat waves."

Prof Hilary Bambrick, Director of ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, reinforces warnings that climate change is presenting one of our biggest public health challenges.

"This study shows that even a small increase in local temperature can make people unwell, and this intensifies pressure on our hospitals.

"How we stay safe in a hotter climate and how we ensure our health systems can cope with additional load are now urgent priorities."

During heat waves, ACT residents should:



Stay hydratedalways make sure you have water with you

Planschedule outdoor activities for the coolest part of the day (early morning and evening) when UV levels are also likely to be lower, also reducing the risk of sunburn

Stay sun safewear loose, cool clothing made from natural fabrics, wear a broadbrim hat, use sunscreen, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses

Stay coolseek out air conditioning, take cool showers, and use a fan

Beware of hot cars  never leave kids, adults, or pets in a parked car unattended

Be heat awareWatch out for heat related symptoms, and seek medical care if unwell

Help otherscheck in on those most at risk including your friends, family and neighbors

Publication details Michael Tong et al, Two decades of climate change and its impact on emergency department presentations in the Australian Capital Territory: Past trend and future projection, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100296 Journal information: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As artificial intelligence tools increasingly enter gastrointestinal medicine, a team of international experts led by Tyler M. Berzin, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), has developed the first comprehensive framework to guide their responsible use. The consensus statement, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, establishes principles for data governance, medicolegal accountability, and equity that will help clinicians, institutions, and regulators navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

"As AI tools rapidly enter clinical practice, we need more than technical validationwe need clear, ethical, and legal frameworks to guide their responsible use," said Dr. Berzin, a gastroenterologist at BIDMC and faculty member at Harvard Medical School who served as senior author on the project.

The consensus emerged from a rigorous Delphi process involving 14 experts from 11 countries across four world regions. Participants reached agreement on 10 statements organized around three areas: data governance, medicolegal accountability, and equity and bias. The project was undertaken at the initiative of the World Endoscopy Organization and received endorsement from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Data governance: AI systems must comply with local data protection regulations, protect patient privacy through anonymization, and maintain transparency when algorithms are updated. Health care organizations should establish clear policies on data ownership, particularly when working with commercial AI vendors.

AI systems must comply with local data protection regulations, protect patient privacy through anonymization, and maintain transparency when algorithms are updated. Health care organizations should establish clear policies on data ownership, particularly when working with commercial AI vendors. Medicolegal accountability: When AI-assisted decisions lead to adverse outcomes, who bears responsibility? The panel calls for professional societies and legal experts to provide guidance. Additionally, novel AI-generated quality metrics should be rigorously validated before they influence clinical practice or regulatory standards.

When AI-assisted decisions lead to adverse outcomes, who bears responsibility? The panel calls for professional societies and legal experts to provide guidance. Additionally, novel AI-generated quality metrics should be rigorously validated before they influence clinical practice or regulatory standards. Equity and bias: AI systems should be trained on demographically diverse datasets, with transparent reporting of study population characteristics. Research is needed to determine whether AI adoption risks widening health care disparitiesfor instance, if well-resourced centers gain access before safety-net hospitals.

The work is part of the OperA (Optimizing Colorectal Cancer Prevention through Personalized Treatment with Artificial Intelligence) project, currently the largest international study focused on using AI to improve colon cancer prevention. OperA represents a collaboration among leading institutions worldwide, with BIDMC serving as a key partner alongside University College London and the University of Oslo.

The statement arrives at a pivotal moment. AI-assisted detection of colon polyps has already entered clinical use, while other applicationsincluding computer-aided diagnosis and automated report generationare advancing rapidly. The framework is intended to evolve alongside the technology, providing a foundation that professional societies, regulators, and health care systems can build upon.

"The clinical promise of AI is inseparable from questions of safety, equity, and accountability," Berzin said. "Physicians, patients, health systems, and regulators are now confronting legal and ethical challenges we've never faced before in endoscopy. This framework is a starting pointa foundation we can build on as the technology evolves."

Publication details Omer F. Ahmad et al, The Legal and Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A World Endoscopy Organization International Consensus Statement, Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.7326/annals-25-03415 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine

Key medical concepts Artificial IntelligenceColorectal Cancer

Clinical categories Gastroenterology
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Credit: Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

South Florida doctors are seeing more people with cough, fever and other flu-like symptoms as a rapidly spreading influenza strain circulates across the country this winter.

Most states in the U.S. reported "high" or "very high" levels of influenza-like illness during the week of Christmas, with a record number of outpatient visits recorded for flu-like symptoms since at least the 199798 flu season, federal data shows.

So what's behind the rise?

Lower vaccination levels. Record holiday travel. The arrival of subclade K, a strain of influenza that appears better equipped at evading existing immune protections.

"All of those things make a somewhat perfect storm so that we have more cases and more hospitalizations related to influenza this year than previously," said Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious disease expert and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University.

And it's not just flu going around. COVID-19 and RSV are starting to tick up, too.

"This is something we deal with every year," said Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Florida International University.

"There are things that people can do to protect themselves and help protect others," she added, noting that people can get vaccinated, mask up if they want, stay home if sick and take flu medication to help with symptoms.

How much flu, COVID and RSV is there in Florida?

Florida is one of many states reporting "very high" levels of influenza-like illness, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means many people are experiencing cough, fever and sore throatcommon symptoms of flu, the common cold, COVID and other respiratory illnesses.

There are "moderate" levels of flu and RSV viral activity in the state's wastewater, with "very low" levels of COVID-19, federal data shows. Experts use wastewater data to get an idea of what viruses are circulating in a community.

Remember, some people get sicker than others. Young children, seniors and people with preexisting health conditions, for example, are at higher risk for severe illness.

Florida ERs are seeing "very high" levels of people coming in with the flu, CDC data shows. ERs have seen "high" levels of RSV, but it appears to be decreasing. COVID-19 levels remain "very low" but appear to be increasing.

Will we see more flu in Miami and the rest of South Florida?

Baptist Health South Florida, the largest health system in the region, has seen more patients seeking care for flu-like symptoms compared to previous years, according to Dr. Ernesto Sanz, a medical director of Baptist Health urgent care centers. Broward Health, one of the public hospital systems in Broward County, also saw more patients sick with flu-like symptoms in the last two months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Most patients sick with the flu have been able to go home to recover, according to Sanz. Most have tested positive for influenza A, similar to the rest of the country. And unlike previous years, he hasn't seen a lot of people sick with COVID.

The other good news: There may be some brief relief for people in Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade ER visits for influenza-like symptoms have recently begun to tick down. Baptist Health has also recently noticed a slight decrease in flu-related urgent care visits, according to Sanz.

However, it's too soon to know whether that decreasing trend will continue, according to doctors and public health experts. It's not uncommon for viruses to spread more easily after the holidays, when people go back to school and work after traveling and gathering for parties.

Plus, it is still flu and cold season after all, which means we can expect to see people coughing and sniffling for a while longer. Flu season typically runs to May.

U.S. flu, COVID and RSV update

The CDC is describing this 20252026 flu season as "moderately severe," with more than 11 million reported cases of influenza, 120,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 5,000 flu-related deaths so far. Of those deaths, nine were children.

A mutated form of the influenza A strain H3N2 known as clade K or subclade K is behind many of the reported flu cases in the U.S. this season. Subclade K caused a severe flu season in several other countries, too.

"Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase across the country," the CDC said in its Monday update. "RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children 04 years old. COVID-19 activity is low but increasing nationally."

Does the flu vaccine work against subclade K? Is there still time to get it?

Influenza, like other viruses, constantly mutates. And the "K" variant that has gained ground in the country was identified months after scientists had selected the strains to include in this year's flu vaccine formulation.

Even so, the existing flu vaccine is expected to provide some protection against the new subclade K variant that is going around, according to Sood and Trepka.

And no, it's not too late to get the influenza vaccine, according to the public health experts.

The CDC has traditionally recommended flu vaccines for people six months and older to help reduce the risk of severe illness, though that changed this week. Health officials on Monday announced they would be scaling back the number of recommended vaccines for kids from 17 total to just 11. The CDC, which is overseen by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now says flu vaccines should only be given to a child if a doctor recommends them.

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, provide free flu vaccines at in-network providers. People without insurance can often get free or low-cost flu vaccines at local health departments and community health centers.

It takes about two weeks after getting the flu shot for the body to develop antibody protections against the virus.

2026 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A Texas boy's second dose of the MMRV vaccine cost over $1,400. A Pennsylvania woman's long-acting birth control cost more than $14,000.

Treatment for a Florida Medicaid enrollee's heart attack cost nearly $78,000about as much as surgery for an uninsured Montana woman's broken arm.

In 2025, these patients were among the hundreds who asked KFF Health News to investigate their medical bills as part of its "Bill of the Month" series.

Insured and uninsured. Job-based and government-funded. Comprehensive and short-term. Part of a sharing ministry. So many people with different health insurance situations asked the same questions: Why do I owe so much? And how am I going to afford it?

As millions of Americans grapple with the rising cost of health insurance next year, the "Bill of the Month" series is approaching its eighth anniversary. Our nationwide team of health reporters has analyzed almost $7 million in medical charges, more than $350,000 of that this year.

Of this year's 12 featured patients, five had their bills mostly or fully forgiven soon after we contacted the provider and insurer for comment.

Our mission, though, is to empower every patient with the information needed to understand, manage, andif push comes to shovefight their own medical bills.

10 takeaways from 2025

1. Most insurance coverage doesn't start immediately. Many new plans come with waiting periods, so it's important to maintain continuous coverage until the new plan kicks in. One exception: If you lose your job-based coverage, you have 60 days to opt into a COBRA policy. Once you pay, the coverage applies retroactively, even for care received while you were temporarily uninsured.

2. Check out your coverage before you check in. Some plans come with unexpected restrictions, potentially affecting coverage for care ranging from contraception to immunizations and cancer screenings. Call your insureror, for job-based insurance, your human resources department or retiree benefits officeand ask whether there are exclusions for the care you need, including per-day or per-policy-period caps, and what you can expect to owe out-of-pocket.

3. "Covered" does not mean insurance will pay, let alone at in-network rates. Carefully read the fine print on network gap exceptions, prior authorizations, and other insurance approvals. The terms may be limited to certain doctors, services, and dates.

4. Get a cost estimate in writing for nonemergency procedures. If you object to the price, negotiate before undergoing care. And if you're uninsured and receive a bill that's $400 or more than the estimate, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has a formal dispute process.

5. Location matters. Prices can vary depending on where a patient receives care and where tests are performed. If you need blood work, ask your doctor to send the requisition to an in-network lab. A doctor's office connected to a health system, for instance, may send samples to a hospital lab, which can mean higher charges.

6. When admitted, contact the billing office early. If possible, when you or a loved one has been hospitalized, it can help to speak to a billing representative. Ask whether the patient has been fully admitted or is being kept under observation status, as well as whether the care has been determined to be "medically necessary." And while there may be no choice about taking an ambulance, if a transfer to another facility is recommended, you can ask whether the ambulance service is in-network.

7. Ask for a discount. Medical charges are almost always higher than what insurers would pay, because providers expect them to negotiate lower rates. You can, too. If you're uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for a self-pay or charity care discount.

8. There's help available for Medicaid patients. If you get a bill you don't think you should owe, file a complaint with your state's Medicaid program and, if you have one, your managed-care plan. Ask whether there is a caseworker who can advocate on your behalf. A legal aid clinic or consumer protection firm specializing in medical debt can also help file complaints and communicate with providers.

9. Your elected representatives can help, too. While a call from a state or federal lawmaker's office may not get your bill forgiven, those officials often have an open line of communication with insurance companies, local hospitals, and other major providersand advocating for you is their job.

10. When all else fails  you can write to "Bill of the Month"!

2026 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Diagnostic power and clinically relevant result intervals of CMV read counts for primary CMV infection and cCMV. Credit: Clinical Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaf159

A new study indicates that noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) performed using a low-cost form of whole genome sequencing can detect the risk in pregnant mothers of transmitting cytomegalovirus (CMV)a common herpes infection that can cause permanent hearing lossto their developing babies.

The findings, published in Clinical Chemistry, could help doctors identify which pregnant patients would benefit from receiving antiviral treatment, thereby preventing mother-to-fetus transmission of the virus.

In addition to ear damage, CMV can trigger neurodevelopmental delays and other irreversible problems in up to 20% of infants born with it. The infection occurs in about 1 in 150 live births globally. Despite its prevalence, current guidelines do not recommend prenatal screening for CMV, largely because no effective therapies have been available to treat it.

However, that is changing. In 2020, research showed the antiviral drug valacyclovir can reduce CMV transmission by more than 70% when given to infected women in their first trimester of pregnancy. While the Food and Drug Administration has not formally approved valacyclovir for this use, many doctors prescribe it to pregnant patients known to have CMV.

The new study provides powerful evidence that NIPSwhich is already routinely used during pregnancy to detect chromosomal abnormalitiescan also gauge CMV infection in both mother and baby. Researchers from Belgium led by Dr. Geert A. Martens analyzed NIPS data from 22,333 pregnancies at 1214 weeks' gestation between November 1, 2019, and January 1, 2025.

NIPS was done using a cost-effective method called low-pass whole genome sequencing, which assesses a patient's genetic blueprint. The researchers evaluated the blood samples found to include genetic material from non-human sources like viruses and bacteria for free-floating fragments of DNA (called cell-free DNA) from CMV.

They found CMV DNA in 2.1% (462) of the pregnancies studied. The researchers divided those patients' blood samples into four groups based on the amount of viral DNA detected, ranging from least to most. They validated this information by comparing it to results gleaned using PCR, the gold-standard method for measuring DNA.

The results showed that the NIPS-derived CMV data showed good diagnostic accuracy for maternal and newborn CMV infections. In other words, a positive CMV result was a strong indicator of infection among mothers (confirmed by antibody testing) and their newborns (confirmed through a systematic screening program). The risk for maternal and newborn (or congenital) CMV infection was highest in blood samples from pregnancies with the most CMV DNA.

"Crucially, our study is the first to directly link NIPS-derived CMV read counts to both maternal serostatus and confirmed cCMV [congenital CMV] outcomes from a systematic newborn screening program, in a real-world high-volume setting of first-tier cell-free fetal DNA screening," the researchers stated. While more research is needed to flesh out the clinical significance of the findings, these results are promising.

"Given its low cost and high throughput, [the integration of CMV DNA testing] into routine aneuploidy screening is a powerful complement to serology, poised to improve the identification of pregnancies that may benefit from antiviral therapy to prevent cCMV," the authors wrote.

Publication details Pauline H Herroelen et al, Universal Screening of Cytomegalovirus Viral Load by Low-Pass Whole-Genome Sequencing in First-Trimester Pregnancy: Clinical Validation, Clinical Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaf159 Journal information: Clinical Chemistry

Key medical concepts CytomegalovirusAntiviral TherapyValacyclovir

Provided by Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM)
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

On Jan. 5, federal health care officials cut the number of vaccines recommended for every child, reaffirming the need to immunize children against 11 infectious diseases such as measles but leaving families to decide whether to pursue flu shots and others.

Physician groups reacted negatively, calling the change a scientifically unsupported decision that would put children's health at risk. The unprecedented reduction, coming without formal guidance from a panel of federal vaccine advisers, puts Minnesota in a bind. State health authorities must decide whether to break with federal guidance and offer conflicting advice to Minnesota families about which vaccines their children need and which ones are required before starting school.

U.S. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill signed a memo reducing the nation's pediatric vaccine schedule based on what he described as a "comprehensive scientific assessment," bringing the U.S. in line with 20 other developed nations such as Denmark.

President Trump had ordered the review in December, and the results matched the long-standing skepticism that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had expressed over vaccine safety.

"This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health," Kennedy said in a statement.

The Minnesota Department of Health can issue contradictory recommendations, as it did last fall when its top doctor issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to offer unrestricted access to COVID-19 shots to all people six months of age and older. Federal authorities at the time had withdrawn a formal recommendation and advised families to talk with their doctors about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota's health commissioner, said the old pediatric schedule was based on "decades of rigorous scientific evidence" and that the federal switch was "highly concerning." She added that Minnesota will assess the impact of the federal changes and offer next steps regarding its vaccine recommendations.

Minnesota should continue to follow the advice of professional medical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommend vaccines based on scientific research, said Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

Osterholm called the federal reduction "radical and dangerous" and said it was made without a transparent review of scientific data. About 280 children died in the U.S. during the last influenza season, he noted.

"This wildly irresponsible decision will sow further doubt and confusion among parents and put children's lives at risk," he said.

Osterholm last year co-founded the privately funded Vaccine Integrity Project to counter any vaccine messaging coming from Kennedy's federal health agency that was based on ideology rather than scientific data. Critics counter that the old U.S. vaccine schedule was overly broad, exposing children to even mild side-effect risks, and the new schedule only recommends shots deemed essential.

The new federal schedule recommends pediatric vaccinations against: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (chicken pox).

However, it cuts the recommended doses of HPV vaccine from two to one, and urges families to talk with their doctors and decide on their own whether to immunize their children against rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.

O'Neill's memo said the switch maintains insurance coverage for the entire group of vaccines.

The Minnesota Medical Association said in a written statement that it is "deeply concerned" by the federal change and its potential to "add unnecessary confusion and uncertainty around vaccines that have been shown to be both safe and effective." The organization is the largest advocacy group for Minnesota's doctors.

Already, Minnesota's vaccination shield has weakened. While the measles vaccine is still recommended, unproven concerns about autism risks have resulted in more families seeking exemptions. Minnesota once had one of the highest measles vaccination rates for children in the U.S., but its rate has slipped to one of the lowest.

The current influenza season is hitting children harder, contributing to 176 school outbreaks in which at least 10% of students are out sick. But only about one in five Minnesota children and teenagers have received flu shots this winter.

Minnesota has its own vaccination schedule, requiring families to immunize their children against 13 infectious diseases or receive formal exemptions to the shots before they can attend public, private or even online schools.

The state's current ready-for-school schedule breaks with the new federal guidance in requiring children to be vaccinated for hepatitis B and most forms of meningococcal disease. The schedule recommends other shots, including to protect against influenza and COVID-19, but does not require them for children attending school.

2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Procedure for neuroimaging play. Credit: Cognitive Development (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2025.101623

A new study has uncovered the ways different types of play are linked to children's social abilities and brain activity. The research, conducted by researchers at King's College London and Cardiff University, has uncovered how children's play styles differ depending on whether they are playing alone or with someone else, and how these differences relate to their social skills and brain activity.

Dr. Sarah Gerson, Cardiff University School of Psychology, said, "Play is a major part of children's lives that takes many different forms and presents differently within and between children. However, little research has compared individual differences in children's play in joint play versus solo play, and how these are related to children's social behaviors and the underlying brain mechanisms. Our study aimed to expand our understanding of children's play in different social contexts and associated neural activity."

In the study, 57 children aged 4 to 8 years old were given three sets of Barbie dolls and accessories and were allowed to play on their own and with an experimenter.

The researchers looked at whether children engaged in pretend play (such as acting out stories with the dolls) or set-up play (arranging or organizing toys without storytelling). They also analyzed the children's use of internal state language (ISL)words about feelings, thoughts, and desires.

Optode placement locations on the scalp. Credit: Cognitive Development (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2025.101623

During the sessions of play, the children wore neuroimaging equipment to measure activity in brain regions linked to social understanding and self-control. Parents were also asked to provide detailed reports on the children's social behavior.

The researchers found that children spent more time setting up than pretending. Across both solo and joint sessions, children devoted most of their play to arranging and preparing toys rather than acting out stories. The findings are published in the journal Cognitive Development.

Pretend play was found to be boosted in joint play, as the children pretended more when playing with a partner than when playing alone. This joint pretend play was linked to better social abilitieschildren with fewer peer problems and more prosocial behaviors (such as sharing and helping) were more likely to engage in it.

The study revealed that toy choice reflected children's social skills. In joint play, children tended to focus on the dolls themselves, whereas in solo play, they spent more time with accessories. Children with stronger prosocial skills played more with dolls overall, particularly when playing alone, while those with more peer difficulties preferred non-doll objects.

The brain imaging showed that children's overall play style was not directly linked to neural activity. But children who used more language about other people's thoughts and feelings showed greater activity in brain regions associated with perspective-taking and executive functionsthe posterior superior temporal sulcus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

"Children's play is not just a pastimeit reflects the ways they understand and connect with other people. Our findings show that pretend play with others, in particular, may provide a window into social skills and challenges," says Dr. Catherine Jones, Reader and Director of the Wales Autism Research Center.

The study highlights that while children may spend a lot of time setting up their toys, it is the quality of their pretend play and their use of language about emotions and thoughts that may be especially important for social development.

The brain imaging results also suggest that when children reflect on others' feelings during play, they engage neural systems involved in perspective-taking and regulation, supporting the link between play and broader social-cognitive growth.

"By looking at both behavior and brain activity, our study provides a richer picture of how play connects to social development. It also points to the potential value of designing interventions around play, especially for children who struggle socially," says Dr. Gerson.

More information Salim Hashmi et al, Does children's play and associated neural activity differ according to individual differences in social skills, social understanding, and social contexts?, Cognitive Development (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2025.101623

Key medical concepts Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Sweeping changes to the United States' childhood vaccine schedule announced on Jan. 5 by federal officials will decrease the number of recommended childhood immunizations from 17 to 11.

Outraged pediatricians and infectious disease experts say the move will increase cases of preventable illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Among the vaccines affected is an immunization for rotavirus whose co-inventor, Paul Offit, directs the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Now, vaccination for the serious gastrointestinal illness is among those no longer universally recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The guidance change also affects immunizations for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The CDC now recommends them for children at high risk of serious illness, or when parents of otherwise healthy children decide with their doctor to give their child vaccines for these diseases.

The CDC's move is the latest in a chaotic upheaval of the nation's vaccine policy overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

"I think the goal of RFK Jr. is to make vaccines optional," said Offit, a longtime critic of Kennedy, saying the anti-vaccine activist "is doing everything he can to make vaccines less available, less affordable, and more feared."

Other experts said the decision was made without transparency and had little scientific backing. It comes at a time when more Americans are refusing vaccines. In Pennsylvania, kindergartners' measles vaccination rates have dipped below the critical 95% threshold required to prevent the disease from spreading widely.

The Infectious Disease Society of America called the move "the latest reckless step in Secretary Kennedy's assault on the national vaccine infrastructure that has saved millions of lives."

Ronald G. Nahass, a New Jersey-based physician and IDSA's president, said in a statement that Kennedy's actions "put families and communities at risk and will make America sicker."

The American Academy of Pediatrics, a leading professional medical society, said it would continue to recommend that all children be vaccinated against rotavirus, hepatitis, and other diseases removed from the CDC's routine immunization list.

Under the new guidelines, the CDC will continue to recommend that all children get vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough or pertussis, hemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal conjugate, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, human papillomavirus or HPV, and chickenpox.

The agency will also recommend that children at high risk for serious complications receive vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and two meningococcal diseases.

Previously, an independent committee that advises the agency, in November recommended delaying hepatitis B vaccines for newborns.

"This framework empowers parents and physicians to make individualized decisions based on risk, while maintaining strong protection against serious disease," said Mehmet Oz, a physician and administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in a statement.

Federal officials said that insurance will continue to cover vaccinations, the Associated Press reported.

Vaccine policy around the world

Offit spent 26 years developing a rotavirus vaccine after treating children with the illness during his medical residency in Pittsburghincluding one patient who died. Rotavirus causes vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and is particularly dangerous for young children. There are two vaccines available, one of which Offit helped to develop.

"I try not to take this personally," he said of the new federal guidance.

Before rotavirus vaccines were recommended by the CDC in 2006, up to 70,000 children were hospitalized with rotavirus each year, he noted.

Within a decade, hospitalizations plummeted.

"But what we hadn't eliminated was the virus," he said.

HHS officials said that their review of worldwide vaccination policies found that the United States vaccinates for more diseases than other developed countries.

But, they said, many countries that recommend fewer vaccines still achieve "strong child health outcomes" and "maintain high vaccination rates through public trust and education rather than mandates."

Trump has touted Denmark, which recommends routine vaccinations for 10 diseases, as a potential model for the U.S.

Denmark may have better health outcomes, but it also has a national health care system, a lower childhood poverty level, and free childcare, Offit noted in a recent blog post.

And, he said, Denmarkwhich does not recommend routine rotavirus or RSV vaccinationsees children hospitalized from those viruses at higher rates than the United States.

"Denmark is nothing to emulate. They should be emulating us," Offit said.

Likewise, AAP president Andrew Racine said in a statement that America is a "unique country" with different health risks and public health infrastructure than Denmark.

"This is no way to make our country healthier," Racine said.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that the state will "continue to rely on evidence-based guidance" including vaccine recommendations from the AAP.

"RFK Jr. is once again trying to sow chaos and confusion among parentsbut know this: these changes at the federal level do not affect Pennsylvanians' access to vaccines in our Commonwealth," he said in a statement. "Pennsylvanians should continue to consult with their doctors and make informed decisions based on the best scientific evidence."

New Jersey's Acting Health Commissioner, Jeffrey A. Brown said in a statement that the state sets vaccine requirements for school and childcare, and that those have not changed despite shifts at the federal level. He added that vaccines in the state remain covered by insurance and the state is committed to protecting residents' health.

"Federal efforts to reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children in the United States are not supported by the available data nor the consensus of public health and medical experts," Brown said. "Instead, deterring participation in vaccination risks leaving children vulnerable to serious and preventable infections."

Changing public attitudes

In a December survey, the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that more than a third of 1,006 Americans polled were more likely to trust the American Medical Association, a leading professional medical society, over the CDC if the two conflicted on vaccine policy.

At the time of the survey, the CDC had recently changed its website to suggestagainst decades of evidence showing otherwisethat there could be a link between vaccines and autism.

Asking the public to make their own decisions on whether to vaccinate their children can make people vulnerable to misinformation, Annenberg director Kathleen Hall Jamieson said in an interview with The Inquirer last week.

"The public doesn't have time to do research on its own, on average, and in the process, they can get lost in a mire of misinformation and confusion very easily," she said. "It's easy to think one is doing one's research when one is way down the rabbit hole."

In the poll, the preference to trust the AMA over the CDC held true across political parties and was particularly pronounced among older Americans. The only age group more likely to accept the CDC over the AMA in the event of conflicting vaccine advice was 18- to 29-year-olds.

"The fact that, as the CDC began to change statements, the public shifted its trust to other organizations on consequential issuesthat's a statement that says the public intelligence is real," Jamieson said.

The AAP's Racine reiterated Monday that the society will continue to publish its own vaccine recommendations and help physicians to advise parents.

"Your child's pediatrician has the medical training, special knowledge, and scientific evidence about how to support children's health, safety, and well-being. Working together, you can make informed decisions about what's best for your child," Racine said.

Offit cautioned parents against avoiding vaccinations, as high rates do not just protect healthy childrenthey're also vital for children with immune disorders who cannot be vaccinated.

And, he said, parents shouldn't discount the risks of hospitalization or death from vaccine-preventable diseases.

"There's this sort of myth of invulnerabilityyou never think it's going to happen to you, until it happens to you," he said.

2026 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Nanyang Assistant Professor Tong Ling, NTU Singapore, whose advanced imaging method is pioneering new ways of assessing the loss of vision. He is holding a laptop with an image taken using optoretinography (ORG), which can detect incredibly small movements in eye cells. Credit: NTU Singapore

For the first time, an international research team led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has recorded a tiny mechanical "twitch" in living human and rodent eyes at the exact moment a rod photoreceptor detects light.

The research breakthrough could provide a new, noninvasive way to assess retinal health and enable earlier diagnosis of blinding eye diseases, according to the research team, which involves multiple institutions including the University of Washington (UW), Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), and Duke-NUS Medical School.

The findings were presented by Dr. Ling at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2024 Annual Meeting and published in the journal Light: Science & Applications.

Rod photoreceptors are the cells in the eye that enable us to see in low-light conditions. These "night-vision cells" are extremely sensitive and are often the first to deteriorate in eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration. However, existing tools to study and measure rod photoreceptor function are limited in their sensitivity and can be uncomfortable for patients.

Lead investigator Dr. Tong Ling, Nanyang Assistant Professor at NTU's School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, said, "The 'twitch' of the eye's night-vision cells is akin to the ignition spark of vision. We have long known that these cells produce electrical signals when they absorb light, but no one had, until now, ever reported the accompanying mechanical contraction of these cells inside the living eyes of humans or rodents."

"The findings reveal a fundamental step in the process by which rod photoreceptors detect light and send visual information to the brain. These cells make up about 95% of all photoreceptors in the human retina," Dr. Ling, who is also affiliated with NTU's School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, added.

Nanyang Assistant Professor Tong Ling, NTU Singapore, whose advanced imaging method is pioneering new ways of assessing the loss of vision. Credit: NTU Singapore

Noninvasive eye imaging for the future

Using an advanced imaging method called optoretinography (ORG), which can detect incredibly small movements in eye cells without any dyes or labels, the research team discovered that rod photoreceptors undergo a rapid contraction of up to 200 nanometers within roughly 10 milliseconds of light reaching the retinafaster than a single flap of a hummingbird's wings.

By combining their measurements with biophysical modeling, they found that this tiny motion is caused when rhodopsinthe eye's light-sensitive moleculeis activated by light. This response is one of the earliest steps in converting light into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as vision.

Co-corresponding author, Professor Ramkumar Sabesan, a vision scientist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said, "This is the first time we've been able to see this phenomenon in rod cells in a living eye. Rod dysfunction is one of the earliest signs of many retinal diseases, including AMD and retinitis pigmentosa. Being able to directly monitor the rods' response to light gives us a powerful tool for disease detection and tracking treatment responses earlier and with greater sensitivity than any conventional diagnostic instrument."

Why this matters for patients

Rod photoreceptors are often the first cells to deteriorate in diseases that cause blindness. Along with the technique developed by the same research group and published in Nature Communications in 2024which measures the rod photoreceptors' relatively slow movements in response to dim visual stimulithe new approach detailed by the research team provides a noncontact, noninvasive method for clinicians to detect and monitor rod function.

Giving an independent comment, Professor Jost Jonas, an ophthalmologist, clinical scientist and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Heidelberg University, Germany, said, "Optoretinography as a brand-new technique is clinically and scientifically very interesting and promising, since it allows for the first time the noninvasive visualization of movements of the cellular structures in a living person's eye at the nanoscale. This holds true for the rods as photoreceptors as well as for other cells in the retina."

"It may thus open new avenues to better understand retinal cells in their working and in their relationship with neighboring cells, as well as clinically allow a more detailed, and potentially earlier, diagnosis of retinal diseases, in particular of disorders primarily affecting the photoreceptors," added Professor Jonas.

The research brought together biomedical engineers, physicists, and clinical scientists from various institutions, including teams led by Professor Leopold Schmetterer, and Associate Professor Veluchamy Amutha Barathi at SERI and Duke-NUS, who provided key expertise in retinal imaging and rodent models for the study.

Key medical concepts RetinaRetinitis pigmentosa

Clinical categories Ophthalmology
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Spatial mapping of intestinal tissue from patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (shown here) allowed the researchers to characterize the cell types (shown as different colored dots) involved in fibrosis. In this image, inflammation-associated fibroblasts that deposit scar tissue roughly align with the cellular niche displayed in royal blue. Credit: Courtesy of the Xavier lab

When inflammation in the body goes unchecked, it can cause fibrosis, or tissue scarring that may lead to organ dysfunction or even failure. This can happen in conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), chronic viral infections, interstitial lung fibrosis, chronic autoimmune skin diseases such as scleroderma, and scars associated with heart disease. Patients have few options for treating fibrosis, but new research points to a molecular pathway that could open the door to future treatment possibilities.

In earlier work, a team led by researchers at the Broad Institute and Mass General Brigham discovered a key cell type underlying fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Now, in a new study published in Nature, the team has characterized the crosstalk between this and other types of cells that leads to fibrosis.

Their work also points to a molecule, GLIS3, that regulates this cell-to-cell communication and hadn't been linked to IBD before. The findings suggest that interrupting this cellular pathway could one day help prevent or reduce fibrosis in patients with IBD or other diseases marked by chronic inflammation such as lung disease.

"Anywhere we see chronic inflammation, fibrosis is a major issue," said study co-senior author Ramnik Xavier. "There aren't any treatments or therapeutics to directly address fibrosis, so there's much room to make progress and improve health for patients with chronic inflammatory disease."

Xavier is also a Broad core institute member and the director of Broad's Klarman Cell Observatory, the Kurt J. Isselbacher Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and director of the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and core member in the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Listening in on cellular crosstalk

Scientists in the Xavier lab have worked for years to unravel the roots of pathological inflammatory responses in patients with IBD, taking clues from large-scale genetic studies and experiments in the lab. Previously, they found a type of cell called the inflammation-associated fibroblast that is important in IBD, but they didn't fully understand how it leads to tissue damage.

"The more we've learned about the process of inflammation, the more we began to appreciate the roles of non-immune cell types in these pathologies, in particular, communication between immune cells and structural cells in the tissue like fibroblasts," said study co-senior author Daniel Graham, senior director of functional genomics in the Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program at the Broad, where he is also an institute scientist.

In the new study, the researchers used single-cell and spatial approaches to map individual cells in intestinal samples from patients with IBD. They tracked down the inflammation-associated fibroblasts in the samples and examined the surrounding cellular neighbors. The patients' fibroblasts were often found with inflammatory macrophages, an immune cell type. The fibroblasts appeared to be churning out a protein called IL-11, which helps deposit scar-like tissue.

Through gene expression analysis and experiments in the lab, the researchers determined that the fibroblasts make IL-11 in response to two substances, TGF-beta and IL-1, produced by the nearby macrophages. Next, project lead Vlad Pokatayev performed CRISPR screening to test for genes necessary for the fibroblasts to make IL-11, and discovered that GLIS3, a transcription factor known for its role in insulin production and thyroid hormone regulation, is a master regulator of the messaging between macrophages and fibroblasts that leads to fibrosis.

Further testing showed that animals without GLIS3 don't develop fibrosis after bowel inflammation. The scientists also found more GLIS3 activity in patients with more severe disease, adding to the evidence of its role in fibrosis.

These findings suggest that this network of cells and the GLIS3 pathway could be viable targets for developing new treatments. They also suggest that small molecules and biologics currently in clinical development aimed at neutralizing IL-11 may have potential in IBD. The team says these and other medicines that target this pathway could potentially be used in addition to existing IBD therapies, to treat both the inflammation and its complications such as fibrosis.

Broad Institute researchers in collaboration with clinical investigators at Mass General Brigham are continuing to explore how GLIS3 is regulated and the roles of these cells in not only IBD, but also other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. "Now that we understand this core pathway mediated by GLIS3, the targets that regulate this pathway are potentially viable for treating some of these other fibrotic diseases as well," said Graham.

Publication details Ramnik Xavier, Bidirectional CRISPR screens decode a GLIS3-dependent fibrotic cell circuit, Nature (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09907-x Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

International research led by Radboud University Medical Center shows that vaccinating women during pregnancy leads to the transfer of antibodies to their newborns. Antibodies from the mother are transferred to the baby through the placenta. The study showed that after vaccination, these antibodies were detected not only in blood, but also in nasal mucosa, the site where whooping cough bacteria enter the body.

The research appears in The Lancet Microbe.

"The fact that these antibodies reach the nasal mucosa has not been demonstrated before and highlights how effective this vaccination is," say the researchers.

Since 2019, pregnant women in the Netherlands have been offered a vaccination against whooping cough (pertussis) for their unborn child, known as the 22-week shot.

"We give this vaccine to protect babies from whooping cough right after birth. In the first weeks of life, babies are extremely vulnerable and too young to be vaccinated themselves. That's why we vaccinate the mother during pregnancy," explains immunologist Dimitri Diavatopoulos of Radboudumc.

Importance of vaccination

Whooping cough is well controlled in Europe, but remains a deadly disease in many parts of the world. Each year, between 200,000 and 300,000 people die from it, mostly young infants in low- and middle-income countries, where good vaccines are not always available.

In the study conducted by Radboudumc and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, 343 mothers and their babies participated, with half of the pregnant women receiving the whooping cough vaccine.

"Mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy passed on antibodies through the placenta that were subsequently detected in the baby's nasal mucosa," says Diavatopoulos.

Immune response differs by vaccine type

The study also shows that babies who received a whole-cell whooping cough vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks developed, on average, a stronger immune response than those who received an acellular vaccine.

"The difference is that a whole-cell vaccine contains the complete, but inactivated, whooping cough bacterium, whereas an acellular vaccine contains only a few purified components of the bacterium," Diavatopoulos explains.

"Acellular vaccines usually cause fewer side effects but often also provide shorter-lasting protection. Our findings suggest that whole-cell vaccines may support longer-term immune protection," says Janeri Froberg, postdoctoral researcher at Radboudumc.

In Europe, the acellular vaccine has been used since 2005, while most low- and middle-income countries still use the whole-cell vaccine. The researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to determine what these results mean for clinical protection and vaccination policies in different settings.

WHO: Keep the whole-cell vaccine

For the Netherlands, this study underscores the importance of the 22-week shot, which gives babies immediate protection during their most vulnerable period. For lower-income countries, where most deaths occur, the results show that implementing a whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy could save lives.

For countries that continue to use whole-cell vaccines, the findings support the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation to maintain their use, as they may provide longer-lasting immunity.

Publication details Mucosal immune responses to Bordetella pertussis in Gambian infants following maternal and primary vaccination: an immunological sub-study of a double-blinded, randomized, controlled, phase 4 trial, The Lancet Microbe (2026). doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101219 Journal information: The Lancet Microbe

Key medical concepts Pertussis VaccineImmunoglobulins
The BJP joined hands with the Congress and other parties on Tuesday to secure a majority in the Ambarnath Municipal Council, triggering sharp criticism from the Shiv Sena.



Shiv Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar termed the BJPCongress tie-up an unholy and opportunistic alliance and said his party would play an aggressive role as the opposition in the civic body. Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference at MP Dr Shrikant Shindes public relations office, Kinikar accused the BJP of adopting double standards for the sake of power. On the one hand, the BJP raises slogans of Congress-mukt Bharat at the national level, while on the other, it has no hesitation in aligning with the same Congress for power in Ambarnath, Kinikar said. He pointed out that the ideological positions of the BJP and the Congress were fundamentally opposed, yet the two parties came together purely for political convenience.



Kinikar said the Shiv Sena had emerged as the single largest party in the municipal council with 27 corporators, but alleged that the BJP had ignored the public mandate by forming what he described as an unnatural alliance. He added that while the Shiv Sena would support all development works in the city, it would not hesitate to expose wrongdoing or corruption in the functioning of the council.



Referring to the recently concluded civic elections, Kinikar noted that the Shiv Sena and BJP had fought a friendly contest, but warned that the BJPs decision to align with the Congress ahead of upcoming municipal corporation elections would prove costly. Former municipal president Sunil Chaudhary, corporators Abdul Sheikh, Swapnil Bagul and Vikas Someshwar, and former corporator Subhash Salunkhe were present at the press conference.



Responding to the criticism, former BJP city president and sitting corporator Abhijit Karanjule defended the alliance, stating that it was formed solely in the interest of Ambarnaths development. Keeping ideological differences aside, the BJP, Congress, NCP (Ajit Pawar) and RPI came together to form the Ambarnath City Development Front for the overall development of the city, Karanjule said.



He alleged that the decision was taken after repeated instances of pressure tactics and attempts to poach corporators by the ruling Shiv Sena. At present, no party or independent corporator is willing to go with the Shiv Sena. Our front has the support of 31 members. Our objective is not to secure posts but to focus only on the citys development, he added.



The municipal council has a total strength of 59 members, with the Shiv Sena holding 27 seats, the BJP 14, the Congress 12, the NCP (Ajit Pawar) four, and independents. Although the BJPs Tejashree Karanjule was elected as the chairperson through a direct election, the BJP required support from the Congress and NCP to establish control in the council, a move that caused considerable churn in local political circles.




With just over a week to go for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election, a viral video on social media raises the spectre of Mumbai getting a Muslim mayor to signal voters on their duty, sparking howls of protest from the Opposition that the communal clip has been deliberately circulated by the Mahayuti camp.



While the unbranded video cant be attributed to any party, it has actors playing caricatures of opposition figures like Raj and Uddhav Thackeray. It also portrays figures based on Sadiq Khan and Zohran Mamdani  the mayors of London and New York, respectively  and shows headlines and clips of unrest and violence. The signalling is clear: a Muslim mayor means trouble.



Arvind Sawant, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader did not mince words. The public is not blind. They see and hear everything. This video shows how low people can stoop to fulfil their hunger for power, he told Mumbai Mirror. Why arent they talking about the girl who was raped and murdered, and the leaders involved who are still walking free? This is dirty politics. These people should be ashamed.



Clyde Crasto, national spokesperson and Secretary of the NCP (Sharad Pawar), said, At a time when the BMC elections are round the corner, a video of this nature is an extremely serious matter. The CM should take immediate cognizance of this footage and initiate strict action. It is important that the perpetrators are identified and the original source of the video is uncovered. The Maharashtra Home Department which is under the leadership of the Chief Minister and the State Cyber Police must launch an immediate investigation. We need to determine who produced this content, find its point of origin, and track how it is being systematically circulated across social media platforms.



BJP MLA Ashish Shelar, however, distanced himself from the issue. I cannot comment on the matter as I have not seen any such video, he told Mirror.



Reacting to the video, Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged political mischief, saying, This is clearly the handiwork of the BJPs IT cell. The sole objective is to polarise and communalise every issue, including the electoral process. Just recently, a BJP troll uploaded a video referring to Varsha Gaikwad as Varsha Begum. This reflects their mindset and the level of discourse they are resorting to.



WHAT THE VIDEO SHOWS



The clip opens on a celebratory note. In London, a newly elected Mayor resembling Sadiq Khan is shown at what appears to be a celebratory public event with upbeat visuals, applause, and burqa-clad women dancing in the background. The mood snaps abruptly when the Mayor is shown receiving a phone call. The caller is a man with a chequered headscarf standing in a room with rifles around. No name. No location. The man says Assalam Walekum and asks a single question that lands like a threat: Maksad yaad hai na? The mayor is seen replying Of Course... yaad hai.



The video cuts sharply to flashes resembling news reports of violence and terror  police visuals, chaotic scenes, alarming headlines. No dates, places or verified sources are cited.



The pattern repeats in New York. Another celebratory mayoral moment, with a figure resembling Zohran Mamdani. The same dancing figures in the background. Another phone call from the same chequered-scarf figure. The same chilling reminder  maksad yaad bhi hai? followed by another montage of violence-linked visuals in the form of news clips, reinforcing a rhythm of celebration interrupted by threat.



Then, in the last sequence, Mumbai enters the frame. A pathani-clad man is presented as an elected mayor of Mumbai, framed as a figure of authority. The visual substitution is striking: the earlier burqa-clad dancers are replaced by people resembling Opposition leaders. Lookalike actors portraying the citys political heavyweights Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Raj Thackeray and Varsha Gaikwad are shown flanking the new Mayor in a choreographed show of endorsement at Shivaji Park and the Bal Thackeray memorial.



The video closes with a Marathi warning splashed across the screen, leaving little room for ambiguity: (They will not forget their mission you do not forget your duty?)



While no party is named and no explicit appeal for votes is made, the juxtaposition of a Muslim mayor and scenes of violence and mayhem, the signalling is hard to miss. And hard to write off as just another regular poll video.




Was it about oil, illicit drugs, or an attempt at regime change? The audacious US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro has raised more questions than it has answered.



Rachel Rizzo, a Senior Fellow, Strategic Studies Programme at the Observer Research Foundation think tank, describes it as US President Donald Trumps attempt to assert dominance in the region over a leader he considered a threat. While the military operation was successful, she warns of a messy and violent long-term outcome. In an interview to TOI+, she suggests that Trumps actions will not significantly impact US relations with Russia or embolden China regarding Taiwan. According to Rizzo, whose work focuses on US foreign and defence policy, the transatlantic partnership, and US-Europe-India relations, Trumps potential decision to deploy US troops on foreign soil represents a major shift in foreign policy, contradicting his earlier stance of avoiding foreign entanglements.



Excerpts:



The US military action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sparked concerns and condemnation from major powers. How do you view the entire episode?



This was an attempt to assert hemispheric dominance over a leader that Trump views as a problem and a state that he views as rogue. For those touting the illegality of this move, Trump doesnt care about international law, nor does he care if leaders of other major powers condemn the decision. Militarily speaking, it was an immensely successful move, and most people are rightly saying good riddance to Maduro. That doesnt mean it was the right decision, though. As always, the issue is what happens next.



Do you believe after the Venezuela episode, the US may find itself in a tight spot while negotiating with Russia on the Ukraine issue?



No. First, Russian President Vladimir Putin has long operated according to his own internal logic when it comes to Ukraine. Trumps decision to nab Maduro wont alter that calculus in any meaningful way. Second, theres no single, coherent framework guiding Trumps foreign policy. Some say that he uses a spheres of influence approach, and that US dominance in the Western Hemisphere  or the Donroe Doctrine as Trump calls it  implicitly concedes Russia its own sphere in Central Asia or Eastern Europe and China one in the Indo-Pacific region. Transactionalism means that each geopolitical problem or conflict is viewed through its own lens, with different tools applied at different moments to extract leverage or force concessions. The same logic applies to the Russia/Ukraine negotiations.



What about China, which has of late increased military activity near Taiwan? Will Xi Jinping be emboldened by the latest US action to launch a full-scale attack on Taiwan and escalate Chinas territorial assertion over Arunachal Pradesh?



Xi is certainly watching what happens in Venezuela and could, in the future, use Trumps logic to further assert Chinas territorial claim to Taiwan. But the US move on Venezuela does not magically decrease the military, economic, and political costs China would face for military action against Taiwan. China also simply doesnt have the capabilities to pull off a successful attack. Its certainly developing them, but it doesnt have them yet. Further, Beijing has called the US actions in Venezuela naked hegemonic behaviour and that the decision flies in the face of international law. I think the same logic would apply to Arunachal Pradesh. The calculus Xi uses to make decisions on this particular border issue is governed by his own logic, not the logic Trump uses to make decisions in South America.



Days before Operation Absolute Resolve, Trump had labelled Maduro as a narco-terrorist. But after his capture, the US President said American oil giants will spend billions of dollars in Venezuela. So, was it all about oil?



Oil is a factor, but its not the only factor. Venezuela is sitting on the worlds largest oil reserves, exceeding 300 billion barrels. But it only produces around 1 million barrels per day. This could go up to around 4 million, but getting there will take years and hundreds of billions of dollars. The stated justification for nabbing Maduro was narco-trafficking. Trump hopes that the oil will begin to flow at higher levels, and the US oil companies will eventually benefit from that, but the overall justification for this action is strategically broader than just more oil.



Almost 93 per cent of cocaine supply to the US originates from Colombia while fentanyl comes from Mexico. But the US has targeted Venezuela. Trump has not presented evidence linking Maduro to drug trafficking. Will these charges stand in court?



Comparative drug flows are legally irrelevant here. Prosecutors wouldnt have to show that Venezuela was the main source of drugs into the US, only that the defendant (in this case, Maduro, his wife, and four others) participated in, directed, or conspired in conduct that violated US law. The narco-terrorism statute under which Maduro is being prosecuted, grants, the US extraterritorial reach over any individual providing material support for drug trafficking that aids a terrorist organisation. By labelling the Cartel de los Soles (an alleged drug trafficking network led by Maduro) a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Trump administration is using a jurisdictional bypass.



There are also concerns that various armed groups in Venezuela may resist the regimes collapse and undermine any effort to restore the rule of law. There could be more violence. Whats your thought on this?



Of course this is a possibility, especially given the fact that so many illegal armed groups have benefitted from the disarray in Venezuela for so long. Thats why I say this is just the beginning of a very long, winding, difficult road. More violence isnt just not out of the question, its a likely outcome of the current instability.



Do you think the true audience of the strike on Venezuela was American voters, for whom the military action mattered more than legal arguments, humanitarian concerns, or diplomatic consequences?



As is the case for most of Trumps decisions, there isnt just one audience. However, the decision makes more sense when viewed through a domestic lens rather than an international one. Military action communicates decisiveness and projects strength, especially when the issue of drug trafficking has been such a central part of both Trumps administration and his campaign. Hes also clearly referenced the American benefits of this operation that will come from supposed oil revenue. What happens next is key. Democrats will absolutely use this in the midterms to criticise Trump for running on a campaign of peace and then getting the US entangled in foreign conflicts  including bombing Iran  and failing to abide by international law. And depending on what happens next, this could seriously backfire if the Trump administration finds itself stuck in another Middle East-type nation building exercise.




When should you buy a home? Is there a right age to buy a home? These are common questions that appear in any conversation around housing. Most builders, brokers and even elderly family members will tell you that the time to buy a home is EARLY. Many influencers who cater to the financial markets will respond that the time to buy a home is LATE.



For me this is not an Early or Late equation. Buying a house early is a dangerous narrative to fall for. It is meant to keep the real estate industry going smoothly with sales. For the young buyer, becoming a homeowner provides a temporary elevation in status in society. Unfortunately, becoming a homeowner too early often comes with a financial burden that forces people to dramatically compromise on their lifestyle. Society may be impressed but the buyer may get depressed.



At the same time buying a home late is an equally dangerous narrative to fall into. The rental world is a ruthless place to deal with. Be it due to erratic landlords asking you to vacate the apartment at a whim or due to sharp hikes in rental rates that shred your financial plans.



In my view, yes, you should definitely buy a home. But you should buy a home when you are prepared to be anchored to a particular city and location. Otherwise, you run the risk of purchasing a home in Mumbai but then moving to Bengaluru for career opportunities. Even within a city, it is important to finalise the comfort location for the family  be it for childrens school, parents hospital, spouses office, etc.



There is an argument that these are small concerns and even if one does relocate, the option to sell the owned apartment yet exists. It sounds reasonable in theory but not in practice. Thats because the only thing tougher than buying a home is selling that home. Thus, the mindset should be that the home being purchased will be lived in for at least a decade.



For most people, the period where they feel settled in a particular city and location is around the age of 35. In a volatile career environment, it is the phase where people feel most stable. Besides financial savings have been accumulated to an extent that allow for a modest down-payment for the property. Additionally, by that age, there is enough awareness about the housing market that permits one to take a well-informed call on the purchase.



That is a very important criteria because home purchases are often done on the back of attractive payment plans offered by builders as well as tempting home loans. The eligibility may permit a person to buy a 3BHK apartment but the practical feasibility may yet remain of a 2BHK apartment.



Buyers should make their move on a home purchase around the age of 35 but with a broad and nimble 5:20:30:40 formula: Where the property value should not exceed 5x the annual income, the loan tenure should be 20 years or below, the down payment for the property should be 30% and the EMI should not be above 40% of the income.



In a way the approach to buying a home is akin to getting married. If you do it early, it has a romantic feel but if you arent well-prepared it can leave you broken. At the same time if you do it too late the experience is short-lived. The right time to buy a home is when theres adequate preparation and yet enough time to enjoy the feeling.



Vishal Bhargava tracks Mumbais real estate




GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (AP)  After a dead whale was found on the bow of a container ship docked in New Jersey, authorities were working Tuesday to remove the carcass and determine the endangered animals cause of death.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a New Jersey-based animal rescue service, said in a social media post that the whale was reported Sunday by the U.S. Coast Guard at the Gloucester Marine Terminal. The port is at the base of the Walt Whitman Bridge linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The center said in a follow-up post Tuesday that it was working to tow the carcass away in order to conduct a necropsy and determine how the whale died.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday confirmed its enforcement office has opened an investigation into the death but declined to comment further. It said anyone with information about the dead whale should call the agencys hotline.

The deceased animal is believed to be a fin whale between 25 to 30 feet long (7.6 to 9.1 meters), the center said. The endangered species is known to swim in waters from southern New Jersey to the New York City area.

Populations of the massive mammals have gradually recovered in the Atlantic Ocean thanks to conservation efforts after becoming nearly extinct from commercial hunting. All dolphins, porpoises and whales are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding or otherwise harming them illegal.

Fin whales are the second-largest animals behind the blue whale. Fully grown, they can reach up to 85 feet (25.9 meters) long and weigh between 40 and 80 tons (36.3 and 72.6 metric tons).

The giant mammals are found throughout the world and are threatened by ship strikes, fishing gear entanglements and the effects of climate change, among other challenges.
BOSTON (AP)  The man identified as the shooter who killed two Brown University students and an MIT professor planned the attack for years and left behind videos in which he confessed to the murders but gave no motive, according to information released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a former Brown student and Portuguese national, was found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility after he killed two students and wounded nine others in an engineering building on Dec. 13. Two days later he killed MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro in his home in the Boston suburb of Brookline.

Justice Department officials said Tuesday that during the search of the storage facility where Neves Valentes body was found on Dec. 18, the FBI recovered an electronic device containing a series of short videos made by Neves Valente after the shootings.

In the recordings, the shooter admitted in Portuguese that he had been working out details for at least six semesters. He did not give a motive for targeting Brown or the professor, with whom he attended school in Portugal decades ago.

Videos dont provide motive, but do address misinformation

In an English-translated transcript provided by the Justice Department, Neves Valente said he felt he had nothing to apologize for. He also complained in the videos about injuring his eye in the shootings.

Im not going to apologize because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me, he said.

He explicitly addressed baseless claims spread by conservative influencer Laura Loomer after the attack that the Brown shooter had spoken in Arabic, saying something like Allahu akbar upon entering the auditorium.

Neves Valente said he did not speak a word of Arabic or intend to make any kind of statement. If he said anything, he must have made an exclamation like, Oh no! or something like that, to express disappointment that the auditorium appeared to be empty when he entered, he said. Students were hiding under desks, but Neves Valente thought theyd already escaped through an emergency exit.

I never wanted to do it in an auditorium. I wanted to do it in a regular room, he said. I had plenty of opportunities. Especially this semester, I had plenty of opportunities, but I always chickened out.

Students were shot at random

He insisted he was not mentally ill. He said he did not want to be famous and the video was not a manifesto.

Neves Valente said his only objective was to leave more or less on his own terms and to ensure he wouldnt be the one who ended up suffering the most from all this.

No, that cannot happen. So if you dont like it, tough luck, he said. Neves Valente called his execution of the murders a little incompetent.

But at least something was done, he said.

Neves Valente wounded nine people and killed two students: Sophomore Ella Cook, 19, and 18-year-old freshman MukhammadAziz Umurzokov.

Two days later, authorities say, Neves Valente fatally shot Loureiro. Valente and Loureiro attended the same academic program at a university in Portugal between 1995 and 2000. Loureiro graduated from the physics program at Instituto Superior Tecnico, that countrys premier engineering school, in 2000, according to his MIT faculty page. The same year Neves Valente was let go from a position at the Lisbon university, according to an archive of a termination notice from the schools then-president in February 2000.

In the recording he said he had the storage space where his body was found for about three years.

Brown University said in a statement Tuesday that the gravity of this tragedy continues to weigh heavily on the full Brown University community and that they continue to mourn the deaths of the two students and pray for the full recovery of those who were injured.

Shooter describes witness encounter

Neves Valente mentioned his confrontation with a witness at Brown that ultimately led to his identification days later.

According to police, the witness had several encounters with Neves Valente before the attack. As police posted images of the person of interest, the witness began posting on the social media forum Reddit that he recognized the person and theorized that police should look into possibly a rental gray Nissan. Reddit users urged him to inform the FBI, and the witness said he did.

Until that point, the police affidavit says, officials had not connected a vehicle to the possible shooter.

I actually was confronted, Neves Valente said about the Brown shooting, adding that the witness saw his license plate.

I honestly never thought it would take them so long to find me, he said.

He said he had no hatred or love for the United States, where he first arrived around 25 years ago to study physics at Browns graduate program before leaving in the spring of 2001.

Neves Valente studied at Brown on a student visa. He eventually obtained legal permanent residence in September 2017. His last known residence was in Miami.

Its the same thing with Portugal, and most of the places where I have been, he said, adding later that Ive been here without caring for a very long time now.

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and MICHAEL CASEY

Associated Press
As the Trump administration continues to investigate a series of alleged fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents, social media users are falsely citing a Craigslist ad as evidence of such deceit.

The ad, which is no longer live, said a day care center in Minneapolis Ventura Village neighborhood was hiring 20 child actors for three days to pose as attendees while it is vetted by the state. It noted the children would be paid $1,500 per day.

But the ad was a prank. It is not proof of fraud in Minnesota.

Heres a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: A Craigslist ad seeking child actors to legitimize a Minnesota day care center is proof of alleged fraud perpetrated by Somali residents.

THE FACTS: This is false. The ad, which was posted Jan. 1 in Craigslists Hennepin County, Minnesota, section for general labor jobs, was bait for an online prank show, its cohost Joey LaFleur told The Associated Press.

The shows called Goofcon1 and it is a funny show, LaFleur said. We do pranks and stuff like that.

He added the show received a ton of responses to the ad and said he and his two cohosts will be doing a live show Saturday where they will call people who expressed interest.

Screenshots of the ad were used in social media posts on multiple platforms, cited as proof of fraud at Minnesota day care centers. The posts gained tens of thousands of likes, shares and views.

BREAKING  A Craigslist ad seeking child actors for a daycare in Minneapolis Hennepin County has been discovered, with the poster requesting 20 children to act as clients while the state observes them to determine whether its a legitimate daycare, reads one X post sharing the ad.

A man in a TikTok video called the ad 100% serious. The video was viewed approximately 14,300 times.

LaFleur said that in addition to being a prank show, Goofcon1 wants to protect against predators and call out conservatives who dont care about fact checking.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ended his bid for a third term Monday amid President Donald Trumps relentless focus on the fraud investigations. Also Monday, the Trump administration said its planning to tighten rules for federal child care funds.

___

Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck.

By MELISSA GOLDIN

Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Less than two weeks before her inauguration, Democrat Abigail Spanberger says shes still digesting what it means to become the first female governor in Virginias nearly 250-year history.

The campaign was about the things I want to do for Virginians, Spanberger told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Its about the challenges that Virginians are facing. But as we are preparing for the actual inauguration and for me to be sworn in, there are elements of a greater realization on my part, as I hear other people kind of verbalizing their excitement about what it means.

One woman came up to her to share about her daughters astounded reaction that the state hadnt previously had a woman as governor, she said. Spanberger also recalled talking with an excited teenage girl who said shes interested in someday running for president.

For the next generation of kids, itll be normal to see a woman in this role, whether its doing the joyful things of ribbon cuttings or the hard things of contending with whatever challenges we might be facing into the future, she said.

Spanberger will be sworn in as governor on Jan. 17 outside the Virginia Capitol. The former congresswoman, who defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by 15 points in November, said she was struck when she saw her photo in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article next to pictures of men sworn in before her.

It said, Spanberger joins the boys club, she recalled. That was actually a really interesting visual for me.

Spanbergers win in November was a boost for Democrats on a big night that cast doubts about President Donald Trumps political strength heading into this years midterm elections.

She said serving in Congress when Trump was in his first term taught her theres a variety of issues to work on and potential places to find common ground. And when we can be aligned in support of Virginia, Virginians, our economy and our shared priorities, that there will be places to work with him, but when hes making choices that might impact or hurt Virginians, Virginia jobs, Virginias economy, then I will be a relentless advocate for, and defender of, Virginia, she said.

The governor-elect said her agenda for the top of her term would center on economic relief, including seeking more tenant protections against evictions and policies aimed at lowering prescription drug costs.

Conservative critics say her plans will drive up costs for residents of a state facing economic uncertainty, a decrease in federal dollars and a cost-of-living crisis.

By OLIVIA DIAZ

Associated Press/Report for America
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he plans to meet with Danish officials next week after the Trump administration doubled down on its intention to take over Greenland, the strategic Arctic island that is a self-governing territory of Denmark.

Since the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has revived his argument that the United States needs to control the worlds largest island to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, had requested a meeting with Rubio, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenlands government website. Previous requests for a meeting were not successful, the statement said.

Rubio told a select group of U.S. lawmakers that it was the Republican administrations intention to eventually purchase Greenland, as opposed to using military force.

The remarks, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, were made in a classified briefing Monday evening on Capitol Hill, according to a person with knowledge of his comments who was granted anonymity because it was a private discussion.

On Wednesday, Rubio told reporters in Washington that Trump has been talking about acquiring Greenland since his first term. Thats always been the presidents intent from the very beginning, Rubio said. Hes not the first U.S. president that has examined or looked at how we could acquire Greenland.

European leaders express concern

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a statement this week reaffirming that the mineral-rich island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, belongs to its people. Frederiksen warned that a U.S. takeover would amount to the end of NATO.

The Nordics do not lightly make statements like this, Maria Martisiute, a defense analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. But it is Trump whose very bombastic language bordering on direct threats and intimidation is threatening the fact to another ally by saying, I will control or annex the territory.

Rubio, who was on Capitol Hill for a classified briefing Wednesday with the entire U.S. Senate and House, did not directly answer reporters questions about whether the administration was willing to risk the NATO alliance by potentially moving ahead with a military option regarding Greenland.

Im not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention, Ill be meeting with them next week, well have those conversations with them then, but I dont have anything further to add to that, Rubio said. He added that every president retains the option to address national security threats to the United States through military means.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that using the military to acquire Greenland was an option, though she told reporters Wednesday that the presidents first option always has been diplomacy.

Some Republican senators said they saw strategic value in Greenland, but they stopped short of supporting military action to acquire it.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said he hoped we can work out a deal, while North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said some of the discussion about taking Greenland by force has been misconstrued.

One of the things about President Trump, you may have noticed, is he keeps our adversaries off balance by making sure they dont know what were going to do, Hoeven said.

But Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she hated the rhetoric around either acquiring Greenland by purchase or by force, adding, I think that it is very, very unsettling.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, said the U.S. needs to honor its treaty obligations to Denmark.

Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend, the senators said in a joint statement.

This is America now

Thomas Crosbie, an associate professor of military operations at the Royal Danish Defense College, said an American takeover would not help Washingtons national security.

The United States will gain no advantage if its flag is flying in Nuuk versus the Greenlandic flag, he told the AP. Theres no benefits to them because they already enjoy all of the advantages they want. If theres any specific security access that they want to improve American security, theyll be given it as a matter of course, as a trusted ally. So this has nothing to do with improving national security for the United States.

Denmarks parliament approved a bill in June to allow U.S. military bases on Danish soil. It widened a previous military agreement, made in 2023 with the Biden administration, in which U.S. troops had broad access to Danish air bases in the Scandinavian country. Denmarks foreign minister has said that Denmark would be able to terminate the agreement if the U.S. tries to annex all or part of Greenland.

In the event of military action, the U.S. Department of Defense operates the remote Pituffik Space Base, in northwestern Greenland, and the troops there could be mobilized.

Crosbie said he believes the U.S. would not seek to hurt the local population or engage with Danish troops.

They dont need to bring any firepower. They dont need to bring anybody, Crosbie said Wednesday. They could just direct the military personnel currently there to drive to the center of Nuuk and just say, This is America now, right? And that would lead to the same response as if they flew in 500 or 1,000 people.

The danger in an American annexation, he said, lies in the erosion of the rule of law globally and to the perception that there are any norms protecting anybody on the planet.

He added: The impact is changing the map. The impact I dont think would be storming the parliament.

___

Kim reported from Washington. Geir Moulson in Berlin, Mark Carlson in Brussels, and Ben Finley, Joey Cappelletti and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.

By STEFANIE DAZIO and SEUNG MIN KIM

Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  An individual accused of vandalizing the Ohio home of Vice President JD Vance in the dark of night and causing other property damage was behind bars Tuesday, awaiting action in separate state and federal cases.

William D. DeFoor, 26, appeared in two different courtrooms after being detained early Monday by Secret Service agents assigned to Vances Cincinnati home in the upscale East Walnut Hills neighborhood east of downtown. The vice president and his family were not home.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court, the Secret Service saw someone run along the front fence of Vances residence and breach the property line around midnight. The person later identified as DeFoor was armed with a hammer and tried to break out the window of an unmarked Secret Service vehicle on the way up the driveway before moving toward the front of the home and breaking its glass windows, the affidavit says.

Fourteen historic window panes were broken and damage was done to security enhancements around the windows valued at $28,000, according to the filing.

A judge set bonds totaling $11,000 on state charges of vandalism, criminal trespass, criminal damaging and obstruction of official business that were brought in Hamilton County court. There, DeFoor was previously deemed incompetent to face trial on a 2023 criminal trespassing charge and referred for treatment after a 2024 vandalism charge. A grand jury hearing was scheduled for Jan. 15.

A hearing in the federal case to determine whether DeFoor can be released on bond from the Hamilton County jail was set for Friday in federal District Court in Cincinnati.

The U.S. Attorneys office in Ohios southern district brought charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against property in a restricted area and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.

The first two charges are each punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

DeFoors defense attorney, Paul Laufman, said in county court that his client was not motivated by politics, calling the alleged conduct purely a mental health issue.

In a statement read outside the federal courthouse while standing alongside her husband, Catherine DeFoor, the defendants mother, said mental illness is a terrible thing and that the familys lives are full of stress and sadness and grief. She offered prayers for the Vances and their children.

DeFoor described her child as a straight-A student who was awarded a full scholarship to study music.

Vance said in an interview Tuesday on The Scott Jennings Show that his family had left town a few hours before the attack.

We have stronger winds than most because Im a protectee of the Secret Service, he said.

He said that the person hammered the windows but eventually realized they werent getting anywhere, ran off, and were captured by the Secret Service as they tried to escape.

Vance said he would let the investigation play out before commenting on a possible motive of the suspect, but it was clearly a very sick individual.

There are crazy people out there and were thankful for the Secret Service and the grace of God that were still here to do the job that we can, he said.

___

White House reporter Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.

By JULIE CARR SMYTH

Associated Press
As California becomes more dependent on tax revenue from the tech industry, its stake in the health of the artificial intelligence industry has grown.

The state is seeing financial benefits from the AI boom, a new analysis by the Legislative Analysts Office shows. But the boom raises questions: Will it continue to be accompanied by a decline in tech and other jobs? Is it a bubble?

Tax revenue from stock-option withholding paid by some of the states biggest tech companies made up about 10% of all income tax withholding in 2025, estimated Chas Alamo, the principal fiscal and policy analyst with the LAO. Alamo looked at tech companies public financial filings and other data through the second quarter of 2025. That figure would be about the same as 2024, and is up from more than 6% just three years ago, when he first did the analysis.

The states biggest source of revenue is personal income tax. Its common for tech companies to pay employees in stock options in addition to their base wages. Stock options that have vested and are fully owned by employees are treated like ordinary income for tax purposes, so companies pay withholding taxes on some of that income to the state and U.S. governments.

Shining a spotlight on where the states tax revenue comes from is especially timely, when it needs all the revenue it can get. California is expected to have a nearly $18 billion budget deficit this year, with the state expecting to have to fill funding gaps because of cuts by President Donald Trumps administration. But the states growing reliance on AI-driven revenue is risky for two reasons: fears that the technology is overhyped, and because AIs rise threatens livelihoods.

Alamo based his analysis on the performance of the states five most valuable tech companies by market value: Apple, Google, Nvidia, Broadcom and Meta. Shares of Nvidia, Broadcom and Google did especially well in 2025: They rose 25%, 46% and 59% for the year, respectively. Alamo also included Intel, Cisco, AMD, Intuit, PayPal, Applied Materials and Qualcomm in his analysis because they paid substantial amounts of withholding on their employees stock options.

Were seeing a real boost to income-tax receipts because of this  for a relatively small number of employees, Alamo told CalMatters. If the AI market were to deteriorate, we could see these withholdings decline.

In other words, if the AI bubble pops, California could see a steep drop in tax revenue. Thats because there has been little job growth and wages are not rising, Alamo said, adding that the analysts office has been raising its concern over the stagnant nature of the states labor market and broader economy for the past couple of years. In September, the most recent data available, Californias unemployment rate rose to 5.6%, the highest among U.S. states.

AI is not a job-gainer

Despite the AI boom, the number of tech jobs in the Bay Area actually decreased from September 2024 to August 2025, according to the latest analysis by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, a think tank supported by the Bay Area Council, a business coalition. Jobs in the information industry were down 1.3% over that period, while jobs in professional and business services fell 1.5%. Some tech companies, such as San Francisco-based Salesforce, mentioned AI as a factor when they disclosed layoffs of thousands of employees.

Right now, on net, AI is not a job-gainer, said Jeff Bellisario, executive director of the think tank. The bigger question for us is, you put aside (tech companies) valuation and think about the number of people employed in these companies.

Another analysis of employment data by the California Business Roundtables information arm, the California Center for Jobs and the Economy, shows a loss of more than 130,000 jobs in high tech, including manufacturing jobs, through the first quarter of last year.

Tech booms in the past have led to an employment boom, Bellisario said. This doesnt feel like that.

Theres no consensus about whether this tech boom is set to go bust anytime soon. Some of the biggest AI optimists include Jensen Huang, chief executive of chipmaker Nvidia, who told investors in November: There has been a lot of talk about an AI bubble. From our vantage point, we see something very different.

Another optimist is Dan Ives, longtime tech analyst and managing director at Wedbush Securities.

This is not a bubble, he told CalMatters. This is Year 3 of an eight- to 10-year buildout of the AI revolution. Ives said AI could be huge for U.S. innovation, and that this moment in time reminds him much more of a 1996 moment than a 1999 or 2000 moment.

Bubble back-and-forth

In the mid-1990s, widespread adoption of personal computers and the advent of the graphical web browser paved the way for the dot-com boom and gave rise to companies such as Google, Netflix and PayPal. But by 2000 or shortly afterward, after the founders of those companies made their fortunes, many other internet companies had gone out of business  some in spectacular flameouts, such as Webvan or Pets.com.

Today, there are signs that there are too many startups in certain subsectors, according to analysts at PitchBook, which tracks public and private capital markets. Among the ones they mentioned in their 2026 outlook: AI scribes in health care, which automatically generate medical notes; aerial defense drones; content development in gaming; personal assistant bots; and more. The analysts warned investors that startups would really need to differentiate themselves to bring value.

Researchers for Allianz Trade, the global insurance company, wrote in a November brief: The financial market frenzy over AI shows classic signs of an asset bubble: widespread consensus, unproven valuations and returns at times detached from earnings. The researchers also said they were watching a lot of corporate spending on AI as concerns grow around tightening energy constraints. AI is driving demand for data centers, which are straining the electric grid.

Discussion about a bubble aside, some tech-friendly experts point out that Californias reliance on AI means the state should help the sector succeed, such as by not overregulating it.

Whats important to remember is that Californias social safety net depends on a healthy tech industry,  said Kaitlyn Harger, an economist for Chamber of Progress, a think tank funded by the tech industry. The financial cushion tech provides helps the state fund public-sector jobs, health services, education, social services and more, Harger said.

California leads all states in trying to regulate AI, and is expected to fight against the presidents recent executive order to develop federal laws around AI that would supersede state laws.

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This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By LEVI SUMAGAYSAY/CalMatters

CalMatters
Halfway through the decade and the clock continues to tick down on San Joses ambitious climate target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. The road to success is looking steeper than ever.

The City Council has formally acknowledged the city is not on track to hit the climate milestone. The admission came as part of an administrative update, approved Dec. 2, to the citys plan to cut down carbon emissions, known as Climate Smart San Jose. It reflects San Joses most recent greenhouse gas inventory, which found emissions actually increased slightly between 2021 and 2023.

That should be a wake-up call for all of us that our 2030 carbon neutrality goals are not just going to happen  that were going to have to keep working for them and find ways to push even further, District 4 Councilmember David Cohen said during the Dec. 2 meeting.

The stalled progress comes as a disappointing reversal after the gains achieved in the first few years following the launch of the Climate Smart plan in 2018. Between the 2017 benchmark year and 2021, San Jose managed to cut its overall emissions by about 16%.

But as of 2023, the citys greenhouse gas emissions stood at roughly 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to city data. Thats 0.2% higher than 2021 emissions.

The slowdown means the city is now significantly behind where it would need to be to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. City leaders first adopted that goal in 2021, a decision that set a significantly more ambitious timeline for San Jose than the targets first adopted by the program. Despite the slowdown, the city remains on track to reach those somewhat more modest original targets, officials said.

Linda Hutchins-Knowles, co-founder of local climate advocacy group Mothers Out Front Silicon Valley, called San Joses stagnating emission reductions alarming.

Im not surprised that we arent on track, Hutchins-Knowles told San Jose Spotlight. But what I am surprised about is that were actually going backwards.

The citys recent Climate Smart plan update noted San Jose has so far launched more than 40 initiatives intended to reduce emissions. They include a rebate program to support the transition to electric home appliances like heat pumps, an initiative deploying hundreds of e-bikes across the city and a pilot effort that has already installed dozens of charging stations for electric cars.

Perhaps most impactful, the city established San Jose Clean Energy in 2019, a city-run energy program that provides hundreds of thousands of customers with electricity generated from 95% carbon-free sources.

I think the city has done a really good job at plucking that low-hanging fruit, Hutchins-Knowles said. Where were at now is having to really look at things that are not so easy to accomplish.

The city faces an array of daunting targets if it wants to get back on track with its 2030 goal. As one example, San Joses emission reduction plan calls for boosting the use of electric vehicles in the city to a rate of 79%. But as of 2024, that figure stood at just 8%, according to city data.

It was an ambitious target, Energy Department Assistant Director Zachary Struyk told San Jose Spotlight. No one else is doing carbon zero by 2030.

Struyk, whose agency oversees the Climate Smart program, said a variety of factors have combined to make emission reduction efforts more challenging. He noted that electricity costs have risen substantially in recent years and the added price pressure has discouraged some residents from purchasing electric appliances or vehicles. In addition, Struyk also pointed to growing pains within the still nascent industries that support electrification work, as well as the decline in public transit ridership that occurred in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Energy Department is drawing up a list of proposals intended to speed up San Joses emission reduction efforts, Struyk said. Those proposals could go before council as soon as next summer.

But climate advocates see signs San Joses once urgent commitment to cutting emissions is now falling by the wayside.

Hutchins-Knowles pointed to a September council vote that scuttled a pair of climate measures. The proposals would have created new code requirements intended to hasten the adoption of electric heat pumps and the installation of electric-ready wiring in San Jose homes. But following warnings from some councilmembers that the requirements would create major financial burdens for homeowners, the proposals failed to pass on a 5-5 tie vote  District 6 Councilmember Michael Mulcahy was absent.

Calvin Sridhara, a 10th-grader at Leland High School and a member of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, also expressed alarm at the citys slowing progress.

As a young person, this plateau feels especially serious because we will live with the consequences the longest, Sridhara told San Jose Spotlight. City leadership needs to recognize that their current pace is no longer enough and be willing to reengage with this 2030 zero emissions goal. Its the right thing to do, even if the next steps are politically harder than the initial steps theyve been taking.

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This story was originally published by San Jose Spotlight and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By KEITH MENCONI/San Jose Spotlight

San Jose Spotlight
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfas unexpected death on Monday has created a vacancy in the House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has some control over when the seat will be filled.

Heres what to know:

What does this do to the House majority?

LaMalfas death shrinks Republicans narrow majority in the House to 218 seats over Democrats 213. That could be reduced even further as Democrats are expected to win another seat in a special election in Texas later this month.

That means the party has less room for dissent among its members as Speaker Mike Johnson tries to advance President Donald Trumps agenda ahead of the midterm elections, when the party in power historically loses.

When will LaMalfas seat be filled?

Under California law, Newsom has 14 days to set a date for a special election to fill the remainder of LaMalfas term. But he can leave the seat vacant for a few months.

He could set the special election as early as May or opt for June, when California will hold its primary for the 2026 midterm. The top two candidates then face off in a runoff election if no one gets at least 50% of the vote.

That means LaMalfas constituents will have to choose two representatives this year: One to finish LaMalfas term and one to serve starting in 2027.

Do the new California district lines matter?

California voters in November approved new U.S. House districts outside of the typical once-a-decade redistricting process. Democrats pushed for the new map in an effort to oust LaMalfa and four other Republicans.

LaMalfas current district covered a vast portion of the states rural North, spanning from the Oregon border down to just north of the capital of Sacramento. The new lines now group several conservative strongholds in rural north with progressive areas that run along the Pacific coastline, including Marin County, which sits across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

The special election would be held under existing House boundaries, said Paul Mitchell, a state elections expert who helped draw the new maps. But the 2026 midterm elections will use the new district lines designed to favor Democrats that California voters approved last November.

Who is running?

LaMalfa had planned to run for re-election. So far, no major Republicans have announced plans to seek his seat. Democrat Audrey Denney, who previously lost to LaMalfa, and state Sen. Mike McGuire both previously announced plans to challenge LaMalfa in the midterm elections. Its not immediately clear if either will run in the special election.

By TRAN NGUYEN

Associated Press
Graduate student workers are making an unusual request in their contract negotiations with the University of California: a legal fund to help them navigate visa issues.

The ask from United Auto Workers Local 4811, which represents 48,000 teaching assistants, postdocs and researchers at UC Berkeley and other UC campuses  including 15,000 at UC Berkeley  comes amid increasing uncertainty for international students about their future in the United States as the Trump administration ramps up restrictions on immigrants and foreign visitors.

About 40% of the unions members come from other countries, according to its leaders.

One of the things that has allowed the University of California to be a world leader in education and research is the fact that we welcome people from all over the world, said Tanzil Chowdhury, a UC Berkeley Ph.D. student in materials science and engineering who chairs the committee negotiating on behalf of teaching assistants and graduate student researchers.

Theyve been negotiating with the university for months over a new contract; the current one expires Jan. 31. Separate contracts for non-student researchers expire next year.

Chowdhury said union members decided to make support for international student-workers a priority after witnessing a lot of attacks on international researchers in 2025. In addition to the $750,000 legal fund, theyre asking the university to continue paying researchers who are temporarily stranded outside the U.S. due to visa issues, and reimburse them for visa-related fees.

The University values the contributions of its international student employees and continues to engage in good faith with UAW to bargain a successor contract, UC spokesperson Heather Hansen said in an email.

This spring, UC Berkeley international students panicked when the Trump administration abruptly canceled 23 visas for students and recent graduates of the university, before reinstating them weeks later. Nationwide, the administration has arrested and tried to deport pro-Palestinian international students who were legally present in the U.S., required visa applicants to make their social media profiles public so the State Department can review them for hostility to the country, and proposed limiting students visa terms to four years rather than the time it takes to earn their degrees.

I have lived in the U.S. for about four years now, and Ive never felt at risk until this year, said Rahoul Banerjee Ghosh, a graduate student researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Banerjee Ghosh, who is from India, said they were thrilled to study in Berkeley, the bastion of scientific enterprise, where their research focuses on new materials for storing, transporting and generating energy. Theyre scheduled to teach introductory chemistry to first-year UC Berkeley students this semester.

But Banerjee Ghosh said they and other international students are increasingly worried about either losing their immigration status while in the U.S. or not being able to return to the country after trips abroad. Banerjee Ghosh has missed opportunities to travel to conferences in Europe with their colleagues, and fears that if they try to renew their visa when it expires later this year, it could be delayed or rejected, leaving them stuck outside the U.S. without their passport.

Appointments are canceled and rules are changing every day, Banerjee Ghosh said. Its an ever-present thought: Will I be able to continue my degree, continue the life Ive built here?

Funding challenges on horizon for Berkeley International Office

International student workers can get referrals to legal services from their campuss international student office, Hansen said.

But the Berkeley International Office faces its own budget challenges: Former Chancellor Carol Christ allocated about $700,000 per year in student service fees to the office  which provides visa assistance and advising  over a five-year period, but that money is set to expire after this school year. Meanwhile, the offices advisors have been working harder as they race to keep up with changes in federal policy, said Rayne Xue, a student government senator who advocates for international students.

The advisors are definitely spending more time tracking federal legislation and policy updates, Xue said. Theyre supporting and helping out with more students that are more frustrated than ever before.

The demand for support for international employees is unusual in higher education labor negotiations, but not unprecedented. Johns Hopkins University signed a contract with its teaching assistants in 2024 that gives international employees up to two weeks paid time off if they need to leave the country to renew their visas. The university also set up an international employee fund to which workers can apply for help covering visa fees.

The Institute for International Education reported a 17% decline in new international students enrolling at U.S. colleges between 2024 and 2025. Official fall enrollment numbers for UC Berkeley, which in the past has enrolled more international students than any other UC campus, have yet to be released. But the Daily Cal reported that the number of international students submitting paperwork saying they intended to register grew this year, an early sign that UC Berkeley could buck the nationwide trend.

The University of California also spends about $3 million per year on legal services for immigrant students through its Immigrant Legal Services Center. A separate UC Berkeley program in partnership with the East Bay Community Law Center serves primarily students who dont have permission to be in the country.

Union members and the university have already tentatively agreed that administrators wont disclose an employees immigration status without their permission unless theyve received a warrant or subpoena, and that the university will notify the union if federal immigration agents are on campus.

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This story was originally published by Berkeleyside and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By FELICIA MELLO/Berkeleyside

Berkeleyside
Russian officials indicated in 2019 that the Kremlin would be willing to back off from its support for Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela in exchange for a free hand in Ukraine, according to Fiona Hill, an adviser to President Donald Trump at the time.

The Russians repeatedly floated the idea of a very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine, Hill said during a congressional hearing in 2019. Her comments surfaced again this week and were shared on social media after the U.S. stealth operation to capture Maduro.

Hill said Russia pushed the idea through articles in Russian media that referenced the Monroe Doctrine  a 19th century principle in which the U.S. opposed European meddling in the Western Hemisphere and in return agreed to stay out of European affairs. It was invoked by Trump to justify the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

Even though Russian officials never made a formal offer, Moscows then-ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, hinted many times to her that Russia was willing to allow the United States to act as it wished in Venezuela if the U.S. did the same for Russia in Europe, Hill told The Associated Press this week.

Before there was a hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink, how about doing a deal? But nobody (in the U.S.) was interested then, Hill said.

Trump dispatched Hill  then his senior adviser on Russia and Europe  to Moscow in April 2019 to deliver that message. She said she told Russian officials Ukraine and Venezuela are not related to each other.

At that time, she said, the White House was aligned with allies in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys interim president.

But fast forward seven years and the situation is different.

After ousting Maduro, the U.S. has said it will now run Venezuela policy. Trump also has renewed his threat to take over Greenland  a self-governing territory of Denmark and part of the NATO military alliance  and threatened to take military action against Colombia for facilitating the global sale of cocaine.

The Kremlin will be thrilled with the idea that large countries  such as Russia, the United States and China  get spheres of influence because it proves might makes right, Hill said.

Trumps actions in Venezuela make it harder for Kyivs allies to condemn Russias designs on Ukraine as illegitimate because weve just had a situation where the U.S. has taken over  or at least decapitated the government of another country  using fiction, Hill told AP.

The Trump administration has described its raid in Venezuela as a law enforcement operation and has insisted that capturing Maduro was legal.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hills account.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not commented on the military operation to oust Maduro but the Foreign Ministry issued statements condemning U.S. aggression.

By EMMA BURROWS

AP European Security Correspondent
Wajir East Member of Parliament Aden Daud has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent remarks, accusing him of reckless, divisive rhetoric that threatens Kenyas national unity and social cohesion.

In a statement issued on Monday, Daud faulted Gachagua for what he described as ethnic profiling, saying the former Deputy President made unsubstantiated claims that unfairly targeted the Somali community.

Gachagua recently alleged that fraudsters channelled funds illegally obtained from Minnesota in the United States into Kenya, where the money was allegedly used to construct commercial malls and bankroll political activities. Daud warned that such claims, when framed along ethnic lines, risk reopening old wounds and reigniting tensions in a country that has worked hard to foster peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities.

These allegations amount to dangerous ethnic profiling and have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, the Wajir East MP said.

Daud argued that the remarks fit into what he described as a long-standing pattern of ethnically charged statements by Gachagua, which he noted culminated in the former Deputy Presidents impeachment by both Houses of Parliament in October 2024.

The legislator also recalled earlier comments in which Gachagua allegedly likened the Kenyan government to a shareholding company, suggesting that public appointments and national resources should be distributed based on the perceived electoral shares held by different communities. Daud said such thinking alienated large segments of the population and violated the spirit and letter of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Daud observed that despite his removal from office, Gachagua has continued to advance narratives that undermine social harmony and threaten national cohesion.

He cautioned that singling out the Somali community in allegations involving illicit financial flows could sow unnecessary suspicion and discord among communities that have historically lived and worked together peacefully.

The Somali and Kikuyu communities, among others, have built strong business ties, mutual respect and shared prosperity across Kenya, Daud said. There is no inherent conflict between them, and any attempt to manufacture one only undermines the unity that is the bedrock of our Republic.

The Wajir East MP stressed that authorities should investigate and prosecute any alleged criminal activity, whether committed locally or abroad, through established legal processes, without generalising blame to entire communities.

He also defended legitimate investments by Kenyans of Somali origin, saying they reflect entrepreneurship and meaningful contributions to national development, not criminality.

Daud called on Gachagua to abandon what he termed a divisive political path and urged all leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in public discourse. He further appealed to relevant authorities to remain alert to statements that could amount to incitement and threaten peace and stability.

Kenya belongs to all of us, and we must guard it jealously against those who seek to fracture it for narrow political gain, he said.
Newly released CCTV footage has revealed the tense moment when Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai engaged in a heated physical confrontation at a restaurant in Nairobis Kilimani area earlier this week, prompting a police investigation.

The footage, seen exclusively by local media outlets, shows the two politicians exchanging words that quickly escalated into a physical altercation, spilling into nearby seating areas and alarming restaurant patrons.

According to the CCTV clip, the incident began at around 4:01 pm, when MP Babu Owino rose from his seat and approached the table where MCA Robert Alai was seated. While initial exchanges appeared cordial, tensions quickly flared.

Roughly two and a half minutes into the footage, Alai is seen shoving Babu Owino, igniting a scuffle. The confrontation intensified rapidly, causing bystanders to scramble to safety as chaos ensued.

At one point, the footage appears to show Alai drawing a firearm, sending patrons recoiling in fear.

The CCTV also shows a female patron attempting to calm the situation, but the scuffle continued, drawing in members of the public inside the restaurant.

Despite the footage circulating online, Robert Alai denied brandishing a firearm, calling media reports a misrepresentation and insisting that no weapons were drawn during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, Babu Owino urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability in line with the law. Police have confirmed they are gathering evidence to establish exactly what transpired.

Kilimani Sub-County Police Commander Patricia Yegon stated that both Babu Owino and Robert Alai have recorded statements with officers. Investigators are also interviewing restaurant staff and patrons who witnessed the incident.

Based on the analysis of the evidence  reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing all those present  we expect to determine who actually committed an offence. Irrespective of status, necessary action will be taken, Commander Yegon told journalists.

Law enforcement agencies stated that no one is above the law, and that the ongoing inquiry will guide any criminal charges or disciplinary actions.

Watch the CCTV Footage of the Heated Brawl Between MP Babu Owino and MCA Robert Alai Below.
The Jubilee party has spoken out after politicians recently dragged its leader, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, into a political scuffle over the handling of campaign funds during Raila Odingas failed 2022 presidential bid.

The partys intervention follows a public and acrimonious exchange between ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and ODM Director of Elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, with each side trading accusations over who mismanaged the campaign funds.

Sifuna has accused Junet of misusing funds that Uhuru donated to support Railas 2022 campaign. Junet, however, fired back by alleging that Uhuru used members of his inner circle and family to embezzle the money.

Addressing the media on Tuesday in Nairobi, Jubilee dismissed the claims as dishonest and politically motivated, arguing that the attacks on Uhuru were being orchestrated at the behest of the current government to divert public attention from its governance failures.

The party insisted that Uhuru has never engaged in shadowy schemes to settle political scores or destabilise other political outfits.

At no time has our Party Leader, or the Jubilee Party, engaged in any plot to destabilise, buy, or hijack any political party, the statement said in part.

The Jubilee Party is clear: the manufactured attacks on H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta are nothing more than a desperate attempt to create a convenient scapegoat for a government that has lost the confidence of the Kenyan people.

Jubilee further argued that Uhuru openly and publicly supported Raila Odingas candidacy in the 2022 General Election and that those who undermined the campaign are to be found within ODM itself.

They should stop projecting their betrayal onto Uhuru Kenyatta. Jubilee will not allow our party leader to be dragged into schemes designed to sell out a party that Raila Odinga built over two decades, the statement added.

According to Jubilee, the renewed attacks are designed to inflame ethnic tensions and resurrect old political divisions for narrow political gain.

The former ruling party also signalled a renewed push to reclaim its place in Kenyas political landscape. Jubilee plans to roll out a nationwide membership recruitment drive, strengthen transparent engagement with aspirants at all levels, and announce new alliances with like-minded political parties and allies.

Junet had claimed that Uhuru allegedly released the funds meant for agents to his brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, who then appointed a man identified as Peter Mburu to oversee recruitment and payments.

According to Junet, Mburu presented himself as an IT expert capable of detecting and preventing electoral manipulation by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, Junet claimed that no agents were eventually procured, neither in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region nor in Railas stronghold of Luo Nyanza.

He further alleged that Muhoho operated from a highly restricted office in Westlands, so secretive that even Raila himself could not freely access it. From this office, Junet claimed, operatives coordinated campaign logistics and the handling of agents payments.

Junet has strongly rejected accusations of betrayal, insisting that Raila would never have appointed him Leader of Minority in the National Assembly had he lost the ODM leaders trust.

Sifuna, on his part, accused Junet of hypocrisy, saying he is now portraying Uhurus campaign contribution as dirty money despite having benefited from it at the time.

As the war of words escalates, the fallout has exposed deepening cracks within the late Raila Odingas political camp, even as Jubilee accuses its rivals of dragging Uhuru Kenyatta into a manufactured controversy to serve shifting political interests
Young Kenyans across 27 counties will begin receiving business start-up capital under Phase Two of the NYOTA Project starting this Friday, the government has announced.

Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Susan Mangeni, released a detailed disbursement schedule, revealing that the nationwide rollout will be presided over by President William Ruto, who is expected to attend the opening events.

The week-long disbursement, which begins on January 8, will also feature mentorship forums designed to guide beneficiaries in setting up and running their businesses. The first event will take place in Eldoret, before moving to other regions across the country. The rollout will cover Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos, and Nairobi on different dates.

The initiative, managed by the State Department for MSMEs Development, aims to empower vulnerable youth in all 1,450 wards of Kenya, with at least 70 beneficiaries per ward. Each selected youth will receive Sh22,000 deposited into their NYOTA Pochi la Biashara wallet, along with Sh3,000 credited to a Haba na Haba savings account under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The Phase Two rollout follows the success of Phase One in November 2025, which provided start-up capital to over 12,000 young entrepreneurs in Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma counties.

To qualify for the grants, beneficiaries are required to have completed a mandatory three-day business skills training, ensuring they are prepared to use the capital effectively.

The disbursement schedule for Phase Two is as follows:

Jan 8  Eldoret: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, West Pokot

Jan 9  Nakuru: Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo

Jan 12  Nanyuki: Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu

Jan 12  Nyeri: Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua

Jan 14  Meru: Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu

Jan 15  Machakos: Machakos, Kitui, Makueni

Jan 16  Nairobi: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado

Through the NYOTA Project, we are giving young Kenyans the tools to start businesses, generate income, and contribute to local economies, said Mangeni.

She noted that beneficiaries are expected to use the grant according to the business plans they developed during training, while receiving guidance from business development experts.

The mentorship component ensures that these grants are used effectively, with guidance from business development experts and local entrepreneurs, the PS added.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will take part in a two-month mentorship programme and a second phase of business development training, designed to help them transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The government has also announced that Phase Three of the NYOTA Project, which will cover the remaining 16 counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, and Garissa, will be rolled out in due course, expanding opportunities for thousands more young entrepreneurs.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Alhric is a name deeply rooted in Anglo-Saxon Christian tradition, emerging during the early medieval period when England was undergoing significant religious transformation. The name gained prominence through several notable ecclesiastical figures who helped shape English Christianity, particularly during the Benedictine Reform movement of the 10th and 11th centuries. These religious leaders were instrumental in preserving classical learning, establishing monastic schools, and promoting literacy during a time when Christianity was becoming firmly established across England.



The name reflects the fusion of Germanic naming traditions with Christian values, embodying the ideal of sacred leadership that characterized the era's religious hierarchy. As a name borne by archbishops, abbots, and scholars, Alhric became associated with intellectual and spiritual authority in medieval English society. Its usage declined after the Norman Conquest but remained significant in religious chronicles and historical records, preserving the legacy of early English Christianity's intellectual and spiritual leaders.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Anum holds significant cultural importance in ancient Egyptian society as part of a naming tradition based on birth order. In a civilization that placed great value on family lineage and numerical symbolism, being named according to one's position in the family carried both practical and spiritual meaning. The number five in Egyptian cosmology represented balance and the complete human form (four limbs plus the head), giving the name additional symbolic weight beyond its literal meaning of 'fifth-born'.



Throughout Egyptian history, names like Anum appear in various contexts from royal administration to temple priesthoods, indicating that this naming convention crossed social classes. The preservation of such names in tomb inscriptions, temple records, and administrative documents demonstrates how Egyptian families maintained traditions across generations. The name's usage spans from the Old Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period, showing remarkable cultural continuity in naming practices despite political changes and foreign influences.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Auda carries significant cultural weight across multiple civilizations. In French contexts, it evolved from the Old German name 'Auda' meaning 'wealthy' or 'prosperous,' often given to daughters in noble families to signify their valuable status. The name appears in medieval French literature and historical records, particularly among aristocratic circles where names denoting wealth and status were preferred.



In broader European history, Auda appears in Polish royal lineage as Queen Auda (also known as Jadwiga), demonstrating the name's cross-cultural appeal among nobility. The name's association with wealth and antiquity made it appealing across different cultures, though its usage remained relatively rare, preserving its distinctive character. In modern times, the name maintains an air of historical sophistication while adapting to contemporary naming trends.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Chadwyk has deep roots in Christian Anglo-Saxon culture, originating from Old English elements meaning 'warrior' and 'settlement.' The name gained prominence during medieval times when Christian warriors were celebrated for defending their communities and faith. Throughout English history, bearers of this name were often associated with leadership roles in both military and religious contexts, embodying the Christian ideal of the 'soldier of Christ' who protects both physical and spiritual communities. The name reflects the intersection of martial strength and Christian devotion that characterized much of medieval European society.



In Christian tradition, the name came to symbolize the spiritual warrior who battles against sin and evil while building up the community of faith. This dual significance made it particularly popular among families who valued both strength of character and religious commitment. The name's persistence through centuries demonstrates its enduring appeal as representing the ideal Christian man  strong in faith, protective of community, and committed to building God's kingdom on earth through both spiritual and practical means.
Women named Derforgala are typically characterized by deep devotion, strong principles, and a natural inclination toward service and caregiving. They often possess a quiet strength and resilience that enables them to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Their spiritual or philosophical orientation gives them a profound sense of purpose, and they frequently demonstrate exceptional loyalty to their beliefs, communities, and loved ones. These individuals tend to be thoughtful leaders who inspire through example rather than command.



Derforgalas tend to be thoughtful and introspective, with a natural wisdom that others often seek out for guidance. They combine practical sensibility with visionary thinking, making them effective in both everyday matters and long-term planning. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, meaningful connections with those they trust. Their service-oriented nature doesn't indicate weakness but rather a powerful commitment to making positive impacts in their spheres of influence. This combination of spiritual depth and practical capability makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both compassion and decisive action, whether in family life, community leadership, or professional settings.
Individuals named Estebe are typically characterized by strong leadership qualities, determination, and a natural inclination toward achievement. The name's meaning of 'victorious' often manifests in personality traits such as resilience, competitive spirit, and the ability to overcome challenges. These individuals tend to be strategic thinkers who approach life with purpose and direction, often setting high standards for themselves and others. Their inherent sense of honor and responsibility makes them reliable in positions of trust, while their communication skills enable them to effectively lead and inspire.



Beyond their ambitious nature, Estebes often possess a balanced character that combines strength with compassion. They understand that true victory involves not just personal achievement but also the well-being of their community. This makes them particularly effective in roles that require both determination and empathy. Their perseverance in the face of adversity is notable, as they view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. The historical and spiritual associations of the name often contribute to a sense of purpose and moral compass that guides their decisions and actions throughout life.
Women named Hrothnerta are typically perceived as possessing a rare combination of intellectual brilliance and strong leadership qualities. They tend to be natural scholars with deep curiosity about the world, often excelling in academic or spiritual pursuits. Their 'bright' nature manifests as both intellectual sharpness and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and wisdom. Hrothnertas are often drawn to positions where they can mentor others or preserve knowledge, showing particular aptitude for teaching, spiritual guidance, and cultural preservation.



The 'famous' aspect of their name suggests individuals who naturally command respect without seeking attention, often becoming influential figures in their communities through quiet competence rather than overt ambition. They typically possess strong moral convictions and are willing to defend their principles, yet they do so with diplomatic skill that minimizes conflict. Their leadership style tends to be collaborative rather than authoritarian, and they have a special talent for recognizing and nurturing potential in others. While they can be reserved in large groups, those who know them well appreciate their dry wit and deep loyalty to friends and family.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Jubair holds deep cultural significance in Islamic tradition as a name associated with several important early Muslim figures. The most prominent, Jubair ibn Mut'im, was a companion of Prophet Muhammad from the Quraysh tribe whose conversion represented a significant moment in Islamic history. His presence during key events and his narrations of hadith established the name's importance in Islamic scholarship. Throughout Islamic history, the name has been borne by scholars, military leaders, and community figures who contributed to the development and preservation of Muslim societies.



The name's continued usage across centuries demonstrates its enduring appeal within Muslim cultures. It represents a connection to early Islamic heritage and embodies values of faith, knowledge, and community leadership. In contemporary Muslim communities, choosing the name Jubair often reflects a desire to maintain cultural and religious traditions while honoring historical figures who exemplified Islamic virtues. The name serves as a living link to Islamic history, reminding bearers of their religious and cultural heritage while inspiring them to emulate the positive qualities associated with its historical namesakes.
Women named Luisa typically exhibit a remarkable combination of inner strength and outward warmth that makes them natural leaders and caregivers. They possess a quiet confidence that doesn't need to announce itself, yet their competence and reliability make them sought-after in both professional and personal contexts. Luisas are often the pillars of their families and communitiesdependable, practical, and emotionally intelligent enough to navigate complex relationships with grace.



Their personality blends traditional values with modern adaptability, allowing them to honor heritage while embracing progress. Luisas tend to be protective of those they love, demonstrating fierce loyalty and a willingness to fight for what's right. While they can be determined and persistent in pursuing goals, they balance this drive with compassion and emotional awareness. This unique combination of warrior spirit and nurturing heart makes Luisas both respected for their capabilities and cherished for their emotional depth and genuine care for others.
Women named Mathild are typically perceived as possessing a unique blend of strength and grace. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities, combined with a protective instinct toward those they care about. Their 'mighty battle maiden' etymology manifests in their approach to challengesthey face obstacles with determination and strategic thinking rather than brute force. Mathilds are known for their reliability and steadfastness, often becoming the rock in their social and professional circles.



Beneath their strong exterior, Mathilds usually possess deep emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. They balance their warrior spirit with diplomatic skills, making them excellent mediators and community builders. Their strength is not merely physical or assertive but encompasses moral courage and the ability to stand for principles. This combination makes them both respected and beloved figures in their communities, capable of inspiring others while maintaining personal integrity and warmth in relationships.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Mrinalini holds profound cultural significance in Hindu tradition, deriving from the Sanskrit word 'mrinal' meaning lotus stem. The lotus is among the most sacred symbols in Hinduism, representing purity, divine beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Indian scriptures and classical literature, the name appears frequently in poetic contexts, often associated with feminine grace and natural elegance. The lotus's unique characteristic of growing in muddy waters while remaining pristine makes it a powerful metaphor for spiritual purity amidst worldly challenges. Throughout Indian history, names derived from nature, particularly flowers, have been highly favored for their aesthetic appeal and symbolic depth, with Mrinalini perfectly embodying both botanical beauty and spiritual significance.



The name's cultural importance extends beyond religious contexts into artistic and literary realms. In classical Indian dance and music, the imagery of the lotus and its stem frequently appears in compositions describing feminine beauty and grace. Mrinalini as a name carries forward this rich cultural heritage, connecting modern bearers to ancient traditions of nature worship and spiritual symbolism. The name also reflects the Indian philosophical concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), where natural elements are seen as integral to human identity and spiritual development.
Those named Nemesis are typically characterized by intense moral conviction, strategic intelligence, and formidable determination. They possess a natural inclination toward justice and fairness, often serving as moral arbiters in their social and professional circles. Their personality combines analytical precision with deep emotional investment in their causes, making them both intellectually rigorous and passionately committed. While they can appear stern or uncompromising, this stems from their unwavering dedication to principle rather than personal rigidity. Nemesis-named individuals often demonstrate remarkable resilience in adversity and possess the courage to confront powerful opposition when they perceive injustice. They tend to be highly observant, with an ability to detect hypocrisy and moral inconsistency that others might overlook. Their strength lies in their capacity for sustained focus and their refusal to be deterred by obstacles or opposition. However, they must guard against becoming overly judgmental or developing a messianic complex, as their intense commitment to justice can sometimes blind them to nuance and compromise. In relationships, they value loyalty and integrity above all else and will fiercely protect those they care about from perceived threats or injustices.
Women named Okelani are often perceived as having a calm, ethereal presence that brings peace to those around them. They tend to be deeply intuitive and spiritually attuned, with a natural ability to understand others' emotions without words. Their connection to the 'heavenly' meaning of their name often manifests as wisdom beyond their years and a perspective that sees the bigger picture in challenging situations.



These individuals typically exhibit strong creative tendencies and may excel in artistic or healing professions. They are often described as having old souls with a gentle strength that guides others through difficult times. While they can be introspective and value quiet moments, they also possess a warm, welcoming nature that makes others feel comfortable and understood. Their combination of spiritual depth and practical compassion makes them natural counselors, artists, or community leaders.
Women named Orghlaith are often perceived as possessing regal qualities and natural leadership abilities. They tend to be confident, charismatic individuals with a strong sense of self-worth and dignity. The golden symbolism of the name suggests someone who is warm, radiant, and valued by those around them, often serving as a unifying presence in social or professional settings. Historically, the name's association with royalty and nobility implies traits of grace under pressure, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex social situations with diplomacy and tact.



These individuals are typically seen as having strong family loyalty and cultural pride, often serving as keepers of tradition while also embracing progressive ideas. Their golden nature suggests they bring light and value to any situation, with an innate ability to elevate and inspire those around them through their presence and actions. The combination of historical weight and golden symbolism creates an expectation of someone who balances traditional values with modern sensibilities, possessing both the strength to uphold principles and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Wheatley has deep roots in English Christian culture, originating as a surname that described families living near or working with wheat fields. The name carries agricultural significance, reflecting the importance of wheat as a staple crop in medieval England and symbolizing sustenance and provision. In Christian tradition, wheat holds biblical importance as a symbol of harvest, resurrection, and the Eucharist, making Wheatley a name that subtly connects to spiritual nourishment and God's provision.



Throughout history, bearers of this name were often associated with rural communities where agriculture and Christian faith were central to daily life, creating a cultural legacy of humility, hard work, and spiritual groundedness. The name appears in various historical records, particularly in regions known for grain production, and has been carried by clergymen, educators, and community leaders who embodied Christian values of service and stewardship.
(Above) Dewasis Dahal works in an SIU lab to calibrate hydraulic experiments using a flume from Little River Research & Design. (Photo courtesy of Little River Research & Design). Dahal does fieldwork at a lake few miles south of the SIU campus (middle photo) and in Nepal (bottom photo). (Fieldwork images courtesy of Dewasis Dahal)

SIU grad engineers solutions to protect communities from water-related disasters

by Tim Obermiller

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Growing up in Nepals flood-prone Terai region, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate Dewasis Dahal learned early that water can be both a lifeline and a threat. Monsoons make crops possible and refill wells. But on trips with his father  an executive at a nonprofit that supports community projects  Dahal also saw the other side of that seasonal rhythm: floods and landslides that uprooted families, damaged roads and bridges, and left rural communities without safe drinking water. Those moments planted a question that has stayed with him ever since: How can engineering help communities not just recover from water-related disasters, but adapt and prepare for what comes next?

When Dahal arrived at SIU in August 2023 to pursue a masters degree in civil engineering, he quickly caught the attention of Associate Professor Ajay Kalra. He stood out as a hard-working, curious student who was eager to learn and contribute, Kalra recalled. After taking Kalras courses in open-channel hydraulics and water resources engineering, Dahal joined the professors Water Resources Lab  and soon built a research record that is rare for a masters student, publishing more than 10 peer-reviewed journal articles, including four as lead author.

Much of Dahals research centers on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve flood prediction. Water problems often involve massive datasets  decades of rainfall records, soil moisture, land-use change and river discharge measured at fine time scales. Traditional methods alone struggle to capture the complexity, he said; machine learning can help identify patterns that would otherwise be difficult to detect.

Because his graduate research was done with tight budgets, Dahal became deliberate about choosing approaches others could use. He leaned on openly available data and efficient tools and focused on methods that can be implemented without expensive software or equipment. If a method is too costly or complex, it often stays on paper, he said. Designing low-cost, practical solutions became a core goal  so research can move beyond academia and make a difference on the ground.

Behind every dataset or model are real lives and real challenges, he said, and that mindset pushes him to ask better questions  and stay focused on why the work matters.

For one of his projects, Dahal analyzed climate dynamics and developed machine-learning models to improve flood forecasting in Sacramento, California  among the nations most flood-prone regions. Published in Hydroecology and Engineering, the research also earned the Top Poster Award at SIUs spring Creative Activities and Research Presentations, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Dewasis work reflects exactly what we aim to develop at SIU: a balance between theory, modeling and application, Kalra said. He added that SIU trains students to tackle applied problems, collaborate closely with faculty and peers, and learn by doing  not only by theory. That kind of environment, Kalra noted, prepares engineers to take on complex, fast-changing challenges like climate variability, flood risk and urban water management with both rigor and responsibility.

Research with real-world stakes

At Kathmandu University, where he earned a bachelors in environmental engineering, Dahal learned that water management isnt only technical  it connects directly to equity, safety and quality of life. His bachelors thesis examined Nepals first centralized wastewater treatment plant through a life-cycle assessment  work that could inform future plant design and policy decisions. Realizing the research might shape real infrastructure choices, he said, was deeply meaningful.

Dahal chose to advance his education at SIU Carbondale, attracted by its focused, welcoming environment and a full scholarship that allowed him to devote himself to graduate study. The transition to an American university was eased by support that began even before he arrived: Future lab mates helped with housing and logistics, and faculty checked in regularly.

Inside Kalras Water Resources Lab, Dahal found a culture built on collaboration and applied problem-solving. The lab is highly diverse, he said, and emphasizes working on real problems rather than only theoretical exercises.

SIUs emphasis on connecting learning to practice extended beyond the lab. Dahal researched flood mitigation and low-impact development strategies in the American Bottoms and East St. Louis  communities facing long-standing environmental and social challenges. The work explored how green infrastructure such as permeable pavement, bioswales and green roofs can reduce urban flooding while improving water quality. Projects like this showed me how technical analysis, when guided by purpose, can directly connect to peoples lives, Dahal said.

Dahal also interned with the Illinois Department of Transportations District 9 utilities team, gaining field experience, and collaborated with Carbondale-based Emriver Inc. to help calibrate hydraulic flumes used for education and research.

Engineering meets equity  and creativity

That practical focus is matched by an ethical one. Dahals early experiences in Nepal shaped a belief that vulnerable communities are often hit hardest by water-related disasters while having the least influence in planning and decision-making. If engineering solutions dont reach the people who face the highest risks, then they arent truly solving the problem, he said.

Colleagues describe Dahal as a poet at heart and an engineer by training, a characterization he embraces. He has performed slam poetry as a hobby, and he believes creativity helps him step back and view technical work through the perspective of the people affected.

Dahal credits Kalra with helping him build the confidence to become a published scholar and to think like an independent researcher. He recalls Kalras guiding philosophy: I will be successful when my students are successful. That support and willingness to give students independence, Dahal said, made it easier to take on ambitious projects and strengthen scientific arguments.

Kalra sees Dahals growth as a case study in what the field now demands. With climate variability increasing both flood and drought risk, and with urban sustainability requiring better water planning, engineers must be comfortable crossing traditional boundaries and working with uncertainty. Dahal, he said, learned to blend fundamental hydrology with modern data-driven approaches while staying grounded in real systems and real communities.

From campus to community impact

After completing his SIU coursework last spring, Dahal now applies those skills as a water resources engineer at Illinois-based Maurer-Stutz, working on projects such as two-dimensional hydraulic modeling to evaluate infrastructure and reduce flood impacts, and dam-breach analyses that support emergency planning. A December 2025 graduate, he sees that work as a continuation of the mission that drew him to the field: using engineering to protect communities as water risks grow more unpredictable.

Many of the worlds biggest challenges, like water, climate and energy, are still unsolved, he said. Even small efforts, when guided by care and purpose, can lead to meaningful change.
PRNewswire Singapore, January 7: Organised by Experia Events, Space Summit 2026 in Singapore (2-3 February) will serve as the primary staging ground for international industry leaders and space chiefs to define the next era of orbital commerce as the commercialisation of space technology gathers pace. The Summit arrives at a critical inflection point. The rapid growth of satellite constellations driven by lower launch costs and more mature space technologies is pushing the sector towards a more market-driven phase -- where execution, system integration, regulatory clarity and long-term commercial sustainability increasingly determine success. Against this backdrop, Space Summit 2026 will focus on the business models, investment frameworks and partnership structures required to scale activity across the space value chain. Discussions will examine how organisations are managing cost pressures, infrastructure readiness, regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations as activity in orbit accelerates. Featured Commercial Panels: From Launch to In-Space InfrastructureThe Summit will feature deep-dives into the three structural shifts reshaping the market: - Innovations in the Launcher BusinessNew, more affordable launch systems are making space more accessible. This panel examines how advances in launcher design, propulsion systems and manufacturing are reshaping the global launch market, particularly beyond the U.S. ecosystem. Featuring leaders from Agnikul, Equatorial Space, IHI Aerospace, Perigee Aerospace and PLD Space; the discussion will explore obtainable markets for emerging and regional launch providers, the role of reusability in improving economics and the strategic trade-offs between remaining a pure-play launcher business versus diversifying across the value chain. Panellists will also assess how supply-chain resilience, sustainability requirements and public-private partnerships are shaping competitiveness, alongside the market impact of next-generation, much larger launch vehicles. - The Next Frontier: Opportunities in the Future In-Space EconomyThis session focuses on how the in-space economy can translate innovation into near-term commercial value. With perspectives from Infinite Orbits, Transcelestial, Zero Error Systems, investment firm Speciale Invest, and NASA; the panel will examine which segments -- from in-orbit servicing and autonomous systems to microgravity manufacturing -- are most likely to scale first. Discussion will also address how early value is expected to be captured through high-value products, data and intellectual property as well as the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and financing models required to de-risk capital-intensive, long-horizon space ventures. - Asia Pacific Rising: Market Opportunities and Regional CapabilitiesWith Asia Pacific being one of the world's fastest-growing space markets, this panel highlights the region's expanding role across manufacturing, launch and downstream applications. Featuring companies including Addvalue, Eartheye, GomSpace and Satrec Initiative; the discussion will examine how diverse space economies, from established space powers to rapidly emerging players, are developing specialised capabilities and responding to strong regional demand for connectivity, disaster resilience and Earth observation services. The session will also explore investment priorities, cross-border partnerships and policy frameworks supporting private-sector growth, underscoring Asia Pacific's deeper integration into the global space value chain. Beyond these discussions, Space Summit 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme exploring commercial, regulatory and industry developments across the global space value chain. Keynotes & Leadership ParticipationSpace Summit 2026 will be attended by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as Guest of Honour. The Summit will also feature keynote insights from Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence & Space, outlining opportunities for next-generation system architectures, digital integration and cross-border collaboration. ST Engineering, a Founding Partner of Space Summit 2026, will contribute perspectives on capability development, talent pipelines and ecosystem collaboration across the regional and global space landscape. "As a Founding Partner of Space Summit 2026, ST Engineering believes that collaboration, talent development and cross-industry partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of the global space sector. The Summit provides a vital platform for connecting ideas, capabilities and people to drive the next phase of the industry's growth," said Goh Ing Nam, General Manager, Satellite Systems & Geo-Insights, ST Engineering. "Space has always symbolised possibility and pioneering, but today it is becoming a foundation for economic growth, environmental stewardship, national resilience and security, and for human progress. We are excited to engage with colleagues across the international space community at Space Summit 2026 to exchange perspectives on current industry developments," said Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus Defence & Space. Airbus Defence & Space, Senior Vice President - Head of Space Digital, Eric Even, will also be speaking on one of the panels. He will highlight the company's commitment to next-generation digital infrastructure and strategic collaboration across the space value chain. Strengthening Leadership Diversity Across the ProgrammeThe programme also features senior female executives from across satellite operations and space services, including Dr Gay Jane Perez, Officer-in-Charge, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); Alexandra Vidyuk, Chief Executive Officer & General Partner, Beyond Earth Ventures; Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Chief Executive Officer, Tototheo Global; Marion Andrieux, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Infinite Orbits; Isabel Liu, Co-founder & Vice President, GalaxySpace; Rebecca Levy, Asia Representative, NASA; and Tiana Desker, Deputy Executive Director, Office for Space Technology & Industry Singapore. Their participation reflects the growing role of women at the helm of decision-making across the global space ecosystem. Space Agencies Participating in Space Summit 2026Confirmed agencies for Space Summit 2026 include the: Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), European Space Agency (ESA), German Space Agency (DLR), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), NASA, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), UAE Space Agency (UAE SA) and Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). This reflects the Summit's growing role as a neutral platform for international dialogue on capability development, regulatory alignment and commercial growth across the global space ecosystem. Newly Confirmed Speakers for Space Summit 2026 include: - Airbus Defence and Space - Eric Even, Senior Vice President - Head of Space Digital - Amphitrite - Dr Alexandre Stegner, Chief Executive Officer - ArkEdge Space Inc. - Takayoshi Fukuyo, Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Astroscale Japan Inc. - Hideki Kato, President & Managing Director - Leonardo Space Division - Massimo Claudio Comparini, Managing Director, Space Division - CesiumAstro - Shey Sabripour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer - CONFERS - Joerg Kreisel, President - CSO Co., Ltd - Choi Youngwan, Chief Executive Officer - Cy4Gate - Luigi Schiuma, Group Chief Technical Officer - Delegation of the European Union to Singapore - Thibault Valentin, Policy Officer - Space and Earth Observation - IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. - Yuichi Noguchi, General Manager, Systems Engineering Group, Space Transportation Business Development Department - Infinite Orbits - Marion Andrieux, Chief Commercial Officer - LeoLabs - Maher Khoury, Senior Vice President, International Sales - Speciale Invest - Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner - Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) - David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology) - NASA - Rebecca Levy, NASA Asia Representative - SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation - Yo Shimizu, General Manager, Asia Regional Headquarters - STAR.VISION Aerospace - Noor Fan, Co-founder - Thaicom - Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer - Viasat - Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President Aircraft Operations & Advanced Air Mobility These new additions further strengthen the growing line-up of international space-agency leaders, industry CEOs and innovators confirmed for the event. They join the broader roster of speakers announced in our earlier update. Limited Sponsorship and Participation Opportunities RemainsWith strong interest from across the global space value chain, sponsorship and participation opportunities at Space Summit 2026 are running out. The Summit's exhibition will feature a curated mix of satellite operators, technology providers, launch and in-space infrastructure companies, and downstream solution providers, offering participants direct access to decision-makers from government, commercial and institutional sectors. Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to confirm their participation early as space is limited and allocations may be finalised without further notice. Event InformationEvent: Space Summit 2026 Dates: 2-3 February 2026Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands SingaporeWebsite: https://spacesummit.singaporeairshow.com/ Participation and SponsorshipFor more information about participation or sponsorship opportunities at Space Summit, please contact Experia Events at +65 6595 6320 and thiamjieang@experiaevents.com. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates: linkedin.com/company/spacesummit-singaporeairshow About Experia Events Pte LtdSpecialist in conceptualising, creating and curating trade events of strategic interest that spur industry development, Experia brings together captains of industries from all over the world to inspire ideas and influence decisions that move the needle in strategic issues for global, national and societal needs and progress. With its genesis in the Singapore Airshow, one of the most influential airshows globally, Experia's portfolio of events has expanded to span aerospace, defence, government, lifestyle and space sectors today. Experia is certified with a Data Protection Trustmark issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, ISO27001 Information Security Management System and the MICE Sustainability Certification. For more information, visit http://www.experiaevents.com About Space SummitSpace Summit is a premier international conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing global dialogue and collaboration in the space industry. The Summit will bring together leaders, innovators and policymakers to explore the technologies, partnerships and business models driving the next phase of space exploration and commercialisation. For more information on Space Summit, visit https://spacesummit.singaporeairshow.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Experience-led tourism is gaining momentum among India's Gen Z, as a survey done by travel portal Airbnb reveals that over 62 per cent of the country's Gen Z plans to travel for concerts and music festivals in 2026. According to an Airbnb press release, music is now a primary driver for domestic and international travel among young Indians, with 76 per cent of this demographic reporting they visited a city for the first time specifically to attend a live event. The study indicates that these travellers do not view concerts as isolated events but as a starting point for broader exploration. Approximately 53 per cent of Gen Z travellers extend their stay beyond the scheduled concert dates to engage with local neighbourhoods. This trend reflects a shift where cultural moments influence destination choices more than traditional seasonal calendars or long weekends. Economic impact from this cohort is substantial, as six out of ten young travellers express a willingness to allocate between 21 per cent and 40 per cent of their monthly income toward music-led experiences. On average, respondents spent Rs 51,000 on their most recent event-led trip. The preference for social travel is also high, with 70 per cent of respondents attending these events in groups or with friends. The geographic reach of concert tourism extends beyond Indian borders. More than 40 per cent of Gen Z travellers indicate a willingness to travel internationally for music events. Top considerations for these trips include the United States at 48 per cent, Asia at 46 per cent, and Europe at 45 per cent. Domestically, these events serve as a major tool for tourism dispersion, introducing travellers to new cultural districts and local businesses such as cafes and nightlife venues. Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said, "Growing interest in music concerts and festivals has paved the way for a new kind of traveller - someone who sees music as a gateway to discovering new destinations. This emerging form of exploration is reshaping traveller behaviour, driving a rising demand for stays that allow groups to spend time together, gather comfortably, and create memorable shared experiences which is perfectly aligned with what Airbnb offers." Large-format festivals like Lollapalooza India exemplify this behavioural shift. Data shows that 62 per cent of attendees say the festival's atmosphere keeps them coming back, while 98 per cent express an intent to return for future editions. Planning for these trips often begins early, with 36 per cent of Gen Z travellers starting their arrangements as soon as an event is announced. (ANI)
Nvidia's new AI computing platform makes a leap with new TSMC-made chips as the company moves into full production of its latest technology. Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang introduced the supercomputer platform on Monday, which features six concurrent chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the rollout marks a strategic departure from the company's previous development cycle of releasing only "one or two chips" at a time. Speaking during his keynote speech at the 2026 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Huang confirmed that the platform, named Vera Rubin, reached the production stage. "If Vera Rubin is going to be in time for this year, it must be in production by now. And so today I can tell you that Vera Rubin is in full production," the report quoted Huang. This transition follows a roadmap first teased during Huang's visit to Taiwan in August 2025, where he confirmed the designs were "taped out" at TSMC. He explained the necessity of this multi-chip development by citing the rapid growth of the industry. He said more than one or two new chips needed to be developed in a world where AI models are growing 10-fold, and the tokens generated are increasing five-fold annually. "It is impossible to keep up with those kinds of rates ... unless we deploy aggressive extreme co-design, innovating across all the chips, across the entire stack, all at the same time," the report quoted Huang. The Vera Rubin suite includes the Vera CPU, Rubin GPU, NVLink 6 Switch, ConnectX-9 SuperNIC, BlueField-4 DPU, and Spectrum-X Ethernet Switch. These components succeed the Blackwell architecture and utilize TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process. The flagship system of this platform is the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72, a liquid-cooled supercomputer weighing nearly 2 tons. The platform honours American astronomer Vera Rubin, whose work provided evidence of dark matter. Efficiency gains provided by the new system include a reduction in inference costs to one-seventh of the Blackwell platform. It also reduces the GPU count required for training Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models by 75 per cent. Huang previously described the Rubin as "revolutionary" because all six chips were new designs. "Leading AI labs, cloud service providers, and system builders, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Meta, Google, and Microsoft, are expected to be among the first to adopt the new platform, the company said in a press release on Monday. Meanwhile, another Taiwanese company, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), is said to be the main manufacturer of AI servers using Nvidia's Rubin platform," the report said. (ANI)
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) on Wednesday announced the commencement of a comprehensive study to compare vehicular fuels, as India evaluates multiple technology pathways to reduce transport emissions and tackle urban air pollution. Speaking to ANI, PNGRB Chairperson Anil Kumar Jain said the study is intended to support informed policymaking across levels of government and industry. "This study will inform chief ministers, it will inform the ministries in the government of India. It will also give a very clear perspective to the stakeholders, to the industry," Jain said on the sidelines of the launch of the study titled "Comparative Assessment of Vehicular Fuels in India's Energy Transition: A Multi-Dimensional Approach". According to the announcement, the study is being undertaken "under the aegis of PNGRB" as a joint effort involving Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), GAIL Gas, Gujarat Gas, Assam Gas, Green Gas, and the Association of City Gas Distribution Entities (ACE). TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute has been entrusted with conducting the study as an independent, non-profit research organisation. Highlighting the role of gaseous fuels, Jain said CNG and LNG would continue to be relevant in India's evolving energy landscape. "So, as I told you, there must be a setup which is driving electric, there is a set up which is driving hydrogen, there is a set up which is driving hybrid, so I am not minimizing their role, but CNG and LNG have also been identified as some of the fuels which will play a role in India's transport and energy economy. Especially in transition," he added. India has set a net-zero target for 2070, with transport among the hardest sectors to decarbonise. The announcement noted that transport contributes around 10 per cent of India's total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport accounting for 87 per cent of that share. The government also aims to raise natural gas's share in the energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030. Jain said policymakers require robust inputs amid competing options. "Decision makers need good inputs to their decision making, and there is confusion; there are multiple technologies," he said. Cautioning against uncontextualised electrification, he noted, "Our grid still has 70% electricity mix," adding that electrification has "direct impact... on the coal producing areas and coal plant areas." He also flagged import dependence, saying, "In the case of many technologies, the inputs, let's say solar panels, etc., have to be imported." TERI Director General Vibha Dhawan linked the transport transition to worsening pollution and climate risks. "The decisions that will be made today regarding fuels, technologies and infrastructure are going to shape the emission trajectories... over the coming decades." Dhawan warned of climate impacts, saying warming is bringing "more frequent and intense extreme weather events," while "accelerated glacier retreat threatens the long-term water security." She noted that transport emissions "often contribute between 20-50% of PM2.5 concentrations in major Indian cities," and cited estimates that ambient air pollution caused "over 1.6 million premature deaths in India in 2019" with economic and social costs of USD 28.8 billion. (ANI)
VMPL Leh (Ladakh) [India], January 7: BizareXpedition, a leading Himalayan travel specialist, today announced the launch of its expanded 2026 Ladakh tour portfolio, introducing structured, experience-centric itineraries designed to simplify travel planning in one of India's most dramatic high-altitude regions. The refreshed lineup emphasizes safe acclimatization, seamless logistics, and deeper cultural and landscape immersion. The centerpiece of the 2026 collection is the company's signature Leh-Nubra-Pangong circuit, a six-day itinerary crafted to balance gradual altitude adjustment with Ladakh's most celebrated highlights, including Khardung La Pass, the dunes of Hunder, and Pangong Tso's turquoise expanse. "Ladakh is a destination that demands respect for its geography and altitude," said a spokesperson for BizareXpedition. "Our 2026 packages are designed so that whether travelers are on a solo bike expedition or planning a family holiday, they experience the region's soul-stirring landscapes without worrying about permits, routing, or complex logistics." Highlights of the 2026 Ladakh Portfolio * Signature Circuits Curated Leh-Nubra-Pangong itineraries featuring monastery visits, cultural interactions, and optional lakeside camping experiences. * Overland Expeditions Classic trans-Himalayan road journeys along the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Kargil-Leh routes, combining adventure with scenic diversity. * Adventure and Niche Experiences Specialized departures for motorbike expeditions, winter snow adventures, astro-tourism and stargazing at Hanle, and photography-focused journeys. * End-to-End Travel Support Comprehensive assistance covering accommodation, inner-line permits, local transport, acclimatization-conscious routing, and on-ground coordination by regional experts. BizareXpedition noted that the renewed portfolio responds to increasing traveler interest in experiential travel over checklist tourism, with itineraries designed to allow unhurried appreciation of Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and living Himalayan heritage. About BizareXpedition BizareXpedition is a travel company specializing in customized Himalayan and pan-India experiential journeys. Known for its structured planning, local partnerships, and safety-first approach in high-altitude terrains, the company curates group, private, and adventure-focused itineraries across India's mountain regions. For More Information To explore the 2026 Ladakh tour packages, visit:https://bizarexpedition.in/india/ladakh-tour-packages Media Contact: BizareXpedition Email: info@bizarexpedition.com Website: https://bizarexpedition.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday strongly condemned sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), saying that "the offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU". He asserted that such "wicked intentions that speak the language of breaking the country" would be crushed. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "The offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU. We will crush such wicked intentions, which stand with the country's traitors, with those who speak the language of breaking the country." His remarks came after a group of JNU students, on Monday, raised slogans against Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on campus, following the Supreme Court's denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. During the same interaction, Fadnavis also responded to a statement by Union Minister C R Patil suggesting that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Patidar community. Distancing himself from any such claim, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said he was unaware of Patil's exact remarks but made it clear that Shivaji Maharaj transcended caste and community identities. "I don't know what CR Patil said. But Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not belong to any one community. Great men do not belong to any particular community; they have no caste. These great men belong to the entire country. Today I am able to say my name is Devendra Fadnavis because Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was here. It is not right to divide great men in this way," he said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan criticised the continued incarceration of activist Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Speaking in Mumbai, Chavan described the denial of bail to the two as "quite a controversial decision". "The government has decided not to grant them bail. Incarcerating them for a long time without trial is contrary to what the Supreme Court has been saying," Chavan said to ANI. Chavan argued that they should be tried in a court of law and allowed to defend themselves. "My point is that they should be tried in the court of law. The entire world is looking at India and the state of democracy and freedom of speech in India. I think it doesn't speak well of the way the Indian state treats the protestors. They should be allowed to defend themselves in the court of law, but they are being held without trial," he added. On Monday, the Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case about an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. However, the SC granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, and Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for not taking a stand following US President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that they are "scared of Trump." Owaisi commented on the BJP leader's silence over Trump's statement, adding, "The BJP people get scared the moment Trump's name comes up. It has been 24 hours, and they have gone completely mute. Say something at least! When will you speak up?" Owaisi's remarks come a few days after President Trump, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (local time), said it was important for India to keep him happy on the issue of Russian Oil Imports. "PM Modi's a very good man. He's a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly," Trump said. Slamming BJP leaders for being "mute" on the issue, Owaisi added, "He is the PM of 133 crore people. It has been 24 hours, but the BJP people are mute. They are scared of speaking about him. There is something called respect, not of an individual but of the country. Nobody can disrespect our country...Say something." He further said that BJP leaders only address matters related to religion but keep a blind eye to matters of national interest. "You will speak on Hindu-Muslim, on love jihad, you will say that someone is Bangladeshi. You will be silent on farmers' deaths, on youth unemployment, on Trump's statement," Owaisi asserted while addressing a public campaign meeting ahead of the BMC elections. Furthermore, Owaisi expressed his confidence in winning the much awaited 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, saying that the party has been getting a very good response, "wherever it fielded its candidate in the municipal corporation elections." Speaking to the media after addressing the meeting, Owaisi said, "Wherever we have fielded our candidates in the municipal corporation elections, we have been getting a very good response. Our party will have many municipal corporators..." (ANI)
Amid concerns over drinking water contamination in Indore, which led to the death of hundreds, several families have said that they are going to leave the city, and others are planning to leave the city, only to return after the situation improves. Speaking to ANI, Shubham Kori, a local resident, said, "When our child's health deteriorated, we immediately took him to the hospital. Now we are going to our village and will return here once the situation here improves. Three people in our house have fallen ill." Another resident, Rekha Raghuvanshi, echoed the grievances, stating, "If the water problem here is not resolved, we too will leave our home. We are not getting water. The water tanker doesn't reach our place, and therefore we are buying water to drink." Meanwhile, on Tuesday, heavy police were deployed in Bhagirathpura as MP Assembly LoP Umang Singhar and MP Congress President Jitendra (Jitu) Patwari visited the Bhagirathpura area in Indore and met residents and families affected in the contaminated water incident. DCP Rajesh Vyas of Zone-3 said, "More than 150 police personnel have been deployed here. The police's effort is to ensure that public order is fully maintained. Some incidents have occurred here in the last few days. To keep emergency arrangements fully in place here, the police force has been deployed. No permission for demonstrations has been given in this entire area." Meanwhile, during their visit, the Congress leaders slammed the state-BJP government over the incident, accusing that the incident had tarnished the image of Indore, which was known for its cleanliness and ranked first across the nation. Speaking to reporters, Jitu Patwari said, "Not just 17, more deaths occurred in the incident here. The most painful thing is that Indore was ranked number one in cleanliness and earned recognition across the world, but this incident has tarnished the name of the city. The Mayor's Council, the Mohan Yadav government and its ministers are responsible for tarnishing Indore's image. Earlier, Indore was known for discussions on cleanliness; now it is being talked about for poison." Additionally, Patwari also stressed that it was his responsibility to meet the victim and raise their voice. "At this time, my responsibility is to meet with the victims, to stand by them, and to raise their voice in the country and the state; that is precisely why we are going," the Congress chief said. Later, LoP Umang Singhar visited Chacha Nehru Hospital to inquire about the health of the affected children and also interacted with families whose children were undergoing treatment. Congress leader Singhar accused the state government of being insensitive and claimed that the Opposition would raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session. "I believe the way this incident occurred and the government showed insensitivity, is certainly a blot on Indore. I want to say to the people of Indore that water is supplied to your areas through pipelines as well, and be aware that water like that of Bhagirathpura could reach you too. We will thoroughly examine the facts of this matter and will definitely question the government in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly as to why the people of Indore are being made to suffer for your [government's] mistakes," Singhar said. He further added, "I believe that on such a sensitive issue, this is not a matter of BJP versus Congress, but a humanitarian issue, and human sensitivity should take precedence. The water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura has sparked widespread criticism as it claimed several lives and many families were affected by it. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all the affected people. (ANI)
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Tuesday issued a clarification regarding his remarks about late former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, following a strong reaction from actor Riteish Deshmukh, the son of the former CM. Chavan, while addressing an election rally in Latur on Monday, expressed confidence in the party's prospects in the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections, citing strong enthusiasm among party workers in Latur and suggested that the influence and legacy of Vilasrao Deshmukh would no longer hold sway in the city. Clarifying his remarks, Chavan, in a video statement released by his office, said his comments were not intended to disrespect Vilasrao Deshmukh. "Vilasrao Deshmukh was a very tall leader, and my statement was in no way against him," he said. Chavan explained that his remarks during an election rally in Latur were aimed at highlighting the contrast between Congress' campaign strategy, which he said was centred around Vilasrao Deshmukh's legacy, and the BJP's focus on developmental works by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra. "Everyone, raise your hands and say Bharat Mata ki Jai... In a true sense, seeing your enthusiasm, one can notice that it's a 100% fact that memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out for this city, and there is no doubt about it," Ravindra Chavan said. "When I reached in Latur, I saw that overall, Congress campaign for Municpal election was completely centralised on just Vilas Rao Deshmukh and his personality, so there was one Congress agenda of seeking votes only in name of Vilasrao Deshmukh and on the other hand, we BJP have developmental works done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fernandes in Maharashtra, so I was trying to compare the agenda of both parties which can take the city forward with vision of development. So I made that statement," he said. Regretting saying that statement, Chavan further added, "When I saw the statement of Vilas Rao Deshmukh's son (Actor Ritesh Deshmukh), who is my good friend, I want to only say that if my statement had hurt his (Ritesh's) sentiments, I regret that statement. But I had no intention to demean the late Vilas Rao Deshmukh ji." The clarification comes after Riteish Deshmukh, on Tuesday, reacted strongly to Chavan's remarks about his late father and former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, saying that what is merely written can be erased, but memories etched in people's hearts cannot be erased. Responding to his remarks, Deshmukh, in an emotional video, said, "I say this with folded hands: the name of a person who lives for the people remains engraved in their hearts. What is merely written can be erased, but what is engraved can never be removed. Jai Maharashtra." Vilasrao Deshmukh, a prominent Congress leader in Maharashtra, served as the state's 14th Chief Minister, holding office in two terms--from October 18, 1999, to January 16, 2003, and later from November 1, 2004, to December 5, 2008. The political battle in Maharashtra has intensified ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal corporation elections across the state. Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI)
Following the acceptance of her resignation, the Legislative Secretary issued an official notice confirming it.

Kalvakuntla Kavitha was elected as an MLC from the Nizamabad Local Authorities constituency in 2021. She had earlier tendered her resignation from both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party and her MLC post on September 3.

On Monday, Kavitha addressed the Legislative Council and formally requested the Chair to accept her resignation, bringing an end to her tenure in the Upper House.

The development marks a significant political moment in Telangana, particularly in the context of changes within the BRS party and the state's legislative landscape.

A day earlier, Kavitha had appealed to all sections of society to join hands towards achieving a 'Samajika Telangana'.

According to an official release from K Kavitha's office, leaders from various organisations, including the Telangana Movement JAC, employee unions, caste associations, and student organisations, have pledged their support to Kavitha, stating that a party focused on Telangana's identity is needed in the state.

A large gathering of Telangana Jagruti activists, supporters and representatives from various organisations met Kavitha at the Telangana Jagruti office in Banjara Hills, expressing solidarity and backing her leadership. The event was marked by slogans of "Jai Kavithakka" and an electric atmosphere.

Kavitha greeted everyone and thanked the gathering. She assured that her struggle would align with the aspirations of Telangana's people and appealed for support to build a democratic movement.

Representatives from various organisations, including Singareni workers, government employees, BC organisations, and student unions, assured Kavitha of their full support, stating that a party under her leadership would bring welfare to all sections of Telangana's society. (ANI)
Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora on Wednesday expressed concern over the recent killing of Hindus and related incidents in Bangladesh and claimed the political situation in the neighbouring country to be "extremely bad". Speaking to reporters in Golaghat, the senior Assam Cabinet minister and president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh was not new, but must be condemned strongly. "The killings of Hindus in Bangladesh have been happening for a long time. It is not something new. But we condemn these incidents," Bora said. He further stated that the security situation along the India-Bangladesh border had improved compared to earlier years. "Earlier, there were a lot of infiltrations, but now the numbers have come down. At present, the BSF and Assam Police are maintaining high alert," he said. Bora cautioned that developments in Bangladesh may pose a risk to Assam's indigenous population and India's territorial integrity. "Bangladesh is indeed creating a threat to the local people of Assam and to the integrity of India. Therefore, the Government of India should take strong steps," he said. Referring to security concerns, the minister added that "jihadi elements are active," but assured that Assam Police is maintaining strict vigilance. As the date of the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh draws nearer, communal violence is increasing at an alarming rate. In December alone, at least 51 incidents of violence were reported. These included 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, 23 incidents involving the occupation of homes, business establishments, temples and land, looting and arson, four cases of arrest and torture on false allegations of religious defamation and being "agents of RAW", one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in a statement. The trend of violence has continued into the first week of January this year. On January 2, 96 decimals of paddy land belonging to Satya Ranjan Das in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were set on fire. On January 3, businessman Khokan Chandra Das was hacked and set on fire, leading to his death in Shariatpur. On the same day at dawn, the family of Milan Das in Ward No. 4 of Amuchia Union under Boalkhali Upazila in Chattogram was held hostage during a robbery. A similar incident occurred the same day at Sanu Das's home in Homna, Cumilla, from which 10 bhori of gold ornaments, 12 bhori of silver, and cash totalling 20,000 taka were looted, the statement said. On January 4, a gold trader named Shubho Poddar was gagged, and approximately 30 bhori of gold ornaments were looted from his shop. On the same day in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a 40-year-old Hindu widow was raped, tied to a tree, and tortured by having her hair cut off.Religious extremists have demanded the removal of Annapurna Debnath, the District Commissioner and Returning Officer of Kurigram, labelling her a collaborator of a fascist government and a member of ISKCON for properly carrying out her election-related duties, the statement said. Also on that day, local NCP leader MA Tafsir and his associate Manjurul Alam were arrested by police while attempting to extort money from the home of Santosh Kumar Roy in Bareya village of Bochaganj Upazila in Dinajpur. On January 5, a 37-year-old ice factory businessman, Rana Pratap Bairagi, was publicly shot and had his throat slit after being called out from his business premises in Monirampur, Jashore. On the same day, grocery shop owner Mani Chakraborty was brutally stabbed to death by miscreants in Palash, Narsingdi, it said.Many more such horrifying incidents have already occurred across the country, the full details of which have yet to be obtained, it added. The Central Committee of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad has expressed deep anger, concern and strong condemnation over the severity of communal violence. The Parishad said minority communities across the country are gripped by fear and anxiety about an uncertain future and have become apprehensive about being able to cast their votes freely and without obstruction in the upcoming parliamentary elections. It believes that communal miscreants are carrying out these acts nationwide in an ongoing manner to forcibly prevent minority voters from exercising their right to vote for candidates of their choice. The Parishad has urgently demanded that the government and the Election Commission take immediate action to stop these acts. (ANI)
Amid the controversy surrounding an audio clip related to the 2022 Ankita Bhandari case, actress Urmila Sanawar, who had been missing along with her husband, former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, arrived in Dehradun on Tuesday. Sanawar has several cases registered against her under multiple sections at several police stations in Dehradun and Haridwar. The police have also issued a notice to Urmila Sanawar for questioning in the matter. In this matter, Dharmendra Kumar, President of the Shiromani Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth, has filed a case at Bahadrabad police station against Urmila Sanawar and Suresh Rathore, accusing them of damaging the image of a BJP leader. On Tuesday, amid a controversy surrounding the purported viral audio clip in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that delivering justice to Uttarakhand's daughter has been the state government's highest priority. He stated that the government has acted with utmost seriousness, sensitivity, and transparency in this matter. Responding to questions on the Ankita Bhandari case during a press conference held at the Media Centre in the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said that to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into this heinous crime, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of woman officer Renuka Devi, which examined all aspects of the case in depth. As a result of the government's strong and effective legal advocacy, all three accused have been awarded life imprisonment. He further stated that the investigation conducted by the SIT constituted by the state government has not only been found satisfactory by the trial court but has also received affirmation from the High Court and the Supreme Court, reflecting the investigation's fairness and robustness. Chief Minister Dhami said attempts are underway to create an unnecessary atmosphere in the state based on an alleged audio clip. In contrast, the judicial process has already reached its logical conclusion, and the guilty have been given stringent punishment. On the issue of a CBI inquiry, the Chief Minister clarified that while the sentiments of the entire state are associated with Ankita, the ones most deeply affected by this tragic incident are her parents. He said he would speak with Ankita's parents and that any further decision would be made only after taking their emotions, pain, and expectations into account. The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's full commitment to the safety, dignity, and justice of daughters. (ANI)
Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR against unknown persons in connection with the stone-pelting incident at Turkman Gate, where a police team came under attack during an official action in the area. According to the police, approximately 10 people have been detained to date in connection with the incident. The FIR has been lodged against unidentified individuals, though investigators have identified four to five suspects based on preliminary assessment. Efforts are underway to establish the identities of the stone-pelters using CCTV footage, ground visuals, and body camera recordings of police personnel. Police officials said further legal action will be taken once the identification process is completed and sufficient evidence is gathered. Meanwhile, tensions were also reflected in local reactions. A local told ANI, "The Barat Ghar was built later; earlier, there used to be a graveyard..."The people from Dargah built the Barat Ghar after removing the graveyard. There used to be a graveyard here earlier...The Barat Ghar should not have been built here." The situation in the area remains under control, with police maintaining a deployment to prevent further disturbances, officials said. Earlier, four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries after stones were pelted during an MCD demolition drive on encroached land near Turkman Gate early Wednesday, police said. "The action is still ongoing. MCD is doing the demolition. We have deployed our security staff. The action started around 1 am. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Overall, the process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we receive the CCTV, ground, and body camera footage, we will identify the perpetrators and take legal action., DCP Nidhin Valsan said. Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, told ANI, "During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured, minimal use of force, restoring normalcy without escalation. "Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the City S.P. Zone (CSPZ), Vivek Agarwal, said, "The action has been taken following the orders of the Court. The action was carried out overnight; the structure spanned 4,000 square metres, and 32 JCBs were used to demolish it. We will try to clear the demolition waste. No one was hurt during the stone pelting. The police worked very well and controlled the situation. Police officials said the situation in the area remains under control and adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth completion of the demolition drive. Pursuant to the directions of the High Court of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, according to an official statement from Delhi Police. "To ensure smooth conduct of the demolition programme and to maintain public order, comprehensive law and order arrangements were put in place by Delhi Police. The entire area was meticulously divided into nine zones, each placed under the supervision of an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate deployment of police force was made at all sensitive points," the statement read. Before the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. All possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken, according to Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma. However, officials said a "few miscreants" attempted to create a disturbance by pelting stones, and the situation was promptly brought under control through "measured and minimal use of force. "During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation," Verma said in the official statement. Delhi Police remains committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional and sensitive manner, the statement added. Meanwhile, authorities deployed approximately 17 bulldozers to remove the unauthorised structures in the area. (ANI)
Rapid Action Force was deployed on Wednesday near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area of the national capital after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive at an encroached site, following directions of the Delhi High Court. Stone pelting was reported in the area, prompting heightened security, according to the police. Four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries after stones were pelted during an MCD demolition drive on encroached land near Turkman Gate, police said. "The action is still ongoing. MCD is doing the demolition. We have deployed our security staff. The action started around 1 am. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Overall, the process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we receive the CCTV, ground, and body camera footage, we will identify the perpetrators and take legal action," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nidhin Valsan said. Police officials said the situation in the area remains under control and adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth completion of the demolition drive. Before the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. All possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken, according to Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma. However, according to officials, a "few miscreants" attempted to create a disturbance by stone pelting, with the situation being promptly brought under control through "measured and minimal use of force." Delhi Police remains committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional and sensitive manner, the statement added. Meanwhile, authorities deployed approximately 17 bulldozers to remove the unauthorised structures in the area. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday penned a short poem in support of jailed activist Umar Khalid after the Supreme Court denied bail to the latter in an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. Mahua Moitra shared the poem in a post on X, titled "You will rise, Umar Khalid." https://x.com/MahuaMoitra/status/2008730014309904769?s=20 "You Will Rise, Umar Khalid. You may write me (Umar Khalid) down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt, But still, like dust, I'll rise... You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise," she said. The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case about an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. However, the SC granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, and Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad. Earlier, a group of JNU students allegedly raised slogans against Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on campus after the Supreme Court denied bail. The action drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis saying that "the offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU". He asserted that such "wicked intentions that speak the language of breaking the country" would be crushed. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "The offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU. We will crush such wicked intentions, which stand with the country's traitors, with those who speak the language of breaking the country." BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala, condemning the slogans, said Congress and Left parties are an "anti-India urban naxal gang," alleging they prioritise individuals like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam and their vote-bank politics over national security. "This shows that they are an anti-India urban naxal gang which always keeps people like Umar and Sharjeel and their vote bank above national security...Be it Congress or Left or their ecosystem in JNU, they always stand with anti-India elements," Poonawala told ANI. Besides Poonawala, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood also criticised the alleged sloganeering against PM Modi and Amit Shah at JNU on Monday, calling the incident "unfortunate" and "condemnable." "This kind of sloganeering after rejection of the bail plea of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam is unfortunate and condemnable... Sharjeel Imam talked about cutting off the Chicken's Neck corridor to separate Northeast India. Umar Khalid raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge'... I consider this treason," Sood told reporters. (ANI)
Taking a dig at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell, state LoP Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday said that she either needs mental treatment or needs to go to the Supreme Court. Adhikari's remarks come amidst the ongoing tussle between the BJP and TMC over the Special Intensive Revision in the poll-bound state. "She needs a bit of mental treatment. She needs mental treatment; otherwise, she will have to go to the Supreme Court," Adhikari told ANI. The BJP leader also paid tribute to the fallen heroes who gave up their lives in the Nandigram movement in East Medinipur. He further mentioned that he prayed for a change in Bengal, which didn't happen in 2011, asserting that it is the demand of the people. "On this day in 2007, a farmers' movement took place in Nandigram, in which many people were brutally murdered. That is why we observe Martyrs' Day here every year... 31 families have come here. Today, voices were raised here as well. The real change did not happen in 2011; this time, real change is needed. This is the demand of the people," he said. The Nandigram Kisan Movement of 2007 was a major agrarian uprising in West Bengal, triggered by the state government's plan to acquire fertile farmland for a proposed chemical Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The agitation reached its peak on March 14, 2007, when police firing on protesters resulted in the deaths of 14 villagers. Earlier on January 5, Mamata Banerjee slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive in the state, saying that ECI is "running on WhatsApp." Her remarks come after laying of the foundation stone for the Ganganagar Setu over the Muriganga river. Addressing a public gathering in Gangasagar, Banerjee said, "The Election Commission is running on WhatsApp. I am very sorry to say this, but one day such an Election Commission will vanish." (ANI)
A Delhi court at Saket has granted bail to the directors of the Indian Institute of Psychometry in connection with the alleged ITBP recruitment paper leak case, observing that continued incarceration would serve no useful purpose once the investigation stood completed. The bail orders were passed on January 5, 2026, by Dr Nupur Gupta, Chief Judicial Magistrate, South East District, Saket Courts, in separate applications filed by the accused Shubendu Kumar Paul and Jaydeep Goswami. Both accused are stated to be directors of the Indian Institute of Psychometry. As per the order, the accused had been in judicial custody since September 20, 2025. The court noted that the charge-sheet in the case had already been filed and that the Investigating Officer had not sought any further custodial interrogation of the accused. The court further observed that the trial was likely to take considerable time to conclude. "Since there appears to be no requirement of the accused for any further custodial interrogation and no fruitful purpose would be served by keeping them behind bars, the present bail applications deserve to be allowed," the court held, while clarifying that no opinion was being expressed on the merits of the case. Accordingly, the court directed that Shubendu Kumar Paul and Jaydeep Goswami be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each with one surety of the like amount. The accused have been directed to appear before the trial court on every date of hearing, not to tamper with evidence or attempt to influence witnesses, and not to leave the country without prior permission of the court. Advocates Anil Baisoya, Tariq Ahmed and Vinay Vats appeared for the accused, while the prosecution opposed the bail pleas on the ground that the allegations were serious in nature and there was a possibility of the accused jumping bail. However, the court found that the completion of the investigation and prolonged custody tilted the balance in favour of granting bail. The Delhi Crime Branch had arrested five persons in September, including directors of the Indian Institute of Psychometry (IIP), in connection with the 2021 ITBP constable recruitment paper leak. The institute, which had been awarded the contract to conduct the examination, was responsible for setting, printing and handling question papers and OMR sheets for the written test held on January 10, 2021, across 13 cities. The Crime Branch action followed a complaint by the ITBP recruitment wing, which alleged that despite the exam being centrally conducted, the question paper had surfaced in PDF form on WhatsApp even before the test, raising serious concerns over the integrity of the recruitment process. (ANI)
BJP leader ANS Prasad on Wednesday accused Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy of insulting the judiciary over his remarks on the Madras High Court's Thiruparankundram Deepam verdict. He urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to dismiss him and respect the court's order. His remarks follow S Regupathy's statement that the state government will approach the Supreme Court challenging the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court's verdict in the Thiruparankundram Deepam case. "By comparing the sacred temple lamp pillar to a cremation ground, he has insulted the judiciary, the Hon'ble Judges, and the dignity of the court, an unforgivable act. Chief Minister Stalin must dismiss Minister Regupathy immediately. Instead of limiting himself to a lawful statement, "We will appeal to the Supreme Court", the Minister distorted the verdict, questioned how it should have been delivered, and improperly advised the judiciary," Prasad said in a statement. "The Tamil Nadu Government must respect this historic verdict that upholds dharma, temple traditions, and religious harmony, rather than challenge it for minority vote-bank politics. Adhering to Perarignar Anna's core principles of duty, dignity, and discipline, Chief Minister MK Stalin must immediately respect the Madras High Court verdict, abandon communal vote-bank politics, prioritise religious harmony, unconditionally withdraw the planned Supreme Court appeal, and thereby safeguard Tamil Nadu's peace, prosperity, and unity, failure to act would betray Anna's legacy and undermine both judicial authority and constitutional values," the statement reads. A day earlier, the Regupathy stated that there is no established practice of lighting a lamp atop the Thiruparankundram hills and claimed that the decision goes against the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Regupathy said the state disagrees with the ruling that permits the lighting of the lamps on the "Deepathoon" at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. "There is no practice regarding the lighting of the lamp at the top of the Thiruparankundram Hills. It is against the feelings of the Tamil Nadu people. We are going to the Supreme Court," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Madurai bench, comprising Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, upheld an earlier order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan. The bench observed that the district administration should have viewed the issue as an opportunity to promote harmony between communities through mediation. The court also underlined that the Thiruparankundram hill is a protected site and any activity carried out there must strictly comply with the relevant provisions of the law. Clarifying its position, the court said that the lamp may be lit on the Deepathoon, subject to conditions, and that the number of persons allowed can be regulated after consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India. (ANI)
Based on intelligence input, a team of Cachar district police on Tuesday launched an operation at Jirighat PHE road area and apprehended a woman.

"One woman, namely Rahenliu of Tamenglong in Manipur, was apprehended at Jirighat PHE Road. During a search, 20,000 Yaba tablets weighing 2155.2 grams were recovered and seized from her possession," said Partha Protim Das, Senior Superintendent of Police of Cachar district.

He added that the seizure was carried out in the presence of independent witnesses, strictly in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act.

According to a press release, reacting to the development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X, "We are squeezing the drugs network in Assam to save our youth from going down the path of misery. Based on reliable inputs, @cacharpolice apprehended a woman and seized 20,000 YABA tablets worth 3cr from her possession."

On the other hand, in a separate operation, Cachar district police on Monday night apprehended five persons and seized 406 grams of heroin.

"Based on source input, an anti-narcotics operation was conducted at Sunabarighat Bypass area, Silchar-Aizawl Road. One pickup and one car were intercepted, leading to the recovery of 40 boxes of heroin, net weight 406 grams, from the secret chamber of the Bolero pickup. Five persons apprehended in this regard and they were identified as - Kamrul Islam (23 years old), Halim Uddin (25 years old), Hmun Pui (50 years old), Sarmina Parbin (22 years old) and Lalthanpui (41 years old)," Partha Protim Das said.

He said that the vehicle was coming from the Champai district of Mizoram. Further legal action is underway to find out the forward and backward linkages. (ANI)
Pattali Makkal Katchi chief Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form the government in Tamil Nadu in the 2026 Assembly elections. Earlier today, AIADMK general secretary Edapaddi K. Palaniswami confirmed that the PMK has joined hands with the NDA for the polls Ramadoss mentioned that Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) were able to win the previous three elections as the opposition was fragmented; however, in the present time, under Palaniswami's leadership, it has united, and more parties are expected to join the NDA. "We will form the government with a thumping majority...DMK won the last three elections because the opposition was fragmented, now we have a very good opposition under the AIADMK and more parties will also join us," A Ramadoss told reporters. Further, the PMK supremo said he met with the AIADMK general secretary to confirm his inclusion in the NDA, adding that his party will contest the election under Palaniswami's leadership. He said that the Tamil Nadu people are very angry with the ruling DMK regime, stressing that women's safety, farmers, and unemployment are key issues in the state. "Today I met the leader of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami and confirmed the alliance of Pattali Makkal Katchi with the AIADMK-led front for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections and we will contest the elections under the leadership of the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and we will come to power...The people of Tamil Nadu are very angry with the ruling party DMK, women safety, farmers are very angry, unemployment, and social justice are issues," Ramadoss told reporters. Earlier in the day, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami announced the inclusion of Pattali Makkal Katchi in the state's National Democratic Alliance ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu elections. Addressing a press briefing in Chennai alongside PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss, Palaniswami asserted that they are already in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and expressed the possibility of including more parties in their bloc. "The PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, has also joined the NDA alliance; more parties are also expected to join the alliance. Our alliance is a victory alliance," Palaniswami told reporters. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in the first half of this year. (ANI)
Delhi Police detained a person from the area near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where the MCD carried out a demolition drive on Tuesday night. While the Delhi Police was taking the person away, he told the media that he was just on his way to buy medicines, because of his familiarity with the area. Claiming to be from Uttar Pradesh, the man alleged that he wasn't even given a chance to turn away. The person being taken away said, " I was just on my way to buy medicines, they told me to take another way, but I didn't know where to go, as I am only accustomed to this area. Now, they have detained me without giving me a chance to turn away. I am originally from Uttar Pradesh. I work here." Deputy Commissioner of the City S.P. Zone (CSPZ), Vivek Agarwal, provided details on the recent demolition drive, noting that the matter had been pending in the High Court for a long time and that action was taken only after the court's orders. He said with ANI on Wednesday, "This matter had been pending in the High Court for a long time. Action was taken after the High Court's order. This was approximately 36,400 square feet. There was a two-story wall surrounding it with a single-story structure built on top... The land owned by the mosque is safe. An adequate police force was provided. Senior police officers were also present at the site throughout the night. Our team was given complete security. There was an incident of stone-pelting at night, but the police were fully prepared. We used 32 JCBs, four excavators, pneumatic hammers, and several trucks. No member of our team was harmed." Earlier, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday said that the action was carried out strictly in accordance with the law, reacting to the demolition drive and incidents of stone pelting in the national capital. Speaking with ANI, he stated that the demolition was undertaken in accordance with clear directions from the High Court and that all due procedures were followed. Khandelwal emphasised that the authorities acted within the legal framework and no arbitrary action was taken during the drive.BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "The action was taken following the orders of the High Court. The entire action was taken as per law". Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR against unknown persons in connection with the stone-pelting incident at Turkman Gate, where a police team came under attack during an official action in the area. Police officials said further legal action will be taken once the identification process is completed and sufficient evidence is gathered.Meanwhile, tensions were also reflected in local reactions. A local told ANI, "The Barat Ghar was built later; earlier, there used to be a graveyard..."The people from Dargah built the Barat Ghar after removing the graveyard. There used to be a graveyard here earlier...The Barat Ghar should not have been built here."The situation in the area remains under control, with police maintaining a deployment to prevent further disturbances, officials said. Earlier, four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries after stones were pelted during an MCD demolition drive on encroached land near Turkman Gate early Wednesday, police said"The action is still ongoing. MCD is doing the demolition. We have deployed our security staff. The action started around 1 am. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Overall, the process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we receive the CCTV, ground, and body camera footage, we will identify the perpetrators and take legal action., DCP Nidhin Valsan said. Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, told ANI, "During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured, minimal use of force, restoring normalcy without escalation. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the City S.P. Zone (CSPZ), Vivek Agarwal, said, "The action has been taken following the orders of the Court. The action was carried out overnight; the structure spanned 4,000 square metres, and 32 JCBs were used to demolish it. We will try to clear the demolition waste. No one was hurt during the stone pelting. The police worked very well and controlled the situation. Police officials said the situation in the area remains under control and adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth completion of the demolition drive. Pursuant to the directions of the High Court of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, according to an official statement from Delhi Police."To ensure smooth conduct of the demolition programme and to maintain public order, comprehensive law and order arrangements were put in place by the Delhi Police. The entire area was meticulously divided into nine zones, each placed under the supervision of an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate deployment of police force was made at all sensitive points," the statement read. Delhi Police remains committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional and sensitive manner, the statement added. Meanwhile, authorities deployed approximately 17 bulldozers to remove the unauthorised structures in the area. (ANI)
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has commented on sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, calling the incident "unfortunate but not new." He pointed out that the university has a history of anti-India slogans and noted past instances where Kasab's death penalty was opposed. Shekhawat told ANI, " It is unfortunate, but not new. It is a university where anti-India slogans were raised in the past, and Kasab's death penalty was opposed. People are aware of their mindset. What is more unfortunate is that they receive support from a specific party whose government is currently in Karnataka." Earlier, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, responding to sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, told the media on Wednesday that a case should be registered. Calling the sloganeering a result of the 'Tughlaq' mindset, Sirsa said that action should be taken against those people who raised slogans against the "ones in constitutional posts".Speaking to the media, he said," A case should be registered in this matter. This 'Tughlaq' mindset cannot remain in this country. Action should be taken against those who raised slogans against the ones in constitutional posts." Delhi Police on Wednesday said that a complaint has been received from the Chief Security Officer of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at Police Station Vasant Kunj North regarding an incident of sloganeering. Police officials said the complaint is currently under review to determine the appropriate course of legal action. "A complaint from the Chief Security Officer, JNU, was received at PS Vasant Kunj North in connection with sloganeering against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on the JNU campus. The same is being examined for necessary action," Delhi Police said. Earlier, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had requested the police to register an FIR against students who allegedly raised "objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans" outside Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night. (ANI)
International Working President of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar on Wednesday issued a strong statement condemning the raising of provocative slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), warning against what he termed the erosion of sanctity in educational institutions. He described the incident as a serious breach of academic and democratic norms. "The sanctity of Jawahar Lal Nehru University has been again breached by crude slogans targeting the Prime Minister of the Country and others," Kumar said in an official statement. "The provocation this time was the denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam for the Delhi Riots," he added. Referring to judicial observation, Kumar said, "It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court found that the prosecution material comprises direct, corroborative and contemporaneous evidence against both of them. The Supreme Court also noticed their "central and formative role" in the offences relating to the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 planned attacks on Hindus in Delhi." He further said, "Umar and Sharjeel are accused of conspiring against the unity and territorial integrity of Bharat. This is a heinous crime. It would be appropriate for everyone to await the trial, where the accused would have the chance to prove their claimed innocence." Condemning the incident on campus, Kumar remarked, "It is unfortunate that a handful of persons, instead of patience, showed the temerity of vitiating the atmosphere at JNU campus in the dead of night. This is shameful and cowardly." He added, "The University has filed an F.I.R. It should be investigated and the guilty ought to be brought for justice." Highlighting the limits of free expression, he said, "The Democracy and freedom of expression do not give a license to run amuck. The slogans of digging graves are a violation of such rights, indecent and criminal." "These slogans remind the countrymen of the threats within and to remember that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," Kumar said. (ANI)
Trivedi stated that while historical figures like Muhammad Ghazni and Alauddin Khilji physically looted the temple, Nehru "harboured the greatest hatred toward Lord Somnath."

In an 'X' post, Trivedi shared a letter purportedly written by Nehru to former Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, noting that Nehru addressed him as "Dear Nawabzada" and described the story of the Somnath doors as entirely false.

Trivedi argued that this letter represented a form of surrender, suggesting that Nehru sought to downplay the temple's reconstruction rather than defend India's civilizational heritage. According to Trivedi, instead of confronting Pakistan's propaganda, Nehru chose to belittle Hindu historical symbols to appease Pakistan, prioritising external approval over national self-confidence.

In another 'X' post, Trivedi further claimed that Nehru opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple altogether.

He noted that Nehru wrote letters to several high-ranking officials, including cabinet ministers, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, questioning the need for the temple's reconstruction and advising them against attending its inauguration.

He said that Nehru reportedly wrote twice to all Indian Chief Ministers, complaining that the construction of the temple damaged India's image abroad.

He also wrote to Minister of Information and Broadcasting R.R. Diwakar, urging reduced coverage of the consecration ceremony, calling it ostentatious, and claiming it harmed India's international image.

This comes amidst PM Modi's scheduled visit to Somnath temple on January 11 to take part in Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebations.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv will be observed from January 8 to January 11, during which a range of programmes highlighting India's spiritual heritage, cultural pride and social values will be held. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday assured people that the Government of India is taking action to address violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Governor Shukla said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in constant contact with the Bangladesh government and urged people to have confidence in the actions of the Indian government. "The Indian government is taking action at its level. The External Affairs Minister is in regular contact with the government there and is also registering our protest. The entire Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the situation... I believe everyone should have faith in the actions of the Indian government," he said. Meanwhile, another Hindu was killed in Bangladesh today. Mithun Sarkar, a young Hindu man, was forcefully drowned to death by a radicalised mob on suspicion of theft. Mithun Sarkar, who lived in the Mohadevpur area of the northern district of Naogaon, was chased by the mob, which accused him of theft. To save his life, the Hindu man, jumped into the water. He was grabbed by the mob there and drowned to death, Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Police Super (SP) of Naogoan, told ANI over the phone on Wednesday. "We are conducting a post-mortem on Mithun Sarkar's body and investigating the incident", he added, without elaborating. In the first week of January, atleast 10 cases of violence have been reported against the Hindu minorities. On January 3, businessman Khokan Chandra Das was hacked and set on fire, leading to his death in Shariatpur. On January 4, a 40-year-old Hindu widow was raped, tied to a tree, and tortured by having her hair cut off in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah Many more such horrifying incidents have already occurred across the country, the full details of which have yet to be obtained, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in a statement. India's Ministry of External Affairs had expressed serious concern over the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, linking the issue to the wider question of minority safety and law and order in the country. The MEA noted that independent assessments have documented over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, including cases of killings, arson and land grabbing. (ANI)
The first meeting of the Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC) was convened today under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Manoj Kumar Das. The meeting was attended by the members of SLCCC. According to a press release, Rajesh Manju, State Census Coordinator, RIC and Ex officio Secretary, Revenue Department, was also present in the meeting. Sujal J Mayatra, Director DCO Gujarat, made up a brief presentation highlighting the strategy, freezing of Administrative Boundaries, outcome of Pre-Test, preparations for training, Appointment of Census Functionaries and manpower etc, for Census 2027. Modalities and readiness, including the period of HLO with various departments, were also discussed, said the release. In the end, the Chief Secretary appreciated the preparedness of the Directorate. Meanwhile, the Census of India 2027 would be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, Houselisting and Housing Census will be conducted from April to September 2026. The second phase would cover Population Enumeration (PE), which is scheduled in February 2027. The PE will be conducted for Ladakh, snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the states of Himachal Pradesh, as well as Uttarakhand, in September 2026. The Indian Census is the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world, in which about 30 lakh field functionaries will be engaged to complete this gigantic exercise of national importance. To complete various tasks for the successful conduct of Census 2027, approximately 18,600 technical manpower will be engaged for about 550 days at the local levels. In other words, around 1.02 crore man-days of employment would be generated. Further, the provision of technical manpower at the charge, district and state level will also result in capacity building as the nature of the job will be related to digital data handling, monitoring and coordination. This will also help in the future employment prospects of these persons. The enumerators, generally government teachers appointed by the state governments, will be doing the field work of the Census in addition to their regular duties. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticised Bharatiya Janata Party for forming a surprising alliance with Congress and AIMIM in Ambernath and Akot Municipal Council, respectively, after the local bodies election. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut called out the BJP for "their double standards" of giving a slogan of "Congress-free India" and then entering into an alliance with them to secure a majority in the Ambernath municipal council. He also criticised the BJP for being in alliance with Ajit Pawar's NCP, stating that Ajit Pawar does not believe in Veer Savarkar's ideology. "BJP is a double-standard party. They have made an alliance with AIMIM, and Congress is in Ambernath. Modiji's slogan is to make Congress-free India, but they are in alliance with Congress. They are double-standard people. Don't trust them," Sanjay Raut said. "Now they have an alliance with Ajit Pawar, but he does not believe in the ideology of Veer Savarkar. But he will give knowledge about Savarkar to the Shiv Sena. If you (BJP) love Savarkar so much, then remove him (Ajit Pawar) from the alliance," he added. BJP, in a rare move, entered into an alliance with Congress to gain control over the Ambernath municipal council to keep out its ally Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena won the highest number of 27 seats, just four shy of a majority in the 60-member House. BJP, on the other hand, won 14 seats, Congress won 12, Ajit Pawar's NCP won 4 seats, and two seats went to independent candidates, prompting BJP to ally with Congress and Ajit Pawar's NCP. BJP also formed a similar alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also took a dig at the BJP and Congress for the surprising move. "So next time any supporter of either political party tries to take a moral high ground here about decisions, please do yourself a favour and keep quiet.," Priyanka Chaturvedi said in a post on X. "Also, the BJP has entered into an alliance with AIMIM to gain power in the Akot municipality in Akola. Maharashtra politics is not for beginners, it is level pro max," she added. (ANI)
Chinese premier meets with ROK president

Xinhua) 08:30, January 07, 2026

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Tuesday.

Noting the bilateral relations have taken on a new look under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Li said that China has always placed its relations with the ROK at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. He also noted that the country is willing to work with the ROK to uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, seek common ground while reserving differences, and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations along the right track and better benefit the two peoples.

Li pointed out that China and the ROK are important economic and trade partners to each other, and over the past 30-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China and the ROK have achieved fruitful cooperation results and effectively promoted common development.

Noting that the two countries have close economic ties and deeply interwoven industrial and supply chains, Li said the two sides should abandon the zero-sum mindset and provide more certainty for each other's development through strengthened cooperation.

China is willing to promote cooperation with the ROK in emerging fields such as high-end manufacturing, artificial intelligence and new energy, deepen industrial integration and synergy, and jointly cultivate new drivers of development, Li said. He also said China welcomes enterprises from the ROK to expand their investment in China and expressed the hope that the ROK side will offer greater convenience for Chinese enterprises to invest in the ROK.

China and the ROK should work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and safeguard international fairness and justice, to contribute to the promotion of peace, stability and development in the region and the wider world, Li added.

For his part, Lee said that the ROK attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to respect each other's core interests, enhance bilateral dialogue and exchanges, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade.

The ROK side actively encourages its enterprises to expand cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in the ROK. The ROK is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard free trade, and promote regional and international peace and stability, said Lee.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
State Special Operation Cell, SAS Nagar, in coordination with Counter Intelligence, Ludhiana, made the arrest in a major intelligence-led operation. The police also recovered a 9 mm pistol along with five live cartridges.

According to Punjab DGP, Guarav Yadav, the arrested accused were in contact with UK and Germany-based handlers associated with the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and linked to hardline extremist ideology.

https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/2008764508878368856?s=20

"On their directions, both arrested accused had conducted a recce of government and prominent offices in Ludhiana as part of the conspiracy. Additionally, both were tasked with gathering inputs & conducting groundwork related to a few more identified individuals," Punjab DGP said in a post on X.

The Punjab Police have registered an FIR at the SAS Nagar Police Station. Further investigation is underway.

Earlier, on Januaru 1, in a significant breakthrough, Punjab Police busted an organised crime gang, arrested nine accused involved in murder, extortion and target killings and recovered several weapons, said Director General of Punjab Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

According to the preliminary investigation, the accused are part of a well-organised criminal network and were actively planning a serious offence.

In a post on X, the DGP wrote, "In a major breakthrough, Patiala Police busts an organised crime gang and arrests 9 accused involved in murder, extortion and target killings. Recovery: 9 pistols (.32 bore) and 1 PX5 pistol (.30 bore). Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused are part of a well-organised criminal network and are actively planning a serious offence."

An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway.

"FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway. @PunjabPoliceInd remains firmly committed to crushing organised crime and gangster networks and ensuring peace and security across Punjab," the post added. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday criticised the Congress party over an alleged incident involving a woman in Karnataka. He said in an interview with ANI, "This is the reality of the Congress party's hollow slogan, 'I am a girl, I can fight' Just imagine if the police behave like this with a woman, regardless of whether she is an activist or not, and Priyanka Vadra remains silent. Such incidents reveal the failure of law and order in Karnataka and the failure of the Congress party." He further accused the Congress party of failing to protect women and uphold governance in the state. Earlier, Karnataka Police on Saturday registered a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) case against three minor boys, between the ages of 14 and 15, for sexual harassment in Hubbali. According to the police, the minor boys assaulted the girl for over a week, while the girl's parents were away during the day."A complaint was filed that a minor girl has been subject to sexual harassment and assaulted by three accused. All three accused happen to be minors in the age group of 14 to 15. We have taken them into custody," N Shashikumar, Police Commissioner, Hubballi-Dharwad, said. "These boys have committed sexual offences against the girl for the last seven to eight days. The parents of the girl have been working, and they used to be away during the day," the Police Commissioner added. N Shashikumar further said that the police will follow the necessary procedures under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Last month, the Hyderabad bench of CAT had quashed the appointment of Director General Jaiteerth R Joshi, directing the Defence Ministry to reconsider the claim of senior-most scientist Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu for the top post.

The appointment of Joshi was challenged in November 2024 on a plea by Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu, a Distinguished Scientist (DS), with DRDO, who was one of the three shortlisted for the position.

Naidu claimed that he is seven years senior to Joshi and has served as an Outstanding Scientist since 2017.

Jaiteerth R Joshi had taken charge on December 2 2024.

The leadership dispute has surfaced at a critical time, as India is executing major defence supply orders. (ANI)
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Wednesday condemned the sloganeering at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), asserting that educational institutions must not be turned into centres of hatred and political provocation. Reacting to the controversy, Shaina said the incident undermines universities' core purpose and called for strict action against those responsible. "Universities are temples of learning and not labs of hate. We stand with the JNU administration. The FIR against the culprits seeks legal action against those who are anti-India," she said. Shaina also launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of double standards in responding to such incidents. "The Congress's hypocrisy is evident as they defend such filth, remain silent on anti-India activities," she said. The remarks came amid a political storm following slogans raised at JNU after the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case. Meanwhile, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has submitted a report to the University Proctor regarding an incident that occurred on January 5, stating that a small gathering of students became provocative following a judicial development related to the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. According to the report, around 30-35 students were present at the spot during the programme. The CSO identified several prominent students allegedly involved in the gathering. The report noted that while the programme initially remained peaceful, the nature and tone of the gathering changed significantly after the judicial verdict on the bail pleas. It is alleged that some students began raising "highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory slogans." Terming the slogans a "direct contempt of the Honourable Supreme Court of India," the CSO stated that such actions were inconsistent with democratic dissent and violated the JNU Code of Conduct. The report further warned that the slogans could seriously disrupt public order, campus harmony, and the university's safety and security. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered maintenance of status quo on the Union government's decision denying extension of a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) held by Vedanta Limited and directing the takeover of the offshore oil and gas block by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The direction was passed by Justice Amit Sharma while hearing Vedanta's writ petition challenging the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas' order dated September 19, 2025. Vedanta has approached the court assailing the Centre's rejection of its application seeking a 10-year extension of the PSC for the CB/OS-2 offshore block off the Gujarat coast, originally executed in 1998. The impugned order not only refused an extension but also directed Vedanta to cease petroleum operations immediately and to hand over the custody and assets of the block to ONGC. The company has contended that the decision was arbitrary, contrary to the government's 2017 Policy for Extension of Pre-NELP PSCs, and was issued without granting it a meaningful opportunity for a hearing, even though its extension application was filed within the prescribed timeline in June 2021. On behalf of Vedanta, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the application for extension remained pending for years and, even after the expiry of the original PSC term in June 2023, the Centre granted multiple interim extensions permitting Vedanta to continue operations. It was submitted that the grounds relied upon in the rejection order such as alleged audit objections, short-payment of profit petroleum, and other outstanding dues were never raised earlier and were introduced in 2025, in violation of principles of natural justice. Vedanta has also questioned the legality of directing an abrupt takeover of complex offshore operations without following due process of law. The Union government opposed the petition, raising a preliminary objection on maintainability. Represented by Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani, along with Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish K. Dixit, the Centre argued that the PSC had expired and was determinable in nature, and therefore could not be enforced through a writ petition. Through the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the government maintained that the dispute was purely contractual and that Vedanta had no vested legal or constitutional right to seek extension of the PSC. Emphasising that the State holds natural resources in public trust, it was argued that judicial review of such commercial and policy decisions is necessarily limited. ONGC, represented by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, supported the Union's position and justified the direction to take over operations based on alleged defaults and the expiry of the contractual term. After hearing the parties, the High Court directed that the existing state of affairs be maintained, effectively staying the operation of the Centre's rejection order and the proposed handover of the offshore block to ONGC, until further orders. (ANI)
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and former Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, attended the valedictory ceremony of the 27th Foundation Day of the Utkal University of Culture, held in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The ceremony marked the culmination of a series of academic and cultural programmes organised by the university to commemorate its foundation. During the event, Governor Kambhampati and M Venkaiah Naidu jointly released the university magazine Rupayana, the research book Sarala Sahitya: Bhumi O Bhumika, and the research journal Parampara, highlighting the institution's contribution to the study and preservation of Odisha's cultural and literary traditions. Addressing students and faculty, Naidu emphasised the importance of safeguarding and promoting India's rich and diverse cultural heritage. He emphasised that institutions such as Utkal University of Culture play a crucial role in nurturing awareness of traditional art forms, literature, and indigenous knowledge systems, especially among the younger generation. Naidu also interacted with students, encouraging them to take pride in India's cultural legacy while adopting a progressive and inclusive outlook. He emphasised the need for discipline, dialogue, and democratic values in academic spaces. Odisha Minister of Higher Education and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj and noted litterateur and Padma Bhushan awardee Pratibha Ray were also present at the event, lending further prominence to the occasion. Earlier, before attending the programme, the former Vice President addressed the media and commented on recent sloganeering against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in the national capital. He said hatred should not form part of anyone's life and asserted that raising slogans against the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, or the country would not benefit students. "Hatred should not be a part of anyone's life. Using slogans against the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the country will not help those students. They are being misled. The Prime Minister has been elected, and he should be respected. You can agree to disagree," former Vice President said to the media. Commenting on international affairs, he said, "No country should interfere in the internal affairs of another country. The US has no business in the affairs of another country." (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday sharply criticised the demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate on Wednesday, alleging procedural lapses and loss to Waqf property. Reacting to the demolition drive, Owaisi told ANI, "The fact is that this whole land belongs to Waqf. On 12th November, the Delhi HC indeed gave a judgment. The surprising thing is that the petitioner, Save India Foundation, with an RSS background, went to court. The court ordered a survey, but in this Waqf was not a party." "The Delhi Waqf Board should have become a party in the case. The Delhi Waqf Board should have filed a review petition in court. As a result, the court took a wrong decision," he added. Owaisi added that the land dispute has historical roots, saying, "The critical point is that in 1947, this place was a mosque. They clearly had no regard for the Places of Worship Act, 1991, a law passed in Parliament. Waqf has suffered a loss. What has happened is wrong. Delhi Waqf Board and its managing committee should approach the Supreme Court and state all facts and get the status quo." The MCD on Wednesday conducted a demolition drive in encroached areas near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, and Ramlila Maidan, following a Delhi High Court order, in the early hours of January 7, 2026. During the drive, stone-pelting incidents were reported. Delhi Police said five people were detained after around 25-30 individuals allegedly pelted stones at police and MCD officials. Five police personnel suffered minor injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital, according to DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan. Police said prior coordination meetings were held with local stakeholders, including the Aman Committee, but a "few miscreants" attempted to disturb peace. Separately, Owaisi also reacted to the Supreme Court's denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, saying, "It is surprising and shocking that these two people have not got bail." He was responding after the apex court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, and Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, while refusing relief to Khalid and Imam in the alleged conspiracy case linked to the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. (ANI)
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), a total of 50,373 public health facilities across all States and Union Territories stood NQAS-certified as of December 31, 2025.

The achievement marks a significant leap in institutionalising quality across India's public healthcare network, particularly benefiting poor, vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Launched in 2015 with just 10 certified facilities, the NQAS programme initially focused on District Hospitals. Over the years, it has expanded to cover Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Urban PHCs (UPHCs) and Sub-Health Centres (SHCs), enabling quality assurance across all levels of care.

The scale-up has been especially rapid in the past two years, driven by digital innovations such as virtual assessments, expanded assessor capacity, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Certified facilities rose from 6,506 in December 2023 to 22,786 in December 2024, before more than doubling to 50,373 by December 2025.

Of the total certified facilities, 48,663 are Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at the primary care level, while 1,710 are secondary care facilities, including CHCs, Sub-District Hospitals and District Hospitals. Officials said this reflects the deepening integration of quality standards across the healthcare delivery system.

The milestone aligns with India's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals outlined in the National Health Policy 2017, which emphasises accessible, affordable and quality healthcare without financial hardship. The government described the achievement as a reflection of the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas".

The Centre has reiterated its commitment to sustaining momentum and set an interim target to achieve NQAS certification for at least 50% of all public healthcare facilities by March 2026, further strengthening quality, safety, and patient trust in the public health system. (ANI)
BJP National President JP Nadda will visit West Bengal on January 8 and 9 as the party intensifies its preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections here. During his visit, Nadda will hold a core committee meeting of the party's West Bengal unit and interact with several district-level party leaders. He will also meet members of the BJP Doctors' Cell. Several organisational meetings are scheduled for January 8, during which he will take ground-level feedback from BJP workers and review preparations for the upcoming elections. On January 9, Nadda will attend official meetings related to his Union ministry, party sources said. The Bharatiya Janata Party has stepped up its political and organisational activities in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. Earlier in December, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state for three days and held several crucial meetings with party office bearers. According to sources, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin is also expected to visit West Bengal soon. Senior leaders and Union ministers have begun public outreach initiatives and indoor meetings across the state. So far, the BJP has held over 1,500 street sabhas in West Bengal to engage with citizens and disseminate its message. The party is targeting all of the state's 80,000 booths as part of its election strategy. On January 8, Thursday at 11:45 am, he will be accorded a grand welcome by senior party karyakartas and office bearers. At 12:30 pm, he will chair an important meeting with District Presidents, Bibhag Convenors & Pravasi Karyakarta at State BJP Office, 27 GN Block, Sector-5, Vidhan Nagar, Kolkata. At 06:00 pm, he will participate in the Doctors Meet at Spring Club, Silver Spring Apartments, 5, NH-12, Tangra, Kolkata. Nadda will hold a meeting with the West Bengal BJP State Core team at 08:30 pm at the State BJP Office, 27 GN Block, Sector-5, Vidhan Nagar, Kolkata. On the next day (January 9, 2026), the BJP chief will visit Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata, at 10:45 am. At 04:00 pm, Shri Nadda will inaugurate the Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Trauma & Emergency Medicine, and the Pneumatic Tube System at AIIMS Kalyani, Dist. Nadia (West Bengal). Earlier, the BJP launched a new organisational strategy in West Bengal by dividing the state into six zones, each assigned to influential leaders from other states. The move aims to address weaknesses in booth-level organisation, local networks, and Bengali sentiment. Meanwhile, the BJP West Bengal unit on Wednesday announced the appointment of its new state office bearers with immediate effect, following the approval of party National President JP Nadda. According to a letter issued by the state unit, Samik Bhattacharya has been appointed as the State President. The party has named several Vice Presidents, including Sanjay Singh, Raju Banerjee, Debasree Chaudhuri, Agnimitra Paul, Dipak Barman, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Manoj Tigga, Nisith Pramanik, Tapas Roy, Amitava Roy, Tanuja Chakraborty and Prabal Raha. Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, Locket Chatterjee, Soumitra Khan, Bapi Goswami and Shashi Agnihotri have been appointed as General Secretaries. The list of Secretaries includes Shankar Ghosh, Deepanjan Guha, Sonali Murmu, Manoj Pandey, Amlan Bhaduri, Mahadev Sarkar, Sakharav Sarkar, Sintu Senapathi, Sarbori Mukherjee, Mohon Sharma, Biva Majumder and Sanjay Varma. Ashish Bapat has been appointed as Treasurer, while Praveen Agarwal and Vidyasagar Mantri have been named Joint Treasurers. Pranoy Roy has been appointed Office Secretary, and Pratyush Mandal as Joint Office Secretary. In 2026, states going to the polls include West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. While some parties face the challenge of retaining power, others are aiming to make history for the first time. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are states where the BJP has not yet won Assembly elections. The party has expressed confidence in winning this time. Meanwhile, the BJP is seeking a third consecutive term in Assam and a second term in Puducherry. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday chaired a meeting of senior officials in Bhopal to discuss the time-bound implementation of public welfare schemes, construction projects, and other programmes for 2026, and issued necessary directions, a release said. Referring to the five-day work week system implemented in government offices since the COVID period, CM Yadav said that for its successful execution, extended office hours and strict adherence by all employees are essential. While giving directions, he said, "Work in all government offices must begin at 10 a.m., and that biometric and other technological systems should be used to ensure compliance. This will improve both discipline and efficiency." CM Yadav stated that the state government's two years were marked by significant achievements, and the Central Government acknowledged Madhya Pradesh's progress and development. "These accomplishments are the result of coordinated efforts by all departments. To accelerate development further, work must now be carried out in mission mode. Ensuring transparency in all processes and fixing accountability is essential so that development activities are implemented swiftly and public welfare schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries with ease," the CM said. The Chief Minister stated that 2025 was successful from the perspective of industrial development, and 2026 would be celebrated as 'Farmer Welfare Year'. The goal is a 'Prosperous Farmer, Prosperous State'. He emphasises that this initiative is not limited to one or two departments, but will be a joint campaign involving more than 15 major departments. Along with Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, departments including Horticulture and Food Processing, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Cooperation, Food and Civil Supplies, Panchayat and Rural Development, Renewable Energy, Water Resources, Fisheries, Narmada Valley Development, Energy, Revenue, Forest, Cottage and Village Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Industrial Policy, Investment and Promotion--along with the Mandi Board, Seed Corporation, MP Agro, Milk Federations, Markfed, Warehousing, and the Aajeevika Mission, will have to operate in a coordinated manner. CM Yadav further informed that the state government was preparing a five-year action plan along with three-year budget estimates. Integrated planning and proper documentation should be undertaken for roads, hospitals, irrigation projects and public building construction. The Chief Minister also announced that the 'Sankalp Se Samadhan' campaign would be conducted from January 12 to March 31. The campaign will focus on 106 beneficiary-oriented schemes. District administrations must ensure that final disposal of all applications received during the campaign is completed by March 31, 2026. During the First Phase (January 12 to February 15, 2026), focus will be on door-to-door collection of applications. Second Phase (February 16 to March 16, 2026) aimed at Camps at the cluster level. The Third Phase (March 16 to March 26, 2026) is oriented to the resolution of pending and new applications at the block level. In the Fourth Phase (March 26 to March 31, 2026), district-level camps will be conducted to resolve all remaining and new applications and complaints. (ANI)
Senior Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the recent US military operation in Venezuela, characterising the capture of President Nicolas Maduro as a troubling breach of the United Nations Charter. Speaking with reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, he emphasised that the US operation violates sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the non-use of force in international disputes. Tharoor clarified that while the Parliamentary Committee has yet to formally discuss the incident, he felt compelled to speak in a "private individual capacity" given the gravity of the geopolitical shift. "...I chair the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament...In this particular incident, the committee has not discussed this issue. I am speaking in a purely private individual capacity," said Tharoor. He highlighted the breach of UN principles on sovereignty and non-use of force. Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, questioned the legality of the US operation. He noted that the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter--specifically the sovereignty of member states, the inviolability of borders, and the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle disputes--had been disregarded. "As far as the whole situation is concerned, I have already stated my deep concern with the violations of international law that have taken place and the UN Charter, which specifically refers to the sovereignty of member states, the inviolability of borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force to settle international disputes, all of which have been violated in this particular episode," said Tharoor. Addressing the current situation in Caracas, Tharoor noted that while the situation has not escalated into a prolonged military conflict, it remains volatile. He acknowledged reports that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has stepped in as Acting President to pursue "some sort of normalcy," but warned of friction on the ground. "At the same time, it does appear that the situation has not prolonged itself militarily, the Vice President has become the Acting or Interim President and some sort of normalcy is being pursued. There are reports today of increasing repression in the streets, people being arrested and so on. It is still a tense situation but it's not a war...," he added. Commenting on the conflict's underlying economics, Tharoor cautioned against foreign interference in Venezuela's natural resources. With the US administration signalling its intent to manage Venezuela's oil infrastructure, Tharoor reminded Indians of a principle long held sacrosanct in New Delhi's foreign policy. "There are certain motivations being ascribed and certain things become claimed which are somewhat distasteful. I don't think it is appropriate for us to sit here, this far away and pass judgment on matters that happened a long time ago. But I think Indians should understand that the country's natural resources belong to the country. How those resources are used should be the prerogative of the representatives of that country," he added. Tharoor urged understanding of India's diplomatic compulsions, adding that the government's silence can be as telling as its statements. While the Congress party has already issued a strong statement condemning the action, the Government of India has maintained a more cautious diplomatic line. Tharoor offered insight into this silence, suggesting that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is likely balancing strategic relationships with the US against traditional principles. "For us, in India, some of these principles have been sacrosanct in our foreign policy for many years...For us, it is a situation that troubles many Indians across political party lines. My party has issued a strong statement already; I won't repeat it. I have said that as far as Govt of India is concerned, they have their own compulsions and very often what the MEA chooses not to say is as important as what they do say. So, you all have to understand that in diplomacy, there are challenges in negotiating certain relationships, but on the principles involved, I am very concerned about the violations...," added Tharoor. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez officially took charge as Acting President on January 5, 2026, two days after the United States launched a strike in the country and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to drugs and weapons. Following the US action, Rodriguez announced seven days of national mourning, citing deaths reported during the attack in Caracas and condemning what she described as foreign aggression. She asserted that Venezuela continues to be governed by its own constitutional authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the developments, said it is closely monitoring the situation, and urged all parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. India has also advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela, noting that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with the Indian community and is providing necessary assistance. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday demurred on Justice Yashwant Varma's claim that the Committee, which was formed by the Parliament to probe corruption charges against the Allahabad High Court judge, is unsustainable, as the motion that led to its formation was admitted only in the Lok Sabha. A bench of Justices Deepankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma has asked the counsel appearing for the Allahabad High Court judge to come up with a fitting response by tomorrow to convince the Court to intervene in the matter. The Court is hearing a plea filed by Allahabad High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, challenging the legality of the Parliamentary Committee probing corruption charges against him, on the ground that the same was constituted unilaterally by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, allegedly without consultation with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Justice Varma today, argued that as per the provisions of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when a motion is given (moved) on the same day, in both the Houses of the Parliament, no committee shall be constituted, unless the motion is admitted in both the Houses and the Lok Sabha Speaker forms a Joint-Committee. Adding a fresh ground to his argument, the senior lawyer informed the Court today that the Lok Sabha's counter-response to Justice Varma's plea states that "Rajya Sabha had rejected the motion on account of it being defective". The Court, however, is of the view that the said argument falls short of convincing that the procedural lapse, if any, on the part of the Parliament, is prejudicial against Justice Varma. The Lok Sabha, on the other hand, in its response to Justice Varma's plea, has taken the stand that the question of the legality of the Committee constituted by it does not arise, since the motion for Justice Varma's removal was duly admitted by the House. It has been contended that once the Rajya Sabha declined to admit the motion, the requirement of any consultation with the Upper House stood negated. Notably, the bench also stated that there was something in the Lok Sabha's response (counter-affidavit to Justice Varma's plea) which should not have been there. However, it clarified that the same is not sufficient for the Court to challenge the legality of the probe Committee. Thus, it asked Rohatgi to come with a substantial ground which would persuade the Court to intervene in the matter. The Court will continue hearing the case tomorrow. The case pertains to the recovery of unaccounted and partially burnt cash from the official residence of Justice Varma, then a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. Following the internal inquiry, the former CJI, Sanjiv Khanna, forwarded a recommendation to the President and the Prime Minister of India to initiate the procedure for his removal. Subsequently, on July 21, 2025, a motion was moved in both Houses of Parliament for Justice Varma's removal. On August 12, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha formed a three-member Inquiry Committee to investigate the charges against Justice Varma. The Lok Sabha Speaker's decision came after he received a notice of the motion, signed by 146 Members of Parliament, seeking Justice Yashwant Varma's removal. (ANI)
The debate surrounding sloganeering against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah escalated on Wednesday, with a police complaint filed by the Chief Security Officer of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). A police complaint has been filed against the recent sloganeering against PM Modi and HM Minister Amit Shah by the Chief Security Officer of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Wednesday. Police officials said the complaint is currently under review to determine the appropriate course of legal action. Earlier, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had requested the police to register an FIR against students who allegedly raised "objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans" outside Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night. According to the report, around 30-35 students were present at the spot during the programme. The CSO identified several prominent students allegedly involved in the gathering. The report noted that while the programme initially remained peaceful, the nature and tone of the gathering changed significantly after the judicial verdict on the bail pleas. It is alleged that certain students began raising "highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory slogans." The controversy began when JNU students raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The incident has divided political leaders, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders condemning the provocative slogans and accusing the Congress of similar language. On the other hand, Congress leaders have been questioning the Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam case verdict after they were denied bail in the Delhi Riots 2020 case. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has commented on sloganeering in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, calling the incident "unfortunate but not new". "He pointed out that the university has a history of anti-India slogans and noted past instances where Kasab's death penalty was opposed. Shekhawat told ANI, " It is unfortunate, but not new. It is a university where anti-India slogans were raised in the past, and Kasab's death penalty was opposed. People are aware of their mindset. What is more unfortunate is that they receive support from a specific party whose government is currently in Karnataka." Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the sloganeering a result of the 'Tughlaq' mindset. Sirsa said that action should be taken against those people who raised slogans against the "ones in constitutional posts". Speaking to the media, he said," A case should be registered in this matter. This 'Tughlaq' mindset cannot remain in this country. Action should be taken against those who raised slogans against those in constitutional posts." The incident recieved nationwide condemnation with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday condemning sloganeering, saying that "the offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU". He asserted that such "wicked intentions that speak the language of breaking the country" would be crushed. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "The offspring of Sharjeel Imam were born at JNU. We will crush such wicked intentions, which stand with the country's traitors, with those who speak the language of breaking the country." Reacting to the controversy, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the incident undermines universities' core purpose and called for strict action against those responsible. Shaina also launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of double standards in responding to such incidents. "The Congress's hypocrisy is evident as they defend such filth, remain silent on anti-India activities," she said. International Working President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Alok Kumar, also issued a strong statement against the raising of provocative slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), warning of what he termed the erosion of sanctity in educational institutions. "The sanctity of Jawahar Lal Nehru University has been again breached by crude slogans targeting the Prime Minister of the Country and others," Kumar said in an official statement. "The provocation this time was the denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam for the Delhi Riots," he added. The remarks came amid a political storm following slogans raised at JNU after the Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case. Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused the institute of becoming a hub for the "tukde-tukde" gang and deemed the activists as pro-Pakistan. "JNU has become the office of the 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' and people with anti-national mindsets like Rahul Gandhi, whether they belong to the RJD, TMC, or the Left parties. They shouldn't forget that this is India, this is Narendra Modi's India of the 21st century. Vivekananda said that saffron will prevail... I want to tell the 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' that those who support people like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who harboured pro-Pakistan sentiments and talked about separating the Chicken's Neck corridor, are traitors," Singh said. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday spoke about the rationale for the sloganeering and claimed that the Supreme Court acted in a contrarian manner in the 2020 Delhi Riots arrests. "Not granting bail to these people (Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam) is quite a controversial decision. The government has decided not to grant them bail. Incarcerating them for an extended period without trial is inconsistent with the Supreme Court's position. My point is that they should be tried in the court of law," he stated. He mentioned that this case doesn't reflect well on the image of India, saying, "I think it doesn't speak well of the way the Indian state treats the protestors. They should be allowed to defend themselves in the court of law, but they are being held without trial." Congress leader Mumtaz Patel also asked for a proper procedure to be followed by the Judiciary regarding Umar Kahlid and Sharjeel Imam, saying, "We are not saying that the accused should not be punished. If they are guilty, if the charges against them are proven, then by all means, punish them. But why is due process not being followed, and why is there bias?" Following the incident, Delhi University Students' Union 2025-26 on Tuesday strongly criticised the recent sloganeering against PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in JNU. DUSU called upon students at JNU and across all universities to stand with the Constitution, not against it, as per the release. They responded strongly, stating that JNU will not be a safe haven for anti-national conspiracies. No campus will be allowed to turn into a centre of constitutional defiance. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of former Member of Parliament and Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha. In a message of condolence, the Chief Minister called Purkayastha a "prolific intellectual, a committed karyakarta". "He was an institution in himself, someone who laid the foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the region and helped it grow as Assam's preferred political party," CM Sarma wrote on X. He also recalled Kabindra Purkayastha's political journey. "From the lanes of Silchar to the corridors of Parliament, from his days as Pracharak to a Union Minister, he consistently kept people and their issues at the forefront as he championed the cause of Assam and North East in various forums. For us karyakartas, he was not only a people's representative but also a mentor, an elder, a reassuring presence who showed that politics is about values, simplicity, service and above all taking care of each other as family members," he said. CM Sarma added, "His legacy though cannot be measured merely by the offices or positions he held, but by how he always espoused Sewa Bhav through his actions. From helping displaced Hindu refugees to assisting Assam's growth aspirations, his life was dedicated to the people and their welfare. The stalwart's passing away leaves a void which can never be filled. I fondly recollect my long association with him and will always cherish the many learnings I got from him over the years." Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Member of Parliament and Union Minister Shri Kabindra Purkayastha Ji. In his message, the Prime Minister said he is pained by the loss of Shri Purkayastha Ji, whose unwavering commitment to serving society and significant contribution towards the progress of Assam will always be remembered. He noted that Purkayastha Ji played a vital role in strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party across the state. (ANI)
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday granted regular bail to Abhishek Singh Bhardwaj, who had been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly uploading photographs and videos depicting weapons and making anti-national remarks on social media. Allowing the bail petition, Justice Rakesh Kainthla held that merely criticising hostilities between India and Pakistan or expressing a desire for peace cannot be construed as sedition or an offence under the law. The court observed that no prohibited weapon was recovered from the petitioner and that the social media content attributed to him did not, on its facie, reveal any intention to incite violence, create public disorder, or spread hatred against the Government established by law. The FIR was registered at Dehra police station in Kangra district on May 28, 2025, following allegations that the petitioner had shared posts showing weapons, the Pakistani flag, and messages allegedly supporting Khalistan. However, the High Court noted that the prosecution failed to establish that these posts caused any disturbance of public order or breach of the peace. Relying on several landmark Supreme Court judgments, including Kedar Nath Singh, Vinod Dua, and Balwant Singh, the court reiterated that sedition provisions apply only when speech or expression has a clear tendency to incite violence or disrupt public order. Casual slogans or online expressions, without such impact, do not attract criminal liability, the court said. The High Court further noted that since the police have already filed the charge sheet, continued incarceration of the petitioner would serve no useful purpose. Accordingly, Bhardwaj was granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety, subject to conditions including non-interference with witnesses and cooperation in trial proceedings. The court clarified that its observations are limited to the bail stage and shall not affect the merits of the case at trial. "It is difficult to see how a desire to end hostilities and a return to peace can amount to sedition," said Himachal High Court Judge Justice Rakesh Kainthla. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of being "anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh". CM Mann demanded a public apology from the party for what he termed a "shameful act" involving the misuse of Guru Teg Bahadur's name in a video featuring AAP leader Atishi. In a post on X, Mann alleged that the BJP had added words that Atishi had "never spoken" and inserted the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in a false manner, insulting the revered Sikh Guru. "The Bharatiya Janata Party has always been against Punjab and Sikhs. Today again, its anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh face has come to the fore, when they, in Atishi Ji's video--words that she hadn't even spoken--and by adding Guru Sahib's name to it, insulted Guru Sahib. For this shameful act, the BJP should apologise to the Sikh community and Punjabis," the post read. Accusing the BJP of indulging in "politics of religion and hatred," the Punjab Chief Minister asserted that "this politics of theirs will not work in Punjab". https://x.com/bhagwantmann/status/2008948305674555781 CM Mann's remarks came amid the political row following allegations by Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Atishi. the Delhi Assembly's LoP had said that the BJP had misrepresented her remarks in the Assembly by adding misleading subtitles to a video clip shared by the BJP Delhi's X account. Earlier, Atishi had also taken to X, alleging that the BJP "hates the Sikh community and the Gurus" and had committed a "disgusting act" by misusing the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. She claimed that the video in question was circulated with false subtitles and was shared out of context. "The BJP hates the Sikh community and the Gurus, and even today, they have committed a disgusting act by insulting the Gurus. The BJP has misused the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in a wrong manner and insulted Guru Sahib," Atishi's X post read. According to Atishi, the video clip was from a point in the Delhi Assembly proceedings after discussions on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had concluded and the House had moved on to other matters, including the Lieutenant Governor's address. She alleged that the BJP falsely inserted the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji into a statement she made while demanding a discussion on pollution and issues related to stray dogs, thereby distorting her words. "Lie No1: This video is from after the discussion on the 350th anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's martyrdom had concluded, when the discussion on the LG's address had begun. Lie No 2: In the video, I said about avoiding the discussion on BJP's pollution and about the protest in the assembly on the issue of stray dogs, "So why don't you hold the discussion, why have you been running away since morning? They are saying, respect the dogs! Respect the dogs! Mr. Speaker, please hold a discussion on this." But the BJP added a false subtitle inserting the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji into it," the post read. "What hatred does the BJP have for Sikhs that they are dragging the name of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in a false manner? " she asked. "I come from a family where, for generations, the eldest son has adopted the Sikh faith. He adopts it to protect society. I can give my life, but I cannot insult Guru Sahib," Atishi said, adding that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had sacrificed his life to protect people of other faiths and that his name should not be dragged into "petty politics". https://x.com/AtishiAAP/status/2008918919109919068 The controversy erupted after the BJP Delhi posted a video accusing Atishi of insulting Sikh Gurus during Assembly proceedings. The BJP claimed that while discussions were underway to honour the Gurus, the AAP leader made an "insensitive" remark. "Yesterday, while the discussion in the BJP government's rule was about honouring the gurus, on the other hand, AAP's Atishi was engaged in insulting the gurus," BJP Delhi's X post read. https://x.com/BJP4Delhi/status/2008868789757350322 Meanwhile, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday demanded a public apology from Atishi Marlena, stating that she should apologise to the citizens of Delhi, the Sikh community and the Delhi Assembly for her alleged remarks. He also announced that a Censure Motion would be introduced in the Assembly to condemn the Leader of Opposition. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also condemned Atishi's alleged remarks, saying he had requested Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta to take cognisance of the issue and release the video clip. (ANI)
The Select Committee on Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 interacted with representatives of Department of Commerce, Department of Financial Services and of Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday as part of its deliberations to systematically decriminalise minor offences across multiple Acts. The Committee is slated to give its report in the budget session of Parliament. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is chairperson of the panel, told ANI after the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of ease of doing business in India and also ensure ease of living for the citizens of the country. "Today, we had detailed deliberations with officials representing the Department of Commerce. We also had officials from the Reserve bank of India regarding certain provisions, to decriminalise certain provisions which otherwise are hampering the ease of doing business in the country. Detailed discussions were held and very soon the committee will be presenting the report in the Parliament," he said. "We have completed the interactions with the ministries that are covered under the Jan Vishwas 2.0. The committee also held detailed discussions with various stakeholders apart from the government officials. All of their inputs have also been considered. We are now drafting the report. We have time until the second week of the first leg of the budget session. And we are very confident we will be able to submit the report. There is a meeting tomorrow also. Tomorrow we will be discussing with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Skill Development as well as well the drugs and cosmetics," he added. Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 are among laws in which amendments are proposed. Tejasvi Surya said the objective of the bill is that there must be decriminalisation of offences which otherwise will lead to unnecessary harassment of people doing honest business. "The Prime Minister has given a very clear mandate that there are many provisions in various statutes which for a very long time has remained without any significance and in some cases, have not been applied...The objective is to decriminalise them and make sure that there is a fair and equitable playing field. I am sure by the end of deliberations, substantial recommendations will be made which will further simplify the existing cause," he said. Many offences which otherwise are not needed to be present on the statute book will also be removed, he added. Answering a query, Tejasvi Surya said there have been detailed discussions with the Ministry of Road Transport officials as well. "Substantial changes will be made keeping in mind the safety and ease of living of common commuters of the country. These are general issues which otherwise are like penalties and fines which don't have any significance in today's world. Such provisions are all being removed," he said. The budget session of Parliament is expected to begin later this month. (ANI)
The White House said on Tuesday that it is considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, and that the use of military is not off the table, CNN reported, citing Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time). According to CNN, Leavitt said that the US President has made it well-known that "acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States" and is important to deter the adversaries in the Arctic region. "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CNN. On January 6, European leaders issued a joint statement pushing back against renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Greenland, asserting that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively. Emphasising a unified security framework, the statement said, "Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them." The leaders further underscored Greenland's political standing, stating, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." The joint statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump focusing on Greenland after the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Earlier, US President Donald Trump once again said that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, a day after strikes on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Greenland was critical to US security due growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region. He said, "We need Greenland. ... It's so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," Trump said. "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it." Trump further claimed that Europe supported the idea. (ANI)
The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States met in Paris, with the leaders stressing on their commitment towards "just and lasting peace in Ukraine". They welcomed the progress achieved between partners to achieve peace, the official statement by the European Commission said on Tuesday (local time). French President Emmanuel Macron said that the meeting provided "unprecedented unity" between the Coalition of Willing, Ukraine and the US on security guarantees for peace in Ukraine. "The Paris meeting marks an unprecedented unity between the Coalition of Willing, Ukraine, and the United States on the central dimension of security guarantees for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the French President said. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2008636164379439351?s=20 The meeting noted that the members would commit to several politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force. As per the statement by the European Commission, this would include the participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, the Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine which would include but not be limited to aspects like long term defence packages and support for financing the purchase of weapons, amongst others. A Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraine's armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. "We confirmed that these reassurance measures should be strictly implemented at Ukraine's request once a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US", the statement noted. The statement also mentioned the commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine. "We agreed we would continue to develop and deepen mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine, inter alia: training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of European relevant instruments, and intelligence cooperation," the statement read. It also mentioned the decision to establish "a US/Ukraine/Coalition coordination cell at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2008614392372555959?s=20 On the meeting, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the meeting saw participation of Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum from the American end. "We have made significant progress on several critical workstreams, including our bilateral security guarantee framework and a prosperity plan," according to Witkoff He expressed optimism on the momentum of the meetings. https://x.com/SEPeaceMissions/status/2008609270514753763?s=20 In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that the military officials from France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine worked in detail on "force deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and the components of the Armed Forces required and able to operate effectively". He added that there were very substantive discussions with the American side on monitoring, to ensure there are no violations of peace. "The United States is ready to work on this. One of the most critical elements is deterrence -- the tools that will prevent any new Russian aggression. We see all of this", Zelenskyy said. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2008612362954129863?s=20 In another post on X, Zelenskyy said that during the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussions were held on Ukraine's defence, and the support that can strengthen its positions in diplomacy. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (local time) held a meeting with US delegation Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with both sides discussing on a diplomatic approach towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ukrainian President thanked the United States for its readiness in providing a backstop in areas like security guarantees and reconstruction. Sharing the details in a post on X, he said, "With the U.S. President's team - @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff and @jaredkushner- we continued discussions on the diplomatic path to ending the war. I thank the United States for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas: security guarantees, monitoring of the ceasefire, and reconstruction. On January 7 in Paris, our teams will continue work on security guarantees and a basic framework for ending the war. Representing Ukraine will be Head of the Office Kyrylo Budanov, NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, General Andrii Hnatov, First Deputy Head of the Office Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Advisor to the Office of the President Oleksandr Bevz. I thank President Trump and the United States for their support. Not a single day is wasted." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2008663413551939771?s=20 Earlier, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the US delegation met with the Ukrainian delegation and the Coalition of the Willing to advance President Trump's peace plan on Ukraine. He said that the US delegation included Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum. Witkoff said, "Today, the US delegation met in Paris with the constituents of the Coalition of the Willing as well as the Ukrainian delegation to advance President Trump's peace plan on Ukraine. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum. We held several meetings with the Europeans, including President Macron, and the Ukrainians, including President Zelenskyy, and are encouraged by the collaborative approach and partnership between the parties. We have made significant progress on several critical workstreams, including our bilateral security guarantee framework and a prosperity plan. The Coalition also released a statement outlining its framework to a security guarantee. We agree with the Coalition that durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace in the Ukraine and we will continue to work together on this effort. We will be continuing our discussions with the Ukrainian delegation this evening and tomorrow, and we are hopeful to achieve additional positive momentum in the near future." https://x.com/SEPeaceMissions/status/2008609270514753763?s=20 The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States met in Paris, with the leaders stressing on their commitment towards "just and lasting peace in Ukraine". They welcomed the progress achieved between partners to achieve peace, the official statement by the European Commission said on Tuesday (local time). French President Emmanuel Macron said that the meeting provided "unprecedented unity" between the Coalition of Willing, Ukraine and the US on security guarantees for peace in Ukraine. The meeting noted that the members would commit to several politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force. As per the statement by the European Commission, this would include the participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, the Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine which would include but not be limited to aspects like long term defence packages and support for financing the purchase of weapons, amongst others. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and said that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States. In his post on Truth Social, the US President further said that he has asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately and that the oil would be taken by storage ships and brought directly to the unloading docks in the US. "I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115850817778602689 This major development comes shortly after on Saturday, Washington carried out a "large-scale strike against Venezuela", and the deposed dictator, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and taken out of the country. In a press conference hours after Maduro was "captured", Trump said on Saturday (local time) said that the oil companies in the United States will "spend billions of dollars" to fix the broken oil infrastructure in Venezuela and "start making money" for the South American nation. While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said the United States was in the "oil selling" business and would provide it to other countries interested in buying. "We're in the oil business. We're going to sell it to them (other countries). We'll be selling oil probably in much larger doses because they (Venezuela) couldn't produce very much because their infrastructure was so bad. So we'll be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, many of whom are using it now. But I would say many more will come." Trump said that the oil business in Venezuela has been a "total bust" and will be fixed with billions of dollars of investment by oil companies in the United States to fix the "badly broken oil infrastructure". He also said that Venezuela's poor infrastructure had limited its own oil production. Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. Trump stated that Maduro and his wife have been indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and will face trial. (ANI)
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) strongly condemns the attack on a Church in Ghanaykay village, Kot Radha Kishan (Kasur), which occurred on January 5, 2026. The accused unlawfully entered the Church, desecrated the Holy Bible by tearing its pages, and ransacked the premises, spreading fear and deep distress among the local Christian community. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), demanded swift and transparent justice for the perpetrators. He stated that merely identifying suspects and registering a First Information Report (FIR) is insufficient. "Preventing such incidents in the future is equally important," he emphasised, calling for concrete and effective measures to protect religious minorities and safeguard places of worship. He added that while a local resident has been arrested in connection with vandalism, accountability remains incomplete until the motives behind the crime and the involvement of any accomplices are fully uncovered. Naveed Walter, president HRF,P stressed the urgent need for nationwide awareness and education initiatives to promote tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect among citizens, regardless of religion or belief. He urged the state to play a proactive role in countering religious intolerance, discrimination, and hate-driven violence. Although a criminal case has been registered under Sections 295 and 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, laws relating to offences against religion and acts intended to outrage religious feelings, Walter reiterated HRFP's long-standing demand for the abolition of blasphemy laws. He stated that these laws are frequently misused and have led to the unjust imprisonment, harassment, and suffering of innocent individuals. Referring to the recent release of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, who had been imprisoned on blasphemy allegations, Walter noted that Mirza's subsequent revelations regarding Christian and Muslim blasphemy victims further expose the misuse of these laws and the innocence of many accused individuals whom he personally encountered during imprisonment. Recalling past tragedies, Walter also reminded that in 2014, a Christian couple was brutally burned alive in a brick kiln in Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur, an incident that continues to symbolise the grave dangers faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. He further disclosed that HRFP's REAT Helpline received more than 1,200 calls in 2025 alone, the majority concerning attacks on Christians and Churches, false blasphemy accusations, abductions of girls, workplace discrimination, biased treatment, and incidents of violence. Human Rights Focus Pakistan urges the government and law-enforcement agencies to ensure full accountability, strengthen preventive mechanisms, and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, particularly religious minorities. (ANI)
Jorge Heine, Former Minister of National Assets of Chile and the former Ambassador of Chile to India, said he was shocked at the "timidness of the European reaction" on the US operation in Venezuela. He further said that the US had intervened in Latin America several times, but this one is different, while talking to ANI, "There have been many US interventions in Latin America in the course of the past couple of centuries, but this one is different because this is the first time there has been a US military attack on the South American mainland. Until now, we have had such attacks on Mexico, on Central America, and on the Caribbean, the latest one being on Panama in 1989. This one, attacking and bombing the capital city of Caracas, a city of 3 million, and kidnapping President Maduro and his wife, breaks new ground. A certain threshold has been crossed, and we are into uncharted waters, and this is creating uncertainty as to what will happen next," he said. He added that there is an air of uncertainty about what would happen next if this operation were to be taken as a precedent. "Even Latin American established democracies like Mexico and Colombia are not exempt from possible attacks by the US... I was particularly shocked by the timidness of the European reaction. Greenland might be next, and yet the European countries looked with remarkable equanimity at this attack on Venezuela, not realising they might be next in line. We are moving here into a very different world... It's quite unclear how this will be approached by the international community," he said. Heine said that he wanted India to condemn the attack on Venezuela. "I would expect India to condemn this attack on Venezuela by the US. The basic rule of system based on the US in international law is the use of international force by one state against another, is something that is banned, not accepted, and there is only one narrow acceptance to this rule, that is when you act in self-defence. There was no attack by Venezuela on the United States," he said. Heine said that there was no fentanyl exported by Venezuela to the US, as it is not a major drug-producing country. "The argument that drug trafficking from Venezuela to the United States is the cause behind the attack is something that does not hold water. There is not a single boat carrying fentanyl that has been detained in the Caribbean. Venezuela is not a major drug producing or exporting country, so this is a bogus claim made by the US," he said. Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday announced seven days of national mourning following the deaths reported during the recent US attack in Caracas and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, CNN reported. (ANI)
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Tuesday (local time) said that the country is being governed by the Government of Venezuela and not by any foreign power, rejecting claims by US President Trump, who said he needs "full access" to Venezuela. "We are here governing alongside the people. The Government of Venezuela governs our country, no one else. There are no external agents governing Venezuela," Rodriguez said during the installation of the Agro-Food, Fishing, Communal and Industrial General Staff Commission. Her remarks were broadcast on the state-run channel Venezolana de Television (VTV), El cooperative reported. Rodriguez said Venezuelans remain active on the streets, referring to protests demanding the release of deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently detained by the United States following a US military operation carried out in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, January 3. However, Rodriguez' own legitimacy as the new leader of Venenuela is facing grave opposition. Nobel winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado alleged that Rodriguez is embattled in corruption and has relations with Iran and Russia. In an interview to CBS News, Machado said. "Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played. She was sanctioned by the United States government because of the corruption and all the involvement she has in criminal activities... one of the main architects and director of the torture centers in Venezuela." Machado further claimed that Rodriguez is "the main actor that has relations with Russia, with Iran." Meanwhile, the acting Venezuelan president said the country had emerged stronger despite recent developments. "We have grown stronger, we have grown spiritually to face the challenges, the attacks, the threats," she said. Her comments came a day after US President Donald Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and security and migration advisor Stephen Miller would oversee what he described as a "transition" process in Venezuela. Trump also claimed that Rodriguez was "cooperating" with US authorities. Rodriguez on also announced seven days of national mourning following the deaths reported during the recent US attack in Caracas and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduru and his wife, CNN reported. Speaking to the state broadcaster, Rodriguez said the mourning period was being declared to honour those who lost their lives during the operation, CNN reported. "I have made the decision to decree seven days of mourning in honour and glory to the young men and women who died, who gave their lives defending Venezuela, defending President Nicolas Maduro," she said. Rodriguez also called for the return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons. "There is no war here because we are not at war. We are a people, a country of peace, that was aggressed and attacked," Rodriguez added. Her comments came as US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela's interim authorities would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States. Trump said the oil would be sold at market price, with the funds controlled by him to ensure they benefit both countries. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Rodriguez's statement came amid growing pressure from the Trump administration, which has demanded cooperation from Caracas, including access to Venezuela's oil resources. (ANI)
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Tuesday said she is "ready and willing to serve" the country, adding that the people of Venezuela have already made their choice. Speaking to CBS News following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Machado said Venezuela's future depends on the collective decision of its people. "Well, the people of Venezuela have already chosen. And and there's something that feel proud about is how Venewars have understand that this is a personal individual decision. It's not a matter only of leadership. It's a matter of a whole society need to do what it takes to take responsibility for our own future, Machado said." When asked whether that meant she should be Venezuela's next leader, Machado said, "Yes, absolutely yes. And we have a president-elect. we are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated". This comes as Machado, a former legislator, had won the opposition primary to contest the 2024 presidential election against Nicolas Maduro. However, the Maduro government later barred her from running. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez was then named as the opposition's presidential candidate in her place, CBS news reported. US President Donald Trump had earlier questioned Machado's credibility as a potential leader of Venezuela. "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," Trump said, referring to Machado. "She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect," he said. In the interview with CBS, Machado further noted that her opposition coalition already has a president-elect in Edmundo Gonzalez. Venezuela is currently being led by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro. Machado criticised Rodriguez, saying she is "nothing but like a moderate" and that "nobody trusts her," referring to her role in the Maduro government. "Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played. She was sanctioned by the United States Government of the corruption and all the involment in criminal activities. Beyond that, she has been the architect and director of the Torture Centers in Venezuela of repression force or innocent people and the main link that has relations with Russia, with Iran and other countries, so certainly she is nothing but like a moderate. " Rodriguez, 56, was sworn in as interim president on Monday, days after US militray lauched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Reacting to Trump's remarks on her, Machado credited the US president for bringing Maduro to justice. "A few weeks ago, people would have said it was impossible to reach this point. And President Trump's leadership and courage has brought Nicolas Maduro to face justice. And this is huge," Machado said. "This is a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela." Earlier, Machado had dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize award to US President Donald Trump. (ANI)
The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force is working to restore critical road connectivity on the B-492 highway in Sri Lanka, which links Kandy in the Central Province with Badulla in the Uva Province and was severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. According to an official statement, the Task Force has constructed Bailey bridges at KM 15 and KM 21 to help reconnect affected communities and reduce travel time. The Indian Army said the effort is aimed at restoring connectivity in areas impacted by the cyclone. The assistance is being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched to extend humanitarian support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. Under the operation, India sent relief supplies and deployed Army engineers to assist in restoring damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi is on an official visit to Sri Lanka. The visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and ties with Sri Lanka. In an official statement, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said the visit reflects the strong commitment and partnership between the two countries. In a post on X, the ADGPI said, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and further strengthen bilateral Defence Cooperation. The visit takes place against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India's enduring brotherhood with our steadfast partner." The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had earlier said that Indian Army engineers have commenced launching a 100-foot Bailey Bridge in Kandy to restore connectivity in the region affected by the cyclone. The Ministry of Defence had informed earlier that the COAS would visit Sri Lanka from January 7 to January 8. On arrival, General Dwivedi will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army. During the visit, the COAS will engage with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary. Discussions will focus on matters of mutual interest such as training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security. General Dwivedi will also address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala. The Ministry of Defence said these engagements reflect India's strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka. As part of the visit, the COAS will pay homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force War Memorial, honouring the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during their deployment in Sri Lanka, the ministry added. (ANI)
Balochistan [Pakistan], January 7 (ANI) A deepening sense of fear has gripped residents of Balochistan's Kech district as kidnapping-for-ransom, criminal activity, and widespread lawlessness continue to surge, compelling political parties, trader bodies, and civil society groups to intensify protests and announce further shutdowns. The alarming deterioration in security has pushed the local population to take to the streets in unprecedented numbers, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, amid worsening conditions, All Parties Kech, the traders' association, and various political and social groups jointly organised a protest rally and complete shutdown strike on January 5. In the days leading up to the demonstration, organisers distributed pamphlets across Turbat, visiting markets, neighbourhoods, and commercial hubs to explain the collapsing security environment and appeal for united public participation. The organisers said frequent abductions, unchecked crime, and the failure of law enforcement had created widespread panic, making peaceful public mobilisation imperative. On January 5, thousands of residents, including men, women, lawyers, activists, and professionals, poured onto the streets of Turbat. The rally began at Apsar Bazaar, passed through major parts of the city, and culminated in a large gathering at Shaheed Fida Chowk. Civil society representatives stated that Balochistan was again being dragged into a cycle of ransom kidnappings, killings, and insecurity due to the state's inability to perform its most basic duty: protecting its citizens. Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan Kech also endorsed the protest, condemning kidnapping-for-ransom, enforced disappearances, and alleged extrajudicial-style arrests. Political parties, including the Balochistan National Party (BNP), argued that rampant disappearances, robberies, and killings reflected systemic governance failures rooted in Pakistan's coercive and dismissive approach toward Balochistan, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Addressing the crowd, former Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch said the situation in Kech had reached a "perilous" stage. He demanded the immediate recovery of abducted youths Haseeb Haji Yaseen and Shah Nawaz Gul Jan and warned that attempts were underway to push Kech back into instability. Several other speakers, including lawyers, trade leaders, and political figures, echoed similar concerns. Organisers stated that if the missing youths were not recovered promptly, a stronger shutdown strike would be observed, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
Iran has said that the United States is interfering in its internal affairs amid ongoing protests over rising prices and economic hardship, rejecting Washington's statements and warnings as unacceptable foreign intervention. Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali said that protests and economic demands are natural and common phenomena in all countries, and Iran is no exception but US is trying to turning a domestic issue into an instrument of political pressure, media warfare, and foreign intervention which is entirely unacceptable. Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Mohammad Fathali, said Iran recognises peaceful protest as a democratic right but strongly opposes what he described as Western attempts to politicise domestic issues and apply external pressure. "We certainly regard such statements and positions, including expressions of support by certain US officials for protesters, as a clear interference in our country's internal affairs. Sectoral protests and economic demands are natural and common phenomena in all countries, and Iran is no exception. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, both the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President have explicitly stated that peaceful protest is a right of the people and must be heard and pursued through legal channels," Fathali said. The Ambassador stressed that while Iran allows lawful and peaceful expression of public demands, using internal developments as tools of media warfare or political pressure violates international norms. "However, turning a domestic issue into an instrument of political pressure, media warfare, and foreign intervention is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations," he added. His remarks come as US President Donald Trump has issued repeated warnings over the protests in Iran. On Sunday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, "We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States." Earlier in a Truth Social post, Trump said, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" According to local media reports, at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces have been killed during clashes in Iran. Fathali said Iran's political system is rooted in public mandate and democratic participation. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is a democratic system that derives its legitimacy from the will and votes of the people. All officials, from the local level to the highest offices of the state, are elected through democratic elections," he said. He added that Iranian authorities are working to separate legitimate public demands from organised violence. "From the perspective of the Iranian government, it is essential to clearly distinguish between legitimate public demands and organised riots aimed at destabilising the country," the envoy said. Assuring safety for Indians in Iran, Fathali said there is no threat to foreign nationals. "I would like to state with full confidence that there is no threat to Indian citizens like those of other countries residing in Iran. The situation in the country is under control, and public order is being maintained," he said. Referring to Venezuela, the ambassador also criticised what he called US double standards in dealing with sovereign nations. "The Islamic Republic of Iran... strongly condemns the actions of the United States against Venezuela, including political pressure, illegal sanctions, and any measures taken against the country's legitimate authorities," Fathali said. He warned that unilateral US actions undermine international law and global stability, saying such approaches risk setting a dangerous precedent in international relations. "This U.S. approach constitutes a clear example of interference in the internal affairs of an independent country and a blatant violation of fundamental principles of international law, particularly respect for national sovereignty and the right of peoples to self-determination. From Iran's perspective, unilateral and coercive US policies not only fail to resolve the problems of countries, but also exacerbate crises, fuel political instability, and impose additional suffering on nations. The case of Venezuela once again demonstrates that the instrumental use of sanctions, threats, and political pressure as tools of foreign policy is part of a dangerous and unlawful pattern that undermines international order and stability. We believe that if such actions are not met with a firm and responsible response by the international community, they risk becoming a troubling precedent in international relations, the negative consequences of which will not be confined to one or two countries, " he added. (ANI)
Former Danish Ambassador to India Freddy Svane has described US President Donald Trump's repeated comments on Greenland as "unprecedented," and stressed that dialogue remains the only viable way forward. Speaking in an exclusive interview with ANI, the former envoy said the idea of one NATO country discussing the takeover or purchase of territory belonging to another NATO member was without precedent in modern international relations. "Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and thereby also part of NATO," Svane said. "So discussions, whether genuine or not -- about one NATO country perhaps taking over or purchasing another country within the NATO family are unprecedented." Trump reiterated over the weekend that the United States "needs Greenland for security reasons," prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn that any attack by the US would spell the end of NATO. Svane, however, said he did not foresee such a confrontation. "I don't believe in this kind of confrontation, and I don't see it coming," he said, adding that US security concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than public threats or media-driven signalling. Acknowledging Washington's strategic interests due to its geographic position, the former ambassador said these concerns could be accommodated, but only with full respect for Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-rule. "In the long run, I am pretty sure it will be possible to accommodate whatever interests the US might have, but in full respect of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark," he said. He strongly advocated back-channel diplomacy over public exchanges. "Vocal diplomacy, where you use the media and headlines to send signals, is not the best way," Svane said. "You need dialogue -- preferably behind closed doors." Svane underlined that Greenland's future is a matter solely for its people to decide, echoing Denmark's official position. "It is for the Greenlandic people themselves to decide what kind of future they want, whether independence, remaining within the Kingdom of Denmark, or another path," he said. "Nobody else." Notably, the White House said on Tuesday that it is considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, and that the use of military is not off the table, CNN reported, citing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time). According to CNN, Leavitt said that the US President has made it well-known that "acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States" and is important to deter the adversaries in the Arctic region. "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," she said. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CNN. On January 6, European leaders issued a joint statement pushing back against renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Greenland, asserting that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively. Emphasising a unified security framework, the statement said, "Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them." The leaders further underscored Greenland's political standing, stating, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." The joint statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump focusing on Greenland after the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Earlier, US President Donald Trump once again said that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, a day after strikes on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Greenland was critical to US security due growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region. He said, "We need Greenland. ... It's so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," Trump said. "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it." (ANI)
Spain on Tuesday (local time) reiterated its firm support for Denmark and the people of Greenland, stressing that respect for national sovereignty is essential for global peace, amid remarks from the United States about acquiring the Arctic territory. The NATO allies also issued a joint statement on Greenland. "Spain reiterates, together with Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, its firm support for Denmark and the people of Greenland. Respect for the sovereignty of countries is essential for peace. That was the greatest lesson the 20th century left us. Let us not forget it," the Prime Minister of Spain,Pedro Sanchez, wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/sanchezcastejon/status/2008507185894981925 The statement comes as the White House said it is considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of military force. According to CNN, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday (local time) that acquiring Greenland is viewed as a national security priority by President Donald Trump. "President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Leavitt said addressing weekly media briefing. Amid growing concern in Europe, several NATO allies issued a joint statement reaffirming support for Denmark and Greenland and underlining the importance of collective security in the Arctic. In the joint statement, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark said that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has clearly identified the Arctic as a priority region and that European allies have increased their presence, activities and investments to deter adversaries. The leaders stressed that security in the Arctic must be ensured collectively, in coordination with NATO allies, including the United States, while upholding the principles of the UN Charter such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. "The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - is part of NATO," the statement said, adding that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions concerning Greenland can only be taken by Denmark and Greenland. The statement also underlined that while the United States is an essential NATO partner, cooperation must be based on mutual respect for international law and established agreements.
BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho upon invitation from January 7 to 12, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will attend the launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union (AU) headquarters, said the spokesperson.

The visit will mark the 36th consecutive year for Africa to be the destination of the Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas trip of the year, the spokesperson added. 
The joint team is studying Antarctica's extreme, Mars-like landscapes to support research in polar science and planetary studies. The collaboration reflects deeper cooperation between the two countries in climate research, earth sciences and space-linked studies.

"Emirati researchers from Khalifa University joined India's 45th Antarctic Expedition at Maitri station, exploring Antarctica's Mars-like landscapes to advance polar & planetary science, " the Embassy wrote in an X post.

https://x.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/2008784222761488868/photo/2

The participation of UAE scientists follows a key agreement signed between India and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in polar research.

On December 13, 2024, the United Arab Emirates and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in polar and ocean research. The MoU was signed between the Emirates Polar Program and India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) during the 15th session of the UAE-India Joint Committee Meeting.

The agreement was signed by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs and Deputy Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, and M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The partnership aims to support joint scientific missions in Antarctica and the Arctic, encourage data sharing, and promote research related to climate change, polar ecosystems and earth system science.

The Emirates Polar Program, launched to strengthen the UAE's presence in polar science, focuses on participating in international polar missions and contributing to global climate action. Through collaboration with India, the UAE seeks to deepen its understanding of polar environments while reinforcing international scientific cooperation. (ANI)
An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 rattled the Philippine Sea, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 85km. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 6.2, On: 07/01/2026 08:33:00 IST, Lat: 7.27 N, Long: 126.87 E, Depth: 85 Km, Location: Philippine Sea." https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/2008739774203654158?s=20 The Philippine Sea borders the Philippines to its east, but it's a vast part of the western Pacific Ocean, with its floor being the Philippine Sea Plate; while the Philippines has sovereign rights over its adjacent waters (the West Philippine Sea within the South China Sea), the broader Philippine Sea is a large oceanic basin shared with other nations like Japan and Taiwan. The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt of volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches in the Pacific Ocean. John Dale B Dianala, assistant professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, the University of the Philippines in Diliman, told Al Jazeera that just by virtue of the geographic and geologic setting of the country, the Philippines is home to many onshore and offshore tectonic faults. "The whole length of the Philippines, around 1,800km, is right along the boundary of two major tectonic plates - the Philippine Sea plate and Eurasian plate - part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. These two plates, thousands of kilometres wide, have been pushing against each other for millions of years at two to three times the rate of fingernail growth," he said. "Each earthquake is a manifestation of the periodic release of the stress along long fractures on these plates - what geologists call 'faults' - which rupture several metres of movement along a fault in large earthquakes," he further told Al Jazeera. "When the displacement involves vertical uplift of the seafloor from an offshore fault, like in the Philippine Trench to the east of the country, the movement displaces the water column from the depths of the ocean that then propagate to the surface and coasts in the form of tsunamis. Strong shaking can also cause submarine landslides that can also trigger tsunamis," he added. (ANI)
Sindh [Pakistan], January 7 (ANI) Tensions between private schools and the Sindh government eased after a detailed engagement between the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations and senior provincial officials, following days of unrest over what institutions described as intrusive and humiliating inspection practices. The alliance had earlier announced a strike for January 9 to protest the verification of free-education beneficiary lists, a process they said resulted in harassment of school administrators and parents, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, accompanied by Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Shah, School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi and Director General Private Schools Muhammad Afzal, met representatives of the alliance Anwar Ali Bhatti, Syed Tariq Shah, Syed Shehzad Akhtar, Danish-ul-Zaman, Nasser Zaidi and Haider Ali. The discussions focused on verifying data submitted by private institutions and addressing complaints about the conduct of inspection teams. Minister Shah acknowledged that schools had legitimate concerns. He emphasised that while the government must comply with court-ordered verification, the process must remain transparent, respectful and free of intimidation. He assured that the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions would work in close coordination with schools to resolve procedural issues and ensure parents and students were not subjected to unnecessary humiliation. The minister also recognised the substantial role private schools play in educating millions of children in Sindh while managing heavy financial burdens such as taxes and utilities, as cited by The Express Tribune. In light of these assurances and the promise of a coordinated verification mechanism, the Grand Alliance announced the immediate withdrawal of its strike call. The group reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with authorities to protect students' rights while adhering to judicial directives. The controversy escalated after Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi condemned ACE's aggressive raids on private schools to validate free-education lists. Pakistani law requires private schools to provide free education to 10 per cent of deserving students. However, ACE's recent actions provoked furious backlash. JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan criticised the summoning and photographing of parents of free-education recipients, calling the practice unethical, illegal and degrading, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan's sisters alongwith PTI members were barred from meeting him on Wednesday, prompting them to hold prayer sit-in outside Jail. Protesters included Faisal Javed, PTI Senator, Rashid Qayamat Ali Butt, Protester from Lahore Wagha border, Syed Jibran Haider Shah Jee, Protester from Lahore). Protesters prayed for the safety, health and life of Imran Khan and chanted slogans demanding his release. A protester recounted their ordeal, saying that they have been trying to meet their leader for the past two years. "We've been trying to meet for past two years, despite having court orders, not once, not twice more than 10 times when we come here to meet him- which is his legal right- they deny that meeting to they don't let him talk to his kids, his family. Then political people from his party, they're not allowed to meet him. Then lawyers, as legal aid, they are not allowed to meet him, despite having all those court orders," he said. He added that they have been caught up in hamster wheel of arranging court orders for meeting Imran Khan and file for contempt each time they are denied. "Time and again, we go back to the courts, get the orders again. Then, you know, we file the contempt, then get the order again, then come here. So this has been going on for past two years with me at least. So, you know, all those meetings which are his legal rights are being denied," he said. The protester said that this was a sad state of affairs, as a sister is being denied the right to see her brother. "We were reading Quranic verses and whatever has happened now, the water is all over our heads now. We don't know from where did it come but it wasn't there so all the ladies specially they were sitting reciting the Quranic verses. They had to get up so this is ridiculous. I mean, this was a peaceful protest. It's not a protest, in fact. It's just, you know, sisters are trying their legal right to meet their brother. And they were reading Quranic verses there and this happened. Very unfortunate. But people are still here and we'll keep on coming here. We'll keep on trying to meet Imran Khan," he said. The protester further said that when Nawaz Sharif was jailed, such restrictions were not imposed on him. "Remember when Nawaz Sharif was in jail, every week about 200 people would meet him easily without going to any court, without getting any permission. There was no need to get any permission. So people would come meet him easily. Now when Imran Khan is in jail, it has been two years that people are not allowed to meet him," he said. Another protester said, "We stand in solidarity with Imran Khan's family. We will stand by his sisters till our last breath. A court in Pakistan on January 2 sentenced several journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment after convicting them of inciting violence during riots in 2023 linked to the arrest of Imran Khan, as reported by Al Jazeera. An anti-terrorism court judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, announced the verdict in Islamabad, after completing trials held in absentia. The convicted include former army officers-turned YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain; journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada, according to the court's decision. All the accused were absent from court proceedings as they have been living abroad after leaving Pakistan in recent years to avoid arrest, as per Al Jazeera. The convictions stem from cases registered after unrest in May 2023 saw some of Khan's supporters attack military facilities and government property in response to his brief arrest in a corruption case. Since then, the Pakistani government and military have launched a sweeping crackdown on Khan's party and dissenting voices, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions. The Committee to Protect Journalists said in 2023 that the investigations amounted to retaliation against critical reporting. "Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media," CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi told Al Jazeera. Since November 2025, family members of Imran Khan, have maintained they were barred from seeing him, prompting protests and causing concerns about his health. After his sister, Uzma Khanum, finally visited him at Adiala jail, the central jail in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, close to the capital, Islamabad, on December 2, however, she said Khan's health appeared to be good, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI)
Pakistan's telecom industry has cautioned the government against fast-tracking the launch of next-generation mobile networks without addressing fundamental affordability issues, warning that an ill-timed 5G rollout could consume limited foreign exchange and divert crucial investment from improving basic connectivity. The concerns were highlighted in a detailed letter sent by the Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan (TOA) to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, the TOA stated that Pakistan's digital trajectory will not be shaped by how rapidly 5G technology is deployed but by whether ordinary users can afford compatible smartphones and find meaningful everyday value in staying connected. The association noted, "Introducing technology alone does not uplift societies; it is the adoption and use of that technology that drives progress." TOA Chairman Amir Ibrahim, who authored the letter, criticised public discussions surrounding 5G for focusing almost entirely on global competitiveness and perceived technological prestige. Missing from the conversation, he said, is a basic but critical question: Who in Pakistan will actually be able to use 5G? According to industry figures, only around two per cent of mobile subscribers currently possess 5G-enabled devices. The association pointed out that entry-level 5G smartphones begin at roughly PKR 90,000, while premium models such as iPhones can cost up to PKR 700,000, amounts well beyond the reach of most citizens in a low-income, prepaid-driven market. It added that 5G support requires more advanced modems and radio components, which increase manufacturing costs and further push devices out of mass-market affordability. The TOA stated that the lack of accessible handset financing options further restricts adoption and urged the government to introduce consumer-friendly instalment schemes. Without such demand-side measures, policymakers risk building a sophisticated network that few people can actually use, as Dawn highlights. The association cautioned that focusing narrowly on rollout deadlines and coverage obligations without tackling affordability barriers could result in an underutilised 5G infrastructure, much like Pakistan's uneven 4G experience. Even a decade after the first 4G auction, one in four users still lacks mobile broadband. The TOA stated that 5G could deepen Pakistan's digital divide unless regulators reduce device taxes, enable financing mechanisms, and align policy with real consumer needs, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey New Year greetings. The two also exchanged views on the regional situation. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead. We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2008828800117985427?s=20 This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026. PM Modi, on December 11, received a phone call from Netanyahu, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their shared stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. According to an official statement, PM Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefit. PM Modi reiterated India's support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contact. Providing details of the discussion, PM Modi wrote on X, "Spoke with my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu. We reviewed progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen our cooperation. Also reaffirmed our shared commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism. India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region." The call came at a time when Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin "very shortly". Hamas, however, claimed Israeli "violations" and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreement. Netanyahu's office also said it is working with Indian authorities to arrange a new date for his postponed visit to India. The visit, initially planned for December, was deferred without a formal explanation, though his office stressed that bilateral ties remain strong and that he has "full confidence" in India's security under PM Modi's leadership. (ANI)
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of his official visit to the island nation, paying homage to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Pawan. According to a post by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army on X, the wreath-laying ceremony was a moment of quiet remembrance and respect for the brave personnel who sacrificed in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony during the IPKF's deployment in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. The ADGPI noted that the IPKF Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the valour, courage and professionalism of Indian Army troops who served under challenging circumstances during the mission and also commemorates the Army's role in peacekeeping operations and reflects the unwavering commitment to regional security and stability. "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, paying solemn homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony during Operation PAWAN," the post read. "The IPKF Memorial honours the valour and supreme sacrifice of Indian Army troops during the IPKF's operations in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990. It stands as an enduring symbol of courage, professionalism and the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to peacekeeping and regional security," it added. Operation Pawan, undertaken under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on 29 July 1987, marked India's first major overseas peacekeeping deployment. The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) entered Sri Lanka in August 1987, tasked with disarming the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and stabilising the Jaffna Peninsula. At its peak, the IPKF strength reached nearly 100,000 personnel, who operated in intense counter-insurgency conditions until March 1990. The COAS is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka after completing his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He will be there at the island nation from January 7 to January 8. His visit also comes against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, according to an official statement from the ADGPI. (ANI)
Terming the recent US military action in Venezuela as an "illegal military invasion", the Cuban Ambassador to India, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, on Wednesday condemned the aggression and called for the immediate release of "legitimate" Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking to ANI on the escalating crisis in Latin America, the Ambassador expressed shock over the developments, comparing the situation to the Cold War era and the 19th-century imperialist policies. "I was in my office on the 3rd of January when I received a call informing me that the US made a military aggression towards Venezuela. I was totally surprised. I never imagined that we would come back to the time of the Cold War, where a big country would have this illegal military invasion over a sovereign nation," Aguilera told ANI. On Saturday, the US launched a "large-scale strike against Venezuela", and Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country. They were later indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. The Ambassador detailed the damage caused in Caracas and other provinces, alleging that a terrorist group had kidnapped Maduro. "It is an illegal option. It violates all principles set out in the United Nations' chapter on international law. No single country could support such action in the 21st century," Aguilera added. Confirming the deaths of Cuban personnel during the crisis, the Envoy stated that Havana has declared two days of mourning to pay tribute to 32 Cuban citizens who were killed while protecting Maduro. "The Bolivarian government requested a presence to reinforce the safeguarding of President Maduro. We sent a group to support the safeguard team. They were there fulfilling their duties and refusing the terrorist group. They were very brave for more than 30 minutes, facing this aggression with courage. For us, all of them are heroes," he said. Criticising the US administration's stance on Cuba, Aguilera accused Washington of trying to "strangle" the Cuban economy by re-including it in the list of state sponsors of terrorism--a move he described as "politically motivated" and "totally unfair". "During the first Trump administration, they adopted more than 243 measures to strangle our economy. Now, they are persecuting oil supplies to Cuba from Venezuela and Russia and banning Americans from travelling to Cuba," he noted. The Envoy further alleged that the US is attempting to impose a modern version of the 'Monroe Doctrine' to dominate the Western Hemisphere for its natural and strategic resources, including oil. "They want every government in Latin America and the Caribbean to be in line with US interests. They are telling Mexico they will interfere in their policy and told Colombian President Gustavo Petro, 'You can be the next.' You cannot treat an independent country like this," the Ambassador said. Calling for a united front, the Cuban Ambassador highlighted the role of organisations like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), G77+China, and BRICS in defending the rights of the Global South. "The UN Security Council and the Non-Aligned Movement have already expressed consensus against these unilateral military actions. We are calling on the international community to express clearly that we cannot accept this policy. Not a single country can force the US to change unilaterally, but all united, we can defend our ideas," he concluded. (ANI)
London [UK], January 7 (ANI) Rights groups led by Free Tibet, along with several allied organisations, have renewed their campaign against China's proposed mega embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, arguing that the project poses grave national security threats and heightens risks for already vulnerable exile communities. The UK government is expected to announce its verdict on January 20. Campaigners say the plan goes far beyond normal diplomatic activity and has triggered fresh alarms, as reported by Phayul. According to Phayul, if approved, the Royal Mint Court complex would reportedly become China's biggest embassy in Europe, stretching across nearly 20,000 square metres, close to ten times the scale of a typical mission. Activists highlighted that the size and strategic placement of the facility raise serious concerns about espionage potential and covert intelligence operations. In an open letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, UK-based Tibetans and Tibet support groups urged the government to reject the plan outright. The letter warns that the embassy would sit close to vital communication networks, including undersea cables that underpin UK infrastructure. It also references reported assessments by MI5, suggesting the site could pose a substantial risk to national security if approved. These fears add to a series of recent disclosures about Chinese intelligence activities in the UK. Investigators have uncovered attempts by individuals linked to Beijing to recruit people with ties to Westminster by offering financial incentives in exchange for sensitive information. Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong, and Chinese dissident groups argue that any evaluation of the proposal must also consider China's long-standing record of transnational repression. They cite cases of harassment, intimidation, and violence against activists abroad, including the widely publicised 2022 incident in Manchester, where a Hong Kong protester was pulled into the Chinese consulate and assaulted by officials, as highlighted by Phayul. China bought the Royal Mint Court property in 2018. The Tower Hamlets Council rejected the embassy plan in 2022 over safety and security concerns, but China resubmitted the same proposal in August 2024, prompting the UK government to take charge of the decision. Activist groups have since organised frequent demonstrations, describing the proposed complex as a strategic hub rather than a diplomatic office. They plan larger rallies ahead of the January 20 ruling, as reported by Phayul. (ANI)
China on Wednesday strongly condemned the United States' actions against Venezuela, branding Washington's demands and use of force over the South American nation as "bullying" that violates international law, infringes on the country's sovereignty, and undermines the rights of its people. Addressing a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when asked about the US administration urging Venezuela's acting president to sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba and partner exclusively with the US, said that such demands "seriously breach international law" and amount to coercion that threatens Venezuela's sovereign rights. She emphasised that Venezuela is a sovereign state with permanent control over its natural resources and economic activity, and that the lawful rights and interests of China and other partner nations must be upheld. "Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities. The U.S. blatantly used force against Venezuela and asked the country to "favour" America with regard to its oil reserves. Such bullying seriously breaches international law, infringes on Venezuela's sovereignty, and violates the rights of the Venezuelan people. China strongly condemns this. Let me stress that the lawful rights and interests of China and other countries in Venezuela must be protected," the Chinese spokesperson said. Mao underscored that the US' use of force and its overtures on Venezuela's oil assets represent a major breach of established international norms, stressing Beijing's stance against any actions that undermine a country's territorial integrity or sovereign decision-making. She further stated that China strongly condemns such acts of pressure and insists on respect for international law and the UN Charter. "The US's request violates international law, infringes on Venezuela's sovereignty and undermines the right of the Venezuelan people. The cooperation between China and Venezuela is the cooperation between two sovereign states and is under protection of international law and relevant laws," she further stated. The remarks come amid growing geopolitical tension over Venezuela following the US's "large-scale strike" and the capture of its former President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife on Saturday. Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and noted that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States. In his Truth Social post, the US President said he has asked US Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, and that the oil would be transported by storage ships directly to US unloading docks. (ANI)
Amy Schumer has filed for divorce from Chris Fischer.

Amy Schumer has filed for divorce

The Trainwreck actress announced last month she had split from the 45-year-old chef - with whom she has six-year-old son Gene - and now New York County court records show she has officially filed to end their marriage.

Amy confirmed the end of her seven-year marriage to Chris on Instagram following several months of speculation.

Captioning a photo of the former couple riding a train, Amy - who overlayed the post with U2's track, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - penned: "Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage after 7 years.

"We love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising our son. We would appreciate people respecting our privacy at this time. (sic)"

The I Feel Pretty star then joked in the caption that her dramatic weight loss and professional chef Chris being a "hot James beard award-winning chef who can still pull some hot tail" were not the causes for their break-up.

Amy ended the post with: "Amicable and all love and respect! Family forever."

The former couple were first linked in November 2017 after they were photographed at a candlelit dinner together in New York.

Just days after they went Instagram official with their relationship in February 2018, Amy and Chris got married in an intimate ceremony in Malibu, California, which was attended by around 80 people, including Jennifer Aniston and Larry David.

Amy shared a series of photos from their special day to Instagram, and she let the photos speak for themselves by simply captioning the carousel with: "Yup."

In October that year, Amy made her pregnancy announcement via journalist Jessica Yellin of News Not Noise.

Sharing a list of Amy's recommended congressional and gubernatorial candidates, Jessica wrote: "I wanted to share some news from our community, maybe it's noise, but it's happy noise."

And the end of the post stated: "I'm pregnant-Amy Schumer."

On May 5, 2019, Gene was born. And referencing the birth of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex's son Prince Archie a day later, Amy joked: "Our royal baby was born."
The United States on Wednesday announced a major energy initiative with Venezuela following its military operations last week, rolling back select sanctions to market Venezuelan crude oil globally while stabilising the South American nation's energy sector. The move, framed by the Trump administration as a 'historic deal', aims to safeguard American interests, restore Venezuela's energy production, and generate revenue for both countries. In a Fact Sheet released by the US Department of Energy, the administration highlighted that all proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude and oil products will initially be deposited in US-controlled accounts at globally recognised banks, ensuring transparency and proper distribution for the benefit of both American and Venezuelan citizens. The deal is expected to begin with the sale of approximately 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, with further sales to continue indefinitely. According to the fact sheet, the US will also supply diluent (light crude oil) to Venezuela to upgrade its very heavy crude and facilitate transport and sales. Additionally, select oilfield equipment, parts, and services will be imported to offset decades of underinvestment and decline, modernise production, and support near-term growth in Venezuela's oil sector. "The only oil transported in and out of Venezuela will be through legitimate and authorised channels consistent with U.S. law and national security. The United States is selectively rolling back sanctions to enable the transport and sale of Venezuelan crude and oil products to global markets," the factsheet stated. US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said the initiative will focus on crude oil stored in onshore and offshore facilities, as well as ongoing production. "We're working directly in cooperation with the Venezuelans. We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela. As we make progress with the government, we'll enable the importing of parts, equipment, and services to prevent the industry from collapsing, stabilise production, and, in the long run, create conditions for major American companies to invest," Wright said. The energy deal follows the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, and is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to restore "prosperity, safety, and security" across the Western Hemisphere. This announcement comes amid growing geopolitical tension over Venezuela following the US's "large-scale strike" and the capture of its former President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife on Saturday. Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and noted that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States. (ANI)
Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid a visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab and discussed IBM's expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission. In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra shared details of his visit and highlighted that India is taking steps to build research collaborations and innovation hubs. "Had an exciting visit to the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Centre Think Lab to witness the cutting-edge research work taking place in quantum computing. We spoke about IBM's expanding footprint in India and the National Quantum Mission, under which India is taking dedicated steps to build world-class research collaborations and dedicated innovation hubs." https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2008661798547804619?s=20 The National Quantum Mission (NQM), is a major initiative by the Indian Government to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development. Approved on April 19 2023 by the Union Cabinet, the mission is set to span from 2023-24 to 2030-31, with a budget allocation of 6,003.65 crore, as per a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Through the mission, India aims to harness the power of quantum technology to drive innovation, strengthen security, and boost various industries, positioning itself as a global leader in this cutting-edge field. He also met Yan Le Cun and spoke about Artificial Intelligence and India's priorities towards leveraging AI for development. "Delighted to meet Prof. Yann Le Cun @ylecun a preeminent voice in AI research. We spoke about the future of AI research and India's priorities towards leveraging AI for development at home". https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2008695974538215721?s=20 Earlier in November last year, Kwatra met Congressman Jay Obernolte and held discussions with him to enhance the cooperation between India and the US in areas such as science, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation. He also held a conversation with Francis Pedraza, the founder of Invisible Technologies, on evolving innovation and technology. He shared that Pedraza's Eternity Civilization Foundation is working on an ambitious project to translate the works of the ancient Nalanda library using AI tools. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) said that after prolonged negotiations with senators, congressmen, secretaries and other political representatives, the 2027 military budget should be increased to 1.5 trillion USD, from the current 1 trillion USD. Trump said that this would allow the US to build a "dream military" and keep America safe and secure. He made the announcement via a Truth Social post. Making the announcement via a Truth Social post, Trump said that this comes after the tariffs brought in more income to the United States, with the country now having the ability to not only pay down the debt, produce an 'unparalleled military force' and also pay a substantial dividend to "moderate-income patriots" in the US. "After long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives, I have determined that, for the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars. This will allow us to build the "Dream Military" that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe," Trump said on Truth social. Hailing the success of the tariffs bringing in more money for Americans, he added, "If it weren't for the tremendous numbers being produced by Tariffs from other Countries, many of which, in the past, have "ripped off" the United States at levels never seen before, I would stay at the $1 Trillion Dollar number but, because of Tariffs, and the tremendous Income that they bring, amounts being generated, that would have been unthinkable in the past (especially just one year ago during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, the Worst President in the History of our Country!), we are able to easily hit the $1.5 Trillion Dollar number while, at the same time, producing an unparalleled Military Force, and having the ability to, at the same time, pay down Debt, and likewise, pay a substantial Dividend to moderate income Patriots within our Country!", the US President said on Truth Social. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115854352740910460 Previously, the 2026 budget briefing shared by the Under Secretary of War (Comptroller), said that the FY 2026 Budget would deliver on Trump's "vow to restore peace through strength" through measures like reestablishing deterrence, rebuilding the military by matching capabilities to threats and reviving the warrior ethos and restoring trust in the military. Earlier in December last year, the United States Senate has passed a USD 901 billion bill setting defence policy and spending for the 2026 fiscal year, which combined the priorities backed by the Trump administration with provisions designed to preserve congressional oversight of US military power, as per a report by Al Jazeera. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on attended the first India-Weimer format meeting along with Polish Deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The meeting focused on three key issues; India-European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict. In his remarks at the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said that the format would deepen India's engagement with Europe. He added, "It is reflected in a collective endeavour with Brussels, but it is also sustained by individual European Union member states. As these conversations advance and cooperation deepens, it is natural that we have smaller group interactions that support this larger direction, and I think that is what we seek today." Jaishankar said the discussions were substantive and candid across a range of issues. In his remarks at the India-Weimar Meeting, Jaishankar said that this is the first time that India is engaging in this format. "Our discussions were largely centred on three issues - India - European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict," he said. Jaishankar said the second context for the meeting is the world in flux. "We have been witnessing for quite some years now that churn in the Indo-Pacific. Europe is going through its own challenging circumstances, many of which have strategic implications. But beyond that, there have also been overarching developments that could redefine the global order itself. We may be located in different parts of the world, but despite that, perhaps even because of that, it is extremely useful for us to exchange views regularly and to share assessments," the EAM added. Jaishankar expressed confidence in the scope for expanding ties and elevating the relationship between India and Europe. "Among India's major relationships, I believe that the one with the European Union and Europe - and obviously with its member states - has the most room to grow today. We have tremendous unrealised potential and many new areas to explore. It is appropriate that this format, which has brought us together, has three very important European partners. My discussions today leave me confident that they will support that effort to take India-Europe ties to the next level," he said. Noting that the world is moving in a multipolar direction, he emphasised that factors and events that make it more volatile and uncertain also make a powerful case for deeper collaboration among like-minded parties with shared views--which is what brought the four together. He also shared the details of the meeting in a post on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2008982370532343878?s=20 Earlier in the day, EAM had met his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot on Wednesday (local time). The two leaders discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and elevating India-EU engagement, while also sharing perspectives on contemporary global developments. EAM said that the session on bilateral cooperation would take forward our wide-ranging agenda, and also aim at generating new ideas on implementing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Earlier, the External Affairs Minister met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel and the Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. He also interacted with the members of the Indian Community in Luxembourg. As per the MEA, "EAM will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors' Conference as the Guest of Honour." (ANI)
Chinese tire manufacturer Guizhou Tyre has approved plans to build a new production facility in the Cite Mohammed VI, Tanger Tech industrial zone, confirming an investment close to 300 million dollars.

The companys board of directors validated the project on January 5, giving the green light for the construction of an intelligent tire plant with an annual output capacity of six million tires.

According to the company, the unit will produce semi steel tires under its Advance and Samson brands.

The total investment amounts to 298.72 million dollars, including 293.02 million dollars earmarked for construction, 4.53 million dollars in interim interest, and 1.17 million dollars for initial working capital.

The project will be financed through a mix of internal resources and external funding mobilized by the group.

Construction is expected to take two years, marking a significant step in Guizhou Tyres expansion strategy and reinforcing Moroccos position as an emerging hub for automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Brigitte Bardot endured a secret battle with cancer prior to her death, according to her husband Bernard d'Ormale.

Brigitte Bardot battled cancer in secret

News of the Hollywood legend's death broke last month when members of her charitable foundation confirmed she had passed away at the age of 91, but no further details about her death were revealed. Now Bernard has opened up about his wife's failing health in the months prior to her passing revealing she underwent two operations during a secret battle with an unnamed cancer.

He told Paris Match magazine: "[She] had tolerated very well the two procedures she underwent to treat the cancer that took her."

The actress-turned-animal rights campaigner was hospitalised twice in 2025 but was determined to return to her home in the French resort of Saint-Tropez despite her physical discomfort.

Bernard added to the publication: "It was uncomfortable, even when she was bedridden," added the former far-right political adviser.

"However, she remained conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

Bernard also revealed his wife's final words before she passed away, saying: "They were the most moving moment of my life with Brigitte, because she was leaving us.

"She said 'pew pew'. I was half asleep, I sat up and saw that she had stopped breathing. I saw her suffering disappear in the next fifteen minutes  she became magnificent."

Bardot will be remembered in a private funeral in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday (07.01.26) as well as a public event in the coastal town and reports suggest she will be buried in the area's Marine Cemetery, close to the final resting place of her first husband Roger Vadim, who died in 2000.

The actress' death came just weeks after she urged fans to "calm down" and stop worrying about her after two stints in hospital sparked fears for her health.

Her foundation issued a statement which read: In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy and invites everyone to calm down.

"Ms Bardot wishes to reassure those who are genuinely concerned about her.

"She sends them this message: I send my love to you all."

In October, Bardot was forced to deny false rumours which suggested she had died.

She posted a statement on her X account to dismiss claims made by influencer Aqababe in a now-deleted social media post suggesting she had passed away.

The actress wrote: "I don't know who the idiot who started this 'fake news' about my disappearance but know that I am doing well and I have no plan on taking my bow. A word to the wise."

Aqababe, whose real name is Aniss Zitouni, claimed in their post that they had "exclusive information" about the star's supposed death.

The deleted post read: "Her coffin was ordered in Saint-Paul-de-Jarrat in the 09 (Ariege) department. An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an internal imprint on the hearts of the French."

The influencer even stood by the claims after Bardot issued her denial on X, suggesting it is not the former actress who runs her account.

Aqababe wrote: "I deleted my exclusive tweet about Brigitte Bardot's death. It's not her who manages her Twitter, you'll see when AFP officially announces the death."
Singapore reactivated its diplomatic representation in Morocco after several years vacancy by appointing Chua Kee Lock as new non-resident ambassador to the Kingdom, marking significant diplomatic milestone in bilateral relations. The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the January 6, 2026 appointment, ending representation vacancy at this strategic post.

This decision occurs as Singapore intends strengthening diplomatic presence in North Africa while inscribing itself within its traditional non-resident representation doctrine based on efficiency, flexibility, and complementarity between political diplomacy and economic cooperation. Moroccos selection as diplomatic anchoring point illustrates growing recognition of the kingdoms role as stable, credible, and influential African continent partner.

Chua Kee Lock will cumulate this function with Singapores non-resident ambassador position to Panama, a habitual scheme in Singaporean diplomatic practice. He serves as chairman and chief executive of Vertex Holdings Group, a major technological investment and innovation actor. The profile reflects Singapores orientation toward technology and economic partnerships.

An engineer by training, Chua earned his mechanical engineering bachelors degree from University of Wisconsin in 1984, followed by engineering masters from Stanford University in 1987. His career led to first-tier responsibilities in technology, investment, and innovation sectors while sitting on several strategic instances, including the Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science and Keppel Technology Advisory Panel, which he has chaired since 2024.

The designation of a technology sector senior executive signals Singaporean interest in opportunities offered by Morocco in domains including innovation, infrastructure, finance, renewable energies, and African connectivity.

For Morocco, this decision carries particular significance, inscribing itself within broader diplomatic and economic partnership diversification dynamics, notably with Asias most dynamic economies, strengthening bilateral engagement potential across multiple sectors, including innovation, infrastructures, finance, renewable energies and connectivity to Africa.

This appointment fills diplomatic vacancy since 2017, when George Goh, then Singapores non-resident ambassador to Morocco, renounced functions anticipating 2023 presidential election prospects.
The American-Moroccan-Mauritanian talks held lately in Nouakchott on regional issues, including the Sahara, sparked Algerian regimes fears about Mauritanias diplomatic shift and support for Moroccos Autonomy Plan in the Sahara.

The tripartite meeting gathered Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Merzoug, Moroccan Ambassador to Nouakchott Hamid Chabar and Deputy Head of Mission at U.S. embassy Corina R. Sanders.

The meeting comes amid growing international recognition of Moroccos autonomy initiative as the only realistic political solution to the Sahara regional conflict. On 31 October 2025, UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, endorsing the Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, dealing a hard blow to the Algerian junta and Polisario militias.

According to experts, the Nouakchott tripartite meeting is evidence of a deepening strategic dialogue between Rabat, Nouakchott and Washington.

The latest historic UNSC resolution has called on the parties to the conflict (Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and Polisario) to engage in discussions without preconditions, taking as basis Moroccos Autonomy plan with a view to achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution.

But the Polisario and Algeria have refused to comply, challenging the international community and the USA, penholder of the UN Security Council resolution on Sahara.

The U.S. administration responded with removing American Ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Aubin and imposing 127 % anti-dumping (AD) & Countervailing duties (CVD) on imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Algeria. More sanctions are in the pipeline.

These first retributive diplomatic and economic measures show the U.S. deep discontent with Algerian procrastinating tactics and ties with Iran, Venezuela, Assad regime, Hezbollah and terrorist groups.

U.S. toppling of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sent a strong message to Algerian rulers and their Polisario terrorist group. U.S. secretary of State Marco Rubio has said President Donald Trump is not a game player! No bluffing, no back-and-forth, just straight action. He means what he says and stands on it. If you missed the message before, it just got delivered. Now you know.
Actor Eric McCormack will have to pay his ex-wife, Janet Holden, a hefty cut of his Will & Grace profits and $10,000 per month in spousal support as part of their divorce settlement, Us Weekly can exclusively report. https://t.co/zl4ITuvPsM  Us Weekly (@usweekly) January 6, 2026

-Eric and his former wife, Janet, were married Aug. 3, 1997 through Feb. 12, 2024 (date of their separation). Despite divorcing they seem to be fairly amicable.-Per the divorce settlement McCormack will pay his ex a non-modifiable amount of $10,000 per month in spousal support until 2035, at which time he can seek a modification. So a total of a little over $1million over a 9 year period. This based off of his income of $92k/month vs her $23k/month-She'll receive half of any residuals and royalty income from Lego Masters, Erics Just Jack and Will podcast, Murdoch Mysteries, Slasher, Will & Grace, Atypical, The Architect, American Dad!, Law & Order: SVU, Dead, Break a Leg!, Dead Like Me and several others.-They will split their bank accounts, investments, airline miles, Erics retirement plans and their physical property. Janet is keeping one Los Angeles home, two condos, a 2018 Audi Q7, 2000 Jeep Cherokee, 1972 Ford pickup, 2005 Ford Escape and a trailer, while Eric will retain a beach house, along with all income from his projects completed before the marriage and after their legal separation, such as Elsbeth, his Still Here Hollywood podcast and Lonesome Dove: The Series.-They will split the cost of supporting their 23 yr old son with any financials he may require and set up a trust fund for him.
The U.S. Department of Energy will award orders totaling $2.7 billion to three companies over the next 10 years to boost domestic uranium enrichment in a bid to lower the countrys dependence on Russian supply. American Centrifuge Operating, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maryland-based Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU), Orano Federal Services, the U.S. arm of the major French nuclear company, Orano SA and Peter Thiel-backed nuclear fuel enrichment startup General Matter secured $900 million each while Global Laser Enrichment, jointly owned by Australia-based Silex Systems (OTCQX:SILXY) and Canadas Cameco Corp. (NYSE:CCJ), will get $28 million.

"Todays awards show that this Administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today and the advanced reactors of tomorrow," Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said.

Under the contracts, the three companies will be required to meet specific milestones related to the enrichment of low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium, or HALEU, for both existing and new nuclear power plants, including smaller modular reactors (SMRs). HALEU is uranium enriched to contain 5% to 20% of the fissile uranium-235 isotope, a higher concentration than the 3-5% typically used in traditional reactors but significantly less than weapons-grade uranium (above 20%). This enriched fuel enables smaller, more efficient advanced reactors such as SMRs to operate longer, produce more power, and generate less waste, making it crucial for next-generation nuclear energy. In essence, HALEU bridges the gap between current reactor fuel and military-grade material, unlocking significant performance gains for future nuclear power.

Related: North Sea Oil Enters Survival Mode as Investment Dries Up

Currently, Centrus Energys American Centrifuge Operating is the only U.S.-owned, NRC-licensed facility to produce HALEU in the United States. The company completed Phase I of its existing contract with the DoE by delivering an initial 20 kilograms in late 2023, and successfully met its Phase II goal of producing an additional 900 kilograms by June 30, 2025.

The DOE exercised an option to extend the contract through June 30, 2026, for additional production, with options for up to eight more years beyond that date. This ensures a continued domestic HALEU supply for advanced reactor development.

Centrus is actively working with the DOE and other private sector partners like TerraPower and X-energy to scale up production and meet the emerging market demand for HALEU, which is vital for the future of U.S. nuclear energy.

The company has initiated design for a large expansion in Piketon, Ohio, to establish a large-scale, U.S.-owned enrichment capability. This includes an investment in a centrifuge manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to support the growth and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The material produced at the Piketon facility is crucial for fueling next-generation advanced nuclear reactors and helps reduce U.S. dependence on Russian HALEU supply, which has been the only commercial source globally.

Wall Street generally rates Centrus Energy's unique position as the sole HALEU producer in the United States as a strategic advantage, leading to "Buy" or "Outperform" ratings, especially after recent DOE HALEU contract awards. However, some analysts suggest caution due to high valuation, debt and dependence on future capacity expansion. Key positives include critical government support, reducing execution risk, and validating its technology, while concerns focus on premium pricing and financing the significant scale-up needed for full HALEU production.

LEU stock has been on fire, rocketing 276% over the past 12 months and 1,270% over the past five years. On the other hand, stocks of companies involved in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have been highly volatile, with significant peaks and steep declines, generally underperforming the broader market despite periods of strong investor interest. Shares of Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) have nearly tripled over the past year despite a big pullback since October; NuScale Power Corp.(NYSE:NU) is down -22.4% while BWX Technologies (NYSE:BWXT) has returned 68.5% over the timeframe.

Similarly, Cameco's shares have been on a tear, surging 85.2% over 52 weeks thanks to the global resurgence of interest in nuclear energy, a structural uranium supply deficit, strategic business decisions including the acquisition of a stake in Westinghouse Electric, and government partnerships that position the company as a key player in the clean energy transition. Cameco is a major global supplier of uranium fuel for nuclear power, operating mines, and providing processing services (refining and conversion) across the nuclear fuel cycle to help generate clean, reliable electricity. The company focuses on low-cost uranium production from tier-one assets in Canada and Kazakhstan, supplying utilities worldwide with nuclear fuel solutions and investing in technology to support the growing demand for nuclear energy.

Overall, the ongoing nuclear energy boom in the United States and globally is expected to have lasting power, driven primarily by the massive, consistent power demands of AI and large language models, pushing for reliable, carbon-free baseload energy. Indeed, Bloomberg has predicted that the AI boom will drive a $350 billion-plus build-out of nuclear infrastructure, leading to a 60% increase in U.S. nuclear capacity to 159 gigawatts by 2050.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The US military strikes in Venezuela and comments afterwards by President Donald Trump have raised the prospect of a massive increase in Venezuelan oil production under US control.

Its not clear when, how, or even if this can happen. But Venezuela has the worlds largest proven reserves, and Trump has suggested that US companies can bring them to market.

Venezuela's extra-heavy crude is highly sought after as it's ideal for specialized refineries -- such as those on the US Gulf Coast -- that have coker units allowing them to process this dense oil into high-margin products like gasoline and diesel fuel.

With the situation still in flux, this is one of several potential impacts for the global economy -- and Venezuelas key partners: Russia, Iran, China, and Cuba.

Russia

Strong supply meant oil prices saw their biggest annual fall in 2025 since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a collapse in global economic activity in 2020.

For Moscow, these declines have already hit and events in Venezuela following the detention of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could add to the pain.

If our American partners get control of the oil fields in Venezuela, wrote oligarch Oleg Deripaska on January 3, they will control more than half of the worlds oil reserves. They probably plan that our oil prices dont go higher than $50 per barrel.

Deripaska is one of the few oligarchs to have criticized Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But his comments reflect the Kremlin's interest in keeping oil prices high.

The prospect of the United States gaining influence over Venezuelan oil productionis clearly unwelcome in Moscow, Berlin-based political analyst Alexandra Sitenko told RFE/RL.

Its not clear if the United States will gain control of Venezuelas oil. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, sworn in by Venezuela's parliament on January 5, has made vague comments about cooperating with Washington on development, but the strength of her grip on power and what she aims to do with it are also unclear.

Substantial investments would be required for Venezuela to reverse the declines in production seen in recent decades, a spokesman for the International Energy Agency (IEA) told RFE/RL.

Sitenko said that given these challenges, caused by long-term mismanagement and international sanctions, ramping up production would be time-consuming.

Strategically, the Kremlin is likely more concerned with market power than with volumes alone. Expanded US influence over Venezuelan oil would strengthen Washingtons ability to shape global energy flows and pricing, potentially undermining coordination mechanisms such as OPEC+, on which Russia also relies to stabilize its revenues, Sitenko added.

Amid Venezuelas pariah status, Western companies have left the country, with the notable exception of US oil major Chevron.

Where [the sector] is not destroyed, there are Russian, Iranian, and Chinese companies. Of course, the United States wants to push them out, political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky told RFE/RLs Russian Service.

On the other hand, there could be space for collaboration. Washington has signaled it is interested in economic benefits from working with Moscow. The National Security Strategy talks of the wish to reestablish strategic stability with Russia.

Russia has also felt threatened by President Trumps announcement in December of a blockade of sanctioned tankers heading to or from Venezuela -- upping risk and uncertainty levels for Russian shadow fleet tankers, which Moscow uses to evade sanctions.

Iran

The blockade is one of many things exposing Iran to the same risks as Russia, as highlighted last month when US forces seized a tanker that was part of Irans shadow fleet as it was sailing off the coast of Venezuela.

The country has helped Iran to evade international sanctions for years.

A key product, which Venezuela has also sourced from Russia, is diluent -- agents for diluting Venezuelas thick, heavy grade of crude oil. Using shadow fleet vessels, Iran has exported large quantities of diluent to Venezuela in exchange for oil (that it has shipped to China) and gold.

Venezuela has also been a buyer of Iranian weapons, with the latest US sanctions relating to the trade announced on December 30. It notes purchases of drones and conventional weapons as well as chemicals for ballistic missiles.

The future of these lucrative trades looks uncertain, to say the least, amid the current massive US naval presence in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, even amid Irans own ongoing political turmoil, some Iranian media speculated that the fate of Venezuelas $2-billion debt to Tehran was in doubt.

China

China is another key partner for Venezuela and said it strongly condemns the US blatant use of force against a sovereign state.

The last sighting of Maduro, hours before his capture by US forces, was at a meeting with Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinas envoy for Latin American affairs. Maduro also met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Moscow last year.

Alongside the diplomatic contacts, China has also been Venezuelas main oil customer, according to the IEA.

Daniel Sternoff from the Center on Global Energy Policy at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, suggested US control of Venezuelas industry could endanger those supplies.

Venezuelan crude exports could be meaningfully redirected away from China and towards the US Gulf Coast, he wrote on January 4.

But while this trade has been important for Caracas, its perhaps less so for Beijing.

China covers approximately 4 percent to 5 percent of its oil imports from Venezuela. Losing some or all of that would be a blow, but not a catastrophe.

And, as work continues to renegotiate the China-US trade relationship, Venezuelan oil is only part of a much bigger picture.

At any rate, President Trump has sought to play down speculation that these supplies would be curtailed. "Theyre going to get oil," he told Fox and Friends on January 3.

Another important aspect of the economic relationship is Venezuelas estimated 10-billion-dollar debt to China. This is partly covered by the oil exports.

Like Russia and Iran, China has also invested in Venezuelas economy, pumping in some $18 billion since 2005 according to an online tracker by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). In a commentary on January 3, American Enterprise Institute (AEI) senior fellow Hal Brands suggested it would not give up on investments in Latin America.

Trump has served notice that theres only one great power in the Americas, when it comes to military muscleBut China will keep seeking economic, technological and political ties in the region, as part of a play for long-term advantage, he wrote.

Cuba

Perhaps no country is so vulnerable to the overspill effects of US action in Venezuela than Cuba.

The cash-strapped country is heavily reliant on Venezuela for energy supplies, which it has received at heavily subsidized, bargain basement prices.

Venezuela supplies Cuba today with approximately 35,000 barrels per day of oil; which represents 50 percent of the Island's oil deficit, Jorge Pinon of the University of Texas at Austin told RFE/RL.

Cuba does not have the financial resources to purchase that possible shortfall, he said, adding that to avoid an economic collapse the US government could request Venezuela to continue supplying Cuba with oil.

US sanctions enforcement has already led to energy supplies dwindling, and Cuba has been suffering increasing amounts of blackouts -- hitting both residential properties and industry.

Trump has commented that Cuba was going down for the count.

By RFE/RL

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The dramatic events over the weekend in Venezuela have renewed global attention on a country that, on paper, should be one of the worlds great energy powers. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves on Earth, yet its oil industry has been in long-term decline for two decades. Understanding why requires looking past the headlines and into the technical, legal, and political decisions that steadily dismantled what was once a cornerstone of the global petroleum system.

The United States confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is now in U.S. custody following a military operation inside Venezuela. President Trump announced the operation publicly, and Vice President JD Vance said the administration had offered multiple off ramps, but maintained two firm conditions: that drug trafficking must stop, and that what he described as stolen oil must be returned to the United States.

That final phrasestolen oilpoints to a long-running and deeply consequential dispute over Venezuelas oil industry, one that helps explain why a country with the worlds largest crude reserves has spent more than a decade in economic collapse, and why energy remains central to its geopolitical importance.

The Worlds Largest Oil Reserves  On Paper

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Venezuela holds roughly 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, the largest total of any country in the world.

But that headline figure obscures a critical reality: most of Venezuelas oil is ultra-heavy crude, concentrated in the Orinoco Belt. Unlike light, sweet crude produced in places like the Permian Basin, Orinoco crude is dense, viscous, and difficult to move. Producing it at scale requires heating, dilution with lighter hydrocarbons, and upgrading in specialized facilities before it can be refined. The extra level of processing also means it requires higher oil prices to be economical.

For decades, Venezuela relied on partnerships with U.S. and European oil companies to provide the technology, capital, and operational expertise required to make that system work. Those partnerships would not survive the 2000s.

Expropriation And The Unraveling Of PDVSA

While Venezuela formally nationalized its oil industry in the 1970s, beginning in the early 2000s under President Hugo Chavez, Venezuela moved beyond its earlier state ownership model and launched a wave of expropriations that fundamentally reshaped its oil sector. Foreign operators were forced into minority positions alongside Venezuelas national oil company, PDVSA, or saw assets seized outright. Major U.S. firms, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, ultimately exited the country and pursued international arbitration over uncompensated takings.

International tribunals later awarded billions of dollars in compensation to foreign companiesawards Venezuela has largely failed to satisfy. This period marks the origin of the stolen oil language now resurfacing in U.S. political messaging.

The consequences for Venezuelas oil industry were severe. PDVSA lost access to foreign capital and technical support. Skilled engineers left the country. Upgraders and pipelines fell into disrepair. Production declined steadily, falling from more than 3 million barrels per day before the expropriation to under 1 million bpd in recent years.

By the time Maduro assumed office in 2013, the industry was already in structural decline. Corruption, mismanagement, and U.S. sanctions under his tenure further constrained output and exports.

Why Heavy Oil Requires Foreign Expertise

Maintaining production of heavy oil requires constant reinvestment, reliable power, and uninterrupted access to diluentsmany of which historically came from the U.S. Gulf Coast. Without these inputs, and high enough oil prices to support them, production systems fail quickly.

When foreign partners exited Venezuela, PDVSA lost the ability to sustain that complex ecosystem. Steam-assisted extraction stalled. Upgrading capacity deteriorated. Fields that required continuous maintenance were left idle. Even when oil prices recovered globally, Venezuela was unable to capitalize.

This is the paradox at the heart of Venezuelas energy crisis: the country with the worlds largest oil reserves lacks the operational capacity to turn those reserves into stable production without outside help.

Oil, Sanctions, And The U.S. Perspective

U.S. officials have long argued that Venezuelas oil sector became intertwined with sanctions evasion, illicit shipping networks, and criminal activity. In recent years, Venezuelan crude exports increasingly moved through intermediaries and foreign buyers operating under sanctions pressure.

Vice President Vances statement reflects the administrations view that oil revenues were central not only to Venezuelas economy, but also to sustaining the Maduro government despite international isolation. Whether one agrees with that framing or not, it underscores why energy issues remain inseparable from broader U.S.Venezuela relations.

What Comes Next For Venezuelas Oil Sector

With Maduro now reportedly in U.S. custody, Venezuelas oil future enters a period of profound uncertainty. Several outcomes are possible.

A transitional government could seek to re-engage foreign operators, reopen arbitration discussions, and rebuild contractual frameworks to attract capital. U.S. companies with outstanding claims may pursue compensation or negotiated re-entry. China and Russia, both of which hold significant oil-backed interests in Venezuela, will likely seek to protect their positions.

What is unlikely is a rapid recovery. Even under favorable political conditions, restoring Venezuelas oil production would take years. Upgraders must be rebuilt, infrastructure modernized, and human capital restored. Heavy oil does not rebound quickly, especially when oil prices are depressed.

The Bottom Line

Maduros capture represents a major geopolitical escalation, but the underlying story is not new. Venezuelas crisis did not begin with sanctions or military action. It began when a technically complex oil industry was stripped of the partnerships and investment required to function.

Venezuelas vast oil reserves remain real, but reserves alone do not produce prosperity. Without technology, capital, expertise, and a sufficiently high oil price, the oil stays in the ground. That reality has shaped Venezuelas economic collapse, its international disputes, and the central role oil continues to play in the current events unfolding there.

By Robert Rapier for Oilprice.com

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Mexicos crude oil exports are shrinking fast  and this time the decline is not just a symptom of upstream exhaustion. Average crude exports have fallen from about 1.1 million b/d in 2020 to roughly 665,000 b/d in 2025, a near 40% drop. In December 2025, Mexicos exports reached 503,000 b/d, marking a 21st century minimum. The drastic decrease is even starker for Maya, Mexicos flagship heavy grade: December exports slid to 253,000 b/d, down 86% from 2020 levels. Ironically, the rapid decline in Mexicos crude exports happens at the same time as the Trump administration seeks to gain control over Venezuelas heavy sour barrels.

Production, by contrast, has eased far more modestly, declining by only around 100,000 b/d over the same period. That widening gap points to a structural shift: Mexico is exporting less crude largely because it needs more oil for its refineries at home. With roughly 60% of exports historically flowing to the US, the pullback has become increasingly visible in trade, signaling first good news from the industry to President Sheinbaums administration  the long-promised revival of domestic refining is beginning to show up in numbers.

The pivot traces back to 2019, when former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador launched a project to reset Mexicos National Refining Systema (Sistema Nacional de Refinacion, SNR). After decades of underinvestment and chronic underutilization, the strategy aimed to rehabilitate six aging refineries, restore idle units and integrate the new Dos Bocas (Olmeca) refinery into the domestic fuel system. The objectives were explicit: lift utilization rates materially and reduce Mexicos structural dependence on imported gasoline and diesel.

Related: U.S. Embargo Halts Venezuela Oil Shipments to Key Asian Buyers

By the end of 2025, the reset remained incomplete. Mexicos six legacy refineries plus Dos Bocas have a combined nameplate capacity of around 1.98 million b/d. Yet actual refinery runs remain well below that ceiling. In November 2025, total throughput across the system stood at only around 1.14 million b/d (a 10-year high), underlining how far the system still operates from its theoretical capacity.

Even so, utilization has improved markedly over the past year. In November 2024, only one refinery saw utilization rates above 50%. By November 2025, five out of seven exceeded that threshold, with the strongest gains seen at the Tula, Cadereyta, Salina Cruz and Dos Bocas plants. Tula climbed to a 79% utilization rate, the highest in the country, while Dos Bocas surged from 17% to 61% in a single year. Cadereyta rose from 35% to 61%, and Salina Cruz improved from 44% to 60%, signalling that operational recovery is spreading beyond a single flagship site.

The recovery is evident in the output of refined products. Between November 2024 and November 2025, diesel production in the country jumped from 162,000 b/d to 280,700 b/d, a 42% year-on-year increase, while gasoline output rose from 307,000 b/d to 412,600 b/d, up 26%. Trade flows confirm the downstream shift. According to Kpler, average US diesel exports to Mexico fell from 187,000 b/d in 2023 to 118,000 b/d in 2025, a 37% reduction, while gasoline imports declined from 338,000 b/d to 309,000 b/d over the same period. These figures include supplies from PEMEXs Deer Park refinery in Texas, which averaged about 30,000 b/d to Mexico in 2025, meaning the decline in third-party imports is even more pronounced.

Two main challenges continue to define the limits of the refining recovery. The first is financial. Years of neglect left refineries old, brittle and inefficient, and while the government has tried to curb fiscal exposure, there is still no visible path to sustaining the system without public support. According to Mexicos Energy Sector Program 20252030, federal subsidies used to contain gasoline and diesel prices between 2018 and 2024 totaled MXN 833.4 billion (about US$46.3 billion)  a sum exceeding the cost of building Dos Bocas itself, and one that blurs the line between social policy and industrial investment.

The second constraint is energy security. Refining is an energy-intensive industrial process, and Mexicos inland refineries have long been exposed to disruptions in electricity supply. The Tula, Salamanca, Cadereyta and Minatitlan refineries were designed decades ago around assumptions of stable power and hydrogen supply that no longer hold. Grid congestion, transmission outages and maintenance failures have repeatedly forced unplanned slowdowns or shutdowns at these sites. In practice, refinery runs have at times been curtailed not because of crude shortages or mechanical failures, but because of insufficient or unreliable electricity to operate compressors, pumps, hydrotreating units and safety systems.

Looking ahead, Mexicos two most prominent refining assets will be the new Dos Bocas refinery, which is already delivering the largest gains in domestic production, and the Tula refinery, where long-delayed modernization could unlock the systems next step-change. By November 2025, Dos Bocas was running at 61% utilization, processing 206,800 b/d, signalling that both of its 170,000 b/d distillation units have been operating already. Gasoline output, which weakened over the summer following repeated power outages, rebounded sharply in autumn, reaching 89,200 b/d in November.

At Tula (Mexicos second-largest refinery and now its most heavily utilized one), a long-delayed coking unit, designed to convert low-value fuel oil from heavy Maya crude into gasoline, diesel, LPG and petroleum coke, is expected to lift fuel output by as much as 70% once fully operational. Yet the coker remains unfinished, nearly a decade behind schedule. While PEMEX previously targeted end-2025 for commissioning, current estimates push the cokers launch toward late Q1 2026, with a naphtha hydrodesulfurization unit critical for low-sulfur gasoline also slated for completion in 2026  large expectations for the clean products output in the months to come.

Mexicos crude exports are falling, but not because oil has completely run out. They are falling because refineries are finally waking up. The recovery is real  visible in utilization rates, product output and shrinking imports  but it remains operationally fragile, fiscally heavy and dependent on infrastructure with little margin for error. Whether the shift proves durable will depend less on headline capacity than on power stability, maintenance discipline and whether long-delayed projects like Tulas coker finally cross the finish line.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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Despite the new affordability, organizations like IRENA caution that the extensive use of green hydrogen may still be inefficient as it requires dedicated renewable energy that could be used for other end purposes.

This breakthrough involves selectively electrooxidizing glucose to formate instead of water to oxygen, which removes the need for costly membranes and makes the process more efficient.

A new system developed by researchers uses sugars from agricultural waste in the production process, successfully lowering the cost of green hydrogen to $1.54 per kilogram, which undercuts fossil fuels.

For decades, green hydrogen has been touted as the next big thing in clean energy technology, with particularly promising potential applications in hard-to-abate sectors like transport, steelmaking, and shipping. However, the long-predicted green hydrogen renaissance has never come to fruition due to several factors, including the prohibitively high cost of production and the energy losses and inefficiencies associated with using green hydrogen rather than clean energy directly.

Hydrogen can be combusted at high temperatures but leaves only water vapor when it burns, making it an ideal candidate for industries that require high-temperature fuels. Moreover, unlike solar and wind energy, green hydrogen isnt variable  its available as needed and can be easily stored and transported, offering greater flexibility and resilience.

But green hydrogen isnt cheap, and it isnt the most direct use of clean energy resources. Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy, making its life cycle more sustainable than that of gray hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels. Hydrogen produced using natural gas is sometimes referred to as blue hydrogen and is viewed as more sustainable than gray hydrogen and more cost-effective than green hydrogen. For years now, the cost of green hydrogen has been about three to five times that of grey hydrogen.

To date, green hydrogen has been crippled by a persistent gap between (ambitious) project planning and implementation. At the global level, fewer than 10% of planned green hydrogen projects had been implemented as of 2023. Tracking 190 projects over 3 years, a 2025 study identified a wide 2023 implementation gap with only 7% of global capacity announcements finished on schedule.

Its clear that the considerable challenges faced by an industry-level switch to green hydrogen still outweigh the benefits in many, if not most, target sectors. But that equation may change in 2026. Scientists have persisted in green hydrogen research even as the industry has soured on its potential  and researchers have continued to make critical breakthroughs in recent months, proving that green hydrogen isnt a lost cause after all.

A new breakthrough system using waste material in the production process successfully produced green hydrogen at a price that finally undercuts fossil fuels, according to a recent report from Interesting Engineering. The new system, developed by a joint team from China Agricultural University and Nanyang Technological University, uses sugars derived from agricultural waste (such as wheat stalks) in the place of oxygen, making the overall production cycle far cheaper than standard methods, at just $1.54 per kilogram (around $0.70 per pound).

The study, published late last year in the scientific journal eScience, describes that glucose is selectively electrooxidized to formate with high yields of up to 80%, instead of water being oxidized into oxygen; the former circumvents the need for costly membranes to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gaseous products. The result is a much more efficient and low-cost process with lower levels of energy required to achieve electrolysis. The revenue from the formate co-product can lower the levelized cost of hydrogen from water electrolysis by $4.63/kg of hydrogen produced, making it competitive with grey hydrogen generation, the study continues.

The potential ramifications of this breakthrough are enormous. This could effectively end the decade-long economic standoff between clean energy and natural gas, reports Interesting Engineering. However, just because green hydrogen is finally an affordable alternative does not necessarily mean that its the best alternative.

A 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) warned against the indiscriminate use of hydrogen, cautioning policy-makers to weigh their priorities carefully and to consider that extensive use of hydrogen may not be in line with the requirements of a decarbonised world, since green hydrogen requires dedicated renewable energy that could be used for other end uses. In other words, just because we can use green energy for hydrogen without losing money, we are still losing efficiency, and those clean energy resources may be better used elsewhere.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Equinor does not consider returning to Venezuela, which it quit years ago, Anders Opedal, the chief executive of the Norwegian energy major, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, the industry is buzzing with talk about the opportunities for Western, especially U.S. oil firms, in Venezuela, the holder of the worlds biggest proven oil reserves estimated at about 303 billion barrels.

At the moment, that's not on the table, Equinors Opedal told Reuters on the sidelines of a business event in Oslo.

We pulled out of Venezuela because we wanted to reallocate capital, the executive added.

Equinor launched operations in Venezuela in the 1990s, buying into both onshore and offshore opportunities and investing billions of U.S. dollars in the country.

However, following re-prioritization and strategic focus shifts, the Norwegian firm quit operated assets in Venezuela at the start of the 2020s. In 2021, Equinor completed the sale of its 9.67% non-operated interest in the Petrocedeno project onshore Venezuela to state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA).

At the time, he Norwegian company said that The transaction supports Equinors corporate strategy to focus its portfolio on international core areas and prioritised geographies where Equinor can leverage its competitive advantages.

While Equinor says its not interested, other major Western firms could be tempted to return to Venezuela, security situation and legal frameworks permitting.

U.S. President Donald Trump wants the big U.S. oil firms to return to Venezuela and invest in rebuilding the oil infrastructure. U.S. oil companies could be up and running in Venezuelas oil sector within 18 months, President Trump told NBC News on Monday.

The total investment over a decade could be upwards of $100 billion, according to various analyst estimates.

On Tuesday, President Trump claimed that Venezuela would be "turning over" between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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India has imported $168 billion worth of Russian crude oil since Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, according to data from Finland-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Indias oil imports from Russia since the war in Ukraine began have reached 144 billion euros, or $168 billion, per CREAs estimates reported by Indian media outlets.

India has been the second-biggest buyer of Russian oil behind China.

Russia, for its part, has continued to receive massive revenues from the energy it sells to China, India, and even the European Union, thanks to exemptions for pipeline oil, and no sanctions on Russian gas.

As of January 2026, Russia has earned 1 trillion euros and counting from global fossil fuel sales since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, revenue that continues to fund displacement, destruction, and death in Ukraine, CREA said this week.

The research organization calls for shutting down the shadow fleet and refining loophole for Russia, diversifying from Russian gas, and facilitating self-determined peace in Ukraine.

India, the worlds third-largest crude oil importer, dramatically raised its imports of cheap Russian crude following Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

For nearly four years, India has imported so much Russian crude that Russia became its single biggest supplier accounting for about a third of all imported crude.

However, Indian refiners have recently scaled down purchases of Russian crude oil following the U.S. sanctions on Russias oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. India is also reportedly working to seal a trade deal with the United States and looking to convince the Trump Administration that it had reduced intake of Russian crude.

U.S. President Donald Trump has singled out India as a target to punish for buying large volumes of Russian crude oil and supporting the Kremlins energy revenues. President Trump doubled the 25% tariff on India to 50% as of August 2025, to punish it for continued purchase of Russian oil.

Initially, India appeared unfazed by the tariff, but Indian refiners have slashed Russian crude purchases in the past two months since the U.S. sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Sydney Sweeney believes she was friends with a ghost.

Sydney Sweeney has seen a ghost

The Housemaid actress had an imaginary pal when she was a child but "creeped out" her mom when it emerged the person she was seeing in the playground had died years before.

She told W magazine: "I think Ive seen a ghost. When I was little, I used to have an imaginary friend. He would be on the playground at preschool. I would tell my mom about him. It turns out that he was someone who passed away before I was born! It creeped my mom out."

Sydney also claimed she is in control of her dreams when she is asleep.

Asked if she remembers her dreams, she said: "Recently, no. I dont even know if Im dreaming anymore.

"I used to be a really vivid dreamer. I used to be able to control my dreams; I could lie there and orchestrate all the dreams that I wanted to have that night.

"In the last year or two, I havent really been able to dream."

While the 28-year-old actress has a lot of fears, she finds the best way to deal with them is to face them head on.

She said: "There are a lot of things that scare me, but that doesnt stop me.

"Usually, if something scares me, then Im going to do it. I have a fear of heights, but I jumped out of a plane and went skydiving.

"Ill scream the whole way, but then Ill want to do it again."

But Sydney's adventurous streak has seen her acquire a number of scars over the years.

Asked if she has any scars, she said: "I have a scar next to my eye. I got it when I was 10. I was wakeboarding, and I jumped the wake and I tried to do a 360, but the tip of my board came up and sliced me in the face. I had to get, like, 17 stitches.

"I tore my MCL dirt-bike riding, and the scar just never went away.

"Then I have a keloid scar. I got bit in Australia when I was filming the movie Eden, and I don't know what I got bitten by. It just turned into this crazy crater; then it scarred."
The Iraqi government has approved a move to take over operations at the West Qurna 2 oilfield under provisions in its technical service contract with Russias Lukoil, following the companys declaration of force majeure in November, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The step allows Iraq to ensure continued production after Lukoil cited operational constraints linked to Western sanctions on Russia. West Qurna 2, one of Iraqs largest producing fields at around 470,000 barrels per day, is state-owned and operated under a service contract, with the government now assuming day-to-day operational responsibilities, including the payment of staff salaries.

Following U.S. sanctions on Russian energy firms, a number of countries have moved to step into the day-to-day running of Lukoils overseas assets, including refineries and fuel retail networks, tapping into trusteeships or special administration to keep energy supplies flowing, while at the same time stabilizing domestic fuel markets and blocking asset transfers under sanctions rather than permanently seizing ownership.

In Bulgaria, legislation has allowed the appointment of a government special administrator to oversee operations at Lukoils refinery to safeguard fuel supply. Romania has taken a similar approach, approving emergency powers that allow authorities to install administrators at sanctioned companies, including parts of Lukoils fuel retail and refining network, to prevent market disruption.

Meanwhile, Moldova has adopted a softball approach, negotiating with Lukoil to buy specific infrastructure such as assets at the Chisinau airport in a bid to secure critical functions. Similarly, Hungary, through its energy giant MOL, is actively exploring buying Lukoil's assets in the region, specifically targeting refineries and fuel stations in countries like Serbia (NIS), Romania and Bulgaria as it seeks to secure energy supplies and manage fallout from Russian sanctions.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Nigeria booked average daily crude oil production of around 1.5 million barrels for 2025, which was half a million barrels daily lower than the governments target for the sector, Vanguard reported today.

Official data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed there were 40 active drilling rigs in the country at the end of the year, while OPEC reported the number of active drilling rigs in Nigeria at 18 for November, the report noted.

In that month, oil production jumped to around 1.6 million barrels daily, the Nigerian state oil company, NNPC, said earlier this month. NNPC is set to increase oil production to 2 million bpd over the next two years, its executive vice president for upstream, Udy Ntia, said in November 2025. By 2030, NNPC will be pumping 3 million barrels daily, according to the official.

Nigeria has been pumping more crude and drilling more new wells than it has in years, thanks to reforms under President Bola Tinubu that are finally leading to more cash flowing into the upstream industry. Daily output had climbed to between 1.7 million and 1.83 million barrels, while active rigs surged from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025.

To maintain momentum in the revival of its oil industry, Nigeria, at the end of 2025, held a licensing round for 50 oil and gas blocks. The round could result in investments of $10 billion over the next ten years and add some 400,000 barrels daily to the countrys oil production capacity, the government said at the time.

Support for the momentum comes from Big Oil, which, after years of shrinking its activities in Nigeria, now has plans to expand there. Shell, for instance, is on track to start production from the Bonga North deepwater field next year, while TotalEnergies is planning to launch gas production at the Ubeta field in 2027 as well.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices extended losses in early Asian trade on Wednesday as President Trump claimed that Venezuela would be "turning over" between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil.

Markets are increasingly seeing the capture of Maduro and growing U.S. pressure on Venezuela as bearish for oil prices, with expectations that more Venezuelan oil will hit an already oversupplied oil market.

At the time of writing, West Texas Intermediate was trading at $56.32 a barrel, down 1.42%, while Brent crude had dropped 1.07% to trade just above $60.

If Trump's claims are true, the barrels of crude he is likely referring to are those that have built up since the blockade of Venezuela began. Freeing up this storage space would ease the pressure on Venezuela to shut its wells.

While Venezuelan oil production is unlikely to rise in the near-term, an agreement between Venezuela and the U.S. on these barrels would remove the risk of more oil being shut in and increase the likelihood of sanctions being lifted.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The UK increased electricity generation from fossil fuels in 2025 for the first time in four years, as higher natural gas generation had to offset the lowest nuclear power output in decades.

The carbon intensity of the UK power grid rose last year, for the first time since 2021, according to data from the system operator compiled by Bloomberg, highlighting the challenge that Britain faces in achieving its Clean Power 2030 goal.

The UK government has an ambition to have as much as 95% of all electricity coming from low-carbon energy sources by 2030, including renewables and nuclear.

However, nuclear power generation slumped in 2025, resulting in higher gas-fueled generation to compensate for the nuclear decline in baseload power, the data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) showed.

The rise in gas power last year was due to the end of UK coal generation in late 2024 and nuclear power hitting its lowest level in half a century, while electricity exports grew and imports fell, an analysis by Carbon Brief showed last week.

Maintenance and refueling at nuclear reactors were the key reasons for the lower nuclear power generation last year. By 2030, Britain plans to have EFDs Hinkley Point C up and running, but it could miss the start date by the end of this decade. This would put further pressure on the clean power target as gas would have to offset lower nuclear output.

Last month, the UK government released a five-year plan that essentially doubles down on efforts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide as a top priority in the energy space.

In December NESO confirmed a new pipeline of shovel-ready energy projects that will be prioritized for connection to the electricity networks. These projects are expected to unlock 40?billion, or $54 billion, in clean investment annually and driving progress towards the governments Clean Power by 2030 target, the system operator said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Venezuela and the United States have reached a deal under which authorities in the South American country will agree to export $2 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S., according to President Donald Trump.

The agreement with the U.S.-compliant leadership in Caracas would boost supply of heavy crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast refineries and potentially further cripple illicit Venezuela shipments of cheap crude to China, Reuters notes.

Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA has been unable to ship oil cargoes to Asia for nearly a week, as the U.S. oil quarantine of Venezuela continues, shipping data reviewed by Reuters showed on Tuesday.

Chevron is the only Western oil company currently authorized by the U.S. Treasury to operate in Venezuela. Chevron ships the crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Venezuelan shipments to Asia, however, are at a standstill, and China, the top oil customer of Venezuela, is getting lower volumes of crude.

In fact, Chinese oil buyers have reduced their intake of Venezuelan oil as the discount between Brent and the countrys flagship Merey crude shrank from $15 per barrel last month to $13 per barrel now, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.

The price rise of Venezuelan oil follows the U.S. naval blockade that has disrupted tanker traffic to and from Venezuela, and that is not about to be lifted anytime soon, as stated earlier this week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The U.S. is now looking to gain access to Venezuelas crude, and President Trump claimed on Tuesday that Venezuela would be "turning over" between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States.

President Trump has insisted that Venezuelas interim Delcy Rodriguez give the U.S. and private companies total access to the Venezuelan oil industry.

The crude exports to the U.S. could be drawn from floating storage that has piled up since the U.S. initiated the naval blockade offshore Venezuela in the middle of December.

Venezuela has an opportunity now to actually have capital come in and rebuild their economy and take advantage, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told Fox News on Tuesday.

With American technology, American partnership, Venezuela can be transformed.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

This sign as seen at the weekends Portland Venezuela protest, shows how many progressives blame both parties for the state of the wars occurring. The sign reads, Reminder, we are here because Democrats cared more about committing acts of genocide than winning an election. The violence is bipartisan.

A few weeks before, these stickers were seen at the ICE protest in Portland.

This shows that the opposition to military intervention is more complicated than many explain it to be.
Spain consistently appears near the top of expat rankings. For example, it was rated the second-best destination out of 53 countries in a 2023 expat survey.

This success is often attributed to Spains reasonable cost of living, excellent healthcare (its system is ranked among the worlds best), and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle that not all European countries can brag about.

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Expats in Spain report higher financial comfort than the global average: Over two-thirds are satisfied with the cost of living in Spain, compared to only 44 percent globally. In fact, Spain ranks in the top 15 worldwide for expats personal finance satisfaction.

Spains public transportation is efficient and widely used, and the country offers multiple visa options (such as the Non-Lucrative Visa and a new Digital Nomad Visa) to facilitate long-term stays.

Expats also find the local people very welcoming. (Approximately 80 percent of expats in Spain say they feel at home there.) With its excellent climate and leisure options, Spain is so appealing that 41 percent of expats in Spain say they plan to stay indefinitely, compared to just 24 percent globally.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Great reed warbler. Credit: Patrik Lauha

In a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, AI was trained to classify bird sounds with increasing accuracy. The results of the study have been used, among others, in the "Muuttolintujen kevat" (Spring of Migratory Birds) mobile application, which has become a substantial platform for collecting bird recordings.

In his doctoral thesis, Doctoral Researcher Patrik Lauha demonstrates that bird sound classification models can be improved by adapting them to specific monitoring contexts. Fine-tuning and localizing improves the accuracy of the classification models.

"An important by-product of my research was the mobile application called 'Muuttolintujen kevat,' for which I developed the AI model that identifies bird sounds. The app's popularity proves that automated sound recognition models can be used to boost extensive citizen sciencebased collection of data," affirms Lauha.

Automation and AI revolutionize bird monitoring

Many bird species serve as bioindicators, meaning that changes in their populations broadly reflect the state of whole ecosystems. In recent years, passive acoustic monitoring with automated recording equipment has become a mainstream method in monitoring biodiversity and bird populations, thanks to the inexpensive and easy-to-use devices. Passive acoustic monitoring is primarily done by leaving automated microphones in the forest. The microphones record sound data without the need for human presence.

Passive acoustic monitoring generates large quantities of data, amounting to years' worth of recordings. To analyze such data requires the introduction of automated species recognition methods.

"My aim was to improve the existing bird sound classification models and to tailor methods for sound data that have been collected through automated methods," explains Lauha.

The workflows developed in the thesis enable constructing more accurate classification models for various regions and monitoring scenarios. Increasingly reliable and accurate species classification offers a more solid foundation for audio-based bird monitoring and research.

Citizen science supports research with the help of an app

While the primary users of the methods developed in the study are scientists conducting bird research and collecting sound data around the world, a practical example of the application of research results is the mobile app "Muuttolintujen kevat," which makes state-of-the-art scientific research tools available to the public.

Users of the app can record bird sounds and obtain AI-provided species classifications for their recordings. The data collected through the app complements traditional bird monitoring in Finland, thereby opening up new research initiatives from now on. The recordings can be used to investigate, among others, bird populations, migratory behavior and singing activity.

"As inventions in many other fields, automated classification models are not intended to replace the surveying and monitoring work done by experts, but rather to enhance, facilitate and intensify their work so that we can monitor the state of our environment as reliably and efficiently as possiblea vital capacity in our world shaken by the ongoing biodiversity crisis," Lauha summarizes.

Patrik Lauha, M.Sc., will defend his doctoral thesis entitled "Improving bird sound classifiers for passive acoustic monitoring' on 9 January 2026 at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki. Assistant Professor Aki Harma from Maastricht University will serve as the opponent and Otso Ovaskainen as the custos.
ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons has claimed Gillette offered him and Dusty Hill $1 million each to shave off their famous long beards for an advert.

ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons claims Gillette offered him and Dusty Hill 1m to shave beards for an advert

The 76-year-old musician - who co-founded the legendary band alongside late bassist-vocalist Dusty, who died in 2021, aged 72, and drummer Frank Beard, 76 - admits the safety razors company deny the claim.

Speaking on the Mohr Stories podcast, he said: "It's true. "[Gillette] deny it.

"It was a million dollars per man."

Gibbons insisted that he and Hill rejected the offer after a conversation with music executive Bob Merlis.

He added: "But we called Mr. Merlis.

"I said, Bob, we got this offer. What? I said, Weve been offered a million dollars each to shave on TV.'

"Well, he said, The moneys good. He said, You might as well consider doing it, but Im not so sure you guys - any of you guys - know whats under there.'

"So we passed. We passed, and our fans loved it. Word got out."

Hill passed away in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas, in July 2021.

Gibbons and Beard confirmed the sad news in a statement at the time, which read: "We are saddened by the news today that our compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX.

"We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the Top'.

"We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C. You will be missed greatly, amigo."

Just days later, the pair paid tribute to the bassist when they played their first concert since his passing.

Billy explained how Dusty would've wanted the band to continue playing and introduced his replacement Elwood Francis to the audience.

He told the audience following the opening tune: "We're gonna have a good time in here tonight.

"Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive.

"My friend, your pal, Elwood Francis is gonna hold it down behind me."

Later in the show, Gibbons added: How about that Elwood, tearing up that bottom there for Dusty."
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A thermal image of a calf that was used to determine the animal's temperature. Credit: AICV Lab

What if you could look into a cow's face and know whether it had a fever? A new tool from the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Lab at the University of Arkansas uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate the body temperature of cattle.

The system, called CattleFever, is the first step toward automated tools that ranchers could use to monitor the health of their herd. A paper describing this tool is published in the journal Smart Agricultural Technology.

Trong Thang Pham, a doctoral student at the U of A, was the primary researcher on the project. The AICV lab is led by Ngan Le, an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, who researches medical imaging, computer vision and robotics.

Today, cattle's temperature is measured rectally, a process that can stress the animal. The CattleFever system could both improve animal welfare and reduce the labor needed to track a herd's health. The technology could help ranchers detect diseases before symptoms appear, leading to earlier treatment and preventing outbreaks.

Keypoint annotation scheme for cattle facial landmark detection. The 13 landmarks target anatomically significant regions for thermal analysis, including bilateral ear coverage (points 1-3, 5-7), central facial features (poll, eyes, muzzle), and respiratory/feeding areas (nostrils, mouth). Credit: Smart Agricultural Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.atech.2025.101434

Building the dataset

To build CattleFever, the researchers first needed data. A number of datasets exist for dogs, cats, horses and sheep. The existing dataset of cattle, called CattleEyeView, only includes overhead photos of the animals and was built for tracking herds. The existing animal datasets were also mainly RGB photos of the animals, and for CattleFever the researchers also needed thermal images.

The researchers had to build their own dataset with short videos and thermal images of thousands of calves. Each calf was held in a pen, then 20 seconds of both video footage and thermal images were recorded. Each animal's temperature was also recorded with a rectal thermometer to create a benchmark (ground truth).

The calf data was collected at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station's Savoy Research Complex.

The RGB photos of the calves, which clearly show the animal's features, then had to be linked to the thermal image on the computer. The researchers marked the photos with 13 landmarks, such as eyes, ears, muzzle and mouth. The team manually annotated 600 frames, which were then used to train an AI tool that automatically labeled the remaining 4,000 frames in a dataset, named CattleFace-RGBT. The resulting landmark-detection tool can automatically localize a calf's face and identify its key facial features across RGB and thermal modalities.

Testing the tool

Once the team had the dataset, could a computer determine the temperature of the calf from the images alone?

Through extensive ablation studies examining different facial-landmark combinations, the researchers realized that the temperature of the animal's eyes and nostrils were closest to the reading of the rectal thermometer. Using facial landmarks, the computer focused on the temperature of the thermal images from those spots.

The researchers then examined the data with various machine learning approaches to determine the animal's body temperature from those surface readings. The most accurate results came from a random forest regression, a machine learning approach to predict results from complex data. In a random forest regression, many decision trees are created, each one trained on a different portion of the data. Then all the results of these decision trees are averaged together, which helps reduce noise.

The CattleFever system was able to automatically determine an animal's temperature within one degree of the reading from a thermometer.

Into the fields?

The researchers demonstrated that cattle's temperature could be accurately read from a thermal image, but all the images were taken with the animal directly facing the camera.

"We probably need to take more photos of them in real-world settings, such as running around, to capture their motion in the field," Pham said.

The next challenge is to handle cattle faces captured from diverse angles and natural poses, essentially teaching the computer to recognize and interpret a cow's face in real-world field environments, rather than only when the cow is positioned directly in front of the camera inside a pen.

The U of A researchers have publicly shared their CattleFace-RGBT dataset, so other researchers can build on their work and help develop a system that ranchers could use.

"If we find something new, we share that with the world. That's the spirit," Pham said.

More information Trong Thang Pham et al, CattleFever: An automated cattle fever estimation system, Smart Agricultural Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.atech.2025.101434

Key concepts thermal imaging
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Ammonite specimens from the main part of the Cerithium Limestone Member at Stevns Klint. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-34479-1

In the aftermath of the giant asteroid that crashed into the Yucatan Peninsula about 66 million years ago, approximately 75% of all species on Earth were wiped out, including the dinosaurs. Among those thought to have perished at this K-Pg (Cretaceous-Paleogene) boundary were the ammonites. These were coiled-shelled mollusks with long tentacles related to modern octopuses and squids, and they are known today for their distinctive spiral-shaped fossils.

However, a new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that these marine creatures survived the initial mass extinction event.

Clues in the cliff

Professor Marcin Machalski of the Polish Academy of Sciences and colleagues studied new ammonite fossils at Stevns Klint in Denmark. This 15-kilometer (9.3-mile)-long coastal cliff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a clear layer in the rock representing the K-Pg boundary.

In paleontology, when fossils are found in specific layers, they are either from the time the sediment was laid down or an older fossil (known as a zombie fossil) that has eroded out of ancient sediments and re-deposited in a younger layer of rock. The team found ammonite fossils above the boundary line, which could mean that ammonites survived into the Danian period, which is the earliest part of the Paleogene period.

Geographical and geological setting of the Cerithium Limestone Member basin studied at Sigerslev. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-34479-1

To find out whether this was the case, the researchers performed microfacies analysis, a technique that uses high-powered microscopes to study sedimentary structures. In this instance, they compared the microscopic makeup of sediment inside the fossil shells with that of the surrounding rock layers.

They found that the mud inside the shells contained large numbers of sponge spicules (microscopic spikes from sponges) typical of the Danian limestone. There were almost no bryozoans (tiny moss animals or sea mats), which are common in Cretaceous chalk but rare in Danian limestone. This suggests that the ammonites were living and swimming in the post-extinction sea during the Danian.

A new mystery

If these findings are correct, they solve one mystery but leave us with another. Previous research has suggested that some ammonite populations may have hung on for up to 68,000 years after the asteroid crashed into the planet. So if the impact itself didn't deliver a fatal blow, what exactly finished them off? It is a question the study authors are wondering about, too.

"Our results confirm ammonite survival into the Danian for the bulk of the Cerithium Limestone fauna, stimulating questions for further research of what actually killed the last ammonites that lived on Earth."

Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

Publication details Marcin Machalski et al, Ammonite survival across the CretaceousPaleogene boundary confirmed by new data from Denmark, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-34479-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports

Key concepts CretaceousdinosaursAsteroids

 2026 Science X Network
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A new study has concluded that in New Jersey's largest city, crime was concentrated significantly around corner stores compared with other commercial venues. The study's findings have implications for crime prevention, urban planning, and community safety policies.

Co-authored by Alejandro Gimenez-Santana, assistant professor of professional practice in the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers UniversityNewark, the study examined the spatial relationship between corner stores and crime in Newark to assess whether these venues play a distinct role in crime.

Gimenez-Santana, along with Marco Dugato from the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, and other researchers from Rutgers, used 2022 crime data to investigate how the distribution of gun violence, robberies, and aggravated assaults was connected to proximity to corner stores in comparison with other similar venues (e.g., convenience stores, pharmacies, retail stores, restaurants, gas stations). They explored how these associations were influenced by neighborhood characteristics and time of day.

Published in the Journal of Criminal Justice, the study found that crime was significantly concentrated around corner stores, and this association was stronger for gun violence and aggravated assaults than for robberies. Interaction effects suggest that neighborhood characteristics shaped the degree and nature of crime around these stores, with not all corner stores having the same concentration of crimes. The study also found that crime persisted around corner stores both day and night, implying mechanisms beyond business hours.

The study's findings underscore the need to disaggregate place-based risk assessments and differentiate interventions considering both micro-place features and broader contexts.

"Previous studies have often treated convenience stores as a homogeneous risk category, but we determined that corner stores exert a unique influence on crime patterns," said Gimenez-Santana. "Our results highlight the multifaceted role that different types of retail and commercial spaces play in shaping urban crime patterns, and underscore the importance of moving beyond generic risk classifications toward more place-specific diagnostics."

More information Marco Dugato et al, "Not all convenience stores are equal". An analysis of the criminogenic role of corner Stores in Newark, NJ, Journal of Criminal Justice (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102552
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Australia's climate is changing rapidly due to rising global greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, east coast low pressure systems, flash floods, droughts, bushfires, severe storms, and both land and marine heat waves are becoming increasingly common, as the National Climate Risk Assessment makes clear.

These can overwhelm emergency and medical services, damage infrastructure, and lead to deaths and morbidities.

Yet only some extreme weather events receive names.

Last November, for example, the Northern Territory was hit by Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina, while much of Australia was about to swelter through an unnamed heat wave.

Could there be benefits to giving a name to all of our extreme weather?

A short history of naming storms

In Australia, the only severe weather events that receive formal names are tropical cyclones.

Tropical cyclones are named alphabetically, with names occasionally skipped under specific protocols (such as for high-profile political figures). In March 2025, for example, "Anthony" was replaced with Cyclone Alfred.

Other weather events are treated differently. Large bushfires often receive informal names based on dates or locationssuch as Black Saturday or the Black Summer fireswhile smaller bushfires typically go unnamed.

Internationally, formal naming of tropical weather systems expanded after 1950. In 1979, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) assumed responsibility for coordinating tropical cyclone names globally.

Australia follows this framework. The Bureau of Meteorology names cyclones in Australian waters using regional lists coordinated through the WMO, retiring names linked to particularly destructive events such as Cyclone Tracy, Yasi and Debbie.

By contrast, other extreme weatherincluding east coast lows, major floods and heat wavesremain unnamed, despite often causing comparable damage.

The power of a name

Names can make hazards more memorable. Research shows naming weather events helps people recall warnings, share information and prepare more effectively.

The United Kingdom's Met Office found named storms generated higher media engagement and public awareness. People were quicker to secure property, cancel travel and heed official advice.

In contrast, events described only by technical labels, such as an "intense low-pressure system" or a "prolonged heat event," may not capture public attention as well.

The same logic underpins naming cyclones: short, distinctive names reduce confusion when multiple storms occur at once and improve communication across agencies, media and the public.

Yet despite their impact, many of Australia's deadliest weather eventsespecially heat wavesstill arrive nameless. East coast lows too, although potentially highly destructive, aren't named.

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A 2024 study evaluated Seville's first named heat wave, Zoe, and found people who remembered its name were more likely to take safety precautionssuch as staying indoors or checking on othersand expressed greater trust in their local government's response.

Although only about a third of participants recalled the name, the research provided the first real-world evidence that naming heat waves can improve public awareness and protective behavior.

Not all research supports naming heat waves. A 2025 study by UK researchers found no clear evidence naming heat waves increased public concern or protective behavior.

In controlled experiments with participants in England and Italy, naming a heat waveeven with emotive labels like Luciferhad little impact on how people perceived risk or planned to respond.

The WMO has also expressed caution about naming heat waves, arguing that it may misdirect attention. While acknowledging heat poses a major and growing public health threat, the organization concluded naming individual heat waves could shift focus away from critical messagingnamely, who is at risk and what actions to take.

Should Australia follow?

Australia faces a unique communication challenge due to the wide range of weather events we experience. Some extreme weather eventssuch as east coast lows and major flood systemsare discrete, trackable phenomena more comparable to tropical cyclones than to diffuse hazards like heat waves.

Past east coast lows have caused major disruption and loss of life, including the 1974 storm that drove the MV Sygna ashore near Newcastle and the storm that ran the Pasha Bulker aground in 2007.

For these, naming could meaningfully improve communication, recognition, and preparedness without the same drawbacks the WMO highlights for heat waves.

That does not mean naming should be adopted indiscriminately. Names carry social and cultural meaning, and poorly designed systems risk confusion or unintended stigma. Any expansion of naming practices would need to be carefully designed, evidence-based and clearly linked to public safety outcomes.

Rather than adopting naming wholesale, Australia could benefit from a multidisciplinary review led by the Bureau of Meteorology, involving emergency services, public-health experts, social scientists and communications specialists.

Such a review could assess whether naming additional extreme weather events would improve warning effectiveness as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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This photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, shows a deceased whale caught on the bow of a ship at Gloucester Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, N.J., Jan. 2026. Credit: NOAA Office of Law Enforcement via AP

After a dead whale was found on the bow of a container ship docked in New Jersey, authorities were working Tuesday to remove the carcass and determine the endangered animal's cause of death.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a New Jersey-based animal rescue service, said in a social media post that the whale was reported Sunday by the U.S. Coast Guard at the Gloucester Marine Terminal. The port is at the base of the Walt Whitman Bridge linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The center said in a follow-up post Tuesday that it was working to tow the carcass away in order to conduct a necropsy and determine how the whale died.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday confirmed its enforcement office has opened an investigation into the death but declined to comment further. It said anyone with information about the dead whale should call the agency's hotline.

The deceased animal is believed to be a fin whale between 25 to 30 feet long (7.6 to 9.1 meters), the center said. The endangered species is known to swim in waters from southern New Jersey to the New York City area.

Populations of the massive mammals have gradually recovered in the Atlantic Ocean thanks to conservation efforts after becoming nearly extinct from commercial hunting. All dolphins, porpoises and whales are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding or otherwise harming them illegal.

Fin whales are the second-largest animals behind the blue whale. Fully grown, they can reach up to 85 feet (25.9 meters) long and weigh between 40 and 80 tons (36.3 and 72.6 metric tons).

The giant mammals are found throughout the world and are threatened by ship strikes, fishing gear entanglements and the effects of climate change, among other challenges.

 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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773,000-year-old mandible ThI-GH-1 from Thomas Quarry in Morocco. Credit: Hamza Mehimdate, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

An international research team reports the analysis of new hominin fossils from the site of Thomas Quarry I (Casablanca, Morocco). The fossils are very securely dated to 773,000 +/- 4,000 years ago, thanks to a high-resolution magnetostratigraphic record capturing in detail the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary, the last main geomagnetic polarity reversal and precise temporal markers of the Quaternary.

Published in Nature, this work highlights African populations near the base of the lineage that eventually gave rise to Homo sapiens, providing new insights into the shared ancestry of H. sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans. The researchers were led by Jean-Jacques Hublin (College de France & Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology), David Lefevre (Universite de Montpellier Paul Valery), Giovanni Muttoni (Universita degli Studi di Milano) and Abderrahim Mohib (Moroccan Institut National des Sciences de l'Archeologie et du Patrimoine, INSAP).

773,000-year-old mandible ThI-GH-10717 from Thomas Quarry in Morocco. Credit: Hamza Mehimdate, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

Decades of Moroccan-French fieldwork led to major new discoveries

The results presented here stem from over three decades of continuous archaeological and geological research conducted in the framework of the Moroccan-French Program "Prehistoire de Casablanca." This program conducts extensive excavations, systematic stratigraphic studies, and large-scale geoarchaeological analyses in the southwest part of the city of Casablanca.

This patient and rigorous fieldwork progressively revealed the exceptional stratigraphic, paleoenvironmental and archaeological setting of Thomas Quarry I, ultimately leading to the discovery of the hominin remains and geological sequences that underpin the present study.

As Abderrahim Mohib explains, "The success of this long-term research reflects a strong institutional collaboration involving the Ministere de la Jeunesse, de la Culture et de la Communication Departement de la Culture of the Kingdom of Morocco (through INSAP) and the Ministere de l'Europe et des Affaires Etrangeres of France (through the French Archaeological Mission Casablanca)."

Lower jaws (mandibles) from North Africa, illustrating variation among fossil hominins and modern humans. The fossils shown are Tighennif 3 from Algeria (upper left), ThI-GH-10717 from Thomas Quarry in Morocco (upper right), and Jebel Irhoud 11 from Morocco (lower left), compared with a mandible from a recent modern human (lower right). All specimens are shown at the same scale, allowing direct comparison of their size and shape. Credit: Philipp Gunz, MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology

A unique geological setting: The Moroccan Atlantic coast as a Pleistocene treasure house

Jean-Paul Raynal, co-director of the program throughout the excavation that led to the discovery of fossil remains, emphasizes that "Thomas Quarry I lies within the raised coastal formations of the RabatCasablanca littoral, a region internationally renowned for its exceptional succession of Plio-Pleistocene paleoshorelines, coastal dunes and cave systems.

"These geological formations, resulting from repeated sea-level oscillations, eolian phases, and rapid early cementation of coastal sands, offer ideal conditions for fossil and archaeological preservation."

As a result, the Casablanca region has become one of Africa's richest repositories of Pleistocene paleontology and archaeology, documenting the early Acheulean and its developments, diverse faunas reflecting environmental change, and several phases of hominin occupation.

Thomas Quarry I, excavated into the Oulad Hamida Formation, is particularly well known for containing the oldest Acheulean industries of north-western Africa dated to around 1.3 million years ago and lies close to other celebrated sites such as Sidi Abderrahmane, a classic reference for Middle Pleistocene prehistory in the Northwest Africa.

Within this wider complex, the "Grotte a Hominides" constitutes "a unique cave system carved by a marine highstand into earlier coastal formations and later filled with sediments that preserved hominin fossils in a secure, undisturbed and undisputable stratigraphic context," explains David Lefevre.

Thomas Quarry I, Grotte a Hominides: Mandible ThI-GH-10717 during the excavation. Credit: J.P. Raynal, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

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A uniquely well-dated hominin assemblage in Africa

Dating Early and Middle Pleistocene fossils is notoriously difficult, due to discontinuous stratigraphies or methods affected by considerable uncertainty. The Grotte a Hominides is exceptional because rapid sedimentation and continuous deposition allowed to capture a high-resolution magnetic signal recorded within sediments with remarkable detail.

Earth's magnetic field reverses polarity episodically over geological time. These paleomagnetic reversals occur worldwide and almost instantaneously on geological timescales, leaving in sediments a sharp, globally synchronous signal.

The MatuyamaBrunhes transition (MBT), which occurred around 773,000 years ago, is the most recent of these major reversals and constitutes one of the most precise markers available to geologists and archaeologists.

As Serena Perini explains, "Seeing the MatuyamaBrunhes transition recorded with such resolution in the ThI-GH deposits allows us to anchor the presence of these hominins within an exceptionally precise chronological framework for the African Pleistocene."

The Grotte a Hominides sequence spans the end of the Matuyama Chron (reverse polarity), the MBT itself, and the onset of the Brunhes Chron (normal polarity).

Using 180 magnetostratigraphic samplesan unprecedented resolution for a Pleistocene hominin sitethe team established the exact position of the reverse-to-normal switch, currently dated at 773,000 years, and even captured the short duration of the transition (8,000 to 11,000 years).

It is chronologically valuable that the sediments containing the hominin fossils were deposited precisely during this transition. Additional faunal evidence independently supports this age, affirming the primacy of magnetostratigraphy over other methods for establishing the chronology of this site.

Jean-Paul Raynal and Fatima Zohra Sihi-Alaoui, co-directors of the program "Prehistoire de Casablanca" throughout the excavation that led to the discovery of the mandible ThI-GH-10717, in May 2008. Credit: R. Gallotti, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

Hominins close to the root of the Homo sapiens lineage

The hominin remains come from what appears to have been a carnivore den, as suggested by a hominin femur showing clear traces of gnawing and consumption. The assemblage includes a nearly complete adult mandible, a second adult half mandible, a child mandible, several vertebrae, and isolated teeth.

High-resolution micro-CT imaging, geometric morphometrics, and comparative anatomical analysis reveal a mosaic of archaic and derived traits. Several characteristics recall hominins from Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, of comparable agethe so-called Homo antecessorsuggesting that very ancient population contacts between north-west Africa and southern Europe may once have existed.

However, by the time of the MatuyamaBrunhes transition, these populations appear to have been already clearly separated, implying that any such exchanges must have occurred earlier.

Matthew Skinner notes, "Using microCT imaging, we were able to study a hidden internal structure of the teeth, referred to as the enamel-dentine junction, which is known to be taxonomically informative and which is preserved in teeth where the enamel surface is worn away.

"Analysis of this structure consistently shows the Grotte a Hominides hominins to be distinct from both Homo erectus and Homo antecessor, identifying them as representative of populations that could be basal to Homo sapiens and archaic Eurasian lineages."

Shara Bailey confirms the generalized shape and traits of the Grotte a Hominides teeth, noting that "In their shapes and non-metric traits, the teeth from Grotte a Hominides retain many primitive features and lack the traits that are characteristic of Neandertals. In this sense, they differ from Homo antecessor, whichin some featuresare beginning to resemble Neandertals.

"The dental morphological analyses indicate that regional differences in human populations may have been already present by the end of the Early Pleistocene."

Jean-Paul Raynal, co-director of the program and Abdellali Khadouma and Khalid Nader, workers who discovered the mandible ThI-GH-10717 in May 2008. Credit: R. Gallotti, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

Serena Perini and Giovanni Muttoni during the sampling for magnetostratigraphy in the Grotte a Hominides deposits at the Thomas Quarry I. Credit: D. Lefevre, Program Prehistoire de Casablanca

A new window on the last common ancestor of humans and Neandertals

This discovery highlights that Northwest Africa played a major role in the early evolutionary history of the genus Homo, at a time when climatic oscillations periodically opened ecological corridors across what is now the Sahara.

As Denis Geraads notes, "The idea that the Sahara was a permanent biogeographic barrier does not hold for this period. The paleontological evidence shows repeated connections between Northwest Africa and the savannas of the East and South."

The hominins from the Grotte a Hominides are almost contemporaneous with the hominins from Gran Dolina, older than Middle Pleistocene fossils ancestral to Neanderthals and Denisovans, and roughly 500,000 years earlier than the earliest Homo sapiens remains from Jebel Irhoud.

In their combination of archaic African traits with traits that approach later Eurasian and African Middle Pleistocene morphologies, the hominins from the Grotte a Hominides provide essential clues about the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovansestimated from genetic evidence to have lived between 765,000 and 550,000 years ago.

Paleontological evidence from the Grotte a Hominides aligns most closely with the older part of this interval.

Jean-Jacques Hublin concludes that "the fossils from the Grotte a Hominides may be the best candidates we currently have for African populations lying near the root of this shared ancestry, thus reinforcing the view of a deep African origin for our species."

Publication details Jean-Jacques Hublin, Early hominins from Morocco basal to the Homo sapiens lineage, Nature (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09914-y. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09914-y Of all the quarries: Casablanca fossils reveal African ancestors of Homo sapiens, Nature (2026). doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-03986-6 Journal information: Nature

Key concepts vertebrate paleontology
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The diversity of sponges and their spicules. Sponges were the first reef builders and maintain a fundamental role in modern marine ecosystems. Credit: From Top left to bottom right: The barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) is by Albert Kok at Dutch WikipediaTransferred from nl.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3017391. The demosponge spicules are by Ana Riesgo. The tube sponge (Pseudoceratina crassa) is by NURC/UNCW and NOAA/FGBNMS.NOAA Photo Library: expl0628, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17967456. The Branching tube sponge (Aiolochroia crassa) is by iNaturalist user: thibaudaronsonhttps://www.inaturalist.org/photos/12359922, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89131968.

Sponges are among Earth's most ancient animals, but exactly when they evolved has long puzzled scientists. Genetic information from living sponges, as well as chemical signals from ancient rocks, suggest that sponges evolved at least 650 million years ago.

This evidence has proven highly controversial, as it predates the fossil record of sponges by a minimum of 100 million years. Now an international team of scientists led by Dr. M. Eleonora Rossi, from the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, has solved this conflict by examining the evolution of sponge skeletons.

The research is published in Science Advances.

Fossil evidence and sponge skeletons

Living sponges have skeletons composed of millions of microscopic glass-like needles called spicules. These spicules also have an extremely good fossil record, dating back to around 543 million years ago in the late Ediacaran Period. Their absence from older rocks has led some scientists to question whether earlier estimates for the origin of sponges are accurate.

Dr. Rossi and her team solved this mystery using a two-step approach. Firstly, they combined high-quality data from 133 protein-coding genes with fossil evidence to construct a new timescale for sponge evolution. They dated the origin of sponges to between 600 and 615 million years ago, closing the gap with the fossil record. Secondly, they investigated the evolution of sponge skeletons, revealing that spicules evolved independently in different sponge groups.

Dr. Rossi, Honorary Research Associate, said, "Our results show that the first sponges were soft-bodied and lacked mineralized skeletons. That's why we don't see sponge spicules in rocks from around 600 million years agothere simply weren't any to preserve."

Genetic clues and independent evolution

Dr. Ana Riesgo, an expert in sponge evolution from the Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid (Spain), said, "We already had some clues that suggested sponge skeletons evolved independently. Modern sponge skeletons may look alike, but they're built in very different ways. Some are made of calcite, the mineral that makes up chalk, others of silica, essentially glass, and when we examine their genomes we see that entirely different genes are involved."

In order to reconstruct sponge skeleton evolution, the team used a statistical computer model.

Dr. Joseph Keating, also an author on the study, explained, "We used a Markov process, a type of predictive model that's widely applied in fields like finance, AI, search engines, and weather forecasting. By modeling transitions between different skeletal types, including soft-bodied forms, we found that almost all models strongly reject the idea that the earliest sponges had mineralized skeletons. Only an unrealistic model treating all mineral types as equivalent suggests otherwise, and even then the results are ambiguous."

Implications for early animal evolution

The results of this study raise interesting questions about early sponge evolution.

Professor Phil Donoghue, Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Bristol said, "Given that nearly all living sponges have skeletons composed of mineralized spicules, we might naturally assume that spicules were important in early sponge evolution. Our results challenge this idea, suggesting that early sponge diversification was driven by something else entirelyand what that was is still a tantalizing mystery."

Professor Davide Pisani, Professor of Phylogenomics at the University of Bristol, concluded, "But this is not only about sponges. Sponges are the first lineage of reef-building animals to evolve, and might as well have been the very first animal lineage, although this is still debated.

"Understanding their evolution provides key insights into the origin of the very first reef systems. This is about how life and Earth co-evolved, and how the evolution of early animals changed our planet forever, ultimately enabling the emergence of the animal life forms we are familiar with, humans included."

Publication details Independent origins of spicules reconcile paleontological and molecular evidence of sponge evolutionary history, Science Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx1754 Journal information: Science Advances

Key concepts ProterozoicspongesEdiacaran
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Economics could do with less mathematics and more story, says Canada's most-cited economist.

Randall Morck of the Alberta School of Business says economists too often regard people as "dynamic, stochastic optimization equations" rather than emotional human beings largely influenced by the power of narratives.

"I've always been uncomfortable with the assumptions economists make when they use mathematics to describe human decisions," says Morck, himself trained in mathematics.

"We don't do it that way. People don't think in probabilities; they think in narratives."

As the Stephen Jarislowsky Distinguished Chair in Financeand a nationally renowned expert in corporate finance, political economy and financial historyMorck has seen his work referenced more than 58,000 times.

In his recent study, "Economics: More than a Science," published in Critical Review, he argues that the kind of revolutionary innovation and subsequent prosperity that drive societal transformation are the result of combining old narratives to create new ones, with little regard for probability outcomes.

"Confronted with a problem, humans formulate a response by recalling and recombining narrativesactual or learned memories of problems, responses and outcomes, each triad with an emotional weight," he writes.

To illustrate the absurd nature of conventional economic modeling, Morck recounts a classic anecdote once offered by Nobel Laureate and pioneer of artificial intelligence Herbert Simon.

Suppose you walk into a restaurant and confront dozens of items on the menu. Economic theory says you consider the 10,000 possible combinations of these, estimate a probability distribution for the nutrition, taste, and other characteristics of each combination, and solve for an optimal utility-maximizing lunch.

"I don't think even economists do that when they go to a restaurant," says Morck. "That's just not the way people think. But that's how they assume we think in economic models."

Instead, customers perusing a menu are more likely to draw on personal experience, knowledge of food preparation, reviews and hearsay.

Writ large, Morck explains how "contagious narratives may well undergird all manner of innovation," as well as "repeated mania, panic and crash cycles evident in the past four centuries of stock market data." From the crash of 1929 onwardsand even well beforeone dominant narrative has been, "Invest in the big new thing and you will surely get rich."

Viral tropes that influence decision-making include the story of sudden wealth and opportunity in railway stocks of the 1840s, electricity and radio stocks in the 1920s, dot-com stocks in the 1990s and AI stocks today.

With each boom and bust cycle, a regulatory cycle runs in parallel, says Morck.

"Officials enact tough new regulations to make sure this never happens again, until the next big new thing arrives and we repeat the exercise."

This irregular mania-panic-crash cycle is a feature, not a defect, of free market economies, he adds.

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"We inundate hot new technologies and markets with floods of capital that rational investors and technocratic planners would never provide. Most bubble investors might lose most of their money in the crash, but at the end of the dot-com bubble we had smartphones and the internet."

Coupled with behavioral psychology, narrative economics is not new. There are seeds of both at least as far back as the work of the great British economist John Maynard Keynes.

But mathematics began to dominate the field in the decades after the Second World War, says Morck, when physicists were the rock stars of science, having designed the atomic bomb and soon to send astronauts to the moon.

"Economics changed from a field with sentences and paragraphs into one with equations," he says. "It did add rigor to the field, forcing people to be clearer about what they meant," but it also became far less human. The predicament is captured in an aphorism popular in Morck's field: "Mathematics gave economics rigor, but it also gave it mortis."

"The rational decision maker, starving while trying to make up his mind on what to eat in the restaurant, is not great at innovation," says Morck. "Optimizing across probabilities and outcomes is a poor way to predict the future, let alone transformative new technologies."

The deepest problems in the sciences are about "quantifiable probabilities and outcomes, but the deepest problems in economics are about the expansion of human prosperity," Morck writes. Revolutionary technologies "come from outside the space of previously conceived probabilities and outcomes, and that makes economics 'harder than science.'"

In recent decades, narrative economics has been slowly working its way back into the mainstream. Nobel Laureate Robert Shiller published "Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events" in 2020. It is perhaps one reason for the popularity of Andrew Ross Sorkin's bestsellers, Too Big to Fail and 1929, both about the human decisions and narratives of two major economic crises of the past 100 years.

From this perspective, the major questions of economics become: which stories do you elicit to explain economic events? What influences the stories that pop into your mind, and how does that affect your choices? Do some stories actually contribute to broad prosperity and productivity growth?

Of course, relying on stories to guide decisions can also go horribly wrong, says Morck, especially when they're inaccurate and unreliable. Stories can also create their own self-fulfilling prophecies of sorts.

"Think of the floods in New Orleans or even Calgary. One narrative could be that this is the end of the city. Everything's ruined. It'll never be the same again," so why invest in rebuilding?

Another could be "this city will rebuild and rise again, so invest in rebuilding." Both are self-fulfilling prophecies, says Morck.

"If everyone buys into the narrative, it happens."

More information Randall Morck, Economics: More than a Science, Critical Review (2025). DOI: 10.1080/08913811.2025.2500202
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is facing strong public opposition to its proposed plans to extend closure deadlines until October 2031 for 11 coal plants across the countrythree of which are in Illinois and one in northwest Indiana.

But many environmental experts, including Earthjustice senior attorney Mychal Ozaeta, say the proposal caters to the coal industry rather than protecting communities.

In November, the U.S. EPA proposed a deadline extension that would allow sites including Baldwin, Kincaid and Newton power stations in Illinois and Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield, Indiana, to remain open for an additional three years.

Baldwin and Schahfer plants are considered major polluters, and Baldwin is the nation's largest emitter of sulfur dioxide, among other pollutants.

There are 13 coal ash impoundments at the 11 sites, all of which are unlined and leaking toxic contaminants into nearby groundwater, said Ozaeta. Coal ash, the hazardous byproduct of burning coal, creates a slurry of carcinogenic heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, chromium and lead.

"These 13 are the most dangerous coal ash ponds in the U.S. because they're leaking," Ozaeta said. "They've been doing so for decades."

Ozaeta was among dozens who spoke during Tuesday's public hearing, expressing concerns over the Trump administration's rollback plan. Many speakers said this proposal would set a dangerous precedent for a country that should be moving beyond its reliance on fossil fuels.

In 2018, the EPA was directed by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to strengthen the federal Coal Combustion Residuals Rule and require the closure of unlined, leaking coal ash impoundments across the country.

Several years later, the EPA is now seeking to extend the closure deadlines for these sites and further evade closure and cleanup for utility companies, said Ozaeta.

"The longer that these units are allowed to continue to evade closure and cleanup, the increased risks of these ponds and the contaminants that they're leaking into the groundwater and potentially the waterways, and the increased risk of harm to human health and the environment," Ozaeta said.

In Illinois, three sites would be allowed to continue operating until 2031: Kincaid, which is south of Springfield, and Baldwin and Newton power stations in southern Illinois.

For a state with some of the highest numbers of coal ash ponds, this decision threatens to reverse years of progress as Illinois has made strides away from reliance on coal-fired power, according to Cate Caldwell, senior policy director of the Illinois Environmental Council.

"Communities throughout our state, particularly in downstate regions and near river systems, live in close proximity to coal ash disposal sites that threaten groundwater and surface water resources," Caldwell said.

"Every additional year that unlined, leaking coal ash ponds remain open increases the risk that these contaminants will migrate further into aquifers, rivers and drinking water supplies used by Illinois families."

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As Illinois tackles an already mounting backlog of closure delays at its 72 coal ash sites, Caldwell said this latest EPA proposal to extend the lives of Kincaid, Baldwin and Newton plants signals a move in the wrong direction when it comes to coal pollution.

"The agency should not be asking coal companies how long they would like to continue dumping toxic waste," Caldwell said. "It should be enforcing closure requirements that are already long overdue."

But the EPA argued this deadline extension would resolve concerns of grid reliability as the country transitions beyond fossil fuels.

"This extension will promote electric grid reliability by allowing a small subset of baseload coal-fired power producers to continue operating for an additional three years beyond the Biden Administration's disastrous attempt to pick winners and losers and destroy the coal industry," said an EPA spokesperson in a statement.

During Tuesday's hearing, Cecilia de Robertis, EPA deputy director of Waste Information, said the U.S. Department of Energy has warned that certain regions of the country would experience power grid issues if the closures were to occur in 2028, when previously required.

But Ozaeta said this is an unsurprising yet insufficient justification from the EPA.

"We've seen EPA attempt to paint this picture of the energy crisis to extend the life of these old, expensive coal plants," Ozaeta said.

The EPA, Ozaeta said, hasn't sufficiently proven the connection between grid reliability risks and extending timelines for these coal sites.

During Tuesday's hearing, the sole supporter of the EPA's ruling change was Indiana Department of Environmental Management Commissioner Clint Woods, who said he believes the EPA's extension proposal is a necessary step to ensure reliable, affordable energy in Indiana.

The Northern Indiana Public Service Company's R. M. Schahfer Generating Station is on the EPA's list permitting it to remain operating until 2031, despite having an original Dec. 31 retirement date.

Last month, just two days before its original retirement date, the DOE ordered the Indiana plant to remain open to help power data centers in Jasper County.

Local advocates expressed their concerns over the decision to keep the Schahfer plant open during the hearing, including Ashley Williams, executive director of Just Transition NWI, an Indiana nonprofit advocating for clean energy transitions.

"Like every community, Wheatfield deserves to thrive," Williams said. "Instead, it's being sacrificed again for utility greed."

In her testimony Tuesday, Williams highlighted that the Schahfer plant is considered a superpolluter and remains an ongoing environmental hazard for the community of Jasper County.

"Utilities see time as a commodity to be bargained over," Williams said. "For my neighbors in Jasper County, time is minutes and restless nights they spend worrying about the toxins in their children's bathwater. Time is the slow, irreversible seepage of coal ash into the aquifers that waters their crops. And they're out of time."

The EPA has extended the public comment period until Feb. 6 before finalizing the rule.

Key concepts coal resources

2026 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Environmentalists are suing the federal government over what they say is a failure to protect the horseshoe crab, a prehistoric-looking species that is important to the survival of shore birds in South Carolina and other coastal states.

The Center for Biological Diversity says the National Marine Fisheries Service has not met a deadline to decide whether the crabs should be protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The center says horseshoe crab populations have "crashed'' as a result of climate change, habitat loss, excessive harvesting and the use of the crabs by the biomedical industry. Populations have stabilized in recent years, but are down by as much as 70% from historic levels, the center reports.

But the federal government has not made a preliminary assessment that would allow a final decision on protection of the crabs to be made, said Will Harlan, a senior scientist with the center. A deadline for the preliminary finding was in 2024, he said.

"We could lose these living fossils forever if they don't get Endangered Species Act protections soon,"' Harlan said in a news release after the suit was filed Monday. "It's reckless to delay their obvious need for protection, so we're going to court to force the government to do its job."

In an interview with The State, Harlan said the crabs play an important role in helping other animals survive. Eleven species of shorebirds feed on horseshoe crab eggs during migration between the North and South American continents each year, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Those include birds such as the rufa red knot. The reddish gray coastal bird travels some 18,000 miles each year from South America to the Arctic, stopping in places like South Carolina to feed on horseshoe crab eggs. Without an adequate supply of crabs and their eggs, red knots also are in danger, he said. A single horseshoe crab can lay up to 100,000 eggs in a year, state officials say.

Red knots that feed on horseshoe crab eggs are already protected by the Endangered Species Act. In 2014, the federal government declared the red knot as a threatened species under the act. Each year, red knots travel between breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic and Tierra Del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.

In a 2014 story in The State, a senior scientist for the Center for Biological Diversity predicted that restrictions on the harvest of horseshoe crabs would be needed as a way to help protect the red knot.

Harvesting horseshoe crabs for use by the biomedical industry has been an issue in South Carolina in recent years. Biomedical laboratories have historically captured the crabs and siphoned their blood for use in vaccines and for other purposes. The animals are then returned to the water, but critics say they don't always survive the bleeding.

That has put a dent in horseshoe crab populations, Harlan said. But there is less need today to pull blood from horseshoe crabs than in the past because synthetic materials have been developed for biomedical purposes, say critics of the use of horseshoe crabs.

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The blood, which is blue, has historically been used to test vaccines and medical devices for contamination. The State reported on the issue in an investigative series five years ago that examined the impacts of the biomedical industry on horseshoe crabs and whether blood was still needed for biomedical purposes.

Horseshoe crabs have existed for some 400 million yearsand they look like it.

They have oval-shaped shells and long tails that appear menacing, like those of stingrays. But the animals are actually harmless.

They also are technically not crabs, but are more akin to giant insects, growing to as much as 2 feet long and living 25 years. Horseshoe crabs are in the family known as arachnids, animals related to spiders and scorpions, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a nonprofit organization active nationally. The environmental group, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, has nearly 100,000 members nationally. The group, along with multiple other wildlife and conservation organizations, petitioned the federal government in February 2024 to protect the horseshoe crab.

Key concepts ecotoxicologycoastal ecosystems

2026 The State. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Charlotte Crosby was hospitaslised with a "hardcore" chest infection.

Reality TV star Charlotte Crosby

The TV star was "throwing up" and felt "so weak" on the last day of her family's trip to the Maldives, and battled sleepless nights and "coughing fits" as she, her fiance Jake Ankers, and their daughters, Alba, three, and Pixi, 11 months, flew back to Dubai.

Fans were worried on Tuesday (06.01.26) after she shared a shot of herself lying in a hospital bed wearing an oxygen mask on Instagram Stories, but Charlotte has now told them she is better after doctors in the Middle Eastern city gave her medication.

Writing over a photo of multiple boxes of pills and a thumbs up - posted on her Instagram Stories later that day - the Geordie Shore alum said: "Right guys sorry to worry you all!

"So I hadn't been feeling too well the past couple of days! I always get a pretty hardcore chest infection in winter but I thought with us getting away I may of gotten away with it!

"But no it's hit me like a ton of bricks I've not slept really in 48 hours because of that killer travel day and then all last night coughing fits!

"So I got straight to the private clinic here and they sorted me right out! I've got antibiotics, some new strong cough syrup and some steroid tablets!

"Hoping for sleep tonight. (sic)"

Charlotte, 35, and her family - whose travel journey from the Male, Maldives, to Dubai consisted of "one speed boat, two planes, and three buses" - were greeted in the Middle Eastern city by her 56-year-old mum, internet personality Letitia Crosby.

Charlotte continued in the caption of her health update: "In other news my mams here and we are all soooo happy!

"She is also being a great nurse to me! (sic)"

In a previous post to her Instagram Stories, Charlotte revealed she was sick.

According to MailOnline, the Celebrity Big Brother 2013 winner wrote: "Our last day in the Maldives and I've b***** been throwing up and felt so weak. Pushed through and went on a dolphin trip this morning but we didn't see any.

"Gutted because I was so excited for Alba! There's always next time! (sic)"
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard is meeting her EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday to discuss the Mercosur deal.

France on Wednesday officialized a ban on food imports containing traces of five pesticides currently banned in the EU, a move aimed at easing farmers' opposition to the Mercosur trade deal with four South American nations.

France's influential farming lobbies are pushing the government to block the Mercosur accord, which is being discussed by the bloc's agriculture ministers in Brussels at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday.

The five substances targeted include the fungicides mancozeb, thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim and benomyl, used on produce ranging from avocados and mangos to wheat and soybeans.

The fifth substance, glufosinate, is an herbicide widely used on potatoes.

They are all banned in the EU for health risks, but current rules allow trace levels of them on food imports to the bloc, which France now deems too high.

Many of the imports that would be banned are from South America, "but this measure is not aimed at South America, but all countries that treat these fruits and vegetables with these five products," an agriculture ministry official said on condition of anonymity earlier this week.

The French measure still needs the green light from the EU Commission, which will examine it on January 20, the ministry said in a statement.

Commission officials have already said they are ready to renegotiate the rules on trace elements of banned pesticides, which affect only a tiny fraction of produce sales in the bloc.

More than 25 years in the making, the Mercosur deal would create the world's biggest free-trade area, boosting commerce between the 27-nation EU and the bloc comprising Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

But it has alarmed many European farmers who fear they will be undercut by a flow of cheaper goods.

 2026 AFP
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A look inside Tokamak Energy's ST40 fusion system reveals the plasma within. Researchers from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory helped guide the Tokamak Energy team to achieve the desired results in ST40. Credit: Tokamak Energy

At 4 a.m., while most of New Jersey slept, a Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) physicist sat at his computer connected to a control room 3,500 miles away in Oxford, England. Years of experience running fusion experiments in the U.S. helped guide the U.K. team through delicate adjustments as they worked together to coax particles of plasmathe fourth state of matterto temperatures that match those found at the heart of the sun.

This late-night, intercontinental collaboration happened many times from 2019 to 2024 during critical experiments at Tokamak Energy's ST40 facility. It's just one example of how PPPL is meeting the moment, leading collaborative efforts with private companies and other public institutions to make fusion power practical.

Fusion, the process of combining atoms to release energy, could be the source of a nearly inexhaustible supply of electricity. But there are still challenging scientific and engineering issues to overcome in the quest for power. That's why scientists are increasingly working together to take fusion further.

In this new landscape, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) PPPL have emerged as leaders, and the Lab itself has become a crucial hub for fusion research. With experiments dating back to the 1950s and the earliest days of fusion energy, PPPL's depth of experience makes it an ideal partner.

"The public sphere and the private sphere have these incredible complementary synergies, and I think this will be a really critical combination to get us to that pilot plant," said Laura Berzak Hopkins, associate laboratory director for strategies and partnerships and deputy chief research officer at PPPL.

The FuRTH space, a future hub for fusion innovation, is shown here with sketches of several different fusion experimental concepts superimposed. Credit: Michael Livingston / PPPL Communications Department

"On the public sidewhich includes PPPL as a national laboratorywe have this depth of expertise and enabling capabilities, and it's not just toward one particular magnetic confinement configuration."

The DOE's recently released Fusion Science and Technology (FS&T) Roadmap outlines a national strategy to accelerate the development of commercial fusion energy over the next decade by aligning public and private investment. The roadmap highlights critical gaps that innovative partnerships can fill to deliver the public infrastructure needed for the private sector's expansion into fusion in the 2030s.

"The Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap brings unprecedented coordination across America's fusion enterprise," said DOE Under Secretary for Science Dario Gil in a press release. "For the first time, DOE, industry and our national labs will be aligned with a shared purposeto accelerate the path to commercial fusion power and strengthen America's leadership in energy innovation."

Bringing U.S. fusion leadership to fusion systems around the world

After seven decades of fundamental research, mature scientific understanding has combined with interest from private investors to create unprecedented momentum. Today, dozens of approaches to fusion are advancing in parallel. PPPL's expertise aids many in plasma physics theory, computer simulations and advanced measurement tools, known as diagnostics.

"We are not picking the winners and losers. We are enabling the fusion community as a whole," said Jack Berkery, deputy director of the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) research program at PPPL. Like many of the physicists at PPPL, Berkery is a globe-trotter, working closely with fusion researchers in many countries, including Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.

This approach recently resulted in a remarkable achievement. When Tokamak Energy's ST40 fusion system achieved ion temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius, which is hot enough for commercial fusion, it wasn't only a victory for the private U.K. company. It was confirmed by computer models developed at PPPL and, importantly, the result validated public research into spherical tokamaks.

A tokamak is one of several types of fusion systems scientists are currently exploring. Tokamaks use magnetic fields to hold plasma, in an effort to get the particles to fuse and release energy. There are approximately 60 tokamaks operating today. All of them are experimental, meaning they serve as test beds to search for the ideal mix of materials, features and fuels. Once a team of researchers thinks they have the ideal configuration, the next step will be to build a fusion pilot plant before a commercial fusion system can bring fusion power to the grid. But first, the recipe must be perfected, and experience is key to making meaningful progress.

"PPPL scientists participated remotely in experiments on ST40. They were actively involved in the operation of the machine, helping them get to these plasmas where they could produce the 100 million degrees Celsius," said Stanley Kaye, director of PPPL's NSTX-U research program and co-author of a article in Fusion Science and Technology exploring this collaboration. "We were also instrumental in helping them set up the data acquisition for one of their critical diagnostic systems."

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Partnering to reach record temperatures

The story of how ST40 reached fusion-relevant temperatures illustrates how PPPL has the scientific know-how and engineering capabilities to make new industry ideas a reality. Tokamak Energy had built an impressive machine, secured funding and assembled a talented team. But when it came time to push their fusion system to its limits, they wanted the depth of knowledge accumulated at PPPL through nearly 75 years of plasma-focused research.

"PPPL physicists had worked on PPPL's Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor and the National Spherical Torus Experiment, predecessors to NSTX-U. So a lot of their experience from those machines and understanding of how to optimize these plasmas was really valuable in achieving the high temperature regime on ST40," said Steven McNamara, lead scientist for Tokamak Energy's fusion power plant program.

"The expertise from the PPPL team and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory team really enabled us to accelerate our diagnostic development."

PPPL's contribution went beyond operational expertise. When ST40's diagnostics struggled to measure the extreme temperatures accurately, PPPL scientists helped redesign the tool. When the team needed to confirm their record-breaking achievement, they turned to TRANSP: a sophisticated simulation code developed at PPPL and used worldwide. And when some of the plasma particles became unstable and cooled, PPPL theorists identified the cause.

"The physicists in the public institutions have the latitude, the flexibility to really explore results and understand the physics of what's going on," said Kaye.

The key to managing an effective, combined and aligned team lay in the project's open research approach, which meant that everyone involved had full access to all the data produced and the freedom to publish results. "PPPL remains committed to enabling community-wide knowledge building and key peer-review evaluation of challenges and accomplishments," said Berzak Hopkins.

Cementing the evidence for spherical tokamaks

While PPPL scientists were supporting ST40 to reach new temperatures, another remarkable collaboration was expanding between PPPL and the U.K. Atomic Energy Authority's Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak-Upgrade (MAST-U).

ST-40, MAST-U and PPPL's NSTX-U are all spherical tokamaks, meaning the plasma inside the device is shaped more like an apple with the core removed than the squatter, doughnut shape of plasmas in conventional tokamaks. The shape of the plasma affects how easily it can be held in place, and a growing body of research suggests the spherical shape might be best for generating electricity reliably on a commercial scale. However, there are still important physics and engineering questions left to answer, and partnerships between facilities with similar tokamaks are key.

NSTX-U is expected to resume operations in 2026. The new machine is the largest spherical tokamak in the U.S. and is designed to be the most powerful spherical tokamak on Earth. This user facility will help scientists from around the world answer key scientific questions about the scalability of the spherical tokamak for a fusion pilot plant and eventually commercial fusion. Its predecessor, NSTX, began operations at PPPL in 1999 as part of DOE's efforts to study cost-effective designs for fusion systems and had a decade of successful experiments.

"You want to verify that what you see on one machine is universal. Having data from both machines gives you a lot more confidence than having data from one," said Berkery, who was a key member of the collaborative team and lead author of a article in Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion about the project.

When NSTX-U shut down for major repairs in 2016, MAST-U was starting operations but lacked sufficient staff to fully explore its capabilities. The solution seemed almost too simple: share resources and knowledge. The repairs to NSTX-U would take time, so it made sense to work more collaboratively.

The collaboration has already yielded crucial findings. Both machines confirmed that energy confinement scales more favorably to the expected operating regime in fusion pilot plants in spherical tokamaks than in conventional designs: a finding that could determine the shape of future commercial fusion plants. Now, as NSTX-U prepares to resume operations in 2026, there are plans for the exchange to reverse, with U.K. scientists coming to Princeton.

"The experiments in NSTX-U and MAST-U are really necessary to inform future spherical tokamaks," said Berkery. "Private companies are making projections from what we think we know, and it's a big step to those devices. The more experiments we can do, the better sense we'll have of how practical or optimistic the projections are."

Going further with infrastructure and expertise combined

On PPPL's campus is a large, concrete room. Its walls are 34 feet thick, designed to contain radiation from fusion experiments. For two decades, this space housed a tokamak called the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). In the 1990s, TFTR set records for fusion power production with experiments yielding key research findings. After the fusion system was decommissioned in 2002, the room sat largely empty. Now, PPPL's Berzak Hopkins is leading the charge to reimagine the space as a hub for fusion innovation.

"The capabilities that we have at the Lab speak to fusion writ large. That takes the form of knowledgea depth of expertise, a highly trained workforce, our computational capabilities with codes capturing the underlying physics algorithms, high-performance computing capabilities and the data our facilities and experiments are generating," said Berzak Hopkins.

The space, with its radiation shielding, 110-ton overhead crane and industrial-scale power and cooling systems, represents significant infrastructure that private fusion companies desperately need but can't afford to build. Jonathan Menard, the deputy director for research and chief research officer at PPPL, along with Berzak Hopkins and others at the Lab, are transforming it into the Fusion Research and Technology Hub (FuRTH). The new facility will serve as a multidevice fusion incubator where private companies could install and operate experimental fusion systems without the enormous capital expense of building from scratch.

The concept addresses what Berzak Hopkins calls the "valley of death"the gap between initial venture funding for proof-of-concept devices and the hundreds of millions needed for demonstration plants. Companies could design and build their devices off-site, then truck them to PPPL and plug them into the existing infrastructure. When they're ready to move on to larger machines, they could leave their devices for PPPL to operate for research and training, creating a living laboratory of different fusion approaches that advance solutions while overcoming barriers.

PPPL will catalog the facility's capabilities and develop detailed plans for the transformation. Already, companies from Wisconsin to New Zealand have expressed interest.

"There's experience and knowledge within PPPL, which we're looking to tap into, and then there's existing infrastructure as well," said Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion of Madison, Wisconsin, which is exploring siting its magnetic mirror fusion device at FuRTH. "Right now, fusion is essentially graduating, making that transition from being basic research into applied research and commercialization."

PPPL is also working with the state of New Jersey to spur innovation, partnering with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the venture capital firm SOSV to establish the NJ HAX Plasma Forge, which aims to support startups and established companies focused on low-temperature plasma technology. Low-temperature plasmas are used in a variety of manufacturing processes, including many of the steps used to make computer chips.

A final location for the forge has not yet been announced, but it will be strategically located close to PPPL in central New Jersey. In addition to being in proximity to world-renowned experts on low-temperature plasmas, the forge will feature approximately 10,000 square feet of laboratory and co-working space, serving as a Strategic Innovation Center.

Partnership is a model that clearly works. ST40's temperature record, the confirmed scaling results from NSTX-U and MAST-U, and the growing queue of companies asking about space at FuRTH all suggest that the fusion community has found a formula that accelerates progress beyond what either public or private efforts could achieve alone.

"If we look back through the fusion history timeline, we've never had this depth of capabilities available," said Berzak Hopkins. "It's this really critical combination between those capabilities and private investment drive that makes this moment in time very different than any previous in fusion history."

More information Steven A. M. McNamara et al, The ST40 Collaboration: A Groundbreaking, First-of-Its-Kind, Public-Private Partnership in Fusion, Fusion Science and Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/15361055.2025.2515662
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Google, SpaceX and Blue Origin are reportedly racing to develop technology for AI data centers in space, but it will likely be years before we see them rocketing into the sky, experts say.

"I don't think we'll have an operative data center in space in the next couple of years, but we'll start seeing some of the building blocks tested in the next couple of years," said Josep Jornet, a computer and electrical engineering professor at Northeastern University and satellite researcher.

The thinking goes that space isn't bound by the same constraints as Earth, where energy demands and environmental impacts can be extraordinarily high.

According to the International Energy Agency, or IEA, a typical AI data center on Earth consumes annually as much electricity as 100,000 households, and energy impacts are only expected to rise to accommodate the development of larger and more complex AI models.

There is concern that there isn't enough energy to go around. In 2024, the IEA reported that energy demands from data centers and AI will likely more than double from 460 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity in 2022 to more than 1,000 TWh by 2026, which it said is "roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of Japan."

Space data centers, by contrast, would instead be equipped with solar-panel-equipped satellites designed to harness power directly from the sun, offset heat into space, and not be limited by available land.

Fewer data centers on the ground would also potentially help lighten the load on communities like Loudoun County in Northern Virginia, which has been given the nickname "Data Center Alley" for being home to the largest data center hub in the country with over 250 operational facilities.

"Think of space as the next frontier to conquer," added Jornet. "There was a gold rush in the West. Now there is the space rush, and everyone wants to put their technology in space."

SpaceX's and Blue Origin's space data center plans were reported in December by The Wall Street Journal.

Blue Origin has a dedicated team working on creating the technology to support AI data centers in space, the Journal reported. While SpaceX is working on modifying and upgrading its rockets to be better to "host AI computing payloads."

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SpaceX and Blue Origin have not publicly commented on the Wall Street Journal's reporting and did not respond to Northeastern Global News' request for comment.

But both Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have in the past talked about building AI data centers in space.

They are not the only ones.

In November, Google, through its moonshot Project Suncatcher, announced its plan to launch two test satellites with its AI processing chips in 2027 in partnership with Planet Labs, an American satellite company.

Smaller companies are also working in the space, including StarCloud, an Nvidia-backed startup that last month launched a satellite carrying an Nvidia H100 graphics processing unit, or GPU, which is now being used to run a version of Google's open large language model, Gemma.

However, experts say that while early work may be ongoing, there are a whole class of different considerations that should be taken into account as developments progress.

One of the biggest hurdles will be securing enough power for these orbital data centers to even run in the first place, said Jornet.

The sun may be a great source of power, but to adequately harness that power, orbital data centers would either need massive solar panels miles in length or a constellation of smaller ones ranging in the tens of thousands, he said.

Companies also need to contend with how their AI chips will hold up under space's harmful radiation, as well as heat dissipation and cooling issues, he said.

AI data centers on Earth require thousands of gallons of water to offset the massive amount of energy emitted by their GPUs. While temperatures in space might be low, there is no air in space for chips to cool off naturally and without the use of water.

"Of course, there are people who say, 'No, it's going to be very cool, so we're just going to radiate the heat,' he said. "But there are discussions from people who have been operating in space that it's going to be very difficult to cool the amount of heat that even a single GPU generates."

Solving these problems will be an iterative process, he said.

"When these companies say they want to launch things, it doesn't mean they want to launch a data center right now," he said. "What they want to do is maybe get a collection of high performance processors and not to use them for computing but to measure their performance, heat cycles, and energy consumption throughout the duration of whatever is the mission length. They are testing one component at a time."

But he has no doubt that companies have the incentive to act quickly and spend big to solve these particular challenges as they race for AI dominance.

"Everyone wants to claim to have the first platform to reach this milestone," he said. "So companies are throwing cash like there's no tomorrow."

While AI data centers in space ideally should reduce environmental harm, they may very well do the opposite at least in the short term, as these projects will call for more rocket launches, explained Anncy Thresher, a professor of public policy and philosophy at Northeastern University who specializes in space policy.

Rocket launches have been shown to endanger animals and hurt ecosystems and contribute to Earth's use of fossil fuels, she said.

The Cape Canaveral Space Force Center, for example, which is the most biodiverse federal facility in the continental United States, launches more than 80 rockets each year, which have been found to kill fish in shallow waters nearby, and deposit harmful debris, she said.

"I think that AI data centers have a lot of promise for solving a lot of the environmental issues here on Earth associated with data centers like those in Virginia, but in order for them to solve these problems, we're going to have to do a lot more work on the environmental impact of rockets getting into space," said Thresher.

Key concepts Artificial satellites

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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An Amsterdam albatross, among the worlds rarest seabirds, seen during a Southern Ocean research expedition. Credit: Rutgers University

Climate change has many culprits, from agriculture to transportation to energy production. Now, add another: the deep ocean salty blob.

In a study of ancient ocean geochemistry, a Rutgers researcher and a former Rutgers graduate student have found evidence that the end of the latest ice age some 18,000 years ago, a period of rapid planetary warming, coincided with the emergence of salty water that had been trapped in the deep ocean.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, shed new light on how salt levels in Earth's deepest waters may influence the amount of carbon dioxidea principal heat-trapping gasin the atmosphere.

"In today's oceans there are different major water masses, and each has a distinctive salinity," said Elisabeth Sikes, a professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Studies at Rutgers-New Brunswick. "Researchers have long speculated that deep ocean salinity levels were linked to changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide across ice age cycles. Our paper proves it."

SAMW production and circulation in the south Indian Ocean. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-025-01756-7

How ocean salinity affects carbon storage

Oceans contain vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which absorbs infrared energy and contributes to global warming. Much of this carbon is taken up by marine organisms at the surface during photosynthesis. As these organisms live, die and sink, their remains break down and release the carbon dioxide into the deep waters. The differences in salinity of the deep layers of the ocean help form a barrier between the layers, keeping the gas from returning to the atmosphere.

Warming and cooling are cyclical, and this speeds up and slows down ocean overturning circulationknown as "the global ocean conveyor belt." During warm periods, like today, the ocean circulates faster, keeping deep water from gathering as much carbon dioxide. When ocean circulation slows and denser water sinks in cool regions, more carbon dioxide is trapped with it. Eventually, the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the deep ocean helps cool the planet, and the cycle repeats.

During the latest ice age, which peaked about 20,000 years ago, the deep ocean stored carbon dioxide more efficiently than today, Sikes said, which helps explain why average temperatures were much lower.

Scientists know that the planet's warming at the end of the last ice age was marked by a huge release of the carbon dioxide from the deep ocean. But what happened to the salt that supposedly helped lock carbon dioxide away has remained a mystery.

Ryan Glaubke measures and marks a sediment core used to reconstruct past deep-ocean salinity and carbon storage. Credit: Rutgers University

New research on the 'salty blob'

"The exact mechanism, the actual physical explanation for why that happens, is something researchers have been trying to resolve," said Ryan H. Glaubke, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Arizona and lead author of the study. Research for the study was conducted while Glaubke was a graduate student in Sikes' lab at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

"This paper supports the idea that it's the salinity of deep ocean waterthe 'salty blob'that keeps carbon dioxide locked away for long periods of time," Glaubke said.

To reach this conclusion, Glaubke and Sikes analyzed the geochemical composition of sand grain-sized microfossilsformed by single-celled creatures called foraminiferain marine sediments that they collected from the boundary of the Indian and Southern oceans, off the coast of western Australia.

The microfossils preserve information about the water in which they formed, including its salinity, Sikes said.

The researchers used these microfossil data to reconstruct a record of local salinity levels and found that at the onset of the last deglaciation, the shallow waters of the upper Indian Ocean suddenly became much saltier for several thousand years. This increase corresponded with other geochemical "fingerprints" that confirm the salt originated from the deep ocean.

The findings, the researchers said, are evidence of the crucial role the Southern Ocean plays in planetary climate. This is because it is one of the few places that truly deep waterswith their high load of carbon dioxidesurface and "exhale" the gas back into the atmosphere.

As researchers continue to study the current period of warming, they cannot neglect what happens in the Southern Hemisphere, Sikes said. While the ocean has absorbed about one-third of all carbon emissions from human activity, without the deep ocean's "salty blob," carbon dioxide is stored less efficiently.

"In a way, the ocean has been our greatest champion in the fight against climate change," Glaubke said. "But without a pronounced 'salty blob' like the ancient glacial ocean had, it can't hold on to our carbon emissions forever."

Publication details Ryan H. Glaubke et al, Elevated shallow water salinity in the deglacial Indian Ocean was sourced from the deep, Nature Geoscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-025-01756-7 Journal information: Nature Geoscience
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The Allen Telescope Array. Credit: Allen Telescope Array / Wikimedia User brewbooks

It feels like every week now we're writing a new article about how 3I/ATLAS is not an alien technology. But it's worth reiterating, and perhaps taking a look at the methodology we used to prove that statement. A new paper, available in pre-print form on arXiv from Sofia Sheikh of the SETI Institute and her co-authors, details how one specific instrumentthe Allen Telescope Array (ATA)contributed to that effort.

The ATA is one of the world's most powerful radio telescopes, and scanned interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for a total of 7.25 hours over five distinct sessions in July 2025, shortly after the object's discovery. Other telescopes had pegged 3I/ATLAS as a natural comet, with a coma, water outgassing, and a relatively fast rotational period of 16.8 hours. ATA's job was to check if it was transmitting any artificial radio signals.

Luckily, the ATA itself recently received an upgrade that implemented its new "Antonio" feeds. These cryogenically cooled "feeds," which are hardware components connected to the telescope that act as the "receiver" of the radio waves. These "Antonio" feeds are named after Franklin Antonio, the founder of Qualcomm and a major donor to the ATA's recent upgrade project.

Improved cryogenic feeds means improved signal to noise ratio, and importantly, over a massive frequency range. During this particular observational campaign, ATA monitored the frequency space between 112 GHz, which includes some of the most common bands we use, such as the 2.4GHz of phone and WiFi signals.

Documentary about the Allen Telescope Array. Credit: BerkeleySETI YouTube Channel

Such an improvement in the sensitivity means the ATA team was overwhelmed with potential "signals"over 70 million of them, in fact. To narrow that down to a realistically tractable number, they applied a new filtering system called the Breakthrough Listen Interesting Signal Search (bliss) algorithm.

First, they eliminated any signals in the frequency bands that are crowded with human interference, such as those used by GPS or satellites. Then they filtered for signals only matching the acceleration (red-shift) expected by 3I/ATLASa new feature of the bliss signal pipeline. Finally, they did a sanity check to make sure the signal actually came from the region of space where 3I/ATLAS was located at the time it was collected.

After all that filtering, they narrowed it down to 211 candidate signals, each of which was manually investigated by a human. And, in turn, each one was determined to be caused by Earth-based radio frequency interference that had slipped through the automated filtering process. As such, the ATA team ended with a "null" resultno synthetic radio-frequency techno-signature appeared to be emanating from 3I/ATLAS.

That null result comes with a caveat, though. The authors calculated the power output at each frequency, which would be the minimum required to be detected by their search algorithm. For a 1 GHz signal, they calculated it would be around 10 wattsabout 5 times the power of a typical cell phone. At 9 GHz, this power jumps up to around 110 watts. But it seems pretty clear that a civilization advanced enough to intentionally send an interstellar object to another system would put in a radio transmitter that was stronger than two light bulbs put together.

ATA also wasn't alone in its observations, though. Other telescopes around the world have been watching 3I/ATLAS since its discovery last summer. Perhaps the most relevant is the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia.

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The team from that observatory recently released their own paper confirming the ATA findings, with even higher sensitivity, ruling out any transmitter that was even 10% of the power of a modern cell phone. Observations from other observatories, such as MeerKAT in South Africa, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile confirmed the "natural" pattern seen by every verified observation of 3I/ATLAS so far.

Fraser follows up on the science we know about interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS

Despite that, I'm sure this won't be the last article we write about further research debunking the idea of 3I/ATLAS as a technological object. As our third interstellar visitor begins to make its way out of our solar system to the depths of deep space, astronomers will continue to monitor it from every possible angle because of how interesting it is to the scientific communitywhether or not it was artificial.

Publication details Sofia Z. Sheikh et al, A Search for Radio Technosignatures from Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS with the Allen Telescope Array, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2512.18142 Journal information: arXiv
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MIT Sloan Professor Emilio Castilla. Credit: Photo by Jodi Hilton/MIT Sloan School of Management

Can an organization ever be truly meritocratic? That's a question Emilio J. Castilla, the NTU Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, explores in his new book, "The Meritocracy Paradox: Where Talent Management Strategies Go Wrong and How to Fix Them" (Columbia University Press, 2025). Castilla, who is co-director of MIT's Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER), researches how talent is managed inside organizations and whyeven with the best intentionsworkplace practices often fail to deliver fairness and effectiveness.

Castilla's book brings together decades of research to explain why organizations struggle to achieve meritocracy in practiceand what leaders can do to build fairer, more effective, and higher-performing workplaces. In the following Q&A, he unpacks how bias can unintentionally seep into hiring, evaluation, promotion, and reward systems, and offers concrete strategies to counteract these dynamics and design processes that recognize and support merit.

One central argument of your book is that true meritocracy is not easy for organizations to achieve in practice. Why is that?

A large body of research has found that bias and unfairness can creep into the workplace, affecting talent management processes such as who gets interviewed for jobs, who gets hired, what kind of performance evaluations employees receive, and how employees are rewarded. So it's not easy for an organization to be truly meritocratic.

In fact, research I conducted with Stephen Benard found that, ironically, emphasizing that an organization is a meritocracy may lead decision-makers to behave in more biased ways. Specifically, in our study, we found that when participants were told they were making decisions for an organization that emphasized meritocracy, they were more likely to recommend higher bonuses for male employees than for their equally-performing female peers, compared to when meritocracy wasn't emphasized. We called this phenomenon the "paradox of meritocracy," and it may stem from managers paying less attention to monitoring their own biases when they are assured the organization is fair.

A study I conducted with Aruna Ranganathan Ph.D. '14 further showed that managers' understanding of what constitutes "merit" varies widelyeven within the same organization. There is no universally agreed-upon definition, and our research found that managers often apply the concept of merit in ways that reflect their own experiences as employees. This variability can lead to inconsistent, and sometimes inequitable, outcomes.

What are some of the things organizations can do to make their talent management practices more meritocratic?

The encouraging news is that making your organization's talent management processes fairer and more meritocratic doesn't have to be complex or expensive. It does, however, require buy-in from top management. The key factors, my research in organizations has shown, are organizational transparency and accountability.

To improve organizational transparency, you need to be very explicit and open about the criteria and procedures you use in talent management processes, such as hiring, evaluation, promotion, and reward decisions. That's because research has shown that having clear and specific merit-based criteria and well-defined processes can help reduce biases.

On the accountability side, you need to have at least one person responsible for monitoring the organization's talent management processes and outcomes to ensure fairness and effectiveness. In practice, companies often give this responsibility to a group from different parts of the organization. Research has shown that knowing that your decisions will be reviewed by others causes managers to think carefully about their decisionssomething that can reduce the impact of unconscious biases in the workplace.

How realistic is it to think that organizations can ever be true meritocraciesand why do you nonetheless believe meritocracy is worth striving for?

It's true that organizations are unlikely to ever be perfectly meritocratic. Still, striving for meritocracy and fairness in your talent management strategies is beneficial, and you should be aware of the pitfalls. Employers that hire, reward, and advance the most talented and hard-working employees, regardless of their demographic background, are likely to benefit in the long run. That's the promise and enduring appeal of meritocracy.

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Many in the United States may not realize that one of the world's earliest formal meritocracies emerged in China during the Han and Qin dynasties more than 2,000 years ago. As early as 200 B.C.E., the Chinese empire began developing a system of civil service exams in order to identify and appoint competent and talented officials to help administer government operations throughout the empire.

Those Chinese emperors were on to something. Once an organization reaches a certain size, leaders won't achieve the most effective performance if they make talent management decisions based on nonmeritocratic factors such as nepotism, aristocracy/social class, corruption, or friendship. When it comes to choosing a guiding principle for people management decisions within an organization, meritocracy beats a lot of the alternatives.

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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In 2020, members of the Friends of Palm Beach found oily plastic and glass (left) and floating rubber chunks (right) on the beach, and researchers traced their origin offshore of Brazil. Credit: Adapted from Environmental Science & Technology 2026, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14571

When oily plastic and glass, as well as rubber, washed onto Florida beaches in 2020, a community group shared the mystery online, attracting scientists' attention. Working together, they linked the black residue-coated debris to a 2019 oil slick along Brazil's coastline. Using ocean current models and chemical analysis, the team explains in Environmental Science & Technology how some of the oily material managed to travel over 5,200 miles (8,500 kilometers) by clinging to debris.

"The research findings of our study would not have been possible without the dedication of the Friends of Palm Beach," says Bryan James, lead author of the study and a researcher at Northeastern University.

"Their long-term knowledge of the local marine debris enabled them to notice when unique and interesting items like oily plastic comes ashore. If they hadn't been willing to investigate and share their observations, this discovery would still be lost at sea."

Although some plastics can drift thousands of miles on ocean currents, crude oil or refined petroleum usually doesn't. Instead, sunlight and microbes break down oil within a few hundred miles (300 kilometers) of where it entered the water. So, in 2020, the source of oily plastic bottles and glass containers along the shore in Palm Beach, Florida, was curious to the Friends of Palm Beach cleanup group.

With no spills reported nearby, the group's main clues about the oil's source were the bottle labels in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and large chunks of rubber that had also washed up. The group became community scientists as some members teamed up with international researchers led by James and Christopher Reddy at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to find the origin of the oil and plastic pollution.

James, Reddy and their colleagues hypothesized that the oily plastic and rubber littering the beach in Florida could have the same origin as similar pollution found on Brazil's coast in late 2019. And the source of the oil and rubber might be the SS Rio Grande, a sunken World War II supply ship in the Atlantic Ocean. To test their hypothesis, the researchers conducted computer simulations and oil spill forensic analyses.

Origin: Ocean current models traced the plastic bottles backward in time, predicting origins spanning from the Gulf of Mexico, Central America and Brazil.

Travel time: Additional models estimated that the oily debris drifted for 240 days, which is a timeframe consistent with currents carrying material from the 2019 Brazil oil spill to the Florida coast.

Chemical analyses: Several of the oily residues collected from the Florida debris showed evidence of refining, and the "chemical fingerprints" of the oily plastic matched those collected from the Brazil oil spill.

Reddy concludes that this work demonstrates an additive contaminant effect where plastic pollution can transport oil pollution far beyond its origin, and it expands on the current understanding of "petroplastic"a recently recognized form of plastic pollution from humans.

Publication details "Long-Range Transport of Oil by Marine Plastic Debris: Evidence from an 8500 km Journey," Environmental Science & Technology (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14571 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology
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Academics say China is becoming a popular destination for researchers to re-locate from overseas, especially at the start of their careers.

China's government has long made efforts to tempt top scientists from abroad, but researchers say its institutions themselves are increasingly attracting talent thanks to their generous funding and growing prestige.

State-backed initiatives like the Thousand Talents Plan have dangled fast-tracked hiring and bountiful grants to lure overseas experts in strategically important fields, as China and the United States vie for technological supremacy.

But academics told AFP the country is becoming a popular destination even among those not targeted by Beijing, especially at the start of their careers.

"You hear about these amazing advanced labs and the government providing money for things like AI and quantum research," said Mejed Jebali, an artificial intelligence Ph.D. candidate from Tunisia at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

"The scale of the research and how fast things get built is really amazing."

China's official enticements have typically targeted eminent researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields that could help Beijing achieve its goal of becoming the global leader in technology and innovation.

There is no official database of foreign or returnee scientists moving to China, but at least 20 prominent STEM experts have done so in the past year, according to university and personal announcements reviewed by AFP.

They included cancer expert Feng Gensheng, who left a tenured University of California role for Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and German medical scientist Roland Eils, now part-time at Shanghai's Fudan University.

"It appears that a significantly greater number of overseas scientistsparticularly those of Chinese originhave returned to work in China compared with around 10 years ago," said Futao Huang, a professor at Japan's Hiroshima University.

More funding, resources, support

Academics cited access to rapidly developing industries in China's massive market as a draw.

Lingling Zhang, who joined the China Europe International Business School after two decades in the United States, told AFP she was drawn to more "pragmatic" research.

She said career considerations drove her decision more than the specific prospect of moving back to China.

"I actually have great access to a large number of entrepreneurs and business people," she said.

The pace of industrial development means more opportunities for "academically grounded but application-oriented research," said a materials scientist who moved to China from a European university, who asked to remain anonymous.

"The quality of papers produced by top Chinese institutions today is in no way inferior to that of leading US or European universities, and in some areas is highly competitive or even leading," he said.

China's reputation for academic prowess in many fields has become undeniable. Four of the top five leading research institutions in natural and health sciences in 2025 were Chinese, according to an index by the journal Nature.

That is a change from the past, when US and European institutions held sway.

"I wouldn't have done it 15 years ago," said Jason Chapman, a world expert on insect migration, on his recent long-term secondment to Nanjing Agricultural University.

But in the last five years, "the funding, resources and support" availablefar more than overseaschanged the calculus.

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Cultural divide

For academics of Chinese descent working in the United States, there are push factors, Hiroshima University's Huang said.

"The tightening of research security regulations, visa scrutiny, and political sensitivities in the United States has created uncertainty."

A 2023 study found that following a 2018 Trump administration policy to investigate potential Chinese spies in research, departures of China-born, US-based scientists increased by 75%.

But challenges remain for those who relocate to China.

Huang pointed to concerns over academic freedom and autonomy, and "geopolitical uncertainties that influence international perception and mobility decisions."

China tightly controls the flow of sensitive informationfor example, a European natural scientist told AFP he could not collaborate with Chinese institutes linked with military research due to the potential political sensitivity.

Markku Larjavaara, a Finnish forestry expert who until recently worked at Peking University, said he did not feel that censorship was a major issue in his field.

But he grew uncomfortable with Beijing's political climate after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, due to China's close relationship with Moscow.

Interviewees also described having to overcome cultural differences.

The materials scientist said it took time to adjust to a Chinese academic environment that emphasized personal relationships and social interaction, compared to a Western environment "where processes tend to be more impersonal and rule-based".

Still, "for young faculty who are motivated to build a research program and make tangible progress, returning (or moving) to China is a very reasonableand in many cases attractiveoption," he said.

 2026 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Money talks, and new research from Northwestern University suggests that it often speaks louder than an American voter's commitment to democratic norms.

The study from the Center for Communication & Public Policy (CCPP) recently examined how U.S. residents conceptualize democracy and whether their support for democratic principles remains consistent when financial issues and other trade-offs are considered.

The study is published in the journal Perspectives on Politics.

Erik Nisbet, Owen L. Coon Endowed Professor of Policy Analysis & Communication and founder of CCPP, along with doctoral candidate Chloe Mortenson, used an advanced behavioral experiment involving more than 600 U.S. residents to examine how voters trade democratic principles against economic security. They found that support for democratic principles is far more conditional than traditional surveys suggest and declines substantially when economic hardship is taken into account.

"Traditional surveys typically ask people whether they support democracy or value free expression," Nisbet explains. "Decades of research show that Americans overwhelmingly say 'yes," but these self-reported attitudes often do not predict actual political behavior."

Instead of relying on abstract poll questions, Nisbet and Mortenson employed a conjoint design, a method increasingly used in political science that reveals real-world preferences by forcing participants to make explicit trade-offs among competing values.

A study using conjoint design

Participants were presented with pairs of hypothetical countries and asked which democracy they would prefer to live in. Each country's profile varied across four core dimensions of democratic governance:

Rule of law

Political equality

Freedom of expression

Economic well-being

For each dimension, respondents were shown either a normative democratic condition (such as equal treatment under the law) or an illiberal alternative (such as courts favoring people like the respondent). Participants made multiple forced choices, requiring them to prioritize specific values over others  mirroring the complex trade-offs voters might face in real political decision-making.

The study revealed four striking findings.

1. Economic insecurity undermines democratic support

Across the sample, respondents strongly preferred democratic norms when personal economic conditions were good. Under economic insecurity, support for rule of law, political equality and free expression declined markedly across all three dimensions, with economic conditions exerting a larger influence than ideology.

2. What Americans say about democracy doesn't match what they choose

Respondents who professed strong support for democracy were often willing to abandon those principles when faced with economic disadvantages.

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3. Economic well-being is the strongest driver of democratic tradeoffs

When respondents were financially secure, support for liberal democratic principles increased. When respondents were economically disadvantaged, they became more tolerant of illiberal conditions, including biased media, weakened checks on leaders and unequal treatment under the law.

4. Age and education, not ideology, predict democratic resilience

The study found that age and education were far stronger predictors of commitment to democratic norms than political ideology. Ideology played a surprisingly minor role in determining willingness to sacrifice democratic principlessuggesting that these tradeoffs are not confined to one political party.

Nisbet said the study's findings suggest that responses from traditional surveys alone provide an incomplete, often misleading picture of a voter's commitment to democratic norms.

Implications for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election

"The research suggests that messaging focused solely on abstract democratic ideals is unlikely to resonate with voters unless it is tied to their economic concerns," Nisbet said. "While a small segment of voters responds to moral and egalitarian appeals, broader electorates require democracy narratives grounded in pocketbook realities."

Nisbet says this disconnect hurt democratic messaging in the 2024 U.S. election cycle and warns Democrats against repeating the mistake in 2026 and 2028.

More information Chloe Rose Mortenson et al, Benefit Seekers or Principle Holders? Experimental Evidence on Americans' Democratic Trade-Offs, Perspectives on Politics (2025). DOI: 10.1017/s1537592725104052
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Lush green fields of alfalfa spread across thousands of acres in a desert valley in western Arizona, where a dairy company from Saudi Arabia grows the thirsty crop by pulling up groundwater from dozens of wells.

The company, Fondomonte, is the largest water user in the Ranegras Plain groundwater basin, shipping hay overseas to feed its cows in the Middle East. Like other landowners in the area, it has been allowed to pump unlimited amounts from the aquifer, even as water levels have declined.

That soon could change, as Arizona officials are considering a plan to start regulating groundwater pumping in the rural area 100 miles west of Phoenix.

At a meeting in mid-December, more than 150 residents of La Paz County sat listening in folding chairs as state officials underlined the severity of the declines in groundwater levels by showing graphs with lines sloping steeply downward.

"This is where the heaviest pumping is. This is where we're seeing the most decline," said Ryan Mitchell, chief hydrologist for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, as he showed charts of the plummeting aquifer levels.

The data from wells told the story: In one, water levels dropped a staggering 242 feet since the early 1980s. Another declined 136 feet.

Mitchell said current pumping in the Ranegras basin isn't sustainable, and that in places it's causing the land surface to sink as much as 2 inches per year.

"That is a trend that is alarming," he said. "The water budget for the basin is out of balance, significantly out of balance."

As he read the numbers, murmurs arose in the crowded hall.

In recent years, some residents' household wells have gone dry, forcing them to scramble for solutions.

The problem of declining groundwater is widespread in many rural areas of Arizona. Gov. Katie Hobbs has said Arizona needs to address unrestricted overpumping by "out-of-state corporations."

She also said the declines in the Ranegras basin are especially severe, with water being depleted nearly 10 times faster than it is naturally replenished in the desert.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources proposed a new "active management area" to preserve groundwater in this part of La Paz County, which would prohibit the irrigation of additional farmland in the area and require landowners with high-capacity wells to start measuring and reporting how much water they use. It also would bring other measures, including forming a local advisory council and developing a plan to reduce water use.

Some residents say this kind of regulation is overdue.

"What it is now is a free-for-all," said Denise Beasley, a resident of the town of Bouse. "It's just the Wild West of water."

She believes the change will bring much-needed controls and help ensure that her well, and those of others in her community of about 1,100, will be protected.

Fondomonte, part of the Saudi dairy giant Almarai, started its Arizona farming operation in 2014. It is part of a trend: Saudi companies have been buying farmland overseas because groundwater is being exhausted in Saudi Arabia, and as a result, the country banned domestic growing of alfalfa and other forage crops.

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A lawyer for the company said it owns 3,600 acres in Vicksburg. The company also rents 3,088 acres of state farmland and 3,163 acres of state grazing land in the Ranegras basin under leases that expire in 2031.

The State Land Department is charging the company about $83,000 annually under those leases, said Lynn Cordova, a spokesperson for the agency.

Some residents who spoke at the hearing think it's wrong that Fondomonte gets to use the water to grow hay and export it across the world. Others don't see any problem with having a foreign company as their neighbor but believe the area must switch to less water-intensive crops.

"This is a desert, and our water is drying up," said Misha Melehes, who lives near Bouse. "We're bleeding out. We need a tourniquet while we wait in the emergency room."

Others fear that state-imposed rules could lead to downsizing farms and even shipping water away to Arizona's fast-growing cities.

Kelly James, a resident who lives nearby, called the proposal a "water grab." He urged the state to delay the decision and let locals develop their own plan.

He and others pointed out that Arizona has a history of cities finding ways to buy water that farms previously depended on, and that under state law three groundwater basins adjacent to Ranegras already are set aside as reserves to support urban growth.

The state proposal says nothing about transporting water out of the Ranegras basin. In fact, doing so would be illegal under the existing law. But that doesn't quell the misgivings of some people in the area.

"I have a lot of suspicion," said Robert Favela, who uses his well to water a stand of bamboo on his 5-acre property in Vicksburg. "Trust me, they're going to take our water."

Jennie Housley, who owns a 40-acre horse ranch near Bouse with her husband, Larry, fears the area could lose its agriculture industry and eventually lose its water to growing subdivisions and swimming pools.

"I believe that to sustain our country, we have to have agriculture in places like La Paz County," she said.

Larry Hancock, a farmer who grows crops in neighboring McMullen Valley, wrote a letter to the state making a similar argument. He said growers are already "conserving water because it's in our best interest," and imposing regulation would bring economic harm.

Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke is scheduled to announce his decision on whether to start regulating groundwater in the area by Jan. 17.

No representative of Fondomonte spoke at the meeting. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

Efforts to curb the depletion of groundwater present complex challenges for communities and state agencies throughout much of Arizona, California and other Western states.

Large farming operations expanded in Arizona in recent years, while global warming has put growing strains on the region's scarce water. Scientists using satellite data estimated that since 2003 the amount of groundwater depleted in the Colorado River Basin is comparable to the total capacity of Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir.

Arizona has limited pumping in Phoenix, Tucson and other urban areas since the state adopted a groundwater law in 1980.

But the law left groundwater entirely unregulated in about 80% of the state, allowing large farming companies and investors to drill wells and pump as much water as they want.

Since Hobbs took office in 2023, she has supported efforts to curb overpumping where aquifers are in severe decline. In January, her administration established a new regulated area in the Willcox groundwater basin in southeastern Arizona, and Hobbs this month appointed five local leaders to serve on an advisory council that will help develop a plan for reducing water use.

"We feel like it has given us hope for a sustainable future," said Ed Curry, a farmer who is a member of the Willcox council. "It gave us power."

Several months ago, Hobbs toured La Paz County and spoke with residents about ways to protect the area's water. The Democratic governor has taken other steps to rein in water use, terminating Fondomonte's leases of 3,520 acres of state-owned farmland in Butler Valley in western Arizona. The decision followed an Arizona Republic investigation that revealed the state was charging discounted, below-market rates.

Now those former hay fields sit dry, with weeds poking through the parched soil. Workers have been removing pumps from the leased land, and power lines that once supplied the wells stand unused in the desert.

While Fondomonte continues farming nearby, the company also faces a lawsuit by Arizona Atty. Gen. Kris Mayes alleging that its excessive pumping violates the law by causing declines in groundwater, land subsidence and worsening water quality.

The lawsuit says the company uses at least 36 wells and accounts for more than 80% of all pumping in the Ranegras basin.

Fondomonte's lawyers argued in court documents that the attorney general doesn't have the authority to regulate groundwater pumping and that the suit is an attempt to have the court "wade into a political question."

The Department of Water Resources' proposal is a way to finally protect water for the area's residents, said Holly Irwin, a La Paz County supervisor who for years has pushed to address the problem.

"You're starting to see more and more wells get depleted. If we don't try to slow this thing down, where are we going to be in 20 years?" Irwin said.

Nancy Blevins, who lives near the Fondomonte farm, agrees.

In 2019, she and her family watched their well run dry. She spent months driving back and forth to a friend's house, filling up plastic bottles and bringing the water home.

Eventually, they bought a new pump and installed it at a lower level in their well, restoring their tap water. She still stores bottled water in a shed next to her mobile home in case the well dries up again.

"They should start regulating," Blevins said. "People's water levels are dropping around here."

If something doesn't change, the water eventually will run out, she said, and "future generations are going to be in trouble."

2026 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro leaves the world's largest proven oil reserves under the de facto influence of the United States. President Donald Trump announced that the US will take over the oil business, raising eyebrows and sparking domestic political battles and international alarm.

As Washington assumes a central role in the governance of Caracas, the global energy market is bracing for a radical transformation of the Venezuelan petroleum sector. A viral TikTok report has highlighted the sheer scale of the prize, noting Venezuela has '300 billion barrels worth of crude reserves'more than Saudi Arabiawith a potential value of 12.58 trillion ($17 trillion).

'More Than Saudi'

A viral report on TikTok has brought the sheer scale of Venezuela's natural wealth back into the public consciousness. According to Dylan Page, a popular TikToker with 18 million followers, Venezuela has '300 billion barrels worth of crude reserves.' That's reportedly the 'most in the world' and 'more than Saudi.'

The Energy Institute, a research firm, shared the same figure Page mentioned. Venezuela reportedly has the largest oil reserve worldwide, even topping Saudi Arabia, which only has 267 billion barrels.

To make his point clear, Page claimed that if those reserves were sold at 42 ($57) per barrel, Venezuela would make $17 trillion, which is 'nearly the GDP of the entire European Union of 27 countries.'

He also reacted to Trump's statement, where the President announced taking over the oil business in Venezuela. According to Page, the process of getting them out in barrels is 'extremely expensive,' and that's the reason Venezuela is only selling a tiny fraction of it.

He also acknowledged Trump's plan to divide the profits among three entities: the people in Venezuela, the Venezuelan citizens abroad, and the United States. He, however, wondered how the profit would be split and was still unsure if the plan would materialise.

'So that's the plan for Venezuela's oil. Whether that actually happens, we'll see about it,' he concluded.

Trump: 'They Stole Our Oil'

President Donald Trump has been explicit about his intentions for the Venezuelan energy sector, frequently stating that the 'oil business' must be revitalised through American expertise and investment. During a recent briefing, he emphasised that the previous regime had squandered a fortune.

'The oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time,' Trump said (via BBC). 'We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country.'

Trump also plans to sell oil to other countries, claiming that the Americans built Venezuela's oil industry, but 'they stole our oil,' even calling it the 'largest thefts of American property in the history of our country,' NBC News reported.

Trump made the statement because in the 2000s, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seized billions of pounds worth of assets from American gas companies ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips without proper compensation. For Trump, the US is just taking back what Americans built.

The Fall of Maduro

The US forces arrested Maduro on Saturday, 3 January, when they executed the Operation Absolute Resolve mission commanded by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The operation involved a massive force of over 150 aircraft, including F-22s, F-35s, and B-1 bombers, that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro's apprehension created a power vacuum that the United States has been quick to fill, leading one journalist to speculate that 'there has been an arrangement behind the scenes.' This transition marks the end of a decades-long socialist experiment and the beginning of a period of direct external administration.

As the US continues to manage Venezuela's daily operations, the primary goal remains the transition of the oil industry from a state-controlled entity to a privatised model. This move is expected to face legal and social challenges, yet the administration remains committed to the total restructuring of the Venezuelan state.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Ice velocity on Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland, 20142024. Credit: ESA (Data source: Wuite, J. et al. 2025).

The extent and speed of ice moving off the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica into the seaan important dynamic for climate and sea-rise modelinghas been captured over a 10-year period by satellites from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission.

The mission's observations now span a decade, starting in 2014, and provide the first continuous, high-resolution record of the ice-flow velocities across the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets.

This long-term dataset, published as a study in Remote Sensing of Environment, is based on advanced processing of radar data from Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument. The study is part of a collection of academic papers curated by ESA to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Sentinel-1 mission. The special issue underlines the importance of long-term and high-resolution datasets for many applications, including monitoring the changes in ice sheets in Greenland and the Antarctic.

Ice velocity on Antarctica

The data visualization of Antarctica (see image below) shows details of ice flows moving at speeds between 1 m and 15 m per day. The Sentinel-1 data is averaged over the period 20142024. Regions shown on the map include the Antarctic Peninsula and Alexander Island, as well as large parts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Most of the coastal areas were captured at either six or 12-day intervals.

Ice flow velocity on the Antarctic ice sheet, 20142024. Credit: European Space Agency

On the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (on the left of the image), the Pine Island Glacier is clearly visible below the Antarctic Peninsula. Over the period of the study, the velocity of ice flow at the glacier's grounding linethe point where grounded ice detaches from the bedrock underneath it and becomes a floating ice shelfincreased continuously from approximately 10.6 m per day to 12.7 m per day. Other nearby glaciers also showed increased ice flow. These changes are caused by a range of factors including ocean-induced thinning of the floating ice shelves combined with a retreat of the grounding line.

Greenland's ice flows

The study shows the rapid flow of ice, moving at average speeds of up to 15 m per day, from glaciers and ice sheets at points around the Greenland Ice Sheet (see image below). Half-way up the western coast of Greenland, Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as the Jakobshavn Glacier, is one of the fastest outlet glaciers in the world with velocities reaching, at times, as much as 50 m per day.

Ice velocity on Greenland ice sheet, 20142024. Credit: ESA (Data source: Wuite, J. et al. 2025).

The North-East Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS), is also clearly visible on the Greenland Ice Sheet and begins far inland at the "ice divide," shown as a dark blue band of nearly stagnant ice in Greenland's interior.

The dataset offers unprecedented spatial detail, with resolution up to 200250 m, as well as timeframes for tracking movement ranging from less than a week to more than a decade.

Mapping the effects of climate change

Ice velocity is a key parameter in measuring the effects of climate change. The speed at which glaciers and ice sheets move tells us the rate at which they discharge ice and water into the sea, feeding into estimations on future sea-level rise. Data on ice velocity also help to keep track of the break-up of ice sheets, such as calving events or damage to the ice sheets.

Strengthening the ability to monitor ice dynamics is vital for refining predictions of future changes in ice sheets and glaciers, their impact on sea-level rise, and their broader effects on the climate.

Lead author of the study, Jan Wuite, of ENVEO IT, noted the impact made by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission to monitor ice flow movements. He said, "Before the launch of Sentinel-1, the absence of consistent SAR observations over polar glaciers and ice sheets posed a major barrier to long-term climate records. Today, the resulting velocity maps offer an extraordinary view of ice-sheet dynamics, providing a reliable and essential data record for understanding polar regions in a rapidly changing global climate."

The annual ice velocity products for Greenland and Antarctica are operationally generated within the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) for the cryosphere domain, which is led by ENVEO.

Joaquin Munoz Sabater, the responsible scientist at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for the C3S cryosphere service, stated, "The ice velocity time series for Antarctica and Greenland are an essential component of the C3S Cryosphere Service and a key contribution to monitoring the impacts of global warming in some of the world's most sensitive regions."

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Step change in polar observation

Since its first satellite was launched in 2014, the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission has provided a step change in the capabilities of polar satellite Earth observation. Its 12-m-long advanced SAR instrument works in C-band. This makes it a reliable tool for acquiring high-resolution imagery for continuous monitoring and emergency response efforts. It is able to capture data through cloud cover, smoke and during lack of sunlight.

Introducing the Sentinel-1 Mission Manager. Credit: European Space Agency

Nuno Miranda, ESA's Sentinel-1 Mission Manager, explained, "Before Sentinel-1, generating such results required combining data from multiple sensors over several years. With Sentinel-1, these results are now produced annually and, thanks to advances in science, even monthly. This breakthrough enables monitoring of these remote areas with unprecedented temporal resolution. It is an essential tool as 2025 marks another record-breaking year of Arctic warming, where rapid changes demand closer and more frequent observation."

The mission has enabled, for the first time, the generation of large-scale, dense and continuous time series of polar ice velocity for climate research. The mission has also enabled the application of Interferometry SAR (InSAR) for ice velocity retrieval on larger scales than before. It provides a systematic acquisition strategy for the polar regions, which ensures continuous coverage of the main sectors of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, as well as of other ice masses.

With the launch of the mission's fourth satelliteSentinel-1Dat the end of 2025, the mission's capacity to provide regular acquisitions every six days or less over Greenland and Antarctica is restored. This reinstates and even enhances the capabilities that existed before the breakdown of Sentinel-1B.

Using the extensive Sentinel-1 SAR archive, the authors of the study developed algorithms to generate detailed maps and dense time series of glacier and ice sheet velocity now spanning more than 10 years. The study's results show Sentinel-1's exceptional ability to comprehensively monitor flow velocities on glaciers and ice sheets, providing crucial data for ice dynamics and climate modeling.

Why does it matter?

The rise of global sea levels depends on two main contributing factors, according to data from the World Meteorological Organization. These two factors are the expansion of warming water in the oceans and meltwater from ice on land.

The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are the main sources of meltwater from ice on land; together they hold enough ice to raise global sea levels catastrophically if they were to melt entirely. Current ice mass loss is already affecting coastal regions worldwide, including low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and storm surges.

This study underscores how satellites are essential to understanding and forecasting the evolving risk of ice sheet loss. It is the first time that scientists have established a consistent, continent-wide baseline of how the ice of Greenland and Antarctica moves under recent conditions. That baseline will help detect future acceleration, or any deceleration, of ice flow.

Looking ahead to collaboration

In future, data from Sentinel-1 will be used with SAR data from the upcoming Copernicus expansion mission ROSE-L. This will ensure systematic, continuous acquisitions over Greenland and Antarctica well into the future.

CEO of ENVEO IT, Thomas Nagler, also a co-author on the study, added, "Sentinel-1 revolutionized our view of polar ice sheets by providing continuous, weather-independent radar measurements that reveal ice motion in unprecedented detail, transforming ice flow from a sparse snapshot into a dynamic, measurable process. Building on this legacy, the integration of Sentinel-1 with the upcoming ROSE-L mission will further improve ice-flow observations, enabling more accurate and stable monitoring of ice-sheet dynamics."

More information J. Wuite et al, Ten years of polar ice velocity mapping using Copernicus Sentinel-1, Remote Sensing of Environment (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2025.115092
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A young chimp hangs from a branch with its mother's hand nearby at the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project at Kibale National Park in Uganda. Credit: Kevin Lee/Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, Arizona State University

The riskiest behavior in humans peaks in adolescence. Researchers from the University of Michigan and James Madison University expected to find risky behavior to peak in adolescence in a study of chimpanzees as well. But instead, they found that chimpanzee infants take the greatest risks.

Chimpanzee risk-taking

The study examined the development of risky behavior in chimpanzees as a model for human behavior. It found that risky behavior peaks when chimps are infants, then decreases gradually as they age. The study also showed that this behavior was not tied to sex or height from above groundmale and female chimp infants were just as likely to engage in risky locomotion at any level of the canopy.

This is just the opposite of risk-taking in human children: Many types of risky behavior peak in adolescence and boys are often more likely to engage in risk-taking than girls. The work suggests it may be that human parents and other caregivers are able to keep a closer eye on human babies, but chimp mothers are limited to curtailing their children's behavior only for the length of time that they can keep them within arm's reach.

"One implication of this work is that human behavior might be having a really big impact in terms of mitigating the consequences of risky physical behavior in humans," said Laura MacLatchy, U-M professor of anthropology and co-senior author of the study.

JMU biologist Lauren Sarringhaus led the study, which is published in the journal iScience.

Comparing human and chimpanzee behavior

"One of the main findings is that all chimpanzee kids are risky, and that infant and juvenile chimpanzees are even more risky than adolescents," said Sarringhaus, co-senior author and assistant professor of biology. "That's noteworthy because that is not what you see in humans."

The researchers, who include recent U-M graduate Bryce Murray, say their results suggest that if left to their own devices, humans might engage in the riskiest play as very young children, but parents and caregivers prevent the behavior, pushing the greatest risk-taking to adolescence.

Chimps are arboreal animals, meaning that they spend much of their lives climbing trees in search of food. This means falling can have major consequences. Previous research suggests that play could help chimps practice locomotor skills or to help determine the consequences of risky behavior when they're young, smaller in body weight and with "spongier" bonesand less likely to get hurt.

Research methods and observations

Murray, a recent graduate of the U-M Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience and first author of the study, wanted to examine whether chimpanzees and humans had similar trajectories of risky behavior. Risky physical behavior in humans is difficult to study. It's unethical to ask people to risk hurting themselves by completing a tricky task in a lab, so studying risky behavior usually relies on observation or survey data.

"However, there's not really any behavior in humans that is constant across development. For example, sky diving is not something you can legally do until you're 18," said Murray, who started the project through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, working with MacLatchy in the U-M Department of Anthropology. "On the other end of the spectrum, we don't really see something like monkey bar use in adults."

So the researchers looked to chimpanzees. MacLatchy and Sarringhaus videotaped hours of movement from 119 wild chimpanzees, part of the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project at Kibale National Park in Uganda. Murray then analyzed the tapes, categorizing risky locomotion by age category.

Chimpanzees are generally considered infants until about 5 years of age, juveniles from about 5 to 10, and adolescents from about 10 to 15. The researchers considered risky behavior to be "free flight," where the chimps intentionally dropped from a branch, or when the chimps leaped from branch to branch while completely letting go of any support.

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Key results and implications

"Bryce found that, in fact, the youngest chimps were doing all of these crazy leaps and drops, and it declined gradually as they aged. We were really scratching our heads thinking, "What is going on?'" MacLatchy said.

"We realized that the littlest chimps were unrestricted in what they do, as soon as they were out of arm's reach of their mom and no longer clinging and riding around on their mom."

The researchers found that chimp infants were 3 times more likely than adults to engage in risky behavior. Juveniles were 2.5 times more likely and adolescents were 2.1 times more likely to engage in risky behavior.

"Chimps just don't have the capabilities that we do to restrict behavior. On the whole, it's very different for humans," Sarringhaus said. "We're not cooperatively rearing children, but my kids right now are in middle school, and someone is watching them and tasked with making sure they're not doing whatever they want to do in gym class."

Supervision and cultural differences

The researchers also reviewed literature to understand whether this kind of care exists beyond the Global North. They found that other cultures also report watching over infants.

"Supervision with humans isn't just a Global North phenomenon," Murray said. "It's definitely gotten stronger with helicopter parents over the last few decades, but even in small-scale societies, we still see a lot of supervision, it's just more so from older kids, adolescents and adults."

MacLatchy says for chimps, often this kind of risky behavior is done in the context of playboth to develop confidence and to develop the physical skills needed for a life of climbing trees.

"Competency as an adult really depends on practice when you're little," she said. "Play as practice might be part of what's going on with these kids. Then again, there may be no stopping them."

Publication details Chimpanzee locomotor risk-taking points to the importance of parental and alloparental supervision in humans, iScience (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114452. www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext  2589-0042(25)02713-0 Journal information: iScience
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When writer Cory Doctorow introduced the term "enshittification" in 2023, he captured a pattern many users had already noticed in their personal lives.

The social media platforms, e-commerce sites and search engines they were using had noticeably deteriorated in quality. Many had begun to prioritize content from advertisers and other third parties. Profit became the main goal.

Doctorow frames this decline as a death spiral: the online platforms once offered value to their users, but slowly shifted their focus to extracting value, with little regard for consequences.

But our recent research, published in Organization, shows that enshittification isn't just confined to the online world. In fact, it's now visible in academic publishing and occurs in five stages. The same forces that hollow out digital platforms are shaping how a lot of research is produced, reviewed and published.

The big business of commercial academic publishing

Academic publishing has grown substantially over recent years.

Between 2016 and 2022, the number of papers indexed in major databases rose from 1.92 million to 2.82 million. The industry is estimated to generate more than US$19 billion annually.

In this sense, academic publishing rivals the music and film industries. Some publishers report profit margins comparable to tech giants such as Microsoft and Google.

This expansion has brought signs of enshittification. The rise of large open-access and predatory journals prioritize profit over scholarly integrity. This has led to a surge in low-quality publications. Many of these are disguised as contributions to "special issues."

These trends mirror the degradation seen in online platforms, where user value is sacrificed for financial gain. The parallels prompted us to investigate the forces reshaping scholarly communication.

Research as a commercial commodity

Since the 1980s, academic publishing has become increasingly commodified. It is now shaped by profitability, competition and performance metrics. Universities have adopted market-based management practices and rely more and more on performance metrics to assess their staff.

Science is bought and sold, and is increasingly shaped by corporate funding and managerial logic. Scholars have described this shiftexemplified by commercial academic publishingas "academic capitalism." It influences what research gets done, how it is evaluated and how careers progress.

The open access movement was originally meant to make knowledge more widely available. However, major publishers including Wiley, Elsevier and Springer Nature saw it as a way to push their production costs onto authorsand earn extra money.

Publishers introduced article processing charges, expanded their services, and launched new titles to capture market share. When the highly prestigious journal Nature announced its open access option in 2021, it came with a per-article fee for authors of up to 9,500 (roughly A$17,000).

The shift to "article processing charges" raised concerns about declining research quality and integrity. At the other end of the spectrum, we find predatory journals that mimic legitimate open access outlets. But they charge fees without offering peer review or editorial oversight.

These exploitative platforms publish low-quality research and often use misleading names to appear credible. With an estimated 15,000 such journals in operation, predatory publishing has become a major industry and is contributing to the enshittification of academic publishing.

These trends intensify (and are intensified by) the long-standing "publish or perish" culture in academia.

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Academic enshittification

Based on these trends, we identified a five-stage downward spiral in the enshittification of academic publishing.

The commodification of research shifts value from intellectual merit to marketability The proliferation of pay-to-publish journals spreads across and expands both elite and predatory outlets A decline in quality and integrity follows as profit-driven models compromise peer review and oversight The sheer volume of publications makes it difficult to identify authoritative work. Fraudulent journals spread hoax papers and pirated content Enshittification follows. The scholarly system is overwhelmed by quantity, distorted by profit motives, and is stripped of its purpose of advancing knowledge.

Reclaiming academic publishing as a public good

Our research is a warning about enshittification. It is a systemic issue that threatens the value and development of academic publishing. Academia has become increasingly guided by metrics. As a result, research quality is judged more by where it is published than by its intrinsic worth.

But why are users (and academics) not simply leaving their "enshittified" experience behind? The answer is the same across various online platforms: a lack of credible alternatives makes it hard to leave, even as quality declines.

Countering this trend demands interventions and the creation of alternatives. These include a reassessment of evaluation metrics, a reduced reliance on commercial publishers, and greater global equity in research.

Some promising alternatives already exist. Cooperative publishing models, institutional repositories and policy initiatives such as the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment all advocate for broader and more meaningful assessments of scholarly impact.

Reclaiming academic publishing as a public good will require a return to not-for-profit models and sustainable open-access systems. Quality, accessibility and integrity need to be put ahead of profit.

Change is needed to help protect the core purpose of academic research: to advance knowledge in the public interest.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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This artist's impression of the M33 galaxy, with data inset from ALMA and the NSF VLA, shows the supernova remnant astronomers believe to be caused by a supernova explosion some 10,000 years ago. This new research suggests that the Wolf-Rayet may explode as a supernova in the next 0.5-1 million years. Credit: NSF/AUI/NRAO/B.Saxton

Astronomers have created a detailed forecast of where they expect to observe future stellar explosions in a nearby galaxy, opening a new window into how exploding stars shape the cosmos. Focusing on M33, a spiral galaxy about 2.7 million lightyears away, this research combined new maps of cold atomic hydrogen gas from the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array (NSF VLA) with millimeterwave observations of molecular gas from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).

How supernovae influence galaxy evolution

Massive stars end their lives in titanic supernova explosions. These blasts influence how galaxies grow by stirring gas, driving winds, and seeding space with heavy elements. How much impact a single explosion has depends on where it happens: a blast inside a dense cloud of gas behaves very differently than one in a relatively empty region. Until now, astronomers have had few opportunities to observe this problem, because supernovae are rare, and typically too far away to study in detail.

A new study offers a solution to this problem, by shifting telescopes to observe future supernova sites instead. The team mapped the gas, at various wavelengths, around thousands of evolved, massive stars in M33. These are stars that are expected to explode as corecollapse supernovae within a few million years.

On top of these gas maps, the team overlaid catalogs of three types of objects: red supergiants, WolfRayet stars, and supernova remnants. Red supergiants are bloated, dying massive stars that are known progenitors of most Type II supernovae, while WolfRayet stars are hotter, more massive, and shorterlived, and are linked to strippedenvelope explosions and some gammaray bursts. Supernova remnants mark locations where massive stars have already exploded in the past 10,000100,000 years.

Key findings about star environments

By shifting their focus, these astronomers have assembled the first large, quantitative census of the environments in which massive stars will eventually end their existence. "What we found was surprising," shares Sumit Sarbadhicary, of Johns Hopkins University, and lead author of this research. "A large fraction of these future supernovae are expected to explode outside of the dense molecular clouds."

Only about 3040% of red supergiants and a similar fraction of supernova remnants sit in regions where molecular hydrogen is detected, while the remaining majority lie in lowerdensity, primarily atomic gas. Even among the youngest, most massive WolfRayet stars, roughly 45% show no detectable molecular gas at their exact locations.

At the same time, almost all of these stars do reside somewhere within the broader disk of cold gas: more than 90% are found in regions with detectable atomic hydrogen. This means that many supernovae will not explode inside of dense, starforming clouds, but in the surrounding, more diffuse intercloud medium. In those environments, supernova blast waves can travel farther before cooling, changing how and where they inject energy and momentum into the galaxy.

Trends based on stellar mass

When the team sorted stars by their estimated birth masses, a clear trend emerged: the higher the mass of the star, the denser its surrounding gas. More massive red supergiants, and especially WolfRayet stars, are statistically more likely to be found close to peaks in the molecular gas distribution than their lowermass counterparts. This is consistent with the idea that the most massive, shortestlived stars explode before they have time to drift far from their birth clouds or before those clouds have fully dispersed.

Still, the study finds that even these massive stars often inhabit complex surroundings. In one detailed zoom using ultrahighresolution ALMA data, a WolfRayet star that appears to sit in a dense cloud at coarse resolution is actually embedded in a small, roughly 10lightyearwide cavity carved out of the molecular gas. That cavity was likely created by intense radiation, stellar winds, or a previous supernova, and it will strongly influence how the WolfRayet star's own explosion interacts with nearby gas.

The data used in this research is part of the Local Group L-Band Survey, a radio survey at 1-2 GHz of Local Group galaxies, including Triangulum (referenced here), Andromeda, and four other dwarf galaxies (NGC 6822, WLM, IC 1613 and IC10). Team members essential to gathering and assembling this data include Eric Koch of the NSF NRAO, Adam Leroy of Ohio State University, and Erik Rosolowsky of the University of Alberta, Canada. The maps created in this survey will become the most sensitive maps of atomic hydrogen in these galaxies, with preliminary versions being used in Sarbadhicary's current paper published on the arXiv preprint server.

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Implications for galaxy simulations

Because large computer simulations of galaxies must approximate where supernovae occur, this new census offers a way to check these projections against reality. Galaxy simulations (including those used in research projects like FIRE, Illustris, TIGRESS, SILCC) are the only way in which astronomers can study millions, and billions, of years of galaxy evolution. However, the simulations must approximate the physics at the scales of individual stars and molecular clouds.

Observations such as these will be vital, and much needed, for these simulations to benchmark the sub-scale (or subgrid) physics from stars, in order to accurately capture how these stars disperse gas, drive winds and regulate the overall star-formation in galaxies. The Local Group L-Band Survey will capture the highest resolution maps of gas around stars to understand this longstanding mystery of how efficiently stars form and disperse the cold gas reservoir in galaxies.

This comparison flagged how simulations treat radiation, winds, clustering, and runaway stars, suggesting they may need refinement to better match observed environments. The team argues that similar comparisons, extended to more galaxies and higherresolution gas maps, can help narrow down which feedback models most faithfully reproduce how real supernovae sculpt the interstellar medium.

Future research and ongoing efforts

"As this research continues, we're aiming to expand this collection by sampling another 80 star-forming galaxies," adds Sarbadhicary. "We also have upcoming maps of M33 from ALMA, led by team members Eric Koch and Erik Rosolowsky, that will be significantly sharper than the present study, revealing even more detailed, complex environments like the Wolf-Rayet star mentioned earlier."

By treating evolved massive stars and recent remnants as signposts of present and future explosion sites, astronomers continue to grow their understanding of how those explosions will continue to shape galaxies like M33, and our own Milky Way.

Sarbadhicary and the nearby galaxy research community are directing their efforts to produce the sharpest maps of interstellar gas with instruments like NSF VLA, ALMA, and NASA's JWST, and in future with the NSF NRAO's proposed Next Generation Very Large Array. Stars form from gas, but stars also destroy. These maps are crucial to understand how this curious contradiction, yet vital process, drives the evolution of galaxies.

Publication details Sumit K. Sarbadhicary et al, Where do stars explode in the ISM?The distribution of dense gas around evolved massive stars in M33, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2310.17694 Journal information: arXiv
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A Serbian Telegram post discussing the 'mass importation of non-white migrants with the aim that they will soon become the majority' as part of Agenda 2030. Credit: ISTINITO, 30 August 2023.

An international project investigating the form, content and consequences of online conspiracy theories has found that in German-speaking countries, such theories often originate locally and have come to form a complex ecosystem of alternative news websites, print media and parts of the political spectrum.

This is one of the key conclusions of the Researching Europe, Digitalization and Conspiracy Theories project (REDACT), which wound up in October 2025 after a three-year collaboration between researchers across the continent. The part of the study covering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland was led by Professor Michael Butter from the English Department at the University of Tubingen. King's College London coordinated the project, which involved regional teams in the United Kingdom, the Baltic States, the Balkans, and central Europe.

The Tubingen research team found that not all conspiracy theories are equally dangerous. "However, the German-language debate on conspiracy theories is often alarmist and one-sided. This sometimes has a negative impact on the many projects aimed at combating conspiracy theories," says Butter.

Not the same as disinformation and fake news

A conspiracy theory is an attempt to explain a fact or event as a conspiracy, in other words, as the actions of a person or persons pursuing goals that are contrary to the interests of the general public. Conspiracy theories have a long history in German-speaking countries, but had been pushed to the margins of society by the mid-20th century, only gaining mass exposure once large numbers of people began using the internet. The REDACT project took a close look at one of today's most widespread theories, the Great Replacement theory, which claims the existing population is being replaced by mass immigration.

"Conspiracy theories shouldn't be lumped together with disinformation and fake news," says Butter. "They aren't simply misinformation that can be corrected by facts. Conspiracy theories have an identity-forming effect on those who believe them, giving them a sense of belonging." As a result, followers of conspiracy theories are very attached to them.

Researchers in the REDACT project first identified keywords which led them to posts on common conspiracy theories. They then collected six million relevant posts from the social media platforms Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram from the years 2019 to 2024.

"We initially analyzed these using quantitative methods, then qualitative ones, including methods from literary studies that capture the meaning of the text in all its nuances," says Mara Precoma, a doctoral student on the project.

How are we combating conspiracy theories?

In their home countries, the regional teams also conducted interviews with members of various organizations dedicated to combating conspiracy theories and disinformation. These included government institutions, such as the Federal Agency for Civic Education in Germany, as well as initiatives and associations advising and supporting family members and friends of people who subscribe to conspiracy theories. The interviews sought to analyze the scope of the work and the measures these organizations implemented.

Butter says there is no single model to fully explain conspiracy theories; nor is there a universal recipe for containing the damage they cause in society.

"Our analysis of the issue in German-speaking countries showed that some improvement is needed in the framework of institutions working to counter conspiracy theories and in their efforts. Some projects are based on outdated assumptions, but most importantly, they receive funding that is too short-term and inflexible, and they have to spend too much time on reports and bureaucracy," he says.

Butter and Precoma have set out recommendations for tackling conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches: models or solutions from other countries should not be adopted uncritically, the researchers say, "It is also important that the adoption of a conspiracy theory should be seen as a symptom of a complex social situation, not as its cause."

"If we want to combat conspiracy theories, we have to identify and address the underlying causes," says Precoma, adding: "In Germany, many projects against conspiracy theories target high school students. Similar programs should now be developed for other types of schools and for older people, as they are particularly susceptible to conspiracy theories."

"The University of Tubingen sees it as its mission to examine socially relevant topics. Research such as that conducted in the REDACT project makes an important contribution to understanding the mechanisms behind social phenomena and developing effective strategies for open, fact-based communication," says University of Tubingen president, Professor Karla Pollmann.

More information Researching Europe, Digitalisation and Conspiracy Theories. redactproject.sites.er.kcl.ac.uk/project-reports/
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Researchers discover a new virus called the "ushikuvirus" that provides evidence for the viral eukaryogenesis hypothesis and reveals virushost interactions, shaping the evolution of eukaryotic cells. Credit: Professor Masaharu Takemura / Tokyo University of Science, Japan

The origin of life on Earth becomes even more fascinating and complex as we peer into the mysterious world of viruses. Said to have existed since living cells first appeared, these microscopic entities differ greatly from other forms of life. Composed of only genetic material, they lack the ability to synthesize proteins, which are essential for carrying out cellular activity and, ultimately, for life by itself.

As a result, scientists have long sought to unravel virus origins, how they evolve, and how they fit into the conventional tree of life. Professor Masaharu Takemura from the Graduate School of Science, Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, has been at the forefront of this search.

In 2001, he, along with Dr. Philip Bell, from the Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, independently proposed the cell nuclear virus origin theory, also known as viral eukaryogenesis (term coined by Dr. Bell).

According to this hypothesis, the nucleus of eukaryotic cells (cells whose nucleus is bound by a membrane) originated from a large DNA virus such as poxvirus that infected an archaeal ancestor (single-celled microorganisms).

Instead of killing the host, the virus set up a long-term presence inside the cytoplasm, and over time acquired essential genes from the host, and became what we now recognize as the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. This suggests that viruses may have played a foundational role in the emergence of life.

A joint research team discovered and characterized ushikuvirus, a new giant DNA virus that infects vermamoeba. This image (a) shows the 3D reconstruction of the virus, highlighting its spiked capsid (d). The finding further supports the nuclear virus origin hypothesis, which proposes that viruses played a role in the evolution of eukaryotic cells. Credit: Professor Kazuyoshi Murata from the National Institute of Natural Sciences (NINS). journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.01206-25

Giant viruses and evolutionary connections

Nowadays, central to this idea are giant viruses that contain DNA, which were found in 2003. When they infect cells, they form specialized structures called virus factories inside the host. Some of these factories are enclosed within a membrane, much like a cell nucleus, where DNA replication takes place, hinting at an evolutionary connection between viruses and complex cells.

In recent years, new types of DNA viruses have been discovered, including members of the family Mamonoviridae, which infect acanthamoeba (a type of amoeba, which is a single-celled microorganism), and the closely related clandestinovirus, which infects vermamoeba (another type of amoeba from a different family).

Now, in a joint study published online in the Journal of Virology , Prof. Takemura along with researchers at the National Institute of Natural Sciences (NINS), Japan, report yet another of these giant DNA viruses that infect amoeba. Named ushikuvirus after Lake Ushiku in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan, where it was isolated, the discovery offers further support for the nuclear virus origin hypothesis.

The team included Mr. Jiwan Bae and Mrs. Narumi Hantori, Master's degree students at the Graduate School of Science, TUS, along with Dr. Raymond Burton-Smith and Professor Kazuyoshi Murata from NINS.

"Giant viruses can be said to be a treasure trove whose world has yet to be fully understood. One of the future possibilities of this research is to provide humanity with a new view that connects the world of living organisms with the world of viruses," says Prof. Takemura.

Discovery and significance of ushikuvirus

Giant viruses are ubiquitously present in the environment. However, their isolation remains a challenge. These viruses are highly diverse and the discovery of ushikuvirus is extremely valuable. The newly discovered ushikuvirus infects vermamoeba, like clandestinovirus, and is morphologically similar to members of the Mamonoviridae family, particularly Medusavirus, a genus characterized by its icosahedral shape and numerous short spikes on the capsid surface.

However, ushikuvirus also shows distinct features: it induces a specific cytopathic effect that causes its vermamoeba hosts to grow into unusually large cells, and it possesses multiple spike structures with unique caps on the capsid surface, some with filamentous extensions, not seen in medusaviruses.

Additionally, unlike medusaviruses and clandestinovirus, which replicate within the intact host nucleus, ushikuvirus disrupts the nuclear membrane to produce viral particles. This suggests a phylogenetic link between the Mamonoviridae family that utilizes an intact nucleus as a viral factory, and giant viruses like pandoravirus that disrupt the nuclear membrane for replication. Researchers believe that these variations between viruses may have evolved as adaptations to their hosts.

By comparing these structural and functional differences, researchers are beginning to piece together how giant viruses have diversified over time and how their interactions with host cells may have shaped the evolution of complex eukaryotic life.

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Implications for evolution and health

"The discovery of a new Mamonoviridae-related virus, 'ushikuvirus,' which has a different host, is expected to increase knowledge and stimulate discussion regarding the evolution and phylogeny of the Mamonoviridae family. As a result, it is believed that we will be able to get closer to the mysteries of the evolution of eukaryotic organisms and the mysteries of giant viruses," says Prof. Takemura.

The discovery of these amoeba-infecting viruses could have practical implications for health care. Because certain Acanthamoeba species can cause diseases such as amoebic encephalitis, understanding how giant viruses infect and destroy amoebae may one day help scientists develop new strategies to prevent or treat such infections.

Publication details Jiwan Bae et al, A newly isolated giant virus, ushikuvirus, is closely related to clandestinovirus and shows a unique capsid surface structure and host cell interactions, Journal of Virology (2025). DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01206-25 Journal information: Journal of Virology

Key concepts virusesvirology
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Map of historical hurricane tracks across the study region (top), alongside wind roses showing the distribution of hurricane path direction and speed during the dominant propagule-presence period (AugustOctober) (top) and for the individual months of that period (bottom; August to October from left to right). Colors correspond to the classification following the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale based on maximum sustained wind speed. Map lines delineate study areas and do not necessarily depict accepted national boundaries. Credit: Global Change Biology (2026). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.70676

In recent decades, mangroves along the Atlantic coast of North America have expanded into areas traditionally dominated by salt marshes. This shift shows that climate change is already reshaping temperate coastal ecosystems, with consequences for biodiversity, carbon storage, and shoreline protection.

A new study examined how mangroves at this specific northern range limit may shift over the 21st century under climate change, by combining climate projections with ocean circulation, biological observations, and historical hurricane data. The results show that warmer winters and storm-driven dispersal are key drivers of this expansion, potentially allowing mangroves to reach South Carolina by 2100.

The international study was led by Lucia Enes Gramoso at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and the study was recently published in the journal Global Change Biology. The study was done in collaboration with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, UCLA and USGS.

Using species distribution models under four widely used climate scenarios, the researchers project a substantial increase in climatically suitable habitat beyond the current mangrove range by the end of the century. The strongest increases occur under scenarios associated with greater warming, indicating that rising winter temperatures are an important driver of poleward mangrove range expansion.

However, suitable climate conditions alone are not sufficient for mangrove expansion into salt marsh area. Mangroves rely on floating propagules (seedlings) that are dispersed by ocean currents. To assess whether propagules can reach newly suitable areas, the team used high-resolution ocean current simulations together with observations of propagule production and release.

The results indicate that ocean currents can transport propagules from both existing northern-edge and more southern mangrove populations to areas beyond the current range limit, suggesting that dispersal is unlikely to strongly limit expansion.

"Our results indicate that winter warming is expanding the climatic envelope for mangroves, while ocean currents provide connectivity between current and potential future habitats," says Enes Gramoso, lead author of the study. "Even low propagule densities reaching suitable sites may be sufficient for population establishment."

The study also used historical storm track data to explore how hurricanes may contribute to mangrove dispersal at this northern range limit. "Because mangrove propagule production coincides with the hurricane season, storms can act as episodic, high-energy vectors that align with biological timing, increasing the potential for propagule transport along the coast," says Tom Van der Stocken, principal investigator of the project.

By identifying regions that are both climatically suitable and accessible to dispersing propagules, the study provides a framework for anticipating climate-driven mangrove expansion and supporting site-specific coastal conservation and management strategies.

Publication details Lucia I. A. Enes Gramoso et al, 21stCentury Mangrove Expansion Along the Southeastern United States, Global Change Biology (2026). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.70676 Journal information: Global Change Biology
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A child crouches next to pots and pans at a UNRWA school in Gaza, 2025. Credit: Gaza 2025, UNRWA

More than two years of war in Gaza have left many Palestinian children too weak to learn or play and convinced they will be "killed for being Gazans," a new report warns. The University of Cambridge-led study also includes the first analysis of education in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 7 October, 2023.

The study says there is an urgent need for more international aid for education across Palestine, whether or not the present ceasefire in Gaza holds. In Gaza itself, it adds, conflict has come close to erasing children's right to education, and with it, their very identity.

The report, which follows a similar study in 2024, provides a thorough analysis of how war in Gaza has devastated children's lives. Alongside evidence of a shattered school system, it describes how violence, starvation and trauma have eradicated any sense of 'normal' childhood.

It describes children collapsing from exhaustion and being told not to play to conserve energy. Until the recent ceasefire, it suggests, many parents and teachers had to choose between maintaining children's education and survival, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day.

Students in a UNRWA temporary school. Credit: UNRWA, taken in Gaza in 2025.

One of the most striking findings is that war has eroded young Palestinians' hope for the future and belief in the international system. Eyewitnesses spoke of children's mounting anger and collapsing faith in values such as peace and human rights. "Students are asking about the reality of those rights. They feel they are killed just for being Gazans," one international organization staff member told the research team.

Professor Pauline Rose, Director of the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Center, University of Cambridge, said, "A year ago we said education was under attacknow children's lives are on the brink of a complete breakdown."

"Palestinians have shown extraordinary desire for education during this terrible war but the loss of faith and hope that young people are expressing should be a massive red flag for the international community. We must do more to support them. We cannot wait."

The study was conducted by researchers at the REAL Center and the Center for Lebanese Studies, in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). It draws on data from UN agencies, charities and NGOs, alongside interviews with aid organization staff, government officials, teachers and students.

Students in a UNRWA temporary school, Gaza 2025. Credit: Gaza 2025, UNRWA

It warns that there is a severe risk of a "lost" generation emerging in Gaza, through a combination of the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.

As of 1 October 2025, the UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported 18,069 school students and 780 education staff killed in Gaza and 26,391 students and 3,211 teachers injured. During the fighting, Save the Children estimates that 15 children suffered life-altering injuries every day.

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The report found evidence of widespread despair. Teachers recounted parents asking: "Why should I care about education for my kids if I know they will die from famine?" One focus group discussion found that children were "afraid of everything"; another report, cited in the study, described Gazan children feeling "like the living dead."

The study estimates that children in Gaza will have lost the equivalent of five years' worth of education due to repeated school closures since 2020, first through COVID-19, and then war. Although temporary and distance learning measures have been implemented by UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Education, these have been impeded by ongoing violence, damaged infrastructure and chronic resource shortages.

The learning loss calculation incorporates the compounding effects of trauma and starvation, using established studies of how these impede learning. As of October 2025, almost 13,000 children in Gaza had been treated for acute malnutrition, 147 of whom died.

Given these same compounding effects, the authors calculate that if schools remain closed until September 2027, many teenagers will be a full decade behind their expected educational level.

The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was also found to be dire. Here, 891 students and 28 teachers have been killed or wounded by settlers or Israeli forces since October 2023 and hundreds more arrested, often on grounds that the UN Human Rights Office considers "arbitrary." Schools have been sporadically closed, or in some cases shut down. The authors estimate that children in these areas have lost a minimum of 2.5 years of education.

Across Palestine, teachers described their profession as demoralized and in crisis. One international organization staff member said teachers were "working day and night" to ensure children continued to receive some sort of education and that many had not had a day's leave in two years.

The study calculates that the cost of educational recovery across the whole of Palestine could be US$1.38 billion. Yusuf Sayed, Professor of Education, University of Cambridge said, "Teachers and counselors are displaying 'sumood' (steadfastness) and commitment to preserving Palestinian identity through education, but the scale of need is immense. Thousands of new teachers will be needed to replace those who have been lost or to support a complete learning recovery. Investing in teachers is crucial to rebuilding and restoring education in Palestine."

With Gaza experiencing near-total economic paralysis, education will depend on foreign aid for the foreseeable future. Despite this, the study found evidence of "donor fatigue."

Of the US$230.3 million requested by OCHA for education in 2025, only 5.7% had been provided by July, equating to about US$9 per child. An estimated US$1,155 per head is needed for full reconstruction.

Dr. Maha Shuayb, Director of the Center for Lebanese Studies, said, "Education and children's services cannot be an afterthought. They are a vital source of stability and care."

Amid the gloom, the report identifies some causes for hope. During the ceasefire at the start of 2025, schools reopened with remarkable speed. The Tawjihi exams for high school graduates have also resumed. One teacher described this as "a miracle."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Municipal bonds are a time-honored way to fund roads, schools, bridges and other public projects while paying investors interest, usually at tax-free rates.

But what happens when floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other climate events buckle roads, swamp public buildings and disrupt the municipal revenues that pay for the bond debt?

They can create what researchers from Northeastern University call a climate debt doom loop that makes it even harder for cities and towns to respond to and prepare for future disasters.

In a paper published in Nature Cities, a new journal focusing on resilient, greener environments, professor Auroop Ganguly and Ph.D. graduate student Aayushi Mishra worked with finance experts to describe how climate risk creates challenges as well as opportunities for municipalities to protect their infrastructure and their tax base.

"If more and more bridges and roads get affected by climate disasters, the financing aspect becomes a greater challenge," said Mishra, who is working on her doctorate in interdisciplinary engineering. "This is especially the case for under-resourced communities, cities that don't have a great tax base to rely on."

But there are ways to disrupt the doom loop, she said.

Municipal bonds are debt securities issued by states, counties, cities and towns to cover costs such as capital projects, including the construction of schools, highways, water systems and sewers, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Municipalities and states rely on their revenue base to repay investors when the bonds come due. For generations, investments in the bonds, which currently finance more than 70% of the country's public projects, have been considered low risk.

Climate events, both sudden and slow-moving, are exposing vulnerabilities within the public finance system, Mishra said. Underpricing bonds means there are not enough funds to address catastrophic storms, fires and rising waters.

The result is the "vicious cycle" known as the climate debt doom loop, according to the Nature Cities article. "Growing physical losses impact municipal public health, which limits adaptation efforts, thereby raising future climate exposure risks and subsequently increasing borrowing costs," the research found.

The costs are high, the researchers said. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced 28 separate billion-dollar disasters.

Holes in the safety net

The job of dealing with climate blows to infrastructure is increasingly falling on cities, states and towns as the federal government withdraws support for such agencies as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mishra and Ganguly said.

In the first week of the new year, CNN reported that the Trump administration is cutting dozens of frontline staff at FEMA.

At the same time, insurance companies are withdrawing from high-risk states such as Florida, Louisiana and California, Mishra said.

"The safety nets are getting eroded and the responsibility of not just recovery but resilience itself is falling onto states and municipalities," she said.

Mishra said that creates an opportunity for market growth.

Disrupting the loop

Taking advantage of the low-cost, low-financing aspects of municipal bonds can help cities prevent their subways from flooding and protect waterfronts important for tourism, said Tom Doe, founder and chairperson of the board of Municipal Markets Analytics Inc. He collaborated with Northeastern researchers and others on the Nature Cities article.

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"Attention needs to be drawn to the tax revenue streams that are in harm's way," he said.

Doe said he predicts that the $500 billion in municipal bonds issued annually will increase to a trillion in the 2030s "largely because of projects related to climate resilience and adaptation."

Innovative approaches taken by cities and towns include an investment by Cincinnati in stormwater management and affordable housing due to anticipated in-migration as a climate safe haven.

Residents of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed a multi-million-dollar bond referendum to finance flood defense infrastructure, Mishra said. And Miami voters passed a Miami Forever general obligation bond to address sea-level rise and promote affordable housing, among other things.

Ganguly, Northeastern distinguished professor of civil and environmental engineering, said in the Nature Cities article that Mishra built a bridge between academic theory, private sector expertise and public sector practice.

"She has been influencing or starting to influence best practices," he said.

"The key takeaway is that this market is something that a lot of cities rely on for infrastructure financing," Mishra said, adding that climate risk needs to be part of the conversation.

The Nature Cities paper is not about policy innovations that may be a hard sell to voters, Mishra said. "This is a paper that talks about things that are already here that we can employ."

Publication details Aayushi Mishra et al, Physical climate risk creates challenges and opportunities in US municipal finance, Nature Cities (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s44284-025-00365-0 Journal information: Nature Cities

Key concepts Climate Change

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
Silent national heroes Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, Chen Baocang honored in Shanghai exhibition for the first time

Global Times) 08:52, January 07, 2026

A new exhibition at the Shanghai Municipal Archives, which opened on Monday, has displayed archival records related to Communist Party of China covert-frontline heroes Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, and Chen Baocang for the first time.

Twenty-five original archival documents showcase Wu Shi's core secret intelligence network in Shanghai, Zhu Feng's efforts to raise funds for the revolution and establish a clandestine liaison platform, as well as Chen Baocang's preparations in 1949 for his undercover mission on the island of Taiwan.

"These documents clearly mapped out their life and work in Shanghai before heading to Taiwan for the undercover mission," Fang Hua, Deputy Director of the Utilization Service Department at the Shanghai Municipal Archives, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The heroic deeds of Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, Chen Baocang and others have been widely revered since their stories were declassified. In August 1949, Wu was appointed by then Kuomingtang (KMT) authorities as the "deputy chief of staff of the defense ministry." In order to obtain more intelligence, Wu traveled to the island of Taiwan with the KMT. Together with other Communist Party of China agents, Wu provided the mainland with critical intelligence, including KMT troop movements on Kinmen island. However, a betrayal exposed Wu's identity, leading to his arrest and execution in 1950.

The recent hit TV series, Silent Honor, which chronicles the story of Wu and other Communist Party of China (CPC) undercover agents on the island of Taiwan, has reignited public interest in this period of history, prompting many viewers to delve into historical archives to uncover more details about Wu and other covert agents in the time period.

As their work in Shanghai during that time involved highly perilous underground activities, searches conducted directly under their real names yielded no results in the archival records. However, through a thorough analysis of their aliases and related contacts, 25 archival documents relating to the three martyrs were ultimately uncovered, according to the Shanghai Municipal Archives. These documents are now being publicly displayed for the first time in the exhibition.

Among the exhibits, several archival documents relate to Wu Shi's secret contacts in Shanghai, He Kang and Wu Changzhi, clearly outlining Wu Shi's core intelligence network in the city.

According to archival experts from the Shanghai Municipal Archives, Wu Shi and He Kang's father, He Sui, were not only fellow townsmen but also modern professional soldiers deeply influenced by traditional culture, and had been close friends for decades. With the help of He Kang, Wu repeatedly transmitted confidential military intelligence.

Among this batch of precious first-hand historical materials is a "Shanghai Resident Application for National Identity Card" filled out in Shanghai by Chen Baocang under the alias Chen Zizhen. According to Fang, the application form reveals that Shanghai marked a critical phase in Chen Baocang's transformation from a Kuomintang general to an undercover operative on the covert-frontline in Taiwan.

Additionally, the exhibition includes Zhu Feng's applications for national identity cards, filed under the aliases Zhu Jing and Chen Zhumiming, as well as her employment in Shanghai. She used to work for Dingyuan Qianzhuang or Dingyuan Bank.

And for the first time, the exhibition also features identity card applications of its personnel, including the manager Xu Zhendong, assistant managers Xie Jiafu, Lu Jianya, and Chen Xiuchuan, as well as Xie Jiafu's memoirs.

"These precious first-hand historical materials shed light on the dedication of a group of underground Party members working on the front," said Fang, who hoped the exhibition can bring these long-shelved heroic archives out of the vaults and into the public view.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing)
Motorola's showcase during the Lenovo Tech World 2026 event at CES 2026 brought the latest announcements on its new flagship devices, artificial intelligence platform, and more.

From new smartphones, foldable devices, wearable AI companions, and more, Motorola's latest showcase gave the world a lot to look forward to for this year's wave of new tech releases.

Motorola at CES 2026: New Flagships, AI, and More

Motorola shared their latest innovations at the Lenovo Tech World 2026 stage that happened during CES 2026, and the company dropped massive new developments to look forward to this year.

motorola razr fold

One of the biggest announcements is the debut of Motorola's first foldable smartphone, the motorola razr fold, which features a book-style foldable screen that collapses horizontally.

This device is part of the razr family, its original foldable device that focuses on a flip-style, vertical folding device. The company's latest foldable smartphone is looking to challenge the likes of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, Google's Pixel Pro Fold series, and more.

Motorola claims that this slim foldable smartphone features a 6.6" external display when folded, and its inner display unfolds to a massive 8.1" 2K LPTO screen featuring flexible layouts, adaptive interfaces, and moto pen ultra stylus support.

The new moto razr fold also features on-device AI, a triple 50MP camera array, a 32MP external selfie camera, and a 20MP internal selfie camera.

motorola signature

Motorola has also unveiled its latest standard smartphone called the "motorola signature," which is an "ultra premium" device that kickstarts a new smartphone franchise within the company.

The device is touted as the "thinnest quad-curved phone in its class," featuring a 6.99mm thickness, aircraft-grade aluminum for its chassis, and comes with either a luxury twill or linen-inspired finish.

The motorola signature runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform chipset, and it also features Sony LYTIA sensors that received DXOMARK recognition for the highest standards in imaging via its 50MP main sensor, periscope telephoto lens, ultrawide lens, and selfie camera. It also features Dolby Vision capture.

Motorola Qira: Unified AI Platform

Motorola also revealed its new unified AI ecosystem called the Motorola Qira, and it aims to solve the hassle of switching between apps and devices to use tools like Lenovo AI Now and moto ai.

According to Motorola, the company partnered with industry leaders like Microsoft 365 and Copilot, Qualcomm and Intel, Perplexity, and Google to deliver massive AI experiences under this unified platform.

Motorola's Project Maxwell

Motorola also introduced Project Maxwell, an AI Perceptive Companion Proof of Concept that is meant to be a wearable companion to process real-world data. The device could fit within Motorola Qira's ecosystem of devices, and it promises to always be accessible for users.

The AI companion will record data from its camera and microphones, and this in turn will deliver real-time insights, personalized recommendations, and more.

Motorola's New Accessories

Motorola is also expanding the "moto things" lineup that offers the accessories the company developed for everyday use of its technologies.

This includes the new moto sound flow Bluetooth speaker that features Sound by Bose technology and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a 6,000 mAh battery, and built-in streaming support.

Next, the moto watch will also be released, featuring a sleek, round face for health and wellness tracking powered by Polar, touting a 13-day battery life.

The company also added the new "moto pen ultra," which is its take on a smartphone stylus.

Lastly, the company updated its smart tracker with the "moto tag 2," which features UWB, Bluetooth Channel Sounding, and new compatibility with the Google Find Hub network, with over 500 days of battery life.

Originally published on Tech Times
Aer Lingus makes inaugural landing from Dublin at Cancun International

Cancun, Q.R.  Aer Lingus landed at Cancun International Tuesday on its new Dublin to Cancun route. Passengers landed at the airport for the airlines inaugural flight Tuesday night.

Governor Mara Lezama said the state of Quintana Roo opened a new door to the world with the arrival of Air Lingus inaugural flight. The new direct Dublin to Cancun route is the Irish airlines first operation to Mexico and a historic non-stop connection between Europe and the Mexican Caribbean.

The arrival of this new route consolidates Cancun as the main international gateway to the country and reaffirms the confidence of the European market in the destination, its people and the tourism strength of the state, she said.

The direct Dublin to Cancun flight landed Tuesday night. January 6, 2026.

It is no coincidence that this first Aer Lingus flight to Mexico is landing in Cancun. It is a result of international confidence in our destination, our people and the strength of Quintana Roos tourism industry, explained Mara Lezama.

She announced that the new air link will operate with three weekly frequencies using aircraft with a capacity of more than 300 passengers per flight, which will strengthen the flow of tourism from Ireland and other connection points in Europe.

Governor Lezama stated that in 2026 work on tourism will continue.

With this new route, the Mexican Caribbean expands its presence in the international market and welcomes visitors from Ireland, consolidating itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

Officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday night with the flights first arrival January 6, 2026.

Riviera Maya News serving headline travel news for Cancun since 2014

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Cancun, Riviera Maya celebrates Three Kings Day with free rosca and toys

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Cities around the state celebrated Three Kings Day with the distribution of sweet bread and free toys. In Cancun, Mayor Ana Paty Peralta shared with hundreds of residents and visitors the longest Rosca de Reyes (bread) the city has had yet.

Rosca de Reyes Cancun January 6, 2026.

When put together, the specially decorated sweet bread measured 750 meters long. It was cut up and served to the public in celebration of Dia de Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at the Malecon Tajamar.

The Mayor highlighted that these activities strengthen unity, promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving the traditions that give identity and a sense of community to Cancun.

Lazaro Cardenas Mayor Josue Nivardo Mena Villanueva is seen here celebrating in Holbox January 5, 2026.

May this rosca that we are sharing today be a symbol of shared happiness, of good wishes, may we never lack the company of our loved ones, the hope for a better future and the strength to build it together, she said.

While people enjoyed the free bread, the Three Wise Men made their appearance in colorful costumes thrilling the children who took the opportunity to have their picture taken.

Children enjoyed visiting with The Three Wise Men in Cancun January 6, 2026.

Over 700 children were provided with free gifts during the celebration. City personnel delivered free toys to underprivileged kids in several areas of the city. Mayor Ana Paty Peralta, accompanied by the Three Wise Men, delivered toys in several neighborhoods with the objective of bringing happiness, love, hope and above all unity among everyone.

Free rosca and toys were delivered to Cancun families. January 6, 2026.

At the event, Fill a Heart with Magic and Give a Toy, this Three Kings Day 2026, organized by the Citizen Services Department and the Social Management Coordination, the Mayor gave 750 children a toy and a small pinata to enjoy the day.

Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefania Mercado also celebrated with a 2.5 kilometer long Rosca de Reyes. The bread was laid out on a table along the citys Fifth Avenue where Mercado led the Three Kings Day celebration.

A 2.5 kilometer long rosca was set out along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen January 6, 2026.

She began with the traditional cutting of the Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings cake) and the distribution of toys to children, reaffirming her commitment to cultural identity, family unity and the comprehensive development of the municipality.

Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu, center, celebrated Three Kings Day with residents January 6, 2026.

Before hundreds of local families and visitors, the Mayor highlighted that Playa del Carmen stands out at the state level for keeping its traditions alive, noting that, although the Christmas and New Year celebrations have concluded, the festive spirit remains until Candlemas Day (February 2), as part of the social and cultural essence of the city.

Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefania Mercado gives away rosca and toys January 6, 2026.

The rosca was made thanks to the joint work of the Vizcaya University, recognized for the training of high-level chefs, as well as educational institutions that joined this effort, including the Technological University (UT).

Mayor Mercado acknowledged the talent, discipline, and commitment of the university students who made this large-scale event possible.

Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta hands out free toys January 6, 2026.

After the event, the Mayor toured Fifth Avenue, where the monumental Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) was placed.

From Fifth Avenue, one of the main tourist corridors of the municipality, Estefania Mercado highlighted the importance of tourist spaces also being spaces for social interaction.

It is an honor to share these holidays with the people of Playa del Carmen and at the same time, to welcome those who visit us so they can experience and feel the essence of our traditions.

Playa del Carmen will continue to thrive stronger than ever, with a government that is accessible and has a clear direction for the future, she reiterated.

In Tulum, officials gave away boxes of rocas to locals. January 6, 2026.

As tradition dictates, it was noted that whoever finds the little figurine (baby Jesus) in the rosca (bread) must share tamales on February 2nd, Candlemas Day, a date that symbolizes the closing of the Christmas celebrations.

Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014

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Extortionists in custody for threatening Playa del Carmen businesses

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Four men accused of extorting Playa del Carmen businesses are in custody. Authorities made the arrests after the business owners filed a complaint. On Tuesday, the State Attorney General, Raciel Lopez Salazar, reported that all four were taken into custody for extorting several businesses.

Lopez Salazar reported that Jesus N, Daniel Isaac N, Edgar Nemecio N and Erick N have been charged. He says Jesus N and Daniel Isaac N are being investigated for events that occurred at a commercial establishment located on Fifth Avenue with 32nd Street in the centro neighborhood.

Both men entered the businness to demand a payment of 40,000 pesos per week, threatening to kill the employees if they did not comply.

Edgar Nemecio N and Erick N have been ordered to stand trial after their arrests for allegedly demanding protection money from the owner of two laundromats, he said.

Lopez Salazar said that the demand was for 35,000 pesos per month for both establishments. They were part of the arrests made during the last days of the year for extortion.

He said that during 2025, the Public Prosecutors Office, under his command, arrested 136 people related to extortion, all of whom who are part of various criminal groups that generate violence in the state.

Of those arrested, 124 were formally charged and are waiting sentencing. Likewise, the Prosecutors Office obtained 13 convictions from Oral Trial judges with sentences of up to 37 years in prison.

Riviera Maya News serving headline crime news for Playa del Carmen since 2014

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FGE reports over 40 arrested and nearly 500 rescued from human trafficking last year

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The State Attorney General (FGE) reports significant progress in combatting human trafficking last year. FGE head Raciel Lopez Salazar says more than 40 people were arrested and nearly 500 rescued during 2025.

As part of the actions carried out by the State Attorney Generals Office, from January 1 to December 31, 2025, its head, Raciel Lopez Salazar, reported that, in matters of human trafficking, 165 investigation files were opened, 43 traffickers were arrested and 488 victims were located.

Of those, 396 are Mexican and 92 are foreign, from countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, India, Peru, Belize, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Italy and Norway, he detailed in a statement.

For this crime, authorities implemented 80 search warrants which represents an increase of 54 percent compared to 2024, when 52 were executed, In addition, authorities obtained nine sentences from Oral Trial judges with prison terms of up to 20 years.

Raciel Lopez Salazar January 6, 2026.

Regarding crimes against women, we secured the prosecution of 368 people for domestic violence, which is 51 percent more compared to the previous year, when 244 were prosecuted.

Additionally, 314 people were arrested for sexual abuse and rape against women, girls, boys, and adolescents, all of whom were also prosecuted, he stated.

Similarly, 43 people were arrested, 16 for femicide and 27 for attempted femicide, all of whom were formally charged. Authorities also obtained 150 convictions for crimes including sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, vicarious violence, digital violence, femicide, attempted femicide and human trafficking.

It is important to mention that we maintain close communication with authorities in other countries to monitor the distribution, storage, processing, production, and exchange of child pornography.

Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that we handled nine cases of this type during 2025, which led to the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of a minor of U.S. nationality, stated Raciel Lopez Salazar.

Nearly 500 women of varying nationalities were rescued from prostitution around the state during 2025.

Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014

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The Gist

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster were photographed in Costa Rica on January 3, 2026.

They packed on the PDA as they enjoyed a beach day.

Jackman finalized his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness in June 2025.

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are celebrating their romance with a trip to the beach. Over the weekend, the couple was spotted in Costa Rica, according to pictures obtained by People. They were photographed holding hands and hugging in the ocean just months after Jackman's divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness became final.

Foster wore a blue bikini set, while Jackman selected a pair of floral swim trunks. They were all smiles as they walked into the water.

Getty Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster on December 1, 2025. Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster on December 1, 2025.

Romance rumors surrounding the actor and Foster initially swirled in 2023, shortly after he separated from his wife, Furness. Their divorce was finalized in June 2025. In January of that year, Foster and Jackman were seen holding hands, though they didn't make their red carpet debut as a couple until October.

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Last spring, Foster was spotted in New York City amid Jackman's impending divorce. The same week, Furness, who was Jackman's spouse of over 25 years, broke her silence on their split after filing on May 23.

Around May 28, Foster attended the birthday party of a close friend, composer Alex Lacamoire, as revealed by University of Michigan Musical Theatre Chair Cynthia Kortman Westphal's Instagram. Foster and Lacamoire have worked together on multiple Broadway productions, including Anything Goes and Sweeney Todd.

Getty Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster made their red carpet debut as a couple in October 2025. Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster made their red carpet debut as a couple in October 2025.

"Still glowing from an unforgettable night celebrating the brilliant @alacamoires 50th birthday in a room filled with old friends, and new," Westphal wrote in the caption of her post. "A night full of love, joy, music, and pure magicexactly the kind of celebration this genius friend deserves."

One day before this was posted, Furness made her first public comment following her split with Jackman: "My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal," she said in a May 27 statement shared with People.

Foster and Jackman met while co-starring in The Music Man on Broadway.

Getty Images Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at the Governors Awards 2018. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at the Governors Awards 2018.

Read the original article on InStyle
A local mookata buffet operator has rolled out strict new rules on 3 Jan to curb diners from taking food home, warning that repeated abuse of its buffet system has forced it to act. Family Mookata will now ban all customers caught packing buffet food into personal containers from all their outlets.

The measures include posting footage of offending diners online for public awareness and record-keeping. Photos of banned customers will also be displayed at outlet counters, and staff will be instructed not to serve them.

Photos of bento meals served to Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) students on the first day of school have sparked online debate, after images of the food were shared on Reddit on 3 Jan. The meals were provided by airline caterer SATS. Some users criticised the appearance of the food, with comments comparing the bento sets to prison meals and army cookhouse food. The post also raised questions about portion size and quality.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
A homeowner turned to the r/Generator Reddit community for advice after their carbon monoxide alarm detected high levels of toxic gas in their house.

The original poster wrote that their 22-kilowatt Generac generator ran for 28 hours straight before the alarm detected carbon monoxide levels of 60 to 80 parts per million in their ceiling and attic. The fire department said that the CO was likely coming from the generator exhaust.

The OP mentioned that a third-party generator service provider recommended foaming the vented soffits to resolve the problem. They also shared a photo showing where the generator was placed outside.

Photo Credit: Reddit



One commenter pointed out that the generator placement may not be following clearance requirements.

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"This wouldn't even be legal where I live," another homeowner said, advising the OP to move the generator away from their house.

Gas-powered generators may produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can be fatal at higher concentrations. They also contribute to pollution.

If you're considering cleaner ways to power your home and protect against blackouts, solar energy paired with a battery backup is a viable option. TCD's Solar Explorer can guide you through budget-friendly options and help you save on installations.

The OP's predicament has garnered attention because it highlights how failing to follow clearance requirements can pose home safety risks, such as exposure to toxic gas.

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According to Florida Power Solutions, national building codes recommend placing standby generators at least five feet away from windows, doors, or vents. Generac follows this rule, requiring its generators to be at least five feet from wall openings.

Switching to a cleaner option, such as solar energy, can help you avoid exposure to toxic gas and lower utility bills. With battery storage, solar can also make your home more resilient amid grid failures.

TCD's Solar Explorer can simplify your transition to solar by connecting you with trusted partners. With concierge-level service and flexible subscription options, TCD's partners can help you maximize savings.

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In the Reddit thread, some homeowners offered advice.

"Get your generator company to turn your generator 90 degrees, pointing your exhaust away from the house," one user suggested.

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"Having a stack higher than the gutter is what came to my mind," another chimed in. "Other than that, some sort of exhaust pipe extension to aim it away from the house."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Volkswagen Group is expanding vehicle recalls across the United States after federal regulators found software problems that can cause rearview camera screens to fail.

The issue affects more than half a million vehicles from several brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, and raises safety concerns about cars that rely heavily on digital systems to help drivers see behind them.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Volkswagen Group of America and its Audi subsidiary are recalling 356,649 vehicles.

The affected models span from the 2019 through 2026 model years. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when a driver shifts into reverse, which can increase the risk of a crash while backing up.

According to CNET, Porsche, another brand owned by Volkswagen Group, announced a separate recall last week involving 173,538 vehicles in the US.

The problem is similar, pointing to a wider software issue across the company's lineup. This is one of the largest safety recalls Porsche Cars North America has issued in recent years.

Rearview cameras are not optional features. Federal safety rules require all light vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less to show a clear and reliable rear camera image when reversing.

These cameras have been mandatory on all new US vehicles since 2018 to help prevent low-speed accidents, especially those involving children or objects behind a car.

WATCH: Problems with the rearview mirror have forced Porsche and parent company Volkswagen to recall over half a million vehicles collectively in the US, where the NHTSA announced the latest round of measures https://t.co/GUwChpsAWK pic.twitter.com/7sNzzrREGg  Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) January 6, 2026

Volkswagen Owners to Receive Free Camera Software

To fix the problem, dealers will install a free software update once it becomes available. The NHTSA says official recall notices will be mailed to vehicle owners in the coming weeks.

Until repairs are made, drivers are advised not to rely only on the camera and to check their surroundings carefully when backing up.

This recall also reflects a growing challenge for the auto industry. Modern vehicles depend on software for many safety tools, from backup cameras to blind-spot alerts.

When software fails, systems designed to protect drivers can stop working as intended. Similar rearview camera recalls were issued last year for vehicles made by Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, and Chrysler.

Volkswagen sold nearly 380,000 vehicles in the US in 2024 and close to 330,000 in 2023, showing how many drivers could be affected by software-related issues, US News reported.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest recall.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Climate solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and at Yale Climate Connections, we started off the year with the launch of our climate solutions hub, a page designed to help you easily identify climate actions that fit into your life. Its a great place to find a climate-related New Years resolution if thats your jam.

To close 2025 out on a high note, check out our favorite solutions stories of the year.

Sara Peach, editor-in-chief:

The solar panels Germans are plugging into their walls, by Yale Climate Connections radio team



In Germany, people who want to go solar can simply go to the store, buy a solar panel, and plug it in at home. These plug-in solar systems send power directly into a home through a normal wall outlet.

(Sara says, This development makes solar panels accessible to renters. When its time to move, just unplug the panel and carry it to your new apartment.)

Bill McKibben says cheap solar could topple Big Oils power, by Michael Svoboda

There is one big good thing happening on this planet. And that is the sudden surge in the use of what, for the last 40 years, weve called alternative energy, but which has now become the most obvious, straightforward way to make power.

Pearl Marvell, features editor, Yale Climate Connections en espanol:



He wasnt planning to step in  until his team informed him that some immigrant enclaves were still waiting on help a month after the storm. They brainstormed a list of what families must need as winter approached: coats, heaters, blankets, generators, food, cash. When they began distributing items, many told the group that theirs was the first to offer them help.

(Pearl says, I love this article because Yessenia wrote this story so beautifully and focused it primarily on how this community came together to help each other in times of need. I love when we can tell stories that are people-focused and then backed up by science.)

The rest of the world is lapping the U.S. in the EV race, by Dana Nuccitelli

According to an analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation, climate pollution from global road transportation may have peaked in 2025 thanks to accelerating EV deployments around the world.

(Pearl says, Because at least the rest of the world is going in the right direction.)

Sam Harrington, director of audience experience:

A third of Americans dont drive. So why is our transportation so car-centric? by Sarah Wesseler



It really is about, at a systemic level, what can we do to make it easier for people to get where they need to go and not have to drive there.

(Sam says, I loved this Q&A and found it to be so useful in framing conversations around public transportation. Systems that are designed to care for the most marginalized can make all of our lives easier and more connected.)

Puerto Rican municipalities take on Big Oil in court using a law made for the mob, by Pearl Marvell.



The suit seeks damages tied to the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017  storms that, according to recent science, were intensified by warming oceans and increased atmospheric moisture caused by climate-warming pollution




On January 6, 2026, Ambassador Zhao Yong presented copy of credentials to Hon. Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Zhao stated that China and Sierra Leone share a deep-rooted traditional friendship and have achieved fruitful achievements in practical cooperation. He expressed his willingness to work with the Sierra Leonean side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, thereby elevating the China-Sierra Leone Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to new heights.

Minister Kabba welcomed Ambassador Zhao to Sierra Leone and affirmed that Sierra Leone attached great importance to the friendship with China. He noted that in recent years, the two countries have achieved significant progress in bilateral cooperation and international affairs and Sierra Leone stands ready to work with China to advance the continuous development of bilateral relations.




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I hope you havent been worrying too much about Kimberly Guilfoyle, whose ex-fiance, Donald Trump Jr., recently announced that he is engaged again, to a woman he appears to have started dating before most people, possibly including Guilfoyle herself, knew his previous relationship had ended. Despite the breakup and her subsequent combination promotion-banishment, Guilfoyle is thriving in her new role as the United States ambassador to Greece. Or at least, she has convinced the New York Times to write that she is thriving, and thats almost as good as the real thing.

On Sunday, the Times published a global profile of Guilfoyle, calling her the talk of Athens in a headline. The Times describes this series as a weekly profile of the individuals who are shaping the world around them, though this week Guilfoyle seems to be sharing billing with a park ranger named Cindy Blaney, who the paper calls one of Britains chief bat whisperers. Clearly, there are many ways to shape the world.

Even though Guilfoyle isnt the only international mistress of the night being highlighted, this head-turning story is nonetheless a public relations coup for Guilfoyle. She has become one of the most important people in the country, asserts the Times Elisabeth Bumiller. Some Greek officials seem to have nice things to say about her too, which is not surprising, given their professional obligation to stay on good terms with her. It seems its so far, so good in the job: To date, she has only been denounced by one other embassy in Athens (the Chinese embassy, for some comments she made about Chinas control of a Greek port). She is very busy going to clubs, calling Greek ministers back at all hours of the night, and overseeing drilling in the Ionian Seawhat more could you ask for in an ambassador?

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Meanwhile, Guilfoyle doesnt say much about her ex-fiance in the piece, just an Im happy for Don and I wish him, of course, all the best. Of course! Though its hard to imagine that she doesnt have any more piquant thoughts about whatever transpired in her relationship, she must wisely recognize that little good can come from talking about it.

Still, some cracks in that official story are clear: None other than Steve Bannon shows up in the article to dispel the idea that the Daily Mail publishing photographs of Don Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson had anything to do with President Trump announcing her as his Greece ambassador pick shortly after. I dont buy that at all, Bannon says, before going on to dispel exactly nothing. Guilfoyle tells the paper that what really happened is that the president-elect called her and said that he knew she was interested in becoming ambassador to Greece and that the job was hers. She says she was interested because she took an ancient history class in college, so, yeah, that ought to get people to stop speculating.

Listen, who cares how she got the job? Its all looking up for her. According to the profile, Guilfoyle recently celebrated a win for more drilling in Greece with ExxonMobil (America is back and drilling in the Ionian Sea, she declared). She might be actively making the world a worse place, but you cant deny that it sounds a lot better than being married to Don Jr.
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Shortly after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, city leaders began looking into whether the officer had violated state criminal law.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, We collectively are going to do everything possible to get to the bottom of this, to get justice, and to make sure that there is an investigation that is conducted in full. Police Chief Brian OHara followed up by saying that the states Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigat[ing] whether any state laws within the state of Minnesota have been violated.

If they conclude that state law has been violated, the question is: What next? Contrary to recent assertions from some federal officials, states can prosecute federal officers for violating state criminal laws, and there is precedent for that.

Although federal officers do have immunity in some circumstances, that protection applies only if their actions were authorized under federal law and necessary and proper in fulfilling federal duties. When federal officers violate federal law or act unreasonably when carrying out their duties, they can face state charges.

States have a long history of prosecuting federal officials for allegedly using excessive force on the job. And when federal courts agree that the force may not have been legally justified, they have allowed the state prosecution to proceed.

In a high-profile incident from the 1990s, for example, an FBI sniper shot and accidentally killed an unarmed woman while carrying out a siege of a cabin near Ruby Ridge, Idaho. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno decided not to pursue charges, but a county prosecutor in the state did, charging the sniper with involuntary manslaughter. The federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the state prosecution to proceed, concluding that there were material questions of fact about whether the snipers use of deadly force was reasonable. If it wasnt, the court explained, he would not be immune from state prosecution. (The charges were later dropped after the prosecutor who brought the case left office.)

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Similarly, in 1906, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a state prosecution to go ahead against two federal soldiers who had shot and killed a man they believed was stealing from federal property. As with the Idaho case, key facts were in dispute. The court concluded that if the man had stopped and surrendered, as multiple witnesses attested, it could not reasonably be claimed that the fatal shot was fired in the performance of a duty imposed by the Federal law, and the soldiers could be held liable.

There are also a host of cases from the early-1900s prohibition era in which states charged federal officers with murder, attempted murder, or other crimes when they used lethal force to carry out prohibition-related arrests or seize distillery equipment. Again, when federal courts concluded that the federal officers use of force appeared unreasonablesuch as by shooting into cars that officers believed were transporting alcoholthe courts allowed the state prosecutions to proceed.

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To be sure, there are also plenty of cases in which federal courts have instead dismissed state prosecutions on the grounds that the federal officers were properly discharging their federal duties. For example, the foundational Supreme Court case on this type of immunity dismissed a state murder prosecution of a U.S. marshal who had justifiably killed an attacker while protecting a Supreme Court justice. But when an officers actions are not authorized by federal law or are not necessary and proper to fulfill federal dutiessuch as when an officer uses unreasonable forcestate prosecutions can and do go ahead.

Related From Slate Yes, You Should Watch the Video of the ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Read More

If state or local prosecutors in Minnesota were to charge a federal officer with a state crime, that case would play out differently from a typical state criminal prosecution.

Most significantly, it would likely take place in federal court rather than state court. A federal statute allows federal officers to move state criminal cases from state to federal court if they have a defense rooted in federal law. Any federal officer charged with a state-law crime for actions committed on the job will almost certainly try to claim federal immunity from state prosecution. That defense will typically suffice to get the case into federal court, even if the immunity claim ultimately fails.

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But the move to federal court doesnt mean that federal players would take over the entire process. The state or local prosecutor would still prosecute the case in federal court. And the criminal charges would still be for state-law crimes. Importantly, this means that if an officer were convicted, the president could not pardon them. The president can pardon individuals only for federal crimes, not state crimes.

Additionally, if state or local prosecutors do bring charges, the pretrial litigation over immunity could well be lengthy. In the Idaho case discussed above, for example, the incidents took place in 1992, and it wasnt until 2001 that the 9th Circuit ultimately ruled that the case could go ahead. The various lower-court proceedings and appeals took considerable time.

Despite these procedural complexities, the bottom line is that federal officers are not categorically immune from state prosecution for actions carried out while on duty. And states have long demonstrated that they are willing to bring such charges when it comes to excessive use of force.
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On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro were arraigned in a federal courthouse in New York City on charges of drug trafficking, continuing what has been a stunning first few days of 2026. The criminal proceedingsand likely trialahead are sure to be rocky and closely watched around the world. How exactly, though, will the Justice Departments charges against the Maduros play in a court of law? We talked to an expert to find out.

This is not a trumped-up case. This appears to be a real solid indictment, Adam Pollock, a former assistant attorney general of New York and now a managing partner of the law firm Pollock Cohen, told me. Pollock believes the U.S. government has built an impressive case against the Maduros, with the indictment suggesting there are cooperating witnesses, recordings of drug deals, and direct links between the Maduros and Venezuelan drug-trafficking networks.

Still, the disturbing and complex facts of the Maduros arrestduring an apparently illegal military raid of the country Maduro was leadingmakes this case anything but a slam dunk. While entering a plea of not guilty on Monday, the Venezuelan leader told the court that he had been kidnapped. I am innocent. Im a decent man, Maduro said during his arraignment. The couple did not seek bail, and were transferred to a New York City jail. Their next court hearing is on March 17.

What comes next? What are all of the charges the indictment makes? What kind of defense could the Maduros use? I spoke with Pollock to get some answers to these questions and to understand the full breadth of the DOJs indictment. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Shirin Ali: After reading the entire indictment, how strong of a case do you think the DOJ has here against the Maduros?

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Adam Pollock: This is a really robust indictment. Youre dealing with the Southern District of New York, the United States Attorneys Office, which is a really serious office that doesnt bring trumped-up political charges. If you compare this to the indictments of James Comey or Letitia James, that were super stamped-on details, very bare-bones, hard to know what the charges were. Why? Because those were vindictive political prosecutions. Here, we have a robust indictment full of detail, meetings, descriptions of events, and going back for, I think, almost two decades. And how do you get this information? You typically have to have either wiretaps or recording in the rooms, or what appears to be the case here is a witness who is cooperating.

There are quite a bit of allegations of actual meetings, payments, and involvement of the Maduros. This does not appear to be a case of him and his wife sitting up at the top of government and turning a blind eye to drug trafficking. To the contrary, there actually seems to be direct involvement.

What charges does the indictment make?

Lets start with Count 2, cocaine importation conspiracy. I was a little bit surprised here, because the State Department estimated 200 to 250 tons of cocaine were trafficked through Venezuela annually. Thats a lot of cocaine, but doesnt strike me as a giant number. In general, the United States has had a long-held view that if you commit a crime abroad that affects Americans, then youre subject to our jurisdiction. You can think about that in many areas, not just drugs, but financial crimes or child abuse. You can think of many areas where merely sitting abroad is not going to immunize you from the reach of American prosecution. And certainly weve had a long-held view that drug trafficking that affects Americans is subject to American jurisdiction. So thats Count 2.

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With Count 1, narcoterrorism conspiracy, basically what they are talking about is that the Maduro government apparently supported these rebel groups in Colombia, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia and the National Liberation Army. Those are designated terrorist groups within the United States, and it is long-standing American policy to oppose those groups and designate them as terrorists. The indictment is saying that the Maduro government supported them through helping them with drug trafficking. Count 3, possession of machine guns, sort of collapses back on itself and also gets to the question everyones asking: Is it lawful to arrest the sitting president of a country? Traditionally, theres been a view in international law that it is not, and certainly that is a defense that Maduro will raise pretrial. In that trial, the United States is going to say that he was not the legitimate leader for two reasons. First, theyll say Maduro was illegitimate because he was a drug traffickerthat is kind of a tautological argument, but its one that will be made. Second, they will say he stole the last two elections.

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Is it lawful for heads of states to have armies that have machine guns? Probably. But if theyre really not legitimate heads of states, but actually drug traffickers, and theyre using those machine guns as part of a drug conspiracy, then that adds on as a charge. And then the last charge is the conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices, which is effectively, the same thing.

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Related From Slate Its Painfully Clear What Trumps Attack on Venezuela Is All About Read More

The indictment also charges Maduros son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra; two Venezuelan government officials; and a leader of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan transnational gang, as part of this narcoterrorism conspiracy. What exactly happens to them now?

Now you start to intersect politics with prosecution. Clearly there was a political motive to bring a large Army force to arrest Maduro and his wife. You dont expect that a similar military operation would be mounted to arrest the other defendants. Instead, theyll now lead a more constrained life, where theyll need to be concerned that, if theres a change of government, whether theyll be continued to be protected if they travel abroad and where they can travel to. Life as an indicted felon is harsh, even if youre abroad; you can kind of continue to live in sanctuary in Venezuela until the government changes. But eventually, theres going to be a government, whether its next month or next year or next decade, thats more friendly to the United States, and the United States will pressure that government to hand over the suspects.

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Numerous times throughout the indictment, the DOJ references that the alleged crimes were committed as far back as 1999. Is there a statute of limitations the U.S. government has to work within? What should we make of this?

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I noticed that, but the answer is not particularly anything to note, for two reasons. One is theyre going to argue that its an ongoing conspiracy. And second, even if they were unsuccessful in arguing that, they still have enough overt acts of the conspiracy within the statute limitation over the last five or six years.

What strategy do you think the prosecution will take and how do you expect the Maduros to defend themselves?

The latter is slightly more interesting, which is clearly the Maduros will argue that he should receive head-of-state immunity. They might argue that he was illegally kidnapped from Venezuela, but thats a loser argument because the Supreme Court has been very clear since at least 1886. There is a case called Ker v. Illinois where the defendant was forcibly kidnapped from Peru and brought out to a U.S. Navy ship and then brought back to the United States for prosecutionsounds kind of familiar. The Supreme Court basically said that theyre not going to concern themselves with how the defendant reached the United States shores; as long as theyre here, they can be prosecuted. This Supreme Court has reaffirmed that time and time again. So can Maduro make that argument? Sure, but its going to lose. I think that hell have stronger grounds for making the head-of-state immunity argument, which is interesting when you consider ultimately how far can that argument take you. I guess to the Supreme Court, but whats this conservative Supreme Court going to do with that? I wouldnt expect great results for Maduro on that.

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I think his best possible strategy is to challenge the evidence at trial. Youve got to wonder; putting together a criminal drug-trafficking conspiracy case in Venezuela is a technically hard case to put together. Theyve got one cooperator, but you can cross-examine the cooperator, whos cooperating in hopes of a more lenient sentence. Sounds like the prosecution has some recordings, and you can guess that they probably have some electronic intercepts, but my guess is that kind of old-fashioned trial defense is going to be their strategy here. Now, the prosecution strategy is the converse of that, which is roll up your sleeves and put on the evidence in the way that you would with any other drug conspiracy.

What happens next? How quickly do you foresee this case moving forward?

Not that long, although it depends a whole heck of a lot on how much evidence the government has collected. Youll start to see that on the docket as the government makes disclosures of evidence to the defendants, known as discovery disclosures. There are cases where there are millions of pages and the defendant needs significant time to review millions of pages of emails, text messages, and listen to hundreds of hours of wiretaps. I suspect that this case is going to be light on paper, emails, and text messages, and my guess is there are not a ton of recordings, because its a bit more technologically challenging to get recordings in the room in drug deals in Venezuela. I think that this could be a case with relatively light evidence discovery, in which case you might see this go to trial within a year or so.
McDonald's is facing a class-action lawsuit that claims the fast-food company misled customers about the type of meat used in its popular McRib sandwich.

The lawsuit, filed last week in US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, argues that the McRib does not contain actual pork rib meat, despite its name and appearance.

Four plaintiffs allege that McDonald's marketing leads customers to believe the sandwich includes rib meat.

According to the lawsuit, "despite its name and distinctive shape," the McRib patty is designed to look like a rack of ribs, even though it allegedly contains no rib meat at all, FoxBusiness reported.

Instead, the suit claims the patty is made from ground pork parts such as shoulder and other lower-grade cuts.

McDonald's strongly denies the accusations. A company spokesperson said the claims are "meritless" and stated that the McRib is made with "100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the US."

The spokesperson added that "there are no hearts, tripe or scalded stomach used in the McRib patty as falsely alleged in this lawsuit."

The McRib has a long and unusual history. First introduced in 1981, it was removed from the regular menu years ago and now returns only for limited-time runs.

Its recent comeback in select locations in November once again stirred excitement among fans who eagerly wait for its return.

OK, so a class action lawsuit claims the McRib doesnt actually contain rib meat. It was never the quality of the meat for me. Id eat cardboard that has grill lines drawn with a sharpie as long as it is slathered in that tangy sauce. pic.twitter.com/xCkC8Tz0xv  Steve Palec (@stevepalec) January 6, 2026

McDonald's Cites Ingredient Transparency in Lawsuit

McDonald's describes the sandwich as "seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun."

The lawsuit argues that the name "McRib" is misleading because customers reasonably expect rib meat, which is considered a premium pork cut known for its rich flavor.

"By including the word 'Rib' in the name of the sandwich, McDonald's knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers," the filing states.

To support their claim, the plaintiffs point to consumer surveys included in the lawsuit. According to USA Today, in one survey, 72% of respondents said they expected the McRib to include rib meat.

In another, 67% said it was important that the sandwich actually contain rib meat when deciding whether to buy it.

McDonald's says it has always been open about its ingredients and provides full food details on its website, app, and in-store kiosks. The company insists that food quality and transparency are core values.

Originally published on vcpost.com
UNODC has been present in Bangladesh since 2007 and is based in the UN common premises in Dhaka. The UNODC Programme Office (PO) is the key interlocutor for cooperation with the Government. UNODC is part of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-27) in Bangladesh. PO-Bangladesh works under the strategic umbrella of the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia based in New Delhi and the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2024-28) launched in May 2024.



UNODC signed an MoU with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in April 2025, to enhance cooperation on transnational organized crime, illicit drugs, and terrorism. Based in Dhaka, the BIMSTEC Secretariat and UNODC work closely to implement the MoU.



UNODC is working to launch the country-specific cooperation framework, The Dhaka Roadmap, which will be a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted challenges in Bangladesh.
UNODC has been present in the Maldives since 2020. The UNODC Programme Office (PO) is based in Male and is the key interlocutor for cooperation with the Government. UNODC is part of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-26) in the Maldives.



PO-Maldives is guided by the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia, based in New Delhi and the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2024-28) launched in May 2024.



UNODC cooperation with the Government of the Maldives focuses on a safer, just, and prosperous country. UNODC stands ready to support the Government in acquiring further capacity to fight organized crime and terrorism.

UNODC contributed to the upcoming National Policy on Substance Prevention and Rehabilitation and provided training to criminal justice officers on international standards for offender rehabilitation and reintegration. This training catalyzed the development of a 5-year prison reform strategy in the Maldives.
Century Mile has added a pair of Sunday race dates in January to its 2026 live harness racing schedule.

Race dates have been added on Sunday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Edmonton, Alta. mile oval, which will also host live racing on Saturdays throughout the month as previously scheduled.

Post time for all January race dates is 12:45 p.m.

To view the updated 2026 Alberta race date schedule, click here.

(Standardbred Canada)
ZOA Energy, the popular energy drink co-owned by actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has agreed to a $3 million class-action settlement after being accused of misleading customers about its products.

The lawsuit claimed that the drinks, advertised as "0 Preservatives," actually contained chemical preservatives.

The legal action began on October 23, 2023, in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

According to the federal complaint obtained by USA Today, "ZOA's claim that its Products contain '0 Preservatives' is false, as each contains a significant amount of the preservative citric acid."

The suit also alleged the presence of another preservative, ascorbic acid, in the drinks.

ZOA Energy agreed to settle the case without admitting wrongdoing. Court records state, "ZOA denies these allegations and maintains that its labeling and marketing are truthful, accurate, and compliant with applicable law."

The settlement opens a sign-up period for customers to claim compensation. People who purchased a ZOA Energy drink labeled "0 Preservatives" between March 1, 2021, and November 21, 2025, are eligible.

Customers with proof of purchase can receive $1 per energy drink, up to $150 per household.

Those without proof can receive $1 per drink, with a maximum of $10 per household. The claim period is open until February 20, 2026.

Dwayne Johnson's energy drink brand agrees to $3M settlement. Who qualifies? https://t.co/5UE2aDwypf  Tennessean (@Tennessean) January 7, 2026

ZOA Energy Customers Lose Right to Settlement Funds

The settlement's final approval hearing is scheduled for March 26 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

The court must approve the settlement for payments to be issued, and any appeals could delay the distribution of funds.

For customers who do nothing or miss the deadline, the website warns that they "give up (their) rights to sue ZOA Energy for the claims released by the Settlement" and will not receive any money.

Those who wish to retain the right to sue separately must opt out by February 13, 2026, Yahoo reported.

This lawsuit highlights growing scrutiny of product labeling in the food and beverage industry.

While ZOA Energy continues to be a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts and fans of Johnson, the case underscores the importance of accurate marketing claims.

Consumers are encouraged to check the settlement website for details on submitting claims and to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

"The proposed relief offered to Class Members will be provided only if the Court gives final approval to the Settlement and, if there are any appeals, after the appeals are resolved in favor of the Settlement," according to the site.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Standardbred Canada is excited to unveil the 2025 leading owners from racetracks across the country. As part of the Owner Recognition Program, each recipient will receive a custom plaque and a complimentary ticket to the 37th annual OBrien Awards, where they will be celebrated in a special presentation.

The awards will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont.

Leading owners were selected based on statistics from each Canadian racetrack. The top owner was determined by wins, followed by seconds, thirds and earnings, if necessary (excluding fairs and limited meets). Partnerships, stables and individuals are each treated as single entities with no combined wins. Eligibility aligns with current OBrien Awards criteria.

The list of the 2025 leading owners at each racetrack is as follows:

Century Downs: Don Howlett

Century Mile: Don Howlett

Charlottetown Driving Park: Jennifer Doyle

Clinton Raceway: Shen Guo

Dresden Raceway: Don Rankin Jr.

Flamboro Downs: Francis Guillemette

Fraser Downs: Trevor Williams & Harness The Energy Inc.

Georgian Downs: Ashleigh & Ed Hensley

Grand River Raceway: Hutt Racing Stable

Hanover Raceway: Triple S Equine

Hiawatha Horse Park: Dennis Duford

Hippodrome 3R: Alain Carrier

Inverness Raceway: Route Nineteen Racing

Kawartha Downs: Guy Chretien

Leamington Raceway: Carl Davidson

Northside Downs: Randy Getto, Wayne Hardy & Susan MacSween

Rideau Carleton Raceway: John MacMillan

Summerside Raceway: Douglas R. Polley & Douglas E. Polley

The Loop: Darryl & Sherri Mason

The Raceway at Western Fair District: Colonel Schneider Jr.

The Track On 2: Brinsley Brooking Lutz & Harvey Jaeger

Truro Raceway: Carrie Saunders

Woodbine Mohawk Park: Pollack Racing LLC

Woodstock Raceway/Connell Park: Dr. Mitchell Downey

Standardbred Canada would like to congratulate all owners in 2025 and thank them for their dedication and contributions to the Standardbred industry.

To reserve your tickets for the O'Brien Awards, please fill out the O'Brien Awards ticket reservation form and send it to Jessica Street at [email protected].

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)
Attendees gather for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 6, 2026 (Caroline Brehman)

Attendees gather for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 6, 2026 (Caroline Brehman) (Caroline Brehman/AFP/AFP)

Lenovo, the world's top PC maker, unveiled its own AI assistant Tuesday at the CES tech show in Las Vegas, promising a tool that follows users seamlessly across laptops, smartphones and connected devices.

The Beijing-based company commanded 28 percent of global PC market share in the third quarter of 2025, ahead of rivals HP at 21.5 percent and Dell at 14.5 percent, according to US research firm Gartner.

Lenovo's new artificial intelligence agent, dubbed Qira, is designed as an autonomous interface capable of performing tasks rather than simply generating content on demand, a move Lenovo hopes will showcase the breadth of its product portfolio.

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Unlike rivals focused on single categories, Lenovo was the only major manufacturer whose offering spanned laptops, tablets and smartphones -- under its Motorola brand, acquired in 2014 -- as well as servers and even supercomputers.

The company also unveiled prototypes of connected glasses and an AI-powered pendant, still in testing, that captures "important moments" with user consent by recording conversations, said Motorola's Angelina Gomez.

Codenamed the AI Perceptive Companion, the pendant features a microphone and camera and "sees what you see and hears what your hear," Lenovo vice president Luca Rossi told reporters.

An interaction with Qira can start via the pendant, continue on a smartphone and end on a laptop, with the agent retaining user context across devices.

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It can summarize the highlights of a user's day, draft and send emails, or even select photos from archives to post on social media.

Lenovo stressed it is not positioning Qira as a rival to Microsoft's Copilot and announced the integration of Copilot into Motorola smartphones.

For major hardware makers, the challenge now is proving the utility of generative AI in everyday applications rather than simply flaunting cutting-edge tech.

Amid lingering geopolitical tensions with Washington, Lenovo was the only Chinese firm to take center stage at CES, choosing Las Vegas's futuristic Sphere venue for its showcase.

Executives emphasized the company's global footprint, with most revenue generated outside China and several top managers from overseas.

tu/spi/abs/mtp
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Patrick T. Fallon)

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Patrick T. Fallon) (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/AFP)

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang described robots as "AI immigrants" on Tuesday, arguing they could solve a global labor shortage that is hampering manufacturing.

Addressing concerns about machines replacing human workers, the leader of the world's dominant AI chip company took the opposite stance.

"Having robots will create jobs," Huang told 200 journalists and analysts during a 90-minute session at a Las Vegas hotel on the sidelines of the CES technology show.

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"We need more AI immigrants to help us on manufacturing floors and do work that maybe we've decided not to do anymore," said Huang, whose off-the-cuff remarks have become a popular CES tradition.

The gathering runs through Friday, with some 130,000 attendees.

Like every year, robots are a major presence at CES, with companies hoping they will break into the mainstream as useful devices instead of novelties.

A "robotics revolution" will compensate for labor losses from aging populations and demographic decline while boosting the economy, Huang argued.

"When the economy grows, we hire more people," he said, sporting his signature black leather jacket.

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Huang, who leads the world's most valuable company at roughly $3.5 trillion, estimated the worker shortage reaches "tens of millions," not thousands, due to demographic shifts.

His comments align with other Silicon Valley leaders, particularly Tesla and SpaceX's Elon Musk, who frequently cite population decline and workforce aging as reasons to embrace automation.

Nvidia is investing heavily in providing the foundational software that can make robots work across multiple industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

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Credit: Future

LG and Samsung have revealed their new OLED TV lineups at CES 2026, and while there have been some big talking points around the flagship models, its the mid-range sets Im most interested in.

The LG C6 serves as the mid-range model for LGs 2026 OLED TV lineup, while the Samsung S90H serves as the mid-range model for the Samsung 2026 OLED TV lineup. The big news from the brands is that LGs C6 will actually come in two different versions, the C6 and C6H, the latter of which uses a new panel (more on that below), while the Samsung S90H will be getting the OLED Glare Free anti-reflection screen usually found in the company's flagship OLED models.

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The mid-range OLED TV battle is always a closely fought one, with LG and Samsung trading the title for best mid-range OLED between them over the past couple of years. In fact, both the LG C5 and Samsung S90F, the C6 and S90Hs respective predecessors, earned five stars from TechRadar last year  so needless to say, these new TVs have big shoes to fill.

As TechRadars TV reviewer Im excited to test both these TVs, but a couple of things may be swaying me towards one over the other  lets get into the details.

LGs upgraded OLED, with a catch

The LG C6H (pictured here at CES 2026) looks great  it's just a shame about the sizes. | Credit: Future

LGs C-series OLED is consistently one of the best TVs every year, delivering excellent picture quality and performance as well as every feature you could ever need, all for a competitive price. Last years LG C5 was another stunning example, but it was tough to ignore the fact that it was very similar to its predecessor, the LG C4  other than some new AI features and a brightness boost it was basically the same TV.

We've had to wait a while for the LG C-series to get a proper shake-up and its finally happened at CES 2026  but not in the way I expected. LG introduced not one, but two versions of its latest C-series model: the LG C6 and the LG C6H.

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The C6H is the TV weve been waiting for for a couple of years now, as its set to come with LGs new Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 panel, which is also going in the LG G6. So the C-series can finally offer that big brightness, contrast and color upgrade weve been waiting for.

But, theres a catch: itll only be available in 77 and 83-inch sizes. For those wanting a smaller TV, the LG C6 will come in 42, 48, 55 and 65-inch sizes, but it comes with the same type of OLED panel as its predecessors.

While the C6H is an exciting prospect, the limited size options feels like a missed opportunity. 77 and 83-inch models arent the most common size, especially here in the UK where Im based, so its a shame that the new Tandem panel isnt coming to the more popular 55 and 65-inch sizes.

Both C6 models will come with the upgraded Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, which is usually reserved for flagship models such as the LG G-series. LG says this will mean faster performance, better AI upscaling including SDR to HDR conversion, and Dolby Atmos Flex Connect support, which features in one of LGs new sound systems. Still though, it would have been nice for all the C6 models to get the new Tandem panel.

More Glare Free for Samsung OLED

OLED Glare Free (pictured here on the Samsung S95F) is coming to Samsung's mid-range OLED, the S90H, for the first time. | Credit: Future

Samsungs OLED Glare Free anti-reflection screen was first introduced in 2024 on the Samsung S95D flagship OLED. It was a revolutionary new step for OLED, as it effectively eliminated mirror-like reflections to make viewing in brighter rooms easier, something that had been a problem for the traditionally glossy and darker OLED TVs.

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In 2025, this was improved on the Samsung S95F, one of 2025s best OLED TVs and TechRadars TV of the Year in 2025. The S95F demonstrated better black-level performance compared to its predecessor, delivering better overall contrast. The Glare Free tech was also introduced into other Samsung TVs, including the five-star Samsung QN90F, our top pick for sports.

For 2026, the Glare Free tech is coming to the mid-range S90H OLED, and this is one big factor that could give it the advantage over the LG C6, which if it's anything like its predecessor the C5, will struggle with reflections  something I found during my testing of the C5. This means the S90H becomes a more budget-friendly Glare Free OLED for daytime and bright-room viewing, which is great news for prospective buyers.

My most anticipated, with a big if

Samsung vs LG is always a tough battle (Samsung S95F pictured left and LG G5 pictured right) | Credit: Future

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Specs-wise, there's not a great deal to separate these two TVs. Both will carry feature sets that are up there with the best gaming TVs, and will have powerful processors with plenty of AI picture- and sound-enhancing features. So really it comes down to the screen.

Between LG and Samsung, my most anticipated TV should have been the LG C6H thanks to the introduction of the new Primary RGB Tandem panel, but the limited sizes has dampened my excitement a bit. Im still looking forward to testing both it and the LG C6, thanks to the new processor, but LG had just launched one model encompassing all the upgrades, in a good range of sizes, it would have been my top pick.

Im a fan of OLED Glare Free, and the fact that this is coming to the mid-range S90H is a game changer for that price range, so that's my most anticipated mid-range OLED  for now. That's because I'm hoping more sizes of the S90H will have a QD-OLED panel compared to last year's S90F, of which only the 65-inch model was guaranteed this panel.

If Samsung can bring QD-OLED and Glare Free to most of the S90H lineup (we wouldnt expect it in the 42, 48 and 83-inch models however) then it may just de-throne the LG C-series as the best mid-range OLED. Either way, Im itching to get my hands on all these TVs.

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TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And dont forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!
New year, new Starship.

SpaceX could soon debut from South Texas a more advanced and powerful version of its mammoth spacecraft known as Starship.

Nearly three months have gone by since billionaire Elon Musk's company launched the world's largest rocket from its Starbase headquarters in Cameron County. The October mission, the fifth and final of 2025, helped SpaceX cap off a year that began with a series of explosive failures with a victorious sendoff for the Starship prototype known as Version 2.

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When will Version 3 thunder into the sky on its maiden voyage?

Liftoff could be coming in the weeks ahead  kicking off a pivotal year for Starship as SpaceX looks to hit several crucial milestones while staying on schedule to be part of NASA's first human moon landing since the vaunted Apollo era. Musk's commercial spaceflight company also has plans to launch the megarocket in Florida in 2026 amid plans to expand wider Starship operations to the state.

Here's everything to know about a Starship mission known as flight 12  coming after 11 previous demonstrations from Texas  as well as the latest on a Florida debut.

Spaceflight in 2026: 6 missions ahead in 2026, from NASA moon launch to SpaceX Starship

When is Starship's next launch? What to know about date

SpaceX, which has not announced a target launch date for its next Starship test  known as flight 12  appears to be making progress in preparing the vehicle for liftoff.

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A launch date for Starship is not included in the Federal Aviation Administration's operations plan advisory as of Wednesday, Jan. 7. But multiple websites that track rocket launches suggest SpaceX could be working toward getting the rocket off the ground in January.

Where does Starship launch in Texas? What to know about Starbase

SpaceX conducts Starship test flights from Starbase, its company town and headquarters located in Cameron County, Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border.

What is SpaceX's Starship? How tall is it?

Standing at more than 400 feet tall when fully stacked, Starship is regarded as the largest and most powerful launch vehicle in the world.

SpaceX's previous Starship model, known as Version 2, was composed of both a lower-stage 232-foot Super Heavy booster that provided the initial burst of thrust at liftoff, as well as the 171-foot upper stage Starship, the spacecraft where crew and cargo would ride.

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SpaceX is developing Starship to be a fully reusable transportation system, meaning the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions.

In the years ahead, Starship is due to help NASA astronauts land on the moon under the U.S. space agency's Artemis program. Musk also has dreams of Starship being the vehicle that transports the first humans to Mars.

What happened with Starship in 2025?

SpaceX conducted five Starship flight tests in 2025, the first three of which ended in disaster when the vehicle met a premature fiery demise before completing many key objectives.

But SpaceX ended 2025 on a high note, with its final two Starship launches of the year in August and October being inarguable successes.

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The most recent Starship test, taking place Oct. 13, was also the final flight for that iteration of the rocket, known as Version 2.

What's next for SpaceX, Starship in 2026?

SpaceX's next prototype of Starship, known as Version 3, is expected to make its debut in 2026.

If all goes to plan, Version 3 (V3) could be the Starship model to reach orbit and also refuel its upper stage midflight. Having the capability to refuel in orbit is necessary for Starship to reach distant destinations like Mars.

But SpaceX also has a challenge on its hands in the year ahead in maintaining a lucrative contract with NASA to be part of the U.S. space agency's first human lunar landing in more than half-a-century.

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In October, NASA's then-Acting Administrator Sean Duffy indicated the agency would consider lunar lander plans from SpaceX's rivals. Amid a heated space race to return humans to the moon, NASA officials have expressed concern that SpaceX has fallen behind schedule in preparing Starship to be ready in time for an astronaut mission known as Artemis 3.

Duffy, though, has since been replaced by Jared Isaacman, a close associate of Musk's who in December was sworn in as NASA's full-time administrator.

When will SpaceX's Starship launch from Florida?

Florida's first landmark Starship launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center could take flight in early- to mid-2026.

Plans to get the rocket off the ground from the Sunshine State also come as SpaceX continues to ready long-term launch and landing operations at not only KSC's Launch Complex 39A, but Launch Complex 37 at the neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

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Contributing: Brooke Edwards, FLORIDA TODAY

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Will SpaceX launch Starship in 2026 from Florida? What to know
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A Razer AI Desk Companion sits on display at the Razer booth during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/Ty ONeill

Crowds flooded the freshly opened showroom floors on Day 2 of the CES and were met by thousands of robots, AI companions, assistants, health longevity tech, wearables and more.

Siemens President and CEO Roland Busch kicked off the day with a keynote detailing how its customers are harnessing artificial intelligence to transform their businesses. He was joined onstage by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to announce an expanded partnership, saying they are launching a new AI-driven industrial revolution to reinvent all aspects of manufacturing, production and supply chain management.

Lenovo ended the day with a guest star-rich visual banquet dedicated to spotlighting how its AI platforms can help people personally (wearables), with their businesses (enterprise platforms) and the world around them. To strike home his points, its CEO Yang Yuanqing was joined by tech superstars like Nvidia's Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

The CES is a huge opportunity annually for companies large and small to parade products they plan to put on shelves this year. Here are the highlights from Day 2:

People wait for the opening of the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher

Razer leans into AI

Gaming tech company Razer is well known for bringing buzz-worthy hardware to CES, like haptic, or tactile, seat cushions and tri-screen laptops.

This year, it's reaching beyond its standard gaming base and demonstrating two AI-powered prototypesan over-ear gaming headset that doubles as a general-purpose assistant, and an AI desk companion that can provide gaming advice and also organize a user's life.

The holographic companion, based on a Razor on-screen AI assistant launched last year (Project Ava), has transitioned off-screen into a small glass tube that sits near your computer. The animated sprite has built-in speakers and a camera so it can see the world around it.

Both devices are AI agnostic, so you can use your preferred model. For the demo, the headsetProject Motokoran on OpenAI's ChatGPT. Project Ava worked off xAI's Grok. Although still in development, Razer said it expects both to be released commercially later this year.

Hisense companion robots sit on display during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Robots on the tarmac

Imagine your plane lands and, when you look out the window you see autonomous robots guiding it to the gate and then unloading the luggage. Oshkosh Corporation is pitching that future for airports big and small.

At CES, it debuted a fleet of autonomous airport robots designed to help airlines pull off what it calls "the perfect turn"a tightly timed process that happens after a plane lands, including fueling, cleaning, handling cargo and getting passengers off and back on.

For travelers, CEO John Pfeifer says the goal is fewer delays without compromising safety. The technology is also designed to keep those tarmac tasks moving even during severe weather, like winter storms or extreme heat, when conditions are daunting for human crews, Pfeifer said. Testing with major airlines is already underway, and the robots would likely debut at large hub airports like Atlanta or Dallas, with a goal of rolling them out over the next few years.

A Linker Hand L6 from LINKERBOT sits on display during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr

The vacuum that can climb stairs

Chinese robovac maker Roborock has introduced a vacuum that literally sprouts chicken-like legs to navigate stairs and clean steps along the way.

The newly introduced Saros Rover was a tad slow in its ascent and descent (but it was cleaning each step) during the demo, but Roborock says it will be able to traverse almost any style of stairwell, including spiraled. No release date was given for the Rover, which the company says is still in development.

The Body Scan scale gets an upgrade

While it may look like a typical scale you'd buy for your bathroom, Withings' new Body Scan 2 measures much more than weight. Taking off their shoes and socks, people lined up to try out the "smart scale" that in 90 seconds measures 60 different biomarkers, including their heart age, vascular age and their metabolism using the pads of their feet and hands.

The $600 scale, which will be available for purchase in the spring, also provides a nerve health score and measures changes in someone's electrodermal activity, or the skin's electrical properties due to sweat gland activity. The smart scale and a corresponding app, which costs $10 a month or $100 a year, provide personalized advice and a health trajectory for its users. The French company's goals are to help people monitor their health and reverse bad habits to promote longevity.

An AiMe Land sits on display at the TCL booth during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr

A man looks through the doors of a Zoox vehicle during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher

An Insta 360 X5 sits on display during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Fusion energy research gets a little support from Nvidia, Siemens

Commonwealth Fusion Systems, NVIDIA and Siemens announced Tuesday that they are working together to use AI to hasten making nuclear fusion a new source of carbon-free energy.

In Massachusetts, Commonwealth Fusion Systems is building a prototype fusion power plant called SPARC, which is about 70% complete. Through the new partnership, it will create a "digital twin," or online simulation, of the physical machine.

CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard said it will ask questions of the simulation to speed up progress on the physical machine and rapidly analyze data, compressing years of manual experimentation into weeks of understanding.

SPARC is a prototype for the company's first planned power plant, called ARC, that is meant to connect to the grid in the early 2030s. The device will use very strong magnets to create conditions for fusion to happen. Mumgaard also said CFS's first high-temperature superconducting magnet has been installed in SPARC.

 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang described robots as "AI immigrants" on Tuesday, arguing they could solve a global labor shortage that is hampering manufacturing.

Addressing concerns about machines replacing human workers, the leader of the world's dominant AI chip company took the opposite stance.

"Having robots will create jobs," Huang told 200 journalists and analysts during a 90-minute session at a Las Vegas hotel on the sidelines of the CES technology show.

"We need more AI immigrants to help us on manufacturing floors and do work that maybe we've decided not to do anymore," said Huang, whose off-the-cuff remarks have become a popular CES tradition.

The gathering runs through Friday, with some 130,000 attendees.

Like every year, robots are a major presence at CES, with companies hoping they will break into the mainstream as useful devices instead of novelties.

A "robotics revolution" will compensate for labor losses from aging populations and demographic decline while boosting the economy, Huang argued.

"When the economy grows, we hire more people," he said, sporting his signature black leather jacket.

Huang, who leads the world's most valuable company at roughly $3.5 trillion, estimated the worker shortage reaches "tens of millions," not thousands, due to demographic shifts.

His comments align with other Silicon Valley leaders, particularly Tesla and SpaceX's Elon Musk, who frequently cite population decline and workforce aging as reasons to embrace automation.

Nvidia is investing heavily in providing the foundational software that can make robots work across multiple industries, including manufacturing, retail, and health care.

 2026 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Synergy of ion-enhanced and surface adsorbed HF/H 2 O for etching. Credit: Shih-Nan Hsiao

After more than a decade of research and development, Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. has introduced an innovative semiconductor etching method that achieves etch rates up to five times faster than conventional processes. Now, a collaborative research team from Nagoya University and the company has examined the underlying etching mechanisms responsible for this enhanced performance.

This new method employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride (HF) at very low temperatures. In contrast to conventional fluorocarbon etching gases, which have high global warming potentials (GWPs), HF has a substantially lower GWP.

The study demonstrated that this process significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency, particularly for etching complex three-dimensional (3D) structures in advanced devices, such as gate-all-around (GAA) transistors and 3D NAND flash memory chips. The findings were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

Challenges in semiconductor etching technology

Semiconductor etching is an essential chip-manufacturing process that selectively removes material from a wafer surface to form precise circuit patterns. Reactive ion etching technologies have played a pivotal role in wafer fabrication through synergistic reactions between chemical gases and ions.

However, ongoing miniaturization of semiconductor devices poses substantial challenges for etching techniques, especially in delivering chemical species deep into complex 3D structures with high aspect ratios, where the depth is much greater than the width. These difficulties have led to a considerable decrease in "etching throughput," the amount of etching work done in a particular period of time.

To address these challenges, a Nagoya University research team, led by Professors Shih-Nan Hsiao and Masaru Hori of the Center for Low-temperature Plasma Sciences, collaborated with Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd., a manufacturer of plasma etching equipment, to verify that this new etching process mechanism significantly enhances throughput.

Breakthroughs in low-temperature plasma etching

Previous studies have indicated that cooling the substrate to ultra-low temperatures substantially increases etch rates in silicon-based materials, such as silicon dioxide (SiO) films. Furthermore, it has been suggested that co-absorption of HF and the etching reaction product, water (HO), significantly enhances surface reactions at very low temperatures.

"However, precise synergistic interactions between HF ions, surface-adsorbed HF and HO, and the material surface being etched for cryogenic plasma etching remain unclear," stated Professor Hsiao. "Therefore, we assessed the performance of etching SiO films using HF plasma at very low temperatures."

The researchers cooled the semiconductor substrate to 60C and then exposed it to an HF plasma. They observed that both HF and HO adsorbed onto the SiO surface and found that HO acts as a catalyst, reducing the etching activation barrier to nearly zero.

The study also demonstrated that increasing ion irradiation energy promotes the generation of HO, which subsequently adsorbs onto the surface, accelerating a self-catalytic cycle that attracts HF. Interestingly, this process, referred to as an ion-enhanced surface autocatalytic reaction, resulted in an exponential increase in the film etching rate per unit of ion energy.

Implications for industry and sustainability

The study confirmed that this new process achieves an etching throughput for SiO films approximately 100 times greater than that attained under conventional room-temperature and low-ion-energy conditions.

"Furthermore, the use of HF plasma instead of conventional fluorocarbon gases, which typically exhibit high global warming potentials, eliminates the carbon footprint associated with the etching process," stated Professor Hsiao.

"Through this industry collaboration, we are advancing verification in an environment similar to actual manufacturing equipment. We aim to apply this process to semiconductor manufacturing lines and extend its use to broader production processes."

More information: Shih-Nan Hsiao et al, Revolutionizing reactive ion etching: ion-enhanced surface autocatalytic reactions enabling ultra-high throughput using cryogenic hydrogen-fluoride plasma, Chemical Engineering Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.167517 Journal information: Chemical Engineering Journal
History was written on January 3, 2026, when US special forces executed a daring operation to capture Nicolas Maduro, the long-standing dictator of Venezuela. For Maria Corina Machado, the country's fierce opposition leader, this moment was not just a political victory but a vindication of her faith in American intervention.

Speaking from hiding, where she has defied the regime for months, Machado declared that she would 'love' to personally hand her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump, crediting his administration with achieving what many deemed impossible.

Machado, who was awarded the prestigious honour last October for her relentless struggle against authoritarianism, told Fox News' Sean Hannity that the operation marked 'the day justice defeated tyranny.' Her praise for the US President was unequivocal.

'Let me be very clear,' she said. 'As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to Trump because I knew at that point, he deserved it. And a lot of people, most people, said it was impossible to achieve what he has just done on Saturday, January 3rd. And so, I believe he deserved it.'

Machado Ready To Share Nobel Peace Prize With Trump

The symbolism of Machado's offer is potent. While she has not spoken to Trump directly since 10 Octoberthe day her Nobel win was announcedshe expressed a heartfelt desire to meet him.

'It hasn't happened yet, but I would certainly love to be able to personally tell him that we, the Venezuelan peoplebecause this is a prize of the Venezuelan peoplecertainly want to give it to him and share it with him,' she explained.

For Machado, the capture of Maduro is more than a strategic win; it is a moral triumph. 'It's a milestone, and it's not only huge for the Venezuelan people and our future, I think it's a huge step for humanity, for freedom, and human dignity,' she added.

However, the geopolitical reality on the ground remains complex. Despite the successful extraction of Maduro, Washington has stopped short of handing the keys of Miraflores Palace to Machado.

In a conversation with the New York Post on Sunday, President Trump expressed doubts about her political viability, stating he was 'not sure' she had 'the support of the people that she has to have'.

CIA Intelligence Favours Regime Stability Over Machado

The decision to leave governance in the hands of the existing establishment appears to be driven by cold calculation. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, CIA assessments concluded that Machado would struggle to assert control over a state apparatus that has been moulded by chavismo for decades.

Intelligence analysts warned that she would likely face violent resistance from entrenched paramilitary groups still loyal to the old guard.

Consequently, Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president and a key figure in the regime, was sworn in as interim president on Monday. The CIA reportedly determined that Rodriguez was better positioned to maintain order in the volatile aftermath of the coup, a move that prioritises stability over a total democratic overhaul.

Meanwhile, in New York, the drama continued in a Manhattan courtroom. Nicolas Maduro, now facing charges of narco-terrorism, made a defiant first appearance in chains. The toppled autocrat claimed he had been 'kidnapped' by US forces and protested his innocence, shouting, 'I am a decent man.'

As the legal proceedings against him begin, the future of Venezuela remains balanced on a knife-edge, with its most prominent champion of democracy still waiting in the wings.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
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A research breakthrough opens up for efficient hydrogen production from solar energywithout using the scarce metal platinum. In a reactor at a chemistry laboratory at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, bubbles of hydrogen gas can be easily seen with the naked eye as they formshowing that photocatalysis is happening efficiently. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Hallerod Palmgren

A research team led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has presented a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the scarce and expensive metal platinum. Using sunlight, water and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic, the researchers show how the hydrogen can be produced efficiently, sustainably and at low cost.

Hydrogen plays a key role in the global pursuit of renewable energy. Although its use produces only water as a by-product, significant challenges remain before hydrogen can be produced both on a large scale and in an environmentally friendly way.

A major challenge is the use of the metal platinum as a co-catalyst when sunlight and water are used to produce hydrogen. Earth's reserves of platinum are limited, and extraction is associated with risks to both the environment and to human health. Moreover, the production is concentrated in only a few countries, for example, South Africa and Russia.

In a new study, published in Advanced Materials, a research team led by Professor Ergang Wang at Chalmers, shows how solar energy can be used to produce hydrogen gas efficientlyand completely without platinum.

A research breakthrough opens up for efficient hydrogen production from solar energywithout using the scarce metal platinum. In a reactor at a chemistry laboratory at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, bubbles of hydrogen gas can easily be seen with the naked eye as they formshowing that photocatalysis is happening efficiently. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Hallerod Palmgren

The process, Chalmers researcher Alexandre Holmes explains, involves quantities of tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic. Immersed in water, the particles interact both with sunlight and with their surroundings.

"Developing efficient photocatalysts without platinum has been a long-standing dream in this field. By applying advanced materials design to our conducting-plastic particles, we can produce hydrogen efficiently and sustainably without platinumat radically lower cost, and with performance that can even surpass platinum-based systems," says Holmes, who together with Jingwen Pan from Jiefang Zhu's group at Uppsala University, is the joint first author of the paper.

Cured fear of water behind the success

Efforts to overcome the platinum bottleneck have been underway for several years in Wang's research group at Chalmers.

The key to the new approach lies in advanced materials design of the electrically conductive plastic used in the process. This type of plastic, known as conjugated polymers, absorbs light efficiently, but is typically less compatible with water.

New research advances open the door to efficient hydrogen production from solar energywithout using the scarce metal platinum. In the reactor at a chemistry laboratory at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, it is easy to see with the naked eye how hydrogen gas is formed through photocatalysis. When a lamp, simulating sunlight, is directed at a beaker of water containing nanoparticles of electrically conductive plastic, small hydrogen gas bubbles almost immediately begin to rise through the water. The gas is then guided through tubes to a hydrogen storage container, where the amount of hydrogen produced can be read in real time. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Hallerod Palmgren

By adjusting the material properties at the molecular level, the researchers made the material much more water compatible.

"We also developed a way to form the plastic into nanoparticles that can enhance the interactions with water and boost the light-to-hydrogen process. The improvement comes from more loosely packed, more hydrophilic polymer chains inside the particles," says Holmes.

In the reactor at the chemistry laboratory at Chalmers, bubbles of hydrogen gas can be easily seen with the naked eye as they formshowing that photocatalysis is happening efficiently.

When a lamp with simulated sunlight is directed at a beaker of water containing the nanoparticles, small bubbles of hydrogen gas almost immediately begin to form and rise through the water. The bubbles are collected and guided through tubes to a storage container, and the amount of gas produced can be monitored in real time.

Specially designed nanoparticles of electrically conductive plastic (here in water) are a key ingredient in the researchers' new recipe for how hydrogen from solar energy can be produced efficiently without the expensive scarce metal platinum. The nanoparticles interact with the light around them, causing them to absorb different colors and take on all the shades of the rainbow. Through advanced material design, a research team, led by Chalmers, has changed the properties of the plastic and its nanoparticles in water, which greatly improves the chemical process when hydrogen is produced from sunlight. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Hallerod Palmgren

"With as little as one gram of the polymer material, we can produce 30 liters of hydrogen in one hour," says Holmes.

Not only that, a recently published breakthrough from research colleagues at Chalmers shows that the electrically conductive plastic can also be produced without the use of harmful chemicals and in a much more cost-effective way.

Avoiding another expensive ingredient: Vitamin C

The next major step for Wang's group will be to make the hydrogen process work using only sunlight and water, without any added helper chemicals.

Currently, they use vitamin C, which acts as a so-called sacrificial antioxidant. By donating electrons, it prevents the reaction from stalling, which in the laboratory can show high hydrogen production rates.

To realize truly sustainable solar hydrogen, Professor Wang explains, the goal is to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously, with sunlight and water as the only inputs.

Alexandre Holmes is a postdoctoral researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and one of the lead authors of a study published in Advanced Materials . Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Hallerod Palmgren

The work of exploring how hydrogen can be produced both efficiently and environmentally sustainablywithout platinumhas been led for several years by Professor Ergang Wang at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Anna-Lena Lundqvist

Electrically conductive plastic is also known as conjugated polymers. Conjugated polymers are semiconducting materials analogous to inorganic semiconductors such as silicon. This semiconducting nature makes it possible to manufacture a new type of technologyorganic electronicswhich can be used in many different areas such as energy conversion and storage, wearable electronics, electronic textiles and biotechnology in connection with or near the body. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Henrik Sandsjo

"Removing the need for platinum in this system is an important step towards sustainable hydrogen production for society. Now we are starting to explore materials and strategies aimed at achieving overall water splitting without additives. That will need a few more years, but we believe we are on the right track," says research leader Ergang Wang, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.

More information: Alexandre Holmes et al, Highly Efficient PlatinumFree Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution From Lowcost Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles, Advanced Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202507702 Journal information: Advanced Materials
(TBTCO) - Thi truong chung khoan nam 2025 khep lai voi muc tang manh cua VN-Index, nhung a i len cua thi truong khong lan toa ong eu, khi su phan hoa giua cac nhom co phieu ngay cang ro net. Boi canh nay at ra yeu cau cao hon ve chon loc va quan tri rui ro tren thi truong chung khoan trong giai oan tiep theo.
The World Bank Group has officially opened its new, energy-efficient offices here, which will serve as the hub for its Caribbean operations.

The building brings the Banks Caribbean team together in one physical space, which will strengthen the institutions presence and support in Jamaica and the wider region.
Trillions of dollars hang in the balance of two questions that dominated this year and loom perilously large over the next. Will the artificial intelligence bubble burst? and Will China beat the US?

Searching for answers is the theme of this years book recommendations from Bloomberg Opinions technology columnists. Weve chosen a list that sets the intellectual table for the tech year ahead: new books with the latest insights, established ones with renewed relevance and even instructive fiction.

Now into its third year, the list shows the shift in the tech spheres collective mood. In 2023, the first full year of ChatGPTs availability, the picks leaned into the unnerving sense of unknown surrounding AIs impact and its existential threat. Last year, as tech company valuations started to head toward the stratosphere, the chosen books examined societal questions of industrial revolutions, corporate power and fears over who might be left behind.

In 2025, looking to the past may not provide all the answers about an AI bubble, but itll offer some invaluable clues.

Dave Lee is Bloombergs US technology columnist, based in New York. Parmy Olson covers AI and the tech industry from London and is the author of Supremacy. Catherine Thorbecke is Bloombergs Asia tech columnist, based in Tokyo.

"Breakneck: Chinas Quest to Engineer the Future"

by Dan Wang (2025)

China is run by engineers, and America is run by lawyers. Thats tech analyst Dan Wangs disarmingly simple yet eye-opening thesis. It explains how Beijing was able to connect the nation with high-speed rail, while Californias project has been endlessly delayed.

After all, engineers get stuff done  a virtue when building bridges, skyscrapers and train lines but a potential catastrophe when the same mindset is applied to social policy. And lawyers tend to proceed more cautiously.

My favorite parts of the book are Wangs portraits of his travels across the mainland. They offer a ground-level view, rarely available to American readers, of a country Washington increasingly casts as its chief geopolitical nemesis. Yet no two people are more alike, Wang argues, than Americans and Chinese. From their can-do attitudes to their unabashed materialism, the cultures have more in common than their governments might like to admit.  Catherine Thorbecke

'Dot.Con: The Greatest Story Ever Sold"

by John Cassidy (2002)

Why a forensic account of the dot-com crash might be useful as we head into 2026 doesnt need any explaining. Yet John Cassidys entertaining post mortem makes the stark differences between that moment and todays speculative AI bubble equally clear, too.

Cassidy, a British-American journalist and staff writer at The New Yorker, describes the coalescence of forces that both created the bubble around internet stocks and led to its collapse. No single factor  be it venture capitalists, Wall Street, the press or the Federal Reserve  is let off the hook, nor entirely blamed. Reading this 25 years after the events it describes does, of course, bring a sense of dark foreboding.  Dave Lee

"The Curious Case of Mike Lynch"

by Katie Prescott (2025)

Even in the eccentric world of tech billionaires, Mike Lynch was an odd character. His cautionary tale, which culminated in a $5 billion lawsuit, is especially handy in the middle of an AI bubble.

The founder of $11 billion software firm Autonomy, Lynch refused to fix his teeth or improve his drab sense of dress as he grew wealthy. He served cheap wine from the local grocery store to guests at his English countryside manor. He collected model trains and his favorite phrase was, Always bring a gun to a knife fight.

But as press criticism and competitive pressures rose, his ambition turned into aggressive sales tactics and shady financial reporting, which the book lays out in forensic detail. That led his companys acquirer, Hewlett-Packard, to sue for alleged fraud. The tale ends in a tragic irony when Lynch dies in a freak accident on his yacht. Hed been celebrating his acquittal.  Parmy Olson

"Technology and the Rise of Great Powers"

by Jeffrey Ding (2024)

If you want to understand who might win the AI race, start by looking backward. In this deeply researched text, political science professor Jeffrey Ding does exactly that. He charts how past GPTs  in this case, thats general purpose technologies  have shaped the rise and fall of empires.

The tech world tends to obsess over big breakthroughs and which nation lands them first. But Ding argues its the far less glamorous work of spreading a technology across an economy that ultimately determines who pulls ahead.

From Britains rise as the dominant economic power after the first Industrial Revolution to Japans missteps in the information age, his data-packed historical analysis is dense but rewarding. And as todays AI arms race accelerates, his point is hard to ignore: Diffusion, not discovery, may prove the real battleground. Dings framework culminates in a stark warning for policymakers that they may not even be running the race that matters.  Catherine Thorbecke

"Parallel Worlds"

by Michio Kaku (2006)

Several episodes of Star Trek have used wormholes as plot devices, and lo and behold, they might really exist as shortcuts through spacetime, according to renowned theoretical physicist Michio Kaku.

Tech dabblers who enjoy a bit of science fiction will get a kick out of this highly accessible introduction to our universe, including its rapid expansion and potential parallel versions. The books best feature is its storytelling, which dips into the surprisingly dramatic lives of physics icons from Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein.

William Shatner, the actor who played Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, openly wept in 2021 after returning from a private space flight and later explained hed been terrified looking out at the bleak expanse of space and our tiny place in it. Reading this book is similarly humbling.  Parmy Olson

"The Dream Hotel"

by Laila Lalami (2025)

I feel the same way about dystopian tech novels that I imagine a doctor feels watching ER: Only the smallest lack of realism will snap me out of the plot. I have no such qualms with Laila Lalamis The Dream Hotel. Its a vivid portrayal of how data could be used to imprison any of us.

The story follows Sara Hussein, a Moroccan American detained at Los Angeles International Airport after an algorithm determined she was at an elevated risk of killing her husband. She is told the holistic system drew from hundreds of sources and indicators to make its determination.

Such blending together of immense data sets lies at the heart of some of Silicon Valleys most ambitious companies today  with law enforcement and the military already some of the keenest clients. I'm not terribly optimistic that regulation is going to keep up, Lalami told me earlier this year. Her book is a compelling warning of whats in store if our digital freedoms erode even further.  Dave Lee

____

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Dave Lee is Bloomberg Opinion's US technology columnist. He was previously a correspondent for the Financial Times and BBC News.

Parmy Olson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology. A former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, she is author of Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World.

Catherine Thorbecke is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia tech. Previously she was a tech reporter at CNN and ABC News.
Top water officials from the seven Colorado River Basin states will return to the negotiating table next week, reportedly in sequestered fashion, to try to make headway over how to cut water use.

Starting Monday, the negotiators will meet for four days in Salt Lake City, sources said, and two people familiar with the long-stalled talks say attendance will be sharply or at least unusually limited.

Federal officials are convening the seven-state meeting after a missed deadline in November in the long stalemate over how to deal with the oversubscribed, dwindling river. The U.S. Interior Department, which typically runs the negotiating sessions, has told the states it wants an agreement among them by Feb. 14. If that doesn't happen, Reclamation Commissioner Scott Cameron has said he'll consider imposing a solution on the states.

The new talks will come slightly less than a month since the basin state representatives and more than 1,700 other participants adjourned the annual Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas with no agreement in sight.

One source said attendance next week will be limited to only the lead negotiators from the seven states, including Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke, who also serves as the state's Colorado River commissioner.

Often at these meetings, the state representatives are accompanied by staffers from their departments, attorneys for various agencies and other experts. They are there to offer advice and important background to the main negotiators.

But some officials and outside observers have expressed concern the additional participants can unduly influence negotiators by raising either legal or political concerns about whatever kind of deal they're discussing in the private sessions.

Other outsiders, including some environmental activists and academics, say, however, that keeping the meetings closed limits transparency over a critically important issue. The meetings themselves have long been closed to the public, on the grounds that allows negotiators to discuss their positions more candidly.

The purpose of sequestering the basin state representatives now would be "just to promote real concentration in the room," one source familiar with the talks said. Both he and the other source requested anonymity to preserve their access to the negotiators, who have generally declined to discuss specifics of the talks.

"The hope is that maybe without some of the others there, there will be less animus, and it will calm down some of the partisanship," the first source said.

The other source said attendance at the meeting would indeed be significantly reduced but that would amount to allowing maybe 15 people in the sessions instead of the usual 30.

Competing interests

The negotiating sessions, lasting more than two years, have deadlocked largely over the issue of whether just the Lower Basin states or both basins' states will have to take cuts.

The Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada have agreed to shoulder the first round of cuts alone. But once reservoir levels drop below a certain point, they have said they want the Upper Basin states to share the forthcoming cuts equally. The Upper Basin states are Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

The Upper Basin states have refused to accept any mandatory cuts in their water use although they've offered to consider some voluntary reductions. They say the Lower Basin states are overusing their legal share of the river water while the Upper basin states  which have far fewer people  have used less than their share.

The Lower Basin states have said it's not fair for them to have to swallow all the cuts alone and that they won't accept an agreement that doesn't require mandatory cutbacks in both basins.

It has long been a matter of negotiation over how many people can sit in the room during the sessions, a third source familiar with the negotiations said.

"But whether seven or 15 people can emerge with a 'deal" that they will stick to is a very open question," said that source who also requested anonymity.

A spokesman for Buschatzke said the director won't comment on the specifics of meeting dates or locations. He did tell KJZZ radio in Phoenix last week, however, that he has seen some "movement" in the negotiations, particularly over the question of how much water should be released at what times of the year from Lake Powell to Lake Mead.

The states need to reach an agreement over a plan to operate the river and its reservoirs by the end of 2026. That's when the current plan, approved back in 2007, expires.

"I think there is a chance we can get to a deal by Feb. 14, but a deal next week is unlikely," an Arizona official said, asking that their name not be used. "But we need to see movement and compromise from our partners" in the Upper Basin.

The states need to cut their water use because both in 2024 and in 2025 the basin's cities, farms and industries took about 3.6 million acre-feet more from the Colorado than came into the river naturally from runoff.

That amount of water is more than both the Central Arizona Project and Southern California's Metropolitan Water District use, combined, in a single year. The CAP delivers water to the Tucson and Phoenix areas, while Metropolitan serves water to six Southern California counties.
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives, Youssef Al-Agouri, has spoken with the Consul General of Greece in Libya, Athanasios Anastopoulos, on ways to strengthen joint coordination and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing issues of common interest and contributing to the maintenance of security and stability in the region
The Snow Mountain statue (Tuyet Son) at Keo Pagoda in Hung Yen is one of Vietnams most extraordinary and mysterious sculptures.

Nearly 400 years since it was created, the statue remains almost completely intact - a sacred echo of the countrys artistic and spiritual heritage.

Keo Pagoda, formally known as Than Quang Tu, sits peacefully in Vu Tien commune on the banks of the Red River.

Its tranquil setting, coupled with classical Northern Vietnamese architectural features, has made it one of the most famous ancient temples in the country.

In 2012, it was officially recognized as a Special National Monument by the Prime Minister.

Keo Pagoda is not just a place of worship for Buddha and bodhisattvas - it is also dedicated to the revered monk Duong Khong Lo.

Born Duong Minh Nghiem in 1016 in Ninh Binh, Khong Lo was known for his wisdom, piety, and early devotion to Buddhism.

He studied with other great monks like Giac Hai and Tu Dao Hanh and traveled to India (known then as Tay Truc) in search of sacred scriptures.

He later established the Nghiem Quang Pagoda in 1061 and was appointed National Monk by the Ly dynasty.

After his death in 1094, the temple was renamed Than Quang to honor his contributions.

Over the centuries, the temple experienced both glory and destruction.

In 1611, a massive flood swept away the original structure.

Reconstruction efforts were led by local leader Hoang Nhan Dung and his wife Lai Thi Ngoc Le during the Le-Trinh era.

The Trinh Lord at the time donated 100 ironwood beams (lim trees), and the local community provided the rest.

Architect Nguyen Van Tru, also known as Cuong Dung Hau, designed the complex.

He directed 42 guilds of craftsmen, completing the project in just 28 months, by November 1632.

Since then, the pagoda has stood for nearly four centuries, retaining the distinctive Le Trung Hung architectural style.

Today, Keo Pagoda spans 5.8 hectares, with 17 distinct buildings and 128 chambers.

Its layout follows a traditional interior square, exterior round feng shui design, with a central north-south axis connecting the outer gate to the towering bell tower.

The inner gate, or tam quan noi, is adorned with finely carved dragon motifs from the Le dynasty - a rare and impressive artistic feat.

Among the most iconic structures is the 11.04-meter bell tower made entirely of ironwood using interlocking joints.

Its 12 gracefully curved roofs earned it the record as Vietnams tallest ancient wooden bell tower, as certified by Guinness Vietnam.

Yet, nestled inside this architectural marvel is an even rarer treasure: the Snow Mountain statue.

The statue depicts a deeply emaciated Siddhartha Gautama (later Buddha), during his six-year ascetic journey before achieving enlightenment.

According to tradition, during this time, he consumed only a single grain of rice and sesame seed per day, dedicating himself to meditation in search of human liberation.

The sculpture captures this moment of self-denial, with bones visible beneath skin - a haunting symbol of discipline and transcendence.

What makes the statue even more remarkable is how it was made.

Unlike typical devotional figures crafted from wood, bronze, or stone, the Snow Mountain statue was formed from a special organic mixture.

Folk knowledge describes the materials as a blend of handmade paper, limewater, soot, molasses, and ash.

These components, though simple, were combined in a precise ratio - a secret known only to the original artisans, now lost to time.

Despite the perishable nature of these ingredients, the statue has endured nearly four centuries with astonishing resilience.

Its preservation is a testament to the sculptors genius, blending alchemical skill with religious devotion.

The Snow Mountain statue is not just a sacred object - it is a convergence of philosophy, aesthetics, and technical mastery.

Its story speaks of Buddhist perseverance, Vietnamese creativity, and the reverence of generations who have preserved it.

Today, local authorities are preparing a formal application for the statue to be designated as a National Treasure.

Such recognition would join two other artifacts at Keo Pagoda already holding this title: the intricately carved dragon doors of the inner gate and a ceremonial altar from the 17th century.

What defines a national treasure is not just age or rarity, but its ability to reflect a civilizations soul.

The Snow Mountain statue at Keo Pagoda does precisely that.

Keo Pagoda is one of Vietnams most renowned ancient temples.

The bell tower at Keo Pagoda, Vietnams tallest historic wooden structure.

The Snow Mountain statue remains nearly intact after 400 years.

The crafting technique behind the statue is lost to history.

Local authorities are seeking National Treasure status for the statue.

Tinh Le
Eco firelighters made from rice straw. Photo: Courtesy of the founder

Nguyen Xuan Tai, inspired by a photo shared by a foreign friend of a firelighter product, turned to YouTube to learn more. From there, a new concept sparked into life.

He decided to create a product called Eco Firelighter, made from rice straw. According to Tai, straw is soft, porous, and highly flammable - the perfect material for kindling. More importantly, its a widely available agricultural by-product in Vietnam, often treated as waste and burned.

Most firelighters are made from wood shavings or paper pulp. These are commonly sold and used in Northern Europe and North America. What makes our product different is that its made from straw - thats our competitive edge, Tai told VietNamNet.

In 2018, he designed the production line himself and opened a workshop in his hometown in Thanh Hoa province. He established Ulstraw Joint Stock Company - a combination of ultra and straw - to highlight the products uniqueness.

According to the production process, straw is sourced from farmers or middlemen, with moisture levels below 20%. Its then shredded, mixed with wax in a specific ratio, and pressed into molds. Once hardened, the mixture is cut into uniformly sized firelighters and packaged.

Ulstraws straw-based firelighters were officially launched in 2020 and can burn for up to 13 minutes. However, sales were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the end of 2023, the startup entered the Social Business Creation competition in Canada. This contest required participants to propose business solutions to urgent social issues, with large enough markets to ensure impact.

Tais product met the criteria by tackling waste from rice production, reducing the harmful practice of field burning, and conserving wood resources typically used in firelighter production. The project won Best Social Business Startup, recognizing it as the most socially impactful entrepreneurial solution.

Rice straw exports can multiply profits by 1,000 times

Ulstraw founder Nguyen Xuan Tai. Photo: Courtesy of the founder

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), Vietnam produces about 47 million tons of rice straw annually. Only about 30% is reused - for mushroom cultivation, livestock feed, or fruit packaging - while the rest is mostly burned or buried.

Field burning wastes nutrients, causes pollution, reduces biodiversity, and alters soil structure. If straw is buried in flooded fields, it increases greenhouse gas emissions and causes toxicity in the next rice crop.

Tai explained the economics: a 2022kg roll of straw costs around 20,00030,000 VND (approximately USD $0.821.24) and can produce 5060 boxes of Eco Firelighters. These are currently sold on Amazon for USD $20 per 100-piece box or USD $14 per 50-piece box, comparable to other natural firelighters.

That means each straw roll can generate over USD $910 in revenue - about 1,000 times the raw material cost.

Verified Market Reports estimates the global market for natural firelighters will reach USD $1.2 billion by 2024, growing to USD $1.8 billion by 2033. Most products in this market are made from sawdust, wood flour, and plant-based wax.

Rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional firestarters, combined with the popularity of outdoor activities like camping and BBQs, is fueling this market. North America is expected to dominate, accounting for over 40% of global sales by 2025.

Thats why Tai chose not to sell domestically, instead focusing on markets where sustainability matters - like the US, Canada, and parts of Northern Europe - where consumers are willing to pay a premium. Ulstraw now distributes primarily through online channels, including Amazon.

During its initial promotion on Amazon, the startup sold 400 boxes in a single day, proving the product's market potential. However, financial limitations remain a significant hurdle.

Tai has invested around USD $41,000 into the startup so far. A mechanical engineer by training, he was able to cut costs by designing machinery himself. Still, branding and marketing in global markets is a costly endeavor.

If we can attract the right investors and strengthen our R&D and distribution, I believe we can hit USD $2.8 million in revenue within the next two years, said the 1989-born founder.

Tran Chung
Those from near-poor households and seniors aged 75 and above receiving social pension benefits qualify for full reimbursement of medical examination and treatment costs under Vietnam's health insurance system from January 1, 2026, according to a resolution passed by the National Assembly on December 11, 2025, the Ministry of Health said.

In compliance with the resolution, the ministry on January 6 issued an urgent notice to the Vietnam Social Security under the Finance Ministry, provincial and municipal health departments, and medical facilities nationwide, urging prompt updates to benefit codes for the newly eligible groups.

In particular, health insurance cardholders from near-poor households have their payment rate raised from 95% to 100% of covered medical expenses effective on January 1.

Any emerging difficulties or problems are to be reported immediately to insurance evaluators and social security bodies to guarantee uninterrupted and complete benefit access.

According to the VSS, health insurance reimbursements will follow Article 22 of the 2024 Law on Health Insurance, which lists 11 groups entitled to 100% coverage of examination and treatment costs.

These include active-duty military personnel; students of the military, police and cipher services receiving stipends; standing militia members, revolution contributors and war veterans, children aged below six, relatives of martyrs, those from poor households, ethnic minorities and residents living in disadvantaged or extremely disadvantaged areas, recipients of monthly social assistance or survivor's benefits, those aged 75 and over receiving monthly survivors benefits; and those aged 70 to under 75 from near-poor households who are receiving monthly survivors benefits.

The broader eligibility and full coverage for vulnerable groups are expected to improve access to health care, lower medical spending, and underscore the humanitarian and sustainable aspects of Vietnams social welfare policies in the years ahead./. VNA
The service, operated by Arkia Airlines, was inaugurated at Noi Bai International Airport, marking the first non-stop passenger connection between the two countries.



Arkia flight IZ595 departed Tel Aviv shortly after midnight local time and landed in Hanoi at 4.30pm after an 11.5-hour journey. The return flight leaves Hanoi at 7.40pm, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at 2.25am the following day.



The route will initially operate once a week using a wide-body aircraft with a capacity of around 290 passengers, the airline said.



Israeli officials said the new route eliminates the need for transit through third countries, shortening travel time between Israel and Vietnam.



"The direct flight is a strategically significant step in IsraelVietnam relations", Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer said at the launch ceremony.



"It brings our peoples closer together, opening up new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and innovation."



The inaugural flight carried a delegation of Israeli tour operators and media representatives exploring opportunities to expand travel products in Vietnam, particularly customised tours targeting Israeli travellers.



Arkia officials said the route forms part of its broader push to expand in Asia, reflecting growing demand for long-haul travel and the rising profile of Vietnam as a destination for Israeli tourists and businesses.



Vietnamese travellers are also expected to benefit, with Tel Aviv serving as a gateway to destinations across the Middle East and Europe.



Officials from both sides said improved air connectivity could help push bilateral trade beyond 4 billion USD in 2026./. VNA
Born into a Khmer family in the former O Mon district of Can Tho City, Kiet is now best known as the valedictorian of the universitys chemistry department in 2022.

He has twice claimed second place in the prestigious National Student Chemistry Olympiad, in both 2023 and 2025.

Yet behind those accolades lies a story of quiet perseverance and transformation.

Kiets fascination with the natural sciences began in childhood, with a particular love for math and the physical world.

Ly Tuan Kiet was the chemistry department valedictorian in 2022. Photo: NVCC

But the turning point came in eighth grade, during his very first chemistry lesson.

From the initial formulas to the complex worlds of atoms and molecules, Kiet saw a new horizon open before him.

I realized that everything mysterious in the world is made up of tiny particles. Thats when chemistry became my chosen path, he said.

One moment stands out as a confirmation of that choice.

In a classroom experiment, Kiet produced hydrogen gas by reacting zinc with hydrochloric acid.

Watching the process unfold exactly as he had imagined filled him with joy and wonder.

To me, chemistry is both logical and creative. It challenges the imagination and analytical mind. Every time I solve a difficult problem or understand a complex reaction, my love for the subject deepens, he shared.

After earning the top entrance score in chemistry at his university, Kiet felt not pressure, but a sense of responsibility.

The title of valedictorian reminded me to stay disciplined, to keep improving. It wasnt a burden - it was motivation, he said.

Still, there were moments of doubt.

As a member of the Khmer ethnic minority, Kiet sometimes felt out of place among peers from more privileged backgrounds.

I had to face feelings of inferiority and the worry that I might not be able to keep up. I also felt the pressure of needing to prove myself - not just for me, but for my family and my community, he recalled.

He overcame those fears by focusing on his strengths, learning from setbacks, and reminding himself that every effort counts.

I wanted my achievements to be more than personal success. I wanted to show that minority students can reach far, if given the chance and the perseverance, Kiet said.

For him, perseverance outweighs talent.

Thats not just a belief - its a method.

Ly Tuan Kiet mong muon tro thanh mot nha nghien cuu Hoa hoc ung nghia, gop phan tao ra nhung gia tri huu ich va ong gop vao cac van e khoa hoc - moi truong. Anh: NVCC

Kiet sees success, especially in science, as the product of resilience over time.

Like a chemical reaction, progress requires the right conditions, patience, and the willingness to fail and try again.

During the intense preparation for the Chemistry Olympiads, Kiet hit a wall.

He felt burned out, overwhelmed by both specialized training and regular coursework.

His solution was to break down each challenge, review topics in focused sessions, rest deliberately, and always keep the bigger goal in mind.

No matter how tired or discouraged, I tried not to give up halfway, he said.

Kiets favorite concept in chemistry is chemical equilibrium - the point where a reaction stabilizes as opposing forces balance each other out.

To him, that idea is more than science.

Its a philosophy for life.

You have to balance theory and practice, persistence and action. Only when you stay balanced will your results endure, he explained.

When asked what trait helped him the most, Kiets answer was immediate: discipline.

Talent helps you get started. A good environment helps you grow. But discipline is what keeps you on the path.

Success doesnt choose the smartest - it chooses those who dont give up, he said.

Kiet also makes a distinction between being a good student and having scientific thinking.

To him, academic success means applying known knowledge to solve problems.

But scientific thinking is about asking new questions, doubting assumptions, and finding your own answers.

That mindset, he says, goes beyond textbooks - its a way of life.

Now in his final year, Ly Tuan Kiet dreams of becoming a true research chemist - someone who contributes meaningful innovations and helps address scientific and environmental issues.

He also hopes to give back.

I want to support young people who share my passion - especially ethnic minority students. I want to be a small example that where you start doesnt determine how far you go, he said.

I love discovering new reactions, pushing myself through competitions and research projects. But I also want to inspire others - especially students like me - to believe in their potential.

Le Huyen
Recent leaks suggest Oppo is preparing a hardware powerhouse that focuses heavily on mobile photography, possibly outshining rivals in both versatility and raw camera capabilities.

Dual 200MP sensors and a return to true telephoto

According to insiders, the Find X9 Ultra is expected to feature a quad-camera system, headlined by two 200MP sensors and two 50MP sensors.

Of particular note is a dedicated 10x optical zoom lens with an equivalent focal length of 230mm, marking a return to the kind of super-telephoto optics that haven't been widely seen since the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Another telephoto module will reportedly handle mid-range zoom with a 3x optical zoom (roughly 70mm focal length, f/2.2 aperture) using a new OmniVision sensor sized at 1/1.28", promising enhanced low-light performance.

Full camera breakdown leaked

If current leaks are accurate, the Oppo Find X9 Ultras rear camera setup could include:

 Ultra-wide lens (15mm), 50MP, Samsung JN5 sensor, 1/2.76"

 Main wide lens (23mm), 200MP, Sony LYT-901 sensor, 1/1.12"

 Periscope zoom (70mm), 200MP, OmniVision OV52A sensor, 1/1.28"

 Super-telephoto (230mm), 50MP, Samsung JN5 sensor, 1/2.76"

This lineup suggests Oppo is aiming for one of the most comprehensive mobile photography experiences ever, covering everything from ultra-wide to extreme zoom while maintaining high-quality performance across the entire focal range.

A growing threat in the flagship wars

Chinese smartphone brands are heating up the Ultra segment. Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 17 Ultra domestically, with a global release likely in March. Vivo is expected to join the fray in Europe with the Vivo X300 Ultra, and now Oppos Find X9 Ultra rounds out a trio of heavy hitters challenging the long-dominant Galaxy Ultra line.

Each of these flagships is pushing boundaries not just in camera hardware but also in chipset performance, battery life, and display technology-offering global consumers more serious alternatives to Samsung and Apple.

Samsung under pressure

With speculation that Samsungs Galaxy S26 Ultra may only bring minor camera upgrades, the competition has intensified. Oppos aggressive camera push could unsettle Samsungs dominance, especially if software and computational photography are refined to match the hardware.

That said, having impressive specs on paper is only part of the equation. Oppo still needs to deliver robust image processing and user experience-an area where its Find X9 Pro already made a strong showing.

If Oppo executes well, the Find X9 Ultra could be more than just a spec-sheet marvel-it could reshape expectations for premium camera phones in 2026.

Still, the real test awaits when the device officially debuts in the coming months.

Hai Phong
Speaking at the national ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnams first general election (January 6, 1946  January 6, 2026), Party Chief To Lam recalled how, eight decades ago, in response to President Ho Chi Minhs call, Vietnamese citizens over the age of 18  regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, religion or political views  exercised their democratic right to vote for the first time in the countrys history.

General Secretary To Lam speaks at the 80th anniversary ceremony of Vietnams first general election.

In a fledgling revolutionary state recently freed from colonial rule and surrounded by both internal and external threats, the general election was nonetheless held in a democratic, transparent, and serious manner  and ultimately a great success.

With a voter turnout of 89%, the election brought 333 representatives to the National Assembly. This reflected the spirit of broad representation and national unity, including participation from multiple political parties, social classes, ethnic groups and religions across the North, Central, and South of Vietnam.

According to Mr. To Lam, this historic milestone marked a pivotal leap in democratic institutional development for the new Vietnamese state, affirming the principle that state power belongs to the people.

Over its 80-year journey and 15 tenures, the National Assembly has matured significantly, asserting itself as the central institution in Vietnams legal and political life. It has played a decisive role in building and perfecting a socialist rule-of-law state.

Five constitutions have been adopted by the National Assembly, each tied to crucial turning points in Vietnams revolutionary path. These documents reflected the evolving levels of national development and a spirit of continuous innovation in organizing and exercising state power.

Notably, the 15th National Assembly passed a resolution amending several articles of the Constitution, ushering in a two-tier local government model and streamlining state apparatus for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Today, the National Assembly has increasingly taken the lead in shaping legal frameworks, swiftly translating Party policies into legislation, and driving forward legislative innovation aimed at development. It is also embracing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies in lawmaking.

These efforts contribute to a transparent, synchronized, and stable legal foundation for the countrys development.

The National Assemblys oversight role has also been significantly enhanced, with a focus on major, urgent issues that reflect the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the people.

Party Chief To Lam noted that, in deciding critical national matters, the National Assembly has demonstrated political bravery, collective wisdom, and a high sense of responsibility to the people and the nation. Its timely and sound decisions have addressed economic development, national defense and security, foreign policy, state organization, and senior leadership appointments.

Parliamentary diplomacy has been actively and effectively advanced, further elevating Vietnams global standing and reputation.

Throughout the 80-year journey, the National Assembly has remained closely connected with the people, truly reflecting their will and aspirations. It stands as a living embodiment of national unity and the highest representative body of the people and of state power, said the General Secretary.

A heavy yet honorable responsibility

The national ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnams first general election was held solemnly at Dien Hong Hall, inside the National Assembly building.
New York, US (PANA) - Thirteen more lives  including children  were reportedly lost on Tuesday in another drone attack on Sudans North Kordofan region
After a year of groundwork, Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is entering the critical acceleration phase of Project 06 in 2026. At the annual conference of the Ministrys Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized the urgency of shifting from planning to measurable results, with the year 2026 marking a decisive phase of implementation.

The January 5 meeting, held on the first working day of the new year, gathered senior officials including Nguyen Huy Dung, member of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Colonel Tran Hong Phu from the Ministry of Public Security. It reviewed progress made in 2025, addressed current challenges, and set priorities for the year ahead.

From mindset to data integrity: The shift begins

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, member of the Party Central Committee, chairs the conference. Photo: Le Anh Dung

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung noted that a fundamental shift in mindset had occurred across the Ministry. Digital transformation, once seen as the domain of specialized units, has now become a shared responsibility. More departments are actively engaging with technological change, while outdated, fragmented data systems are being replaced by efforts to build clean, accurate, and interoperable data structures.

From a central government perspective, Nguyen Huy Dung highlighted the Ministrys progress in Q4 of 2025-particularly in institutional development, funding disbursement, and routine implementation. He praised the Ministrys close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, particularly in ensuring data safety and standardization.

Colonel Tran Hong Phu reported that the Ministry had proactively cleaned input data and begun leveraging national citizen databases to streamline administrative procedures. Many services in the religious sector are now available through the National Public Service Portal, significantly reducing paperwork and wait times.

The Ministry has already completed the system architecture and all 21 required functions for the religious data platform. Integration with national databases like VNeID is underway, and four additional databases mandated under Resolution 71/NQ-CP are being developed for completion by the end of 2026.

Challenges and unfinished work ahead

Despite encouraging results, key officials voiced concerns over unfinished work. Deputy Ministers Nguyen Hai Trung and Y Vinh Tor stressed that data related to ethnic minorities-due to its complexity and diversity-poses greater challenges than religious data. Discrepancies between central and local data systems remain, especially at the grassroots level.

FPT IS Operations Director Than Minh Ngoc shared that when the company began work five months ago, it found the Ministry's digital maturity still low. However, consistent guidance and cross-agency cooperation have yielded significant progress.

Strategic roadmap: The three pillars for 2026

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung declared 2025 the starting point and 2026 the year of acceleration. We must move from planning to product, from tracking progress to evaluating impact, from having done something to doing it completely, he said. He also introduced the 4 real, 6 clear directive: real talk, real action, real results, and real benefits to citizens; with six clearly defined elements-what, who, when, where, how, and accountability.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung outlined critical lessons from 2025: reward and discipline mechanisms, the need for strong leadership, structured implementation plans, support from upper-level agencies, and a responsive core team.

Looking ahead, Nguyen Huy Dung urged a balanced approach across three strategic pillars: science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Unlike in 2025, when digital transformation dominated the agenda, all three should receive equal focus moving forward.

For science and technology, he suggested developing AI-powered tools to translate languages spoken by Vietnams 54 ethnic groups. Minister Dung emphasized that only through technology can Vietnam scale cultural preservation efforts effectively.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung speaks on institutional strategies. Photo: Le Anh Dung

On the innovation front, Nguyen Huy Dung proposed economic models tailored to remote communities, such as high-quality agriculture and community-based tourism, implemented via a three stakeholders model-government, academia, and enterprise.

He also called for disaster-resilient innovations, such as using drones to deliver emergency supplies. We must rehearse these models before disasters hit, he said.

For digital transformation, the Ministry aims to complete its ethnic and religious databases, streamline 25 high-demand public services, and unify its administrative service systems. Colonel Tran Hong Phu stressed the sensitivity of such data and called for strict compliance with national data governance principles: accuracy, completeness, cleanliness, real-time updates, consistency, and interoperability.

Efforts to simplify administrative procedures will continue, including restructuring workflows, digitizing records, and leveraging data to minimize citizen paperwork.

Operational mandates and institutional reform

At the close of the conference, Minister Dung assigned specific tasks to each department. The Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the Ethnic Minority Academy will focus on completing data platforms. The Legal Department is to work with the Policy Department to streamline and integrate legal frameworks. The Planning and Finance Department must remove funding bottlenecks to prevent delays.

He also directed the Digital Transformation Center to serve as the conductor connecting internal and external efforts. It must compile a detailed matrix of assignments tied to personal responsibility and deadlines for submission to the Party Executive Committee. Together with the Ministrys Office, the center will conduct comprehensive training for all staff and roll out implementation at the local level.

Du Lam
Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have emerged as increasingly important export markets for the Republic of Korea (RoK) as the East Asian country accelerates efforts to diversify its trade amid shifting global supply chains.

According to an analysis report on import-export trends during 20212025 released by the RoKs Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the countrys exports to China fell sharply by 19.7% over the five-year period.

Exports to China declined from 162.9 billion USD in 2021 to 155.8 billion USD in 2022 and 124.8 billion USD in 2023, before recovering slightly to 133 billion USD in 2024 and 130.8 billion USD in 2025, still well below earlier levels.

By product category, structural changes in exports were even more pronounced. In 2025, exports from the RoK to China declined year-on-year in traditional key items, including petrochemicals at 16.27 billion USD, down 6.6%; wireless communication equipment at 7.33 billion USD, down 6.5%; and general machinery at 6.28 billion USD, plunging 62.8%. The decline was attributed to Chinas rapidly expanding production capacity, which has intensified competition with the RoKs core industries.

Despite shrinking exports to China, the RoKs overall exports continued to grow. In 2025, total exports hit a record high of 709.7 billion USD, buoyed by a semiconductor super-cycle driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres. The US, ASEAN and Vietnam helped offset much of the decline from the Chinese market.

The RoKs exports to the US surged 28.2% over five years, from 95.9 billion USD in 2021 to 122.9 billion USD in 2025. With the US imposing reciprocal tariffs and restructuring supply chains, the upward trend is expected to persist.

ASEAN, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, has also stood out. The RoKs exports to ASEAN rose 12.5% over the period, reaching 122.4 billion USD in 2025, while exports to Vietnam climbed 10.8% to 62.8 billion USD.

Korean exports to Central and South America also increased from 25.8 billion USD to 31 billion USD, to the EU from 63.6 billion USD to 70.1 billion USD, to the Middle East from 15.6 billion USD to 20.4 billion USD, and to India from 15.6 billion USD to 19.2 billion USD over the same period./. VNA
Vietnams durian export revenue is expected to reach $4 billion in 2025. Photo: Nguyen Hue

In the first 11 months of 2025, China spent nearly $7.2 billion importing fresh durians-a record high. Notably, Vietnams share in the Chinese durian market is rapidly closing in on Thailands, signaling a potential shift in market leadership.

Vietnam is expected to surpass Thailand in durian export volume to China by the end of 2025. Unlike Thailand, whose durian season ended earlier, Vietnam continued harvesting off-season durians in the Mekong Delta through December.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the countrys durian export revenue is projected to reach $4 billion in 2025-an impressive jump from nearly $3.3 billion in 2024. China remains the driving force behind this historic milestone.

Chinese customs data revealed that between January and November 2025, fresh durian remained the top fruit import in China, with 1.79 million tons valued at approximately $7.18 billion. This represents a 17.2% year-on-year increase in volume and a 5% increase in value.

Thailand and Vietnam continued to dominate the Chinese durian market. Thailand retained its position as the top supplier with 903,610 tons worth $3.9 billion. However, this marked only a 13.5% increase in volume and a 0.8% decline in value from the same period in 2024.

Thailands share of Chinas total durian imports dropped to 50.39%, down from 52.04% a year earlier.

In contrast, imports from Vietnam surged. China spent $3.24 billion importing 884,590 tons of Vietnamese durians during the same period-a 22.8% rise in volume and a 13.1% increase in value compared to the previous year.

Vietnams share in Chinas durian imports rose to 49.33%, up from 47.08% in 2024. This upward trend highlights Vietnams strengthening position in the market.

Vietnamese customs data also confirms the trend. From January to November 2025, China accounted for 94.54% of Vietnams fresh durian export revenue, up from 90.94% in 2024.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, forecast that durian exports could exceed $4 billion in 2026. With an anticipated 1020% rise in output, Vietnam will have a stable supply for export.

He added that Thailand-the biggest competitor-has faced setbacks due to natural disasters, including flooding in the south, which damaged durian plantations and disrupted logistics, raising costs.

Vietnam, on the other hand, benefits from its geographical proximity to China, allowing cost-effective overland transport. Furthermore, the domestic durian supply chain has become more refined.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a new food safety control protocol for fresh durian exports-the first of its kind for any Vietnamese fruit.

At the end of December, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also launched a national agricultural product traceability system, starting with durians.

Nguyen emphasized that durian is a billion-dollar export and accounts for 4045% of Vietnams total fruit and vegetable export revenue. With a properly managed supply chain and compliance with international standards, Vietnamese durians can continue building global trust and ensure sustainable export growth.

Tam An
According to data released by the General Statistics Office, over 2 million foreign tourists visited Vietnam in December alone-up 15.7% compared to the same month last year-capping off a breakthrough year for the countrys post-pandemic tourism revival.

China, Korea, and India lead growth

China remained Vietnams largest source market in 2025 with over 5.28 million arrivals, a significant 41.3% increase year-on-year. South Korea followed with 4.33 million, and Taiwan (China) placed third with 1.23 million visitors.

Other key contributors to Vietnams top 10 markets included the United States (849,000), Japan (814,000), India (746,480), Russia (689,714), Cambodia (687,132), Malaysia (573,716), and Australia (548,471).

Vietnam hit an all-time high in international tourist arrivals in 2025. Photo: Thach Thao

Russia posted the most dramatic increase, growing 196.9% from the previous year. India also demonstrated strong momentum with a 48.9% rise, bolstered by a wave of new direct flight routes launched by Vietnamese carriers to major Indian cities.

Several other markets recorded notable growth: the Philippines (up 81.3%), Cambodia (up 44.8%), and China (up 41.3%).

European markets benefit from visa policy reforms

Visa liberalization policies contributed significantly to double-digit growth across European markets. France saw a 21.2% increase, the UK 20.3%, Italy 20.7%, Poland 42.6%, Norway 19.1%, and the Netherlands 17.5%.

These figures reflect the broader impact of relaxed entry regulations, enhanced promotional campaigns, diversified tourism offerings, and service quality improvements introduced throughout 2025.

Momentum builds despite unmet targets

While Vietnam fell slightly short of its initial goal of 2325 million international arrivals, surpassing the 21 million mark for the first time marks a historic leap forward.

According to the General Statistics Office, 2025s results signify a critical turning point in Vietnams integration into the global tourism market, affirming its competitiveness and brand strength on the international stage.

The success lays a solid foundation for even more ambitious growth in the years to come.

Milestone moment: 20 millionth visitor lands in Phu Quoc

One of the years highlights was the celebration of the 20 millionth international visitor-marked by a special ceremony on December 15 in Phu Quoc. The honored guest was a female traveler from Poland, underscoring the growing appeal of Vietnams emerging destinations to European tourists.

From pandemic to peak: A stunning recovery

Vietnams tourism journey from Covid-19 lockdowns to record-breaking success in 2025 has been one of resilience and transformation. The sector has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but exceeded them by over 110%, placing Vietnam among the fastest-rebounding destinations in the region.

With strong government support, infrastructure investment, and global connectivity improvements, the industry is poised to aim even higher in 2026.

Ngoc Ha
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, has met with the Joint Chief of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Youssef Ahmed Al-Hunaiti, on the prospects for joint cooperation and coordination, as well as the exchange of expertise in training, development and capacity building
The announcement was made on January 5.

Nhon Trach 3&4 power plant, built by the engineering, procurement, and construction companies Samsung C&T and Lilama, marks the first HA-powered plant in Vietnam, as well as the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas.

According to the revised Power Development Plan VIII, LNG remains central to the flexible generation mix, with a capacity of more than 22 GW projected for 2030, accounting for 9.5-12.3 per cent of the national system.

Nhon Trach 3&4 is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing electricity demand in the southern region of Vietnam and contribute to the country's sustainable development goals.

This project marks the expansion of gas-fired power generation and accelerates the transition from coal to gas. GE Vernovas H-class leading technology fuelled by highly efficient natural gas generates a lower environmental impact, with approximately 60 per cent less carbon emissions compared to thermal plants of same electrical output powered by coal. In addition, this project can expedite the integration of renewable energy sources by improving the reliability and stability of the energy grid.

"Vietnams energy transition requires solutions that balance capacity, efficiency, and sustainability, which is why we chose GE Vernovas 9HA.02 gas turbines for Nhon Trach 3&4, said a representative from PV Power. GE Vernovas advanced 9HA.02 gas turbine is central to our commitment to modern energy standards. It enables the plant to achieve greater than 63 per cent combined cycle efficiency, ranking it among the worlds most efficient facilities. Additionally, the 9HA.02 meets the strictest emission regulations, offers versatile fuel-switching capabilities  operating on LNG now, supporting up to 50 per cent hydrogen co-firing, and paving the way for 100 per cent hydrogen use in the future  ensuring alignment with Vietnams net-zero goals for decades.

For this project, GE Vernova provided two blocks of more than 800 MW each, including a 9HA.02 gas turbine, the companys most efficient 50 Hz gas turbine, an STF-D650 steam turbine, a W88 generator, and a heat recovery steam generator. In addition, GE Vernovas integrated Mark* VIe Distributed Control System will help PV Power improve asset visibility, reliability, and availability while reducing operation and maintenance costs.

Renewable energy is expected to grow significantly in Vietnam while at the same time, lower-carbon and highly efficient gas power generation will play a crucial role in supporting this growth while ensuring grid stability and reliability, said Ramesh Singaram, president and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Asia-Pacific. This first of its kind project is expected to bring electricity for large industrial areas in the southern region including Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province while opening up a new chapter for gas power generation in Vietnam. We are proud to execute the first HA project in the country, in alignment with its national energy goals for a more sustainable national economic growth.

GE Vernovas equipment provides up to 30 per cent of the Vietnams electricity needs, with over 1,100 employees across 13 locations from various GE Vernova businesses throughout the country. GE Vernovas global customers are served by a global network of repair and manufacturing capabilities which include GE Vernovas Phu My repair facility and Dung Quat HRSG manufacturing plant in Vietnam, where the pressure part modules for this plant were manufactured within country.

PV GAS and PV Power agree to supply LNG to Nhon Trach 3 and 4 PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (PV GAS) and PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) announced on March 2 that the corporations are contracted to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the commercial operation of Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 power plants.

Nhon Trach LNG-fired power plants to start commercial operations this year The Nhon Trach 3 and 4 LNG-fired power plants have made good progress, with Nhon Trach 3 set to start commercial operations in Q3.
How does AstraZeneca Vietnams (AZVN) corporate culture reflect its core mission of pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines?

It is a vivid reflection of its mission to push the boundaries of science for life-changing medicines, embedding a sense of purpose into the employee experience.

The 2024 AZVN Pulse Survey Results captured a workforce that feels strongly connected to the idea of being patient-oriented, highlighting a shared commitment to improving lives through scientific innovation. This mirrors the global value of putting patients first, where every decision is guided by patient needs, and underscores a culture where employees are motivated to contribute to transformative healthcare outcomes

This mission is further brought to life through an empowering environment, where employees feel inspired to exceed expectations and align with the goal of advancing science. With over 30 years in Vietnam, AZVN has consistently advanced healthcare solutions, supported by talent initiatives that cultivate future innovators.

How does the company maintain a culture of innovation while operating within the strict regulations of the pharma industry?

AZVN does this by creating an environment that encourages creativity and adaptability, even under constraints. The aforementioned Pulse Survey underscores a strong commitment to personal development, reflecting AZVNs focus on empowering employees with the skills and mindset to pioneer new ideas while adhering to compliance standards, both within the company and to local Vietnamese law.

This aligns with the global emphasis on learning and development and the value of being entrepreneurial, promoting bold yet ethical approaches to challenges. Furthermore, AZVNs sustainability strategy reinforces this balance by emphasising how the company does business, guided by values, investing in people, and operating responsibly with robust governance and ethics to build long-term value, resilience, and trust, ensuring innovation respects regulatory and ethical boundaries.

This spirit is supported by initiatives like leadership mentoring and open dialogues with leaders, which likely encourage the exchange of fresh perspectives while maintaining regulatory integrity.

AstraZeneca has been recognised as a top place to work multiple times. What specific aspects of the company culture do you think contributes most to this recognition?

AstraZenecas repeated recognition in this area, including the recent Best Place to Work in Asia 2025 by HR Asia, is rooted in a culture that champions inclusion, wellbeing, and an inspiring workplace environment.

Employee wellbeing is central to our culture, demonstrated through comprehensive programmes that support physical and mental health, ensuring staff feel holistically cared for. The LEED Gold-certified office in Hanoi, a pioneering achievement for a pharmaceutical company in Vietnam, exemplifies this by offering a sustainable, health-focused workspace that enhances morale.

What is the companys future corporate culture strategy to foster inclusion, belonging, and safety?

We are building on a foundation of trust and empowerment, aiming to deepen these cultural elements through visionary initiatives.

The many internal initiatives that we are currently carrying out in the company (like sport initiatives, coffee chat with leaders, sharing your ethical stories, and hackathon challenges, for example) reflect a workplace where employees feel encouraged to express their opinions freely and are valued for their diversity, pointing to an existing culture of openness and acceptance that AZVN seeks to enhance.

This mirrors the global Inclusion and diversity mission to create an equitable space where everyone feels they belong, a core principle guiding all efforts.

AZVN is committed to focusing on programmes to sustain an inclusive and inspiring environment while nurturing future talent, as shared by leadership.

Initiatives like the recent updated and inclusive employee insurance policy represent a tangible step towards fostering belonging and safety, offering an environment that prioritises employee health and connection, aligning with broader goals of environmental and community impact. This holistic approach ensures employees feel secure to contribute and grow.
Yuan Dynasty grain transport, storage complex excavated in North Chinas Tianjin

09:03, January 07, 2026 By Sun Langchen ( Global Times

A newly discovered circular moat at the Shisicang site or Fourteen Granaries, in Hexiwu town, North China's Tianjin Municipality, has been dated to the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), marking the first time a state-level grain transport and storage complex from the dynasty has been excavated. The finding is regarded as a major achievement in Grand Canal archaeology, according to the Tianjin Daily.

The most significant discovery from the latest excavation is the presence of large, well-planned circular moats on the western and southern sides of the granary compound. Archaeologists say these features indicate that the Yuan Dynasty granary complex did not rely on enclosed walls for protection. Instead, the moat system played a central role in defining space, security, and transport, offering new insights into the scale and spatial organization of Yuan-era state granaries, per the Tianjin Daily.

Yin Chenglong, the leader of the excavation, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the moat is approximately 20 meters wide and more than 2.5 meters deep.

"At present, the moat has not been fully excavated and remains outside the main courtyard area, so we can only determine its general direction," Yin explained. "What we can see is that the moat ran parallel to the granary buildings at a certain distance. Its regular shape clearly shows it was artificially constructed. Since it is deeper than 2.5 meters and we have not reached the bottom yet, it was very likely designed as a defensive measure."

The moat, based on its depth and width, was navigable by small boats. Combined with the discovery of storage facilities along its extension, archaeologists infer that grain unloaded from the Grand Canal could have been transported directly by water into the granaries, making the moat an integral part of the logistics system rather than a purely defensive feature.

"This large circular moat did not surround just a single granary courtyard," Yin said. "It enclosed a much broader area containing multiple warehouses."

Beyond the Yuan Dynasty remains, newly uncovered remains dating to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), Wei (220-265) and Jin Dynasty (265-420) have filled gaps in the regional archaeological chronology, while the excavation of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) tombs has deepened understanding of burial practices along the Tianjin section of the Grand Canal during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty, per the Tianjin Daily.

Among the most notable finds was a large brick-chamber tomb from the Wei-Jin period, which Yin described as featuring both front and rear chambers as well as side chambers.

"The size and structure of this tomb indicate that it dates at least to the Wei-Jin period," Yin said. "This strongly suggests the presence of a major nearby settlement at the time, pointing to a high level of prosperity in the area. It significantly extends the historical timeline of Hexiwu Town."

This year's excavation also uncovered parts of two Yuan Dynasty building foundations, along with three ash pits, four ditches, two pits filled with broken bricks and tiles, and large accumulations of construction debris from the Yuan Dynasty. A total of 40 tombs dating to the Qing Dynasty and later periods were cleared.

A rich collection of Yuan Dynasty architectural decorative components was also unearthed, including ridge ornaments such as chiwen (dragon-like roof decoration), roof beasts, apsaras (Buddhist celestial nymphs), phoenix motifs, animal-face-patterned eave tiles, and various types of roof tiles. The diversity and craftsmanship of these artifacts provide valuable material evidence for studying official Yuan architectural standards, construction techniques, and building reconstruction.

According to Yin, the Shisicang site represents a large-scale national grain transport and storage system centered on the Grand Canal, integrating the Northern Canal, feeder channels, artificial water bodies such as lakes, roads, granaries, and even sunken boats.

"The Northern Canal here was essentially the Yuan Dynasty canal," Yin said. "This excavation offers important clues for understanding the canal's historical evolution during the Yuan Dynasty."

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing)
TOKYO, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced it will present at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, taking place January 12-15, 2026, in San Francisco, Calif. As a global leader in life sciences, Astellas will use this premier platform to highlight its key strategic focuses and the tangible progress achieved to date in support of delivering long-term impact for patients, partners, and shareholders.

During the conference, President and CEO Naoki Okamura will present Astellas' key growth drivers and commitment to disciplined execution. Chief Research & Development Officer Tadaaki Taniguchi will also join the session, and together, they will emphasize how Astellas is advancing transformative scientific breakthroughs for diseases with high unmet medical need and reinforcing its leadership in healthcare innovation and shaping the future of patient care.

Naoki Okamura, President and CEO, Astellas

"Our focus is clear: we are working to turn innovative science into meaningful VALUE for patients and drive sustainable growth. The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with the global investment and healthcare community and demonstrate how our strategy and execution position Astellas for long-term success."

Presentation Details

Event: 44 th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

44 Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Date & Time: January 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PT

January 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PT Location: Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

The presentation materials and a live webcast link will be available on the Investor Relations page of Astellas.com on the day of the presentation. A link to the on-demand replay will be made available shortly after the presentation.

As a distinguished sponsor of Biotech Showcase held in San Francisco the same week, Astellas is furthering its visibility in the global life sciences community. Chief Strategy Officer Adam Pearson will join a plenary session on partnering trends that are advancing emerging technologies and drug development innovationunderscoring Astellas' commitment to pioneering science and fostering collaborations to benefit patients worldwide.

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at www.astellas.com.

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.
Amber weather warning issued across parts of Wrexham

An amber weather warning is in place across parts of Wrexham with heavy snowfall forecast to cause disruption over the next two days.

The warning, which covers areas in the south of Wrexham and Denbighshire, is in force from 8pm on Thursday (8 January) until 9am on Friday (9 January). Large parts of the county borough remain under a yellow weather warning for the next 48 hours.

Rain is expected to turn readily to heavy snow on Thursday evening, initially over higher ground before spreading to lower levels overnight. Snow is expected to ease through Friday morning, although disruption is likely to continue after snowfall clears.

The Met Office say that the snow is associated with Storm Goretti, which is expected to bring a deep area of low pressure from Northern France.

As a result some areas covered within the amber warning could see between 10 to 15 centimetres of snow fall, with the potential of 20 to 30 centimetres on higher ground.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.

Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands. Here accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely widely, with 15-25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30 cm very locally.

An Amber warning has been issued where the greatest risk of disruption is likely on Thursday night into Friday morning, though updates may be required as confidence increases in the exact track of Storm Goretti.

Met Office forecasters say that while the impact of Storm Goretti will wane on Friday, the risk of further wintery conditions will continue into next week,

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: Itll remain cold or very cold to start the weekend, although for most it will be dry.

We then have very large uncertainties in the forecast by Sunday and Monday as milder air from the Atlantic tries to displace the cold air over the UK.

This set up brings a risk of some further widespread snowfall, so its important to stay aware of the forecast and any warnings which may be issued over the next few days.
Biomass boiler plans near Wrexham school rejected amid emission concerns

Plans to install a biomass boiler at a builders merchant next to a school have been refused amid concerns over the impact of emissions on primary school pupils.

Thorncliffe Building Supplies in Queensway wants to install a biomass boiler  which is fuelled by compressed wood pellets  and a 5mx5m fuel chip storage hopper building on-site.

The proposed site sits just yards from Gwenfro Community Primary School and was subject to a potential call-in by Welsh Government ministers.

Now Wrexham County Borough Councils Planning Committee has unanimously refused the application  a decision the applicant could still appeal.

It was revealed at the Planning Committee meeting on Monday that the boiler could be installed without planning permission regardless of the decision, as it is a medium-sized appliance.

The only aspect of the plans requiring formal approval was the proposed fuel pellet storage area.

Nevertheless councillors formally rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the dispersal of emissions  the flue would not extend higher than the two-storey school building  lack of information on the type of fuel that would be used and missing information about how the flue stack emissions would be monitored.

Case officer Dafydd Thomas told the committee that Wrexham Councils Public Protection team had conducted a site meeting at a similar site outside Wrexham where there is a larger wood pellet biomass boiler than the one proposed and found no concerns.

He added that the site was within a smoke control zone and smoke levels would be subject to restrictions.

Local member Cllr Brian Cameron was confounded by the response.

I cant believe what Ive heard from officers, he said. There are 26 pupils at the school who suffer from asthma and 64 with other medical conditions. My main concern is the health and wellbeing of the children and staff and what effect fumes from the biomass boiler flue could have.

Chair of governors at Gwenfro CP School Darren Jacks branded the proposal unacceptable.

We have 320 children at Gwenfro, he said. The proposal places a combustion plant next to a school. Its not a theoretical concern, combustion generates fine particulate matter and nitrous oxides.

These are pollutants and poisonous gases that are directly relevant to respiratory health. Schools are the type of place where exposure must be avoided at all costs  in law children are defined as sensitive receptors.

Childrens vulnerability is higher because their lungs are still developing. We encourage activity outdoors, we even conduct school lessons outdoors. I believe the burden should be placed on the applicant to demonstrate with robust evidence that there will be no unacceptable risk to the health at the school.

The application is not only weak, it is fundamentally unreliable. It is missing minimum technical information needed to assess emissions and exposure. No confirmed emission abatement technology for particulates and nitrous oxides. Theres no fuel specification and no meaningful detail on discharge characteristics.

It also says in the section where you provide details of waste generation that this is not applicable. This is plainly wrong. Biomass systems generate ash and associated waste. There is no information on storage, handling, removal frequency or disposal.

In a school environment ash handling and storage are not trivial operational matters, they are potential sources of dust exposure.

Its interesting the applicant has carried out no meaningful community engagement. The form notes no neighbour or community consultation. This speaks volumes  this has been viewed as a commercial project without proper regard for the setting or the people affected.

The manufacturers bundle in the pack even states that gas flue emission behaviour is not guaranteed, that in some circumstances gases can fail to rise  travelling along the rooflines and sinking towards windows.

Next to a school this is simply unacceptable. The location is wrong and the risks are foreseeable.

Planning officer Philip Mullin said that the level of consultation had been appropriate and officers had considered the impact on the community.

The planning application is required for the fuel chip hopper, he said. There would be nothing to stop the applicants putting in this boiler in their existing building  it would not require planning permission.

Theres other legislation that covers the fears that have been raised. The officers here are fully aware of the consideration we need to show for childrens health and welfare.`

But councillors were unconvinced  in part due to the amount of missing information within the application  taking the view that the boiler was included in the application and they needed further detail to ensure it could operate safely near the school.

Cllr Andy Williams said: I think its unacceptable that public protection have been to a site that is similar, not the same and said theyve got no objections.

To have no concerns when theyve been to see a boiler that is not the same is not acceptable. We should refuse it as we havent got the right information.

Also will the height of the flue be above the height of the school? The school is two storeys high, it will surely shelter the flue from certain wind directions.

Cllr Anthony Wedlake added that he remained concerned about emissions so close to the school.

Theres a fundamental difference between smoke and emission. There is a lot in the report about smoke but nothing about emission. The whole paper is completely silent on emissions. On that basis its completely unacceptable.

On the basis that those potential emissions are clearly covered by the Future Generations Act as well as potentially other legislation, it would be negligent for us to do anything other than reject the application at this stage.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Coleg Cambria confirms no changes to apprenticeship delivery in Wales

Coleg Cambria has issued a clear message to employers, learners and apprentices across North Wales following widespread discussion around the UK Governments proposed Growth and Skills Levy.

Despite headlines that may have caused concern, the college confirmed nothing has changed for Wales, and apprenticeship delivery continues exactly as before.

Employer Engagement Manager Gari Thomas (pictured) says many organisations and apprentices have been understandably unsettled by the national conversation.

He says while the levy remains a UK-wide tax, the policies that shape how skills funding is used in Wales are entirely devolved.

We know some announcements have caused alarm, particularly for learners and apprentices who feared their training pathways could be affected, said Gari.

But the first thing to remember is this: skills policy is fully devolved. What is changing in England does not automatically apply in Wales.

Gari emphasised that employers can continue working with Coleg Cambria without any change to process, funding access or programme structure.

Your apprenticeship programmes with Coleg Cambria remain exactly as they are, he added.

There is no change to how you request training or access funding  its business as usual. Our focus continues to be on high-quality, meaningful apprenticeship routes that support the skills needs of North Wales.

The Cambria for Business team continues to support organisations across the region with apprenticeship recruitment, workforce development planning and training solutions designed to upskill existing staff.

The college says its employer offer remains stable, strategic and aligned with Welsh Government priorities, ensuring investment in people can continue with confidence.

Gari believes reassurance is essential at a time when there could be confusion.

While the levy itself remains a UK-wide tax, the way funding is used here is shaped in Wales, and that remains unchanged, he said.

At Coleg Cambria, its business as usual, and together well continue building the skilled workforce our region needs.

Employers who are uncertain about how their levy payments contribute to training, or who want to strengthen their skills pipeline, are encouraged to contact the Coleg Cambria team for guidance and support. Email employers@cambria.ac.uk or visit www.cambria.ac.uk/employers.
Wrexham man sentenced to 14 years for assisting and encouraging suicide

A 33-year-old local man has been jailed for assisting and encouraging the suicide of others.

Miles Cross of Wrexham city, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court today, Wednesday, 7 January, having previously admitted four counts of intentionally doing an act capable of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961.

He was sentenced to 14 years.

Two deaths in the UK were linked to Cross, who was selling a substance to vulnerable people on an online forum.

In October 2024, North Wales Police launched an investigation into Cross after Thames Valley Police notified officers of the suspected suicide of a man in their force area, who had been reported missing weeks earlier.

Financial enquiries carried out by Thames Valley officers identified Cross had received 100 in exchange for a substance, suspected to be linked to the mans death.

Further investigations by North Wales Police discovered Cross had sold packages to a total of four victims.

He had been engaging with people at their most vulnerable and encouraging them to take their own lives.

One of the victims who he had been in close communication with online sadly took her own life.

It was later confirmed the man who died in the Thames Valley area had also used one of the packages Cross had sent to another victim.

Thankfully, two of the four packages sold were never used.

The online forum used by Cross was the target of Ofcoms first investigation under the Online Safety Act which began in April 2025.

Through working with the National Crime Agency, who were in liaison with Ofcom, officers shared information from the investigation, which contributed and supported Ofcoms investigation into the forum.

The US-based site subsequently responded to Ofcom enforcement proceedings by implementing a geo-block to restrict access by people with UK IP addresses.

Ofcom is continuing to progress its investigation as a priority.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Chris Bell said: Todays sentence reflects the severity of Cross offending, as he preyed on his victims online and exploited them in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental wellbeing.

Instead of assisting them to seek support, he proactively encouraged them to end their lives and provided them with a means to do so, which tragically and needlessly resulted in two deaths.

I want to acknowledge the courage of each of the survivors who played an integral part in this complex investigation during such difficult circumstances, and the devastating impact it has had on the lives of the family and friends of the two people who tragically lost their lives.

Working closely with the survivors enabled my investigation team to secure a successful prosecution against Cross, which we believe to be the first of its kind in the UK, involving the online forum he was using.

Safeguarding vulnerable people is a priority for North Wales Police, and we continue to work closely with partner agencies to provide support, prevent harm wherever possible and relentlessly pursue anybody who seeks to assist or encourage anyone to take their own life.

I want to thank my team who built a comprehensive and compelling case that resulted in Cross admitting all four offences, and a number of key partners to which we are grateful, including the Crown Prosecution Service, The National Crime Agency, colleagues from other forces and Public Health Wales.

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is out there. Whatever you are going through, you dont have to face it alone.



The impact of suicide reaches far and wide. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for more information.

Anyone affected by suicide in Wales can also contact the suicide bereavement service, NALS National Advisory Liaison Service) via their website nals.cymru.
HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelo Airlines has been recapitalized, and its cash position is now one of the strongest in the U.S. airline industry relative to its size. The airline will use this cash infusion and balance sheet strength to execute its long-term strategy.

Avelo is streamlining its network around four current bases  New Haven, Conn. (HVN); Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG); Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA); and Central Florida / Lakeland (LAL). In addition, the airline will open a base in Dallas / McKinney, Texas (TKI) in late 2026.

Avelo Airlines is first U.S. air carrier to buy and fly Embraer 195-E2 aircraft. (PRNewsfoto/Avelo Airlines)

As part of this evolution, Avelo will close its bases in Mesa, Ariz. (AZA); Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (RDU); and Wilmington, N.C. (ILM). Avelo will continue serving Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (RDU) from New Haven, Conn. (HVN) and Rochester, N.Y. (ROC). Avelo will also continue serving Wilmington, N.C. (ILM) from Nashville, Tenn. (BNA); New Haven, Conn. (HVN); Tampa, Fla. (TPA); and Washington, D.C./Baltimore, Md. (BWI).

Concurrent with these network changes, Avelo will make near-term schedule changes that will impact many Customer itineraries. Communication will be sent directly to impacted Customers by email and text. Customers needing additional help can seek assistance from Avelo's Customer Support Center.

Avelo's fleet will be modified by the removal of six Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft, leaving the airline primarily operating its more efficient Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft.

These changes enable Avelo to focus on sustainably scaling five core bases in 2026 and to prepare the company for growth in the coming years, facilitated by the company's recent order for up to 100 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft.

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines' purpose is to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. The airline offers Customers safe, convenient travel, everyday low fares, and a caring travel experience. Avelo stands out as a leading U.S. airline in on-time performance and reliability. The airline currently operates a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and will become the first U.S. airline to fly Embraer 195E2s. For more information visit AveloAir.com.

Media Contact:

Courtney Goff

[email protected]

SOURCE Avelo Airlines
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union is renewing internal negotiations over a free trade agreement with five South American nations neighboring Venezuela a week after the United States' audacious raid there to detain President Nicolas Maduro.

Ministers of Agriculture from across the 27 European Union nations met in Brussels on Wednesday in part to discuss protecting farmers while also reaping the economic and geopolitical benefits of a free trade deal with the Mercosur nations of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The EU's trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic said after the meeting that while the deal would increase EU agrifood exports by up to 50%.

Its a landmark one. This is the biggest free trade agreement we ever negotiated, Sefcovic said. He said that EU trading partners value the EU for particular one thing in this turbulent world, one thing above all, this is credibility. So therefore, we must, safeguard this priceless currency by remaining a trusted and reliable trading partner.

He said that EU negotiations over Mercosur will continue on Friday amid speculation that a deal could be signed in Paraguay on Jan. 12.

Fierce opposition from France in December, fired up by enraged farmers, derailed the deal and forced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to scrap a trip to Brazil where top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur deal after 26 years of negotiations.

Italy is seen as the linchpin of the deal. If Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joins the deal's supporters led by Germany, then it will pass over the objections of France and Poland. She posted on X on Tuesday that she welcomed von der Leyen's proposal to fast-track funds to farmers but Meloni did not promise crucial backing to the deal.

The Mercosur trade deal covers a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globes gross domestic product, and would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs. Such a massive free trade deal would provide a stark counterpoint in South America of economic diplomacy compared to the Trump administration's incursion into Venezuela and threats across the region.

The EU is seeking to forge new trade ties amid commercial tensions with the U.S. and China, and the December delay of Mercosur was seen to diminish the EUs negotiating credibility.

French President Emmanuel Macron led opposition to the deal, which he sees as fueling a surging far right that rallies support by criticizing the deal. His centrist government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations like pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reaffirmed Wednesday Frances opposition to the Mercosur deal, because she said it threatens sectors including beef, chicken, sugar, ethanol and honey.

As long as the combat is not over, nothing is lost, she told French news broadcaster France Info, referring to the ongoing negotiations over the deal.

If the EU Commission signs the deal on Jan. 12, it will be debated at the European Parliament, she said. Theres no guarantee the deal will be approved by the European Parliament, she said.

She also acknowledged Italy will likely approve the deal.

Supporters say the EU-Mercosur deal would offer a clear alternative to Beijings export controls and Washingtons tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors say it will undermine both environmental regulations and the EUs iconic agricultural sector.

Sefcovic said recent negotiations within the EU over the deal had led to new safeguards like semiautomatic triggering thresholds that would snap into place if Mercosur imports are found to be deeply undercutting EU products.

The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years  especially between Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei and Brazils center-left Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the blocs two main partners  have not deterred South American leaders from pursuing an alliance with Europe that will benefit their agricultural sectors.

Venezuela was in Mercosur until 2016, when the trade bloc suspended its membership, a move criticized by Venezuelas new prime minister Delcy Rodriguez, then the foreign minister.

-

Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday sought to assert its control over Venezuelan oil, seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers transporting petroleum and announcing plans to relax some sanctions so the U.S. can oversee the sale of Venezuelas petroleum worldwide.

Trump's administration intends to control the distribution of Venezuelas oil products globally following its ouster of President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid. Besides the United States enforcing an existing oil embargo, the Energy Department says the only oil transported in and out of Venezuela will be through approved channels consistent with U.S. law and national security interests.

That level of control over the worlds largest proven reserves of crude oil could give the Trump administration a broader hold on oil supplies globally in ways that could enable it to influence prices. Both moves reflect the Republican administrations determination to make good on its effort to control the next steps in Venezuela through its vast oil resources after Trump pledged the U.S. will run the country.

Vice President JD Vance said in an interview the U.S. can control Venezuelas purse strings by dictating where its oil can be sold.

We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, youre allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve Americas national interest, Vance said in an interview to air on Fox News Channels Jesse Watters Primetime.

The vice president added, And thats how we exert incredible pressure on that country without wasting a single American life."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the oil taken from the sanctioned vessels seized in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea would be sold as part of the deal announced by Trump on Tuesday under which Venezuela would provide up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.

Venezuelas interim authorities want that oil that was seized to be part of this deal, Rubio told reporters after briefing lawmakers Wednesday about the Maduro operation. They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States.

Seizing 2 more vessels

U.S. European Command said on social media that the merchant vessel Bella 1 was seized in the North Atlantic for violations of U.S. sanctions." The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it tried to evade a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels around Venezuela.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed U.S. forces also took control of the M Sophia in the Caribbean Sea. Noem said on social media that both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it."

The two ships join at least two others that were taken by U.S. forces last month  the Skipper and the Centuries.

The Bella 1 had been cruising across the Atlantic nearing the Caribbean on Dec. 15 when it abruptly turned and headed north, toward Europe. The change in direction came days after the first U.S. tanker seizure of a ship on Dec. 10 after it had left Venezuela carrying oil.

When the U.S. Coast Guard tried to board the Bella 1, it fled. U.S. European Command said a Coast Guard vessel had tracked the ship pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court."

As the U.S. pursued it, the Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and flagged to Russia, shipping databases show. A U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, said the ships crew had painted a Russian flag on the side of the hull.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had information about Russian nationals among the Marinera's crew and, in a statement carried by Russias state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti, demanded that "the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not hinder their speedy return to their homeland.

Separately, a senior Russian lawmaker, Andrei Klishas, decried the U.S. action as blatant piracy.

The Justice Department is investigating crew members of the Bella 1 vessel for failing to obey Coast Guard orders and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement action  anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Bondi said on X.

The ship had been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 on allegations of smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Easing some sanctions to sell Venezuela's oil

The Trump administration, meanwhile, is selectively removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.

The sales are slated to begin immediately with 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil. The U.S. government said the sales will continue indefinitely, with the proceeds settling in U.S.-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks. The money would be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the discretion of Trumps government.

Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA said it is in negotiations with the U.S. government for the sale of crude oil.

This process is developed under schemes similar to those in force with international companies, such as Chevron, and is based on a strictly commercial transaction, with criteria of legality, transparency and benefit for both parties, the company said in the statement.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday night tried to normalize the latest chapter in U.S.-Venezuela economic relations, calling them neither extraordinary nor irregular.

Venezuela must diversify its relations and have relations with all the countries of this hemisphere, just as it should with Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, she said during a televised meeting with lawmakers and senior government officials.

The U.S. plans to authorize the importation of oil field equipment, parts and services to increase Venezuelas oil production, which has been roughly 1 million barrels a day.

The Trump administration has indicated it also will invest in the electricity grid to increase production and the quality of life for people in Venezuela, whose economy has been unraveling amid changes to foreign aid and cuts to state subsidies, making necessities, including food, unaffordable to millions.

Meanwhile, Trump abruptly changed his tone about Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump said Wednesday that they had exchanged a friendly phone call and he had invited the leader of the South American country to the White House. Trump had said earlier this week that Colombia is very sick too and accused Petro of making cocaine and selling it to the United States.

Ships said to be part of a shadow fleet

Noem said both seized ships were part of a shadow fleet of rusting oil tankers that smuggle oil for countries facing sanctions, such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran.

After the seizure of the now-named Marinera, which open-source maritime tracking sites showed was between Scotland and Iceland earlier Wednesday, the U.K. defense ministry said Britains military provided support, including surveillance aircraft.

This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fueling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.

The capture of the M Sophia, on the U.S. sanctions list for moving illicit cargos of oil from Russia, in the Caribbean was much less prolonged.

The ship had been running dark, not having transmitted location data since July. Tankers involved in smuggling often turn off their transponders or broadcast inaccurate data to hide their locations.

Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, said his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers had left the Venezuelan coast since Saturday, after the U.S. captured Maduro.

The M Sophia was among them, Madani said, citing a recent photo showing it in the waters near Jose Terminal, Venezuelas main oil export hub.

Windward, a maritime intelligence firm that tracks such vessels, said in a briefing to reporters the M Sophia loaded at the terminal on Dec. 26 and was carrying about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil  a cargo that would be worth about $108 million at current price of about $60 a barrel.

Lawless reported from London. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.
On Tuesday night, the Washoe County Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny the staff recommendation of the tentative mapping for the Sierra Reflections Development project in the South Valleys.

Their decision stemmed from concerns over a lack of infrastructure, such as police and fire.

The project would see over 700 acres of land excavated and graded to make way for over 900 homes, trails, parks, and open spaces.

It is mapped north of Washoe Lake, between I-580 and U.S. 395 Alternate.

Many community members were concerned about the subdivisions and the development not aligning with the area's master plan.

There was additional concern over the impact this project would have on the environment as well.

"They want to take the natural hills, flatten them off, millions of yards of land, cut off the top of the hills, and put it in the lower areas. So now we'll just have big flat slabs like you're going to have warehouses, and then they're going to throw a bunch of cookie-cutter houses on it. It's not fair. It's not consistent to Washoe County," said Curtis, a Washoe County Resident.

Others were concerned over the lack of funding for critical infrastructure in the area,

"They don't have any funding for schooling, for fire department. We have one. We have one fire department in Washoe Valley. They don't have the money for the infrastructure increase," said Kyle, a Washoe County Resident.

"This is not an environment that's suitable for that type of setting. Meaning an urban, high-density setting," said Curtis.

There was additional concern over the increased amount of traffic in the area, with projected numbers of over 800 trips in both peak a.m. and p.m. hours.
When Sanah Ali and Talleda Rasheed met at an East Bay book club several years ago, they clicked instantly, bonding over their shared obsession with clothes, a passion for fashion and a love of community.

After co-hosting a brunch for family and friends to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the new palsboth professionals and momsrealized how effortlessly they worked together. Conversations quickly turned to starting a business: a clothing label, naturally.

Last fall, Azali (uh-zuh-lee) introduced itself to the world.

The Hawa trench by Azali (Courtesy of Reinhardt Kenneth)

Defined by sculptural silhouettes and soft, flowing lines, the five-piece debut collection embodies the founders vision for the brand, the name of which means eternal in Arabic. Our aesthetic is very East meets Westbut elevated, says Rasheed. As women of Arab and South Asian heritage with roots in Islam, the partners set out to create modern modest fashions that fuse timeless Western tailoring with the richness of their cultural roots.

Indeed, Azalis origin story follows a familiar mantra: build what you cant find. While Ali and Rasheed acknowledge there are other modest fashion brands out there, none truly resonated with the uber-stylish duo.

We were always buying things, but they never felt like us, explains Ali. Most of the time, wed end up adding fabric, altering, embellishingdoing something. Things were too low-cut, too short, or too basic.

Upon meeting the foundersboth decked out in their labelit becomes infinitely clear that basic has no place in the Azali world. Au contraire: like their unapologetically individual creators, the clothes are bold, confident, and commanding.

Azali's Noor dress (Courtesy of Reinhardt Kenneth)

Over espressos at a San Francisco cafe, easy banter flows between Rasheed, a native Danville-ian and Academy of Art University grad who spent more than a decade in styling and operations at Stitch Fix, and Ali, a longtime advertising executive who grew up in Dallas and moved to San Ramon eight years ago. They chat happily about their career paths, devotion to fashion, and the spark that led them to launch their own line.

It was a now or never moment, says Rasheed. We were both about to turn 40 and had been sending sketches back and forth for a while. The timing felt right, and we jumped in. Last April, they officially established the business, and its been all systems go ever since.

The campaign imagery for the first capsule (Chapter 1: 786) was shot against the striking backdrop of San Franciscos Financial District . The pieces balance sharp tailoring with maximalist details, exaggerated silhouettes, and feminine draping. Prices range from $275 to $500, planting Azali in the luxury-lite space.

Creating garments that captivate without overwhelming the wearer is no small feat, but Azali has cracked the code to elegant power dressing. Exhibit A: Hawa , a sheer black organza trench destined to become a brand signature. Shes at once voluminous and structured, ethereal, and dramatic.

Azali's Fira dress (Courtesy of Reinhardt Kenneth)

Other standouts include a sophisticated-cum-edgy vegan-leather set: Yara 1 , a boxy cropped blazer with oversized peak lapels, and Yara II , a high-waisted maxi skirt with vertical panels and a fluted shape. Then theres Fira , the wild child of the collectiona zebra-print minidress that seduces with an outsized collar, statement buttons, and a sculptural waist.

Encouraging women to express their individuality through sophisticated modest wear is Azalis raison detreand it informs the brands small-batch production model. Producing just 30 to 80 units per style promotes exclusivity while aligning with the companys intentional sustainability framework. Working with female-owned and operated manufacturers that prioritize craftsmanship and the planet is a core valueB Corp certification is a future goal.

Currently, you can shop Azali on its website . Starting in February, select pieces will be available at Wolf & Badger . (Congrats on the first stockist!) And, yes, the next collection, Chapter 2, is in the works. After all, fashion springs eternal.
Leading luxury real estate brokerage brings comprehensive financing solution for traditional and non-traditional borrowers to its flagship market

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the nation's leading luxury residential real estate brokerage, today announced that Elliman Capital, the innovative in-house mortgage platform launched last July in Florida, has now expanded to New York, which includes all of New York City, Long Island, the Hamptons, North Fork, Westchester and Hudson Valley. Powered by a strategic alliance with Associated Mortgage Bankers, Elliman Capital provides a seamless, full-service lending solution with a wide array of financing optionsincluding conventional and jumbo loans, construction financing, commercial lending, bridge loans, FHA, VA, and more. It also supports borrowers with non-traditional financial backgrounds such as self-employed individuals, investors, and foreign nationals.

"In the short time since we launched Elliman Capital in Florida, our agents and clients have enjoyed the exceptional convenience and oversight that this in-house platform brings to the entire real estate transaction process," said Michael S. Liebowitz, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Inc. "I am thrilled that clients in our New York markets will now have access to the competitive rates, diverse loan products, and seamless integration that only comes from working with a single, trusted source for both their real estate and financing needs."

Elliman Capital represents a significant advancement in the Company's comprehensive service offering, providing clients access to an extensive range of loan products including conventional loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, investment property financing, bridge loans, commercial lending, second home mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. The platform is specifically designed to be flexible by extending financing to qualified self-employed individuals, investors, foreign nationals, and other borrowers with unique financial circumstances who have historically faced challenges in securing appropriate financing.

The new mortgage platform incorporates advanced technology and streamlined processes that allow Douglas Elliman agents to easily refer clients, track loan progress, and receive real-time updates throughout the financing process. This integration ensures that agents can provide their clients with comprehensive support from initial property search through closing.

Key benefits of Elliman Capital include:

- Comprehensive Product Range: Access to traditional and specialty loan products from multiple national and regional lenders

- Competitive Rates: Leveraging strong lender relationships to secure optimal terms for clients

- Streamlined Process: Integrated technology platform that simplifies the mortgage application and approval process

- Expert Guidance: Experienced mortgage professionals dedicated to finding the right financing solution for each client's unique situation

- Enhanced Agent Support: Tools and resources that enable Douglas Elliman agents to better serve their clients throughout the transaction

Combining Douglas Elliman's established reputation for luxury service and market expertise with its new comprehensive mortgage capabilities, Elliman Capital is meeting homebuyers' growing demand for more personalized, flexible financing options. For more information, visit ellimanfinancing.com.

About Douglas Elliman Inc.

Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG, "Douglas Elliman") owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States with operations in New York, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. In addition, Douglas Elliman sources, uses and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology ("PropTech") solutions and companies and provides other real estate services, including development marketing, property management and settlement and escrow services in select markets. Additional information concerning Douglas Elliman Realty is available on its website, www.elliman.com.

Investors and others should note that we may post information about Douglas Elliman Inc. on our website at investors.elliman.com or, if applicable, on our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube or other social media platforms. It is possible that the postings or releases could include information deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in Douglas Elliman to review the information we post on our website at investors.elliman.com and on our social media accounts.

SOURCE Douglas Elliman
MAIDEN MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE ERAYINIA/KING GOLD PROJECT



Erayinia Maiden MRE

Perth, Jan 7, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Image Resources NL ( ASX:IMA ) ( I5R:FRA ) provided a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Erayinia/King gold project located in the Eastern Goldfields region, 140km southeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.



Highlights:



- 2.0 Mt @ 2.1 g/t Au for 139k ounces Au Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate



- The deposit is relatively shallow, in oxide and transitional material, making it amenable to conventional open pit mining methods



- The Erayinia/King project is located 50km south of the trans line access road 140km southeast of Kalgoorlie



- Recent technical work has dramatically improved understanding of thestructures controlling the mineralisation, increasing confidence in the MRE



- The deposit remains relatively untested at depth



The MRE was completed by Snowden Optiro using the latest geological insights gained from detailed core logging of two deeper diamond cores holes drilled in Q2 2025 (refer ASX announcement dated 06 January 2026). The MRE process applied economic factors to the deposit to establish reasonable prospect of eventual economic exploitation in accordance with the JORC Code 2012.



The outcome of the exercise was an Inferred Mineral Resource of approximately 2.0 Mt @ 2.1 g/t Au for 139k ounces of gold as reported in accordance with JORC Code 2012.



The MRE approach included a conceptual pit optimisation over the latest geological block model using the parameters in Table 2*.



The Erayinia/King project is located 140 km southeast of Kalgoorlie, proximal to the active Aldiss gold mining district, which hosts the Harry's Hill, French Kiss and Karonie South deposits.



The Erayinia/King project is located on E28/1895 (Erayinia tenement), and P28/1320 and P28/1321 (King tenements). The Erayinia tenement is 100%-owned by Image since 2016.



Image earned 100% interest in the King tenements in 2022 through a farm-in arrangement with the previous owners who maintain a 2% net smelter royalty over any future production of gold from the King tenements. There is no royalty owing to any party for any future production of gold from the Erayinia tenement.



The Project area has been subject to systematic exploration by previous explorers, including surface sampling and drilling. Drilling data from the main prior tenement holders included Goldfields (201 AC and 22 RC drillholes), Integra (427 AC and 35 RC drillholes), and Newmont (52 AC drillholes). All available historical data have been compiled over the tenements.



Exploration completed by Image since 2018 includes 131 RC drillholes for 12,266.5m, 54 AC drillholes for 2,266m and 2 diamond core holes for 903.4m. Only RC drill data have been used to estimate Mineral Resources.



Diamond core drilling, carried out in Q2 2025, provided considerable insight into the geological structures controlling the mineralisation. This resulted in a change to the interpretation of mineralisation identified to-date from shallowly dipping to steeper dipping (from approximately 30 degrees to 68 degrees to the southwest). The new interpretation is much more consistent (striking 331 degrees, dipping to the west at 68 degrees) with only a small variation in strike towards the south end of the deposit.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4H9G1P4E





About Image Resources NL





Image Resources NL (ASX:IMA) is a mineral sands focused miner and supplier of critical minerals titanium dioxide, zircon and monazite containing rare earth elements for sale into global markets. The Company has a demonstrated track record of successful project development and operations at its Boonanarring project located 80km north of Perth in the infrastructure rich North Perth Basin.

Boonanarring was a high-grade, high-zircon, low capital cost mine development that was constructed on-time and on-budget in CY2018 and then ramped up to name plate capacity in the second month of operation and went on to operate profitably through Q3 2023. Debt for the project was paid off early in February 2021 and the Company paid dividends to shareholders in April 2021 and April 2022.

Image completed critical construction of the Atlas project in January 2025 and started commissioning and achieved first HMC production in February 2025 and will be ramping up production and revenue from Atlas in Q2 CY2025.

Chapter 1 operating strategy for Image involved the transition from advanced explorer to active miner in CY2018, operating a single mine and producing a single product (HMC) sold into a single jurisdiction (China). Chapter 2 strategy (post Atlas) will focus on the Company's growth and sustainability ambitions which includes the operation of multiple mines in parallel, producing multiple products (separating HMC), and selling into a global market.

The Company is also investigating a significant value adding step of upgrading its ilmenite to synthetic rutile using a lower GHG emissions, innovative process which Image has provisionally patented, and aims to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of this novel process in CY2025-26.

Related Companies
By Claire Altman, Managing Director for BPA & Individual Retirement at Standard Life: Trustees are navigating a landscape rich with choice, particularly around funding surpluses and how far to go in their de-risking journeys. These decisions underscore the growing complexity and maturity of the BPA market. With more providers and structuring options than ever before, 2026 is set to be a year where choicenot just timingdefines success. Surplus unlocking sparks debate Central to the evolving market is the UK Governments Pension Schemes Bill, which proposes reforms to unlock DB scheme surpluses. These reforms aim to support both member outcomes and broader economic growth. Yet, trustee sentiment remains divided, with two-fifths of trustees uncomfortable with the reforms.[1]. However, theres significant jeopardy for schemes who decide to wait until the regulations to facilitate surplus extraction come in, and in doing so run the risk of missing an opportunity to complete a BPA transaction if pricing changes or scheme funding levels deteriorate. From our engagement with trustees, we know there are different views, with 38% saying they would enhance member benefits and a similar number supporting sponsor business growth and reduced employer contributions. This demonstrates the need for bespoke approaches that work for individual schemes, as well as the regulatory challenge of ensuring decisions are being made in the right way and reflect both trustee and sponsor considerations. Trustee choices: buy-in momentum and strategic clarity With elements of regulatory ambiguity across the regulatory spectrum, including how any new structures look set to be governed we anticipate trustees will continue to favour insurance-based solutions in the year ahead. Our research from autumn 2025 revealed that 48% of DB schemes identify buy-in as their preferred endgame strategy, with 40% of these planning to approach an insurer within the next 12 months. Strong funding levels - 45% of schemes fully funded or in surplus - are driving this demand and enabling trustees to act with confidence. This momentum reflects a strategic shift: trustees are continuing to prioritise certainty and security for members, with buy-in seen not just as a tactical move, but as a long-term solution aligned with fiduciary duties and scheme wind-down goals. Market demand: competitive dynamics and execution pressure 2025 was noted for the growing breadth of choice in the BPA market. While this expansion has driven further improvements in already attractive pricing, it has also led insurers to become more selective in how they allocate resources. With transactions throughout 2025 attracting bids from up to nine providers, its expected that heightened competition will continue into at least the first half of 2026 leading to continued competitive pricing across the market. As pricing remains strong, schemes in surplus are shifting their focus beyond cost alone Trustees are increasingly prioritising non-price factors to secure long-term value for members. This presents a clear opportunity to differentiate through thoughtful preparation and targeted engagement, focusing on insurers whose capabilities match the schemes size, structure, and goals. At the same time, the ability to move swiftly to buy-out is becoming a critical factor. With the backlog of buy-in transactions awaiting conversion to buy-out rising from under 100 to 250 between 2023 and 2024, trustees are placing greater value on insurers that offer a clear and efficient path to full settlement[2]. As a result, in the year ahead, those providers with proven operational readiness and the capacity to manage complex transactions smoothly are in high demandnot just for their pricing, but for their ability to deliver certainty and a high-quality experience for members. Innovation: evolving to meet scheme needs Providers wishing to capitalise on favourable market conditions will continue to invest in their proposition while also benefiting from the significant investments made since 2020. In building specialist teams and technology to support schemes, there is a focus on ensuring a smooth and efficient journey to securing member benefits. Bespoke solutions to address scheme-specific challenges, including managing liquidity, supporting hybrid DB/DC schemes and insuring against residual risks will remain pivotal in the market. This will be further underpinned by a focus on enhancing member experience through digital communication tools that improve transparency and engagement. While the adoption of AI in the BPA space has been in its infancy, we expect it to be a rich source of potential to transform operational efficiency and client service. Conclusion As the BPA market kicks off in 2026, trustees face a landscape defined by both opportunity and complexity. With strong funding levels, evolving regulation, and heightened insurer competition, the ability to act decisively and strategically has never been more critical. Success will depend not only on securing attractive pricing, but also on choosing the right partners who can work innovatively and collaboratively enabling schemes to navigate regulatory change with confidence and aligning endgame strategies with long-term member outcomes. [1] Research conducted by Incisive Media on behalf of Standard Life in August 2025 amongst 100 DB Pension Scheme Trustees, of Schemes larger than 100m
Emma Wall, Chief Investment Strategist, Hargreaves Lansdown: US and UK stock markets hit record highs yesterday  though the FTSE has opened down today as geopolitical concerns bubble. Oil majors and defence stocks, buoyed by the US operation in Venezuela on Monday, helped boost the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 markets  with the FTSE 100 posting its best day in six months. This morning paints a more muted picture, as the dust settles and expectations on tailwinds clarify. The market is additionally digesting alarmist threats from the White House overnight  with US President, Donald Trump, emboldened by his success in Venezuela now setting his sights on Greenland. Time will tell if this is just rhetoric, but todays political focus will be a search for certainty among Europe and NATO members as to what this means for global discord. Asia markets are down today after a strong start to the year, and European markets have opened down too  including the FTSE 100. Some of this will be profit taking, Asian markets had benefited from their best ever start to a year and UK and European stocks have had strong momentum. Gold and silver  both of which hit new record highs at the end of last year  have also fallen, having started the week strong following Mondays events. Trumps erratic approach to tariffs and global diplomacy, and the threat of Russia having its assets seized by global players supportive of Ukraine, has made gold a more attractive neutral reserve for many global central banks. Goldman Sachs estimates that central banks will target around 20% of reserves in the precious metal, and China is currently at around 8%, which  alongside continued geopolitical uncertainty  should prop up the gold price, though we do not expect the returns of 2024 and 2025 to follow this year. Oil and gas buys were four times higher on Monday 5th compared to the average trading day in December 2025. While it is true that oil majors saw share prices benefit  boosting the wider market, analysts are cautious on how quickly these companies may see the benefits of increased supply. It will take significant investment  millions if not billions of dollars  which is a dicey bet to make in a country that still faces significant political uncertainty. President Trumps comments overnight that the US would primarily benefit from supply  with 50 million barrels expected to be bound for America  have muted expectations for both the oil price, which has fallen, and UK listed BP and Shell, both down around 2% in open trading. Aerospace and defence trades were also up on Monday 5th on the HL platform, three times higher compared to the average trading day in December 2025. Uplift in trading levels was primarily in Rolls Royce and BAE Systems  though it is worth noting that both of these names have been popular with investors over the past year, following strong performance through 2025. Defence stocks benefited from the government policy to commit a larger proportion of GDP on military spending following pressure from the US government over the war in Ukraine. A pledge in March 2025 led to the largest one-day rally for the sector since 2020 but it ended the year softer. The military operation has seen the sector rally on global demand however, with the sector looking fair-to-fully valued, investors should be cautious about upside expectations.
CHENGDU, China, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPMHC) will be held in San Francisco, California, USA, from January 12 to 15, 2026. Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech" or the "Company", 6990.HK) has been invited to attend the conference and Dr. Michael Ge, President and CEO of Kelun-Biotech, will share the company's latest business progresses as well as its innovation capabilities and strategies.

Presentation Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 9:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

Presentation Venue: Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, USA

J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference is honored as a "benchmark for development and investment in the global healthcare area". During the conference, Kelun-Biotech will join massive seasoned experts and industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge trends in biopharmaceutical innovation. Based on the ongoing transformation moment of the global pharmaceutical industry, the company will actively pursue mutually beneficial partnership opportunities on the international stage.

You can visit "Investor Relations - Investor Calendar" page of Kelun-Biotech's official website for participation of live webcast of presentation session, and watch replay within 30 days after the conference.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. Kelun-Biotech focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. Kelun-Biotech is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, Kelun-Biotech has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. Kelun-Biotech has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC, and has 2 ADC projects approved for marketing, and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://en.kelun-biotech.com/.

SOURCE Kelun-biotech
'Not Acceptable': Fadnavis Orders BJP to Exit Local Tie-Ups with Congress, AIMIM 2

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed the BJP to immediately sever its local alliances with the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in two municipal councils, asserting that such tie-ups were not acceptable to the party.

Reacting to alliances formed in Ambernath and Akot ahead of the January 15 municipal council elections, Fadnavis said the BJP would not tolerate partnerships with the Congress or AIMIM. Alliance with Congress and AIMIM is not acceptable. It will have to be broken. Directives have been issued, and the matter will be looked into. Disciplinary action will be taken if anyone has violated party orders, he said.

Within hours of the statement, the Indian National Congress announced the suspension of Ambernath Congress chief Pradip Patil and dissolved the local Congress committee.

In Ambernath, around 60 km from Mumbai, the BJP had formed the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi to keep the Shiv Sena out of power. The front included 14 BJP members, 12 from the Congress, four from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, and one Independent. A letter submitted to the Thane district collector named Abhijeet Gulabrao Karanjule-Patil as group leader.

While the BJP managed to secure the municipal council chairmans post, the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats. Both Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan hail from Thane district, and the alliance was seen as part of a local power tussle to retain control over leadership positions.

A similar controversy surfaced in Akot municipal council in Akola district, where the BJP registered the Akot Vikas Manch by aligning with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, which emerged as the second-largest party with five seats. The front also includes both factions of the Shiv Sena, both factions of the NCP, and Bachchu Kadus Prahar Janshakti Party. BJP corporator Ravi Thakur was named group leader, making it mandatory for alliance members to follow the whip.

The alliance currently commands 25 of the 33 seats in the council and is set to vote together in the January 13 elections for deputy president and co-opted members. Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi corporators will sit in the Opposition.

Responding to the developments, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal said there was no question of an alliance between the BJP and the Congress, as both parties had fought each other politically. He added that the party had sought a report on the matter and would take action if the allegations were substantiated.
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Berns Team, a top-producing Pasadena real estate team, announced the results of its first annual Raise to Give event, where past and current clients voted to determine how the team would donate $105,000 to local nonprofits and community organizations. This year's client-directed giving effort supports seven Pasadena-area groups making an impact in homelessness, emergency relief, historic preservation, and community development.

At the heart of Raise to Give is a simple idea: every home bought or sold with The Berns Team helps fuel meaningful change in the community. Instead of choosing the beneficiaries themselves, the team invited their clientspeople whose real estate journeys they've guidedto vote on where the funds should go.

Following the community vote, The Berns Team distributed donations totaling $105,000, including:

$50,000  Door of Hope

 Door of Hope $25,000  Eaton Fire Survivors Network

 Eaton Fire Survivors Network $12,500  Friends in Deed

 Friends in Deed $7,500  Eaton Fire Collaborative

 Eaton Fire Collaborative $5,000  Harambee Ministries

 Harambee Ministries $2,500  Habitat for Humanity, San Gabriel Valley

 Habitat for Humanity, San Gabriel Valley $2,500  Pasadena Heritage

"Our mission has always been about more than real estate," said Laura Berns, co-owner of The Berns Team. "Raise to Give allows us to deepen our connection with our community by empowering our clients to help direct real impact where it's needed most."

"Real estate is the vehicle, but giving back is the purpose," added Jason Berns, co-owner. "We're incredibly grateful to our clients whose trust in us makes moments like this possible. Their votes shaped this entire initiative."

The Raise to Give event took place at The Berns Team's annual Fall Festival Client Appreciation celebration, where over three hundred clients gathered to enjoy food, games, and the announcement of the donation recipients. The initiative reflects The Berns Team's commitment to using their business success to uplift La Canada, Altadena, Pasadena and surrounding communities.

The Berns Team plans to expand Raise to Give in 2026 as part of a long-term vision to increase community support year after year.

About The Berns Team

The Berns Team, Keller Williams Luxury, is a leading real estate team serving Pasadena, La Canada, Altadena, Monrovia, South Pasadena, San Marino, and surrounding communities. Known for strategic marketing, concierge-level service, and strong community involvement, The Berns Team has helped thousands of families buy and sell homes while reinvesting in local nonprofits through initiatives like Raise to Give.

Learn more at www.BernsTeamBlessings.com

Media Contact

The Berns Team

Keller Williams Real Estate

Pasadena, California

[email protected]

Laura: (626) 676-1884 | Jason: (626) 826-4544

SOURCE The Berns Team
Accomplished hospitality leader brings global commercial expertise to drive growth, brand strength, and customer engagement

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Loews Hotels & Co , a branded owner & operator in refined hospitality, today announces the appointment of Kristie Goshow as Chief Commercial Officer. A UK native, Goshow is a highly regarded commercial leader known for driving performance, innovation, and brand growth across global hospitality portfolios.

Loews Hotels & Co Appoints Kristie Goshow As Chief Commercial Officer

In this role, Goshow will lead the company's Commercial strategy with oversight of Sales, Hotel Marketing, Revenue Management, Meetings & Events, Brand, Communications, e-Commerce & Distribution, Digital Marketing, and the Customer Engagement Center. Goshow will focus on driving top-line revenue performance, strengthening and expanding customer relationships, increasing direct bookings, and elevating brand awareness across Loews' 27 properties.

"Goshow is a dynamic and highly respected commercial leader with a proven track record of driving growth through innovation, strategic thinking, and customer-centric leadership," said Alex Tisch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loews Hotels & Co. "Her depth of experience across sales, marketing, distribution, and revenue strategy, combined with her global perspective, makes her an exceptional addition to our executive team as we continue to build the future of Loews Hotels."

Goshow brings more than two decades of hospitality and travel industry experience to Loews Hotels. Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Peregrine Hospitality Group (formerly KSL Resorts), where she was responsible for Sales, Revenue Strategy, and Marketing. Prior to that, she held the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Preferred Hotels & Resorts (now Preferred Travel Group), overseeing global Marketing and Loyalty initiatives for a portfolio of more than 700 hotels across 80+ countries.

Her career also includes senior leadership roles at Viceroy Hotel Group, Sabre, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, and Utell (Pegasus). Earlier in her career, Goshow worked in travel logistics with MSAS before moving into aviation with Virgin Atlantic, where she served as Area Sales Manager. Notably, she spent nine years in Dubai with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, leading distribution, marketing, and business innovation for the global luxury brand.

"I'm thrilled to join a remarkably talented team, guided by a culture grounded in the very best of family values, said Goshow. "The thoughtfully unscripted nature of the Loews approach to product and service creates fertile ground for fresh thinking, meaningful innovation, and a distinctive agility, one that allows the business to evolve seamlessly alongside changing consumer expectations."

Goshow is widely recognized for her leadership and industry impact. Her accolades include Skift's Women Shaping Travel's Future (202425), the Amaze Insights Vision & Leadership Award (2024), Hotel Management's Most Influential Women in Hospitality (2022), and Top 25 Women Leading Travel & Hospitality (2022). She is deeply engaged in advancing the industry, having recently served as a Trustee for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation, a Board Director for the HSMAI Foundation & Americas Advisory Board, and as a Board Member for Alliance Strategies.

For more information about Loews Hotels & Co or to book your upcoming travel, call 1-800-23 LOEWS or visit Loews Hotels online.

About Loews Hotels & Co

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage and excellence in service. The hospitality company encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co owns and/or operates 27 hotels and resorts across the U.S., including eleven hotels at Universal Orlando Resort with three new hotels that opened in 2025 as part of their partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com .

Contact:

Samantha Horowitz

[email protected]

SOURCE Loews Hotels & Co
In March last year, China unveiled a cable-cutting device capable of operating 4,000 meters underwater. This underscores a significant vulnerability that few consider: 99% of international data travels through about 600 subsea fiber optic cables, totaling nearly 1.48 million kilometers of cable susceptible to attack.

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With China and Russia adopting strategies for multi-front warfare, the threat to infrastructure and communication cannot be ignored. Attacks will occur unexpectedly and are likely to involve hacking or be carried out through drones, robotic submarines, and similar methods. There is an urgent need for a resilient alternative network that will support  and during crises, replace  existing telecom systems.

Therefore, the world must seriously consider initiatives like the Outernet project, which plans to establish a network of 600 interconnected low-earth orbit satellites that could sustain global communication even if the cable network is damaged. Led by Munich-based Rivada Space Networks, the project aims to create a second internet backbone in space. There is no dependence on ground stations.

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Rivadas CEO, Declan Ganley, a telecom entrepreneur, has been working on a system to replace undersea cables for several years. He started the company after studying the challenges faced by emergency services during the 9/11 terror attacks. Having interacted with Chinese officials, he is very aware of the threat posed by communist China and its ambitions for global dominance.

The Chinese have shown strong interest in this new technology and have repeatedly asked Ganley to partner on the venture and launch the system from China, using Chinese satellites. At a meeting in Paris, a Chinese business figure offered him $7.5 billion and laid out his terms. Ganley resisted, so the Chinese resorted to lawfare: they filed 158 lawsuits, costing Rivada over $36 million and distracting it from the main goal of getting the satellites in space by early 2026.

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Ganley, an Irish citizen born in the U.K.,* doesnt seem like the type to give up. He started investing in stocks at age 14. When he left school, he decided to enter the business world. From working on construction sites and as a teaboy, he devised a plan to launch satellites by hiring Russian rockets. That didnt work out, but his other ventures  buying Russian aluminum when the ruble was low and selling it high in Europe, forestry, and broadband networks  were successful. By his early twenties, when most young people are deciding on careers, he had earned enough money to think big.

Ganley warns about the threat from China. He points out that Chinese-made telecom equipment, from companies like Huawei, is legally obliged to share intelligence and information with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The U.S., he believes, mishandled radio spectrum allocation, forcing many mobile carriers to look for cheaper financing and technology. Taking advantage of this, the CCP subsidized Huawei and other manufacturers so their equipment and software could be sold cheaply and serve as a massive intelligence-gathering tool, compromising global networks.

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As a young businessman in Russia, Ganley directly witnessed the evil and oppression of communism, which motivated him to vow never to do business with China. He supports the development of the Outernet as a vital safeguard against sabotage for businesses and democracies. He regrets that the West moved manufacturing to China, kept energy prices higher than Chinas, and lost control of its data networks.

Ganleys concerns and warnings about the threat to subsea cables from China  and increasingly Russia  are reflected in the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commissions 2025 report to Congress. The report includes cable cutting among coercive military, economic, and influence operations short of war  actions described as being in the gray zone.

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A boxed article (pages 9899) in Chapter 2 of the report describes three cases where vessels from Chinas shadow fleet cut cables near Taiwan and the Baltic Sea, and a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. European investigators are quoted as saying that Russian agents were involved in some of the sabotage operations in the Baltic. The article states that China delayed repairing cables near Vietnam by not issuing permits. It also warns that, under the guise of carrying out repairs, China could install taps on undersea cables in the Pacific to compromise U.S. military communications.

Another report from Recorded Future, an American cybersecurity company, identified nine suspicious incidents in 2024-25. Four occurred in the Baltic region, causing eight cable damages, and five happened around Taiwan, leading to five disruptions. The report states that at least four of these incidents involved ships linked to China or Russia engaging in suspicious maneuvers. While it stops short of blaming Russia directly, it says that Russia has almost certainly increased hybrid operations targeting European countries, including sabotage of critical infrastructure.

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China has the third-largest submarine fleet in the world, with more than 60 vessels, but it is only a few short of the leaders, the U.S. and Russia, which each have roughly 70. China plans to surpass America and Russia by 2030 in both conventional and nuclear submarines. The new cable-cutting device, which uses a high-speed diamond-coated spinning blade protected by strong shells to withstand high pressure in the deep, can be operated from submarines and even from shore. So, it is definitely a major threat.

Since 2023, nations have suspected China and Russia of targeting undersea cables to disrupt communication. However, even in 2023, data from Taiwans Chunghwa Telecom revealed that cables to Matsu Island  located near the Chinese mainland  had been cut 27 times over the previous five years. In 202425, more incidents involving China and Russia have come to light.

While Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, and Germany have blamed China or Russia or called for them to join investigations, Taiwan jailed a Chinese captain in June last year for sabotaging a cable near Penghu Island. Prosecutors said his ship  which was in poor condition, had only one cargo record, and operated under multiple names  zig-zagged over the cable, dragging its anchor intentionally. In November 2024, the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 was accused of cutting cables between Sweden and Lithuania and between Finland and Germany by dragging its anchor for 160 kilometers. The New Polar Bear, a Chinese feeder ship, was suspected of breaking the gas pipe between Finland and Estonia.

These actions follow the strategies outlined by Chinese colonels Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui in Unrestricted Warfare: Chinas Master Plan to Destroy America. They describe future battlefields as being virtually infinite. The focus will be on avoiding direct conflict by targeting economic and financial systems, disrupting networks and infrastructure, and employing similar tactics within the gray zone. The Salt Typhoon data breaches from 2023 to 25 were part of this approach, targeting 200 companies across 80 countries. According to the New York Times, Chinese hackers may have stolen data from nearly every American.

Some analysts believe the sabotage of cables behind the cover of deniability  using ships with opaque ownership records and deploying maneuvers that could be mistaken for accidents  was Chinas way of testing response times. Repairing a damaged cable costs millions of dollars and can take months, although built-in redundancy usually ensures that alternative routes restore connectivity much sooner.

In fact, it is redundancies that have kept cable-based networks operational since the first transatlantic cable briefly connected Valentia Island, Ireland, with Hearts Content, Newfoundland, in early August 1858, and failed within three weeks. Rapid technological advances and alternative routing protocols have ensured that even the tsunamis of 2004 and 2011, which caused significant disruptions, did not result in total failures in the affected countries.

Now, with analysts saying that the announcement of Chinas cable-cutting capabilities should silence any doubts regarding the threat of intentional cuts, the free world should consider the space-based redundancy that the Outernet offers  one that surpasses all ground-based backups.

Image generated by ChatGPT.

Correction: An earlier version of this piece misstated Ganleys nationality.
You may think climate alarmism is a great overhype, that the 2020 election had unusually significant voting irregularities, or that Russiagate was a hoax perpetrated by the Clinton campaign and our national intelligence agencies. If so, according to the Progressive left and its media, you are a right-wing perpetrator of conspiracy theory, born of your emotionalism, credulity, and paranoia. Therefore, there is no need to refute your ideas with evidence and argument, as John Stuart Mill would deem the essence of our democratic project.

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On the other hand, if you believe that Trump was secretly communicating with Russia when he asked Russia during a televised speech to find Hillary Clintons missing 30,000 emails, you are, in the eyes of Progressives, a discerning observer. If you pooh-pooh any suggestion that Watergate was about spying on men calling a CIA-sponsored bordello, you are qualified to converse in a Manhattan parlor. Your climate sophistication is shown if, in response to any criticism of the U.N.s 1995 IPCC Report on the climate, you laugh off this climate denialism, of course a conspiracy theory not requiring debate.

By the label conspiracy theory, the Progressive left, supported by a complicit media establishment, concocts false narratives while suppressing opposition based on fact. Our society is worse off for this cloture of debate.

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The left and its media handmaidens are thereby stanching important, principled, and fact-based arguments in the service of enshrining ideological doctrine, best termed propaganda, since it is decreed to be unassailable truth without any need for intellectual vetting. The issues presented here as examples would need hundreds, if not thousands, of pages of explication to treat them fully. But a few notes serve the thesis presented here.

Doubling of atmospheric CO2 will not be, as Al Gore famously claimed, associated with 5.4 degrees of warming, a true catastrophe. Closer to 1 to 1.7 degrees is more in line with the current state of evidence, still developing with the aid of geostationary satellites and subject to refinement. More importantly, over the eons, CO2 increases have always lagged heating and are, for the most part, caused by heating, as warming of oceans and tundra, along with rotting biomass, releases CO2 as heat increases. The alarmist computer models overpredict warming by three times on average, and evidence suggests that the narrow CO2 absorption band is becoming saturated. So the extent and effect of man-made CO2 are at the least debatable.

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Indeed, the first and most comprehensive scientific examination of the causes of global warming, the 1995 Report of IPCC scientists, found no clear evidence that we can attribute the observed change to ... increase in greenhouse gases. Of course, the IPCCs political arm, in its 1995 Summary for Policymakers, issued to the public, said just the opposite: The balance of evidence suggests a discernable human influence on global climate.

But has any reader encountered in the mainstream media these evidence-based arguments? The very essence of science is debate, and as the brilliant physicist Richard Feynman observed, Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts. But the conspiracy theory charge suppresses scientific debate under the theory that putative expert opinion cannot be subject to challenge.

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Please recall that as Watergate was exploding in May 1973, the special counsel, prominent Democrat and Kennedy associate Archibald Cox, was appointed, followed by Leon Jaworski. Evidence that the Watergate wiretaps were aimed at calls between out-of-town Democrats and a CIA-protected bordello was swept under the rug, along with strong evidence that the burglary was not a campaign operation. The books Secret Agenda (1984) and Postgate (2019) show solid proof that this is so.

Did our Pulitzer Prizewinning Washington Post, which knew the burglarys actual target, and CIA involvement, print what it knew? Of course not. Fifty years after the arrests, star reporter Bob Woodward still attributes the burglaries, falsely, to Richard Nixons irrational desire to win the 1974 election, wiretapping a site all cognoscenti have admitted had no current campaign value. As Nixon wryly observed, he could understand someone thinking he was criminal but was insulted that someone would think him this stupid. But no matter how irrational, the Post and Woodward, supported by an almost unanimous media establishment, persist in a narrative that has been debunked to a fare-thee-well.

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Jumping to 2019, very little of the Mueller Report was written by its eponymous special counsel sponsor. This publication contained outright doozies, which do likely qualify for the unenlightening tag of conspiracy theories. It continually referred to Professor Joseph Mifsud as a Russian-connected operative who supposedly tried to connect inexperienced young Trump campaign associate George Papodopolous with Vladimir Putin. This fable ignored the strong evidence that Mifsud was a British 5 Eyes operative working with American intelligence agencies trying to entrap the Trump campaign.

This jejune, biased report implied that Trump was not joking when he publicly asked Russia to find Hillary Clintons missing 30,000 emails. After all, the report proved that Kremlin operatives responded to Trumps statements by ... working late that night! We wish we were making up this tripe, printed at government expense, but we are not.

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It would be easy, but facile, to mirror the left and simply term each stupidity a conspiracy theory. But, as we show here, that term does not produce principled discussion. It is more accurate that the left and the media simply ignore inconvenient truths that conflict with Progressive orthodoxy, using the accusation conspiracy theory to suppress contrary evidence. Any trial lawyer knows that the most common form of fraud is concealment of material facts. Thus, the best summary of the matter is that when the left yells conspiracy theory!, it is likely engaging in fraud.

At the same time the J6 protests were ongoing, unexploded pipe bombs were found near the RNC and DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The FBI had the suspect on video  a short, a young-looking black man wearing Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes. Yet for four years, the FBI failed to find the suspect. This is at the same time the Bureau was locating, mainly through cell phone data, just about every one of the many thousands of Americans who were near the Capitol on January 6, not just those who entered the Capitol building. But skilled FBI agents couldnt locate this photographed pipe bomb suspect during the four-year Biden term?

Conservatives, one of whom was podcaster Dan Bongino, saw this evidence as indicating an FBI setup designed to blame Trump. After all, would the FBI allow a true crime to go unsolved?

Once Bongino and Kash Patel were sworn in to the FBI around March 2025, the case was solved after several months of hard sleuthing, which could have happened in 2021, four years earlier. Clearly, this fact pattern supports Bonginos hypothesis of the FBIs deliberate inaction. We now know that the crime was real, which is worse than the fabricated one Bongino rationally hypothesized.

But why would the FBI, perhaps urged by the White House, fail to investigate? If this were a young black man living in Washington, D.C., demographics would suggest a 90% chance that the culprit was an anti-Trump Bidenite and unlikely MAGA. This would directly conflict with the political narrative being constructed by Democrats and the media of January 6 Trumpian evil.

Now, with the J6 pipe bomb crime solved, how did the New York Times report this story? As a criticism of Bongino for, yes, having spouted a conspiracy theory, now forced to a tire-shredding U-turn. This was not a U-turn at all, but a slight course correction aided by information in the file. By accusing Bongino, the story became about a crazy conservative conspiratorialist and not a biased FBI that sat on its hands for four years for clear political reasons.

The Times even swallowed without pushback the FBIs explanation that it couldnt figure out how to search the cell phone data within the pipe bomb areas, after the FBI used cell phone data to find everyone breathing near the Capitol on J6. But this weak explanation was needed to avoid the real story of a politically compromised FBI, supported by a credulous media establishment, avoiding the solving of a crime for political purposes.

It therefore should surprise no one that as the Minnesota Somali fraud scandal deepens, left-leaning media are more vociferously attributing the uproar to MAGA conspiracy theorists. And as Governor Tim Walz abandons his re-election campaign because of his implication in the fraud, he is blaming, yes, conspiracy theories.

Thus the ineluctable verdict to be reached by anyone with common sense: In each of these matters of great importance to the public, the left and its media acolytes prefer to avoid democratic discussion and debate by using the mindless taunt of conspiracy theory, often in the service of a fraudulent Progressive narrative.

John D. OConnor is a former federal prosecutor and the San Francisco attorney who represented W. Mark Felt during his revelation as Deep Throat in 2005. OConnor is the author of the books The Mysteries of Watergate: What Really Happened and Postgate: How the Washington Post Betrayed Deep Throat, Covered Up Watergate and Began Todays Partisan Advocacy Journalism.

Image: Chris Dodds via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
In the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026, President Trump directed a smooth, targeted operation to arrest Nicolas Maduro for numerous drug-related crimes.

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The usual suspects (the regressive left, the Democrat party, Thomas Massie, Sloppy Steve Bannon) are complaining that Trump took an illegal action, an act of war that requires Congresss approval.

But heres the truth: The United States military enforced a DOJ indictment, and the United States government has done this before.

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The United States has resisted evil leaders with similar boldness.

In 2005, President George W. Bush talked about an Axis of Evil waging terror and rampaging war around the world: Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Twenty years later, that Axis of Evil has expanded, including China, Russia, and Venezuela.

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Islamist terror and communist predation, foreign and domestic, are the United States primary concerns.

Pushing back on this double threat should be a high priority for any leader.

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President Trump has redirected our foreign policy efforts to focus on Americas vital interests to thwart this growing Axis, but without shedding American blood or squandering American treasure. Trump is succeeding where Bush struggled.

Regarding foreign intervention, Bush 43 failed because he focused on nation-building, exporting by force our democratic norms to regions inherently hostile to the voice and vote of their citizens. Many of those same citizens are hostile to the franchise, too. Many Russian citizens, for example, want strong leadership, not a choice of leaders.

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In the Arab-Muslim world, there is a higher primacy placed on authority, not the will of the people, too. These are still more collectivist types of societies, and the transformation from autocracy to republican governance does not happen overnight, or even in one century!

President Trump is not George W. Bush 2.0. His action against Venezuela was long overdue, and its purposes align much more with putting the interests of the American nation and its citizens first. Still, neo-isolationists on the Woke Right are sounding the alarm over Trumps latest military foray into Venezuela, and their fears need to be confronted and challenged.

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Some critics are pouting that Venezuelas illegal immigration and drug trafficking are not overwhelming the country, and therefore, this action is all wrong.

My response is So what? They are pushing drugs into our country. They are allying with subversive leaders around the world who want nothing but Americas failure (China, Russia, Iran). Venezuelan gangs like Tren de Aragua have been operating in our nation with impunity, all with the blessing and enabling of the Maduro regime.

Venezuela has stolen American property, including American oil and oil rigging infrastructure, too. We could talk about the fraud and theft that the country has engaged in for the last 27 years, ever since Hugo Chavez came to power and imposed communism on the once-resource-rich and prosperous nation.

But Venezuelas narco-communist leaders greatest crime against the American people has been the humanitarian crisis that Chavez and Maduro forced upon it and much of the rest of the world. Millions of Venezuelans fled their country, some 9 or 10 million, a third of the country in the world's worst refugee crisis. A great deal of the migrant flood that harassed the United Statess border came from Venezuela.

And that is the larger point: Trumps larger goals remain focused on ending the mass legal (and illegal) migration crises harming the United States. How do we get people to stop coming to our country? Make their own countries better! The Venezuelan diaspora has been celebrating nonstop since Maduros arrest, and in time they will all want to go back.

Lets give foreign migrants a reason to return home. If their countries are unsafe, and the United States has the opportunity and authority to do something about it, lets do the bare minimum so that they will go home again.

This is the way.

Venezuelas fraught transition hangs in the balance. Trump and his team have discussed who will run the country once Maduro was removed from power. George W. Bush dropped the ball on this. During the Iraqi invasion of 2003, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld allowed the Iraqi army to disband following the American invasion. Unprecedented chaos ensued.

Still, with the bad leaders removed, who will run the country in their place? The United States military leadership took this problem into consideration during World War II. When they targeted Japan with the atomic bomb, they deliberately ignored Tokyo to preserve some government infrastructure to lead post-war Japan.

Regarding Venezuela, Trump and his cabinet have considered these matters more thoroughly. I trust that they will guide the transition process, ensuring that Venezuelas eventual new leadership respects the natural rights of its citizens and the property rights of American investors, but most importantly, the sovereignty of the United States.

The hope of the Venezuelan people in celebrating this targeted military move should give us all hope. They suffered under communism for nearly thirty years, and they watched Maduro steal the latest election. The Venezuelan people have lived in liberty before. They have held elections before. They have recognizable borders, language, and culture. Their problem has been a corrupt system that kowtowed and silenced the public from speaking out and changing their system to reflect the best interests of the people. They are ready to take back control of their country.

Despite the initial victory, should Americans maintain some concerns about this Venezuelan venture turning into another nation-building debacle? Yes, of course. There is nothing wrong with American citizens vetting each foreign policy foray with skeptical eyes.

Delcy Rodriguez, the vice president turned acting president, has taken over for Maduro, but has no more legitimacy than Maduro, since shes also a hardcore communist and the fruit of the election fraud. The country still faces a crisis of legitimacy, and Trump needs to connect all the key Venezuelan opposition leaders to restore order, peace, and prosperity to the country.

I am concerned that President Trump has reserved support for Nobel Prize-winning opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He claims that she does not have the respect of the people (this, after winning the 2024 election in a two-thirds landslide), the experience, or the capacity to control the army to take over.

What a strange criticism, since Trump didnt have government experience, either, since he had never held elected office.

However, during his two terms in office, Trump has exceeded expectations and accomplished more good than other accomplished politicians. In Venezuelas case, Trump should give the celebrated opposition leader a chance.

Or is he engaging in a sly rhetorical strategy to quietly facilitate Machados transition team and restore order to the country?

Despite these serious concerns, the initial actions and outcomes of Trumps strike on Venezuela suggest that we are looking at a relatively small political investment in the region, a restoration of larger private American investment into the country, another element of the Axis of Anti-American evil has been removed from power, and a chance for True Liberty vs. Socialist Tyranny to take hold in Latin America.

All of these developments spell nothing but good for the United States.

America First does not mean sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring the dangers in the world. If we want to secure our borders, language, culture, and constitutional legacy, we have to defend our country from enemies foreign as well as domestic. Trump accomplished exactly that by taking Maduro into custody, and I welcome his future political forays to end harsh abuses from other Latin American tyrants who have harmed American citizens and our interests.

Image: Pexels / Pexels License
Following the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration should continue to pursue other indicted individuals who are escaping justice by residing in countries that will not extradite them. One such individual is Ahlam Tamimi, one of the Hamas bombers behind the notorious 2001 Sbarro restaurant attack in Jerusalem, in which three Americans were murdered. Tamimi should be apprehended immediately. She has been living openly in Jordan for many years, giving interviews, hosting television programs, and celebrating the attack that took innocent lives.



This August will mark 25 years since the Sbarro bombing in Jerusalem, when a Hamas homicide bomber entered a busy neighborhood restaurant and ended the lives of 16 innocent people, including eight children and a pregnant woman, and wounded over 120 individuals. Three U.S. citizens were killed in cold blood in the terrorist attack. Two died on the day of the bombing: Malka Roth, just 15 years old, and Shoshana Greenbaum, a 31-year-old teacher and first-time expectant mother. Chana Nachenberg, another American victim, survived the initial blast but remained in a coma for 22 years before dying in May 2023.



Ahlam Tamimi was not a bystander. She played a central role in planning and guiding the Hamas bomber to the restaurant, deliberately choosing a crowded location filled with families and children. She has never expressed any remorse. Instead, she has repeatedly glorified the attack and praised the deaths it caused. Yet despite her clear culpability in the murder of innocent American citizens, she has never faced justice in a U.S. court.

The Obama administration issued an arrest warrant for Tamimi in 2013, but kept the indictment secret, according to the FBI. The Trump administration revealed the indictment in 2017. However, it appears that no American administration has ever formally demanded that the Jordanians hand over Tamimi -- even though the United States and Jordan have an extradition treaty. Jordan has provided various legal and political justifications for refusing extradition, but none change the underlying reality: an indicted terrorist responsible for killing Americans is being sheltered by a U.S. ally.

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Tamimis case is not unique. There are dozens of Palestinian Arab terrorists who have murdered U.S. citizens and are living under the protection of the Palestinian Authority and its leader, Mahmoud Abbas. Some of these individuals are reportedly serving in the Palestinian security forces themselves. Yet the American government has never pressed Abbas to hand them over for prosecution. In some cases, these terrorists or their families are financially rewarded through official Palestinian Authority stipends -- "pay for slay."



It is tragic that many of our government's leaders have seemed to care more about offending Jordan than prosecuting killers of Americans. Justice for U.S. citizens must not be conditional on the sensitivities of foreign governments. The United States has both a moral obligation and a legal responsibility to pursue those who murder its citizens, regardless of where they hide.



The precedent has now been set with Nicolas Maduro. If the United States is willing to pursue indicted criminals who evade justice by remaining in friendly or protected jurisdictions, then that commitment must be applied consistently. Ahlam Tamimi must be apprehended so she can stand trial in an American court, just as Maduro will. Anything less sends a dangerous message: that American lives lost to terrorism abroad are negotiable.



What remains to be seen is what our elected representatives will do about this. American citizens must speak out loudly and demand that murderers like Tamimi be brought to justice by whatever means necessary. Silence only ensures that the status quo continues, and that those who target Americans can do so with impunity.



Justice delayed for 25 years is justice denied. America should act now.

Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.

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Image: FBI
You would think Minneapolis's leaders would do all they could to try to salvage their city's riot-prone image in the wake of the George Floyd debacle. But you'd be wrong.

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Here's the latest idiocy coming out of what looks like a sad situation for a leftist woman lacking reasonable judgment around police operations, according to the New York Times:

A federal officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation Wednesday, as the Trump administration intensified a crackdown on illegal immigration. Details of the shooting remained unclear, with conflicting accounts from local and federal officials. Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, said in a statement that an agent had opened fire after a woman weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to kill federal officers. Mayor Jacob Frey called her account bullshit in a news conference, describing the shooting instead as an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed.

Well, no, it was not bee ess, and anyone looking at the videos on X can clearly see that it looked like a protester ramming ICE agents in the course of their duties, using her car as a weapon, and an agent or agents firing back through the windshield, which can only be done from the front. To any reasonable observer, that's self-defense, even as it led to an unfortunate ending for the leftist.

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The moment the woman tried to run over ICE in Minneapolis.



He had to defend his life.pic.twitter.com/ndfTlvO8KU  Paul A. Szypula  (@Bubblebathgirl) January 7, 2026

The ICE Agent was clearly in front of the car. She used her car as a weapon. Case closed and one less terrorist. pic.twitter.com/k2mFhEAaQE  Hunter Eagleman (@Hunter_Eagleman) January 7, 2026

This angle of the ICE involved shooting in Minneapolis clearly shows there was an agent in front of the car she tried to run over and was shot as a result. pic.twitter.com/U14EvfLY27 Advertisement January 7, 2026

Video from the front showing ICE agent was clearly in front of the vehicle and hit by the fleeing driver.

pic.twitter.com/hYdaft9MnT  Gays For Trump (@GaysForTrump) January 7, 2026

Shot front windshield so it had to be headed toward ICE agent  Becky J (@Becster2010) January 7, 2026

ICE shooting in Minneapolis - Zoomed in and slowed down. pic.twitter.com/mr30TabfYY Advertisement January 7, 2026

None of this has stopped the radical left, led by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, fromfrom over-reacting. Frey shrieked profanity at the television cameras to keep things whipped up.

According to the Times:

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Mayor Frey described the shooting as an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed. He took issue with the federal governments description of the shooting, describing it as bullshit, saying that he had viewed video of the incident.

He went toilet-mouth on national television, too:

Jacob Frey: "To ICE -- get the fuck out of Minneapolis" pic.twitter.com/6cr3MIApLv Advertisement January 7, 2026

It's like he's trying to whip up a riot, another burn-a-thon against Minneapolis's ever-diminishing businesses for Gov. Tim Walz's wife to open her windows to inhale.

As if that is in Minneapolis's interest.

This isn't leadership, it's collaboration with leftists, rioters, and terrorists, and effectively calling on them to deliver more.

It's highly probable that they will, looking to make themselves a new George Floyd as fraud hearings over Somali theft of billions in state and federal funding makes headlines.

And worse still, Frey was issuing de facto threats about people getting killed about a week ago, instead of doing all he could to tamp down the raging leftists.

 Americans are calling for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to resign after he threatened violence against ICE just weeks ago.



Now, today, a suspect attempted to run over ICE agents with her vehicle, prompting self-defense gunfire in response. pic.twitter.com/IqkzqE3gaa  Digital Gal (@DigitalGalX) January 7, 2026

Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the area, preferred to go the liar's route to this event, sounding like a mendacious left-wing lawyer:

Im following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis.



Ill continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as soon as I receive information.



ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.  Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) January 7, 2026

A legal observer, she claimed, which suggests she probably knew these obstructors.

Ahem. Omar didn't explain why the 'legal observer' was acting illegally. Any real legal observer knows not to interfere with lawmen as they go about their duties, let alone not try to ram anyone with a car.

But Omar's got a mob to whip up, too, so the lies come easy.

Obviously, another disaster is in store for Minneapolis's battered business owners. The rage-protests are already being set up, and Frey will cover himself by wanly calling on them to be peaceful, which knowing them, is unlikely to happen.

The left has the press on its side, but even that is a tattered weapon with all the X videos going around showing different sides of the ramming incident indicating self-defense.

Yes, it's sad for the protestor, but these things inevitably happen, given that lawmen don't know right off the bat if the person ramming them with their car and ignoring orders to stop is armed, a cartel leader, a human smuggler trying to escape justice, or a mere leftist trying to escape responsibility for reckless actions.

That doesn't excuse Minneapolis leaders, truly among the worst in the country, for taking measures to ensure more rioting in their city from out-of-control leftists. They'll get it, and then where will Minneapolis be?

Image: Screen shot from X video.
Growing up in a Cuban home, I learned two things: my parents hated what was done to their beautiful island, but they had to leave so that my sister, brother, and I would grow up in freedom. And I thank my late parents everyday for that. My life would have been different growing up in a communist dictatorship.

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Our dinner table was always full of Cuban stories and reminders that what happened down there could happen here.

Yet, it looks like the end is near for the corrupt Castro clan. The change in Venezuela means that the last sugar daddy is gone as we read here:

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For decades, Venezuela provided the communist-run island with the bulk of its fuel and financing in exchange for Cuban doctors, teachers and security personnel. Without those programs, the islands already devastating energy woes will worsen and its shortages of food, medicine and basic goods will become even more pronounced. Theyve been left without a godfather, a benefactor that has been paying their bills, and theyre totally bankrupt, said Emilio Morales, president of the Miami-based Havana Consulting Group. How are they going to survive? Advertisement During a meeting of Cubas legislature last month, officials painted a grim economic picture as they placed blame for the current crisis on long-running US sanctions. But declining shipments of Venezuelan crude are also a factor. The lack of fuel is leading to massive, economy-crushing blackouts in Cuba. Advertisement

The Cuban regime has survived a lot over the years. First, they stole all of the private property, including legitimate U.S. investments, and thats the story of the embargo. They spent everything they stole, and then had to beg the USSR for subsidies and send Cuban soldiers to fight all of those revolutionary wars all over the place. They stole the nice homes and gave them to the party leaders.

What makes it different this time is that no one is throwing a rope. They are out of supporters, and the whole thing will probably stop suddenly.

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For years, we heard about this moment at our home. Most Cubans even had a bottle of wine waiting for the occasion. Others had champagne. Some Cuban comedian even made a humorous LP about the day.

What will I do? I promised my parents that Id never go back and give a dime to those thieves. I kept that promise. Once the change happens, I will go back and see the church where my parents were married. I will also visit their respective hometowns, and see how much is still there. I grew up looking at those old photos and hearing so many stories about this place, or that. My great grandfather had a small farm and named the lagoon Laguna Canto. I hope its still there because Ive told my sons that story about that lagoon a million times.

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It will be a joyful day and the Cuban section down here and up in heaven will be dancing the night away.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
Nobody should be surprised or upset about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdanis purge of the Jewish special protection established previously in New York City to protect Jews from ongoing antisemitic attacks.

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He openly campaigned about his disdain for Israel, and his desire to see its demise.



Nobody should be surprised by his parents' predilection for similar beliefs regarding Israel and Jews. They are his fourth-world "intellectuals" -- and from their anti-Israel bias, they raised and molded him.



Mahmood Mamdani, the 79-year-old father of Mayor Mandani, is now a Columbia University professor.

His social media presence is filled with anti-Israel narratives along with support for anti-Israel radicals.

Moreover, he sits on an organization supporting boycotts of Israel.

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In 2021, he was excitedly thinking an intifada against Israel was on the verge of occurring. More recently, he accused Israel of "committing genocide" in Gaza and professed sympathy and admiration for Palestinian suicide bombers.



So, as he smiled through his dual inaugurations, he slipped a knife through the backs of New Yorks Jews.

But recall that up to 40% of New Yorks Jewish youth insanely voted for Mamdani.

So, why the shock? There should be no shock. Aside from all the Jewish idiots who voted for him, his message was clear. He campaigned and told you plainly and openly about his anti-Israel intentions.



What seemed more chilling, was the arrogance and the cat got the mouse victory, if one was looking, of the perpetual smirk on the face his new Syrian wife, Rama Dwaji. It was like looking into Mandanis manuscript of what is to come.



Forget the inane commentary on his wifes designer shoes and vintage coat -- and the nonsense that they may have been borrowed. So what? Clearly, his wife owns expensive clothes. This family is not from the poor or lower classes.



This is a family of landowners who were educated expensively.



New Yorkers -- you are in for many shocks. The signs were there, and you should not be surprised. You have, however, obviously ignored them, along with the real message.



Mamdanis true message is invasion.

Mamdanis goal is to bring more Islamists to America. To make America more like London which is now at least one third governed by Muslims. And it is easy to predict more shocks to come.

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Being licensed by the state sure prevents corruption, doesnt it?

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Minnesota governor Tim Walz has claimed that it isnt true that he and his administration have not done enough to address accusations of fraud in Minnesota. Weve spent years cracking down on fraud  referring cases to law enforcement, shutting down and auditing high-risk programs, Walz wrote on social media.

Gee, thats funny. Those of us living in Minnesota, who were paying attention, knew about the fraud since 2016 and didnt hear anything about crackdowns.

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I am a Montessori educator who taught children aged two and a half to seven for over forty years. During that time, but at separate times, I co-owned and co-operated two Montessori schools in the northwest section of the Minneapolis Twin City area. The schools were required to be licensed under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 142B, even though they were Montessori schools, not daycare centers. The purpose of licensing was and is to protect the health and safety of children by ensuring that providers meet minimum standards for care and their physical environment.

Licensing entailed pop visits; equipment requirements; staff requirements; and endless, time-consuming, and many times unreasonable recordkeeping. Visits included observation in the classroom, reading personal child records, reading personal staff records, inspections, and so on.

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Sometimes, if they didnt find anything wrong, they would invent something. One time, a license agent criticized us for not having a way for children to get a drink of water. My assistant pointed to the water fountain. The licensor said, Well, the two-year-olds cant reach it. My assistant pointed to the stool. Not to be outdone, the licensor insisted that two-year-olds dont know how to drink out of a water fountain. My assistant pointed to the paper cups on the shelf. The response: Well, I didnt see them. And because she didnt know that the cups were there, we received a citation. After that inspection, the licensor went out to lunch with one of our parents and admitted that she had to find things wrong with places she licensed in order to justify her job.

In view of all this, I find it very hard to believe that Walz and his minions have fought the corruption since he became governor in 2019. Look at the results and form your own conclusion.

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Walz criticized Trump for making derogatory remarks about the Somali community. My husband and I had some Somali families in our school, and, except for those who had assimilated, none of them worked out. They demanded that we remove from our classrooms any books, pictures, songs, figurines, etc. that had anything to do with dogs or pigs. They demanded that we delete dancing. We didnt. I had a conference with a Somali father and his two wives. He also made demands, and I didnt comply. The family left the school.

The Somali families didnt follow our rules. I had a mother who arrived to school late every day and allowed her children to walk into the room during morning group time, which was disruptive. We notified parents that those who arrived late would need to wait five to ten minutes outside the classroom until group time was finished before entering the room. She argued with us. Another mother lied on the time sheet about her daughters attendance in after-school care. There wasnt one family who paid tuition.

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I once asked a very nice father some questions that I had heard about Islam. He was furious that I asked and was not so nice to me after that. A goal of Islam is to take over the world through immigration. The creepiest thing happened when a Somali father signed enrollment papers and said, with a smirk on his face, Things are going to change.

Multiculturalism preaches that all cultures are equal. They are not. Our cultures are not compatible. A culture that is corrupt takes corruption to the new country. It is hard for us to imagine this because in our country, we are surrounded, for the most part, with honest people who respect the rights of others.

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Our sacred American culture is not compatible with a culture that values theft, deception, and enslavement. Combine an incompatible culture with socialist leadership in our government, and fraud is the result.

Charlotte Cushman is a Montessori educator who taught for over 40 years and co-owned and operated two Montessori schools. She authored Montessori: Why It Matters for Your Childs Success and Happiness, Effective Discipline the Montessori Way, Your Life Belongs to You, and Save Montessori from Social Justice: Woke Montessori Schools are Betraying the Teachings of Maria Montessori. She has been involved in the study of Ayn Rands philosophy since 1970. Her book website is Cushmanbooks.com, and her opposition to social justice in Montessori website is authenticmontessorieducation.com.

Image: jarmoluk via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
The Biden administration worked hard to portray oil as inherently dirty; aesthetically unattractive; and an outdated, last-generation industry. The purported vision in its Green New Deal was centered on a concept that Ludwig von Mises, and later economist Murray Rothbard, called socialist destructionism, meaning the idea that wrecking something, by itself, makes society better off. That was the hallmark of the Summer of 2020 riots and the entire Obama-Biden period. Oil was also linked to colonialism, racism, and a source of inequality, so this reinforced the political lefts demonization of oil.

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Many of us have also forgotten that team Biden intentionally drove our strategic reserves down to dangerous levels, and then turned to Venezuela to sell us oil. That made Venezuela into an effective energy strongman, able to hold U.S. security hostage to its oil supply decisions. The American Thinkers Andrea Widburg brought the Biden-led strategic oil reserve danger to the publics attention in 2021. And she noted precisely the destructionism behind it: were being led by the political equivalent of ... a mad man who wants to burn it all down.

Much of green energy ideology ironically came from our universities, many of which broadcast a constant boycott and divest philosophy around whatever they dont like, including oil and gas investments. Ironically, one of the greatest financial innovations in higher education is the Texas Permanent University Fund, which created a multi-million dollar annuity to the Texas university system. It has a market value of nearly $40B, with over 2 million acres in 14 counties hosting oil, gas, and other natural resources. Oil also made the University of Chicago what it is today. John D. Rockefellers ingenious, entrepreneurial organization of the U.S. oil industry allowed him to build the university, and it is still supported by Rockefeller interests. Oil, gas, mining, and agriculture made the U.S. university system.

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The Green New Deal  centered on the lefts love of all things from New Deal socialism  claimed to represent innovative energy alternatives like wind and solar. Battery-powered cars were its symbol of enlightened transportation. But all that doesnt mean that oil represents some kind of global environmental crisis. Any human activity, including minerals needed for batteries and windmill farms, can be a source of environmental problems when it is tied to bad management, especially when that bad management gets into government, thinking it can better allocate capital and outsmart competitive markets.

The Earth is itself one big oil and mineral planet. Indeed, when we make it back to the moon, and on to Mars, the entire economic logic supporting it is based on minerals. There wont be any wind farms on the moon or Mars, and all human settlements there will be largely mining and processing operations. So political progressives should get used to the idea that natural resources are meant to be exploited and protected. Oil is refined into all forms of combustion products, and no other natural chemical substance produces the same power  a power that supplies over 80% of the worlds energy.

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Our internal combustion engines, and our gas turbines, still represent an ingenuous human invention. Controlled thermal combustion is one of the great testaments to human creativity. Heat, light, and combustion make up the life triad of sustained human society. Indeed, the human body itself is a thermal, fuel-energy organism. We burn calories and convert them to energy, like how an engine burns gas and transmits the energy to motion.

Oil is beautiful not only as a source of human life and the possibility of civilization, but also by its fundamental logical place in global economics. Oil ultimately unites the worlds superpowers and their regional allies, in a positive, interdependent, competitive relationship that drives economic development.

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Image: lalabell68 via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
In 2011, famed American playwright David Mamet came out as a conservative. He explained that his former thinking had been informed not by firsthand knowledge of conservative values but by Democrat assumptions about those values. When he went to the source, he realized that he, too, was conservative.

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Therefore, I was thrilled when an old high school classmate of mine, a rabid leftist, invited me to join a very leftist Facebook group. (Im not naming the group because I dont want to get kicked out.) These groups are much more interesting than just reading the New York Times or listening to MS NOW, because youre getting an insight, not into the pundit class, but into the base. What impressed and disturbed me is that the fanatical base is driven by a powerful mix of logical fallacies and factual errors.

Take this post, for example:

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So let me get this straight. According to MAGA and Trump, Canada can indict Trump on charges of rape and sexual assault under Canadian law. Then storm Mar-A-Lago, seize him, fly him and Melania back to Canada and put him on trial for this charges? Advertisement Because thats exactly what we have just done to Maduro and Venezuela.

Uh, no.

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If Canada had charged Trump with rape and sexual assault on Canadian soil, that might be different. There is such a thing as extradition. Moreover, if the country in which an indicted criminal is hiding wont cooperate and is an active enemy of the nation in which the crimes were committed, covert extractions are acceptable alternatives.

When it came to Maduro, he faced a long list of charges, all of them related to activities against America, things such as drug running, foreign invasion through militia-style gangs, stealing American oil, etc. He was so bad that (1) in 2015, Obama declared a national emergency because of the threat Maduro represented to the U.S., (2) in 2020, Trump indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charge, (3) in 2025, one of Bidens last acts was to increase to $25 million a bounty on Maduro, and (4) when it comes to the seized ships, there is a judgment against Venezuela for those oil tankers, so the U.S. military acted as a sheriff would to enforce that judgment.

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Image created using AI.

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In other words, Maduros forcible extradition was completely consistent with international law for criminal activity against the extraditing nation.

Theres also this much-lauded six-year-old tweet thats getting enthusiastic renewed attention. It could apply equally well to the so-called Palestinians, the Venezuelan gangs roaming the streets to kill people who are happy that Maduro is gone, or any other anti-American organizations:

Funny how people act like it's so shocking and awful when poor people in faraway countries turn to terrorism just because an occupying army destroyed their homes and killed their family, but when they watch Star Wars they still recognize that Luke Skywalker is the good guy pic.twitter.com/9MoRLaBQeS  Sick Sad World (@YesYoureRacist) November 28, 2020

I touched on this issue almost 20 years ago, when I was still writing under the Bookworm pseudonym for American Thinker. In an essay entitled Economically flexible morality, I noted that leftist morality is purely situational: If youre poor, youre good; if youre rich (and American or, nowadays, Israeli), youre evil. Its that simplistic.

The actual values driving you are irrelevant. Thus, leftists would have supported Hitlers failed 1923 Beer Hall Putsch simply because his small band was fighting against the German government. The concepts of morality and individual liberty (which were given to understand drove Luke Skywalker) mean nothing to them.

Finally, the leftists on this Facebook page were beyond thrilled by Hillarys January 6 memorial tweet:

Five years ago today, Donald Trump urged his supporters to attack Congress and the Capitol over a proven lie. More than 140 police officers were injured.



Trump then pardoned the attackers.



He betrayed his oath and his country, and we won't ever forget it. pic.twitter.com/VEdzgaI3cs  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 6, 2026

This is, of course, a gross calumny, for Trump never urged his supporters to attack Congress (and, of course, the past few years have proven that, especially in Fulton County, Georgia, the election was a farce). Instead, Trump told people to act peacefully and patriotically, after which leftwing Twitter silenced his efforts to calm the uproar (which I believe was fomented by covert activists, but thats just me).

Hillary Clinton is worth an estimated $120 million. A defamation lawsuit might make a dent in her bank account. Of course, given Chappaquas Democrat bona fides, a judgment might be difficult, but there are always the wonders of discovery. Its my belief that all the media outlets that keep settling with Trump are doing so to avoid what discovery might reveal.

In any event, pay attention to what leftists say. Theyre almost always wrong, but you cannot counter their arguments unless you know why theyre wrong.
Gift establishes new world-class women's health program in Manhattan and Westchester with focus on perimenopause and menopause

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NewYork-Presbyterian announced Wednesday a $20 million gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Emilia Fazzalari to establish a new women's health program aimed at delivering coordinated, lifelong care, with a particular focus on perimenopause and menopauseareas long underrepresented in clinical care and research.

NewYork-Presbyterian Receives $20 Million Gift from Emilia Fazzalari to Launch Womens Health Centers (PRNewsfoto/NewYork-Presbyterian) Entrepreneur and philanthropist Emilia Fazzalari (PRNewsfoto/NewYork-Presbyterian)

The gift creates the Emilia Fazzalari Women's Health Center of Excellence and the Emilia Fazzalari Women's Health Program, together known as Fazzalari Women's Health. The initiative will expand access to integrated, multidisciplinary care for women across Manhattan and Westchester.

"We have rethought and reorganized women's care in a meaningful way," said Fazzalari. "This model brings a new standard to women's health."

Fazzalari Women's Health organizes care around a woman's OB/GYN, supported by a coordinated team of specialists from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia who remain engaged throughout a patient's health journey. The approach replaces fragmented visits with a single, continuous care experience, empowering women to be proactive and informed about their health.

Led by nationally recognized obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Mary Rosser, director of Fazzalari Women's Health, the program focuses on addressing women's evolving health needs across the lifespan, with dedicated expertise in perimenopause and menopause.

Care will be delivered by world-class doctors from Columbia at two locations: NewYork-Presbyterian The One in Westchester, a new advanced multispecialty center, and a Manhattan location on West 51st Street. Services include gynecologic, cardiovascular, mental health, neurocognitive, gastrointestinal and sexual health care; nutrition and exercise; and genetic screening. The program is among the region's few to offer comprehensive menopause management, providing personalized plans for both short-term symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

"We are grateful to Emilia for this meaningful gift, which allows us to better support women as active partners in their health, seeking to improve quality of life and extend longevity," said Dr. Rosser. "This model enables true coordination across specialties."

"Emilia Fazzalari has a bold vision for the future of women's health care, and we are proud to bring it to life together," said Dr. Mary D'Alton, obstetrician and gynecologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Her generosity enables us to scale compassionate, personalized care and make it accessible to more women."

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation's most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, encompassing 10 hospitals across the Greater New York area, nearly 200 primary and specialty care clinics and medical groups, and an array of telemedicine services.

A leader in medical education, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is affiliated with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. This collaboration means patients have access to the country's leading physicians, the full range of medical specialties, latest innovations in care, and research that is developing cures and saving lives.

Founded 250 years ago, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has a long legacy of medical breakthroughs and innovation, from the invention of the Pap test to pioneering the groundbreaking heart valve replacement procedure called TAVR.

NewYork-Presbyterian's 50,000 employees and affiliated physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to New Yorkers and patients from across the country and around the world.

For more information, visit www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

SOURCE NewYork-Presbyterian
Less than a week ago, New York's new far-left mayor, hailed the 'warm embrace of collectivism.'

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It sent shivers to anyone who knows history, but it wasn't reason for him to change any.

He appointed Cea Weaver, a longtime housing activist, to be his tenant advocate, and then news rolled out about what she really thinks:

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 NYC MAYOR MAMDANI'S HOUSING OFFICIAL: "YOUR HOME SHOULDNT REALLY BE YOURS"



According to Cea Weaver, a top housing advisor for NYC Mayor Mamdani, the idea of owning your home the way people always have is outdated.



She says weve treated property as something personal for pic.twitter.com/qquR2OIHsE  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 5, 2026

Mamdanis appointee Cea Weaver



Isnt this racist towards white people and sexist and racist towards white men?



How is this okay? pic.twitter.com/6SglceDZtV  C3 (@C_3C_3) January 6, 2026

NYC's Tenant Director, Cea Weaver:



"People like home ownership because they like control, which is rooted in a racist and classist society"



"This is why rent control is important" pic.twitter.com/1zQ1NL0ZxY  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 6, 2026

A few months ago, I dug into Cea Weaver's Twitter history because she was Mamdani's housing advisor.



I had a hunch she might get a position on his team.



Well, she did, and she deleted her X account, accordingly.



However, I took some screenshots. Let's dig in. pic.twitter.com/sYMz3wF97w  Michelle Tandler (@michelletandler) January 5, 2026

Cea Weaver disabled her X account but @PetePanuccio snagged some greatest hits.



Good luck New York. pic.twitter.com/K5BVuKofEd  Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) January 5, 2026

Weve really treated property as an individualized good and not a collective good.



In resurfaced videos, Cea Weaver, a cabinet member of mayor Mamdanis admin, says it is her goal to end private property ownership & that whites will deal with the impact.pic.twitter.com/ZfXLSblzyU  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 5, 2026

That's a whole lot of hostility for private property, for wealth-building, and for whites in general. Only an elite university could produce such a freak, and naturally, it has -- she's a graduate of Bryn Mawr. Her comadely title of 'tenant advocate' ought to be 'tenant commissar,' as the Bolsheviks were full of such thinkers.

But according to the New York Post, Mamdani seems to like that kind of talk, so he's sticking by his choice for tenant advocate:

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood by his new top tenant advocate Tuesday after her past inflammatory social media posts sparked a firestorm  and a warning shot from the Trump administration. Longtime housing activist Cea Weaver, the new director of the Office to Protect Tenants, received a boost from Mamdani even as controversy engulfed his administration over her recently unearthed posts branding homeownership a weapon of white supremacy and declaring, Seize private property.who Advertisement

How anyone can work with someone who doesn't respect private ownership, doesn't understand how wealth is built -- which of course is what makes life more 'affordable -- and who really thinks everyone else's property, including even that of what she inhumanly calls POC, meaning, "people of color" belongs to her is beyond me. This person is an indoctrinated nightmare who's unfit to be anywhere near government in a free society. Eric Hoffer once warned that when people talk like this, wait till they get a little power.

It is by its promise of a sense of power than evil often attacts the weak. Advertisement

Now she has it. After years of making these kinds of statements, she's telling New Yorkers who own properties that they will need to get used to the new 'collective' relationship, especially if they are white, but actually, if they are any other color, too. I've lived in New York City, and the landlords I remember were Guyanese and Jamaican, mostly revamping housing units through sweat equity and renting them out to newer arrivals like me.

There's a special little cold spot in Commissar Cea Weaver against those greedy brown-skinned kulaks who build wealth through property.

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And it's very likely that with her ideas, and her $120,000 a year salary, that she's going to find herself in court if she implements any of those guaranteed-to-impoverish ideas that will surely drive the productive from New York City.

The Post continues:

"We made the decision to have Cea Weaver serve as our executive director for the mayors office to protect tenants, to build on the work that she has done to protect tenants across the city, and we were already seeing the results of that work, Mamdani told reporters following an unrelated news conference. It came as Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Department of Justice, said on One America News Network that the feds were ready to swoop in to protect Big Apple residents in response to Weavers shocking views.

But she'll probably do a lot of damage before it comes to that. And these are just the first days of New York's Mamdani nightmare. That's bad news for New Yorkers.

Image: X screen shot
I think we Americans are a very tolerant lot. We do our best to uphold the freedoms written in the Constitution, even though it often makes us bite into our knuckles. When we see our flag being stomped on or burned by degenerate thugs, we grin and bear it because of the First Amendment. When we see riots on our streets posing as legal protests, we clench our fists and hope the hoodlums end up in prison. Yet we have that sinking feeling that theres little, if anything, that will be done about it. If we were raised properly, we will always try diplomacy before hostility. Nonetheless, at what point does tolerance become surrender?

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Im reminded of a scene from the 1987 fact-based film The Untouchables. When Chicago cop Jim Malone, played by Sean Connery, is lying on the floor of his apartment, riddled with bullets from one of Al Capones gang, he looks up at Elliott Ness, played by Kevin Costner, and says some dying words, through bloody lips: What are you prepared to do? He was reminding Ness that he needed unorthodox methods to fight the Capone gang because the rules werent working. In addition, since Capone had most of the judges and cops on the payroll, Ness needed to replace them.

What organized criminals did to Chicago, New York, and a few other large cities a hundred years ago seems to have metastasized into a much larger crime syndicate, with a notorious network that includes some of the highest levels of our government. It appears obvious that our country is on the verge of being taken over by violent leftists who, when their venal schemes are exposed, are prepared to take down the entire country rather than moderate their policies. When radical-left governors like Tim Walz refer to federal agents as thugs and Gestapo agents, they are playing with a fire that could pit states against the federal government, resulting in civil war. Moreover, when massive corruption was discovered in Minesotas Somali diaspora, Walz and his cohorts in the Somali community, including the hate-filled leftist congresswoman Ilhan Omar, use the tired old racism canard to defend their indefensible fraud.

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What were witnessing is a cabal of organized crooks embedded so deeply into the fabric of our system that weve become accustomed to seeing it exposed on national television. Still, we almost never see any of them go to jail. For many folks, its viewed as standard operating procedure. We, the law-abiding people of this great nation, want to know if were making a mistake by observing basic rules of decency and civility.

If the refrain no one is above the law is to mean anything, we should have seen some high-ranking politicians being perp-walked from their government offices and placed in police cars. It seems they are much too important to submit to such an ignominious process. That treatment can be used only when the little guy gets caught breaking the social contract.

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Are you as tired as I am of hearing the voices of outraged elected officials, as they point out the crimes committed by their colleagues on the other side of the aisle, even though you know none of them will be arrested? How can we believe in justice when weve been frustrated so often by the political chicanery that reigns supreme in those once considered hallowed halls?

All sensible people recognize that government is necessary to maintain order and provide security. Most of the governed also know that there will undoubtedly be some who use their power to enrich themselves. But what can we do when they get caught cheating on a massive scale, only to arrogantly claim, ad nauseam, to be the poor, unfortunate victims of a racist/misogynist/xenophobic culture? You know their claims are absurd when lifelong liberals take aim at their duplicity.

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When President Trump ordered the raid on Venezuelas narco-terrorist president, he did so without informing the Senate or the House because Congress has the tendency to leak. In other words, our country has enemies within who are not to be trusted when the security of our nation is at stake. What it also means is that we have a president who takes action to save American lives, and hes not afraid to tell us the truth about the traitors in high places who are hell-bent on destroying the U.S., on the take from drug cartels, or both.

Our president has already taken the slings and arrows to save this great nation. What are you prepared to do?

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Image: Pashi via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
With President Trump's renewed push to obtain Greenland from Denmark back in the news, it's worth looking into the history of the place to understand who really owns it, given the unusual move from Washington.

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I live in Denmark, and know the place, so consider this backstory:

Prior to the year 985 A.D., the Inuit peoples inhabited the island of Greenland and had done so for about 2,500 years.

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Then, in 985, the famous Norse Viking Erik the Red established colonies/settlements in the southern part of the country (which lasted until the 15th century). The settlements were tied to the Kingdom of Norway, making Norway the first non-Inuit "owner." It is important to note that the Norwegians only claimed ownership, but not full control, of the island.

In 1261, Norse Greenland settlers who numbered between 2,000 and 3,000 accepted Norwegian sovereignty, making this date important as the first European claim to the land.

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One hundred and nineteen years later, Norway entered into a dynastic union with Denmark (a dynastic union is a political arrangement in which two or more separate states are ruled by the same monarch, because the ruler belongs to the same royal dynasty  usually through inheritance, marriage, or election, the key point being that the states remain legally separate, but share one ruler).

In 1536, Norway became subordinate to Denmark. From this point on, Greenland was administered by Denmark as part of the DenmarkNorway monarchy. Nearly two centuries passed when, in 1721, Denmark (which was now the Kingdom of Denmark and Norway) decided to re-established a permanent colonial presence there. This formed the basis for later international recognition.

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Then the Napoleonic Wars happened in the beginning of the 19th century.

The British, who were worried that Napoleon might seize the Danish navy, bombarded it and destroyed it.

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Denmark could no longer protect its trade and Britain became a direct enemy. Sweden at the time was also hostile, so the Danes threw in with the French, which turned out to be a big mistake.

In 1813, Denmark was on the losing French side and Denmark lost Sweden as an ally, as it had switched to the anti-Napoleonic coalition. Subsequently, Denmark was punished at the peace table which led to the Treaty of Kiel.

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In this treaty, Denmark was forced to give up Norway, but was able to retain Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, which became the new Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland's legal status had changed to become a direct Danish possession, administered from Copenhagen. Norway lost out, too. It came under Swedish control. The bottom line was that Denmark had full sovereignty over Greenland.

During the nineteenth century, no European power ever challenged Denmark's claim to Greenland (Norway did raise a bit of a fuss but nothing came of it). Denmark's sovereignty had become settled international law.

In 1953, Greenland ceased to be a colony and became an integral part of Denmark under a revised Danish constitution.

Greenlanders became Danish citizens. They gained representation in the Danish parliament, and colonial status was formally abolished. Decisions were still made in Copenhagen, and the Danish language and Danish institutions dominated. Policies were largely top-down ones. This period is often called integration without self-determination.

The 1960s and 1970s were years of much criticism and "political awakening." Greenlandic political consciousness grew as did indigenous rights movements.

Fast forward to 1979. Greenland gained "home rule" and was able to be in control of much of its domestic needs (although needing Denmark's money to pay for them). It did not have control over foreign policy, defense, currency, or supreme court authority.

In 2009, Greenland took a big step when it adopted "self-government" which in practical terms meant that Greenlanders were now recognized as a people under international law; Greenlandic became the official language and the Greenland people now had partial control over their courts and policing and their natural resources. Most importantly, it had gained the legal right to independence, should it choose to exercise it.

What was the U.S. role in Greenland?

In 1940, Denmark was occupied by the Nazis. Fearing that Greenland would fall under German control, the U.S. assumed "responsibility" for Greenland's defense with the Danish government in exile in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. did not, however, assume sovereignty over the island.

Eleven years later, Denmark and the U.S. signed the Denmark Defense Agreement. This agreement preserved Danish sovereignty and gave the U.S. military access. The United States was able to build and operate military bases; station troops and equipment; construct radar and early-warning systems; and operate with limited Danish oversight on base territory. The most visible physical presence was the Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base).

So what is next?

That is the big question. It is anyone's guess as to what the Trump administration will do with its now public "need" to "have" Greenland. One thing is for certain, however, and that is, if the U.S. chooses to somehow invade the country and claim control of it, many decades of friendship with the Danish people will suffer.

Additionally, the U.S. could also be seen as a true imperialist nation, willing to ignore international norms, treaties and the rule of law. And that is not a good look for the country that proclaims itself to be a defender of freedom and champion of justice.

Stephen Helgesen is a retired American diplomat specializing in international trade. He has lived and worked in 30 countries over the course of 25 years under the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, seven of them on American politics, and has written more than 1,500 articles on politics, economics, and social trends. He now lives in Denmark and is a frequent political commentator in Danish media. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Image: Pexels // Pexels License
President Donald J. Trumps lightning-fast operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro on January 3 has delivered a resounding victory for American interests. With Maduro now in a New York federal prison facing narco-terrorism charges, and U.S. oversight opening the door for American companies to revive Venezuelas massive 303 billion barrels of proven oil reservesthe worlds largestthe advantages are undeniable: lower energy costs, new jobs, and a decisive setback for Chinas influence in our hemisphere.

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Yet, even as Republicans rally behind the presidentwith 65% approving the operation according to a Reuters/Ipsos pollsome in the GOPs isolationist faction, echoing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes pointed criticism, are questioning the move. The New York Times reported that a handful of Republicans are asking how it squares with his campaign-trail promises to not engage in nation-building or begin new foreign wars. Greene specifically was quoted in the piece, saying this:

[M]y pushback here is on the Trump administration that campaigned on Make America Great Again, that we thought was putting America first. Advertisement

Why are voices like Greene, Sen. Rand Paul, and Rep. Thomas Massie pushing back against what is clearly a win-win for America?

The benefits speak for themselves. Venezuelas oil production has collapsed under Maduros regime to around 934,000 barrels per day, down from peaks over 3 million in the 1990s. Reviving it with American investment from companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillipswhose assets were seized under Chavezmeans cheaper heavy crude perfectly suited for U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, potentially dropping pump prices and creating thousands of jobs in red states.

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Geopolitically, its a knockout blow. Maduros cartel flooded America with cocaine while China and Russia propped him up with billions in loans. Trumps action severs that lifeline, curbs migration from Venezuelas socialist collapse, and reasserts dominance in our backyard. Polls show Trumps approval rising to 42%his highest since the electionwith strong GOP backing.

Critics like Greene argue this betrays America First by risking nation-building. Paul calls it a potential slide into war without full congressional approval, and Massie questions the long-term commitment. They fear a Deep State trap leading to endless involvement, echoing Iraq or Libya.

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But theyre missing the point: This isnt nation-buildingits targeted law enforcement with massive upside. Trump executed a precise raid with no U.S. casualties, framing it as justice against an indicted criminal. Oversight is temporary, focused on stabilizing oil flows and securing compensation for expropriated assetsnot taxpayer-funded rebuilding. As Trump emphasized in his Mar-a-Lago remarks, U.S. companies will lead the revival, turning a profit while advancing American interests.

Venezuela isnt a distant quagmireits our hemispheres problem child, fueling drugs and chaos at our border. Ignoring it isnt isolationism; its negligence. Trumps first term showed he avoids endless wars while delivering results. This is peace through strength in action.

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Internal dissent risks handing ammunition to globalists and Democrats screaming imperialism. But MAGA thrives on unity behind bold wins. Influencers like Steve Bannon praised it as reclaiming Americas edge on his War Room podcast. With Latino voters cheering and Trumps ratings up, this strengthens the coalition.

Skeptics should trust Trumphes proven he delivers without the swamps traps. This is America First: decisive, profitable, and unapologetic. Lets rally behind it for a stronger 2026.

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On the anniversary of one of California's deadliest wildfires, ongoing litigation and emerging evidence underscore questions of responsibility and inadequate compensation efforts.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Exactly one year after the Eaton Fire was ignited in Altadena, serious questions remain about the alleged safety failures that led to the fifth deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire in California history. (1) Wisner Baum LLP, one of the first law firms in Los Angeles to file an Eaton Fire-related lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), urges victims to seek legal counsel promptly as ongoing investigations continue to reveal evidence of potential negligence and systemic safety failures.

As victims continue to face obstacles that delay recovery, it is more important than ever for SCE to take responsibility and compensate people fully and fairly for their losses.

With more than 9,400 structures destroyed and an additional 1,070 damaged, rebuilding is a lengthy and ongoing process. According to recent research by the Department of Angels, an independent nonprofit dedicated to aiding wildfire recovery, eight in ten families who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire remain displaced, with the majority reporting that they have exhausted most of their housing funds. (2)

"All of this is a tremendous burden on people, whether they are homeowners, renters, or business owners struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives," said Ari Friedman, partner and trial attorney at Wisner Baum. "As victims continue to face obstacles that delay recovery, it is more important than ever for SCE to take responsibility and compensate people fully and fairly for their losses."

Mounting Evidence Points to Utility Equipment as Cause of Eaton Fire

Wisner Baum's lawsuit alleges that the Eaton Fire is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a longstanding pattern of neglect in maintaining Edison's infrastructure, as shown by forensic evidence taken from the suspected origin point and bolstered by past wildfires attributed to SCE's poorly maintained equipment.

According to the complaint filed by Wisner Baum, "The Eaton Fire is not an anomaly but a direct result of Edison's persistent neglect, reckless disregard for safety, and failure to invest in the critical improvements necessary to prevent such tragedies."

The lawsuit alleges that there is "video and photographic evidence, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts [confirming] that the fire originated at the base of a high-voltage transmission tower believed to be owned, operated, and/or controlled by Edison," yet the company seems committed to paying out as little as possible to those who lost everything as a result of the fire. (3)

"Electrical grids are extraordinarily complicated pieces of infrastructure, machinery, and technology," Friedman said. "Although it might be readily apparent and almost obvious where the fire started, figuring out why takes time, a consortium of professionals, and technical understanding of sophisticated systems. These answers do not come fast enough and can present several opportunities for companies like Southern California Edison to delay, deny, and defer disclosing critical evidence and information."

As Litigation Continues, Financial Pressures Intensify for Victims

With a trial date set for January 2027, potential legal settlements for those affected by the fire are still a long way away, and many victims are struggling to cope financially in the meantime. To add insult to injury, SCE implemented a 12.914.5 percent rate increase for its customers in October 2025. (5)

"Corporations put profits over people, money before morals, and capital before compassion," Friedman said. "Real change can happen when communities demand more from their utility providers and hold them accountable in court for failing to deliver power safely and efficiently."

With extensive experience litigating wildfire cases, Wisner Baum combines a comprehensive understanding of the issues that fire victims face with an empathetic approach that acknowledges the unique tragedy they have endured.

Friedman urged those who suffered losses in the Eaton Fire not to wait in seeking legal counsel: "The passage of time erodes memories. Developing a complete picture of everything that was lost or affected by the fire is something experienced wildfire attorneys know how to do, and the sooner an individual can start gathering information, the stronger their claim will be."

For more information, visit California Wildfire FAQs.

About Wisner Baum

Wisner Baum began with a simple but radical idea: that the law should serve peoplenot protect power. Since opening its doors in 1985, the firm has gone far beyond courtroom victories. Based in Los Angeles and known across the U.S., Wisner Baum has built its legacy by holding powerful corporations accountablenot just to win justice for individual clients, but to spark broader societal change.

Every case they take on, from catastrophic injuries and pharmaceutical failures to environmental toxicity and corporate negligence, is part of a bigger mission: to make the world safer, more just, and more transparent for everyone. With more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements, their legal victories have helped raise public awareness, influence regulations, and force industries to clean up harmful practices. Their work has become a catalyst for product safety reforms, food transparency, and medical accountability.

Wisner Baum isn't just a law firm. It's a movement for changewhere justice isn't the end goal, but the beginning of a safer society.

Wisner Baum: Changing the System for Societal Change, One Case at a Time.

Learn more at wisnerbaum.com

References:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy. 2025 North American Wildfires. Center for Disaster Philanthropy, last updated 22 Aug. 2025, disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/north-american-wildfires/. Department of Angels. "'This Is Bigger. This Is Systemic.' What 2,335 Fire Survivors Told Us Nine Months After the Fires." Department of Angels, 15 Oct. 2025, deptofangels.org/news/this-is-bigger-this-is-systemic-what-2335-fire-survivors-told-us-nine-months-after-the-fires. Brian Whelan, et al. vs Southern California Edison, et al. No. 25STCV02368, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 28 Jan. 2025. Wisner Baum LLP. Eaton Fire Survivors Network. Survivors Respond to Edison's Draft Fire Plan. Eaton Fire Survivors Network, efsurvivors.net/edisonrecovery. Southern California Edison. SCE Rate Advisory. Southern California Edison, updated 1 Oct. 2025, sce.com/save-money/rates-financing/sce-rate-advisory.

Media Inquiries:

Karla Jo Helms

JOTO PR

727-777-4629

jotopr.com

SOURCE Wisner Baum
Aldrich Ames leaves federal court after pleading guilty to espionage and tax evasion conspiracy charges in 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia. Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP (Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP)

Aldrich Ames, the CIA agent who spied for the Soviet Union and Russia in one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in US history, has died in a Maryland prison. He was 84. His death on Monday was confirmed by the Bureau of Prisons.

Ames is best known as an ex-CIA agent who spied on the US on behalf of the Soviet Union. Ames, along with his wife, Rosario Ames, was arrested in February 1994 and pleaded guilty without a trial to espionage and tax evasion. Aldrich was charged with espionage, and his wife with aiding and abetting his activities.

The couple pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Aldrich was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, while Rosario got a little over five years.

Ames admitted to passing on information to Moscow for nearly a decade, including the identities of western agents behind the Iron Curtain, and says he was paid $2.5m by Russia. In a jailhouse interview with the Washington Post the day before he was sentenced, Ames said he was motivated to spy by financial troubles, immediate and continuing.

He professed profound shame and guilt for this betrayal of trust, done for the basest motives, money to pay debts. But he downplayed the damage he caused, telling the court he did not believe he had noticeably damaged the United States or noticeably aided Moscow.

Related: I am not who you think I am: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son

These spy wars are a sideshow which have had no real impact on our significant security interests over the years, he told the court, questioning the value that leaders of any country derived from vast networks of human spies around the globe.

Ames was working in the Soviet/Eastern European division at the CIAs headquarters in Langley, Virginia, when he first approached the KGB, according to an FBI history of the case. He continued passing secrets to the Soviets while stationed in Rome for the CIA and after returning to Washington. Meanwhile, the US intelligence community was frantically trying to figure out why so many agents were getting discovered by Moscow.

In 2018, Amess name re-entered the public imagination by way of Ben Macintyres book The Spy and the Traitor, which detailed the rescue of a KGB colonel working for MI6 named Oleg Gordievsky from Moscow in 1985. Ames is the titular traitor because he tipped off Moscow to Gordievskys activities.
The art of the drill: Trump considers subsidies to push oil companies to drill in Venezuela

After deposing Venezuelas president and taking over the countrys enormous oil reserves, President Donald Trump is floating the idea of using taxpayer funding to incentivize U.S.-based oil companies to expand operations there.

Since the military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Trump said he would like the U.S.s very large oil companies to spend billions of dollars to fix Venezuelas broken oil infrastructure.

But getting the U.S.s largest oil companies, ExxonMobil, Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips, to expand  or restart oil production in the country will be more difficult than a simple request due to the long history of political and economic turmoil.

"A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then theyll get reimbursed by us or through revenue," Trump told NBC News on Monday, suggesting the government could subsidize funding.

Utilizing government subsidiaries to assist oil companies in drilling is nothing new, through favorable tax policies. But whether that can convince the companies to invest billions in Venezuelan oil is unclear.

Government subsidiaries could incentivize oil companies to expand operations to Venezuela  but it may not be enough to convince them (White House via Getty Images)

All three major companies once drilled in Venezuela, but political instability, U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and ultimately the countrys decision to nationalize its oil industry and seize billions in assets forced ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips to exit.

When asked about the possibility of re-entering Venezuela, ConocoPhillips said in a statement, It would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments.

Chevron is the only remaining U.S. oil company that maintains operations in Venezuela.

Mike Wirth, the CEO of Chevron, told Bloomberg in December that he was unclear about the presidents intentions in Venezuela at the time but that the company had spoken with the White House to ensure it remained in compliance with laws and sanctions.

subsidiaries could incentivize oil companies to expand operations to Venezuela  but it may not be enough to convince them (AP)

Wirth cautioned, at the time, that any decisions about expanding oil production in Venezuela could take a long time because Chevron must take a long view on our presence in a country like this.

The countrys history of instability makes it a daunting task for U.S. oil companies to expand costly operations in Venezuela.

Oil companies would need to spend billions of dollars over several years to modernize the countrys oil infrastructure, Francisco J. Monaldi, the director of Latin American Energy Program at Rice University, told CBS News.

A man wearing a face masks walks past a mural depicting an oil pump and the Venezuelan flag in a street of Caracas, on May 26, 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

While the current administration could incentivize oil companies with subsidiaries, companies will also have to consider whether the next administration would uphold those  another potential risk that may outweigh the massive cost.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright spoke with the executives of the three companies this week and was expected to meet with them during a Goldman Sachs industry event in Miami on Wednesday, according to the Washington Post.
The best present ever: Lottery player wins $350K in Christmas day drawing

An Illinois woman is unwrapping the new year with an extra dose of holiday cheer after claiming a $350,000 jackpot in the Christmas Day drawing of the Lucky Day Lotto.

State lottery officials announced Wednesday that the winner, who opted to remain anonymous, collecting her earnings under the nickname Work Mom.

Everyone at my job calls me Work Mom since Im the oldest, the winner said.

The lucky winner purchased her ticket online and personally selected the five correct numbers  4-10-12-30-31  to secure the $350,000 jackpot on the December 25 drawing.

She said that she was at home watching TV when an email alert informed her of the win.

An unidentified woman, claiming her earnings as 'Work Mom,' won $350,000 in a Lucky Day Lotto drawing on Christmas Day (Illinois Lottery)

At first, I thought it was a glitch, she said. I almost had a panic attackI immediately checked the Illinois Lottery app to make sure it was real.

The winning numbers also held personal meaning, representing the birthdays of the winner and her kids, she said.

It turned out to be a Christmas Day blessing, the woman said.

With her winnings, the mother plans to invest in retirement, support her daughters education, and take a long-anticipated family vacation at the top of her husbands wish-list.

Were going to Alaska, she told the organization.

Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only draw game with two daily drawings and jackpots that start at $100,000. Tickets cost $1, with a 1-in-12 chance of winning any prize and jackpot odds of 1 in 1.22 million, according to Lottery USA.

Winners have one year to claim prizes and are advised to sign and safely store winning tickets. Tickets can be purchased in stores, online and through the Illinois Lottery app.

Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed more than $25 billion to the states Common School Fund, which receives nearly all lottery proceeds to support K-12 public education, along with other specialty causes.

The Illinois Lottery used Work Moms winnings to remind players to play for fun, not funds and encouraged responsible play.
British RAF spy planes and submarine hunters circled above as US special forces boarded an empty Russian-flagged Venezuelan oil tanker in the north Atlantic in an expensive performance verging on satire.

The Marinera was chased across the oceans, switched its nationality to Russian mid-journey, painted Moscows flag on its side and chugged along shadowed by one of Vladimir Putins submarines.

But the elite sailors beneath the sea offered the ageing tanker no real protection. And while the Kremlin has loudly condemned Donald Trumps abduction of Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro, the Marineras voyage did not end with nautical fisticuffs between two nuclear powers.

It demonstrated a fake rivalry between the Kremlin and the Oval Office. And it made Britain, sandwiched between the two, look rather silly in sending its P8 Poseidon and A400M Atlas aircraft to help with the show.

US Coast Guard observing a Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling off British waters (X/@US_EUCOM)

Trump has claimed that Venezuelas oil, which he says the US will now control, will be sold to the benefit of both the US and Venezuela.

This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as president of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! Trump posted on social media on Tuesday.

The Marinera has been part of a shadow fleet of tankers evading US sanctions to sell oil to China  and Trump decided he had to show strength.

But the rusting tanker was empty.

Russia funds its war against Ukraine with fossil fuel sales. Europe imports a vast quantity of Russian gas, worth about $10-25bn (7.4bn-18.6bn) a year.

But the Kremlin also profits from the shadow fleet of at least 1,000 ships which move just over 18 per cent of the worlds oil from sanctioned countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela  often to China. It helps make Russias oil trade worth about $150bn (111bn) a year.

Seizures of these oil tankers by Ukraines allies are very rare.

But the US has stepped up its efforts to seize Venezuelan vessels  and on Wednesday revealed it had taken control of another off the coast of South America, giving succour to its global rivals.

The United States brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for America first when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference.

Oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, photographed at sea in the Singapore Strait in March 2025 (Hakon Rimmereid)

Trump has said that while Maduro remains in a New York jail cell, his administration in Caracas remains intact. It is this administration, Trump insists, that will do what he demands  or face military attack.

Russia and China have made much of their objections to this attitude. But it suits them. And so does the drama of the seizure of the Marinera.

Putin wants to return his nation to the Soviet imperium that ruled Eastern Europe, the oil-rich Asian stans to the East and above all, owned Ukraine. China has its eyes on Taiwan and total domination of Asian trade through the South China Sea.

Trump wants to run the western hemisphere as a new American empire, which may soon, he hopes, include Canada and Greenland, Venezuela and maybe Cuba, too.

The Marinera is in that sphere. Trump showed that he can get a vassal state like Britain to help with the seizure of a ship of no consequence. With the help of supine extras, hes playing Big Man in the West.

Putins submariners will now sail away, sniggering at the storm und drang ( storm and stress) over a bucket of rust bobbing on the surface of an ocean where the US president wants to plant his imperial banner.
Community members pray at the scene where a federal agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis on 7 January 2026. Photograph: Alex Kormann/TNS/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock (Photograph: Alex Kormann/TNS/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Cable news networks sprung into action on Wednesday to cover the breaking news of a woman killed by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, rushing correspondents to the scene and bringing on former government officials and legal analysts to offer commentary.

The three main cable networks on-screen graphics framed the incident slightly differently. Fox News referred to it as a Deadly ICE-involved Shooting, while CNN said more plainly: ICE Officer Kills Woman in Minneapolis.

The progressive network MS NOW  formerly MSNBC  also characterized the incident in part as Agent Kills Woman in an on-screen graphic.

Both CNN and Fox News brought on former officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide analysis based on their government experience, though their conclusions differed.

John Sandweg, who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the Obama administration, questioned whether the federal agents had been properly trained and vetted.

My immediate concern is this: to what extent has this rushing of hiring of people  this shortcutting on our trainin g  to what extent might that have informed what happened here, he said on CNN.

Chad Wolf, the former acting United States secretary of homeland security, appeared on Fox News and criticized Minneapoliss mayor, Jacob Frey, for his comments during a press conference, when he told ICE to get the fuck out of the city.

The mayors comments were probably some of the most unintelligible, unhinged comments I think Ive heard in quite some time, Wolf said, accusing Frey of having unfairly blamed the federal agents while laying no blame at all on the individuals that are impeding law enforcement.

If you get in their way, and you dont take their commands, well then thats against the law, Wolf added.

Paul Mauro, a Fox News contributor and former inspector in the New York City police department, also seemed to put blame on the protesters, saying many really want confrontation and document ICE actions using cellphone video to get social media clicks.

Fox News host Laura Ingraham said the incident is the legacy of the normalization of violence and disrespect toward law enforcement that was legitimized and in many ways celebrated  mostly by the Democrats, far-left agitators, for years.

But network personalities and guests were not unified in their perspective on the incident.

Jessica Tarlov, a prominent left-leaning voice on Fox News, shared a video of the shooting on X and called it horrific. A full investigation is needed ASAP. Sure looks like ICE just killed that woman, she said.

On MS NOW, former chief of the US Capitol police Tom Manger also criticized the remarks by Frey, the Minneapolis mayor. When elected officials get out in front of an investigation and give you their conclusions, I dont know how helpful that is, he said.

While video spread quickly across social media, CNN said it would need to verify it before being able to show it. I want to warn viewers that this video is hard to watch, CNN anchor Jake Tapper said.

On MS NOW, Nicolle Wallace aired one of the most widely shared videos, cautioning viewers that it is really disturbing but said it was really important for people to see.

Related: Shock and outrage at scene of Minneapolis ICE shooting: This is just sad
New details have emerged about the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old mother in Minnesota, including the identity of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent responsible.

Local media named Jonathan Ross as the agent who killed Renee Nicole Good. Officials say that he was dragged and injured by a fleeing driver during a separate incident last year.

The fatal shooting occurred on a street in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, where numerous immigration officers were present amid a surge of federal agents in the city, according to the City of Minneapolis.

Video of the incident shows Ross confronting Good in her car before firing several shots into the vehicle as it started to move.

However, the incident has sparked sharply conflicting accounts of the incident from local, state, and federal officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who said that Goods death was a tragedy of her own making.

She was trying to ram this guy with her car, Vance said at a White House briefing Thursday.

Other officials from the Trump administration described the shooting as an act of self-defense and alleged that the victim had engaged in domestic terrorism. In contrast, the Minneapolis mayor condemned Rosss actions as reckless and called on federal immigration authorities to withdraw from the city.

Here is what we know so far.

Who was the shooter?

The ICE agent involved in the shooting was identified on Thursday by The Minnesota Star Tribune as Jonathan Ross.

Little information about Ross was made public, though he was described as an experienced officer by federal officials.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that Rosss experience included more than 10 years of experience as an ICE Deportation Officer and selection for ICEs Special Response Team, which requires 30 hours of tryouts before consideration.

He has also reportedly completed an SRT Basic Operator Course as well as continuous and ongoing training in several specialized skills, including breaching techniques, perimeter control, advanced firearms training, hostage rescue, and more.

The ICE agent involved in the shooting was named Thursday by The Minnesota Star Tribune as Jonathan Ross (Screengrab)

He has also maintained an expert marksman qualification on all issued firearms, according to McLaughlin.

According to The Star Tribune, in June last year, Ross was dragged and injured by a car as he attempted to detain Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, a Mexican man with a criminal record, while he was driving in Bloomington.

When Munoz-Guatemala didnt comply with orders from agents, Ross broke the cars rear window and tried to unlock the door. Munoz-Guatemala then accelerated, dragging Ross roughly 300 feet before he was knocked from the car.

As a result of the incident, Ross needed 20 stitches on his arm and 13 more on his hand, according to court documents seen by the outlet. Munoz-Guatemala was later convicted of assaulting an officer

Who was the person killed?

Goods mother, Donna Ganger, confirmed her daughters identity to the Star Tribune just hours after the shooting. Members of the Minneapolis City Council also confirmed her identity in a statement on Wednesday evening.

Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known. She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being, Ganger told the Star Tribune.

Fatal shooting of 37-year-old woman sparks sharply conflicting accounts from local, state and federal officials (Social media)

Ganger said her daughter lived in the Twin Cities with her wife, Becca Good. She said it was so stupid. Good was killed, adding that she was probably terrified, according to the Star Tribune.

Good had a son with her former husband, Timmy Ray Macklin Jr., according to the Star Tribune. Macklin died in 2023. Macklins father, Timmy Ray Macklin Sr., told the outlet the six-year-old boy now has nobody else in his life.

Ill drive. Ill fly. To come and get my grandchild, he said.

In a separate interview with The Daily Telegraph, Goods former father-in-law described the shooting as murder.

It is horrible, its murder. Everybody is terribly shocked right now. She was a good, outgoing person. I didnt agree with a lot of her ways, but its really sad to see these things happen, he said.

Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez previously confirmed to ABC News that Good was an American citizen. He also said she was acting as an observer who was watching out for our immigrant neighbors. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that there was no indication she was the subject of an immigration enforcement investigation.

He noted that she appeared to be in her car, blocking the street.

Members of law enforcement at the scene on Wednesday (Getty)

An aerial view of the scene in Minneapolis where a woman was shot by an ICE agent (KSTP)

What happened?

The deadly shooting took place at 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an intersection in a residential neighborhood, according to the City of Minneapolis.

A video of the incident shared with local media shows multiple masked officers approaching a red car stopped in the middle of the icy road.

An officer can be heard instructing the driver to get out of the f***ing car before one officer tries to open the door as the vehicle begins reversing. A second officer, positioned in front of the car, then draws his weapon and fires several shots as the car speeds forward and to the right. The vehicle then crashes a short distance away.

The officer appeared to have fired one shot through the windscreen and then two more into the open window on the drivers side of the car.

As people scream and shout at the immigration officials, several people are seen walking towards the car.

The crashed vehicle with what appears to be a bullet hole in the windshield (Getty)

Photos shared on social media appear to show an airbag splattered with blood inside the crashed vehicle.

Several police officers responded to the scene and helped transport Good to a hospital, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a press conference. But she was pronounced dead.

A witness told NBC News that it didnt appear the driver was attempting to run over an agent.

There was plenty of space between the officers at that point for the vehicle to make it through, he told the outlet, adding that it appeared the driver was attempting to flee.

Reactions from officials

Trump defended the ICE agent involved in the shooting on both social media an in a new interview (AP)

At around 3:30 p.m., President Donald Trump weighed in. In a post on Truth Social, he accused the Radical Left of mounting an assault on law enforcement professionals.

He said he had watched a video of the incident, adding, It is a horrible thing to watch.

Of the shooting victim, the president wrote that the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense. Videos of the incident do not clearly indicate whether the officer was touched by the car, although he appears to jump out of the way of the vehicle while shooting.

He said the officer involved was now recovering in the hospital and that it is hard to believe he is alive, despite video showing him walking around apparently unhurt in the wake of the shooting.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump presented blurry footage to reporters that had been promoted online by right-wing influencers such as Benny Johnson and Andy NGo. She behaved horribly. And then she ran him over. She didnt try to run him over, he said.

However, the president also lamented the situation as a terrible scene, saying: I think its horrible to watch. No, I hate to see it.

People gathered near the scene of the incident in Minneapolis on Wednesday (Getty)

At a White House press briefing Thursday, Vance said Good had violated the law and committed an act of terrorism.

The way that the media, by and large, has reported this story has been an absolute disgrace, and it puts our law enforcement officers at risk every single day, he said. [Ross] shot back. He defended himself.

He's already been seriously wounded in law enforcement operations before, and everybody who has been repeating the lie that this is some innocent woman who was out for a drive in Minneapolis when a law enforcement officer shot at her. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also previously described the shooting as defensive in nature.

Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them  an act of domestic terrorism, she said in a statement.

An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots, McLaughlin added. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.

She characterized the shooting as a consequence of the demonization of our officers.

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Frey offered a strikingly different account of what happened.

They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense, Frey, a Democrat, told reporters. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly: that is bulls***. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.

Weve dreaded this moment since the early stages of ICEs presence in Minneapolis, Frey added. They are not here to cause safety in this city what they are doing is causing chaos and distrust.

In a press conference later in the afternoon, Governor Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, expressing outrage at the White House.

Weve been warning for weeks that the Trump administrations dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to our safety and that someone was going to get hurt, Walz, a Democrat, said. We do not need any further help from the federal government .

He then asked that protesters refrain from violence, stating, They want a show. We cant give it to them.

Several other elected officials quickly reacted to the deadly incident, with many Democrats condemning ICE.

Im following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar wrote in a post on X. ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.

During a press conference, Walz urged those who protest the shooting to do so peacefully (Getty)

This is not the first time Trumps ICE has shot at civilians, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal wrote in a post. We need ICE out of our cities and communities.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confirmed that the woman killed was an American citizen and urged ICE to leave for everyones safety.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller described the incident as domestic terrorism.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed this view, telling Fox News, It was an act of domestic terrorism. ICE Officers got stuck in the snow. They were attempting to push out their vehicle, and a woman attacked them, and those surrounding them, and attempted to run them over.

At a Wednesday evening press conference, Noem went on to claim Good had been stalking and impeding federal officials work throughout the day. Noem again described her actions as an act of domestic terrorism at the press conference.

Large crowd assembled at shooting site

Following the ICE shooting on Wednesday, a large crowd of people assembled on the street where it occurred, video showed.

People bundled in winter coats stood in the street, on the sidewalk and in the snow near an area cordoned off with police tape. At one point, they broke into chants directed at law enforcement officials.

Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez addressed onlookers while flanked by a law enforcement officer (Getty)

Footage from Fox News also shows onlookers throwing snowballs at law enforcement personnel and giving them the middle finger.

People are very, very angry, a CNN reporter at the scene said.

The fatal shooting took place just a few blocks away from where George Floyd was killed in May 2020, an event that ignited nationwide protests.

Influx of federal agents

Goods death comes shortly after the Trump administration announced it was deploying additional ICE agents to the Minneapolis area.

While for the safety of our officers we do not get into law enforcement footprint, DHS has surged law enforcement and has already made more than 1,000 arrests of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members, DHS told The Independent in an email on Tuesday.

The surge, which began this weekend, was expected to involve as many as 2,000 agents from multiple agencies, according to law enforcement sources.

The influx of federal agents comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into fraud in Minnesotas social services programs, which culminated in Governor Tim Walz announcing on Monday that he would not seek reelection.

A large share of Minnesota residents are of Somali descent, many of whom have remained indoors for fear of being detained by ICE, according to NBC News.

Trump has repeatedly singled out Somalis for ridicule and has accused Illegal Somalian Criminals of stealing billions of dollars from Minnesota. Last month, he described immigrants from the East African nation as garbage and called for Rep. Omar, who is from Somalia, to be thrown the hell out of the U.S.
A 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in southeast Minneapolis Wednesday morning as officers were conducting a deportation raid in the city.

The woman was named as Renee Nicole Good by her mother, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The shooting, which occurred days after the Department of Homeland Security deployed an additional 2,000 federal agents to the city, drew immediate outrage from officials who blasted the operation. Dozens descended on the scene of the shooting to protest the killing in the immediate aftermath.

Videos of the incident showed Good sitting in her vehicle, blocking ICE agents. As agents surrounded her, she began to slowly move her SUV away from them. An agent at the front bumper then fired through the windshield as she drove away. Moments later, Good crashed into another car.

However, Department of Homeland Security officials painted a different picture, calling her a violent rioter who tried to run over authorities and kill them  in an act of domestic terrorism.

Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly  that is bulls***, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said during a press conference. This was an agent recklessly using power, resulting in somebody dying.

A 37-year-old woman was shot dead by an ICE agent in Minnesota on January 7. Renee Good was behind the wheel of her SUV when an officer fired (AP)

Frey, visibly angry, demanded ICE get the f*** out of Minneapolis.

Longer versions of the video circulating online show Good sitting in a maroon SUV, with her drivers side window open, blocking ICE agents from driving down the street. One ICE agent appears to be standing in front of the car at the bumper as two other agents approach the vehicle, demanding she get out of the car.

One of the agents attempted to open the drivers side car door, pulling on the handle multiple times. As he did, Good slowly reversed her vehicle  slow enough that the agent was able to continue walking with the vehicle, attempting to open the car door.

She then stopped her vehicle to put it in drive. At the same time, the agent, trying to open the door, appeared to reach into her open window, seemingly to unlock the car from the inside.

Good slowly pulled her car forward in an attempt to leave. Thats when the agent, still standing in front of the car, drew his firearm.

As she continued to pull forward, the agent fired two shots  one of which went through the windshield of the SUV. As the gunshots rang out, the car appeared to make contact with the agent; however, the agent dodged the vehicle as the driver accelerated and remained standing the entire time.

Good hit the gas, sending the vehicle flying down the street and crashing into a car and telephone pole.

ICE officer shot the woman through the windshield of her vehicle (AP)

Bystanders who watched and filmed the encounter screamed, calling the agents criminals. Several appeared to rush over to Good in the vehicle; however, ICE agents demanded that people get back.

While details of the incident were still unfolding Wednesday afternoon, Trump administration officials appeared to double down on the assertion that the woman was attempting to kill ICE agents.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the event as a vehicle ramming incident that led to a shooting. In brief remarks from Texas, Noem claimed officers were trying to push out their vehicles from the snow when the woman attacked them and those surrounding them.

An ICE agent restrained protesters who were attempting to block vehicles from leaving the scene where a person was reportedly shot in Minneapolis (Reuters)

The confrontation enraged members of the community. Protesters in the area gathered to condemn the federal law enforcement agents for firing gunshots at the woman. Some threw snowballs at the agents vehicles  leading federal agents to deploy chemical irritants, similar to pepper spray.

Protesters shouted at ICE to leave Minneapolis after the fatal shooting (AP)

On social media, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rebuked the administrations narrative, saying he had seen the video.

Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice, Walz wrote. During a later press conference, Walz called for people to protest responsibly in the aftermath and said he had the National Guard on standby for any unrest.

What were seeing is the consequences of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict, Walz said. Its governing by reality TV, and today, that recklessness cost someone their life.

President Donald Trump also reacted in the aftermath of the shooting and defended the agents actions.

It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defence, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!

The shooting happened as thousands of ICE agents descended on Minneapolis to push deportation arrests under President Donald Trump (Getty)

Others in Minnesota and from the Democratic party rushed to condemn the shooting. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said she was praying for the family of the deceased woman and blamed the administrations decision to deploy federal law enforcement for the tragedy.

We need full transparency and an investigation of what happened, and I am deeply concerned that statements made by DHS do not appear to reflect video evidence and on-the-ground accounts. While our immigration enforcement should be focused on apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals to make our communities safer, these ICE actions are doing the opposite and making our state less safe, Klobuchar wrote.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar accused DHS of lying about the events of the shooting.

There was no attempt to run the officer over and no ICE agents appear to be hurt. Get out of our city, Omar wrote on X (Twitter).

California Rep. Sara Jacobs rebuked the administrations narrative, calling it a murder.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib called for the agent who killed the woman to be held accountable and brought to justice.
Almost two years on from his separation from Ruth Langsford, Eamonn Holmes has said hed improve his work-life balance if he could go back and change things.

The pair, who presented This Morning together from 2005 to 2021, announced their breakup in March 2024 after 14 years of marriage. They started dating in 1996 and have a 23-year-old son.

In a new interview, 66-year-old Holmes reflected on his past, saying that if he could go back and change anything, he would try to find a better balance between my career and my personal life.

The interview with Mind Jump magazine also notes that a question about the GB News hosts biggest regret was left unanswered intentionally.

Since the separation, Holmes has been dating relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, while Langsford has said she is enjoying her independence.

Before, I saw darkness and was thinking, Oh my God, whats going to happen? but now the fear [has] gone, she told Woman&Home in November 2025.

"I havent been put off having a relationship, she said. I havent even been put off marriage, but Im definitely not actively looking, and part of that is because Ive realised Im actually quite good on my own.

I am independent and quite strong. It has taken me a bit of time [to realise that] and I dont know what lies ahead, but that chapter now feels quite exciting. Its not as scary as I thought.

Following the divorce announcement, Holmes underwent a double hip replacement and spinal surgery after suffering severe back pain.

Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford separated in 2024 after 14 years of marriage (YouTube / ITV)

Its been a tough year and Ill be glad to see the back of it, he told The Sun at The Irish Post awards at the time.

Holmes, who needs the support of carers due to his health issues, opened up about the experience on Good Morning Britain.

I have been basically disabled for a year and a half or so and I have to have a carer to do the smallest simplest things and its humiliating and humbling  but thank goodness that carers are available.

Langsford said she found value in counselling after the separation.

I started counselling when Eamonn and I separated, and Im still having it. It is very powerful and very useful. It gives me tools to deal with things, she said.

My counsellor has probably seen us on TV, but she doesnt know either of us so doesnt get involved and doesnt judge. She just listens and says, Have you thought about this? or Why did you feel like that? I think I know myself very well, so it has just been calming.
On Wednesday, The Independent asked Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina about President Donald Trump threatening to use military force to take Greenland.

Tillis, who is retiring at the end of the year, called it unproductive and unwise.

But shortly thereafter, Tillis took to the Senate floor and let people know what he really thought about the plans.

Folks, amateur hour is over, Tillis said in a booming speech. Specifically, he seemed to call out Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff who promoted the idea in a bombastic interview on CNN Monday.

It may be the position of the president of the United States that Greenland should be part of the United States, but its not the position of this government because were a coequal branch, he said. If that were to come to pass, there would be a vote on the floor to make it real, not the surreal sort of environment that some deputy chief of staff thinks was cute to say on TV.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) vocally criticized Stephen Millers comments about invading Greenland with a military. (REUTERS)

Tillis and Trump had a public falling out last year when the North Carolina Republican opposed Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill, which led to him saying he would not seek re-election. That gives him some latitude.

But even Republicans who are vocal supporters of the president do not seem sold on the idea of taking Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, by military force.

I just think we need to work well with the Danes, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who is also retiring, told The Independent.

And its not just retiring Republicans who appear fed up with the president.

I continue to hope the administrations rhetoric on Greenland is nothing more than posturing for a new era of cooperation, because any effort to claim or take the territory by force would degrade both our national security and our international relationships, Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a statement.

Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6 five years ago, has walked a fine line between her critiques of the president and voting for his nominees. But as a senator with close ties to Arctic partners, she is firmly in the camp of opposing military action.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also brushed off Trumps rhetoric around military action in Greenland.

So all this stuff about military action and all that, I don't even think that's a possibility, Johnson told The Independent during his weekly press conference. I don't think anybody's seriously considering that. And in the Congress, were certainly not.

Of course, thats not true. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt floated the idea this week.

The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief's disposal, she said.

Unsurprisingly, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a libertarian with a noninterventionist streak, criticized the idea.

I think buying Greenland would be a lot different, but Im not for military action,  he told The Independent.

The president is feeling especially emboldened after he ordered a successful operation in Caracas that concluded with the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response to Trumps proposal to take Greenland by force, Democratic senators are planning to have a vote on a War Powers Act resolution. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is proposing his own legislation.

I hope good sense prevails, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told The Independent. But I mean, the decision-making in his national security team is just bananas right now, I think it's going to be continued, continued bananas for the foreseeable future.

This comes as Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia will force a vote on his War Powers Act resolution for military action in Venezuela on Thursday.

All I will say is, they're talking about it, and people thought Trump was bluffing when he talked about Venezuela, and he wasn't, Kaine told The Independent. So you got to take it seriously.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Polymatech Electronics, a producer of advanced opto-semiconductor solutions, today announced the U.S. introduction of its high-power UVA LED platform engineered for ultra-fast industrial curing. The technology was demonstrated on Day 1 of CES 2026 at Booth 8600A in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The platform delivers sub-one-second curing performance for UV-sensitive inks, adhesives, coatings, resins, and electronics solder masks while operating at significantly lower energy consumption than conventional mercury vapor lamps. By eliminating mercury, ozone generation, and harmful spectral emissions, Polymatech's LED solution supports safer, sustainable manufacturing for American industry.

"U.S. manufacturers are seeking faster throughput with predictable operating cost," said Eswara Rao Nandam, Chief Executive Officer of Polymatech Electronics. "Our UV LED architecture provides precision wavelength control and high photon flux in a compact, reliable form factor that enables OEMs and distributors to upgrade existing curing equipment without mercury-based infrastructure."

Technical Differentiation

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Polymatech has initiated pilot production at its Chennai facility with commercial availability for the United States targeted in Q1 2026 through OEM and authorized distributor channels. The company is inviting American partners to participate in evaluation programs following CES demonstrations.

About Polymatech Electronics

Polymatech Electronics develops compound semiconductor and LED technologies for industrial and specialty applications with operations in India and Singapore. The company focuses on energy-efficient, mercury-free alternatives for global manufacturing ecosystems.

Media Contact - [email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2475172/5707057/Polymatech_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Polymatech
Bardots eco-friendly wicker coffin was carried into the Notre-Dame de lAssomption church - AP

France bade farewell to Brigitte Bardot on Wednesday as the late actress and animal rights campaigner was laid to rest in a seaside cemetery in Saint Tropez, the Riviera resort she put on the map.

Fans, many carrying pets in tribute to Bardots decades-long crusade for animals, had gathered around the Notre Dame de lAssomption church, where the former New Wave sex-symbol was celebrated in a no frills service in keeping with her wishes.

Many well-wishers wore black as both a sign of mourning and a nod to the colour Bardot always wore as a symbol of the pain that humans inflicted on animals.

The film stars son and husband led a simple church ceremony, and mourners applauded as her coffin was driven through the former fishing port, but Emmanuel Macron, the French president, was absent after being snubbed by her family.

Fans of the film icon paid their respects outside the church - Manon Cruz

A tearful Marine Le Pen was present. Bardot was close to the National Rally figurehead and her late father, Jean Marie, who co-founded the anti-immigration Front National (FN). Bernard dOrmale, Bardots widower, was a former adviser and close friend of the late FN chief.

Speaking before the ceremony, Ms Le Pen said she was attending in a personal and friendly capacity to express my affection, gratitude and admiration for her, and to be with her husband at this painful time.

The French president was not invited after the film star, who died of cancer on Dec 28, aged 91, called him an evil being for failing to do more to defend animal rights causes.

Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte had proposed organising a national tribute to the film icon, similar to one staged for actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in 2021, but it was rejected by Bardots family. It wasnt her thing. We told them to get lost, her husband told BFMTV.

Brigitte wanted a simple burial, he told Paris Match.

Marine Le Pen was among the mourners at the funeral service - Shutterstock

In a letter in 2023, Bardot  who was modern Frances first model for Marianne, the bust embodying the nation found in all town halls  wrote that she was angry with Mr Macron for what she saw as his inaction, cowardice and contempt for the French people.

Brigitte wanted a simple burial, Mr dOrmale told Paris Match. Bardot had been disappointed by Mr Macrons failure to advance animal causes and his concessions to the hunting lobby, he said. On a visit to the Elysee palace, Mr Macrons dog had his head on Brigittes knees and not those of the president. That said everything, Mr dOrmale added.

Ahead of the church service, he revealed Bardot had died of cancer, telling Paris Match magazine she had dealt very well with two operations before the disease took her.

After being hospitalised twice late last year, Bardot insisted she wanted to return home to her villa, La Madrague, despite being in physical discomfort. Mr dOrmale said: It was uncomfortable even when she was bedridden. However, she remained conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end.

Bardots granddaughter Thea Charrier was spotted arriving for the service with her children - Getty

About 400 guests were invited to the church ceremony. where Bardot was carried to the altar in a wicker coffin decorated with orange and yellow flowers.

Beside the coffin was a large black-and-white photograph of the actress posing with a baby seal on ice floes off Canada in 1977 to protest against hunting, with the words Merci Brigitte.

Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, Bardots only child, was in the front row with his daughter. Mr Charrier, 65, was brought up by his late father, film director Jacques Charrier, and lives in Oslo. She was estranged from her son for much of his life, but they became closer in her final years.

Bardots 65-year-old only child, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, travelled from Oslo for the service - AFP

Also among the guests were Paul Watson, a Canadian animal rights crusader, and Chico Bouchikhi, a musician and founder of the Gipsy Kings. Mr Bouchikhi, whose group played in the church, said on BFMTV: She was our lucky charm and our fairy godmother ... a great friend, a real woman.

The service was shown on public screens for well-wishers and fans who gathered in their hundreds in Saint-Tropez despite brisk winter temperatures on Wednesday morning.

The reclusive star of the 1950s and 60s was interred alongside her parents and maternal grandparents in the ports maritime cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean. Roger Vadim, her first husband, who launched her career with his 1956 film And God Created Woman, is buried in the same site.

Local authorities had refused a request by Bardot to be buried in the garden of La Madrague, near Saint Tropez village, along with her pets because she did not want a crowd of idiots to trample on her family graves at the municipal cemetery.

Paul Watson paid his respects to his fellow animal rights crusader - Reuters

The family later greeted fans in a central square of the small port she put on the map.

Sylvie Siri, the mayor, said: Here in Saint-Tropez, we had an unbreakable bond with her. I knew her all my life. Here, she wasnt Bardot, she was just Brigitte.

However, 10 days after her death, Bardots legacy continues to split France.

For some, she epitomises the carefree post-war years where France had become a byword for style and glamour, along with industrial prowess. For President Macron, 48, she was a national treasure who redefined the French spirit.

Michel Bernard, a novelist, compared Bardot in Le Figaro to Joan of Arc, the most dazzling woman of our time, our Marianne with the supreme decollete.

But modern feminists and many Left-wingers hold her in contempt for her anti-Muslim views that brought her five court convictions for hate speech.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of the radical left Unbowed France party, said her legacy is forever stained by her views on Islam.
Bereaved families are turning to crowdfunding and loan sharks to pay for funerals as the cost of a traditional service saw its biggest annual increase since 2016, according to an annual report.

The cost of a traditional attended funeral jumped 5.3% to 4,510 last year, SunLifes latest Cost of Dying Report said.

A simple attended funeral, which includes the core elements of a traditional service but with fewer add-ons such as a memorial and flowers, is now the most common choice in the UK, costing an average of 3,828.

When teamed with a memorial, catering, venue hire and flowers, total spending on the average funeral rose to 5,140.

A person walks through an icy Allerton Cemetery near Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) (Peter Byrne)

Rising prices have been driven by increased cremation and burial fees, higher coffin prices, and increased living costs.

Some 15% of families say they have faced financial hardship paying for a funeral, having to find an extra 2,365 on average.

More than one in 10 (12%) of those facing financial difficulty turned to crowdfunding to cover funeral costs, while 8% reported borrowing money from an unregulated lender or loan shark.

London remains the most expensive place to die, with the cost of a simple attended funeral averaging 4,897.

The report found that those who knew some of the deceaseds funeral preferences were able to save an average of 335 on a send-off compared with those who did not.

Meanwhile, direct cremations, costing an average of 1,628, are now chosen for 21% of funerals  with the majority of cases involving the deceased having planned the arrangements.

However 86% of those who opted for a direct cremation still chose to hold a memorial, wake or celebration of life, bringing the full spending to an average of 2,949.

Some 70% of people make some form of provision for their funeral to ease the burden on those left behind, such as savings, funeral plans, and life insurance, the study found.

The Scholemoor Cemetery and Crematorium, in Bradford, West Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA) (Danny Lawson)

Just 42% save enough to cover the full cost, leaving loved ones to bridge the gap.

SunLife chief executive Mark Screeton said: Funerals are a deeply personal experience, but our research shows that the cost of saying goodbye continues to rise faster than some families can afford.

We are seeing more people turning to simple attended funerals, a modern middle ground between traditional and direct options, allowing families to celebrate their loved ones life without overspending.

Having conversations about both what we want for our funerals and how they will be paid for can make a real difference, emotionally and financially.

Planning ahead means families can create a meaningful farewell without unnecessary stress or cost at an already difficult time.

Lindesay Mace, co-manager of funeral poverty charity Down to Earth, said: The distress caused by struggling to pay for a funeral should not be underestimated.

We see the devastating effects on peoples health and their ability to grieve on a daily basis at our Down to Earth funeral costs support service.

This financial hardship is reflected in growing demand for help, with our helpline seeing a 20% year-on-year increase in people contacting us in 2024/25.

The Government must act now to ensure the wellbeing of bereaved people facing unaffordable funeral costs.
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French screen siren who famously traded movie stardom for animal activism, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Saint-Tropez, the Riviera town she called home for over half a century.

The funeral comprised a private service followed by a public homage, drawing admirers to the streets of the picturesque resort.

The animal rights campaigner and far-right supporter passed away on 28 December at the age of 91 at her residence in southern France.

Her husband, Bernard dOrmale, revealed in an interview with Paris Match magazine that she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. He stated: "She was conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

Actor Brigitte Bardot's coffin is carried outside Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church for her funeral ceremony (AP)

As her coffin was carried through the towns narrow streets, residents and fans applauded the funeral convoy, paying their respects to a woman once among the worlds most photographed and a defining figure of 1960s cinema.

The service at the Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption Catholic Church began with Maria Callass "Ave Maria," attended by Bardots husband, son, grandchildren, invited family guests, and representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals.Max Guazzini, a close friend and secretary general of the Foundation, delivered a poignant speech.

"Sadness is overwhelming, and pain too," he said, continuing with a vivid image: "Were going to dream about her as if we were sleeping. In our dream, Brigitte arrives in a great, white immensity and suddenly  thousands of seals arrive. All the animals she saved and she loved form a procession behind her  Thousands of animals say: Brigitte, we will miss you, we love you so much, thank you."

Hundreds gathered in the small town, watching the farewell on large screens erected at the port and in two main plazas. Bardot is to be buried "in the strictest privacy" in a cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen, President of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) party parliamentary group, Steve Briois and Burno Bilde arrive to attend the funeral service for the late French film icon Brigitte Bardot (Reuters)

Saint-Tropez had long been her sanctuary from the intense celebrity that made her a household name.

A public homage was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, allowing admirers to reflect on the woman whose image once symbolised Frances post-war liberation and sensuality.

Last week, the town hall declared: "Brigitte Bardot will forever be associated with Saint-Tropez, of which she was the most dazzling ambassador. Through her presence, personality and aura, she marked the history of our town."

Bardot settled decades ago in her seaside villa, La Madrague, having retired from filmmaking in 1973 at the age of 39, following an international career spanning more than two dozen films.

She subsequently became a prominent animal rights activist, establishing and sustaining a foundation dedicated to animal welfare. While she stepped away from the film industry, she remained a highly visible and often controversial public figure through decades of militant animal rights activism and her associations with far-right politics.

A woman lays flowers at actor Brigitte Bardot's home in Saint-Tropez (AP)

Her final resting place will be the marine cemetery, where her parents are also interred. This cemetery, with its views of the Mediterranean, is also the burial site for several cultural figures, including her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim, who directed her breakthrough film, And God Created Woman, the role that propelled her to global stardom.
Actress Millie Bobby Brown is returning as mystery-solving sleuth Enola Holmes in a first-look for the third instalment in the film series, which is coming to Netflix this summer.

The project is part of Netflixs 2026 film schedule, alongside a feature film for hit LGBT+ series Heartstopper Forever and the big-screen return of 1940s crime drama Peaky Blinders.

It comes after fans saw the 21-year-old bid farewell to her character Eleven from the hit sci-fi show Stranger Things earlier this month, after 10 years in the role.

Millie Bobby Brown will reprise her role as Enola Holmes in the third instalment of the film series (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Jonathan Brady)

Enola Holmes 3 will see Browns crime-solving sister of Sherlock Holmes head to Malta to solve a new case.

The star rocketed to fame after appearing in the critically acclaimed Stranger Things, and has since gone on to star in films The Electric State (2025) and Damsel (2024).

The films are based on the popular The Enola Holmes Mysteries book series by Nancy Springer, which reimagine the classic Sherlock Holmes detective novels to focus on his younger sister.

The actress signed off from Stranger Things earlier this month, after the show came to an emotional conclusion almost 10 years since it premiered (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Jonathan Brady)

Actor Louis Partridge is set to reprise his breakthrough role as Tewkesbury in the upcoming film, alongside Superman actor Henry Cavill, who will return as Sherlock.

Bafta-winning actress Helena Bonham Carter is also back as Browns on-screen mother, Eudoria Holmes, with Yesterday star Himesh Patel to feature as Dr John Watson.

Actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster will also reprise her role from the sequel as criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.

Browns husband and the son of musician Jon Bon Jovi, Jake Bongiovi, has been named as an executive producer on the project.

The couple tied the knot in May 2024, and in August 2025 they announced they had adopted a baby daughter.

Brown and Bongiovi tied the knot in May 2024, and in August 2025 they announced they had adopted a baby daughter (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

The beloved Birmingham-based crime family the Shelbys are also back on Netflix this year, in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

The film will see award-winning actor Cillian Murphy reprise his role as Tommy Shelby, the ruthless leader of the fictional gangster family, as he is driven back from a self-imposed exile amid the chaos of the Second World War.

It follows on from the shows sixth series, which was broadcast in 2022, and billed as the final series.

The series finale saw Tommy almost shoot himself after being given false information that he had a brain tumour.

Award-winning actor Cillian Murphy will reprise his role as Tommy Shelby in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North)

Returning cast members include Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, Stephen Graham as union convener Hayden Stagg, and Packy Lee as Tommys friend Johnny Dogs.

Saltburn star Barry Keoghan, Dune actress Rebecca Ferguson and Reservoir Dogs actor Tim Roth are among the new additions.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premieres in select cinemas on March 6 and will be available on Netflix from March 20.

Also coming to Netflix this year is the finale to hit LGBT+ series Heartstopper.

The film will follow on from the series, which follows the story of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two boys who meet at high school and fall in love.

The coming-of-age drama is based on Alice Osemans graphic novel series of the same name.

Heartstopper Forever will follow the couple as Nick prepares to leave for university, and Charlie navigates life at school without him, and will see them face the challenge of a long-distance relationship.

Production details and its release date are yet to be confirmed by the streaming service.
One of Trumps leading aides has suggested the US may be willing to seize control of Greenland by force. Photograph: REDA/Universal Images Group/Getty Images (Photograph: REDA/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, says he plans to meet Danish officials next week to discuss Greenland as a crisis escalates within Nato over Donald Trumps threats to take over the Arctic territory.

An urgent meeting had been requested by the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark, which has said that any invasion or seizure of the territory by its Nato ally would mark the end of the western military alliance and post-second world war security.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Rubio did not directly answer a question about whether the Trump administration was willing to risk the alliance by potentially moving ahead with a military option to gain control of Greenland.

Im not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention, Ill be meeting with them next week, he said. Well have those conversations with them then, but I dont have anything further to add to that. Every US president retains the option of addressing national security threats through military means, he said.

France said on Tuesday that it was working with allies on how to react if the US were to invade Greenland. We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners, the French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, told France Inter radio.

Rubio said Trump had been talking about acquiring Greenland since his first term. Thats always been the presidents intent from the very beginning, he said. Hes not the first US president that has examined or looked at how we could acquire Greenland.

The White House said Trump preferred diplomacy but would not rule out military action. Thats something thats currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team, the press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said when asked about a possible US offer to buy the territory from Denmark. The president has been very open and clear  that he views it in the best interest of the United States to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region, and so thats why his team is currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like, she said.



Asked why the US had refused to rule out military action, she replied: I know that past presidents and past leaders have often ruled things out. Theyve often been very open about ruling things in and basically broadcasting their foreign policy strategy to the rest of the world  not just to our allies, but most egregiously to our adversaries. Thats not something this president does.

All options are always on the table  But I will just say that the presidents first option always has been diplomacy.

Leavitt was also pressed on what the US would gain by controling Greenland that it did not have already in its access to military bases there. More control over the Arctic region and ensuring that China and Russia and our adversaries cannot continue their aggression in this very important and strategic region, she said.

The UKs prime minister, Keir Starmer, set out his position on Greenland in a phone conversation with Trump on Wednesday evening, Downing Street said without giving further details of the call.

Starmer has repeatedly said the territorys future must be a matter for Greenland and Denmark alone, including in the Commons earlier on Wednesday.

Trump said on Wednesday that the US would not desert Nato in a backhanded social media post that also criticised the alliance.

We will always be there for Nato, even if they wont be there for us, he wrote on Truth Social. Russia and China would have zero fear of Nato without the US, he said. Addressing all of those big Nato fans, he added: They were at 2% GDP, and most werent paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG.

After one of Trumps leading aides said on Tuesday that the US may be willing to seize control of the Arctic territory by force, European leaders rallied around Denmark and Greenland with a rare rebuke to the White House, declaring that Greenland belongs to its people.

Barrot said that in a phone call on Tuesday Rubio had told him that he had ruled out the possibility of an invasion of Greenland. I myself was on the phone yesterday with Marco Rubio  who confirmed that this was not the approach taken, he said.

Trump has long expressed an interest in acquiring Greenland. But in recent days, after the US military operation in Venezuela on Saturday in which troops removed the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administrations rhetoric  and, subsequently, international tensions  have ramped up to new heights, putting the survival of Nato into question.

On Tuesday night, the Danish parliament held an extraordinary meeting to discuss the unprecedented situation.

Lars Lkke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, said they were seeking an urgent meeting with Rubio to discuss Greenland. We would like to add some nuance to the conversation, Rasmussen said on social media. The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now.

Trump has claimed that Greenland is full of Chinese and Russian ships and that Denmark is incapable of defending Greenland, which the president has said is vital for US national security.

But Rasmussen said after the extraordinary meeting that the US was giving a false representation of what was happening in Greenland. The image that is being painted of Russian and Chinese ships right inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments being made is not correct, he said.

The situation, Rasmussen said, was based on a misreading of what is up and what is down, adding: We are looking after the kingdom.

Denmarks defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, disputed US claims that the country was not doing enough to protect Greenland. We have invested close to 100bn [Danish kroner] (11.6bn) in security capabilities, he said.
John Healey, the Defence Secretary, made an emergency statement in the Commons after the MoD confirmed it supported the US mission - PA

Britains involvement in the US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in Icelandic waters was protecting the British people and our nation, the Defence Secretary has said.

The Marinera, previously named Bella 1, was sailing west of the UK on Wednesday when it was intercepted by the US Coast Guard and special forces following a two-week operation.

Addressing MPs on Wednesday evening, John Healey said: By assisting our US allies in taking this ship off the seas, we are protecting the British people and our nation.

Mr Healey said that no UK troops boarded the tanker but forces supported the operation at the request of the US.

Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft were used for reconnaissance and potential support, and UK airbases were used as launchpads for US military aircraft.

Mr Healey said the ship is now under the control of the US, whose forces demonstrated immense courage and professionalism in dangerous and deteriorating Atlantic sea conditions.

The tanker is accused of being part of a shadow fleet transporting oil between Venezuela, Russia and Iran, breaking US sanctions.

Mr Healey called the intercepted tanker a sanctioned, stateless vessel, adding that it had a long history of nefarious activity and shares close links with both Iran and Russia.

Mr Healey called Iran a persistent danger to the UK, saying the country presented espionage and cyber threats, while Russia was overseeing a pattern of flagrant maritime activity.

So this is a stark reminder that our world is changing. It is less predictable and more dangerous, and this operation and the shadow fleet show the global links between the security threats faced by the UK and its allies, he added.

And the shadow fleet itself is vital to Putins ongoing illegal invasion of war in Ukraine.

09:04pm

Thanks for following todays live blog

Thank you for following todays live coverage of the interception of a sanctioned oil tanker by the United States.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

08:17pm

US attorney general: Marinera crew face criminal charges for fleeing coast guard

The Marinera crew face criminal charges after they failed to obey coast guards orders, the US attorney general has said.

Writing on X, Pamela Bondi said the vessel was safely apprehended this morning, despite frantic efforts to avoid apprehension.

As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guards orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors, Ms Bondi said.

The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement action - anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, she added.

Pamela Bondi, US attorney general - EPA

07:57pm

Healey: Assisting US protects the British people

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said the UKs support of the US operation to seize the Marinera tanker was protecting the British people and our nation.

He argued that Iran is a persistent danger to the UK, including espionage and cyber threats, as well as assassination attempts on British soil, while Russia is co-ordinating a pattern of flagrant maritime activity.

By assisting our US allies in taking this ship off the seas, we are protecting the British people and our nation, Mr Healey said.

So this is a stark reminder that our world is changing. It is less predictable and more dangerous, and this operation and the shadow fleet show the global links between the security threats faced by the UK and its allies, he added.

And the shadow fleet itself is vital to Putins ongoing illegal invasion of war in Ukraine.

07:46pm

Healey: We owe it to the Ukrainians to step up action on Russian shadow operations

Addressing MPs, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said the UK owes it to the Ukrainians to step up action on these shadow operations as he outlined the Governments reasons for supporting the US operation to seize the Marinera tanker.

He pointed to Russias vast shadow fleet, which it uses to bankroll its illegal invasion of Ukraine, including the Marinera.

We owe it to the Ukrainians to step up action on these shadow operations, and we are, he said.

This is why we are deterring, we are disrupting, we are degrading the Russian shadow fleet as a priority for this Government, Mr Healey added.

So let me speak plainly, the UK will not stand by as malign activity increases on the high seas, and alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response against shadow vessels, and we will continue to do so.

07:44pm

The three reasons Britain backed US mission

In a statement to MPs, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, outlined three justifications for the UKs support:

- To enforce counter-Iran sanctions

- To tackle the global security threat posted by expanding shadowy maritime activity

- To reinforce British homeland defence security in an era of rising threats

07:35pm

Marinera tanker only recently adopted Russian flag, Healey says

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, told MPs the vessel formerly called Bella 1 had reflagged itself five times in the last five years, only recently adopting the Russian flag.

He said over a four-year period the vessel had moved some 7.3 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, helping finance the regimes destabilising activities overseas.

07:22pm

Healey: No UK troops boarded tanker

John Healey said that no UK personnel took part in the boarding of the ship, but that UK forces supported the operation at the request of the US.

He continued that the ship is now under the control of the US, whose forces demonstrated immense courage and professionalism in dangerous and deteriorating Atlantic sea conditions.

Defence Secretary John Healey makes a statement in the Commons about the Venezuela oil tanker raid

07:20pm

Marinera has long history of nefarious activity, says defence secretary

John Healey, the UKs Defence Secretary, said the oil tanker intercepted by the US was falsely flagged and that it is a sanctioned, stateless vessel.

The vessel refused to comply with the USs exercise of its sanctions jurisdiction on the 20th of December, after which the US Coast Guard vessel Monroe pursued the ship across the Atlantic, he said.

This is a sanctioned, stateless vessel which carries a long history of nefarious activity and shares close links with both Iran and Russia.

07:17pm

UK defence secretary to address Commons

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, is set to make a statement to MPs about the UK militarys support for a mission to capture a Russian-flagged oil tanker.

The Marinera tanker was seized by US forces in the North Atlantic Ocean this afternoon, while British spy planes provided surveillance support from the air and sent the replenishment tanker, the RFA Tideforce, to help the mission.

Military bases in the UK were also used to launch the operation.

07:02pm

Rubio insists US is not winging it in Venezuela

The United States has dismissed reports that they have no plan for what happens next in Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted on Wednesday: The bottom line is, weve gone into great detail with them about the planning. Weve described it to them. In fact, its not just winging it.

A day earlier, The Telegraph revealed how allies are concerned that Donald Trump has no blueprint, no plan for what comes next after Saturdays operation to remove the president.

White House press spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt echoed Mr Rubio at a news briefing, saying there was a long term plan here.

Ms Leavitt was also asked about the capture of two oil tankers on Wednesday, claiming they were both stateless despite the Bella 1 flying a Russian flag.

There are no plans for the captured tanker to be brought to the UK, The Telegraph understands.

Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, speaks to reporters after briefing US Senators about the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro - Shutterstock Editorial

06:21pm Pictures

Pictured: First funerals for Venezuelans killed in US raid

A military officer comforts Ramona Palma, the mother of Venezuelan soldier Cesar Garcia, who was killed in a US raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week - AP

Members of the military place the coffin of Venezuelan soldier Cesar Garcia into a hearse after wake in Caracas, Venezuela - AP

06:07pm

Ukraine welcomes US seizure of Russian-flagged tanker in North Atlantic

Ukraines foreign minister said on Wednesday that Kyiv welcomed the US seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela, adding it was a good example of how to act against Moscow.

The apprehension of a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic underscores the United States and President (Donald) Trumps resolute leadership, Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.

We welcome such an approach to dealing with Russia: act, not fear. This is also relevant to the peace process and bringing a lasting peace closer.

06:03pm

How did the UK support the seizure of the oil tanker?

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UK support for the seizure of the vessel, previously named Bella 1, manifested in three different areas.

An RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint, which is a reconnaissance plane, carried out flights over the area. The plane had the ability to help locate any Russian assets nearby.

The UK gave approval for American planes to take off from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk. Under the terms of UK-US defence agreements, the British Government gets a say on American operations launched from UK military bases.

The third area of support was the UK sending the RFA Tideforce, a replenishment tanker, into the region. It can provide logistical support such as help with refuelling.

As of Wednesday afternoon the British vessel had not been used by American aircraft, but a UK defence source stressed it would remain available for use if needed.

05:52pm

Watch: Oil tanker Sophia intercepted by US

Credit: @Southcom/@Sec_Noem/X

05:32pm

No plans for the captured tanker to be brought to the UK

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There are no plans for the captured tanker to be brought to the UK, The Telegraph understands. It appears Washington will decide its movements.

Sir Keir Starmer was kept updated on UK involvement throughout its planning and execution. It was John Healey, the Defence Secretary, who authorised the UK end of the mission.

Downing Street figures are confident in the legality of the intervention, arguing the vessel was stateless and subject of a US seizure warrant.

05:30pm

Leavitt: Russian vessels crew is subject to prosecution after US seizure

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said the crew of the Russian-flagged, Venezuela-linked oil tanker that was seized by the United States is subject to prosecution.

The vessel had a judicial seizure order...so that means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law, and they will be brought to the United States for such prosecution, if necessary, Ms Leavitt told the news briefing.

05:25pm

Too early for election timetable for Venezuela, Leavitt says

It is too early to timetable elections in Venezuela, said Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, days after leader Nicolas Maduro was abducted in a US raid.

Its too premature and too early to dictate a timetable for elections in Venezuela right now, Ms Leavitt told the news briefing.

05:23pm

US has a long-term plan in Venezuela

Karoline Leavitt said there was a long term plan here for the USs actions in Venezuela, adding that the 30 to 50 million barrels of oil are the first action you are all seeing.

When asked how the US will reassure workers they will be safe in Venezuela, Ms Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Donald Trump reserves the right to use the military if necessary.

05:20pm

Leavitt: Vice President Vance has been involved in all policy including Venezuela

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said that Vice President JD Vance has been involved in all policy, including that of Venezuela.

Speaking at the news briefing, Ms Leavitt dismissed reports that Mr Vance might be reluctant to get involved in Venezuela policy because of past stated opposition to foreign entanglements.

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, speaks during a briefing at the White House - REUTERS

05:17pm

Leavitt: Sophia tanker is being escorted back to US

The Sophia, the second tanker seized by US forces on Wednesday, is being escorted back to America, Mrs Leavitt said.

US Southern Command accused the Sophia of conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.

05:14pm

Venezuelan oil arriving very soon to US, Leavitt says

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said Venezuelan oil with be arriving in the US very soon.

The United States government has already begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil on the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States, she said.

All proceeds from the sale of the oil and products will first settle in US-controlled accounts at globally recognised banks, before the funds are dispersed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people at the discretion of the United States government, she added.

05:09pm

Rubio: The US is not winging it in Venezuela

Talking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Marco Rubio, secretary of state, bristled at suggestions that the Trump administration does not have a clear plan in Venezuela, saying the US was not winging it.

We have a three-fold process in Venezuela he said, before spelling it out.

1- stabilization: We are going to take between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil, he said.

2 - recovery: Ensuring that American, Western, and other countries have access to Venezuelan market

3 - transition: To elections

A day earlier, The Telegraph revealed how even allies are concerned that Mr Trump and his top team have no blueprint for what comes next after capturing Nicolas Maduro.

You can read the full story here

05:06pm

Leavitt: US has maximum leverage over Venezuela interim authorities

Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration is in close correspondence with interim authorities in Venezuela.

We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela right now, and the president has made it very clear that this is a country that is no longer going to be sending illegal drugs to the United States of America, said Ms Leavitt.

04:45pm

Venezuela wants oil from seized tanker to be part of deal, says Rubio

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said Venezuela wants the oil onboard a tanker seized by US forces in the Caribbean to be part of a deal.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, he said: One of those ships that was seized that had oil in the Caribbean, you know what the interim authorities are asking for in Venezuela? They want that oil that was seized to be part of this deal, he says.

They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States.

He is referring to the Sophia, part of a ghost fleet of vessels carrying sanctioned oil, which was boarded by the US military in a operation earlier today.

04:25pm

White House news briefing starts

Karoline Leavitt has started her first news briefing of the year.

We will be listening for any updates regarding Venezuela or the tanker seizures.

04:19pm

Govt must state if seizure was legal under international law, say Lib Dems

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Responding to the USs seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, Calum Miller MP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, said the Government must state whether the move was legal under international law.

The Russian shadow fleet is busting oil sanctions for Russia and allies like Iran. It helps Putin sustain his brutal war on Ukraine. We support measures that stop the illicit flow of oil that powers sanctioned regimes.

But this is another example where Donald Trumps illegal action in Venezuela has undermined steps to uphold international law.

The use of US air bases in the UK to launch this operation places a particular obligation on the Government to show that we are committed to acting lawfully. So the Government needs to state whether this military intervention is legal and who is now responsible for the vessel.

04:16pm

British forces helped US capture Russian tanker

British spy planes and ships supported the US in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in Icelandic waters.

American forces boarded the sanctioned vessel this afternoon, ending a two-week pursuit after it defied a US naval blockade of Venezuela.

UK Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to U.S. military assets interdicting the Bella 1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland gap following a U.S. request for assistance, the Ministry of Defence said.

It added that the RAF provided surveillance support from the air and sent the replenishment tanker, the RFA Tideforce, to help the mission.

An RAF Poseidon MRA1, a surveillance plane, was also involved, according to flight tracking sites.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the ship was part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

It is unclear where exactly the ship would now go, but sources told Reuters it would probably be entering British territorial waters.

Images published by Russian state media purportedly shows an American helicopter attempting to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker in European waters.

04:05pm

No US forces injured in North Atlantic operation

No American forces were injured in the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic, a US official said.

US forces boarded the vessel on Wednesday afternoon before handing over control to the American Coast Guard.

03:51pm

Russia: US operation was violation of maritime law

Russia has responded to the events, calling the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker a violation of maritime law.

In accordance with the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, the transport ministry said in a statement.

It said contact with the vessel, the Marinera, had been lost after US naval forces boarded it.

Andrey Klishas, a senior Russian lawmaker, called it an act of outright piracy.

The UK MoD said the support was provided in full compliance with international law.

Russia has repeatedly claimed the ship was in international waters, also known as high seas, suggesting there was no legal basis for the seizure. Marine traffic sites show it was in Icelandic waters, therefore Nato waters.

US and UK officials have also referred to the tanker, which re-flagged itself as Russian recently, as stateless.

03:37pm

Nefarious tanker was seized as part of global effort, says Healey

A Russian tanker was seized as part of global efforts to crack down on those evading sanctions, the Defence Secretary has said.

John Healey confirmed that the UK Armed Forces supported the US operation to board the Marinera as it travelled to Russia.

Mr Healey said the ship, previously named Bella 1, had a nefarious history and was part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

He said: The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability  making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

The US is the UKs closest defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and todays seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.

03:25pm

Pictured: Inside the raid on tanker near Caribbean

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security chief, posted images inside the US operation to seize the Sophia tanker close to Venezuela

The pre-dawn operation occurred within hours of the second mission to seize the Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic

03:16pm

Trump: Russia and China have zero fear of Nato without the US

Donald Trump, in his celebration of the US militarys seizure of two sanctioned oil tankers, turned his anger towards other Nato countries for not doing enough to deter Russia or China.

He wrote on Truth Social: Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize.

But that doesnt matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives.

RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE ZERO FEAR OF NATO WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM. EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO.

We will always be there for NATO, even if they wont be there for us.

03:09pm

Fury and disbelief coming from Moscow

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A mixture of fury and disbelief is coming out of Moscow after the US confirms it has seized the Russian-flagged tanker.

One prominent Z-channel, a pro-war military blogging account, criticised Moscow for failing to deter the raid.

Once again, it turns out that empty diplomatic statements no longer frighten anyone, it wrote. An attempt to demonstrate strength, unsupported by real force, has turned into a complete joke. What will the Russian flag mean on board sanctioned vessels now?

In comments now being derided, Yury Shvytkin, the deputy head of Russias State Duma Defence Committee, was hours ago quoted as saying of the potential seizure that given the measures currently being taken, such an incident will not be allowed to occur.

Nikolai Starikov, a prominent pro-Russian commentator, wrote: Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Iran, Venezuela  what do all these countries have in common? All are threatened with war by 2025-2026 Nobel Peace Prize candidate Donald Trump. The list is growing.

Just hours ago, Russian state media published images of Vladimir Putin celebrating Orthodox Christmas with soldiers and their families in Moscow. Now, Donald Trump has delivered him an unwelcome Christmas gift.

02:52pm

US confirms seizure of second tanker near Caribbean

The US seized a second Venezuela-linked oil tanker, this time close to the Caribbean sea, according to the US Southern Command.

The vessel, a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker, was apprehended while US forces boarded the Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic.

The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea, the US military said. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the US for final disposition.

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security secretary, described it as a warning to the worlds criminals.

In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two ghost flee, she said, adding: The worlds criminals are on notice. You can run, but you cant hide.

The US apprehended sanctioned vessel Sophia in international waters

The pre-dawn operation took place within hours of the interception of another sanctioned vessel in the North Atlantic

02:45pm

RAF involved in operation: report

British Royal Air Force aircraft were involved in the US operation in the North Atlantic, according to a report.

UK airbases were also used as launchpads for American military aircraft involved in the operation, the i newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The UK Government has declined requests to comment. A Ministry of Defence statement is expected soon.

02:39pm

US: Tanker pursued across high seas and treacherous storms

The sanctioned Russian tanker was pursued across the high seas and through treacherous storms before it was seized, the US Homeland Security Secretary has said.

Kristi Noem said the seizure of this ghost fleet tanker, and a separate vessel near the Caribbean, put the worlds criminals on notice.

You can run, but you cant hide. We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco terrorism wherever we find it, period, she said.

This is our countrys greatest fighting force at their best. This is America first at sea.

02:37pm

All indications point towards UK support in operation

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Whitehall insiders are attempting to draw a clear distinction between Americas action capturing Nicolas Maduro and todays US intervention.

The tanker seized by the US had been sanctioned a year ago under anti-Iran measures - in other words, there appears to be a legal basis for the move.

All the indications are that the UK is supporting the operation rather than, in the Maduro case, declining to voice explicit backing after the surprise mission.

02:25pm

Hegseth: US blockade of Venezuelan in full effect anywhere in world

A US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in full effect anywhere in the world, said the US defence secretary.

Pete Hegseth, moments after the US seized a Russian flagged vessel that had escaped the blockade, said: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT  anywhere in the world, he wrote on social media.

Donald Trump ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela on Dec 16.

02:13pm

US European Command confirms seizure

The United States European Command has confirmed the seizure of the Marinera oil tanker for violating US sanctions.

The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, it wrote.

The Marinera, had altered its name from the Bella-1 and re-flagged itself as a Russian vessel after it defied the US blockade around Venezuela and appeared to be sailing back to Russia.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of

the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X  U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

02:07pm

Watch: US Coast Guard ship pursues the tanker

Footage published by Russian state broadcaster RT on Tuesday appeared to show a US Coast Guard ship following the Marinera.



Martin Kelly, maritime security expert at EOS Group, told The Telegraph the red stripe on the ship matches a US Coast Guard Cutter.

Credit: Russia Today

01:59pm

Analysis: Trump humiliates Putin in front of the world

b'

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For the first time since returning to office, Donald Trump has just swatted Vladimir Putin aside in a most humiliating fashion.

Russia had staked its reputation and geopolitical credibility on conferring official protection on the shadow-fleet oil tanker US forces are now attempting to board in the North Atlantic.

As the more than two-week pursuit of Bella 1 unfolded  an operation that drew comparisons with the slow-speed chase of OJ Simpsons Ford Bronco 31 years ago  Russia re-flagged the vessel with its own colours, renamed it the Marinera, and added it to an official Russian ship database.

Over the past 24 hours, Putin reportedly dispatched a submarine and other naval assets to escort it.

The Russian president clearly hoped to deter the Americans with this show of force.

Putin may have assumed that his warm relationship with Donald Trump would work in his favour. It did not. Indeed, the intervention may well have soured relations between Moscow and Washington.

Mr Trump has made it clear that South America now falls squarely within Washingtons sphere of influence under his so-called Donroe Doctrine, a muscular update of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine asserting US primacy in the Western hemisphere.

By re-flagging a vessel attempting to breach the US blockade of Venezuela, Putin had attempted to challenge that Doctrine  and Mr Trump did not like it one bit. Personal warmth counted for little. In a blunt display of raw power, it appears the United States is emerging decisively on top.

01:51pm

Russian ships and submarine nearby during US operation

The US operation to seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker was carried out with Russian naval assets nearby, according to US officials.

Two officials told Reuters that the Russian ships and a submarine were in the general vicinity when the mission was taking place.

01:49pm

UK refusing to comment on stateless ship for now

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UK government spokesmen in relevant departments are declining to comment on the ongoing operation. Something public is likely to be issued later today.

But wider conversations with well-placed insiders offer an indication about Londons willingness to support the US attempts to intervene and stop the tanker.

The ship is being described within Whitehall as stateless and in breach of existing sanctions regimes. These arguments suggest there is British backing for the move.

The Government also has some say over military action launched by US planes from UK bases.

The suggestion from well-placed sources is that the UK has indeed given the green light on this occasion.

We should know more if and when the UK Government goes on the record to comment about todays developments.

01:37pm

US seizes Russian tanker

The United States has successfully seiezd a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the north Atlantic, two US officials have told NBC News.

US special forces boarded the Marinera, previously named Bella-1, before a Russian submarine could arrive.

The Department of Homeland Security led the operation with US military support.

The extent, if any, of the UKs role remains unclear.

01:34pm

RAF spy plane involved in US operation

An RAF Poseidon MRA1 may have been assisting US forces in their mission to seize the tanker.

The British surveillance aircraft appeared on flight tracking sites after turning off its transponder, known as going dark over the North Atlantic.

Its visible flight path shows it heading back towards the east coast of Scotland after completing a mission.

01:30pm

Russia reacts: Nuclear war could be close

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Russian journalists and bloggers are already beginning to respond to reports that the US is attempting to seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker.

Alexander Kots, a veteran pro-government correspondent for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, wrote on Telegram that nuclear war could be just one step away.

If Americans seize our ship and we limit ourselves to rhetoric about red lines, it will convince Trump that we are just a very large Venezuela, that Russia can be pushed around without any real consequences, he wrote.

It could all end with American forces standing on the front lines, and Tomahawk missile carriers entering the Black Sea.

There has been no official statement yet from the Kremlin on the latest reports.

01:17pm

Where is the oil tanker?

01:02pm

Operation carried out by Coast Guard and US military

The operation to seize the tanker, originally known as the Bella-1, is reportedly being carried out by the Coast Guard and US military.

It is not known if UK armed forces are involved in the seizure.

However RAF Typhoon fighter jets, accompanied by KC2 aerial refuelling tankers, have been spotted tracking the tanker over recent days.

01:00pm

Pictured: US intercepting sanctioned tanker in European waters

Images published by Russian state media purportedly shows an American helicopter attempting to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker in European waters.

Images published by Russian State Media purportedly shows an American helicopter attempting to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker

Images published by Russian State Media purportedly shows an American helicopter attempting to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker

12:53pm

US also intercepted separate tanker in Latin America

The US have intercepted a separate tanker in Latin American waters at the same, according to reports.

Three US officials told Reuters on Wednesday that America was continuing to enforce a maritime blockade of sanctioned vessels from Venezuela.

12:45pm

Welcome to our live coverage

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the interception of a sanctioned oil tanker by the United States.

Well bring you the latest updates and analysis as it comes in.
Jacob Bethell was leading Englands battle to prevent a tortured Ashes campaign ending with a 4-1 defeat in Sydney.

Bethell hit an excellent 79 not out as England shaved a 183-run first-innings deficit down to single figures as they reached 174 for three on the fourth afternoon at the SCG.

With jobs and places surely up for grabs once this trip finally comes to an end the 22-year-old, Englands youngest and least experienced player on tour, was making a convincing claim to a significant role in any future set-up.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Joe Root were all back in the pavilion, with captain Ben Stokes nursing a groin injury that may inhibit his own attempts at making one last contribution.

Ben Stokes became the fourth English seamer to break down this series (Robbie Stephenson/PA) (Robbie Stephenson)

Stokes has fought through a variety of fitness problems in the past couple of years, with long running knee problems, two torn hamstrings and a shoulder issue, but ticked past 100 overs for the series as he opened the bowling.

The effort proved too much as he became the fourth English seamer to break down on a draining trip, joining Mark Wood (knee), Jofra Archer (side) and Gus Atkinson (hamstring). Australia added 59 to their overnight score before being wrapped up for 567 in the first hour. Josh Tongue had Steve Smith caught behind for 138 and added Mitchell Starc before Will Jacks nabbed last man Scott Boland.

That left Englands under-fire openers to face the music and Crawley proved easy pickings, shouldering arms to one that zipped back in and struck him in front of leg. It was the fourth time Starc had struck in his first over and continued his domination of a top-order pair who are averaging just 19 runs and 22 deliveries together across the series.

Australias Scott Boland (right) celebrates taking the wicket of Englands Joe Root (Robbie Stephenson/PA) (Robbie Stephenson)

With the hard new Kookaburra nipping and lifting that could easily have been the first of several breakthroughs, with Bethell edging two of his first 12 balls in front of the cordon and Duckett dropped by Cameron Green as he dived in front of first slip. Bethell also wore a blow on the helmet as Green got one to rear awkwardly.

The pair built a stand of 81 despite a stiff examination from the home attack, with Duckett beaten just after the lunch break when he guided Michael Neser back into his stumps. A score of 42 was his best yet, a sign of a difficult trip for the left-hander.

In his absence Bethell grew into his role, timing the ball effortlessly as it softened and leaning into a couple of graceful drives. When he reached fifty off 87 deliveries he did it with a flourish, tearing into a whipcrack of a cut shot as Starc strayed wide.

England were still 66 behind when they lost their most prolific scorer, Root lbw for six as he lost his tussle with the nagging accuracy of Scott Boland. That was down to single figures by the time tea came, Bethell purring along and Brook adding 24 not out.
New Jersey police issue warning to stay off the ice after daring rescue of teen from frozen pond

New Jersey police are warning residents to stay off the ice after they rescued a teenage boy who fell into a frozen pond.

The Woolwich Township Police Department officers crawled onto a frozen pond to save the boy after he fell through the ice Sunday afternoon. The teenager was taken to a hospital and is expected to be okay, police officials told local outlet WPVI.

A concerned citizen called 911 after hearing the boys cries for help, the police department said. When officers arrived at the scene, they initially tried to throw a rope to the boy, but he couldnt grasp it because his hands were too cold.

"He was screaming for help. He had been out there for several minutes already," Sergeant Joseph Rieger told WPVI.

Woolwich Township police rescued a boy who fell into a frozen pond over the weekend (Woolwich Township Police Department)

Rieger crawled onto the pond to save the boy, but the ice gave way, according to the police department.

"Once he started screaming that he couldn't feel anything, I think my fatherly instincts kicked in and I just went out and got him," Rieger told WPVI.

I tried to reach for him to pull him up onto the ice, and when I did that, we both went under. At that point, I could stand. I was probably about up to my shoulders, so I just started throwing him up onto the ice and breaking my way back, he added.

Two other officers, Corporal Steve Spithaler and Patrolman Michael Scambia, were quick to jump in to assist further, according to the police department.

Three New Jersey police officers acted quick to save a teen boy who had fallen into a frozen pond (Woolwich Township Police Department)

Thanks to their quick decision making and teamwork, everyone involved was safely rescued and no injuries were reported, the agency said.

Spithaler recalled hearing the teen screaming for help, telling WPVI: "The kid was so cold that he couldn't function, and he was screaming to us, 'I can't hold it, I can't hold it.'"

The agency is now warning residents to stay away from ice in light of the incident.

As a reminder, lakes, ponds, and retention basins are not to be trespassed on unless explicitly permitted by posted signage. Ice conditions are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Please stay off the ice, the agency said.
Nigel Farage unleashed withering criticism of Sir Sadiq Khan as he announced that ex-Tory councillor Laila Cunningham will be Reform UKs candidate for Mayor of London.

The Reform leader said the May local elections, including in London, would be used by his party as a springboard to seek to take control of City Hall in 2028.

Ms Cunningham, a former Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, will spearhead Reforms campaign across the capital for the local polls which are expected to see a hammering for the Labour Party.

See also: Who is Reforms Laila Cunningham?

Both Mr Farage and Ms Cunningham, a Westminster councillor who defected from the Conservatives, were highly critical of Sir Sadiqs record on tackling crime in the city.

She argued that the mayoral race would be a binary choice between her and Sir Sadiq, though, he has yet to announce that he will stand for a fourth term.

At a press conference, the mother-of-seven said: Im here to put Khan on notice, his time is up.

She added that she would scrap the Ulez scheme if she became mayor.

Nigel Farage with Reform UKs London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham at a press conference on Wednesday (Getty Images)

"I'd scrap Ulez, because I don't think a war on motorists helps anyone," she said.

She proposed automating the Tube in a move aimed at cutting the number of strikes by rail unions.

She was less certain whether she would get rid of the congestion charge, telling a press conference "you will have to wait and find out".

Asked how she would reduce crime, the Westminster councillor said she would rewrite the London police and crime plan and give "new marching orders" to the Met to "tackle crime that matters".

Ms Cunningham added: "I love this city with all my heart, but unlike some in this room, I'm not blind to what it's become.

London, one of the greatest cities on earth, is no longer safe, and that didn't happen by accident."

She said people were now scared to walk down the streets of London and she argued that Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley should be fired.

My message will be clear, she stressed.

If you are not delivering for Londoners then you are out.

I was really disappointed when Mark Rowley said there were no grooming gangs in London and then turned around and said we are reviewing 9,000 cases....how do you get 9,000 cases wrong?

So, as it stands right now, I think he has to go.

Looking to the next mayoral contest, Ms Cunningham added: "Now I know that we're still two and a half years away, but the election on May 7 is the first step.

"It's the first step to reclaiming our city. Now, these local elections, I tell everyone, will be a referendum on Sadiq Khan, on Labour's broken London.

The former Crown Prosecution Service lawyer will spearhead Reforms campaign in 2028 (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

"It's London's chance to vote out every councillor who's propped him up and stayed silent while he's let our city down."

A source close to Sir Sadiq defended his record in City Hall.

Sadiq is getting on with the job of delivering a fairer, safer, greener city for every Londoner, he said.

Sadiq has delivered 100 million free school meals for state primary schools kids in the capital, helping families with the cost of living.

Sir Sadiq Khan is serving his third term as London Mayor (Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)

The number of homicides in London are at a record low, he's built a record number of council homes, and Sadiqs policies have cut harmful air pollution in the capital by 27 per cent.

Announcing his partys mayoral candidate, Mr Farage said: "Laila Cunningham has already proven in her time with us as a party to be articulate, to be passionate, a mother, somebody who actually herself has had to effectively in the absence of the police, act as a police officer herself in defence of her children.

"She, from this moment on, will be the head of Reform UK London, our candidate for the mayor next year and the face of our campaign as we fight a strong, vigorous campaign in all 32 London boroughs in the run up to May 7."

Just days ago a poll suggested that Reform will win eight seats in London at the next general election, mainly in eastern Outer London.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski whose party has seen a surge of support in London (PA Wire)

Another survey showed Labour support falling to a new record low in the capital, with the Tories behind both the Greens and Reform UK.

However, the polls suggest that Reform, who are on around 20% of support in the capital, will face a battle to get its candidate elected as Mayor of London given that the city has long been a Labour stronghold.

Even though Labour has fallen to a record low in its support in London, it is still at 32%.

But the mayoral race may throw up a different result than polling suggests.
At least 36 protesters have died during protests in Iran as security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Tehrans grand bazaar on Tuesday.

Activists staging a sit-in at Tehrans main market clashed with security forces as nationwide protests over Irans economic crisis entered a tenth day.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States would will come to their rescue - without elaborating on what this would mean.

The countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the rioters must be put in their place in an indication that he would not engage in dialogue with protesters over the dire state of the countrys economy. Irans currency, the rial, recently fell to a record low.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators at the grand bazaar as the market shut down, witnesses said. Previously, security forces have been filmed using tear gas against protesters at a hospital and a metro station in the capital.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators as the capitals main market shut down, witnesses said (AP)

Protests in Iran - the most significant in years - have spread to over 270 locations in 27 of Irans 31 provinces.

More than 1,200 people have been detained and at least 36 people killed during the protests, according to the U.S. based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The death toll includes 29 protesters, four children and two members of Irans security forces.

The economic situation is set to worsen as Irans Central Bank has drastically reduced the subsidised exchange rates for dollars it offers to importers and producers in the country.

This move will likely lead to merchants hiking the prices of goods in the following days for consumers, whose life savings have already dwindled following years of international sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.

The country was plunged into severe economic hardships since the U.S. first imposed tariffs in 2018.

Several protesters are calling for the overthrow of the theocracys supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei (AP)

Several protesters are now calling for the overthrow of supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei, who has reportedly planned to flee to Moscow if the demonstrations escalate.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a government investigation into one incident involving the protests, but has also indicated that the crisis may be rapidly moving beyond the control of officials.

Pezeshkian said in a televised speech: We should not expect the government to handle all of this alone". He added: "The government simply does not have that capacity.

This is not the first time Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests over economic issues in recent years.

However, the recent protests do not yet match the scale of unrest that swept the nation in 2022-23 over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in the custody of Irans morality police for allegedly violating the hijab law.
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UP Oncolytics, a biotech company in Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 biomedical incubator, was awarded an Illinois Innovation Voucher grant for $75,000 for its collaboration with Rosalind Franklin University (RFU). UP Oncolytics is developing a novel treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of malignant brain cancer.

GBM is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men under 40 in the United States. Approximately 13,000 new cases of GBM are diagnosed annually. The median survival time for patients is about 14 months, and the five-year survival rate remains at only 7.1%. No new therapeutic agents have received approval in the U.S. in the past 20 years.

Established by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and administered by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) to support collaborations between Illinois universities and small businesses, the grant will help UP Oncolytics complete Investigational New Drug (IND) experiments at RFU's research labs for its initial candidate to treat GBM.

"We are grateful to ISTC and Illinois DCEO for this recognition and award, which will provide vital support to the development of a new therapy for this devastating form of brain cancer," said UP Oncolytics CEO Richard Rovin, MD, who is a neurosurgeon. "I am hopeful there will be an effective treatment in the near future for the patients afflicted by this disease."

"ISTC and Illinois DCEO are providing important support to an exciting early-stage cancer biotech company, which promises new therapeutic treatment options," said Joseph DiMario, PhD, RFU's executive vice president for research. "We are proud to be assisting UP Oncolytics in the development of this novel therapy for this terrible fatal disease."

UP Oncolytics completed an exclusive license agreement for this novel therapy based on an oncolytic virus from Advocate Health in 2025. It was awarded an NIH SBIR Fast Track grant for this technology and FDA Orphan Drug designation for malignant gliomas, a broader group of brain cancers including GBM. The company expanded its oncology expertise with new board members Dr. Gary Gordon, a Johns Hopkins-trained oncologist and former vice president of clinical oncology at AbbVie, and Michael Rosen, a former oncology biotech CEO and executive with Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Searle.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving the global population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in the areas of neuroscience, brain related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university includes Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu .

About UP Oncolytics: uponc.com

Media Contact:

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
The leader of Britains worst council has been awarded an OBE, much to the chagrin of some residents.

Claire Holland, the Labour leader of Lambeth Council in south London, was recognised in the New Year's honours list for her services to local government.

However, figures show Lambeth is one of the most complained-about councils in the city.

Hollands council has twice been found to have acted unlawfully in the last year and has been accused of severe maladministration.

Responding to the announcement, Holland said that she was extremely honoured and planned to use her OBE as motivation to continue working hard on the front line of service delivery.

Claire Holland (Magnus Andersson/Lambeth Council)

The news has been met with disbelief from residents, one of whom described the honour as a joke on local news site BrixtonBuzz.

Lambeth was found by the High Court in May last year to have acted unlawfully when it implemented a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) after ignoring residents concerns.

In a separate case a week later, the court ruled that the council had also acted unlawfully by signing off on several music festivals in Brockwell Park, despite the complaints of residents.

Just two months after, Lambeth was named among the worst performers in a report by the housing ombudsman, which recorded years of failure to carry out crucial social housing repairs.

Amongst the examples of severe maladministration listed was the case of a childs bedroom window, which had been boarded up for over three years, despite the council acknowledging that it was rotten and posed a risk of a fall.

Festivals in the local park were challenged by the Protect Brockwell Park Group (PA Wire)

Lambeth council was previously criticised by the ombudsman for housing a severely disabled child in a home that was too small to fit her wheelchair through the front door for two years, forcing her mother to leave it outside.

Holland took control of the council in 2021, and just two years later, she was elected to become chair of London Councils, representing the 32 London borough councils.

She ascended to the position despite Lambeth performing worse on adult social care than 90 per cent of councils and receiving more complaints upheld by the local government ombudsman than any other council except Croydon.

Last year, Holland was also elected to a key role in developing ideas for government on Labours national policy forum.

Lambeth councils repeated failings in recent years have kept it in the headlines. The council lent a development company 79.5 million to build social housing in the borough, but over the course of five years, a mere 65 affordable homes were started.

The borough of Lambeth is home to popular areas including Brixton (London Square)

In the same period, a whopping 10.5 million bill was racked up in staff costs by Homes for Lambeth, including a 217,000 chief executive salary, who stepped down to promote ethnic diversity in housing leadership, the Times reported.

Controlling pay has been a problem for the council for some time. In its most recent accounts, it was revealed that 51 executives earn over 100,000 a year, including a 160,000 salary for a director of climate and inclusive growth. But this hasnt been matched by performance  the authority ranks as the second-lowest for trading standards officers in the UK, with only two for 318,000 people.

Lambeth Council has also accumulated debts of nearly 1 billion, which has forced it to adopt urgent measures to control spending, including a proposal to dim streetlights at night.

When the news broke, the comment section on the local news website BrixtonBuzz was flooded with criticisms of the OBE as a reward for failure or a joke.

Its not even April 1st, one wrote. Another described the award as Labour closing ranks and sticking two fingers up to residents.

The top-rated comment said: What a joke. Its because of appointments such as this that I just dont believe in the honours system.

When Lambeth shared the news on X, it disabled public comments.

In a statement, Holland said: I am proud to have been elected to represent Lambeths communities, to have fought for childrens rights and to have led councils across London through what has been a challenging time for local government, but one in which we have forged a new partnership between councils, the mayor and the government.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has written to 100,000 households warning their personal details may have been taken in a recent cyber attack.

The town hall urged residents to follow National Cyber Security Centre advice and warned criminals could use the information to make scams seem more legitimate, according to an update on its website.

The council said the attack was carried out "with criminal intent" and urged residents to be wary of unexpected calls, messages, links or attachments or anyone claiming to be from the council asking for sensitive details.

They said small samples of the data accessed by hackers show some of it is likely to contain sensitive data and personal information.

"It is possible that any data copied and taken from us could be misused or published. We are planning accordingly for this, working with law enforcement at every step," the update read.

The hack was discovered by staff on November 24 and the Met Police and National Cyber Security Centre are investigating.

The council said its cybersecurity team detected and contained the attack "quickly" and they don't believe hackers accessed third-party systems that help provide services and store data.

Samples of the data accessed by hackers show some of it is likely to contain sensitive data and personal information

The authority is also checking files that may have been accessed and is prioritising those belonging to vulnerable individuals. They stressed it could take months to check everything thoroughly.

Kensington and Chelsea Council is working with Westminster City Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council as well as with law enforcement agencies and the National Cyber Security Centre to track data. All three councils share services and systems impacted by the strike.

The council said it is not uncommon for councils and other public sector bodies to be the target of a cyber attack. In 2024, the local government sector reported over 150 incidents to the Information Commissioner's Office.

The authority said it deals with cybercrime-related activity "on a daily basis" and intercepted and isolated 113,000 phishing attempts between June and September 2025. It also said it spends 12m a year on IT and security systems.

It warned some services remain disrupted and that it will take time to restore all systems securely. It comes as staff at Westminster City Council were recently advised to be "vigilant" when using Microsoft Teams after individuals were targeted on the platform.

In an internal email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Westminster City Council has asked staff members to avoid accepting calls from unknown contacts or invites to any meetings they are not expecting when using Teams.

The memo, issued to all staff members, also revealed that some council data was copied during the attack and that due to issues with finance systems, payments to suppliers are having to be delayed.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council said the local authority is "actively informing and supporting staff with guidance and resources to help them stay cyber secure".
A TV historian believes her team has uncovered the identity of a serial killer responsible for a series of unsolved murders of women in Victorian London nearly 140 years ago.

Dubbed the Thames Torso Murderer, the killer operated at the same time as Jack the Ripper, and his chilling hallmark was dismembering his female victims and scattering their body parts in and around the River Thames.

The spate of killings, which included at least four incidents, took place between 1887 and 1889 and were never solved.

Lucy Worsley assembled a team of researchers to investigate the Thames Torso Murders (BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Tom Hayward/PA)

The case has now been reinvestigated in a new three-part BBC documentary series, Lucy Worsleys Victorian Murder Club.

Worsley, 52, believes that she, fellow historian Sarah Bax Horton, and a team of researchers have finally solved the case.

I mean, we dont have evidence that could be used in a court of law, but I am personally very confident that weve identified the killer, the historian and TV presenter told the Press Association.

Sarah Bax Horton, who made the breakthrough, has been working on this for years and years, its like her lifes work.

In the documentary series Worsley interrogates new theories about the identity of the killer and consults with forensic pathologists and psychologists.

She also assembles a team of historians and writers to form her own Murder Club.

One thing that people might not know about the river is that its a really good ally for a murderer, she explained.

And one really strange thing about this series is that it was all happening at the same time as Jack the Ripper. He takes all the attention and overshadows the Thames Torso Murderer.

Nadifa Mohamed, Dr Kate Lister, Lucy Worsley and Dr Rose Wallis (BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Tom Hayward/PA)

But one thing about Jack the Ripper was that he was very violent and clearly motivated by a very immediate hatred of women, slashing and cutting and doing horrible things.

But the Thames Torso Murderer was a more calculating killer in the sense that it would have been much harder to catch him.

Well, weve only just caught up with him, and thats because if you cut up a body and put it in the river, the river is helping you, its destroying the evidence of how you killed your victims.

The breakthrough that Sarah Bax Horton made, the lady who solved it, was realising that the river was a common factor, and that a serial killer probably had committed crimes against women before, like smaller incidents.

She put those two ideas into a newspaper search engine, and out came this guy.

She searched the newspapers for the periods of the killings to see if there were any other crimes against women involving violence, and found a connection to the river. That was the answer.

Out of the spate of killings, only one woman was identified  a pregnant prostitute named Elizabeth Jackson, aged in her early 20s.

Worsley said she wanted to focus on the victims as opposed to the killer in the series.

Often theres a fair critique of true crime, which is that it glorifies the killer, it elevates him as a kind of hero.

So we really wanted to make sure that we paid attention to the victims, the women along the way.

That was the most emotionally engaging and wonderful part of the project. I visited three of their gravesites.

None of them actually had proper graves, because these were all pauper burials. The killer picked women who were vulnerable, on the edges of society, women who would not be missed by society.

Lucy Worsleys Victorian Murder Club is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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Lego Smart Brick - Lead

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Danish toy manufacturer Lego has revealed the biggest change to its plastic bricks in almost 50 years with the introduction of a new tech-packed Smart Brick set for release later this year.

The Smart Brick will bring [Lego] sets to life by responding with lights, sounds and new features as children play, according to the company.

Launching as part of a selection of Star Wars sets in March, Lego calls this new digital system Smart Play and is expected to introduce the technology to more of its Lego sets in the near future.

The new 2x4 Lego brick can attach to traditional analogue bricks but is powered by a tiny computer chip. This Smart Brick serves as the central hub for the new technology, with Lego also producing smart versions of its minifigures and thin 2x2 tile pieces called Smart Tags.

The Smart Brick uses various light and sound sensors, including accelerometers for detecting orientation when the pieces are moved about, as well as a miniature speaker for sound.

The smart tags tell the Smart Brick what it should do, providing appropriate light or sound, with multiple Smart Bricks interacting during play. The tags communicate with the brick or Smart Minifigure using similar technology to contactless payments on your smartphone.

For example, the new Lego Star Wars sets are designed for one-on-one battles, with lightsaber sound effects (sadly, the saber blades dont light up), starfighter engines roaring to life and laser cannons firing. Parents will be pleased to hear that the Smart Brick sounds arent too loud, nor too grating.

During my demo session, I built a helicopter out of regular Lego bricks. I placed the Smart Brick on top of a special tile with a helicopter logo. The Smart Brick then knew that I had built a helicopter and it reacted to my actions during play. The rotor blade sounds whirred during simulated flight, corresponding with my movements, the engines sputtered when flying upside down and the brick flashed red when I made the helicopter crash.

Unlike Legos other battery-operated sets, the Smart Brick batteries dont need to be replaced. Instead, they can be charged wirelessly, multiple bricks at a time, with a charging pad included in the box. I was told that each Smart Brick lasts around 45 minutes per charge, taking two hours to charge back to full power.

Lego describes this new system as a self-organising network, which means the smart pieces are ready to go straight from the box and dont require any software updates. Legos Smart Play is positioned as an offline digital activity for young builders, with no need for additional screens or apps.

Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets

Predictably, sets which include the new technology cost more than the equivalent Lego play sets.

Three Lego Star Wars-themed Smart Play sets have been revealed so far: Darth Vaders Tie Fighter costs 59.99 and is intended to be purchased alongside Lukes Red Five X-Wing (79.99) for one-on-one space battles. The most expensive, Throne Room Duel & A-wing set, costs 139.99 and allows for lightsaber duels.

The Telegraph Recommended early verdict

The new Lego sets have drawn criticism from adult collectors online due to their high prices and child-friendly designs. They arent for me, but I can see them being a hit with kids, and I enjoyed my brief time with them.

Theres some interesting technology at play here, with fun interactive features that will no doubt enhance childrens experiences when building and playing with Lego. As a bonus, Im sure parents will appreciate that it requires no download updates, troublesome apps or phone screens to get going.

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What\xe2\x80\x99s your verdict on the Lego Smart Brick?

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Alarming footage appearing to show National Guard troops surround a Tennessee sandwich shop  and refusing to leave  has gone viral as the restaurants owner says he will no longer serve troops.

Footage taken Sunday evening shows National Guard members holding their ground outside of Da Sammich Spot in Memphis, as the shops owner, Rob Brown, questions why they are there and repeatedly asks them to leave.

I have no idea what made them make that choice. I pulled up as a business owner asking them to move their vehicle from right in front of my door, and 60 seconds later, it was National Guards outside, Brown told WREG.

While none of the National Guard members were denied service during the standoff, Brown said he wouldnt provide them service if they asked. A sign on the shops door says law enforcement agents, including ICE, are not allowed on the property without a warrant.

As a business owner, its my right to let those people know that I did not want them here. Regardless of whether they liked it or not, they needed to move, Brown said.

A Memphis sandwich shop has gone viral after 40 National Guard troops were videotaped stationed outside, refusing to leave (Da Sammich Spot/Facebook)

Meanwhile, a bystander who filmed the tense standoff claimed the National Guard was trying to use intimidation tactics.

For them to completely ignore a business owners request to get off the property, thats sending a message that we dont care about your rights, said local activist Hunter Demster.

You saw the National Guard flood in, you saw MPD flood in to protect themselves. They looked out for them. Not your average Joe, Demster added.

Brown agreed that this was the new normal, telling the news station, This is normal. This is living in the city of Memphis as a Black man.

The standoff lasted about 30 minutes, with the National Guard and local police leaving without making any arrests.

Brown noted on his businesss Facebook page that Da Sammich Spot has been the only business that has been successful in removing the NG from being in front of and intimidating their customers/community.

Saying that to say, its some work to be done. While most would think thats a win, I shouldnt have to go through PTSD symptoms to have my rights respected. No one should, Brown added.

It was not immediately clear why the National Guard was stationed outside the restaurant. The Independent has contacted the Memphis Police and the U.S. Department of Justice for comment.

It was not immediately clear why National Guard troops were stationed at the shop (Google)

The incident unfolded around the same time that a Minnesota hotel went viral for banning ICE agents from staying in its rooms.

The Hampton Inn Lakeville, an independent franchise operating under the Hilton brand, made national headlines after denying rooms to Department of Homeland Security staff last week once their identities were revealed.

Hilton apologized Monday, claiming the action went against company policies. It also said it was taking action to remove this hotel from the companys systems.

The White House has sent an influx of DHS resources to Minneapolis, kicking off a reported crackdown on migrants that could involve up to 2,000 agents.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and his allies continue to target the large Somali-American community living in the city, sharing viral and disputed allegations of mass fraud at Somali-American-run daycare centers.
Mikel Arteta has insisted his Premier League title-chasing Arsenal side can only be mentioned in the same breath as the Invincibles if they start winning major trophies.

The Gunners host Liverpool on Thursday  a pivotal fixture in which Arteta declared his team have a point to prove  sitting at the top of the table.

Manchester City will have the chance to reduce the deficit to just three points when they face Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal, runners-up for the past three seasons, last won the title in 2004 when Arsene Wengers team went undefeated in an historic campaign.

Arsenal have not enjoyed title glory since the 2004 Invincibles season (Sean Dempsey/PA) (Sean Dempsey)

Artetas players have amassed two more points and scored four more goals than the Invincibles did after 20 matches.

But speaking on the eve of his sides contest against the champions, Arteta, when asked if his squad is as good as Wengers 2004 team, replied: No, because the Invincibles won a lot.

They won consistently, and they created a history and a legacy, and we have to do that.

There are a lot of stats, but in the last two or three years we have managed more points and more goals than ever before. But at the end, we have to translate that to major trophies.

Probably doing what we are doing now would have been enough (in 2004), but now its not, and we have to make the margins even bigger.

The 2020 FA Cup triumph is so far the only trophy of Artetas reign (Catherine Ivill/PA) (Catherine Ivill)

Artetas sole trophy from his six years in charge remains Arsenals FA Cup triumph in 2020.

But the north London team are in a rich vein of form  winning their last five league matches  while they have dropped just two points at the Emirates Stadium all season.

Arteta will also be seeking revenge for their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of August  a result that some felt at the time would derail their title ambitions.

The Spaniard, whose side head into Thursdays fixture 14 points clear of the Merseyside club, added: Its a massive game against the champions and we have a point to prove.

We have to prove that we can go again and again. We had it a few days ago against Bournemouth, after a great win against Aston Villa, and its going to continue like that. They are a superb team.

Kai Havertz is very close to returning, according to Arteta (John Walton/PA) (John Walton)

Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman all remain sidelined for the visit of Arne Slots side, but Kai Havertz could be in the squad.

The Germany forward has not played since the opening day of the campaign following knee surgery.

Havertzs imminent return will bolster Artetas attacking options, with Viktor Gyokeres on a run of nine matches without a goal from open play.

We are monitoring Kais situation and his load, Arteta said.

He has been out for a long time. Hes very close, he trained (on Wednesday morning) again, and hopefully were going to have him available and have the best version of Kai Havertz.
Tim Walz and Jacob Frey. Photograph: AP, Retuers (Photograph: AP, Retuers)

Democratic leaders across Minnesota are calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave Minneapolis and are urging residents to remain calm after a federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in the city during an immigration enforcement operation on Wednesday.

Weve dreaded this moment since the early stages of this ICE presence in Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, Minneapoliss Democratic mayor, said at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon after the shooting. They are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing in causing chaos and distrust.

At the news conference, Frey also rejected the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) account of the incident, in which they said that while ICE officers were conducting targeted operations, rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them, which the DHS said prompted an ICE officer to fire defensive shots.

Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit, Frey said at the news conference. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed.

In recent days, the Trump administration has sent more ICE agents into Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents there.

Tim Walz, Minnesotas Democratic governor, also rejected DHSs account of the fatal shooting.

Ive seen the video, Walz said in a statement. Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice.

At a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Walz said that he had activated the states emergency operations center and issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota national guard.

Weve been warning for weeks that the Trump administrations dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety, that someone was going to get hurt, Walz said.

During his remarks, Walz told Minnesotans: I feel your anger, Im angry, but urged residents who planned on protesting to please do so peacefully.

Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, a Democrat, said in a statement: While theres a lot we dont know at this time, let me be clear about one thing: Donald Trumps decision to send thousands of armed ICE agents to Minnesota is causing serious harm and spreading terror throughout our communities.

If anyone broke the law in todays act of violence, I will do all I can to ensure they are held accountable, he added.

Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democratic senator, described the situation on the ground in Minneapolis as volatile, adding: ICE should leave now for everyones safety. Please be safe Minneapolis.

Other Democratic representatives in Minnesota also issued statements on the incident. Representative Kelly Morrison on X said she was monitoring the incident and that the initial reports are horrific  and we need full transparency and accountability for this unspeakable tragedy.

The safety of Minnesotans should be the highest priority at this time, she said. ICE needs to leave our state immediately to deescalate this situation and prevent further chaos and harm.

Representative Betty McCollum echoed the calls for ICE to leave Minneapolis: Sec. Noem must immediately cease and desist the ICE operation to allow state and local law enforcement officials to restore order and prevent further injuries, and to allow for a full and independent investigation into ICEs actions which led to this incident, she said on X. It is clear that ICEs grossly unprofessional conduct is needlessly causing chaos in Minnesota. I share Minnesotans concern for those who are impacted by this violence amidst this incredibly volatile situation. I urge community members to remain calm.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota also released a statement, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the shooting, adding: We are waiting to learn more, but this is what we know: ICE is endangering our communities and must leave Minnesota immediately.

The Democratic partys official X account wrote: ICE shot and killed a woman on camera today. We all saw the video. The Trump administration is lying.

Political commentator and former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann described the shooting as murder and accused ICE and Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary, of lying. Arrest the perpetrators, he added.

In contrast, Minnesota Republicans defended ICE officers and the increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

Representative Michelle Fischbach on X said: Todays targeted assault on ICE agents in Minneapolis is the direct result of the dangerous rhetoric from sanctuary policies and the politicians who back them.

I stand with the officer who acted in self-defense to save lives, and I will continue to fight for the men and women who keep our communities safe, she continued.

Related: Minneapolis residents and politicians condemn fatal ICE shooting: People are being hurt

Republican representative Tom Emmer reposted the DHS statement about the fatal shooting and noted: Our brave ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities from dangerous criminals.

Shame on the elected officials who endanger these agents by spewing lies and hateful rhetoric, he said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Donald Trump also weighed in on the incident, defending the actions of the ICE officer involved in the fatal shooting.

I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense.
MPs will get a vote in the House of Commons before the UK deploys peacekeeping troops on the ground in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

But the prime minister would not be drawn on the number of service people the UK could send to defend the country, in the event of a ceasefire in its war with Russia.

Neither would No 10 guarantee that the vote would be binding. Asked if MPs could prevent a deployment, the PMs official spokesperson said: I think we are getting ahead of ourselves.

On Tuesday, Britain and France signed a historic agreement committing to boots on the ground as soon as any peace deal is in place.

Sir Keir told MPs on Wednesday that, were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed alongside French president Emmanuel Macron and Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, I would put that matter to the House for a vote.

It comes after the plans were called into question by a former armed forces chief who said any peacekeeping force would require serious numbers of troops to face down Russia.

Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Natos deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need to overmatch Russia to ensure they could fight back if Vladimir Putins country broke a ceasefire agreement.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer sign the coalition of the willing deal in Paris (PA)

The document, signed at a summit in Paris, has been hailed as a significant step forward in bringing about the coalition of the willing to guarantee peace in the war-torn country. German chancellor Friedrich Merz also suggested his country could soon sign up to sending troops to Ukraine to support peacekeeping efforts.

The agreement was made possible by the US presence at the summit, with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, confirming that the president strongly, strongly, strongly supports the security guarantees and would provide the backup to make it work.

But the apparent breakthrough on Ukraine comes as European countries scramble to react to Mr Trump laying claim to Greenland, the sovereign territory of EU Nato ally Denmark.

At Prime Ministers Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was astonishing Sir Keir was not making a statement in Parliament on the Ukraine agreement with France.

Ms Badenoch said the decision showed a fundamental lack of respect for MPs and their constituents.

To shouts of when from Conservative MPs, Sir Keir responded: There will be a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity."

He added: If there were a decision to deploy, under the agreement that was signed yesterday, then I would put that matter to this House for a debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment. That is consistent with recent practice and I'll adhere to that.

Pressed by Ms Badenoch on how many UK troops could be sent and whether they would have a combat role, the prime minister said that any deployment would only be after a ceasefire and would be to support Ukraines armed forces and construct and protect military hubs.

The number will be determined in accordance with our military plans, which we are drawing up and looking to other members to support. So the number I will put before the House before we were to deploy, he said.

No 10 later refused to say how many troops the UK could deploy to Ukraine. The PMs official spokesperson said he would not get into potential force structures. The only person that benefits is Putin.

Asked if the PM was satisfied the British Army could deploy thousands of troops, he replied: Of course. We have complete confidence in the British Armed Forces.

It is understood that a number of countries, as well as Germany, have indicated that they are considering joining France and Britain.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he would vote against sending troops to Ukraine.

It would be a very interesting vote. I would vote against, he told Times Radio, adding: We neither have the manpower nor the equipment to go into an operation that clearly has no ending timeline.
Nearly half of Britons have admitted to watching porn from unregulated websites since age verification checks became mandatory, as a charity has warned more users may fall down a pathway where they can access child sexual abuse material.

New research from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation has revealed that nearly 45 per cent of UK porn users have visited sites without age verification checks since they came into force last summer as part of the Online Safety Act.

The poll of more than 3,700 Britons showed that 39 per cent of those who had visited those sites had watched content that made them uncomfortable and 40 per cent said that what they had seen put them off visiting the site altogether.

The charity, dedicated to preventing online child sexual abuse, warned that these sites may increase users exposure to harmful and illegal content.

Vicky Young, head of the charitys Stop It Now UK and Ireland anonymous helpline for people concerned about child sexual abuse, told The Independent that these unregulated websites risked becoming a pathway to indecent images of children.

We work with people who have looked at indecent images of children to try and address that behaviour, to help support them to change their behaviour, she said.

One of the things that people say to us frequently is that they started looking at legal adult pornography and that their behaviour escalated. In part they were spending maybe longer online, but also the sort of content that they were looking at became more extreme and often started getting younger, and that's when they then crossed into illegal behaviour, so looking at indecent images of children.

The charity warned that unregulated porn websites could become a pathway to illegal content (Dominic Lipinski/PA) (PA Wire)

Because of that pathway and that coming out constantly in conversations we have with people, it concerns us that if people are accessing sites where, there is this riskier content, that actually they are putting themselves at a higher chance of accessing indecent images.

Sometimes that might not be intentional in the beginning, but what people tell us is that actually, if they come across those images as part of their other pornography, that then sparks curiosity. There's something that kind of adds to the excitement around the risk, and, they don't necessarily stop at one image. They actually then start looking for more images.

Nearly a third (30 per cent) of those surveyed said they were concerned about how much pornography they use - this was highest among young men aged 18 to 24 (51 per cent), which the Foundation has warned is an at-risk group.

Nearly 47 per cent of survey respondents said they had reduced the amount of pornography they watch since the age verification rules came into force, and more than half (55 per cent) said it has made them think about their porn use.

It follows a report from communications watchdog Ofcom last month which showed a sharp and immediate fall in visits to popular online porn sites from 25 July, when the enforcement of highly effective age assurance (HEAA) came in. But the use of VPN (virtual private network) software, which can bypass viewing restrictions, surged.

Pornhub, the most visited adult content provider in the UK, saw a 1.5 million viewer drop in year-on-year figures when the regulator compared the 11.3 million viewers from August 2024 to the 9.8 million in the same month this year.

Meanwhile, VPN usage more than doubled in the UK following the age verification mandate, rising from about 650,000 daily users before 25 July and peaking at over 1.4 million in mid-August 2025. The figure has gradually declined to around 900,000 in November.

Porn providers have seen a fall in visits to their websites from UK visitors - but VPN usage as surged, indication more people are trying to bypass viewing restrictions (Getty)

Dr Alexandra Bailey, head of psychology at the Foundation and associate professor at the University of Roehampton, said: Age verification is vital to protect children, and we fully support it. But we also need to recognise that some adults are choosing riskier sites to avoid age checks. These sites can expose people to harmful material, including illegal content depicting child sexual abuse. Even if youre not looking for it, you could encounter it - and that can have serious life-changing consequences.

Age verification is also prompting adults to reflect on their online behaviour, which can be a good thing for people worried about their porn use. But we need to address the risks for those who are turning to sites that avoid the new regulations.

Every day, our advisors speak to people whose pornography use has spiralled into something much more harmful. We know embarrassment can stop people from reaching out, but confidential help is available. If youre worried about your own behaviour or someone elses, contact Stop It Now before its too late.

The Stop It Now helpline can be reached on 0808 1000 900 or via secure email and live chat at on the website.
A court sketch of Nick Reiner in a custody area of a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday - Mona Edwards/REUTERS

Nick Reiners trial on charges of murdering his Hollywood director father has been delayed for a second time after his high-profile lawyer abruptly withdrew from the case.

Mr Reiner, 32, had been expected to enter a not-guilty plea in a California court on Wednesday for the murder of his father, Rob Reiner, and his mother, Michele, in one of the most shocking celebrity homicide cases in Hollywood history.

Instead, his arraignment was postponed for the second time in three weeks until Feb 23, a Los Angeles County superior court judge ordered.

Alan Jackson, a criminal defence lawyer whose clients have included actor Kevin Spacey and disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, announced in court that he was withdrawing from the case but gave no immediate reason.

Alan Jackson gave no immediate reason why he has withdrawn from the murder case - Eric Thayer/Pool Los Angeles Times

The judge assigned a public defender to take Mr Jacksons place for the time being.

Mr Reiner appeared behind glass in a custody area of a Los Angeles courtroom, wearing a brown outfit and with his hair shaved.

He was charged with two counts of first degree murder after his 78-year-old father, an eminent film director, and his 70-year-old photographer and producer mother were found stabbed to death in their home in Brentwood, California.

Their bodies were discovered on the afternoon of Dec 14 inside their west Los Angeles mansion with their throats slit.

Authorities have disclosed few details and offered no explanation for what may have precipitated the killings. Autopsies found both victims died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Mr Reiner was allegedly prescribed medication for schizophrenia in December before his parents murder, sources told the Los Angeles Times.

According to NBC, he had been diagnosed with the mental health disorder years ago and was being treated for a serious psychiatric disorder at the time of the alleged crime.

Nick Reiner (right) is accused of murdering his father Rob Reiner, and mother Michele - Michael Buckner/2013 Getty Images

His medication was allegedly changed or adjusted shortly before his parents were killed, sources told the news outlet.

If convicted as charged, Mr Reiner would face life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.

He was widely reported to have argued with his parents while the three were attending a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan OBrien the night before the couple were found slain.

Mr Reiner, who has publicly acknowledged a years-long struggle with drug addiction and periods of homelessness, had lived in a guest house on his parents property. He was arrested near a downtown Los Angeles park several hours after their bodies were discovered.

After Mr Reiners initial hearing, Mr Jackson had called the case a devastating tragedy and asked people not to rush to judgment, given the complexity of the case.

His father had a prolific show-business career that ranged from co-starring in the 1970s hit television comedy All in the Family to directing the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally.

He was also a prominent Democratic Party activist and donor.
Commentary: No country has the right to police the world

Xinhua) 09:10, January 07, 2026

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows people protesting outside a courthouse, which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is brought to, in New York, the United States, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday after his forcible seizure by U.S. special forces on Venezuelan soil this weekend, marking the latest development in Washington's public assault on international law and national sovereignty.

Kidnapping the head of state of a sovereign country and putting him in a foreign court for a so-called trial has nothing to do with law enforcement; it is simply a naked show of America's readiness to wield its raw power.

Washington's brazen military operation against Venezuela sets a perilous precedent: that any nation with enough power can unilaterally impose its will on another, reducing the international order to a brutal contest of might.

In the real international system, no country can legitimately act as an international policeman, and no country can appoint itself as an international judge. International law recognizes no such role. The authority to enforce justice across borders rests with multilateral institutions, not with unilateral acts of coercion carried out at a time and place of one country's choosing.

In fact, Washington has self-torpedoed its claim of legality, voluntarily exposing its greed for natural resources. Shortly after its military operation against Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to grant the United States "total access," especially to Venezuela's oil resources.

This blunt demand confirms what the world had long suspected: the operation was never about justice, but a brazen gambit for strategic control and economic plunder. The rhetoric of law enforcement is merely a cynical veneer for a policy of resource extraction and imperial domination.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. From repeated interventions in Latin America to military invasions in Middle East countries conducted without international authorization, unilateral use of force has been a familiar instrument of U.S. foreign doctrine, routinely employed by U.S. policy-makers as a matter of course.

The world does not need an international policeman -- least of all one that treats justice as expendable. What the world truly needs are responsible members of the international community -- nations that respect sovereignty, abide by international law, and pursue accountability through multilateral means.

The collective security and the legitimate rights of all nations, big or small, must be safeguarded based on the international law, not the law of the jungle.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Stryk, Chairman of Stryk Global Diplomacy, today issued an open letter to President Donald J. Trump regarding military action in Venezuela:

President Trump:

Your decisive actions in Venezuela demonstrate a rare clarity of purpose and a singular understanding of how true global capitalism advances human freedom and national sovereignty.

Your leadership has the power to liberate the Venezuelan people from the grip of autocratic and despotic socialism, a system that strips individuals of agency, suppresses ambition, and denies citizens the right to chart their own destiny.

I speak from direct experience. I have a long and substantive history in Venezuela, and I remain the only American who had both the resolve and foresight to formally obtain authorization and file under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to engage lawfully and transparently on behalf of both the Venezuelan and American people. I have previously engaged directly with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, uniquely positioning my firm to assist during this critical transition period and in the reconstruction that must follow.

President Trump, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the foundational principles articulated by Adam Smith - a vision of free markets, individual liberty, and moral clarity - that has done more to illuminate and uplift the world than any ideology imposed by force.

Respectfully,

Robert Stryk

Chairman

Stryk Global Diplomacy

https://strykglobaldiplomacy.com/

Washington DC +1 (202) 350-3897

Toll Free +1 (866) 427-0064

London +44 20 7692 8232

[email protected]

Correction: Contact phone numbers and an email have been added.

SOURCE Stryk Global Diplomacy
Rachel Reeves denounced Nigel Farages suggestion that only British-born families should have the two-child benefit cap lifted. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian)

Rachel Reeves has said she was angered by Nigel Farages suggestion that only British-born families should have the two-child benefit cap lifted, saying the Reform UK leader would keep children in poverty based on their skin colour.

The chancellor, who will introduce legislation to lift the cap on Thursday, said it had been a burden for her not to be able to do so sooner, but it had been vital to do it at a moment of market stability.

Farage told a press conference on Wednesday that his party would vote against the scrapping of the two-child limit, having previously suggested he could back the change. He said he was concerned it would benefit huge numbers of foreign-born people.

Reeves said those comments were akin to saying some families deserved to have children in poverty. I dont really care what colour a kids skin is  some deserve to be in poverty and some dont? That makes me pretty angry, she said.

Does Nigel Farage want to go around and say: White? Yeah, you can have the money. Black? No, Im sorry, its not for you. What sort of country does he think we are?

If youre the mum next door who works in the NHS, has lived here all her life, her kids lived here all their life, but she was born somewhere else  were saying that that family deserves to grow up in poverty whereas the one next door doesnt? Thats not the sort of country I believe in.

Keir Starmer will champion the lifting of the cap on a visit to Bedfordshire on Thursday, saying Reform and the Conservatives opposition to the change exposes the deep division and decline of their agendas.

Nigel Farage seems intent on linking arms with the Conservatives in a cruel alliance to push kids who need help back into poverty. This child poverty pact is something that should worry us all. These arent numbers on a spreadsheet  these are childrens life chances at stake, the prime minister will say.

Analysis by Labour on Farages proposal to only give additional benefits to households with two working parents born in the UK suggests the policy would help just 3,700  less than 1% of those affected by the two-child limit.

In the same press conference on Wednesday, Farage again shifted his denial of allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his time at Dulwich college.

He previously said he did not recognise the events described by more than 30 people who have spoken to the Guardian, or that he would never deliberately abuse someone in a hurtful or insulting way. But on Wednesday Farage said: Some of what is out there is just absolute nonsense made by people with very obvious, if you look, political motivation.

Amid boos from Reform members directed at the ITV journalist who asked why he had not apologised to his accusers, Farage said: I dont apologise for things that are complete made-up fantasies.

Reeves said there would now be a big battle to win over public opinion to back the measure that could lift 550,000 children out of poverty  and that Reform and the Conservatives would press to undo the change.

I think we did it in the right way, but when we announced it this year, were not hanging around, it comes in in April, she said, speaking after a reception for child poverty campaigners who urged her to be more vocal in defending the policy to win over sceptics.

Weve both managed to return stability but also deliver on our values of reducing child poverty and increasing social justice. Its not good enough just to win the argument with the government and with the Labour party, weve got to make sure that no party ever feels that they can get away with reversing this policy. And that comes from public consent. And also, frankly, it comes from not electing the Tories or Reform.

Reeves said Labour would not shy away from using the measure as a way to win back progressive voters angered by aspects of the governments agenda.

When people say, oh, theres no difference, and whats the point of voting Labour  theres 550,000 kids at the end of this parliament [who] are going to be growing up in a house without mould, where the mum and the kids are going be able to afford to eat and not go to school or work hungry. If anyone thinks that that is not worth voting for then I dont know what is, because this is everything.

Farage, asked how he would vote on the bill to lift the cap, told a press conference his comments about supporting an end to the cap had been misinterpreted.

I was trying to be pro-family, pro-children, pro-working people who find it very, very hard to pay for childcare. Its a disincentive for them to have children and to go to work at the same time, he said. I think the way this government is doing it  looking at some of the stats, its going to start to benefit huge numbers of foreign-born people. And that goes back to this point.

We have to prioritise British-born people, whether its for child benefit or whether its for social housing. And so I think when it comes, we will vote against it.
Laila Cunningham was announced as Reforms candidate for London Mayor by Nigel Farage in a press conference on Wednesday.

Ms Cunningham will now spearhead Reforms campaign across the capital, with the party looking to use the May local elections as a springboard to take control of London in 2028.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

During her unveiling, she argued that the mayoral race would be a binary choice between her and Sir Sadiq Khan, who hasnt yet announced that he will stand for a fourth term.

But who is Ms Cunningham? What is her background, and what would London look like under her policies? What has she said, and what have people said about her? Read on to find out.

Who is Laila Cunningham?

The daughter of Egyptian parents who had fled their country in the 1960s, Ms Cunningham was born at St Marys Hospital, Paddington.

She has spoken of her parents renovating properties and setting up a small hotels business, as they wanted to embrace full Britishness, British values and British culture.

Ms Cunningham embraced right-wing politics from a young age - she told The i in September last year that she grew up in a very political house, with her mother staunch Conservative who portrayed Arthur Scargill as a baddie in her bedtime stories.

Ms Cunningham is a Muslim and a mother of seven children, having four children from a ten-year marriage which ended in divorce, and subsequently remarrying a man with two existing children and having a further son with him.

She has described experiencing constant racist and misogynistic abuse online, telling the i: It doesnt affect me Because maybe Ive worked in the criminal justice system, I grew up in London like, its awful, of course, but I just, I just brush it aside.

She added: Id never think to report it to the police, even if I knew who the person was, unless I felt a personal threat.

She was a lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and ran in the 2018 Westminster City Council election for the Conservatives, but failed to get elected, before succeeding in 2022.

She also ran in the 2024 London Assembly election, and was not elected.

Ms Cunningham was due to be the Conservative candidate in Rotherham during the 2024 general election, but ultimately withdrew her candidacy.

She resigned from the CPS following her defection to Reform in 2025 after making highly-politicised remarks about law and order - more on that later.

How did she come to join Reform?

Ms Cunningham defected from the Tories to Reform in June last year, to become the partys first representative on a London borough council.

Shortly after her defection, she resigned from her role as prosecutor for the CPS after making highly-politicised remarks about law and order, as the CPS is bound by strict limits on political participation.

At the time of the defection, she exclusively told The Standard that she was quitting the Conservatives as she was tired of defending failure.

She said that it was a dereliction of duty that there are not more police officers in the capital to fight crime, and predicted a massive surge in Reform councillors in London in the upcoming local elections.

She said that both the Tories and Labour have failed on crime, as well as on controlling immigration, allowing a growing public sector, spiralling national debt and on the impact of net zero.

She said: Its a dereliction of duty that theres not more policing, more access to police, and thats what I want to see a change

Im tired of defending failure. So, when Im at the doorstep, speaking to residents, campaigning, I cant defend the Conservatives anymore. I cant defend the past 14 years, she added.

(Getty Images)

She also praised Reform leader Nigel Farage, saying: Hes just such a great communicator, and everything he said makes sense. I dont know how anyone can disagree with what Reform says.

Since the defection Ms Cunningham has been seen as a rising star in the party, and she was the face of the Women for Reform campaign launched last year, with the party looking to win over female voters.

What would London look like with Laila Cunningham as mayor?

Speaking in her press conference, Ms Cunningham was scathing about the state of the capital.

She said: "I love this city with all my heart, but unlike some in this room, I'm not blind to what it's become.

London, one of the greatest cities on earth, is no longer safe, and that didn't happen by accident."

She says crime is the number one issue in London, and was once dubbed vigilante mum after trying to track down muggers who had targeted her children.

Therell be a new sheriff in town and Ill be launching an all-out war on crime, she said.

Having stressed that previous regimes have failed on crime, she said she would rewrite the London police and crime plan and give "new marching orders" to the Met to "tackle crime that matters".

(ES Composite)

She said people were scared to walk down the streets of London, and argued that Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley should be fired.

She said: If you are not delivering for Londoners then you are out.

I was really disappointed when Mark Rowley said there were no grooming gangs in London and then turned around and said we are reviewing 9,000 cases....how do you get 9,000 cases wrong?

So, as it stands right now, I think he has to go.

Ms Cunningham also said that she would scrap Ulez if she became mayor.

"I'd scrap Ulez, because I don't think a war on motorists helps anyone," she said.

When asked by The Standard last year to name three things she would like to change in London, she cited more police, a fair allocation of social housing with families from London, and to Make London Great Again.

When questioned about accusations of Reforms fantasy economics, with a series of promises costing tens of billions of pounds, she said: Have you ever looked at any manifesto and it adds up? - before saying she had not looked at the figures.

Pressed whether she supports banning the burka, she said: I dont think you should have any face coverings in public.

Rather than ban it, there should be guidance that when the police see you covering your face, that can be reason for stop and search.

She has described stop and search as a great tool, saying that any criticism around discrimination should not prevent its wider use.

I see so many teenagers on a hot August day walking down the street with a balaclava and its ignored. That should be a reason for stop and search immediately, she has said.

Laila Cunninghams most controversial quotes

Ms Cunningham has not been shy with some of her outspoken views.

When comparing the crime rates in Chicago and London, she has claimed that there are no safe parts in the UK capital.

Despite Chicago having a homicide rate about 20 times higher than London, she said: There are areas in Chicago that you cannot go to because crime is rampant there and in the nicer, affluent areas, the tourist areas, there is no crime.

The difference in London is that there are no safe parts, right? You could go to Knightsbridge and get stabbed for your watch and killed theres nowhere to avoid it in London.

This is not necessarily borne out by the statistics - while shoplifting and snatch theft are up considerably over the past 20 years, the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that robbery is down 60%, bike and car theft down 50%, burglary is down by two-thirds and violent crime has halved.

Statistics regarding hospital admissions for assaults in England, including by knives and firearms, are also down by almost half since 2000.

Ms Cunningham has also spoken fiercely in defence of free speech, admitting that she is worried about the direction it is heading under Labour.

She has said: If you want to criticise Islam, then its up to you. Everyone has their own opinions. People criticise Christianity.

I dont think there should be any law legislating how and what people can say in relation to different religions, different cultures.

We dont need more government, we dont need more legislation. We need less.

She believes it isnt the job of the government to police racism, except in circumstances where individuals are inciting violence, saying: There always has been racists, and I do feel that society will deal with them.

Theyre fired from their job. Theyre not going to have any friends. Its not the governments role in my opinion  but thats my personal opinion  to interfere with that.

On anti-Muslim prejudice, Ms Cunningham has said:  I dont blame people for feeling the way they do about Muslims.

How can I blame them? You know, if youve never met a Muslim person, right? And all youre seeing is the Pakistani Muslim rape gangs, if youre seeing most of the terrorism - lets face it - is not white supremacist, its Islamic terrorism.

She added: You see certain towns in this country who have completely been taken over by Muslim communities who dont embrace British values.

According to census data, there are no UK towns or cities with majority Muslim populations.

Ms Cunningham is also a critic of the Online Safety Bill - but a fan of US Vice President JD Vance, describing him as great, adding: He tells it how it is.

What have people said about her?

Upon her defection, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told The Standard: Laila is an enormously talented, successful woman who will add to the professionalisation of our London team.

And upon announcing her as his partys mayoral candidate, Mr Farage said: "Laila Cunningham has already proven in her time with us as a party to be articulate, to be passionate, a mother, somebody who actually herself has had to effectively in the absence of the police, act as a police officer herself in defence of her children.

"She, from this moment on, will be the head of Reform UK London, our candidate for the mayor next year and the face of our campaign as we fight a strong, vigorous campaign in all 32 London boroughs in the run up to May 7."

However, writing online last year, Adnan Hmidan of Middle East Monitor was more scathing.

Mr Hmidan said: Cunningham, recently unveiled as the Reform Partys latest figurehead alongside Nigel Farage, represents a familiar political tactic in Britain: elevating minority voices to front racist agendas under the guise of diversity.

A British lawyer of Egyptian heritage, she recycles classic far-right narratives targeting immigrants, Muslims, and ethnic minorities  but delivers them with an insiders voice

Her identity is weaponised to give cover to rhetoric that white politicians would otherwise hesitate to say aloud for fear of being accused of racism.
Human remains, believed to be of a missing snorkeller, washed ashore at the north of Ledge Point in western Australia on Tuesday.

The grim discovery was made by a man walking on Fence Reed Beach early morning, who quickly alerted the police.

It comes five days after Wen Walter Ren Gu went missing while snorkelling on New Years Day.

Formal identification is yet to be completed but it is believed to be a 32-year-old man who went missing on Thursday, the Western Australia Police said.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Walter, 32, had travelled up from the city to snorkel with three friends, hoping to catch crayfish. He somehow separated from the group and had been missing.

Representative: Police does not suspect foul play in death of snorkeller who went missing on New Year's day (Getty Images)

Since then, police launched a large-scale search at the popular tourist spot, using aerial support and marine resources, including local boats, jet skis, helicopters and drones.

The discovery marks a tragic development for his family and friends, who had held onto the hope that the authorities would find him alive even as the authorities scaled back search and rescue operations 24-hours he went missing.

One of Gus friend made a post on social media seeking support in his search.

If you or someone you know were at Ledge Point Beach that day, saw someone rescue or pick up an Asian male, have any photos, videos, dashcam footage, or related information, please send me a direct message, the message read, reported The Age.

Another friend, identified as Chang, made an appeal for public help on Sunday. At this time, we are unable to confirm whether he made it back to shore on his own or was rescued by nearby members of the public, she said, reported The West.

Police conducted search and rescue operations for 24 hours and have since stopped. We do not want to give up and hope to continue searching with the help of everyones support.

Gu has been living and working temporarily in Western Australia and was in the process to apply for a visa to study in the country, reported The West, quoting his family.

The local community expressed shock after the incident. He wasnt very far out at all, you can literally nearly walk to the reef where they were, a resident Jay Barrett, told the outlet, as he cautioned saying, there are some treacherous spots.
Actor and activist Rose McGowan has branded disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein a "mafia boss", offering a stark insight into the immense fear and control he allegedly wielded in Hollywood.

The 52-year-old, known for roles in Scream, Jawbreaker, and playing Paige Matthews in Charmed, was one of the first of more than 100 women to publicly accuse the producer of sexual misconduct.

Speaking on the We Need To Talk podcast, McGowan asserted that Weinstein was seen as "their god" by many, noting he was "thanked more times than God at the Oscars".

She described seeing "adult men that were like power players" physically shake in his presence, highlighting "the level of control and power" he held. "I think he was a thug," she added, clarifying he was "not the mafia boss of the cool kind with a suit like the Marlon Brando Godfather type, but more like a street way."

Weinstein was sentenced in 2023 to 16 years in prison for rape and sexual assault in California. He has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.

McGowan recounted her own alleged assault, which she said occurred during a meeting her manager arranged between herself and Weinstein while attending the Sundance Film Festival.

Rose McGowan and Harvey Weinstein (Getty Images)

She reflected: "Everything in hindsight, every detail leading up to that moment, I could see how orchestrated it was to get me into the position that I was in. I really thought I was safe."

She described being "almost out" when she was "pulled into, like a room with a hot tub. The next thing I know I have no clothes on and Im like, just like a statue. And I just froze."

Following the incident, McGowan said she was left "short circuiting" and became increasingly "despondent and angry".

McGowan first accused Weinstein of rape in 2017. She later detailed the alleged 1997 encounter in her 2018 autobiography, Brave.

In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping former actor Jessica Mann in 2013. He is currently serving a 23-year sentence at a prison in upstate New York.
A US Coast Guard member observes the Marinera in a photograph released on Wednesday. Photograph: @US_EUCOM/X/PA (Photograph: @US_EUCOM/X/PA)

The US has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean in a high-stakes operation that could risk confrontation with the Kremlin after Moscow reportedly dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel.

US European Command said on Wednesday that it had boarded the Marinera over alleged sanctions violations, bringing to an end a dramatic two-week pursuit that began in the Caribbean and concluded in the Atlantic.

The Russian state-controlled broadcaster RT earlier published two grainy photographs showing a helicopter approaching the Marinera tanker, saying an operation was under way.

The seizure  the first known US military seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel in recent history  is the latest demonstration of brazen US military power and reach.

The US Coast Guard said on Wednesday it had separately intercepted another dark-fleet tanker that is under sanctions, the M Sophia, in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean.

Commenting on the twin operations, the White House signalled it would continue to seize Venezuela-linked oil vessels after Donald Trump last month imposed what he described as a complete blockade on ships transporting oil for Caracas.

The US will enforce all sanctions, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters.

Asked whether the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic risked escalating tensions with Russia, Leavitt did not respond directly, saying the vessels crew could be transferred to the US for prosecution if necessary. The Russian foreign ministry has demanded the US ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens onboard the Marinera and guarantee their swift return to Russia.



Leavitt said: The president has very good, open relationships with both President Putin and President Xi. He has spoken with them numerous times  and I believe those personal relationships are going to continue.

The Marinera had been navigating in the Atlantic between Iceland and the UK, according to ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic. The Wall Street Journal reported that several helicopters and at least one coastguard vessel were used to take control of the tanker.

Britain provided support to the US in its operation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Kremlins immediate reaction to the seizure has been notably muted, with Moscow appearing to continue its efforts to improve ties with Washington under Trump in the hope of securing his favour in talks over Ukraine.

Russias transport ministry said in a statement that US forces had boarded the vessel outside the territorial waters of any state and that contact with it had been lost.

The ministry cited the 1982 UN convention on the law of the sea, which says no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.

Related: US aircraft monitor tanker off Ireland that tried to evade Venezuela blockade

The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, wrote on X: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT  anywhere in the world.

The pursuit of the Marinera began after it turned back into the Atlantic while travelling from Iran to Venezuela, having attempted to evade a US blockade targeting sanction-hit oil tankers operating near Venezuelan waters.

The operation is likely to strain relations with Vladimir Putin, coming at a sensitive moment as negotiations over a potential peace deal in Ukraine continue and after the US capture of Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, a longstanding Kremlin ally.

Ukraines foreign minister said Kyiv welcomed the seizure of the tanker, adding it was a good example of how to act against Moscow and said it showcased President Trumps resolute leadership.

We welcome such an approach to dealing with Russia: act, not fear. This is also relevant to the peace process and bringing a lasting peace closer, Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.

The vessel is part of the so-called shadow fleet moving oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela. It was placed under sanctions by the US in 2024 over allegations it carried illicit cargo for a Hezbollah-owned company.

Initial reports suggest the ageing tanker is empty, having been en route to pick up Venezuelan oil before changing course. Even so, Moscow appears to have gone to considerable lengths to protect the vessel, raising questions about why it is willing to risk a standoff with the west over it.

The Wall Street Journal reported late on Tuesday that the Russian navy had deployed a submarine to escort the tanker, heightening the stakes of any confrontation in the North Atlantic.

In the 24 hours preceding the operation, western surveillance flights were observed over the vessel, including aircraft from US bases in Iceland, and RAF Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon planes from the UK, which are capable of detecting submarines.

In December, the crew repelled an attempted US boarding near Venezuelan waters. The vessel was subsequently renamed from Bella 1 to Marinera, a Russian flag was painted on its hull and it was added to Russias official shipping registry. Moscow later lodged a formal diplomatic protest demanding that Washington halt its pursuit.

The tanker departed the Gulf of Oman in November, transiting the Suez canal and the strait of Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic in early December. As US pressure on Venezuela intensified  culminating in the capture of Maduro  the vessel stopped abruptly near the Caribbean on 15 December and reversed course, heading back towards Europe.

Marineras return journey across the Atlantic has been markedly atypical, according to marine transport experts. Instead of taking the usual route through the Channel, the tanker veered sharply north, steering into the stretch of ocean between Iceland and Ireland.

Mikhail Zvinchuk, an influential military blogger with close ties to Russias defence ministry, said the decision to reflag the vessel under Russian jurisdiction shortly before its seizure had placed Moscow in an extremely awkward position.

He said the move sets a precedent for further operations against Russias so-called shadow fleet, not only in the Atlantic but in other regions of the world as well.

Registry data reviewed by the New York Times showed that at least three other oil tankers that had operated in Venezuelan waters in recent weeks had since been reflagged under the Russian banner, pointing to a growing trend of Moscow extending its registry to vessels facing US sanctions.

The move could complicate relations between Moscow and Washington at a time when Trump has shown frustration with Putin over Russias continued fighting in Ukraine.
The overthrow of Nicolas Maduro will only add to the Russian leaders woes - Mikhail Metzel/Reuters

First Syria, then Iran, and now Venezuela. Slowly, but surely, Vladimir Putins hopes of creating an alternative network of alliances to challenge American hegemony is disintegrating.

Syria, where Putin succeeded in turning the country into a client state following Russias military intervention during the civil war, is now run by an Islamist regime that has little interest in maintaining ties with Moscow. So long as Putin continues to provide a safe haven for deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad in Moscow, Russias ability to maintain the two strategic military bases on the Syrian coast remains in doubt. The Russian navy has already been forced to withdraw all its ships from the Tartus naval base it established under Assad, while doubts remain over the future of the Hmeimim air base close to Latakia.

Similarly, the comprehensive strategic partnership Putin signed with the ayatollahs last January  a move designed to consolidate the Kremlins alliance with Tehran  now lies in tatters after the Russians proved incapable of defending their ally during last summers war with Israel and the US. A key element of the deal was Russias commitment to protect Iran in the event of it facing external threats. Yet, when Israeli and American warplanes attacked Irans key military and nuclear infrastructure in June, the Russians were nowhere to be seen.

The subsequent collapse of the Iranian economy, with the rial, the national currency, losing half of its value in the past year, is the direct result of Irans national humiliation in that conflict, and means that Tehran is no longer in a position to support Moscows war effort in Ukraine.

At a time when Putin is already suffering the loss of two key allies in his quest to establish a rival power axis to the US, the overthrow of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro will only add to the Russian despots woes.

For the past two decades, Putin has worked steadily to build Moscows military and trade ties with Caracas as part of a deliberate attempt to extend the Kremlins sphere of influence into Americas backyard. It is estimated that Moscow has sold more than $20bn of weapons and military equipment to Venezuelas Chavist regime, while Russian corporations have benefitted from special trade terms.

An added bonus of Putins long-standing support for Maduro was that it helped to sustain the anti-American regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua, with Caracas supplying them with everything they need, from oil to food.

China, a country Putin sees as a key partner in his burgeoning axis of autocratic powers, also enjoyed close ties with the Maduro regime. Now that the Chavist era in Venezuela has finally drawn to a close following US president Donald Trumps dramatic military intervention at the weekend, Russia faces the very real prospect of witnessing the collapse of all three of their Latin American allies.

Viewed from this context, Trumps decision to remove Maduro looks more like a geopolitical masterstroke than simply a brazen bid to seize control of Venezuelas oil riches. With Maduro and his wife safely locked up in a Brooklyn jail, Caracass ability to function as an epicentre for anti-US activity for Russia and China has ended.

At a stroke, Trump has exposed the impotence of Putins attempts to turn his global network of anti-Western alliances into a meaningful force.

Moreover, coming at a time when the Russian leader is under enormous pressure to sign up to Trumps peace plan for Ukraine, the collapse of former allies in Damascus, Tehran and now Caracas, gives him little room for manoeuvre.

Putins current plight stands in stark contrast to the high point of the Russian leaders attempts to forge his new power axis in the aftermath of his decision to launch his so-called special military operation to subjugate Ukraine in February 2022.

While Syria, then still a Russian client state under the Assad dictatorship, was among five countries that voted against the UN resolution condemning Moscows invasion of Ukraine and seizure of Ukrainian territory, 35 countries, including India, Iran and South Africa abstained, providing Putin with a welcome diplomatic boost. Venezuela, which was already suffering under Maduros oppressive dictatorship, did not even bother to participate in the proceedings.

Apart from confirming the UNs increasing irrelevance in world affairs, the fact that such a significant number of countries failed to condemn Putins blatant land grab in Ukraine left the Russian leader believing that that balance of world power was gradually shifting in his favour.

No longer. If any lesson is to be drawn from Trumps military intervention in Venezuela, it is that the US under his leadership is not prepared to surrender an inch of its traditional sphere of influence.

Whether it involves Latin America or the Arctic, where the Trump administration has already made clear its determination to resist any attempt by Russia or China to establish a foothold in Greenland, Trumps Venezuelan adventure has signalled his resolve to protect Washingtons interests at all costs.
Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council, refused to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday night. Photograph: Southern Transitional Council/Reuters (Photograph: Southern Transitional Council/Reuters)

The leader of Yemens routed southern separatist movement, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has decided to make a defiant last stand in Aden, his supporters say, rejecting a Saudi ultimatum to travel to Riyadh for talks and  for now  a plan to flee the southern capital.

Al-Zubaidi, the president of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), has been gathering his remaining troops in Aden as rival Saudi-backed forces seek to take control of Aden. His supporters said his mood was to fight it out although he knew it was likely there would be an attempt to kill him.

The UN-recognised government of national unity that supports the retention of a unified Yemen has accused him of high treason for unilaterally raising the flag of independence for southern Yemen. A former military leader turned politician, he was sacked from the governments presidential leadership council as a result.

Al-Zubaidis refusal to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday night, defying a demand from the Saudi defence minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, prompted Saudi Arabia to launch airstrikes on his remaining military camps in his stronghold in the Zubaid area of Dhale region.

One of al-Zubaidis advisers, Amr Al-Bidah, told a briefing: Al-Zubaidi is on the ground in Aden conducting his duties, saying there would be chaos if Saudi-backed forces tried to capture the city as was being threatened.

Al-Bidah said: Al-Zubaidi was told: Either you come to Riyadh or we bomb you, and that is your last chance. That does not create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Al-Zubaidis village is being bombed by the Saudis and so far about 14 civilians have been injured and two killed.

There had also been concerns that if al-Zubaidi travelled to Riyadh, he would be arrested. A 50-strong STC delegation that did fly to Riyadh for talks had not been contactable, al-Bidah said, explaining: They arrived at 3am and observers told us that they took them to a black bus. Their phones are ringing but no one is picking up. It is very worrying.

Related: Tensions between Saudis and Emiratis over future of Yemen reach boiling point

Yemens deputy foreign minister, Awsan al-Aud, said: Through its rebellion, the STC has become a banned entity. The ongoing battle will not last long. The STC has to be dismantled, or at the very least, it will have to give up arms and become a political organisation only.

Al-Zubaidis unilateral attempt to unfurl the flag of independence for southern Yemen started to collapse once his external backers the United Arab Emirates deserted him after it became clear that Saudi Arabia was willing to use force not just against the STC to prevent Yemens fragmentation, but also against UAE arms supplies reaching Yemen through the port city of Mukalla.

After carefully extending his base beyond Aden over the past three years, al-Zubaidi in early December took the unilateral step of sending tens of thousands of well-equipped troops into the eastern governorates of oil-rich Hadramaut and al-Mahrah, bordering Oman. With Saudi Arabia hesitating militarily, and the UAE backing the STC, large-scale pro-independence demonstrations were held in the capital of Hadramaut.

Codenamed Operation Promising Future, the campaigns swift territorial gains  and the apparent popular support  meant that by 9 December the STC had taken control of most areas spanning the six governorates of the former southern Yemen.

The turning point came when on 30 December, the royal Saudi air force carried out airstrikes on the STC-controlled Mukalla, targeting what it said was a shipment of weapons that had arrived from the UAE. Abu Dhabi denied that the shipments contained weapons, but the UN-recognised Yemeni government ordered all UAE forces to leave Yemeni territory within 24 hours, announcing a 72-hour air, land, and sea blockade, and declared a 90-day state of emergency.

Saudi Arabia also assembled a large Gulf diplomatic alliance to oppose the splitting of Yemen, saying such a split would weaken the fight against the Houthis in northern Yemen. Later that day, the UAE announced it would voluntarily withdraw its remaining counter-terrorist forces from Yemen, but in reality it also removed much of the command and control structure it had been providing to the STC, hobbling the councils operation.

The withdrawal has resulted in the Saudi-backed forces regaining Hadramaut and al-Mahrah. At the weekend a previously STC-oriented Shabwah governorate returned to the STC fold, signalling the full-scale collapse of the revolt. Late last week the UAE in effect advised the STC it was on its own in future, ending more than six years of cooperation.

In his letter to al-Zubaidi summoning him to visit, Prince Khaled said he wanted to hear directly from you, What happened? and what are the justifications for what occurred?

It adds: You and the Prince must reconcile, meet, and engage in a serious, brotherly discussion so that he clearly understands the justifications for your military operation and your position in Hadramaut and al-Mahra, and this matter is closed.



The Prince will discuss with you the Transitional Councils needs in full, including its forces, operational mechanisms, and communication channels. The Kingdom has assumed responsibility for this file following the UAEs withdrawal.



The Prince will discuss with you future coordination and cooperation, both at the southern level and regarding the overall solution and the Yemeni situation. Any delay or failure to respond to the invitation to come to Riyadh, or any procrastination in doing so, will have serious consequences.

The UAE has been backing the separatist STC since its formation in 2017 partly because it was seen as a bulwark against Muslim Brotherhood and Salifist forces inside Yemen, but also because the STC was seen as a route for Abu Dhabi to control Red Sea ports. The STC under UAE influence had also shown a willingness to cooperate with Israel. Saudi Arabia, which shares a border with Yemen, opposes Yemens fragmentation, believing it will weaken the fight against the Houthis that control the north of Yemen.

The UAE, finding itself isolated over Yemen, is now likely to review its strategy elsewhere in the region including in Sudan where it has been backing a different faction to Riyadh.

Reuters and Agence France-Presse have contributed to this report
Democrats ridiculed the Trump administrations plans for the future of Venezuela after leaving an all-senators briefing on the Hill hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.

Questions about that future remained largely unanswered early this week after the president returned from spending the holiday season in Mar-a-Lago and Rubio, one of his top deputies, spent Sunday on the interview circuit attempting to explain it. In several interviews, Rubio was noncommittal over who the administration views as Venezuelas legitimate ruler or the timeframe in which the U.S. expects elections to be held.

The presidents statements about the U.S. directly running Venezuela also continue to loom over the conversation. Trump hasnt ruled out further armed action in the country, including American troops on the ground.

The lawmakers who departed the hearing were largely split along party lines when asked about the administrations direction of a raid on Caracas, Venezuelas capital, on Saturday, which resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Republicans backed the White House while Democrats said that the administration offered no credible path forward for the country.

This is an insane plan. Theyre talking about stealing Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for an undefined period of time to micromanage an entire country, claimed Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, as he spoke with reporters after Wednesdays briefing. The scope and insanity of this is absolutely stunning.

Sen. Chris Murphy accused the president of wanting to steal Venezuelas oil reserves at gun point on Wednesday (AFP/Getty)

On Thursday, the chamber will vote on a War Powers resolution aimed at blocking the president from conducting further strikes within Venezuelas borders without congressional approval. The resolution will require a simple majority to pass, meaning that four Republicans will need to cross party lines even if every Democrat supports Kaines measure. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul, voted for a similar resolution last year before the Caracas strike took place. As of yet, other Republican senators havent indicated they will break ranks on the Venezuela resolution.

Murphy, who was far from the only Democrat to pan the presentation put on by Rubio and Hegseth, added in a video posted to X: They are essentially asking you, the American public, to use your taxpayer dollars, to run the country of Venezuela.

It threatens to repeat all the mistakes we made in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Murphy. America is nation-building again.

The resolutions sponsor, Sen. Tim Kaine, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were less direct in their criticism as they gaggled separately with reporters after the briefing. Standing just feet away from Rubio and Hegseth, the two argued that the details about the administrations plans needed to be presented to the public and judged in an open setting.

Schumer spent 2025 under fire from his partys left flank for insufficiently, in their view, leveraging the minority partys power in the Senate. On Wednesday, he accused the administration of relying on unreliable, corrupt people who hate America to manage the aftermath of Maduros downfall in Venezuela, without elaborating further. He embraced Rubio at the news conference, however, and the two chatted as old colleagues from the Senate while Kaine spoke.

Chuck Schumer and Marco Rubio embraced on Wednesday at a news conference following a briefing on the administration's strike on Venezuela (AFP via Getty Images)

Both Schumer and Kaine argued that Congress needed to hold public hearings on the matter and that the administration needed to make clear if it was planning military strikes on targets in Colombia, Mexico, or even Greenland.

Weve got to get this conversation out of [classified settings] and into the public before its too late, Kaine warned.

Rubio rejected the criticism from the administrations opponents as he stepped up to the mics.

Theyre gonna say that. I used to be a senator too. That's what you always say when it's the other party, he said dismissively. Weve gone into great detail with them about the planning, weve described it to them.

The secretary went on to say that some of those plans were already in motion, including the enforcement of sanctions around Venezuelas oil.

One Democrat, John Fetterman, has already come out publicly in support of Saturdays raid.

Pennsylvania Sen. Democratic John Fetterman is the only member of his party in the upper chamber publicly supportive of the Caracas raid (Getty)

Fetterman remains opposed to the presidents rhetoric, seen by the U.S.s allies as warmongering over the issue of Greenland. It came back into focus this week as the president reiterated that the U.S., in his view, needs to acquire the island, including its strategic Arctic territory, in the near future.

Over several days, he and his top aides, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Stephen Miller, repeated the stunning assertion that military action against a U.S. ally, Denmark, remained on the table as a method the Trump administration could employ to further its territorial ambitions.

He wrote in a post to X on Wednesday: I believe Greenland has massive strategic benefits for the United States. I do not support taking it by force. America is not a bully.

The Independent has reached out to the Pennsylvania senators office to inquire about whether he will support a War Powers resolution introduced this week by Sen. Ruben Gallego to prevent the White House from using the military to seize the island.
Federal agents shot and killed a woman during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Ilhan Omar, the Democratic Minnesota congresswoman, said the victim was a legal observer of action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which had sent a surge of agents into the city in recent days tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

A witness to the incident, Emily Heller, told local media that the victim was shot in the face multiple times. Heller said she saw a car blocking traffic that appeared to be part of a protest against the ICE operation, and heard an agent telling the driver, a woman, to get out of here.

Related: Shock and outrage at scene of Minneapolis ICE shooting: This is just sad

She was trying to turn around, and the ICE agent was in front of her car, and he pulled out a gun and put it right in  like his midriff was on her bumper  and he reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times, Heller told MPR News, a Minneapolis public radio station.

The woman has been identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a US citizen and mother of three who had recently moved to Minnesota.

In social media accounts, Macklin Good described herself as a poet and writer and wife and mom. Speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Goods mother, Donna Ganger, said her daughter had been living in the Twin Cities with her partner. She said that her daughter was not part of anything like that at all, referring to protesters who have challenged ICEs presence in Minnesota.

Renee was one of the kindest people Ive ever known  She was extremely compassionate. Shes taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.

Goods ex-husband, who asked not to be named out of concern for the safety of their children, said Macklin Good had just dropped off her 6-year-old son at school on Wednesday and was driving home with her current partner when they encountered a group of ICE agents on a snowy street in Minneapolis.

A video posted online by the Minnesota Reformer and another video obtained by the Guardian appeared to capture the moment of the shooting as a dark red SUV drove away from agents moving toward it, although the front of the vehicle is obscured.

The fatal shooting by a federal officer on Wednesday took place less than a mile from where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, prompting mass protests.

In a post on X, the homeland security department (DHS) said the person was a domestic terrorist who weaponized her vehicle and attempted to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them.

The department claimed several ICE officers were hurt, but said that they were expected to make full recoveries.

An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers, the DHS post said.

The videos appeared to contradict that statement, showing the SUV clearly backing up away from ICE officers as they approach. One ICE officer can be seen partially in front of the car as it moves forward and then away from the officers. That same ICE officer is seen firing his gun as the car appears to drive by him. Three gunshots can be heard ringing out.

There is no visible sign in the videos of ICE officers being injured. The agent who appeared to have fired the fatal shots is seen returning to a silver SUV that was driven away from the scene shortly after  through a red traffic light.

In a press conference, Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, emphasized that the priority of local law enforcement was to get the victim to the hospital, and then to remove ICE from the scene because they were making a difficult situation more problematic.

He also noted that the video footage does not appear to show that a vehicle was being weaponized against the ICE officer.

Frey even issued an emphatic statement to ICE directly: I do have a message for our community for our city and I do have a message for ICE. To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.

People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart. Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy are being terrorized, and now, somebody is dead.

Continuing to address ICE, Frey said: Thats on you. Its also on you to leave. Its on you to make sure that further damage, further loss of life and injury, is not done.

The mayor also said that DHS was trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit.

The Minneapolis chief of police, Brian OHara, said: This woman was in her car and it appears then blocking the street because of the presence of federal law enforcement, which is obviously something that has been happening not just in Minneapolis but around the country.

The woman was no longer in the car when he arrived on the scene, OHara said, adding that a spouse had since arrived at the hospital. The police chief said the FBI would conduct a joint investigation with the Minnesota bureau of criminal apprehension.

Tim Walz, the Democratic governor who announced this week he would not run for a third term, posted on X that he had seen the video. Dont believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice.

Walz later said he had activated the states emergency operations center and issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota national guard.

Weve been warning for weeks that the Trump administrations dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety, that someone was going to get hurt, Walz said.

To Minnesotans, Walz said: I feel your anger, Im angry. He urged residents who plan on protesting to please do so peacefully.

Walz also said that the state did not need any further help from the federal government, adding: To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, youve done enough.

Omar also rejected claims made by DHS on X in a Wednesday afternoon post: Youre lying. There was no attempt to run the officer over and no ICE agents appear to be hurt. Get out of our city.

In a statement on Truth Social, Donald Trump defended the ICE officers, saying he had watched a video clip of the incident and called it a horrible thing to watch.

Trump called one of the witnesses a professional agitator and described the woman driving the car as very disorderly, obstructing and resisting and said she violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense.

Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital, Trump said. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis.

Protesters gathered close to the scene in the south of the city shortly after the shooting, with law enforcement officers firing chemical irritants in an attempt to disperse them.

In video footage, bystanders can been seen and heard blowing whistles and taunting the agents, telling them to go home. A woman said she had spoken to an eyewitness who told her the person shot was a woman who took off from federal agents.

They shot her through the windshield. They shot her in the face, the woman said.

Jon Collins, a reporter for MPR News, posted to Bluesky that protesters stopped ICE agents after the shooting and were pepper-sprayed.

ICE teargassed a lot of people as they drove down the alley. People were stuck in the alley and hit hard. Some people are still getting medical treatment, he wrote.

The Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday it had launched an extraordinary immigration enforcement operation, with 2,000 agents and officers expected in the Minneapolis and St Paul area for a crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.

The Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of groups serving immigrants in Minnesota, held a training session Tuesday night for about 100 people who are willing to hit the streets to monitor the federal enforcement.

With Associated Press
A key hurdle to Ukraine peace deal has been overcome thanks to Britain and France  this is whats next

The announcement that the UK and France plan to station troops within Ukraine and build military hubs if a peace deal is signed with Russia is not a magic wand. But it is a key moment.

It may help remove one of the biggest obstacles to hammering out a truce to end four years of slaughter Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people.

And so it signals a significant step forward. I find myself in rare agreement with Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, that a milestone has been reached in Europe.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and prime minister Keir Starmer in Paris, following a meeting with members of the coalition of the willing (PA)

One of the main sticking points in any deal has always been Ukraines need for security guarantees.

Every single Ukrainian commander, presidential adviser, politician, foot soldier and civilian I have spoken to since the launch of the full-scale invasion in 2022 has repeated the same message to me: they fear Russia will renege on a deal.

The consensus for four years has been that history proves it would be suicidal for Ukraine to enter any kind of peace agreement without a solid mechanism in place where, should Moscow break the terms, Kyivs powerful allies will have its back militarily.

Keir Starmer shakes hands with Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner (PA)

It is why Ukraine, since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has desperately sought Nato membership.

The need is for Article 5, Natos mutual defence clause, which requires its members to come to one anothers aid in the event of an attack.

Ukraines pursuit of Nato membership has only further enraged Russia, and more recently, Trump. The US president, who appears to be on his own mission to upset Nato allies with threats to take over Greenland, has explicitly told Kyiv to give up on its Nato bid and go ahead and sign a deal with Moscow anyway.

Ukraine has been promised by Trump and other allies that it will get the security guarantees it wants, but there have yet to be concrete details or commitments made public.

Instead, Ukraine has been asked to make concessions in several leaked drafts of potential deals, including a cap on the size of the Ukrainian army, a commitment in the constitution not to join Nato and the surrender of occupied territory to Russia.

But now there has been progress.

The war in Ukraine has led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians (Ukrainian 24th Mechanized brigade)

Prime minister Keir Starmer and his French counterpart confirmed British and French troops will be deployed inside Ukraine within military hubs once a peace deal has been reached.

No 10 said in a follow-up statement that the announcement made in Paris was the legal framework that would allow this to happen.

Volodymyr Zelensky himself said on social media that they have worked out in detail the force deployment, numbers, specific types of weapons, and the components of the armed forces required.

The plan will be backed by a US guarantee, which has not yet been outlined, but could possibly come in the form of air defence.

Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the press conference. Witkoff said the guarantees were as strong as anyone has ever seen and vowed that Trump does not back down from his commitments.

Kushner and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff were both present at the talks in Paris (AP)

Again, this is not the magic wand to end the meat grinder of a war which has killed and injured nearly 2 million people on both sides.

But even Zelensky, who recently said there is a long way to go until peace, has called it a huge step forward that just a year ago Kyiv would not have been able to imagine.

This comes at a critical time. The US  or more specifically Trump  has effectively signalled that Washington has done enough. Europe is on its own in Ukraine, and now the continent must shoulder the lions share of its collective defence.

There have also been grave concerns that Nato security guarantees mean very little given Trumps repeated insistence he wants to unilaterally annex Greenland, a territory of Nato-member state Denmark.

With the UK and France stepping up like this, it signals a potential new world order in which the US will not be directly involved in Europes defence.

There is a long way to go to achieve peace for Ukraine  the other major stumbling block is Russian-occupied territory  but yesterday was a significant step.
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Credit: X /@Shabnam1Onib

The Taliban killed several protesters during rare public unrest provoked by a Chinese-funded gold mine in northern Afghanistan.

The violence erupted in the Chah Ab district of Takhar province between residents and a private mining company accused of destroying the areas lone drinking water source.

Residents in Chah Ab have been protesting for days against what they call excessive gold mining and damage to the local drinking water supply scheme.

On Monday, the protests turned violent as demonstrators carrying sticks and sharp farming tools clashed with armed guards and mining company employees. The Taliban soldiers resorted to firing at the protesters, leaving several dead and injured.

Residents said at least three protesters were killed and 16 others wounded during the clashes. Protesters have set fire to property belonging to the contracting company.

Video footage on social media showed protesters confronting Taliban forces, including an incident where a Taliban member firing at protesters was beaten by the crowd.

Residents said the unregulated mining has damaged their homes, disrupted natural drinking water supplies, and affected their farmland.

We will resist this theft and open loot by the mining company. They cant fill their coffers at the cost of our lives, said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

The Taliban said they have sent a delegation to the area to investigate the clashes.

Demonstrators were carrying sticks and sharp farming tools

Humayun Afghani, the spokesman for the ministry of mines and petroleum, said a joint team led by a provincial official is examining the situation.

Disputes have arisen between the local people and a contracted gold mining company in the mining areas of Chah Ab district in Takhar province, which, unfortunately, have resulted in both human and financial losses, Mr Afghani said.

The unrest marks a rare instance of open resistance to the Taliban, which is accused of handing over contracts to their loyalists, who ignore the grievances of the local population arising out of these projects.

Public protests have been largely suppressed and any resistance against mining projects, a key source of revenue for the Taliban, are controlled by the strict surveillance on media and locals.

Haji Basheer Noorzai, a senior Taliban loyalist, is believed to be one of the local partners operating the goldmine in partnership with a Chinese company.

To diffuse tensions, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Tuesday issued a decree banning Taliban officials and public employees from taking part, directly or indirectly, in bidding for mining and other public contracts.

The order also prohibits private companies in which Taliban officials or public employees hold shares or management roles from participating in such tenders, according to the decree.

Residents say the mining has damaged homes, disrupted natural drinking water supplies, and affected their farmland

To ensure transparency in procurement, mining and other contracts of ministries and emirate institutions involving public property, emirate officials and employees may not participate, directly or indirectly, as bidders in contracts for goods, services, construction, mining or other agreements, the decree said.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have expanded the extraction of Afghanistans natural resources, including gold mines in Takhar and nearby Badakhshan.

Takhar is one of Afghanistans provinces where significant gold reserves have been identified, mainly located in the northern and central districts, especially in Chah Ab.

The dispute centres on the Samti gold mine in Chah Ab district, which the Taliban awarded to a Chinese company and Afghan partners in May 2024. The company committed to invest $310m in the project.

The Samti mine is located near the Noor Aba gold mine, with estimated reserves of between 12 and 24 tonnes of gold.

The Taliban have awarded at least 205 mining contracts to more than 150 companies so far.

In September 2023, the Taliban announced new deals valued at over $6.5bn. In May 2024, the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Mines and Petroleum said it had secured more than $7 billion in investments from China, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and the UK.
The Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers union sued state education officials in federal court on Tuesday, alleging that the decision to scrutinize and investigate hundreds of educators for their comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September violated free speech rights.

Somewhere and somehow, our states leaders lost their way. A few well-placed Texas politicians and bureaucrats think it is good for their careers to trample on educators' free speech rights, Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT, said in a statement. They decided scoring a few cheap points was worth the unfair discipline, the doxxing, and the death threats targeted at Texas teachers.

More than 350 educators faced investigations over their alleged comments about Kirk after his death, according to the suit, which names the Texas Education Agency and its commissioner, Mike Morath.

These teachers were disciplined solely for their speech, without any regard to whether the posts disrupted school operations in any way, the lawsuit claims. In many cases, Texas AFT members made their posts on online profiles or pages that are private, and can be viewed only by individuals who have been specifically approved by the account owner.

The complaint points to a September 12 letter from Morath, in which he allegedly said he would refer vile posts about Kirk to the education agencys investigations arm and called on superintendents to do the same.

A Texas teachers union filed a federal lawsuit against state officials on Tuesday, alleging hundreds of educators were wrongly investigated for comments they allegedly made about the death of activist Charlie Kirk, violating their speech rights (AFP via Getty Images)

While the exercise of free speech is a fundamental right we are all blessed to share, it does not give carte blanche authority to celebrate or sow violence against those that share differing beliefs and perspectives, the letter reads.

The Independent has contacted the TEA for comment.

Educators in at least 16 states were fired, suspended, or reprimanded for their social media comments about Kirk, according to EducationWeek.

Critics faced intense political pressure after Kirks shock killing during a September campus forum event in Utah.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called to prosecute anyone making hate speech about Kirks death, a category largely protected under First Amendment law unless it is tied to the direct incitement of violence. She went so far as to suggest a private business could be prosecuted for refusing to print Kirk-related fliers, despite recent Supreme Court rulings that businesses can refuse customers for First Amendment-related reasons like religion.

Bondi later walked back her comments.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, meanwhile, was briefly taken off the air after his critical comments about the political dynamics following Kirks death provoked the ire of FCC head Brendan Carr.
Retailer Topps Tiles has notched up its fifth quarter in a row of rising sales as new boss Alex Jensen cheered hitting significant milestones in recent months.

The Leicestershire-based tile chain posted a 2% rise in like-for-like sales for the Topps Tiles brand in its first quarter to December 27, with consistent growth helping offset ongoing cost pressures, according to the firm.

Total group sales, excluding the CTD brand it bought in 2024, lifted 3.7% year-on-year.

This saw it outperform the market, although sales growth has slowed after Topps reported like-for-like growth of 5.3% in the year to September 27.

Shares rose 2% in morning trading on Wednesday after the update.

Mr Jensen, who took over as chief executive on December 8 after former longstanding boss Rob Parker retired, said the groups sales growth came as it hit a number of milestones in the first quarter, such as concluding the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) disposal programme after it bought CTD out of administration in 2024.

CTD like-for-like sales rose 4.7% in the first quarter and the group said the completion of the CMA process provides a solid foundation to support the groups plan to deliver a profit in CTD in the 2026 financial year.

The firm also last month snapped up the brand of collapsed rival Fired Earth in a 3 million rescue deal after the Oxfordshire-based competitor tumbled into administration in October, resulting in the closure of its 20 UK showrooms and 133 job cuts.

Mr Jensen said: The Group continued to deliver growth in the first quarter across each of our existing businesses and delivered like-for-like growth in CTD stores, whilst achieving some significant milestones, including appointing an interim and permanent chief financial officer, closing the CMA process with CTD and acquiring Fired Earth assets.

We are confident of delivering another year of progress both strategically and financially.

Topps will have 22 remaining CTD stores, down from an initial 31, after an investigation by the UK competition watchdog required Topps to sell off a number of stores.

The CTD business was loss-making in the previous financial year amid costs linked to the CMA investigation.

Topps reported a statutory pre-tax profit of 8.3 million in the year to September, jumping from a 16.2 million pre-tax loss a year earlier.
The Department of Health and Human Services said the states access to funds would be restricted pending further review. Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/REX/Shutterstock (Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/REX/Shutterstock)

The Trump administration is freezing more than $10bn in federal childcare and family assistance funds to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said, citing what it called concerns about fraud and misuse.

For too long, Democrat-led states and Governors have been complicit in allowing massive amounts of fraud to occur under their watch, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement.

The Trump administration has threatened federal funding cuts to organizations and states over a number of issues since taking office  ranging from alleged fraud in programs of states governed by Democrats to diversity initiatives and pro-Palestinian university protests against Israels assault on Gaza.

Related: New Mexico now offers free childcare for all. Heres how parents and teachers made it happen

On Tuesday, HHS said it notified the five states, all with Democratic governors, that its freeze applied to the Child Care and Development Fund, worth $2.4bn, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, worth $7.35bn, and the Social Services Block Grant program, worth $869m.

In a statement, HHS said the states access to those funds would be restricted pending further review. The administration has not laid out details of either the fraud claims or the widening plan to withhold funds, which was first reported by the New York Post.

Democrats condemned the freeze. Our states should not be political pawns in a fight that Donald Trump seems to have with blue state governors, New Yorks governor, Kathy Hochul, said, adding the step was vindictive and cruel.

Trump himself has not spoken on the specifics, but he proclaimed on social media Tuesday: The Fraud Investigation of California has begun.

In the fallout, HHS officials said no state will receive childcare funds without providing more verification. Several states told the Associated Press that they had not received any guidance on that decision.

Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, said in an email that Donald Trump is a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago and defended Californias record at stamping out fraud in government programs.

The senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, said Trumps move to halt funding aims to score political points, not to stop fraud.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has singled out Minnesota, alleging rampant fraud is being committed by immigrants in the welfare system and in social service programs.

Trump administration officials have frequently and sharply attacked the states Somali community, the largest in the country, as well as the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, and the Democratic representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali American who represents a Minneapolis-based district in Congress.

Federal childcare funding has been put on hold in Minnesota since late last month amid investigations into a series of alleged fraud schemes at daycare centers run by people with family roots in Somalia.

Rights advocates say the Trump administration is using the fraud investigations as an excuse to target immigrants and political opponents more broadly.
Personal warmth between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin counted for little during the US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Ever since coming to power more than a quarter of a century ago, Vladimir Putin has yearned for Washington to treat him as the leader of a great power, an equal of the United States, as it did during the Cold War.

Instead, in the wintry waters of the North Atlantic, Mr Trump has treated Russia as a minnow, swatting aside its president in the most chastening way.

Moscow had staked its reputation and geopolitical credibility on protecting the rusting oil tanker boarded and seized by US forces south of Iceland on Wednesday.

It reflagged the vessel with Russian colours, added it to its official registry, issued formal diplomatic warnings to Washington and finally dispatched a submarine and other naval assets to shield it  all in vain.

In the process, Putin has once again demonstrated his inability to protect Russias clients and dependents.

He failed to save either Bashar al-Assad in Syria or Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, despite extending patronage to both men.

Now he has shown he cannot even safeguard a leaky rust bucket on the high seas.

The US European Command posted on X saying they had seized the Marinera in the North Atlantic

When Putin intervened in the 19-day pursuit of the Bella 1 across the Atlantic  an operation likened to the slow-speed chase of OJ Simpsons Ford Bronco along Californias freeways 31 years ago  the gamble must initially have seemed a reasonable one.

For the past year, nothing appeared capable of shaking the foundations of Putins relationship with Donald Trump.

The Bella 1, as it was then known, formed part of the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to move oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela in defiance of sanctions imposed by the United States, Britain and other Western allies.

That fleet has been a vital lifeline for Moscow, allowing Russia to sell oil, prop up its economy, fund its war in Ukraine and conduct a hybrid campaign against Europe, using shadow-fleet vessels to conduct sabotage operations against undersea infrastructure and launch drones into European airspace.

Recently, however, the shadow fleet has come under mounting pressure. European states have moved to intercept vessels more robustly, while Ukraine has attacked them in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Pressure on the Kremlin intensified last month when the US imposed a maritime embargo on sanctioned oil tankers operating in and out of Venezuela.

US forces subsequently intercepted and boarded two shadow-fleet vessels and then attempted to stop the Bella 1  which had been under US sanctions for 18 months on suspicion of carrying cargo for Hezbollah  in the Caribbean on Dec 20 as it neared the Venezuelan coast.

Previously registered in Panama, Palau, Liberia and the Marshall Islands, the tanker was flying the Guyanese flag  fraudulently, according to US officials, who noted that it did not appear on Guyanas shipping register.

The Russian, Indian and Ukrainian crew ignored orders to stop, turned the ship around and fled towards the Atlantic, repeatedly broadcasting distress signals to nearby vessels. The chase had begun.

As Christmas Day passed, the panicked crew hauled down the Guyanese colours, painted a Russian flag on the hull and appealed to Moscow, which they believed alone had the power to save them.

Under international maritime law, a vessel falsely flying a flag is regarded as stateless and may be boarded by the authorities of any state. A legitimately flagged ship, by contrast, enjoys protection from such interference.

On New Years Eve, Russia relented. It added the tanker  along with four others that had operated in Venezuelan waters  to its official shipping registry. The Bella 1, Moscow insisted, was no longer stateless. It was now a Russian vessel, sailing a Russian flag, registered to a Russian port. It was also given a new name: Marinera.

This, the Kremlin calculated, was a sanctuary of last resort  and surely sufficient. Personal ties between Trump and Putin aside, the United States might be expected to give up the pursuit, given that the vessel had turned back before reaching Venezuela, was not carrying oil and that boarding it risked breaching international law and triggering a diplomatic incident.

Yet as Bella 1 steamed towards what it hoped would be the safety of Russian waters, the Trump administration showed no sign of abandoning the chase.

Moscow doubled down, issuing a formal diplomatic reprimand demanding that Washington halt its pursuit. Then, in a final escalation, it dispatched a submarine and other naval assets to escort and protect the vessel.

The Russian president clearly hoped to deter the Americans with this show of force. Such tactics had worked before. In May last year, the Russian air force scrambled a fighter jet to prevent the Estonian navy from boarding the Jaguar, another shadow-fleet tanker, in the Baltic Sea.

But the United States is not Estonia, as Russia has now discovered. Trump did not so much call Russias bluff as dismiss it outright.

Backed by Britain, which provided naval and air force assets and authorised the use of its bases, the US seized the vessel, delivering the Kremlin a stinging rebuke.

Putin may have assumed that his warm personal relationship with Donald Trump would work in his favour. It did not. Indeed, the intervention may have further soured relations between Moscow and Washington, already strained after Putin claimed last month that Ukraine had targeted one of his residences with drones. Mr Trump initially expressed outrage on Putins behalf, but then  unusually  accepted a US intelligence assessment concluding that Russia had fabricated the claim.

The deception was not lost on the president.

At the same time, Mr Trump is likely to have been irritated by the Russian leaders failure to heed a message his administration has been making with increasing force: South America is Washingtons backyard.

In early December, his administration published a new security strategy declaring that the region falls squarely within Washingtons sphere of influence under his so-called Donroe Doctrine, a muscular update of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine asserting US primacy in the Western Hemisphere.

By reflagging a vessel attempting to breach the US blockade of Venezuela, Putin was directly challenging that doctrine  and Mr Trump did not like it one bit.

The Kremlin has seen potential upsides in the Donroe Doctrine. Russian officials hope the United States will become bogged down in South America, and there is scope for Moscow to exploit post regime-change instability in Venezuela by backing rival factions vying for power following Mr Maduros capture.

Beyond distracting Washington, such entanglement could also bolster Russias claim to dominance over Ukraine and other former Soviet states.

Yet even as Putin seeks advantage in Ukraine, he has watched Mr Trump deliver a serious blow to Russias global pretensions. The raid in Caracas demonstrated that the Russian air defences Mr Maduro so often boasted of were as ineffective as those that failed to protect Irans military facilities from Israeli and US strikes last year.

In what other Russian partners will see as a further sign of weakness, Putin has neither condemned Mr Maduros ousting nor commented on it at all  just as he was largely silent after the fall of Assad, despite Russias substantial military presence in Syria.

Painful though it will be, the Kremlin has little choice but to absorb its failure to defend the Bella 1.

Whether Mr Trumps irritation with the Russian leader translates into a more sympathetic posture towards Ukraine remains to be seen. But one conclusion is unavoidable: in his latest display of raw power, the US president has laid bare Russian weakness before a watching world.
A boat makes its way into port at Greenlands capital, Nuuk. Photograph: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP (Photograph: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The Trump administration has said repeatedly that the US needs to gain control of Greenland, a mineral-rich, largely self-governing part of Denmark with foreign and security policy run from Copenhagen.

The White House has said using the US military is always an option, but few analysts believe an armed operation is likely and Frances foreign minister has said the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has ruled out the possibility of an invasion.

Last weekends events in Venezuela and Donald Trumps unpredictability mean nothing can ever really be excluded, however, and the US has other ways of fulfilling the presidents territorial ambitions. Here are some of the options.

Buy Greenland

The US first floated the idea of making Copenhagen an offer for the Arctic island in 1867 after buying Alaska from Russia. It reconsidered the idea in 1910, and in 1917 it bought what are now the US Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25m (18.5m).

As the cold war got under way, the Truman administration made a formal offer in 1946  only made public in 1991  of $100m for the island, arguing it was completely worthless to Denmark  and the control of Greenland is indispensable to the safety of the US.

Copenhagen declined and since 2019, when Trump first expressed interest in the island, the Danish and Greenlandic governments have repeatedly said it is not for sale. Rubio, however, reportedly told members of Congress this week that the goal was to buy the territory.

Legal and constitutional experts have noted that the era when countries could buy or barter others territories  and their people  is long gone. The international legal principle of self-determination makes an outright sale more or less impossible.

Under their 2009 self-rule law, Greenlanders can hold a referendum on independence. It is up to the islands 57,000 inhabitants to decide their future. A poll in January found 85% did not want their homeland to become part of the US, with only 6% in favour.

Woo Greenland

Polls, not always reliable on such small numbers, suggest Greenlanders feelings about Trumps promises to invest billions of dollars in the territory are less clearcut, with the population almost evenly divided between seeing them as a threat and as an opportunity.

The first step, already under way, is a hearts-and-minds campaign, investing in the islands economic and educational development and intensifying diplomatic ties. The US consulate in Nuuk reopened in 2020 and a special envoy to Greenland was named last month.

Denmark also suspects Washington of more covert tactics, including an alleged influence campaign. Copenhagen believes this is intended to encourage the islands growing independence movement, which is backed by a broad majority depending on the timescale.

With an independence referendum won and approved by the Danish parliament, the dealmaking could begin. On a visit to Nuuk in March, the US vice-president, JD Vance, said he hoped independent Greenlanders would choose to partner with the United States.

Greenlands current four-party coalition government has strongly asserted that the island belongs to its people. Naleraq, the opposition party that came second in last years election, is also in favour of independence but is more open to dialogue with the US.

The partys leader, Pele Broberg, has said he is not concerned by Trumps recent threats and is confident the US would protect Greenland as an independent nation. Besides, the US cant do anything to us that Denmark hasnt done already, he said this week.

Sign a free association deal

Officials in Washington have reportedly been working for months on a possible compact of free association (Cofa) deal similar to the arrangement the US has with a number of small South Pacific nations, including the Marshall Islands.

Under such a compact, the smaller country retains its independence and is guaranteed Washingtons protection and a potentially lucrative duty-free trade deal, while the US military gets to operate more or less without restriction in a strategically important territory.

Many analysts see this as perhaps the most plausible longer-term outcome, with Greenlands leaders  post-referendum  likely to see a Cofa or some other form of bilateral agreement as allowing them to combine independence with economic advantage.

Rely on existing treaties

One of the mysteries of the latest transatlantic tensions over Greenland is that the US already has wide military access and could easily have more. A 1951 US-Danish agreement allows it to construct, install, maintain and operate military bases across the territory.

The treaty, which was updated in 2004 and includes Greenlands semi-autonomous government, also allows the US to house personnel  and control landings, takeoffs, anchorages, moorings, movements and operation of ships, aircraft and waterborne craft.

Copenhagen has repeatedly signalled its willingness to allow the US to significantly expand its military presence on Greenland, currently confined to the northern Pituffik space base, where about 500 personnel are reportedly stationed.

Another agreement, signed in December 2023 and in force since last year, gives the US unhindered access to Danish airbases and allows it to carry out military activities in and from Denmark. The US has similar agreements with Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Invade

If all else fails, US analysts have suggested a military takeover would not in principle be difficult. Greenland has no territorial army, and the handful of ships and helicopters and lone plane operated by Denmarks joint Arctic command in Nuuk are for observation purposes.

Related: Marco Rubio says he will meet Danish officials as Greenland crisis escalates

They argue that a US military presence on the island, potentially with the support of a few special forces, would theoretically be enough to capture Nuuk in a matter of minutes, and could simply declare Greenland US territory.

In practice, however, Danish analysts say it would be anything but straightforward  particularly in Greenlands notoriously challenging weather conditions. And the fallout would be enormous.

Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said this week that a US attack on Greenland, which is covered by Denmarks Nato membership, would mean the end of the military alliance.

It would also explode post-second world war security, she said. Besides being entirely illegal, analysts also say a US military operation would instantly deprive Washington of its allies trust and potentially vital intelligence.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a former analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, said a US attack would face opposition. A quick and dirty job, seizing the control tower and strategic sites, might have been possible in 2025, he said, but Denmark has ramped up its presence.

Winter weather would also make any operation very difficult, he said. I hope the Europeans can convince the US that we will indeed shoot back, he said. US soldiers would come back to the US in body bags.
US forces have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic in a dramatic move that could put Donald Trump on a collision course with Vladimir Putin.

The UK later revealed British armed forces provided support to the United States capture of the Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland on Wednesday.

The interception of the vessel comes amid a climate of global instability, with tensions also growing between Mr Trump and Europe over the US presidents repeated threats to take over Greenland.

The diplomatic row over Greenland came just days after US forces entered Venezuela and seized its president, Nicolas Maduro, in an extraordinary show of American military power. Mr Maduro was taken to New York, where he is facing charges for drug trafficking, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and narco-terrorism.

Now, the capture of the Marinera could prove to be a new flashpoint in relations between the West and Moscow after Russias transport ministry appeared to suggest that international maritime law had been breached.

The Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, pictured last year (Hakon Rimmereid)

Mr Trump appeared to take a swipe at Americas Nato partners following the operation, writing on social media: We will always be there for Nato, even if they wont be there for us. The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT (Donald J Trump) REBUILT USA. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

His claim of a lack of Western support came despite British involvement in the interception of the Marinera. RAF surveillance craft and a naval supply ship, the RFA Tideforce, were among the British military assets that took part in the operation, according to the Ministry of Defence, which insisted the UKs support was in full compliance with international law.

Defence secretary John Healey said: This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Arguing the seizure was legally justified, Mr Healey later told MPs on Wednesday evening the tanker had been stateless and falsely flying the flag of Guyana when it was first intercepted, before changing its name and attempting to adopt the Russian flag.

He said the UK supported the operation at the request of Mr Trump as part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions-busting and shadow shipping activity.

A member of the US Coast Guard observing the Marinera, which is one of a Venezuelan shadow fleet of tankers carrying oil in breach of US and international sanctions (X/@US_EUCOM)

The sanctioned tanker has been pursued by the US over several weeks, after it apparently escaped what Mr Trump described as a total naval blockade of Venezuela put in place in December.

The Marinera is one of a shadow fleet of tankers carrying oil in breach of US and international sanctions. Currently empty, the vessel hastily renamed itself and painted a Russian flag on its side in a bid to secure Moscows protection after turning toward Europe.

Russias transport ministry said it had granted the Marinera, previously flagged in Guyana, a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag on Christmas Eve. It added that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

US European Command announced the seizure of the Marinera for violations of US sanctions, before it was then revealed that another sanctioned Venezuela-linked tanker was seized by the US. The Sophia was captured during a pre-dawn raid in the Caribbean on Wednesday, according to US Southern Command. In a social media post on the back-to-back operations, US secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem said both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.

The US military has now handed control of the Marinera to law enforcement officials, a US official told the Associated Press.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the crew of the tanker is subject to prosecution.

The sanctioned Marinera tanker had been pursued by the US for several weeks (RT News)

Ahead of the Marineras seizure, Kremlin adviser and former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov told the BBC that such a move would be considered as [an] attack on Russia, and it could lead to very critical or maybe even crisis situation in relations between Russia and US.

The seizures on Wednesday come after US forces apprehended at least two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters towards the end of last year. Meanwhile, at least 33 Venezuelan vessels have been targeted by the US since early September in attacks that are believed to have killed 112 people, justified by claims of their drug trafficking into the US.

Former deputy head of Nato Rose Gottemoeller has accused Mr Trump of wanting to end what has been the post-Second World War law-governed order enshrined in the UN Charter. Speaking to The Independent, she also warned Europe could face a future without US nuclear deterrence amid the US presidents vow to take Greenland.

The UK later revealed British armed forces provided support to the USs capture of the Marinera (PA)

Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by senior British military figures to be much tougher in resisting Mr Trumps threat to annex the strategic, mineral-rich island, which is part of Denmark, a Nato country.

Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace accused the US president of attempting to thieve Greenlands mineral assets, while former Nato deputy supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff said the British government ducks and weaves instead of taking a firm stance on defending the territory.

But on Tuesday, Sir Keir and other European leaders spoke out publicly over the threats, declaring that they will not stop defending Greenlands territorial integrity.
Donald Trump says he will control the sale and proceeds of millions of barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil from Venezuela - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

Venezuela will hand over millions of barrels of oil to the US after the toppling of Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump has announced.

The US president said Caracas had agreed to supply up to 50 million barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil which would be used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Oil has been at the centre of discussions about Venezuelas post-Maduro future.

I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America, the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!

Mr Trump made the announcement days after revealing he would open up Venezuela to American oil companies - Manaure Quintero/Bloomberg

Mr Trump added that he had directed Chris Wright, the US energy secretary, to put the plan into effect immediately.

The oil will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States, he said.

On Saturday, just hours after Mr Maduro was seized from his compound by US special forces, Mr Trump said Venezuela would be opened up to American oil giants.

Mr Trump and top administration officials will meet with representatives of US oil companies on Friday at the White House to discuss plans for them to enter the country, Politico has reported.

Oil giants have previously been sceptical about the move given Venezuelas crumbling oil infrastructure and authoritarian government.

Oil giants may be sceptical of drilling in Venezuela as the new leader, Delcy Rodriguez, navigates political instability - Venezuelan National Assembly/Anadolu

Experts told The Telegraph that companies could be wary of political instability in Caracas. Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Mr Maduros replacement but has a fine line to walk between placating Mr Trump and maintaining the backing of the regimes hardliners.

Currently, Chevron is the only major American oil company that drills in Venezuela even though the country has the worlds largest crude oil reserves.

On Saturday, shortly after Mr Maduros capture, Mr Trump claimed the US had built up Venezuelas oil industry before the socialist regime stole it from us.

This constituted one of the largest thefts of American property in the history of our country, he claimed.
The White House says it is discussing options to acquire Greenland and has even refused to rule out military force as US President Donald Trump pursues his plan to take over the Danish territory.

Trump sees acquiring Greenland as a US national security priority necessary to "deter our adversaries in the Arctic region," the White House said in a statement.

"The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal," the White House said.

A US military seizure of Greenland from longtime ally Denmark would send shock waves through the Nato alliance and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders.

Greenland has repeatedly said it does not want to be part of the United States.

Sir Keir Starmer has joined European leaders in insisting the US president must climb down from threats to take over the territory.

US President Donald Trump addressing House Republicans at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Tuesday (REUTERS)

The UK Prime Minister and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark called the US  as a Nato ally  an "essential partner" in defending Arctic security and stressed that Greenland "belongs to its people" in a joint statement.

In a joint statement, Sir Keir and the other leaders said: "Nato has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European allies are stepping up.

"We and many other allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries.

"The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - is part of Nato.

"Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with Nato allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders."

Icebergs float in the water off Greenland (AFP via Getty Images)

They added: "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

Speaking on the morning media round for the Government on Wednesday, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood told Sky News: Weve heard this sort of rhetoric from Donald Trump over a long period.

But we are absolutely clear - the future of Greenland is a matter for Greenlanders and for Danes.

They are our allies in Europe, they are our allies in Nato, and their future is a matter for them, not for the United States.

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that efforts to take over the territory by force would mean the end of the Nato military alliance.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller had cast doubt on the legitimacy of Denmark's territorial claim over Greenland in an interview with CNN.

He also said there was "no need" to consider whether the US might carry out a military operation to take it over because "nobody is going to fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland".

His wife, Katie Miller, a former political adviser, was among the Trump supporters who appeared to renew calls for the US to annex Greenland not long after the US raid on Venezuela over the weekend.

She posted a picture of the island territory in the colours of the American flag alongside the word "soon".
A handout photo taken from the X account of US European Command shows the Marinera in British waters. Photograph: @US_EUCOM/X/PA (Photograph: @US_EUCOM/X/PA)

Britains Ministry of Defence said it had provided military help to the US forces that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker north-west of Britain and Ireland, initially arguing the operation was legal because the vessel had breached US sanctions on Iran.

John Healey, the defence secretary, said the UK had allowed US aircraft to use bases to prepare for and carry out the mission, while the RAF had provided extra surveillance and the navy refuelling while the final capture was under way.

Healey said British involvement was justified under international law because the Marinera, which was sailing from the Caribbean Sea towards Russia, had previously been placed under sanctions when it was known as the Bella 1.

This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine, the defence secretary said.

Later, Healey expanded the justification for the seizure. The tanker, he told MPs in the evening, had changed its name five times in the last five years and had been falsely flying the flag of Guyana when it was called Bella 1 and arrived in the Caribbean.

A stateless vessel, the defence secretary said, may be lawfully intercepted and subjected to the law of the interdicting state. Stateless ships are generally considered to be without protection under international law, although there is debate about the extent to which they can be boarded or seized.

The Marinera was also, the minister said, part of an increasing web of shadow shipping that fuels and funds instability and that Russia operates a vast shadow fleet of its own to bankroll its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Stopping such ships from trading covertly was hurting Russias war effort, he added.

The UK had decided to assist in response to a request from the US for help, the defence secretary said. But British forces only played a supporting role and no British forces took part in the boarding, Healey told MPs on Wednesday evening.

James Cartlidge, the Conservative defence spokesperson, said his party supported the seizure of the vessel, while the LibDems called for the government to clarify if it was legal under international law. Ellie Chowns, for the Greens, asked why has our government deemed it prudent to hang on US military coattails on Wednesday? and asked if stronger economic sanctions could have been placed on the shadow fleet.

The Bella 1 was sailing towards Venezuela at the end of December, but rapidly reversed course after it was approached by the US Coast Guard. The tanker was hastily renamed as the Marinera and placed under a Russian flag in an effort to deter its seizure, but this did not put off the US.

Bella 1 had been under sanctions by the US Treasury since July 2024, accused by the American authorities of being involved in carrying illicit cargo for a company owned by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group. It is not thought to be carrying oil, prompting speculation as to whether it could be carrying nefarious cargo.

Direct British help on Wednesday included the provision of the RFA Tideforce, a Royal Navy utility vessel that provides fuel, water and other military supplies. Flight records also show an RAF Rivet Joint surveillance plane flying to and from the Atlantic north of Ireland on Tuesday.

The US militarys European Command posted on social media thanking the UK for your unwavering support during the US operation to seize the M/V Bella.

Flight records showed the Marinera appears to have been closely monitored this week by US P-8 surveillance aircraft flying from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk as it crossed the Atlantic a few hundred miles west of Ireland. The surveillance was part of what appeared to be an intense US effort to seize the tanker.

A series of US C-17 transport flights into RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the past 36 hours had prompted speculation they were carrying helicopters that could be used by US special forces to take the ship. Two AC-130 gunships were also filmed arriving at Mildenhall on Sunday.

Data collected by TankerTrackers, a specialist monitor, showed Bella 1 had transported 7.3m barrels of Iranian crude oil and 3.7m barrels of Venezuelan crude oil to China between October 2021 and September 2025.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A record six Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students have been named to the Aviation Week Network 20 Twenties Class of 2026, which recognizes outstanding aerospace-focused university students.

The program announced this week the selection of students Daniella Bezuidenhout, Emanuele Bossi, Natalie Brattain, Skylar Butler, Grace Gratton and Spoorti Nanjamma to its 20-member 2026 class.

With six students named, Embry-Riddle had the most students ever selected to a single class in the 13-year history of the 20 Twenties program, which identifies students with the potential to impact the aviation, aerospace and defense industries.

"We are so inspired by the achievements and potential of these exceptional students," Aviation Week President Greg Hamilton said in the Jan. 6 announcement of the 2026 class.

Students from 20 schools across 13 countries competed for distinction in the 20 Twenties Class of 2026. Awardees were selected based on their academic record, research and design projects, ability to overcome personal struggles and record of giving back to their communities.

"Embry-Riddle is honored to have a record six students named to Aviation Week's 20 Twenties Class this year," said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. "This recognition reflects the exceptional talents of these students and underscores Embry-Riddle's commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders across the aviation, aerospace and defense industries. Congratulations to all six awardees on this distinguished recognition."

Daniella Bezuidenhout, who is completing a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, said being named to the 20 Twenties "signals to the broader aerospace community that my contributions matter." Being included in the list also connects Bezuidenhout "to an inspiring group of peers, and creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and impact," she said.

From South Africa, Bezuidenhout hopes to become the country's first female astronaut. Her research on rotor noise prediction for emerging aircraft such as advanced air mobility vehicles, conducted through the NASA University Leadership Initiative, aims to help engineers design quieter aircraft.

"I aim to ensure that the vehicles promising to revolutionize mobility are not only feasible, but welcome," Bezuidenhout said, "because in the end, the success of aerospace technology is measured not just in altitude or speed, but in whether it earns its place in the skies we all share."

Emanuele Bossi, a senior majoring in Software Engineering and Data Science with a minor in Mathematics, said his inclusion in the 20 Twenties "will help amplify my voice and my work as I pursue a research-driven career in aerospace and complex systems," adding that the recognition is not only personal, but "a reflection of the people and mentors who shaped my path."

The broadly defined direction of Bossi's research involves leveraging mathematical tools "to extract structure from complex, real-world systems and translate that understanding into actionable insight."

His work on data-driven examination and control of complex dynamical systems can be applied to networks in aviation, power grids, biological systems, social interactions and even the spread of information or disease. Bossi competed in last year's Invent for the Planet challenge, as part of a team that proposed an AI-power agriculture system designed to conserve water and fertilizer, reduce environmental damage and increase crop yields, while improving farmers' resilience to a shifting climate.

Natalie Brattain is majoring in Aerospace Physiology to design ways to protect astronaut health, focusing on human physiology, nanotechnology and spaceflight operations. She is a senior and was named a Goldwater Scholar in 2025.

Her main project involves the effect of spaceflight on astronauts' vision, which is often impaired by intraocular pressure. She has developed a wearable, high-sensitivity biosensor to monitor that pressure using a self-healing polymer for which she proposed and implemented a fabrication method, demonstrating the potential of such materials for a range of biosensing applications.

She has also served as a co-lead on a project to build an International Space Station lab investigating the effects of UV and cosmic radiation on the genetics, cell structure and reproduction of tardigrades. Tardigrades are small invertebrates that are able to tolerate extreme environments, including high levels of radiation, and have been used in space experiments and studies of animal survival in space.

Skylar Butler, a senior majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Space Physics, has set her sights on combining theoretical physics with "policy-relevant or real-world applications."

"I want to help push the boundaries of what we as humans know, and to hopefully be a professor to help mentor the next generation of scientists," Butler said.

Her inclusion in the 20 Twenties, she said, will help her "by fostering confidence and reminding me that I am part of a community so much bigger than myself that values excellence, resilience and service."

Her research projects, begun the summer after her freshman year, have involved modeling asteroid disruption dynamics and determining the age of star clusters, among other topics. In 2024, she was awarded a grant to travel to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to study particle physics interactions in core-collapse supernova simulations.

Grace Gratton, a junior majoring in Space Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, has conducted research in two separate areas: systems engineering and solar wind research.

Named a Goldwater Scholar and an Astronaut Scholar in 2025, Gratton helped develop an algorithm for multi-agent systems such as drone swarms or satellite networks. The algorithm is based on the synchronous hatching of giant South American river turtles, a phenomenon involving distributed decision-making across multiple agents that communicate and collaborate to achieve a shared goal.

The algorithm assures consensus even when agents are compromised, meaning it could safeguard drone swarm missions or satellite swam operation. My work contributes to ensuring the security, reliability and effectiveness of the multi-agent systems our nation increasingly depends on," Gratton said.

More recently, Gratton is studying the effects of solar wind on satellites, with significant implications for the aerospace, aviation and defense industries.

Spoorti Nanjamma, who is earning a master's degree in Systems Engineering, said that as an international student, "having my work shared with top leaders across the aerospace industry is incredibly motivating and has opened new doors for me, which encourages me to keep aiming higher."

Her research projects include an investigation into where biologically inspired design has been applied to satellite systems and its potential in new applications. Nanjamma is also working on a cube satellite mission, writing and developing the mission requirements and incorporating model-based systems engineering as the requirements lead, as well as collaborating with the technical teams to ensure consistency, traceability and regulatory compliance.

Nanjamma, whose parents run a small school in her native India, said she hopes that students in the village are inspired by her journey.

"I hope my story helps them believe in themselves a little more and encourages them, especially young girls, to see possibilities beyond the limits often placed on them by society and to believe that they, too, belong in STEM if that's their passion," she said.

Media Contact:

Seth Robbins, director of media communications, 386-241-6060, [email protected]

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A Trans+ Pride march in London. Experts said some firms are reassessing funding choices as transgender causes are viewed in some quarters as controversial. Photograph: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures/Getty Images (Photograph: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures/Getty Images)

LGBTQ+ charities in the UK are operating in a newly hostile environment, experts have warned, as the ripple effect of Donald Trumps attacks on equalities programmes sharpens financial pressures.

The concerns come as yearly accounts submitted by Stonewall, the UKs biggest LGBTQ+ charity, revealed corporate donations had more than halved in the last financial year, falling from 348,636 in 2024 to 143,149 in 2025.

This is an incredibly tough environment for LGBTQ+ charities, said Heather Paterson, the head of partnerships and development for LGBT+ Consortium, an umbrella support group.

Paterson pointed to research published last March by the consortium that estimated LGBTQ+ organisations receive just 10p in every 100 given to voluntary and community organisations in the UK every year.

The US presidents executive orders scrapping DEI at US government level and his freeze on foreign aid for LGBTQ+ programmes have undoubtedly affected fundraising efforts in the UK, said Paterson. This is against a backdrop of increasing running costs, a huge growth in support needs and increasing threats of legal challenges, she added.

While last Aprils UK supreme court ruling on biological sex and its implications for single-sex spaces has no direct impact on funding, it has seen charities such as Girlguiding UK threatened with legal action over their transgender-inclusive stance.

The majority of the sector are small, grassroots organisations, which are especially vulnerable to threats of costly legal action, Paterson said.

Paterson said some corporate firms have become more nervous about funding choices in a political environment where showing support for trans causes in particular is viewed by some as controversial. She added: We also work with funders who report they are subject to increasing negative feedback when donating to LGBTQ+ causes in recent years.

Last month, the Guardian revealed how the UKs biggest businesses were rolling back their public support for Pride celebrations with fewer posts on social media, mirroring a trend seen in large American firms.



Responding to questions about their latest accounts, a spokesperson for Stonewall said that the context we are operating in has shifted dramatically in recent years.

They added: Globally, the LGBTQ+ movement is experiencing a period of significant turbulence including a pushback on rights and freedoms. There are significant reductions in funding for the movement.

Stonewalls income fell from 6.9m in 2024 to 4.7m in the last financial year, with less than 92,000 left in its cash reserves  compared with 998,000 for 12 months before that.

The charity ascribes this to a combination of factors: a decline in donations to all charities because of cost of living and wider economic pressures; a global pushback on DEI; and a shift in Stonewalls own strategy  the charity says recent restructuring and cost-cutting is now reflected in positive financial results in the first half of the financial year 202526.

While much analysis of Stonewalls travails is framed as evidence of a loss of confidence in the charitys vociferous support for trans inclusion, experts in the sector suggest this misses the wider context.

LGBTQ+ charities across the UK are struggling, said one source, who has held a number of trustee roles. This story is much bigger than Stonewall. Since Trumps attacks on DEI in the US, firms in the UK are getting rid of their DEI training budgets too and sponsors are pulling out.

Theres a bigger picture here  its not just because of Stonewall, anyone working within trans rights and other LGBTQ+ charities are struggling and having to make changes, taking on a lot more voluntary work for example.

The pull-back of corporate funders is the inevitable result of the devastating loss of international funding prompted by the second Trump presidency, said Alex Farrow, the head of the Kaleidoscope Trust, which works across the global LGBTQ+ sector from the UK.

Farrow said: I saw less money coming from corporates in the UK last year than I have in previous years, in particular from global businesses, who want to maintain commercial relationships with the US.

At the same time, we see a very emboldened, anti-rights movement, including evangelical Christian conservatives in the US, who have an almost unlimited amount of money.

As a LGBTQ+ charity leader, its a huge concern because we are operating in a hostile environment that is significantly worse than even five years ago.

In his previous role at NCVO, the UKs umbrella organisation for voluntary organisations, Farrow said: I witnessed first-hand how charities werent just facing opposition on the substantive points but a concerted effort to delegitimise their right to speak up for marginalised groups across the country, whether that was trans people, or refugees and asylum seekers.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the agreements were a signal of how seriously Europe and the entire coalition of the willing are ready to work for real security. These are not just words. There is concrete content: a joint declaration by all the coalition countries and a trilateral declaration by France, Britain, and Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. He added that it remained to be determined how the monitoring would work and how the Ukrainian army would be supported and financed. He thanked the United States for its readiness to be a backstop in all areas  security guarantees, monitoring a ceasefire and rebuilding.
US forces backed by the British military have seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic.

They were reported to have landed from a helicopter on the Russian-flagged tanker, the Marinera.

In what was threatening to escalate into a clash between Washington and Moscow, a Russian submarine and other vessels were reported to be monitoring the tankers progress.

Moscow branded the storming of the tanker as a breach of maritime law.

As part of the operation, a British spy plane carried out surveillance on the tanker which at one point was west of Ireland and south of Iceland.

In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two ghost fleet tanker ships one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX  Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026

Separately, the US Coast Guard intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in Latin American waters as Washington continues enforcing a maritime blockade.

Hailing the predawn raids, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem messaged on X: The Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two ghost fleet tanker ships one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean.

Both vessels the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Taker Sophiawere either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.

She added: US Coast Guard tactical teams worked closely with its counterparts at the Departments of War, Department of Justice and State and used their specialized expertise to conduct these operations and conduct two safe, effective boardings within hours of each other.

One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice.

Ms Noem shared footage which appeared to show US forces boarding one of the tankers, although it is not yet clear which one.

Dramatic footage appeared to show a vessel being boarded (US Coast Guard)

Ms Noem stressed further: The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms.

The worlds criminals are on notice. You can run, but you cant hide.

Russia swiftly condemned the US seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic as a violation of maritime law.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states," the transport ministry said in a statement.

It said contact with the vessel, the Marinera, had been lost after US naval forces boarded it.

The tanker in the North Atlantic, previously known as the Bella-1, is reported to have earlier slipped through a US maritime blockade of sanctioned tankers and rebuffed US Coast Guard efforts to board it.

The boarding operation was carried out by the Coast Guard and US military.

The RAF took part in surveillance flights for the operation, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Tideforce provided support for US forces pursuing the vessels, and US air bases in Britain were also used.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia.

The vessel tanker Bella 1 (Hakon Rimmereid via REUTERS)

This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

He added: This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.

The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability.

The Marinera, or Bella 1, is sanctioned by the US under its counter-Iran sanctions, aimed at stopping Iran from fuelling instability in the Middle East through the profits of illegal oil sales, the Ministry of Defence stressed.

It added that the ship was initially flying a false flag and turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued.

The MoD continued: The Russian flagging of the vessel shows their role in this interconnected shadow activity we are seeing across the world, which threatens our national security, harms our economy and undermines global security.

US officials said military vessels from Russia were in the general vicinity when the operation took place, including a Russian submarine.

Donald Trump who has sought to impose a maritime blockade on sanctioned tankers from Venezuela (PA Wire)

Shortly before 2pm UK time, NBC News reported that the oil tanker has been secured and was in US custody.

The Department of Homeland Security was said to have led the operation with US military support.

US law enforcement officials were on board, according to one American official.

The Marinera is the latest tanker targeted by the US Coast Guard since the start of Donald Trumps pressure campaign against Venezuela.

Open source platforms which track shipping showed the vessel south of Iceland and west of Ireland and Britain as of Tuesday, travelling northwards.

An RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane, which left RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire on Tuesday afternoon, can be seen to have flown over the same area of the Atlantic on flight tracking platforms.

Nicolas Maduro after being seized by US forces (REUTERS)

The pursuit of the Marinera comes after the Trump administrations strikes over the weekend in Venezuela, and the middle-of-the-night capture of its president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday when he pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges and claimed he was a prisoner of war.

His deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, has been sworn in as interim leader.

Sir Keir Starmer has faced pressure from his own backbenchers to be more openly critical of the US, amid suggestions that the Trump administration may have broken international law.
Nicolas Maduro in US custody after being captured in an early morning raid in Venezuela on Saturday

The White House has dismissed Britain as weak for its response to the daring US special forces raid to capture Nicolas Maduro.

Donald Trumps aides are infuriated by Sir Keir Starmers lukewarm response to the arrest of the Venezuelan strongman on Saturday.

The Prime Minister should be celebrating the apprehension of a narco-terrorist, not demanding that Mr Trump answer questions about the legality of the raid, a senior White House official told The Telegraph.

It is the latest sign in Washington that a once close relationship between Sir Keir and the US president is cooling.

The once warm relationship between the two leaders is cooling - Leon Neal/Getty Images

A senior White House official said the response from London was sadly predictable.

Its not a surprise, said the official. They are just weak.

This particular insult is one of the strongest thrown around by a White House that revels in decisive moments and pours scorn on leaders slowed by legal niceties.

The Trump administration opened the year with a bang by sending special forces on an audacious raid to arrest Mr Maduro and Cilia Flores, his wife.

The couple are now in a New York jail awaiting trial on charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine, among others.

Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York on Monday after being captured - Eduardo Munoz/REUTERS

They deny the charges, but Mr Trump and his officials have celebrated the clinically executed extraction.

The president called it one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.

The US government estimates that 75 people were killed in the raid, including members of Venezuelan and Cuban security forces, as well as civilians, according to the Washington Post.

Yet the response across the Atlantic has been more muted, as British and European leaders try to balance public concern at American adventurism with the risk of angering the worlds most powerful man.

They have faced a similar dilemma over Greenland, with the White House announcing plans to acquire the island from Denmark  by force if necessary: European leaders united to condemn the US presidents threatened take-over on Tuesday.

For his part, Sir Keir  who is facing mounting pressure from his own party to condemn the capture of Mr Maduro  said the UK had always supported a transition of power.

We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime, he said, before raising the importance of international law.

Credit: Reuters

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, went further, telling MPs that the US should explain its legal basis for the raid.

She said she had raised the importance of complying with international law with Marco Rubio, Mr Trumps secretary of state.

It is, of course, for the US to set out the legal basis for their actions, she said before UN Security Council discussions on Monday.

The response leaves the British Government in a lose-lose position, angering the Labour Left who want Sir Keir to strongly condemn the US capture of Mr Maduro, and infuriating allies in the White House.

American officials say that Article II of the Constitution makes the president commander-in-chief, with authority to order limited military operations.

As Mr Maduro was not the legitimate leader of his country, they argue, he does not enjoy any sort of immunity from American justice. They also say the operation was justified on the grounds of self-defence.

US air strikes on Caracas in Venezuela on Saturday

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, initially praised the capture of Mr Maduro before reversing course after public outcry.

His United Nations envoy later said the raid chips away at the very foundation of international order.

Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, said the US had violated the international organisations charter which requires member nations to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Mike Waltz, Mr Trumps permanent representative to the UN, said bringing Mr Maduro to justice was consistent with the presidents responsibility to protect Americans.

If the UN and this body confers legitimacy on an illegitimate narco-terrorist and the same treatment in this charter of a democratically elected president or head of state, what kind of organisation is this? he said.

A woman attends a rally in support of Mr Maduro - RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP

Mr Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela had agreed to supply up to 50 million barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil, which would be used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Oil has been at the centre of discussions about Venezuelas post-Maduro future.

I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America, the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!

The US has also demanded that Caracas cut ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, and partner exclusively with the US on oil production.

The US is planning to seize a sanctioned oil tanker, linked to Venezuela, off the coast of Ireland after it evaded an American naval blockade in December.

The plan has prompted Russia to send a submarine and other naval assets to escort the Bella 1, according to a US official cited by The Wall Street Journal, in a sign of rising tensions between the two countries.

Monitoring tanker situation

Russias foreign ministry said it was monitoring the tankers situation with concern, according to a state news agency.

British officials reportedly fear that seizing the tanker could provoke retaliation from Russia. However, they are also wary of alienating the US by refusing support.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Sir Keir joined European leaders in insisting that only Greenland and Denmark could decide on the islands future.

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said: Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

However, according to one White House official, Europes full-throated support for Greenland has not deterred Mr Trump.

Asked about the US presidents drive to acquire the territory during his remaining three years in office, they said: Its not going away.
Stacey Smith was jailed for 20 years for attempting to kill her manager - Greater Manchester Police

An ambulance worker whose wife tried to kill their manager in a row over shifts was unfairly sacked, a judge has ruled.

Paula Smiths spouse, Stacey Smith, waited outside the home of Michala Morton before launching a frenzied attack which left her with life-changing injuries.

Jurors in Stacey Smiths attempted murder trial were told the couple had filed a formal grievance against Ms Morton, their boss at Oldham ambulance station, as part of a years-long dispute over their shift patterns.

The crux of the issue was Stacey Smith and her wife wished to work together and share non-working days, Manchester Crown Court heard.

She was jailed for 20 years in 2024 for the attack in November the previous year.

Her sentencing was told she left the scene in her car before texting a friend to say: Ive smashed her head in  Oopsie xx.

Ms Mortons neighbours rushed to administer first aid, secured the hammer and called emergency services, who took her to hospital.

Det Con Stephen McNee, from Greater Manchester Police, said she had been left with serious and life-changing injuries.

Police also arrested Paula Smith after the attack, on suspicion of harassing and trying to kill the manager, but no action was ever taken against her. The North West Ambulance Service Trust sacked her three weeks later.

She was told: Your ongoing association with this incident by your arrest means that if you returned to your role, or an alternative role, patients, staff and the public would not have the required degree of trust in the service and those who operate it; put simply, your known arrest and association with someone who has been charged with attempted murder of your operations manager undermines that trust. The relationship with your wife ... cannot be ignored.

In a reserved judgement, an employment judge wrote: Patients, and the general public, an even more remote group, would, the tribunal considers, be highly unlikely even to make the connection, and, even if they did, they would be highly unlikely to consider that they were at any risk from the claimant.

He said the Trust also focused very heavily upon the claimants arrest and bail conditions, but neither of these received any publicity.

Paula Smith played no part in hurting Ms Morton and did not know of her wifes attack plans, the judgement noted.

The tribunal heard the pair have ended their relationship.

Compensation will be decided later.
The British Army is paying the price for failing to prioritise defence spending, Sir Ben has warned - POPhot Alex Ceolin/UK MOD  Crown copyright 2025

Who is going to deploy? How long can we afford to deploy our troops? What does it mean for our Estonia deployment? What does it mean for everything else?

All pertinent questions, in light of the Paris Declaration on Tuesday night that could see Britain and France putting boots on the ground in Ukraine after a future ceasefire.

The problem is, these questions are being posed by the man who was Britains longest serving defence secretary since Denis Healey, and he doesnt have any answers.

With just over four years in the job (pipped by Mr Healey with just under six) Sir Ben Wallace knows better than most the practicalities and enormous difficulties of deploying military forces into harms way.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, Frances president Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer sign the Declaration of Paris on Tuesday on deploying a post-ceasefire force in Ukraine - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

The coalition of the willing is another spin, he thunders.

Two of those three major powers that met in Paris - Britain and France - arent spending any extra money on defence - only Germany is. Its the coalition of the unwilling to fund!

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, Sir Ben says until that changes, Vladimir Putin isnt going to listen to us.

Why should he? Europeans have been consistently putting social policy before spending on their security and defence and have done for 30-odd years, he says.

Were still spending more money on the NHS, more money on benefits, more money on public transport, bicycle lanes and all sorts of other stuff and expecting America or someone else to pick up the tab.

The 35-nation coalition consists mainly of Western states, such as Britain and EU members France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and the Nordic states, as well as pro-Western countries across the world such as Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Sir Ben meeting Volodymyr Zelensky. The former defence secretary says the Government needs to honour its Nato commitment to increase its defence expenditure - Ukrainian presidential press service/via Reuters

However, Germany has already signalled that it will not post any troops to Ukraine itself, and would limit its contribution to neighbouring Nato countries.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stressed he would only put a troop deployment to a vote in the Bundestag, the German parliament, after a ceasefire had been finalised.

I will only make proposals to the Bundestag once there is a ceasefire and the coalition of the willing has agreed on the procedure to be followed, he said. The prerequisite is a ceasefire.

That in theory opens the door to a scenario where a boots on the ground deal is finalised, only for Germany to drop out after failing to pass a vote in parliament.

Sir Ben is candid about how much Britain could offer Ukraine, by way of a reassurance force.

We could do it for a short period of time, he says. But it would come at the expense of something else.

That something else would likely be Britains battlegroup of around 500 soldiers, on constant rotation through Estonia as part of Natos Enhanced Forward Presence mission, put in place across eastern Europe to deter further Russian aggression after the 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

Credit: Reuters

However, one battlegroup alone would be a paltry contribution from the UK; joint leaders, alongside France, of the coalition.

To maintain international credibility and the moral authority to co-lead the multinational effort, Britain would have to provide much more: another battlegroup and headquarters at least, in order to field a brigade.

Above a brigade of around 5,000 soldiers (mostly from Britain, but likely also incorporating another European Battlegroup), the UK would also be expected to provide the framework staff headquarters for the next level of command: a division.

Sir Keir Starmer and other national leaders have outlined a model of a small number of military hubs, probably a divisional headquarters, with outlying brigade-sized spokes further forward. In Paris on Tuesday, Sir Keir said: I can say that following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraines defensive needs.

All told, a division would consist of around three brigades, plus other enabling elements such as engineering, intelligence and logistic troops, along with communications networks.

A family photo of the coalition of the cilling in Paris on Tuesday - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

Could Britain field a divisional headquarters, plus all the elements of a brigade? Do we have the enablers to physically move and support such forces? Sir Ben is not convinced.

We disinvested in the enablers that allow us to get to the front line of Eastern Europe, he says.

People used to boast about a deployable division. I remember getting told off by Number 10 for publicly saying we cant deploy a division. Its a complete fantasy.

We might have some of the front-line equipment but we dont have the [armoured vehicle transporting] low-loaders and the enablers.

Vladimir Putin knows he effectively has a guy in the White House aligned to him, says Sir Ben - Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AP

As for whether any multinational force in Ukraine would be supported by the US or tolerated in any way by Russia, Sir Ben is scathing.

Its wishful thinking that Trumps going to put any weight behind a backstop, he says.

Asked if he were defence secretary today, would he trust the word of this US administration, he replied: Not at all. I think Putin knows hes effectively, successfully got a guy in the White House that is aligned to him.

Its clear that Trump believes Ukraine is the sphere of influence of Russia. Thats the reality of it.

I think Putin will feel no obligation to comply with [the coalition of the willing plan] or to bend the knee to it or compromise on it, which will probably scupper it.
Interior terraces of the Grianan of Aileach ringfort. Photograph: Mary Montague (Photograph: Mary Montague)

Maybe its the invitation of the slowly lengthening days, but at this time of year I crave a long view. And here, on the approach to the ringfort of Grianan of Aileach, I have it. As the late afternoon sun squints over the forts high walls, its easy to understand why early medieval monarchs cherished this summit.

I watch my shadow loping across the heath before my gaze plunges to the Inch Levels reserve, where flocks of wintering whooper swans and greylag geese speckle the flooded fields. I stop for a moment, lingering over the skys perfect reflection in the reserves brackish lagoon, with Lough Swilly beyond. Not far from here to Irelands northernmost edge and the Atlantic Ocean.

The peninsula where I stand, Inishowen, is the aileach (rocky place) that was once the kingdom of the Owen dynasty. They reigned from Grianan/Greenan Mountain for nearly 300 years after a decisive battle in the eighth century. The name grianan (sunny upper room) suggests how this throne was prized  and it still is. In summer the fort can be thronged with tourists, and during midwinter locals gather here for the solstice. Occasional pilgrims walk the hills from Derry City to the nearby St Patricks Well. Today, as I turn for its narrow portal, it appears that I have Grianans palace of sunlight all to myself.

Graffiti from the past couple of centuries carved into the passageway stones reminds me that this monument is a 19th-century reconstruction of the originals ruin. However, the grandeur of the interior  its grassy floor encircled by rising terraces and back-to-back stairways that climb to a roof of sky  makes any debate about authenticity seem churlish. Grianan has always been a contested site. Solid as rock and yet the seat of dreams, how could it be otherwise?

I climb to the highest rampart, and theres no argument about what an Owen monarch must have gloated over. Three counties  Donegal to the north and west, Tyrone to the south, and Derry to the east. I lift my hand to shade my gaze and a snipe bursts from the heather. It flies off towards the sun, its plumage emblazoned to ochre and gold.

 Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardians Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at guardianbookshop.com and get a 15% discount
Farage announced Laila Cunningham as Reforms London mayoral candidate in a press conference this morning - LEON NEAL/GETTY IMAGES

In Reforms first press conference of the year, Nigel Farage revealed that vigilante mum and Reform councillor Laila Cunningham will be the partys candidate for the London mayoral elections in 2028.

Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley were at the press conference and reflect on whether Cunninghams promise of an all-out war on crime leaves Sadiq Khan vulnerable at the next election, and also ask Farage about Reforms recent dip in the polls and The Daily Telegraphs Save Our Pubs campaign.

They also give their take on the first Prime Ministers Questions of 2026, and accuse Keir Starmer of forgetting that he leads a parliamentary democracy by not giving a statement to Parliament about committing boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Watch episodes of The Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Nancy Perham had a lifelong impact on many of her students because of her championing of careers for women Photograph: none (Photograph: none)

My mother, Nancy Lane Perham, who has died aged 89, was a renowned electron microscopist, cell biologist and champion of women in science. She was dedicated to teaching and research at the department of zoology at Cambridge University, specialising in cell interactions.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Frances (nee Gilbert), a journalist, and Temple Lane, a civil servant, Nancy attended Queen Elizabeth high school, where she was told that women could not be scientists, only lab technicians. Nevertheless, she went on to study cell biology at Dalhousie University, Halifax, graduating in 1958, and afterwards took a masters degree.

She was awarded the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire scholarship and won the Governor Generals Gold medal, allowing her to pursue doctoral studies at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She completed her DPhil in 1963, and then held a postdoctoral position at Yale University, where she met her husband, Richard Perham, who was also a postdoctoral scientist, and they married in 1969.

On moving to Britain in 1970, where Richard was doing research at the department of biochemistry at Cambridge, Nancy joined the department of zoology at the university and became a fellow of Girton College. She helped to lead Girton into a new era, bringing an outspoken and flamboyant presence to the college. She had a lifelong impact on many of her students, not only through her enthusiasm for biology, but also due to her championing of careers for women. Over the course of her career she published more than 100 papers in a range of scientific journals.

Nancy became the first director of the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative in Cambridge, and helped set up and run the UK Athena Swan Project, which aimed to increase the participation of women in science, engineering and technology across the UK. In 1994 she was appointed OBE for services to science.

Nancy also painted in oils and acrylics. She focused on the artistic portrayal of the structures and interactions of cells. Her work has appeared on journal covers and was included in the Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition in 1995.

Richard died in 2015. Nancy is survived by her two children, Quentin and me, by two grandchildren, Isabella and Tristan, and her sisters, Elise and Susan.
Ronan Preston said the posts were an emotional response to events in the Middle East

A religious studies teacher who described Hamas as freedom fighters who committed no crime has been allowed to continue in the profession.

Ronan Preston, a Year 9 tutor at Ursuline High School in Wimbledon, south-west London, described the Oct 7 attacks on Israel as a justified act of resistance and called for glory to Hamas in social media posts.

Mr Preston labelled Hamas terrorists as defenders of humanity, adding: May God grand [sic] them victory in their homeland over the grotesque, barbaric, idol worshipping invaders.

The Catholic school teacher was suspended and reported to police over the offensive posts, made between Jan and April 2024, before later being dismissed.

Mr Preston taught religious studies at Ursuline High School in south-west London - Nicolas Asfouri/National Pictures

The previous government proscribed Hamas as a terrorist organisation in the UK in 2021. Members, or those who invite support for the group, could be jailed for up to 14 years.

Mr Preston was referred to a misconduct panel, where he faced the prospect of being struck off the teaching register.

Despite being found to have committed unacceptable professional conduct, he was spared a ban. The Teaching Regulation Agency concluded that publishing its findings was enough of a punishment.

His posts were exposed by the GnasherJew website on April 23 2024, and a few hours later, he removed his account on X.

On Jan 25 2024, he posted: Im delighted to infirm [sic] you monsters Hamas committed no crime.

In a post on Jan 19 2024, he wrote: October 7 was a justified act of resistance under a brutal and crushing occupation, adding in March: Glory to Hamas and freedom for humanity [praying hands emojis] victory over the imperialist racists!

A selection of the teachers social media posts on X

In April, he wrote: May their deaths be an inspiration to the cause of Hamas and the Palestinians against this great satanic evil the world faces.

However, Mr Preston was spared being prohibited from teaching after a panel heard he was remorseful. He claimed the highly offensive posts were a mistake and had left him mortified and ashamed.

Adnan Qureshi, the panel chairman, said: He [Mr Preston] stated that at the relevant time he had become rather consumed with the events in Israel and Palestine and that he had struggled to look beyond the scenes being portrayed.

Entirely out of character

Mr Preston told the panel that, at the time he made the posts, he had been working long hours at the school and had become socially isolated.

He described the posts as an emotional response to what he was learning about in the Middle East, and said that he greatly regretted both what he had posted and the manner in which he had done so.

After losing his job, Mr Preston, who is also known as Ronan Preastuin, returned to his native Ireland, where he had worked as a substitute teacher. He said he wished to apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community.

The misconduct hearing described the posts as abhorrent and extremely offensive, demonstrating a lack of tolerance and respect for Israel, Jewish people and Judaism and that they undermined British values.

However, the panel concluded that his behaviour was entirely out of character and that there was no evidence that any pupil at the school saw the posts in question or was harmed by them.

Mr Qureshi concluded: The panel was of the view that, applying the standard of the ordinary intelligent citizen, it would not be a proportionate and appropriate response to recommend a prohibition order.

It considered that publication of the findings in respect of unacceptable professional conduct and disrepute would adequately mark the seriousness of this matter.

Eoin Kelly, the head teacher at Ursuline school, said: As soon as we became aware of the allegations, Mr Preston was suspended pending an internal investigation and the relevant authorities were informed. Following a disciplinary hearing, Mr Preston was dismissed from his role in July 2024.

We are very clear about the high standards of conduct we expect from our staff, and as this case shows, we will always take decisive action to maintain the trust that our families place in our staff.
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Archaeologists say the box could offer new insight into the lives of the people who once occupied the north Cotswolds - Wychavon District Council

A one-of-a-kind Roman box, carved from bone, has been unearthed at an archaeological site.

The box, believed to have held a medicinal ointment or similar substance, was found intact in the grave of a young woman at a site in Broadway, Worcestershire.

Jamie Wilkins, who led the excavation, said he had never seen anything like this object before and knew immediately that the team had uncovered something truly special.

The top of the box is decorated with intricate ring and dot markings, which suggests it dates to the late Roman period. Specialist analysis showed that it was made from the bone of a roe deer.

Constance Mitchell, of Worcestershire Archaeology, said that currently, we can find no known parallel examples to the carved box.

One theory the archaeologists are looking at is that the box contained ointment used for pain relief. Analysis of the burial by an osteoarchaeologist has revealed lesions and evidence of inflammation around her [the womans] joints which would have caused pain, Ms Mitchell said.

Something truly special

However, the original use of the box may remain a mystery. Its careful placement in the grave indicates that it was meaningful to its owner and was likely to have been of high value.

Dating evidence suggests the owner was a young woman between 25 and 30-years-old.

The excavation has also found evidence of prehistoric, Roman and Saxon activity across the site, showing humans have populated Broadway for thousands of years.

In addition, archaeologists found the largest known late Roman cemetery in Worcestershire, containing 79 bodies, at the Milestone Ground site.

Ms Mitchell said: Post-excavation work will allow us to learn more about the late Roman community who lived, worked and died in this corner of the Cotswolds.

Once the work is completed, the artefacts and records from the site will be deposited in the Worcestershire County Museum.

The carved box will appear on BBC Twos Digging for Britain programme on Wednesday evening.
Mr Grant, from Stowmarket, patrolled beaches and escorted allies on D-Day in 1944 - Jordan Pettitt/PA

A Royal Marines veteran who escorted Allied troops landing in Normandy on D-Day has died aged 101.

Francis Jim Grant, from Stowmarket in Suffolk, manned one of two anti-aircraft guns fitted to his Landing Craft Flak on June 6, 1944. They provided covering fire for troops landing on Sword Beach in Normandy.

The Stowmarket Royal Naval Association Branch, of which Mr Grant had been president, announced on social media on Friday that the veteran had died after a short illness.

Mr Grant joined the Royal Marines aged 18 in 1943 and served until 1946, patrolling beaches and escorting allied troops around Sword, Gold and Juno beaches on D-Day and taking part in the Battle of the Scheldt later in 1944.

The veteran, who celebrated his 101st birthday on Dec 20, attended the Remembrance Sunday service in central London in November. He was also pictured at the annual D-Day ceremony of remembrance in France in June.

Mr Grant (pictured during his military days) also took part in the Battle of the Scheldt later in 1944 - Royal British Legion

In a Facebook post last Friday, his branch said: It is with sadness that we have been informed that shipmate Jim Grant, our branch president, crossed the bar yesterday after a short illness at the age of 101.

Jim served with the Royal Marines during the Second World War, taking part in both the D-Day landings in 1944 and then the vital Battle of the Scheldt, which opened the port of Antwerp.

A holder of Frances highest national order of merit, the Legion dhonneur, we were honoured to have Jim as a shipmate. Rest easy, shipmate, your watch is complete.

For his 100th birthday, the local community group Mr Grant attended at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket organised a surprise party for him, which was attended by family and friends, representatives from the Royal Navy and a representative of the King.
NBC Chicago Melanie Smith

NEED TO KNOW

A 28-year-old woman from Zion, Illinois started experiencing "bad" stomach pain on Christmas day and, on going to the hospital, was shocked to be told that she was nine months pregnant

Melanie Smith subsequently delivered baby boy Vincent who weighed 8 lbs.

Smith and her husband describe the baby as a "miracle" and "the best surprise"

An Illinois woman went into labor on Christmas Day, even though she had no idea she was pregnant.

Melanie Smith, 28, from Zion, Illinois, started experiencing "bad" stomach pain on the holiday and travelled to Waukegan hospital, where doctors realized, to her shock, that she was nine months pregnant, per NBC Chicago.

"I thought I was dreaming," she said in an interview with the outlet, "A really intense dream, and any minute I'll wake up."

I thought they were lying to me at first, she said of being told she was pregnant. I was like, this is a Christmas prank. Youre just messing with me. Ive been told I cant have kids.

She was subsequently transferred to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, where baby boy Vincent was delivered, weighing a healthy eight pounds.



Google Maps Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital

Smith said that although she had missed her period, she didnt think it was anything to be concerned about, as she had an irregular menstrual cycle.

I had some minor back pains, but none of the traditional symptoms, she said to NBC. I didnt have any morning sickness or anything like that. I didnt even really grow a stomach.

NBC reports that Smith experienced a Cryptic pregnancy, which, per Mayo Clinic, is when a woman doesnt know shes pregnant because of irregular periods, not knowing the common signs of pregnancy, or experiencing a false negative on a pregnancy test.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to the medical center, Cryptic pregnancies are rare, with studies suggesting about 1 in 475 pregnancies go unnoticed until about 20 weeks gestation, while about 1 in 2,500 pregnancies go unnoticed until delivery.

Smith described the experience of labor to NBC Chicago as overwhelming, particularly as she and her husband hadnt financially prepared for Vincents arrival. After initially contemplating placing Vincent for adoption, they decided that they would make it work as a family.

I saw my husband hold Vincent for the first time, and realized, oh, actually this is doing things for me. I cant give up my kid anymore, she said, adding that her husband called Vincent a Christmas miracle.

It was the best surprise for someone who really hates surprises, Smith said.

Read the original article on People
Key Points

In December, President Donald Trump decided to permit Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 chips to some Chinese customers.

A Reuters report suggests that there is high demand for Nvidia's chips in China.

The company's top line could jump substantially this year if it can fulfill the strong demand emerging from China.

10 stocks we like better than Nvidia 

Shares of artificial intelligence (AI) chip pioneer Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) delivered a solid performance in 2025, rising by nearly 39%. However, several concerns weighed on the stock throughout the year, including intensifying concerns about a potential AI bubble and the risk posed by the circular financing deals prevalent in the sector.

These factors explain why Nvidia underperformed the PHLX Semiconductor Sector index's 42% gain last year. Additionally, restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump on the company's ability to sell its chips into the Chinese market in April led to the company losing a significant amount of business. However, Trump's recent decision to allow Nvidia to sell its advanced chips to "approved customers" in the Chinese market could set the stage for the stock to beat the market in 2026.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

Nvidia signboard outside the company's headquarters.

Image source: Nvidia.

Nvidia is reportedly witnessing terrific demand from China

In December, President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Nvidia would be able to sell its advanced H200 processors to select customers in China. However, it will have to pay 25% of its revenue from those sales to the U.S. government. This is good news for a company that seemed on track to clock $30 billion in revenue from the Chinese market in the current fiscal year before Trump's previous restrictions kicked in.

A recent report from Reuters revealed that Nvidia could start shipping its H200 data center processors, which are around 6 times more powerful than the downsized H20 chip it was previously selling there, in mid-February. And now, another exclusive Reuters report indicates just how strong the demand for the H200 processors is in China.

The latest article reports that Chinese tech companies have placed orders for more than 2 million H200 chips, which are based on the previous-generation Hopper architecture. Given that Nvidia has only about a third of that amount in stock, it has reportedly asked its foundry partner, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, to boost production so it can fulfill the demand from Chinese customers.

Reuters' source added that TSMC will reportedly start producing the additional China-bound chips in the second quarter. Also, Nvidia is reportedly going to price the H200 chips at $27,000 each for the Chinese market. After deducting the 25% that Nvidia will need to pay to Washington, it would receive just over $20,000 from the sale of each H200 chip to Chinese customers.

Assuming that the company indeed sells 2 million H200 processors to China, it could generate $40 billion in revenue from that market in 2026. That could pave the way for more upside in Nvidia stock in the new year.

The Chinese business could help Nvidia crush expectations in 2026

Wall Street's consensus revenue estimate for Nvidia's fiscal 2027 (which begins near the end of this month) stands at $320 billion, 50% more than the current fiscal year's expected revenue.

NVDA Revenue Estimates for Next Fiscal Year Chart

NVDA Revenue Estimates for Next Fiscal Year data by YCharts.

However, the chart above indicates that analysts haven't yet factored in the revenue that the company could generate from China. Trump's announcement and Reuters' reports have all arrived in the past month, and the revenue estimate line for the next fiscal year hasn't moved substantially in the wake of those developments.

So, if Nvidia indeed generates $40 billion in revenue from China in its fiscal 2027, its top line could hit $360 billion, which would be a jump of 69%. Nvidia today trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 21. It could continue to trade at that premium a year from now, as it is likely to deliver a stronger top-line jump than analysts' expectations.

Based on those numbers, Nvidia's market cap could hit $7.5 trillion next year, which would amount to upside of 63% from its current level. All of this indicates that it is likely to remain a top AI stock in the new year.

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Riverside County Sheriff and governor-hopeful Chad Bianco said law enforcement is part of the solution to Californias enduring challenge in addressing homelessness while he spent the morning in Los Angeles Skid Row on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

He was joined by Kate Monroe, CEO of VetComm, a business that assists veterans in VA disability claims, and a self-described veteran advocate.

The two walked around a stretch of Skid Row near the Los Angeles Police Departments station on Sixth Street, speaking with several individuals nearby about their experiences with an area thats long been home to people without shelter. But discussions with two individuals on Tuesday highlighted the complex nature of addressing homelessness in the state: People dont always choose shelter.

One woman said she preferred staying in a tent as opposed to a shelter, where there is too much drama and fighting.

Bianco, a Republican, is running for governor of California among a crowded field of candidates. He has been a vocal critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom  which didnt cease during his walk with Monroe along Skid Row  and endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024, the Desert Sun reported, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

But at least two polls conducted last October and December showed the Riverside County Sheriff leading among identified candidates for the primary election in June, although the share of undecided voters was larger in both instances.

We keep calling it homelessness, Bianco said. It has nothing to do with homeless here. We walked around building after building after building of homes  the people are still living in tents. This is not about homes. This is about drug addiction, alcohol addiction, mental health care and the complete failure of us to address human beings in a compassionate manner to get them the help that they need.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor of California, sits with Kate Monroe during their walking tour of Skid Row in Los Angeles, Jan. 6, 2025.

In an interview with KTLA last September, Bianco said law enforcement knows how to solve the homelessness issue. Hed also then taken aim at the California governor and lawmakers, saying Newsom and the state Legislature do not want to fix the issue of homelessness because its a money grab and a money laundering scheme to NGOs and nonprofits.

Today, it seems his stance hasn't changed.

Fixing Skid Row? That, he said, could be fixed in four years while explaining one approach he and Monroe share in addressing homelessness with the USA TODAY Network. Thats if you take what he knows in law enforcement, paired with Monroes background in military and desire to help the community, the Riverside County Sheriff said.

Bianco talks law enforcement, base camp proposal during Skid Row walk

When asked to explain more about the role law enforcement plays in addressing homelessness, Bianco said we must stop calling it a homeless crisis and that there are plenty of places for individuals dealing with homelessness to live.

Substance use, living on the street and a persons inability to care for himself or herself is what needs to be enforced by law enforcement, Bianco said. While being homeless isnt a crime, it is a crime to steal, be under the influence of drugs or engage in prostitution, he said.

The Riverside County Sheriff also blamed politics in hampering law enforcements efforts.

However, California did pass Proposition 36 in 2024, which shapes charges and sentences for theft and drug offenses. The California District Attorneys Association has described its purpose as reforming laws that have dramatically increased homelessness. But the nonprofit National Alliance to End Homelessness opposed Prop 36 in 2024, saying nothing in it alleviates homelessness, and instead could make it worse.

A proposal Bianco and Monroe share is something the CEO called base camp: You present people with the option to go to base camp, a kind of temporary site that gets people services they need, from rehabilitation to learning a trade and, if they get a job, live in something akin to a group home, she said.

After medical setbacks, a family works to escape homelessness Johnika Jamison, 38, holding her daughter Everly, 1. Her family has been homeless for more than a year after she and her husband experienced medical troubles that put them out of work. Jamison is struggling to lead her family out of homelessness while tending to their everyday care and needs. Jamison along with her husband and three daughters have been staying in a small hotel room for weeks as they embark on year two of homelessness. Jamison dreams of better days, but tending to her family's care needs takes up so much of her time she barely has a moment to look for work.

According to the governors office, the Newsom administration has provided local communities with more than $27 billion to address homelessness.

However, a report released in 2024 from the California State Auditor concluded that California must do more to assess the cost-effectiveness of its homelessness programs, noting that three of the five state-funded programs related to homelessness that were reviewed were unable to be assessed for their cost-effectiveness because of the lack of sufficient data.

Last May, Newsom released a model ordinance for communities statewide to use as a starting point to create their own policies in clearing encampments, outlining what is prohibited when it comes to encampments and how to approach enforcement.

Insights from Skid Row

Skid Row spans four square miles of Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County, bordering the Arts District to its east and Little Tokyo going more north. Its an area thats long been challenged by homelessness, and long been the subject of efforts to address it. Also intertwined with Skid Rows history are the advocacy efforts of the late General Jeff  the mayor of Skid Row, said the NAACP Los Angeles  to programs like the Skid Row Arts Alliance.

It's a place where nearly 3,400 people were homeless on a single night last February, according to the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Just over half were unsheltered.

Monroe frequently took the lead in going up to individuals on the sidewalks or walking around in the area to ask about their experiences. In one instance, she provided a man with cigarettes and cash after he spoke about his experience.

Melvin Farmer, 68, said he is a community advocate. He offered to speak with Monroe and Bianco and was joined by three other men to discuss Skid Row and homelessness, one of whom chose not to identify himself with the USA TODAY Network. They brought up the violence the community faces, a general need for recovery centers and questioned why Skid Row hadnt already been cleaned up.

Im not used to this area but I learned since Ive been down here what its like and its heartbreaking, Antonio Fuller, 43, said.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CA governor-hopeful Chad Bianco tours Skid Row, talks homelessness
Free-roaming cats often come and go without much notice. In places where thats normal, owners dont always question a cats long absences, and veterinarians sometimes treat animals brought in by someone other than the registered owner. Most of the time, those visits are routine.

Occasionally, small details begin to add up. A patch of shaved fur, a note in a medical file, or a follow-up appointment already on record can suggest a cat is being cared for elsewhere. Thats what happened in Inglewood, New Zealand, when a veterinarians records revealed that one cat had been receiving treatment from two different households, without either owner realizing it.

A Cat Who Never Fully Disappeared

Image via Canva/Guillermo Spelucin

To one household, he was Simba, a cat owned by Shirley Bishop. He came and went as many outdoor cats do. At times, he stayed away longer than expected, then returned as if nothing had happened. The pattern felt mildly puzzling but not alarming. Outdoor cats often establish routines that remain largely unseen by the people who care for them.

That changed when Simba came home with stitches along his neck and a shaved patch on his shoulder. A visit to the veterinarian confirmed the treatment had already been done.

Privacy rules limited what the clinic could share. One detail still stood out. The address connected to his care was on a street far from his usual roaming area. This did not look like a one-time rescue or a  encounter. It suggested familiarity. Someone else knew Simba well enough to take responsibility for his medical care.

Two Homes, Two Names

The second household had its own version of the same story. Around nine months before everything was discovered, a friendly cat had started showing up regularly. He was affectionate, vocal, and comfortable enough to make himself at home within just a few days. He ran laps through the house and curled up on the couch, as he belonged there. The owner, Mychaela Groombridge, named him Crazy Horse.

This home fed him, housed him, and eventually took him to the vet after he was bitten by a dog. To them, he was a neighborhood cat who had chosen their place. Nothing about the situation felt unusual, because cats often choose people. The overlap became clear through a social media search that connected both households. However, the bigger surprise followed when it became clear that the two women already knew each other through their work.

How the Double Life Worked

Image via Canva/Dali Images

The cat did not travel far. Both homes were in the same town, close enough to move between without effort. That distance made the arrangement easy to maintain. He stayed long enough in each place to seem settled, then left without raising concern.

Cats tend to build attachments around comfort and access rather than exclusive bonds. Reliable food, a safe place indoors, and calm human attention matter more than consistency with one household. This cat found all of that in two homes.

The situation also shows how much people rely on assumptions. Each household thought they understood his habits because his behavior matched what many expect from an outdoor cat. Nothing seemed unusual until veterinary records made it clear that something had been shared without anyone realizing it.

Sharing a Cat Without the Drama

Once the facts were clear, the response was easy. The two households agreed on shared custody, and the cat kept both names. A notebook tracked his weight, vaccination history, and general health, and communication replaced guesswork. The cat stayed safe, received consistent care, and continued routines he clearly preferred. The humans avoided conflict by focusing on logistics instead of ownership.
One of the country's top cryptocurrency kiosk vendors has agreed to pay the state of Maine nearly $2 million as part of a settlement to compensate victims of fraud, the state announced on Monday.

Bitcoin Depot, which operates more than 25,000 bitcoin ATMs across the country, will pay the state $1.9 million, which represents money "taken by third-party scammers who defrauded Maine consumers through their kiosks."

Victims of fraud perpetrated using Bitcoin Depot kiosks may apply for compensation from the state. As part of the settlement, Bitcoin Depot admits to no wrongdoing or violation of state or federal laws.

Bitcoin ATMs increasingly used by scammers to target victims, critics say

Bitcoin ATMs, which allow users to insert cash and send it to a digital wallet anywhere in the world in only a few minutes, have emerged as scammers' top go-to method for separating Americans from their cash, according to experts.

In a typical scam, fraudsters will convince their victims that they must make a payment or safeguard their cash by inserting it in a bitcoin ATM. Once the transaction is executed, experts say, the money can be nearly impossible to recover -- making it an attractive method for prospective scammers.

STRF/STAR MAX/IPx via AP - PHOTO: A Bitcoin Depot is seen at the Newport Mall in Jersey City, N.J., Nov. 23, 2021.

In 2025, Americans lost more than $333 million to bitcoin ATM scams, the FBI recently told ABC News, representing a dramatic uptick from prior years.

Maine has taken some of the nation's most aggressive steps in limiting the proliferation of scams using bitcoin ATMs, including establishing daily deposit limits and capping transaction fees.

A spokesperson for Bitcoin Depot, which currently faces a separate lawsuit in Iowa, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.
Law enforcement officers assist with immigration enforcement efforts in New York on Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: Tia Dufour / U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Public Domain

(The Center Square)  A protestor Homeland Security said tried to kill officers was fatally shot Wednesday morning in Minnesota's Twin Cities, less than 24 hours after an Ecuadorian wanted for murder in his home country was taken off the streets there.

Tricia McLaughlin of Homeland Security said a woman in a vehicle attempting to run over our law enforcement officers was killed. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he was aware and demanded U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave the city.

"An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots," said McLaughlin, assistant secretary of Homeland Security. "He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers. The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. The ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries."

Its a repeating chapter for enhanced enforcement of federal immigration law. The agents are not made welcome in cities where Democrats are leaders, and protests have turned violent including using vehicles as weapons against humans.

The city, in a statement, said the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city and making our community less safe.

Tomas Espin Tapia, also accused of being a sexual predator, was apprehended by ICE as part of the largest to date enhanced federal immigration law enforcement. An estimated 2,000 agents have descended upon Minneapolis and St. Paul making more than 1,000 arrests of people illegally in America.

The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, said those arrested included murderers, rapists, pedophiles and gang members. Tapia, DHS said, came into the United States on Oct. 23, 2022, and was released in by the Biden administration. A sexual assault warrant was active for him in Connecticut at the time of his arrest.

If you think you can come to this country and get rich defrauding the American people, think again, Noem said alongside the agents on the ground in Minnesota, where accusations of fraud that could total $1 billion are under multiple investigations. We will root out every case of fraud we find from Minneapolis to California to New York.

Americans deserve justice, answers and accountability. And under President Trump, we will deliver just that. If you cant play by the rules, you cant stay in our great country. Period.

Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities, started in December, is the latest coordinated enhancement of immigration enforcement.

Operation Catahoula Crunch, in New Orleans last month, generated an estimated 350 arrests. Operation Charlottes Web, in the Carolinas in November, led to another 425.

ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents have also had enhanced operations in Chicago (about 3,000 arrests over many months), Los Angeles (10,000 arrests over more than half a year), Memphis (2,600 arrests over many months), Portland, San Diego and Denver.

In a social media post, Homeland Security said Americans would be kept safe and fraud eradicated. Were not leaving until the problem is solved, DHS said.

Gov. Tim Walz, this week removing himself from a reelection campaign, on Tuesday said it was ridiculous for 50 ICE agents to arrest one guy in a library.

Nobody is fooled into thinking this buffoonery is a reasonable use of taxpayers dollars, he said.

To which, Noem replied, Really, youre worried about taxpayer dollars? Theres been $9 billion stolen from taxpayers in Minnesota since you became governor. You wont let us in Minnesotas jails and there is rampant assault against our law enforcement thanks to vilification from politicians like you. So, yes, theres strength in law enforcement numbers to remove these violent criminals from the communities you refuse to protect.
The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Photo: Bernd Dittrich / Unsplash

(The Center Square)  New York public school students would be required to learn about the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol under a proposal filed by Democratic lawmakers.

The legislation calls for amending the state's education laws to require schools to include the instruction of the Jan. 6 "insurrection" and its aftermath alongside existing coursework in civic education and historical events such as slavery and the Holocaust.

"Five years after the Donald Trump-led Capitol insurrection, his administration continues to spin revisionist narratives to gaslight the American people into believing the events of that fateful day were somehow not a violent assault on our democracy," state Sen. John Liu, D-Bayside, the bill's main sponsor, said in a statement.

Liu said at a time when "conspiracy theories" are inspiring political violence, "it's more important than ever that our schools equip the next generation with the truth, free from bias, and without prejudice, in order to protect our democracy."

State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, D-North Shore, said the Jan. 6 curriculum proposal was inspired by Trumps "all-out effort to erase the January 6th insurrection, which he personally led, along with many other inglorious moments in our history, from the memory of time."

"I sincerely hope that Americans of good faith will challenge the administrations attempts to move our nation towards an autocracy by attempting to whitewash parts of our history and instead fulfill our nations solemn obligation to teach our children the truth," he said in a statement.

A draft of the bill said the goal of requiring the instruction is "to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service and obligation which are essential in preparing to meet the obligations of citizenship in peace or in war."

"Young people are looking to their teachers to help them understand both history and current events," reads a summary of the bill. "New York's educators have a responsibility to help our students understand what happened on that day and assist them in analyzing the legacy of that historical moment."

On January 6, 2021, the day Congress gathered at the Capitol to certify Democrat Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election, Trump led a Stop the Steal rally at the Ellipse in Washington that culminated when more than 2,000 demonstrators broke into the Capitol after crashing through police barricades, vandalizing the building and ransacking legislative offices.

Demonstrator Ashli Babbitt was shot to death by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to break into the House floor. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed and died one day after the attack, while four other police officers at the Capitol that day died of suicide half a year later. Dozens were injured.

But five years later, the leaders of both major political parties have refused to agree to an official history of what happened on Jan. 6, 2021, with most Democrats calling it a Trump-backed "insurrection" by protesters seeking to overturn the presidential election and many Republicans arguing it was a lawful protest that got out of hand.

Shortly after returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 1,600 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The president has referred to the demonstrators as "patriots" who were unfairly prosecuted by the Biden administration for exercising their First Amendment rights. He has also blamed the media for exaggerating the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
ALTADENA, California  Newlyweds Ryan and Jasmine Lovell were in Fiji on their honeymoon  enjoying a romantic seafood dinner and a personalized chef-decorated dessert to mark the occasion of new nuptials  when their phones started blowing up.

Frantic text messages, neighborhood alerts, sorrowful and devastating voicemails from family members. Something really bad was happening back home  and things seemed to be getting worse by the minute.

It was Jan. 7, 2025.

Fire was eating up the bone-dry hillsides of the Pacific Palisades, and Eaton, just at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Santa Ana winds were relentless, pushing and pushing the hungry embers.

See dramatic before and after images from the Eaton Fire one year later TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened.

Ryan Lovells oldest sister was in California, watching flames licking closer and closer to the familys Altadena home. The home where her newly married brother and sister-in-law planned to join her, live and raise a family. The same house where Ryan was brought home as an infant.

Another generation was meant to reside there, of course. That's what their mother, Gloria Lovell, always intended. Gloria was a nurse who managed racism at work  one of a few Black people  and managed to buy a house with her ex-husband. She would raise her children here, scraping by on a nurses salary.

So for the family matriarch, generational wealth could only exist in the form of a house. Four walls. A home where her children and their offspring might thrive. Something tangible she could leave as a legacy of love. Something she believed might help level the playing field for her Black family.

Ryan Lovell walks through the remnants of his family home in Altadena, California on Jan. 21, 2025.

That playing field would become leveled. And not at all how Gloria Lovell once envisioned this promise for the future.

Achim Airitam, Ryan Lovells sister, knew she needed to evacuate the 1912 Craftsman located at 2172 Maiden Lane. The electricity flickered off, and she couldnt find a flashlight. She panicked. What important documents should she grab? Could she safely escape? Where would she go?

She was not able to gather my mothers ashes, our parents wedding albums, or our childhood mementos. She barely had time to escape. Lovell told me. It broke her.

Scorched homes. Scorched memories.

It became clear to me what I was witnessing, even almost two weeks after the wildfires devoured parts of Southern California. Put simply, it was the worst natural disaster I had ever experienced in my 32 years as a professional journalist.

For blocks and blocks, rows of brick chimneys stood defiant, unshakable among the rubble of scorched homes. Scorched memories. Scorched dreams.

Leveled.

Los Angeles Sheriffs Department deputies and cadaver dogs were on the move, still searching for human remains. The missing. Those whose family members and friends desperately tried to reach them, but heard nothing back.

Hillsides, once green, or at least brown, looked black. You could follow the violent path of the flames just by examining the former lush vegetation that served as an entrypoint to the Altadena neighborhood.

The towering palms, now destroyed from the trunks to the fronds, remained upright. The loaded citrus trees  oranges, lemons and grapefruits  relinquished their bounty to the ground. Burned sweetness and deliciousness unable to survive despite any internal water content.

When I visited Altadena after the fires, I was struck by the residents tearfully sifting through their properties looking for anything salvageable. Because of all the toxic materials that burned, they had not been allowed back home for those two weeks.

I wanted to console them. Give them hugs. But I saw their stone faces, their grief, their disbelief. What could I, a stranger, possibly offer? At first glance, Im certain it would have appeared like I was just there to do my job, to report about this tragedy.

The burnt remains of the Lovell family home in Altadena, California.

I was. But I wasnt. Until a few months before the wildfires, Los Angeles had been my home, too.

I prayed for them. I prayed that Gods mercy would guide and comfort them through this most distressing reality. Because it was, without a doubt, some of the most awful imagery I will take to my grave.

While in the field, while meeting these people and experiencing their palpable sorrow and loss, I constantly fought back waves of vomit  only because I was wearing a full-face respirator mask to protect my lungs from the toxins.

Ill never be whole again. So I cant imagine the everlasting suffering  both mental and physical  from those who actually lived in Altadena and survived this nightmare.

'Maybury for African Americans'

The fast-moving Eaton Canyon fire destroyed nearly 9,500 structures, damaged more than another 1,000, burned more than 14,000 acres and killed 19 people.

But it snuffed out so much more.

This was a community filled with Black and Brown people, those who created a place one survivor described as Maybury for African Americans.

Ryan Lovell, left, and his sister, Achim Airitam, watch as their family home is demolished in Altadena, California, on June 5, 2025.

This was a place that became a refuge for Black people who fled the Jim Crow South in the early 20th century, searching for better lives and a respite from systemic racism. This was a place where homeownership was passed down to the next generation, often the bellwether of familial wealth. This was a place where families settled, grew, loved  and ultimately lost.

This quaint community 13 miles north from Los Angeles proper, was a haven to the roughly 44,000 people who lived here.

It was among the California cities including LA., Oakland, and San Francisco that played pivotal roles during the Great Migration, when Black folks moved mostly from the South to establish a better life  one without overt racism.

Altadena became that place.

Until it wasnt. Until the fires.

Workers sort through remnants on the property of the family home of Ryan Lovell in Altadena, California, on June 5, 2025.

Since the Civil Rights Movement, small business entrepreneurs, artists, and activists flourished. While the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act in 1968 officially ended redlining, the practice of denying Blacks and other communities of color access to housing, many people of color continued to migrate to Altadena in the 1960s and early 1970s.

But like so many disasters that disproportionately victimize Black and Brown people, slow warnings and evacuation alerts, particularly for western part of Altadena, meant more people died from the wildfires than in other areas of Southern California.

I have no plans to return to Altadena, former resident Joelle Moeisseau-Phillips told me. I am heartbroken but there just isnt a clear, affordable path that makes sense. On top of that, Im concerned about the health of the folks who stay or return. And it will never be the same. It was a sweet little oasis full of diversity with a wonderful Black community nestled inside. Thats not coming back.

Establishing firm roots

For the final goodbye midnight snack of their Fiji honeymoon, the resorts chef again sent Ryan and Jasmine Lovell a round of personalized sweet treats. Absolutely personal. And remarkably sweet.

One container boasted a vanilla pastry with strawberry icing swirls. The chef carefully scrawled a heartfelt and gutwrenching message.

It was a single word.

Sorry.

When the couple were preparing to leave Fiji, packing suitcases  and heavy hearts at the idea of what they would see and experience when they returned to Southern California  they pledged to love each other through the challenges and trauma to come.

They flew home with the typical baggage  and fear-of-the-unknown baggage. But they also flew home with a surprise blessing. Though her parents didnt know it as they bid farewell to Fiji, Kyra was onboard.

Back in Los Angeles, Ryan went to his childhood home. A home that no longer existed. The only thing standing was the garage. And the chimney. He went about salvaging what he could  his mothers medical books, his sisters catering supplies, a few family photos.

Ryan Lovell, right, poses for a portrait with his wife Jasmine and daughter Kyra at their new home in Upland, California.

After decades of holiday family gatherings in Altadena, the Lovell family has settled into a new reality. Ryan and Jasmine have a newborn. Kyra is her name. She was born Sept. 16, 2025.

She's our blessing through this whole tragedy because we found out my wife Jasmine was pregnant with Kyra about two days after we found out that our house was lost due to the Eaton fire, Ryan Lovell said.

They didnt know what to do. Where to go. They had a plan. But it went up in flames. FEMA offered little help in the short term. So they lived with family members until they got their fiances  and mental stamina  together.

The Lovells eventually purchased a house in Upland, recognizing they couldnt bring a new child into the world without appropriate housing. They had to do what was right for the next generation. Just as Gloria did.

A sign on the property of the family home of Ryan Lovell in Altadena, California, on June 5, 2025.

We moved here at the end of June of 2025, Lovell said. We had to kind of hit the ground running, searching for a place to live, obviously due to the circumstances surrounding the Eaton Fire. So we spent the first half of 2025 just looking for a place to call our own. We wanted something to buy, something to kind of establish firm roots since those roots were kind of taken from us a little bit earlier this year. So this was a really important search for us.

The Altadena lot remains in the family. But theres nothing there except a garage. And a sign that says: ALTADENA. NOT FOR SALE. They were underinsured  as were so many  and cant imagine the cost of rebuilding. After all, its ridiculously expensive to own property in Los Angeles. Even when its just dirt and burned memories.

Suzette Hackney is a national columnist. Reach her on X:@suzyscribe

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fire destroyed Altadena. How one family found hope in a new life.
Washington  The House Oversight Committee held a hearing Wednesday on a series of multimillion-dollar fraud schemes in Minnesota, with testimony from state lawmakers who alleged officials resisted efforts to address systemic financial impropriety.

"Minnesota social services, which are funded by you, the American taxpayer, are being ripped off," Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican and chairman of the committee, said as he kicked off the hearing. "The breadth and depth of this fraud is breathtaking, and I fear that this is just the tip of the iceberg."

The panel heard from four witnesses: GOP state Reps. Kristin Robbins, Walter Hudson and Marion Rarick, along with Brendan Ballou, a former prosecutor for the Justice Department who is appearing as the Democrats' witness.

Asked how fraud became so widespread in Minnesota, Hudson said that "when people recognized that the system wasn't working and they raised those concerns, those concerns were ignored and a culture suppressing raising those concerns was fostered by the Walz administration," referring to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

Minnesota Reps. Kristin Robbins, Walter Hudson and Marion Rarick are sworn in during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 7, 2026. / Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Republican officials have argued for years that Minnesota was slow to act in what federal prosecutors described as the "largest pandemic fraud in the United States." The issue saw a resurgence late last year, and it hasn't gone away. Republicans have cited the scandal to put pressure on Walz, who announced this week that he was ending his bid for a third term.

In December, Republicans on the Oversight Committee launched an investigation into Walz's handling of the fraud cases. Comer has invited the Minnesota governor and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify before the committee next month, and has said the committee would subpoena them if they don't appear voluntarily.

"Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minnesota's Democrat leadership have either been asleep at the wheel or complicit in these crimes," the chairman said. "We must expose this theft of taxpayer dollars and hold everybody accountable who let it happen."

The fraud hearing

The three Republican state lawmakers testified about their concerns regarding the treatment of rampant fraud in Minnesota, while outlining the work they've undertaken in the state to bring it to light.

Robbins said, as chair of a fraud prevention committee in the Minnesota House, she's been "working to uncover the massive fraud under Tim Walz, propose solutions and hold state agencies accountable." She alleged that Walz and his administration "have willfully turned a blind eye to crime in the face of countless whistleblower and auditor reports."

"The time for accountability and justice is here," Robbins said.

Robbins outlined that the committee has identified fraud in multiple Medicaid programs, including autism centers, sober homes, non-emergency medical transportation, integrated community supports and housing stabilization. And she said her committee held a hearing last month on "credible allegations of fraud in two new areas," pointing to adult day services and assisted living.

Robbins also testified that her committee has evidence that, as far back as 2012, money has been sent back to the al Qaeda affiliate al Shabaab. The Treasury Department said last month that it would investigate whether tax dollars from Minnesota's public assistance programs made their way to al Shabaab, which is based in Somalia.

Robbins claimed that there is "a network of people who have been politically supporting the Democrats, who have also been contributing to them, and who have been involved in multiple schemes."

Hudson argued that the "recent national conversation about fraud in Minnesota has been fraught with distractions, diverting from critical concerns regarding process, policy and oversight, to sideshow concerns about personalities and partisan politics." He said he hoped to provide a "clear picture of a culture which has developed over many years."

"The full scope of the problem is not just criminal fraud, but a culture of profiting from government programs in perpetuity," Hudson said. "Not as a safety net, but as an industry."

During questioning, Comer asked Hudson: "Why would Gov. Walz let $9 billion in fraud occur?"

"In my opinion, because it was politically beneficial to Democrats. Again, the Somali community is a huge constituency group, and we've had some tight races in Minnesota, and it makes a difference for them," Hudson said.

Rarick testified about whistleblowers who she said face a "constant fear of retaliation" that has "intensified under an avalanche of fraud in Minnesota." She alleged that the Walz administration "seriously retaliated against whistleblowers."

Ballou, the former DOJ prosecutor and the minority's witness, said he's fearful of "selective interest in fraud in America," saying "at the same time that these crimes are rightly being investigated by state and federal authorities, the larger infrastructure for prosecuting fraud and white-collar crime is being dismantled."

Democrats on the committee acknowledged concerns about fraud, but underlined that the response should not punish communities unjustly, while pointing to what they said was hypocrisy from their GOP colleagues when it comes to taking fraud allegations seriously.

Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the panel's top Democrat, acknowledged the dangers and prevalence of fraud in his opening statement, but said that "what we should not do is use fraud as an excuse to rip away aid from innocent people who follow the rules and need help in our society."

Garcia cited the administration's plans to halt billions of dollars in federal funding for social services programs in five states led by Democrats following allegations of fraud.

"Republicans want to cut benefits and attack states with Democratic governors," Garcia said. "And when it's done  particularly in places like Minnesota  it has unleashed bigotry and hate."

What to know about Minnesota fraud

Federal law enforcement officials say a litany of social service programs in Minnesota were targeted by fraudsters, including child nutrition, autism services and housing stabilization programs, in what one prosecutor described as "industrial-scale fraud."

Some 92 people have faced federal charges so far, with 62 convicted.

The scandal began with allegations that people bilked nearly $250 million from a program that partnered with the Minnesota Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to distribute meals to children during the pandemic. Dozens of people have been convicted or pleaded guilty to collecting reimbursements for meals that weren't actually served.

Prosecutors have also charged over a dozen people with submitting phony reimbursements to a now-defunct program that helped seniors and people with disabilities find housing  including two Pennsylvanians who allegedly traveled to Minnesota in what officials described as "fraud tourism." And a program that funds therapy for children with autism was allegedly hit with fraud.

And a conservative YouTuber alleged nearly a dozen day care centers in Minnesota that are receiving public funds are not actually providing any services. Some of the day care centers and state regulators have pushed back on those allegations.

Walz has faced criticism for his handling of the fraud schemes, with watchdog agencies and Republican lawmakers arguing the state government missed warning signs and moved too slowly to shut down fraudulent payments.

The governor has long defended his handling of the crisis, arguing he has moved quickly to halt fraud and refer people for criminal prosecution.

Walz cited the fraud earlier this week in his decision to end his gubernatorial bid, acknowledging that in recent years, "an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state's generosity." He added that "even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis."

President Trump has focused on the fact that most  but not all  of the fraud defendants are of Somali descent, drawing backlash from local officials like Walz, who called the president's comments "vile, racist lies and slander."

Tim Walz, Jacob Frey and more Minnesota officials subpoenaed by DOJ

"Mastermind" behind the Minnesota fraud scheme defends herself and admits regrets

"Queer Eye" cast addresses member's absence and reflects on legacy of show
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024.Credit: Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

(The Center Square)  The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is set to hold its first of two scheduled hearings on the fraud and misuse of federal funds in Minnesota Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Three Republican Minnesota state lawmakers who have reportedly sounded the alarm in the past on some of the rampant fraud of its social services programs have been called to testify. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz  who just announced Monday that hes dropping out of the 2026 governors race  and the states attorney general have been invited to testify in the next hearing, currently scheduled for Feb. 10.

American taxpayers demand and deserve accountability for the theft of their hard-earned money, said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the committees chairman. The U.S. Department of Justice is actively investigating, prosecuting, and charging fraudsters who have stolen billions from taxpayers and Congress has a duty to hold offenders accountable.

Investigations have identified roughly $9 billion in government funds awarded to alleged fraudulent businesses or individuals posing as legitimate providers within Minnesotas taxpayer-funded social services programs  and those investigations are still ongoing. The $250 million Feeding Our Future pandemic relief scheme was the first major case in what has since been revealed to be a suspected broader pattern of high-dollar fraudulent enterprises taking advantage of those programs.

The magnitude of the fraud, coupled with reports that concerns were raised internally but potentially dismissed for political reasons, pressured Walz to withdraw his bid for reelection.

This misconduct cannot be swept aside, and Congress will not stop until taxpayers get the answers and accountability they deserve, Comer said in a statement.

The committee hopes to uncover why this type of fraud has been so prolific in Minnesota and some potential solutions to prevent it going forward.

As numerous examples of fraudulent child care centers have been exposed, the Trump administration has halted federal child care funding to Minnesota.
A woman reacts holding a Venezuelan flag as Venezuelan immigrants celebrate after the United States struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Brooklyn, New York on January 3. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

The fate of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the United States remains in limbo after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as the country grapples with an uncertain future.

President Donald Trumps tough line on government abuses in Venezuela helped buoy him to a resounding victory in South Florida, where Venezuelans make up a large share of the population.

But the relationship between his administration and the Venezuelan community has been turbulent. Last year, a series of moves by the Trump administration stripping deportation protections for Venezuelans, many of whom fled their country amid deteriorating economic conditions and fear of political persecution, sparked a sense of betrayal.

Now, while many Venezuelans in the US celebrated the capture of Maduro and his wife by US forces in Caracas, they also remain concerned about the regime that remains in charge there  and what might await them if the Trump administration sends them back.

There could be progress. We dont know when. We dont know if there will be progress. But what we know is what were living in the present time and it looks ridiculously bad for anyone to go to Venezuela right now, said Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus. The uncertainty is huge and bigger than ever  and the desperation is something that I cant even explain.

The Trump administration made clear its intent to continue to deport Venezuelans, including by using the Alien Enemies Act, in a Monday court filing that cited the Justice Departments indictment against Maduro to justify the use of the wartime authority, which is ensnared in ongoing litigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said over the weekend that the administrations decisions over immigration programs benefiting Venezuelans havent changed in the wake of Maduros capture.

Venezuela today is more free than it was yesterday, and it will continue to be that way as long as President Trump is in the White House and is making sure that hes protecting the interest of the American people, because that ripple effect will continue to bring that kind of liberty to Venezuela as well, Noem said on Fox News Sunday.

Senior Trump officials have echoed that sentiment, arguing that Venezuela is better off now than it was a few days ago, making way for nationals of the country to return. Internally, Homeland Security officials continued routine operations, including as it concerned Venezuelans.

But additional comments Noem made in the Fox interview caused confusion over the weekend, when the secretary stated that Venezuelans whod had their temporary protections revoked could apply for refugee status. The department later clarified Noems remarks on social media.

Secretary Noem ended Temporary Protected Status for more than 500,000 Venezuelans, the department said in a post on X, and now they can go home to a country that they love.

That sentiment has been reiterated by officials in multiple subsequent public statements.

The posture has not changed: USCIS encourages all Venezuelans unlawfully in the U.S. to use the CBP Home app for help with a safe and orderly return to their country. As always, USCIS will continue to process asylum and refugee requests in accordance with existing law and official policy updates, US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser said in a statement to CNN.

The instability in Venezuela over the last several years already fueled a massive refugee crisis amounting to nearly 7.9 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants globally, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

Hundreds of thousands of them arrived in the US over the span of two decades. From 2000 to 2021, the Venezuelan-origin population increased nearly 600%, the Pew Research Center found. As of mid-2024, there were an estimated 764,000 Venezuelan migrants living in the United States, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Last year, the Trump administration ended a form of humanitarian relief known as Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in the United States and ended a parole program allowing Venezuelans, as well as other select nationalities, to temporarily live and work in the country. Both decisions were legally challenged. More than 600,000 Venezuelans benefited from TPS.

Venezuelan migrants deported from the US walk the jet bridge after their arrival in a repatriation flight at the Simon Bolivar International Airport on December 3, 2025, in La Guaira, Venezuela. - Jesus Vargas/Getty Images

Many of the Venezuelans living in the United States were facing uncertainty even before Maduros arrest, according to Julia Gelatt, associate director of the US immigration policy program at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Some are applying for asylum, but backlogged immigration courts and a freeze on applications at US Citizenship and Immigration Services means getting answers is a lengthy process.

Theres a pretty big percentage of Venezuelans in the US who are without any kind of status. And because of the travel ban and the associated pause at USCIS right now, theyre not able to get another kind of status, like asylum. And even if they were granted something under President Biden, now USCIS is revisiting those immigration statuses conferred by the Biden administration, Gelatt said.

And even if conditions improve dramatically in Venezuela, she said, that doesnt mean the millions of Venezuelans who fled under Maduros regime will return.

Former Homeland Security officials said that typically, administrations would do the reverse in this situation and consider temporary protections for nationals from a country facing turmoil.

An event with this much political instability would normally spur an increase in asylum applications and potential grants of TPS and/or parole, said Sarah Pierce, director of social policy at Third Way and former senior USCIS official.

Emotions have been mixed among the Venezuelan community. Jubilant demonstrators sang and danced in the streets in the suburb of Doral, Florida, a city about 15 miles west of Miami, home to more Venezuelan immigrants than any other city in the US, that is affectionately known as Doralzuela.

Were scared but hopeful, Venezuelan-American Marisela Lara, who lives in Miami, told CNN over the weekend.

Many Venezuelan migrants in the US harbor the same concerns despite the removal of Maduro, given the same oppressive apparatus remains in place in the country.

Most of my clients were very, very happy in the immediate aftermath, but are now concerned youre going to have the same group of individuals in power in Venezuela, said Helena Tetzeli, immigration attorney based in Miami who represents around 100 Venezuelan clients.

My clients run the gamut in terms of political leanings  in general, one thing they have in common is a wait-and-see attitude, if theres really going to be a change back to democracy in Venezuela or a different cast of characters that are more deferential to the United States, she added.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A laptop displays an employment and unemployment graph on a desk. Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square

Criminal justice grants announced

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has announced $50 million in taxpayer-funded grants for historically underserved communities.

ICJIA says it will allocate $35 million to support community reentry from the criminal legal system, economic development, and civil legal aid programs, with another $15 million slotted for youth development and violence prevention initiatives.

The state budget for fiscal year 2026 appropriates a total of $180 million in taxpayer funds for ICJIA.

DCFS scholarship applications open

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is accepting applications for the 2026 DCFS Scholarship Program until March 31.

Scholarship recipients receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers if they attend a public university or community college, a monthly grant of $1,577 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

In 2025, DCFS awarded scholarships to 334 college-bound youth. Applications are available online.

Unemployment rate unchanged

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Tuesday that the states unemployment rate was 4.4% in November, unchanged from September.

Novembers rate was down -0.5 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Total nonfarm payrolls were down 0.2% in November.
Lindsey Graham Make Iran Great Again Hat [Screenshot/YouTube/Fox News/USSenLindseyGraham]

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham showed off his new Make Iran Great Again hat while advocating for U.S. intervention during an interview Sunday.

Graham appeared on Fox News to discuss President Donald Trumps decision to capture and remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. The senator argued that Trumps move undid the humiliation of the Afghanistan withdrawal under former President Joe Biden and addressed Cuba before Fox News Trey Gowdy pressed him on Iran.

With Donald Trump, you have a bold visionary who doesnt look for conflict but will not be trifled with. So heres the message for the world: If youre hurting America, you do so at your own peril, the senator told Fox News Trey Gowdy.

The interview turned to Iran and the current protests underway in the country, which have already resulted in the deaths of multiple people. Gowdy asked Graham if the protests could be an opportunity to rid the world of the Islamic government. (RELATED: Beyond Oil, Trump May Be Able To Grasp Other Treasures In Venezuela)

Graham called out pro-Palestinian protestors over the demonstrations in Iran. All the people who are protesting for the Palestinians, where are you today standing behind the people of Iran who are trying to throw over the Ayatollah? he said.

The senator went on to call the Ayatollah a religious Nazi and accused him of killing a sixteen-year-old on a bus for not wearing a head cover.

The people are in open revolt. Theyve chosen not to live this way anymore, and unlike [former President Barack] Obama, President Trump has not turned his back on the people of Iran. So I pray and hope that 2026 will be, he said before pausing to put on a Make Iran Great Again hat, the year that we make Iran great again.

This is not the first time Graham has espoused such rhetoric regarding U.S. intervention in Iran.

During a Fox News interview Tuesday, Graham said, To the people of Iran, we stand with you tonight. We stand for you taking back your country from the Ayatollah, a religious Nazi.

And to the Ayatollahs, you need to understand, if you keep killing your people, who are demanding a better life, Donald J Trump is going to kill you. Change is coming to Iran, itll be the biggest change in the history of the [Middle] East to get rid of this Nazi regime. To the people of Iran, help is on the way, he went on to say.

After Trump ordered the bombing of Irans nuclear sites in June, Graham responded on X. Count me in for any way possible to Make Iran Great Again by making it decent again. MIGA! he wrote, applauding Trumps efforts against the current regime.

The Daily Caller has reached out to Sen. Grahams office for comment.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis discusses offshore oil drilling during a news conference Jan. 6, 2025, at the Capitol in Sacramento. Photo: Madeline Shannon / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, along with other state officials and environmental advocates, announced her opposition Tuesday afternoon to President Donald Trumps efforts to expand oil drilling off the California Coast.

The announcement follows a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior that Kounalakis sent in November. She urged the federal government to remove California from the Trump administrations plan to expand offshore oil drilling. The letter stated that moving forward with offshore drilling would cause immense harm to the environment and communities of Californias coast.

This is no place to try to re-open offshore drilling, Kounalakis said during a news conference in the state Capitol in Sacramento. The costs are just too high. We are saying no way  not over our efforts to ensure that we keep the Trump administration off of our coastline.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-San Luis Obispo, also sent a letter to the Sable Offshore Corp., alleging that well testing in May of last year signaled that the company was planning to re-start oil drilling operations at the Santa Ynez Unit, a crude oil and natural gas processing facility in the Santa Barbara Channel.

For the first time in 40 years, we have a president who is pushing to expand oil drilling off our shores, Addis said during the news conference. Its a threat to the industries that sustain us while providing minimal economic benefit for the people, as well as disastrous consequences for public health and vulnerable marine habitats.

According to Kounalakis' letter, more than $80 billion in revenue is generated from industries along the coast, including agriculture, tourism and clean technology. Worries abound that the coast along Santa Barbara, which would be the site of most of the new oil drilling leases the federal government proposed, would endanger the area in the same ways as the 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill and the 2015 Refugio Spill, the letter stated.

We know exactly what happens when marine life is destroyed, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, said during the press conference. Fisheries are shut down. Tourism collapses, and communities lose millions in revenue. This is not speculation, this is history.

Californias latest move to oppose offshore drilling follows an auction of oil and gas drilling rights in the Gulf of America in December, a major win for the Trump administration to expand energy production off American shores, according to The Center Square's previous reporting.

The Center Square reported that U.S. oil production rose by 44,000 barrels a day in September 2025, putting the countrys oil production at a record 13.84 million barrels daily.
The California Capitol stands in Sacramento as the legislative session opens, Jan. 5, 2026. Photo: Madeline Shannon / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  As California looks toward 2026, here are the key education laws that will take effect.

In 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a myriad of education-related laws that will go into effect this month. One that has had much debate is Assembly Bill 495, known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025.

Authored by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, D-San Fernando, the bill claims to provide immigrant families facing deportation with solutions in taking care of their children. The legislation is designed to ensure children are not left vulnerable if a parent is unexpectedly detained by immigration officials.

Under the law, a nonrelative extended family member could authorize school-related medical care and enrollment in school for a minor by filling out a one-page affidavit. The parents' signature is not required and a person who relies on this affidavit has no obligation to make any further inquiry or investigation, the affidavit states.

The California Family Council and other parental advocacy groups have been in huge opposition to the bill, arguing it creates opportunities for abuse and calling it a child traffickers dream.

Newsom also signed AB 727, authored by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, DLos Angeles, which requires the Trevor Projects LGBTQ+ suicide hotline information to be printed on the back of all public school student ID cards for grades seven through college.

The Trevor Project online platform, TrevorSpace, encourages LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 to connect and share personal stories. Yet law enforcement and family advocates have warned that the website is not monitored and can leave children vulnerable to online predators.

Brenda Lebsack, a trustee for the Santa Ana Unified School District, has testified against AB 727, stating that she was shocked that the governor signed to have Trevor Project on the back of every ID card.

A few other education laws to highlight are AB 1264, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-San Fernando Valley. This law will phase out ultra-processed foods from school meals in California.

As part of the Golden State Literacy Plan, the governor also signed AB 1454, authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, DSalinas. The bill seeks to ensure educators and school leaders have access to training, tools and resources to improve student literacy outcomes.

SB 640, authored by Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-California, will grant qualifying students automatic admission to California State University campuses. Under the new law, eligible students must apply to CaliforniaColleges.edu to receive an official letter of acceptance and select the CSU campuses to which they wish to apply.

The Center Square has also reported on other California laws going into effect in 2026.
As former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife face drug trafficking and other federal charges in the U.S., virtually all of the ousted leader's inner circle  including some with whom he's accused of running a cartel that allegedly smuggled tons of cocaine into the U.S.  remain in their posts.

A source briefed on the Trump administration's planning has told U.S. lawmakers that at least some members of that inner circle who, like Maduro, have been charged with crimes in the U.S., could be targets for further American military and law enforcement action.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on CBS' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that an operation to capture at least four of Venezuela's top officials in separate locations was deemed too complicated ahead of the U.S. strikes on the country, leading to the operation focused solely on Maduro as the top target, along with his wife.

Then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (center) speaks next to first lady Cilia Flores (2nd R), Vice President Delcy Rodriguez (R), Venezuelan deputy Diosdado Cabello (L), and the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez (3rd L), during a rally at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, July 30, 2024. / Credit: RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty (RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty)

Below is a look at some of the senior members of the Maduro regime who remain in Caracas, in some cases with U.S. bounties on their heads.

Delcy Rodriguez

The most senior member of Maduro's inner circle untouched by the U.S. attacks and raid over the weekend is the country's former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in soon after the American raid as the new interim president, taking the reins from her longtime political mentor.

The 56-year-old has long been seen as a loyal confidant and protege of the now-deposed Venezuelan leader, and a member of a cadre accused by Washington for many years of helping Maduro maintain his authoritarian grip on power.

It remains unclear if Rodriguez and the Trump administration might find a way to work together, and thus whether she might remain in power to some degree following Mr. Trump's assertion that the United States will "run" Venezuela for some unspecified period.

Venezuela's then-Vice President Delcy Rodriguez (C) and her brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez (R) arrive for a meeting with diplomatic representatives in Caracas, Venezuela, Sept. 29, 2025. / Credit: JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty

Mr. Trump warned after Maduro's capture that if Rodriguez "doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro."

Diosdado Cabello

Another stalwart of the Maduro regime is Diosdado Cabello, who currently serves as Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, giving him oversight of the country's police and prisons.

Cabello previously served as vice president, and for many years as president of the country's parliament. He also spent years in command of Venezuelan intelligence services.

Like Maduro, he has been indicted on criminal charges in the United States, accused of helping to traffic more than 5 tons of cocaine to the U.S.

National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello gestures to supporters as then-Vice President Nicolas Maduro, left, looks on after a session by lawmakers at the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 5, 2013. / Credit: AP/Fernando Llano

He was first charged in 2020 with various federal drugs and weapons offenses in an indictment filed in the same Southern District of New York where Maduro was arraigned. The indictment named Cabello as a senior figure in the Cartel del los Soles, which Maduro is accused of leading.

He was hit with further charges in a superceding indictment filed as the U.S. launched the attack on Venezuela. He's been described as the "chief thug" in terms of running Venezuela's domestic security forces, who helped keep Maduro in power, and the indictment lays out his alleged ties to drug cartels.

Cabello could be among the targets of further U.S. military and law enforcement action, the source told CBS News' Brennan on Wednesday.

There is a U.S. government reward of $25 million on offer for information leading to Cabello's capture.

Vladimir Padrino Lopez

Vladimir Padrino Lopez, currently serving as Venezuela's Minister of Defense, is also accused of direct involvement in trafficking drugs into the U.S.

The U.S. accuses him of allowing the safe passage of commercial flights carrying illegal drugs, and of collecting a protection fee for doing so, and he was indicted in a federal court in Washington D.C. in 2020.

Padrino, who has longstanding ties with Russia, also has a U.S. bounty on his head, with a $15 million reward on offer.

Jorge Rodriguez

The new interim president's brother, Jorge Rodriguez, has served as President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, the country's Maduro-controlled legislature, since 2021. He's also considered a key figure in the regime.

"My main function in the days to come... as president of this National Assembly, will be to resort to all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president," Jorge Rodriguez told lawmakers.

Just like his sister, Rodriguez has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury over his alleged role in undermining democracy in Venezuela and propping up Maduro's authoritarian regime.

Nicolas "Nicolasito" Ernesto Maduro Guerra

One of Maduro's sons, along with his mother Cilia, who was arraigned with her husband in New York on Monday, was also charged in 2020 with drug offenses relating to the Cartel de los Soles.

Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, 35, known in the country as Nicolasito, or Little Nicolas, is currently the deputy president of the legislature. He is also sometimes referred to as "The Prince" in the country.

Deputy president of the Venezuelan National Assembly Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of ousted President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on Oct. 8, 2025. / Credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty

According to the U.S. indictment, the younger Maduro partnered with his father, other senior officials and "narcotics traffickers and narco-terrorist groups, who dispatched processed cocaine from Venezuela to the United States via transshipment points in the Caribbean and Central America."

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The German share price index DAX graph is pictured at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/staff

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As Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro awaits his fate in a New York jail, nearly $2 billion worth of the nation's oil appears to be bound for the United States as well.

The toppled leader and the country's petroleum reserves are two immediate spoils from U.S. President Donald Trump's recent embrace of military force to achieve policy goals. In recent days, he's hinted at strikes against Colombia and Mexico, as well as using U.S. Armed Forces in taking frigid Greenland, long an object of fascination for the Trump administration.

Markets have taken the events largely in stride, with crude reacting the most on the prospect of some 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil due to be shipped and sold in the U.S. under a plan announced by Trump.

U.S. oil executives are expected to visit the White House as early as Thursday to discuss investments in Venezuela, according to three sources familiar with the planning.

Rising geopolitical risks, which include simmering tensions between China and its neighbours, have kept the safe haven of gold near its record high. And supply concerns for industrial metals have driven a spike in prices, including all-time highs for copper.

Asian shares traded mostly lower, failing to keep up momentum that drove U.S. and European benchmarks to record levels overnight. Japanese shares in particular were weighed down as a diplomatic rift with China resulted in Beijing banning exports of certain goods that can be used for military purposes, a move decried by Tokyo as "unacceptable".

It's not all sabre-rattling. The main economic event this week remains key U.S. employment data on Friday that offer hints on monetary policy from the Federal Reserve, with markets pricing in two more rate cuts this year. But as a prelude, Wednesday brings the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) as well as ADP private payrolls data.

Key developments that could influence markets on Wednesday:

- German data on retail sales, unemployment

- France consumer confidence for December

- Construction PMIs for euro zone, Germany, France, Britain

- U.S. JOLTS, ADP employment reports

(Editing by Sonali Paul)
The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025. Credit - Hakon RimmereidREUTERS

The Trump Administration sharply escalated its enforcement of a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports on Wednesday, seizing two tankers in separate operations across the Atlantic and Caribbean and signaling that the United States intends to exert direct control over how Venezuelan oil reaches global markets.

One of the seized vessels was a Russian-flagged tanker that U.S. officials said had violated American sanctions after attempting to sail to Venezuela to load crude oil, prompting a weeks-long pursuit across the North Atlantic before it was boarded in international waters. The ship, previously known as the Bella 1 and recently renamed the Marinera, was not carrying oil at the time. Reuters first reported the interception.

Hours later, U.S. forces apprehended a second vessel, the M Sophia, described by the military as a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker, in international waters in the Caribbean. Officials said the ship had been engaged in illicit activity and was being escorted to the United States for what they called final disposition.

The seizures came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out the most detailed public account yet of the administrations plans for Venezuela. Speaking at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, Rubio described a three-step approach that begins with stabilizing the country by seizing and selling between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oilroughly two months of productionwith the proceeds controlled by the United States rather than Venezuelas interim authorities. That gives us tremendous leverage, Rubio said.

Under the plan, he said, the U.S. would next ensure that certain companies have fair access to Venezuelas energy sector and would work to reintegrate opposition forces. A final phase, which he described only as a transition, would involve integrating opposition parties into a new political framework.

Speaking at a conference with energy executives in Miami, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested that the U.S. would control the movement and sale of the countrys oil indefinitely.

Were going to  let the oil flow, sell that market to United States refineries and around the world to bring better oil supplies, Wright said. The U.S. must have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela, he added.

Funds from the sales, he added, will be placed in accounts controlled by the Trump Administration but would flow back into Venezuela to benefit the Venezuelan people.

The Energy Department also said in a fact sheet posted online that the U.S. is selectively rolling back sanctions to enable the transport and sale of Venezuelan crude and oil products to global markets.

Energy exports are Venezuelas primary source of revenue, and a partial U.S. blockade imposed last month has already curtailed shipments. If the U.S. ultimately takes control of 30 million to 50 million barrelsroughly two months of Venezuelas typical productionit would be worth an estimated $1.8 billion to $3 billion at current prices. It remains unclear what exactly Venezuela would receive in return.

Venezuelas state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, said Wednesday that it was engaged in talks with the Trump Administration to potentially allow it to sell the South American nations oil.

The Trump Administration ordered what it called a total and complete blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers in mid-December, a move intended to force Venezuelas long-time president Nicolas Maduro from office. Although Maduro has since been captured and is facing charges in the United States, Trump has pledged to keep the blockade in place to pressure Venezuelas interim government and to control the flow of oil.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Trump is not afraid to continue seizing sanctioned oil tankers despite concerns that it could inflame tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

Hes going to enforce our policy thats best for the United States of America, she told reporters. That means enforcing the embargo against all dark fleet vessels that are illegally transporting oil.

U.S. officials told multiple outlets that Russia had sent a submarine and other naval vessels to safeguard and escort the tanker during the pursuit by U.S. forces. The New York Times reported, citing two officials, that no Russian vessels were in the vicinity when it was seized, however. The U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board the tanker, which is accused of breaking U.S. sanctions and transporting Iranian oil headed to Venezuela, in the Caribbean last month. The vessel refused to be boarded, turned away, and fled. It then changed its name to the Marinera and re-registered as a Russian vessel.

The U.S. previously sanctioned the tanker in 2024 over alleged links to Iran-backed militant groups across the Middle East, including the Houthis and Hezbollah. Its seizure follows a more than two-week long pursuit.

Russian officials condemned the seizure, arguing that it violated international law. No state has the right to use force against ships properly registered in the jurisdictions of other states, Russias transport ministry said, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The United States has not ratified the convention but generally treats its provisions as customary law.

The two seizures come less than a week after the U.S. military captured Maduro in a massive military operation following months of escalating pressure against the Venezuelan government.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
11Alive Tires blow out on arriving plane at Atlanta Airport, passengers evacuated on runway

NEED TO KNOW

The FAA said that a LATAM Airlines flight from Peru blew tires after safely landing on the runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 6

This prompted several emergency vehicles to head to the scene, as one first responder noted, all tires are blown on the landing gear on the rear"

The FAA said it will investigate the incident in a statement to PEOPLE

A flight landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport prompted an emergency response after its landing didnt go as planned.

A spokesperson with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told PEOPLE in a statement that a LATAM Airlines flight from Peru blew tires after safely landing on the runway at the airport on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The plane, a Boeing 767-300ER, landed at around 7:38 p.m., ahead of its scheduled landing time of 7:55 p.m., according to Fox 5 Atlanta. The flight had been around seven hours and 24 minutes and had been undergoing landing procedures when the incident happened, per the outlet.

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department crews responded to the incident, which was initially reported as "flat tires on an aircraft, according to CBS News.

Video from Fox 5 Atlanta showed several emergency vehicles surrounding the plane on the tarmac, as a first responder could be heard saying over a radio, All tires are blown on the landing gear on the rear, the last eight. All tires under the wing seem to be blown.

No injuries were reported in the incident; however, Atlanta News First notes that passengers were "stranded on the runway" for hours.

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

It is unclear what caused the tires to blow out or what state the plane was in after the incident. The FAA told PEOPLE in a statement that it will investigate the cause.

LATAM Airlines and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident.

Following the incident, portions of the runway were cleared for safety and airport operations continued with minimal disruption, according to CBS News.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Barbara Williams, told Atlanta News First that her 16-year-old son had been on the flight and that she was already freaking out by the incident.

Brandon Hagin, whose stepson was on the flight, added, Its nice to hear somewhat quickly the developments and things. Accidents do happen and the most important thing is how the response is



Read the original article on People
Wednesday, Jan. 7, marks the first anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires that burned over 37,000 acres in Los Angeles County, killing 31 and destroying thousands of structures.

California is no stranger to wildfires, but the Eaton and Palisades fires were some of the most destructive in the state's history.

The fires burned for weeks and were contained by the end of January. But, while the Eaton and Palisades fires were the most destructive, California faced multiple fires at the start of 2025, including the Hughes Fire, the Hurst Fire, and the Kenneth Fire.

A year later, around 70% of the residents of Eaton and Palisades remain displaced as they battle with insurance companies, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. But a few have begun to rebuild their lives on the ground where their homes once stood.

The fires destroyed thousands of homes, including some belonging to celebrities, and changed the way many people see wildfires forever.

Parts of LA County still smell like the fire and smoke that scorched the ground, and a year later, many have yet to return to their homes.

"I dont know if many of us wanted to know how to build a house, but we have to now," said Ted Koerner, an Altadena, California resident who was the first to rebuild his home. "We have no choice."

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See dramatic before and after images from the Eaton Fire one year later TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened.

TOP A home burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. BOTTOM A construction worker walks through a construction site of a home that is being rebuilt nearly one year after the Eaton Fire destroyed it on Dec. 19, 2025.

TOP Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Trees line a street nearly one year after the Eaton Fire on Dec. 18, 2025.

TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A burn scar is visible on the street in front of a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

TOP A resident removes valuables from his home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

TOP A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A sign remains standing at a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025.

Contributing: Terry Collins, Paris Barraza, and Monica Garske; USA TODAY

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Damage from 2025 LA fires seen in before-and-after photos
GOP Sen. Rand Paul said Wednesday he opposes any U.S. military action in Greenland as the White House says it is exploring all options for acquisition of the territory.

"It won't happen under my watch," Paul said on "CBS Mornings" about military action in Greenland. "I will do everything to stop any kind of military takeover of Greenland."

The Kentucky senator, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has long opposed offensive U.S. military action overseas. He voted to advance a war powers resolution, which would have limited the president's authority to continue a military campaign in Venezuela, but Senate Republicans blocked the measure. The Trump administration did not seek congressional approval before launching last week's strikes. The Senate is expected to bring up a war powers resolution again this week.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said of President Trump's interest in Greenland that he and his team are "discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal."

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. A lawmaker and a source familiar with the discussions said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told members of Congress at briefing Tuesday that Mr. Trump would buy Greenland and not take it by force.

Paul did not raise an objection to purchasing Greenland, noting that the U.S. has acquired territory in the past.

"Half of the United States came to us through the Louisiana Purchase," Paul noted. "Alaska came to us through a purchase. But you didn't get to those purchases like any deal or diplomacy by insulting your opponent. You get there by actually trying to please and get your opponent to agree to this, because it would have to be done voluntarily."

Paul said that this type of action in Greenland would have to be initiated by a vote from its more than 50,000 citizens declaring their independence from Denmark, adding, "I think the people of Greenland are inclined to do" this.

That would also have to be followed by "some sort of offer of something that makes it better to be a part of the United States," he continued.

When Mr. Trump announced the strikes in Venezuela, Paul suggested it marked the beginning of the "Don-roe doctrine," leading to questions about expansion extending to other territories, including Greenland and Canada.

Paul said that he had "never thought about" taking Greenland, but "now that it's been brought up, if you want to effect that, you don't do it by beating people up the same way, like in regard to Canada."

Mr. Trump has referred to Canada the "51st state" and imposed punishing tariffs against the U.S.' northern neighbor, raising tariffs to 35% in August, though a large share of goods are exempt because they're covered by the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.

Paul said he's been consistent about his opposition to military action overseas, and he stressed the importance of maintaining Congress' constitutional authority to declare war.

"I think that this is an important debate to have," Paul said. "Doesn't mean I have anything against President Trump. It doesn't mean that I don't even dislike the result of (former Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro gone  But I do think the constitutional debate is an important one."

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American Conservative Union Holds Annual CPAC Conference In Orlando (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Richard Grenell tore into famed musician Bela Fleck, blasting the excuse he offered for abruptly canceling his performance at the Kennedy Center.

Fleck took to X Tuesday to notify fans he was canceling his show, and he cited the political landscape as the reason for dropping out.

I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with the NSO at The Kennedy Center, Fleck wrote. Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music. I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art.

Grenell issued a sharp reply.

You just made it political and caved to the woke mob who wants you to perform for only Lefties, he said.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE  JANUARY 06: Bela Fleck performs during Earl Scruggs 100th Birthday Celebration at the Ryman Auditorium on January 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

This mob pressuring you will never be happy until you only play for Democrats, he continued.

He clarified the position of the historic venue.

The Trump Kennedy Center believes all people are welcome  Democrats and Republicans and people uninterested in politics, he noted.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN  JULY 17: Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his partys presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Grenell, the Trump-appointed executive director of the facility, wasnt finished addressing Flecks reasoning for his sudden cancelation. (RELATED: Newly Renamed Trump-Kennedy Center Teases Major Building Update)

He reiterated, We want performers who arent political  who simply love entertaining everyone regardless of who they voted for.

Grenells post was viewed over 1 million times, but Fleck has yet to address his response as of publication.
A North Carolina emblem features the state flag, a cardinal, and dogwood flowers, symbolizing the Tarheel State. Photo: Alan Wooten / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  North Carolina Secreatry of Secretary of State Elaine Marshall said Tuesday that stagnant funding for her office by the Legislature threatens the progress the state is making in attracting new businesses.

The workload of the office has doubled since 2017 as the number of new businesses in the state has increased, Marshall told state leaders in the monthly meeting of the Council of State.

Yet staffing levels have remained largely unchanged, she said.

Although technology has helped speed up business filings, human employees are still essential, she added.

Almost all the money the secretary of states office collects in filing fees is deposited into the states general fund, Marshall said. Last fiscal year, the office deposited nearly $220 million into the general fund, she said. The office was appropriated $19 million by the General Assembly, she said.

The 183 employees in the office produced more than $1 million each in revenue for the state, Marshal said.

Simply put, we earned the best return on investment in state government, she said.

If it were a private company, she said, the office would rank with companies such as Microsoft and Amazon.

The office is one of the first encounters many entrepreneurs have with the state, Marshall said. But the employees are among the lowest paid in the state, she added.

Our mission is to support North Carolinas thriving business community, the millions of buy, sell, lend and borrow investment transactions that power our economy, Marshall said. For that prosperity to continue, businesses need predictability and predictability requires a reliable well-resourced secretary of states office.

The ability to help businesses launch quickly is one of the reasons North Carolina is consistently ranked as one of the top states in the nation for business, she said.

We must be able to keep pace, she said. This is no longer a challenge, it is a risk.

The office has consistently asked the Legislature for more staff positions with no luck, Marshall said. She noted that the state is now entering the calendar year with no new budget approved as was required by state law to be enacted on July 1.

Gov. Josh Stein agreed with Marshall that the state needs to pass a budget but he cited some of the other funding needs of the state.

We have public safety officers who are not being paid well, we have teachers who are earning less money on a real basis than they were a year ago, he said.

Stein said teacher pay ranks 49th in the country and 50th when compared to the states gross domestic product.

These are numbers in which we can take no pride, Stein said.

Several entities use various metrics to achieve teacher pay rankings.

For example, the National Education Association says for 2025-26 North Carolina ranks 43rd, dropping five spots from the previous year. The Reason Foundation ranking is 49th.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal government arm, doesn't have state by state rankings.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, on their way to court on January 5. - XNY/Star Max/GC Images/Getty Images

They went from the palace to the big house.

Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, can reasonably expect two things to happen as they get accustomed to their new day-to-day life at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York: They will be uncomfortable and kept out of harms way.

It truly is hell, federal prison consultant Sam Mangel told CNN. There is very little HVAC. There is very little heating. Every inmate gets one wool blanket. Theyre on a very thin 2-inch mattress pillow combination on a metal slab.

The ousted Venezuelan president and first lady are the latest high-profile detainees to be held in the federal jail known as MDC, with a documented history of power outages, staffing shortages and detainee complaints.

CNN could not determine precisely how the couple is being treated. Neither prison officials nor lawyers representing the couple responded to requests for comment.

Mangel as well as a former federal prisons official and a defense attorney with clients housed at MDC told CNN of the prisons challenging conditions and how high-profile detainees are typically handled in such an environment.

The federal Bureau of Prisons doesnt comment on current inmates, but Mangel said Maduro and Flores are likely housed in a segregated area, not with the general population  in separate cells and alone.

His case, he is a security risk in general population, Mangel said. No one knows what other inmates might think of him, other gang members, other cartel members, so putting him in general population at any time  I think would be tremendous security risk for the facility.

Before their US military capture on Saturday, the couple had lived at Miraflores Palace, a sprawling presidential residence known for its neoclassical architecture, large windows, grand halls and manicured courtyards.

They are now among detainees who include a mix of suspects and defendants, including people accused of serious crimes, high-profile cases, and others awaiting sentencing or transfer.

In their first court appearance in New York Monday, Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges and chose, at least for now, not to fight their detention.

The judge informed the couple that as citizens of the state of Venezuela, you have a right to consult with consular officials of that state. The prosecutor said he would look into that, and the judge said to get back to him on when and where it will happen.

Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, appear in Manhattan federal court on January 5. - Christine Cornell

Maduro and his wife probably have no regular contact with each other, unless both have scheduled their meetings with their attorneys at the same time, said Hugh Hurwitz, who ran the Bureau of Prisons from May 2018 to August 2019.

In the meantime, Maduro could possibly spend his time in a small recreational area within the jail, an area that would be much smaller than it would be in a larger facility, Hurwitz said.

Hurwitz made his assessments based on his experience as acting director of the federal prison system.

The life of inmates segregated from the general population includes a 6 a.m. wake-up call, with time scheduled to meet their attorneys daily, outdoor exercise five hours a week, and daily visits by health personnel, according to the Bureau of Prisons handbook.

Inmates in the jails Special Housing Unit, known as the SHU, where its likely Maduro is being housed, are kept in solitary confinement under restrictive conditions, Daniel McGuinness, a criminal defense and civil rights litigation attorney who represents several clients housed at MDC, told CNN.

Inmates spend up to 23 hours locked down inside their cells with restrictive escort protocols in place when they do move outside of them, and have limited access to legal phone calls, according to a Justice Department report.

I dont know whether theyre locking him in his cell 23 hours a day  but no doubt hes in a secure unit where nobody can access him, Hurwitz said. Im sure theyre keeping him separated from other inmates. If they are putting him with anybody, its somebody that theyve vetted and know is not going to be a problem.

The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, as seen on January 3. - John Lamparski/AFP/Getty Images

Indeed, MDC, described by attorneys and inmates alike as disgusting with horrifying conditions, is a dangerous place, where in 2024 two inmates were killed by fellow inmates using makeshift weapons, according to federal prosecutors.

Hurwitz expects that the security protocols in place are with the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein top of mind.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 at another pretrial detention center in Manhattan that has since closed.

They cant afford to have another Epstein incident, Hurwitz said.

CNNs Evan Perez and Lauren del Valle contributed to this report.

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Members of Illinois State Police and local law enforcement outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility in Broadview, Illinois. Photo: Jim Talamonti / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  An Illinois Statehouse Republican says the cost of illegal immigration in Illinois is much more than a recently reported estimate of the cost of Operation Midway Blitz.

The Chicago Tribune reports a back-of-the-envelope estimated cost of $59 million and growing for the federal immigration enforcement operations through the last few months of 2025 in Illinois. The Tribunes estimates included nearly $34 million for ICE and nearly $6 million for Border Patrol.

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said thats a fraction of the overall cost.

The cost of the illegal immigration, illegal aliens, to the taxpayers of the state of Illinois over the last three, four years has surpassed hundreds of millions, and it's in the billions of dollars, Halbrook told The Center Square.

In fiscal year 2025, Illinois taxpayers spent $330 million for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program. That program has now ended. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, covering non-citizens 65 and up, is budgeted for at $140 million for the current fiscal year. A recent audit of the program showed taxpayers costs ballooned beyond estimates and total $1.6 billion over three years.

The Chicago Tribune also reported on the human toll of immigration enforcement, citing raids on Halloween, at hardware store parking lots, and inside ethnic communities. Halbrook said that doesnt take into account the lives lost at the hands of illegal immigrants.

I'm not sure why they're not talking about that human cost, because that's real, Halbrook said. Those families will never recover from those things.

Speaking at a Democrat-run hearing about the 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said hes going after the Trump administration for deploying the Guard around immigration enforcement.

The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly for the reason that their city or state leadership has fallen, fallen out of the president's favor, Raoul said.

The Chicago Tribune estimates the Guard deployment that never happened because of court action cost taxpayers $19 million.

Halbrook said the taxpayer spending on non-citizen subsidies from the state and the Guard isnt necessary.

So I think if we didn't have this population of people here, neither one of these costs would be here, or they would be dramatically less, Halbrook said.

The Trump administration canceled the Guard deployment, but initially said it was to help protect federal officers and property from violent protests against immigration enforcement.
Claudio Neves Valente, the suspect in the Brown University shooting in Providence, Rhode Island, picks up a vehicle at an Alamo Rent a Car in this frame grab from CCTV released in an affidavit by the Providence Police on December 18. - Providence Police/Handout/Reuters

The suspect in last months mass shooting at Brown University and subsequent killing of an MIT professor admitted to the attacks in a series of short videos authorities recovered from an electronic device, the US Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts said Tuesday.

The office released transcripts of the four videos taken after the deadly December shootings by suspect Claudio Neves Valente, translated from Portuguese to English. Valente did not offer a motive  or apologies  for the attacks in the videos.

Two students  Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov  died in the attack at Brown, while Nuno F.G. Loureiro, an MIT professor, was fatally shot at his home near Boston.

The electronic device with the videos was found in the New Hampshire storage facility, where authorities located Valentes body after he died by suicide, capping days of terror that had followed the violence.

During the more than 11 minutes Valente spoke in the videos, he offered vague misgivings about unnamed people, addressed how he was portrayed in the media in the days after the shooting and detailed what he saw in the Brown auditorium that he attacked.

Motive remains unclear

In one video, Valente said he didnt care about being famous or leaving a legacy in the wake of the shooting, and even though I would have a lot to say and write, he lacked the patience for a manifesto.

Valente ambiguously offered that the objective was to leave on my own terms, but not to be the one who ended up suffering the most from all of this. Its not clear in the transcript where he wanted to leave or from what he was suffering.

Though the videos did not reveal a motive, the federal investigation into Valentes motivations will continue, the US attorneys office said.

Visitors pause at a makeshift memorial for the victims the shooting at Brown University, on December 15. - Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Valente said he had been planning the attack for more than six semesters and had plenty of opportunities to carry out the shooting earlier, but always chickened out.

Valente said he had no regret in the attacks, only that they resulted in a serious eye injury after he was struck by a shell round.

I dont give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me, Valente said in one video.

Suspect thought classroom was empty as students hid

Valente said he never wanted to conduct the shooting at Brown University in an auditorium.

I wanted to do it in a regular room, he said. So, it all went wrong.

When he walked into the auditorium, Valente said he only saw one man in the classroom and thought the others had left through the emergency exit after the shooting started.

He didnt realize multiple students were hiding in the classroom when he believed it to be empty and left, Valente said.

The suspect said the people who hid were kind of stupid for not using the emergency exit.

Valente addressed investigation and escape

Over multiple videos, Valente mentioned having been confronted following the shooting and his surprise over how long it was taking authorities to find him.

A man had encountered Valente in the building where the shooting took place, noting the suspects clothing was inadequate for the cold weather, CNN previously reported. He followed Valente to his car, asking him why he kept circling the block.

Valente spoke about the encounter in the videos, saying the man who confronted him knew his license plate number, and he never thought it would take them so long to find me.

Valente said he hoped to have a few hours isolated in the storage facility before authorities found him.

An investigator works the scene at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire where Claudio Neves Valente took his own life, on December 18. - CJ Gunther/Reuters

Even though the stupid car is outside, and obviously there is a record of my entry, and there are cameras and sh*t, he said. The longer I stay here the better.

Valente addressed rumors that he had shouted Allahu Akbar during the shooting. He said he didnt remember shouting anything, and if he did, it must have been some kind of an exclamation.

He also said he read that President Donald Trump called him an animal while investigators were searching for Valente.

I am an animal and he is also, Valente said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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A giant prehistoric snake with a thick, patterned body slithers along a muddy riverbank in a dense tropical jungle with crocodiles nearby. 

Quick Take

Reaching 50 feet and 2,500 lbs was a biological requirement for the Titanoboa .

A mechanical constraint prevented the Titanoboa from lifting more than 1/5 of its body to strike.

Counter-intuitively, the worlds largest apex predator was unearthed deep within the Cerrejon coal mine .

Analyzing the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction was necessary to understand why reptiles reached such massive proportions.

When most people think of massive snakes, the first one that comes to mind is the anaconda. Anacondas might be the largest snake these days, but they werent always the biggest. In fact, anacondas are positively small compared to one monster snake called the Titanoboa.

Take a look at what was probably the largest snake to ever slither across the earth and learn why we should be thankful these reptiles are extinct these days!

Forget the anaconda. Sixty million years ago, a colossal 50-foot snake named Titanoboa hunted prehistoric crocodiles, reminding us why some beasts are better left extinct.  A-Z Animals

How Large is the Titanoboa?

The Titanoboa was incredibly massive, reaching lengths of about 40-50ft and weighing over 2,500 lbs. That snake makes every other snake that we have on the planet today seem small by comparison. For reference, 40-50 feet is roughly the height of a four-story building. Yikes.

According to unconfirmed reports, the largest anaconda that was ever found measured 33ft long and weighed about 880 lbs. Supposedly, this monstrous anacondas head was three feet across, and one can only imagine the size of prey this creature could hunt and eat. However, the largest reliably confirmed anaconda size is 215 pounds and just over 17 feet long.

A Titanoboa was about 8 times longer than humans are tall! Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com (Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com)

The Titanoboa is so much longer and thicker than the anaconda, making it a much more dangerous creature. Although we have fossil records of this animal, many questions exist such as this creatures preferred environment, whether it could lift a section of its body off the ground to strike, and what it ate.

While we can speculate on some of these questions, we can all agree that a Titanoboa would be far more frightening if it was able to raise even 1/5 of its body off the ground.

Fun Facts: Titanoboa

Titanoboa is a fascinating ancient creature that lived approximately 60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. This species of snake was one of the largest ever known, growing up to an impressive 13 meters (43 feet) in length.

Discovered in the Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia, Titanoboa has provided important information about the paleoclimate and the evolution of snakes. As an apex predator, it is believed to have fed on large reptiles, including prehistoric crocodiles.

In this section, we will explore 10 fascinating facts about Titanoboa, from its size and behavior to its significance in the fossil record:

Titanoboa is an extinct species of snake that lived approximately 60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. It was one of the largest snakes ever known, growing up to 13 meters (43 feet) in length. Titanoboa was discovered in Colombia in the Cerrejon coal mine. It is believed to have been an apex predator, feeding on large reptiles, including prehistoric crocodiles. Titanoboa is a part of the booid group of snakes, which includes boas and pythons. It lived in a warm, tropical environment with a temperature that was much higher than today. Fossils of Titanoboa have provided important information about the paleoclimate and the evolution of snakes. The size and body shape of Titanoboa suggest that it was an ambush predator, lying in wait for its prey. The discovery of Titanoboa has helped to fill the gap in the fossil record of snakes, providing insight into their evolution and diversity. The name Titanoboa means titanic boa, referring to its large size and the fact that it was a member of the boa family.

How Long Ago Did This Monster Snake Live?

The Titanoboa rose to prominence after most dinosaurs were wiped out. metha1819/Shutterstock.com (metha1819/Shutterstock.com)

The Titanoboa lived between 58 million and 60 million years ago. We know this by the fossil record that indicates that this creature lived in that time. What is interesting about this period when the Titanoboa lived is that it is considered the Middle to Late Paleocene epoch.

This epoch is defined by its proximity to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, the mass extinction that led to the deaths of most of the animal species on Earth at that time. Among those animals were the last massive terrestrial dinosaurs.

The end of those species combined with the unique conditions on Earth after the extinction event allowed for some creatures to grow to massive proportions. Among them was Titanoboa, which may have been one of the biggest, deadliest reptiles left around that time.

While the Titanoboa was certainly not a dinosaur, its worth wondering what would have happened if a dinosaur was walking through some tall brush and a Titanoboa grabbed it.

After all, those snakes were massive boas that probably killed their prey by wrapping it up and crushing or choking it to death. Depending on the dinosaur, they may have bitten off more than they can chew, though.

What Did Titanoboa Eat?

Although crocodiles are deadly, they were the prey of Titanoboa. PomInOz/Shutterstock.com (PomInOz/Shutterstock.com)

The monster snake Titanoboa most likely ate fish. With a creature so large, its energy needs must have been just as huge. That means Titanoboa was probably eating quite often or waiting to catch particularly large creatures.

Researchers believe that this snake was most likely the apex predator in its territory. With its massive size, large teeth, and ability to wrap up and crush whatever got too close to it, the Titanoboa didnt need to worry about most predators.

Interestingly enough, the snake was found near the fossilized remains of large turtles and crocodiles. So, the chances are high that it had eaten those animals at some point too. Feasting on a crocodile is no small feat, of course. That shows the toughness and hunting abilities of this monster snake.

Unfortunately, we dont know enough about the snakes body to definitively state how it hunted. Since its like other boas, its assumed that this snake was a constrictor.

We cant tell if the creature was abnormally fast, ambushed prey, or where they spent most of their time. Yet, we may surmise that they probably ambushed their prey and did not move over 10 mph. That seems rather obvious if were comparing them to snakes that exist today, like the anaconda or other boas.

Where Did the Titanoboa Live?

Titanoboa lived in the rainforests of Colombia. iStock.com/gustavofrazao (iStock.com/gustavofrazao)

The remains of the monster snake called Titanoboa were found in a mine shaft in Colombia. According to the news report about the discovery, which took place in 2009, 28 fossils were found in Cerrejon. This is an area in the northern section of Colombia. These remains were the largest ever found up to that point and ever since.

Its believed that the reason the Titanoboa was able to grow so large was due to the warmer climate in place around 60 million years ago. The increased temperatures allowed these cold-blooded creatures to grow much larger than most modern snakes.

How Does Titanoboa Measure Up to Other Modern Snakes?

The Titanoboa was 1.5 times longer and 4 times as heavy as the largest anaconda.

While were on the topic of how this monster snake measures up to others, its worth comparing the Titanoboa to other modern snakes. Specifically, we are going to compare the Titanoboa to the anaconda as well as the reticulated python. These are two of the largest snakes that exist in the modern world.

The Titanoboa measured between 40 and 50 feet long and weighed about 2,500 lbs. The largest anaconda ever found, but not properly measured and recorded, measured 33 feet long and weighed 880 lbs.

Although that is quite a sizeable snake, the difference between a Titanoboa and this anaconda is like night and day. The Titanoboa had to be much thicker and more muscular in addition to much longer than an anaconda.

Another very large snake that exists in the present is the reticulated python. These snakes can grow longer than anacondas on average, but they are much thinner. The biggest python was 26.25 feet long (8 meters) and weighed about 550 lbs (250kg). This snake is about half as long as the largest Titanoboa and less than a quarter of its weight!

All in all, no snakes that exist today are as large as the Titanoboa, and we should be thankful for that fact. Even though the snakes were not terribly widespread, its not hard to imagine the threat they could pose to humans and livestock.

To some extent, we can only guess what these snakes looked like and how they behaved. If even half of the predictions are correct, though, these creatures were simply horrifying!

The post Think Anacondas Are Huge? Meet the Snake That Made Them Look Tiny appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente said he felt no remorse for killing two students at Brown University and wounding nine others in a mass shooting last month, and for the murder of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor two days later, according to a new transcript released by the Department of Justice.

"Tough luck ... I did not like any of you," Neves Valente, 48, says in what are some of his last words in the recordings, according to a transcript released on Jan. 6.

"To say that I was extraordinarily satisfied, no, but I also don't regret what I did," said Neves Valente, a Portuguese national and former Brown student. "I am not going to apologize because during my lifetime no one sincerely apologized to me."

Neves Valente recorded the videos in the storage unit in New Hampshire, where authorities found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Dec. 18, just five days after authorities say his killing spree began at Brown University. On Dec. 13, Neves Valente opened fire on students who were preparing for final exams, killing students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and wounding nine others.

Two days later, on Dec. 15, authorities say Neves Valente fatally shot MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro at his home in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts, about 50 miles north of Brown University. Neves Valente and Loureiro attended the same academic program at a university in Portugal from 1995 to 2000.

Neves Valente did not provide a clear motive for the attacks in the videos, which are rambling and don't always make much sense.

Here's what else Neves Valente said.

Claudio Neves Valente, suspect in the Brown University shooting, is pictured in this undated handout image released on Dec. 18, 2025.

Neves Valente 'needed a catalyst' for crimes

While Neves Valente doesn't expressly say what his motive was, he did say: "I needed a catalyst," according to the transcript.

"But for the first one, it's the fact that I was confronted, and in the second, I also had one, you could say, a little bit. So ..." he said before the video ended.

Earlier, he mentioned the possibility of fame.

"I don't give a damn how you judge me or what you think of me," he said. "I don't care at all about being famous, having a legacy and (expletive) like that, manifestos and (expletive) stuff. I have absolutely no patience for that."

He said that even though he would have a lot more to say and write, "I don't care."

"I'm not going to give you the right to that," he said.

Images of the shooter at Brown University, identified by authorities as Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, are displayed during a press conference as civic leaders and law enforcement announce Valente has been found dead, in Providence, RI on Dec. 18, 2025.

Neves Valente apparently makes fun of student victims

At one point in the videos, Neves Valente apparently makes fun of the students he opened fire on, saying they could have easily run out of a nearby exit.

"I thought that the people had left. Because they were kind of stupid," he said with a laugh, according to the transcript. "There is an emergency exit ... All of those people that were hiding under the table, or whatever the hell, they could have perfectly left through there."

Neves Valente said he liked it when Trump called him an animal

Among Neves Valente's ramblings was a statement that said he particularly liked when President Donald Trump "called me an animal, which is true. I am an animal and he is also."

Neves Valente was apparently referring to Trump's comments in May 2018, when he called immigrants "animals" as he renewed his call for stronger immigration laws.

Neves Valente went on to say: "I have no hatred towards America." Later, he adds: "I also have no love for it."

He continued to say that coming to the United States was a mistake.

Authorities find Brown University gunman dead in New Hampshire Images of the shooter at Brown University, identified by authorities as Claudio Neves Valente, are displayed during a press conference as civic leaders and law enforcement announce Valente has been found dead, in Providence, RI on Dec. 18, 2025.

Neves Valente was preparing for suicide in storage unit

Neves Valente spent much time talking about his impending death and complaining about an injury he received when he shot Loureiro.

"Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye," he said, laughing, according to the transcript.

He went on to say that it was time for him to leave "on my own terms."

"Let's see if I've got the balls to do this to myself now because it was hard as hell to do it to all of these people, man ... I envy those who have no difficulty doing it, and these people really exist. That's what I really envy. The rest means nothing to me. Let's see if I have the courage."

Investigators work the scene at a storage facility where the Brown University shooting suspect, identified by authorities as Claudio Neves-Valente, took his own life, in Salem, New Hampshire, on Dec. 18, 2025.

Who was Neves Valente?

Neves Valente was a student at Brown in a PhD program from 2000 to 2001 and took a leave of absence after that, Brown University President Christina Paxson told USA TODAY last month. He withdrew from the school in 2003.

Paxson said Neves Valente took only physics classes while a student and would have spent time in the Barus and Holley building, where the shooting took place.

Neves Valente entered the United States from Portugal legally on a diversity visa lottery program (DV1) visa, authorities said. He was granted a green card after entering through the program in 2017, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

"This heinous individual should never have been allowed in our country," she said.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Last words of Brown shooter who also killed MIT prof: 'Tough luck'
FRANCE-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-DIPLOMACY  (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. on Tuesday joined a coalition of nations in committing to binding long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, marking the first time Washington has officially endorsed a specific security framework.

The joint declaration, issued by major NATO allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. and U.S. negotiators, followed a high-level summit in Paris aimed at solidifying post-war security arrangements for Ukraine should a ceasefire with Moscow be reached. The five-point plan includes binding commitments to support Ukraine against any future Russian aggression.

Zelensky, who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump, met with the president at Mar-a-Lago on Dec. 28. Following that meeting, Trump signaled that the deal to end the nearly four-year war is 95% complete, and Zelensky said the U.S. would be offering long-term security guarantees.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said after Tuesdays Paris meeting that President Donald Trump is fully supportive of the security framework discussed by allies.

We have made significant progress on several critical workstreams, including our bilateral security guarantee framework and a prosperity plan, Witkoff wrote on X. We agree with the Coalition that durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace in the Ukraine and we will continue to work together on this effort. (RELATED: Eurocrats Melt Down Over Trump Barring Censorship Police From US)

The plan states that all parties have agreed to finalize binding commitments setting out our approach to support Ukraine and to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack by Russia, which may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions.

Other elements of the plan include critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a European-led multinational peacekeeping force, as well mutually beneficial defense, intelligence, military training, and military cooperation with Ukraine.

The draft statement also calls for a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies.

We stand ready to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force, in addition to bilateral security agreements and in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional arrangements, the members agreed in the Paris Declaration.

UK and French leaders separately signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops to monitor Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.

Representing the U.S. alongside Witkoff were Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, General Alex Grynkewich, Ambassador Charles Kushner and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum.

I think today was a very, very big milestone, Jared Kushner told reporters. This does not mean that we will make peace, but peace would not be possible without the progress that was made here today.

In addition to security guarantees, Witkoff also unveiled a post-war prosperity agreement to rebuild Ukraines economy.

It will aspirationally mean large, large possibilities for the Ukrainian people, for people coming home from war who will find wonderful jobs out there. Were working with BlackRock, Larry Fink, in this endeavor, and we think its going to be very, very important for the people of Ukraine, and we believe that a robust economy correlates and works directly with these security protocols, Witkoff said.

Witkoff noted, however, that land disputes with Russia remain a sticking point in reaching a ceasefire.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Business And Government Leaders Speak At New York Times' DealBook Summit Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The Trump administration is pulling millions in federal funding from California over the states purported failure to revoke unlawfully issued commercial drivers licenses.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is withholding roughly $160 million from California for not cancelling more than 17,000 illegally issued Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs) in time, according to a letter obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. California DMV officials had originally agreed with DOT officials to nix the licenses by Jan. 5, but later extended this deadline to March following a lawsuit. (RELATED: Sanctuary Sheriff Under Investigation For Alleged Extortion, Corruption)

The DOT, which has heavily cracked down on illegal migrant truck drivers in recent months, declared that this extension is unacceptable.

Its reckoning day for Gavin Newsom and California, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a prepared statement. Our demands were simple: follow the rules, revoke the unlawfully-issued licenses to dangerous foreign drivers, and fix the system so this never happens again.

WASHINGTON, DC  OCTOBER 23: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks alongside Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN) during a press conference on air traffic controller pay and the government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on October 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)

Gavin Newsom has failed to do so  putting the needs of illegal immigrants over the safety of the American people, Duffy continued. While Gavin may not care about protecting you and your family on our roads, the Trump Administration does. Were pulling this funding to ensure federal tax dollars dont fund this charade.

In response to the funding cut, California officials argued that the Trump administration indicated it was open to a deadline extension.

We strongly disagree with the federal governments decision to withhold vital transportation funding from California  their action jeopardizes public safety because these funds are critical for maintaining and improving the roadways we all rely on every day, a spokesperson for the California DMV said in a statement provided to the DCNF.

The DMV is fully compliant with state and federal regulations and had engaged with positive conversations with FMCSA and DMV about extending the January 5 cancellation date to allow additional time for FMCSA to review the departments commercial drivers license program, the spokesperson continued.

The trucking industry has been rocked with a string of fatal crashes allegedly caused by illegal migrant drivers who obtained non-domiciled CDLs, with a majority of the high-profile accidents involving Indian nationals. The DOT responded to the crashes by handing down sweeping emergency rules in September that restricted foreign nationals from obtaining these commercial licenses.

Since August 2025, Harjinder Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Rajinder Kumar and Kamalpreet Singh  all illegal migrant truckers from India  are accused of causing fatal accidents on American highways. Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh, also illegal migrants from India, were arrested Saturday for allegedly hauling hundreds of pounds of cocaine in a semi-trailer across Indiana.

An ongoing investigation by the administration has revealed a catastrophic pattern of states illegally issuing non-domiciled CDLs to foreign nationals, particularly in California. The nationwide audit found that over 25% of non-domiciled CDLs issued in the state were done so unlawfully, including licenses that extended years past the expiration date of migrants lawful presence documentation.

California DMV officials and the DOT had originally agreed on a Jan. 5 deadline to revoke these licenses. However, California extended this deadline to March 6 in response to a class-action lawsuit brought on by the Sikh Coalition and other groups.

Federal regulations are clear: states must correct safety deficiencies on a schedule mutually agreed upon by the Agency, and California failed to meet its commitment to rescind these unlawfully-issued licenses by January 5, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs said in a prepared statement.

We will not accept a corrective plan that knowingly leaves thousands of drivers holding noncompliant licenses behind the wheel of 80,000-pound trucks in open defiance of federal safety regulations, Barrs continued.

Editors note: This article has been updated to include commentary from the California DMV.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
The flow of drilling mud is seen in a container while an oilfield worker works on a drilling rig at an oil well operated by Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA, in the oil rich Orinoco belt, near Cabrutica at the state of Anzoategui April 16, 2015. - Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

The Trump administration has outlined a number of demands that Venezuela must agree to in order to resume oil production, two senior White House officials told CNN.

During conversations led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration told Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez that the country must cut ties with China, Iran, Russia and Cuba, and agree to partner exclusively with the US on oil production, the officials said.

Rodriguez must also agree to favor the Trump administration and US oil companies for future oil sales, they said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt would neither confirm nor deny the alleged demands.

ABC News first reported on the demands made to Rodriguez. It comes after the administration captured the countrys now-ousted President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Trump officials believe Venezuela can only economically survive for another few weeks without relying on the sale of its oil reserves.

The demands come as the administration says it has reached a deal with the interim Venezuelan government to sell tens of millions of barrels of its oil that has already been extracted.

On Wednesday, Rubio said that the money from those sales would be controlled by the administration and dispersed in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime.

The demands also come as members of the Trump administration have told US lawmakers they have made clear to Venezuela that it must hold free and fair elections in the future, release political prisoners and get rid of the countrys drug gangs, according to source familiar with the administrations briefing with key lawmakers this week.

However, Rubio told lawmakers earlier this week that the administrations most pressing demands focus on Caracas kicking out foreign adversaries, cooperating on oil sales and being more cooperative on counter-narcotics work, the source said.

On Wednesday, the top US diplomat said the administration is planning three phases for Venezuela: stabilization, recovery, and transition.

Rubio made clear to lawmakers this week that the US has relayed the demands to the Rodriguez government. The officials also did not say whether Venezuela has agreed to them, though the administration remains confident that the massive military build up off the countrys coast serves as sufficient pressure on Rodriguezs government, and that they have no choice but to acquiesce.

If Rodriguez cooperates, a senior White House official said the administration is open to reviewing its sanction policy against Caracas.

In this Feb. 19, 2015 file photo, the sun sets behind an oil well in a field near El Tigre, a town within Venezuela's Hugo Chavez oil belt, formally known as the Orinoco Belt. - Fernando Llano/AP

Trump has privately told allies and his top officials that he wants Iran, Russian and China out of the Western hemisphere, sources familiar with the conversations told CNN. Pressuring Venezuela to stop doing business with them is the first and most important step, they added.

While the administration is still working on plans to extract a large amount of oil from the country to export to the US, in addition to formulating a strategy on how to rebuild Venezuelas energy infrastructure, the administration understands that their goals will take time and resources. Stopping Venezuela from handing over its oil to foreign adversaries is the more immediate goal.

Trump is also expected to meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday, according to a senior White House official.

Representatives from Chevron, the only US oil company currently active in Venezuela, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips are expected to attend, the official told CNN.

Other executives from US oil companies are also expected at the meeting.

The meeting comes after Trump posted on Tuesday that Venezuelas interim government will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.

This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, he wrote.

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The Trump administration has told Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez that the regime must meet the White House's demands before being allowed to pump more oil, according to three people familiar with the administration's plan.

First, the country must kick out China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties, the sources said. Second, Venezuela must agree to partner exclusively with the U.S. on oil production and favor America when selling heavy crude oil, they added.

According to one person, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a private briefing on Monday that he believes the U.S. can force Venezuela's hand because its existing oil tankers are full. Rubio also told lawmakers that the U.S. estimates that Caracas has only a couple of weeks before it will become financially insolvent without the sale of its oil reserves.

Venezuela live updates

In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker confirmed that the U.S. plan hinges upon controlling Venezuela's oil. He said he did not believe it will require the deployment of U.S. troops.

Juan Carlos Hernandez/Reuters - PHOTO: Oil tankers anchored near Puerto Cabello

"The government does intend to control the oil, taking charge of the ships, the tankers, and none of them are going to go to Havana," Wicker said. "And until they start moving -- we hope to the open market -- there are no more tankers to fill, because they're totally full."

The White House did not dispute the reporting.

"The President is speaking about exerting maximum leverage with the remaining elements in Venezuela and ensuring they cooperate with the United States by halting illegal migration, stopping drug flows, revitalizing oil infrastructure, and doing what is right for the Venezuelan people," according to a senior administration official.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wicker told ABC News that Venezuela doesn't have any more tankers available to move additional oil.

"The information I have is that Venezuela cannot pump anymore crude oil because there's no place to put it and there's no place to send it. The tankers are full and waiting to move to an appropriate place, hopefully to be sold with open market other than to be [given] free to China," Wicker said.

Trump posted Tuesday evening that the "interim authorities" in Venezuela would turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. to be sold at market price. Trump said those funds would be controlled by him "to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!"

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro warned the US willing to wage 'war for oil' in 2019 interview

Wicker said the administration's plan does not appear to involve U.S. troops.

"This is not a matter of boots on the ground ... That is just not part of the plan," he added.

Last month, Trump wrote in an online post that he had ordered a "TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela."

When asked by reporters the following day what that meant, Trump said, "it's just a blockade. Not going to let anybody going through that shouldn't be going through."

ABC News' Lalee Ibssa contributed to this report.
FILE - Wind turbine bases, generators and blades sit at The Portsmouth Marine terminal that is the staging area for Dominion Energy Virginia, which is developing Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portsmouth, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

Offshore wind developers affected by the Trump administrations freeze of five big projects on the East Coast are fighting back in court, with one developer saying its project will likely be terminated if they cant resume by the end of next week.

Norwegian company Equinor and the Danish energy company Orsted are the latest to sue, with the limited liability companies for their projects filing civil suits late Tuesday. Connecticut and Rhode Island filed their own request on Monday seeking a preliminary injunction for a third project.

The administration announced Dec. 22 it was suspending leases for at least 90 days on the five offshore wind projects because of national security concerns. Its announcement did not reveal specifics about those concerns.

President Donald Trump has been hostile to renewable energy technologies that produce electricity cleanly, particularly offshore wind, and has instead prioritized oil, coal and natural gas that emit carbon pollution when burned.

Interior Department spokesperson Matt Middleton said Wednesday that Trump has directed the agency to manage public lands and waters for multiple uses, energy development, conservation and national defense. Middleton said the pause on large-scale offshore wind construction is a decisive step to protect Americas security, prevent conflicts with military readiness and maritime operations and ensure responsible stewardship of our oceans.

We will not sacrifice national security or economic stability for projects that make no sense for Americas future, Middleton said in a statement.

Equinor owns the Empire Wind project and Orsted owns Sunrise Wind, major offshore wind farms in New York. Empire Wind LLC requested expedited consideration by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, saying the project faces likely termination if construction cant resume by Jan. 16. It said the order is disrupting a tightly choreographed construction schedule dependent on vessels with constrained availability, resulting in delay costs and causing an existential threat to the project financing.

Orsted is also asking a judge to vacate and set aside the order. The company says it has spent billions of dollars on Sunrise Wind, relying on validly issued permits from the federal government. It said in the filing that its team met weekly with the Coast Guard throughout 2025, and this week, with representatives from other agencies frequently attending, and no one raised national security concerns.

The administration's order paused the leases for these two projects, as well as for the Vineyard Wind project under construction in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind in Virginia.

Dominion Energy Virginia, which is developing Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, was the first to sue. It's asking a judge to block the order, calling it arbitrary and capricious and unconstitutional.

Orsted is building Revolution Wind with its joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables. They have filed a complaint over the order on behalf of the venture.

The filing by Connecticut and Rhode Island seeks to allow work on Revolution Wind to continue.

Every day this project is stalled costs us hundreds of thousands of dollars in inflated energy bills when families are in dire need of relief, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement. Revolution Wind was vetted and approved, and the Trump administration has yet to disclose a shred of evidence to counter that thorough and careful process.

Avangrid is a joint owner along with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners of the Vineyard Wind project. They have not indicated publicly whether they plan to join the rest of the developers in challenging the administration.

The Trump administration previously halted work on both Empire Wind and Revolution Wind. In April, it stopped construction on Empire Wind, accusing the Biden administration of rushing the permits, then allowed work to resume a month later. Equinor finalized the federal lease for Empire Wind in March 2017, early in Trumps first term. The final federal approval was in February 2024.

Work on the nearly completed Revolution Wind project was paused on Aug. 22 for what the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said were national security concerns. A month later, a federal judge ruled the project could resume, citing the irreparable harm to the developers and the demonstrated likelihood of success on the merits of their claim.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
A young boy walks between residential blocks in Nuuk, Greenland on March 27, 2025. - Leon Neal/Getty Images

On the heels of the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has ramped up his rhetoric around his desire to acquire Greenland, once again raising the prospect of military intervention, sparking fears across Europe and widespread condemnation.

But while American expansionism has regained steam under Trump, the idea of the US controlling the self-governing Danish territory long predates the current president.

Greenland, a vast island of 836,000 square miles, occupies a strategic geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe and astride the so-called GIUK gap  a maritime passage between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK that links the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean. Its also home to rich deposits of natural resources, including oil, gas and rare earth minerals, making it even more strategically important.

US interest in Greenland dates back to the 19th century, when then-Secretary of State William H. Seward, fresh off the purchase of Alaska from the Russians in 1867, floated the idea of buying Greenland and Iceland from Denmark.

While the sale never materialized, the US continued to eye the worlds largest island at multiple moments throughout history, at one point discussing a possible swap with Denmark for US territory in the Philippines.

In 1946, following World War II, during which the US took over the defense of Greenland, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island, though Denmark rejected the bid.

Heres a deeper look back at the history of US interest in Greenland:

1867: The Alaska sale and US Arctic ambitions

In the years following the end of the Civil War, then-President Andrew Johnsons administration sought to expand US influence in the Pacific.

After successfully purchasing Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867, Seward, Johnsons Secretary of State, set his sights on other Arctic territories.

At the behest of Seward, Robert J. Walker, a former treasury secretary and ardent expansionist who helped broker the Alaska deal, recommended that the US add Greenland and Iceland to its inventory, but especially the latter, according to a report by the US State Department.

The reasons are political and commercial, he wrote in the report, emphasizing Greenlands vast landscape and mineral wealth.

The shores of Greenland much more than those of any other country are indented with deep bays, inlets, estuaries, and fiords, some of them possibly extending from the western to the eastern coast, presenting an immense shore line, and furnishing most extensive and protected fishing grounds, Walker wrote.

The rocks and geology of Greenland  besides the valuable coal discovered, indicate vast mineral wealth, he went on.

Acquiring Greenland, he argued, would help the US command the commerce of the world.

However, no formal offer to Denmark was made.

Around 1,000 Greenlanders gather in the city center to protest US President Donald Trump in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 15, 2025. - Ahmet Gurhan Kartal/Anadolu/Getty Images

1910: A very audacious suggestion

In 1910, then-US Ambassador to Denmark, Maurice Francis Egan, wrote to the then Assistant Secretary of State with what he called a very audacious suggestion. Egan proposed the US give Denmark the Philippine island of Mindanao, then a US territory, in exchange for Greenland and the Danish West Indies.

Greenland is, as you know, a Danish monopoly, Egan wrote. It has never been exploited, although the Norwegians are clever enough to see its possibilities, as they already see what might be done with a lesser opportunity in Iceland.

The suggestion didnt go further than that, and with World War I on the horizon, US attention became focused elsewhere.

However, a few years later, the US bought the Danish West Indies (now the US Virgin Islands) from Denmark for $25 million in gold to prevent the islands from coming under German control.

1946: A $100 million offer

During World War II, after Germany invaded Denmark, the US took up responsibility for Greenlands defense and established a military presence on the island.

Then in 1946, after decades of flirting with the idea, the US under President Harry Truman made its first formal offer to buy Greenland from Denmark.

The offer was secret at the time and was first made public in 1991 by a Danish newspaper, two decades after the documents were declassified.

In April 1946, State Department official John Hickerson attended a meeting of the planning and strategy committee of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and said practically every member agreed the US should try to purchase Greenland, the Associated Press reported.

The committee indicated that money is plentiful now, that Greenland is completely worthless to Denmark (and) that the control of Greenland is indispensable to the safety of the United States, Hickerson reportedly said in a memo.

The Cold War was beginning, and the US viewed Greenland as essential to its national security.

However, Hickerson said he told the committee he doubted the Danes would want to sell, according to the Associated Press.

In a follow-up memo in May, William C. Trimble, assistant chief of the State Departments division of northern European affairs, put a price on the island, suggesting the US offer Denmark $100 million in gold.

He said purchase of Greenland would give the United States valuable bases from which to launch an air counteroffensive over the Arctic area in the event of attack.

US officials also discussed swapping oil-rich land in Alaska for parts of Greenland, though Trimble said he thought the Danes would be less open to this idea.

Then-Secretary of State James Byrnes made the formal offer to visiting Danish Foreign Minister Gustav Rasmussen in New York on December 14, 1946, according to a telegram from Byrnes to the US Legation in Copenhagen, the Associated Press reported.

Denmark did not want to sell Greenland. However, the US was permitted to build and operate military bases there. The US had several bases, but has since closed all but one  the Pituffik Space Base, previously called Thule Air Base.

In 1979, Greenland gained home rule in a referendum, giving it greater autonomy from Denmark.

A Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw air rescue helicopter of the US Air Force at Thule Air Base in Greenland in 1955. - James McAnally/Archive Photos/Getty Images

The Trump era

Despite a long history of US interest in Greenland, the Trump administration has reignited efforts for the US to once again try to acquire the island and intensified threats against the Danish territory.

Trump first publicly expressed interest in buying Greenland during his first term in 2019, likening a potential purchase to a large real estate deal. But the idea was quickly shut down by Greenlandic and Danish authorities, who insisted the island was not for sale.

Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump revived his first-term offer to purchase Greenland, which was again rebuffed. Nearly exactly a year ago, he held a wide-ranging news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in which he did not rule out military action to take control of Greenland  a sentiment echoed in recent days by the White House.

During a speech to a joint session of Congress early last year, Trump lobbed a threat at Greenland: I think were going to get it. One way or the other, were going to get it.

In a statement Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.

The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

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The Washington State Legislative Building is seen in Olympia. Photo: Brett Davis / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  Democratic lawmakers in Washington state on Tuesday pre-filed legislation for mid-decade congressional redistricting. The proposal is part of a broader national trend of a surge in efforts to redraw maps outside the typical post-census cycle.

House Joint Resolution 4209, sponsored by House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, and state Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state Legislature to conduct congressional redistricting between decennial censuses.

The resolution would authorize the state to redraw its congressional district maps in the middle of the 10-year cycle, deviating from the current practice of redistricting only after the federal census every 10 years.

Washington state is not going to just sit by while Donald Trump and his allies in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio seek to rig the US House to lock in a Republican majority, Fitzgibbon wrote in a Wednesday press release. Democracy is on the line, and Washingtonians deserve a voice in whether or not Trump gets a hand-picked Congress.

Per HJR 4209, if the state constitution is amended, the Legislature could adjust the congressional map with a simple majority vote in each chamber if another state engages in mid-decade redistricting for reasons other than a court order.

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, responded to the redistricting proposal via X on Wednesday morning.

They want to change the state constitution to gerrymander away remaining Republican seats in WA, Couture posted, referencing that only two Republicans represent Washington state in Congress.

With a high-stakes battle for the 2026 midterms looming, the Evergreen State appears poised to join the trend of states using congressional redistricting for partisan advantage. U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, are the only two Republicans who represent Washington state in Congress, compared to 10 Democrats, including both senators.

The Center Square was unable to immediately reach Baumgartner for comment on Wednesday.

Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who chairs the Washington State Republican Party, said amending the state constitution shouldnt be trivial like HJR 4209, calling it bad policy and hyperpartisan. He thinks the idea is a tit-for-tat response to President Donald Trumps call for redistricting in Texas.

Last summer, Texas Republicans initiated a mid-decade redrawing to gain several U.S. House seats. That prompted California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to launch a counter-effort to flip Republican seats in the state through Proposition 50, which was approved by voters in November.

It doesn't do any good for anybody in Washington; it doesn't do any good for any voter. It doesn't assure any voter of a stronger voice. It's hyperpartisan, Walsh told The Center Square, designed to warp concepts like fair and balanced and equal into a partisan pretzel that favors the Democrat party.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, announced on Wednesday that hes planning to call a special session on redistricting in Florida for April. Republicans there are looking to redraw the Sunshine States congressional map.

Voters deserve free and fair elections and an equal voice in Congress. Early partisan redistricting in other states stacks the deck nationally, diluting Washingtons representation before our voters ever weigh in, Mena wrote in a Wednesday press release. This legislation defends an independent process and ensures power remains with the people  not partisan mapmakers.

Walsh thinks that if HJR 4209 were to pass, costly lawsuits would follow the loss of Republican districts.

In order for the constitutional amendment to pass, a two-thirds majority in each chamber must vote for HJR 4209. Democrats hold strong majorities in the House and Senate, but are just a few seats shy of a two-thirds majority in both, meaning HJR 4209 would require a few Republican votes as well.

Walsh said he doesnt think any Republicans are willing to sign on, but wouldn't rule out some members of his party making deals with Democrats to pass this if they support Republican proposals.

WA Democrats have filed a constitutional amendment (apparently) as a signaling piece of legislation to show what they plan to do if they should get a  majority in the Legislature in the 2026 election, the Conservative Ladies of Americas Washington state chapter posted to X on Wednesday morning.

The Center Square contacted House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle for comment and will update the story with their perspectives as they respond.

Washington's 60-day legislative session starts on Jan. 12.

Reporter Tim Clouser contributed to this updated story.
A promotional graphic for The Center Squares Illinois in Focus daily news program.

(The Center Square)  In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop airs highlights from a Democrat-led committee in the U.S. Congress about the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and President Donald Trump's reaction to some of the criticism.

Bishop also talks live with Lawrence Ligas, a Jan. 6 criminal defendant from Illinois who is now suing the federal government over his prosecution. He says he was unjustly prosecuted with excessive force.

Finally, Bishop delves into the news that the Trump administration is freezing $10 billion in federal funds to five different states including approximately $1 billion to Illinois as concerns continue about potential fraud in the welfare system stemming from findings in Minnesota.

Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
US Air National Guard aircraft fly over Greenland, on October 7. - 2nd Lt. Cameron Lewis/US Air National Guard/File

The White House said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland, making clear that using the US military is not off the table.

President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and its vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Tuesday statement to CNN.

The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefs disposal.

The statement comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers this week that the Trump administration is considering buying Greenland as he downplayed concerns about US military intervention in the short term, according to two sources familiar with the discussion.

The administrations aspirations related to the resource-rich, self-governing territory of Denmark had not been publicly mentioned in recent months, but officials were still discussing the matter behind the scenes.

At the request of Rubios team, the State Department in recent months provided an analysis of the untapped resources in Greenland, including rare earths, according to a source familiar with the analysis. One conclusion was that there is no reliable study of how vast those resources may be. The assessment also said there would be tremendous cost in accessing the resources given the cold temperatures and lack of infrastructure, the source said.

Trump has been leaning into a more expansionist foreign policy  including a renewed interest in acquiring the Danish territory  in the days since the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

Senior White House aide Stephen Miller doubled down on the position Monday, telling CNNs Jake Tapper that nobody would fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland and questioning the right of Denmark  a fellow NATO nation  to claim the territory.

The Trump administrations renewed interest spurred a statement of support for Denmark from European leaders, who said Tuesday the Arctic island belongs to its people. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday that Trumps desires should be taken seriously, warning that a US military attack on Greenland could effectively end NATO.

Greenland said Tuesday it has asked for a meeting with Rubio following the Trump administrations recent statements.

Trump has long eyed Greenland, a resource-rich island of 836,000 square miles strategically located between the US, Europe and Russia. Its rich deposits of natural resources, including oil, gas and rare earth minerals, make it even more strategically important.

Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump revived his first-term offer to purchase Greenland, which was again rebuffed. Nearly exactly a year ago, he held a wide-ranging news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in which he did not rule out military action to take control of Greenland.

During a speech to a joint session of Congress last March, Trump lobbed a threat at Greenland: I think were going to get it. One way or the other, were going to get it.

Later that month, Vice President JD Vance made a controversial visit to in Greenland, a trip its residents had resisted and its leaders said was unwelcome. Our message to Denmark is very simple, Vance said at the US Pituffik Space Base. You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland.

He repeatedly claimed the island was vulnerable and that the United States had no other option than to ramp up its presence there.

The administrations renewed Greenland focus has brought criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, said he is introducing a resolution to prevent the US from invading Greenland. Trump is telling us exactly what he wants to do. We must stop him before he invades another country on a whim, Gallego said in a post on X.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, has urged the administration to stop the stupid we want Greenland BS and called on other Republicans to universally oppose any military action toward Greenland.

This is appalling. Greenland is a NATO ally. We have a base on Greenland. We could put four or five bases on Greenland; they wouldnt mind that, Bacon told CNNs Tapper on The Lead on Tuesday.

Referring to Denmark, Bacon added, They are a proven ally, so the way we are treating them is really demeaning, and it has no upside.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, the co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, in a statement Tuesday reaffirmed the United States long-standing partnership with Denmark, an ally they said has earned our unwavering respect. They also highlighted how Denmark is significantly increasing its defense spending and remains a critical partner in Arctic security.

Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend, the senators said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Manu Raju contributed to this report.

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The sun sets over Nuuk, the capital of Greenland on February 4, 2025. - Steffen Trumpf/picture alliance/Getty Images

Americas next conquest might become Trumpland.

President Donald Trump is looking for new acquisitions for his 21st-century empire-building project after removing the head of Venezuelas hateful regime.

During his first term, his designs on Greenland were considered a joke  just another brazen boast of a president who loves to shock.

Even last year, when Donald Trump Jr. flew to the vast island on his fathers jet with a presidential bobblehead in the cockpit and, later, when Vice President JD Vance donned a parka for his own whistle-stop visit, there was an element of US trolling.

But no ones laughing anymore.

European leaders, who on Tuesday reaffirmed the islands sovereignty and Denmarks claims over its autonomous territory, are taking the presidents threats seriously.

This is hardly surprising, since the administration  flush with hubris after its Venezuela win  now claims the entire Western Hemisphere as Trumps domain. And his top aide Stephen Miller warned Monday on CNN that the US was not following the iron laws of a world governed by strength, force and power.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller looks on as President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

But Trumps public rationale that the US must have the icebound territory for its own national security didnt fully add up  even before the White House on Tuesday rocked jittery NATO allies by refusing to rule out military force to get it.

A strategic jewel

The president is spot-on that Greenland is strategically vital and getting more so.

Its always been an important mid-Atlantic bridgehead. In World War II, it gave its name to the feared Greenland Air Gap ocean tract, out of range of land-based aircraft, that Nazi U-boats turned into a killing ground for Allied merchant convoys.

In any new major war, whoever controls Greenland would master the vital Atlantic Sea lanes. And an existing US base on the territory already plays an important role in US early-warning missile detection systems.

Eight decades after World War II, Greenland is becoming a hotter spot literally and geopolitically, as melting ice opens new shipping routes on the roof of the world. China and Russia understand just as well as Trump how strategically critical it could be.

But the flaw in Trumps argument is that theres nothing stopping him from reinforcing Greenland if he believes US national security is at risk.

After all, Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of a NATO member. Its vast empty spaces could easy accommodate a new garrison, bases and thousands of military personnel. Despite offensive jokes by administration leaders that Denmark is only defending the island with dog sleds, the US has a treaty with Copenhagen that permits huge latitude for US landings and takeoffs; anchorages; harbors; living facilities; and other basing needs.

Greenland is also rich in yet-to-be-tapped offshore oil and gas fields, and as its tundra thaws, its rare earth mineral deposits, which could fuel new age technologies and weapons, will become easier to mine.

If its rare earths that Trump cares about, then both Danish and Greenland officials have said they are open to partnership agreements.

But theres no sign that Trump  who is coming to resemble 19th-century US presidents who craved new lands, wielded tariffs as weapons and dreamed of matching European empires  is looking to share. The US base on Greenland flies the Danish flag as well as the Stars and Stripes. This administration leans more towards the thinking of Millers wife, Katie, who posted a social media picture of the entire island covered in the red, white and blue.

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago on January 3, 2026. - Nicole Combeau/Bloomberg/Getty Images

An imperialist president

The world has changed in the last few days.

Trumps insistence that he was running Venezuela and was in charge following Maduros capture suggests hes moved from a being a rhetorical imperialist to a practicing one.

An announcement Tuesday that Venezuela would turn over up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the US to be sold  and that Trump would control the proceeds to benefit Americans and Venezuelans  further fueled concerns that he is bent on gaining plunder from sovereign states.

A Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) oil pumpjack on Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Zulia state, Venezuela, on November 17, 2023. - Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Trumps aggressive new pitch for total control of the Western Hemisphere coincides with his accelerating obsession with his physical legacy, including his plans for a huge White House ballroom and the splashing of his name above that of an assassinated American president on the Kennedy Center in Washington.

How Trump would love to go down in history alongside President Thomas Jefferson, who purchased Louisiana for 1803 for $15 million and almost doubled the size of the United States. Or one of his administrations historical heroes, President William McKinley, who annexed Hawaii in 1898. Trump would almost surely go one better and name the vast new icy American territory after himself.

It still seems almost unfathomable that the world is now coming to see Trump as a threat to Greenland.

Its not that there havent been concerns about its security in the past. But almost everyone thought that the danger to NATO would emanate from Moscow or Beijing  not from the alliances mightiest power.

For all of Trumps belligerence, theres no imminent sign that the president is planning a military venture, which would raise the unthinkable theoretical possibility of American troops raising their guns against their NATO brethren.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Trump wanted to buy Greenland, even though its leaders and Denmark have repeatedly made clear it is not for sale.

But these are unhinged times. No one can predict what Trump will do next. And unlike his first term, theres almost no one penning him in. Its hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth trying to talk the commander in chief out of an order to send Marines to plant a flag on Greenland.

I know the Danes pretty well. Theyre tough people. It wouldnt surprise me to see them put a military force there to stand in opposition to a US force, retired Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO Supreme Commander, told CNNs Jake Tapper on Tuesday. This is the end of NATO were talking about. Lets avoid that.

But reality is in the eye of the beholder. After all, on the fifth anniversary Tuesday of the assault on the Capitol by supporters trying to overturn Trumps election loss, the official White House website was transformed into a propaganda organ. It blamed Democrats and the Capitol Police for a MAGA mob that beat up officers and desecrated the chambers of Congress.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy warned Tuesday that Trumps designs on Greenland were no joke. I certainly was among those who, 12 months ago or six months ago, dismissed his talk of taking over Greenland as an intentional distraction, Murphy told CNNs Kasie Hunt. I think now you have to really think about whats in the presidents brain.

Europe is increasingly alarmed

The leaders of France, Germany Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in declaring Tuesday that Greenland belongs to its people. Mark Carney  the prime minister of Canada, which shares a small land border and a vast maritime boundary with Greenland  announced a high-level delegation to the country next month.

Carney has had his own brushes with Trumps territorial expansionism. If the president had not alienated millions of Canadians with his demands that their country become the 51st US state, conservative leader Pierre Poilievre  a MAGA-lite-style populist  probably would have won last years election.

Geo-strategic implications of any US swoop on Greenland are enormous. Frederiksen has already warned that any US attempt to take Greenland by force would immediately destroy NATO and its mutual defense guarantee, which has been the bedrock of Western security since World War II. An attempt to seize a European territory would fracture US relations with Europe.

The Greenlandic flag in Nuuk, Greenland, on April 2, 2025. - Juliette Pavy/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Growing ill-feeling toward Trumps America would also intensify. Denmark might be weaker than the United States. But it was strong enough to send 43 of its soldiers to die in US wars in Afghanistan and another 7 in Iraq, according to icasualties.org. This is an extraordinary rate per capita in a country of 6 million people. Friends treated in such an insulting manner may not be around next time America calls.

But the White House is applying power because it can.

Europes reliance on the United States for its defense gives Trump great leverage. Its surreal to say so, but theres no prospect that European or Danish forces could defend Greenland from US troops if it came to it. Nobody is going to fight the United States over the future of Greenland, Miller said.

Europes strong statement in support of Greenlanders on Tuesday came after several days of its leaders dancing on the head of a diplomatic pin as they struggled to respond to the Venezuela raid without alienating Trump. Most opted for condemning Maduro while citing the need to uphold international law, which the US trampled with its incursion.

The European Unions delicate position, given the continents defense needs, was also evident last year with the blocs decision not to wage a counter-attack with its own tariffs against Trump. No one is sure, given Trumps anti-NATO rhetoric, that he wont just quit the worlds most successful military alliance.

This imbalance in the power dynamic between Europe and the United States gives Trump an advantage if he seeks to lure Denmark into an Art of the Deal showdown over Greenland. And its surely not a quirk of history that hes appointed Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana  the state that America bought  as his special envoy to Greenland.

Still, a Greenland purchase might be beyond even Trump. The logistics of such a move might require acts of Congress, ratification by the European Union, and complex negotiations and treaty arrangements.

Then theres the question of how much it would cost, even if its not currently for sale. And are US lawmakers really going to stump up hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars, at a minimum, to buy the worlds largest island when their constituents are struggling to pay for health care, housing and groceries?

Some American statesmen hope that Trumps bluster cools before it destroys the West.

Lets not push this into an apocalyptic ending. We can work with the Europeans. We have for decades, Stavridis, a senior CNN analyst, said. It simply needs to be done with diplomacy, military engagement, economics.

But such temperance isnt in vogue in a White House that is only becoming more belligerent after its humiliation of Venezuela.

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Wix purchased its downtown Manhattan office space in December 2019 Wix.com

Wix announced an office return for staff in Israel, Poland, and Lithuania, starting February 1.

US employees will continue to be hybrid, the company told Business Insider.

Wix's president cited collaboration and innovation as reasons for the return-to-office decision.

Wix is asking employees in three countries to come back to the office. US workers will remain hybrid, though, Business Insider has confirmed.

Nir Zohar, president of the Israeli website management company, told employees in an email Wednesday that "Wix is moving to a full office work week" and impacted workers must come back to the office five days a week starting February 1.

The return-to-office mandate applies to workers in Tel Aviv and Beersheba, Israel; Krakow, Poland; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Ukrainian employees will continue working remotely "from wherever is safest," Zohar wrote in the email, which he posted to X and LinkedIn.

Wix is moving to a full office work week



Heres the email I sent to the team today about why were bringing people back together in the office and how were rolling it out across locations. Weve always done our best work side by side, learning, building, and tackling hard pic.twitter.com/knYUnSCOba  Nir Zohar (@nirzo) January 7, 2026

A Wix spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that all US employees "will remain hybrid." The company declined to elaborate on why American workers are excluded from the RTO policy.

"Customer Care and the rest of the global teams will have direct communication with local leadership about how this change will affect them," Zohar emailed his employees.

Zohar framed the return-to-office push as essential for collaboration and innovation, echoing arguments made by other CEOs  like AT&T's John Stankey and Starbucks' Brian Niccol  rolling back remote work.

"The unique energy in the office, the quick chats, the unplanned ideas, the feeling of being around each other  it all makes a real difference in how fast things move, how much easier it is to solve problems and how much more connected we feel," he wrote. "Working together also means challenging each other, encouraging creativity and innovation."

Wix was initially planning its in-office mandate for the Tel Aviv office in October 2023, but put those plans on hold due to the Israel-Hamas war, Zohar said in the email.

In November, the company reported having 5,344 staffers globally.

Zohar emphasized that Wix would remain flexible for personal circumstances like sick children or family emergencies, saying managers would work with employees on a case-by-case basis.

Wix, which launched in 2006, services more than 200 million users from 10 global corporate offices, according to its website.

Read Wix president Nir Zohar's email to employees below

Hi everyone, I want to share an update about how we'll be working as we head into 2026. Wix has always been about working side by side, collaborating and building a culture of personal as well as team growth. The unique energy in the office, the quick chats, the unplanned ideas, the feeling of being around each other  it all makes a real difference in how fast things move, how much easier it is to solve problems and how much more connected we feel. Working together also means challenging each other, encouraging creativity and innovation. Historically, Covid and lack of office space in Israel pushed us to WFH and then to hybrid mode. We actually originally planned to move back to full WFO in Israel a few months after we made the full move to the Campus in October 2023, but for obvious reasons decided to hold off. Now we think it is finally the right time to go back to a full work week at the office. To give the Campus and different site ops teams time to prepare, we'll start this on February 1, 2026. This change will be effective for Israel (TLV & BY), Krakow and Vilnius teams. Our teams in Ukraine will continue working from wherever is safest and works for them best. Customer Care and the rest of the global teams will have direct communication with local leadership about how this change will affect them. This will take into account each site's specific constraints, regulations and needs, so everyone receives clear and relevant information about what working from the office will look like for them. I want to point out something very important: Long before 2020, COVID, and the WFH era, Wix has always been a very flexible work place. This will NOT change. However, this flexibility isn't about everyone taking a day at home; rather, it's based on personal needs and managers' attentiveness to their people's needs. Some people who live very far from the office may need different considerations. Others may go through specific periods that require more flexibility on where to work from, and for all of us "life happens" every now and then. Kids get sick, family may require attention, and unexpected things come up. Managers will keep working with you to ensure you have what you need. If something personal comes up, talk to your manager or HR. We'll handle it together, the same way we always have. Wix has always been at its best when we're around each other  learning, building, laughing, solving things, creating things. I'm really looking forward to bringing that energy back into the office every day. Nir

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fusion power industry leader Commonwealth Fusion Systems is building its first demonstration plant utilizing the same process that fuels the sun, and now its partnering with Siemens and Nvidia to use AI to eventually help power the AI boom.



Essentially marking the debut of fusion power at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Commonwealth CEO Bob Mumgaard joined Siemens CEO Roland Busch during his Jan. 6 keynote to tout their teamwork and the ambitious plans for consistent, clean power without radioactive waste, intermittency issues, or the dependence on foreign supply chains.



AI factories and data centers require gigawatts of electric power, Busch said on stage. What if we had an energy source that was clean, safe, affordable, and practically limitless?

Backed by Nvidia, Google, Mitsubishi, Bill Gates, and more, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) leads the nascent fusion sector in funding, contracts, and has the advantage of being founded earlier than most in 2018 through a spinoff from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Fusion is no longer a science project; its actually the next big thing in tech, Mumgaard said.

CFS is currently building its SPARC demonstration project outside of Boston, and just installed the first of 18 high-temperature, D-shaped superconducting magnets that power the machinery. The magnets that CFS manufactures are theoretically strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier out of the water, Mumgaard said. SPARC will nearly be completed by the end of 2026 and will produce its first plasma energy in 2027.

The main argument against fusion is making it work, and thats why were building SPARC and showing that it can work, Mumgaard told Fortune in an interview prior to the keynote. That will be a big moment for fusion overall, not just for us.

If SPARC succeeds, CFS first commercial fusion plant, ARC, is slated to be built and to come online in the early 2030s just outside of Richmond, Virginia. If all goes as planned, the 400-megawatt plant would become the worlds first fusion plant providing steady power to the gridenough to power about 300,000 homes.

Whereas traditional nuclear fission energy creates power by splitting atoms, fusion uses heat to create energy by melding them together. In the simplest form, it fuses hydrogen found in water into an extremely hot, electrically charged state known as plasma to create heliumthe same process that powers the sun. When executed properly, the process triggers endless reactions to make energy for electricity. But stars rely on overwhelming gravitational pressure to force their fusion. Here on Earth, creating and containing the pressure needed to force the reaction in a consistent, controlled way remains an engineering challenge.

CFS is now working with Nvidia Omniverse AI tech and Siemens industrial software to create a digital twin of the SPARC project to experiment, process data, and answer questions without having to open up the physical machinery. CFS also works with Google DeepMind AI systems. CFS likens DeepMind to a co-pilot and the Nvidia digital twin to the virtual airplane.

The way to think about it is that the physical world and the digital world are increasingly merging, and were increasingly able to get the best out of both sides, Mumgaard said, arguing that hes optimistic the digital twin tech will accelerate the development of ARC.

The TF1 magnet, a key component of the SPARC fusion demonstration machine, was recently installed in Tokamak Hall at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens, Mass.

Trumped up competition

There is of course competition, including even from the Trump family.

In December, the Trump Media & Technology Group and fusion developer TAE Technologies announced an unexpected $6 billion merger to become the first fusion player to go publicsoon owned in part by the Trump familyon a belief that an influx of capital will speed up the launch of fusion power on the grid.

The deal is for a so-called merger of equals with Trump Media, which will become a Truth Social media, cryptocurrency, and fusion power conglomerate.

Having a public fusion company was something I think the industry always expected to happen. I dont think anyone had it on their bingo card for it to happen quite this way. But its good to have one, and I wish them success, Mumgaard told Fortune. With the Trump connection, fusion has been bipartisan, and wed like to make sure it stays bipartisan.

CFS also is racing against others competitors such as Helionbacked by OpenAIs Sam Altman and SoftBankwhich aims to build a fusion plant east of Seattle to power Microsoft data centers.

CFS is the leader in the most common form of fusion techthe oddly named tokamak. The tokamakshortened from toroidal chamber magneticrelies on its powerful magnets. The design essentially involves a massive, doughnut-shaped machine that traps the plasma in a high-temperature, superconducting magnetic field.

The running joke is that fusion power is mythical and its always 30 years away. Not so any longer, Mumgaard said, even if it will still take a couple of decades before fusion is a key player in the global power grid.

Parts are arriving and its being assembled, Mumgaard said of SPARC. Its a complicated Lego set, but we have a good set of instructions and a good set of people that will put it together.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase.

If youre American and reading this right now, you probably think that one of the best home saunas is a hot wooden closet across the hall from the steam room at your health club.

However, for many around the world, the dry sauna plays a much more substantial role in their lives than just the hot room, which may or may not be on the list of healthy activities one does after using the rower, exercise bike, or elliptical machine at the gym.

In addition to being relaxing, dry heat saunas have many incredible benefits for the body, Board-Certified Doctor in Family Practice and Regenerative Medicine, Neil Paulvin, MD, told The Post. According to a study, high temperatures can boost your circulation, reduce inflammation, alleviate chronic pain, reduce joint stiffness, and even help strengthen the immune system.

Product Spotlight

Best Overall : Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Best Budget : Dynamic Infrared Barcelona 1-Person Infrared Sauna

Best Outdoor : Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Best for Two People : Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Best for Three People : Heatwave Sonoma 3-Person Hemlock Infrared Corner Sauna

Best for Four People : Sun Home Saunas Solstice 4-Person Infrared Sauna

Best Portable: SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Sauna

If that doesnt sound like a reason to learn more about the best at-home saunas, we dont know what does. Below you will find our picks.

The act of relaxing in that small, dry, hot space for a while is said to date back anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 years, depending on whom you ask. Whereas the exact origin is nearly impossible to track down, there is overwhelming evidence that the sauna, closest to what we think of it today, started in northern Europe.

So, its no surprise that in many European countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Russia, and Finland  the country most well-known for its saunas and sauna culture  you can easily find families with saunas right at home. If you dont believe us, then ask yourself why the only Finnish word to make it into everyday English is, you guessed it, sauna.

You wont typically find them at your local home store, which is why its smart that you came to us. We know exactly where to shop them online and have spent the time researching and asking the professionals to find out what you need to look for in the best at-home sauna.

Product Spotlight

Best Overall: Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Sun Home Sauna

Pros:

Lowest ELF and EMF

Many different sizes  from one person to six people

Far and near-infrared technologies

Doctor designed and endorsed

Bluetooth surround sound system with premium built-in speakers

Easy assembly with no power tools required

Automatic off feature when time is up

No need to update your electrical system

Cons:

Expensive

Takes some time to warm up

Manual interface

As the only home sauna shown to almost entirely cancel both ELF and EMF (extremely low frequency and electromagnetic field), Sun Home sells Sun Home saunas, which use proprietary heaters in Sun Home saunas to deliver unmatched, full-spectrum infrared power.

Moreover, Sun Home full spectrum technology provides the deepest penetration of infrared heat. The Sun Home sauna is available in basswood or mahogany, and there are many models available to fit two, three, and four people.

New York Post Review:

Ryan Murphy

Ive been using the Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna for about a month now, and it is seriously a game changer. Delivery was seamless and placed into my garage where two subcontractors assembled this for me. The whole process took no longer than 2 hours and was ready to go! All you need for this at-home sauna is a 20amp outlet and the space.

Ive opted to use this in my detached garage simply for the space component. This sauna does require almost a foot of extra room overhead, and I simply did not have that inside my home. However, this has been a great escape and overall fantastic experience. The infrared heat penetrates deeper to help release any toxins and get more into your muscles to reduce inflammation and any soreness.

Ive had some lower back issues, and being able to use this sauna has assisted in my rehab process tremendously. Furthermore, I have found that it has reduced stress levels and helped me wind down quite a bit. Ive also used this while feeling the symptoms of a cold, being able to sweat it out was a great at-home remedy for me!

Lastly, since this is not just traditional heat/steam, the temperature does not have to get as hot as a steam room or a wood-burning sauna. 165 degrees Fahrenheit in here still gets you sweating and allows you to reap the suggested benefits of Infrared heat therapy.

Product Dimensions: 39.9 inches deep, 45.4 inches wide, 70.3 inches tall (interior); 45.9 inches deep, 50.9 inches wide, 77.7 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 520 pounds | Heating Element: EMF-shielding technology | Special Features: Infrared heaters, 7-year warranty, FDA-approved materials

SUN HOME SAUNAS $6,999.00 $6,799.00

New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.

Best Budget: Dynamic Infrared Barcelona 1-Person Infrared Sauna

Wayfair

Pros:

The price is good for the size

It uses reforested Canadian Hemlock planks

Chromotherapy lighting

Features Bluetooth and LED control panels

Reflexology floor heaters

Low EMF heating technology

Cons:

It does not get as hot as a traditional Finnish sauna

Floor heat panels dont feel as hot as upper panels

If youre on a budget but still want a high-quality, FAR infrared home sauna, Dynamic Saunas is a great place to start. This Bluetooth-compatible indoor home sauna is crafted from reforested Canadian hemlock wood and features remote-controlled chromotherapy lighting. This sauna is designed to look great and work well. Canadian hemlock is strong and sturdy and has highly visible woodgrain in a light brown color.

Customers are saying: We love our Sauna. Its very well made, easy to assemble and its a wonderful experience for home. So Relaxing.

Product Dimensions: 32 inches long, 36 inches wide, 72 inches tall (interior); 36 inches long, 39 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 265 pounds | Heating Element: FAR Infrared | Special Features: LED lighting, audio input/output jacks, antimicrobial material

WAYFAIR $2,999.00 $1,899.99

Best Outdoor: Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Sun Home Saunas

Pros:

The design is sleek and streamlined but still stylish

Made from aerospace-grade aluminum for exterior paneling and cedar wood for the interior cabin

The bench size is very generous

Cons:

Expensive

Assembly requires skill

Delivery time is long (but its because it is made upon order)

If saunas could be sexy, it would be this Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna option from Sun Home. Being designed from aerospace-grade aluminum for exterior paneling and cedar wood for the interior cabin, this home sauna experience is like no other. Available for five people, this is an investment for true sauna enthusiasts. Youll have a lot of new friends in the neighborhood coming by to say, hi.

Customers are saying: Ive been in several saunas, but this one tops them all. The heat is distributed evenly and powerfully. It simply feels like its real quality. Highly recommend!

Product Dimensions: 51.5 inches deep, 82 inches wide, 82.5 inches tall (interior); 47 inches deep, 78 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 1,270 pounds | Heating Element: EMF-shielding technology | Special Features: Heat-treated carbonized wood materials for outdoor use, WiFi- and mobile app-enabled control center, Bluetooth audio

SUN HOME SAUNAS $14,599.00

Best for Two People: Dynamic Saunas Maxxus Toulouse 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Amazon

Pros:

It uses reforested Canadian hemlock wood

Clasp-together assembly takes less than an hour

Electrical is easy to plug and go

Installation anywhere, even on carpet

Look is simple and clean

Includes chromo therapy lighting

The price is appealing for the size

Cons:

Max temperature is 140 but can max out at 130

Insulation could be better

If youre looking for a sauna big enough for two and want to save a little money while youre at it, Dynamic Saunas offers a quality investment with the Maxxus Toulouse infrared sauna.

With six infrared carbon energy efficient heating panels operating at 1750 watts, each user has three panels worth of infrared power all to themselves. Use interior or exterior controls to adjust and display color therapy lighting, built-in reading lamp, and AUX connection with speakers.

What customers are saying: I am thrilled with our purchase  It assembles in minutes with built-in buckles that simply connect the sides as they stand on the base. No tools are needed for that at all. Connecting wires was just a matter of plugging well-labeled pieces together  Then just plugged it into a regular plug, and it [works]. Heats up in about 25 minutes  Fits two people easily. It is absolutely comparable to the $7,000 one we looked at buying from a local store.

Product Dimensions: 42 inches long, 50 inches wide, 75 inches tall | Weight: 250 pounds | Heating Element: Low EMF FAR Infrared | Special Features: FM radio, CD player, aux port and built-in speakers

AMAZON $2,399.00 $1,839.99

Best for Three People: Heatwave Sonoma 3-Person Hemlock Infrared Corner Sauna

Wayfair

Pros:

The price for size is great

The corner design maximizes space

Includes an integrated MP3 player and wireless connectivity

Includes a vent and two seating benches

Cons:

It could be a tight fit depending on the size of three adults

The corner design alone elevates the Heatwave Sonoma 3-Person Hemlock Infrared Corner Sauna, undoubtedly making it a focal feature of your home. With an integrated MP3 player and wireless connectivity, there are plenty of opportunities for one, two or three people to reap the perceived benefits of this indoor infrared sauna. The design includes a vent and two seating benches as well to sit back and relax.

What customers are saying: Works perfect in the corner spot it was intended for.

Product Dimensions: 27.5 inches deep, 51.6 inches wide, 68.5 inches tall (interior); 35 inches deep, 55 inches wide, 75 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 342 pounds | Heating Element: FAR Infrared | Special Features: LED lighting, audio input/output jacks, antimicrobial design

WAYFAIR $3,817.90

Best for Four People: Sun Home Saunas Solstice 4-Person Infrared Sauna

Sun Home

Pros:

ADA-Compliant

Doctor designed and endorsed

App controls

Medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights Included

36-hour programmable timer and remote reservation mode

Two different wood options

Lifetime warranty

Cons:

High price (but still under $10,000)

Large size is still limited to indoor use

Requires 240-volt connection

This sauna is designed for up to four people and is especially great, thanks to its fully ADA-compliant design.

Sun Home sells saunas, which use proprietary heaters to deliver the full-spectrum infrared power youd expect from a leading sauna brand. This handsomely designed sauna supplies all beneficial infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) to ensure a fully optimized experience.

You can use the app to control all elements of heat (up to 36 hours in advance), so there are no worries about needing to stand up or move around to feel the benefits.

What customers are saying: Since owning the Sun Home Infrared Sauna, I look forward to the time and days I can relax in the sauna. Takes away my aches and pains and calms me. Having it in my home makes the process so quick and easy. No more driving to a gym to use their sauna. Love it!

Product Dimensions: 61 inches long, 71 inches wide, 81 inches tall (interior); 64.5 inches long, 76 inches wide, 85.5 inches tall (exterior) | Weight: 779 pounds | Heating Element: EMF-shielding technology | Special Features: Medical-grade chromotherapy, Bluetooth audio system, high-powered heaters

SUN HOME SAUNAS $8,599.00

Best Portable: SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Sauna

Amazon

Pros:

Price is unparalleled

Portability makes using this anywhere easy

Size allows for both sitting and standing for most people

Heated floor mat included

Cons:

Height may be short for taller folks

Size is generous but could be a trigger for those who experience severe claustrophobia

If money is tight, or youre only wanting to dip your toes in the world of at-home spa ownership, this is the perfect home spa design. The portable sauna is the best compromise at a height that allows most people to stand up fully. It is quick and easy to set up, and includes a heated floor mat and a remote to make controlling the unit easy.

What customers are saying: The previous [personal saunas] I had were normal with your head sticking out, but this one was a FULL SAUNA, and you could walk inside and zip your entire body inside  After I got it, I set it up, put towels on top (recommended by other people), and waited a few minutes. When I sat inside, it was HEAVEN, and now I can burn calories and listen to music or audiobooks in the comfort of my own home. Get your money out and buy this IMMEDIATELY  if NOT SOONER!

Product Dimensions: 7 inches long, 16 inches wide, 43 inches tall (disassembled); 35.4 inches long, 35.4 inches wide, 70.9 inches tall (assembled) | Weight: 24.2 pounds | Heating Element: Infrared | Special Features: Included folding chair, remote control, heated foot pad

AMAZON $379.99 $292.44

What to look for in a home sauna:

Size

When looking for your new home sauna, its essential to know where you will place it. Depending on the capacity  usually from one to six people  a home sauna can go in a large bedroom, a basement, a garage, or even outside.

Remember that the bigger the sauna, the more power it will require. Therefore, you may need something that offers more electrical power than a standard 120-volt, 15-amp outlet.

Style

This doesnt depend only on your aesthetic taste but also on where you will be placing your sauna. Unless a sauna is explicitly designed to be used outdoors, it should be placed indoors to ensure it is not damaged by the elements.

Frequency

How often are you going to be using your sauna, and with whom? If you intend to use your sauna occasionally and alone, a lower-cost design with a smaller footprint may be the best investment.

If you intend to use the sauna often and with others, purchasing something more established and incorporated in the design of your home may be a better way to spend your money.

Sauna Type

At-home saunas come in several forms, including portable infrared saunas, which are compact and easy to set up, using infrared heat to warm the body directly at lower temperatures. Traditional dry saunas are often built as permanent fixtures and use electric or wood-burning stoves to generate dry heat, offering a more authentic sauna experience. Steam saunas, usually in the form of steam showers or kits, create a high-humidity environment by turning water into steam, providing a soothing and moist heat option for home use.

Installation & Cost

When shopping for an at-home sauna, installation is a key factor because some models, like traditional saunas, require permanent setups and professional installation, while others, like portable infrared saunas, are easier to assemble and relocate. The cost of an at-home sauna varies greatly depending on type, size, and materials, with traditional saunas typically being more expensive due to the need for specialized construction and higher-quality components.

Additionally, ongoing maintenance and energy costs should be considered, as larger saunas or those requiring higher temperatures may incur higher electricity bills over time.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an important factor when shopping for an at-home sauna because certain types, like traditional wood saunas, require regular upkeep of the stove, wood and wooden surfaces to prevent wear and decay.

Infrared saunas generally have fewer moving parts but still need regular cleaning of the heaters and the interior to maintain efficiency and hygiene. Additionally, all saunas require periodic checks on electrical components, ventilation systems and water sources (for steam saunas) to ensure they continue to operate safely and effectively.

Features

When shopping for an at-home sauna, look for features that match your needs, such as size and seating capacity, to ensure comfort and sufficient space for use. Consider the type of heating system  infrared, traditional, or steam. Check to see if its suitable for your preferred sauna experience, as well as energy efficient, to help manage running costs.

Other desirable features include adjustable temperature controls, built-in lighting or sound systems for added relaxation, and durable, easy-to-clean materials that will maintain the saunas appearance and performance over time.

FAQ

Why is a dry sauna good for you?

Dry saunas increase your body temperature, which, in turn, will increase your heart rate and circulation, says Paulvin. Similar to a cardio workout, your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood in higher temperatures.

How do home saunas work?

The primary differences between a traditional dry sauna and an infrared sauna are their temperatures and the way they generate heat. With the ability to reach 195 degrees, a traditional saunas heat can feel overwhelming, while the infrared sauna uses milder temperatures up to around 160 degrees, explains Alain Palinsky, founder of Kollectiv in New York City.

Additionally, dry saunas are heated using an external heat source that heats the skin externally. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use lightwaves to heat the body on a deep cellular level.

Are infrared light saunas different than traditional saunas?

Both heat therapies will have similar benefits (they just distribute heat differently), but with infrared, you: can last longer than a traditional sauna, explains Remedy Place founder Dr. Jonathan Leary. Infrared heats up faster [and] releases more toxins in your sweat.

Infrared saunas are a safe, natural, and non-invasive way to heal the body on a cellular level, adds Palinsky. Unlike traditional saunas, Infrared light saunas heat the body from the inside rather than heating the air. Using harmless lightwaves on the electromagnetic spectrum, the benefits of Infrared Light Saunas [can] include detoxification, muscle recovery, skin rejuvenation, heart health, immune health, weight loss, and stress relief and relaxation.

Are there any risks or dangers with home infrared saunas?

Dry saunas increase your body temperature, which increases your heart rate.

Similar to a cardio workout, your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood in higher temperatures, Paulvin explains. Long-term, using a sauna regularly (three to four times a week) can help lower blood pressure. Research (study here) also shows that people who regularly use a sauna have a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

Paulvin continues by telling the New York Post that if saunas are used for a prolonged period of time and in extreme temperatures (over 150 degrees Feirenheight), you can become overheated and dehydrated. Less serious side effects include headaches and nausea.

More serious side effects can include heat stroke, he continues. According to a 2018 study, negative side effects can include hypotension (low blood pressure), leg pain, heat exhaustion, airway irritation and claustrophobia.

Who should avoid using a sauna?

You should consult your doctor if youre taking medication or have a medical condition before using a sauna, says Paulvin.

Anyone with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use, Palinsky explains. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via perspiration and the respiratory system. Anyone with cardiovascular issues should consult a physician prior to use.

Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind, Palinsky continues. Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. The magnets used to assemble [some] saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before using a sauna if you are using these devices.

Pregnant women, men trying to reproduce, or children under 16, Leary adds. Unless you have a contraindication, find a way to incorporate this into your routine  it is a must!

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A woman shows a painting depicting ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and former President Hugo Chavez during a demonstration by supporters in Caracas on Sunday. (Juan Barreto / AFP via Getty Images)

A highly confidential CIA assessment produced at the request of the White House warned President Trump of a wider conflict in Venezuela if he were to support the country's democratic opposition once its president, Nicolas Maduro, was deposed, a person familiar with the matter told The Times.

The assessment was a tightly held CIA product commissioned at the request of senior policymakers before Trump decided whether to authorize Operation Absolute Resolve, the stunning U.S. mission that seized Maduro and his wife from their bedroom in Caracas over the weekend.

Announcing the results of the operation on Sunday, Trump surprised an anxious Venezuelan public when he was quick to dismiss the leadership of the democratic opposition  led by Maria Corina Machado, last years Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition candidate who won the 2024 presidential election that was ultimately stolen by Maduro.

Instead, Trump said his administration was working with Maduro's handpicked vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has since been named the country's interim president. The rest of Maduro's government remains in place.

Endorsing the opposition would probably have required U.S. military backing, with the Venezuelan armed forces still under the control of loyalists to Maduro unwilling to relinquish power.

Read more:How American companies could access world's largest oil reserves through Venezuela

A second official said that the administration sought to avoid one of the cardinal mistakes of the invasion of Iraq, when the Bush administration ordered party loyalists of the deposed Saddam Hussein to be excluded from the country's interim government. That decision, known as de-Baathification, led those in charge of Iraq's stockpiles of weapons to establish armed resistance to the U.S. campaign.

The CIA product was not an assessment that was shared across the 18 government agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community, whose head, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, was largely absent from deliberations  and who has yet to comment on the operation, despite CIA operatives being deployed in harm's way before and throughout the weekend mission.

The core team that worked on Absolute Resolve included Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who met routinely over several months, sometimes daily, the source added.

The existence of the CIA assessment was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Signs have emerged that Trump's team was in communication with Rodriguez ahead of the operation, although the president has denied that his administration gave Rodriguez advance notice of Maduro's ouster.

"There are a number of unanswered questions," said Evan Ellis, who served in Trumps first term planning State Department policy on Latin America, the Caribbean and international narcotics. "There may have been a cynical calculation that one can work with them."

Rodriguez served as a point of contact with the Biden administration, experts note, and also was in touch with Richard Grenell, a top Trump aide who heads the Kennedy Center, early on in Trump's second term, when he was testing engagement with Caracas.

Read more:European leaders push back on Trump's comments about a U.S. takeover of Greenland

While the federal indictment unsealed against Maduro after his seizure named several other senior officials in his government, Rodriguez's name was notably absent.

Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president Monday in a ceremony attended by diplomats from Russia, China and Iran. Publicly, the leader has offered mixed messages, at once vowing to prevent Venezuela from becoming a colonial outpost of an American empire, while also offering to forge a newly collaborative relationship with Washington.

"Of course, for political reasons, Delcy Rodriguez can't say, 'I've cut a deal with Trump, and we're going to stop the revolution now and start working with the U.S.," Ellis said.

"It's not about the democracy," he said. "It's about him not wanting to work with Maduro."

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Machado said she had yet to speak with Trump since the U.S. operation over the weekend, but hoped to do so soon, offering to share her Nobel Peace Prize with him as a gesture of gratitude. Trump has repeatedly touted himself as a worthy recipient of the award.

"What he has done is historic," Machado said, vowing to return to the country from hiding abroad since accepting the prize in Oslo last month.

"It's a huge step," she added, "towards a democratic transition."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Cuban Americans in Orlando, Florida on July 13, 2021 showing solidarity with protesters and dissidents in Cuba. | Paul Hennessy/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Is Cuba next? "I don't think we need [to take] any action," said President Donald Trump on Sunday. Without the regime of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and a steady supply of oil, "Cuba looks like it's ready to fall."

"I'm not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be," Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Meet the Press that same day. But at a press conference following the capture of Maduro in Venezuela on Saturday, he had said, "If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned."

"I don't think it's any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime, who, by the way, are the ones that were propping up Maduro," said Rubio on Sunday. No kidding.

"It was Cubans that guarded Maduro," he added. "He was not guarded by Venezuelan bodyguards. He had Cuban bodyguards."

The thought seems to be that, having orchestrated the downfall of the Venezuelan dictator, the Trump administration now stands ready to destabilize the Cuban regime and transition its governance. Or that the economic pain felt by Cuba will be intense enough that the regime will fall on its own.

"To keep the lights on and cars running, Cuba has long been dependent on Venezuelan oil supplies, for which it has exchanged security and medical personnel in a sympathetic contract with leftist allies in Caracas," notes The Washington Post. Now the unholy alliance is over, and the beast will be starved. But it's not the first time Cuba's experienced a cutoff. When the Soviet Union fell in 1991, the island experienced what's known as periodo especial, a time of severe economic depression that left lasting marks.

Other people are less confident that the Venezuela situation is going to destabilize Cuba to such a high degree. "Cutting off the oil deliveries is going to put a huge squeeze on the humanitarian situation" in Cuba, Juan Gonzalez, part of the Biden administration's national security staff, told the Post, "but I don't think the regime is going to cry uncle."

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the transition has been bumpy. Delcy Rodriguezthe vice president since 2018has been appointed leader, instead of the exiled Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader who is widely regarded as having the true mandate of the people, or Edmundo Gonzalez, whose presidential election victory in 2024 was stolen by Maduro.

"It's unclear whether [Delcy] Rodriguez will become a reformer who leads the country from Chavismo toward democracy or an authoritarian consolidator with American backing," wrote Cesar Baez for Reason.

"Rodriguez will have little incentive to open up the country's political system. More than a dozen powerful officials and military figures have been, like Maduro, indicted in U.S. courts," reports The Atlantic's Michael Albertus. "They face dim prospects if they hand over power without securing guarantees of immunity. Their most logical move is to dig inand publicly, that's exactly what they have done. Rodriguez has forcefully denounced the U.S. intervention and asserted that Maduro remains Venezuela's rightful leader. Other officials have circled the wagons."

Tax me, daddy: "I've got to tell you, I have not even thought about it once," said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, the world's ninth-richest person, about the tax on billionaires being considered by the state of California. "We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it. I'm perfectly fine with it."

"Under a proposed ballot initiative in the state, billionaires would face a one-time 5% levy to cover funding shortages for health care, food assistance and education," reports Bloomberg. "The proposal, which still needs to gather enough signatures to appear on the November 2026 ballot, would apply to people who reside in the state as of Jan. 1."

It's like California wants to drive rich people out. Also, note the classic politician-brained response, which would work in no other industry: We failed to balance the budget, so therefore, instead of doing better or working harder to rectify the problem, we will simply stick our grubby little hands into people's pockets to absolve us of our fiscal sins.

Scenes from New York: My son, Solomon Peter (called Sol), was born on December 26 but has been in the NICU since birth due to various complications. It's looking like he will be there for a while, so I'm returning from maternity leave for a few weeks to write this newsletter to preserve my leave for when he's actually released from the hospital. (Thank God for remote work, which allows me to do a lot of this work from his bedside; and for Reason, which has been very gracious in giving me all kinds of flexibility during this hard time.) It's been a trying few weeks for my family and your prayers are very appreciated.

QUICK HITS

Yeltsin moments!

Speaking of grocery stores, the Zohran Mamdani apologists are totally (predictably) wrong:

CTown, Gristedes, and Key Foodsour independent grocery storesare some of the worst I've ever been to, and kind of expensive. https://t.co/1WW6v7PSpi  Liz Wolfe (@LizWolfeReason) January 6, 2026

"A small fleet of ships booked by Chevron Corp. is sailing to Venezuela as the company emerges as the only exporter of the country's oil following the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces," reports Bloomberg. "Chevron is poised to export more Venezuelan oil this month than last, with at least 11 ships scheduled to arrive in the Venezuelan government-controlled ports of Jose and Bajo Grande, according to preliminary data compiled by Bloomberg.The 11 Chevron-chartered vessels scheduled to arrive in January would be the highest since October when 12 tankers loaded." Chevron, of course, is the only American company currently approved to export crude oil from Venezuela given the sanctions. Venezuelan state-owned company, PDVSA, has put its operations on hold for a fifth day, leaving Chinese purchasers in a precarious spot.

"No two countries with Trump-branded properties have ever fought a war against each other," notes Jim Geraghty at The Washington Post in "How a 'Trump Tower Copenhagen' could deter Greenland conquest."

"Keeper's goal is to understand its users so well that it can connect them with their soul mates on the first try. And it has instituted a bounty of its own in order to 'align incentives' between the company and its users. Singles who sign up for its $50,000 Marriage Bounty plan pay an introduction fee for each match, then the balance of the sum if a match leads to a long-term relationship," writes Amanda Hess for The New York Times. "The application, which can take hours to complete, asks users for their height, ancestral background, SAT score and their feelings about entrepreneurs. They can chose from an exhaustive list of political affiliations (conservative or progressive, Zionist or anti-Zionist, neoliberal or neo-Nazi) and select their partner's 'ideal' ethnicity. The system can assess their cheekbone prominence, jaw strength or body-fat percentage from a scanned photo, and analyze their application to estimate an IQ score." Call me old-fashioned, but the Silicon Valley attempts at love-hacking always sound utterly ridiculous.

The post Cuba Libre appeared first on Reason.com.
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro (L) and Chinese president Xi Jinping have enjoyed an amicable relationship in recent years - pictured here during a state visit to Beijing in 2023 [Miraflores Palace via Reuters]

It took just a few hours for Donald Trump to upend a relationship that China had been cultivating for decades.

Only hours before he was seized in a nighttime raid, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro had been praising his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as "an older brother" with a "powerful message as a leader to the world" during a meeting with senior diplomats from Beijing.

China has invested heavily in oil-rich Venezuela, one of its closest South American partners. And its state media showed off the footage from that meeting to prove it: smiling men in suits, reviewing some of the 600 current agreements between their two countries - except the next photograph of Maduro was taken on board a US warship, blindfolded and handcuffed, in grey sweats.

China joined many countries around the world in condemning Washington's stunning move against a sovereign state. It accused the US of acting like a "world judge" and insisted that "the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law".

Those stern words aside, Beijing will be making careful calculations not just to ensure its foothold in South America, but also to manage an already tricky relationship with Trump and plot its next steps as the great power competition between the US and China takes a new, wholly unexpected turn.

Many see this as an opportunity for China's authoritarian Communist Party rulers. But there is also risk, uncertainty and frustration as Beijing tries to figure out what to do after Trump tore up the very international rulebook it has spent decades trying to play by.

Beijing, which likes to play the long game, is no fan of chaos. That is certainly what it seems to be coming up repeatedly against in Trump's second term. It had planned ahead and weathered the on-again, off-again trade war. Xi will believe he showed the US and the world just how dependent they are on Chinese manufacturing and technology.

But now Beijing faces a new challenge.

Trump's play for Venezuelan oil has likely strengthened China's deepest doubts about American intentions  how far would the US go to contain Chinese influence?

Speaking to NBC on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared: "This is the western hemisphere. This is where we live  and we're not going to allow the western hemisphere to be a base of operations for adversaries, competitors and rivals of the United States."

The not-so-hidden message was for Beijing: get out of our backyard.

Beijing is unlikely to listen. But it will wait to see what happens next.

On Wednesday Beijing strongly condemned a US report that suggested Washington will order the acting Venezuelan president to sever economic ties with China and Russia.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters that this was a "typical act of bullying, a serious violation of international law, a severe infringement upon Venezuela's sovereignty and will do grave damage to the rights of the Venezuelan people."

Nicolas Maduro escorted by US federal agents after landing in New York city [Getty Images]

Some wonder if China is waiting and watching to see if it could do the same in Taiwan, the self-governing island which it views as a breakaway province.

Xi has vowed that Taiwan will one day be "reunified" with the mainland and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this. And some nationalists on Chinese social media are asking: if the US can unilaterally act in Caracas, what is stopping Beijing from snatching the Taiwanese president?

For one, Beijing might not see those parallels because it considers Taiwan an internal matter, and not a concern of the international order. But more important, if Xi decides to invade the island, it will not be because the US has set a precedent, according to David Sacks from the Council on Foreign Relations. He writes that China doesn't have the "confidence that it can succeed at an acceptable cost".

"Until that day comes, though, China will continue with its strategy of employing coercion to wear down Taiwan's people, with the aim of forcing Taiwan to the negotiating table. The US strikes on Venezuela do not change this dynamic."

Rather, they are a challenge China did not need and does not want - and they risk its long-term plan to win over the Global South.

The relationship between Beijing and Caracas was fairly simple. China needed oil. Venezuela needed cash. From around 2000 to 2023 Beijing provided more than $100bn to Venezuela to finance railways, power plants and other infrastructure projects. In exchange, Caracas gave Beijing the oil it needed to fuel its booming economy.

Around 80% of Venezuelan oil was sent to China last year. That's still only 4% of the country's oil imports. So, when it comes to China's financial risks in Caracas, "it's important to keep some perspective", says Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of The China-Global South Project.

"Chinese firms like CNPC and Sinopec are among the largest players there and there is a risk of those assets either being nationalised by the Venezuelans, under the direction of the US or otherwise marginalised amid the chaos."

There are also around $10bn of outstanding loans that Venezuela owes Chinese creditors, but again, Olander urges caution as it's unclear if any investments in the country are currently at risk.

But it could warn off future investors. "Chinese enterprises need to fully assess the risks and extent of potential US intervention before investing in related projects," Cui Shoujun, from the School of International Relations at Renmin University, said on Chinese state media.

Beijing will not want to jeopardise the fragile trade truce it just signed with the US, but it won't want to lose its foothold in Latin America either. Striking that balance is going to be hard, especially with someone as unpredictable as Trump.

The concern for China is that other countries across South America start to worry about significant Chinese investments "out of concern of attracting unwanted US attention", Olander says. "This region is a critical source of food, energy and natural resources to China with two-way trade now topping half a trillion dollars."

The US has also made it clear it wants the Panamanian government to cancel all Chinese port holdings and investments related to the Panama Canal, which, he adds, is "undeniably concerning for China".

So Beijing may have to win the battle in Washington's backyard in other ways.

Xi and Maduro in Beijing in 2013 [Getty Images]

China has shown patience and persistence in wooing South America. The Global South is a group of countries that have signed up to "a community with a shared future" and urge opposition to "unilateral bullying".

This message resonates with governments that have grown wary of the West and, in particular, Washington under Trump. China is usually explicit from the start about what it wants from its partners - they recognise the "One China" principle and Taiwan is treated as an "integral part" of China.

Beijing has had considerable success in persuading Latin American states to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, with Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras all siding with the $19tn economy's talk of strategic partnership over the last 20 years.

In contrast, Trump has shown that a relationship with Washington can be volatile. And that could play into China's hands, as it seeks to project Xi as a stable leader, now more than ever before.

"This is important because the situation in Venezuela could easily descend into chaos," Olander says. "Also, don't forget the lesson from Iraq, where the US also said the country's oil reserves would pay for the reconstruction of the economy. That did not happen and China is now the largest buyer of Iraqi crude. Something similar could easily happen in Venezuela."

For years, the US was urged by China hawks in Congress to counter Beijing's influence across South America. It has made its move but what no-one seems sure of is what comes next.

Everything about this is a gamble  and Beijing, by all accounts, hates to gamble.
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic following a dramatic weekslong chase on the high seas.

The operation to seize the sanctioned vessel, which changed its name from the Bella 1 to the Marinera after fleeing the American blockade of Venezuela last month, was carried out early Wednesday. The U.S. also announced the seizure of another sanctioned tanker, the M/T Sophia, which it said was conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.

The Kremlin, a strong supporter of deposed President Nicolas Maduro, accused the U.S. of violating maritime law by seizing the Marinera.

The ship's efforts to evade authorities were followed in real time by a fleet of observers and analysts, who also tracked as the U.S. moved military assets to the United Kingdom in recent days.

The saga emerged as a new flashpoint between Washington and Moscow that threatened to undermine the Trump administrations blockade of the Latin American country in the wake of its stunning attack and capture of Maduro.

U.S. European Command confirmed the seizure of the Marinera for violating U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, it said in a post on X.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Capitol Hill that the tankers were seized as part of "stabilization" efforts for Venezuela.

He said that the interim authorities in Venezuela "understand the only way they can move oil, generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States."

U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, announced on X that the U.S. had also apprehended M/T Sophia, a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker that it said was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.

Emmanuel Belostrino, an oil market analyst at Kpler, said satellite imagery and port reports indicate the Sophia was laden with around 2 million barrels of Merey crude oil, loaded from Jose Oil Terminal (JOT) in Venezuela. Kpler, which runs the ship-tracking service MarineTraffic, said the Sophia's involvement in sanctioned trade may extend back several years.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the operations two safe, effective boardings within hours of each other. Noem said that the Bella 1 had been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice. The heroic crew of USCGC Munro, she added, pursued the vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms.

A U.S. Coast Guard officer monitors an oil tanker Wednesday. (U.S. Europe Command / via X) (U.S. Europe Command)

The U.S. seized two oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela last month as part of its blockade of sanctioned oil shipments to and from the country. The Marinera was one of a number of sanctioned oil tankers operating near Venezuela that have recently changed their flags to Russia.

Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would hand over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., as its vast reserves emerged as a key pillar of his plans  and a point of tension with Russia and China.

NBC News reported last month that the Marinera, then known as the Bella 1, had been on the U.S. sanctions list since June 2024.

It was pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard off Venezuela last month, and as of Jan. 5 it was off the west coast of Scotland in the North Atlantic, according to data from the ship-tracking website MarineTraffic.

Russia's Transport Ministry said in a statement following the tanker's capture that the Marinera had been granted temporary authorization to sail under the Russian flag in late December, and that it had lost all communication with the ship after U.S. forces boarded it on Wednesday.

"The high seas are governed by the principle of freedom of navigation, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," it said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry told state news agency Tass it was closely monitoring the situation and demanded the humane treatment and "prompt return" of Russian citizens onboard.

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky told Tass the seizure was "unquestionably a violation of maritime law and UN conventions," while Senator Andrei Klishas, of the Putin-aligned United Russia party, said on Telegram that the U.S. had turned to outright piracy on the high seas.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a news briefing that the Marinera was "deemed stateless" after "flying a false flag." She said the crew would be subject to prosecution under U.S. law and "will be brought to the United States for such prosecution if necessary."

Pressed about whether the seizure would inflame tensions with Russia, Leavitt said that Trump had an "open, honest and good" relationship with Vladimir Putin but that he would "enforce our policy that's best for the United States of America, and with respect to these ship seizures, that means enforcing the embargo against all dark fleet vessels."

Russian propaganda TV channel RT shared what it said was exclusive footage from aboard the tanker Tuesday night. It did not say where or when the footage was shot.

Visibility is poor due to fog, and a U.S. Coast Guard ship is visible in the distance, the caption accompanying the video read, adding that American reconnaissance aircraft were monitoring the vessel.

Flight tracking data shows that 13 Air Force C-17A Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft, flew from U.S. Air Force bases to the U.K. between Saturday and Monday.

As news of the tankers seizure broke, flight records showed multiple U.S. military aircraft near the vessels last known location.

The Marinera at Singapore Strait in March. (Hakon Rimmereid / via Reuters) (Hakon Rimmereid)

Two U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft, typically used for maritime patrols, and a KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker were recorded flying off the west and north coasts of Scotland. Two C-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft and three U-28A Draco special operations aircraft were also recorded flying in the area.

The U.K.s defense ministry said in a statement that Britain had provided enabling support to intercept the Marinera, including pre-planned operational support and surveillance support from the air.

It cited assessments that the vessel had been involved in illegal activity, linked to international terrorism and crime including Hezbollah, and part of the web of rising shadow activity that fuels and finances nefarious activity across the globe.

But the seized tankers are not the only ones threatening to undermine the U.S. blockade.

At least three other sanctioned oil tankers that were operating near Venezuela in recent weeks have changed their flags to Russia, according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. The ships  the Malak, now renamed the Sintez; the Dianchi, now the Expander; and the Veronica, now the Galileo  had previously been sailing under the flags of Comoros and Guyana, according to MarineTraffic.
January 6, 2026: In Ukraine the Russian October air campaign was one of the most intense so far. Russia used over 5,000 Shahed drones, 74 cruise missiles, and 148 ballistic missiles. The targets were components of the Ukrainian energy production network. Russia wanted Ukrainian industries and civilians to suffer as the weather grew colder. Russia is now producing over 5,000 Shaheds a month. Russia calls the Shaheeds it produces the Geran. These 200 kg drones travel at a speed of 180 kilometers an hour at an altitude of about 100 meters. They carry a 50 kg warhead. GPS navigation is jammable when close to the target while the unjammable, but less accurate INS backup is not affected. The Geran is the Russian version of the Iranian Shahed 136 Russia produces under license at a Russian factory built last year.

Over 80 percent of the Gerans have been detected and destroyed by a clever Ukrainian air defense system created by two Ukrainian engineers. Called Sky Fortress, it consists of nearly 10,000 cell phones mounted on two-meter poles with their microphones activated to detect the unique sounds of Gerans flying nearby. All this data goes to a command post where operators can triangulate on, locate and track the incoming drones and direct groups of gun trucks, each equipped with multiple machine-guns and lots of ammunition, to positions the drones will pass over. The gun trucks have managed to destroy most of the drones they encounter. Ukraine has built several hundred of these gun trucks and deploys them quickly via roads or cross country to carry out the interception. This system costs less than a single Patriot air defense missile. This drone defense system is operated by thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, and its simplicity, effectiveness and low cost has led NATO countries to request more details from the Ukrainians, including visits to NATO countries to further explain the system. Russia responded by having their Gerans fly higher, beyond the range of the machine-guns. Ukraine went on to develop new countermeasures.

Year by year Russia and Ukraine develop new offensive weapons to use against each other. Ukrainian air strikes use larger drones at targets deep inside Russia.

Like most western militaries, Russia has become dependent on the use of missiles and drones instead of artillery and airstrikes. Ukraine reports that, from late 2022 through late 2024, Russia used 4,800 missiles and nearly 15,000 attack drones. The missiles are expensive, most costing one or two million dollars each, while some of the drones cost $35,000. More recent drone designs cost only a few hundred dollars each. It was thought that the inexpensive drones would replace the use of 155mm artillery. The range and cost of artillery shells vary from $3,000 to $100,000 depending on its version and purpose. The basic 155mm shell weighs 43 kg and contains about seven kg of explosives. The standard Russian equivalent is the 152mm shell.

The only Russian sources of weapons and munitions have been Iran and North Korea, which has a feeble economy with a GDP of only $30 billion and has long been subject to economic sanctions. Iran is also sanctioned but has oil to export and a GDP of over $400 billion. Iran was also responsible for the recent completion of a Shahed drone manufacturing facility on the Volga River. Russia has over fifty firms manufacturing over two dozen types of drones. These include three dozen different models, most of them with a range of 40 kilometers while about a dozen have ranges of 100 to 2,000 kilometers.

Russia is building a drone manufacturing infrastructure. By 2026 330,000 people will be involved in the development, production, and operation of drones by 2026. By 2035 1.5 million people may be involved in drone design, development and production.

Russia continues to obtain drones and drone construction assistance from Iran. While Russia produces 330-350 Shahed-136 drones per month, Iran also helps out. Russia has manufactured over 2,000 Shahed drones and at least 2,600 have been sent by Iran.
January 7, 2026: There is a debate going on in many military organizations about whether it would be better if data were centralized and kept secure from enemies, or potential enemies, or be widely distributed to units that can quickly use it. In peacetime the tendency is to centralize data so it's easier to protect. In wartime you quickly discover that centralized data is a problem waiting to be solved as rapidly as possible.

Data is a key element in warfare. Possessing, protecting, dispersing, accessing and determining who gets what, when and how are all crucial elements. Success in combat is often a matter of who is better prepared to obtain and distribute information to those who need it most. Over the last century the military has gained access to more and more sensors. Radar, sonar, radio, surveillance satellites, drones and battlefield sensors are among the increasing number of ways to obtain data.

As the military has gained more ways to obtain information, the flood of data becomes a problem if you cant distribute it to those who need it most. Warfare has always been about getting information and then getting it to those who need it in time for the information to have an impact. Warfare has always been an information war, but currently the flood of information from so many sensors creates a mass of data that has to go somewhere. Thats the data crisis, who gets what when. There have been several efforts to deal with this problem and how it influences combat operations. In wartime this isnt a problem because data handling methods that dont work often gets your own people killed. In peacetime you have to suggest, argue and even pull rank to get data handled efficiently. There are existing programs that help with that. One is CALL/Center for Army Lessons Learned.

A fundamental element in improving ground operations is analyzing past battles for what went right and what went wrong. The U.S. Army Center for Lessons Learned has been around since the 1980s, and U.S. commanders use it to determine what works in combat and what doesn't. This is more important than ever in the 21st century, where urban combat and counter-insurgency conflicts dominate. In urban warfare and counterinsurgency, the potential for mistakes to be made is exponentially larger than in conventional, large-scale warfare.

Instead of hogging their experts, the US Army takes the data collected and analyzed at the CALL and supplies it to allied armies in the hope these allies will use this information. This sharing is more than just a gesture of goodwill. This does not always work, especially in countries where corruption and reluctance to change makes it difficult to make changes that will improve combat effectiveness. This cultural resistance was encountered in Iraq and Afghanistan but not in Ukraine, where the Ukrainians adapted while their enemy did not.

CALL is divided into several major sections. The first collects data from previous engagements by interviewing and visiting with units in the field. This section is tasked with discovering issues and areas of needed improvement in doctrine, training and readiness. The Analysis Section deals with evaluating the data collected and assessing the methods needed to improve effectiveness and combat efficiency. Finally, the Information Integration Section is responsible for processing and distributing the suggestions and findings from the previous two departments.

CALL is sometimes seen by other branches of the Army as a group of desk-bound analysts, but their suggestions and changes implemented in counterinsurgency and urban warfare tactics played a major role in maximizing the effectiveness of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Persuading the local military to change was often less successful.

Without something like CALL, doctrine and tactics rarely change. On-site CALL operatives visited nearly every single major combat zone in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and now Ukraine. CALL personnel also spent significant time with Iraqi Special Forces and were an integral part of the development process for the country's military and police. CALL analysts also report on who is accepting and acting on their advice and who isnt.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Although Rosstat has decided to keep the data secret until 2025, many independent demographers believe that the decline in the Russian population is accelerating. The only areas bucking the trend are the Muslim-majority regions of the North Caucasus. Where religious practice is already much more intense than among the faithful of the Orthodox Churches.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Despite the optimistic views of Kremlin propaganda, reiterated in particularly enthusiastic forms at the start of the new year, Russia's future appears highly uncertain, especially given the increasingly depressing demographic statistics.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow assures that the country is laying the foundations for a new civilisation, where science, technology, new technologies, high standards of living, education, art and culture are combined with sincere and profound faith, but the Russian Academy of National Economy warns of the risk of the disappearance of 130 towns with a current population of between 5,000 and 10,000 inhabitants. This could also lead to a significant transformation in Russia's ethnic and religious makeup.

According to the 2010 census, Russia had a population of 142,905,200, while in January 2025, the Rosstat institute counted 146,119,928, but the increase of just over 3 million was due to the population of Crimea and other partially occupied and formally annexed regions in the conflict territories in Ukraine.

In reality, the actual population decline over the last fifteen years amounts to 4.4 million fewer citizens, and the rate of this decline is such that Rosstat has decided to keep the data secret throughout 2025 to avoid causing alarm.

However, many independent demographers question the few official data available; one of the best known, Aleksey Raksa, believes that the current population of the Russian Federation, including Crimea and Donbass, does not exceed 143 million people, and therefore without the new territories Russia today struggles to reach 140 million, and at this rate by 2100 it could halve to 70 million, but not exceed 120 million.

Moreover, even the official forecasts are not comforting, considering that at least until 2030 the number of inhabitants will continue to decline, and in twenty years' time the population would not exceed 130 million, hoping for the success of propaganda campaigns for youth fertility and without looking at the losses due to war and various conflicts.

The Atlantic Council in Washington has published an article by Charlie Walker, a historian at Georgetown University, who poses a dramatic question: Will Russia be left without Russians?, calculating that of the 142 million people in 2010, between 74 and 112 million were of Russian ethnicity.

The fact is that the only regions among the 100 federal subjects where there is even minimal population growth are the Muslim-majority regions of the North Caucasus. Added to these are immigrants, mainly from Central Asia, who are also predominantly Muslim.

Despite all the restrictions of recent years, around 200,000 people receive Russian citizenship each year, compared to 1 million fewer Orthodox Russians in the demographic total. Traditional family values and a natural tendency to reproduce are in fact increasingly characteristic of Muslims, Russian citizens of non-Russian ethnicity.

According to the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia, there are currently just over 20 million Muslims living in Russia, a figure that is expected to exceed 30 million by 2050, not counting Central Asian migrant workers, while the number of Russians is expected to fall to 80 million by that year.

If these trends continue, by 2075 the number of more or less Orthodox Russians would be almost equal to that of ethnic groups who are much more committed to Islam, and Russia could legitimately be called a Muslim country.

Official sociologists today speak of 70% of the entire population declaring themselves to be Orthodox Christians, but attendance at religious services does not exceed 3%, while Muslims are much more observant in their official prayers, so in some ways, in terms of religious practice, Russia is already more Islamic than Christian.

The post-Soviet religious revival, despite the construction and reopening of many Orthodox churches, which Patriarch Kirill constantly boasts about, has not seen an increase in the number of practising believers for many years, especially since Putin's accession to the presidential throne, i.e. since the millennium.

If anything, occult practices are on the rise, but they are certainly no match for the ardent profession of the Islamic faith, where at the last Kurban-Bayram festival more than half a million faithful gathered in the two capitals of Moscow and St Petersburg, compared to 200,000 Orthodox Christians for Easter.
The operation appears to be a response to an encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People's Army (NPA). However, the latter had announced a Christmas ceasefire effective 25 December. A young Filipino American activist was reportedly caught up in the attack, which lasted several hours.

Manila (AsiaNews)  Controversy is raging in the Philippines over an operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which struck farmers and indigenous Mangyan people under the pretext of attacking the New People's Army (NPA), which had declared a temporary ceasefire for 25 December.

The attack on 1 January took place in Abra de Ilog, Mimaropa region, Occidental Mindoro, western Philippines, resulting in the massacre of three children and two young people, this according to a statement by the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).

The death of these five people adds to the long list of war crimes and human rights violations of the AFP against the people of Mindoro, the ICHRP press release reads.

Around 6 AM on January 1, combined forces of the 76th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA), 68th IBPA and the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion conducted strike operations against members of the New Peoples Army (NPA), the statement goes on to say.

The military operation "reportedly led to three encounters" between government forces and communist rebels. Subsequently, local witnesses said that four AFP attack helicopters dropped 12 bombs, killing three children from Mangyan-Iraya and wounding their mother. Also killed were Jerlyn Rose Doydora, a researcher at a university in Manila, and another young researcher, who died from injuries caused by the strike.

Other residents, including Mangyan-Iraya indigenous people, reportedly suffered severe trauma and distress due to the bombing and strafing, which lasted over three hours.

The attack destroyed crops and farmland, and reportedly killed two cows and three carabaos (water buffaloes), severely impacting the community. According to local government data, 769 people were displaced or forcibly evacuated to a local high school.

In addition to the loss of life, there is concern for the fate of Chantal Anicoche, a Philippine-American who went missing following the airstrikes, at least four in total, which included the dropping of no less than 12 aerial bombs followed by aerial strafing.

The AFP claims the strike came in a response to an encounter with the paramilitary arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, involved in a long-standing struggle with the Philippine state. It should be noted, however, that the NPA had declared a ceasefire effective 25 December 2025 to 1 January 2026.

Anicoche is a 25-year-old Filipino American woman who recently majored in psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and a member of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA).

In the past few years, the young scholar closely studied the many problems of the Philippine migrant community, not neglecting some of the many unresolved issues in her country of origin, that involve the environment, agriculture, and Indigenous peoples.

Learning about migrants experiences helped Anicoche understand the economic hardship that led her parents to move to the United States.

In their statement, ICHRP activists described as "barbaric and overkill" the AFPs action against a "small unit" of the NPA.

They warn that this is a sign of desperation on the part of the commander-in-chief Marcos Jr. to end the communist rebellion in the island to hasten the entry of huge mining companies and renewable energy projects. This is the reason why widespread militarization persists in Mindoro.

The ICHPR statement ends with a demand for justice for all victims of the bombings perpetrated by the AFP in Mindoro and for an end to the militarization in the island of Mindoro.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

PickMe, one of the leading ride-hailing companies, complains: The police are turning a blind eye to the intimidation suffered by our drivers. The new services are breaking the monopoly of local groups that imposed exorbitant fares on tourists.But the failure to enforce basic rules, such as the requirement for a taximeter on every three-wheeled vehicle, also weighs heavily.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Tension is growing in Sri Lanka between three-wheeled vehicle drivers (known as tuk-tuks) and app-based service providers such as Uber and PickMe.

A few days ago, in Ella, a popular tourist resort in the province of Uva, PickMe drivers were harassed and prevented from picking up passengers because they were competing with the exorbitant prices imposed on tourists by the local mafia of three-wheelers.

Even for a short distance of one kilometre, a minimum fare of around 200 rupees is charged, while app-based services charge approximately 80 to 100 rupees per kilometre. Although governments have repeatedly promised to regulate three-wheeler services, particularly fares, years of poor enforcement and indecision have allowed the industry to operate with minimal accountability, leaving commuters exposed to arbitrary prices and inconsistent service standards.

PickMe, a leading ride-hailing company, has protested that the police are turning a blind eye to the violence and intimidation our drivers face from local tuk-tuk operators. The problem of violence by tuk-tuk gangs against app-based drivers who charge lower fares now risks jeopardising the country's reputation as a safe destination for tourists.

The authorities have often attempted to make taximeters mandatory throughout the country; However, in many areas, three-wheelers continue to operate without meters, and in several areas, meters have reportedly been tampered with. Recent incidents in tourist locations, including Katunayake Airport, Kandy Railway Station and popular destinations such as Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Weligama, highlight the seriousness of the situation.

Adesh Mendis, Nishamnai Samarasekara and Ravindu Gamage, three local tourists visiting Ella, told AsiaNews about last week's incident. "We hired two PickMe three-wheelers to travel to various locations in Ella and Haputale. We were stopped along the way by local three-wheeler drivers, who forced us to get into their vehicles. Our drivers were threatened and forced to turn back. According to the app, the cost of our trip was 1,500 rupees, while the local three-wheelers wanted us to pay 2,800 rupees. Even though we tried to negotiate, they refused to lower their prices. We had no choice but to pay the high price they imposed on us. We don't carry large sums of money when we travel, users complain, we use credit cards to pay app-based drivers, while local drivers have to be paid in cash."

University lecturers Roshan Gunatillake and Sampath Attygala believe that "to prevent the three-wheeler mafia, taximeters should first be made mandatory throughout the country, with severe penalties for tampering.

Secondly, designated pick-up areas should protect app-based operators at airports, stations and tourist sites. Thirdly, a transparent fare structure, linked to distance and fuel prices, should be enforced by law. Finally, a professional licensing and complaint management system should make drivers accountable for their actions.

Without decisive action of this kind, the state risks ceding governance of public transport to chaos, at a cost to citizens, local visitors and foreigners alike. The authorities' inaction is largely due to the electoral base represented by over one million three-wheeled vehicle drivers and over 2.5 million votes, including their families.

Currently, the academics continue, three-wheelers play a significant role, especially in rural areas without public transport. However, this cannot justify excessive fares, intimidation and behaviour that damages Sri Lanka's image. Exorbitant prices and occasional arrogance, including incidents of harassment, are the impressions that tourists take home with them.

For their part, three-wheeler driver associations have organised protests in various parts of the country, arguing that we have the right to set prices for customers.
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7 January 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

As a yearly tradition, President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to local TV channels. As we step into a new year, we can say that a new economic geometry is emerging in Azerbaijan. Energy, transit, and industry are being folded into a single strategic axis, by design, not accident. The aim is to outgrow hydrocarbons without forfeiting energy primacy, to turn geography into bargaining power, and to fuse green electricity with industrial heft through a recalibrated partnership with China. Renewables, manufacturing localisation, and the Middle Corridor are no longer adjacent policies; they are mutually reinforcing parts of a single development model.

That logic shaped the recent high-level interview itself. The range of questions and their density forced repeated returns to the same economic terrain. But each pass sharpened the picture. Familiar themes were revisited from different angles, with successive answers adding depth rather than repetition.

Read as a whole, the responses form a connected argument. Diversification, clean energy, and transit are not being pursued in isolation but welded into a strategy meant to future-proof growth and recast Azerbaijan as both a green-energy node and a regional conduit in a more crowded global economy.

The core claims of that strategy merit closer examination, in sequence.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China is proving to be a catalytic force in turning President Ilham Aliyevs ambitious vision for economic diversification into tangible, large-scale projects, especially in renewable energy and industrial modernization.

I believe that one of the events of great importance is our strategic partnership with China. Last year, during my state visit to China, a Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed, and this can also be considered a great success. Because China is one of the leading countries in the world, and this political framework, political platform, of course, can be viewed as evidence of our successful diplomacy.

Expanded in context, this statement underlines that Azerbaijans engagement with China is not transactional, but structural. By anchoring cooperation in a comprehensive political framework, Baku ensures that economic projects, especially in energy and industry, are protected from short-term fluctuations and geopolitical pressure. The partnership institutionalizes trust, allowing large-scale investments in sensitive sectors such as energy grids, renewables, transport corridors, and high-tech manufacturing.

This is reinforced by the Presidents emphasis on continuity:

I believe that the important political documents signed between us resulted in two documents on strategic and then comprehensive strategic partnership being adopted and signed, giving a significant boost to the development of bilateral economic ties.

Recent developments show Chinese enterprises signing agreements on several renewable energy projects, including photovoltaic and wind power plants with a combined capacity of over 1,570 megawatts, a move that is expected to double Azerbaijans renewable generation capacity once commissioned. Chinese firms are also set to build a 3 GW solar panel manufacturing facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone, a development that could seed high-tech manufacturing and localization of clean energy equipment in Azerbaijans economy.

Beyond renewable energy, this partnership supports broader connectivity ambitions. China is funding new rail links involving complex terrain engineering projects, which will increase freight traffic to the Caspian Sea and reinforce Azerbaijans role in the Middle Corridor, further diversifying non-oil transit revenue streams.

Baku has firmly positioned renewable energy at the heart of its future development model. President Aliyev has articulated clear national targets:

According to the existing plans, 6,000 megawatts of solar, wind, and hydropower will be included in our system by 2030, and 8,000 megawatts by 2032.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on natural gas for electricity generation, allowing for additional gas exports and domestic savings, while simultaneously enabling clean energy exports where feasible. The push towards renewable capacity is already attracting global investment: UAEs Masdar, Saudi Arabias ACWA Power, and bp are building major solar and wind plants. Local Azerbaijani companies are also joining this renewable trajectory.

At the UN General Assembly, President Aliyev noted that almost 40 % of Azerbaijans electrical energy could be generated by renewables by 2030, underscoring how integral clean energy has become to the national energy mix.

A decisive challenge, and opportunity, lies in grid expansion and energy storage. President Aliyev acknowledged that to absorb the planned renewable capacity, Azerbaijan must strengthen its transmission networks and build battery storage systems, a cornerstone of modern renewable grids.

Infrastructure alone does not guarantee durability. The leaderships emphasis on education reform suggests an understanding that energy transition and industrial ambition rest ultimately on human capital.

"Improving the quality of education, the social security and professionalism of teachers, the testing system, etc. All these factors pursue one goal  to make society literate and knowledgeable. Only then can we achieve long-term development. Otherwise, after our oil and gas run out, we may find ourselves in a very difficult situation. But now we must try to see the future of our people and state decades and centuries ahead. Therefore, this is an extremely important area, and I do hope that the reforms carried out will lead to good results", - the President stated.

Beyond domestic use, Azerbaijan is pursuing regional electricity connections, including potential under-sea cables across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and export corridors reaching Georgia and potentially Europe. These corridors promise to enhance Azerbaijans role as a regional clean power hub and not just a producer for domestic consumption.

Chinas contribution goes beyond financing. The country is a global leader in renewable technologies, with installations and manufacturing capacity unmatched globally. This expertise supports Azerbaijans renewable rollout and local manufacturing ambitions, from solar panel production to electric vehicle assembly lines, indicating a shift from pure energy projects to integrated industrial development.

The projected 3 GW solar panel plant in Alat is more than an energy facility: it represents the beginning of localized clean tech production, which can spark job creation, technology transfer, and value-added manufacturing.

Azerbaijans strategic partnership with China has accelerated its renewable energy ambitions and strengthened the foundations of a diversified, non-oil economy.

The leadership is betting that energy transition, industrial upgrading and transit connectivity are strongest when pursued together. The hydrocarbons era is not being abandoned; it is being leveraged to finance and stabilise a more complex economic architecture.

The partnership with China illustrates this approach well. It is less about quick capital and more about embedding Azerbaijan into global supply chains for clean energy, logistics and manufacturing. Renewable capacity feeds export potential, industrial localisation deepens value creation, and the Middle Corridor turns geography into sustained revenue. Each pillar reinforces the others.

Whether this model delivers will depend on execution, particularly grid resilience, skills development and regulatory consistency. But the direction is clear. Azerbaijan is no longer positioning itself merely as an energy supplier or a transit route. It is attempting to become a system, one that connects power, production and passage in a region where all three are increasingly contested. If successful, this new economic geometry may prove harder to ignore than the old one.